Kasey Kahne wins at Atlanta: #5-Kasey Kahne won the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway for his 1st win of the season, third at Atlanta and 17th career win. Thew race had two G-W-C (Green-White-Checker finish). It is Kahne's first win since Pocono last August. The win locks Kahne into the Chase.
#20-Kenseth finished 2nd and is now locked into the Chase via points. #11-Hamlin finished 3rd followed by #48-Johnson, #99-Edwards, #10-Patrick (best career finish), #31-Newman, #42-Larson, $43-Almirola and #16-Biffle.
Pole winner #4-Harvick led 195 laps, finishing 19th after being involved in a wreck on the first G-W-C.
Points leader #24-Gordon (3 wins) finished 17th on the lead lap, after having a tire go down and hitting the wall early in the race while running 2nd. Gordon keeps the points lead, 21 points over #88-Earnhardt Jr. who finished 11th.
#24-Gordon also leads the Chase Grid with 3 wins and being 1st in points followed by #88-Earnhardt Jr with 3 wins, 2nd in points.
Only four drivers can get in the Chase via points (with no wins) with one race to go before the Chase: #31-Newman (+42 points ahead of 17th in pts), #16-Biffle (+23), #15-Bowyer (-23 out of 16th) and #42-Larson (-24). There are currently two Chase positions left, either via points or one via points and a 1st time 2014 race winner.
There were 21 lead changes among 6 drivers. There were 10 cautions for 56 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 131.514mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
(8-31-2014)

Race Fast Facts - Atlanta Motor Speedway:
#5-Kasey Kahne won the 55th Annual Oral-B USA 500, his 17th victory in 385 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his third victory and ninth top-10 finish in 18 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
#20-Matt Kenseth (second) posted his 15th top-10 finish in 26 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2014.
#11-Denny Hamlin (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 15 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
#42-Kyle Larson (eighth) was the highest finishing rookie.
#24-Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 21 points over Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Kenseth and Kahne are locked into the Chase.
#10-Danica Patrick's sixth-place finish is the highest by a female at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The previous record was held by Janet Guthrie (10th, 03/19/78).(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-31-2014)

Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Grid:
[after Atlanta, race 25 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon, 3 wins, 1st in points
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 3 wins, 2nd
3) #22-Joey Logano, 3 wins, 4th
4) #2-Brad Keselowski, 3 wins, 5th
5) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 3 wins, 6th
6) #99-Carl Edwards, 2 wins, 7th
7) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2 wins, 8th
8) #5-Kasey Kahne, 1 win, 11th
9) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 17th
10) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 19th
12) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 21st
13) #43-Aric Almirola, 1 win, 22nd
14) #47-A.J. Allmendinger, 1 win, 23rd
14) #20-Matt Kenseth, no wins, 5th in drivers points
(all above have clinched a spot in the 2014 Chase)
Others without a win in contention for a Chase spot via points:
15) #31-Ryan Newman, 9th, +42 points
16) #16-Greg Biffle, 10th, +23 points
On the outside looking in:
17) #15-Clint Bowyer, 12th, -23 points
18) #42-Kyle Larson, 13th, -24 points
drivers 19th thru 30th cannot get in the Chase via points only, have to win at Richmond
See the Chase Grid Outlook page (pdf).(8-31-2014)

2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Atlanta, race 25 of 36]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon(X) [3 wins], 872
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X) [3 wins], 851, -21
3) #20-Matt Kenseth(X), 794, -78
4) #22-Joey Logano(X) [3 wins], 791, -81
5) #2-Brad Keselowski(X) [3 wins], 782, -90
6) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X) [3 wins], 766, -106
7) #99-Carl Edwards(X) [2 wins], 755, -117
8) #4-Kevin Harvick(X) [2 wins], 748, -124
9) #31-Ryan Newman, 747, -125
10) #16-Greg Biffle, 728, -144
Six drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
11) #5-Kasey Kahne(X) [1 win], 708, -164
17) #18-Kyle Busch(X) [1 win], 657, -215
19) #11-Denny Hamlin(X) [1 win], 636, -236
21) #41-Kurt Busch(X) [1 win], 614, -258
22) #43-Aric Almirola(X) [1 win], 594, -278
23) #47-A.J. Allmendinger(X) [1 win], 590, -282
(X) = clinched a Chase spot.
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).
(8-31-2014)

Atlanta Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
#42-Larson, finished 8th, 15 rookie points
#3-Dillon,
#7-Annett,
#51-Allgaier,
#26-Whitt,
#23-Bowman,
#83-Truex,
Kligerman, Did Not Race
See the 2014 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(8-31-2014)

Lucky Dogs - Who got a lap back on each caution at Atlanta: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #10-Patrick, 6th
Caution 2: #1-McMurray, 12th
Caution 3: #10-Patrick(2), 6th
Caution 4: #16-Biffle, 10th
Caution 5: none awarded
Caution 6: #18-Busch, 16th
Caution 7: #78-Truex Jr., 23rd
Caution 8: #31-Newman, 7th
Caution 9: #43-Almirola, 9th
Caution 10: #24-Gordon, 17th
(8-31-2014)

Tony Stewart crashes in his return to racing: #14-Tony Stewart was sidelined with a tire failure on lap 173 in the Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Stewart declined interview requests, but his crew chief, Chad Johnston spoke:
Q) WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE THIS WEEK HAVING TONY BACK IN THE CAR?
Johnston: "It's been real good and we got off to a good start. The car has had speed all weekend long and we qualified well. I went into today with some pretty high hopes of finishing well and possibly coming out of here with a win but it just didn't work out in our favor. We got into a little trouble with the 18 and got into the outside wall, knocked the toe out of it, and a lot of heavy right side damage. We were just trying to fix that and salvage what we could out of the day but then we blew a right front there right before that caution came out. So it's really good to have him back and we are happy to have Johnny Morris here and Rusty Rush and the guys from Code 3 to be here to support him here on kind of his homecoming back. Wish we could have had a better effort and better finish for them but we will move on to Richmond and see if we can't get it done there."
Q) YOU STARTED OUT WITH A GREAT RACE CAR AND RAN INTO SOME PROBLEM TELL US ABOUT YOUR NIGHT:
Johnston: "The Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet was pretty fast today. We made some pretty good progress there at the start, starting 12th. Drove up into the top five and thought we had a pretty good chance. We were just kind of biding our time and taking care of our stuff and got into an incident there off of (turn) two and knocked the tow out of it and had some pretty heavy right side damage. We ended up blowing a right-front (tire) because of it. Not the end of the day that we wanted. We thought we had a shot at winning and with two races to go to get into the Chase this was one of the two chances obviously left to get it done and to get into the Chase. We will just have to lick our wounds and go onto Richmond and see if we can't do it there and if so it will be pretty exciting."(Team Chevy)
Stewart was credited with a 41st place finish.(8-31-2014)

Atlanta Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
· There have been 106 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway since the first race there in 1960. Until 2010 there have been two races per year except 1961, which had three. This year marks the third season with only one event.
· 544 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway; 364 in more than one.
· 43 different NSCS drivers have won at Atlanta Motor Speedway, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt with nine wins. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with five.
· There have been three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2007 (325/329); spring of 2010 (325/341) and fall of 2012 (325/327).
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway was the March 11, 2001 race won by Kevin Harvick over Jeff Gordon with a MOV of 0.006 second.
· The Wood Brothers have the most wins at Atlanta in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 12: Cale Yarborough (three), David Pearson (three), Marvin Panch (two), Neil Bonnett (two) A.J. Foyt (one) and Morgan Shepherd (one). Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports are tied for the second most wins at Atlanta with 11 each.
· Nine different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Atlanta; led by Chevrolet with 37 victories; followed by Ford with 29. Toyota has three wins at Atlanta.
· The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Atlanta is 39th, by Bobby Labonte in the fall of 2001.
(NASCAR)(8-31-2014)

No Kid Hungry featured on #43 RPM Ford at Atlanta: The John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, and Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. are teaming up to support Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, a national initiative to end childhood hunger in America. JMFG and Arby's commitment to the cause will be highlighted on the national stage this Labor Day weekend. The two companies will feature the No Kid Hungry logo on the famed #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford driven by Aric Almirola in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The partnership combines the passions and efforts of both companies to end childhood hunger. Arby's is the largest restaurant chain to partner with No Kid Hungry and supports the partnership through the Arby's Foundation by: raising awareness; funding long-term programs and sustainable solutions that impact childhood hunger; providing wholesome kids meal options in its restaurants; and creating volunteer opportunities for its employees and franchisees. Since 2011, the Arby's Foundation has raised $11 million for No Kid Hungry, helping to bring an additional 107 million meals to kids who need them.
From August 18 - September 28, 2014, Arby's is launching its annual in-store fundraiser to support the Arby's Foundation at its participating stores nationwide. The "Give a $1 today, get $2 back" promotion encourages guests at participating Arby's restaurants to donate a dollar towards ending childhood hunger in America in partnership with No Kid Hungry. Guests immediately receive a coupon for two dollars off any future regular-sized combo meal or full-priced sandwich. It will be supported with window clings, counter card signage at registers and table tents. For more information on No Kid Hungry, or to make a donation, please visit your local Arby's restaurant or NoKidHungry.org.(RPM/JMFG)(8-31-2014)

Fifth Third Bank renews with #17 Roush Fenway Racing team: Roush Fenway Racing today announced that Fifth Third Bank has renewed its relationship as a primary sponsor of the #17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Ford with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in a multi-year deal (supposedly thru 2017). "We are really thrilled to have Fifth Third Bank back with us next season" said Stenhouse, who is currently competing in his sophomore season at NASCAR's highest level. "It has been an honor to represent Fifth Third over the past two seasons and I am looking forward to working with them over the years to come. We have them on the car here in Atlanta this weekend and again in Richmond next weekend. Hopefully we can celebrate this announcement with a trip to victory lane and a 'Chase' berth for the #17 team." Fifth Third Bank came onboard with Roush Fenway Racing in 2012 and has served as a primary sponsor on the #17 NSCS entry for the past three seasons.(RFR)(8-31-2014)

Gordon to make 750th career start UPDATE: On Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, #24-Jeff Gordon is scheduled to make his 750th career Sprint Cup Series start. Through 24 races in 2014, Gordon leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings, 27 markers ahead of Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. This weekend in Atlanta, Panasonic's Toughbook brand will be featured on the car's hood and quarter panels. The #24 Panasonic Toughbook Chevrolet SS debuted at Sonoma Raceway in June when Gordon piloted the car to a second-place finish. Panasonic will be featured as a primary sponsor of the #24 team in two Sprint Cup races annually and as an associate-level partner in all other events (HMS), see images of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(8-28-2014)
UPDATE: Making 750 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is quite an accomplishment in itself. Doing so without interruption is even more remarkable. #24-Jeff Gordon will make his 750th start at NASCAR's highest level in Sunday night's Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Gordon hasn't missed a race since he took the green flag in Cup competition for the first time, in November 1992 at Atlanta. "It seems like just yesterday that it started right here, over 20 years ago," Gordon said. "I love this track, love racing here, so it's pretty cool to have 750 happening here." If Gordon's streak remains unbroken, he'll surpass Ricky Rudd's series-record 788 consecutive starts in the 28th race of 2015, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-31-2014)

#83 Tire Carrier skips race...for baby: BK Racing's pit coach Gary Smith got a call Saturday night from his #83 front tire carrier Anwar Parrish who told him he was not coming to Atlanta on Sunday because his wife went into labor. The #83 car found a replacement for the race in Devon Armstrong, crewman from the #95 Leavine Family Racing team [failed to make the race]. Coach Smith went on to tell Pit Talks that he has two other crewman expecting babies in the next two to three weeks.(PitTalks)(8-31-2014)

Bass Pro Shops chief supports Tony Stewart: One of Tony Stewart's closest friends is not just his fishing buddy, he's also founder and president of one of Stewart's primary sponsors on the No. 14 Chevrolet - namely, Johnny Morris, president and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. Morris' roots to Atlanta Motor Speedway run long. It's there that BPS sponsored several races over the years, including presenting one of the most unique trophies to race winners that the sports world has ever seen: typically a stuffed animal like a hulking grizzly bear. Because of those long roots to AMS and his friendship to Stewart, Morris took the unusual step of releasing a statement offering support to his long-time friend.
Here is Morris' full statement: "Today our thoughts are with our friend and fishing buddy Tony Stewart as he prepares to return to racing after what has been a difficult time in his life," Morris' statement began. "Our hearts go out to him and to the family and friends of Kevin Ward Jr., who died in the tragic sprint car event accident on August 9. I was able to spend time with Tony last week and it made my heart ache to see him so devastated by this incident. Like many other race fans, I love Tony's passion and still on the track and to watch this fierce competitor compete. But the off-track Tony Stewart is the man that I have come to respect. Time and time again, I've witnessed Tony's quiet generosity and compassion as he gives to others. By personally supporting numerous programs like Catch-A-Dream Foundation and Victory Junction, Tony has given many ailing children a chance to experience outdoor sports and have fun opportunities they might not otherwise have. His love of racing goes far beyond his work behind the wheel. It is common for Tony to sign autographs for each and every race fan for hours on end. Behind the scenes, Tony continually steps in to help junior drivers get started in racing because he cares about the sport and its fans. What started as a sponsorship discussion between Tony and I fifteen years ago has turned into a long and special friendship. It's a friendship that has given me the opportunity to get to know one of the most compassionate and kind-hearted individuals I have ever met. On behalf of the Bass Pro Family, and as Tony's friend, we are proud to stand by him as he returns this weekend to the sport he loves so much."(NBC Sports)(8-31-2014)

Ty Dillon Set to Make Sprint Cup Series Debut at Atlanta UPDATE2: Ty Dillon will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the #33 Realtree/Rheem Chevrolet SS for Circle Sport Racing. Dillon, who is competing full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season in the #3 Chevrolet Camaro, will have Nick Harrison as his crew chief for Sunday's Oral-B USA 500. "It's going to be a pretty special moment when I make those first laps this weekend, one that I won't forget," said Dillon, the 22-year-old, Welcome, N.C. native. "I've been fortunate enough in my racing career to have great opportunities like this one. I'm looking forward to racing the #33 Realtree/Rheem Chevrolet under the lights on Labor Day weekend." Dillon is no stranger to the 1.5-mile speedway. He won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at AMS in 2012 in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado. He also participated in the Cup Series test there on August 5 and 6. Dillon is currently third in the Nationwide Series driver point standings with 10 races remaining.(RCR)
UPDATE: Realtree, the world's leading camouflage designer, marketer and licensor, will be on the hood of the #33 Chevy for Sunday night's Oral-B USA 500. Realtree served as a primary sponsor for Dillon's Camping World Truck Series debut in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway. Rheem, a leading provider of heating, cooling and water heating products such as gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners and indoor air quality products, will be featured on the #33 Chevrolet SS this weekend. An American operated company, Rheem was founded in 1925 and is headquartered just a few miles from Atlanta Motor Speedway (Circle-Sport). see an image of the scheme on the #33 Team Schemes page.(8-26-2014)
UPDATE2: #33-Ty Dillon met with members of the media at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday and discussed making his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Atlanta, the transcript in part:
Q) DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY CUP RACES YOU WILL DO THIS YEAR AND KIND OF NEXT YEAR AS FAR AS WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR YOUR PROGRESSION?
DILLON: "I know we were already planning on hopefully doing some stuff next year. This year is kind of an open book. This whole Atlanta first race didn't come until a couple of weeks ago. I think it's wherever my Grandfather feels like he can throw me in and we will have a great opportunity. It's still open to running a couple of more hopefully this year and definitely planning on doing some next year also. Looking forward to the future opportunities and just trying to make the best out of this weekend."
Q) CAN YOU ELABORATE A LITTLE BIT - YOU THIS DEAL DIDN'T COME TOGETHER UNTIL THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. WHICH CAME FIRST? YOUR GRANDFATHER SAYING ATLANTA IS THE PLACE FOR YOU TO BE, OR THE DEAL JUST HAPPENED TO FALL IN PLACE?
DILLON: "It all came together at different times. At the beginning of the year, my grandfather sat down with me and wanted to look over the schedule. We picked out four or five tracks where I felt like I could make my first Cup start and do well. This was one of the tracks on the list. We didn't really talk about it very much during most of the season, and then things kind of came together. Here recently we got the sponsorship to make things happen. So it all started off with me and him; he had a plan to run me in a Cup race. We sat down and picked a few tracks, and this was one of them. Then within the past couple of weeks, it all came together."(Team Chevy)(8-31-2014)

Biffle talks about Roush Fenway Racing problems in 2014: #16-Greg Biffle spoke about a few issues with members of the media on Friday at AMS:
Q) WHAT HAS BEEN WRONG WITH ROUSH FENWAY THIS YEAR?
Biffle: "I wasn't specifically calling our team out, I was more specifically calling our organization as a whole, Roush Fenway. We let go of our guy who was the head of engineering a while back. We don't want to point fingers in our organization, but we plain and simply didn't keep up with the Joneses. We got behind in simulation. We are still behind in simulation. We're trying to roll out a new model that is gonna carry us on into the future and make us as equal as some of these other teams are. And quite honestly the worst we ran, the harder we worked, the more we tested, the more meetings we had, the worse we ran because we were pushing down a wrong road on aerodynamics and our theory and balance and everything else. You can clearly see that it's plain and simple we were headed kind of in the wrong direction and since we've kind of righted that ship, we've really woke up so to speak and saw what we were doing wrong. We don't know everything yet, but we saw a lot of what we were doing wrong. Michigan is a perfect example. I had a 28th-place car at Michigan in the first race and that's one of my best race tracks with four wins, and that was so devastating for us. We finished 20th, but literally had a 28th-place car and we go back there we had a 10th-place car -- a solid 10th-place car, maybe a little better than that. So that's a huge swing. We can't celebrate yet because we weren't leading the race and leading laps, but that's a huge celebration within the organization that we kind of turned the corner and are going in the right direction. That's all I care about is getting the trajectory going better not worse, then we'll win races and we'll lead laps. But it's just gonna take a little bit of time."
Q) HAS PENSKE'S SUCCESS ADDED TO THE FRUSTRTION?
Biffle: "It's done both. It's added to the frustration, but at the same time it's given us the confidence that these cars are capable of that. And Penske has helped us a ton. Penske has allowed us to compare our cars to their cars some, which has shed some light in some areas that maybe we needed to work, and they're only gonna share so many things with us through our alliance with Ford, and we appreciate the help we've gotten from them. We're looking at their cars more than the competition trying to figure out how to make cars the same because we have the same type of car. We'll get there. Unfortunately, this season has felt frustrating for us. Now Carl is a helluva a driver and he's put himself in position and won some races, but he'll admit too that we're not certainly where we need to be - competitive enough -- but we're getting there."(in part from Ford Racing)(8-31-2014)

Capt. Herb Emory Remembered: There is an empty seat in the back corner of the media center this weekend, an area that is usually filled with booming laughter and lively stories, replaced instead with a single ballcap laid there in memoriam of Capt. Herb Emory. That voice went silent in April when Emory died from a sudden, massive heart attack while assisting victims of a car accident in front of his home. For anyone who has ever lived in Atlanta, Capt. Herb was the voice of drive-time traffic, instructing commuters on backups and delays throughout the city. For race fans everywhere, he was one of the sport's biggest proponents, hosting a weekly racing show on WSB-AM for nearly 20 years. This weekend, Atlanta Motor Speedway officials and NASCAR drivers will be honoring the memory of the great man who gave so much to the sport. Atlanta Motor Speedway has painted a special "Capt. Herb" logo in the corner of the frontstretch ballfield and will honor his vast community service efforts during a pre-race presentation to his widow, Karen Emory.(AMS Pit Notes)(8-31-2014)

Sad News - David Garvin: David Garvin, a Bowling Green entrepreneur who founded Camping World and formerly owned Beech Bend Park and Raceway, died Saturday morning in an accidental fall at his home. Stephen Harmon, spokesman for the Warren County Sheriff's Office, said Garvin was working on the roof at his house when he slipped after getting too close to the edge. Deputies responded at 9:53 a.m. to 449 Old Richardsville Road regarding a person who had fallen from a rooftop. Garvin, 71, was pronounced dead at the scene. No suspicious circumstances existed surrounding the fall, and the death is considered accidental, Harmon said. Garvin founded the business that would become Camping World in 1966 at age 23, starting a small store and mail-order business that sold camping products and supplies.(Bowling Green Daily News)(8-31-2014)

Sad News - Don Tilley: A motorcycle crash on Friday night claimed the life of former NASCAR driver and owner of Tilley Harley Davidson, Don Tilley, 78, and left his wife, Robinette, in critical condition. News of the accident left people across Iredell County (NC) and the nation and throughout the motorcycle and NASCAR communities shaken. "God speed, @don_tilley. Don taught me how to ride long distance, love Harleys & most importantly how to be a friend," Kyle Petty wrote Saturday on Twitter. The motorcycle driven by the Tilleys, who own Tilley-Harley Davidson in Statesville, crashed near Mile Post 394 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Buncombe County, according to the U.S. Park Rangers office. Robinette Tilley was taken to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC and was listed in critical condition on Friday evening with a spinal injury.(Statesville News & Landmark)(8-30-2014)
AND In the 1950s and 1960s, Don won many stock car races in Hickory and used local success to run several races on NASCAR's Grand National Circuit, including two at Daytona. He also worked for Richard Petty before focusing on building motorcycles and opening Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville.(Statesville News & Landmark)(8-31-2014)

Blaney wins Truck Series race at Canada: #29-Ryan Blaney won the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park road course on Sunday, beating out second place finisher #77-German Quiroga by 0.049 seconds. He was followed by: #51-Erik Jones, #20-Gray Gaulding, #53-Andrew Ranger, #88-Matt Crafton, #9-Brennan Newberry, #98-Johnny Sauter, #00-Cole Custer, #17-Timothy Peters. There were 2 caution flags for 6 laps and 8 lead changes among 7 leaders.
#19-Alex Tagliani started the race from the pole after setting a new event record in qualifying. He led 7 laps and finished 16th.
Complete results are on the Canada race results page (pdf).(8-31-2014)

Canada Race Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney won the 2nd Annual Chevrolet Silverado 250, his third victory in 45 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in two races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
German Quiroga (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2014.
Erik Jones (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Gray Gaulding (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 7 points over Matt Crafton.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-31-2013)

Driver standings following Canada:
1) #98-Johnny Sauter, 524
2) #88-Matt Crafton, 517, -7
3) #29-Ryan Blaney, 511, -13
4) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 486, -38
5) #77-German Quiroga, 476, -48
6) #30-Ron Hornaday, 460, -64
7) #21-Joey Coulter, 456, - 68
8) #17-Timothy Peters, 448, -76
9) #31-Ben Kennedy, 441, -83
10) #13-Jeb Burton, 420, -104
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-21-2014)

Owner Standings following Bristol are posted (pdf).(8-31-2014)

Happy Hour (final) practice for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#20-Kenseth 188.251, starts 5th
#22-Logano 187.869, 14th
#11-Hamlin 187.114, 17th
#24-Gordon 186.956, 9th
#48-Johnson 186.855, 16th
slowest: #40-Cassill 177.380 & #66-Moffitt 177.488
no speed #37-Bliss
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average on the Atlanta Happy Hour Practice Speeds page.(8-30-2014)

Saturday first practice for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#22-Logano 189.351
#4-Harvick 188.328
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 187.843
#11-Hamlin 187.405
#99-Edwards 192.855
slowest: #36-Sorenson 175.732 & #83-Truex 176.504
it started to rain with about 3 minutes left in practice.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average on the First Saturday Atlanta Practice Speeds page.(8-30-2014)

Atlanta Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
· Richard Petty leads the series in starts at Atlanta with 65. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 40 starts, followed by Joe Nemechek with 37.
· Dale Earnhardt and David Pearson lead the series in runner-up finishes at Atlanta with seven each; Jeff Gordon leads all active driverswith five.
· 11 drivers have posted consecutive wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Marvin Panch (1965 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972 sweep), David Pearson (1973 sweep), Richard Petty (1974 fall, 1975 spring), Cale Yarborough (1980 fall, 1981 spring), Bill Elliott (1985 sweep; 1992 sweep), Dale Earnhardt (1989 fall, 1990 spring; 1995 fall, 1996 spring), Bobby Labonte (1997 fall, 1998 spring), Jeff Gordon (1998 fall, 1999 spring), Carl Edwards (2005 sweep), Jimmie Johnson (2007 sweep)
· Dale Earnhardt leads the series in top-five finishes at Atlanta with 26; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 16.
· Richard Petty leads the series in top-10 finishes at Atlanta with 33; Jeff Gordon leads all active driverswith 25.
· Tony Stewart leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at 11.654.
· No driver has swept the weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway across all three NASCAR national series. Two drivers have won in multiple NASCAR national series in the same weekend at Atlanta: Carl Edwards (2005, NSCS/NNS); (fall 2008, NSCS/NNS) and Kyle Busch (spring 2008, NSCS/NCWTS)
· Nine of the 10 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Atlanta Motor Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Kevin Harvick won at Atlanta in his first appearance (2001). Carl Edwards won in his second appearance (2005).
· Denny Hamlin competed at Atlanta Motor Speedway 12 times before winning in the spring of 2012; the longest span of any the 10 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
· Among the 10 active NSCS Atlanta winners Denny Hamlin (12) is the only driver to have made 10 or more attempts before his first win.
· Three female drivers have competed at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie, Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick.
(NASCAR)(8-30-2014)

Helton says Stewart is eligible for the Chase: during a Friday press conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway, NASCAR Preseident Mike Helton said that #14-Tony Stewart will be eligible to run the Chase if he earns a spot in it the next 2 races (Atlanta or Richmond) even though he missed three races.(8-29-2014)
AND some of the Q&A from the press conference on Friday, August 29 with NASCAR's Mike Helton:
Helton's opening statement in part: "Back to the Chase part for just a second. I'll remind everybody back earlier this year when we announced the format for the '14 Chase, that announcement included some responsibility about the routine participation in the season in order to be eligible in the Chase. Along with that importance of routine participation also came the asterisk, so to speak, about except in rare instances. This has been a very unique set of circumstances to Tony and to our sport. As the league, it's our responsibility to try to make decisions that are correct and right. Sometimes we evaluate circumstances that are given us and then make those decisions as correctly as we can. After evaluating the circumstances around this occurrence, we've come to the conclusion that Tony would be eligible to participate in the Chase if he were to earn a spot in it."
. Q. Mike, when you talk about outside experts, to clarify, in your process of evaluation, did you get psychological or psychiatric reports as part of your evaluation of Tony's eligibility to return?
MIKE HELTON: We received the ones that we felt were relevant under the circumstances.
See the full transcript HERE.(8-30-2014)

Hamlin has no issue with Harvick after Bristol: #11-Denny Hamlin clearly showed his displeasure with #4-Kevin Harvick Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. Racing for the lead early in the race, Harvick came off Turn 4 and clipped the left rear of Hamlin's car, sending it nose-first into the inside wall. Hamlin's car then shot up the track and into the path of Dale Earnhardt Jr., ending both drivers' night. After the incident, Hamlin threw his HANS device at Harvick's car under caution, saying afterward that was as mad as he could remember. Despite the HANS throwing incident, Hamlin told FOX Sports 1 on Friday he has no issues with Harvick, who reached out to apologize shortly after Saturday night's race. "I think it was like eight minutes after the checkered flag he reached out to me," Hamlin told Bob Dillner. "Like I said in my interview (at Bristol), Kevin's a great driver. He knows what he's doing. He just made a little mistake. We all do it at one point or another. I've got no problems at all."(FoxSports)(8-30-2014)

ReallyCheapFloors.com sponsors #32 at Atlanta: "We are excited to continue our partnership with Frank & Archie and the team at GO FAS Racing, as well as watching JJ Yeley pilot the #32 Ford. Having started with FAS Lane last year at Daytona, then continuing this year with GO FAS, this relationship has contributed to our tremendous success here at ReallyCheapFloors.com, says Ted Cook, CEO. ReallyCheapFloors.com is one of the leading liquidators of outlet and promotional hardwood flooring in the nation and is proud to carry only hardwoods that are made in the USA (Go FAS Racing), see images of the scheme on the #32 Team Schemes page.(8-30-2014)

Eckrich and Richard Petty Surprise Navy Petty Officer and Family: With help from Eckrich, an American icon recognized an American hero today in Atlanta. NASCAR Hall of Famer "The King" Richard Petty surprised Navy Counselor 2nd Class (AW) Peter Theodoracopoulos and his family with the opportunity to be honorary crew members of his No. 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup race team this weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Petty gave the Theodoracopoulos family authentic Eckrich crew shirts and even asked Peter to practice his skills changing a tire. Although Theodoracopoulos may not actually change the tires during the race, he will have the opportunity to help the pit crew as they prepare the car for Sunday's race. Along with waving the green flag to start the final round of Sprint Cup qualifying Friday night, Theodoracopoulos will get a ride in the pace car around one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR and then spend the afternoon with the team before watching the race from the pits of the No. 43 team. Petty also presented the family with a gift card for one-year of FREE groceries at Kroger, on behalf of Eckrich. The surprise and weekend crew member experience is courtesy of Eckrich, sponsor of Richard Petty Motorsports and supporter of Operation Homefront, through its "Operation Inspiration" campaign, which supports and honors military families. Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc., has given back to military families all summer with the help of Richard Petty and Richard Petty Motorsports.(RPM)(8-30-2014)

Cole Whitt Makes Pit Stop at Rinnai Headquarters: Cole Whitt made a pit stop at Rinnai headquarters in Peachtree City today to celebrate the tankless water heater brand's sponsorship of his car with the company's employees. Whitt held a short Q&A, signed autographs and posed for fan pictures for Rinnai employees. Whitt is in Georgia to compete in NASCAR's Atlanta Oral-B USA 500 on Sunday, August 31, where he is scheduled to race the Rinnai-sponsored car at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Earlier this summer, Rinnai, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in North America, began a partnership with BK Racing and Cole Whitt, who will race the #26 Rinnai car in select races during the 2014 racing season. "Hosting Cole at our headquarters was an honor and a great way to celebrate our new partnership with Cole and BK Racing," said Susan Mittelbrun, Rinnai's Vice President of Marketing. "Our employees were thrilled to meet Cole, and we all look forward to cheering for him and the No. 26 Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters Toyota Camry team throughout the 2014 racing season."(BK Racing)(8-30-2014)

Chevrolet Racing Supports "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Program with Pink Chevy SS Pace Cars: Chevrolet is proud to once again support the American Cancer Society (ACS) "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" (MSABC) campaign with a special pink Chevrolet SS pace car program and breast cancer survivor activities at upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Atlanta, Talladega and Martinsville. The goal is to help raise awareness and to increase the more than $3 million that has already been contributed by Chevrolet since 2011. "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" pink Chevrolet SS pace cars will highlight the program at all three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series venues. For every lap a pink Chevrolet SS pace car leads under caution during those three Sprint Cup races, Chevrolet will donate $250 to the American Cancer Society. On each of the three race weekends, Chevrolet will also sponsor at-track survivor events, including special driver appearances, Chevrolet SS pace car rides and more. Now in its fourth year, the 2014 Chevrolet Racing campaign will kick-off at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) during the weekend of August 29-31. Recently, the infield media center at AMS was named in memory of Marcy Scott, the track's late director of marketing and promotion, who lost her personal fight against breast cancer in November 2013. She was a strong proponent and advocate for Chevrolet's MSABC program, and a recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Spirit Award. The building is now known as the "Marcy Scott Media Center." The specially themed pink Making Strides Chevrolet SS will pace the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia on Sunday August 31, 2014. As part of Chevrolet's continuing contributions to the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" initiative, the Chevy SS will serve as the pace car for upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in Hampton, Talladega and Martinsville. Chevrolet will donate $250 for every lap a pink Chevrolet SS pace car leads under caution during these three Sprint Cup races.(Team Chevy), see an image of the pink pace car on the 2014 Pace Car page.(8-30-2014)

Harvick wins Nationwide race at Atlanta: #5-Kevin Harvick won the Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He dominated the race, passing pole sitter #9-Chase Elliott on lap 37 and never gave up the lead again. #22-Joey Logano finished second followed by #42-Kyle Larson, #54-Kyle Busch, #9-Chase Elliott, #7-Regan Smith, #2-Brian Scott, #98-David Ragan, #3-Ty Dillon, and #11-Elliott Sadler.
There were 2 cautions for 18 laps and only 1 lead change among 2 leaders. Complete results are on the Atlanta race results page (pdf).(8-30-2014)

Atlanta Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Kevin Harvick(i) won the 23rd Annual Great Clips 300 Benefiting Feed The Children, his 43rd victory in 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his third victory and 11th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his third victory and 10th top-10 finish in 13 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Joey Logano(i) (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
Kyle Larson(i) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Chase Elliott (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott # leads the point standings by 15 points over Regan Smith.
The win was Harvick's second consecutive Nationwide Series victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-30-2014)

Nationwide Driver standings following Atlanta [9 races remaining]:
1) #9-Chase Elliott # 874
2) #7-Regan Smith 859 -15
3) #3-Ty Dillon # 839 -35
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 826 -48
5) #2-Brian Scott 820 -54
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 803 -71
7) #60-Chris Buescher # 713 -161
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 694 -180
9) #16-Ryan Reed # 658 -216
10) #99-James Buescher 646 -228
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-30-2014)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Atlanta are posted (pdf).(8-30-2014)

Elliott on Nationwide pole at Atlanta: #9-Chase Elliott won the pole for the Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 180.240mph. #42-Kyle Larson will start second followed by: #54-Busch Busch, #22-Joey Logano, #11-Elliott Sadler, #20-Matt Kenseth, #6-Trevor Bayne, #5-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brian Scott, #98-David Ragan, #7-Regan Smith, and #16-Ryan Reed.
Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #6-Bayne at 179.534mph.
#11-Sadler was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 181.200mph
Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Atlanta starting lineup page (pdf).(8-30-2014)

Atlanta Qualifying Notes:
Chase Elliott won the Coors Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 23rd Annual Great Clips 300 Benefitting Feed The Children with a lap of 30.759 seconds, 180.240 mph.
This is his first pole in 24 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first pole and 18th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in one races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson(i) (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2014 and his first in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his 11th top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his 16th in 18 races this season.
Elliott was the fastest qualifying rookie.
Elliott becomes the youngest pole winner at Atlanta Motor Speedway (18 years, 9 months, 2 days). The previous record holder was Jeff Gordon (03/14/1992 - 20 years, 7 months, 10 days).
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-30-2014)

Tagliani on Truck pole at Canada: #19-Alex Tagliani won the Keystone Light pole award for the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with a speed of 109.889mph. #20-Gray Gaulding will start second, followed by #51-Erik Jones, #77-German Quiroga, #00-Cole Custer, #53-Andrew Ranger, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #88-Matt Crafton, #17-Timothy Peters, and #32-Cameron Hayley.
#19-Alex Tagliani was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 108.906mph.
See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-30-2014)

Canada Qualifying Notes:
Alex Tagliani(i) won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 2nd Annual Chevrolet Silverado 250 with a lap of 80.558 seconds, 109.889 mph, which is a new track qualifying record. The previous record of 109.189 mph was set by James Buescher in 2013.
This is his first pole in one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Gray Gaulding (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2014 and his first in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Erik Jones (third) posted his first top-10 start at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It is his sixth in seven races this season.
Gray Gaulding (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-30-2014)

Ranger fastest in final practice: #53-Andrew Ranger was quickest during happy hour for the Chevrolet Silverado 250 with a speed of 109.614mph. He was followed by #77-German Quiroga, #00-Cole Custer, #29-Ryan Blaney, #20-Gray Gaulding, 19-Alex Tagliani, #88-Matt Crafton, #51-Erik Jones, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., and #98-Johnny Sauter. 27 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-30-2014)

Quiroga fastest in practice: #77-German Quiroga was fastest during the first practice at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with a speed of 108.967 mph. #9-Brennan Newberry was second, followed by #19-Alex Tagliani, #20-Gray Gaulding, #13-Jeb Burton, #29-Ryan Blaney, #17-Timothy Peters, #53-Andrew Ranger, #31-Ben Kennedy, and #21-Joey Coulter. 26 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-30-2014)

Harvick wins Atlanta pole: #4-Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light pole for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway with speed of 190.398mph for his 6th pole of 2014, 1st at Atlanta and 12th of his career. Harvick has won four races from the pole out of 11 previous poles. It is the first time Harvick has won back-to-back poles, also winning the pole at Bristol last weekend.
#2-Keselowski is on the outside pole, followed by #42-Larson, #31-Newman, #20-Kenseth, #78-Truex Jr., #43-Almirola, #18-Busch, #24-Gordon, #5-Kahne, #99-Edwards and #14-Stewart, .
Missing the race was: #95-McDowell.
See starting lineup, round-by-round qualifying results, notes and more on the Atlanta Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-29-2014)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Atlanta:
#4-Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 55th Annual Oral-B USA 500 with a lap of 29.118 seconds, 190.398 mph.
This is his 12th pole in 491 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his sixth pole and 17th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in 24 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
#2-Brad Keselowski (second) posted his 20th top-10 start of 2014 and his first in six races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
#42-Kyle Larson (third) posted his first top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his eighth in 25 races this season.
#42-Kyle Larson (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(8-29-2014)

Second Round of Qualifying for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over after 10 scheduled minutes.
#20-Kenseth 190.883
#4-Harvick 190.417
#2-Keselowski 190.189
#42-Larson 189.857
#24-Gordon 189.727
the rest of the top 12: 99 14 31 5 43 18 78;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 3 22 1 48 11 16 55 88 15 41 47 13
(8-29-2014)

First Round of Qualifying for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 25 minutes.
#43-Almirola 191.278
#20-Kenseth 191.001
#18-BUsch 190.039
#2-Keselowski 189.987
#42-Larson 189.935
the rest of the top 24: 99 15 48 55 5 88 16 11 24 1 4 78 14 22 47 3 13 41 31;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 7 17 10 37 33 23 51 9 27 77 66 / 98 38 34 83 95 26 32 40 36
Driver who will miss the race: #95-McDowell.
(8-29-2014)

Qualifying Order for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #37-Bliss.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #77-Nemechek.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Atlanta Qualifying Page.(8-29-2014)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2014 at 7:10pm/et.
Television (TV): FS1, 7:00pm/et
Radio: Live online at Performance Racing Network (PRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: Saturday, August 30 at 3:30am/et on FS1 & 10:30am/et at FS1; on Sunday, August 31 at 12:00am/et on FS2

Friday practice for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#99-Edwards 192.855
#31-Newman 191.628
#9-Ambrose 191.417
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 191.199
#42-Larson 191.113
#14-Stewart was 10th fastest
slowest: #32-Yeley 179.726 & #36-Sorenson 181.129
notes: #15-Bowyer had a tire cut down early in practice, but didn't hit anything and the car is fine. The track record is 197.478mph, set by Geoff Bodine in November 1997. In the unlikely case that qualifying is canceled, these practice speeds would be used to set the starting lineup for the race.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average on the First Atlanta Practice Speeds page.(8-29-2014)

Atlanta Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
· Fireball Roberts won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Atlanta in 1960 with a speed of 133.870 mph.
· 47 drivers have Coors Light poles at Atlanta, led by Buddy Baker and Ryan Newman with seven each.
· 14 of the 106 (13.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Atlanta have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Kasey Kahne in 2006.
· Winning consecutive Coors Light poles has happened eight times at Atlanta, among six drivers.
· Ryan Newman holds the record for most consecutive poles at Atlanta with six; spring of 2003 through 2005.
· The fifth starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (15) than any other starting position at Atlanta Motor Speedway; the most recent was Jeff Gordon in 2011.
· Ryan Newman leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Atlanta with a 7.571.
· 26 of the 106 (24.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Atlanta have been won from the front row: 14 from the pole and 12 from second-place.
· 60 of the 106 (56.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta have been won from a top-five starting position.
· 84 of the 106 (79.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta have been won from a top-10 starting position.
· Seven of the 106 (6.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Atlanta have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
· One active driver has posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Terry Labonte (3/15/1981).
· Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway five times; most recently the fall of 2010. (NASCAR)(8-29-2014)

Helton says Stewart is eligible for the Chase: during a Friday press conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway, NASCAR's Mike Helton said that #14-Tony Stewart will be eligible to run the Chase if he earns a spot in it the next 2 races even though he missed three races.(8-29-2014)

Tony Stewart expresses sorrow TRANSCRIPT: #14-Tony Stewart says the death of Kevin Ward Jr. will "affect my life forever" as he returned to the track for the first time since his car struck and killed the fellow driver during a sprint-car race in New York. "This is been one of the toughest tragedies I've ever had to deal with, both professionally and personally. This is something that will definitely affect my life forever," said Stewart, who has missed the past three Sprint Cup races after Ward's death on Aug. 9. "This is a sadness and a pain that I hope no one has to experience in their life. That being said, I know that the pain and the mourning that Kevin Ward's family and friends are experiencing is something that I can't possibly imagine." Stewart read his prepared statement at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he will get back behind the wheel in NASCAR's highest series Sunday for the first time since Ward's death. Stewart, who didn't take any questions, has missed the past three Sprint Cup races and has been in seclusion since the incident. He says he took time out of respect for Ward's family -- and so he could cope with the tragedy. He said "being back in the car this week with my racing family will help me get through this difficult time." Stewart-Haas Racing executive vice president Brett Frood said it was "100 percent" Stewart's decision to race. "For Tony, it's all about the healing process, and that's why he's in the car," Frood said. Stewart named each member of Ward's family and said that "everyday I'm thinking about them." Frood said Stewart sent the family flowers and a card for the funeral, but has respected the family's privacy and time to grieve. "He's very emotional. It's been a difficult two weeks," Frood said. "But Tony is ready to be in the race car. He wouldn't be here if he wasn't. It will be important for Tony to spend time with the (Ward) family, and I believe that will happen at an appropriate time."(see full article at ESPN.com)(8-29-2014)
TRANSCRIPT: #14-Tony Stewart and Brett Frood, Executive Vice President of Stewart-Haas Racing, met with members of the media at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday, August 29, 2014. The Full Transcript:
THE MODERATOR: Good morning. I'm director of communication for Stewart-Haas Racing. Up here is Tony Stewart, driver/owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, and Brett Frood, executive vice president of Stewart-Haas Racing. Tony has prepared some remarks. We'll let him read those.
TONY STEWART: "Thanks. This has been one of the toughest tragedies I've ever had to deal with both professionally and personally. This is something that will definitely affect my life forever. This is a sadness and a pain that I hope no one ever has to experience in their life. With that being said, I know that the pain and the mourning that Kevin Ward's family and friends are experiencing is something that I can't possibly imagine. I want Kevin's father, Kevin Sr., and his mother Pam, and his sisters Christi, Kayla, Katelyn, to know that every day I'm thinking about them and praying for them. The racing community is a large family, as you guys know. Everyone's saddened with this tragedy. I want to thank all my friends and family for their support through this tough emotional time, and the support from the NASCAR community, my partners, all of our employees, it's been overwhelming. I've taken the last couple weeks off out of respect for Kevin and his family, and also to cope with the accident in my own way. It's given me the time to think about life and how easy it is to take it for granted. I miss my team, my teammates. I miss being back in the racecar. I think being back in the car this week with my racing family will help me get through this difficult time. I also understand that all of you have many questions and want a lot of answers, however I need to respect the ongoing investigation process and cannot answer and address the questions at this time. Emotionally I'm not sure if I could answer them anyway. We're here to race this weekend, and I appreciate your respect. There will be a day when I can sit here and answer the questions. Thank you." THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Tony. Again, Brett Frood, executive vice president of Stewart-Haas Racing, will be available to take a handful of questions.
Q. Brett, NASCAR issued a statement yesterday that Tony had received all necessary clearances to race. What was the process of going through clearances? What approvals did he need?
BRETT FROOD: Well, as you all know, when a driver's out of the car, there is that process. I'm not going to get into the medical side of it, but I will say we've been in close contact with them throughout the process, have gotten from them what he needed to get back in the car right now.
Q. The investigation as we understand is still open. Was there any thought to not having Tony race until it was closed? Why now?
BRETT FROOD: Well, I think for Tony, it's all about this healing process. That's part of why he's in the car. Besides his mom, his dad, his sister, his niece and nephew, his family is here, it's at this racetrack. It's part of the healing process of being with his family that he's been with since 1999, knowing that these people are going to help him get through this. I think that's one side of it. The other side of it is he's a racer. We have 270 employees. I think him putting a helmet on will help him cope with this situation.
Q. Brett, respecting the process, the investigation, knowing there's things you can't comment on, are you able to say whether you know whether Tony has a clear picture in his own mind of what happened that second or two that night?
BRETT FROOD: I am not going to comment on the incident itself. It was a tragic accident. Right now the focus is to be on Tony and the car this weekend and how he's going to get through this.
Q. The fact that Tony is racing this weekend, should we read anything into that about what you know about the investigation and where it's at in the process?
BRETT FROOD: No. I mean, we've really been respecting the process, as Tony said, and the investigation. Him being in the racecar right now is about him getting through what has been a very emotional two weeks, what his next step is in coping with this. There's been a great deal of empathy and sympathy for that family and what they're going through. For Tony, it's just been extremely emotional. This is what is going to help him.
Q. Can you talk about where Tony is at emotionally right now to step into the car? Was it 100% his choice not to race the last couple of weeks, without the involvement of the sanctioning body that we will hear from next?
BRETT FROOD: I'll address the latter first. Yes, the decision to be in the car is 100% Tony's.
Q. Please define his emotional stage at this point. A very fragile Tony Stewart at this point.
BRETT FROOD: You just saw Tony. It's been a difficult two weeks. But Tony is ready to be in the racecar. He wouldn't be here if he wasn't.
Q. Brett, you've worked for Tony for a long time. You've seen him in ways we have not. How would you characterize his preparation for this and what you think he'll experience as he gets back in the car?
BRETT FROOD: I think it's going to be very overwhelming being in that garage today. He's going to feel an awful lot of support. As I just mentioned, this is his family. It's the crew members, it's the officials, it's the drivers. It's his family that he's been with since 1999. This is going to be part of that process for him. I believe it's going to be an overwhelming process, this weekend. That being said, Tony Stewart is a racecar driver. He's been a racecar driver for the past 35 years. When he puts that helmet on in practice, I'm quite convinced he'll be ready to race the car, he'll be able to separate the two.
Q. Brett, this obviously is a tremendous tragedy. Obviously in the sport of racing, these guys learn to deal with that part of the sport. Why do you think this has hit Tony so hard?
BRETT FROOD: Because he was involved in an accident and a young man died. I can't imagine what he's going through. I can't imagine what the kid's parents are going through. It's something, as Tony said, that he hopes no one in this room or certainly anywhere will ever have to go through. He was involved in a tragic accident.
Q. I noticed Tony mentioned Kevin Ward's family members by name. Has he reached out to them personally at all?
BRETT FROOD: Tony has sent the family flowers and a card around the services. Besides that he's been very respectful of them and their time to grieve. I do know that it will be very important, it's important for Tony, to spend time with the family. I do believe that will happen in the appropriate time.
Q. Obviously it's an emotional time. Internally how do you deal with it as an organization, the prep work? Let's face it, it's not an ordinary weekend that all of you are dealing with.
BRETT FROOD: We've got 270 employees back in Kannapolis working hard. Tony has three other team members. These are folks that are at Stewart-Haas because they believe in the leadership, they believe in the ownership, believe in the folks that we have surrounding them, and we believe in them. So for them, I think their focus has been undeterred over the last several weeks. They're obviously really excited to have Tony back in the car, that leader, the guy they believe in. So I think the focus will be there this weekend from those guys. We should be good.
THE MODERATOR: Thank you very much for your time. We certainly appreciate it.(Team Chevy / FastScripts by ASAP Sports)(8-29-2014)

Latest Statement from Ontario, NY Sheriff Phillip Povero: The investigation into the death of Kevin A. Ward Jr., which occurred August 9, 2014, at the Canandaigua, New York Motorsports Park will continue for at least another two weeks. The Ontario County Office of Sheriff has reviewed this investigation, as it has been developed to date, with members of the District Attorney's Office. The Office of Sheriff will continue to apprise the District Attorney of information as it is developed. When the investigation is completed, the news media will be advised as to what action will be taken. The Ontario County Office of Sheriff thanks all media outlets for their patience and understanding as we continue to thoroughly investigate this tragic crash.
Philip C. Povero, Sheriff, Ontario County, New York.(ESPN's Marty Smith Facebook)(8-29-2014)

Nationwide to sponsor the #88 at RIR: When Dale Earnhardt Jr. races Sept. 6 at Richmond International Raceway, Nationwide will be on his side as the company makes an early debut as a primary sponsor of the #88 Chevy team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Nationwide, which in May announced it will join Hendrick Motorsports next season as a primary sponsor, will preview Earnhardt's 2015 paint scheme during the race weekend in Richmond, Virginia, where he has three career Sprint Cup victories. Fans also will get a sneak peek at the new design next week via social media. Earnhardt worked with Nationwide on the design of the car, which will race next season and is scheduled to make its only 2014 appearance at Richmond. A first look at the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS will be given to fans Sept. 3 at 1:00 pm/et via the new @Nationwide88 Twitter account that will provide updates related to Earnhardt and his Hendrick Motorsports team. "I've worked with Nationwide for years, but never as a primary sponsor," said Earnhardt, whose family has been insured by Nationwide for more than 35 years and who has been featured in its national advertising since 2009. "Having them on board with Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 88 team is a big opportunity, and I really appreciate them inviting me to help design the car. I'm excited for the fans to see it and look forward to kicking off the relationship at one of my favorite racetracks."(HMS)(8-29-2014)

How to clinch a Chase spot at Atlanta: #15-Clint Bowyer, #16-Greg Biffle and #42-Kyle Larson are playing a high stakes musical chairs game of sorts. At the moment, Bowyer and Biffle sit in the final two seats to qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with Larson standing on the outside looking in at 17th on the current Chase Grid. All three drivers need a victory to assure themselves spots in the Chase - and avoid being bumped down from their respective perches with a win by a competitor currently ranked lower. Entering this Sunday's Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta, Larson trails Biffle by a hefty 26 points for the final seed on the grid, while Biffle looms only five points behind Bowyer for the minimal breathing room afforded by the 15th spot.
For the winless drivers, here are the clinch scenarios for Atlanta:
1) If there is a repeat winner, the top-three winless drivers would clinch if they are at least 45 points ahead of the fourth highest winless driver.
2) If there is a new winner at Atlanta, two winless drivers remain guaranteed to make the Chase. In this scenario, the new winner would clinch, if he/she finishes the race at least 49 points ahead of 31st. The top-two winless drivers would clinch if they are at least 45 points ahead of the third-highest winless driver.
3) #20-Matt Kenseth controls his own destiny. A seventh-place finish locks him in no matter who wins at Atlanta.(NASCAR)(8-29-2014)

Special decal on the #7 at AMS: To support an awareness campaign for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Michael Annett and the Tommy Baldwin Racing team will feature the logo of St. Jude, Annett's charity of choice since 2009, on the #7 Chevy alongside partner Pilot Flying J. Annett served as the honorary chairperson for the St. Jude Tournament of Hope, a golf tournament that took place earlier this month in the driver's hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.(TBR/Buzz140), see image of the scheme on the #7 Team Schemes page.(8-29-2014)

Auto-Owners Insurance Joins HScott Motorsports for two races UPDATE: HScott Motorsports announced that Auto-Owners Insurance will sponsor the #51 Chevy driven by Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta and Martinsville. The two-race sponsorship marks the first time Auto-Owners has been involved in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Auto-Owners Insurance, a Fortune 500 company, is the 15th-largest insurer in the country, based on written premiums. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Auto-Owners Insurance employs more than 4,200 associates. The company is comprised of five property and casualty companies and a life company, and writes business in 26 states through 6,200 local independent agencies. "Having Auto-Owners Insurance on the car at Atlanta and Martinsville is a big deal to me and the entire team," said Justin Allgaier. "It's great to have such a large company, and one with a lot of history, on my car in the coming weeks. I can't thank Jeff and his entire company enough for their support."(HScott Motorsports)(8-22-2014)
UPDATE: This weekend, Justin Allgaier's #51 HScott Motorsports Chevy will sport the blue and white colors of Auto-Owners Insurance. AMS is the first of two races that Auto-Owners will adorn the car this season. Auto-Owners will also be on the #51 at Martinsville. Auto-Owners Insurance, a Fortune 500 company, is the 15th-largest property and casualty insurer in the country, based on written premiums. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Auto-Owners Insurance employs more than 4,200 associates. The company is comprised of five property and casualty companies and a life company, and writes business in 26 states through 6,200 local independent agencies (HScott Motorsports), see an image of the scheme on the #51 Team Schemes page.(8-29-2014)

Wendy Venturini to Become First Female to Co-Anchor NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Radio Broadcast: The Performance Racing Network (PRN) announced that Wendy Venturini will make her co-anchor debut in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) booth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 21. To prepare for her NSCS radio debut Venturini has gained valuable co-anchor experience by working alongside PRN's president and co-anchor Doug Rice as well as co-anchor Mark Garrow in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) booth since 2012. Venturini's debut in the New Hampshire Motor Speedway booth will mark the first time a female has co-anchored a NSCS radio broadcast. Venturini who grew up around racing following her father as he competed in the NSCS and the ARCA Re/Max Series, started her broadcasting career hosting Race City Review, a local flavor racing show, on the Adelphia Cable Network in 2001. Since then she has gone on to expand her broadcasting career by pit road reporting for all of NASCAR's three major series, serving as an analyst since 2004 for SPEED and FOX Sports 1's NASCAR Live, NASCAR Race Day, NASCAR Victory Lane and practice and qualifying session as well as becoming the first woman to call an entire race on a national level during the July 2007 NSCS race at Infineon Raceway for DirecTV.(PRN)(8-29-2014)

Hendrick Motorsports tests at Martinsville...comments: Martinsville Speedway's position as the first race in the Eliminator Round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup has the track's most successful drivers understanding the importance of the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500. #24-Jeff Gordon and #48-Jimmie Johnson, who lead all active drivers with eight Martinsville wins apiece, spent the past two days testing at the iconic half-mile speedway. The two were joined by their Hendrick Motorsports teammates, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #5-Kasey Kahne.
"You want to give yourself every opportunity to win at every race that's in the Chase to guarantee yourself moving forward," said Gordon. "We know that Martinsville is a great track for us. I think all of Hendrick Motorsports understands that we've had great success here and we have confidence here and we can run really well here, and it's important. It's in the Chase."
"We haven't tested here in a long, long time, so as a group we kind of sat in a room and raised our hands as to what tracks in the Chase we wanted to test at and the majority wanted to come to Martinsville," said Johnson. "We're not reinventing the wheel while we're here, but we're certainly learning a lot and are hopeful to strike when we come back in the Chase."
Some of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s biggest wins have come on NASCAR's largest tracks. But it is the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' shortest track ... Martinsville Speedway ... that is a sentimental favorite for Earnhardt. Part of that sentiment stems from Earnhardt's love for the roots of racing, and no track has deeper roots in NASCAR than Martinsville Speedway. And some of that sentiment comes from Earnhardt's great success on the half-mile oval. Earnhardt Jr. doesn't have a Martinsville win or one of the iconic grandfather clock trophies in his house, but his driver rating at Martinsville is consistently among the top two or three in the sport. He has 11 top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes on the difficult short-track and has finished second twice and third four times. While some drivers don't especially look forward to 500 laps on the tight confines of Martinsville Speedway, Earnhardt relishes the two trips a year to Martinsville.
"I just love short-track racing. I don't really like running into people, but I like rubbing," Earnhardt said during his lunch break Tuesday. "I can appreciate someone using the bumper to get a spot without really causing too much of a problem for the guy who gets moved out of the way. I can respect that because you have got to do that sometimes. I feel like you come to expect that at this particular track. Since we're all fighting to get around the bottom, you can only wait so long behind a guy before you have to get creative and get physical with the race car. I can take it as well as I can dish it. I do enjoy racing here. The success we have here just comes from a lot of testing, a lot of practice," said Earnhardt, who finished third in the STP 500 at Martinsville last spring. "When we first started racing here, I wasn't very good and I remember coming several times and testing the first couple of seasons I was in the Cup series and that seemed to get us in a good direction. We got some good balance on our cars and what we need to get a car around this place and keep the tires on it."(Martinsville Speedway)(8-29-2014)

Kenseth fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #20-Matt Kenseth was quickest during happy hour for the Great Clips 300 with a speed of 177.738mph. He was followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #22-Joey Logano, #9-Chase Elliott, #60-Chris Buescher, #42-Kyle Larson, #7-Regan Smith, #98-David Ragan, #54-Kyle Busch, and #11-Elliott Sadler. 39 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Atlanta practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-29-2014)

Chris Buescher fastest in first Nationwide practice: #60-Chris Buescher was fastest during opening practice at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 177.880mph. #20-Matt Kenseth was second, followed by:#3-Ty Dillon, #54-Kyle Busch, #22-Joey Logano, #16-Ryan Reed, #6-Trevor Bayne, #5-Kevin Harvick, #11-Elliott Sadler, and #42-Kyle Larson. 36 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Atlanta practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-29-2014)

Tony Stewart to return at Atlanta: #14-Tony Stewart has decided to return to racing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The Aug. 31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the 1.54-mile oval will mark Stewart's first start since Aug. 3 at Pocono. Stewart sat out the past three races at Watkins Glen, Michigan and Bristol following the tragic accident on Aug. 9 involving Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint car feature at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park. At 1:00pm/et on Friday (August 29th) in the infield media center at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Stewart will be available to the press, where he will be joined by Stewart-Haas Racing executive vice president Brett Frood.(SHR)
NASCAR Statement: Statement from Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President And Chief Racing Development Officer: "Tony Stewart has received all necessary clearances required to return to all racing activities, and therefore is eligible to compete this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. NASCAR has remained in constant contact with his race team, and we will stay very close to this situation as Stewart returns to competition." NASCAR President Mike Helton will participate in a media availability in the Atlanta Motor Speedway media center on Friday at 2:00pm/et. NASCAR will have no further comment until that time.(NASCAR)
AND Stewart, who is winless and 26th in the Cup standings, would need a waiver from NASCAR to be eligible to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup with a win in one of the final two regular-season events. NASCAR, which requires a driver to qualify or compete in each race, has said it would not make a decision on a waiver until Stewart decides if he was coming back during the regular season.(Sporting News)(8-28-2014)

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 in the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on the Atlanta Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Goodyear Tire Notes for Atlanta: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same tire set-up at Atlanta this weekend . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that these teams ran at this track last season . . . this left--side tire code has been run at Atlanta since 2012 . . . this right-side tire code incorporates Goodyear Racing's multi-zone tread technology, which debuted at Atlanta last year . . . the tire features two distinct tread compounds -- one for endurance and heat resistance on the inboard three inches of the tread and one for traction on the outboard nine inches . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run liners in all four tire positions at Atlanta. . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see full tire notes, tire codes, pressures, set limits on the Atlanta Race Info page - Goodyear section.

Stewart-Ward investigation 'finishing up' but UPDATE: The Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff's Department is in the final stages of its investigation into the death of Kevin Ward Jr., but there is no timetable yet for its completion, a department spokesperson told FOXSports.com Monday morning. Officer Nathaniel Ross, the OCPD's Senior Communications Officer, said Monday morning that the police are "finishing up" the Ward investigation. Asked if there was a timetable for when it would be completed and when the findings would be made public, Ross said, "Not that I'm aware of." The investigation will determine whether or not Stewart will face any criminal charges. Regardless of the outcome of the police findings, Stewart potentially could face civil liability.(FoxSports), see all the past news about the accident and Stewart on the #14 Team News and Links page.(8-25-2014)
UPDATE: As of 9:00am/et Thursday [August 28] morning, the Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff's Department does not plan to release any new information Thursday on its investigation into the death of Kevin Ward Jr., a department representative told FOXSports.com. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Stewart-Haas Racing said if there is an update Thursday on who will drive the #14 SHR Chevy at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend, that announcement would come late this afternoon. Tony Stewart has missed the last three races following an accident that claimed Ward's life in a sprint car race in northern New York.(FoxSports)(8-24-2014)

Atlanta Notes & Facts - Thursday - track history:
· Originally called Atlanta International Raceway, the track was then a 1.5-mile paved speedway.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta was on July 31, 1960, won by Fireball Roberts from the pole.
· The track was re-measured to 1.522 miles in the spring of 1970.
· It was renamed Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1990.
· The track layout was reversed and the track was re-configured to 1.54 miles between the two races in 1997.
(NASCAR)(8-28-2014)

Joey Gase to attempt Chicago race: Go FAS Racing announced that 21 year old, Iowa Native, Joey Gase will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut September 14th at Chicagoland Speedway in the #32 Ford. Gase has also been running the entire Nationwide Series schedule with #52 Jimmy Means Racing under the Donate Life colors to help raise awareness for the need of organ, eye, and tissue donation and to honor donors and their families. Gase is currently top 20 in Nationwide Series driver points. In August of 2011 Go FAS (Go Green) Racing also gave Gase his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at Iowa Speedway where he finished 20th. "I am very excited and thankful that Archie and the entire team are giving me this opportunity," said Gase. "My Nationwide Series career started with Go FAS in 2011 which led to a great 20th place finish. Hopefully I can get another good finish with the team on the 14th in my first ever cup start." Joey and the team currently have a couple associate sponsors for the race but are still looking for a primary sponsor. "The team is working hard on finding a primary sponsor or two large associate sponsors for this race so we can give Joey a good shot and have a strong run," said team owner Archie St. Hilaire.(Joey Gase Racing Facebook)(8-28-2014)

Gordon to make 750th career start: On Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, #24-Jeff Gordon is scheduled to make his 750th career Sprint Cup Series start. Through 24 races in 2014, Gordon leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings, 27 markers ahead of Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. This weekend in Atlanta, Panasonic's Toughbook brand will be featured on the car's hood and quarter panels. The #24 Panasonic Toughbook Chevrolet SS debuted at Sonoma Raceway in June when Gordon piloted the car to a second-place finish. Panasonic will be featured as a primary sponsor of the #24 team in two Sprint Cup races annually and as an associate-level partner in all other events (HMS), see images of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(8-27-2014)

NASCAR's TV money split won't change for 2015: NASCAR won't change the formula for how it distributes television money from its current split among tracks, teams and the sanctioning body when its new television deal kicks in next year, a deal that likely will be worth nearly 4% more in 2015 than in 2014. In a news release to announce the impact of the schedule changes and the new 10-year television deal that goes into effect next season, track operator International Speedway Corp. said the split will remain at 65% to the tracks, 25% to the teams through the purse and 10% to NASCAR.
ISC, a publicly traded company whose majority of voting stock is controlled by the NASCAR-owning France family, is obligated to tell investors some details about the deal because it is the biggest revenue stream for ISC. For 2015, ISC said it will take in 3.8% more than in 2014 from the NASCAR television package with the amount increasing 3-5% each year at an average of 3.9% per year. The new package reportedly is worth $8.2 billion over 10 years, up 46% from the eight-year, $4.5-billion deal that ends after this season.
Purses will go up unless NASCAR requires less from the track for the purse. For its 21 Cup events (19 points races, Sprint Unlimited, Daytona 500 qualifying races), ISC said it will take in $316 million next year, including what it will then pay out as part of the purse. Using the NASCAR formula, it appears ISC will have $228 million in revenues in 2015 from the television deal.(in part from Sporting News)(8-28-2014)

Eckrick returns to sponsor #43 at AMS: Eckrich will return to the hood of the "Petty Blue" #43 Ford this weekend for the fourth time this season. At each primary race, Eckrich teams up with Richard Petty Motorsports to give back to Operation Homefront through "Operation Inspiration." Eckrich is in its third year of partnership with Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit which provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.Eckrich has already raised more than $750,000 in donations for the charity. They will also team up with Arby's to bring awareness for Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign.(RPM), see images of the scheme on the #43 Team Schemes page.(8-27-2014)

Team Penske and Snap-On Extend Partnership: Team Penske announced that it has extended its long-time partnership with Snap-on Incorporated. The multi-year extension between the two organizations adds to Team Penske's longest active sponsorship as it celebrates a 33-year bond with Snap-on in 2014. Under the terms of the renewed relationship, Snap-on will continue to be featured as an associate sponsor of all Team Penske cars competing in NASCAR and INDYCAR. Snap-on will also serve as a primary sponsor of a Team Penske car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with the specific races to be announced at a later time.(Team Penske)(8-28-2014)

Castrol Premium Lube Express to sponsor #13 at AMS: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fans traveling to this weekend's "Oral-B USA 500" at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA, needn't look far for a great place to get their oil changed. Castrol Premium Lube Express is just a short drive from Hampton in nearby McDonough, GA, and provides fans with a place to get the high quality and liquid engineering of Castrol installed in their vehicles. Castrol Premium Lube Express will be an associate sponsor on the #13 GEICO Chevy by Casey Mears this weekend at Atlanta. Georgia features many Castrol Premium Lube Express (CPLE) locations including Alpharetta, Tucker, Marietta and Woodstock to name a few.(Germain Racing)(8-28-2014)

Comcast's Xfinity negotiating sponsorship of Nationwide Series UPDATE: Comcast's Xfinity is in contract negotiations with NASCAR to become title sponsor of the sport's secondary series. The company's broadband, TV and phone division is considering a five- to six-year deal valued at more than $100 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The potential agreement would see Xfinity pay approximately $9 million in rights fees and $9 million in media and activation in its first year as title sponsor. Its annual spend would increase in subsequent years. Comcast declined to comment. In a statement, NASCAR said, "We anticipate NASCAR will soon be aligned with an outstanding brand that will help take this series to new heights, but out of respect for our current partner and the process, we will not comment on speculation about any potential replacements until there actually is one." Though discussions have moved into the contract phase and NASCAR executives have begun telling officials in the sport that a sponsorship is done, the deal still faces some obstacles. Fox Sports and Comcast-owned NBC Sports are slated to split television rights to the series from 2015 to 2024. Sources said that Fox, which did not respond to requests for comment, wants assurances that Comcast will spend equally on advertising across both of the series' rights holders, Fox and NBC, and not favor its own company, NBC. NASCAR and Comcast are addressing other category issues as well. Provided those issues are resolved, the deal should close and be announced in the coming weeks.(Sports Business Daily)(8-18-2014)
UPDATE: Comcast and NASCAR plan to announce a 10-year sponsorship agreement next week that will turn the sport's secondary circuit into the Xfinity Series. The deal, which is valued at close to $200M, is expected to be announced on Wednesday in Charlotte, according to sources. Comcast and NASCAR both declined to comment. The announcement follows several months of negotiations and represents a major achievement for NASCAR. The sanctioning body began looking for a title sponsor late last year after current sponsor Nationwide Insurance decided to discontinue its sponsorship. Comcast emerged as a viable replacement after the company's sports TV group, NBC, signed a 10-year, $4.4B rights deal with NASCAR. As part of the deal, Comcast agreed to spend $10M marketing and promoting the sport. Its marketing team saw title sponsorship of NASCAR's secondary series as a way to fulfill that obligation and also promote its cable TV, broadband and phone business unit, Xfinity. Comcast initially wanted a shorter-term deal and resisted NASCAR's push for a 10-year agreement. However, in recent weeks, it decided to commit to 10 years to match the length of NBC's broadcast deal. NASCAR was asking for $12-15M a year in rights fees, with media and activation commitments that would take the total value of a deal to more than $25M. A deal of that size would have been an increase from the approximately $10M in rights fees Nationwide spent for title sponsorship of the series. NASCAR was unable to find a replacement partner willing to pay more for a series that had seen its average TV viewership per race fall from 2.06 million in '08, when Nationwide started its sponsorship to 1.7 million this season. Comcast approved a rights fee in '15 of approximately $9M, with media and activation commitments that would take the total spend to more than $18M.(Sports Business Daily)(8-28-2014)

TSM closes truck operations UPDATE 4: Turner Scott Motorsports shut down its truck operation on Wednesday sources told Motorsport.com. Crew chief Mike Shelton informed the teams around 3 p.m. ET. Steve Turner started his truck operation on a limited basis in 2009 and expanded to two full-time teams in 2010. In 2012, Turner won the Camping World Truck Series title with James Buescher. TSM currently campaigns three truck teams with former champion Ron Hornaday Jr. and Ben Kennedy both competing full-time. Hornaday is currently fourth in the point standings. In five seasons, TSM has amassed 11 wins.(Motorsport.com)(8-27-2014)
UPDATE: A major shakeup is apparently underway at Turner Scott Motorsports, which fields entries on NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. TSM is co-owned by Steve Turner and Harry Scott, Jr., who also owns the HScott Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team that fields cars for rookie Justin Allgaier. Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity say that an ownership dispute between Turner and Scott could result in the team shuttering all or part of its multi-truck NASCAR Camping World Truck Series operation, effective immediately. TSM field Camping World Trucks for former series champion Ron Hornaday, Jr. and rookies Ben Kennedy, Brandon Jones and Ben Rhodes. Just days ago, youngster Cameron Hayley was added to the team's Truck Series roster for a limited schedule of races, beginning this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Sources say that only Kennedy's Chevrolet may continue to compete, but that at least some of the team's transporters have been called back to TSM headquarters in Mooresville, NC. Turner Scott also fields NASCAR Nationwide Series entries for drivers Dylan Kwasniewski and Kyle Larson. The team was founded by Steve Turner for a part-time schedule of Truck Series events in 2009, before expanding to two full-time entries the following season. Turner Motorsports won the Camping World Truck Series championship with Steve Turner's son-in-law, James Buescher in 2012. Calls placed to Turner Scott Motorsports, Steve Turner, Harry Scott, Jr. and others in search of comment were not immediately returned.
In a brief text message, Turner Scott Motorsports co-owner Harry Scott said only that "What's been reported is not true."
Several employees of TSM have confirmed that they were laid off -- at least temporarily -- at approximately 3 PM ET today.(Godfather Motorsports)(8-27-2014)
UPDATE 2: Statement from Harry Scott Jr. Regarding Turner Scott Motorsports: "Turner Scott Motorsports remains in operation and will compete in this weekend's NASCAR events. TSM's NASCAR Nationwide Series race teams represented by the #42 driven by Kyle Larson and the #31 driven by Dylan Kwasniewski will complete this weekend as scheduled at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
"The #31 driven by Ben Kennedy and the #32 driven by Cameron Hayley in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will compete as scheduled at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park this coming Sunday.
"My investment company, a co-owner of TSM, will continue to do all that it can to keep the team moving forward with or without our business partner Steve Turner. To all TSM employees, sponsors, partners and fans I pledge we will continue to do what we can to keep the teams racing hard each and every week of the season."(Tuckahoe Strategies)(8-27-2014)
UPDATE 3: Another noteworthy item is that Ron Hornaday, Jr.'s #30 team was not mentioned in Scott's statement, meaning the veteran driver who currently sits fourth in the championship standings will likely be sitting on the sidelines for this weekend's events at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. That's because Steve Turner, not Scott was actually funding Hornaday's ride out of his own pocket. According to several sources, Rheem was on the truck only for show, with no additional funding getting injected into the program. One source explicitly stated Rheem's presence on the #30 was a thank you to the company for backing James Buescher, Turner's son-in-law. Turner is good friends with several within that company and had brokered an opportunity for the CEO's son, Brandon Jones, who was driving a part-time Truck schedule for TSM. Based on previous conversations with Scott, within his driver diary for Frontstretch it's likely he has little, if any, involvement with the #30 team. Stretching finances, in that way appears to have stretched at least Turner a little thin. Sources on the team indicated that there have been issues where crew members had either not received their paychecks or had checks delayed multiple days. (Frontstretch.com)(8-28-2014)
UPDATE 4: Scott, according to documents obtained by Sporting News, filed a notice of suit Wednesday in North Carolina Superior Court by asking for an extension of time to file a complaint against Turner. He has 20 days to file the suit. The extension of time alleges that Turner has allowed the team's funds to be depleted and left debts unpaid, that Turner did not fund the entries as he was obligated to that "he unilaterally chose to operate through TSM," and that Turner misapplied the sponsorship funds and revenues of the Nationwide and truck teams. It states that Scott will ask for the appointment of a receiver to run the team to allow it to continue operations. Scott became a partner with Turner in December 2012 in what was then Turner Motorsports. Last year, Scott bought Phoenix Racing to form HScott Motorsports, which fields a Sprint Cup car for Justin Allgaier. Turner did not respond to an email requesting comment.(Sporting News)(8-28-2014)

Fans Can Upgrade Their Friday Race Day Experience With a Pre-Race Pit Pass at RIR: The green flag may wave at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 5, but the action at Richmond International Raceway starts well before that. Go to Pit Road from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm and take in the sights and sounds of race prep - including Knockout Pole Qualifying and practice - from the perspective of a NASCAR crew member. Friday's events include Farm Bureau Insurance Pole Qualifying and practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as well as WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The day's action is topped off with the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Individual Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes, $50 per person, are the only way fans can gain access to pit road on Friday. Passes are available online by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223. In order to purchase the Friday Pre-Race Pit Pass, you must have a ticket for the September 5 events. Pre-Race Pit Passes are limited to guests 16 years of age and older. A parent or guardian must sign waivers for and accompany children younger than 18 who are utilizing Pre-Race Pit Passes.(RIR)(8-28-2014)

Daytona Rising Welcomes CommScope as First Technology Partner: Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has become the first technology partner in the expanding "We Built Daytona" marketing platform supporting the unprecedented $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project. CommScope will deploy a new communications infrastructure at DIS providing the facility with the bandwidth and flexibility to offer services that will enhance a fan's experience, as well as improve stadium operations. CommScope will deploy approximately 220 miles of Systimax GigaSPEED XL Category 6 cable, 50 miles of TeraSPEED single mode fiber optic cable and all terminations supporting digital signage and way-finding, more than 1500 HD displays, synchronized stadium-wide messaging, Wi-Fi connectivity in social areas, and an enhanced audio experience. This upgrade to DIS will offer the same amenities that sports fans have come to expect in stadiums and arenas around the country. For stadium operations staff, the new infrastructure will enable DIS to provide critical security measures such as high resolution security cameras, HVAC control, lighting control, and other fire and life safety services. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(8-28-2014)

Updated Entry List for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #14-Stewart (but no announcement made if he will race), #32-Yeley, #33-Ty Dillon, #37-Bliss in for Blaney, #66-Moffitt, #77-Nemechek.
Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #77-Nemechek (48th in owners points)
Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #37-Bliss (4 attempts)
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Atlanta Entry List.
For the group qualifying rules and format, see my Qualifying Rules page

Petty Receives Legion 'Good Guy' Award: Praised for his patriotism and his service to the community, NASCAR Hall of Famer "The King" Richard Petty was presented The American Legion's James V. Day "Good Guy" Award during the organization's 96th annual national convention on August 25th. "Richard Petty is so much more than just a former race driver and now current team owner," American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger said during an award luncheon held in Petty's honor at theWestin Charlotte by The American Legion Past Department (state) Commander's Club. "He is a great American, who is always giving back to the community. By donating his land, and more importantly, his time, to Victory Junction, Richard has helped chronically ill children receive life-changing camping experiences. He and his son Kyle have helped educate young people about the safe use of automobile lifts, and he has donated time to Civitan International. Richard Petty Motorsports has also supported paralyzed veterans. The NASCAR culture is often praised for its patriotism. Well, it's no coincidence that Richard Petty is The King of NASCAR."
"It's an honor to be recognized by the American Legion,"Petty said. "I've also felt it was important to do my best to give back to the community and to those in need. It's just something small we do to help out and hopefully make people's lives better or make them feel good. It's humbling to be rewarded for it." The James V. Day Good Guy Award is named after a World War II veteran and prominent Legionnaire. Recent recipients include former boxing great George Foreman, performer Dolly Parton, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and former NBA star David Robinson.(Petty Family Foundation)(8-27-2014)

Ty Dillon Set to Make Sprint Cup Series Debut at Atlanta: Ty Dillon will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the #33 Realtree/Rheem Chevrolet SS for Circle Sport Racing. Dillon, who is competing full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season in the #3 Chevrolet Camaro, will have Nick Harrison as his crew chief for Sunday's Oral-B USA 500. "It's going to be a pretty special moment when I make those first laps this weekend, one that I won't forget," said Dillon, the 22-year-old, Welcome, N.C. native. "I've been fortunate enough in my racing career to have great opportunities like this one. I'm looking forward to racing the #33 Realtree/Rheem Chevrolet under the lights on Labor Day weekend." Dillon is no stranger to the 1.5-mile speedway. He won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at AMS in 2012 in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado. He also participated in the Cup Series test there on August 5 and 6. Dillon is currently third in the Nationwide Series driver point standings with 10 races remaining.(RCR)
UPDATE: Realtree, the world's leading camouflage designer, marketer and licensor, will be on the hood of the #33 Chevy for Sunday night's Oral-B USA 500. Realtree served as a primary sponsor for Dillon's Camping World Truck Series debut in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway. Rheem, a leading provider of heating, cooling and water heating products such as gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners and indoor air quality products, will be featured on the #33 Chevrolet SS this weekend. An American operated company, Rheem was founded in 1925 and is headquartered just a few miles from Atlanta Motor Speedway (Circle-Sport). see an image of the scheme on the #33 Team Schemes page.(8-26-2014)

Farm Rich returns to the #34 at AMS: Farm Rich returns as primary sponsor of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford of David Ragan at Atlanta. Georgia Peanut Commission will be an associate sponsor. David Ragan comments: "Atlanta is always a busy week for us. I enjoy going back home and seeing the family. And Farm Rich is going to be back on the car, in their and my home state of Georgia, and they're really activating their sponsorship with local Kroger stores. Farm Rich is a great story as a new partner coming into the sport. They have a business relationship with our owner, Bob Jenkins, and his freight trucking company [MDS], and their first race was at Talladega last year when we won. That was obviously a great entry into the sport and not something you see every week. But as a well-known name that you see in your grocer's freezer every week, it's fun to have them as a partner. And it's great to see when fans of the sport buy those products to support the team and support the sponsor. I know I've got some great stuff in my freezer thanks to Farm Rich."(FRM)(8-27-2014)

Special scheme for Smith: In celebration of the opening weekend of college football, Regan Smith's #7 will showcase a football-themed TaxSlayer Bowl paint scheme. The branding will help promote the TaxSlayer Bowl, which will be played on Jan. 2, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. The game will air at 3:20 p.m. ET on ESPN.(JR Motorsports)(8-27-2014)

Snap-On renews with Team Penske: Building on one of the strongest and enduring relationships in motorsports, Team Penske announced that it has extended its long-time partnership with Snap-on Incorporated. The multi-year extension between the two organizations adds to Team Penske's longest active sponsorship as it celebrates a 33-year bond with Snap-on in 2014. Under the terms of the renewed relationship, Snap-on will continue to be featured as an associate sponsor of all Team Penske cars competing in NASCAR and INDYCAR. Snap-on will also serve as a primary sponsor of a Team Penske car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with the specific races to be announced at a later time.(Team Penske)(8-27-2014)

TSM closes truck operations UPDATE 2: Turner Scott Motorsports shut down its truck operation on Wednesday sources told Motorsport.com. Crew chief Mike Shelton informed the teams around 3 p.m. ET. Steve Turner started his truck operation on a limited basis in 2009 and expanded to two full-time teams in 2010. In 2012, Turner won the Camping World Truck Series title with James Buescher. TSM currently campaigns three truck teams with former champion Ron Hornaday Jr. and Ben Kennedy both competing full-time. Hornaday is currently fourth in the point standings. In five seasons, TSM has amassed 11 wins.(Motorsport.com)(8-27-2014)
UPDATE: A major shakeup is apparently underway at Turner Scott Motorsports, which fields entries on NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. TSM is co-owned by Steve Turner and Harry Scott, Jr., who also owns the HScott Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team that fields cars for rookie Justin Allgaier. Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity say that an ownership dispute between Turner and Scott could result in the team shuttering all or part of its multi-truck NASCAR Camping World Truck Series operation, effective immediately. TSM field Camping World Trucks for former series champion Ron Hornaday, Jr. and rookies Ben Kennedy, Brandon Jones and Ben Rhodes. Just days ago, youngster Cameron Hayley was added to the team's Truck Series roster for a limited schedule of races, beginning this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Sources say that only Kennedy's Chevrolet may continue to compete, but that at least some of the team's transporters have been called back to TSM headquarters in Mooresville, NC. Turner Scott also fields NASCAR Nationwide Series entries for drivers Dylan Kwasniewski and Kyle Larson. The team was founded by Steve Turner for a part-time schedule of Truck Series events in 2009, before expanding to two full-time entries the following season. Turner Motorsports won the Camping World Truck Series championship with Steve Turner's son-in-law, James Buescher in 2012. Calls placed to Turner Scott Motorsports, Steve Turner, Harry Scott, Jr. and others in search of comment were not immediately returned.
In a brief text message, Turner Scott Motorsports co-owner Harry Scott said only that "What's been reported is not true."
Several employees of TSM have confirmed that they were laid off -- at least temporarily -- at approximately 3 PM ET today.(Godfather Motorsports)(8-27-2014)
UPDATE 2: Statement from Harry Scott Jr. Regarding Turner Scott Motorsports: "Turner Scott Motorsports remains in operation and will compete in this weekend's NASCAR events. TSM's NASCAR Nationwide Series race teams represented by the #42 driven by Kyle Larson and the #31 driven by Dylan Kwasniewski will complete this weekend as scheduled at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
"The #31 driven by Ben Kennedy and the #32 driven by Cameron Hayley in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will compete as scheduled at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park this coming Sunday.
"My investment company, a co-owner of TSM, will continue to do all that it can to keep the team moving forward with or without our business partner Steve Turner. To all TSM employees, sponsors, partners and fans I pledge we will continue to do what we can to keep the teams racing hard each and every week of the season."(Tuckahoe Strategies)(8-27-2014)

Gaunt Collision Centres joins Nemechek for Canada: SWM-NEMCO Motorsports announced today that its #8 Toyota Tundra driven by John Hunter Nemechek will be sponsored by Gaunt Collision Centres for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Sunday August 31, 2014. SWM-NEMCO Motorsports, which is operated by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joe Nemechek and his family, has been active in NASCAR for nearly 25 years has more than 28 wins on the NASCAR circuit. Today, father Joe and son, John Hunter, represent the team on the track racing in all three of NASCAR's national series. Likewise, Gaunt Collision Centre is family business with 30 years of experience specializing in automotive body repair operated by John Gaunt in Barrie, Ontario. John Gaunt and his family grew up around short track racing in Canada and have maintained a close connection to racing. John's brother Marty, is president of Triad Racing Technologies, which successfully provides horsepower to NASCAR teams and exclusive services to Toyota Racing Development.(SWM Nemco Motorsports)(8-27-2014)

NASCAR Announces 2015 National Series Schedules: NASCAR announced today its national series schedules for the 2015 season, featuring date enhancements to races at some of its most storied tracks along with a pair of long-term broadcast partners that will provide the exciting action to the sport's fans. "The 2015 NASCAR national series schedules promise to provide our fans with the compelling competition and storylines they so richly deserve," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "These enhancements to our race dates, particularly in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be of benefit to our fans and other stakeholders in our industry. From the start of the season at Speedweeks at Daytona culminated by our championship finales at Homestead-Miami, we're looking forward to the great racing that will be delivered through our outstanding television network broadcast partners FOX, FOX Sports 1, NBC and NBCSN."
Key date changes featuring Darlington Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, some of NASCAR's most tradition-laden tracks, highlight the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Following the 57th running of the Daytona 500 Feb. 22 on FOX, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the season's second race weekend (March 1), while Darlington returns to its traditional Labor Day weekend date (Sept. 6). The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2012 as part of a unique doubleheader on Feb. 28 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Additionally, Daytona's always-anticipated July race weekend takes on a different look as the Sunday, July 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race marks the return of broadcast partner NBC.
A big "west-coast swing" during the schedule's early stages spotlights markets where NASCAR's fan base is growing and sponsor opportunities are on the rise. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series run on three consecutive weekends, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 7-8, Phoenix International Raceway on March 14-15 and Auto Club Speedway on March 21-22. Bristol's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series spring date moves deeper into the calendar from mid-March to April 19. Dates for the spring races at Phoenix and Texas Motor Speedway (April 11) step back one week from their 2014 schedule slots.
From the season-opening weekend at Daytona through June's events, FOX and FOX Sports 1 will combine to serve as the broadcast home of all races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Starting in July at Daytona through the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, including each series' championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, NBC and NBCSN will carry the second-half action for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. The entire 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule will be broadcast exclusively on FOX and FOX Sports 1.
On radio, programming surrounding the 2015 NASCAR season along with the exciting national series race calls can be heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Motor Racing Network (MRN) and the Performance Racing Network (PRN). The Indianapolis Motor Speedway's radio network will carry the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at IMS.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will feature 36 events including two standout non-points races - the Sprint Unlimited on Feb. 14 at Daytona and the 31st annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 16. Soon to have a new entitlement partner, the NASCAR Nationwide Series once again contests 33 races, while the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series increases to 23 events next season with the addition of the Atlanta date.
When running concurrently during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series companion weekends, the date changes are also reflected on the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedules. There are nine companion weekends on the 2015 schedule that feature all three national series along with 18 combination weekends between the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series and seven dual events where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series run together.
There are six "stand-alones" on next year's NASCAR Nationwide Series calendar, starting May 17 at Iowa Speedway. Included among those are two road-course races, at Mid-Ohio on Aug. 15 and Road America on Aug. 29. The later Road America date takes the place of the former Atlanta date. There are seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stand-alone races and two Wednesday appearances - on the dirt at Eldora Speedway on July 22 and at Bristol on Aug. 19. Iowa hosts the trucks three weeks earlier in 2015, on June 19. And the series again runs internationally on Aug. 30 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.(NASCAR)
See the schedules:
2015 Sprint Cup Series Schedule page
2015 NASCAR "Nationwide" Series Schedule
2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Schedule.(8-26-2014)

Bristol TV Ratings: ABC's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, Aug. 23, earned a 3.2 U.S. household rating, averaging 5,079,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and viewership were down from last year's race, which earned a 3.9 rating and averaged 6,322,000 viewers. This year's race aired on alternate digital channels in 11 markets due to ABC affiliates airing NFL preseason games in those markets. Nashville, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky., markets that traditionally have strong NASCAR ratings, were among those affected, Greenville, S.C., was the highest-rated metered market in the nation with an 11.3 rating, followed by Knoxville, Tenn., at 9.3 and Greensboro, N.C., at 9.2. Indianapolis was fourth at 8.7 and Raleigh-Durham, N.C., fifth at 6.9. Rounding out the top 10 metered markets were Buffalo, 6.6; Birmingham, Ala., Richmond, Va., and Orlando, Fla., 6.3; and Charlotte, N.C., 5.6. In Charlotte, the telecast did not air on the market's ABC affiliate station but did air on another full-powered, rated station. Last year, the race earned an 8.7 rating in Charlotte while airing on the ABC affiliate.
ESPN's live telecast of the rain-delayed NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Bristol on Friday night, Aug. 22, earned a 1.0 rating, averaging 1,631,000 viewers. Last year's race, which was run and telecast as scheduled, earned a 1.1 rating and averaged 1,687,000 viewers (ESPN).
See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(8-26-2014)

Matt Kenseth's Race Against Bullying Children's Book Debuts: Today (August 26, 2014) on National Youth Literacy Day, Matt Kenseth debuted Matt Kenseth's Race Against Bullying, his first children's book aimed at educating and empowering children to make good choices if faced with bullying situations. Kenseth, a two-time Daytona 500 Champion and the NASCAR Sprint Cup series driver of the #20 Dollar General Toyota Camry, released the book with his wife Katie at Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters. Published by Bendon, Inc., Matt Kenseth's Race Against Bullying is available today for purchase exclusively at more than 11,300 Dollar General stores nationwide and online at www.dollargeneral.com. It is also the first installment of a four-part series of educational children's books that Matt and Katie Kenseth championed. The series is designed for family reading for children ages 4 through 8 to become more self-confident and empowered to make good choices.
"As a parent of three small children, it's natural to worry about the issues they will face while growing up," said Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. "Both Katie and I believe that openly talking about these issues is the best way to prepare them. This book is designed to help families discuss the effects of bullying with their kids. We believe it's important our kids not only know how to deal with a bully, but also understand that it's not OK to act like one."
"We're excited to partner with Matt to raise awareness and provide solutions to childhood bullying, especially since it reflects our mission of Serving Others," said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "The project also combines Dollar General's passion for literacy and reading through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation with the strong representation Matt brings to both Dollar General, Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR."
According to www.stopbullying.gov, more than 70 percent of students say they have seen bullying in their schools and less than 30 percent of students who are bullied notify an adult. Kenseth, an avid reader, has helped support literacy programs throughout his career and currently serves as an ambassador for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Sharing in both Dollar General and Kenseth's commitment to literacy is long-time Kenseth sponsor CITIZEN Watch, who made a $25,000 donation on Kenseth's behalf to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in honor of the book launch.
"Our new brand statement Better Starts Now is about reaching inside yourself to do things better. With the launch of his new book, Matt has shown us that this motto is part of his character both on and off the track," said Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch Company of America. "With statistics showing bullying and harassment becoming an even bigger social problem a book like this is just what is needed to help start the conversation earlier between parents and children. Citizen Watch Company has supported higher education for the past two years as a corporate sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Foundation and we are proud to expand our educational support with a donation to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in honor of Matt Kenseth."
Matt Kenseth's Race Against Bullying is a 22-page, 10 x 10-inch, soft-cover book, retailing for $3 at more than 11,300 Dollar General stores nationwide and online at www.dollargeneral.com. Written by Gina Gold, illustrated by Adam Devaney and produced by Judy O Productions, Inc., Matt Kenseth's Race Against Bullying was created by Matt and Katie Kenseth and is published by Bendon, Inc. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, please visit www.dgliteracy.org.(JGR)(8-26-2014)

Top 10 Driver Ratings at Atlanta:
#24-Jeff Gordon 105.6
#48-Jimmie Johnson 104.8
#14-Tony Stewart 100.2
#99-Carl Edwards 100.0
#20-Matt Kenseth 96.5
#11-Denny Hamlin 96.2
#41-Kurt Busch 94.5
#18-Kyle Busch 94.4
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. 93.3
#78-Martin Truex Jr. 91.4
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (15 total) among active drivers at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)

Ty Dillon Set to Make Sprint Cup Series Debut at Atlanta: Ty Dillon will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the #33 Realtree/Rheem Chevrolet SS for Circle Sport Racing. Dillon, who is competing full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season in the #3 Chevrolet Camaro, will have Nick Harrison as his crew chief for Sunday's Oral-B USA 500. "It's going to be a pretty special moment when I make those first laps this weekend, one that I won't forget," said Dillon, the 22-year-old, Welcome, N.C. native. "I've been fortunate enough in my racing career to have great opportunities like this one. I'm looking forward to racing the #33 Realtree/Rheem Chevrolet under the lights on Labor Day weekend." Dillon is no stranger to the 1.5-mile speedway. He won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at AMS in 2012 in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado. He also participated in the Cup Series test there on August 5 and 6. Dillon is currently third in the Nationwide Series driver point standings with 10 races remaining.(RCR)(8-26-2014)

NASCAR Numbers:
6: The number of victories recorded by Team Penske drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this year. It's the first time a Ford team has won more than five races in a single year since Carl Edwards' nine-victory season for Roush Fenway Racing in 2008.
21: The number of top-five finishes posted by Joey Logano in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races in 60 starts since his arrival at Team Penske to start the 2013 season. In his previous 147 starts, Logano had 16 top fives.
5: The number of drivers tied with a series-best three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories this season. Three of those drivers-Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon-compete for Hendrick Motorsports. The other two-Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano-drive for Team Penske.
19.6: Kasey Kahne's average finish in 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The 1.54-mile track has been a feast-or-famine venue for a driver who desperately needs a win to secure a Chase spot. Kahne has two wins and two poles at Atlanta, but he also has three DNFs and seven finishes of 32nd or worse.
4: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories for the Busch brothers, Kurt and Kyle, in the last nine races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kurt won the spring race at AMS in both 2009 and 2010, the last year Atlanta hosted two Cup events. Kyle won the spring race in 2008 and the Labor Day weekend event last year.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-26-2014)

New sponsor for Bowyer at Atlanta: Speed Digital, a technology company that creates digital solutions for enthusiasts and brands, has teamed up with Michael Waltrip Racing to sponsor Clint Bowyer for the Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "What a great way to announce the launch of Speed Digital, a company focused on digital solutions for enthusiast brands, than to showcase our company on the hood of the number 15 car for a Sunday night race," stated Paul Tecci, Director of Marketing for Speed Digital. "Our goal is to develop dialogue with enthusiasts brands such as Harley-Davidson, Cycling Sports Group (Cannondale), & Polaris as well as enthusiasts groups such as car, boat and aviation clubs so that we can demonstrate our Virtual Garage and DealerAccelerate platforms. These solutions represent the future of how brands, Dealers, and consumers will engage on the web with social, interest-based topics that cut through the noise. We are confident this sponsorship will create awareness of our cutting-edge solutions and bolster our sales efforts." Speed Digital's product suite consists of enterprise solutions: My Virtual Garage and Dealer Accelerate, as well as a range of custom web applications, web sites and graphic design services.(Speed Digital), see an image of the scheme on the #15 Team Schemes page.(8-26-2014)

Shell $aver Cardholders can save 22 cents-per-gallon this Wednesday: Every time #22-Joey Logano wins a points race, such as the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol, Shell $aver Cardholders receive a savings of 22 cents per gallon on any grade of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline or Shell Diesel the Wednesday after the race - also known as WINsday! Shell Saver Cardholders who are also registered Members of the Fuel Rewards Network (FRN) program have the opportunity to receive an additional 22 cents per gallon in Fuel Rewards savings from their WINsday fuel purchase that can be redeemed at a future date as part of the FRN program if they use their Shell Saver Card to purchase fuel at Shell on WINsday. This is in addition to their Shell Saver Card savings. The offer is available to both new and existing FRN Members and will be sent via email to Shell Saver Cardholders who purchase fuel using their Shell Saver Card on WINsday. For more information about WINsdays, visit www.shell.us/winsday.(Pennzoil)(8-26-2014)

2015 NASCAR Series Schedules released: NASCAR announced its national series schedules for the 2015 season, featuring date enhancements to races at some of its most storied tracks along with a pair of long-term broadcast partners that will provide the exciting action to the sport's fans."The 2015 NASCAR national series schedules promise to provide our fans with the compelling competition and storylines they so richly deserve," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "These enhancements to our race dates, particularly in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be of benefit to our fans and other stakeholders in our industry. From the start of the season at Speedweeks at Daytona culminated by our championship finales at Homestead-Miami, we're looking forward to the great racing that will be delivered through our outstanding television network broadcast partners FOX, FOX Sports 1, NBC and NBCSN."
Key date changes featuring Darlington Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, some of NASCAR's most tradition-laden tracks, highlight the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Following the 57th running of the Daytona 500 Feb. 22 on FOX, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the season's second race weekend (March 1), while Darlington returns to its traditional Labor Day weekend date (Sept. 6). The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2012 as part of a unique doubleheader on Feb. 28 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Additionally, Daytona's always-anticipated July race weekend takes on a different look as the Sunday, July 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race marks the return of broadcast partner NBC.
A big "west-coast swing" during the schedule's early stages spotlights markets where NASCAR's fan base is growing and sponsor opportunities are on the rise. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series run on three consecutive weekends, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 7-8, Phoenix International Raceway on March 14-15 and Auto Club Speedway on March 21-22.
Bristol's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series spring date moves deeper into the calendar from mid-March to April 19. Dates for the spring races at Phoenix and Texas Motor Speedway (April 11) step back one week from their 2014 schedule slots.
From the season-opening weekend at Daytona through June's events, FOX and FOX Sports 1 will combine to serve as the broadcast home of all races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Starting in July at Daytona through the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, including each series' championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, NBC and NBCSN will carry the second-half action for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. The entire 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule will be broadcast exclusively on FOX and FOX Sports 1. On radio, programming surrounding the 2015 NASCAR season along with the exciting national series race calls can be heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Motor Racing Network (MRN) and the Performance Racing Network (PRN). The Indianapolis Motor Speedway's radio network will carry the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at IMS.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will feature 36 events including two standout non-points races - the Sprint Unlimited on Feb. 14 at Daytona and the 31st annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 16. Soon to have a new entitlement partner, the NASCAR Nationwide Series once again contests 33 races, while the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series increases to 23 events next season with the addition of the Atlanta date.
When running concurrently during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series companion weekends, the date changes are also reflected on the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedules. There are nine companion weekends on the 2015 schedule that feature all three national series along with 18 combination weekends between the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series and seven dual events where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series run together.
There are six "stand-alones" on next year's NASCAR Nationwide Series calendar, starting May 17 at Iowa Speedway. Included among those are two road-course races, at Mid-Ohio on Aug. 15 and Road America on Aug. 29. The later Road America date takes the place of the former Atlanta date. There are seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stand-alone races and two Wednesday appearances - on the dirt at Eldora Speedway on July 22 and at Bristol on Aug. 19. Iowa hosts the trucks three weeks earlier in 2015, on June 19. And the series again runs internationally on Aug. 30 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.(NASCAR), see the schedule on the 2015 Series schedule page.(8-26-2014)

Bristol TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the rain-delayed NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Bristol on Friday night, Aug. 22, earned a 1.0 rating, averaging 1,631,000 viewers. Last year's race, which was run and telecast as scheduled, earned a 1.1 rating and averaged 1,687,000 viewers.(ESPN)(8-26-2014)

2015 schedules released: NASCAR announced today its national series schedules for the 2015 season, featuring date enhancements to races at some of its most storied tracks along with a pair of long-term broadcast partners that will provide the exciting action to the sport's fans.
"The 2015 NASCAR national series schedules promise to provide our fans with the compelling competition and storylines they so richly deserve," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "These enhancements to our race dates, particularly in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be of benefit to our fans and other stakeholders in our industry. From the start of the season at Speedweeks at Daytona culminated by our championship finales at Homestead-Miami, we're looking forward to the great racing that will be delivered through our outstanding television network broadcast partners FOX, FOX Sports 1, NBC and NBCSN."
Key date changes featuring Darlington Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, some of NASCAR's most tradition-laden tracks, highlight the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Following the 57th running of the Daytona 500 Feb. 22 on FOX, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the season's second race weekend (March 1), while Darlington returns to its traditional Labor Day weekend date (Sept. 6). The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2012 as part of a unique doubleheader on Feb. 28 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Additionally, Daytona's always-anticipated July race weekend takes on a different look as the Sunday, July 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race marks the return of broadcast partner NBC.
A big "west-coast swing" during the schedule's early stages spotlights markets where NASCAR's fan base is growing and sponsor opportunities are on the rise. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series run on three consecutive weekends, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 7-8, Phoenix International Raceway on March 14-15 and Auto Club Speedway on March 21-22. Bristol's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series spring date moves deeper into the calendar from mid-March to April 19. Dates for the spring races at Phoenix and Texas Motor Speedway (April 11) step back one week from their 2014 schedule slots.
From the season-opening weekend at Daytona through June's events, FOX and FOX Sports 1 will combine to serve as the broadcast home of all races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Starting in July at Daytona through the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, including each series' championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, NBC and NBCSN will carry the second-half action for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. The entire 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule will be broadcast exclusively on FOX and FOX Sports 1. On radio, programming surrounding the 2015 NASCAR season along with the exciting national series race calls can be heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Motor Racing Network (MRN) and the Performance Racing Network (PRN). The Indianapolis Motor Speedway's radio network will carry the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at IMS.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will feature 36 events including two standout non-points races - the Sprint Unlimited on Feb. 14 at Daytona and the 31st annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 16. Soon to have a new entitlement partner, the NASCAR Nationwide Series once again contests 33 races, while the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series increases to 23 events next season with the addition of the Atlanta date.
When running concurrently during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series companion weekends, the date changes are also reflected on the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedules. There are nine companion weekends on the 2015 schedule that feature all three national series along with 18 combination weekends between the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series and seven dual events where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series run together.
There are six "stand-alones" on next year's NASCAR Nationwide Series calendar, starting May 17 at Iowa Speedway. Included among those are two road-course races, at Mid-Ohio on Aug. 15 and Road America on Aug. 29. The later Road America date takes the place of the former Atlanta date. There are seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stand-alone races and two Wednesday appearances - on the dirt at Eldora Speedway on July 22 and at Bristol on Aug. 19. Iowa hosts the trucks three weeks earlier in 2015, on June 19. And the series again runs internationally on Aug. 30 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.(NASCAR)See the 2015 Camping World Truck Series schedule.(8-26-2014)

Three trucks fail post race inspection at Bristol UPDATE: The winning #19 of Brad Keselowski, along with the third place truck (#30-Ron Hornaday) and eighth place truck (#00-Cole Custer) all measured too high during post race inspection, according to NASCAR's Truck Series Twitter page. Adding, "NASCAR will discuss (the) issue further next week."(8-21-2014)
UPDATE: Three teams that compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - the #00, 19, and 30 - have been penalized for post-race infractions committed following the Aug. 21 race at Bristol Motor Speedway.The infraction for all three teams is a P2 level penalty as outlined in Section 12-4.1 of the rule book and violates sections:
12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
20B-12.8.1 Truck failed to meet post-race height requirements
As a result of this violation, crew chiefs Joel Shear (#00); Doug Randolph (#19); and Doug George (#30) have each been fined $5,000. Each team has also been penalized with the loss of 10 championship driver and 10 championship owner points. This includes drivers Cole Custer (#00) and Ron Hornaday Jr. (#30) along with owners Gene Haas (#00), Brad Keselowski (#19), and Steve Turner (#30).(NASCAR(8-26-2014)

Multiple Opportunities For Fans To Upgrade Oral-B USA 500 Tickets: All grandstand tickets can be upgraded to enhance the race day experience of Oral-B USA 500 ticket holders for this weekend's Labor Day Weekend NASCAR events at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Any grandstand ticket can easily be upgraded to include pre-race pit pass access throughout the weekend. A Pre-Race Pit Pass will provide stage front access to the performance by Yacht Rock Revue and all the front stretch activities which include the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver introductions along with a lumberjack competition, sword swallower, a trapeze artist, a motorcycle "Globe of Death" exhibition and the human cannon ball. In addition, pre-race pit pass holders will have the chance to view and photograph the 43 car starting field parked along the front stretch. Access for pre-race pit pass holders will begin at 4pm. A limited number of Sunday only pre-race pit passes are available for $100 while children 12 and under can purchase a half price pre-race pit pass for $50. A weekend pre-race pit pass valid for Friday, Saturday and Sunday is only $125. A grandstand or infield ticket is required for each pre-race pit pass holder. A pre-race pit pass will provide access to the pit area and for no additional cost will also provide stage front access on the track for all the Pre-Race Pit Party activities.
This weekend's visitors can also enjoy NASCAR action from the comfort of an air-conditioned suite. The Elliott Suite, located above the Elliott Grandstand, is the only suite option at the Speedway allowing fans to bring their own food and beverages into a suite. Elliott Suite tickets are $149 per person for the Oral-B USA 500. The Champions Suite provide a view of the racing action overlooking the frontstretch and includes pre-race pit access, food and drink offerings and pre-race pit and stagefront access. Champions Suite tickets are $295 a person for Sunday and $395 for Saturday and Sunday. An all-inclusive race weekend experience will be offered in Club One. All Club One customers can enjoy the race from the rooftop observation deck available only to Club One ticket holders. The inside of Club One is adorned by more than 50 flat-screen televisions to complement its theatre-style seating and high-end food and beverage offerings. Club One tickets are $545 for Sunday and $675 for Saturday and Sunday. Tickets may be upgraded to add suite of pre-race pit pass access by calling the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 877-9-AMS-TIX or at any ticket booth during race weekend. For more information on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day weekend of night racing, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(8-26-2014)

Entry List for the Oral-B USA 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #14-Stewart (but no announcement made if he will race), #32-Yeley, #33-Ty Dillon, #37-Dave Blaney, #66-Moffitt, #77-Nemechek.
Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #77-TBA (48th in owners points)
Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #37-Blaney (4 attempts)
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Atlanta Entry List.
For the group qualifying rules and format, see my Qualifying Rules page

Stewart-Ward investigation 'finishing up' but: The Ontario County (N.Y.) Police Department is in the final stages of its investigation into the death of Kevin Ward Jr., but there is no timetable yet for its completion, a department spokesperson told FOXSports.com Monday morning. Officer Nathaniel Ross, the OCPD's Senior Communications Officer, said Monday morning that the police are "finishing up" the Ward investigation. Asked if there was a timetable for when it would be completed and when the findings would be made public, Ross said, "Not that I'm aware of." The investigation will determine whether or not Stewart will face any criminal charges. Regardless of the outcome of the police findings, Stewart potentially could face civil liability.(FoxSports), see all the past news about the accident and Stewart on the #14 Team News and Links page.(8-25-2014)

Many Teams Testing at various tracks: Seven organizations are testing this week at tracks that will host a Chase for the Sprint Cup race, starting a push toward the championship. Meanwhile, two organizations - representing five Chase drivers - have yet to use any of their four tests allowed at tracks that host Cup races. Testing today and Tuesday at Chicagoland Speedway - the opening race in the Chase next month - are Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing. Stewart-Haas Racing stated that Tony Stewart's team is not testing at Chicago. Hendrick Motorsports tests Tuesday and Wednesday at Martinsville Speedway. Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing have saved their four tests for the end of the season. Both will use their first test Sept. 2-3 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. They'll be joined by JTG Daugherty. Team Penske drivers Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano - who have each scored three wins this season - also are scheduled to test at Texas, Martinsville and Homestead. Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth are also scheduled to test Phoenix, Homestead and one other track to be determined.
Travis Geisler, competition director at Team Penske, admits the decisions on which tracks to choose were "hotly contested" within the organization. Geisler said the organization selected Charlotte because it has "been a little hit and miss" there. "I'd say the track we're best at are kind of Kentucky, Texas and Chicago,'' he said. "The Kansas and Charlotte (tracks) are maybe a little weaker, so we want to try to shore up that side of it.'' Although Penske isn't going to Kansas, it can still get testing information from there. Leavine Family Racing, a Ford team with Michael McDowell, is testing today and Tuesday at Kansas Speedway. The team gets chassis and parts from Team Penske. As a Ford team, information from Leavine's test can be analyzed by Penske officials.
Although Geisler said Texas is a good track for the organization, that's still one the team will test instead of Phoenix where Kevin Harvick dominated in March, while Keselowski was third and Logano fourth. "We feel like Texas is a place we need to win,'' Geisler said. "We feel like that's our best opportunity to capitalize on winning. If your car is good enough, you can race to the front.'' Geisler also noted that since the Phoenix race is shorter than the Texas race, it's more difficult to make it back toward the front. Thus, the decision to test at Texas instead. Geisler said that the team will test Martinsville because it needs to match the Hendrick Motorsports cars there. Another key is that is the first race in the third round of the Chase. Whoever wins that race will be among the four to race for the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway and can begin focusing on that event instead worrying as much about Texas and Phoenix.
Here's a look at confirmed testing dates in the coming weeks.
Aug. 25-26: Chicagoland Speedway
Stewart-Haas Racing: #4, #10, #14, #41
Roush Fenway Racing, #16, #17, #99
Michael Waltrip Racing, #15, #55, #66
Richard Petty Motorsports, #9, #43
Chip Ganassi Racing, #1, #42
Aug. 25-26 : Kansas Speedway
Leavine Family Racing, #95
Aug. 26-27: Martinsville Speedway
Hendrick Motorsports: #5, #24, #48, #88
Sept. 2-3: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Stewart-Haas Racing: #4, #10, #14, #41
Leavine Family Racing: #95
Front Row Motorsports: #34, #35, #38
Sept. 2-3: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Team Penske: #2, #12
JTG Daugherty: #47
Joe Gibbs Racing: #11, #18, #20
Sept. 22-23: Texas Motor Speedway
Team Penske: #2, #12
Roush Fenway Racing: #16, #17, #99
Oct. 7-8: Martinsville Speedway
Chip Ganassi Racing: #1, #42
Oct. 13-14: Martinsville Speedway
Team Penske: #2, #22
Germain Racing: #13
(Motor Racing Network)(8-25-2014)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles featured on #95 of McDowell at AMS: The Atlanta Motor Speedway will welcome Nickelodeon's iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) for its NASCAR Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-31, 2014. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo will bring their fast-action, high-adventure style of fun to the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series for a weekend of family entertainment, including two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed cars, which will be driven by Nationwide Series driver Chris Buescher and Sprint Series driver #95-Michael McDowell.
McDowell will drive the #95 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo Ford Fusion for Leavine Family Racing (LFR) in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. With its race shop based in Concord, N.C., Leavine Family Racing (LFR) fields a single-car effort in the competitive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Owned by Bob and Sharon Leavine, LFR has competed in NASCAR's top series since 2011. Fueled by a passion for performance and a focus on growth, LFR continues to have a positive impact in the NASCAR community.
Also at the speedway, fans of all ages will be able to enjoy end-of-the-summer activities chock-full of 'Turtle power'. The Nickelodeon Kids Zone, located in the Fan Zone adjacent to the main entrance to the speedway, will offer free family fun with appearances from Buescher and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costumed characters, a TMNT photo station, micro-stock car racing, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles obstacle course, as well as a Turtles-themed cooling lounge and tattoo station. Nick Radio's J Boogie will be broadcasting from the Nick Radio DJ booth and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costumed characters will visit the Nickelodeon Kids Zone throughout race day and various surprise locations all weekend. Special highlights of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Nickelodeon will air on the in-house monitors Saturday and Sunday before the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races. Audio will be available through the track scanner frequency.
Ticket packages for Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles invasion of Atlanta Motor Speedway include the front stretch tickets in the Earnhardt Grandstand. A family of four can see all the Sunday racing action for only $264 with two adult tickets and two children's tickets for children 12 and under. All children must have a ticket. For tickets and information call 1-877-9-AMS-TIX or visit atlantamotorspeedway.com. Nickelodeon is currently airing the second season of the CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Episodes currently air on Nickelodeon on Friday's at 7:00pm, with season three set to debut this fall.(Victory Management Group), see an image of the scheme on the #95 Team Schemes page.(8-25-2014)

NASCAR After The Lap Returns to Las Vegas For Sixth-Straight Year: NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford, Coca-Cola, and Sprint will return to Las Vegas for its sixth-consecutive year. Since its debut in 2009, NASCAR After The Lap has earned the reputation with fans as the must-see event during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week. This year's show returns to the Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel on Thursday, December 4 at 5:00pm/pt. The expanded field of challengers competing in the new format of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup means attendees will be treated to more drivers than ever before. All 16 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders will be in attendance. ESPN's Marty Smith will return as the show's host and will again facilitate a spirited and unpredictable dialogue.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Ford Mustang, fans entering the NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes will have the opportunity to win a 2015 Ford Mustang GT. NASCAR fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting www.NASCARafterthelap.com through November 16. Additionally, two winners will receive an all-inclusive VIP trip for two to NASCAR After The Lap, including roundtrip airfare, hotel, ground transportation and VIP event access.
"Over the last six years as event sponsor, Ford has shared some incredible moments with our NASCAR drivers," said Tim Duerr, motorsports marketing manager for Ford Racing. "The NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes remains to be an effective way to engage NASCAR fans, giving them a chance to not only win a trip to Las Vegas but an opportunity to leave with a brand-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT."
During the last three weeks of the sweepstakes - fans entering will have an opportunity to become an instant winner. Ford, Coca-Cola, and Sprint will offer up to five pairs of race tickets to attend the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"For the sixth consecutive season, Coca-Cola is proud to partner with NASCAR on this annual celebration of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season," said Ben Reiling, director of motorsports for Coca-Cola North America Group. "The new Chase format promises to deliver an exhilarating finish to the season and we anticipate the momentum will carry over to this year's show, producing even more unforgettable moments for our drivers and fans."
Coca-Cola would also like to invite fans to "Open Happiness" for children in need when tickets for the event go on sale September 15. Tickets are priced at $20 each and all proceeds will benefit The NASCAR Foundation", a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that raises funds to support children's charities and important causes throughout the nation. Fans can visit www.NASCARafterthelap.com to purchase tickets. For fans unable to attend NASCAR After The Lap, NASCAR.com will offer a live stream of the event.(NASCAR)(8-25-2014)

Atlanta Nationwide Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. A few notes:
Carlos Contreras is in the #23;
John Wes Townley returns in the #25;
Blake Koch will drive the #44 for TriStar;
John Jackson is again entered in the #72;
Chris Cockrum returns to the #74;
Morgan Shepherd makes another attempt in his #89;
Kevin Swindell will drive the #93 for JGL;
The #98 team is entered with David Ragan.(8-25-2014)
See the complete list on the Atlanta entry list page.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the #60 at Atlanta: The Atlanta Motor Speedway will welcome Nickelodeon's iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for its NASCAR Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-31, 2014. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo will bring their fast-action, high-adventure style of fun to the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series for a weekend of family entertainment, including two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed cars, which will be driven by Nationwide Series driver Chris Buescher and Sprint Series driver Michael McDowell. Chris Buescher, young rookie standout and Mid-Ohio race winner from Roush Fenway Racing, will race the #60 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo Ford Mustang in Saturday night's NASCAR Nationwide Series race. McDowell will drive the #95 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo Ford Fusion for Leavine Family Racing in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Special highlights of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Nickelodeon will air on the in-house monitors Saturday and Sunday before the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races. Audio will be available through the track scanner frequency.(Victory Management Group PR),see an image of the car on the #60 team paint schemes page.(8-25-2014)

Turn 3 Terrace at Richmond gets a makeover: No, the state fair isn't coming back to the Richmond Raceway Complex. But, fans coming out to America's Premier Short Track this September 5 & 6 will get a taste of some carnival fun at the Gwaltney Turn 3 Fun Zone. Taking over the Turn 3 Terrace, the Fun Zone is FREE and open to all ticket holders on Friday and Saturday this upcoming race weekend. Fans will be able to buy unique Gwaltney-branded concessions served exclusively in Turn 3, grab a drink at the bar, and ride in a 47-foot tall Ferris wheel located right next to the "Action Track!"
"As the primary sponsor of the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports team for the September 6th Cup race in Richmond, Gwaltney will have two trackside footprints during race weekend. One - located in The Midway- will include sampling, a prize wheel, and a bacon-eating contest judged by racing legend Richard Petty and #43 driver Aric Almirola," said Dennis Pittman, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Gwaltney. "In the second area, since Gwaltney is such a family-oriented brand, we will be providing race attendees with picnic tables, kid-friendly concessions for sale, and a full-size Ferris wheel for families to ride and enjoy together." Ferris wheel rides are FREE to all ticketholders. Optional donations to the Victory Junction Gang will be accepted.
With something for everyone, the Gwaltney Turn 3 Fun Zone only adds to the excitement surrounding the Federated Auto Parts 400 - "One Last Race to Make the Chase." Advance adult tickets start at $35; tickets for kids 12 & younger are $25 off the adult price in all sections, and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223. The Fun Zone is also open on Friday, September 5, prior to the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Tickets start at $30 in advance and can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling 866-455-7223. And parents, Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections on Friday.(RIR)(8-25-2014)

Last Chance for "Two for $88" Dale Jr. Ticket Package Offer at Talladega: If fans want to see a man on a mission during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway - with an amazing savings package named in his honor - they won't have to look any further than five-time Talladega winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. With the track's "Two for $88" Dale Jr. Ticket Package, for an incredible price, fans can witness 43 drivers battle it out on the biggest and baddest race track on the planet, and NASCAR's Most Competitive facility. The special offer gives fans a $32 savings off the regular price of two Lincoln Grandstand tickets to the Sunday, October 19 GEICO 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race - the pivotal sixth race of The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The offer is for a limited time, ending on Friday, August 29. Talladega Superspeedway is also offering up other great savings all across the grandstands for the fall event weekend, October 17-19 that will also include the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola. Fans save $10 off all regular pricing from now until September 19, and kids 12 and under receive a $50 discount on all frontstretch seats. Log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 877-Go2-DEGA for more information.(TSS)(8-25-2014)

Ford Sweeps NASCAR Weekend at Bristol:
· Joey Logano's win is his fourth with Ford Racing and sixth of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career.
· This marks the first time Ford Racing has swept a NASCAR Camping World Truck, NASCAR Nationwide, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend since 2006 when Mark Martin (NCWTS) and Matt Kenseth (NNS/NSCS) did it, ironically, at Bristol Motor Speedway.
· Ford Racing's nine wins this season is the most for the manufacturer since 2008 (11).
· The win is Ford's 627th all-time series victory and the 35th by Penske Racing with Ford.
· In addition, tonight's win is the 35th for Ford Racing at BMS, which is tied for the most at any track currently on the circuit (Michigan).(Ford Racing)(8-24-2014)

Earnhardt Jr. comments on Bristol wreck: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., involved in an on-track accident on lap 160 when #4-Harvick got into #11-Hamlin, who was leading at the time. Hamlin slid into the inside wall, came back on the track and collected the #88.: Q) WHAT HAPPENED IN THAT ACCIDENT?
Earnhardt Jr: "I couldn't see what happened to Denny (Hamlin), but he got turned around or something and was coming up the track. There was a lot of smoke so I couldn't really judge the speed of his car to know whether I needed to be going up there and go around him on the top. I had to make that choice. I just went ahead and went to the top and ended up getting into him. It wasn't too hard of a hit just did a lot of damage and tore the lower (control arm) off the left-front. We are going to have our hands full when we get it back out there. We are going to try to fix it, but I don't know. Obviously we are many laps down. We will see if we can run a decent speed."
Q) IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS VERY HARD TO PASS AND GET PAST THAT LAP TRAFFIC:
Earnhardt Jr: "It's just like every time. I don't think it's any different. It's like it's always been. It's hard."
Q) ARE YOU DONE?
Earnhardt Jr: "We are working on it, but I mean I don't know. I would like to be out there, but we will just have to see. It's tore up pretty bad. The left-front lower is tore off the car and it's not going to drive very good. There is really one groove out there so if we get out there we might be in everybody's way."
Q) DID YOU SEE WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN THAT?
Earnhardt Jr: "No, the first thing I saw was the #11 (Denny Hamlin) hitting the inside wall. I don't know how it started. There was a little bit of smoke so it was tough to judge the speed of his car coming back up the track. I thought I could go around the top and be alright, but I guessed wrong."
(Team Chevy)(8-24-2014)

Rogers, Kyle Busch Have Meeting After Race: #18-Kyle Busch came into the weekend with hopes of adding to his 16 career Bristol win total and perhaps sweeping the three-race weekend. But he left Saturday night with serious questions about the cohesiveness of the #18 Sprint Cup team. Busch was involved in an early accident and also endured a pit road speeding penalty to erase any hopes of winning the main event. But things went from bad to worse for Busch, who angrily left his car on pit road when he exited the race with a handful of laps remaining despite crew chief Dave Rogers instructing him to do otherwise. "Park it behind the truck and take your whiny little ass to the bus," Rogers said over the team radio. Busch's frustration is understandable given the circumstances that came his way, but the behavior should raise more than a few concerns about the team's ability to compete for a title. Simply said, Busch and Rogers need to find a way to harness the emotional outbursts before they can be seriously considered championship material.(in part from Motor Racing Network)(8-24-2014)

Bristol Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:30pm, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 10:40pm (all times are EST). ESPN on ABC was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 119
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 60
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 28
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 20 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:30 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 10:40 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 190
Minutes of race broadcast: 141
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 49
Number of missed restarts: 0 Three were right as broadcast returned from commercials
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 141 Total comm. brdcst time 49
See past race reports, links to full reports and more on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(8-24-2014)

Spun by Harvick, Hamlin fires safety device at him: #11-Denny Hamlin hurled his HANS (head and neck support device) up the track toward rival Kevin Harvick's #4 Chevrolet after Harvick spun him. Hamlin was leading the race Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway when the incident occurred on lap 161. Hamlin got the lead through pit strategy, but Harvick had been hounding him for several laps. As Hamlin drove into Turn 1, Harvick lost control of his car and slid up into Hamlin's #11 Toyota, sending him spinning. After Hamlin bounced off the inside wall, he was hit by Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose #88 car lost one of its sides and all its safety foam. Hamlin waited on the safety crew before getting out of the car, following the new protocol set last week by NASCAR. But after gathering items from inside his car, he heaved the HANS device up the track toward Harvick's car as it came back by under caution as safety workers stood by. Hamlin remained on the apron when he made the toss. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said after the race that it's unlikely Hamlin will be penalized for throwing the device. Last Friday, NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton announced the sanctioning body was adding a rule to keep drivers in their cars after accidents and when races were under caution until safety crews arrive. Drivers cannot walk onto the track or toward another car. The rule came in the wake of a sprint car accident in upstate New York on Aug. 9 in which driver Kevin Ward Jr. was struck and killed by Tony Stewart's car when Ward exited his car and walked down onto the racing surface.(USA Today)(8-24-2014)

Bowman apologizes to Danica: #23-Alex Bowman apologized to #10-Danica Patrick for wrecking her during Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway but understands that "Danica Nation is probably going to hate me now.'' Bowman got into the back of Patrick and caused her to spin on Lap 263. Although she didn't hit the wall, she lost two laps. It was part of a rough night for Patrick, who battled an ill-handling car and finished 27th. Bowman said he tried to avoid Patrick but couldn't. "It looked like somebody slid up a couple of cars in front of her and they all checked up,'' said Bowman, who finished 32nd. " I was just too deep not to run into her. I was on the brakes as hard as I could. I went over and talked to her (after the race). Definitely didn't mean to wreck her. Hate that Danica Nation is probably going to hate me now. It was unintentional. I hope she knows that. There was no reason to wreck her. We weren't even on the same lap. I apologized.''
Later in the race, Patrick ran up on Bowman and expressed her displeasure at the time. Afterward, Patrick was ready to move on. "I think were fine,'' she said. "He's just got to know that when you do that and you don't leave room for error and you hit me and take me out, I'm right there. As soon as I find you again I'm going to let you know I'm not happy. We're fine. If he does it again, worse things will happen. That's all.''(Motor Racing Network)(8-24-2014)

NASCAR, ESPN rally fans behind Chase drivers: NASCAR unveiled the biggest, most engaging marketing campaign in the history of the sport to promote the all new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. At the heart of the effort is a collaboration with ESPN that features five original television spots, an educational video, and an extensive social media push that will rally fans, teams, tracks, and partners around The Chase like never before. The national marketing initiative will underscore the drama and excitement of NASCAR's premier series' new 10-race playoff format unveiled earlier this year. "We made a bold decision at the beginning of the season to make our Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup all about winning," said Brent Dewar, NASCAR chief operating officer. "Now that we're just weeks away from the start of The Chase, NASCAR, working closely with ESPN, is going to market with a creative platform that is just as innovative and reflective of how important this moment is for our sport." The creative team tapped the star power of some of the sport's most compelling drivers and was inspired by their respective legions of loyal fans. The most integrated marketing effort the sanctioning body has ever put forth highlights the passion, language and motifs of competition - establishing drivers, automotive manufacturers and their corresponding teams as unique "nations," with the fans as their loyal followers. The fully integrated collaboration between NASCAR and ESPN is the first of its kind with a broadcast partner for the sanctioning body. Working with one agency, Ogilvy & Mather New York, NASCAR and ESPN achieve a singular vision and narrative that will extend from the track to the race broadcast. "The campaign celebrates this bold and transformational moment in NASCAR's history, taking fans along for the ride and accentuating the drama and intensity of the new elimination format as each round unfolds." said Scott Parker, vice president of marketing at ESPN.
The first creative element to be released was an online video titled "Spreading the Word," which NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch shared across social media on Aug. 18. The two-minute video educates fans about the new Chase format, introduces The Chase Grid and begins to call together the drivers' nations.
On August 23, the first of five spots were released, which follows the teams, drivers and fans from every corner of NASCAR as they gear up for The Chase. Subsequent 30-second spots will be released for each round of The Chase. The spots, which will air throughout NASCAR's postseason on ESPN and ABC, include the voices of Marty Smith, Allen Bestwick, Nicole Briscoe, Ryen Russillo, Jamie Little, Barney Hall, Scott Van Pelt, Mike Greenberg, Brad Daugherty and Rusty Wallace. The Chase kicks off at Chicagoland Speedway on Sept. 14.
Fans, drivers, teams and sponsors are invited to pledge their allegiance to their favorite Chase drivers by sharing content on social media using the hashtag #MyChaseNation. Lucky fan winners will be picked to have their Twitter handle featured on their favorite driver's car at select races during The Chase.
Additionally, The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup marketing will include at-track signage as well as print and digital promotional assets that will allow tracks, team sponsors and NASCAR Official Partners to extend the campaign theme. Tying the concept together are unique flags that represent each Chase driver and their nation. The flags will be woven into the various campaign elements, including digital banners and fan memorabilia, among others, and will serve to rally fans and inspire spirited rivalry.
The educational video can be viewed here: "Spreading the Word"
The first television spot can be viewed here: "Hype"(NASCAR)(8-24-2014)

Johnson crashes Independence High football practice: #48-Jimmie Johnson surprised members of the Independence High School football team with a visit to the school during Wednesday afternoon practice. Johnson and members of his Hendrick Motorsports pit crew visited the school as part of the Gatorade Beat the Heat campaign - an effort by Gatorade to educate athletes, parents and coaches on the importance of proper hydration to reduce heat-related illnesses during athletic events. Johnson, who is known as one of the most physically fit NASCAR drivers, even joined the team in some conditioning drills. A spokesman for Gatorade said Johnson has worked in the past with Independence High, which won seven straight state football championships from 2000 to 2006. Wednesday's visit was well-timed. Temperatures at the time of practice were about 90 degrees, with a heat index in the mid-90s.(Charlotte Observer)(8-24-2014)

Bristol IRWIN Tools Night Race driver intro songs: It's tradition at Bristol Motor Speedway for drivers to select a song to be played when they are introduced before the race. Here is the list of driver songs as given to Motor Racing Network. Drivers are listed in alphabetical order (based on last name) with their song and the performer.
Justin Allgaier ... "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by Fall Out Boy
AJ Allmendinger ... "Here Comes the Boom" by Nelly
Aric Almirola ... "Hot Dog!" by They Might Be Giants
Marcos Ambrose ... "Highway to Hell'' by AC/DC
Michael Annett ... "Bernie Dance (Bernie Song)
Greg Biffle ... "Changes" by David Bowie
Dave Blaney ... "7 Nation Army" by White Stripes
Alex Bowman ... "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio
Clint Bowyer ... "Whiskey River" by Willie Nelson
Jeff Burton ... "Bartender Song (Sittin' at a Bar)'' by Rehab and Hank Williams Jr.
Kurt Busch ... "Outlaws Like Me" by Justin Moore
Kyle Busch ... "Rowdy Busch"
Landon Cassill ... "Introducing the Icon" by Riff Raff
Austin Dillon ... "The Stroke" by Billy Squire
Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... "Mountain Song" by Jane's Addiction
Carl Edwards ... "Let the Night Roll" by Justin Moore
David Gilliland ... "Small Town Throwdown" by Brantley Gilbert and Justin Moore
Jeff Gordon ... "Moonshine in the Truck" by Brad Paisley
Denny Hamlin ... "0 to 100" by Drake
Kevin Harvick ... "Pass a Beer" by Jake Owen
Jimmie Johnson ... "Let the Good Times Roll" by the Cars
Kasey Kahne ... "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba
Matt Kenseth ... "1000 HP" by Godsmack
Brad Keselowski ... "Turn Down for What'' by DJ Snake & Lil Jon
Kyle Larson ... "Good Times, Bad Times" by Led Zepplin
Joey Logano ... "O Fortuna"
Michael McDowell ... "Thrive" by Casting Crowns
Jamie McMurray ... "Wild Side" by Motley Crue
Casey Mears ... "American Kids" by Kenny Chesney
Paul Menard ... "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
Brett Moffitt ... "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne
Ryan Newman ... "Let the Night Roll" by Justin Moore
Danica Patrick ... "Somethin' Bad" by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood
David Ragan ... "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ... "Ain't Going Down Til the Sun Comes Up'' by Garth Brooks
David Stremme ... "Ready Set Roll" by Chase Rice
Martin Truex Jr. ... "Outsiders" by Eric Church
Ryan Truex ... "Dammit" by Blink 182
Brian Vickers ... "Beast of Burden" by the Rolling Stones
Cole Whitt ... "Tell the World" by Lacrae
Josh Wise ... "The Distance" by Cake
JJ Yeley ... "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns and Roses
No information available for Reed Sorenson.(MRN / NASCAR.com)(8-24-2014)

Joey Logano wins at Bristol: #22-Joey Logano won the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway for his 3rd win of the season, first at Bristol and 6th career win.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #20-Kenseth, #48-Johnson, #41-Busch, #17-Stenhouse Jr., #99-Edwards, #1-McMurray, #27-Menard and #16-Biffle.
Pole winner #4-Harvick led 75 laps and finished 11th.
#24-Gordon (3 wins) finished 16th and keeps the points lead, 27 points over #88-Earnhardt Jr. who was involved in a wreck on lap 160 and finished 39th.
#24-Gordon leads the Chase Grid with 3 wins being 1st in points followed by #88-Earnhardt Jr with 3 wins, 2nd in points.
There were 16 lead changes among 9 drivers. There were 9 cautions for 64 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 92.965mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Bristol Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Bristol Penalty Report (pdf) and Bristol Lap Summary Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Bristol Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-23-2014)

Race Fast Facts - Bristol Motor Speedway:
#22-Joey Logano won the 54th Annual IRWIN Tools Night Race, his sixth victory in 207 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 12 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
This is the first time Ford has swept all three races in a weekend since August 2006 at Bristol. Matt Kenseth won the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races. Mark Martin won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.
#2-Brad Keselowski (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in ten races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2014.
#20-Matt Kenseth (third) posted his 19th top-10 finish in 30 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
#42-Kyle Larson (12th) was the highest finishing rookie.
#24-Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 27 points over #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-23-2014)

2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Bristol, race 24 of 36]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 845
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [3 wins], 818, -27
3) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 776, -69
4) #22-Joey Logano [3 wins], 761, -84
5) #20-Matt Kenseth, 751, -94
6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 726, -119
7) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 721, -124
8) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 716, -129
9) #31-Ryan Newman, 710, -135
10) #15-Clint Bowyer, 699, -146
Five drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
17) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 629, -216
20) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 594, -251
21) #47-A.J. Allmendinger [1 win], 586, -259
22) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 582, -263 24) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 559, -286
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Bristol Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-23-2014)

Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Grid:
[after Bristol, race 24 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 3 wins, 1st in points
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 3 wins, 2nd
3) #2-Brad Keselowski(X), 3 wins, 3rd
4) #22-Joey Logano(X), 3 wins, 4th
5) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X), 3 wins, 6th
6) #4-Kevin Harvick(X), 2 wins, 7th
7) #99-Carl Edwards(X), 2 wins, 8th
8) #18-Kyle Busch(X), 1 win, 17th
9) #11-Denny Hamlin(X), 1 win, 20th
10) #47-A.J. Allmendinger(X), 1 win, 21st
11) #41-Kurt Busch(X), 1 win, 22nd
12) #43-Aric Almirola(X), 1 win, 24th
Others without a win in contention for a Chase spot via points:
13) #20-Matt Kenseth, 5th in drivers points
14) #31-Ryan Newman, 9th
15) #15-Clint Bowyer, 10th
16) #16-Greg Biffle, 11th, +26 points
On the oputside looking in:
17) #42-Kyle Larson, 12th, -26 points
18) #5-Kasey Kahne, 13th
19) #3-Austin Dillon, 14th
20) #27-Paul Menard, 15th
(X) = clinched a spot in the Chase as long as rest of races are attempted.
See the Chase Grid Outlook page (pdf).(8-23-2014)

Bristol Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
#42-Larson, finished 12th, 11 rookie points
#51-Allgaier, 19th, 10
#3-Dillon, 28th, 9
#26-Whitt, 30th, 8
#23-Bowman, 32nd, 7
#83-Truex, 37th, 6
#7-Annett, 38th, 5
Kligerman, Did Not Race
See the 2014 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(8-23-2014)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #4-Harvick chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #24-Gordon took pit stall 23, the first pit stall on the backstretch.
#48-Johnson, who starts 3rd took the 22nd pit stall, the final stall on the front stretch.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #18-Busch, who starts 4th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-23-2014)

Bristol Pit Rules: Bristol Motor Speedway operates under a plan where one-pit road will be used during pit stops under caution. Currently, Bristol remains the only track in the Sprint Cup Series that utilizes two pit roads with 22 pit stalls on the frontstretch and 21 on the backstretch. Teams that pit on the backstretch used to be at a competitive disadvantage. Since the spring 2002 race at Bristol, teams will enter pit road in Turn 2 (the current backstretch pit entrance) drive around down the backstretch and around Turns 3 and 4 and exit in Turn 1. Under green-flag conditions teams will enter and exit pit road under the current two-pit-road scheme.

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 in the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on the Bristol Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

How to Clinch a Chase spot at Bristol: All 12 drivers with wins have now clinched a spot in the Chase, assuming they at least attempt to qualify for the remaining three races in the regular season. If a winless driver wins this weekend, and is 97 or more points ahead of 31st place, he or she will also clinch a spot.

Bristol Notes & Facts - Saturday - race:
· 431 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol; 296 in more than one.
· 41 different drivers have won at Bristol, led by Darrell Waltrip (12). Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch each have five wins, the most among active drivers.
· There has been four green-white-checkered finishes at Bristol - all four were the spring race: 2007 (500/504); 2008 (500/506); 2009 (500/503); 2014 (500/503).
· Two of the 107 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 3/31/1996.
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol was the 3/25/2007 race won by Kyle Busch with a MOV of 0.064 second.
· Junior Johnson leads the series in car owner wins at Bristol with 16; Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske and Jack Roush are tied among active car owners for the most wins at Bristol with 10 each.
· Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Bristol; led by Chevrolet with 43 victories; followed by Ford with 34. Toyota is ranked fifth among Manufacturers with six wins at Bristol. · The deepest in the field that a race winner has started was 38th, by Elliott Sadler; in 2001.
· Seven of the last 10 races have ended with a Margin of Victory of less than a second at BMS.
(NASCAR)(8-23-2014)

Four car numbers have produced eight or more Bristol NSCS wins:
Car Number - (Number of Wins) - Most Recent Win
o #11 - (19 wins) - Denny Hamlin, 2012
o #2 - (12 wins) - Brad Keselowski, 2012
o #17 - (eight wins) - Matt Kenseth, 2006
o #3 - (eight wins) - Dale Earnhardt, 1999
(NASCAR)

2015 NASCAR Schedule Announcement set for Tuesday, August 26th: Bristol's spring race weekend will move from March to April 18-19 for the 2015 season. The announcement was made Friday by NASCAR Vice President and Chief Communication Officer Brett Jewkes, who also said that the complete 2015 NASCAR schedules for all three national touring series will be announced concurrently this Tuesday on Fox Sports 1's Race Hub and on NBC Sports Network's NASCAR America show. The April 18-19 weekend, an open date on the 2014 schedule, would fall between races at Darlington and Richmond on the existing schedule and is designed to provide better spring weather for fans. "This is a great day in the history of Bristol Motor Speedway thanks to our passionate fans," BMS general manager Jerry Caldwell said. "They've repeatedly asked that we be moved to a more traditional spring date."
"The April date better accommodates our guests traveling in their RVs from northern climates and provides our loyal Bristol fans with the best possible Food City 500 experience," said Food City president and CEO Steve Smith. "It's been a tough last few years with some of the inconsistent weather we've had." Jewkes suggested that the 2015 schedule in its entirety will be more fan-friendly. "There will be some good changes to the schedule that will benefit all of the stakeholders and our great fans," he said.(NASCAR Wire Service)
and see an very unofficial tentative 2015 Sprint Cup Series Schedule page and the 2015 Sprint Cup Series Schedule News, Rumors and Announcements page.(8-23-2014)

Some possible 2015 Sprint Cup schedule changes UPDATE3: Jim Noble of ESPN/SiriusXM/PRN tweeted Monday evening, "The Southern 500 at Darlington (SC) Raceway will return to its traditional Labor Day weekend date [Sunday, Sept 6th] when NASCAR announces the 2015 Sprint Cup schedule, perhaps as early as this weekend. Atlanta Motor Speedway - which has raced on Labor Day weekend since 2009 - will have its lone Sprint Cup race weekend moved earlier in the season to week #2 - Sunday, March 1, 2015. One other notable change will be the Bristol (TN) spring weekend -- often plagued by weather issues in March, Bristol successfully lobbied for a later date, and will now hold its spring Cup race on Sunday, April 19, 2015."(8-19-2014)
UPDATE According to a source who works inside the sport, the date of the 2015 NASCAR spring Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be moved to Sunday, April 19. Due to the unpredictable weather in the Bristol area and lackluster attendance, BMS officials have long lobbied NASCAR for a change away from current date of March 16. Lynsey Wilson, communications manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway, did not confirm any schedule alteration when reached late Monday. "Conversations are ongoing and once details are finalized, we will release our 2015 plans," said Wilson, who declined further comment. NASCAR officials are expected to officially announce the full 2015 Sprint Cup schedule soon. That announcement could come this weekend during the IRWIN Tools Night Race at BMS. The source also said the Southern 500 Darlington race date will shift back to its traditional Labor Day weekend while the Atlanta race will move to the second week of the season on March 1. During an Aug. 5 interview, BMS general manager Jerry Caldwell expressed his desire for a switch in the spring race date. There was no statement from Helton on Monday night and Caldwell did not comment.(Bristol Herald Courier)
UPDATE2: Two sources well connected with NASCAR confirmed the news Tuesday to the Morning News but did not want to be identified. Darlington Raceway president Chip Wile said Tuesday the track "doesn't respond to rumors."(Morning News)(8-20-2014)
UPDATE3: NASCAR will move the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway back to its traditional Labor Day weekend date starting in 2015. Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., confirmed Friday that he has given up the Labor Day weekend date at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will move the Atlanta race to March. Bristol Motor Speedway will get Darlington's mid-April date. "We gave up that Labor Day event and switched that - it's going back to Darlington," Smith said Friday. The last Southern 500 at Darlington was in 2003, ending a tradition that had started in 1950. NASCAR and Darlington's parent company, International Speedway Corp., moved the race to California Speedway in 2004, and then to Atlanta in 2010. Smith said cold weather has plagued the Bristol events in March, and rain has been fairly common at Bristol on that weekend. He said the average temperature in mid-April at Bristol is the mid-70s and it is warmer in Atlanta in March.(Sporting News) AND Smith said the All-Star race would remain at Charlotte Motor Speedway and he wouldn't be willing to change the event's date. He also said he felt the Sprint Cup season finale should return to Atlanta where it was held for more than a decade.(RacinToday)(8-23-2014)

Fennig may step down as crew chief at end of season: With all the changes taking place at Roush Fenway Racing for the 2015 season, it appears veteran crew chief Jimmy Fennig may be in his final year calling shots on the pit box. Currently serving as crew chief for #99-Carl Edwards -- who will move on to Joe Gibbs Racing next season -- Fennig indicated he would likely take a behind-the-scenes role with the team once the season comes to a conclusion. Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway, Fennig said he will have to wait and see what team owner Jack Roush has in store for him next year, but added that he will most likely not be atop the pit box after the 2014 season. Saying it would ultimately be his decision when to walk away, Fennig indicated he would most likely work with the research-and-development arm of Roush Fenway Racing. Jack Roush said of Fennig's future: "We don't have a plan yet," Jack Roush said of Fennig's future. "We haven't heard definitively from Jimmy what his plans are, but he may be thinking about retirement. We're just not sure." Trevor Bayne is making his move to a full-time ride in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2015 and does not yet have a crew chief in place, so that is a possible spot for Fennig if he decides to continue working in a crew chief role. Edwards said Friday that he did not know what Fennig's plans were at the end of the season.(FoxSports)(8-23-2014)

Drivers want lower downforce, softer tires in 2015: Drivers are optimistic that a lower downforce, softer tire package tested at Michigan International Speedway Monday will work for a full field of 43 cars. NASCAR directed nine teams during a test for potential new rules for 2015. A variety of horsepower and aerodynamic packages were tested at the 2-mile track. The goal was to make the cars raceable enough that a driver can gain ground on the leader. During 20-lap runs, the drivers apparently passed the most in the low-downforce, soft-tire package. Low downforce can be achieved in a variety of ways, including a smaller rear spoiler. "They went through all the high-downforce stuff and less power and kind of the direction they went this year but even greater, and it was honestly really bad," said Joe Gibbs Racing's #20-Matt Kenseth. "It was really singled out, you couldn't pass, you could draft a little more on the straightaway but you're almost wide open in the corners. At the very end, they took all the downforce off and gave us all our power back and did all that and it was pretty much unanimous from the drivers, ... it was awesome." No one is sure what NASCAR will do, as it will take the data from the test and evaluate it to make the 2015 rules. "It was like going back 15 years in time or something like that," Kenseth said. "You could pass actually in the corners. ... You could get one guy on the bottom, one guy on the top. The air wasn't so turbulent that you couldn't get outside of people. So the track got really wide. It was like the track aged 10 years. It was awesome. Everybody got out with a smile on their face. You actually wouldn't feel as guilty cashing your paycheck on Friday anymore because you actually had to drive the cars like you used to."
"If you listen to all the drivers, they're really excited and would like to see NASCAR at least go and investigate that direction for sure," said Roush Fenway Racing competition director Robbie Reiser. "I know from the test and the reports everybody has talked about, it seems like everybody really liked what they saw at the end of that Michigan test. They used the words, 'We can drive the car.' That is an important aspect of stock-car racing. They wanted it to be less dependent on the aero side and a little more dependent on the driver side." Reiser said he believes teams would like the rule package by early September but would be happy if they get it by the end of September. I know NASCAR is under pressure to try to get us rules, but we really need to make the right decision."(Sporting News)(8-23-2014)

Stenhouse Reveals 2015 Fastenal Fusion at Fastenal Headquarters: #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. traveled to Fastenal headquarters in Winona, Minnesota last week to unveil the 2015 #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion in front of the 'Blue Team'. "It was great to unveil our 2015 Fastenal paint scheme at Fastenal's headquarters in front of their employees," Stenhouse said. "I got to meet a lot of individuals and their excitement has me looking forward to the 2015 season. On our tour, they showed me a wall that was designated for win banners so our #17 team will have to work on that for them." In Indianapolis, Roush Fenway Racing announced that long-time partner Fastenal will serve as the anchor partner on the #17 Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a multi-year agreement beginning next season. Fastenal first joined with Roush Fenway in 2010 and has served as a primary partner for multiple Roush Fenway teams and drivers in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NSCS.(RFR), see images of the scheme on the 2015 #17 Team Schemes page.(8-23-2014)

Tom McCrimmon Wins NASCAR Chicane in Bristol: Tom McCrimmon, #20 Joe Gibbs Racing, has won the third NASCAR Chicane of the 2014 Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge. McCrimmon, the 2009 and 2012 NASCAR Champion of the Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge, put his safe driving on display before the weekend's highly anticipated IRWIN Tools Night Race. He tied teammate Jamie Price (#18 Joe Gibbs Racing) for the top spot, but edged price out with a faster time. Ken Pitcher of Tommy Baldwin Racing finished in third place to round out the top-3.
After his victory, an overjoyed McCrimmon exclaimed, "That's all! Everybody wants to win at Bristol. It's exciting when the season starts to wind down and the championship gets closer. Having won this competition two times, I couldn't be more grateful for the benefits and opportunities Pilot Flying J has provided me in the Truck Driver Challenge."
The transport drivers of the Sprint Cup Series are competing for this year's grand prize of $30,000, in addition to a brand new GPS unit. Upon being named to this year's championship, the top-3 transport drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will receive a Rand McNally IntelliRoute TND 720, the official GPS unit of the 2014 Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge. Committed to supporting the professional transport driver, Rand McNally provides this year's Sprint Cup finalists with a GPS unit specially designed to enhance their routes nationwide. The final NASCAR Chicane of the 2014 Pilot Flying J Truck Driver Challenge will take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday, September 8 at 12:00pm/et. For more information, please visit pfjtruckchallenge.com.(Pilot Flying J/Victory 500 Marketing)(8-23-2014)

Lesa France Kennedy to be Honored: On Saturday, August 23, 2014, the National Women's History Museum (NWHM) and its Los Angeles Regional Council, will host a private brunch at 11:45am/pt at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles - Women Making History - to honor the achievements of three notable women including Lesa France Kennedy, ISC CEO and NASCAR Board Member. The event will honor female philanthropists and activists who contribute to women's history while creating awareness to advance NWHM's mission and build a world-class museum in Washington, D.C. This year's honorees also include accomplished actress and philanthropist Sophia Bush, and producer, director, and Academy Award-winning writer Callie Khouri. "We are delighted to join with our LA Council to honor these three remarkable women," said Joan Wages, NWHM President and CEO. Past recipients include Maya Angelou, Fran Drescher, Annie Leibovitz, Jennifer Seibel Newsom, Dolores Huerta, Marissa Mayer and Rita Moreno. "I am humbled and honored to receive this special recognition," said Lesa France Kennedy, ISC CEO and NASCAR Board Member. "The National Women's History Museum is making great strides in educating our nation and I am excited to help preserve women's history for the next generation." NWHM's mission is to educate, inspire, empower, and shape the future by integrating women's distinctive history into the culture and history of the United States. For more information on the NWHM, please visit nwhm.org.(NASCAR)(8-23-2014)

Allmendinger's bus got TP'd: #47-AJ Allmendinger, met with members of the media and discussed many topics, including what the win at Watkins Glen has meant to him, the transcript in part:
Q) WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL MOMENTS THAT STAND OUT FROM YOUR WIN:
Allmendinger: "I think the first thing is watching the highlights of ESPN of Brad trying to do his job, but jumping up and down and basically trying to break Rusty (Wallace) back by jumping on him. That was pretty funny to see. I think that the Victory Lane celebration was cool. It was fun to share that with everybody, but more than anything stepping away from it and just being in the bus lot after everything had died down and just taking a moment to say what happened here? What just happened? Did this really just happen? And seeing really Tad and Jodi's face, just knowing from what I've learned from them already just a little bit. Everything that they've gone through and the struggles they have had to see just kind of their body language and on their face what it meant to them. That to me was the most satisfying thing because when they signed me here and they gave me an opportunity and took a chance on me to a certain degree. Just to be able to repay them back like that and just see what it meant to them just in their language. It was almost surreal it was happiness but it was kind of like taken back because they didn't really believe that it had happened and Brad TP'd my bus which I felt was kind of wrong. I walked up and my bus had toilet paper all over the top of it, Scott Toilet Paper by the way. So just things like that just the joy of what it truly meant to get our first altogether. I think that was the most satisfying thing to me was just to see that emotion on their face and their body language and their true outright joy and happiness was something I will always remember."(Team Chevy)(8-23-2014)

Bill Elliott To Be Inducted Into City of Hampton's Speed Lane: A 16-time winner of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver award and a 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Bill Elliott continues to receive accolades for a legendary career behind the wheel of a stock car. Elliott will be inducted into the "Speed Lane" on Aug. 28 in downtown Hampton as the home city of Atlanta Motor Speedway honors the NASCAR legend at 6:00pm/et. At 6:30pm/et, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series transporters will parade through downtown Hampton prior to entering Atlanta Motor Speedway's main tunnel. Elliott, the 1988 NASCAR champion and native of Dawsonville, Ga., has won 44 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. He rose to fame in 1985 when he captured the "Winston Million," claiming a million-dollar bonus for winning events at Daytona, Talladega and Darlington. Elliott is also the father of Chase Elliott who currently leads the NASCAR Nationwide Series points standings and has won three races this season. 1960 NASCAR champion Rex White, who currently resides in Fayetteville, was the first inductee into the Speed Lane last year. Like Elliott, he's a 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. White is NASCAR's oldest living series champion. For more information on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day weekend of night racing, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(8-23-2014)

Race Coverage of the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2014.
Television (TV): ABC at 7:30 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 7:00pm/et; green flag approx. 7:46pm/et
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Sunday, August 24, 4:00am/et, ESPN2

Harvick wins Bristol pole: #4-Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light pole for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway with track record speed of 131.362mph for his 5th pole of 2014, 1st at Bristol and 11th of his career. Harvick has won four races from the pole out of 10 previous poles.
#24-Gordon is on the outside pole followed by #99-Edwards, #18-Busch, #48-Johnson, #22-Logano, #41-Busch, #16-Biffle, #2-Keselowski, #9-Ambrose, #31-Newman and #5-Kahne.
#42-Larson smacked the outside wall, then slide and hit the inside wall on his lap early in round 1 and did some damage to the right rear and the left front of the car.
#26-Whitt backed into the wall and spun around, doing damage to the rear of the car. #43-Almirola and #13-Mears also make some contact with the wall and did damage to their cars with the #43 going to a backup car.
Missing the race were: none, as the were 43 drivers entered for 43 starting spots.
See the starting lineup, round 1 & round 2 qualifying results, qualifying order and more on the Bristol Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-22-2014)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Bristol:
#4-Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 54th Annual IRWIN Tools Night Race with a lap of 14.607 seconds, 131.362 mph.
This is his 11th pole in 490 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fifth pole and 16th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in 28 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
#24-Jeff Gordon (second) posted his 15th top-10 start of 2014 and his 33rd in 44 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
#99-Carl Edwards (third) posted his 11th top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his ninth in 24 races this season.
#51-Justin Allgaier (19th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(8-22-2014)

First Round of Qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 30 minutes.
#24-Gordon 130.637
#4-Harvick 130.362
#99-Edwards 130.336
#9-Ambrose 130.265
#18-Busch 130.247
the rest of the top 12: 31 2 41 48 16 22 5;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 2: 11 15 55 20 27 1 51 88 17 47 78 10 14 3 23 95 34 98 66 38 83 26 37 36 32 7 40 42 33 43 13
Driver who will miss the race: none.
#42-Larson smacked the outside wall, then slide and hit the inside wall on his lap early in round 1 and did some damage to the right rear and the left front of the car. #26-Whitt backed into the wall and spun around, doing damage to the rear of the car. #43-Almirola and #13-Mears also make some contact with the wall and did damage to their cars with the #43 going to a backup car.(8-22-2014)

Coverage of Qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2014 at 5:40pm/et.
Television (TV): ESPN2, 5:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Performance Racing Network (PRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none

Qualifying Order for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #42-Larson.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #99-Edwards.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Bristol Qualifying Page.(8-22-2014)

Happy Hour practice for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#17-Stenhouse Jr. 131.048
#48-Johnson 131.012
#5-Kahne 130.869
#43-Almirola 130.780
#42-Larson 130.762
slowest: #13-Mears 123.937 & #38-Gilliland 124.379
no speed listed: #33-Stremme, #37-Blaney
notes: Track qualifying record is 129.991mph.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10-lap consecutive average on the Bristol Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-22-2014)

First Friday practice for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 120 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 131.083
#11-Hamlin 130.557
#4-Harvick 130.504
#55-Vickers 130.495
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 130.132
slowest: #33-Stremme 122.764 & #32-Yeley 124.371
most laps run: #5-Kahne 119; #22-Logano 114; #24-Gordon 110; #32-Yeley 103
notes: #33-Stremme had the throttle hang open and smacked the wall, looks like the team will go to a backup car.
If qualifying (scheduled for 5:40pm/et on ESPN2] is cancelled, this practice would be used to set the field by speed. Track qualifying record is 129.991mph.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10-lap consecutive average on the Bristol Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(8-22-2014)

Bristol announces new April race date for the Food City 500: Fans of Bristol Motor Speedway have been heard. After considerable fan feedback, Bristol Motor Speedway announced Friday the 2015 Food City 500 weekend will move to April 17-19. Since 2005, the Food City 500 has been held in March. "This is a great day in the history of Bristol Motor Speedway thanks to our passionate fans," said Jerry Caldwell, BMS general manager and executive vice president. "Bruton and Marcus Smith and NASCAR heard the relentless plea for a true spring race date. The fans can look forward to a 2015 landmark celebration April 17-19 in Thunder Valley." Food City has become synonymous with NASCAR racing in the region with its sponsorship of two of the sport's most popular races, the Food City 500 and Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. As the second longest running sponsor in NASCAR, Food City has also contributed more than $500,000 to local organizations through its annual Family Race Night events. "We are thrilled NASCAR, Mike Helton and Bruton Smith responded to the race fans," said K-VA-T President and CEO Steve Smith. "Bristol is a special place. The April date better accommodates our guests traveling in their RVs from northern climates and provides our loyal Bristol fans with the best possible Food City 500 experience. We can't wait for April 2015!" Tickets for the 2015 April race weekend are available now. For information on reserving your seat at Bristol, visit BristolTix.com or call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(8-22-2014)

Roush Fenway Racing announces a 2015 sponsor for Biffle: Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Ortho and its complete line of home, lawn and garden pest control products will serve as the anchor partner on the #16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) entry driven by two-time NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle in a multi-year deal. "I am thrilled to have Ortho on board," said Biffle, who is looking to become the first driver to win championships in all three of NASCAR's major series. "I spend a great deal of time outside and do a lot of work on my home myself, and I understand how important their products can be. They have a great history and it will be an honor to have a brand of their stature and reputation on our #16 Ford Fusion moving forward." Ortho makes its debut on the #16 car next week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and will appear on the car for two more races this season before becoming the anchor partner in 2015.
"Roush Fenway Racing, Greg Biffle and the #16 Ford are a natural partner for Ortho," said Mike Sutterer, Vice President of Ortho and Regional Marketing. "Like Ortho, Greg and Roush Fenway Racing have a long history of success, including being number one. We feel Greg and his crew will enable us to engage with fans and highlight our great brand. Needless to say, our entire team is excited to see the new car on the starting grid and in victory lane."
Ortho's parent company, Scotts Miracle-Gro teamed with Roush Fenway from 2005 until 2011, teaming for 12 wins and 14 poles across all three of NASCAR's major series. Mark Martin drove the Scotts Ford F-150 to six victories in the NASCAR Truck Series, while Carl Edwards captured the 2007 NNS Championship carrying Scotts colors.(Roush Fenway Racing), during the press conference, it was mentioned that Ortho would be on about half of the 2015 races. See images of the scheme on the 2015 #16 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2014).

Stewart to skip Bristol: Tony Stewart has decided not to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Veteran driver Jeff Burton, a winner of 21 Sprint Cup races, will pilot the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing in place of Stewart for the second straight week. Burton subbed for Stewart last weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Burton has 40 Sprint Cup starts at Bristol, which includes a victory in the 2008 Food City 500. This driver change pertains only to Bristol. Stewart's plans for upcoming Sprint Cup races have yet to be determined.(SHR)
For earlier updates on the sprint car accident and the ongoing investigation, see the #14 team news page.(8-20-2014)

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 in the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on the Bristol Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Goodyear Tire Notes for Bristol: Teams in all three NASCAR series in action at Bristol this week will run the same Goodyear tire codes . . . this is a different tire set-up than Sprint Cup and Nationwide teams ran at Bristol in March, though these teams did run this same combination of left- and right-side tires at this track in 2013 . . . unlike on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, on which teams generally do not run inner liners in their tires, teams are required to run liners in their right-side tires only at Bristol . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see full tire notes, tire codes, pressures, set limits on the Bristol Race Info page - Goodyear section.

Bristol Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
· Fred Lorenzen won the inaugural Coors Light pole with a speed of 79.225 mph.
· 47 different drivers have poles at Bristol, led by Mark Martin and Cale Yarborough with nine each. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with five.
· Four drivers have won from the pole position multiple times: Bobby Allison (1972 twice), Cale Yarborough (1973, 1977 twice, 1980), Darrell Waltrip (1981 twice, 1982) and Rusty Wallace (1991, 1993, 1999, 2000).
· 10 different drivers have posted consecutive poles at Bristol Motor Speedway; Mark Martin is the only of the 10 to win four consecutive poles at Bristol: Fireball Roberts (swept 1962), Fred Lorenzen (swept 1963), Richard Petty (1967-'68), Bobby Allison (swept 1972), Cale Yarborough (swept 1973; swept 1977; swept 1980), Darrell Waltrip (swept 1981), Geoff Bodine (swept 1986), Mark Martin (swept 1995-1996- all four races; and swept 2009); Rusty Wallace (swept 1998), Jeff Gordon (swept 2002) and Denny Hamlin (fall 2013, spring 2014).
· Jeff Gordon leads (active drivers) the series in average starting position at Bristol with a 7.442. · The race winner has started from the pole 22 times, the most productive starting position. The last driver to win from the pole was Carl Edwards, in the night race of 2008.
· 35 of the 107 (33.0%) races at Bristol have been won from the front row: Pole position (22 wins); second-place (13 wins). · 85 of the 107 (32.7%) races have been won from a top-10 starting position; including 53 from the first four spots. · Five of the 107 (4.6%) races have been won from a starting position outside the top 20. · Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway three times; most recently August 25, 2012.
(NASCAR)(8-22-2014)

CRC returns to sponsor #40 with 1-Tank Power Renew: CRC Industries, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading specialty chemicals for automotive service technicians and do-it-yourselfers, announced that it will exhibit its popular fuel system cleaner, CRC 1-Tank Power Renew, at the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "IRWIN Tools Night Race." CRC will be the primary sponsor of the #40 CRC 1-Tank Power Renew Chevry for Hillman Racing and driver Landon Cassill at Bristol. "For motorists that have seen a decline in their vehicle's power, acceleration and driving performance, CRC 1-Tank Power Renew is the best solution," said Louis Fresta, vice president of the CRC Automotive Division. "Its concentrated formula brings professional-quality strength and power to eliminate carbon deposit buildup with a single use." Landon Cassill, driver of the #40 NASCAR Sprint Cup entry said, "I trust the CRC brand and am happy to have CRC 1-Tank Power Renew displayed on my car. We have been using CRC's full line of professional automotive products for a number of years at Hillman Racing and count on them to keep the race cars in top shape for the track." CRC 1-Tank Power Renew is available at participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores nationwide, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Pep Boys and other quality automotive wholesale distributors and retailers. To find more information on CRC 1-Tank Power Renew and a $5 rebate visit: crc1tank.com.(Hillman Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #40 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2014)

Auto-Owners Insurance Joins HScott Motorsports for two races: HScott Motorsports announced that Auto-Owners Insurance will sponsor the #51 Chevy driven by Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta and Martinsville. The two-race sponsorship marks the first time Auto-Owners has been involved in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Auto-Owners Insurance, a Fortune 500 company, is the 15th-largest insurer in the country, based on written premiums. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Auto-Owners Insurance employs more than 4,200 associates. The company is comprised of five property and casualty companies and a life company, and writes business in 26 states through 6,200 local independent agencies.
"We are pleased to announce our sponsorship of the #51 Sprint Cup Series team and driver Justin Allgaier," said Jeff Harrold, chairman and CEO of Auto-Owners Insurance. "It's exciting for us to be backing such a promising young driver early on in his Sprint Cup career. We're looking forward to the Atlanta and Martinsville race weekends."
"I welcome Auto-Owners Insurance as part of our family of partners that make HScott Motorsports more and more competitive each week," said Harry Scott Jr., owner of HScott Motorsports. "This is their first time as a sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the commitment of such a quality company speaks volumes about both HScott Motorsports as a race team and our driver Justin Allgaier."
"Having Auto-Owners Insurance on the car at Atlanta and Martinsville is a big deal to me and the entire team," said Justin Allgaier. "It's great to have such a large company, and one with a lot of history, on my car in the coming weeks. I can't thank Jeff and his entire company enough for their support."(HScott Motorsports), see an image of the scheme on the #51 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2014)

Circle Sport Announces Charitable Partnership with Montero Medical Missions: With David Stremme back behind the wheel of the #33 Circle Sport Chevy at Bristol, team owner Joe Falk also announced a charitable initiative to bring awareness to Montero Medical Missions (MMM), a non-profit, 501[c][3] tax-exempt status, faith-based and interfaith international humanitarian organization. Besides being proudly displayed on the roof and decklid of the #33 Sprint Cup Series entry for Saturday night's Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol, Falk's Little Joe's Autos dealership in conjunction with Circle Sport is a presenting sponsor of MMM's inaugural Oyster Roast at Chesapeake City Park on November 1st. "I have known Doc (Dr. Juan Montero II) for nearly 20 years, in part, due to my association as a board member at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center," said Falk. "We felt that publicizing Montero Medical Mission's cause on the 33 car at Bristol this weekend would help bolster their current fundraising campaign and bring greater awareness to the great work his charity is doing for our veterans at home as well as those in need overseas. The NASCAR arena is a great platform for Doc to promote his good work and I can't think of a better venue than Bristol Motor Speedway."(Circle Sport)(8-22-2014)

Harvick visits the Ft. Eustis Army Base: #4-Kevin Harvick visited the Ft. Eustis Army Base in Virginia in advance of the Saturday, September 6, Federated Auto Parts 400 at RIR. The base was a fitting venue to let all the soldiers know about RIR's Military Appreciation Program. While on base, Harvick tested his skills on an Apache helicopter simulator with the 128th Aviation Brigade; took a tour of the 7th Transportation Brigade, also known as the "Army's Navy," and spoke with the men and women who protect our country on a daily basis. "I look at the NASCAR world in general, in the sports world, as one of the biggest supporters of our military, and we couldn't be more thankful for what they do for us," said Harvick. "It allows us to live our lives as we do, and there are a lot of sacrifices made for us to do so." NASCAR weekend in Richmond kicks off Friday, September 5, with the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Tickets start at $30 in advance and can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling 866-455-7223. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections on Friday.(RIR)(8-22-2014)

Sad News - Ed Whitaker: One of the greats of NASCAR history died this morning in Bristol, Tennessee. Family members [say] team owner and car builder Ed Whitaker died just after 8:00am Friday. His teams posted 28 Nationwide Series races wins and was a three time winner at Bristol Motor Speedway. Whitaker is known for helping many of the biggest names in NASCAR get their start on the Nationwide Series. Looking over the names of previous drivers who drove for Whitaker you will find Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, Alan Kulwicki, Tim Richmond, and Davey Allison. BMS officials say Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s first Nationwide race at Bristol in 1997 was in an Ed Whitaker-owned car.(WCYB)
AND former NASCAR car owner Ed Whitaker, who earned 28 victories in the former Busch Series, died this morning [8-22-2014] at his Bristol, Va., home, according to business associate Peter Laura. Whitaker provided Dale Earnhardt, Jr., with his first ride at Bristol Motor Speedway in what is now known as the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 1997 and built machines for the late Dale Earnhardt, Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison and other drivers like Harry Gant, Morgan Shepherd and Mark Martin. "He loved every driver that every got in one of his cars. They were family to him," Maxine Whitaker, Ed's wife, said in an interview earlier this afternoon.(Bristol Herald Courier), see Whitaker's record as an owner at Racing-reference.info.(8-22-2014)

Series Schedules to be released Tuesday: As was announced by NASCAR, the 2015 NASCAR season schedule will be officially presented on Tuesday, August 26 at 5pm/et on a special 60-minute edition of NASCAR AMERICA, NBCSN's daily studio show dedicated to speed and stock car racing. NASCAR AMERICA host Rick Allen, will be joined by NBC Sports Group NASCAR analysts Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty and Frank Stoddard to present the schedule and discuss the selected dates, tracks, and overall 2015 NASCAR calendar. In addition, the show will feature a collection of reporters, drivers, track presidents, team owners and NASCAR officials who will weigh in on the 2015 schedule and the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, which will air exclusively on NBC and NBCSN.(NBC Sports)
AND NASCAR formally announces its 2015 race and broadcast schedules on a special edition of FOX Sports 1's NASCAR Race Hub on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 5pm/et. In 2015, the NASCAR on FOX broadcast season includes the first 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races, as well as the NASCAR Sprint Unlimited, the Budweiser Duel At Daytona and the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. For the first time ever, NASCAR on FOX adds NASCAR Nationwide Series races, delivering the first 14 events of the season on FOX Sports 1. Live, full-season coverage of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series continues on FOX Sports 1. All races on FOX Sports 1 also are available through FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content.(FoxSports)(8-22-2014)

Blaney wins Nationwide race at Bristol: #22-Ryan Blaney won the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. #54-Kyle Busch, who started from the pole, finished second followed by #9-Chase Elliott, #3-Ty Dillon, #7-Reagn Smith, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #5-Kevin Harvick, #20-Erik Jones, #99-James Buescher, and #60-Chris Buescher.
Blaney took the lead from Busch on the final restart with 6 laps remaining. It was his first win of 2014 and the 2nd of his Nationwide career.
The start of the race was delayed by almost an hour after a rain shower hit the track just before pre-race ceremonies.
There were 10 cautions for 57 laps and 9 lead changes among 5 leaders. Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf).
(8-22-2014)

Bristol Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney won the 33rd Annual Food City 300, his second victory in 24 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in three races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his 17th top-10 finish in 21 races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2014.
Chase Elliott (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Chase Elliott (third) was the highest finishing rookie.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-22-2014)

Nationwide Driver standings following Bristol:
1) #9-Chase Elliott # 834
2) #7-Regan Smith 821, -13
3) #3-Ty Dillon # 804, -30
4) #11-Elliott Sadler 792, -42
5) #2-Brian Scott 783, -51
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 771, -63
7) #60-Chris Buescher # 682, -152
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 664, -170
9) #16-Ryan Reed # 632, -202
10) #99-James Buescher 621, -213
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-22-2014)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Bristol are posted (pdf).(8-22-2014)

Busch on Nationwide pole at Bristol: #54-Kyle won the Coors Light Pole for the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 125.142mph. #22-Ryan Blaney will start second followed by: #42-Kyle Larson, #9-Chase Elliott, #11-Elliott Sadler, #20-Erik Jones, #3-Ty Dillon #7-Regan Smith, #2-Brian Scott, #33-Cale Conley, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #6-Trevor Bayne.
#54-Busch was also quickest in the opening qualifying session at 124.719mph
Did Not Qualify: #37-Ryan Ellis, #13-Carl Long, #46-Matt Frahm, #70-Derrike Cope and #29-Milka Duno. The starting lineup is posted on the Bristol starting lineup page (pdf).(8-22-2014)

Brad Teague driving at Bristol UPDATE: Johnson City driver Brad Teague will race for veteran car owner Rick Ware in this Friday's Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Teague, 66, looks to join the 72-year-old Morgan Shepherd as the only drivers to race in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series' inaugural season of 1982 and the current season. Teague has raced at NASCAR's highest levels since the 1970's with 293 starts in the three national touring series. At Bristol, Teague has 45 career starts in the three national series and quite a few more on the other short-track circuits. "I'm really glad for the opportunity to do this again," he said. "You have to have sponsors to do it and I've got the support of JD Metals and the SCAG people. This time, ABS Building Systems is helping me too. I couldn't do it without all those people."(Johnson City Press), Teague will drive the #23. Robert Richardson was originally listed as the driver.(8-20-2014)
UPDATE: Blake Koch is in the #23 this weekend. Teague is not entered.(8-22-2014)

Watkins Glen plans on safety improvements: This year's Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International once again also featured a violent multi-car wreck -- something that has been a trend over the past few years at WGI. This time the incident occurred exiting the Carousel corner, when Ryan Newman's #31 hit the Armco barrier before shooting across the track and into the path of Michael McDowell's #95. After the two cars made contact, McDowell's car lifted in the air, hitting another Armco barrier, leaving a hole in the wall and causing a lengthy delay as crews made repairs. While both drivers were able to walk from their cars, Newman -- among other drivers -- heavily criticized the state of safety around WGI, saying the track has not adapted to the changes in safety developed over the years. Throughout the years, Watkins Glen has made a number of changes to the track, run-off areas and walls with the goal being to produce safer racing, including in the area of the track where Newman's incident occurred. After hard wrecks by the late Jason Leffler in the Nationwide Series and Sam Hornish Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton in the Sprint Cup Series, the track paved the grass that was next to the track and adjusted the wall and barriers where both Leffler and Hornish had hit.
For WGI track president Michael Printup, "safety is obviously paramount" to WGI, saying the best thing about the Newman-McDowell incident was that all drivers walked away and nobody had to go to the hospital. While admitting there always is room for improvement and innovation, Printup said he does not fully agree with Newman's tough words. "I think Ryan's a little off in his harsh criticism, because it that was a SAFER wall -- like Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. said, you don't want to be hitting concrete," he pointed out. "Concrete stops you, the barrier gave; but there are definitely issues we have to address." For the record, Earnhardt Jr. actually called for concrete and SAFER barriers in that section of track, saying the Armco barriers were not enough.
"I'd love to have some concrete walls and SAFER barriers but it's a lot of concrete that would have to be put up here," Earnhardt Jr. said during the race's red-flag period that day. "We've been running through guardrails for 50 years, so I don't think they've got them perfected. They do the best they can and we're going way faster here than we used to go and so when the car bounces back out on the race track it's hard to avoid. And you're going to get slung into the guardrail and hit that thing harder than you would expect, but I don't know what else they can do. It would be too expensive to put walls around it and SAFER barriers and all that stuff. You trust in what they're doing and I'm glad nobody is hurt."
Printup indicated after that after the race at The Glen, he flew to International Speedway Corp. headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla., and spent three days working with ISC president John Saunders and the design team to address the issue. "We'll get the University of Nebraska up there, we'll get NASCAR up there, we're going to evaluate everything we can," he said. "We'll do whatever we need to do to make sure it is the safest track we can." While driver input is always a valuable resource when looking at safety innovations, Printup indicated they have to marry that up with the University of Nebraska safety experts, and let them take the lead. Hosting only one NASCAR race a year, Watkins Glen also features a host of other racing series, all of which use "the boot" section of the track that NASCAR does not. Any safety innovations implemented with an eye to the NASCAR weekend will also have implications for the other racing series as well. "There was some curbing there that made the back of that car hop. A lot people can't see it. It's a black-and-white checkered curbing that is about a seven-inch curb rise. So when the car hits it, it pops it up. So that was one thing we have to look real hard at and see if maybe that curbing doesn't need to be there. But for the road-course guys who race the boot, they want that curbing there. So, we have to figure out that happy medium." Serving as track president since June 2009, Printup understands that his lone NASCAR weekend each year has to not only put on a good show on the track, but also be accommodating for everyone involved -- and the results show his team is doing its best to get the job done.(in part from FoxSports)(8-22-2014)

Bristol Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
· NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the series in starts at Bristol with 60. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 43 starts.
· Richard Petty leads the series in runner-up finishes at Bristol with 10; Kevin Harvick leads all active drivers with four.
· 12 drivers have won consecutive races at Bristol led by Darrell Waltrip with seven consecutive victories from 1981-1984. The other 11 are Fred Lorenzen (1963-1964 sweep), David Pearson (1968 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972 sweep), Cale Yarborough did it twice (1974 sweep and four straight from 1976-1977), Richard Petty (1975 sweep), Dale Earnhardt also did twice (1985 sweep and 1987 sweep), Alan Kulwicki (1992 sweep), Rusty Wallace (2000 sweep), Kurt Busch (2003 sweep and 2004 spring race), Kyle Busch (2009 sweep), and Brad Keselowski (2011 fall-2012 spring).
· Darrell Waltrip and Richard Petty lead the series in top-five finishes at Bristol with 26 each. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 16.
· Richard Petty has 37 top-10 finishes at Bristol, more than any other driver. Jeff Gordon leads the series among active drivers in top-10 finishes with 24.
· Kyle Busch leads the series (active drivers) in average finish at Bristol with a 10.895.
· Kurt Busch posted his first series career win at Bristol (2002), and Joey Logano won his first pole at Bristol (2010).
· Joe Nemechek leads the series (active drivers) with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol without visiting Victory Lane with 38.
· Two female drivers have made NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol: Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.
(NASCAR)(8-21-2014)

Ryan Truex taken to hospital after practice crash UPDATE3: NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie #83-Ryan Truex hit the Turn 2 wall hard Saturday morning in the day's opening practice session at Michigan International Speedway. Running eight laps in the early morning session, Truex lost the back end of his #83 Toyota. The car corrected and shot head-on into the outside wall. Per NASCAR's new rule, Truex remained in the car until NASCAR and safety officials arrived on site, and then walked away under his own power. According to a BK Racing official, Truex was complaining of a headache and shoulder pain and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Truex broke his collarbone in 2013 while riding a motorcycle.(Fox Sports)(8-16-2014)
UPDATE: Ryan Truex, driver of the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry was involved in a single-car crash during practice at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday. Truex was transported to a local hospital where he underwent CT scans of his head, neck, chest and abdomen, which were all negative. Truex was diagnosed with a concussion. He will follow the NASCAR guidelines to return to racing. JJ Yeley will pilot the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry in tomorrow's Pure Michigan 400.(BK Racing).(8-16-2014)
UPDATE2: Ryan Truex, tweeted Sunday, "Hardest hit of my career by far yesterday..Feeling better today. Thanks for the concern,will see the doc this week & hopefully be back soon."(8-18-2014)
UPDATE3 Truex cleared to return at Bristol: Ryan Truex, driver of the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry, has been medically cleared to return to previous racing activities. Truex was involved in a single-car crash during Saturday practice at this past weekend's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. JJ Yeley substituted for Truex and finished 30th in last Sunday's race.(BK Racing)(8-21-2014)

Keselowski 25th driver to win in all three series: with Brad Keselowski's Camping World Truck win at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday morning (see details on the race on Jayski's Camping World Truck Series site), he becomes the 25th driver to have at least one win in all three National Series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck). Keselowski has 13 wins in Sprint Cup, 30 wins in Nationwide and one in the Truck Series.
Keselowski becomes just the sixth driver to have a win in each of the series at one track [2 Cup wins at Bristol, 1 in Nationwide and now 1 in Trucks], joining Kyle Busch (10 tracks), Kevin Harvick (5), Mark Martin (4), Carl Edwards (Dover) and Bobby Labonte (Martinsville).
Keselowski also is the fifth driver to score a win in the same season across NASCAR's three national series having won 3 Cup races in 2014, 3 Nationwide races and one Truck Series race.
For the lists and more stats, see my NASCAR Wins in all three National Series page.(8-21-2014)

Saturday Night NASCAR Race at Bristol on Alternate Channels in Some Markets: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol (TN) Motor Speedway is being broadcast live nationally by ABC on Saturday night, Aug. 23, but viewing will be affected in 15 markets due to NFL preseason games airing on local ABC affiliates. In all 15 markets where the race telecast is being preempted, NASCAR fans who are satellite TV subscribers will be able to watch the race on ESPN alternate channels (DirecTV - channel 209-1; DISH - channel 145). For cable subscribers, the race will air on alternate channels in 11 of the 15 markets.
The telecast begins with NASCAR Countdown at 7:00 pm/et and the race's green flag is scheduled for 7:43 pm/et.
The affected markets:
Austin, Texas - race telecast on digital cable: Time Warner channels 811 and 1240, Suddenlink channel 721, AT&T Channel 3024.
Charlotte, N.C. - race telecast on WAXN TV64. Available on Time Warner channel 1230, Charter channel 703, Compas channel 16, Comporium channel 110. WSOC-TV will join race in progress after football game ends.
Casper, Wyo. - only available to satellite TV subscribers
Cheyenne, Wyo. - only available to satellite TV subscribers
Duluth, Minn. - race telecast on digital cable: Charter channel 398, Mediacom channel 113.
HARRISburg, Pa. - race telecast on digital cable: Comcast channel 246, Verizon channel 461, Blue Ridge Cable channel 152, Kuhn channel 67, Nittany Media 228.
Houston - race telecast on digital cable: Comcast channels 315 and 685.
Louisville, Ky. - race telecast on digital cable: Comcast channel 432, Time Warner channel 207.
Nashville, Tenn. - race telecast on digital cable: Comcast channel 245, Charter channel 136.
St. Joseph, Mo. - only available to satellite TV subscribers
San Antonio, Tex. - only available to satellite TV subscribers
Sioux Falls, S.D. - race telecast on digital cable: Mid-Continent channels 596 and 614. (Also DISH channel 36).
Tulsa, Okla. - race telecast on digital cable: Cox channel 131.
Washington, D.C. - race telecast on digital cable: Comcast channel 205, Cox channel 806, Verizon FiOS channel 467.
Weslaco, Tex. - race telecast on digital cable: Time Warner channel 877.
In Milwaukee, Little Rock, Ark., Jonesboro, Ark., Fort Smith, Ark., and Tyler, Texas, the local ABC affiliates will not air NASCAR Countdown due to airing local newscasts but all will join ABC for the race telecast at 7:30pm/et.(ESPN)
REBROADCAST is scheduled for Sunday, April 24, 2014 on ESPN2 at 4:00am/et.(8-21-2014)

Phelps and O'Donnell Take on Broad Leadership Roles in NASCAR: NASCAR announced it has elevated the responsibilities of Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell with both assuming leadership roles in NASCAR's Charlotte region offices effective immediately. The moves are designed to balance the company's senior leadership across NASCAR's various offices and accelerate the implementation of several key growth initiatives.
"In Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR has two seasoned leaders who are highly respected throughout the industry and have records of success in leading key functions within NASCAR," said NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France. "Our strong teams in Charlotte and Concord are engaged in many efforts critical to the sport's future and we're confident having these two leaders at the helm on a day-to-day basis will accelerate projects and help us drive innovation for the future."
Phelps, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, now will lead the company's operations at NASCAR Plaza in Uptown Charlotte. Phelps, who will continue to report to NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Brent Dewar, retains all of his current responsibilities which include oversight of Brand Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, NASCAR Digital Media and NASCAR Properties. As part of this move, Phelps now also will assume oversight of Licensing, as well as Entertainment Marketing to bolster integration between the Los Angeles-based division and the other marketing and content disciplines operating primarily out of Charlotte.
O'Donnell assumes leadership of NASCAR's Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. Reporting to NASCAR President Mike Helton, O'Donnell has been named Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer and will add oversight of all operations in Concord, including Racing Development and Innovation, as well as Competition. O'Donnell maintains oversight of Racing Operations, Industry Services, Green Innovation, Touring / Weekly Series and Membership Services in addition to his new responsibilities.
Gene Stefanyshyn, who leads NASCAR's Racing Development and Innovation group, and Robin Pemberton, who heads the Competition department, both have been promoted to senior vice president and now will report to O'Donnell. Additionally, Tom Swindell who has played a key role on several recent Racing Operations initiatives has been assigned to Concord where he will work closely with O'Donnell on short- and long-term development projects. Stefanyshyn, who joined NASCAR in May 2013, has made an immediate impact on the company in leading the transformation and modernization of NASCAR's rules package development, testing and parts approval processes and set in motion a number of innovation projects for future racing development. Pemberton, a long-time crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has played a key role in the evolution of NASCAR's officiating model, qualifying procedures and championship format since his arrival at NASCAR in 2004.
"Gene and Robin both bring invaluable experience and unique expertise to our team in Concord, and we are enjoying some of the best competition ever in NASCAR due to their efforts," said O'Donnell. "We are constantly looking to improve and while we have very good momentum on an array of projects, we believe we can make an already strong product even better in a variety of ways for the industry and most importantly, for the fans."(NASCAR)(8-21-2014)

3M Hire Our Heroes Campaign to Honor America's Heroes at Bristol UPDATE: At the NASCAR Sprint Cup race night race at Bristol, NASCAR star Greg Biffle will be driving a #16 3M Ford Fusion with a strong force behind it - the power of the 3M Hire Our Heroes program. Biffle's #16 3M Hire Our Heroes Ford Fusion will feature a paint scheme created by legendary car designer Chip Foose to honor the veterans recognized through the 3M Hire Our Heroes program in 2014. To date, some 55 military members and their families have received tool grants and scholarships through the program, totaling some $250,000. It is the second year that the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division has led the 3M Hire Our Heroes program and run a special paint scheme with Chip Foose. For the Bristol race, Biffle's hood design reflects the transition of a soldier in camouflage to a collision industry professional. The camouflage is peeling away to showcase the stars and stripes underneath. On the hood, a saluting soldier is flanked by two auto body repairers - a painter and a welder.(3M PR)(8-14-2013)
UPDATE - image posted: Greg Biffle's #16 3M Hire Our Heroes Ford Fusion will feature a 3M wrap designed by legendary car designer Chip Foose to honor the veterans recognized through the 3M Hire Our Heroes program in 2014. To date, some 55 military members and their families have received tool grants and scholarships through the program, totaling $250,000. It is the second year that the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division has led the 3M Hire Our Heroes program and run a special car design with Chip Foose (RFR), see an image of the car/scheme on the #16 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2014)

DoubleMint makes 2014 debut on the #18: Iconic chewing gum brand Doublemint - which happens to be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year - will be along for the ride on Kyle Busch's #18 Toyota in Saturday night's Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol. Saturday night's event will mark the first of two races in 2014 that Doublemint will serve as primary sponsor for Busch. The brand's mint paint scheme will also adorn Busch's #18 Toyota at Charlotte in October (JGR/TSC), see images car/scheme on the #18 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2014)

Another 2nd for Harvick: #4-Kevin Harvick was second at Michigan International Speedway for the fourth straight race, matching the Sprint Cup Series record set by Dale Jarrett at Rockingham Speedway.(NASCAR Wire Service)
Harvick has five 2nd place finishes in 2014 and has 30 career 2nd place finishes, 19th best all time. See more on the All-Time Race Winners and Winner Records page.(8-21-2014)

Dillon to run Great Stuff scheme: The average mid-size US home has a staggering half mile of gaps and cracks that inside conditioned air can leak out of, driving up your energy costs. While Austin Dillon drives the #3 GREAT STUFF Chevrolet around the half-mile track at Bristol Motor Speedway, fans will be able to visualize how much air could be leaking through their walls every day. Dow Business Solutions is a business unit of the Dow Chemical Company. Dow offers insulation, air sealing and weatherization solutions backed by building science expertise to help reduce energy costs and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Dillon's rookie year in the Sprint Cup Series is also Dow's first year as a primary sponsor with RCR and the No. 3 Chevrolet. Together, both teams embrace the power of safety, science and technology as RCR tests Dow products under the most strenuous conditions. Dow also drives innovation to help address many of the world's most challenging problems, bringing a broad range of sustainable products and solutions to customers in nearly 180 countries (RCR), see images car/scheme on the #3 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2014)

New sponsor for Leavine Family Racing debuts at Bristol: Not only is it one of the most anticipated races of the season for NASCAR race fans, but Leavine Family Racing and Michael McDowell, driver of the #95 Thrivent Financial Ford Fusion, are also eager to return to Bristol Motor Speedway for the IRWIN Tools Night Race this Saturday, Aug. 23. McDowell and the #95 team had a very strong run during the spring Bristol race that ended abruptly in an accident. After two rain delay periods, McDowell had climbed his way up to the Top-15 when an on-track accident occurred causing heavy damage to the No. 95 and relegating the team to a 37th place finish. McDowell's #95 Ford Fusion will have a new paint scheme this weekend - a white and red scheme featuring Thrivent Financial, a new sponsor for LFR and the organization's first time in NASCAR. Leavine Family Racing recently created a time-lapsed video that documented the transition to the new paint scheme. A Bristol tradition, drivers get to choose their entrance song for driver introductions during the pre-race ceremony. In honor of the new sponsorship, McDowell has chosen "Thrive" by Casting Crowns. McDowell will have an extended role in the Bristol Motor Speedway ceremonies and will give the invocation prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. As part of its sponsorship with the team, Thrivent Financial is running a #DrivenToThrive sweepstakes and giving away McDowell's Thrivent firesuit and pieces of the #95 race car to fans who enter to win at www.thrivent.com/driventothrive. For each entry, Thrivent will donate $1 to support wounded veterans through the Operation Heal Our Patriots program. Thrivent will donate up to $10,000 as part of this initiative and its mission to live life generously.(LFR), see an image of the car/scheme on the #95 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2014)

Red Buck Premium Cigars co-sponsoring #32 at Bristol: Red Buck Premium Cigars will co-sponsor the Go FAS Racing #32 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Irwin Tools Night Race" at the Bristol. "The Irwin Tools Night Race is one of the marquee events on the Sprint Cup Series schedule, Ross Haynes, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Red Buck Premium Cigars, said. "We are excited to be marketing our Red Buck Premium brand under the lights in Bristol. I know Go FAS driver, J.J. Yeley will do his best to dodge all obstacles Bristol has to offer and bring the Red Buck car home with the best possible finish. After the race we look forward to celebrating with J.J. and the crew by enjoying some Red Buck Premium brand cigars." Red Buck Premium cigars are hand rolled with the finest of tobaccos and offered to retailers throughout the United States. Red Buck Premium is a product of Russell Springs, KY-based Tantus Tobacco Sales LLC. The goal is to make the highest quality premium cigars offered at an affordable price.(Go FAS Racing)(8-21-2014)

Wurth returns to sponsor Keselowski: This weekend, the #2 Team Penske Ford of Brad Keselowski will feature the red and white Wurth paint scheme. This marks the third race of the season for the Wurth Ford and its first time racing under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway (Team Penske). Wurth is scheduled to be the sponsor at one more race in 2014, Dover in September. See images car/scheme on the #2 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2014)

Fans can vote for Newman's Dover scheme - vote thru August 23rd: Quicken Loans has launched a contest for fans to design a paint scheme for the #31 Quicken Loans Chevy to run at Dover on September 28. One lucky winner will win a trip to Dover International Speedway and see their car design in action on the high-banked oval. More info at QLRacing.com. The deadline to submit a paint scheme was August 3rd.(RCR)(7-27-2014)
UPDATE: Quicken Loans has selected the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, Autism Speaks and Folds of Honor as three charities to benefit from its "Paint Your Way to Dover" online contest. Fans can vote on three paint scheme options for the #31 car of Richard Childress Racing driver Ryan Newman being raced at Dover International Speedway on Sept. 28, as well as select a charity to potentially receive $10,000. Help the Childress Institute raise awareness about the needs of seriously injured children by visiting Quicken Loans "Paint Your Way to Dover" site at QLRacing.com. Voting ends Aug. 23.(8-21-2014)

Germain Racing picks up associate sponsors: The Seminole Pride Noble juice brand, which is majority owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., has signed on to be an associate sponsor of the #13 GEICO Chevy by Casey Mears for Germain Racing in the 2014 "Irwin Tools Race Night" at Bristol Motor Speedway. The race marks the first time the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. has sponsored a car in a NASCAR race. The Seminole Pride Noble juice brand and its website, www.noblejuice.com, will appear on the trunk of the #13 GEICO Chevy.
Southern Classic will return as an associate sponsor on the #13 GEICO Chevy at Bristol. Southern Classic Auto Wash and Lube Center, has four locations in the Tri-City Tennessee community. Southern Classic proudly features the liquid engineering found in Castrol oil changes and preventive maintenance for your vehicle.(Germain Racing)(8-21-2014)

Jimmie Johnson Foundation Cane Creek Sprint Triathlon results: It was a team effort on Tuesday evening as #48-Jimmie Johnson had some company competing in the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Cane Creek Sprint Triathlon in speedy style. The course consisted of a 500-yard, open-water swim, a 13-mile bike ride and a 5K run. Johnson's time was 1:06:43 - ninth overall and first in his age group. Crew Chief Chad Knaus had a time of 1:30:49; Engine tuner John Boydston finished in 1:16:22; Shock specialist Mike Ellershaw crossed the finish line in 1:19:07; tire specialist Kyle Collins had a time of 1:20:00 and engineer Dave Elenz brought it home in 1:32:23.(HMS)(8-21-2014)

Larson fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #42-Kyle Larson was quickest during happy hour for the Food City 300 with a speed of 125.313mph. He was followed by: #54-Kyle Busch, #2-Brian Scott, #22-Ryan Blaney, #9-Chase Elliott, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #33-Cale Conley, #7-Regan Smith, #3-Ty Dillon, and #6-Trevor Bayne. All 45 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Bristol practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-21-2014)

Elliott fastest in first Nationwide practice: #9-Chase Elliott was fastest during opening practice at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 123.324mph. #54-Kyle Busch was second, followed by: #5-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brian Scott, #22-Ryan Blaney, #42-Kyle Larson, #7-Regan Smith, #3-Ty Dillon, #42-Dylan Kwasniewski, and #6-Trevor Bayne. 43 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Bristol practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-21-2014)

Cockrum in the #87 at Atlanta: Chris Cockrum, a Conyers, GA. native, announced he will be once again piloting the #87 Advanced Communications Group / Capt. Herb Emory Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Great Clips 300 to benefit Feed the Children race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Making only his second Nationwide series start, Chris is looking forward to reuniting with car owner Rick Ware and crew chief Jeff Spraker and would like to thank them and the entire RWR team for all of their hard work in putting this effort together. The paint scheme on the #87 Ford will be adorned with Captain Herb livery, but also with charities that Emory, a Georgia Radio Hall of Fame inductee and longtime airborne traffic reporter and racing show host for WSB Radio in Atlanta, supported during his legendary career. Those include Toys for Tots, A Gift of Love Services in Douglasville, Douglas County Humane Society, and the Share House Family Crisis Center in Douglas County. Captain Herb tragically died in April of a massive heart attack as he was assisting authorities at the scene of a crash in front of his house.(PR), see an image of the car on the #87 team paint schemes page.(8-21-2014)

O'Quinn running family business after NASCAR: His dream of NASCAR superstardom may not have worked out, but that doesn't mean Danny O'Quinn Jr. has forgotten how to drive a racecar. Saturday night at his home track in Coeburn, Va., the 2006 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year returned to victory lane after winning the second of two 35-lap Late Model twin features. It was the first time the 29-year-old O'Quinn had been behind the wheel of a racecar this year, and only the second time in the past two years. On both occasions he was a winner at Lonesome Pine Raceway, where his stock car racing career began. After six seasons in the NASCAR Nationwide series and 106 starts, O'Quinn moved back home to Coeburn two years ago to take over the family business - and as it worked out - start a family of his own. After winning races and championships racing in local and regional divisions for a family funded team, in 2005 the 20-year-old O'Quinn literally drove his way into a ride with the premier Roush Racing NASCAR team. Despite his Rookie of the Year effort in 2006, however, there was no sponsorship money in 2007 for O'Quinn. Eventually he left Roush to drive for smaller teams. He also worked in the garage area, setting up cars for Bobby Hamilton Jr. in 2008 with Team Rensi Motorsports, spotting for the Wood Brothers, and helping second-generation racer Brandon McReynolds. But, O'Quinn had moved to North Carolina to drive race cars, and by 2011 there wasn't much available for him in NASCAR as a driver except for the occasional "start-and-park."(Kingsport Times-News)(8-21-2014)

Keselowski wins Truck race at Bristol: #19-Brad Keselowski won the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. finished second followed by: #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Johnny Sauter, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #21-Joey Coulter, #00-Cole Custer, #32-Ben Rhodes, and #92-Corey LoJoie. There were 4 caution flags for 27 laps and 5 lead changes among 2 leaders.
Kyle Busch started today's race from the pole and led three times for a total of 81 laps (of 200) before cutting a tire in the closing laps and finishing 24th.
Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf).(8-21-2014)

Keselwoski 25th driver to win in all three series: with Brad Keselowski's Camping World Truck win at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday morning, he becomes the 25th driver to have at least one win in all three National Series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck). Keselowski has 13 wins in Sprint Cup, 30 wins in Nationwide and one in the Truck Series.
Keselowski becomes just the sixth driver to have a win in each of the series at one track [2 Cup wins at Bristol, 1 in Nationwide and now 1 in Trucks], joining Kyle Busch (10 tracks), Kevin Harvick (5), Mark Martin (4), Carl Edwards (Dover) and Bobby Labonte (Martinsville).
Keselowski also is the fifth driver to score a win in the same season across NASCAR's three national series having won 3 Cup races in 2014, 3 Nationwide races and one Truck Series race.
For the lists and more stats, see my NASCAR Wins in all three National Series page.(8-21-2014)

Bristol Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski won the 17th Annual UNOH 200 presented by ZLOOP, his first victory in 62 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in seven races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Keselowski also has two NASCAR Sprint Cup wins (Aug. 2011, March 2012) and one NASCAR Nationwide Series win (Aug. 2008) at Bristol.
Keselowski becomes the 25th driver to win a race in all three of NASCAR's national series. His first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win came at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2009. His first NASCAR Nationwide Series win came at Nashville Superspeedway on June 7, 2008.
Brad and his father Bob Keselowski become the first father/son duo to win races in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
Ron Hornaday Jr. (third) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 15 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Tyler Young (18th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 8 points over Matt Crafton.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-21-2013)

Driver standings following Bristol:
1) #98-Johnny Sauter, 487
2) #88-Matt Crafton, 479, -8
3) #30-Ron Hornaday, 470, -17
4) #29-Ryan Blaney, 463, -24
5) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 454, -33
6) #77-German Quiroga, 433, -54
7) #21-Joey Coulter, 425, - 62
8) #17-Timothy Peters, 414, -73
9) #31-Ben Kennedy, 412, -75
10) #13-Jeb Burton, 360, -94
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-21-2014)

Owner Standings following Bristol are posted (pdf).(8-21-2014)

BKR's Michigan issues a mistake and miscommunication: Last weekend's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway was shaping up to be a big day for Brad Keselowski Racing. Team owner Brad Keselowski's foundation was the presenting sponsor of the race, his two team trucks driven by Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney swept the front row in qualifying, there were a host of guests in attendance, and all of it was taking place at Michigan native Keselowski's home track. However, once the race got underway, both trucks struggled mightily. Falling back through the pack, the team trucks both hit pit road on separate laps with issues in the nose section of the truck. As Keselowski joined the FOX Sports 1 broadcast team in the booth, he watched as both trucks had the lower section of the nose separate from their truck, as the crew members did their best to make repairs. At the end of the day, Logano would finish 18th, while Blaney finished a disappointing 21st. Wednesday at Bristol Motor Speedway, Blaney indicated the issue was the result of a directive by NASCAR before qualifying to make a change to the nose section of the car; a directive that NASCAR would eventually apologize to BK Racing for making, according to Blaney and crew chief Doug Randolph."It's taken care of," Blaney said of the issue. "It was a miscommunication on NASCAR's and our team's part before qualifying. It wasn't anything we did different to our trucks. ... Then they came up to us after the race and said, 'Sorry, that was our fault. You didn't have to adjust your noses.' So, it was nothing that we did. It was just a miscommunication." According to Randolph, crew chief on the BKR #19 Ford, that miscommunication was a mistake by a NASCAR official prior to qualifying. "It's a strange situation," Randolph told FOXSports.com. "We were asked going through tech -- not original tech, but tech right before qualifying -- to cut the nose guard on the front of our trucks, just our two trucks. Have never had to do that before. Never really had an issue with the nose before. They asked us to do that. "At the end of the day, the inspector was just wrong," Randolph added. "She thought it was a character line instead of a seam that was already there, where the two pieces of nose come together." Randolph explained that by cutting the nose section of both trucks, air was allowed to get in the gap and -- at the high-speed, high-downforce track -- that hurt the handling of the trucks and caused the nose sections to come apart during the race. After the incident, Randolph said the team was able determine things they can do in the future that will prevent it from happening again, regardless of whether NASCAR calls on the team to make adjustments.Keselowski said NASCAR Camping World Truck Series director Chad Little came up to the team after the Michigan race to apologize to the team, something Keselowski called "a nice gesture." NASCAR officials described the incident as a miscommunication between officials and the team, and said the incident was discussed with the team after the race.(FOXSports.com)(8-21-2014)

Three trucks fail post race inspection at Bristol: The winning #19 of Brad Keselowski, along with the third place truck (#30-Ron Hornaday) and eighth place truck (#00-Cole Custer) all measured too high during post race inspection, according to NASCAR's Truck Series Twitter page. Adding, "NASCAR will discuss (the) issue further next week."(8-21-2014)

Cameron Hayley driving 3 races for Turner Scott: Turner Scott Motorsports announced that Cameron Hayley will compete in three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season in the #32 Cabinets by Hayley Chevy Silverado, beginning at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on August 31. A Calgary, Alberta native, Hayley is currently competing full time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for TSM and has claimed one pole award, six top-five finishes and currently sits second in the Driver Point Standings. 18-year-old Hayley made his karting debut at the age of seven and ran a partial NASCAR K&N Pro Series West schedule in 2011, where he was the youngest driver to compete in the series, scoring an impressive second-place finish in his series debut. After a solid full-time rookie season in the K&N Pro Series West in 2012, Hayley finished his 2013 season with one win, six poles and a second-place finish in the Driver Point Standings. Hayley continued to impress on and off the track and was named a NASCAR Next member in 2012, a select group chosen by the sanctioning body that spotlights NASCAR's rising stars. Hayley will be under the direction of two-time NCWTS championship-winning crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. for his three events. In 2013, Hillman directed the #4 truck and claimed one victory, seven pole awards and finished the season in fifth place in the NCWTS standings. Hillman and Hayley will team up for the following races: 8/31, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park; 9/20, New Hampshire Motor Speedway; 10/31, Texas Motor Speedway.(Turner Scott Motorsports)(8-21-2014)

First Campers Have Arrived For Atlanta Race Weekend: The first campers have arrived for the Oral-B USA 500 weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, nine days before NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series haulers enter the Speedway for the event. All of the Speedway's exterior campgrounds open Saturday, Aug. 23 for both tent and RV units. Infield and trackside terrace spaces open to guests on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. A limited number of camping spaces in all campgrounds are available for the Labor Day Weekend of NASCAR night racing for visitors with either tent camping or RV units. In addition to coveted spaces in Atlanta Motor Speedway's infield, campground spots outside the track within easy walking distance to Atlanta Motor Speedway's Fan Zone and Grandstands are also available. Tent camping starts at $100 for both unreserved and reserved spaces outside the track. Unreserved RV spaces begin at $60 while a reserved RV space for the Labor Day race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway is $100. The only remaining camping spaces with complete water, power and electrical hook ups are in Trackside Terrace. These spaces, which come with 10 admission tickets for each day of race weekend, provide a prime view of Atlanta Motor Speedway from either the backstretch or overlooking turn one. Complete information on all of Atlanta Motor Speedway's camping options for Labor Day Weekend is available by calling (770) 946-4211. For more information on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Labor Day weekend of night racing, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(8-21-2014)

Stewart to skip Bristol: Tony Stewart has decided not to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Veteran driver Jeff Burton, a winner of 21 Sprint Cup races, will pilot the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing in place of Stewart for the second straight week. Burton subbed for Stewart last weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Burton has 40 Sprint Cup starts at Bristol, which includes a victory in the 2008 Food City 500. This driver change pertains only to Bristol. Stewart's plans for upcoming Sprint Cup races have yet to be determined.(SHR)(8-20-2014)

Lowe's goes back to blue on the #48: After a series of subpar finishes, Jimmie Johnson reached out to Lowe's to ask if the partner could switch up the paint scheme on the #48 Chevy. Lowe's, a 13-year sponsor of Johnson, agreed wholeheartedly. The blue-and-white paint scheme first appeared on Johnson's Chevrolet for the 2012 season and Johnson wrapped up his sixth championship in 2013 in the familiar blue scheme. This car has visited Victory Lane five times since its debut. Johnson chose "Let the Good Times Roll" by The Cars for his introduction song at Bristol Motor Speedway.(HMS/TeamLowes), see images of the 'new' blue scheme on the #48 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2014)

Some possible 2015 Sprint Cup schedule changes UPDATE2: Jim Noble of ESPN/SiriusXM/PRN tweeted Monday evening, "The Southern 500 at Darlington (SC) Raceway will return to its traditional Labor Day weekend date [Sunday, Sept 6th] when NASCAR announces the 2015 Sprint Cup schedule, perhaps as early as this weekend. Atlanta Motor Speedway - which has raced on Labor Day weekend since 2009 - will have its lone Sprint Cup race weekend moved earlier in the season to week #2 - Sunday, March 1, 2015. One other notable change will be the Bristol (TN) spring weekend -- often plagued by weather issues in March, Bristol successfully lobbied for a later date, and will now hold its spring Cup race on Sunday, April 19, 2015."(8-19-2014)
UPDATE According to a source who works inside the sport, the date of the 2015 NASCAR spring Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be moved to Sunday, April 19. Due to the unpredictable weather in the Bristol area and lackluster attendance, BMS officials have long lobbied NASCAR for a change away from current date of March 16. Lynsey Wilson, communications manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway, did not confirm any schedule alteration when reached late Monday. "Conversations are ongoing and once details are finalized, we will release our 2015 plans," said Wilson, who declined further comment. NASCAR officials are expected to officially announce the full 2015 Sprint Cup schedule soon. That announcement could come this weekend during the IRWIN Tools Night Race at BMS. The source also said the Southern 500 Darlington race date will shift back to its traditional Labor Day weekend while the Atlanta race will move to the second week of the season on March 1. During an Aug. 5 interview, BMS general manager Jerry Caldwell expressed his desire for a switch in the spring race date. There was no statement from Helton on Monday night and Caldwell did not comment.(Bristol Herald Courier)
UPDATE2: Two sources well connected with NASCAR confirmed the news Tuesday to the Morning News but did not want to be identified. Darlington Raceway president Chip Wile said Tuesday the track "doesn't respond to rumors."(Morning News)
and see an very unofficial tentative 2015 Sprint Cup Series Schedule page and the 2015 Sprint Cup Series Schedule News, Rumors and Announcements page.(8-20-2014)

Grassroots campaign hopes to show support for Tony Stewart: #14-Tony Stewart has taken his share of fan criticism from the electronic media regarding his actions on the evening of August 9, when his sprint car collided with fellow racer Kevin Ward, Jr., 20, who was on foot following an on-track incident. Ward, as you are likely aware, was upset with the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, and left his car to confront Stewart, whose car was still under power. Ward was killed. The criticism of Stewart involves to what extent - indeed, if at all - Stewart should share the blame. Stewart's fans have responded, via Twitter, Facebook, email and other electronic outlets, to mount a grassroots campaign supporting Stewart this Saturday night at the NASCAR Irwin Tools 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The suggestion is a simple one: Stand up on lap 14, which is the number of Stewart's NASCAR Chevrolet, as well as the number of his sprint car. The supporters are rallying around the "StandWithSmoke" logo that Stewart's team introduced for his return at the Daytona 500, his first race back since he himself suffered a badly broken leg in a sprint car crash in Iowa in August, 2013. Smoke is, of course, Stewart's nickname. The Bristol movement is "100 percent fan driven" said Mike Arning, who handles communications for Stewart. Stewart did not race at Watkins Glen, or at the next race at Michigan. Arning says no timetable has been set for a decision as to whether Stewart will race at Bristol.(Motorsport)(8-20-2014)

Bristol Notes & Facts - Wednesday - track history:
· Groundbreaking for Bristol International Speedway, as Bristol Motor Speedway was originally known, took place in 1960. The track was an exact half-mile.
· First NASCAR Sprint Cup race was July 30, 1961; Jack Smith won the event (with relief from Johnny Allen).
· In the fall of 1969, the track was reshaped and re-measured to .533-miles.
· The name changed to Bristol International Raceway in 1978.
· The first night race was held in the fall of 1978.
· The surface was changed from asphalt to concrete in 1992.
· The name changed to Bristol Motor Speedway in May 1996.
· The track was resurfaced between races in 2007, and the turns were ground down in 2012 to eliminate part of the progressive banking.
· All races have been scheduled for 500 laps, except for both races in 1976 and the second in 1977, which were 400 laps. (NASCAR)(8-20-2014)

Toyota looks to increase power in engines: Toyota Racing Development is continuing to look at ways to produce more horsepower as President David Wilson acknowledged that the Toyotas are behind Hendrick Motorsports in that department. Wilson said the TRD engines are not as far down in horsepower as Joe Gibbs Racing driver #11-Denny Hamlin indicated after the race Sunday at Michigan when Hamlin in frustration said he had 50 less horsepower. "We need to be better," Wilson said Tuesday. "Hands down, the folks over at the Hendrick shop have done a great job this year, and they've got an edge, not just on us but the others as well. We're happy with our reliability. The funny thing about the sports, we finished second, third and fourth at the Brickyard (three weeks ago) no less. The past couple of races have been frustrating for us and for the drivers." JGR and Michael Waltrip Racing, the two primary Toyota teams, use TRD engines in Cup. "We all work (together) on every single part of the race team and the cars," JGR owner Joe Gibbs said about his team's effort with TRD and the lack of horsepower. "For whatever reason, we got off to a bad start this year. ... We're trying to close hard and trying to put ourselves in a good position. We've got some good updates coming in the motor, and so hopefully we get hot at the right time. We've been behind."(Sporting News and FoxSports)(8-20-2014)

#78 to run World Vision scheme next two races to aid Zambia with Clean Water: NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to change lives in a village across the globe. World Vision, the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world, is asking fans to donate $10 to provide clean water for four years to a child in the African country of Zambia. As fans give, World Vision will be closer to its fundraising goal of $15,000, which will provide clean water to everyone in the Zambian village. Fans can donate by texting WATER to 777444. Racing to change lives, Martin Truex Jr.'s #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevy will be fully wrapped in World Vision colors at Bristol and Atlanta, including a special "text to give clean water" message. "As a driver, staying hydrated is a top priority, but I'm blessed to never have to think about finding clean water," said Truex. "Giving just $10 to provide clean water is an amazing way to change a child's life." World Vision already delivers clean water to one new person every 30 seconds, but the global need for clean water sadly remains for hundreds of millions of people. Diseases caused by drinking dirty water kill more than 1,600 children under 5 a day - as many as malaria and AIDS combined. On race day at Bristol Motor Speedway, World Vision also will build disaster response hygiene kits with fans and supporters. These kits will be built in conjunction with Speedway Children Charities and distributed locally to children and families affected by disaster, homelessness or poverty. A typical kit includes hygiene items such as shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste and a comb. To learn more about this race to provide clean water and find out more information about the World Vision/Furniture Row Racing partnership, visit worldvision.org/racing.(FRR), see an image of the scheme Truex Jr. will run on the #78 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2014)

Gibbs says Stewart has strength, courage to return: Joe Gibbs believes #14-Tony Stewart has the strength to return to racing at some point following the Aug. 9 incident which left sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. dead. Gibbs, who employed Stewart at Joe Gibbs Racing from 1999-2008, said he has not spoken to Stewart since the incident but thinks the driver will be able to come back and race again. Stewart has missed the past two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and also has canceled his non-NASCAR racing appearances until further notice. He has not said whether he will drive this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. "From what I saw with Tony, he's got great courage, he's smart, he loves this sport," Gibbs said Tuesday. "He's totally focused on it." Gibbs said he was told by Stewart's representatives the driver is taking some time for himself right now, so he has been hesitant to reach out. But the driver has been in his prayers, Gibbs said. "We all love Tony, we love what he did for us here," he said. "We know he's a racer's racer and he's big for our sport. I would love to have a chance to speak with him at some point and encourage him."(USA Today)(8-20-2014)

Kyle Busch to run the triple at Bristol: Kyle Busch is entered in the three National Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway: #18 DoubleMint Toyota in Sprint Cup; #54 Monster Energy Toyota in the Nationwide Series; and #51 Dollar General Toyota in the Camping World Truck Series.
Busch said: "I love Bristol, and getting back there running all three divisions is going to be fun again. Being able to get back in the Truck, of course, and then run the Nationwide car and also run the Cup car. We'd love to be able to repeat 2010 - that would be amazing - and do another trifecta. But, since they've ground that place, it's not necessarily been my best track, lately. So, I've got some work to do to figure out how to get better there and make it happen. We're excited to have Doublemint on the car this weekend. It's the company's 100th anniversary this year and it was on my car for the sweep in 2010, so hopefully we can bring them back to victory lane on Saturday night."
Kyle Busch capped an elusive hat trick at Bristol by winning the August 2010 Sprint Cup event. Then 25 years old, he swept the slate of NASCAR races at the .533-mile oval that weekend, winning the Truck Series race, along with the Nationwide Series race, before wheeling his #18 Toyota to victory and into the history books in the Sprint Cup race. Busch led four times for a race-high 282 laps in the Sprint Cup race. For the weekend, Busch led 514 of a possible 956 circuits.(JGR/TSC)(8-20-2014)

STP returns to the #43 at Bristol: STP returns to the #43 Ford of Aric Almirola this weekend with the iconic paint scheme made famous by "The King" Richard Petty. In addition, STP will join the #43 in celebrating that the team is #ChaseBound. The team locked into The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and will bring STP to The Chase for the first time. Almirola has 10 Sprint Cup Series starts at the half-mile, concrete track and 18 NASCAR starts. He tallied three Top-Fives and seven Top-10s in all 18 starts (RPM), see images of the STP scheme on the #43 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2014)

#98 Phil Parsons Racing picks up sponsor: Provident Metals has signed a multiple race sponsorship agreement with Phil Parsons Racing making them the primary sponsor for Josh Wise and his #98 car. The agreement will span four races from August through November, finishing off the 2014 sponsorship in Provident's home state of Texas. "The guys from Provident Metals arrived in Daytona to sign the agreement with monster boxes full of Zombucks silver rounds to cover their deposit," said Phil Parsons, owner of Phil Parsons Racing. "That was an exciting exchange and a first for us. We're thrilled to have them as part of our team. The creative team at Provident Metals is hard at work and will debut the first of four exciting paint schemes next month in Bristol, TN. Provident Metals will be prominently featured on the #98 car during the following races: Bristol in August, Richmond in September, Charlotte in October and Texas in November.(Provident Metals)(7-10-2014), see an image of the scheme on the #98 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2014)

Crum returns to the #86: Jake Crum will drive the #86 My Freedom Smokes.com NASCAR Nationwide Series car this Friday night in the Food City 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway. This race will be the second part of a double-duty weekend for the Newport, TN native, who will be competing in the NASCAR Camping World Series race as well on Wednesday night. Bristol is also the home track for Crum, who is from the Volunteer State.(DRG Motorsports)(8-20-2014)

Breyers returns to the #7: Breyers returns as primary sponsor for Smith and the #7 team for the second and final time this year. Breyers Ice Cream, an American classic since 1866, is part of the Unilever family. The company joins Best Foods, Hellmann's and Ragu as other Unilever brands with primary paint schemes this season.(JR Motorsports)(8-20-2014)

Brad Teague driving at Bristol: Johnson City driver Brad Teague will race for veteran car owner Rick Ware in this Friday's Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Teague, 66, looks to join the 72-year-old Morgan Shepherd as the only drivers to race in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series' inaugural season of 1982 and the current season. Teague has raced at NASCAR's highest levels since the 1970's with 293 starts in the three national touring series. At Bristol, Teague has 45 career starts in the three national series and quite a few more on the other short-track circuits. "I'm really glad for the opportunity to do this again," he said. "You have to have sponsors to do it and I've got the support of JD Metals and the SCAG people. This time, ABS Building Systems is helping me too. I couldn't do it without all those people."(Johnson City Press), Teague will drive the #23. Robert Richardson was originally listed as the driver.(8-20-2014)

Busch on Truck pole at Bristol: #51-Kyle Busch won the Keystone Light pole award for the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 124.662mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second, followed by: #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #19-Brad Keselowski, #20-Gray Gaulding, #77-German Quiroga, #98-Johnny Sauter, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #32-Ben Rhodes, and #33-Brandon Jones.
#19-Brad Keselowski was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 124.492mph.
Did not qualify: #03-Michael Affarano.
See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-20-2014)

Bristol Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Busch won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 17th Annual UNOH 200 presented by ZLOOP with a lap of 15.392 seconds, 124.662 mph.
This is his 16th pole in 122 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fourth pole and sixth top-10 start in 2014.
This is his second pole in nine races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2014 and his first in one races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Ron Hornaday Jr. (third) posted his ninth top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway.
It is his ninth in 13 races this season.
Gray Gaulding (fifth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-20-2014)

Wallace fastest in practice: #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. was fastest during the one and only practice at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 125.264 mph. #51-Kyle Busch was second, followed by #20-Gray Gaulding, #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #00-Cole Custer, #33-Brandon Jones, #17-Timothy Peters, #32-Ben Rhodes, #98-Johnny Sauter, and #88-Matt Crafton. 37 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Bristol practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-20-2014)

Courtemanche to drive for SS in Canada: The La Cit Mirabel / Blackshape Aircraft team is proud to announce that Montreal-based driver Ray Courtemanche Jr. will drive the #07 SS Green Light Racing truck in the Labour-Day NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, this coming August 31. Ray Jr. will also be at the wheel of his #29 Dodge in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race held earlier the same day. After his 12th place finish at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres, Ray Jr. headed directly for southern Virginia where he tested a NCWTS truck at the Virginia International Raceway road course.(NASCAR.com)(8-20-2014)

Michigan TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 17, earned a 3.2 U.S. household rating, averaging 5,150,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and viewership were up from last year's race, which earned a 3.0 rating and averaged 4,585,000 viewers. The nation's highest-rated metered market was Greenville, S.C., with a 10.4 rating, followed by Indianapolis at 8.7 and Greensboro, N.C., at 8.6. Charlotte, N.C., was fourth at 7.2 with Birmingham, Ala., and Richmond, Va., tied for fifth at 6.9. Rounding out the top 10 metered markets were Nashville, Tenn., 6.7, Knoxville, Tenn., 6.4, Norfolk, Va., 6.0 and Louisville, Ky., 5.7.
ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, Aug. 16, earned a 0.9 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,473,000 viewers. The rating was the same as last year's race while viewership rose from last year's 1,287,000.(ESPN)
See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(8-19-2014)

Edwards to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2015: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced that drivers Carl Edwards and Daniel Suarez will join the organization in 2015 to compete full time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series respectively. In addition, ARRIS Group, Inc. will sponsor Edwards in the #19 Toyota Camry for 17 races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with JGR expanding its operations to include a fourth team. ARRIS also will support Suarez in a multi-year program, starting with the 2015 NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as a partial schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. JGR also announces that it has launched a diversity initiative with Escuderia TELMEX with support from ARRIS to provide developmental opportunities to deserving Mexican and Latin American candidates in the NASCAR Toyota Series in Mexico and other racing series under the JGR umbrella.
"This is one of the biggest days in Joe Gibbs Racing's history," said Joe Gibbs, founder and owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. "To be able to bring a driver the caliber of Carl Edwards on board to launch our fourth team is just a thrill. But we also have the opportunity to announce a new partner in ARRIS that will not only sponsor Carl, but also share a vision with Carlos Slim Domit and Escuderia TELMEX to develop Mexican and Latin American drivers in NASCAR. We are excited to have Daniel Suarez as part of that program and look forward to watching his development in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next season."
A Missouri native, Edwards is currently eighth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with two wins, five top-five and nine top-10 finishes thus far this season. Over the course of his 11-year career, he has won a total of 23 races with 106 top-five and 182 top-10 finishes. In addition to his 23 Sprint Cup Series wins, he has also compiled 38 wins in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and won the championship in 2007. His highest finish in the Sprint Cup Series season was in 2011 when he was runner-up to Tony Stewart based on a tiebreaker.
Suarez is currently competing full time for Escuderia TELMEX in the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series, where he leads that series, and also competes in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Rev Racing Team in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He has four wins and six top-five finishes in 10 starts in the NASCAR Toyota Series and has added two wins, four top-five and seven top-10 finishes this season in 12 K&N Pro Series starts. Suarez made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with JGR earlier this season at Richmond International Raceway with a 19th-place finish.
"Having the opportunity to run full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Joe Gibbs Racing is like a dream come true," said Suarez. "Everyone knows how successful they have been in the Nationwide Series and I can't thank ARRIS enough for supporting me next season. It's also exciting to be part of this initiative with Carlos because I know his passion for racing and his desire to provide opportunities to others like me."
ARRIS is a worldwide leader in broadband and video delivery technology. The company's solutions bring entertainment and communications to millions of people around the world. "We're proud to join Joe Gibbs Racing-an icon in the world of motorsports-and sponsor two of the best drivers in the business: Carl Edwards and Daniel Suarez. We believe this is a great match: ARRIS broadband technology delivers fast entertainment to your home, and Joe Gibbs Racing delivers the same experience on the racetrack," said Bob Stanzione, Chairman and CEO, ARRIS. "We're excited to collaborate with Carlos Slim Domit, one of our top customers, to bring our shared passion for diversity to the sport on an international stage. As ARRIS continues to grow, we're proud to take an increasingly visible role in cultivating the community, diversity, and performance that reflect our global brand."
Carlos Slim Domit is Chairman of the Board for Grupo Carso and co-founder of Escuderia TELMEX along with Jimmy Morales. As part of Escuderia TELMEX's international program, he has partnered with Joe Gibbs Racing to aid in their diversity program with the continued focus of developing Mexican and Latin American drivers in NASCAR. "I am very excited to have Escuderia TELMEX as a partner with Joe Gibbs Racing and ARRIS," said Carlos Slim Domit. "They are great teams with whom we share strong values with a passion to win. Over the past 12 years we have worked very hard together with NASCAR in the development of a racing series and building a strong ladder system for our drivers. Having the opportunity for Daniel Suarez to demonstrate his talent to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is very rewarding and encouraging to us all."(Joe Gibbs Racing)(8-19-2014)
AND from the NASCAR.com streamed press conference: Arris will debut on the #19 Toyota at Daytona in February. Joe Gibbs said the crew chief will be announced at a later date and mentioned most of the team will come from within Joe Gibbs Racing. Gibbs also said that sponsorship for most of the other 19 races that ARRIS will not be the primary sponsor have been sold and will be announced at a later date. Rumor is that Subway will move over to JGR with Edwards and that was the only sponsor allowed to leave Roush Fenway Racing with Edwards.(8-19-2014)

Edwards to Gibbs press conference TODAY: According to Joe Gibbs Racing, they will hold a press conference Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00am/et and "this unprecedented announcement will have impact across four NASCAR racing series."(Joe Gibbs Racing)
AND Joe Gibbs Racing will announce Carl Edwards as its fourth Sprint Cup driver for the 2015 season next Tuesday. However, the bigger news appears to involve Daniel Suarez, the 22-year-old darling of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, who will drive for JGR in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Suarez, of Monterrey, Mexico, currently leads the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series where he has nine victories in 52 career starts including four this season. Suarez has made dramatic improvement since joining the tour and has led 1,084 of the 7,790 laps raced. Suarez made his first career Nationwide Series start for JGR at Richmond in the #20 Toyota. Suarez qualified 12th and finished 19th. He completed all but one lap.(Motorsport)(8-15-2014)
UPDATE: Carl Edwards will be introduced on Tuesday as Joe Gibbs Racing newest driver in the Sprint Cup Series beginning in the 2015 season, multiple sources confirmed Monday night. That much isn't a big surprise. However, JGR will also be welcoming a new sponsor to NASCAR - Arris - which will adorn Edwards' #19 Toyota for roughly half the season. Arris is a communications technology company specializing in the design and engineering of broadband networks. Arris' involvement in NASCAR will go far behind just sponsorship of Edwards. Details will be announced during Tuesday morning's news conference at JGR headquarters in Huntersville, N.C.(Charlotte Observer)
AND The press conference will be covered live on SiriusXM Radio Channel 90 and NASCAR.com.(8-19-2014)

Some possible 2015 Sprint Cup schedule changes: Jim Noble of ESPN/SiriusXM/PRN tweeted Monday evening, "The Southern 500 at Darlington (SC) Raceway will return to its traditional Labor Day weekend date when NASCAR announces the 2015 Sprint Cup schedule, perhaps as early as this weekend. Atlanta Motor Speedway - which has raced on Labor Day weekend since 2009 - will have its lone Sprint Cup race weekend moved earlier in the season to week #2 - Sunday, March 1, 2015. One other notable change will be the Bristol (TN) spring weekend -- often plagued by weather issues in March, Bristol successfully lobbied for a later date, and will now hold its spring Cup race on Sunday, April 19, 2015."(8-19-2014)

NASCAR Numbers:
26: The number of races between Jeff Gordon's two most recent NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories at Michigan International Speedway. Gordon took the checkered flag at MIS on June 10, 2001 in his last championship season. On Sunday, he won his third race at the two-mile track.
20: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races Jeff Gordon has won from the pole position, fifth most on the all-time list. Gordon claimed the Coors Light pole award for Sunday's race at Michigan with a track-record speed of 206.558 mph and went on to take the checkered flag.
4: The number of consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway in which Joey Logano has both started from inside the top 10 and finished inside the top 10. Logano has two ninths, a third (Sunday) and a win from the pole at MIS since joining Team Penske in 2013.
3: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories recorded at Bristol Motor Speedway by Matt Kenseth, the defending winner of the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Kenseth would like nothing better than to win for a fourth time at Thunder Valley on Saturday night, given that a victory would lock him into the Chase.
54: The number of laps led at Bristol Motor Speedway by Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifier AJ Allmendinger, second only to the 152 laps Dinger has led at Dover. The driver of the #47 JTG/Daugherty Chevy followed his victory at Watkins Glen with a strong 13th-place run at Michigan on Sunday.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-19-2014)

Top 10 Driver Ratings at Bristol:
#42-Kyle Larson 104.5
#20-Matt Kenseth 102.7
#18-Kyle Busch 101.7
#24-Jeff Gordon 100.6
#2-Brad Keselowski 95.9
#16-Greg Biffle 93.7
#48-Jimmie Johnson 91.2
#41-Kurt Busch 90.7
#11-Denny Hamlin 90.7
#4-Kevin Harvick 90.3
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2014 races (19 total) among active drivers at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)

Sad News - Tom Mitchell: Longtime NASCAR team owner Tom Mitchell passed away yesterday in his hometown of Ozona, Texas at the age of 86. Mitchell owned and operated the Circle Bar Truck Corral in Ozona, and was an avid supporter of motorsports for more than 40 years, owning teams in all three NASCAR National Series, as well as Indy Car. His teams all carried the Circle Bar Racing banner, copying the name of one of his cattle ranches. He is best remembered for owning and sponsoring Rick Crawford's NASCAR All-Pro and Camping World Truck Series teams for many years. He also owned an Indy Car Series team for driver Chet Fillip in the early 1980s. In 1985, he sold all his Indy Car equipment to Al Unser, Jr., who won the series championship the following season. He was a major player in the Texas cattle industry - once owning more than a half-dozen ranches, the smallest measuring approximately 30,000 acres - and made a fortune from the discovery and excavation of natural gas on his ranch land. At one time, he owned the local cable TV company in Ozona, a pair of truck stops off I-10, a motel and RV Park, and many other businesses. He was not the stereotypical NASCAR sponsor/owner, however, with Crawford saying his longtime team owner never saw the inside of his race shop, or watched him race in person. Memorial services for Tom Mitchell have not yet been announced.(Godfather Motorsports)(8-19-2014)

Mid-Ohio TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, Aug. 16, earned a 0.9 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,473,000 viewers. The rating was the same as last year's race while viewership rose from last year's 1,287,000.(ESPN)(8-19-2014)

Jones returns to the #20: Coming off an impressive NASCAR Nationwide Series debut just over a month ago, 18-year-old Erik Jones will make his second career start behind the wheel of the #20 Reser's Main St. Bistro Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in Friday night's Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. In his NNS debut at Chicagoland Speedway in July, Jones qualified fourth, led two laps and ended the day with a solid seventh-place finish. In addition to his three-race schedule behind the wheel of JGR's #20 Nationwide Series entry, Jones has completed six of 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series' starts on his schedule in the #51 Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports.(JGR)(8-19-2014)

Milka Duno to run some races for RAB UPDATE: RAB Racing has signed multiple race-winning driver Milka Duno to compete in select races in the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series and with the entry Duno will become the first Hispanic female driver in history to compete in a NASCAR national series in the United States. A successful driver who has competed in multiple racing series Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and the Grand American Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd place) in the 24 Hours at Daytona - in the now 52-year history of the race. In making her transition to stock car racing and her ultimate entry into NASCAR Duno has been competing in the ARCA Racing Series for the past three seasons. In 2011 and 2012 she competed in partial schedules and in her first full ARCA season in 2013, competing with Venturini Motorsports, she finished the season 7th in the driver point standings and became the 2nd highest finishing female driver in ARCA's now 62-year history. Veteran crew chief Chris Rice will helm Duno's NNS effort.(Duno PR), no word on how many races she will run or where.(8-4-2014)
UPDATE: Milka Duno's first NASCAR Nationwide Series race will be Friday, August 22 in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. This will mark the first time in NASCAR history that a Hispanic female driver will compete in a NASCAR national series race in the United States. Duno will compete in RAB Racing's #29 Toyota Camry.(Duno PR)(8-19-2014)

Gibbs to hold press conference Tuesday UPDATE: According to Joe Gibbs Racing, they will hold a press conference Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00am/et and "this unprecedented announcement will have impact across four NASCAR racing series."(Joe Gibbs Racing)
AND Joe Gibbs Racing will announce Carl Edwards as its fourth Sprint Cup driver for the 2015 season next Tuesday. However, the bigger news appears to involve Daniel Suarez, the 22-year-old darling of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, who will drive for JGR in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Suarez, of Monterrey, Mexico, currently leads the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series where he has nine victories in 52 career starts including four this season. Suarez has made dramatic improvement since joining the tour and has led 1,084 of the 7,790 laps raced. Suarez made his first career Nationwide Series start for JGR at Richmond in the #20 Toyota. Suarez qualified 12th and finished 19th. He completed all but one lap.(Motorsport)(8-14-2014)
UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing announces that drivers Carl Edwards and Daniel Suarez will join the organization in 2015 to compete full time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series respectively. In addition, ARRIS Group, Inc. will sponsor Edwards in the #19 Toyota Camry for 17 races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with JGR expanding its operations to include a fourth team. ARRIS also will support Suarez in a multi-year program, starting with the 2015 NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as a partial schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. JGR also announces that it has launched a diversity initiative with Escuderia TELMEX with support from ARRIS to provide developmental opportunities to deserving Mexican and Latin American candidates in the NASCAR Toyota Series in Mexico and other racing series under the JGR umbrella.(JGR)(8-19-2014)

Teams test 2015 rules changes at Michigan UPDATE: Nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will remain at Michigan International Speedway one additional day on Monday to test aerodynamic and engine combinations for the 2015 racing season. According to NASCAR officials, the test is designed to validate extensive work done by the sanctioning body's racing development team. Gene Stefanyshyn, vice president Innovation and Racing Development for NASCAR, said two different packages featuring various changes would be tested on the 2-mile track at MIS.
"We have a prime rules package and also will be doing a low downforce package, because some of the drivers have been very vocal," Stefanyshyn said. "They think (low downforce) is a solution ... so we're going to try one of those." The prime rules package will include the use of dive planes, a 9-inch spoiler, six-percent rear differential gear ratio, three different power levels (engine horsepower) as well as a driver adjustable track bar. Dive planes are small strips on the left and right side of the front bumper areas about halfway between the splitter and hood.
The engine changes will vary from the current 850 horsepower to 800 and 750 hp. Stefanyshyn said those changes would be made during Monday's test through the use of different sized restrictor plates in order to gauge the effects. If it is determined that less horsepower works best with the aerodynamic changes being considered, how best to accomplish that for next season would still have to be decided.
The test is slated to get underway at 9:00am/et with six different sessions scheduled throughout the day. Teams are expected to make single-file 15-lap runs in every other session, with double-file runs making up the remaining 15-lap sessions. Drivers scheduled to participate are: #1-Jamie McMurray, #5-Kasey Kahne, #10-Danica Patrick, #27-Paul Menard #2-Brad Keselowski, #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., #43-Aric Almirola, #11-Denny Hamlin, and either #15-Clint Bowyer or #55-Brian Vickers.(NASCAR.com)(8-14/18-2014)
UPDATE: Just one day after Jeff Gordon grabbed the checkered flag in the Pure Michigan 400, NASCAR and teams were back testing on the two-mile Michigan International Speedway, gathering crucial data for the development of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rules package. Six different configurations were evaluated throughout the test. Throughout today's test, focus was on aerodynamics and power optimization. Ten teams were onsite throughout the day running through all six configurations. More than 160 laps were turned at Michigan by each team. Data will be taken back to the Research and Development Center in Concord, North Carolina to be analyzed and modeled as NASCAR finalizes its 2015 rules package for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.(NASCAR)(8-18-2014)

Entry List for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Yeley, #33-Stremme, #37-Blaney, #66-Nemechek, #95-McDowell.
Both #14-Stewart and #83-Truex are listed, but their status has not been announced.
Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Bristol Entry List

Ryan Truex taken to hospital after practice crash UPDATES: NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie #83-Ryan Truex hit the Turn 2 wall hard Saturday morning in the day's opening practice session at Michigan International Speedway. Running eight laps in the early morning session, Truex lost the back end of his #83 Toyota. The car corrected and shot head-on into the outside wall. Per NASCAR's new rule, Truex remained in the car until NASCAR and safety officials arrived on site, and then walked away under his own power. According to a BK Racing official, Truex was complaining of a headache and shoulder pain and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Truex broke his collarbone in 2013 while riding a motorcycle.(Fox Sports)(8-16-2014)
UPDATE: Ryan Truex, driver of the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry was involved in a single-car crash during practice at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday. Truex was transported to a local hospital where he underwent CT scans of his head, neck, chest and abdomen, which were all negative. Truex was diagnosed with a concussion. He will follow the NASCAR guidelines to return to racing. JJ Yeley will pilot the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry in tomorrow's Pure Michigan 400.(BK Racing).(8-16-2014)
UPDATE 2: Ryan Truex, tweeted Sunday, "Hardest hit of my career by far yesterday..Feeling better today. Thanks for the concern,will see the doc this week & hopefully be back soon."(8-18-2014)

Michigan Race and Commercial Breakdown: 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 1:02 PM, , stopped for an extended red flag at 4:10 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 114
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 51
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 29
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 2 min. 55 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:02 PM
Stopped for extended red flag: 4:10 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 188
Minutes of race broadcast: 140
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 48
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 140 Total comm. brdcst time 48
See past races, links to more detailed reports on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(8-18-2014)

Nationwide Entry List: There are 44 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday's Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. A few notes:
Mike Bliss will be in the #10 as Hermie Sadler drives the #19 for TriStar;
Erik Jones will drive the #20 for JGR;
John Wes Townley returns in the #25;
Milka Duno makes her first attempt in the RAB #29;
David Starr returns to the #44 for TriStar;
Timmy Hill will drove the #87;
Morgan Shepherd is entered in his #89.(8-18-2014)
See the complete list on the Bristol entry list page.

Comcast's Xfinity negotiating sponsorship of Nationwide Series: Comcast's Xfinity is in contract negotiations with NASCAR to become title sponsor of the sport's secondary series. The company's broadband, TV and phone division is considering a five- to six-year deal valued at more than $100 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The potential agreement would see Xfinity pay approximately $9 million in rights fees and $9 million in media and activation in its first year as title sponsor. Its annual spend would increase in subsequent years. Comcast declined to comment. In a statement, NASCAR said, "We anticipate NASCAR will soon be aligned with an outstanding brand that will help take this series to new heights, but out of respect for our current partner and the process, we will not comment on speculation about any potential replacements until there actually is one." Though discussions have moved into the contract phase and NASCAR executives have begun telling officials in the sport that a sponsorship is done, the deal still faces some obstacles. Fox Sports and Comcast-owned NBC Sports are slated to split television rights to the series from 2015 to 2024. Sources said that Fox, which did not respond to requests for comment, wants assurances that Comcast will spend equally on advertising across both of the series' rights holders, Fox and NBC, and not favor its own company, NBC. NASCAR and Comcast are addressing other category issues as well. Provided those issues are resolved, the deal should close and be announced in the coming weeks.(Sports Business Daily)(8-18-2014)

Cope to become Elliott's crew chief next season UPDATE: Hearing that JR Motorsports will name Ernie Cope as crew chief for #9-Chase Elliott next season. Elliott's current crew chief, Greg Ives, has been named Dale Earnhardt, Jr's crew chief for 2015.(8-18-2014)
UPDATE: JR Motorsports announced that it will pull from within to fill its impending crew chief vacancy, as Ernie Cope will transition from the #5 team to Chase Elliott's #9 NAPA Aupt Parts team at the conclusion of this season. Cope will take over for Greg Ives. Last month it was announced that Ives would be Steve Letarte's successor on the #88 Hendrick Motorsports team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Ives and Cope will finish out the year in their respective roles. Ives and Elliott currently lead the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings by 10 points over teammate Regan Smith with 11 races to go. A crew chief for the #5 team in 2015 is not yet determined. Earnhardt Miller said the company will conduct a thorough search and take as much time as necessary to find the best candidate.(JR Motorsports)(8-18-2014)

RSS Racing gets associate sponsor: Smart Cell Fundraising is joining Ryan Sieg and RSS Racing this week at Bristol for the Food City 300. Smart Cell Fundraising, is a brand new program that helps schools attain their financial goals. This week, with title sponsor StationDigital, Smart Cell Fundraising will be helping local high school, Tennessee High School Marching Band at the race with their first fundraising drive of the new 2014-15 school year.(RSS Racing)(8-18-2014)

Truck Series entry list: There are 37 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Wednesday's UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. A few notes:
Cole Custer in the #00;
Jake Crum in the #01;
Michael Affarano in the #03;
Brad Keselowski in the #19;
Max Gresham in the #23;
Justin Boston in the #25;
Bryan Dauzat in the #28;
Ben Rhodes in the #32;
Brandon Jones in the #33;
Blake Koch in the #36;
Caleb Holman in the #75;
Jody Knowles in the #80;
Corey Lajoie in the #92; (8-18-2014)
UPDATE: TJ Bell added in the #50;
(8-18-2014)
See the complete list on the Bristol entry list page.

Townley evaluated after wreck UPDATE 4: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver John Wes Townley was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation after hitting the wall hard in ARCA Racing Series qualifying on Friday. During his ARCA qualifying run at the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway, Townley made hard contact with the wall as he exited the Tunnel Turn before slowing on the track. After the incident, Townley was transported for further evaluation. As a result, Townley's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team sat out Friday's final practice session as it awaited word on their driver's condition. Townley was seventh in Friday's opening Camping World Truck Series practice session at Pocono.(Fox Sports)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE: Athenian Motorsports posted a statement on Twitter regarding Townley. "John Wes Townley was released from the hospital in good health. As a precaution, he'll be held out of competition for a week." No further information was released regarding who may drive the #05 truck in Pocono.(Twitter)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE 2: John Wes Townley was treated and released from a Pennsylvania hospital Saturday afternoon after an accident during ARCA Racing Series qualifying at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer has been named as his replacement in the #05 Zaxby's Athenian Motorsports Toyota Tundra for the running of the Pocono Mountains 150 Camping World Truck Series race Saturday afternoon. Townley is in good health but will sit out of competition for seven days as a precautionary measure. The Watkinsville, GA driver will be be medically reevaluated in Charlotte early next week and hopes to compete at Berlin Speedway in the ARCA Series next Saturday.(Athenian Motorsports)(8-2-2014)
UPDATE 3: John Wes Townley will sit out the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway this weekend after an accident at Pocono Raceway on August 1, 2014. 2003 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and current Sprint Cup Series driver, Travis Kvapil, will drive the #05 Zaxby's Toyota Tundra in Michigan on Saturday. "It is really hard sitting out and watching someone else drive your truck," John Wes Townley said. "I am hoping to be back behind the wheel of the #05 Zaxby's truck Wednesday at Bristol." Kvapil has two wins, three top-five and four top-10 finishes in four Camping World Truck Series starts on the 2-mile Brooklyn, Michigan race track.(Athenian Motorsports)(8-12-2014)
UPDATE 4: After a nineteen day hiatus from racing, John Wes Townley will make his return in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Townley was injured in ARCA Racing qualifying at Pocono Raceway on August 1, 2014 and has not raced since. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Clint Bowyer piloted the #05 Zaxby's Toyota for Townley at Pocono with Travis Kvapil driving the Athenian Motorsports entry in Michigan.(Athenian Motorsports)(8-18-2014)

Michigan International Speedway continues on track to a greener Michigan: Michigan International Speedway is waving the green flag, making a commitment with the help of Consumers Energy to match 100 percent of its electricity use with renewable energy. Officials from the racetrack and from Consumers Energy on Sunday announced plans to improve Michigan's environment through actions at its largest racetrack -- and largest campground. Those include support for renewable energy, a new initiative to plant trees and a commitment by MIS to reduce energy usage. Michigan International Speedway now becomes the largest customer to enroll 100 percent in Consumers Energy's Green Generation program. Close to 20,000 homes and businesses in Michigan participate in Green Generation, contributing each month to purchase power from renewable sources, all made in Michigan.(MIS)(8-18-2014)

Gordon wins at Michigan: #24-Jeff Gordon won the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway from the pole for his 3rd win of the season, 3rd win at Michigan, and 91st career win.
#4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #27-Menard, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #15-Boywer, #11-Hamlin, #2-Keselowski, #48-Jonhson, and #16-Biffle.
#14-Jeff Burton, filling in for Tony Stewart, suffered electrical issues and finished 37th.
#24-Gordon (3 wins) takes the points lead back, now 3 over #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
#24-Gordon also again leads the Chase Grid with 3 wins and now 1st in points followed by #88-Earnhardt, Jr. with 3 wins, 2nd in points.
There were 20 lead changes among 8 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 141.788mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Michigan Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Michigan Penalty Report (pdf). See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Michigan Race & Points Report (pdf). (8-17-2014)

Race Fast Facts - Michigan International Speedway:
Jeff Gordon won the 45th Annual Pure Michigan 400 , his 91st victory in 748 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and 16th top-10 finish in 2014. This is his first three-win season since 2011.
This is his third victory and 27th top-10 finish in 44 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 28 races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2014.
Joey Logano (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 12 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 3 points over Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Assuming they attempt to qualify for the remaining 3 races in the regular season, the following drivers have clinched a spot for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup today: AJ Allmendinger, Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-17-2014)

Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Grid:
[after Michigan, race 23 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 3 wins, 1st in points
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 3 wins, 2nd
3) #2-Brad Keselowski(X), 3 wins, 3rd
4) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X), 3 wins, 7th
5) #22-Joey Logano(X), 2 wins, 4th
6) #4-Kevin Harvick(X), 2 wins, 6th
7) #99-Carl Edwards(X), 2 wins, 8th
8) #18-Kyle Busch(X), 1 win, 15th
9) #11-Denny Hamlin(X), 1 win, 20th
10) #43-Aric Almirola(X), 1 win, 21st
11) #47-A.J. Allmendinger(X), 1 win, 22nd
12) #41-Kurt Busch(X), 1 win, 23rd
(no wins, in by points)
13) #20-Matt Kenseth, 5th
14) #31-Ryan Newman, 9th
15) #15-Clint Bowyer, 10th
16) #16-Greg Biffle, 111th
(X) = clinched a spot in the Chase as long as rest of races are attempted.
(8-17-2014)

2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Michigan, race 24 of 36]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], 816
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [3 wins], 813, -3
3) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 733, -83
4) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 714, -102
5) #20-Matt Kenseth, 709, -107
6) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 687, -129
7) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 686, -130
8) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 679, -137
9) #31-Ryan Newman, 679, -137
10) #15-Clint Bowyer, 672, -144
Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
15) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 620, -196
20) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 589, -227
21) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 556, -260
22) #47-A.J. Allmendinger [1 win], 556, -260
23) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 543, -273 (186 pts ahead of 31st)
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).
(8-17-2014)

Michigan Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
#3-Dillon, 22nd, 11 rookie points
#26-Whitt, 25th, 10
#23-Bowman, 26th, 9
#7-Annett, 40th, 8
#51-Allgaier, 42nd, 7
#42-Larson, finished 43rd, 6
#83-Truex, Did Not Race
Kligerman, Did Not Race
(8-17-2014)

Michigan Chase Clinch Scenarios UPDATE: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #2-Brad Keselowski, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #99-Carl Edwards, #22-Joey Logano and #4-Kevin Harvick have clinched a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, assuming they attempt to qualify for the remaining four races.
If there is a repeat 2014 winner in the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, any driver with one win and a locked-up top 30 spot will clinch a spot in the Chase. Potentials: #18-Kyle Busch, #11-Denny Hamlin, #43-Aric Almirola, #41-Kurt Busch and #47-AJ Allmendinger. To clinch a top 30 spot, the clinching driver must be 145 points ahead of 31st place leaving Michigan.
If there is a new winner, one-win drivers could potentially clinch a spot. But there would still be the potential for 16 different winners, and a winless points leader -- meaning a winner would be bounced from the Chase. So there are no guarantees here.
Because he is so high in the points, if #20-Matt Kenseth wins, he would clinch a spot, even though it would be his first win. Other high-ranking winless drivers could potentially clinch with a win and help.(NASCAR)(8-15-2014)
UPDATE: Assuming they attempt to qualify for the remaining 3 races in the regular season, the following drivers have clinched a spot for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup today: #47-AJ Allmendinger, #43-Aric Almirola, #41-Kurt Busch, #18-Kyle Busch, #11-Denny Hamlin.(NASCAR)(8-17-2014)

added all 43 car images from Michigan in August: #1 McDonald's, #2 Miller Lite / Careersforveterans.org, #3 Amewrican Ethanol, #4 Jimmy Johns, #5 Great Clips, #7 Allstate Pererbuilt / Pilot, #9 Black & Decker, #10 Godaddy.com, #11 FedEx Freight, #13 GEICO, #14 Mobil1 / Bass Pro Shop w/Jeff Burton, #15 Five Hour Energy, #16 Roush Performance, #17 Zest, #18 Interstate Batteries Stripes, #20 Dollar General, #21 Motorcraft / Quick Lane, #22 Shell Pennzoil, #23 Dr Pepper, #24 Axalta, #26 Iowa City Capitla Partners, #27 Menards / CertainTeed, #31 WIX Filters, #32 Skuttle Tight, #33 Little Joe's Autos, #34 CSX - Play it Safe, #36 TBR, #37 Accell Construction, #38 Love's Travel Stops, #40 Carsforsale.com, #41 Haas Automation, #42 Target, #43 Eckrich / Operation Homefront, #47 Kingsford Charcoal, #48 Jimme Johnson Foundation, #51 Brandt Professional Agriculture, #55 Aaron's Dream Machine, #66 LandCastle Title, #78 Furniture Row, #83 Burger King, #88 National Guard, #98 Phil Parsons Racing and #99 Ford EcoBoost

Speeds up at Michigan: The sheer numbers were staggering, watching speeds reach the stratosphere in Friday afternoon's Coors Light Pole qualifying at Michigan. The track record at the 2-mile oval fell four times during time trials, climbing from 204, 205 mph and more until #24-Jeff Gordon finally carried the mantle at a blistering 206.558 mph. After clocking the seventh-fastest pole-winning speed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history, Gordon knew he had a solid lap but didn't know just how solid until he checked the scoreboard. Of the 43 cars entered in Sunday's Pure Michigan 400, 32 of them qualified at better than 200 mph, one of racing's magic numbers that has long made crew members check the calibration of their stopwatches. The laps are the fastest turned in NASCAR's premier series since the pre-restrictor plate era in the mid-1980s at ultra-fast Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway. The blazing speeds simmered somewhat Saturday in the Irish Hills as teams changed from qualifying trim to race setups, but 26 of 43 still topped the 200 mph mark in the brisk early morning session.(NASCAR.com)(8-17-2014)

Danica among world's highest-paid female athletes: Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have been fierce rivals on the court over the past decade since they first squared off in Miami in 2004. Williams won that first meeting before Sharapova prevailed in their next two matches, including the 2004 Wimbledon final. Williams has reeled off 15 straight wins since then and holds a commanding 16-2 edge overall, but that Wimbledon win as a 17-year-old launched Sharapova into stardom as tennis' "It" girl. Williams has won almost double the career prize money and holds a 62-31 edge in career titles, but she can't touch Sharapova when it comes to sponsorships. Sharapova's massive endorsement haul pushes her to the top of [Forbes] list of the world's highest-paid female athletes for the 10th straight year with earnings of $24.4 million between June 2013 and June 2014. She ranks #34 overall among all athletes when it comes to pay and well behind the top earner in sports, Floyd Mayweather, who banked $105 million over the same period.
#10-Danica Patrick ranks 5th among female athletes with total earnings of $15 million ($7 million from salary/winnings & $8 million from endorsements/licensing). She remains one of the sport's biggest draws and has more than 10 personal endorsement partners, including Coca-Cola, Tissot and Peak. She has appeared in a record 13 Super Bowl commercials for her car sponsor, GoDaddy.(Forbes)(8-17-2014)

Michigan Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
" The first race was 500 miles in length; the second was scheduled for 600. The track was re-measured to 2.04 miles for the last race in 1970 and both races in 1971 - with the race distance being 402 miles. All other races have been scheduled for 400 miles.
" 372 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway; 269 in more than one.
" 36 different NSCS drivers have won at Michigan International Speedway, led by David Pearson with nine wins; Greg Biffle leads all active drivers with four.
" Eight drivers have posted consecutive wins at Michigan International Speedway, including four consecutive by Bill Elliott (1985 sweep and 1986 sweep).
" Roush Fenway Racing has the most wins at Michigan in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 13: Mark Martin (four), Greg Biffle (four), Carl Edwards (two), Matt Kenseth (two) and Kurt Busch (one).
" Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Michigan; led by Ford with 34 victories; followed by Chevrolet with 21.
" Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway was the June 10, 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Ricky Rudd with a MOV of 0.085 second.
" There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Michigan International Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2011 (200/203); and fall of 2012 (200/201).
" Four of the 90 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 6/18/2006.(NASCAR)(8-17-2014)

Bristol offering incentives for ticket renewals: Fans visiting Bristol Motor Speedway will be greeted with amazing incentives to renew their tickets for 2015. If fans renew ANY ticket for 2015 they get the following:
"Winner's Celebration Access (After the IRWIN Tools Night Race, exclusive event where we toast the winner of the race on the front stretch. Music, gifts and more)
"A choice of a 31 Piece Driver Set or a Vintage NASCAR Double Album featuring songs sung by Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, Cale Yarbourough, Bobby Allison and more (1 gift for every two tickets renewed)
"A Chance to meet Dale Jr. before the Night Race. 10 Lucky Fans and a guest will be able to meet Dale Jr., get an autographed hat and a picture with Dale Jr. prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race. The winning fans will also be able to submit a question to Dale Jr. and three will be chosen to be announced to the crowd inside Bristol Motor Speedway. Every ticket renewed is an entry and fans can visit the Guest Relations office inside the O. Bruton Smith Building for Alternate means of entry information.(BMS)(8-17-2014)

Ryan Truex taken to hospital after practice crash UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie #83-Ryan Truex hit the Turn 2 wall hard Saturday morning in the day's opening practice session at Michigan International Speedway. Running eight laps in the early morning session, Truex lost the back end of his #83 Toyota. The car corrected and shot head-on into the outside wall. Per NASCAR's new rule, Truex remained in the car until NASCAR and safety officials arrived on site, and then walked away under his own power. According to a BK Racing official, Truex was complaining of a headache and shoulder pain and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Truex broke his collarbone in 2013 while riding a motorcycle.(Fox Sports)(8-16-2014)
UPDATE: Ryan Truex, driver of the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry was involved in a single-car crash during practice at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday. Truex was transported to a local hospital where he underwent CT scans of his head, neck, chest and abdomen, which were all negative. Truex was diagnosed with a concussion. He will follow the NASCAR guidelines to return to racing. JJ Yeley will pilot the #83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry in tomorrow's Pure Michigan 400.(BK Racing).(8-16-2014)

Final practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#24-Gordon 200.156
#42-Larson 199.695
#2-Keselowski 199.137
#4-Harvick 198.912
#16-Biffle 198.835
slowest: #98-Wise 192.539 & #33-Kennedy 190.380
notes: Ryan Truex has not returned from the hospital and not been cleared to race yet. The team is making backup plans in case he cannot race tomorrow. Johnny Sauter or Matt Crafton could fill in if needed.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Michigan Final Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-16-2014)

First Saturday practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 203.183
#41-Busch 203.109
#24-Gordon 203.069
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 203.017
#9-Ambrose 202.891
slowest: #36-Sorenson 196.657 & #66-Nemechek 194.842.
notes: #83-Truex crashed hard a few minutes into practice. He was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. The team will have to go to a backup car.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Michigan Second Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-16-2014)

Several teams planning tests: On Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 25-26, five teams will test at Chicagoland Speedway, site of the first race in the Chase. Those testing: Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 26-27, Hendrick Motorsports will test at Martinsville Speedway, which hosts the seventh race in the Chase - and first in the third round.(NASCAR)(8-16-2014)

Richard Childress Racing Celebrates 45 Years: Marking the organization's 45th Anniversary in NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing will celebrate the milestone throughout August and September with creative content and stories from the past 45 years. Fans will be able to follow the discussion and share their favorite RCR memories via social networks using hashtag #RCR45. It was on September 14, 1969 when Richard Childress entered the 44th race of the season at Talladega Superspeedway in the Talladega 500 making his first career Sprint Cup Series start. A race on NASCAR's center stage gave the 23-year-old driver the funding to establish RCR and racing as a full-time career. Childress made 285 starts behind the wheel before stepping aside from the driver's seat and assuming primary ownership role in RCR in 1981. Over the next 45 days, RCR will showcase photographs, personal stories and interviews from those who have been with the organization throughout the years. Starting Sunday August 17, @RCRracing and www.rcrracing.com will feature daily throwbacks showcasing moments that shaped the motorsports organization. The content will also highlight the evolution of the team and technology to today's drivers and those who call the shots each weekend at the track 45 years later. Fans will also be able to read stories from those who have been with the company from its inception, reliving multiple championships, wins and iconic races over the past 45 years.(RCR)(8-16-2014)

KHI Management add UFC's #2 female fighter: KHI Management expands its rapidly growing stable of athletes by signing a multi-year agreement to represent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) standout Miesha "Cupcake" Tate, the UFC's second-ranked female fighter. KHI Management, LLC, an athlete-representation company owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick, continues to grow in the world of sports by signing its second fighter in as many years, adding to an impressive roster that already includes #4-ranked UFC fighter Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone. Tate, a former Strikeforce Women's bantamweight champion, is based and trains in Las Vegas. Her legendary rivalry with UFC women's bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, is one of the most infamous in UFC history and in today's sports world, credited with bringing women's MMA to the UFC, the sport's premier promotion, and piquing national interest. Tate, 27, made her UFC debut in April 2013, taking on Cat Zingano in The Ultimate Fighter 17 finale, which marked the second women's MMA matchup in the UFC and produced the coach for The Ultimate Fighter 18 reality TV series. In 2013, she was featured in ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue. Tate joins a list of athletes and celebrities represented by KHI Management that includes Cerrone, NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, PGA Golfer Jason Gore and country music artists Jake Owen and Matt Stillwell.(KHI Management)(8-16-2014)

Michigan Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
" Bill Elliott leads the series in starts at Michigan with 61. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 43 starts.
" Donnie Allison won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Michigan in 1969 with a speed of 160.135 mph.
" 46 drivers have Coors Light poles at Michigan, led by David Pearson with 10. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with five.
" Six drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Michigan. David Pearson holds the record for most consecutive poles at Michigan with five; fall 1976 through 1978.
" Four active drivers have posted consecutive Coors Light poles at Michigan: Terry Labonte (1983 sweep), Bill Elliott (1984 sweep and 1988 sweep), Bobby Labonte (2003 sweep), and Brian Vickers (fall 2008 - 2009 sweep).
" Jeff Gordon leads the series in runner-up finishes at Michigan with eight; followed by Darrell Waltrip with seven.
" NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough leads the series in top-five finishes at Michigan with 21; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 18.
" Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Michigan with 31; followed by Bill Elliott with 29. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 26.
" Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Michigan with a 8.800.
" Carl Edwards leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Michigan with an 9.050 Matt Kenseth (9.767) is the only other active driver with an average finish in the top 10 with more than one start.
" All active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Michigan International Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Tony Stewart won at Michigan in his third appearance, the fewest previous starts among the active NSCS winners.
" Kevin Harvick competed at Michigan International Speedway 19 times before winning in the fall of 2010; the longest span of any the active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
" Among the active NSCS Michigan winners Kevin Harvick (19), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (17) Kyle Busch (13), Jeff Gordon (11), Brian Vickers (11) and Joey Logano (10) all made 10 or more attempts before their first win.
" Joe Nemechek leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan without visiting Victory Lane at 40.
" Two active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver have posted their first career start at Michigan International Speedway: Carl Edwards (8/22/2004) and Landon Cassill (6/13/2010).
" Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Michigan with 990 laps led in 43 starts.
" Four female drivers have competed at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie, Robin McCall, Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick. Of the four female drivers to compete at Michigan, Guthrie has the best finish (10th).(NASCAR)(8-16-2014)

Chris Buescher wins Nationwide race at Mid-Ohio: #60-Chris Buescher won the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for his first career Nationwide win. #7-Regan Smith finished second followed by #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #22-Alex Tagliani, #31-Justin Marks, #11-Elliott Sadler, #42-Dylan Kwasniewski, #6-Trevor Bayne, and #43-Dakoda Armstrong.
Pole sitter #54-Sam Hornish, Jr. lost an engine and finished 30th.
There were 5 cautions for 17 laps and 6 lead changes among 5 leaders. Complete results are on the Mid-Ohio race results page (pdf).
(8-16-2014)

Mid-Ohio Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Chris Buescher won the 2nd Annual Nationwide Children's Hospital 200, his first victory in 30 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Regan Smith (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It is his 18th top-10 finish in 2014.
Brian Scott (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Chris Buescher (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
Chase Elliott # leads the point standings by 10 points over Regan Smith.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-16-2014)

Nationwide Driver standings following Mid-Ohio:
1) #9-Chase Elliott # 792
2) #7-Regan Smith 782 -10
3) #11-Elliott Sadler 776 -16
4) #3-Ty Dillon # 764 -28
5) #2-Brian Scott 750 -42
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 740 -52
7) #60-Chris Buescher # 648 -144
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 626 -166
9) #16-Ryan Reed # 602 -190
10) #99-James Buescher 586 -206
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-16-2014)

Hornish on Nationwide pole at Mid-Ohio: #54-San Hornish, Jr. won the Coors Light Pole for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a speed of 95.873mph. #22-Alex Tagliani will start second followed by: #2-Brian Scott, #3-Ty Dillon, #60-Chris Buescher, #31-Justin Marks, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #7-Regan Smith, #9-Chase Elliott, #20-Kenny Habul, #99-James Buescher, and #42-Dylan Kwaskiewski.
#2-Brian Scott was quickest in the first qualifying round at 95.145mph
Did Not Qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Mid-Ohio starting lineup page (pdf).(8-16-2014)

Mid-Ohio Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Sam Hornish Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 2nd Annual Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 with a lap of 84.787 seconds, 95.873 mph.
This is his seventh pole in 106 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his second pole and sixth top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in two races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Alex Tagliani (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2014 and his first at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Brian Scott (third) posted his first top-10 start at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It is his 19th in 22 races this season.
Ty Dillon (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-16-2014)

Sauter wins at Michigan: #98-Johnny Sauter won the Careers for Veterans 200 at Michigan International Speedway. #88-Matt Crafton, finished second followed by: #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #32-Tayler Malsam, #51-Kyle Busch, #77-German Quiroga, #17-Timothy Peters, #13-Jeb Burton, #21-Joey Coulter, and #8-Joe Nemechek. There were 1 caution for 6 laps and 10 lead changes among 5 leaders. Complete results are on the Michigan race results page (pdf).(8-16-2014)

Michigan Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter won the 15th Annual Careers for Veterans 200 Presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski's Checkered Flag Foundation, his 10th victory in 142 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2014. His last victory came at Talladega on October 19,2013.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in six races at Michigan International Speedway. Sauter has now won at least one race in six consecutive seasons. The all-time record is eight, by Dennis Setzer.
Today's average speed was 161.110 mph, the fastest average speed in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series history. The previous record was 154.737 mph at Texas Motor Speedway on November 2, 2012.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in 13 races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2014.
Ron Hornaday Jr. (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 11 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 9 points over Matt Crafton.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-16-2013)

Driver standings following Michigan:
1) #98-Johnny Sauter, 448
2) #88-Matt Crafton, 439, -9
3) #29-Ryan Blaney, 432, -16
4) #30-Ron Hornaday, 429, -19
5) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 412, -36
6) #77-German Quiroga, 403, -45
7) #17-Timothy Peters, 396, - 52
8) #31-Ben Kennedy, 389, -59
9) #21-Joey Coulter, 388, -60
10) #13-Jeb Burton, 360, -88
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-16-2014)

Owner Standings following Michigan are posted (pdf).(8-16-2014)

Blaney on pole at Michigan: #29-Ryan Blaney won the Keystone Light pole award for the Careers for Veterans 200 at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 173.152mph. #19-Joey Logano will start second, followed by: #17-Timothy Peters, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #98-Johnny Sauter, #05-Travis Kvapil, #13-Jeb Burton, #32-Tayler Malsam, #21-Joey Coulter, and #77-German Quiroga.
Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #19-Joey Logano.
#13-Jeb Burton was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 185.033mph.
See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-16-2014)

Michigan Qualifying Notes:
Ryan Blaney won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 15th Annual Careers for Veterans 200 Presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski's Checkered Flag Foundation with a lap of 41.582 seconds, 173.152 mph.
This is his third pole in 43 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and 10th top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in two races at Michigan International Speedway.
Joey Logano (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2014 and his first in two races at Michigan International Speedway.
Timothy Peters (third) posted his second top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his ninth in 12 races this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-16-2014)

Acts added to the Pre-Race Pit Party at Atlanta: What do a trapeze artist, motorcycle "Globe of Death," BMX stunt team, lumberjack competition, human cannonball and a sword swallower along with Atlanta's most popular party band have in common? They are all part of the Pre-Race Pit Party for Oral-B USA 500 on Aug. 31. A Pre-Race Pit Pass will provide stage front access to the performance by Yacht Rock Revue and all the front stretch activities which also include the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver introductions. In addition, pre-race pit pass holders will have the chance to view and photograph the 43 car starting field parked along the front stretch. Access for pre-race pit pass holders will begin at 4:00pm/et. A limited number of Sunday only pre-race pit passes are available for $100 while kids 12 and under can get a pre-race pit pass for $50. A weekend pre-race pit pass valid for Friday, Saturday and Sunday is only $125. A grandstand or infield ticket is required for each pre-race pit pass holder. A pre-race pit pass will provide access to the pit area and for no additional cost will also provide stage front access on the track for all the Pre-Race Pit Party activities.(AMS)(8-16-2014)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #24-Gordon chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #22-Logano took pit stall 2.
#99-Edwards, who starts 3rd took the 43rd pit stall, the final pit stall.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-15-2014)

Gordon wins Michigan pole: #24-Jeff Gordon won the Coors Light pole for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with TRACK RECORD speed of 206.558mph for his 2nd pole of 2014, 5th at Michigan and 76th of his career.
#22-Logano is on the outside pole, followed by #99-Edwards, #55-Vickers, #2-Keselowski, #4-Harvick, #27-Menard, #3-Dillon, #1-McMurray, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #16-Biffle, and #31-Newman.
Missing the race were: none, only 43 cars entered.
See the starting lineup, qualifying results, round results on the Michigan Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-15-2014)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Michigan:
Jeff Gordon won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 45th Annual Pure Michigan 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 34.857 seconds, 206.558 mph. The previous record was 204.557 mph/35.198 seconds, set by Kevin Harvick in June of 2014.
This is the seventh-fastest pole winning speed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history.
This is the 17th track qualifying record set during the 2014 season.
This is Gordon's 76th pole in 748 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Gordon is third on the all-time series poles list.
This is his second pole and 14th top-10 start in 2014. He also won the pole at Watkins Glen, last week.
This is his sixth pole in 44 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Joey Logano (second) posted his 18th top-10 start of 2014 and his sixth in 12 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Carl Edwards (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his eighth in 23 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(8-15-2014)

Second Round of Qualifying for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 10 scheduled minutes.
#24-Gordon 205.885
#4-Harvick 205.620
#22-Logano 205.491
#99-Edwards 205.157
#55-Vickers 205.081
the rest of the top 12: 1 27 31 2 3 16 17;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 42 10 5 41 51 20 15 9 11 47 43 18
(8-15-2014)

First Round of Qualifying for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 25 minutes.
#99-Edwards 205.169
#22-Logano 204.866
#55-Vickers 204.749
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 204.732
#41-Busch 204.441
the rest of the top 24: 24 3 2 4 47 5 51 27 9 15 20 10 43 16 18 1 31 42 11;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 88 13 14 21 38 48 83 23 98 34 7 26 37 32 78 36 33 66 40
Driver who will miss the race: none, only 43 cars entered.
(8-15-2014)

First Friday practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 80 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#22-Logano 204.545
#99-Edwards 204.111
#55-Vickers 203.920
#41-Busch 203.897
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 203.229
slowest: #66-Nemechek 192.766 & #33-Kennedy 192.457.
notes: 26 drivers ran over 200mph during the session. #40-Cassill had engine problems and will not practice. Matt Crafton is in the #78 for Martin Truex, Jr. Ryan Blaney is in the #21 for Trevor Bayne, who is at Mid-Ohio for Nationwide practice. Jeff Burton is filling in for #14-Tony Stewart this weekend.
Qualifying is this afternoon at 4:40pm/et and will be shown on FoxSports1.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Michigan First Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-15-2014)

Military Veteran designs Almirola's #43: Marine Staff Sergeant Daniel Wright was willing to do something for others and never expected any recognition in return. After being told that he was designing a scheme for a diecast model car to be given to fellow military families aided by Operation Homefront, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Aric Almirola pulled up in a full-size replica #43 Eckrich Ford with the exact colors and logos that Wright created. Almirola jumped out of the car and surprised the Purple Heart recipient by letting him know that he and his family were being honored. He explained that he and his Richard Petty Motorsports team will race his paint scheme this weekend at the Michigan International Speedway. The surprise was courtesy of Eckrich, partner of both Operation Homefront and RPM. Almirola also presented Wright and his family with a VIP weekend at the race track including garage passes, authentic Eckrich crew shirts, hats and the opportunity to meet "The King" Richard Petty. Eckrich, Operation Homefront and Almirola surprised the family at a local Kroger grocery store in Ypsilanti, Mich. Thursday night prior to race weekend. Believing only he would see his scheme on a small diecast model car for the first time, Wright not only saw his design come to life, but was also rewarded with one year of free Eckrich Smoked Sausage. The surprise and gift are all part of the Eckrich "Operation Inspiration" campaign, which supports and honors military families.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #43 team paint schemes page.(8-15-2014)

Qualifying Order for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #20-Kenseth.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #48-Johnson.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Michigan Qualifying Page.(8-15-2014)

Stewart To Sit Out Michigan; Jeff Burton To Serve as Interim Driver for #14 Team UPDATE: Tony Stewart has decided not to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event this weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Veteran driver Jeff Burton, a winner of 21 Sprint Cup races, will pilot the #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in place of Stewart. This driver change pertains only to Michigan. Stewart's plans for upcoming Sprint Cup races have yet to be determined. At 10:00am/et on Friday in the deadline room of the infield media center at Michigan, Burton will be part of a press briefing featuring SHR executive vice president Brett Frood and SHR vice president of competition Greg Zipadelli.(True Speed Communication/Stewart-Haas Racing)
AND By skipping an entire weekend, he would need NASCAR to waive the requirement that a driver must qualify or race every weekend to be eligible for the Chase. NASCAR officials would not speculate Thursday whether they would grant a waiver if one is requested(Sporting News)(8-14-2014)
UPDATE: Greg Zipadelli, VP of competition, Stewart Haas Racing, Brett Frood executive vice president of Stewart Haas Racing, and Jeff Burton held a press conference Friday morning at Michigan International Speedway. The transcript of the conference is posted on the Stewart Haas Racing Press Conference Transcript Page.(8-15-2014)

NASCAR issues rule to keep drivers in cars: In its continued efforts to evolve the safety of its sport, NASCAR announced Friday that it will add a rule that addresses on-track incidents as part of its race procedures. The rule, listed as Section 9-16, will be an addendum to the NASCAR rule book and will apply to all of its racing series, effective immediately.

Section 9-16 On-Track Incident Procedure
During an Event, if a racecar is involved in an on-track incident and/or is stopped on or near the racing surface and unable to continue to make forward progress, unless extenuating emergency conditions exist with the racecar (i.e. fire, smoke in cockpit, etc.) the driver should take the following steps:
· Shut off electrical power and, if driver is uninjured, lower window net
· Do not loosen, disconnect or remove any driver personal safety equipment until directed to do so by safety personnel or a NASCAR/Track Official
· After being directed to exit the racecar, the driver should proceed to either the ambulance, other vehicle, or as otherwise directed by safety personnel or a NASCAR/Track Official
· At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach any portion of the racing surface or apron
· At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach another moving vehicle
All vehicles not involved in the incident or that are able to continue afterwards should slow down to a cautious speed as outlined in Section 10-4 (Yellow Flag), use extreme care as they approach an incident scene, and follow any directions given by safety personnel or NASCAR/Track Officials. Cars in line behind the safety car should not weave or otherwise stray from the line in the vicinity of the incident.

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition and racing development, says the rule is "part of the evolution of NASCAR's rules and regulations."
"Throughout the history of our sport, NASCAR has reviewed and analyzed situations and occurrences that take place not just in NASCAR racing but also throughout all motorsports and other sports," said Pemberton. "When we believe we can do something to make our sport safer and better for the competitors and others involved in the competition environment, we react quickly. Safety always has been priority number one at NASCAR."
As with other behavioral infractions, NASCAR will handle each instance separately when assessing potential penalties.(NASCAR)(8-15-2014)

Alliance Truck Parts renews with Penske: Team Penske announced that it has extended its partnership with Alliance Truck Parts (ATP), building on the relationship between the two transportation-based organizations that began in 2010. Under the new multi-year agreement, Alliance Truck Parts will continue to be a primary sponsor of the #2 Team Penske Ford Fusion driven by 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski. The 2015 season will mark the second consecutive year that ATP, an industry-leading provider of heavy duty truck parts for the commercial transportation industry, will be featured in the Sprint Cup Series. Enhancing its allegiance with Team Penske, Alliance Truck Parts will proudly race with its distinctive bright yellow colors adorning the No. #2 Ford driven by Keselowski during eight races as the primary sponsor throughout the agreement and as an associate sponsor for the balance of the NSCS schedule. Alliance Truck Parts made its debut with Team Penske at the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The partnership expanded in the 2011 Nationwide Series when Alliance Truck Parts was a partial season primary sponsor and the following two seasons the bond with ATP grew to include a full-season Nationwide Series primary sponsorship with Team Penske. Alliance Truck Parts made its debut in the Sprint Cup Series this year and 2015 will mark its second consecutive year as an NSCS sponsor with Team Penske.(Team Penske)(8-15-2014)

Michigan Chase Clinch Scenarios: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #2-Brad Keselowski, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #99-Carl Edwards, #22-Joey Logano and #4-Kevin Harvick have clinched a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, assuming they attempt to qualify for the remaining four races.
If there is a repeat 2014 winner in the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, any driver with one win and a locked-up top 30 spot will clinch a spot in the Chase. Potentials: #18-Kyle Busch, #11-Denny Hamlin, #43-Aric Almirola, #41-Kurt Busch and #47-AJ Allmendinger. To clinch a top 30 spot, the clinching driver must be 145 points ahead of 31st place leaving Michigan.
If there is a new winner, one-win drivers could potentially clinch a spot. But there would still be the potential for 16 different winners, and a winless points leader -- meaning a winner would be bounced from the Chase. So there are no guarantees here.
Because he is so high in the points, if #20-Matt Kenseth wins, he would clinch a spot, even though it would be his first win. Other high-ranking winless drivers could potentially clinch with a win and help.(NASCAR)(8-15-2014)

Gibbs to hold press conference Tuesday: According to Joe Gibbs Racing, they will hold a press conference Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00am/et and "this unprecedented announcement will have impact across four NASCAR racing series."(Joe Gibbs Racing)
AND Joe Gibbs Racing will announce Carl Edwards as its fourth Sprint Cup driver for the 2015 season next Tuesday. However, the bigger news appears to involve Daniel Suarez, the 22-year-old darling of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, who will drive for JGR in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Suarez, of Monterrey, Mexico, currently leads the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series where he has nine victories in 52 career starts including four this season. Suarez has made dramatic improvement since joining the tour and has led 1,084 of the 7,790 laps raced. Suarez made his first career Nationwide Series start for JGR at Richmond in the #20 Toyota. Suarez qualified 12th and finished 19th. He completed all but one lap.(Motorsport)(8-15-2014)

Carsforsale.com sponsoring Cassill at Michigan: As one of the Internet's largest online automotive inventory websites, Carsforsale.com announces another sponsorship of the #40 Carsforsale.com Chevy SS with Landon Cassill and Hillman Racing at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 this Sunday, August 17. As Carsforsale.com continues to grow in popularity, NASCAR has provided a consistent branding opportunity with a devoted fan base. With millions of vehicles listed from over 17,000 dealers across the country, Carsforsale.com focuses on connecting buyers and sellers quickly and easily.(Hillman Racing), see an image of the car on the #40 team paint schemes page.(8-15-2014)

Roush Performance Parts on the #16: Roush Performance Parts will adorn the #16 Ford of Greg Biffle this weekend at Michigan. Created in 1995, Roush Performance Products combines race-proven technologies with advanced automotive engineering to continually provide customers the ultimate driving experience - the perfect combination of racecar and road car.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #16 team paint schemes page.(8-14-2014)

Michigan Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
" 17 of the 90 (18.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Joey Logano in 2013.
" The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (17) than any other starting position at Michigan International Speedway.
" 25 of the 90 (27.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the front row: 17 from the pole and eight from second-place.
" 68 of the 90 (75.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from a top-10 starting position.
" Six of the 90 (6.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
" The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Michigan was 32nd, by Mark Martin in the spring of 2009.
" Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway four times; most recently the spring of 2008 race.
" Three drivers have posted their first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Michigan International Speedway: Jeff Burton (8/18/1996), J.J. Yeley (6/17/2007) and Marcos Ambrose (6/17/2012).(NASCAR)(8-15-2014)

Hornish unsure of 2015 plans: Joe Gibbs Racing is set to hold a press conference at its Huntersville, North Carolina headquarters on Tuesday to offer an "unprecedented announcement" that will "have impact across four NASCAR racing series." Sam Hornish Jr., currently driving Kyle Busch's #54 JGR Monster Energy Toyota part-time as he looks to secure a full-time ride for 2015, was completely unaware when asked Friday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course if the announcement had anything to do with him. "They've got an announcement on Tuesday?" Hornish replied. "Well, I didn't know that. I must not be enough in the loop on that." Of course, the 2013 Nationwide Series championship runner-up could certainly be playing coy, but if not it continues a trend of Hornish consistently and reluctantly embracing the role as NASCAR's forgotten man, despite being one of its most well-rounded drivers.(NASCAR.com)(8-15-2014)

Marks fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #31-Justin Marks was quickest during happy hour for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 with a speed of 95.187mph. He was followed by: #60-Chris Buescher, #54-Sam Hornish, Jr., #7-Regan Smith, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #3-Ty Dillon, #22-Alex Tagliani, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, and #42-Dylan Kwasniewski. All 39 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Mid-Ohio practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-15-2014)

Hornish fastest in first Nationwide practice: #54-Sam Hornish, Jr. was fastest during opening practice at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a speed of 95.245mph. #7-Regan Smith was second, followed by: #60-Chris Buscher, #22-Alex Tagliani, #2-Brian Scott, #3-Ty Dillon, #6-Trevor Bayne, #11-Elliott Sadler, #20-Kenny Habul, and #31-Justin Marks. 33 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Mid-Ohio practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-15-2014)

Tim Cowen in #86 at Mid-Ohio: To say that Tim Cowen is excited to compete in this Saturday's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is an understatement. The Ashland, OH native considers the famed Lexington, OH road course his hometown track. Cowen, a veteran of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, K&N East Series, and Grand AM Series will be making his second attempt to qualify for a NASCAR Nationwide Series event for the DRG Motorsports #86 team. The Ohio driver will be sponsored by an Ohio company, Cowen Logistics.(DRG Motorsports)(8-15-2014)

Busch fastest in final Truck practice: #54-Kyle Busch was fastest during final practice at Michigan International Speedway for the Careers for Veterans 200 with a speed of 186.989mph. #21-Joey Coulter was second, followed by #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #98-Johnny Sauter, #05-Travis Kvapil, #32-Tayler Malsam, #13-Jeb Burton, #31-Ben Kennedy, #88-Matt Crafton and #30-Ron Hornaday. 25 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-15-2014)

Busch fastest in first Truck practice: #51-Kyle Busch was fastest during the opening practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 186.485 mph. #20-Austin Dillon was second, followed by #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., ##17-Timothy Peters, #05-Travis Kvapil, #29-Ryan Blaney, #31-Ben Kennedy, #77-German Quiroga, and #19-Joey Logano. 28 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Pocono practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-15-2014)

Atlanta Motor Speedway Media Center Renamed In Memory Of Marcy Scott: Atlanta Motor Speedway has announced that the infield media center has been named in memory of Marcy Scott, the track's late Director of Marketing & Promotion. The building will be known as the Marcy Scott Media Center. Scott was the Director of Marketing & Promotion for Atlanta Motor Speedway from 2005 until she passed away last November following a lengthy and courageous fight with cancer. She was also the fourth quarter recipient of the NMPA's 2013 Spirit Award. "I cannot think of anything more fitting to name in Marcy's honor than the Atlanta Motor Speedway media center," Atlanta Motor Speedway President & GM Ed Clark said. "Marcy's charisma, passion for racing and overall outlook on life continue to improve all of us at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It's very appropriate that many of the same people that hold such a high regard for Marcy will be working out of a building named in her honor while they are at Atlanta Motor Speedway race weekend."(AMS)(8-15-2014)

Harvick Joins Earnhardt In Martinsville Green Flag Experience: Kevin Harvick, the winner of two NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season, has been added to the Green Flag Experience prior to the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 26. Harvick will join Diet Mountain Dew Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has three wins this season, Jamie McMurray and David Ragan in the question-and-answer portion of the Green Flag Experience. The Green Flag Experience also gives fans the chance to watch driver introductions from the track, along with a morning full of fun and excitement on the track and under the large tent in The Plaza. In addition to the emceed driver question-and-answer sessions and driver introductions, the Green Flag Experience offers fans the opportunity to walk the frontstretch on race morning, enjoy music, games and prizes along with show cars and simulators, plus doughnuts, Danishes, coffee and juice. The cost of the Green Flag Experience is $30. The $30 charge for the Green Flag Experience does not include a ticket for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500.(Martinsville Speedway)(8-15-2014)

Wood Brothers forms alliance with Penske; names Ryan Blaney as driver: Wood Brothers Racing announced that it has formed a technical alliance with Team Penske and will race a partial-season schedule in the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with up-and-coming driver Ryan Blaney. Blaney, who has raced as a Team Penske development driver since 2012, will compete in at least 12 races for Wood Brothers Racing next season in the iconic #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion as he continues his rapid NASCAR development. Blaney will also practice and qualify the #21 this weekend at the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway while current Wood Brothers driver Trevor Bayne competes in the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Bayne will return in time to start the Sprint Cup race at the back of the field. Blaney is scheduled to make his official debut for Wood Brothers Racing in the 2015 Daytona 500. He will race for the team in events at Daytona, Las Vegas, Texas, Talladega, Charlotte, Michigan and Indianapolis, among others. In addition to driving the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion for the Wood Brothers, Blaney will drive a Team Penske Mustang in the 2015 Nationwide Series.(Wood Brothers Racing)(8-14-2014)

Teams to test 2015 rules changes Monday at Michigan: Nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will remain at Michigan International Speedway one additional day on Monday to test aerodynamic and engine combinations for the 2015 racing season. According to NASCAR officials, the test is designed to validate extensive work done by the sanctioning body's racing development team. Gene Stefanyshyn, vice president Innovation and Racing Development for NASCAR, said two different packages featuring various changes would be tested on the 2-mile track at MIS.
"We have a prime rules package and also will be doing a low downforce package, because some of the drivers have been very vocal," Stefanyshyn said. "They think (low downforce) is a solution ... so we're going to try one of those." The prime rules package will include the use of dive planes, a 9-inch spoiler, six-percent rear differential gear ratio, three different power levels (engine horsepower) as well as a driver adjustable track bar. Dive planes are small strips on the left and right side of the front bumper areas about halfway between the splitter and hood.
The engine changes will vary from the current 850 horsepower to 800 and 750 hp. Stefanyshyn said those changes would be made during Monday's test through the use of different sized restrictor plates in order to gauge the effects. If it is determined that less horsepower works best with the aerodynamic changes being considered, how best to accomplish that for next season would still have to be decided.
The test is slated to get underway at 9:00am/et with six different sessions scheduled throughout the day. Teams are expected to make single-file 15-lap runs in every other session, with double-file runs making up the remaining 15-lap sessions. Drivers scheduled to participate are: #1-Jamie McMurray, #5-Kasey Kahne, #10-Danica Patrick, #27-Paul Menard #2-Brad Keselowski, #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., #43-Aric Almirola, #11-Denny Hamlin, and either #15-Clint Bowyer or #55-Brian Vickers.(NASCAR.com)(8-14-2014)

Race Team Alliance expands membership UPDATE: Race Team Alliance, Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of its membership to 18 full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup teams, comprising 37 full-time entries. The RTA, formed in July, is a not-for-profit business league comprised of race teams participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The purpose of the organization is to create an open forum for the teams to explore areas of common interest and to work collaboratively on initiatives to help preserve, promote, and grow the sport of stock car racing. "One of the early goals of the Race Team Alliance was to expand our membership, and after only a month in existence, we have accomplished that goal," said Rob Kauffman, the RTA's elected chairman. "We now have virtually all the full-time teams participating. I think the membership as a whole is enthusiastic to get to work on some of the other items on our agenda, in particular some of the cost areas and marketing opportunities we have already identified." The RTA membership includes:
BK Racing, Circle Sport, Front Row, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Germain Racing, Go Green / FAS Lane, Hendrick Motorsports, HScott Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, JTG Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Phil Parsons Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Team Penske, and Tommy Baldwin Racing.(Race Team Alliance), the new teams are BK Racing, Circle Sport, Front Row, Germain Racing, Go Green / FASLane, JTG Racing, Phil Parsons Racing, & Tommy Baldwin Racing (8-13-2014)
UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing, which fields the #78 of Martin Truex Jr., is the only notable full-time Sprint Cup team that hasn't joined the RTA, which is comprised of teams from North and South Carolina. FRR is based in Denver and also is unique in being sponsored by its owner, Furniture Row founder Barney Visser. "We spoke to Barney, and he had the information," Kauffman said. "He thought it didn't make sense at this time. It's a free world, and I respect that. I think that's his prerogative, so it's completely fine." Kauffman said the RTA was looking at associate memberships for part-time teams that have expressed interest, such as Wood Brothers Racing.(USA Today)(8-14-2014)

3M Hire Our Heroes Campaign to Honor America's Heroes at Bristol: At the NASCAR Sprint Cup race night race at Bristol, NASCAR star Greg Biffle will be driving a #16 3M Ford Fusion with a strong force behind it - the power of the 3M Hire Our Heroes program. Biffle's #16 3M Hire Our Heroes Ford Fusion will feature a paint scheme created by legendary car designer Chip Foose to honor the veterans recognized through the 3M Hire Our Heroes program in 2014. To date, some 55 military members and their families have received tool grants and scholarships through the program, totaling some $250,000. It is the second year that the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division has led the 3M Hire Our Heroes program and run a special paint scheme with Chip Foose. For the Bristol race, Biffle's hood design reflects the transition of a soldier in camouflage to a collision industry professional. The camouflage is peeling away to showcase the stars and stripes underneath. On the hood, a saluting soldier is flanked by two auto body repairers - a painter and a welder.(3M PR)(8-14-2013)

New sponsor debuts on Annett's car at Michigan: Allstate Peterbilt Group, one of the industry leaders in parts, service and sales of medium and heavy-duty trucks and equipment, adorns #7-Michael Annett's Chevy SS as a co-primary sponsor this weekend. It marks the first of three races this season in which APG will partner with Annett in this capacity.(Tommy Baldwin Racing), see an image of the car on the #7 team paint schemes page.(8-14-2014)

Corrigan Propane returns to Germain at Michigan: As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is poised to return to Brooklyn, MI, Germain Racing's #13 GEICO Chevy SS is ready to again share the Michigan International Speedway experience with local company Corrigan Propane. Corrigan Propane first sponsored Casey Mears and the #13 Germain Racing entry in June at MIS. Corrigan, headquartered in Brighton, MI, will again appear as an associate sponsor for this Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 at MIS. Corrigan Propane is the residential arm of a family of Corrigan companies that began in 1958 with a single service station and one tow truck. Today Corrigan 24-hour Towing, Corrigan Construction, Corrigan Lubricants, Corrigan Transportation, Corrigan Propane and Technical Environmental Services are all brands owned by Mike and Tim Corrigan. Corrigan's five Michigan locations provide solutions for commercial and residential customers in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.(Germain Racing)(8-14-2014)

Tyler Walker nearing plea deal: A former NASCAR driver who authorities say evaded police during a 150-mph chase through parts of Nevada, Arizona and Utah last year is nearing a resolution of his case. The Spectrum of St. George reports attorneys for 35-year-old Timothy Tyler Andrew Walker expect a plea deal to be finalized next month on Utah charges. Walker has pleaded not guilty to drug and evading police charges. Court documents show Walker, of Hermosa Beach, California, has reached a plea deal on Arizona charges. Utah Highway Patrol troopers arrested Walker in January 2013 near St. George to end a chase that began in Nevada and crossed into Arizona before reaching Utah. They reported finding methamphetamine, marijuana and vodka in the car. NASCAR suspended Walker in 2007 for violating its substance abuse policy.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(8-14-2014)

First win for car #47 since 1986: When A.J. Allmendinger won the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2014, it was the first time since March 16, 1986 that a driver had won a Sprint Cup Series race in a car #47. Morgan Shepherd won at Atlanta in a Jack Beebe owned Buick crew chiefed by Jake Elder. The car #47 has 25 Sprint Cup Series wins in its history. See more on wins by car numbers on the Wins by Car Numbers page.(8-14-2014)

Michigan Notes & Facts - Thursday - track history:
" There have been 90 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan International Speedway since the first race there in 1969. Other than 1973, which had just one race, there have been two races each season since 1969.
" Michigan International Speedway sits on more than 1,400 acres in the "Irish Hills" of Southeastern Michigan. Ground-breaking took place on Sept. 28, 1967.
" The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan was held June 15, 1969 - won by Cale Yarborough at a speed of 139.254 mph.
" The track was known as Michigan Speedway during the time Roger Penske was the primary owner (1996-99).
" The 2-mile speedway underwent a repave in 2012.(NASCAR)(8-14-2014)

Bon Bon Boom Bubble Gum sponsoring Cassill: When the checkered flag waves at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Saturday, one driver will be especially hoping the experience has been a sweet treat worthy of his car for the day. Landon Cassill will be behind the wheel of the Bon Bon Boom Bubble Gum Pops #01 Chevy. The Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 will be the first-ever North American sports partnership for the globally renowned confectionary brand. Cassill's #01 car is especially fitting, as Bon Bon Boom is already the top-selling brand of bubble gum pop in more than 15 countries around the world. The company was also drawn to supporting Cassill at the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 because of the company's ongoing global commitment to corporate social responsibility. The race benefits the regional medical center dedicated to offering life-saving treatment to children, regardless of a family's ability to pay.(JD Motorsports)(8-14-2014)

Texas 500 tickets on sale Friday: The new town of No Limits, Texas, officially will be open for business beginning Friday, Aug. 15, as individual tickets go on sale to the general public for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend set for Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at Texas Motor Speedway. Beginning at 9:00am/ct, individual frontstretch tickets for the AAA Texas 500 - the eighth race of the revamped 10-event Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship format scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 2 - will be available starting as low as $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Individual tickets for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino & Resort 350 - which also includes Sprint Cup Series qualifying - on Friday, Oct. 31, and the Nationwide Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 1, also will be on sale with prices beginning at $30. Texas Motor Speedway also has created several ticket packages that cater from the novice to the staunch NASCAR fan.(TMS)(8-14-2014)

Truex, Jr to miss practice and qualifying at Michigan: #78-Martin Truex Jr. will miss Friday's practice and qualifying sessions at Michigan International Speedway. Recently, Sherry Pollex, Martin's longtime partner and girlfriend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sherry and Martin would like to thank the NASCAR community for all the well wishes. They have requested that everyone respect the family's privacy as Sherry begins her treatment and recovery. Matt Crafton, reigning Camping World Truck Series champion, will sub for Truex on Friday. Truex will join his Furniture Row Racing team Saturday and compete in Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race. Sherry's passion in life is fighting pediatric cancer. To learn more about Sherry's work with children, go to www.martintruexjrfoundation.org. "Everyone at Furniture Row Racing extends their thoughts and prayers to Sherry during her treatment and recovery period," said Joe Garone, Furniture Row Racing General Manager. "She is a devoted supporter of our race team and we can't wait for her return to the track."(Furniture Row Racing)(8-13-2014)

Race Team Alliance expands membership: Race Team Alliance, Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of its membership to 18 full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup teams, comprising 37 full-time entries. The RTA, formed in July, is a not-for-profit business league comprised of race teams participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The purpose of the organization is to create an open forum for the teams to explore areas of common interest and to work collaboratively on initiatives to help preserve, promote, and grow the sport of stock car racing. "One of the early goals of the Race Team Alliance was to expand our membership, and after only a month in existence, we have accomplished that goal," said Rob Kauffman, the RTA's elected chairman. "We now have virtually all the full-time teams participating. I think the membership as a whole is enthusiastic to get to work on some of the other items on our agenda, in particular some of the cost areas and marketing opportunities we have already identified." The RTA membership includes:
BK Racing
Circle Sport
Front Row
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
Germain Racing
Go Green / FAS Lane
Hendrick Motorsports
HScott Motorsports
Joe Gibbs Racing
JTG Racing
Michael Waltrip Racing
Phil Parsons Racing
Richard Childress Racing
Richard Petty Motorsports
Roush Fenway Racing
Stewart-Haas Racing
Team Penske
Tommy Baldwin Racing
(Race Team Alliance), the new teams are BK Racing, Circle Sport, Front Row, Germain Racing, Go Green / FASLane, JTG Racing, Phil Parsons Racing, & Tommy Baldwin Racing (8-13-2014)

Ryan Blaney to drive for Wood Brothers in 2015 UPDATES: Ryan Blaney will drive the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in 2015, sources have told Motorsport.com. Blaney, 20, will run a limited Sprint Cup schedule in the venerable #21 Ford along with Nationwide Series races for Team Penske as part of a technical alliance between Penske and the Wood Brothers. An announcement is expected around the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 17. Blaney currently leads the Camping World Truck Series points driving the #29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing. In just his second full season on the tour, Blaney has two wins - the first coming in just his third career start. Blaney has a stellar average finish of 7.6. The third-generation racer has also shown tremendous progress on the Nationwide Series tour with Penske Racing. At 19, he won his first NNS race in his 13th career start last September at Kentucky Speedway. Blaney led 96 of 200 laps. In just seven starts in 2015, Blaney has posted six top 10s and three top-five finishes. His average qualifying position is 5.9. Blaney made his Cup debut at Kansas Speedway on May 10. He qualified 21st and finished 27th.(Motorsport)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE: Blaney does have one career Sprint Cup start, making his debut with Team Penske earlier this season at Kansas. "We're focused on winning the truck championship this year and focused on this weekend at Pocono," Blaney said. "Keep growing this (program). Those days will sort themselves out down the road." Team Penske Vice President Jonathan Gibson said via email Friday that the organization has plans for Blaney's future. "Ryan Blaney continues to do a great job with our organization and we have a plan for his progression within Team Penske," he said. "While we have had some discussions with our partners at Ford, nothing has been finalized."(NASCAR.com)(8-2-2014)
UPDATE 2: Wood Brothers Racing and Ford Racing will host a media teleconference featuring Eddie & Len Wood, co-owners, Wood Brothers Racing, and others to talk about their plans for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season as well as this weekend's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Thursday at 2:00pm.et.(Ford Racing)(8-13-2014)

Harvick's team penalized, #98 team warned after Watkins Glen: The #4 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been penalized due to a rules infraction committed during the Aug. 10 race at Watkins Glen International. The infraction is a P3 level penalty and is outlined in Section 12-4.3 of the 2014 rule book:
" A. Violation examples could include but are not limited to:
o 1(c): Unapproved added weight and/or weight affixed improperly (e.g. Unapproved added weight (size and material); unapproved added weight location, but not of a nature rising to a higher numbered penalty.
The infraction violates the following sections in the rule book:
" 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
" 20-2.3: Added car weight
o A. Any weight added to the car must be bolted inside the body shell in an approved weight container and in a position acceptable to NASCAR officials
o Added weight must be in block form of not less than five pound blocks (no pellets) and painted white with the car number or team identification permanently legible on it.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $25,000.
Per Section 12-4.1 of the NASCAR rule book, a Warning has been issued to the #98 team for an infraction occurring on Aug. 8. The infraction was:
" 20-16.6: Fuel filler cans
o G. When adding or removing fuel to/from the car in the garage area, the car must be outside the garage structure.
Multiple warnings issued to the same vehicle number/member within a given time period will result in one or more penalties in accordance to Section 12-4.1 of the rule book.(NASCAR)(8-13-2014)

Mars renews with Gibbs, Busch, NASCAR: Mars announced that it has signed new multi-year deals with Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR, further anchoring its presence in the sport. The new agreement with JGR will extend the winning partnership that has brought the #18 M&M'S Toyota to victory lane 20 times since 2008 and continue with the popular M&M'S brand as the primary paint scheme in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The renewed contract with the sanctioning body will designate Mars as the Official Chocolate of NASCAR. Mars will continue to leverage its Official status to ensure its various chocolate brands remain a race day staple for millions of racing fans.(True Speed Communications)(8-13-2014)

Latest on Tony Stewart:
Accident investigation expected to take at least 2 more weeks: The Ontario County Sheriff issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
"The investigation into the death of Kevin Ward, Jr., of Lewis County, N.Y., is ongoing and is expected to continue for at least another two weeks or more. Investigators continue to seek witnesses, gather evidence, and develop the racetrack crash reconstruction. However, it would be inappropriate to discuss details or findings of the investigation with the media at this time. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation as the Ontario County Office of Sheriff continues this investigation and for having patience as we conduct a thorough review of all of the relevant facts involving this tragic accident. When the investigation is completed, we will meet with members of the Ontario County District Attorney's Office and discuss with them all aspects of the investigation into the crash that occurred on August 9, 2014 at the Canandaigua Speedway. At that time, more information relating to any determinations that have been made may be released. In closing, on behalf of the Ontario County Office of Sheriff, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of Kevin Ward, Jr."
AND Stewart could still face legal consequences: [Stewart] could be charged with second-degree manslaughter under New York law if prosecutors believe he "recklessly caused the death of another person," with negligent homicide another possibility, according to criminal law professor Corey Rayburn Yung of the Kansas University School of Law. Athletes in competition often do things that would get the average person arrested - think two boxers in the ring, or a baserunner sliding into second with his spikes high. But sometimes an act is so far outside the bounds of accepted sporting behavior that it becomes a crime, as former major leaguer Jose Offerman learned when he was charged with felony assault for rushing the mound - swinging a bat - after he was hit by a pitch in a minor league game. So Stewart would not expect to be charged for the car-on-car bump that sent Ward spinning into the wall. But if, for example, he were to tell police that he saw Ward on the track and tried to shower him with dirt or otherwise send him a message, a first-degree manslaughter charge could be a possibility, Yung said. Even if he is cleared by prosecutors, though, Stewart could face a civil suit. Although the standard of proof is lower than in a criminal case, the civil court would also consider Ward's state of mind at the time of the accident and whether he was also negligent in venturing into racing traffic on a dark track in a dark suit. But Stewart would also have to weigh the damage to his image and career - with his own team, tracks and millions in endorsements - making a quick settlement likely.(Associated Press)
AND Other driver says Stewart could not avoid Ward: "From what I saw, Tony did everything in his power to turn down away from Kevin to avoid him," said sprint car driver Cory Sparks. Sparks was just a few cars behind Stewart during Saturday's race. He said videos that have been posted online do not give an accurate picture of what happened. "People say that they heard the engine rev up and he gassed it. In a sprint car, the only way to steer is you steer with the rear wheels as much as you do the steering wheel. In my opinion, what he did was he gassed it to turn down away from him," said Sparks.(Time Warner News)
AND Ward's father speaks: Kevin Ward Sr. spoke ... on Monday. "A situation happened and everybody has their own opinions," Ward Sr. said. "Some are way off, some without a clue and some are very hurtful. A 20-year-old talented driver was killed and that's what we need to focus on ... We've had a lot of messages sent. We are so thankful. If everybody could just pray for us, we'll get through it."(Syracuse.com)
AND Stewart still entered in Michigan race: As of Tuesday evening, MIS had not heard from Stewart-Haas Racing or NASCAR in regards to Stewart's status this weekend, only that he is inked in to race on the NASCAR entry list for Michigan.(Detroit Free Press)
AND Canandaigua Motorsports Park will resume racing Saturday: Statement from Jeremie Corcoran, Owner/Promoter of Canandaigua Motorsports Park concerning this Saturday August 16th racing: "Up until today I could not even think about another show at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. I spoke to Kevin Ward Sr this morning and he encouraged me to "get back to racing at CMP, Kevin would want you to". I consulted with all my staff also today as well as my family. Everyone has said that we need to begin to heal and that means we need to come together this Saturday night and put on a show in memory of Kevin Jr and support this great sport that we all love. We need to show our support of everyone that was involved and has been affected. "We will be racing this Saturday night at Canandaigua Motorsports Park to show the world how strong we are as a racing family! How we can grieve together and come together. I ask that everyone wear something Orange to display our unity! We will be doing something special at the track on Saturday night. "I want to thank everyone for the integrity you have shown in your comments on our Facebook page and for the support you have given my family, all my staff, every racer, and all the fans that have been deeply affected. I am forever grateful"(Canandaigua Motorsports Park Facebook page.
For earlier updates on the accident, see the #14 team news page.(8-13-2014)

3M partnering with Hendrick to sponsor Gordon UPDATE: 3M will join 11-time Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2015 NASCAR season when it will become a primary sponsor of driver Jeff Gordon and his #24 Chevy SS team. The new relationship will feature 3M as a primary sponsor in 11 Sprint Cup races annually and as an associate-level partner in all other events. The agreement covers the 2015, 2016 and 2017 NASCAR seasons. All five of 3M's business units, which comprise more than $31 billion in annual sales, will use the sponsorship in consumer promotions, product launches and business-to-business opportunities. With more than 65 of its products used in the construction and maintenance of Sprint Cup Series race cars, 3M for decades has played a key role in the success of NASCAR teams. The company manufactures more than 80,000 different products and has been an official NASCAR partner across several categories since 1995.(Hendrick Motorsports)(8-12-2014)
UPDATE: The 3M decision now leaves Roush Fenway looking for sponsorship for Biffle, who recently signed a multiyear extension to remain with the team. "We're thankful for the 10-year relationship we've enjoyed with 3M that included some of Roush Fenway's most memorable victories," Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark said in a statement. "We have some exciting '15 partnership announcements for the No. 16 coming up in the next few weeks and look forward to sharing those soon."(Sporting News)
AND Greg Biffle tweeted Tuesday evening, "I am excited to announce our new sponsor in a few weeks!!! Wish we could do it now but you know how contracts are !!!".(8-13-2014)

Great Clips back on the #5 at Michigan: Great Clips will adorn the hood of Kasey Kahne's #5 Chevy SS this weekend at Michigan International Speedway and will serve as the primary sponsor on the car for four more Sprint Cup Series events this year: Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 23, Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 26, Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 2 and Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 16.(Hendrick Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #5 team paint schemes page.(8-13-2014)

Michigan Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series will run different tire set-ups at Michigan this weekend . . . in Sprint Cup, this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires they ran at Michigan in June . . . Cup teams have run this left-side tire code (D-4558) at Michigan since last season . . . this is the first year for this right-side tire code (D-4586), and these teams have run it at both Michigan and Kansas already . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Michigan . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear) See full notes, tire codes, tire pressures and more on the Michigan Race Info page - Goodyear section.

Cody Ware to make Nationwide debut at Mid-Ohio: Rick Ware Racing announced that 18-year old racecar driver Cody Ware will make his Nationwide Series debut this Saturday from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. Ware, a former Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competitor will drive the #23 38 Special / Lilly Trucking Chevy Camaro for his father, longtime NASCAR owner and former driver Rick Ware.(Rick Ware Racing)(8-13-2014)

Truck Series crew member suspended: Troy Cupples, a crew member in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy. On Aug. 11, Cupples 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 2014 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(8-13-2014)

"Ultimate Viewing Experience Ticket Package" at Talladega How do race fans get one of the best views in all of NASCAR, complete with a device that allows them to get immediate race updates from the palm of their hand, at an unbelievable price? The simple answer - Talladega Superspeedway's "Ultimate Viewing Experience Ticket Package." The package, which includes a 2-Day Tri-Oval Tower ticket (high atop the frontstretch grandstands) for both the Saturday, October 18, fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and the Sunday, Oct. 19 GEICO 500 Sprint Cup Series event, is complete with a FanVision device for only $170.00, a $50 package savings. FanVision allows fans to get an up close and personal feel with world-class live video streaming - video and audio of live race broadcasts, instant replays, scanners to listen directly to driver-team communications, review real-time stats, in-car views with eight different cameras and access to other live-action features.(TSS)(8-13-2014)

Watkins Glen TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, Aug. 10, earned a 3.1 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,939,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media.Both the rating and viewership rose from last year's Watkins Glen race, which earned a 2.7 rating and averaged 4,171,328 viewers. The rating was the highest for the race since a 3.2 in 2010. Indianapolis was the nation's highest-rated metered market for the race telecast with a 9.6 rating, followed by Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville at 9.5 and Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem at 9.1. Charlotte was fourth at 7.3 and Knoxville, Tenn., fifth at 7.0. Rounding out the top 10 were Raleigh-Durham, N.C., 6.9; Richmond, Va., 6.7; Tulsa and Nashville, 6.2; and Jacksonville, 6.0.(ESPN), see past 2014 races ratings and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 TV Ratings page.(8-12-2014)

3M partnering with Hendrick to sponsor Gordon: 3M will join 11-time Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2015 NASCAR season when it will become a primary sponsor of driver Jeff Gordon and his #24 Chevy SS team. The new relationship will feature 3M as a primary sponsor in 11 Sprint Cup races annually and as an associate-level partner in all other events. The agreement covers the 2015, 2016 and 2017 NASCAR seasons. All five of 3M's business units, which comprise more than $31 billion in annual sales, will use the sponsorship in consumer promotions, product launches and business-to-business opportunities. With more than 65 of its products used in the construction and maintenance of Sprint Cup Series race cars, 3M for decades has played a key role in the success of NASCAR teams. The company manufactures more than 80,000 different products and has been an official NASCAR partner across several categories since 1995.(Hendrick Motorsports)(8-12-2014)

NASCAR could consider rule to prevent drivers from getting out of cars: Kevin Ward Jr.'s death occurred in a sprint car race, but its implications could reach Sprint Cup - not only because the fatality involved a car driven by Tony Stewart. When NASCAR officials hold their weekly competition meeting Tuesday, it's likely they will discuss the circumstances that allowed Ward to exit his cockpit and angrily scramble down the banking to confront Stewart under a yellow flag at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Ward's death has prompted suggestions that rules are needed that keep drivers in their cars under caution until safety personnel arrive. At least two dirt tracks in New York made changes Monday as Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway announced in a website release that drivers would be required to stay in their cars during an accident. If a driver were to exit the car during a yellow, the race would be placed under a red flag, and the penalty could include a fine or suspension. There is precedent for deaths in other series being the impetus for immediate changes in NASCAR. "We always have discussions to become better," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp told USA TODAY Sports. "NASCAR has a history of looking at situations, and we're not afraid to react to them."(USA Today)(8-12-2014)

Skuttle Tight sponsoring Go FAS Racing at Michigan: Willmar, Minnesota-based Skuttle Tight, America's premiere manufacturer of insulated attic-entry systems that replace older attic hatches and access panels that can cause drafts, will partner with Go FAS Racing in the Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 this Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. The Pure Michigan 400 will be Skuttle Tight's first experience marketing their products in NASCAR.(Go FAS/Green Racing)(8-12-2014)

Kurt Busch interested in Indy 500 again next year: Kurt Busch created a memory that he has said will last forever when he competed in the Indianapolis 500 this past May, finishing sixth in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. On Sunday at Watkins Glen, Busch reaffirmed his desire to give it a second shot. The Outlaw finished third in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, establishing momentum for his second-consecutive Chase berth. While focused on the remainder of the season and his attempt to win a second Sprint Cup championship, Busch made no secret of his desire to return to Indianapolis next May. "It's a bit too early," Busch said of how close he is to announcing his Indianapolis return. "Right now, our focus is the Chase and trying to keep others from punching their ticket to get in. We don't have much news." Team owner Michael Andretti has repeatedly said that he wants Busch back next season if the logistics can pan out. He believes that a second consecutive year of running in the 500-mile Race would establish Busch as one of the favorites. For his part, Busch is definitely interested. "I'd like to do it," he said. "We'll see how it pans out."(Popular Speed)(8-12-2014)

NASCAR Numbers:
12: The number of different winners in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season. AJ Allmendinger's victory at Watkins Glen eliminated one Chase position available on points, leaving a maximum of four up for grabs, if the next four races produce repeat winners. Those drivers who haven't won yet have reason to be nervous.
10: The number of top-10 finishes recorded this year by rookie Kyle Larson, who ran fourth in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen. Larson is 10th in the series standings and right in the middle of the fight for a Chase spot.
10: The number of top-five finishes this season for Dale Earnhardt Jr., the only driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series who has reached double figures in that statistical category. Though Earnhardt finished 11th on Sunday, he took over the series lead from teammate Jeff Gordon, after Gordon had electrical problems with his pole-winning #24 Chevy.
33: Jimmie Johnson's average finish in the last five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Johnson's rash of trouble continued Sunday at Watkins Glen, where the six-time champion got the worst of a three-wide predicament with Kyle Larson and Matt Kenseth, as the cars negotiated Turn 1. Johnson spun and finished 28th.
2: The number of drivers who have won back-to-back races in the last 16 years at Michigan International Speedway. Ryan Newman accomplished the feat in 2003-2004, and Greg Biffle did it twice, in 2004-2005 and 2012-2013. Neither driver has won yet this year.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-12-2014)

Top 10 Driver Ratings at Michigan:
#16-Greg Biffle 107.8
#20-Matt Kenseth 104.5
#48-Jimmie Johnson 102.9
#99-Carl Edwards 102.2
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. 97.5
#14-Tony Stewart 95.8
#24-Jeff Gordon 91.2
#18-Kyle Busch 91.1
#41-Kurt Busch 90.0
#42-Kyle Larson 89.7
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2014 races (19 total) among active drivers at Michigan International Speedway.
Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)

Special scheme for Chris Buescher at Mid-Ohio: A special guest will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing's Chris Buescher and the #60 team in this weekend's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Six-year-old Luke Benner's face appears on the #60 as part of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion program. On New Year's Eve 2012, Benner's parents noticed that his Lymph Nodes were very large and bulging from his neck. An emergency room trip, a doctor's visit and an antibiotic did not show any improvement, so blood work was completed. Based on the results, Benner was immediately sent to Nationwide Children's Hospital for evaluation where further analysis showed that he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Benner quickly began chemotherapy treatments, including a schedule that would average an every other day visit to Nationwide Children's Hospital for six to eight months, with a full treatment term of up to three-and-a-half years. The Mount Gilead, Ohio native has not skipped a beat since his diagnosis. The charismatic six-year-old still enjoys swimming, Legos, superheroes, dolphins, all food (especially watermelon) and race cars.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #60 team paint schemes page.(8-12-2014)

Bayne riding with Blake Hames at Mid-Ohio: Trevor Bayne will have a special guest on the #6 AdvoCare Ford Mustang this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. Five-year-old Blake Hames, of Westerville, OH, will have his face on the hood and his name on the passenger side door of the #6 Ford as part of Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion Program. At 10 months old, Hames' parents discovered a lump on his neck that was ultimately determined to be neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the central nervous system. Given the size of the tumor and the risk of giving anesthesia to Hames at such a young age, doctors concluded that the best course of action would be to use chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. After several rounds of chemo, the tumor shrank down to a size that allowed it to be operated on. Despite the fact that surgery can now be completed, Hames' family faced another issue as the tumor was located on the young child's vocal cords and that the pending surgery would render Hames unable to speak. With his parents relying on faith and months of prayer, Hames was released from the Nationwide Children's Hospital cancer free. Within a year of leaving the hospital, Hames was able to do what was previously thought would not be possible, speak. He is now an energetic child who loves riding his bike, catching frogs and praying for others.(Roush Fenway)(8-12-2014)

RCR Partners with Nationwide Children's Hospital: In honor of the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the #2 and #62 Chevy's of Brian Scott and Brendan Gaughan will feature paint schemes with the favorite colors and interests of Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champions, Avery Neely and Allie Norman.(RCR)(8-12-2014)

Green returns to the seat of the #14: Jeff Green will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Wrap Camry this weekend for the final road course event of the 2014 season. This will be his 3rd scheduled race of five that he will pilot the car for the #14 team. Green competed in the inaugural Nationwide Series event at Mid-Ohio one year ago for the Hefty/Reynolds Wrap team and he was on-track to earning a top-15 finish when he was involved in an accident on the final lap. As a result, he was credited with a 24th-place finish.(TMI)(8-12-2014)

Rice takes on new roles at NTS UPDATE: Chris Rice has taken on the role of competition director and crew chief on the #20 Chevy for NTS Motorsports, driver Gray Gaulding announced on his Twitter. Jeff Hensley had served as the crew chief on the 20 truck through the first half of the season. Rice most recently served as competition director and crew chief in the Nationwide Series with RAB Racing.(8-11-2014)
UPDATE: NTS Motorsports Vice President of Operations announced earlier today that Chris Rice will serve as Competition Director and crew chief of the #20 Chevy Silverado. Rice joins NTS Motorsports with 25 years of experience in NASCAR, including 11 years as a crew chief in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Chris Rice will serve as crew chief for Austin Dillon and the #20 Qore-24 Chevy starting this Saturday, August 16th at Michigan International Raceway and Gray Gaulding in the #20 Gemini Southern Chevy at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 20th, 2014.(NTS Motorsports)(8-12-2014)

Townley evaluated after wreck UPDATE 3: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver John Wes Townley was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation after hitting the wall hard in ARCA Racing Series qualifying on Friday. During his ARCA qualifying run at the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway, Townley made hard contact with the wall as he exited the Tunnel Turn before slowing on the track. After the incident, Townley was transported for further evaluation. As a result, Townley's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team sat out Friday's final practice session as it awaited word on their driver's condition. Townley was seventh in Friday's opening Camping World Truck Series practice session at Pocono.(Fox Sports)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE: Athenian Motorsports posted a statement on Twitter regarding Townley. "John Wes Townley was released from the hospital in good health. As a precaution, he'll be held out of competition for a week." No further information was released regarding who may drive the #05 truck in Pocono.(Twitter)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE 2: John Wes Townley was treated and released from a Pennsylvania hospital Saturday afternoon after an accident during ARCA Racing Series qualifying at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer has been named as his replacement in the #05 Zaxby's Athenian Motorsports Toyota Tundra for the running of the Pocono Mountains 150 Camping World Truck Series race Saturday afternoon. Townley is in good health but will sit out of competition for seven days as a precautionary measure. The Watkinsville, GA driver will be be medically reevaluated in Charlotte early next week and hopes to compete at Berlin Speedway in the ARCA Series next Saturday.(Athenian Motorsports)(8-2-2014)
UPDATE 3: John Wes Townley will sit out the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway this weekend after an accident at Pocono Raceway on August 1, 2014. 2003 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and current Sprint Cup Series driver, Travis Kvapil, will drive the #05 Zaxby's Toyota Tundra in Michigan on Saturday. "It is really hard sitting out and watching someone else drive your truck," John Wes Townley said. "I am hoping to be back behind the wheel of the #05 Zaxby's truck Wednesday at Bristol." Kvapil has two wins, three top-five and four top-10 finishes in four Camping World Truck Series starts on the 2-mile Brooklyn, Michigan race track.(Athenian Motorsports)(8-12-2014)

Tagliani to drive for BKR in Canada: Brad Keselowski Racing announced today that Alex Tagliani will drive the team's #19 Ford F-150 in the August 31 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. Tagliani, a native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, has five NASCAR Nationwide Series starts sprinkled over six seasons dating back to 2009. He has racked up two poles and two top five finishes and enters the NCWTS event at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on the heels of a strong performance at the recent NNS race at Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wisc.), where he won the pole and scored a strong second-place finish. Tagliani also scored a second place finish at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal in 2011 and won the pole there in 2012. The race will be the debut for Tagliani in NCWTS competition and adds to his diverse racing portfolio, which includes the Indianapolis 500, IndyCar, road racing and Champ Car competition. Tagliani has six Indianapolis 500 starts. In 2009 he earned Rookie of the Year honors in the race with an 11th-place finish and won the pole for the race in 2011 driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. His best finish in the race was 10th place in 2010.(Brad Keselowski Racing)(8-12-2014)

Wynonna and The Big Noise headline pre-race at Bristol: The robust sounds and dynamic vocals of Wynonna and The Big Noise spice up an already powerful Built Ford Tough Pre-Race. Spirits soar and tensions mount during the Saturday night show as The University of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland Band fires up fans with their rendition of Rocky Top, and for the third consecutive year, Michael Buffer readies drivers to rumble after entrances accompanied by music of their own selection. The Aug. 23 performance marks the five-time Grammy winner's first show at Bristol Motor Speedway, but not her first visit to the Last Great Colosseum. BMS officials are proud to include the legendary country artist among its fans and growing list of talent performing during the IRWIN Tools Night Race week.(BMS)(8-12-2014)

Stewart will not face charges in accident UPDATE: #14-Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges right now after a Saturday night incident in which Stewart's car struck and killed 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. In a press conference shortly after Sunday, Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff Phillip C. Povero said, "At this moment there are no facts or evidence that would support a criminal charge or criminal intent." The sheriff's office is examining videos from fans who were in attendance and also is awaiting formal autopsy results.(Fox Sports)(8-10-2014)
UPDATE: Kevin Ward Jr. died of blunt force trauma when he was hit by a car driven by NASCAR star Tony Stewart. Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero says the autopsy was completed Monday. Authorities questioned Stewart on Saturday night and went to Watkins Glen to talk to him again Sunday. Povero said Monday there were no plans "at this time" to talk to him again. There is no timetable to complete the investigation. Povero says there is nothing in the inquiry that supports criminal conduct or probable cause.(Associated Press)(8-11-2014)

Entry List for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #21-Bayne, #33-Kennedy, #37-Blaney, #66-Nemechek.
Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Michigan Entry List

Stewart pulls out of planned dirt race UPDATE: Tony Stewart, who didn't compete in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race after he struck and killed sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a race the night before, also pulled out of an upcoming dirt track race in Plymouth, Indiana. Plymouth Speedway announced the news that Stewart would not race Saturday in a statement released Monday. "We at Plymouth Speedway extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Kevin Ward Jr. and thoughts and prayers to Tony Stewart and his family. Tony Stewart will not be racing at Plymouth Speedway this Saturday. More information on the weekend's racing will be announced this week," the track said in the statement. Canandaigua Motorsports Park, about 30 miles southeast of Rochester, canceled the remainder of Saturday's race within five minutes and later posted a message on its Facebook page encouraging fans to "pray for the entire racing community of fans, drivers, and families." The track also canceled Wednesday's race. Track promoter Jeremie Corcoran said he was "devastated" by the incident in a statement released Monday. "I have made the decision to cancel our upcoming 'Whacko Wednesday' event on Wednesday August 13th at Canandaigua Motorsports Park to give my family, staff, fans, and racing teams time to grieve and process all that has occurred," Corcoran continued in the statement. "I will let everyone know about next weekend as soon as I can."(ESPN)(8-11-2014)
UPDATE: As Tony Stewart weighs whether to return to the track in the Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway, Stewart-Haas Racing said there is no timetable on a decision. "The decision to compete in this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan will be Tony's, and he will have as much time as he needs to make that decision," SHR director of communications Mike Arning said in an email to USA TODAY Sports. "It is still an emotional time for all involved, Tony included. He is grieving, and grief doesn't have a timetable." Arning confirmed Stewart had canceled a planned sprint car event for Saturday in Indiana, and any racing beyond NASCAR "won't resume until further notice." Arming said Stewart and SHR personnel wouldn't be commenting further Monday "because there is an ongoing investigation into the accident that claimed the life of Kevin Ward Jr."(USA Today)(8-11-2014)

Newman expresses safety concern about Watkins Glen: A serious crash occurred on lap 56. #31-Ryan Newman hit the Armco barrier - a guard-rail instead of a concrete wall and SAFER barrier - and bounced off it back into traffic. He was pummeled by #95-Michael McDowell, whose car went airborne and flew backward into a barrier on the outside of the racing surface, destroying it and sending debris flying. That caused two lengthy delays - totaling one hour and 21 minutes - to fix the fence. It also raised questions about the safety standards at Watkins Glen. "It's just a very antiquated racetrack and the safety is not at all up to NASCAR's standards," Newman said. "It's a shame that we have to have accidents like that to prove it."
Newman's pleas echoed the concerns voiced after the track's 2011 race, which included two violent wrecks. David Ragan, who was involved in a nasty crash with David Reutimann, said he'd seen better walls at dirt tracks and urged the addition of SAFER barriers.(USA Today)(8-11-2014)
AND Drivers weren't in agreement as to what sorts of barriers might be preferable. Watkins Glen has made a number of safety enhancements in recent years, and NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton indicated the process is under constant review. "It's a constant improvement process," Pemberton said during a televised interview with ESPN during a red-flag period that lasted more than an hour while track workers repaired the Armco barriers. "And as you know, many of the places we go to, the facilities, are multi-purpose, and we're only here one weekend a year-and it's busy throughout the rest of the year. Watkins Glen has made great advancements. You remember Turn 1 and 2 and all that, moved grandstands and fencing and SAFER barriers, and that's worked quite well for us. But not all places are places for SAFER barriers. There are different types of systems to help slow cars down."(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-11-2014)

Fox Sports 1 to air uncovered Tim Richmond Interview: To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of NASCAR driver Tim Richmond, NASCAR RACE HUB airs a newly unearthed interview with the former Hendrick Motorsports superstar on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5:00pm/et on FOX Sports 1. "At a Crossroads: The Lost Tim Richmond Interview" features lost footage from January 1987, when legendary broadcaster Ken Squier traveled to Richmond's hometown of Ashland, Ohio, for an interview regarding Richmond's medical condition and to inquire as to what the future might hold for his racing career. The interview was conducted soon after Richmond, one of the first open-wheel drivers to successfully cross over to stock cars, announced he would miss the 1987 Daytona 500 due to health issues, just weeks after winning a NASCAR Winston Cup Series-high seven races in 1986 and scoring a third-place points finish with Hendrick Motorsports. On Tuesday, Aug. 12, NASCAR RACE HUB begins its celebration of Richmond's life with a feature documenting his racing career.(FOX Sports)(8-11-2014)

Watkins Glen Race and Commercial Breakdown: 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 1:00 PM, , stopped for an extended red flag at 3:13 PM; began again as the engines refired at 4:11 PM and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:32 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: 58
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 15
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 2 min. 20 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:00 PM
Stopped for extended red flag: 3:13 PM
Restarted as drivers back to their cars: 4:11 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:32 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 214
Minutes of race broadcast: 170
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 44
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 170 Total comm. brdcst time 44
See past races, links to more detailed reports on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(8-11-2014)

Nationwide Entry List: There are 37 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. A few notes:
Blake Koch is in the TriStar #10;
Jeff Green will drive the #14 in place of Eric McClure;
Kevin O'Connell will be in the #23;
Kenny Habul will be in the #20 for JGR;
Alex Tagliani will be in the Penske #22;
Justin Marks will drive the #31 for Turner Scott;
Sam Hornish, Jr. returns to the JGR #54.(8-11-2014)
See the complete list on the Mid-Ohio entry list page.

Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion Joins #16 Team Roush Fenway Racing's Ryan Reed was told that he would never race again after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Instead of giving up on his lifelong dream, Reed found a doctor that believed he could continue racing and took the necessary steps to do so. This weekend for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Reed is paired with Dalton Miller, who shares a unique connection to the driver. Miller, who is nine years old and hails from Newark, Ohio, was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Miller's name and image will appear on the #16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang this weekend as a part of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion program. Nine other NNS teams are also participating in the Patient Champion program, including fellow Roush Fenway teammates Chris Buescher and Trevor Bayne.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on the #16 team paint schemes page.(8-11-2014)

Sieg gets Mid-Ohio sponsor: It will be a weekend of firsts for RSS Racing and driver #39-Ryan Sieg. It will be the first trip to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for both the driver and the team. It will also be the first time the team has partnered with Uncle Bob's Self Storage in what is currently a one race sponsorship. Uncle Bobs Self Storage is one of the largest self storage companies in the United States with more than 500 storage locations in 25 states. RSS Racing currently sits 18th in owner points, highest of any single car team in the Nationwide Series.(RSS Racing)(8-11-2014)

Truck Entry list: There are 28 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Careers for Veterans 200 at Michigan International Speedway. A few notes:
John Wes Townley returns to the #05;
Joey Logano is in the #19;
Tayler Malsam is in the #32;
(8-11-2014)
See the complete list on the Michigan entry list page.

Rice takes on new roles at NTS: Chris Rice has taken on the role of competition director and crew chief on the #20 Chevy for NTS Motorsports, driver Gray Gaulding announced on his Twitter. Jeff Hensley had served as the crew chief on the 20 truck through the first half of the season. Rice most recently served as competition director and crew chief in the Nationwide Series with RAB Racing.(8-11-2014)

Richmond fans invited to post-race Party on the Track: The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season at Richmond International Raceway started with the wildly popular and successful April 26 Track Takeover and it concludes with the September 6 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Post-Race Party on the Track. That's right - fans attending RIR's Federated Auto Parts 400 can celebrate NASCAR-style after the checkered flag flies to conclude "One Last Race to Make The Chase". If you're a fan, you're invited to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Post-Race Party on the Track, featuring a DJ spinning festive tunes that NASCAR fans will enjoy as they party on the pavement. Show us your best "Robot", "Running Man", "Dougie", or "Shopping Cart" moves on the frontstretch under the lights. But leave your party shoes on because your fun continues with a prime spot to see the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup celebration. While the party is cranking into high gear, the 16 drivers who raced their way into the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will be introduced on stage, followed by a photo opportunity and a confetti celebration...and you'll have a prime spot to see it live.(RIR)(8-11-2014)

Allmendinger wins at Watkins Glen: #47-A.J. Allmendinger won the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International for his 1st win of the season, 1st win at Watkins Glen, and 1st career win. He and Ambrose battled door to door for much of the final laps of the race.
#9-Ambrose finished 2nd followed by #41-Busch, #42-Larson, #99-Edwards, #22-Logano, #4-Harvick, #16-Biffle, #20-Kenseth, and #55-Vickers.
Pole winner #24-Gordon had electrical problems during the race and finished 34th, 3 laps down.
#14-Regan Smith, filling in for Tony Stewart, was involved in a late race accident and finished 37th.
There was a large wreck on lap 56 when #16-Biffle got off course and then came back on the track, causing #31-Newman to get into the back of Biffle and spin into the barrier. Newman's car then bounced back out into traffic and clipped McDowell, ripping the rear suspension out of McDowell's car and sending him into another barrier. Several other cars suffered some damage checking up or running through the debris. The race was red flagged for a total of 1 hour and 21 minutes while the track was cleared and the barriers were repaired.
There was another red flag of nearly 20 minutes for track clean up with 4 laps remaining when #11-Hamlin hit sand barriers at the end of pit road after a spin.
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. (3 wins) takes the points lead, now 5 over #24-Gordon.
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. still leads the Chase Grid with 3 wins and now 1st in points followed by #2-Keselowski with 3 wins, 4th in points.
There were 5 lead changes among 6 drivers. There were 6 cautions for 17 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 90.123mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Watkins Glen Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Watkins Glen Penalty Report (pdf). (8-10-2014)

Race Fast Facts - Watkins Glen International:
AJ Allmendinger won the 29th Annual Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, his first victory in 213 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in six races at Watkins Glen International.
Marcos Ambrose (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in seven races at Watkins Glen International. It is his fifth top-10 finish in 2014.
Kurt Busch (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 14 races at Watkins Glen International.
Kyle Larson (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads the point standings by 5 points over Jeff Gordon.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-10-2014)

Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Grid:
[after Watkins Glen, race 22 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
1) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 3 wins, 1st in points
2) #2-Brad Keselowski(X), 3 wins, 4th
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X), 3 wins, 7th
4) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 2 wins, 2nd
5) #22-Joey Logano(X), 2 wins, 5th
6) #99-Carl Edwards(X), 2 wins, 6th
7) #4-Kevin Harvick(X), 2 wins, 8th
8) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 15th
9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 20th
10) #43-Aric Almirola, 1 win, 22nd
11) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 23rd
12) #47-Allmendinger, 1 win, 24th
(no wins, in by points)
13) #20-Matt Kenseth, 3rd
14) #31-Ryan Newman, 9th
15) #42-Kyle Larson, 10th
16) #15-Clint Bowyer, 11th
(X) = clinched a spot in the Chase as long as rest of races are attempted.
(8-10-2014)

2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Watkins Glen, race 22 of 36]
1) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [3 wins], 773
2) #24-Jeff Gordon [2 wins], 768, -5
3) #20-Matt Kenseth, 703, -70
4) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 696, -77
5) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 671, -102
6) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 658, -115
7) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 650, -123
8) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 645, -128
9) #31-Ryan Newman, 645, -128
10) #42-Kyle Larson, 635, -138
Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
15) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 615, -158
20) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 552, -221
22) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 532, -241
23) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 529, -244
24) #47-A.J. Allmendinger [1 win], 525, -248 (191 pts ahead of 31st)
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).
(8-10-2014)

Watkins Glen Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
#42-Larson, finished 4th, 18 rookie points
#3-Dillon, 16th, 10
#51-Allgaier, 15th, 9
#26-Whitt, 43rd, 5
#7-Annett, 31st, 8
#23-Bowman, 36th, 7
#83-Truex, 39th, 6
Kligerman, Did Not Race
(8-10-2014)

Stewart will not face charges in accident: #14-Tony Stewart will not face criminal charges right now after a Saturday night incident in which Stewart's car struck and killed 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. In a press conference shortly after Sunday, Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff Phillip C. Povero said, "At this moment there are no facts or evidence that would support a criminal charge or criminal intent." The sheriff's office is examining videos from fans who were in attendance and also is awaiting formal autopsy results.(Fox Sports)(8-10-2014)

Stewart issues statement: "There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."(Stewart-Haas Racing)(8-10-2014)

Stewart will NOT race at Watkins Glen UPDATES: According to ESPN's Marty Smith, "Stewart-Haas Racing VP of Competition Greg Zipadelli confirms for me that Tony Stewart will race the #14 today at Watkins Glen."(8-10-2014)
AND: According to media at the track, NASCAR says they are gathering facts on Stewart's situation, but have not learned anything that would prevent him from being able to race today.
UPDATE: Greg Zipadelli announced that Tony Stewart will not race in the Cheez-It 255 at Watkins Glen Sunday. Regan Smith will drive the #14 Chevy.
UPDATE 2: Statement from NASCAR: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow competitors of Kevin Ward Jr. We support Tony Stewart's decision to miss today's race and we will continue to respect the process and timeline of the local authorities and will continue to monitor this situation moving forward."(NASCAR)(8-10-2014)

Tony Stewart hits walking driver with sprint car; authorities investigating, driver dies UPDATES: #14-Tony Stewart hit driver Kevin Ward Jr., who walked toward Stewart's car after the two had an altercation at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park, according to spectators at the race. Stewart was racing a sprint car in the Empire Super Sprints series at the half-mile dirt track in upstate New York, about an hour from Watkins Glen International, site of this weekend's Cup race. He is scheduled to start 13th. The Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff's Office confirmed there had been an accident and its investigators are at the scene. There was no immediate announcement on Ward's condition. Racing was canceled for the rest of the night after the accident.(more at the Sporting News)
MORE FOX Sports 1 spoke with the head nursing supervisor at Thompson Health in Canandaigua, who could not confirm the identity, but did confirm that they have someone at the hospital who was said to be a racecar driver with injuries sustained at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. The supervising nurse, Barbara Manning, confirmed that the individual sustained serious injuries and that the condition was not determined at this time. Also, out of respect for the family, she could not confirm that it was Ward.(FoxSports)
AND from Canandaigua Motorspots Park Facebook: Canandaigua Motorsports Park will not have an official statement on the accident that happened in the ESS race until tomorrow. Please pray for the entire racing community of fans, drivers, and families.
UPDATE: Prescott Rossi, Sports Anchor/Reporter for WROC-TV (CBS) in Rochester, NY reported on his twitter (@PrescottRossi): Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero held a press conference at Ontario County Sheriff's Office around 3:00am/et some of the tweets:
Povero identifies Tony Stewart as hitting driver on the track. Driver was transported by ambulance. Driver was dead on arrival.
Povero not releasing name of the driver as they try to notify other family members.
Tony Stewart has been cooperative. Believed to be back at Watkins Glen according to Sheriff Povero.
District attorney's office has been notified. "This is an ongoing investigation of an on-track crash." No charges pending at this time.
Sheriff Povero: "Mr. Stewart has been fully cooperative... He is very upset and confirmed his continuing cooperation."
Povero: "People that witnessed it were horrified. They were extremely shocked.. The people at Canandaigua Motorsports have cooperated fully."
Povero adds that the driver was pronounced dead at 11:15. There will be an autopsy and the investigation continues.
Also see article at WROC-TV's website.(8-10-2014)
UPDATE 2: A spokesman for Tony Stewart calls the death of a fellow driver he struck and killed at an upstate New York dirt track a "tragic accident." In a statement released Sunday morning, a representative for Stewart says, "our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends." The statement says Stewart's team is still trying to sort through the details of the accident.(Associated Press)(8-10-2014)

JGR prepping for Edwards; arrival: Could there be a change in the crew chief line up at Joe Gibbs Racing? Before Darian Grubb found himself on sabbatical following infractions on the #11 Toyota in the Brickyard 400, there was chatter of a crew chief shuffle at JGR for 2015 in the advent of Carl Edwards' arrival. Over the last four months, JGR has been recruiting for the fourth team for Edwards - which is expected to be supported by Toyota Care, Subway and a sponsor that's currently with another driver. But could Grubb be a candidate to lead Edwards' crew? "They're trying to put together the race teams and everything but I haven't noticed anything being different for us," Denny Hamlin said. "I think literally that will be an October question more so than right now because all the crew chiefs are so worried about how we're going to run in the Chase. We haven't had those discussions one-on-one yet."(Motorsports)(8-10-2014)

Stewart-Haas lining up test sessions for rest of year: With five races left to make the Chase, Stewart-Haas Racing is doing what it can get to get Tony Stewart a win. One thing the team won't be doing, though, is testing at a NASCAR Sprint Cup track before the Chase field set. It's not that the team didn't want to, it just couldn't make it work, said Greg Zipadelli, vice president of competition at Stewart-Haas Racing. "We tried to go to Atlanta," Zipadelli said of a track before the Chase. "We couldn't get it worked out. We tried a couple of other places. It's become very difficult getting four drivers on the same schedule to come and test because they've got so many appearance, so much stuff that they do for track promotions and NASCAR. It's insane." With all four tests at Cup tracks available, Stewart-Haas Racing will test test Aug. 25-26 at Chicagoland Speedway and Sept. 2-3 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The team also plans to save a test for the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and is deciding where to have the fourth test, possibly Martinsville Speedway or Texas Motor Speedway.(Motor Racing Network)(8-10-2014)

Watkins Glen Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
" 252 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen; 152 in more than one.
" 18 different drivers have won at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, led by Tony Stewart with five wins.
" Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing are tied for the most wins at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with six:
o Hendrick Motorsports: Jeff Gordon (four), Tim Richmond (one) and Ricky Rudd (one).
o Joe Gibbs Racing: Tony Stewart (four) and Kyle Busch (two).
" Six different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Watkins Glen; led by Chevrolet with 16 victories; followed by Ford with seven, Pontiac with four, Toyota with two and Buick and Mercury each have one.
" Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen is the 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Jeff Burton with a MOV of 0.172 second.
" There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Watkins Glen (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): 2005 (90/92) and 2011 (90/92).
" Only one of the 31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen has been shortened due to weather conditions - the 1992 race - only 51 of the scheduled 90 laps were completed.
" The 8/14/2011 race was the only NSCS race at Watkins Glen that has been postponed to another date due to weather (8/15/2011).(NASCAR)(8-10-2014)

Sad News - Bob Cronin: Robert "Bob" Cronin died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. Bob's greatest inspiration was his love of his family. He was a faithful husband and father. He was a humble man, who walked in integrity and honor. Bob's love for the outdoors and adventure also includes a passion for racing. He spent over 40 years in the racing community. He was a brilliant engine builder and an expert at his craft. He owned CRD Engine Development for the past 25 years. He built and designed engines for multiple teams. He has an extensive background with many aspects of road racing. The Cronin family is known for living life to the fullest sharing a love of horses, fishing, boating and biking and spending time in the outdoors. We will share Bob Cronin's story Monday evening, Aug. 11, at 7 pm, at Concord First Assembly Church, where he and his family faithfully attended for a Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wings of Eagles Ranch Therapeutic Horseback Riding & Outdoor Adventure Center, 4800 Faith Trails, Concord, NC 28025. Remembrances may be sent to the family at www.ladysfuneralhome.com. Lady's Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the Cronin family.(8-10-2014)

Will Chase to perform Atlanta National Anthem: Actor and singer Will Chase from the ABC hit television program "Nashville" will sing the National Anthem for the Oral-B USA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Aug. 31. Chase portrays the country superstar Luke Wheeler on the program which begins its third season Sept. 24 on ABC. Chase's character is the love interest of Rayna Jaymes, a role played by lead actress Connie Britton. A cliffhanger has left Chase's and Britton's characters as the focal point of a "Nashville" love triangle. Chase's illustrious career began on Broadway where he garnered a Tony Nomination for his Featured Role in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," starred in "Nice Work if You Can Get It," "High Fidelity," as well as "Rent," "Miss Saigon," and "Aida." In addition to his role on Nashville, Chase has also starred in NBC's first season of "Smash."(AMS)(8-10-2014)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International have been made.
Pole sitter #24-Gordon chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #9-Ambrose took pit stall 37, with an opening behind it.
#48-Johnson, who starts 3rd took the 38th pit stall, with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #7-Annett, who starts 42nd.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-9-2014)

Gordon wins Watkins Glen pole: #24-Jeff Gordon won the Coors Light pole for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International with speed of 129.466mph for his 1st pole of 2014, 3rd at Watkins Glen and 75th of his career.
#9-Ambrose is on the outside pole, followed by #48-Johnson, #4-Harvick, #41-Busch, #47-Allmendinger, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #31-Newman, #22-Logano, and #55-Vickers.
Ambrose set the track record in round 1 of group qualifying at 129.491mph.
Missing the race was: none, only 43 cars entered.
See the starting lineup, qualifying results, round results on the Watkins Glen Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-9-2014)

NASCAR issuing more penalties on blend line violations: NASCAR continued its crack-down on drivers violating the blend line, issuing penalties during Friday's Sprint Cup and Nationwide practices at Watkins Glen International. The issue is when drivers leave pit road and enter the track. They are required to have all four tires below the solid yellow line. They cannot blend on to the racing groove until the line becomes dotted. If they do before that, it is a penalty. Richard Buck, Cup series director said that NASCAR had warned drivers about the issue but it continued to happen. NASCAR began penalizing drivers last weekend at Pocono Raceway by forcing them to pass through pit road before resuming practice. NASCAR penalized Greg Biffle in practice at Pocono and Jimmie Johnson in the first round of qualifying last weekend. Friday, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon, Aric Almirola and Michael Annett had pass-through penalties for violating the blend-line rule in the first Cup practice session. Ryan Newman was penalized in the final Cup practice session. Among those penalized in the Nationwide Series for the same violation were Trevor Bayne and Ryan Reed.(Motor Racing Network)(8-9-2014)

Drive to End Hunger extends sponsorship of Gordon UPDATE: AARP and AARP Foundation's nationwide campaign to address the problem of older adult hunger through the Drive to End Hunger program will return with 11-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports in 2015 as a primary sponsor of driver Jeff Gordon and his #24 Chevy SS team. Through AARP's sponsorship of the #24 Chevy, the AARP Foundation's Drive to End Hunger program will be featured as a primary partner in 13 Sprint Cup races next season, including the 2015 Daytona 500, and on portions of the car as an associate sponsor in all other events. It will mark AARP's fifth year as a primary sponsor of the #24 team, which is unprecedented in NASCAR for a social cause. The priorities of Drive to End Hunger, which is supported through donations from individuals, corporations and other non-profits, are to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger among adults 50 and over and to provide short- and long-term solutions to the problem of older adult hunger.(Hendrick Motorsports)(8-8-2014)
UPDATE: Drive to End Hunger's sponsorship will decrease from 23 races this year to 13 next year. Gordon was asked Friday if there were other sponsors that would take the open races:
Gordon: "I can't say right now, but things are strong for us at Hendrick Motorsports right now. I think the last couple of years we have all been very stressed out about sponsorships and getting those deals done. Here recently a lot of positive good things have been happening. There is more to come." (Chevy PR)(8-9-2014)

Earnhardt, Jr. talks about National Guard sponsorship: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Friday he hoped to continue representing the National Guard despite the organization announcing Wednesday it will pull its $32 million sponsorship. Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt's team, said it has not heard from the Guard directly and plans to honor a contract which goes through next season. "We really don't have any details on anything, and that's between the Guard and HMS to sort all that out," Earnhardt said prior to practice at Watkins Glen International. "I've really enjoyed working with them over the last seven years and I hope to be able to continue to represent them. It's been a huge honor." Earnhardt was asked if he was surprised by the news, which came on the heels of his third victory of the season - the most in a single season since 2004. "You know, there's been the debate in Washington for several years," he said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to represent them. I really have enjoyed it, and it's been a great, great seven years. It's been a great partnership and I think it's been very effective. Hopefully we can continue to do that."(USA Today) (8-9-2014)

Waltrip says dropping third team not cause for MWR's struggles: MWR team co-owner Michael Waltrip won't blame the cut from three teams to two as a reason for his team's struggles. The aerodynamic rules for 2014 are different and it appears the Toyotas are behind Hendrick in horsepower. "I don't think the cut to two teams hurt us at all," Waltrip said earlier this week at an appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We were prepared for that. There were just a lot that went on during the offseason with the no ride-height rule. That was a really difficult engineering process to get your arms around." Waltrip said he would give his team a grade of "B" on the season. The team has started producing some new cars that should help. "Our counterparts over at JGR haven't had a tremendous amount of success, either," Waltrip said. "We understand that we're just lacking for a little bit of speed. When that's the case, you work on everything you can and you have more sense of urgency. That's where both organizations are right now, building the best cars they can and proving them the best they can and looking forward to the next race and seeing if we can get more speed."(Sporting News)(8-9-2014)

Ambrose not commenting on plans for next year: #9-Marcos Ambrose met the media Friday morning at Watkins Glen:
Q: Have you decided what you will be doing next year?
Ambrose: "I absolutely haven't even thought about that. We have a big week this week trying to make the Chase for the #9 team and that is all I am focused on."(Ford Racing)(8-9-2014)

Gordon attended White House dinner last week: From #24-Jeff Gordon's media availability Friday at Watkins Glen:
Q: Can you talk about the dinner in DC this week?
Gordon: "Yeah, I was very fortunate to get an invite. I think the work that we are doing in Rwanda [with the Jeff Gordon Foundation] had a big influence on that."It was great. I got an opportunity to shake hands and meet the president of Rwanda President Kagame. That was a first for me and it was important. What an incredible event just to be a part of Ingrid and I felt very fortunate to be there. It was great to see the President and Mrs. Obama for a short period of time. We even danced next to them on the dance floor which was probably one of the coolest things I think Ingrid and I have ever had the opportunity to do at the White House. That was pretty neat. It was really special. The President asked me to break dance. But unfortunately it wasn't the proper music playing and he also suggested right after that, it probably wasn't wise of me to do that with getting towards the end of our season. I agreed with him."(Chevy PR)(8-9-2014)

Watkins Glen Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
" Mark Martin, Michael Waltrip and Terry Labonte lead the series in starts at Watkins Glen with 22 each. Jeff Gordon leads the series among full-time active drivers with 21.
" Jeff Gordon leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in road course wins with nine (Sonoma, five; Watkins Glen, four); Tony Stewart has the second most road course wins all-time with seven (Watkins Glen, five; Sonoma, two).
" NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison holds the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record for the most wins at a single road course track with six - Riverside International Raceway.
" Four drivers have posted consecutive wins at Watkins Glen, including three consecutive by Mark Martin (1993, '94, '95) and Jeff Gordon (1997, '98, '99). The other two drivers to win consecutive races at Watkins Glen are Tony Stewart (2004, '05) and Marcos Ambrose (2011, '12).
" Brad Keselowski and Mark Martin lead the series in runner-up finishes at Watkins Glen with three each.
" Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Watkins Glen with 12; followed by Ricky Rudd with eight. Tony Stewart leads all active drivers with seven.
" Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Watkins Glen with 16; followed by Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart with 10 each.
" Tony Stewart leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Watkins Glen with a 6.286.
" Brad Keselowski leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Watkins Glen with a 6.500.
" All five of the active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Watkins Glen participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane.
" Kevin Harvick (2006) competed at Watkins Glen five times each before winning; the longest span of any the five active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
" Joe Nemechek leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Watkins Glen without visiting Victory Lane at 18. Nemechek is followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth with 14 each.
" One active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has posted his first career win at Watkins Glen: Marcos Ambrose (08/15/11).
" Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Watkins Glen with 233 laps led in 21 starts.(NASCAR)(8-9-2014)

Ambrose wins Nationwide race at Watkins Glen: #09-Marcos Ambrose won the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International in his only Nationwide race of the year. It is his 5th career Nationwide win and his 4th at Watkins Glen. #54-Kyle Busch finished second followed by #12-Joey Logano, #22-Brad Keselowski, #20-Matt Kenseth, #9-Chase Elliott, #11-Elliot Sadler, #3-Ty Dillon, #33-Paul Menard, and #2-Brian Scott.
There were 5 cautions for 14 laps and 15 lead changes among 11 leaders. Complete results are on the Watkins Glen race results page (pdf).
(8-9-2014)

Watkins Glen Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Marcos Ambrose(i) won the 20th Annual Zippo 200 at The Glen, his fifth victory in 77 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his fourth victory and fourth top-10 finish in five races at Watkins Glen International.
Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in eight races at Watkins Glen International. It is his 15th top-10 finish in 2014.
Joey Logano(i) (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in seven races at Watkins Glen International.
Chase Elliott (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Chase Elliott # leads the point standings by 12 points over Regan Smith.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-9-2014)

Nationwide Driver standings following Watkins Glen:
1) #9-Chase Elliott 752
2) #7-Regan Smith 740 -12
3) #11-Elliott Sadler 739 -13
4) #3-Ty Dillon # 739 -13
5) #2-Brian Scott 707 -45
6) #6-Trevor Bayne 704 -48
7) #62-Brendan Gaughan 601 -151
8) #60-Chris Buescher # 601 -151
9) #16-Ryan Reed # 570 -182
10) #99James Buescher 567 -185
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-9-2014)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Watkins Glen are posted (pdf).(8-9-2014)

Keselowski on Nationwide pole at Watkins Glen: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Coors Light Pole for the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International with a speed of 124.194mph. #12-Joey Logano will start second followed by: #54-Kyle Busch, #09-Marcos Ambrose, #7-Reagn Smith, #33-Paul Menard, #2-Brian Scott, #3-Ty Dillon, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #20-Matt Kenseth, #31-Dylan Kwasniewski, and #60-Chris Buescher.
#54-Kyle Busch was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 124.119mph
Did Not Qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Watkins Glen starting lineup page (pdf).(8-9-2014)

Watkins Glen Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 20th Annual Zippo 200 at The Glen with a lap of 71.018 seconds, 124.194 mph, which is a new track qualifying record. Sam Hornish Jr. set the previous qualifying record of 123.291 mph in 2013.
This is his 18th pole in 213 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his fourth pole and seventh top-10 start in 2014.
This is his first pole in six races at Watkins Glen International.
Joey Logano(i) (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2014 and his sixth in seven races at Watkins Glen International.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his seventh top-10 start at Watkins Glen International. It is his 14th in 16 races this season.
Ty Dillon (eighth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-9-2014)

Watkins Glen medical center named for Ernie Thurston: Watkins Glen International announced the dedication of their infield care center to area native and long-time safety and emergency services leader, Ernie Thurston. The naming of the Ernie Thurston Medical Center took place Friday morning at a ribbon cutting ceremony. After spending a lifetime in the service of others, Thurston passed away in November. A native of Watkins Glen, NY, Thurston returned to his hometown after serving as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Shortly after his return, Thurston served as deputy sheriff and fire coordinator for Schuyler County, and held public office as a county legislator. In 1985, Thurston became the Director of Race Operation at Watkins Glen International. Thurston's wealth of knowledge and passion for safety and emergency services lead him to Daytona Beach, FL and International Speedway Corporation headquarters, where he oversaw all race facilities and events as Corporate Coordinator of Track Safety and Emergency Services. After many years of service, Thurston was posthumously named the 2014 Jim Bockoven Lifetime Achievement Award winner by NASCAR. The Jim Bockoven Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the contributions of an individual made to the improvement of track services over the course of a career spanning 10 or more years. This award is not awarded annually, therefore the recipient's contributions must be considered to be exemplary.(WGI)(8-9-2014)

Michigan names honorary starter: Pure Michigan announced the results of the Pure Michigan 400 honorary starter contest, naming Lowell Broesamle of Munith, Michigan as the 2014 Pure Michigan 400 honorary starter. Broesamle will wave the green flag at Michigan International Speedway on August 17. Broesamle was nominated by his daughter-in-law Jennifer Broesamle of Gregory, Mich. A long-time NASCAR fan, he was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jennifer Broesamle noted in her entry that people would never know about the diagnosis by his positive outlook. In addition to racing, the Broesamle family enjoys state park camping trips, hunting in the beautiful landscape and fishing in the blue waters of Michigan. As honorary starter, Broesamle will receive a ride in the official pace car for the Pure Michigan 400. He will also attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers' meeting. The Pure Michigan 400 honorary starter contest asked fans to submit entries of 50 words or less explaining why they should be selected as honorary starter. Fans of Pure Michigan voted on their top entries. Broesamle's entry received 1,061 votes and was chosen by Pure Michigan from the 10 entries with the most fan votes.(MIS)(8-9-2014)

Final practice for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is over after 85 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#47-Allmendinger 128.688
#9-Ambrose 128.682
#18-Busch 128.660
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 128.259
#43-Almirola 128.220
slowest: #40-Cassill 123.555 & #66-Nemechek 122.679.
notes: #5-Kahne's team is changing the transmission on his car. #10-Patrick's team changed engines between practices. She will start at the rear of the race Sunday. Teammates #1-McMurray & #42-Larson both had power steering issues. #83-Truex & #55-Vickers spun in separate incidents, but didn't hit anything. #10-Patrick cut a tire and hit the wall with a few minutes remaining in the session and will have to go to a backup car.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Watkins Glen Final Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-8-2014)

MediaCAST partners with Dream Factory and Kennedy at Watkins Glen: Alex Kennedy will make his fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start of the season behind the wheel of the #33 MediaCAST Chevy SS for Circle Sport Racing at Watkins Glen International this weekend. Kennedy, who is coming off of a career-best 28th-place finish last weekend at Pocono Raceway, hopes to demonstrate his road-racing prowess to better that finish in Sunday's Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. Along with Denver-based MediaCAST as primary sponsor, the 22-year-old Kennedy will have a little extra motivation and support this weekend as part of his charitable efforts with the Dream Factory. Through his endeavors with the Dream Factory, the second-largest children's wish-granting organization in the United States - granting over 25,000 dreams since its inception to critically and chronically ill children from the ages of three through eighteen - Kennedy will host several families at the Sprint Cup race on Sunday.(Circle Sport PR), see an image of the car on the #33 team paint schemes page.(8-8-2014)

First Friday practice for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 128.474
#48-Johnson 127.841
#2-Keselowski 126.560
#47-Allmendinger 126.359
#9-Ambrose 126.356
slowest: #83-Truex 122.672 & #66-Nemechek 121.758.
notes: #27-Menard spun off turn 5 early in practice, but did not hit anything. #40-Cassill hit the tire barrier, but the team will repair the car. #14-Stewart's team will change the transmission. #33-Kennedy spun but didn't hit anything.
The schedule is a little different this weekend. There are two practices today. The only on track action for Cup teams tomorrow is qualifying is Saturday at 11:40am/et. ESPN2 will have TV coverage.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Watkins Glen First Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-8-2014)

Qualifying Order for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #13-Mears.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #42-Larson.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Watkins Glen Qualifying Page.(8-8-2014)

Drive to End Hunger extends sponsorship of Gordon: AARP and AARP Foundation's nationwide campaign to address the problem of older adult hunger through the Drive to End Hunger program will return with 11-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports in 2015 as a primary sponsor of driver Jeff Gordon and his #24 Chevy SS team. Through AARP's sponsorship of the #24 Chevy, the AARP Foundation's Drive to End Hunger program will be featured as a primary partner in 13 Sprint Cup races next season, including the 2015 Daytona 500, and on portions of the car as an associate sponsor in all other events. It will mark AARP's fifth year as a primary sponsor of the #24 team, which is unprecedented in NASCAR for a social cause. The priorities of Drive to End Hunger, which is supported through donations from individuals, corporations and other non-profits, are to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger among adults 50 and over and to provide short- and long-term solutions to the problem of older adult hunger.(Hendrick Motorsports)(8-8-2014)

JTG Daugherty to make sponsorship announcement UPDATE: "The Clorox Company announced at Sonoma Raceway they were returning to JTG Daugherty Racing as a primary sponsor through 2017 and now we have some more news," #47-A.J. Allmendinger said. "On Friday, we will announce another major partner that is returning. We're pretty excited at all the great things going on for us right now."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-6-2014)
UPDATE: JTG Daugherty Racing announced Kimberly-Clark Corporation extended their sponsorship of the #47 Chevy with driver AJ Allmendinger through the 2017 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with their SCOTT, Viva, Kleenex, Cottonelle and Huggies brands. Kimberly-Clark Corporation's essential brands touch nearly 1 of 4 people globally every day by placing consumers at the center of everything they do. Billions worldwide choose their products to make a positive difference in their lives. Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 brand share in more than 80 countries.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-8-2014)

Chase clinch scenarios at Watkins Glen: Drivers with multiple wins and who cannot fall out of the top 30 in points have clinched a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, assuming they attempt to qualify for the remaining races. After Pocono, seven fit that category: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #2-Brad Keselowski, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #99-Carl Edwards, #22-Joey Logano and #4-Kevin Harvick. If there is a repeat 2014 winner this weekend, any driver with one win and a locked-up top 30 spot will clinch a spot in the Chase. Potentials: #18-Kyle Busch, #11-Denny Hamlin, #43-Aric Almirola and #41-Kurt Busch.
If there is a new winner, a good bit of math will come into play post-race. Kyle Busch, the highest ranked of the one-win drivers, could potentially lock up a spot with only one win (though it would be difficult). If #20-Matt Kenseth, who has clinched a top-30 spot, wins, he could be high enough in points to clinch a spot, even though it would be his first win. The same applies to #31-Ryan Newman and #15-Clint Bowyer. For Kenseth, Newman and Bowyer, a win would clinch them if they have enough points to guarantee a points position ahead of the lowest ranked winner after Richmond. After Watkins Glen, the clinching driver must be 193 points ahead of 31st place.(NASCAR.com)(8-8-2014)

Testing at Atlanta UPDATE: Tuesday and Wednesday, Richard Childress Racing and Germain Racing will both test at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(NASCAR)(8-5-2014)
UPDATE: All three of Richard Childress Racing's full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, along with a fourth car driven by Ty Dillon, completed a two-day test session on Aug. 5 & 6 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in preparation for the Oral-B USA 500 on Labor Day Weekend. Dillon will attempt to qualify and make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut on Labor Day Weekend. The testing was held in the late afternoon and evening which simulated racing conditions the teams are anticipating Labor Day Weekend. The drivers logged lots of laps over the course of the two day test with speeds increasing as more rubber was laid down on the track. #31-Ryan Newman posted one of the fastest laps on Aug. 6 at 189.086 miles per hour while Austin Dillon turned a fast lap of 187.805 mile per hour.(AMS)(8-8-2014)

Watkins Glen Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
" Buck Baker won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Watkins Glen in 1957 with a speed of 87.071 mph. Driver/owner Buck Baker went on to win the inaugural race from the pole.
" 19 drivers have Coors Light poles at Watkins Glen, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and Mark Martin with three each. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with two.
" Mark Martin is the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver to post consecutive Coors Light poles at Watkins Glen (three) - 1993, 1994, and 1995.
" Nine of the 31 (29%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Kyle Busch in 2008.
" The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (nine) than any other starting position at Watkins Glen.
" 11 of the 31 (35.4%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from the front row: nine from the pole and two from second-place.
" 21 of the 31 (67.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from a top-five starting position.
" 22 of the 31 (70.9%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from a top-10 starting position.
" None of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
" The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Watkins Glen was 18th, by Steve Park in the 2000.
" Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen six times; most recently in 2008.(NASCAR)(8-8-2014)

Ambrose fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #09-Marcos Ambrose was quickest during happy hour for the Zippo 200 with a speed of 123.193mph. He was followed by: #22-Brad Keselowski, #12-Joey Logano, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #54-Kyle Busch, #33-Paul Menard, #31-Dylan Kwasniewski, #60-Chris Buescher, #7-Regan Smith, and #20-Matt Kenseth. All 39 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Watkins Glen practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-8-2014)

Keselowski fastest in Nationwide practice: #22-Brad Keselowski was fastest during opening practice at Watkins Glen International with a speed of 122.291mph. #33-Paul Menard was second, followed by: #09-Marcos Ambrose, #54-Kyle Busch, #20-Matt Kenseth, #3-Ty Dillon, #12-Joey Logano, #9-Chase Elliott, #2-Brian Scott, and #62-Brendan Gaughan. 35 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Watkins Glen practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-8-2014)

Patrick to Take Part in Race Day Q&A at New Hampshire: Whether it's on television or standing behind the pit wall, everyone has the opportunity to see Danica Patrick and her bright green fire suit as she stands on pit road before a NASCAR race. But not everyone has the chance to talk to Danica Patrick moments before she straps into her seat for 300 laps. That exclusive opportunity, however, is available through New Hampshire Motor Speedway's Magic Mile Club, which will welcome Patrick as a special guest prior to the Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series race on Sept. 21. Patrick will visit with fans and answer questions at the infield-located Magic Mile Club on the morning of the Sylvania 300 - the second race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. Magic Mile Club passes may be purchased for $249 per person, which includes a $49 Laconia Grandstand ticket. Anyone that already has a race ticket may purchase a Magic Mile Club ticket without a race ticket for $200. The Magic Mile Club offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate VIP Hospitality experience on the morning of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The package includes: Food and Beverage Service, Souvenir Race program, Limited Edition Souvenir, Pre-race Entertainment, Pre-race Pit Pass (a $100 value), Laconia Grandstand Ticket (a $49 value) The Magic Mile Club opens at 8:00am on the morning of the Sylvania 300 at the same time gates open. The club closes at the start of the race and fans will be asked to go to their grandstand seats at that time.(NHMS)(8-8-2014)

Gibbs will not appeal Hamlin's penalties: Joe Gibbs Racing will not appeal the hefty NASCAR penalties issued last week for not having the firewall sealed in Denny Hamlin's car during the July 27 Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The penalties included six-week suspensions for crew chief Darian Grubb and car chief Wesley Sherrill, a $125,000 fine to Grubb and a 75-point penalty for Hamlin as well as a 75-point reduction in owner points. JGR initially had planned to appeal, but JGR spokesman Chris Helein confirmed Thursday that it will not appeal.(Sporting News)(8-7-2014)

Bowman gets two race sponsor: For the second time in 2014, Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Alex Bowman will have a different look to his #23 BK Racing Toyota Camry. The green and white colors of Houston, TX based Dustless Blasting will ride with Bowman during this weekend's Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International and Talladega Superspeedway in October. Dustless Blasting has revolutionized the surface preparation industry. With the ability to strip all paint, primer, rust and body filler from the average car in only two hours without warping, Dustless Blasting is quickly becoming the new gold standard in surface preparation. Dustless Blasting's anti-spark, anti-dust, and anti-static properties have also made it extremely useful in the refinery, oilfield, mining and other industries.(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #23 team paint schemes page.(8-6-2014)

Chase Elliott could run some Cup races in 2015: Rick Hendrick's plan for NASCAR Nationwide Series phenom Chase Elliott evidently entails a few NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts next season, the champion car owner said Wednesday in an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The 18-year-old Elliott tops the Nationwide Series standings and leads all series regulars with three race victories. Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of his JR Motorsports race team, has said that Elliott is likely to run another full season on NASCAR's No. 2 circuit next year. Hendrick, also a co-owner at JRM, sounded as if a few premier series starts will also be sprinkled into that mix. A test session in which Elliott tested the cars of Hendrick Motorsports champion drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon convinced the team owner the youngster was ready, even before he took the Nationwide circuit by storm.
"We haven't arrived at a decision for sure, but I think you'll probably see him run a few races next year," Hendrick told the satellite radio network. "Before he ever won a Nationwide race, I watched him test Jimmie's car and Jeff's car at Nashville, and Jimmie and Jeff both commented to me, 'This kid is super smooth and super fast. He takes care of his equipment, and he doesn't get in a jam.' Although Hendrick currently fields four full-time cars, the maximum for one organization as allowed by NASCAR, rules do permit teams to run an additional vehicle on a limited slate for prospective rookie drivers.(NASCAR.com)(8-7-2014)

Stewart-Haas; McDowell to test at New Hampshire: With the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship moving to an elimination-style format for the first time, the stakes have never been higher for the annual Sylvania 300 on Sept. 21 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. One race team could have the inside track for a strong run on Sept. 21, as Stewart-Haas Racing will be in town for a test and tune session on Sept. 2 and 3. With seven combined wins at the Magic Mile - #4-Kevin Harvick, #41-Kurt Busch, #14-Tony Stewart and #10-Danica Patrick will log laps and exercise their cars in an effort to get the best possible results in the Sylvania 300. Michael McDowell, a part-time driver of the #95 for Leavine Family Racing, will also take part in the test session.The grandstands will be open and free of charge to the public from 9:00am-5:00pm both days.(NHMS)(8-7-2014)

Castrol joins Germain as associate sponsor at Watkins Glen: Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at The Glen always brings a lot of excitement to the Finger Lakes region of New York. Along with the thrills comes the #13 GEICO Chevy SS driven by Casey Mears. The GEICO Chevy has turned in some great road course performances and this weekend at Watkins Glen International, Mears and the team are poised for another. Castrol Premium Lube Express will be featured on the #13 GEICO Chevy SS as an associate sponsor and race fans at The Glen need not travel far to experience the liquid engineering of Castrol. New York features several Castrol Premium Lube Express (CPLE) locations - the nearest one to the action at The Glen is just around the corner in Corning, NY.(Germain Racing)(8-7-2014)

Rusty Wallace inducted in Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Former NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace was one of seven men inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America on Wednesday. Wallace made his debut on the top circuit in 1980 in a Roger Penske-owned car and joined the series full-time in 1984. His first victories came in 1986 with Raymond Beadle's Blue Max Racing team and he won the 1989 Sprint Cup championship after holding off Dale Earnhardt. Wallace moved to Penske's team in 1991 and ran the final 15 years of his career for the car owner, who presented him for induction Wednesday. Wallace finished his career with 55 wins - 37 with Penske - and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2013. Five of those victories came at Michigan International Speedway, once owned by Penske. Arie Luyendyk, who began racing on the IndyCar circuit in 1985 and won the Indianapolis 500 in 1990 and `97, also was inducted. The remaining members of the class - Ole Bardahl, founder of the Bardahl Oil Company that has sponsored entries in a variety of motorsports; IMSA founder John Bishop; three-time American Motorcyclist Association grand national champion Ricky Graham; and NASCAR pioneer Marshall Teague - are dead.(Associated Press)(8-7-2014)

Watkins Glen Notes & Facts - Thursday - track history:
" There have been 31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen International, one race per season. " After several events were held on the streets of Watkins Glen, a permanent facility was opened in 1956.
" The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was in 1957, won by Buck Baker (83.064 mph, 8/4/57).
" After a six-year absence, NASCAR returned to The Glen in 1964 and 1965.
" After a 21-year absence, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returned to The Glen, and has run one race a year there since 1986.
" The first NSCS race at Watkins Glen was scheduled for 101.2-miles in 1957, the second race was 161.7-miles (1964) and the third race was 151.8-miles (1965). Every race since has been scheduled for 220.5-miles.(NASCAR)(8-7-2014)

Watkins Glen Goodyear Tire Notes:: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same Goodyear tire code (D-4590) on all four tire positions at Watkins Glen . . . this is the same tire they ran at The Glen last season . . . the only change from 2013 is that in the Cup Series, the recommended air pressure on all four tires tires has been raised by one psi . . . Sprint Cup teams also ran this tire on the right-side at Martinsville in March . . . Nationwide teams also ran this tire on all four positions at Road America in June . . . as on all NASCAR road courses, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Watkins Glen.
Wet Weather Tires: Goodyear will also bring its wet weather radials (D-4215) to Watkins Glen for use by Nationwide Series teams only, should NASCAR decide that conditions warrant . . . Nationwide teams ran the wet weather tires at Road America in June.(Goodyear) See full notes, tire codes, tire pressures and more on the Watkins Glen Race Info page - Goodyear section.

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 in the Cheez-It 255 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on the Watkins Glen Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Earnhardt gets Watkins Glen sponsor: The Great Outdoors RV Superstore will sponsor Jeffrey Earnhardt's #4 Chevy in Saturday's Zippo 200 at The Glen Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen International. Saturday's race is the second of three road-course races on the Nationwide tour this season. The Great Outdoors RV Superstore offers more than 15 of America's most popular RV brands on their fully-stocked 25-acre lot. The Great Outdoors has been named central New York's #1 RV dealer. As the area's most complete RV dealership offering RV sales, rentals, service and one of central New York's largest accessory and parts stores, Great Outdoors is known for their selection, aftermarket services and customer satisfaction for over 20 years.(JD Motorsports)(8-7-2014)

Joe Nichols performing pre-race concert at Kansas: Red Bow Records recording artist Joe Nichols will perform a pre-race concert prior to the Hollywood Casino 400, the fourth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, on Oct. 5. Nichols, who's current hits include "Yeah" and "Sunny and 75," released his latest studio album in October of last year. Fans are likely familiar with other chart-topping hits of Nichols as well, like "Brokenheartsville," "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," and "Gimme That Girl" along with Top Ten hits like "The Impossible," "What's A Guy Gotta Do" and "I'll Wait For You." Over his career, he has new artist awards from the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, Billboard, and more. He also has four Grammy nominations, a CMA album of the Year nomination and multiple RIAA platinum and gold albums and singles.(Kansas Speedway)(8-7-2014)

National Guard to end motorsports sponsorships: After undergoing an intensive internal review, the Army National Guard is set to make changes to its sports sponsorship approach to recruitment marketing. These substantial changes include an end to its sponsorship of NASCAR driver #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Graham Rahal in the Indy Racing League (IRL). "Significantly constrained resources and the likelihood of further reductions in the future call for more innovative and cost-effective ways of doing business," said Maj Gen Judd H. Lyons, acting Director of the Army National Guard. The Army Guard spent $32 million on its NASCAR sponsorship and $12 million on its IndyCar sponsorship for 2014. Future programs will rely on much smaller budgets. And while sports sponsorships have played an important role in helping the Guard build strong brand awareness, existing Army National Guard sponsorship contracts with NASCAR and IRL are set to expire at the end of the current season, he said. "Our NASCAR sponsorship was principally a marketing program, intended primarily to build awareness of the National Guard as a career option" said Johnson. "The NASCAR sponsorship allowed the National Guard to leverage a 77 million fan base and the sport's most popular driver." Motorsports sponsorships are not the only programs to be impacted by decreasing budgets. Since 2012, the Army Guard has reduced sports sponsorships from six-including professional fishing and motorcycle racing-to just the NASCAR and IndyCar sponsorships. In fiscal year 2015, the Army Guard's marketing budget is expected to be about half of what it was just three years ago in fiscal year 2012.(Army National Guard)
Hendrick Statement: "Our team has a contract in place to continue the National Guard program at its current level in 2015. We have not been approached by the Guard about potential changes and plan to honor our current agreement."(Hendrick Motorsports)(8-6-2014)

Bully Hill Vineyards to sponsor Whitt at the Glen: Coming off a solid top-25 performance at Pocono Raceway, Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Cole Whitt heads into this weekend's race at Watkins Glen International with momentum and a brand new sponsor. The colors of purple and yellow for Hammondsport, NY based Bully Hill Vineyards will adorn Whitt's #26 BK Racing Toyota Camry. Bully Hill Vineyards have served as a primary sponsor of several NASCAR teams and races over the past 15 years and continues to be a major supporter of Watkins Glen International. Since the mid-90's Bully Hill Vineyards have sponsored events such as the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Bully Hill Vineyards, has also sponsored several drivers including Eric Bodine, Ron Fellows, Joe Nemechek and Elliott Sadler. Bully Hill Vineyards is a winery located in Hammondsport, NY, in the beautiful, Finger Lakes Region. Bully Hill Vineyards is a family owned producer of 40 different wines, all from grapes grown in New York. Currently, Bully Hill Vineyards produces 200,000 cases of wine annually, with distribution in 30 states.(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #26 team paint schemes page.(8-6-2014)

Sprint calls off T-Mobile merger; names new CEO: Sprint confirmed Wednesday Marcelo Claure will take over as president and CEO of the third largest wireless carrier in the U.S. Claure, 43, had served as founder and CEO of Brightstar Corp., a wireless distributor based in Miami and subsidiary of Sprint parent company Softbank. Claure will assume the Sprint CEO role on August 11. The executive shift follows reports that Sprint planned on calling off its merger with T-Mobile, the fourth largest wireless carrier in the U.S., because of challenging regulatory hurdles. Both companies had been working on a potential merger valued as high as $50 billion. Last week, French telecom Iliad confirmed it made a bid to scoop up T-Mobile for $15 billion. In a statement, Claure says he will focus immediately on "competing aggressively" in the marketplace. "While consolidating makes sense in the long-term, for now, we will focus on growing and repositioning Sprint." Claure will replace Dan Hesse, who had served as Sprint CEO since 2007. During his tenure, he navigated the wireless carrier's merger with Softbank, completed last year, and shut down Nextel network, which Sprint acquired in 2004. Although Sprint is the third largest U.S. carrier, the company has struggled to capture the attention of mobile consumers. AT&T and Verizon dominate much of the U.S. mobile market, while T-Mobile has generated buzz over its "Uncarrier" strategy that moves away from traditional mobile contracts.(USA Today)(8-6-2014)

JTG Daugherty to make sponsorship announcement: "The Clorox Company announced at Sonoma Raceway they were returning to JTG Daugherty Racing as a primary sponsor through 2017 and now we have some more news," #47-A.J. Allmendinger said. "On Friday, we will announce another major partner that is returning. We're pretty excited at all the great things going on for us right now."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-6-2014)

Family sues NASCAR, Pocono over 2012 lightning death: NASCAR blew off a severe storm warning at the Pocono 400 race until the storm got so bad it had to stop the race, and 6 minutes later a fan was killed by lightning in the parking lot, his family claims in court. Brian Zimmerman was killed by lightning at 5:00pm on Aug. 5, 2012, his widow Marion claims in the Court of Common Pleas. She sued Pocono International Raceway and NASCAR, on Aug. 1. Ten other people were injured by lightning, one of whom sued NASCAR and the Pocono Raceway in July. Zimmerman claims that NASCAR and the Pocono Raceway received a severe thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service at 4:12pm, but they "did nothing" to stop the race or warn fans until 4:21, when they "attempted to use social media" to warn race fans of the approaching storm. Brian Zimmerman did not have access to social media at the raceway, his widow says. The defendants stopped the race at 4:54pm At 4:59, they used social media again to warn fans to seek shelter. Brian was hit by lightning at 5:00pm and died. In the July lawsuit, Jason Peneck's wife Erin claims her husband suffered "severe and permanent injuries, including, but not limited to, a traumatic brain injury, second degree burns, and dysautonomia."(Courthouse News Service)(8-6-2014)

Nicole Briscoe to remain With ESPN: Nicole Briscoe has agreed to a new contract with ESPN and will become a SportsCenter anchor as well as taking on additional new assignments after her current role as host of ESPN NASCAR Countdown concludes. Briscoe, who joined ESPN in 2008 and has served in various positions on ESPN's NASCAR coverage, will assume her new duties in January. In addition to SportsCenter, she also will be part of a variety of other ESPN studio shows. "I'm very happy with the opportunities that have been presented to me," said Briscoe, who will be relocating to the company's Bristol, Ct., headquarters. "ESPN is where I want to be, and I'm excited about starting the next chapter of my career as well as a new adventure for my family. But first, we still have 15 weeks of NASCAR to go and champions to crown." NASCAR Countdown, which Briscoe has hosted since 2011, airs prior to all NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series telecasts on ESPN. The program originates from the ESPN Pit Studio at the racetrack with Briscoe and analysts Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty. Briscoe was a host and reporter for ESPN's former NASCAR Now program and has reported on NASCAR for SportsCenter and other ESPN news platforms.(ESPN)(8-6-2014)

Rusty Wallace to join Watkins Glen Walk of Fame: Auto racing legend Rusty Wallace will be inducted into the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame during a ceremony at 4:30pm Friday. The Rusty Wallace marker in the Drivers Walk of Fame is located in the sidewalk front of Unique Country Boutique, 212 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen. Wallace, who retired in 2005, had a career that included 55 NASCAR championship event victories, the 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup championship, the 1991 IROC Championship and the 1983 American Speed Association Championship. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in February 2013. The Drivers Walk of Fame, located in the sidewalks of Watkins Glen, honors the drivers who have competed in Watkins Glen events since the first race in 1948.(Elmira Star-Gazette)(8-6-2014)

Sabates' grandson killed in shooting: An accidental shooting over the weekend in Florida claimed the life of a grandson of Chip Ganassi Racing co-owner Felix Sabates. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has relayed the findings of a Palm Beach Gardens police report on the incident. The report says it took place during a party in which a group of friends were playing with a 9mm pistol while drinking and doing drugs. An unnamed 17-year-old pointed the gun at multiple people inside the apartment before pointing it at 18-year-old Feliciano "Chany" Sabates. The gun then went off, and Sabates was hit in the chest by the round. Sabates died at the scene. The shooter now faces a charge of manslaughter by culpable negligence.(NBC Sports)(8-6-2014)

Jeffrey Earnhardt gets two race sponsor: Bandit Industries has signed a two-race deal to sponsor Jeffrey Earnhardt and JD Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Bandit will race with Earnhardt as the primary sponsor at Mid-Ohio for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 Aug. 16. Bandit will return with Earnhardt as a co-primary sponsor for the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway Sept. 20. After opening the 2014 NASCAR season with Parker Kligerman in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Daytona, Bandit moved to track sponsorships for the two NASCAR race weekends at Michigan International Speedway, the local track for the Michigan-based manufacturer. Bandit's second race weekend at MIS will take place concurrently with the Aug. 16 Nationwide race at Mid-Ohio. Founded in 1983, Bandit Industries is a global manufacturer of hand-fed and whole tree wood chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, forestry mowers and specialty wood processing equipment. The company is based outside Mt. Pleasant, Mich.(JD Motorsports)(8-6-2014)

Clean Coal returns to the #7 at Watkins Glen: Clean Coal returns to the #7 car as primary sponsor for its second race this season. 2014 marks the third-consecutive year of JRM's partnership with the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE). ACCCE supports energy policies that balance coal's role in supplying the United States with affordable and reliable electricity. Smith will also carry the Clean Coal colors in races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Aug. 16) and Chicagoland Speedway (Sept. 13).(JR Motorsports)(8-6-2014)

Dover introduces Reward Our Troops Program: Dover International Speedway has announced its all-new Reward Our Troops program, a ticket donation initiative that provides individual ticket purchasers or businesses the opportunity to make a contribution toward sending an active member of the military, a Veteran or family members of our fallen heroes to a Sunday NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Monster Mile. Partnering with the Veteran Tickets Foundation, the Speedway will offer each person who purchases tickets to a Sunday race at the Monster Mile the chance to make a monetary donation of their choosing that will go toward a ticket in the Reward Our Troops Program. The Veteran Tickets Foundation will then distribute tickets through www.VetTix.org, free of charge, to the brave men and women that make up our military, and their families. In addition to individual ticket buyers, businesses will also have the opportunity to participate in three tiers - donating 10 tickets for $400, 25 tickets for $1,000 or 65 tickets for $2,600. Anyone that makes a donation will be eligible for a tax write-off, and will receive thank you notes from the military and photos from the event.(Dover Speedway)(8-6-2014)

Kahne, Edwards and Ambrose set to appear Sunday in The Bog at The Glen: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fan favorites will appear in The Bog presented by Red Cat, on Sunday during Watkins Glen International's Cheez-It 355 at The Glen weekend. Fans who purchase The Bog fan hospitality will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with #99-Carl Edwards, #5-Kasey Kahne, and #9-Marcos Ambrose. Located trackside near turn 11, The Bog presented by Red Cat includes preferred parking, interactive games and an all access fan hospitality experience featuring Fan Walk on Sunday, driver Q&A's and plenty of food and beverage. Tickets for the track's closest trackside fan hospitality area are still available.(WGI)(8-6-2014)

Pocono TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 3, earned a 2.8 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,374,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating and viewership were down from last year's race, which earned a 3.2 rating and averaged 5,063,000 viewers. The highest rated among the nation's metered markets for the telecast was Greenville, S.C., with a 9.9 rating, followed by Greensboro, N.C., at 9.0 and Birmingham, Ala., at 7.7. Indianapolis was fourth at 7.5 with Richmond, Va., fifth at 6.5. Rounding out the top 10 markets were Norfolk, Va., 6.1; Knoxville, Tenn., 6.0; Raleigh-Durham, N.C., 5.7; and Charlotte, N.C., and Nashville, Tenn., at 5.6.(ESPN), see past 2014 races ratings and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 TV Ratings page.(8-5-2014)

Piquet to make Cup debut at Watkins Glen UPDATE: Nelson Piquet Jr. is set to make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Watkins Glen International, his first national series start of the season. Piquet, a Brazilian native, will drive the Randy Humphrey Racing #77 Ford in Sunday's Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. Since 43 cars are listed for the 43-car event, Piquet will not need to qualify based on his speed in Coors Light Pole Qualifying unless another team files a late entry. The 29-year-old driver competed in two full seasons in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 2011-12, then raced full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2013. This year, he's been competing in Rallycross events, including taking the bronze medal at the X-Games in June. Sunday's race also marks the return of the Randy Humphrey-owned organization to the Sprint Cup circuit.(NASCAR.com)(8-5-2014)
UPDATE: Randy Humphrey Racing announced that Nelson Piquet Jr., the first Brazilian to win in two of NASCAR's top-three national series, will pilot the #77 WORX Yard Tools Ford Fusion for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International this weekend. The Cheez-It 355 at The Glen marks the 29-year-old's first attempt to race in NASCAR's premier series. WORX Yard Tools is sponsoring the car, continuing their relationship with Piquet Jr. following his full-time campaign in the NASCAR Nationwide Series last season in the #30 car. Randy Humphrey Racing makes its return to Sprint Cup competition after a complete restructuring of the organization. The team will now be led by veteran crew chief Steven Lane. RHR intends to run at a competitive level for a limited remaining schedule in 2014.(Tuckahoe Strategies), see an image of the car on the #77 team paint schemes page.(8-5-2014)

Could NASCAR require tire pressure sensors? At several tracks this season, teams have experienced issues with tire failures - and [Jimmie Johnson] certainly hasn't been immune to those issues. At New Hampshire two weeks ago, the # 48 had two left-rear tires failures in the first 11 laps, the second of which put him out of the race. Although Johnson protested, "I can promise you one thing, it wasn't due to low left rear tire pressure," Goodyear had a different diagnosis after examining the tires. As was the case with #22-Joey Logano and #43-Aric Almirola earlier in the weekend, Goodyear believed the tire failures were due to low air pressure. Each week Goodyear makes minimum air pressure recommendations. But teams don't always adhere to the numbers.
So if the teams don't follow the suggested minimum air pressures, how does Goodyear protect itself against the negative publicity when a driver has a blowout? How about a tire sensor to discourage teams from fudging on their numbers? "We've talked to NASCAR about different things like that," Greg Stucker, director of race tire sales for Goodyear, told Motorsport.com. "We worked on those on and off for several years, but it's come more to the forefront in our discussions with how they're looking at their new officiating. But no decisions have been made whether or not we're moving forward on that. We're doing research and trying to figure out what our options might be in a situation like that, but nothing for sure." Stucker says a tire pressure monitor on a race car would use the same technology to report psi "no different than what you see on your street car these days."(Motorsport)(8-5-2014)

Testing at Atlanta: Tuesday and Wednesday, Richard Childress Racing and Germain Racing will both test at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(NASCAR)(8-5-2014)

NASCAR Numbers:
5: The number of laps led by race runner-up Kevin Harvick in Sunday's GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway. That boosted Harvick's total for the year to 899 laps led, surpassing his previous single-season high of 895 laps in 2006-and Harvick still has 15 races to run this year.
63: The number of laps led by Jeff Gordon in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono. That increased Gordon's career total of laps led at Pocono to a series-best 1,037 for the record six-time winner at the Tricky Triangle.
12: The number of years between season sweeps at a single track for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who on Sunday won his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono this season. Earnhardt last swept events at a track in 2002, when his only two victories of the year both came at Talladega.
20: The finishing position of Ryan Truex in Sunday's GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono, a career best for the 22-year-old younger brother of Cup veteran Martin Truex Jr. In 20 previous starts in the series, Truex's best result was 30th at Martinsville on Mar. 30.
97: Of a possible 542, the number of laps led by Marcos Ambrose in six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Watkins Glen International, site of Sunday's Cheez-It 355 at the Glen. Ambrose has two victories, a pole and five top-three finishes at the 2.45-mile road course.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-5-2014)

Top 10 Driver Ratings at Watkins Glen:
#14-Tony Stewart 120.4
#9-Marcos Ambrose 120.1
#18-Kyle Busch 113.3
Juan Pablo Montoya 110.5
#2-Brad Keselowski 102.8
#48-Jimmie Johnson 100.6
#47-AJ Allmendinger 94.7
#99-Carl Edwards 94.6
#78-Martin Truex Jr. 92.8
#41-Kurt Busch 91.8
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (9 total) among active drivers at Watkins Glen International.
Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)

NASCAR selects IMG as international broadcast agency partner: Having recently solidified the sport's domestic television future as part of record-breaking media rights partnerships with the FOX Sports and NBC Sports groups, NASCAR announced that it has selected IMG to assist the sanctioning body in establishing a long-term and sustainable global commercial broadcast media distribution strategy. As NASCAR's international media representative, IMG will be responsible for helping the sport increase its footprint, audience base and revenues outside of North America and South America. In addition to leveraging the popularity of motorsports in key international territories like Western Europe and Australia, IMG will further develop NASCAR television rights commercially in markets where motorsports are less widely known such as Southeast Asia, China and Eastern Europe. Currently, NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 175 countries through more than 20 broadcast partners worldwide. All of NASCAR's current international broadcast rights will expire at the end of the 2014 season and IMG will begin assisting NASCAR with creating and executing a new international media strategy for 2015 and beyond. As its agent, IMG will work with NASCAR to secure broadcast exposure for NASCAR's national series as well as other NASCAR series in hundreds of countries across the globe beginning in 2015, including expanding into countries which have not broadcast NASCAR content in the past.(NASCAR)(8-5-2014)

#23 team penalized after Iowa: The #23 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series has been penalized for a rules infraction that occurred during practice Aug. 1 at Iowa Speedway. The infraction is a P3 level penalty and violates sections:
" 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
" 20A-2.3A: Any weight added to the car must be bolted inside the body shell in an approved weight container and in a position acceptable to NASCAR officials: Weight was not properly attached and fell out during the event.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Jonas Bell has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR)(8-5-2014)

Peters, Benning teams penalized following Pocono: The #17 team that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has been penalized for a rules violation discovered during opening day inspection July 31 at Pocono Raceway. The infraction is a P3 level penalty and violates sections:12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 20B-5.10.1(6): Throttle Shafts: The combined thickness of the throttle shaft and the throttle plates (butterflies) must not be less than 0.197 inch. As a result of this violation, crew chief Paul Richmond has been fined $7,500 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. The #6 team has been penalized for a rules violation that took place during the race on Aug. 2. The infraction is a P1 level penalty and violates sections: 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 9-15J: Only two NASCAR-approved ½ inch drive air wrenches, with a single socket and with a hex design capable of removing or attaching one lug nut at a time, must be used to change tires/wheels during any pit stops: Improper use of a battery powered impact wrench. The team will be penalized with loss of track time during the opening practice at Michigan International Speedway Aug. 15.(NASCAR)(8-5-2014)

Rhino Linings to sponsor Las Vegas race: Rhino Linings Corporation, a leader in both the protective coatings and building products industries, has signed a multi-year agreement as the title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Rhino Linings 350 on the high-banked, 1.5 mile superspeedway will be nationally televised September 27. Rhino Linings signed on for a two year sponsorship of the race, but no financial terms of the agreement were released. Rhino Linings made a name for itself in the truck accessories market as the leader in sprayed-on truck bed liners. Over the past several years, Rhino Linings has expanded into the building and construction market with products that include DuraTite and BioBased Insulation spray foam insulations, Concrete Solutions repair and decorative concrete overlay products, and Expo Stucco exterior stucco and interior finishes. The 2014 Rhino Linings 350 will be the 18th time the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has visited Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(PR Newswire)(8-5-2014)

Oral-B named sponsor of Atlanta Cup race: Oral-B has been named the title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Aug. 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the event will be named the Oral-B USA 500. The Oral-B USA 500 on Aug. 31 will cap the Labor Day Weekend racing events at Atlanta Motor Speedway which include the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka Qualifying Night and Sprint Car Shootout on Aug. 29 and the Great Clips 300 to benefit Feed the Children on Aug 30. The Oral-B USA 500 is the second to last race before the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins. It will provide drivers one of the final two opportunities to secure a win and lock up a berth in the Chase.Oral-B's sponsorship of the Labor Day Weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is a celebration of Oral-B's commitment to supporting American Jobs. Opened in 1958, the Oral-B Iowa City plant remains the largest toothbrush factory in the world, where more than 470 employees make 1 million manual toothbrushes every day that engineer healthier smiles.(AMS)(8-5-2014)

Yacht Rock Revue to highlight pre-race activities at Atlanta: Yacht Rock Revue will headline the Pre-Race Party on the front stretch at Atlanta Motor Speedway prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Aug. 31. A Pre-Race Pit Pass will provide stage front access to the performance by Yacht Rock Revue along with the Sprint Cup Series driver introductions. In addition, pre-race pass holders will have the chance to view and photograph the 43 care starting field parked along the front stretch. Access for pre-race pit pass holders will begin at 4:00pm A limited number of Sunday only pre-race pit passes are available for $100. A weekend pre-race pit pass valid for Friday, Saturday and Sunday is only $125. A grandstand or infield ticket is required for each pre-race pit pass holder.(AMS)(8-5-2014)

Sad News - Layman Utsman: Layman Utsman, from the Bluff City pioneer NASCAR racing Utsman family, passed away Sunday at the Johnson City Medical Center at the age of 81. Layman is survived by his three children; seven grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; and nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Layman was a devoted Christian man and was an active member of Boones Creek Christian Church. He loved racing and had a racing career that spanned from 1955 to 1978. He was retired from Harris Trucking but continued to work at the StockPot in Johnson City. In addition to his love of racing, he also loved to read and study his Bible and attended small groups and Sunday school class at BCCC. He is loved and will be missed. A celebration of life service will be held at Boones Creek Christian Church on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with the service beginning at 8:00 pm. The committal service will be Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 10:45 am at the VA. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Boones Creek Christian Church, 305 Christian Church Road, Johnson City, TN 37615, in his memory. Services are under the direction of Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. Utsman competed in three Sprint Cup Series events in his career. (8-4-2014)

Entry List for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Boris Said, #33-Alex Kennedy, #66-Joe Nemechek, #77-Nelson Piquet Jr., #95-Michael McDowell.
Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Watkins Glen Entry List

Boris Said returns to the #32 at Watkins Glen: Genny Light has agreed to be primary sponsor for Go FAS Racing's #32 Ford Fusion driven by Boris Said. Genny Light will sponsor the team for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road course race at Watkin's Glen on Sunday, August 10th. The Genesee Brewery, based in Rochester, New York, is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States and is part of North American Breweries. The brewery makes the classic Genesee line of beers, the Original Honey Brown Lager, the Dundee Ales & Lagers family of craft beers as well as Seagram's Escapes.(Go FAS Racing)(8-4-2014)

Four drivers can clinch chase spot at Pocono UPDATE: Four more drivers cleared the two toughest hurdles for entry into the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, joining #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #2-Brad Keselowski, both of whom locked up a spot on the Chase Grid at New Hampshire. At Indianapolis, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #99-Carl Edwards and #22-Joey Logano all either scored a second win (Gordon) or clinched a top 30 points spot (Johnson, Edwards and Logano). Now, those six drivers need only to attempt to qualify for the remaining six races to "officially" earn a spot in the Chase. As a reminder, any driver with multiple wins guarantees himself a spot in the top 15 winners (or top 16, if the points leader after race No. 26 has a win). Any driver who left Indy with a 289 point lead on 31st place clinched a top 30 points spot. Now, the series heads to Pocono Raceway, where four more drivers have a chance to clinch a spot in the Chase. This weekend, the magic number is 241 - any driver 241 points ahead of 31st place clinches a top 30 spot. If a driver does that, and has multiple wins, he clinches a spot. Those who can do it this weekend: #4-Kevin Harvick, #11-Denny Hamlin, #18-Kyle Busch and #43-Aric Almirola. Harvick's two wins mean he needs only to clinch a top 30 spot - a near certainty, as he needs to score only eight points at Pocono to do so (and that's if 31st place David Gilliland wins and leads the most laps). Busch has clinched a top 30 spot, but needs another win to clinch. Hamlin has yet to clinch a top 30 spot. He would clinch with a win and some help. Almirola would need to win this weekend to clinch, and get a good bit of help to also lock up a top 30 spot.(NASCAR)(7-31-2014)
UPDATE: #4-Harvick's second place finish gave him a 296 point lead over 31st place #38-Gilliland. Harvick was the only driver to officially clich a Chase spot at Pocono.(8-4-2014)

Edwards' crew member hurt during pit stop: Ryan McCray, the 16-year veteran front tire carrier for the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, was taken to the infield care center at Pocono Raceway. McCray's fingers on his left hand were pinched between the wheel and brake caliper while changing the left front tire on the first pit stop during the third caution of the race on Lap 31. Mike Lingerfelt, the front tire changer of the #99 team, explained the incident to his peer Michael Hicks, the rear tire changer on the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. "I tightened his fingers up between the wheel and brake caliper on the LF. I feel really bad about it. But @RyanMcCray99 is tough!" Matt Rawling, who is the tire carrier for the #16 RFR Nationwide Series team and a development crewmen on the #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford, filled in for McCray. Following the race, McCray tweeted: "Gotta thank everyone 4 picking up my slack today while I was watching the race in a comfy bed in the care center especially @MattyIceRacer". McCray was treated and released from the infield care center at Pocono. He is expected to follow up with further medical evaluation when he returns to North Carolina.(Motorsport)(8-4-2014)

Pocono Race and Commercial Breakdown: 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 12:47 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:17 PM (all times are EST). ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 131
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 59
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 31
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 20 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 12:47 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:17 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 210
Minutes of race broadcast: 153
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 57
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 153 Total comm. brdcst time 57
See past races, links to more detailed reports on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(8-4-2014)

Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. A few notes:
Marcos Ambrose will be in the RPM #09;
Joey Logano will be in the Penske #12;
Chris Cook will drive the #24;
Carlos Contreras will drive the #44 for Tri--Star;
Brennan Newberry returns to the #55;
Roger Reuse will drive the #74 for Mike Harmon;
Kenny Habul is entered in his #75;
Tomy Drissi drives the #95 for JGL.(8-4-2014)
See the complete list on the Watkins Glen entry list page.

Milka Duno to run some races for RAB: RAB Racing has signed multiple race-winning driver Milka Duno to compete in select races in the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series and with the entry Duno will become the first Hispanic female driver in history to compete in a NASCAR national series in the United States. A successful driver who has competed in multiple racing series Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and the Grand American Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd place) in the 24 Hours at Daytona - in the now 52-year history of the race. In making her transition to stock car racing and her ultimate entry into NASCAR Duno has been competing in the ARCA Racing Series for the past three seasons. In 2011 and 2012 she competed in partial schedules and in her first full ARCA season in 2013, competing with Venturini Motorsports, she finished the season 7th in the driver point standings and became the 2nd highest finishing female driver in ARCA's now 62-year history. Veteran crew chief Chris Rice will helm Duno's NNS effort.(Duno PR), no word on how many races she will run or where.(8-4-2014)

Ambrose running Nationwide race at Watkins Glen: Five-time Watkins Glen winner Marcos Ambrose will double down this weekend at the famed New York road course. With support from STANLEY, Richard Petty Motorsports will enter Ambrose in the #09 STANLEY Racing Ford in Saturday's Nationwide Series Zippo 200. Ambrose is a three-time winner of the event, winning consecutive races from 2008-2010. Ambrose will then compete in his familiar #9 STANLEY Racing Ford on Sunday looking for his third Sprint Cup Series win at the track. Veteran engineer Scott McDougall will be the Crew Chief for Ambrose during Saturday's headliner event. The STANLEY Racing Sprint Cup pit crew will also pull double duty with Ambrose and service the Nationwide Series car on Saturday.(RPM)(8-4-2014)

Earnhardt, Jr. wins at Pocono: #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 3rd win of the season, 2nd win at Pocono [both coming this year], and 22nd career win.
Earnhardt, Jr. took the lead with 14 laps to go when he passed Biffle and withstood a late race caution to take the win. It's the second time in his career that he has swept 2 races at a track in 1 year. He did it in Talladega in 2002.
#4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #15-Bowyer, #16-Biffle, #24-Gordon, #1-McMurray, #31-Newman, #11-Hamlin, and #5-Kahne.
Pole winner #42-Larson finished 11th.
There was a large wreck on lap 117. #11-Hamlin got loose off of turn 1, #55-Vickers checked up behind him, but ran into #20-Kesenth and a total of 13 cars were involved.
#24-Gordon (2 wins) keeps the points, but it falls to 17 points over #88-Earnhardt Jr.
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. now leads the Chase Grid with 3 wins and 2nd in points followed by #2-Keselowski with 3 wins, 3rd in points.
There were 15 lead changes among 10 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 35 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 127.411mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Pocono Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Pocono Penalty Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Pocono Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-3-2014)

Race Fast Facts - Pocono Raceway:
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the 41st Annual GoBowling.com 400 , his 22nd victory in 526 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and 15th top-10 finish in 2014. He also won the Pocono race in June.
This is Earnhardt's second career season track sweep, and first since 2002 (Talladega Superspeedway).
Earnhardt is the first driver to sweep at Pocono since Denny Hamlin in 2006.
This is his second victory and 13th top-10 finish in 30 races at Pocono Raceway.
Hendrick Motorsports has now won five consecutive races at Pocono.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 28 races at Pocono Raceway. It is his 10th top-10 finish in 2014.
Joey Logano (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in 12 races at Pocono Raceway.
Jeff Gordon, who led a race-high 63 laps, reached two laps led milestones during today's race: 24,000 career laps led in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and 1,000 laps led at Pocono Raceway.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-3-2014)

Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Grid:
[after Pocono, race 21 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
1) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(X), 3 wins, 2nd in points
2) #2-Brad Keselowski(X), 3 wins, 3rd
3) #48-Jimmie Johnson(X), 3 wins, 6th
4) #24-Jeff Gordon(X), 2 wins, 1st
5) #22-Joey Logano(X), 2 wins, 7th
6) #99-Carl Edwards(X), 2 wins, 8th
7) #4-Kevin Harvick(X), 2 wins, 11th
8) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 10th
9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 21st
10) #43-Aric Almirola, 1 win, 22nd
11) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 23rd
(no wins, in by points)
12) #20-Matt Kenseth, 4th
13) #31-Ryan Newman, 5th
14) #15-Clint Bowyer, 9th
15) #42-Kyle Larson, 12th
16) #16-Greg Biffle, 13th
(X) = clinched a spot in the Chase as long as rest of races are attempted.
(8-3-2014)

2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
[after Pocono, race 21 of 36]
1) #24-Jeff Gordon [2 wins], 757
2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [3 wins], 740, -17
3) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 687, -70
4) #20-Matt Kenseth, 668, -89
5) #31-Ryan Newman, 642, -115
6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 633, -124
7) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 633, -124
8) #99-Carl Edwards [2 wins], 618, -139
9) #15-Clint Bowyer, 617, -140
10) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 611, -146
Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
11) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 608, -149
21) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 532, -225
22) #43-Aric Almirola [1 win], 506, -251
23) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 488, -269 (176 pts ahead of 31st)
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).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Pocono Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-3-2014)

Pocono Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
#42-Larson, finished 11th, 11 rookie points
#3-Dillon, 15th, 10
#51-Allgaier, 16th, 9
#26-Whitt, 21st, 7
#7-Annett, 22nd, 6
#23-Bowman, 31st, 5
#83-Truex, 20th, 8
Kligerman, Did Not Race
(8-3-2014)

Ganassi to be honored for contributions to motorsports: Multiple race-team owner Chip Ganassi on Thursday will receive the inaugural Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for his outstanding contributions to motorsports. The award will be given by the International Motor Racing Research Center at the 2014 IMRRC Award Dinner honoring Chip Ganassi presented by NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation and Watkins Glen International. Some of racing's top figures, including NASCAR President Mike Helton, will be honoring Ganassi, who fields teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Verizon INDYCAR and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship series. Ganassi Racing driver Jamie McMurray, who will be competing in the weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International, also will take a turn at the podium, as will Brian Barnhart, INDYCAR senior vice president, competition, and SCCA president and CEO, Lisa Noble. The proceeds of the dinner will benefit the IMRRC, an archival library dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of motorsports, covering all series and all venues, through its collections of books, periodicals, films, photographs, fine art and other materials. The IMRRC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.(International Motor Racing Research Center)(8-3-2014)

Pocono Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
· 322 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway; 222 in more than one.
· 32 different drivers have won at Pocono Raceway, led by Jeff Gordon with six wins.
· There have been three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Pocono Raceway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): spring of 2005 (200/201); fall of 2005 (200/203); spring of 2010 (200/204).
· Six of the 73 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 8/5/2012.
· Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway was the July 23, 2000 race won by Rusty Wallace over Jeff Burton with a MOV of 0.126 second.
· Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins at Pocono in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 16: Jeff Gordon (six), Tim Richmond (three), Jimmie Johnson (three), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (one), Kasey Kahne (one), Geoff Bodine (one) and Terry Labonte (one) - including the last four consecutively.
· Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Pocono; led by Chevrolet with 29 victories; followed by Ford with 21.
· The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Pocono is 29th, by Carl Edwards in the spring of 2005.
(NASCAR)(8-3-2014)

Spotter Bar and Hot Pit Paddock added to corporate suite amenities at Atlanta: Atlanta Motor Speedway announced two unique amenities which will enhance the race experience for all suite level customers beginning with the Aug. 29-31 Labor Day Weekend NASCAR race. The Spotter Bar is located on the suite level of Atlanta Motor Speedway and features sleek granite accents, high-top tables and a relaxing environment. Suite holders will have access to the bar that serves premium cocktails, beer and wine and features live audio communications between drivers and teams throughout the race. The Hot Pit Paddock is the Speedway's most unique and up close location to watch racing action. Located at the beginning of pit road, it provides patrons the opportunity to see the race from an area usually only reserved for NASCAR and team members. Each corporate suite will receive a minimum of two transferable passes to provide access to the Hot Pit Paddock that can be shared among suite patrons throughout the race.(AMS)(8-3-2014)

Final practice for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 178.547
#24-Gordon 178.536
#18-Busch 178.246
#4-Harvick 178.154
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 177.830
slowest: #33-Kennedy 171.871, #66-Nemechek 171.432
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Pocono Final Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-2-2014)

First Saturday practice for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#41-Busch 178.859
#31-Newman, 178.430
#2-Keselowski 178.398
#22-Logano 178.232
#4-Harvick 178.211
slowest: #33-Kennedy 171.821, #66-Nemechek 170.849
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Pocono Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Mark Martin returns to Roush...as a coach UPDATE: Roush Fenway Racing announces that legendary NASCAR driver Mark Martin is returning to the race team where he excelled behind the wheel for almost 20 years - this time as the team's driver development coach. Martin was the first driver hired by team owner Jack Roush when he founded his NASCAR operation in 1988. The two went on to become one of the most successful duos in sports history, accumulating 83 NASCAR wins, four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship runner-up finishes, and building Roush Fenway into the winningest team in NASCAR history.
"I'm excited to return to Roush Fenway Racing, as it feels like I'm going home to where I belong," said Martin. "I was fortunate to help build this team from the beginning and it's very humbling to be a part of Jack's team again. When Jack first hired me in 1988 we didn't talk about salary or benefits or perks, we talked about testing, tires and putting the right personnel into place to win on the track. That commitment is what stood out to me then and it's still what stands out to me today."
Martin piloted Roush Fenway's flagship #6 Ford from 1988 until 2006. During that time he accumulated 35 NSCS victories. At the end of his tenure at Roush Fenway he held a record five prestigious IROC (International Race of Champions) Championships and a then record 47 NASCAR Nationwide Series wins. For his career Martin posted 96 career NASCAR victories.(Roush Fenway Racing)(7-31-2014)
UPDATE: Mark Martin is back working for Jack Roush. As a driver coach, not as a driver. The 55-year-old Martin has enjoyed his time away from the track this season. He has spent the last two years driving in most, but not all, of the Cup races. "I don't ever flip on the TV and wish I was there," Martin said in a phone interview Friday morning. "I am happy where I am at. It's probably less (of an urge) than I even expected to get back into a racecar." While at Roush Fenway Racing from 1988-2006, Martin earned 35 of his 40 career Cup wins and four of his five career runnerup finishes in the standings. Since then, he has run five part-time seasons and three full-time seasons. He has 882 Cup starts, and it appears he's not all that interested in 883. "You know me well enough to know that I'm not going to say (never)," Martin said. "But I'll just tell you I have no interest at this time. I have no interest in even practicing a car or testing a car at this time.(Sporting News)(8-2-2014)

Biffle's new deal with Roush is for three years: #16-Greg Biffle spoke to the media Friday after practice in Pocono:
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT RE-SIGNING WITH ROUSH FENWAY?
"Every driver has opportunities and I was very thankful that I had plenty of opportunities. I was coming down to deciding what I was gonna do for the future from other teams and there were some interesting seats open and opportunities, but I think internally what happened is as I was deciding what I wanted to do for the future, I think Carl decided that he was gonna move on and then I needed to make a decision what I was gonna do. I've won over 55 races driving there and 19 Cup wins and I just felt like we can get this thing turned around, so I made the decision to stay and be the anchor for Roush Fenway, and do another three-year contract, regardless of sponsorship at that point. I made that commitment to stay and it's been a tough eight weeks since then.(Ford Racing)(8-2-2014)

Gordon says his back is "not great": #24-Jeff Gordon spoke to the media Friday morning in Pocono:
YOU HAD BACK ISSUES EARLIER AT CHARLOTTE. HAVE THEY FLARED-UP AT ALL SINCE THEN? ALSO ON HAVING 90 CAREER WINS AND INCREASING THAT NUMBER
"I don't think my back is ever going to be the same after what happened at Charlotte. I don't know what exactly transpired there, but it's not the same. And I have to be much more careful. I'm just having to treat it more with ice and stem and be more careful and do more stretching. Is it going to flare-up again? It could. But I'm just trying to be more cautious with the things that I do that I feel like contribute to that. But, yeah, it's not great, that's for sure.(Chevy PR)(8-2-2014)

Montoya interested in "The Double": Juan Pablo Montoya says he is open to running both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Montoya, competing in the Verizon IndyCar Series after having spent the past seven seasons in NASCAR Sprint Cup, made the comments Friday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. "If (car owner Roger Penske) wanted me to do it, then I probably would do it," Montoya said of running both races in the same day. "It would be cool. But I don't want to force him into anything." The 2000 Indy 500 winner finished fifth in that event in May. He's not worried about the physical toll of racing 1,100 miles. "Physically I don't think it would be that hard, to be honest with you,'' Montoya said. "If you want to do it properly, it would be a lot of fun. Their cars on a mile-and-a-half track run really, really good. If you could have a test day there or somewhere on a mile-and-a-half to get the car close to what I want and get an idea of what I want, it would be a fun experience. There are a lot of possibilities if you think about it."(Motor Racing Network)(8-2-2014)

Pocono Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
· Ricky Rudd leads the series in starts at Pocono with 55. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 43 starts.
· Six drivers have posted consecutive wins at Pocono Raceway, including three consecutive by Bobby Allison (1982 sweep and spring 1983) and Tim Richmond (1986 sweep and spring 1987).
· Dale Earnhardt Jr., winner of the June Pocono race, will attempt to capture the second season sweep of his career, and first since Talladega in 2002.
· Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Pocono with seven; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with six.
· Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Pocono with 20; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 19.
· Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Pocono with 34; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 30.
· Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Pocono with an 8.720.
· Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards are the only two active drivers to win at Pocono in their first appearances.
· Joe Nemechek leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Pocono without visiting Victory Lane at 38; followed by Matt Kenseth with 29 and Kevin Harvick with 27.
· One active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has posted his first career win at Pocono Raceway: Denny Hamlin (06/11/06).
· Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Pocono with 974 laps led in 43 starts.
· Two female drivers have competed at Pocono Raceway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.
· 141 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Pennsylvania.
· Three of the 141 have won in NASCAR's premiere series: Dick Linder, Jimmy Spencer and Mark Donohue.
(NASCAR)(8-2-2014)

Keselowski wins Nationwide race at Iowa: #22-Brad Keselowski won the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. #20-Michael McDowell finished second followed by #6-Trevor Bayne, #54-Sam Hornish, Jr., #3-Ty Dillon, #7-Regan Smith, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #9-Dylan Kwasniewski, and #11-Elliott Sadler.
There were 5 cautions for 29 laps and 8 lead changes among 5 leaders. Complete results are on the Iowa race results page (pdf).
(8-2-2014)

Iowa Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the 6th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by New Holland, his 30th victory in 212 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his third victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
This is his third victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Iowa Speedway.
Michael McDowell(i) (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in eight races at Iowa Speedway. It is his second top-10 finish in 2014.
Trevor Bayne (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in seven races at Iowa Speedway.
Ty Dillon (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Chase Elliott # leads the point standings by 2 points over Regan Smith.
Trevor Bayne wins the Dash 4 Cash, James Dennis (Henry, IL) is the lucky fan to also win the $100,000.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-2-2014)

Nationwide Driver standings following Iowa:
1) #9-Chase Elliott 714
2) #7-Regan Smith 712, -2
3) #11-Elliott Sadler 702, -12
4) #3-Ty Dillon 702, -12
5) #6-Trevor Bayne 673, -41
6) #2-Brian Scott 673, -41
7) #60-Chris Buescher 586, -128
8) #62-Brendan Gaughan 584, -130
9) #16-Ryan Reed 538, -176
10) #99- James Buescher 533, -181
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Nationwide Owner Standings following Iowa are posted (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Bayne on Nationwide pole at Iowa: #6-Trevor Bayne won the Coors Light Pole for the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 133.713mph. #22-Brad Keselowski will start second followed by:#7-Regan Smith, #2-Brian Scott, #20-Michael McDowell, #9-Chase Elliott, #54-Sam Hornish, Jr., #11-Elliott Sadler, #60-Chris Buescher, #5-Josh Berry, #16-Ryan Reed, and #31-Chase Pistone.
#2-Brian Scott was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 133.198mph
Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Iowa Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Trevor Bayne won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 6th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by New Holland with a lap of 23.558 seconds, 133.713 mph.
This is his seventh pole in 138 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first pole and eighth top-10 start in 2014.
This is his second pole in seven races at Iowa Speedway.
Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his sixth top-10 start of 2014 and his fourth in five races at Iowa Speedway.
Regan Smith (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his 13th in 20 races this season.
Chris Buescher (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-2-2014)

Drissi joins JGL Racing for 2 races: JGL Racing will have Tomy Drissi, along with Paramount Pictures and the awesome summer block buster movie The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 3D, now being part of the JGL family. Drissi will be piloting the #93 JGL Dodge Challenger at Watkins Glenn International & Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course along with The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 3D which opens in theaters August 8th. Drissi is an accomplished road course racer and Trans Am ChampionDrissi will have several team mates for this race, as JGL Racing will be entering three cars for the Watkins Glenn & The Mid-Ohio Races. Tomy Drissi in the #93 JGL Dodge, J.J. Yeley in the #28 JGL Dodge, Chris Cook in the #24 JGL Dodge.(JGL Racing)(8-2-2014)

Dillon wins at Pocono: #3-Austin Dillon won the Pocono Mountains 150 at Pocono Raceway. #98-Johnny Sauter, finished second followed by: #21-Joey Coulter, #05-Clint Bowyer, #29-Ryan Blaney, #51-Erik Jones, #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #20-Justin Lofton, and #8-Joe Nemechek. There were 4 cautions for 16 laps and 10 lead changes among 7 leaders. Complete results are on the Pocono race results page (pdf).(8=2-2014)

Pocono Race Fast Facts:
Austin Dillon, the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, won the 5th Annual Pocono Mountains 150 , his sixth victory in 60 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in five starts in 2014. His last victory came at Eldora Speedway in 2013.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in three races at Pocono Raceway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his second top-10 finish in five races at Pocono Raceway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2014.
Joey Coulter (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at Pocono Raceway.
Ryan Blaney leads the point standings by 7 points over Johnny Sauter.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-2-2013)

Driver standings following Pocono:
1) #29-Ryan Blaney, 408
2) #98-Johnny Sauter, 401, -7
3) #88-Matt Crafton, 396, -12
4) #30-Ron Hornaday, 388, -20
5) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 377, -31
6) #77-German Quiroga, 365, -43
7) #31-Ben Kennedy, 364, -44
8) #17-Timothy Peters, 359, - 49
9) #21-Joey Coulter, 353, -55
10) #13-Jeb Burton, 324, -84
See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Owner Standings following Pocono are posted (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Larson on pole at Pocono: #32-Kyle Larson won the 21 Means 21 pole award for the Pocono Mountains 150 at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 168.913mph. #3-Austin Dillon will start second, followed by: #19-Tyler Reddick, #31-Ben Kennedy, #17-Timothy Peters, #98-Johnny Sauter, #20-Justin Lofton, #29-Ryan Blaney, #88-Matt Crafton, and #05-Clint Bowyer.
Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #32-Kyle Larson.
#3-Austin Dillon was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 167.738mph. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-2-2014)

Pocono Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Larson won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 5th Annual Pocono Mountains 150 with a lap of 53.282 seconds, 168.913 mph.
This is his first pole in eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. His previous best start was second at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2012.
Larson also won the Coors Light Pole for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono.
Austin Dillon (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2014 and his third in three races at Pocono Raceway.
Tyler Reddick (third) posted his first top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his fifth in eight races this season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-2-2014)

Daytona Rising August Project Update: After successfully hosting another series of events during last month's Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, Daytona International Speedway will significantly ramp up construction activities for the $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project. The average number of daily construction workers will increase from 600 to 850 during the peak summer months, representing the largest construction team since the project's inception. The demolition of the Lockhart Grandstands near Turn 1 is complete. More than 30,000 seats will be removed in next 30 days. Upcoming construction activities include: " Continue installing escalators at West and East ends of the project
" Ongoing masonry near main IT room and loading dock support areas
" Ongoing steel installation
" Continue installing new lights on the West end of the project
DAYTONA Rising is a $400 million reimagining of an American icon - Daytona International Speedway. Five expanded and redesigned entrances, or "injectors," will lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas, or "neighborhoods," along the nearly mile-long frontstretch. At the conclusion of the redevelopment, Daytona International Speedway will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with track side views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests.(DIS)(8-2-2014)

First Saturday practice for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#41-Busch, 178.859
#31-Newman, 178.430
#2-Keselowski 178.398
#22-Logano, 178.232
#4-Harvick 178.211
slowest: #33-Kennedy 171.821, #66-Nemechek, 170.849
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Pocono Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(8-2-2014)

Ryan Blaney to drive for Wood Brothers in 2015 UPDATE: Ryan Blaney will drive the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in 2015, sources have told Motorsport.com. Blaney, 20, will run a limited Sprint Cup schedule in the venerable #21 Ford along with Nationwide Series races for Team Penske as part of a technical alliance between Penske and the Wood Brothers. An announcement is expected around the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 17. Blaney currently leads the Camping World Truck Series points driving the #29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing. In just his second full season on the tour, Blaney has two wins - the first coming in just his third career start. Blaney has a stellar average finish of 7.6. The third-generation racer has also shown tremendous progress on the Nationwide Series tour with Penske Racing. At 19, he won his first NNS race in his 13th career start last September at Kentucky Speedway. Blaney led 96 of 200 laps. In just seven starts in 2015, Blaney has posted six top 10s and three top-five finishes. His average qualifying position is 5.9. Blaney made his Cup debut at Kansas Speedway on May 10. He qualified 21st and finished 27th.(Motorsport)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE: Blaney does have one career Sprint Cup start, making his debut with Team Penske earlier this season at Kansas. "We're focused on winning the truck championship this year and focused on this weekend at Pocono," Blaney said. "Keep growing this (program). Those days will sort themselves out down the road." Team Penske Vice President Jonathan Gibson said via email Friday that the organization has plans for Blaney's future. "Ryan Blaney continues to do a great job with our organization and we have a plan for his progression within Team Penske," he said. "While we have had some discussions with our partners at Ford, nothing has been finalized."(NASCAR.com)(8-2-2014)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made.
Pole sitter #42-Larson chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #22-Logano took pit stall #2.
#2-Keselowski, who starts 3rd took the 25th pit stall, with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #24-Gordon, who starts 5th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-1-2014)

Larson wins Pocono pole: #42-Kyle Larson won the Coors Light pole for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway with a TRACK RECORD speed of 183.438mph for his 1st pole of 2014, 1st at Pocono and 1st of his career.
#22-Logano is on the outside pole, followed by #2-Keselowski, #41-Busch, #24-Gordon, #4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #1-McMurray, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #10-Patrick, #3-Dillon, #5-Kahne.
Missing the race were: none, only 43 cars entered.
See the starting lineup, qualifying results, round results on the Pocono Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-1-2014)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Pocono:
Kyle Larson won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 41st Annual GoBowling.com 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 49.063 seconds, 183.438 mph. Denny Hamlin held the previous record of 181.415 mph/49.610 seconds, set in June of 2014.
This is his first pole in 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
Larson is the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole.
Larson is the second Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate to win the Coors Light Pole this season (Austin Dillon, Daytona 500).
This is the 15th track qualifying record set in 2014.
Joey Logano (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2014 and his fifth in 12 races at Pocono Raceway.
Brad Keselowski (third) posted his third top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his 16th in 21 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(8-1-2014)

Second Round of Qualifying for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 10 scheduled minutes.
#22-Logano 182.319
#42-Larson 182.079
#18-Busch 181.969
#41-Busch 181.928
#24-Gordon 181.569
the rest of the top 12: 5 4 1 2 3 88 10;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 11 15 55 14 48 20 78 47 31 51 17 13
(8-1-2014)

First Round of Qualifying for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 25 minutes.
#22-Logano 181.800
#41-Busch 181.679
#5-Kahne 181.507
#4-Harvick 181.313
#42-Larson 181.200
the rest of the top 24: 2 24 10 88 14 18 1 11 51 15 20 55 78 31 47 13 3 17 48;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 16 99 9 43 27 38 98 40 26 32 36 23 83 7 34 37 66 33 93
Driver who will miss the race: none...only 43 cars entered.
(8-1-2014)

NASCAR delays Homestead tire test: The Goodyear tire test at Homestead-Miami Speedway has been moved to Sept. 9, when the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field has already been set. The original test date was Aug. 26. NASCAR said Friday it was moved because too many teams already planned to test that week at Chicago. It's not been determined yet if Chase drivers will be allowed to test at Homestead, site of the season-ending race that will decide the champion. NASCAR initially said no Chase drivers could participate in the test, but all organizations represented in the Chase could attend. Teams were told to send a substitute driver instead of a Chase driver. The restrictions hurt many teams, including Team Penske, which has both of its drivers already qualified for the Chase.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(8-1-2014)

Coverage of Qualifying for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for Friday, August 1, 2014 at 3:40pm/et.
Television (TV): FS1, 3:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: at 8:30pm/et on FS1; 4:30am/et on FS1

Friday practice for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 80 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#41-Busch 180.353
#2-Keselowski 180.155
#22-Logano 179.791
#42-Larson 179.508
#15-Bowyer 179.372
slowest: #33-Kennedy 170.029 & #93-Sauter 165.896.
notes: If qualifying, scheduled for this afternoon at 3:40pm/et on FS1, is cancelled (there is a chance of rain), this practice would set the starting lineup.
The track qualifying record is 181.415mph, set in June by Denny Hamlin.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Pocono Friday Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-1-2014)

Ryan Blaney to drive for Wood Brothers in 2015: Ryan Blaney will drive the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in 2015, sources have told Motorsport.com. Blaney, 20, will run a limited Sprint Cup schedule in the venerable #21 Ford along with Nationwide Series races for Team Penske as part of a technical alliance between Penske and the Wood Brothers. An announcement is expected around the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 17. Blaney currently leads the Camping World Truck Series points driving the #29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing. In just his second full season on the tour, Blaney has two wins - the first coming in just his third career start. Blaney has a stellar average finish of 7.6. The third-generation racer has also shown tremendous progress on the Nationwide Series tour with Penske Racing. At 19, he won his first NNS race in his 13th career start last September at Kentucky Speedway. Blaney led 96 of 200 laps. In just seven starts in 2015, Blaney has posted six top 10s and three top-five finishes. His average qualifying position is 5.9. Blaney made his Cup debut at Kansas Speedway on May 10. He qualified 21st and finished 27th.(Motorsport)(8-1-2014)

Qualifying Order for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #20-Kenseth.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #41-Busch.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Pocono Qualifying Page.(8-1-2014)

Toyota of Scranton sponsoring Whitt: The ownership and staff of the region's number one Toyota dealership, Toyota of Scranton announced a breakthrough sponsorship of a unprecedented level with the car sponsorship of the #26 NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota Camry, driven by rookie NASCAR sensation Cole Whitt at the GoBowling.com 400 race at Pocono Raceway on August 3rd, 2014. While the title sponsorship is a new, higher level of involvement with the races at Pocono Raceway, it is not unfamiliar territory for the dealership. In the past, as well as this year Toyota of Scranton has been a sponsor of the #51 Toyota Care and TRD Toyota of Scranton Racing Tundra and the #54 Toyota Care and TRD Toyota of Scranton Racing Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #26 team paint schemes page.(8-1-2014)

Bad Boy Buggies returns to the #1 at Pocono: The #1 Chevy SS, driven by Jamie McMurray, will carry the Bad Boy Buggies branding on the hood this weekend for the GoBowling.com 400. Bad Boy Buggies has new models and innovations that are revolutionizing the way outdoor enthusiasts use UTVs. Whether the customer is a hunter looking for the best technology to track and bag her next trophy kill, or a recreational rider seeking to tackle the trails, Bad Boy Buggies will continue to transform the way people enjoy the outdoors.(Chip Ganassi Racing)(8-1-2014)

Stewart running Code 3 Associates scheme at Pocono: As Tony Stewart carries the colors of Code 3 Associates this weekend at Pocono Raceway and champions the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization's membership drive, he is driving toward membership in the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Becoming a member of Code 3 Associates via its Website, www.Code3Associates.org, is a free and easy way to rally and organize people in support of Code 3 Associates' mission, which is animal rescue and recovery in disaster areas.(Stewart Haas Racing), see an image of the car on the #14 team paint schemes page.(8-1-2014)

Pocono Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
· Buddy Baker won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Pocono in 1974 with a speed of 144.122 mph.
· 39 drivers have posted Coors Light poles at Pocono, led by Bill Elliott and Ken Schrader with five each; Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin lead all active drivers with three each.
· Five drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Pocono. Bill Elliott holds the record for most consecutive poles at Pocono with three; fall 1984 and both races in 1985.
· Two active drivers have posted consecutive Coors Light poles at Pocono: Denny Hamlin (2006 sweep) and Joey Logano (fall 2011 and spring 2012).
· Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Pocono with a 6.176.
· 15 of the 73 (20.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Jimmie Johnson (June, 2013).
· The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (15) than any other starting position at Pocono Raceway.
· 24 of the 73 (32.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono have been won from the front row: 15 from the pole and nine from second-place.
· 51 of the 73 (69.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Pocono have been won from a top-10 starting position.
· Five of the 73 (6.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
· Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway five times; most recently the spring of 2013.
· Casey Mears (8/1/2004) posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Pocono Raceway.
(NASCAR)(8-1-2014)

JTG Daugherty creates program to reward fans: Fans are number one in the sport of NASCAR and JTG Daugherty Racing wants to be #1 in fan engagement. The team is reaching out to all race fans by offering one-of-a-kind, insider NASCAR access and rewards through a site called Racing-Rewards at www.Racing-Rewards.com. Its primary purpose is to reward fans for supporting the team and sponsors through social media activities. Racing-Rewards allows the most avid fans a chance to earn bigger and better rewards. It also allows fans to enter drawings for the rewards that are valued most and to significantly increase their chances of winning. It's pretty simple. Fans sign up for Racing-Rewards at www.racing-rewards.com to create a profile. Fans can connect their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, GetGlue and Foursquare accounts to their profile. Then start engaging and earning points. Each day Racing Rewards members can execute the points earning activities posted at www.racing-rewards.com. Fans can then redeem points and enter drawings for the rewards they want to win. Fans continue to earn points and move up to the next status level for bigger and better rewards and greater odds of winning each drawing. There is also the "Fanfluence" leader board where fans can keep track of everyone's rankings.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-1-2014)

Gaughan fastest in happy hour: #62-Brendan Gaughan was quickest during happy hour for the U.S. Cellular 250 with a speed of 133.469mph. He was followed by: #5-Josh Berry, #29-Kenny Wallace, #16-Ryan Reed, #6-Trevor Bayne, #99-James Buescher, #60-Chris Buescher, #9-Chase Elliott, #22-Brad Keselowski, and #2-Brian Scott. 38 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Iowa practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-1-2014)

Pistone fastest in practice: #31-Chase Pistone was fastest during opening practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 132.142mph. #54-Sam Hornish, Jr. was second, followed by: #7-Regan Smith, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #42-Dylan Kwasniewski, #20-Michael McDowell, #60-Chris Buescher, #6-Trevor Bayne, #29-Kenny Wallace, and #2-Brian Scott. 34 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Iowa practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-1-2014)

Stratasys sponsoring Sadler at Iowa: Stratasys Ltd., a global leader of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, makes its NASCAR Nationwide Series debut, sponsoring the #11 Toyota - driven by Elliott Sadler and fielded by Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) - in the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway Saturday, Aug. 2. JGR has incorporated Stratasys' FDM technology into their race program for more than a decade, giving them advantages in prototyping and production. The Fortus 400mc 3D Production System allows JGR to print parts for functional testing and end use parts for their cars.(Wall Street Journal)(8-1-2014)

Peters fastest in final practice: #17-Timothy Peters was fastest during final practice at Pocono Raceway for the Pocono Mountains 150 with a speed of 165.975mph. #32-Kyle Larson was second, followed by #88-Matt Crafton, #31-Ben Kennedy, #20-Justin Lofton, #3-Austin Dillon, #29-Ryan Blaney, #51-Erik Jones, #21-Joey coulter and #19-Tyler Reddick. 30 drivers practiced during the session. #05-John Wes Townley did not practice, as he was involved in a crash during ARCA qualifying and was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation. See complete results on the Pocono practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-1-2014)

Larson fastest in practice: #32-Kyle Larson was fastest during the opening practice at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 166.670mph. #17-Timothy Peters was second, followed by #20-Justin Lofton, #31-Ben Kennedy, #3-Austin Dillon, #29-Ryan Blaney, #05-John Wes Townley, #51-Erik Jones, #19-Tyler Reddick, and #88-Matt Crafton. 30 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Pocono practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-1-2014)

Townley evaluated after wreck UPDATE 2: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver John Wes Townley was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation after hitting the wall hard in ARCA Racing Series qualifying on Friday. During his ARCA qualifying run at the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway, Townley made hard contact with the wall as he exited the Tunnel Turn before slowing on the track. After the incident, Townley was transported for further evaluation. As a result, Townley's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team sat out Friday's final practice session as it awaited word on their driver's condition. Townley was seventh in Friday's opening Camping World Truck Series practice session at Pocono.(Fox Sports)(8-1-2014)
UPDATE: Athenian Motorsports posted a statement on Twitter regarding Townley. "John Wes Townley was released from the hospital in good health. As a precaution, he'll be held out of competition for a week." No further information was released regarding who may drive the #05 truck in Pocono.(Twitter)(8-1-2014)

Blaney to Cup in 2015: Sources say Blaney will run a limited Sprint Cup schedule as part of a technical alliance between Team Penske and Wood Brothers Racing. Blaney will drive the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in 2015, sources have told Motorsport.com. Blaney, 20, will run a limited Sprint Cup schedule in the venerable #21 Ford along with Nationwide Series races for Team Penske as part of a technical alliance between Penske and the Wood Brothers. An announcement is expected around the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 17. Blaney currently leads the Camping World Truck Series points driving the #29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing. In just his second full season on the tour, Blaney has two wins - the first coming in just his third career start. Blaney has a stellar average finish of 7.6.(Motorsport.com)(8-1-2014)