June 2014 NASCAR News Archive

contains NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series,
Camping World Truck Series and Racetrack news for the month

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    News from June 30, 2014

  • Entry List for the Coke Zero 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #21-Bayne, #29-Nemechek, #32-Terry Labonte, #33-Bobby Labonte, #66-Waltrip, #95-McDowell.
    Driver who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #29-Nemechek
    Driver who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #29-Nemechek
    See the full entry list at my Jayski's Daytona Entry List

  • Keselowski cuts hand in victory lane UPDATE: #2-Brad Keselowski cut his hand while in victory lane at Kentucky and had to go to the infield care center for treatment on his right hand:
    WHAT HAPPENED IN VICTORY LANE? "We were playing around with some champagne bottles and as I told my good friend, 'We should have stuck with beer.' We were having too much fun with champagne and one of the bottles broke and I cut my hand open. It's no big deal."
    HOW MANY STITCHES? "Four, but it's all fixed now, so we're good."
    EVERYTHING IS AN ADVENTURE WITH YOU. "Yeah, welcome to the party. It's all good. I'm just glad we won. It's a lot better story when you win and get hurt."(Ford Racing)(6-29-2014)
    UPDATE: What comes next are the questions about what Keselowski will still be able to do with his stitched and bandaged hand, appropriately adorned with his most recent "Winner" sticker, considering two of the things he's most known for heavily involve his digital extremities: driving and tweeting. No stranger to injury, Keselowski once tweeted a gruesome image of a broken ankle sustained during a test session at Road Atlanta in 2011. He said he's trying to rely less on his phone lately and didn't get a chance to tweet a picture of his most recent injury because he didn't have it on him in Victory Lane, but also -- and more importantly -- the laceration won't be an issue when the series heads to Daytona International Speedway next week for the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola. "Do I anticipate (any problems holding the steering wheel)? No, last time I had stitches, it was just seven days or so and we're going to Daytona, which is probably the easiest track you could ask for. I didn't break any bones or any of that stuff. I just put a big gash, so I don't think it'll be an issue."(NASCAR.com)(6-30-2014)

  • Nationwide Entry List:There are 44 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday's Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway. A few notes:
    Kasey Kahne will be in the JR Motorsports #5;
    Darrell Wallace, Jr. will drive the JGR #20;
    Scott Lagassee will be in the #29 for RAB;
    David Starr will drive the TriStar #44;
    Johnny Sauter is in the #80 for Shigeaki Hattori;
    Bobby Gerhardt is entered in his #85;
    Joe Nemechek will be in the #97.(6-30-2014)
    See the complete list on the Daytona entry list page.

  • Chastain returns to the #55 at Daytona: Ross Chastain will further cement himself as a NASCAR Nationwide competitor this Friday when he tackles the famed Daytona International Speedway for the first time in a NASCAR Nationwide car. This will mark the 3rd NNS start in the career of the young Floridian. Chastain made his debut with Viva Motorsports earlier this year in Charlotte. That race and his subsequent start at Michigan resulted in top 20 finishes. Chastain looks to continue his success and bring home his #55 Watermelon.org Chevrolet in the top 10. Additional support for this race is provided by Helena Chemical Company and the National Watermelon Association.(Viva Motorsports)(6-30-2014)

  • Koch in the #10 at Daytona: TriStar Motorsports and their Official Energy Drink partner, Celsius, will join forces for Friday night's Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Celsius will serve as the primary sponsor for the #10 Toyota Camry, with Blake Koch behind the wheel. Celsius is the world's first negative calorie energy drink. Scientific data shows that by drinking Celsius, consumers burn 100 extra calories or more. Upon working out, Celsius will increase consumer's metabolism, provide healthy energy, reduce body fat and improve endurance. Koch has been a brand ambassador for Celsius since the beginning of 2014.(TriStar Motorsports)(6-30-2014)


    News from June 29, 2014

  • Keselowski cuts hand in victory lane: #2-Brad Keselowski cut his hand while in victory lane at Kentucky and had to go to the infield care center for treatment on his right hand:
    WHAT HAPPENED IN VICTORY LANE? "We were playing around with some champagne bottles and as I told my good friend, 'We should have stuck with beer.' We were having too much fun with champagne and one of the bottles broke and I cut my hand open. It's no big deal."
    HOW MANY STITCHES? "Four, but it's all fixed now, so we're good."
    EVERYTHING IS AN ADVENTURE WITH YOU. "Yeah, welcome to the party. It's all good. I'm just glad we won. It's a lot better story when you win and get hurt."(Ford Racing)(6-29-2014)

  • Kentucky Race and Commercial Breakdown: For 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 7:22 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 10:33 PM (all times are EST). TNT was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 133
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 57
    Number of times TNT utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 48
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min. 50 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:22 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 10:33 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 191
    Minutes of race broadcast: 132
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 59
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
    Total race brdcst time 132 Total comm. brdcst time 59
    See past races, links to reports and more at TV Commercials page.(6-29-2014)


    News from June 28, 2014

  • Keselowski wins at Kentucky: #2-Brad Keselowski won the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway for his 2nd win of 2014, his 2nd win at Kentucky, and his 12th career win. Keselowski started from the pole and dominated most of the race, leading 199 of the 267 laps.
    #18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #31-Newman, #20-Kenseth, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #24-Gordon, #4-Harvick, #5-Kahne, #22-Logano, and #48-Johnson.
    #24-Gordon (1 win) keeps the points lead after finishing 6th and extends his points lead over to 24 points over #48-Johnson & #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
    #48-Johnson leads the Chase Grid with three wins, 2nd in points. #88-Earnhardt Jr. is second with 2 wins, 3rd in points then #2-Keselowski 2 & 3rd, #99-Edwards 2 & 6th; #22-Logano 2 & 7th and #4-Harvick 2 and 9th.
    There were 12 lead changes among 3 drivers. There were 6 cautions for 34 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 139.723mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Kentucky Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Kentucky Penalty Report (pdf).
    (6-28-2014)

  • Race Fast Facts - Kentucky Speedway:
    Brad Keselowski won the 4th Annual Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts, his 12th victory in 178 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his second victory and third top-10 finish in four races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Kyle Busch (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at Kentucky Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
    Ryan Newman (third) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Austin Dillon (16th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 24 points over Jimmie Johnson.
    Brad Keselowski has led a series high 346 laps at Kentucky Speedway in four starts.
    Race winner Brad Keselowski is now fourth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-28-2014)

  • 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
    [after Kentucky, race 17 of 36]
    1) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 618
    2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 594, -24
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 594, -24
    4) #2-Brad Keselowski [2 wins], 560, -58
    5) #20-Matt Kenseth, 555, -63
    6) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 536, -82
    7) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 519, -99
    8) #31-Ryan Newman, 514, -104
    9) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 509, -109
    10) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 408, -110
    Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
    17) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 455, -163
    26) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 379, -239 (133 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).
    (6-28-2014)

  • Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Seedings:
    [after Kentucky, race 17 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 3 wins, 2nd in points
    2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2 wins, 3rd
    3) #2-Brad Keselowski, 2 wins, 4th
    4) #99-Carl Edwards, 2 wins, 6th
    5) #22-Joey Logano, 2 wins, 7th
    6) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2 wins, 9th
    7) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1 win, 1st
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 10th
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 17th
    10) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 26th
    (no wins, in by points)
    11) #20-Matt Kenseth, 5th
    12) #31-Ryan Newman, 8th
    13) #27-Paul Menard, 11th
    14) #42-Kyle Larson, 12th
    15) #16-Greg Biffle, 13th
    16) #15-Clint Bowyer, 14th
    (6-28-2014)

  • Kentucky Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
    #3-Dillon, finished 16th, 11 rookie points
    #7-Annett, 18th, 10
    #51-Allgaier, 24th, 9
    #26-Whitt, 28th, 8
    #83-Truex, 33rd, 7
    #23-Bowman, 36th, 6
    #42-Larson, 40th, 5
    Kligerman, Did Not Race
    (6-28-2014)

  • Joe Gibbs Racing extends Kenseth's contact; Dollar General expands sponsorship: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Dollar General announce an expanded partnership with a multi-year agreement for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and beyond. In addition, JGR announces the contract extension of driver Matt Kenseth that will keep him behind the wheel of the #20 Dollar General Toyota. Dollar General, based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, will increase its sponsorship to 30 races with Matt Kenseth and the #20 team, up from 27 in 2014 and 17 in 2013. One of the top contenders within the Sprint Cup Series, Kenseth is currently fourth the 2014 point standings with five top-five, 10 top-10 finishes and one pole award through the first 16 races. In 2013, his first year driving for JGR and Dollar General, Kenseth celebrated seven wins, marking both a Series and career-best season.
    "Extending my deal with JGR is exciting and I'm still hoping we can match our win total from last year, but it's really been a special year-and-a-half together," Kenseth added. "Joe and J.D. have been fantastic and show a commitment to providing all of us with the resources needed for a winning organization and I've been blessed with a great team led by Jason (Ratcliff). The support we get from TRD has been tremendous and I'm excited for the future here with the #20 Dollar General team."(Joe Gibbs Racing)(6-28-2014)

  • Xxxtreme Motorsports withdraws; expects to return to track: According to a tweet from Chris Knight: "A source close to Xxxtreme Motorsport [said] that the team is extremely disappointed that they are not attending NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway this weekend. Circumstances beyond their control will likely keep the team away from the racetrack for the next couple of weeks. However, the team is committed to resolving the setback promptly and efficiently, which will allow them to resume their plan to run the remainder of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with their #44 Phoenix Warehouse Chev7 SS and driver J.J. Yeley. The team continues to stand behind Yeley.(6-28-2014)

  • NASCAR driver Brian Rose accused of scamming investors: A former NASCAR driver is at the center of a $15 million fraud investigation and is accused of creating a fake coal mining company to get money from investors. Federal agents launched a massive investigation into Brian Rose after an alleged victim from Charlotte came forward. The Secret Service said the accused tried to cover every detail to convince investors it was the real deal. In the indictment, federal prosecutors named Rose as the ringleader of this elaborate coal-mining scheme. The defendants would call investors saying New Century Coal was looking to mine low sulfur and low ash coal in Kentucky and Tennessee, according to the documents. They promised a quarterly return of 6 percent until operations began. After that, investors would receive 100 percent or more during the first year of mining. The indictment stated the nine defendants were very careful to cover their tracks. Two of them legally changed their names and attached those names to New Century Coal. The defendants also created ghost companies to ease investors' suspicions. Prosecutors said the defendants also spent part of the $15 million on "lavish gambling trips to Las Vegas" and buying and training thoroughbred horses. All nine defendants are now charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. The Secret Service already seized a number of race cars, race horses and property from Rose and the other defendants. Channel 9 learned Rose's father was sentenced to four years in prison for bilking $15 million out of investors for fraudulent oil and gas companies. The Secret Service said they are currently investigating another company called Earth Energy Exploration that was run by Rose and his family.(WSOC), Rose ran 41 Camping World Truck Series races between 2001 & 2010. He attempted the October 2002 Sprint Cup race at Martinsville, but did not qualify.(6-28-2014)

  • Michael Waltrip Racing to visit Goodwood Festival of Speed: Michael Waltrip Racing co-owners Michael Waltrip and Rob Kauffman are once again venturing across the Atlantic Ocean to share the sport of NASCAR in front of 150,000 global motorsports enthusiasts at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. Waltrip will drive a #15 PEAK Toyota NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the festival that features a hill climb by historic motor racing vehicles. Kauffman will drive the 1963 "Mystery Motor" Chevy Impala that NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson drove to seven victories and nine poles during the 1963 season. The Goodwood Festival has become one of the largest and most diverse motorsports events in the world. The festival includes everything from modern concept cars to historical vehicles dating back to 1902, along with racecars from all disciplines. NASCAR stock cars, Formula 1 Grand Prix racers, Le Mans style cars and various forms of motorcycles will all make their run up the hill at Goodwood.(MWR)(6-28-2014)

  • Kentucky Notes & Facts - Saturday - race:
    " Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Kentucky Speedway was the July 9, 2011 race won by Kyle Busch over David Reutimann with a MOV of 0.179 second.
    " None of the three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Kentucky Speedway have resulted with a green-white-checkered finish.
    " None of the three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Kentucky Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions.
    " Three different NSCS drivers have won at Kentucky Speedway: Kyle Busch (07/09/2011), Brad Keselowski (06/30/2012) and Matt Kenseth (6/30/2013).
    " Joe Gibbs Racing leads the series in wins at Kentucky with two (2011, 2013); followed by Penske Racing (2012) with one.
    " Two different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Kentucky: Toyota (2011, 2013) and Dodge (2012).
    " The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Kentucky was 16th, by Matt Kenseth last season.
    " There have been four NASCAR Sprint Cup races among two tracks in Kentucky: Kentucky Speedway, Sparta, KY - 3, Corbin Speedway, Corbin, KY - 1.(NASCAR)(6-28-2014)

  • Halftime Party and Fan Garage Experience Return to Pocono: Back by popular demand, Pocono Raceway announced the Bud Light Halftime Party and the Tricky Triangle Garage Experience will be offered at the GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway. Both fan experiences were a success at this year's Pocono 400. The Bud Light Halftime Party will be held, for those ages 21 and over, between laps 60-120 of the GoBowling.com 400 inside Pocono Raceway's Chalet Village on Sunday, August 3. This event will include beer, food, live entertainment, beer games and televisions to keep up with all the on-track action. Existing ticket holders can attend by purchasing the $19 Halftime Party Access Pass. New ticket purchasers can get access to the party and a GoBowling.com 400 tickets for just $69. The Tricky Triangle Garage Experience includes a guided tour of the Pocono Raceway garage area. The first 150 Pocono Raceway $100 Gift Card purchases, will be eligible to attend this pre-race experience.(Pocono Raceway)(6-28-2014)


    News from June 27, 2014

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #2-Keselowski chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #22-Logano took pit stall 14, with an opening in front of it.
    #24-Gordon, who starts 3rd took the 31st pit stall, also with an opening in front of it.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #4-Harvick, who starts 5th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-27-2014)

  • Keselowski wins Kentucky pole: #2-Brad Keselowski won the Coors Light pole for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway with TRACK RECORD speed of 188.791mph for his 3rd pole of 2014, 1st at Kentucky and 6th of his career.
    #22-Logano is on the outside pole, followed by #24-Gordon, #11-Hamlin, #4-Harvick, #42-Larson, #31-Newman, #1-McMurray, #41-Busch, #10-Patrick, #15-Bowyer, and #27-Menard.
    Missing the race were: only 42 cars entered, so none missed the race.
    See the starting lineup, full qualifying results and more on the Kentucky Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(6-27-2014)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Kentucky:
    Brad Keselowski won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 4th Annual Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts with a lap of 28.603 seconds, 188.791 mph.
    This is his sixth pole in 178 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his third pole and 13th top-10 start in 2014.
    This is his first pole in four races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Joey Logano (second) posted his 14th top-10 start of 2014.
    Jeff Gordon (third) posted his second top-10 start at Kentucky Speedway. It is his ninth in 17 races this season.
    Kyle Larson (sixth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    Brad Keselowski set a new track record in the third and final round of qualifying with his lap of 28.603 seconds, 188.791 mph. The track record for Kentucky Speedway was previously held by Dale Earnhardt Jr., at 183.636 mph (06/30/2013)
    23 cars broke the previous track record during this qualifying session.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(6-27-2014)

  • Second Round of Qualifying for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over after 10 scheduled minutes.
    #22-Logano 187.611
    #2-Keselowski 187.565
    #15-Bowyer 186.735
    #41-Busch 186.709
    #42-Larson 186.522
    the rest of the top 12: 24 1 4 11 31 27 10
    out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 14 20 47 3 55 18 78 5 17 43 99 16
    23 drivers beat the old track record of 183.636mph, which was set by Earnhardt, Jr. last year.
    (6-27-2014)

  • First Round of Qualifying for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over, after 25 minutes.
    #22-Logano 185.893
    #10-Patrick 185.759
    #24-Gordon 185.714
    #2-Keselowski 185.618
    #1-McMurray 185.573
    the rest of the top 24: 42 47 20 11 31 41 78 55 3 14 27 4 18 5 43 15 17 99 16
    out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 48 13 9 51 88 26 36 7 23 98 32 34 40 33 83 66 38 93
    25 drivers beat the old track record of 183.636mph, which was set by Earnhardt, Jr. last year.
    Drivers who will miss the race: none.
    (6-27-2014)

  • Happy Hour practice for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over after 80 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #2-Keselowski 183.101
    #20-Kenseth 182.309
    #42-Larson 182.088
    #24-Gordon 181.941
    #22-Logano 181.677
    slowest: #33-Stremme 171.124 & #66-Nemechek 170.816.
    notes: #5-Kahne spun off turn 4 on his second lap, but didn't hit anything.
    Fastest speeds, laps run, best ten lap average on the Kentucky Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(6-27-2014)

  • First Friday practice for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #42-Larson 183.549
    #2-Keselowski 182.143
    #55-Vickers 182.143
    #1-McMurray 181.318
    #14-Stewart 181.287
    slowest: #93-Bliss 172.144 & #33-Stremme 170.492.
    notes: #40-Cassill spun off turn 2 late in the session but did not hit anything.
    In the event that qualifying is cancelled, the speeds from this practice would set the starting lineup. Group qualifying is scheduled to be held on today at 5:40pm/et on FoxSports1 (FS1).
    Fastest speeds, laps run, best ten lap average on the Kentucky Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(6-27-2014)

  • Qualifying Order for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is posted. 42 cars/drivers are listed.
    The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #17-Stenhouse, Jr.
    The final driver scheduled to go out is #26-Whitt.
    Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
    See the full qualifying order on the Kentucky Qualifying Page.(6-26-2014)

  • Gordon still winless at Kentucky: There are 23 race tracks on the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule; Jeff Gordon has a win - or eight - at 22 of them. His only hole is Kentucky Speedway, and it's an understandable one. The series has raced there just three times, all won by different winners. Gordon has fared fairly well in those three events, collecting three top 10s, including a fifth-place finish in 2012. If he were to win on Saturday night, he'd be the first driver in NASCAR history to win at every track on the active schedule. For the record, Gordon's win list includes Rockingham, which hosted its last NASCAR Sprint Cup race in 2004 [and North Wilkesboro where Sprint Cup last raced in 1996].(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-27-2014)

  • 200th start for Logano: At just 24-years-old, #22-Joey Logano will make his 200th-career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start this weekend when he takes the green flag for the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. Logano's Sprint Cup Series career began in 2008, the same season that he broke onto the NASCAR Nationwide Series scene, with his first start coming at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He became a full-time driver in 2009 at the age of 18, winning his first race, also at New Hampshire, and becoming the youngest driver to ever win Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors. Through his first 199 races, Logano has earned five wins, 33 top-five finishes, 68 top-10 results and eight poles in the Sprint Cup Series. Of those numbers, three wins, 17 top-fives and 27 top-10s have come in the last year and a half as a member of Team Penske.(Team Penske)(6-27-2014)

  • Camouflage scheme for Gilliland at Daytona: David Gilliland will pay tribute to the troops next weekend at Daytona International Speedway with a special paint scheme on his #38 Love's Ford. The special camouflage designed car that carries the message "We love our troops" was unveiled Thursday afternoon just outside Kentucky Speedway at a nearby Love's Travel Spot with Kentucky-based military personnel in attendance. "With Love's commitment to the military and obviously our love for the military it just all came together," Gilliland said. "While they were working on the paint scheme everybody at Front Row was coming up with ideas and we got to see a couple different renderings and I think this one looks awesome. We are looking forward to running it next weekend at Daytona."(Motor Racing Network), see an image of the car on the #38 team paint schemes page.(6-27-2014)

  • Florida Lottery sponsoring Patrick at Daytona and Homestead: The Florida Lottery will join GoDaddy, the world's largest technology provider dedicated to small businesses, as a co-primary sponsor of Danica Patrick and the #10 Chevy of Stewart-Haas Racing for the July 5 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway and the season-ending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Nov. 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Florida Lottery, responsible for contributing more than $26 billion to education and sending more than 650,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, will be featured on the hood, roof and TV panel of Patrick's #10 Chevy. Longtime sponsor GoDaddy will have branding on the rear quarterpanels and decklid. Patrick's firesuit will also be emblazoned with the Florida Lottery.(Stewart Haas Racing), see an image of the car on the #10 team paint schemes page.(6-27-2014)

  • NASCAR Digital Media makes personnel moves: NASCAR announced several personnel moves designed to position NASCAR Digital Media for continued growth and success. Colin Smith, managing director, NASCAR Digital Media, assumes responsibility of managing day-to-day operations for the sanctioning body's digital platform. John Martin, managing director, Digital and Business Operations for NDM and an eight-year veteran of NASCAR, will also take on additional responsibilities as NASCAR continues to innovate across the entire digital platform. In addition to Smith and Martin, NASCAR also announced the promotions of three other key executives.
    - Brian Herbst, a nine-year veteran of NASCAR and one of NDM's first employees, has been promoted to senior director, Content Rights and Partnerships. Herbst will oversee all aspects of NDM's growing distribution business as well as all digital content and partnership agreements.
    - Mike Sales has been promoted to director of Design for NDM, reporting to Tim Clark, senior director, Optimization and Programming.
    - Donald Baal has been promoted to senior manager, Database Marketing and will expand his role to include digital marketing initiatives across NDM.
    NASCAR's digital platform was re-launched on Jan. 3, 2013, when the sanctioning body flipped the switch on a brand-new digital experience and suite of mobile apps.(NASCAR)(6-27-2014)

  • Kentucky Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
    " The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying at Kentucky was cancelled due to weather. The starting line-up was set per the Rule Book.
    " Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are the only two drivers that have won Coors Light poles at Kentucky.
    " Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Kentucky Speedway once; the 2011 race.
    " One of the three (33.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Kentucky have been won from the front row.
    " Two of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Kentucky have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    " Kyle Busch won the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky from the first starting position. Due to the qualifying session being cancelled for the 2011 race it was not from the Coors Light pole.(NASCAR)(6-27-2014)

  • Harvick wins at Kentucky: #5-Kevin Harvick won the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 at Kentucky Speedway. #22-Brad Keselowski finished second followed by #54-Kyle Busch, #33-Paul Menard, #12-Ryan Blaney, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #3-Ty Dillon, #2-Brian Scott, #42-Kyle Larson, and #11-Elliott Sadler.
    There were 7 cautions for 30 laps and 8 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Kentucky race results page (pdf).
    (6-27-2014)

  • Kentucky Race Fast Facts:
    Kevin Harvick(i) won the 14th Annual John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 presented by Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, his 42nd victory in 309 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
    This is his second victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in seven races at Kentucky Speedway. It is his fifth top-10 finish in 2014.
    Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in seven races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Ty Dillon (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 4 points over Chase Elliott #.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-27-2014)

  • Driver standings following Kentucky:
    1) #11-Elliott Sadler 541
    2) #9-Chase Elliott 537, -4
    3) #7-Regan Smith 533, -8
    4) #3- Ty Dillon 512, -29
    5) #2-Brian Scott 494, -47
    6)#6-Trevor Bayne 482, -59
    7) #62-Brendan Gaughan 448, -93
    8) #99-James Buescher 418, -123
    9) #60-Chris Buescher 414, -127
    10) #01-Landon Cassill 399, -142
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(6-27-2014)

  • Owner Standings following Kentucky are posted (pdf).(6-27-2014)

  • Keselowski on Nationwide pole at Kentucky: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Coors Light Pole for the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 175.313mph. #54-Kyle Busch will start second followed by: #33-Paul Menard, #20-Matt Kenseth, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #5-Kevin Harvick, #3-Ty Dillon, #12-Ryan Blaney, and #11-Elliott Sadler.
    Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #12-Ryan Blaney.
    #33-Paul Menard was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 175.867mph.
    Did Not Qualify: #84-Chad Boat, #74-Kevin Lepage, and #76-Tommy Joe Martins. The starting lineup is posted on the Kentucky starting lineup page (pdf).(6-27-2014)

  • Kentucky Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
    Brad Keselowski won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 14th Annual John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 presented by Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over with a lap of 30.802 seconds, 175.313 mph.
    This is his 15th pole in 209 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
    This is his first pole in five races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Ryan Blaney(i) posted his sixth top-10 start of 2014.
    Chase Elliott (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-27-2014)

  • Harvick fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #5-Kevin Harvick was quickest during final practice for the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 with a speed of 176.910mph. He was followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #33-Paul Menard, #6-Trevor Bayne, #16-Ryan Reed, #22-Brad Keselowski, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #12-Ryan Blaney, #42-Kyle Larson, and #11-Elliott Sadler. 42 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-27-2014)

  • Fans can attend Atlanta's Labor Day Weekend for as low As $74: Fans can enjoy three nights and more than 800 action-packed miles of racing on one of NASCAR's most exciting tracks for as low as $74 with Atlanta Motor Speedway's weekend upgrade option for Labor Day Weekend. For the value-priced option of $35, fans can add Friday and Saturday night tickets to ones previously purchased for the Aug. 31 Atlanta 500. The upgrade includes general admission grandstand tickets to the Aug. 29 Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka Qualifying Night and Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka Sprint Car Shootout and the Aug. 30 Great Clips 300 to benefit Feed The Children. Fans that have already purchased Atlanta 500 tickets can add the weekend upgrade package by calling the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket at 877-9-AMS-TIX.(AMS) (6-27-2014)


    News from June 26, 2014

  • Caterpillar renews sponsorship of Newman: Richard Childress Racing and Caterpillar Inc. announced the renewal of their overall partnership and sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series #31 Chevy team. The partnership between RCR and Caterpillar began in 2009 and has become a model for the activation with Caterpillar's dealers and customers throughout the NASCAR schedule. For the 2014 season, Newman took over driving duties of the Caterpillar Chevy SS. The world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives began as a sponsor in NASCAR in 1993. Caterpillar was a team sponsor in the NASCAR Nationwide Series from 1995 to 1996 before moving to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 1997. Its relationship with RCR began in 2009, where it remains as one of the most prominent brands competing in the elite division.(RCR)(6-26-2014)

  • Eddie MacDonald to make Cup debut at New Hampshire: Local racing legend Eddie MacDonald from Rowley, Mass. will drive the #32 Go FAS Racing Ford Fusion owned by fellow New Englanders Archie St. Hilaire from Old Orchard Beach, Maine and long-time NASCAR crew chief Frank Stoddard from No. Haverhill, N.H. Completing the all-NE team is Michael Alden, President and CEO of Blue Vase Marketing based in Beverly, Mass, as the primary sponsor aboard the Go FAS Racing entry in the Camping World Sales 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 13. Archie St. Hilaire is no stranger to New England racing as a long time participant in the old Busch North Series, currently the K&N Pro Series East, before moving on to the Nationwide Series while Stoddard cut his teeth watching and learning from one of the greats in New England, Stub Fadden from his hometown. The #32 on the Go FAS Racing Ford is in honor of Fadden and his car's number for nearly four decades. The duo joined forces this year to compete in the Sprint Cup Series and instantly chose Eddie Mac to drive for them at the "Magic Mile." "This is my dream come true," said MacDonald from his race shop in Newburyport, Mass. "I can't thank Archie, Frank, and Mike enough for giving me this opportunity to race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It has always been a goal to drive a Cup car and to do it at my home track with family, friends, and supporters from all over New England is something very special to me. I have been lucky enough to win a number of races here so hopefully my experience will provide me the opportunity to run well for Archie and the team."(PR)(6-26-2014)

  • Johnson honored by Obama: President Barack Obama says NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson deserves a permanent visitor's pass to the White House since he's been there so many times. Obama recognized Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports team members on Wednesday for winning the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It's Johnson's sixth Sprint Cup title in eight years. And he's gunning for a seventh trophy this year. Obama says Johnson is like the Michael Jordan of NASCAR. The retired NBA player led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in eight years. Johnson's appearance continued a sports theme at the White House this week. Obama hosted a reception Tuesday for American and international professional golfers, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, who competed for the 2013 Presidents Cup. Woods clinched the victory for the U.S. team.(Associated Press)(6-26-2014)

  • Vertx partners with BK Racing: BK Racing announced a partnership with Vertx for the upcoming Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Vertx will ride-along on the deck lid, TV panel and c-post of the #83 Toyota Camry driven by Ryan Truex and b-post of the #23 and #26 Toyota Camry's of Alex Bowman and Cole Whitt. The entire BK Racing team will be outfitted in Vertx apparel throughout the weekend. Born out of necessity, Vertx was established after a top federal agency approached a group of award-winning designers with one simple request - to develop a line of apparel bearing full tactical features and a low-profile appearance for covert application.(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #83 team paint schemes page.(6-26-2014)

  • MWR, RCR to test at New Hampshire: Michael Waltrip Racing and Richard Childress Racing will be looking for the inside track on the Camping World RV Sales 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on July 13 when they visit New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a test and tune session on July 1 and 2. Defending July NHMS race winner #55-Brian Vickers, two-time NHMS winner #15-Clint Bowyer and four-time NHMS winner #66-Jeff Burton will all be logging laps for MWR on the 1.058-mile oval. The two-day session also marks the first time the famed #3 will race around the Magic Mile, as rookie RCR driver Austin Dillon will join teammates #27-Paul Menard and three-time NHMS winner #31-Ryan Newman at the testing. The grandstands will be open and free of charge to the public from 9:00am-5:00pm both days.(NHMS)(6-26-2014)

  • Lexar sponsoring McMurray at Kentucky: The #1 Chevy SS driven by Jamie McMurray will feature the Lexar paint scheme at Kentucky Speedway. Lexar boasts one of the most comprehensive portfolios of high-performance, award-winning products in every major flash memory category, including memory cards, card readers, and USB flash drives. The paint scheme includes an array of colorful USB flash-drives across the car. Lexar Products include industry-leading memory cards for photography and video, card readers, high-performance USB flash drives, and memory cards for mobile devices.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates), see an image of the car on the #1 team paint schemes page.(6-26-2014)

  • Kentucky Notes & Facts - Thursday - drivers:
    " 53 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway; 42 in more than one.
    " Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Kentucky with 243 laps led in three starts. Jimmie Johnson has led the second-most with 203.
    " Three different drivers have posted NSCS runner-up finishes at Kentucky: David Reutimann (2011), Kasey Kahne (2012) and Jamie McMurray (2013).
    " Kyle Busch leads the series in top-five finishes at Kentucky with two.
    " Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth lead the series in top-10 finishes at Kentucky with three each.
    " Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Kentucky with a 2.333.
    " Matt Kenseth leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Kentucky with a 4.667. Kyle Busch (5.333), Jimmie Johnson (6.000), Jeff Gordon (7.667), and Kasey Kahne (8.667) are the other active drivers with an average finish in the top 10.
    " Danica Patrick is the only female driver to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Kentucky Speedway.
    " 42 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Kentucky; three have posted wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Jeremy Mayfield - 5 Sprint Cup wins, Michael Waltrip - 4 Sprint Cup wins, 11 Nationwide wins, 1 Camping World Trucks win, Tommy Thompson - 1 Sprint Cup win, Jeff Green - 16 Nationwide wins, David Green - 9 Nationwide wins.(NASCAR)(6-26-2014)

  • NASCAR transitions employees to new positions: NASCAR announced transitions today within three key business areas, highlighting the company's commitment to talent development. Patrick Rogers has been promoted to senior director of Driver Marketing Services, Evan Parker becomes senior director of Brand Platforms and Scott Warfield has been promoted to senior director of Social Media and Broadcast Communications. Rogers most recently served as director of Brand Platforms, Marketing. Rogers will report to Jill Gregory, NASCAR vice president of Industry Services. Parker will transition from NASCAR's Los Angeles office to its Charlotte office. He served as senior director of Entertainment Marketing and helped lead the sport's integration efforts into several entertainment properties. Warfield's new responsibilities include guiding NASCAR's overall social media strategy and its cross-departmental integration as NASCAR implements programs across a number of social media channels. He also will continue to work closely with the company's digital, entertainment and broadcasting teams.(NASCAR)(6-26-2014)

  • Kentucky Goodyear tire notes: While teams in all three NASCAR series in action at Kentucky this week will run the same right-side tire code (D-4440), teams in the Sprint Cup Series will run a slightly different left-side code (D-4556) than those in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Sprint Cup teams have run at Kentucky since 2012 . . . these teams have also run this same tire set-up at Dover over that same period of time . . . Goodyear held a test at Kentucky on May 20-21 . . . .Sprint Cup teams and drivers participating in that test were the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet with Jamie McMurray, No. 2 Penske Racing Ford with Brad Keselowski and No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota with Brian Vickers . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Kentucky . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear), see tire codes. pressures, set limits and more on the Kentucky 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 Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway on the Kentucky Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

  • Busch fastest in first practice: #54-Kyle Busch was fastest during opening practice at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 174.729mph. #12-Ryan Blaney was second, followed by:#2-Brian Scott, #33-Paul Menard, #98-Corey LaJoie, #42-Kyle Larson, #5-Kevin Harvick, #3-Ty Dillon, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #22-Brad Keselowski. All 44 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-26-2014)

  • Fazoli's to sponsor LaJoie at Kentucky: Corey LaJoie will put the "Fast" in Fazoli's "Fast Fresh Italian" slogan this Friday night at Kentucky Speedway when he drives the Ford Mustang emblazoned with the Fazoli's logo in the NASCAR Nationwide Series John R. Elliott Hero Campaign 300 Presented by Drive Sober. A driver for California-based Biagi-DenBeste Racing LLC, LaJoie also is a development driver forRichard Petty Motorsports. Named to the prestigious "NASCAR Next" list and ESPN Magazine's "NEXT" list of emerging athletes, LaJoie marks his first race in the 2014NASCAR Nationwide Series on Friday. Fazoli's has participated in past NASCAR promotions, but this is the first time it has sponsored an individual driver.(Biagi-DenBeste Racing), see an image of the car on the #98 team paint schemes page.(6-26-2014)

  • Darrell Wallace, Jr. could move to NNS next year: Before Darrell Wallace Jr. goes for his second consecutive NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in the UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway, he announced he'll run the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway next Friday night. The race, his second of the season and sixth career Nationwide start, could be a step toward a full-time ride in the series in 2015, Wallace Jr. told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Thursday morning. "Next year, we're talking about full-time Nationwide, and that'd be great," Wallace Jr. said. "If not, maybe another year in the Truck Series. But the next two to three years, definitely full-time in Nationwide. Maybe getting a start in Cup, but Kentucky's on my mind and we're ready to roll." The NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate said that his #20 ride at Daytona will be sponsored by Coca-Cola and kick off the company's "Share a Coke" campaign. Wallace Jr. hinted that Coke might be a sponsor of his Nationwide ride in 2015. "If we can get that deal signed of being full-time Nationwide, you never know, we could be sharing a Coke at the end," Wallace Jr. said.(NASCAR.com)(6-26-2014)

  • Darrell Wallace, Jr. in the #20 at Daytona: Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Darrell Wallace, Jr. will pilot the #20 'Share a Coke' Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, July 4, 2014. The start will mark Wallace's second NNS race of the season in the #20 Camry. His only other start this season was at Talladega Superspeedway on May 3. Wallace started the race from the third position behind Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Sam Hornish, Jr. and Elliott Sadler. After running the early part of the race solidly in the top 10, an incident in turn four on lap 45 collected Wallace and resulted in a disappointing 31st-place finish.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(6-26-2014)

  • 'Drive Sober' to sponsor Cassill: The state of Kentucky's "Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over" campaign against driving under the influence will sponsor Landon Cassill's #01 Chevy in Friday's John R. Elliott Hero Campaign 300 Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Thousands of people are killed annually in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher - the legal threshold for drunken driving. The 'Drive Sober' campaign seeks to 'pull over' those drivers and make the roadways safer.(JD Motorsports)(6-26-2014)

  • BCL Auctions sponsoring Earnhardt: BCL Auction has joined driver Jeffrey Earnhardt as sponsor of the team's #4 Chevy in Friday's Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Earnhardt will carry BCL colors in the John R. Elliott Hero Campaign 300 as he continues his first full-season run in Nationwide racing. BCL Auction, which has offices near St. Louis, Mo. and Sauget, Ill., conducts more than 150 auctions each year. The company's client base includes thousands of business owners, lenders, attorneys and governmental agencies, all of whom benefit from BCL's expertise in marketing and selling assets to financially viable buyers around the world.(JD Motorsports)(6-26-2014)

  • Busch wins Truck race at Kentucky: #51-Kyle Busch won the UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. finished second followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #17-Timothy Peters, #19-Brad Keselowski, #88-Matt Crafton, #20-Austin Dillon, #30-Ron Hornday, Jr., #98-Johnny Sauter, and #31-Ben Kennedy. There were 6 cautions for 23 laps and 7 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Kentuckyy race results page (pdf).(6-26-2014)

  • Kentucky Race Fast Facts:
    Kyle Busch(i) won the 4th Annual UNOH 225, his 40th victory in 120 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his fifth victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Darrell Wallace Jr. (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Kentucky Speedway. It is his fourth top-10 finish in 2014.
    Ryan Blaney (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Kentucky Speedway. Ben Kennedy (10th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 8 points over Matt Crafton.
    This is Toyata's 10th straight win, dating back to Erik Jone's win at Phoenix International Raceway, November 2013. This is the longest active win streak by any manufaturer in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(6-26-2013)

  • Driver standings following Kentucky:
    1) #98-Johnny Sauter, 297
    2) #88-Matt Crafton, 289, -8
    3) #17-Timothy Peters, 286, - 11
    4) #29-Ryan Blaney, 285, -12
    5) #30-Ron Hornaday, 284, -13
    6) #77-German Quiroga, 272, -25
    7) #31-Ben Kennedy, 263, -34
    8) #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr.261, -36 9) #5-John Wes Townley, 257, -40
    10) #21-Joey Coulter, 242, -55
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(6-26-2014)

  • Owner Standings following Kentucky are posted (pdf).(6-26-2014)

  • Busch on pole at Kentucky: #51-Kyle Busch won the Keystone Light Pole for the UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 175.884 mph. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. will start second, followed by: #13-Jeb Burton, #31-Ben Kennedy, #98-Johnny Sauter, #77-German Quiroga, #17-Timothy Peters, #30-Ron Hornaday. Jr., #21-Joey Coulter, and #29-Ryan Blaney.
    Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr.
    #51-Kyle Busch was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 175.444 mph.
    See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(6-14-2014)

  • Kentucky Qualifying Notes:
    Kyle Busch(i) won the Keystone Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 4th Annual UNOH 225 with a lap of 30.702 seconds, 175.884 mph.
    This is his 15th pole in 120 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his third pole and fifth top-10 start in 2014.
    This is his first pole in five races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Darrell Wallace Jr. (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2014 and his second in two races at Kentucky Speedway.
    Jeb Burton (third) posted his first top-10 start at Kentucky Speedway. It is his fourth in eight races this season.
    Ben Kennedy (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-26-2014)

  • Quiroga fastest in final practice: #77-German Quiroga was fastest in final practice for the UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 175.501mph. #17-Timothy Peters was second, followed by #20- Austin Dillon, #51-Kyle Busch, #32-Tayler Malsam, #29-Ryan Blaney, #13-Jeb Burton, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #31-Ben Kennedy, and #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr. 31 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-26-2014)

  • Quiroga fastest in practice: #77-German Quiroga was fastest during the opening practice at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 175.501mph. #51-Kyle Busch was second, followed by #29-Ryan Blaney, #21-Joey Coulter, #17-Timothy Peters, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #20-Austin Dillion, #13-Jeb Burton, #32-Tayler Malsam, and #8-Joe Nemechek. 28 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-26-2014)

  • Busch truck too low following Kentucky: Following the race at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday night, the winning #51 truck of Kyle Busch failed post race inspection for being too low, NASCAR announced via the Truck Series Twitter page. The statement added that the issue will be addressed further next week.(6-26-2014)


    News from June 25, 2014

  • NASCAR announces 2015 Daytona testing dates: As NASCAR teams prepare for next week's round two at Daytona International Speedway following Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s memorable 2014 Daytona 500 victory, plans for 2015's season launch are already underway. NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway announced that Preseason Thunder will take place one week later in 2015. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will hit the track on January 15-16 as they prepare for the 57th running of the Daytona 500 on February 22, 2015. In the event of rain, additional track time will be added on Saturday, January 17.
    "Each year, Preseason Thunder gives fans a sneak peek into the upcoming season, and specifically, NASCAR's crown jewel, the Daytona 500," said Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition and racing development. "In 2015, the date will change. The anticipation, and the thrill of cars returning to the race track, will not. A later starting date for January testing will be more convenient for both teams and fans," Chitwood said. "Both testing sessions are important opportunities for teams as they prepare for their season-opening events ... It's also an exciting time for fans as they get gear up for the start of the new season."
    The Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, the companion event to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing, is scheduled on Thursday night, Jan. 15. Tickets for Preseason Thunder Fan Fest as well as a schedule of driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions will be available at a later date.(NASCAR)(6-25-2014)

  • #77 team "retooling": Randy Humphrey's race team won't be at Kentucky Speedway this weekend -- but that's not because the operation is shutting down. "We're retooling things," Humphrey said Tuesday by telephone. "We're just trying to find the right people. ... We have not shut down." The #77 car of Randy Humphrey Racing has competed in four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events this season, all with veteran driver Dave Blaney behind the wheel. The team had entered every race until this past weekend's event on the Sonoma Raceway road course, although it ultimately withdrew from the Daytona 500, the most recent oval race at Michigan International Speedway two weeks ago, and two other events earlier this year. Humphrey said the hiatus isn't due to funding -- the competition level of his #77 car simply wasn't what he had hoped. Humphrey said he hopes to return to the track for the July 27 Crown Royal Presents the John Walding 400 at The Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "You will not see us at Daytona (next weekend), but I do suspect you will be seeing us at Indy forward, hopefully," he said. "That's our plan. We have some meetings that are going on, and we're just interviewing some people. We had to retool some people and that kind of thing to get ourselves in order here."(NASCAR.com)(6-25-2014)

  • NASCAR cuts some staff: NASCAR this month has trimmed its staff, laying off more than 20 employees. The cuts, which were spearheaded by new Chief Operating Officer Brent Dewar, will affect eight divisions of the stock car series. Though NASCAR officials declined to comment about the cuts, sources close to the series said they are meant to improve efficiencies. Dewars, who left General Motors Corp. in January to join NASCAR, has spent six months evaluating staff efficiencies. Those evaluations, series sources said, continue. So the staff cuts may not be done. NASCAR was one of the few sports entities to add employees during the recent recession, adding about 30 employees to its communications department and another 50 or so to its digital division.(Indianapolis Business Journal)(6-25-2014)

  • Johnson, Earnhardt, Jr. nominated for ESPYs: Teammates #48-Jimmie Johnson and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. have something else in common now. Both are among the driver nominees for this year's ESPY awards. Johnson is on the ballot in two categories -- for best championship performance for his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup title and for best driver. Other nominees in the best championship performance category are: NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs; UConn's Shabazz Napier, who helped the Huskies upset Kentucky to win the men's NCAA tournament; and David Ortiz of the World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Joining him in the best driver category are: Hendrick Motorsports teammate Earnhardt Jr., 2013 IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, 2014 Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay and 2013 NHRA Funny Car titlist John Force.(USA Today)(6-25-2014)

  • "Tony Stewart Live" Wednesday night on SiriusXM: Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion #14-Tony Stewart will host a special edition of his show Tony Stewart Live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Wednesday, June 25th (7:00-9:00pm/et). Stewart and co-host Matt Yocum will broadcast live from Charlotte, NC, where they will take a look back at the first half of the 2014 season and preview the upcoming race weekend at Kentucky Speedway as well as next month's "1-800-CarCash Mudsummer Classic" NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, which will take place at Stewart's Eldora Speedway on July 23. Fans will be able to call in and speak with Stewart and Yocum (1-800-PIT-LANE) or submit questions/comments via Twitter (@SiriusXMNASCAR) using the hashtag #AskSmoke, or on Facebook . The broadcast will be available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90, available on satellite radios, on the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and at www.SiriusXM.com.(SiriusXM)(6-25-2014)

  • Black & Decker debuts on the #9 at Kentucky: Marcos Ambrose will debut the colors of Black and Decker this weekend on the Richard Petty Motorsports #9 Ford Fusion. Coming off a Top-10 finish last weekend, Ambrose hopes to bring the Black and Decker Ford another Top-10 to move closer to a Chase position in points. Ambrose has three previous starts at Kentucky with RPM. The track has proved to be one his best ovals on qualifying day with an average start inside the Top-10. His best start is fifth just last season. He has completed every lap he's ever raced.(RPM), see an image of the car on the #9 team paint schemes page.(6-25-2014)

  • Kentucky Notes & Facts - Wednesday - track history:
    " There have been three NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Kentucky Speedway since the first race in 2011 - one race per season.
    " In 1998, the track broke ground in Sparta, Kentucky, and opened as a 1.5-mile speedway in 2000.
    " The original owners, Jerry Carroll and four other investors owned the track until 2008, when current owners, Speedway Motorsports Inc. purchased the facility.
    " The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was held in 2011 - won by Kyle Busch.(NASCAR)(6-25-2014)

  • Bayne fastest in second test session: #6-Trevor Bayne was quickest during the final test session with a speed of 174.137mph. He was followed by: #2-Brian Scott, #33-Paul Menard, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #22-Brad Keselowski, #12-Ryan Blaney, #5-Kevin Harvick, #9-Chase Elliott, #3-Ty Dillon, and #7-Regan Smith. 35 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-25-2014)

  • Menard fastest in first test session: #33-Paul Menard was fastest during the opening test session at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 173.969mph. #2-Brian Scott was second, followed by: #12-Ryan Blaney, #9-Chase Elliott, #22-Brad Keselowski, #7-Regan Smith, #5-Kevin Harvick, #20-Matt Kenseth, #3-Ty Dillon, and #6-Trevor Bayne. 28 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Kentucky practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-25-2014)

  • Special decals on Mike Harmon Racing and JGL cars at Kentucky: Mike Harmon Racing, in a combined effort with JGL Racing, are going to run a special decal on their NASCAR Nationwide Series cars this weekend at Kentucky Motor Speedway. The #74, being driven by Kevin Lepage, #28 being driven by JJ Yeley and #93 being driven by Mike Wallace will run "In loving memory of Savanna Branch" a young victim of the epidemic called bullying. For more information on bullying and it's devastating effects visit www.stompoutbullying.com or www.stopbullying.gov . Savanna had just turned 13 on April 19th. Tragically, Savanna was a victim of bullying and ended her life June 17th. She was an honor student at Mill Creek Middle School in Catawba County NC.(Mike Harmon Racing)(6-25-2014)

  • Trane sponsoring Bliss at Kentucky: Trane, a leading global provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, will team up with TriStar Motorsports to serve as the primary sponsor of the #19 Toyota Camry, driven by Mike Bliss, for Friday night's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway. Ingersoll Rand has an ongoing relationship with TriStar Motorsports, but this is the first time Trane has sponsored the #19 car.(TriStar Motorsports)(6-25-2014)

  • Crum in the #86 at Kentucky: Jake Crum will drive the #86 Bubba burger Chevy Camaro this Friday night in the John R. Elliot Hero Campaign 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Kentucky Speedway. Crum, a native of Newport, TN returns to one of his favorite tracks on the NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule.(DRG Motorsports)(6-25-2014)

  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway will delay apron project: Seldom has an eight-foot-wide stretch of asphalt been so anticipated and yet so delayed. But as preparations build for next month's NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, track officials have decided another year must pass without the apron, the proposed racing room below the white boundary line in each corner. The reason: NASCAR officials want time to study the effects of changes made to the track. The Brickyard 400 is July 27. IMS had planned to begin apron installation June 9, the day after its vintage car weekend, but NASCAR thought that was too late. "They asked if we could postpone (the project) so they could test it," IMS president Doug Boles said Tuesday. "We said, 'That makes sense; we understand that.' " Boles said the heavy Indiana winter delayed several IMS projects, including the installation the asphalt sections totaling more than a mile in length. With spring-like weather late to arrive, IMS officials didn't want to risk the added surface not being ready for Indianapolis 500 activities in May.(Indianapolis Star)(6-25-2014)

  • Kentucky announces pre-race officials: Kentucky Speedway announced that the most famous words in racing will be delivered by Advance Auto Parts President George Sherman who will serve as grand marshal for the June Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race. Canadian Tire Associate Vice President, Automotive Merchandising Paula Sayers will start the race when she waves the green flag and serves as the honorary starter. Sherman, a former officer in the United States Air Force, joined the Advance Auto Parts team in April of 2013 and is responsible for store operations, merchandising, marketing, supply chain and information technology functions. Sayers, a car enthusiast, has been with Canadian Tire for 16-years where she dedicates her time to the automotive business.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-25-2014)

  • NASA Langley Rockets to Kentucky Speedway for NASCAR Races: NASA will take visitors into space, then bring them down to Earth in an exhibit that combines NASA technology and education during this week's NASCAR races at the Kentucky Speedway. Technicians and others from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, will be at the Sparta, Kentucky speedway, June 26 -28, with five tents of models, displays and artifacts that will highlight NASA's contributions to aerospace research and everyday life, including technology being used in racecars. "Rockets to Racecars" not only looks at how many of the same principles that apply to flight apply to automobile racing, such as aerodynamics, drag and propulsion, but also how NASA technology has improved racecar safety and driver health. Also on display - something that drivers depend on - tires. A wheel exhibit will show tires used here on Earth and some designed for outer space. A NASCAR tire, two space shuttle tires, lunar rover tire, and lunar Spring Tire will sit side-by-side giving everyone the chance to compare wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-25-2014)


    News from June 24, 2014

  • Sonoma TV Ratings up slightly: TNT eked out only the third increase in viewership for NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage this season. Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Sonoma earned a 2.8 U.S. rating and 4.7 million viewers, down 7% in ratings and virtually flat in viewership compared to last year (3.0, 4.7M) and down 15% and 10%, respectively, from 2012 (3.3, 5.2M). Viewership for the race was up just 0.3% from last year, rising from 4.66 million to 4.68 million. Still, that marked the third viewership increase of the season for Sprint Cup racing, and the second on TNT. Considering the competition from the World Cup, and the overall down season for NASCAR, any increase over last year is fairly impressive. Even so, this year's race ranks as the second-lowest rated from Sonoma since at least 1998 and the third-least viewed since at least 2002.(Sports Media Watch / Bloomberg / TV By the Numbers)
    See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(6-24-2015)

  • CorvetteParts.net on the #32 at Kentucky: Chad Boat, piloting Billy Boat Motorsports' Chevy Camaro, will carry CorvetteParts.net's colors when he takes the green flag at NASCAR Nationwide Series' John R. Elliott Hero Campaign 300 at Kentucky Speedway on Friday, June 27, 2014. In addition to Friday night's race, CorvetteParts.net will also adorn #32-Go FAS Racing's Ford Fusion as driver Travis Kvapil takes the green flag on Saturday's Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advanced Auto Parts. Owners Tom and TJ Keen of Keen Parts, chose Kentucky Speedway as a must-sponsor race for both races. Keen Parts, located in nearby Cleves, Ohio, considers Kentucky Speedway its home track, and are excited to be represented on the national racing stage in both series, partnering with both Billy Boat Motorsports and Go FAS Racing in sponsorship.(Keen Parts)(6-24-2014)

  • Top 10 Driver Ratings at Kentucky:
    #48-Jimmie Johnson 125.9
    #18-Kyle Busch 125.2
    #20-Matt Kenseth 109.3
    #2-Brad Keselowski 104.8
    #5-Kasey Kahne. 98.2
    #11-Denny Hamlin 98.1
    #99-Carl Edwards 94.5
    #24-Jeff Gordon 91.8
    #78-Martin Truex Jr. 90.7
    #41-Kurt Busch 90.6
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (three total) among active drivers at Kentucky 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.(NASCAR)

  • Kyle Busch makes odd comments about M&M's: File it under things that make you go "hmm..." but there was an interesting exchange over the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing radio frequency after Carl Edwards won the Toyota/SaveMart 350 on Sunday. While Kyle Busch was driving into the garage after race he asked, "Is the M&Ms contract signed yet?" To which an unidentified voice replies, "No". Crew chief Dave Rogers then adds, "But you fought hard all day. Sorry we didn't bring you a better race car. You drove all day. Bring it back to us." While we're not sure what to make of the comments, the timing seems curious, particularly since J.D. Gibbs told reporters this weekend that M&Ms will remain with Busch through 2015.(Motorsport)(6-24-2014)

  • NASCAR Numbers:
    10: The number of consecutive different winners in the last 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Sonoma Raceway. That's a clear indication of just how far the competitive level of road course racing within the series has come over the last decade.
    5: The number of runner-up finishes posted by Jeff Gordon at Sonoma, equaling his number of wins. Gordon's last victory at the 1.99-mile road course came in 2006. He has finished second in three of the last four races there.
    5: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers with multiple wins this season and hence guaranteed to be among the top 16 winners. With his second victory of the season on Sunday, Carl Edwards added his name to a list that already includes Jimmie Johnson (3 wins), Kevin Harvick (2), Joey Logano (2) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2).
    9.3: Marcos Ambrose's average finish in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Kentucky Speedway. Admittedly, it's a small sample size (3 races), but the premier road course racer has a better average finish at Kentucky than he does at Watkins Glen (11.2), where he has won twice in six starts.
    264: Laps led by Kyle Busch in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races this season. The good news? Busch was out front for 81 circuits at Dover to top the 10,000 career laps led mark. The bad news? At his current pace, Busch will lead the fewest laps since his second full season in Cup racing (571 in 2006).(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-24-2014)

  • Nuke Optics to sponsor Berryhill: Nuke Optics has signed on with Vision Racing, LLC, to be an associate sponsor and the exclusive sunglasses provider for Tanner Berryhill's #17 Car for the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, beginning with the August 2nd race in Iowa. Be sure to watch for the innovative Nuke Optics designs during the second half of the NASCAR Nationwide Series Season. Having started in 2011 with just a 300 square foot office, Nuke has grown to a 1800 square foot company with 2 international distributors, almost 20 dealers worldwide and a growing product line that matches unique concepts with rock solid innovation.(Vision Racing)(6-24-2014)

  • Blaney returns to the #12: The well-known #12 will make a return for Team Penske this weekend in the Nationwide Series with Ryan Blaney behind the wheel. Team Penske will enter the #12 in the Nationwide Series in select races this season with both Blaney and Joey Logano in the car. The #12 is next scheduled to run at Watkins Glen with Logano in the seat.(Team Penske)(6-24-2014)

  • Clean Coal making first appearance on #7: Clean Coal returns to the #7 car as primary sponsor for its first of three races 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. Regan Smith will also carry the Clean Coal colors in races at Mid-Ohio (Aug. 16) and Chicagoland Speedway (Sept. 13).(JR Motorsports)(6-24-2014)

  • Proctor and Gamble sponsoring Harvick: The #5 Chevy will feature Cincinnati-based Procter and Gamble brands on its quarter-panels for Friday night's 300- mile race at Kentucky Speedway. Crest, the leading toothpaste brand in the United States over the past 45 years, will be emblazoned on the car's right side with Prilosec OTC, a trusted frequent heartburn relief and treatment for millions, displayed on the left.(JR Motorsports)(6-24-2014)

  • American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador to 'Ride with Ryan': For the third time this season, Roush Fenway Racing's Ryan Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Friday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway. The #16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will carry Jacob Hudson's name above the passenger side window. Hudson is a Youth Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association's Greater Cincinnati area. Hudson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on April 18, 2013. The 14-year-old has refused to let diabetes slow him down. He continues to play basketball and is a red belt in Tae Kwon Do. The 'Riding with Ryan' program rolls into its third weekend at Kentucky Speedway. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the #16 Ford Mustang at 11 races this season, coinciding with races where there is an activation space for Drive to Stop Diabetes.(Roush Fenway)(6-24-2014)

  • VF Imagewear on the #3 at Kentucky: Powered by Red Kap's partnership with Richard Childress Racing, VF Imagewear, who owns Red Kap, has joined forces with Alsco, a worldwide leader in the rental of linen, uniforms, and washroom products, to fuel the #3 Chevy Camaro driven by Ty Dillon for the Nationwide Series John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 event. VF Imagewear and Alsco have each been in business for over 100 years, and Richard Childress Racing is one of the longest-tenured and most respected teams in NASCAR.(Alsco PR)(6-24-2014)

  • Ingersoll Rand joins Contreras as associate sponsor on road courses: Ingersoll Rand, a global leader in compressed air systems and services, power tools, material handling, and fluid management equipment, announced its associate sponsorship for Carlos Contreras. For the first time behind the wheel of the TriStar Motor Sports #44 Toyota Camry, Contreras piloted the road course races on the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule at Road America on June 21. Contreras will race in Watkins Glen on August 9 and Mid-Ohio on August 16.(Ingersoll Rand PR)(6-24-2014)

  • CorvetteParts.net on the #84 at Kentucky: Chad Boat, piloting Billy Boat Motorsports' Chevy Camaro, will carry CorvetteParts.net's colors when he takes the green flag at NASCAR Nationwide Series' John R. Elliott Hero Campaign 300 at Kentucky Speedway on Friday, June 27, 2014. In addition to Friday night's race, CorvetteParts.net will also adorn #32-Go FAS Racing's Ford Fusion as driver Travis Kvapil takes the green flag on Saturday's Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advanced Auto Parts. Owners Tom and TJ Keen of Keen Parts, chose Kentucky Speedway as a must-sponsor race for both races. Keen Parts, located in nearby Cleves, Ohio, considers Kentucky Speedway its home track, and are excited to be represented on the national racing stage in both series, partnering with both Billy Boat Motorsports and Go FAS Racing in sponsorship.(Keen Parts)(6-24-2014)

  • Townley returns to NNS action: John Wes Townley is set to run double duty in the NASCAR Camping World Truck and NASCAR Nationwide Series' events at Kentucky Speedway this weekend. Townley will pilot the#5 Zaxby's Toyota Tundra in the UNHOH 225 Thursday, June 26 and the #25 Zaxby's Athenian Motorsports Toyota Camry in John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 presented by Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over race Friday, June 27, 2014. Townley is no stranger to double duty this season running the full schedule in the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series but will embark on his first double header in the top tier NASCAR touring series. Townley has made two previous starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this year posting a 13th-place finish at Talladega Speedway and a 22nd-place finish piloting the Athenian Motorsports Toyota.(Athenian Motorsports)(6-24-2014)

  • Green Flag Experience available at Martinsville: For the first time fans will have the opportunity to watch driver introductions from the track prior to the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger at Martinsville Speedway. The rare on-track opportunity for driver intros is the premier portion of the new Green Flag Experience which will also include a morning full of fun and excitement on the track and under the large tent in The Plaza. The Green Flag Experience on October 26 will include everything from driver question-and-answer sessions from a stage under the tent and show cars at The Plaza to pre-race availability to walk the frontstretch of the track along with a presence at driver introductions. Diet Mountain Dew Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time winner this season, is scheduled for an emceed question-and-answer session in The Plaza, along with seven-time Sprint Cup winner Jamie McMurray and David Ragan, winner of two Sprint Cup races. Other drivers and racing personalities will be announced soon.
    The Green Flag Experience, which costs just $30, includes:
    · Opportunity to watch driver introductions from the track
    · Emceed driver Q&A sessions
    · Doughnuts, Danishes, coffee and juice
    · Music, games and prizes in both areas
    · Show cars and simulators
    · Access to the frontstretch of the track
    · Photo opportunity in the flag stand
    The driver question-and-answer sessions, food, music, games and prizes and show cars and simulators will be held in The Plaza from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. The track will open for fans purchasing The Green Flag Experience at 9:15 and will remain open until the finish of driver introductions. The Plaza is located on the hill behind the souvenir display area. The $30 charge for The Green Flag Experience does not include a ticket for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger. Ticket prices for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger begin at just $37. Tickets to the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger on October 26, the Kroger 200 on October 25 and the Virginia Lottery Pole Day on October 24 can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway)(6-24-2014)

  • Sta-Green named sponsor of NHMS NNS race: New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced that the 25th running of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, July 12 will be entitled the Sta-Green 200. Sta-Green, which is available exclusively at Lowe's stores nationwide and provides consumers with exceptional performance at an affordable price with more than 40 lawn care products available, is a perfect fit for New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which offers fans premium racing at an affordable value.(NHMS)(6-24-2014)


    News from June 23, 2014

  • Entry List for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is posted, ONLY 42 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Kvapil, #33-Stremme, #66-Nemechek.
    Since only 42 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
    Last time less then 43 cars entered The last time a Sprint Cup Series race was held with fewer than 43 cars was the 2001 season finale at New Hampshire but that race was rescheduled from Sept. 16 to Nov. 23 because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The #27 car of Rick Mast was withdrawn as the team had shut down and was not replaced by NASCAR. Before that, the last race without 43 cars was in October 1997 at Talladega when 42 cars started but 47 cars were entered. In 1997, 42 was the mandated number with the 43rd spot reserved for a former Cup champion that had not qualified. The last time a Sprint Cup Series race had less cars entered then the maximum was in September 1996 at Dover, when 41 cars ran.
    See the full entry list at my Jayski's Kentucky Entry List

  • Home Depot leaving NASCAR at end of 2014: Home Depot, which has been a primary NASCAR sponsor since 1999 on the #20 car, will leave the sport after its contract with Joe Gibbs Racing ends this season, said sources familiar with Home Depot's plans.(Sports Business Journal), Matt Kenseth drives the #20 Toyota for JGR.(6-23-2014)

  • President Obama to Honor NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson: On Wednesday, June 25, President Obama will welcome Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team members to the White House to honor his 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. This visit will continue the tradition begun by President Obama of honoring athletes and sports teams for their efforts to give back to their communities.(PR)(6-23-2014)

  • ESPN cancels "NASCAR Now".: The popular daily news show which launched in 2007 and was the first program on ESPN devoted strictly to NASCAR has been on hiatus since the start of World Cup Soccer started last week Network spokesperson Andy Hall said ESPN "just decided to make a change in the programming schedule." And although ESPN will not be an official broadcast partner beyond 2014 as FOX and NBC takeover the entire schedule Hall added the move was "totally unrelated to our telecast of NASCAR races. "We will continue to present the race telecasts at the same high level fans expect from ESPN for the remainder of our final season," Hall said. ""We will continue to aggressively cover NASCAR across our news platforms, including SportsCenter, ESPN.com and others" (like Jayski.com).(Motorsport)(6-23-2014)

  • Truex Jr.'s #78 Chevy to Showcase World Vision at Kentucky: Martin Truex Jr.'s #78 Furniture Row Chevy will have a unique paint scheme for Saturday night's (June 28) NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. Truex's car for the Quaker State 400 will be fully wrapped in World Vision colors to create awareness for the Christian global humanitarian organization. World Vision works with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. With programs in nearly 100 countries, World Vision provides emergency assistance to those affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, works with communities to develop long-term solutions to alleviate poverty and advocates on behalf of the poor. Furniture Row Racing team owner Barney Visser has been a longtime supporter of World Vision. Visser witnessed first-hand how World Vision's disaster relief work saves lives when he accompanied aid workers in Indonesia during the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. To further educate NASCAR fans about World Vision, a mobile semi-truck will be on display at Kentucky Speedway. The display will take fans through a journey in the Tanzania community of Kisongo.(FRR), see an image of the scheme on the #78 Team Schemes page.(6-23-2014)

  • added some images of the schemes running at Sonoma: #26 Rinnai; #33 MediaCAST, #34 Long John Silver's Free Fish & Frries, #66-Hercules and #99 Aflac

  • Striped scheme for Kyle Busch at Daytona: When #18-Kyle Busch returns to Daytona International Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on July 5 this year, he will run a special green-and-white striped paint scheme, courtesy of sponsor Interstate Batteries (NASCAR.com), see images of the car on the #18 Team Schemes page.(6-23-2014)

  • Sonoma Race and Commercial Breakdown: For NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:00 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:14 PM (all times are EST). TNT was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 122
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 59
    Number of times TNT utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 24
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 5 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:00 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:14 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 194
    Minutes of race broadcast: 136
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 58
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
    Total race brdcst time 136 Total comm. brdcst time 58
    See past races, links to reports and more at 2014 TV Commercials page.(6-23-2014)

  • Rockin' & Racin' Exhibit Brings Good Vibrations to the NASCAR Hall of Fame: Visitors to the NASCAR Hall of Fame are invited to join a jam session like no other at the new Rockin' & Racin' exhibit, opening to the public on Tuesday, June 24. Located in the Great Hall, the electrifying exhibit explores the good vibrations that have complemented NASCAR over the last five decades. Get ready for a jam session like no other at the Rockin' & Racin' exhibit at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. From rock stars to country crooners to rappers, the sport has welcomed all genres of music to rally around the action on the track. Working with record executives like Scott Borchetta and Mike Curb as well as music artist Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down among others, this exhibit features artifacts that truly rock. Artifacts include the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette featured in Brad Paisley's "Old Alabama" music video, country music star Marty Robbins' 1964 Plymouth race car, Juan Pablo Montoya's 2012 #42 Chevrolet sponsored by Taylor Swift, the 2003 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 guitar trophy and more. The Rockin' & Racin' exhibit will be on display through the end of the year. For more details, visit nascarhall.com.(NHOF)(6-23-2014)

  • Murphy-Goode Grill Sergeant Cooks for "The King" Richard Petty and Team: Eckrich and Murphy-Goode, which both support Operation Homefront, have collaborated to develop a special recipe created by Murphy-Goode's "Grill Sergeant" Dirk Yeaton in support of our military families. To celebrate the partnership and highlight the recipe, Eckrich invited Murphy-Goode and Yeaton to the Sonoma Raceway to cook for "The King" Richard Petty and his #43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race team sponsored by Eckrich. Yeaton created the recipe with specialty Grilled Eckrich Smoked Sausage and Murphy-Goode Homefront Red wine. The recipe combines two quality products that support Operation Homefront through consumer purchases.(RPM)(6-23-2014)

  • Nationwide Entry List:There are 47 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday's John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 at Kentucky Speedway. A few notes:
    Kevin Harvick returns to the JR Motorsports #5;
    Ryan Blaney will be in the #12 for Team Penske;
    John Wes Townley and the #25 team return;
    Kevin Lepage will be in the Mike Harmon #74;
    The #86 is TBA;
    Corey Lajoie will be in the #98.(6-23-2014)
    See the complete list on the Kentucky entry list page.

  • Truck Series Entry list: There are 31 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Thursday's UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway. A few notes:
    Chase Pistone is in the #9;
    Brad Keselowski is in the #19;
    Austin Dillon is in the #20;
    Max Gresham is in the #23;
    Kyle Busch is in the #51;
    Caleb Holman is in the #75;
    Corey LaJoie is in the #92;
    (6-23-2014)
    See the complete list on the Kentucky entry list page.

  • 400 starts for Red Horse: When the green flag drops for the UNOH 225 on Thursday, June 26, Red Horse Racing will make its 400th start in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competition courtesy of Timothy Peters and German Quiroga. Following the 2005 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Clean Line Motorsports became Red Horse Racing with new ownership. Seven races later, Red Horse Racing earned both its first pole award and win at Memphis Motorsports Park with Brandon Whitt behind the wheel of the #38 Toyota Tundra. Since entering NCWTS competition, RHR has logged 398 starts, earning 12 wins, 77 top-five finishes, 168 top-10 finishes and 11 pole awards, with an average starting position of 13.4 and an average finishing position of 14.4.(Red Horse Racing)(6-23-2014)

  • LaJoie to make NCWTS debut in Kentucky: Ricky Benton Racing Enterprises announced that Corey LaJoie will be behind the wheel of the BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors/Tim Cooksey Oil Company/Goodyear FleetHQ Ford F-150 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday. It will be LaJoie's first NCWTS attempt. LaJoie, the son of two-time Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie, will be pulling double duty this weekend at Kentucky, a track where he won on the ARCA Racing Series last year. The 22-year old is entered in Friday's Nationwide Series race in addition to the NCWTS event.(RBR Enterprises)(6-23-2014)

  • Austin Mahone to hold pre-race concert at Chicago: Chicagoland Speedway announced 18-year-old pop sensation Austin Mahone as the Grand Marshal and pre-race entertainment for the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on Sunday, Sept. 14. In addition to Mahone's hour-long concert, race fans at Chicagoland Speedway can catch live musical entertainment throughout the entire weekend in Champions Park, which also features sponsor displays, delicious food and beverage offerings and the Kids Zone for racing's youngest fans. Chicagoland Speedway will host the first race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup this September - the first of ten 'playoff' style NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in pursuit of the 2014 championship. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com, by calling 888-629-RACE, through the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app, or by visiting the Chicagoland Speedway.(Chicagoland Speedway)(6-23-2014)


    News from June 22, 2014

  • Edwards wins at Sonoma: #99-Carl Edwards won the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway for his 2nd win of 2014, his 1st win at Sonoma, his first road course win and his 23rd career win.
    #24-Gordon finished 2nd followed by #88-Earnhardt Jr., pole sitter #1-McMurray, #27-Menard, #5-Kahne, #48-Johnson, #9-Ambrose, #16-Biffle and #15-Bowyer.
    #47-Allmendinger led the most laps with 35 of 110, but got involved in a wreck late in the race and finished 37th.
    #24-Gordon (1 win) keeps the points lead after finishing 2nd and extends his points lead over #48-Johnson to 20 points.
    #48-Johnson leads the Chase Grid with three wins, 2nd in points. #88-Earnhardt Jr. is second with 2 wins, 3rd in points then #99-Edwards 2 & 6th; #22-Logano 2 & 7th and #4-Harvick 2 and 9th.
    There were 11 lead changes among 9 drivers. There were 6 cautions for 19 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 76.583mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Sonoma Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Sonoma Penalty Report (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Sonoma Race & Points Report (pdf).(6-22-2014)

  • Race Fast Facts - Sonoma Raceway:
    #99-Carl Edwards won the 26th Annual Toyota/Save Mart 350, his 23rd victory in 353 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in ten races at Sonoma Raceway.
    #24-Jeff Gordon (second) posted his 18th top-10 finish in 22 races at Sonoma Raceway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2014.
    #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (third) posted his first top-10 finish in 15 races at Sonoma Raceway.
    #3-Austin Dillon (17th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    #24-Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 20 points over #48-Jimmie Johnson.
    #99-Carl Edwards is the 10th consecutive different winner at Sonoma Raceway.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-22-2014)

  • 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
    [after Sonoma, race 16 of 36]
    1) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 580
    2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 560, -20
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 555, -25
    4) #20-Matt Kenseth, 515, -65
    5) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 512, -68
    6) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 509, -71
    7) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 483, -97
    8) #31-Ryan Newman, 473, -107
    9) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 472, -108
    10) #42-Kyle Larson, 470, -110
    Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
    11) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 465, -115
    13) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 453, -127
    26) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 347, -233 (101 pts ahead of 31st)
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Sonoma Race & Points Report (pdf).(6-22-2014)

  • Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Seedings:
    [after Sonoma, race 16 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 3 wins, 2nd in points
    2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2 wins, 3rd
    3) #99-Carl Edwards, 2 wins, 6th
    4) #22-Joey Logano, 2 wins, 7th
    5) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2 wins, 9th
    6) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1 win, 1st
    7) #2-Brad Keselowski, 1 win, 5th
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 11th
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 13th
    10) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 26th
    (no wins, in by points)
    11) #20-Matt Kenseth, 4th
    12) #31-Ryan Newman, 8th
    13) #42-Kyle Larson, 10th
    14) #27-Paul Menard, 12th
    15) #15-Clint Bowyer, 14th
    16) #16-Greg Biffle, 15th
    (6-22-2014)

  • Dover Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
    #3-Dillon, finished 17th, 11 rookie points
    #26-Whitt, 27th, 10
    #42-Larson, 28th, 9
    #23-Bowman, 29th, 8
    #7-Annett, 30th, 7
    #51-Allgaier, 33rd, 6
    #83-Truex, 41st, 5
    Kligerman, Did Not Race
    (6-22-2014)

  • Lucky Dogs - Who got a lap back on each caution at Sonoma: (and their finish)
    Caution 1: #7-Annett, 30th
    Caution 2: #95-McDowell, 24th
    Caution 3: #18-Busch, 25th
    Caution 4: #10-Patrick, 18th
    Caution 5: #2-Keselowski, 22nd
    Caution 6: #23-Bowman, 29th
    (6-22-2014)

  • Ten Different winners in ten last races at Sonoma UPDATE: There have now been ten different winners in the last ten races at Sonoma starting with Tony Stewart in 2005. Since, the winners have been Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya (not racing this weekend), Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr. The tenth winner is #99-Carl Edwards who won today at Sonoma.(MRN)(6-22-2014)


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  • Nine Different winners in nine last races at Sonoma: There have been nine different winners in the last nine races at Sonoma starting with Tony Stewart in 2005. Since, the winners have been Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya (not racing this weekend), Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr.(MRN)(6-22-2014)

  • #55 Crewman competes in Touch Alcatraz 'n' Go: Michael Waltrip Racing #55 rear tire carrier, Blake Haugland, swam in the world swim challenge, Touch Alcatraz 'n' Go, on Saturday, June 21st. The event consists of swimming from San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island and back. On Sunday, Haugland goes back to his rear tire carrier,duties for Brian Vickers. More info at waterworldswim.com or Blake Haugland Facebook.(6-22-2014)

  • M&M's to move to Edwards if he goes to Gibbs? UPDATE4 M&M's move denied: Rumors persist that Carl Edwards' sponsor at Joe Gibbs Racing will be none other than the M&Ms/Mars brand. While even the Edwards to JGR piece of the puzzle has yet to be confirmed, the most recent speculation has the current Roush Fenway Racing driver with America's most popular confection as his livery for 2015. Over the last few weeks, representatives from Gibbs have been actively recruiting throughout the garage for a fourth team but both Edwards and Gibbs remain mum on the driver's status. Where would that leave Kyle Busch? Sources say Monster, a long-time supporter of Busch, would step up to the primary sponsorship level. Still, it's hard to fathom an athlete as health-conscious as Edwards could embrace a brand with so little nutritional value. When Motorsport.com asked the driver two weeks ago about representing a company that he would not personally support off the track, the response was similar to Edwards' previous "no comment" replies regarding next year.(Motorsport)
    UPDATE: hearing that the deal between Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing is done, no word when it will be announced.(6-19-2014)
    UPDATE 2: Just 24 hours ago, reports surfaced that Carl Edwards will leave Roush Fenway Racing to drive an M&Ms-sponsored Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing beginning in 2015, with Kyle Busch driving a JGR Camry backed by Monster Energy Drink. Now, however, reliable sources say the M&Ms sponsorship will absolutely remain with Busch next season, and beyond. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a JGR insider said there is no truth to yesterday's rumor that M&Ms will back Edwards next season, rather than Busch. "Kyle is M&Ms guy," said the source, "and it is going to stay that way." Edwards' remains characteristically tight-lipped about his ongoing contract negotiations, and no one at either Joe Gibbs Racing or Roush Fenway Racing have commented on reports of his impending move. If he does jump to JGR, however, it appears that it will not be with the support of M&Ms (Godfather Motorsports)
    UPDATE 3: A clause in his [Edwards] contract prohibits him from discussing his plans until September, just as Matt Kenseth did not announce where he was going in 2013 until long after the team said he was not returning. If Roush handles Edwards' departure the same way it did Kenseth's, an announcement about his future with the team could be imminent. As speculation mounted Kenseth had signed with JGR during the Sonoma race weekend, Roush officially confirmed his departure two days after the race.(Associated Press)(6-21-2014)
    UPDATE 4: from FoxSport's Tom Jensen's Twitter about some recent Joe Gibbs Racing rumors:
    1) JD Gibbs just told me it will be at least September before Joe Gibbs Racing announces if it will run a fourth car.
    2) JD Gibbs also confirmed that M&Ms will be back with Kyle Busch on the #18 next year (2015).
    AND If, as expected, Carl Edwards moves to a fourth Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for 2015, an announcement will not come before September at the earliest, according to JGR President J.D. Gibbs. In an exclusive interview with FOXSports.com prior to Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350, Gibbs also confirmed that contrary to recent rumors, sponsor M&M's will remain with Kyle Busch in the #18 JGR Toyota next year. And while Gibbs did not confirm Edwards would leave Roush Fenway Racing to join JGR, he said this year represents a better chance to expand to four cars than in prior years. Asked if it would be September before the team would make an announcement of a fourth car, Gibbs told FOXSports.com, "It would probably go at least that long, if we did anything."(FoxSports)(6-22-2014)

  • added more images of the schemes running at Sonoma: #1 Cessna / Hawker; #2 Alliance Truck Parts, #5 Great Clips, #32 Seven 11 / AmerGas, #36 Theme Park Connection, #42 Target / Cottonelle, #43 Nathan's Famous, #47 Kingsford / Bush's Beans, #88 Kelley Blue Book, #95 K-LOVE Radio and #98 Dogecoin / Reddit.com to the Paint Scheme Gallery.

  • NASCAR An American Salute Partnership Continues with TBR: For the 2014 NASCAR An American Salute, the Armed Forces Foundation and Tommy Baldwin Racing have partnered together for "Salute the Troops." For the Toyota-Save Mart 350 at Sonoma, the #36 Chevy driven by Reed Sorenson will feature the AFF's logo on the car's rear quarter panel. The logo has been displayed at every race since (and including) the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte and will continue through the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona on 4th of July weekend. Tommy Baldwin Racing and Chevrolet have already donated 60,000 minutes of calling cards for service members to call their loved ones while deployed. Fans can participate by signing "Thank You" cards at the Chevrolet display from now until the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.(AFF)(6-22-2104)

  • Sonoma Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
    · 191 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway; 133 in more than one.
    · There have been three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Sonoma Raceway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): 2008 (110/112); 2009 (110/113) and 2012 (110/112).
    · None of the 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Sonoma Raceway have been shortened due to weather conditions.
    · Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway was the June 27, 1999 race won by Jeff Gordon over Mark Martin with a MOV of 0.197 second.
    · 17 different NSCS drivers have won at Sonoma Raceway, led by Jeff Gordon with five wins. Tony Stewart has the second most wins (two) among active drivers at Sonoma.
    · Jeff Gordon is the only driver to post consecutive wins (three total) at Sonoma Raceway (1998 and 1999 each from the pole and 2000 from the fifth starting position).
    · 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 (six) at a single road course track - Riverside International Raceway.
    · Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins at Sonoma in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with six: Jeff Gordon (five) and Jimmie Johnson (one).
    · Six different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Sonoma; led by Chevrolet with 10 victories; followed by Ford with six and Toyota with three.
    · The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Michigan was 32nd, by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2007.(NASCAR)(6-22-2014)

  • Larson wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma: #42-Kyle Larson dominated the Carneros 200 at Sonoma Raceway to pick up his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West victory. Larson was running the West event to prepare for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race, the Toyota-Save Mart 350. Larson pulled away from K&N Pro West points leader Greg Pursley on the green-white-checkered restart to win by 3.191 seconds. Larson led all 66 laps, ceding the point briefly on Lap 51 to Pursley but returning to the lead before the lap was complete. Earlier in the day, Larson won the Coors Light Pole Award for the K&N Pro West race and then qualified third for Sunday's Sprint Cup race. Dylan Lupton finished third Saturday, followed by Sprint Cup's Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Brandon McReynolds. Michael Annett (Cup), John Borneman III, Jim Inglebright, Tom Klauer and Matt Tifft rounded out the top 10. The race had five cautions for 16 laps. The Carneros 200 will air on FOX Sports 1 on Friday, July 4 at 2:00pm/et. Two other Sprint Cup regulars were in the race: Justin Allgaier finished 14th and Auston Dillon finished 22nd.(NASCAR Home Tracks)(6-22-2014)

  • Sonoma notes: #78-Martin Truex Jr. earned his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road-course victory when he took the checkers in Sonoma in 2013. Truex Jr. became the ninth different race winner as many years, and the seventh consecutive driver to claim his first Sprint Cup Series road-course victory. The win also marked the second consecutive Sonoma victory for Michael Waltrip Racing.... #24-Jeff Gordon is the undisputed king of Sonoma, with five victories (1998-2000, '04, '06) and five pole positions (1998-99, '01, '04, '05). Gordon also boasts 13 top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes - the most of any driver.... Two-time winners in Sonoma include Rusty Wallace (1990, '96), Ernie Irvan (1992, '94), Ricky Rudd (1989, 2002) and #14-Tony Stewart (2001, '05).... Gordon has completed the most laps of any NASCAR driver in Sonoma, 2,117 of 2,441 laps... Rookie and Elk Grove native #42-Kyle Larson will make his Sonoma Raceway debut. Larson has posted three top-five and six top-10 finishes and is now 10th in Sprint Cup point standings.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-22-2014)

  • Four Medal of Honor Recipients to be Honored During Coke Zero 400 Weekend: During the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on July 3-5, Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to four Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.The Medal of Honor recipients, all from the Vietnam War, are:
    · Don Jenkins, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
    · Melvin Morris, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
    · Gary Littrell, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
    · Robert Patterson, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
    For complete biographies on the four Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, visit www.cmohs.org. This is the sixth consecutive year that the Speedway has honored Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. The program actually started back in the 1970s by Bill France Sr. All four Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized during a special luncheon on Friday at the Bill France Room, will attend driver's meetings and participate in pre-race ceremonies for both the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 4 and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 5. During Saturday's 56th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, a special salute will take place for the four Medal of Honor recipients during pre-race ceremonies. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 and the Subway Firecracker 250 race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-22-2014)

  • VIP Race Weekend Experience at RIR: We don't need velvet ropes and champagne service to provide a VIP experience here at Richmond International Raceway during our NASCAR weekends. Elevate your trip to America's Premier Short Track with the All-Inclusive Weekend Package, which is on sale now for just $320 per person. Take a look at the experience you'll get with this unforgettable upgrade on September 5 & 6:
    · Reserved seat on the top row of the Veranda Grandstand in Turn 1 for the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race
    · Exclusive guided garage tour
    · Pre-race Pit Pass for both days
    · VIP Parking for both days (one pass per four packages)
    · Access to the Pit Stop Club on September 6, which includes indoor hospitality with all-you-can-eat food & unlimited sodas, water, beer and wine. As well as access to celebrity appearances, including Richard Childress!
    So be part of the "in crowd" and take advantage of the limited availability, All-Inclusive Weekend Package for just $320. CLICK HERE or call 866-455-7223 to book your ticket.(RIR)(6-22-2014)


    News from June 21, 2014

  • McMurray wins Sonoma pole: #1-Jamie McMurray won the Coors Light pole for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway with a track record speed of 96.350mph for his 1st pole of 2013, 3rd at Sonoma and 10th of his career. McMurray has never won a race from the pole out of none previous poles.
    #47-Allmendinger is on the outside pole, followed by #42-Larson, #99-Edwards, #41-Busch, #4-Harvick, #31-Newman, #55-Vickers, #27-Menard, #22-Logano, #10-Patrick and #13-Mears.
    Missing the race were: none as 43 cars entered.
    See the starting lineup, full qualifying results and more on the Sonoma Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(6-21-2014)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Sonoma:
    #1-Jamie McMurray won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 26th Annual Toyota/Save Mart 350 with a lap of 74.354 seconds, 96.350 mph - a new track record (the previous track record was held by Marcos Ambrose, 95.262 mph, 6/24/12)
    This is his 10th pole in 418 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his first pole and sixth top-10 start in 2014.
    This is his third pole in 12 races at Sonoma Raceway.
    #47-AJ Allmendinger (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2014 and his second in six races at Sonoma Raceway.
    #42-Kyle Larson (third) posted his first top-10 start at Sonoma Raceway. It is his fifth in 16 races this season.
    Kyle Larson (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-21-2014)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway have been made.
    Pole sitter #1-McMurray chose pit stall 11, just before the start/finish line, with opening in front of it.
    Outside pole sitter #47-Allmendinger took pit stall 1.
    #42-Larson, who starts 3rd took the 10th pit stall, the 1st stall with an opening in back of it.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #10-Patrick, who starts 11th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-21-2014)

  • First Round of Qualifying for the Toyoya / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 30 minutes. 22 drivers were faster then the track record of 95.262mph, set by Marcos Ambrose in June 2012.
    #22-Logano 96.197
    #47-Allmendinger 96.111
    #41-Busch 96.091
    #31-Newman 95.965
    #1-McMurray 95.959
    The rest of the top 12, advance to round 2: 10 55 13 42 4 27 99
    Out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 2: 2 20 24 11 88 78 16 18 14 48 9 17 15 3 38 95 43 5 34 26 98 83 51 33 40 23 44 36 32 7 66
    Driver who will miss the race: none. only 43 entered.
    (6-21-2014)

  • added some images of the schemes running at Sonoma: #3 Dow / Utility; #4 Budweiser / Outback Steakhouse / Folds of Honors, #14 Mobil1 / Tracker Boats Patriotic, #17- EcoPower, #18 M&M's Pretzel and #24 Panasonic to the Paint Scheme Gallery.

  • Sonoma Notes & Facts - Saturday - poles:
    · Rusty Wallace won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Sonoma in 1989 with a speed of 90.041 mph.
    · 15 drivers have Coors Light poles at Sonoma, led by Jeff Gordon with five.
    · Two drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Sonoma Ricky Rudd and Jeff Gordon. Ricky Rudd holds the record for most consecutive poles at Sonoma with three; fall 1990 through 1992.
    · Jeff Gordon is the only active driver to have posted consecutive Coors Light poles at Sonoma: 1998-'99 and 2004-'05.
    · Five of the 25 (20%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Sonoma have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Jeff Gordon in 2004. Gordon is the only NSCS driver to win from the pole at Sonoma more than once.
    · The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more wins (five) than any other starting position at Sonoma Raceway.
    · Eight of the 25 (32%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Sonoma have been won from the front row: five from the pole and three from second-place.
    · 18 of the 25 (72%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Sonoma have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    · Seven of the 25 (28%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Sonoma have been won from a starting position outside the top 10.
    · Two of the 25 (8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Sonoma have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
    · Qualifying has never been cancelled in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway.(NASCAR)(6-21-2014)

  • Biffle expects to stay at Roush UPDATE4: #16-Greg Biffle says he is still in contract negotiations in what he hopes will be a new deal to remain at Roush-Fenway Racing. Between practices Saturday at Pocono the 44-year old driver told PRN's Garagepass radio show, "I really like the program at Roush-Fenway, I really like (sponsor) 3M and that's really my focus. I have talked with other teams and there are options there but I think Roush is where I want to stay." When asked about a deadline as to when he would like to finalize a deal, Biffle said "I'm hoping we have it done in the next month or so. If we don't have something before...I'm going to say at the end of July....I'm going to have to make a decision."(PRN's Garagepass)(6-8-2014)
    UPDATE: Biffle and his primary sponsor, 3M, will remain with Roush Fenway Racing, multiple sources have confirmed to the Charlotte Observer. An official announcement of contract extensions for Biffle and the sponsor with RFR could come as soon as this coming week, sources said.A team spokesman said the organization would continue its policy of not commenting on drivers' contract status until an official announcement was made.(Charlotte Observer)(6-9-2014)
    UPDATE2: been told that Biffle has signed to stay on at Roush Fenway Racing, no word when it will be announced. As the Charlotte Observer mentioned, 3M will remain with Biffle and RFR as the sponsor.(6-19-2014)
    UPDATE3: Roush Fenway Racing's President Steve Newmark tweeted: "Working hard to put together a package for the 16 program in the future but nothing to report yet. Hope to have some news soon."
    UPDATE4: Greg Biffle said Friday he is still working on a new contract to stay at Roush Fenway Racing. Biffle admitted he has talked to other teams in the garage, but he was presently negotiating with Roush. "My deal is definitely not done," he told The Associated Press during practice at Sonoma Raceway. "I'm trying to negotiate an extension. Nothing has changed."(Associated Press)(6-21-2014)

  • M&M's to move to Edwards if he goes to Gibbs? UPDATE3 M&M's move denied: Rumors persist that Carl Edwards' sponsor at Joe Gibbs Racing will be none other than the M&Ms/Mars brand. While even the Edwards to JGR piece of the puzzle has yet to be confirmed, the most recent speculation has the current Roush Fenway Racing driver with America's most popular confection as his livery for 2015. Over the last few weeks, representatives from Gibbs have been actively recruiting throughout the garage for a fourth team but both Edwards and Gibbs remain mum on the driver's status. Where would that leave Kyle Busch? Sources say Monster, a long-time supporter of Busch, would step up to the primary sponsorship level. Still, it's hard to fathom an athlete as health-conscious as Edwards could embrace a brand with so little nutritional value. When Motorsport.com asked the driver two weeks ago about representing a company that he would not personally support off the track, the response was similar to Edwards' previous "no comment" replies regarding next year.(Motorsport)
    UPDATE: hearing that the deal between Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing is done, no word when it will be announced.(6-19-2014)
    UPDATE 2: Just 24 hours ago, reports surfaced that Carl Edwards will leave Roush Fenway Racing to drive an M&Ms-sponsored Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing beginning in 2015, with Kyle Busch driving a JGR Camry backed by Monster Energy Drink. Now, however, reliable sources say the M&Ms sponsorship will absolutely remain with Busch next season, and beyond. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a JGR insider said there is no truth to yesterday's rumor that M&Ms will back Edwards next season, rather than Busch. "Kyle is M&Ms guy," said the source, "and it is going to stay that way." Edwards' remains characteristically tight-lipped about his ongoing contract negotiations, and no one at either Joe Gibbs Racing or Roush Fenway Racing have commented on reports of his impending move. If he does jump to JGR, however, it appears that it will not be with the support of M&Ms (Godfather Motorsports)
    UPDATE 3: A clause in his [Edwards] contract prohibits him from discussing his plans until September, just as Matt Kenseth did not announce where he was going in 2013 until long after the team said he was not returning. If Roush handles Edwards' departure the same way it did Kenseth's, an announcement about his future with the team could be imminent. As speculation mounted Kenseth had signed with JGR during the Sonoma race weekend, Roush officially confirmed his departure two days after the race.(Associated Press)(6-21-2014)

  • Latest on Jeff Gordon's back: #24-Jeff Gordon met with members of the media at Sonoma Raceway and discussed many subjects, including his back. The transcript in part:
    Q) HOW IS YOUR BACK NOW? HAVE YOU HAD TO DO ANYTHING SINCE CHARLOTTE THAT YOU DON'T NORMALLY DO TO MAINTAIN IT?
    Gordon: "Since that incident in Charlotte, of course I had the cortisone shots - that was the biggest difference in things that I hadn't had to do before. Then there was waiting for that to wear off to see what happens. In between that, I'm just doing a lot of ice, some TENS, the stimulation - the electric stimulation, and then my normal stretching and exercise routine that I always do. Just trying not to push it too hard. I've really gotten into bike riding this year, and was in great shape right before that happened in Charlotte. I've had to stay off the bike, but I'm looking forward to getting back on it. It feels pretty good out here. I'm happy as hard as you are braking, and all the shifting you are doing out here, I was a little concerned, but it has gone really well. The plane ride out was harder than anything, sitting there for five, six hours."(Team Chevy)(6-21-2014)

  • Stewart talks about Kyle Larson's block at Michigan: #14-Tony Stewart met with members of the media at Sonoma Raceway and discussed many subjects, including #42-Kyle Larson blocking him at Michigan. The transcript in part:
    Q) ON KYLE LARSON LAST WEEK AT MICHIGAN
    Stewart: 'He'll learn it's not a good idea, too. If he didn't learn it last week, he'll learn it in the next couple of weeks. We had a really good car. We had a top 5 car for sure, and a top 3 car in my opinion according to listening to our lap times what the leaders were running. And then on a restart, he swerves over to block us and puts a big hole in the nose that we've got to come in and fix. By the time we get it fixed we're buried so far back at the end of a race like that, we couldn't do anything. So, I think he'll learn, just like we all learned when we were rookies, one way or the other. He'll either slow down enough and think about what he's doing or he'll be forced in a situation where he'll have time to think about it and they'll still be cars on the race track."(Team Chevy)(6-21-2014)

  • Ecopower Re-Refined Oil returns to the #17 at Sonoma: EcoPower will serve as the primary sponsor on the #17 EcoPower Ford Fusion, driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for the 2nd of fiv races at Sonoma Raceway. EcoPower is a recently introduced brand of motor oil that is re-cycled and re-refined from used lubricating oils. It protects engines and protects the environment. EcoPower debuted as the primarily sponsor at Michigan last week (RFR), see images of the car on the #17 Team Schemes page.(6-21-2014)

  • Hendrick Motorsports stretches win streak to five races: #48-Jimmie Johnson's performance at Michigan marked Hendrick Motorsports' fifth consecutive points-paying Sprint Cup win of 2014. #24-Jeff Gordon kicked off the current streak with his Kansas victory on May 10, which was followed by Johnson winning on May 25 at Charlotte and June 1 at Dover. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. kept the trend going with his first-place finish at Pocono Raceway on June 8. It is the third time Hendrick Motorsports teams have combined to win at least five consecutive points races, including the 2007 Sprint Cup season when the organization posted separate win streaks of five races and a NASCAR modern era (1972-present) record of six races. The all-time NASCAR record of 16 consecutive Cup-level points victories was recorded in 1956 by car owner Carl Kiekhaefer with a combination of four different drivers.(HMS)(6-21-2014)

  • Fans Choose 3M Throwback Logo for #16 in Pocono: For the second year in a row, 3M Racing is allowing the fans to decide which 3M throwback logo will be featured on the #16 in Pocono on August 3rd. Adding a new element to the competition, one lucky fan will now get the chance to have their name appear on Greg Biffle's 3M Ford Fusion for the race at the "Tricky Triangle" just by placing a vote. This year, there will be eight different logos setup in a bracket-style competition, narrowing down the field to just two options before the final logo is determined. Voting kicked off June 19th and goes through Thursday, July 17th with the winning design set to be unveiled before the Pocono race weekend. "You can really see the history of 3M through their logos over the years," said Biffle. "I thought the one the fans choose last year was really cool. 3M is a tremendous company and it's great we can honor their history with a car design chosen by the fans." Last year the logo featured on the hood of the #16 was from 1956. To see the logos up for voting this year and to vote, head to facebook.com/3MRacing to vote for the logo you'd like to see featured on the #16 in Pocono and enter for a chance to have your name on Biffle's Ford in August.(3M Racing/RFR)(6-21-2014)

  • ESPN's Brad Daugherty to open restaurant in Asheville: On Saturday, Frankie Bones in Gerber Village [Asheville, NC] will have its last day of business. But that space won't be vacant for long. Brad Daugherty - a NASCAR analyst for ESPN, former Cleveland Cavalier and Black Mountain native son - will open the "casual-upscale" Daugherty's American Kitchen & Drink there. The restaurant will open officially on July 16. Frankie Bones' operating partner, Alan Wolf, will be the operating partner for the restaurant, and South Carolina chef, Chris Jones, will be a partner and executive chef of the restaurant. This will be the first restaurant for Daugherty.(Asheville Citizen-Times)(6-21-2014)

  • Gaughan wins at Road America: #62-Brendan Gaughan won the Gardner Denver 200 at Road America. #22-Alex Tagliani finished second followed by #23-Kevin O'Connell, #9-Chase Elliott, #28-J.J. Yeley, #51-Jeremy Clements, #55-Andy Lally, #01-Landon Cassill, #11-Elliott Sadler, and #19-Mike Bliss.
    There were 4 cautions for 10 laps and 7 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Road America race results page (pdf).(6-21-2014)

  • Road America Race Fast Facts:
    Brendan Gaughan won the 5th Annual Gardner Denver 200 Fired Up by Johnsonville, his first victory in 98 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
    This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in three races at Road America.
    Alex Tagliani (second) posted a top-10 finish in his first NNS race at Road America.
    Kevin O'Connell (third) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Road America.
    Chase Elliott (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Regan Smith leads the point standings by 10 points over Elliott Sadler.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-21-2014)

  • Driver standings following Road America:
    1) #7-Regan Smith 516
    2) #11-Elliott Sadler 506, -10
    3) #9-Chase Elliott 505, -11
    4) #3-Ty Dillon 475, -41
    5) #2-Brian Scott 458, -58
    6) #6-Trevor Bayne 453, -63
    7) #62-Brendan Gaughan1 410, -106
    8) #60-Chris Buescher 388, -128
    9) #99-James Buescher 388, -128
    10) #01-Landon Cassill, -368, -148
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(6-21-2014)

  • Owner Standings following Road America are posted (pdf).(6-21-2014)

  • Tagliani on pole at Road America: #22-Alex Tagliani won the Coors Light Pole for the Gardner Denver 200 at Road America with a speed of 108.420mph. #42-Dylan Kwasniewski will start second followed by : #7-Regan Smith, #54-Sam Hornish, Jr., #62-Brendan Gaughan, #2-Brian Scott, #3-Ty Dillon, #31-Justin Marks, #60-Chris Buescher, and #55-Andy Lally.
    #2-Brian Scott was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 108.905mph
    Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Road America starting lineup page (pdf).(6-21-2014)

  • Road America Qualifying Notes:
    Alex Tagliani won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 5th Annual Gardner Denver 200 Fired Up by Johnsonville with a lap of 134.411 seconds, 108.420 mph.
    This is his second pole in five NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
    This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2014.
    This is his first pole in one races at Road America.
    Dylan Kwasniewski (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2014 and his first in one races at Road America.
    Regan Smith (third) posted his first top-10 start at Road America. It is his 10th in 14 races this season.
    Dylan Kwasniewski (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-21-2014)

  • Largest Fireworks Show in the Southeast to Serve as Finale Coke Zero: Following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 5, the champion driver will deliver a roaring burnout in the tri-oval celebrating the victory in the Independence Day holiday classic. High in the sky, Fireworks By Santore will deliver a thunderous patriotic celebration with the largest fireworks show in the Southeast. The Flagler-based company will illuminate the sky over Daytona International Speedway with a 15-minute show shot from 15 different locations located along the backstretch. New to the show this year will be Cube Pattern Shells that will produce a 3-D box with the letters U.S.A. It will take seven days and a crew of 10 from Fireworks By Santore to set up the show, which is electronically fired using state-of-the-art digital firing equipment. The show will begin with red and white fireworks for 30 seconds and the finale will last for approximately one minute, 30 seconds and will have over 2,000 individual pieces. The show uses enough control wire to wrap a lap and a half around the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval. The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-21-2014)


    News from June 20, 2014

  • Coverage of Qualifying for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 1:40pm/et.
    Television (TV): FS1, 1:30pm/et
    Radio: Live online at Performance Racing Network (PRN)
    Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: 9:30pm/et on FS2; June 22, 4:30am/et on FS1; June 22, 11:30am/et on FS1

  • Qualifying Order for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
    The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #11-Hamlin.
    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 Sonoma Qualifying Page.(6-20-2014)

  • Happy Hour practice for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #15-Bowyer 95.988
    #27-Menard 95.544
    #99-Edwards 95.465
    #88-Earnhardt Jr. 95.463
    #1-McMurray 95.463
    slowest: #66-Drissi 88.465 & #7-Annett 90.121
    no speed: #36-Sorenson.
    notes: #18-Busch spun around off turn 10, no damage reported. Timmy Hill is practicing the #40 Chevy for Landon Cassill. Cassill will be at Road America on Saturday, Hill will qualify the car and Cassill will race it on Sunday. David Mayhew is practicing the #44 Chevy for J.J. Yeley, who is at Road America for the Nationwide practice today.
    Fastest speeds, laps run, best ten lap average on the Sonoma Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(6-20-2014)

  • First Friday practice for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 110 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #41-Busch 95.470
    #15-Bowyer 95.421
    #55-Vickers 95.080
    #78-Truex Jr. 94.978
    #42-Larson 94.825
    slowest: #40-Cassill 90.717 & #7-Annett 91.063
    no speed: #66-Drissi
    notes: David Mayhew practiced the #44 Chevy for J.J. Yeley, who is at Road America for the Nationwide race today. In the very unlikely case that qualifying is cancelled, the speeds from this practice would set the starting lineup. Two rounds of group qualifying is scheduled to be held on Saturday, June 21st at 1:40pm/et on FoxSports1 (FS1). Happy Hour practice is scheduled for 6:30-8:00pm/et and be televised on FS1.
    Fastest speeds, laps run, best ten lap average on the Sonoma Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(6-20-2014)

  • Goodyear completes Indy, Chicago and Kentucky tests: With its at-track session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past Monday and Tuesday, Goodyear completed a busy stretch of testing in preparation for this summer's NASCAR schedule. Participating in the test at Indianapolis were #16-Greg Biffle, #15-Clint Bowyer, #18-Kyle Busch, #22-Joey Logano, #31-Ryan Newman and #14-Tony Stewart. "Our test speeds were extremely fast at Indianapolis," said Greg Stucker, Goodyear's director of racing. "Like a lot of race tracks we've been to this year with this new car package, it appears the race pace can be significantly faster than it's been in the past. Because of that, we have to make sure we come back with a recommendation that is robust enough for the conditions we'll have in the race. "The weather conditions during the test were exactly what we have to come to expect during the race weekend in late July -- pushing 90 degrees and sunny. That enabled us to evaluate the tires we brought under the proper conditions." More than the weather conditions, the race conditions always conspire to make the Brickyard 400 one that is high up on Goodyear's radar. "The thing about Indianapolis is the tough conditions the cars -- and the tires -- have to endure," said Stucker. "The surface is very abrasive, the long straightaways and short chutes are fast, cornering is tough with very little banking. Combine that with this new car package, and you've got conditions that put a lot of stress on the tires."
    In spite of some of the speeds where teams were consistently running a half-second faster in race trim than in the past, the test was problem free outside of one incident with the Stewart Haas Racing car of Tony Stewart. On day two of the test, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion had a right-front tire lose air 17 laps into a 20-lap run. "Tony was approaching the end of a very strong 20-lap run, with his lap times as much as a second faster than what has become the norm at Indianapolis at that point of a run. It appears that increased, sustained speed over that run generated a significant amount of heat, which eventually caused the right-front to go down. Those are the conditions we have to consider in making the right decisions for the race." Goodyear will continue to talk to the Indianapolis test teams and review the data from the session to come up with its final recommendation over the next week.
    Over recent weeks, Goodyear also completed tests at Chicagoland Speedway (June 10-11) and Kentucky Speedway (May 20-21). At Chicagoland, Goodyear confirmed its expectations and will bring a race recommendation that includes the same left-side tire it ran at that track last season and the multi-zone tread right-side that was run at Texas earlier this season. Handling the test at Chicagoland were #11-Denny Hamlin, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #22-Joey Logano and #27-Paul Menard.
    At Kentucky, Goodyear ran a true confirmation test and will race the same combination of left- and right-side tires they ran at that track in 2013. Running at the Kentucky test were #2-Brad Keselowski, #1-Jamie McMurray and #55-Brian Vickers.
    Goodyear continues its testing program with sessions at Richmond International Raceway on July 8-9 and Homestead-Miami Speedway on August 26.(Goodyear Racing)(6-20-2014)

  • Sonoma Notes & Facts - Friday - drivers:
    · Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte and Terry Labonte lead the series in starts at Sonoma with 21 each.
    · Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Sonoma with four; followed by Tony Stewart with three.
    · Jeff Gordon leads the series in top-five finishes at Sonoma with 13; followed by Ricky Rudd with 10.
    · Jeff Gordon leads the series in top-10 finishes at Sonoma with 17; followed by Mark Martin with 13.
    · Marcos Ambrose leads the series in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Sonoma with a 4.500.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Sonoma with an 8.238. Clint Bowyer (9.125) is the only other active driver with an average finish in the top 10.
    · Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin competed at Sonoma Raceway eight times each before visiting Victory in Lane; the longest span of any the eight active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners. Johnson won in 2010 and Martin won in 1997.
    · Joe Nemechek leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Sonoma without visiting Victory Lane at 16.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Sonoma with 454 laps led in 21 starts.
    · Danica Patrick is the only female driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to compete at Sonoma Raceway
    (NASCAR)(6-20-2014)

  • #26 gets sponsor for Sonoma and other races: Tankless water heater manufacturer Rinnai has announced a partnership with BK Racing and NASCAR driver Cole Whitt. Beginning with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on June 22, Whitt will race the #26 Rinnai car in select races during the 2014 season. "We are thrilled to be partnering with BK racing and talented driver Cole Whitt," said Susan Mittelbrun, Rinnai vice president of marketing. "Rinnai is continuously investing in creative ways to connect with our customers, and we are excited about our partnership with BK Racing as it is a valuable way to engage with both our trade and consumer audiences."
    "We are very proud to showcase the Rinnai brand at Sonoma Raceway and other select races this season," said Anthony Marlowe, co-owner of BK Racing. "We are optimistic that Cole Whitt's road course prowess will enable us to grow our sponsorship with the #1 selling brand of tankless water heaters in North America."
    Rinnai America Corp., a subsidiary of Rinnai Corp. in Nagoya, Japan, was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Ga. Rinnai Corp. manufactures gas appliances including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances and heating and air conditioning units.(Contractor Mag), see an image of the scheme on the #26 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • Special scheme for Harvick at Sonoma: Kevin Harvick's #4 Chevy will feature a special patriotic paint scheme honoring the Folds of Honor Foundation in this weekend's race at Sonoma Raceway. Founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 fighter pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, the organization gives back to the families of soldiers killed or disabled in the line of duty through scholarships and other assistance. Outback Steakhouse and Budweiser will share the sponsorship at Sonoma. Now through August 15, beer drinkers can enter a code contained inside specially marked packages of Budweiser on Budweiser.com/donate to trigger a $1 donation to Folds of Honor, accounting for up to $1 million combined with wholesaler contributions for a more than $3 million total donation to Folds of Honor in 2014.)Budweiser Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #4 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • Alliance Truck Parts to sponsor #2 at Sonoma: The #2 Team Penske Ford of Brad Keselowski will feature the bright yellow paint scheme of Alliance Truck Parts this weekend at Sonoma. In its first season as a sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Alliance Truck Parts will compete in the second of eight scheduled races as a primary sponsor this weekend (Team Penske), see images of the scheme on the #2 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • Special scheme for Stewart at Sonoma: Tony Stewart's #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevy will feature a special patriotic paint scheme at Sonoma. As part of the "NASCAR: An American Salute" program, a stars and stripes scheme will adorn the lower portion of the car, with blue replacing the traditional black. "NASCAR: An American Salute" is an industry-wide effort to honor and celebrate the service members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and families.(SHR), see an image of the scheme on the #14 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • New look for the #88 at Sonoma: Kelley Blue Book, the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry, will adorn the hood of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88 Chevy this weekend at Sonoma Raceway (HMS), see images of the car on the #88 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • Snap Fitness to sponsor #40 car in four races: Snap Fitness is accelerating to new speeds as the primary sponsor for the #40 Chevy driven by Landon Cassill in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting June 28 at Kentucky Speedway. Cassill has been racing professionally with NASCAR for seven years and was the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year. He is currently training for Ironman 70.3 half triathlon to be held July 20 in Racine, Wisc. "Fitness is a tremendous part of my life and I'm honored to represent the Snap Fitness brand in the NASCAR Sprint Cup," said Cassill. "I'm also looking forward to workouts at Snap Fitness as I prepare for the Ironman competition and I look forward to helping them spread their message on fitness and living a healthy lifestyle."(Hillman Racing), see images of the scheme on the #40 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • Brian France demonstrates leadership at Wharton: NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France spoke Wednesday in Philadelphia on leading a sports and entertainment industry during the 18th annual Wharton Leadership Conference. In front of an audience of 300 established and emerging leaders in a variety of disciplines and industries from private, public and non-for-profit organizations, France addressed the conference's underlying topic: Preparing for a Complex and Uncertain World. Sponsoring partner, Accenture, noted in an @AccentureStrat tweet that NASCAR is a family-run business, and France spoke about the challenge of balancing interests to ensure the best product with Peter Cappelli, Director of Center for Human Resources, Wharton and George W. Taylor Professor of Management.(NASCAR.com)(6-20-2014)

  • Shell Science Teacher of the Year to be honored at Sonoma: For the second straight year, the Shell Science Teaching Award winner will receive a bit of recognition on the track and at the track in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The award, now celebrating its 23rd year, recognizes one outstanding classroom science teacher (K-12) who has had a positive impact on his or her students, school, and community through exemplary classroom science teaching. This year's recipient comes from a major motorsports mecca herself - Kristen Poindexter of Indianapolis, Indiana. Kristen is an educator and science coach at Spring Mill Elementary and was chosen this spring after a rigorous evaluation in early 2014. Teachers were asked to submit a paper describing their beliefs and practices in teaching science. Ten finalists were selected nationally from the paper submissions, and Kristen was one of the lucky finalists. Kristen was selected as this year's recipient and informed in a surprise ceremony by the School Superintendent and Principal. In addition to a $10,000 cash prize, and all-expense paid trip to the National Science Teacher Association National Conference, Kristen will have her name displayed on the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion driven by Joey Logano at Sonoma Raceway on June 22nd. Even better, Kristen and her husband also received an all-expense paid trip to Sonoma for a VIP experience that race weekend where she will not only meet driver Joey Logano, but will sit atop his team pit box during the race. For more information about the Shell Science Teaching Award and the NSTA Teacher Awards program at www.nsta.org.(Shell PR), see an image of the tv panel (rear) scheme on the #22 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2014)

  • Sonoma Track Facts:
    · The Sonoma Raceway road course features more than 160 feet of elevation change from its highest to lowest points. The highest point at Turn 3a reaches 174 feet, while the lowest point at Turn 10 is just 14 feet.
    · The berms on the turns of the road course are painted blue and gold at the suggestion of raceway President and General Manager Steve Page, who attended nearby University of California, Berkeley.
    · The property on which the raceway was built was a working farm called Sears Point Farm in the early 1900s.
    · The raceway is home to a bustling motor-sports industrial park of more than 70 year-round businesses in 104 shops, including car preparation and restoration shops, materials fabrication, vintage car storage and race teams, to name just a few.
    · In 2011, in a partnership with Panasonic Corporation of North America, the raceway completed a solar installation of nearly 1,700 solar panels, which offsets approximately 41% of the raceway's energy usage.
    · Drivers who complete the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup race will make 1,100 turns around the road course. The race spans 110 laps.
    · Nearly 3,000 sheep call the raceway their home throughout the year. The sheep, provided by Rocky Mountain Wooly Weeders, provide natural land care, helping to maintain the facility's grasses and fire lanes.
    · Winners in Sonoma celebrate with a sip from the Champion's Goblet in the Wine Country Winner's Circle. The goblet was introduced in 2006, incorporating the raceway's rich wine country heritage and allowing the winner to toast the fans. The goblets are specially created by a local glass blower from Sonoma.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-20-2014)

  • Hornish fastest in Nationwide happy hour: B> After a rain delay, #54-Sam Hornish, Jr. was fastest during the one and only practice at Road America with a speed of 134.698mph. #2-Brian Scott was second, followed by: #22-Alex Tagliani, #7-Regan Smith, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #3-Ty Dillon, #31-Justin Marks, #60-Chris Buescher, #42- Dylan Kwasniewski, and #11-Elliott Sadler. 38 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Road America practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-20-2014)

  • Crum license downgraded following Charlotte UPDATE: NASCAR has downgraded the license of Truck Series driver Jake Crum for an incident at Charlotte Motor Speedway last week. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said Crum has been blocked from driving at tracks longer than 1.25 miles. He is also allowed to drive on road courses. The discipline stems from Crum's interaction with Ryan Ellis in last Friday's race. After the two tangled earlier in the race, Crum and Ellis were racing side by side when Crum drove into Ellis and sent him into the wall. Tharp said NASCAR would monitor Crum at future races and determine when it might allow him to again drive as longer race tracks.(Charlotte Observer)(5-22-2014)
    UPDATE: Jake Crum confirmed on his Twitter that his license was restored, allowing him to drive at tracks larger than 1.25 miles in length.(6-20-2014)


    News from June 19, 2014

  • Part 2 of NASCAR Race Hub's interview with Mike Helton: NASCAR president Mike Helton continued his exclusive two-part, sit-down interview with NASCAR Race Hub co-host Danielle Trotta on Thursday [June 19th], covering topics facing NASCAR heading into 2015, including the move toward a more technologically-policed pit road, a horsepower reduction and the possibility of adding a road course to the Chase. The transcript:
    ON REMOVAL OF THE HUMAN ELEMENT ON PIT ROAD IN 2015 AND REPLACING IT WITH TECHNOLOGY:
    Helton: "We're excited about it, actually, not removing the human element, but about using technology to advance our sport. And this is one of the things that we put on the front burner. One of those components is what we can use, NASCAR can use, and the NASCAR industry can benefit from up and down pit road, being our officials on pit road. We've had, on a couple of occasions, to run beta programs up and down pit road already this year, and so the goal is by '15 for the referees and umpires, so to speak, to be replaced with technology and innovation that fans in the grandstands and fans at home can participate and be interactive with the officiating of the sport."
    ON THE TIMING OF THE RELEASE OF THE 2015 NASCAR SCHEDULE AND HOW NASCAR MANAGES THE 'RIPPLE EFFECT' OF CHANGING ONE RACE DATE:
    Helton: "We hope it comes down sooner than later. We're shooting for mid-summer to get the '15 schedule out. The ripple effect part of it is hard to explain. With a 36-race schedule in the matter of 40-some weeks, it's hard to move one and not be impactful to another, several other weekends, quite frankly. We'd start with the '14 schedule to work on '15, plug in the traditional holidays and try to be consistent with those major events that's held those spots for years and then figure out the other conflicts that we may have. But we try to do our best. We work with the racetrack, the race team and our broadcast partners to come out with what we feel like is a reasonable schedule, if not the best one we can do."
    ON THE POSSIBILITY OF ADDING A ROAD COURSE TO THE CHASE NEXT SEASON:
    Helton: "I won't sit here and say no but it's not on the short list right now, but I'll never say never to something like that. The road courses have evolved on the NASCAR Sprint Cup side and the Nationwide Series and trucks to be some of our most exciting events. I think we can put our drivers today against any road racer and hold our own very proudly."
    ON THE RUMORED REDUCTION IN HORSEPOWER FOR 2015:
    Helton: "That's something we have been working on, and historically through the history of the sport, major issues like changing the body to the Gen-6 is something that has to be done well in advance and for several reasons, some of which is the economy of the sport where the teams have amassed inventory based on the current rules and advance inventory to be used. You don't want to obsolete that instantly with the stroke of a pen if you can avoid that. So we created processes over a year ago with Gene Stefanyshyn now on board to talk with the race teams and to talk with the manufacturers what the next architecture of the motor would be. So that's one conversation that's ongoing. And it's got momentum and we'll eventually see a new architecture of a NASCAR Cup engine, possibly a NASCAR Nationwide, possibly a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In the meantime, we have dialogue going on about how much horsepower, how much rpm, and we find efficient ways to regulate that, whether it's a gear rule or a single part change that everybody's comfortable with. So those are things you'll see short-term but eventually you'll see a new architecture of motors."
    See video of the interview and full transcript at FoxSports.(6-19-2014)

  • Biffle expects to stay at Roush UPDATE2: #16-Greg Biffle says he is still in contract negotiations in what he hopes will be a new deal to remain at Roush-Fenway Racing. Between practices Saturday at Pocono the 44-year old driver told PRN's Garagepass radio show, "I really like the program at Roush-Fenway, I really like (sponsor) 3M and that's really my focus. I have talked with other teams and there are options there but I think Roush is where I want to stay." When asked about a deadline as to when he would like to finalize a deal, Biffle said "I'm hoping we have it done in the next month or so. If we don't have something before...I'm going to say at the end of July....I'm going to have to make a decision."(PRN's Garagepass)(6-8-2014)
    UPDATE: Biffle and his primary sponsor, 3M, will remain with Roush Fenway Racing, multiple sources have confirmed to the Charlotte Observer. An official announcement of contract extensions for Biffle and the sponsor with RFR could come as soon as this coming week, sources said.A team spokesman said the organization would continue its policy of not commenting on drivers' contract status until an official announcement was made.(Charlotte Observer)(6-9-2014)
    UPDATE2: been told that Biffle has signed to stay on at Roush Fenway Racing, no word when it will be announced. As the Charlotte Observer mentioned, 3M will remain with Biffle and RFR as the sponsor.(6-19-2014)

  • First NASCAR race...65 years ago today: Thursday, June 19, marks the 65th anniversary of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' first race, held in 1949. In what was then called the Strictly Stock division, the race was held at Charlotte Speedway, a .75-mile dirt track, and won by #34-Jim Roper. It featured a 33-car field that included NASCAR Hall of Famers Tim Flock(5th), Buck Baker(11th), Lee Petty(17th) and Herb Thomas(29th).(NASCAR), see race results at racing-reference.info. Eventual 1949 Champion, Red Byron, finished 3rd in a Raymond Parks owned car.(6-19-2014)

  • M&M's to move to Edwards if he goes to Gibbs? Rumors persist that Carl Edwards' sponsor at Joe Gibbs Racing will be none other than the M&Ms/Mars brand. While even the Edwards to JGR piece of the puzzle has yet to be confirmed, the most recent speculation has the current Roush Fenway Racing driver with America's most popular confection as his livery for 2015. Over the last few weeks, representatives from Gibbs have been actively recruiting throughout the garage for a fourth team but both Edwards and Gibbs remain mum on the driver's status. Where would that leave Kyle Busch? Sources say Monster, a long-time supporter of Busch, would step up to the primary sponsorship level. Still, it's hard to fathom an athlete as health-conscious as Edwards could embrace a brand with so little nutritional value. When Motorsport.com asked the driver two weeks ago about representing a company that he would not personally support off the track, the response was similar to Edwards' previous "no comment" replies regarding next year.(Motorsport)
    UPDATE: hearing that the deal between Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing is done, no word when it will be announced.(6-19-2014)

  • MediaCAST to sponsorship #33 Circle Sport Chevy at Sonoma: MediaCAST, an open and interoperable digital content management and video streaming solution that provides tools to create, manage and deliver live and on-demand multimedia anytime and anywhere for the corporate, education and healthcare sectors, will sponsor Alex Kennedy and the Circle Sport entry this weekend at Sonoma Raceway. Kennedy, the only New Mexico native competing in one of NASCAR's major touring series, will make his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start of the season this weekend behind of the wheel of the #33 MediaCAST Chevrolet SS in Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350, marking the first NASCAR sponsorship for the Denver-based technology company.
    In addition to his season debut at Pocono Raceway earlier this month, Kennedy also completed a two-day test at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) with Hillman Racing in preparation for his two starts on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road courses. The 22-year-old Kennedy has two NASCAR K&N Pro Series West starts and one Sprint Cup Series start at the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course in Sonoma, Calif., and will look to better his Sprint Cup Series-best 29th-place finish in his fifth career Cup Series start on Sunday. "We've taken a strategic approach to racing this year. It started with a test at VIR in late May and continued with the race at Pocono two weeks ago in an effort to be well prepared for the road-course event at Sonoma," said Kennedy, who made his first start at Sonoma Raceway in a Legends car at age 12 and captured the Legends Pro Series event in 2007 at age 15. "We've put an emphasis on the two road-course events and I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the #33 MediaCAST Chevrolet this weekend and using my experience at Sonoma to race against the best in the sport and put together a solid performance."(Circle Sport)(6-19-2014)

  • Nathan's Famous returns to the #43 at Sonoma: Aric Almirola and the #43 Nathan's Famous team head west this week to Race Sonoma. Despite not being a road course specialist, Race Sonoma is a track Almirola enjoys. He and the team dialed in the #43 Nathan's Famous Ford recently at Carolina MotorSports Park with a day test at the road course. Almirola has three starts at Race Sonoma and six total road course starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Last season, he posted his best Race Sonoma finish of 20th gaining eight spots from the following years. He and the #43 Nathan's Famous team look to best the 20th-place finish this weekend. Nathan's Famous will again hold a hot dog eating qualifier for the World Championship on July 4. Seven-time champion Joey Chestnut will be on hand at the qualifier and spend some time with the #43 race team and seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard Petty.(RPM), see an image of the scheme on the #43 Team Schemes page.(6-19-2014)

  • Tomy Drissi To Drive #66 at Sonoma: Tomy Drissi announced he will be teaming up with Jay Robinson Racing and the #66 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Team to drive The Toyota/SaveMart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Drissi will drive a Hercules liveried scheme. "The only thing more fun than driving a Cup car is driving a Cup car at Sonoma," said Tomy. "These guys are so good... it's such a good show and really great racing. And, the fans are unbelievable. They're going to love the the Hercules car. We've gone all out on the graphics package, and I'm confident that the Jay Robison Racing crew will have a fast car right off the trailer." Excited to be partnering with the team, this will be Tomy's 2nd year in row with JRR at Sonoma. "This is a very important race for our team," Jay Robinson said. "We are in a very tight [owners] points battle. I am very confident in Tomy's ability to bring home a good finish." Hercules, starring Dwayne Johnson, opens in theaters July 25th. Both man and myth, Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) leads a band of mercenaries to help end a bloody civil war in the land of Thrace and return the rightful king to his throne. A tormented soul from birth, Hercules has the strength of a God but feels the suffering of a human. Drissi owns an advertising firm that produces upcoming film displays for cinemas. Drissi's first racing experience in motorsports was street racing on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.(tomydrissi.com), see an image of the scheme on the #66 Team Schemes page.(6-19-2014)

  • Different K-LOVE scheme for the #95 at Sonoma: Michael McDowell will debut a brand new paint scheme for Leavine Family Racing's #95 Ford this weekend at Sonoma Raceway. The #95 Ford Fusion team will sport blue, yellow and black colors with K-LOVE adorning the hood and quarter panels and K-LOVE's "music city" added to the background. K-LOVE Radio, part of EMF Broadcasting, is headquartered in Rocklin, Calif., a growing community in northern California about 30 miles east of Sacramento. Although this weekend marks McDowell's first Sonoma Raceway appearance with Leavine Family Racing; the Glendale, Ariz., driver has made two other NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the 1.99-mile road course. He earned a career-best 28th-place finish at the track in June 2008. McDowell also has one GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series start at the track, where he finished 10th in 2006. In seven previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road course races, McDowell has an average starting position of 27.1, and an average finishing position of 33.4. In 12 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts on a road course, McDowell has posted three top-five and five top-10 finishes including two pole awards.(Leavine Family Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #95 Team Schemes page.(6-19-2014)

  • #40 Carsforsale.com Chevy to Race at Sonoma: Carsforsale.com, one of the Internet's largest online automotive inventory websites, announced the #40 Carsforsale.com Chevy will make an appearance with Landon Cassill and Hillman Racing at the NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350 this Sunday, June 22. "Every opportunity we receive to work with Landon and the Hillman Racing team is another chance to say thank you to our dealer family by drawing more consumers to their inventory on Carsforsale.com," stated Carsforsale.com CEO Sean Coffman. "We hope to see a great finish for the #40 Carsforsale.com Chevy SS this weekend at Sonoma Raceway." As a portal for consumers to search find the perfect vehicle from nearly 17,000 dealers across the country, Carsforsale.com is happy to increase their visibility and brand awareness with involvement with NASCAR, the #40 Carsforsale.com Chevrolet SS, Landon Cassill and the Hillman Racing team. Carsforsale.com also offers dealership solutions to car, truck, and specialty dealers across the United States.(Mike Hillman Racing), see an image of the car on the #40 team paint schemes page.(6-19-2014)

  • Ragan to Promote Long John Silver's 'Free Fish & Fries' at Sonoma: David Ragan's #34 Ford will carry a special message to fans throughout the Sonoma Raceway race weekend: Mark your calendars for June 28 for Free Fish & Fries from Long John Silver's. The world's largest quick service seafood brand will give away its crispy, golden Fish & Fries, completely free of charge, to every guest who visits a Long John Silver's at participating locations for dine-in or carryout on June 28 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. "Long John Silver's wants to celebrate our loyal customers who have made us America's favorite seafood brand for the past 45 years, and that certainly includes a lot of NASCAR fans," said Mike Kern, Chief Executive Officer for Long John Silver's. "There is no better way to say 'Thank you' to America than by offering everyone the delicious, classic fish and fries that first made us famous." A special paint scheme on Ragan's #34 Ford will promote the Free Fish & Fries offer throughout the Toyota Save Mart 350 race weekend at the twisting and sloping road course in Sonoma, CA.(FRM), see an image of the scheme on the #34 Team Schemes page.(6-18-2014)

  • Germain Racing announces associate sponsors for Sonoma: Germain Racing is delighted to celebrate the 40th Vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon with Caymus Vineyards this weekend at Sonoma Raceway. Caymus is in its second season as an associate sponsor on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series #13 GEICO Chevrolet SS driven by Californian Casey Mears. In Sunday's race, a special 40th Cabernet logo will appear on the rear quarter panels of the race car.(Germain Racing)
    AND Similar to how a crew chief involves a race car driver in making decisions about the race car, Oil Can Henry's involves their customers in the repair and maintenance decisions about their vehicles. Germain Racing is proud to announce that Oil Can Henry's will return as an associate sponsor for the #13 GEICO Chevrolet SS, driven by Casey Mears at Sonoma Raceway. Oil Can Henry's has a unique approach to servicing vehicles. Oil Can Henry's earns its customers' trust with a service that involves them in the process and educates them about their vehicle meanwhile providing premium quality Castrol Lubricants for their cars' engines. There are no waiting rooms at Oil Can Henry's.(Germain Racing)(6-19-2014)

  • Jones to run three races for JGR: Joe Gibbs Racing announced that 18-year-old Erik Jones will pilot the #20 Toyota in three NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season. Jones will make his debut behind the wheel of the JGR's #20 Nationwide Series Camry for the first time on July 19 in Chicago before battling on the short track of Bristol Motor Speedway on August 22, and competing at Phoenix International Raceway on November 8. Jones, who turned 18 years old just a few weeks ago on May 30, has already established himself as one of the sports impressive young talents. In five races in 2013 with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series, Jones finished in the top 10 in each start, earning two top-five finishes as well as his first career victory at Phoenix International Raceway. The victory made Jones the youngest winner in NCWTS history at 17 years, five months and nine days of age. Jones will attempt to duplicate his success in Phoenix in the Nationwide Series a day after defending his Truck Series race win. Jones has success at every level of his racing career and boasts several impressive achievements including becoming only the third driver in the 46-year history of the prestigious Snowball Derby Super Late Model race to win back to back titles (2012 and 2013). He won his first ARCA race at Berlin Raceway on August 10, 2013 after becoming the first 15-year old to ever compete in the Series during the 2012 season.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(6-19-2014)

  • Lake Forest Hearing joins Earnhardt: Lake Forest Hearing, which focuses on hearing protection for those involved in all aspects of auto racing, will sponsor Jeffrey Earnhardt's #4 Chevy in Saturday's Gardner Denver 200 Nationwide Series race at Road America. Lake Forest Hearing has been the official hearing protection partner of Road America for three years and will have a tent at the speedway Thursday through race weekend offering hearing safety products for adults, children, infants - even pets. Lake Forest Hearing has offices in Lake Forest, Ill. and Northfield, Ill. but works with racing events all across the country.(JD Motorsports)(6-19-2014)

  • Congrats to the Bueschers: James Buescher and his wife Krishtian "Kris" Buescher delivered their baby girl last evening, on June 18, 2014, Presley Mercedes Buescher. Presley was delivered 10:31pm/et at 5 pounds, 13 ounces and 17 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing well.(James Buescher Racing)(6-19-2014)

  • Budweiser "Good Sport Program" Featured at Sonoma: Sonoma Raceway and Budweiser will team up to help race fans make it home safely during the 2014 race season, as the Budweiser Good Sport Designated Driver Booth will be featured at all major event weekends. Good Sport is designed to help facility operators and concessionaires encourage fan responsibility at sporting events. The program is activated in partnership with 95 teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Soccer. Good Sport programs have also been integrated into high-profile brand and sporting events throughout the year, including the MLB All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Game, NHL Winter Classic, and select NASCAR races, among many others. At Sonoma Raceway, the California Highway Patrol and Budweiser will work together to promote safe alcohol consumption and designated driving during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing and Verizon IndyCar Series event weekends. Fans who visit the Good Sport Designated Driver Booth and pledge to be the designated driver for their group will receive a free non-alcoholic beverage in exchange for refraining from drinking and helping to make sure their group has a safe ride home.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-19-2014)

  • Lee Brice to Perform Coke Zero 400 Pre-Race Concert: Country music singer and songwriter, Lee Brice, will perform an hour-long pre-race concert prior to the 56th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 5 at Daytona International Speedway. Through a special VIP Ticket Package, race fans can get unprecedented access to the 60-minute pre-race concert that will be staged on pit road in the tri-oval area of the "World Center of Racing." With packages starting at $115, the VIP Ticket Package includes: A reserved grandstand ticket for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola; Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access; Admission to the VIP viewing area in front of the stage for the pre-race concert by Brice. The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-19-2014)


    News from June 18, 2014

  • NASCAR's Mike Helton interviewed on NASCAR Racehub UPDATE: NASCAR president Mike Helton sat down with NASCAR Race Hub co-host Danielle Trotta for an exclusive, two-part interview airing at 5:00pm/et on Wednesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 19, on FOX Sports 1. The NASCAR president talks topics ranging from limiting Sprint Cup Series drivers in lower series; the possibility of adding a road course to the Chase; the new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format; the "Dale Earnhardt Jr. effect"; race attendance; the move toward a more technologically-policed pit road in 2015; and a horsepower reduction next season.(FOX)(6-18-2014)
    UPDATE - Helton interview part 1 transcript in part: NASCAR President Mike Helton sat down with NASCAR RACE HUB co-host Danielle Trotta for an exclusive, two-part "state of the sport" interview whose first installment aired Wednesday, June 18 on FOX Sports 1. Part 2 continues on NASCAR RACE HUB on Thursday, June 19 at 5:00pm/et. On Wednesday's show, Helton discussed a variety of topics that have made headlines in the 2014 NASCAR season, including the new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format; the "Dale Earnhardt Jr. effect;" race attendance; the youth movement in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series; and the possibility of limiting NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers in the lower series. The transcript in part, from the interview:
    ON WHETHER HE HAS BEEN PLEASED WITH THE CHANGES IMPLEMENTED IN 2014, INCLUDING THE NEW CHASE FORMAT AND KNOCKOUT QUALIFYING:
    Helton: "I think we have. Yes. Obviously the qualifying format has grown a lot of interest at the race track, on TV and the 'water cooler talk,' as old folks would call it. Now it's social media, I guess. And it's fun. It's fun to watch, which a sport should be fun. The Chase format was an element to put emphasis on winning. I think that's happened early in the season. The new format is yet to come but leading up to it has been very exciting. So we're pleased so far."
    ON WHETHER RACE ATTENDANCE IS A CONCERN, DESPITE THE ON-TRACK PRODUCT:
    Helton: "Obviously the product is a priority, and I say 'product' for everybody. But the viewership and the live attendance is something that the whole industry uses to judge successes, and that's something that we've all collectively been working on ever since the swing through the economy. We think we see signs of that. We're encouraged by the uptick. We're encouraged by the enthusiasm that seems to exist among the community now."
    ON WHETHER NASCAR IS CONSIDERING LIMITING THE NUMBER OF STARTS THAT CUP SERIES DRIVERS CAN MAKE IN THE NATIONWIDE OR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES:
    Helton: "It's a conversation point that doesn't so far go very far because NASCAR is open-minded. It's open-field, too. We don't believe it's correct to tell someone they cannot compete somewhere. We have NASCAR drivers who go compete in IndyCar or ARCA or a weekly track or a weekly show or open-wheel racing in different programs, and that's the culture of NASCAR to be open-minded about who participates. No one is excluded from participating. You can earn your way in. We have, however, changed some of the rules and regulations around in hopes to encourage and get attention to the ones who are competing on a fulltime level in the Nationwide. It happened a couple of years ago. We had the drivers to select what series they would gather points in ... We saw some signs of being successful there. We're just not of the mindset to exclude somebody from participating. We'd rather encourage everyone who wants to participate to participate. So, if we said, 'You can't play over here,' it's kind of contrary to our culture.'"
    On Thursday's show, Helton shares his thoughts on subjects that could impact the 2015 season and future of NASCAR, including the likelihood of adding a road course race to the Chase; the move toward a more technologically-policed pit road in 2015; and a horsepower reduction next season.(see interview at FoxSports)(6-18-2014)

  • Four drivers to run K&N Pro Series West race: #42-Kyle Larson, #3-Austin Dillon, #7-Michael Annett and #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are entered in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma Raceway this weekend. They're seeking additional road course experience before Sunday's Sprint Cup race there.(Motor Racing Network)(6-18-2014)

  • Toyota Signs Multi-Year Extension with Sonoma Raceway: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. and the Northern California Toyota Dealers have signed a multi-year agreement to continue as co-title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. Toyota has served as co-title sponsor of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 since 2007, as well as the raceway's official vehicle. The three-year extension will mark 10 years of sponsorship with Sonoma Raceway. The 2014 season marks Toyota's 10th anniversary participating in NASCAR national series competition. "Sonoma Raceway is one of the premier motor-sports venues on the West Coast and our partnership enables us to showcase the freshest line up of cars, trucks and SUVs in the industry," said Henry Hansel, president of the Northern California Toyota Dealer Advertising Association. Toyota will also continue as title sponsor of the raceway's annual Toyota/Save Mart 350 preview show on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. The 30-minute special, which airs a minimum of six times during the month of June, has been nominated for a sports Emmy award in past years. The agreement also includes hospitality, extensive signage, promotional rights and other assets during major event weekends in Sonoma, including comprehensive, interactive displays for race fans during the June NASCAR event. "We could not be more proud of our association with the Toyota brand, their terrific lineup of cars and trucks and the outstanding group of dealers in our region," said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager. "We are grateful for their support of the raceway and the NASCAR event and look forward to working together for many years to come." For tickets or information on the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 20-22, please call 800-870-RACE or visit www.racesonoma.com/nascar.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-18-2014)

  • Ambrose talks about his contract status: #9-Marcos Ambrose was on the NASCAR Cam Teleconference Wednesday morning, and one of the subjects brought up was his contract situation with Richard Petty Motorsports:
    Q) You said last fall when you announced you were going to resign with RPM, this was going to be critical for you, but are you starting to work through that in your head about what's next after this season in terms of NASCAR or elsewhere?
    MARCOS AMBROSE: "Yeah, certainly that's right. I'm in a renewal year with Richard Petty for 2015. I'm not really thinking about myself here. I just want the best for RPM. They have decisions to make along the way here. I want to help them make their decisions and be where they want to be. I haven't really thought about anything much but that. I want to make sure that RPM are on the right path and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I help them do that.(NASCAR/RPM)(6-18-2014)

  • Kenseth wins at Madison: On a night when he didn't have the best car in the field, Matt Kenseth benefited from Travis Sauter's bad luck. Kenseth passed Sauter on a restart with nine laps to go and held on for a super-late model victory in the Colony Brands 100 at Madison International Speedway. "That was one of the uglier ones or luckier ones or however you want to put it," said Kenseth, who rolled out fourth on an inverted starting order. "We had a decent car; we hung in there all day and had probably a fourth- or fifth-place car. We were able to hang in there and take advantage when the leaders had problems. It was a fun race and I'm more than a little surprised to be standing here winning." Ross Kenseth finished sixth in the race that drew about 6,000 spectators.(Wisconsin State Journal)(6-18-2014)

  • Amerigas partners with 7-Eleven to sponsor Boris Said on the #32: 7-Eleven, Inc. with AmeriGas will be the primary sponsor on the #32 car owned by Go FAS Racing and driven by Boris Said in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road course race at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 22. "I'm thrilled to be back in a car sponsored by 7-Eleven," commented Said. "We were partners at the 2008 Sonoma race with 7-Eleven and Slurpee on the car and I am pleased to be able to continue that partnership again this year with 7-Eleven and AmeriGas. I'm looking forward to having a great weekend back on the track. I've always enjoyed Sonoma and have had some solid top-10 finishes there. I'm looking forward to adding to that number on Sunday." Said has competed in 14 Sprint Cup races at Sonoma, earning one pole position and five top-10 finishes. In 47 career Sprint Cup Series starts, Said has earned two top-five finishes, eight top-10s and two pole positions (Sonoma in June 2003 and Daytona Beach, Fla., in July 2006). A native of Carlsbad, Calif., Said continues to compete on road course races several times a year. When he isn't turning left and right, Said is managing his BMW of Murrieta dealership in California.
    "AmeriGas is excited to partner with 7-Eleven for this sponsorship in Sonoma with Go FAS Racing," said Andy Patton, AmeriGas' vice president of corporate development. "This is a way to market our partnership together to NASCAR fans around the country. Fans everywhere are using our product for grilling and camping at races and 7-Eleven provides for quick and easy propane exchange."
    "Ever since Boris and I started together in 2006, we have had a shot to win in Sonoma. I know with Boris in the car this weekend we will have another opportunity to compete for a win," said Frank Stoddard, owner of Go Fas Racing. "We've been working over the past few years to have 7-Eleven back with us and with the support of AmeriGas this year we were able to bring it all together. We're all looking forward to the race weekend and hopefully some great results for 7-Eleven and AmeriGas."(Go FAS Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #32 Team Schemes page.(6-18-2014)

  • Testing at Indy UPDATE: There are six Sprint Cup Series drivers expected to participate testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, June 16 & 17. #14-Stewart, #31-Newman, #16-Biffle, #22-Logano, #18-Busch and #15-Bowyer. As is customary in these things, the event will be officially closed to the public but at the south end of the facility, in front of the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, will be open for free spectator viewing.(Indianapolis Star)(6-13-2014)
    UPDATE: Six drivers hit the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday afternoon for a tire test ahead of July's Brickyard 400. During the closed portion of the test, #14-Tony Stewart made contact with the Turn 1 wall. He was not transported by paramedics, according to IMS officials. He is, however, in contact with NASCAR medical personnel. In addition to Stewart, #31-Ryan Newman, #15-Clint Bowyer, #22-Joey Logano, #18-Kyle Busch and #16-Greg Biffle were part of the test. Drivers go through tire tests all the time throughout the year, and Bowyer candidly summed up what the drivers get out of them. "Testing sucks, I'm not going to beat around the bush about it," said Bowyer, laughing. "It's so much more fun to come here and compete...You go out there as a driver and make a few laps, and come back in and complain about it, it wasn't very good, or it may have been good. Then, you make more changes and go back out and try again." Newman, who won the Brickyard in 2013, was just happy to be home in Indiana. "It always will be a special place. Not just because I won here, but I have family here," said Newman. "We went over and played some putt-putt last night, rode some go-carts. That type of thing I don't get to do very often. Just in general, the Speedway is a special place."(WISH TV)(6-18-2014)

  • Sonoma Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will run the same Goodyear tire code on all four tire positions at Sonoma . . . this is the first time teams will be running this code, which came out of a Goodyear test at Sonoma on March 25-26 . . . teams and drivers participating in that test were #9-Marcos Ambrose, #14-Tony Stewart, #18-Kyle Busch, #24-Jeff Gordon and #55-Brian Vickers . . . compared to what was run at Sonoma last year, this tire features a compound change designed to give the cars more grip . . . as on all NASCAR road courses, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Sonoma. While Goodyear will have wet weather tires at Road America for the Nationwide Series race, it will NOT be bringing its wet weather radials to Sonoma for the Sprint Cup Series race (Goodyear), see tire codes. pressures, set limits and more on the Sonoma Race Info page - Goodyear section.

  • Michigan TV Ratings: The NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Michigan earned a 2.7 U.S. rating and 4.254 million viewers on TNT Sunday, down 4% in ratings and 6% in viewership from last year (2.8, 4.5M), down 16% and 19%, respectively, from 2012 (3.2, 5.3M), and the lowest rated edition of the race since at least 1996. The previous low was a 2.8 rating for last year's race. Sunday's race also ranks as the lowest rated and least-viewed regular Sprint Cup telecast of the season. Of the thirteen Sprint Cup races that can be compared to last year, twelve have had declines in ratings and eleven have had declines in viewership. For the week, NASCAR on TNT was the #4 program on cable and the top sporting event - topping all World Cup telecasts on ESPN. Keep in mind World Cup matches also aired on broadcast networks ABC and Univision.(Sports Media Watch / Bloomberg / TV by the Numbers)
    See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(6-18-2014)

  • June 17: Jimmie Johnson Day in El Cajon: June 17 will now be Jimmie Johnson Day in El Cajon in honor of the six-time NASCAR champion. Mayor Bill Wells as well as city councilors and Senator Joel Anderson bestowed the honor Tuesday to Johnson, a native of El Cajon, in a public celebration. The response was fitting for a champion. Dozens gathered to snap photos of Johnson's #48 show car on display at Centennial Plaza. Hero cards of the local star also were available to fans. In El Cajon, Johnson is known as much for his philanthropic support as his successful racing career. He's given more than $6.5 million to schools in El Cajon and throughout the United States. Fans who turned out for Johnson's celebration said the honor was a long time coming.(NBC San Diego)(6-18-2014)

  • NASCAR Hauler Parade Rumbles Through Sacramento, June 19: More than 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers will rumble through the streets of Sacramento at the 4th annual NASCAR Hauler Parade on Thursday, June 19. The NASCAR haulers, which will be en route to Sonoma Raceway for this year's Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 20-22, will make their way over the Tower Bridge and around the State Capitol on a newly-designed route to greet Northern California NASCAR fans ready for the big race in Sonoma. The parade will also start two hours earlier than past years, with the "green flag" slated for noon. The parade will begin promptly at noon on Thursday, June 19, as the haulers depart their staging area and cross the Tower Bridge, heading for the State Capitol. The new route and more info can see viewed at racesonoma.com)(6-18-2014)

  • Sonoma Raceway Previews Traffic Plan for this weekend: Sonoma Raceway and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently unveiled their plans to mitigate race-day traffic on area roadways during this Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. NASCAR's annual visit to the Sonoma wine country marks one of the Bay Area's largest single-day sporting events each year. The addition of racing fans to the normal wine country visitor traffic puts tremendous strain on the surrounding road systems, particularly the two-lane stretches of Highways 37 and 121. A primary focus this year will be to educate non-race attendees about alternative routes in and out of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. In past years, up to 85% of the drivers passing the raceway on Highways 37 and 121 during peak entry and exit times are not attending the event. When combined with race traffic, the results can bring hours of congestion for all drivers. The raceway's traffic management plan includes an array of measures intended to divert ambient traffic from the adjacent highways on race day. Some of these new initiatives can be seen at racesonoma.com)(6-18-2014)


    News from June 17, 2014

  • New primary sponsor for Gordon? UPDATE2: hearing that Panasonic, an associated sponsor / partner of Hendrick Motorsports will be the primary sponsor at Sonoma Raceway in June and/or New Hampshire in July. Supposedly the car will be blue and white and feature the Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers. Other races that no sponsor has been listed include Atlanta in August and Dover in Sept.(6-10-2014)
    UPDATE: on the Sonoma Raceway entry list, #24-Jeff Gordon's sponsor is listed as Panasonic.(6-17-2014)
    UPDATE2: Panasonic has expanded its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports with a new multi-year agreement that includes primary sponsorship of the #24 team of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and current points leader Jeff Gordon. 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. It will mark the first on-car branding for Panasonic since joining Hendrick Motorsports as a technology partner in 2007. The agreement covers the 2014, 2015 and 2016 NASCAR seasons. Gordon's #24 Panasonic Chevrolet SS will debut this weekend at California's Sonoma Raceway and will again appear Aug. 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Panasonic's Toughbook brand will be featured on the car's quarter panels at Sonoma. Panasonic will leverage the partnership to promote technology solutions and products for business. Hendrick Motorsports currently utilizes Panasonic technology throughout its Concord facility, including cameras, electronic displays, televisions, digital signage, Toughbook computers and projection units. The team also uses Panasonic's professional video products to support its in-house video production capabilities.(HMS), see images of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(6-17-2014)

  • Drivers, family, fans honor Junie Donlavey: Nearly 500 people gathered in the Dominion building at the Richmond International Raceway complex Monday to celebrate the life of W.C. "Junie" Donlavey Jr., iconic NASCAR car owner who died June 9 at the age of 90. Racing historian and radio personality Joe Kelly served as the host. Family, fans, former crew members and former drivers were among those on hand. Ricky Rudd, one of the 60 drivers who drove Donlavey's #90 Ford in NASCAR's Cup series, was among those who recalled Donlavey's genial good humor -- even after Rudd had hit the wall at Darlington Raceway and spoiled the steering in a car that was leading the race.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(6-17-2014)

  • Top 10 Driver Ratings at Sonoma:
    #9-Marcos Ambrose 108.0
    #41-Kurt Busch 107.8
    #14-Tony Stewart 102.4
    #24-Jeff Gordon 101.6
    #48-Jimmie Johnson 97.3
    Juan Pablo Montoya 95.5 (will not race)
    #15-Clint Bowyer 95.2
    #18-Kyle Busch 88.0
    #31-Ryan Newman 88.0
    #99-Carl Edwards 86.8
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (nine total) among active drivers at Sonoma Raceway.
    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.(NASCAR)

  • NASCAR Numbers:
    4: Now that Jimmie Johnson has gotten his long-awaited victory at Michigan International Speedway, the six-time champion has reduced the number of active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tracks at which he hasn't won to four. The remaining venues-Kentucky, Watkins Glen, Chicagoland and Homestead-all lay ahead on the schedule this year.
    8: The number of years between NASCAR Nationwide Series victories for Paul Menard, who won his first race in June 2006 in his last season of full-time NNS competition. On Saturday afternoon at Michigan, Menard won the second Nationwide Series race of his career in his only start this season.
    625: The number of laps led by Jimmie Johnson in 25 races at Michigan International Speedway. That translates to 13.4 percent of the 4,662 laps Johnson has run at the two-mile track. No wonder the six-time champion was frustrated at his inability to win there-until Sunday.
    3: The number of runner-up finishes for Kevin Harvick in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season. On Sunday, for the third time in five races, Harvick chased the eventual winner to the finish line with arguably the fastest car in the race, gaining ground in the closing laps but running out of time.
    9: In the last nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Sonoma Raceway, the number of different winners. They are: Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr. Of those, Stewart, Kahne, Bowyer and Truex, are prominent full-time drivers without a victory this season.(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-17-2014)

  • Sprint name to go away? T-Mobile Cup? Sprint might not be Sprint in the near future, and if the company does want to keep its name, it might have to pay a pretty penny. If Sprint merges with T-Mobile, it is expected to adopt the T-Mobile moniker, according to the latest reports from CNBC. Not only that, it looks like if the deal doesn't go through because of regulatory hurdles, Sprint will have to pony up a hefty $2 billion to T-Mobile. There are more indications that the T-Mobile brand will be the ultimate victor. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has admitted he is okay with not leading the combined company, and reports indicated eccentric T-Mobile CEO John Legere and his management team will be the new leaders. But it's been Sprint that's been pushing the merger, not T-Mobile. Sprint parent company SoftBank's chief executive Masayoshi Son has been touting the merger as a way to shake up the stale U.S. wireless industry.(Latin Post)(6-17-2014)

  • Ron Fellows a no-go for both Sonoma and Road America: Sports car racing legend and one of Canada's most recognizable drivers, Ron Fellows, has long been regarded as one of the best - if not the best - of the NASCAR "road race ringers." But unfortunately, barring any last-minute adjustments, we won't be seeing the 54-year-old Fellows at either Sonoma Raceway (NASCAR Sprint Cup) or Road America (NASCAR Nationwide Series) this weekend. On the Cup side, Fellows' place in the #33 Circle Sport Racing Chevy that he had last year will be taken by Alex Kennedy. Meanwhile, his JR Motorsports Nationwide deal is a no-go for 2014 because of a sponsor conflict. "I'm heavily involved with Canadian Tire, and JRM has NAPA this year (for Chase Elliott, who, incidentally, won the first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last year), so it doesn't work," Fellows told MotorSportsTalk at Le Mans this week. "It's unfortunate, but that's the way it is."(NBC Sports)6-17-2014)

  • Chevy wins challenge trophy: #48-Jimmie Johnson's victory also ended a three-race streak of Ford-powered cars in victory lane here, the Sprint Cup's closest stop to the headquarters of General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. Alba Colon, Chevrolet's program manager for NASCAR series, was happy to claim the challenge trophy that goes to the manufacturer who wins at Michigan International Speedway. "It's great to have a friendly competition and bring this trophy home to our office," she said. The last Chevy win at Michigan was Earnhardt's victory in June 2012.(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-17-2014)

  • New, larger Sprint Vision makes debut at Michigan: Large video boards at Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway have changed and enhanced the overall viewing experience for fans who attend races at those venues. With that in mind, a new and larger Sprint Vision board made its debut this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. While the new video board isn't as big as its counterparts in Charlotte and Fort Worth, it is big enough for fans in the stands to get a good up-close view of what's going on around the track and in the driver's seat. Plus, unlike the boards at Texas and Charlotte, the new Sprint Vision is "portable" enough that it will appear at every remaining track on the Sprint Cup schedule this season (except, of course, the two tracks with the huge boards). The new Sprint Vision is 18 feet high by 32.4 feet wide, a significant size increase from the former version. Plus, it's High Definition to give a crisper, clearer viewing experience, according to Sprint officials.(NBC Sports)(6-17-2014)

  • Sad News - Ray Fox: Ray Fox, 98, one of NASCAR's premier engine builders and mechanics in the 1950s and '60s, died at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday afternoon with members of his family at his side. A family spokeswoman said Fox, who had battled COPD for years, was hospitalized a few days ago and succumbed to pneumonia. Two of Fox' daughters, Gerri and Sandra, were at his side when he died. Fox, who moved to Daytona Beach in 1946 from New Hampshire, captured every major NASCAR Grand National Series (now Sprint Cup Series) race of his day. His driving roster reads like a Who's Who in stock-car racing with NASCAR Hall of Famers Junior Johnson, David Pearson and Buck Baker taking his equipment to Victory Lane in showcase events. Fox is credited with 14 wins as a car owner, but his victory count was much higher in his many roles in sport. He stayed active in racing into his 80s as an engine inspector for NASCAR, then as president of the Living Legends of Auto Racing. He celebrated his 98th birthday at the Living Legends Museum in South Daytona on May 24. For the last two years, Fox has been nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame honors but came up short of votes on the final ballot. His grandson, Ray Fox III, remains in the sport as a Car Chief for Penske Racing. Fox most famously won the 1960 Daytona 500 with driver Junior Johnson wheeling the #27 Chevrolet.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-16-2014)
    SERVICES info can be viewed at Daytona Beach News Journal or lohmanfuneralhomes.com.(6-17-2014)

  • Fans to decide Sieg paint Scheme: Nationwide rookie Ryan Sieg will run a special patriotic paint scheme voted on by the fans for the 4th of July race at Daytona international Speedway. Sieg has been impressive in his rookie season finishing ninth at Daytona in February and is coming off back to back 13th place finishes. "It's been a great start to the season for our small team and we have enjoyed becoming one of the top underdog stories of the year. It's going to be fun having the fans pick our paint scheme for the 4th of July race." Sieg said. Race fans can vote on the special paint scheme by visiting the Ryan Sieg Racing Facebook page.(Ryan Sieg Racing)(6-17-2014)

  • Dillon to run Trans Am race at Road America: When Miller Racing takes to the track at Road America for round six of the Trans Am Championship, the VP Small Engine Fuels 100 Miles of Madness at Road America, the TA2 class race team will have a key addition alongside current drivers Cameron Lawrence and Mel Shaw - NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Ty Dillon. "We're very excited to have Ty with us this weekend," said Mike Miller, owner of Miller Racing. "He's a talented driver with plenty of experience and we're proud that he has chosen Trans Am, and particularly Miller Racing and TA2 to develop his road-racing talent." The NASCAR Nationwide Series and Trans Am Series will both race Saturday at the scenic 4.048-mile road course.(Speed Sport)(6-17-2014)

  • Lally enters Road America: Andy Lally will be back in a stock car this weekend at the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Road America. Lally tweeted, "Happy to announce I'll be racing the #55 SS Green Light Racing w/Viva Motorsports Camaro at Road America this weekend!" The last time Lally raced in NASCAR, he won the Rookie of the Year honors in 2011, posting a top-twenty effort at Talladega. This year, Lally has been driving in the Tudor United Sports Car Championship for Mangus Racing, and has recorded a victory thus far. For the past 14 years, he has been a part of the NASCAR Rolex Grand-Am Sports Cars Series and the American Le Mans Series.(The Racing Experts)(6-17-2014)

  • Sonoma Raceway's Steve Page to be Inducted Into West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame: Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page will be inducted to the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. Page and four other honorees will be inducted during a gala event at the Meritage Resort in Napa, CA on Thursday, June 19, in conjunction with the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 20-22. Page joined Sonoma Raceway as President and General Manager in 1991, after 11 years working in marketing and special events for baseball's Oakland Athletics - where, among other responsibilities - he served as coordinator for the 1987 MLB All-Star Game. He was the principal advocate for Sonoma Raceway's $100 million modernization project, which transformed it into one of the premier motor racing venues in the country. Page is involved with numerous community activities, as well as serving on the board of directors of Speedway Children's Charities.
    Joining Page are Bob Bondurant, founder of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving; Marshall Chesrown, owner of several championship racing teams; Ron Eaton, driver/owner in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West; and Mike Skinner, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series and Truck Series driver.
    For additional information about the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame, please visit WestCoastStockCarHallofFame.com. To obtain details about table sponsorship for the 2014 awards dinner, contact Jenniffer Wentzel at 623-463-5400.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-17-2014)

  • Down Syndrome Rally For Research Makes Successful Stop At Martinsville: Monday may have marked the first "road rally" at Martinsville Speedway, and even though speeds probably didn't top 60 mph in the few laps run, it was an overwhelming success. The third stop in the three-day Race for Research for Down syndrome was at Martinsville Speedway Monday afternoon, with more than 20 two-person teams circling the half-mile oval. More than 40 teams are entered in the rally, but not all are participating in the full three days. By Monday afternoon, the fundraiser had topped $80,000 and $100,000 seemed to be a realistic goal. Sprint Cup driver David Ragan and his wife Jacquelyn were co-chairs of the event, helping to give it a NASCAR flavor. Other stops on the rally include the Wood Brothers Museum in Stuart, the Richard Childress Winery, Front Row Motorsports, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and several other race tracks. Ragan helped kick off the rally in Charlotte Monday morning, but couldn't make the full trip because of a doctor's appointment he and Jacquelyn had with their newborn baby girl Julia, who is less than a week old. David's father, Ken Ragan, who made more than 50 starts in NASCAR's premier series, led the group of cars around the track. He was joined by David's mom Beverly and his older brother Adam, who was born with Down syndrome.(Martinsville Speedway)(6-17-2014)


    News from June 16, 2014

  • Entry List for the Toyota / SaveMart 350(k) Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Said, #33-Kennedy, #66-Nemechek, #95-McDowell.
    Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
    See the full entry list at my Jayski's Sonoma Entry List

  • Michael Schumacher out of coma: Nearly six months after sustaining serious head injuries in a skiing accident, seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher left a French hospital on Monday and was transferred to neighboring Switzerland to continue his recovery. Schumacher "is not in a coma anymore," his manager, Sabine Kehm, said in a brief statement announcing that the German driver had left the Grenoble University Hospital, where he had been treated since his accident Dec. 29. Kehm gave no further details of his condition or medical outlook, saying only that he would "continue his long phase of rehabilitation." Schumacher left the Grenoble hospital Monday morning, said hospital spokeswoman Brigitte Polikar, who declined to give any details on his condition. He was transferred to the Lausanne University Hospital, near the Schumacher family's Swiss home. Hospital spokesman Darcy Christen confirmed the 45-year-old German was admitted but stressed that the facility wants "to ensure that he and his family fully enjoy privacy and medical confidentiality."(ESPN Wire)(6-14-2014)

  • Comcast Xfinity, NASCAR in talks for series title deal : NASCAR is in advanced talks with Comcast Xfinity about becoming title sponsor of the sport's secondary series. Nationwide Insurance, which has sponsored the series since 2007, is in the final year of its title sponsorship, and NASCAR has been looking for a replacement sponsor for the Nationwide Series since last fall. Conversations with Xfinity, which is Comcast's video service, have been going on for several months. Sources familiar with the negotiations said the parties have not reached a contract phase but that Comcast has emerged as a leading candidate for the sponsorship. NASCAR Chief Sales Officer Jim O'Connell said the company doesn't comment on discussions with current or potential sponsors. He added, "With regards to the Nationwide Series, we're speaking to a number of companies in a number of different industries." Comcast did not reply to a request for comment. NASCAR is asking $12 million to $15 million annually in rights fees for the title sponsorship of the series. Media and activation commitments would take the total costs of the deal to more than $25 million. In addition to Comcast Xfinity, NASCAR has met with a number of companies in the auto aftermarket category, including Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone. Nationwide Insurance is spending approximately $10 million in rights fees for title sponsorship of the series. Its total spend, which includes activation at track and media spending, is in excess of $20 million. The company opted to discontinue its sponsorship of the series in order to become an official NASCAR sponsor and sponsor the #88 car driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Next year, Nationwide will sponsor Earnhardt Jr. in 12 Sprint Cup races.(Sports Business Journal)(6-16-2014)

  • Sam Hornish Jr. taking measured approach to return to NASCAR Cup series: As much as Sam Hornish Jr. longs for another shot at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, he vows that he's not going to jump at the first opportunity that comes along. "I'll be looking at a shot for a good Cup ride until I hang up my driver's gloves, but I feel like at this point in time I continue to -- the best way I can put it without sounding too spoiled -- enjoy my time with my wife and my family, and if I'm going to be away from them, I want to be able to hopefully have an opportunity to win a race," Hornish said after finishing second in Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway. "And so far in the three races that I've been scheduled to do this year, we've got a win and a second and a fifth. My overall goal is to be in something full-time that I can compete for wins in whether that's on the Nationwide side or the Cup side. That's where I want to be, so I'm probably a little choosy at this point in my career, but I also know what my objectives are to go out there. I don't necessarily need to have 'driver' beside my name, I just want to have the opportunity when I do go out there and drive to win races."(AutoWeek)(6-16-2014)

  • 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 1:00 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:07 PM (all times are EST). TNT was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 118
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 64
    Number of times TNT utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 38
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:00 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:07 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 187
    Minutes of race broadcast: 132
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 55
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1
    Total race brdcst time 132 Total comm. brdcst time 55
    For past races, links to full reports go to the 2014 TV Commericals page.(6-16-2014)

  • Nationwide Entry List:There are 37cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Gardner Denver 200 at Road America. A few notes:
    Kenny Habul is in the #20;
    Alex Tagliani is in the #22;
    Justin Marks is in the #31;
    Carlos Contreras is in the #44;
    Sam Hornish, Jr. is in the #54;
    Andy Lally is in the #55;
    (6-16-2014)
    See the complete list on the Road America entry list page.

  • Berry to run Iowa with JR Motorsports: JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announced on his Twitter that the team's late model driver Josh Berry will enter his first Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway in August. In 2012, Berry won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship at Motor Mile Speedway. So far this season the 23-year-old has four late model wins. (6-16-2014)

  • Ford extends sponsorship of Homestead race thru 2019: Homestead-Miami Speedway announced that there is a Ford in their future. Ford Motor Company has extended its partnership with the South Florida motorsports facility in a multi-year deal. Ford Motor Company has been the official entitlement sponsor of Homestead-Miami Speedway since 2002. Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer, Ford Executive Vice President and President of the Americas Joseph Hinrichs, and Director of Ford Racing Jamie Allison made the announcement. The partnership was announced at Michigan International Speedway. Ford Motor Company's agreement with Homestead-Miami Speedway is a five-year deal with an option to renew for an additional five years. Other details were not disclosed. Ford will continue to introduce fans to its award-winning product line, such as F Series trucks, Mustang, Explorer and Fusion through a 20,000-square-foot display during Ford Championship Weekend Nov. 14-16. Ford also uses the official pace car program as an opportunity to showcase its latest products, and will announce the unique pace vehicle for the Ford EcoBoost 400 later this year. The Ford EcoBoost 400 will again serve as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship race (HMS)
    AND from a Ford Racing Q&A Session in part:
    Q) IS THERE A GUARANTEE FROM NASCAR THAT THIS WILL REMAIN THE FINALE FOR TRUCK, NATIONWIDE AND CUP THROUGH 2019?
    HMS's Becherer: "We've spent the better part of a year renegotiating this extension and we would not have expended the time and energy that we did had we thought there was any chance that the championship could be leaving Miami in the near future. Now having said that, obviously there are a number of stakeholders that would have to weigh in to a decision of that magnitude. The loudest voice in that conversation is NASCAR's, but the reality is we would not have gone down the path we did if we thought there was a chance that it would leave. And frankly it shouldn't leave."(Ford Racing)(6-16-2014)

  • Consumers Energy Working with MIS and Race Fans to Reduce Energy Usage : Consumers Energy is sponsoring Michigan International Speedway, helping race fans - and Michigan's premier racetrack - to save energy. That begins with this weekend's Quicken Loans 400. "We're thrilled to be part of this race weekend and to provide useful information about energy efficiency to tens of thousands of people at MIS," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience, rates and regulation. "We've helped Michigan residents and businesses save $575 million through our energy efficiency efforts since 2009, and know they can do much more long after the checkered flag is waved on Sunday." Consumers Energy is working to help Michigan International Speedway reduce its energy usage to save money and to build on the racetrack's commitment to sustainability. Consumers Energy will be sponsoring the racetrack this weekend and through the Pure Michigan 400 in August, and expects to provide updates on Michigan International Speedway's energy-saving accomplishments before the August race. "We are committed to providing a world-class race experience, to fueling Michigan's economy and to doing all we can for the good of the environment," said Roger Curtis, Michigan International Speedway president. "We want our fans to come away thrilled with the race experience and the energy savings that they can experience in their home or business."
    Consumers Energy is reaching out to race fans all weekend, providing energy-saving tips, including a direct outreach to the thousands who are camping around the racetrack. Fans can order tickets for the races at MIS online at mispeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(6-16-2014)


    News from June 15, 2014

  • Johnson wins at Michigan: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway for his 3rd win of 2014, his 1st win at Pocono and his 69th career win. The last five points races have been won by a Hendrick Motorsports driver, the first time a team has won 5 in a row since HMS did it in 2007.
    Pole winner #4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by 2-Keselowski, #27-Menard, #5-Kahne, #24-Gordon, #88-Earnhardt Jr., rookie #42-Larson, #22-Logano and #15-Bowyer.
    #4-Harvick, the pole winner, led the most laps with 63.
    #24-Gordon (1 win) keeps the points lead after finishing 6th and leads #48-Johnson by 15 points.
    #48-Johnson leads the Chase Seeding with three wins, 2nd in points. #88-Earnhardt Jr. is second with 2 wins, 3rd in points then #22-Logano has 2 wins and is 8th in points and #4-Harvick has two wins and is 9th in points.
    There were 25 lead changes among 13 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 36 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 143.441mph.
    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).(6-15-2014)

  • Race Fast Facts - Michigan International Speedway:
    #48-Jimmie Johnson won the 46th Annual Quicken Loans 400, his 69th victory in 450 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Johnson is eighth on the all-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins list.
    This is his series-leading third victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 25 races at Michigan International Speedway. Johnson now remains winless at only four tracks on the current schedule: Kentucky, Watkins Glen, Chicago and Homestead.
    This is Hendrick Motorsports' fifth consecutive victory, the third time it has accomplished the feat. Hendrick Motorsports twice accomplished the feat in 2007, including a streak of six straight wins.
    #4-Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 27 races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
    #2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his third top-10 finish in ten races at Michigan International Speedway.
    #42-Kyle Larson (eighth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    #24-Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 15 points over #48-Jimmie Johnson.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-15-2014)

  • 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
    [after Michigan, race 15 of 36]
    1) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 537
    2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 522, -15
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 514, -23
    4) #20-Matt Kenseth, 513, -24
    5) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 490, -47
    6) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 462, -75
    7) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 454, -83
    8) #42-Kyle Larson, 454, -83
    9) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins],447, -90
    10) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 446, -91
    Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
    12) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 435, -102
    27) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 315, -222 (104 pts ahead of 31st)
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Michigan Race & Points Report (pdf).(6-15-2014)

  • Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Seedings:
    [after Michigan, race 15 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 3 wins, 2nd in points
    2) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2 wins, 3rd
    3) #22-Joey Logano, 2 wins, 7th
    4) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2 wins, 9th
    5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1 win, 1st
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski, 1 win, 5th
    7) #99-Carl Edwards, 1 win, 6th
    8) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 10th
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 12th
    10) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 26th
    (no wins, in by points)
    11) #20-Matt Kenseth, 4th
    12) #42-Kyle Larson, 8th
    13) #31-Ryan Newman, 11th
    14) #27-Paul Menard, 13th
    15) #15-Clint Bowyer, 14th
    16) #16-Greg Biffle, 15th
    (6-15-2014)

  • Eddie Cheever III interested in NASCAR: Eddie Cheever Jr. came up through the European open-wheel ranks to run Formula One and capture the 1998 Indianapolis 500. His son, Eddie Cheever III, was taking the same path. But, earlier this year, Cheever abruptly diverted course and made a significant career change when he discovered the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. The Euro Series emulates American-made, NASCAR-style racing with full-bodied, sedan-style cars with races in England, France, Spain, Italy and Germany. With the Formula One dream out of the way, Cheever hopes this new path takes him to the United States, where his stock-car training will be elevated. Cheever hopes to have a NASCAR K&N Pro Series ride in the near future. K&N has been a major pipeline to NASCAR's national series in recent years."My goal is to become a professional driver," Cheever said. "If I'm good enough and have resources, Sprint Cup driver would be my dream."(Daytona Beach News-Journal)(6-15-2014)

  • Michigan Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
    " 366 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway; 269 in more than one.
    " Four of the 89 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.
    " 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).
    " 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.
    " 35 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 20.
    " The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Michigan was 32nd, by Mark Martin in the spring of 2009.(NASCAR)(6-15-2014)

  • New owner would like to bring NASCAR back to Nashville Superspeedway: Robb Sexton, new owner of Nashville Superspeedway, won't rule out attempting to bring back NASCAR and IndyCar racing at some point in the future. "Never say never," Sexton said Tuesday during an interview about his vision for the sprawling Gladeville track on which racing was suspended three years ago. During its 11 years of operation, the track ran NASCAR Nationwide and truck races, and was on the IndyCar schedule for eight seasons. The lower-tier NASCAR races failed to draw, the IndyCar Series departed, and the big dreams for the track died. In addition to utilizing the 1.3-mile main racetrack, Sexton also expressed interest in developing the drag strip, dirt track and short track that were included in the original blueprints. "We plan to develop the entire facility," Sexton said. "We have a comprehensive business plan that involves using the track 52 weeks a year, with a primary emphasis on the motorsports community. Our focus is on a motorsports identity." Sexton anticipates having some form of activity on the track this year, but declined to discuss particulars. He said he will reveal specifics at a press conference next month. It is speculated that the Superspeedway facility will be put to multiple uses, including automotive testing and as a possible entertainment venue, in addition to hosting various forms of motorsports.(Lebanon Democrat)(6-15-2014)


    News from June 14, 2014


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  • Final practice for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #42-Larson 198.424
    #24-Gordon 198.265
    #4-Harvick 198.238
    #48-Johnson 198.183
    #55-Vickers 197.797
    slowest: #36-Sorenson 191.995 & #33-Stremme 191.327.
    For fastest speeds, laps run go to the Michigan final practice speeds page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • First Saturday practice for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #48-Johnson 202.054
    #24-Gordon 201.726
    #4-Harvick 201.556
    #42-Larson 201.489
    #5-Kahne 201.354
    slowest: #33-Stremme 195.238 & #32-Kvapil 192.988.
    notes: #66-Moffitt spun early but didn't hit anything.
    For fastest speeds, laps run go to the Michigan first Saturday practice speeds page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International 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 in front of it.
    #88-Earnhardt Jr., who starts 3rd took the 38th pit stall, the 2nd stall with an opening in front of it.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #27-Menard, who starts 5th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-14-2014)

  • Michigan Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
    · Bill Elliott leads the series in starts at Michigan with 61. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 42 starts.
    · 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.
    · Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Michigan with a 9.292.
    · Carl Edwards leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Michigan with an 8.316. Matt Kenseth (9.621) is the only other active driver with an average finish in the top 10.
    · 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 954 laps led in 42 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), but Patrick has the best average finish (18th).(NASCAR)(6-14-2014)

  • Kahne discusses Kyle Busch and contract: #5-Kasey Kahne met with members of the media at Michigan International Speedway on Friday and discussed the status of his contract with Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Busch, the transcript in part:
    Q) WHERE ARE YOU WITH YOUR DRIVER'S CONTRACT WITH HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS?
    Kahne: "I like being at HMS. It is just an unbelievable place. Getting to work with the three teammates that I get to work with each week is better than anything I've ever done in racing as far as guys I've been able to work with. I am getting information there from three of the best in racing. I've enjoyed every bit of it. Mr. Hendrick is always trying to help me as a driver; as a person and he gives us every opportunity. So, I want to be there a long time. We still have a year-and-a-half before my deal's up. So I think performance, and sponsors that want to be part of them, and just getting our team back where it needs to be. We've struggled some this year for really no reason. We can't have that. If we can get rid of some of those struggles, I would hope that I would be at Hendrick Motorsports for a long time."
    Q) WHEN DO YOU START TALKING ABOUT RENEWAL?
    Kahne: "I think you start talking about it whenever they start talking about it. I don't know when that date is, but I think we have a lot of really good things going on, and with a little bit of performance here and there, maybe it will come up sooner than later. I would love to be there for a long time, so we will kind of have to see how that works out."
    Q) HAVE YOU AND KYLE BUSCH SPOKEN SINCE LAST WEEK? IF SO, HOW DID THAT GO?
    Kahne: "He sent me an email, then a text to ask if I got it. I told him I did, and that is how it went. I talked through every situation and scenario last year with him when we had them, and to this day, I've still raced him the exact same way. For him to do that, I knew it was coming as soon as he floored it in the corner. I was like 'He can't. He can't. He's going to run me right in the wall'. I think he was having a bad day, and just loses it. But as far as us talking, we haven't. He did write me an email, but I don't really care anymore. I don't care to talk to him or anything."(Team Chevy)(6-14-2014)

  • Patrick says Haas has not talked to her about F1 ride: #10-Danica Patrick said she is flattered that her name keeps coming up to go racing in Formula 1, but for now, at least, it's a non-starter. In a wide ranging interview with The Toronto Sun outside her motorhome at Michigan International Speedway on Friday, Patrick said her plate is full right now just trying to master the #10 Stewart Haas Racing Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, where she is halfway through her second season in the big stock cars. The offer to go F-1 racing came from her NASCAR team co-owner Gene Haas, who plans on entering the open-wheel fray in the 2016 season with an all-American team. At the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal last weekend, Haas said Patrick would be considered as a driver for the team. Patrick, however, admitted she might have jumped at the opportunity 10 years ago, but her life has changed a lot since then and that she hasn't been asked by Haas or anybody else what her thoughts were on the subject. "I agree that anything is possible, but nobody has said anything to me," she said. "I am happy where I am at right now as far as racing goes. I am just starting to get the hang of Sprint Cup racing." Patrick didn't, though, absolutely rule out going back to open-wheel racing if the right offer came along. "Out of respect for Gene, if he came to me I would certainly listen, but I am almost getting too old (32) to start a third career," she said.(see full story at the Toronto Sun)(6-14-2014)

  • Moffitt signs multi-year deal with MWR: Ty Norris, Michael Waltrip Racing executive vice president of business development and general manager, discusses Brett Moffitt and Jeff Burton's roles and plans with MWR:
    Q) What is Brett Moffitt's future with MWR?
    Norris: "Brett (Moffitt) has been doing quite a bit of testing for us in various forms. We've seen a lot of progress in him -- he was very successful for us when he drove for us in the K&N Series and even then we always felt that he should be the next driver to get the opportunity to go to the Truck Series, the Nationwide Series, but unfortunately MWR doesn't own a Nationwide team or a Truck Series team so an opportunity came available to run him in the Cup car at Dover with our relationship with Jay Robinson Racing. Brett was as good as we thought he was going to be and very, very impressive. We decided to bring him up here (Michigan) and run with a full MWR effort and just kind of see where he goes. In the meantime, we've decided to go ahead and put him under contract with a multi-year driver contract to try to advance his career and try to see if we can give him some opportunities to showcase his talent. You've seen a lot of young drivers come through -- he's as good as any of them. He raced against Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson and some of those guys in the K&N East Series. We feel that given the right opportunity just like those guys have received great opportunities, he could show to be very fast and a very competitive race car driver at the Sprint Cup level."
    Q) What will Brett Moffitt's schedule look like the rest of this season?
    Norris: "It's hazy a bit. What we decided to do is put him in a contract without trying to nail down a schedule at first. After this event we will probably try to run him at least three or four more times this year out of the MWR camp. I don't know how many times he'll run the 66 any other time. He might run another four or five races this year at least, but it will have to be the right place at the right time with the right resources supporting it. He probably won't run again until at least August because at the same time Jeff Burton is going to run for us at New Hampshire and we're still trying to figure out the whole schedule of the 66."
    Q) What will Jeff Burton's role be with the team now that Brett Moffitt will also be a driver of the #66?
    Norris: "Jeff Burton's role is that he is going to continue to work with the 66 and with Michael Waltrip Racing -- he's going to be racing New Hampshire for us, but he's also going to be working with Brett (Moffitt) when Brett does get the opportunities to help coach him and use his experience to help him fast track to understand. It's going to take someone with Jeff's experience to help work with Brett to get him comfortable racing through the event and thinking through the event and know how to race certain people at certain places so Jeff's experience is really going to help Brett when he does get those handful of opportunities the rest of this year."(Toyota Racing/MWR)(6-14-2014)

  • CRC Industries returns to promote K&W Fiberlock on the #40 at MIS: CRC will partner with Hillman Racing and driver Landon Cassill as the primary sponsor of the #40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry this weekend at Michigan International Speedway to promote K&W FIBERLOCK Head Gasket & Block Repair. CRC, a manufacturer of an extensive arsenal of automotive maintenance products, will showcase its widely-accepted cooling system additive with Cassill behind the wheel of the #40 CRC/K&W FIBERLOCK Chevrolet in Sunday's Quicken Loans 400. Easy to use, K&W FIBERLOCK does not require you to drain the cooling system first as in the case of many other cooling system additives on the market today.(Hillman Racing)
    Plus the team is holding a contest to decide which NBS paint scheme to run at Daytona in July on Landon Cassill's Facebook page. See images of the #40 CRC K&W Fiberlock car on the 40 Team Schemes page.(6-14-2014)

  • Keselowski says US not producing quality race engineers: #2-Brad Keselowski says when it comes to race engineers, he wants to work with the best in the business, if not the world. And, according to Keselowski, that means looking outside the United States. That's what Team Penske is doing, anyway, and the team currently lists three vehicle dynamic engineers on staff from Canada. "It's probably a larger story in itself that the American engineering pool is very shallow right now," said Keselowski after he qualified sixth at Michigan International Speedway on Friday for Sunday's Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. "Penske is moving to any other country [to find them]. We've hired multiple engineers from Europe over the last three or four years and we're pilfering everyone we can in the great country of Canada, so if you know any of them, send them our way. It's just very hard to get engineers with the educational background and commitment that we need to be successful at this level from the United States. There's certainly a shortage, not just at Penske, but throughout the garage."(AutoWeek)(6-14-2014)

  • Corrigan Propane an associate sponsors for #13 at Michigan: Corrigan Propane began in 1958, when Bernie Corrigan started the business with a single service station and one tow truck. Similarly, Germain Racing began modestly and moved into the spotlight of NASCAR's biggest stage, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, the #13 GEICO Chevy will feature Corrigan Propane as an associate sponsor for the Quicken Loans 400. What began as a single service station has expanded into a family of companies including: Corrigan Propane is the residential arm of a family of Corrigan companies like Corrigan 24-hour Towing, Corrigan Construction, Corrigan Lubricants, Corrigan Transportation, Corrigan Propane and Technical Environmental Services. Today Corrigan is owned by Mike and Tim Corrigan and the company's five Michigan locations provide solutions for commercial and residential customers in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.(Germain Racing)(6-14-2014)

  • NASCAR Euro driver killed in Philippines: Former NASCAR Whelen Euro Series driver Ferdinand "Enzo" Pastor was shot and killed Thursday night in Quezon City, Philippines. Pastor was the first Filipino driver in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, finishing sixth in the series standings in 2013. According to reports, the 32-year-old was traveling to Pampanga for the Asian V8 Championship, a stock-car race for drivers from the Asia-Pacific area. The incident occurred when Pastor was driving a truck carrying his race car to Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. Paulo Salazar, Pastor's assistant who was also injured in the shooting, said they stopped at a traffic light when a masked man approached the vehicle and began shooting. Pastor was struck in the head, neck and arm, and died after being transported to the hospital. According to the report, police investigators ruled out robbery since none of Pastor's personal belongings were stolen during the incident. They are still trying to determine if the shooting was related to racing.(FoxSports)(6-14-2014)

  • Ebron named grand marshal and Emerson named honorary starter for Quicken Loans 400: The Detroit Lions' first-round draft pick Eric Ebron is the grand marshal and Quicken Loans chief executive officer Bill Emerson will serve as the honorary starter for Sunday's Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The rookie tight end will give the command of "Start your engines!" when the race gets under way. "I am excited," Ebron said. "I've never been to a race before, and being new to the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan, it's an honor. I know NASCAR has a lot of ties to North Carolina, so I'm proud to represent my hometown of Greensboro, my university and the Detroit Lions." Ebron was the first-round draft pick (10th overall) of the Lions in the 2014 NFL Draft. The North Carolina product caught 112 career passes for 1,805 yards and eight touchdowns for the Tar Heels. The Lions project the athletic tight end to step right in as a starter and serve as another valuable addition to its offensive unit this upcoming season.
    As chief executive officer, Emerson is responsible for the leadership and growth of Quicken Loans, the nation's second largest retail mortgage lender and largest VA mortgage provider. Dedicated to his community, Emerson has been the recipient of the ALS Association's Iron Horse Award and the Salvation Army's prestigious William Booth Award, the non-profit's highest honor. He also supports the Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter. Fans can order tickets online at mispeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(6-14-2014)

  • Congrats: to Jordan Wood Hicks and Michael Hicks on the birth of their first child, a daughter, Giselle Laken Hicks, born June 13, 2014. Giselle's grandfather is Eddie Wood, co-owner of #21-Wood Brothers Racing and her great-grandfather is 2012 NASCAR Hall of Famer Glen Wood. Jordan works for Wood Brothers Racing and Michael works for Joe Gibbs Racing.(6-14-2014)

  • Menard wins Nationwide race at Michigan: #33-Paul Menard won the Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 at Michigan International Speedway. #20-Sam Hornish, Jr. finished second followed by #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #54-Kyle Busch, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #7-Regan Smith, #42-Kyle Larson, #3-Ty Dillon, and #60-Chris Buescher. #22-Logano was leading by nearly 2 seconds with 5 laps to go when he had a tire go down. He had to pit and finished the race 16th.
    There were 4 cautions for 22 laps and 14 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Michigan race results page (pdf).
    (6-14-2014)

  • Michigan Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
    Paul Menard won the 23rd Annual Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250, his second victory in 184 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
    With the win, Menard ends a 98-start winless streak, dating back to June 24, 2006 (Milwaukee).
    This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in nine races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Sam Hornish Jr. (second) posted his second top-10 finish in five races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2014.
    Dale Earnhardt Jr. (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in five races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Chase Elliott (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Regan Smith leads the point standings by 14 points over Elliott Sadler.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-14-2014)

  • Nationwide Driver standings following Michigan:
    1) #7-Regan Smith 485
    2) #11-Elliott Sadler 471, -14
    3) #9-Chase Elliott 465, -20
    4) #3-Ty Dillon 450, -35
    5) #6-Trevor Bayne 435, -50
    6) #2-Brian Scott 430, -55
    7) #62-Brendan Gaughan1 363, -122
    8) #60-Chris Buescher 362, -123
    9) #99-James Buescher 361, -124
    10) #16-Ryan Reed 333, -152
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Nationwide Owner Standings following Michigan are posted (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Kyle Busch on Nationwide pole at Michigan: #54-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole for the Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 193.242mph, a new track record. #9-Chase Elliott will start second followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #42-Kyle Larson, #33-Paul Menard, #2-Brian Scott, #31-Dylan Kwasniewski, #7-Regan Smith, #22-Joey Logano, #60-Chris Buescher, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and #11-Elliott Sadler.
    Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #27-Paul Menard at 193.138mph.
    Menard was also quickest in the opening session at 191.571mph.
    Did Not Qualify: #46-Matt Dibenedetto, #76-Tommy Joe Martins, #89-Morgan Shepherd. The starting lineup is posted on the Michigan starting lineup page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Michigan Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
    Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 23rd Annual Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 with a track qualifying record lap of 37.259 seconds, 193.242 mph.
    This is his 39th pole in 281 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
    This is his third pole and ninth top-10 start in 2014.
    This is his first pole in seven races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Chase Elliott (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2014 and his first in one races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Ty Dillon (third) posted his first top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his seventh in 13 races this season.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-14-2014)

  • Youtheory expands sponsorship of Cope: According to Derrike Cope's Facebook page, "Youtheory has just announced that they are going to be the primary sponsor for the #70 Camaro for the remainder of the 2014 race season with Derrike Cope as driver. They are launching their Men's Line of supplements at Daytona in July. Their sponsorship will allow DCR to elevate our performance to a great degree."(6-14-2014)

  • Wallace wins truck race at Gateway: #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. won the Drivin' for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park. #77-German Quiroga finished second followed by: #17-Timothy Peters, #98-Johnny Sauter, #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #00-Cole Custer, #29-Ryan Blaney, #5-John Wes Townley, #9-Chase Pistone, and #32-Tayler Malsam. There were 7 cautions for 39 laps and 12 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Gateway race results page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Gateway Race Fast Facts:
    Darrell Wallace Jr. won the Inaugural Drivin' for Linemen 200, his second victory in 29 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2014.
    German Quiroga (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 2014.
    Timothy Peters (third) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
    Chase Pistone (ninth) was the highest finishing Sunoco Rookie.
    Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 10 points over Matt Crafton.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(6-14-2013)

  • Driver standings following Gateway:
    1) ) #98-Johnny Sauter, 261
    2) #88-Matt Crafton, 251, -10
    3) #30-Ron Hornaday, 248, -13
    4) #17-Timothy Peters, 246, - 15
    5) #29-Ryan Blaney, 244, -17
    6) #77-German Quiroga, 243, -18
    7) #5-John Wes Townley, 234, -27
    8) #31-Ben Kennedy, 229, -32
    9) Darrell Wallace, Jr., 218, -43 10) #13-Jeb Burton, 211, -50
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Owner Standings following Gateway are posted (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • Custer on pole at Gateway: #00-Cole Custer won the 21 Means 21 pole for the Drivin' for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed of 136.426mph. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. will start second, followed by: #51-Erik Jones, #20-Gray Gaulding, #9-Chase Pistone, #13-Jeb Burton, #19-Tyler Reddick, #21-Joey Coulter, #77-German Quiroga, and #17-Timothy Peters.
    Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr.
    #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 136.219mph.
    See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(6-14-2014)

  • Gateway Qualifying Notes:
    Cole Custer won the Keystone Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the Inaugural Drivin' for Linemen 200 with a lap of 32.985 seconds, 136.426 mph.
    Custer sets a new track qualifying record, besting Ted Musgrave's lap of 135.159 mph set on April 30, 2005.
    This is his first pole in three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. He sets a new NASCAR national series record for youngest pole winner at 16 years, 4 months, 22 days. The previous national series record holder was Casey Atwood (NASCAR Nationwide Series - 17 years, 6 months, 18 days at Nashville Speedway on March 15, 1998). The previous NASCAR Camping World Truck Series record holder was Chase Elliott (17 years, 8 months, 24 days at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 21, 2013). This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2014.
    Darrell Wallace Jr. (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2014 and his first in one races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
    Erik Jones (third) posted his first top-10 start at Gateway Motorsports Park. It is his third in three races this season.
    Gray Gaulding (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-14-2014)

  • Custer fastest in final practice: #00-Cole Custer was fastest in the second practice for the Drivin' for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed of 136.786 mph. He was followed by: #9-Chase Pistone, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #51-Erik Jones, #20-Gray Gaulding, #21-Joey Coulter, #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Johnny Sauter, #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., and #8-John Hunter Nemechek. 28 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Gateway practice 3 speeds page (pdf).(6-14-2014)

  • First Responders at Talladega Superspeedway for Safety Stop: Safety equipment, in the form of two medic helicopters, a fire truck and two ambulances, converged at Talladega Superspeedway Wednesday, June 11th, on behalf of Air Methods as part of the Great American Safety Drive (GASD), a "Safety Stop" event put on for more than 50 area First Responders. The event was part of a 12-city cross-country tour that began in Santa Monica, CA on May 31, and will end Sunday in Hilton Head, SC. The tour is designed to demonstrate the industry's commitment to safety for medical crews and the patients they serve. In the track's media center local first responders were treated to a half day of safety education. The goal of the Great American Safety Drive is to raise $100,000 for Med Evac Foundation International (non-profit), earmarked specifically to support safety research, education and programs such as the Survivors Network and Vision Zero. In addition to the safety equipment, first responders are pictured behind a classic Chevrolet Corvette, with the Talladega GEICO 500 Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird that led the cross-country tour riding the track's middle lane. NASCAR speeds back into Talladega Superspeedway October 17-19 for the GEICO 500 Sprint Cup Series race and fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola Camping World Truck Series event. Log on to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 877-Go2-DEGA for ticket information.(TSS)(6-14-2014)


    News from June 13, 2014

  • Harvick wins Michigan pole: #4-Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light pole for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with track record speed of 204.557mph for his 3rd pole of 2014 and 9th of his career. Harvick has won four races from the pole out of eight previous poles. It is the first time since August 2007 that a Chevy was on the pole, by Jeff Gordon.
    The track record speed is the 9th fastest ever and the 22nd time the pole speed was over 200mph.
    #24-Gordon is on the outside pole followed by #88-Earnhardt Jr., #43-Almirola, #27-Menard, #2-Keselowsi, #48-Johnson, #41-Busch, #22-Logano, #55-Vickers, #1-McMurray and #42-Larson.
    #12-Juan Pablo Montoya makes his return to Sprint Cup starting 28th.
    Missing the race were: #83-Truex.
    See the starting lineup, qualifying results by round and more on the Michigan Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(6-13-2014)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Michigan:
    Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 46th Annual Quicken Loans 400 with a lap of 35.198 seconds, 204.557 mph.
    Harvick's speed is the fastest pole-winning speed since April of 1987, when Bill Elliott set the all-time qualifying record of 212.809 mph at Talladega Superspeedway
    This is his ninth pole in 481 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his third pole and ninth top-10 start in 2014. The third pole is a single-season career high for Harvick.
    This is his first pole in 27 races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Jeff Gordon (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2014 and his 25th in 43 races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Dale Earnhardt Jr. (third) posted his 13th top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his fifth in 15 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(6-13-2014)

  • Second Round of Qualifying for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 10 scheduled minutes. No drivers ran faster than the new track record set by #4-Harvick in the 1st round.
    #4-Harvick 202.988
    #2-Keselowski 202.515
    #1-McMurray 201.930
    #55-Vickers 201.794
    #27-Menard 201.760
    the rest of the top 12: 24 22 88 48 41 42 43;
    out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 5 18 15 78 51 16 3 9 20 99 21 31
    (6-13-2014)

  • First Round of Qualifying for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 25 minutes. One driver. #4-Harvick, broke the track record of 203.949mph, set by Joey Logano last August.
    #4-Harvick 203.995
    #2-Keselowski 202.634
    #24-Gordon 202.583
    #42-Larson 202.406
    #1-McMurray 202.378
    the rest of the top 24: 5 88 27 3 16 43 18 21 9 31 55 78 48 20 15 99 51 41 22
    out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 47 14 10 12 11 17 13 38 34 66 44 33 / 7 98 83 36 23 26 32 40
    Driver who will miss the race: #83-Truex.
    (6-13-2014)

  • Coverage of Qualifying for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is scheduled for Friday, June 13, 2014 at 3:40pm/et.
    Television (TV): FS1, 3:30pm/et (usually 5-10 minutes delay)
    Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
    Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: at 4:30am/et on FS1; 8:00am/et on FS2

  • Qualifying Order for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
    The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #3-Dillon.
    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 Michigan Qualifying Page.(6-13-2014)

  • Friday practice for the Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 80 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
    #5-Kahne 203.332
    #88-Earnhardt Jr. 202.943
    #41-Busch 202.680
    #4-Harvick 202.338
    #3-Dillon 201.873
    #12-Montoya, who needs to qualify in the top 36, was 37th fastest.
    slowest: #32-Kvapil 192.349 and #40-Cassill 193.731
    notes: #77-Blaney's entry was withdrawn. Qualifying record is 203.949mph, held by #22-Logano, set in August 2013. Qualifying is scheduled for 3:35pm/et on FoxSports1 (usually a few minutes delayed).
    For fastest speeds, laps run go to the Michigan Friday practice speeds page (pdf).(6-13-2014)

  • Jack Roush comments on 2015 driver lineup and performance: car owner Jack Roush participated in a press conference this morning announcing their involvement with EcoPower re-refined motor oil, produced by Safety-Kleen. In addition, team owner Jack Roush answered questions regarding the 2014 season and 2015, the transcript in part:
    Q) WHERE DO YOU FEEL YOUR PROGRAM IS AT THIS POINT AND DO YOU HAVE ANY UPDATE ON YOUR DRIVER LINEUP FOR NEXT YEAR?
    Roush: "In due time we'll have announcements for 2015. We've got a lot of 2014 in front of us and we're obviously focused on that. If you looked at our year we've been probably challenged more than some of the teams have with the difference in the ride height. I know that's changed the dynamic of the underbody of the car and it's been a revelation. How low is low enough and how low is too low. Too low is higher than we thought it might have been a month ago and we're sorting that out. We're committing to test as much as we can. We've got a test going somewhere virtually every week, either a tire test at a NASCAR race track - a sanctioned test - or a bootlegged race track test that's not on the NASCAR circuit, so we're testing. We're running our eight-post machine in the lab real hard and we're taking very careful note of the ride height changes on the race track and where we seem to have our challenge and our best result returned. I think that most of the answer for the things that we need are in our box of parts - it's the bump stops, it's a rubber, it's those spring combinations - it's the roll bars. We don't seem to have a kinematic problem. We don't seem to have a fundamental error problem. Certainly the Penske guys are running really well with very similar cars and we've just got to get back to where we need to be. This business cycles. We've had times when we've been the cars to beat for an extended period of time to everybody's frustration and now we're just struggling to get back to where we need to be."(Ford Racing)(6-13-2014)

  • Farmers Insurance & Hendrick Motorsports extend partnership: Farmers Insurance has extended its sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports' #5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team for three years and, in celebration, will give fans the opportunity to help design driver Kasey Kahne's 2015 Chevrolet SS primary paint scheme. As the official insurance partner of the #5 Hendrick Motorsports team, Farmers Insurance will be featured as primary sponsor in 12 Sprint Cup Series races annually, including the season-opening Daytona 500, and as an associate-level partner in all other events. The agreement covers the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons. Fans can now visit FarmersRacing.com to register for access to the upcoming paint scheme design challenge that will allow participants to vote on different elements of Kahne's 2015 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet SS, including paint color, television panel text and more. In addition, one lucky fan will be randomly selected to see the car in action at the 2015 Daytona 500. Voting will launch later this summer.
    Kahne, 34, has been an integral part of supporting numerous Farmers Insurance community programs. During Teacher Appreciation Month in May, Kahne and the #5 team promoted the company's Thank A Million Teachers national program, which was launched at the beginning of 2014 to recognize America's educators. He also raced a special Thank A Million Teachers paint scheme and made appearances at several schools throughout the country to personally thank teachers. Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance joined the #5 team as a primary sponsor in April 2011.
    Since joining Hendrick Motorsports for the 2012 season, Kahne has earned two consecutive Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup berths. In addition to his 16 career race wins, the Enumclaw, Washington, native has earned 26 pole positions, 81 top-five finishes and 139 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. His current contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through the 2015 NASCAR season.(HMS)(6-13-2014)

  • Larson to be a dad: #42-Kyle Larson, met with members of the media at Michigan International Speedway and discussed many topics, including:
    Q) ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR PROGRESS THUS FAR THIS SEASON? YOU ARE TOP 10 IN POINTS, THINGS SEEM TO BE GOING WELL FOR YOU:
    Larson: "Yeah, it's all going really good so far. Top 10 in points; we have been a top 10 car every week pretty much. It really is fun I'm having a blast this year. A lot of stuff going on, me and Katelyn (Sweet, girlfriend) just found out we are having a baby so it's a really exciting time. How good the racing has been going, a new house, all that and now that so it's been a lot of fun."
    Q) WHEN IS THE BABY DUE? Larson: "It was December 29th the first time she went then it was Christmas now it is kind of back to December 29th. Christmas sounds cool so I will go with Christmas."(Team Chevy)(6-13-2014)

  • Newman has to make alternate plans to get to MIS: #31-Ryan Newman thought he had a flight to Michigan arranged for Friday morning. There was only one problem: The Sprint Cup driver planning on letting him hitch a ride left him at the airport. That driver? #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt tweeted Friday morning that he forgot that he had told Newman he could fly on his plane to Michigan. By 9:45, there had been no word on whether Newman had found another flight. Sprint Cup Series practice at Michigan International Speedway was scheduled for 11:00am/et. Newman's wife, Krissie, then responded that her husband had caught on flight on Dale Jarrett's plane.(Sporting News)(6-13-2014)

  • 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 Quicken Loans 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway on the Michigan Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

  • Michigan Notes & Facts - Friday - poles:
    · Donnie Allison won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Michigan in 1969 with a speed of 160.135 mph.
    · 45 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).
    · 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).
    · 17 of the 89 (19.1%) 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 89 (28%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the front row: 16 from the pole and eight from second-place.
    · 67 of the 89 (75.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    · Six of the 89 (6.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan 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 Michigan International Speedway four times; most recently the spring of 2008 race.(NASCAR)(6-13-2014)

  • Theme Park Connection to sponsor Sorenson for three more races: After last weekend's fast paced ride at Pocono Raceway, Theme Park Connection has re-signed to be the primary sponsor on the #36 Chevy driven by Reed Sorenson. TPC has joined with Tommy Baldwin Racing to help Salute the Troops through giving away an all-expenses paid, 5-day Disney cruise. Fans can nominate a deserving military family by sending a video or letter to Tommy Baldwin Racing's or Theme Park Connection's Facebook page. In addition to being the primary sponsor at Michigan this weekend, TPC will also be on board the #36 for Sonoma, and Kentucky. General Manager Brian Ramsey commented,"Theme Park Connection's sponsorship of Reed has been a great boost for our company. We are trying to get the #36 Theme Park Connection Chey a solid finish while supporting the troops. We are looking forward to meeting the military guests joining us this weekend through the Armed Forces Foundation."(TBR), seeing images of the car on the #36 Team Schemes page.(6-13-2014)

  • Testing at Indy next week: There are six Sprint Cup Series drivers expected to participate testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, June 16 & 17. #14-Stewart, #31-Newman, #16-Biffle, #22-Logano, #18-Busch and #15-Bowyer. As is customary in these things, the event will be officially closed to the public but at the south end of the facility, in front of the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, will be open for free spectator viewing.(Indianapolis Star)(6-13-2014)

  • Special scheme for Biffle & 3M at MIS: The 3M team will honor our troops on the #16 3M Military Salutes Ford Fusion at Michigan International Speedway. The 3M Hire Our Heroes program was created by the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division (AAD). AAD serves the collision repair industry, and the goal of the program is to provide funding for scholarships and tool grants so that military veterans, and family members, can get the support they need to find rewarding careers in that industry. The industry needs good technicians, and our veterans need good careers, and we are happy to be able to help bring those two needs together. This is the second year of the program and over 100 veterans have received the grants to help get them started on the right foot in their careers. The 3M team, on behalf of the 3M Hire Our Heroes campaign, has also held a car cleanup event at Ft. Bragg for the spouses of deployed and fallen soldiers to get their cars ready for summer. We will be doing that again at Dover AFB in September.(RFR), see image of the car on the #16 Team Schemes page.(6-13-2014)

  • Different look for the #5 at MIS: The #5 Hendirck Motorsports Chevy of Kasey Kahne will welcome the Bleacher Report "Team Stream" app (http://bleacherreport.com/mobile) on the rear quarter panels for this weekend's race at Michigan International Speedway. Farmers Insurance has partnered with Bleacher Report for this weekend's race to promote the app, whose purpose is to provide another great way for fans to follow Kahne. Fans are encouraged to download the app, as a portion of the proceeds will go toward Kahne's upcoming charity event, The DRIVE. The DRIVE is a celebrity concert and golf tournament Kahne is cohosting with NFL Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson that is helping to raise awareness of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County in Washington.(HMS), see images of the car on the #5 Team Schemes page.(6-13-2014)

  • Hendrick Motorsports on a streak: #88-Dale Earnhardt's performance on Sunday at Pocono marked Hendrick Motorsports' fourth consecutive points-paying Sprint Cup win in 2014. #24-Jeff Gordon kicked off the current streak with his Kansas victory on May 10, which was followed by #48-Jimmie Johnson winning on May 25 at Charlotte and June 1 at Dover. It is the sixth separate time Hendrick Motorsports teams have combined to win at least four consecutive points races, including the 2007 Sprint Cup season when the organization posted three separate win streaks of four, five and six races apiece. The team also won four consecutive races in both 1996 and 1998.(HMS)(6-13-2014)

  • Moffit looking to make 2nd start: #66 Let's Go Places Toyota Camry driver Brett Moffitt is looking to make his second career start on Sunday when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway. The 21-year-old Grimes, Iowa native made his Sprint Cup debut at Dover on June 1 finishing 22nd. Moffitt, Jeff Burton and Michael Waltrip will drive the #66 for Michael Waltrip Racing in a limited number of races in 2014. A partnership between MWR and Jay Robinson Racing will allow the #66 to compete in all NASCAR Sprint Cup races with Joe Nemechek as the primary driver (MWR). Nemechek is scheduled back in the #66 at Kentucky. Waltrip at Daytona in July and Burton is scheduled to make his next start at New Hampshire in July. No word who will run the #66 in the road course race at Sonoma next weekend.(6-13-2014)

  • Michigan Goodyear Tire Notes - new tire at MIS: Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run different tire set-ups at Michigan this weekend . . . in Sprint Cup, teams will run the same left-side tire code they ran twice at this track last season . . . this is the first time they have run this right-side code at Michigan, though they did run it earlier this season at Kansas . . . compared to what was run in 2013, this right-side tire features just a slight compound change . . . another change from last year is an increase of two psi (LF), four psi (LR) and six psi (RF & RR) in the minimum recommended air pressure in all four tires . . . Goodyear tested at Michigan on April 10-11 . . . teams and drivers participating in that test were the #15-Clint Bowyer, #16-Greg Biffle, #21-Bayne, #31-Ryan Newman and #88-Earnhardt Jr. . . . 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 tire codes. pressures, set limits and more on the Michigan Race Info page - Goodyear section.(6-13-2014)

  • Ecopower Re-Refined Oil debuts on the #17 at MIS: EcoPower will serve as the primary sponsor on the #17 EcoPower Ford Fusion, driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for five races in the NSCS - with the first race being this weekend at MIS. EcoPower is a recently introduced brand of motor oil that is re-cycled and re-refined from used lubricating oils. It protects engines and protects the environment. EcoPower is primarily sold to large corporate and government fleets, as well as consumers through do-it-for-me oil change outlets. EcoPower is by far the largest seller of lubricants to the U.S. Military for all branches all over the World; Safety-Kleen has been the majority supplier for almost 20 years. EcoPower protects some of the largest State and municipal fleets (RFR), see images of the car on the #17 Team Schemes page.(6-13-2014)



    All four Hendrick Motorsports teams will remember Junie Donlavey with a special car decal at MIS.
    From Hendrick Motorsports Twitter

  • Sad News - Junie Donlavey: Legendary NASCAR owner and Richmond native Junie Donlavey has died at age 90 according to family members. Donlavey suffered from Alzheimer's disease and passed away Monday night in Richmond. Donlavey got his start as an owner in 1950 at Martinsville. He fielded NASCAR teams all the way into the 2000s. Donlavey's famous #90 car fielded rookie of the year drivers three times (1970, 1980, 1985). Donlavey's family told NBC12 that Junie thought it would only be appropriate if he passed away at age 90, the same number famously featured on his stock cars.(WWBT), see Donlavey's owner stats at racing-reference.info.(6-10-2014)
    SERVICES Wesley "Junie" Donlavey, Jr., 90, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 9, 2014. Junie was a U.S. Navy veteran and the owner of Swansboro Motor Company (aka Donlavey Racing). He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007. A Celebration of Junie's Life will be held 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16 at the Richmond International Raceway, Old Dominion Building, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. His graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Washington Memorial Park, 6217 Memorial Drive, Sandston, VA. 23150. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Victory Junction, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC, 27317.(RIR)(6-12-2014)

  • Menard fastest in Nationwide happy hour: #33-Paul Menard was quickest during happy hour for the Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 with a speed of 191.088mph. He was followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #60-Chris Buescher, #9-Chase Elliott, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #54-Kyle Busch, #31-Dylan Kwasniewski, #20-Sam Hornish, #22-Joey Logano, and #2-Brian Scott. 42 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-13-2014)

  • Menard fastest in first Nationwide practice: #33-Paul Menard was fastest during opening practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 189.668mph. #42-Kyle Larson was second, followed by: #22-Joey Logano, #9-Chase Elliott, #2-Brian Scott, #554-Kyle Busch, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #6-Trevor Bayne, and #60-Chris Buescher. 41 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-13-2014)

  • Lofton fastest in second truck practice: #20-Justin Lofton was fastest in the second practice for the Drivin' for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed of 176.476 mph. Lofton was practicing the truck for Gray Gaulding, who will race on Saturday. He was followed by: #88-Matt Crafton, #00-Cole Custer, #21-Joey Coulter, #9-Chase Pistone, #51-Erik Jones, #77-German Quiroga, #17-Timothy Peters, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, and #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 31 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Gateway practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-13-2014)

  • Pistone fastest in truck practice: #9-Chase Pistone was fastest during the opening practice at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed of 136.141 mph. #20-Justin Lofton (practicing only for Gray Gaulding) was second, followed by #13-Jeb Burton, #88-Matt Crafton, #51-Erik Jones, #00-Cole Custer, #77-German Quiroga, #21-Joey Coulter, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. and #29-Ryan Blaney. 27 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Gateway practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-13-2014)


    News from June 12, 2014

  • Michigan Notes & Facts - Thursday - track history:
    · 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 two-mile speedway underwent a repave in 2012.
    · There have been 89 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.
    · 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.(NASCAR)(6-12-2014)

  • Congrats - David Ragan: David Ragan, driver of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford, announced on his Facebook page: God blessed us today with a healthy little girl. (Perfect timing too) Mom and Julia are doing good!(6-12-2014)

  • Special Dow scheme for Dillon at Bristol: Dow unveiled a special Great Stuff paint scheme for the #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevy of Austin Dillon on Wednesday at the Dow Diamond in Midland, MI home of the Great Lakes Loons. Dow's Great Stuff is an Insulating Foam Sealant that seals air leaks easily, inexpensively and permanently. The #3 Great Stuff Chevy is scheduled to run at Bristol in August. See images of the car/scheme on the #3 Team Schemes page.(6-12-2014)

  • Superman returns to the #88 at Michigan: Superman, the world's first and most recognized Super Hero, will be featured again on Dale Earnhardt's #88 Chevrolet SS this weekend at Michigan. He also ran this paint scheme at the 600-mile race at Charlotte in May. The Superman-themed paint scheme will pair the Army National Guard with the Superman Hall of Heroes, a new online gift-giving portal that empowers consumers to honor their personal heroes; those who have made a positive impact on their lives or the lives of others.(HMS), see images of the car/scheme on the #88 Team Schemes page.(6-12-2014)

  • Mustang to be Pace Car for Sprint Cup Race at Michigan: In a fitting tribute to the continuing 50-year celebration of the iconic pony car, the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang is about to make its pace car debut at Michigan International Speedway. A Mustang GT fastback will lead the field to the green flag for the Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race June 15. Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Company president of The Americas, will drive the Race Red fastback equipped with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine around the track in Brooklyn, Michigan. Built in nearby Flat Rock, Michigan, Mustang is all-new from the ground up. This sixth-generation, rear-wheel-drive car has the long hood and short rear decklid proportions of its most iconic predecessors, as well as that low, wide stance, but its design is very much 21st century, with state-of-the-art engineering and technology. Among the many new features on the 2015 Mustang GT is an independent rear suspension engineered specifically for this new platform and car. It also features an all-new state-of-the-art front suspension. Mustang GT's 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine generates more than 420 horsepower and more than 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Two other engines - a 3.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost - will also be available when the car hits showrooms later this year.(Ford Racing), see an image of the pace car on the 2014 Pace Car page.(6-12-2014)

  • Mayfield adamant he didn't use drugs: Jeremy Mayfield has learned never to say never but it appears that any chance of him returning to NASCAR racing is slim as he remains adamant that he did not use methamphetamine and does not need to go through NASCAR's Road to Recovery program. In an hour-long interview Wednesday with Sporting News, Mayfield covered a wide range of topics that stemmed from his 2009 drug test that NASCAR says was positive for methamphetamines. "I don't use drugs, for sure," Mayfield said. "I don't drink. I might have a couple of beers a year, maybe. ... I don't steal. I haven't broke into any buildings and stole race parts and stuff."(see full story and interview at the sportiungnews.com)(6-12-2014)

  • Why did winner Earnhardt Jr. get less winnings than Keselowski: Anyone who looked at the winnings from the Pocono 400 probably did a double take. Dale Earnhardt Jr., the winner of the race, earned $198,965. Brad Keselowski, who finished second, earned $213,783. NASCAR, in order to encourage teams to run every race, decades ago created a winner's circle program. Teams that win can enter the program for a couple of years. NASCAR gives the team extra money in exchange for the driver going to a track for an appearance to promote an event a few weeks before the race. Every organization is limited to two drivers that are eligible for this bonus money. Earnhardt is not one of Hendrick Motorsports' two winners circle drivers. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon are the two Hendrick drivers on the program. The winner's circle program is not the only program that can cause confusion in winnings. Manufacturers often offer bonus money for a top finisher among their ranks. And several sponsors offer contingency awards as long as the team has the decal of that sponsor on the car. Some teams can't run certain decals because of a conflict with team sponsors and therefore are not eligible for the award. For instance, Tony Stewart won the 3M lap leader award even though he ranked well behind Keselowski in laps led at Pocono because Penske chooses not to run the 3M sticker to avoid conflict with its sponsors.(see full story at Sporting News)(6-12-2014)

  • Bobby Reuse to make Nationwide debut at Road America: Mike Harmon Racing announced that Bobby Reuse will drive the BAPIHVAC.com / WCIParts.com #74 Chevy Camaro SS at Road America during the Gardner Denver 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series event. WCIParts.com is a family business owned by Bobby Reuse and has been a longtime associate sponsor of MHR. This race will be Reuse's NASCAR debut; however, he has extensive Road Racing experience at numerous tracks competing with SCCA, V8StockCar Series, HSR as well as the prestigious SCCA Pro Series TA2. Reuse hopes to make an impressive debut and compete in both of the remaining NNS Road Course events at Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio later in the season.(Reuse PR), see an image of the car on the #74 team paint schemes page.(6-12-2014)

  • Daytona looking to host football games: Daytona International Speedway is undergoing a $400 million renovation that is to be completed before the 2016 Spring Cup Series begins. The front stretch grandstand is being rebuilt with three levels and will include additional restrooms and concession areas. Once it's complete, Speedway president Joie Chitwood III has said he would like to have the speedway play host to a college football game. A Jacksonville Jaguars preseason game would be something Chitwood would be interested in staging on the speedway's infield, though he said he hasn't approached the Jaguars about that yet. "We've not had a formal discussion with the Jags here but we've got some great relationships," Chitwood said. "I know Mark Lamping, their president, and we've done some nice things where he's participated in some sports conferences in Daytona. I've come up and visited some games with those guys. There's always an opportunity."(ESPN)(6-12-2014)

  • Texas Special Pre-Sale Opportunity on Friday: Texas Motor Speedway will offer a special one-day, pre-sale opportunity to the public Friday for individual frontstretch tickets to November's AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race that will be available for as low as $24. The price point will be the lowest available for the AAA Texas 500 scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 2, and offers a 20% discount on the lowest frontstretch seating currently available for Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway. The AAA Texas 500 pre-sale begins at 12:01 a.m. CT (late Thursday evening/early Friday morning) and continues until 11:59 p.m. Friday night online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500. After this one-day, pre-sale event, individual tickets for the AAA Texas 500 will not be available again until the official on-sale date of Friday, Aug. 15.(TMS)(6-12-2014)


    News from June 11, 2014

  • Top 10 Driver Ratings at Michigan:
    #16-Greg Biffle 110.0
    #20-Matt Kenseth 105.6
    #99-Carl Edwards 104.7
    #48-Jimmie Johnson 101.4
    #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. 97.0
    #14-Tony Stewart 95.9
    #18-Kyle Busch 92.0
    #55-Brian Vickers 91.5
    #24-Jeff Gordon 89.8
    #11-Denny Hamlin 89.7
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (18 total) among active drivers at Michigan International Speedway.
    Formula combining the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.(NASCAR)

  • Pocono TV Ratings: The NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Pocono earned a 3.0 U.S. rating and 4.5 million viewers on TNT Sunday afternoon, up 7% in ratings and 3% in viewership from last year (2.8, 4.4M), but down 6% and 15%, respectively, from 2012 (3.2, 5.3M). Sunday's race was the first of the season to have an increase in ratings and only the second to have an increase in viewership. With that said, the race also ranks as the lowest rated and least-viewed regular Sprint Cup race of the season (the All-Star Race had a 2.1 and 3.5 million on Fox Sports 1). The 3.0 is also tied as the second-lowest for the Pocono race since at least 2000, matching 2007 and ahead of only last year. For the week, NASCAR on TNT tied the second-largest audience on cable - matching an hour of WWE Raw on USA Network.(Sports Media Watch / Bloomberg / TV by the Numbers)
    See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(6-11-2014)

  • SKF extends with Team Penske: Team Penske announced that SKF has agreed to a multi-year extension with the team that will expand SKF's technical alliance and continue its associate sponsorship of the team's entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS), NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and Verizon IndyCar Series. A Team Penske sponsor since the beginning of the 2012 season, SKF will continue to be a featured partner on the #2 Miller Lite Ford and the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford in the Sprint Cup Series, the #22 Discount Tire Ford in the Nationwide Series and the #3 Hitachi Chevrolet in the Verizon IndyCar Series. SKF will also serve as a primary sponsor [on the #12 Fored] for both drivers Juan Pablo Montoya at Michigan in June and Ryan Blaney at Talladega in October in the Sprint Cup Series in 2014 [was the sponsor for Blaney's Cup debut at Kansas in May]. In addition, SKF will expand its technical support to the team as it provides both product and advanced engineering consulting and services. As speeds and downforce levels have continued to rise in racing so have the demands on critical components. Through the relationship with SKF, Team Penske has been able to push the limits of vital driveline components to reduce friction without sacrificing durability.(Team Penske), see an image of the #12 SKF Ford on the #12 Team Scheme page.(6-11-2014)

  • Lynda Petty named first-quarter recipient of the NMPA's Spirit Award.: Lynda Petty, one of the founding members of the Racing Wives Auxiliary, was named first-quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association's Spirit Award. Petty, who passed away on March 25 at the age of 72, started the charitable organization, providing assistance to those in need in the racing community. Now know as the Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports, the group seeks to enrich the lives of women, children and families through education and wellness initiatives. The wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty raised a family of four and was active in numerous community and civic endeavors. Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and fellow premier series driver Denny Hamlin also received votes for the first-quarter award. The NMPA Spirit Award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are chosen, and an overall winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership.(NASCAR.com)(6-11-2014)

  • Michigan a tough track for Johnson: #48-Jimmie Johnson has yet to win at Michigan International Speedway in 24 Sprint Cup races. In fact, MIS is just one of five Sprint Cup Series tracks overall that he has not won at in his career, a list which also includes Chicago, Homestead, Kentucky, and Watkins Glen. MIS is the only track left on the list that hosts two Sprint Cup races a year. His average finish at MIS is 16.8.(MIS)(6-11-2014)

  • Ambrose looking to be one of best Petty drivers since 1993: #9-Marcos Ambrose is still looking to get his first oval win, a fact that is not lost on him. But, the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup winner, and former track record holder at Michigan International Speedway, has stats that prove that he is one of the most successful to race for "The King" Richard Petty. Since 1993 (when Richard became sole owner), over a dozen drivers have raced full-time for "The King." It's a list that includes Kyle Petty, Rick Wilson, Wally Dallenbach, Jr., John Andretti, Bobby Hamilton, Jeff Green, Buckshot Jones, Bobby Labonte, A.J. Allmendinger, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Reed Sorenson, Paul Menard and Aric Almirola. Through the list of drivers, it's Ambrose who is breaking through and has the potential to be one of the best Petty drivers, post 1993. While racing for Petty, Ambrose has two wins, three poles, 10 Top-Five and 28 Top-10 finishes. His number of wins equal that of the late Bobby Hamilton and Kasey Kahne. His Top-10 finish mark is only behind Hamilton by one while driving for Petty. He can equal that mark this weekend at Michigan.(RPM)(6-11-2014)

  • McMurray visits Jacksonville Jaguars practice: #1-Jamie McMurray was blown away by the speed he saw on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice field on Tuesday. "What surprised me the most is how fast these big guys are," McMurray said. "When you stand next to them and I'm probably a third of their weight, and to see how quickly they explode off the line -- it's incredible how big and strong and fast they are." McMurray was standing next to the players because he and Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood III participated in a few drills during the Jaguars' OTA at the practice fields adjacent to EverBank Field. They fielded kickoffs from the JUGS machine, did a few line drills, and ran routes and caught passes from the quarterbacks, including rookie Blake Bortles. McMurray and Chitwood were at the Jaguars' facility as part of the 56th annual Coke Zero Powered by Coca-Cola Media Day.(ESPN)(6-11-2014)

  • Humpy Wheeler Q&A.....says NASCAR has 'too many pretty boys': For 35 years, Humpy Wheeler was racing's best salesman and track operator. He was a creative and fearless risk taker, willing to stick his head in a tiger's mouth to publicize races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He and track owner Bruton Smith made each other fabulously wealthy before Wheeler abruptly "retired" after a serious argument with Smith in 2008. Even though his Speedway Benefits company now works exclusively with short tracks around the country that hold weekly races, Wheeler still keeps a close eye on NASCAR. See full Q&A at AutoWeek.(6-11-2014)

  • Mayfield to be interviewed by Sporting News: Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield's 2009 drug suspension and lawsuit against NASCAR still has plenty of people scratching their heads. And it's a story that Mayfield hopes is not over as he attempts to resume his racing career. Mayfield will sit down with Sporting News writer Bob Pockrass for an interview at 1:00pm/et on Wednesday June 11. But this will be different than Mayfield's past interviews with Sporting News. This one will be streamed live. Fans can hear Mayfield's story in his own words and make their own decisions about how they view the former NASCAR star. The only driver to openly fight his suspension over a violation of the sport's substance-abuse policy, Mayfield remains suspended from all NASCAR activity. More info at Sportingnews.com and check out Mayfield's website.(6-11-2014)


    News from June 10, 2014

  • Carcoon Storage Solutions to Sponsor #51 at MIS: HScott Motorsports announced that Carcoons Storage Solutions (CSS) will sponsor the #51 Chevy driven by Justin Allgaier at Michigan. Carcoon is the leading innovator in the portable automotive storage and portable workstation field. Carcoon Storage Systems will be on the hood of the #51 Chevy, with CSSUSA on the quarter panels. Carcoon Workstations are portable paint booths designed for busy body shops and car dealerships as a place to complete small to medium repairs without taking up time in their full-size paint booths. Mobile repairers, going to and from multiple destinations, also use the Carcoon Workstations. The Carcoon Workstations conform to rules implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency. Carcoon Storage Systems also provide the ultimate protection for any automobile for long or short-term storage. Many customers also use the Carcoon Veloce System for convenient daily usage and protection. "We are pleased to be on the #51 car at Michigan International Speedway,"said George Page, owner of Carcoon. "This is our first time being involved in NASCAR, and we are looking forward to a great race at Michigan. Justin [Allgaier] is a solid driver and we are proud to associate our company with HScott Motorsports."(HScott Motorsports), see an image of the scheme on the #51 Team Schemes page.(6-10-2014)

  • New primary sponsor for Gordon?: hearing that Panasonic, an associated sponsor / partner of Hendrick Motorsports will be the primary sponsor at Sonoma Raceway in June and/or New Hampshire in July. Supposedly the car will be blue and white and feature the Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers. Other races that no sponsor has been listed include Atlanta in August and Dover in Sept. See an image of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(6-10-2014)

  • 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 1:00 pm/et and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:12pm/et. TNT was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 117 Total number of companies or entities advertised: 57
    Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 0
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 39
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 30 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:00 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:12 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 192
    Minutes of race broadcast: 134
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 58
    Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 0
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1
    Total race brdcst time 134 Total comm. brdcst time 58
    See other 2014 races, and links to full reports on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(6-10-2014)

  • NASCAR Numbers:
    2: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup races Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won this year, significant because it's the first time since his watershed six-victory 2004 season that Earnhardt has been to Victory Lane more than once in the same year.
    3: The finishing position of Kurt Busch in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway, breaking a string of seven straight results of 18th or worse and solidifying his position in the top 30 in the series standings-where Busch will need to be after 26 races to be eligible for the Chase.
    95: The number of laps led by Brad Keselowski on Sunday at Pocono. Keselowski had the dominant car, but a hot dog wrapper struck to his grille elevated his engine temperatures and perhaps cost the driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Ford his second victory of the season.
    0: The number victories recorded by Jimmie Johnson at Michigan International Speedway, the next stop on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Michigan is one of five active tracks where Johnson hasn't yet posted a win. The others? Chicagoland, Homestead, Kentucky and Watkins Glen.
    593: The number of laps led by Greg Biffle in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan. Only at Texas and Darlington has Biffle led more laps (733 and 718, respectively). The driver of the No. 16 Ford, winless so far this year, has been to Victory Lane twice in the last three races and four times overall at the two-mile track.(NASCAR Wire Service)(6-10-2014)

  • Sad News - Junie Donlavey: Legendary NASCAR owner and Richmond native Junie Donlavey has died at age 90 according to family members. Donlavey suffered from Alzheimer's disease and passed away Monday night in Richmond. Donlavey got his start as an owner in 1950 at Martinsville. He fielded NASCAR teams all the way into the 2000s. Donlavey's famous #90 car fielded rookie of the year drivers three times (1970, 1980, 1985). Donlavey's family told NBC12 that Junie thought it would only be appropriate if he passed away at age 90, the same number famously featured on his stock cars.(WWBT), see Donlavey's owner stats at racing-reference.info.(6-10-2014)

  • Special scheme for Reed at Michigan: Roush Fenway Racing announced that Ryan Reed's #16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will carry the American Diabetes Association's Pathway to Stop Diabetes paint scheme this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The Pathway program inspires and supports a new generation of diabetes researchers who will focus on innovative ideas that lead to discoveries in diabetes prevention and treatment, and ultimately change the face of diabetes. The trend in research today is to invest in a specific technology or pathology. But diabetes is a complex disease with multiple challenges in discovering prevention methods, treatment options and ultimately a cure. Pathway focuses on attracting the most creative and brilliant minds to diabetes research and then help them pursue their discoveries, in essence creating a human Pathway to transformative science. Visit diabetes.org/pathway for more information.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on the #16 team paint schemes page.(6-10-2014)

  • Jamie Dick returns to the #55: Jamie Dick will be back in NASCAR Nationwide Series competition this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 will mark the first race with Dick behind the wheel in over a month. The familiar orange and black #55 will hit the track with continued support from Viva Auto Group, Viva Powersports, and Bestway Autos. Being the 8th race of his 22 race schedule, Jamie Dick and the Viva Motorsports team look to build on the solid foundation laid during the beginning of the season.(Viva Motorsports)(6-10-2014)

  • Nationwide Series Entry List:There are 43 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 at Michigan International Speedway. A few notes:
    Kevin Lepage will be in the TriStar #10;
    Jeff Green remains in the #14 for Eric McClure;
    Sam Hornish will be in the #20 for Joe Gibbs Racing;
    Blake Koch will drive the #44 for TriStar;
    Ross Chastain will drive the #80;
    Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will be in the #88;
    Morgan Shepherd returns in his #89.(6-9-2014)
    See the complete list on the Michigan entry list page.

  • Blake Koch in the #44 at Michigan: TriStar Motorsports announced that Blake Koch will be back behind the wheel of the #44 TriStar Motorsports Camry at Michigan International Speedway this weekend. Compassion Racing will serve as the primary sponsor on the #44 Camry for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the two-mile speedway. Compassion International is an organization that provides sponsorships to children from all around the world. Through a tax-deductible sponsorship of just $38.00 a month, Compassion International is able to provide these children with food, clean water, medical care, educational opportunities and important life-skills training. Serving as an associate sponsor on the #44 Compassion Racing Camry this weekend will be The Salvation Poem. The Salvation Poem is a six-line poem that presents the eternal message of God's love for the world.(TriStar Motorsports)(6-10-2014)

  • Double duty for Gaulding: The Drivin' For Lineman 200 will be part two of a 'Double Header' weekend for Gray Gaulding. Gaulding will also compete on Friday night in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series event at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. NTS Motorsports teammate Justin Lofton will fill in for Gaulding on Friday who will miss the opening practice session while in Pensacola, FL for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series event.(NTS Motorsports)(6-10-2014)

  • Piquet to practice for Townley: John Wes Townley will be pulling double duty racing in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at Michigan International Speedway Friday, June 13th and then the Gateway 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park Saturday, June 14, 2014. Due to the split schedule, Nelson Piquet Jr. will practice #5 Zaxby's Wauters Motorsports entry on Friday while Townley is in Michigan. Townley will be back from Michigan in time for Saturday morning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driving for Linemen 200 practice. Townley has one start in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2009 posting a 21st-place finish on the 1.25-mile Madison, Illinois track. Team owner, Richie Wauters in his tenure as a crew chief has one top five and two top 10 finishes six starts on the track just East of St. Louis, Missouri.(Wauters Motorsports)(6-10-2014)

  • 57th Annual Daytona 500 Tickets On Sale: Tickets to NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race - the 57th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 22 - will go on sale Tuesday, June 10 at 9:00am/et. Tickets for the Daytona 500 start at $65. For the third straight year, the Speedway is offering special youth pricing for Budweiser Speedweeks 2015:
    · 57th Daytona: Children 12 and under will receive 50 percent off all backstretch grandstand seats while supplies last. Children 12 and under are also free in the Sprint Fanzone
    · All other Budweiser Speedweeks events: Children 12 and under are $10 in reserved grandstands and free in general admission areas and in the Sprint Fanzone.
    In addition to the 57th annual Daytona 500, tickets for all Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 events will be available for purchase including the NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the Budweiser Duel, The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona and Lucas Oil 200 Presented By MAV TV American Real doubleheader and Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger. Race fans can also pre-purchase weekend infield camping for The Sprint Unlimited weekend; Rolex 24 At Daytona infield car parking packages; and hospitality packages and Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE passes for all Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 events. Race fans have three different ways to purchase tickets:
    · Online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com
    · Calling 1-800-PITSHOP
    · Visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office
    The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-10-2014)


    News from June 9, 2014

  • Biffle expects to stay at Roush UPDATE: #16-Greg Biffle says he is still in contract negotiations in what he hopes will be a new deal to remain at Roush-Fenway Racing. Between practices Saturday at Pocono the 44-year old driver told PRN's Garagepass radio show, "I really like the program at Roush-Fenway, I really like (sponsor) 3M and that's really my focus. I have talked with other teams and there are options there but I think Roush is where I want to stay." When asked about a deadline as to when he would like to finalize a deal, Biffle said "I'm hoping we have it done in the next month or so. If we don't have something before...I'm going to say at the end of July....I'm going to have to make a decision."(PRN's Garagepass), see past news/rumors about Biffle on the #16 Team News and Links page.(6-8-2014)
    UPDATE: Biffle and his primary sponsor, 3M, will remain with Roush Fenway Racing, multiple sources have confirmed to the Charlotte Observer. An official announcement of contract extensions for Biffle and the sponsor with RFR could come as soon as this coming week, sources said.A team spokesman said the organization would continue its policy of not commenting on drivers' contract status until an official announcement was made.(Charlotte Observer)(6-9-2014)

  • Kahne unhappy with Kyle Busch: #5-Kasey Kahne wasn't happy with #18-Kyle Busch after their accident with 17 laps remaining Sunday in the Pocono 400. The accident occurred on the lap following a restart, and Kahne was on the outside of Busch, who appeared to try to cut in front of Kahne. Contact between the two sent Kahne into the outside wall twice, ending his day. "I had just passed Kyle and I caught (Ryan) Newman (and) I was passing him off Turn 3," Kahne said on the race radio broadcast. "We were side-by-side so Kyle was able to get a good draft down the straightaway. We got to Turn 1 and I was on the outside and then he knew if he didn't clear me there that I would pass him back because I just had. So he just floored it and didn't care there was someone out there and ran me right in the wall."(Sporting News)(6-9-2014)

  • Marks to run two races for Turner Scott: Turner Scott Motorsports announced that NASCAR driver and road-course veteran Justin Marks will be behind the wheel of the #31 SOL REPUBLIC Chevy in two NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. and at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Mansfield, Ohio this season. Marks will drive the #31 TSM car while primary driver, Dylan Kwasniewski, substitutes for Kyle Larson in the #42 car at both events. Marks, a Northern California native, is no stranger to NASCAR, having competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, in addition to the ARCA Racing Series, Grand-Am Sports Car Series and the American Le Mans Series. As owner of GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, N.C., as well as co-owner of Larson Marks Racing's 410 winged sprint car team, the 33-year-old has a passion for all things racing. Along with the driver change for these select events, the #31 car will have support from new sponsors: headphone brand SOL REPUBLIC and Casamigos Tequila.(Turner Scott Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #31 team paint schemes page.(6-9-2014)

  • Entry list: There are 30 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Drivin' for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park. A few notes:
    The #0 is TBA;
    Cole Custer is in the #00;
    John Hunter Nemechek is in the #8
    Chase Pistone is in the #9;
    Ted Minor is in the #12;
    Gray Gaulding is in the #20;
    Scott Stenzel is in the #36;
    Erik Jones is in the #51;
    Justin Jennings is in the #63;
    (6-9-2014)
    See the complete list on the Gateway entry list page.


    News from June 8, 2014

  • Earnhardt Jr. wins at Pocono: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 2nd win of 2014, his 1st win at Pocono and his 21st career win. It is the first season that Earnhardt Jr. has had multiple wins since 2004. The last four races at Pocono have been won by a different Hendrick Motorsports driver [6/2014-EarnhardtJr, 8/2013-Kahne, 6/2013-Johnson, 8/2012-Gordon]
    #2-Keselowski finished 2nd [for the 2nd race in a row] followed by #41-Busch, #11-Hamlin (pole sitter), #42-Larson, #48-Johnson, #31-Newman, #24-Gordon, #78-Truex, Jr. and #1-McMurray.
    Pole sitter, #11-Hamlin, led five laps and finished 4th.
    #20-Kenseth, who came into the race as the points leader, finished 25th with a lot of front end damage, lost the points lead to #24-Gordon, who leads by 16 points over Kenseth.
    #88-Earnhardt Jr. leads the Chase Seeding with two wins, highest in driver points at 3rd. #48-Johnson is second, also with 2 wins, but 4th in points. #22-Logano has 2 wins and is 9th in points. #4-Harvick has two wins and is 12th in points.
    There were 21 lead changes among 10 drivers and there were 7 cautions for 26 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 139.440mph.
    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).(6-8-2014)

  • Race Fast Facts - Pocono Raceway:
    #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the 33rd Annual Pocono 400, his 21st victory in 519 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2014. This is Earnhardt's first multiple-win season since 2004, when he won six times.
    This is his first victory and 12th top-10 finish in 29 races at Pocono Raceway. His previous best Pocono finish was second (twice).
    With his second victory of the season, Earnhardt is guaranteed to be among the top 16 winners after race No. 26. He now needs only to finish in the top 30 in driver points after race No. 26 and attempt to qualify for every race to officially clinch a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
    #2-Brad Keselowski (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in nine races at Pocono Raceway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2014.
    #41-Kurt Busch (third) posted his 15th top-10 finish in 26 races at Pocono Raceway.
    #42-Kyle Larson (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    #24-Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 16 points over #20-Matt Kenseth.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-8-2014)

  • 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
    [after Pocono, race 14 of 36]
    1) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 498
    2) #20-Matt Kenseth, 482, -16
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 476, -22
    4) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 475, -23
    5) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 448, -50
    6) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 443, -55
    7) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 441, -57
    8) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 420, -78
    9) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 418, -80
    10) #42-Kyle Larson, 417, -81
    Other drivers with at least one win, out of the top 10:
    12) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 403, -95
    27) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 283, -215 (60 pts ahead of 31st)
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Pocono Race & Points Report (pdf).(6-8-2014)

  • Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Seedings:
    [after Pocono, race 14 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
    1) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2 wins, 3rd
    2) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 2 wins, 4th in points
    3) #22-Joey Logano, 2 wins, 9th
    4) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2 wins, 12th
    5) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1 win, 1st
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski, 1 win, 5th
    7) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 6th
    8) #99-Carl Edwards, 1 win, 7th
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 8th
    10) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 27th
    (no wins, in by points)
    11) #20-Matt Kenseth, 2nd
    12) #42-Kyle Larson, 10th
    13) #31-Ryan Newman, 11th
    14) #55-Brian Vickers, 13th
    15) #16-Greg Biffle, 14th
    16) #3-Austin Dillon, 15th
    (6-8-2014)

  • Dover Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
    #42-Larson, 5th, 17 rookie points
    #3-Dillon, finished 17th, 10
    #7-Annett, 20th, 9
    #51-Allgaier, 27th, 8
    #26-Whitt, 30th, 7
    #23-Bowman, 31st, 6
    #83-Truex, 32nd, 5
    Kligerman, Did Not Race
    (6-8-2014)

  • Penske denies interest in Edwards: Team Penske owner Roger Penske was adamant that he has "no interest" in Carl Edwards. Penske, who is at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for the NASCAR / IndyCar double-header told Catchfence.com that Team Penske is currently not in a position to field a third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team in 2015, despite the chatter. "There's no interest," he said. "We don't have the sponsorship to do a third full-time team and he's under contract with Roush Fenway Racing. It doesn't make sense."(Catchfence), see past news/rumors about Edwards on the #99 Team News and Links page.(6-8-2014)

  • Hornish to the #21 in 2015? on FoxSports1 NASCAR Raceday, Bob Dillner reported that Sam Hornish Jr. could end up in the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in a part-time ride next season.(FoxSports1)(6-8-2014)

  • #36 debuts new sponsor at Pocono: Jumping on board the #36 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevy of Reed Sorenson is Theme Park Connection, a Disney, Entertainment, and NASCAR memorabilia company. TPC will be running a special patriotic paint scheme, to join TBR in Saluting the Troops. In addition, Theme Park Connection will be offering a 10% discount for all fans on a future purchase either online or in stores, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the Armed Forces Foundation. TBR announced that Theme Park Connection will be joining their "Salute the Troops Campaign." Theme Park Connection launched a vacation getaway promotion on Friday, June 6, where one lucky military family will win a 5-day all-expenses paid Disney Cruise vacation. Family and friends can nominate a family by submitting a video clip or email telling us why their servicemen should win. Entries can be submitted to Tommy Baldwin Racing's Facebook page or through the the Theme Park Connection Facebook page via private message. A panel of judges will then choose the best nomination, and the winner of the vacation. The winning family will announced on race day at Kentucky Speedway.(TBR/140Buzz), see images of the car/scheme on the #36 Team Schemes page.(6-8-2014)

  • Biffle expects to stay at Roush: #16-Greg Biffle says he is still in contract negotiations in what he hopes will be a new deal to remain at Roush-Fenway Racing. Between practices Saturday at Pocono the 44-year old driver told PRN's Garagepass radio show, "I really like the program at Roush-Fenway, I really like (sponsor) 3M and that's really my focus. I have talked with other teams and there are options there but I think Roush is where I want to stay." When asked about a deadline as to when he would like to finalize a deal, Biffle said "I'm hoping we have it done in the next month or so. If we don't have something before...I'm going to say at the end of July....I'm going to have to make a decision."(PRN's Garagepass), see past news/rumors about Edwards on the #16 Team News and Links page.(6-8-2014)

  • No decision on RPM's manufacturer: Sammy Johns, vice president of competition at Richard Petty Motorsports, said the team hasn't made a decision on which manufacturer it will align with next year.(Motor Racing Network)(6-8-2014)

  • Haas thinks Danica could succeed in F1: With #10-Danica Patrick still struggling in NASCAR, could she be headed back to open-wheel racing as one of the drivers for her boss, Gene Haas, who will launch a North Carolina-based Formula One team in 2016? That question was posed to Haas Saturday afternoon following qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, and while he sounded intrigued by the possibility, he also sounded as though it would be unlikely to actually happen. Asked if Patrick would be a good candidate for the Haas Formula One team, Haas said, "I think she would. I think she would. She would bring an awful lot of viewership. I think it would be great for America. I think she would be a great candidate." Haas then quickly added, "Whether that's going to happen or not ... that's, that's, that's ... you know I think that's kind of a long shot there, too."(FoxSports)(6-8-2014)

  • Final Dover TV Ratings: Last week's NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Dover earned a 3.5 final rating and 5.4 million viewers on FOX, down 8% in ratings and 10% in viewership from last year (3.8, 6.0M) and down 5% in both measures from 2012 (3.7, 5.7M). The 3.5 rating is tied as the second-lowest ever for NASCAR Sprint Cup racing on FOX, matching the Kansas race three weeks earlier. The 3.5 is also the lowest rating ever for a Sunday afternoon NASCAR race on FOX. The previous mark was a 3.7 for two previous Dover races. Four of the six lowest rated Sprint Cup races on FOX took place this season alone. Every single race on FOX this season - including the All-Star Race on Fox Sports 1 - had a decline in ratings compared to last year, and all but one race had a decline in viewership. The lone exception was the Darlington race, which carved out a 2% increase in viewership over last season. Despite the lower numbers, NASCAR on FOX was the #2 sports program of the weekend on television, trailing only Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Finals (4.9, 8.2M). It finished well ahead of the #3 program, Game 7 of the NHL Western Conference Finals (2.3, 4.1M).(Sports Media Watch / Sports Business Daily)
    See past races for 2014 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(6-8-2014)

  • Group plans movie about iconic Plymouth Superbird: a group of producers and obviously die-hard gearheads are attempting to raise money also through crowdfunding to make a movie about the fabled Plymouth Superbird. The tentative working title for the movie is quite appropriate: "Winged Warriors." The producers are trying to raise enough money through an initiative on KickStarter.com to not only make the film, but also to build or buy several replica cars, including the original Dodge #88 Daytona test car that spawned the Superbird, as well as Petty's #43 Plymouth Superbird, James Hylton's #48 Dodge Charger and the #99 Dodge Charger Daytona owned by Charlie Glotzbach and Richard Brickhouse. The fundraising pledge effort kicked off June 1, but admittedly is going slowly: As of 7 pm ET Saturday, producers had raised just under $14,000, or about three percent of their goal. The fundraising effort continues until June 30.(more info at NBC Sports)(6-8-2014)

  • Military Veteran Gets Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to Be 'King For a Day': Staff Sergeant Randy Gray and his family will be treated like royalty this weekend at the Pocono Raceway thanks to Eckrich, Weis Markets and Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). Gray, a member of the National Guard will be a guest of Eckrich and "The King" Richard Petty. Eckrich, through its partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and Operation Homefront, surprised Gray, his wife and two sons inside Weis Markets Tannersville store. While shopping for Eckrich smoked sausage, the family was greeted by members of the #43 team who surprised them with free groceries for one year at any Weis Markets location. The team then invited Staff Sergeant Gray and his family outside where the #43 Eckrich Ford drove up to the store front. A member of the RPM team invited the Gray family to not only join them at the track this weekend, but informed them they would be guests of "The King" Richard Petty. Staff Sergeant Gray, who lives in Hunlock Creek, PA, recently returned from a nine month deployment in Kuwait and is currently in the Wounded Transition Unit after sustaining an injury. Gray was enlisted as active duty in the Air Force from 1991 to 1993 before joining the National Guard and deploying to Kuwait.To ensure that that the Gray family will have an authentic Richard Petty experience, they received an RPM shirt, similar those worn by Richard Petty, and additional items that make up the signature Richard Petty look including, sunglasses, a belt buckle and a Richard Petty Charlie One Horse Cowboy Hat. The Gray family will join Petty and the team atop of the famed #43 race transporter to watch practice and qualifying sessions of driver Aric Almirola before viewing the race from the pit box during Sunday's event.(RPM)(6-8-2014)

  • Pocono Raceway Partners with Google: Pocono Raceway has partnered with Google Business View Program, a division of Google Maps, and Aerial Media Productions. "The Tricky Triangle" becomes the first NASCAR track in the country to partner with this Google platform. Additionally, the Raceway has hired another company to capture video using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). "This is truly a great day," said Pocono Raceway President/CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. "Anytime an organization has the chance to be the first in their respective field to partner with a giant such as Google, it is a spectacular day. We are extremely happy about this partnership. We cannot wait to show you the amazing photos and video, once the package is all put together." Still photos and 360-view Photo Spheres, including the Google Tour, are being shot by Business Photo America, a Google-trusted agency. The UAV and other videography is being captured by the Kinston, N.C.-based Aerial Media Productions.(Pocono Raceway)(6-8-2014)


    News from June 7, 2014


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  • Race Coverage of the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2014.
    Television (TV): TNT at 1:00 pm/et; Pre-Race show at 12:00pm/et; green flag approx. 1:18pm/et
    Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs: none

  • Happy Hour practice for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five fastest, slowest and notes:
    #4-Harvick 175.606 (had an oil leak, fixed)
    #41-Busch 175.545
    #48-Johnson 175.452
    #14-Stewart 175.370
    #31-Newman 175.145
    slowest: #77-Blaney 168.155 and #83-Truex 168.618
    no speed reported: #66-Hill
    notes: Late in the session, #43-Almirola limped back to the garage, reporting he lost an engine, but ended up being a tranmission problem, was 29th fastest. Midway thru the session, #4-Harvick coasted to the garage and reports are that it may be an engine problem, which ended up being an oil leak and was repaired. If a team changes a transmission they do not have to start at the rear of the field (per FS1 coverage). Just as practice started, #33-Kennedy spun in turn 3, but didn't hit anything.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average and more on the Pocono Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf).(6-7-2014)

  • Saturday 1st practice for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 60 scheduled minutes, the top five fastest, slowest and notes:
    #4-Harvick 177.291
    #2-Keselowski 177.211
    #55-Vickers 177.085
    #99-Edwards 176.661
    #14-Stewart 176.571
    slowest: #77-Blaney 168.859 & #33-Kennedy 170.830
    See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10 consecutive lap average and more on the Pocono Practice 2 page (pdf).(6-7-2014)

  • Bliss practices the #34: Mike Bliss practiced the #34 Taco Bell Ford at Pocono during the first practice for regular driver David Ragan. Ragan's wife is expecting their first baby.(FS1 practice coverage). Mike Bliss is backup driver for Ragan this weekend. Got a little seat time on track this morning. As for Happy Hour, David Ragan ran the whole session (Front Row Motorsports Twitter)(6-7-2014)

  • NASCAR reporter breaks his ankle while interviewing Earnhardt Jr.: MRN reporter Dustin Long was interviewing #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Pocono Friday when a terrible accident temporarily derailed his weekend. Long fell off one of the scales that NASCAR uses to weigh cars and broke his ankle. Long posted a gruesome photo of the injury on his Twitter account. Earnhardt took the blame for the accident, saying he led Long through the scales as a shortcut.(USA Today)(6-7-2014)

  • Larson to double up at Pocono UPDATE2 wins: This weekend will be the first time #42-Kyle Larson has raced at Pocono Raceway. Pocono, known as "The Tricky Triangle" is one of the few tracks on the NASCAR circuit at which Larson has not raced in any of the sports touring series, but he has logged laps at the track this season during testing. Larson, who is no stranger to running multiple races in one weekend, will be doing double-duty this weekend when he races in the Pocono 200 in the ARCA Racing Series, Larson will drive the #4 Cartwheel by Target Chevrolet Impala. The 80 lap, 200 mile race will give Larson a chance to gain racing experience at "The Tricky Triangle" prior to Sunday's NSCS Pocono 400. This will be his third time racing in an ARCA car. Larson raced at Michigan in 2012 and at Daytona in 2013, where he finished second. He will be the only NSCS driver entered into the race.(CGR)(6-4-2014)
    UPDATE: Kyle Larson will start on the pole for Saturday's Pocono ARCA 200 after winning the Menards Pole Award presented by Ansell Friday afternoon. Larson, a full-time driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, will make his third career ARCA start. The race will be broadcast live from Pocono Raceway on Fox Sports 1 at 1:00pm/et Saturday.(ARCA Racing)(6-7-2014)
    UPDATE2: Kyle Larson passed Mason Mitchell with three laps to go and held on to win the Pocono ARCA 200 at Pocono Raceway. Larson is the 17th different driver to win in the last 17 ARCA Racing Series at Pocono. John Wes Townley finished third, Will Kimmel fourth and Justin Allison fifth.(ARCA Racing)(6-7-2014)

  • Steve Byrnes to serve as keynote speaker at Relay for Life: NASCAR on FOX host and reporter Steve Byrnes, a cancer survivor, will be the keynote speaker at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on Saturday, June 7, in Charlotte, NC. Byrnes, who was successfully treated for head-and-neck cancer late last year, will share his story with hundreds of cancer survivors, caregivers, families, volunteers and other participants in the Luminaria Ceremony following the Relay for Life at 9:00pm/et at Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte. The Luminaria Ceremony, a candlelight vigil, is one of the highlights of the event.(FOX)(6-7-2014)

  • Pocono Notes & Facts - Saturday - drivers:
    · Ricky Rudd leads the series in starts at Pocono with 55. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 42 starts.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Pocono with seven; followed by Jeff Gordon with six.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Pocono with 20; followed by Jeff Gordon with 19.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Pocono with 34; followed by Jeff Gordon with 29.
    · Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Pocono with a 6.500.
    · Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Pocono with a 8.833.
    · 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 Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth with 28.
    · 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 972 laps led in 42 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.(NASCAR)(6-7-2014)

  • Edwards discusses Roush's changes: #99-Carl Edwards met with media at Pocono Raceway after the opening practice session Friday afternoon:
    Q) DO YOU FEEL LIKE ROUSH IS GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
    Edwards: "Yeah, I feel like there have been a bunch of moves internally - there definitely will be changes at Roush Fenway Racing. Chip Bolen moving on is a huge change and shows you the magnitude - I guess we understand where we are at. We know we have to be faster and there are big changes trying to address that. Robbie, Bob Osborne, Jack, everyone is working as hard as we can and we just have to hope that we work on the right things and are able to implement the findings and be better. We have everything there, we just need this much more speed and we would be really good."
    Q) CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IN FORD AND YOUR CONNECTION THERE?
    Edwards: "As far as Ford, I am really proud to represent Ford. I don't think anybody makes better cars than Ford does. I think they really care about their products and they definitely care about racing. It is part of their DNA. That is what we talk about. The company is based on auto racing. As far as their contribution to NASCAR, it is immense and right now yielding great results from the Penske side. I think as a group we have to step up our performance at Roush Fenway to be representative of Ford's contribution. I am really proud to drive for Ford and I think they do a great job."(Ford Racing)(6-7-2014)

  • Kurt Busch: 36 debuts on June 8th: NBC Sports will present an all-access look into the intense preparation, 200+ MPH competition and extreme logistics surrounding Kurt Busch's running the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. The 30-minute special, featuring in-depth interviews, on-track footage, team communications and a seat right next to Busch throughout his races against drivers from two elite series, pulsating travel conditions and the limits of his own endurance, is scheduled to debut on Sunday, June 8, at 4:30 pm/et on NBC. A 60-minute "director's cut" of Kurt Busch: 36 is scheduled to air the following day, Monday, June 9, at 11:30pm/et on NBCSN. NBC Sports' Emmy Award-winning NASCAR production team, led by Executive Producer Sam Flood, teams with the Emmy Award-winning NASCAR Productions to create Kurt Busch: 36.(NBC)(6-7-2014)

  • Biffle and/or Edwards leaving Roush? UPDATE4: While all eyes have been on #16-Greg Biffle's teammate, #99-Carl Edwards, to be the biggest domino to fall, could Biffle actually be the one to set everything in motion? As recently as April, the 44-year-old stated his intention was to stay at Roush Fenway Racing and that a new deal was imminent. "We've been working pretty diligently on that," he told Frontstretch back then. "It has been a pretty good negotiation so far. There are a lot of new people on both sides of the table, so everyone is kind of getting a feel for the program and learning it. We feel pretty good that we'll have something to announce before we get to summer." But as May rolled around, warm weather looming Biffle suddenly sounded colder, less confident in his status for the future. "I think there's plenty of opportunities in the industry to be in competitive cars," he said in an interview on SiriusXM Radio earlier this month. "I enjoy being at Roush Fenway. I love 3M. We have a great relationship and the program works really, really well for 3M ... Plain and simple, I've got options. I know I'm going to be racing. I know I'm going to be driving a car. So I'm not worried."
    Supposedly things have deteriorated from there. Despite saying two weeks ago in Kansas Biffle was "absolutely, 100%" not looking outside his current organization, I've learned that's not the case. Sources claim the driver's plans lie elsewhere for 2015, that he is actively seeking other employment and that the feeling is mutual. One link in particular, direct to the Roush organization who wished to remain anonymous said he's been told the future for Biffle involves "anything but" RFR, the only NASCAR team he's really driven for. If the driver, a Roush Cup full-timer since 2003, does not return next year, speculation has been rampant that he will take sponsor 3M with him. A red flag went up about that possibility on Saturday, when RFR announced that they planned to return their #6 to the track next year. Owner Jack Roush said that he plans for the new team, driven by Trevor Bayne, to be a fourth car, but it's also possible he's prepping to lose financial backing for 2015.(Frontstretch)(5-27-2014)
    UPDATE: Old DW may have just spilled the beans on where Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will wind up next season. And if Darrell Waltrip's body language and hinting is any indication, neither driver will be back with Roush Fenway Racing. During Sunday's prerace show on FOX, anchor Chris Myers asked Waltrip if the two free agents are leaving RFR, and if so, where will their new home in 2015 be. The first part of Waltrip's reply wasn't totally surprising. But then Waltrip dropped an obvious bombshell. Reaching over to put his right hand on the shoulder of younger brother Michael, who just happens to own Michael Waltrip Racing, DW's body language and then verbiage said it all - and left Michael staring straight ahead almost in shock. "And Greg Biffle will go to some two-car team that maybe one time had a third car," Darrell Waltrip said. In an attempt to quickly try and cover up what his older brother just said - and obviously deflect that scenario (probably because MWR isn't ready to make a potential announcement yet) - Michael gave his take on it. "Uhhhhhh, I think Carl goes and Greg stays," Michael Waltrip said. "I think the Biff stays at Roush, he's going to be the veteran, the anchor to that rookie lineup for the young guys that are going to race at Roush. So, he goes, the other cat stays."(NBC Sports)
    UPDATE2: Another week and more speculation about the future of Roush Fenway Racing. The garage was filled with talk about what current veterans Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will do come season's end as both have RFR contracts that expire this year. Neither driver nor RFR officials had any official comment but there seems to be some momentum to the scenario both drivers will depart and Edwards to Joe Gibbs Racing and Biffle to Michael Waltrip Racing are the leading rumors.(Motor Racing Network)(6-2-2014)
    UPDATE3: from a FoxSports article by Larry McReynolds: Last week there was a lot of talk and speculation that both #16-Greg Biffle and #99-Carl Edwards would be driving for new teams in 2015, but now I [Larry McReynolds] just don't think that's going to be the case for both of them. I actually think Greg will be staying now at Roush Fenway Racing. Kept hearing that there was a possible deal for him to join Michael Waltrip Racing next year but it just couldn't come together.
    With that said, I [McReynolds] do believe Carl Edwards will definitely be leaving Roush Fenway at the end of the season. There is a lot of speculation about him going to Joe Gibbs Racing which tried to put a deal together for him in 2013. That would obviously be a fourth team for Gibbs, should it happen. However, the closer I keep my ear to the ground, the more I hear that Carl will be going to Team Penske and they will field a third team in 2015.(FoxSports)(6-4-2014)
    UPDATE4: The focus and speculation by many seems to be that Edwards is on his way to a potential fourth Gibbs car, but don't bet on that just yet. Edwards is rumored to have been spotted in the Team Penske shop in recent weeks, and he would make a potent addition to the Penske lineup. Ford doesn't want to lose Edwards, and a move to Penske would at least keep him in the family. For Biffle, any move he makes will most likely be made after a resolution comes for Edwards. Edwards is ten years younger than Biffle, and clearly the more sought after free agent. An Edwards departure from RFR would leave Biffle in a very strong position to negotiate a nice extension with his current employer but we've also heard that Biffle could be in the mix for that potential fourth car at JGR, or in a third car for Michael Waltrip Racing. With a lot of the season still to play out, my gut right now says Edwards is gone and Biffle stays. The promotion of Trevor Bayne feels like RFR expects to lose at least one of them, and I think that is Edwards. Biffle would be the top dog at RFR if he stays, which isn't true if he moves to JGR or MWR.(NASCAR Insiders)(6-7-2014)


    News from June 6, 2014

  • Hamlin wins Pocono pole: #11-Denny Hamlin won the pole for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway with a track record speed of 181.415mph for his 2nd pole of 2013 and 19th of his career. Hamlin has won three races from the pole out of 18 previous poles. The top three drivers were faster than the track record, set by #48-Johnson in August 2013 at 180.654mph.
    #41-Busch is on the outside pole, followed by #2-Keselowski, #4-Harvick, #24-Gordon, #18-Busch, #22-Logano, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #55-Vickers, #99-Edwards, #3-Dillon and #14-Stewart.
    Points leader #20-Kenseth didn't get out of round 1 and will start 26th. Chase seeding leader, #48-Johnson failed to get out of round 2 and will start 20th.
    Missing the race were: none, only 43 drivers entered, so none miss the race.
    See starting lineup, full qualifying results, pole progression, pdf links and more on the Pocono Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(6-6-2014)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made.
    Pole sitter #11-Hamlin chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #41-Busch took pit stall 31, the 2nd pit stall in front of it, but is at the start/finish line.
    #2-Keselowski, who starts 3rd took the 25th pit stall, the 1st 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.(6-6-2014)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Pocono:
    #11-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 33rd Annual Pocono 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 49.610 seconds, 181.415 mph. The previous record was held by Jimmie Johnson (180.654 mph/49.819 sec.) and set in August of 2013.
    This is the ninth track qualifying record set this season, and the second by Hamlin (Bristol).
    This is Hamlin's 19th pole in 304 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second pole and eighth top-10 start in 2014. His first pole this season came at Bristol.
    This is his third pole in 17 races at Pocono Raceway.
    Hamlin's previous two Pocono poles came in his rookie season of 2006. Both resulted in victories. He has four victories overall at Pocono.
    #41-Kurt Busch (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2014 and his 17th in 26 races at Pocono Raceway.
    #2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his second top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his 11th in 14 races this season. (NASCAR Statistics)(6-6-2014)

  • Second Round of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 10 scheduled minutes. Two drivers ran faster than the track record, set by #48-Johnson last August 180.654mph
    #41-Busch 181.087
    #2-Keselowski 180.730
    #18-Busch 180.346
    #55-Vickers 180.004
    #4-Harvick 179.996
    the rest of the top 12: 11 14 24 22 99 88 3;
    out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 16 42 31 10 78 1 15 48 47 43 27 51
    (6-6-2014)

  • First Round of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 25 minutes.
    #55-Vickers 180.029
    #41-Busch 179.626
    #24-Gordon 179.558
    #48-Johnson 179.433
    #4-Harvick 179.308
    Drivers who failed to advance to round 2: 13 20 5 17 9 7 40 34 32 23 38 36 98 44 66 26 83 33 77.
    Drivers who will miss the race: none, only 43 drivers entered.
    #77-Blaney spun and slid during his first lap. Didn't do any serious damage.(6-6-2014)

  • Coverage of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2014 at 4:40pm/et.
    Television (TV): FS1, 4:30pm/et (usually runs with a 5-10 minute delay)
    Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
    Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: June 7, 4:30am/et, FS1

  • Qualifying / Order for the Pocono 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 #22-Logano.
    The final driver scheduled to go out is #55-Vickers.
    Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice, cars will be lined up on pit road based on the random drawing results.
    See the full qualifying order on the Pocono Qualifying Page.(6-6-2014)

  • Friday practice for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 80 scheduled minutes, the top five fastest, slowest and notes:
    #55-Vickers 180.854
    #2-Keselowski 180.223
    #4-Harvick 179.813
    #41-Busch 179.226
    #48-Johnson 179.183
    slowest: #33-Kennedy 168.077 and #66-Hill 168.833
    notes: in the case that qualifying, scheduled for 4:40pm/et Friday on FS1, is canceled, this practice would set the starting lineup. Since there are 43 cars entered, all 43 will make the race. The track record is 180.654mph, set last August by #48-Johnson.
    See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Pocono Practice 1 page (pdf).(6-6-2014)

  • 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 Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on the Pocono Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

  • 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 Coors Light poles at Pocono, led by Bill Elliott and Ken Schrader with five each; Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers with three.
    · 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).
    · Casey Mears (8/1/2004) posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Pocono Raceway.
    · 15 of the 72 (20.8%) 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 72 (33.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono have been won from the front row: 15 from the pole and nine from second-place.
    · 50 of the 72 (69.4%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Pocono have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    · Five of the 72 (6.9%) 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.(NASCAR)(6-6-2014)

  • New Quick Lane Livery on #21 at Michigan: The Motorcraft/Quick Lane #21 Ford will have a different and distinctive Quick Lane look when it hits the track at Michigan on June 13-15. Quick Lane blue will replace the usual Motorcraft red that is synonymous with the Wood Brothers Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup entry. In addition to prominent Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center markings on the hood, the rear deck lid will feature the Quick Lane tag line "Ready to Serve," which refers to the company's factory-trained technicians' willingness to go the extra mile to provide fast and dependable service with trusted expertise to make a customer's vehicle ready for the road. The Motorcraft logo will still be present on the new-look #21. As Quick Lane's principal replacement parts brand, the relationship between Quick Lane and Motorcraft is critical to the success of each. Quality replacement parts is just one of the many brand tenants that Quick Lane offers to its customers. In February, Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center opened its 700th U.S. retail location, making it one of the fastest-growing auto center chains in the country. With a Quick Lane location in every state, the company is embarking on a national ad campaign to introduce its various marketplace advantages and to let customers across the nation know that Quick Lane is "Ready to Serve" with convenience and confidence. Part of the campaign will feature the #21 NASCAR livery featured at the Quicken Loans 400 as well as its driver, 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne.(Ford/Motorcraft/Quick Lane), see an image of the scheme/car on the #21 Team Schemes page.(6-6-2014)

  • Newtown Building Supplies Expands Sponsorship of Cassill: Newtown Building Supplies, Inc. (NBS), a premier source for windows, doors, siding and installation in Hampton Roads, Va., is establishing an eight-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series partnership with Circle Sport-Hillman Racing and team owners Joe Falk and Mike Hillman that includes primary sponsorship of two cars at Richmond International Raceway in the fall. The announcement was made by NASCAR driver Landon Cassill, NBS owner D.J. "Jimmy" Rogers and Falk at NBS' Virginia Beach headquarters Thursday afternoon in front of employees, key stakeholders, and local media and dignitaries.
    The partnership will feature primary sponsorship of Hillman's Racing #40 Chevy driven by Cassill for eight additional races and the #33 Circle Sport Chevy for the September race at Richmond. NBS made its NASCAR debut on the #33 Circle Sport Chevy at Richmond in April with driver David Stremme and further expanded the partnership with Cassill last weekend at Dover.
    NBS will sponsor Landon Cassill and the #40 Hillman Racing Chevy in addition to the #33 Circle Sport Chevy at these upcoming NASCAR races: Pocono in June, Daytona in July, New Hampshire in July, Watkins Glen in August, Atlanta in August, Richmond in September (along with the #33 Chevy), Dover in Septmber and Martinsville in October.(Mike Hillman Racing), see images of the cars on the #40 team paint schemes page and #33 team paint schemes page.(6-6-2014)

  • Trevor Bayne to attend Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition: With the Wood Brothers Racing team not competing in Pocono and the NASCAR Nationwide Series off, Trevor Bayne isn't racing this weekend. But that doesn't mean he isn't busy. Bayne will be heading to Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. for the finals of the 65th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, which take place June 8 - 10. There, 50 teams of high school juniors and seniors - one team from each state - will square off in competition. Each team will first take a written exam, then the teams will have to diagnose and repair a different set of "bugs" in a 2014 Ford Fusion during a timed competition. The team with the best combined written test and hands-on competition scores wins the national title. "For me, I'm just there to kind of encourage those guys and be a part of the prize, I guess," said Bayne.(FoxSports)(6-6-2014)

  • #98 to feature Dogecoin at Sonoma: from #98 Phil Parsons Racing's driver Josh Wise: "First off, I have some amazing news! We have decided to run the dogecar at Sonoma in 2 weeks (June 22nd)! We are doing this because you all bought more shirts than we needed for Talladega (Oct 19th). So it's our thank you and our way to pass along your additional support towards actually getting the dogecar on track again. Since it is not really a fully funded race, it will not be the "full wrap" but it will incorporate much of the original design. It will look cool. We have decided to run a multi-sub car at some point later in the season. We are not sure the process on selecting which subs will be a part of this, but basically the car will be divided into 3-4 sections and we will do a paint design contest and have some fun with it. Dogecoin will be grandfathered into this paint scheme and promotion."(Reddit.cin/Dogecoin)(6-6-2014)

  • Pocono Goodyear Tire Notes: This is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that NASCAR Sprint Cup teams have run at Pocono since June 2012 . . . the only change for this year is that the recommended air pressure for the left-side tires has been raised by a pound . . . for 2014, Pocono is the only track on which either of these tire codes are scheduled to be run . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners on all four tire positions at Pocono . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. See images of the scheme/car on the Pocono Race Info page - Goodyear section.(6-6-2014)

  • Jeff Burton's son to make South Boston Speedway racing debut: Harrison Burton, the 13-year-old son of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Burton, will compete at South Boston Speedway for the first time in Saturday night's 150-lap PASS Super Late Model race. He has competed in two PASS Super Late Model races this season and has one top-five finish and one top-10 finish to his credit. Burton's father, Jeff, has won eight NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division races at South Boston Speedway, and his uncle, Ward Burton, has four career NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division race wins at the .4-mile oval. With them and Ward Burton's son, Jeb, who competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and has competed at South Boston Speedway in the Late Model Stock Car Division ranks this season, the young racer will have plenty of resources available to aid in his learning curve on the South Boston Speedway layout.(Gazette-Virginian)(6-6-2014)

  • Pocono removes tunnel turn curb: #24-Jeff Gordon comments on the removal of curbing in tunnel turn at Pocono Raceway: "I don't think the track has changed - it's just the curb I believe has been removed from Turn 2 and the access road is now like a normal apron. I think visually it's going to take some getting used to. We used that curb as a real focal point and, now that it's gone, what you used to get through that corner will be different."(HMS)(6-6-2014)

  • CarSense returns as associated sponsor on the #13: at Dover, the #13 GEICO Chevy featured area car sales and service specialists, CarSense, as an associate sponsor on car driven by Casey Mears. CarSense has earned back to back "Top Place to Work" awards from Philly.com, and will be an associate sponsor for back to back race weekends. Look for CarSense on the #13 GEICO Chevy in Sunday's Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA. CarSense proudly delivers liquid engineering in Castrol oil changes for car owners of all makes and models of vehicles, meanwhile CarSense makes the used car buying process easier for shoppers with features such as CarSense Certified and the CarSense Lifetime Engine Guarantee.(Germain Racing)(6-6-2014)

  • SunEnergy1 joins JGR for four races: Joe Gibbs Racing announces today that SunEnergy1 will sponsor four NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season with Matt Kenseth, Sam Hornish and SunEnergy1 CEO Kenny Habul sharing the driving duties. Hornish will pilot SunEnergy1's debut race next weekend at Michigan International Speedway on June 14, while accomplished road racer Habul goes behind the wheel on the road courses of Road America and Mid-Ohio on June 21 and August 16 respectively. Kenseth will handle the driving duties in Atlanta on August 30. Habul's direct involvement in this program makes this sponsorship unique to say the least. Habul raced open wheel in Australia from 1997 to 2005, competing in the Australian Formula Ford Championship and including three years in the Australian Formula 3 Driver's Championship Series with Piccola Scuderia Ferrari Team in Sydney. However Habul never forgot his childhood dreams and continued to pursue opportunities to race in NASCAR. That opportunity came on June 23, 2012 when he made his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at Road America and earned a solid 16th-place finish. Habul has made six career starts, but this will be the first time he will be in a JGR built Toyota Camry. Hornish has already made three starts for Joe Gibbs Racing this season with a win at Iowa Speedway on May 18 and a fifth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway on May 3. Hornish has three career Nationwide Series victories along with 30 top-five and 55 top-ten finishes in 101 starts. Kenseth will pilot the SunEnergy1 Toyota in Atlanta. In nine Nationwide Series starts thus far in 2014 he has four top-five and eight top-ten finishes. Kenseth has 28 career victories in the series along with 129 top-five and 180 top-ten finishes in 273 career starts.(JGR)(6-6-2014)

  • Lofton on pole at Texas: #20-Justin Lofton won the Keystone Light Pole for the WinStar World Casino & Resort 400 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 179.677mph. #88-Matt Crafton will start second, followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #98-Johnny Sauter, #51-Erik Jones, #8-Joe Nemechek, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #77-German Quiroga, #5-John Wes Townley, and #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr.
    Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #29-Ryan Blaney.
    #88-Matt Crafton was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 180.288mph.
    See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(6-6-2014)

  • Texas Qualifying Notes:
    Justin Lofton won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 18th Annual WinStar World Casino 400 with a lap of 30.054 seconds, 179.677 mph.
    This is his second pole in 82 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2014.
    This is his first pole in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway.
    Matt Crafton (second) posted his sixth top-10 start of 2014 and his ninth in 27 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
    Ryan Blaney (third) posted his second top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his fifth in six races this season.
    Tyler Reddick (12th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-6-2014)

  • Crafton wins at Texas: #88-Matt Crafton won the WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. #20-Justin Lofton finished second followed by: #8-Joe Nemechek, #29-Ryan Blaney, #5-John Wes Townley, #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., #98-Johnny Sauter, #99-Bryan Silas, #21-Joey Coulter, and #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. There were 4 cautions for 23 laps and 8 lead changes among 3 leaders. Complete results are on the Texas race results page (pdf).(6-6-2014)

  • Texas Race Fast Facts:
    Matt Crafton won the 18th Annual WinStar World Casino 400, his fifth victory in 322 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his second victory (Martinsville) and fourth top-10 finish in 2014. This is the first time he has won multiple races in a season.
    This is his first victory and 16th top-10 finish in 27 races at Texas Motor Speedway. He has three runner-up finishes at the track.
    Crafton's margin of victory (13.302 seconds) is a new series track record at Texas Motor Speedway.
    Justin Lofton (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his second top-10 finish in 2014.
    Joe Nemechek (third) posted a top-10 finish in his first series start at Texas Motor Speedway. Ben Kennedy (14th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 11 points over Johnny Sauter.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(6-6-2013)

  • Driver standings following Texas:
    1) #88-Matt Crafton, 232
    2) #98-Johnny Sauter, 221, -11
    3) #30-Ron Hornaday, 209, -23
    4) #29-Ryan Blaney, 207, -25
    5) #17-Timothy Peters, 205, - 27
    6) #77-German Quiroga, 200, -32
    7) #31-Ben Kennedy, 199, -33
    8) #5-John Wes Townley, 198, -34
    9) #13-Jeb Burton, 185, -47
    10) #21-Joey Coulter, 177, -55
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(6-6-2014)

  • Owner Standings following Texas are posted (pdf).(6-6-2014)

  • Sonoma Raceway Offers Tasty New Food Options for 2014 Race Season: The Sonoma Valley and delicious food have always gone hand in hand, so Sonoma Raceway and Levy Restaurants have teamed up to extend that experience to its raceway guests during the 2014 race season. Levy Restaurants, the official on-site caterer of Sonoma Raceway, will unveil two new permanent concession stands at the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350, as well as a number of new third-party vendors. Ranging from smoothies to sushi, there is sure to be something to fit every taste. The new offerings for 2014 include:
    Sears Point Taqueria: This new permanent location above Turn 2 features freshly-grilled meats, tacos on locally-made tortillas, taco bowls, a "Loco Quesadilla Wrap" and a fresh-made salsa bar.
    Sonoma Farmstand: This new stand, located beneath the Main Grandstand, will feature the raceway's own specially-roasted coffee bean espresso drinks, Artisan pastries, salads, fresh fruit and vegetable cups, and gluten-free items. Another featured item will be the Conewich, a bread cone filled with Caesar or Cobb salad.
    Shiso Fresh: Hosted by Sonoma sushi chef Ed Matcalfe beneath the Main Grandstand, Shiso Fresh will offer Asian comfort food, including hoisin pulled pork Sandwiches, Korean-style sausages, teriyaki bowls and edamame.
    Yogurt Time: This is the perfect option for race fans looking to cool off during hot race weekends. Refreshing soft-serve yogurt, slushy margaritas and slushy rum and Cokes are now available beneath the Main Grandstand.
    The raceway will also unveil a new fan-friendly eating environment, located at the north end of the Main Grandstand. The new Grille Garden will feature picnic tables and 20-foot diameter umbrellas. Fans can cool off under the garden's signature Coca-Cola Funbrellas while enjoying a bite to eat or a local craft beer. In addition to these new options, the raceway will continue to offer fan favorites, including the Sears Point Grill in the main paddock and above Turn 9. The popular grill, which was unveiled last year, features handmade burgers, locally-sourced sausages and other savory grilled items. For more information about the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 20-22, or other events at Sonoma Raceway this summer, visit www.racesonoma.com or call 800-870-RACE.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-6-2014)

  • Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka to Sponsor Cup Qualifying Night at Atlanta: Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka will serve as the title sponsor of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying and the USCS Sprint Car Shootout on Aug. 29 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka Qualifying Night will kick off a weekend of NASCAR night racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "This is a really important sponsorship for us," noted Jay Dorris, President of WInd Creek Hospitality, which operates Wind Creek Wetumpka and several other entertainment properties in Alabama and Florida. "Our customers love NASCAR, the sport has deep roots in our State, and we are the closest casino to the Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is a natural partnership that we think will provide a lot of great entertainment." Friday's event will feature the debut of NASCAR's thrilling new "knock-out" qualifying format at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The starting order for the Aug. 31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race will be set following three successive knock-out qualifying sessions. The fastest 24 cars in the opening session will advance to the second round with the 12 quickest cars advancing to the final round. The results from the final round will determine the Pole winner and the subsequent 11 starting positions. 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)(6-6-2014)


    News from June 5, 2014

  • Gen 6 Chevy SS race car fabricated on TV: Science Channel's fan favorite How It's Made is teaming up with NASCAR to give viewers an inside look at how NASCAR's new Gen-6 race car bodies are made. On Thursday, June 5 at 9:00pm et/pt, How It's Made visits Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, NC. as the 11-time Sprint Cup Series champions build out a Chevrolet SS designed to compete at NASCAR's top level. For 12 seasons and more than 300 episodes viewers have flocked to Science Channel's How It's Made to explore how many of the everyday objects or products we seldom stop to think about are made (Team Chevy), see the Science Channel How It's Made Schedule.(6-5-2014)

  • Moffitt, Burton; next Cup starts in the #66 announced: Michael Waltrip Racing announced Brett Moffitt will drive the #66 Let's Go Places Toyota at Michigan International Speedway on June 15, marking his second career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start. Moffitt, a 21-year-old Iowa native, made his NASCAR Sprint Cup debut in Dover last week in the #66 with Jay Robinson Racing, starting 18th and posting a 22nd-place finish. Jeff Burton, who was originally slated to run the Michigan race, now will be entered in the July 13 Sprint Cup Series event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway where he has won four times. "Our #66 team was originally scheduled to run some new components at Michigan with Jeff, but those plans were delayed last week, causing us to debate running Michigan at all," said MWR co-owner Michael Waltrip. "However, after the great effort we saw with Brett in his debut at Dover, we decided to move forward with Michigan, allowing Brett more seat time and to work towards his NASCAR eligibility to race on bigger tracks. Brett did an amazing job in Dover, not only to gain experience, but more importantly respect from the other competitors. The best part is we are now taking Jeff Burton to New Hampshire where he has a lot of success and can really impact the performance of all MWR cars." Moffitt is a nine-time winner in K&N Pro Series East competition and has served as a test driver for MWR for the past two seasons. Burton said he looks forward to racing at New Hampshire. His four victories are the most of any driver in the 38 Sprint Cup races held at the mile oval in Loudon, NH. A partnership between MWR and Jay Robinson Racing allows the #66 to compete in all NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Michael Waltrip raced the Toyota at Daytona and Talladega while Burton raced in Las Vegas (MWR), Timmy Hill is running the #66 at Pocono this weekend.(6-5-2014)

  • Pocono Notes & Facts - Thursday - track history:
    · Opened in 1968 as a three-quarter-mile track, Pocono Raceway held the first race on the 2.5-mile track in 1971.
    · The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was in 1974 - won by Richard Petty, Dodge, 115.593 mph, 08/04/1974.
    · The 2.5-mile track was repaved during the fall of 2011.
    · There have been 72 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Pocono Raceway, one race from 1974 through 1981, and two per year since. This marks the 40th anniversary of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing at Pocono.
    · 2012 marked the first season the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono were scheduled for 400 miles. Prior to 2012 all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races were 500 miles at Pocono Raceway.
    · There have been 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup races among nine tracks in Pennsylvania.(NASCAR)(6-5-2014)

  • #77 gets new look for Pocono, images posted: Fochler Veterans Law / Valor 4 Vets decided to sponsor a NASCAR team to make Veterans aware that help is out there if they need it. It is a frustrating process to battle the VA for compensation and pension benefits and at Fochler Veterans Law, we can ease that burden and help Veterans get the benefits they have earned. Fochler Veterans Law will be sponsoring Dave Blaney in the #77 Ford this weekend at Pocono Raceway after being the sponsor at Charlotte in May. The #77 will have a new patriotic scheme at Pocono. See images of the scheme/car on the #77 Team Schemes page.(6-5-2014)

  • Johnson going for three-in-a-row: after winning at Charlotte on May 25th and Dover on June 1st, #48-Jimmie Johnson is going for his third win in a row. During Johnson's 13-year Sprint Cup career, he has recorded three consecutive wins on two occasions - once in 2004 and once in 2007 during a span of four consecutive victories. He is the most recent driver to win three consecutive races. See the full list of drivers in NASCAR's top series who have won three or more consecutive races in a season on the All-time wins page.(6-5-2014)

  • M&M's Peanut Butter scheme wins the vote: Sunday's Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway will serve as the culmination of a unique contest run by #18-Kyle Busch's primary backer M&M's. Fans last month had the opportunity to visit the M&M's Racing Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mmsracing) and share which M&M's flavor they would "draft" - M&M's Peanut, M&M's Peanut Butter, or M&M's Pretzel. The top vote-getter was M&M's Peanut Butter, which as a result will be the colorful scheme that will adorn the #18 Toyota this weekend at Pocono for the second consecutive weekend. The M&M's Peanut Butter scheme made its season debut last weekend at Dover. There are only three race tracks where Busch has yet to win in any of NASCAR's top three divisions (Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Camping World Truck). Left on that list - Martinsville Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Pocono Raceway, the site of Sunday's Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race. Of the 28 tracks that will host NASCAR's top three divisions in 2014, Busch has competed at every circuit but Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and he has won at 25 of them. Busch has won at 17 of the 23 tracks at which the Sprint Cup Series competes. The only six tracks Busch has failed to reach victory lane in the Sprint Cup Series are: Martinsville, Charlotte, Kansas, Indianapolis, Homestead and Pocono.(JGR/TSC), see image of the M&M's Peanut Butter scheme on the #18 Team Schemes page.(6-5-2014)

  • Johnson to be honored in hometown: #48-Jimmie Johnson will return to his hometown of El Cajon, California, on June 17, where the city council of El Cajon will recognize his racing accomplishments and philanthropic contributions. Mayor Bill Wells, the city council, Senator Joel Anderson and other local dignitaries will be honoring Johnson during a special ceremony that begins at 11:00am local time at El Cajon's Centennial Plaza. Portions of the event will be broadcast live on 101.5 KGB. For more details, visit www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us.(6-5-2014)

  • Foyt would consider giving Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon shot at Indy 500: Legendary IndyCar driver and owner A.J. Foyt was impressed with NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kurt Busch's performance in the Indianapolis 500 a week ago. Foyt wouldn't mind having Sprint Cup stars Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon driving for him next year at Indy. "If he wanted to, yes he could do a good job at Indy and if he wanted to, I'd consider it," said Foyt of having Jeff Gordon compete for him in the Indy 500. "Tony too. I gave Tony his first Indy ride in testing. Definitely I would (consider giving them a seat) because I know they could do the job." Foyt was speaking on the sidelines of the Detroit Grand Prix on Sunday. Foyt said it would cost approximately $1 million for a second car to compete at Indy during the month of May.(Detroit News)(6-5-2014)

  • Sad News - Ed Negre: Ed Negre, who fielded the car Dale Earnhardt drove in his first start in NASCAR's premier series, died Wednesday in a Hospice care center in Longview, Washington. He was 86. Without drivers such as Negre, who started 338 races in NASCAR's top series from 1955-79, the fields in NASCAR Cup Series races would have seemed mighty skimpy during the 1970s. Negre, Baxter Price, Frank Warren, Walter Ballard and other "independents" without heavy sponsorship assured that there would be full fields at most events, usually meaning competition all the way around the tracks. Racing his own Dodges mostly out of a shop in Concord, NC, Negre posted four top five finishes and 26 top 10s. His best finish was fourth in a 150-lap race at Portland Speedway in Oregon in 1956, an event won by NASCAR Hall Of Famer Herb Thomas (see his stats at racing-reference.info). Negre is perhaps best known for providing a car to a young, shy, long-haired driver from Kannapolis named Earnhardt for his first Cup Series start, at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 1975 in the World 600. Earnhardt finished 22nd that day, Negre was 32nd. After retiring from racing, Negre returned to the Northwest fulltime in '79 and founded Bee Line Truck in Kelso/Longview. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye, four daughters and a son, Norman, who lives in Concord. At Ed's request there was to be no service, but his body cremated and the ashes placed with his Samples grandparents' remains at Longview Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Community Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, Wash., 98632 or to a hospice of choice.(full story at the Charlotte Observer)(6-5-2014)

  • Quiroga fastest in final practice: #77-German Quiroga was fastest in final practice for the WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 176.476 mph. He was followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Johnny Sauter, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #8-Joe Nemechek, #5-John Wes Townley, #9-Brennan Newberry, #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr., and #31-Ben Kennedy. 26 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Texas practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-52014)

  • Sauter fastest in practice: #98-Johnny Sauter was fastest during the opening practice at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 177.247 mph. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. was second, followed by #88-Matt Crafton, #13-Jeb Burton, #29-Ryan Blaney, #17-Timothy Peters, #20-Justin Lofton, #77-German Quiroga, #51-Erik Jones, and #30-Ron Hornaday, Jr. 24 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Texas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-52014)

  • Green Beret announced as Namesake of Brickyard 400: When Green Beret John Wayne Walding attends his first NASCAR race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July [27th], he'll see a familiar name plastered around the historic race track - his own. Walding was announced the winner of Crown Royal's annual "Your Hero's Name Here" program, which awards naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at IMS to a deserving American hero, during last night's live broadcast of the CMT Music Awards. As the winner, Walding's name will be incorporated into the official race title, the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com.
    Walding, of Little Elm, Texas, is a highly decorated Army veteran who served for 12 years, completing tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. While overseas in 2008, Walding was involved in a fire fight during a mission to capture a high value target, during which he lost the lower part of his right leg. After recovering from his injury, Walding was the first amputee to graduate the Special Forces Sniper School. He completed the Army 10 miler on foot and the 2009 Boston Marathon utilizing a hand cycle, within a year of the accident. Among Walding's many awards and badges are the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. Walding was nominated for the program by his brother and lives in Little Elm with his wife Amy and their four children. He is the founder of Five Toes Custom, which employs wounded veterans in an effort to provide support and direction within their lives. On hand to take part in the program's winner reveal event for the third year in a row was country music star and reigning ACM New Artist of the Year Justin Moore. Moore presented Walding with a custom-made Gibson guitar bearing the official race logo incorporating Walding's name and thanked him for his service during the award show broadcast.
    Walding was joined in Nashville by the other four program finalists, Tara Hulett of Albany, N.Y.; James Bailey of Pamplin, Va.; Bryce Boyer of Wanship, Utah; and Tyler Whisenhunt of Gentry, Ark. The five finalists were selected from thousands of nominations submitted to CrownRoyalHeroes.com, and consumers 21+ voted for the hero they thought was most deserving of the honor. As part of the grand-prize package, Walding will take part in a VIP at-track experience that will include garage tours, pace car rides and concerts by Big Machine Label Group artists. He'll cap off the weekend by delivering the trophy bearing his name to the race winner in Victory Lane.(Crown Royal/Diageo)(6-5-2014)

  • Daytona Rising June Project Update: As part of its commitment to safety during the construction of the $400 million DAYTONA Rising project, Daytona International Speedway participated in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) National Fall Safety Stand-Down - an initiative that emphasizes fall prevention in the construction industry. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Greg Biffle joined key officials from OSHA, Daytona International Speedway and Barton Malow (design-builder for DAYTONA Rising) at the "World Center of Racing" earlier today to discuss important safety topics with the DAYTONA Rising construction team. OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor Jordan Barab kicked off the event by discussing the importance of effective safety and health programs at construction sites such as DAYTONA Rising. Earlier this year, OSHA's Jacksonville Area Office, the University of South Florida SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and Barton Malow signed a strategic partnership for DAYTONA Rising that focuses on preventing work-related injuries and controlling or eliminating serious workplace hazards. After hearing remarks from Chitwood and Moser, the construction team received a special safety demonstration from Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Biffle was on hand to showcase 3M harness technology as well as preview the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 5. He also helped DIS crews install some of the first new, wider seats as part of DAYTONA Rising.
    DAYTONA Rising Construction Activities: Approximately 2,000 seats were installed in the new grandstand footprint near Turn One. These seats will be available in time for Budweiser Speedweeks 2015. The Speedway expects to install a total of 40,000 new seats by 2015. The Speedway also continued escalator, elevator shaft and steel installation during the last month of construction and is now focused on race-ready preparation for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. Below is a list of key upcoming race-ready activities:
    · Asphalt paving and patching
    · Installation of existing stairway fencing and fencing
    · Set up Sprint Tower elevator tent lobbies
    · Installation of entrance chutes for ticket gates
    For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(6-5-20104)

  • Some construction at NHMS: a section of grand stands are gone in turn 3 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. On turn 3 Construction from Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway: "Sporting venues like New Hampshire Motor Speedway must compete with other venues to attract fans and corporate partners. There is constant demand for new amenities and new experiences for visitors to the speedway. The construction process is underway on our new trackside hospitality area, located in the Turn 3, next to Laconia Grandstand. Some old seats from the end of the Laconia structure have been removed to make room for the hospitality footprint that will include tent chalets and mobile hospitality structures. Some of this hospitality will be in place and utilized for our July NASCAR weekend." Since the project is still in the construction process, the total number of seats being removed and replaced with the new venue has not yet been determined. For tickets and more information on New Hampshire Motor Speedway events go to nhms.com.(6-5-2014)


    News from June 4, 2014

  • Newman & Dillon test at VIR: #31-Ryan Newman and #3-Austin Dillon participated in an RCR team test at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., on Wednesday (today). Last week, all three RCR Cup teams tested at Pocono Raceway in preparation for this weekend's event.(RCR)(6-4-2014)

  • Kurt Busch Road-Course Testing: on Tuesday, June 3, #41-Kurt Busch and team tested at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia as part of its road-course testing program in preparation for the upcoming races at Sonoma, California and Watkins Glen, New York.(SHR/TSC)(6-4-2014)

  • Biffle and/or Edwards leaving Roush? UPDATE3: While all eyes have been on #16-Greg Biffle's teammate, #99-Carl Edwards, to be the biggest domino to fall, could Biffle actually be the one to set everything in motion? As recently as April, the 44-year-old stated his intention was to stay at Roush Fenway Racing and that a new deal was imminent. "We've been working pretty diligently on that," he told Frontstretch back then. "It has been a pretty good negotiation so far. There are a lot of new people on both sides of the table, so everyone is kind of getting a feel for the program and learning it. We feel pretty good that we'll have something to announce before we get to summer." But as May rolled around, warm weather looming Biffle suddenly sounded colder, less confident in his status for the future. "I think there's plenty of opportunities in the industry to be in competitive cars," he said in an interview on SiriusXM Radio earlier this month. "I enjoy being at Roush Fenway. I love 3M. We have a great relationship and the program works really, really well for 3M ... Plain and simple, I've got options. I know I'm going to be racing. I know I'm going to be driving a car. So I'm not worried."
    Supposedly things have deteriorated from there. Despite saying two weeks ago in Kansas Biffle was "absolutely, 100%" not looking outside his current organization, I've learned that's not the case. Sources claim the driver's plans lie elsewhere for 2015, that he is actively seeking other employment and that the feeling is mutual. One link in particular, direct to the Roush organization who wished to remain anonymous said he's been told the future for Biffle involves "anything but" RFR, the only NASCAR team he's really driven for. If the driver, a Roush Cup full-timer since 2003, does not return next year, speculation has been rampant that he will take sponsor 3M with him. A red flag went up about that possibility on Saturday, when RFR announced that they planned to return their #6 to the track next year. Owner Jack Roush said that he plans for the new team, driven by Trevor Bayne, to be a fourth car, but it's also possible he's prepping to lose financial backing for 2015.(Frontstretch)(5-27-2014)
    UPDATE: Old DW may have just spilled the beans on where Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will wind up next season. And if Darrell Waltrip's body language and hinting is any indication, neither driver will be back with Roush Fenway Racing. During Sunday's prerace show on FOX, anchor Chris Myers asked Waltrip if the two free agents are leaving RFR, and if so, where will their new home in 2015 be. The first part of Waltrip's reply wasn't totally surprising. But then Waltrip dropped an obvious bombshell. Reaching over to put his right hand on the shoulder of younger brother Michael, who just happens to own Michael Waltrip Racing, DW's body language and then verbiage said it all - and left Michael staring straight ahead almost in shock. "And Greg Biffle will go to some two-car team that maybe one time had a third car," Darrell Waltrip said. In an attempt to quickly try and cover up what his older brother just said - and obviously deflect that scenario (probably because MWR isn't ready to make a potential announcement yet) - Michael gave his take on it. "Uhhhhhh, I think Carl goes and Greg stays," Michael Waltrip said. "I think the Biff stays at Roush, he's going to be the veteran, the anchor to that rookie lineup for the young guys that are going to race at Roush. So, he goes, the other cat stays."(NBC Sports)
    UPDATE2: Another week and more speculation about the future of Roush Fenway Racing. The garage was filled with talk about what current veterans Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will do come season's end as both have RFR contracts that expire this year. Neither driver nor RFR officials had any official comment but there seems to be some momentum to the scenario both drivers will depart and Edwards to Joe Gibbs Racing and Biffle to Michael Waltrip Racing are the leading rumors.(Motor Racing Network)(6-2-2014)
    UPDATE3: from a FoxSports article by Larry McReynolds: Last week there was a lot of talk and speculation that both #16-Greg Biffle and #99-Carl Edwards would be driving for new teams in 2015, but now I [Larry McReynolds] just don't think that's going to be the case for both of them. I actually think Greg will be staying now at Roush Fenway Racing. Kept hearing that there was a possible deal for him to join Michael Waltrip Racing next year but it just couldn't come together.
    With that said, I [McReynolds] do believe Carl Edwards will definitely be leaving Roush Fenway at the end of the season. There is a lot of speculation about him going to Joe Gibbs Racing which tried to put a deal together for him in 2013. That would obviously be a fourth team for Gibbs, should it happen. However, the closer I keep my ear to the ground, the more I hear that Carl will be going to Team Penske and they will field a third team in 2015.(FoxSports)(6-4-2014)

  • Allmendinger to test Sonoma UPDATE: #47-A.J. Allmendinger is scheduled to take part in a two-day test session at Sonoma Raceway on Tuesday, June 3, in advance of next month's Toyota/Save Mart 350. This marks the final scheduled test at Sonoma Raceway prior to race weekend.(Sonoma Raceway), the public is allowed to watch the practice.(6-1-2014)
    UPDATE: #47-AJ Allmendinger wrapped up the first day of a two-day test session at Sonoma Raceway on Tuesday. Allmendinger, a Los Gatos native, and his JTG Daugherty Racing team are testing in advance of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 later this month (June 20-22). The team completed approximately 63 laps of testing on Tuesday, all in race trim, and will return for a second full day on Wednesday. "With our race team being as small as we are, we don't get much test time, so any track time we get helps us focus on the weekend and future," Allmendinger said. "These tests are good because for me, as a driver, you don't have to focus on other people, you just focus on your car and what feels good." Not only is Sonoma Raceway a home track for Allmendinger, it's also a home track for his sponsor, The Clorox Company, based in Oakland. "Road-course racing, I've always thought, you can wring a bit more out of the car, whether it's braking or how you use the curbs or the lines you choose from," said Allmendinger. "So, that's why I enjoy it and that's why I feel like we can come here and have a shot to do well. And, if we put ourselves in position to win the race, then that's great.(Sonoma Raceway)(6-4-2014)

  • Redd scheme for Keselowski at Pocono: This weekend at Pocono the #2 Team Penske Ford Fusion will feature the red color scheme of Redd's Apple Ale. The unique red machine will make its second consecutive start at Pocono after it ran at the second race at the venue last season (Team Penske), see an image of the scheme on the #2 Team Schemes page.(6-4-2014)

  • Larson to double up at Pocono: This weekend will be the first time #42-Kyle Larson has raced at Pocono Raceway. Pocono, known as "The Tricky Triangle" is one of the few tracks on the NASCAR circuit at which Larson has not raced in any of the sports touring series, but he has logged laps at the track this season during testing. Larson, who is no stranger to running multiple races in one weekend, will be doing double-duty this weekend when he races in the Pocono 200 in the ARCA Racing Series, Larson will drive the #4 Cartwheel by Target Chevrolet Impala. The 80 lap, 200 mile race will give Larson a chance to gain racing experience at "The Tricky Triangle" prior to Sunday's NSCS Pocono 400. This will be his third time racing in an ARCA car. Larson raced at Michigan in 2012 and at Daytona in 2013, where he finished second. He will be the only NSCS driver entered into the race.(CGR)(6-4-2014)

  • NASCAR Numbers heading to Pocono:
    9: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories recorded by Jimmie Johnson at Dover International Speedway. The six-time champion extended his own track record on Sunday with a dominating performance in the FedEx 400.
    81: The number of laps led by Kyle Busch in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover. Though Busch made an early exit after a crash and finished 42nd, he spent more than enough time out front to exceed 10,000 laps led for his career. The 15th driver to hit that milestone, Busch has now led 10,053 career laps.
    85: The current series-best number of consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in which Roush Fenway Racing driver Greg Biffle has been running at the finish. Biffle's streak of no DNFs seemed in jeopardy on Sunday at Dover when he was the victim of a five-car wreck on the backstretch on Lap 134. But Biffle's team repaired the car, and the #16 Ford completed 292 laps.
    262: The number of laps led by Jimmie Johnson in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover, a total that pushed the six-time champion past Bobby Allison as the all-time lap leader at the Monster Mile. In 25 starts at Dover, Johnson has led a total of 2,976 laps.
    3: The number of consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events won by Hendrick Motorsports drivers at Pocono Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the August race in 2012, Jimmie Johnson the June race in 2013 and Kasey Kahne the August race in 2013. In case you're wondering, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has yet to win at the Tricky Triangle.(NASCAR)(6-4-2014)

  • Logano spends time at Detroit Lions practice: #22-Joey Logano, was a guest of the NFL's Detroit Lions at OTA practice Tuesday morning, promoting the upcoming Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. Logano met members of the team, showed off a Mustang pace car, and even played catch with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford before taking time to talk racing, football and safety in each sport with media members. Below is a partial transcript.
    JOEY LOGANO, #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Fusion - "I always like to come see another professional sport and facility and how they train. This facility the Detroit Lions have is really impressive. The way people train and interact and all, you can take something and actually learn from that today and maybe even put it into our NASCAR program."
    WHO DO YOU ROOT FOR IN THE NFL? "I am going to make everyone mad but I root for the Patriots because I am from Connecticut. I have been up to their place, but working for Roger Penske you learn to root for Detroit quite a bit."
    HOW IS YOUR YEAR GOING? "So far we have come out of the gates really strong. Team Penske did a good job coming up with a good package with good speed and we have been able to use the new NASCAR package to our advantage. We did a good job in the offseason to make sure we came out strong at the beginning of the season and now everybody is starting to get hold of it and our advantage is going away. We have to keep working hard to maintain that advantage we held earlier in the season and make sure we are running the same pace we are now when the Chase starts."
    WHEN YOU SEE A FOOTBALL COLLISION HOW DO YOU EQUATE IT TO WHAT YOU GUYS GO THROUGH? "I am glad I am in a race car is what I say. These guys get hit a lot harder than a race car does. We take some big hits in cars but the safety in our sport has improved a lot, not just with the COT car, but the seats, helmets, belts, all of that stuff keeps improving. Not that it doesn't in football, I think it does there too, but we take a hit maybe once every 15 races or so on average and these guys are taking hits on every play. I feel like my sport is a lot safer. We may look crazy going 200 miles per hour but I would much rather hit the wall at 200 than have a 300 pound linebacker coming at me."
    YOU HAVE HAD A CONCUSSION HAVEN'T YOU? "Obviously you get hit enough that you get a little spun out, but that is just part of the sport."
    YOU MENTIONED YOU FEEL SAFER IN YOUR SPORT. THAT MAY SEEM WEIRD TO PEOPLE. WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT WAY? "Why do I think it is safer? I have a lot more stuff around me. And the amount of hits you take. Our hits may be pretty brutal but at the same time we have done a lot to our race cars to make them safer. It is the seats, and more. It never changes and NASCAR has a constant program of always being able to move up and test cars and crash cars and try to figure out what we can do to make them safer and make the crush zones crush and if there are parts that need to be stiffer they make them stiff. I don't think there are as many areas in football to improve on. Obviously you have pads and helmets but you are still going to get hit every time, there are still going to be big guys hitting you and obviously when you get all the adrenaline going those hits don't become softer. Those guys are big. I think that is a big difference but we are kind of comparing apples to oranges."(see full transcript at JoeyLogano.com)(6-4-2014)

  • Yuengling to sponsor Dillon, RCR in Pocono: Richard Childress Racing has partnered with D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. to be primary sponsor on the #3 Yuengling Light Lager Chevy Silverado with driver Austin Dillon for the Pocono Mountains 125 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway on August 2. Now celebrating its 185th year of brewing great beer, Yuengling is headquartered in Pottsville, Pennsylvania and is America's Oldest Brewery. Still family owned and operated today, Yuengling is available in 16 different states. Dillon, who currently competes fulltime in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, spent two years competing fulltime in the Camping World Truck Series, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2010 and the series' championship in 2011.(See an image of the truck on the #3 Team Paint Schemes page)(Richard Childress Racing)(6-4-2014)

  • Pocono 400 Hauler Parade Coming to Harrisburg PA: Pocono Raceway President/CEO Brandon Igdalsky and Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett and Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse recently announced a unique NASCAR Hauler Parade coming to the capital city on Thursday, June 5, 2014. "We are pleased to announce yet another exciting event that will draw visitors to Pennsylvania this year,' Mrs. Corbett said. "The governor and I are excited that the NASCAR Hauler Parade will be traveling through Harrisburg and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the state's capital." This is the first time an official hauler parade will come through Pennsylvania and offer NASCAR fans the opportunity to see the iconic haulers up close, at no charge.
    The hauler parade will feature 15-20 trucks representing Chip Ganassi Racing, Penske Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports teams as they make their way to the Pocono 400, which will take place June 6-8 in Long Pond, PA. In addition to transporting the racecars, a racing hauler is designed to be a NASCAR driver's home away from home. The trucks serve multiple purposes while on the road, from workshops to conference rooms. "We are thrilled to kick off the Pocono 400 weekend with this unique experience in Harrisburg," said Brandon Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway President and CEO. "We often say we have the best race fans in the world so we hope to see many of them cheering on the haulers on June 5."
    The haulers will be staged at the Farm Show Complex for general public viewing from 10:00-11:30 am/et. on June 5. The hauler parade will then drive to the Capitol Complex, where the trucks will pause for pictures as they pass the State Capitol building.(Pocono Raceway)(6-4-2014)


    News from June 3, 2014

  • Kennedy in the #33 at Pocono and some other races UPDATE: Alex Kennedy announced that he will be driving the #33 Circle Sport Racing Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a few select races this year, starting this weekend at Pocono Raceway.(Alex Kennedy's Facebook)(6-3-2014)
    UPDATE: Alex Kennedy, the 22-year-old Aztec, New Mexico, native, will make his 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Pocono Raceway this weekend in the #33 Circle Sport Chevrolet SS. Kennedy, who spent last week testing at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) with Hillman Racing, will also compete in the road-course events for Circle Sport at Sonoma Raceway (June 22) and Watkins Glen International (August 10), in addition to select races throughout the remainder of the 2014 season. 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 - will be the primary sponsor of the #33 Dream Factory Chevy this weekend in the Pocono 400. With a combined 19 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, including a pair of top-20 NNS finishes at Montreal and Watkins Glen, Kennedy is a National Ambassador and 2010 winner of The Dream Factory's Presidential Award. "I'm really excited about driving the #33 Chevy SS for Circle Sport Racing, and I'm proud to kick off this relationship with The Dream Factory paint scheme at Pocono," said Kennedy, the only New Mexico native competing in one of NASCAR's major touring series. "We had a successful two-day test at VIR last week where I was able to work with the crew, and I'm looking forward to making the most of this opportunity as I take the next big step in my NASCAR career."(Circle Sport), see an image of the car on the #33 Team Schemes page.(6-3-2014)

  • Nathan's Famous featured on the #43 at Pocono: Aric Almirola and the #43 Nathan's Famous team scored their fourth consecutive Top-15 finish last weekend at Dover. The team looks to keep up the consistency and hopes to improve with a Top-10 finish this weekend at Pocono Raceway. A Top-10 will be an uphill battle for the team. Almirola has just four starts at the "Tricky Triangle" in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and a best finish of 18th. In addition, Crew Chief Trent Owens will be making his debut as a crew chief at the 2.5-mile track. Owens is not the only one making a debut at Pocono. Nathan's Famous will adorn the hood of the iconic #43 Ford. In addition, Nathan's Famous will hold a qualifier event for the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest at the race track on Saturday. The top male and top female finishers from the 10-minute, all-you-can-eat contest will earn a spot to compete in the ESPN-televised finals at the original Nathan's Famous in Brooklyn, NY, a holiday tradition since 1916.(RPM), see an image of the car on the #43 Team Schemes page.(6-3-2014)

  • Biffle breaks record for races without a DNF: The "Monster Mile" of Dover International Speedway tried its best to bring down the #16 3M team, but Greg Biffle and the Pit Bulls fought back hard. On lap 134 Biffle was tagged in the left rear and spun around into the wall. The team worked over the next 100 laps on repairs and returned Biffle to the track with a fast 3M Ford, gaining two spots for their efforts and crossing the finish line 38th. The finish keeps Biffle as the driver with the longest streak of completing every race, not having missed the checkered flag since 2011.(RFR), the record had been 84, set by Herman Beam from April 30, 1961 thru March 10, 1963 [Beam didn't run all the races, but did not have a DNF [did not finish] in 84 straight consecutive races that he ran]. Clint Bowyer had held the consecutive race streak at 83 until Biffle broke it at Charlotte.(6-3-2014)

  • Dover Overnight TV Ratings: Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Dover earned a 3.3 overnight rating on FOX, down 6% from last year (3.5), down 8% from 2012 (3.6), and the lowest overnight for the race since moving to FOX in 2007. The 3.3 overnight is tied as the third-lowest ever for NASCAR Sprint Cup racing on FOX, matching Phoenix in 2009 and Kansas this year. The only races to earn lower overnights were this year's Darlington (3.2) and Richmond (3.0) races. The 3.3 is also the lowest ever for a Sunday race on FOX. Despite the lower numbers, Sunday's race was the #2 sporting event of the weekend on broadcast or cable, edging Game 7 of the NHL Western Conference final on NBCSN (3.2). Only Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on TNT did better (5.7).(Sports Media Watch)
    ses past 2014 races and 5-year comparison chart on the 2014 TV Ratings page.(6-3-2014)

  • Hendrick, Ganassi testing at New Hampshire: A six-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. The current series' points leader. The winner of this year's Daytona 500. And the favorite to win this year's Rookie of the Year. All four and more will be on-track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday, as track officials announced that Hendrick Motorsports and Ganassi Racing will hold a test session at the facility in preparation for the Camping World RV Sales 301 on July 13. Included in the field will be Hendrick drivers #48-Jimmie Johnson, #24-Jeff Gordon, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., and #5-Kasey Kahne. #42-Kyle Larson and #1-Jamie McMurray will also be testing under the Ganassi Racing moniker. The grandstands will be open and free of charge to the public from 9:00am-5:00pm both days. The two-day test session will take place exactly two months before NASCAR returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Camping World RV Sales 301. This will be the first of two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team tests this season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Michael Waltrip Racing and Richard Childress Racing are also planning a combined test session in the first week of July, one week before the July Camping World RV Sales 301 NASCAR weekend. Dates and information will be released at a later time.(NHMS)(6-3-2014)

  • Dover 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, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:12 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. Fox was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 127
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 54
    Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 115
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 50
    Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 12
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 10
    Number of times Fox utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 3
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 32
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 5 min. 15 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:00 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:12 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 252
    Minutes of race broadcast: 200
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 52
    Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 6
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1
    Total race brdcst time 200 Total comm. brdcst time 52
    See past races and links to past 2014 races on the 2014 TV Commercials page.(6-3-2014)

  • Top 10 driver ratings at Pocono:
    #48-Jimmie Johnson.............109.3
    #11-Denny Hamlin...............109.1
    #41-Kurt Busch.................104.7
    #24-Jeff Gordon................101.1
    #14-Tony Stewart...............98.5
    #99-Carl Edwards...............97.3
    #31-Ryan Newman................96.4
    #5-Kasey Kahne.................92.8
    #29-Kevin Harvick..............89.6
    #20-Matt Kenseth...............89.6
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2013 races (18 total) among active drivers at Pocono Raceway.
    Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.(NASCAR)

  • Busy weekend ahead for Jones UPDATE: Erik Jones, who has only been in the seat of a race car once since he defended his Snowball Derby title six months ago, is set to break the cabin fever with his first-ever double-duty weekend. The young gun will compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino & Resort 400 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth Friday night and the ARCA Midwest Tour's Swiss Colony Howie Lettow Memorial 150 Super Late model event at the Milwaukee (Wis.) Mile Sunday. Jones, who turned 18 last week, will make his superspeedway debut at Texas Motor Speedway Friday and jet north over 1,000 miles to Milwaukee Saturday morning, where he will practice Kyle Busch Motorsports' #51 ToyotaCare Camry in preparation for the team's title defense of the prestigious Super Late Model event on Sunday.(Kyle Busch Motorsports)(6-3-2014)
    UPDATE: Many high school seniors will be walking across a stage this week to receive their diploma in recognition of years of hard work. For Erik Jones, his stage will be in front of a national television audience on the frontstretch of Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth before Friday night's WinStar World Casino & Resort 400 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. After finishing his freshman year at Byron High Scholl in Byron, Mich., Jones and his family decided the best route to being a successful student and continuing to pursue a career as a race car driver was to complete his studies online through the Swartz Creek Global Learning Hub in nearby Swartz Creek, Mich. Three years later, he has completed his studies and earned the right to walk the stage with the rest of the Swartz Creek students Friday night. The only problem is after turning 18 last week, he is now eligible to run NASCAR's mile-and-a-half and larger tracks and the talented youngster will be behind the wheel of the #51 Hiring Our Heroes/ToyotaCare Tundra for Friday night's 167-lap event. Upon hearing that Jones was going to miss his graduation, the staff at Texas Motor Speedway decided to bring the ceremony to him. The racing prodigy will walk across the stage in his cap and gown when his name is called during driver introductions and he will be presented his diploma by track president Eddie Gossage. Once across the stage, the fun and games will end and Jones will be faced with one of his biggest challenges. The Michigan native will be competing in his first event on a mile-and-a-half track in one of NASCAR's top three divisions.(Kyle Busch Motorsports)(6-3-2014)

  • The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to adorn Nemechek ride in Texas: As Joe Nemechek and his SWM-NEMCO Motorsports team travel to the backyard of the SWM campus, they will once again give The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center a high-speed salute as they sport the MD Anderson logo on their #8 Toyota Tundra in this weekend's WinStar World Casino & Resort 400 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Texas Motor Speedway. Sid Mauldin, owner of SWM Gun Runners located in Pampa, TX and partner in SWM-NEMCO Motorsports, is currently receiving treatment at MD Anderson located in Houston, TX. Carrying the logo gives him the opportunity to share his experience with the NASCAR community while showing support for the facility that has provided such impeccable care.(See an image of the truck on the #8 Paint Schemes page)(SWM-NEMCO)(6-3-2014)

  • Changes made to Eldora format: NASCAR today announced a series of format enhancements to the second annual NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway, scheduled for July 23. Among the enhancements, aimed to bolster the emphasis on both driver skill and team strategy, are: Pit stops during competition cautions are now optional, whereas they were mandatory in last year's inaugural event. Each qualifying race will now be 10 laps each. Last year, each race was eight laps. A random draw will determine qualifying order. Last year, practice speeds dictated the qualifying order.Owner points will be awarded to the top five team owners whose trucks do not transfer to the main feature. Last season, teams that did not advance to the main feature did not earn owner points.
    "Last year's inaugural event at Eldora Speedway was an incredible success, and these enhancements will only increase the excitement for our fans," said Chad Little, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series managing director. "NASCAR continually works with team owners and drivers to ensure that NASCAR fans get what they've come to expect out of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - close, thrilling racing, every single lap."
    The event continues to showcase a traditional two-lap qualifying session, five qualifying races, one last-chance race and a champion's provisional to determine the 30-truck starting field. The top 20 in owner points entering the event will have a guaranteed starting position. The overall race procedures for the Mudsummer Classic are as follows:
    Qualifying:
    Two-lap, single-truck qualifying determines starting position for the qualifying races with random draw determining the qualifying order.
    Qualifying Races:
    Five qualifying races will be held at 10 laps each and only green flag laps are counted.
    Lineup for the qualifying races will be based on qualifying speeds.
    The top five trucks in qualifying will start on the pole for their respective qualifying races with four locked-in trucks (top 20 in driver points) starting in each qualifying race.
    Five trucks from each qualifying race will transfer to the feature - four locked-in trucks and one non-locked-in truck.
    Upon completion of the qualifying races, 25 trucks will earn spots in the feature race.
    Last Chance Race:
    The lineup will be based on finishing position from the qualifying races and the race will be 15 laps with only green flag laps counted.
    Top-four finishers transfer to the feature and start in positions 26-29.
    The 30th starting position goes to the most recent past series champion. If the position is not filled by an eligible champion, it will be assigned to the next highest finishing truck of the Last Chance Race.
    Owner points will be awarded to the top five team owners whose trucks do not transfer into the feature.
    Feature:
    The race will be 150 laps divided into three segments of 60, 50 and 40 laps with competition cautions at the breaks on Lap 60 and Lap 110.
    Caution laps will not count during the competition cautions and positions cannot be improved on pit road.
    Teams are not required to pit during the competition cautions. Those teams that do not elect to pit, may remain on the track and start in front of the pitting teams.(NASCAR)(6-3-2014)

  • Vida Blue named Grand Marshal at Sonoma: Lefty pitching great Vida Blue, a star for both the Oakland A's and the San Francisco Giants, has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 20-22. Blue, who was a key starter for the A's three consecutive World Championships in 1972-74, also helped lead a resurgent Giants franchise through a dramatic 1978 campaign following a cross-bay trade. He was the first pitcher ever to start the All-Star Game for both the American League (1971) and the National League (1978). Blue will be honored on Friday, June 20, at the Children's Champions Grand Marshal's Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, June 22, and participate in the official command of, "Drivers, Start Your Engines."(Sonoma PR)(6-3-2014)

  • New Hampshire race dedicated to first responders: Before 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner Kasey Kahne was recently put to the test with local firefighters in Concord, N.H., New Hampshire Motor Speedway vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens made a special announcement regarding the July 13 Camping World RV Sales 301. "We are using the platform of the largest sporting event in New England to increase the awareness of the survivors and of those who protect and serve all of our communities," said Gappens, who declared that the Camping World RV Sales 301 will be dedicated to the men and women who lay it on the line every day. "It is our honor to be a part of this." For the second straight season, Gappens has reached out to corporate sponsors to buy tickets to allow first responders and their families to come to the race. Last year, over $10,000 in first responder tickets were donated from corporate sponsors. On a given NASCAR weekend, including the upcoming July 13 Camping World RV Sales 301, the speedway have close to 600 first responders on property who help protect the competitors and fans on-track, pit road, garage areas, grandstands and camping and parking lots.(NHMS)(6-3-2014)

  • Half-Priced Kids' tickets at Atlanta: Atlanta Motor Speedway is making it cost affordable for families to enjoy the Aug. 31 Sprint Cup Series event by offering half-priced tickets in all grandstands for kids ages 12 and under. In addition, those ages 12 and under with a valid student ID can find even better pricing in all rows of the Elliott Grandstand and the lower rows of the Winners Grandstands for either $19 or $29. Adults wishing to accompany their children in their seats may do so by purchasing seats at the full price. Atlanta Motor Speedway will additionally sell Sunday pre-race pit passes for all kids 12 & under for $50, which is also a 50 percent discount off of the regular price. Providing access until an hour prior to the green flag, pre-race pit passes offer a behind-the-scenes view of the Labor Day Weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Pre-race pit passes allow fans to roam the pit area prior to the event as teams are readying individual pit stalls for the race and rolling cars out of the garage area and onto the starting grid. All pre-race pit passes also include stagefront access for pre-race entertainment and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver introductions.(AMS)(6-3-2014)


    News from June 2, 2014

  • Updated Entry List for the Pocono 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Kvapil, #33-Kennedy (in for Stremme), #66-Timmy Hill (in for Nemechek), #77-Blaney (sponsor correction).
    Since only 43 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
    See the full entry list at my Jayski's Pocono Entry List

  • Biffle leaving Roush? UPDATE: While all eyes have been on #16-Greg Biffle's teammate, #99-Carl Edwards, to be the biggest domino to fall, could Biffle actually be the one to set everything in motion? As recently as April, the 44-year-old stated his intention was to stay at Roush Fenway Racing and that a new deal was imminent. "We've been working pretty diligently on that," he told Frontstretch back then. "It has been a pretty good negotiation so far. There are a lot of new people on both sides of the table, so everyone is kind of getting a feel for the program and learning it. We feel pretty good that we'll have something to announce before we get to summer." But as May rolled around, warm weather looming Biffle suddenly sounded colder, less confident in his status for the future. "I think there's plenty of opportunities in the industry to be in competitive cars," he said in an interview on SiriusXM Radio earlier this month. "I enjoy being at Roush Fenway. I love 3M. We have a great relationship and the program works really, really well for 3M ... Plain and simple, I've got options. I know I'm going to be racing. I know I'm going to be driving a car. So I'm not worried."
    Supposedly things have deteriorated from there. Despite saying two weeks ago in Kansas Biffle was "absolutely, 100%" not looking outside his current organization, I've learned that's not the case. Sources claim the driver's plans lie elsewhere for 2015, that he is actively seeking other employment and that the feeling is mutual. One link in particular, direct to the Roush organization who wished to remain anonymous said he's been told the future for Biffle involves "anything but" RFR, the only NASCAR team he's really driven for. If the driver, a Roush Cup full-timer since 2003, does not return next year, speculation has been rampant that he will take sponsor 3M with him. A red flag went up about that possibility on Saturday, when RFR announced that they planned to return their #6 to the track next year. Owner Jack Roush said that he plans for the new team, driven by Trevor Bayne, to be a fourth car, but it's also possible he's prepping to lose financial backing for 2015.(Frontstretch)(5-27-2014)
    UPDATE: Old DW may have just spilled the beans on where Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will wind up next season. And if Darrell Waltrip's body language and hinting is any indication, neither driver will be back with Roush Fenway Racing. During Sunday's prerace show on FOX, anchor Chris Myers asked Waltrip if the two free agents are leaving RFR, and if so, where will their new home in 2015 be. The first part of Waltrip's reply wasn't totally surprising. But then Waltrip dropped an obvious bombshell. Reaching over to put his right hand on the shoulder of younger brother Michael, who just happens to own Michael Waltrip Racing, DW's body language and then verbiage said it all - and left Michael staring straight ahead almost in shock. "And Greg Biffle will go to some two-car team that maybe one time had a third car," Darrell Waltrip said. In an attempt to quickly try and cover up what his older brother just said - and obviously deflect that scenario (probably because MWR isn't ready to make a potential announcement yet) - Michael gave his take on it. "Uhhhhhh, I think Carl goes and Greg stays," Michael Waltrip said. "I think the Biff stays at Roush, he's going to be the veteran, the anchor to that rookie lineup for the young guys that are going to race at Roush. So, he goes, the other cat stays."(NBC Sports)
    AND: Another week and more speculation about the future of Roush Fenway Racing. The garage was filled with talk about what current veterans Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will do come season's end as both have RFR contracts that expire this year. Neither driver nor RFR officials had any official comment but there seems to be some momentum to the scenario both drivers will depart and Edwards to Joe Gibbs Racing and Biffle to Michael Waltrip Racing are the leading rumors.(Motor Racing Network)(6-2-2014)

  • NASCAR discusses Dover track repair: Just before the halfway point of Sunday's FedEx 400 at Dover, a piece of concrete came up from the track. #1-Jamie McMurray hit the concrete, causing front end splitter damage. The race was red flagged for more than 20 minutes while NASCAR repaired the track. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition and Racing talked to the media about it Sunday after Dover's race.
    Q. Robin, a few drivers said over the radio that they saw problems with that this morning. Were any of those concerns brought to you or any of the NASCAR officials?
    ROBIN PEMBERTON: We do a track walk after every race and in the morning, so at the time that had been a previous patch, but our staff, our crew didn't see anything wrong with it.
    Q. I was just wondering if you could talk about the decision not to let the cars work under the red flag, especially Jamie.
    ROBIN PEMBERTON: Yes. We've had issues of things like this in the past, and Martinsville comes to mind, some other things similar to that, and our policy is not to let them work on the car. You may remember when we had an equipment failure, broadcast equipment failure, sometime back, and that affected the entire field of race cars, and at that time we did red flag and we did allow the teams to fix the damage that was caused by that equipment failure. But that is our normal policy, to not allow teams to work on their cars.
    Q. Can you talk a little bit about how the actual repair was made, the materials used?
    ROBIN PEMBERTON: Yeah, our teams are -- we have equipment and we have product at every facility. Facilities keep it on hand. We do bring extras in case there is a need for it, but it is an epoxy type filler that we use, and it's basically the same filler that's used any time we make a repair at the track, whether it be asphalt or concrete.(NASCAR)(6-2-2012)

  • Changes to Keselowski's pit crew: After major changes to the #2 Team Penske pit crew in the off-season, the squad was tweaked again before this weekend's race at Dover International Speedway. The result? Brad Keselowski finished second, his fifth top-five finish of the season and his first since Richmond five races ago. Hunter Masling replaced Nick Krizmanich as the front tire changer this weekend. Krizmanich joined the squad at the start of the year along with rear tire changer Travis Johnson and rear tire carrier Tyler Mitchell. Masling also changes tires for Team Penske's #22 Discount Tire Mustang in the Nationwide Series. "Yeah, we're just not where we want to be," said Keselowski, who started from the pole for the Fed Ex 400 Sunday. "We haven't been where we want to be for probably the last year and a half, and it's keeping us from winning races. "You know, I think that's the bottom line. We're making adjustments and we're going to continue to make adjustments until we get it right. I feel really good about the last one we made, and the guy who stepped in did an excellent job in his position, but we still weren't where we needed to be in others. We have to keep working."(Motorsport)(6-2-2014)

  • Johnson had off-season hernia surgery: Six-time Sprint Cup champion #48-Jimmie Johnson had hernia surgery three days after the 2013 awards banquet in December. The surgery, which Johnson revealed prior to Sunday's race at Dover, kept him out of the car for a test at Charlotte Motor Speedway the week following the banquet but he was back training 10 days after the Dec. 9 surgery. "I had bilateral hernias, one on each side, and then a third one in my belly button, so I was very lucky to go in and have all three fixed," Johnson said Sunday after his win at Dover International Speedway. "It wasn't a sports hernia. It was something over time and getting older that something like 60 percent of men near the age of 40 have these and don't know. But I saw one midseason, a little protrusion in my skin and went and had it checked out, and they're like, 'You've got a couple years to get it fixed,' so I figured I'd get it fixed sooner rather than later and went in right after the banquet." Johnson, who mentioned the surgery in a prerace interview on Fox Sports, said he wasn't trying to keep the surgery a secret and that many in the garage area knew about it. He said it was a laparoscopic procedure, which utilizes small incisions and small instruments with cameras that allow for a less invasive surgery.(Sporting News)(6-2-2014)


    News from June 1, 2014

  • Johnson wins at Dover: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the FedEx 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway for his 2nd win of 2014, 9th win at Dover and his 68h career win. He dominated most of the race, leading 272 of the 400 laps.
    Pole sitter, #2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #20-Kenseth, #15-Bowyer, #11-Hamlin, #78-Truex, Jr., #14-Stewart, #22-Logano, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., and #27-Menard.
    #24-Gordon, who came into the race as the points leader, finished 15th. #20-Kenseth took over the points lead, 2 points over Gordon.
    #48-Johnson now leads the Chase Seeding with two wins. #22-Logano is second, also with 2 wins, but 7th in points. #4-Harvick also has two wins and is 12th in points They are followed by #24-Gordon, #99-Edwards and #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
    There were 18 lead changes among 6 drivers and there were 8 cautions for 41 yellow flag laps.
    There were two red flags during the race - one for 6 minutes track cleanup following an accident that spread debris on the track and another for 22 minutes for track repair after a piece of concrete came up in turn 2.
    The average speed was 117.724mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Dover Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Dover Penalty Report (pdf).
    (6-1-2014)

  • Race Fast Facts - Dover International Speedway:
    Jimmie Johnson won the 45th Annual FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks, his 68th victory in 448 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2014.
    This is his ninth victory and 18th top-10 finish in 25 races at Dover International Speedway.
    Brad Keselowski (second) posted his third top-10 finish in nine races at Dover International Speedway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2014.
    Matt Kenseth (third) posted his 20th top-10 finish in 31 races at Dover International Speedway.
    Kyle Larson (11th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Matt Kenseth leads the point standings by 2 points over Jeff Gordon.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-1-2014)

  • 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Championship Points Standings:
    [after Dover, race 13 of 36]
    1) #20-Matt Kenseth, 463
    2) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 461, -2
    3) #99-Carl Edwards [1 win], 438, -25
    4) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 436, -27
    5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [1 win], 429, -34
    6) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 414, -49
    7) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win], 411, -52
    8) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 404, -59
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 379, -84
    10) #42-Kyle Larson, 377, -86
    Other drivers with at least one win, likely will make the Chase:
    12) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 373, -90
    27) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 241, -222 (60 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).
    .(6-1-2014)

  • Current 2014 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Seedings:
    [after Dover, race 13 of 36 if Chase seeding started after this race]
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 2 wins, 4th in points
    2) #22-Joey Logano, 2 wins, 6th
    3) #4-Kevin Harvick, 2 wins, 12th
    4) #24-Jeff Gordon, 1 win, 2nd
    5) #99-Carl Edwards, 1 win, 3rd
    6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 1 win, 5th
    7) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 win, 7th
    8) #2-Brad Keselowski, 1 win, 8th
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 9th
    10) #41-Kurt Busch, 1 win, 27th
    (no wins, in by points)
    11) #20-Matt Kenseth, 1st
    12) #42-Kyle Larson, 11th
    13) #31-Ryan Newman, 12th
    14) #55-Brian Vickers, 13th
    15) #27-Paul Menard, 14th
    16) #3-Austin Dillon, 15th
    (6-1-2014)

  • Dover Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
    #42-Larson, 11th, 11 rookie points
    #3-Dillon, finished 20th, 10
    #51-Allgaier, 26th, 9
    #26-Whitt, 27th, 8
    #83-Truex, 32nd, 7
    #7-Annett, 35th, 6
    #23-Bowman, 40th, 5
    Kligerman, Did Not Race
    (6-1-2014)

  • Hill on standby for Ragan at Dover: Timmy Hill is on standby for #34-David Ragan today at Dover International Speedway. Ragan's wife Jacquelyn is expecting the couple's first child at any time. (6-1-2014)

  • Kyle Busch going for the triple at Dover: In August 2010, #18-Kyle Busch won all three National Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Winning the Camping Workld Truck Series race, the Nationwide Series race and then the Sprint Cup Series race. After winning the Truck Series and Nationwide Series races at Dover on Friday and Saturday respectfully, Busch can 'do the triple' by winning the Sprint Cup Series race at Dover on Sunday. Busch has now won 134 races over the three National Series [29 in Sprint Cup, 66 in Nationwide and 39 in the Truck Series] and has won at least one race in each series at Dover [2 in Cup, 4 in NNS and 4 in Trucks]. See the Drivers Who Have Won in all three NASCAR Series page for who has the most wins across the three series and more stats.(6-1-2014)

  • Fox's Artie Kempner to wave green flag at Dover: Wilmington [Delaware] resident Artie Kempner will take brief a break from directing FOX's telecast of Sunday's NASCAR race to wave the starting flag for the Sprint Cup Series FedEx 400 benefitting Autism Speaks. It's an appropriate honor for Kempner, the founding president of Autism Delaware who has been driven by son Ethan's life with autism. Kempner credited Dover Downs and FedEx for their enthusiasm in partnering with Autism Speaks, where he is a board member, and striving to bring awareness to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mark Rossi, Dover Downs vice president for sales and marketing, said there was a quest to create "something bigger than just a race." The link with Autism Speaks did just that, transforming it into a "lighthouse event" that draws attention toward an important cause.(Delaware News Journal)(6-1-2014)

  • Allmendinger to test Sonoma: #47-A.J. Allmendinger is scheduled to take part in a two-day test session at Sonoma Raceway on Tuesday, June 3, in advance of next month's Toyota/Save Mart 350. This marks the final scheduled test at Sonoma Raceway prior to race weekend.(Sonoma Raceway), the public is allowed to watch the practice.(6-1-2014)

  • Rusty on TV: NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace knows his cars. And when he saw the beauty of an El Camino at auction he knew he had to have it. But Rusty can't be driving a just a stock car anymore, so he calls on Ryan and the West Coast Customs team to create a daily driver fit for a racing legend. Wallace is scheduled to appear on an episode which airs Sunday, June 1st 10:00pm/et on Fox Sports 2.(6-1-2014)

  • Dover Notes & Facts - Sunday - race:
    • 375 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway; 271 in more than one.
    • Ricky Rudd leads the series in starts at Dover with 56. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 42 starts; followed by Joe Nemechek with 39.
    • Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway was the September 25, 2005 race won by Jimmie Johnson over Kyle Busch with a MOV of 0.08 second.
    • There has been one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Dover International Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2005 (400/404).
    • Not one of the 87 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Dover International Speedway has been shortened due to weather conditions.
    • Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway five times: fall of 1984, spring of 2001, fall of 2003, spring of 2005 and spring of 2011.(NASCAR)(6-1-2014)

  • Sad News - Charles "Hoss" Ellington: Former NASCAR team owner and driver Charles "Hoss" Ellington has passed away at the age of 79. Ellington, a native of Wilmington, N.C., won five races as a car owner in NASCAR's premier division, and his cars had 52 top-five and 92 top-10 finishes in 264 races from 1968 to 1988. Donnie Allison won four races in 55 starts with Ellington from 1977 to 1982. The most famous race for Ellington wasn't one he won, it was one he lost. In 1979, Donnie Allison was leading the last lap of the Daytona 500 in Ellington's No. 1 Hawaiian Tropic-sponsored Oldsmobile when Yarborough attempted to slingshot under him on the backstretch. The two crashed in Turn 3, allowing Richard Petty to win. Allison, his brother Bobby and Yarborough got into a fistfight in the infield after the race, generating national headlines for NASCAR. Ellington also had 21 starts as a driver in what is now known as the Sprint Cup Series from 1968 to 1970. In those 21 races, Ellington never led a lap, but had four top-10 finishes.(Fox Sports)(6-1-2014)


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