August 2015 NASCAR News Archive

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

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    News from August 31, 2015

  • Cassill and Wise racing...in Ironman World Championship UPDATE: A weekend off is just another chance for Landon Cassill and Josh Wise to race. While fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors relax on a beach, some other exotic locale or at home this weekend, Cassill and Wise will compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Austria. There will be little time for sightseeing, even though this is Cassill's first trip to Europe. The race, held Sunday and shown on NBCSN later this year, is half the distance of a full Ironman triathlon with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run. Cassill attempted to qualify for the world championship in June at Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, but his time of 4 hours, 47 minutes - hindered by cramping during the run - was not good enough to do so. Wise and Cassill's dad each qualified for Austria at that event. That led to Cassill competing in a half Ironman the day of the Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway in July. He drove in the Xfinity race the night before, flew to Muncie, Ind., got a couple of hours of sleep, competed in the event and then drove in the Cup race that night, finishing 28th. His time of 4:36.44 at Muncie - a personal best - placed him high enough to qualify for the world championships, which is expected to have about 2,700 athletes from more than 70 countries. Cassill says that if he can finish in 4:30, he believes he could place in the top 75. Another goal is to be in the top 20 after the swim because he says that has been his strong point. He's hoping to run the half marathon in about 90-95 minutes.(NBC Sports)(8-28-2015)
    UPDATE: Casill and Wise completed the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Austria within 6 minutes of one another.
    The results for Landon Cassill: 103rd in the male 25-29 division, 867th overall, total time 5:06:04 (27:50 swim, 2:37:47bike, 1:51:32 run)
    The results for Josh Wise: 180th in the male 30-34 division, 1016th overall, total time 5:12:04 (30:38 swim, 2:39:54 bike, 1:52:26 run)
    Wise posted a photo to Instagram and said, "Was somehow smiling at this point. I somehow saved one of my worst performances for the Worlds! That climb over the alps was nasty! I knew I was in trouble when I crested the top of the mountain and my quads went into full cramp! Made for a LONG 13 mile run...Congrats to my buddy [Landon Cassill] as well. We have come a long way in this".(8-31-2015)

  • Harvicks' sell home: NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick and his wife, DeLana Harvick, have sold their 12,000-square-foot Oak Ridge estate for $2.3 million. The mansion, located at 8419 Haw River Road, was sold to Andrew and Becky A. Coney. The Coneys are officers with Powerscreen Mid-Atlantic Inc., a Kernersville supplier of mobile crushing, screening and washing equipment. Tyler Redhead and McAlister in Greensboro represented the sellers. The listing price was originally $3.5 million. The home was listed as having "soaring ceilings on all levels" as well as "European-inspired balconies" and "multiple outdoor living spaces" on 20 acres. The property also includes gardens and a salt-water pool with cabana.(Triad Business Journal)(8-31-2015)

  • Chase clinch scenarios at Darlington: Drivers have just two races left to qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup - Darlington and Richmond. As of now, 11 drivers are qualified for NASCAR's playoffs with wins as long as they start the next two races and remain in the top 30 in points: #48-Jimmie Johnson, #18-Kyle Busch, #20-Matt Kenseth, #4-Kevin Harvick, #22-Joey Logano, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #41-Kurt Busch, #78-Martin Truex Jr., #2-Brad Keselowski, #11-Denny Hamlin and #19-Carl Edwards.
    The five remaining drivers on the Chase Grid have to either visit Victory Lane or stay high enough in the points standings where they don't get bumped by a new winner outside the top 16. These drivers are #1-Jamie McMurray (76 points above the cutoff line), #43-Ryan Newman (+63), #27-Paul Menard (+54), #24-Jeff Gordon (+52) and #15-Clint Bowyer (+35).
    The winless drivers who have won at Darlington in the past and have yet to earn Chase berths this season are Gordon and Greg Biffle.
    The winless drivers who have won at Richmond in the past and have yet to earn Chase berths this season are Gordon, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart.
    For the first time, a winless CAN clinch a spot in the Chase. If a repeat driver wins at Darlington, a winless driver would need to have a 45 point lead on the fifth-highest of the winless drivers (or 44 points, depending on tie-breakers). If there is a new winner, a winless driver would need to lead the fourth-highest winless driver by 45 points (or 44, depending on tie-breakers).(NASCAR)(8-31-2015)

  • Sad News - Richard Brown: Richard Daniel Brown, 75, of Claremont, NC passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from renal disease at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born April 9, 1940 in Catawba County to the late George McFarland Brown and Maude Ruth Baker Brown. Richard was a 1958 graduate of Bunker Hill High School and a graduate from Nashville Auto Diesel College in 1959. He was a member of St. Marks ELCA in Claremont for 45 years, served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and Berlin Crisis, and retired from NCDOT where he worked as a crew leader for many years. Richard was also a NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver [raced in 50 Cup races 1971-1976 with one top-five and three top-tens, with a best finish of 5th at Martinsville in 1972].(service info and full obituary at Bennett Funeral Service website)(8-30-2015)

  • NASCAR explains lengthy caution near end of Road America race: For fans that questioned why NASCAR went six full laps under caution late in Saturday's Xfinity Series race around the massive four-plus mile Road America track, there's a very good explanation. NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell said Monday morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio the lengthy caution was a culmination of a number of circumstances. "You never want to have to red-flag a race," O'Donnell said. "So if you can avoid that, keep the cars or trucks moving out on the track and do that in a reasonable amount of time, that's always our first goal. If you look at Road America, we had a car get off into the sand pit (#88-Ben Rhodes), we thought that would probably take two laps. You have a long course there with over four miles, so we thought that was plenty of time to get that vehicle off the track, allow for the pit cycles as well. As we were coming to one to go, multiple times we had incidents on the track with either vehicles stalling and we had oil put down with another vehicle coming off pit road that stopped the one-to-go. It was kind of a chain of events that you cannot predict, unfortunately. You never want to have a caution that long, but it was one of those that each (incident) would have brought out an individual caution flag and a red in that time frame would almost cause more damage because it would have been down for longer." O'Donnell said NASCAR has considered adding another road course race to the Truck Series, and the central Wisconsin track - which has proven to be a very popular venue for the Xfinity Series - would likely be on the short list of potential candidates.(NBC Sports)(8-31-2015)

  • Canadian Tire Motorsport Park would like an XFINITY race: With the third NASCAR Camping World Truck race in the books, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is one step closer to moving up to U.S. stock car's second tier, the Xfinity Series. Canada has been without an Xfinity race since the NAPA 200 ended its six-year run at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2012 and Ron Fellow, co-owner of the Bowmanville, Ont. track, would like to change that. "They know we want one," saidFellows. "It's no secret that the next step for us is to include the Xfinity Series as part of our NASCAR racing at CTMP." Bringing Xfinity would add to the long history of racing at the 10-turn, 3.96-kilometre road course which has hosted American Le Mans, Canadian-American Challenge Cup (commonly known as Can-Am), Formula One and IndyCar as well as just about every sports car series that matters. Judging from the three truck races, CTMP has already proven to be a solid venue for a NASCAR top tier series. Canadian racer Alex Tagliani, who finished fifth in Sunday's NASCAR truck series Chevrolet Silverado 250 at CTMP feels the challenging track would be a great addition to the Xfinity schedule. NASCAR's Miami headquarters has sent several officials to the Ontario truck race, but it's not just a question of whether or not the venue can deliver a top notch product. Instead, things hinge on finding a slot in the Xfinity schedule available for CTMP to get a race and, unfortunately, finding a date looks unlikely for 2016. "The chances are slim for now," Fellows said. "There needs to be a hole in the Xfinity Series or an opportunity for a date to move."(Globe & Mail)(8-31-2015)

  • Throwback scheme for Logano at Darlington: Team Penske and Hertz will debut a new livery on the #22 Ford Mustang driven by Joey Logano for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Darlington Raceway on Saturday, Sept. 5. As part of the overall throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway, the car's new paint scheme will be an ode to the famed Hertz / Shelby GT350H "Rent-A-Racer" program from the 1960s and will feature a black scheme with gold racing stripes. Nearly 50 years ago, Carroll Shelby and The Hertz Corporation devised a popular plan to help get select high-performance, special-edition Shelby Mustangs into the hands of rental customers who also happened to be car enthusiasts. Ford supplied the new Mustangs with V-8 engines and mostly automatic transmissions while Shelby added extra performance and style, and Hertz gave the public access to the kind of unique driving experience that one would normally only find on a racetrack. Today, the story of the Shelby/Hertz "Rent-A-Racer" is legendary, and existing Shelby GT350H Mustangs are among the most sought-after collector cars in the world. Darlington is celebrating its race weekend with a retro feel across the board - including a special pre-race concert, unique logos, throwback souvenirs and more. A number of teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series will run throwback paint schemes throughout the weekend.(Team Penske), see an image of the car on the #22 team paint schemes page.(8-31-2015)

  • NASCAR could add second road course race for the trucks: NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell said Monday morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio NASCAR has considered adding another road course race to the Truck Series, and Road America - which has proven to be a very popular venue for the Xfinity Series - would likely be on the short list of potential candidates."You never know with Trucks. Right now, you've only got one road course in an ideal situation (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, site of Sunday's Chevrolet Silverado 250, won by Erik Jones). "You'd like to have at least two (road course races) for the race teams, and I think it's consistent that we've put on some great racing on the road courses. So that is something we could look at down the road."(NBC Sports).(8-31-2015)


    News from August 30, 2015

  • Wise has ride for RIR & NHMS: Josh Wise is scheduled to run the #30 Chevy of The Motorsports Group (TMG) at Richmond and New Hampshire in September (TMG30 Twitter). The team has attempted 10 races in 2015, qualifying for two: at Atlanta with Ron Hornaday and at Richmond with Jeff Green. The team made an attempt at Bristol with Travis Kvapil as the driver, but failed to qualify for the race.(8-30-2015)

  • Stewart responds to wrongful death suit UPDATE: Tony Stewart claims he did not see Kevin Ward Jr. until just prior to his sprint car striking the 20-year-old driver and that Ward actually tried to make contact with Stewart's car in the accident that resulted in Ward's death. Stewart's local attorney, Brian Gwitt, filed the Stewart response Friday to the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ward's parents. The response, filed in U.S. District Court in Utica, N.Y., states that Stewart didn't even know who it was on the track at the time, and that Ward was responsible for his own death because he not only walked out on to an active race track but also because he was under the influence of marijuana at the time. The three-time Sprint Cup champion has never talked publicly about what happened that night, other than to say it was "100 percent an accident."
    "Stewart did not see Ward, Jr. or anyone else walking on foot on the track until just prior to contact, and did not know the identity of the person walking on the track until afterwards," the Stewart response states. "Stewart was not aware that Ward, Jr. had crashed because the crash was behind him, and was not aware that anyone was walking on the track. "Stewart did not know Ward, Jr., and had never had a pervious track incident with him. Ward, Jr. approached Stewart's car and attempted to make contact with it. As a result of Ward. Jr.'s actions, Ward, Jr. was killed." Stewart, in his answer to the complaint, denies the allegations that his actions resulted in Ward's death. He claims that the Ward's father, who owned the car, also had a responsibility to make sure his driver did not use drugs prior to the event. Stewart also said that the Wards gave up their right to sue other participants in the race as part of the waiver signed to compete in the event. No trial date has been set. A scheduling conference is set for Oct. 8.ESPN.com)(8-29-2015)
    UPDATE: A lawyer for a racecar driver who was killed when he was run over by Tony Stewart's car says legal claims by the NASCAR star in response to a lawsuit are "appalling." Attorney Mark Lanier said Saturday in an email that Kevin Ward Jr. was killed last year as he walked on a dirt track in upstate New York even though Stewart is one of the world's best drivers. The lawyer noted five other cars drove around Ward during a yellow caution flag before Stewart "revved his engine and ran him over." He called Stewart's legal papers in response to the lawsuit "appalling." Lanier said Saturday that Stewart did not take a drug or blood test following the tragedy.(Associated Press)(8-30-2015)

  • Earnhardt, Jr. waiting on 2016 schedule to set wedding date: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has said he and Amy Reimann plan to wed next summer after getting engaged June 17 in Germany. With NASCAR racing nearly every weekend, there will be few options for them to choose a summer wedding. Earnhardt will be in a friend's wedding this weekend - the final off weekend of the Sprint Cup season - and is looking forward to his wedding. "I'm probably going to be doing it this time next year," Earnhardt said. "Once we get that damn schedule. I've been asking (NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike) Helton since New Hampshire what's going on." NASCAR's officials have suggested that the 2016 schedule should be released in early September.(NBC Sports)(8-30-2015)

  • Jones wins Canada #4-Erik Jones won the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Sunday and took over the points lead courtesy of the win. Jones held on to win his second race of the season following a late race restart. #88-Matt Crafton finished second followed by: #11-Ben Kennedy, #14-Daniel Hemric, #29-Alex Tagliani, #98-Johnny Sauter, #13-Cameron Hayley, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, and #00-Cole Custer. There were 5 caution flags for 13 laps and 14 lead changes among 6 leaders.
    #29-Tagliani started the race from the pole and was running second before having issues on the last lap, which dropped him to fifth.
    Complete results are on the Canada race results page (pdf). (8-30-2015)

  • Canada Race Fast Facts:
    Erik Jones won the 3rd Annual Chevrolet Silverado 250, his sixth victory in 32 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his second victory and 12th top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
    Matt Crafton (second) posted his third top-10 finish in three races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2015.
    Ben Kennedy (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
    Erik Jones (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Erik Jones # leads the point standings by 3 points over Matt Crafton.
    (NASCAR Statistics) (8-19-2015)

  • Driver standings following Canada:
    1) #4-Erik Jones, 590
    2) #88-Matt Crafton, 587, -3
    3) #19-Tyler Reddick, 575, - 15
    4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 535, -55
    5) #14-Daniel Hemric #, 500, -90
    6) #13-Cameron Hayley, 489, -101
    7) #17-Timothy Peters, 470, -120
    8) #05-John Wes Townley, 466, -124
    9) #23-Spencer Gallagher #, 452, -138
    10) #11-Ben Kennedy, 451, 139
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-30-2015)

  • Owner Standings following Bristol are posted (pdf).(8-30-2015)

  • Peters honors Virginia shooting victims: The Red Horse Racing Camping World Truck Series of driver Timothy Peters honored the shooting victims of a Virginia television by carrying a commemorative decal during Sunday's Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. "It's 30 minutes from the house," said Peters, who lives in Danville, Va. "It really hit close for me and my family. I'm a proud local boy and up here we consider everyone family, so we wanted to do something to show the families and friends of the victims that were are thinking of and praying for them. They are not forgotten." Virginia television reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were killed on live television by a disgruntled former colleague who later killed himself. Parker and Ward were murdered while conducting an on-air interview about tourism outside Roanoke, Va., where their station, WDBJ, is based. Their interview subject, Vicki Gardner, was wounded but survived the shooting.(FOX Sports).(8-30-2015)


    News from August 29, 2015

  • Entry List for the Bojangles' Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #25-Elliott, #30-TBA, #32-Wise, #33-Kvapil, #62-Sorenson #98-Hill.
    Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #30-TBA (49th in pts), #62-Sorenson (46th), #25-Elliott (45th)
    Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #25-Elliott (4 attempts), #30-TBA (9), #21-Blaney (12)
    See the full entry list on Jayski.com's Darlington Entry List

  • Congrats to Chad Knaus....married: The big day has finally arrived for Chad Knaus and his fiancee, former Miss Sprint Cup Brooke Werner, as the two are tying the knot during the rare off-weekend for the Sprint Cup Series. Knaus, the six-time champion crew chief for Jimmie Johnson at Hendrick Motorsports, has been in a relationship with Werner since last summer. Werner, a former Miss Vermont USA, stepped down from her role as Miss Sprint Cup in March 2014 during her second year on the job.(Fox Sport)(8-29-2015)

  • Saturday's XFINITY race could be the last for Boris Said: Saturday's race at Road America marks the finale of a five-race NASCAR XFINITY Series schedule for veteran road racer Boris Said this year in Joe Gibbs Racing's #54 Toyota. On Friday, Said hinted that the event could signify another finale on a much broader scale. "Man, this is like the best Christmas present I ever got in my life," Said said after Friday's final practice at the 4.048-mile track. "I've been racing for over 30 years. I'm going to be 53 in a couple weeks. In the last three or four years, I've been racing cars that don't have a prayer to win, underfunded teams. It's still fun, but not fun not being competitive. So, to get an opportunity to drive for Monster and Joe Gibbs and Toyota in equipment like this, it was a dream come true. To finally run in the top five at Watkins Glen, it kind of shows, hey maybe it's not my age, it was just the equipment. It's just been one of the most fun years I've ever had doing these five races with these guys. Now that it's last one, it might be the last NASCAR car race I ever run, I don't know. But it sure is a cool way to go out." If Saturday proves to be Said's swan song, his record will show one XFINITY victory, one Camping World Truck Series win and two Sprint Cup pole positions in a career that dates back to 1995 in NASCAR national series competition.(NASCAR.com)(8-29-2015)

  • Stewart responds to wrongful death suit: Tony Stewart claims he did not see Kevin Ward Jr. until just prior to his sprint car striking the 20-year-old driver and that Ward actually tried to make contact with Stewart's car in the accident that resulted in Ward's death. Stewart's local attorney, Brian Gwitt, filed the Stewart response Friday to the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ward's parents. The response, filed in U.S. District Court in Utica, N.Y., states that Stewart didn't even know who it was on the track at the time, and that Ward was responsible for his own death because he not only walked out on to an active race track but also because he was under the influence of marijuana at the time. The three-time Sprint Cup champion has never talked publicly about what happened that night, other than to say it was "100 percent an accident."
    "Stewart did not see Ward, Jr. or anyone else walking on foot on the track until just prior to contact, and did not know the identity of the person walking on the track until afterwards," the Stewart response states. "Stewart was not aware that Ward, Jr. had crashed because the crash was behind him, and was not aware that anyone was walking on the track. "Stewart did not know Ward, Jr., and had never had a pervious track incident with him. Ward, Jr. approached Stewart's car and attempted to make contact with it. As a result of Ward. Jr.'s actions, Ward, Jr. was killed." Stewart, in his answer to the complaint, denies the allegations that his actions resulted in Ward's death. He claims that the Ward's father, who owned the car, also had a responsibility to make sure his driver did not use drugs prior to the event. Stewart also said that the Wards gave up their right to sue other participants in the race as part of the waiver signed to compete in the event. No trial date has been set. A scheduling conference is set for Oct. 8.ESPN.com)(8-29-2015)

  • Congrats to Matt DiBenedetto: who was married to girlfiend Taylor Carswell on Friday. DiBenedetto tweeted, "Today is the day that I get to marry my best friend Taylor! I'm lucky to get such a beautiful, sweet woman for the rest of my life!". DiBenedetto drives the #83 for BK Racing.(8-29-2015).

  • XFINITY Entry List: There are 39 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway. A few notes:
    Josh Reaume will drive the #13;
    Carlos Contreras returns to the #15;
    John Wes Townley returns to the #25;
    Timmy Hill is entered in the #26;
    Carl Long is entered in the #40;
    Kyle Busch will be in the #54;
    The #97 is TBA.(8-29-2015)
    See the complete list on the Darlington Raceway entry list page.

  • Paul Menard wins XFINITY race at Road America: #33-Paul Menard won the Road America 180 at Road America. #22-Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #54-Boris Said, #42-Justin Marks, #7-Regan Smith, #6-Chris Buescher, and #3-Ty Dillon.
    Pole-sitter #88-Ben Rhodes finished 32nd, 4 laps down, after sliding off track and into the gravel stop.
    Points leader Chris Buescher now leads Chase Elliott by 16 points with 10 races remaining.
    There were 3 cautions for 11 laps and 9 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Road America race results page (pdf).
    (8-29-2015)

  • Road America XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
    Paul Menard(i) won the 6th Annual Road America 180 Fired Up by Johnsonville, his third victory in 197 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in two races at Road America.
    Ryan Blaney (second) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Road America. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2015.
    Brian Scott (third) posted his second top-10 finish in six races at Road America.
    Darrell Wallace Jr. (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Chris Buescher leads the point standings by 16 points over Chase Elliott.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-29-2015)

  • XFINITY Driver standings following Road America:
    1) #60-Chris Buescher, 835
    2) #9-Chase Elliott, 819, -16
    3) #3-Ty Dillon, 816, -19
    4) #7-Regan Smith, 785 -50
    5) #1-Elliott Sadler, 750, -85
    6) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 736, -99
    7) #2-Brian Scott, 723, -112
    8) #18-Daniel Suarez, 717, -118
    9) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 705, -130
    10) #16-Ryan Reed, 631, -204
    See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(8-29-2015)

  • Ben Rhodes on XFINITY pole at Road America: #88-Ben Rhodes will start from the pole for the Road America 180 at Road America. Rain cancelled qualifying. The lineup was set by the rulebook and based on Friday's first practice speeds. #9-Chase Elliott will start second. The rest of the top 10: #23-Ryan Blaney, #42-Justin Marks, #2-Brian Scott, #60-Chris Buescher, #54-Boris Said, #33-Paul Menard, #1-Elliott Sadler, and #18-Daniel Suarez. Did Not Qualify: None. The starting lineup is posted on the Road America starting lineup page (pdf).(8-29-2015)

  • Obaika Racing to let fans decided their driver: VroomBrands, the primary sponsor of Obaika Racing is providing an opportunity for young talented NASCAR drivers through their fans to vie for a ride in the #97 Car in select races in the 2015 NASCAR Xfinity Series. The fans 'Take the Wheel' Competition criteria are:
    Drivers must be qualified to race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
    Drivers must be under 25 years of age (Male/Female).
    Drivers must have a proven track record.
    Drivers must have a valid NASCAR license.
    What To Do:
    Like and follow VroomBrands and Obaika Racing on Facebook and Twitter.
    Nominate your favorite driver on the VroomBrands Facebook page.
    Nominations will commence on the 28th of August 2015.
    The nominated drivers will be contacted.
    Fans will be informed as to when Voting [ends].
    Please refer to VroomBrands and Obaika Racing social media pages for Terms and Conditions. (Obaika Racing)(8-29-2015)

  • Tagliani on pole at Canada: #29-Alex Tagliani will start from the Keystone Light pole for the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, qualifying with a speed of 110.539mph. He will be followed by: #4-Erik Jones, #88-Matt Crafton, #19-Tyler Reddick, #00-Cole Custer, #11-Ben Kennedy, #13-Cameron Hayley, #54-Gray Gaulding, #98-Johnny Sauter, and #17-Timothy Peters.
    #19-Tyler Reddick was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 110.276 mph.
    See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-29-2015)

  • Canada Qualifying Notes:
    Alex Tagliani(i) won the Keystone Light 21 means 21 Pole Award for the 3rd Annual Chevrolet Silverado 250 with a lap of 80.084 seconds, 110.539 mph.
    This is his second pole in two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his second pole in two races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
    Erik Jones (second) posted his 14th top-10 start of 2015 and his second in two races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
    Matt Crafton (third) posted his second top-10 start at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It is his 11th in 15 races this season.
    Erik Jones (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(8-29-2015)

  • Jones fastest in final practice: #4-Erik Jones was fastest in final practice for the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with a speed of 110.436mph. He was followed by # 29-Alex Tagliani, #13-Cameron Hayley, #98-Johnny Sauter, #11-Ben Kennedy, #88-Matt Crafton, #00-Cole Custer, #54-Gray Gaulding, #17-Timothy Peters, and #19-Tyler Reddick. 30 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-29-2015)

  • Tagliani fastest in first practice: #29-Alex Tagliani was fastest during opening practice at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with a speed of 109.853mph. #4-Erik Jones was second, followed by #88-Matt Crafton, #11-Ben Kennedy, #54-Gray Gaulding, #98-Johnny Sauter, #19-Tyler Reddick, #17-Timothy Peters, #14-Daniel Hemric, #00-Cole Custer. 26 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-29-2015)

  • Drivers to appear at youth autograph session at Talladega: Danica Patrick, Aric Almirola, AJ Allmendinger and Ryan Blaney are scheduled to appear for a Talladega Superspeedway special youth autograph session during the Alabama 500/fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola race weekend upcoming Oct. 23-25. On Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10:45am/ct in the track's Hospitality Village, located behind the Birmingham Tower outside the frontstretch, the first 100 kids (12-and-under) to arrive will have the chance to get an autograph from each driver (limit one per child and time permitting). Participants will be allowed to start lining up for the youth autograph session at 10:00am/ct. Talladega Superspeedway has great ticket offers for kids 12 & under for both Saturday and Sunday, which will showcase the final race of the Contender Round in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup in which the list of 12 eligible drivers to the title will be reduced to eight at the checkered flag. Those kids' deals include $50 off the regular price throughout the lower grandstands and towers while they can sit free in the fourth turn Gadsden grandstand while supplies last.(TSS)(8-29-2015)


    News from August 28, 2015

  • Bayne, Advocare go back to 1998 with Mark Martin Throwback at Darlington: AdvoCare and Roush Fenway Racing driver Trevor Bayne have gone back in time to 1998 for their paint scheme on the #6 AdvoCare Ford Fusion in preparation for the "Southern 500" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Darlington. The scheme, which was featured on the #6 Ford during one of the most successful runs in NASCAR history, harkens back to the 1998 and 1999 seasons when it was driven by former Roush Fenway driver Mark Martin. During that timeframe, Martin recorded nine wins, 41 top-five finishes, 52 top-10 finishes and had an overall average finish of ninth in the combined 77 races run in the two NSCS seasons. During that two-year span Martin led an astonishing 2,430 laps. Bayne and the #6 team will run the scheme as a part of Darlington's "Tradition Returns" program, which will feature several NASCAR throwback schemes from various teams throughout the Labor Day weekend. "It's a huge honor to run this paint scheme in Darlington," said Bayne. "This scheme was so successful in the late 90's with Mark (Martin) driving it and it's really cool to see it back on the track and on #6 Roush Fenway Ford again." The #6 was Roush Fenway's first NASCAR entry and served as the flagship team for the organization during its first 20 years. During that span Martin drove the #6 Ford to 35 wins and forever forced the number's historical significance in NASCAR history.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on the #6 team paint schemes page.(8-28-2015)

  • Cassill and Wise racing this weekend...in Ironman World Championship: A weekend off is just another chance for Landon Cassill and Josh Wise to race. While fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors relax on a beach, some other exotic locale or at home this weekend, Cassill and Wise will compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Austria. There will be little time for sightseeing, even though this is Cassill's first trip to Europe. The race, held Sunday and shown on NBCSN later this year, is half the distance of a full Ironman triathlon with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run. Cassill attempted to qualify for the world championship in June at Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, but his time of 4 hours, 47 minutes - hindered by cramping during the run - was not good enough to do so. Wise and Cassill's dad each qualified for Austria at that event. That led to Cassill competing in a half Ironman the day of the Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway in July. He drove in the Xfinity race the night before, flew to Muncie, Ind., got a couple of hours of sleep, competed in the event and then drove in the Cup race that night, finishing 28th. His time of 4:36.44 at Muncie - a personal best - placed him high enough to qualify for the world championships, which is expected to have about 2,700 athletes from more than 70 countries. Cassill says that if he can finish in 4:30, he believes he could place in the top 75. Another goal is to be in the top 20 after the swim because he says that has been his strong point. He's hoping to run the half marathon in about 90-95 minutes.(NBC Sports)(8-28-2015)

  • Stewart-Haas extends partnership with Atlas Copco North America: Stewart-Haas Racing has extended its partnership with Parsippany, New Jersey-based Atlas Copco North America. Atlas Copco has served as SHR's official compressed air supplier since the team's inception in 2009 and has grown to become a technical partner of the organization. Last season, Atlas Copco Compressors LLC, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, provided new compressed air equipment and installed its SMARTLINK monitoring technology into SHR's new, state-of-the-art race shop expansion located adjacent to the team's existing headquarters in Kannapolis, North Carolina. SMARTLINK provides 24/7 remote monitoring of the team's compressed air system to ensure continuous uptime and peak performance.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(8-28-2015)

  • NASCAR to Honor Justin Wilson at Road American and CTMP: NASCAR will honor fallen IndyCar driver Justin Wilson at this weekend's events in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and the Camping World Truck Series with a moment of silence and decals that drivers can place on their helmets and/or the B-post of their vehicles. Wilson, 37, died late Monday after injuries sustained in Sunday's ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway after he was apparently struck in the head by debris from a late-race crash at the 2.5-mile track. The moment of silence will occur before the invocation and national anthem at both races.(NASCAR.com)(8-28-2015)

  • NASCAR Chase Fest returns to Chicago: Chicago will once again host the start of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with one of the biggest NASCAR themed parties of the season, NASCAR Chase Fest sponsored by Toyota. The free outdoor fan fest will feature all 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Challengers and culminate with a live concert by Grammy-nominated band, 3 Doors Down. NASCAR Chase Fest will take place on Weed Street between Fremont and Kingsbury streets from 2:00-9:00pm/ct on September 17. NASCAR Chase Fest will feature appearances and autograph sessions from all 16 drivers competing in the Challenger Round, as well as a number of recognizable NASCAR personalities. Fans in attendance will be treated to food from renowned Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, beverages from Coors Light (with proper ID), attractions such as the Toyota Ferris Wheel and NASCAR on NBC Sports Bumper Cars, activations from event sponsor Sprint including an appearance by Miss Sprint Cup and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Trophy, and another live musical performance by a Chicago favorite, country cover band the Suburban Cowboys. Additionally on-site, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) personalities Krista Voda, Kyle Petty, Marty Snider and Rutledge Wood will interview all 16 Challengers for the network's live broadcast of NASCAR America.(NASCAR)(8-28-2015)

  • Vince Welch's son joins MRN at Road America: A number of father/son duos have filled the pages of NASCAR history books over the past half-century. While several NASCAR patriarchs have passed down their driving skills to future generations, rarely in the modern era has a son followed his father into NASCAR broadcasting. That changes Saturday, Aug. 28 when the green flag waves for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Road America. Dillon Welch, son of FOX NASCAR reporter/host Vince Welch, joins the Motor Racing Network team as a turn announcer for the network's live race broadcast. Dillon, 21, has one semester remaining at Ball State University, also Vince's alma mater, and has called more than 50 national sprint, midget and silver crown events per year for United States Auto Club (USAC) during the past 18 months. Dillon, a digital sports broadcasting major who produces regional Emmy-winning programs through his school's sports production unit, was given an audition as a turn announcer in June at Michigan International Speedway. The Indianapolis native, who began racing quarter midgets at seven and even won several championships, first dipped his toes into broadcasting after curtailing his racing schedule during college and due to lack of sponsorship. The most recent sons who followed their father into NASCAR broadcasting on a national network level were Dale and Glenn Jarrett, but both men and their father, Ned, first were drivers before seguing into announcing. Preceding them were Earl Kelley, a member of the Universal Racing Network radio broadcast team, and his son, Winston Kelley, who first joined the MRN broadcast team in 1988.(Fox Sports)(8-28-2015)

  • SEM sponsoring Aschenbach at Road America: SEM Products, Inc. has joined forces with the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller team once again, this time for one of the tour's most demanding races. The team announced Friday that SEM, the Rock Hill, S.C.-based manufacturer of innovative paints, adhesives and coating products, will sponsor the #0 Chevrolet Camaro, piloted by Lawson Aschenbach in his NASCAR debut, in Saturday's Road America 180 Xfinity Series race. SEM Products, founded in 1948, manufactures a wide array of automotive repair and refinishing products, including materials such as adhesives, fillers and sealers; flexible coatings; custom paints; rust and corrosion solutions; trim paint and truck bed liners. The company provides paint products to many NASCAR teams.(JD Motorsports)(8-28-2015)

  • Menard fastest in happy hour: #33-Paul Menard was quickest during happy hour for the Road America 180 with a speed of 108.202mph. He was followed by: #54-Boris Said, #9-Chase Elliott, #22-Ryan Blaney, #3-Ty Dillon, #51-Jeremy Clements, #7-Reagan Smith, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #90-Andy Lally, and #60-Chris Buescher. 33 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Road America practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-28-2014)

  • Matt Waltz to make NXS debut at Richmond: Matt Waltz didn't wait for the stock car racing world to come knocking at his door. Anxious to move closer to the big-time, he networked and because of that he'll make his Xfinity Series debut on Sept. 11 in the Va529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway. Waltz said he landed the ride with Derrike Cope Racing by introducing himself to one of the team's marketing personnel during the NASCAR race weekend in April at RIR. He offered his help to the team and followed up on the offer by hauling Cope's car to Iowa recently for that Xfinity race. Waltz, the winningest driver in the Langley Speedway Late Model Division a year ago with 12 victories, said the team offered him a ride. He said that Brett Bodine of NASCAR approved him to race on the three-quarter-mile-oval at RIR because he had driven on it in the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, a charity race that includes Sprint Cup Series drivers and regional drivers like Waltz. Waltz will become the second former Langley Speedway Late Model regular to make his Xfinity debut this season. Brandon Gdovic has raced in the series three times in 2015, with a best of 13th at Watkins Glen.(Daily Press)(8-28-2015)

  • Ben Rhodes fastest in first practice: #88-Ben Rhodes was fastest during opening practice at Road America with a speed of 108.500mph. #9-Chase Elliott was second, followed by: #23-Ryan Blaney, #42-Justin Marks, #2-Brian Scott, #60-Chris Buescher, #54-Boris Said, #33-Paul Menard, #1-Elliott Sadler, and #18-Daniel Suarez. 36 drivers completed a lap during the session. See complete results on the Road America practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-28-2014)

  • TaxSlayer Bowl scheme for Smith: Regan Smith's #7 Chevy Camaro will feature a special TaxSlayer Bowl scheme in four races this fall. The paint scheme features college football's TaxSlayer Bowl game. It will debut at the Xfinity Series at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 5, which is also the first Saturday of the 2015 college football season. Following the Darlington race, Regan will also drive the TaxSlayer Bowl car in three races at Richmond International, Chicagoland and Kentucky speedways. With the TaxSlayer Bowl-branded car, TaxSlayer.com brings together fans of two long-standing sport traditions: college football and NASCAR. The TaxSlayer Bowl kicks off Jan. 2, 2016 at noon on ESPN. A team from the Southeastern Conference will face an opponent from the Big Ten Conference or the Atlantic Coast Conference at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.(TaxSlayer), see an image of the car on the #7 team paint schemes page.(8-28-2015)

  • Gase to honor Justin Wilson at Road America: This weekend at Road America #52-Joey Gase will team up with Donate Life to raise awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation and honor Indy Car driver Justin Wilson, who passed away earlier this week. Wilson had pre-chosen to be an organ donor and his wishes were carried out after his accident. "He never stopped giving & caring for others. Even at this time. He had pre-chosen to donate his organs to help others in need. #myherojw," Wilson's brother, Stefan, said on Twitter. Wilson's family announced that he was able to save 6 lives by being an organ donor. "Organ donation is something that has been very close to my heart ever since my mom passed away. She was an organ donor and helped save and improve 66 lives," said Gase. "It was heartbreaking for the whole racing community hearing of Justin's accident and passing. When I heard he was an organ donor, it really hit home for me, but I was glad to hear his wishes of being an organ donor were carried out. This truly shows how much he cared for others." You will be able to find Justin Wilson's picture on the bumper of Joey's Cobblestone Hotel/ Donate Life 52 car this weekend.(Joey Gase Racing)(8-28-2015)

  • The biggest meatball in racing on the menu again at Talladega: After its sellout debut in the spring, "The Big One" Meatball will once again be available to race fans who want to try one of the most unique concession items in all of racing during the upcoming Alabama 500/fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway Oct. 23-25. "The Big One" Meatball, like Talladega Superspeedway, is the biggest and most unique of its kind, weighing in at over a pound. It has a center of blended Mozzarella and Pepper Jack Cheeses mixed with smoked BBQ Pulled Pork and a little house BBQ sauce for an extra kick. It is then covered by a layer of Ground Beef, rolled in a panko bread crumb and parmesan mix before being deep fried to a golden brown. And, there's more - it is then topped off with a dollop of BBQ sauce and a spaghetti garnish. It is the creation of Americrown, the leader in motorsports catering and concessions. The company's Executive Chef at Talladega, Leilani Contemprato, and Corporate Executive Chef Michael Pappas from Daytona were looking for something that caught the feel of Talladega, and they succeeded in, well, a big way.(Talladega Superspeedway)(8-28-2015)


    News from August 27, 2015

  • Jeffrey Earnhardt to make Sprint Cup Series debut at Richmond: Go Green Racing (GGR) announced that Jeffrey Earnhardt will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) debut with GGR in the #32 Ford at Richmond International Speedway during the Federated Auto Parts 400. This will mark the return of two Earnhardt's competing in the NSCS for the first time in over a decade. "I'm really excited to get this opportunity and thrilled that CorvetteParts.Net is sponsoring my debut in Sprint Cup," commented Earnhardt. "The Keens have been very good to me and having their company be part of an important day in my career is pretty cool. I appreciate everyone at Go Green Racing for making this happen and look forward to doing my best to make it a good debut." The 26 year-old, Mooresville, NC native has three previous starts in NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) with longtime GGR sponsor CorvetteParts.Net, as they will once again team with Earnhardt and GGR for the event at Richmond. The Federated Auto Parts 400 will mark Earnhardt's return to GGR. In 2012 Earnhardt made one start for Archie St.Hilare in the (NXS) while making 16 starts in 2013. "Tom and I have been waiting for this announcement like expectant parents," said CorvetteParts.Net owner TJ Keen. "We are very excited to have Jeffrey back in the CorvetteParts.net (Keen Parts) uniform and look forward to having him wheel the Go Green Racing #32 Ford Fusion at Richmond. We are extremely honored to be affiliated with Archie St. Hilaire and the entire organization. Every member on this team gives 100% week in and week out and their positive attitude and desire is none to compare."
    "Mason and I are really looking forward to Jeffrey's first start in the sprint cup series with the 32 team," stated team owner Archie St.Hilaire. "Jeffrey drove for us in the Xfinity series a few years back and worked really well with our crew chief Clinton Cram. I think their relationship will help Jeffrey move up into the cup series a smooth transition and hopefully be the start of something great for the future!"(GGR PR)(8-27-2015)

  • Almirola's Darlington scheme a throwback to Petty in 1972 A throwback conversation wouldn't be complete without the iconic #43 STP Ford and neither would the throwback The Tradition Returns weekend at Darlington Raceway. Joining in on the retro paint schemes, Aric Almirola will pilot the 1972 "Petty Blue" and Day-Glo Red #43 STP paint scheme, originally driven by "The King" Richard Petty. STP will also have special guests at the track during its return to Labor Day weekend. Members of the 1972 crew will join STP and the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports team for the Bojangles Southern 500. 1972 marked the first year for STP and Petty's longstanding relationship and the first year the No. 43 sported Day-Glo Red on the quarter panels. It's only fitting that the company throwback to their first year in NASCAR racing with "The King" during The Tradition Returns weekend. In a storied history, Petty raced with the STP logo on the hood of his #43 race car for 21 years before he retired as a driver and scored 60 of his 200 wins during that time. Along with crew chief Dale Inman, crew members Richie Barsz, fabricator, Tex Powell, mechanic and Jackman, Les Barsz, mechanic and transporter driver, Billy Biscoe, mechanic and gas man, Jimmy "Zoomer" Kovalchik, fabricator and tire carrier, and Barry Dodson, painter, will return to the track where they finished third in the 1972 Southern 500.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #43 team paint schemes page.(8-27-2015)

  • NASCAR issues warnings to several teams: NASCAR announced Wednesday night that Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth each will be docked 15 minutes of practice time next week at Darlington Raceway for inspection issues at Bristol Motor Speedway. They were among 11 Sprint Cup teams issued warnings. Warnings were given to:
    Busch's team for failing pre-race inspection four times.
    Kenseth's team for failing pre-race inspection two times plus being late to inspection.
    The teams of Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano, Alex Bowman, Travis Kvapil and Timmy Hill for failing pre-qualifying inspection twice.
    The teams of Landon Cassill, Matt DiBenedetto, Clint Bowyer and Denny Hamlin for being late to the inspection line.
    NASCAR recently streamlined its warning structure. NASCAR's Rule Book states that for every fourth warning a team receives in a season it will result in the loss of pit selection. Warnings can not be appealed.(NBC Sports)(8-27-2015)

  • Teams to test at Homestead UPDATE: NASCAR has scheduled a Sprint Cup Series test for Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, August 26. One team from each organization will be eligible to take part in the test, which will run from 9:00am-5:00pm. Teams will test at Homestead-Miami Speedway in preparation for the season-ending Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 22, where the Championship 4 drivers will battle for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Testing will be open to the public from 9:00am-5:00pm in the infield Pit Road Cabanas, as well as from the chair-back seats in the Speedway Club on the fourth floor of the tower building. Fans may enter and park in the parking lot on SW 336thStreet and SW 137th Avenue and take a tram into the infield to watch testing. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the infield.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)(8-18-2016)
    UPDATE: Four drivers will participate in a Goodyear tire test at the 1.5-mile South Florida track Monday and Tuesday with an open test scheduled for Wednesday -- NASCAR allowing each Sprint Cup Series team to be represented by one car. Trevor Bayne (Roush Fenway Racing), Clint Bowyer ( Michael Waltrip Racing), Ryan Newman (Richard Childress Racing) and Kyle Larson (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates) are scheduled for the Goodyear test.
    AND One team from each organization in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is slated to test at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, August 26. Testing will run from 9:00 to 5:00pm/et.
    NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams / drivers scheduled to participate:
    #6-Trevor Bayne, Ford, (Roush Fenway Racing)
    #21-Ryan Blaney, Ford, (Wood Brothers Racing)
    #15-Clint Bowyer, Toyota, (Michael Waltrip Racing)
    #31-Ty Dillon, Chevy, (Richard Childress Racing)
    #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevy, (Hendrick Motorsports)
    #11-Denny Hamlin, Toyota, (Joe Gibbs Racing)
    #4-Kevin Harvick, Chevy, (Stewart-Haas Racing)
    #42-Kyle Larson, Chevy, (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)
    #22-Joey Logano, Ford, (Team Penske)
    #78-Martin Truex Jr., Chevy, (Furniture Row Racing)
    (HMS)(8-25-2015)
    UPDATE 2: Rain interrupted much of Wednesday's testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway. NASCAR extended the test until 10:00pm. Teams ended up with approximately 3 hours of on-track time. Fastest was #11-Hamlin at 176.696mph, then #21-Blaney 176.206 & #4-Harvick 176.062mph.(8-27-2015)

  • Congrats to Kurt Busch and girlfriend Ashley Van Metre on their engagement. Busch tweeted the news Wednesday evening. The couple have dated since last year. Van Metre is one of the top polo players in the United States.(8-27-2015)

  • Bristol TV Ratings UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Bristol (TN) earned a 1.9 overnight rating on NBCSN Saturday night, down 44% from last year (3.4) and down 49% from 2013 (3.7), both on ABC. The 1.9 is the second-lowest for any Sprint Cup race this season, ahead of only a 1.5 for Kansas on Fox Sports 1 in May. Including the Kentucky race on NBCSN last month (2.0), the three Saturday night races on cable this season have been the three lowest rated in the metered markets. Overall, 12 of the 13 Sprint Cup races on cable have had a decline in overnight ratings, with the aforementioned Kentucky race the lone exception.(Sports Media Watch / Show Buzz Daily), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-24-2015)
    UPDATE: NBCSN won Saturday prime time among total viewers and adults 18-49 with its first-ever telecast of the "NASCAR Sprint Cup: Irwin Tools Night Race" from Bristol. The good news was the cable network more than tripled the Saturday prime time delivery (in total viewers and adults 18-49) compared to its NBC broadcast network counterpart which aired two hours of original dramas on the evening, "Aquarius" and "Hannibal".(TV Media Insights)
    AND NASCAR's Bristol night race fell to its lowest audience in at least 15 years. NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Bristol earned a 2.1 final rating and 3.6 million viewers on NBCSN Saturday night, down 34% in ratings and 29% in viewership from last year (3.2, 5.1M) and down 46% and 43%, respectively, from 2013 (3.9, 6.3M), both of which aired on ABC.(Sports Media Watch), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-27-2015)

  • Pollex, Truex, Jr. design "Never Give Up" bracelet for ovarian cancer: During a post-race interview following his June 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Pocono Raceway, Martin Truex Jr. was asked by a member of the media how he was able to keep going forward after all the adversity that's confronted him over the past two seasons. Without hesitation Truex gave a succinct and heartfelt answer -- "Never Give Up." The "Never Give Up" saying has taken on a meaning of its own, touching Truex's social media followers and race fans throughout the country and the world. Due to the global reaction to the slogan, Truex and his girlfriend Sherry Pollex have designed a NEVER GIVE UP wristband to help raise awareness, advocacy and research funding for ovarian cancer through the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation in cooperation with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA). The cost of the NEVER GIVE UP wristband is $4 and can be ordered online by visiting www.martintruexjr.com. With September being National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the OCNA will also be selling the NEVER GIVE UP wristbands at its Teal Appeal display booth during the Bojangles' Southern 500 Sprint Cup Series weekend at Darlington Raceway. The black and teal NEVER GIVE UP silicone wristbands carry a personal message from Martin and Sherry along with their signatures separated by a teal ribbon. The wristband will also include a card that lists the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The outside matte black finish of the wristband represents Truex's #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet and the inside teal finish represents the official ribbon color for ovarian cancer awareness.(Martin Truex, Jr. Foundation)(8-27-2015)

  • Comcast creates Community Champion of the Year Award: As part of its long-term partnership with NASCAR, Comcast announced the creation of the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award, honoring NASCAR team members for their outstanding charitable endeavors. The annual award will celebrate the philanthropic efforts being made by race teams across all three national series. An individual from each national series will be honored, with one of the three earning the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award. In recognition of their efforts, a donation of $60,000 will be made in the winner's name to their affiliated charitable organization. A $30,000 contribution will also be made to each of the remaining finalists' charitable organizations. Nominations are to be submitted by NASCAR team members. Eligible recipients include team owners, drivers and all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team employees. Nominees will be narrowed down to three finalists, with a panel of judges comprised of executives from Comcast, The NASCAR Foundation, a former NASCAR driver and a member of the national motorsports media, to determine the recipient of the award. The award will be presented at the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series Banquet at the end of the season in South Florida. Comcast's XFINITY brand is the title sponsor of the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Comcast's NBCUniversal is a NASCAR broadcast partner through the 2024 season.(NASCAR)(8-27-2015)

  • Joe Gibbs Racing Launches Pit Road with Pals Game App: Joe Gibbs Racing announced the launch of their new interactive pit crew competition app: Pit Road with Pals. The new version of the popular pit stop game is now available for download on all Apple and Android devices. Pit Road With Pals App is a free app and provides fans the opportunity to test their skills in all facets of a pit stop. New to this version is the opportunity to play with friends in a best-of-three round competition style similar to many popular word games.(more info and links on JGRs Facebook page)(8-27-2015)

  • Terry Labonte to serve as Grand Marshal at Darlington: Terry Labonte, who will be inducted into the 2016 class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 6. Labonte will give the command to start engines accompanied by Bojangles' CEO Clifton Rutledge. Labonte's involvement in the Bojangles' Southern 500 further enhances the track's throwback platform of celebrating the history and heritage of the sport. Labonte is the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver to win the Bojangles' Southern 500, when it was held on Labor Day weekend, August 31, 2003. It was his final victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Ironically, Labonte's first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win also came at Darlington in the 1980 Bojangles' Southern 500. "Darlington is where I won my first race and my last, and I'm honored to serve as Grand Marshal for the first time at the Bojangles' Southern 500," Labonte said. "I love the Labor Day tradition, and Darlington always brings back special memories for me. I look forward to being part of such a historic weekend for NASCAR."(Darlington Raceway)(8-27-2015)

  • NASCAR Hauler Showcase and Parade returns to Dover October 1: Dover International Speedway to announces a special kickoff to the Oct. 2-4, 2015 race weekend with the return of the popular NASCAR Hauler Showcase and Parade. The showcase is set for Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Blue Hen Corporate Center in from 3:00-5:00pm, with a parade through downtown Dover to follow. The Hauler Showcase and Parade is free and open to the public. Fans are invited to the Blue Hen Corporate Center, located at 655 S. Bay Road, just four miles south of Dover International Speedway, to see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers before they depart at 5:00pm on the parade route through Downtown Dover before heading to parking at the track for race weekend. The inaugural event in 2013 saw close to 10,000 attendees spread out across the entire parade route. The event was rained out last year. After such a great turnout for the inaugural event, Speedway and local officials agreed the event should return for another year. At 5:00pm, haulers will start north on Bay Road, before making a left onto Martin Luther King Blvd. (formerly Court Street). They will then turn right onto Legislative Avenue in Downtown Dover, before turning left onto Loockerman Street, then right on South State Street. From there, the haulers will proceed to the track via Leipsic Road and arrive at approximately 5:45pm.(Dover Speedway)(8-27-2015)


    News from August 26, 2015

  • Go Green's Darlington scheme a throwback to Ricky Craven: Go Green Racing announces our throwback paint scheme for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 6th. The last time the #32 went to victory lane in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, was at Darlington Raceway in 2003 with Ricky Craven behind the wheel in one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. Go Green Racing's owner, Archie St.Hilaire, expressed his excitement in bringing back the 32 scheme for Darlington's running for the Southern 500. "Being a Maine native I alway's pulled for Ricky when he was running in the Cup Series. I couldn't see a more ideal situation to run this throwback scheme." Addittionally, GGR announces a new partner for Darlington. BeerFrost is an environmental friendly product sprinkled on ice causing it to drop in temperature by up to 30 degrees resulting in FROSTY cold beer Long time GGR partner CorvetteParts.Net will also be on the #32 for the Southern 500.(Go Green Racing), see an image of the car on the #32 team paint schemes page.(8-26-2015)

  • Ragan would consider XFINITY or Truck ride for next season: #55-David Ragan said there are no regrets about leaving Front Row (where he won at Talladega Superspeedway in May 2013) because he wasn't guaranteed sponsorship for a full season. "If it had been a full-time deal, then I would have signed up for that at the beginning of the year," he said. "I wouldn't have left. But at the time, I didn't know, and it allowed me to do something different." Ragan would like to remain in the Sprint Cup Series but said he would consider a competitive ride in the Xfinity or Camping World Truck series. "Where I'm at in my career, it's more about being competitive than just making a paycheck or being a Sprint Cup driver," said Ragan, who has two Cup wins and has driven full time in the series since 2007. "I don't want to be in a position where I'm 35th in qualifying, and you finish 30th every week. That's no fun. It's a way to make a living and stay involved, and it's better than the alternative of nothing, but I don't want to be in that position. "So I'll try really hard to try to find something competitive in one of the top three series where I feel like I can go out and win some races and race for a championship."(NBC Sports)(8-26-2015)

  • Jeb Burton's throwback to honor father Ward at Darlington: When Jeb Burton decided to join the wave of throwback paint schemes for Labor Day weekend at Darlington Raceway, he didn't have far to look for inspiration. Burton's BK Racing entry for the 66th running of the Bojangles' Southern 500 will pay tribute to the career of his father, Ward Burton, a two-time winner at NASCAR's oldest superspeedway. "I saw all the throwback stuff and Estes has the same colors as Dad had, so I just thought about the idea and I got the PR team to come up with a design," Jeb Burton said. "I saw it and I thought it'd be a cool idea so we went on with it." Ward Burton caught his first glimpse of the car's vintage look ahead of last weekend's race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The resemblance -- both in colors and its similarly styled numbers -- is uncanny. "It's really cool," the 53-year-old Burton said. "We had a lot of success at Darlington, but more importantly I really appreciate Jeb thinking about me." Ward Burton flew the Caterpillar flag for his most prominent wins in NASCAR's premier series, foremost among them the 2002 Daytona 500. The yellow-and-black look was also front and center for Burton and crew chief Tommy Baldwin Jr. when the Davis-owned team found a sweet spot at Darlington, yielding two victories at the 1.366-mile track, including the 2001 Southern 500.(NASCAR.com), see an image of the car on the #23 team paint schemes page.(8-26-2015)

  • Darlington throwback scheme for Hillman Racing: While other sponsors are bringing back their "old school" logos and designs for the Bojangles' Southern 500, Snap Fitness is paying homage to an iconic car: Sterling Marlin's 2001 "God Bless America" paint scheme. Marlin's paint scheme ran for the first time in the 2001 Protection One 400, which took place a few weeks after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The paint scheme for the most part stays true to the original car run by Marlin with two patriotic phrases around the car: "Proud to be an American" on the back quarter panels and "God Bless America" on the back rear. Snap Fitness added to the design with "9/11 Never Forget" on top of the trunk, complete with a skyline showcasing the Twin Towers. This isn't the first time Snap Fitness has showed its patriotism. All summer long, America's Fitness Brand has run a campaign to benefit Folds of Honor, an organization that provides scholarships to families of fallen soldiers.(Hillman Racing), see an image of the car on the #40 team paint schemes page.(8-26-2015)

  • Hornish to drive throwback Winn-Dixie car: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that Winn-Dixie will serve as the primary sponsor for Sam Hornish Jr. and the #9 Ford team at the Darlington Raceway The Tradition Returns weekend in September. The Southeastern-based grocery store has a long history in NASCAR, serving as a primary and associate sponsor within the top NASCAR series. At The Tradition Returns weekend, Hornish will sport a retro black, gold and red Winn-Dixie paint scheme, like the car previously driven by former NASCAR driver Mark Martin. Winn-Dixie's NASCAR heritage began in 1980 with their debut in the Sprint Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway with Lake Speed behind the wheel. NASCAR fans mostly recognize Winn-Dixie as Martin's primary sponsor for nine years in the XFINITY Series, in which Martin set the standard. Martin visited Victory Lane 39 times and accumulated 77 Top-Five and 94 Top-10 finishes in 128 races with Winn-Dixie as a sponsor. At Darlington alone, Martin won eight times and picked up 14 Top-Five and 18 Top-10 finishes during the sponsorship. This September, Winn-Dixie takes their involvement one step further by partnering with RPM, co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time Champion, Richard Petty.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #9 team paint schemes page.(8-26-2015)

  • Most Mentioned Sprint Cup Series Drivers: According to data compiled by Joyce Julius, Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, & Jimmie Johnson have received the most driver mentions during NASCAR telecasts though the Watkins Glen race this year. The rankings:

    Driver Interviews Interview Time Mentions
    #4-Harvick 35 0:29:06 3,558
    #22-Logano 22 0:21:49 2,520
    #48-Johnson 19 0:13:48 2,504
    #88-Earnhardt, Jr. 24 0:19:56 2,281
    #24-Gordon 22 0:22:30 2,074
    #2-Keselowski 18 0:10:18 2,052
    #78-Truex, Jr. 16 0:33:53 2,008
    #11-Hamlin 19 0:34:28 1,894
    #19-Edwards 17 0:13:29 1,880
    #41-Busch 12 0:11:02 1,860
    #20-Kenseth 12 0:09:39 1,674
    #18-Busch 11 0:16:24 1,217
    #5-Kahne 14 0:12:13 1,041
    #15-Bowyer 5 0:06:14 958
    #14-Stewart 2 0:03:37 946

    Statistics reflect all live race telecasts and replays of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season through Watkins Glen (race 22).(Joyce Julius & Associates)(8-26-2015)

  • NASCAR to Honor Justin Wilson: NASCAR will honor fallen IndyCar driver Justin Wilson at this weekend's events in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and the Camping World Truck Series with a moment of silence and decals that drivers can place on their helmets and/or the B-post of their vehicles. Wilson, 37, died late Monday after injuries sustained in Sunday's ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway after he was apparently struck in the head by debris from a late-race crash at the 2.5-mile track. The moment of silence will occur before the invocation and national anthem at both races.(NASCAR.com)(8-26-2015)

  • Ganassi Sound Garage on the #42 at Road America: HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi announced that Ganassi Sound Garage will be featured on the #42 Chevy Camaro for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Road America. The #42 Ganassi Sound Garage Chevrolet Camaro will be driven by road course specialist Justin Marks in the final road course race on the 2015 XFINITY Series season schedule. On the heels of the wildly-popular and first-of-its-kind event for millennials last Fall, Ganassi Sound Garage will feature Big Machine Label Group's recording artist A Thousand Horses. Ganassi Sound Garage will once again take place at the team's Concord, N.C., headquarters on Monday, Oct. 5. The event will be hosted by a diverse sampling of the team's millennial driver lineup, including HSMCG driver's Kyle Larson and Brennan Poole, fellow XFINITY Series driver Dylan Kwasniewski and Chip Ganassi Racing INDYCAR driver Sage Karam. The event hosted over 200 social media savvy millennials and influencers last year, and expects to more than triple the turnout this year with a target audience that includes influencers, curators and heavy social media users.(HScott Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #42 team paint schemes page.(8-26-2015)

  • Lawson Aschenbach to drive #0 for JD Motorsports: Lawson Aschenbach will put his road-course experience in play Saturday when he makes his Xfinity Series debut in the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller #0 Chevy at Road America. Aschenbach, 31, will drive in NASCAR's No. 2 series for the first time in the Road America 180 over the demanding four-mile, 14-turn course. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a double major in Engineering Science and Mathematics, Aschenbach currently races in the Tudor United Sportscar Championship, the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the Pirelli World Challenge Series. After winning numerous titles in go-kart racing, Aschenbach moved into open-wheel racing at the age of 16 and won championships in some of the most prestigious series in North America. In 2005, the Maryland driver finished on the podium in his first professional sports car race and won the SPEED World Challenge GT Series the following season in his rookie year.(JD Motorsports)(8-26-2015)

  • Bristol TV Ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Bristol earned 1.3 million viewers on NBCSN Friday night, down 23% from last year (1.6M) and down 26% from 2013 (1.7M), both on ESPN. The race ranks 12th out of the 20 Xfinity Series telecasts this season (excluding rainouts).(Sports Media Watch via ShowBuzz Daily)(8-26-2015)

  • Wong to debut in Canada: Highlighting a busy summer of racing for the Californian, Brian Wong and World Stage Racing are pleased to announce their entry in to the next phase of the program's development, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Partnering with the renowned Venturini Motorsports, the program will debut at this weekend's Chevrolet Silverado 250 at the famed Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Canada. Continuing the team's ethos of exploring new avenues for marketing and engagement, the team's Toyota Tundra will also debut a new partnership with Momofuku. Continuing World Stage Racing's tradition of engaging unique brands and non-traditional forms of partnership, the team's alignment with Momofuku provides a perfect symbol of the effort. Established by chef and founder David Chang in 2004 with the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku has grown to include restaurants in New York City, Sydney and Toronto. Momofuku has a total of nine restaurants (Noodle Bar, Ssam Bar, Ko, Ma Peche, Seiobo, Noodle Bar Toronto, Daisho, Shoto, Fuku), a sister bakery with multiple locations throughout New York City and in Toronto (Milk Bar), two bars (Booker and Dax, Nikai), and a Culinary Lab. While this will be Wong's first race in Truck Series competition, the 26-year old will have the benefit of vast road racing experience combined with excellent support from Venturini Motorsports in the No. 25 Momofuku Toyota Tundra. While the series normally runs 22 of their 23 events on oval tracks, the visit to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be the lone visit to a road course for the year. Seen as a road course specialist, including being the first Chinese American to see a podium in the American Le Mans Series as well as first Chinese American to earn a podium in ARCA Series competition, Brian is hoping his experience in "turning right" will play to his favor.(See an image of the truck on the #25 Team Paint Schemes page)(World Stage Racing)(8-26-2015)

  • KBM sues Boston, Zloop: For those who ever wondered if Kyle Busch is exaggerating when he says it takes $3 million to $4 million to field a competitive Camping World Truck Series team on an annual basis, there are now public documents to prove it. Kyle Busch Motorsports is suing its former driver Justin Boston and Zloop, the computer recycling company co-founded by Justin's father Bob, alleging they missed $650,000 in payments as part of their $3.2 million annual deal that had Boston driving a KBM truck. Boston and Zloop made their first five payments on time for a total of $1.55 million but are alleged to have missed payments due in May and June, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in North Carolina Superior Court in Iredell County. KBM claims it is owed $4.025 million for the alleged default on the contract, a two-year deal originally worth $6.4 million. The contract was based on a 23-race schedule, so the 46 races work out to Boston paying KBM $139,130 a race. The KBM lawsuit includes the contract between the team and Boston, who had three top-10 finishes in his nine starts. While he was bringing the sponsorship, Justin Boston was getting paid $3,000 per race plus 40 percent of the purse (not including the television portion of the purse, which all went to KBM). He would also get $50,000 if he won the truck title, $7,500 for a race win, $1,000 for a pole and $15,000 if he finished second through fifth in the points for the season. It could be a while before KBM gets any of the money it claims it is owed. Zloop filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early August to reorganize its finances. Bob Boston is mired in a $28 million lawsuit from a former Zloop investor who claims Boston lied to him about the value of Zloop and did not use his investment as intended, including spending money on Justin's racing career as part of a Zloop marketing program. Because Zloop is in bankruptcy, all of KBM's claims against Zloop will be determined in Delaware bankruptcy court. The claims against Justin Boston could continue in North Carolina. KBM isn't the only company affiliated with racing that is looking for money out of Zloop. According to its bankruptcy filing, Zloop owes Bristol Motor Speedway $131,250, Kentucky Speedway $75,000 and Pocono Raceway $36,601. Zloop also owes the Carolina Panthers $87,000 for its annual suite, a contract that Zloop is trying to get out of for this upcoming football season. An attorney for Boston in his bankruptcy proceeding declined comment on the suit. Kyle Busch Motorsports also had no comment.(ESPN)(8-26-2015)

  • Atlanta partners with Folds of Honor Foundation for ticket discount: Atlanta Motor Speedway is partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation to present "Savings with Honor," a promotional opportunity for a savings of up to $36 on a ticket to the 2016 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at AMS with a donation to Folds of Honor. Race fans can show their support for members of the U.S. Military and their families by making a simple donation of $10 or more to the Folds of Honor Foundation. In return, they will be eligible for a discount of up to $36 on seats in rows 13-26 of the Winners Grandstand for next year's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500. Fans interested in the money-saving opportunity can call the AMS box office at 770-946-4211 or log on to www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/FOHsavings to make their donation to Folds of Honor and reserve their seat for the race at the discounted price. The Savings with Honor offer is available only through Monday, Aug. 31 and while supplies last for seats in rows 13-26 of the Winners Grandstand regularly priced at $95.(AMS)(8-26-2015)


    News from August 25, 2015

  • Stewart moves wrongful death lawsuit to federal court: The wrongful death lawsuit filed against Tony Stewart by the parents of Kevin Ward Jr. was assigned to U.S. District Judge David Hurd on Monday after the Sprint Cup driver asked Friday for the case to be adjudicated in federal court rather than New York state court. There was no immediate response from Ward's legal team on whether it will challenge the federal court's jurisdiction and request to have it moved back into state court. The Ward family seeks unspecified damages related to their son's suffering, death and their own loss of economic support and services from their son. Stewart is scheduled to file his response to the lawsuit by Friday and an initial scheduling conference is set for Oct. 8.(ESPN.com)(8-25-2015)

  • Yeley-Burton switch rides at BK Racing? UPDATE: YES: hearing that JJ Yeley will now be the driver of the #26 Toyota for BK Racing and rookie Jeb Burton will move to BK Racing's #23 Toyota. The #26 is 44th in owners points, the #23 is 39th. The hope supposedly is that Yeley will be able to better qualify the #26 in on speed and give the rookie Burton a fall back on owners points. Hearing the change will take place for Darlington and stay thru the end of the season. No word if this includes crew chiefs changing. Joe Williams is the crew chief of the #23 and Patrick Donahue is the #26 crew chief.(8-24-2015)
    UPDATE: Effective Darlington Raceway weekend, Jeb Burton will be piloting the #23 Toyota with Joe Williams as Crew Chief and JJ Yeley the #26 Toyota with Patrick Donahue as Crew Chief for the remainder of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season. Owner Ron Devine commented, "We are trying something different to improve performance for BK Racing. We are confident and proud of our drivers and employees, but we are looking to try some different combinations to improve our results."(BK Racing)(8-25-2015)

  • Drivers want stricter policing of restarts UPDATE: It's no secret how NASCAR feels about restarts. The double-file dashes into Turn 1 are the most exciting parts of many races, and NASCAR wants drivers to control the exact moment when the race goes back to green. But how serious NASCAR is about punishing those who don't play by the rules on restarts is unclear. Though there were no problems Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, drivers believe there could be some questionable circumstances as the Sprint Cup Series heads towards its final 12 races. "All the drivers really want is for NASCAR to police that stuff with a stern hand," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said after the race. "... You see a guy breaking the rule and you just want to see NASCAR come down on people. You just want NASCAR to run the show like you read in the rulebook." There seems to be uncertainty among drivers because NASCAR often says one thing about restarts while doing another. Officials threaten to penalize drivers for not following the proper procedure, but rarely call a penalty in those situations. "They say it's a judgement call, but you want them to really rule on the side of the penalty," Earnhardt said. "Keep people honest. ... If you give us a little room out there, as drivers we are going to try to take it. We don't want the sport ran so loosely. We really want it to be structured very tight." In NASCAR, all restarts except the start of the race are supposed to be controlled by the leader. When the leader arrives in a zone painted on the wall, he or she has the discretion to go at any time. The second-place driver isn't allowed to take off first, but can beat the leader to the start line - the result of a rule change after more restart controversy in Sept. 2013.(full article at the USA Today)(8-24-2015)
    UPDATE Despite a push from some competitors that restarts need to be better policed, NASCAR does not plan to change how it officiates those. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, addressed the topic Monday on "The Morning Drive.'' O'Donnell said officials want the responsibility for a good restart to remain on the drivers. "We've told the drivers that we'd like to leave it in their hands,'' O'Donnell said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "The rule is clear. We've got a restart zone. We've got a bunch of technology and spotters we can use to look at and make calls. We would like to leave it and continue to leave it in the drivers' hands but that's something we'll continue to look at. We're confident in the calls we've made. The leader restarts the race. It's something we've always got to look at. It's a hot topic when you see things in one or two races in a row that becomes a theme. Hopefully, we get into Darlington and that settles down a bit and we get back to racing.''(in part from NBC Sports)(8-25-2015)


    The 'throwback' look for the Goodyear tire at Darlington in September.
    Image from Goodyear Racing's Twitter

  • Harvick garners 10th 2nd place finish of the year...a record: #4-Kevin Harvick became the first driver since 1972 to post double-digit runner-up finishes during the course of a season Saturday night, trailing race winner #22-Joey Logano across the finish line in the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. No driver had posted 10 or more runner-up finishes in a single season since Bobby Allison managed the feat in 1972. Harvick became just the eighth driver to do so, joining Allison, David Pearson, Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett, Dick Rathmann, Joe Weatherly and Buck Baker. Pearson holds the overall mark, registering 18 second-place results in 1969.
    Runner-up finishes in a season
    Number Driver Year
    18 David Pearson, 1969
    15 Bobby Allison, 1970
    14 Richard Petty, 1964
    13 Ned Jarrett, 1965
    12 Bobby Allison, 1972
    12 David Pearson, 1968
    12 Joe Weatherly, 1962
    12 Dick Rathmann, 1953
    10 Kevin Harvick, 2015 (active)
    10 Buck Baker, 1958
    (NASCAR.com)
    AND Harvick now has 41 runner-up finishes, 14th all-time. Richard Petty has the most with 157, next in line is David Pearson at 89.
    The All-Time list of runner-up finishes (stopping at Harvick)
    1 Richard Petty 157
    2 David Pearson 89
    3 Bobby Allison 87
    4 Jeff Gordon 75*
    5 Dale Earnhardt 70
    6 Mark Martin 61
    7 Cale Yarborough 59
    8 Darrell Waltrip 58
    9 Buck Baker 56
    10 Lee Petty 48
    11 Jimmie Johnson 46*
    12 Tony Stewart 43*
    13 Buddy Baker 42
    Terry Labonte 42
    Rusty Wallace 42
    14 Kevin Harvick 41*
    * = active driver.
    See the full list on Jayski.com's All-Time Winners page.(8-25-2015)

  • Bowyer to run Buddy Baker scheme at Darlington: #15-Clint Bowyer will run a tribute paint scheme for Buddy Baker in the Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington race. The paint scheme is an "old school" style paint scheme and Bowyer wanted to keep it authentic. Watch it get hand painted in just over 60 seconds at Michael Waltrip Racing's Facebook page.(8-25-2015)

  • Teams to test at Homestead UPDATE: NASCAR has scheduled a Sprint Cup Series test for Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, August 26. One team from each organization will be eligible to take part in the test, which will run from 9:00am-5:00pm. Teams will test at Homestead-Miami Speedway in preparation for the season-ending Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 22, where the Championship 4 drivers will battle for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Testing will be open to the public from 9:00am-5:00pm in the infield Pit Road Cabanas, as well as from the chair-back seats in the Speedway Club on the fourth floor of the tower building. Fans may enter and park in the parking lot on SW 336thStreet and SW 137th Avenue and take a tram into the infield to watch testing. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the infield.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)(8-18-2016)
    UPDATE: Four drivers will participate in a Goodyear tire test at the 1.5-mile South Florida track Monday and Tuesday with an open test scheduled for Wednesday -- NASCAR allowing each Sprint Cup Series team to be represented by one car. Trevor Bayne (Roush Fenway Racing), Clint Bowyer ( Michael Waltrip Racing), Ryan Newman (Richard Childress Racing) and Kyle Larson (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates) are scheduled for the Goodyear test.
    AND One team from each organization in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is slated to test at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, August 26. Testing will run from 9:00 to 5:00pm/et.
    NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams / drivers scheduled to participate:
    #6-Trevor Bayne, Ford, (Roush Fenway Racing)
    #21-Ryan Blaney, Ford, (Wood Brothers Racing)
    #15-Clint Bowyer, Toyota, (Michael Waltrip Racing)
    #31-Ty Dillon, Chevy, (Richard Childress Racing)
    #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevy, (Hendrick Motorsports)
    #11-Denny Hamlin, Toyota, (Joe Gibbs Racing)
    #4-Kevin Harvick, Chevy, (Stewart-Haas Racing)
    #42-Kyle Larson, Chevy, (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)
    #22-Joey Logano, Ford, (Team Penske)
    #78-Martin Truex Jr., Chevy, (Furniture Row Racing)
    (HMS)(8-25-2015)

  • Throwback schemes at Darlington: Several race teams have announced their throwback paint schemes for the Bojangles' Southern 500 with more to come. Thus far, 18 cars have been unveiled: #2-Brad Keselowski, #3-Austin Dillon, #4-Kevin Harvick, #10-Danica Patrick, #11-Denny Hamlin, #14-Tony Stewart, #16-Greg Biffle, #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., #21-Ryan Blaney, #25-Chase Elliott, #27-Paul Menard, #31-Ryan Newman, #41-Kurt Busch, #42-Kyle Larson, #43-Aric Almirola, #46-Michael Annett, #48-Jimmie Johnson and #55-David Ragan.(Darlington Raceway), images of the schemes can be seen on Jayski.com's Darlington Throwback paint schemes page.(8-25-2015)

  • Shell Saver Cardholders Can Save When #22 Ford Wins: This past weekend Joey Logano took the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford to victory lane at Bristol Motor Speedway, and now it's current Shell $aver Card customers' time to win! Shell Saver Cardholders can save 22 cents per gallon on all three grades of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, and Shell Diesel. Savings apply up to 25 gallons at participating stations and are good for purchases made this upcoming Wednesday, or as we like to call it WINsday, August 26. The season-long WINsday promotion will be applicable after every points race in which Joey Logano takes the checkered flag.(Shell)(8-25-2015)

  • Sad News - Jimmy Massey: James Massey, 86, passed away on August 21, 2015 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. He was a Legends NASCAR driver during the 1950s and '60s. James enjoyed racing, working on his race cars and spending time with his racing friends. He was the former owner of Pleasant Grove Esso and remained a mechanic after retirement. Massey ran in the Sprint Cup Series from 1955-1964, running 108 races, winning 3 in the NASCAR Convertible Series.(see full obituary / services at The Times News)(8-25-2015)

  • Truck teams to remember IndyCar driver: According to his brother, the organs from IndyCar Series Justin Wilson were donated to six different people. Stefan Wilson revealed the news on Twitter on Tuesday, a day after his brother died from a head injury he sustained at Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Wilson, 37, was hit in the helmet by debris from Sage Karam's car. Karam had crashed while leading and pieces of his car were strewn across the track. A bouncing piece of debris was in the path of Wilson's car and after impact, his car swerved to the left and hit the inside wall. NASCAR Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series teams will run decals this weekend honoring Wilson (The Sprint Cup Series is off). Wilson's death was the first in the IndyCar Series since Dan Wheldon died in the final race of the 2011 season. Sunday's race at Sonoma is the final race of the 2015 season. With the offseason just a week away, there's plenty of time for conversations about what the series can do to increase protection for drivers' heads. Wilson was killed because his head was exposed with the IndyCar Series' open-cockpit design.(Yahoo Sports)(8-25-2015)

  • KBM team supporting Rally for Kids With Cancer: Matt Tifft will make his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series road-course start behind the wheel of the #51 Rally for Kids With Cancer Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports in Sunday's 64-lap event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. Tifft's Tundra will be promoting a great cause this weekend, carrying the logo of Rally for Kids With Cancer, which is a unique car rally held each year in Toronto that has raised over $14 million for children's cancer research and care at SickKids, a hospital for sick children affiliated with the University of Toronto.(Kyle Busch Motorsports)(8-25-2015)

  • Brown to debut with MB: When Englishman Daniel Brown slides behind the wheel of the #63 Brown & Geeson Chevy Silverado of MB Motorsports for the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, it will be a little different than the Aston Martins, Ferrari's and BMW's he is used to racing across the pond. Brown has been quite successful in British GT, FIA GT3 and GT Open, as well as the Blancpain Endurance Series and Historic Racing events among many others. "I am really excited for this opportunity to race in the NCWTS with MB Motorsports and have to say a big thank you to Mike Mittler for trusting me to drive the truck at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park," says Brown. "I have primarily driven GT sports cars in Europe, so the truck is certainly going to be a very different animal to tame. There are some big names taking part in this event, so I am under no illusions that it is going to be tough and will involve a very steep learning curve, but if I keep out of trouble and listen to all the advice Mike and the team can give me, then I hope we will be able to achieve a strong result."(MB Motorsports)(8-25-2015)

  • Southern 500 Tickets still available: The Tradition Returns to Labor Day weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 is set for Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015 at Darlington Raceway. The NASCAR XFINITY Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 will race on Saturday, Sept. 5. Tickets are still available by calling 866-459-7223, visiting www.DarlingtonRaceway.com, or through the mobile app.(Darlington Raceway)(8-25-2015)


    News from August 24, 2015

  • Stewart loans plane to Wilson family UPDATE Sad News: Tony Stewart loaned his plane and pilots to Stefan Wilson, brother of injured IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson, so Wilson could get from Indianapolis to his brother's side at a Pennsylvania hospital Sunday night. Justin Wilson was hit in the helmet by the flying nosepiece of Sage Karam's car during the race Sunday at Pocono Raceway and was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, PA. Wilson suffered a severe head injury and is in a coma in critical condition, according to the IndyCar Series. It is not unusual for Stewart to lend his plane to people in the racing industry amid a health crisis. Most of those acts go unpublicized at Stewart's request. He did not publicize his loaning of the plane and pilots Sunday night, but several in the IndyCar community sent out tweets thanking him.(ESPN.com)(8-24-2015)
    UPDATE Sad News - Justin Wilson: INDYCAR announced that driver Justin Wilson, who enjoyed success in multiple motorsports series during a two-decade professional career, died today from a head injury sustained in the Verizon IndyCar Series race Aug. 23 at Pocono Raceway. He was 37. Wilson was struck by debris from a single-car crash on Lap 180 of the 200-lap race on the 2.5-mile triangular oval. Wilson was attended to by the Holmatro Safety Team and airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa. Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters. His younger brother Stefan is an accomplished race car driver who has competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights. Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Wilson children. Donations may be sent to: Wilson Children's Fund, c/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.(INDYCAR)(8-24-2015

  • Bristol TV Ratings: NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Bristol (TN) earned a 1.9 overnight rating on NBCSN Saturday night, down 44% from last year (3.4) and down 49% from 2013 (3.7), both on ABC. The 1.9 is the second-lowest for any Sprint Cup race this season, ahead of only a 1.5 for Kansas on Fox Sports 1 in May. Including the Kentucky race on NBCSN last month (2.0), the three Saturday night races on cable this season have been the three lowest rated in the metered markets. Overall, 12 of the 13 Sprint Cup races on cable have had a decline in overnight ratings, with the aforementioned Kentucky race the lone exception.(Sports Media Watch / Show Buzz Daily), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-24-2015)

  • Yeley-Burton switch rides at BK Racing? hearing that JJ Yeley will now be the driver of the #26 Toyota for BK Racing and rookie Jeb Burton will move to BK Racing's #23 Toyota. The #26 is 44th in owners points, the #23 is 39th. The hope supposedly is that Yeley will be able to better qualify the #26 in on speed and give the rookie Burton a fall back on owners points. Hearing the change will take place for Darlington and stay thru the end of the season. No word if this includes crew chiefs changing. Joe Williams is the crew chief of the #23 and Patrick Donahue is the #26 crew chief.(8-24-2015)

  • Busch Beer to replace Budweiser on the #4: Anheuser-Busch's Busch brand will be the primary sponsor of a NASCAR car next year instead of Budweiser. A-B InBev, which has its U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, said Monday that Busch will be the new primary sponsor of Stewart-Haas Racing's #4 NASCAR car driven by Kevin Harvick for the 2016 NASCAR season. Budweiser has sponsored Harvick for several years. "The Busch brand is well positioned for this partnership given the brand's storied history with the sport," Lucas Herscovici, A-B's Vice President of Consumer Connections said in an email.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(8-24-2015)

  • Earnhardt Jr. to run Valvoline throwback scheme at Darlington: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. may be driving the Valvoline car on Sept. 6, 2015, at Darlington Raceway, but thanks to a "throwback" paint scheme, his fans will likely feel as if they're watching a race more in line with his father's early career and track opponents. #88 Valvoline Chevy Earnhardt and Valvoline's presence on the Darlington track at the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event will pay homage to the brand's storied history in motor sports with an early-1980s look inspired by Valvoline cars driven by some of the era's racing icons, including Cale Yarborough, Ron Bouchard, Neil Bonnett and Buddy Baker. "I love the history of the sport and really enjoy paint schemes from the past," said Earnhardt, NASCAR's 12-time most popular driver. "To be able to run a car inspired by many of my racing idols is pretty special. Valvoline has been involved in NASCAR for a long time, and it's awesome they wanted to do a program like this at Darlington."
    The one-race sponsorship of Earnhardt's #88 Chevy marks an elevated partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and Valvoline, which in September 2013 announced a four-year agreement that kicked off last season. The new sponsorship at Darlington represents Valvoline's first primary paint scheme since that time. "As Valvoline approaches its 150th anniversary, we are proud to support Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the upcoming 'throwback' Southern 500 by paying tribute to the legendary drivers who have contributed to the legacy of Valvoline racing," said Sam Mitchell, Valvoline president. "We look forward to being part of yet another exciting competition at Darlington for the history books."
    "I remember our first Southern 500 win back in 1986," said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, whose teams have earned a record 14 Sprint Cup victories at Darlington. "It was an incredible era that featured some amazingly talented drivers, and it's exciting to see Valvoline recognize them with this paint scheme. We're extremely proud of our partnership and delighted to see it grow with this program."
    In addition to the 1980s-inspired red and blue paint scheme, Earnhardt's fire suit will pay homage to this specific era of racing history. The two-time Daytona 500 winner helped design Valvoline's "throwback" look after reviewing the various styles of legacy cars and drivers. He also worked alongside performance and protective footwear and apparel designer Alpinestars to develop a suit that would take NASCAR fans back 30-plus years. The Darlington paint scheme also sets the tone for Valvoline: LEGACY, a program ahead of the brand's 150th anniversary celebration in 2016 designed specifically to tell the story of its motor sports history, commitment to excellence and dedication to developing cutting-edge motor oil. As part of Valvoline: LEGACY, NASCAR fans will soon have access to a special video series, which will be available via the Valvoline YouTube channel, in advance of the Sunday, Sept. 6 race. These LEGACY videos will feature Earnhardt, as well as Yarborough (1982 Darlington winner, NASCAR Hall of Famer and past Valvoline driver) and Ray Evernham (three-time Sprint Cup Series champion crew chief, television broadcaster and NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee). Additionally, a limited-edition die cast replica of Earnhardt's No. 88 Valvoline Chevrolet SS will be available in participating Wal-Mart stores across the United States beginning on Aug. 31.(Hendrick Motorsports / Valvoline PR), see images of the car on Jayski.com's #88 Team Schemes page.(8-24-2015)

  • NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell addresses MWR situation: The landscape in NASCAR shifted last week when Michael Waltrip Racing announced that it would end full-time competition in the Sprint Cup Series following the 2015 season. MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman, the former investment banker who gave MWR an influx of finanical support in 2007, was at the forefront of the decision. On Monday, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell addressed the moves made by Kauffman and MWR that included Clint Bowyer being freed to pursue other deals for 2016 and Kauffman buying into Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in late July. "I think in Rob's case we're pleased that he believes in the sport and is willing to make a continued investment in NASCAR, which is a great time for us," O'Donnell said during his weekly interview with NASCAR.com. "As well as Clint Bowyer who is certainly a talented driver who will find a home with a top team. You never like to see anything happen with a race team like this in this case, but again we'll see some things we believe through the manufacturer's support where some other teams may become stronger through all this as well. So a lot still to play out. We're working closely with all our race teams right now to do everything we can to put everyone in an even better position as we head into the 2016 season."(NASCAR.com)(8-24-2015)

  • Did Not Finish [DNF] Streak and stats: #16-Greg Biffle has the longest current streak of finishing races at 42 races, of drivers who have run all the races, followed by #22-Joey Logano at 41.
    Four drivers have ran all the races in 2015 and do not have an DNF: #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson, #22-Logano & #15-Bowyer.
    Greg Biffle holds the record at 89 (ended at Daytona in July 2014), then Clint Bowyer at 83, Kevin Harvick at 81, Harvick at 58, Jeff Gordon at 56 and Dale Earnhardt at 53.
    The old all-time record for the longest streak of not having an DNF 'was' 84 races held by Herman Beam from April 30, 1961 thru March 10, 1963 [Beam didn't run all the races, but did not have a DNF in 84 straight consecutive races that he ran].
    The Most DNF's in 2015: #42-Larson, #14-Stewart, #40-Cassill, #23-Yeley and #98/#32-Wise have 4 DNF's.(8-22-2015)

  • 2015 Top-5's, Top-10's:
    #4-Harvick leads all drivers in 2015 with 17 top-fives followed by #22-Logano with 14.
    #4-Harvick leads all drivers in 2015 with 21 top-Ten finishes. #22-Logano is next with 18.
    Four drivers have ran all the races in 2015 and do not have a top-10 finish: #38-Gilliland, #35-Whitt, #46-Annett, #40-Cassill.(8-22-2015)

  • Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Consecutive Starts:
    Jeff Gordon, 785 [longest ever from the start of career, never missed a race] - started Atlanta 11/1992
    Matt Kenseth, 562
    Jimmie Johnson, 492
    Ryan Newman, 492
    Kevin Harvick, 484
    Jamie McMurray, 460
    Greg Biffle, 453
    Kasey Kahne, 420 [since start of his career]
    Carl Edwards, 389
    Martin Truex Jr., 348
    Clint Bowyer, 348
    Ricky Rudd is the all time leader with 788, Gordon is scheduled to break the all-time mark at New Hampshire in Sept.
    See the full list, the all-time on the All-Time Starts page.(8-24-2015)

  • XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Road America 180 at Road America. A few notes:
    The #0 for JD Motorsports is TBA;
    Michael Self will be in the JD Motorsports #4;
    Tim Cowen returns to the #13 for Rick Ware;
    Stanton Barrett will be in the #17 for Rick Ware;
    Kenny Habul returns to the JGR #20;
    Justin Marks is back in the #42;
    Boris Said returns to the #54 for JGR;
    The driver of the #74 for Mike Harmon is TBA;
    Dylan Kwasniewski is back in the #97.(8-24-2015)
    See the complete list on the Road America entry list page.

  • Peters adds sponsor for Canada: Red Horse Racing announced today that its #17 Toyota Tundra driven by Timothy Peters will be sponsored by Gaunt Collision Centres for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Gaunt Collision Centres is a family business with 30 years of experience specializing in automotive body repair owned by Marty and John Gaunt in Barrie, Ontario. The brothers Gaunt grew up around short track racing in Canada and have maintained a close connection to the sport. Marty is president of Triad Racing Technologies, which successfully builds racing engines and is a primary vendor for Toyota Racing Development in NASCAR. Triad has helped its clients win seven manufacturer championships, five driver championships, and over 100 victories since 2004. Over the years, Marty has owned and entered trucks in the NCWTS; he has sponsored trucks in the series; and, has become a premier engine builder. In short, he is considered one of the series' biggest supporters. Peters, who turns 35 on Saturday, is in his seventh full-time NCWTS season and is currently seventh in points with two top-5 and eight top-10 finishes this season.(See an image of the truck on the #17 Team Paint Schemes page)(Red Horse Racing)(8-24-2015)

  • Talladega Superspeedway offers an "Unrestricted" VIP package: Talladega Superspeedway once again offers an "Unrestricted" VIP package like no other in sports, one that will give fans incredible behind-the-scenes access throughout the upcoming Alabama 500/fred's 250 race weekend, Oct. 23-25. These very-limited quantity packages will provide fans up-close and personal accessibility to the garages, pits and other exclusive track activities leading up to the fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR XFINITY Series event on Saturday, Oct. 24 and the Alabama 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on Sunday, Oct. 25 - the final event of the Contender Round in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup where the field of 12 eligible drivers will be cut to eight at the checkered flag. The "Unrestricted" VIP package is available for only $475 (must be purchased in addition to a grandstand ticket) for fans 18 and over. It includes a parking pass for the weekend and other amenities.The unmatched access that the "Unrestricted" VIP package provides is available by calling the Talladega Superspeedway ticket office at 855.518.RACE.(Talladega Superspeedway)(8-24-2015)

  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. First Driver Named for Talladega's Q&A Session: #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Talladega Superspeedway's most recent winner, has been named the first driver scheduled to take part in the track's Pre-Race Fan Question & Answer Session at the start-finish line on Sunday, Oct. 25, prior to the start of the Alabama 500. Race fans will get to ask Earnhardt Jr. questions in advance of the most anticipated race of the season where the field of 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders will be trimmed to eight at the checkered flag of the Alabama 500. Fans that purchase Talladega's "Pit Pass Upgrade" can have access to this special session, which is tentatively scheduled from 10:00-11:20 AM (CDT). Not only can they get an up-close look at NASCAR's finest with the Pit Pass Upgrade, but they can also take in all the festive activities at the pre-race stage, including Driver Introductions. Additional drivers/personalities that will be part of the fan Q&A line-up will be announced in the near future. In addition to the Driver Q&A, pre-race festivities at the Driver Introduction stage will include introductions of special guests and VIPs, as well as the Honorary Starter and Grand Marshal of the Alabama 500, which is set for a 1 PM (CDT) start. The "Pit Pass Upgrade" is $75, but also includes more opportunities for up-close access on race day. The "Pit Pass Upgrade" allows fans to enjoy a crew member's perspective on race morning. Fans can stroll down Pit Road where the cars will be placed in position to start the race, and have the opportunity to see the crews set up each pit stall. It also allows access to The Red Carpet Entry into the Drivers Meeting. Fans will see drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, celebrities and NASCAR officials walk the red carpet into the meeting, where race procedures and protocol will be explained. The Pit Pass Upgrade will be in effect on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. until the conclusion of Driver Introductions. To purchase, simply visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(Talladega Superspeedway)(8-24-2015)


    News from August 23, 2015

  • Bristol sees largest crowd since 2008: Picture-perfect weather combined with a pre-race concert by Steven Tyler and Jeff Gordon's last race on the high banks led to the largest crowd at Bristol Motor Speedway since 2008. While a capacity crowd was often taken for granted during the days of 55 straight sellouts from 1992-2008, it's actually quite a feat to fill the world's eighth largest sports stadium in one of the smallest markets which NASCAR races. Jerry Caldwell, BMS Executive Vice President and General Manager, credited the speedway's team of employees for helping to make it the huge turnout, estimated over 150,000 strong, a reality. "It's a massive crowd here and we're really excited about it," Caldwell said. "The team worked so hard for so many months. They've put everything we've got into all of this from Steven Tyler to (famed boxing announcer) Michael Buffer (who did driver introductions) to the 43 greatest drivers in the world."(Johnson City Press)(8-23-2015)

  • Yeley dons Elvis outfit for driver intros at Bristol: #23-JJ Yeley doesn't often stand out much on the track once the racing begins and Saturday was no different as he placed 34th in the IRWIN Tools Night Race. No one, though, does driver intros at Bristol Motor Speedway with the gusto of the driver of the #23 car. Choosing a rocker theme for the second straight Night Race with help once again from his daughter, Yeley walked on to the track dressed as Elvis Presley with his daughter in an angel's outfit as "Devil in Disguise" blared over the loudspeakers. "Are you ready Briiiistol?" bellowed Yeley's daughter to loud cheers.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-23-2015)

  • #18 Crew Chief not happy with speeding penalty, comments: A late speeding penalty on pit road likely cost #18-Kyle Busch a chance at victory in Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch led a race-high 192 laps (out of 500) and finished eighth. He did not talk to the media afterward. In his stead, crew chief Adam Stevens discussed the costly penalty.
    Q) How frustrating is it to have the speeding penalty happen on the final pit stop?
    Stevens: "It's frustrating. We put another car on the track that's capable of winning and it's tough to do. We've been able to do it I don't know how many weeks in a row. We had a race-winning car at Watkins Glen and Pocono and just keep coming up short. This one's on us. We made a mistake at Pocono, we weren't aggressive enough at Watkins Glen and now just make a mistake on pit road. We had a loose wheel and we battled back from that and then you speed on the last stop - you can't win if you speed on the last stop. That's all there is to it."
    Q) What were you told about the section where NASCAR reported you were speeding?
    Stevens: "They (NASCAR) told us that we were speeding in section five - our pit box is in section five. You can't speed if you're stopped on pit road. That could have just been - maybe they meant to say a different number, I don't know, but there is no earthly way that you can speed in the segment that your pit stall is in, it's not possible."(Toyota Racing/NBC Sports)(8-23-2015)

  • Bristol Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2015 IRWIN Tools Night Race: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 10:36 PM (all times are EST). NBCSN was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 114
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 57
    Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 91
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 55
    Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 23
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 19
    Number of times NBCSN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 4
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min. 15 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:30 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 10:36 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 186
    Minutes of race broadcast: 148
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 38
    Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 9
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1
    Total race brdcst time 148 Total comm. brdcst time 38
    See full reports, sponsor links, many more details at CawsnJaws.com.(8-23-2015)

  • Military Family Honored by Eckrich, Food City and Almirola: Thanks to Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, a local military family was honored by Richard Petty Motorsports driver Aric Almirola Saturday before the event at Bristol Motor Speedway. Army Sergeant Gary Burkhart and his wife Chrissy were greeted at the race track by the Richard Petty Motorsports team and escorted to the garage area to meet the winning driver. Almirola then surprised the family with a gift card for $1,000 in free groceries at Food City, courtesy of Eckrich. The family will also have the opportunity to watch Almirola race on Saturday night. Eckrich, a sponsor of the famed #43, has previously partnered with Almirola to honor, thank and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront. Since it was founded shortly after September 11, 2001, Operation Homefront has provided emergency financial assistance to military families. In addition, they provide a wide array of family support programs, plus transitional housing for wounded-warrior families and permanent housing for veterans of all eras. Almirola, who was born on Eglin Air Force base in Florida, knows the importance of giving back to military families. "I'm proud to work with Eckrich to honor our military families," said Almirola. "I have two children of my own and I can't imagine how hard it is for our military families. This is a great way for Eckrich to assist them and I'm glad that I can do my part to help." Eckrich, in its fourth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, recently surpassed $1 million in donations since 2012.(Eckrich/Richard Petty Motorsports)(8-23-2015)

  • Kevin Swindell released from hospital: Statement from Swindell family: Kevin Swindell has been released from Des Moines Mercy Hospital today after an eight-day stay at the hospital following last week's accident at Knoxville Raceway. The doctors and staff at Des Moines Mercy have been generous to us, both in their care for Kevin and their patience and understanding to all of us throughout our time here. We will forever be grateful to them. We cannot begin to thank everyone in the racing community for the support that you've shown to Kevin. The thoughtfulness of all of you is seen and felt and we feel stronger each day because of you. Kevin feels the power of your prayers and they are working. Our motto is: God showed up and showed out! We're also grateful for the donations that have come in and the continued fundraisers that race fans, organizations and tracks have started to help Kevin. We know there is a long road ahead for him and the donations will help ease the burden of the medical expenses we'll have and allow Kevin to focus solely on his health. Bank of America has set up an account for donations to Kevin. If you'd like to make a donation or are getting questions of where someone can donate, the information is below.
    To make a donation to Kevin's Recovery Fund, please make check out to Kevin Swindell and write "Recovery Fund" on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: Kevin Swindell Recovery Fund, c/o Spire Sports + Entertainment, P.O. Box 638, Cornelius, NC 28031
    If you'd prefer to wire funds, please call Spire Sports + Entertainment at 704-897-2880 for information on how to do so.
    Donations can be made online at www.stevekingfoundation.org. Please be sure to type "Kevin Swindell Recovery Fund" in the comment section to ensure your donation goes to Kevin.(Spire Sports + Entertainment)(8-23-2015)

  • X Ambassadors to perform free concert & National Anthem at Dover: The popular alternative band X Ambassadors will visit Dover International Speedway on Oct. 4 and perform a free concert before the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The race serves as race No. 3 in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and the first elimination race in NASCAR's playoff format. X Ambassadors lead singer Sam Harris will also perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the race. Tickets and more information about the Dover race weekend can be obtained by calling 800-441-RACE or visiting DoverSpeedway.com.(Dover International Speedway)(8-23-2015)

  • Brett Eldredge Headlines September Pre-Race Concert at NHMS: The second race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship will kick-off to the "Beat of the Music" when country music star, Brett Eldredge, takes the stage to headline the SYLVANIA 300 pre-race concert on Sept. 27. Eldredge, reigning winner of the CMA New Artist of the Year award, will visit New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the first time since performing at FanFest in September of 2011. The concert is free for all ticketholders and will begin at noon, prior to driver introductions for the SYLVANIA 300. Fans that purchase a pre-race pit pass ($75 for adults; half-price for children) can get even closer to Eldredge and watch the show with stage-front access right on the frontstretch. Tickets to see Eldredge and the SYLVANIA 300 start as low as $25 with children admitted for half-price. Camping and ticket upgrades, including the pre-race pit pass, are also available. For more details and ticket information on events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, or to purchase tickets, please stop by our Ticket Office, visit the speedway website at www.nhms.com, or call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(8-23-2015)


    News from August 22, 2015

  • Logano wins at Bristol: #22-Joey Logano won the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway for his 3rd win of the season, 2nd win at Bristol and 11th career win. Logano led 176 of the 500 laps.
    #4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #11-Hamlin, #48-Johnson, #15-Bowyer, #2-Keselowski, #19-Edwards, #18-Busch, #88-Earnhardt Jr. and #31-Newman.
    By finishing 8th, #18-Busch stays 29th in the points standings and is 46 points ahead of 31st and remains Chase-eligible.
    #4-Harvick continues to be the points leader, now 43 points over #22-Logano.
    There were 14 lead changes among 5 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 52 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 96.891 mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-22-2015)

  • Race Fast Facts - Bristol:
    #22-Joey Logano won the 55th Annual IRWIN Tools Night Race, his 11th victory in 243 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his third victory and 18th top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in 14 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    #4-Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 13th top-10 finish in 30 races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his 21st top-10 finish in 2015.
    #11-Denny Hamlin (third) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 20 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    #34-Brett Moffitt (30th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    #4-Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 43 points over #22-Joey Logano.
    (NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-22-2015)

  • 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup CHASE Standings:
    [after Bristol, race 24 of 36]
    (by wins, then by points standings)
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins](5th in driver points)
    2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins] (29th)
    3) #22-Joey Logano [3 wins] (2nd)
    4) #20-Matt Kenseth [3 wins] (7th)
    5) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins] (1st)
    6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins] (3rd)
    7) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins] (8th)
    8) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win] (4th)
    9) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win] (6th)
    10) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win](9th)
    11) #19-Carl Edwards [1 win](14th)
    (above drivers have clinched a berth in the Chase, except Busch who must remain in the top 30)
    [would be in the Chase via points standings]
    12) #1-Jamie McMurray, +76 ahead of 17th in driver points
    13) #31-Ryan Newman, +63
    14) #27-Paul Menard, +54
    15) #24-Jeff Gordon, +52
    16) #15-Clint Bowyer, +35
    [currently out of the Chase]
    17) #43-Aric Almirola, -35
    18) #5-Kasey Kahne, -37
    19) #16-Biffle, -83
    20) #3-Dillon, -91
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-22-2015)

  • Top-10 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Points Standings:
    [after Bristol, race 24 of 36]
    1) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 908
    2) #22-Joey Logano [3 wins], 865, -43
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 819, -89
    4) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 793, -115
    5) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 792, -116
    6) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 771, -137
    7) #20-Matt Kenseth [3 wins], 753, -155
    8) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 713, -195
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 712, -196
    10) #1-Jamie McMurray, 696, -212
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-22-2015)

  • Bristol Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
    #34-Brett Moffitt, finished 30th, 11 rookie points
    #83-Matt DiBenedetto, finished 33rd, 10 rookie points
    #26-Jeb Burton, failed to qualify (DNQ), 1 rookie point
    #33-Alex Kennedy, not entered, Mike Bliss in the car
    See the 2015 Rookie of the Year page for rules, standings and more.(8-22-2015)


    ESPN.com's Racecast - Live Coverage and Chat
    Listen Live Online at Performance Racing Network
    Online Streaming Links
    Live race updates on Jayski.com's Twitter

  • Race Coverage of the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2015.
    Television (TV): NBCSN at 7:30 pm/et; Countdown to Green Pre-Race show at 7:00pm/et; green flag approx. 7:43pm/et
    Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs:
    Monday, August 24 at 12:00pm/et on NBCSN [NASCAR 120]

  • Bristol Pre-Race Schedule for Saturday, August 22nd: (eastern time)
    -5:30:00pm: NSCS Driver/Crew Chief Meeting
    -5:45:00pm: Concert - Steven Tyler
    -6:20:00pm: USMC Silent Drill Platoon
    -6:28:00pm: University of Tennessee's "Pride of the Southland" Marching Band - "Rocky Top"
    -6:33:00pm: Virginia Tech University Marching Band - Virginia Tech "Tech Triumph"
    -6:50:00pm: NSCS Driver Introductions
    -7:26:00pm: God Bless USA by Lee Greenwood audio track Skydivers (2) w/ American Flag jump
    -7:30:00pm: Presentation of Colors by: USMC Honor Guard
    -7:30:20pm: Pledge of Allegiance by: Staff Sgt. Robert Potter, USMC
    -7:30:50pm: Invocation by: Raleigh Washington, CEO Promise Keepers and One Message
    -7:31:30pm: National Anthem by: MRO Children
    -7:33:00pm: Fly-by: 4 - F-18's Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 from Beaufort, SC
    -7:40:00pm: "Drivers, Start Your Engines" by Bruton Smith
    -7:45:30pm: Start of the Irwin Tools Night Race
    eastern time (NASCAR.com)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #11-Hamlin chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #18-Busch took pit stall 23, the first pit stall on backstretch pitroad.
    #19-Edwards, who starts 3rd took the 22nd pit stall, the last stall on frontstretch pitroad.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #55-Ragan, who starts 4th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com's Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-22-2015)

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

  • Kenseth has engine issues at Bristol, finishes 42nd: #20-Matt Kenseth while running in the top-10 at Bristol Motor Speedway when his engine lost a valve, comments from Kenseth:
    Q) What happened to the engine?
    Kenseth: "It broke in the middle of the straightaway - it had that hop and that noise that it makes when you know you dropped a valve. Unfortunate, but man these guys at TRD (Toyota Racing Development) have been doing such an awesome job, we've had so much power and everything has been really reliable here the last year and a half. Things like this happen every once in a while. It's a short night. Felt like we were really competitive - we were one or two adjustments away from where we needed to be, but I thought our Dollar General Camry had good speed. Wish I was out there mixing it up."
    Is there anything the team can fix to get you back on the race track?
    Kenseth: "It's terminal, dropped a valve or something. It was smoking out the pipes so you know there was a hold in the piston somewhere so we're done for the night unfortunately."
    Q) What happened to take you out of the race early?
    Kenseth: "Things just happen. We broke something in the engine - dropped a valve I think. The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) stuff has been awesome, making great power, been really reliable and things like this just happen sometimes. Overall we had a great car. Wish I was still out there. I thought we were an adjustment away from being able to run with the boys upfront so unfortunate I got cut short."
    Q) What exactly broke to end your race early?
    Kenseth: "Something in the valve train, we dropped a valve or something it felt like and sounded like. Things like that happen. Our stuff has been pretty reliable the last year and a half and we've been making a lot of power. Things like that happen and we'll go back and get it fixed up. The encouraging part is that our cars are really fast and I thought we were an adjustment away from having what we really needed to run with everybody. Wish we were still out there."
    Q) Was there any warning?
    Kenseth: "They never warn you, it would be cool if they would send you a text or something. Just the middle of the straightaway it made that pop where you knew that was it."(Toyota Racing)(8-22-2015)

  • Driver Into Songs for the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway:
    (by starting lineup / order)
    #11-Denny Hamlin: Heart Upon My Sleeve by Avicii
    #18-Kyle Busch: DJ Barry
    #19-Carl Edwards: Juke Box Hero by Foreigner
    #55-David Ragan: Only In America by Brooks and Dunn
    #22-Joey Logano: Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphys
    #2-Brad Keselowski: Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg
    #4-Kevin Harvick: Real Life by Jake Owen
    #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: The Stroke by Billy Squier
    #15-Clint Bowyer: Honky Tonk Man by Dwight Yoakam
    #48-Jimmie Johnson: Renegades by X-Ambassadors
    #41-Kurt Busch: Party Up by DMX
    #42-Kyle Larson: Saturday Night's Alright by Elton John
    #20-Matt Kenseth: Stife by Trivium
    #51-Justin Allgaier: Ready Set Roll by Chase Rice
    #21-Ryan Blaney: Even Flow by Pearl Jam
    #3-Austin Dillon: Move by Ludacris
    #16-Greg Biffle: Wild Side by Motley Crue
    #31-Ryan Newman: Good Ol Boys by Waylon Jennings
    #5-Kasey Kahne: Cherry Bomb by John Mellencamp
    #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Eminence Front by The Who
    #1-Jamie McMurray: Walk This Way by Aerosmith
    #6-Trevor Bayne: Back Where I Come From by Kenny Chesney
    #78-Martin Truex Jr.: La Grange by ZZ Top
    #24-Jeff Gordon: EI by Nelly
    #47-A.J. Allmendinger: Tainted Love by Marilyn Manson
    #9-Sam Hornish Jr.: Touch of Grey by the Grateful Dead
    #34-Brett Moffitt: Cowboy by Kid Rock
    #13-Casey Mears: Fuel by Metallica
    #27-Paul Menard: Symphony of Destruction by Megadeath
    #95-Michael McDowell: Nothing I Can Do by Tedashii
    #43-Aric Almirola: I Can't Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar
    #10-Danica Patrick: Hot Blooded" by Foreigner
    #35-Cole Whitt: Armor For The Lord by Blake Whiteley
    #32-Josh Wise: Dixieland Delight by Alabama
    #46-Michael Annett: Bernie Lean by Bernie Dance
    #7-Alex Bowman: Bring Me The Horizon by Throne
    #38-David Gilliland: Kick Start my Heart by Motley Crue
    #23-J.J. Yeley: Devil in Disguise by Elvis Pressley
    #40-Landon Cassill: Smooth by Santana
    #14-Tony Stewart: Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
    #98-Timmy Hill: Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) by Silentó
    #83-Matt Dibenedetto: I Love Rock & Roll by Joan Jett
    #33-Mike Bliss: Hells Bells by AC/DC
    (8-22-2015)

  • Bristol Race Notes & Facts - Saturday:
    · There have been 109 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway since the first race in 1961, two races each season.
    · Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Bristol; led by Chevrolet with 43 victories; followed by Ford (35), Dodge (8), Pontiac (8), Toyota (7), Buick (4), Plymouth (3) and Oldsmobile (1).
    · Four car numbers have produced eight or more Bristol NSCS wins:
    Car Number - (Number of Wins) - Most Recent Win
    o #11 - (19 wins) - Denny Hamlin, 2012
    o #2 - (12 wins) - Brad Keselowski, 2012
    o #17 - (eight wins) - Matt Kenseth, 2006
    o #3 - (eight wins) - Dale Earnhardt, 1999
    · Nine of the last 11 races have ended with a Margin of Victory of less than a second at BMS.
    · There has been five green-white-checkered finishes at Bristol - all five were the spring race: 2007 (500/504); 2008 (500/506); 2009 (500/503); 2014 (500/503); 2015 (500/511).
    · Two of the 109 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 3/31/1996.
    · Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway three times; most recently August 25, 2012.
    (NASCAR)(8-22-2015)

  • Carsforsale.com sponsors #40 at Bristol: The Carsforsale.com #40 Chevy, Hillman Racing and driver Landon Cassill will team up again at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol. This will be the online automotive website's first appearance at the famous track. "Night races are always exciting for Carsforsale.com," said Sean Coffman of Carsforsale.com. "We are excited to be at Bristol for the first time and to see all of what Thunder Valley has to offer. We're anticipating a great performance by the Carsforsale.com Chevrolet SS, Landon, and the Hillman Racing team."
    "The night race at Bristol is one of the most exciting of the year," said Landon Cassill. "Racing under the lights adds a whole another level of energy that helps fuel the drivers for 500 laps. We're really looking forward to getting the Carsforsale.com Chevrolet up front on Saturday night." Carsforsale.com provides consumers an easy and feature-rich shopping experience when searching for new and used vehicles online.(Mike Hillman Racing), see images of the car on the #40 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2015)

  • Big Daddy RV's Sponsoring #98 Team at Bristol: Premium Motorsports announced that Big Daddy's RV will sponsor the #98 car and driver Timmy Hill for the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol. Team owner Jay Robinson said "this was a very surprising sponsorship, the 98 Team had no sponsorship for this weekend, we were in the tech line when Neal Deaton, Owner of Big Daddy RV's walked over to us and offered to help us out by sponsoring the car for this weeks' race. Within a two hour time frame, we had struck a deal, had the decals ready and designed to ship for race day morning." Big Daddy RVs is owned and operated by bothers Neal and Brian Deaton. Big Daddy RV's is an exclusive Lifetime Warranty Dealership and the #1 RV Dealer in the South East.(Premium Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #98 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2015)

  • Bruton Smith reveals non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis: After battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma earlier this summer, Speedway Motorsports Inc. Executive Chairman (and NASCAR Hall of Fame, Class of 2016) Bruton Smith is attending this week's NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway. The following are comments Bruton and his son, SMI CEO and President Marcus Smith, made earlier Friday about his health and return to the speedway for Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol.
    Bruton Smith, Executive Chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
    "The doctors said I probably needed a bit of a rest and I got that. And I probably needed it. You see, I could depend on Marcus. SMI - they can easily do with my absence. He knows what he's doing. He's doing a great job and I'm proud of him. I hate to miss any of our races. I really do. It's kind of heartbreaking, really. I like to be there to see what's going on. I enjoy what I do. I like the automobile business. I'm into that. I love the racing business. I want to contribute more and more and more. You hear us preach about fan friendly and we're into that and we want to do more on it. I think that is a driver for me to just do more things. I just like what I do. We've done an awful lot of things, as you know. I enjoy the contributions I've been able to make to the sport."
    Marcus Smith, CEO and President of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. "We talked about this for the last few days actually, about having a conversation because health and personal matters are personal. The family, we're private about personal matters. A lot of people have asked me about, where's Bruton? How's he feeling? I'm really excited about this weekend because Bristol was a goal. For us. For my dad. The time was such that it was a good goal to try to hit to be healthy and strong. Back around the All-Star Race in May, my dad had not been feeling 100% and a little bit prior. Coming back, people might think that because he lost weight that something was wrong. I thought it was better to tell the good part of the story. We knew something was wrong and he just wasn't feeling right. We went to the doctor and did a lot of tests and they made a diagnosis of lymphoma, and it's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to the doctors, it's the kind you want to have. It's the most treatable. We were encouraged by that. The really good news is, through the process, treatment and ups and downs and having Bristol as a goal to be healthy by, we're back here and the last word from the doctor was things have been really good. He's progressed beyond expectations they all had and we're very thankful about that of course and they have given a really good prognosis on his health. In short, he's responded really well to treatment and even beyond the expectations from the doctors. We've had a lot of family time and friends, and a lot of support. I'm happy that he's back in Bristol to be able to enjoy it."
    (Charlotte Motor Speedway PR)(8-22-2015)

  • Bristol Motor Speedway Introduces New Jeff Gordon Terrace In a spectacular career that's spanned more than two decades, Jeff Gordon has collected some big, big trophies for his shelf. The one that Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) awarded him Friday, though, is probably the most sizable one of all. Saturday, Aug. 22 marks Gordon's final race at Bristol as a full-time Sprint Cup Series driver, a run that he'll make in his iconic Rainbow Warrior paint scheme. To commemorate his last appearance and his expansive history as one of NASCAR's greatest competitors, BMS is naming a portion of the Last Great Colosseum the Jeff Gordon Terrace. "Bristol Motor Speedway plays so many roles in the industry and in our guests' lives," said Jerry Caldwell, general manager for BMS. "It's a battlefield. It's home, two or three times a year, to thousands of guests, some of whom have been coming here for generations. And it's a monument to the legends of NASCAR. As Jeff Gordon makes his last full-time run here, we can't think of a better way to recognize him than to place him among our ranks of champions who have dedicated their lives to racing excellence." A four-time Sprint Cup Series Champion, Gordon first ran at Bristol in April 1993, finishing 24th. His first Bristol win came in April 1995, when he captured his first of four consecutive spring races. He has logged more than 21,500 laps on the World's Fastest Half-Mile, and led for 2,713 of those. Overall, Gordon's Bristol record includes 45 starts, five victories, 17 top fives, 25 top 10s and five poles. He has been named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. "We want to honor Jeff for his contribution to our sport, and we look forward to his continued presence in the industry," said Caldwell. "The Jeff Gordon Terrace will be a great reminder of everything he's accomplished and all that he's done for his fans." Engines fire for the legendary IRWIN Tools Night Race on August 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available. For more information, visit BristolTix.com or call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(8-22-2015)

  • Charlotte Motor Speedway announces Jeff Gordon tribute: Charlotte Motor Speedway will pay tribute to retiring NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon with a 24-day campaign leading up to the track's fall race. The campaign - called "Jeff's Last Ride" - will include:
    -- Personal stories, memories and well-wishes from sports personalities, community leaders and other celebrities through daily videos posted to JeffsLastRide.com.
    -- Fans sharing moments and remembrances via social media to congratulate Gordon.
    -- A collection of iconic #24 race cars and Gordon's personal cars showcased during the Charlotte AutoFair Sept. 24-27.
    -- Partnerships with businesses across the Charlotte region to "paint Charlotte 24" in the final 24 days before the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 10.
    -- And a 24-day social media campaign that reflects on Gordon's top moments over the course of his career at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
    Gordon, who drives Hendrick Motorsports' #24 Chevy, has won four Cup championships. The first of his 92 career victories came in the 1994 Coca-Cola 600 at CMS. The campaign also includes several Gordon-themed ticket packages. Information: www.charlottemotorspeedway.(Charlotte Observer)(8-22-2015)

  • Chicago race renamed myAFibRisk.com 400: The myAFibRisk.com 400, presented by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the official cardiovascular partner of NASCAR is the first of 10 "play-off" style NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in pursuit of the 2015 championship. The race will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20 in recognition of National AFib Awareness Month, running through September. Up to 6 million Americans are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, an irregular heartbeat that puts them at a one in three chance of having a stroke.1, 2 However, more than half of people with AFib don't believe that they are at an increased risk of stroke.3,4 As their stroke risk can change over time, it's important that people with AFib understand their risk and talk with their doctor about stroke risk management and treatment options. The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will return to Chicagoland Speedway for the fifth consecutive year in 2015, Sept. 18-20, with a triple-header weekend of action. The American Ethanol E15 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will kick-off the weekend with a race under the lights on Friday night. On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Furious 7 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series will hit the track as the precursor to Sunday's myAFibRisk.com 400 showdown, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. In addition to the racing action, fans can enjoy live musical entertainment, Champions Park, tailgating and more. Tickets start at just $25 with kids tickets (12 and under) $25 OFF, and parking is always free at Chicagoland Speedway.(Chicagoland Speedway)(8-22-2015)


    News from August 21, 2015

  • Hamlin wins Bristol pole: #11-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light pole for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway with a track record speed of 131.407mph for his 2nd pole of 2015, 3rd at Bristol and 22nd of his career. Hamlin has won 3 races from the pole out of 21 previous poles.
    #18-Busch is on the outside pole followed by #19-Edwards, #55-Ragan, #22-Logano, #2-Keselowski, #4-Harvick, #17-Stenhouse Jr., #15-Bowyer, #48-Johnson, #41-Busch and #42-Larson. #24-Gordon will start 24th in his final Bristol start.
    Missing the race were (DNQ): #30-Kvapil, #62-Sorenson, #26-Burton.
    See the starting lineup, pole progression, round-by-round results and more on Jayski.com's Bristol Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-21-2015)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Bristol:
    #11-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 55th Annual IRWIN Tools Night Race with a lap of 14.602 seconds, 131.407 mph - the Bristol Motor Speedway qualifying record.
    This is his 22nd pole in 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his third pole in 20 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    #18-Kyle Busch (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2015 and his sixth in 21 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    #19-Carl Edwards (third) posted his 13th top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his 14th in 24 races this season.
    #34-Brett Moffitt (27th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(8-21-2015)

  • Second Round of Qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over after 10 scheduled minutes.
    #41-Busch 131.057
    #18-Busch 130.691
    #48-Johnson 130.318
    #19-Edwards 130.159
    #11-Hamlin 129.965
    the rest of the top 12, advancing to the final round: 4 42 15 22 2 17 55;
    out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 20 51 21 3 16 31 5 88 1 6 78 24
    (8-21-2015)

  • First Round of Qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
    #18-Busch 130.717
    #55-Ragan 130.691
    #41-Busch 130.132
    #48-Johnson 130.009
    #11-Hamlin 130.000
    the rest of the top 24, will advance to round 2: 2 15 17 19 20 4 31 21 3 42 51 22 1 88 5 78 24 16 6;
    out of the top 24, not advancing to round 2: 47 9 34 13 27 95 43 10 35 32 46 7 // 38 23 40 14 98 83 33 30 26 62
    Drivers who will miss the race: #30-Kvapil, #62-Sorenson, #26-Burton.
    #27-Menard got loose and smacked the wall with the right rear, #26-Burton lost it and hit the wall.
    (8-21-2015)

  • Coverage of Qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2015 at 5:45pm/et.
    Television (TV): NBCSN, 5:30pm/et
    Radio: Live online at Performance Racing Network (PRN)
    Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: none

  • Qualifying Order for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted. 46 cars/drivers are listed.
    The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #41-Busch.
    The final driver lined up on pit road will be #4-Harvick.
    The order is set by a random draw, how cars park on pit road before they qualify, held about an hour before the first practice.
    See the full qualifying order on Jayski.com's Bristol Qualifying Page.(8-21-2015)

  • Happy Hour practice for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five fastest, slowest and notes:
    #18-Busch 131.146
    #55-Ragan 130.646
    #42-Larson 130.018
    #22-Logano 129.587
    #11-Hamlin 129.404
    slowest: #40-Cassill 123.055 and #33-Bliss 123.794
    Notes: Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45pm/et and be televised on NBCSN.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10-lap consecutive laps run on the Bristol Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-21-2015)

  • 1st practice for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five fastest, slowest and notes:
    #42-Larson 129.833
    #20-Kenseth 128.597
    #18-Busch 128.580
    #15-Bowyer 128.099
    #19-Edwards 127.707
    slowest: #98-Hill 121.582 and #33-Bliss 122.552
    Notes: #78-Truex Jr. slammed the wall hard late in practice, the team will go to a backup car.
    #48-Johnson and #43-Almirola both ran high and scraped the wall, doing some damage to the right side of the car.
    #26-Burton spun and nose slightly into the inside wall. No backup cars for #48, #43, #26.
    #24-Gordon came to the pits with smoke showing from under the hood, the crew made repairs and Gordon went back on the track.
    Happy Hour practice is scheduled for 1:30pm/et on NBCSN. Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45pm/et and be televised on NBCSN.
    See fastest speeds, laps run, best 10-lap consecutive laps run on the Bristol Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(8-21-2015)

  • Mechanical Issue Forces Truex Jr. to Backup Car at Bristol: Martin Truex Jr. was forced to a backup car after his primary car suffered damage during Friday's first practice session at Bristol Motor Speedway. With 15 minutes remaining in the opening practice, the left-control arm broke in the #78 Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevy, sending it into the wall and resulting in right-side damage. The single-car Furniture Row team didn't have much time to get the backup ready for the second and final practice since there were only 55 minutes between the two sessions. But the spirited crew put the final touches on the backup 16 minutes after practice started. Truex went on to make some race-trim runs and a few qualifying-trim runs on the half-mile, all-concrete oval. He was listed as 21st fastest. "The backup car, which had some better points to it than the primary, felt pretty good," said Truex. "We were jammed for time in the final practice and didn't get as many runs in as we would have liked. But my hats off to the crew for getting the backup ready in a short period of time. We've had our backs to the wall a number of times this year and seem to eventually work out the glitches, as we did last week in Michigan where we qualified 23rd and finished third."(Furniture Row Racing)(8-21-2015)

  • Kauffman says MWR will cease operations after 2015 season: Rob Kauffman, an amateur racer who is a highly successful businessman, said Friday he had enough of pouring his own money into Michael Waltrip Racing without seeing results and announced that MWR would cease operations after this season. Kauffman, who saved MWR from closing in 2007 by purchasing half the team from Waltrip, announced Wednesday that the team would not field Sprint Cup cars in 2016. "Michael Waltrip Racing wouldn't have existed through today without substantial and continued financial support from me," Kauffman said Friday before Sprint Cup practice at Bristol Motor Speedway. "From a business standpoint, that didn't make sense any longer. You can't have a top-10 budget and top-10 resources and not be in the top 10 for a sustained period of time. It's a performance-related business. It's all about performance. It's a great sport but a very difficult business model. From a business decision, it just made sense to not go forward with that organization, which is not commercially viable." MWR expanded from two cars to three in 2012 when it added Bowyer, but that lasted only two years after Bowyer and MWR were embroiled in a race-manipulation scandal at Richmond in the final regular-season 2013 race. "Certainly that was a pretty heavy body blow to our organization," Kauffman said. "It caused a big restructuring; 2014 was at some level a large reset year for everybody, also [on the] financial [side]. As we got into the late spring in 2015, from a performance standpoint, the company wasn't where it needed to be, and that kind of forced some decisions and thought processes over the summer." Kauffman wouldn't say whether a three-car organization would have produced better results. "My crystal ball, unfortunately, is not clear," Kauffman said. "In a parallel universe, I'm not sure what would have happened."(ESPN)(8-21-2015)

  • No third team for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2016: Despite speculation that Chip Ganassi Racing would add a third car for next season, the team confirmed Friday that they will remain a two-car operation. Officials with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates confirmed Friday that the organization will field just two fulltime teams in the Sprint Cup Series next season. Ganassi currently fields cars for #1-Jamie McMurray and #42-Kyle Larson and that won't change next year despite the addition of Rob Kauffman as an investor to the organization.(Motorsport)(8-21-2015)

  • Bowyer talks to the press, talks about his future: Michael Waltrip Racing driver #15-Clint Bowyer was made available to the media at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was announced earlier this week that MWR would cease full-time operations after the 2015 season and that Bowyer has been released from his contract and is a free agent for 2016. Bowyer's comments:
    Opening Statement:
    Bowyer: "First and foremost, it's a tough time for everybody involved and it's unfortunate. The truth is that we're eight months into a three-year commitment to one another. Had a great four years at this company, a great culture, great personnel, great people at MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) and I really did enjoy the years that I spent there. That being said, Rob (Kauffman) provided us all of that and invested a lot into this sport. That being said, it's a business decision to move forward on his on his end and that's where our futures for he and I unfortunately just don't align anymore. That's where we were, that's the reason the statement is out. I think the timing behind this, the reason I'm in here right now is that it was very important to me knowing this that we got in front of our employees that have worked their ass off for me personally to make these four years good and successful. I think it was important that they as racers continue to race under this Chase format and compete for a championship in 2015. All the while knowing what their future holds and knowing that they have some security and as much time as possible to look and see what their futures hold for themselves as well. That's me included. There's going to be a lot of questions. I'm sure the next question is what does that mean for the future. That means the future for me is uncertain right now. We've got a lot of work to do, but again the time frame with this and the reason that we're here today is that Rob and I both agree that we owed it to these people to tell them as soon as possible that we worked on this as soon as we got back from the weekend until 11:30 or midnight and got to the conclusion to where we could tell these people as soon as possible. I mean that, it's important. There's a lot of lives at stake, a lot of families and I thought we owed it to them. With that, that's where we are. If you guys (media) have some questions, I don't mind clarifying some things if you need it, if I can, but there's a lot of unknowns at this point."
    Q) Were you originally thinking you would also go over to Ganassi?
    Bowyer: "Again, it all goes back to where we are in our situation. We're eight months into a three-year commitment. Again, Rob (Kauffman) has invested a tremendous amount into MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) and into this sport. That being said, he made a business decision to move forward and that direction as we all know from his previous statements is the Ganassi organization. For my career and me and my future, it's just unfortunate and Rob and I, our futures didn't align anymore. It's as simple as that. It was a mutually agreed upon thing and it was something that was not ugly and it was something that we did professionally and we made our decisions and that's why we're where we're at."
    Q) Are you worried about the employees keeping the performance where it needs to be the rest of the season?
    Bowyer: "It's very important, these people are people. These employees are real people with real lives with real families and a lot at stake. They're racers just like I am. The racer in you doesn't change the reality side of life and reality is that you need to provide for your family. I thought it was extremely important to me to get in front of that and I owed it to these employees to get this done as soon as possible even knowing where we're at on the bubble and everything in the Chase. I think being honest and being straightforward and doing that for these people in the long run will set them up to make the most out of a difficult situation for us all and that's me included. I need to start actively pursuing my career and that's what I'm doing. The first piece of the puzzle is set on the table and now we have to go to work on all of our behalves. As far as our performance just like you said, I thought it was more dangerous in more mind of making an announcement like we did in Pocono and not saying anything for another month and a half, we owe it to those people to be honest with them and it was not a day later than what we made our agreement that they were told."
    Q) What is your relationship with 5-hour ENERGY?
    Bowyer: "With 5-hour ENERGY, it's as simple as this - I've worked really hard in my career to have great partners. I've been with a lot of great companies and been a spokesperson for them. The relationships - very proud of the relationship and the partnership that I have with 5-hour, I think we can all agree how could there ever be a better fit to fit my lifestyle and the way my character and everything, I'm all about. It's a great fit. That being said, they're no different than I am. We're back to we didn't see this coming, we're both in a situation where we've got to see what the future holds for both of us and move forward from that."
    Q) How much do you feel this stems from Richmond in 2013?
    Bowyer: "I don't think it does at all and this is why. I think what happened in Richmond, that's two years ago. Since then Rob (Kaufmann) and everybody, the management has restructured, reorganized and we're a two-car team. We're not a three-car team, we're a two-car team, which by the way was fully funded on my car moving forward. It was again a business decision by Rob to do this and I'm proud to work for MWR and work for Rob. I'm happy for that experience, but to answer your question I just don't and that's because we were a two-car organization. We were setup and moving forward to a two-car organization. It wasn't like we were forced in a weird situation and that's my honest, legit answer to that."
    Q) Are you looking to enter a long term or short term deal moving forward?
    Bowyer: "Yes, keep talking and I'll keep telling you yes, absolutely. Those are all systems go. Again, it's like these people, these employees and what I'm telling you, that had to happen. You have to get that piece of the puzzle and the factual information on the table as soon as possible so we can all start working on our futures and what that holds. It's as simple as that. It all goes back to Pocono. We're all in this business together right? I didn't have a whole lot to tell you in Pocono and I really, it goes back to the statement at hand and the reason that we're here - what I'm going to have in the future and what that future holds for me will be another announcement and I'll tell you as soon as possible. It's as simple as that. I'm confident in the sport, I love this sport and the sport has been good to me and my family - had a lot of great partners and a lot of great organizations that I've worked for and I see no reason why somebody that works hard and wants it like I do in this sport can't have a job for as long as they want."
    Q) How do you and the team achieve the goals at hand knowing what's ahead?
    Bowyer: "I have a good team, we're racers. These guys are all racers at heart. After our announcement Wednesday, every single one of my guys and employees at MWR got up and obviously know the future, but my guys in particular these road guys that are on the road with me every week, all of them said, 'Listen, we have a job to do, you get your damn head straight and let's go after this championship and end this on a bang.' That's the fire, the desire and the passion that racers have and you can't take that from any of us. Very proud of my team and the people that were organized around me from day one at MWR and it hasn't changed today. We're going to do just that."(Toyota Racing)(8-21-2015)

  • Bristol Pole Notes & Facts - Friday:
    · Fred Lorenzen won the inaugural Coors Light pole with a speed of 79.225 mph in a Ford.
    · 48 different drivers have poles at Bristol, led by Mark Martin and Cale Yarborough with nine each. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with five.
    · 10 different drivers have posted consecutive poles at Bristol Motor Speedway; Mark Martin is the only of the 10 to win four consecutive poles at Bristol: Fireball Roberts (swept 1962), Fred Lorenzen (swept 1963), Richard Petty (1967-'68), Bobby Allison (swept 1972), Cale Yarborough (swept 1973; swept 1977; swept 1980), Darrell Waltrip (swept 1981), Geoff Bodine (swept 1986), Mark Martin (swept 1995-1996- all four races; and swept 2009); Rusty Wallace (swept 1998), Jeff Gordon (swept 2002) and Denny Hamlin (fall 2013, spring 2014).
    · Seven different drivers have posted their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career pole at Bristol. Joey Logano is the only active driver to win his first NSCS career pole at Bristol (03/21/2010).
    · The race winner has started from the pole 23 times (21.1%) - the most productive starting position. The last driver to win from the pole was Matt Kenseth earlier this season.
    · Five drivers have won from the pole position multiple times: Bobby Allison (1972 twice), Cale Yarborough (1973, 1977 twice, 1980), Darrell Waltrip (1981 twice, 1982), Rusty Wallace (1991, 1993, 1999, 2000) and Matt Kenseth (2005 and 2015).
    · 36 of the 109 (33%) races at Bristol have been won from the front row: Pole position (23 wins); second-place (13 wins).
    · 87 of the 109 (79.8%) races have been won from a top-10 starting position; including 54 from the first four spots.
    · Five of the 109 (4.5%) races have been won from a starting position outside the top 20; most recent was Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2004 - he started 30th.
    · The deepest in the field that a race winner has started is 38th, by Elliott Sadler in 2001.
    · Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway three times; most recently August 25, 2012.
    (NASCAR)(8-21-2015)

  • Bush's Beans renews partnership with JTG Daugherty: JTG Daugherty Racing announced a multiyear renewed partnership with one of their long-standing primary sponsors, Bush Brothers & Company, as driver AJ Allmendinger prepares to race the #47 BUSH'S Grillin' Beans Chevy in the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol. "It's such a great honor to have represented BUSH'S Beans in the sport of NASCAR for so many years and we are pleased to announce that they are returning for multiple years," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said. "We are blessed to have support from great brands that allow us to compete at NASCAR's top level with the #47 Chevrolet SS. We will continue to work hard to augment their marketing plans and bring the brand to life for millions of brand-loyal NASCAR fans. Bush Brothers & Company are great partners and share our values as a family-oriented company." JTG Daugherty Racing driver AJ Allmendinger continues to grow his relationship with the family-owned company. Last year, he delivered the company's first-ever NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen International earning a coveted spot in The Chase for the Sprint Cup.
    "It's been pretty special getting to know the family of BUSH'S Beans because it's a brand that we all remember as kids and continue to purchase today," Allmendinger said. "When you think of getting together with your family and friends for a cookout or just a nice dinner in general, BUSH'S Beans comes to mind along with our other great partners. We've had some fun the last couple of years, but I just wish they would go ahead and hand over the Secret Family Recipe to me. Not sure what they are waiting on, but in all seriousness I'm lucky to have some of the best brands in the sport." Bush Brothers & Company is a family company that started over 100 years ago (in Chestnut Hill, Tenn.) and agrees the NASCAR platform is a great way to continue to grow their business for generations to come. "We are very excited to extend and expand our long-standing relationship with JTG Daugherty Racing," said Tom Ferriter, President and CEO, Bush Brothers & Company. "After 13 years, we think of Jodi (Geschickter), Tad, Brad (Daugherty), AJ and all of the #47 team as part of our family. We look forward to continuing to work with JTG Daugherty Racing for many more years to come. We are especially proud to make this announcement at Bristol Motor Speedway since East Tennessee has been home to Bush Brothers & Company since our company's founding in 1908."(JTG Daugherty)(8-21-2015)

  • Wins In Demand With Three Races To Go Before Chase: The formula for making the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is simple - "Win and you're in." Drivers only have three races left to make the formula work: Bristol, Darlington and Richmond. As of now, 11 drivers are qualified for the Chase with wins as long as they start the next three races and remain in the top 30 in points: #48-Jimmie Johnson, #18-Kyle Busch, #20-Matt Kenseth, #4-Kevin Harvick, #22-Joey Logano, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #41-Kurt Busch, #78-Martin Truex Jr., #2-Brad Keselowski, #11-Denny Hamlin and #19-Carl Edwards. The five remaining drivers on the Chase Grid have to either visit Victory Lane or stay high enough in the points standings where they don't get bumped by a new winner outside the top 16. These drivers are #1-Jamie McMurray (70 points above the cutoff line), #27-Paul Menard (+61), #31-Ryan Newman (+56), #24-Jeff Gordon (+55) and #15-Clint Bowyer (+23). The winless drivers who have won at Bristol in the past and have yet to earn Chase berths this season are Gordon, #5-Kasey Kahne and #14-Tony Stewart. A currently winless driver who wins at Bristol would clinch a spot if he/she is 97 points ahead of 31st place. No driver who remains winless after Bristol will clinch a spot.(NASCAR)(8-21-2015)

  • Gordon Rides with Throwback Paint Scheme At Bristol: #24-Jeff Gordon will drive a specially painted #24 Axalta Chevrolet SS at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend. The iconic rainbow paint scheme that appeared on #24 Chevrolets driven by Gordon from 1992 to 2000, including four straight victories for Gordon in the Spring race at Bristol from 1995 to 1998, will feature on the #24 Axalta Chevrolet SS at the annual night race. While running the rainbow car, the #24 Chevrolet driver won three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, made 52 trips to Victory Lane, took the checkered flag at 17 different tracks, captured a Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award and won a NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Currently 15th on the Chase Grid, Gordon would qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on points if the season ended today. He sits 55 points ahead of Aric Almirola on the cutoff line, but could get in trouble with a poor showing. Gordon can assure himself a Chase berth with a victory. At Bristol Motor Speedway, Gordon ranks tied for the active lead with five wins and claims the most Coors Light Pole Awards among active drivers (5). Gordon's gaudy loop statistics at BMS include the second-highest average running position (9.954) and driver rating (100.3) at the track.(HMS/NASCAR), see images of the car on the #24 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2015)

  • Owen Wilson/Pierce Brosnan Thriller on #34 Ford at Bristol: Brett Moffitt's #34 Ford will be surrounded by plenty of action before it even hits the track at Bristol this week. Images from the international thriller No Escape will cover Moffitt's Ford Fusion as primary sponsor for Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race. No Escape, starring Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell, centers on an American businessman as he and his family settle into their new home in Southeast Asia. Suddenly finding themselves in the middle of a violent political uprising, the family must band together to survive. The Weinstein Company will release the film in theaters nationwide on Aug. 26. "It's pretty cool to have a movie with such big-name actors involved partnering with us at Bristol," said Moffitt. "But the movie itself is actually about a rather ordinary family that finds itself in a very dangerous situation. And they work together as a team to try to escape. You'll want to get to the theater next week to see how it ends."(Breaking Limits/ FRM), see an image of the car on the #34 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2015)

  • Cartwheel featured on #42 at Bristol: This weekend at Bristol, Kyle Larson's car will feature a new paint scheme for his NSCS ride, but a familiar look from last season. Larson's #42 Chevy will feature Target's mobile savings, Cartwheel, which served as the primary paint scheme for most of Larson's races last season in the XFINITY Series. The Cartwheel app allows users to choose from hundreds of offers from across multiple categories that can be saved and used from a mobile phone. Cartwheel users to date have saved over $281 million and counting (CGR)(8-21-2015)

  • Newman to make 500th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start: #31-Ryan Newman will make his 500th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the Series returns to Bristol's bullring. In 27 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Bristol Motor Speedway, Newman owns three pole awards including the spring races in 2003 and 2004 as well as the fall event in 2011. He has earned two top-fives and 15 top-10 finishes. His best result of second place came on August 28, 2004. Newman has an average start of 10.6 and average finish of 16.4. He's led a total of 112 laps in competition.
    Newman comments: "I honestly had no idea until someone informed me of it this week. 500 is definitely a career milestone but for me, the biggest career start was my very first one. You got to have people who believe in you enough to just give you a chance and for that I am truly grateful."
    RCR enters into a two-race partnership with DraftKings beginning this weekend at Bristol. The "Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner" of NASCAR will be featured on Newman's #31 Chevy at Bristol and again at Martinsville on November 1.(RCR)
    For his career, Newman boasts 17 wins, 102 top fives, 211 top 10s and a high championship finish of second (2014). His first win came from the Coors Light Pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 15, 2002. Newman has never visited Victory Lane at Bristol.(NASCAR)(8-21-2015)

  • Stenhouse Jr. Will Make His 100th NASCAR Sprint Cup Start at Bristol: #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will make his 100th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) start this weekend at Bristol, a track where he has seen success scoring two top-five and three top-10 finishes in his last three starts. "I'm really looking forward to Bristol this weekend and can't think of a better track to have my 100th Sprint Cup start," Stenhouse said. "I think the night race at Bristol is one of the best short-track races of our season. After finishing fourth in the spring, I'm looking forward to Saturday night. Hopefully we can get our Fastenal Ford into victory lane, which would be their first Sprint Cup Series win along as my first Sprint Cup win." In March of 2014, with less than 80 laps remaining, the Olive Branch, Miss. native restarted fourth and steadily marched his way up through the field, setting his sights on teammate Carl Edwards who was leading the 500-lap race. After an unexpected caution came with two laps remaining followed by a rain shower, Stenhouse settled for a second-place finish; his best career NSCS finish.(RFR)(8-21-2015)

  • Skinner discusses driving hurt: former NASCAR driver, Mike Skinner, was interviewed and discussed about driving hurt during his Sprint Cup career:
    "I had six or seven not minor concussions, but pretty major concussions," Skinner recalls. "I had a vertebrate sore in my neck a couple of times, broke my scapula a few times, had a punctured lung, elbow, arm, knees, ankles and if you name it, I've had it broken or torn. I broke both my shoulders and both biceps. I just got beat up so bad before we started to use the HANS device and having the walls a little softer. I was just very lucky. I was lucky that I got to keep going as long as I did. It was definitely one of those things where it was time for me to hang it up because like the doctors said, they didn't know if you can take two more or one more hit for you to might not ever be normal again."
    In the year following his stint with RCR, Skinner found himself racing for Morgan-McClure Motorsports, piloting the #4 car. But he stated numerous times that he rushed back, which was one of the few things he wishes he could go back and change. "The biggest thing that tarnished my career was me," he explains. "When I got hurt, I tried to drive that racecar at a Sprint Cup level while I was hurt. I wasn't only physically hurt, I was mentally hurt. Nobody has ever been able to do it. I was probably the 80th guy to try to do it and probably the 80th guy that failed at it. You can't do it at the top level. You can't ask a quarterback to go out there and throw the football with a broken arm. When you are physically beat up, you have no chance to be competitive. I tried to do that, and if I had to do it all over again, I would've stepped out of the car like Kyle Busch instead of coming back earlier. He made sure he was 100 percent before he came back in there."(Frontstretch)(8-21-2015)

  • NASCAR moving to a Madison Avenue office in NYC: NASCAR is moving it New York office to a buidling with Central Park views. NASCAR leased space at 590 Madison Ave., taking a portion of the 43-story tower's 40th floor. The organization signed a 10-year lease for 14,077 square feet. Asking rent was $150 per square foot-about 50% more than NASCAR's current rent. A source said NASCAR will be paying $140 a square foot for its space. NASCAR is relocating from nearby Park Avenue Tower, at 65 E. 55th St. It had about 19,500 square feet at Park Avenue Tower and was paying rents of about $90 per square foot on a lease signed when midtown rents were lower than they are today. A source said the rent at its new Madison Avenue office is far less than what NASCAR would have had to pay if it renewed its lease at 65 E. 55th St.(Crains)(8-21-2015)

  • Echo Valley Meats Joins Tommy Baldwin Racing at Bristol: Tommy Baldwin Racing announced that Echo Valley Meats has joined on as an associate sponsor for the upcoming Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol on the #7 Chevy of Alex Bowman. Echo Valley Meats gained notoriety on ABC's hit tv show "Shark Tank" after not one but two appearances on the show. Receiving an investment from Mark Cuban, the family-owned business has noted a huge increase in sales. Echo Valley is a mail order, retail, and catering company that specializes in old fashion butcher shop quality which includes gourmet meats, spiral-sliced natural juice ham, award-winning summer sausages and more. Based in the heartland of America, a focus on quality and customer service has always reigned supreme in the business as they ship their gourmet meats across the country. Accell Construction will be the primary sponsor on the #7 Chevy this weekend at Bristol.(TBR)(8-21-2015)

  • Busch wins XFINITY race at Bristol: #54-Kyle Busch won the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He took the lead with 1 lap to go when Chris Buescher slowed with a fuel pickup problem. Buescher had been trying to stretch fuel mileage. He went on to finish 11th.
    #42-Kyle Larson finished second, followed by #20-Denny Hamlin, #3-Ty Dillon, #18-Daniel Suarez, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #88-Kevin Harvick, #7-Regan Smith, and #62-Brendan Gaughan.
    Suarez won the $100,000 Dash4Cash bonus.
    There were 8 cautions for 52 laps and 10 lead changes among 4 leaders. Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf).
    (8-21-2015)

  • Bristol XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
    Kyle Busch(i) won the 34th Annual Food City 300, his 73rd victory in 302 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his third victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his eighth victory and 18th top-10 finish in 22 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    Kyle Larson(i) (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2015.
    Denny Hamlin(i) (third) posted his third top-10 finish in eight races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    Daniel Suarez (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Chris Buescher leads the point standings by 19 points over Ty Dillon.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-21-2015)

  • XFINITY Driver standings following Bristol:
    1) #60-Chris Buescher, 800
    2) #3-Ty Dillon, 781, -19
    3) #9-Chase Elliott, 777, -23
    4) #7-Regan Smith, 749, -51
    5) #1-Elliott Sadler, 718, -82
    6) #18-Daniel Suarez, 697, -103
    7) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 697, -103
    8) #2-Brian Scott, 681, -119
    9) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 676, -124
    10) #16-Ryan Reed, 606, -194
    See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(8-21-2015)

  • Hamlin on XFINITY pole at Bristol: #20-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light pole for the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 126.896mph. #54-Kyle Busch will start second. The rest of the top 10: #88-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brian Scott, #60-Chris Buescher, #22-Ryan Blaney, #42-Kyle Larson, #1-Elliott Sadler, #18-Daniel Suarez, and #9-Chase Elliott. Did Not Qualify: None. The starting lineup is posted on the Bristol starting lineup page (pdf).(8-21-2015)

  • Bristol XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
    Denny Hamlin(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 34th Annual Food City 300 with a lap of 15.121 seconds, 126.896 mph.
    This is his 19th pole in 151 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his third pole and sixth top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his first pole in eight races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2015 and his 15th in 22 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    Kevin Harvick(i) (third) posted his 18th top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his seventh in nine races this season.
    Daniel Suarez (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-21-2015)

  • Gaughan fastest in XFINITY practice: #62-Brendan Gaughan was fastest during the only practice at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 125.289mph. #33-Brendan Jones was second, followed by: #2-Brian Scott, #20-Denny Hamlin, #3-Ty Dillon, #54-Kyle Busch, #22-Ryan Blaney, #60-Chris Buescher, #18-Daniel Suarez, and #88-Kevin Harvick. All 40 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Bristol practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-21-2014)

  • Sadler discusses rumors of moving to JR Motorsports: #1-Elliott Sadler met with the media Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway:
    A COUPLE WEEKS AGO THERE WERE REPORTS ABOUT YOUR FUTURE. WILL YOU BE BACK WITH ROUSH FENWAY AFTER THIS SEASON AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT WITH YOUR RACE TEAM?
    "How you deal with that, we've just got to go out and race. I've got a lot of good friends on this team and we've got to go out and try to put our best foot forward. I really want to win a race really bad over here. I want to win one for Jack. I really want to win one for Doug and everybody on that team. I saw the reports come out just like you did and the report was about 50/50 - 50 percent true and 50 percent not true. The true part was I had not signed and have not signed with anybody, so that part of the report was definitely true. The rest of it, I have no idea about. I don't have anything to announce here today. We're still working through some things for next year. I've told you guys this before, I want to be a part of this sport. I want to be competitive. I still think to this day that last five years there's no other XFINITY regular that has more poles and more wins than I do and I want to keep that going. I want to stay competitive and stay up front. OneMain Financial is the longest running primary sponsor in the XFINITY Series, so they support this series a bunch, they support the NASCAR fans, they support these programs. They want to be in this sport for a long time and hopefully we'll be able to do that."
    ON A TIMELINE?
    "There's a lot of moving parts right now. There's a lot of stuff going on right now in our sport. Just when you think something is gonna happen something else happens over in the corner. There's a lot of stuff going on, so we'll see."
    (Ford Racing)(8-21-2015)

  • Clint Bowyer Joins Martinsville Speedway's Green Flag Experience: Martinsville Speedway's Green Flag Experience just got even more entertaining with the addition of #15-Clint Bowyer. Bowyer joins Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch as drivers scheduled to take part in emceed question-and-answer sessions the morning of the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 on Nov. 1. "Fans with a Green Flag Experience ticket are in for a real treat," Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. "Clint is one of the most personable, engaging and fun drivers I have ever been around." In 19 career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Martinsville, Bowyer has posted 12 top-10 finishes, with a career best of second in 2013. Additional NASCAR personalities taking part in the Green Flag Experience will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets to the Green Flag Experience, as well as the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 on Nov. 1, the Kroger 200 on Oct. 31 and Virginia Lottery Pole Day on Oct. 30 can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. Tickets may also be purchased online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway)(8-21-2015)


    News from August 20, 2015

  • Statement from Toyota on Michael Waltrip Racing Announcement: "We want to thank everyone at Michael Waltrip Racing for a great partnership and for being part of our 'freshman class'- one of the race teams that helped us enter the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series nine years ago. Clint Bowyer has been a valuable member of the Toyota Racing family for the past four years, and we will continue to support him, and the rest of the MWR team through the end of the 2015 season. We wish everyone associated with the team the best of luck in the future and we look forward to closing out the season focused on competing for a championship." ~Ed Laukes, Vice President marketing, performance and guest experience for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.(Toyota Racing)(8-20-2015)

  • NASCAR Transporter Parade Thursday night in Bristol: It begins at 9 p.m. at The Pinnacle development at Exit 74 of Interstate 81. From The Pinnacle, it will travel east on U.S. Highway 11W, also known as West State Street, enter Virginia on eastbound Euclid Avenue, turn right onto southbound Commonwealth Avenue, and continue south on Volunteer Parkway. The parade will travel by Food City Race Night in downtown, as it has done in past years, and enter Bristol Motor Speedway at the South Entrance. The parade gives the public an opportunity to watch NASCAR's brightly-colored, multi-million dollar heavy haulers parade the cars of Sprint Cup Series drivers into BMS. Fireworks will be on display at several locations along the route. Fans also may watch the haulers park from the grandstands by entering through Gate 10 (just outside Turn 3).(Brtistol Herald Courier)(8-20-2015)

  • Bristol Driver Notes & Facts - Thursday:
    · 436 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol; 304 in more than one.
    · NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the series in starts at Bristol with 60. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 45 starts.
    · Jeff Gordon leads (active drivers) the series in average starting position at Bristol with a 7.667.
    · Ryan Newman leads the series (active drivers) with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol without visiting Victory Lane at 27.
    · Paul Menard (16 starts) leads the series in starts with the fewest DNFs (0) at Bristol.
    · AJ Allmendinger made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup career start at Bristol (03/25/2007).
    · 42 different drivers have won at Bristol, led by Darrell Waltrip (12). Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch each have five wins, the most among active drivers.
    · 12 drivers have won consecutive races at Bristol led by Darrell Waltrip with seven consecutive victories from 1981-1984. The other 11 are Fred Lorenzen (1963-1964 sweep), David Pearson (1968 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972 sweep), Cale Yarborough did it twice (1974 sweep and four straight from 1976-1977), Richard Petty (1975 sweep), Dale Earnhardt also did twice (1985 sweep and 1987 sweep), Alan Kulwicki (1992 sweep), Rusty Wallace (2000 sweep), Kurt Busch (2003 sweep and 2004 spring race), Kyle Busch (2009 sweep), and Brad Keselowski (2011 fall-2012 spring).
    · Five drivers have posted their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career win at Bristol Motor Speedway: Dale Earnhardt (04/01/1979), Rusty Wallace (04/06/1986), Ernie Irvan (03/25/1990), Elliott Sadler (03/25/2001) and Kurt Busch (03/24/2002).
    · Junior Johnson leads the series in car owner wins at Bristol with 16; Roger Penske and Jack Roush are tied among active car owners for the most wins at Bristol with 11 each.
    · Richard Petty leads the series in runner-up finishes at Bristol with 10; Kevin Harvick leads all active drivers with four.
    · Darrell Waltrip and Richard Petty lead the series in top-five finishes at Bristol with 26 each. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 17; followed by Matt Kenseth (13).
    · Richard Petty has leads the series in top-10 finishes at Bristol with 37. Jeff Gordon leads the series among active drivers in top-10 finishes with 25; followed by Matt Kenseth (20).
    · Ricky Stenhouse Jr. leads the series (active drivers) in average finishing position at Bristol with an 9.200.
    · Two female drivers have made NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol: Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.
    (NASCAR)(8-20-2015)

  • Bowyer to Stewart-Haas? in 2017? or to HScott Motorsports? the biggest question is Clint Bowyer, 36, who controls his future today as much as he did when he left Richard Childress Racing to join MWR. With no apparent openings at major teams for next season, Bowyer might need a placeholder ride for a year - much like Kasey Kahne when he drove for Red Bull Racing before joining Hendrick's four-car juggernaut. After that, Bowyer would have more options. The garage has been buzzing for a few months about the possibility of Bowyer joining Stewart-Haas Racing, but to replace who? Reigning Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick is locked in. Danica Patrick just signed a multi-year contract extension. And co-owner Tony Stewart said Tuesday that Kurt Busch's extension will be done "soon." That could leave Stewart, who is struggling to be competitive and has his best years behind him at 44. Could Bowyer drive at SHR in 2017? SHR spokesman Mike Arning told USA TODAY Sports the team wasn't commenting "out of respect for the situation involving Michael Waltrip Racing and its personnel." In the meantime, it doesn't sound like hooking up with Ganassi for one year is an option for Bowyer if Kauffman buys into the team, as the owner stated he planned to. Kauffman said he and Bowyer "agreed we would go our separate ways at the end of the season and I wish him well in whatever direction he pursues."(USA Today)
    AND Perhaps the dissolution of MWR was the ticket Bowyer needed to move on. Despite entering the first year of a three-year renewal to drive the No. 15 Toyota, a dissolution of MWR would certainly enable Bowyer to pursue others options. In fact, he and Kaufmann have already agreed to go separate ways. If the rumor mill is right, Bowyer is headed to HScott Motorsports. Richard Petty Motorsports made Bowyer an offer several years ago and is interested in him again. But this is why HMS makes sense: Despite Harry Scott Jr. playing coy at Watkins Glen, following a salmon fishing trip with Bowyer in British Columbia, multiple sources say HScott Motorports could offer Bowyer a ride until a premiere seat opens up. Bowyer has been mentioned as the heir apparent for the #14 Chevy once Tony Stewart retires.
    Initially, the assumption was that Bowyer would join Kauffman in his move to Chip Ganassi Racing. However, the current plan for CGR in 2016 is to run just two teams. Bowyer's statement on Wednesday offered no indication of his future plans, other than it would not include Kauffman or MWR.(Motorsport)(8-20-2015)

  • Ragan comments on MWR announcement: #55-David Ragan Statement on Michael Waltrip Racing Announcement to Not Field Full-Time Team in 2016. "I am grateful for the opportunity that Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota have provided me this year. I have worked hard to be a good teammate and spokesperson for all of our sponsors, and as a team we have collectively improved our performance from the beginning of the season. I look forward to staying focused and trying to win a race this season for Aaron's and everyone at MWR. Going forward I will be working hard to secure a full-time ride in the Sprint Cup Series. At 29 years old, I feel my best years are in front of me."(Breaking Limits)(8-20-2015)

  • Ragan to run throwback scheme at Darlington that honors his Dad: David Ragan's Aaron's Dream Machine will carry a familiar paint scheme when it races in the Southern 500 at Darlington. The #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota will sport a paint scheme similar to cars driven by David's father Ken Ragan when he drove in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "My Dad and guys like my Dad put a lot of heart and soul in this sport back in the 1970s and 80s and this is my way of honoring the guys that built what all of us enjoy today," said Ragan. "I want to thank Aaron's for allowing us to recognize my Dad and all the racers from that era at Darlington this year." Ken Ragan, 64, raced in 50 Sprint Cup races from 1983-90 driving mostly for his brother Marvin. His career included five starts at Darlington Raceway. His son's car will carry the red and white paint scheme similar to the scheme Ken drove in 1987. "I was too young to really ever remember watching Dad race on the track," said 29-year-old David. "But he's been a big part of my career and I know he has a lot of friends in the garage who will remember seeing him in this car." A few years ago, David built a replica race car and presented it to Ken as a present. That car is on display in 2015 at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, GA. The Ragans, along with the show car David presented to Ken, will visit the Aaron's store, 111 Pamplico Hwy, in Florence at 4 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 5 then join in the Southern 500 parade in Darlington that night.(MWR), see an image of the car on the #55 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2015)

  • 5-Hour Energy comments on future plans: In a statement released Wednesday, 5-Hour Energy director of communications Melissa Skabich said: "5 Hour ENERGY has enjoyed a great relationship with Michael Waltrip Racing and Clint Bowyer since joining forces in 2012. MWR and Clint have delivered above and beyond with our partnership and we thank them for their dedication. Clint is a great ambassador for our products, customers and retailers. The MWR team and Clint will continue to remain focused on getting 5-hour ENERGY in the Chase. We will make no further comment until we are ready to announce our future plans."(USA Today)(8-20-2015)

  • Aaron's comments on MWR announcement: Aaron's, a long-time sponsor of Michael Waltrip Racing, issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon in reaction of the news earlier in the day that MWR will not field a Sprint Cup team in 2016. "We've had a great partnership with Michael Waltrip Racing for the past 15 years and they are like family to us. We want to thank the MWR family for their hard work, passion and competitive spirit. They have played an important role in helping us build the Aaron's brand over the years. NASCAR will be an important part of our future and we are evaluating options for 2016 and beyond. However, our first priority is on making the rest of the season a great one!"(NBC Sports)(8-20-2015)

  • RCR to complete one millionth lap in NASCAR: Richard Childress Racing will complete its one millionth lap in NASCAR competition this weekend during the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol. RCR will log the milestone on lap 272 of Friday evening's XFINITY race. There have been 64 different drivers who have completed laps for RCR on the NASCAR circuit throughout the organization's 46-year history, including owner Richard Childress. Kevin Harvick holds the most completed laps (173,383) with the organization, which he achieved through all three major touring series. As of today, Paul Menard has completed the most laps (50,861) among the current RCR driver lineup. RCR is only the third NASCAR team to have accomplished this milestone. "Finishing one million laps is hard to believe," said Richard Childress, CEO and Chairman of RCR. "There have been a lot of good times, great wins and special memories through those million laps. This is a testament to how hard RCR and ECR Engines have worked to remain competitive through the years. "I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this milestone. We could not have done this without your help."
    Most Laps with RCR:
    Kevin Harvick: 173,383
    Dale Earnhardt: 163,750
    Jeff Burton: 108,273
    Richard Childress 49,663
    Active Drivers:
    Paul Menard: 50,861
    Austin Dillon: 40,155
    Ty Dillon: 18,436
    Brendan Gaughan: 17,318
    Ryan Newman: 16,505
    Brian Scott: 15,298
    Brandon Jones: 594
    (RCR)(8-20-2015)

  • Michigan TV Ratings: Yet again, overnight ratings dropped for NASCAR on cable. NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Michigan earned a 2.4 overnight rating on NBCSN Sunday afternoon, down 20% from last year and 2013 (3.0 both years), when the race aired on ESPN. So far this season, 11 of the 12 Sprint Cup races on cable have had a decline in overnights. The lone exception was Kentucky on NBCSN last month, which pulled even in the metered markets but ended up declining in the final tally. Other than the Brickyard 400, which had a 2.9 overnight, each race on cable this season has failed to top the 2.5 mark. At this point last year, nine of the ten races on TNT and ESPN topped 2.5. For the weekend, NASCAR on NBCSN was the top sporting event outside of the PGA Championship.(Sports Media Watch / ShowBuzz Daily)(8-18-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Michigan drew 4.3 million viewers on NBCSN Sunday afternoon, down 17% from last year (5.2M) and down 6% from 2013 (4.6M), both on ESPN. The rating was not immediately available. Excluding rainouts, the telecast had the smallest audience for the race since at least 2000. All 12 NASCAR races on cable this season have either set a record low in ratings and/or viewership or fallen to the lowest point in more than a decade. That continues a trend from earlier in the year, when Fox Sports 1 scored several of its largest audiences for NASCAR coverage despite the races hitting historic lows.(Sports Media Watch / ShowBuzz Daily), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-20-2015)

  • BK Racing and James Madison University partner for Richmond: BK Racing and James Madison University (JMU) have partnered together for the September night race at Richmond International Raceway. BK Racing, which is co-owned by former JMU Board of Visitors member Ron Devine ('78), will have its #83 car, decked out in purple and gold, driven by Matt DiBenedetto. The car features JMU purple prominently around most of the exterior with gold accent on the top and bottom. The car displays JMU's full portfolio of Athletics' logos in highly visible locations over the entire surface. Devine said, "James Madison University is a wonderful university that is nationally known. We are excited to be able to display the JMU logos on the national stage through NASCAR. As an alumnus, I was glad to provide this sponsorship for JMU and Athletics as a way to support its strategic plan, national branding efforts and overall university pride. I want to thank all of the JMU staff and especially the JMU Foundation for supporting this effort. Hopefully this will be the start of many efforts like this to come. Go Dukes!" JMU boasts over 10,000 alumni in the Richmond metropolitan area as well as another 60,000 alumni within a two-hour drive of Richmond International Raceway.
    "We are grateful to Ron Devine and BK Racing for this sponsorship opportunity to showcase our university and athletics program on a professional sports stage," JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. "As part of our strategic plan, Engaged in Excellence, we are striving to increase the brand and identity of our athletics program nationally. BK Racing and NASCAR provide a unique platform for increasing the overall awareness of and affinity for our university and our sports programs."(BK Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #83 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2015)

  • Freightliner and Team Penske extend partnership: Team Penske announced that it has extended its partnership with Freightliner Trucks, the largest division of Daimler Trucks North America and one of the most recognizable and respected names in the trucking industry. A Team Penske partner for over 10 years, Freightliner has announced a five-year extension that will continue to see the team utilize Freightliner Trucks and equipment for all of its NASCAR and IndyCar racing programs. While Team Penske transporter drivers will remain behind the wheel of Freightliner trucks for all their transportation needs, Freightliner will continue to maximize Team Penske assets for its marketing programs. Freightliner regularly hosts customers, vendors and distributors at races throughout the year, highlighting the experience with appearances from Team Penske drivers.(Team Penske)(8-20-2015)

  • Benny Gordon, #66 team return at Bristol UPDATE: After earning a career high top-5 finish at Daytona International Speedway during the July 4th race, Benny Gordon will return to the track to compete in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway with Performance Energy Group. Driver of the #66 SRWR/VSI Toyota Camry, Benny Gordon said, "I'm extremely excited to get back behind the wheel again. We took some time away from the track to come back to the shop and build a brand new car for Bristol. Being that we're a smaller and new team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, we wanted to give ourselves enough time to properly prepare for this race so that we would be able to compete with the top cars." Gordon holds two wins at the 'Last Great Colosseum' in 2007 and 2010 in the CARS X-1R Pro Cup Series, formally known as the USAR Hooter's Pro Cup Series.(PEG Racing)(8-18-2015)
    UPDATE: Officials at Performance Energy Group have announced a new partnership for the team and Benny Gordon starting at the Food City 300 with VBOARDS Personal Power Cruisers. VBOARDS Personal Power Cruisers, from Dream Big Products, LLC, are the highest quality self-balancing boards on the market, offering industry-leading quality in its electronics, battery life, speed, and durability. Compared to other major brands on the market, VBOARDS also offer the best value. VBOARDS are maneuvered by simply leaning forward to move forward, leaning backward to move backwards, or leaning left or right to make turns. The associate partnership will begin at Bristol Motor Speedway during the Food City 300.(PEG Racing)(8-20-2015)

  • St Clair Foods to Sponsor Jeremy Clements:Jeremy Clements Racing announced that their partners from Memphis, TN, St. Clair Foods will debut on the #51 hot rod this weekend at Thunder Valley. St Clair foods began their operation in 1976 and quickly became known for their four signature salad dressings, which were favorites among Memphians and around the Mid-South. From the initial retail offerings of those dressings, St. Clair has grown to become one of the premier food service providers in the industry. They continue to make their famous Blue Cheese, Honey French, Ranch, and Thousand Island and now offer hundreds of different products including classic chilled salads, pasta and garden salads, dips, frozen entrees and side dishes, and of course, salad dressings.(Clements Racing)(8-20-2015)

  • Xcalibur Pit School sponsoring Sieg: RSS Racing welcomes Xcalibur Pit School as a sponsor for the Food City 300 Friday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. Based out of Moorseville, NC, Xcalibur Pit School is a facility that trains, inspires and educates the next generation of NASCAR Pit Crews.(RSS Racing)(8-20-2015)

  • Cope announces Bristol sponsors: Derrike Cope Racing announces our partnership with To The Point Inc., Wheel Chill, and FanVision for the upcoming Food City 300 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. To The Point Inc, or Defining Corporate Apparel, is a sports clothing designer/ manufacturer out of North Carolina. Designing great looking clothing, they are an excellent choice for any of your needs. Our newest partner, Wheel Chill is a revolutionary product for racing from grassroots to NASCAR. Designed to cool down the hot wheels, rotors and calipers, they offer several models that will fit 15" or 13" wheels. Make the most of your practice sessions, mock qualifying runs, breaks between twin races. and much more with Wheel Chill.(Derrike Cope Racing)(8-20-2015)

  • Bristol Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series will run the same Goodyear tire codes at Bristol this week . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series teams ran at Bristol this April and teams in all three national series ran here last August . . . Bristol is the only track at which NASCAR teams are scheduled to run either of these two tire codes . . . unlike on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, on which teams generally do not run inner liners in their tires, teams are required to run liners in their right-side tires only at Bristol . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see tire codes, pressures, set limits and more on the Bristol Race Info page.(8-20-2015)

  • Jordan Anderson to make NXS debut at Bristol: South Carolina's Jordan Anderson is set to make his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday night in the Food City 300. Anderson is from Forest Acres, South Carolina and has 10 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts this season. His best finish came at Michigan International Speedway last weekend when he brought the truck home in 13th. On Wednesday, Anderson didn't make the show for the UNOH 200 Presented by Zloop, but he'll now get a second chance at The Last Great Colosseum in Mike Harmon's #74 NASCAR XFINITY Series car. "What an amazing journey this year has been," Jordan Anderson said. "As I sit here at the track thinking through the humbling emotional roller coaster that the past week alone has provided, I just can't get over how blessed I am and how great the opportunities are that God continues to provide through the people in my life. After the amazing run we had at Michigan this past Saturday in the truck and then to miss the show here at Bristol last night, I've definitely experienced both ends of the spectrum of the highs and lows. I love this sport, and have worked non-stop my entire life to pursue the dream of racing at this level." Jordan Anderson has plenty of short track experience, so Bristol Motor Speedway should be a great track to debut. He grew up racing up and down the East Coast in various events, including a number of Pro All Stars Series races. Anderson is hoping that his past experience at one of his favorite tracks, Southern National Motorsports Park will pay off come Friday night.(The Fourth Turn)(8-20-2015)

  • Tagliani joins BKR for Canada: Brad Keselowski Racing announced today that Alex Tagliani will drive the team's #29 Cooper Standard Ford F-150 in the August 30 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. Tagliani made his NCWTS debut in 2014 at the 2.459-mile Canadian road course behind the wheel of the No. 19 Reese Towpower Ford F-150. He won the pole in his first start and made it look easy, capturing the top starting spot with a lap (80.558 seconds) that was both a track record and a whopping .433 seconds better than the second place starter. The native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, had such an enjoyable experience last year he jumped at the chance to return to the truck series with BKR. Tagliani has seven NASCAR Xfinity Series starts sprinkled over seven seasons dating back to 2009. He enters the NCWTS event at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on the heels of a strong performance at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) where he won the pole and finished second after leading 38 of the event's 75 laps. Alex has 32 starts in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series over the past seven seasons. In June he grabbed his second victory in the series in dominating fashion, leading 193 of 300 laps at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ontario, finishing over a lap ahead of his nearest competitor. His other victory in the series came on a road course event at Edmonton City Centre Airport in 2008. Tagliani has a diverse racing portfolio, which includes the Indianapolis 500, IndyCar, NASCAR Xfinity Series, road racing and Champ Car competition. In 2015 Tagliani made his seventh start in the Indianapolis 500 leading two laps and scoring a 17th place finish for A.J. Foyt Racing. In 2009 he earned Rookie of the Year honors in the race with an 11th-place finish and won the pole for the race in 2011 driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. His best finish was 10th place in 2010.(Brad Keselowski Racing)(8-20-2015

  • Hamlin visits Chicago's James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club: #11-Denny Hamlin took to the basketball court at the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday in advance of the kick-off race to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on Sunday, Sept. 20. "I love coming to Chicago and today was no exception. It was a great experience visiting with the kids at the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club," said Hamlin. "Although I love basketball, fortunately I'm a better driver than jump shot shooter so I'm looking forward to getting back to Chicago to kick off the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup." Joining Hamlin at the Boys & Girls Club was former Chicago Bulls center Will Perdue, member of the '91, '92 and '93 championship teams, along with Chicagoland Speedway president, Scott Paddock, member of the 1995 U.S. Men's National Basketball team. In front of 50 kids ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old, Hamlin, Perdue and Paddock played against each other in a game of 'C-H-A-S-E,' otherwise known as 'P-I-G' or 'H-O-R-S-E.' After close competition which included jump shots, fade aways and lap-ups, Perdue took the victory before the trio went on to lead a group of kids in a dribbling relay race utilizing Goodyear racing tires as cones. Paddock and his team of five James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club kids took the checkered flag victory. In addition to the afternoon of fun, the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls were provided race tickets to the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Chicagoland Speedway on September 20. Tickets can be purchased online at ChicagolandSpeedway.com, by calling 888-629-RACE, through the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app, or by visiting the Chicagoland Speedway Administrative office Monday-Friday.(Chicagoland Speedway)(8-20-2015)


    News from August 19, 2015

  • Mello Yello Returns to the Track on Larson's #42 Chevy at Darlington: After racing on the big screen in Days of Thunder in 1990 and the NASCAR circuit for four seasons, the classic Mello Yello paint scheme is set to return to the track over Labor Day weekend for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Kyle Larson's #42 Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) Chevy. The throwback paint scheme will be featured during a race weekend that is meant to highlight Darlington's rich racing history. The Mello Yello paint scheme was first made famous while being driven by Tom Cruise in the NASCAR-based movie Days of Thunder, and also served as the primary paint scheme on Kyle Petty's #42 car from 1991 - 1994 in NASCAR's top series. And, although Larson wasn't alive for the release of Days of Thunder and had barely started watching racing when Petty drove the Mello Yello car, there is a connection between the 23-year-old NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) driver and the classic paint scheme - Felix Sabates. The long-time NASCAR team owner fielded Petty's #42 car at SABCO Racing, and is currently a co-owner with Chip Ganassi on Larson's #42 Target Chevy.
    Notes of Interest:
    " No Stranger to Racing: The racing roots of Mello Yello date back to its 1979 launch, when it was introduced as the "World's Fastest Soft Drink" and sponsored Frank Oglesby's dragster. Over the years, the popular Coca-Cola beverage has remained no stranger to motorsports. In addition to being on the fictitious car driven by Cruise in Days of Thunder, and on Kyle Petty's #42 car, Mello Yello has served as the title sponsor for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) since 2013.
    " A Tale of Two Kyle's: Although Kyle Petty had 20 previous starts at Darlington before he debuted the Mello Yello paint scheme in 1991, his first race in that car at the track shares something in common with Larson's first start at the "Lady in Black." Both drivers started those respective races in the teens and gained nine spots to finish in the top-10. Last season, Larson, in his first NSCS start at Darlington, improved nine spots from a 17th place start to finish eighth.(Chip Ganassi Racing), see images of the car on the #42 Team Schemes page.(8-19-2015)

  • Michael Waltrip Addresses MWR News: On FOX Sports 1's NASCAR Ccamping World Truck Series practice telecast Wednesday morning, Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) co-owner Michael Waltrip addressed the morning's news that MWR and #15-Clint Bowyer have mutually agreed to separate at the conclusion of the 2015 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES season and that the organization no longer will field full-time cars in 2016. Waltrip, on the air Wednesday in his role as a FOX NASCAR analyst, shared his thoughts with play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander and analyst Phil Parsons. Below is a transcript from the exchange:
    Alexander: What more can you tell us as this news is just breaking this morning?
    Waltrip: "Well, it's a sad day for MWR obviously. I love the culture we've built there. Our sponsors - they're not sponsors; they're partners. And our employees are our teammates. We just have the perfect workplace, and unfortunately in 2016, we're not going to be racing there. My hope is somebody wants to have a really nice shop full of really cool people that work together well and want to have a race team and we can provide that for them. Rob is going to be a part of Chip Ganassi Racing going forward. Rob and I are best buddies. He's done an amazing job of stabilizing MWR in the beginning and then we raced for a championship -- finished second in 2012. So, my heart goes out to all the employees, all the people that worked at MWR. Hopefully, somebody wants to have a team and they can have it right there at our place."
    Parsons: A lot of people may say MWR started in 2007. MWR really started behind your house in the garage back in the '90s. How hard is that for you after being in this as an owner for around 20 years now?
    Waltrip: "Our first race was here (Bristol Motor Speedway) in 1994 with Jeff Green. We towed in here with Rodney Silver, a flatbed trailer, unloaded our car and ran third that day. And won Nationwide/XFINITY races behind our house and competed in the Cup Series. We made the Daytona 500 with Kenny Wallace in a car we built in Sherrills Ford (N.C.) behind my house. That grew to Michael Waltrip Racing and we raced for a championship, like I said, Chase berths, race wins. I'm thankful. I'm happy. It's a great run that we've had. We'll just see what's next."(FOX)(8-19-2015)

  • MWR/Bowyer to split at end of 2015; no full-time cars in 2016: Michael Waltrip Racing and Clint Bowyer have mutually agreed to separate at the conclusion of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Bowyer, currently 16th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase standings, will be free to pursue other career options in 2016 and beyond. MWR will continue to field the #15 and #55 Toyotas for the remainder of the 2015 season. Team co-owner Rob Kauffman said MWR will not field a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup entry in 2016.
    ROB KAUFFMAN: "MWR will race hard and compete for the remainder of the 2015 season. This decision was made after weighing several different options and scenarios. I felt it was important to make an announcement as soon as we had clarity, so that is what we are doing today. I want to thank all of our staff, partners, sponsors and fans for all their effort and support over the years. Clint Bowyer has done a lot for MWR since joining us in 2012 and we appreciate the energy and effort he has given the organization. After many discussions, Clint and I agreed we would go our separate ways at the end of the season and I wish him well in whatever direction he pursues."
    CLINT BOWYER: "I want to thank Michael, Rob and everyone at Michael Waltrip Racing that made these past four years special. After extensive discussions with Rob and MWR, we came to the point that we mutually agreed our paths in the future just didn't align but I think we all agreed on the next steps in a very professional manner. I am looking forward to what future opportunities may come but for now we have a championship to pursue in 2015 and we owe it to every one of our sponsors, partners, employees and fans to deliver on and off the track."
    MICHAEL WALTRIP: "Rob joined MWR in 2007 and has helped give us the resources to build a competitive race team, and in 2012, Clint Bowyer took us to the doorstep of a championship. From where MWR started behind my house in Sherrill's Ford to winning Sprint Cup races, poles and earning Chase berths, I am proud of what we accomplished. My family has been a part of NASCAR for almost five decades and I plan on being a part of it for years to come. I would not have had the opportunity to start this journey without so many great partners, sponsors and employees and I want to thank each of them for making Michael Waltrip Racing a reality."(MWR)(8-19-2015)

  • Tony Stewart iffy about fifth surgery on right leg: A planned fifth operation on Tony Stewart's surgically repaired right leg may not happen after all. Stewart, who severely fractured his lower right leg in a sprint car accident in August 2013, has already had four surgeries, the most recent coming last December. A proposed fifth operation in the offseason would allow doctors to remove his stabilizing titanium rod hardware, but Stewart said he'll find out the status of the surgery in a couple of months. "We actually don't know yet. There's potential that we may not have to have the operation, after all," Stewart said Tuesday at the announcement of Danica Patrick's new contract and sponsorship deal at Stewart-Haas Racing. "The rod that's in there might stay in there, so at the end of October we're having a meeting with the doctor and we're going to make that decision. Either way, it's either one-and-done or we're done." Stewart broke both his tibia and fibula in a crash at Southern Iowa Speedway, forcing him to miss the final 15 races of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. He had three surgeries that year, followed by a fourth just ahead of 2014 Champion's Week, when his teammate Kevin Harvick was feted for his first Sprint Cup crown.(NASCAR.com)(8-19-2015)

  • Friends, family say farewell to Buddy Baker: A church full of Buddy Baker's family and friends gathered Tuesday afternoon to say goodbye to Baker, one of NASCAR's fastest and most fearless drivers. Baker, who grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Garinger High, died Aug. 10 at the age of 74. He won 19 races over his 33-year career - including five times at Daytona and four at Talladega - and was also the first stock-car driver to eclipse the 200-mph barrier during a test at Talladega in 1970. "Buddy said the most important thing for him was to be with family," said pastor John Earl, who officiated Baker's funeral at Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. "Family and friends are here to be with and for each other." NASCAR was represented at the funeral by chairman Brian France and president Mike Helton. Former rivals Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett and Bobby Allison attended. Ryan Newman, who drives on the Sprint Cup Series and counted Baker as a mentor, served as a pallbearer with Allison. Bud Moore and Waddell Wilson, two of Baker's crew chiefs, were also in attendance. H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, Baker's longtime friend and former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, spoke at the service. Wheeler said there was so much more to Baker than just being a driver and broadcaster (he was co-host of a satellite radio show when he was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year). Wheeler talked about a time recently that Baker talked a young man out of committing suicide. When Baker won at Talladega in 1975, Wheeler said Baker told him he didn't feel like a winner because a friend, fellow driver Tiny Lund, died in the race. "Buddy was a ferocious driver," said Wheeler. "He wasn't afraid of anything on the race track. He also wasn't afraid to kneel down and say a prayer."(Charlotte Observer)(8-19-2015)

  • SHR working on additional sponsorship for Patrick: Stewart-Haas Racing executive vice president Brett Frood said Tuesday the team is working to fill the eight-race gap on Danica Patrick's #10 car next season with the same companies that have shared space on the hood with GoDaddy the past two seasons. Nature's Bakery was announced as Patrick's new primary sponsor in a multiyear deal starting in 2016. "We're working through the final solutions on that, and hopefully we'll have some upcoming announcements," Frood said. "Those current partners, it's worked well, so we hope to continue that." GoDaddy, which announced in May that it wouldn't be renewing its primary sponsorship after this season, funded all of Patrick's races during her 2013 rookie season in Sprint Cup but had sold off a handful the past two years to Aspen Dental and TaxAct. Frood indicated that both companies could return next year, possibly in slightly larger roles. TaxAct already had increased its investment this season, buying the hood for Patrick's race at Texas after she finished seventh in the company's car the previous week at Martinsville. "For us, it's just figuring out partners that make sense where we can help elevate their business and at the same time make sure we can be as competitive as possible and have the resources to continue going fast," Frood said.(NBC Sports)(8-19-2015)

  • Warnings issued from Michigan: The teams of #2-Brad Keselowski, #47-AJ Allmendinger and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. received written warnings for having to go through pre-race or pre-qualifying technical inspection three times at Michigan last weekend. It was the teams' first warning under a new system where if a team gets four warnings between now and the end of the season, it will choose its pit stall last instead of where it qualified for the next race. Earnhardt will miss 15 minutes of practice time this week at Bristol because his car actually didn't pass pre-race inspection three times Sunday. Also losing practice time this week are #27-Paul Menard and #32-Josh Wise for being late to the inspection line before qualifying.(ESPN)(8-19-2015)

  • Blue-Emu Partners with Hornish at Bristol: Blue-Emu, based in Bristol, TN, announced it will serve as the primary sponsor of the #9 Richard Petty Motorsports team and driver Sam Hornish Jr. during the night race at the Bristol. Blue-Emu will bring its blue and white brand colors to the #9 Ford and race them under the lights at the popular event. Although the company is no stranger to the organization, being an associate sponsor of RPM throughout the 2014 season, the opportunity to showcase its product during one of NASCAR's most popular events right in its own backyard allows Blue-Emu to complement its already strong ties with the Petty brand. Blue-Emu's 4oz jar is America's number one selling over-the-counter muscle and joint cream according to recent IRI data. Blue-Emu has featured "The King" Richard Petty in television, radio and print ads all season. It is now ready to fully take over the #9 Ford with Hornish in its home city.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see images of the car on the #9 Team Schemes page.(8-19-2015)

  • CashCash Makes NASCAR Debut with Gilliland: Short-term lender CashCash will make its first appearance as a NASCAR partner this week with David Gilliland at Bristol. The company's green and white colors will adorn the #38 Ford Fusion as primary sponsor for Saturday night's 500-lap short-track event. The state-licensed CashCash offers short-term loans to customers in Tennessee as well as California, Idaho, Texas, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. The Los Angeles-based company offers an online application at www.cashcash.com and is committed to responsible lending practices. "The Bristol Night Race is always a lot of fun and really action-packed, so CashCash couldn't have picked a better race to join us at the track," said Gilliland, who has 18 Sprint Cup Series starts under his belt at the famed .533-mile bullring oval. "I can't wait to get that paint scheme out under the lights." The partnership will be CashCash's first foray into NASCAR. "We are excited to support David Gilliland and Front Row Motorsports in what's always one of the most exciting races of the year," said Eric Welch, president of CashCash. "And we hope the NASCAR fan base will take a look at us for their short-term cash needs."(Front Row Motorsports / Breaking Limits), see images of the car on the #38 Team Schemes page.(8-19-2015)

  • Throwback Ortho scheme to be announced: Roush Fenway Racing invites fans to follow along on Periscope on Thursday, August 20th at 12:30pm/et as Greg Biffle unveils his 2015 #16 Ortho Throwback scheme for Darlington. Ortho has a long history of innovation and firsts in their field, so it's only natural that the brand would unveil their new paint scheme on this innovative social platform. Follow Roush Fenway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for Throwback Thursday images of Greg and Ortho throughout the morning leading up to the unveil on Periscope.(RFR)(8-19-2015)

  • Kevin Swindell progressing from sprint car wreck: Sprint car driver Kevin Swindell is making progress in his recovery from injuries sustained last week during a wreck at the Knoxville Nationals, according to his family. The Swindell family released a statement Monday afternoon that said the 26-year-old, son of legendary sprint car driver Sammy Swindell, underwent surgery earlier in the day "to address one of two fractures he suffered in his back." The family reported he underwent another surgery Friday. "Both surgeries have been successful and the doctors are heartened by his progress," the family wrote in the statement. "The doctors are also running tests on and monitoring a spinal cord injury that Kevin received during the accident. We realize there is a long battle ahead, but Kevin has remained positive throughout the process and is prepared to fight to regain his health. We're all hopeful for a Friday discharge and the next steps to recovery. We would like to especially thank the doctors, nurses and the staff at Des Moines Mercy Hospital for their outstanding work and the care they have provided for Kevin. Additionally, we want to let the sprint car community and all of the fans who have reached out to the three of us know that we are grateful for your ongoing support, prayers and donations. We remain optimistic about Kevin's progress and will provide updates as they become available." Swindell was airlifted to Des Moines Thursday night after his car flipped during a wreck at the start of his heat race. The Germantown, Tenn., native is a four-time winner of the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals. Swindell has also made 30 starts on NASCAR's Xfinity Series and raced once in the Sprint Cup Series in 2013.(Des Moines Register)(8-19-2015)

  • Two additional races for Kwasniewski in the #97: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates development driver Dylan Kwasniewski will remain in the #97 Obaika Racing Chevy for the next two NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway and Road America. Kwasniewski, a two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series champion (one in West, one in East) earned the additional races after an impressive performance last weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in his 2015 XFINITY Series debut. Despite being out of the car since the season-finale last November at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kwasniewski quickly came up to speed in the car owned by Nigeria businessman Victor Obaika. Settling for 15th overall, the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team was encouraged by the Las Vegas, Nevada's performance. Remaining under contract with Chip Ganassi Racing, the lack of sponsorship has kept Kwasniewski idle this year, but the NASCAR Next alum remains focused on returning to XFINITY Series competition full-time in 2016.(Catchfence)(8-19-2015)

  • Dale's Pale Ale sponsoring Regan Smith: Dale's Pale Ale will sponsor Regan Smith and the #7 Chevy in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Dale's Pale Ale is the presenting sponsor of Smith's JR Motorsports Upfront podcast on Dirty Mo Radio. Dale's Pale Ale is distinguished as the first craft beer in can form and brewed by the Oskar Blues Brewery from its bases in Brevard, N.C. and Longmont, Colo. Along with its flagship brand Dale's Pale Ale, the Oskar Blues Brewery offers an extensive line of craft and specialty beers.(JR Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #7 team paint schemes page.(8-19-2015)

  • Juniper Networks debuts on the #18: For the first time this season, Juniper Networks will adorn the #18 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. Juniper Networks, the industry leader in network innovation, announced the technology provided to Joe Gibbs Racing to improve the racing organization's network infrastructure for better performance on and off the track through its Juniper Networks MetaFabric architecture, with next-generation switching and security solutions. From analyzing car-performance data to providing feedback to the crew chiefs and ensuring reliable connection to the driver, JGR's new network will blend on-track with off-track performance.(Joe Gibbs Racing), see an image of the car on the #18 team paint schemes page.(8-19-2015)

  • Teague expected to make final start at Bristol UPDATE: Carl Long announced on his Facebook page, "We at MBM are proud to announce Brad Teague (67) will be making what he thinks is his last race at Bristol next week in the #13 Scag Lawn Mower/ JD Metal Roofing Toyota. We have engines leased from Joey Arrington. Kevyn Rebolledo and Josh Reaume are crew chief and engineer. They will also put the 40 Camaro on track next week that Josh drove at Michigan. This is the Toyota we last ran at Kentucky. Brad made his first Bristol start in 1972. We hope to make him proud of his run and perhaps take a bigger bite of the racing drug and make him want to race another event. As for now he says this is his last and wants to do well.(8-14-2015)
    UPDATE: After nearly five decades behind the wheel, this weekend's Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be the final race for Johnson City driver Brad Teague. Teague is scheduled to drive the #13 Toyota co-owned by fellow racers Carl Long and Derek White. Once Teague qualifies for Friday's race, he will join Morgan Shepherd as the only drivers to race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly Busch Series) in both its inaugural season of 1982 and the present year. "I've got mixed emotions where I really don't want to quit," said the 67-year-old driver. "But, there comes a time for everything to end and it just takes so much money to run now. I am tickled I get to run this time. There's just something about the August night race. It's different, it's special and I've always loved the August night race up there." Teague made his first laps around Bristol Motor Speedway in 1971 in a car not exactly suited for a high-banked paved track. Since then, it's estimated he has turned more laps around the "World's Fastest Half-Mile" than any other driver. He has raced and tested a variety of cars ranging from Late Model Stocks to the Sprint Cup Series. He has 293 starts in NASCAR's three national series, second among local drivers to the late G.C. Spencer who made 415 Cup Series starts. "Some of my longtime sponsors are on the car," Teague said. "You have ABS Building Systems, JD Metals and Scag Mowers. I really appreciate them hanging with me over the years. I couldn't have done it this long if not for them. I have a lot of good friends at all of those places and I really appreciate all of them." Teague couldn't think of a better place to add the final page of his racing career than at Bristol, where he posted a career-best finish of third, one spot behind Dale Earnhardt, in the 1986 Budweiser 200. "I've raced at all the NASCAR tracks except Las Vegas," Teague said. "But, Bristol is the most exciting track that we run on. During the driver introductions, you see all those people up in the stands and all the cameras flashing, it's something to see. Then, you hear that crowd and it's so unique. It's always been my favorite track."(Johnson City Press)(8-19-2015)

  • Blaney wins truck race at Bristol: #29-Ryan Blaney won the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday night after recovering from an early penalty while leading. He came back from a one-lap deficit and took the lead for the final time following a green-white-checkered flag run to the finish. #54-Kyle Busch, who started the race from the pole, finished second. He was followed by #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #14-Daniel Hemric, #33-Brandon Jones, #4-Erik Jones, #88-Matt Crafton, #19-Tyler Reddick, #98-Johnny Sauter, and #5-Dalton Sargeant, in his series debut, closed out the top-10.
    There were 5 caution flags for 41 laps and 9 lead changes among 6 leaders. The field also had a 45-minute red flag period due to rain.
    Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf). (8-19-2015)

  • Bristol Race Fast Facts:
    Ryan Blaney(i) won the 18th Annual UNOH 200 presented by ZLOOP, his fourth victory in 57 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in four races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in ten races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2015.
    John H. Nemechek (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    John H. Nemechek (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Tyler Reddick leads the point standings by 6 points over Matt Crafton.
    (NASCAR Statistics) (8-19-2015)

  • Driver standings following Bristol:
    1) #19-Tyler Reddick, 550
    2) #88-Matt Crafton, 544, -6
    3) #4-Erik Jones #, 543, -7
    4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 497, -53
    5) #14-Daniel Hemric #, 460, -90
    6) #13-Cameron Hayley, 451, -99
    7) #17-Timothy Peters, 448, -102
    8) #05-John Wes Townley, 447, -103
    9) #23-Spencer Gallagher #, 416, -134
    10) #11-Ben Kennedy, 410, 140
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-19-2015)

  • Owner Standings following Bristol are posted (pdf).(8-19-2015)

  • Busch on pole at Bristol: #54-Kyle Busch won the pole for the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed at 125.683 mph. #29-Ryan Blaney will start second, followed by: #33-Brandon Jones, #4-Erik Jones, #00-Cole Custer, #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #75-Caleb Holman, #13-Cameron Hayley, and #92-David Gilliland.
    Fastest in the second round of qualifying was #29-Blaney with a speed of 125.683mph.
    #4-Jones was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 126.262mph.
    #74-Jordan Anderson, #0-Caleb Roark and #45-BJ McLeod #27-Cody Lane failed to qualify. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-19-2015)

  • Custer fastest in final practice: #00-Cole Custer was fastest in final practice for the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 126.528mph. He was followed by #29-Ryan Blaney, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #31-Ty Dillon, #33-Brandon Jones, #5-Dalton Sargeant, #11-Ben Kennedy, #13-Cameron Hayley, #75-Caleb Hollman, and #19-Tyler Reddick.34 drivers practiced during the session. #51-Daniel Suarez wrecked his truck and moved to the team's backup. See complete results on the Bristol practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-19-2015)


    News from August 18, 2015

  • Stenhouse Unveils Iconic #17 Pearson Scheme for Darlington: A NASCAR 'Throwback' weekend at Darlington Raceway and a #17 Ford canvas made for an undeniable invitation for a David Pearson Ford Torino retro paint scheme. As Pearson remains the winningest driver at Darlington with 10 trips to victory lane at the historic track, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and his sponsor Cargill Beef were honored with the opportunity. "David Pearson is not only an icon in our sport, he is one of the greatest racers of all time," said Stenhouse. "He knew how to save his car for when it counted and that's why he had over 100 wins. From the time I thought this paint scheme might be a possibility, I have been counting the days to get that car on the track at Darlington. I only hope I do it justice."
    The gold and blue paint scheme that will run on the #17 Roush Fenway entry in Darlington is the scheme that Pearson drove to two Grand National Championships in 1968 and 1969 for Holman Moody. Two of his 10 Darlington wins were also with the gold and blue Torino in 1968 & 1970. "Seeing the car that Stenhouse is running in Darlington brought back some great memories," recalled Pearson. "We won a lot of races with that paint scheme. I think bringing back some of these old paint schemes is a great way to remind a new generation about some of the best years in NASCAR history."
    Cargill's "For the Love of Meat" messaging is all about celebrating how meat fits into the American culture and nothing is more American than a Throwback NASCAR race in Darlington on Labor Day weekend. "As soon as the folks at Roush Fenway told us about the throwback weekend in Darlington, we knew we wanted to be a part of it," said Mike Martin, director of communications. "All diehard NASCAR fans know of the 'Silver Fox' and his accomplishments and we're honored to have our logo on the car for what promises to be a memorable race weekend." Cargill Beef is also launching a social media photo contest that fans can enter by sharing their best beef grilling moments with the hashtag #FortheLoveofBeef. Fans who participate will be entered to win autographed Ricky Stenhouse Jr. merchandise. The contest will run from August 18th through the Darlington race weekend.
    The tradition returns to Labor Day weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles' Southern 500 is set for Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. The NASCAR XFINITY Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 will race on Saturday, Sept. 5. Tickets are on sale now by calling 866-459-7223 or visiting www.DarlingtonRaceway.com.(Darlington Raceway). See images of the car on the #17 Team Schemes page.(8-18-2015)

  • Danica Patrick press conference Tuesday UPDATES re-signs Patrick and Nature's Bakery as sponsor: Stewart-Haas Racing has scheduled a press conference regarding #10-Danica Patrick for Tuesday at 11:00am/et. Fox Sports' Tom Jensen tweeted, "Sources tell @NASCARONFOX she'll have a sponsor who is new to sport" and the "new sponsor could be for as many as 30 races, per sources.".
    The press conference will be live streamed on NASCAR.com.(8-17-2015)
    UPDATE: hearing the sponsor could be Nature's Bakery: "on-the-go snacks and foods that complement health conscious living". Patrick teased the paint scheme on her Twitter.(8-17-2015)
    UPDATE 2: Stewart-Haas Racing announced the re-signing of driver Danica Patrick in a multi-year deal (using 3 years), also signing new NASCAR sponsor Nature's Bakery to a multi-year deal. Nature's Bakery will be the sponsor for 28 races in 2016, starting at Daytona in February. All team owner Tony Stewart would say about the term of the contracts for Patrick or Nature's Bakery is, multi-year, but more than two years.
    Press Release: Nature's Bakery, a rapidly-growing snacks and food brand headquartered in Reno, Nevada, has joined Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) to become the primary sponsor of driver Danica Patrick and the #10 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2016 season. The multiyear sponsorship agreement will see Nature's Bakery and its signature tagline, "Energy for Life's Great Journeys", adorn Patrick's #10 Chevy for 28 races a year.
    Nature's Bakery was founded in 2010 by the father-and-son duo of Dave and Sam Marson with a mission of making delicious, convenient, on-the-go snacks that complement health-conscious living and active, everyday lifestyles. Their lineage in the food industry can be traced back to the 1960s when Dave's father, Richard Marson, opened a family bakery. Growing up in the bakery, Dave passed his passion and skills along to his son, Sam, whereupon the two combined their knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to form Nature's Bakery.
    "Danica Patrick is one of the most fit and health-conscious drivers in all of racing and she embodies the Nature's Bakery customer," said Dave Marson, founder of Nature's Bakery. "We make great products that complement Danica's lifestyle and the always on-the-go environment in which she competes. Nature's Bakery provides 'Energy for Life's Great Journeys' and we're very proud to embark upon this NASCAR journey with Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing."
    "It's an honor to represent Nature's Bakery and also a great deal of responsibility," Patrick said. "They have ambitious goals and they're going to rely on me and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing to deliver. I have ambitious goals too. It's why I came to NASCAR and, specifically, to Stewart-Haas Racing. There's still a lot I want to achieve in this sport and I'm looking to continue my professional journey with a brand as determined as I am."
    Patrick is motorsports' most recognizable athlete and the most marketable personality in NASCAR according to Repucom's 2015 Davie Brown Index. Her success on the racetrack, which includes an IndyCar Series victory and a Daytona 500 pole, transcends her into the mainstream, proven by a 2014 Harris Poll which named Patrick the second-most recognized female athlete in the United States, behind only tennis star Serena Williams.
    "All you need to say is 'Danica' and people know exactly who you're talking about," Dave Marson added. "She has immersed herself and succeeded in a very intense sport and been recognized for her efforts. By offering convenient, easy-to-find and affordable products that people can feel better about eating, we've carved a niche for Nature's Bakery in the fast-growing, packaged snack-food industry. With our partnership with Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing, we're able to take that niche mainstream."
    "Danica has proven she belongs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we're very happy to have her a part of our team for years to come," said Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. "Nature's Bakery is a natural fit with Danica. She has played an important role in the growth of all the businesses associated with her and our growth as a race team. Our partnership with Nature's Bakery is all about growing their business. In Danica, we have the best possible person to help Nature's Bakery achieve its goals."(SHR)
    See an image of the scheme on the 2016 #10 Team Schemes page.(8-18-2015)

  • Most Popular Driver award details to be released: Sprint will return as sponsor of the National Motorsports Press Association's Most Popular Driver award. Details about the voting window will be announced Sept. 6 at Darlington Raceway during the Southern 500 weekend. This is the 63rd season for the award. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won the award 12 consecutive years. There were 776,000 votes cast during last year's 19-week voting window.(NBC Sport)(8-18-2015)

  • Michigan TV Ratings: Yet again, overnight ratings dropped for NASCAR on cable. NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Michigan earned a 2.4 overnight rating on NBCSN Sunday afternoon, down 20% from last year and 2013 (3.0 both years), when the race aired on ESPN. So far this season, 11 of the 12 Sprint Cup races on cable have had a decline in overnights. The lone exception was Kentucky on NBCSN last month, which pulled even in the metered markets but ended up declining in the final tally. Other than the Brickyard 400, which had a 2.9 overnight, each race on cable this season has failed to top the 2.5 mark. At this point last year, nine of the ten races on TNT and ESPN topped 2.5. For the weekend, NASCAR on NBCSN was the top sporting event outside of the PGA Championship.(Sports Media Watch / ShowBuzz Daily), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-18-2015)

  • Burton gets Bristol sponsor: BK Racing has partnered with Rocky Ridge Custom Trucks as a primary sponsor on Jeb Burton's #26 Toyota at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend. Rocky Ridge, a family owned and operated business, provides quality upfit packages primarily for pickup trucks to automobile dealers. Originally starting out building conversion vans for General Motors, Rocky Ridge transitioned into a full-line Special Vehicle Manufacturer, priding themselves on delivering quality vehicles, excellent customer service and the best technical support line in the industry. Rocky Ridge will act as a primary sponsor for one race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the 2015 season with BK Racing.(BK Racing), see an image of the car on the #26 team paint schemes page.(8-18-2015)

  • Teams to test at Homestead: NASCAR has scheduled a Sprint Cup Series test for Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, August 26. One team from each organization will be eligible to take part in the test, which will run from 9:00am-5:00pm. Teams will test at Homestead-Miami Speedway in preparation for the season-ending Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 22, where the Championship 4 drivers will battle for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Testing will be open to the public from 9:00am-5:00pm in the infield Pit Road Cabanas, as well as from the chair-back seats in the Speedway Club on the fourth floor of the tower building. Fans may enter and park in the parking lot on SW 336thStreet and SW 137th Avenue and take a tram into the infield to watch testing. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the infield.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)(8-18-2016)

  • Top 10 Driver Ratings at Bristol:
    #20-Matt Kenseth .......... 104.6
    #24-Jeff Gordon .......... 100.3
    #18-Kyle Busch .......... 100.0
    #42-Kyle Larson .......... 99.0
    #2-Brad Keselowski .......... 93.3
    #41-Kurt Busch .......... 92.6
    #4-Kevin Harvick .......... 92.5
    #48-Jimmie Johnson .......... 92.3
    #16-Greg Biffle .......... 92.3
    #19-Carl Edwards .......... 90.6
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2015 races (21 total) among active drivers at Bristol Motor Speedway. Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
    See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)(8-18-2015)

  • NASCAR teams with Mexico's Eugenio Derbez to develop original comedy film: NASCAR announced it has teamed up with Eugenio Derbez, one of Mexico's most-recognizable stars, to collaborate on an original, full-length comedy movie. Long heralded as one of Mexico's most popular actors, writers, directors and producers, Derbez broke-through on a global level with the 2013 hit film Instructions Not Included. Derbez was named No. 1 on Variety's Power of Latinos List in 2014, along with actress Sofia Vergara. NASCAR's popularity among Latinos has increased in recent years, as drivers such as Cuban-American Aric Almirola and Mexican Daniel Suarez have seen increasing success in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series. Derbez raced competitively in Mexico and has a deep passion for the sport. Benjamin Odell, partner with Derbez's production company, 3Pas Studios, will serve as producer of the project along with Derbez. Zane Stoddard, vice president of NASCAR's entertainment, marketing and content development division, will serve as executive producer.(NASCAR)(8-18-2015)

  • Hermie Sadler returns to the driver's seat at Bristol: JGL Racing welcomes veteran NASCAR driver and TV personality Hermie Sadler to their team as they head to Bristol Motor Speedway this week. Sadler will pilot the #26 Virginia Lottery Toyota this Friday, August 21, in the running of the Food City 300 at "The World Fastest Half Mile". Sadler, also a pit reporter for FOX Sports 1, will be making his first NASCAR XFINITY Series start of the season but the 262nd of his storied career. The Emporia, Virginia native has a total of 340 starts in NASCAR's top three divisions. Virginia Lottery, a long time sponsor of Sadler's, will using this sponsorship to promote their second-chance drawings for a VIP Weekend at the season ending races in Homestead, FL and a second VIP Weekend in Las Vegas from December 2 - 4, 2015.(Integrity Sports Marketing), see an image of the car on the #26 team paint schemes page.(8-18-2015)

  • Mario Gosselin gets Bristol sponsor: King Autosport and Mario Gosselin, a NASCAR Xfinity Series regular, have joined forces with new primary sponsor BuckedUp Apparel. Together they will commemorate BuckedUp's 10th year of business by competing in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, August 21, 2015. Founded in 2005, The BuckedUp "Antlers with Attitude" brand engages the spirit of outdoor enthusiast of all ages. Their customers are brand loyal, and are skilled in their sports. BuckedUp has also found that they are passionate about their families, their friends, and their communities. The Sanford, Florida, based clothing company specializes in hunting and fashion apparel that can be found in numerous locations including, but not limited to, Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain, Rural King Supply, Boot Barn and Tractor Supply Canada. They are currently promoting and selling their products online, in all 50 states and Canada.(Gosselin PR)(8-18-2015)

  • Ingersoll Rand sponsoring Koch: Ingersoll Rand, the Official Power Tools of NASCAR, will be the primary sponsor of driver Blake Koch and TriStar Motorsports this weekend in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. On Fri., Aug. 21, 2015, Koch will don the Ingersoll Rand fire suit for his 22nd race of the year as he turns the corners in the #8 Ingersoll Rand Toyota Camry. As an associate sponsor of TriStar Motorsports, the Ingersoll Rand brand has its place on the #8 car each week of the 2015 season and on the apparel of the hardworking crew members who service it. The associate sponsorship of TriStar Motorsports is one part of Ingersoll Rand's ongoing motorsports and racing program that includes multiple sponsorships and events.(TriStar Motorsports)(8-18-2015)

  • Benny Gordon, #66 team return at Bristol: After earning a career high top-5 finish at Daytona International Speedway during the July 4th race, Benny Gordon will return to the track to compete in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway with Performance Energy Group. Driver of the #66 SRWR/VSI Toyota Camry, Benny Gordon said, "I'm extremely excited to get back behind the wheel again. We took some time away from the track to come back to the shop and build a brand new car for Bristol. Being that we're a smaller and new team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, we wanted to give ourselves enough time to properly prepare for this race so that we would be able to compete with the top cars." Gordon holds two wins at the 'Last Great Colosseum' in 2007 and 2010 in the CARS X-1R Pro Cup Series, formally known as the USAR Hooter's Pro Cup Series.(PEG Racing)(8-18-2015)

  • Jones fastest in first truck practice: #33-Brandon Jones was fastest during opening practice at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 124.751mph. #88-Matt Crafton was second, followed by #4-Erik Jones, #98-Johnny Sauter, #29-Ryan Blaney, #00-Cole Custer, #13-Cameron Hayley, #17-Timothy Peters, #19-Tyler Reddick and #05-John Wes Townley. 36 of the entered 37 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Bristol practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-18-2015)


    News from August 17, 2015

  • Danica Patrick press conference Tuesday UPDATE Nature's Bakery?: Stewart-Haas Racing has scheduled a press conference regarding #10-Danica Patrick for Tuesday at 11:00am/et. Fox Sports' Tom Jensen tweeted, "Sources tell @NASCARONFOX she'll have a sponsor who is new to sport" and the "new sponsor could be for as many as 30 races, per sources.".
    The press conference will be live streamed on NASCAR.com.(8-17-2015)
    UPDATE: hearing the sponsor could be Nature's Bakery: "on-the-go snacks and foods that complement health conscious living". Patrick teased the paint scheme on her Twitter.(8-17-2015)

  • Entry List for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 46 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #21-Blaney, #30-Kvapil, #32-Wise, #33-Kennedy, #62-Sorenson, #95-McDowell, #98-Hill.
    Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #30-Kvapil (49th in points), #62-Sorenson (46th), #26-Burton (44th)
    Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #30-Kvapil (8 attempts), #21-Blaney (11), #95-McDowell (13)
    See the full entry list on Jayski.com's Bristol Entry List

  • Chase rules package, 2016 schedule coming soon UPDATES: NASCAR Sprint Cup teams could know within a week what aero package will be used during the Chase for the Sprint Cup and could know within about a month the 2016 schedule, NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. This weekend's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway marks the return of the high-drag aero package first tried last month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While the package was criticized by some drivers after that race, NASCAR hopes the package will work better at Michigan. O'Donnell told "The Morning Drive" on Tuesday that Sprint Cup teams will be told what aero package will be used for the Chase "either towards the end of this week or coming right out of Michigan. Want to lock that in for the race teams. Not lost on us is how much work has been done by all our teams to prepare to even get us to Michigan and then Darlington. We're really appreciative of the hard work, and we owe it to them to get the word out now and let them prepare for the Chase." O'Donnell said talks continue as NASCAR looks to finalize the 2016 schedule. As for when the schedule could be ready, O'Donnell told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio: "I think we're probably three to four weeks away. We've got some work still with the racetracks."(NBC Sports)(8-11-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR is expected to meet with Sprint Cup competitors after qualifying tonight at Michigan International Speedway. Among the topics expected to be discussed is what rule package NASCAR will use for the Chase. This comes after Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that teams would be told within about a week what aero package will be used in the Chase. NASCAR has used a low-downforce package at Kentucky (and it will be used next month at Darlington) and a high-drag package at Indianapolis and this weekend at Michigan, along with the rule package used at the other races this season.(NBC Sports)(8-14-2015)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR will stick with its original 2015 rules package throughout the Chase for the Sprint Cup after switching to track-specific packages for a handful of races recently. A high-drag aerodynamic package was used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month and will be in place again this weekend at Michigan, and it received some criticism from drivers. But a low-downforce package put in place at Kentucky was more popular, and it will be used again at Darlington next month. But when the 10-race Chase begins Sept. 20 at Chicagoland, the original rules will be used. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, announced the decision Friday after a meeting with drivers at Michigan.(Associated Press).(8-14-2015)
    UPDATE 3 NASCAR will not experiment with a new aerodynamic package for intermediate tracks in the 2015 Chase, opting to keep the car specifications the same as the teams have used for most of the races. But NASCAR likely will change the restrictor-plate package at Talladega Superspeedway in response to the horrific crash in July at Daytona International Speedway, where Austin Dillon's car went airborne and was ripped apart by the catch fence with debris entering the grandstands. The five fans injured were either treated at the track or treated and released from the hospital within hours. "There probably will be [changes]. We are still having some discussion with the industry heading into Talladega," NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said Friday night at Michigan International Speedway. "We have not settled on anything yet, but I think you can anticipate something." O'Donnell would not go into specifics whether NASCAR would look to slow the cars or if it would try to keep them on the ground with additional pieces to decrease lift.(ESPN.com)(8-15-2015)
    UPDATE 4: A NASCAR executive further hinted Monday at change for the Oct. 25 Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said Friday that "there probably will be" rule changes at Talladega when asked about what officials might do in light of what they learned from the Austin Dillon crash at Daytona in July. Monday on "The Morning Drive," O'Donnell clarified what officials were considering for the Talladega race. "I think that's more procedural in terms of the race procedures for that event," O'Donnell said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "Don't want to confuse everyone in terms that we may be changing engines or things like that. We're just looking at some race procedure things that we may or may not do and still having some conversations within the garage to land on that decision." Dillon's crash into the fence at Daytona marked the third time since Feb. 2012 that fans had been injured there across NASCAR's top three series. All three crashes came on a green-white-checkered finish.(NBC Sports)(8-17-2015)

  • High-drag package disappoints at Michigan UPDATE: NASCAR's high-drag aerodynamic package got its second race test Sunday in the Pure Michigan 400, and post-race reactions from drivers ranged from guarded approval to muffled disappointment. Matt Kenseth won the race in dominant fashion, leading 146 of the 200 laps. He was rarely challenged at the front. Most significant passing in the top 10 was done on the first few laps after a restart. The high-drag package was used for the first time at Indianapolis last month and had little impact on improving passing opportunities. The most definitive post-race answers Sunday came from Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, both of whom avoided criticizing the package but said a lot in saying not very much. Asked what he thought of the package results, Logano said, "What did you think?" Told there wasn't much passing, he said, "That's what I thought, too." Asked if he wanted to see the package tried again, Logano simply said, "No." Keselowski also wouldn't comment specifically on Sunday's results. "It's not my deal, man," he said. "It's not my right to say. It's not my sport, so whatever they want to do, we'll race it. That's my job. I think we saw almost exactly what everybody thought we'd see. I'll let you guys (media) judge whether that was good or bad." NASCAR communications official David Higdon said NASCAR will look at data from Sunday's race, along with other aero package tests, and take input from drivers.
    Kevin Harvick finished second but passed up the opportunity to comment directly when asked about the rules package. Denny Hamlin, who finished fifth and failed to lead a lap, had a mixed review. "It's not what I would prefer, obviously," he said. "Passing is very, very difficult; there's no doubt about it. I think there's light at the end of the tunnel. I think we've seen what's best. Hopefully, these NASCAR fans get what they want in the future." Martin Truex Jr. finished third but said he would have had a shot at winning under different circumstances. "We could run anybody down and get to them," he said. "But it took a long time to pass cars. It was just so damn hard to pass. I could run a guy down from way back and get to him and about spin out."(USA Today)(8-17-2015)
    UPDATE: When it came to the use of the "high-drag" aerodynamic package in Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR's view appears much in line with most observers of the race. "Certainly we would have liked to have seen some more out of the race package," Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Monday morning. "We've said repeatedly with each and every package we've put together, we want to look at the ability to pass throughout the field and the ability to have multiple lead changes at the front and we didn't get that on Sunday." O'Donnell said the sanctioning body will turn its attention now to another use of the low-downforce package in the upcoming race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. That package - preferred by drivers - debuted last month at Kentucky with positive reviews. "We'll look at the data that we can gather from the race but also talk to the industry, see what they felt about the package and how the cars performed," he said. "You still have some ability to pass in the middle of the field and the ability to pull up, but certainly the challenge of the leader getting away way out front was one we all see and the fans see as well." (Motorsport)(8-17-2015)

  • Sabates says no deal with Kaufman yet: When Rob Kauffman announced at the beginning of August he had purchased an interest in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, many in the NASCAR community wondered what it meant for the future. Kauffman is also a co-owner in Michael Waltrip Racing, but it was made clear the two organizations would operate separately throughout the rest of the year. A source close to the situation indicated this weekend at Michigan International Speedway the deal between Kauffman and the Ganassi organization is far from done, something Felix Sabates confirmed to FOXSports.com Sunday morning. "Basically we're talking. We don't have anything concrete," said Sabates. "We'd like to do something with (Kauffman), because I think he can add a lot to our team. We don't have anything signed." With MWR running Toyotas and Ganassi running Chevrolets, Kauffman has a unique predicament on his hands. The source indicated MWR has already been cut off by Toyota in all areas, with the exception of providing motors. Sabates could not speak to how Kauffman will handle the manufacturer situation, but said believes Kauffman eventually will have a decision to make. "I don't think it will work for him to have both (Chevrolet and Toyota teams), but you never know," he said. Sabates said expanding to a three-car organization has no bearing on the on-going discussions with Kauffman, but the overall goal is to expand the team. "Our goal is to expand either next year or the following year," he said.(Fox Sports)(8-17-2015)

  • Truex Jr. ties team record for Top-10s: Martin Truex Jr. had mixed feelings after posting a strong third-place finish in Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. The Furniture Row Racing driver felt he had a winning car for the 200-lap race that was contested in sweltering heat in Michigan's Irish Hills. The final result was Truex's seventh top-five and 16th top-10 in the first 23 races of the season. The 16 top-10s tied a team season record, set in 2013 with Kurt Busch behind the wheel of the #78. Truex, who clinched a qualifying berth for the upcoming Chase, stands fourth in driver points and eighth in the Chase playoff standings.(Furniture Row Racing)(8-17-2015)

  • Michigan Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2015 Pure Michigan 400: For those 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 2:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:42 PM (all times are EDT). NBCSN was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 105
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 54
    Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 82
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 52
    Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 23
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 18
    Number of times NBCSN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 4
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 77
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min. 15 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 2:30 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 192
    Minutes of race broadcast: 154
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 38
    Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 10
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 1
    Total race brdcst time 154 Total comm. brdcst time 38
    See full reports, sponsor links, many more details at CawsnJaws.com.(8-17-2015)

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Laps Led Leaders:
    (after Michigan, 23 of 36 races)
    1. #4-Kevin Harvick, 1,406
    2. #41-Kurt Busch, 721 (19 races)
    3. #22-Joey Logano, 632
    4. #78-Martin Truex Jr., 497
    5. #48-Jimmie Johnson, 467
    6. #2-Brad Keselowski, 407
    7. #11-Denny Hamlin, 366
    8. #18-Kyle Busch, 334 (12 races)
    9. #20-Matt Kenseth, 293
    10. #19-Carl Edwards, 247
    5,982 total laps run.(8-17-2015)

  • Bristol is next Dash4Cash race: It's wreckers or checkers in the 2015 Dash 4 Cash at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, and no one knows that better than #7-Regan Smith. Smith took the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 checkered flag with a classic bump and run in the final turn at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. When Smith arrives at BMS on Friday he'll be battling three other NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers - #22-Ryan Blaney, #1-Elliot Sadler, and #18-Daniel Suarez - for an added $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus during the Food City 300. Dash 4 Cash is a one-of-a-kind incentive that rewards the highest-finishing eligible driver in four designated races. To win the bonus, the winner of the Dash 4 Cash bonus must only be the highest finisher out of four fellow competitors. Regan Smith won the first round by beating his competitors to the checkered flag at Dover International Speedway, and triumphed again in the XFINITY Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Smith finished an overall third and seventh, respectively, in those races. The Food City 300 is the third installment of $100,000 bonus payouts. The final Dash 4 Cash race takes place September 5 at Darlington Raceway.(BMS)(8-17-2015)

  • XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday's Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. A few notes:
    Brad Teague will be in the #13;
    The Rick Ware #15 is TBA;
    Denny Hamlin will drive the #20 for JGR;
    Ryan Blaney is in the #22 for Penske;
    Hermie Sadler will drive the JGL #26;
    Brandon Jones returns to the #33 for RCR;
    Kyle Busch is in the #54;
    Benny Gordon and the #66 team are entered again.(8-17-2015)
    See the complete list on the Bristol entry list page.


    News from August 16, 2015

  • Kenseth wins at Michigan: #20-Matt Kenseth won the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway for his 3rd win of the season, 3rd win at Michigan and 34th career win. He dominated most of the race, leading 146 of the 200 laps and winning by 1.7 seconds.
    #4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #78-Truex, Jr., #3-Dillon (his career best finish), #11-Hamlin, #19-Edwards, #22-Logano, #31-Newman, #2-Keselowski, and #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
    #18-Busch finished 11th and moved up to 29th in the points standings. He is now 23 points ahead of 31st and remains Chase-eligible.
    #4-Harvick continues to be the points leader, now 48 points over #22-Logano.
    There were 16 lead changes among 8 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 31 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 143.455mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
    (8-16-2015)

  • Race Fast Facts - Michigan:
    Matt Kenseth won the 46th Annual Pure Michigan 400, his 34th victory in 567 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    With the victory, Kenseth takes sole possession of 20th on the all-time series wins list.
    This is his third victory and 15th top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his third victory and 20th top-10 finish in 33 races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 13th top-10 finish in 30 races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 20th top-10 finish in 2015.
    Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 20 races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 48 points over Joey Logano.
    (NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-16-2015)

  • 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup CHASE Standings:
    [after Michigan, race 23 of 36]
    (by wins, then by points standings)
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins](6th in driver points)
    2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins] (29th)
    3) #20-Matt Kenseth [3 wins] (7th)
    4) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins] (1st)
    5) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins] (2nd)
    6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins] (3rd)
    7) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins] (8th)
    8) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win] (4th)
    9) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win] (5th)
    10) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win](9th)
    11) #19-Carl Edwards [1 win](14th)
    (above drivers have clinched a berth in the Chase, except Busch who must remain in the top 30)
    [would be in the Chase via points standings]
    12) #1-Jamie McMurray, +70 ahead of 16th in driver points
    13) #27-Paul Menard, +61
    14) #31-Ryan Newman, +56
    15) #24-Jeff Gordon, +55
    16) #15-Clint Bowyer, +23
    [currently out of the Chase]
    17) #43-Aric Almirola, -23
    18) #5-Kasey Kahne, -26
    19) #16-Biffle, -63
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
    (8-16-2015)

  • Top-10 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Points Standings:
    [after Michigan, race 23 of 36]
    1) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 866
    2) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 818, -48
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 784, -82
    4) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 755, -111
    5) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 754, -112
    6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 752, -114
    7) #20-Matt Kenseth [3 wins], 751, -115
    8) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 683, -183
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 670, -196
    10) #1-Jamie McMurray, 663, -203
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
    (8-16-2015)

  • NASCAR confiscates splitters from Penske cars: Both Team Penske cars had issues getting through NASCAR technical inspection prior to Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Joey Logano's #22 car was the first of the two Penske cars to roll through tech, with NASCAR taking issue with the thickness of the front splitter. When Brad Keselowski's #2 car went through tech, it had the same issue. NASCAR required the crews of both cars to remove the original splitters and install new ones before going back through the inspection line. A NASCAR official confiscated both splitters, taking them back to the NASCAR hauler in the garage. Todd Gordon told FOXSports.com NASCAR just did not like what they saw with the splitter, saying it was "no big deal." NASCAR allows teams to smooth out the splitter prior to the race, but issues arise when teams begin manipulating the edges and thickness of the splitter. NASCAR spokesperson Kristi King addressed the issue on Sunday, saying the splitters on both cars were so close in tolerance the sanctioning body asked the team to err on the side of caution and change the splitters. Despite the issue, neither Penske team will lose their starting positions for Sunday's race at Michigan, and if any penalties or fines result from the issue they will likely be announced early next week.(Fox Sports)(8-16-2015)

  • Johnson in a special throwback scheme at Darlington: Jimmie Johnson will take the track at Darlington Raceway in a #48 Lowe's Chevy SS that will give NASCAR fans flashbacks to the early days of NASCAR. Johnson's throwback paint scheme will feature a Lowe's Home Improvement logo that was used prominently throughout the 1940s and 1950s, shortly after the company's founding in 1946 and during the same time period that Darlington Raceway first opened in 1950. The retro paint scheme celebrates the long, rich history that Lowe's has had in NASCAR that began well before its long-standing successful partnership with Jimmie Johnson. Lowe's was the title sponsor of the Lowe's 150 race at North Wilkesboro Speedway for decades and worked with Richard Petty as a spokesperson in the mid-1960s to support his "Petty Blue" riding mowers sold at Lowe's stores. Legendary drivers such as Davey Alison and Harry Gant even made special appearances at Lowe's store grand openings in the 1980s. One decade later, Lowe's would appear on the hood of Brett Bodine's #11 car and Mike Skinner's #31 Chevyt Monte Carlo before finding its home on Johnson's #48 Chevy. Johnson has won at Darlington three times, most recently in 2012, and has earned 12 top ten finishes in his 16 starts at the historic track. He'll be seeking his fourth win at the historic Darlington, South Carolina track in September. (Lowe's Racing), see an image of the car on the #48 team paint schemes page.(8-16-2015)

  • Biffle gets a new spotter: Roush Fenway Racing's #16-Greg Biffle likely needs a win in the next four races to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, but he'll have to do so while working with a new spotter. According to RFR, Jason Reiner will replace Joel Edmonds as Biffle's spotter this weekend at Michigan. Reiner has spotted for Chase Elliott. "It is not one of the changes I was looking for, but it was time to head down a different path for the company," Biffle said. "Like I said, it was not preferable to start with a new spotter, especially with Bristol next weekend and four races before the Chase, but it is a business and we will work for it the best we can to get up to speed with listening to a new guy up top."(NASCAR.com)(8-16-2015)

  • Michigan International Speedway Race Notes & Facts - Sunday:
    · There have been 92 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.
    · 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 23. Toyota has four wins at Michigan.
    · Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway was the June 10, 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Ricky Rudd with a MOV of 0.085 second.
    · There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Michigan International Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2011 (200/203); and fall of 2012 (200/201).
    · Five of the 92 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 6/14/2015.
    (NASCAR)(8-16-2015)

  • Sad News - Dave Arledge: David Cline Arledge was born April 8, 1950 and passed away August 9, 2015. He graduated from Tryon High and UNC Chapel Hill; Son of Thurston and Margaret Arledge. He was a pilot & Captain in US Marines. He was employed as a corporate pilot by Richard Childress Racing. He is survived by his wife JoAnne of the home, daughter Andrea Keller of St. Pete, FL, a brother Michael & sister in-law Linda Arledge of Madison, NC. A celebration of his life will be held Aug. 19, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Spartanburg Country Club. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Cancer or Childress Children's trauma Center.(Spartanburg Herald-Journal), at Michigan and Mid-Ohio, RCR cars ran a special decal in his honor.(8-16-2015)

  • Darlington offering "Untamed Access" for race weekend: Darlington Raceway is offering its fans a new exclusive "Untamed" VIP experience for the Bojangles' Southern 500 on Sunday, Sept. 6. Untamed Access offers fans the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of race day activities, including:
    " Parking in the Brasington VIP area
    " Admission to the Bojangles' Legends Breakfast
    " Cold garage and pit access
    " Pace car ride with a NASCAR personality
    " Special Pre-race photo op in Gatorade Victory Lane
    " A guided tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage by Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier
    " Red carpet access to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver's meeting
    " Special VIP access to Bojangles' Southern 500 Pre-race ceremonies (NSCS driver introductions and Grand Funk Railroad concert)
    All experiences are subject to change, weather permitting. The Untamed package is available for $375 and must be purchased in addition to a grandstand ticket or infield admission. Packages are only available for guests 18 and older. Untamed Access packages can be purchased by calling 866-459-RACE or visiting DarlingtonRaceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-16-2015)


    News from August 15, 2015

  • Michigan Sunday Pre-Race Schedule:
    -- 12:30pm:NSCS Driver/Crew Chief Meeting
    -- 2:00pm: NSCS Drivers Introductions
    -- 2:28pm: Canadian Anthem by: MIS' Own, Lisa Bascom
    -- 2:30pm: Presentation of Colors: Michigan State Police
    -- 2:30pm: Invocation by: Fr. Geoff Rose
    -- 2:31pm: National Anthem by: Jena Irene
    -- 2:33pm: Flyover TOT by: Three (3) Aero L-39 Albatros Aircraft
    -- 2:38pm.: "Drivers, Start Your Engines": Michael Harris, Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America - Michigan
    -- 2:46pm: Start of the Pure Michigan 400 (200 Laps, 400 Miles) (TV: NBCSN. Radio: MRN/Sirius XM)
    eastern time (NASCAR.com)

  • Final practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #78-Truex, Jr. 191.729
    #22-Logano 191.215
    #19-Edwards 191.189
    #42-Larson 191.027
    #3-Dillon 190.890
    slowest: #32-Wise 184.762 & #33-Kvapil 181.123.
    Notes: #18-Busch spun off turn 4 early in the session and ran through the infield grass, tearing up the front end of the car. He will go to a backup car.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Michigan final practice page (pdf).(8-15-2015)

  • First Saturday practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #4-Harvick 194.784
    #20-Kenseth 194.411
    #42-Larson 194.013
    #18-Busch 193.976
    #48-Johnson 193.934
    slowest: #33-Kvapil 185.883 & #98-Hill 185.014.
    Notes: Late in the practice several cars got on track and ran together to test the aero package for tomorrow's race.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Michigan 2nd practice page (pdf).(8-15-2015)

  • Chase rules package, 2016 schedule coming soon UPDATES: NASCAR Sprint Cup teams could know within a week what aero package will be used during the Chase for the Sprint Cup and could know within about a month the 2016 schedule, NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. This weekend's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway marks the return of the high-drag aero package first tried last month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While the package was criticized by some drivers after that race, NASCAR hopes the package will work better at Michigan. O'Donnell told "The Morning Drive" on Tuesday that Sprint Cup teams will be told what aero package will be used for the Chase "either towards the end of this week or coming right out of Michigan. Want to lock that in for the race teams. Not lost on us is how much work has been done by all our teams to prepare to even get us to Michigan and then Darlington. We're really appreciative of the hard work, and we owe it to them to get the word out now and let them prepare for the Chase." O'Donnell said talks continue as NASCAR looks to finalize the 2016 schedule. As for when the schedule could be ready, O'Donnell told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio: "I think we're probably three to four weeks away. We've got some work still with the racetracks."(NBC Sports)(8-11-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR is expected to meet with Sprint Cup competitors after qualifying tonight at Michigan International Speedway. Among the topics expected to be discussed is what rule package NASCAR will use for the Chase. This comes after Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that teams would be told within about a week what aero package will be used in the Chase. NASCAR has used a low-downforce package at Kentucky (and it will be used next month at Darlington) and a high-drag package at Indianapolis and this weekend at Michigan, along with the rule package used at the other races this season.(NBC Sports)(8-14-2015)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR will stick with its original 2015 rules package throughout the Chase for the Sprint Cup after switching to track-specific packages for a handful of races recently. A high-drag aerodynamic package was used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month and will be in place again this weekend at Michigan, and it received some criticism from drivers. But a low-downforce package put in place at Kentucky was more popular, and it will be used again at Darlington next month. But when the 10-race Chase begins Sept. 20 at Chicagoland, the original rules will be used. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, announced the decision Friday after a meeting with drivers at Michigan.(Associated Press).(8-14-2015)
    UPDATE 3 NASCAR will not experiment with a new aerodynamic package for intermediate tracks in the 2015 Chase, opting to keep the car specifications the same as the teams have used for most of the races. But NASCAR likely will change the restrictor-plate package at Talladega Superspeedway in response to the horrific crash in July at Daytona International Speedway, where Austin Dillon's car went airborne and was ripped apart by the catch fence with debris entering the grandstands. The five fans injured were either treated at the track or treated and released from the hospital within hours. "There probably will be [changes]. We are still having some discussion with the industry heading into Talladega," NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said Friday night at Michigan International Speedway. "We have not settled on anything yet, but I think you can anticipate something." O'Donnell would not go into specifics whether NASCAR would look to slow the cars or if it would try to keep them on the ground with additional pieces to decrease lift.(ESPN.com)(8-15-2015)

  • Hornish Jr. one and done at RPM?: Prior to his full-time return to the Sprint Cup Series this season with Richard Petty Motorsports, #9-Sam Hornish had competed in just 23 series events over the course of the past four years. Twenty of those came from a partial schedule with his former employer Team Penske, and the other two were a fill-in stint for the injured Denny Hamlin and a one-off deal with Front Row Motorsports. RPM came into 2015 with a renewed feeling of promise and an extra skip in their step. The famed #43 team had made some great strides in 2014 with Aric Almirola, including a slot in the Chase and the return of Smithfield Foods. Prior to the Chase last season, Marcos Ambrose announced that he would not be returning to the team, leaving RPM with the task of finding a successor. David Ragan and Hornish were at the top of the list, and it had seemed as though Ragan was leading in the polls. Ultimately, Hornish got the nod and it was well received by his long-standing fan base, originating from his open-wheel days. This season, Hornish has scored just three top-10s; one in the Daytona 500 and the others in both road courses. He's currently 25th in the standings and has finished on the lead lap just seven times. Nine years in the series with a total of 153 starts, he's led less than 75 laps and finished in the top-10 only 12 times. After ten races this season, crew chief Drew Blickensderfer was out and Kevin "Bono" Manion was in, but that hasn't seemed to moved the needle in a positive direction. 2016 will probably have a different look and feel for RPM. The King [Richard Petty] has already moved into his new castle and they're rumored to be changing manufacturers. It's likely that Sam Hornish will be done at RPM. And with the impending demise of Michael Waltrip Racing, It is expected that David Ragan to be on a very short list of candidates - including Regan Smith.(Popular Speed)(8-15-2015)

  • Penske wants Blaney to run full-time in 2016: Roger Penske isn't only about championships. He eyes the future of his organization and can see Ryan Blaney, a 21-year-old driver whom Penske wants to run full-time Cup next year, possibly in a mix of cars fielded by Wood Brothers and Penske personnel. Blaney found out the true Penske a few weeks ago after Kyle Busch passed Blaney for the win on the last lap of the Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis. Penske texted him that night, and an entire group of Penske employees was part of a "pep rally" the next morning before Blaney got back behind the wheel for the Brickyard 400. Blaney finished 12th and then won the Xfinity race the following week at Iowa.(ESPN.com)(8-14-2015)

  • NASCAR After The Lap returns: NASCAR announced that NASCAR After The Lap, sponsored by Ford and Sprint, will return to Las Vegas for its seventh-consecutive year. The event will once again take place at the Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel on Thursday, December 3. Now in the second year of the expanded field of challengers competing in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, attendees will be able to see this year's best drivers - all 16 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders - in what has become a highly anticipated event during the week-long season-end celebration. NASCAR After The Lap provides fans with an opportunity to win once-in-a-lifetime prizes and NASCAR experiences. Through November 22, NASCAR fans entering the NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes will have the opportunity to win a 2016 Ford F-150. Additionally, two winners will receive an all-inclusive VIP trip for two to NASCAR After The Lap, including roundtrip airfare, hotel, ground transportation and VIP event access. NASCAR fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting www.NASCARafterthelap.com. Tickets for NASCAR After The Lap are priced at $20 and go on sale on Monday, September 21. For fans unable to attend NASCAR After The Lap, NASCAR.com will offer a live stream of the event.(NASCAR)(8-15-2015)

  • Michigan International Speedway Driver Notes & Facts - Saturday:
    · 377 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway; 275 in more than one.
    · Bill Elliott leads the series in starts at Michigan with 61. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 45 starts.
    · Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Michigan with a 9.556.
    · 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).
    · 36 different NSCS drivers have won at Michigan International Speedway, led by David Pearson with nine wins; Greg Biffle leads all active drivers with four.
    · Eight drivers have posted consecutive wins at Michigan International Speedway, including four consecutive by Bill Elliott (1985 sweep and 1986 sweep).
    · 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) and Joey Logano (10) all made 10 or more attempts before their first win.
    · Jeff Gordon leads the series in runner-up finishes at Michigan with eight; followed by Darrell Waltrip with seven and Kevin Harvick with five.
    · NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough leads the series in top-five finishes at Michigan with 21; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 19.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Michigan with 31; followed by Bill Elliott with 29. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 27.
    · Carl Edwards leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Michigan with a 9.818.
    · Jamie McMurray leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan without visiting Victory Lane at 25; followed by Casey Mears at 24.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Michigan with 1,058 laps led in 45 starts.
    · Four female drivers have competed at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie, Robin McCall, Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick. Of the four female drivers to compete at Michigan, Guthrie has the best finish (10th).
    (NASCAR)(8-15-2015)

  • Tagliani on XFINITY pole at Mid-Ohio: #22-Alex Tagliani won the Coors Light pole for the Nationwide Childrens Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a speed of 96.056mph. #60-Chris Buescher will start second. The rest of the top 10: #3-Ty Dillon, #54-Boris Said, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #7-Regan Smith, #88-Ben Rhodes, #18-Daniel Suarez, and #1-Elliott Sadler. Did Not Qualify: None. The starting lineup is posted on the Mid-Ohio starting lineup page (pdf).(8-15-2015)

  • Mid-Ohio XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
    Alex Tagliani won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 3rd Annual Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 with a lap of 84.626 seconds, 96.056 mph.
    This is his third pole in seven NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his first pole in two races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
    Chris Buescher (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2015 and his second in two races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
    Ty Dillon (third) posted his second top-10 start at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It is his 12th in 21 races this season.
    Daniel Suarez (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-15-2015)

  • Busch wins Michigan: #51-Kyle Busch won the Careers for Veterans 200 at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday. #29-Ryan Blaney finished second followed by #4-Erik Jones, #98-Johnny Sauter, #33-Austin Dillon, #88-Matt Crafton, #14-Daniel Hemric, #17-Timothy Peters, #19-Tyler Reddick, and #13-Cameron Hayley.
    There were 6 caution flags for 26 laps and 15 lead changes among 6 leaders.
    #88-Matt Crafton started the race from the pole, overcame a late race incident, and finished sixth.
    Complete results are on the Michigan race results page (pdf). (8-15-2015)

  • Michigan Race Fast Facts:
    Kyle Busch won the 16th Annual Careers for Veterans 200 Presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski's Checkered Flag Foundation, his 44th victory in 127 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. Busch is now seven wins away from tying Ron Hornaday Jr. for the all-time series wins lead.
    This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in 2015. Busch has won in both of his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts this season.
    This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in nine races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Busch's previous best Michigan finish was second, four times.
    Ryan Blaney (second) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Michigan International Speedway.
    It is his third top-10 finish in 2015.
    Erik Jones (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Tyler Reddick leads the point standings by 8 points over Matt Crafton.
    (NASCAR Statistics) (8-15-2015)

  • Driver standings following Michigan:
    1) #19-Tyler Reddick, 514
    2) #88-Matt Crafton,506, -8
    3) #4-Erik Jones #, 505, -9
    4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 461, -53
    5) #13-Cameron Hayley, 425, -89
    6) #14-Daniel Hemric #, 420, -94
    7) #17-Timothy Peters, 416, -98
    8) #05-John Wes Townley, 414, -100
    9) #23-Spencer Gallagher #, 394, -120
    10) #11-Ben Kennedy, 381, 133
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-15-2015)

  • Owner Standings following Michigan are posted (pdf).(8-15-2015)

  • Crafton on pole at Michigan: #88-Matt Crafton will start from the pole for the Careers for Veterans 200 at Michigan International Speedway with a speed at 184.502 mph. #14-Daniel Hemric will start second, followed by: #33-Austin Dillon, #11-Ben Kennedy, #17-Timothy Peters, #13-Cameron Hayley, #4-Erik Jones, #05-John Wes Townley, #98-Johnny Sauter, and #51-Kyle Busch.
    #88-Crafton was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 183.866 mph.
    #03-Timothy Viens did not qualify.
    See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-15-2015)

  • Michigan Qualifying Notes:
    Matt Crafton won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 16th Annual Careers for Veterans 200 Presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski's Checkered Flag Foundation with a lap of 39.024 seconds, 184.502 mph.
    This is his eighth pole in 351 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his first pole and ninth top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his second pole in 14 races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Daniel Hemric (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2015 and his first in one races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Austin Dillon (third) posted his third top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his third in three races this season.
    (NASCAR Statistics) (8-15-2015)

  • Regan Smith, Sam Hornish to appear at Legends Club at Chicago Speedway: Chicagoland Speedway announced NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Sam Hornish Jr., and NASCAR XFINITY Series driver, Regan Smith, will visit with fans in the Legends Club this September as part of a triple-header weekend to kick off The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Featuring some of the most storied figures, families and personalities in the sport, the Legends Club offers an intimate climate controlled setting with an all-inclusive package of beer and wine, plus two meals per day on our suite level. On Friday, Sept. 18, Legends Club will feature a special appearance by XFINITY Series driver, Regan Smith. Winner of the 2014 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, the 31-year-old is currently fourth in the 2015 XFINITY points standings. Legends Club will feature an appearance from Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the #9 for Richard Petty Motorsports, on Sunday, Sept. 20. The Sprint Cup Series driver has had three top-10 finishes during the 2015 season and currently sits in the top-25 in the points standings. The 36-year-old has had success in open-wheel racing as a three-time IndyCar Series champion. On Saturday, Sept. 19, Rusty Wallace, a 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, will be inducted into the Legends Club. In addition to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Wallace has also been inducted into nearly all of America's other major racing Halls of Fame, including the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame.(Chicagoland Speedway)(8-14-2015)


    News from August 14, 2015

  • Chase rules package, 2016 schedule coming soon UPDATES: NASCAR Sprint Cup teams could know within a week what aero package will be used during the Chase for the Sprint Cup and could know within about a month the 2016 schedule, NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. This weekend's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway marks the return of the high-drag aero package first tried last month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While the package was criticized by some drivers after that race, NASCAR hopes the package will work better at Michigan. O'Donnell told "The Morning Drive" on Tuesday that Sprint Cup teams will be told what aero package will be used for the Chase "either towards the end of this week or coming right out of Michigan. Want to lock that in for the race teams. Not lost on us is how much work has been done by all our teams to prepare to even get us to Michigan and then Darlington. We're really appreciative of the hard work, and we owe it to them to get the word out now and let them prepare for the Chase." O'Donnell said talks continue as NASCAR looks to finalize the 2016 schedule. As for when the schedule could be ready, O'Donnell told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio: "I think we're probably three to four weeks away. We've got some work still with the racetracks."(NBC Sports)(8-11-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR is expected to meet with Sprint Cup competitors after qualifying tonight at Michigan International Speedway. Among the topics expected to be discussed is what rule package NASCAR will use for the Chase. This comes after Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that teams would be told within about a week what aero package will be used in the Chase. NASCAR has used a low-downforce package at Kentucky (and it will be used next month at Darlington) and a high-drag package at Indianapolis and this weekend at Michigan, along with the rule package used at the other races this season.(NBC Sports)(8-14-2015)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR will stick with its original 2015 rules package throughout the Chase for the Sprint Cup after switching to track-specific packages for a handful of races recently. A high-drag aerodynamic package was used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month and will be in place again this weekend at Michigan, and it received some criticism from drivers. But a low-downforce package put in place at Kentucky was more popular, and it will be used again at Darlington next month. But when the 10-race Chase begins Sept. 20 at Chicagoland, the original rules will be used. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, announced the decision Friday after a meeting with drivers at Michigan.(Associated Press).(8-14-2015)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway have been made.
    Pole sitter #20-Kenseth chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #11-Hamlin took pit stall 23, the first pit stall before the start-finish line, with an opening in front of it.
    #19-Edwards, who starts 3rd took the 22nd pit stall, with an opening behind it.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #48-Johnson, who starts 8th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-14-2015)

  • Kenseth wins Michigan pole: #20-Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light pole for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with speed of 197.488mph for his 3rd pole of 2015, 1st at Michigan and 16th of his career.
    #11-Hamlin is on the outside pole followed by #19-Edwards, #3-Dillon, #14-Stewart, #18-Busch, #4-Harvick, #48-Johnson, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #22-Logano, #5-Kahne, and #15-Bowyer.
    It is the first ever 1-2-3 start for Joe Gibbs Racing.
    Missing the race was: #62-Sorenson.
    See the starting Lineup, qualifying results by round, pole progression and more on Jayski.com's Michigan Qualifying Page.(8-14-2015)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Michigan:
    Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 46th Annual Pure Michigan 400 with a lap of 36.458 seconds, 197.488 mph.
    This is his 16th pole in 567 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. He ties NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Curtis Turner for 45th on the all-time series poles list.
    This is his third pole and 13th top-10 start in 2015. He matches a career-high in poles (2011 and 2013).
    This is his first pole in 33 races at Michigan International Speedway. His previous best Michigan start was second in August of 2011.
    Denny Hamlin (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2015 and his ninth in 20 races at Michigan International Speedway.
    Carl Edwards (third) posted his sixth top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 13th in 23 races this season.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(8-14-2015)

  • First Round of Qualifying for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after all 44 drivers have made an attempt.
    #20-Kenseth 195.988
    #19-Edwards 195.881
    #18-Busch 195.631
    #11-Hamlin 195.535
    #14-Stewart 195.122
    the rest of the top 12: 4 3 22 48 5 88 15;
    out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 2: 55 2 9 41 31 1 21 16 24 78 10 27 6 47 17 51 26 43 40 83 7 42 35 38 23 24 46 13 62 32 33 98.
    Driver who will miss the race: #62-Sorenson.
    (8-14-2015)

  • Qualifying Order for the Pure Michigan 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 #23-Yeley.
    The final driver scheduled to go out is #19-Edwards.
    NASCAR is using the superspeedway qualfiying format this weekend at Michigan, so qualifying order is based on Friday practice speeds, with the slowest driver going out first and the fastest driver out last.
    See the full qualifying order on Jayski.com's Michigan Qualifying Page.(8-14-2015)

  • Friday practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over after 145 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #19-Edwards 196.046
    #4-Harvick 194.858
    #3-Dillon 194.679
    #14-Stewart 194.610
    #11-Hamlin 194.133
    slowest: #62-Sorenson 180.225 & #23-Yeley 178.138.
    most laps run: #41-Busch, 42 laps
    Notes: Matt Crafton is practicing the #43 for Aric Almirola. Almirola is ill, but plans to qualify the car.
    Qualifying is scheduled for today at 5:05pm/et on NBCSN.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Michigan 1st practice page (pdf).(8-14-2015)

  • Crafton to practice the #43 for Almirola: Aric Almirola is under the weather today with what the team hopes is a 24-hour virus. In an effort to allow Almirola to rest and recover, two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion Matt Crafton has been tapped to practice the No. 43 Armour Ford today at Michigan International Speedway. The plan is for Almirola to make limited laps in practice in order to qualify the car today and retain his starting spot in Sunday's race. Updates will be distributed as more information is available. (Richard Petty Motorsports)(8-14-2015)

  • Kevin Ward Jr's parents speak: The parents of Kevin Ward Jr. want Tony Stewart held accountable for their son's death, one that Stewart calls an accident but one that the Ward family said he could have prevented from happening. Kevin Ward Sr. and Pamela Ward spoke Friday morning on ABC's "Good Morning America" about the death of their 20-year-old son in a sprint car race Aug. 9, 2014, at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Ward got out of his car and approached on foot toward Stewart's car as he drove around under caution. Stewart's car struck Ward with the right rear wheel and Ward was pronounced dead 45 minutes later. "Tony races every weekend," Kevin Ward Sr. said. "Well I know my son will never get to race again. ... He took a very, very big part of my family's life." A grand jury cleared Stewart in September of any criminal wrongdoing, with the Ontario County district attorney saying the evidence showed no aberrational driving by Stewart and Ward had enough marijuana in his system to influence his actions. The parents filed a wrongful death suit Aug. 7 against Stewart seeking an unspecified amount of damages. "I do not believe my son was impaired," Pamela Ward said. Ward's father said "there's no doubt [Stewart] knew what he was doing" and that he revved the motor more than the others in the field as he went by their son. "We want justice for our son," Pamela Ward said. "That's what we want. ... I don't feel Tony meant to kill my son. But his actions killed my son. I think he lost his temper."(ESPN.com)(8-14-2015)



  • Teams to honor Buddy Baker with decal: NASCAR will honor the Buddy Baker in a special way this weekend in events for all three national series. Vehicles will be affixed with a B-post decal honoring the former NASCAR driver. Baker, 74, passed away Monday after battling lung cancer. The NASCAR racing legend's career spanned more than three decades. His father, Buck Baker, was a two-time premier series champ.(NASCAR)(8-14-2015)

  • Roush says Buescher ready for Cup: Thursday morning, Chris Buescher received a phone call from his father, who had questions about what Jack Roush had said about his son in an interview Wednesday night on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "How come you haven't told me any of this?" he asked. "Because I didn't know any of this," Chris responded. "Well, you need to go listen to this." When Buescher did, he heard Roush, his Xfinity Series team owner, say he is "ready" for the Sprint Cup. Roush said it would be "sooner, rather than later" when the 22-year-old leading the Xfinity points standings with 13 races left would be in a Sprint Cup ride full time. "I stop short of saying it's 2016, but there is a consideration, discussion going on about the prospect of getting him in a car," Roush said told Sirius XM host Claire B. Lang. "If not one of my cars, one of the other Ford cars that would be competitive and competing in 2016. He may very well be in one of my Sprint Cup cars. It's just a matter of sponsorship and business considerations." Buescher has spent time with one of those Ford teams this years, racing for Front Row Motorsports in six events, most recently a 37th Sunday at Watkins Glen International. In 2015, Buescher has two Xfinity wins and nine top-five finishes, in addition to his 2014 win at Mid-Ohio which he will attempt to defend this weekend.
    In an April interview with NASCAR Talk at Texas Motor Speedway, Roush said Buescher winning a championship "would certainly grease the skids for him. He's two to three years out at the very most." Roush then left open the possibility of fielding a fourth Sprint Cup car. "We've got three Cup cars, so we got another open slot. The 99's number is not being used right now, and I'd like to put it back on the race track," Roush said, referring to the number used by Carl Edwards since 2004 before joining Joe Gibbs Racing this season. "We'll let the 99 have a little air and then we'll create an opportunity for it as well."(NBC Sports)(8-14-2015)

  • Only a new winner can clinch Chase spot at Michigan: In the blink of an eye, playoff spots vanished at Watkins Glen. That's exactly what happened when Joey Logano won his second race of the season. In addition, Kevin Harvick's strong finish (combined with Jamie McMurray's subpar one) guaranteed that the regular season points leader will have at least one win. Those two events all led to this: Aside from Kyle Busch, all drivers with at least one win have locked up a spot in the Chase, assuming they start the remaining races in the regular season. In all, 10 spots are spoken for. Six are still up for grabs (and if Kyle Busch stays in the top 30, five). And with 11 different winners, and only four regular season races remaining, it also means that at least one winless driver will earn a Chase spot. But it won't happen this weekend. The only driver who can clinch a Chase spot on Sunday at Michigan will be the winner of the race, as long as he or she has also clinched a top 30 spot (a clinching driver needs to have a win and a 145-point lead over 31st in order to lock up a spot).(NASCAR)(8-14-2015)

  • Bus company suing Hendrick: The trustee for bus company DesignLine is suing to recover $300,000 from car dealer Rick Hendrick and his NASCAR race team, according to a bankruptcy court filing. DesignLine issued Hendrick three payments of $100,000 each in 2011 and 2012 after the company's chairman borrowed $800,000 from Hendrick in 2010. Buster Glosson, a retired Air Force lieutenant general, borrowed $800,000 from Hendrick in February 2010. The suit states DesignLine "received no benefit" from the borrowed money. The remaining $500,000 owed was amended to a promissory note in 2012, according to the suit. Glosson and his son, former DesignLine CEO Brad Glosson, bought and moved the bus company to Charlotte in 2006. Elaine Rudisill, the trustee for DesignLine, could not be reached Tuesday afternoon. In the suit, she refers to a DesignLine memo in 2011 calling for monthly payments of $100,000 to Hendrick for design, testing and advice on suppliers. DesignLine records "do not reflect that (Hendrick) provided any of the ... assistance" and "later reflect an amended memorandum ... that HMS is owed monies from the 2009-10 time period." A Hendrick spokesman declined to comment.(Charlotte Business Journal)(8-14-2015)

  • Justin Marks fastest in happy hour: #42-Justin Marks was quickest during happy hour for the Nationwide Childrens Hospital 200 with a speed of 95.572mph. He was followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #22-Alex Tagliani, #60-Chris Buescher, #1-Elliott Sadler, #2-Brian Scott, #7-Regan Smith, #9-Chase Elliott, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #54-Boris Said. 37 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Mid-Ohio practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-14-2014)

  • Ty Dillon fastest in first practice: #3-Ty Dillon was fastest during opening practice at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a speed of 95.660mph. #2-Brian Scott was second, followed by: #54-Boris Said, #7-Regan Smith, #60-Chris Buescher, #22-Alex Tagliani, #9-Chase Elliott, #1-Elliott Sadler, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #42-Justin Marks. 35 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Mid-Ohio practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-14-2014)

  • Koch to return to TriStar for full 2016 season: TriStar Motorsports announced that Blake Koch will be back with TriStar Motorsports in 2016 to compete full time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. "This is a big day for TriStar Motorsports," said Mark Smith, owner of TriStar Motorsports. "We are excited to announce our continued partnership with Blake Koch and LeafFilter Gutter Protection for 2016. Blake has been a driver at TriStar since 2014 and we are looking forward to finishing out 2015 strong. LeafFilter came on board this season and they have been great partners of our racing program, so having the opportunity to continue working together in 2016 is exciting" LeafFilter Gutter Protection first sponsored Koch in the Sprint Cup Series for two races in the fall of 2014. That led to LeafFilter sponsoring Koch in the XFINITY Series for what was slated to be 13 races. With the success of Leaf Filter and the sponsorship Matt Kaulig, Owner and President of LeafFilter, has stepped up to take over the remaining available races in 2015. In addition, LeafFilter will serve as the primary sponsor for all NXS races during the 2016 season. LeafFilter's micromesh gutter protection system is professionally installed on existing gutters and provides clog-free gutters for the life of the home.(TriStar Motorsports)(8-14-2015)

  • Kwasniewski in the #97 at Mid-Ohio: VroomBrands is sponsoring Dylan Kwasniewski in the Obaika Racing #97 car at the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 Race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Mid-Ohio this weekend. Dylan's last race was at the 2014 Ford EcoBoost 300 Homestead. Obaika Racing looks forward to a great race weekend with Dylan.(Obaika Racing)(8-14-2015)

  • Teague expected to make final start at Bristol: Carl Long announced on his Facebook page, "We at MBM are proud to announce Brad Teague (67) will be making what he thinks is his last race at Bristol next week in the #13 Scag Lawn Mower/ JD Metal Roofing Toyota. We have engines leased from Joey Arrington. Kevyn Rebolledo and Josh Reaume are crew chief and engineer. They will also put the 40 Camaro on track next week that Josh drove at Michigan. This is the Toyota we last ran at Kentucky. Brad made his first Bristol start in 1972. We hope to make him proud of his run and perhaps take a bigger bite of the racing drug and make him want to race another event. As for now he says this is his last and wants to do well.(8-14-2015)

  • Drissi returns to #26: For the second week in a row, road racing champion Tomy Drissi will join JGL Racing as the NASCAR XFINITY Series heads to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Drissi will pilot the #26 "Straight Outta Compton"Toyota Camry in Saturday's running of the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at the Ohio road course. Tomy will also run in the Trans Am Series Next Dimension 100, presented by FirstEnergy, also featured at Mid-Ohio earlier in the day on Saturday.(Integrity Sports Marketing)(8-14-2015)

  • Contreras in the #15 at Mid-Ohio: Poised to make his third NASCAR XFINITY Series start of the 2015 season, veteran driver Carlos Contreras hopes to reap the benefits of his sponsors success in Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Fresh off a successful pay per view showing in June, the BYB Extreme Fighting Series adds support for Contreras's second tangle with Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, hoping the longtime Hispanic NASCAR driver can showcase his own moves and deliver a KO' performance of his own driving the #15 BYBExtreme.com / Global Aircraft Solutions / Lilly Trucking Chevy Camaro for Rick Ware Racing. Dating back to 2003, Contreras has 32 NASCAR XFINITY Series starts to his credit with a best finish of 11th at his hometown track of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in 2006. An outside pole (second) also at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in 2007 is his best qualifying effort to date.(Rick Ware Racing)(8-14-2015)

  • Crafton fastest in final practice: #88-Matt Crafton was fastest in final practice for the Careers for Veterans 200 at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 186.659 mph. He was followed by #14-Daniel Hemric, #13-Cameron Hayley, #54-Cody Coughlin, #33-Austin Dillon, #51-Kyle Busch, #19-Tyler Reddick, #29-Ryan Blaney, #98-Johnny Sauter, and #17-Timothy Peters. 31 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-14-2015)

  • Hemric fastest in first practice: #14-Daniel Hemric was fastest during opening practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 185.009 mph. #13-Cameron Hayley was second, followed by #4-Erik Jones, #00-Alex Bowman, #51-Kyle Busch, #98-Johnny Sauter, #33-Austin Dillon, #54-Cody Coughlin, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #29-Ryan Blaney. 29 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-14-2015)

  • Hutch Chevrolet joins Ellis for Bristol: Hutch Chevrolet will join in as the primary sponsor on the #1 Chevy Silverado. Ryan Ellis will be piloting the Hutch Chevrolet #1 during next week's UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. Ellis will be making his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at BMS. Hutch Chevrolet based in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, Hutch Chevrolet Buick GMC's commitment to providing the best price and quality service has grown over the past four years to become one of the leaders in the Eastern Kentucky auto market.(See an image of the truck on the #1 Team Paint Schemes page)(MAKE Motorsports)(8-14-2015)

  • Michigan International Speedway Pole Notes & Facts - Friday:
    · Donnie Allison won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Michigan in 1969 with a speed of 160.135 mph.
    · 46 drivers have Coors Light poles at Michigan, led by David Pearson with 10. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with six.
    · 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.
    · One active driver has posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Michigan International Speedway: J.J. Yeley (6/17/2007).
    · 18 of the 92 (19.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Jeff Gordon last season.
    · The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (18) than any other starting position at Michigan International Speedway.
    · 26 of the 92 (28.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the front row: 18 from the pole and eight from second-place.
    · 69 of the 92 (75%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    · Seven of the 92 (7.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
    · The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Michigan is 32nd, by Mark Martin in the spring of 2009.
    · Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway four times; most recently the spring of 2008 race.
    (NASCAR)(8-14-2015)

  • Bristol to commemorate Gordon's final race: It's a bittersweet thing, welcoming Jeff Gordon to his final battle in the Last Great Colosseum. At the August 22 IRWIN Tools Night Race, for the first time in years, guests will get to see Gordon run in his iconic Rainbow Warrior paint scheme. But it'll be his last appearance at Bristol Motor Speedway as a full-time Sprint Cup driver, and emotions will be high. Several honors for Gordon are in the works for the IRWIN Tools Night Race, including:
    A tribute video during opening ceremonies.
    A fan salute on lap 24 of the race, when fans will cheer on the #24 car with branded rally towels. More than 100,000 towels will be distributed at the gates, courtesy of Bristol Motor Speedway.
    Branding of the outside track wall with #24.
    A custom-designed cover for the souvenir programs, created by motorsports artist Sam Bass. Featuring Gordon's #24 Axalta Chevrolet, the programs are limited edition and available for $10, tax included. In addition, collectors' t-shirts are available in Speedway World, located in the Bruton Smith Building, and in select souvenir stands on grounds.
    A tribute wall, located in the fan zone, where guests can leave personalized notes. Signage throughout the facility will also honor the champion.(BMS)(8-14-2015)


    News from August 13, 2015

  • Pepsi on the #24...free pizza if Gordon wins: With Jeff Gordon "fighting and digging" to secure his position in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, there are plenty of reasons to root for the driver to grab his first win of his final full-time Sprint Cup season. Little Caesars just added another. "We know race fans have the need for speed, and that's why we're offering a chance to win the fastest lunch in town," Little Caesars Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Ed Gleich said. If Gordon wins Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway, Little Caesars will give away one free $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo, featuring a 20 oz. Pepsi product, to every customer who comes into a participating store and mentions the offer at the check-out counter between 11:30am and 1:00pm (local time) on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Little Caesars will be featured on the TV panel of Gordon's #24 Pepsi Chevy SS, which is making its 2015 debut this weekend at Michigan.(Hendrick Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #24 team paint schemes page.(8-13-2015)

  • NASCAR updates rules to help cool cars at Michigan: NASCAR has addressed the heat issues that plagued last month's racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a rules mandate for this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Drivers complained it was too hot in the cockpit of their cars with the high-drag rules package, which was first used at Indianapolis and will return at Michigan. The package reduces airflow under the car, so heat is trapped in the cockpit and several drivers were almost ill following the Xfinity Series race at Indy. But NASCAR on Wednesday mandated a dual outlet duct be used on the right-side window to help ventilate the cockpit. With the heat issue now addressed, the focus shifts to durability concerns at Michigan, the fastest track in NASCAR.(Associated Press)(8-13-2015)

  • Kyle Busch's 7 race hot streak: A mere 11 races after returning from a broken leg and foot suffered in February, #18-Kyle Busch has cracked the top 30 in the points standings and is now eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Busch will qualify for NASCAR's playoffs if he can remain in the top 30 at the end of next month's Richmond race. Busch currently mans the 30th spot in the driver standings, six points ahead of 31st-place #35-Cole Whitt and one point behind 29th-place #51-Justin Allgaier. The #18 Toyota driver started off slow with just one top-10 finish in his first four races back (Pocono), but has been on an absolute tear since, winning four of the last seven races along with a runner-up. Over the last seven races Busch has dominated a majority of the statistical categories, leading the series in wins (4), driver rating (116.3), laps led (317) and points (283). No other driver has multiple wins during the span. #2-Brad Keselowski's 209 laps led marks the next-best total, while #4-Kevin Harvick's 107.5 driver rating is the second highest. The 283 points are 22 more than #22-Joey Logano's second-best total (261). Busch's run of wins has overshadowed the consistency of some other drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Harvick and Joey Logano rank tied with Busch with five top-five finishes over the seven-race span. Furthermore, Harvick and Kurt Busch lead with six top 10s each in the last seven races compared to Busch's five. Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth also claim five top 10s.(NASCAR)(8-13-2015)

  • DraftKings joins Bowman as associate sponsor: Tommy Baldwin Racing announced that they have partnered with the leading Fantasy Sports destination, DraftKings Inc., for a six-race associate sponsorship of Alex Bowman's #7 Chevy. DraftKings is the "Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner" of NASCAR. With access to a direct data feed from NASCAR Digital Media that contains real-time statistics, the unique content offers up-to-the-minute information on races and drivers for daily fantasy sports games, bringing players closer to the sport in an unprecedented way. The DraftKings partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing will begin this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Rounding out the six-race deal, DraftKings will appear on the #7 Chevy at Darlington, Richmond, Dover, Charlotte, and Kansas.(Tommy Baldwin Racing), see an image of the car on the #7 team paint schemes page.(8-13-2015)

  • KHI Management adds 10-year-only Motocross rider: KHI Management continues to expand its roster of athletes and celebrities by signing a multi-year agreement to represent 10-year-old Ryder DiFrancesco, the best amateur motocross rider in the United States in his age division with nine national championships to his young name in 2015 alone. DiFrancesco, a Bakersfield, Calif., native competing since 2008, currently rides a KX 65 for Kawasaki Team Green and is a member of Team Dunlop Elite, one of the most preeminent amateur motocross sponsorship programs in the United States. His multiple 2015 amateur national championships include a title at the prestigious AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch, two national titles at the GNC International Motocross Final, two championships at the Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross National, two at the California Classic Championship and a pair at the James Stewart Freestone Spring National Championship. The motocross prodigy claimed his first and second "Loretta Lynn" national championships in 2011 and 2012, becoming the only rider in history to win consecutive titles in his age group. In addition, he became the youngest rider ever to win the coveted Loretta Lynn national championship at the age of five. DiFrancesco joins a roster of KHI Management athletes and celebrities that includes: Miesha Tate, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)'s top-ranked female bantamweight fighter; Rose Namajunas, UFC's No. 3-ranked female strawweight fighter; Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, UFC's No. 2-ranked men's lightweight fighter; former NASCAR driver and current NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton; PGA golfer Jason Gore; and country music artists Jake Owen and Matt Stillwell.(KHI Management)(8-13-2015)

  • Michigan International Speedway Track Notes & History - Thursday:
    · 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 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.
    · The 2-mile speedway underwent a repave in 2012.
    (NASCAR)(8-13-2015)

  • Cope names Mid-Ohio sponsors: Derrike Cope Racing announced sponsorship with Xcalibur Pit School and Mapco as coprimary sponsors for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at the MidOhio Sports Car Course. Based out of Moorseville, NC, Xcalibur Pit School is a facility that trains, inspires and educates the next generation of NASCAR Pit Crews. Mapco, (Midwest Aircraft Products Co.), will also be on the #70 as a coprimary sponsor. Located in the heart of Ohio, this business offers a numerous amount of services, from MIG/ TIG Welding, to Punch & Dye Grinding. Along with these two great companies, DCR and team will be pairing up with Spruce Hill Inn & Cottages and Ed Pickens Cafe on Main, which will provide us great eats and accommodations the whole tenure of our stay in Ohio.(Derrike Cope Racing)(8-13-2015)

  • Linksys sponsoring Marks at Mid-Ohio: HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi announced that Linksys will team on the #42 Chevy Camaro for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The #42 Linksys Chevy Camaro will be driven by road-course specialist Justin Marks in the second of three road courses races on the 2015 XFINITY Series season schedule. Linksys is a leader in Wi-Fi connectivity for over a decade. Recently selling more than 100 million routers worldwide, Linksys enables a connected lifestyle for people at home, at work and on the move. With its award-winning products, Linksys focuses its consumer and business products on quality and high-speed performance and continues to innovate to deliver products and solutions that provide the best experience possible. Marks has competed in many forms of road-course racing as well as all three of NASCAR's national series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series. He was also part of the winning team in the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona in the GT division of the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. Marks has 11 career XFINITY Series starts, scoring a career-best sixth place finish in last year's race at Mid-Ohio.(HScott Motorsports)(8-13-2015)

  • Estes named President of Sebring International Raceway: Wayne Estes has been named President and General Manager of Sebring International Raceway. Estes joins Sebring after serving on the staff at Bristol Motor Speedway for 17 years. While at Bristol he enjoyed many roles, ranging from Communications Director to Vice President of Events. He was previously a Public Relations Manager at Campbell & Co. (now known as Campbell Marketing & Communications), where he handled the Ford Motor Company's motorsports accounts for NASCAR. Estes replaces Tres Stephenson, who announced earlier in the year that next season's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida will be his final race. Sebring International Raceway was established in 1950, evolving from a World War II B-17 training base called Hendricks Field. Since 1952 it has been home to the famous 12-hour endurance race, held every March. The 12 Hours of Sebring was recently voted one of the world's ten best races by USA Today's Travel Media Group.(IMSA)(8-13-2015)


    News from August 12, 2015

  • Stewart makes donation to Iowa family: A NASCAR superstar is helping out a grieving Iowa family after learning about a tragic accident that claimed the lives of three Iowa brothers last week. Jamie, Carson, and Christian Singletary were killed in an accident near New Sharon in Mahaska County last Thursday, when their vehicle collided with a truck. Several fundraising efforts have been set up to help the boys' family, like a GoFundMe page, a U.S. Bank account, and a community spaghetti supper. Now, they're also getting help from NASCAR legend Tony Stewart. Ralphi Munson's chance encounter with Stewart in the parking lot of the old Pamida in Knoxville Tuesday night led to a compassionate donation from the driver. Munson, a friend of the Singletary family, was planning to sell off four totes of racing memorabilia she has collected since 1982 and give the proceeds to the family. She says she was meeting a friend she plans to help during the Knoxville Nationals this week, showing some of the race programs in the totes and talking about what the money will be used for when Tony Stewart approached her and gave her $700 for the memorabilia. Munson says Stewart told her, "I overheard everything and I want to do this for the kids." Munson joked with him that the price didn't include the totes and she'd need those back. That's when Stewart called over to a friend and told him to bring more money. The total donation ended up being $1,400.(WHO-TV)(8-12-2015)

  • DiBenedetto gets new crew chief: NASCAR's updated entry list for Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway now lists Gene Nead as the crew chief for #83-Matt DiBenedetto. Doug Richert had been serving as DiBenedetto's crew chief. Nead was crew chief of the #98 team through Indianapolis.(8-12-2015)

  • Keselowski talks about Michigan rules package: #2-Brad Keselowski spoke Tuesday morning on NASCAR's weekly teleconference and was asked about Michigan's high downforce rules package:
    WHAT KIND OF PRECAUTIONS HAVE YOU TAKEN AS FAR AS THE HEAT FACTOR INSIDE THE CAR?
    Keselowski: "I think the heat is gonna be even worse this weekend. There's a large amount of concern across both the teams and drivers, really all members, for this rules package coming up to Michigan specific to the fact that even though the track is wider and bigger, the significance of the draft is gonna be even more important, so you're gonna have to stay in line as much as possible. As you stay in line the car gets less and less air because that's essentially how the draft works and the speeds at Michigan are higher than they are at Indianapolis, which means the parts, specifically the drivetrain are gonna be even hotter. I know the team is very, very concerned about the drivetrain, everything from the engine all the way back to the axles because they're really not made for these temperatures. I would not be surprised to see a lot of car failures this weekend, specific to heat relation as it pertains to the aero package and its kind of cause and effects. And inside the car I would not be surprised to see a lot of hot and worn out drivers after the race.
    AT INDY IT SEEMED LIKE CARS GOT LOOSE WHEN THEY STARTED TO PICK UP THE DRAFT BEHIND SOMEBODY. WOULD MICHIGAN BE ANY DIFFERENT?
    Keselowski: " I don't expect it to be much different as far as the way the cars handle behind each other. Perhaps the only difference could be between the two tracks is Michigan has a much wider groove in theory and the potential to run different lanes in the corners. The way the aerodynamics work specific to this high draft package certainly you want to be in line down the straightaway to get the maximum effect of the loss of drag, but you kind of want to be staggered in the corners to try to keep your downforce in the corner when you need it to keep the car going through the corners as fast as possible."
    AFTER THIS RACE IF THIS PACKAGE LOOKS OR HANDLES THE SAME AT INDY WILL IT BE ENOUGH OF A SAMPLE FOR DRIVERS TO MAKE A JUDGEMENT ON WHETHER OR NOT IT WORKED?
    Keselowski: "Oh yeah. I think clearly if you have two races on this package, that was really made for Michigan and Indianapolis, we should have a very strong indication as to the success factors for this package. I would say after these two races we'll know exactly where we stand."(Ford Performance PR)(8-12-2015)

  • Bowman gets a new sponsor for Michigan: Tommy Baldwin Racing announced that Advanced Patient Care has signed on with the team as primary sponsor for the upcoming Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. APC's mission is to employ their care innovation expertise for both patients and providers to improve adherence, care coordination, and health outcomes. Their state-of-the-art services offer providers advanced solutions to coordinate care for patients ranging from population health management to fulfillment of medications to coordination of ancillary services that improve their overall quality of care. "Advanced Patient Care has been aboard the No. 7 car as an associate sponsor and now added Michigan as a primary and we couldn't be happier to see them growing their interest in NASCAR," said team owner Tommy Baldwin.(Tommy Baldwin Racing), see an image of the car on the #7 team paint schemes page.(8-12-2015)

  • Transportation Impact to sponsor Hornish at Michigan: Transportation Impact, a current season-long associate partner of Richard Petty Motorsports and the #9 Ford driven by Sam Hornish Jr., will step up to be the primary partner of Hornish Jr. and the #9 team this weekend at the Michigan International Speedway for Sunday's 400-mile event. And, the company is also stepping up for a special charity, "Room for GRACE," a short term housing ministry located in Harnett County, N.C. With the logos and brand colors of Transportation Impact on the hood and sides of the RPM #9, the company is proud to give space to "Room for GRACE" and its website,www.roomforgrace14.com, on the #9 Ford TV panel. The mission of "Room for GRACE" is to provide short term housing to families or individuals who have endured a defined hardship that has left them without adequate housing. The private, non-profit organization is supported by companies such as Transportation Impact and is gracious for the opportunity to get in front of millions of race fans this weekend. Headquartered in Emerald Isle, N.C., Transportation Impact is a privately held parcel spend management firm that helps its clients reduce shipping costs through small package negotiation and parcel auditing services. The company has partnered with RPM and the Petty Family Foundation over the past several years. The #9 Transportation Impact Ford will also carry associate logos of Medallion Bank, Alfageen and General RV Center this weekend. (Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #9 team paint schemes page.(8-12-2015)

  • Armour sponsoring Almirola at MIS: As the regular season comes to a close with just four races left before the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the pressure is on to make the 16-team Chase field. Aric Almirola is currently 16th in the Championship Points Standings and just outside a Chase transfer spot. He is 50 points behind Clint Bowyer who holds the final transfer spot based on points. Almirola and team will continue to get the most out of their cars for the next four weeks and give their best shot at a win, starting this weekend at Michigan International Speedway in the #43 Armour Ford. One lucky person will win the trip of a lifetime, courtesy of Armour, the makers of LunchMakers children's portable meals, savory frozen meatballs and sliced pepperoni. As part of the brand's primary sponsorship of the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Sprint Cup Series team and driver Aric Almirola, Armour has launched a sweepstakes for race fans nationwide. One grand prize winner and three guests will receive a trip to Miami just in time for the crowning of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion. Fans can enter the Armour sweepstakes by visiting www.armourmeats.com.(Richard Petty Motorsports, see an image of the car on the #43 team paint schemes page.(8-12-2015)

  • Michigan Goodyear Tire Notes: While teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series will run the same right-side tire code (D-4630) at Michigan this weekend, they will run distinct left-side codes . . . in Sprint Cup, teams have run this left-side code (D-4558) at Michigan since 2013 . . . they added this right-side code at Michigan this past June . . . they also ran this right-side earlier this season at Las Vegas, Talladega and Kansas . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Michigan . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear), see full notes, tire codes, tire pressures, set limits and more on the Michigan Race Info page - Goodyear section.

  • Watkins Glen TV Ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Watkins Glen earned 1.4 million viewers on NBCSN Saturday afternoon, down 30% from last year (1.9M) and down 21% from 2013 (1.7M), with the caveat that both of those races aired on ABC. The race ranks as the second-most watched out of the five on NBCSN this season.(Sports Media Watch via ShowBuzz Daily)(8-12-2015)

  • Teams join Nationwide Children's Hospital to feature patient champions: Nationwide Children's Hospital is honored to be the beneficiary for the third year of the NASCAR Xfinity Series event to be held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 15, 2015. Ten patients and their families get to spend the day with some of the biggest names in NASCAR. From the pre-race driver's meeting, touring the garages and even sitting in the pit boxes, it is an action packed day. The NASCAR drivers, their teams, NASCAR, Mid-Ohio and Nationwide are organizing a very special day for some very special kids, our 2015 NCH 200 Patient Champions
    #1-Elliott Sadler - Aiden VanWagner
    #2-Brian Scott - Owen Mottie
    #6-Bubba Wallace - Dominic Clarke - image
    #7-Regan Smith - Laynie Roll - image
    #9-Chase Elliott - Evan Kern - image
    #16-Ryan Reed - Michael Galiher
    #22-Alex Tagliani - Kylee
    #60-Chris Buescher - William Schaefer - image
    #62-Gaughan - Mikey Allen
    #88-Ben Rhodes - Alexandra "Ali" James - image
    (8-12-2015)

  • True Hire sponsoring Cassill at Mid-Ohio: JD Motorsports with Gary Keller announced that True Hire, a Uniontown, Ohio-based company that serves Human Resources professionals, will sponsor driver Landon Cassill and the #01 Chevy in Saturday's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 Xfinity Series race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Cassill, a series veteran, will be flying the True Hire colors in the 75-lap race, the second road-course event of the Xfinity season. True Hire sets the standard for providing high-quality background checks with the fastest turnaround times to HR professionals, empowering them with the answers and tools that are needed to run a safer, more efficient workplace.(JD Motosports)(8-12-2015)

  • Splash Universe joins MAKE for Michigan: Splash Universe Dundee is a proud sponsor of MAKE Motorsports and Travis Kvapil for this weekend's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "Careers for Vetrans 200" race at the Michigan International Speedway. Splash Universe is a family waterpark resort located in Dundee, Michigan. Look for the Splash Universe logo on the #1 Burnie Grill truck and the #50 Truck this weekend at MIS. Bring in your ticket stub from this weekend's race and receive 10% off when you book a "Stay and Play" Package at Splash Universe! Promotion good through October 28th, 2015.(MAKE Motorsports)(8-12-2015)

  • Sargeant to debut with Wauters in Bristol: 17-year-old NASCAR Next driver, Dalton Sargeant will make his first top-tier NASCAR touring series debut with Wauters Motorsports at Bristol Motor Speedway, Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in the UNOH 200 Presented by ZLOOP. Sargeant, who currently sits in the fourth position in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship standings, will pilot the #5 GALT NASCAR Camping World Truck SeriesToyota Tundra. The Boca Raton, Fl high school senior already has a vast amount of racing experience all around the world. In 2015, Sargeant has been competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series with several Super Late Model and Late Model starts all around the country. Sargeant has one win, two pole position starts and an astonishing eight top-three finishes in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series rookie season. 2015 being only his second full season in stock car and oval competition, Sargeant has also picked up several wins in Super Late Model and Late Model competition all across the United States including a second-place finish in the 2014 Snowball Derby. Richie Wauters will be making his return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series garage but is no stranger to victory lane. Wauters began his career as a crew chief and has amassed 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series wins with Kyle Busch, Aric Almirola and Shane Hmiel. He's also amassed 24 NASCAR Southeastern Elite Division wins, one NASCAR Southeastern Elite Division Championship in 2006, and won the Snowball Derby win in 2004. Wauters has worked with a long list of NASCAR stars including Davey Allison, Alan Kulwicki, Bill Elliott, Dick Trickle, Mark Martin, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Aric Almirola, Paul Menard, David Ragan, Elliott Sadler, Scott Hansen, Kenny Wallace and Steven Wallace.(See an image of the truck on the #5 Team Paint Schemes page)(Dalton Sargeant)(8-12-2015)

  • Bowman to make truck debut: Alex Bowman will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in the #00 Haas Automation Chevrolet this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Bowman joins primary driver Cole Custer, Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne as drivers of JRM's #00 entry in 2015. Bowman has made six starts at Michigan between Sprint Cup, XFINITY Series (NXS) and ARCA competition. His best finish was a runner-up showing in an ARCA event in 2012. JRM's #00 entry has created a lot of noise in its first season of NCWTS competition. With Michigan marking the team's eighth start, Custer and Kahne have combined to record two victories (Gateway Motorsports Park and Charlotte Motor Speedway). The team has earned three top-five and four top-10 finishes, and notched an average finish of 10.1. Most recently, Harvick piloted the #00 to a runner-up finish at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 1. Custer will return to the seat of the #00 Chevrolet in races at Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 19), Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Aug. 30), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Sept. 26), Martinsville Speedway (Oct. 31) and Phoenix International Raceway (Nov.13).(JR Motorsports)(8-12-2015)

  • Michigan Honorary Starter, Grand Marshal Raise Awareness for Autism, Veterans: Pure Michigan announced the results of the Pure Michigan 400 Honorary Starter Contest, naming Kyle Brow of Vassar, Mich. as the 2015 Pure Michigan 400 Honorary Starter. Michael Harris, Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America Michigan Chapter, has been named 2015 Pure Michigan 400 Grand Marshal. Brow, a 20-year-old with autism, developed a passion for NASCAR and racing at a young age. Over the years, Brow's enthusiasm for the sport has only grown; he keeps meticulous records of each race and aspires to be a NASCAR announcer one day. His mother, Laura Oliver, nominated him to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, saying "you cannot have a conversation with Kyle that does not turn into a conversation about NASCAR." In addition to waving the green flag at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, Brow will attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers' meeting and driver introductions.
    Grand Marshal Michael Harris will join Brow at the drivers' meeting and introductions before he gives the signal to start the engines. Harris, of Westland, Mich., served in the United States Marine Corp from 1975 to 1979 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. Shortly after his injury, Harris joined the local Paralyzed Veterans of America Michigan Chapter leading the Government Relations team until 2007 when he stepped into the Executive Director role to ensure Paralyzed Veterans of America members live full and rewarding lives with access to veterans services, quality healthcare and civil rights. The Paralyzed Veterans' Michigan Chapter serves more than 475 members, their families and caregivers throughout the state of Michigan.(Michigan Speedway)(8-12-2015)

  • Hunter Hayes to perform pre-race concert at Charlotte Motor Speedway: One of the biggest names in country music will crank things up in the heart of NASCAR country when Hunter Hayes gets fans revved up for the Bank of America 500 on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The multi-talented singer, songwriter and instrumentalist will take the stage for a 60-minute set, including smash hits like his GRAMMY-nominated "Wanted," "I Want Crazy" and "Invisible," among other fan favorites like "Storm Warning," "Somebody's Heartbreak" and current single, "21." A five-time GRAMMY-nominated performer, Hayes earned the Country Music Association's "New Artist of the Year" title in 2012, as well as numerous awards and nominations from the Academy of Country Music, CMT Music Awards, BMI Awards, American Country Awards, Billboard Touring Awards, Billboard Music Awards, People's Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and many others.(CMS)(8-12-2015)


    News from August 11, 2015

  • Wise to run the #32 at next three races: Josh Wise will return as the Go Green Racing driver of the #32 Ford for the next three races beginning at Michigan this weekend. Additionally, Go Green Racing has added the Aug. 22 race at Bristol and the Sept. 6 night race at Darlington to Wise's schedule. Wise made his first attempt with Go Green Racing at Indianapolis in July, but failed to qualify. Following Darlington, team owner Archie St. Hilaire hinted that Wise could fulfill more races in the No. 32 before season's end, but would not elaborate.(Catchfence)(8-11-2015)

  • Chase rules package, 2016 schedule coming soon: NASCAR Sprint Cup teams could know within a week what aero package will be used during the Chase for the Sprint Cup and could know within about a month the 2016 schedule, NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. This weekend's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway marks the return of the high-drag aero package first tried last month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While the package was criticized by some drivers after that race, NASCAR hopes the package will work better at Michigan. O'Donnell told "The Morning Drive" on Tuesday that Sprint Cup teams will be told what aero package will be used for the Chase "either towards the end of this week or coming right out of Michigan. Want to lock that in for the race teams. Not lost on us is how much work has been done by all our teams to prepare to even get us to Michigan and then Darlington. We're really appreciative of the hard work, and we owe it to them to get the word out now and let them prepare for the Chase." O'Donnell said talks continue as NASCAR looks to finalize the 2016 schedule. As for when the schedule could be ready, O'Donnell told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio: "I think we're probably three to four weeks away. We've got some work still with the racetracks."(NBC Sports)(8-11-2015)

  • Watkins Glen TV Ratings: For the 11th time in as many tries, NASCAR Sprint Cup racing hit a multi-year low on cable. NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Watkins Glen (NY) earned a 2.5 final rating and 4.0 million viewers on NBCSN Sunday afternoon, down 19% in ratings and viewership from last year (3.1, 4.9M) and down 7% and 4%, respectively, from 2013 (2.7, 4.2M), both on ESPN. Excluding rainouts, Sunday's telecast was the lowest rated edition of the race since at least 1999 and the least-watched since at least 2001. As recently as a decade ago, it had a 5.2 rating and 7.8 million viewers on the NBC broadcast network. All 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup races on cable this season have hit a multi-year low in both ratings and viewership, with nine of those races scoring the lowest marks in over a decade. Though low historically, Watkins Glen was the third straight Sprint Cup race to earn at least a 2.5 rating, compared to just one of the previous eight cable races.(Sports Media Watch), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-11-2015)

  • Top 10 Driver Ratings at Michigan:
    #16-Greg Biffle...................107.1
    #48-Jimmie Johnson...................102.5
    #20-Matt Kenseth...................101.2
    #19-Carl Edwards...................100.5
    #88-Dale Earnhardt. Jr...................98.0
    #14-Tony Stewart...................95.8
    #24-Jeff Gordon...................93.6
    #22-Joey Logano...................91.8
    #4-Kevin Harvick...................90.2
    #41-Kurt Busch...................89.9
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2014 races (21 total) among active drivers at Michigan Interanational Speedway. Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
    See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)(8-11-2015)

  • Crew Member Suspended Due To Violation of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy UPDATE 2 Reinstated: Ernest Pierce, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy. On June 17, 2015, Pierce was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR), no word which team Pierce worked for.(6-23-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Joe Gibbs Racing development pit-crew member Ernest Pierce for violation of its substance-abuse policy. To be reinstated, Pierce must complete NASCAR's "Road to Recovery" process, which requires an assessment by a substance-abuse professional who will then determine the appropriate rehabilitation program and guidelines for Pierce's return. NASCAR announced Pierce's suspension Tuesday afternoon, saying it confirmed the violation (typically a failed drug test) last Wednesday. A JGR spokesman said any discipline issued by JGR would be an internal personnel matter.(ESPN)(6-24-2015)
    UPDATE2 Reinstated: NASCAR has reinstated Ernest F. Pierce, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, upon his successful completion of NASCAR's Substance Abuse Road to Recovery Program.(NASCAR)(8-11-2015)

  • Shell Saver Cardholders Can Save When #22 Ford Wins: This past weekend Joey Logano took the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford to victory lane at Watkins Glen, and now it's current Shell $aver CardSM customers' time to win! Shell Saver Cardholders can save 22 cents per gallon on all three grades of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, and Shell Diesel. Savings apply up to 25 gallons at participating stations and are good for purchases made this upcoming Wednesday, or WINsday, August 12. The season-long WINsday promotion will be applicable after every points race in which Joey Logano takes the checkered flag. For additional information, visit www.shell.us/winsday.(Shell)(8-11-2015)

  • Teams to be docked practice time at Mid-Ohio: NASCAR announced that the Xfinity teams of #2-Brian Scott (Richard Childress Racing), #22-Alex Tagliani (Team Penske), #26-Tommy Drissi (JGL Racing), #33-Brandon Jones (Richard Childress Racing), #52-Joey Gase (Jimmy Means Racing), #54-Boris Said (Joe Gibbs Racing) and #88-Ben Rhodes (JR Motorsports) will lose 15 minutes of practice this weekend at Mid-Ohio for being late out of the garage at Watkins Glen for inspection.(NBC Sports)(8-11-2015)

  • Armstrong has new sponsor for Mid-Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the second of three road course races for the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2015. Dakoda Armstrong had a strong showing last year, his first and only start at Mid-Ohio, racing the WinField Ford Mustang to a 10th-place finish. This year, the #43 team welcomes a new sponsor, Sunrise Cooperative. Sunrise Cooperative is a grain marketing and supply cooperative located in north central Ohio. Entirely farmer owned, Sunrise is a full-service cooperative with 3,200 member-owners and is operated by 185 dedicated employees.(Richard Petty Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #43 team paint schemes page.(8-11-2015)

  • Complete Fluid Control joins Performance Energy Group: Complete Fluid Control (CFC), based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will join the NASCAR Xfinity Series team, Performance Energy Group and driver, Benny Gordon as a Primary Associate Partner. The partnership between Performance Energy Group and CFC will begin at the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 21, 2015 with the #66 Toyota Camry. Complete Fluid Control (CFC) provides premium completion fluid products and services designed to increase wellbore efficiency while minimizing costs and environmental impact. With portable mixing plants and filtration units, CFC delivers an integrated and convenient approach to coil tubing services, workover rigs, and snugging jobs, completion fluid sales and more.(Performance Energy Group)(8-11-2015)

  • JRM docked practice time: NASCAR announced Tuesday that seven Xfinity teams and one Camping World Truck Series team will be docked practice time this weekend for issues last weekend. NASCAR stated that the Camping World Truck Series team of Alex Bowman (JR Motorsports) will lose 15 minutes of practice time this weekend at Michigan for falling out of the inspection line at Pocono.(NBC Sports)(8-11-2015)

  • Braun Motorsports to debut in Bristol: Newly-formed Braun Motorsports is proud to announce that the organization will make its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut later this month at Bristol Motor Speedway. Driver J.J. Haley will be behind the wheel of Braun Motorsports' #32 truck for the UNOH 200 presented by Zloop on Wednesday, August 19.Haley gears up to make his first-career NCWTS start for Braun Motorsports at Bristol, marking the second time the Indiana native will race on the World's Fastest Half Mile. Earlier this season, the 16-year-old competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event, bringing home a top-10 finish. Throughout 2015, Haley has competed full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks, bringing home four top-five and seven top-10 finishes through ten races. Haley has also competed in two ARCA events with Braun Motorsports to date this season, along with select TransAM races for the organization. Great Clips will serve as the sponsor for Haley's #32 truck in his debut at Bristol Motor Speedway. Great Clips has a long history with team owner Todd Braun that dates back to Todd's days as the owner of Braun Racing, an organization that competed in the NASCAR XFINITY Series from 2003 to 2010. The organization intends to run the #32 Great Clips Chevy in two additional NCWTS events this season. Haley will be back at the wheel for the team at Martinsville Speedway in October and Phoenix International Raceway in November.(See an image of the truck on the #32 Team Paint Schemes page)(Braun Motorsports)(8-11-2015)

  • Sammy Hagar to headline pre-race show at Texas: Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar is teaming up with Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson for their only visit to North Texas as the all-star quartet will headline the pre-race activities for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Texas Motor Speedway. Sammy Hagar and The Circle featuring Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson will perform a free one-hour concert on pit road as part of the Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show fueled by American Ethanol and provide fans with a rare opportunity to experience music spanning more than 40 years of Hagar's career. With Bonham on board, they can also expect a few of Led Zeppelin's biggest hits added to the mix. Joining Hagar for the concert will be Anthony, the renowned rhythm section bassist who has played with him for the last 30 years in bands including Van Halen and Chickenfoot; Johnson, guitarist from Hagar's band the Wabos; and Bonham, acclaimed drummer and son of iconic Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. AAA Texas 500 ticketholders also will have an opportunity to enjoy Sammy Hagar and The Circle stage side along with driver introductions by purchasing a Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show fueled by American Ethanol pass for $79. Pre-race passes as well as individual tickets for the AAA Texas 500 go on sale Friday, beginning at 9:00am/ct, through the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500 or www.texasmotorspeedway.com. The pre-race pass and access is free for all Texas Motor Speedway season ticket holders. All pre-race passes must be accompanied with a ticket to the AAA Texas 500. (Texas Motor Speedway)(8-10-2015)


    News from August 10, 2015

  • Entry List for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #21-Blaney, #32-Wise, #33-Kennedy, #62-Sorenson, #98-Hill.
    Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #62-Sorenson (46th).
    Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #21-Blaney (10 attempts)
    See the full entry list on Jayski.com's Michigan Entry List

  • Sad News - Buddy Baker: Buddy Baker, who won the 1980 Daytona 500 and at 6-foot-6 was NASCAR's "Gentle Giant," died Monday. He was 74. Baker died after a brief battle with lung cancer, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio said. Baker left his job as co-host of "The Late Shift" for the station last month when he announced he had a "huge" inoperable lung tumor. "Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name. I'm not saying goodbye. Just talk to you later," Baker said in his final radio appearance. Baker rode for more than 30 years and was honored as one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998. He was the first driver to exceed 200 mph on a closed course. The milestone came in 1970 at Talladega Superspeedway, where he won four times. Born Elzie Wylie Baker Jr., Baker was the son of two-time champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker. He made his Cup Series debut in 1959 and ran his final race in 1992. Baker won 19 races, highlighted by the 1980 victory at Daytona. He also won the 1970 Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in 1968, 1972 and 1973. He ranks 14th in NASCAR with 38 poles from 700 starts from 1959-1992. He had 202 top-five finishes and 311 top 10s. "Many of today's fans may know Buddy Baker as one of the greatest storytellers in the sport's history, a unique skill that endeared him to millions," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said. "But those who witnessed his racing talent recognized Buddy as a fast and fierce competitor, setting speed records and winning on NASCAR's biggest stages. It is that dual role that made Buddy an absolute treasure who will be missed dearly." Baker raced for Petty Enterprises in 1971 and 1972, winning one race each season. "Buddy was always wide open and that's the way he raced and lived his life. He was always full of energy," Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty said. "He was a person you wanted to be around because he always made you feel better." After retiring from racing, Baker remained involved in NASCAR. He was a broadcaster for The Nashville Network, then CBS and finally SiriusXM NASCAR Radio when the station started a NASCAR channel in 2007. "I just want to say goodbye to everyone," Baker said before signing off from his final broadcast, which lasted about 40 minutes. "Thanks for being a friend."(Associated Press)(8-10-2015)

  • Allgaier working on return to HScott Motorsports UPDATE: It's crunch time for #51-Justin Allgaier. With only eight races left to qualify for this year's NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup, the Central Illinois native is languishing in 29th place in the points standings and desperately needing a victory in one of the remaining outings to make the Chase field. There's also another matter where time is running out and a speedy performance is of the essence. "My contract is up at the end of this year, so we're still trying to figure all of the pieces out, still kind of working through all that," said Allgaier. Allgaier's Sprint Cup effort is sponsored by Brandt, a giant multi-national agribusiness concern headquartered in Springfield. Allgaier is hoping to see that arrangement continue beyond this season. "Obviously the ultimate goal would be to do what we're doing again and I have a great relationship with Brandt," he said. "I've been very fortunate to have them behind me, so I would hope we could keep putting something together. Their goal would be to have an entirely ag-based car. I know they haven't given up on that dream and they've been actively seeking partners to come in and be a part of the program." With Allgaier competing in the high-pressure, ultra-competitive world of multi-million dollar racing teams at NASCAR's elite level, it's vital that the pieces fall into place sooner than later.(Bloomington Pantagraph)(7-18-2015)
    UPDATE: Harry Scott is close to re-signing Justin Allgaier. "Brandt has expressed an interest in coming back and doing what we're doing," said the team owner of HScott Motorsports. "And Justin wants to come back. So we'll be able to put it back together." While there has been talk of Scott moving his Cup operation to North Carolina, he says the game plan is to stay the course with a two-car team in Spartanburg, S.C. "My goal is to concentrate on doing our best with the two we have, getting them better and improving the program," Scott added. "Unless something changes, our plan right now is to stay where we are. We like our shop. We love South Carolina, Spartanburg."(Motorsport)(8-10-2015)

  • Stewart pleased, despite last place finish: #14-Tony Stewart's day ended earlier than he had wanted, but he had few complaints about his last-place finish in the Sprint Cup race Sunday at Watkins Glen. Stewart completed 56 laps in the race, which occurred on the one-year anniversary of the tragedy where Stewart accidentally struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr. at a dirt track at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. The accident took place on the eve of last year's race at The Glen. The crowd erupted in cheers for Stewart when he was introduced Sunday, and he was smiling and laughing as he met with fans prior to the event. He started third -- his best starting spot of the year -- and ran in or near the top 10 for much of the race before a likely broken seal let all the rear end grease out of an axle and ended his day. "[The crowd reception] was really good all the way around," said Stewart, who missed the 2013 race at Watkins Glen because of a broken leg suffered in a sprint-car accident and then the 2014 race because of the tragedy. "[The weekend] was as good as it could be. I'm happy to get to race here today. That is something I've been looking forward to and I'm happy about the couple of weeks we've got coming up." Stewart fell to 26th in the standings but it was the third consecutive week he has seen improved performance. "The way our season's been, we've picked up. ... I feel like we're starting to gain some momentum," he said. "It won't show it at the end of the day on the results, but I feel good about it."(ESPN.com)(8-10-2015)

  • NASCAR could run "the boot" again at Watkins Glen: Now that Watkins Glen has started repaving its racing surface, running "the Boot" may be back on the table for NASCAR races. The current configuration of the Glen for NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series races eliminates the Boot, which contains Turns 6 through 9, and shortens the course from 3.40 miles to 2.45 miles. But with repaving already having taken place in the Boot, smoothing the bumps in that portion of the track, NASCAR is considering running the full Grand Prix Course, which currently is used for the Tudor United Sports Car Championship. "We could," NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development officer Steve O'Donnell told the NASCAR Wire Service before Sunday's Cheez-It 355 at the Glen. "We're discussing it with the track. It's something we're looking at down the road." Even with the addition of the Boot, Watkins Glen wouldn't be the longest road course on the NASCAR rotation. Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, which hosts the XFINITY Series, measures 4.048 miles.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-10-2015)

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Laps Led Leaders:
    (after Watkins Glen, 22 of 36 races)
    1. #4-Kevin Harvick, 1,391
    2. #41-Kurt Busch, 721 (19 races)
    3. #22-Joey Logano, 632
    4. #78-Martin Truex Jr., 497
    5. #48-Jimmie Johnson, 467
    6. #2-Brad Keselowski, 407
    7. #11-Denny Hamlin, 366
    8. #18-Kyle Busch, 324 (11 races)
    9. #19-Carl Edwards, 242
    10. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 203
    5,782 total laps run.(8-10-2015)

  • Gordon to make appearance on Disney's "Penn Zero": When Jeff Gordon hangs up his driving helmet at season's end, the four-time Sprint Cup Series champion already has a new gig -- as a race analyst for FOX Sports' NASCAR coverage. But Gordon isn't waiting until after he makes his final start in the #24 Chevy to expand his horizons. The Hendrick Motorsports driver will make a cameo appearance as "Rodeo Clown Announcer" in an episode of Disney's "Penn Zero" that will air Monday at 8:00pm/et on Disney XD. As a father of two young children, Gordon seems like a natural fit for his role in the animated series that is based around the adventures of the fictitious character Penn Zero, who unexpectedly inherits the job of his parents: Being a Part-Time Hero.(Fox Sports)(8-10-2015)

  • Watkins Glen Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2015 Cheez-It 355 at the Glen: For those 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 2:00 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:57 PM (all times are EDT). NBCSN was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 99
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 47
    Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 76
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 46
    Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 23
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 18
    Number of times NBCSN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 4
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 60
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 10 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 2:00 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:57 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 177
    Minutes of race broadcast: 143
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 34
    Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 11
    Number of missed restarts: 0
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
    Total race brdcst time 143 Total comm. brdcst time 34
    See full reports, sponsor links, many more details at CawsnJaws.com.(8-10-2015)

  • XFINITY Entry List: There are 38 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Mid-Ohio 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. A few notes:
    Derek White is listed in the #13;
    Carlos Contreras will drive the #15 for RWR;
    Kenny Habul remains in the #20 for JGR;
    Alex Tagliani will drive the #22 for Penske;
    Tomy Drissi remains in the #26;
    Brandon Jones will be in the #33 for RCR;
    Boris Said stays in the #54;
    Jimmy Weller is entered in the #90.(8-10-2015)
    See the complete list on the Mid-Ohio entry list page.

  • Green gets 5th consecutive last-place finish: Jeff Green picked up the 72nd last-place finish of his NASCAR XFINITY Series career in Saturday's Zippo 200 at the Glen at Watkins Glen International when his unsponsored #19 TriStar Motorsports Toyota fell out with a vibration after he completed 3 of the race's 82 laps. With the finish, Green's 12th of the season and 8th in the last 10 XFINITY races, Green has become the first driver in NASCAR history to finish last in 5 consecutive races in the same series. Green breaks his own record of 4 in a row set in August 2011 and matched last week at Iowa. The finish occurred in Green's 407th series start.(LastCar)(8-10-2015)

  • Entry list: There are 34 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Careers for Veterans 200 at Michigan International Speedway. A few notes:
    Alex Bowman is in the #00;
    The #18 is TBA;
    Ryan Blaney is in the #29;
    Chad Finley is in the #30;
    Austin Dillon is in the #33;
    Todd Peck is in the #40;
    The #50 is TBA;
    Kyle Busch is in the #51;
    Cody Coughlin is in the #54;
    (8-10-2015)
    See the complete list on the Michigan entry list page.

  • Rette Jones Racing to debut in Michigan: A welcomed sight in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series garage will occur this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, a debut of a new team. Mooresville, North Carolina-based Rette Jones Racing (RJR) will attempt to make Saturday's Careers for Veterans 200 with driver Chad Finley. The team recently purchased a Ford truck from Brad Keselowski Racing and will carry the #30 number in the 13th race of the season. Finley, a native of DeWitt, Michigan plans to make his NASCAR National Series debut in an entry owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette. Finley, a 23-year-old standout late model driver returns to his hometown track for the first time since 2011, where an XFINITY Series accident in practice at Michigan forced the Team Rensi Motorsports team to withdraw their entry. Four years later, Finley along with his father, former racer Jeff Finley have put the sponsorship together and with the help of RJR, he's looking at making the most of a second chance. Rette, the 2009 ARCA championship crew chief is no stranger to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. A former crew chief at Red Horse Racing, Turner Motorsports and Win-Tron Racing, Rette will call the shots for Finley Saturday afternoon in the first of a limited NCWTS schedule for RJR this season. The newly established team's expansion to trucks comes on the heels of success in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East this season with teenager Grant Quinlan who battled Rico Abreu for the win at Columbus Motor Speedway in July, before finishing second in his debut. Auto Value Parts Stores and Certified Service Centers and Airlift Company will adorn the team's only truck for the 100-lap shootout. The team will also have a technical alliance with Roush Yates engines.(Catchfence.com)(8-10-2015)

  • Safety improvements made at Michigan: Following a pre-race review of the facility by International Speedway Corporation and NASCAR, additional safety measures will be implemented prior to the August 14-16 NASCAR weekend. Approximately 150 feet of temporary wall will be added to the existing pit road tri-oval wall, extending toward Turn 4. Attenuators will be placed at the end of the extension on the wall. Additionally, safety enhancements announced in April have been completed including the addition of 700 linear feet of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) to pit in and pit out walls, and the installation of tire pack barriers at the angled wall inside Turn 1. The infield at the exit of pit road was also paved to function as a skid pad and pace car vehicle entry and exit. Upon the conclusion of the August NASCAR weekend and installed in time for the 2016 racing season, Michigan International Speedway will again work with Cheaha Construction for the addition of 7,500 linear feet of SAFER to outside walls on the frontstretch and backstretch, as well as the pit tri-oval wall.(MIS)(8-10-2015)

  • Latest on ISC takeover of Laguna Seca: The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), which currently manages Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, is now taking a grassroots approach in hopes of staying in control of the circuit. In an open letter, the group is imploring people to contact local politicians to keep the circuit from coming under the control of International Speedway Corporation, a company owned by NASCAR's France family. County officials are seriously considering a change in administration at the track and already have a 90-day due diligence deal in place with ISC. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca sits on land owned by Monterey County, and SCRAMP has a deal with the government to manage things. Problems in attendance and the loss of the MotoGP race led the county's Board of Supervisors to start looking around for alternative leadership at the circuit. That was when ISC entered the picture, according to The Salinas Californian. SCRAMP didn't know about the search until June and was clearly upset. The organization believes that the selection process is being kept hidden, and the county isn't giving equal consideration to all sides. SCRAMP argues that it's helpful to the community and switching to ISC would keep about $250,000 from nearby charities annually. The county doesn't accept those claims, though. "Any actions on a new concession or track management agreement will be subject to a full public process at the appropriate time," Monterey County Communications Coordinator Maia Carroll said in a statement to The Salinas Californian. "The raceway will continue to be 'local' because Monterey County will remain its owner and continue the county's historic oversight of this important asset."(Autoblog)(8-10-2015)


    News from August 9, 2015

  • Logano wins at Watkins Glen: #22-Joey Logano won the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International for his 2nd win of the season, 1st win at Watkins Glen and 10th career win.
    #18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #20-Kenseth, #41-Busch, #15-Bowyer, #2-Keselowski, #19-Edwards, #9-Hornish, Jr, and #48-Johnson.
    Harvick ran out of fuel while leading on the final lap and was passed by Logano and Busch coming to the checkered flag. The only lap Logano led was the final one.
    #18-Busch's 2nd place finished moved him up to 30th in the points standings and puts him into the Chase (as long as he can remain in the top 30 through the Richmond race).
    Pole sitter #47-Allmendinger was running 6th on lap 50 when the car lost power and he went a lap down. He climbed back to 14th place before running out of gas late in the race and finishing 24th.
    #4-Harvick continues to be the points leader now 42 points over #22-Logano.
    There were 8 lead changes among 8 drivers. There were 5 cautions for 16 yellow flag laps.
    There was a red flag on lap 51 for track cleanup after an accident.
    The average speed was 91.420mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-9-2015)

  • Race Fast Facts - Watkins Glen:
    Joey Logano won the 30th Annual Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, his 10th victory in 241 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and 16th top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in seven races at Watkins Glen International.
    Kyle Busch (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 11 races at Watkins Glen International. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2015. Busch is now 30th in the points and eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
    Kevin Harvick (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 15 races at Watkins Glen International.
    Matt DiBenedetto (26th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 42 points over Joey Logano.
    Joey Logano becomes the first driver to sweep both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR XFINITY Series races at Watkins Glen International.
    (NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-9-2015)

  • 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup CHASE Standings:
    [after Watkins Glen, race 22 of 36]
    (by wins, then by points standings)
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins](4th in driver points)
    2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins] (30th)
    3) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins] (1st)
    4) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins] (2nd)
    5) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins] (3rd)
    6) #20-Matt Kenseth [2 wins] (7th)
    7) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins] (8th)
    8) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win] (5th)
    9) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win] (6th)
    10) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win](10th)
    11) #19-Carl Edwards [1 win](15th)
    (above drivers have clinched a berth in the Chase, except Busch who must remain in the top 30)
    [would be in the Chase via points standings]
    12) #1-Jamie McMurray, +73 ahead of 16th in driver points
    13) #27-Paul Menard, +60
    14) #24-Jeff Gordon, +58
    15) #31-Ryan Newman, +51
    16) #15-Clint Bowyer, +50
    [currently out of the Chase]
    17) #43-Aric Almirola, -50
    18) #5-Kasey Kahne, -51
    19) #16-Biffle, -80
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-9-2015)

  • Top-10 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Points Standings:
    [after Watkins Glen, race 22 of 36]
    1) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 823
    2) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins], 781, -42
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 750, -73
    4) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 747, -76
    5) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 719, -104
    6) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 714, -109
    7) #20-Matt Kenseth [2 wins], 659, -164
    8) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 659, -164
    9) #1-Jamie McMurray, 635, -188
    10) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win], 631, -192
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).

    (8-9-2015)

  • Drivers met with NASCAR Saturday about aero packages: Sprint Cup competitors met with representatives from NASCAR on Saturday morning at Watkins Glen to discuss aero packages - and when to schedule the next drivers council meeting. Drivers were told the sanctioning body will likely stick with the current aerodynamic package for this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup. However, in 2016 NASCAR will incorporate the low-downforce aero package - which was run at Kentucky Speedway last month and will be used again at Darlington Speedway with race-specific tires -- at most tracks. If the high-drag aero package, which was used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, enhances the competition at Michigan International Speedway next weekend, then NASCAR would incorporate that configuration on car setups at Michigan, Auto Club Speedway and Pocono Raceway in 2016.(Motorsport)(8-9-2015)

  • Leavine Family Racing would like to go full-time: Michael McDowell is in his second year driving the #95 Ford for Leavine Family Racing, and it's surely been a difficult road. The team is running a limited schedule of 20 races with an eye on racing full-time in the future. "If you look at NASCAR, the top 25 cars are probably the top five or six teams," team owner Bob Leavine said. "It's tough to break into that. It was important to us to run quality races because we could have taken that money and scattered it out and ran a full year, but that wouldn't have gotten us to where we want to get." The family paid for the first four years of racing in an attempt to show a prospective partner that it was growing and trying to get better. Leavine said he didn't want to ask somebody for money to start the team. "That isn't us," Leavine said. "We want to raise the bar and say, 'If you help us, we can run better and be better.' We know we can." Leavine said his team's partnership with Penske Racing, which began two years ago, has been a lifesaver and is still developing. The team has bought its shop in North Carolina and is in the process of upgrading the facility. That means Leavine and his wife also will be moving from Texas into a rented townhouse in Concord. "I want to be close to the race team for the rest of this year to meet with our partners and try to achieve our goal," Leavine said. "I feel good about where we can go, and I'm excited about the fact that we can get there with help. We can't do it on our own."
    "We're building and I think our biggest struggle and biggest fight we're up against is just being part-time," said McDowell, whose signature NASCAR moment was a violent crash during Cup qualifying at Texas in April 2008. "We'll go two weeks and have three weeks off. The development is happening so fast. For us, the next step and the big goal for our team is to not just run better, but to run every weekend."(Associated Press)(8-9-2015)

  • Preece to attempt New Hampshire Cup race with Baldwin: Ryan Preece hopes to make his Sprint Cup debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Tommy Baldwin Racing on September 27. Preece has three XFINITY Series starts with TBR including two at NHMS. The 24-year-old Kensington, Conn.-native posted a career-high 14th at Loudon in his second start. Preece, who won the title in NASCAR's Whelen Modified Tour in 2013, is the current points leader of the series. He's scored three wins this season - including last night at Stafford Speedway - five top fives and nine top-10 finishes in 117 starts. Preece has also campaigned on the Whelen Southern Modified this season where in four starts he's earned three poles - including at South Boston Speedway where he went on to win in April. The former NASCAR Next driver will have TBR teammate #7-Alex Bowman to lean on at Loudon next month.(Motorsport)
    AND "I was talking to Tommy on Friday morning and I told him 'You've got to put me in a Cup car at New Hampshire if I win at Stafford.'" Preece told RaceDayCT. "This morning I got a text message that he made a deal to make it happen." Preece said Baldwin purchased the #98 points spot from team owner Jay Robinson, which will give him a guaranteed starting spot in the event.(RaceDayCT)(8-9-2015)

  • Hillman Automotive featured on the #40 at Watkins Glen: NASCAR is known for its famous families. From the founding France family to driver families like the Pettys and Allisons, and even owner and crew chief combinations such as the Wood Brothers and Yates, NASCAR racing has long been a family tradition. That same family tradition will be celebrated this weekend at Watkins Glen International with Hillman Racing and its #40 Sprint Cup Series organization. Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. is a three-time NASCAR championship crew chief, and his sons Mike Hillman Jr. and Mark Hillman have both served as crew chiefs under the elder Hillman's leadership. In Lockport, N.Y., the roots of the Hillman family, his brothers David and Ronald, are owners of the family-run business, Hillman Automotive & Tire. For a family with an automotive background, it all came together this week when Mike Hillman Sr. traveled to upstate New York on Wednesday night to be inducted into the Northeast Modified Hall of Fame and then made the short trip to Watkins Glen on Friday where he unveiled the #40 Hillman Automotive & Tire Chevy SS that will be driven by Landon Cassill in Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race. In addition to the Hillman Automotive and Tire livery this weekend, the #40 will carry a special decal commemorating Mike Hillman Sr.'s induction into the Hall of Fame in Weedsport, N.Y., on the lower quarter panel in Sunday's 90-lap road course event.(Hillman Racing), see an image of the car on the #40 team paint schemes page.(8-9-2015)

  • Watkins Glen Race Notes & Facts - Sunday:
    · There have been 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen International, one race per season.
    · Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Michael Waltrip and Terry Labonte lead the series in starts at Watkins Glen with 22 each.
    · Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing are tied for the most wins at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with six each:
    Hendrick Motorsports: Jeff Gordon (four), Tim Richmond (one) and Ricky Rudd (one).
    Joe Gibbs Racing: Tony Stewart (four) and Kyle Busch (two).
    · Six different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Watkins Glen; led by Chevrolet with 17 victories; followed by Ford with seven, Pontiac with four, Toyota with two and Buick and Mercury each have one.
    · Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen is the 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Jeff Burton with a MOV of 0.172 second.
    · There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Watkins Glen (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): 2005 (90/92) and 2011 (90/92).
    · Only one of the 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen has been shortened due to weather conditions - the 1992 race - only 51 of the scheduled 90 laps were completed.
    · The 8/9/1987 and 8/14/2011 races were the only NSCS races at Watkins Glen that has been postponed to another date due to weather.
    (NASCAR)(8-9-2015)


    News from August 8, 2015

  • Watkins Glen Sunday Pre-Race Schedule:
    -- 1:00pm: NSCS Driver/Crew Chief Meeting
    -- 1:30pm: NSCS Driver Introductions
    -- 1:58pm: Canadian National Anthem: Amy Rivard, Singer/Songwriter
    -- 2:00pm: Presentation of Colors by: U.S. Marines Color Guard, Recruiting Station Buffalo
    -- 2:00pm: Invocation by: Reverend David Fife, Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church
    -- 2:01pm: National Anthem by: David Cook, Winner of American Idol, Season 8
    -- 2:02pm: Flyover by: 914 AW (C-130) (Turn 7 to Turn 1)
    -- 2:08pm.: "Drivers, Start Your Engines" by: Mel Bomprezzi, V.P. of Grocery, The Kroger Company, and Brent Cox, Coordinator of Grocery, Edibles, The Kroger Company
    -- 2:19pm: Green flag - Start of the Cheez-It 355 (90 Laps, 220.5 Miles) TV:NBCSN Radio: MRN/Siriux XM
    eastern time (NASCAR.com)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International have been made.
    Pole sitter #47-Allmendinger chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
    Outside pole sitter #78-Truex, Jr. took pit stall 37, with an opening behind it.
    #14-Stewart, who starts 3rd took the 2nd pit stall.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #98-Hill, who starts 43rd.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com's Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-8-2015)

  • Allmendinger wins Watkins Glen pole: #47-AJ Allmendinger won the Coors Light pole for the Cheez-It 355 at the Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International with speed of 127.839mph for his 2nd pole of 2015, 1st at Watkins Glen and 4th pole of his career.
    #78-Truex, Jr. is on the outside pole followed by #14-Stewart, #4-Harvick, #24-Gordon, #42-Larson, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #18-Busch, #48-Johnson, #3-Dillon, #2-Keselowski, and #51-Allgaier.
    Missing the race was: #62-Bell.
    See the starting Lineup, qualifying results by round, pole progression and more on Jayski.com's Watkins Glen Qualifying Page.(8-8-2015)

  • Qualifying Fast Facts - Watkins Glen:
    AJ Allmendinger won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 30th Annual Cheez-It 355 at The Glen with a lap of 68.993 seconds, 127.839 mph.
    This is his fourth pole in 249 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second pole and fifth top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his first pole in seven races at Watkins Glen International.
    Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2015 and his fourth in ten races at Watkins Glen International.
    Tony Stewart (third) posted his 13th top-10 start at Watkins Glen International. It is his seventh in 22 races this season.
    Matt DiBenedetto (27th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Statistics)(8-8-2015)

  • Kyle Busch talks more about running out of gas at Pocono: #18-Kyle Busch talked to the media Friay morning at Watkins Glen and was asked about running out of gas on the final lap at Pocono:
    Q: Have you talked with your team about running out of fuel at Pocono last week?
    Busch: "Of course Adam (Stevens, crew chief) and I talked about it this week and I went in Tuesday morning and watching a couple of the NASCAR shows this week and heard some of the commentators kind of beating up on me about not saving fuel and listening to my crew chief. My crew chief told me I did nothing wrong. He told me that we were not short on fuel, that we were two-thirds of a lap to the good and he was not asking me to save fuel, but once I couldn't really catch the #22 (Joey Logano) to just save in case there was a yellow - save the car, save the tires, save the brakes, save all the stuff, the mechanics of the race car. So in case we did have a shootout at the end that I would be ready for it. It wasn't until the 22 bunch started getting on Joey about saving fuel with about seven (laps) to go that then I heard my first, 'Okay, save fuel.' By then, you're not going to save what you need in seven laps, you're not going to have the opportunity to do that. I could have if I would have gotten, what I told Adam, the harp. At the Brickyard we were short on fuel and Adam told me, 'Hey, save fuel.' I asked him then again, 'Are you sure?' He goes, 'Yeah bud, there's absolutely going to be no checkered flag for us if you don't save fuel.' The tone was quite higher than that. We obviously have real good communication with one another and we weren't short and for some reason we ended up being short that last run and we know the reason why now, but we didn't know at that particular point."(Toyota Racing PR)(8-8-2015)

  • Sam Bass designs Bristol program cover to honor Gordon: Sam Bass was the first person ever to see Jeff Gordon's Rainbow car. As the original designer of the iconic paint scheme, he knew he had something really special when he finished drawing it out for the first time in the summer of 1992. To commemorate the Rainbow Car's return for The Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bass recently got the chance to draw and paint the car again. "When we decided to celebrate Jeff Gordon's final race at Bristol, we knew we wanted to have Sam do our cover art," said track President Jerry Caldwell. "He has painted numerous memorable covers for us since 1996. We thought the work he did on this one was especially creative, as it beautifully commemorates Jeff's stunning 22 year career here at Bristol." Fans can purchase the commemorative program at Bristol Motor Speedway during race weekend or order one at GoSpeedwayWorld.com. Sam will be making appearances at Food City Family Race Nights in Knoxville and Bristol during race week. He will also be at the track, making him available to autograph programs for fans.(Sam Bass PR)(8-8-2015)

  • Watkins Glen Pole Notes & Facts - Saturday:
    · Buck Baker won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Watkins Glen in 1957 with a speed of 87.071 mph. Driver/owner Buck Baker went on to win the inaugural race from the pole.
    · 19 drivers have Coors Light poles at Watkins Glen, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon with three each.
    · Mark Martin is the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver to post consecutive Coors Light poles at Watkins Glen (three) - 1993, 1994, and 1995.
    · Tony Stewart leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Watkins Glen with a 6.286 - Stewart has made 14 starts at WGI.
    · Nine of the 32 (28.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Kyle Busch in 2008.
    · The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (nine) than any other starting position at Watkins Glen.
    · 11 of the 32 (34.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from the front row: nine from the pole and two from second-place.
    · 21 of the 32 (65.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from a top-five starting position.
    · 23 of the 32 (71.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from a top-10 starting position.
    · None of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
    · The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Watkins Glen is 18th, by Steve Park in 2000.
    · Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen six times: 1965, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008.
    (NASCAR)(8-8-2015)

  • Regan Smith confronts Ty Dillon after race: Entering Saturday's Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International, JR Motorsports' #7-Regan Smith was 39 points out of the XFINITY Series championship lead, looking for big things out of the road-course event. However, Smith's day did not go as planned -- and he knew just who to blame. Restarting in the third position on Lap 41 of 82, Smith drove into Turn 1 on the restart but was hit hard in the right rear by the #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevy of Ty Dillon. The contact sent Smith's #7 Chevy spinning, dropping him back to 29th. After making his way back through the field, Smith made contact with another RCR car, this time the #62 of Brendan Gaughan. The contact through the carousel sent Smith's car spinning into the inside wall to bring out the sixth caution of the day with 16 laps to go. Bringing the car home in the 20th spot, Smith was frustrated with the RCR teammates and let his displeasure be known after the race. Climbing from his car on pit road, Smith first walked over to Gaughan's car and stuck his head in the window to discuss the incident. Walking away after saying his piece, Smith then made his way down to Dillon's car. Smith walked up to Dillon, who was standing leisurely next to his car, grabbed Dillon's firesuit and got in the RCR driver's face. The incident escalated quickly as the two drivers began shoving each other and trying to fight as crew members and NASCAR officials stepped in to separate them. Dillon accepted blame for the incident in Turn 1, but said he would not back down from the veteran Smith. With both drivers involved in a championship battle, Smith vowed Dillon and the #3 team would not win the XFINITY Series title if he has anything to do with it. "I guarantee you, I may have lost the championship today, but he sure as hell did, too," Smith said of Dillon. "There is zero chance that 3 car wins this championship, and I'm going to make sure of it."(Fox Sports)(8-8-2015)

  • Joey Logano wins XFINITY race at Watkins Glen: #12-Joey Logano won the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. #22-Brad Keselowski finished second, followed by #60-Chris Buescher, #54-Boris Said, #3-Ty Dillon, #2-Brian Scott, #9-Chase Elliott, #1-Elliott Sadler, #33-Paul Menard, and #62-Brendan Gaughan.
    There were 7 cautions for 20 laps and 9 lead changes among 4 leaders. There was a red flag with 6 laps remaining for track clean up after an accident.
    Complete results are on the Watkins Glen race results page (pdf).
    (8-8-2015)

  • Watkins Glen XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
    Joey Logano(i) won the 21st Annual Zippo 200 at The Glen, his 25th victory in 143 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his fourth victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Watkins Glen International.
    Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in seven races at Watkins Glen International. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2015.
    Chris Buescher (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Watkins Glen International.
    Daniel Suarez (15th) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Chris Buescher leads the point standings by 24 points over Chase Elliott.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-8-2015)

  • XFINITY Driver standings following Watkins Glen:
    1) #60-Chris Buescher, 724
    2) #9-Chase Elliott, 700, -24
    3) #3-Ty Dillon, 700, -24
    4) #7-Regan Smith, 667, -57
    5) #1-Elliott Sadler, 666, -58
    6) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 629, -95
    7) #18-Daniel Suarez, 625, -99
    8) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 610, -114
    9) #2-Brian Scott, 606, -118
    10) #16-Ryan Reed, 565, -159
    See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(8-8-2015)

  • Joey Logano on XFINITY pole at Watkins Glen: #12-Joey Logano won the Coors Light pole for the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International with a speed of 124.308mph. #22-Brad Keselowski will start second. The rest of the top 10: #9-Chase Elliott, #42-Kyle Larson, #60-Chris Buescher, #3-Ty Dillon, #54-Boris Said, #7-Regan Smith, #2-Brian Scott, and #33-Paul Menard. Did Not Qualify: #89-Morgan Shepherd. The starting lineup is posted on the Watkins Glen starting lineup page (pdf).(8-8-2015)

  • Watkins Glen XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
    Joey Logano(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 21st Annual Zippo 200 at The Glen with a lap of 70.953 seconds, 124.308 mph.
    This is his 30th pole in 143 NASCAR XFINITY Series races. Logano is now tied for second with Mark Martin on the NASCAR XFINITY Series all-time poles list.
    This is his fourth pole and seventh top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his first pole in eight races at Watkins Glen International.
    Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2015 and his sixth in seven races at Watkins Glen International.
    Chase Elliott (third) posted his first top-10 start at Watkins Glen International. It is his ninth in 20 races this season.
    Daniel Suarez (12th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-8-2015)

  • DAYTONA Rising Hits Two-Year Mark: After successfully hosting another series of events during last month's Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, Daytona International Speedway turns its focus on the final stretch of construction activities related to the DAYTONA Rising project. To date, over 40,000 new seats have been installed near the west end of the Speedway along with 14,000 seats in the east end. In addition, new concessions, restrooms, vertical transportation options and several new "neighborhood" areas are in place. Upcoming construction activities include:
    " Completion of escalator installation
    " Initial installation of solar array structure
    " Ongoing installation of trackside suite tower glass
    " Continued development of hospitality areas/suites
    DAYTONA Rising is a $400 million reimagining of an American icon - Daytona International Speedway. Five expanded and redesigned entrances, or "injectors," will lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas, or "neighborhoods," along the nearly mile-long frontstretch. At the conclusion of the redevelopment, Daytona International Speedway will have approximately 101,500 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with track side views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests.(DIS)(8-8-2015)


    News from August 7, 2015

  • Final practice for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is over after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #24-Gordon 127.333
    #42-Larson 127.049
    #16-Biffle 126.987
    #18-Busch 126.837
    #22-Logano 126.720
    slowest: #26-Burton 121.001 & #98-Hill 119.777.
    most laps run: #6-Bayne, 31 laps
    Notes: Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday at 1:15pm/et on NBCSN.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Watkins Glen final practice page (pdf).(8-7-2015)

  • Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Stewart: The family of Kevin Ward Jr. filed a wrongful death lawsuit Friday against NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Tony Stewart, nearly a year after Stewart's sprint car struck and killed the 20-year-old driver under caution during a race at an upstate New York dirt track. The Ward family filed the lawsuit in Lewis County (N.Y.) Supreme Court, which covers the Ward home in Port Leyden and is about 175 miles northeast of Watkins Glen International, where Stewart practiced Friday in preparation for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Sunday. Stewart was not criminally charged in the death of Ward, who had gotten out of his car and ran toward Stewart's car as he drove around under caution during the Empire Super Sprints race Aug. 9 at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Ward was declared dead 45 minutes after being struck by Stewart's car with the cause of death listed as massive blunt force trauma. The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages the family seeks in claims of wrongful death, reckless conduct, gross negligence and Ward's suffering between the time he was struck and his death. "Stewart could have easily acted reasonably and with prudence to avoid striking Ward, just as all other drivers had done as they passed Ward during the yellow caution flag," the lawsuit states. "Stewart acted with disregard for Ward's life and safety by driving his vehicle in a manner that would terrorize Ward and thereafter strike, severely injure and kill Ward." The case likely will hinge on whether the Ward family can prove that Stewart has some percentage of fault in Ward's death. If the case goes to a jury, a jury would have to decide whether Stewart had a duty to Ward to drive in a certain manner under caution and if he breached that duty. New York law does not allow the Ward family to collect damages for their own pain and suffering but does allow parents to recover loss of expected future support and care that their child could have provided.(ESPN.com)(8-7-2015)

  • First Friday practice for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is over after 80 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #15-Bowyer 127.067
    #47-Allmendinger 126.901
    #48-Johnson 126.139
    #9-Hornish, Jr. 126.095
    #13-Mears 25.969
    slowest:#23-Yeley 120.436 & #62-Bell 119.583.
    most laps run: #34-Buescher, 24 laps & #2-Keselowski, 23 laps
    Notes: Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday at 1:15pm/et. Today there will be two Cup practices.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Watkins Glen 1st practice page (pdf).(8-7-2015)

  • Qualifying Order for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
    The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #46-Annett.
    The final driver scheduled to go out is #11-Hamlin.
    Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
    See the full qualifying order on Jayski.com's Watkins Glen Qualifying Page.(8-7-2015)

  • Ragan wants to return to MWR, but will keep options open: The past week has been a tumultuous one for Michael Waltrip Racing, as news broke the team's co-owner Rob Kauffman purchased an interest in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. There are more unknowns than anything surrounding the deal, one that continues to unfold behind the scenes between team owners, sponsors and manufacturers. Yet for the team's drivers, crew members and employees, the saga surrounding the future of MWR hits very close to home. David Ragan, driver of the #55 Aaron's Toyota for MWR, called the news of Kauffman's buy-in at Ganassi "a small distraction" for the team during last weekend's event at Pocono Raceway. This is not the first time Ragan has gone through the rigors of 'Silly Season' and he says it is something "you get accustomed to" in NASCAR.
    With Felix Sabates saying in a statement in which he called their organization "a three-car team," there is speculation at least one of the MWR cars could move over to Ganassi. If that is the case, Ragan believes it will be difficult for MWR to continue in a competitive form as a single-car organization. "I don't think any team can survive as a single-car operation today," he said. "You can't consider Furniture Row a single-car operation. That just isn't real. Wood Brothers Racing isn't a single-car operation. Any single-car team they have some affiliation. You can certainly be a single-car team and hang in there in this sport and just maintain mediocrity. If you're going to be a winner or going to be a Chase contending team you're going to have to have some affiliating with a larger team, you've got to have some manufacturer support and you've got to have an owner that's going to bankroll $20 to $30 million a year in order to go race. ... Whatever goes forward with Rob and Michael, we'll have to be associated with a larger team."
    With so many unknowns facing MWR, Ragan understands that when it comes down to it, he has to do what is best for his career and future in the sport. "One thing I learned a long time ago is that it's never too early to talk about other opportunities in the garage," he said. "I think there are some guys that show up for the Daytona 500 one year that are already trying to figure out what they're going to do for the next. In a sport where we don't have any long-term guaranteed contracts and any unions that guarantee where you're going to be at five years down the road, you're always looking at options moving forward." However, for the time being Ragan feels at home at MWR and believes the team is making strides and beginning to improve their overall performance. "I like the guys at MWR," he said. "I've enjoyed working with Aaron's and I think Brian Pattie is one of the smartest crew chiefs that I've worked with. We've gotten our race cars better over the last couple of months. We've still got a long way to go, but I'd love to be back with these guys next year in whatever capacity or whatever race shop these cars are raced out of, but that's not all my decision. I just try to fit in as best I can and do the best job that I can and hopefully they keep me in the loop -- whether it's good or bad information."(Fox Sports)(8-7-2015)

  • Robinson talks about #98 team: Jay Robinson purchased Phil Parsons Racing to fall under his Premium Motorsports umbrella earlier this year, and now the longtime owner is discussing how it went down. Originally a two-car operation between the #62 and # 66 vehicles, the team planned to run Brendan Gaughan for the full season, with the exception of the Daytona 500, which was attempted by Brian Scott in a deal with Richard Childress Racing. However, things fell apart with Gaughan, and midway through the season, Robinson purchased the team owned by former racer and current Fox broadcaster Phil Parsons. "I bought it," Robinson told Frontstretch at Pocono, referring to Parsons' # 98 team. "Phil is a good friend. Phil will always be around. He's not in the business and not an entity." Parsons had been running Josh Wise in a Ford this year after running a Chevy in all but five events in 2014. However, Premium and Wise split in July, a mere week after Gaughan left the organization after missing eight races. "We're going to continue on for the rest of the year, next year and the year after," Robinson said. "We're not in any long-term contracts with any drivers at this point. Josh is a really good guy. He's a good, aggressive driver and I think highly of Josh. Sponsorship circumstances dictated that we had to make a change there. That was the reason for that. I certainly wouldn't rule out racing with him in the future given the opportunity sponsorship-wise." According to Robinson, Premium will continue to swap manufacturers for the remainder of the season. The driver lineup for the team is uncertain for the immediate future, but a plan is in place to keep the organization at multiple cars. At Watkins Glen, TJ Bell will make his return to the Cup Series, piloting the #62 car for the team. This will be Bell's first Cup Series start since Sept. 2012, and his second start in NASCAR competition this season.(Frontstretch)(8-7-2015)

  • Petty receives Cameron R. Argetsinger Award: Richard Petty, the winningest driver in NASCAR history, was honored Thursday night with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for outstanding contributions to motorsports. The award, given by the International Motor Racing Research Center, was presented by NASCAR, International Speedway Corp. and Watkins Glen International during a ceremony at Corning Museum of Glass. "You can't say thank you enough," said Petty, who retired in 1992. "It's an honor to be involved. Thank you for honoring me. Very few people come along like me at the right time. I couldn't have been in a better place." The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen in the late 1940s. Team owner and former driver Chip Ganassi was the inaugural recipient of the award last year.(Associated Press)(8-7-2015)

  • NASCAR moves up Watkins Glen drivers' meeting: NASCAR will push the start of the driver/crew chief back to only one hour before the start of Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen. The driver/crew chief meeting will take place at 1:00pm/et. The start time listed for the race is 2:00pm/et. Typically, the driver/crew chief meeting is held two hours before the start of the race. NASCAR states that this is an experiment for this weekend to create a shorter window between the meeting and driver introductions, which are scheduled to begin at 1:30pm/et. The driver/crew chief meeting often lasts between five and 10 minutes, depending on the number of dignitaries introduced and questions from competitors. After dignitaries are introduced, competitors watch a video outlining various rules for the race and can ask questions afterward.(NBC Sports)(8-7-2015)

  • Watkins Glen Driver Notes & Facts - Friday:
    · 252 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen; 152 in more than one.
    · 19 different drivers have won at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, led by Tony Stewart with five wins; followed by Jeff Gordon with four.
    · NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison holds the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record for the most wins at a single road course track with six - Riverside International Raceway.
    · Four drivers have posted consecutive wins at Watkins Glen, including three consecutive by Mark Martin (1993, '94, '95) and Jeff Gordon (1997, '98, '99). The other two drivers to win consecutive races at Watkins Glen are Tony Stewart (2004, '05) and Marcos Ambrose (2011, '12).
    · All five of the active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Watkins Glen participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane.
    · Kevin Harvick (2006) and AJ Allmendinger (2014) both competed at Watkins Glen five times each before winning; the longest span of any of the five active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
    · Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted their first career win at Watkins Glen: Steve Park (08/13/2000), Marcos Ambrose (08/15/11) and AJ Allmendinger (08/11/14).
    · Brad Keselowski and Mark Martin lead the series in runner-up finishes at Watkins Glen with three each.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Watkins Glen with 12; followed by Ricky Rudd with eight. Tony Stewart leads all active drivers with seven.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Watkins Glen with 16; followed by Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart with 10 each.
    · AJ Allmendinger leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Watkins Glen with a 7.833.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Watkins Glen with 262 laps led in 22 starts.
    · Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth lead the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Watkins Glen without visiting Victory Lane at 14 each.
    · Danica Patrick and Patty Moise are the only two female NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers to compete at Watkins Glen International.
    (NASCAR)(8-7-2015)

  • Kyle Larson fastest in happy hour: #42-Kyle Larson was quickest during happy hour for the Zippo 200 with a speed of 123.623mph. He was followed by: #12-Joey Logano, #33-Paul Menard, #-Ty Dillon, #22-Brad Keselowski, #60-Chris Buescher, #2-Brian Scott, #7-Regan Smith, #62-Brendan Gaughan, and #1-Elliott Sadler. 40 drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Watkins Glen practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-7-2014)

  • Joey Logano fastest in first XFINITY practice: #12-Joey Logano was fastest during opening practice at Watkins Glen International with a speed of 122.452mph. #22-Brad Keselowski was second, followed by: #62-Brendan Gaughan, #33-Paul Menard, #42-Kyle Larson, #60-Chris Buescher, #2-Brian Scott, #7-Regan Smith, #54-Boris Said, and #9-Chase Elliott. 36 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Watkins Glen practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-7-2014)

  • Auto Remote Warehouse sponsoring Self: Auto Remote Warehouse is going racing. ARW and the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller NASCAR team announced Friday that Auto Remote Warehouse will sponsor upcoming driver Michael Self in Saturday's Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International in New York. The #0 Chevy will carry ARW colors in Saturday's Zippo 200 at the Glen and in three other Xfinity races this season. Self ran well in his debut race last week at Iowa Speedway before he was sidelined by a blown tire.(JD Motorsports)(8-7-2015)

  • Taughannock Aviation sponsoring Chastain: Ross Chastain hopes to take to the air (but stay on the ground) in Saturday's Zippo 200 at the Glen Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International in New York. Chastain will race Saturday with sponsorship from the Taughannock Aviation Corporation and Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport in New York. Their colors will be on the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller #4 Chevy at the Glen road course. Taughannock Aviation Corporation, in its 25th year of business, is one of the largest aircraft charter and management companies on the East Coast, operating nearly a dozen business jet aircraft in charter and management service. Maintaining sales offices and aircraft bases in Vermont, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York, the company employs nearly 60 full-time staffers and has amassed more than 40 million air miles and 100,000 flight hours without an accident or an injury.(JD Motorsports)(8-7-2015)

  • Great Outdoors sponsoring Cassill: The Great Outdoors RV Superstore will sponsor Landon Cassill's Chevy in Saturday's Zippo 200 at the Glen Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International. The Great Outdoors colors will fly on the #01 Chey fielded this weekend by JD Motorsports with Gary Keller. The Great Outdoors RV Superstore offers more than 15 of America's most popular RV brands on their fully-stocked 25-acre lot. The Great Outdoors has been named central New York's No. 1 RV dealer. The Great Outdoors also is the official RV dealer of Watkins Glen International.(JD Motorsports)(8-7-2015)

  • Trucks returning to Eldora in 2016: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will once again compete on the dirt at Eldora Speedway next season, sources confirmed to Motorsport.com on Friday. In 2016, however, the Eldora event may not be the only dirt race on the schedule. Following last month's race at Eldora, NASCAR surveyed Truck series teams as to whether they would be amenable to adding a second dirt track to the Truck series schedule. The response was overwhelmingly positive, several sources and team officials confirmed, in part because it would be fiscally beneficial to teams to run the dirt-prepared truck at more than one event. In addition, NASCAR plans to extend the use of the original 2013 truck design beyond its original three-year approval window, so teams will not have to design a new version. NASCAR has considered a second dirt event since the success of Eldora's inaugural Truck series race in 2013, which was the first NASCAR national series race held on dirt in more than 40 years. Eldora officials said they do not have a confirmed date as yet, but sources told Motorsport.com the race is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, 2016 - the Wednesday night before the annual Brickyard 400, as in years past.
    The most-often mentioned possibility for a second Truck series dirt race is Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway, home to the famed Knoxville Nationals sprint car event. A Truck race could be paired the same weekend as one of the Xfinity Series race at Iowa Speedway, which is located in Newton - about 30 miles north of Knoxville.(Motorsport.com)(8-7-2015)


    News from August 6, 2015

  • Stewart talks about the last two years: In August 2013, Tony Stewart's right leg was nearly torn off after crashing in an Iowa sprint car race. While last August, once again racing the powerful open-wheel machines in upstate New York, he was involved in a tragic accident that cost the life of local driver Kevin Ward. Talking Wednesday to reporters in Texas, Stewart admitted those incidents, especially Ward's death, has changed his life forever. "I don't think I'll ever be the same from what happened the last two years. I don't know how you could be. I don't know how anybody ever could be exactly back to where they were. Not being back exactly the same I was doesn't mean that I haven't become better in some ways. I think there's always positives that come out of every scenario." Stewart also added, "I'm trying to not to think about it. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it's going to be brought up a lot this week, but it doesn't help you continue to move forward with it."(PRN's Garage Pass)(8-6-2015)

  • Holly Cain awarded NMPA Spirit Award: Holly Cain, a highly respected member of the media that has covered motorsports for over 25 years, has been awarded the NMPA Spirit Award for the second quarter of 2015 by the members of the National Motorsports Press Association. The award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Cain has covered motorsports since 1990 for the Tampa Tribune, Dallas Morning News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, AOL.com and FOXSports.com before joining NASCAR.com in August of 2012. Her outstanding writing career has garnered her multiple accolades including the Associated Press Sports Editor (APSE) and Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2014, Cain has shown great courage and tremendously positive attitude while engaged in a difficult battle. She has been a long-time supporter of the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and has entered many 5k "Race for a Cure" events in honor and memory of friends suffering from breast cancer.(NMPA)(8-6-2015)

  • Chase clinch scenarios at Watkins Glen: OK, there are a lot of numbers, but it's not as confusing as it may look. There are 11 different winners. There are five races left in the regular season. And there will be 16 drivers in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. In other words, after this weekend, the playoff picture will come closer into focus. Here's where we stand now:
    With the exception of #18-Kyle Busch, all drivers with multiple wins have clinched a spot in the Chase, assuming all start the remainder of the regular season races. That includes #48-Jimmie Johnson, #4-Kevin Harvick, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #20-Matt Kenseth and #41-Kurt Busch. (Kyle Busch has not clinched a spot yet because he needs to first lock up a top 30 spot.)
    None of the single-win drivers have fully clinched a Chase spot yet. Here's the reason: There's still the potential of a zero-win points leader - and the regular season points leader is guaranteed a Chase spot, regardless of win total. Which leads us to the math above...
    Because there aren't enough races left to fill out the Chase Grid with more than 16 unique winners, if there is a repeat winner at Watkins Glen this weekend, all single-win drivers will clinch a spot as long as they have also clinched a top-30 spot. All except Carl Edwards have already done this, and Edwards will likely accomplish the feat this weekend.
    If there's a new winner this weekend, a number of different scenarios can play out. This weekend, Kevin Harvick can mathematically guarantee that the points leader at regular season's end has a win. If he leaves Watkins Glen with a 176-point lead over the highest non-winning driver, it would guarantee the points leader after race No. 26 would have at least one win - and all one-win drivers would then clinch a spot as long as they also have clinched a top 30 spot. If Harvick doesn't accomplish the above, and there's a new winner, single-win drivers could lock up a Chase spot, but would need help (a clinching single-win driver would need to ensure that the lowest ranked winner could not pass him/her in the points - and that includes drivers who could potentially win).(NASCAR)(8-6-2015)

  • Where is ... Ricky Rudd? Even as a youngster riding around his neighborhood on a small, lawn mower engine-powered car, Ricky Rudd wanted to go fast. Moving on to go-karts capable of speeds topping 100 mph as he got older just solidified the mindset. Rudd even dreamed of a future in Formula One racing. But when a family friend offered him a shot at taking the wheel of a stock car, Rudd headed down a different track - one that would propel the Chesapeake native toward a racing career as one of NASCAR's most successful drivers. Rudd holds the record for most consecutive starts with 788. Jeff Gordon is on track to break that mark next month. After his final two years saw limited action and an attempt at owning a team, Rudd stepped away for good after a 21st-place finish at the Ford 500 in Homestead-Miami in 2007. He hasn't been back to a track since.
    "The sport was changing and TV changed it," said Rudd, who sold his house in Chesapeake decades ago and comes to South Hampton Roads only sparingly. "It was a difficult decision, but not as difficult as you'd think. "I deal with the contrast of my life pretty good."
    Rudd maintains his own property on a lake and enjoys making up for lost time with his family. He goes mountain biking almost every day and the family - which consists of his wife of 36 years, Linda, and 20-year-old son Landon - often travels to the Virgin Islands with his sisters and their families. Every now and then he gets a call for a speaking engagement and at one point gave TV race commentary a try. "Nowadays I do as little as possible, to be honest," Rudd said. But when he does get the urge to go fast, it's not in his Jaguar or Ford GT. Rudd keeps one of the go-karts he grew up with at a local small track and gives himself a 100 mph thrill ride when he needs it. He even competed in a racing series last year against drivers that remind him of his spitfire youth. "I kept a low profile but the kids ended up finding out" who he was, Rudd said. "They're so involved, so they don't care. But you can see the talent coming up and they don't hesitate to hand it to the old guy." Rudd finished second in two of the series' 10 races and was third in the points race at the end. "I was doing it for the fun of it. It's a great workout," he said. "But that third kind of bothered me." Read more at the Virginian-Pilot.(8-6-2015)

  • Team Xtreme Racing reports man pleads guilty in theft UPDATE: The now defunct Sprint Cup Series #44 Team Xtreme Racing The team took to their Twitter account Monday afternoon to announce the man arrested for the theft, Jason Terry, pleaded guilty. Team owner Johnathan Cohen confirmed to FOXSports.com he learned of the guilty plea from the district attorney's office, but did want to make any further statements on the issue. The original incident occurred on Feb. 27 when the team's truck, trailer and No. 44 Sprint Cup car were stolen from a Georgia hotel parking lot. Police found the team's Chevrolet Sprint Cup car the following day, while the truck was also later found. The trailer and spare racing parts were not found when the Morrow (Georgia) Police Department issued a warrant for a person of interest on March 9. On March 12, news broke that Cohen faced legal issues of his own. The team withdrew from the March 29 race at Martinsville Speedway and has not attempted another race since.(FoxSports)(8-4-2015)
    UPDATE: Johnny Milton Terry was sentenced to 10 years probation and fined $1,000 plus court costs Monday after pleading no contest in the February theft of the pickup truck and the trailer that contained a NASCAR Sprint Cup car. A report by the Morrow Police Department stated Terry confessed the crime a day after the theft and that person contacted police. An arrest warrant was issued on March 6. Terry was later arrested and had bond denied June 29. As part of Monday's plea deal in Clayton County (Ga.) Superior Court, Terry was sentenced under the First Offender/Conditional Discharge program despite being jailed four times from 2001-11, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The Morrow Police Department report stated that a criminal history check on Terry returned 'several entering autos/theft by receiving stolen property and is a convicted felon."(NBC Sports)(8-6-2015)

  • DraftKings joins Furniture Row Racing as associate sponsor: Furniture Row Racing has entered into a four-race agreement to carry the DraftKings logo as an associate sponsor on Martin Truex Jr.'s #78 Chevy. DraftKings is the "Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner" of NASCAR. The company has an exclusive license to develop NASCAR-branded games across the daily fantasy sports category. The DraftKings/Furniture Row partnership will officially make its debut at this weekend's Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. The remaining races for the partnership have yet to be determined. DraftKings will offer two different types of NASCAR-themed games -- a free game for casual players and paid games for avid followers.(Furniture Row Racing), see an image of the logo on the #78 team paint schemes page.(8-6-2015)

  • Watkins Glen Track Notes & History - Thursday:
    · After several events were held on the streets of Watkins Glen, a permanent facility was opened in 1956.
    · The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was in 1957, won by Buck Baker (83.064 mph, 08/04/1957).
    · After a six-year absence, NASCAR returned to The Glen in 1964 and 1965.
    · After a 21-year absence, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returned to The Glen, and has run one race a year there since 1986.
    · The first NSCS race at Watkins Glen was scheduled for 101.2-miles in 1957, the second race was 161.7-miles (1964) and the third race was 151.8-miles (1965). Every race since has been scheduled for 220.5-miles.
    (NASCAR)(8-6-2015)

  • Kevin O'Connell in the #13 at Watkins Glen: It's been about a year since Kevin O'Connell has competed on the NASCAR XFINITY Series tour, but his recent international NASCAR racing events will take a back seat to Saturday's Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. The Newport Beach, California native has reunited with Rick Ware Racing in a joint effort with Motorsports Business Management for the first of select XFINITY Series schedule races this season and will wheel the #13 Gemini Southern Dodge in the first of three road-course races this season. On the heels of a career and impressive third place finish at Road America (Wisc.) last June (2014), O'Connell headed to Watkins Glen hoping for an opportunity to duplicate.(Rick Ware Racing)(8-6-2015)

  • Kurt Busch joins Martinsville Speedway's Green Flag Experience: When it comes to getting NASCAR's biggest names in the Green Flag Experience, Martinsville Speedway delivers. Kurt Busch is the second driver scheduled to take part in a moderated question-and-answer session prior to the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 on November 1. Busch, the 2004 Cup Series Champion and a two-time winner at the historic half-mile speedway, joins Jeff Gordon as drivers scheduled to take part in emceed question-and-answer sessions on race morning. Additional drivers participating in the Green Flag Experience will be announced in the coming weeks. The cost of the Green Flag Experience is $40 until October 1, when the cost increases to $50. The price will increase to $60 the week of the race. Admission to the Green Flag Experience does not include a ticket for the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500.(Martinsville Speedway)(8-6-2015)


    News from August 5, 2015

  • NASCAR revises warnings system: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will now face only the loss of pit stall selection for multiple warnings, according to a bulletin issued to teams by the sanctioning body Wednesday. The change removes the potential for multiple warnings to result in the escalation of the severity of the penalty (to a P1 level or higher), and eliminates all but one of the penalty options previously included in the 2015 NASCAR Deterrence Policy under the warnings category. For every fourth warning issued to a team, whether during a championship (points) or non-championship (non-points) event, the loss of pit stall selection will be enforced. If the fourth warning is issued before pit selection has occurred, the loss of pit selection will be assessed at that event. If the fourth warning occurs after pit selection has already taken place, the penalty will be enforced at the next points event. The modification of the rule takes effect immediately. Any previous warnings issued to teams prior to Wednesday have been rescinded. Once a team has served its penalty, it begins the next event with a clean slate and no warnings on its record. Also, warnings will not carry over into the following season.
    Previously, the loss of pit stall selection was just one possible penalty for teams that incurred two warnings during the same event, or two warnings during consecutive events. Other penalties included: track time deductions for practice; track time deductions for qualifying; delay in order of inspection; selection for post-race inspection; specified time delay before unloading vehicle at track; temporary suspension of annual hard card credential(s); reduction or suspension of other event privileges; community service.(NASCAR.com)(8-5-2015)

  • Bully Hill Vineyards joins #34 team at Watkins Glen: Chris Buescher will have a new partner aboard the #34 Ford when he returns to the Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen International this week. Bully Hill Vineyards will join the Front Row Motorsports entry as primary sponsor for the team for Sunday's Cheez-it 355 at The Glen. The Hammondsport, N.Y.-based winery will also be an associate sponsor on Front Row teammate Cole Whitt's #35 Ford for the road course race in the popular Finger Lakes region. Bully Hill Vineyards is a family-owned producer of 40 different wines, all from grapes grown in New York. The winery produces 200,000 cases of wine annually, with distribution in 30 states. Bully Hill Vineyards has been involved in NASCAR for more than 15 years and has long supported Watkins Glen International. This weekend's partnership will be the first with Front Row Motorsports.(Front Row Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #34 team paint schemes page.(8-5-2015)

  • Kurt Busch staying at Stewart-Haas Racing UPDATE: Gene Haas says he and Kurt Busch had a "handshake deal" that enable Busch to drive the #41 Haas Automation Chevy beyond this season. "Kurt Busch is one of those unique personalities," Haas said. "We're in the process (of re-signing)....three weeks ago, we had a handshake deal that he would come back. But we're still working on his contract, too. So we expect him to be back. We expect to have more sponsors for him. We expect a lot of things and when it all sorts out, we'll have an announcement then."
    "I really enjoy driving for Gene and Tony, and it's my intention to continue driving for them," Kurt told Motorsport.com. "My focus right now is finishing the regular season strong, then going for a championship."(Motorsport)(8-3-2015)
    UPDATE: In the midst of his second season with Stewart-Haas Racing, Kurt Busch appears bound for a third year with the organization in 2016. Although a new contract to keep Busch at SHR beyond 2015 has not been finalized, a team spokesman has corroborated recent comments from team co-owner Gene Haas that the 2004 Sprint Cup Series champion will be back in the #41 SHR Chevy next year. "What Gene said is accurate," team spokesman Mike Arning wrote in an email to FOXSports.com late Tuesday. "He has a handshake agreement with Kurt and once the contract is signed, we'll let everyone know it's official."(Fox Sports)(8-5-2015)

  • Special Snap-on scheme for Wood Brothers at Darlington: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #21 Wood Brothers Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, took part in a special media event Tuesday where the 21-year-old unveiled a special Snap-on paint scheme that he will run during the Bojangles Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. The #21 Snap-on Ford will carry a special scheme honoring the rich history of the Wood Brothers Racing team and their 65 years in the sport. The retro, mosaic scheme will feature over 2,000 photos of the Wood Brothers dating back to 1950. The Wood Brothers team has earned eight wins in NASCAR's top series at Darlington Raceway and 98 in the Sprint Cup Series since their inception 65 years ago. The unveil was a part of the August 4th Bojangles' Southern 500 Media Day. Blaney and 2014 Sprint Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick participated in a fan question-and-answer session followed by a simulated "cannonball run," eventually arriving at the South Carolina Governor's Mansion, where the #21 Snap-on Ford Fusion was unveiled. "We are honored that Snap-on would want to run a car honoring our history in the sport," said Eddie Wood. "We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the last 65 years and the fact that we are still going strong. Darlington is one of the tracks that really holds a special place in our heart as a race team, so we are pretty excited to see what the car looks like on the track."(Wood Brothers Racing), see an image of the car on the #21 team paint schemes page.(8-5-2015)

  • NASCAR prepared to run in the rain at Watkins Glen: For the second time this season, NASCAR will bring a new rain package to a road course for the Sprint Cup tour. Last September, the sanctioning body introduced new rules for racing in inclement weather. While it seldom rains at Sonoma, the chance to use windshield wipers, de-foggers, a rear flashing light and rain tires with the cars will be more likely this weekend at Watkins Glen. Last Wednesday, NASCAR sent out a bulletin to the teams updating Rule 10.13 Inclement Weather Race Procedures (Road Course Events). According to the note, should it rain, it will be up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Managing Director to determine whether the track surface is "dry, wet or damp". At that point in the race, teams will be able to use "mandated or approved use of "wet" or "dry" condition equipment during competition."
    Should the race start in "wet" weather conditions (10.13.2) the cars will (.a) start on the grid in "dry equipment configuration. After the series director declares "a 'wet' weather start (when the track surface is entirely covered with moisture)," the drivers will take a pace lap behind the caution car, (c) "return to their assigned pit stall and "install rain tires, front windshield wiper(s), and activate the rear flashing light for the Race.
    According to the NASCAR Rulebook section 10.13.3, for race starts under "damp" conditions (when only portions of the track are wet), once the course has been deemed "damp" by the series director and after the pace lap, the cars (.c) "will return to their assigned pit stall and may elect, at the team's discretion, to install the rain tires and/or front windshield wiper(s). The rear flashing light must be activated for the Race under "damp" conditions.(Motorsport)(8-5-2015)

  • Boris Said returns to the #32 at Watkins Glen: Heading into Sunday's Cheez-It 355, Boris Said will be looking to make his 51st career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start, and his 15th at "The Glen." The Carlsbad, CA native has a best finish of third, which came back in 2005. More recently Said finished 25th in 2014. Said is no stranger to victory lane in "The Empire State" winning in the NASCAR Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series twice in 2005, and again in 2006. After finishing 26th at Sonoma for Go Green Racing, this weekend's event will mark the second and final race for Said behind the wheel of the #32 for the 2015 season. Genesee Brewing Co. will be the primary sponsor. The Genesee Brewery, based in Rochester, is the oldest brewery in New York state, and is part of North American Breweries. The brewery makes the classic Genesee line of beers, the Original Honey Brown Lager, the Dundee Ales & Lagers family of craft beers, as well as Seagram's Escapes.(Go Green Racing), see an image of the car on the #32 team paint schemes page.(8-5-2015)

  • Watkins Glen Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series will run the same Goodyear tire code (D-4590) on all four tire positions at Watkins Glen . . . this is the same tire these teams have run at The Glen since 2013 . . . Xfinity teams also ran this tire at Road America last season and are scheduled to do so at all three of their road course races this season . . . as on all NASCAR road courses, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Watkins Glen. Goodyear will also bring its wet weather radials (D-4215) to Watkins Glen for use by both Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series teams, should NASCAR decide that conditions warrant . . . Sprint Cup teams did not have to use the wet weather tires earlier this season at Sonoma, the first race with that possibility in the NASCAR rule book. . . Xfinity teams ran these wet weather tires at Road America last June.(Goodyear), see full notes, tire codes, tire pressures, set limits and more on the Watkins Glen Race Info page - Goodyear section.

  • Drissi in the #26 at Watkins Glen: JGL Racing announced that road racing champion, Tomy Drissi, will pilot the teams #26 JGL Racing Toyota Camry in Saturday's NASCAR XFINITY Series running of the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. Following a great run together at The Glen in 2014, Tomy will rejoin JGL Racing with the #26 Toyota Camry carrying the livery for Universal Picture's new release, Straight Outta Compton, the story of iconic recording group, NWA. Drissi will be making his seventh career NASCAR XFINITY start this weekend and it will be his third at The Glen. He also has a Sprint Cup Series start to his credit at the 2.45-mile road course layout. In addition to his NASCAR efforts, Drissi currently competes in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship which has included a second place finish in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.(Integrity Sports Marketing), see an image of the car on the #26 team paint schemes page.(8-5-2015)

  • No Cup race planned for Iowa: "It is not being discussed," Jimmy Small, Iowa Speedway President said. "I've never had a single conversation alluding to that possibility." The question of when is Iowa Speedway going to hold a NASCAR Sprint Cup race came bubbling back to the top over the weekend following the Speedway's final race weekend of the 2015 season. There was quite the buzz on social media from NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Saturday night. Those drivers took to Twitter after watching Ryan Blaney and the rest of the NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers compete in the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. "We got a great race on Saturday night - which is no different than almost every race here - and all the (Sprint Cup) drivers were watching it. They want to race here. Our fans want that (Sprint Cup) race here. We want what our fans want, so obviously, we are in support of it," Small said Tuesday afternoon. Those tweeted comments from drivers set off threads on each one's Twitter accounts. All talking up Iowa Speedway in Newton and the caliber of racing produced by the 7/8-mile track, plus which currect Sprint Cup race moved from a track to make room for Iowa. Small said there is no realistic consideration being given to bringing a Sprint Cup race to Iowa. Small said he is going to Daytona next week to wrap up the final plans for Iowa Speedway's 2016 season. "It is not a part of our 2016 schedule, but who's to say about the future. NASCAR and IndyCar do all of their scheduling on an annual basis," Small said. "They have to because they go into major markets and want to avoid huge conflicts with other sporting and non-sporting events across the country." Small was named Iowa Speedway president a month after the France family announced NASCAR purchased the race track in November 2013. The 29-year-old Small took the reins of a race track for the first time in his career with NASCAR. Small said he and NASCAR were very clear from the beginning that a Sprint Cup race was not part of the plan for Iowa Speedway. He said this investment was made by NASCAR because the Speedway was a great facility. A year ago in his mid-season state of the sport address at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR chairman/CEO Brian France said Iowa Speedway was not on the radar for a Sprint Cup race. "On Iowa, we don't have plans for a Cup date there," France said. "We're working with the state representatives and others to help us build racing in Iowa to the highest level that we can. They're doing a great job with us, and we couldn't be more pleased with the entire effort that the communities have made in and around Iowa."(Newton Daily News)(8-5-2015)


    News from August 4, 2015

  • Erik Jones to run some Cup races next season; full-time in future: Coach Joe Gibbs shed light on Erik Jones' NASCAR career arc Tuesday morning, saying that a full XFINITY Series schedule and some Sprint Cup events were planned for 2016. Gibbs, appearing on "The Morning Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, said that advancing the 19-year-old driver through the NASCAR development ladder was a top priority at Joe Gibbs Racing. "We look at Erik as a big part of our future," Gibbs told SiriusXM, "and we've got a plan laid out and it's not something we've talked about in public, but we all kind of know inside of our racing organization, and with his parents and his agent ... is just great. So we've talked over a plan, and basically the plan next year would be a full XFINITY season and try and run for a championship there and also to, in all likelihood, have him in some Cup races so that would be the goal for next year." Gibbs, 74, said plans to get Jones into a full-time ride are taking shape, though his organization currently stands at the NASCAR-mandated maximum of four teams, with Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth on the JGR driver roster. "We've got a plan laid out in the future, and it's something we can't, you know, we don't want to talk about now, but there is no question -- this guy, Erik's headed for Cup," Gibbs said with a laugh. "He's headed for Cup and we've got a path charted that we think is the best to get him ready and to fulfill his goal of being in a Cup car as quick as we can get him there."(NASCAR.com)(8-4-2015)

  • Road Course Wins: All-Time(3 or more wins)
    Driver, Wins
    Jeff Gordon, 9*
    Tony Stewart, 7*
    Bobby Allison, 6
    Richard Petty, 6
    Ricky Rudd, 6
    Rusty Wallace, 6
    Dan Gurney, 5
    Tim Richmond, 5
    Darrell Waltrip, 5
    Kyle Busch, 4*
    David Pearson, 4
    Mark Martin, 4
    Geoff Bodine, 3
    Tim Flock, 3
    Ernie Irvan, 3
    Cale Yarborough, 3
    * active (8-4-2015)

  • Top 10 Driver Ratings at Watkins Glen:
    #14-Tony Stewart............................. 120.4
    #18-Kyle Busch............................... 108.4
    #47-AJ Allmendinger........................ 100.5
    #48-Jimmie Johnson........................ 100.1
    #2-Brad Keselowski......................... 97.5
    #19-Carl Edwards.............................. 95.0
    #41-Kurt Busch.................................. 94.3
    #78-Martin Truex Jr............................ 90.7
    #4-Kevin Harvick.............................. 89.0
    #24-Jeff Gordon................................ 85.7
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2014 races (10 total) among active drivers at Watkins Glen International. Formula combining the following categories: Win, Finish, Top-15 Finish, Average Running Position while on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish. Maximum: 150 points per race.
    See an explanation how the Driver Rating is calculated at NASCAR.com.(NASCAR)(8-4-2015)

  • Kyle Busch skipping Watkins Glen XFINITY race: Kyle Busch won't compete in that event this week as he continues to recover from injuries he suffered at the start of the season. Boris Said will drive Busch's car in the Xfinity race. Busch broke his right leg and left foot in a crash in the season-opening Xfinity race at Daytona International Speedway in February. The only road course he has run this year was at Sonoma Raceway, winning the Sprint Cup race there. Busch was scheduled to compete in the Xfinity race at Watkins Glen this weekend but car owner Joe Gibbs said the decision was made to change his schedule. "He feels like Watkins Glen is more of a challenge than Sonoma," Gibbs said. "I feel like there's times when I get out of the car just putting weight back in my feet sometimes it hurts after race days and stuff like that," he said. "With Watkins Glen coming up (this) week, that's going to be another hard one to get through. That's going to be a tough challenge for myself and the left foot, but we'll make it and I'm sure we'll be okay just like Sonoma. It will be sore on Monday afterwards and we'll continue to ice it and make it feel better."(NBC Sports)(8-4-2015)

  • F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton "but I'd like to do a NASCAR race": Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted his first love was not cars but motorbikes. And the Mercedes ace revealed when he got the first go-kart at the age of eight that began his incredible journey to race car stardom - he really wanted to be on two wheels not four. The 30-year-old is set to become one of the greatest car racers of all time and the last round of the world championship in Hungary extended his lead over title rival Nico Rosberg to 21 points. "When I was a kid I wanted to race motorbikes," said Hamilton. "When my dad bought me my first go-kart I actually wanted a motorbike. I'm not disappointed how things have turned out but bikes were my first love I suppose. I'd also love to test a MotoGP bike just to see what it's like. Naturally I'd know the lines but I'd love to know if I could even do it." Hamilton has become a true global sports star jetting almost weekly between London, his home in Monaco and Los Angeles. And it is in America where his other racing ambitions lie with the country's premier saloon car series immortalised by Tom Cruise's move Days of Thunder. "I'd really like to do a NASCAR race one day," added Hamilton.(The Mirror)(8-4-2015)

  • Team Xtreme Racing reports man pleads guilty in theft: The now defunct Sprint Cup Series #44 Team Xtreme Racing The team took to their Twitter account Monday afternoon to announce the man arrested for the theft, Jason Terry, pleaded guilty. Team owner Johnathan Cohen confirmed to FOXSports.com he learned of the guilty plea from the district attorney's office, but did want to make any further statements on the issue. The original incident occurred on Feb. 27 when the team's truck, trailer and No. 44 Sprint Cup car were stolen from a Georgia hotel parking lot. Police found the team's Chevrolet Sprint Cup car the following day, while the truck was also later found. The trailer and spare racing parts were not found when the Morrow (Georgia) Police Department issued a warrant for a person of interest on March 9. On March 12, news broke that Cohen faced legal issues of his own. The team withdrew from the March 29 race at Martinsville Speedway and has not attempted another race since.(FoxSports)(8-4-2015)

  • BMS and Chevy Invite Fans To Join First Bristol Black Out: In the AC/DC song, on the Intimidator's legendary #3 Chevy, on the track walls at Bristol Motor Speedway, black is back. It's the color of power, chosen for Chevrolet's 2015 Midnight Silverado Special Edition, and in honor of the Bristol Blackout Powered by Chevrolet, BMS is encouraging the thousands of guests attending the August 22 IRWIN Tools Night Race (ITNR) to wear their favorite NASCAR driver's t-shirt in black. Sleek, sinister, and ready to work, the Midnight Silverado Special Edition will be out in force at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) this August. In honor of the "Bristol Blackout Powered by Chevrolet," a fleet of the all-black 2015 Midnight Silverado Special Edition trucks will star in the ITNR, shuttling all 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racers during the driver introductions and parade. An additional fleet of black 2015 Silverado 2500 HD's will power the free tram service on Speedway property and sustain the grueling workloads of BMS Operations. Race fans wishing to be a part of BMS's pre-race ceremonies are encouraged to visit BristolBlackout.com to win two tickets to the legendary ITNR and one of two opportunities to wheel a Sprint Cup Series driver around the World's Fastest Half-Mile in the Midnight Silverado Special Edition truck. Forty-one additional winners also will receive two tickets to the race and the opportunity to cruise in the cab of a truck hauling a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver during the parade lap. In Bristol Motor Speedway's display lot, a limited supply of free black Bowtie t-shirts will be available at the Chevrolet fan interactive unit. Other limited-edition blackout t-shirts are available for purchase at the BMS Speedway World and souvenir stands around the track and in the new Fanatics air-conditioned merchandise tent. For more details on the promotion or the Bristol Blackout Powered by Chevrolet visit BristolBlackout.com or call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(8-4-2015)

  • Deadline Approaching for 2015 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Combine: Aspiring drivers have one month left to apply for the 2015 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Combine. Young drivers of ethnically diverse backgrounds and females must submit their online application by September 4th in order to be considered for the 12th Annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) Combine, Oct. 19-21 at Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA. A select number of applicants will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the 2016 NASCAR D4D class in partnership with Rev Racing. Each year the NASCAR Drive for Diversity initiative and its competition arm, Rev Racing, seek to obtain the highest quality of applicants representing diverse backgrounds and develop them into successful NASCAR drivers. Combine participants will be evaluated on their driving skills and will also be tested on a series of strength and agility exercises at Hampton University. The NASCAR D4D Combine - being held at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, for the fifth consecutive year - has been the proving ground for several current NASCAR national series drivers, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson, and NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Darrell Wallace Jr. and Daniel Suarez.
    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
    Applicants must meet the following requirements:
    Be a female or member of one or more of the following ethnic minority classifications:
    Black or of Black African descent, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaskan, of Native/Indigenous descent, two or more races (not Hispanic or Latino); or all persons who identify with more than one of these races
    Be at least 15 years of age, but no older than 26 years of age as of October 15th of the present year
    Be legally eligible to work in the United States; drivers from foreign countries are welcome to apply. If the applicant is not already a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien, then the applicant must be legally capable of traveling to the designated location in the United States to participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine. Applicants must also be able to obtain necessary authorization to accept employment in the United States if selected to participate in the D4D program.
    The deadline to be considered for the 2015 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine is September 4, 2015. Potential drivers can access the participant application online at revracing.net/combine-application.(8-4-2015)

  • Precision Performance Motorsports to debut at Watkins Glen: Precision Performance Motorsports announced Brandon Gdovic will be driving the #55 WindStax Wind Power Systems, Fronius USA Chevry Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen this weekend. Gdovic, a veteran in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, had 2 successful starts earlier this year in the Xfinity series with Viva Motorsports and is. Brandon is currently running the full Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Series at various North American road courses and showed his potential having finished first in both of his starts in the AM division at Laguna Seca and Watkins Glen earlier this year. The #55 team will be led by crew chief Mark Setzer. Setzer has 20 plus years of motorsports experience including; Driver, Crew member, and Crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Sprint Cup Series. Chris Bohlman, who also made the transition from Viva Motorsports to PPM, will serve as car chief. Gdovic's #55 Chevy Camaro will be sponsored by WindStax Wind Power Systems, a longtime partner of his #46 car in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and returning sponsor, Fronius USA.(Precision Performance Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #55 team paint schemes page.(8-4-2015)

  • Crest Toothpaste and Whitestrips to sponsor Larson in two races: Chip Ganassi Racing Teams announced a partnership with Procter & Gamble and their brand Crest, a trusted leader in oral health care. Crest will partner with 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Kyle Larson on the #42 HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi Chevrolet Camaro for two NASCAR XFINITY Series races at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, Aug. 8 and in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday, Nov. 21. In addition, Crest will be an associate partner on the #1 Chevrolet SS driven by Jamie McMurray for the NSCS races at WGI and Homestead-Miami. In subsequent years, Procter & Gamble will continue be part of both CGRT's NASCAR and IndyCar racing programs.(Chip Ganassi Racing), see an image of the car on the #42 team paint schemes page.(8-4-2015)

  • Iowa TV Ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Iowa drew 1.0 million viewers on NBCSN Saturday night, down 22% from last year (1.3M) and down 31% from 2013 (1.5M), both on ESPN. Excluding rainouts, the race ranks as the least-watched Xfinity Series telecast of the season - falling below the previous mark set by Richmond in April (1.07M to 1.04M).(Sports Media Watch)(8-4-2015)

  • Cheez-Its on the #6 at Watkins Glen: The #6 Ford Mustang of Bubba Wallace carries the Cheez-It colors this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Cheez-It is the title sponsor for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at the Glen. Roush Fenway teammate Greg Biffle will also carry the Cheez-It colors this weekend.(Roush Fenway Racing), see an image of the car on the #6 team paint schemes page.(8-4-2015)

  • Boris Said returns to the #54: This week Boris Said makes his third 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series start in the seat of the #54 Monster Energy Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry. The 52-year old Carlsbad, California native is a longtime NASCAR racing veteran who will pilot the JGR Toyota this weekend and again at upcoming road course XFINITY series events at the Mid Ohio Sportscar Course on August 15 and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on August 29. Across 10 years of NASCAR XFINITY Series racing Said has recorded 24 races in all three of NASCAR's top three series at Watkins Glen International. In his first #54 Toyota Camry run in May at the famed 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway, Said started from a strong fifth-place qualifying run, ran as high as first place among series veterans and completed the event in 16th-place after serving a NASCAR imposed penalty on the team at race start. His next #54 Camry run came at Iowa Speedway in Newton, in June, where he started in the 22nd position and battled the 7/8-mile oval for a 26th-place finish.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(8-4-2015)


    News from August 3, 2015

  • Entry List for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Boris Said, #33-Kennedy, #34-Chris Buescher, #62-TJ Bell, #95-McDowell, #98-Hill.
    Drivers who need to be in the top-36 in speed and have no provisional available to them (lowest in owners points): #62-Bell
    Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): #95-McDowell
    See the full entry list on Jayski.com's Watkins Glen Entry List

  • Kurt Busch staying at Stewart-Haas Racing: Gene Haas says he and Kurt Busch had a "handshake deal" that enable Busch to drive the #41 Haas Automation Chevy beyond this season. "Kurt Busch is one of those unique personalities," Haas said. "We're in the process (of re-signing)....three weeks ago, we had a handshake deal that he would come back. But we're still working on his contract, too. So we expect him to be back. We expect to have more sponsors for him. We expect a lot of things and when it all sorts out, we'll have an announcement then."
    "I really enjoy driving for Gene and Tony, and it's my intention to continue driving for them," Kurt told Motorsport.com. "My focus right now is finishing the regular season strong, then going for a championship."(Motorsport)(8-3-2015)

  • NASCAR could extend pit wall at Pocono: NASCAR expects changes will be made at Pocono Raceway to try to avoid pit road accidents such as the ones that occurred Saturday and Sunday, when cars hit the wall that separates the pit stalls from the crews. "We'll work with the track," NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said Monday morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (listen to audio here). "We already have got a plan in place to look at extending that pit wall. We certainly have got to make sure that by doing that you put the proper protection for the race cars and the drivers coming off of [the turn]." O'Donnell said NASCAR has the crash data -- cars are equipped with recording systems that NASCAR can download after a race to determine impacts -- and will use it to help determine a plan. "It's easy to say just extend the wall, but if you do that and do that at the wrong angle, you can cause more problems with cars coming off [the turn] at a high rate of speed," O'Donnell said. NASCAR's sanction agreement with tracks dictates that the series can require any changes it wants in order to have a race at the track. NASCAR typically works with tracks to make sure any changes don't cause additional problems for other series that compete there.(ESPN)(8-3-2015)

  • Both crewman for Keselowski OK after serious pit road accident: Sunday in Pocono had a few mishaps on pit road and the accident involving #2-Brad Keselowski and his pit crew was one of them. On lap 52, the second round of pit stops were taking place under green. Keselowski came into his box, locked his brakes up, and ended up plowing through his pit box taking out a few of his crew members in his path. The first to get his was Jack man Braxton Brannon. "I saw him lock his brakes up and I knew I couldn't make it across to the other side so I just braced for impact and tried to protect myself." The jack man is always the first across the car and in bad situations the first to get hit. At almost the exact same time that Brannon was hit, front tire carrier Jeremy Ogles went flying into the windshield and down the hood of the car. "I usually stay a good ways behind my changer so that I can place the front hose where it needs to be. As soon as I saw the car sliding in I knew I was getting hit. I let go of the tire and tried to ride out the impact on the hood. It all happened so fast it was hard to react." Both Brannon and Ogles are veterans of the #2 car and managed to finish the race. After the race they were taken to infield care for precautionary evaluations and released.(Pit Talks)(8-3-2015)

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Laps Led Leaders:
    (after Pocono, 21 of 36 races)
    1. #4-Kevin Harvick, 1,362
    2. #41-Kurt Busch, 721 (18 races)
    3. #22-Joey Logano, 631
    4. #78-Martin Truex Jr., 492
    5. #48-Jimmie Johnson, 467
    6. #2-Brad Keselowski, 380
    7. #11-Denny Hamlin, 366
    8. #18-Kyle Busch, 321 (10 races)
    9. #19-Carl Edwards, 242
    10. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 203
    5,782 total laps run.(8-3-2015)

  • NASCAR, Las Vegas renew agreement to Host NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards: NASCAR announced that the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards - and all of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week - will return to Las Vegas in 2015 as part of a renewed partnership with the destination. The agreement ensures that Las Vegas will continue hosting the week-long celebration, offering fans and industry members a chance to see the sport's stars and congratulate the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion.
    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards will headline NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week at Wynn Las Vegas on December 4, 2015. The 16th annual DAYTONA Rising / NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum, hosted by SportsBusiness Journal, will kick off NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week festivities at The Mirage on December 1-2.
    "We've had a great experience in Las Vegas and are very pleased to extend our partnership with the city," said NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps. "Las Vegas has consistently set the stage for a vibrant, exciting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week, when the sport looks back on the season and toasts its newest Champion."
    NASCAR began hosting its premier series awards show in Las Vegas in 2009 following a 28-year run in New York City. Since then, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards and Champion's Week has hosted events at over 30 venues along the famous Las Vegas Strip, drawing the sport's top drivers and an assortment of high-profile musical and celebrity guests.
    "We are thrilled that NASCAR and Las Vegas will continue their strong and successful partnership as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week return for the seventh year," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "Each year this event gets bigger and better, and Las Vegas provides the ultimate backdrop to this unrivaled experience in the most exciting city in the world."
    For the first time, the DAYTONA Rising / NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum will expand to a third day and make its debut at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, providing sports industry executives an inside look at the newly completed DAYTONA Rising project. The DAYTONA Rising / NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum has established itself as the premier event where thought leaders both in and out of the racing community gather to discuss, debate and share insights that impact the future of racing. Registration is required at MotorsportsMarketingForum.com, and more details on the agenda will be shared in the weeks and months ahead.
    "We're very happy to expand our 2015 NASCAR Motorsports Marketing program to include a Daytona component on February 17, given how much excitement there is surrounding the DAYTONA Rising project," said Richard Weiss, Publisher of SportsBusiness Journal. "It's a win-win combination for attendees who will join in our December Motorsports Marketing Forum discussions in Las Vegas who will now also be able to get an insider's perspective on the Daytona International Speedway project."
    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards will air on NBCSN beginning at 9:00pm/et. MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will carry the awards show live at 8:00pm/et.(NASCAR)(8-3-2015)

  • Logano dominates Pocono, then runs out of fuel: #22-Joey Logano dominated Sunday's Windows 10 400 at Pocono Raceway, leading 97 of the 160 laps before running out of fuel while leading with just three laps to go and eventually finishing 20th. With fuel strategy likely to decide the winner of the race, Crew Chief Todd Gordon called Logano to pit road for the final time on lap 123, leaving 37 laps to the finish. Logano would again find his way to the front and pull to a big lead before Gordon ordered Logano to start saving fuel. With many of the front runners saving gas, Logano continued to hold a commanding lead while in fuel conservation mode. However, with just three laps to go and while in the lead, Logano ran out of fuel on the back stretch and coasted to the pits, losing the top spot. Logano then got a speeding penalty while coasting in to get gas, relegating him to 20th as the checkers flew. Logano Quote: "I guess our numbers, from what Todd said, was good enough to make it by a half a lap. I was saving fuel just to cushion it. I thought I was going to be good and then I started running out and knew we weren't going to make it. It was tough. We did everything right today. We had such a fast Shell Pennzoil Ford and got clean air and stayed up there and the pit crew did awesome on pit road and kept me up where I needed to. We keep getting so close to these wins and they don't happen and it is so frustrating. The truth is that is if we keep racing hard and racing to the front we will win races. We were so close. You are counting down the laps in your head thinking you are going to make it but just didn't do it. I am so proud still of what we did today and it was a great weekend and we are happy about the speed we have in our cars and the way we executed, we just have to figure out why we didn't have enough gas."(Team Penske)(8-3-2015)

  • Kyle Busch runs out of fuel with 1/2 lap to go while leading: #18-Kyle Busch was leading the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on the final lap, heading towards his 4th consecutive race win, when his #18 Crispy M&M's Toyota ran out of fuel. Busch finished 21st, down one lap, leaving Busch 13 points out of the top 30 in driver points and a spot in the Chase. Busch's comments:
    Q) How disappointed are you not to get your fourth straight win after running out of fuel on the final lap leading the race?
    Busch: "Yeah, that was it. I didn't know we were that close. Normally when we're close or that close I get harped on pretty hard to save fuel. They were just telling me to save just to not put too much pressure on the car and everything else. Man, that's a bummer. I wish I would've saved a little more there that last run. I wish I would've known that the 22 (Joey Logano) was that far away from making it. He was way far away from making it. Man, that was just a shame that we weren't able to get it done there. But, this M&M's Crispy Camry again I can't thank my guys enough -- Adam Stevens (crew chief) and everybody. We've got fast race cars right now so congratulations to Matt Kenseth for winning today for Joe Gibbs Racing and everybody at home can continue the celebration although it's not the right JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) car for the 18 it's certainly good for the company."
    Q) How are you feeling about qualifying for the Chase as you are 13 points out of 30th place in the point standings?
    Busch: "Was I in before we ran out? We would be celebrating a win and a Chase berth. We got greedy, I don't know how greedy but that's the position we're in. If it came down to other things that we haven't had the success that we've had here lately we would've had to have pitted and just made the opportunity of it and made the best finish that we could. But, we went for broke today and come up a little bit short so can't fault the team."
    Did you think you had enough fuel to earn your fourth consecutive victory?
    Busch: "I thought it was. I didn't know we were that short on making it on fuel and by the time I got notice that the 22 (Joey Logano) was going to run out. He was pretty much out, but by then to try to save that much gas in the last three laps of the race that just wasn't going to be feasible. I didn't know we were that close. I wish that maybe I had a little bit better heads up but I can't fault these guys for trying and going for broke. We're in the position we're in for a reason and that's because of fast race cars and today we probably could've made a few different choices there through the last run and made it and won this thing again but that just wasn't to be. This M&M's Crispy Camry was awesome today though. Really fast car. I thought I was faster than Joey (Logano), I just couldn't get there in traffic. I got real loose behind him and the closer I would get to him so I just couldn't make anything of it."
    Q) Do you think you are okay being 13 points out of 30th in the point standings?
    Busch: "Ah, we're fine. If I would've won today we'd be in and celebrating a win and a Chase berth."(Toyota Racing)(8-3-2015)

  • Pocono Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2015 Windows 10 400: For those 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 1:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:07 PM (all times are EST). NBCSN was the broadcast team for this event.
    Total number of commercials: 118
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 56
    Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 93
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 52
    Number of 'Side-by-Side' commercials during race broadcast (split-screen): 25
    Total number of companies or entities advertised: 22
    Number of times NBCSN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 5
    Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 75
    Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 50 sec.
    Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:30 PM
    End time to record race/commercial periods: 5:07 PM
    Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 217
    Minutes of race broadcast: 178
    Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 39
    Minutes of 'Side-by-Side' commercials (split-screen): 12
    Number of missed restarts: 0 but two close calls
    Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
    Total race brdcst time 178 Total comm. brdcst time 39
    See full reports, sponsor links, many more details at CawsnJaws.com.(8-3-2015)

  • Sadler to JR Motorsports in 2016? Motorsport.com has learned that OneMain Financial and Elliott Sadler will move over to JR Motorsports at the conclusion of this season. OneMain Financial, a personal loan financial company, will move to JR Motorsports in 2016 where it is expected to sponsor driver Elliott Sadler fulltime in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, multiple sources confirmed to Motorsport.com on Monday. Sadler has not yet signed with JRM, sources said, but is expected to join the organization next season. OneMain has sponsored Sadler in the Xfinity Series since the 2011 season. A JR Motorsports spokesman said the organization's 2016 Xfinity Series plans have not been finalized as of yet. A spokesman for Roush-Fenway Racing (RFR) said the organization would have no comment.(Motorsport)(8-3-2015)

  • Self to drive more races for JD Motorsports: From the JD Motorsports Facebook page, "Michael Self Racing has signed on to run a few more races with us this season. For the next two weeks at Watkins Glen International and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Self will be racing the #0 Chevy in an effort to help us step up our road course program. Self is a road course expert having been a road course instructor since 2009. Rookie driver Harrison Rhodes will be back in the #0 at Bristol. Self will also run Road America and Kentucky with us, with the car number to be determined. We'd like to thank everyone for the support they've shown Self this past week, and we hope we'll be able to build on our strong Iowa run over the next few weeks!".(8-3-2015)

  • Coughlin joins KBM for Michigan: Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Cody Coughlin is teaming with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) for his next start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The 19 year-old will pilot the #54 Tundra in the Careers For Veterans 200 at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, August 15. Coughlin has been a stand-out in the Late Model ranks in the Midwest. Coughlin won the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour championship in 2013, and has won races at prestigious tracks such as Indiana's Winchester Speedway and Florida's New Smyrna Speedway. While still running Late Model races when he can, Coughlin has some time running with the ARCA Racing Series on a part-time basis. Coughlin has won two poles (Chicagoland Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway), had a career-best second place effort at Talladega Speedway this spring and nearly won in his first attempt on a road course. The Delaware, Ohio native has scored five top five and 11 top 10 finishes in 17 career starts. Coughlin has one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start under his belt so far. Rain washed away all practice and qualifying, but Coughlin was still able to score a top 20 finish even after having never run a lap in a truck before taking the green flag.(See an image of the truck on the #54 Team Paint Schemes page)(Kyle Busch Motorsports)(8-3-2015)


    News from August 2, 2015

  • Matt Kenseth wins at Pocono: #20-Matt Kenseth won the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 2nd win of the season, 1st win at Pocono and 33rd career win.
    #2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #24-Gordon, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson, #47-Allmendinger, #15-Bowyer, #14-Stewart and #19-Edwards.
    #22-Logano led 97 laps and looked like he would cruise to the win but ran out of fuel with two laps to go. Logano was able to get to pit road and refueled, finishing 20th on the lead lap.
    #18-Busch led 19 laps and was leading on the white flag lap when his car ran out of fuel, stopping just past the entrance of pit road, finishing 21st, down a lap.
    Busch is 32nd in drivers points, only 13 points out of 30th (to get in the Chase).
    On lap 4 #5-Kahne spun off turn 3 and hit the inside pit road wall hard. The race was red flagged for 14:33 so track workers could make repairs to the wall.
    #4-Harvick, the points leader, had an engine blow on lap 20 and finished 42nd. Harvick's points lead is now 46 points over #22-Logano.
    There were 18 lead changes among 13 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 32 yellow flag laps.
    The average speed was 132.159mph.
    See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-2-2015)

  • Race Fast Facts - Pocono:
    #20-Matt Kenseth won the 42nd Annual Windows 10 400 , his 33rd victory in 565 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
    This is his second victory and 13th top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and 12th top-10 finish in 32 races at Pocono Raceway. Kenseth's previous best Pocono finish was third in June of 2003.
    #2-Brad Keselowski (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 12 races at Pocono Raceway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2015.
    #24-Jeff Gordon (third) posted his 32nd top-10 finish in 46 races at Pocono Raceway.
    #4-Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 46 points over #22-Joey Logano.
    (NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-2-2015)

  • 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup CHASE Standings:
    [after Pocono, race 21 of 36]
    (by wins, then by points standings)
    1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins](4th in driver points)
    2) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins](1st)
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins](3rd)
    4) #20-Matt Kenseth [2 wins](7th)
    5) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins](8th)
    (above drivers have clinched a berth in the Chase)
    5) #22-Joey Logano [1 win](2nd)
    6) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win](5th)
    7) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win](6th)
    9) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win](11th)
    10) #19-Carl Edwards [1 win](16th)
    [would be in the Chase via points standings]
    11) #1-Jamie McMurray, +97 ahead of 17th in driver points
    12) #24-Jeff Gordon, +83
    13) #27-Paul Menard, +57
    14) #31-Ryan Newman, +50
    15) #15-Clint Bowyer, +40
    16) #5-Kasey Kahne, +25
    [currently out of the Chase]
    17) #43-Aric Almirola, -25
    [has a win but not in the top 30 in drivers points to make Chase]
    32) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 318, 13 pts out of 30th
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-2-2015)

  • Top-10 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Points Standings:
    [after Pocono, race 21 of 36]
    1) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins], 780
    2) #22-Joey Logano [1 win], 734, -46
    3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins], 717, -63
    4) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins], 713, -67
    5) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 694, -86
    6) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win], 681, -99
    7) #20-Matt Kenseth [2 wins], 662, -118
    8) #1-Jamie McMurray, 631, -149
    9) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins], 620, -160
    10) #24-Jeff Gordon, 617, -166
    (ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
    See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).

    See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(8-2-2015)

  • Pocono Rookie of the Year Race Results & Points:
    #83-Matt DiBenedetto, finished 29th, 11 rookie points
    #34-Brett Moffitt, finished 31st, 10 rookie points
    #26-Jeb Burton, finished 35th, 9 rookie point
    #33-Alex Kennedy, finished 38th, 8 rookie point
    #66-Tanner Berryhill, did not race, neither team nor driver entered
    (8-2-2015)

  • NASCAR has scheduled a competition caution for lap 15 at Pocono for the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race due to cleaning of the tunnel turn. Teams can pit beforehand, but cannot fuel the cars.(8-2-2015)

  • Pocono Sunday Pre-Race Schedule:
    11:30am: NSCS Driver/Crew Chief Meeting
    1pm: NSCS Driver Introductions
    1:22pm: Skydivers land on front stretch S/F line
    1:30pm: Presentation of Colors: West Point Garrison, MP Company Honor Guard
    1:30:20: Invocation by: Billy Mauldin, President and CEO of Motor Racing Outreach
    1:31pm: National Anthem by: Alyssa Golden
    1:32:45pm: Flyby: 2 CV-22's, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, FL
    1:37:45pm: "Driver's, Start Your Engines"
    1:46pm: Green Flag - Start of the Windows 10 400
    eastern time (NASCAR.com)

  • Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Accident Quotes: #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. commented on the accident he was involved in at Pocono Raceway on lap 27 during thew Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race. Stenhouse Jr. finished 41st.
    "Everything was happening real fast. I saw the 9 in turn three run up the track and I thought he just got loose and everything was fine but getting into turn one the car in front of me ducked out at the last minute and there was the 9 sitting and I got on the brakes really hard. I think it got on the splitter and couldn't go left or right and just ran right into him. It is not a good day for us. I thought I had a car that could pass some other cars and we did that until that yellow and then we got shuffled back. It is a tough way to end the day that way. We thought we would have a better day than that. I guess the 9 missed a shift or something and I wasn't aware of it until the 35 or one of the other cars pulled out real quick and there was the 9 sitting there. By the time I reacted it was just too late and I ran right back into him."
    Q) HOW INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING HAS THIS WEEKEND BEEN FOR YOU?
    Stenhouse Jr.: "Yeah, it has been really bad. We started off really slow and struggling with the handing of our cars. We got it better at the end of final practice and made it up to 27th there during that caution and then we came in and took fuel and were coming back through there and get involved in that wreck. It is a frustrating weekend and a frustrating year but we will continue to work to get our cars better and continue to plug away."(Ford Racing)(8-2-2015)

  • Harvick comments on early exit at Pocono: #4-Kevin Harvick commented being out of the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on lap 20 after engine failure:
    Q) DID YOU KNOW YOU HAD AN ISSUE?
    Harvick: "Yeah, coming around Turn 2 I knew some issues but didn't realize they were going to be that big. But, all in all, I'm just really proud of my team. The car was fast. You'll have days like this."
    WERE THEY MAYBE PUSHING THE ENGINE IN LOOKING AHEAD TO THE CHASE?
    Harvick: "I have no idea. That would be a great question for the engine shop. But, I don't think that's the case."(Team Chevy)(8-2-2015)

  • Kasey Kahne comments on accident at Pocono: #5-Kasey Kahne commented on the accident he was involved in at Pocono Raceway on lap 3 during thew Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race when Kahne lost control of the car in Turn 3 and crashed into pit wall on Lap 3, doing damage to the wall that red flagged the race for almost 15 minutes. Kahne finished 43rd/last.
    Q) WHAT HAPPENED THERE TO START THE INCIDENT?
    Kahne: "I just got loose. It was late exit and a lot later than I would have expected. That's why I ended up so far down pit road and that was crazy because I have never ended up there. Yeah, I just got loose and basically spun and that was it. I tried saving it to try and avoid running into the wall, pit wall then ended up hitting the one on the left and not the one on the right. It's been a rough last month for our Aquafina team. I am not sure why that happened and what happened so quickly there."
    Q) WHEN YOU ARE SLIDING LIKE THAT TOWARD PIT WALL DO YOUR THOUGHTS IMMEDIATELY GO TOWARD THOSE BEHIND PIT WALL?
    Kahne: "Well, first of all I couldn't believe I was clear over here this late in the corner and then all the way to the left heading towards pit wall. Then I saw the people and I thought to myself that those guys need to take off running and get out of the way. I didn't know. I hadn't done anything like that before so it was kind of crazy the way it all happened. I don't know why were so far up and what the deal was right there."
    Q) IS THERE A PARTICULAR REASON YOU CRASHED IN THAT PLACE ON THE TRACK?
    Kahne: "I just got loose really late, so far off the corner. A really late exit. I'm not sure why or what happened. It just jumped out. You're so far off the corner, to slow slide and get so far down pit road, it was crazy. I've never ended up over there like that. I don't know why that was. I couldn't believe when the No. 26 (Jeb Burton) did earlier this weekend and then I did, probably further down than what he did."
    Q) WERE YOU AFRAID OF HITTING ANYBODY?
    Kahne: "I wasn't afraid I hit anyone because it threw me right back off the wall. But I was hoping that everybody saw me coming. I was coming fairly fast.
    Q) ARE YOU OKAY?
    Kahne: 'Yeah, I'm fine."
    Q) WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THIS RACE AND THE POINT SITUATION?
    Kahne: "Yeah, that's really bad for points. It's bad for just our team to lose a car that quickly into this race. And the last month has been really bad. And that was worse. So, I don't know what the deal is right there and what happened. I just lost it. Late exit. Got loose. Spun."(Team Chevy)(8-2-2012)

  • Pocono Raceway Race Notes & Facts - Sunday:
    · There have been 75 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Pocono Raceway, one race from 1974 through 1981, and two per year since.
    · Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins at Pocono in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 17: Jeff Gordon (six), Tim Richmond (three), Jimmie Johnson (three), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two), Kasey Kahne (one), Geoff Bodine (one) and Terry Labonte (one).
    · Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Pocono; led by Chevrolet with 31 victories; followed by Ford with 21 and Toyota has three.
    · Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway was the July 23, 2000 race won by Rusty Wallace over Jeff Burton with a MOV of 0.126 seconds.
    · There have been three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Pocono Raceway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): spring of 2005 (200/201); fall of 2005 (200/203); spring of 2010 (200/204).
    · Six of the 75 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Pocono Raceway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 8/5/2012.
    (NASCAR)(8-2-2015)

  • Kaufmann talks to the press:
    A brief statement by Michael Waltrip Racing co-owner Rob Kauffman raised more questions than it provided answers about the future of MWR. Earlier in the week, a statement released by MWR indicated Kaufmann was buying into Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, fueling speculation that driver Clint Bowyer and sponsor 5-Hour Energy would move to Ganassi. Standing behind the hauler of the #55 MWR Toyota driven by David Ragan, however, Kauffman gave the impression that co-owner Michael Waltrip was somehow involved in the process and that there might be synergy between the two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series organizations. "First and foremost, the thing that's important to realize is that Michael Waltrip and I co-own Michael Waltrip Racing together," Kauffman said. "We're business partners and great personal friends, so any idea that I'm leaving or taking anything is actually misplaced. What we're actually doing is integrating the businesses, trying to get the most competitive product on track, do the best for all of our partners-that's really our focus. It's a competitive business, as everybody knows. It's competitive on track as well as off track." Kauffman indicated there are many details still to be determined. "In terms of our plans, whether we have three cars, four cars, two roofs, one roof-that's all yet to be determined, and how we do in the 2015 season will help determine whether that happens," Kauffman said. "If we do a great job, that'll be one outcome. If we do a less great job, probably another." Kauffman stepped into the hauler without taking questions from the throng of reporters clustered outside.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-2-2015)

  • Man uninjured after being clipped by Johnson's Chevy in garage area: A male was uninjured after he was clipped by Jimmie Johnson's car in the garage area during Saturday morning's first NASCAR Sprint Cup practice at Pocono Raceway. A Hendrick Motorsports spokesperson said that Johnson described the incident as a "scary moment.'' The Hendrick spokesperson also said that Johnson was shaken after the incident. The person hit had a hard card credential - given to those who regularly work in the garage area. He got up quickly and told Johnson he was uninjured. NASCAR was made aware of the incident. WWe are always looking at maintaining a safe environment, both on and around the track and in the garage area,'' NASCAR spokesperson Kerry Tharp said. "We've been made aware of this incident. We're certainly glad that everybody is OK. Obviously safety of our drivers, teams, crews and fans is top priority.''(NBC)(8-1-2015)

  • Truex Jr. Tries For First Sweep Of Season At Pocono: When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Pocono Raceway on Sunday - its second repeat track on the schedule - June Pocono winner #78-Martin Truex Jr. will attempt to become the eighth driver to sweep the "Tricky Triangle." Last season, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. notched one of two track sweeps with his two wins at Pocono. #4-Kevin Harvick recorded the second sweep at Phoenix. The other six drivers to win both Pocono races were Denny Hamlin (2006), Jimmie Johnson (2004), Bobby Labonte (1999), Tim Richmond (1986), Bill Elliott (1985) and Bobby Allison (1982). Bobby Allison (1982 sweep and spring 1983) and Tim Richmond (1986 sweep and spring 1987) are the only drivers to win three consecutive Pocono races.(NASCAR)(8-2-2015)

  • Race Lodging Offers Affordable Accommodations For Bristol, Martinsville Races: Race fans searching for lodging in Bristol and Martinsville, Va., have a simple choice for affordable accommodations close to the tracks: Race Lodging LLC. Race Lodging, which has been serving race fans for more than a decade, has options for most any budget in either Bristol or Martinsville for each track's NASCAR Sprint Cup races this fall. "We take great pride in working with race fans and doing everything we can to find them the accommodations they need," said Aleeta Gent, owner of Race Lodging, LLC and All Journeys Travel. "We want to make sure that when someone gets to town for a race they can enjoy themselves without having any problems with lodging." In Bristol, Race Lodging offers lodging in private homes, hotels and Race Day Center Condos, which are located across the street from Bristol Motor Speedway. There are a wide range of choices in private homes, from renting a single bedroom in a house to multi-bedroom executive level homes and most everything in between. One, two and three-bedroom units are available at Race Day Condos. Full-hookup campsites are also available at Race Day Center.
    In Martinsville Race Lodging has a wide range of private homes available for rent, again ranging from one bedroom accommodations to multi-bedroom homes. In both the Martinsville and Bristol areas Race Lodging can handle booking hotel rooms for the upcoming races. Race Lodging's sister company, All Journeys Travel, can help provide turnkey travel arrangements for both Bristol and Martinsville, including flight, car rental and hotel. For more information, call 423.764.5454 or visit online at www.racelodging.com (Bristol) or www.martinsvilleracelodging.com (Martinsville).(PR)(8-3-2015)


    News from August 1, 2015

  • Race Coverage of the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2015.
    Television (TV): NBCSN at 1:30 pm/et; Countdown to Green pre-race 1:00pm/et; green flag approx. 1:48pm/et
    Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
    Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, August 3 at 3:00pm/et on NBCSN (NASCAR 120)

  • Happy Hour practice for the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #18-Busch 175.240
    #41-Busch 175.067
    #19-Edwards 174.920
    #4-Harvick 174.771
    #48-Johnson 174.584
    slowest: #62-Hill 164.207 & #33-Kennedy 166.636
    no speed: #26-Burton (wrecked), #98-Sorenson, #23-Yeley.
    Notes: #26-Burton got loose early in practice, slid & wrecked off turn 3, hit the inside wall of pit road, will go to a backup car.
    #18-Busch wacked the wall off turn 2, team made repairs, Busch came back out and ran the fastest lap.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Pocono Happy Hour practice page (pdf)(8-1-2015)

  • Saturday first practice for the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest, notes:
    #19-Edwards 175.812
    #20-Kenseth 175.418
    #18-Busch 175.408
    #11-Hamlin 175.298
    #41-Busch 175.285
    slowest: #33-Kennedy 166.448 & #62-Hill 166.781
    no speed: #32-Kvapil, #23-Yeley.
    Notes: #32-Kvapil smacked the wall just past turn 2 on his first lap, did some damage to the right side of the car, went to the garage.
    Late in the session, #42-Larson reported either an engine or transmission problem.
    This practice is being televised on NBCSN. Happy Hour (final) practice is scheduled for 11:35am/et, also on NBCSN.
    See fastest practice speeds, laps run on the Pocono Saturday 1st practice page (pdf)(8-1-2015)

  • Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Windows 10 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made.
    Pole sitter #18-Busch chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole winners].
    Outside pole sitter #4-Harvick took pit stall 2, right behind the pole winner.
    #20-Kenseth, who starts 3rd took the 3rd pit stall.
    The 43rd and final pit stall was selected by #3-Dillon, who starts 4th.
    To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com's Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-1-2015)

  • Pocono Raceway Driver Notes & Facts - Saturday:
    · 327 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway; 229 in more than one.
    · Ricky Rudd leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in starts at Pocono with 55.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 45 starts (eighth most all-time) at Pocono; followed by Tony Stewart with 33 starts.
    · Denny Hamlin (19 starts) leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Pocono with a 6.632.
    · 33 different drivers have won at Pocono Raceway, led by Jeff Gordon with six wins.
    · Seven active drivers have multiple wins at Pocono: Jeff Gordon (6), Denny Hamlin (4), Jimmie Johnson (3), Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart (each have 2).
    · Seven drivers have posted consecutive wins at Pocono Raceway all-time, including three consecutive by Bobby Allison (1982 sweep and spring 1983) and Tim Richmond (1986 sweep and spring 1987).
    · Three of the seven drivers to win consecutive races at Pocono are active: Jimmie Johnson (2004 sweep); Denny Hamlin (2006 sweep and 2009 fall and 2010 spring races) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2014 sweep).
    · One active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has posted his first career win at Pocono Raceway: Denny Hamlin (06/11/06).
    · Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards are the only two active drivers to win at Pocono in their first appearances.
    · Matt Kenseth leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Pocono without visiting Victory Lane at 31; followed by Kevin Harvick with 29.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Pocono with seven; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with six; followed by Kurt Busch with five.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Pocono with 20; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 19; followed by Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart with 12 each.
    · Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Pocono with 34; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 31; followed by Tony Stewart with 22.
    · Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Pocono with a 9.630.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Pocono with 1,038 laps led in 45 starts.
    · Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps completed at Pocono with 8,237 laps completed in 45 starts.
    · Two female drivers have competed at Pocono Raceway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.
    (NASCAR)(8-1-2015)

  • Gordon, no plans to race Sprint Cup after 2015: #24-Jeff Gordon met with media and was asked about racing after 2015:
    Q) AFTER LAST WEEK, THE OUTPOURING OF FANS ON TWITTER WAS PRETTY INTENSE. DO YOU EVER SEE A POINT WHERE YOU WOULD GET BACK IN A STOCK CAR FOR A ONE-OFF RACE? OR, ONCE YOU GET OUT OF THE CAR AT HOMESTEAD, IS THAT PRETTY MUCH IT ON THE CUP LEVEL?
    Gordon: "Right now, I don't have any plans to. You have to understand it's far more than just what maybe I would desire or want to do. It takes a team to do it. And that's a total disruption to the organization to go do a one-off race. It's not that it can't be done. But, as somebody who is an equity owner in the organization, I recognize the challenges that would come along with that and what it would do to our four teams competing for the wins and championships. So, I probably wouldn't ask them to do that. And if I were going to do it, it would probably be at a short track like Martinsville or something like that. But, I have no plans to do that."(Team Chevy)(8-1-2015)

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Laps Led Leaders:
    (after 20 of 36 races)
    1. #4-Kevin Harvick, 1,359
    2. #41-Kurt Busch, 708
    3. #22-Joey Logano, 534
    4. #78-Martin Truex Jr., 486
    5. #48-Jimmie Johnson, 467
    6. #2-Brad Keselowski, 377
    7. #11-Denny Hamlin, 364
    8. #18-Kyle Busch, 302
    9. #19-Carl Edwards, 242
    10. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 203
    3,549 total laps run.(8-1-2015)

  • Sport Clips Haircuts Joins Darlington's Tribute to the 1970's: Sport Clips Haircuts unveiled today the #11 Sport Clips Toyota Camry Denny Hamlin will pilot for the September 6 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway. As part of Darlington's throwback weekend to celebrate the 1970's, the #11 Sport Clips Camry in the Cup Series will run a retro scheme inspired by Cale Yarborough. This will not be the first time Hamlin has driven a Camry inspired by Yarborough at Darlington. For the 2012 Bojangles' Southern 500, Hamlin donned a retro firesuit and a retro paint scheme to honor Yarborough's induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Of all drivers who have won in the #11 car, Yarborough leads the list with 55 total wins (see the full list on the #11 Team News & Links page). In addition to Hamlin piloting the throwback schemes, Sport Clips will continue their partnership with Darlington Raceway to raise awareness and funds for their 'Help A Hero' program (Joe Gibbs Racing), see an image of the car on Jayski.com's #11 Team Schemes page.(8-1-2015)

  • FW1 Wash & Wax sponsoring Bowman at Pocono: FW1 Wash & Wax joins Tommy Baldwin Racing for the Windows 10 400 at Pocono Raceway. Owned by longtime NASCAR supporters and racing enthusiasts, Darren Ellsmore and Paul Baukus, FW1 has been expanding their marketing in the NASCAR arena. Sold exclusively online, FW1 Wash & Wax is offering a discount for all NASCAR fans. All purchases on Fastwax.com are eligible to save 25% with the code TBR7 for a limited time.(TBR), see an image of the car on Jayski.com's #7 Team Schemes page.(8-1-2015)

  • NASCAR's new merchandise tent to debut at Pocono UPDATE: The race weekend marks the unveiling of NASCAR's new approach to team merchandising, said Kevin Heaney, spokesman for Pocono. Instead of individual merchandise trailers, the new NASCAR Fanatics Tent will offer a shaded area for race fans to pick up hats, models, T-shirts and other memorabilia. A ribbon-cutting for the tent is scheduled Friday morning. The tent opens 9:30 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. There'll be no more waiting in line for a clerk inside a merchandise hauler to hand over an item for closer look, Heaney said. "It's all touch and feel," he said. "You can do it yourself." The new model levels the playing field for smaller race teams that may be unable to afford a merchandise hauler. "We are the first track to have this," Heaney said. Other attractions include the Pocono Medical Kids Zone, a host of displays including most branches of the military and NASA in the Fan Fair and the Infield Block Party open to the public starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission to the block party is a $5 donation per vehicle to the Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Co., and fireworks follow about 9:15 p.m.(The Express-Times)(7-30-2015)
    UPDATE: A piece of NASCAR nostalgia will be missing from Pocono Raceway this weekend. NASCAR and merchandising partner Fanatics, Inc. will debut their mega merchandise tent -- a 60,000-square-foot production that would cover one and a half football fields -- this weekend at Pocono. The old merchandise haulers where fans congregated for T-shirts and other merchandise specific to a single driver or race team are now gone, with the exception of Penske teams, which have outstanding contracts at select tracks through this season. But NASCAR and Fanatics are betting that a wider selection of products and a more modern and convenient shopping experience will win over fans who enjoy the haulers as a link to the past. And NASCAR has tried to carry some of the old look and feel of the haulers over into the store by including driver and team section fronts. "There really are these driver and team-branded concepts and stores [in sections]," NASCAR Vice President of Licensing and Consumer Products Blake Davidson said. "There's going to be a lot of product there. I think we will start to ease fans' fears. ... The scale of this is going to blow people away." The new mega tents will have merchandise available for 58 drivers, including areas dedicated to certain drivers. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. section alone will likely be 2,000 square feet . In June at Pocono, there was merchandise available for 33 drivers at 23 haulers. Sixty checkout stations will be available to handle the pre- and post-race rush. There also will be 12 online purchasing stations where fans can buy items and have them shipped home for free. The separate sections for women's merchandise, children's merchandise, die-cast models (1,400 available) and hats (10,000 representing 24 drivers) should give fans more options. By the end of the year, NASCAR and Fanatics hope to have on-site personal printing options where fans can put their names on their purchases. They're also working on adding the capability to print and sell race-winner merchandise to fans after a race, as is the case at other team sport championship events.(in part from ESPN)(8-1-2015)

  • Kenny Wallace to make his final NASCAR start: Kenny Wallace will make his third NASCAR XFINITY Series start of the 2015 season at Iowa Speedway in the U.S. Cellular 250 on August 1. The veteran driver will go behind the wheel of the #20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing at the short track. Wallace finished 23rd in the May race at Iowa.(NASCAR.com)(7-14-2015)
    UPDATE: The August 1st U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway will be Kenny Wallace's third NASCAR Xfinity Series start of 2015. The ever-popular Wallace announced that after what will be a series-record 547 career starts, the Iowa event will also mark the final start of his 26-year NASCAR career. When all is said and done after Iowa, the former Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year and three-time Most Popular Driver will leave behind a remarkable legacy of longevity and perseverance that is nearly unparalleled in the sport. This is shown by what will be--following Iowa--an all-time record 547 career Xfinity Series starts and 904 combined NASCAR national series starts (14th all-time). After making his NASCAR debut in Dale Earnhardt's #8 Xfinity Series ride at Martinsville in 1988, Wallace would go on to finish among the top-10 in the Xfinity Series standings in 10 of his 14 full seasons, including a runner-up finish in 1991. His nine series wins and ten poles rank him among the top-40 all-time in both categories, while his 173 top-ten finishes mark the seventh-best all-time career total. Wallace may have most often competed in the Xfinity Series, but he also enjoyed a fruitful career in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as well, where he had 344 career starts, including three poles. While he may not have reached victory lane in the Sprint Cup series, Wallace played a vital role in several of its most memorable finishes, including pushing the late Dale Earnhardt to his final NASCAR victory at Talladega in 2000. In recent years, Wallace has been able to capitalize on his charismatic personality and racing experience in becoming a NASCAR analyst for FOX Sports. In that role, he currently appears on Fox Sports 1's NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane shows.(Wallace PR)(8-1-2015)

  • XFINITY Entry List:There are 38 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. A few notes:
    Joey Logano is entered in the #12 for Team Penske;
    Brad Keselowski will drive the #22;
    Kevin O'Connell is in the #15 for Rick Ware;
    Kenny Habul will drive the #20 for JGR;
    Boris Said will be in the #54 for JGR;
    The #74 is TBA;
    The #97 is currently not listed.
    (8-1-2015)
    See the complete list on the Watkins Glen entry list page.

  • Ryan Blaney wins XFINITY race at Iowa: #22-Ryan Blaney won the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway for his first XFINITY win of the season and the 3rd of his career. He lead 252 of the 260 laps. The race ended after two green-white-checkered attempts. #7-Regan Smith finished second, followed by #2-Brian Scott, #3-Ty Dillon, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #18-Daniel Suarez, #54-Erik Jones, #1-Elliott Sadler, #9-Chase Elliott, and #4-Ross Chastain.
    #20-Kenny Wallace, making his final NASCAR start, overcame a couple spins to finish 15th.
    There were 8 cautions for 41 laps and X lead changes among X leaders. Complete results are on the Iowa race results page (pdf).
    (8-1-2015)

  • Iowa XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
    Ryan Blaney won the 7th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by New Holland, his third victory in 37 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2015.
    This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Iowa Speedway.
    Regan Smith (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in six races at Iowa Speedway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2015.
    Brian Scott (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 11 races at Iowa Speedway.
    Daniel Suarez (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Chris Buescher leads the point standings by 20 points over Chase Elliott.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-25-2015)

  • XFINITY Driver standings following Iowa:
    1) #60-Chris Buescher, 682
    2) #9-Chase Elliott, 662, -20
    3) #3-Ty Dillon, 661, -21
    4) #7-Regan Smith, 643, -39
    5) #1-Elliott Sadler, 630, -52
    6) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 601, -81
    7) #18-Daniel Suarez, 596, -86
    8) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 576, -106
    9) #2-Brian Scott, 568, -114
    10) #16-Ryan Reed, 551, -131
    See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(8-1-2015)

  • Daniel Suarez on XFINITY pole at Iowa: #18-Daniel Suarez won the Coors Light pole for the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 133.441mph. #22-Ryan Blaney will start second. The rest of the top 10: #62-Brendan Gaughan, #33-Brandon Jones, #54-Drew Herring (who will be replaced by Erik Jones for the race), #60-Chris Buescher, #20-Kenny Wallace (making his final NASCAR start), #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #7-Regan Smith, and #3-Ty Dillon.
    Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page (pdf).(8-1-2015)

  • Iowa XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
    Daniel Suarez won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 7th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by New Holland with a lap of 23.606 seconds, 133.441 mph.
    This is his second pole in 21 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
    This is his second pole and 15th top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his first pole in two races at Iowa Speedway.
    Ryan Blaney (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2015 and his third in five races at Iowa Speedway.
    Brendan Gaughan (third) posted his third top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his 14th in 19 races this season.
    Daniel Suarez (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-1-2015)

  • Frahm in the #70 at Iowa: From Derrike Cope's Facebook page, "[Derrike Cope Racing] will be both in Iowa and Pocono this weekend for the Xfinity series, and Arca Series races! In Iowa, Matt Frahm will be driving the #70 with Moo's BBQ on board. Meanwhile at Pocono, Derrike will be in the crew chief roll for one of the Arca Series cars."(8-1-2015)

  • Busch wins Pocono truck race: #51-Kyle Busch won the Pocono Mountains 150 at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, his first race of the season in the Camping World Truck Series. #00-Kevin Harvick, also making his 2015 series debut, finished second. #19-Tyler Reddick finished third and took over the points lead. #13-Cameron Hayley, #33-Austin Dillon, #98-Johnny Sauter, #17-Timothy Peters, #54-Matt Tifft, #14-Daniel Hemric, and #4-Erik Jones complete the top-10.
    There were 5 caution flags for 16 laps and 4 lead changes among 4 leaders. The race was extended and took on three attempts at a green-white-checkered flag finish.
    #4-Jones started the race from the pole, spun late in the race but recovered to finish in the top-10.
    After being involved in an accident on lap 5, #88-Matt Crafton, who entered the race as the points leader, ended the race 28th.
    Complete results are on the Pocono race results page (pdf). (8-1-2015)

  • Pocono Race Fast Facts:
    Kyle Busch won the 6th Annual Pocono Mountains 150 , his 43rd victory in 126 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his first victory of 2015. Busch has now won at least one race in all three of NASCAR's national series for the 10th time in his career.
    This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway.
    Kevin Harvick (second) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2015.
    Tyler Reddick (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway.
    Cameron Hayley (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
    Tyler Reddick leads the point standings by 11 points over Matt Crafton.
    (NASCAR Statistics) (8-1-2015)

  • Driver standings following Pocono:
    1) #19-Tyler Reddick, 479
    2) #88-Matt Crafton, 468, -11
    3) #4-Erik Jones #, 463, -16
    4) #98-Johnny Sauter, 420, -59
    5) #13-Cameron Hayley, 391, -88
    6) #05-John Wes Townley, 387, -92
    7) #14-Daniel Hemric #, 382, -97
    8) #17-Timothy Peters, 380, -99
    9) #23-Spencer Gallagher #, 366, -113
    10) #11-Ben Kennedy, 362, 117
    See complete standings on the driver standings page (pdf).(8-1-2015)

  • Owner Standings following Pocono are posted (pdf).(8-1-2015)

  • Crafton loses points lead after wreck he calls intentional: Saturday's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway was shaping up as a battle between the Sprint Cup ringers and truck series regulars. Expected to battle hard throughout the 60-lap event, it did not take long for fireworks to erupt on the track and in the garage. While Erik Jones was able to get the lead on the initial start of the race, the fight for second through fifth was intense between Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Matt Crafton, Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick. Racing hard out of the Tunnel Turn on the fifth lap of the race, Harvick made a bold three-wide move to the bottom of Crafton and Keselowski to take the fourth spot. As Harvick made his move, Crafton's right rear made contact with Keselowski's left front, sending both trucks hard into the outside wall to bring out the first caution of the race. Both drivers took their heavily damaged trucks directly to the garage area, where Crafton climbed from his truck and stormed over to Keselowski's garage stall. Entering Saturday's race with a 14-point advantage in the series standings over Brad Keselowski Racing's Tyler Reddick, Crafton was none too happy with the Sprint Cup Series regular. "The idiot hooked me in the right rear, that's all there was to it getting into Turn 3," said a frustrated Crafton. "I guess that's maybe how he wants to win a championship with that 19 truck (Reddick). He's got another thing coming. I promise you that truck won't win it. If that's how he wants to do it, we'll get it done."
    Keselowski chalked it up to hard racing early in the event, and said he would never wreck someone on purpose. "These trucks are expensive and it's going to cost a lot to fix," he said. "I feel bad for Matt and his team, but I don't really know what to do differently." As far as Crafton's claims, Keselowski brushed them off by saying he is not that kind of driver. "I have no interest in coming to the Truck Series and wrecking someone on purpose," said Keselowski. "Tyler Reddick is doing a good job, but he has a ways to go to run with Matt. Matt's an awesome driver and that's a great team. The last thing I want to do is go out and wreck them. I want my team to earn it if they are to run up front. I have no interest in going out and wrecking someone intentionally and that's not what happened."
    With Crafton behind the wall, Reddick was able to take the lead in the series standings for the time being.(Fox Sports)(8-1-2015)

  • Jones on pole at Pocono: #4-Erik Jones will start from the pole for the Pocono Mountains 150 at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 166.202 mph. #51-Kyle Busch will start second, followed by: #88-Matt Crafton, #29-Brad Keselowski, #33-Austin Dillon, #19-Tyler Reddick, #00-Kevin Harvick, #11-Ben Kennedy, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, and #05-John Wes Townley in the top-10.
    #51-Busch was quickest in the opening qualifying session at 166.288mph.
    Failed to qualify: #03-Tim Viens.
    See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-1-2015)

  • Pocono Qualifying Notes:
    Erik Jones won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 6th Annual Pocono Mountains 150 with a lap of 54.151 seconds, 166.202 mph.
    This is his sixth pole in 29 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
    This is his fourth pole and 11th top-10 start in 2015.
    This is his first pole in two races at Pocono Raceway.
    Kyle Busch (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2015 and his second in two races at Pocono Raceway.
    Matt Crafton (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his eighth in 12 races this season.
    (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-1-2015)

  • Austin and Ty Dillon to Wave Green Flag On CMS's Fall Season at Parade of Power: Richard Childress Racing drivers Austin and Ty Dillon and Charlotte Motor Speedway officials will wave the green flag on the legendary speedway's action-packed fall Season of Speed during the seventh annual Parade of Power on Wednesday, Aug. 5. A wide array of vehicles representing those that will compete this fall at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte will parade down Bruton Smith Boulevard, beginning at Concord Mills Mall and ending at the speedway's Avenue of Flags. The free fan event will include a Q&A session, monster truck rides, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Van and more. The first 100 fans to pick up a wristband on event day will be able to take part in an autograph session with several motorsports personalities. In addition, fans who make a qualifying ticket purchase will be able to drive their personal vehicles on the 1.5-mile superspeedway. The Parade of Power is expected to include more than two dozen vehicles, including NASCAR stock cars, a World of Outlaws dirt late model, a monster truck, NHRA dragsters and Pro Modified cars, a Legend Car and Bandolero, speedway Toyota Camry pace cars, the speedway's Rosenbauer fire engine, classic and luxury automobiles, and more. The parade will begin at Concord Mills Mall at 12:00pm/et and travel to the main entrance of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Q&A session is scheduled to take place along the Avenue of Flags.(CMS)(8-1-2015)

  • Steven Tyler To Headline Pre-Race Concert at Bristol: Steven Tyler, with Nashville-based band Loving Mary, is bringing his undeniable swagger and sound to Bristol Motor Speedway for the August 22 IRWIN Tools Night Race. "Aerosmith front man, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy-award winner - Steven Tyler is not just an American icon, but a worldwide phenomenon," said Jerry Caldwell, general manager of BMS. "You put him together with the Night Race, one of the top five motorsports events in the world, and the energy in the grandstands will just be amazing." During the pre-race concert, Tyler will perform his new single, the first from his upcoming solo album with Dot Records. Ticket holders will also be treated to some familiar Aerosmith favorites. Voted a Top 5 Motorsports Race in the entire world by the USA Today Reader's Choice Awards-the only NASCAR event that made the list-the IRWIN Tools Night Race will take place August 22 at the World's Fastest Half Mile. IRWIN Tools Night Race tickets, which include the pre-race concert, start at just $74 for single-day tickets, with weekend packages as low as $99. Additionally, a limited number of Steven Tyler SuperPacks are available. These include a pre-race SuperPass (track walk, plus on-track access to the concert and Sprint Cup driver introductions), a Cold Pit Pass (for pre-race access to the Garage area), and select Steven Tyler merchandise. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit BristolTix.com or call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(8-1-2015)


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