The Stock Car Gazette e-zine for Tuesday, 7/7/09
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Good morning and welcome to your Tuesday edition of the Stock Car Gazette. |
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T H E * S T O C K * C A R * G A Z E T T E
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E d i t o r ‘ s * N o t e s
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Good morning.
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Stock Car Gazette Columnists Speak Out!
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TV Times – There Will Be No Winners In the Mayfield/NASCAR Issue
by: Lou Modestino
On the Jeremy Mayfield situation, there was some insights given by a renowned motorsports attorney, who represents some of the nation’s top drivers, regarding Mayfield’s issues with NASCAR and NASCAR’s issues with him on Dave Despain’s Wind Tunnel program on Speed. MORE: http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/3841
For more of this writer, visit http://motorsportsnews.net/archives/category/tv-times
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N A S C A R * S P R I N T * C U P * S E R I E S
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Double-file restarts not sitting well with Gibbs
Those double-file restarts designed to spice up NASCAR racing sure didn’t sit too well with Joe Gibbs on Saturday night.
Points leader Tony Stewart used the double-file restarts to split up Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch late in the race, and it was a big reason the two-time series champion won the [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1Zd57GncChX3DX&b=k_X4_plgWY0ClmNJc0cOfA
Mayfield’s crew chief says team can be ready for Chicago
Mayfield Motorsports’ Toyota hasn’t been on the race track since the May 24 Coca-Cola 600. One week after that race, the Mayfields were forced to lay off their team members, including crew chief Tony Furr. Gaining sponsorship money to revive the team is their primary goal. Furr, who was at Daytona working as a consultant [...]
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1Zd57GncChX3DX&b=VrNH.MNeCLnAscnPRUVQlQ
Video: 2009 Coke Zero finish: Stewart, Busch
Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch get together and Stewart wins:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=MsyAy&m=1Zd57GncChX3DX&b=HDYHR0knhuyDhJlWKap15A
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Courtesy of www.Frontstretch.com
Top News Stories
by Tom Bowles
NASCAR Asks Judge To Reverse Mayfield Decision; No. 41 Not On Chicagoland Entry List
Failing to show up at Daytona to participate in Saturday’s Coke Zero 400, Jeremy Mayfield missed his first opportunity to return to the race track following Wednesday’s injunction which lifted his drug suspension.
Now, there’s no telling when he’ll get another chance.
NASCAR filed a motion in federal court Monday asking U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen to reverse his decision on the case. Claiming “Mayfield continues to be a threat to public safety,” the motion states the court improperly decided there was a same-day test reliable enough to prove the driver is not taking methamphetamine prior to a race. In addition, lawyers also pointed to Mayfield’s no show at Daytona as proof he misled the court in his intentions to resume work once the suspension was lifted.
Additionally, NASCAR announced that should Mullen’s decision stand, it would file an appeal to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court in Richmond, VA to argue their case further. In the meantime, the future of Mayfield’s self-owned No. 41 Toyota remains cloudy. Not currently entered for the race at Chicagoland, financial problems could keep them from making the trip for a second straight week. Mayfield is also not expected to drive for another team, although the No. 09 car of Phoenix Racing has a possible opening as rumors circulated Monday driver Mike Bliss had been fired.
In the meantime, the drug case isn’t the only lawsuit Mayfield has to deal with. An $86,000 case with Triad Racing Technologies remains pending in which the driver is accused of failing to pay for chassis, engines, and other equipment.
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of Google Alerts
NASCAR tattoo= Redneck?
SportingNews.com – USA
After watching him race for a couple seasons, I became obsessed with NASCAR, and with him. I decided I wanted a 48 tattoo. The woman I was with when I made …
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/jdiddy48/194760
Restrictor-plate racing becoming more of a risk
MiamiHerald.com – Miami,FL,USA
While Stewart took the checkered flag, Busch climbed out of his battered car with no injuries, but he had to be forced by NASCAR officials into the safety …
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/motor-sports/story/1129990.html
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Courtesy of Insider Racing News
http://www.insiderracingnews.com
AMS Settles With Pep Boys
Atlanta Motor Speedway and Pep Boys have reached an out-of-court settlement of the track’s lawsuit against the auto parts retail chain over the title sponsorship of the Sept. 6. Sprint Cup race at the track, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. The settlement was not filed with the court, but an AMS spokesman indicated that the race will remain being called the Pep Boys Auto 500 this year. AMS had sued Pep Boys over non-payment of a portion of its $1.6 million naming-rights fee for this year’s race. Pep Boys paid $1.4 million in the first year of the two-year deal but missed a payment for this year, prompting AMS to file suit. Pep Boys had claimed in court documents that moving the date from late October to Labor Day weekend didn’t fit into its marketing plan.
Martinsville Ticket Prices Down
Martinsville Speedway has always prided itself on being fan friendly. Beginning with the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on October 25, it will be a little friendlier. Working to help fans through the difficult economic times, Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell recently announced a rollback in ticket prices, effective with the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on October 25. Many ticket prices have been reduced, some to prices of a decade ago.
* Tickets prices start at $25, down from $42
* All seats in Bill France Tower now just $40
* Seats in the Clay Earles Tower are now $55, down from $72
* Seats in the Sprint Tower are now $65, down from $77
Tickets for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 and the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race may be purchased by calling 877.722.3849 (877.RACE.TIX) or by visiting (www.martinsvillespeedway.com) online.
Benson’s Wife Posts Update On Johnny
The following is a post by Johnny Benson’s wife Debbie on Johnny and how he is progressing:
“We have settled into a routine of daily walks, follow up doctor visits and processing insurance paperwork. Everyday I have thought, Today, I will post an update and then reconsider that I should wait until we have seen Dr. “So and So. It has been determined that Johnny has a grade 4 shoulder separation that will require surgery. Because of the bruise on his lung it has been recommended to wait another 10 days before proceeding with surgery. We are waiting to hear from the surgeon to find out what date has been scheduled but we are expecting sometime the week of July 20. It sounds silly to say but Johnny is actually excited about the surgery. His shoulder is what has caused him the most pain and is also what he has worried about healing correctly. He is glad that a procedure exists to fix it!! He does have a burn on his elbow that Nurse Deb (that’s me) washes, treats and bandages once a day.” — Get Well Cards…. For those JB fans wanting to send get well cards to Johnny as he recuperates you may send them to: JBFC – PO Box 150619, Grand Rapids, MI 49515.
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Nine Years ago, we lost Kenny Irwin – http://www.kennyirwinjrfoundation.org/
Palermo’s Pizza to Sponsor #36 at Chicago: Palermo’s Pizza announced that it will sponsor Tommy Baldwin Racing’s #36 Toyota and driver Mike Skinner in the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend. In celebration of its sponsorship of the #36 machine, Palermo’s Pizza will offer race fans an opportunity to download a money saving coupon by visiting www.tommybaldwinracing.net. Palermo’s Pizza has been making quality, authentic Italian-style pizzas for over 40 years. What began as a small Italian bakery has grown to become a leading name in premium frozen pizzas.(Everest-Mareting / TBR PR)(7-7-2009)
Tuesday’s Michael Waltrip Racing and NAPA Auto Parts press announcement will be televised live on SPEED and streamed on SPEEDtv.com starting at 12:30 p.m. ET. At that press conference, MWR is expected to announce that Martin Truex Jr. will drive the #55 NAPA Toyota next season, as team co-owner Michael Waltrip will focus on management responsibilities.(SPEEDtv PR)(7-7-2009)
Valvoline / Sears on the #26 at Chicago: Jamie McMurray will pilot the #26 Valvoline/Sears Auto Center Ford this weekend in the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.(Roush Fenway PR), see an image of the car on the #26 Team Schemes Page.(7-7-2009)
http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2009/26cup.htm
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Reaches Midpoint: Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart needed little time to grasp the driver-owner concept. At the season’s midpoint, he has already:
* Won two races (Pocono and Daytona), becoming the first driver-owner to win a race since Ricky Rudd in 1998, and the first to win multiple races since Rudd in ’97;
* Captured the points lead, the first driver-owner to do so since Alan Kulwicki in 1992;
* Put both of his Stewart-Haas Racing cars in the top 12 in points.
Stewart’s surprising success highlights a season filled with compelling storylines. Competition is strong and balanced, as illustrated by the 11 different race winners this season. There were 12 different winners in all of 2008, including seven drivers who have yet to win this season. In other words, last year’s mark will likely be passed.
Some other statistics gleaned from the first half:
* 7 different teams represented in the current NASCAR Sprint Cup top 12
* 8 different Coors Light Pole winners
* 34 drivers with at least one top-10 finish
* 40 drivers have led at least one lap
* Average Margin of Victory of 1.044 seconds
* 10 races with an MOV under 1 second
* Average of 11 leaders per race
* Average of 20 lead changes per race
* Average of 22 green flag passes for the lead all around the track
* Average of 3,038 green flag passes per race
* 52% of the cars finished on the lead lap
* 85% of the cars were running at the finish
* All four manufacturers have won a race and are in the top 12
(NASCAR PR)(7-7-2009)
Congrats to Matt and Katie Kenseth: Kaylin Nicola Kenseth was born to Matt and Katie on Monday. It is the couple’s first child together. Matt has a son, Ross, from a previous relationship.(7-7-2009)
Kahne testing ARCA car: #9-Kasey Kahne was testing a Doug Stringer Motorsports car at the ARCA test at Kentucky Speedway Monday morning.(ARCARacing.com)(7-6-2009)
Daytona Commerical Breakdown:
TNT was the broadcast team for this event. This particular broadcast was TNT’s ‘Wide Open Coverage’, consisting of fewer commercials, as well as commercials shown in a small box during the race broadcast. Lots of racing stats were provided on-screen during the broadcast as well.
Total number of commercials: 32
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 24
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 8:00 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 11:09 PM
Total minutes: 189
Minutes of race broadcast: 172
Minutes of commercials: 17
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of mystery cautions (no debris shown): 1
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Courtesy of Race Fans Stockcar Newsletter
http://www.nascarnutscanada.com/
Kyle Busch in no talking mood after crash spoils potential win at Daytona
By Lee Montgomery – Associate Editor
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch wasn’t in a talking mood after crashing on the final lap of the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. http://tinyurl.com/lqmpfh
The new car isn’t pretty, but it’s saving lives By Terry Blount
Kyle Busch walked away. Yes, he walked away angrily when the Coke Zero 400 was over, but he walked off unscathed nonetheless. Everyone did. Not a scratch on them after another scary last-lap melee in a restrictor-plate race that resulted in cars with crumbled sheet metal and mangled steel.This car that so many of you love to hate is the safest race car ever built.
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/notebook?page=notebookMondayRundown
Drivers blame last-lap crash on restrictor plates By Don Coble| Morris News Service
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Tony Stewart didn’t do anything wrong in the final 100 yards of Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Kyle Busch didn’t, either.
So why did Busch go flying into the outside wall and onto Kasey Kahne’s car in a five-car pileup at the finish line? Drivers pointed to two words: restrictor plates.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/07/06/nas_530030.shtml
5 Things We Learned at Daytona By Lars Anderson
Five things we learned under the lights on Saturday night at Daytona:
1. Tony Stewart will never lift off the throttle on the final lap.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/lars_anderson/07/05/daytona.fivethings/index.html?eref=T1
Leader wrecking not what Stewart wanted to see By Jim Utter – jutter@charlotteobserver.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Tony Stewart will take the win.The way it happened, however, is something he could do without. After losing his lead on the next-to-last lap, Stewart worked feverishly to get it back. Kyle Busch successfully blocked Stewart’s first attempt at a pass, but Stewart’s second got him a victory in Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. It also landed Busch in the wall just short of the finish line. http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/13559.html
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Courtesy of Racin’ Today
http://www.racintoday.com
Minter: Racing’s Speeding Toward Trouble – http://www.racintoday.com/archives/7398
Memo: He Sure Looked Like Tony Stewart – http://www.racintoday.com/archives/7370
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Your ad could be displayed here… very reasonable rates. E-mail Mike@MotorSportsNews.Net
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Courtesy of www.Valvoline.com
Yes, He REALLY Said That
Kyle Busch, on the importance of manufacturer competition in NASCAR. “It’s no different than good versus evil — you’ve got to have a villain to have a hero, Batman tells you that in his movie. This sport tells you that as well, too. You have to have manufacturers battling against each other.”
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P R E S S * R E L E A S E S
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HMS prepares for special night
NEWTON – After months of preparation Hickory Motor Speedway is prepared to have a special night this Saturday to honor a special friend. Dwight Huffman was a former HMS track promoter, championship car owner, successful businessman and devoted husband and father. But more importantly, he was a friend to many in and out of racing. This weekend many people Huffman helped and was a friend to for most of his life will be at Hickory for the Second Annual Dwight Huffman Memorial Race for Charity presented by Arby’s. Racers will be racing for a “Circle of Charities Racing for Those In Need” as half the proceeds from the night’s event will go to East Burke, South Caldwell, Eastern Catawba Counties Cooperative Christian Ministries. Race fans are asked to bring one can food item and any used clothing to drop off at the entrance gates for these organizations to utilize in restocking their pantries for area families hurt by the economy.
Huffman died in a tragic automobile accident in early 2008 and since his passing many of his friends have worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive with this race. Over $28,000 in total prize money will be awarded in the late model stock race making it the highest purse for a late model stock race in the 57-year history of the well-known facility.
Huffman’s son, Ashley, will also compete in the race this weekend and he and his family is very appreciative of all the effort put into this event.
“If I could pay everyone a million dollars each for what they have done to honor dad and my family that still wouldn’t be enough,” said Huffman. “I can’t put into words what this night means to me and my family.”
Huffman will be one of the 32 cars in the starting field and he added that his dad wouldn’t want all this attention because he was a simple man who didn’t need accolades.
“He would be upset because of his face and name being all over the place,” said Huffman. “But then again, when he would have found out this event also gave prizes to fans in attendance and especially helping out local charities. He would have really liked that. He always was willing to help anyone.”
The Dwight Huffman Memorial night will give over $10,000 in cash and prizes to fans in attendance with the First 577 Kids through the Gate receiving Event T-Shirts along with 2,977 Arby’s Gift Cards to the Adults. Huffman almost didn’t return to racing after his father’s death, but feels that it was something his dad would want him to do, besides, that is all he has ever known growing up around the race shop with his dad and a virtual who’s who in racing behind the wheel of his dad’s cars.
Everyone from Harry Gant to Jimmy Spencer to 1997 Winston Racing Series National Champion Dexter Canipe took turns in a Dwight Huffman prepared car. Working with his dad and thinking of some of his memories brought a smile to Ashley.
“I can remember one time going with dad to test and he let me get behind the wheel a couple of times,” said Ashley. “I guess that is how I got the fever.”
The first annual Dwight Huffman Memorial Race for Charity was won by Andy Loden and he plans on returning to defend his win along with some of the best drivers from across the southeast will be at HMS this Saturday.
The significant prize money and awards couldn’t be possible and Ashley wanted to make sure to thank everyone.
“We have had some great sponsors step up to help us out and I want to thank them all,” said Ashley. “Especially Arby’s which has been selling tickets in 34 western North Carolina locations since late May, Baton Tire which will sponsor the Street Stock race and Duck Graphics the sponsor of the Super Truck Race.”
Advanced tickets are available until Friday July 10th at the Burke, Caldwell and Catawba County area Arby’s locations and the HMS ticket office at 828-464-3655. Advanced Tickets for Adults are $7.00, Teens & Seniors $5.00 and Kids twelve & under are FREE! Gates will open at 4p.m. For more details log onto www.dwighthuffmanmemorial.com or www.hickorymotorspeedway.com
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Biffle to Return Home for Local Short-Track Race During Off-Weekend
Concord, N.C. (July 7, 2009) – During an upcoming off-weekend from his
Sprint Cup duties driving the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway
Racing, Greg Biffle will return home to the northwest for a 10-lap
exhibition race at Sunset Speedway in Banks, Oregon. Sunset Speedway is
a local dirt track just over 30 miles from Biffle’s hometown of
Vancouver, Washington. The exhibition race will be part of the Saturday
night racing events on July 18th and will also feature Biffle’s
brother Jeff who is a regular at Sunset Speedway.
Biffle did not grow up dirt racing but made his debut at Sunset
Speedway last year when he won the same 10-lap exhibition race.
“I am looking forward to going back to Sunset Speedway,” said
Biffle. “It reminds me of the Saturday night races we used to go to
when I was growing up. I never raced at Sunset when I started racing
but a few of the guys I raced against back then will be racing next
Saturday night. I’m definitely looking forward to racing some of them
again.”
Biffle will give a full recap of the race at Sunset Speedway during his
weekly radio show that airs Monday nights at 9:00 p.m. on
www.gregbiffle.com.
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N A S C A R * N A T I O N W I D E * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Nationwide Series on ESPN in Prime Time from Chicagoland: The NASCAR Nationwide Series races in prime time on Friday night as it makes its only appearance of the season at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. ESPN will have a live, high definition telecast of the race on Friday, July 10, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown. ESPN2 is the home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series all season, with selected races on ESPN and ABC. The race re-airs Saturday, July 11, at 2:30 a.m. on ESPN2 and again at 1 p.m. on ESPN Classic. Also this weekend, live coverage of NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying airs Friday at 3 p.m. on ESPN2, while coverage of final practice airs Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m. Dr. Jerry Punch will be lap-by-lap announcer for ESPN’s coverage, with analysis by Rusty Wallace and Andy Petree. Reporting from the pits will be Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake, with Tim Brewer in the ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage. Allen Bestwick will host the pre-race NASCAR Countdown program with analysis by Wallace and Brad Daugherty in the ESPN pit studio.(ESPN PR)(7-6-2009)
Bliss out at Phoenix? UPDATE: hearing that #1-Mike Bliss and Phoenix Racing have parted ways. Bliss is currently 7th in points and has a win at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(7-5-2009)
UPDATE: now told that James Finch has reconsidered and Bliss will stay in the car.(7-7-2009)
Sad News – Dan Slike: Arrangements: Complete funeral arrangements are avaialble at Legacy.com)(7-7-2009)
http://www.legacy.com/gastongazette/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStoryPrint&PersonID=129308405
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Michael Annett Is Just One Of The Guys
HardcoreRaceFans.com – Kannapolis,North Carolina,USA
Michael Annett steers the Germain Racing Toyota against some of the best that stock car racing has to offer. A strictly Nationwide team, such as his, …
http://www.hardcoreracefans.com/nationwide-news/4378-michael-annett-is-just-one-of-the-guys
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C A M P I N G * W O R L D * T R U C K * S E R I E S
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Courtesy of Jayski
http://www.jayski.com
Fan voting open for NCWTS Most Popular Driver: Beginning today, fans can visit www.nascar.com and cast votes for the 2009 Most Popular Driver of the Year Award for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This year, fans also may “write in” their favorite driver if he/she is not among the nominees for a specific series. Fans should go to fanfeedback@nascar.com and submit their write-in vote. Fans may vote or submit a write-in candidate once per day and are encouraged to vote throughout the season. Balloting ends Oct. 31 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.(NASCAR PR)(7-6-2009)
Buescher makes a stop at Children’s Hospital; headed to Iowa for ARCA race: As the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series enjoys a two-week hiatus from racing, James Buescher went back to his home state of Texas and visited the Texas Children’s Hospital last Thursday to spend the afternoon with sick children and their families. Buescher, driver of the #10 MaxxForce International Ford F-150, has visited the Houston hospital numerous times in his young career, as he enjoys giving back to children who are facing hardships in their lives. This Saturday, July 11, 2009, Buescher will return to racing action at Iowa Speedway as he drives the #32 Wolfpack Rentals entry for Win-Tron Racing in the ARCA Re/Max Series. Buescher will attempt to capture his third win of 2009 in only his fourth race this season. The Plano, Texas native crossed the finished line first earlier this season at Daytona International Speedway and Kentucky Speedway.(James Buescher PR)(7-6-2009)
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Courtesy of TruckSeries.Com
http://www.truckseries.com
CRAFTON: Keeps Name In Mix For Series Title
07-06-2009 | NASCAR Communications
Matt Crafton is currently second in points behind leader Ron Hornaday Jr as the series heads into Kentucky Speedway for the Built Ford Tough 225 on July 18th, a track where he has posted a record of top ten and top five finishes..
http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_09/articles/000008/000811.htm
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A R C A (Automobile Racing Club of America)
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Courtesy of ARCA
http://www.arcaracing.com
ARCA RE/MAX SERIES TEAMS PREP FOR THE UPCOMING CLICK IT OR TICKET BUCKLE-UP! KENTUCKY 150
SPARTA, Ky. – Eight of the top 10 teams in the ARCA RE/MAX Series championship standings rolled to Kentucky Speedway today to test their wares in preparation for the July 18 “Click It or Ticket. Buckle-Up! Kentucky 150.”
Current championship leader Parker Kligerman and second-place driver Justin Lofton were on hand to mentor teammates, while nine-time series champion and four-time Kentucky Speedway race-winner Frank Kimmel was hard at work turning laps in his No. 44 Ford.
Kligerman, who owns a 55-point lead over Lofton after collecting a series-leading three wins and a total of five top-five and eight top-10 finishes through nine events, was advising stock car newcomer Dakoda Armstrong, but remained intensely interested in the information gained from his team’s test laps.
“Dakoda has done a little bit of stock car stuff and just wanted a little help getting used to this place; it’s the fastest place he’s been,” Kligerman said.
The 18-year-old Penske Racing developmental prospect saw his original part-time campaign convert to a full-season scenario when he came out of the gate with two top-five and a total four top-10 finishes through the first four races of the season.
While unexpected, his full-time cushion hasn’t changed his go-for-broke race mentality that has helped him claim victory in three of the past four series events.
“We’re coming to every race with the intention to win because we didn’t think we’d be here for the full season. We’re focusing on the points, but we’re also focusing on winning. We really feel we should have won one more in addition to our three,” he said.
The Connecticut native’s only finish outside a race top-10 this season was a 17th-place showing in the May 9 “Drive Smart. Buckle-Up! Kentucky 150.” He plans to make amends for that performance in 12 days.
“I think it will be hotter than the last race, so the tires might be a little slower and we might move around a little more. I think we have a good package from last race, which is one of the races I feel we at least should’ve finished second. I kind of threw it away coming of Turn 4 on the inside with a couple of laps to go trying to catch the leaders. We want to come back and get vengeance on this place,” he said.
Lofton, who has picked up a win and a total of seven top-five finishes this season, served as lead consultant for his Eddie Sharp Racing teammates Craig Goess, currently fifth in the championship standings, and Tim George, Jr., ranked 10th in standings.
“I made a couple of laps, but it’s actually fun having people wanting you to come out and help them, but it’s not as much fun as being in the racecar and doing your own thing,” Lofton said.
He’ll also be searching for Kentucky Speedway redemption in the “Click It or Ticket. Buckle-Up! Kentucky 150” after placing second in a May event he feels he could’ve won.
“I’m hoping I’ll make up for the first race here when we finished second with such a strong racecar. We hit something on the track and put a hole in the nose. It’s beneficial for me to be here to spend some time on the track and some time off it to see the different changes everyone is making and which way the track is going,” he added.
Nine-time series champion Frank Kimmel will make a run at his fifth Kentucky Speedway victory in the upcoming 150-mile affair.
The Clarksville, Ind., driver and team owner earned his series track leading 11th top-five and 13th top-10 finish with a fifth-place May showing.
“The track was awesome last time we were here. It had a lot of grip, it was a night race and we were running really fast. We were really happy with the car. We probably had a top-three car, but ended up fifth the way things fell out. I’m looking forward to coming back. We’re testing today and hopefully we can make the car even better,” he said.
Kimmel enters the series’ July 11 race at Iowa Speedway third in the series standings after collecting two top-five and four top-10 finishes. The veteran sits 230 points back of the leader, but plans to make a strong run at the young gun in the remaining 12 races on the schedule.
“Parker’s been tough and he’s going to be hard to beat all year long. He’s doing a great job, but he’s not really had any problems. We’ll just keep plugging along, doing our thing. If we can be more competitive, we’ll just push him as hard as we can,” he added.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne was a surprise guest in the Kentucky garages where he worked on transitioning ARCA RE/MAX Series hopeful Brad Sweet to stock car racing. Kahne set up Sweet’s car and turned the second-fastest lap of the morning session at 172.712-mph (31.266 seconds). Joey Coulter topped the first session with a 172.767-mph (31.256 second) trip around the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway tri-oval.
Visit arcaracing.com for a full list of drivers and their times from the morning and afternoon sessions.
Kentucky Speedway’s third of four 2009 race weekends opens July 17 with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series practice sessions from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Action continues July 18 with a doubleheader race day featuring the NCWTS “Built Ford Tough 225 Presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers” followed by the “Click It or Ticket. Buckle-Up! Kentucky 150.” The day also includes a concert with classic country music artist Lee Greenwood.
Weekend tickets, new infield camping and more Big Deals can be reserved online by visiting www.kentuckyspeedway.com, by phone at 888-652-RACE (7223) or through the Kentucky Speedway ticket offices at 400 Buttermilk Pike, Suite 100, in Ft. Mitchell, Ky., or the Sparta, Ky., Fan Center off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 North. Fans also can reserve tickets at Meijer stores and Tickets.com outlets.
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U S A R (United Speed Alliance Racing)
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Courtesy of USAR
http://usarprocup.com
FOURTH PLACE FINISH FOR THE LOANMAX TEAM AT LANIER
http://www.usarprocup.com/?p=474
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N A S C A R * C A N A D I A N * T I R E * S E R I E S
http://localracing.nascar.com/news/6
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Fan voting open for NASCAR series’ most popular driver
Asheville Citizen-Times – NC,USA
25 for the NASCAR Camping World Series East; Sept. 26 for both the NASCAR Camping World Series West and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series; Oct. 10 for the …
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090706/SPORTS08/90706019
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C O L U M N S / C O M M E N T A R I E S
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I.N. Sider declares what he will do when King of the Racing World in the new Behind [Closed] Garage Doors column, now posted at www.Valvoline.com.
Insider Racing News
http://insiderracingnews.com/Writers/AM/070709.html
NASCAR’s Hall of Fame: It’s Time to Correct History
by Allen Madding
RaceTalkRadio.com:
Fire Cracker was Definitely Not a Dud by Dennis Michelsen
http://www.racetalkradio.com/soz/id295.htm
The Nascar Insiders
Why Tony Stewart Will Win The 2009 Cup Championship
I know I’m going way out on a limb here, seeing as how he is the current points leader and most recent race winner, but I’m calling right now that Tony Stewart will win the 2009 Cup Series championship.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheNascarInsiders/~3/6tchxDBX_IQ/
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T V * L I S T I N G S
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Courtesy of Race Fans Stockcar Newsletter
http://www.nascarnutscanada.com/
TUESDAY, JULY 7
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
THURSDAY, JULY 9
5:00 P-6:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Lifelock.com 400, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
6:30 P-7:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
7:00 P-8:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series FINAL PRACTICE, Dollar General 300, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
8:30 P-10:30 SPEED/TSN 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup QUALIFYING, Lifelock.com 400, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
9:00 P-10:00 CNBC Inside Track: Refueling the Business of NASCAR, How shrinking budgets are threatening the sport of NASCAR racing. N
FRIDAY, JULY 10
3:00 P-5:00 ESPN 2/TSN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series QUALIFYING, Dollar General 300, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
5:00 P-5:30 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
5:00 P-6:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup PRACTICE, Lifelock.com 400, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
6:30 P-7:30 SPEED NASCAR Sprint Cup FINAL PRACTICE, Lifelock.com 400 , Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
7:30 P-8:00 ESPN/TSN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series COUNTDOWN, Dollar General 300, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
8:00 P-11:00 ESPN/TSN 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L (expect green at 8:16 P)
SATURDAY, JULY 11
10:00 A-11:00 ESPN 2 NASCAR Now, HD, L
11:00 A-12:00 N TSN NASCAR Now, HD
4:30 P-6:30 SPEED NASCAR RaceDay. Preview of today’s Lifelock.com 400, Chicagoland Speedway, HD, L
6:30 P-7:30 TNT/TSN NASCAR on TNT Live!, HD, L
7:30 P-8:00 TNT/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup COUNTDOWN TO GREEN, Lifelock.com 400, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L
8:00 P-11:30 TNT/TSN NASCAR Sprint Cup Lifelock.com 400, Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL, HD, L (expect green at 8:16 P)
SUNDAY, JULY 12
1:00 P-3:30 ABC/TSN IRL IndyCar Series Honda Indy Toronto, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, HD, L
7:00 P-8:00 SPEED The SPEED Report, HD, N
9:00 P-10:00 SPEED Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, HD, L
We do not list all the programming offered by SPEED; for complete listings go to their website, http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/
Always CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!
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The Stock Car Gazette
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