Maryeve Dufault

When I say that Dufault has become a badass now that she has a seat for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide season, I’m not exactly telling the truth. This French Canadian got started racing since she was four years old, starting off in motocross and breaking both her arms before she turned nine. So she has a history of being tough.

The first time you might’ve heard of her was back in 2000, when she won the Miss Hawaiian Tropic International beauty pagent. She spent the next few years working in Hollywood, being prized for her looks and her skills. The first job she landed here in the States was as a model on “The Price Is Right,” but she also worked as a Hollywood stunt driver.

Her breakout year came in 2011. She joined the ARCA Racing Series at the end of 2010, so 2011 was her first full season competing in stock cars. Driving in many of the tracks used in NASCAR, she finished 16th in the standings, despite having missed over a quarter of the races due to a lack of sponsorship. In August she got her first drive in NASCAR Nationwide, a feeder series to the Sprint Cup major leagues and she’ll be running a full season this year in a Quebecois Dodge Challenger.

She won’t be challenging the leaders this year in Nationwide, but we are looking forward to seeing more women in racing, especially someone as driven as Dufault.

- Jalopnik

David Ragan

It of course will be Ragan’s first start in a points-paying race at Daytona since he won last July’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400-miler. He hasn’t driven a Nationwide race at Daytona since July 2009 and has just one Nationwide start since the end of that season, coming last November in Texas. He has a pair of Nationwide Series victories, both coming in 2009 at Talladega and Bristol. In six starts at Daytona in NASCAR’s second-tier division, he has one eighth-place finish and three ninths.

The GCMI team debuted last April in Nashville with Canadian J.R. Fitzpatrick behind the wheel. Fellow Canadian Andrew Ranger and American J.J. Yeley also drove races for the team. Fitzpatrick scored a pair of top-10 finishes, including a fifth in Montreal. Ranger, a two-time champion of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, will pilot the car in several Nationwide races this season while chasing a third title north of the border.

- SB Nation

Todd Bodine - Photo Credit: Jason Smith / Getty Images for NASCAR

The two-time Truck Series champion was left without a ride for 2012 after the Germain Racing team he drove for since 2004 closed down its Truck team in December due to lack of sponsorship.

Bodine, of Mooresville, N.C., said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s Tradin Paint on Tuesday that the team is committed to running him for the full season if it can secure the sponsorship. Bodine said they have a sponsor for the Daytona race and an announcement will be made soon.

Bodine finished sixth in the series in 2011. The 21-race Truck Series winner won titles in 2006 and 2010.

- Elmira Star-Gazette

She was born on March 26, 1948, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to the late Edmund Nasett and Audrey Loga Nasett. She attended school in Rockdale and Cambridge and graduated in 1966 from Cambridge High School. On October 21, 1966, she was united in marriage to Roy E. Kenseth, a lifelong resident of Cambridge, WI at the Albion Prairie Primitive Methodist Church. - Full Story at NBC15.com

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Logo

Jason Leffler – after a number of seasons in the Nationwide Series, Leffler returns to the Truck Series as the primary driver of the #18 Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports. As a Nationwide regular, Leffler finished in the top 10 in points each of the past five seasons, recording two wins and 106 top 10 finishes in 292 career starts. In the Truck Series, he has one win and 29 top 10s in 46 starts. KBM has become one of the series’ top teams in just two seasons – 16 wins and 32 top fives in 50 starts.

Jennifer Jo Cobb – after an ill-fated attempt at racing full-time in the Nationwide Series in 2011, Cobb returns to the series where she has had her greatest successes, including a sixth-place finish at Daytona in February 2011 – a personal best and the highest finish by a woman in the Truck Series.

- Yahoo!

Ty Dillon (L) and car owner and grandather Richard Childress (R) celebrate the ARCA Racing Series championship during the annual awards banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center (Photo Credit: ARCA)

Enter Ty Dillon, 19, the grandson of the six-time Sprint Cup championship team owner and Scott Naset, Dillon’s crew chief who is a longtime employee with the organization. He has worked with several of Sprint Cup’s best drivers in the role as general mechanic and car chief over the past 12 years.

One could say youth and experience meshed quite well in 2011, as Dillon and Naset’s teaming produced seven wins, 16 top-fives, 19 top-10s, eight pole positions and best of all, the ARCA Series championship completing the full 19-race schedule.

- Lexington Dispatch

Mobile International Speedway

But NASCAR Senior Vice President for Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell said Thursday that improvements are needed at the track.

“Obviously we need SAFER barriers at that facility,” he said, referred to the impact-absorbing wall system at NASCAR tracks that Mobile lacks.

Other infrastructure improvements are also needed for the track to be able to handle a NASCAR race, but he said NASCAR wouldn’t go into those until the SAFER barrier system is in place.

The Truck Series started out on short tracks and would like to race at more short tracks in the future but O’Donnell acknowledged that the expense of making improvements like SAFER barriers makes it difficult.

SAFER barriers are not a problem for the ARCA Series, which will race in Mobile in March.

- The Huntsville Times – al.com

Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy Johns Chevrolet, speaks with the media during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday in Welcome, N.C. - Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

The couple closed their race team at the end of last season and said they were excited to use all the free time they were about to acquire.

But they also weathered persistent rumors they were closing Kevin Harvick Inc. because they were splitting up and selling off the assets to prepare for a divorce. Both repeatedly dismissed the comments. - Full Story at FOXSports.com

Leilani Münter

How does someone whose livelihood involves getting only 1.3 miles per gallon of gasoline call themselves an environmentalist? Recognizing that Indy or NASCAR racing is “not an eco-friendly sport,” Münter has a strategy for minimizing an oversized carbon footprint. “I have a passion for racing, as well as protecting our planet,” she said. “I am committed to using this vehicle to introduce the millions of racing fans to the message of sustainable living.” Her goals include convincing auto racing executives to develop more fuel-efficient engines and eco-friendly venues.

Münter races in the ARCA Series, a development league of NASCAR. She is the fourth woman in history to race in the Indy Pro Series, the development league of IndyCar. She set the record for the highest finish for a female driver in the history of the Texas Motor Speedway when she finished fourth in 2006. Sports Illustrated named her one of the top 10 female race car drivers in the world.

To help offset her carbon footprint, she adopts an acre of rainforest each time she races and is a long-time vegetarian and eco-activist. Münter calls herself “Carbon Free Girl” and says her science background led her into activism.

- Augusta Free Press

Cale Yarborough speaks as he is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

By: Hunter Thomas – Guest Contributor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a long, rough career, Timmonsville’s Cale Yarborough was finally inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, January 20.

From farming in nearby Sardis, S.C. in the hot summers, to racing underneath the Friday night lights at Florence Motor Speedway, Cale Yarborough was able to capture three championships, 83 victories and 69 poles in NASCAR’s premier series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. During his 31 year career, no moment was more memorable than at 9:05 p.m. on Friday night when he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“I’m going to remember that this was one of the best days of my life,” Cale Yarborough said. “This is what I have — I didn’t know I was working for it, but I’ve worked for all of my life, and it just happened tonight. I’m just so proud to be a part of it and been so blessed to climb that long ladder from the bottom step, now I’m standing on that top step. Can’t go any higher, but can’t nobody push me off, either.”

The night started off with a red carpet ceremony on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Glory Road. Photographers and journalist lined the way snapping a few pictures and possibly getting a quote or two before the jacket presentation dinner. Once in the Crown Ballroom, the electric atmosphere started to engulf the inductees along with their families. Multi-colored lights were flashing everywhere and the epic music set the tone and got everyone’s adrenaline flowing.

Former broadcaster Ken Squier kicked off Yarborough’s induction by giving a little background information about his early days in the Pee Dee area, eventually leading up to his NASCAR career. When the time came for Yarborough to hit the stage, the nearly packed room stood up and erupted in a deafening outburst of cheers and claps.

When Yarborough was on the stage, he couldn’t help but grin, and it was easy to see the sparkle in his eye as the entire NASCAR community took a little over 10 minutes to honor the South Carolinian. Yarborough kicked off the speech with a joke about his wife Betty Jo buying an expensive dress for the occasion, but what really made everyone laugh was his true story about a few cans of black eyed peas. Yes, black eyed peas!

Cale Yarborough reacts to getting his NASCAR Hall of Fame jacket. - Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

The story brought on a few laughs, but it’s a strong reminder on how far Yarborough has actually come in his career, and he certainly hasn’t forgotten that. After the black eyed peas story, Yarborough continued to thank everyone who helped him get to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. As soon as the ceremony was over, Yarborough went to the media room. While talking with the media, he was asked to reminisce on the night and put it all into perspective.

“Well, I sure hoped I was going to get to this point because working in the back of the fields in that hot sun would make you want to do something else, I’ll tell you that,” NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Yarborough said. “I always dreamed of doing what – ending up where I have ended up tonight. Very blessed.”

Yarborough’s weekend ended on Sunday with the induction of his historic No. 28 Hardees sponsored race car along with the Granite Market Photo Opp, and the Presentation of Lifetime Membership.

Yarborough wasn’t the only Sandhills icon getting attention form the media and fans. On Saturday, an estimated 75 to 80 fans camped out along the busy streets of Charlotte in the pouring rain to get an autograph of their favorite driver at the Charlotte Convention Center for the conclusion of the NASCAR Acceleration weekend. Darlington Raceway had a very vibrant display as they sold tickets for Mother’s Day weekend, and Rockingham Speedway set up shop to promote the return of NASCAR on April 15 for the Good Sam Roadside Assistance Carolina 200.

Brad Keselowski Racing Logo Thumbnail

Jeff Stankiewicz will serve as Keselowski’s crew chief. Doug Randolph will serve as crew chief for Parker Kligerman, who drives BKM’s No. 29 Dodge in the Truck Series.

“It’s starting to come together,” Keselowski said Saturday afternoon after his Preseason Thunder test ended at Daytona International Speedway. “I’m roughly planning to do six races, but I’d prefer not to drive it, to be quite honest.

“But for Parker’s sake, I think it’s important to get a good evaluation because this is a make or break year for Parker. We need a good evaluation of where our equipment’s at throughout different periods of the year so we can understand whether or not he’s making the most of our opportunity.

“Before you can say what the most of an opportunity is you have to define what the opportunity is. Are we giving him a good opportunity? Are we giving him an average opportunity? I don’t have an answer to that and I think we’ll have a much better indicator if we’re able to achieve that.”

To do that, Keselowski was compelled to shuffle his deck slightly, particularly when Randolph became available.

- SunHerald.com

- and –

NASCAR.com

Carl Edwards - Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images for NASCAR

“The way we’re approaching this season is, I’m not committing to any races right now,” Edwards said. “And as the season goes, if I decide I’m just a nervous ball of energy on Saturdays and I can’t function without going and racing — because that might be the case — then we’ll work to try to go [Nationwide] racing.”

“Once they said we could not run for the championship, I had already committed and Roush and the sponsors had already committed to running the full season,” Edwards said, “so we stuck with it and we did it. But to me, that was really, in my mind, my last real go at it for the whole season.”

Edwards’ hopes for the Sprint Cup championship ended when Tony Stewart won five of 10 Chase races in 2011. He and Edwards were tied in points following the Ford 400 finale, but Stewart won the championship via the tiebreaker.

Edwards did have the consolation prize of earning the 2011 Nationwide Series owners’ championship for RFR, but says he’s compelled to do more in 2012.

“I’m hoping this lets me focus more on the Cup car,” Edwards said, “lets me be a better Cup racer by maybe having more time during the race weekend to maybe hone the setups in.

- NASCAR.com

Chris Windom, driver of the No. 32 Champion Brands / Win-Tron Racing Dodge Charger in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Win-Tron Racing

Windom, driver 32, will be racing a Win Tron Racing Toyota for owner Kevin Cywinski.

The event will be shown live on the SPEED Channel.

Windom made his debut in an ARCA car on Aug. 21, 2011, when he drove for Win Tron Racing in the No. 32 Dodge.

Windom had a top 10 performance the night before in a USAC event.

- Canton Daily Ledger

Sloan Henderson

“This offseason has been anything but an offseason,” Keselowski said in a team press release. “We worked really hard to put things together and kick off this new venture. We really look forward to working with Sloan and will do everything in our efforts to help her launch her racing career in the right direction. I was very happy with her performance during our testing session and I am confident that she will put her best efforts into our team as well for a great outcome.”

Keselowski, owner and driver of the K-Automotive Motorsports No. 92 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, is now the proud owner of Brian Keselowski Motorsports (BKM), fielding race cars in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (No. 29 and No. 92) and in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West (car numbers TBA) with new up-and-coming drivers, providing them their start into stock car racing.

K-Automotive Motorsports will continue to be the primary company for Keselowski’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series efforts in the future.

Said Henderson: “I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity to work with BKM and run in the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. After a great test session with the team, I’m excited about the possibility and feel comfortable that we can do very well.”

- K-Automotive Motorsports

The negotiations with Red Bull was part of a busy start to 2012 for team co-owner Michael Waltrip, who also is competing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Budweiser Shootout, and – if he can find the ride – the Daytona 500.

That means there’s more work to do for Waltrip before the season-opening race. Among his priorities is finding points so that all three MWR automatically qualify for the Daytona 500. - Full Story by Bob Pockrass at SceneDaily.com