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PAST FENCE NOTES
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Franchitti Re-Evaluated; Schrader To Drive No. 40 Dodge At Richmond: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) driver Dario Franchitti was re-evaluated this week by his doctors and will sit out this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR). NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive the No. 40 Kennametal Dodge on Saturday for the 400-lap event. Franchitti was seen by Dr. Terry Trammel and Dr. Kevin Scheid in Indianapolis, Ind. on Monday. The doctors confirmed the slight fracture in Franchitti’s left ankle. Franchitti will be fitted for a carbon fiber brace later this week. His status behind the wheel of the No. 40 Dodge will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Schrader is confirmed to race for CGRFS in Richmond only. Franchitti will also be in Richmond with the No. 40 team.
- Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, Press Release
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Interviews Danica Patrick on XM Satellite Radio's 'Dale Jr. Unrestricted': The two biggest superstars in auto racing will go one-on-one on XM Satellite Radio this week when Dale Earnhardt Jr. interviews Danica Patrick on his weekly XM Radio show "Dale Jr. Unrestricted." Earnhardt's interview with Patrick will air nationwide on the XM Sports Nation channel (XM 144) this Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. Encore broadcasts will air Thursday at 10:30 pm ET/7:30 pm PT and Saturday at 1:30 pm ET/10:30 am PT and 6:30 pm/3:30 pm PT. Patrick made racing history at the Indy Japan 300 on April 20 when she became the first female to win a major closed-course auto race. "Danica is a talented driver, and she backs up that talent with the kind of commitment and dedication you've got to have to succeed," Earnhardt said. "We've hung out a little, and I'm glad to see her hard work pay off." NASCAR's Earnhardt and the IndyCar Series' Patrick have more in common than auto racing. They are both members of the XM family: Patrick is a co-host of the XM show "Andretti Green Racing Hour" on Tuesdays at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT on the XM Sports Nation channel. The two drivers also made a memorable joint appearance in Jay-Z's video for "Show Me What You Got." Earnhardt co-hosts "Dale Jr. Unrestricted" with his friend Josh Snider on XM Radio every Thursday night during NASCAR season. Racing fans can tune into "Dale Jr. Unrestricted" on XM radios for the car, home, and portable use. XM airs from coast to coast to more than 9 million subscribers.
- Catalyst Public Relations For XM Satellite Radio, Press Release
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Inclement weather postpones construction of Monster Monument until Tuesday, April 29: High winds and rain postponed the assembly of the Monster Monument at Dover International Speedway on Monday. The forecast calls for thunderstorms throughout the day in Dover -- poor conditions for building a monster! The design team from ACI Composites will be on-site early in the morning on Tuesday to assemble the monument in one day as originally planned. Media are invited to arrive any time on Tuesday, but the construction should be in full swing by 11 a.m. Continue to follow the construction of the Monster Monument live online by visiting DoverSpeedway.com and clicking on the "Monster Monument! Watch the Progress Live" box at the bottom of the homepage. The page will be redirected to the DelDOT website featuring live video from a camera mounted on the top of the skybox complex on the back side of Dover's frontstretch. NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway on May 30-June 1 and Sept. 19-21, 2008. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.
- Dover International Speedway, Press Release
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Dario Franchitti Unable To Race In Aaron's 499 Sunday In Talladega: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) driver Dario Franchitti will not compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway after suffering a slight fracture in his left ankle as a result of a collision on lap 11 in Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) event. Franchitti will be reevaluated early next week. Arrangements are underway to find a substitute driver to pilot the No. 40 TUMS Dodge for Franchitti in tomorrow's NSCS race at Talladega. On lap 11, Franchitti's No. 40 Fastenal Dodge blew a right-rear tire which caused the on-track incident. Franchitti was treated at the Talladega Superspeedway infield care center and then driven to Physicians Medical Center Carraway in Birmingham, Ala., where he was further evaluated, treated and released.
- Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates, Press Release
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NASCAR Fans Brake for Rising Costs (And More Are Staying Home): A soft economy and record gas prices have NASCAR fans weighing the wisdom of fueling their cars and campers to watch other vehicles race. TV ratings for the Sprint Cup Series, down the last two years, are up 2% this season while attendance at the tracks has dropped or remained flat. Many who attend seem to decide at the last minute, unable or unwilling to shell out for rising gas prices and average hotel room rates of $200 with three- or four-night minimums. That might also explain a spike in demand for camp sites at places such as Talladega Superspeedway, site of Sunday's Aaron's 499 Cup race. Operators of the Alabama track, mindful fans travel an average of 300 miles to the race, have opened more space for campers and expanded free parking. Efforts to offset costs for fans have begun at such tracks as Lowe's Motor Speedway outside Charlotte, promoting its $39 tickets for the 165,000-seat Coca-Cola 600 on May 25 as part of affordable packages.
- AOL Money & Finance
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Reports say Stewart wants out of contract: Two online reports citing unnamed sources reported Wednesday that Tony Stewart wants out of the final year of a contract with Joe Gibbs Racing that runs through the end of the 2009 season. Sports Illustrated’s Internet site reported that Stewart “is working on the final stages of a deal” that would put him at Haas CNC Racing next year. ESPN.com, meanwhile, reported that Stewart is “intrigued” by the prospect of owning a team and said one scenario has Stewart getting up to a 50 percent ownership stake in Haas CNC Racing and driving one of its two Chevrolets. Hass CNC Racing gets its engines and other racing support from Hendrick Motorsports. The Observer tried unsuccessfully to contact Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing president J.D. Gibbs directly for comment. Gibbs told ESPN.com’s Marty Smith that Stewart “definitely has some options,” but that not being with the Gibbs team next year is not among them. “The reality is he’s racing here through 2009,” Gibbs said. “There’s no ifs, ands or buts about that one. Our stance is he’s racing for us through 2009.”
- That's Racin'
Statement from J.D. Gibbs Regarding Tony Stewart’s Contract Status: The following is a statement from J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, regarding the contract status of driver Tony Stewart, “There has been much speculation regarding the future of our driver, Tony Stewart. Tony is currently here through 2009, and from a Joe Gibbs Racing standpoint, we hope he drives for us longer than that and retires here. Tony is a great partner and a huge asset to Joe Gibbs Racing. Right now, we are focused on winning races and winning the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships under his current contract.”
- True Speed Communication For Joe Gibbs Racing, Press Release
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Blue Angels To Perform Fly-By At Richmond International Raceway On Saturday, May 3, Prior To NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race - Tickets Still Available for Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400: The sights and sounds at Richmond International Raceway just got even more exciting. The sky above America’s Premier Short Track will be invaded by the roaring engines of the internationally known Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on Saturday, May 3, prior to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. One of the most anticipated moments of pre-race ceremonies at NASCAR races is the patriotic fly-by performed at the conclusion of the National Anthem. This year’s performance is sure to send chills down the spines of 112,029 fans in attendance. Fans who wish to be a part of this event can still purchase tickets to Saturday’s race by logging onto www.rir.com or calling the ticket office at 866-455-7223. The Blue Angels have performed at some of the most popular sporting events in the country, including this year’s Super Bowl. The Blue Angels squadron consists of six F/A-18 Hornets, which are high-performance, tactical aircrafts designed to operate from aircraft carriers and land bases. These twin-engine, multi-mission strike fighters are flown by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and seven international air forces. The Hornet’s two engines deliver about 36,000 pounds combined thrust and a top speed of more than mach 1.8. Recognized across the country as one of the most exciting flight demonstration teams, the Blue Angels will perform a fly-by in conjunction with the National Anthem, which will be performed by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, making for a truly patriotic pre-race ceremony to kick off the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. In addition to the fly-by performance, some of the Blue Angels team members will be making appearances at America’s Premier Short Track throughout the weekend. Several of the Blue Angels will visit the Green Flag Zone fan hospitality on Saturday, May 3, and the Party Zone fan hospitality on Friday, May 2. They will participate in question and answer sessions and sign autographs (time permitting). Tickets are available now for the Crown Royal Presents The Dawn Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 3. Tickets start at $80 and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223. For more information on the Party Zone and Green Flag Zone fan hospitality areas, please visit www.rir.com or call 866-455-7223.
- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release
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Aaron’s 499 Will Boast An International Flavor Both On The Track And In The Grandstands: The Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, April 27 at Talladega Superspeedway will have international flavor – both on the track and in the grandstands. While Scotland’s Dario Franchitti, Colombia’s Juan Pablo Montoya and Canada’s Patrick Carpentier are entered in this weekend’s Aaron’s 499, Talladega Superspeedway boasts ticket sales to race fans from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. The countries that will be represented among the thousands of race fans will include Japan, Brazil, El Salvador, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, England, Scotland, Mexico, Canada and Germany. “We’re proud that race fans from around the world view Talladega Superspeedway as a must-see destination,” Track President Rick Humphrey said. “Year in and year out, Talladega Superspeedway showcases the most competitive racing on the NASCAR circuit. No matter where you call home, the best way to experience Talladega Superspeedway is in person.” Tickets are still available for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725).
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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National Day of Prayer Paint Scheme to Adorn Nemechek's Chevy in Talladega: The No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet, driven by Joe Nemechek, will once again showcase a unique paint scheme at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, site of this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race. For the third year in a row at the Talladega spring event, Furniture Row, the Denver-based company which owns the No. 78 Chevrolet, is devoting its entire space on the car to the National Day of Prayer. The red, white and blue patriotic paint scheme will include the National Day of Prayer logo on the hood, the rear quarter panels, trunk-lid and the rear bumper (TV) panel of the No. 78 car. "Using a car driven by Joe Nemechek, an accomplished driver who NASCAR fans recognize, is a fun and exciting way to promote the National Day of Prayer," said Brian Toon, vice-chairman of the National Day of Prayer. "This event enables us to communicate with a vast audience and show people that there is a day set aside where our nation joins together and prays." "I am proud to drive the National Day of Prayer car this weekend," said Nemechek. "This is something very special for Furniture Row and it's an honor for me to be included in this annual observance." Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of the United States history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. The observance is currently held on the first Thursday in May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray. Visit nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more.
- DMF Communications For Furniture Row Racing, Press Release
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Wood to drive no. 21 Honey Buns Ford Fusion in Talladega: Jon Wood will make his 2008 Sprint Cup Series debut in the Wood Brothers Racing no. 21 Honey Buns Ford Fusion in the Aaron’s 499 at the famed Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 27th. Since the race was not a scheduled event for Bill Elliott, the team felt that Jon was a logical choice given his experience in the Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series on superspeedways. Jon has a busy schedule this week as he is also entered to drive the no. 21 Air Force Ford F-150 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 at the Kansas Speedway on April 26th. The team is making every effort to make sure Jon participates in both events. An alternative driver is being considered to practice, qualify and possibly race the truck if arrangements cannot be made to get Jon to the Kansas Speedway. To start the week, Wood Brothers Racing and Jon Wood will be conducting a two day test at Iowa Speedway this Tuesday April 22 and Wednesday April 23. Crew Chief Mike Smith agrees that this week is an excellent opportunity for the team to gel and work together for the first time this year. He said, “With Jon’s experience level on superspeedways in other series, I’m very comfortable with him getting in the car this weekend. The test in Iowa will also help. It will give us a chance to work together as crew chief and driver, which we’ve never done before. I’m really looking forward to it.”
- Wood Brothers Racing, Press Release
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Dickies Expands its RCR Partnership to Include Associate Sponsorship of the No. 29 Cup Series Team: Dickies®, the leading global workwear brand, and Richard Childress Racing (RCR), are expanding their partnership to include an associate sponsorship position on the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil team with driver Kevin Harvick in the NASCAR Cup Series. Dickies and RCR began their partnership in 2006 as the official provider of work apparel for RCR. The opportunity to increase their involvement into team partnership with RCR was the next logical step in a successful relationship. “Dickies has been part of the NASCAR family since 2001. The company’s sponsorship of the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is an important part of our marketing efforts and a perfect fit with the Dickies brand, said Jon Ragsdale, vice president of marketing and Business Development for Dickies. “This year we are expanding our NASCAR portfolio by becoming an associate sponsor on the No. 29 car driven by Kevin Harvick. Harvick and team owner Richard Childress are perfect embodiments of the hard-working men and women that wear Dickies products and we look forward to seeing Dickies in victory lane.” Harvick is currently fifth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with two top-five and four top-10 finishes in the season’s first eight races. Dickies will use Harvick in local promotions, store visits, midway track displays and hospitality programs. “Dickies has been a great partner of RCR the past couple of years so we’re very happy to have them expand their program to the No. 29 Cup Series team,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “The entire RCR team is proud to wear Dickies durable workwear in the shop and at the track so we couldn’t be more excited about moving to the next step and proudly display the Dickies logo on the No. 29 car with Kevin Harvick.”
- Richard Childress Racing, Press Release
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New Hampshire Motor Speedway Launches New Internet Site: New Hampshire Motor Speedway has a totally new look on the worldwide web. NHMS.com makes its debut today with a design that is informative and fan-friendly. New features include a fan forum, where guests can share their experiences at the speedway, offer suggestions, and make new friends. Audio, video, and photo galleries will offer an inside look at the activities and growth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Interactive weekly polls will track the pulse of the fans on today’s most important racing questions. “This is the next step in the evolution of New Hampshire Motor Speedway,” said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice President and General Manager. “For our fans, competitors, and the surrounding community, it is important that we not only provide timely information, but also give everyone the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas for the future. The site will also be a showcase for area attractions and businesses that make New Hampshire such a special place.” To be a part of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway community, please visit us online at www.nhms.com.
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Press Release
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Taylor Hicks To Perform National Anthem Prior To Aaron’s 499 At Talladega Superspeedway: Taylor Hicks, who won the fifth-season of the American Idol competition, will sing the National Anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, April 27 at Talladega Superspeedway. The 31-year-old Hicks, born in nearby Birmingham Ala. and raised in Hoover, captured more than 63 million votes to win the fifth season of American Idol, which has a tradition of producing today’s greatest singing stars. “We’re proud to have one of Alabama’s favorite sons in Taylor Hicks perform the National Anthem prior to the Aaron’s 499,” Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey said. “With his raspy, soulful voice, race fans should expect a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.” After winning the fifth season of American Idol in 2005, Hicks’ first single “Do I Make You Proud” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard’s Hot 100, the Single Sales chart and the Pop 100 with more than 190,000 copies sold in its first week of release. His self-titled major-label debut album arrived in late 2006 and “Live at the Workplay Theatre,” a concert album recorded in summer 2006, was released in 2007. Tickets are still available for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725).
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Tickets For Dickies 500 NASCAR Triple-Header Weekend Go On Sale Wednesday: Tickets for the NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Texas Motor Speedway Oct. 30 – Nov. 2 featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series go on sale tomorrow. The marquee event is the Dickies 500, the eighth race in the 10-event Chase for the Sprint Cup championship format, and tickets prices for the “playoff” race range from $52 to $130. The Dickies 500 will be joined that weekend by the O’Reilly Challenge Nationwide Series race and Silverado 350k Craftsman Truck Series event. Tickets begin as low as $25 for the O’Reilly Challenge and $34 for the Silverado 350k. Tickets are available by calling the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500, by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com and through all Ticketmaster outlets. The Dickies 500 NASCAR triple-header weekend kicks off Thursday, Oct. 30 with 7-Eleven Qualifying Day for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. 7-Eleven Qualifying Days continue Friday, Oct. 31 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Silverado 350k NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will take place under the lights the evening of Oct. 31. The O’Reilly Challenge NASCAR Nationwide Series race follows Saturday, Nov. 1. The race week culminates with the Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 2. Camping for the Dickies 500 NASCAR triple-header weekend will go on sale Wednesday, April 23.
Also.. Statement from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage regarding NASCAR’s announcement today to implement two days of testing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (May 5-6) in preparation for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 in May: “Although I am disappointed that NASCAR did not react in time for a test session we proposed prior to the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, I have to applaud them for finally listening to the teams and the tracks about this growing situation. I am hopeful that the additional testing will give teams a better handle on the set-ups and ultimately lead to a better quality of racing for the fans. I have received emails and letters from our loyal fans about the quality of racing they witnessed at our event and those are the people – NASCAR fans – that everyone in the NASCAR community needs to be concerned about. We will continue to push NASCAR for a test session here prior to the Dickies 500 in November because we need to provide these fans with a great show. We need to win them back with the racing NASCAR and Texas Motor Speedway are known for.”
- Texas Motor Speedway, Press Release
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Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Makes Changes to Strengthen NASCAR Sprint Cup Teams - Crew Chiefs Donnie Wingo and Jimmy Elledge Change Positions on No. 41, No. 42 NSCS Entries: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) crew chiefs Donnie Wingo and Jimmy Elledge will change roles, with Wingo assuming duties on the No. 41 Target Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson and Elledge on the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline/Juicy Fruit ® Dodge driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, respectively. “I really feel that these changes can be instrumental in moving Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates to the next level,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “I have a lot of respect for both Donnie and Jimmy and the jobs that they do and they both agree that this move can be very beneficial to the entire organization. I have said all along that I believe us to be a championship organization and that Felix and I will do whatever we can to make us better. This is toward that end.” Wingo will call his first race for the No. 41 team with Sorenson, and Elledge with the No.42 team and Montoya, following the NSCS off weekend in Round 9 of the season at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27 (FOX, 1:30 pm EDT).
- Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Press Release
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Let’s Go Racing Boys! Toby Lightman To Perform Prior To Aaron’s 499: NASCAR fans at Talladega Superspeedway are in for a treat when they recognize the familiar voice of Toby Lightman as she performs prior to the Aaron’s 499. Lightman sings the new musical opening on all NASCAR on FOX network television broadcasts, “NASCAR Love (Let’s Go Racing)”. “Toby has really made a splash on the NASCAR scene this year,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “While most fans will recognize her voice from the FOX broadcasts, I believe they will all be impressed with what a great musical talent she is. I am glad we can bring this added benefit to our ticket holders attending the Aaron’s 499.” Lightman is a recording artist with two major label releases to her credit, 2004’s “Little Things” and 2006’s “Bird on a Wire”. She’s toured the country extensively, having appeared with such artists as Rob Thomas, Jewel, James Blunt, Gavin DeGraw, and on one memorable evening, Prince. She also recently appeared in the off Broadway production, “Alive In The World”, alongside Adam Pascal (Rent) and Lea Michele (Spring Awakening). Her website is www.tobylightman.com. Tickets are still available for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend by calling the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725).
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Super 8 Revs up NASCAR Season with Pit Stop Challenge - Visit Labonteslaw.com to Win Great Racing Prizes: As March Madness winds down, Super 8 Worldwide, Inc. is giving NASCAR fans a chance to keep the tournament excitement going on their racing website, www.labonteslaw.com. As a sponsor of the No. 43 Petty Enterprises Dodge and 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte, Super 8 is giving fans the chance to compete in two online Pit Stop Challenge tournaments and win great racing prizes. The Pit Stop Challenge is an exciting online game that allows you to become a virtual pit crew member on the No. 43 Dodge. Complete a pit stop in the fastest time and you can find yourself at the top of the scoring monitor. To prepare for the upcoming tournaments, fans can go to the Labonte’s Law website as much as possible to practice their pit crew skills. There will be two tournaments, the first held on July 8, 2008 and the other held on October, 8, 2008. Each tournament will be comprised of three competitors. The top-three Pit Stop Challenge times from April, May and June will vie for the July prize package and the top-three times from July, August and September will be eligible to compete in the October tournament. There are various prizes which range from a Richard Petty Driving Experience to a tour of the Petty Enterprises shop in Mooresville. Another possible prize is dinner at the Petty’s home with Bobby Labonte, Richard Petty and his wife, Lynda. “Labonteslaw.com has always been the place to go for all the information that you need when traveling to a race,” said Bobby Labonte. “Super 8 is now going to give you the chance to win a race fan’s dream package. Log on now and play as often as you can. Who knows? You may get a chance to hang out with me and ‘The King’ Richard Petty.” To get more information or participate in the Pit Stop Challenge go to www.labonteslaw.com. NASCAR pit crew members know that during a pit stop every second counts so don’t waste any time, start practicing now. If you can beat the clock and rise to the top of the time charts, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the tournaments. Are you up for the challenge?
- Moore Consulting Group For Petty Enterprises, Press Release
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 NASCAR Two-Seater "Races" Indycar Two-Seater At Richmond International Speedway: Today at Richmond International Raceway, a Richard Petty Driving Experience NASCAR-style two-seater challenged a Sinden Racing IndyCar-style two-seater to a “race” around the ¾-mile oval. America’s Premier Short Track is one of only eight tracks which hosts both NASCAR Sprint Cup and IndyCar Series races. NASCAR returns to Richmond International Raceway May 2-3 for the NASCAR doubleheader. Good tickets are still available for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 race on Saturday, May 3. Tickets start at $80 and are available by logging onto www.rir.com or calling 866-455-7223. The IndyCar Series returns to Richmond International Raceway June 27-28 for the SunTrust Indy Challenge weekend. The IndyCar Series stars will battle it out “under the lights” on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are $35 (reserved) and $30 (general admission). Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections for the IndyCar Series race.
- Richmond International Speedway, Press Release
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SUBWAY® Restaurants to Serve as Primary Sponsor for Tony Stewart and No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Team at Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Races in 2008 - “SUBWAY®” Paint Scheme to Appear at Spring Phoenix, Fall California and Fall Talladega Events: Furthering its relationship with Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing, SUBWAY® Restaurants will serve as primary sponsor of the No. 20 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2008. Longtime sponsor The Home Depot® will adorn the quarter panels of the No. 20 Toyota Camry, while SUBWAY will have signage on the rest of the car. The No. 20 SUBWAY/Home Depot Toyota will make its debut April 10-12 during the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway and will return to the track Aug. 29-31 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and once again Oct. 3-5 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. SUBWAY will promote its FRESH FIT™ Menus at those races which are designed for adults and children. The menus offer healthier, on-the-go meal options that complement active lifestyles. The healthier dining options consist of low-fat sandwiches, beverages and “fit” sides such as apples, raisins and yogurt.
- Catalyst Public Relations, Press Release
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 Mercury Recording Artist Julie Roberts To Perform National Anthem At Darlington Raceway: South Carolina native and Mercury Recording artist, Julie Roberts, will perform the National Anthem prior to the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway. Roberts, the daughter of an engineer and an accountant, grew up singing country in Lancaster, S.C. "I started singing to country songs on the radio when I was about three," she says. "Mama had this big white truck, and we would all sit in the front seat and she would turn up country music. I learned all of these old songs, like Mel McDaniel's 'Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On'. When we hear them today I'll say, 'There's a white-truck song.'"
- More
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Lowe's Motor Speedway Turning Yellow For May 17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race: In preparation for the May 17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the retaining walls at Lowe's Motor Speedway are once again being painted Sprint yellow. This is the second consecutive year the inside and outside walls have been changed from their traditional white to bright yellow for the sport's annual all-star event. It will take 286 man hours to complete the painting project which started late Sunday evening and will be finished Wednesday. Eleven men from JKS Motorsports are applying 575 gallons of Sprint-yellow paint to the inside and outside retaining walls using rollers and four gas-powered sprayers. "The yellow wall is really psychedelic. It reminds me of the '60s," veteran driver Kenny Wallace said after the walls were painted yellow for the first time. "You get used to a look for 20 years-I've been racing here since 1989-and now it's different. But it's neat. It adds a lot of color to the place." Tickets for the May 17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $30 and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.
- Lowe's Motor Speedway, Press Release
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No. 12 Team Penalized For Infractions At Texas Motor Speedway: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 12 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. The No. 12 car driven by Ryan Newman was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 12.8.1C (right rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specification; too high in post race inspection) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. As a result, Newman and car owner Roger Penske have been penalized 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively. Crew chief Roy McCauley has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
- NASCAR, Press Release
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NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Almirola, Menard to Test at Infineon Raceway Wednesday, April 9: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Aric Almirola and Paul Menard will come to Infineon Raceway on Wednesday, April 9, for a one-day test session. Almirola, who shares driving duties with veteran Mark Martin in the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet, has never competed on the Sonoma Valley road course in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Neither has Menard, who drives the No. 15 Menards Chevrolet. Almirola and Menard are expected to test the challenging 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course in late-model stock cars provided by a Northern California-based race team. They will be coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers David Reutimann, Johnny Sauter and Los Gatos’ AJ Allmendinger. Both will return for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend, June 20-22, at Infineon Raceway. For tickets, call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com.
- Infineon Raceway, Press Release
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LifeLock To Sponsor Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ No. 10 Dodge, Patrick Carpentier In 2008: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced today that LifeLock®, the nation’s leading identity theft protection service, will sponsor the No. 10 Dodge with driver Patrick Carpentier in eight races in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season. “We are thrilled to partner with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and to serve as a cornerstone sponsor with Patrick Carpentier and the No. 10 Dodge team,” said LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “Patrick will be a great ambassador for our service to his many fans and to help spread the message of LifeLock’s proactive identity theft protection service.” LifeLock, based in Tempe, Ariz., helps consumers to render their personal information useless to thieves, backing up its service with a $1 million-dollar guarantee. Famous for Davis giving out his Social Security number in advertising and national press, the company is experiencing astounding growth. Driver Patrick Carpentier said he was very familiar with the company before it entered into discussions with the race team.
- Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Press Release
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Sprint To Celebrate Customers By Offering Thousands Of Free NASCAR Sprint All-Star Benefits - Sprint All-Star Customer Celebration to include more than 30,000 free NASCAR tickets, race shop tours and exclusive access: Sprint (NYSE: S) today launched the Sprint All-Star Customer Celebration, a program around the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race where Sprint customers will be offered more than 30,000 free tickets to an array of NASCAR-themed events May 15-17. “At Sprint, our customers are our most valued assets,” said Steve Gaffney, director of sports marketing for Sprint. “We have tremendous access through our NASCAR Sprint Cup Series sponsorship and our title sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. We want to share as many of those benefits as possible with our customers. We want them to realize that, as a Sprint customer, they have exclusive access to NASCAR; they have a friend on the inside.”
The following items are being offered free of charge to Sprint customers:
10,500 tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge May 15 at Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, N.C. While at the event, Sprint customers will have access to an exclusive question-and- answer session with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers.
1,000 tickets for lunch and a chartered bus ride to behind-the- scenes tours of Hendrick Motorsports, Michael Waltrip Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing May 16 in Charlotte, N.C.
20,000 tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race May 17 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
A select number of pit tours prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
Opportunity for a select number of customers to be stage front for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race pre-race driver introductions and the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Victory Lane.
Sprint customers must visit Sprint.com, establish an online account via MySprint and log in to register. The offer is available online only. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close April 30 or when all tickets have been claimed.
- Sprint Nextel, Press Release
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Reigning Two-Time Series Champion Johnson To Unveil TMS' New 'Concourse Of Champions Display - “Concourse Of Champions” To Feature Giant Banners Of Every NASCAR Sprint Cup And IndyCar Winner In Texas Motor Speedway’s History; Johnson To Unfurl His 2007 Dickies 500 Champion’s Banner To Christen Event; Gates Will Open Earlier For Fans To View The Unveiling: Two-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will officially christen Texas Motor Speedway’s new “Concourse of Champions” display Friday by unfurling his 2007 Dickies 500 champion’s banner on the frontstretch concourse. Johnson will join Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage for the debut of the Concourse of Champions, a display that will feature 8-foot-by-10-foot banners to celebrate every driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Indy Racing League IndyCar Series that has won at Texas Motor Speedway since it opened in 1997. The display will go the length of the concourse beneath the frontstretch grandstands, from Gate 1 to Gate 7, and consist of 32 banners of former champions. “It’s only appropriate to have the last driver to win at Texas Motor Speedway – Jimmie Johnson -- help us christen the Concourse of Champions,” Gossage said. “We did this for the fans so they can share in our heritage and history of great champions whenever they walk the concourse area. It’s a nice visual touch to enhance the concourse area.” The event will begin at 10:40 a.m. Friday in the concourse area located at Gate 4 with a designated media area with Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, and Gossage. All the gates are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. CT Friday, but Texas Motor Speedway will be opening Gate 4 for ticketed fans who are interested in watching or photographing the event with the two-time series champion at 10:30 a.m. The first 200 fans who arrive early for the unveiling ceremony will receive a free Lowe’s key chain.
- Texas Motor Speedway, Press Release
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Print At Home Tickets Available For Daytona International Speedway Guests: Race fans that purchase their tickets for the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola or DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 will have the ability to print their tickets at home. “This is a great new amenity for our guests,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “If our race fans don’t want to wait to have their tickets mailed or pick them up at will call, they now have the convenience of the print at home option. This is a quick and innovative way for our race fans to obtain their tickets before arriving at ‘The World Center of Racing.’ “ To utilize the print at home option, the Daytona International Speedway ticket buyer will need to have access to e-mail and a printer. When purchasing tickets over the phone, the ticket buyer needs to mention to their ticket agent that they would like to use the print at home option or choose the print at home option when purchasing tickets online. The ticket buyer will then receive two e-mails. One e-mail confirms the ticket sale and the second e-mail contains the print at home information. The print at home tickets contain a special barcode that will be scanned at the Daytona International Speedway entrance gates. This barcode is only good for one admission and duplicate copies of the same barcode will not allow access. At this time, the print at home option is not available for Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access, fan hospitality passes or specialty vehicle passes. For more information on Daytona International Speedway tickets, log on to www.racetickets.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.
- Daytona International Speedway, Press Release
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Texas Motor Speedway Announces Plans To Become First Speedway With A Retractable Roof: Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage announced plans today for construction of a massive retractable roof that is scheduled for completion by the 2011 Samsung 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race traditionally held in April. The expansive project is expected to cost $900 million to transform the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval into the first major domed speedway in the history of motorsports.
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RCR to Field Fourth Cup Team in ’09 with General Mills Sponsorship: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and General Mills (NYSE: GIS) have agreed to terms on a multi-year partnership for the world’s sixth-largest food company to sponsor the No. 33 Cheerios®/Hamburger Helper® Chevrolet Impala SS beginning with the 2009 NASCAR Cup Series season. The driver for the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet Impala SS will be announced at a later date. “RCR is honored to represent General Mills and its Cheerios, Hamburger Helper and many other brands in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “The partnership is another step in RCR’s continued association with blue-chip global brands and companies. General Mills has a great history of activating its NASCAR programs so our focus now turns to the short list of drivers we feel will help continue that tradition as well as be at the same competitive level on the track as our current drivers and teams.” The 2009 season will mark General Mills’ 13th year of sponsorship involvement in NASCAR as well as Richard Childress’ 40th anniversary in the sport. RCR has earned 11 NASCAR championships, including six in the Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, four in the Nationwide Series, and one in the Truck Series. Next year will be the first time RCR will run a fourth fulltime NASCAR Cup Series team.
- Richard Childress Racing, Press Release
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 Actress Carmen Electra, Drivers Mark Martin And Martin Truex, Jr., And Hundreds Of Dale Earnhardt Fans Join The Hershey Company To Honor Racing Icon: Fans Race to be Part of Permanent Tribute, Benefit The Dale Earnhardt Foundation; Collector Edition Hershey®’s and Kit Kat® Bars Pay Homage to Racing Legend Just like the legend they so admire, Dale Earnhardt fans have moved fast to be part of history, joining with The Hershey Company to help raise funds for The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Hershey has debuted a series of collectible bars honoring the racing legend and given fans the opportunity to personally join a permanent tribute to “The Intimidator” while raising funds for charity. By logging on to www.hersheys.com/dale, fans can upload a photo for inclusion in a picture mosaic – a replica of which will be unveiled on April 29, during Dale Earnhardt Day in Mooresville, N.C. Already, nearly 1,000 fans have posted their name, photo and/or message to the site. Fans also can make a donation to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Dale Earnhardt fans from across the country have been joined by actress Carmen Electra and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) drivers Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr., who recently posted their images and messages to the site. With less than one month until Dale Earnhardt Day, fans still have time to join these stars and show their support.
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Dale Earnhardt, Jr., And Mountain Dew Go Retro At Darlington Raceway: Fans who attend the Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway will not only see some of the most exciting racing of the 2008 season, they will also see a special one-time-only throwback paint scheme on the No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP Energy/National Guard entry driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. To kick off Mountain Dew’s “Old School New School” promotion, Earnhardt will pilot the No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet with a throwback paint scheme modeled after the 1981-82 entry driven by Darrell Waltrip.
- More
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Statement From TMS President Eddie Gossage On The Passing Of Motor Racing Outreach Founder Max Helton: Max Helton, who formed a Christian Ministry that became Motor Racing Outreach 20 years ago, died Sunday afternoon of brain cancer at his home in Huntersville, N.C. “This is an earthly loss but a heavenly gain,” said Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage, who serves on the Board of Directors of World-Span Ministries, Helton’s international motorsports ministry. “Max aided so many people in auto racing and you would often see him with some of the sport’s top drivers offering a quiet prayer just before the start of a race. He very personally counseled me through the years and was a great influence on my life.” Helton will be remembered during pre-race ceremonies for the Samsung 500 this Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. “Several years ago, as Texas Motor Speedway was struggling to land a second NASCAR Cup Series race, Max asked me if I prayed for a second race,” Gossage said. “I told him I was uncomfortable asking for something of that nature because I didn’t think it was very important in God’s grand scheme of things. Max encouraged me to pray for a second race and gave me a long list of reasons why God would look favorably on that prayer. With Max’s encouragement I prayed about it often and shortly thereafter it was added to the schedule. I think of Max’s advice and apply that to many things in my life. “We will miss Max, but we are happy that he has made it home,” Gossage said. “He was a ‘good and faithful servant.’ ” Helton was working at a church in Glendora, Calif., in 1988 when he met Darrell Waltrip and his wife, Stevie. Helton told the Waltrips that he felt called to lead a ministry in auto racing. Soon after, Helton formed Motor Racing Outreach and was leading Bible study with drivers and crew members in the sport, chapel service at race tracks each weekend and personal counseling session with those in the sport. He left Motor Racing Outreach in 2002. He then formed World-Span Ministries and took a very similar approach to racing series around the world traveling internationally as he spread the message. Helton was diagnosed with brain cancer in August. He is survived by his wife, Jean, along with four daughters and nine grandchildren.
- Texas Motor Speedway, Press Release
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Coach Beamer To Grand Marshal: Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Frank Beamer, one of college football’s most revered coaches, has accepted Grand Marshal duties for the upcoming Goody’s Cool Orange 500 race at Martinsville Speedway, March 30. The Hillsville, Va native is an avid NASCAR fan that has waved the green flag at racing events but has never said the famous words “Gentleman start your engines”. Beamer’s Hokies won the ACC championship and finished ninth in the country last year. He was the national coach of the year in 1999 and is ranked third in wins among all active Division I coaches. With team colors of maroon and orange, and having competed in this past season’s Orange Bowl, Beamer is the perfect fit for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500, a race named after the newest flavor of Goody’s headache powder.
Jeff Hammond To Wave The Green Flag: To celebrate Jeff Hammond’s long history at Martinsville Speedway, it is only fitting he gets to wave the green flag for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. Hammond has been named as Honorary Starter for the upcoming Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway. As a jackman, Hammond stood in Martinsville’s victory lane four times with driver Cale Yarborough. Once promoted to crew chief for Darrell Waltrip, Hammond found victory lane 10 more times at Martinsville, four of which were Goody’s 500 events (1984, 1987, 1988, 1989). Hammond secured a total of 43 wins as a crew chief. NASCAR fans now enjoy Hammond’s commentary during FOX and SPEED television broadcasts.
Doug Agee Awards: Doug Agee, a pioneer of racing promotions, will be on hand to present the Doug Agee Award at the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. The Goody’s Headache Powders brand created the award to be given to a person or persons who most embodies the value and spirit of Doug Agee and is presented annually at Martinsville Speedway – a track as deeply rooted in NASCAR as Goody’s 31-year tenure in racing. Agee invented the fan favorite Goody’s Headache of the Race promotion with MRN Radio and brought Goody’s to NASCAR. He also started what is now a lifetime relationship with Richard Petty.
Virginia Tech's Highty-Tighties Perform: To celebrate Goody’s new flavor, Goody’s Cool Orange will have a Virginia Tech flavor with both Head Football Coach Frank Beamer as grand marshal and the Highty-Tighties performance. The world-renowned Regimental Band of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, better known as the Highty-Tighties, will perform at the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Always a crowd favorite, the Highty-Tighties will entertain the race fans during pre-race ceremonies and also perform the national anthem. The military marching band carry traditions dating back 125 years with performances at presidential inaugurals since President Eisenhower.
Fan Participation: Goody’s will be giving away Goody’s Cool Orange towels to race fans entering the grandstands at Martinsville Speedway for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. Fans will be encouraged to wave the orange-colored towels during the start and end of the race. The stands will look like a sea of orange celebrating Goody’s long time relationship with both the race fan and the Martinsville Speedway. Goody’s has been a strong supporter of Martinsville Speedway since the first Goody’s 500 in 1983.
- Martinsville Speedway, Press Release
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Talladega Superspeedway Helping Guests By Expanding Free Overnight Parks: In an effort to help ease the cost of race fans wanting to attend the Aaron’s Dream Weekend next month, Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that the track is expanding its free overnight parks. The Aaron’s Dream weekend is scheduled for April 25-27 and will feature the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. “Talladega Superspeedway hosts some of the most loyal fans in NASCAR,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “And we realize that a lot of those fans are traveling long distances to be here and that some of the expense to visit us has grown since last year. We want our guests to know that we are working to help them cut the cost of attending our events by opening more land for them to stay on our property for free. Several years ago we bought approximately 500 acres for the sole purpose of using it for our overnight guests. Last spring we opened a small portion of it and we’re ready to open even more. The option to stay on track property for free will certainly help offset some expense.” Staying in an overnight park can be as simple as setting up a tent, or as elaborate as getting a group together and sharing an RV. All free overnight parks open at 8 a.m. the Tuesday of race week (April 22) and must be cleared by 11 a.m. Monday following the race. Guests wanting to stay in the parks will be required to show their race tickets prior to entry and a valid ticket must be shown each time for admission. For more information on the free overnight parks or tickets for the upcoming Aaron’s Dream Weekend, guests should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) Or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725).
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Fans Still Have Chance To Buy Goody’s Cool Orange 500 Tickets: The Goody’s Cool Orange 500 weekend is just about here, but fans still have time to purchase tickets for all three days of action. Hospitality packages with appearances on Sunday with appearances by Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart or Kasey Kahne also remain available to fans. Tickets remain in many areas of the track’s grandstands for Sunday’s Goody’s Cool Orange 500, ranging in ticket prices from $42 to $80. Families can take advantage of the Spring Family Special for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 with adult backstretch tickets priced at $42 and $47 and tickets for children 12 and under just $10. Martinsville Speedway proudly offers special pricing for members of the United States Armed Forces. Under the special Military Offer, military members can purchase a seat in either the Clay Earles Tower or the South Annex for $50, with children tickets in those areas just $10. The Military Offer is also in place for the Kroger 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on March 29. The special offers adult general admission tickets to the Kroger 250 for $30 while tickets for children 6-12 are $5 and children under six are free. Gordon, Stewart and Kahne will headline three separate fan zones prior to the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. Gordon will be in the Pepsi Fan Zone, Stewart will be in the Goody’s Cool Orange Fan Zone and Kahne in the Bud Fan Zone. Each driver will make an appearance in his respective fan zone for an emceed question and answer session. The price for each fan zone is $99. The price includes a ticket to the fan zone, continental breakfast and lunch buffet, Pepsi products and four beer coupons per adult, track tram tour rides from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Martinsville Speedway souvenirs and door prizes. The $99 price does not include a ticket to the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. Each of the three fan zones will open at 8 a.m. Tickets for both the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 on Sunday, the Kroger 250, on Saturday, and hospitality passes are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com. Ticket prices for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 range from $42 to $80. Tickets for the Kroger 250 are $37 in advance, $42 on race day. Kroger 250 tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $5. The Goody’s Cool Orange 500 weekend kicks off on March 28 with Carilion Clinic Pole Day with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying.
- Martinsville Speedway, Press Release
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Wave The Green Flag At Darlington Raceway - The Ultimate Mother's Day Gift: Looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mom? Dodge Boys Racing has got a great suggestion for you! Simply visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and enter the Wave the Green Flag contest. Your mother (and three guests) could win an all-expense-paid travel package to the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway over Mother’s Day weekend. Then, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, she could Wave the Green Flag to start the race! Simply fill out the required information—including your 100-words-or-fewer essay on why your mother should be declared the best NASCAR mom—and click on the Submit button. Or, if you’re a mom and you want to enter your own name, go right ahead. But you have to hurry. Entries must be received by April 10, 2008. Visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and nominate your mom today to Wave the Green Flag at Darlington. While you’re there, also check out the other great promotions from Dodge Boys Racing where you could win a new Dodge vehicle, an all-expense paid VIP trip to a NASCAR event or other fantastic prizes! Register today at www.dodgeboysracing.com! Don’t miss your chance to see another incredible finish at Darlington Raceway when the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series take on the track “Too Tough to Tame” in the Dodge Challenger 500 on May 10, 2008. The racing action kicks off with the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 on May 9th. Order your tickets now by calling 1-866-459-RACE or logging onto http://www.racetickets.com.
- Darlington Raceway, Press Release
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Ryan Newman and Sam Hornish, Jr. To Make Appearance In Dodge Speedway Sports Club: Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman and Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish, Jr. are scheduled to make a Q&A appearance in the Dodge Speedway Sports Club on Sunday, April 27, prior to the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. “Any fan of racing has to be excited about this offer,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “This is the opportunity to see Sam Hornish Jr., a three-time IRL Champion and winner of the 2006 Indianapolis 500, and Ryan Newman, the winner of the 2008 Daytona 500. These drivers have won two of the premier races in motorsports and I am sure they will have fascinating stories to tell.”
Membership to the Dodge Speedway Sports Club includes:
Access to the Dodge Speedway Sports Club, an air conditioned chalet with closed circuit televisions, located in Hospitality Village
Pre-Race Pit Pass allowing access to pit road until one hour prior to track activity (schedule and weather permitting)
Catering for breakfast, buffet lunch, post-race snacks and beverages (soda & water)
Six drink tickets for beer and wine; cash bar available
Suite/Hospitality parking pass
Event souvenir
Member picture taken in Gatorade Victory Lane on Sunday morning, prior to the race
Driver appearance (schedule and weather permitting)
Membership to the Dodge Speedway Sports Club is $215 and must be accompanied by a frontstretch grandstand or tower ticket. To order Dodge Speedway Sports Club hospitality packages or tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Tickets For NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge On Sale Now: Tickets for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, featuring competition between the top 24 pit crews in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, are on sale now. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.pitcrewchallenge.com or by calling the Charlotte Bobcats ticket office at (800) 495-2295. The NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge is set for Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena and will be aired at 9 p.m. that evening on SPEED. Now in its fourth year, the competition is a signature lead-in event to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Saturday, May 17 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. To compete in the event, teams must be eligible for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or be the 2007 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge Champion. NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race eligibility includes all NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners from 2007 and 2008, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners from the past 10 years and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions from the past 10 years who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2007 or 2008 season. Remaining unfilled positions will become available to the car owners ranked highest in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner point standings as of May 13. The following teams are currently eligible: No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet (Childress), No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet (DEI), No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge (Penske), No. 5 Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Chevrolet (Hendrick), No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet (DEI), No. 11 FedEx Toyota (Gibbs), No. 12 Alltel Dodge (Penske), No. 16 3M Ford (Roush), No. 17 DeWALT Ford (Roush), No. 18 M&M’s/Interstate Batteries Toyota (Gibbs), No. 20 Home Depot Toyota (Gibbs), No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet (Hendrick), No. 26 Crown Royal Ford (Roush), No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet (Childress), No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet (Childress), No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge (Ganassi), No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge (Petty), No. 44 UPS Toyota (MWR), No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet (Hendrick), No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet (Hendrick) and No. 99 Office Depot Ford (Roush).
- Sprint Nextel, Press Release
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NASCAR Driver Tony Stewart Meets with Goodyear’s Stu Grant at Bristol: The following are statements from NASCAR driver Tony Stewart and Goodyear General Manager of Worldwide Racing Stu Grant, respectively, following a meeting between the two this afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Tony Stewart: “I’m glad the weather gave us a break in the schedule that allowed us to meet this afternoon, and I appreciate Stu taking the time to meet with me. We’re hoping that Goodyear will now work with us a little better on the racing side of things and rely on our input a little more, because we are the ones driving the cars. It was a good meeting, but at the end of the day, it’s up to Goodyear to make it right. If having this meeting helps to make things better down the road, then this meeting was a success. “My comments last week (following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway) were made in frustration and made to get Goodyear’s attention. But what I overlooked when I made those comments was that they affected people who had nothing to do with the racing program. I want to apologize to the people who work in the factories and the union workers at Goodyear. We realize that they’re working hard just like everybody else, and we realize that Goodyear as a whole works hard too. But our comments last week were not meant to offend those people, because they’re not the ones making the decisions about the racing tires we use here at the track. “A lot of the people that Goodyear brings to the track aren’t necessarily engineers and they don’t make the decisions on what compounds and constructions (of tires) that we’ll race on, but they’re the people who are here as early as the teams are and leave as late as the teams do because they’re here mounting and dismounting tires and unloading and loading trucks. A lot of those people have become friends over the years, and that’s another group of people we didn’t mean to offend with our comments. Our comments were strong to get somebody’s attention high up in corporate at Goodyear. It wasn’t meant to offend anyone else.”
Stu Grant: “I was very pleased with the meeting that I had with Tony. It was an excellent meeting. It was constructive. It was extremely worthwhile to sit down and have a discussion with him. Tony was able to express his concerns and I listened to his concerns. I was able to explain our process, and we both talked about how moving forward, we can improve the process of developing tires for NASCAR Sprint Cup racing together.”
- True Speed Communication For Joe Gibbs Racing, Press Release
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 DALE Nominated for Two Sports Emmy® Awards: DALE, the definitive documentary of the legendary Dale Earnhardt produced in 2007 by CMT Films and NASCAR Media Group, has been nominated for two Sports Emmy® Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. DALE was nominated in the categories of Outstanding Sports Documentary and Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics. “It’s an honor for DALE to be nominated for Sports Emmys in two different categories and everyone at NASCAR Media Group and CMT Films should be very proud,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Dale Earnhardt’s life was, and still is, an inspiration to millions of fans all over the world and DALE did a great job of capturing who he was as a man, a father, and a champion.”
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Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to Meet Fans in Talladega Superspeedway Fan Hospitality: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that tickets are available for fans to meet Dale Earnhardt, Jr., driver of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, in the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience prior to the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on April 27th.
The AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience is a hospitality package that includes:
Access to the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience Hospitality Tent, located in the AMP Energy Hospitality Village
Catering for continental breakfast, lunch, soda, water and four drink tickets for beer
A Pre-Race Pit Road Tour (schedule and weather permitting)
An Event Souvenir
A Hospitality Parking Pass
An Appearance by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (schedule and weather permitting)
A fan favorite at Talladega, Dale Jr. is also a five-time winner at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, with his most recent victory coming in the 2004 AMP Energy 500. Earnhardt seems poised to return to Gatorade Victory Lane in April, as he now drives for Hendrick Motorsports; winner of the last four races at Talladega Superspeedway. “We are very excited to have Dale Earnhardt, Jr. spend some time with our fans,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “It’s no secret that Talladega Superspeedway hosts one of the largest followings of Junior Nation and I expect they will take full advantage of this offer.“ The AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience package is $155 per person and must be accompanied by a frontstretch grandstand or tower ticket. To find more information on Talladega Superspeedway hospitality packages and tickets, fans are encouraged to visit the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com or in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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 Race Fans Select Official Logo For Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola At Daytona: The ballots have been tallied and Coke Zero is declaring a winner in the closest vote of the season. Race fans have selected the official logo for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, the new name of the July Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona (6:30 p.m. ET on July 5, TNT). To bring NASCAR fans closer to the sport they love and create excitement about the race, Coke Zero and Daytona International Speedway hosted an online voting contest that allowed fans to choose the official race logo. Beginning in conjunction with the 50th running of the Daytona 500, fans were invited to visit NASCAR.COM to vote for their favorite from two logo options. The winning logo, determined solely by the nearly 40,000 fan votes, was revealed on NASCAR.COM. In a photo finish, the final vote was nearly split, 51 percent to 49 percent. The winning logo incorporates the shape of Daytona International Speedway's famous tri-oval and features Coke Zero's red, black and white colors. Within the outline of the track, the words "Coke Zero 400 at Daytona" are divided by an oversized black-and-white checkered contour bottle, with "Powered By Coca-Cola" appearing just below. The new logo will immediately begin appearing everywhere in conjunction with the inaugural running of the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola -- from official race merchandise to the infield grass at Daytona International Speedway.
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No Appeal For Roush Fenway Racing - Inadvertent Mistake Not Adequate Grounds For Appeal: Roush Fenway Racing announced today that it will not appeal the penalties imposed by NASCAR following its post-race inspection of the No. 99 car at Las Vegas. “We have conducted a thorough internal investigation and have found no evidence whatsoever that anyone intended for the bolt/nut fastener to fail to secure the lid for the entire race,” said Jack Roush, team owner. “We have subsequently added protective measures to insure that the lid will remain fastened even if a failure of this type should again occur.” Geoff Smith, president of Roush Fenway Racing said, “We realize in the NASCAR system of penalty administration that simple negligence, by itself, is never sufficient grounds to overturn or reduce a penalty. Consequently, no appeal will be made of the penalties assessed by NASCAR.”
- Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release
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Richard Petty Driving Experience Coming To Bristol For Race Weekend Rides - Fans Can Ride Around Track And Raise Funds For Local Charity: NASCAR fans will get a taste of what Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS), the “world’s fastest half-mile”, has to offer from inside a race car this week. Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) will offer race fans an opportunity to ride shotgun for 3 laps at top speed around BMS with a professional instructor on a mock qualifying run. RPDE will offer these thrill rides under the lights Thursday, March 13 from 7p-9p EST and again Friday night, March 14 from 7p-11p EST. Cost for the Ride-Along is $149 with proceeds benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities and reservations are required by calling 1-800-BE-PETTY or by logging on to www.1800bepetty.com. “We are thrilled to bring our cars back to Bristol this week before the race”, says seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard Petty. “We think it’s a neat deal to run around this historic track just before the big boys tangle here and we are so proud to donate proceeds to Speedway Children’s Charities as well.” “This is an extremely popular venture for our fans; they absolutely love having this opportunity before the NASCAR events,” says Jeff Byrd of Bristol Motor Speedway. “It’s great that they get to take part in the Petty Ride-Alongs and it also helps a worthy cause like the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities so it’s a win-win for everybody.”
- Moore Consulting Group For The Richard Petty Driving Experience, Press Release
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Goodyear Statement on Atlanta Race Tires: Based on Goodyear’s tire testing at Atlanta last August, October and December, we provided what we believed were the best possible products for the races this past weekend. We had no tire failures and no problems with heat or wear. We supplied the same tires for both the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, and received zero complaints about our tires after the Nationwide race on Saturday. We believe that our engineering, research and tire development is second to none. We accept that drivers will have their own opinions about our tires. NASCAR president Mike Helton told us Monday that "NASCAR is very grateful for the commitment Goodyear has made on behalf of building a good and safe product for our competitors, including this past weekend at Atlanta. NASCAR stands by our relationship and is proud to have Goodyear as a partner." Even though both Goodyear and NASCAR were satisfied with the tire’s performance in Atlanta, if the drivers are not happy, then Goodyear’s not happy. Now that we know how this tire combination performed, we’ll go back and retest for the fall race. We have the same goal as the drivers and NASCAR: to put the safest, best performing tires on these cars. There will be many instances this year when the new car is on a particular track for the first time, as was the case in Atlanta. That makes it tougher than usual to get a read on how the tires will perform. But if there is ever any doubt about the recommendation, we will always err on the conservative side. Finally, we would like to correct an erroneous comment made by Tony Stewart. Goodyear decided to leave other racing series only because of the escalating costs of competition in those series. At least one other tiremaker has done the same. For Goodyear, the enormous investment required to compete in those other forms of racing far outweighed the benefits derived from our participation. We see tremendous benefits in our 54-year relationship with NASCAR as the organization’s longest continuing supplier. We remain fully committed to, and are proud of, our relationship with NASCAR.
- Goodyear, Press Release
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Atlanta Motor Speedway Pit Notes: Goodyear Satisfied With Atlanta Tire: Despite some complaints from competitors this weekend, Goodyear marketing manager Justin Fantozzi said he was pleased with the tire his company brought for competition in Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500. “I was not pleased at our open house test last fall, and that’s why we came back in December,” Fantozzi said. “Now what we have is a right-side tire that’s harder for better durability and a left side that has better grip in it.” Tony Stewart was highly critical of the tire Friday after qualifying, and other drivers echoed his concerns Saturday after practice. “We’re on the edge,” Gordon said. “It’s a handful. We’re all sliding all over the place.” Michael Waltrip (one of the biggest NASCAR politically correct butt kissers in Catchfence's opinion) agreed that the tire was a handful, but he saw that as a positive. “That’s what racing is all about,” Waltrip said. “Before, whatever you could give that car, it could take. But now a driver can give it more than it can take, and you have to finesse it. So, yeah, you’re sideways and slipping all over the place, but it should make for some fun racing.” While the drivers can’t agree how the new tire will affect competition Sunday, it has obviously slowed the cars dramatically. Jeff Gordon’s pole run Friday was 185.251 mph – more than eight mph slower than last spring’s pole run by Ryan Newman. “This tire makes it harder to get a hold of,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said after qualifying second Friday. “You can’t enter the corner nowhere near as fast as you used to.” Fantozzi said Goodyear is continuously looking for a better tire, and that won’t change now. “We’re never stagnant, we’ve got a whole crew of engineers back at the shop that you never see, analyzing data and working on next year’s tire,” Fantozzi said. “But at the end of the day, we always err for safety.”
Overheard: After hearing Waltrip described Goodyear’s tire as a handful, but good for racing, one familiar face in the garage chuckled, muttering, “You’d expect that kind of response from a Waltrip. It ain’t about racing, it’s about entertaining.”
Overheard II: After being asked how to improve the current tire, Robby Gordon quipped: “Call Toyo. T-O-Y-O. It’s a company in Japan. Or Firestone.”
- Atlanta Motor Speedway, Press Release
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Atlanta Motor Speedway Pit Notes: Kitty Allison Dies At 101: Kitty Allison, mother of legendary NASCAR drivers Bobby and Donnie Allison, died Thursday at the age of 101.
Scouts To Race At AMS: Saturday is Atlanta Motor Speedway’s biannual Scout Day at the Races, when all Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in uniform are admitted free for the day’s festivities, including the Nicorette 300 Nationwide Series race.
By The Numbers: Levy Restaurants Regional Chef Jim Abbey helped put his staff’s job in perspective before this weekend’s Kobalt Tools 500, estimating that his team would through 33,000 nachos, 15,000 hamburgers and 12,000 hot dogs before the checkered flag falls.
Dedicated Worker: When longtime Atlanta Motor Speedway press box worker Patti Young was diagnosed with lung cancer last fall, she was devastated. Not necessarily because she had cancer, but because the timing was terrible: she had the SEC Championship, the Pep Boys Auto 500 and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl all coming up. “I left the doctors and said, ‘Let me go check my calendar,’” said Young, who is also an executive assistant for the Atlanta Sports Council. “I pushed it back a couple of weeks so that I could work the race.” Young had her surgery on Nov. 14, and doctors removed a mass from her lungs, her lymph nodes and the upper lobe of her left lung. She is thrilled to be back working this weekend’s race cancer-free.
AFLAC, Carl Edwards Debut New Duck Commerical: Carl Edwards and sponsor Aflac debuted their new television commercial Friday for the media assembled. The comical spot featured a screaming duck driving alongside Edwards in the race car. Once they “win”, the duck does a backflip and gets the girls, while Edwards is left muttering that he taught the duck those tricks.
- Atlanta Motor Speedway, Press Release
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National Stock Car Racing Commission Statement On Robby Gordon Motorsports Appeal: On March 5, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Robby Gordon Motorsports regarding the #7 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following opening day inspection on February 8, 2008 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20-3.1-A: “Unapproved front bumper cover.” The penalties assessed were: * Loss of 100 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Robby Gordon. * Loss of 100 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver Points for driver Robby Gordon. * $100,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next six (6) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008, and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief, Frank Kerr. The Appellants argued that the bumper cover was installed as delivered from the manufacturer, that it did not provide a competition advantage since it was discovered prior to being allowed on the racetrack, and that the bumper met the templates. The Appellants also argued against the severity of the penalties. In deliberating, the Commission considered several factors. The bumper cover constituted an obvious rules infraction and the Appellants did not contest the legality of the part. The Commission notes and reaffirms the following fundamental principal which is vital to maintaining the integrity of the sport: Regardless of the source of an unapproved part on a racecar, the race team that officially enters the car in a NASCAR race is ultimately accountable for that racecar’s conformance, or non-conformance, to the rules. However, the Commission believes that the facts presented during the hearing represented an extraordinary and unusual set of circumstances. While this does not excuse the infraction, the National Stock Car Racing Commission has decided to reinstate the car owner and driver championship points, lift the suspension, and increase the fine. For the crew chief, Frank Kerr, the penalty is increased to $150,000 and he remains on probation through Dec. 31, 2008. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.
- NASCAR, Press Release
The following is a statement from Robby Gordon regarding today’s decision by the National Stock Car Racing Commission restoring his 100 owner and driver points as well as reversing the six-week suspension of crew chief Frank Kerr. The commission did increase the fine from $100,000 to $150,000. Gordon is now 21st in driver points. Robby Gordon: “We see this as good news. We are grateful the commissioners rescinded the points penalty and suspension but disappointed by the fine. Still, we see this as a victory for Robby Gordon Motorsports. We feel like justice was done and appreciate NASCAR creating a system that allowed us to take our appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission. Now we plan to put this issue behind us and concentrate on making the “Chase” in 2008 as well as getting the Jim Beam Dodge into victory lane. I want to thank the thousands of fans and our sponsors who have supported us through this episode and want everyone of you to know how much we appreciate all that you have done. Our goal is to be a model team in the future and never go through something like this again.“
- Robby Gordon Motorsports, Press Release
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No. 99 Team Penalized For Infractions At Las Vegas Motor Speedway: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 99 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found last Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The No. 99 car driven by Carl Edwards was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-2.1J (any device or duct work that permits air to pass from one area of the interior of the car to another, or to the outside of the car, will not be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, the inside of the car to the trunk area, or the floors, firewalls, crush panels and wheel wells passing air into or out of the car) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during post-race inspection at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 2. As a result, Edwards and car owner Jack Roush have been penalized 100 championship driver and 100 championship owner points, respectively. In the event the 99 team qualifies for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the team will not receive the 10 bonus points for the UAW-Dodge 400 victory used for determining the Chase seeding order. Crew chief Bob Osborne has been fined $100,000, suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, suspended from NASCAR until April 30 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
- NASCAR, Press Release
Roush Fenway Racing Statement On No. 99 Penalty: Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith’s statement on the penalty given to the No. 99 team following Sunday’s Las Vegas race. “The bolt holding the lid in place failed in its purpose as a result of vibration harmonics generated by the car and the race track during the race. The bolt was secure enough to survive 225 miles of practice, perhaps up to 399 of 400 miles of the race and the scrutiny of numerous inspections. It’s a tough business for any race team to have to pledge $100,000, 100 points and a six race crew chief suspension as an indemnity payment to NASCAR against a promise forced from us by NASCAR that no bolt will ever fail its purpose under race conditions. We are currently evaluating whether or not the circumstances justify submitting to the unpleasantness of the appeal process, but from a competitive standpoint, we believe it is in our best interest to have Bob Osborne begin serving the penalty now. Chris Andrews, our chief engineer, will be at the track on Friday and Saturday to lead the No. 99 team and general manager Robbie Reiser will join Chris on the pit box Sunday during the race. We are confident that we have the depth of talent in our organization and the strength in Carl Edwards and the No. 99 team to overcome this penalty, should that end up being the final outcome of this unhappy episode.”
- Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release
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Print At Home Option Available To Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Buyers: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that ticket buyers now have the opportunity to print their tickets at home. “The ability to print tickets at home gives our ticket holders a new level of convenience and security,” explained Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “Now, instead of having to store their valuable tickets weeks in advance, ticket buyers can literally print their tickets the day of the event. Choosing the print at home option also allows race fans to reprint their tickets if they leave them at home. All a ticket buyer needs is access to their email and a printer, something they can find at most hotels.” To choose the print at home option, ticket buyers simply need to mention to their ticket seller that they would like to print at home, or choose the print at home option when purchasing online. The ticket buyer will then receive two emails. One email confirms the ticket sale and the other email contains the print at home information. Speedway officials caution ticket buyers to secure their print at home tickets as they would regular tickets. The print at home tickets contain a special barcode that will be scanned at the track’s entrance gates. This barcode is only good for the first admission, so duplicate copies of the same barcode will not allow access. For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, guests should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA, (1-877-462-3342) or visit www.racetickets.com. Please note that the print at home option is not available for fan hospitality passes, overnight parking passes or pre-race pit passes
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Host Fan Call-in Show on XM Satellite Radio: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will host a national call-in show on XM Satellite Radio on Tuesday, March 11. Earnhardt will talk with fans and answer questions from 8 pm to 9 pm ET/5 pm to 6 pm PT. The XM call-in number is 866-967-6144. Earnhardt’s call-in show will air on the sports talk radio channel XM Sports Nation (XM channel 144). Earnhardt hosts a regular radio show on the XM Sports Nation channel on Thursday nights at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT every week during NASCAR season. The March 14 edition of his regular XM show will air highlights from the Tuesday call-in program. More information about Earnhardt’s XM radio show is available online at www.xmradio.com/dalejr. XM is the nation’s leading satellite radio company with more than 9 million subscribers.
- XM Satellite Radio, Press Release
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“Rocket Man” Ryan Newman Eyes Pole Record at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Ryan Newman has grown accustomed to starting up front at Atlanta Motor Speedway and this Friday night during Georgia Power Qualifying, Newman hopes to be the lone name at the top of the scoring towers and the AMS record books. Newman is currently tied with Buddy Baker for pole positions at AMS at seven each. Despite Newman’s qualifying successes, he hasn’t been able to equate that into great finishes on Sunday. Newman’s longtime coach and mentor Buddy Baker has visited victory lane at AMS, winning the 1979 spring race from the pole. Fourteen drivers have won from the pole at AMS, more than any other starting spot — most recently Kasey Kahne in the March, 2006 Golden Corral 500. Newman notched six consecutive poles through 2003-2005 and grabbed his seventh last year in the spring race. This week leading up to the Kobalt Tools 500, Newman talked about how special breaking the tie with Baker would be. “Atlanta has always been a place where I like to qualify, and it would be an honor to get the all-time pole record there. Buddy Baker really helped me throughout my racing career, and that’s why we named the car we won the Daytona 500 with after him. “We always drove the tracks backwards because it gives you a different perspective of entry and exit points. That's something we did at Atlanta when he was teaching me about the track and I have always qualified well there, so I think it would be an honor to both of us if I am able to get my eighth pole there this weekend.”
- Atlanta Motor Speedway, Press Release
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 New Asphalt, Same Attitude: Paving Complete At Darlington Raceway: Paving of the racing surface at Darlington Raceway has been completed, track President Chris Browning announced today. “This begins a new chapter in the history books at Darlington Raceway,” said Browning. “We are very excited to be finished with the paving so that we can now focus on preparing for the upcoming Dodge Challenger 500 race weekend, May 8-10.” Paving at Darlington Raceway began in mid-January, took nearly 15,000 tons of asphalt to complete and replaced a surface that was laid in 1994. Construction crews utilized 4 million reference points around the legendary track to ensure that the transitions in the corners and banking stayed true to the track’s original design. The new racing surface was part of a $10 million capital improvement project that also included an infield access tunnel large enough to accommodate car haulers, motor homes and emergency vehicles and the addition of SAFER barrier walls to interior concrete walls on the frontstretch and backstretch.
- More
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Mark Martin, Jim McElreath Selected As Inductees Into Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame - Mark Martin And Jim McElreath, Along With Jimmie Johnson, Sam Hornish Jr., And Arie Luyendyk, To Be Honored April 2 During Annual Ceremony: NASCAR veteran driver Mark Martin and open-wheel star Jim McElreath have been selected as this year’s inductees into the Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame and will be honored April 2 at The Speedway Club at Texas Motor Speedway. In addition, Texas Motor Speedway and Happy Hill Farm Academy announced today that Jimmie Johnson, the two-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and defending Dickies 500 winner; Sam Hornish Jr., a three-time IndyCar Series champion and last season’s Bombardier Learjet 550k winner; and Indy-car veteran Arie Luyendyk, who won the first nighttime Indy car race at Texas Motor Speedway in 1997, will also be honored with special awards during the ceremony. McElreath and Martin will join previous inductees A.J. Foyt (2003), Johnny Rutherford (2003), Terry Labonte (2004), Lee Shepherd (2004), Kenny Bernstein (2005), Jim Hall (2005) and Eddie Hill (2006) into the Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame.
- More
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Valvoline to be Primary Sponsor on Robby Gordon's Dodge Charger in Atlanta: Valvoline Racing announced today that Valvoline will be the primary sponsor on Robby Gordon's No. 7 Dodge Charger in this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The recognizable red, white and blue Valvoline colors will be showcased on the hood, rear-quarter panel and rear bumper of Gordon's Dodge in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500. "Robby Gordon is a racing original," said John Stotz, director of brand management for Valvoline. "It's exciting to have Robby carry the Valvoline red, white and blue on the car this weekend and add him to the numerous teams with Valvoline not only on the car but in the car. We've won races together in the past and we know Robby will give Valvoline and fans his best at Atlanta." Gordon's No. 7 Sprint Cup team is owned by Robby Gordon Motorsports, which has an affiliation with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. "I've competed in many forms of racing and it is clearly evident that Valvoline has a rich and successful history in the motorsports world," said Gordon, who finished eighth in the season-opening Daytona 500. "I am proud to drive the Valvoline Dodge Charger in Atlanta and look forward to posting another strong finish for our No. 7 team." Gordon joins the Valvoline team of drivers, which also includes the driver lineup at Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Roush Fenway Racing in NASCAR and the elite NHRA teams of Don Schumacher Racing and David Powers Motorsports.
- DMF Communications, Press Release
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Talladega Superspeedway Announces All-You-Can-Eat Package: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that they are offering an all-you-can-eat package for the Allison Grandstand. The $80 package includes a reserved seat in the Allison Grandstand for the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race with all-you-can-eat vouchers for both days! “We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our guests’ experience,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “The all-you-can-eat package is a great value for families and race fans on a budget. For only $80 a fan can watch NASCAR’s two premier series race at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track with meals included. That’s a great deal. “ The all-you-can-eat voucher is valid from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Each trip to the concession stand allows a voucher holder to receive a maximum of 2 sandwiches (2 hotdogs or 2 hamburgers or 1 of each), 2 bags of chips and 2 soft drinks. Guests who purchase the all-you-can-eat-package also have the opportunity to add a Pre-race Pit Pass to their order for only $15! The Pre-race Pit Pass allows access onto the track from 8 a.m. until one hour before the start of the Aaron’s 499 on Sunday only. A tram will shuttle guests from the front of the Allison Grandstand to pit road. Pit road access is subject to change pending NASCAR rules and subject to weather and time permitting. To find more information on the all-you-can-eat package at Talladega Superspeedway, fans are encouraged to visit the website at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342). For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available online at www.racetickets.com or in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.
- Talladega Superspeedway, Press Release
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Toyota’s Aust Announces Retirement Plans: Jim Aust, who has been responsible for Toyota’s motorsports activities in the U.S. for the past 10 years, has announced |
