Auto Club Speedway

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2012)

Whether you and your loved one are sitting side by side watching 43 of the world’s best drivers battle for a trip to Gatorade Victory Lane; taking a stroll down pit road where race teams are getting ready for the big race; positioned front and center of the pre-race stage for driver introductions or listening to your favorite drivers talk with their crew chiefs on the scanner… It will be a memorable experience that you‘ll have together.

The Valentine’s Day ticket package is an incredible deal for just $99 (a $225 value) and includes:

•       Pair of tickets to the Auto Club 400 (rows 1-14) on Sunday, March 25

•       Pair of Pre-Race Pit Passes

•       Scanner Rental with a pair of headphones

In addition to the Valentine’s Day ticket package, Auto Club Speedway offers free parking and allows fans to bring in their own food, making race weekend an incredible value full of fun and entertainment.

The Valentine’s Day ticket package is available now through February 14, while supplies last.  So don’t let this package get away.  For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com or visit the Auto Club Speedway Ticket Office.

About Auto Club Speedway:  Auto Club Speedway, is a two-mile oval located in Fontana, California and is home to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race each March. The track also hosts the IZOD IndyCar Series, Historic Sports Car Festival, NHRA drag racing on the track’s Auto Club Dragway, and community events including Red White & Cruise, the annual Fourth of July celebration. In addition to auto racing and community events, the Speedway is home to numerous movies, television and commercial productions, photo shoots, new car testing, club racing and a variety of racing schools. The track is active for more than 320 days every year.

Tickets to NASCAR and INDYCAR Weekend at Auto Club Speedway are on-sale now.  For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.  For more information on event lodging, visit the Hilton Garden Inn, Fontana, the official hotel partner of Auto Club Speedway and Auto Club Dragway.

Source: Auto Club Speedway, Press Release

Auto Club Speedway president Gillian Zucker moderates fan Q&A with NASCAR drivers Greg Biffle and David Reutimann.

SAN BERNARDINO county,

“It’s important to get the right tire for the right track and I am so thankful that I came out here (Auto Club Speedway) to do the tire test,” said Biffle. “I don’t want to make any promises, but the racing is going to be so much better here. We’re going to be able to race side-by-side and up and down the race track.”

Biffle, driver of the No.16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, Reutimann, driver of the No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota, Hornish Jr., driver of the No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge and Cassill, driver of the No. 51 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, entertained a roomful of Hard Card members for a Q&A session at Auto Club Speedway.

Members learned everything from Hornish’s biggest thrill in racing, to who Cassill follows on Twitter. They also learned that NASCAR team owner Michael Waltrip is just as fun at the office as he is while filming the Aaron’s TV commercials.

“Mike’s a funny guy,” says Reutimann. “The joking Michael just likes to have a good time.”

Tuesday’s event was just one of many enjoyed by Hard Card members for renewing their season tickets by the deadline.

In March, hundreds of Hard Card members enjoyed a Q&A with Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the No. 42 Target Chevrolet prior to the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Past Hard Card events have included breakfast with Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, exclusive Q&A’s with Mark Martin, driver of the No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, and Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 4 Red Bull Toyota, along with a special event at Dave and Buster’s featuring Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota.

For more information on becoming a Hard Card member, call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit

About Auto Club Speedway: Auto Club Speedway, is a two-mile oval located in Fontana, California and is home to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race each March. The track also hosts the IZOD IndyCar Series, Historic Sports Car Festival, NHRA drag racing on the track’s Auto Club Dragway, and community events including Red White & Cruise, the annual Fourth of July celebration. In addition to auto racing and community events, the Speedway is home to numerous movies, television and commercial productions, photo shoots, new car testing, club racing and a variety of racing schools. The track is active for more than 320 days every year.

Tickets to NASCAR and IndyCar Weekend at Auto Club Speedway are on-sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com. For more information on event lodging, visit the Hilton Garden Inn, Fontana, the official hotel partner of Auto Club Speedway and Auto Club Dragway.

- Auto Club Speedway, Press Release

· Rexall welcomes Kasey Kahne… This weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS), Kasey Kahne will make his debut in the No. 30 Rexall Chevrolet. Kahne’s Turner Motorsports teammate, Reed Sorenson, has made two starts this season in the Rexall Impala with 11th and 14th-place finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway, respectively.

· Familiar voice on the radio… The Top Gear 300 marks Kahne’s first start in the No. 30, but not his first Nationwide Series run with veteran crew chief, Stewart Cooper. The No.30 Rexall crew is the same team Kahne works with when he jumps behind the wheel of Turner Motorsports’ No. 38 entry. Under Cooper’s guidance this season, Kahne has earned one top-five and two top-10 finishes, leading 43 laps with a 100% lap completion rate.

· Kahne knows his way to victory lane at CMS… In 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) starts at CMS, Kahne has one pole award and one victory to his credit. He has collected one top-five and four top-10 finishes, and has led a total of 140 laps. Kahne is also credited with three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins at CMS.

· One year ago… Last year’s Spring Charlotte race was an exciting one for Kahne and the team he will again work with in this year’s in the event. Starting from the fifth spot, Kahne was dominating the field, leading for a total of 29 laps, before an alternator issue took him out of contention for the win. He was forced to relinquish his 11-second lead on the field to come to pit road where his crew could change the battery in his No. 38 machine. Adding insult to injury, the team was forced to come to pit road for a second battery change before the problem was worked out. The issue relegated him to a 26th-place finish, four laps down to the race winner.

· This week’s Impala… The No. 30 Rexall team will hit the track with chassis TMS-124 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kahne has raced this chassis twice this season, bringing it home to an 11th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April and a seventh-place finish Darlington Raceway in May.

Kasey Kahne on racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway

“One of the keys to success at Charlotte is that you have to be able to run anywhere on the race track. Your car has to turn really good at certain areas on the track and the front-end has to be in the track. I have a lot of faith in this Turner Motorsports team and never doubt that they are going to give me a good car to race. I work really well with Stewart Cooper (crew chief) and this entire crew and feel like we are really close to bringing home a win. Last year at Charlotte, we easily had the best car on track and even had an 11-second lead on the field, but experienced an alternator problem which ruined our day. I am confident when this Rexall team unloads this weekend, we are going to have just as good, if not better of a car, and be able to contend for the win.”

Follow the No. 30 team on Twitter! Twitter.com/No30TurnerNNS

Follow Turner Motorsports on Twitter! Twitter.com/TurnerMotorspts

Follow Turner Motorsports on Facebook! Facebook.com/TurnerMotorsports

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation

In honor of President Reagan’s relationship and fascination with auto racing, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation presents Start Your Engines: American Race Cars at the Reagan Library, on view from May 27 through October 23, 2011. The exhibit features a wide array of storied vehicles from the history of American auto racing from the 1930s to today, including those from NASCAR and IndyCar. Visitors will view historic cars driven by legends such as Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Richard Petty, as well as cars by current racers Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Austin Dillon, who will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut later this year.

“Ronald Reagan’s connection to American car racing dates back to the 1930s, where, as a young radio announcer, he was calling races,” said John Heubusch, executive director for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. “That love stayed with him, and as President of the United States he spent the fourth of July at the Daytona Firecracker 400, where he became the first sitting president to call a race.”

A few exhibit highlights include:

• Richard Petty’s winning Firecracker 400 Pontiac from the race Ronald Reagan officially started in 1984

• Dale Earnhardt, Sr.’s #2 Chevy – the car in which he won the 1980 Winston Cup Championship

• Kurt Busch’s 2011 #22 Auto Club Dodge Charger (show car) which he recently raced in the Auto Club 400 in California, March 2011

• Lyn St. James’ 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, in which she set 31 national and international speed records on a closed course at Talladega Speedway

• Jimmie Johnson’s 2007 #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet that he drove at Homestead to clinch his 2^nd Championship

• Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s 2010 #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet Impala

• Austin Dillon’s 2011 #98 Chevrolet Impala, co-sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Centennial, which will be raced later this year

• Dan Wheldon’s 2011 #98 INDY car, which will be raced later this year

In addition to the cars, personal items from drivers like trophies, fire suits, helmets and other artifacts, photos and video will also be on display. The exhibit is sponsored by the Auto Club of Southern California, with special thanks to Mike Curb and Mike Curb Racing.

The Reagan Library is located at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, California. Public hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Museum admission fees are $12.00 for general admission, $9.00 for seniors 62 and over, $6 for children 11-17 and free for children 10 years of age and under. For more information, call (800) 410.8354 or visit www.reaganlibrary.com.

- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation/Auto Club Speedway, Press Release

Want another lap for free? Purchase the one-day-only Auto Club 400 ticket package

Auto Club Speedway

For only $20 participants will receive a pit road car wash, a lap around the track and a NASCAR Unites wristband, (all proceeds to benefit Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and The NASCAR Foundation).

Five-year-old Jaylen is a LLUCH heart patient who has a dream of becoming a NASCAR driver when he grows up. Auto Club Speedway wanted to help with his dream and hosted “Jaylen’s Car Wash” last year with just that in mind. This year, the car wash is going nationwide.

“I think it’s cool that other race tracks are washing cars like we did last year,” said Jaylen. “I hope we can wash a zillion cars this time! That would be neat.”

Last year, more than 600 dirty cars showed up to take part in “Jaylen’s Car Wash” at Auto Club Speedway. This year, Auto Club Speedway is bringing more soap, more towels, more hoses and more volunteers in hopes that “a zillion” dirty cars stop by.

The car wash, a community project launched by Auto Club Speedway in support of NASCAR Day, will be replicated by almost 20 race tracks across the U.S. as part of the “NASCAR Unites” 2011 national platform. “NASCAR Unites,” is an industry initiative led by The NASCAR Foundation that creates an opportunity for NASCAR fans, drivers, teams, tracks, sponsors, employees and more to unite and make a difference in the lives of children across the nation. “NASCAR Unites” engages the sport in a collaborative effort to support children’s causes through volunteering, fundraising, sharing inspirational stories and unifying to make a difference.

In addition to the car wash, Auto Club Speedway is offering a special NASCAR Day ticket package to attend the Auto Club 400 in 2012. This package is only available on the day of Jaylen’s Car Wash for those that come through the car wash or by calling 800.944.RACE (7223). Those purchasing the $50 package (a $95 value) at the car wash will get an extra lap around the track for free as well as:

• · A lower reserved seat to the Auto Club 400 (Upgrades available at additional cost)
• · Pre-Race Pit Pass
• · NASCAR Unites Bracelet
• · NASCAR Day Charitable Donation ($5 of each package purchased will go to the NASCAR Foundation and LLUCH)

Every car washed will make a huge difference for those in need. Since 2008, Auto Club Speedway has raised over $176,000 for charity during its NASCAR Day efforts.

For more information on “Jaylen’s Car Wash” at Auto Club Speedway, visit www.autoclubspeedway.com/NASCARday or call 800-944-RACE (7223).

About Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital- LLUCH

The Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in the vast geographic region of the San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo and Mono counties. With 277 beds dedicated just for kids, one of the largest Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the country, and more than 100,000 children that come each year, LLUCH is a major pediatric teaching facility for Loma Linda University and is part of the Loma Linda University health care system. Known worldwide as the pioneer of neonatal heart transplantation, LLUCH has performed more infant heart transplants than any other center of its kind. For more information on Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital visit www.lomalindahealth.org/childrens-hospital.

About NASCAR Unites/NASCAR Day/NASCAR Foundation

“NASCAR Unites,” an industry initiative led by The NASCAR Foundation that creates an opportunity for NASCAR fans, drivers, teams, tracks, sponsors and more to unite to improve the lives of children across the nation. NASCAR Unites engages the sport in a collaborative effort to support children’s causes through fundraising, volunteering, sharing inspirational stories and unifying to make a difference including NASCAR Day –an annual charitable celebration that unifies the NASCAR community to better the lives of children. Visit www.NASCAR.COM/Unites for more information.

About Auto Club Speedway

Auto Club Speedway, is a two-mile oval and home to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race each March. The track also hosts Historic Sports Car Festival, NHRA drag racing on the track’s Auto Club Dragway, and community events including Red White & Cruise, the annual Fourth of July celebration. In addition to auto racing and community events, the Speedway is home to numerous movie, television and commercial productions, photo shoots, new car testing, club racing and a variety of racing schools. The track is active for more than 320 days every year. For more information call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.

- Auto Club Speedway, Press Release

Auto Club Speedway

Tuesday, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominating Committee nominated Richter, who passed away last June, as an inductee to the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class. Richter previously was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

Richter, a native of Fresno, Calif., was an All-American linebacker and guard at the University of California Berkeley and played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1954 to 1962 after being acquired from the Dallas Texans for 11 players. The defensive star was picked for the Pro Bowl eight times and was an Associated Press first team All-Pro in 1956.

“Coach” joined the NASCAR family in 1983 after a successful second career as president and general manager of Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. Richter soon evolved into one of the most important advisors to then-NASCAR Chairman/CEO Bill France Jr. as NASCAR’s popularity expanded. Richter was named NASCAR’s Executive Vice President of Competition in 1986 and the Senior Vice President of Operations in 1992.

Richter also served as vice-president of special projects for International Speedway Corporation, the parent company of Auto Club Speedway. The current trophy for the Auto Club 400 is named the “Richter Trophy” as a lasting tribute to his contributions to Auto Club Speedway and the world of motorsports.

A 54 person Voting Panel and a fan vote (which is open from April 28 to June 12 on NASCAR.com) will decide the 2012 class. The inductees will be announced on June 14, 2011 at The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. on Speed Channel and will be inducted in January 2012.

- Auto Club Speedway, Press Release

Michael Annett

The Headlines.

After a one week hiatus in Nationwide Series competition, Michael Annett and the No. 62 team get back in the saddle at Texas Motor Speedway for Friday’s Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300. Annett has four career starts on the Fort Worth track and holds an average finish of 16.8. He secured an 11th place finish in his first ever attempt at Texas’ Great American Speedway in April 2009. Annett currently sits 13th in the Nationwide Series championship point standings after a two spot gain following his last race at Auto Club Speedway. Only 18 points separate him from the top-10.

Last week, Iowa-based Northland Oil announced a multi-race sponsorship program with Annett that gears up this week at Texas Motor Speedway. This week’s Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 isn’t the first time the Waterloo, Iowa company has showed a presence in NASCAR. The Northland Oil brand had success partnering with Des Moines, Iowa native Annett for Iowa Speedway’s inaugural Nationwide Series race in 2009 where they finished 11th. The duo again teamed together in 2010 at Iowa Speedway and brought home a seventh place finish. Northland Oil also has an existing partnership with Iowa Speedway, Annett’s home track, where they’ve served as presenting sponsor for both of Iowa Speedway’s Nationwide Series events.

For the latest updates on Michael Annett, please visit www.michaelannett.com

From the Cockpit.

Annett on Texas Motor Speedway:

“The week off has been really good for our team to regroup and get focused on the next few races. We’re excited about heading to Texas this weekend. Historically, I’ve had success there and hope that this week’s finish proves that. With Northland Oil on board for Friday’s race, we’re really looking forward to showing them strong results under the lights Friday night.”

Annett on Northland Oil joining the No. 62 team:

“We’re very excited to add Northland Oil to our 2011 sponsorship lineup. There are several elements to this partnership that make it unique. Not only do my roots trace back to Northland Oil’s homeland, but my team owner Rusty Wallace has a tie to that area as well with his ownership of Iowa Speedway. This makes for the perfect opportunity to grow our already existing relationship with the Northland Oil brand.”

Annett on Northland Oil targeting an additional market through NASCAR:

“Although competing under the Northland Oil banner back at home in Iowa is special, expanding into one of their other markets is very exciting. We’re really looking forward to developing Northland Oil’s brand through NASCAR, and what better way to do it than to give them a top-notch performance next week at Texas.”

The Machines.

Team 62 Primary: RWR-059 – A brand new chassis from the Rusty Wallace Racing stables.

Team 62 Back-Up: RWR-051 – The No. 62 team’s last race competing with this chassis was at Bristol Motor Speedway in March. Rusty Wallace Racing competed with this car in 2010 Nationwide Series events at Daytona International Speedway (July), Michigan International Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway (October).

About Northland Oil

Northland Products Company, headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa, formulates, manufactures, markets and distributes premium quality engine oil, lubricants, engine coolants and associated fluids throughout North America. Since 1908, Northland’s superior products and customer-driven service are provided to trucking fleets, OEM factory-fill, industrial, automotive and agriculture markets.

Northland has enjoyed continued customer growth due to a staff of experienced and talented employees, advanced lubricant technology, a customer focused service strategy and premium quality products. Uncompromising quality, professional service and superior customer support is the foundation of Northland’s success. Northland Products Company is certified to the ISO 9001 and the ISO 14001 standards.

- Rising Star Management Group Press Release

2011 NSCS No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet Impala (driven by Regan Smith) - Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

Rondeau has been fined $25,000 for violating sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 20-2.3A (improperly attached weight) of the 2011 NASCAR rule book.

The violation occurred during practice on March 25.

- NASCAR, Press Release

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (March 29, 2011)

The weekend’s highlights included:

AWESOME RACING

• Kevin Harvick taking the checkered flag at the Auto Club 400 on the final turn and beating defending race champion Jimmie Johnson to the line by a scant .144 seconds.  MRN called it “one of NASCAR’s best finishes in some time” and the Monday Morning Crew Chief said “The one and only race this season at Auto Club Speedway gets a 4 Star Rating.”
• Kyle Busch winning Saturday’s Royal Purple 300 by 0.713 seconds over pole-winner Carl Edwards which prompted Frontstretch to say:  “(the Auto Club 400 and Royal Purple 300) created a weekend that saw the two-mile oval in Fontana the raciest the facility has been since it started hosting stock cars in 1997.”

IMPRESSIVE ATTENDANCE

• NASCAR’s announced attendance of 88,000 – the largest at Auto Club Speedway since 2006 – prompted race winner Kevin Harvick to say “With the weather the way it was this morning, I thought it was great. I’m pretty proud about the fact that they had a good crowd today.”
• Driver Ryan Newman added: “A great day all around with a good crowd of hearty fans who came out when the weather was questionable. Kudos to Auto Club Speedway and Southern California fans.”
• Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:  “Years from now, it could very well be said that Sunday’s crowd at the Auto Club 400 saved racing in Southern California.”

MEDIA ATTENTION

• ESPN.com wrote:  “Harvick needed all 400 miles, but the track that has taken much criticism for its small crowds and lackluster events deserves praise for shortening the event. It definitely impacted the outcome.”
• Monday Morning Crew Chief:  “Kevin Harvick came up and crashed Kyle Busch’s and Jimmie Johnson’s party in the closing laps in California in what turned out to be the most-exciting finish in the history of the track.”
• Riverside Press Enterprise: “(This weekend) almost certainly was a statement to the naysayers — a large percentage of whom opine from the comfort of their living rooms in the Southeastern quadrant of the country, frequently insisting that The Track Formerly Known As California Speedway should lose this race, too. Not happenin’.”

FAN EXCITEMENT

• “We will definitely be back next year! Epic! Great race! Fantastic fans! All around great weekend!”  Tanya Meyers Gygi, Facebook Fan
• “I have to say, after all the races I have been to at the Speedway since it was built, this was the best. The Speedway crew members we so polite and helpful, the food was great, the race was even better. I had a blast this year. Mark Lessard, Facebook Fan
• “Auto Club did a great job with the race – good to see that most of the seats were filled – fantastic race – best 3 days we have had in some time.”  Dan Lippiatt, Facebook Fan

- Auto Club Speedway, Press Release

NASCAR Logo

Crew chief Gil Martin, who claimed the 2010 Moog Chassis Parts Problem Solver of the Year Award, captured his first race award of the season. Martin made the decision to stay out after a late caution instead of coming in for fresh tires. The award is presented to the team that spends the least amount of time on pit road during a race.

“One of the major things that made me feel reasonably confident about it was how Tony (Stewart) was able to perform when he stayed out, and everybody pitted earlier,” said Martin. “After about two laps, he posted some of the best laps of the race out there. Clean air and the tires being pumped up, I think there was just a lot of speed there.”

Harvick led just one lap on the day despite running strong during many of the green-flag laps that dominated the day at Auto Club Speedway. With a car that was strong on long runs, it was a late-race move on the last lap to overcome Jimmie Johnson that took the checkered flag at Auto Club Speedway.

“Yeah, we led the right one (lap), that’s for sure,” said Harvick. “But our car was really fast all day on the long runs. The restarts weren’t exactly what we needed to have. But as everybody started to stay out those last two times, at least the guys we were racing, our car was able to get some air pressure built up in the tires and we were able to really fire off there right off the bat up top.”

All awards are part of the NASCAR Prize Money and Decal Program, also referred to as the contingency program, which provides teams prize money and weekly awards based on performance in several categories.
With the win, Harvick moves to ninth place in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings heading to Martinsville Speedway on April 3 for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

Official winners of this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Prize Money & Decal Program special awards include:

· AMERICAN ETHANOL GREEN FLAG RESTART: Kurt Busch
· COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD: Juan Pablo Montoya (184.653 mph, 38.992 secs.)
· DIRECTV CREW CHIEF OF THE RACE: Dave Rogers (crew chief for Kyle Busch)
· GOODYEAR GATORBACK BELTS FASTEST LAP: Ryan Newman (180.737 mph, Lap 81)
· MAHLE CLEVITE ENGINE BUILDER OF THE RACE: No. 18, Mark Cronquist
· MOBIL 1 OIL DRIVER OF THE RACE: Kevin Harvick
· MOOG CHASSIS PARTS PROBLEM SOLVER OF THE RACE: Gil Martin (crew chief for Kevin Harvick, 0.202 secs.)
· O’REILLY AUTO PARTS POSITION IMPROVEMENT AWARD: Kevin Harvick (23 places)
· SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Andy Lally

About the NASCAR Prize Money & Decal Program
The NASCAR Prize Money & Decal Program, commonly referred to as the contingency program, is administered by the NASCAR Automotive Group. The program strives to build strong relationships with high-quality, performance-driven brands that are leaders in their respective categories and award money to NASCAR teams via per-race and year-end postings. Competitors become eligible for awards money by displaying partner decals on the front fender of their race vehicles and, in some instances, use of a sponsor’s product. National series contingency sponsors will contribute over $8.4 million to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011.

- NASCAR, Press Release

No. 79 2nd Chance Motorsports Ford Mustang - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCAR

After just two days to prepare the car for ACS, crew chief Ben Leslie led the 2nd Chance Motorsports team to Fontana, Calif. with a new driver, crew chief and outlook on the remainder of the season. Andrews ended practice in a respectable 20th position and confident in the No. 79 Ford Mustang.

Knowing that all cars would qualify for the race, Andrews made a conservative qualifying lap putting the No. 79 in the 30th starting position. He quickly made his way up to 20th where he ran for the majority of the race. With Andrews in 20th position just five laps until the checkered flag, he noticed a sputter in the engine and promptly shut it off to prevent further damage. The engine failure relegated the team to a disappointing 30th place finish.

“Except for the last five laps of the race, we had a great weekend. I’m so thrilled to be able to come out here and run solidly in the top 20. The team had a lot to overcome this weekend – new crew chief, new driver, my first race at ACS – but we were still able to perform well. I can’t thank Rick Russell (car owner) and Ben Leslie enough for believing in me and putting good equipment underneath me. Even though the finish isn’t what we were hoping for, this weekend gives us great momentum heading to Texas,” stated Andrews.

Leslie, who was instrumental in helping the team get up to speed quickly, said, “I was honored that Tim asked me to oversee his 2011 NNS debut. I had a great time working with Tim and making improvements to the car throughout practice and the race. He has a great feel for what the car needs, as well as what will make more speed. I believe Tim has a tremendous amount of talent and ability. The qualifying and race efforts were nothing short of amazing based on the limited time and resources we had. Given the fact I have worked with rookies such as Matt Kenneth, Kurt Busch and Ricky Stenhouse, I would put Tim Andrews solidly in with those drivers. Based on the initial results, I think Tim and 2nd Chance Motorsports has great potential.”

With one week off before the next race on the NNS schedule at Texas Motor Speedway, the 2nd Chance Motorsports team will have time to regroup and continue with the momentum they started at ACS.

For more information on 2nd Chance Motorsports and Tim Andrews, log on to www.2ndchancemotorsports79.comor become a fan on facebook at www.facebook.com/2ndChanceMotorsports79. Also, do not forget to follow the team’s official twitter @2ndChance79 for live updates from the track and the twitter of Tim Andrews @TimAndrews79 for insight into his everyday life.

- 2nd Chance Motorsports, Press Release

2011 NSCS Dave Blaney - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCA

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 28, 2011)

After a rain delay on Friday, the TBR team qualified and practiced during the three practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. Blaney posted the 33^rd-fastest time in the first two practices, the 35^th-quickest time in final practice and qualified 31^st for Sunday.

Blaney took the green flag for the Auto Club 400 from the 16^th row and felt comfortable in the No. 36 Chevrolet. By lap 20, Blaney radioed that the No. 36 was too tight. Crew chief Tommy Baldwin called for a trackbar adjustment and sticker tires for the first pit stop.

The race stayed green and the field began green-flag pit stops. Following a four-tire pit stop and adjustments, Blaney came back on the track on lap 35 in the 37^th position, one lap down. The race continued under green conditions, and Blaney had to make another green-flag pit stop on lap 67. The TBR team once again worked on the handling on the car during the four-tire stop.

By lap 70, the TBR Chevrolet fell two laps down racing in the 36^th spot. Blaney radioed that the car was really tight in the center and he had to ease off the throttle. The first caution fell on lap 76 for debris. The TBR team decided to stay out during the caution to get a lap back. Blaney restarted on lap 80 in 34^th, one lap down.

The TBR team held their position one lap down through the second yellow flag and restarted on lap 108 from the 30^th position. The field made green flag pit stops once again, and the TBR team changed four tires and worked on the handling of the No. 36 Chevrolet. By lap 150, Blaney held steady in the 32^nd position, two laps down.

By lap 169, the team planned to pit, but as Blaney pulled down pit road, a caution came out for a spin in turn four. He drove back on the track and pit under yellow-flag conditions on lap 172. The TBR team changed four tires, made wedge and air pressure adjustments and added fuel. Blaney restarted 32^nd and raced with the No. 13 of Casey Mears, who sat in the coveted 35^th position in owner points heading into the weekend.

Four laps into the run, Blaney radioed that the car was really loose and he was hopeful it will come in. By lap 184, the No. 36 was tight again, making it hard to turn in the corner especially in turns three and four.

An accident in turn two brought out the final caution. Blaney drove down pit road for the final service of the day. The team changed four tires and went back on the wedge adjustment. Unfortunately, as Blaney pulled out of the pit box, the pinion broke in the rear-end, ending the team’s day 11 laps early.

Blaney finished the Auto Club 400 in the 37^th position. The TBR team now sits 37^th in NSCS Owner Points, nine points outside of the top-35. Blaney is currently 35^th in NSCS Driver Points.

“It was a disappointing day for us,” explained Blaney. “The car wasn’t very good at the beginning. Unfortunately, there weren’t very many cautions in the race, so we didn’t have a lot of time to work on the car. We made some gains, but they just weren’t enough. I’m excited to shake off California and head to Martinsville fighting to get into the top-35.”

The NSCS returns to action April 3^rd at Martinsville Speedway for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500.

About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

Tommy Baldwin Racing was formed in 2009 by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin. Baldwin utilized a slumping economy to open a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team for a fraction of the cost. The team competed in two full seasons with multiple drivers behind the wheel of the No. 36 Chevrolet and improved in the standings each year.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the full NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule in 2011 with NASCAR veteran Dave Blaney piloting the No. 36 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet. Looking to improve on-track performance and increase the number of races they complete, TBR is still seeking partners to support their racing efforts. TBR’s driver development program, Heinke-Baldwin Racing, will also compete in various NASCAR series in 2011.

For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

- Tommy Baldwin Racing, Press Release

Granny Grump

Duck was all excited cause flippin’ Carl was on the pole and Happy Harvick was runner up for the start. It was a fairly entertainin’ race for California standards to my way of thinkin’. There was a lot of jostlin’ up front early on. Miss cute as a kitten Jennifer Jo Cobb didn’t find the results she was a lookin’ for unfortunately. On lap 18, I believe it was, she went on a spinnin’ ride and her car wasn’t worth a plug nickel it seemed after that. Poor dear, I read where she was hopin’ for much more but there’s plenty of time left this season providin’ she can come up with the money she needs. Ya know around here we used to have a bake and jarred goods sale on main street when we wanted to raise a little spendin’ cash for our township coffers. It raised a little bit from those who were too lazy to cook or bake their own foods, but, I’m not suggestin’ that for her ya understand. I’m just sayin’. Also Steven Wallace went for a spin early on and Blake Koch had an up close and personal experience with the wall so there was some destruction goin’ on out there for those nutty fans who just watch for the wreckin’.

Anyway, like I said, there was plenty of moving around up front. In the end, however, it was Boy Howdy Rowdy who celebrated with the trophy after just takin’ on 2 tires on his last pit stop. Good for him I say! That boy is somethin’ else, let me tell ya that much right now. And he is always smilin’ these days. Well there’s no wonder to that for heaven’s sake considerin’ he is doin’ an awful lot of celebratin’ in Victory Lane and all. Mercy me, he’s talented and look at the stable he comes from. I think someone there has been sittin’ on that boy regardin’ his attitude, but more on that later. It turned out that Flippin’ Carl came in 2nd followed by that adorable Kevin Harvick, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr and that real cutie Elliott Sadler.

Of course as y’all can imagine I had to work with Duck a bit what with his idol comin’ in 2nd and all, but I think he is makin’ some limited progress. It’s that or he is hidin’ some of his true feelin’s. Either way I explained that Carl can’t win everytime. Duck made some grumblin’ noises that I swear sounded like he said, ” but Kyle does”. I know Duck is special and all but we all know that is impossible. Course that’s neither here nor there. I’m just sayin’. Anyway, he waddled on into his bedroom and I did hear some other disgruntled duck noises comin’ from that general direction, but all in all this week was better for my race viewin’. As a point of possible interest to y’all I do try to understand his duck disappointment. I truly do. I’m just sayin’.

So, Sunday’s race came and that was probably the best race I’ve seen comin’ from that West Coast track. There was much more action than is usual out there and even the booth boys said it was the best yet at California. Course now those folks out there only get one crack at a NASCAR event in their area, wouldn’t ya know. Anyway, it looked like for a long spell there that Rowdy was gonna pull another race winnin’ rabbit out of his magic helmet and sweep that weekend, too. But on the final lap the same champ Jimmy who was in 1st and 2nd place Kyle were battlin’ it out when out of the clear blue there came Kevin Harvick, who wasn’t happy at all last week, and on the last lap passed them and won that race! Good, good and good for him I say! Oh my I was on my feet so fast I just made another big mess with the food on the crates. I was a hoopin’ and hollerin’ all over the place. I can tell ya that much right now. I had to let Goober the Goat in yet again to clean up my mess, but hey, he wasn’t complainin’ none that time either. Anyway Kevin was certainly a Happy Harvick then! That was his and Richard’s 1st win there, I believe. Darlin’ Delana, the fire suit wearin’ one in the family, wasn’t there to celebrate with her cutie hubby, but, I’m sure they will make up for that when he climbs off the jet back home. Don’t you?

That win was just purely excitin’ to this Granny, let me tell ya that much right now. Just was a bit of a feelin’ for me that seemed like one of those amazin” Dale, SR like moves. Now, I’m not comparin’ here, so don’t any of y’all get ugly with me. I’m just sayin’ it was an amazin’ and excitin’ly familiar feelin’. The same champ Jimmy took 2nd place followed by Rowdy, robot Matt and Flyin’ Ryan. Tony who had been one hot rocket out there pert near all of the race drifted back to finish a no comment 13th. Pole sitter Juan came in 10th and JR ended up 12th. That was another good finish for him considerin’ he started 30th. Seems that team is on target for a victory celebration here real soon. I’m not promisin’, I’m just sayin’, and truly hopin’. Others were sprinkled in and around those mentioned here, but, y’all can look that up. Know what I mean? And this did wind up bein’ pretty much a repeat performance out of Duck seein’s that Fliipin’ Carl finished 6th. I did go off on Duck just a bit havin’ to explain that 6th place was good since he started 18th. I just didn’t want to spend my happy win time feelin’ dealin’ with a disgruntled Duck. Know what I mean? Anyway, things were quiet for the most part after that, thank our good and gracious LORD.

Now for the other stuff. I think it seems a bit interestin’ that in the year of “have at it” for the racers, Rowdy boy isn’t. I admit I find it a little bit refreshin’ and all, but y’all have to admit it is unusual at best. I think we might have gotten a tidbit of information from the booth boys. Larry and Darrell suggested that this might could be a strong suggestion from his sponsors and his bossman. Well that makes sense, but, it does seems a bit backwards to me. Think about it. Ya know this sport was built around racers with big mouths and bigger attitudes. But in recent years when racers weren’t allowed to “have at it” Rowdy (and a few others) did and now that they can Rowdy isn’t. Am I wrong here or what? I guess that’s neither here nor there. I’m just thinkin’.

And it looks like there just might be a big ol’ problem with the engines in that Gibbs operation. Y’all can bet the technical best of that bunch are and will be figurin’ all that wrong stuff out. Here’s hopin’ it’s sooner than later.

One more somethin’ is the fact that this Granny truly enjoyed the singers of the National Anthem this week. That little cutie David Archuletta is just adorable and has a voice for the ages! And Richard Marx was amazin’, too. A double good for booth of them I say for their talent and singin’ the right words!

And finally Mike Joy pronounced “pediatrics” correctly. I just love that guy and his voice. Good for him I say! I’m not pickin’ on him. He has cheeks and a smile that just tickles this Granny pink. I’m just sayin’ good for him.

Granny Grouch

Grouch says:
Howdy race fans, younguns and other folks too! WOW ! ! ! What a race weekend we had for ourselves out there in California, huh? How about that “Rowdy” Kyle Busch an his usually “Sweepin’-Self”, not to mention that he’s breakin’ all the records, 46 career wins in the Nationwide series, three short of Mark Martin’s record, who, by the way, finished eighth in the Royal Purple 300. When I seen Kyle go sailin’ through the grass when he hit the wet spots on the track, I thought, oh Lord, help us, here comes the old Kyle for sure but I was as shocked as I could be that that weren’t the case at all, my, my, my I am really impressed with you now, Kyle, honey! You are The Man of the 2011 season, that’s for sure!

I have to give some “Atta Boys” and “Kudos” to some drivers this week. It’s not quite the same as cryin’ towels and cigars like some folks are givin’ out these days but you must remember that I’m OLD! First off, Elliott Sadler, who started 34th and bless his little ol’ southern heart, came home with a Top 5! That’s some purdy good racin’, I’d say! Then I have Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who also had a great race, starting 12th on the grid and finishin’ 4th. I just love to see these younguns doin’ so well, don’t you?

Moving on to the most excitin’ racin’ I’ve seen in awhile. The Auto Club 400 on Sunday mornin’ (my time). At first I thought it was goin’ to be one of them “ho-hum” races, bein’s it was on one of them bigger tracks, don’t ya know? But we had all them tires goin’ down and causin’ all them cautions which was okay I reckin’ otherwise I might have caught me a nap, yes indeedy! But the endin’ sure wasn’t nap-worthy, that’s for sure! I have to admit Cousin Grouch here was a jumpin’ up and down, knockin’ stuff on the floor and Bubba was scared of me cause he thought I went plum crazy but, you see, I didn’t want the #48 car to go a winnin’ the dadgum race and he didn’t. To my way of thinkin’ they’ve won enough races for my likin’s, it’s time for somebody else to have a chance, know what I mean? So, Good goin’ to winner Kevin Harvick! That’s why I’m a likin’ the idea that we’ve had us five races and five DIFFERENT winners, so far!

Lastly, I know I’m runnin’ out of room and breath here. To the “RocketMan”, you just keep up the fine job you are a doin’, look at ya, second in the points standin’s, my bonnet’s off to you, honey, I know the Boss man is happy with your performance, and that precious little daughter of yours, Brooklyn Sage, that’s for sure! That’s all I have for this week. See ya all back here after Martinsville! Have an awesome week, y’all ! ! ! Take it away, Granny Grump.
——————————————————–

Well Grouch, darlin, your figures and factual self just amazed me yet again. Good for you, I say! Tell Bubba I said he needs to “toughen up” on race day or get out of the room. Know what I mean? I do agree with you 100% percent here, dear, so no more need in further writin’s. So that’s it for now folks. Email, comment or don’t. Either way is fine with us cause we’re both very busy women. Know what we mean?

‘Til next time Grump and Grouch over and out.

RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Logo

After qualifying Saturday morning, Wallace took the green flag from the 17th position for the 150-lap event. Only 20 laps into the race, Wallace made his way down pit road to top-off the fuel tank during the second caution of day. On the restart, the No. 09 Toyota Camry suffered damage to the left rear quarter panel after a car spun in front of Wallace. The contact forced Wallace to make additional pit stops to repair the damage. Wallace continued to make progress throughout the remainder of the race before ultimately ending the day in 15th.

In addition to competing in the Nationwide Series event, Wallace also participated in Toyota Motorsports Day in Torrance, Calif., along with other Toyota-powered NASCAR drivers.

With five events complete on the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule, Wallace heads into the off weekend solidly inside the top-10 in the NNS driver point standings in the eighth position. The No. 09 is currently 14th in the NNS owner point standings.

Wallace and RAB Racing will return to the track for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 on Friday, April 8th, for the first night race of the season at Texas Motor Speedway. The Nationwide Series race will be broadcast live on ESPN 2 beginning at 8:30 p.m. EST and on PRN at beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Can’t get enough…

Follow Kenny on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kenny_wallace

Follow RAB Racing with Brack Maggard on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RAB_Racing

Become a fan of RAB Racing with Brack Maggard on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RABRacing

- RAB Racing Press Release

Blake Koch

Blake and the No. 81 team fought handling issues in practice but they still busted off a great lap in qualifying. Blake was able to pick up almost 1.5 seconds from practice and the Soul Surfer Dodge was to start in the 29th position.

The MacDonald Motorsports No. 81 was strong during the race, and poised for a good run to the finish when everything went wrong. The right front tire went, putting Blake into the wall in the Soul Surfer the Movie Dodge. The team was hard at work putting the No. 81 back together for Blake. With a strong effort from everyone, they were able to get back on the track and finish the race, in 33rd position.

The positive that came from all that hard work is that the 81 is still locked in to the next race in Texas. Still 30th in points, but just one point ahead of 31st, the pressure will be on Blake and the Daystar Television Network team to have a strong run in Texas.

The MacDonald Motorsports No. 81 team will have a much needed week off to relax from this grueling schedule before they are back on the road to Texas Motor Speedway. You can catch the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 on ESPN2, Friday night, April 8th at 8:30pm EST.

- MacDonald Motorsports Press Release