MacDonald Motorsports Thumbnail

“I’m really proud to be working with Randy MacDonald Motorsports. Randy and I have been friends for a long time. Trying to help Blake win the Rookie of the Year award is the goal,” explained Monsam. “All the guys at the shop are working extra hard to give him the best possible car and that’s all you can ask for. Blake’s a great kid and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past two race weekends with him.”

Monsam actually crew chiefed his first race with Blake 2 weeks ago at Richmond in the Virginia 529 College Savings Plan 250. An early accident after contact with Aric Almirola ended their chances of a strong finish but the team worked hard to get the back on track for the finish. Last week in Chicago, Blake and the Daystar.com Dodge were fast before some late race mis-haps on pit road cost them a top-20.

“The last two races working with John has been great,” says Blake Koch, driver of the Daystar.com No. 81.“ John has a lot of experience and that is what I need for these final 6 races to try and win this Rookie of the Year award. The car has been fast at both Richmond and Chicago but we had problems outside of his hands each time.”

Born in Connecticut, John Monsam graduated from Westfield State University and moved to North Carolina in 1985. His first year as a crew chief was 1994 in which he won 2 races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Ricky Craven behind the wheel. Since then, John has crew chiefed for DEI, Roush Racing, Wood Brothers, Kevin Harvick Inc. and many more. Over his 17 year career as a crew chief, John has 7 wins in the NASCAR Truck Series and 2 wins in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Most recently John has worked with Kenny Schrader Racing and driver Tom Hessert III in the ARCA Racing Series, finishing 3rd in the standings last season with 1 win.

“It’s great to be back in the Nationwide Series,” said Monsam. “The off weekend this week has really helped us get back on schedule and prepare for the final stretch of the season.”

Even with the rough luck as of late, Blake still remains within 2 points of Timmy Hill for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year. This was Blake and the MacDonald Motorsports team’s ultimate goal when the season began and they will continue to fight for it until the checkered flag falls in Homestead.

As Blake comes to some of the tracks for the second time, he has been much faster out of the hauler. This should really benefit the Daystar No. 81 team during the last 6 races in their push to win the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year.

About MacDonald Motorsports

The MacDonald family name has been in the racing circles since owner, Randy MacDonald, started his own driving career in the 1980’s. The provisions made by Randy’s father, Merril “Doc” MacDonald, and mother Pat helped Randy start racing professionally and establish his own company. Randy’s father Doc helped him create business relationships and carry out other important functions of the team until finishing his own race in March of 2007. Despite his death, Doc’s impact on the team will not end, as MacDonald Motorsports continues on in his honor and memory.

About Daystar Television Network

Daystar is a Television Network committed to spreading this message across the world: No matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or who you are. It is not too much for God to handle. There is life, hope, and forgiveness waiting for you through Jesus Christ. Find out more on www.Daystar.com.

- MacDonald Motorsports Press Release

JR Motorsports

TRACK – Dover International Raceway (1-mile concrete oval)

DATE – Saturday, May 14, 2011

TV / RADIO – ESPN (coverage begins at 2 p.m. EST) / MRN (broadcast begins at 2 p.m. EST)

Aric Almirola

No. 88 Degree Men Chevrolet

“Dover is my favorite track. I’ve never experienced another track like it since I started racing. It’s so incredibly unique. Going off into turn one is an amazing feeling. You drop something like 75 feet down into the turn. It feels like the track just drops away from you as you enter the corner there. The effects of the G-forces on your body are a lot like riding a rollercoaster. But at Dover the rollercoaster lasts for 200 miles.

“Last week was a letdown for our No. 88 Degree Men team. But those are the kind of races we put behind us, and just look ahead to this week’s race. There’s no better place to earn a solid finish than at Dover. We’re really optimistic heading there this week.”

Josh Wise

No. 7 “We Salute You” JR Motorsports Chevrolet

“This is an exciting week for our No. 7 team. I’m honored to be racing for such a great cause with JR Motorsports and the “We Salute You” Chevrolet. It’s nice to be given such a unique way to thank all the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and show them how much we appreciate everything they do for our country. Working hand-in-hand with The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation on this project is also a blessing.

“Sometimes certain tracks just fit your driving style. Dover is like that for me. It’s a driver’s racetrack, with some room to move around and you can really attack it. Once it gets rubbered up during the race, the track gets really slick and getting into the corner gets a little tricky. So you struggle for grip there. It’s also important to get a good straight shot off the corner on exit in order to carry good straightaway speed down into the next corner.”

JR MOTORSPORTS NOTEBOOK –

JRM SALUTES THE TROOPS IN DOVER – JR Motorsports, along with the NASCAR community, will salute the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces with a tribute paint scheme of pride, patriotism and gratitude on the No. 7 Chevrolet this weekend at Dover International Speedway. The “We Salute You” Chevrolet speaks for all Americans with a patriotic design that pays tribute to the strength and resolve of the greatest military on earth. To read the complete press release and to see an image of the car click here.

EXCLUSIVE DOVER PREVIEW VIDEO – Find out what Tony Eury Jr. hopes to see when he crosses the pedestrian bridge into the Dover infield in this week’s exclusive Dover preview video on www.jrmracing.com. You’ll also go behind the wheel at “The Monster Mile” with Aric Almirola in the iRacing simulator.

WELCOME DEGREE MEN – Degree Men joins the No. 88 team as primary sponsor this weekend at Dover for the first time since 2009. JRM has put on a qualifying clinic with the Degree sponsorship on its race cars. In 2009 the team earned all three of its poles (Gateway, Bristol and Atlanta) with the Degree colors on board. It joins Hellmann’s, Ragu and Suave Men as Unilever brands to have primary paint schemes with JRM this season. The No. 88 Chevrolet will also carry the Degree brand at Nashville Superspeedway (July 23), Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 26) and Kansas Speedway (Oct. 8).

TAMING THE MONSTER – Dover International Speedway has been a strong track for JR Motorsports in its 15 races there since 2006. The organization has notched one win (spring 2009), four top-fives and six top-10s.

WISE GAINING MOMENTUM – Wise’s 2011 statistics in five races with the No. 7 include two top-10s and four top-15 finishes. He also led a season-high five laps in the No. 7 Chevrolet in Nashville. Spanning 13 races since 2010, Wise has never finished worse than 16th with JR Motorsports. At Dover, the 28-year-old holds four Nationwide Series starts with a best finish of 13th in 2008. Currently, he sits 11th in the championship standings (-100).

ALMIROLA AT DOVER – Almirola will make his 50th NNS start this weekend. He visited victory lane in his first race at Dover in the Camping World East Series in 2008. Almirola led 27 laps in the No. 8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. that day en route to his first NASCAR-sanctioned victory. The Tampa, Fla. native also won the Camping World Truck Series race there in 2010 after leading seven laps. Additionally, Almirola finished 11th in his only Nationwide Series start at the one-mile oval.

NO. 7 SEASON STATS – The No. 7 team holds one top-five, four top-10 and seven top-15 finishes in 2011. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick and Josh Wise have shared driving duties in the No. 7 Chevrolet throughout the year, each scoring at least a top-10 finish. Patrick earned the team’s best finish of the season when she finished fourth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, becoming the highest finishing female in any NASCAR national touring series race. The team occupies 12th position in owner points.

NO. 88 SEASON STATS – The No. 88 Degree Men squad owns four top-10 and eight top-15 finishes this season. Almirola has led at least one lap in four of the past six races, and is currently ranked sixth (-42) in championship points. The No. 88 team is 13th in owner points.

JRM DRIVER APPEARANCES – Aric Almirola and Josh Wise will attend an autograph signing at the JR Nation merchandise hauler in the fan concourse area on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EST.

VISIT THE RELAUNCHED ALMIROLA WEBSITE – Are you a fan of Aric Almirola? Visit his newly relaunched website at www.aricalmirola.com and get inside access to all the cool and interesting facts about the Tampa, Fla. native. The site includes a complete biography, photo gallery, and updated race reports.

NEW JRM RACING WEBSITE – JRMracing.com is the digital home of the JR Motorsports NASCAR Nationwide Series race teams. Visit it for more information about the company, its history, and drivers, including Aric Almirola, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick and Josh Wise. Watch exclusive video content, including pre-race reports with drivers and crew.

- JR Motorsports Press Release

Trevor Bayne - Photo Credit: Muriel Brousseau Photo for Octane Management

The 20-year-old from Knoxville, Tenn., was nearly speechless Sunday as he stole the spotlight on NASCAR’s biggest stage at Daytona International Speedway with his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory — the 2011 Daytona 500.

“If I tried to put it into words, I wouldn’t do it any justice,” Bayne said.

Bayne, who turned 20 Saturday, is the youngest Daytona winner — breaking Jeff Gordon’s record — and second-youngest winner in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“I keep thinking I’m dreaming, I really do,” said Bayne, who won the ‘Great American Race’ in the No. 21 for the famed Wood Bros. Racing. “I am so thankful for the job these guys did on this car. It is unbelievable. Our first 500, are you kidding me? To win the first one?

“I can’t thank the guys that worked with me enough.”

Bayne’s first NASCAR win came in his sixth NASCAR K&N Pro Series start on July 12, 2008. He ran the full season in the series for Dale Earnhardt Inc., where he was a teammate of Jeffrey Earnhardt and Jesus Hernandez.

“That was a really, really cool win for me,” Bayne said. “I had a great group of guys that year.”

He won from the pole at Thompson, and also recorded six top fives and eight top 10s to finish fourth in points behind champion Matt Kobyluck, runner-up Austin Dillon and Hernandez.

“That’s crazy how fast it has all happened,” Bayne said. “It’s been a flash, going straight from the East to Nationwide Series to here. It was a perfect stepping stone order. It’s an awesome way to go.”

Bayne was followed across the line Sunday by Carl Edwards, who got his start in NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series, and NASCAR K&N Pro Series West alum David Gilliland.

“As a friend of Trevor’s, it’s amazing to watch him have that success,” said Carl Edwards, who got to know Bayne last year while competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. “He’s done a really good job of keeping his composure. He drives like a veteran.”

Bayne also finished second in the 2009 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.).

He was able to lean on his short-track roots to succeed on one of NASCAR’s longest ovals Sunday.

“The thing that has paid off the most (was) just learning how to survive to the end,” Bayne said. “It’s kind of like this. The guy that makes it to the end is probably going to have a top 10 finish.

“It’s the patience, the close-quartered racing, and pushing these guys around. I never thought I’d be a superspeedway racer just because short tracks were my niche. But man, it really does relate to everything we were doing here today.”

Bayne made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series with his family team as a 16-year-old in 2007. He finished 26th at Mansfield (Ohio) and failed to qualify at Iowa Speedway. He moved to DEI the following year.

He also made a spot start for Dave Davis Motorsports in 2009 with a sixth-place run at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, N.C., before committing full-time to the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Bayne made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start last year at Texas Motor Speedway.

- Integrated Marketing Communications Press Release

Eddie Sharp Racing Logo

Track: Phoenix International Raceway

Date: November 12, 2010

Third Time’s a Charm: Park will compete in his third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event of the season this weekend at Phoenix International Speedway. Park will get behind the wheel of the No. 46 Van Dyk Baler Bollegraaf Lubo USA Toyota Tundra. Park looks to improve on his 25th-place finish at Kentucky Speedway.

Last NCWTS Event: Kentucky Speedway: Park finished 25th in his last NCWTS event at Kentucky Speedway in September. The Van Dyk Baler Bollegraaf Lubo USA Toyota found trouble on lap 29, when Park’s truck brushed the wall. Park radioed to the crew that trash or rubber got under the car and caused the truck to get into turn two. The team quickly assembled a plan of attack, and Park came down pit road for an unscheduled stop to assess the damage. The crew fixed the damage on the right rear where the truck brushed the wall. Park fought back, but the early, unscheduled pit stop relegated the truck to a 25th-place finish.

Experience at Phoenix: Park has experience at the one-mile track across various series. He competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at PIR six times, with a high finish of third in 2001 piloting the DEI No. 1 Pennzoil Chevrolet. He competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at PIR once and twice in the NCWTS with a high finish of sixth in 2004. He has also competed there in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 2009 and earned a third-place finish.

Back to the Rock: Park made his first-career start in the ARCA Racing Series in October, competing in the No. 53 Costal Wire Ford. The paint scheme on the car was reminiscent of the yellow and black No.1 Pennzoil car from back in the early 2000s– the same paint-scheme he won with at Rockingham in the NSCS in 2001. Bad luck found Park early in the event, however, when the oil line came loose, relegating the team to a 35th-place finish.

SPEED Broadcast: The Lucas Oil 150 will air live on SPEED on Friday night. Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. MST (7:30 p.m. ET), and the green flag drops at 6 p.m MST. (8 p.m. ET). The event can also be heard on MRN beginning at 5:45 p.m. MST (7:45 p.m ET).

Follow the Action: Social media users have the opportunity to stay up-to-date at the track before, after and throughout the race. Follow www.facebook.com/TeamESR and www.twitter.com/TeamESR for the latest news and updates from Phoenix International Raceway.

- Activ8 Communications Press Release

Rockingham Speedway – Rockingham, NC

Jesse Smith is making his second career start at the Rockingham Speedway, and his first start for Hendren Motorsports in the No. 66 Chevrolet. The American 200 will also be Smith’s second ARCA Racing Series start of the 2010, his first start came in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The Wildwood, MO native’s previous start at Rockingham came in 2008 driving for Terry Jones. Smith was part of the historic race to reopen the legendary one mile tri-oval, and had a strong top five run going before an engine failure cut his afternoon short. By running in the top five in three of his four starts in 2009 on intermediate tracks, Smith has shown that his first win is soon to come.

Smith is looking to eclipse his career best 3rd place finish (Kansas ’08, Kentucky 5/09), and is brimming with confidence returning to a venue where he has experience. With the Hendren Motorsports team behind him, led by Walter Giles, Smith is confident he can challenge for his first career win at “The Rock”.

ROCKINGHAM HISTORY: Smith’s first career start at “The Rock” came in ARCA’s inaugural event in May of 2008. After qualifying 14th, an engine failure relegated him to a 44th place finish.

LAST FIVE STARTS: In his last five ARCA Series starts, Smith has started four of those races inside the top ten, and included his career best finish at Kentucky (3rd).

CREW CHIEF: Smith is working with veteran crew chief Walter Giles, former Dale Earnhardt Inc. car chief.

FAN ON FACEBOOK: Become a fan of Jesse Smith on Facebook and stay up to date with Jesse Smith Racing.

LIVE ON SPEED: Saturday’s American 200 will be live on SPEED beginning at 1:30 ET.

QUOTING JESSE SMITH

(On the challenges at racing at Rockingham): “Rockingham is an awesome place to run at. It’s a really unique track, there’s not a lot like it. It’s high speed, but it still has the tendencies of a short track. One of the coolest things is the tires wear out really fast there, so the driver has more responsibility than other tracks. Because of that, it takes the emphasis away from the engine, aerodynamics, and those types of thing. It’s such a great place and it really puts on a good show.”

(On making his first start with Hendren Motorsports): “The biggest thing is working with a new crew and getting used to their tendencies and build relationships. I think we can be real successful (at Rockingham). Walter Giles has been great to work with, we understand each other and already have a great connection. I’m looking forward to working with them for the American 200, and hopefully in the future.”

- HighSide Media Press Release

ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards

Not only do the 1.017-mile track’s many stories contribute to an alluring atmosphere for the series’ drivers and teams, but the race surface itself is one that will present a challenge to the three drivers contending for a first ARCA Racing Series championship, and along the way, highlight the best true driver.

Banked at 22 degrees in the first two turns and 25 in the final two, Rockingham Speedway features a rough surface capable of taking a tremendous toll on tires and the suspension of even the strongest stock cars. Car care will be important, says series points leader Patrick Sheltra (No. 60 Ferguson Pipe / Jones Group International Toyota).

“We’ve had our good runs there and we’ve had our bad runs there,” Sheltra said. “It’s a slick race track, and it comes down to tire management and fuel mileage. It’s a racer’s track. You’ve got to get up on the wheel and go for it.”

Sheltra stands 10 points ahead of Craig Goess (No. 81 Greenville Toyota of N.C. Toyota) and 20 points in front of Tom Hessert (No. 77 Cherry Hill Classic Cars Dodge) entering the final race, but if he hopes to finish as the series champion, he’ll have to improve on a 38th-place finish in his last outing at Rockingham. Sheltra dropped out of contention with a crash in last year’s season finale.

Goess will return to the track confident in his ability to improve. Experimentation, he insists, is a thing of the past, and now is the time to win.

“(Rockingham) is fun to get around as a driver. We’ll have a better setup than when we went there before. We tried some things at the end of last year that didn’t really work out for us. I still like driving the track, even with a car I wasn’t happy with, so that tells you how much fun it is,” said Goess.

He finished 17th last fall.

Hessert, who finished one spot ahead of Goess last fall at Rockingham, proved himself a historian in assessing Rockingham’s features.

“Rockingham Speedway is a really historic race track. It opened in 1965, and the surface might be just that old, because it’s pretty slippery and pretty rough and hard to get a hold of, but the coolest thing about Rockingham is that it’s really multi-grooved,” he said. “You’ll have one guy kind of bottom-feed right around the white line, and you’ll have some guys that look like they’re going 300 miles an hour right up next to the wall, and run the same exact lap time.”

The 200-lap American 200 airs live on SPEED at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, with timing and scoring and live audio coverage presented by ARCA Nation and the ARCA Racing Network at ARCARacing.com. Four races have been held at the track, with two won by Venturini Motorsports (Joey Logano in 2008, Sean Caisse in 2009). 48 cars are presently entered, and 41 will start.

The event will complete the series’ 20-race schedule, and activity begins with an optional open test for ARCA Racing Series teams on Thursday. A 90-minute practice leads Friday’s schedule at 11:30 a.m., and Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell begins at 2:30 p.m. Live audio coverage and live timing and scoring of all events will be presented by ARCA Nation and the ARCA Racing Network at ARCARacing.com.

Rockingham Speedway has invited racing legends Junior Johnson and Donnie Allison to attend the American 200; Johnson won 13 NASCAR Cup races at the track as an owner between 1969 and 1992, including five straight from 1980-1982, and Allison won as a driver in 1968 and 1977.

“We’ve really got a first-class event lined up for the fans with the American 200,” said Rockingham Speedway president Andy Hillenburg, who will also field Bryan Silas’s No. 11 Rockingham Speedway / Palm Beach Grading Ford and Tyler Speer’s No. 10 Proboat / R. Wilson Contractors Chevrolet. “The races that we are hosting will be competitive and exciting for everyone and we’re hoping for a record turnout of fans ready to see stock car racing at its best.”

The race will be preceded by the City of Rockingham’s downtown party, ThunderFest, which on Thursday will feature an ARCA Racing Series driver autograph session at 6:30 p.m.

Two of the numerous drivers in attendance will be Tim George Jr. (No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Development Chevrolet) and Ty Dillon (No. 41 Karl Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing Development Chevrolet), whose team affiliations may play a role in success at the track. Childress won NASCAR Cup races at the track with Dale Earnhardt in 1987, 1994, and 1996, and will attempt Rockingham as a car owner for the first time Saturday.

Also scheduled to appear for autographs are Sheltra, Goess, Hessert, and nine-time ARCA Racing Series champion Frank Kimmel, among others.

One notable race entry is Steve Park (No. 53 Coastal Wire Ford), who won a NASCAR race at “The Rock” in 2001 for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

“Rockingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the chance to win there in the Cup Series. I kind of miss the place since they took it off the Cup schedule, and Cup, Nationwide, and the Trucks don’t run there. But no matter what division, I’m looking forward to going to Rockingham and seeing all the race fans,” Park said.

Last season, only two drivers were able to finish in the top 10 in both races at Rockingham. One was racing veteran Ken Schrader, who is not entered, and the other was Parker Kligerman, who won in the fall and finished second to Justin Lofton in the championship standings before moving to the NASCAR Nationwide Series. As such, numerous drivers have experience running up front.

Casey Roderick, Chris Buescher, and Grant Enfinger are all part-time drivers who finished among the top seven last fall and are entered for Saturday’s race. Dakoda Armstrong and Joey Coulter, who are both in the top 10 in this year’s standings, ran eighth and ninth last October.

Though their last October race at Rockingham produced disappointing results, championship contenders Sheltra and Goess finished second and sixth last spring. Silas was fourth and Steve Arpin 10th.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards features 20 events at 17 tracks on its 2010 schedule. The series has crowned an ARCA national champion each year since its inaugural season in 1953, and has toured over 200 racetracks in 28 states since its inception. The series tests the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world, annually visiting tracks ranging from 0.4 mile to 2.66 miles in length, on both paved and dirt surfaces as well as left- and right-turn street and road courses.

Founded by John Marcum in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is recognized among the leading sanctioning bodies in the country. Closing in on completing its sixth decade after hundreds of thousands of miles of racing, ARCA administers over 100 race events each season in two professional touring series and local weekly events.

- Automobile Racing Club of America Press Release

NASCAR Trailblazer Max Siegel to receive Pioneer Award at 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards.

As NASCAR’S highest-ranking African-American executive, Siegel oversaw the entire DEI organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorships and distribution for all DEI’s properties including motorsports teams, licensing, promotion, business development and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.

“Siegel embodies all of the attributes of an automotive urban pioneer,” said Randi Payton, president and CEO of Decisive Media, the best source for cultural and consumer news, and organizers of the Urban Wheel Awards. “After successfully taking the reins of a major motorsports conglomerate, he is continuing to blaze a trail by reaching out to include more minorities in the sport.”

In 2009, Siegel formed the 909 Group, a marketing firm catering to companies and individuals in the sports and entertainment industries. NASCAR retained the firm to administer the motorsports industry-wide “Drive for Diversity” initiative, aimed at developing and introducing minority and female drivers and crew members to competitive NASCAR opportunities. Seeking to bring more credibility to NASCAR’S diversity program, Siegel developed the competition reality show, Changing Lanes for BET. The show, chronicles his search for the next generation of women and minority racing drivers. Siegel’s Revolution Racing coaches, mentors and develops drivers so they may one day enjoy the same success as the pioneers of the NASCAR industry.

“Motorsports have long been my passion and it is indeed an honor to receive such an award for something I truly enjoy doing,” said Siegel. “I look forward to being a part of the Urban Wheel Awards and using the platform to advance the goal of including more minorities in the industry.

ABOUT THE URBAN WHEEL AWARDS

The Urban Wheel Awards brings together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives and the multi-cultural community to celebrate diversity in the automotive industry. According to RL Polk, consumers in the multicultural market purchase one-quarter of new vehicles annually. The Urban Wheel Awards promotes awareness of their inclusion and honors the companies and individuals who have made progress toward embracing this reality.

The day’s activities will begin with a multicultural-focused Green Car Show at 10 am to 3 pm, followed by a celebrity Green Carpet and VIP reception at 5 pm. The Urban Wheel Awards, which begins at 7 pm, will honor four companies for leadership in environmental and fuel-efficient technologies. Winners of the Urban Car, Urban Truck and Urban Green Vehicle of the Year will also be honored along with the Minority Supplier and Dealer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and the Urban Pioneer of the Year.

For more information, please contact Cathy Nedd at pr@decisivemag.com or 301-850-2858. Visit www.decisivemagazine.com for more information.

Decisive Media is a comprehensive multimedia platform, which produces culturally relevant consumer news and information to minority consumers to help them make informed purchasing decisions on products and services. Decisive also helps companies reach this growing market by employing new media technology through the use of multiple marketing and public relations tools.

A 501 (c ) (3) organization that was established in 1988, the Emerging Diversity Education Fund (formerly the Edward Davis Education Fund) provides mentoring, internships and scholarships to youth pursuing careers in communication, engineering, green professions and media. Since the organizations inception, more than 350 students have received scholarships and internships of more than $500,000. The organization also promotes diversity in various industries, including: automotive, entertainment, green and technology, to name a few.

- DECISIVE MULTIMEDIA Inc, Press Release

Driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc., Park won at North Carolina Speedway one week following the death of his boss, Dale Earnhardt, on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Park edged Bobby Labonte for the emotional win in the Dura Lube 400.

The 1-mile track, now known as Rockingham Speedway, no longer plays host to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but the track owned by Andy Hillenburg still hosts other stock-car events.

Park makes his return to the track for the Oct. 9 running of the ARCA Racing Series American 200.

Also scheduled to race in the American 200 is NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ricky Carmichael. The 30-year-old is best known for his successful motocross career. Rockingham will mark Carmichael’s fifth ARCA Series start of the year, with a best finish of seventh in the season-opener at Daytona.

- Scene Daily

Addictive enough to draw in viewers who don’t know Jeff Gordon from Jeff Burton? That’s the gamble behind “Changing Lanes,” a new show that airs not on a sports network but BET.

Yes, BET. Where better to reach a completely new audience? “Changing Lanes” chronicles 10 young female and minority racers in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program as they compete for four spots on a team.

“I’ve got friends here who don’t know about racing, and they’re going to watch it and I think give it a lot more respect,” said 16-year-old driver Darrell Wallace Jr.

It’s got all the staples of reality TV: contestants living in a house together and getting eliminated one by one. Well, not all the staples — Brunelli is relieved the show sticks to the drama on the track and in the drivers’ back stories.

Rapper/actor Ludacris narrates the eight-episode series, which premieres Wednesday night.

The show is the brainchild of Max Siegel, who spent two seasons running Dale Earnhardt Inc. until the team merged with Chip Ganassi Racing. His sports marketing agency now runs the Drive for Diversity program, which has struggled to produce racers for NASCAR’s top series.

- The Canadian Press

Eddie Sharp Racing Logo

In collaboration with Sharp Hartman Racing, ESR will make its entrance into the NASCAR ranks at the 1.5-mile track. Steve Park will pilot the No. 41 Bollegraaf Van Dyk Baler and Lubo USA ESR Toyota Tundra.

ESR, which has built one of the top ARCA Racing Series teams, including the 2009 Championship Team with driver Justin Lofton, began its journey into the NCWTS at the beginning of 2010. Team owner Sharp and Carl Hartman, friends for 20 years, began the truck team as an extension of ESR at the beginning of 2010.

The ESR No. 41 will stay in the Toyota family, much like the Toyota Camry vehicles in the ARCA Racing Series. “We are going to be staying in the Toyota Camp with the truck team,” said Sharp. “ESR has a long-standing relationship with Toyota, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to extend the partnership into the NCWTS.”

Park, a veteran driver in all three NASCAR Series’, made his debut in the NCWTS in 1996. He has collected one win in the NCWTS in 2005 at Auto Club Speedway. He also has three wins, 15 top-fives and 29 top-10s in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Park has two wins, 12 top-fives and 35 top-10s while driving for various teams including Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Most recently, Park returned to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010, driving the No. 36 for Tommy Baldwin Racing in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. He finished in the 13th position.

“I couldn’t be happier to run with ESR in the truck series,” said Park. “I have been friends with Eddie Sharp for a long time, and I have such a respect for what Eddie has built. It is always fun to be around Eddie, and I know for a fact, with his reputation in the ARCA Racing Series, that the entrance into the truck series will bring success.”

Sharp, who opened the doors to ESR in 2005 looks forward to building a successful program at the next level. “To have a guy of Steve Park’s caliber driving in the seat for us in this outing makes this event extra special,” said team owner Eddie Sharp. “ESR is taking the next step moving into the NASCAR ranks, and we are working hard to build strong infrastructure for the organization. Park is a perfect fit for ESR’s premiere in the truck series. ”

Hartman echoes Sharp’s sentiments. “It’s going to be great to have Park in the car. I think he’s a great addition to our program. You can’t help but love his enthusiasm for the sport. I get excited just being around him. I look forward to working with him.”

Park will get behind the wheel of the No. 41 ESR Toyota on Friday, August 27, 2010 for the EnjoyIlliois.com 225 at Chicagoland Speedway. The green flag drops at 9 p.m. EST, and the race will be broadcast live on SPEED. Announcements are forthcoming for future races.

About Eddie Sharp Racing

Eddie Sharp set up shop in 2005 in Denver, N.C. after several years of transforming young, talented drivers into ARCA championship contenders. Today, Eddie Sharp Racing has evolved into the rite of passage for any serious upcoming driver with an ambition for professional stock car racing. Located in Denver, North Carolina just north of Charlotte, Eddie Sharp Racing occupies a top-notch facility that closely resembles a five-star NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, both inside and out. The two ESR buildings contain two teams where on any given day, championship contending cars are assembled, engines tuned and teams strategize to score the next race day victory.

- Eddie Sharp Racing / Activ8 Communications Press Release

No. 33 Jimmy John's Chevrolet Impala - Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

TEN AND COUNTING: This weekend four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday will climb behind the wheel of the No. 33 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet as he makes his second start this season for Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) in the Nationwide Series.

When Hornaday takes the green flag on Saturday for the Kroger 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis (ORP), he will be making his 10th-career Nationwide Series start at the .686-mile oval track. In nine previous starts at the track, Hornaday has one win, two top-five and five top-10 finishes.

In addition to his success in the Nationwide Series at ORP, Hornaday has also proven himself in the Truck Series at the short track. He has 10 starts in the Truck Series with three wins, seven top-five and seven top-10 finishes.

DOUBLE-DUTY STYLE: Hornaday will be pulling double duty for the first time this season when he competes in both the NASCAR Truck and Nationwide Series races at ORP. Hornaday will pilot the No. 33 Georgia Boot Chevroelt Silverado on Friday night for the AAA Insurance 200 and will follow up on Saturday behind the wheel of the No. 33 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet for the Kroger 200. Hornaday pulled this off last season, winning the Truck Series race on Friday night to make history as the only Truck Series driver to win four consecutive races and finishing sixth on Saturday in the Nationwide Series.

“Double duty is usually fun, unless you were with me at Milwaukee last year,” said Hornaday with a smile. “The Truck race was cancelled due to rain so I ended up running the Truck and Nationwide race on the same day. I was pretty tired after that experience, but we won the Truck race and finished ninth in the Nationwide Series race. I also ran the Nationwide car here at ORP last year and we ran sixth. I’m looking forward to running both races; it will be a busy, but fun weekend.”

BEFORE THE RACE: QUOTES WITH DRIVER RON HORNADAY:

Do you prepare differently heading into ORP know that you will be pulling double duty competing in both the Truck and Nationwide Series race?

“Not really. I try and prepare myself mentally, knowning that I will be staying an extra day. I’m actually driving my motor home to ORP just so that I can be at the track and I can get a little extra rest. It also allows a place for me to go since I’m sure it will be hot and our haulers will be parked outside. I try to think of little things like that go a long way. It also helps that Ernie Cope will be my crew chief throughout the weekend at ORP. It really gives me a feeling of consistency, so I think both vehicles will run very similar.”

Does running the Truck race on Friday night help prepare you for the Nationwide race on Saturday?

“It definitely helps. I think running both events help to give you a feel for what the race track is like. The more laps you can run on any track will help you to remember the specific characteristics of the track and sometimes you find something during the Truck race that you can apply to the Nationwide car.”

With your success at ORP, what’s the key to a good lap around ORP?

“If you can get your car to cut through the middle of the corner and be able to get in the gas faster than anyone else then you will most likely be good in the race. I think qualifying is really key at short tracks. If you start up front, you tend to finish up front and that is what we plan to do.”

CHASSIS HISTORY:

This weekend the No. 33 Jimmy John’s team will unload chassis No. 051 for veteran Hornaday at ORP. This chassis last ran at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway where Mike Bliss made his first career start for KHI, starting the race sixth and finishing fifth. Previous to Nashville, this chassis was on track at Dover (Del.) International Speedway where two-time Nationwide Series champion Kevin Harvick piloted the chassis to a sixth-place finish. Prior to Dover, the chassis visited victory lane in its first appearance of the season at Nashville Superspeedway and also earned a fifth-place finish at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway with Harvick behind the wheel.

PREVIOUS RACE RECAP:

The Nationwide Series was most recently at Gateway (Ill.) International Raceway where KHI co-owner Harvick piloted the No. 33 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet. After dominating the postponed Truck Series event earlier in the afternoon on Saturday to score his third Truck Series win this season, Harvick climbed behind the wheel of the No. 33 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet for the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 and started the race from the 10th position. Wasting no time, Harvick began to make his way to the front, running most of the race in the top five before making contact with the wall in turn two on lap 187 while running fourth. With damage to the car, Harvick was able to nurse the No. 33 Jimmy John’s Chevrolet home in the 16th position.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER? Twitter users can now keep up-to-date with Kevin Harvick Inc.’s NASCAR Nationwide Series by following @KHI_NNS. In addition, you can follow KHI’s Truck Series teams @KHI_TruckSeries. Want more from KHI? Follow KHI’s co-owners Kevin and DeLana Harvick @KevinHarvick and @DeLanaHarvick.

Ron Hornaday Nationwide Series Stats at ORP

Year No. Team Start Finish

2009 33 KHI 8 6

2007 77 KHI 3 5

2006 33 KHI 3 23

2005 32 TB 3 14

2004 2 RCR 23 35

2003 2 RCR 16 8

2002 26 DC 29 10

2000 3 DEI 16 1

1999 25 ER 24 39

*KHI: Kevin Harvick Inc.
*TB: Todd Braun
*RCR: Richard Childress Racing
*DC: Dave Carroll
*DEI: Dale Earnhardt Inc.
*ER: Ed Rensi

About Jimmy John’s:

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, IL. Since its inception, the company has grown to over 1,000 corporate and franchised locations in more than 37 states throughout the U.S. The company is known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. For more information, visit www.jimmyjohns.com.

About Kevin Harvick Inc.:

Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI), established in 2001 by Kevin and DeLana Harvick, is an 80,000 sq. ft. facility located in Kernersville, N.C. Home of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship team, KHI enters 2010 in its seventh full year of competition with two full-time Truck Series teams and one full-time Nationwide Series team. Four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday returns to the helm of the No. 33 Truck team looking for his fifth title and third championship for KHI (2009 and 2007), while Sprint Cup series stars Kevin Harvick and Elliott Sadler guide the No. 2 Truck team. Two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Harvick will again shine as the lead driver of the No. 33 Nationwide Series team as he continues to make his mark in motorsports and establish KHI as one of the top teams in NASCAR competition. For more information about KHI and its teams, please visit www.KevinHarvickInc.com.

- Kevin Harvick Inc. Press Release

Braun Racing

June 19, 2010.

· Tayler Malsam Goes Back to His Road Racing Roots at Road America… Like many in the field for the inaugural NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Road America, Malsam has never raced at the track, but he knows his way around a road course. In 2006, Malsam ran the full Formula TR open-wheel road racing series season, finishing 5th in the point standings.

· Malsam Hopes Road Course History Repeats Itself… 2008 marks the last time Malsam was at a road course in a stock car, and he finished inside the top-5 in his debut performance. That year Malsam finished 3rd after starting 5th in the ARCA Racing Series event at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

· YOUTUBEING His Way to Success… In preparation of his Nationwide Series debut at Road America, Malsam used the social media site, YouTube, to familiarize himself with the track. Malsam said the videos helped him gauge the size and shape of the track, and gave him insight into how other drivers drove the road course. He hopes the video clips, combined with his road racing experience, gives him a competitive edge this weekend

· Dan Stillman to Serve as Crew Chief on the No. 10 at Road America and NHMS… Stillman, who worked with Malsam at Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) as crew chief on his Camping World Truck Series entry, will serve as crew chief on an interim basis while crew chief Stewart Cooper serves a NASCAR assessed penalty. Prior to his time spent at KBM, Stillman served as crew chief on Carl Edwards’s No. 60 Nationwide Series entry in 2009 racking up 7 poles and 5 wins before being swapped to the team’s No. 6 entry. The veteran crew chief has also spent time at Dale Earnhardt Inc., Michael Walthrip Racing, and Kevin Harvick Inc.

Follow the No. 10 Great Clips Team on Twitter! http://twitter.com/No10BraunRacing

Become a Braun Racing fan on Facebook! http://facebook.com/BraunRacingFans

Malsam on road racing

“I really enjoy road racing. I did a lot of it at the beginning of my career in the Formula TR Series, but those cars are a lot lighter and handle much differently than the stock cars. I’m excited to get on a road course in the No. 10 Iron Horse Toyota, and see how the big cars handle out there. We have had two really good cars in my first two races with Braun, and the guys have been working so hard I know we are going to have another great race car at Road America.”

Equipment Information

The No. 10 Iron Horse Jeans team will hit the track with chassis #BR052 in this weekend’s Bucyrus 200 presented by Menards. This is a brand new chassis in the Braun Racing stable built for the inaugural race at Road America in 2010.

Tayler Malsam Statistics

No. Starts: 2

Wins: 0

Top-5 Finishes: 0

Top-10 Finishes: 0

Poles: 0

Average Start: 28

Average Finish: 23

Laps Led: 0

- Braun Racing Press Release

Dale Earnhardt Jr's No. 3 Wrangler® Chevrolet Impala for the Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway - Photo Credit: Richard Childress Racing

The announcement and car unveiling was made today at JR Motorsports and to the fans at Dale Earnhardt Inc., both in Mooresville, N.C. In attendance were Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Kelley Earnhardt of JR Motorsports, Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler^® marketing. The No. 3 Wrangler^® Chevrolet Impala is an RCR entry but built and prepared by JR Motorsports.

“This was an idea that came up as a way to pay tribute to my Dad, and it’s pretty cool that it’s a collaborative effort between JR Motorsports, RCR and DEI,” said Earnhardt Jr.  “The Wrangler car is definitely in the top-10 of coolest cars that have ever been on the race track.  A lot of people identify with it, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side, similar to the ‘Wrangler Jean Machine’ scheme of the 80s.  I think it will be worth seeing, and I’m looking forward to driving it at Daytona.”

The combination of Earnhardt Jr., DEI and RCR has a very brief yet shining history on the track together. In their one and only race together, Earnhardt drove the No. 3 Chevrolet to victory in the February 2002 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. That car, with just the one race to its credit, is on display at the RCR Museum in Welcome, N.C.

“Bringing this group of people and these organizations together is the best way I can think of to honor Dale Earnhardt’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Childress. “Dale means so much to all of us, as well as his fans across the country and throughout the world. We created a special piece of history together in 2002 and, with Wrangler back on board the No. 3 Chevrolet at Daytona, we look to make some more history in July. I know the fans will love it and much as we all will.”

In support of the program, an array of licensed product will be available to fans from die-cast cars to apparel and select novelty items.  Merchandise will highlight both Dale Earnhardt original Wrangler^® car and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s current paint scheme. Fans can find the products at www.nascar.com, trackside or through each of the represented team stores.

“Dale’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is truly a special honor for the Earnhardt Family as well as for all of Dale’s fans” said Teresa Earnhardt.  “Dale was a competitor, but he was also a person who loved the fans and worked hard to connect with the people who supported him through his career.  Wrangler was one of Dale’s first sponsors and it’s great to connect back with those early years, where it all started for Dale as he drove his way into the Hall of Fame”.

Wrangler^® has a long history with all parties involved, and is the first apparel brand to have significant involvement in NASCAR, beginning in the 1980s when Dale Earnhardt was featured in the brand’s “One Tough Customer” marketing campaign. Wrangler^® was the primary sponsor of Dale Earnhardt and the famed yellow-and-blue “Wrangler^® Jean Machine” from 1981 to 1987. After a couple race team changes in the early 1980s including a brief 1981 stint with Richard Childress, Earnhardt moved back to Richard Childress Racing in 1984, bringing the brand with him as his primary sponsor. In 1998, the brand became one of the first corporate sponsors to sign up with Dale in his new role of team owner of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

The Wrangler^®-Earnhardt legacy continued in 2004 with a relationship between a second generation Earnhardt and a “New Generation of Wrangler^®” – Earnhardt Jr. signed on as the endorsee for the Wrangler Jeans Co.^TM line of new fits and styles of jeans and apparel. This longstanding relationship continues today with Earnhardt Jr. starring in the current brand marketing campaign.

“For Wrangler, this yellow-and-blue paint scheme signifies a lot of our brand history, marketing and persona from the 1980s,” said Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler^® marketing.  “It’s truly a piece of our history that will be on the track July 2 and it makes it that much more meaningful that it’s not only Dale Earnhardt’s son who will be driving it, but also the brand’s current partner and friend – Dale Jr.”

-30-

About JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s seven-time Most Popular Driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races.  JR Motorsports competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series.  In 2008 JRM enjoyed a breakout season with four Nationwide Series victories between its two teams.  The company followed suit with four more wins in 2009.  The JR Motorsports facilities are based out of Mooresville, N.C., and include the JR Nation retail store, Hammerhead Entertainment, DEJ Realty, and The Dale Jr. Foundation. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit www.dalejr.com.

About Dale Earnhardt Incorporated

Founded in 1980 by Dale and Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) is headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina.  DEI has several business entities focused on three key areas:  The Dale Earnhardt Legacy, connecting millions of Dale Earnhardt fans to Dale’s life and times as a racecar driver, family man and outdoorsman;  Automotive & Motorsports, consisting of four business entities – Earnhardt Technologies Group, Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet, Earnhardt Childress Racing Engines and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates – and Philanthropy through the good works of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. For more information about Dale, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. or the Dale Earnhardt Foundation go to:  www.daleearnhardt.com or call 1-888-7-Club-E-3 (1-888-725-8233).

About Wrangler^®

Based on more than 60 years of heritage in making authentic denim jeans, the iconic Wrangler^® brand is long respected for comfortable, durable and affordable jeans, pants, shorts and shirts.  The Wrangler Jeans Co.^TM and Wrangler Five Star Premium Denim^TM lines are available at value-minded retailers nationwide and retail for less than $20.  For more information regarding the Wrangler^® family of authentic clothing or to locate a retailer, visit www.wrangler.com, www.facebook.com/WranglerJeans or call 1-888-784-8571.

Wrangler^® is a division of VF Jeanswear Limited Partnership, which is an affiliate of VF Corporation.  VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands, including Wrangler^â, The North Face^â, Lee^â, Vans^â, Nautica^â, 7 For All Mankind^â, Eagle Creek^â, Eastpak^â, Ella Moss^â, JanSport^â, lucy^â, John Varvatos^â, Kipling^â, Majestic^â, Napapijri^â, Red Kap^â, Reef^â, Riders^â and Splendid^â. VF Corporation’s press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company’s home page, www.vfc.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2010 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Bowyer and John Wes Townley drive the No. 21 Zaxby’s Chevrolet in the 2010 Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the 2010 Camping World Truck Series

– Richard Childress Racing, Press Reelase

JR Motorsports Logo

TRACK – Richmond International Raceway (0.75-mile d-shaped oval)

DATE – Friday, April 30, 2010

TV / RADIO – ESPN2 (coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. EST) / MRN (broadcast begins at 7:15 p.m. EST)

Jamie McMurray

What is the Hellmann’s team’s outlook heading to Richmond this week?

“Richmond is a fun racetrack. Statistically it has never been someplace I’ve run extremely well, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the track. I’m looking forward to running the Hellmann’s Chevrolet there with JR Motorsports. You never know what’s going to happen when you are short track racing, a number of things can go right or wrong. But I know Pops and the Hellmann’s crew have put a lot of effort into their program. For the past two weeks I’ve been with them, we’ve unloaded fast every time. I don’t think Richmond will be any different.”

Can you give us some of the keys to getting around Richmond?

“It’s always cool to run under the lights on a Friday night. It reminds me a little of my days racing late models. Richmond always offers good racing for the drivers and the fans. The track gives us a lot of options as to where our car works best. You can run the top or the bottom. We want to be able to get through the center of the corners and off with as much speed as possible. Getting off the corners well makes all the difference at a short track. It will be interesting to see where our Hellmann’s Chevy works best this weekend.”

Steve Arpin

Does racing at a short track make things a little easier for you this week?

“I’m excited about racing on a short track this weekend. It leaves more in your hands as a driver than say, Talladega. You have more control as a driver at Richmond. I think it will be a lot of fun. It’s all about keeping my head on straight all race long in order to put us in position at the end to get a good, strong finish for the No. 7 car.”

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced being a new driver in the Nationwide Series?

“Being a new driver in the Nationwide Series, I really try to not get too nervous. Sometimes it’s a challenge, but I just look at it like another racetrack. It’s my job to go there and make the racecar go as fast as we can. I try to focus hard and not get myself in a mental state where I’m more nervous than focused on the job at hand. I have to give Tony Jr. the best feedback I can to make sure we get the car tuned exactly the way we need it.”

How has your life changed since joining the JRM team?

“My schedule has gotten a whole lot busier these past couple weeks. I still have 24 hours in the day, now I just have twice as much to get done. I like it though, it’s real exciting. Since I got this deal, I’ve been spending a lot of time at the JRM shop with the team. I’ve just been trying to get to know everyone, and learn about how they do stuff over here. I’ve been concentrating a lot on that. I’m hoping that will translate into good performances on the racetrack.”

JR MOTORSPORTS NOTEBOOK –

SPECIAL TRIBUTE - JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Dale Earnhardt Inc., are inviting credentialed media members to a special announcement and unveiling at the JR Motorsports facility on Thursday, April 29, 2010. The event will start at 1 p.m. ET and last approximately 30 minutes. Special attendees will include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Richard Childress, Teresa Earnhardt and Kelley Earnhardt.

ARPIN BACK FOR JRM – Canadian Steve Arpin will compete in his second Nationwide Series event for JR Motorsports in the No. 7 Chevrolet this weekend at Richmond. Arpin finished 26th in his debut at Talladega after an impressive fourth-place qualifying effort. It marked the No. 7 team’s best starting spot of the season.

NIGHT SURGE – The No. 88 team enjoyed phenomenal success in 2009 during the series’ night events. In the 14 night races last season, the team averaged a finish of 5.9. They also earned two top-five finishes and led a total of 70 laps at Richmond last season.

NO. 7 SEASON – The No. 7 team has led 39 laps and earned two top-10 finishes this season. Both came with driver Scott Wimmer in consecutive races at Bristol Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway.

MCMURRAY AT RICHMOND – In 10 starts at the facility, McMurray owns one top-five and two top-10 finishes with a career average finish of 20.4. He has led 44 total laps. McMurray’s last NNS start at RIR came in the fall of 2007 with Roush Fenway Racing.

NO. 88 SEASON – The No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevrolet has earned two top-10 finishes in 2010. Those finishes came at California Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. Driver Jamie McMurray led 21 laps at Talladega last week, bringing the team’s laps led count to 28.

TEAM POINTS POSITION – The No. 88 Hellmann’s team remains 10th in the 2010 owner points after its 14th-place finish at Talladega. With its 26th-place showing last week, the No. 7 team picked up one position and now occupy the 23rd spot in owner points.

SUAVE MEN RAISES THE STAKES – Suave Men recently announced its Head-to-Head Challenge, a challenge pitting the No. 88 team against the No. 7 team in July at Chicagoland Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. issued the challenge to his teams, and will factor in average practice speeds, qualifying, pit-stop times and race results. The team with the best times will have a donation made on its behalf to The Dale Jr. Foundation.

NEW, IMPROVED AND FREE JR NATION FAN CLUB – Now race fans can be part of all the JR Motorsports action with a free subscription to The JR Nation Crew Fan Club – the official fan club of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports. The club has just launched a new website complete with chat rooms, forums and blogs from your favorite JRM drivers. Join today for your chance to win a custom-designed race helmet provided by Nationwide Insurance and signed by Dale Jr., Kelly Bires and Danica Patrick. For more information visit www.dalejr.com/jrnation.

200TH WISH: In honor of Dale Earnhardt Jr. granting his 200th wish for Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Dale Jr. Foundation is hosting an exclusive hospitality event on May 22 at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit The Dale Jr. Foundation and Make-A-Wish. Visit www.dalejr.com for more information.

- JR Motorsports Press Release

Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Dale fans have an opportunity to experience the legacy of their hero with Club E, the Official Dale Earnhardt Fan Club in a way they never have before. Club E is the ultimate fan experience, with behind-the-scenes tours, never before seen photos and memorabilia, and opportunities to participate in unique Earnhardt events, trips and exclusive offers.

“We are honored to have so many people who are passionate fans of Dale Earnhardt and continue to support his legacy today,” said Jeff Steiner, executive vice president and general manager of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. “Many years ago, Dale and Teresa envisioned a unique fan club that truly brought the fans into the family to celebrate his accomplishments on and off the track. Today, we’re proud to announce Club E as the official home for all Dale Earnhardt fans.”

Dale Earnhardt is one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR history, and he symbolizes the spirit, competitiveness, talent and determination of NASCAR’s greatest era. Dale Earnhardt continues to be a favorite driver of many NASCAR fans today and the pending NASCAR Hall of Fame induction in May will only help to bring fans even closer to one of America’s greatest drivers.

Club E brings fans an entirely new perspective on their hero. Club E will provide members a wide range of unique amenities including:

Customized Membership Credentials – Club E members will receive an exclusive Club E Hard Card with personalized name/number, welcome letter to Club E, collectible Dale Earnhardt Hero Card and exclusive Membership Sticker.

Great Value / Benefits – Club E members get extra savings and special offers such as 10% to 15% off and exclusive merchandise bundles at the DEI store, $10 off adult admission (up to 6) at Carowinds and Kings Dominion where fans can experience the new Intimidator Super-Coaster, NASCAR Hall of Fame ticket discounts, ticket specials for the Kannapolis Intimidators and special offers at Great Wolf Lodge. There are more than $250 in savings for a family of four with just the discount offers available through Club E.

Exclusive Content – For inside news and information, Club E is the source. Members receive two news emails per month, exclusive content, photos and video at the Club E website located within www.DaleEarnhardt.com and advance alerts and event insights on breaking news.

DEI Special Access – Go where few have gone before – behind the scenes with Club E. Experience dinners and tours at DEI’s Trophy Room and see the special exhibits at Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

Private Events / Opportunities – Club E members can attend special events at Dale Earnhardt Day on April 29, join the private tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame before it opens, attend a July Daytona Viewing Party at DEI, and secure unique member-only memorabilia and other collectible items.

Membership Promotions – There are also special promotions just for Club E members, where they can win a trip to watch the August Bristol race from the DEI Suite, experience some of Dale’s favorite outdoor activities, and watch the October race at Charlotte Motor Speedway with special VIP treatment from DEI. Club E members also can participate in Dale Earnhardt Foundation special promotions and events.

The Dale Earnhardt Club E is available in three levels – the free Club E for news and insider information, the Club E Red Level at $24.99 per year and the Club E Silver Level at $49.99 per year. Silver level provides members unprecedented access to the Dale Earnhardt legacy.

To sign up for Club E or get more information on the unique fan experiences available, visit www.daleearnhardt.com and click on the “Club E” button or call 888-7-ClubE-3.

- Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Press Release