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America Israel Racing Unveils Unique Paint Scheme for the Daytona 500

Press Release — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:58:10 +0000

No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Toyota Camry -Car Front

Car will prominently display both the United States and Israel flags

CHARLOTTE, NC (February 9, 2012) – With under a month to go before the green flag drops on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, America Israel Racing (AIR) has unveiled its unique paint scheme for the No. 49 Robinson-Blakeney Racing Toyota that will be driven by JJ Yeley at the Daytona 500.

Inspired by AIR’s mission of promoting the importance of America supporting Israel, the design prominently displays both the United States and Israel flags as well as a striking image of a bald eagle holding both nations’ flags in its claws and an olive branch in its beak on the hood.

“We wanted to ensure our car design was not only eye-catching, but properly conveyed the mission and values of America Israel Racing,” said AIR co-founder Rich Shirey. “The eagle in particular contains a great deal of symbolism – it has a determined look on its face, because we are determined to voice the importance of America’s support of Israel.

“However, we wanted to be sure to include the olive branch, because it is a universal sign of peace and above all else, America Israel Racing’s message is a peaceful one.”

American Israel Racing has teamed with Robinson-Blakeney Racing of Monroe, North Carolina, to place a car in the 2012 Daytona 500 field on February 26 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. AIR hopes to continue its partnership with Robinson-Blakeney Racing beyond Daytona, and with the support of like-minded individuals AIR will spread its message of American Israeli support by placing a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup field for the entire 2012 season. Anyone wishing to support America Israel Racing and its cause can make a donation online at AmericaIsraelRacing.com.

About America Israel Racing

America Israel Racing was formed to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, as it stands against its enemies. The North Carolina-based race team, founded in 2011, is in the process of fundraising to field a car in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting with the Daytona 500. Through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other organizations, America Israel Racing hopes to spread the message throughout the world that the United States supports Israel.

AmericaIsraelRacing.com

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Source: America Israel Racing, Press Release

No. 27 PEAK/Menards Chevrolet Changes its Colors for Daytona Speedweeks

Press Release — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:18:53 +0000

No 27 PEAK Menards Chevy Impala SS

WELCOME, N.C. (February 6, 2012) – Entering their ninth season with Richard Childress Racing driver Paul Menard, PEAK® Performance announced today the No. 27 Chevrolet will sport an exciting and electric look during 2012 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.

Expanding on their hood sponsorship of the Menards Chevrolet, PEAK has redesigned the No. 27 Impala to be completely adorned with the signature “PEAK blue” and “Menards yellow” as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kicks off the season with the 54th running of the “Great American Race” on February 26. The special paint scheme will also be showcased in the Budweiser Shootout on February 18 and the Duel 150 qualifying race on February 23.

“PEAK has been a great partner to work with over the years,” commented Menard. “This year, to kick off the season at Daytona with a little extra punch, PEAK decided to run a vastly different paint scheme on the No. 27 Chevrolet. There is always a special energy going into Daytona and I know the team and I are all excited to get there and do everything we can to put the No. 27 PEAK car into Victory Lane.”

PEAK first partnered with the 2011 Brickyard 400 champion in 2004, but their relationship with Menards dates back to the home improvement chain’s IndyCar days. To celebrate the occasion and generate excitement with fans, PEAK will feature exclusive online Menard content in the days leading into the Daytona 500. The blog can be followed at www.peakauto.com/blog. Fans can also follow the march to Daytona at @peakauto on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peakauto.

Menard had an outstanding 2011 season, capturing his first-career Sprint Cup Series win with an emotional trip to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and finishing 17th in the driver championship standings, his highest career finish. Menard enters his sixth year of NSCS competition in 2012 and will make his second career appearance in the annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

For more information on today’s announcement, and all that’s happening at RCR, please visit www.rcrracing.com .

About PEAK

PEAK products are manufactured, marketed and distributed by Old World Industries, which is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets, energy exploration, and chemical manufacturing in more than 50 countries worldwide. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Products; Mr. Clean® Windshield Wash, Wiper Blades, and Auto Care Products; SIERRA®, the safer antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; SplitFire® Spark Plugs. For more information, please visit www.oldworldind.com or www.peakauto.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR 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 current Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Wheaties/BB&T Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Elliott Sadler (No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet), 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Advocare/Bass Pro Shops/American Ethanol Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick/Brendan Gaughan/Paul Menard (No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino/Menards/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Armour/Fast Fixin’/ Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. and Brendan Gaughan (No. 2 Potomac Family Dining Group/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet), Joey Coulter (No. 22 RCR/Armour Chevrolet) and 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion Ty Dillon (No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) compete in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.

Source: Richard Childress Racing, Press Release

SPEED Daytona Television Schedule

Press Release — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:35:22 +0000

SPEED Logo

GATORADE DUEL AT DAYTONA HEADLINES 100 HOURS

OF SPEEDWEEKS ON SPEED™

NASCAR RACE HUB OPENS SPEED COVERAGE

LIVE FROM MEDIA DAY

SPEED opens its extensive Daytona Speedweeks programming lineup Feb. 16 with reports from Media Day on a special live two-hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars take to the track the following day for the first Budweiser Shootout practice session and SPEED brings viewers the Budweiser Shootout Selection Show on Feb. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

NASCAR Race Hub, which enjoyed a 27-percent ratings increase in 2011, goes live from Daytona on Feb. 20-22, with Steve Byrnes hosting, Danielle Trotta reporting and analysis from Larry McReynolds, Randy Pemberton and Matt Clark.

Byrnes, covering Daytona Speedweeks for the 27^th time, has two main goals in bringing NASCAR’s season-opening action to SPEED audiences.

“First off, look at the scale at Daytona … it’s a huge venue,” said Byrnes, who also serves as a pit reporter for FOX Sports during the Daytona 500. “We have to use all the tools at our disposal and find the best ways to deliver a sense of speed in a place that can be overwhelming. And secondly, we have to keep finding stories that convey just how special the Daytona 500 is. It’s more than our Super Bowl … it’s much more than the money … for the drivers, it’s all about the trophy and for the fans it’s all about creating memories that often last a lifetime.”

On Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. ET, SPEED is live from the Gatorade Duel at Daytona as drivers battle for the final spots on the Daytona 500 starting grid. Krista Voda and Jeff Hammond host, with the NASCAR on FOX team of Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy calling the action and Byrnes, Dr. Dick Berggren and Matt Yocum reporting from the pits.

Coming off its most-watched season ever, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season under the lights Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. ET as NCWTS Setup w/ Krista Voda sets the tone for the green flag at 7:30 p.m. ET. Rick Allen hosts with Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons providing analysis and Hermie Sadler and Ray Dunlap reporting from the pits.

Working with NASCAR and Sportvision, SPEED adds full telemetry to the NCWTS broadcasts in 2012. The network also will continue to explore more ways to connect with viewers through social media initiatives.

SPEED also offers live coverage of the ARCA Racing Series race Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Allen and Parsons in the booth and Dunlap, Jim Tretow and Jamie Howe in the pits.

NASCAR RaceDay, which saw huge audience increases during last season’s 10-race NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup, returns for three pre-race editions with John Roberts as host, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace and McReynolds providing analysis and Wendy Venturini, Rutledge Wood, Clark and Howe reporting from the garage.

NASCAR RaceDay offers pre-race coverage of the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duel at Daytona and a special three-hour show (Feb. 26, 9 a.m. ET) leading into FOX Sports coverage of the Daytona 500.

Wallace gets a little extra attention as the network special Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace chronicles the veteran driver and SPEED personality’s quest to make the Great American Race. The program premieres Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. ET.

Making a special appearance at Daytona Speedweeks, car customizer and racer Jimmy Shine, host of the SPEED original Car Warriors, stops by several shows during the week to talk season two, which gets a special preview Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. ET, following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

Trackside, the network’s longest-running NASCAR program, returns Feb. 25 at 4:30 p.m. ET. Voda hosts with Petty, Wood and Marianela Pereyra all returning to the show.

Live coverage of practice and qualifying sessions, as well as up-to-the minute updates from NASCAR Live!and SPEED Center round out the schedule, with Dave Despain’s Wind Tunnel returning for a 10^th season Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

NASCAR Performance kicks of its season on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m., with Trotta making her hosting debut.

SPEED.com’s online coverage is anchored by Editor-In-Chief Tom Jensen and Senior NASCAR Editor Mike Hembree, who will provide daily breaking news stories, feature reports and analysis, contributing to SPEED’s robust video and photo offerings from Daytona. SPEED also will debut additional social media elements in Daytona. In addition to the NASCAR on SPEED Facebook page, there will be new Facebook fan pages for the popular “Trackside” and “RaceDay” shows. And SPEED’s television and online talent will be integrated across platforms, including SPEED.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Daytona Speedweeks on SPEED (All times Eastern and subject to change):

February 13

· NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 14

· NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 15

· NASCAR Race Hub – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 16

· NASCAR Race Hub (two-hour Media Day special) – 6 to 8 p.m.

February 17

· NASCAR Live! – 4 to 5 p.m.
· Budweiser Shootout practice – 5 to 6 p.m.
· NASCAR Live! – 6 to 6:30 p.m.
· Budweiser Shootout final practice – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
· SPEED Center – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
· Budweiser Shootout Selection Show – 8:30 to 10 p.m.
· The Day – Remembering Dale Earnhardt – 10 to 11 p.m.

February 18

· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
· NASCAR Live! – 1 to 2 p.m.
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 2 to 4 p.m.
· NASCAR Live! – 4 to 4:30 p.m.
· ARCA Racing Series race – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
· NASCAR RaceDay (Budweiser Shootout) – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
· SPEED Center – 8 to 8:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Victory Lane (Budweiser Shootout) – 11:30 to midnight

February 19

· NASCAR Live! – Noon to 1 p.m.
· SPEED Center – 7 to 8 p.m.
· Daytona 500 Pole Day – 8 to 9 p.m.

February 20

· NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 21

· NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.

February 22

· NASCAR Live! – 11:30 a.m. to noon
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – Noon to 1:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Live! – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 2:30 to 4 p.m.
· NASCAR Race Hub (Live from Daytona) – 6 to 7 p.m.
· Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 9 to 10 p.m.

February 23

· NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice – Noon to 1 p.m.
· NASCAR RaceDay (Gatorade Duel at Daytona) – 1 to 2 p.m.
· Gatorade Duel at Daytona – 2 to 5:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Victory Lane – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
· Gatorade Duel at Daytona prime time replay – 8 to 11:30 p.m.
· Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 11:30 p.m.

February 24

· NASCAR Live! – 10:30 to 11 a.m.
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 11 a.m. to noon
· NASCAR Live! – Noon to 12:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Live! – 1:30 to 2 p.m.
· NASCAR Camping World Truck Series qualifying – 4 to 5:30 p.m.
· SPEED Center – 5:30 to 6 p.m.
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – 6 to 7 p.m.
· NCWTS Setup – 7 to 7:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race – 7:30 to 10 p.m.
· Car Warriors Season II Special Preview – 10 to 11 p.m.

February 25

· NASCAR Live! – 10 to 10:30 a.m.
· NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice – 10:30 a.m. to noon
· Trackside – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
· Chasing Daytona: Kenny Wallace – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
· NASCAR Performance – 6:30 to 7 p.m.
· SPEED Center – 7 to 7:30 p.m.

February 26

· NASCAR Performance – 8 to 8:30 a.m.
· SPEED Center – NASCAR Edition – 8:30 to 9 a.m.
· NASCAR RaceDay (Daytona 500) – 9 a.m. to noon
· NASCAR Victory Lane – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
· SPEED Center – 7 to 8 p.m.
· Wind Tunnel w/Dave Despain – 8 to 9 p.m.

About SPEED™

SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in nearly 84 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services, including SPEED2, a groundbreaking new broadband network featuring live, streaming and on-demand events complementing offerings of the linear network. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.comand scout.com, reaching almost 30 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

Source: SPEED, Press Release

54th Daytona 500 Boasts a Record Purse of More Than $19 Million

Press Release — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:53:41 +0000

2012 DAYTONA 500 Logo

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 54^th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 (FOX, 1 p.m. ET) – NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race – will carry a record purse of more than $19 million as well as a new contingency award that will payout $200,000 to the driver leading at the completion of Lap 100.

The posted awards for “The Great American Race” are $19,142,601 with the winner collecting a minimum of $1,431,325. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,050,075, $759,600, $609,900 and $486,550.

The Daytona 500 Mid-Race Leader Award will reward the driver leading at the completion of lap 100 of the historic 200-lap, 500-mile race with a $200,000 bonus. If the race is under caution at Lap 100, the leader of the race at the completion of the fifth consecutive green flag lap following the caution will receive the award.

“There is plenty of incentive for drivers to run up front the entire race but even more so at the halfway point and the last lap of the Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “This year’s ‘Great American Race’ stands to be one of the most exciting and thrilling ever seen, and will serve as a great kick-off to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.”

Tickets for the 54^th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 as well as other Speedweeks 2012 events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP

If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway’s social media channels on Twitter (@DISUpdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can also follow NASCAR (@NASCAR) and hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Chevy GRAND-AM at Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona: Post Race Notes and Quotes

Press Release — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:08:29 +0000

No 5 Action Express Chevy Corvette - Photo Credit: Catchfence.com Open Wheel Editor, Paul Powell
The No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette Daytona Prototype (DP) led the way for Chevrolet bringing home a fifth-place finish in the 50th running of the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona. In Grand Touring (GT), the No. 57 Stevenson Motorsports Camaro GT.R was the top finisher for Chevrolet crossing the line in fourth place in class and 14^th overall. The No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Racing Corvette DP finished eighth, with the No. 9 Action Express Racing Corvette DP crossing the finish line in ninth place. The No. 88 Autohaus Motorsports Camaro GT.R made a hard charge at the end to grab the ninth finishing position in the GT class and 20^th overall.

DARREN LAW, CO-DRIVER WITH DAVID DONOHUE AND CHRISTIAN FITTIPALDI, NO. 5 ACTION EXPRESS RACING CORVETTE DP, FINISHED 5^TH IN CLASS AND OVERALL: ON THE RACE: “You know what, that was probably one of the toughest 24 Hour I have done. We had a lot of adversity. We had some engine issues prior to the race; we had to miss qualifying. The first probably eight hours of the race, we had an electrical misfire, which really cut the motor back and we struggled. But, the guys worked really hard – Action Express, Chevrolet, Corvette – they all did a great job. I’m proud of the car. I’m proud of the team. You know, I mean, we didn’t get the win, that was what we really wanted. But the other thing I am very proud of is that we were the very first Chevrolet out of all the group out there. A top-five is a good start to the season and we are happy to finish it.”

DID YOU SEE A LOT OF PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE WITH THE NEW CORVETTE DP? “Yes, for sure. There is so much potential in this car. We literally got this car delivered to us the first of December so we barely had any time on it. For us to be in the top-five and run as well as we did; we see a lot of potential.”

YOUR ORGANIZATION HAD TO MAKE HUGE CHANGES TO GO INTO THIS SEASON: “Yes. I would say we’ve got the most adversity out of all the Corvette teams because we shifted chassis, engines and bodywork. Most the guys are just switching over bodywork. We still have a lot to learn, but we are competitive with everybody so we are happy with that.”

JOHN EDWARDS, CO-DRIVER WITH ROBIN LIDDELL AND RONNIE BREMER, NO. 57 STEVENSON MOTORSPORTS CAMARO GT.R, FINISHED 4^TH IN CLASS AND 14^TH OVERALL: A FOURTH-PLACE FINISH IS A VERY GOOD WAY TO START THE SEASON, ISN’T IT? “Yeah, absolutely, especially with the endurance championship that’s going on later in the year. We got some good points for that, but it’s always hard to go through a 24-hour race, be chasing down a podium, but not quite get it. We knew this race we weren’t going to out-race the Porsches, but we tried to out-strategize them a little bit. We cut our fuel close, didn’t have to splash at the end, but in the end we still couldn’t get around or catch up to any of the top three Porsches.”

FOR THE MOST PART, IT SEEMED LIKE A PRETTY CONSISTENT RUN FOR THE TEAM THIS WEEKEND. WAS THAT THE CASE? “It was for the most part, but we actually had an incident shortly after sunrise when I was going around a lapped car in turn one. I drafted by him on the banking and left him room into one, but he must’ve missed a downshift and spun. I saw him spinning and tried to go out wide and not get hit, but he was accelerating across the wrong way of the track for me to avoid him. So, we did get hit and lost a lap from that, but we got our lap back later on.”

THE RACE SEEMED TO BE PRETTY INTENSE FROM START TO FINISH: “There’s always a different mindset in the middle of the night at Daytona or at the start of the first day than there is at the end, so the last stint that I drove was basically like a sprint race, as I was trying to pull away from the Ferrari behind me and catch up to the Porsche in front of me. So that intensity the same as a sprint race. But there is a different mindset to driving and you’re just trying to log laps and stay on the lead lap: You don’t take as many chances in traffic and you’re nicer to the car. We were saving fuel on a lot of stints. But the intensity of hitting your marks and staying focused is always at its peak.”

CAN YOU CARRY ANY MOMENTUM FROM THE RACE TO THE NEXT? “Well, the 24 is a very different race because it is 24 hours and the rest of them are less than three, so I think it’s important to have momentum and keep that going, but a lot of it depends on the tracks, depends on how we can get the car set up at certain tracks and how it’ll suit our car at different places. This track at Daytona is obviously, you know, a Porsche track, it always has been, kind of their place with the high banks and the extra horsepower they have on the straightaways. So a lot of tracks that are a tighter will suit us a little better. I think the street course in Detroit is going to suit us better, which is great because that’s where Pratt and Miller and Chevrolet is based. So, I think we’ll do well at certain places, but we always struggle to keep up at the high banks at Daytona.”

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Source: Team Chevy, Press Release

Ford Focus ST-R Competition Debut Postrace Quotes

Press Release — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:44:29 +0000

Ford Focus ST-R

Daytona, Fla. – Jan. 27, 2012– The Ford Focus ST-R made its competition debut in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge 2012 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. Its debut was cut short, after it was involved in an accident on lap 39.

Jamie Allison — Director of Ford Racing – On track incidents are things you don’t plan for, but are normal occurrences in racing. Unfortunately for the Focus ST-R, we got caught up in one today, but that does not tack away from the continued development we look forward to on the ST-R. We’ll have two Focus ST-R on track as we move forward, carrying the flag for the performance offering of Focus. Special thanks to Multimatic Motorsports, led by Larry Holt and Sean Mason as well as our drivers Gunnar and James, for a strong debut cut short by the on-track incident.”

Gunnar Jeannette – Co-Driver, No. 15 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Focus ST-R – “For a first weekend, I’m pretty pleased. Obviously, it’s hard to say that after an incident that takes you out of the race and hurts the car as bad as it does. But we’ve got a lot of potential. We know the areas we need to work on. We’re going to go back, do some homework, probably spend a lot of time on this one and try to rebound with a win. Because nothing would make me feel better than to go from a race-ending wreck like this to its first victory.”

James Gue – Co-Driver, No. 15 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Focus ST-R – “It was a pretty good weekend overall. Obviously, this isn’t the way we want to end it. All things considered, with a brand-new car, we’ve done a lot of testing with it. We’re making huge strides with the car. We still have a long way to go with it, but you know it’s obviously competitive right out of the box. We were seventh in qualifying, which is great. We ran in the top-five for the first hour of the race, but unfortunately we got tangled up. I’m pretty pleased with the weekend. You always want to do well and keep putting miles on the car and learn more about it.”

About Ford Racing – North America

Ford Racing – North America, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing. In addition, Ford’s action motorsport programs involve Global RallyCross, Formula Drift, RallyCar and Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Source: PCGCampbell for Ford Racing, Press Release

Boss 302R Claims Victory in Grand-Am Season-Opener at Daytona

Press Release — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:25:02 +0000

Ford Racing
Billy Johnson and Jack Roush Jr. reach victory lane with the No. 61 Ford Mustang Boss 302R in the 2012 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

The victory is Roush Performance’s first Grand-Am win at Daytona International Speedway

The victory is a complete turn-of-fortune, after incidents ended the day early for the No. 61 Ford Mustang Boss 302R each of the last two season-openers at Daytona

Daytona, Fla. – Jan. 27, 2012– Each of the past two seasons, Billy Johnson and Jack Roush Jr. have brought their Ford Mustang Boss 302R home from Daytona International Speedway with disappointment, their days ended early with incidents beyond their control.

Friday marked a complete turnaround, as the duo reached victory lane in the No. 61 Roush Performance Boss 302R in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season-opener, continuing their strong showing since their last Daytona disappointment.

After a treacherous run early, thanks to the drizzly rain and slick surfaces, Roush Jr. handed the car over to Johnson within striking distance of the leaders. Johnson darted through the field, leading the final 18 laps and held off a charging field with an outstanding restart with three laps to go.

“It feels great to finally get that monkey off our back after two very bad race weekends here,” Johnson said. “The last two years we’ve started off the season with no points and trying to dig ourselves out of a hole for the entire year and it’s always a heartbreak at the end of the year. We hope with this victory, that we can continue that trend and hopefully take home the championship at the end of the year.”

Johnson and Roush Jr. are no strangers to winning, after taking home a win and multiple podiums throughout the 2011 season. However, even now after winning Daytona, they won’t let their attitudes alter much for the remainder of the season and will stay focused on the ultimate goal.

“It was a fun race for sure, but there’s a very high bar been set by my father and I take that very seriously,” said Roush Jr. “Even the days that we win a race, we walk away critiquing what went wrong and try to improve. It’s just part of who we are. We’re constantly trying to get better and do as well as we can.”

The victory also marked another special moment for Ford Racing.

“It’s the first victory for a 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302R, and for it to happen at Daytona in the first race of the season, we hope it bodes well for a great 2012 Grand-Am season,” said Jamie Allison, Director of Ford Racing.

“Congratulations to Jack and Billy, as well as the entire Roush Performance team, for carrying forward the excellent performance that they are known for. They make everyone at Ford Motor Company proud.”

The victory is the first Grand-Am checkered flag at Daytona International Speedway for Roush Performance. The 2012 Grand-Am CTSCC schedule continues on March 30 at Barber Motorsports Park.

About Ford Racing – North America

About Ford Motor Company

Source: PCGCampbell for Ford Racing, Press Release

MOMO Returns to Racing at Daytona with a Vision for the Future

Press Release — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:25:52 +0000

MOMO NGT Motorsport Porsche GT3

On the eve of the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona – the most anticipated sports car race in the history of North American motorsports – the event lost one of its most popular stars. Gianpiero Moretti, the man who helped define the term “gentleman racer,” passed away at the age of 71 in Milan, Italy.

After 14 attempts, MOMO Ferrari driver Gianpiero Moretti took the checkered flag in 1^st place at the 1998 Rolex 24 At Daytona. This would remain his biggest racing achievement. He shared that special day with MOMO teammates Arie Luyendyk, Mauro Baldi and Didier Theys.

14 years after this Daytona MOMO racing moment that will remain one of the most popular victories in the history of the Rolex 24, MOMO is pleased to announce its official return to North American racing.

MOMO recently decided to sponsor a car for the 50^th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona to continue the tradition of a brand closely associated with the great history of that race.

“Momo Automotive Accessories Inc is thrilled to once again be part of this historic event,” announced Marc Phaneuf, General Manager for MOMO Automotive Accessories Inc. “MOMO is synonymous with racing and the Rolex 24 is the perfect testing ground ideal for current and future development. Driver safety, and driver comfort is our first priority and our return to endurance racing will provide optimal driver feedback for current and future development. The driver feedback translates to product development and will funnel its way down to our retail customers giving them the chance to drive with the best safety products available” added Marc Phaneuf.

“MOMO was a very celebrated brand at this event in the 90s, the company founder was a highly respected and a fierce competitor, making our return for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 very special. The car’s colors and livery pays great tribute to the 1998 winning car of Mr. Moretti”.

More than ever, MOMO will use competitive racing as the ultimate testing environment for its racing products and accessories. There is simply no better way to test your mettle!

The MOMO NGT Motorsport Porsche GT3 will be co-driven in the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona by Henrique Cisneros, Sean Edwards, Carlos Kauffmann and Nick Tandy.

MOMO selected one of the top North American Porsche teams, NGT Motorsport to represent the iconic brand for its return to Daytona. Founded in 2004 by Ramez Wahab, MOMO NGT Motorsport’s last racing accomplishment was the IMSA GT3 team and driver Cup Challenge with Henrique Cisneros.

The four MOMO NGT Motorsport drivers participated successfully in the “Roar Before The Rolex 24″ earlier this month to prepare for this weekend’s race.

2011 Porsche Carrera Cup Champion, Nick Tandy is ready for his second Rolex 24 At Daytona. ”To be racing in the legendary MOMO colors in my favorite sports car at the 50^thrunning of the Rolex 24 At Daytona is very exciting,” said Nick Tandy. “I just hope it gets even more exciting on Sunday afternoon!”

2011 Porsche Carrera Cup Vice-Champion Sean Edwards is eager to get back to the track and race on the Florida racetrack. “It’s great to be racing in Daytona for the first time,” said Sean Edwards. “I have done many 24 Hour races, but never this one. Obviously we go in with the aim to win, but the field is strong this year, so it will be a tough race. I am hoping that coming off the back of my win in Dubai 24 Hours two weeks ago, this will give us some luck! It’s great to be involved with the iconic brand MOMO, I think it’s great for them to be back for the 50^th anniversary and the car looks superb.”

2011 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge Champion Henrique Cisneros is also looking for his first race at Daytona. ”It will be the highlight of my racing career to represent MOMO Italy after a 14 year absence at the 50^th Rolex 24 At Daytona,” stated Henrique Cisneros. “We have big shoes to fill since MOMO’s 1998 overall victory but I am confident NGT Motorsport has prepared a top contender for a win in the GT class.”

Multiple IMSA GT3 Cup race winner and pole award winner Carlos Kauffmann was impressed by the Daytona International Speedway during the test days and is excited to race in the 50^th Rolex 24 At Daytona. “I think being able to compete in this iconic race is awesome,” declared Carlos Kauffmann. “Racing at Daytona with a MOMO sponsored racecar is spectacular. I really want to enjoy the ride and help my teammates take our MOMO Porsche to the highest possible finish.”

The historic endurance race is set for January 26-29, 2012, at Daytona International Speedway, and the excitement surrounding the race has never been greater. Practice starts Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:00 AM ET and qualifying is set for 4:15 PM the same day. The 50th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona start is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28 at 3:30 PM ET.

The SPEED TV Rolex 24 live broadcast kicks off with a one-hour pre-race show at 2:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, Jan. 28, and continues with the opening seven-and-a-half hours of the race, from 3:30-11 p.m. SPEED television coverage resumes at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, running through 4 p.m. – including 30 minutes of interviews following the checkered flag.

Follow the MOMO NGT Motorsport throughout the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona practice, qualifying and the race on Facebook.com/MomoUSA and on Twitter @MomoMotorsport.

ABOUT MOMO: Founded by the late Gianpiero Moretti in 1964, MOMO currently sells its products in over 20 countries with the top five markets being USA, Italy, Japan, France, and Germany.Although the company sells predominantly after-market wheels nowadays, and will push to expand its range of wheels to new market segments, it also intends to re-establish itself as a supplier of racing accessories, both with a traditional range of products (steering wheels, seats, suits, gloves, shoes, etc…) and, in the coming years, new products, with a highly innovative content directly derived from the feedback of professional drivers and teams associated with MOMO. MOMO also intends to re-establish close links with top-tier automobile manufacturers active in motorsports, to jointly develop products that will ultimately meet the requirements of racers all over the world.

Source: Momo Automotive Accessories Inc., Press Release

General Mills and The Kroger Co. Team Up with Elliott Sadler and RCR for the 54th Running of the Daytona 500

Press Release — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:49:29 +0000

No 33 Kroger Chevrolet Impala SS

Richard Childress Racing to field fourth entry for “The Great American Race”

WELCOME, N.C. (January 25, 2012) – General Mills and The Kroger Co. announced today it will partner with Richard Childress Racing and veteran driver Elliott Sadler on the No. 33 Chevrolet for the 54^th annual Daytona 500 on February 26, 2012 at Daytona International Speedway.

“It’s great to be back in the Daytona 500. I’ve had a lot of success in this race in the past and want to thank General Mills, Kroger and Richard Childress for this opportunity,” said Elliott Sadler. “When we started putting this program together the first thing that came to mind is how strong RCR’s plate program has always been. We’re going to go out and have a legitimate chance to win the race. Speedweeks can’t get here soon enough!”

General Mills, entering its fourth year of partnership with the Welcome, N.C.-based organization, is teaming up with The Kroger Co. for a special paint scheme celebrating the great brands from both organizations. The special red, white and blue paint scheme adorning Sadler’s Chevrolet for “The Great American Race” will feature the Kroger Co. Family of Stores, Fred Meyer Jewelers and several General Mills brands. The Minneapolis, Minn.-based General Mills also sponsors RCR’s No. 31 Wheaties Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with driver Jeff Burton.

“General Mills is excited to partner with the Kroger Company and Richard Childress Racing to put the No. 33 car back on the track for this year’s Daytona 500. Kroger and General Mills have been strong partners over the years and I am pleased that we are continuing to advance the partnership in a whole new way,” says Pat Simmons, VP General Mills Motorsports.

“Kroger is excited to partner with General Mills and Richard Childress Racing at the Great American Race, the Daytona 500. We think this is a strong partnership that shows off the great brands and great values that our companies offer to shoppers throughout the US, said Evan Anthony, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Advertising at Kroger. Add RCR and Elliott to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for success. We’re looking forward to a great race.”

Leading the effort for the No. 33 team will be veteran crew chief Gil Martin, RCR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series program team manager. Martin has been at RCR since 2000 and has served as crew chief for Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Casey Mears, Kerry Earnhardt and Robby Gordon. He is one of a select few crew chiefs to win races in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series.

“We’re looking forward to having Elliott, Kroger and General Mills team up on the No. 33 Chevy with Gil serving as crew chief for this year’s Daytona 500,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “General Mills has been a terrific partner over the years, through both its Wheaties and Cheerios brands, so it’s great to expand their overall 2012 program by having a car in the Great American Race. We’re also excited to have Kroger on board given all their support and strong activation around our sport.”

Childress, a two-time Daytona 500 champion car owner, will use owner points accumulated during the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season to field the No. 33 Chevrolet entry. RCR’s No. 33 team finished 13^th in the final 2011 owner point standings on the power of one win, four top-five and 16 top-10 finishes.

For additional information on today’s announcement, and all that’s happening at RCR, please visit http://www.rcrracing.com.

About General Mills

General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries. Its consumer brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant and Old El Paso. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2011 net sales of US$14.9 billion.

About Kroger

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,439 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates 796 convenience stores, 363 fine jewelry stores, 1,067 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger was recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in the U.S. The company focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 125 million meals a year through its partnership with more than 80 Feeding America food banks. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

About Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR 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 current Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Wheaties/BB&T Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Elliott Sadler (No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet), 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Advocare/Bass Pro Shops/American Ethanol Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick/Brendan Gaughan/Paul Menard/Max Papis (No. 33 South Point Hotel & Casino/Menards/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Armour/Fast Fixin’/ Chevrolet). Tim George Jr. and Brendan Gaughan (No. 2 Potomac Family Dining Group/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet), Joey Coulter (No. 22 RCR/Armour Chevrolet) and 2011 ARCA Racing Series champion Ty Dillon (No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) compete in the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season.

Source: Richard Childress Racing, Press Release

Ford Racing’s Focus ST-R Ready for Competition Debut at Daytona International Speedway in the Grand-Am 200

Press Release — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:43:08 +0000

Ford Racing
· Ford Racing Focus ST-R will make its competition debut this Friday afternoon running the Grand-Am 200 in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge ST class as part of the Grand-Am weekend at Daytona International Speedway

· Despite its close resemblance to the Focus ST road car, the Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost^™ engine, FIA-regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension

· Focus ST-R is the first global vehicle to join the turnkey race car family, which includes the Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 25, 2012 – Ford Racing’s Focus ST-R will make its competition debut this Friday afternoon in the Grand-Am 200 at Daytona International Speedway in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge as part of the ST field during the Grand-Am weekend.

After nearly a year in development and countless tests, the newest offering in the line of Ford Racing turnkey race cars is ready to make its competition debut.

“The competition debut of all our FR family of turnkey ready-to-race cars has not been the completion of the journey but the transition to a new phase of the development process,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “Our partnership with Multimatic Motorsports has led to past success with the FR500C and the Boss 302R and their contribution to the product that will take the track at Daytona later this week has been critical.”

“Having delivered the successful Mustang FR500C and Boss 302R production-based race cars, we have a well-established process with how to develop such cars with Ford Racing. We employ the same approach for each – we start with the production car and go through each subsystem on the car and change what is needed (and allowed) to provide a competitive race car,” said Larry Holt, team principal, Multimatic Motorsports. “Really, the direction from Ford is that this car should be as close to the production car as it can be. Ford really wants to show that the Focus ST is a capable performance car.”

Focus ST-R is the first global vehicle to join the turnkey race car family, which includes the Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S.

Focus ST-R to compete across several series

Don’t be fooled by its close resemblance to the Focus ST road car, which is intentional. The Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost^™ engine, FIA-regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.

The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsport series and major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Its linkage to the new Focus ST road car is no accident.

“From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be drivers’ cars,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

Initially targeted for homologation for American and Canadian touring car racing, Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers in North America by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day enthusiasts as well. Ford’s vision is to broaden availability to additional regions in the future.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsport enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Allison. “The previous turnkey race cars we developed for North American racing have been hugely successful, so we are hopeful the ST-R will be the first such vehicle for global series and as a direct result of the company’s global platform strategy and our technical support program for motorsport applications of Focus and Fiesta models.

“This is a competitive turnkey race car that will allow our customers to compete successfully in multiple series around the world with minor modifications. And it shows the ongoing alignment of Ford Racing with our Performance Vehicles development group.

“Because the Focus ST-R is a production-based road race car, it features stock body panels and production parts where possible,” Allison added. “People who buy one will get a fully prepared race car that will only need communications equipment and the customer’s decals to go racing. Because of this, we’ve already had significant interest in this vehicle from numerous established race teams.”

For North American customers, the Ford Focus ST-R is the latest in a long line of turnkey race cars offered by the company including the Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S. The ST-R offers clear links to the Focus ST road car.

Development work on Focus ST-R will also result in a range of Ford Racing parts to be made available to racers and enthusiasts around the world.

Performance for the road or the track

Focus ST is powered by the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine, which offers an uncompromising mix of performance and efficiency. Ford’s lightweight, all-aluminum EcoBoost engine provides the power of a larger engine in a fuel-efficient smaller displacement using three key technologies.

High-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all help to create an advanced combustion system that brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to Ford’s gasoline engines.

Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group has taken this technology and developed an estimated 250-horsepower high-output derivative of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine for Focus ST.

Redesigned intake and exhaust systems with unique engine calibration deliver the ideal level of power and responsiveness.

The engine has strong torque levels in a broad, flat torque curve peaking at a projected 265 lb.-ft. The responsive torque output, a trademark of EcoBoost engines, is maintained despite the impressive peak figures.

Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gearshift. The Global Performance Vehicles group paid significant attention to detail to ensure the ratio of sixth gear was perfectly in tune with the Focus ST, giving the driver optimum performance while remaining long enough to help maintain excellent fuel economy on longer runs.

Focus prominent in motorsports strategy

Focus ST-R is part of an aggressive motorsports presence for Ford as its strategy to support motorsports development across its core global vehicle platforms gains traction. Ford is applying engineering and development expertise for vehicles like Focus ST-R to spur success in competition, similar to that being enjoyed by the Fiesta in RallyCross and X Games.

As the ST-R seeks to make its name on the track, the production Focus ST gives sporting enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a performance vehicle on everyday roads.

About Ford Racing – North America

About Ford Motor Company

Source: PCGCampbell for Ford Racing, Press Release

AF Waltrip Racing, 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex 24 at Daytona Race Preview

Press Release — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:34:27 +0000

AF Waltrip Racing 2012 Ferrari 458 GT for the Rolex 24 at Daytona

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Sports car racers from around the world gather this weekend at Daytona International Speedway for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24. The 24-hour endurance race takes the green flag Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on SPEED-TV. Making its debut on the 3.56-mile road course is the AF Waltrip Racing team featuring drivers Michael Waltrip, Rob Kauffman, Rui Aguas and Travis Pastrana driving a Ferrari 458 GT. The entry is a joint project of the Italian sports car team AF Corse and Michael Waltrip Racing.

WALTRIP ON RACE: “We tested at Daytona earlier this month and everyone seemed to get the hang of it pretty quickly. It’s Daytona, and there’s no place I’d rather race. The Daytona 500 will always be the most important race to me, but this weekend’s race is really special. I’m looking forward to seeing all the drivers from around the world. It’s like all the drivers you have heard about or seen on television gather for this one race. Plus, I can’t wait to spend the week with Rob, Rui and Travis. This is going to be a lot of fun.”

KAUFFMAN: “There are a handful of races around the globe that people instantly recognize and the Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of them. To be able to participate in the race’s 50th running is an honor and really steps up our sports car program profile here in the USA. We are also excited to kick off our new road racing joint venture with AF Corse. For the race itself, the competition level is as tough as any sports car race in the world, but we are hoping for a solid result.”

PASTRANA: “This is an amazing opportunity. This is a prestigious event that I have always watched and followed on television. Friends like Jimmie Johnson and Boris Said raced in it and it’s something I wanted to try. It’s always been held on the same weekend as the first round of Rally America so this is one of the first time’s I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the Rolex 24. Rob asked me to join the team and it didn’t take long to answer.”

NOTES

AF WALTRIP DRIVERS: Waltrip and Kauffman are co-owners of Michael Waltrip Racing that fields three Sprint Cup teams in NASCAR. Pastrana is an 11-time X Games gold medal winner and four-time North American Rally champion. Aguas is one of the top GT drivers in the world.

ON THE NO. 56 HOOD: RK Motors Charlotte is the country’s leading classic car dealership selling hundreds of classic and high performance collector cars a year. With over 80,000 square-feet dedicated to “all things cars,” the Charlotte campus holds a state-of-the-art showroom complete with digital media studio, as well as a full restoration and customization shop. Created in 2010 by Kauffman and Joe Carroll of Best of Show Automotive, RK Motors Charlotte has established itself as the nation’s premier restorer, re-seller and provider of classic, muscle and high-performance cars. For more information about RK Motors Charlotte visitwww.RKMotorsCharlotte.com.

WHEELS: AF Waltrip and Risi Competizione teams will race a one-piece, single-lug Motegi Racing Technomesh GT3 wheel. Motegi Racing, based in the United States, engineered the brand-new wheel in Italy through a technical supplier partnership with Michelotto, the storied Ferrari racecar builders.

TWITTER: Follow the AF Waltrip team’s fortunes on twitter at @mwrteam throughout the Rolex 24. The No. 56 will also carry a SPEED-TV onboard camera during the race.

SPEED-TV

Saturday, Jan. 28
Pre-Race: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Live)
Race 3:30 p.m.– 11 p.m. (Live)
Race 10 p.m. – 9 a.m. (SPEED.com; Live)

Sunday, Jan. 29
Race 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Live)

Source: AF Waltrip Racing, Press Release

BUBBA burger® Signs with JTG Daugherty Racing for Two Primary Races and Associate Sponsorship for 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season

Press Release — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:16:39 +0000

JTG-Daugherty Racing

HARRISBURG, N.C. (January 25, 2012) – - Today JTG Daugherty Racing revealed BUBBA burger® has signed on with the racing organization as a primary sponsor for Bobby Labonte’s No. 47 Toyota Camry during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

BUBBA burger is scheduled to have prominent position on Labonte’s car during the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Penn. June 10 and also during the Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. on September 16.

”BUBBA burger is excited to return as a sponsor of JTG Daugherty Racing,” according to Billy Morris President/CEO of BUBBA foods. “NASCAR Fans have grown to be great fans of BUBBA burger at the track and at home. It was an easy decision for us to partner with great brands like Kingsford Charcoal, Bush’s Beans and SCOTT Products for our Racing Season is Grilling Season promotion. Together we will win on the track and off the track.”

Additionally, BUBBA burger is scheduled to have presence on Labonte’s machine as an associate sponsor for the full season. BUBBA burger is an obvious fit for JTG Daugherty Racing’s retail theme ‘Racing Season is Grilling Season’.

“BUBBA burger has activated a lot in our sport and it’s great to hear they are sponsoring our Toyota Camry this year,” said Labonte. “BUBBA burger used to be JTG Daugherty Racing’s partner and I know Tad (Geschickter) is happy to have them back. They fall right into the team’s marketing theme ‘Racing Season is Grilling Season’ and they are the #1 branded frozen burger in the United States.

“They compliment JTG Daugherty Racing’s existing partners, such as, Kingsford Charcoal, Bush’s Beans and the Scott Brand,” Labonte continued. “Oh, and they have some fun tag lines: You’ll NEVER Bite A Burger Better Than A BUBBA!! and The Burger that Says BITE ME!!”

The BUBBA burger is sold nationwide throughout the United States as well as world-wide through the U.S. Military Commissary system. BUBBA burger® is a natural choice for quality and convenience, using only top choice meat to produce our uniquely shaped, gluten free BUBBA burgers. Take them right from your freezer to your grill, BUBBA burgers come in many varieties to fit your taste. Race to your favorite local grocers freezer and grab some BUBBA burgers so that you are sure to receive the
Checkered Flag from your family and friends.

For more information on products, recipes or to ask questions, visit WWW.BUBBAFOODS.COM or the official BUBBA burger fan page on Facebook at facebook.com/TheOfficialBUBBAburgerFanPage for all of the latest news, events and contests. BUBBA burger can also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/BUBBAburger.

Products

The BUBBA burger® facilities are designed to produce the safest and highest quality burgers in the country. This way when the burgers come out of your freezer and onto your grill or skillet‚ you know they will be tasty and juicy no matter which of our varieties you choose! All of our BUBBA burgers are 100% natural and gluten free.

Original BUBBA burger

This is the BUBBA that started it all! A 1/3-lb of juicy, 100% USDA choice chuck that doesn’t need more than 10 minutes to cook, a BUBBA burger® has the taste and texture you are looking for. Get ‘em in 2-lb. or 4-lb. packages. Feed yourself, your whole family and friends with a box of the Original BUBBA burgers®.

Sweet Onion BUBBA burger

There ain’t nothing better than sweet onion with your burger. Our Sweet Onion BUBBA burger® is packed with REAL sweet onions and 100% USDA choice chuck. So delicious, you don’t need extra fixins. Feed yourself or your whole family with a 2-lb or a 4-lb box of the 1/3 pound Sweet Onion BUBBA burgers®.

Certified Angus Beef® BUBBA burger

We’re mighty proud of our “Certified Angus Beef®” BUBBA burger. It was honored to be the Winner of “Nation’s Best New Beef Product Marketed by a small company”. This 1/3 pound burger is made from 100% “Certified Angus Beef®” Chuck with the “Certified Angus Beef®” Seal of Approval. Available in both 2-lb. and 4-lb. packages!

Turkey BUBBA burger

Bubba Foods is excited to welcome the newest member to the BUBBA burger® family of products. The new Turkey BUBBA burgers® have hit the market and are moving fast! The Turkey BUBBA burgers® are made of 100% All Natural White Turkey and have the classic BUBBA burger® shape. The Turkey BUBBA burgers® are 4 oz. burgers with 160 calories each, 5 grams of fat and lower sodium. The Turkey BUBBA burger® meets the criteria of the American Heart Association® for its low saturated fat content and low cholesterol, providing a healthy choice for those desiring a great BUBBA burger® taste. The American Heart Association seal is even on the box! All of the juicy quality you would expect from BUBBA burger! Our 2 lb. box contains 8 of our 4 oz. Turkey burgers!

Jalapeno BUBBA burger

The Jalapeno BUBBA burger is made from 100% U.S.D.A. Beef Chuck with 100% real Jalapeno Peppers. Bubba is really spicing things up with the addition of the one and only Jalapeno BUBBA, “YEEYEEYEHA …Now That’s Hot!” Our 2 lb. box contains 6 of our 1/3 lb. Jalapeno BUBBA burgers! Just look for the box with our mascot, Bubbino!!

Mini BUBBA burger Gourmet Bites

These 3 oz. Mini BUBBA burgers are perfect for all occasions, no matter how big or small the event may be! Using the same quality choice chuck as our Original BUBBA burger, our Mini Gourmet Bites™ are just the right size for a snack or meal for the family, and are perfect for all parties. And they fit perfectly on a dinner roll!

You’ll NEVER Bite A Burger Better Than A BUBBA!!

- JTG Daugherty Racing, Press Release

Start Times Finalized For Speedweeks 2012 Events

Press Release — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:27:41 +0000

2012 DAYTONA 500 Logo

54^th annual Daytona 500 set for a 1 p.m. start

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – For the third straight year, the 54^th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race, is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time (TV – FOX Sports, Radio – MRN Radio).

Start times for the other remaining events of Speedweeks 2012 at Daytona International Speedway are as follows:

· The 50^th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race, Jan. 28-29, 3:30 p.m.
· The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Saturday, Feb. 18, 4:30 p.m.
· The Budweiser Shootout non-points event, Saturday, Feb. 18, 8:10 p.m.
· Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, Sunday, Feb. 19, 1:05 p.m.
· Gatorade Duel At Daytona, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
· NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.
· DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Saturday, Feb. 25, 1:15 p.m.

The day of the Daytona 500 creates legends, breathtaking moments and more unforgettable memories than any other race in the world. Trevor Bayne, who at the age of 20 became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500 in 2011, will gun for back-to-back victories with the legendary Wood Brothers. In addition, Danica Patrick will make her NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut for Stewart-Haas Racing and become just the third woman to take the green flag in the Daytona 500.

Tickets for the Daytona 500 start at $65. New for 2012, kids 12 and under receive half-off Superstretch seats for the Daytona 500 while supplies last. Tickets are available online athttp://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway).

Source: Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

2012 NSCS Preseason Thunder at Daytona Day 3 (Final) PM Practice Session Speeds

Timing & Scoring — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:31:15 +0000

Jeff Gordon (far left), driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, talks with crew chief Alan Gustafson (second left) while crew members listen - Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

The three-day NSCS test/practice sessions for the 2012 NSCS Preseason Thunder at Daytona has come to a close, and it was Jeff Gordon, with a lap speed of 200.562 mph, who was the fastest during the final Saturday afternoon session.

AJ Allmendinger and Brad Keselowski, with the identical lap speed of 200.548 mph, posted the second and third fastest speeds respectively, while Kasey Kahne (200.481) was fourth fastest and Denny Hamlin (199.973) was the fifth fastest.

Rounding out the top-ten fastest were Joey Logano (199.969) who was sixth fastest, Martin Truex, Jr. (199.601) seventh, Clint Bowyer (199.596) eighth, Juan Pablo Montoya (199.159) ninth and Jamie McMurray ( 198.904) posting the tenth fastest lap speed.

Next Up: SpeedWeeks, and the NSCS team haulers descend upon Daytona International Speedway Thursday, Feb. 16th, and those participating in the Budweiser Shootout, hit the track for their first practice session on Friday, Feb.17th, from 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM (EDT). (The first practice session for the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18th, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – EDT).

Pos No Name                   Make Best Time Best Speed

 1  24 Jeff Gordon          Chv  44.874    200.562
 2  22 AJ Allmendinger      Dge  44.877    200.548
 3   2 Brad Keselowski      Dge  44.877    200.548
 4   5 Kasey Kahne          Chv  44.892    200.481
 5  11 Denny Hamlin         Tyt  45.006    199.973
 6  20 Joey Logano          Tyt  45.007    199.969
 7  56 Martin Truex Jr      Tyt  45.090    199.601
 8  15 Clint Bowyer         Tyt  45.091    199.596
 9  42 Juan Pablo Montoya   Chv  45.190    199.159
10   1 Jamie McMurray       Chv  45.248    198.904
11  88 Dale Earnhardt Jr    Chv  45.310    198.632
12  55 Mark Martin          Tyt  45.368    198.378
13  31 Jeff Burton          Chv  45.378    198.334
14  18 Kyle Busch           Tyt  45.419    198.155
15  43 Aric Almirola        Frd  45.446    198.037
16  16 Greg Biffle          Frd  45.451    198.015
17  17 Matt Kenseth         Frd  45.452    198.011
18   9 Marcos Ambrose       Frd  45.488    197.854
19  99 Carl Edwards         Frd  45.540    197.628
20  78 Regan Smith          Chv  45.541    197.624
21  87 Joe Nemechek         Tyt  46.199    194.809
22  48 Jimmie Johnson       Chv  46.462    193.707
23  27 Paul Menard          Chv  46.560    193.299
24  29 Kevin Harvick        Chv  46.744    192.538
25  21 Trevor Bayne         Frd  46.777    192.402
26   6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr   Frd  47.001    191.485

2012 NSCS Preseason Thunder at Daytona Day 3 (Final) AM Practice Session Speeds

Timing & Scoring — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:09:14 +0000

Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet, talks with Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 14, 2012, in Daytona Beach, Fla. - Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

Kasey Kahne, with a lap speed of 201.545 mph, was the fastest during the final morning test/practice session at the 2012 NSCS Preseason Thunder at Daytona.

Recorded the second fastest with the identical lap speed of 201.545 mph, was Jeff Gordon, followed by Kurt Busch (199.464) who was third fastest, Mark Martin (199.459) fourth and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (199.406) who was fifth fastest.

Rounding out the top-ten fastest were Jimmie Johnson (199.397) who was sixth fastest, Jeff Burton (199.049) seventh, Regan Smith (199.045) eighth, Jamie McMurray (194.456) ninth and Juan Pablo Montoya (192.951) posting the tenth fastest lap speed.

The teams will return to the track for their final test/practice session this afternoon, which is scheduled to run from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (EDT).

Pos No Name                 Make Best Time Best Speed

 1   5 Kasey Kahne          Chv  44.655    201.545
 2  24 Jeff Gordon          Chv  44.655    201.545
 3  51 Kurt Busch           Chv  45.121    199.464
 4  55 Mark Martin          Tyt  45.122    199.459
 5  88 Dale Earnhardt Jr    Chv  45.134    199.406
 6  48 Jimmie Johnson       Chv  45.136    199.397
 7  31 Jeff Burton          Chv  45.215    199.049
 8  78 Regan Smith          Chv  45.216    199.045
 9   1 Jamie McMurray       Chv  46.283    194.456
10  42 Juan Pablo Montoya   Chv  46.644    192.951
11  27 Paul Menard          Chv  46.721    192.633
12  10 Danica Patrick       Chv  46.868    192.029
13  14 Tony Stewart         Chv  46.904    191.881
14  18 Kyle Busch           Tyt  46.955    191.673
15  21 Trevor Bayne         Frd  46.967    191.624
16  29 Kevin Harvick        Chv  47.010    191.449
17  22 AJ Allmendinger      Dge  47.013    191.436
18  43 Aric Almirola        Frd  47.056    191.261
19  20 Joey Logano          Tyt  47.102    191.075
20   6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr   Frd  47.176    190.775
21  16 Greg Biffle          Frd  47.188    190.726
22  11 Denny Hamlin         Tyt  47.195    190.698
23  15 Clint Bowyer         Tyt  47.217    190.609
24   9 Marcos Ambrose       Frd  47.260    190.436
25  56 Martin Truex Jr      Tyt  47.276    190.371
26  99 Carl Edwards         Frd  47.317    190.206
27  17 Matt Kenseth         Frd  47.408    189.841
28   2 Brad Keselowski      Dge  47.534    189.338
29  36 Dave Blaney          Chv  47.739    188.525
30  87 Joe Nemechek         Tyt  47.855    188.068