Charlotte Motor Speedway Coca-Cola 600

Labor Day Family Festival Kicks off Democratic National Convention Week

CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 19, 2012) – Charlotte Motor Speedway is solidifying its nickname as “The Greatest Place To See The Race” in 2012 with 112 full-throttle days and nights of entertainment for the whole family. Featuring a mix of brand new events and traditional fan favorites, this year promises to be the biggest yet.

The 2012 schedule includes NASCAR, NHRA and World of Outlaws events, along with the return of both the spring and fall Food Lion AutoFairs, and features events at three state-of-the-art venues – Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

New to the event calendar will be a Labor Day family festival to kick off the Democratic National Convention week in Charlotte. Designed to welcome Carolinians, tourists, media and delegates to the host city, the Sept. 3 event will be a free, non-partisan community celebration of the South held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The family festival is open to the public and will feature live entertainment, activities and exhibitions that showcase Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Also new for 2012 is the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration on March 31, which will honor those who served in the Vietnam War. With support from the USO of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, the event will include live music, military salutes, displays and demonstrations.

zMAX Dragway officials are introducing new events at the Bellagio of drag strips including Mayhem @ the MAX, which consists of bracket racing for amateur racers, junior dragsters and street cars. Held over six Saturdays from April to August, racers are awarded points each week and will compete for the championship in their respective categories.

One of the grandest traditions in all of motorsports, the Coca-Cola 600, will be back for its 53rd running on May 27. Fans will also see the return of big events such as the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Bank of America 500, Goodguys Southeastern Nationals, the Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals and more. The Summer Shootout Series, a summertime family favorite, will also return every Tuesday night June 12 – Aug. 14.

To get fans ready for the new season, the speedway is offering incredible values through the Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Ticket and NHRA season ticket packages.

NASCAR fans that purchase tickets to all three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events get special savings and discounts with the Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Ticket. The package includes the added benefits of one NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Pit Pass (per account), one ticket to the Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race (per qualifying season ticket), six free guest passes to The Speedway Club, 10 percent off souvenirs, 10 percent off entry to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, VIP parking, a Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Ticket Holder hard card and more.

Nitro lovers who want to see racing at zMAX Dragway can buy NHRA season tickets for action on the world’s only four-lane, all-concrete dragway. The package includes six days of NHRA racing with a savings of 15 percent on tickets, VIP parking, 10 percent off souvenirs at the Charlotte Motor Speedway gift shop, a season ticket holder hard card and more.

The 2012 Charlotte Motor Speedway schedule follows.

*Schedule Subject to Change

For a detailed listing of events and for more information on tickets and pricing, visitwww.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call the speedway’s ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

For daily updates, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.

Source: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Press Release

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EVENT: Homestead 200 (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series)

DATE: Friday, Nov. 18, 2011

TRACK: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Fla.

RESULT: Start 6 / Finish 22

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — No win. No championship. No rookie of the year.

“Hell yeah I’m disappointed,” Whitt said, looking back on his first season in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series. “Almost every week we were fast. That’s all you can ask for out of the trucks, out of everybody at Turn One Racing. But you can’t change your luck. It seems like every time we were running good, something bad would happen … an engine failure, a loose lug nut or we’d get caught up in something. I guess you pay your dues. I hope I’m
around long enough so it comes back the other way.” Like most drivers, however, Whitt’s a little hard on himself.

After a 22nd-place finish in the season finale Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Whitt ended up ninth in the Truck Series points standings —
not bad for a driver who only 20 months ago was making his first stock car start.

The 20-year-old Whitt finished with two top fives, 11 top 10s, 18 top 15s and one pole, which came his first time out at Darlington — widely
considered NASCAR’s trickiest track. After a season-best second-place finish at Dover followed by a third at Charlotte, Whitt, at only 19, became
the youngest driver and first rookie to lead the Truck Series standings.

But consecutive finishes of 28th and 26th at Texas and Kentucky became the defining moment of Whitt’s swing at the championship. The first was
an engine failure. The next, Ron Hornaday Jr. slapped Whitt’s truck into the outside wall. He fell to third in points, and two months later another
engine failure dropped Whitt from fifth to eighth.

Cole Whitt, driver of the No. 60 Fuel Doctor / Red Bull Toyota Tundra - Photo Credit: Tom Whitmore / Getty Images for NASCAR

Whitt outran all but one truck in the early going Friday night. He started sixth and drove to second after disposing of race winner Johnny Sauter on lap 50. With only leader Elliott Sadler ahead, Whitt’s truck was one of the first to begin green-flag pit stops with 65 laps to go. He gave up second with the hopes of gaining time on fresh tires, but a right front vibration forced Whitt to return to pit road. He re-entered the race one lap down in 23rd.
“We came back in to get another set, get all five lugs on tight,” Whitt said. “That’s all it needed. When we got back out there, we were plenty fast to lead the race. Probably was a truck to win, but things didn’t go right.”

Whitt was in free-pass position (22nd) when it began raining at about 9:45 p.m. ET. Rather than dry the 1.5-mile track and re-start the race near midnight, NASCAR officials opted to call the race 15 laps from its scheduled finish.

It’s not long until Whitt’s back in the cockpit of a car. He’ll participate in the Dec. 1 Red Bull Kart Fight, which matches stars from NASCAR, IndyCar, Grand-Am, American Le Mans, NHRA and the X Games in a karting event at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando.

“It’ll be the first time I’ve done it, and I’m looking forward to it,” Whitt said. “Go down to Orlando and just relax, have fun with it. I haven’t been in a kart in years …”

- Red Bull Racing Press Release

ESPN

NASCAR Championships to be Determined in Miami

The NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series seasons will end and championships will be determined this weekend at South Florida’s Homestead-Miami Speedway and both races, as well as selected practice sessions, will appear on ESPN networks. Sunday’s Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on ESPN will conclude the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup while Saturday’s Ford 300 on ESPN2 will wrap up the Nationwide Series season. All NASCAR programming on ESPN and ESPN2 is also available on computers, smartphones and tablets with the WatchESPN app and WatchESPN.com.

Telecast schedule (all times Eastern):

Announcers:

Booth: Lap-by-Lap announcer Allen Bestwick (Sprint Cup); Marty Reid (Nationwide); analysts Dale Jarrett, Andy Petree.

Pit reporters: Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch, Vince Welch.

ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage: Tim Brewer

NASCAR Countdown: Nicole Briscoe (host); Rusty Wallace, Brad Daugherty (analysts).

NASCAR Now Schedule

ESPN2’s daily NASCAR news and information program NASCAR Now will preview the season-ending Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway with shows at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 16-17. NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick will be at ESPN on Wednesday and will appear on the program, while reporters Marty Smith and Shannon Spake will report on Thursday from NASCAR’s annual Championship Contenders News Conference in Miami. Smith will follow contender Tony Stewart while Spake will follow Carl Edwards, with their reports also airing on SportsCenter and other ESPN platforms throughout the weekend. The one-hour weekend edition of NASCAR Now will air on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m. with a preview of that day’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400. Mike Massaro will host with analyst Ricky Craven. NASCAR Now will air its final show of the 2011 season with a one-hour wrap-up from Miami on Sunday night at 10 p.m.

Motorsports on Other ESPN Platforms

ESPN.com — RacingLive! on ESPN.com is a live blog where fans can engage in debate and discussion with ESPN.com writers and editors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup races. On Sunday, Nov. 20, RacingLive! Homestead will kick off to coincide with ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect of the race live at http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/.

ESPN Radio — Each weekend morning, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay starts its engines at 6 a.m. ET with host Pat Patterson anchored from the site of the race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay listeners get an hour of news, previews and analysis, as well as profiles and interviews with NASCAR’s biggest names and newsmakers and the involvement of listeners via calls and e-mails.

NHRA Drag Racing on ESPN2

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season has ended, and drag racing fans can see highlights of the season-ending event for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in Pomona, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

- ESPN Communications, Press Release

Infineon Raceway

FIA World Touring Car Championship to

Host First Race on American Soil in Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2011) — Infineon Raceway will again feature one of the most diverse motor-racing schedules in the country during the 2012 Big O Tires Racing Season, highlighted by the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 22-24.

In addition to NASCAR, the season will also include the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, IZOD IndyCar® Series, AMA Pro Road Racing and historic car racing. New for 2012, the FIA World Touring Car Championship will host its first-ever race on American soil, Sept. 21-23.

NASCAR continues to headline the season in Sonoma as the series marks its 24^th annual visit to Infineon Raceway. The race has become one of the most exciting and unpredictable on the circuit as tempers flare on the road course’s tight turns. Race fans will also be treated to the best air show on the NASCAR circuit during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, June 24, with the six-jet Patriots Jet Team.

Drag racing will again play a major part in the 2012 season, highlighted by the 25^th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 27-29. Six track records were broken over the 2011 race weekend, including speed and elapsed time in Funny Car (John Force) and Pro Stock (Allen Johnson). The NHRA Division 7 Drag Races, presented by Korbel, will be hosted the weekend prior, July 20-22.

The Indy® Grand Prix of Sonoma marks the IZOD IndyCar Series’ 8th annual visit to Infineon Raceway, Aug. 24-26, and its only stop in Northern California. Team Penske’s Will Power continued his domination in Sonoma in 2011, becoming the first back-to-back race winner in seven years.

Raceway officials are excited about the addition of the FIA World Touring Car Championship to the 2012 calendar. The September race weekend will be highlighted by two 30-minute sprint races on Sunday, Sept. 23, that will include plenty of action. With just 30 minutes in each race, drivers will make active use of their fenders to reach the front of the field. Manufacturers include BMW, Chevrolet, SEAT and Volvo. The series has a strong following globally as each race is broadcast in 59 countries.

“The first time I saw these cars race, I knew they belonged on our track,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “From the moment the green flag drops, the whole field is in a flat-out sprint for the lead. It’s going to be quite a show.

Infineon Raceway will also host the best in motorcycles with AMA Pro Road Racing, featuring doubleheaders in both SuperBike and Daytona SportBike at the West Coast Moto Jam, May 4-6. The weekend will also feature Supermoto USA, as well as electric motorcycle racing with the return of the TTXGP U.S. Championship.

Historic car racing will take center stage during two unique weekends, including the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival (June 2-3) and the Classic Sports Racing Group Charity Challenge (Oct. 6-7).

Tickets for all 2012 major events go on sale to the public Dec. 15. For tickets or more information, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or visit www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

*The complete major event schedule for 2012:

• · 24 Hours of LeMons – (March, tentative)
• · West Coast Moto Jam – May 4-6
• · Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival – June 2-3
• · Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – June 22-24
• · NHRA Division 7 Drag Races, presented by Korbel – July 20-22
• · NHRA Sonoma Nationals – July 27-29
• · Indy® Grand Prix of Sonoma – Aug. 24-26
• · FIA World Touring Car Championship – Sept. 21-23
• · Classic Sports Racing Group Charity Challenge – Oct. 6-7

* Schedule subject to change without notice.

- Infineon Raceway, Press Release

ESPN

Chase for NASCAR Sprint Cup Continues at Phoenix

The NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend and both races, as well as selected practice sessions, will appear on ESPN networks. Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race will be the next-to-last race in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. All NASCAR programming on ESPN and ESPN2 is also available on computers, smartphones and tablets with the WatchESPN app and WatchESPN.com.

Telecast schedule (all times Eastern):

Announcers:

Booth: Lap-by-Lap announcer Allen Bestwick (Sprint Cup); Marty Reid (Nationwide); analysts Dale Jarrett, Andy Petree.

Pit reporters: Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch, Vince Welch.

ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage: Tim Brewer

NASCAR Countdown: Nicole Briscoe (host); Rusty Wallace, Brad Daugherty (analysts).

NASCAR Now Schedule

The one-hour weekend edition of ESPN2’s daily NASCAR news and information program NASCAR Now will air on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. with a preview of that day’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Mike Massaro will host with analyst Ricky Craven while reporting from the track in Phoenix will be Shannon Spake and David Newton. On Monday, Nov. 14, NASCAR Now’s weekly roundtable discussion program will air at 2:30 p.m. with Craven, ESPN analyst Dale Jarrett and ESPN the Magazine senior writer Ryan McGee as panelists with Massaro hosting.

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will have its season finale this weekend with the Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif., and ESPN2 and ESPN3 will have coverage.

Qualifying airs Sunday, Nov. 13, at 1:15 a.m. ET (late Saturday night) on ESPN2, while eliminations action airs Sunday at 7 p.m. NHRA fans can watch the entire day of eliminations on ESPN3 starting at 2 p.m. and Friday qualifying on Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. Paul Page anchors for ESPN with analysis by 22-time NHRA winner Mike Dunn. Gary Gerould, John Kernan and Dave Rieff will report from the pits.

Motorsports on Other ESPN Platforms

ESPN.com — RacingLive! on ESPN.com is a live blog where fans can engage in debate and discussion with ESPN.com writers and editors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup races. On Sunday, Nov. 13, RacingLive! Phoenix will kick off to coincide with ESPN’s live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect of the race live at http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/. ESPN.com motorsports writer David Newton will be on hand at Phoenix.

ESPN Radio — Each weekend morning, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay starts its engines at 6 a.m. ET with host Pat Patterson anchored from the site of the race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay listeners get an hour of news, previews and analysis, as well as profiles and interviews with NASCAR’s biggest names and newsmakers and the involvement of listeners via calls and e-mails.

- ESPN Communications, Press Release

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Howe was injured last Friday performing adjustments underneath the car during NASCAR Nationwide Series practice at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He was treated with stitches for lacerations to his face and hands. All tests for severe injury came back negative.

About MAKE Motorsports

MAKE Motorsports makes its natural progression into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Mark Beaver has owned NHRA, IHRA, Super Late Model Dirt Series, Legends, SCCA Trans Am & SCCA World Challenge teams.

One of the only female team owners in racing, Tracy Lowe has owned or competed in Dirt Late Models & SCCA. Believing only in the best quality-prepared vehicles; experienced crew; and sound business practices, MAKE Motorsports is the first NCWTS team to be operated out of historic Shelby, N.C. in 15 years.

Bell’s No. 50 MAKE Motorsports truck is sponsored by Liberty Tire Recycling and Pinnacle Rubber Mulch. Associate sponsors are AV Dedmon Trucking, Wix Filters, Twin Oaks Services South and All Sport.

- Breaking Limits Press Release

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Howe was transported to Wellmont Health System in Kingsport, Tenn. where he underwent treatment and tests for his minor injuries. All tests for severe injury came back negative and he is listed in Good condition. The team will have further updates on his release once available.

About MAKE Motorsports

MAKE Motorsports makes its natural progression into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Mark Beaver has owned NHRA, IHRA, Super Late Model Dirt Series, Legends, SCCA Trans Am & SCCA World Challenge teams.

One of the only female team owners in racing, Tracy Lowe has owned or competed in Dirt Late Models & SCCA. Believing only in the best quality-prepared vehicles; experienced crew; and sound business practices, MAKE Motorsports is the first NCWTS team to be operated out of historic Shelby, N.C. in 15 years.

Bell’s No. 50 MAKE Motorsports truck is sponsored by Liberty Tire Recycling and Pinnacle Rubber Mulch. Associate sponsors are AV Dedmon Trucking, Wix Filters, Twin Oaks Services South and All Sport.

- Breaking Limits Press Release

Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet

FORT KNOX, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2011) – The U.S. Army, in conjunction with Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, will run special paint schemes honoring the men and women who served in the Vietnam War on the Soldiers’ race cars during Veterans Day weekend.

In honor of these Veterans’ service and sacrifice, who served during the conflict that started 50 years ago, selected photos will be featured on the hood, trunk, side panels and bumpers when Ryan Newman gets behind the wheel of the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet at the Nov. 13 Kobalt Tools 500k NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher’s U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster will don the custom paint scheme when he straps in at Pomona, Calif., for the Nov. 13 Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.

Beginning today, Vietnam Army Veterans, along with their families, friends and loved ones, can go online and submit photos of the men and women who have embraced the call of duty and helped build and protect our country at www.goarmy.com/yourphotohere. All Vietnam Veterans shown in uniform are eligible for inclusion among the photos in the special paint scheme. Images will be collected through Sept. 16.

“What a cool way for us to say ‘thank you’ and honor the Vietnam Veterans,” said Newman, a 15-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner. “History tells us that many who served in Southeast Asia were not properly recognized upon their return. It will be our sincere privilege to commemorate the Army Strong Vietnam Soldiers who fought bravely for democracy.”

For seven-time NHRA champion Schumacher, driving the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster is always a powerful reminder of what it means to be Army Strong.

“It’s truly inspiring to represent our Soldiers who served in Vietnam,” Schumacher said. “Many of the Vietnam Veterans are drag-racing fans who grew up at the height of the muscle-car and hot-rod era. We see many Vietnam Vets at our NHRA races, and that’s why this paint scheme will carry a special meaning for our U.S. Army team.”

The special paint scheme will serve as an extension of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) when, as a country, we honor and remember the heroism, courage and dedication displayed by our Veterans. While the nation remembers the service of its Veterans, the millions at home and at the track watching Newman and Schumacher will get a chance to see some of the faces who represent true heroes.

“Every time these guys drive with the Army colors, they represent the more than one million men and women who proudly serve our nation,” said John Myers, Director, Strategic Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. “For these races, with these paint schemes, we pay tribute and say thank you to our Vietnam heroes as well as all past and present Soldiers and their families. Each picture, each face, is a reminder of the sacrifice and service of the millions who have made our Army strong and our nation free.”

About U.S. Army Accessions Command

The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,400 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky.

- DMF Communications for U.S. Army Racing, Press Release

Timothy Peters, driver of the No. 17 Red Horse Racing Toyota, celebrates with crew members, after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series AAA Insurance 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway on July 29 in Indianapolis, Ind. - Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

INDIANAPOLIS (July 29, 2011)

This improbable win for Peters came even though he had to overcome two major obstacles during the night. Peters started deep in the field at a track that is notorious for having the winner start near the top of the grid. In fact, his 16th place starting position was the furthest back a driver has ever started the event and gone on to win the race. He also fought back from a tire coming apart on lap 90 and bringing out a caution on lap 91 which allowed the team to make needed changes for the remainder of the race and win on this tough track.

“I grew up on short track racing and I love all 25 races that are on the schedule but when I come to short tracks I just feel like I’m a little more in my element and it showed tonight,” he said following the race. “I don’t want to be labeled a short track driver, I want to win anywhere but I will take them anyway I can get them or where it is at.”

The Kroger SpeedFest weekend will conclude at Lucas Oil Raceway with the running of the 30th annual Kroger 200 benefitting Riley Hospital for Children on Saturday night. Gate open at 10 a.m. which coincides with the first practice of the morning, qualifying starts at 4:40 and the race, which could be the final time NASCAR is at the track for the near future is set to start at 7:30. Tickets are still on sale for the race and can be purchased at the gate on Saturday.

One of five drag racing facilities owned and operated by the National Hot Rod Association, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis was built in 1960 and has presented organized racing events since 1961. From March through October, the facility hosts more than 120 dates of racing on three tracks, a quarter-mile drag strip, a .686-mile paved oval and a 2.5-mile road course. Home to drag racing’s biggest event, the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend, the drag strip runs more than 50 days of point-to-point action, from national events to street legal community programs. The oval track draws racing’s biggest events, including annual visits from the NASCAR Nationwide, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and annual USAC races. The road course provides a home for several racing sanctions, while providing an ideal resource for driving schools, corporate outings and open-road tests for professional drivers.

- Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, Press Release

No. 13 Safe Auto / Curb Records / Carrier.com Chevrolet Silverado

LIKE A ROCK…OR A FORT: Sauter and his ThorSport Racing teammates Matt Crafton and Dakoda Armstrong are making a special stop during their trip to Kentucky. The three drivers are scheduled to visit Fort Knox for a hands-on day of training and meeting with military members at the U.S. Army post on behalf of Goodyear Tire.

CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 13 team will utilize chassis No. 038 this weekend at Kentucky Speedway. This is chassis has driven home to top 7 finishes at Nashville and Charlotte already in 2011.

Johnny Sauter

How do you feel going into the race in Kentucky?

“I really like Kentucky, and a lot of guys don’t. It has less banking, more bumps you have to lift through, and it’s fast and flatter. It takes a lot of skill and driving, especially through the corners, so those are the kinds of tracks I like. If it’s not a short track, I want it to have the individuality of a Kentucky. This is when our entire package – aero, body, horsepower, setup in general – comes into play. We’re always saying these races are going to be won or lost on pit road, and I believe that during this one too. We’ll all be on our toes here, especially being a companion race with Cup and Nationwide, and those drivers coming back into the Series for a few races here.”

What’s the biggest challenge going into Kentucky?

“The bumps there are a huge challenge with the coil bound setup. You’re always looking for compliance with the shocks over the bumps but it’s more pronounced at a track like Kentucky that has the type of surface it does. Joe and I are always working on the splitter and decreasing the bounce on the track, something we fight all the time. Our setups are so strong on these intermediate tracks, and I’m pretty confident that I learned a lot last year here with Joe and the guys. We’re going to come back swinging.”

Did you do anything fun during our longest break of the season?

“I was able to get up to Sandusky, and I took Cortney and the kids with me. They got to play at Kalahari Resort while I met with the guys, talked setups for Kentucky and the next five big race clip we’ll be on, and also had a chance to catch the NHRA race with Duke Thorson. Cortney’s in Wisconsin now with our families, so I get to go racing while she gets to see family with the kids.”

Are you looking forward to spending some time at Fort Knox?

“We had the privilege of having an honorary pit crew from Dover AFB in our pits at Dover, and that was special. I’m glad that this close to July 4th holiday, we can celebrate these men and women at Fort Knox too. I know that we’ll be spending time with some of the children of fallen soldiers, and that means a lot to me.”

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

ESPN NASCAR Logo

NASCAR Nationwide Series Live from Iowa on ABC

The NASCAR Nationwide Series races at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, this weekend and ABC will have a live telecast of the race on Sunday, May 22. NASCAR Countdown airs at 1:30 p.m. ET with the race’s green flag at 2:14 p.m.

Allen Bestwick will call the action with analysis by Dale Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, and two-time champion crew chief Andy Petree. Two-time champion crew chief Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage, while pit reporters will be Dave Burns, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake.

NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN pit studio will be hosted by Nicole Briscoe with analysis by Jarrett and Brad Daugherty, a team owner in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. The studio team will interact with the booth during the telecast of the race.

Classic Track Tour on NASCAR Now

NASCAR Now, ESPN2’s daily NASCAR news and information show, will take viewers on a five-day tour featuring classic racetracks of the sport starting Tuesday, May 17, with a different track each day through Saturday, May 21. ESPN the Magazine’s Ryan McGee will visit Bowman Gray Stadium, Hickory Motor Speedway, Rockingham Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Guests will include Richard Childress and Ned Jarrett. NASCAR Now airs at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday with host Michelle Bonner.

On Monday, May 23, NASCAR Now’s Monday roundtable discussion program will air from the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. ESPN analyst Dale Jarrett and and NASCAR Now lead reporter Marty Smith will be panelists with host Allen Bestwick. Special guests will include Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett and David Pearson, Hall of Fame inductees.

NASCAR Now will preview the NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in a one-hour edition airing Saturday, May 21, at 11 a.m. Bonner will host and Smith will report from the track.

NHRA Action from Topeka on ESPN2, ESPN3.com

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series races this weekend in the NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas. ESPN2 will air action from qualifying on Saturday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. ET and coverage of eliminations airs Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. NHRA fans also can watch the full day of eliminations live on ESPN3.com starting Sunday at noon.

Sprawling multipurpose Heartland Park Topeka has been a Midwest favorite since it opened in 1989, but its dragstrip has gained the majority of headlines. The event, originally in the fall, has featured numerous record performances, the most significant of which was the shattering of the quarter-mile four-second and 300-mph barriers in Funny Car in 1993. The event moved to its current spot on the schedule in 2001.

Paul Page anchors for ESPN with analysis by 22-time NHRA winner Mike Dunn. Gary Gerould, and Dave Rieff report from the pits.

Also this week, ESPN2 airs highlights of the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Modified Series event at Atlanta Dragway on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. In addition, an episode of NHRA Thrills and Spills airs Saturday at 5 p.m.

ESPN.com Offers RacingLive! During NASCAR All-Star Race

NASCAR fans looking for an online gathering during ESPN’s telecasts of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series now have a place to go on ESPN.com.

RacingLive! on ESPN.com is a live blog where fans can engage in debate and discussion with ESPN.com writers and editors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup races. On Saturday night, May 21, RacingLive! All-Star will kick off to coincide with the NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect of the race live at http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/.

ESPN.com motorsports writer David Newton will be onsite at the race to report on the weekend’s action and news.

ESPN Radio Raceday Airs Saturday, Sunday

Each weekend morning, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay starts its engines at 6 a.m. ET with host Pat Patterson anchored from Daytona Beach, Fla. Patterson also originates the broadcast from several racetracks with key races during the season. On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay listeners get an hour of news, previews and analysis, as well as profiles and interviews with NASCAR’s biggest names and newsmakers and the involvement of listeners via calls and e-mails.

Additionally, many of ESPN’s NASCAR reporters and analysts contribute each week as ESPN networks televise the entire NASCAR Nationwide Series and the final 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup races, including the 10-race “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup” championship. A list of ESPN Radio affiliates can be found at www.espnradio.com.

- ESPN Communications, Press Release

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Looking to raise awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), the team will make two different appearances the week leading into the races at Charlotte. First, on Tuesday, May 17, team driver T.J. Bell will visit and sign autographs at the Levine Children’s Hospital, which is a part of the CMN. MAKE Motorsports will then have driver T.J. Bell and an ambulance from the Carolina’s Medical Center at the Concord, N.C. Wal-Mart on Thursday, May 19 to help promote their efforts to raise awareness and funds for the CMN. Bell will be signing autographs for all race fans at this location.

Team co-owners Mike Beaver and Tracy Lowe are passionate about teaming with the CMN, an effort especially close to Lowe who also works as a Team Leader of the MedCenter Air at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

“Working at the Carolinas Medical Center, I see the benefits of the Children’s Miracle Network every day at the Levine Children’s Hospital located here,” said Lowe. “Also, working in the EMS field, I have also seen first-hand what the funds raised by CMN have done to greatly improve the health and saves lives of children that come through our path in times of emergencies. This is just something small that we can do to give back.”

The team will also continue to raise awareness during the race weekend by placing the Children’s Miracle Network and the Levine Children’s Hospital logos on the quarter panels of the No. 50 race truck.

“It’s important for us to keep our local communities in mind when we race,” said co-owner Mark Beaver. “And for us to give something back here in Charlotte is great. This is where we call home and the Children’s Miracle Network and Levine Children’s Hospital do great things for our youth in the area. We’re grateful for Pinnacle Rubber Mulch and Liberty Tire Recycling for donating some space on the truck to promote this campaign.”

The team has also partnered with the Ronald McDonald House in Nashville, Tenn. in the past proving they are a team that believes in giving back off the track.

About MAKE Motorsports

MAKE Motorsports makes its natural progression into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Mark Beaver has owned NHRA, IHRA, Super Late Model Dirt Series, Legends, SCCA Trans Am & SCCA World Challenge teams.

One of the only female team owners in racing, Tracy Lowe has owned or competed in Dirt Late Models & SCCA. Believing only in the best quality-prepared vehicles; experienced crew; and sound business practices, MAKE Motorsports is the first NCWTS team to be operated out of historic Shelby, N.C. in 15 years.

Bell’s No. 50 MAKE Motorsports truck is sponsored by Liberty Tire Recycling and Pinnacle Rubber Mulch. Associate sponsors are AV Dedmon Trucking, Wix Filters, Twin Oaks Services South and All Sport.

About Levine Children’s Hospital

Levine Children’s Hospital is a 234-bed hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, located on the main campus of Carolinas Medical Center. Since opening in December 2007, the hospital has grown to include more than 30 pediatric specialties and has already received national distinction by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” for treatment of kidney disorders.

Levine Children’s Hospital is also home to the Ricky Hendrick Centers for Intensive Care, which support pediatric intensive and cardiovascular surgery patients. Additional distinctions include organ and bone marrow transplants; pediatric dialysis; interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery; heart-lung bypass capabilities for newborns and pediatric patients; an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation unit; and 24/7 emergency services. Levine Children’s Hospital is the most comprehensive facility of its type between Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC – meaning most children no longer need to travel outside of the region to receive the care they need.

Most recently, Levine Children’s Hospital announced the formation of the Carolinas Kids Cancer Research Coalition, a group of eight of the region’s most dedicated nonprofit organizations committed to supporting pediatric cancer research and services at Levine Children’s Hospital.

- Breaking Limits Press Release

Mooresville, N.C. (May 10, 2011) – The month of May for the Andretti racing family got off to a winning start this past weekend, and this time it was third-generation Jarett Andretti carrying the checkered flag for the first time in his young career. Jarett, the son of John Andretti and grandchild of Aldo Andretti won Saturday night’s 35-lap Ford Focus Midget feature at the famed Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

The 18-year-old high school senior grew up watching his father race both IndyCar and NASCAR-sanctioned events along with other national series including NHRA, CART and professional sports car racing. Jarett decided in mid-summer of 2010 to get behind the wheel, first starting in a go-kart. He quickly advanced to a Ford Focus Midget and competed in only a handful of events at the end of 2010. This year, Jarett is competing for the Eastern Ford Focus Midget Championship sanctioned by USAC. Saturday night’s win came in only the second race of the season. The win compliments his runner-up finish earlier this year at Dillon (S.C.) Motor Speedway.

“This is awesome to win here at this famed track and to win in the Ford Focus Midget Series,” said Jarett. “My team, Calico Coatings/Window World Racing, did a great job of giving me a fast car. We’ve been competitive all season and tonight everything just came together. Hopefully this win is a sign of good things to come for the Andretti family this month.”

Jarett will join his father and cousin Marco racing in Indianapolis later this month where he plans to compete in more midget races, but first will race his Ford Focus Midget at Ace Speedway located in Altamahaw, N.C. on Friday and back to Hickory Motor Speedway again this Saturday. Andretti also has plans to compete in sports cars, NASCAR modifieds and possibly the NASCAR Pro Series East later this season.

- Breaking Limits Press Release

ESPN NASCAR Logo

NASCAR Nationwide Series Live from Dover

ESPN continues its coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series with a live telecast of the 200-mile race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway on Saturday, May 14. NASCAR Countdown airs at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN with the race’s green flag at 2:15 p.m. Also from Dover, ESPN2 will air NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Marty Reid will call the action with analysis by Dale Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, and two-time champion crew chief Andy Petree. Two-time champion crew chief Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Craftsman Tech Garage, while pit reporters will be Dave Burns, Jamie Little and Vince Welch.

NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN pit studio will be hosted by Allen Bestwick with analysis by Wallace and Brad Daugherty, a team owner in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series. The studio team will interact with the booth during the telecast of the race.

Benson, Brewer, Craven on NASCAR Now Roundtable

NASCAR driver Johnny Benson Jr. joins ESPN NASCAR analysts Tim Brewer and Ricky Craven as panelists on NASCAR Now’s weekly roundtable discussion program airing Monday, May 16, at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Allen Bestwick will host the edition of ESPN2’s daily NASCAR news and information program.

Mike Massaro hosts half-hour episodes of NASCAR Now airing at 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. There is no show on Friday due to live NASCAR programming. Massaro also hosts a special edition of NASCAR Now airing Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. prior to NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying at Dover International Speedway. The one-hour weekend edition will preview Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Dover and airs Sunday at 9 a.m. Nicole Briscoe and David Newton will report from Dover, joined by analyst Brad Daugherty.

NHRA Action from Atlanta on ESPN2, ESPN3.com

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series races this weekend in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. ESPN2 will air action from qualifying on Saturday, May 14, at 7 p.m. ET and coverage of eliminations airs Sunday, May 15, at 7 p.m. NHRA fans also can watch the full day of eliminations live on ESPN3.com starting Sunday at noon.

One of NHRA’s long-established events — the race celebrated its 30th anniversary last season — this belle of the South has gained a reputation as one of the tougher events on the tour to win. With summer approaching, warm temperatures can turn the event into “Hotlanta” and throw crew chiefs a curve as they try to glue their charges to the facility’s 660-foot concrete launchpad. The event also includes Pro Stock Motorcycles and Pro Mods.

Paul Page anchors for ESPN with analysis by 22-time NHRA winner Mike Dunn. Gary Gerould, and Dave Rieff report from the pits.

ESPN.com Offers RacingLive! During Dover Race

NASCAR fans looking for an online gathering during ESPN’s telecasts of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series now have a place to go on ESPN.com.

RacingLive! on ESPN.com is a live blog where fans can engage in debate and discussion with ESPN.com writers and editors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup races. On Sunday, May 15, RacingLive! Dover will kick off to coincide with the race at Dover International Speedway. Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect of the race live at http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/.

ESPN.com motorsports writer David Newton will be onsite at Dover to report on the weekend’s action and news.

ESPN Radio Raceday Airs Saturday, Sunday

Each weekend morning, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay starts its engines at 6 a.m. ET with host Pat Patterson anchored from Daytona Beach, Fla. Patterson also originates the broadcast from several racetracks with key races during the season. On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, ESPN Radio’s RaceDay listeners get an hour of news, previews and analysis, as well as profiles and interviews with NASCAR’s biggest names and newsmakers and the involvement of listeners via calls and e-mails.

Additionally, many of ESPN’s NASCAR reporters and analysts contribute each week as ESPN networks televise the entire NASCAR Nationwide Series and the final 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup races, including the 10-race “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup” championship. A list of ESPN Radio affiliates can be found at www.espnradio.com.

- ESPN Communications, Press Release

Kyle O'Gara, No. 6 Service Central / East Enterprises / SFR / Beast / Ford / Hoosier

“First of all, I really want to thank Service Central for making this possible. I’m really looking forward to being on track this year, and it’s an honor to run for East Enterprises,” said a very enthusiastic O’Gara. “I learned so much last season, and we’ve prepared as much as we can this off season. I can’t thank Service Central, Andy and Sarah (O’Gara), and Bob and Janice (East) enough for giving me such a great opportunity. I am confident that my No. 6 Service Central/East Enterprises/SFR machine will be up front this year. I’m definitely going to do everything in my power to keep it that way.”

“We are proud to have Service Central back on the team for 2011,” said SFR team owner, Sarah Fisher. “It was great to work with them last year and I am appreciative of their support for our development program. Kyle had a great rookie season with Bob last year and we are encouraged by the strength of his program for this season. SFR is proud to support its roots with Kyle and Bob in USAC, which too is a part of our big picture plan.”

O’Gara, a sophomore at Roncalli High School in Indianapolis, will be driving for one of the most celebrated car builders and owners in USAC history. Bob East has multiple USAC National Midget Championship titles and feature wins. Notables who have driven for East include Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Kenny Irwin Jr., Jason Leffler and Bobby East.

“In the past I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented race car drivers,” said East. “I enjoyed working with Kyle last year in the USAC Regional Series and after a solid year he is definitely ready to move into the USAC National Series. I see the same potential in Kyle as I have seen in the past with drivers we have won Championships with. Kyle has the potential to have a long and successful racing career. Janice and I are very excited to have Kyle as our driver again for another season and the entire Sarah Fisher Racing organization back again for 2011.”

O’Gara’s USAC season will consist of 15+ regional events and 10+ national events to include the famed Milwaukee Mile, Iowa Speedway, and the Night Before the 500 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. The SFR development driver is also hoping to make his debut in the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car Series at Lucas Oil Raceway three to four times by season’s end.

Kyle joins Service Central teammates Graham Rahal (IndyCar), Jay Howard (IndyCar) Johnny Gray (NHRA), Shane Gray (NHRA), and Dom Lagana (NHRA) in representing the brand. The appearance of O’Gara’s No. 6 will be similar to the other Service Central cars, flying the Service Central American red, white, and blue colors.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Sarah Fisher Racing in this development series,” said Orland Wolford, President and CEO of TBC Retail Group. “Kyle shows a lot of promise. We are proud to have him represent Service Central®”

Kyle’s 2011 USAC season will get underway in the next few weeks with five to six pre-season tests on the calendar. The first race for the Service Central/East Enterprises/SFR machine is slated for May 15, 2011 at Salem Speedway in Salem, Indiana.

About Kyle O’Gara:

While climbing the racing ladder to the United States Auto Club, Kyle O’Gara (now 16 years old) is a development driver for Sarah Fisher Racing, under the guidance and direction of Bob East with East Enterprises. O’Gara began his racing career at just four years old, racing karts at Whiteland Raceway Park. In his young age, he has participated in several .25 midget events, national karting events, captured three karting championships, and finished third in points in his first season racing in the USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midget Series last year. Kyle is a sophomore at Roncalli High School and resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information, please visit Kyle O’Gara online at http://www.kyleogara.com.

About Service Central:

Service Central® is the automotive service offered exclusively at Tire Kingdom ®, NTB-National Tire and Battery®, Merchant’s Tire and Auto®, and Big O Tires®. Available at over 1,300 locations nationwide, our trained and certified ASE technicians use state-of-the art equipment to provide quality service on your car or truck. Our nationwide warranty provides peace of mind while it protects you and your investment in over 40 states.

About Sarah Fisher Racing (SFR):

Sarah Fisher Racing (SFR) is an auto racing team that competes in the IZOD IndyCar® Series, founded by IZOD IndyCar Series veteran racer, Sarah Fisher. Fisher announced plans to become the IZOD IndyCar Series first female owner/driver and the youngest team owner on February 27, 2008, at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS). The team competed in three events in 2008, grew 100 percent in 2009 to six races and competed in fifteen total events in 2010, during the team’s first season initiating a two-car effort. With backing from Dollar General, SFR has announced plans to run an abbreviated schedule in 2011 competing in nine events, with Ed Carpenter the No. 67. For more information, please visit Sarah Fisher Racing online at www.sarahfisherracing.com.

About TBC Retail Group:

Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, TBC Retail Group, Inc., a subsidiary of TBC Corporation operates more than 800 tire and automotive service centers under the brands: Tire Kingdom®, NTB-National Tire and Battery®, and Merchant’s Tire and Auto Centers®, along with nearly 500 franchised Big O Tires® locations. The contingent of over 1300 stores has trained and certified ASE technicians who use state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality service on cars and trucks. The nationwide warranty provides peace of mind while it protects consumers and their investment in over 40 states. TBC Retail Group employs more than 300 associates at its Juno Beach, Florida headquarters and approximately 10,000 associates nationally. To locate a store near you, call 800-NEW-TIRE. TBC Corporation, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is one of the nation’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through a multi-channel retail and wholesale strategy.

- Sarah Fisher Racing Press Release