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

SYLVANIA 300
Wednesday, September 21st

4:00 PM 5:00 PM         NKNPS-E HAULERS ENTER
                        (PARKING ONLY)
5:00 PM 7:00 PM         NWMT HAULERS ENTER
                        (PARKING ONLY) OPTIONAL

Thursday, September 22nd

6:30 AM                 NKNPS-E REGISTRATION OPENS
6:30 AM                 NWMT REGISTRATION OPENS
7:00 AM                 NWMT REMAINING HAULERS ENTER
7:00 AM                 NKNPS-E GARAGE OPENS & INSPECTION BEGINS
7:15 AM                 NKNPS-E CREW CHIEFS MEETING
7:30 AM                 NWMT GARAGE OPENS & INSPECTION BEGINS
10:00 AM                TRACK SERVICES MEETING
10:00 AM                NKNPS-E ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS
10:30 AM                NKNPS-E DRAWING FOR QUALIFYING ORDER
11:00 AM                NWMT DRAWING FOR QUALIFYING ORDER
11:30 AM 1:00 PM        NKNPS-E PRACTICE
11:45 AM                NWMT ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS
1:15 PM 2:45 PM         NWMT PRACTICE
3:15 PM                 NKNPS-E QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS) IMPOUND-FOLLOWED BY
3:30 PM                 NCWTS HAULERS ENTER
4:45 PM APPROX.         NWMT QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS)
5:00 PM                 NWMT & NKNPS-E REGISTRATION CLOSES
5:00 PM                 NKNPS-E GARAGE CLOSES
7:00 PM                 NSCS HAULERS ENTER
7:00 PM                 NWMT GARAGE CLOSES

Friday, September 23rd

6:00 AM                 NCWTS & NSCS REGISTRATION OPENS
6:30 AM                 NCWTS & NSCS GARAGE OPENS
8:30 AM                 TRACK SERVICES MEETING
9:00 AM                 NCWTS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS & DRAWING FOR QUALIFYING ORDER
10:00 AM 11:20 AM       NCWTS PRACTICE
10:30 AM                NSCS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS & DRAWING FOR QUALIFYING ORDER
11:00 AM                NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
11:30 AM 1:00 PM        NSCS PRACTICE
12:00 PM                NKNPS-E GARAGES & REGISTRATIONS OPEN
1:00 PM                 NKNPS-E AUTOGRAPH SESSION
1:15 PM 2:30 PM         NCWTS FINAL PRACTICE
2:40 PM                 NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
2:45 PM                 NKNPS-E DRIVERS / CREW CHIEFS MEETING
3:00 PM                 TRACK SERVICES MEETING-PIT ROAD
3:10 PM                 NSCS QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS)
4:40 PM                 NKNPS-E DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
5:00 PM                 NKNPS-E RACE (125 LAPS, 132.24 MILES)
5:00 PM                 NSCS, NKNPS-E &NCWTS REGISTRATION CLOSES
5:30 PM                 NCWTS, NSCS GARAGE CLOSES

Saturday, September 24th

7:00 AM                 NWMT & NCWTS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
7:00 AM                 TRACK SERVICES MEETING
8:00 AM                 NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
8:00 AM 8:30 AM         ACT FINAL PRACTICE
8:30 AM 8:50 AM         TV EXHIBITION RUN
9:00 AM 9:30 AM         NWMT FINAL PRACTICE
9:10 AM                 NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
9:40 AM 10:30 AM        NSCS PRACTICE
10:15 AM 10:45 AM       NWMT Autograph Session-
10:40 AM                NCWTS QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS)
10:45 AM                TRACK SERVICES MEETING-PIT ROAD
11:00 AM                NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
11:15 AM                NWMT DRIVERS / CREW CHIEF MEETING (GARAGE)
11:30 AM 12:30 PM       NSCS FINAL PRACTICE
12:35 PM                NCWTS DRIVER / CREW CHIEF MEETING (GARAGE)
12:35 PM                NWMT DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
12:45 PM                NWMT RACE (100 LAPS, 105.8 MILES)
2:30 PM                 NCWTS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
3:00 PM                 NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION CLOSES
3:00 PM                 NCWTS RACE (175 LAPS,185.15 MILES) followed by
3:30 PM                 NCWTS REGISTRATION CLOSES
5:30 PM APPROX.         ACT DRIVERS INTRODUCTIONS
5:35 PM APPROX.         ACT RACE (50 LAPS, 52.9 MILES)

Sunday, September 25th

8:00 AM                 NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
8:00 AM 12:30 PM        NSCS Minor’s Admitted in the NASCAR Garage Area*
9:00 AM 10:00 AM        NASCAR Pace Car Rides
10:00 AM 11:00 AM       Legends Races
11:00 AM                TRACK SERVICES MEETING
12:00 PM                NSCS DRIVER / CREW CHIEF MEETING (NCWTS GARAGE)
12:30 PM                Concert (Front Straight)
1:00 PM                 NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT ** UNTIL ONE HOUR AFTER RACE
1:30 PM                 NSCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY –CLEAR PIT ROAD
2:00 PM                 NSCS RACE (300 LAPS, 317.4 MILES)
2:30 PM                 NSCS REGISTRATION CLOSES
*With Proper Credentials

ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN EASTERN
TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

NASCAR Logo

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2011)

“NASCAR is committed to promoting responsible behavior and enhancing the overall fan experience,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. “We are proud to join MillerCoors and the other members of TEAM Coalition in an effort to drive responsible alcohol consumption awareness to NASCAR partners and fans.”

TEAM Coalition is an alliance of 20 organizations, including professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaires, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, governmental traffic safety experts and others. Its members are united by their mission to provide effective alcohol service training and promote responsible alcohol consumption to enhance the entertainment experience while reducing alcohol-related instances in facilities and on the road.

“At MillerCoors, we believe that with great beer comes great responsibility and we’re thrilled to partner with NASCAR to help promote responsible alcohol consumption at the track,” said Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate social responsibility at MillerCoors. “For many fans, enjoying a beer on race day is part of the NASCAR experience, and we want to encourage fans to enjoy the race responsibly and plan ahead for a safe ride home from the track.”

Beginning Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway and later at four additional Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup races, NASCAR fans at least 21 years in age can pledge at designated driver booths to be a designated driver and help promote responsible alcohol consumption at the race track. Fans can also enter online at www.rhir.org.

The Responsibility Has Its Rewards pledge is to:

• Never Drive Drunk
• Always Have A Designated Driver
• Never Provide Alcohol to Minors
• Always Buckle Up – Every Trip, Every Time

Fans who pledge will be entered into a sweepstakes, and following each race, one responsible fan will be randomly selected as the “Designated Driver of the Race” and be eligible to win the grand prize. The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from the five at-track semi-finalists, plus one online semi-finalist. The grand prize is a trip for two to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, held Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 in Las Vegas. The trip includes airfare, hotel, local transportation and access to exclusive events that week.

The five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races on the 2011 schedule that fans can pledge at-track include:

• · Sept. 18 at Chicagoland Speedway
• · Sept. 25 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
• · Oct. 15 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
• · Oct. 23 at Talladega Superspeedway
• · Oct. 30 at Martinsville Speedway

“The success of the Responsibility Has Its Rewards campaign with NASCAR and MillerCoors is a direct result of the commitment from our members and all the designated-driver program partners, including the tracks, concessionaire companies and state offices of highway safety,” said Jill Pepper, executive director of TEAM Coalition. “Teamwork is what this campaign is all about. We are demonstrating that when everyone – including the fans – takes responsibility, everyone wins.”

For more information on Responsibility Has Its Rewards, visit www.GreatBeerGreatResponsibility.com.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America’s premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the U.S., races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. Also part of NASCAR is Grand-Am Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. The next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway will air Sept. 18 on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

About MillerCoors

MillerCoors brews, markets and sells the MillerCoors portfolio of brands in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Built on a foundation of great beer brands and nearly 300 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second-largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great-tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to Rocky Mountain cold refreshment. MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft, and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light. The company also offers innovative products such as MGD 64, Miller Chill and Sparks. Through MillerCoors new craft and import company, Tenth and Blake, imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel’s craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver. MillerCoors vision is to create the best beer company in America by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.

About TEAM Coalition

TEAM Coalition is an alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, stadium service providers, concessionaires, the beer industry, broadcasters, governmental traffic safety experts, and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports facilities – helps coordinate with professional sports leagues including NASCAR, Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL).

- NASCAR, Press Release

Roush Fenway Racing

“I think it says a lot about the organization that we have been able to put together,” said team owner Jack Roush. “Not only to be able to recruit and attract the type of talent that can compete at the highest level week in and week out, but to be able to hang on those guys for a prolonged period of time. Once they reach a certain level of success and accolades, they have options and we have been able to hang onto a diverse group of talented drivers that can consistently run up front and compete each week at this level.

“We can do this because we work hard and efficient across the board and we expect all of our teams and drivers to be competitive and each of them fully expects to run up front, and compete for wins and championship year in and year out.”

Furthermore, five of Roush Fenway’s six drivers have taken home a NASCAR trophy in 2011. In addition, Greg Biffle won segment one and led a race-high 46 laps in last week’s Sprint All-Star Race. No other stable in motorsports racing can boast this type of success with as many different drivers, competing at such a high level, while – winning.

Throw in Jack Roush Jr., and Billy Johnson’s win at Virginia International Raceway in the Grand-Am CTSCC Series last week, and team owner Jack Roush has a plenty to smile about as the NASCAR Series heads into the Memorial Day weekend.

Success across the board is nothing new for Roush Fenway. In 24 years of racing, the organization has visited NASCAR victory lane 289 times with an impressive 14 different drivers.

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating seven motorsports teams. Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and three in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Trevor Bayne. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com (http://www.roushfenway.com/ ). Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow us on Twitter @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

- Roush Fenway Racing, Press Release

Ray Evernham Enterprises

He was born in Rumson, N.J. on March 18, 1931, to the late Raymond John and Madeline Hawkins Evernham. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Alfred Evernham and a sister, Marjorie Davidson.

Evernham was a mechanic working with the railroad and with race teams. He served his country in the United States Navy on board the destroyer USS H. J. Ellison DD-864. He was a member of Grace Covenant Church, Cornelius, N.C.

He is survived by his wife, MaryLou Bailey Evernham; children, Raymond Evernham, Jr. and wife, Erin, Willie Evernham and wife, Barbara, and LuAnn Evernham; grandchildren, Danelle, Donald, Willy, Ray J., Scotty and Taylor and great grandson, Christopher; sister, Caroline Nicholl and brother, Robert Evernham.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at 1 p.m. at Grace Covenant Church, with Pastor Farrell Lemings and Pastor Paul Turbedsky officiating.

Memorials may be made to Grace Covenant Church, 17301 Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC 28031 and/or the National Kidney Foundation of NC, 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 708, Charlotte, NC 28210.

GRACE COVENANT CHURCH
17301 Statesville Road
Cornelius, NC 28031
Tel: 704-892-8005
Fax: 704-892-7206

CAVIN COOK FUNERAL HOME
494 East Plaza Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
Tel: 704-664-4112

Victory Management Group for Ray Evernham Enterprises, Press Release

Taylor Miinch No. 03 Position One Motorsports

Baldwin Park, CA (May 22, 2010)

Miinch’s afternoon started off on a promising note. Under the warm summerlike conditions, Miinch whipped the #03 Position One Motorsports entry around the 1/2 mile during the day’s 2 practice sessions and posted a pair of 6th place finishes on the timesheets. For his Qualifying, Miinch once again squeezed everything out of the #03 and shot up to third on the timesheets. By the end of the session, Taylor’s time would put him in the 6th spot.

By the time the start of the race was at hand, temperatures had changed dramatically, but nevertheless Miinch was eagerly looking forward to the race. Starting on the outside of row #3, the 16 year old ripped thru the green flag, but his progress was halted when a bad wreck brought out the red flag. Once the race resumed, Miinch was able to take 5th place and soon began a 3-car fight with the #20 of Chris Johnson and the #50 of Nik Romano. Miinch soon scooted into the 4th spot. The battle for 4th between Romano and Johnson continued. Miinch was on a mission and was not going to give up. And with that, the crowd was treated to incredible side-by-side racing, with Miinch taking the low side at every point. On lap #42 Miinch got passed both drivers for 4th and checked out. He would eventually finish the race in 4th by a comfortable margin.

Taylor Miinch, Driver No. 03 – “We had a very good car and the race went very well. We had some exciting racing between the #50 and the #20 and as a result of today I got to learn a lot and that will help me throughout this year. My thanks go out to my Crew Chief, the crew guys, who always work hard. Finally, thanks to my sponsors.”

John Schuetze, Crew Chief No. 03 – “Great race tonight. Taylor found the limit of the car and in his abilities and drove great. He had the 2nd fastest lap of the race and most of the race he was faster than the leader, so overall it was a great weekend and I look forward to the next races.”

ABOUT POSITION ONE MOTORSPORTS
Based in Baldwin Park, CA, Position One Motorsports enters its 4th year of stock car competition at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. In the past 3 years of competition the team has garnered a Championship in the S2 division in 2009, 1 win and multiple top-10s with drivers Mackena Bell, Sergio Pena, Randel King, and Luis Martinez Jr. For 2011 Rodney Johnson Jr and Taylor Miinch will pilot the team’s Super Late and Late Model division cars respectively. You can follow Position One Motorsports on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositionOne and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PositionOne .You can also visit the team’s website at www.position-one.com

- Position One Motorsports, Press Release

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Each presenting blood donor will receive a commemorative t-shirt, a ticket to an upcoming Thursday Thunder race (except for the June 30 event) and a pace car ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway. Pace car rides will be given until sundown. All presenting blood donors will also be entered to win a Labor Day race weekend ticket package, which includes two tickets to all three NASCAR night races Sept. 2-4, in addition to two race weekend pre-race pit passes.

The Drive for Life blood drive’s goal is to help meet the on-going need for more than 1,200 blood donations each weekday in addition to helping maintain a safe blood supply. This year’s drive is aiming to collect 300 pints of blood.

“NASCAR fans are dedicated to the sport and have proven to be just as committed to helping save lives by donating blood,” said Randy Edwards, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross is grateful to the Atlanta Motor Speedway and its fans for their continued support of the Drive for Life.”

Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org/driveforlife or call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767).

- Atlanta Motor Speedway, 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

Historic North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway

“Let me tell you ol’ boy, you have worked your tails off and we are gonna support you!” Pro All-Star Series owner Tom Mayberry told Speedway Associates President Alton McBride Jr.

PASS has already conducted two race weekends at the historic track. The Super Late Model Series made its debut at the track on Labor Day weekend last year. It was the first race at the facility in 14 years and was won by Chase Elliott, son of 1988 NASCAR Cup champion Bill Elliott. Last month, PASS conducted the nation’s richest-ever Super Late Model event at the speedway. Known as “The Race”, it had entries from every region of the United States, as well as Canada. Colorado State University senior Chris Eggleston won that event. PASS is scheduled to return to North Wilkesboro on Labor Day weekend.

United Auto Racing Association President Kerry Bodenhamer, a former short-track racer, described McBride’s decision earlier this week to close the track as a “tough” one. However, the owner of the Hendersonville, N.C.-based series said “UARA will not have a knee jerk reaction.”

“We are with you,” says Bodenhamer, whose series is scheduled to run at the track on June 18.

The USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown and MOPAR National Midget series are scheduled to make their Wilkes County debut July 23 and USAC Senior Vice President of Race Operations Jason Smith says the sanctioning body is “ready to race with SAI and HNWS.”

U-Car Series’ Larry Walls agreed with Smith.

“SAI can count on the Walls’ U-Car Clash Series for anything we can do to help. We are ready to race,” says Walls, whose series participates in the Oct. 28-29 Short Track Shootout.

McBride said if financial restructuring can be completed in a timely fashion, all of the series announced on the 2011 schedule would compete.

“As was stated earlier this week when the closing of Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway was announced, this is a business and it must have the correct numbers when it comes to support, financials and participation,” McBride said. “However, we are very optimistic about the track’s future because of the new opportunities that have been presented. The most refreshing development is the future support slated for the track from the county government and towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro that was noted earlier this week.”

SAI/HNWS is open to partnering with investors in or outside the Wilkes County community who want to see the speedway succeed. For more information call (336) 651-0018. The speedway’s official Website is www.historicnws.com.

- Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, Press Release

Wednesday, June 8 Live on HBO Pay-Per-View®

2011 Prelude to the Dream Poster

Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, will once again be the site of the all-star dirt Late Model race featuring more than 25 world renowned drivers as they battle for dirt supremacy on the half-mile clay oval, all of which will be presented live to the entire nation on HBO Pay-Per-View® with proceeds from the telecast supporting four of the nation’s top children’s hospitals:

• · Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, N.C.: www.LevineChildrensHospital.org
• · Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: www.choa.org
• · St. Louis Children’s Hospital: www.StLouisChildrens.org
• · Children’s Medical Center Dallas: www.childrens.com

The seventh annual event will feature stars from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. All will join two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart in piloting 2,300-pound dirt Late Model stock cars capable of putting out more than 800 horsepower.

The live, commercial-free broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. EDT (5 p.m. PDT) with an immediate replay. HBO Pay-Per-View’s racing telecast has a suggested retail price of $24.95 and is available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming in the pay-per-view industry. Ordering information and up-to-the minute racing information is available at either www.PreludeToTheDream.org or www.HBO.com. Updates can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PreludeToDream and on Twitter at twitter.com/PreludetoDream

The Prelude to the Dream is a team event. There is still an individual race winner, but there is also a race within the race, with the field broken up into four teams, each representing a children’s hospital:

• · Team Levine: Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Bill Elliott, David Reutimann, Austin Dillon, Ray Evernham and Cruz Pedregon.
• · Team Atlanta: Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Joey Logano, Ken Schrader, David Gilliland and Ron Capps.
  • · Team St. Louis: Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Bobby Labonte, Justin Allgaier, Kenny Wallace, Ron Hornaday and Ricky Carmichael.
  • · Team Dallas: Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Brian Vickers, Marcos Ambrose, Aric Almirola and Dave Blaney.

Each hospital will receive a donation, with the payout breakdown as follows:

• · Winning team receives 30 percent of net proceeds raised from the pay-per-view telecast.
• · Second-place team receives 25 percent of net proceeds raised from the pay-per-view telecast.
• · Third- and fourth-place teams each receive 20 percent of net proceeds raised from the pay-per-view telecast.

The lowest team score wins, and only the top-five drivers from each team will be scored. For example, if Team Levine has finishes of first, fourth, seventh, 11^th and 18^th, respectively, from its top-five drivers, its score will be 41. In the event of a tie, the sixth driver will be scored.

“The team concept adds another level of excitement by having a race within the race,” said Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway and three-time winner of the Prelude to the Dream. “As individual drivers, we all want the big trophy at the end of the night. But it’s cool knowing that battles for fourth and fifth and even 11^th and 12^th will make a big difference for what children’s hospital ends up with the big check.

“We plan to raise a lot of money for all of these hospitals, no matter where their teams finish. Since HBO Pay-Per-View began televising the Prelude in 2007, we’ve been able to help a lot of deserving charities, and helping children has always been a part of that mission. With this format, and with the hospitals involved, we feel we have our best chance yet to make this year’s Prelude our most successful one to date.”

The four charities – Levine Children’s Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Children’s Medical Center Dallas – all cater to the medical needs of children.

The six previous Prelude to the Dream events have collectively raised more than $3 million. With each year’s event gaining significant stature and mainstream interest, Stewart’s ultimate goal is to have the 2011 Prelude to the Dream raise $1 million, with the proceeds impacting the four charities.

“It’s an ambitious goal,” admits Stewart, “but if we don’t set the bar high, we’re not pushing ourselves the way we should. That’s our goal, and me and everybody else associated with this event is going to do everything we can to meet that goal. Now, we just need everyone out there to purchase the event, enjoy all the action going on at Eldora, and know that their dollars are going to a very worthy cause.”

Drivers from all types of disciplines, some with lots of dirt track experience and others with hardly any, will participate in qualifying, heat races and a 30-lap feature, all of which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

“For the fifth year in a row we will bring live action from Eldora into living rooms across the country,” said Tammy Ross, vice president, HBO Pay-Per-View & Sports. “With this year’s new start time and enhancing the format of the telecast, race fans will have a chance to settle in at home and prepare for a great night of continuous, live racing action.”

With no points and no pressure, the Prelude to the Dream is a throwback race, allowing drivers to step back in time and compete for the reasons they all went racing in the first place – pride and a trophy. And they’ll do it on the same surface that racing legends A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti competed on nearly 50 years ago.

Other interesting storylines include:

• · More Than 50 Driving/Riding Titles Represented at the Prelude: Sprint Cup [10] – Elliott (1988), Labonte (2000), Stewart (2002, 2005), Kenseth (2003), Johnson (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010); IROC [3] – Labonte (2001), Kenseth (2004), Stewart (2006); Nationwide Series [4] – Labonte (1991), Edwards (2007), Bowyer (2008), Busch (2009); Camping World Truck Series [4] – Hornaday (1996, 1998, 2007, 2009); ARCA [1] – Allgaier (2008); IndyCar Series [1] – Stewart (1997), NHRA Funny Car [2] – Pedregon (1992, 2008); Camping World Series East [1] – Logano (2007); Australian V8 Supercar [2] –Ambrose (2003, 2004); World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series [1] – Blaney (1995); AMA 125 National [3] – Carmichael (1997, 1998, 1999); AMA 125 East Coast SX [1] – Carmichael (1998); AMA 250 National [7] – Carmichael (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006); AMA 250 Supercross [5] – Carmichael (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006); U.S. Open of Supercross [3] – Carmichael (2000, 2001, 2005); WSXGP 250 Supercross [1] – Carmichael (2005); MXdN [4] – Carmichael (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007).

• · Dirt Veterans vs. Dirt Neophytes: Stewart, Kahne, Newman, Blaney, Bowyer, Elliott, Schrader, Allgaier and Wallace grew up on dirt tracks, while Busch, Almirola, Hamlin and Logano spent the majority of their racing upbringing on asphalt.

• · What Happens When a Drag Racer has to Turn the Steering Wheel?: Capps is a 15-year veteran of the NHRA and Pedregon is a 17-year NHRA driver, where straight-line runs over 300 mph are commonplace. They’ll have to turn right to go left as they sling their dirt Late Models around Eldora.

For those who want to see the Prelude to the Dream in person, tickets are available online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815. Act fast – the race has sold out in previous years.

Snapshots of each charity supported by this year’s Prelude to the Dream are as follows:

• · Levine Children’s Hospital (www.LevineChildrensHospital.org): Levine Children’s Hospital is a 234-bed hospital in Charlotte, N.C, 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 supports 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 and Washington, D.C. – 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.

“At Levine Children’s Hospital, we are honored to again benefit from the Prelude to the Dream,” said Mark Griffith with Carolinas HealthCare Foundation. “Racing has deep roots here in Charlotte, and we can’t think of a more unique and fun race to partner with than Tony Stewart’s Prelude to the Dream.”

· Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (www.choa.org): Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 16 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S. News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world.

“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta relies on the generous support we receive from events like the Prelude to the Dream,” said Eugene A. Hayes III, president of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation. “We are so excited to be a part of a fundraiser like this, making it possible for our physicians, nurses and staff to provide the best quality care for children across the Southeast and get kids back to being kids.”

· St. Louis Children’s Hospital (www.StLouisChildrens.org): Founded in 1879, St. Louis Children’s Hospital is one of the premier children’s hospitals in the United States. It serves not just the children of St. Louis, but children across the world. The hospital provides a full range of pediatric services to the St. Louis metropolitan area and a primary service region covering six states. As the pediatric teaching hospital for Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers nationally recognized programs for physician training and research.

“St. Louis Children’s Hospital is grateful to be selected as a beneficiary hospital by Tony Stewart’s Prelude to the Dream,” said Lee Fetter, president of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Many of our young patients and their parents are NASCAR fans, and I know they’ll find this race especially thrilling. I imagine we’ll create some new fans before the end of the race – especially those in our Pediatric Neurocritical Care Program.”

• · Children’s Medical Center Dallas (www.childrens.com): Children’s Medical Center is private, not-for-profit, and is the seventh largest pediatric healthcare provider in the country with 559 licensed beds, two full-service campuses and 10 outpatient sites. Children’s was Texas’ first pediatric hospital to achieve Level 1 Trauma status and is the only pediatric teaching facility in North Texas, affiliated with UT Southwestern Medical Center.

“Children’s Medical Center Dallas is honored to have been chosen as one of four children’s hospitals that will benefit from the 2011 Prelude to the Dream,” said Pete Kline, president of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “Children’s Injury Prevention Program, which is the beneficiary of the race, has provided more than 5,000 car seats, more than 2,000 water vests and more than 300 helmets free of cost to families who could not afford them in Dallas and Collin County. This is an amazing opportunity and partnership for Children’s, and on June 8, the hospital staff, patient families and our supporters in the community will be cheering for our drivers.”

- True Speed Communication for Prelude to the Dream

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway

“In trying times the NASCAR community always pulls together,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “Several of our racing communities in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia have been impacted by these devastating storms and it’s great that The NASCAR Foundation has seen the need and jumped in to help.”

“Our hearts go out to those affected by the recent disasters in the South. Through NASCAR Unites we will offer a way for fans and the industry to come together to raise funds and volunteer to help support the relief efforts. We are grateful for Talladega Superspeedway’s leadership and quick response to the immediate needs of their community,” said Sandy Marshall, Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation.

Race fans can find out more about the online auction and ways they can help the relief efforts by visiting http://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1426.

To keep up to date on Talladega Superspeedway’s relief efforts fans can visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or the track’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/talladegasuperspeedway.

- Talladega Superspeedway, 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

Richmond International Raceway

“We are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the guest experience at Richmond International Raceway,” said track president Doug Fritz. “Our goal is to provide the perfect racing experience at the raceway that is known for Racing Perfection. Our mobile website boasts convenience and enhances the guest experience at America’s Premier Short Track.”

Richmond International Raceway’s mobile website, which launched in time for the September 2010 NASCAR weekend, is another fan enhancement in an effort to ensure top-notch guest experience at America’s Premier Short Track. The mobile website features important information available before, during and after race weekends, including ticket information, gate policies, race day activities, latest news and much more.

The mobile website is accessible from all smart phones, wherever cellular service is available. It will be especially useful for Richmond International Raceway’s upcoming race weekend April 28-30.

The 2011 NASCAR season at Richmond International Raceway runs April 28-30 with four races in three nights! Tickets are on sale now for the Crown Royal Presents The Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race “under the lights” on Saturday, April 30. Advance tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223.

On Friday night, April 29, the NASCAR Nationwide Series returns for the BUBBA burger 250 race “under the lights.” Friday’s ticket includes Wawa Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series, as well as NBC12 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. Friday’s tickets start at $30 in advance and can be purchased online at www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-7223. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections on Friday.

The weekend begins with a doubleheader on Thursday night, April 28, beginning with the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race, followed by the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown. Thursday’s tickets are $25 and all seats are general admission. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult on Thursday. For tickets, log on to www.rir.com or call 866-455-7223.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release

SPEEDMAKERS FOLLOWS LANE CONSTRUCTION as THEY REMOVE THE OLD and BUILD a NEW TRACK SURFACE FROM THE GROUND UP

SHOW PREMIERES MAY 12 at 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

The First Repave Strike on the High Banks in Turn 1 at Daytona International Speedway

But how did they do it? With its legendary 31 degrees of steep banking and 18 degrees accenting the famous tri-oval, laying asphalt at this facility is no small order. It’s a question answered on SPEED’s original series, Speedmakers (May 12; 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), which captured a process that dramatically changed the face of this year’s Daytona 500 and Daytona 200 during Bike Week.

Starting in July of 2010, the construction crew descended onto Daytona Beach, Fla., spending the next six months repaving the entire 2.5-mile racing surface, pit road and the aprons. The project covered more than 1.4-million feet of surface area and required 50,000 tons of asphalt, including the complete re-surfacing and widening of pit road.

“This was a monumental and historic undertaking on what many consider to be racing’s most hallowed ground,” said Robert Ecker, SPEED VP of Programming and Executive Producer. “The sheer physical demands of the task, coupled with the etched-in-stone completion date, required innovative engineering systems and state-of-the-art technology. It proved to be as daunting a task as anticipated, and the Speedmakers crew was on hand to capture the process in its enormity.”

“Repaving the ‘World Center of Racing’ was a monumental task with a lot riding upon its successful completion,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “Lane Construction faced the challenges head on and their hard work resulted in one of the smoothest surfaces in racing and a record breaking Speedweeks 2011. I hope our fans enjoy this look back at all the sweat and innovation that went into repaving Daytona International Speedway.”

Among the topics covered include demolition and removal of the old pavement, the mobile asphalt production plant and the unique machinery it took to safely surface and test the high banks. Lane Construction’s past experience, which includes repaving projects at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond (Va.) International Raceway and Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, was critical in being able to finish the project in a timely manner, despite the multiple challenges that presented themselves along the way.

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 more than 82 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. 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.com and scout.com, reaching over 20 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.

- SPEED/FOX Sports Media Group, Press Release

Rod Johnson Jr Victory Lane

The day started off promising after Johnson and Deegan completed their practice sessions on a positive note. Johnson led every session, while Deegan used the seat time to acclimate himself in his new surroundings. For his second practice session, Deegan jumped up to 8th place on the timesheets out of 14 cars. Later in the afternoon, under partly cloudy skies and cool, breezy conditions, qualifying arrived. The Position One Motorsports duo, led by crew chief John Schuetze, queued up; ready to hammer down their 2-lap qualifying effort. Deegan was first and, with 5 cars already on the timesheets, he muscled the 3500-pound car around the ½ track with poise. His effort was rewarded and he shot up to the top of the leaderboard with a time of 18.076. Deegan would eventually start the race in 9th after all the racers had completed their qualifying effort. Johnson was the last to enter the track to qualify. A strong qualifier in the past, Johnson didn’t disappoint. His first lap time was at a blistering pace. The official time read was 17.558, which not only earned him the pole position for the second straight race, but the time also broke the existing track record of 17.571, which was set by RJ last year at the California Classic.

Taking the green flag, RJ screamed thru the start and didn’t look back. Johnson immediately put a 2-car length lead between himself and the 2nd place car. He ran his best lap on the 2nd lap of the race with a time of 17.978. He continued to maintain a fast pace and carved around the track for the remaining 77 laps, while at the same time denying any attempts to take his lead. Indeed, at a point in the race, Johnson’s staggering lead was as high as 4-car lengths. Johnson would eventually cruise his way to winning the race by 1.169 seconds.

For Deegan, this race was about learning and gaining experience. His debut race with Position One Motorsports would also be an eventful affair. The founder of the famous Metal Mulisha Freestyle Motocross team would take the start of the race in solid fashion and began setting some impressive times. He quickly picked up the 8th spot and soon thereafter caught up to Race Liberante to challenge for 7th. It soon became a 4-way car battle. With every lap Deegan inched his way closer to taking the spot away. He was sidetracked momentarily when the #43 of Dennis Furden hit him from behind and spun him around on turn #2. Deegan showed incredible skill and corrected the car and was able to continue on his way; preserving his 7th spot. He slid into 5th, after Ryan Partridge was forced to retire from the race, and immediately went after the 4th place of Liberante. On the last lap Deegan attempted a daring move on the inside of Liberante in turn #2 for 4thplace. And with 3rd only a few feet away, Deegan powered his way forward, but ultimately accepted a solid 4th place finish. This would be Deegan’s best stock car career finish.

Position One Motorsports returns next weekend with its Auto Club Late Model program and driver Taylor Miinch and returns to Super Late Model competition on May 7th.

Rod Johnson Jr, Driver No. 03 - “This victory really goes to the crew. They deserve this one. Though we had a vibration issue earlier in the day the crew persevered and gave me an absolutely great car for the race. The car was a missile during the race and all I did was drive it. Many thanks go to our sponsors and everyone who made this possible.”

Brian Deegan, Driver No. 30 – “This weekend’s deal was thrown together at the last minute and I was lucky enough to be partnered up with one of the best teams out here. I immediately realized the car was a good car and it was pretty much up to me to get a good result. Once I got with the lead pack I started figuring out how the car works. This weekend was certainly a learning experience. Sometimes you have to put the ego aside and admit that you may not be the best in the sport and start from scratch. That’s what makes it so exciting. Once I got to the lead pack and smelled blood I realized I had a chance to go even further, so I took it and made a move on the bottom and took it, and finished in the 4th spot, which in the end, exceeded my goal of leaving here with a top-5. This weekend was a big time success. I feel like the guys at Position One are the winning edge that I needed to move forward and I think I’m where I need to be.”

ABOUT POSITION ONE MOTORSPORTS
Based in Baldwin Park, CA, Position One Motorsports enters its 4th year of stock car competition at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. In the past 3 years of competition, the team has garnered a Championship in the S2 division in 2009, 1 win and multiple top-10s with drivers Mackena Bell, Sergio Pena, Randel King, and Luis Martinez Jr. For 2011, Rodney Johnson Jr and Taylor Miinch will pilot the team’s Super Late and Late Model division cars respectively. You can follow Position One Motorsports on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositionOne and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PositionOne. You can also visit the team’s website at www.position-one.com

- Position One Motorsports, Press Release