Tulsa Shootout Set to Top 900 Entries

With the pre-entry deadline now a thing of the past, the 28th running of the Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout presented by Vacuworx Global happening Saturday December 29th and Sunday December 30th at the Tulsa Expo Center doesn’t seemed to have been hurt by current economic woes as the number of entries has surpassed the 800 mark.

With a total of 846 entries received before the December 20th deadline an impressive lineup of 490 drivers currently fill the eight featured classes with another 50-150 expected on the December 26th move-in day.
Of the featured classes, none come close the numbers boasted by the A-Class Non Winged division as a record 204 entries have been received with drivers venturing from nearly every corner of the United States as 17 states plus entries from Canada look to be represented. The only other class to come close is the Non-Wing Outlaws with 173 hoping for a shot at the famed Golden Driller.

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Front Row Motorsports Announces Extensions with Ragan, Gilliland, Wise, Ford and Roush-Yates

Statesville, N.C. (December 13, 2012) – Renewals of long-time partnerships will have Front Row Motorsports poised to run its most competitive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season ever in 2013, with the team announcing new agreements with drivers David Ragan, David Gilliland and Josh Wise.  The team will also continue its relationships with manufacturing partner Ford Racing and engine builder Roush Yates Racing Engines.

Front Row Motorsports enters its fourth year teaming with Gilliland, Ford and Roush Yates – relationships that have brought stability and growth to the still-young team entering its fifth full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series.  Race winner Ragan joined the line-up for the 2012 season, helping the team earn its best average finishes and the best year-end point rankings for the Nos. 34 and 38 entries in Front Row history.

The 2012 season saw Ragan and Gilliland combine for one top-five, two top-10, four top-15 and eight top-20 finishes, and an average finish of 27^th.  Ragan finished the season 28^th in the driver point standings and Gilliland ended the season in 30^th.  The team continued to show its strength on superspeedways, where Ford and Roush Yates power helped Ragan and Gilliland earn their best results of the season.  The 26-year-old Ragan will return to the cockpit of the No. 34 entry and the 36-year-old Gilliland will once again pilot the No. 38.

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Marlin, Kulwicki, Hall to be Inducted into Daytona HOF

The Daytona Beach West Rotary Club Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame will induct three NASCAR standouts at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Shores Resort and Spa. The three inductees are 1992 NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki, two-time Daytona 500 winner Sterling Marlin and radio broadcaster Barney Hall, often referred to as “the voice of NASCAR.” For more information, go online to stockcarhalloffame.org or call Bruce Thornton at 386-453-3352. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal)

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Brad Keselowski Won't Keep NASCAR Title Trophy at Home

Brad Keselowski, the newly crowned NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, said Tuesday he has no plans to keep his title trophy at home.

"It's not at my house, it's at Penske Racing on display for the team guys," Keselowski, 28, said during a break in testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

"I don't keep trophies at my house," Keselowski said, according to a transcript provided by Ford Racing. "I don't believe in building a shrine to myself. It's kind of weird." (LA Times)

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Home Depot's Husky to be Primary Sponsor on the No. 20 in 2013

The Home Depot announces it will utilize the home improvement store’s proprietary tool brand, Husky, as the primary sponsor for the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Toyota in each of its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during the 2013 season.

Through this partnership The Home Depot looks to reward its customers through Husky Days of Giving, a Facebook contest offering the chance to win great Husky products daily as well as a grand prize to be awarded at the end of the promotion.

Husky will be the primary sponsor on JGR’s No. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry in 20 races during the 2013 season and The Home Depot will remain the associate sponsor when Dollar General serves as the car’s primary sponsor.


/// PR

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Keselowski, Penske Championships Voted Best Moment of 2012

Brad Keselowski, no one's pre-season choice to win the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, stumped the experts.

Media members, in turn, have voted Keselowski's title run for owner Roger Penske as NASCAR's top story of the past season. Keselowski's first championship prevailed in the voting over Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s drought-busting victory in June at Michigan International Speedway.

 Now that media members have had their say, it's the fans' turn. Fans can vote for their favorite competition stories of 2012 on the NASCAR Facebook page.

THe Top-10 Voted Best Moments of 2012 by the media
1.-Brad Keselowski's First Championship
2.-Dale Earnhardt Breaks 143-Race Winless Streak
3.-Matt Kenseth Wins Explosive Daytona 500
4.-Michael Waltrip Racing Makes Chase In Style
5.-Hendrick Motorsports Records Milestone 200th Victory
6.-Classic Rockingham Raceway Returns To NASCAR In 2012
7.-Stenhouse Goes Back To Back In The NASCAR Nationwide Series
8.-Patrick Makes History With Top-10 Championship Finish
9.-Ambrose Wins Second At The Glen In Wild Finish
10.-Jeff Gordon Claims Final Wild Card Spot At Richmond

/// NASCAR PR

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JTG Daugherty Racing Adds Sponsor

HARRISBURG, N.C.  - - JTG Daugherty Racing has been diligently working on securing sponsorship all season long for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and beyond for their No. 47 Toyota Camry team.

While longstanding iconic brands return along with 2000 champion driver Bobby Labonte, the single-car operation is proud to add new sponsorships to the lineup next year.

One example of the newest member joining the JTG Daugherty Racing family is North Carolina based House-Autry Mills.

House-Autry Mills is slated to be the primary for the Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, September 29.

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The Legendary Charlie Daniels Band to Perform at Bristol

Bristol Motor Speedway's concrete surface is packed with uneasy riders on race day... But the original "Uneasy Rider" and one of Southern Rock's and Country's biggest legends brings his hard-driving act to "The Last Great Colosseum." The Charlie Daniels Band hits Bristol Motor Speedway on St. Patrick's Day for the Food City 500 pre-race show.

Prior to drivers receiving the command to start their engines March 17, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist delivers his special brand of music, invigorating race fans before the green flag falls on one of NASCAR’s most exciting events.

"Bristol Motor Speedway is all about producing high-octane excitement and Charlie Daniels has been on stage delivering that same level of enjoyment to music fans for years," said BMS General Manager Jerry Caldwell. "It makes perfect sense for two of the world's most recognizable Tennessee-based entities to join forces for the best fans in racing.

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AARP Foundation on Jeff Gordon’s Heisman Humanitarian Award

WASHINGTON, DC – AARP Foundation President Jo Ann Jenkins today released the following statement on Jeff Gordon’s 2012 Heisman Humanitarian Award. Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet and four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, becomes the seventh recipient of the Heisman Humanitarian Award, which recognizes people in the sports world who demonstrate notable commitment to helping improve the lives of other people.

“The Heisman Trophy Trust’s recognition of Jeff confirms something we’ve known for a while – that he is as great a person off the track as he is behind the wheel of a racecar. Jeff’s commitment to philanthropy and helping others in need was a critical factor in the decision by AARP and AARP Foundation that NASCAR could be a good platform for our work to help end the problem of older adult hunger.

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Eury Jr. Named David Stremme's Crew Chief

Tony Eury Jr. will be the crew chief for Swan Racing's No. 30 Toyota driven by David Stremme for the 2013 season. The move comes just days after the new team, owned by Brandon Davis, was formally announced.

"We have a long-term vision for Swan Racing and the addition of Tony Jr. is another step in that process. Tony brings a world of experience to Swan Racing and will be part of our long-term success," said Davis.

"I am really impressed with the team Swan Racing is building and I am proud to be part of it," said Eury. "I am looking forward to working with David Stremme behind the wheel and with competition director Steve Hmiel."

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Brian Scott Slated for NASCAR Nationwide Series Ride with RCR

WELCOME, N.C. - Richard Childress Racing has signed a multi-year agreement with Brian Scott to be the driver of the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet Camaro for the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

Scott, 24, of Boise, Idaho, has twice finished in the top 10 of the Nationwide Series driver championship point standings in three full seasons of competition. He finished eighth in 2011 and ninth this past year. He finished 14th and was runner-up in the series’ rookie of the year standings in 2010. Phil Gould, car chief for the No. 2 team in 2012 and with previous experience at RCR as a car chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been promoted to crew chief for the team.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to drive the No. 2 Shore Lodge Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Nationwide Series,” said Scott. “RCR has proven over the past 13 years that it can build and prepare winning cars in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and has for a variety of drivers. I just want to be the next name on that list. RCR has a rich tradition of winning races and championships at the highest level of our sport and I am excited about being a part of an organization, like theirs, that is committed to winning.

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Burns Named Bobby Labonte's Crew Chief

Brian Burns has worked his way from interim status to the crew chief role at JTG/Daugherty Racing for the No. 47 Toyota and driver Bobby Labonte.

Burns had been a crew chief with Travis Kvapil and an interim crew chief with Labonte for the final four races in 2011 after Frank Kerr was reassigned. He returned to the crew chief role for at JTG/D in August when Todd Berrier parted ways with the team. Under Burns' direction, Labonte posted three finishes of 12th or better in the final six races of the season.

“I think he’s done a great job since he was put in that position,” said general manager Bobby Hutchens. “He’s a solid engineer and he understands the race car. Plus he’s a great leader with the crew. Considering that he’s already had time in the position, I really believe we’ll be able to make progress next year." (FOXSports)

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Joey Logano Gets New Spotter

When Sprint Cup teams roll into Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 2013 car test, Tab Boyd will debut in his new role as spotter for Joey Logano and the No. 22 Penske Racing Ford.

Boyd also will assume spotter duties for Sam Hornish Jr. on the Nationwide Series tour and work as a fabricator for Penske Racing during the week.

Boyd has worked as a spotter for the last decade, most recently with Danica Patrick.(FOXSports)

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Tony Stewart Wants to Race a V8 Supercar

NASCAR hardman Tony Stewart expressed his desire to race a V8 Supercar at the unveiling of the 2013 Chevrolet SS which is based heavily on the next generation Holden VF Commodore.

At the bells and whistles launch in Las Vegas Stewart told Speedcafe that he has been approached several times by Paul Morris to have a crack at a V8 Supercar in the shared driver races.

“Paul Morris keeps inviting me out to have a go in one. I don’t know if Austin would work but I would love to have a chance to drive one. I’d love the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one,” Stewart said.

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NMPA Selects Hall of Fame Inductees

Three men who spent their careers making outstanding contributions to the sport of auto racing will be inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame in January.

Longtime NASCAR executive and former track president Jim Hunter and Pocono Raceway founder and patriarch Dr. Joseph Mattioli will be inducted posthumously and will be joined by pioneer sportscaster Ken Squier as the class entering the Hall during a ceremony on Jan. 19 in Charlotte, N.C.

The three were selected on more than 65 percent of the ballots cast by NMPA members to earn induction into the Hall of Fame. Hunter was selected on 89 percent of the ballots, while both Mattioli and Squier were on 65 percent of the ballots.

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Charlotte Motor Speedway Testing Open to Fans

Several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will test their new 2013 cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 11 and 12. As part of a special off-season treat, race fans are invited to view the two-day test session from the grandstands, free of charge.

“This will be the first time most fans will have the opportunity to see the new 2013 cars and we are excited to give them a sneak peek,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “The teams will be working hard next week to figure these cars out in preparation for the biggest back-to-back weekends in motorsports here at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May.”

Teams expected to participate in the test include Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing and Wood Brothers Racing. Testing will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon.

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ARCA Announces 10-Race TV Schedule for 2013

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Officials from ARCA and FOX Sports Media Group jointly announced at the International Motorsports Industry Show the 2013 television schedule for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, comprised of 10 events to be televised live or on a same-day delay on SPEED.

The 2013 ARCA television schedule will open on SPEED on Saturday, February 16. Live flag-to-flag coverage of ARCA's 50th consecutive annual event at the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Other events scheduled for live and/or same-day SPEED coverage in 2013 include races at Talladega Superspeedway on May 3; Toledo Speedway on May 19;Pocono Raceway on June 8 and August 2; Michigan International Speedway on June 14; Chicagoland Speedway on July 21; Iowa Speedway on September 7; Kentucky Speedway on September 20; and the season finale at Kansas Speedway on October 4.

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RIR's April 2013 NASCAR Weekend Tickets on Sale Now

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas” with NASCAR tickets from Richmond International Raceway. Tickets for RIR’s April 25-27, 2013, tripleheader weekend are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223.

The Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is set for Saturday, April 27, featuring defending champion Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chesterfield, Virginia’s Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and many more. Advance tickets, including seats in Turns 1 and 4, start at $45.

The Friday, April 26, ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race features Emporia, Virginia’s Elliott Sadler, Brian Vickers, Justin Allgaier, Sam Hornish Jr. and all of your favorite series regulars mixing it up with several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers running double-duty. Advance tickets for the ToyotaCare 250 start at $30 and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling 866-455-7223.

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Preseason Thunder Fan Fest Tickets on Sale Monday

Race fans can purchase tickets for the annual Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway beginning on Monday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.

The stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take to the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway for three days of testing on Thursday, Jan. 10 through Saturday, Jan. 12 in advance of the 55th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24.

The test sessions mark the first time the new 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars, which highlight greater brand identity for the manufacturers, will turn laps on Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5-mile tri-oval. Dubbed “G6,” the new-look sixth generation cars will conduct test sessions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, weather permitting. Each session includes a lunch break from noon until 1 p.m.

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US Fleet Tracking Named A-Feature Sponsor of the Chili Bowl

Tulsa, Oklahoma (December 3, 2012) Joining the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire for the 2013 edition, Oklahoma City based US Fleet Tracking will carry the distinct honor as the presenting sponsor for each of the Chili Bowl’s 5 A-Features.

When asked about joining the Chili Bowl in 2013, US Fleet Tacking Director of Public Relations and Marketing Sam Sims stated, “For us this is such a great event. The international level of the Chili Bowl is very interesting to US Fleet Tracking. It really represents our clientele and we want to be a part of something great.”

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Stewart Turns Down Penske's Indy 500 Offer

Tony Stewart declined team owner Roger Penske's offer to race in the Indianapolis 500, along with NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600, on Memorial Day weekend next year.

The driver, a native of Columbus, Ind., made the announcement during the International Motorsports Industry Show in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

"As much as I would like to do it, we just don't have the time to do it proper," Stewart said. "The IRL is so competitive now, you're not going to just show up like drivers used to do in the past and be competitive. These guys don't leave anything on the table there. You're not going to stroll into the Indy 500 with these guys who race every week and be as competitive as they are.

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Brad Keselowski Named Driver of the Year

Brad Keselowski was voted the 2012 Driver Of The Year by a panel of motorsports broadcasters and journalists.

Keselowski was a near-unanimous choice for the annual award after winning his first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship and the first for owner Roger Penske.

"To be honored with the 2012 Driver of the Year is a great way to cap off our championship season," said Keselowski, who also won the fourth-quarter vote. "The list is definitely a 'who's-who' in the history of racing. It gives me great pride to see my name there with the likes of Mark Donohue and Mario Andretti, drivers who have transcended one particular discipline or series, and are considered some of the best to ever sit in a racecar."

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Waltrip Invests in New Racetrack

The opportunity to be part of the racetrack and automotive-research center being built on the site of Cooper Stadium was just too tempting for NASCAR team owner and driver Michael Waltrip to pass up.Waltrip announced yesterday that he and his racing team will be investors in the Sports Pavilion & Automotive Research Complex, or SPARC, being developed on the stadium site.

“He had me from racetrack,” the two-time Daytona 500 winner said of his initial discussions with Bill Schottenstein, principal of Arshot Investment Corp., developer of the complex. “Having my hands on designing and helping to build a racetrack is very exciting.”

Waltrip and Schottenstein both declined to say how much the team invested.

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Brendan Gaughan to Drive For Childress

Brendan Gaughan is returning to full-time NASCAR competition.

After a year in which he ran 22 races across NASCAR's top three national series – but didn't run a full schedule in any – Gaughan will race a full Camping World Truck Series schedule for Richard Childress Racing in 2013.

Gaughan will drive RCR's No. 62 Truck sponsored by the South Point casino, which is owned by his father. He'll also run two Nationwide Series races for RCR – at Las Vegas in March and Road America in June.

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IndyCar Drivers Like Idea of Stewart in Indy 500

If NASCAR's Tony Stewart accepts Roger Penske's offer to drive in next year's Indianapolis 500, that would be fine by some IndyCar drivers.

"That would be awesome. I hope he does it," Will Power, one of Penske's regular IndyCar series drivers, said Tuesday during a break in testing at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

Penske, whose cars have won a record 15 Indy 500s, made the offer at NASCAR's season-ending banquet last week.

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Team Vows Not to Start and Park

Brandon Davis' new Sprint Cup team made him feel ill at the first race he attended.

After making only 127 of 400 laps at Richmond International Raceway, David Stremme drove his Inception Motorsports Toyota to the garage. It was one of 20 instances in 28 starts last year that the team elected to "start and park" — a strategy in which teams forgo running a full distance in favor of an easy paycheck.

The newest car owner in NASCAR's premier series vows the rebranded Swan Racing won't be employing the philosophy next season.

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