Monday, March 05, 2012

Two drivers running for NASCAR Sprint Cup ROTY

Josh Wise and Timmy Hill are not sure exactly how many races they'll compete in during the 2012 Sprint Cup season, but they plan to be racing each other for Sprint Cup's top rookie honors. Both Wise and Hill have registered for the rookie program and took their first Cup laps of the season this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. Wise, who drove in 31 Nationwide races for three teams including JR Motorsports last year and has four career starts in the Cup Series, is driving the #26 car for Front Row Motorsports, which Tony Raines qualified in for the Daytona 500. #37-Hill, the 2011 Nationwide rookie of the year, is looking to make his Cup debut after failing to qualify Saturday at Phoenix. He is driving a car fielded by Rick Ware Racing and Max Q Motorsports in a deal that came together the last few weeks. Both Wise and Hill are not certain how many races they'll compete in this season. Wise and Front Row need sponsorship for that car to run the full events. Hill hopes to be in the car every race but knows that if he misses some, the team might put someone else in the car to try to get it in the top 35. (via SceneDaily.com)

Elliott Sadler's ride with MWR is in jeopardy

Per FOXSports.com, Elliott Sadler’s plans to substitute for Mark Martin behind the wheel of the No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series may have been a bit premature. But multiple sources told FOXSports.com the deal blew up Saturday night, shortly after it was announced via a press release. While talks had been in the works for a couple of months, the manufacturer conflict for Sadler, who drives Chevrolets full time for RCR in the Nationwide Series, appears to have squashed the arrangement.

SEE ALSO:
Elliott Sadler to drive five races for MWR

NASCAR will use extra pace car behind jet dryers

Per ESPN.com, NASCAR officials announced a change to have an extra pace car with flashing lights behind the last jet-dryer truck on the track in all races in all three series -- Sprint Cup, Nationwide and the Camping World Trucks Series. The drivers of the jet-dryer trucks also will wear helmets and fire suits during each race, but that is a change agreed upon by officials at race tracks that play host to NASCAR events, not a rule instituted by NASCAR.

NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart to Chair National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration

Springfield, MO (March 5, 2012)–Leading NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver/owner Tony Stewart knows a thing or two about winning championships.  As the driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Stewart has won 12 driving championships, including three Sprint Cup Series titles, in a career spanning more than three decades.

Stewart is a champion off the racetrack as much as he is on, and has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts via his Tony Stewart Foundation, which raises funds for distribution to three specific groups – chronically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities, and organizations dedicated to the protection of various animal species.  This year, Stewart is a champion for another cause as he has been named honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day 2012.

Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since launching in 1971, the day has been formally proclaimed by every U.S. President, countless governors and mayors. Stewart joins an elite fraternity of entertainment and sports figures that have served as honorary chairs, including Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Jeff Foxworthy, Jay Novacek, Robert Urich, Wade Boggs, Ward Burton, Arnold Palmer, Terry Bradshaw, the USA Olympic Shooting Team and many others. The annual celebration is set for Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012.

“It’s a pleasure to be this year’s honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day,” Stewart said. “I love the outdoors and everything that goes into maintaining the outdoors. Nurturing the land is as satisfying for me as hunting and fishing.”

Stewart seemed destined for racing success at an early age when the Columbus, IN native won his first championship at age 8 – a 4-cycle rookie junior class championship at the Columbus Fairgrounds.  After two more karting championships – this time on a national level – the rest, as they say, was history.

Stewart came to NASCAR in 1999 via the IZOD IndyCar Series where he was series champion in 1997. Prior to IndyCar, he had four USAC (United States Auto Club) championships, including an unprecedented win of USAC’s “Triple Crown.” He is the first and only driver to have won championships in stock cars, Indy cars and open-wheel Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown cars.

He has won some of the biggest races in motorsports including being a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400, a six-time winner of the season-opening NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway, and a two-time winner of the famed Chili Bowl – an all-star Midget race at Tulsa (OK) Expo Raceway.

In 2008, Stewart became driver/owner in the Sprint Cup Series with Stewart/Haas Racing, but he had already proven himself a successful team owner with the formation as Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in 2000. TSR has earned 15 owner championships and Stewart is passionate about providing cars and equipment for racing’s future stars.  It’s his way of giving back to the grassroots racing series that enabled him to become a motorsports icon.

“Giving back is something that drives me, be it in racing or with the outdoors,” Stewart said. “In order for racing to be sustainable, we have to have younger generations get involved. It’s the same with the outdoors. In order for hunting and fishing to be sustainable, our land and wildlife needs to be managed and maintained, and that knowledge has to be passed on from one generation to the next.”

“We are excited to have Tony Stewart as honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day. It’s good to have the voice and perspective of one of America’s most respected NASCAR drivers, owner and philanthropists. His volunteerism shows that hunting, fishing and conservation remain important in all walks of American life today,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife. The museum, in Springfield, Mo., is the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Wonders of Wildlife coordinates public education and awareness campaigns to promote traditional outdoor sports. The museum recently opened the newly constructed Conservation Education Center. The museum itself has also undergone extensive renovations and will open in 2013.

Stewart is one of America’s 34 million hunters and anglers. Together, their licenses, permits and special taxes contribute more than $4.7 million each day for fish, wildlife and habitat programs. No one contributes more for conservation.

The growing list of sponsors for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2012 includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Pope and Young, Ducks Unlimited, Smith & Wesson and Yamaha.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.

//// Bass Pro Shops

Blues Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd Performing Pre-Race Concert Prior to Kansas Race

Kenny Wayne Shepherd
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (March 5, 2012) – Described as genre defining blues-infused rock and roll, The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band will perform a pre-race concert at Kansas Speedway prior to the April 22 STP 400.

Guitar World gives high praise to the five time Grammy-nominated Shepherd, ranking him third on their list of top blues guitarists behind the legendary B.B. King and Eric Clapton. One of Shepherd’s biggest hits “Blue on Black,” was #1 on the rock charts for 17 consecutive weeks. He has had six albums reach the # 1 spot on Billboard’s Blues chart, including 2011’s “How I Go”.

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is currently on tour promoting, “How I Go,” and between touring dates, the Band is also back in the recording studio working on their next album, which they hope to release in early 2013.

Equal to Shepherd’s passion for guitars is his affection for American Muscle cars. His collection includes a ’70 Plymouth Duster, a ’50 Ford Business Coup and two Chargers: ’69 & ‘72. For the past four years, Shepherd has shown a custom car at the annual SEMA show including last November when he unveiled a 1964 Dodge at the Mopar Performance booth.

Tickets for Kansas Speedway’s 2012 race events, including the STP 400 and the Hollywood Casino 400 (Oct. 21) are on sale now by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or visiting www.kansasspeedway.com. Every season ticket comes with a Track Pass that provides you with access to the infield for the pre-race concert, driver introductions and much more!

Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.

//// Kansas Speedway

2012 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Weekend Track Event Schedule

LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY 2012
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES
EVENT SCHEDULE
 
 
Thursday, March 8th

11:30 AM            NNS HAULERS ENTER
12:30 PM            NNS REGISTRATION OPENS
1:00 PM             NNS GARAGE OPENS
5:00 PM             NNS REGISTRATION CLOSES
7:00 PM             NSCS HAULERS ENTER
7:00 PM             NNS GARAGE CLOSES

Friday, March 9th

6:00 AM             NSCS REGISTRATION OPENS
6:30 AM             NSCS GARAGE OPENS
8:00 AM             NNS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM             TRACK SERVICES MEETING (Petty Schools Garage)
9:30 AM             NNS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS &
                    DRAWING FOR QUALIFYING ORDER
10:30 AM 11:50 AM   NNS PRACTICE
11:00 AM            NSCS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS &
                    DRAWING FOR QUALIFYING ORDER
11:30 AM            NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
12:00 PM 1:30 PM    NSCS PRACTICE
2:00 PM 3:30 PM     NNS FINAL PRACTICE
3:10 PM             NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
3:40 PM (6:40 PM)   NSCS QUALIFYING (TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS)
5:00 PM             NNS & NSCS REGISTRATION CLOSES
5:30 PM             NNS GARAGE CLOSES
6:00 PM             NSCS GARAGE CLOSES

Saturday, March 10th

7:00 AM             NNS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
7:30 AM             NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
8:00 AM             TRACK SERVICES MEETING (Petty Schools Garage)
9:00 AM             NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
9:30 AM 10:25 AM    NSCS PRACTICE
10:35 AM (1:35 PM)  NNS QUALIFYING ( TWO LAPS, ALL POSITIONS)
11:50 AM            NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT **
11:45 AM 12:15 PM   TV EXHIBITION RUN
12:00 PM            NNS DRIVER / CREW CHIEF MEETING (MEDIA CENTER )
12:20 PM 1:20 PM    NSCS FINAL PRACTICE
12:30 PM            TRACK SERVICES MEETING- PIT ROAD
1:30 PM             NNS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY – CLEAR PIT ROAD
2:00 PM (5:00 PM)   NNS RACE (200 LAPS, 300 MILES)
2:30 PM             NNS REGISTRATION CLOSES
4:00 PM             NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION CLOSES

Sunday, March 11th

6:30 AM 7:30 AM     NASCAR Pace Car Rides
7:00 AM             NSCS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
7:00 AM 10:30 AM    NSCS Minor’s Admitted in the NASCAR Garage Area
8:30 AM 9:30 AM     Speedway Children’s Charity Track Walk
9:00 AM             TRACK SERVICES MEETING (Petty School Garage)
10:00 AM            NSCS DRIVER / CREW CHIEF MEETING (NEON GARAGE)
11:00 AM            NSCS ** HOT PASS IN EFFECT ** UNTIL ONE HOUR AFTER RACE
11:30 AM            NSCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS-SECURITY – CLEAR PIT ROAD
12:00 PM (3:00 PM)  NSCS RACE (267 LAPS, 400.5 MILES)
12:30 PM            NSCS REGISTRATION CLOSES
                    *With Proper Credentials
         (EASTERN)
ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN LOCAL / PACIFIC TIME ZONE
TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Rick Hendrick says Chad Knaus should not have been suspended

Per SportingNews, Team owner Rick Hendrick says crew chief Chad Knaus shouldn’t have been suspended for six weeks and driver Jimmie Johnson shouldn’t have been docked 25 points for what NASCAR says were illegal C-posts on Johnson’s Daytona 500 car.

Hendrick said he believes NASCAR templates should have been placed on the car prior to NASCAR confiscating them during opening day inspection Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway.

“I just don’t agree with them,” Hendrick said Sunday prior to the Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. “I just don’t agree. That’s why I’m appealing. I don’t agree with the whole thing. I don’t agree with any of it.”


SEE ALSO:
NASCAR suspends Jimmie Johnson's Crew and Car Chief 
Hendrick Motorsports Statement Regarding Suspensions

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Elliott Sadler to drive five races for MWR

CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Elliott Sadler will drive the team’s No. 55 Toyota in five NASCAR Sprint Cup races in 2012 beginning at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 18.

Sadler will also drive the No. 55 in the August Bristol event, both Martinsville races and the July 15 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“This is an awesome opportunity,” said Sadler. “We’ve been talking about this for a while, but wanted to get through Daytona before we announced it to everyone. If I had to pick a place on the circuit to start then Bristol would be my first choice. I’ve had a lot of good memories at Bristol. Martinsville is in my home state of Virginia and I’ve always enjoyed racing at Loudon. I can’t thank Michael and everyone at MWR enough for giving me this opportunity.”

Sadler will compete full time in the Nationwide Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2012. The Emporia, Va. native finished 27th in the Daytona 500 for RCR.

Waltrip explained how Sadler came to drive the No. 55.

“Elliott has the experience and attitude we were looking for,” said the two-time Daytona 500 champion. “We’ll pair him with Crew Chief Rodney Childers who builds really fast cars. We believe Elliott will do a great job.”

Waltrip drove the No. 55 in the Budweiser Shootout and will run in four more races in 2012. Mark Martin will drive the No. 55 in 24 races plus the All Star Race in Charlotte. MWR will name a driver for two road course events at a later date.

Thursday, March 01, 2012

Penske Racing to Partner with Ford Starting in 2013

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 1, 2012) - Penske Racing has announced that it will join Ford Racing as part of a multi-year agreement that will begin with the 2013 NASCAR season.

Penske Racing's teams will compete with Ford Fusions in the Sprint Cup Series and with Ford Mustangs in the Nationwide Series, beginning next season.

Since 2003, the Penske Racing NASCAR teams have been aligned with Dodge Motorsports. Over the course of the relationship with Dodge, Penske Racing teams have produced 48 wins (26 Cup Series and 22 Nationwide Series), 72 pole positions (50 Cup Series and 22 Nationwide Series) and one series championship (the 2010 Nationwide Series title) in 1,048 starts (832 Cup Series and 216 Nationwide Series) entering this weekend's racing action. In 2012, Penske Racing will compete with two full-time entries - the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge driven by Brad Keselowski and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge driven by AJ Allmendinger - in the Cup Series and two full-time entries in the Nationwide Series - the No. 22 Discount Tire/Snap-on Dodge driven by Keselowski and Parker Kligerman and the No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts/WURTH Dodge driven by Sam Hornish Jr.

"Penske Racing has had and continues to have a terrific relationship with Dodge and we thank them for their partnership and their support over the past 10 years," said Roger Penske. "Our organizations have experienced many great memories together and our teams are committed to produce wins and championships with Dodge this season. We look forward to rejoining the Ford Racing NASCAR program beginning in 2013. We appreciate the long-term commitment that Ford has made to Penske Racing and for their continued support of the sport."

Added Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president of The Americas: "This is an historic day for our racing program, and we are thrilled that Roger Penske is returning to Ford. Working together with Penske Racing gives Ford another championship-level program, and we are excited to take our racing program to all-new levels."

The move to Ford represents a return for Penske Racing. The organization raced with Ford in 1976 and 1977 and again from 1994-2002. Through 524 NASCAR starts (509 Cup Series and 15 Nationwide Series) with Ford, Penske Racing teams earned 28 victories (27 Cup Series and one Nationwide Series) and 42 pole positions (36 Cup Series and six Nationwide Series).

SEE ALSO:
Ford Statement regarding Penske Racing
Report: Penske to switch to Ford in 2013

Penske Racing will switch to Ford in 2013



DEARBORN, Mich. -- Penske Racing is coming back to Ford.

After a 10-year hiatus, Penske Racing returns its two-car NASCAR Sprint Cup operation to Ford Racing beginning with the 2013 Daytona 500, and if its latest term is anything like the most recent one, Ford fans will have plenty to cheer about.

Penske Racing, recognized as one of racing’s all-time great teams, most recently spent nine seasons with Ford from 1994-2002, posting 27 wins and 33 poles among three drivers. In addition, its teams finished in the Top 10 48.6 percent of the time (228-of-469 starts).

The organization first raced with Ford in 1976 and 1977, before coming back in 1994. In total, through 524 NASCAR starts (509 Cup Series and 15 Nationwide Series) with Ford, Penske Racing teams earned 28 victories (27 Cup Series and one Nationwide Series) and 42 pole positions (36 Cup Series and six Nationwide Series).

“This is an historic day for our racing program, and we are thrilled to see another member of the extended Ford family coming back,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Working together with Penske Racing gives Ford another championship-level program, and we are excited to take our racing program to all-new levels.”

Penske Racing officially takes the track with Ford in the 2013 season, and the organization will be part of the competition debut of the 2013 NASCAR Fusion, which was first shown in Charlotte on Jan. 24, as part of the Charlotte Media Tour.

“It was important to get this agreement in place early so that we can plan ahead for the debut of the new 2013 NASCAR Fusion,” said Jamie Allison, Ford Racing director. “We will work with Roush Fenway on the final development of the new car during this season, but we want to be able to have our teams building their new cars for the 2013 season before the end of the year, as the transition to the new body is taking place.

“With the operations and technology resources Penske brings from all forms of racing, we know they will be a strong addition to our program, and we look forward to working with them and all our teams to create a stronger Ford NASCAR program with even greater depth.”

Added Roger Penske: “We look forward to joining the Ford Racing NASCAR program beginning in 2013. We appreciate the long-term commitment that Ford has made to Penske Racing and for their continued support of the sport.”

Penske Racing was instrumental in bringing the first four-door sedan to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the Taurus in 1998. As one of the teams responsible for getting Taurus on track, Penske worked closely with Ford and Roush officials in designing the car. They were rewarded immediately as Rusty Wallace won the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona in the car’s debut race.

Wallace was Penske’s lead driver throughout his initial time with Ford, and it didn’t take long for them to find victory lane as they won at Rockingham in only their second start. That was the first of 23 wins for Wallace, which ranks eighth on Ford Racing’s all-time list. Wallace, who finished in the Top 10 in points every year during that stretch, also dominated in qualifying, as he won 21 poles -- including a series-high nine in 2000.

The 1994 season was memorable as Wallace won a series-best eight times, including three straight in June at Dover, Pocono and Michigan. He also won back-to-back events at Dover and Martinsville in September en route to a third-place finish in the point standings.

After expanding to a two-car team in 1998 through the purchase of the No. 12 team from Michael Kranefuss, Penske oversaw the first series wins for Jeremy Mayfield (Pocono, 1998) and Ryan Newman (New Hampshire, 2002). Newman turned in one of the best rookie seasons in NASCAR history as he won the All-Star Race and captured six poles while winning top rookie honors and finishing sixth in the final point standings.

“Penske Racing contends for the Sprint Cup title every year, and our goal, with the addition of this program, is that Ford will compete for the manufacturers’ title every year as well,” Allison said.


SEE ALSO:

REPORT: Penske Racing to switch to Ford in 2013

REPORT: Penske Racing to switch to Ford in 2013

Per Speedtv.com, Penske Racing will announce a switch from Dodge to Ford for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season and beyond. Penske will make the formal announcement at 11:30 a.m. ET today. The timing of the blockbuster announcement is nothing less than shocking: Dodge is set to unveil its 2013 Sprint Cup Charger at Las Vegas Motor Speedway next weekend, with Penske its only frontline team. Dodge representatives declined comment on the move.

More to come... 

SEE ALSO:
Ford's Statement: Penske Racing will switch to Ford in 2013

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Revised Sprint Cup Standings following Daytona 500

COMPLETE 2012 SPRINT CUP STANDINGS

RK

+/-  

DRIVER

PTS

BACK

STARTS

WINS

TOP5

TOP10

DNF

LAPS

1 --   Matt Kenseth 47 - 1 1 1 1 0 202
2 -1   Dale Earnhardt Jr. 42 -5 1 0 1 1 0 202
3 -2   Greg Biffle 42 -5 1 0 1 1 0 202
4 -3   Denny Hamlin 42 -5 1 0 1 1 0 202
5 -4   Jeff Burton 40 -7 1 0 1 1 0 202
6 -5   Paul Menard 39 -8 1 0 0 1 0 202
7 -6   Kevin Harvick 37 -10 1 0 0 1 0 202
8 -7   Carl Edwards 36 -11 1 0 0 1 0 202
9 -8   Joey Logano 36 -11 1 0 0 1 0 202
10 --   Mark Martin 35 -12 1 0 0 1 0 202
11 -10   Clint Bowyer 33 -14 1 0 0 0 0 202
12 -11   Martin Truex Jr. 33 -14 1 0 0 0 0 202
13 -12   Marcos Ambrose 31 -16 1 0 0 0 0 202
14 --   Bobby Labonte 30 -17 1 0 0 0 0 202
15 --   Dave Blaney 30 -17 1 0 0 0 0 202
16 -15   Tony Stewart 29 -18 1 0 0 0 0 202
17 -16   Kyle Busch 27 -20 1 0 0 0 0 202
18 --   Terry Labonte 27 -20 1 0 0 0 0 202
19 --   Tony Raines 25 -22 1 0 0 0 0 202
20 -19   Ryan Newman 23 -24 1 0 0 0 0 202
21 --   Landon Cassill 22 -25 1 0 0 0 0 202
22 --   David Gilliland 21 -26 1 0 0 0 0 201
23 --   Regan Smith 21 -26 1 0 0 0 0 200
24 --   Casey Mears 19 -28 1 0 0 0 0 199
25 --   David Reutimann 18 -29 1 0 0 0 1 196
26 -25   Kasey Kahne 15 -32 1 0 0 0 1 189
27 --   Michael McDowell 14 -33 1 0 0 0 0 189
28 -27   Jamie McMurray 13 -34 1 0 0 0 1 188
29 -28   Brad Keselowski 12 -35 1 0 0 0 1 187
30 --   Aric Almirola 11 -36 1 0 0 0 1 187
31 -30   A J Allmendinger 10 -37 1 0 0 0 0 177
32 -31   Juan Pablo Montoya 8 -39 1 0 0 0 1 159
33 --   David Stremme 7 -40 1 0 0 0 1 156
34 -33   Kurt Busch 5 -42 1 0 0 0 0 113
35 -34   Jeff Gordon 5 -42 1 0 0 0 1 81
36 --   Robby Gordon 3 -44 1 0 0 0 1 25
37    David Ragan 1 -46 1 0 0 0 1 1
38 --   Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 0 -47 1 0 0 0 0 202
39 --   Elliott Sadler 0 -47 1 0 0 0 0 196
40 --   Joe Nemechek 0 -47 1 0 0 0 0 194
41 --   Trevor Bayne 0 -47 1 0 0 0 0 164
42 --   Danica Patrick 0 -47 1 0 0 0 0 138
49    Jimmie Johnson -23 -70 1 0 0 0 1 1
43    Michael Waltrip
-47

0 0 0 0
44    Robert Richardson Jr.
-47

0 0 0 0
45    Bill Elliott
-47

0 0 0 0
46    Mike Wallace
-47

0 0 0 0
47    Kenny Wallace
-47

0 0 0 0
48    J.J. Yeley
-47

0 0 0 0