INDIANAPOLIS - The Tony Stewart Foundation (TSF) is proud to announce a partnership with iSold It® – the leading eBay drop-off store and No. 1 eBay seller – for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser.

 

Beginning May 1 and continuing through July 31, 2008, “Smoke’s Pit Stop for Charity” event will allow race fans to donate a wide range of exclusive items to help generate support for TSF, the philanthropic institution founded by two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.

 

TSF raises funds and distributes grants to IRS-qualified charitable organizations that provide for the physical well-being of children, and specifically, children who are critically ill or severely injured.  TSF also supports animal welfare and conservation while also providing support to drivers seriously injured in the sport of auto racing.

 

Items submitted to “Smoke’s Pit Stop for Charity” must have a market value of $50 or more to qualify.  Program donors will receive recognition for the proceeds of their sold items through the iSold It/TSF partnership.  Fan can bring their special items to their nearest iSold It store. 

 

Race fans that assist in generating the highest total contributions during “Smoke’s Pit Stop for Charity” program will be eligible for several prize packages, such as a 2009 Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway VIP package, two 2009 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard packages, an autographed leather jacket, and several VIP ticket packages for weekend events at Eldora Speedway during the 2008-2009 racing seasons.  All prize winners will be announced by TSF after Sept. 1, 2008.

 

Program guidelines, iSold It store locations and a complete list of prizes can be found at the official TSF website, www.TonyStewartFoundation.org.  For information regarding iSold It, please visit www.i-soldit.com.

 

“A true competitor on the race track, Tony Stewart also pushes the limits to help others through his foundation,” said Joni Thompson, TSF Executive Director.  “We are pleased to announce our partnership with iSold It, and we’re especially looking forward to working with Tony’s fans via this unique opportunity.  It allows the Foundation to continue supporting causes that Tony is so passionate about, namely children with serious or life threatening illness, the protection of various animal species, and helping drivers injured in motorsports activities.” SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, NC - Yates Racing announced today that LaFayette Ford, who sponsored the No. 28 with driver Fred Lorenzen from 1962-1967, will again sponsor the No. 28 entry but this time with driver Travis Kvapil for the Sprint Cup series race at Darlington Raceway on May 10th.  Kvapil’s No. 28 will sport a paint scheme reminiscent to that of Fred Lorenzen’s during the 60’s when LaFayette Ford sponsored Lorenzen’s No. 28 machine. 

 

“It’s really a neat idea that LaFayette Ford wanted to sponsor our No. 28 Ford for the race at Darlington,” commented Kvapil.  “The No. 28 has so much history associated with it that I’m honored to be a part of that legacy.  Our paint scheme is a vintage scheme similar to the one Fred (Lorenzen) used to race and I think the car’s going to look great out on the track.  I’m flattered that LaFayette Ford chose to sponsor our team at Darlington and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”  

 

“I came to work at Lafayette Ford in 1965, and shortly after I started we had a promotion with Fred Lorenzen which was the first time I met Fred,” recalls LaFayette Ford’s President and Owner, Don Price.  “Now our company had a relationship with Fred since 1962 and the story goes that Fred was passing through Fayetteville, North Carolina and the vehicle he was in broke down.  He hooked up with the owner of LaFayette Ford at the time, George Purvis, and they struck up a deal for LaFayette Ford to be a sponsor on Fred’s race car.  As simple as the relationship was back then, that sponsorship lasted until 1967.  All the media coverage that our dealership received over the years through our sponsorship really put LaFayette Ford on the forefront with fans and clients in this region of North Carolina.”

 

“Although we haven’t been a primary sponsor on a Cup series car for years,” continued Price, “when I saw the No. 28 Yates Racing team searching for sponsors, I decided that it would be interesting to see if we could place LaFayette Ford on the car for the Darlington race to carry some nostalgia for that race weekend.  The opportunity for us to sponsor Travis and the No. 28 team just lined up perfectly and we’re thrilled to be able to put the old LaFayette Ford back in the limelight.”

 

“I’m thrilled to have this partnership with LaFayette Ford,” commented car owner Doug Yates.  “The No. 28 has a long history with great drivers such as Fred Lorenzen and now we’re carrying that tradition to Travis Kvapil.  It’s great to see the retro paint scheme for the No. 28 Ford Fusion and it’s been wonderful to have the support of Ford dealers across the country, especially Don Price and LaFayette Ford.  The fact that LaFayette Ford has such a storied history with NASCAR makes us extremely honored to be able to bring them back as a sponsor at Darlington, and it’s an effort that our whole organization is proud to be a part of.”

 

The Darlington 500 will mark the first time LaFayette Ford has served as a primary sponsor in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series since the dealership was associated with Lorenzen.    The race will be broadcast on FOX Saturday, May 10th with coverage beginning at 7:00 pm EST.

 

LaFayette Ford is proud to be Fayetteville, North Carolina’s only family-owned and operated Ford dealer.  They have been serving the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and surrounding areas since 1949. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richmond, VA - Guests at Richmond International Raceway this weekend will have a multitude of opportunities to see some of their favorite NASCAR personalities up close and personal in fan hospitality areas at America’s Premier Short Track, Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3.

 

The Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone fan hospitality area on Saturday, May 3, will be open prior to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.  The Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone will feature question and answer sessions with NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin, Jamie McMurray, David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil; FOX race commentator Larry McReynolds; former NASCAR driver and SPEED-TV analyst Hermie Sadler; track president Doug Fritz; Crown Royal “Your Name Here” contest winner and Grand Marshal Dan Lowry; members of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team and NASCAR Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash.

 

The Party Zone fan hospitality area on Friday, May 2, will be open prior to the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.  The Party Zone will feature question and answer sessions with NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch, Kenny Wallace, Scott Wimmer and Mike Wallace; track president Doug Fritz and members of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.           

 

Both options include pre-race pit passes for that day’s activities (time and weather permitting), appetizers, an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet, beer tickets for fans 21 years of age and older (with valid identification), unlimited sodas and water, live musical entertainment, prizes and games.

 

Guests who wish to purchase tickets to the fan hospitality areas must have a ticket for that day’s race.  Tickets for the Saturday, May 3, Virginia Lottery Green Flag Zone, are $90 and tickets for the Friday, May 2, Party Zone, are $65.  Pre-race pit access on Friday is limited to fans 18 years of age and older.  Dress code for Friday is as follows: no open-toed shoes, long pants must be worn, no sleeveless shirts allowed. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mooresville, NC - Two time USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup Champion, Clay Rogers has teamed up with Bob Schacht Motorsports for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Carolina 500 at Rockingham Speedway on Sunday May 4.

 

The inaugural event will mark Rogers third appearance in the ARCA Series. Rogers has two previous ARCA RE/MAX Series events to his credit both coming at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2003. However, he is no stranger to Rockingham Speedway. Clay had his first NASCAR Nationwide Series run at Rockingham in 2001 and just recently tested with the ARCA cars turning in some impressive lap times.

 

“I’m really excited about this Rockingham race.” said Rogers, “I like running at “The Rock” it’s always good racing and I’m looking forward to getting back there.” Rogers added, “I want to thank Bob Schacht for the opportunity to drive his car for this race and also thanks to Killingsworth Environmental and Rusty Wallace Ford for coming on board for the Carolina 500, we couldn‘t do it without them.”

 

Bob Schacht said of teaming with Clay Rogers, “We’re looking forward to a strong run at Rockingham, Clay is a racer just like I am and I’m confident that together we can get the job done.” SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huntersville, North Carolina - Fresh off a record breaking NFL season, New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss announced today the formation of Moss Motorsports, LLC  with its intended participation to begin in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

 

Moss anticipates that the team will debut at some point in the second half of the 2008 season and run selected races through the conclusion of the year. The partial schedule is a prelude to a full-time campaign in 2009. Sponsors and manufacturer alignments will be announced at a later date.

 

“We don’t have all of the details in place just yet, but I am very excited about Moss Motorsports becoming a part of NASCAR,” Moss said. “I am by nature a very competitive person and this is an outlet for me to compete at another level. There are some pretty awesome challenges in building a program like this from the ground up, but I am looking forward to it. That’s just another aspect of the competition – you want to find the best people available and you’re competing with all the other teams out there. We’re starting to look at who the best people are and working on getting them to be a part of our team.”

 

Moss is a ten year veteran in the National Football League and was a first-round draft pick in the 1998 draft out of Marshall University.  He has been a NASCAR fan for several years including sponsorship of a local dirt track program and recently made the decision to get involved with the ownership of a NASCAR team.  He is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the Urban Youth Racing School and furthers his youth advocacy while holding the same honor with American Youth Football. A major component of the Moss Motorsports program will be the continued involvement and support of youth programs.

 

“There are a lot of NASCAR fans in the locker room,” Moss said. “We’ve seen a lot of football players get involved – guys like Dan Marino and Troy Aikman to name a couple. I think it’s a good fit and gives some of the companies I am already working with an additional outlet. It’s a smart move on the marketing side of things but on the personal side of things I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

 

Randy has kick started his efforts by contracting with Integrity Sports Marketing, LLC – a leading motorsports marketing company in NASCAR.   “We know it takes time to build a team from the ground up, and we have some good people working with us to get that process started,” Moss said. “We are talking to the manufacturers, and we’re already evaluating some drivers. Eventually I’d like to be able to have our team work with some of the young guys that are working hard to make it up the ladder, but right now it might make more sense to find a driver with a lot of experience to get us started. But we really don’t have anyone in mind. We’ll look at who is available and find someone that can help us compete and win as quickly as we can.”

   

Moss believes Moss Motorsports will give his current marketing partners another avenue to gain exposure and will open doors for new companies that want to work with him.

 

“The companies I already work with now have a chance to get some exposure to another group of dedicated sports fans,” Moss said. “And we’ll have an opportunity to build some relationships with an entirely new group of companies as well. We’ll have a chance to do some pretty cool things between the football side and the racing side. That’s a part of the equation that most of the other teams don’t have, so we already have a competitive advantage over them. Once we get everything in place we look forward to competing on the race track too.” SCR

 

 

 

 

 

ESPN NASCAR analyst Marty Smith lost his father Friday, April 25, 2008. Leo Harvey Smith of Pearisburg, VA was 60 years old. Leo is survived by his mother Eunice Martin Smith, 93, of Christiansburg; his daughter, Stacy Smith Moyer and her husband, Chris, of Suffolk, Va.; his son, Marty and his wife, Lainie, of Huntersville, N.C.; and one grandson, Cambron Reed Smith.

 

From all of us at SCR we send our condolences to Marty and his family. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Photo: James S. Langley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Lepage issued a statement Sunday apologizing for the crash he caused Saturday during the Nationwide Series race at Talladega.

 

Lepage who was coming out of the pits with less than 50 laps to go as he was trying to blend into traffic at half the speed Carl Edwards ran over the back of Lepage and in turn took out 15 other cars.

 

"After reviewing the tapes of the accident I realize I need to apologize to NASCAR, the car owners, my fellow competitors and, most importantly, the fans," Lepage said in a statement. "I made a huge driver error by blending onto the race track in the wrong area. This caused a multicar accident and changed the outcome of the race for many teams.

 

"I'm so thankful that no one was hurt considering the number of cars involved."

 

Lepage who did not initially accept blame for the accident said it made him look like a heel.

 

"There is not a single person to blame for this huge mistake except myself," he said. "I have worked very hard over the years to gain the respect of NASCAR, the owners, competitors and the fans, and it will take a long time to gain it back after what happened." SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Photo: James S. Langley

 

 

 

 

 

Fox's broadcast of Sunday's Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway earned a 5.2 overnight Nielsen Media Research rating and an 11 share in the nation's largest television markets, Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Daily reports.

The rating is 2.0 percent higher than the 5.1 Fox earned overnight for the race in 2007.

ABC's broadcast of Saturday's Aaron's 312 Nationwide Series race earned a 2.3 overnight rating, the Daily said, up 9.5 percent from the 2.1 the race earned in 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POCONO, PA - So you’re a NASCAR fan living in New York City or Northern New Jersey and planned on attending a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway but are concerned about the high cost of gasoline. Or you fight city traffic on a daily basis and don’t relish driving the 90 miles from mid town Manhattan to Pocono Raceway on a race weekend. Well, Pocono Raceway has partnered with Pocono Adventure Center and Martz Trailways to offer you an exciting option for your transportation to the June 8, 2008 Pocono 500 or the August 3, 2008 Pennsylvania 500, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

 

Buses will be departing the Port Authority Bus Terminal the mornings of each race and fans boarding the buses will experience a relaxing alternative to driving. They will also receive a special tailgate lunch upon arrival at the Raceway and after a day of cheering for their favorite drivers, ride in care free comfort back to New York City. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has said that ownership for Tony Stewart within the JGR organization is not an option.

 

"Our [ownership] deal is set the way it is," Gibbs told ESPN. "But we could do some stuff to help him get started with his own team if that's what he really wanted."

 

Gibbs did add when asked that Stewart could possibly own with another team and drive for JGR, as the late Dale Earnhardt did when he drove for Richard Childress Racing but was owner of Dale Earnhardt Inc.

 

Gibbs does hope that a deal can be worked out to keep Stewart with JGR and extend a partnership that has been together for 10 years. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – ESPN’s “NASCAR Now” will broadcast a special one-hour show live from Dale Earnhardt Inc. on Tuesday, April 29 from 6-7 p.m. (EST). The show will highlight Tuesday’s annual Dale Earnhardt Day event that honors the birthday of the seven-time NASCAR Champion and serves as a major benefit for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.

 

The show will be on hand for the event, which runs from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities and displays for the entire family, and will originate live from the location at 6 p.m.

 

There will be an official ceremony at 3 p.m. with ESPN’s Dr. Jerry Punch serving as the event’s official emcee. In addition, Dale Earnhardt drivers will be on hand to sign autographs at different times during the event.

 

In addition to ESPN, Tanner in the Morning of Charlotte, N.C.’s WSOC-FM 103.7 will host a live radio broadcast from 6-10 a.m., Sirius Satellite Radio will be on hand in the afternoon and Primetime with the Packman from Charlotte’s WFNZ-AM 610 will broadcast live from the event from 3-7 p.m. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talladega, AL - Kyle Busch took the checkered flag under caution at Talladega Sunday as a multi-car wreck happened after the white flag had come out. Busch battled back from a lap down after missing his pit and held off Juan Pablo Montoya in the closing laps to take the checkered flag.

 

Montoya had his strongest run at a plate track with his second place finish. He was followed by Busch’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin in third. Finishing fourth was David Ragan and he was followed Brian Vickers in fifth.

 

Travis Kvapil had a strong run for Yates Racing coming home sixth. Casey Mears, Ryan Newman, Clint Bowyer and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top 10. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

Pos	No	Driver	Rookie	Make
1	18	Kyle Busch		Toyota
2	42	Juan Montoya		Dodge
3	11	Denny Hamlin		Toyota
4	6	David Ragan		Ford
5	83	Brian Vickers		Toyota
6	28	Travis Kvapil		Ford
7	5	Casey Mears		Chevrolet
8	12	Ryan Newman		Dodge
9	07	Clint Bowyer		Chevrolet
10	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr.		Chevrolet
11	7	Robby Gordon		Dodge
12	31	Jeff Burton		Chevrolet
13	48	Jimmie Johnson		Chevrolet
14	15	Paul Menard		Chevrolet
15	38	David Gilliland		Ford
16	66	Scott Riggs		Chevrolet
17	26	Jamie McMurray		Ford
18	16	Greg Biffle		Ford
19	24	Jeff Gordon		Chevrolet
20	44	David Reutimann		Toyota
21	09	Sterling Marlin		Chevrolet
22	01	Regan Smith	R	Chevrolet
23	9	Kasey Kahne		Dodge
24	29	Kevin Harvick		Chevrolet
25	78	Joe Nemechek		Chevrolet
26	00	Michael McDowell	R	Toyota
27	55	Michael Waltrip		Toyota
28	40	David Stremme		Dodge
29	19	Elliott Sadler		Dodge
30	84	A.J. Allmendinger		Toyota
31	10	Patrick Carpentier	R	Dodge
32	45	Kyle Petty		Dodge
33	8	Aric Almirola		Chevrolet
34	43	Bobby Labonte		Dodge
35	77	Sam Hornish Jr.	R	Dodge
36	21	Jon Wood		Ford
37	1	Martin Truex Jr.		Chevrolet
38	20	Tony Stewart		Toyota
39	2	Kurt Busch		Dodge
40	99	Carl Edwards		Ford
41	17	Matt Kenseth		Ford
42	70	Ken Schrader		Chevrolet
43	41	Reed Sorenson		Dodge

 

 

 

 

 

Concord, NC – Michael Ritch was in the right place at the right time Saturday night as the rain began to fall and the red flag was displayed. The place Ritch was in was the lead giving him the win in the Racing Electronics 250 presented by BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors.

 

Ritch used an early pit stop strategy to his advantage and when the race was called on lap 206 because of rain Ritch had marched his way to the lead and the win.

 

“It was a great win,” Ritch said of the victory his second in a row. “I was pretty upset with our strategy when we came in on Lap 60, “But in the end, I think it was the right move. I think I could’ve held them off even if it went the distance.”

 

Trevor Bayne finished second followed by Carl Long in third. Mark McFarland and Clay Rogers rounded out the top five.

 

The pole sitter and sixth place finisher Wade Day had a rocket ship under him early as he jumped out to an early lead and looked to have the car to beat. But when all the other leaders came in for early pit stops Day stayed out and raced for rain.

 

“We probably would’ve pitted 40 laps earlier had the rain not been all around us,” said Day, “I could see the lightning while I was going down the backstretch and it was all around us, but it didn’t rain when I needed it.”

 

Finishing seventh was Frank Deiny Jr. Kurt Leone, Billy Bigley and J.P. Morgan rounded out the top 10.

 

With his second straight victory Michael Ritch sits a top the southern point standings.

 

Unofficial Results

 

1. Michael Ritch

2. Trevor Bayne

3. Carl Long

4. Mark McFarland

5. Clay Rogers

6. Wade Day

7. Frank Deiny Jr.

8. Kirk Leone

9. Billy Bigley

10. J.P. Morgan

11. Drew Herring

12. Matt Lofton

13. Dusty Williams

14. Joey Coulter

15. Tom Hessert

16. Bobby Gill

17. Woody Howard

18. Don Satterfield

19. Hunter Robbins

20. James Buescher

21. Larry Barrett

22. Bryan Silas

23. John Gibson

24. Lucas Ransome

25. Mark Whitaker

26. Caleb Holman

27. Travis Kittleson

28. Matt Hawkins

29. Travis Miller

30. Mike Held  SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCORD , NC - Joey Saldana won at the famed Eldora Speedway on Saturday night in a tune up for the 25th Annual Kings Royal, which will be contested on Saturday, July 12.

 

Saldana is a two-time winner of the Kings Royal, one of the most prestigious events in sprint car racing, which again this season will pay $50,000 to the winner and will be broadcast on SPEED.

 

The native of Brownsburg , Indiana took the lead on Saturday night from fellow Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series driver Daryn Pittman on the sixth lap and would lead the rest of the way in the non-stop 30-lap event to claim his 67th career win with the All Star Circuit of Champions. Saldana began the night by setting fast time in time trials and followed that up with a win in the first heat race aboard the Budweiser/Open Joist Mopar-powered JEI.

 

Pittman finished second, after a long battle with two-time defending Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Donny Schatz, with the latter coming home third.

 

Steve Kinser, the 20-time World of Outlaws champion charged from the 11th starting spot to finish fourth.

 

Chad Kemenah, the 2006 World of Outlaws Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year finished sixth at the half-mile in his home state of Ohio, with current rookie leader Lucas Wolfe coming home ninth.

 

Other World of Outlaws drivers that were in action at Eldora Speedway on Saturday night, included: Tony Bruce Jr., Chad Hillier and Kraig Kinser. Kasey Kahne, who owns the car driven by Joey Saldana, also competed in the event and finished 11th.

 

The World of Outlaws make their next visit to Eldora Speedway on Saturday, May 31 and have a total of four remaining dates this season on the calendar at the legendary track.

 

The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to action on Friday, May 2 at U.S. 36 Raceway for the Missouri High Banked Nationals, followed by a stop at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Iowa on Saturday, May 3. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Hornaday won Saturday at the Kansas Speedway. Hornaday led a race high 136 of the 167 lap race. The win was the 34^th career for Hornaday in the Craftsman Truck Series. Finishing second was Hornaday’s Kevin Harvick Inc. teammate Jack Sprague; Sprague missed the win by .149 seconds.

 

Colin Braun had s strong third place run. Johnny Benson finished fourth and Mike Skinner rou8nded out the top five. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Stewart won his first career race at the Talladega Superspeedway Saturday in the Aaron’s 312 Nationwide Series race. Stewart held off a charge by Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the final lap to take the checkered flag.

 

Earnhardt Jr. ended up fading to sixth as David Stremme crossed the line second behind Stewart. Bobby Hamilton Jr. had a strong third place finish; he was followed by Jason Leffler and Mark Green in fourth and fifth.

 

Earnhardt finished sixth he was followed by Mike Bliss, Patrick Carpentier, Scott Wimmer and Mike Wallace.

 

Only 14 cars finished on the lead lap.

 

14 cars were also caught up in the big one on lap 71, as Kevin LePage was coming out of the pits as the filed came around causing a chain reaction crash. Others involved included Kyle, Busch, Steven Wallace and Mike Wallace.

 

Dario Franchitti fractured his ankle in a crash on lap 11. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Photo: James S. Langley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talladega, AL – Tony Stewart grabbed the pole for Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 Nationwide Series race at the Talladega Superspeedway. Stewart ran a speed of 185.308 mph edging out Mike Bliss (185.061 mph) who will start on the outside of the front row. Staring third will be Jason Leffler and on the outside of him will be rookie Dario Franchitti, Franchitti was one of three rookies to qualify in the top 15. Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five.

 

Clint Bowyer will lead the second group of five rolling off sixth. Bowyer will be followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, rookie Cale Gale and Denny Hamlin rounding out the top 10.

 

Patrick Carpentier the third rookie in the top 15 will roll off 12^th. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEATTLE, Wash. - Microsoft expanded its motorsports reach today in an effort to increase visibility of its growing Small Business Specialist Community of Partners and solutions for small businesses by announcing it has formed a unique sponsorship with Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR).

 

Microsoft will serve as an associate sponsor on MWR’s No. 00 NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota Camry entry driven by rookie sensation Michael McDowell for the remainder of the 2008 season, beginning this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

The sponsorship, in conjunction with California-based advertising agency RainMakers International, offers a motorsports marketing platform to Microsoft’s Partners, a growing group which supports businesses everywhere in the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community.  Each participating partner will receive a structured marketing package which utilizes Michael Waltrip Racing marks, images of the #00 race car with their logo on it, tickets, likeness of Michael McDowell in his driver’s suit, and the usage of Waltrip’s race facility for contest winners.  Additionally, each partner will have the ability to utilize the discounted media buying services offered by RainMakers, and more. 

 

“Microsoft is committed to helping the more than 21 million small and home-based businesses within the U.S. and the partners that serve them through a breadth of accessible resources,” said Eric Ligman , Microsoft U.S. Senior Manager of Small Business Community Engagement. “This sponsorship will provide an affordable marketing platform for Microsoft’s Small Business Specialist Partners, helping them to more easily connect with small businesses on a local and national level, while also raising awareness of the Microsoft Small Business Specialists themselves. Michael Waltrip is an icon; we see the progression his race team has made since being a startup themselves in 2007, and our partners can now be a part of that growth.”

 

“My race team has been blessed by partnerships with some of the most recognizable companies in the world and it makes me proud to represent a powerful international brand such as Microsoft,” said Michael Waltrip, team owner and two-time Daytona 500 champion.  “My team will deliver to the many Microsoft Small Business partners marketing assets that will help their businesses grow, which is ultimately the goal of this relationship.” SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROCKINGHAM NC - Defending ARCA RE/MAX Series national champions Frank and Bill Kimmel are headed for Rockingham Speedway. That is, if they get out of Kansas Speedway without tearing the fenders off their unsponsored no. 44 Ford Taurus.

 

Despite being off to their best season in 10 years, there is still a big question mark hanging over the Kimmel camp for the remainder of 2008.

 

“It’s really a double-edged sword,” said Frank Kimmel. “We’re off to the best start ever here, and we’re not even sure we can finish it out.

 

“We’re using the same car here at Kansas that we used at Iowa. And if we don’t tear it up, we’re taking it to Rockingham. We had no back-up car at Iowa. We’ve got no back-up here at Kansas. That’s where we’re at.”

 

Kimmel, who drove for car owner Larry Clement for all nine of his national championships, left the no. 46 Clement Racing entry to start his own Kimmel Racing team in 2008. However, the stars didn’t line up exactly right, the sponsor fell through and left Kimmel holding the bag.

 

“If it wasn’t for Ford, we wouldn’t be here at all. But we need a sponsor in the worst way. Our plan is take this same car (Kansas car) to Rockingham, but beyond that, there are no guarantees.”

 

Whereas Kimmel’s crew has long been accustomed to sleeping in nearby hotels, Kimmel’s volunteer, seven-man operation here at Kansas is crammed inside his motorhome during race week.

 

Whereas Kimmel’s crew is used to working out of Clement’s full-sized racecar hauler, the defending champions are working out of a 26-ft. enclosed tag-trailer here at Kansas, the same trailer they’ll work out of at Rockingham, if they’re lucky enough to go.

 

The Kimmel Racing team is headed up by Frank’s brother and long-time crew chief – eight-time Cometic Crew Chief of the Year Bill Kimmel.

 

“To tell you the truth, I’m not discouraged,” said Bill Kimmel. “In fact, just the opposite; I’m encouraged. We’re obviously here because we want to be. We had a good run at Iowa, but it didn’t cover our travel expenses and tire bill. Our current situation makes me want to work even harder to make something happening. Even with our thin lines, we’re making big results on the track.”

 

Despite the situation at hand, Kimmel is currently second in points, 45 markers away from point leader Justin Allgaier, and five ahead of rookie Matt Carter, who, ironically, is driving the familiar 46 car that Kimmel recently vacated.

 

“Hopefully, we won’t tear the fenders off the car here at Kansas, so we can go into Rockingham with the same piece,” added Frank. “I’ve been so excited about racing at Rockingham, so I’ll be really disappointed if, for whatever reason, we don’t get to go; but we plan on being there.

 

“Funny thing is, I’ve never seen the place (Rockingham) before. I’ve heard it described as a giant Salem. If that’s the case, maybe we’ll be okay.”

 

In another Ironic twist, Kimmel left Kansas Speedway early today with a tuxedo strung over his shoulder. Someone, not disclosed here, has chartered a plane for Kimmel so he can attend tonight’s International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega Alabama. Kimmel hopes to stumble up into his motorhome here in Kansas sometime tonight (early morning) at about 2 or 3:00 am. The ARCA RE/MAX Series garage opens at 6:00 am for Friday’s 8th annual Kansas Lottery $150 Grand.

 

Beyond Kansas, it’s off to Rockingham for the revival of the Carolina 500. On track activities at Rockingham begin on Friday May 2nd at 2:00 P.M. with practice for the Carolina 500 and free admission to the grandstands. Savage Energy Pole Day is set for Saturday May 3rd with the first round of qualifying starting at 10:00 A.M. Tony Stewart will wave the green flag to start the Carolina 500 on Sunday May 4th at 12-noon, LIVE on SPEED. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - The following is a statement from J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, regarding the contract status of driver Tony Stewart.

 

“There has been much speculation regarding the future of our driver, Tony Stewart.  Tony is currently here through 2009, and from a Joe Gibbs Racing standpoint, we hope he drives for us longer than that and retires here.  Tony is a great partner and a huge asset to Joe Gibbs Racing.  Right now, we are focused on winning races and winning the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships under his current contract.” SCR

  

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) will announce a new sponsor for the No. 00 Toyota and driver Michael McDowell. The announcement is scheduled to take place Friday morning at 11:10 a.m. est. at the Talladega Superspeedway. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRANDON, S.D. - Severe weather conditions including rain, snow, plunging temperatures and high winds forced Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series officials to cancel the series event scheduled for Friday, April 25, at Huset’s Speedway near Sioux Falls, S.D.

 

The high-speed winged warriors will remain in the Midwest and take on Iowa ’s best drivers on Saturday, April 26, at Knoxville Raceway. It will mark the season’s opening night of racing at the historic half-mile speedplant near Des Moines .

 

The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will return to Huset’s Speedway on Friday, June 13, and again on Thursday, July 3. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Martin Truex Jr. found himself giving back to the community while preparing for this weekend’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega ( Ala. ) Superspeedway.

 

The driver of the No.1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet recently took part in a charitable fundraiser led by TV personality Oprah Winfrey, called “Oprah’s Big Give."  The 27-year-old New Jersey native was one of the first to step up to the plate to help local Charlotte, N.C. ABC affiliate WSOC-TV with their Oprah challenge as part of her now famous Big Give TV series. 

 

After receiving $10,000 from Oprah's show, WSOC-TV challenged local businesses to donate items to fill back packs for almost 1,500 children in the Charlotte area through the Second Harvest Metrolina Food Bank.  Truex and his staff at the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation quickly donated diecast cars and hero cards, and sought cash and product donations from other drivers in the NASCAR community.  The station has garnered almost $40,000 to date, so much that Oprah's staff chose the top-3 ABC affiliates across the country, including WSOC-TV, that raised the most money and gave them another $30,000 to see how much further they could take their giving. Other NASCAR drivers have stepped up to the challenge with pallets of Gatorade, board games, books and canned goods for the kids.

 

“Coming to Talladega always reminds me of how blessed I am,” Truex said. “I used to dream about racing here, and I got to this point in my career because I’ve always been surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends. I feel like I should give back to the community and, hopefully, make an impact in someone’s life.” SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOW, Ohio - MACtac® a leading provider of pressure sensitive materials, announced that it will sponsor The Team Rensi Motorsports’ No. 25 Smithfield Foods Ford Fusion, driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., for the entire 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. MACtac has been indirectly involved with NASCAR for many years as a provider of graphics materials, initiating a formal NASCAR sponsorship in 2007 as a primary sponsor for a Busch Series car.

“NASCAR sponsorship offers MACtac a tremendous marketing platform for our graphics and technical products. It was very beneficial for us to make the step from vendor to sponsor in 2007,” said Rick Moore, director of marketing, MACtac Graphic Products. “We have enjoyed building new customer relationships and continue to achieve product success. We look forward to the new opportunities that will present themselves because of our sponsorship with Team Rensi.”

MACtac is an associate sponsor of the Smithfield Foods No. 25 car. The MACtac corporate logo will appear on the car, as well as on the hauler, racing jerseys and all team communications. All graphics for the cars and haulers will be printed on MACtac’s IMAGin® B-free™ (bubble-free) digital vinyl, and protected by Permacolor® RAYZor™ overlaminates.

Since last year, MACtac’s products are gaining popularity among racing teams in NASCAR. “MACtac’s presence in NASCAR has provided visibility to our vehicle wrap products and has driven demand to our customers,” Moore said. “In fact, Team Rensi was a MACtac customer before we were a sponsor. We know they’ll be a great ‘bullhorn’ to help us reach new audiences.”

The Team Rensi Motorsports No. 25 Ford Fusion is driven by Bobby Hamilton, Jr. The 30-year-old Tennessee native brings to the track a wealth of stock car experience and passion for the sport. Team Rensi and Hamilton finished in sixth position in the 2007 point championship. Earlier in his career, Hamilton recorded five Busch Series wins for Team Rensi Motorsports between 2002 and 2004.

“We look forward to a very successful racing season for driver Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and for MACtac,” Moore concluded. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOUDON, N.H. - Heluva Good!®, a leading producer of real sour cream dips, cheese, and condiments, will sponsor the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Days and the NASCAR Camping World Series East races on Friday, June 27, 2008 and Friday, September 12, 2008 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

 

Both Fridays will be designated as the "Heluva Good!® Pole Days".  The NASCAR Camping World Series East events will be named the Heluva Good!® 125 in June and September.

 

"With such an enormous following and loyal fan base, teaming up with New Hampshire Motor Speedway was a perfect fit," said Lynne Bohan, Heluva Good!® spokesperson.  "Whether it's just a few friends in your living room, or you're at the track among thousands of fellow race fans, Heluva Good! always makes the best parties even better."

 

"We are delighted this well-respected, New England-based company recognizes the marketing power of NASCAR racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway," said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  "We look forward to working closely with Heluva Good! in this new partnership and helping them deliver their message to the hundreds of thousands of our brand-loyal race fans." SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mooresville, NC - Old School Racing announced today a new plan for the series.  Under the new plan The Old School Racing (OSR) Series will launch its inaugural season in the spring of 2009 and not in the spring of 2008 as originally planned.

 

The postponement of the inaugural season of the OSR will allow a partnership to form that will make the OSR bigger and better for the drivers, crews and fans.  Although there will be a delay in the beginning of the series, the series will be about much more than just the competitive nature of these drivers. The series will become much more of an event to celebrate the pioneers that molded modern racing, rather than just a race with drivers from the past.

The new partnership between OSR and the soon to be named partner has not been completed, but plans have already begun to move forward for the 2009 debut of the redesigned OSR program.

 

“I regret that the 2008 season has been canceled and apologize to the old school fans that have been dying to see their past hero’s compete once again,” said Norm Weaver Managing Partner of the OSR.  “But, for those die-hard fans, we are planning few surprises for 2008 in hopes of filling some of that void.”

 

“We had a great schedule planned for 2008,” Weaver added. “But to make this series survive the test of time, with the help of our new partners, we have designed a much better series for the ultimate fans experience.  I don’t want to go too far into the details, because we want to do that when we announce the redesigned Old School Racing program.”

 

The OSR will have several announcements over the next few months about the redesign of the series.  In addition the OSR will have announcements about surprises for 2008, drivers, sponsorship announcements and more.  Keep checking the Old School Racing website at www.osrct.com for all the latest news. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

Harrisburg, NC - A game plan has been put into place for both Wood Brothers race teams. Jon Wood will practice and qualify the Wood Brothers no. 21 Honey Buns Ford Fusion at Talladega Saturday morning . Following qualifying, Jon will catch a waiting plane to Kansas in hopes of making it on time for the 5:00pm CT start of the Craftsman Truck Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 at the Kansas Speedway.

 

The No. 21 Air Force Ford F-150 truck team has secured the driving services of Brandon Whitt to practice and qualify the truck.  Brandon is a third-generation race car driver who won the Rookie of the Year title in NASCAR's Southwest Touring division in 2002.  Brandon made his Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2003, driving the #38 Chevrolet Silverado for Clean Line Motorsports, a team his father owned. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATKINS GLEN, NY - Cameron Reynolds Argetsinger, founder and organizer of the first races in Watkins Glen and president of the International Motor Racing Research Center from September 2002 until mid-2007, died April 22 at his home in Burdett, NY. He was 87.

 

In addition to his international involvement in motorsports, Argetsinger was an attorney, graduating from Cornell Law School and practicing law in Schuyler County, NY, for 48 years.

 

Argetsinger’s contributions to motorsports in America are virtually unparalleled.

 

Inspired by his love of fast automobiles and the area’s natural beauty, in 1948 he conceived, organized and drove in the races through the streets in what would become the world-famous Watkins Glen Grand Prix.

 

In that first race, he drove his MG-TC to a ninth-place finish. He remained active as a driver through 1960.

 

Argetsinger brought full international races to Watkins Glen in 1958 and in 1961 inaugurated the U.S. Grand Prix for Formula 1, which had a successful 20-year run on the Watkins Glen circuit. 

 

From the start, Argetsinger was a strong voice for international and professional road racing during a period in the 1950s and early 1960s when the political tides were directed elsewhere. He received the Grand Prix Drivers Association award for the best-organized Grand Prix in the world in an era when promoters negotiated with each team and handled all details of transportation and logistical movement of cars, equipment and personnel. He had the complete trust and confidence of all the European teams and drivers and settled everything on a handshake.

 

Ultimately, he restructured the entire payment system to accommodate the needs of promoting a major event in America and advanced many professional innovations essential to establishing the success that Grand Prix racing enjoyed in America during that period.

 

After leaving Watkins Glen in 1970, he was executive vice president of Chaparral Cars and was subsequently director of professional racing and executive director of the Sports Car Club of America, SCCA, from 1971-77. He also served as commissioner of the International Motor Sport Association, IMSA, from 1986-92.

 

“Nothing that Cameron did was ordinary,” said Bill Milliken of Williamsville, NY, a close friend and who served as head of competition for SCCA at the early Watkins Glen races and in the Formula 1 years would serve as steward of the meeting.

 

“Cameron’s interests were totally different than the average person. It’s amazing. He had the capability of dreaming pretty big dreams, and then he had the fortitude and strength of character to realize them,” Milliken said.

 

Argetsinger was appointed president of the International Motor Racing Research Center in 2002. At that time, John Bishop, IMSA founder and first chairman of the Center’s council, cited the experience Argetsinger was bringing to the post of president.

 

“No one that I know in racing could possibly bring the same expertise and sense of organization and ethics as Cam Argetsinger,” Bishop said. “Cam has done everything there is to do in racing, from being the pioneer road racing organizer, to top official, to president of a sanctioning body to commissioner of a sanctioning body. Nobody brings the breadth of experience that Cam has.”

Argetsinger was a member of the inaugural induction class of the Hall of Fame of the Sports Car Club of America in January 2005. He also is in the Schuyler County (NY) Hall of Fame.

 

Argetsinger was a visionary who made things happen. Despite his many professional successes, honors and recognitions, he always considered his family his greatest accomplishment.  He remained close to his children, was proud of the achievements of his grandchildren, and took great delight in his great-grandchildren.

 

He leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Jean, their nine children, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

 

In addition to the grand- and great-grandchildren, he is survived by Jean and his children J.C. and Joan of Montour Falls, NY; Louise and Tom Kanaley of Rochester, NY; Michael and Lee of Chicago, IL; Marya Smith of Elizabeth, IL; Margretta (Getchie) of New York City; Peter and Sjoukje of Sebring, FL, and Watkins Glen, NY: Rob and Elizabeth of Sunset Beach, CA; Sam and Joan of Burdett, NY; Philip (Duke) of Phoenix, AZ; and Susann Gary Argetsinger of Burdett, NY.

 

lived in the farmhouse near Burdett where his father was born in 1883, overlooking the family vineyard and Seneca Lake.  The only child of Attorney J. Cameron and Louise Williams Argetsinger, he was born March 1, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, and spent his childhood summers with his grandparents in Schuyler County.  During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the Army.

 

A funeral Mass will be conducted on Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Decatur Street, Watkins Glen. The family will meet with friends thereafter at the Racing Research Center, 610 S. Decatur St. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Racing Research Center. Arrangements by Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Stewart may be looking to leave Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) according to reports. Stewart who is under contract until 2009 with JGR may try to leave the team early.

 

According to an ESPN report numerous have stated that Stewart has informed Gibbs officials that he wants released from his current contract early. According to a SI.com report Stewart is looking at moving the No. 70 Haas/CNC Racing Chevrolet and becoming part owner of the team.

 

It has been rumored that Stewart who fields Chevrolets for his Sprint car teams and drives a Toyota for JGR would like to be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet in NASCAR’s top series.

 

According to J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing Stewart in under contract until 2009 and that he is not going anywhere. "The reality is he's racing here through 2009. There's no ifs, ands or buts about that one. Our stance is he's racing for us through 2009."

 

After the 2009 season Stewart would be the hottest free agent on the market in NASCAR. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

  

 

 

 

 

 

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Haas CNC Racing is pleased to announce that Max Papis will drive the No. 70 Haas Automation Chevrolet during the two road-course races on the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

 

“I’m very excited to have this opportunity,” Papis said. “After testing for Hendrick Motorsports and developing more knowledge about the COT, I’m proud and honored to carry over that experience to the Haas CNC Racing program.”

 

The 2008 Sprint Cup Series road-course races are June 22 at Infineon Raceway and Aug. 10 at Watkins Glen International. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Checkers/Rally’s has been released from its position as the official burger of NASCAR, creating an opening in the quick-service restaurant category. NASCAR called the separation a mutual decision.

 

Checkers/Rally’s, based in Tampa, also has exited its sponsorships of the Indianapolis 500, Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and  Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All of the motorsports deals were scheduled to run through the 2009 season.

 

Checkers/Rally’s confirmed the end of the sponsorships, but its chief marketing officer, Terri Snyder, could not be reached for comment.

 

Snyder last year replaced former vice president of marketing Rich Turer, who negotiated Checkers/Rally’s motorsports sponsorships in 2005. Former Burger King executive Rick Silva took over as CEO as part of that leadership shakeup.

 

NASCAR now has turned its attention to filling the QSR category. Brian Corcoran, managing director of corporate marketing in NASCAR’s New York office, is spearheading the effort to find a brand with a national footprint.

 

During Checkers/Rally’s three years in the sport, it was probably best known for its product placement in the Will Ferrell movie “Talladega Nights,” on which NASCAR was a consultant, and a movie-related “Fully Loaded” sweepstakes that awarded the winner a Ford truck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.J Allmendinger will return to the seat of the No. 84 Toyota this weekend at Talladega. Allmendinger has been out of the car for five races being replaced by veteran Mike Skinner as the Red Bull Racing team filled out a self- evaluation form.

 

“It sucks being out of the race car. There’s no simple way to put it,” Allmendinger said. “Your ego takes a hit. For a race car driver being at the track and watching cars, especially yours, go around might be the worst thing in the world.”

 

“After seeing Mike drive the No. 84 car and seeing him struggle with some of the same problems I had been having,” Allmendinger said, “it was a little bit of a relief for me to realize that while I had plenty of room to improve as a driver, we also have a long way to go as a team. Collectively, we still need to get better.”

 

Skinner has put the team 40^th in owner points 111 points out of the top 35. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ritch on a roll, wants more

 

Myrtle Beach, S.C.—Michael Ritch wears his heart on his sleeve. And after last year’s Concord Motorsport Park event, it was easy to see.

 

After starting from the pole and leading a race-high 108 laps, Ritch was dismayed with his eighth-place finish in the Naturally Fresh 250. A late-race penalty for rough driving sent Ritch to the rear of the field on Lap 184, and he wasn’t happy about it. But Ritch plans to get even this weekend’s running of the Racing Electronics 250 presented by BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors at CMP.

 

“There were two races that I thought I should have won last season that I didn’t,” said Ritch, driver of the No. 28s Racing For Veterans Ford. “One was South Georgia, and the other one was Concord. I had both of them marked on my schedule this year.”

 

Ritch checked the first one of by dominating at South Georgia Motorsports Park on March 29 en route to his 14th career victory. But winning at Concord will be no easy chore, especially with Bobby Gill and Clay Rogers, who will be making his season debut at CMP, in the field.

 

Gill and Rogers have won five of the 11 Hooters Pro Cup events held at the track. Rogers, who has two wins at CMP, has an average finish of 2.6 in seven starts. Gill is the only-three time winner at CMP. Though Gill hasn’t got off to the best of starts, averaging an 18.3 finish through the first three races, the veteran feels the Racing Electronics 250 will get him going in the right direction.

 

“We’ve been a tick off all year with our new car,” said Gill, driver of the No. 06s USG Sheetrock Ford. “But we’re going to test at Concord, and we should be good.”

 

If anything, Gill should be better than his last-place effort in last season’s race at CMP. After qualifying 12th, Gill fell from the race on Lap 60 with a mechanical problem. But even so, he would have been hard-pressed to keep up with Ritch.

 

Ritch set a blistering pace in the first half of the event, building leads of two seconds over the field before the penalty.

 

The Racing Electronics 250 presented by BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors is scheduled for a green flag at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out early and enjoy the Allison Legacy Series race, which starts at 5:15 p.m. Following the Legacy race, fans will be allowed on the front stretch for the Wraps INK Autograph Session at 6:15 p.m. Pre-race ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, N.C. - Top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will prove who can execute the best burnout and donuts during the inaugural Pennzoil Victory Challenge prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday night, May 17, at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

           

The timed-competition will include five drivers who must demonstrate four essential skills of any victory celebration: a tire-smoking burnout; spectacular donuts; precision driving into "Victory Lane;" and, as with anything in racing, speed.

           

"This is going to be a great event for the fans and something else they can get excited about during All-Star weekend," said H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "Just as Major League Baseball has the Home Run Derby and the NBA has the Slam Dunk Contest during their All-Star weekends, the burnout contest gives us a chance to highlight what has become an exciting part of race day. It also gives these drivers the opportunity to light 'em up for the fans."

           

Clint Bowyer, a first-time NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race participant and driver of the No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet, is the first official entry for the inaugural event. Other participants will be announced at a later date.

           

The Pennzoil Victory Challenge will take place on the frontstretch of the 1.5-mile superspeedway at 6:15 p.m., just prior to the start of the Sprint Showdown.

           

Each driver will be in similarly prepared Richard Petty Driving Experience cars wrapped with Sprint All-Star Race decals.

           

A $10,000 donation will be made to the winner's designated charity.

 

Pennzoil Victory Challenge Breakdown:

 

The drivers will begin from a standing-start, triggering the electronic-timing system as they breakout of the "Start Box."

 

A full drag racing-style, tire-smoking burnout must be maintained from the "Start Box" to a designated transition point.

 

Upon reaching the transition point, the driver will throw the car into full 360-degree spins without crossing onto the apron of the frontstretch or they will receive a time penalty.

 

The driver then must maneuver out of the donut and sprint into a "Victory Lane" marked on either side with traffic cones and into the "Finish Box," stopping the clock. A time penalty will be accessed for hitting lane marking cones or the end cone.

 

The winner will be determined by the fastest time after penalties (if any) are accessed.

 

The inaugural Pennzoil Victory Challenge will be televised live during SPEED Channel's pre-race coverage of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 17.

Tickets for all May events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, including the May 17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 25 Coca-Cola 600, can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, NC - Yates Racing announced Tuesday that Northern Tool + Equipment, a leading supplier of high-quality tools and equipment for more than 27 years, will sponsor the No. 28 entry with driver Travis Kvapil for this weekend’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27th. 

 

“I’m thrilled to have Northern Tool + Equipment as the sponsor of our No. 28 Ford Fusion for this weekend,” commented Kvapil.  “This is a very exciting time for our Yates Racing organization because we’ve had some really great races to open the season with, and because of that, we’re able to showcase our strengths and the benefit that a sponsorship with our team will entail.  I’m very flattered to represent Northern Tool + Equipment this weekend and I know that our team is going to do them proud on Sunday.”  

 

“Northern Tool + Equipment is honored to sponsor the No. 28 Ford Fusion at Talladega, and excited for the opportunity to have a presence at the Cup level,” said Northern CEO Don Kotula.  “NASCAR sponsorships work for our company and the overall goals that we want to achieve in our marketing plans.  We have been fortunate enough to have had great partnerships with other talented Ford drivers such as Erik Darnell, Carl Edwards, and Greg Biffle.  When the opportunity came for us to partner with Yates Racing and Travis, it was just too good to pass up.  Travis has already secured a Top-10 finish this year and we’re confident that he’ll turn in another solid performance in the No. 28 at Talladega.”

 

Sunday’s race will mark the first time Northern Tool + Equipment has been a primary sponsor in NASCAR’s most elite division, the Sprint Cup Series.  Northern Tool + Equipment has been a sponsor in the Craftsman Truck Series since 2006.  Kvapil is currently 24th in the driver point standings for the Sprint Cup Series as he enters this weekend’s race at Talladega.  The Aaron’s 499 will be broadcast on FOX Sunday, April 27th with coverage beginning at 1:30pm EST.

 

Northern Tool + Equipment has been a supplier of high-quality tools and equipment for more than 27 years, selling products through direct mail, the Internet and at nearly 65 retail locations in 11 states. SCR

  

 

 

 

 

 

Washington, DC - The American Red Cross announced yesterday the launch of Red Cross Racing, a new national campaign to recruit NASCAR fans as blood donors and raise awareness of the need to give blood.  Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.

 

Through the support of 3M and Roush Fenway Racing - two highly respected organizations in the NASCAR motorsports world - the No. 16 Ford Fusion will race this Sunday at the Aaron’s 499 in Talladega, AL in a full paint scheme featuring the Red Cross logo.  The car will be driven by Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member and blood donor Greg Biffle.

 

“I’m proud to be an American Red Cross blood donor,” said Biffle. “I give blood because it’s easy to do and helps support our community. I hope NASCAR fans across the country will join me this racing season to help save lives, one drive at a time.”

 

“The Red Cross invites NASCAR fans to follow Greg Biffle’s lead and help win the race to increase much-needed blood donations,” said Mary S. Elcano, Acting President and CEO of the American Red Cross.  “Many NASCAR fans are already loyal Red Cross supporters in times of disaster, and through Red Cross Racing, we hope they will become frequent blood donors too.”

 

Race fans will be able to join a Donor Rewards program by visiting redcrossracing.com beginning on April 24th.  This new Web site makes it easy to schedule blood donation appointments online and offers frequent donors the chance to get points, which can be exchanged for Red Cross Racing gear, including caps, t-shirts, jackets and limited edition

die-cast cars.  Race fans can also join Red Cross Racing at one of the nine NASCAR races where a Red Cross trailer will be on the midway. All participants who sign up between April 24 and October 1 are automatically entered into a sweepstakes for an all-expense paid trip for two to the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Speedway on November 9, 2008. 

 

The Red Cross will be highly visible at NASCAR races, thanks to a nearly $2 million donation by 3M.  “We’re excited to join with the Red Cross to further advance its mission to increase the nation’s blood supply,” said Bob MacDonald, 3M senior vice president of marketing. “Our company is a long-time supporter of the Red Cross through ongoing financial and in-kind donations, and we are pleased to help launch this NASCAR opportunity.” 

 

People can give blood up to six times a year, or every 56 days, yet only about 37 percent of blood donors donate more than once each year.  Through this national campaign, the Red Cross hopes to increase the number of blood donations and to encourage people to give more often.  The creation of Red Cross Racing seeks to expand on the organization’s

existing successful partnerships within NASCAR.

 

The No. 16 Ford Fusion will also feature the full Red Cross paint scheme on November 9 during the race in Phoenix .  In both races Biffle will wear a Red Cross-branded fire suit.  In addition, the Red Cross logo will be seen on the No. 16 Ford Fusion in eight other races this season.

 

American Red Cross Car & Track Locations                     Race Date  

                   

Talladega, AL                                                                        April 25-27

Louden, NH                                                                           May 30 - June 1

Chicago, IL                                                                             July11-13

Brooklyn, MI                                                                          Aug. 15-17

Richmond, VA                                                                        Sept. 5-7

Kansas City, KS                                                                     Sept. 26-28

Charlotte, NC                                                                          Oct. 10-12

Fort Worth, TX                                                                       Oct. 31 - Nov. 2

Phoenix, AZ                                                                             Nov. 7-9 SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his 300th career start in NASCAR top series this weekend at Talladega. Earnhardt made his Cup debut in the 12th race of the 1999 season at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, he finished 16th that day. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHITESVILLE, Kentucky - Sheltra Motorsports, a professional three-tier Motorsports operation announced today it’s plan to run a Dodge Charger in a minimum of 10 ARCA RE/MAX Series events this season beginning with the fourth race of the season at Kansas Speedway on Friday, April 25, 2008.

 

In addition to the new nameplate, Sheltra Motorsports also unveiled a new paint scheme bringing a unique camouflage look to the ARCA scene.

 

Starting with Kansas Speedway this weekend, Sheltra Motorsports and driver Patrick Sheltra plan to run the Dodge emblem in nine other events consisting of Kentucky Speedway (May and July), Pocono Raceway (June and August), Michigan International Speedway (June), Nashville Superspeedway (August), Illinois State Fairgrounds (August), DuQuoin State Fairgrounds (September) and Chicagoland Speedway (September).

 

During the off-season, Sheltra Motorsports purchased three Dodge Chargers from North Carolina ’s Penske Racing while also transforming one of the team’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS to a Dodge Charger.

 

RC Consultants, a longtime engine builder in ARCA competition has partnered with the Whitesville, Kentucky based operation to provide the horsepower for the season. In the past, RC Consultants has provided engines for nine-time ARCA RE/MAX Series champion Frank Kimmel, Jason Jarrett (ML Motorsports) and Matt Hagans. RC Consultants helped power Jason Jarrett to his first career ARCA victory in the sanction’s inaugural debut at Kansas Speedway in 2001.

 

“I’m very excited about running a Dodge Charger this year in ARCA competition,” said Sheltra, who will make his 29th career ARCA start when he takes the green flag in a Dodge at Kansas Speedway. “The Dodges have been very competitive in the ARCA RE/MAX Series over the past few years; which led us in their direction. We are convinced that their track record will continue to stand this year.”

 

Sheltra added, “Our crew is very confident in what we think the Chargers are capable of. They have not won the ARCA RE/MAX Series manufacturer’s championship the past two seasons for finishing second. We believe we can win in a Dodge and we’re looking forward to “Grabbing Life By The Horns.”

 

Car Owner Grace Sheltra offered, “When the opportunity was presented to us to expand our fleet to include Dodges, we could not turn it down. Dodge has enjoyed a healthy amount of success in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and we’re looking for the same type of results at Sheltra Motorsports. We’re very happy with the equipment we’ve acquired and our affiliation with RC Consultants speaks for itself. We’re looking forward to helping Dodge continue their winning tradition in ARCA this year.”

 

In addition, Sheltra Motorsports also announced today that Aaron’s Outdoors will serve as the primary marketing partner for Friday’s Kansas Lottery $150 Grand.

 

Aaron’s Sales and Lease , America ’s premier name in retail furniture, partners with the Brannen Family to bring you Aaron’s Outdoors.  Aaron’s Outdoors can be found on Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) every Saturday morning at 8:30am for all hunting and fishing enthusiasts. This show brings you an up close and personal look at the South’s best game. Aaron’s Sales and Lease brings you the largest selection of brand new, brand name furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. 

 

“We are thrilled with our new relationship with Aaron’s Outdoors,” said Sheltra, who has been self-promoting Aaron’s Outdoors with the camouflage cap the past two races. “It’s exciting that Aaron’s has a new program that involves the outdoors and the apparel they are sporting virtually matches our race car which attracts us like a magnet. We are excited about our new relationship with Aaron’s Outdoors and we hope to deliver them a good finish Friday.”

 

Sheltra Motorsports, currently competing in their second full season of ARCA competition will sport the Chevrolet bowtie and its Monte Carlo SS model when not running under the Chrysler banner. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, N.C. - If Dale Earnhardt Jr. goes to Victory Lane in the Oct. 5 AMP Energy 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, he will bring the names of more than 70,000 members of JR Nation with him.

To become one of the many people who will catch a "Ride with Dale Jr.," all consumers need is one can of AMP Energy drink and a computer. Beginning April 22, Earnhardt fans can simply take the code found on the bottom of any AMP Energy can, log onto www.AMPEnergy.com and register. The first 70,000 will have their names featured on the special No. 88 AMP Energy "Ride with Dale Jr."/National Guard Chevrolet paint scheme.

But the program doesn't end there.

AMP Energy will include each and every person who signs up to "Ride with Dale Jr." by the July 1 deadline by featuring additional names on Earnhardt's pit wall banner, car cover and other areas around Talladega Superspeedway during the AMP Energy 500 weekend.

"My fan base at Talladega is incredible, so it's a fitting place for this program," said Earnhardt, who has won five times at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. "I'm proud of my sponsor, AMP Energy, for giving my fans an opportunity to ride along with me and my team for the AMP Energy 500 in October. It's a great promotion, and I can't wait to see how many people sign up to ride along with us."

For AMP Energy, the "Ride with Dale Jr." program is an opportunity to uniquely involve Earnhardt's avid fan base in the AMP Energy 500 weekend at Talladega.

"We want every member of JR Nation to be there with Dale Jr. as he goes for victory in the very first AMP Energy 500 race," said Ralph Santana, vice president of sports, media and interactive marketing, Pepsi-Cola North America. "To have Dale compete with this special AMP Energy paint scheme, surrounded by his fans, will be the ideal way for us to launch our title sponsorship at Talladega."

AMP Energy is a co-primary sponsor of Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevrolet and the title sponsor of the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega. Launched in 2001 as a brand extension of the original energy drink, Mountain Dew, AMP Energy is continuing Mountain Dew's heritage in racing.

With its energizing blend of B-Vitamins and a specially formulated, intense combination of taurine, ginseng and guarana, AMP Energy keeps you focused and on top of your game at all times. AMP Energy is currently available in original, sugar free and Overdrive (cherry). Look for new innovations and limited-edition Earnhardt products to be released in 2008.

AMP Energy is a product of Pepsi-Cola North America, the refreshment beverage unit of PepsiCo Inc. in the United States and Canada. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

The No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet, driven by Joe Nemechek, will once again showcase a unique paint scheme at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, site of this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race. For the third year in a row at the Talladega spring event, Furniture Row, the Denver-based company which owns the No. 78 Chevrolet, is devoting its entire space on the car to the National Day of Prayer. The red, white and blue patriotic paint scheme will include the National Day of Prayer logo on the hood, the rear quarter panels, trunk-lid and the rear bumper (TV) panel of the No. 78 car. "Using a car driven by Joe Nemechek, an accomplished driver who NASCAR fans recognize, is a fun and exciting way to promote the National Day of Prayer," said Brian Toon, vice-chairman of the National Day of Prayer. "This event enables us to communicate with a vast audience and show people that there is a day set aside where our nation joins together and prays." "I am proud to drive the National Day of Prayer car this weekend," said Nemechek. "This is something very special for Furniture Row and it's an honor for me to be included in this annual observance." Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of the United States history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. The observance is currently held on the first Thursday in May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray. Visit nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harrisburg , NC - Jon Wood will make his 2008 Sprint Cup Series debut in the Wood Brothers Racing no. 21 Honey Buns Ford Fusion in the Aaron’s 499 at the famed Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 27th.

 

Since the race was not a scheduled event for Bill Elliott, the team felt that Jon was a logical choice given his experience in the Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series on superspeedways.

 

Jon has a busy schedule this week as he is also entered to drive the no. 21 Air Force Ford F-150 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 at the Kansas Speedway on April 26th. The team is making every effort to make sure Jon participates in both events.  An alternative driver is being considered to practice, qualify and possibly race the truck if arrangements cannot be made to get Jon to the Kansas Speedway.

 

To start the week, Wood Brothers Racing and Jon Wood will be conducting a two day test at Iowa Speedway this Tuesday April 22 and Wednesday April 23.

 

Crew Chief Mike Smith agrees that this week is an excellent opportunity for the team to gel and work together for the first time this year. He said, “With Jon’s experience level on superspeedways in other series, I’m very comfortable with him getting in the car this weekend. The test in Iowa will also help. It will give us a chance to work together as crew chief and driver, which we’ve never done before. I’m really looking forward to it.” SCR

Photo: James S. Langley 

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas City, KS - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Shane Sieg is slated to step in for Kyle Busch to pilot the No. 51 Miccosukee Resorts Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota Tundra in Kansas.  Busch, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series superstar, has piloted the Tundra in the first four races of the season holding the championship points lead already scoring two wins ( California , Atlanta ). 

 

For the first time since the beginning of the 2008 NASCAR Season the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series have not run in companion.  After evaluating the practice, qualifying and race schedules at both Talladega and Kansas, it was evident that it was impossible for Busch to make the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 race Saturday, April 26 at 6:00pm ET (5:00pm CT). 

 

Sieg comes to Billy Ballew Motorsports with three starts for the team in 2007 posting a 10th place finish at Loudon. Sieg has 29 starts over four years and has two top-10 finishes with his prior start at the 1.5 mile tri-oval speedway finishing 16th. Sieg piloted the No. 07 Craftsman Truck in two of the four 2008 truck races.

 

“It is a great opportunity for me to get back behind the wheel of Billy Ballew Motorsports equipment,” Sieg said. “I know I have big shoes to fill but I just want to bring a good finish home to keep Billy Ballew as the team owners point leader.”

 

“With Kyle’s schedule at JGR this weekend there was no way he could make the race in Kansas,” Billy Ballew said. “Shane (Sieg) has driven for us before and is familiar with the equipment, giving us a top-10 in Loudon last year. We hope to leave Kansas still leading the owner’s points and know Kyle can make up some ground in the drivers points when we race at Lowes. I would like to thank James Finch and the Miccosukee Resorts for staying onboard with Shane and the No. 51 Tundra this weekend and I hope we can give them a good finish.” 

 

Although Busch will miss the Kansas event and likely lose the points lead it is mathematically feasible for him to win the Championship. Previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions have come from nearly 200 points out of the lead. 

 

Billy Ballew Motorsports has eight previous starts at the Kansas Speedway with a best finish of ninth in 2005 with John Andretti behind the wheel.

 

Ballew field two teams in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Marc Mitchell making his return after Denny Hamlin piloted the No. 15 at the Martinsville Speedway.  Mitchell will be making his first start with Toyota as the manufacturer.  The truck was run as a Chevrolet in the first three races of the 2008 season.

 

The O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 is slated for 6:00pm ET (5pm CT) Saturday, April 26, 2008.  SPEED will televise the race live beginning at 5:30pm ET (4:30 CT).  The race can also be heard on MRN and XM-Satellite radio stations and their affiliates. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORGAN HILL, Calif. - Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light™, today announced that, after more than 10,000 online votes were tallied, NASCAR® fans have decided which Thomas Kinkade sketch will become the officially licensed Limited Edition Commemorative Portrait of the historic 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500®. Go to www.thomaskinkade.com/daytona to see the winning sketch, which Thomas Kinkade will develop into a Studio Masterwork that will be released as the officially licensed Commemorative Limited Edition Portrait to fans of NASCAR®, the DAYTONA 500®, and Thomas Kinkade.

 

The official portrait will be made available in May. The winning sketch, named History in the Making, is such an overwhelming success that The Thomas Kinkade Company announced they will be releasing the sketch as a matted print on Monday, April 21st. The History in the Making sketch print is 16” x 20” finished size, suitable for framing and is packaged flat in a cello sleeve with a Thomas Kinkade Certificate of Authenticity included. The suggested retail price is $79.00 and available at www.thomaskinkade.com or through Thomas Kinkade Galleries.

 

“I couldn’t be happier with the fans’ decision — their favorite was my favorite,” said Thomas Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light. “When finished, this piece will have all of the historical figures and cultural symbolism that continue to draw fans to the ‘Great American Race.’ I’ve enjoyed this experience so much — I may have to paint two or three NASCAR® pieces in the future.”

 

In addition to the winning sketch, Thomas Kinkade announced that Corby Stewart, from Madison, GA and Jana Lowry from Amarillo, TX were selected as Grand Prize Winners of the DAYTONA 500® Voting Contest and will each receive one Standard Numbered Limited Edition canvas of the DAYTONA 500® image upon release in May. Mr. Stewart was selected from over 1,400 submissions made by Thomas Kinkade collectors and NASCAR® fans suggesting what Thom should include in his commemorative release of the 50th Running of the DAYTONA 500®, while Ms. Lowry was selected at random from the more than 10,000 fans that voted for the sketches on www.thomaskinkade.com. Thom sends his personal congratulations to each winner. SCR

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NASCAR Nationwide Series likely will go with its own version of the “car of tomorrow” in 2009, but not at the start of the year as had been originally targeted by NASCAR officials.
 
The rollout of the new Nationwide car most likely will be around midway through 2009, NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Saturday at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
 
“It will probably be in the middle of next year sometime,” Pemberton said. “We will try to do something that’s more user-friendly than the roll-out schedule that they had in the Cup Series.
 
“We probably will go later in the year but more races in a row. We haven’t determined that but we’ll look at sometime after mid-year.”
 
Once it starts, it likely will be a clean break with the new car used in all events except for road courses where NASCAR will revert back to the old car, Pemberton said.
 
NASCAR has had all four manufacturers in the wind tunnel last week for the second time in a month. It will return to the wind tunnel again in four to six weeks. NASCAR is trying to work with the manufacturers to get the aero numbers equal enough among all models while allowing them to keep some manufacturer identity. The car will retain the rear spoiler of the current car instead of the rear wing of the Sprint Cup new car, as well as other differences.
 
“We worked really hard and are taking a longer time with the manufacturers to help them get the right look,” Pemberton said. “We got in a ballpark when they all brought their stuff. We knew the range we needed to be in, but it’s how hard or easy for guys to change. Dodge has done a tremendously nice job on theirs.”
 
The other reason for the delayed implementation is to help ease the cost to the teams, Pemberton said.
 
Many team owners are fretting over the costs and some have even suggested that they will need an entire year’s notice to begin phasing out the inventory of old cars while building new ones.
 
But Pemberton indicated that the implementation already has been delayed from the start of 2009 and that starting in 2010 was later than what NASCAR wants.
 
“For financial reasons it’s probably good because we can use up all the equipment we’ve got for the current car – the inventory of 12-15 cars a team. It allows you to get the most out of them before you retire them,” said JR Motorsports Director of  Competition Steve Crisp about NASCAR’s plan to change mid-year next season. “It lets you plan far enough ahead in advance how to cycle those cars out and replace them more efficiently.
 
“It’s going to be a big financial hurdle for the teams in the Nationwide Series because you’re taking their existing inventory and it’s basically going to be 10 cents on the dollar. It’s kind of like getting a paddling at school in that you just [as soon] get it over with as you would to delay it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Boston, VA – With the winds up and the skies open Danny Abold waited out a three hour rain delay and riding around for 60 laps under caution to dry the track, before the skies opened up again giving Abold his first career Hooters Pro Cup Series win.

 

Abold used pit strategy or lack there of by not coming in under an early caution, when all the leaders pitted took the lead and never looked back to pick up the win.

 

“There are three things you got to have in racing. You gotta have luck, experience and hard work,” said Abold after the win. “I got the luck tonight, my crew chief [Keith Hinkein] has all the experience in the world and all my crew guys put in the hard work to put me where I was when the rain came.”

 

Abold held the lead from the time he tool it on lap 17 until the checkered flag flew on lap 161. In that time he waited out a three hour rain delay and a hard charging Benny Gordon, Gordon also set on the pole for the race.

 

“I was too patient with [Abold] because I knew he still had to pit,” said Gordon, driver of the No. 66n Samuel Metals Ford. “I made a couple of moves on him, but he didn’t give me any room. I figured when he had to pit that I would get the lead and take off.”

 

The red flag came out on lap 102 for rain and the teams parked their cars