From the Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, TN. July 27, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
It became official Wednesday morning, Ginn racing is no more. A merger with DEI leaves only the 01 car and a Craftsman truck team surviving the merger.
Just last week, Ginn released drivers Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemecheck, announced the move of Regan Smith from the 01 to the 14 and the signing of Aric Almirola to share the 01 with Martin. With the merger, virtually all of the Ginn employees are jobless, and as the operation prepares for this weekend at Indianapolis DEI will field 4 cup cars, Martin in the 01, Truex in the 1, Junior in the 8 and Paul Menard in the 15. The 15 car is now 30th in points as it acquired the points of the 14, the 15 was in 39th. The points for the 13 car (34th) have been returned to Nascar, ending speculation that Furniture Row Racing would get the points to help Kenny Wallace.
Regan Smith’s future seems to be unsure as it was announced that he will run in the Craftsman Truck Series this weekend after it was announced Wednesday that Almirola will stay as the part time driver of the 01.
A big plus in the deal for DEI is the Ginn Racing facilities. DEI has been looking for a new shop and they have outgrown the present shop and cannot expand it any more. The teams will still operate from the present shop, but some will be moving to the 180,000 sq ft Ginn facility. In addition to the buildings Ginn brings a lot of R&D equipment including the coveted 7 post rig.
Earlier this week, the Craftsman Truck and Busch Series teams tested at Bristol Motor Speedway as the tried out the new concrete surface. Matt Kenseth was one driver that liked Bristol and didn’t want the change. However, after testing, he was surprised that he really liked the new surface. Track record holder Ryan Newman was pleased with the new surface, "It's definitely way smoother than it was before," he said. "The transitions are good and there's a little relaxation coming off the corners.
Over the weekend we had more Dirt action at Wartburg and Crossville.
Friday night racing at Wartburg Speedway saw a new winner in the Super Late Model race as Curt Williams took the win. And to make it family night, brother Reagan Williams took the checkered flag in the Pure Street class.
Wartburg’s top 5’s:
SLM - 1. C. Williams, 2. B. Coffey, 3. A. Vanover, 4. J. Smith, 5. B. Hooks
Sportsman - 1. J. Adkisson, 2. J. Teague, 3. S. Shadoan, 4. K. Longmire, 5. G. Lively
Pure street -1. R. Williams, 2. M. Brashears, 3. G. Terry, 4. D. York, 5. J Capps
Pure Mini - 1. J. Manley, 2. J. Frost, 3. B. Albright, 4. D. Bray, 5. L. Frost
FWD - 1. D. Hall Jr, 2. C. Morrison, 3. J. Freels, 4. B. Hall, 5. D. Hall Sr.
Saturdays winners at Crossville Raceway were, SLM- Mark Martin, LLM- Joe Cline, OWM- Michael Asberry, Street Stock- Ron Dodson, Mini Stock- Dustin Stephens and FWD- Ricky Tinch.
The O’Reilly - Ray cook’s Southern National at Crossville was rained out Tuesday evening, no make up race will occur.
Local racing this weekend - Friday Wartburg Speedway will run a full racing card starting at 7:30 pm (et) Saturday, Crossville Raceway will run LLM, OWM, SS, MS, FWD, Cruiser cars and Chevettes. Gates open at 5 pm, racing starts at 7:00 pm (ct)
Get off that couch and bring the family out to a local dirt track and support the local racers. You may just see the next Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart on his way up.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
That Kenny Wallace can sure tell a story
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com July 20, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
CROSSVILLE, TN.- Last Tuesday, July 17th, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace were in town to do some dirt track racing at the Crossville Raceway.
An early afternoon rain came across the track threatening the nights racing activities, but nobody gave up hope. While waiting out the rain, I hogtied Kenny Wallace for an interview, but it soon became a story telling marathon. (Note to self, no more open ended questions for Kenny) I asked Kenny about his plans for this ‘off week’ from Nextel Cup competition, to which he responded “Let me tell you how I’m gonna enjoy my weekend off, What we do on our weekend off is what we want to do and for me that’s racing, because I love the sport so much.” So on this off week for Kenny he is racing his dirt car in Crossville, TN on Tuesday, Clarksville, TN on Wednesday and he was supposed to run Western Kentucky on Thursday, but got a chance to run the RCR #2 Busch car at Gateway Saturday.
When the subject of furniture Row Racing expanding to a second team for 2008, Kenny was quick to mention Sterling Marlin and the fact that he was let go that morning from Ginn Racing. “Sterling looks like he is getting close to retirement, and he and Nemecheck just got let go from Ginn Racing, and I would love to have Sterling help us. He said he doesn’t want to run more than 20 races next year, so if we can find a sponsor and I can have a teammate, Sterling Marlin is one of the best guys around.”
Now I have heard a lot of story’s about Sterling and back in March I listened as Kyle Petty was telling some stories about Sterling and he mentioned an incident with Sterling and Rusty Wallace’s son Steven. Kyle never went into detail, and left the story hanging, so this was a perfect opportunity.
When I asked Kenny, he started to laugh and said, “Well, Sterling is from rural Tennessee, where the roads are still dirt. Sterling thinks a quarter stick of dynamite is no big deal, in Missouri we used to call them M-80’s, but these aren’t no M-80’s. So he gave my nephew Steven a whole bunch of them things. Well Steven lights one of these things and throws it under a van, and it blows up, the van lifts about 2 feet of the ground and blows the rear tires right off the thing.” Kenny assured me that no one was hurt so they all laughed about it, but I knew there was more so he continued. “ Well, about a year ago Steven got really bored at the house, he was home and his mom was home, so he lit one of these quarter sticks of dynamite. As soon as he did, Steven decided this wasn’t a good thing to do in the house. So he went into the downstairs bathroom and threw it in the toilet figuring the toilet would put it out. Well it didn’t just blow the toilet apart, it blew the plumbing right out of the wall.” Steven had to spend a few days at Kenny’s house till his mom stopped spitting nails.
Kenny spots for Steven in the Busch series and really thinks the world of his nephew, but admits that Steven has earned a reputation as an overaggressive driver. When I mentioned Kenny being in the 2 car at St Louis, and the possibility of him being the victim of Stevens aggressive driving, he responded, “ If he wrecks me at Gateway he better drive right off the track, through the tunnel and just drive that race car all the way back to North Carolina.”
Well, the rain stopped and Kenny was off to do an autograph session with Schrader and then to do some racing. They both ran the Open Wheel Modified division that night, with Wallace being the quick qualifier and starting on the pole. He jumped to an early lead and looked to be a sure winner with Schrader not too far behind. But with a little past halfway, while getting around a lap car Wallace hit the wall and ended his night. Ken Schrader went on to win the feature.
After the race Wallace was still laughing and joking in the pits, taking responsibility for his own wreck. When some asked Kenny how he liked dirt racing, he explained, “ I was never into dirt racing, I went straight to asphalt. My dad was a great dirt racer and so is my brother Mike, but it is now my passion, to me racing dirt is like eating potato chips, once you start you just can’t stop.”
When I left the track Schrader and all the other teams were gone, but Kenny was still in the pits telling stories. Ya gotta love Herman!
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
CROSSVILLE, TN.- Last Tuesday, July 17th, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace were in town to do some dirt track racing at the Crossville Raceway.
An early afternoon rain came across the track threatening the nights racing activities, but nobody gave up hope. While waiting out the rain, I hogtied Kenny Wallace for an interview, but it soon became a story telling marathon. (Note to self, no more open ended questions for Kenny) I asked Kenny about his plans for this ‘off week’ from Nextel Cup competition, to which he responded “Let me tell you how I’m gonna enjoy my weekend off, What we do on our weekend off is what we want to do and for me that’s racing, because I love the sport so much.” So on this off week for Kenny he is racing his dirt car in Crossville, TN on Tuesday, Clarksville, TN on Wednesday and he was supposed to run Western Kentucky on Thursday, but got a chance to run the RCR #2 Busch car at Gateway Saturday.
When the subject of furniture Row Racing expanding to a second team for 2008, Kenny was quick to mention Sterling Marlin and the fact that he was let go that morning from Ginn Racing. “Sterling looks like he is getting close to retirement, and he and Nemecheck just got let go from Ginn Racing, and I would love to have Sterling help us. He said he doesn’t want to run more than 20 races next year, so if we can find a sponsor and I can have a teammate, Sterling Marlin is one of the best guys around.”
Now I have heard a lot of story’s about Sterling and back in March I listened as Kyle Petty was telling some stories about Sterling and he mentioned an incident with Sterling and Rusty Wallace’s son Steven. Kyle never went into detail, and left the story hanging, so this was a perfect opportunity.
When I asked Kenny, he started to laugh and said, “Well, Sterling is from rural Tennessee, where the roads are still dirt. Sterling thinks a quarter stick of dynamite is no big deal, in Missouri we used to call them M-80’s, but these aren’t no M-80’s. So he gave my nephew Steven a whole bunch of them things. Well Steven lights one of these things and throws it under a van, and it blows up, the van lifts about 2 feet of the ground and blows the rear tires right off the thing.” Kenny assured me that no one was hurt so they all laughed about it, but I knew there was more so he continued. “ Well, about a year ago Steven got really bored at the house, he was home and his mom was home, so he lit one of these quarter sticks of dynamite. As soon as he did, Steven decided this wasn’t a good thing to do in the house. So he went into the downstairs bathroom and threw it in the toilet figuring the toilet would put it out. Well it didn’t just blow the toilet apart, it blew the plumbing right out of the wall.” Steven had to spend a few days at Kenny’s house till his mom stopped spitting nails.
Kenny spots for Steven in the Busch series and really thinks the world of his nephew, but admits that Steven has earned a reputation as an overaggressive driver. When I mentioned Kenny being in the 2 car at St Louis, and the possibility of him being the victim of Stevens aggressive driving, he responded, “ If he wrecks me at Gateway he better drive right off the track, through the tunnel and just drive that race car all the way back to North Carolina.”
Well, the rain stopped and Kenny was off to do an autograph session with Schrader and then to do some racing. They both ran the Open Wheel Modified division that night, with Wallace being the quick qualifier and starting on the pole. He jumped to an early lead and looked to be a sure winner with Schrader not too far behind. But with a little past halfway, while getting around a lap car Wallace hit the wall and ended his night. Ken Schrader went on to win the feature.
After the race Wallace was still laughing and joking in the pits, taking responsibility for his own wreck. When some asked Kenny how he liked dirt racing, he explained, “ I was never into dirt racing, I went straight to asphalt. My dad was a great dirt racer and so is my brother Mike, but it is now my passion, to me racing dirt is like eating potato chips, once you start you just can’t stop.”
When I left the track Schrader and all the other teams were gone, but Kenny was still in the pits telling stories. Ya gotta love Herman!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Nascar stars shine in Crossville
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. July 20, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Nascar Nextel Cup drivers Ken Schrader ( Woods Bros. Little Debbie # 21 Ford) and Kenny Wallace (Furniture Row #78 Chevy) were on hand to race their dirt cars and spend some time with fans. Though the weather was a big concern for track owner Al Varnadore with a sudden downpour at the track about 2 pm, by 4 pm the skies cleared and work began on drying the track. The extra time needed kept the fans happy as Schrader and Wallace served a line of fans with autographs and pictures.
Following the qualifying laps, four fans got a big treat and also had a chance to help support the Alzheimer’s Foundation. A raffle was drawn for 2 fans to take a ride around the track in a special made Super Late Model race car piloted by either Schrader or Wallace. In addition an Auction was held in the stands for two more fans to ride along. The total proceeds to the Foundation was $1395.00
In the racing action, Mark Martin of Baxter won the Super Late Model feature, while Crossville’s Robert Edwards collected his first ever Limited Late Model win. Ron Dodson won the Street Stock feature and in the Open Wheel Modifieds, after a hard battle through most of the race with Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader held on for the win.
To see pictures from this event, click on the Crossville Raceway photo link in the column on the right, then go to Tuesday July 17.
On the Nascar scene, the Nextel Cup teams are off this week, while the Nascar Busch series heads to St. Louis where Kenny Wallace will be driving the #2 Richard Childress car. Ginn Racing announced Tuesday morning that they have released both Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemecheck, as they shut down the 13 team and move Regan Smith from the 01 car to the 14 car. They also signed Aric Almirola to replace Smith in the part time 01 ride with Mark Martin.
Marlin has stated that he wants to run a limited schedule in 2008 with possibly no more than 20 races. I spoke with Kenny Wallace who stated that he has discussed Marlin driving a second car in 2008 for Furniture Row, provided a sponsor can be secured.
Local Racing Results for last weekend:
Friday night at Wartburg Speedway
SLM - 1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Ruben Mayfield, 5. Danny Bray Sportsman - 1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Dale Nance, 3. Johnny Lane, 4. Keith Longmire, 5. Melvin Burns Pure Street - 1. Reagan Williams, 2. Jason Capps, 3. Jonathan Sims, 4. Joe Seiber, 5. Michael Brashears Pure Mini - 1. Jason Manley, 2. Donald Christmas, 3. Brian Frost, 4. Nick Nelson, 5. Jim Frost FWD - 1. Blake Hall, 2. David Hall Sr, 3. Billy Freytag, 4. Justin Scott, 5. Casey Crane
Saturday night at Crossville Raceway:
Limited Late Model - 1. Brandon Williams, 2. Sam Williams, 3. Joe Cline, 4. Dale Nance, 5. Jason Butler Open Wheel Modifieds - 1. Steve Mullinax, 2. Michael Asberry, 3. David Flowers, 4. Michael Selby Jr, 5. Greg Hoskins Mini Stock - 1. John Ross, 2. Dustin Stephens, 3.Joseph Howell, 4. Randy Goolsby, 5. Brandon Kilburn Front Wheel Drive - 1. Jonathan Norris, 2. Seth Smith, 3. JD Rector, 4. Ricky Tinch, 5. Brandon Norris. Chevette - 1. Ronnie Choate Jr, 2. Stephen Fields, 3.Don Pollard, 4. Wesley Stafford
Next up racing this weekend, Tonight Wartburg Speedway runs a full card of racing including SLM, Sportsman, Pure Street, Pure Mini and Front Wheel Drive. Racing starts at 7:30 pm (et) Saturday racing at Crossville Raceway with SLM, LLM, Street Stock, Mini Stock and FWD starting at 7:00 pm. Next Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Crossville raceway will host the Ray Cook’s Southern Nationals with a $3500 SLM race. Also included in the night’s program will be LLM, OWM, SS, MS and FWD. Racing begins at 7:00 pm.
Get off that couch and bring the family out to a local dirt track and support the local racers. You may just see the next Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart on his way up.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Sad summer for Nascar’s first family
from The Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, TN July 13, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
On June 4, 2007 long time Nascar leader Bill France Jr, lost his battle with cancer. The family was prepared as he had been under medical care for an extended time. The entire racing community mourned his loss, while the family showed their strength in dealing with the loss.
On Tuesday morning July 9, 2007 the France family was jolted by an unexpected loss. Dr. Bruce Kennedy perished in a Sanford , FL. plane crash, along with Michael Klemm a senior captain with Nascar aviation. Dr. Kennedy was the husband of Nascar Board Member and International Speedway Corporation President, Lesa France Kennedy.
The small plane had declared an emergency with smoke in the cabin and was attempting to land at the Sanford-Orlando airport when it crashed into a home in a large subdivision. The home was engulfed in flames as was a second home, both homes and the plane were completely destroyed by fire. In addition to the two occupants of the plane, three people from the homes, including 2 children perished. A 10 year old is listed in critical condition and undergoing treatment of burns to 80% of his body.
As the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series head to Chicago this weekend there will be some somber moments, but the racing must go on. Drivers to watch in Chicago are defending race winner Jeff Gordon, 2 time Chicago winner Kevin Harvick and a non winner at Chicago, but the driver with the best overall record at Chicago, Jimmie Johnson. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be at Kentucky Speedway Saturday.
Local Racing Action
Crossville Raceway had a full card of racing last Saturday including double features in five classes as ’make up’ for the June 23 races postponed due to rain.
June 23 results: Limited Late Model- 1. Dale Nance, 2. Lynn Selby, 3. Jason Butler, 4. Duke Lowe, 5. Jim Bolen Open Wheel Mods- 1. Billy Palmer, 2. Jack Price, 3. Jimmy Dalton, 4. Shane Stockton, 5. Thomas Lay Street Stock- 1. Brian Selby, 2. Ricky Scruggs, 3. Rusty Mellette, 4. Mike Tabors, 5. William Starnes Front Wheel drive- 1. Jordon Butler, 2. J.D. Rector, 3. Cody Rector, 4. Raymond Manning, 5. Brandon Jenkins Cruiser cars- 1. Tony Duncan/Stacey Griffin
July 7 features, SLM- 1. Tim Damron, 2. Johnny Stout, 3. Brian Hendrix, 4. Brett Wyatt, 5. DeWayne Pesterfield LLM- 1. Dale Nance, 2. Sam Williams, 3. Joe Cline, 4. Lynn Selby, 5. Jason Butler Open Wheel Mods- 1. Wayne James, 2. Billy Palmer, 3. Jack Price, 4. Robert Potter, 5. Shane Stockton Mini Stock- 1. Herman Radke, 2. John Ross, 3. Joseph Howell, 4. PeeWee Howard, 5. Shalon Turner Street Stock- 1. Brian Selby, 2. Danny Clouse, 3. Chris Croinex, 4. Mike Tabors, 5. Rusty Mellette FWD- 1. Jonathan Norris, 2. Christa Moore, 3. Brandon Norris, 4. Jordon Butler, 5. Brandon Jenkins Cruisers- 1. Jessie Peters/ Josh Bryan
This weekends local racing;
Friday - Wartburg Speedway, full racing card begins at 7:30 pm (et)
Saturday- Crossville Raceway Full card (no SLM) and a special $400 to win Front Wheel Drive feature begins at 7:00 pm.
I-40 Dragway has a $2k Super Pro race plus Funny cars.
Attention NASCAR Fans
Tuesday July 17th NASCAR stars invade Crossville Raceway as Kenny (the Hermanator) Wallace and Ken Schrader will be on hand with their own dirt cars to compete against the local drivers.
The ‘Kennys’ will also be doing autograph and photo sessions with fans. As a special feature there will be a 2 seat race car where 4 fans will have the opportunity to ‘turn’ 5 laps with either Wallace or Schrader. Those rides will be auctioned off after qualifying with the proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The nights racing activities will include Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds and Street Stocks.
Gates open to the public at 5 pm, autograph session from 6:00-6:30 pm, qualifying begins at 7:00 pm
Crossville Raceway is located on US Highway 70 North; four miles west of Crossville, TN. Racers and fans can call the track phone for more information at (931) 456-5000.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
On June 4, 2007 long time Nascar leader Bill France Jr, lost his battle with cancer. The family was prepared as he had been under medical care for an extended time. The entire racing community mourned his loss, while the family showed their strength in dealing with the loss.
On Tuesday morning July 9, 2007 the France family was jolted by an unexpected loss. Dr. Bruce Kennedy perished in a Sanford , FL. plane crash, along with Michael Klemm a senior captain with Nascar aviation. Dr. Kennedy was the husband of Nascar Board Member and International Speedway Corporation President, Lesa France Kennedy.
The small plane had declared an emergency with smoke in the cabin and was attempting to land at the Sanford-Orlando airport when it crashed into a home in a large subdivision. The home was engulfed in flames as was a second home, both homes and the plane were completely destroyed by fire. In addition to the two occupants of the plane, three people from the homes, including 2 children perished. A 10 year old is listed in critical condition and undergoing treatment of burns to 80% of his body.
As the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series head to Chicago this weekend there will be some somber moments, but the racing must go on. Drivers to watch in Chicago are defending race winner Jeff Gordon, 2 time Chicago winner Kevin Harvick and a non winner at Chicago, but the driver with the best overall record at Chicago, Jimmie Johnson. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be at Kentucky Speedway Saturday.
Local Racing Action
Crossville Raceway had a full card of racing last Saturday including double features in five classes as ’make up’ for the June 23 races postponed due to rain.
June 23 results: Limited Late Model- 1. Dale Nance, 2. Lynn Selby, 3. Jason Butler, 4. Duke Lowe, 5. Jim Bolen Open Wheel Mods- 1. Billy Palmer, 2. Jack Price, 3. Jimmy Dalton, 4. Shane Stockton, 5. Thomas Lay Street Stock- 1. Brian Selby, 2. Ricky Scruggs, 3. Rusty Mellette, 4. Mike Tabors, 5. William Starnes Front Wheel drive- 1. Jordon Butler, 2. J.D. Rector, 3. Cody Rector, 4. Raymond Manning, 5. Brandon Jenkins Cruiser cars- 1. Tony Duncan/Stacey Griffin
July 7 features, SLM- 1. Tim Damron, 2. Johnny Stout, 3. Brian Hendrix, 4. Brett Wyatt, 5. DeWayne Pesterfield LLM- 1. Dale Nance, 2. Sam Williams, 3. Joe Cline, 4. Lynn Selby, 5. Jason Butler Open Wheel Mods- 1. Wayne James, 2. Billy Palmer, 3. Jack Price, 4. Robert Potter, 5. Shane Stockton Mini Stock- 1. Herman Radke, 2. John Ross, 3. Joseph Howell, 4. PeeWee Howard, 5. Shalon Turner Street Stock- 1. Brian Selby, 2. Danny Clouse, 3. Chris Croinex, 4. Mike Tabors, 5. Rusty Mellette FWD- 1. Jonathan Norris, 2. Christa Moore, 3. Brandon Norris, 4. Jordon Butler, 5. Brandon Jenkins Cruisers- 1. Jessie Peters/ Josh Bryan
This weekends local racing;
Friday - Wartburg Speedway, full racing card begins at 7:30 pm (et)
Saturday- Crossville Raceway Full card (no SLM) and a special $400 to win Front Wheel Drive feature begins at 7:00 pm.
I-40 Dragway has a $2k Super Pro race plus Funny cars.
Attention NASCAR Fans
Tuesday July 17th NASCAR stars invade Crossville Raceway as Kenny (the Hermanator) Wallace and Ken Schrader will be on hand with their own dirt cars to compete against the local drivers.
The ‘Kennys’ will also be doing autograph and photo sessions with fans. As a special feature there will be a 2 seat race car where 4 fans will have the opportunity to ‘turn’ 5 laps with either Wallace or Schrader. Those rides will be auctioned off after qualifying with the proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The nights racing activities will include Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds and Street Stocks.
Gates open to the public at 5 pm, autograph session from 6:00-6:30 pm, qualifying begins at 7:00 pm
Crossville Raceway is located on US Highway 70 North; four miles west of Crossville, TN. Racers and fans can call the track phone for more information at (931) 456-5000.
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Coca Cola 400 at Daytona?
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
For 27 years the July race at Daytona International Speedway has been known as the Pepsi 400. On July 9, International Speedway Corporation announced that they had signed a long term (10 year) sponsorship agreement with Coca Cola.
Under the terms of the agreement, CCNA brands will become the "Official Soft Drink," "Official Sparkling Beverage" and "Official Water" for 10 of ISC's wholly owned and/or operated motorsports facilities; as well as the DAYTONA 500 Experience, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction.
Although the announcement does not specify the name of the July events, it does include ’entitlement rights’ to the July Nextel (Sprint) Cup and Busch events, it will surely include the Coke brand in the titles.
The race that started in 1959 as the Firecracker 250 was originally scheduled as a USAC open wheel race, but a bad wreck in an earlier race that year prompted the track owners to cancel the USAC race and change it to a NASCAR race. In 1963 it was expanded to 400 miles and the name changed to the Firecracker 400. The race was always held on July 4th regardless of the day of week. In 1985 Pepsi took over the title sponsorship and three years later the date was changed to make the race a Saturday event. In 1998 the even debuted as a ‘Night Race’, but because of a series of wild fires the race was postponed until October. Since becoming a night race it has become a highlight race of the summer.
Other tracks included in the contract are Chicago Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Michigan International Speedway and Richmond International Raceway.
"This new relationship ranks among the most significant marketing partnerships in ISC history," said ISC President Lesa France Kennedy. "It also further demonstrates the significant value of our asset base including premier facilities, events, intellectual property and operational support services. We welcome Coca-Cola to the ISC family and we look forward to a long and successful relationship."
"While Coca-Cola has enjoyed a storied history in auto racing, today marks a exceptional milestone as Coca-Cola, the world's number-one sparkling beverage, will soon be served at Daytona International Speedway, home of 'The Great American Race,' as well as some of the finest facilities in all of motorsports," said Sandy Douglas, president, Coca-Cola North America. "Together with our bottling partners at Coca-Cola Enterprises, we look forward to refreshing race fans at ISC properties with the greatest beverages in the world, and creating best-in-class marketing programs with ISC that bring fans even closer to the sport they love."
The agreement will eventually include Darlington, Talladega, Watkins Glen and the Phoenix tracks with Coke products having exclusive ‘pouring rights’ at all of the facilities.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
For 27 years the July race at Daytona International Speedway has been known as the Pepsi 400. On July 9, International Speedway Corporation announced that they had signed a long term (10 year) sponsorship agreement with Coca Cola.
Under the terms of the agreement, CCNA brands will become the "Official Soft Drink," "Official Sparkling Beverage" and "Official Water" for 10 of ISC's wholly owned and/or operated motorsports facilities; as well as the DAYTONA 500 Experience, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction.
Although the announcement does not specify the name of the July events, it does include ’entitlement rights’ to the July Nextel (Sprint) Cup and Busch events, it will surely include the Coke brand in the titles.
The race that started in 1959 as the Firecracker 250 was originally scheduled as a USAC open wheel race, but a bad wreck in an earlier race that year prompted the track owners to cancel the USAC race and change it to a NASCAR race. In 1963 it was expanded to 400 miles and the name changed to the Firecracker 400. The race was always held on July 4th regardless of the day of week. In 1985 Pepsi took over the title sponsorship and three years later the date was changed to make the race a Saturday event. In 1998 the even debuted as a ‘Night Race’, but because of a series of wild fires the race was postponed until October. Since becoming a night race it has become a highlight race of the summer.
Other tracks included in the contract are Chicago Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Michigan International Speedway and Richmond International Raceway.
"This new relationship ranks among the most significant marketing partnerships in ISC history," said ISC President Lesa France Kennedy. "It also further demonstrates the significant value of our asset base including premier facilities, events, intellectual property and operational support services. We welcome Coca-Cola to the ISC family and we look forward to a long and successful relationship."
"While Coca-Cola has enjoyed a storied history in auto racing, today marks a exceptional milestone as Coca-Cola, the world's number-one sparkling beverage, will soon be served at Daytona International Speedway, home of 'The Great American Race,' as well as some of the finest facilities in all of motorsports," said Sandy Douglas, president, Coca-Cola North America. "Together with our bottling partners at Coca-Cola Enterprises, we look forward to refreshing race fans at ISC properties with the greatest beverages in the world, and creating best-in-class marketing programs with ISC that bring fans even closer to the sport they love."
The agreement will eventually include Darlington, Talladega, Watkins Glen and the Phoenix tracks with Coke products having exclusive ‘pouring rights’ at all of the facilities.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Will new records be set Saturday at Daytona?
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. July 6, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
There may be some new records set at Daytona Saturday night, as the current cars race for the last time on a Restrictor Plate track. This will also be the last time for the ‘Pepsi 400’ at Daytona, and Tony Stewart has a chance to be the ONLY 3 in a row winner of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
Only one other driver has won 3 in a row in the July Daytona race, David Pearson did it in 1972, ‘73 and ‘74 when it was the Firecracker 400. This will be the last Pepsi 400 as the pouring rights at Daytona change at the end of the year from Pepsi to Coke. No title sponsor for the race next year has yet to be named. At the only remaining restrictor plate race this year, the UAW - Ford 500 at Talladega SuperSpeedway in October teams will be bringing the Car of Tomorrow, and starting with Daytona 2008, the COT will be the only car.
There are 53 cars on the entry list for the Pepsi 400, so look for lots of cars ‘going home’.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced Tuesday that he will take the wheel of the 88 Navy JR Motorsports Busch car at Daytona this weekend, replacing regular driver Shane Huffman. “Upon a midseason evaluation of the performance of this race team, we decided we needed to make a change, and right now we have a window to do that,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Because of the short notice, I am going to drive the Navy car Friday night at Daytona. It’s a big race for us. We are carrying a special Navy SEALS’ paint scheme on the car, so we want to make sure we give it a good run for the Navy and all our sponsors and employees.”
This is intended to be a one time race for Jr. although who will take over as the full time driver has not yet been determined .
On the Local Racing scene:
Last Friday’s races at Wartburg Speedway were rained out and the track rescheduled them for Saturday. Winners for Saturday at Wartburg were;
SLM- Steve Smith, Sportsman- Greg Martin, Street- Joe Seiber, Mini-David Christmas, FWD- Joe Freels
Saturday’s winners at Crossville Raceway were;
SLM-Billy Ogle Jr., LLM- Sam Williams, OWM- Steve Mullinax, Street- Brian Selby, Mini- John Ross, FWD- Jonathan Norris
Wednesday July 4th Wartburg Speedway hosted the Shoney’s Independence 70, $10,000.00 to win Super Late Model race and a $2,000.00 to win Sportsman race as well as their support classes.With the largest crowd to ever attend a race at Wartburg Speedway, and easily one of the largest Dirt Race crowds in the region the fans enjoyed a great night of racing.. Over 24 Super Late Models were on hand. In the Sportsman class 30 cars showed up to race, forcing a B main event. During intermission, the fans were treated to a spectacular fireworks display that lasted more than 20 minutes.
Top finishers:
SLM 1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Billy Ogle, 4. Stacey Boles, 5. Randy Weaver
Sportsman 1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Jeff Hamby, 3. Keith Longmire, 4. Darrick York, 5. Scott Gardner
Pure Mini winner Brian Frost, Pure Street winner Jason Capps, FWD winner David Hall Jr,
This weekends local racing action:
Wartburg Speedway will be closed Friday.
Crossville Raceway will be open Saturday with a full racing card including Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stock, Mini Stock and Front Wheel Drives. This is Armed Forces night where anyone presenting an active or retired military ID will get discounted admission to the races.
BONUS this Saturday will be double features for the Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stock and the front Wheel drives. Those features were rained out on Saturday June 23.
Get off that couch and bring the family out to a local dirt track and support the local racers. You may just see the next Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart on his way up.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
There may be some new records set at Daytona Saturday night, as the current cars race for the last time on a Restrictor Plate track. This will also be the last time for the ‘Pepsi 400’ at Daytona, and Tony Stewart has a chance to be the ONLY 3 in a row winner of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
Only one other driver has won 3 in a row in the July Daytona race, David Pearson did it in 1972, ‘73 and ‘74 when it was the Firecracker 400. This will be the last Pepsi 400 as the pouring rights at Daytona change at the end of the year from Pepsi to Coke. No title sponsor for the race next year has yet to be named. At the only remaining restrictor plate race this year, the UAW - Ford 500 at Talladega SuperSpeedway in October teams will be bringing the Car of Tomorrow, and starting with Daytona 2008, the COT will be the only car.
There are 53 cars on the entry list for the Pepsi 400, so look for lots of cars ‘going home’.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced Tuesday that he will take the wheel of the 88 Navy JR Motorsports Busch car at Daytona this weekend, replacing regular driver Shane Huffman. “Upon a midseason evaluation of the performance of this race team, we decided we needed to make a change, and right now we have a window to do that,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Because of the short notice, I am going to drive the Navy car Friday night at Daytona. It’s a big race for us. We are carrying a special Navy SEALS’ paint scheme on the car, so we want to make sure we give it a good run for the Navy and all our sponsors and employees.”
This is intended to be a one time race for Jr. although who will take over as the full time driver has not yet been determined .
On the Local Racing scene:
Last Friday’s races at Wartburg Speedway were rained out and the track rescheduled them for Saturday. Winners for Saturday at Wartburg were;
SLM- Steve Smith, Sportsman- Greg Martin, Street- Joe Seiber, Mini-David Christmas, FWD- Joe Freels
Saturday’s winners at Crossville Raceway were;
SLM-Billy Ogle Jr., LLM- Sam Williams, OWM- Steve Mullinax, Street- Brian Selby, Mini- John Ross, FWD- Jonathan Norris
Wednesday July 4th Wartburg Speedway hosted the Shoney’s Independence 70, $10,000.00 to win Super Late Model race and a $2,000.00 to win Sportsman race as well as their support classes.With the largest crowd to ever attend a race at Wartburg Speedway, and easily one of the largest Dirt Race crowds in the region the fans enjoyed a great night of racing.. Over 24 Super Late Models were on hand. In the Sportsman class 30 cars showed up to race, forcing a B main event. During intermission, the fans were treated to a spectacular fireworks display that lasted more than 20 minutes.
Top finishers:
SLM 1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Billy Ogle, 4. Stacey Boles, 5. Randy Weaver
Sportsman 1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Jeff Hamby, 3. Keith Longmire, 4. Darrick York, 5. Scott Gardner
Pure Mini winner Brian Frost, Pure Street winner Jason Capps, FWD winner David Hall Jr,
This weekends local racing action:
Wartburg Speedway will be closed Friday.
Crossville Raceway will be open Saturday with a full racing card including Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stock, Mini Stock and Front Wheel Drives. This is Armed Forces night where anyone presenting an active or retired military ID will get discounted admission to the races.
BONUS this Saturday will be double features for the Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stock and the front Wheel drives. Those features were rained out on Saturday June 23.
Get off that couch and bring the family out to a local dirt track and support the local racers. You may just see the next Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart on his way up.
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