From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Friday August 31, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
As the Nextel Cup teams head to California with only two races left before the ‘Chase to The Nextel Cup Championship’ begins in New Hampshire on September 16.
The top twelve teams ‘lock’ into the Chase following next weeks race at Richmond International Raceway, but the odds of the present 12 changing are pretty slim. With 2 wins, it appears that Kurt Busch is about 99% safe of holding the 12th spot. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was trying to make a late charge to unseat Busch, but with a 158 difference between 12th and 13th, it seems an impossible task, especially in light of the surge that Busch is on.
Ricky Rudd will pass a milestone this weekend as he starts his 900th Nascar Nextel (Winston) Cup race. Ricky is second only to Richard Petty in all time starts, but he will not catch Petty as he announced last week that he will Retire after the 2007 season.
With the Bristol race behind us, many fans expressed disappointment with the lack of aggressive racing and the bumping and banging the track is noted for. The bumping and banging was down for sure, but the aggressiveness was far from down. The number of passes were nearly three time the average and for the first time in many years drivers were able to run more than one groove, in fact there was a lot of 3 and sometimes 4 wide racing going on. Yes the drivers are more cautious than in years past, but that has to be attributed to the ‘Chase’. I, like many old time race fans, do not care for the Chase. This format tends to lean more toward the stick and ball fans and ignores the old Nascar traditions. But that will not deter true race fans who cheer on their favorite drivers.
On the LOCAL RACING SCENE, Crossville Raceway announced last week that they were closing for the season effective immediately. To say local racers and fans alike are disappointed would be an understatement. The economic conditions were cited as the major cause as the track fought high gas prices as well a reputation of a track with a spotty past. 2007 was the best and most racing this track has seen since the days of J Paul Smith’s ownership. The track was gaining every week, but the financial backers appear to have lost patience with the slow progress. A big loser in the whole deal was track operator Al Varnadore, who was shocked at the closing. “When we started into this venture, I said that it was going to be at least a 2 to 3 year process to turn this track around.” said Varnadore last week. “I thought those guys understood that situation, had I known they expected the success to happen within 1 year, I would have never got involved.” Varnadore was packing earlier this week to head back to his other track outside of Tampa, FL.
This Saturdays $3,000.00 Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series Race schedule at Crossville has been moved to Wartburg Speedway. The program will include a $2,000 Sportsman race as well as $500 to win in the Street Stock and Mini Stock features. There will also be a $500 to win front Wheel Drive feature sponsored by On Pit Road Racing Photos. Racing action Saturday starts at 7:00 pm (EDT). The Saturday race will replace the previously scheduled race to be held Monday at Wartburg.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Economic situation cited for racetrack closure
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
The state of the economy, and financial matters were cited Thursday in the closure of the Crossville Raceway. In a statement released by track operator Al Varnadore, the situation looks grim for 2007, but has a chance for the return to racing in 2008.
I regret to announce that due to economic and financial conditions which are beyond our control, Crossville Raceway Incorporated is forced to cancel the remaining races scheduled for the 2007 season. We are working on putting on an appreciation awards dinner for the top 5 points drivers in each division and track staff. I personally wish to thank everyone that's attended any of our events over the last year. This year has been a very stressful and unusual year, with the weather affecting almost every event in one way or another. The economic conditions of racing has been tough on everyone, with gas prices forcing people not to travel as much as they normally would. We will contact all our employees and our top five points drivers with details about the awards dinner as soon as they are finalized. This event will more than likely take place in November. Hopefully by the time of the awards dinner we will have more insight to the plans for the 2008 racing season at Crossville Raceway. Once again thank you for your support, and I apologize to everyone for the inconvenience this may cause.
Thank You, Al Varnadore
Crossville Raceway Incorporated
Local racers will surely miss this track that has served the area for numerous years. The over the years the operation of the track has been spotty, with 2007 being the longest it has run in several years. The track is closing about 8 weeks before the scheduled end of the season, however 2007 was an aggressive schedule running much later than previous ones and far beyond many of the other area tracks. Local racers can only hope for a renewed start for 2008. The nearest tracks are Spring City which dopes not operate an organized racing schedule and Wartburg that will be ending it’s season in two weeks.
Crossville Raceway had an Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, $3,000 Super Late Model race scheduled for this Saturday. That race has been moved to Wartburg Speedway to run on Saturday Sept. 1. The $5000 race at Wartburg scheduled for Sept. 3 has been cancelled. In addition to the $3k SLM event Wartburg Speedway will also run a $2k Sportsman (Limited Late Model), as well as $500 to win features in the Pure Street, and Pure Mini class. A special $500 Front Wheel Drive race sponsored by On Pit Road Racing Photos will bring extra money to all the classes for the Labor Day weekend event.
Racing at Wartburg will begin Saturday Sept. 1 at 7:00 pm (EDT).
The state of the economy, and financial matters were cited Thursday in the closure of the Crossville Raceway. In a statement released by track operator Al Varnadore, the situation looks grim for 2007, but has a chance for the return to racing in 2008.
I regret to announce that due to economic and financial conditions which are beyond our control, Crossville Raceway Incorporated is forced to cancel the remaining races scheduled for the 2007 season. We are working on putting on an appreciation awards dinner for the top 5 points drivers in each division and track staff. I personally wish to thank everyone that's attended any of our events over the last year. This year has been a very stressful and unusual year, with the weather affecting almost every event in one way or another. The economic conditions of racing has been tough on everyone, with gas prices forcing people not to travel as much as they normally would. We will contact all our employees and our top five points drivers with details about the awards dinner as soon as they are finalized. This event will more than likely take place in November. Hopefully by the time of the awards dinner we will have more insight to the plans for the 2008 racing season at Crossville Raceway. Once again thank you for your support, and I apologize to everyone for the inconvenience this may cause.
Thank You, Al Varnadore
Crossville Raceway Incorporated
Local racers will surely miss this track that has served the area for numerous years. The over the years the operation of the track has been spotty, with 2007 being the longest it has run in several years. The track is closing about 8 weeks before the scheduled end of the season, however 2007 was an aggressive schedule running much later than previous ones and far beyond many of the other area tracks. Local racers can only hope for a renewed start for 2008. The nearest tracks are Spring City which dopes not operate an organized racing schedule and Wartburg that will be ending it’s season in two weeks.
Crossville Raceway had an Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, $3,000 Super Late Model race scheduled for this Saturday. That race has been moved to Wartburg Speedway to run on Saturday Sept. 1. The $5000 race at Wartburg scheduled for Sept. 3 has been cancelled. In addition to the $3k SLM event Wartburg Speedway will also run a $2k Sportsman (Limited Late Model), as well as $500 to win features in the Pure Street, and Pure Mini class. A special $500 Front Wheel Drive race sponsored by On Pit Road Racing Photos will bring extra money to all the classes for the Labor Day weekend event.
Racing at Wartburg will begin Saturday Sept. 1 at 7:00 pm (EDT).
Edwards claims Victory on Bristol’s new surface
From the Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, TN. August 28, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(BRISTOL, TN.) - Finishing out the hottest week of racing on record at Bristol Motor Speedway, Carl Edwards took the Checkered Flag and did his popular Back Flip on the start / finish line Saturday Night.
Kasey Kahn started on the pole for the Sharpie 500 and proved to be the car to beat leading 305 of the first 371 laps. Kahn remained in the top 15 in all but 2 laps and those were during green flag pit stops. Edwards had run up front throughout the entire race dropping back only once during pit stops. He managed to lead 54 laps in the early racing until he took the lead for good on lap 371 and stayed out front for the win. Edwards and Kahne were the class of the race all night, finishing 1-2. A surprising Clint Boyer finished third after an amazing second half charge through the field. Tony Stewart crossed the line fourth continuing on his late season success, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top five, finished ahead of Kurt Busch who was sixth. Junior gained 5 points on Busch for the last Chase spot, but with two races remaining, he is still 159 points out of the Chase.
This was the first racing week for Nascar’s top series on the newly redone high banks of Bristol. Since the March race, the entire track surface was removed and redone. The new surface provided a 15’ wider surface with steeper banking on the top of the track, but a more gradual banking near the bottom. The transition from the turns to the straightaway’s was also smoothed out, eliminating what was a huge dip coming off turn 2 that traditionally forced the cars to bottom out every lap. There were far fewer cautions and wrecks than most folks have been used to at Bristol, but the new 3 and 4 wide racing sure was a sight to see.
In Friday night’s Nascar Busch Series race it was a battle between Jason Leffler, Ryan Newman in the early going, however a late racing 3 wide passing situation with Kahne going high and Leffler low as both attempted to pass Newman. They got together and Newman lost a right front tire putting him in the wall. Kahne went on to win with Leffler second, Reutimann third, Kyle Busch fourth, and Scott Wimmer fifth. Newman wound up four laps down in 28th.
Another Nascar controversy developed Friday night as Kyle Busch who was second at the time was penalized for a pit road violation, sending him to the rear of the field. A review of the call later showed that Nascar had erred and Busch should not have been penalized. Many observers feel that the call cost Busch the win. Kyle was summoned to the Nascar hauler after the race but nothing was announced regarding that meeting.
Results for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway:
1. Carl Edwards, 2. Kasey Kahne, 3. Clint Bowyer, 4. Tony Stewart, 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6. Kurt Busch, 7. Ryan Newman, 8. Bobby Labonte, 9. Kyle Busch, 10. Greg Biffle, 11. Martin Truex Jr, 12. Jeff Burton, 13. JJ Yeley, 14. David Stremme, 15. Reed Sorenson, 16. Kevin Harvick, 17. Juan Montoya, 18. Scott Riggs, 19. Jeff Gordon, 20. Robby Gordon, 21. Jimmie Johnson, 22. Casey Mears, 23. Michael Waltrip, 24. Paul Menard, 25. Bill Elliott, 26. Jamie McMurray, 27. Jeff Green, 28. Tony Raines, 29. Elliott Sadler, 30. David Gilliland, 31. Dave Blaney, 32. Kenny Wallace, 33. Ward Burton, 34. Dale Jarrett, 35. AJ Allmendinger, 36. Aric Almirola, 37. Jeremy Mayfield, 38. Ricky Rudd, 39. Matt Kenseth, 40. John Andretti, 41. David Ragan, 42. Johnny Sauter, 43. Denny Hamlin
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(BRISTOL, TN.) - Finishing out the hottest week of racing on record at Bristol Motor Speedway, Carl Edwards took the Checkered Flag and did his popular Back Flip on the start / finish line Saturday Night.
Kasey Kahn started on the pole for the Sharpie 500 and proved to be the car to beat leading 305 of the first 371 laps. Kahn remained in the top 15 in all but 2 laps and those were during green flag pit stops. Edwards had run up front throughout the entire race dropping back only once during pit stops. He managed to lead 54 laps in the early racing until he took the lead for good on lap 371 and stayed out front for the win. Edwards and Kahne were the class of the race all night, finishing 1-2. A surprising Clint Boyer finished third after an amazing second half charge through the field. Tony Stewart crossed the line fourth continuing on his late season success, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top five, finished ahead of Kurt Busch who was sixth. Junior gained 5 points on Busch for the last Chase spot, but with two races remaining, he is still 159 points out of the Chase.
This was the first racing week for Nascar’s top series on the newly redone high banks of Bristol. Since the March race, the entire track surface was removed and redone. The new surface provided a 15’ wider surface with steeper banking on the top of the track, but a more gradual banking near the bottom. The transition from the turns to the straightaway’s was also smoothed out, eliminating what was a huge dip coming off turn 2 that traditionally forced the cars to bottom out every lap. There were far fewer cautions and wrecks than most folks have been used to at Bristol, but the new 3 and 4 wide racing sure was a sight to see.
In Friday night’s Nascar Busch Series race it was a battle between Jason Leffler, Ryan Newman in the early going, however a late racing 3 wide passing situation with Kahne going high and Leffler low as both attempted to pass Newman. They got together and Newman lost a right front tire putting him in the wall. Kahne went on to win with Leffler second, Reutimann third, Kyle Busch fourth, and Scott Wimmer fifth. Newman wound up four laps down in 28th.
Another Nascar controversy developed Friday night as Kyle Busch who was second at the time was penalized for a pit road violation, sending him to the rear of the field. A review of the call later showed that Nascar had erred and Busch should not have been penalized. Many observers feel that the call cost Busch the win. Kyle was summoned to the Nascar hauler after the race but nothing was announced regarding that meeting.
Results for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway:
1. Carl Edwards, 2. Kasey Kahne, 3. Clint Bowyer, 4. Tony Stewart, 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6. Kurt Busch, 7. Ryan Newman, 8. Bobby Labonte, 9. Kyle Busch, 10. Greg Biffle, 11. Martin Truex Jr, 12. Jeff Burton, 13. JJ Yeley, 14. David Stremme, 15. Reed Sorenson, 16. Kevin Harvick, 17. Juan Montoya, 18. Scott Riggs, 19. Jeff Gordon, 20. Robby Gordon, 21. Jimmie Johnson, 22. Casey Mears, 23. Michael Waltrip, 24. Paul Menard, 25. Bill Elliott, 26. Jamie McMurray, 27. Jeff Green, 28. Tony Raines, 29. Elliott Sadler, 30. David Gilliland, 31. Dave Blaney, 32. Kenny Wallace, 33. Ward Burton, 34. Dale Jarrett, 35. AJ Allmendinger, 36. Aric Almirola, 37. Jeremy Mayfield, 38. Ricky Rudd, 39. Matt Kenseth, 40. John Andretti, 41. David Ragan, 42. Johnny Sauter, 43. Denny Hamlin
It’s Bristol Baby
From the Crossville Chronicle-Crossville, TN. August 24, 2007
By Joe Dunn/ joe@onpitroad.com
(BRISTOL, TN.) - Nearly 200,000 people will be on hand this weekend here at the racing capital of Tennessee. They come from thousands of miles away to the racing Mecca.
I’m here with friends from all across America at Bill Gaines’ Bristol Campground. For 2 weekends out of the year this 120 acre farm field is transformed into a city of campers. No one know just how many campsites that equals, but estimates are that over 10,000 people call this farm ‘home’ for the week. Looking beyond Bill’s place, it is campers for as far as you can see in any direction. Across the street is the most famous race track in Nascar, along side it is the Bristol Dragway, it too is a huge campground.
The mad rush that normally rolls in on Monday was delayed this week due to the rain delayed 3M Performance 400 at Michigan. But that still leaves the throngs that arrived even before last weekend.
Carl Edwards and the Office Depot team are looking for a good race in both the Busch series food City 250 tonight and the Nextel Cup Sharpie 500 tomorrow night. Carl is on a runaway for the Busch series title and it appears to be an impossible task for anyone to catch him. I asked Carl if he had any thought to cut back on the Busch series next year and he was emphatic in his response, “I plan on running again next year, I thinks some of the other guys are going to do it too. I really like running the Busch Series, I mean it’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy racing with those guys.” About his chance of repeating next year what he has done this year, “This year has been an anomalies, you know we have run really well. It’s not always going to be like that, you know last year was a big struggle and in 2005 was a real hard fight.”
Edwards look for some hope in the cup race at Bristol, he is safely in the Chase at this time, but he admits that the entire Roush Fenway group got surpassed by a lot teams early on with the COT. “The car of tomorrow has been a real struggle, at the beginning we were not as prepared as some of the other teams. You never really know where to put all your resources. Sometimes you do it right and sometimes you don’t.” About where he feels the organization stands now, “I feel good, I feel good about the chase. We are doing better at a lot of different tracks. We have done a lot of testing with the new car and it is working better.” Look for Carl to be running up front both Tonight and Tomorrow night at Bristol.
LOCAL RACING
Last week saw regular action at Wartburg Speedway on Friday night as well as Saturday Night at Crossville Raceway.
Wartburg Speedway top 5’s;
SLM-1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Tim Damron, 4. Matthew Langley, 5. Glenn Vanover Sportsman-1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Keith Longmire, 3. Derik Duggan, 4. Greg Martin, 5. Shaun Shadoan Pure Street- 1. Reagan Williams, 2. Jason Capps, 3. Wes Johnson, 4. Michael Brashears, 5. Doug York Pure Mini-1. Brian Frost, 2. David Christmas, 3. Darren Goins, 4. Jim Frost, 5. Tyler Brummitt FWD-1. Spunky Brown, 2. Randy Badd, 3. Joe Freels, 4. Blake Hall, 5. Justin Scott.
Saturdays winners at Crossville Raceway LLM - Brandon Williams, OWM - Steve Mullinax, Street Stock - Chris Croinex, Mini - Derrick Hutchings, FWD - Jonathan Norris, Cruisers - Josh Proffitt and Scott Brown
No local racing this weekend, the action returns Labor Day weekend at Crossville Raceway with the Advance Auto Parts Thunder series $3,000 Super Late model race Saturday Sept. 1. Wartburg Speedway will return to action Monday Night Sept. 3 with a $5,000 super Late Model race.
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
(BRISTOL, TN.) - Nearly 200,000 people will be on hand this weekend here at the racing capital of Tennessee. They come from thousands of miles away to the racing Mecca.
I’m here with friends from all across America at Bill Gaines’ Bristol Campground. For 2 weekends out of the year this 120 acre farm field is transformed into a city of campers. No one know just how many campsites that equals, but estimates are that over 10,000 people call this farm ‘home’ for the week. Looking beyond Bill’s place, it is campers for as far as you can see in any direction. Across the street is the most famous race track in Nascar, along side it is the Bristol Dragway, it too is a huge campground.
The mad rush that normally rolls in on Monday was delayed this week due to the rain delayed 3M Performance 400 at Michigan. But that still leaves the throngs that arrived even before last weekend.
Carl Edwards and the Office Depot team are looking for a good race in both the Busch series food City 250 tonight and the Nextel Cup Sharpie 500 tomorrow night. Carl is on a runaway for the Busch series title and it appears to be an impossible task for anyone to catch him. I asked Carl if he had any thought to cut back on the Busch series next year and he was emphatic in his response, “I plan on running again next year, I thinks some of the other guys are going to do it too. I really like running the Busch Series, I mean it’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy racing with those guys.” About his chance of repeating next year what he has done this year, “This year has been an anomalies, you know we have run really well. It’s not always going to be like that, you know last year was a big struggle and in 2005 was a real hard fight.”
Edwards look for some hope in the cup race at Bristol, he is safely in the Chase at this time, but he admits that the entire Roush Fenway group got surpassed by a lot teams early on with the COT. “The car of tomorrow has been a real struggle, at the beginning we were not as prepared as some of the other teams. You never really know where to put all your resources. Sometimes you do it right and sometimes you don’t.” About where he feels the organization stands now, “I feel good, I feel good about the chase. We are doing better at a lot of different tracks. We have done a lot of testing with the new car and it is working better.” Look for Carl to be running up front both Tonight and Tomorrow night at Bristol.
LOCAL RACING
Last week saw regular action at Wartburg Speedway on Friday night as well as Saturday Night at Crossville Raceway.
Wartburg Speedway top 5’s;
SLM-1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Tim Damron, 4. Matthew Langley, 5. Glenn Vanover Sportsman-1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Keith Longmire, 3. Derik Duggan, 4. Greg Martin, 5. Shaun Shadoan Pure Street- 1. Reagan Williams, 2. Jason Capps, 3. Wes Johnson, 4. Michael Brashears, 5. Doug York Pure Mini-1. Brian Frost, 2. David Christmas, 3. Darren Goins, 4. Jim Frost, 5. Tyler Brummitt FWD-1. Spunky Brown, 2. Randy Badd, 3. Joe Freels, 4. Blake Hall, 5. Justin Scott.
Saturdays winners at Crossville Raceway LLM - Brandon Williams, OWM - Steve Mullinax, Street Stock - Chris Croinex, Mini - Derrick Hutchings, FWD - Jonathan Norris, Cruisers - Josh Proffitt and Scott Brown
No local racing this weekend, the action returns Labor Day weekend at Crossville Raceway with the Advance Auto Parts Thunder series $3,000 Super Late model race Saturday Sept. 1. Wartburg Speedway will return to action Monday Night Sept. 3 with a $5,000 super Late Model race.
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.
Biffle not a fan of Bristol’s new racing surface
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com August 22,2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
BRISTOL,TN - They ripped up the concrete here after the March race and spent several months to completely re-do the racing surface. Last month Rusty Wallace showed up at the track to take some ‘laps’ after which he declared it was the Best racing surface. Earlier this month, track General Manager took some laps in the Pace Car, which was video taped to show fans just how good it is.
The Busch and Truck series tested here last month with many drivers giving the work a ‘thumbs up’, but not all drivers are happy about it. Greg Biffle was less than excited about the new concrete, as he told me, “I used to love, Bristol before they changed it,” Greg tested Bristol last month in a Busch car. “It’s changed dramatically …. From driving around it it’s just not the same.” When asked if he felt it was better or worse he responded, “Well, to me it doesn’t seem as good.” Turn 2 always had a drop off coming out of the turn and the cars would all bottom out there. It was not so noticeable from the grandstand, but in the car you could feel the bottom of the car slam the track. “They took that drop out of turn two, but they filled it in. That used to turn the car, now you go across there and it wants to put you right in the fence.” According to Biffle it has made the track ¾ of a second slower.
On the Car of Tomorrow, he’s still not a big fan. “The object was to get all four tires working together, this car is top heavy and has too much weight on the right side, it’s turning on two tires instead of all four.” Teams are having much less tire failure with the new car and Biffle addressed that thought, “ The tires are so hard, you can’t wear them out, they did this because too many guys were blowing out tires, but we really need a softer tire. They need to put these cars on a diet, they are just too heavy. The height of the car is fine, but they need to lower the center of gravity.”
There was a lot of talk a month or so ago, linking Biffle to the open seat next year in the 8 car at DEI, but he dismissed that idea. “We’re driving the 16 car next year, that’s always been ….but we’re working on an extension past that.” When asked about the DEI rumors earlier, “Nope, Not Next year. After that we’ll see what happens. You just never know, we just have to get running better here, and I want to win races, but so do these guys.” referring to his pit crew.
Greg feels that his team in particular and Roush Fenway in general has for some reason been surpassed by some of the other teams this year. “It’s not just the COT, they’re beating us in the regular car too, like at Pocono and those places we’re getting beat.” Although he is still optimistic about this season, he is looking ahead to next year with a desire to be running for the championship.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
BRISTOL,TN - They ripped up the concrete here after the March race and spent several months to completely re-do the racing surface. Last month Rusty Wallace showed up at the track to take some ‘laps’ after which he declared it was the Best racing surface. Earlier this month, track General Manager took some laps in the Pace Car, which was video taped to show fans just how good it is.
The Busch and Truck series tested here last month with many drivers giving the work a ‘thumbs up’, but not all drivers are happy about it. Greg Biffle was less than excited about the new concrete, as he told me, “I used to love, Bristol before they changed it,” Greg tested Bristol last month in a Busch car. “It’s changed dramatically …. From driving around it it’s just not the same.” When asked if he felt it was better or worse he responded, “Well, to me it doesn’t seem as good.” Turn 2 always had a drop off coming out of the turn and the cars would all bottom out there. It was not so noticeable from the grandstand, but in the car you could feel the bottom of the car slam the track. “They took that drop out of turn two, but they filled it in. That used to turn the car, now you go across there and it wants to put you right in the fence.” According to Biffle it has made the track ¾ of a second slower.
On the Car of Tomorrow, he’s still not a big fan. “The object was to get all four tires working together, this car is top heavy and has too much weight on the right side, it’s turning on two tires instead of all four.” Teams are having much less tire failure with the new car and Biffle addressed that thought, “ The tires are so hard, you can’t wear them out, they did this because too many guys were blowing out tires, but we really need a softer tire. They need to put these cars on a diet, they are just too heavy. The height of the car is fine, but they need to lower the center of gravity.”
There was a lot of talk a month or so ago, linking Biffle to the open seat next year in the 8 car at DEI, but he dismissed that idea. “We’re driving the 16 car next year, that’s always been ….but we’re working on an extension past that.” When asked about the DEI rumors earlier, “Nope, Not Next year. After that we’ll see what happens. You just never know, we just have to get running better here, and I want to win races, but so do these guys.” referring to his pit crew.
Greg feels that his team in particular and Roush Fenway in general has for some reason been surpassed by some of the other teams this year. “It’s not just the COT, they’re beating us in the regular car too, like at Pocono and those places we’re getting beat.” Although he is still optimistic about this season, he is looking ahead to next year with a desire to be running for the championship.
NASCAR Roars back into the Volunteer State
from the Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, TN. August 21, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(BRISTOL, TN.) - It’s late August here in Bristol and the whole area is jumping as the Stars of America’s favorite racing series rolls into the Thunder Valley.
Thousand of campers are assembling in makeshift campgrounds surrounding the racetrack, some arriving as early as last week. Among those early campers is John Wilson of Crossville, who arrived Saturday in anticipation of the big race week. By mid-week he will be surrounded by fellow campers from Crossville, Richmond, VA., Stuttgart, AR. And Niagara Falls, NY who gather at the same campsites every year at Bill Gaines’ Bristol Campground.
There will be lots of action for fans in and around the Bristol area. For diehard racers, the action starts Tuesday night in nearby Bulls Gap where Clint Bowyer, driver of the Richard Childress 07 Nextel Cup car will be jumping into a dirt Super Late Model to compete in a charity race to benefit The Crumley House - Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, located in Limestone, Tenn. Bowyer heads a field of Team RCR drivers Austin Dillon (teenage grandson of Childress), Dale McDowell and Tim McCreadie that will be competing in the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win ... $1,000-to-start Super Late Model feature.
Wednesday, race fans will be in Bristol for the "Doubleheader Day" - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series O'Reilly 200 and USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series Food City 150.
Thursday, Food City Family Night will be on State Street, Downtown Bristol, 1-9 p.m. with sponsor displays, race show cars and driver autograph sessions. Early in the day, the Nextel cup Team haulers assemble at the Bristol Mall giving fans plenty of photo opportunities. At 9 pm the haulers begin what has become known as the Blue Lizard NASCAR Transporter Parade, as they drive in an organized parade fashion from the mall to the Speedway infield. Fans will line the 5 miles of Volunteer Parkway to salute the teams and get tons of pictures. In Bulls Gap Thursday night will be the Scorcher 100, a 50 lap Super Late Model race.
Friday fans will fill the stands for qualifying for the Sharpie 500 followed by the Food City 250 Nascar Busch Series race. This will be a big night for the Busch series as the field will be overloaded with Cup drivers doing double duty.
Finally Saturday Night will be the Nascar Nextel Cup, Sharpie 500, the most popular race on the schedule for both fans and drivers. 500 laps of beating and banging Bristol style, as over 160,000 fans fill the grandstands to capacity.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(BRISTOL, TN.) - It’s late August here in Bristol and the whole area is jumping as the Stars of America’s favorite racing series rolls into the Thunder Valley.
Thousand of campers are assembling in makeshift campgrounds surrounding the racetrack, some arriving as early as last week. Among those early campers is John Wilson of Crossville, who arrived Saturday in anticipation of the big race week. By mid-week he will be surrounded by fellow campers from Crossville, Richmond, VA., Stuttgart, AR. And Niagara Falls, NY who gather at the same campsites every year at Bill Gaines’ Bristol Campground.
There will be lots of action for fans in and around the Bristol area. For diehard racers, the action starts Tuesday night in nearby Bulls Gap where Clint Bowyer, driver of the Richard Childress 07 Nextel Cup car will be jumping into a dirt Super Late Model to compete in a charity race to benefit The Crumley House - Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, located in Limestone, Tenn. Bowyer heads a field of Team RCR drivers Austin Dillon (teenage grandson of Childress), Dale McDowell and Tim McCreadie that will be competing in the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win ... $1,000-to-start Super Late Model feature.
Wednesday, race fans will be in Bristol for the "Doubleheader Day" - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series O'Reilly 200 and USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series Food City 150.
Thursday, Food City Family Night will be on State Street, Downtown Bristol, 1-9 p.m. with sponsor displays, race show cars and driver autograph sessions. Early in the day, the Nextel cup Team haulers assemble at the Bristol Mall giving fans plenty of photo opportunities. At 9 pm the haulers begin what has become known as the Blue Lizard NASCAR Transporter Parade, as they drive in an organized parade fashion from the mall to the Speedway infield. Fans will line the 5 miles of Volunteer Parkway to salute the teams and get tons of pictures. In Bulls Gap Thursday night will be the Scorcher 100, a 50 lap Super Late Model race.
Friday fans will fill the stands for qualifying for the Sharpie 500 followed by the Food City 250 Nascar Busch Series race. This will be a big night for the Busch series as the field will be overloaded with Cup drivers doing double duty.
Finally Saturday Night will be the Nascar Nextel Cup, Sharpie 500, the most popular race on the schedule for both fans and drivers. 500 laps of beating and banging Bristol style, as over 160,000 fans fill the grandstands to capacity.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tony Stewart on a HOT streak heading into the Chase
From the Crossville Chronicle, Crossville, TN. Friday August 17, 2007
By Joe Dunn
With four races remaining before the ‘Chase’, Tony Stewart is on a rampage collecting wins at Chicago, Indianapolis and Watkins Glen. With seven top 10’s in the last ten races, he’s looking pretty champion like.
Tony finished third in his last outing at Michigan and is expecting to do better this time. On the other hand, Carl Edwards was the winner last time at Michigan and it has been a very good track for him. Looking forward to Michigan and the Chase, “Everything is going well ……we kinda feel like we are getting stronger” commented Edwards “we’re running well at all different kinds of tracks.” After missing the Chase last year Carl is excited about running for the Championship this year.
Robby Gordon is looking forward to Michigan too. I ran into Robby Tuesday as he was testing at Nashville SuperSpeedway. “I think coming into this weekend, it’s a place we finished 13th last year.” Robby commented “We are bringing back a similar car, but we have learned a lot from Chicago and Indy, what not to do, and we feel we can go back to Michigan and be competitive.” Robby had a chance to share some ideas with fellow Ford drive David Gilliland who was testing his Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing #38 M&M’s car.
It’s officially, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday the signing of Kyle Bush to drive the 18 car for Interstate Batteries in 2008. No official word on JGR making the switch to Toyota, but all indications are that the announcement will come soon. Furniture Row racing announced this week that Kenny Wallace will be out of the 78 car with Scott Wimmer taking over for this weeks Michigan race. It is rumored that Sterling Marlin will take over the car once his contract issues are settled with Ginn Racing. Wallace posted a statement on his website saying that he has no hard feelings and intends to continue to help FRR in a position other than driver. This all seems to blend with the comments that Kenny made to me here last month when Sterling was released and he indicated a desire to get Marlin in a FRR ride. Watch Speed Channel’s shows this weekend for Kenny to elaborate on the whole issue.
LOCAL RACING
Top fives at last Fridays racing at Wartburg Speedway;
SLM - 1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Tim Ladd, 4. Glenn Vanover, 5. Freddie Dutton
Sportsman - 1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Keith Longmire, 3. Brian Hooks, 4. Gary Lively, 5. Jeff Hamby Jr,
Pure Street - 1. Mike Brashears, 2. Troy Brown, 3. James Boofer, 4. Reagan Williams, 5. Wes Johnson,
Pure Mini - 1. Brian Frost, 2. Jason Manley, 3. Rocky McNabb, 4. Jim Frost, 5. Darren Goins,
FWD - 1. Spunky Brown, 2. Chris Morrison, 3. Joe Freels, 4. Richard 'Flipper' Ford, 5. Scott Webb, All classes will be in action again tonight with racing starting at 7:30 pm (EDT)
Saturdays winners at Crossville Raceway;
LLM - Joe Cline, OWM- Skylar Marlar, SS- Mike Selby Sr, MS- John Ross, FWD- Chris Morrison, All classes will be racing tomorrow night at 7:00 pm
Crossville Raceway will be off NEXT week as the Cumberland County Fair will be in full swing, as well as Nascar racing at nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. A decision on Fridays racing at Wartburg has yet to be determined.
The following weekend, Labor Day will include big races at both tracks. Saturday Sept. 1 Crossville Raceway will be hosting the Advanced Auto Parts Thunder Series for Super Late Models as well as a full card of racing. Also on hand will be the Advanced Auto Parts’ Grave Digger Monster Truck Experience. Fans of all ages will get to experience the view from behind the wheel of Grave Digger and see what driver Dennis Anderson sees as he catches air and flies over a fleet of cars and trucks and charges through motor homes, does wheelies, donuts and more.
Race fans, drivers and crews are invited to hop aboard the Grave Digger Experience free of charge on Saturday September 1st during a very special night of racing and all around family entertainment at Crossville Raceway, located at 5434 US Highway 70 North, four miles west of Crossville, TN.
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
With four races remaining before the ‘Chase’, Tony Stewart is on a rampage collecting wins at Chicago, Indianapolis and Watkins Glen. With seven top 10’s in the last ten races, he’s looking pretty champion like.
Tony finished third in his last outing at Michigan and is expecting to do better this time. On the other hand, Carl Edwards was the winner last time at Michigan and it has been a very good track for him. Looking forward to Michigan and the Chase, “Everything is going well ……we kinda feel like we are getting stronger” commented Edwards “we’re running well at all different kinds of tracks.” After missing the Chase last year Carl is excited about running for the Championship this year.
Robby Gordon is looking forward to Michigan too. I ran into Robby Tuesday as he was testing at Nashville SuperSpeedway. “I think coming into this weekend, it’s a place we finished 13th last year.” Robby commented “We are bringing back a similar car, but we have learned a lot from Chicago and Indy, what not to do, and we feel we can go back to Michigan and be competitive.” Robby had a chance to share some ideas with fellow Ford drive David Gilliland who was testing his Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing #38 M&M’s car.
It’s officially, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday the signing of Kyle Bush to drive the 18 car for Interstate Batteries in 2008. No official word on JGR making the switch to Toyota, but all indications are that the announcement will come soon. Furniture Row racing announced this week that Kenny Wallace will be out of the 78 car with Scott Wimmer taking over for this weeks Michigan race. It is rumored that Sterling Marlin will take over the car once his contract issues are settled with Ginn Racing. Wallace posted a statement on his website saying that he has no hard feelings and intends to continue to help FRR in a position other than driver. This all seems to blend with the comments that Kenny made to me here last month when Sterling was released and he indicated a desire to get Marlin in a FRR ride. Watch Speed Channel’s shows this weekend for Kenny to elaborate on the whole issue.
LOCAL RACING
Top fives at last Fridays racing at Wartburg Speedway;
SLM - 1. Anthony White, 2. Curt Williams, 3. Tim Ladd, 4. Glenn Vanover, 5. Freddie Dutton
Sportsman - 1. Jeff Adkisson, 2. Keith Longmire, 3. Brian Hooks, 4. Gary Lively, 5. Jeff Hamby Jr,
Pure Street - 1. Mike Brashears, 2. Troy Brown, 3. James Boofer, 4. Reagan Williams, 5. Wes Johnson,
Pure Mini - 1. Brian Frost, 2. Jason Manley, 3. Rocky McNabb, 4. Jim Frost, 5. Darren Goins,
FWD - 1. Spunky Brown, 2. Chris Morrison, 3. Joe Freels, 4. Richard 'Flipper' Ford, 5. Scott Webb, All classes will be in action again tonight with racing starting at 7:30 pm (EDT)
Saturdays winners at Crossville Raceway;
LLM - Joe Cline, OWM- Skylar Marlar, SS- Mike Selby Sr, MS- John Ross, FWD- Chris Morrison, All classes will be racing tomorrow night at 7:00 pm
Crossville Raceway will be off NEXT week as the Cumberland County Fair will be in full swing, as well as Nascar racing at nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. A decision on Fridays racing at Wartburg has yet to be determined.
The following weekend, Labor Day will include big races at both tracks. Saturday Sept. 1 Crossville Raceway will be hosting the Advanced Auto Parts Thunder Series for Super Late Models as well as a full card of racing. Also on hand will be the Advanced Auto Parts’ Grave Digger Monster Truck Experience. Fans of all ages will get to experience the view from behind the wheel of Grave Digger and see what driver Dennis Anderson sees as he catches air and flies over a fleet of cars and trucks and charges through motor homes, does wheelies, donuts and more.
Race fans, drivers and crews are invited to hop aboard the Grave Digger Experience free of charge on Saturday September 1st during a very special night of racing and all around family entertainment at Crossville Raceway, located at 5434 US Highway 70 North, four miles west of Crossville, TN.
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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
NO #8 for Junior, are you surprised?
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com August 15, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Hendrick Motor Sports officially announced Wednesday that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would not be driving the number 8 car next year. In short Marshall Carlson, General Manager of HMS, stated “Unfortunately, we couldn't reach a point where the terms made sense, and now we have to move forward with other options.”
So just what does that statement really mean? Well I predicted months ago that the number 8 would not move with Junior and I stand by statement that HMS NEVER wanted the number. This is all BIG Business and the main reason for signing Junior is Dollars, lots and lots of Dollars. Dale is a great driver, but more importantly he gets fans to open their wallets to show their support of him. Look at any Nascar Nextel Cup race and try to avoid seeing the Sea of RED, it’s just not possible.
Junior Nation has spent more money than any other drivers fans on souvenirs over the past several years. One really hard thing for Junior fans to accept is Jeff Gordon as a teammate to their hero. Junior fans have hated no driver more than they have Jeff, and now they have to swallow him as a teammate, a bitter pill for sure.
If junior arrived at Daytona with a red #8, with or without Budweiser, many of those Gordon haters would have refused to buy new shirts and jackets to deny Rick Hendrick a share of their dollars. Eventually, they would have opened up and spent the money, but HMS would have been denied that huge surge of income.
The big media campaign to convince DEI to release the 8 was nothing but a smokescreen, or as I stated before , a PLOY to discredit Teresa Earnhardt and garner supports for Junior teaming up with Gordon. Even Ricky Rachtman jumped on the bandwagon, he needed to try to drum up any kind of race fans he could find, because he sure seems clueless when he starts talking Nascar. Or maybe he’s not clueless and just disregards facts to drum up ratings…I don’t know.
So get ready Junior Nation cause next year Dale Jr. will be sporting Tony the Tiger on the 5 car, cause just like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Junior is GREEEEEAAAAAAT!
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Hendrick Motor Sports officially announced Wednesday that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would not be driving the number 8 car next year. In short Marshall Carlson, General Manager of HMS, stated “Unfortunately, we couldn't reach a point where the terms made sense, and now we have to move forward with other options.”
So just what does that statement really mean? Well I predicted months ago that the number 8 would not move with Junior and I stand by statement that HMS NEVER wanted the number. This is all BIG Business and the main reason for signing Junior is Dollars, lots and lots of Dollars. Dale is a great driver, but more importantly he gets fans to open their wallets to show their support of him. Look at any Nascar Nextel Cup race and try to avoid seeing the Sea of RED, it’s just not possible.
Junior Nation has spent more money than any other drivers fans on souvenirs over the past several years. One really hard thing for Junior fans to accept is Jeff Gordon as a teammate to their hero. Junior fans have hated no driver more than they have Jeff, and now they have to swallow him as a teammate, a bitter pill for sure.
If junior arrived at Daytona with a red #8, with or without Budweiser, many of those Gordon haters would have refused to buy new shirts and jackets to deny Rick Hendrick a share of their dollars. Eventually, they would have opened up and spent the money, but HMS would have been denied that huge surge of income.
The big media campaign to convince DEI to release the 8 was nothing but a smokescreen, or as I stated before , a PLOY to discredit Teresa Earnhardt and garner supports for Junior teaming up with Gordon. Even Ricky Rachtman jumped on the bandwagon, he needed to try to drum up any kind of race fans he could find, because he sure seems clueless when he starts talking Nascar. Or maybe he’s not clueless and just disregards facts to drum up ratings…I don’t know.
So get ready Junior Nation cause next year Dale Jr. will be sporting Tony the Tiger on the 5 car, cause just like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Junior is GREEEEEAAAAAAT!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Robby Gordon; “We won Montreal”
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com August 14, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
I caught up with RobbyGordon today at Nashville SuperSpeedway where they were doing some COT testing. Robby was in a good mood as the testing was going smooth. Along side the 7 in the garage was the 38 of David Gilliland and Robby was sharing some ideas with David.
Robby was excited about the progress his team was making with the COT and the fact that they had already built up a stock of 9 cars, with plans to have 13 by the end of the season. Shifting the scheduled full time running of the car to 2008 is a real benefit to a small single car team like Robby Gordon Motorsports, allowing then to turn all attention to one car. Like other drivers Gordon sees the ups and downs to the new car, but agrees that it is the future of Nascar.
Fresh off a top 5 finish at Watkins Glen, the 7 teams is hopeful of a good race and finish at Michigan this week. Looking further ahead to Bristol , Robby said, “It’s survival of the fittest at Bristol, that’s all it is, we just need to finish. I would be ecstatic with a top 10 finish, or for that matter to finish on the lead lap.” Bristol is not one Gordon’s favorite tracks.
I asked Robby if he was putting Montreal behind him and he was quick to reply. “We won Montreal, I’ll tell you today, we still won Montreal.” Gordon feels that Nascar has a ‘glitch’ in their timing system, “I know I was the first car to complete 74 laps,…and that’s the name of the game.” He feels that Nascar will make adjustments to the timing and scoring system, but it will not happen right away.
On the suspension by Nascar, Robby does understand it and is not bitter. “They want everybody to know that Nascar is going to control the athletes or the competitors, and I’m cool with that………. That’s nothing new.”
On the subject of being a single car team, he acknowledged that he had looked at other teams and noted that RYR had merged with an open wheel organization. He wishes them well and has a great deal of respect for both Yates and Newman- Haas. Are there other possibilities out there? “I know there are other opportunities out there, so we’re trying to make the most out of it and have fun.” commented Robby, but no names were mentioned.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
I caught up with RobbyGordon today at Nashville SuperSpeedway where they were doing some COT testing. Robby was in a good mood as the testing was going smooth. Along side the 7 in the garage was the 38 of David Gilliland and Robby was sharing some ideas with David.
Robby was excited about the progress his team was making with the COT and the fact that they had already built up a stock of 9 cars, with plans to have 13 by the end of the season. Shifting the scheduled full time running of the car to 2008 is a real benefit to a small single car team like Robby Gordon Motorsports, allowing then to turn all attention to one car. Like other drivers Gordon sees the ups and downs to the new car, but agrees that it is the future of Nascar.
Fresh off a top 5 finish at Watkins Glen, the 7 teams is hopeful of a good race and finish at Michigan this week. Looking further ahead to Bristol , Robby said, “It’s survival of the fittest at Bristol, that’s all it is, we just need to finish. I would be ecstatic with a top 10 finish, or for that matter to finish on the lead lap.” Bristol is not one Gordon’s favorite tracks.
I asked Robby if he was putting Montreal behind him and he was quick to reply. “We won Montreal, I’ll tell you today, we still won Montreal.” Gordon feels that Nascar has a ‘glitch’ in their timing system, “I know I was the first car to complete 74 laps,…and that’s the name of the game.” He feels that Nascar will make adjustments to the timing and scoring system, but it will not happen right away.
On the suspension by Nascar, Robby does understand it and is not bitter. “They want everybody to know that Nascar is going to control the athletes or the competitors, and I’m cool with that………. That’s nothing new.”
On the subject of being a single car team, he acknowledged that he had looked at other teams and noted that RYR had merged with an open wheel organization. He wishes them well and has a great deal of respect for both Yates and Newman- Haas. Are there other possibilities out there? “I know there are other opportunities out there, so we’re trying to make the most out of it and have fun.” commented Robby, but no names were mentioned.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Kyle Busch signs with Joe Gibbs Racing
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Friday August 10, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Ending all the speculation of where he would go, Kyle Busch has informed the other teams of his decision to sign with JGR starting with the 2008 season.
Contract details have not been released but it appears that Busch will take over the 18 car as JJ Yeley is being released and believed headed for the Woods brothers 21 car. The move to JGR will make Busch a teammate to Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin as they switch from Chevy to Toyota.
Toyota will be moving a it’s major support from Michael Waltrip Racing to JGR meaning a downsizing of Waltrip’s operation. Unhappy with the lack of exposure UPS is pulling out of MWR and Dale Jarrett and looking elsewhere. A strong contender for the UPS sponsorship is said to be the Ford of Greg Biffle. The future for MWR is a big question mark as Dale Jarrett is expected to retire after this season and move into the TV booth. David Reutimann has not received a contract extension offer yet, however he has not been out looking, leaving his fate in the hands of MWR. Waltrip’s lack of performance in 2007 raises a lot of questions regarding his value to sponsors as it seems that NAPA has been as unhappy with MWR as UPS has.
Robbie Gordon drew the ire of Nascar officials in Montreal last Saturday as he disagreed with his delegated starting position on a restart. After refusing to move to the position assigned by Nascar, he was black flagged and refused to leave the track. Nascar parked Robbie for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono on Sunday and later fined him $35,000 and placed him on probation for the balance of the season.
This week both the Nextel Cup and the Busch Series head to Watkins Glen, NY for the second road course for Cup and third for the Busch Series. A few ringers will be added to the field as Ron Fellows pilots the 96 car of Tony Raines, PJ Jones replaces David Reutimann in the 00 and Terry Labonte is again in the 55 replacing Michael Waltrip. Juan Pablo Montoya will be looking for his second win of the season, but don’t count out Tony Stewart or the Gordons, Jeff or Robbie.
With the top two series at Watkins Glen, The Nascar Craftsman truck series will see action at nearby Nashville SuperSpeedway in Lebanon, Tn. Saturdays action at the SuperSpeedway begins with truck qualifying at 12:30 pm, followed by the ARCA Toyota 150 at 2:30 pm and the Toyota Tundra 200 Nascar Craftsman truck race at 5:30 pm. A concert by Josh Turner will follow the race. Tickets are still available at the box office.
Local Dirt Racing News
Wartburg Speedway got back under way Friday night with a full racing program, and Joe Armes finally broke the win streak of Anthony White. Posting top fives at Wartburg were SLM - 1. Joe Armes, 2. Anthony White, 3. Tim Damron, 4. Curt Williams, 5. Glen Vanover Sportsman - 1. Darrick York, 2. Dale Nance, 3. Jeff Adkisson, 4. Jeff Hamby Jr, 5. Brian Hooks Pure Street - 1. Jonathan Sims, 2. Steve Welch, 3. Mike Brashears, 4. Doug York, 5. Tony Brown Pure Mini - 1. Brian Frost, 2. Rocky McNabb, 3. Jason Manley, 4. Allen Wright, 5. Jim Frost FWD - 1. David Hall Jr, 2. David Hall Sr, 3. Spunky Brown, 4. Justin Scott, 5. Blake Hall
Last weeks winners at Crossville LLM - Sam Williams, OWM - Chad Ogle, Street Stock - Chris Croinex, Mini Stock - Pee Wee Howard, FWD - Joe Freels
This weekends local action;
Friday - Wartburg Speedway will run a full racing card, SLM, Sportsman, Pure Street, pure Mini and FWD starting at 7:30 pm (EDT)
Saturday - Crossville Raceway will run Limited Late Model, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stock, Mini Stock, Front Wheel Drive and Cruiser Cars. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with racing starting 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.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Ending all the speculation of where he would go, Kyle Busch has informed the other teams of his decision to sign with JGR starting with the 2008 season.
Contract details have not been released but it appears that Busch will take over the 18 car as JJ Yeley is being released and believed headed for the Woods brothers 21 car. The move to JGR will make Busch a teammate to Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin as they switch from Chevy to Toyota.
Toyota will be moving a it’s major support from Michael Waltrip Racing to JGR meaning a downsizing of Waltrip’s operation. Unhappy with the lack of exposure UPS is pulling out of MWR and Dale Jarrett and looking elsewhere. A strong contender for the UPS sponsorship is said to be the Ford of Greg Biffle. The future for MWR is a big question mark as Dale Jarrett is expected to retire after this season and move into the TV booth. David Reutimann has not received a contract extension offer yet, however he has not been out looking, leaving his fate in the hands of MWR. Waltrip’s lack of performance in 2007 raises a lot of questions regarding his value to sponsors as it seems that NAPA has been as unhappy with MWR as UPS has.
Robbie Gordon drew the ire of Nascar officials in Montreal last Saturday as he disagreed with his delegated starting position on a restart. After refusing to move to the position assigned by Nascar, he was black flagged and refused to leave the track. Nascar parked Robbie for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono on Sunday and later fined him $35,000 and placed him on probation for the balance of the season.
This week both the Nextel Cup and the Busch Series head to Watkins Glen, NY for the second road course for Cup and third for the Busch Series. A few ringers will be added to the field as Ron Fellows pilots the 96 car of Tony Raines, PJ Jones replaces David Reutimann in the 00 and Terry Labonte is again in the 55 replacing Michael Waltrip. Juan Pablo Montoya will be looking for his second win of the season, but don’t count out Tony Stewart or the Gordons, Jeff or Robbie.
With the top two series at Watkins Glen, The Nascar Craftsman truck series will see action at nearby Nashville SuperSpeedway in Lebanon, Tn. Saturdays action at the SuperSpeedway begins with truck qualifying at 12:30 pm, followed by the ARCA Toyota 150 at 2:30 pm and the Toyota Tundra 200 Nascar Craftsman truck race at 5:30 pm. A concert by Josh Turner will follow the race. Tickets are still available at the box office.
Local Dirt Racing News
Wartburg Speedway got back under way Friday night with a full racing program, and Joe Armes finally broke the win streak of Anthony White. Posting top fives at Wartburg were SLM - 1. Joe Armes, 2. Anthony White, 3. Tim Damron, 4. Curt Williams, 5. Glen Vanover Sportsman - 1. Darrick York, 2. Dale Nance, 3. Jeff Adkisson, 4. Jeff Hamby Jr, 5. Brian Hooks Pure Street - 1. Jonathan Sims, 2. Steve Welch, 3. Mike Brashears, 4. Doug York, 5. Tony Brown Pure Mini - 1. Brian Frost, 2. Rocky McNabb, 3. Jason Manley, 4. Allen Wright, 5. Jim Frost FWD - 1. David Hall Jr, 2. David Hall Sr, 3. Spunky Brown, 4. Justin Scott, 5. Blake Hall
Last weeks winners at Crossville LLM - Sam Williams, OWM - Chad Ogle, Street Stock - Chris Croinex, Mini Stock - Pee Wee Howard, FWD - Joe Freels
This weekends local action;
Friday - Wartburg Speedway will run a full racing card, SLM, Sportsman, Pure Street, pure Mini and FWD starting at 7:30 pm (EDT)
Saturday - Crossville Raceway will run Limited Late Model, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stock, Mini Stock, Front Wheel Drive and Cruiser Cars. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with racing starting 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.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Joe Armes breaks the Wartburg streak
August 3, 2007
By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
WARTBURG, TN - After missing a week of racing, Wartburg Speedway jumped into the month of August with a the end of Anthony (The Dirty White Boy) White’s streak in the Super Late Models.
The track had been reworked and the racing got even better in all the classes Friday night. The Wartburg fans were treated to some of the best racing all season, as the track just seems to be getting better every week.
This weeks action included two specials as Rhino Linings of East Tennessee came on board adding $100 to the winner of the Front Wheel Drive feature, plus giving away a free bed lining to a lucky fan The second was a $50 bonus paid to the fastest qualifier in the Pure Street Class by Speedway Videos. The nights racing was captured on video by Richard and Tammy Ford, with the Pure Street action slated for a special showing on Comcast VOD.
In the Super Late Models it was a flag to flag battle with Joe Armes leading and White hot on his tail. Armes kept White from running his usual line by pinning him low coming out of the turns, never letting him get that wide run out of the turns. Behind them, a good battle between Tim Damron and Curt Williams kept the fans watching more than just the leaders, it was a thriller all the way to the checkers.
In the Sportsman feature Darrick York fought off Dale Nance and Jeff Adkisson for win while Jeff Hamby Jr, and Brian Hooks rounded out the top five. With 18 cars taking the field it was non stop action from flag to flag. In Pure Street Jonathan Sims picked up the Speedway Video $50 as the quick qualifier and then went on to win the feature event. In the feature, Sims got off to an early lead and never looked back as the battle raged on behind him. In the early laps it was Reagan Williams and Raymond Shepard fought hard for second, but Williams retired early from the race. In the end it was Sims with the win with Steve Welch, Mike Brashears, Doug York and Tony Brown finishing in the top 5.
In the Front Wheel Drive feature it was Justin Scott taking the early lead and fighting of David Hall Sr. to stay out front. While the leaders battled it out Spunky Brown and David Hall Jr. were hard charging to the front. In the end, David Hall Jr. got ahead to take the checkers and the extra Rhino Linings $100, followed by David Sr. with Brown, Scott and Blake Hall round out the top five.
In the nights final feature, Brian Frost took an early lead in the Pure Mini feature and never looked back. Rocky McNabb and Jason Manley fought fender to fender throughout the race for second. Allen Wright and Jim frost rounded out the top five.
Wartburg Speedway Results for August 3, 2007:
Supers: 1. Joe Armes, 2. Anthony White, 3. Tim Damron, 4. Curt Williams, 5. Glen Vanover, 6. Dewayne Pesterfield, 7. John Caddell, 8. Mike Kittrell, 9. Jeff Monger, 10. Brett Wyatt
Sportsman: 1. Darrick York, 2. Dale Nance, 3. Jeff Adkisson, 4. Jeff Hamby Jr, 5. Brian Hooks, 6. Johnny Lane, 7. Chris Seeber, 8. Dave Pierce, 9. Brad Adkisson, 10. Gary Lively, 11. Joel Byrd, 12. Kurt Phillips, 13. Travis Reno, 14. Lloyd Paxton, 15. Wayne Braden, 16. Melvin Burns, 17. Lloyd Singleton, 18. Shawn Shadoan
FWD: 1. David Hall Jr, 2. David Hall Sr, 3. Spunky Brown, 4. Justin Scott, 5. Blake Hall, 6. Joe Freels, 7. Scott Webb, 8. Andrew Green, 9. Mike Ellis, 10. Jonathan Norris, 11. John Kirk
Pure Street: 1. Jonathan Sims, 2. Steve Welch, 3. Mike Brashears, 4. Doug York, 5. Tony Brown, 6. Gary Terry, 7. Tim Loggins, 8. Robert Armes, 9. Greg Humphreys, 10. Eric Hall, 11. Nathan Lively, 12. Reagan Williams, 13. Michael Millsap (DQ Raymond Shepard)
Pure Mini: 1. Brian Frost, 2. Rocky McNabb, 3. Jason Manley, 4. Allen Wright, 5. Jim Frost, 6. Lance Frost, 7. John Stout, 8. David Christmas, 9. Tyler Brummitt (DQ Jeff Russell)
By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
WARTBURG, TN - After missing a week of racing, Wartburg Speedway jumped into the month of August with a the end of Anthony (The Dirty White Boy) White’s streak in the Super Late Models.
The track had been reworked and the racing got even better in all the classes Friday night. The Wartburg fans were treated to some of the best racing all season, as the track just seems to be getting better every week.
This weeks action included two specials as Rhino Linings of East Tennessee came on board adding $100 to the winner of the Front Wheel Drive feature, plus giving away a free bed lining to a lucky fan The second was a $50 bonus paid to the fastest qualifier in the Pure Street Class by Speedway Videos. The nights racing was captured on video by Richard and Tammy Ford, with the Pure Street action slated for a special showing on Comcast VOD.
In the Super Late Models it was a flag to flag battle with Joe Armes leading and White hot on his tail. Armes kept White from running his usual line by pinning him low coming out of the turns, never letting him get that wide run out of the turns. Behind them, a good battle between Tim Damron and Curt Williams kept the fans watching more than just the leaders, it was a thriller all the way to the checkers.
In the Sportsman feature Darrick York fought off Dale Nance and Jeff Adkisson for win while Jeff Hamby Jr, and Brian Hooks rounded out the top five. With 18 cars taking the field it was non stop action from flag to flag. In Pure Street Jonathan Sims picked up the Speedway Video $50 as the quick qualifier and then went on to win the feature event. In the feature, Sims got off to an early lead and never looked back as the battle raged on behind him. In the early laps it was Reagan Williams and Raymond Shepard fought hard for second, but Williams retired early from the race. In the end it was Sims with the win with Steve Welch, Mike Brashears, Doug York and Tony Brown finishing in the top 5.
In the Front Wheel Drive feature it was Justin Scott taking the early lead and fighting of David Hall Sr. to stay out front. While the leaders battled it out Spunky Brown and David Hall Jr. were hard charging to the front. In the end, David Hall Jr. got ahead to take the checkers and the extra Rhino Linings $100, followed by David Sr. with Brown, Scott and Blake Hall round out the top five.
In the nights final feature, Brian Frost took an early lead in the Pure Mini feature and never looked back. Rocky McNabb and Jason Manley fought fender to fender throughout the race for second. Allen Wright and Jim frost rounded out the top five.
Wartburg Speedway Results for August 3, 2007:
Supers: 1. Joe Armes, 2. Anthony White, 3. Tim Damron, 4. Curt Williams, 5. Glen Vanover, 6. Dewayne Pesterfield, 7. John Caddell, 8. Mike Kittrell, 9. Jeff Monger, 10. Brett Wyatt
Sportsman: 1. Darrick York, 2. Dale Nance, 3. Jeff Adkisson, 4. Jeff Hamby Jr, 5. Brian Hooks, 6. Johnny Lane, 7. Chris Seeber, 8. Dave Pierce, 9. Brad Adkisson, 10. Gary Lively, 11. Joel Byrd, 12. Kurt Phillips, 13. Travis Reno, 14. Lloyd Paxton, 15. Wayne Braden, 16. Melvin Burns, 17. Lloyd Singleton, 18. Shawn Shadoan
FWD: 1. David Hall Jr, 2. David Hall Sr, 3. Spunky Brown, 4. Justin Scott, 5. Blake Hall, 6. Joe Freels, 7. Scott Webb, 8. Andrew Green, 9. Mike Ellis, 10. Jonathan Norris, 11. John Kirk
Pure Street: 1. Jonathan Sims, 2. Steve Welch, 3. Mike Brashears, 4. Doug York, 5. Tony Brown, 6. Gary Terry, 7. Tim Loggins, 8. Robert Armes, 9. Greg Humphreys, 10. Eric Hall, 11. Nathan Lively, 12. Reagan Williams, 13. Michael Millsap (DQ Raymond Shepard)
Pure Mini: 1. Brian Frost, 2. Rocky McNabb, 3. Jason Manley, 4. Allen Wright, 5. Jim Frost, 6. Lance Frost, 7. John Stout, 8. David Christmas, 9. Tyler Brummitt (DQ Jeff Russell)
Friday, August 3, 2007
NASCAR Busch series heads north of the border
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Friday August 3, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
In it’s second International appearance of 2007 the Nascar Busch series head to Montreal, Canada for the first time. Like it’s trips south of the border to Mexico City they will again be on a road course.
Like the race earlier in the season at Mexico City, the field will be sprinkled with new names from other nations. This week in Montreal, 15 drivers will represent 7 counties outside the United States. Some drivers will be with independent teams trying to make the race while some new names will be driving for established teams.
Seven Cup regulars will be there, but most noticeable missing driver will be Juan Pablo Montoya. After his victory in Mexico City it would seem a sure bet that the road course ace would be there, however he is replaced in the 42 car by Michael Valiante of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Other Canadians filling in, Ron Fellows in Kevin Harvick’s 33, John Graham in the Greg Pollex 10 and Patrick Carpentier in the 22 of Armando Fitz.
Matt Kenseth will vacate the 17 car in favor of Mexican Michael Jourdain Jr., while JJ Yelley is replaced in the #1 by Max Papis of Italy, Jason Keller in the 27 replaced by Jorge Goeters of Mexico and In the Dale Earnhardt Jr 88 Navy car will be Andy Pilgrim of England.
Other foreign nationals include series regular Marcos Ambrose of Tazmania, Australia, Canadians JR Fitzpatrick, DJ Kennington, Mike Mckenzie and Trevor Boys, Sweden’s Niclas Jonsson, and Venezuela’s Alex Garcia.
The Nextel Cup teams head back to Pocono for the second time this year as they close in on the end of the 26 race run up to the Chase. Tony Stewart, on the heels of two back to back wins heads to the track with a full head of steam, while his teammate Denny Hamlin looks forward to the return to the site of two wind for him in 2006.
Last weeks big news was the merger of DEI and Ginn Racing and that overshadowed some other mergers that took place. Robert Yates Racing merged with the open wheel teams of Newman/Haas and Lanigan forming the Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. On the Busch side, two mergers were announced, HMS and JR Motorsports merged as well as the RCR and KHI merger.
On the local racing scene, heavy rains last week forced the cancellation of racing action Friday night at Wartburg Speedway. Mother nature could not stop the show at Crossville Raceway Saturday night where the winners were Dale Nance (LLM), Michael Asberry (OWM), Jason Todd (SS), John Ross (MS) and Jordon Butler (FWD).
This weeks local action begins Friday with action starting at 7:30 pm (et) at Wartburg Speedway and Saturday starting at 7:00 pm (ct) at Crossville Raceway. Both tracks will run their full racing program. Crossville Raceway announced earlier that they are dropping the Super late Models from the regular weekly program, but they will still be there for scheduled special events. They also announced the lowering of the regular admission price to $10.
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
In it’s second International appearance of 2007 the Nascar Busch series head to Montreal, Canada for the first time. Like it’s trips south of the border to Mexico City they will again be on a road course.
Like the race earlier in the season at Mexico City, the field will be sprinkled with new names from other nations. This week in Montreal, 15 drivers will represent 7 counties outside the United States. Some drivers will be with independent teams trying to make the race while some new names will be driving for established teams.
Seven Cup regulars will be there, but most noticeable missing driver will be Juan Pablo Montoya. After his victory in Mexico City it would seem a sure bet that the road course ace would be there, however he is replaced in the 42 car by Michael Valiante of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Other Canadians filling in, Ron Fellows in Kevin Harvick’s 33, John Graham in the Greg Pollex 10 and Patrick Carpentier in the 22 of Armando Fitz.
Matt Kenseth will vacate the 17 car in favor of Mexican Michael Jourdain Jr., while JJ Yelley is replaced in the #1 by Max Papis of Italy, Jason Keller in the 27 replaced by Jorge Goeters of Mexico and In the Dale Earnhardt Jr 88 Navy car will be Andy Pilgrim of England.
Other foreign nationals include series regular Marcos Ambrose of Tazmania, Australia, Canadians JR Fitzpatrick, DJ Kennington, Mike Mckenzie and Trevor Boys, Sweden’s Niclas Jonsson, and Venezuela’s Alex Garcia.
The Nextel Cup teams head back to Pocono for the second time this year as they close in on the end of the 26 race run up to the Chase. Tony Stewart, on the heels of two back to back wins heads to the track with a full head of steam, while his teammate Denny Hamlin looks forward to the return to the site of two wind for him in 2006.
Last weeks big news was the merger of DEI and Ginn Racing and that overshadowed some other mergers that took place. Robert Yates Racing merged with the open wheel teams of Newman/Haas and Lanigan forming the Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. On the Busch side, two mergers were announced, HMS and JR Motorsports merged as well as the RCR and KHI merger.
On the local racing scene, heavy rains last week forced the cancellation of racing action Friday night at Wartburg Speedway. Mother nature could not stop the show at Crossville Raceway Saturday night where the winners were Dale Nance (LLM), Michael Asberry (OWM), Jason Todd (SS), John Ross (MS) and Jordon Butler (FWD).
This weeks local action begins Friday with action starting at 7:30 pm (et) at Wartburg Speedway and Saturday starting at 7:00 pm (ct) at Crossville Raceway. Both tracks will run their full racing program. Crossville Raceway announced earlier that they are dropping the Super late Models from the regular weekly program, but they will still be there for scheduled special events. They also announced the lowering of the regular admission price to $10.
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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