From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn. Friday September 28, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
The third stop on the Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship is home for Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards, who were the winners of the first two races. Neither driver has won a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup or NASCAR Busch Series event at Kansas, although Edwards won the ’04 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event there.
Edwards’ win at Dover bumped him up to third in the points, but the post race inspection found the right rear of the car too low. The 25 point penalty issued Tuesday dropped him to 6th place, but he is still within striking distance. Carl’s point lead in the Busch series makes it all but a certain championship. That combined with his chances to win the Nextel Cup Championship could spell another mark in the Nascar record book, no driver has ever captured both crowns in the same season.
Also on Tuesday it was announced that Coors Light will replace Budweiser as the official Beer of Nascar starting with the 2008 season. The new contract does not effect the Bud shootout and does not have anything to do with the title sponsorship of the Busch series.
Art Harris, gasman for the #55 team of Michael Waltrip was treated and released from a Dover area hospital Sunday after being struck by a wheel on pit road during Sundays race. His condition is listed as Day by day pending evaluation by his physician in North Carolina.
Chicagoland Speedway announced Tuesday that they will be installing lighting for the 2008 season and the schedule for next year will include night races, July 11 and 12 for the Busch and Sprint Cup series. Kansas Speedway also announced Tuesday that they have submitted a plan for a Casino to be constructed on Speedway owned property. The plan calls for a partnership with Baltimore based Cordish Company to build a Casino, Hotel, Entertainment and retail Outlets. The initial cost is expected to be more than $600 Million with no public funds.
In local action, last Friday, Anthony White survived the caution filled Rogers Group, Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, Super Late Model race at Wartburg Speedway to take the checkered flag and the $3,000 payout. Other winners included Mark Rosner - Sportsman, Jason Manley - Pure Mini, Jonathan Sims - Pure Street and JD Rector of Crossville in the front Wheel Drive class.
On Saturday night, Spring City Raceway saw another big crowd as several new drivers have been arriving as many tracks are closing for the season. Results from Saturday night are as follows: Modified Street - 1. Larry Higgins, 2. Mike Selby, 3. Bruce Davenport --Super Street -1. Steve Welch, 2. Taylor Sutton, 3. Rusty Caraway --LLM -1. Jim Bolen, 2. Junior Robinette, 3. AJ Russell --Street Stock - 1. Joe Godsey, 2. Charlie Godsey, 3. Yoder Godsey--Super Mini - 1. Ronnie Shelton, 2. Kenny Lemons, 3. Joseph Howell --FWD - 1. Chad Pugh, 2. Daniel Sizemore, 3. Roy Baker
Tomorrow night, Saturday September 29, Spring City Raceway will host the HI TECH Construction / NAPA auto Parts of Dayton $1000 to win Limited Late Model race as well as a full card of racing to begin at 7 pm EDT.
I spoke with the folks from Crossville Raceway earlier in the week and they informed me that they do intend to hold a banquet / awards dinner for the top 5 finishers in each class. I will post the information as it is received.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Is the Budweiser Light Flickering?
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com
By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
When Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced a few months back that he had inked a deal to drive for Rick Hendrick starting in 2008 insiders knew that Budweiser would not follow. That fact was confirmed when Anheuser Busch announced their move to the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 with driver Kasey Kahne.
Kasey has proved to be a popular driver and showed a lot of promise in 2006, but 2007 has been a dismal season for Kasey as well as the rest of the GEM teams. To many it seemed like a sign of the down turn of Budweiser in NASCAR. After 10 seasons as the Official Beer of NASCAR and sponsor of the Bud Pole Award they are not renewing those license agreements. Earlier in the year it was also revealed that Busch will not be back as the title sponsor of the Nascar Busch Series in 2008. So, how much is the Budweiser image going to shrink?
In an announcement Tuesday September 25, Coors Light will become the Official Beer of NASCAR and the sponsor of the Pole Award, to be named the Coors Light Pole Award. Another big question to surface is about the Bud shootout and that reveals another twist in the whole sponsor game. There WILL be a BUD SHOOTOUT in 2008, sponsored by Budweiser. Although the Pole Award is used as the basis to qualify for the Shootout, they are separate packages.
According to Andrew Giangola, Director of Business Communications for NASCAR, the sponsorship of the Pole Award and the Official Beer title are licensed entities of NASCAR, while the Bud Shootout is a Daytona Speedway / ISC property and licensed by ISC. I spoke with David Talley of ISC and was informed that the contract with Anheuser Busch was valid through the 2008 season. That contract is up for negotiations after 2008 with nothing being discussed at this point. So what that means is that despite the loss of the Pole Award, the Bud Shootout could continue after 2008. This makes for a subject of a lot of speculation over the next several months, because if there is movement out there on the issue, it is not being talked about.
Another Big question pertains to the title sponsorship of NASCAR’s second tier, now known as the NASCAR Busch series. “The deal bringing in Coors Light as official beer of NASCAR is totally separate from continuing discussions for a new title partner to NASCAR Busch Series in 2008.” said Giangola, “There's strong interest in that position, which will provide a sponsor with more than $200 million in annual exposure value, and discussions are ongoing. The most important thing is to find the right partner who can continue to elevate our #2 series. We hope to announce a new partner before the end of the 2007 season.”
So if your headed to Daytona in February you better stock up on both Bud and Coors Light because they will both have a major presence there.
By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
When Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced a few months back that he had inked a deal to drive for Rick Hendrick starting in 2008 insiders knew that Budweiser would not follow. That fact was confirmed when Anheuser Busch announced their move to the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 with driver Kasey Kahne.
Kasey has proved to be a popular driver and showed a lot of promise in 2006, but 2007 has been a dismal season for Kasey as well as the rest of the GEM teams. To many it seemed like a sign of the down turn of Budweiser in NASCAR. After 10 seasons as the Official Beer of NASCAR and sponsor of the Bud Pole Award they are not renewing those license agreements. Earlier in the year it was also revealed that Busch will not be back as the title sponsor of the Nascar Busch Series in 2008. So, how much is the Budweiser image going to shrink?
In an announcement Tuesday September 25, Coors Light will become the Official Beer of NASCAR and the sponsor of the Pole Award, to be named the Coors Light Pole Award. Another big question to surface is about the Bud shootout and that reveals another twist in the whole sponsor game. There WILL be a BUD SHOOTOUT in 2008, sponsored by Budweiser. Although the Pole Award is used as the basis to qualify for the Shootout, they are separate packages.
According to Andrew Giangola, Director of Business Communications for NASCAR, the sponsorship of the Pole Award and the Official Beer title are licensed entities of NASCAR, while the Bud Shootout is a Daytona Speedway / ISC property and licensed by ISC. I spoke with David Talley of ISC and was informed that the contract with Anheuser Busch was valid through the 2008 season. That contract is up for negotiations after 2008 with nothing being discussed at this point. So what that means is that despite the loss of the Pole Award, the Bud Shootout could continue after 2008. This makes for a subject of a lot of speculation over the next several months, because if there is movement out there on the issue, it is not being talked about.
Another Big question pertains to the title sponsorship of NASCAR’s second tier, now known as the NASCAR Busch series. “The deal bringing in Coors Light as official beer of NASCAR is totally separate from continuing discussions for a new title partner to NASCAR Busch Series in 2008.” said Giangola, “There's strong interest in that position, which will provide a sponsor with more than $200 million in annual exposure value, and discussions are ongoing. The most important thing is to find the right partner who can continue to elevate our #2 series. We hope to announce a new partner before the end of the 2007 season.”
So if your headed to Daytona in February you better stock up on both Bud and Coors Light because they will both have a major presence there.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Rain out equals success at Wartburg Speedway
By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
When the rain starting falling on Saturday September 1, it spelled disappointment for everyone that was at Wartburg Speedway for the $3,000 Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, Rogers Group 50. Being late in the season a decision on a make up date was a tough choice, but finally the Track management decided on Friday September 21. Three weeks away, and the end of September left many wondering if the weather would favor the date.
Fast forward to Friday September 21st and the weather could not be better, clear skies and a bit cooler temps proved the magic numbers. But what nobody was really expecting was the HUGE turnout for this late season race. As the track activities began, the haulers just kept rolling in, and along with them were the carloads of fans. By Race Time, 36 Super Late Models were trackside representing five states. Up in the grandstands and the Tier parking areas looked to be the biggest crowd to ever attend a race at the storied East Tennessee track.
Anthony White turned the quick time for the Rogers Group 50 and started on the pole with Matt Henderson beside him. White jumped out front quick, but Ricky Arms, Rick Rogers and Matt Henderson kept the pressure on with White and Arms swapping the lead midway through the race. But in his normal Wartburg fashion, the Dirty White Boy powered past Arms to retake the lead and stay there. When the checkered flag finally came out it was Anthony White for the win followed by Ricky Arms, Rick Rogers, Matt Henderson and Stacy Boles rounding out the top five. The rest of the top ten included Tommy Bailey, Steve Smith, Tommy Kerr, Kayne Hickman and Brad Coffey.
Big winners for the night included Mark Rosner who powered to win the 21 car $2,000 Sportsman Late Model feature, Jason Manley fighting to hold off the competition in the $500 Pure Mini feature and Jonathan Sims taking the win in the $500 Pure Street feature. In the final race of the night, the Front wheel Drives took to the track for their $300 race. Although the fans had thinned out by then, they missed a real action packed race that ended abruptly when Jeff Bean hit the wall in turn three and went airborne. The car finally came to a rest high in turn four, turned on the driver’s side. Track workers were quick to respond and tensions were high as the wreckers and ambulance were summoned to the track. Unable to free Bean from the car, track personnel carefully rolled the car over on it’s wheels. About a minute later, Bean emerged from the car waving to the crowd to acknowledge that he was OK. The race having been halted, JD Rector was declared the winner.
Top Ten finishers in all classes;
Sportsman - 1. Mark Rosner, 2. Derrick York, 3. Mark Leach, 4. Jeff Atkisson, 5. Charles Hurst -- Pure Mini - 1. Jason Manley, 2. David Christmas, 3. John Cobb, 4. Jack Courtney, 5. Brad Hamilton -- Pure Street - 1. Jonathan Sims, 2. Raymond Shepard, 3. Jason Capps, 4. Nick Nelson, 5. Reagan Williams -- Front Wheel Drive - 1. J.D. Rector, 2. Chris Morrison, 3. Andrew Green, 4. Joe Freels, 5. Justin Scott
When the rain starting falling on Saturday September 1, it spelled disappointment for everyone that was at Wartburg Speedway for the $3,000 Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, Rogers Group 50. Being late in the season a decision on a make up date was a tough choice, but finally the Track management decided on Friday September 21. Three weeks away, and the end of September left many wondering if the weather would favor the date.
Fast forward to Friday September 21st and the weather could not be better, clear skies and a bit cooler temps proved the magic numbers. But what nobody was really expecting was the HUGE turnout for this late season race. As the track activities began, the haulers just kept rolling in, and along with them were the carloads of fans. By Race Time, 36 Super Late Models were trackside representing five states. Up in the grandstands and the Tier parking areas looked to be the biggest crowd to ever attend a race at the storied East Tennessee track.
Anthony White turned the quick time for the Rogers Group 50 and started on the pole with Matt Henderson beside him. White jumped out front quick, but Ricky Arms, Rick Rogers and Matt Henderson kept the pressure on with White and Arms swapping the lead midway through the race. But in his normal Wartburg fashion, the Dirty White Boy powered past Arms to retake the lead and stay there. When the checkered flag finally came out it was Anthony White for the win followed by Ricky Arms, Rick Rogers, Matt Henderson and Stacy Boles rounding out the top five. The rest of the top ten included Tommy Bailey, Steve Smith, Tommy Kerr, Kayne Hickman and Brad Coffey.
Big winners for the night included Mark Rosner who powered to win the 21 car $2,000 Sportsman Late Model feature, Jason Manley fighting to hold off the competition in the $500 Pure Mini feature and Jonathan Sims taking the win in the $500 Pure Street feature. In the final race of the night, the Front wheel Drives took to the track for their $300 race. Although the fans had thinned out by then, they missed a real action packed race that ended abruptly when Jeff Bean hit the wall in turn three and went airborne. The car finally came to a rest high in turn four, turned on the driver’s side. Track workers were quick to respond and tensions were high as the wreckers and ambulance were summoned to the track. Unable to free Bean from the car, track personnel carefully rolled the car over on it’s wheels. About a minute later, Bean emerged from the car waving to the crowd to acknowledge that he was OK. The race having been halted, JD Rector was declared the winner.
Top Ten finishers in all classes;
Sportsman - 1. Mark Rosner, 2. Derrick York, 3. Mark Leach, 4. Jeff Atkisson, 5. Charles Hurst -- Pure Mini - 1. Jason Manley, 2. David Christmas, 3. John Cobb, 4. Jack Courtney, 5. Brad Hamilton -- Pure Street - 1. Jonathan Sims, 2. Raymond Shepard, 3. Jason Capps, 4. Nick Nelson, 5. Reagan Williams -- Front Wheel Drive - 1. J.D. Rector, 2. Chris Morrison, 3. Andrew Green, 4. Joe Freels, 5. Justin Scott
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Could Nascar be in for an unlikely Champion?
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn. Friday September 21, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
A lot of fans were thinking that Clint Bowyer had ‘backed’ into the Nascar Nextel Cup Chase of the Championship. Despite the fact that he finished the first 26 races ranked 7th in points and easily qualified for the Chase, Bowyer was the lone driver in the Chase without a win in Nascar’s top series.
That all changed when the Chase started last Sunday at New Hampshire International Speedway. First Bowyer put his Jack Daniels Chevy on the pole, then he followed that up by leading the most laps (222 of 300) and finally, getting his first win. The win bumped him up eight places from 12th to 4th in the Championship points. Aside from Chase implications, Bowyer’s win also marked the first Car of Tomorrow victory for Richard Childress Racing. Bowyer, like Martin Truex Jr. has spent his time in Cup in the shadow of a popular and successful teammate. Truex broke out of that shadow with his first win at Dover International Speedway in June.
The Chase heads back to the Monster Mile this weekend and Truex is anxious to get back to his Home track, with a new confidence. Since earning that first career win in the season’s 13th event at Dover, Truex has reeled off seven top 10 finishes in his last 14 races.
But probably the biggest news this week are the announcements for the 2008 Nascar Sprint Cup Series. On Tuesday, Budweiser and Gillette-Evernham Racing made it official when they unveiled the Red #9 Budweiser dodge to be driven by Kasey Kahne. "Budweiser has a long and storied history with NASCAR and some of its most successful drivers. We're excited about Kasey's ability to add to that outstanding lineage," said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Along with team owners George Gillett and Ray Evernham, we feel the pieces are in place for the #9 Budweiser Dodge to contend for NASCAR Sprint Cup championships for years to come." Budweiser first sponsored a team on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series circuit in 1983, and in 1998, Budweiser became the "Official Beer of NASCAR," cementing the brand's place among stock car racing's elite sponsors.
On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr., PepsiCo and The National Guard announced that Jr. will drive the 88 car for 2008 . The car will feature the Mountain Dew/AMP Energy Drink Logos as well as The National Guard. The press conference displayed three different paint schemes to be used, plus the possibility of using the old DW, 88 paint scheme at some time was mentioned by Dale Jr.
On the local scene, Last Saturday saw the temperatures drop after dark, but the action really got HOT at Spring City Raceway. The big
action was in the Limited Late Model race where Crossville drivers battled to take the top 2 spots. Starting up front, Joe Cline quickly took the lead and looked to be making it a runaway. However, the race was filled with cautions and several restarts. On a late restart, Crossville’s Sam Williams got by Cline and that was all she wrote. Williams took the checkers with Cline in tow, followed by Larry Higgins. In the other Spring City races the top three’s were: Modified Street - 1. Mike McGuire, 2.Jeff Page, 3. Brice Davenport. Super Street - 1. Taylor Sutton, 2. Allen Walker, 3. Clayton Forsyth. Street Stock - 1. Jerry Spence, 2.Charlie Godsey, 3.Roger Harrison. Super Mini - 1. Kenny Lemons, 2. Ronnie Shelton, 3. Charolette Daniels. FWD-A-MAIN - 1. Chad Pugh, 2. Daniel Sizemore, 3.JD Rector. FWD-B-MAIN - 1. Dee Howard, 2. Richard Clowers, 3. James Dodd.
Wartburg Speedway will run the Labor Day weekend rained out Rogers Group 50, Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, Super Late Model event tonight. Many of the top names in Dirt racing will be on hand as AAPTS wind down to it’s final weekend before declaring a 2007 Champion. In addition to the AAPTS race there will be a $2,000 Sportsman race as well as $500 to win Pure Street and Pure Mini and a $300 to win Front Wheel Drive feature. The 2007 Wartburg Speedway Champions will also be honored following each feature race.
On Saturday, Spring City Raceway will host a full card of racing and looks forward to a large field of cars. With several area tracks closing for the season, Spring City hopes to heat up the action this Saturday and again September 29th when they host the HI-TECH Construction - NAPA Auto Parts of Dayton $1,000 to win Limited Late Model Race.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
A lot of fans were thinking that Clint Bowyer had ‘backed’ into the Nascar Nextel Cup Chase of the Championship. Despite the fact that he finished the first 26 races ranked 7th in points and easily qualified for the Chase, Bowyer was the lone driver in the Chase without a win in Nascar’s top series.
That all changed when the Chase started last Sunday at New Hampshire International Speedway. First Bowyer put his Jack Daniels Chevy on the pole, then he followed that up by leading the most laps (222 of 300) and finally, getting his first win. The win bumped him up eight places from 12th to 4th in the Championship points. Aside from Chase implications, Bowyer’s win also marked the first Car of Tomorrow victory for Richard Childress Racing. Bowyer, like Martin Truex Jr. has spent his time in Cup in the shadow of a popular and successful teammate. Truex broke out of that shadow with his first win at Dover International Speedway in June.
The Chase heads back to the Monster Mile this weekend and Truex is anxious to get back to his Home track, with a new confidence. Since earning that first career win in the season’s 13th event at Dover, Truex has reeled off seven top 10 finishes in his last 14 races.
But probably the biggest news this week are the announcements for the 2008 Nascar Sprint Cup Series. On Tuesday, Budweiser and Gillette-Evernham Racing made it official when they unveiled the Red #9 Budweiser dodge to be driven by Kasey Kahne. "Budweiser has a long and storied history with NASCAR and some of its most successful drivers. We're excited about Kasey's ability to add to that outstanding lineage," said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Along with team owners George Gillett and Ray Evernham, we feel the pieces are in place for the #9 Budweiser Dodge to contend for NASCAR Sprint Cup championships for years to come." Budweiser first sponsored a team on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series circuit in 1983, and in 1998, Budweiser became the "Official Beer of NASCAR," cementing the brand's place among stock car racing's elite sponsors.
On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr., PepsiCo and The National Guard announced that Jr. will drive the 88 car for 2008 . The car will feature the Mountain Dew/AMP Energy Drink Logos as well as The National Guard. The press conference displayed three different paint schemes to be used, plus the possibility of using the old DW, 88 paint scheme at some time was mentioned by Dale Jr.On the local scene, Last Saturday saw the temperatures drop after dark, but the action really got HOT at Spring City Raceway. The big
action was in the Limited Late Model race where Crossville drivers battled to take the top 2 spots. Starting up front, Joe Cline quickly took the lead and looked to be making it a runaway. However, the race was filled with cautions and several restarts. On a late restart, Crossville’s Sam Williams got by Cline and that was all she wrote. Williams took the checkers with Cline in tow, followed by Larry Higgins. In the other Spring City races the top three’s were: Modified Street - 1. Mike McGuire, 2.Jeff Page, 3. Brice Davenport. Super Street - 1. Taylor Sutton, 2. Allen Walker, 3. Clayton Forsyth. Street Stock - 1. Jerry Spence, 2.Charlie Godsey, 3.Roger Harrison. Super Mini - 1. Kenny Lemons, 2. Ronnie Shelton, 3. Charolette Daniels. FWD-A-MAIN - 1. Chad Pugh, 2. Daniel Sizemore, 3.JD Rector. FWD-B-MAIN - 1. Dee Howard, 2. Richard Clowers, 3. James Dodd.Wartburg Speedway will run the Labor Day weekend rained out Rogers Group 50, Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, Super Late Model event tonight. Many of the top names in Dirt racing will be on hand as AAPTS wind down to it’s final weekend before declaring a 2007 Champion. In addition to the AAPTS race there will be a $2,000 Sportsman race as well as $500 to win Pure Street and Pure Mini and a $300 to win Front Wheel Drive feature. The 2007 Wartburg Speedway Champions will also be honored following each feature race.
On Saturday, Spring City Raceway will host a full card of racing and looks forward to a large field of cars. With several area tracks closing for the season, Spring City hopes to heat up the action this Saturday and again September 29th when they host the HI-TECH Construction - NAPA Auto Parts of Dayton $1,000 to win Limited Late Model Race.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The ‘Chase’ begins this weekend at New Hampshire
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Friday September 14, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
The first 26 Nascar Nextel Cup races of 2007 were the qualifiers for the Chase, the battle to be in that field of 12 eligible for the coveted title. A top finish at New Hampshire is important – but not crucial – for a Chase driver’s championship hopes. Kurt Busch won the 2004 New Hampshire race and Tony Stewart finished second in 2005. Jimmie Johnson finished 39th during his championship season, but was able to battle back after finishing first or second in five of the final six races
Jimmie Johnson’s win on Saturday night at Richmond was his sixth of the season, giving him the top seed in the Chase. Johnson will start the Chase with a 60-point bonus – 10 points for each victory. All 12 drivers in the Chase had their point total reset to 5,000 following Richmond. Ten bonus points were added for each win. Eleven of the 12 drivers in the Chase have earned bonus points based on at least one victory. Jeff Gordon (four), Tony Stewart (three), Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch (two apiece) are the only other Chase drivers with multiple victories. Clint Bowyer is the only driver in the Chase without a victory this season.
The garage at Richmond last week was buzzing with lots of news and rumors, several announcements for 2008 were revealed and many non announced items were spreading all over the garage and media center. Some of those announcements were;
Robert Yates Racing announced that Robert Yates would retire at the end of the season, with his son Doug Yates forming a new company, Yates Racing that would acquire the race teams, cars and points for 2008. The merger announced at the end of July with Newman, Haas and Lanigan has already been dissolved to make way for the new organization. In announcing the new company Doug Yates made it clear that the relationship with Roush-Fenway will be much closer.
Ricky Rudd was in Richmond with his arm in a sling from his accident at California. Although he said that there was a chance of him being back before the end of the season, it is unlikely. Kenny Wallace was in Richmond subbing for Rudd and will be in the 88 car again this weekend. Wallace had hoped to land the 88 ride for 2008, but Yates announced that Travis Kvapil has been signed to drive the car in ‘08.
The rumor of David Stremme being let go by Ganassi Racing with the loss of Coors as a sponsor was coupled with news that Ganassi has been in talks with Dario Franchitti, Indianapolis 500 champ and husband of actress Ashley Judd. The unofficial word from team sources is that a 5 year deal has been agreed to with Canadian Club whiskey as the sponsor.
Michael Waltrip racing’s David Reutimann is another name being heard with the strongest being a candidate for a fourth Richard Childress car. I did a story on David back in April where he expressed satisfaction with the MWR organization yet acknowledging the struggles. I spoke with David at Richmond and he is still optimistic about his future with the team. “ There has been some of that (talks with other teams), but we’ll have to see how that works out.” replied David, “I know Michael and the guys are working hard to try and have me back at MWR and we’ll just see how that adds up. We’re running out of time, but hopefully next week we’ll have a much better idea what future is.” Despite the troubles that MWR has been experiencing this season with missed races and less than stellar performances, David remains upbeat about the organization. His performance in the Busch series, where he is second in points, has been spectacular and truly a bragging rights point for Toyota. On the Cup side, David has been the best performing driver for MWR. Although he is overshadowed by the popularity of Waltrip and Jarrett. Several bad luck finishes for Reutimann have diminished the on track performances he has turned in. David has proved himself to be a Cup quality driver and whatever 2008 brings, David has the talent to make it in this sport. Will that success come with MWR, nobody can say, but if he is offered the chance to go with a Childress type organization I think he would be ill advised to pass it up.
With Toyota signing Joe Gibbs racing last week, many think it will be a boost for the struggling Toyota teams, however unlike in the truck series that is really no inter-team sharing of information. For teams like MWR and Red Bull it is obvious that they need that extra support that Toyota gives to the Craftsman Truck Series teams but is missing in Nextel Cup.
On the local racing scene, now that Crossville Raceway has closed and Wartburg Speedway has ended it regular weekly racing program and Mountain Raceway has switched to Friday nights Spring City has suddenly come to life. Last Saturday saw the largest car count and fan count that the track has seen in years. They will be back at it again Saturday night and plan to continue into November. They will be holding a special $1000 Limited Late Model race on Saturday September 29.
Wartburg Speedway will try again next Friday, September 21st to run the $3,000 Super Late Model Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series race, along with a $2,000 Sportsman, $500 each for Pure Street and Pure Mini, and the $300 “On Pit Road Photos” Front Wheel Drive race.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
The first 26 Nascar Nextel Cup races of 2007 were the qualifiers for the Chase, the battle to be in that field of 12 eligible for the coveted title. A top finish at New Hampshire is important – but not crucial – for a Chase driver’s championship hopes. Kurt Busch won the 2004 New Hampshire race and Tony Stewart finished second in 2005. Jimmie Johnson finished 39th during his championship season, but was able to battle back after finishing first or second in five of the final six races
Jimmie Johnson’s win on Saturday night at Richmond was his sixth of the season, giving him the top seed in the Chase. Johnson will start the Chase with a 60-point bonus – 10 points for each victory. All 12 drivers in the Chase had their point total reset to 5,000 following Richmond. Ten bonus points were added for each win. Eleven of the 12 drivers in the Chase have earned bonus points based on at least one victory. Jeff Gordon (four), Tony Stewart (three), Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch (two apiece) are the only other Chase drivers with multiple victories. Clint Bowyer is the only driver in the Chase without a victory this season.
The garage at Richmond last week was buzzing with lots of news and rumors, several announcements for 2008 were revealed and many non announced items were spreading all over the garage and media center. Some of those announcements were;
Robert Yates Racing announced that Robert Yates would retire at the end of the season, with his son Doug Yates forming a new company, Yates Racing that would acquire the race teams, cars and points for 2008. The merger announced at the end of July with Newman, Haas and Lanigan has already been dissolved to make way for the new organization. In announcing the new company Doug Yates made it clear that the relationship with Roush-Fenway will be much closer.
Ricky Rudd was in Richmond with his arm in a sling from his accident at California. Although he said that there was a chance of him being back before the end of the season, it is unlikely. Kenny Wallace was in Richmond subbing for Rudd and will be in the 88 car again this weekend. Wallace had hoped to land the 88 ride for 2008, but Yates announced that Travis Kvapil has been signed to drive the car in ‘08.
The rumor of David Stremme being let go by Ganassi Racing with the loss of Coors as a sponsor was coupled with news that Ganassi has been in talks with Dario Franchitti, Indianapolis 500 champ and husband of actress Ashley Judd. The unofficial word from team sources is that a 5 year deal has been agreed to with Canadian Club whiskey as the sponsor.
Michael Waltrip racing’s David Reutimann is another name being heard with the strongest being a candidate for a fourth Richard Childress car. I did a story on David back in April where he expressed satisfaction with the MWR organization yet acknowledging the struggles. I spoke with David at Richmond and he is still optimistic about his future with the team. “ There has been some of that (talks with other teams), but we’ll have to see how that works out.” replied David, “I know Michael and the guys are working hard to try and have me back at MWR and we’ll just see how that adds up. We’re running out of time, but hopefully next week we’ll have a much better idea what future is.” Despite the troubles that MWR has been experiencing this season with missed races and less than stellar performances, David remains upbeat about the organization. His performance in the Busch series, where he is second in points, has been spectacular and truly a bragging rights point for Toyota. On the Cup side, David has been the best performing driver for MWR. Although he is overshadowed by the popularity of Waltrip and Jarrett. Several bad luck finishes for Reutimann have diminished the on track performances he has turned in. David has proved himself to be a Cup quality driver and whatever 2008 brings, David has the talent to make it in this sport. Will that success come with MWR, nobody can say, but if he is offered the chance to go with a Childress type organization I think he would be ill advised to pass it up.
With Toyota signing Joe Gibbs racing last week, many think it will be a boost for the struggling Toyota teams, however unlike in the truck series that is really no inter-team sharing of information. For teams like MWR and Red Bull it is obvious that they need that extra support that Toyota gives to the Craftsman Truck Series teams but is missing in Nextel Cup.
On the local racing scene, now that Crossville Raceway has closed and Wartburg Speedway has ended it regular weekly racing program and Mountain Raceway has switched to Friday nights Spring City has suddenly come to life. Last Saturday saw the largest car count and fan count that the track has seen in years. They will be back at it again Saturday night and plan to continue into November. They will be holding a special $1000 Limited Late Model race on Saturday September 29.
Wartburg Speedway will try again next Friday, September 21st to run the $3,000 Super Late Model Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series race, along with a $2,000 Sportsman, $500 each for Pure Street and Pure Mini, and the $300 “On Pit Road Photos” Front Wheel Drive race.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Jimmie Johnson records win number six at Richmond
from the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn. Wednesday September 12, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(RICHMOND, VA) - Like his teammate the day before, Jimmie Johnson started on the pole for the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway and turned that into another big win.
Jeff Gordon took the lead on the first lap and held it for 22 laps, until a round of pit stops under the yellow flag. After the field settled out, it was Ryan Newman leading the way until a lap 60 caution brought out by Scott Riggs. After the pit stops Gordon took the lead again. From that point it was all Gordon and Johnson pacing the field.
By lap 187 Carl Edwards blew by Gordon and began running a way from the pack, but it was a short rein as Edwards Ford went up in smoke on lap 180. The blown engine spelled an early night for Edwards, but he was already locked into the Chase.
It was an action-packed event throughout the 400 laps, with a dozen cautions including several multi-car accidents that eliminated numerous drivers, including Juan Pablo Montoya, Greg Biffle and Jamie McMurray. Johnson finally got the lead on lap 347 and he ran away from the field all the way. Behind him raged on a fierce battle between Gordon, Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt entered the race with the slimmest of chances to make the 12 car Chase to the Championship. To make the Chase he needed to lead the most laps and win and then have either Kevin Harvick or Kurt Busch finish 32nd or worse. Busch and Harvick both finished in the top 10 as Earnhardt lost an engine with just seven laps remaining in the race.
Finishing behind Johnson were Tony Stewart, David Ragan, with his best ever Cup finish, Jeff Gordon and Johnny Sauter fifth. Denny Hamlin, Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch and JJ Yeley rounded out the top 10.
The Series heads to New Hampshire to start the 10 race Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship to be decided among the top 12 in points. The points for the top 12 will be reset before New Hampshire and with the bonus points for wins, Jimmie Johnson will lead the pack. The top 12 as set by bonus points are; Johnson (6 wins), Jeff Gordon (4 wins), Tony Stewart (3 wins), Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch (2 wins each), Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr and Kevin Harvick (each with 1 win) and Clint Bowyer starting 12th with no wins.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(RICHMOND, VA) - Like his teammate the day before, Jimmie Johnson started on the pole for the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway and turned that into another big win.
Jeff Gordon took the lead on the first lap and held it for 22 laps, until a round of pit stops under the yellow flag. After the field settled out, it was Ryan Newman leading the way until a lap 60 caution brought out by Scott Riggs. After the pit stops Gordon took the lead again. From that point it was all Gordon and Johnson pacing the field.
By lap 187 Carl Edwards blew by Gordon and began running a way from the pack, but it was a short rein as Edwards Ford went up in smoke on lap 180. The blown engine spelled an early night for Edwards, but he was already locked into the Chase.
It was an action-packed event throughout the 400 laps, with a dozen cautions including several multi-car accidents that eliminated numerous drivers, including Juan Pablo Montoya, Greg Biffle and Jamie McMurray. Johnson finally got the lead on lap 347 and he ran away from the field all the way. Behind him raged on a fierce battle between Gordon, Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt entered the race with the slimmest of chances to make the 12 car Chase to the Championship. To make the Chase he needed to lead the most laps and win and then have either Kevin Harvick or Kurt Busch finish 32nd or worse. Busch and Harvick both finished in the top 10 as Earnhardt lost an engine with just seven laps remaining in the race.
Finishing behind Johnson were Tony Stewart, David Ragan, with his best ever Cup finish, Jeff Gordon and Johnny Sauter fifth. Denny Hamlin, Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch and JJ Yeley rounded out the top 10.
The Series heads to New Hampshire to start the 10 race Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship to be decided among the top 12 in points. The points for the top 12 will be reset before New Hampshire and with the bonus points for wins, Jimmie Johnson will lead the pack. The top 12 as set by bonus points are; Johnson (6 wins), Jeff Gordon (4 wins), Tony Stewart (3 wins), Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch (2 wins each), Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr and Kevin Harvick (each with 1 win) and Clint Bowyer starting 12th with no wins.
Kyle Busch dominates Nascar Busch race at Richmond
from the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn Wednesday September 12, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(Richmond, Va.) - Starting on the Pole Friday for the Emerson Radio 250 at Richmond International Raceway, Kyle Busch took command and handily led the field for 227 laps to record his second Nascar Busch Series win of 2007.
The only real serious contender to Busch was Matt Kenseth who took the lead on lap 143, but 18 laps later Paul Menard spun out on lap 161 hitting the wall near turn one. In Kenseth’ attempt to avoid Menard he too spun and lost the lead to Busch. "The 15 was so close to me I couldn't stop," Kenseth said, "so I had to turn the wheel a little bit, and my car was so loose it just spun out." During that caution Kenseth lost 3 more positions during a pit stop and was never able to recover the lost positions.
Series point leader Carl Edwards finished second adding to his point lead over Kevin Harvick, but never offered a serious challenge to Busch. In a post race interview Busch noted the threat posed by Kenseth. "Kenseth had the car to beat today, and I knew that," Busch said. "But our car was right there with him. He got the lead from us a couple of times. Then he spun himself out over there with the lapped car."
An early flat tire left David Reutimann 2 laps down and he was never able to recover. He settled for a 23rd place finish which coupled with Harvick’s 24th place finish sets them tied for second place in the standings. Rounding out the top ten after Busch and Edwards was Ryan Newman, Kenseth and Mike Bliss in fifth followed by Brian Vickers, Denny Hamlin, Scott Wimmer, Kasey Kahne and Jason Keller in tenth.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
(Richmond, Va.) - Starting on the Pole Friday for the Emerson Radio 250 at Richmond International Raceway, Kyle Busch took command and handily led the field for 227 laps to record his second Nascar Busch Series win of 2007.
The only real serious contender to Busch was Matt Kenseth who took the lead on lap 143, but 18 laps later Paul Menard spun out on lap 161 hitting the wall near turn one. In Kenseth’ attempt to avoid Menard he too spun and lost the lead to Busch. "The 15 was so close to me I couldn't stop," Kenseth said, "so I had to turn the wheel a little bit, and my car was so loose it just spun out." During that caution Kenseth lost 3 more positions during a pit stop and was never able to recover the lost positions.
Series point leader Carl Edwards finished second adding to his point lead over Kevin Harvick, but never offered a serious challenge to Busch. In a post race interview Busch noted the threat posed by Kenseth. "Kenseth had the car to beat today, and I knew that," Busch said. "But our car was right there with him. He got the lead from us a couple of times. Then he spun himself out over there with the lapped car."
An early flat tire left David Reutimann 2 laps down and he was never able to recover. He settled for a 23rd place finish which coupled with Harvick’s 24th place finish sets them tied for second place in the standings. Rounding out the top ten after Busch and Edwards was Ryan Newman, Kenseth and Mike Bliss in fifth followed by Brian Vickers, Denny Hamlin, Scott Wimmer, Kasey Kahne and Jason Keller in tenth.
Last chance to make the “Chase” at Richmond Saturday
From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn. Friday September 7, 2007
by Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
The Nascar Nextel Cup rolls into Richmond, Va. this weekend for the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. This also marks race #26 and the last opportunity to in the 12 car chase to the championship.
Those top 12 teams will compete over the final 10 races to determine the 2007 Champion. Going into Richmond, only one team has a chance to crack into the 12, but it is a long shot. Dale Earnhardt Jr, who trails 12th-place Kevin Harvick by 128 points, must finish no lower than fifth Saturday to have hope of making the Chase. He also must lead the most laps and Harvick, the defending race winner at Richmond, must finish 43rd (last). After Saturday, the rest of the teams will fight for 13th place.
Still no number for Junior, but it was announced this week that Casey Mears will move from the 25 national Guard team to the 5 Kellogg’s / Carquest car for 2008. I predicted earlier in the season that Hendrick motor Sports would not enter 2008 without a number 5 car, too much Hendrick history with the number. No word on the number, but the rumor is that Juniors sponsor will be Mountain Dew, AMPS energy drink and the National Guard
Joe Gibbs racing will be in Toyota’s next year with Kyle Busch in the 18 car. Hall of Fame Racing, a satellite team of Gibbs sold controlling interest to two Baseball executives from the Arizona Razorbacks organization. They will remain associated with Gibbs and move to Toyota, with JJ Yeley replacing Tony Raines next year. Yeley had been mentioned as a replacement for Ricky Rudd in the Yates 88 car, but that opens up hope for Kenny Wallace. Wallace will be replacing Rudd this week at Richmond as Ricky recovers from a separated shoulder resulting from a wreck at California.
Last week was Ricky Rudd’s 900th race a real milestone for the driver who announced that he would retire at the end of the season. This week bobby Labonte rolls into Richmond in the 43 Richard Petty car to take the green flag for his 500th race in Nascar’s top series.
The Busch series races Friday night with Carl Edwards still holding a commanding lead in the points. The Nascar Craftsman Truck Series is off this weekend, returning to action next week at New Hampshire.
Local Racing action is coming to close soon here as the tracks start cutting back as fans turn to high School and VOLS football. The Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series race moved from Crossville Raceway last Saturday to Wartburg Speedway was rained out, The rescheduled event will take place Friday Sept. 21st at Wartburg. Spring City Raceway has a $1,000.00 Limited Late Model race scheduled for Sept. 29th.
by Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
The Nascar Nextel Cup rolls into Richmond, Va. this weekend for the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. This also marks race #26 and the last opportunity to in the 12 car chase to the championship.
Those top 12 teams will compete over the final 10 races to determine the 2007 Champion. Going into Richmond, only one team has a chance to crack into the 12, but it is a long shot. Dale Earnhardt Jr, who trails 12th-place Kevin Harvick by 128 points, must finish no lower than fifth Saturday to have hope of making the Chase. He also must lead the most laps and Harvick, the defending race winner at Richmond, must finish 43rd (last). After Saturday, the rest of the teams will fight for 13th place.
Still no number for Junior, but it was announced this week that Casey Mears will move from the 25 national Guard team to the 5 Kellogg’s / Carquest car for 2008. I predicted earlier in the season that Hendrick motor Sports would not enter 2008 without a number 5 car, too much Hendrick history with the number. No word on the number, but the rumor is that Juniors sponsor will be Mountain Dew, AMPS energy drink and the National Guard
Joe Gibbs racing will be in Toyota’s next year with Kyle Busch in the 18 car. Hall of Fame Racing, a satellite team of Gibbs sold controlling interest to two Baseball executives from the Arizona Razorbacks organization. They will remain associated with Gibbs and move to Toyota, with JJ Yeley replacing Tony Raines next year. Yeley had been mentioned as a replacement for Ricky Rudd in the Yates 88 car, but that opens up hope for Kenny Wallace. Wallace will be replacing Rudd this week at Richmond as Ricky recovers from a separated shoulder resulting from a wreck at California.
Last week was Ricky Rudd’s 900th race a real milestone for the driver who announced that he would retire at the end of the season. This week bobby Labonte rolls into Richmond in the 43 Richard Petty car to take the green flag for his 500th race in Nascar’s top series.
The Busch series races Friday night with Carl Edwards still holding a commanding lead in the points. The Nascar Craftsman Truck Series is off this weekend, returning to action next week at New Hampshire.
Local Racing action is coming to close soon here as the tracks start cutting back as fans turn to high School and VOLS football. The Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series race moved from Crossville Raceway last Saturday to Wartburg Speedway was rained out, The rescheduled event will take place Friday Sept. 21st at Wartburg. Spring City Raceway has a $1,000.00 Limited Late Model race scheduled for Sept. 29th.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
This #8 thing is getting old, get over it Dale!
As seen on Speedwaymedia.com - September 1, 2007
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Am I the only one that thinks this whole deal over what number car junior drives next year has gotten way out of hand? I mean, I like Dale Jr., I really do, but this is sounding like a spoiled kid who’s kicking and screaming over what number is on his car?
Dale and his sister made a decision, and it appears they made that decision about a year ago, that he was leaving DEI. For those who dispute that, the 51% demand was the signal he was leaving. It was a business decision that both Dale and Kelly felt was the right decision for him, and with that I have no problem. They had to know (or should have) that the number 8 would not be leaving with him. DEI like all car owners have a lot of money and time invested in making their number a major part of the marketing plan. So to think they would be willing to ‘give up’ the number was ludicrous.
We all know now that the final decision is that the 8 will stay at DEI so why all this whining? OK, I can’t have 8, how about the 81, 83, 85, 58 and the latest 38. The audacity of these folks to go to RYR and actually ask that they ‘give up’ the 38 so Dale could have it shows how low this whole thing has gotten. Do they really think that that number mean so little to RYR? Well here is what Doug Yates had to say about that idea, "Dale Jr., since he can't have what he wants, he might want the 38, It's almost a little strange. It's like somebody asking if they can take your girlfriend or your wife out.”
Dale Jr. and his fans want him to keep his number because of the family tradition it carries, after all Dale’s Grandpa, Ralph Earnhardt drove the number 8. But what they all seem to ignore is that Ralph drove a total of 51 races in Nascar’s top series between 1956 and 1964. In those races he drove cars numbered 5, 6, 16, 17, 22, 31, 54, 59, 70, 73, 75, 88, 91 and 188. However Ralph NEVER drove an 8 car in the Top Nascar Series, But he did drive a 5. The numbers he used the most were the 75 and the 22 (11 races for each)
Dale signed on to drive for HMS and it is clear that it was to drive the 5 car, so it is time to accept that fact. The 5 is the heart and soul of HMS, First Cup car, First Cup Win, a Cup Championship, Ricky’s number, HMS will have a 5 car in 2008, the only question is who will drive it. Is it really fair that Casey Mears has to change numbers just so Dale can have his way? Junior’s fans will support him no matter what the number on the car is (except maybe the 24) so I for one thinks it’s time to stop all the nonsense and make it official, Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the number 5 Chevy Impala of Hendrick Motor Sports starting in 2008. Sponsor(s) to be announced soon.
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com
Am I the only one that thinks this whole deal over what number car junior drives next year has gotten way out of hand? I mean, I like Dale Jr., I really do, but this is sounding like a spoiled kid who’s kicking and screaming over what number is on his car?
Dale and his sister made a decision, and it appears they made that decision about a year ago, that he was leaving DEI. For those who dispute that, the 51% demand was the signal he was leaving. It was a business decision that both Dale and Kelly felt was the right decision for him, and with that I have no problem. They had to know (or should have) that the number 8 would not be leaving with him. DEI like all car owners have a lot of money and time invested in making their number a major part of the marketing plan. So to think they would be willing to ‘give up’ the number was ludicrous.
We all know now that the final decision is that the 8 will stay at DEI so why all this whining? OK, I can’t have 8, how about the 81, 83, 85, 58 and the latest 38. The audacity of these folks to go to RYR and actually ask that they ‘give up’ the 38 so Dale could have it shows how low this whole thing has gotten. Do they really think that that number mean so little to RYR? Well here is what Doug Yates had to say about that idea, "Dale Jr., since he can't have what he wants, he might want the 38, It's almost a little strange. It's like somebody asking if they can take your girlfriend or your wife out.”
Dale Jr. and his fans want him to keep his number because of the family tradition it carries, after all Dale’s Grandpa, Ralph Earnhardt drove the number 8. But what they all seem to ignore is that Ralph drove a total of 51 races in Nascar’s top series between 1956 and 1964. In those races he drove cars numbered 5, 6, 16, 17, 22, 31, 54, 59, 70, 73, 75, 88, 91 and 188. However Ralph NEVER drove an 8 car in the Top Nascar Series, But he did drive a 5. The numbers he used the most were the 75 and the 22 (11 races for each)
Dale signed on to drive for HMS and it is clear that it was to drive the 5 car, so it is time to accept that fact. The 5 is the heart and soul of HMS, First Cup car, First Cup Win, a Cup Championship, Ricky’s number, HMS will have a 5 car in 2008, the only question is who will drive it. Is it really fair that Casey Mears has to change numbers just so Dale can have his way? Junior’s fans will support him no matter what the number on the car is (except maybe the 24) so I for one thinks it’s time to stop all the nonsense and make it official, Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the number 5 Chevy Impala of Hendrick Motor Sports starting in 2008. Sponsor(s) to be announced soon.
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