Arca race a prelude for the cup race

Since the Arca race run today is the first racing on the newly paved 2.5 mile triple turn track the question in the media center is will it be a prelude for tomorrow's race?

This race was unique to say the least. A hard hit with the 32 car on the pace lap even before the pace car lights had gone off. Then the first actual caution came about at lap 16 and a few other cautions throughout the race. With 25 laps to go Keven Swindell had his 3rd tire go down an bring out another caution and worrying Brenden Poole who also races for the Venturini team.

There was not a second grove, or at least not one that worked well, for this race, which begs the question if a second grove can come in tomorrow? The most that Arca was able to achieve was putting two cars into a turn. We saw 4 wide on the straight stretch, but no one was successful with doing more than two wide on the turns. The track was slick, mostly from the desert of speedy dry applied to the track from all the wrecks and blown engines during cup qualifying. Most of the time, it looked like there was a dust storm on the back stretch.

In the end, Pole Sitter, Brennan Poole, beat out Chad Hackenbracht for the win. The first win on the newly paved track.

Arca race a prelude for the cup race

Arca race

The Arca race green flag is about to drop and we have already had a wreck on the back stretch. The 32 car Aleks Gregory in The Mosquito Patch Toyota was scrubbing his tires when he shot clear across the track and impacted the outside wall hard ending his day before it even started. We are not sure why he wrecked but the new pavement can not be blamed on this one. Though the new pavement is fast becoming covered all 2.5 miles by speedy dry looking like a bathroom oasis for cats everywhere.

We will see if the new pavement allows for more racing or less passing, but we hope we get past the green flag before we see another caution.

Qualifying day in Pocono

It is qualifying day again in Pocono and it is a typical summer day here in the Ski areas of Pennsylvania.

Qualifying was a bit slow getting started due the third car out blowing up an dumping oil on the newly paved track requiring the Safety Kleen crew to dispense the oil dry and then the jet dryers got to blow it all away before we could get going again.

With the new paved surface, it seemed like every other driver was getting a "New Track Record"

After qualifying finally got going, it took just over 1 hour to complete at about 1:15 with Joey Logano in the 20 car taking the poll with a time of 50.112 seconds, 179.598 mph (a new track record). Carl Edwards was second to Joey and will start on the outside pole on Sunday.

The weather at Pocono was typical Long Pond summer weather. Humid with smattering of clouds. one minute it is bright blue sky and the next it is looking like the wrath of god is coming. Sunday looks to be a fast race (shortened by 100 miles) and fast speeds. Should be a better Pocono this year. Doc would have been proud.

1st week of summer means POCONO

It if the first unofficial week of summer and that means that NASCAR visits Long Pond, PA and the Pocono Race Track. There are a few changes at the track this year. One of the first signs you see of the change is when you come through the tunnel to the infield and a reference to Doc Mattioli, who, along with his wife, Dr. Rose, founded and built the Pocono race track.

In speaking to several of the family members who run this facility, the idea came from one of Doc's great grandchildren who said that the infield was one of Doc's favorite places at the track. Thus a sign was erected and it is clear that it has a feel and energy of Doc's place.

The other major change to Pocono was that the track and pit road were repaved since last year. The cost to repave this 2.5 mile, three turn unique track is unknown and when I asked the new president of the track what it cost to rip up the old pavement and repave, he would only say "it cost a lot, Really, really lot". Since a little bit of Google searching tells us that to repave 1 mile of highway is between $800,000 to $3,000,000, it is a pretty good bet that with the drainage work to try to cure some of the weepers and the tunnel turn, the cost was someplace north of $3,000,000 for this important change.

So far there are no lights at Pocono, but under Doc, this track was the first to go install one of the largest solar fields in the Pa/ NJ/ NY area, upgraded the track, parts of the grandstand and always looking for ways to get the fans involved in more, can night racing be far behind?

Dover in June

It is my first race of the year and we have made it back to Dover Delaware for the June race. For anyone who has not been to Dover before, it is one of the best tracks to watch a race from and after the race instead of fighting traffic, you can go to the Casino for dinner and some table fun which is much more fun than watching tail lights on Rt 1 north.

We watched the Camping World Trucks qualify and the Cup and Nationwide cars practice today under off and on cloudy and sunny skies.

Right now, the Truck series is trying to get past lap 100 before the rain that is just to our west hits. I just looked at the radar and even if i started right now, I am sure that i would just get far enough away from the media center to get soaked.

The truck race is going on right now. Kevin Harvick took the pool and it is Harvick, Lofton, Buscher , Joey Coulter, Ty Dillion, Johnny Sauter, are also trading spaces in the front at lap 75.

Now that the trucks have passed half way at lap 110, the weather is all around the track and the trucks are starting to beat and bang a bit more.

Harvick, Lofton, buescher Hornaday are still the leaders and caution just came out for Wes Burton on lap 110.

SRT Motorsports -- Dodge Charger Race Car For 2013 Sprint Cup Series Unveiled At LVMS

Dodge Charger Race Car For 2013 Sprint Cup Series Unveiled At LVMS
LAS VEGAS (Sunday, March 11, 2012) – Fans asked for it. NASCAR agreed. SRT Motorsports and Dodge delivered. SRT Motorsports unveiled the 2013 Dodge Charger that will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway today in front of
the people that asked for the change -- the fans. Just as they did with the Dodge Challenger when it was introduced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series two years ago, SRT Motorsports designers and engineers created a race car fans will have no problem identifying on the race track. The defining features of the street Charger have been expertly incorporated into the racing version.

"From the start, it's been a collaborative effort with NASCAR," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports. "NASCAR provided the manufacturers with basic specifications, but offered encouragement to venture beyond the look of the current race car. Our design and engineering group, working with Penske Racing, seized the opportunity. We had a fantastic benchmark – the Dodge Challenger – introduced in 2009. This endeavor goes beyond the trend the Nationwide Series Challenger started with a Dodge Charger that amazingly embodies many of the design features of the street version into the race car. We're extremely proud that the Dodge Charger street car is the only rear-wheel-drive model in Sprint Cup competition that is available with a V-8 engine."

Prime Time - Daytona 500

By Shaun Burke

Credit: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images for NASCAR

I have seen a lot of weird stuff in my days following NASCAR.

To say the 2012 Daytona 500 was the most bizarre race I've ever seen would be an understatement. There was rain, fire, tide detergent and fork lifts in turn 3. At the same time, there was tweeting, bathroom breaks and interviews in the middle of the backstretch.

But in the end, Matt Kenseth was the one hosting the trophy proclaiming victory.

After torrential rains arrived at Daytona Beach just in time for the Daytona 500, the race was moved to Monday evening, prompting the twitter hashtag #NASCARPrimeTime. For the first time in history, a NASCAR race would be run on a weeknight.

It was an opportunity for NASCAR to attract new fans, and boy did it ever. Based on my twitter timeline, I'd say there were many people who don't watch NASCAR or haven't watched it lately tuning in.

All was going well until lap 2. That's why five-time champion Jimmie Johnson got turned by Elliott Sadler, igniting a multi-car accident. Involved in the crash was Danica Patrick, meaning FOX had to quickly readjust their game plan.

What Sells NASCAR? Winning? Talent?

CREDIT: David Yeazell / SpeedwayMedia.com

As I watched qualifying for Sunday's Daytona 500, I was struck with the question: "What sells NASCAR?" Just like Saturday night's Shootout coverage, FOX chose to open Daytona 500 qualifying on Sunday with the 'Danica Patrick Show'. As a result, it really got me thinking as to why folks devote 4 hours on a weekly basis to watch cars drive in circles.

Is it the talent? Obviously not...

How could the sport's most popular driver go 129 races without winning a single race? Sorry JR Nation but its not for lack of equipment due to the fact that the last 6 Sprint Cup Series Championships have been claimed by Hendrick equipment.  Despite continuing his winless streak for a third year in 2011, merchandise sales for the No. 88 car have yet to falter.

Why would the driver with the most wins in the modern era, be booed every time his name is called during driver introductions if fans picked their drivers based on talent? Jeff Gordon surpassed Darrell Waltrip last season for the most wins all-time, yet fans choose to boo him on a weekly basis.

Martin Truex Jr. Draws Pole For Budweiser Shootout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Martin Truex Jr., driving the No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing, drew the pole position for Saturday’s 34th annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.

Truex Jr., making his second career Budweiser Shootout start, peeled off the No. 1 wrapper on the Budweiser bottle.

“Came here with a plan and I’m sticking to it,” said Truex Jr. on his strategy of winning the 75-lap non-points race.

Completing the all-Toyota front row for the Budweiser Shootout will be Kyle Busch in the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota.

Roush Fenway to Kick Off 25th Season at Shootout

Biffle to start seventh; Edwards and Kenseth draw 11th and 23rd starting positions

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2012) – Greg Biffle will start seventh via a random draw when Roush Fenway kicks off its "25 Winning Years" 2012 celebration in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. Carl Edwards drew the 11th starting spot, while Matt Kenseth will start 23rd. The event marks Roush Fenway's 24th consecutive start in the Shootout and the 13th time the team has fielded multiple cars in the all-star event.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte to serve as Grand Marshal for the first Gatorade Duel

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ryan Lochte, three-time Olympic gold medalist
swimmer and Daytona Beach native, will serve as Grand Marshal for the
first of two Gatorade Duel At Daytona 150-mile qualifying races on Thursday, Feb. 23 at Daytona International Speedway.

Lochte, who won his first gold at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and two more at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, will deliver the starting command "Drivers, start your engines" to begin the first Gatorade Duel.

Including his three gold medals, Lochte is a 12-time Olympic and World medalist. He currently holds the world record in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay as part of the American team and the world record for both the 200-meter and the 400-meter individual medley.

Pat Monahan of Multiplatinum, Grammy-Winning Group Train to sing National Anthem for 54th annual Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Pat Monahan, lead singer of the three-time Grammy-winning group Train, will sing the National Anthem for the 54th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Daytona International Speedway (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET).
"Pat has one of the most amazing voices in music today and we are ecstatic to have him perform the National Anthem for the Daytona 500," Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. "He will deliver a rousing rendition of the National Anthem before hundreds of thousands of fans in attendance and millions more watching live on FOX Sports."

Train, which consists of Monahan, Scott Underwood and Jimmy Stafford, has earned three Grammys, two Billboard Music Awards for Top Rock Artist and Top Rock Song and an ASCAP Pop Music Award for Song of the Year.

Ford's Bayne Makes Beach Course Run

Trevor Bayne, the defending champion of the Daytona 500, officially kicked off NASCAR's portion of Daytona Speedweeks by driving the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion along the old beach course en route to Daytona International Speedway.  Below are comments from Bayne and co-owners Eddie and Len Wood from today's press conference.

TREVOR BAYNE – No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion -- "This is
probably the coolest thing I've got to do outside of actually racing
on other tracks. As a racecar driver you watch races of the beaches
and I wish we could come back here and get the groove all rutted up
and try to miss the potholes, but this is an unbelievable feeling –
being on the beach where it all started. This is history right here. I
almost want to bottle up the sand and take it with me because this is
where it started for Daytona, this is where it started for NASCAR and
I'm just glad to be a part of it.  I'm glad I get to be the first
driver to do this because this is a really cool tradition.  They also
told me I get to do some donuts at an intersection a little later on,
so I'm pretty pumped about that.  The difference is the police are
actually leading me this time, instead of following me when I do them.
It would be one thing to drive a street car down this beach, but to
be in the 21 car and sitting here I feel like I'm a part of history
and that's pretty cool."

Bayne and the Woods Return to Daytona as Defending Daytona 500 Champions

Bayne and the Woods Return to Daytona as Defending Daytona 500 Champions
February 16, 2012

Trevor Bayne and the Wood Brothers are back at Daytona International Speedway as the defending Daytona 500 champions, reflecting on the big win of a year ago but, more importantly, focusing on this year's Great American Race.

Eddie Wood, co-owner of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion, said he spent some of his first days of Speedweeks 2012 thinking about the team's triumph last year, a victory that kicked off a strong year for both NASCAR and the Wood Brothers.

"It's good to be back down here and re-live some of the simple things that didn't seem that significant until you come back and start remembering them," Wood said, explaining that even a couple of stops at of his family's favorite restaurants, the Daytona Beach Steak 'n Shake and The Porto Fino Restaurant, evoke memories of their storybook Speedweeks.

CHEVY NSCS AT DAYTONA MEDIA DAY -- Kasey Kahne Press Conf. Transcript

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS MEDIA DAY
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
FEBRUARY 16, 2012

KASEY KAHNE, NO. 5 FARMERS INSURANCE CHEVROLET, met with members of
the media at Daytona International Speedway and discussed his recent
surgery, Hendrick Motorsports and snow in his home state of
Washington. Full Transcript:

IN REGARDS TO HIS RECENT KNEE SURGERY: "It is tight and swelled up but
it is a lot better today than what it was yesterday. Each day it gets
better, it's crazy how quickly our bodies heal.  I have had my right
knee done a couple of times so I kind of knew what I was getting into
when it happened.  I just knew I needed to get it fixed as quickly as
I could. It's probably not the ideal situation to head to Daytona
with, but I think it's better now than any other time of the year.  It
should be fine it won't affect my racing at all. "

Ford NASCAR Media Day (Almirola, Front Row and McDowell)

ARIC ALMIROLA – No. 43 Smithfield Ford Fusion – HOW DOES IT FEEL TO
HAVE THIS FULL-TIME OPPORTUNITY?  "It feels great to come in here to
Daytona and get ready for the year.  This is the most excited I've
been in a long time about racing a Sprint Cup car.  It's a huge honor
to drive that 43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports and all the history
behind it, and to have that opportunity to have my name above the door
and get to drive that car, I'm super-excited about it."

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE UNDERDOGS?  "I would say that
Richard Petty Motorsports used to be considered an underdog race team,
but if you really look at all the efforts that Richard has put into
turn his race team around, taking it from Randelman, North Carolina
and moving it down to Concord, aligning himself with Ford and aligning
himself with Roush Fenway Racing to get cars and get motors and
horsepower from Doug Yates.  You look at all those steps that he's
taken to put his race team back to the top, obviously they probably
don't have the wins that you would expect out of race teams like
Hendrick in recent years, but I think the legacy of Richard Petty
Motorsports continues a long way back and still resonates with us
today.  My goal going into this year is to put them back on the map.
I think Marcos winning last year at Watkins Glen put them where they
need to be.  People realize they can win races, they're a
winning-capable team and they did that.  So, for me, I just go into
this season and they've got good cars, they've got good horsepower,
aligned with a great manufacturer with Ford.  We've got great sponsors
in Smithfield, U.S. Air Force and STP, so all of the pieces to the
puzzle are there to go out and be successful.  I feel like it's up to
me and Greg Erwin to go out there and get the job done."

Nationwide Series champion Stenhouse named 19th recipient of Gorsline Scholarship

Photo credit: Chris Graythen/ Getty Images for NASCAR)

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 9, 2011) - Ricky Stenhouse Jr., of Cornelius, N.C., was selected to receive the 19th annual Gorsline Scholarship, presented by Gorsline Company of Rochester, N.Y. At the age of 23, Stenhouse won the hotly-contested 2011 Nationwide Series championship, his first, driving for Roush Fenway Racing. He was honored Sunday at the 42nd annual American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's (AARWBA) All-America Team dinner in Indianapolis.

The Gorsline Scholarship recognizes aspiring drivers and presents a program that provides tools that will assist these drivers in developing skills on and off the track to attain their professional goals.

As the scholarship winner, Stenhouse will work with Dr. Jacques Dallaire, Director of Performance Prime, to create an individually-designed performance-enhancement program, courtesy of Gorsline Company.

"It's our privilege to name Ricky as this year's Gorsline Scholarship winner," said John Gorsline, principal of Gorsline Company, the leader in high-risk motorsports insurance. "He started racing go-karts at age 6 and in 17 years has had a hugely successful racing career, earning his first major championship in 2011. With team owner Jack Roush's support and belief in him, he claimed the Nationwide Series crown, even before the final race was over."

Bayne’s Signed Up For 2012 in the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion

In an off-season that has seen several surprising driver changes, there's one winning combination that isn't about to break up. Trevor Bayne will remain in the seat of the Wood Brothers No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion.
Bayne, who delivered the Woods their fifth Daytona 500 triumph in just his second start in the No. 21 Ford Fusion, said he's pleased to be putting any off-season uncertainty behind him.

"I'm excited," he said. "It's a big deal for me. It's what I had hoped for. We're all excited to be back together."

Team co-owner Eddie Wood said he too is pleased to have Bayne back behind the wheel of his family's race car.

"It's taken a long time to get to this announcement, but it's good to be back together," Wood said.

"We all wanted to do what was best for Ford Motor Company and its
young drivers, and to be sure everybody had a place to race."

Darrell Waltrip - Never Silent About His Talents - Which Were Many

2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Won Three Championships, 84 Races

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2012) – You always knew Darrell Waltrip was there from his racing beginnings at the Nashville Fairgrounds through three championships, 84 victories and a broadcasting career with FOX Sports and SPEED.

He was never silent about his talents and had the ability to back them up with results.

Fellow NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Cale Yarborough famously called Waltrip “Jaws” as the pair jockeyed for the NASCAR’s top rung.

“We knocked each other out of a lot of races,” Owensboro, Ky. native Waltrip remembers of the competition with his rival who, ironically, recommended Junior Johnson hire Waltrip. “So for all the bad things (I’ve said) about Cale, I forgive him.”