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Sunday, February 28, 2010

LVMS has 9th Consecutive Sellout for Sprint Cup Race

2010 Las Vegas NSCS checkered flag jimmie

Las Vegas Motor Speedway recorded its ninth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series sellout with Sunday's running of the Shelby American.

Speedway officials sold the final grandstand seats Sunday morning prior to the green flag for the 13th annual event. The capacity crowd marked the largest crowd of the season.

"In what are still challenging economic times, today's turnout is a testament to the popularity of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this great city and NASCAR's premier racing series," said LVMS president Chris Powell. "We really appreciate the thousands of race fans who chose to spend the day with us."

Tickets for the 2011 NASCAR Weekend are on sale now, and anyone who buys or renews tickets for 2011 will get them at 10 percent off this year's prices if they purchase by April 9. Race fans purchasing before April 9 will be able to pay 33 percent of their invoice on April 9 and have the remainder charged in two additional installments. Fans also will receive a commemorative poster.

Release via Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Shelby American Race Results

Here’s the way they finished in race 3 of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season:


  1. 2010 Las Vegas NSCS driver intros Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Dale Earnhardt Jr Jimmie Johnson
  2. Kevin Harvick
  3. Jeff Gordon
  4. Mark Martin
  5. Matt Kenseth
  6. Joey Logano
  7. Tony Stewart
  8. Clint Bowyer
  9. Kasey Kahne
  10. Greg Biffle
  11. Jeff Burton2010 Las Vegas NSCS green flag kurt leads
  12. Carl Edwards
  13. David Reutimann
  14. Marcos Ambrose
  15. Kyle Busch
  16. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  17. Paul Menard
  18. Ryan Newman
  19. Denny Hamlin
  20. Martin Truex Jr.
  21. Regan Smith
  22. Scott Speed2010 Las Vegas NSCS Juan Pablo Montoya Jamie McMurray accident
  23. David Ragan
  24. Travis Kvapil
  25. AJ Allmendinger
  26. Brad Keselowski
  27. Elliott Sadler
  28. Sam Hornish Jr.
  29. Dave Blaney
  30. David Gilliland
  31. Brian Vickers
  32. Robby Gordon
  33. Max Papis
  34. Jamie McMurray
  35. Kurt Busch2010 Las Vegas NSCS Kurt Busch pits damage
  36. Kevin Conway
  37. Juan Pablo Montoya
  38. Bobby Labonte
  39. Mike Bliss
  40. Boris Said
  41. Joe Nemechek
  42. Michael McDowell
  43. Aric Almirola
Top 12 Points
  1. Kevin Harvick
  2. Clint Bowyer
  3. Mark Martin
  4. Matt Kenseth
  5. Jimmie Johnson2010 Las Vegas NSCS Jimmie Johnson burnout
  6. Greg Biffle
  7. Jeff Burton
  8. Joey Logano
  9. David Reutimann
  10. Carl Edwards
  11. Tony Stewart
  12. Kyle Busch


Photos via Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson Holds Off Gordon and Harvick for Second Win in 2010


In a race that saw broken caution lights, Kim Kardashian, and the two hometown boys fall back quickly, Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus made a great call during the last caution to help bring the No. 48 Lowe's Chevorlet team its 49th win and a second in a row after last week's win at Auto Club Speedway.

The Shelby American GT 350 had many surprises.

Kurt Busch was on the pole, after breaking the qualifying record but ended the race in 35th place, eight laps down after the No. 1 of Jamie McMurray and the No. 42 of Juan Pablo Montoya got into each other and took Busch with them.

The other hometown hopeful, Kyle Busch, finished in 15th place and on the lead lap. He received a penalty after entering pit road too fast while he was in second place.

There were two cautions totaling eight laps for malfunctioning caution lights, which kept turning on despite there not being a caution.

At one point, there were only 12 cars on the lead lap but thanks to the “wave around” rule, it put 21 cars back on to the lead lap. In the end, 23 cars finished on the lead lap.

The race finally went head-to-head after the final caution, when Johnson and his teammate, Jeff Gordon, pulled ahead of the rest of the pack. However, the difference between the two was that Johnson was on four fresh tires while Gordon was only on two.

Gordon took over the lead from laps 237 to 251, when Johnson passed underneath him and sped away for the win. He had only led one lap previously while Gordon led a total of 219. Eventually, Kevin Harvick caught up with Gordon and took over second place.

The decision to take two tires was between Gordon and his crew chief, Steve Letarte. They thought more people would take two, but obviously, they were wrong.

“You know, if we won the race we'd look like geniuses—Steve would have,” he said of the choice. “The fact that we lost the race, now Chad looks like a genius. That's how it goes sometimes. When you're leading, that's the toughest position to be in—to make that call.”

Despite a lugnut issue on pit road, Johnson and his crew, led by Chad Knaus, overcame car issues and worked through traffic for the win.

Is he lucky? Some might think so.

But he can also drive a car.

After today's win, he becomes the all-time leader on 1.5 mile tracks.

When asked about making choices on the pit box, team owner Rick Hendrick said Knaus studies races and knows when and how to make the right calls. He said the duo of Johnson/Knaus seldom make a mistake.

Knaus was asked about making the two versus four tire call and the difference between his call and No. 24 crew chief Letarte; he praised Letarte for his efforts.

Knaus said he had a plan and assumed everyone else would take four tires as well.

“There wasn't a wrong call to make. They came in first, they wanted to maintain track position because it's so critical. The only way for us to beat them was for us to do something different,” Knaus said of his call from on top of the pit box. “I didn't know what he was doing. Steve is a fantastic crew chief, he is a great teammate...and he did not make the wrong call. He did what he thought was right to win the race.”

Does the team feel they're peaking too soon?

Johnson says no.

In the funny-numbers game the Hendrick team likes to play, Hendrick Motorsports led all but 48 laps.

Photo Courtesy: Farrah Kaye

This post also appears on bleacherreport.com and has been republished with permission from the author.

The Lugnut Report: Lady Luck Not with Kurt Busch in Vegas


Despite Las Vegas being his home track, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has not been kind to Kurt Busch.


In nine starts entering this weekend, Busch had one top five and two top tens coupled with DNFs in 2003 and 2008.


"It's something that you can't count your chickens before they hatch, but this would be a special win," Busch said. "It's hard to talk about it and play what-if."


The weekend, however, got off to a promising start. On Friday Busch finished practice 21st on the speed charts but later that day qualified on pole for his hometown race. Something that brought the former champion to tears in the media center.


But what Busch really wanted to do was what younger brother Kyle did last year: win at the track they watched be built.


"To me and Kyle, it's like a Daytona-type atmosphere, and we want to go out and win this big daddy," Busch explained.


Unexpectedly, both practice sessions went on despite concerns of rain. Busch ended the first of those in third, and ended happy hour 16th in speed.


Busch was hopeful for the race ahead on Sunday.


Unfortunately, it didn't go the way one of Vegas' favorite son would have hoped.


Despite starting on the pole, Busch failed to lead a single lap on the day, losing the lead when Jeff Gordon passed him.


Busch's struggling day got worse when, on lap 92 he was the innocent victim of contact betweent Ganassi teammates Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray. The No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge would come down pit road several time to fix damage, going three laps down in the process.


A tough day in his home state ended with Busch finishing eight laps behind winner Jimmie Johnson in 35th position. He is now 19th in points headed into Atlanta next weekend.


The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series enters the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Kobalt Tools 500. Fans can watch that race live on FOX at one p.m. Eastern time.



Thanks to Scene Daily, FOX, NASCAR.com, Racing Reference and NASCAR on FOX for the information used in this post.


For Patti Rodisch's recap of Kevin Harvick's weekend, click here.

The Lugnut Report: Kevin Harvick Takes Second, Again

It has been a fast start for Kevin Harvick in 2010. After struggling in 2009, Harvick and his team came to Daytona ready to contend each week for wins and for the championship.

After a second-place finish last week at Auto Club Speedway, Harvick has had an up-and-down weekend and on Sunday it was more up than down.

On Friday he hit the wall early in traffic. It sent him to the garage for most of practice and they were unable to get a qualifying run done. For Sunday’s race he started 37th but the team was able to work on the car Saturday.

On Sunday Harvick wasted no time starting in the back. In fact, he had one of the fastest cars on the track early in the race. On the second caution of the day, the team hit pit road, took four new tires and a slight chassis adjustment.

It was a solid pit stop, but they were trapped back in 18th position on the restart. On the caution on lap 87, they planned on raising the track bar one round and leaving the air pressures alone.

He said he had good grip and was a lot more comfortable on the run. He came out 20th on the pit stop.

Harvick seemed to struggle in traffic. On the caution for the caution lights malfunctioning, there was a ton of strategy going on. Harvick and his crew just took two tires and fuel and restarted eighth.

Harvick worked his way up to sixth by lap 120.

Harvick had a fast car but the long green flag run had them making a stop under green. He maintained track position in fifth. He was really tight after they went too far on an adjustment.

After a more than 100 lap green flag run, a caution came out for Kevin Conway hitting the wall. The leaders hit pit road and Harvick and his crew took right sides only. They came off second behind Jeff Gordon.

With just 40 laps to go, Harvick was able to move his way back into third and with 10 to go he was battling Gordon for second place. Harvick finished second for the second consecutive race.

It was an impressive rebound for them after how the weekend began. They really were able to work on the car and make it better as the race went on.

Now they head to Atlanta next week where they hope to finally break that winless streak.

Check out Jen Preston’s Lugnut Report on Kurt Busch.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Lady Luck on Harvick’s Side in Vegas

LAS VEGAS — The best car in the Sam's Town 300 finally got to the front — just in time to win the race.

Frustrated by slow stops on pit road and a variety of different tire strategies on the part of his competitors, Harvick passed Denny Hamlin for the lead with 25 laps left in Saturday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and pulled away to beat Hamlin by 1.361 seconds.

2010 Las Vegas NNS Kevin Harvick pit stop

Though he won the race his pit crew didn’t perform up to Harvick’s standards on Saturday (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

The victory was Harvick's first of the season and the 35th of his career, second best all-time in NASCAR's Nationwide Series.

Carl Edwards ran third, polesitter Brad Keselowski fourth and Brian Vickers fifth. Trevor Bayne, Justin Allgaier, Paul Menard, Greg Biffle and Steve Wallace completed the top 10. Danica Patrick fell out of the race after a crash on Lap 83 and finished 36th in her final NASCAR race before returning full-time to the IndyCar Series.

Fortunately for Harvick, his No. 33 Chevrolet had enough muscle to overcome what crew chief Ernie Cope termed the team's "worst day ever" on pit road. Harvick lost spots on every exchange of pit stops.

2010 Las Vegas NNS checker flag Harvick

Harvick crosses the finish line ahead of Denny Hamlin (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

"The car was really fast," said Harvick, who led a race-high 82 laps, most of them early in the race before getting burned by the lackluster work in the pits. "We've definitely got some work to do on pit road, but, fortunately, the car was fast enough.

"I get mad, and they (the crew) know how I am and what I expect of them. … But you can only gripe about it so long, and then you have to go back and drive the car."

Kyle Busch led 43 laps and was chasing Harvick and Hamlin during the final 25-lap green-flag run before contact with the wall in Turn 2 slowed his progress and dropped him to 16th at the finish. Busch, however, had the strongest car at the midpoint of the 200-lap race and led Vickers by 3.537 seconds when NASCAR yellow-flagged the race for the fourth time on Lap 104 because of a light rain shower.

2010 Las Vegas NNS racing action

Harvick leads the pack in Satuday’s NNS race from Las Vegas 

That caution came 21 laps after Patrick's No. 7 Chevrolet slammed into the outside wall, thanks to contact from Michael McDowell's Dodge. Patrick, who pitted for fuel on Lap 17 and ran as high as third during a cycle of green-flag stops, had returned to the track with fresh tires and was closing quickly on McDowell, who was logging laps after blowing a tire and hitting the wall on Lap 16.


2010 Las Vegas NNS Danica Patrick Michael McDowell accident
Danica Patrick and Michael McDowell tangle to end both driver’s days

As Patrick ducked to the inside to make the pass, McDowell turned down and took away her line.

"Holy (expletive)! He (expletive) turned down," Patrick fumed on the radio right after the wreck. "He's got a broken rear bumper, and he's (expletive) trying to race!"

McDowell took full responsibility for the incident, which relegated Patrick to a 36th-place finish in her final Nationwide race before her scheduled return to the series at New Hampshire in June.

"It was completely 100-percent my fault," McDowell said. "The closing rate was so much, there just wasn't much time to make a decision."


Note: Edwards retained the series points lead by 41 over second-place Keselowski, 48 over Vickers in third and 56 over Allgaier in fourth.


(Recap courtesy of Reid Spencer – Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service)


Here are the final standings for the Sam’s Town 300 from LVMS
  1. Kevin Harvick
  2. Denny Hamlin
  3. Carl Edwards
  4. Brad Keselowski
  5. Brian VIckers
  6. Trevor Bayne
  7. Justin Allgaier
  8. Paul Menard
  9. Greg Biffle
  10. Steve Wallace
  11. Mike Wallace
  12. Jason Leffler
  13. Brendan Gaughan
  14. Scott Riggs
  15. John Wes Townley
  16. Kyle Busch
  17. Scott Lagasse Jr.
  18. Joe Nemechek
  19. Josh Wise
  20. Shelby Howard
  21. Eric McClure
  22. Tony Raines
  23. Danny Efland
  24. Stanton Barrett
  25. Willie Allen
  26. Robert Richarson Jr.
  27. Mike Bliss
  28. Colin Braun
  29. James Buescher
  30. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  31. Brian Scott
  32. Brian Keseloski
  33. Michael Annett
  34. Kenny Wallace
  35. Parker Kligerman
  36. Danica Patrick
  37. Kevin Lepage
  38. Danny O’Quinn Jr.
  39. Michael McDowell
  40. Chad Blount
  41. Mark Green
  42. Kelly Bires
  43. Dennis Setzer
Top 10 Points
  1. Carl Edwards (505)
  2. Brad Keselowski (464)
  3. Brian Vickers (457)
  4. Justin Allgaier (449)
  5. Kyle Busch (424)
  6. Steve Wallace (423)
  7. Kevin Harvick (414)
  8. Greg Biffle (408)
  9. Paul Menard (398)
  10. Scott Riggs (359)

Las Vegas + Alcohol = Trouble

Nationwide Series driver John Wes Townley was cited this past Thursday in Las Vegas. Townley, who is not of drinking age, received a citation for possession of alcohol. Although it is unknown what his blood alcohol level was, NASCAR has declined to comment on the situation.

In a statement released Saturday, Townley, 20, says he made a "terrible mistake" and offered an apology to his team and NASCAR. Townley stated he felt terrible and learned his lesson.

Townley drives the No. 21 for Richard Childress Racing. He participated in the practice and qualifying events Friday. NASCAR's policy regarding substance abuse prohibits a driver or competitor from drinking 12 hours prior to or during any track activity.

NASCAR also declined comment on whether they had been informed prior to Townley's appearance on the track or if they were informed of the incident at all.

UPDATE: NASCAR said in a statement it was "aware of the situation."

"We have met with the driver and addressed the matter with him directly," the statement said.

Live from Las Vegas: What's Gone on So Far


Busch.

Keselowski.

Danica.

Kim Kardashian?

What a weekend we've already had here in Vegas. We have an all-Penske pole weekend, rain coming and going, Danica Patrick's last race for four months, a battle of the Busch brothers, track records being made, and so much more.

Personally, my fun started on Thursday.

My morning started off by pulling into the Southpoint hotel, where some of the haulers were being kept. They were sitting in a parking lot behind the hotel and were open to the public to see. I walked in and out of the different haulers and even watched as some of the cars were being tweaked. I talked with some of the drivers of the haulers and even ran into Steve Addington, crew chief for Kurt Busch, who was helping out with Brad Keselowski's car. Haulers pulled in over time and the fans did as well. Daytona 500 winner Jaime McMurray got a spot right in the middle for all to see, with his new sponsor McDonald's already on his truck.

After I was done drooling over the hotness of the haulers, I headed to the ESPN Zone Las Vegas for the fifth annual Rookie of the Year Cook Off. This year's participants were Nationwide rookies Brian Scott, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Colin Brain, James Buescher, and Sprint Cup rookies Kevin Conway and Terry Cook. The winning team, who called themselves “Le Chef Dum Dums” because they bribed the voters – children from the local Boys and Girls Clubs – with Dum Dum lollipops, won with their mac'n'cheese.

With little time to spare, I made it in time to Pole Position Raceway, an indoor go-kart track made famous locally by Kurt Busch. I arrived a bit early, in time to watch Kevin Harvick race at a Coca-Cola sponsored event (he rain into a wall before his race was red-flagged for a dead car on the track). When his event was over, Kurt Busch and the rest of his participants arrived for the Second Annual Kurt Busch “Sprint for the Kids” Go Kart Race. Participants included Busch, Brad Keselowski, Sam Hornish Jr., Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr., and Kelly Bires, media members Jeff Gluck and Marty Smith as well as local up-and-coming racers. The event raised about $30,000 and everyone had fun ... well, maybe not Marty Smith, who got into an accident and has his helmet fly off (you can see the clip at NASCAR Now on ESPN.com).

I then hopped over to a Jimmie Johnson question and answer session. To be honest, it wasn't all that great. Fans just asked “can I have your autograph?” and “do you remember when you did this...?” Thank goodness for a moderator who knew what they were talking about.

Then qualifying day came. I headed to the track decked out in my Dale Jr. gear, with plans to switch to Brad Keselowski when I found his hauler. I hit up the “Neon Garage” and took pictures with the super-sized Target shopping carts promoting Juan Pablo and even watched a couple get married in Victory Lane. Only in Vegas, right?

Qualifying was intense, with 18 guys breaking Kyle Busch's old record. The official new record-holder? Kurt Busch. Only in Vegas. :)

I hit up a quick Rusty Wallace Incorporated autograph session with Rusty, Steven Wallace and Brendan Gaughan. The line wound through the entire Southpoint Hotel & Casino and lasted an hour. Nothing like seeing a race tire being carted through a casino to make your day complete.

Today has been interesting since the rain has been coming and going. Nationwide qualifying made it in just before the morning rain began, with Brad Keselowski taking the pole (and a new track record) and Cup practice almost finished both sessions before the rain started.

As I write this, driver introductions for the Sam's Town 300 just concluded but the rain is coming down – hard. Will we actually get the race in? Not sure.

But stay tuned to Skirts and Scuffs – I'll keep you posted!

Oh, and Kim Kardashian … her perfume line is sponsoring Mike Bliss' No. 36 tomorrow and she will be co-Grand Marshall of the race. She is not here yet though, but I will make sure to give you a play-by-play of her events. Or not.

Let me know what you want to know about!

Follow me on Twitter at @FarrahWrites for up-to-the-minute updates throughout the entire weekend.

The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect those of this site or its other contributors.

Photo Courtesy: Farrah Kaye

Keselowski sitting on pole for Sam's Town 300



Brad Keselowski won the pole for the Sam's Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in today's qualifying session, with a lap of 29.122 seconds, 185.427 mph. His last pole came at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2009. This is Keselowski's first pole in four races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His best previous start was eighth a year ago.

Kevin Harvick has the outside pole with a lap of 29.185 seconds, 185.027 mph.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the fastest qualifying rookie, rolling out seventh.

Danica Patrick will start in the 37th position. After today's race, Patrick is not set to run another Nationwide race until July at New Hampshire International Speedway.

The Sam's Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Green flag is set for 4:46 p.m. ET. 

Starting lineup:

1. Brad Keselowski
2. Kevin Harvick  
3. Carl Edwards  
4. Denny Hamlin  
5. Kyle Busch  
6. Paul Menard  
7. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.*  
8. Brian Scott*  
9. Greg Biffle  
10. Brian Vickers  
11. Colin Braun*  
12. Kelly Bires    Chevrolet  
13. Justin Allgaier  
14. John Wes Townley  
15. Steve Wallace  
16. James Buescher*  
17. Dennis Setzer  
18. Trevor Bayne  
19. Shelby Howard  
20. Scott Riggs    Ford  
21. Parker Kligerman*  
22. Joe Nemechek  
23. Michael Annett  
24. Kevin Lepage  
25. Willie Allen  
26. Brendan Gaughan  
27. Danny Efland  
28. Mike Bliss  
29. Stanton Barrett  
30. Danny O'Quinn Jr.  
31. Jason Leffler  
32. Scott Lagasse Jr.  
33. Michael McDowell  
34. Mike Wallace  
35. Chad Blount  
36. Eric McClure  
37. Danica Patrick+  
38. Kenny Wallace+  
39. Josh Wise+
40. Tony Raines+  
41. Robert Richardson Jr.+
42. Brian Keselowski+  
43. Mark Green
*Rookie
+Owner's points

Did not qualify: Jason Keller, Johnny Chapman, Derrike Cope, Jeremy Clements, Stephen Leicht, John Borneman III, Andy Ponstein and Morgan Shepherd.   

Friday, February 26, 2010

Kurt Busch on Pole for Shelby American

Official Shelby American Logo LVMS

With a time of 28.614 (188.719 MPH) Las Vegas native Kurt Busch is on the pole for Sunday’s Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Busch’s time set a new track record. Starting alongside Busch will be Jeff Gordon.

Defending race winner Kyle Busch will start in 5th position. Kyle is the only driver in the history of the Sprint Cup Series race at Vegas to win from the pole. Can older brother Kurt do it this year?

Here’s the full starting lineup for Sunday
  1. Kurt Busch
  2. Jeff Gordon
  3. Ryan Newman
  4. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  5. Kyle Busch
  6. Joey Logano
  7. Greg Biffle
  8. Mark Martin
  9. Tony Stewart
  10. Juan Pablo Montoya
  11. Matt Kenseth
  12. Carl Edwards
  13. Clint Bowyer
  14. Sam Hornish Jr.
  15. Joe Nemechek
  16. Brad Keselowski
  17. David Reutimann
  18. Davif Ragan
  19. Kasey Kahne
  20. Jimmie Johnson
  21. Max Papis
  22. Jeff Burton
  23. Scott Speed
  24. Jamie McMurray
  25. Travis Kvapil
  26. Paul Menard
  27. Denny Hamlin
  28. Regan Smith
  29. Bobby Labonte
  30. Mike Bliss
  31. Brian Vickers
  32. Marcos Ambrose
  33. Michael McDowell
  34. Kevin Harvick
  35. Martin Truex Jr.
  36. Dave Blaney
  37. Bill Elliott
  38. David Gilliland
  39. Kevin Conway
  40. AJ Allmendinger
  41. Boris Said
  42. Robby Gordon
  43. Aric Almirola
Failed to Qualify
  1. Casey Mears
  2. Terry Cook

Busch brothers take family duel to Vegas


This weekend could provide a showdown of sorts within the Busch family as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads into the family's home base of Las Vegas for Sunday's Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Busch brothers Kurt and Kyle each look to reign supreme at the home track, and each has a legitimate shot of making it happen.

Kyle comes into Sunday's event as the reigning race winner, his one and only victory at LVMS. He also has three top-five and four top-10 Las Vegas finishes to his credit.

"It was awesome, just the feeling of a lifetime," Kyle said of his win a year ago. "I told everyone that it would be just like another race, but it really meant a lot more than that when I got to victory lane."

The rest of this article can be found at AutoRacingDaily.com.

Photo of Kyle Busch by Amanda Vincent

Follow Amanda on Twitter or become a fan of NASCAR Examiner on Facebook.

Nascar’s Future Gal..... Alli O. Opens Up

Dream, Believe, Achieve

Meet Alli Owens

Women racers are on the rise! The 2010 is looking like the year of the Girl Racers. Women have been a part of the sport since its beginning with such drivers as Louise Smith, Sara Christian, Ethel Mobley and Patty Moise just to name a few. These women opened the door for other women in the world of motorsports, proving that women were and are more than capable of running fast and with as much intensity as their male counterparts

More recently, women like Janet Guthrie, Shirley Muldowney, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Lyn St. James and Shawna Robinson are perfect examples of women who can hold their own. Times have changed for the most part and women are taking control of their racing careers and making every lap count.

A new era in motorsports is upon us. More and more we are hearing about these up and coming women much earlier in their careers. One in particular that is making some noise right now, is 22-year-old Alexandra "Alli" Owens, from Daytona Beach, Fla. Alli was born born Sept. 2, 1988 to parents Mike and Sherry Owens. Alli also has a younger brother, Adam, who is 14 years old.

Alli says this about her brother Adam: “My brother is probably the most critical one about the whole thing. He is very protective of me even though he is younger. He doesn’t always understand why I put myself through some of the things with male drivers or bad media. But on the other hand he pushes me to be the best; he will be the first one to get mad if I don’t pass a car when had a shot at it.”

Me, Dad and brotherAlli with dad, Mike and brother Adam

Lindi Bess: When you were growing up, what did you aspire to be and why?

Alli Owens: “When I was really little I wanted to be a vet and help animals. That all changed as soon as I got a motor!”

LB: During your school years, were you involved in any clubs? Athletics?

AO: “I was always involved in school activities. In elementary school I was in safety patrol (yeah, I was the kid yelling "NO RUNNING!") I was also involved in the Dragon News, our 5th grade morning TV news group. Once I got into middle school I joined WEB Leaders, which was a group that helped new 6th graders adapt to to the challenges of change in their lives. High school was hard for me to be a part of any clubs or athletics because racing took all my after school and weekend time.”

firsst quarter midget age 12Alli in her first quarter midget at age 12

Alli continued on, sharing a little know secret with us: “There is one secret hardly anyone knows, I was the cheerleading captain of my freshman squad. I had to give cheerleading up because racing season interfered. I also volunteered in the special needs classes and spent time teaching the kids things and spending friend time with them. As far as athletics growing up, I played Pitching Machine Little League and softball all the way up until I moved to North Carolina in 2008.”

LB: Education wise, what are your goals? Degrees? Plan B?

AO: “School came natural to me for some reason. I was in honor classes and really good in English. I loved to write. I struggled to stay focused in school because all I wanted to do was turn wrenches on my cars. In class I would practice my autograph and day dream about the last race I competed instead of listening and following the lessons. I still somehow managed to graduate with honors from high school in three years on an excelled program. As far as college goes, I unfortunately didn’t have the funding to go. Not sure if I would have went anyway because racing was the only thing I cared about and still is. There is not a Plan B for me, no way. If I were thinking about a Plan B I would have already prepared myself to fail in motorsports. I will NOT fail at this, that is not an option!”

tearing down mini stock engine 16yr Alli tearing down mini stock engine at 16 years old


LB: What are some of your career goals?

AO: “I want to win in the ARCA series before I move up. Once that happens I want to move up to either trucks or Nationwide and run full-time. From there obviously the Cup Series is the ultimate destination. The day I hang my helmet up and call it quits, I want to be able to say that I have won at every top level stock car series. My main goal is to align myself with one of the top Cup teams and develop under their wing so one day I can branch off and start my own team and be successful on the owner’s side as well."

LB: What was your very first racing experience?

AO: “My first racing experience was when we lived in Indianapolis. They held a community event called the Kiddy 500, right before the Indy 500. It was an event for kids to race Big Wheels against each other. My dad was the one who took me to the big wheel race without my mom knowing. I was the only girl there and I remember this red head, freckle face, missing front teeth little boy next to me sticking his tongue out at me. From that point on I have had the desire to beat the boys for the rest of my life in any activity they think they can do better. I ended up winning that entire event and became the first girl to do so.”

age 5 big wheet win first Taken in 1993 at Kiddy 500- 1st Place Trophy

LB: What is your earliest memory of motorsports?

AO: “We lived in Indianapolis and my parents took me to the Indy 500 practices before the 500 and I actually hated it. I cried and cried to go home, I didn't like the sound of those cars. My first stockcar race was at Volusia Speedway Park, a local dirt track here in Florida. I went there for the first time when I was 10 and I fell in love! I loved the rumble of the late models a lot more than the high-pitched Indy cars. I think I was born a stockcar fan moreover than open wheel.”

10-12 on BMX

She began her career as a BMX racer at the age of 8, bringing home the Presidents Cup along with many other competitions early on, which only made her hungry for more.

first win 14, stock carAt age 14, Alli won First Place in her first stockcar event

It was in Barberville, Fla., when she started racing stock cars. With much support from friends and family, this is where her real talents began to shine through. With every new division, class or track, Alli became more hungry for the next. In 2003 Alli finished sixth in a field of 27 cars. Her then young resume boasted eight top finishes, including six top 5's and two wins. It was uncommon to find someone so young winning at these levels.

LB: What part does your family play in your auto racing career?

AO: “Family is number one, point blank! My dad is the one who took me to the big wheel race without my mom knowing. My dad and I have always been close when it comes to sports. He coached my little league teams each year and went on to my softball teams as well. When I was 8, our neighbors started racing BMX and of course my dad was the first one on the list to step up and take me to the bike shop to get a bike. That’s what started my whole career in racing. I think fathers are always secretly happy when they have daughters who like extreme sports or something of that sort over ballet or cheerleading. He was always a big supporter of everything I wanted to do that was potentially dangerous that my mom quickly said, “I don’t know about that.” Alli continued on, "As far as my mom is concerned, I think at first she would have liked to see me doing more girly things so she could be a part of it, but once she realized how happy racing made me, she quickly became my biggest fan. She fell in love with my passion for competition.”

mom and IAlli and her mom, Sherry

LB: Was there moment that stands out as the point where you absolutely knew for sure you wanted to be a ‘racecar driver’?

AO: “Yes, I was 12 years old and we just built my first dirt car. When I sat in the car, strapped up, put on my helmet and took to the track for the first I knew that this was it. I was born to race, no wait, I was born to WIN! I came home and told my parents, they laughed it off and said I’m sure things will change when you get into high school. Guess what? They didn’t! At 12 I was fully committed to succeeding in this sport.”

with last BMXAlli with her trophies, last BMX, first quarter midget and first dirt car.

At 15, Alli became the spokesperson for Race Against Drugs. She went on to volunteer as a motivational speaker for the National Crime Prevention Service, speaking at schools and rehabilitation centers. In 2004 Alli graduated from Finishline Racing School's advanced course "Race to Win."

2004 and 2005 brought Alli two Rookie of the Year awards in mini-stock and Late Models at New Smyrna, finishing third in both seasons. It was obvious she was fast becoming a championship contender. Alli was now considered a veteran of NASCAR-sanctioned late models, Fascar Late Models, Mini Stocks, pure Stocks, quarter stocks and BMX competitions.

2006 was a year of change for both Alli herself and Alli Owens Racing. Alli graduated from Atlantic High School with honors. This was the year that Alli Owens Racing signed with The National Labor Management Committee, The Electric Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as sole sponsors for the upcoming 2007 season.

fabricating motor mount for mini stock 15yrage 15, Alli was fabricating motor mounts for mini stocks

2007 brought Alli her best finish to date, third at Hickory Motor Speedway. It was also the year that she qualified just outside of pole. The year ended with six top fives, and nine top s in the Nascar Sanctioned Late Models division.

Alli drove the No. 12 ElectrifyingCareers.com Chevrolet right into the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series, teamed with DGM Racing. This female stockcar driver has two top-10 and seven top-20 place finishes in her 22 ARCA starts.

Alli in car 15 close

On Dec. 26, 2009, in an open test at ARCA at Daytona International Speedway, Alli Owens and seven other women went up against the "new girl," Danica Patrick. The weekend had almost 60 participants. You wouldn’t have known it as they became virtually invisible with the parade of media around the “new girl.” That was okay. Alli snuck in under the radar in her No. 15 ElectrifyingCareers.com Chevrolet and was the fastest female in the group. Not to mention, Alli’s Venturini Motorsports teammates were in the top 5 all weekend.

LB: When I asked Alli what she thought of Danica Patrick's involvement in NASCAR, Alli said the following:

AO: “Bring it. As soon as she (Danica) puts on the helmet and buckles in, she’ll just be another car to beat. That’s what I hope she’d say about me at least. I wish her the best and I think she’s opened the media doors to this series and women drivers everywhere. This is a different world than what she’s used to and I hope she respects that and understands the responsibility she will carry on her back on behalf of all of us females in general. She is a very nice person and we get along fine.”

daytona 4 3rd place The 2010 NASCAR ARCA Series Lucas Oil 200

The ARCA season opener at DIS had Venturini Motorsports driver Alli Owens driving the No. 15 car. Alli ran third for most of the race, running strong and consistently. Unfortunately, mechanical problems and a crash in the final 10 laps of the race dropped her back to a 23rd-place finish. Alli’s teammates, Mark Thompson, driver of the No. 66, finished second and John Wes Townley, driver of the No. 35, finished in the third position.

LB: What has been your biggest career achievement thus far and why?

AO: “Getting an incredible partnership with NECA and IBEW at the age of 17. I worked day and night, in school, on the weekends, and all the time in between to get this sponsorship with them. It took me a whole year to do it and I sold it all myself. To look back and see how we have grown in the last four years is something amazing and very self-rewarding. On track performances, awesome to talk about but as of right now to know I was self-driven to succeed at such a young age. I know what we went through as a family to build Owens Racing LCC into what it is today and that's what true achievement is all about.”

LB: Who are your current sponsors? How is your schedule for 2010?

AO: “The National Electric Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. We are adding more races each and every day. We are pushing to run the full ARCA season.”

daytona 5

LB: Who is your crew chief? Pit crew members? Any females on the crew?

AO: “My crew chief is Cal Boprey and my pit crew members are Dicky, Shoney (nickname), Pauly Poo (nickname), Herm (nickname) and Dave. There are no females on my crew but we do have a couple girls that come in and work around the shop every now and then.”

LB: In your opinion, what are some of the problems that females face when trying to get a job in NASCAR, at any capacity?

AO: “They need to know this sport inside out. There are a lot of talented people out there and for the most part teams are not looking at gender. They are looking for talent and skills. As for the over the wall pit crew jobs, its a lot harder because of physical strength; that’s something that most teams can’t see past.”

LB: What advice would you give to a young woman aspiring to be a racecar driver?

AO: “You have to want this 100% and be willing to sacrifice anything and everything besides family. I think this is the toughest sport mentally, physically and emotionally. This is a hard life to live and have to be so unbelievably focused. Dream, Believe, Achieve!”

pics with fans at daytona 2 Alli signing autographs for a young fan

LB: Do you have any female mentors/role models?

AO: “When it comes to role models and mentors, it is hard to pick one person because every women pioneer brings something to the table to respect. I don’t have a person that I have ever said “I want to be like….” In fact, my true inspiration comes from children. There is nothing more powerful than looking into children’s eyes and seeing the look of purity, fascination and amazement. When they see me or any other driver, they see a super hero. I don’t know about you, but that’s a tall order to live up to.”

LB: What do you do to relax? Girlfriend time?

AO: “I go out line dancing, fishing, mudding in trucks or on four wheelers. Head out to the lake, going out to eat, and curling up on the couch with my puppy and watch movies all day. It’s normally just my roommate/best friend Jessica as far as the girls I hang out with. She and I are normally out with my boy from the team or other guy friends. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up as one of the guys - the girly stuff just doesn’t seem fun.”

My girl time, getting stuck in the mud Alli and a girlfriend spending some ‘girltime’

LB: Where is your Happy Place?

AO: “Inside a race car. It is the single most perfect place in the world. The only place where everything goes away and I don’t have to worry about stress, money, personal issues, or anything else that we face in everyday life!”

Alli shares her words of wisdom

DREAM-BELIEVE-ACHIEVE (Its what I live by each and every day!)"uP CLOSE WITH ALLI

I would like to personally thank Alli Owens for taking the time to do this interview. I have to say that I have become a big fan of hers and I’m sure you will too after you’ve gotten to know her a little better.

Alli can be found on Twitter as @AlliOwens, on Facebook where she blogs regularly, on her Web site http://www.alliowens.com/. She also has a radio talk show,Gas N' GO with Alli "O"

Skirts and Scuffs enjoys bringing you these one-on-one interviews and would love to hear from you regarding those you would like to read more about. Please feel free to comment about the article and we hope you come back again.

Skirts and Scuffs contributor Lindi Bess had permission to use photos in this article. Please do not copy; they are the property of Alli Owens.

Winners and Losers: Can Jimmie Johnson win back-to-back?

The NASCAR Sprint Cup series heads to the desert this week but last week the teams hit Auto Club Speedway for the first intermediate track race of the season. Sunday’s race at ACS was a good measuring stick of just who was ready to challenge Hendrick Motorsports and Jimmie Johnson.


Winners


Jimmie Johnson

You can call him lucky, but do recognize he is also just that good. Jimmie Johnson does not need luck to win a race but on Sunday he got exactly that. Johnson was pitting as the caution came out, he beat leader, Jeff Burton off of pit road and when the leaders came to pit Johnson was able to stay out and inherit the lead.

Johnson held off a hard charging Kevin Harvick hit the wall Johnson was able to pull away with the lead.

Expect his luck to continue this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Johnson has three wins, three top fives and four top 10 finishes. Johnson also has a series best drivers rating of 113.6 with an average finish of 11th.

Points: 12th


Kevin Harvick

After the year Richard Childress Racing had in 2009, their hot start to the season has turned more than just a few heads. For Kevin Harvick he has came out of the off season on fire. At ACS Harvick quietly ran in the top 10 for most of the day.

After multiple cautions Harvick found himself running leader Johnson down in the closing laps of the race. The only thing that cost him the win was when he smacked the wall with only a handful of laps left. That slowed his momentum and he was unable to catch Johnson and finished second.

RCR has never won at LVMS but that could change Sunday. With two top fives and three top 10s, Harvick recent resurgence should continue this weekend

Points: First


Losers


Jeff Gordon

It has not been the start to the season that Jeff Gordon expected. Suffering spark plug issues throughout the second half of the race, Gordon and his team settled for a 20th place finish.

The finish does not tell the whole story for Gordon on Sunday he had a fast car and was able to work his way into the top 10. He led some laps but struggled on the restarts and lost multiple spots.

LVMS has been an interesting track for Gordon, he suffered his hardest hit in his career at the track in 2008. He also has won at LVMS, five top fives and six top 10 finishes. The team is off to a slow start but I think a solid finish here on Sunday could get this season back on track.

Points: 22nd


Jamie McMurray

What a two weeks it has been for Jamie McMurray. After winning the Daytona 500, McMurray has been on a whirlwind media event and he laid down the fastest lap in qualifying for Sunday’s event at ACS.

As the green flag waved McMurray began struggling with the handling of the car. They dropped back to mid pack which is where they ran for most of the day. A poor handling race car cost them a better finish, he finished 17th.

At LVMS in his last five starts he has one top five and three top 10 finishes. His average finish is 16.9. The question for McMurray is can he rebound and continue his early season magic?

Points: Fourth


Final Lap…

On Sunday there were a lot of comers and goers. We saw teams struggle with engine problem and axle wear. That being said it is still early in the season and the real picture will not be known till after Bristol in March.

My dark horse picks for Sunday are Kyle Busch. Now to say Busch is a dark horse is kind of hard to believe. He has one win, three top fives and four top 10 finishes. I expect to see Busch up front early and often on Sunday.

My other dark horse is Joey Logano. No more a rookie Logano is showing that on the track with strong performance week after week going back into 2009. Logano has only run one race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series with an average finish of 13th.

Check out the Shelby American Sunday on FOX at 3 pm est.

Talking Points: NASCAR Nationwide Series – Sam’s Town 300 (LVMS)

Sams Town 300 logo thumb

After and exciting finish in last week’s Stater Bros. 300 the NASCAR Nationwide Series returns to action this Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for its third  race of the 2010 season.

Here’s some things you might want to pay attention to:


Dancia Mania to Cease after Sam’s Town 300….until June

Media darling Danica Patrick will complete in her third Nationwide Series race this weekend at Las Vegas before heading back to IndyCar for the start of their season. Patrick who finished 35th at Daytona and 31st at Auto Club Speedway will return to NASCAR on June 26th for the Nationwide Series race at New Hampshire.


Reigning Series Champ Hopes to Improve on 2009 Finish at Vegas

2009 was an awesome year for Kyle Busch in the Nationwide Series, but the Las Vegas native recorded his worst finish of the season at his home track.  Busch has one victory in 2010 NNS competition coming last weekend at Auto Club Speedway.

Another hometown boy, Brendan Gaughan is hoping to end up in victory lane at LVMS. In one Nationwide Series start at the Vegas track Gaughan earned a 7th place finish.  Gaughan earned a victory on him home track in 2003 in the Camping World Truck Series.


New Crew Chief and Baby for Carl Edwards

Just one week after being replaced by Todd Parrott as crew chief for Matt Kenseth’s Sprint Cup Series team Drew Blickensderfer is back on top the pit box. Blickenserfer has been called in to replace Mike Kelly as Nationwide Series crew chief for Carl Edwards. Mike Kelly will be heading up Roush Fenway Racing’s Nationwide Series effort as their new director of competition.

Carl Edwards and his wife Kate welcomed their first child this week. Will new fatherhood give Carl the boost he needs?


Milestone Starts for Steve and Mike Wallace

Steve Wallace will be making his 125th Nationwide Series start this weekend in Las Vegas while his uncle, Mike is poised to make his 350th start in the series.


Race Facts:
  • Race: Sam’s Town 300 (Race 3)
  • Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  • Track Length: 1.5 mile oval
  • Banking / Corners: 20 degrees
  • Banking Front and Backstretch: 9 degrees
  • Start Time: 4:30 PM Eastern
  • Distance: 300 miles / 200 laps
  • Television coverage: ESPN2 4:00 PM Eastern
  • 2009 Race Winner: Greg Biffle
  • 2009 Pole Sitter: Scott Speed
Top 10 in Points After 2 Races
1 Carl Edwards 335
2 Joey Logano 311
3 Kyle Busch 304
4 Justin Allgaier 303
5 Brad Keselowski 299
6 Brian Vickers 297
7 Steve Wallace 289
8 James Buescher 271
9 Greg Biffle 265
10 Paul Menard 256
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Thanks to NASCARMedia for information for this post

Thursday, February 25, 2010

TV schedule Feb. 26-28


Viva Las Vegas! NASCAR heads to Sin City this weekend for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts one Sprint Cup race and one Nationwide race a year. The speedway is an intermediate, 1.5-mile tri-oval. Who will Lady Luck favor on the track? Stay tuned!

The Nationwide Sam's Town 300 gets rolling Saturday and the Sprint Cup Shelby American roars to a start Sunday. It is an off-weekend for the Camping World Truck Series (don't worry - it returns next week!).

The following is a handy guide of track events and television coverage of NASCAR events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (all times listed in Eastern Standard Time):

Friday, Feb. 26:
2:00 PM Nationwide practice, SPEED
3:00 PM Sprint Cup practice, SPEED (reruns at 9:30 p.m.)
4:30 PM Nationwide practice, SPEED
6:00 PM NASCAR Now, ESPN2 (reruns at 1:30 a.m.)
6:30 PM Sprint Cup qualifying, SPEED (reruns at 11 p.m.)
8:30 PM Trackside, SPEED: Danica Patrick and Juan Pablo Montoya. (reruns at 1 a.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 27:
12 noon Nationwide qualifying, SPEED
1:30 PM Sprint Cup practice, SPEED
2:30 PM Sprint Cup final practice, SPEED
4:00 PM Nationwide countdown, ESPN2
4:30 PM Nationwide race: Sam's Town 300, ESPN2. Green flag: 4:46 PM. (reruns at 3 a.m.)

Sunday, Feb. 28:
10:00 AM NASCAR Now, ESPN2
10:30 AM NASCAR Performance, SPEED
11:00 AM NASCAR Smarts, SPEED
11:30 AM NASCAR in a Hurry, SPEED
12 noon NASCAR RaceDay, SPEED
2:00 PM Sprint Cup Pre-Race Show, FOX
3:00 PM Sprint Cup race: Shelby American, FOX. Green flag: 3:16 PM
8:00 PM NASCAR Victory Lane, SPEED

5 Questions Before ... Shelby American




Viva, Las Vegas! It’s that time of year again! All the teams from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pack up and head to Sin City for some gambling unrelated to pit stops, bright lights away from the cameras, and a trip to In-N-Out Burger for the world famous Double Double! What may be a favorite stop on the NASCAR circuit of many drivers and teams is also popular among the viewers at home. Las Vegas Motor Speedway has put on some great racing in the past, and one can only hope it does the same on Sunday during the Shelby American race at LVMS.




Will we see any new teams emerge as contenders? … Already, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports (duh) have shown some strength in the first two races of 2010. What team will step up this weekend? Will Joe Gibbs Racing show the speed they showed most of last year? Will Roush Fenway Racing return to prominence? What about an underdog team? It’s something we pay attention to every year, and already we have plenty of potential contenders in the wake. Now we’ll see if any other teams will step up to the challenge.


Who will steal the golden horseshoe? … There’s no doubt some people are just plain lucky. But luck only lasts so long. Jimmie Johnson got a huge break when he beat the leader off of pit road when the caution came out while the No. 48 team was making a pit stop. This week, who will be the “lucky dog” and enjoy a fair amount of success that comes from more than just talent? Who knows, it may be Kevin Harvick since he was the one to finally discover the secret to Johnson’s success.


Can we escape the rain? … Rain washed out the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in Daytona and caused issues with the pothole. It forced a caution last week at Auto Club Speedway and had some teams thinking about gambling due to the weather. This weekend we’re in Las Vegas … the desert. You’d think that since we’re in Nevada, Mother Nature would take a week off and go rain on someone else’s parade (or sporting event). However, showers are expected on Saturday, during which NASCAR is supposed to have two Sprint Cup Series practice sessions, Nationwide Series qualifying, and the Nationwide Series race. It seems as though the weather might have other plans. Mother Nature: 2. NASCAR: 0.


Who will be leading the points standings after the race? … This is my favorite time of the NASCAR season. During the first few races, the points don’t really matter. The points leader at the beginning of the race could be well out of the top 12 by the time all is said and done. For instance, Johnson gained 23 positions with his win on Sunday. He was 35th heading into the Auto Club 500, and left in the 12th position. That’s quite a leap! On the other end, Juan Pablo Montoya was 9th leaving Daytona, and is now 23rd in points. The further we get into the season, the less drastic these points changes will become. But it sure is fun to watch right now!


When will the dark horses become contenders? … There are some sleepers and surprises in the top 15 in points right now. David Reutimann is quietly hanging out in the 8th position. Last year’s rookie of the year, Joey Logano, is in 9th. The Red Bull Racing duo of Brian Vickers and Scott Speed are in 14th and 15th, respectively. Not to mention the RCR trio of Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, and Harvick. These are teams and drivers that, while they had some degree of success last season, weren’t necessarily title contenders. Now, they’re getting a jumpstart on what they hope is a terrific season. Now we’ll have to see what they can do in Sin City.



Bonus questions: How many double-doubles will the NASCAR circus have devoured before we leave Las Vegas? … Is Carl Edwards more relieved that his daughter was born during the week or that the media will finally quit asking him about it? … Which Las Vegas native will outperform the others this weekend?

Is Michael Waltrip Already Done?




When Michael Waltrip announced last fall that Martin Truex Jr. would take over for him behind the wheel of the Michael Waltrip Racing NAPA-sponsored full-time Sprint Cup Series entry, he also announced that he’d scale back his driving duties, opting to compete on a part-time basis as a driver in 2010. But has he already climbed out of the cockpit of a Cup car for good?

When Waltrip made the announcement to go part-time racing, the only races he specifically mentioned running were the Daytona 500 and the Budweiser Shootout, a non-points paying all-star-type event held at Daytona International Speedway a week prior to the 500. With those races now in the history books, Waltrip still doesn’t have definite plans to compete again in 2010.

“That’s the only Cup races I have planned,” Waltrip said not too long ago. “I’m okay with that.”

The rest of this article can be read at Auto Racing Daily.


Photo of Michael Waltrip by Amanda Vincent

Hornaday gets new crew chief in Truck Series


KERNERSVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 25, 2010) — Kevin Harvick Inc. announced today that Doug George has been appointed crew chief of the No. 33 Longhorn Chevrolet Silverado driven by four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday.

George, who made the move to KHI in the offseason, began 2010 as crew chief of the organization’s No. 2 Truck Series team with Cup Series veterans Elliott Sadler and Kevin Harvick splitting time behind the wheel.

“This is a really great opportunity to work with Ron and the No. 33 team,” George said. “Ron is a dedicated driver with goals to win races and championships. I’m really happy that Kevin and DeLana put their confidence in me to lead the No. 33 team. We are going to work hard to take the best equipment in the Truck Series to victory lane week in and week out. Ron and I have known each other forever, both as competitors and friends. I look forward to working with him in 2010.”

Hornaday, the series’ first four-time champion and all-time winningest driver with 45 victories, feels confident with George calling the shots.

“I really like Doug, he and I go way back,” Hornaday said. “I raced against Doug for the 1992 Southwest Tour championship. He was always a great competitor. He’s got a confidence about him that makes him likeable and a good leader. Knowing all of the experience that Doug has I feel really good that he is coming to join our team. I think he will be a great addition.”

George replaces Dave Fuge, whose departure from Kevin Harvick Inc. was announced Feb. 17. Fuge joined the organization during the offseason and served as crew chief for the No. 33 for just one race, the season-opening NextEra Energy 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

Fuge took over crew chief duties from Ron Ren, who left KHI at the end of the 2009 season to serve as competition director for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Ren and Hornady won two Truck Series championship together, in 2007 and 2009.
_________
- From Kevin Harvick Inc. press release

Photo: NASCAR Media

Carl and Kate Edwards welcome daughter



We'll never know if Carl Edwards did a backflip, but we're sure he must have been beyond happy when his wife Kate gave birth to their first child, daughter Anne, on Wednesday.

The birth was announced on Ford Racing's Facebook page on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, Edwards' Facebook page confirmed the good news:

Kate and I have a beautiful baby girl! Anne Edwards is 8 lbs, 4oz and likes to eat and cry. all of the well wishes and support from everyone mean a lot to us. kates doing great, though shes having a little trouble burping annie....whole new world!

Edwards married Kate Downey, a physical rehabilitation doctor, on Jan. 3, 2009. The two met in their hometown of Columbia, Mo. The couple announced they were expecting in October.

The baby's due date was announced as Feb. 17. In anticipation of his daughter's birth, Edwards has had a driver on standby for the first two race weekends of the NASCAR season, at Daytona and Fontana, Calif.

In a team press release, Edwards and Kate request that instead of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to a charity called Back 2 Back Ministries. Donations will be used for an orphanage in Monterrey, Mexico.  


The arrival of Edwards' daughter comes during a baby boom in the Sprint Cup Series. Two weeks ago, Elliot Sadler and his wife Amanda welcomed a son, Wyatt Herman Fritts Sadler. Also expecting babies are Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jeff Gordon.

Skirts and Scuffs congratulates Carl and Kate on their new addition!

_______________
Photo: NASCAR Media

Bristol Makes Modifications to SAFER Barrier

BMS Logo no racingai


BRISTOL, Tenn. (Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010) – Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced today the addition of more than 160 feet of SAFER barriers.

Track operations personnel extended SAFER (Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) barriers at the exits of Turns 2 and 4. Work began last week and will be complete before NASCAR teams arrive for the Food City 500 weekend, March 19-21.

“We believe with these modifications, we will not only increase driver safety, but will also create a different transition at the exit of the turns,” said Jeff Byrd, BMS President and General Manager. “While we don’t know exactly how this will impact the racing, the more confined racing area should create less elbow room and tighten up the racing groove at those points.”

A deteriorating track surface forced officials in the summer of 2007 to put down a fresh layer of concrete and an additional four feet of width to the racing groove was part of the change. The modifications will eliminate some of that added room.

“Without question, this extra four feet added room and aided in creating three and, at times, even four-wide racing,” Byrd said. “However, while it is breathtaking, many of our fans have responded that we went too far, in actuality, giving too much racing room to the greatest drivers in the world.”

A package for the Food City 500 weekend is available for only $99. The package consists of Ford Fan Friday qualifying March 19, followed by Saturday’s doubleheader, the Scotts Turf Builder 300 and the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown, culminating with the Food City 500 on Sunday.

For fans who can only attend the Food City 500, single day tickets also are available, starting at $93. Tickets for Saturday’s doubleheader begin at just $45 while fans can watch Ford Fan Friday qualifying for just $5, then attend Food City Race Night at BMS for free.

A season ticket package featuring nine events during the March and August NASCAR weekends starts at only $199. The package includes the two most popular Sprint Cup races in the sport, along with a pair of Nationwide events, a Camping Truck Series race, the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown, a Whelen Modified event, qualifying and Food City Race Night.

For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).

Bristol Motor Speedway is a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc.  Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States.  The Company owns and operates the following premiere speedways: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.  The Company provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiary, and manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars through its 600 Racing subsidiary.  The Company also owns Performance Racing Network (PRN), which broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to more than 725 radio stations nationwide including XM Satellite and NASCAR.com.  For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.gospeedway.com.

- Release Courtesy of Bristol Motor Speedway

MIS Goes Smoke-Free

Michigan logo

(February 24, 2010) All grandstand seating, mezzanines, concession and restroom buildings, suites and chalets at Michigan International Speedway will be smoke-free, racetrack officials have announced.
The ban comes on the heels of a state measure that will go into effect May 1, banning smoking in public places.

“Not only are we adhering to the law, but we are addressing a growing number of concerns from our race fans who do not smoke,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Race fans who smoke, can still do so in approved areas. We appreciate all our fans for their understanding and patience.”

Smokers may choose to smoke in open-air areas behind the grandstands, in the New Holland Fan Plaza and in campgrounds.

The Champions Club, seating and adjacent patios will also be smoke-free.

Anyone who does not adhere to the new smoke-free policy will be subject to fines by state and county enforcement officials who are on site during race weekends.

Signs will be posted throughout the grandstands, reminding fans of non-smoking areas.

“MIS ushers and security will monitor the grandstand seats, and we fully expect our fans to police each other,” Curtis said. “We will have a number of avenues in place for fans to notify us, including our text messaging service as well as notifying security, if someone around them is smoking in the grandstands or suites.”

Affordable tickets, wider seats, larger infield campsites and earlier NASCAR Sprint Cup start times are just a few of the fan initiatives in place at MIS. Fans are celebrated year-round with the Fan Appreciation Program presented by LifeLock. Check out MISpeedway.com for details.

MIS’ Value Pricing is now available to the public until April 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

- Release Courtesy of Michigan International Speedway

March 16 Talladega Test Session Open to Public

Talladega

(FEBRUARY 24, 2010) - The NASCAR Test Session on March 16 will be open to the public.  This will give fans their first glimpse of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars circling the track using the new spoiler while confirming the restrictor plate size and gear ratio for the Aaron’s 499 race on April 25.  It will also give fans the opportunity to experience the renovated frontstretch grandstands.

“The test session falls at a perfect time for us,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. 

“Our renovated grandstands will be open so fans can check out those areas and NASCAR will be unveiling their new competition package.  It’s a great way for fans to get a feel for how Talladega is going to look during the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 23-25.”

Parking lots open at 8:30 with the test officially kicking off at 9 am.  The event is free to the public and food and beverages will be permitted.  (Standard admission rules apply – No glass containers, only soft-sided coolers permitted and coolers must meet size requirement: 6”x6”x12” or smaller).  For questions on permissible items, please contact the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.

Talladega Superspeedway is preparing for the 2010 Aaron’s Dream Weekend featuring qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, followed by the ARCA Racing Series 250 race on Friday, April 23.  On Saturday, April 24, fans will see qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, followed by the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.  On Sunday, April 25, the greatest drivers in the world face off in the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

For more information on tickets to Talladega Superspeedway, please visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT, Monday- Friday.

-Release Courtesy of Talladega Superspeedway

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Ryan Newman is out of the top 35 drivers but should rebound at Las Vegas

Stewart-Haas driver Ryan Newman had a good car for the Daytona 500.  Newman had a good car at Auto Club Speedway.  But, after these two races with two good cars, he finds himself in 36th place in the NASCAR standings and faces a long road back to get himself into the top 12.

What happened to Newman can just be catagorized as rotten luck.  At the Daytona 500, Newman was biding his time in the back and waiting to make his move toward the front when he was clipped by Elliott Sadler and his day was over.

Newman was in a great position in the Auto Club 500 at Fontana Sunday when he was running 2nd on a restart at lap 146. He spun the tires on the restart, on the next lap the engine blew and Newman was out of the race. Newman said the tire spinning had nothing to do with the engine but he finished 36th and dropped to 36th in the points standings.

"We just lost an engine," Newman said. "We had a really good car with the Haas Automation Chevrolet, but it just grenaded, basically. I couldn't tell you what happened, but it was big and there was smoke and that was the end of our day."

Look for Newman to have another good car at Las Vegas Sunday and start to work his way up the standings. 


Ryan Newman
Photo Credit Cameras in Action