5 Things to Do and See in Atlanta, Georgia

A lot of NASCAR fans tend to get caught up in race day excitement and forget that there are other things to do around the tracks. Sometimes, race fans don't always want to just hang around the track. I have not been to or visited all of these places but many of these have been suggested by fans or natives of the towns and states or even by folks in the NASCAR industry themselves! Others have come from websites or the chambers of commerce. So sit back and take an armchair road trip with me across the circuit...

Author’s note: While I try my best to give you a diversified look at each city NASCAR visits on the Cup circuit, this week is going to be a little more personalized. Since visiting Georgia and seeing places for myself, I wanted to include in this article all the places I saw and fell in love with while I was visiting. I am also completely aware that the exact location of AMS is in Hampton; however, being that it is called Atlanta Motor Speedway, I will keep the focus on Atlanta alone. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! (All locations, except where noted, suggested by yours truly)

Pemberton Place – downtown Atlanta

Located just across from one another lie the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The plaza where they are is known as Pemberton Place.

If you’re a Coca-Cola racing fan, the World of Coca-Cola is a must see! Wonderful and historical memorabilia adorns the walls and you can tour the Bottle Works and see just how they get all that delicious Coke inside of those bottles. The journey begins with a fun video tour inside of a real Coke machine and ends in their large tasting room. With over 60 different Coca-Cola products from all around the world, you’re sure to find a few new and exciting – and certainly exotic – flavors to  enjoy.

General adult admission tickets run you $15 for admission into just the World of Coca-Cola, but you can buy a Pemberton Place pass which gains you access into the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. Website and further admission details will be listed at the bottom of this section.

The nearby Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest, featuring more marine life than any other aquarium in the world, and boasting more than 8 million gallons of water, the aquarium was a gift to the city of Atlanta from Bernie Marcus, co-founder of the Home Depot.

As already stated above, the Georgia Aquarium is in partnership with the World of Coca-Cola. Joint passes to both attractions, known as the Pemberton Place Pass, go for $36.50 for an adult pass. Visit the World of Coca-Cola or the Georgia Aquarium for directions, Pemberton Place Passes or just general admission and hours of operation information.

Centennial Olympic Park – downtown Atlanta

Atlanta was the site of the 1996 Olympic Games. Just a few years before, the part of town where the park is now located was nothing but an eyesore to the locals. A committee came together to relieve the burden of the site and to build a park for not only visitors to the city during the Olympic games, but to visitors and locals to enjoy for many years to come. What resulted was a large and beautiful 21-acre park in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

The park is neatly situated adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. There is no cost for admission into the park and they host many free and family oriented events. For more information, visit their website.

The Historic Atlanta Fox Theatre – downtown Atlanta

The historic Atlanta Fox Theatre was once used as a movie house. It is now a home to the performing arts and an attraction boasting an estimated 750,000 visitors each year. And it really is no wonder why so many people want to visit the almost palatial yet tastefully designed building.

The building has survived the Great Depression, fierce competition, and will celebrate its 81st birthday this Christmas.

Even if you’re not going to see a show, you may consider visiting this building, with all the charm one could expect in a late 1920s building, complete with old fashioned elevators and engaging elevator operators, you may not want to step through downtown Atlanta without at least stopping to marvel once at the beautifully restored building.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to look for the Phantom of the Fox.

More information, ticket sales, show times, and a calendar can be found on the Fox Theatre’s website.

Peachtree City – scenic drive south of Atlanta

If you’re like one of the many NASCAR fans who travel many miles to see a race, you may be interested in seeing more than just the city where the race will be. If you are one of those people, you may want to check out Peachtree City. The small, quaint town is located just southwest of Atlanta and about a 50-minute drive, depending on traffic, from the race track. Everyone can find plenty to do and see in this sweet southern town.

Museums, golf courses, nature trails, Peachtree has them all. To learn more about the town or for maps and directions, visit their website.

Bizarre: Roadside Attractions – suggested by RoadsideAmerica.com

Everyone has always wanted to see a giant chicken, right?  ….right? OK sure, the moving beak and eyes are a little…OK a lot creepy, but he’s kind of cute.. And don’t even try to pretend that visions of enormous bronze fish decked with Santa Claus hats don’t dance in your head.

When you think of going down to Dixie, I’m pretty sure this wasn’t exactly what you pictured.

So if scenic drives, old theaters, and Coke aren’t your thing, be sure to check out some of the more off-beat attractions in Atlanta and all around the state. RoadsideAmerica.com has a list of fun, bizarre, unique, and just downright laughable attractions for the whole family to see.

*All photo credits ©Genesis Short 2010

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Conway to finish out 2010 season at Robby Gordon Motorsports

Charlotte, N.C. (August 31, 2010) – Kevin Conway, the leading 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year driver, and ExtenZe Racing officially announced that they will be teaming with Robby Gordon Motorsports for the balance of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season beginning this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

For Sunday’s running of the Emory Healthcare 500, fans will find Conway behind the wheel of the No. 7 ExtenZe Racing Toyota. Conway heads into the Atlanta race weekend leading Terry Cook in the Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie Standings by 154 points (192-38) and looks to better his 31st-place finish at Atlanta earlier this year.

Prior to making this announcement, Conway had one start for RGM at Bristol Motor Speedway earlier this month and 21 starts this year for Front Row Motorsports, capturing 21 straight Raybestos Rookie of the Race awards and giving FRM its best finish since its inception in 2005 with a 14th-place finish at Daytona International Speedway on July 3. He also became the first Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25 since Jamie McMurray did so in 2003.

“I am thrilled to finally be able to announce our signing with Robby Gordon Motorsports,” Conway said. “The Bristol race a couple weekends ago came together very late and gave everyone just a quick peek at what was possibly to come. Now that everything is in place I can’t wait to take to the track this weekend in Atlanta in the No. 7 ExtenZe Racing Toyota.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity Robby has given me and ExtenZe. I’m looking forward to helping keep the No. 7 in the top-35, gaining more seat time and finishing races while reaching my ultimate goal of claiming the 2010 Raybestos Rookie of the Year title with RGM,” added Conway.

“Moving our racing program with Kevin over to Robby Gordon Motorsports was a no brainer really,” said Robert Wilhovsky, director of motorsports marketing for ExtenZe. “Robby has a great organization with very good equipment and a car locked into the top-35 owner’s points that will allow us to get Kevin more seat time and help him continue to grow as a driver.

“We look forward to the remainder of the year with RGM and are glad we get to have him and his organization join Kevin’s quest to be crowned the 2010 Raybestos Rookie of the Year driver,” added Wilhovsky.

“We are excited to have ExtenZe Racing and Kevin Conway join Robby Gordon Motorsports. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved, and I am excited to have Kevin behind the wheel of the No. 7,” Robby Gordon said. “I hope that we will be able help Kevin bring home the Rookie of the Year Award while expanding our team and his on-track experience.”

Release courtesy of ExtenZe Racing

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Grand marshal for Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta given second chance at life

The title of grand marshal at NASCAR's Sprint Cup races has been bestowed on a variety of individuals. Celebrities in the realms of film, TV, music and sports have held the honor, as well as executives from many of NASCAR's sponsors and local community figures to even the president of the United States.

But every so often, the grand marshal is an individual who's not a household name, who's faced the challenges life put before them and like the drivers on the track, came out ahead. This describes Terry "Mr. 500" Green, the grand marshal for Sunday's Emory Healthcare 500 Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

With a nickname like "Mr. 500," Green must have seemed like the perfect man for the job. But the nickname originally had nothing to do with racing and everything to do with Green's second chance at life.

In March 2008, the Lawrenceville, Ga., native became the 500th patient at Atlanta's Emory University Hospital to receive a heart transplant.

Green was stricken by a severe heart attack while on a cruise in the Caribbean with his wife. He was stabilized aboard the ship and onshore (coincidentally by doctors who had studied at the Emory University School of Medicine), but the outlook was dire. Before Green was transported to Georgia for treatment at Emory, a local cardiologist had told his wife he only had about a day left to live and to start making funeral arrangements.

"It was a very special feeling to have a new chance at life because of my heart transplant, and the fact that I was also the 500th person to receive a new heart at Emory was extra special," Green said in a press release.

In fact, Green can make the unique claim of being "born twice" at the same hospital. Green underwent the procedure to receive a new heart at Emory nearly 61 years to the day he was born in the hospital, which no longer delivers babies.

"To be named the grand marshal for the Emory Healthcare 500, an event that is such an incredible show, and means so much to Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area each year, is beyond a special surprise – it is an honor," Green said.

Atlanta's Labor Day weekend Sprint Cup event marks the first race sponsored by Emory Healthcare. When it came time for Emory and speedway officials to select a grand marshal for the 500-mile race, "Mr. 500" immediately came to mind.

"We were all very familiar with Terry's incredible story, and since his transplant a few years ago, he has befriended Emory in many ways as one of our best known ambassadors," said Diane Peterson, chief operating officer for Emory University Hospital Midtown, in a prepared statement. "Once everyone quickly agreed that 'Mr. 500' should undoubtedly be our guy to officially start the engines Sunday night, the only question left was, 'Is he a race car fan?'"

Indeed Green is. As for who he roots for, he won a scale model car of past Atlanta winner and current points leader Kevin Harvick in a contest at a car dealership. "I've been following and rooting for him ever since," Green said.

Sunday's race will be Green's first in person, and no doubt one he won't forget.

See "Mr. 500" say the most famous words in motorsports on Sunday when coverage of the Emory Healthcare 500 starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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NASCAR to revamp communications department

NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate
Communications Ramsey Poston

Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston will leave department after this year and will move into consulting role; search under way for chief communications officer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2010) – Following a comprehensive review of its communications function and public relations activity across the industry, NASCAR announced it will move immediately to create an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) department that will better position the sanctioning body to lead best practices and provide overall thought leadership in the communications space for the entire industry.

“Our sport has unique challenges and very diverse constituencies and it has become clear that NASCAR must be a catalyst in this space to help all stakeholders find greater value,” said Brian France, NASCAR’s chairman and chief executive officer. “This is a major investment for the company at a critical time and represents an elevation of this highly-important function for NASCAR and the industry. We are confident this evolved approach will yield immediate and long-term value for NASCAR, its media and business partners and the industry as a whole.”

The new communications structure will allow NASCAR to be even more effective on the competition aspects of the sport, an area where NASCAR was regularly cited in the review as being among the best when compared to other major league sports by media in all genres. It also positions the sanctioning body to take a much more strategic and offensive approach to selling the sport in a constantly-evolving traditional, digital and social media landscape.

Three areas that will see greater communications resourcing and organizational focus moving forward include: brand and consumer marketing; digital and social media strategy and activation; and strategic collaboration with industry stakeholders.

NASCAR IMC will be led by a chief communications officer who will become part of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to NASCAR Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps, with a direct line to Brian France. A global search, led by Korn/Ferry International, to identify and secure top-level talent to fill the position and other critical roles within the planned IMC structure is under way. It is expected the leadership of NASCAR IMC will have broad consumer marketing communications experience with global brands, strong familiarity with integrated marketing communications and, preferably, deep experience in sports and entertainment marketing.

Current Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter will continue to play a significant role in this evolution. NASCAR expects Hunter’s valuable experience and insight into the inner workings of the sport to continue to be important assets not only in this transition, but also to the new CCO for years to come. At the end of this season, Hunter will assume a new role as vice president of Special Projects.

Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston has elected not to pursue a role within the new structure, but Poston will continue to lead the department on a day-to-day basis through the balance of 2010. He will then move into a consulting role for the sanctioning body.

“As the communications review accurately revealed, Jim and Ramsey have done a fantastic job of moving the competition aspects of our operation to an elite level,” Phelps said. “The strong foundation they’ve built has positioned NASCAR to expand this operation to meet the needs of the future and we are confident their combined experience, expertise and passion for NASCAR will be strong assets in that process.”

NASCAR also has retained Taylor to provide on-going strategic counsel throughout this process. That engagement will be led by Taylor Managing Partner Brett Jewkes, who has deep experience with NASCAR, in the sport and working with top brands that operate with an IMC model.

It is anticipated the framework of the department and new leadership team will be in place by the start of the 2011 season with implementation of the new structure and approach accelerating throughout the balance of 2010.

TEXT AND PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA

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Said wins first NASCAR race in photo finish at Montreal (NNS recap)

Boris Said celebrates his first NASCAR Nationwide Series win in 22 races in
Victory Lane at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. (Jason Smith/Getty Images)

By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

MONTREAL — At long last, road-course ace Boris Said is a winner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Said won Sunday’s NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve when — with the two strongest cars out of contention — the always unpredictable event ended with Said beating Max Papis in a drag race to the finish line.

After leader Robby Gordon ran out of gas on a green-white-checkered-flag finish that sent the race three laps past its scheduled distance of 74 laps, Said lost the lead to Papis at the entrance to the final two corners. But Papis’ momentum sent him wide in Turn 14, and Said drew alongside at the top of the final straightaway.

Papis lost a fraction of a second when he hit the rev limiter in second gear but still had enough to race side by side with Said all the way to the finish line.

Said’s .012-second margin of victory was the closest ever on a road course in the Nationwide Series, the fifth closest overall in series history and the closest since 1998 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The victory was more than just a first for Said, 47. It was the first Nationwide win for car owner Robby Benton and the first for the new pairing of Said and crew chief Scott Zipadelli.
“I don’t think we had the fastest car today,” Said admitted, “but we definitely had the smartest race strategy with Scott Zipadelli as the crew chief — the first time I ever worked with him. We had great communication, he called a great race, and it was really about managing the racetrack, managing your brakes.

“I’m shocked … overwhelmed. I thought I was going to cry, but I didn’t. My wife would have made fun of me. But I was pretty happy.”

Local hero Jacques Villeneuve finished third, followed by Brad Keselowski, who extended his series lead to 365 points over hard-luck 20th-place finisher Carl Edwards. Paul Menard ran fifth, with Joey Logano, J.R. Fitzpatrick, Parker Kligerman, Justin Allgaier and Trevor Bayne completing the top 10.

The race that gave polesitter Marcos Ambrose another heartbreak (he retired with an electrical problem after leading 25 laps) turned on a bad break — literally — for defending winner Edwards, who led a race-high 29 laps before breaking the track bar on his No. 60 Ford as caution flew with eight laps left in regulation.
Edwards held a lead of almost three seconds over Gordon when Michael Annett slid into the Turn 4 wall to cause the fifth caution of the race, ending a green-flag run of 42 laps.

Two more late cautions forced overtime and prolonged the race enough to empty Gordon’s fuel tank. Gordon led the field to the green flag for a restart on Lap 76 but coasted to a stop before completing the circuit. He finished 14th.

But it was the drag race to the finish between Said and Papis that had the more than 70,000 fans on their feet.
“I was ahead, I was behind, I was ahead,” said Papis, who was driving Kevin Harvick’s No. 33 Chevrolet. “At the end of the day, this was an amazing race. I had a blast. It came down to a green-white-checker, and the thing I’m the most proud of … this is maybe the first time I’ve had the chance to really sit in a car that legitimately can win, and it came down to the last corner.

“For me, I’m really proud. I know it’s a second-place finish, but it’s equal to one of my best wins.”

NAPA Auto Parts 200 results:

1. Boris Said   
2. Max Papis   
3. Jacques Villeneuve
4. Brad Keselowski   
5. Paul Menard   
6. Joey Logano   
7. J.R. Fitzpatrick
8. Parker Kligerman
9. Justin Allgaier
10. Trevor Bayne
11. D.J. Kennington
12. Brad Coleman
13. Kenny Wallace
14. Robby Gordon
15. Mike Bliss
16. Victor Gonzalez Jr.
17. Mike Wallace
18. Tomy Drissi
19. Mark Green
20. Carl Edwards
21. Jason Leffler     
22. Colin Braun
23. Tayler Malsam
24. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
25. Michael Annett
26. Alex Kennedy
27. Brendan Gaughan
28. Joe Nemechek
29. Paulie Harraka
30. Ron Fellows
31. Kyle Kelley   
32. Patrick Carpentier   
33. Marcos Ambrose   
34. Tony Raines   
35. Morgan Shepherd
36. Tony Ave
37. Michael McDowell
38. Steve Wallace
39. Andrew Ranger
40. Brian Scott
41. Brett Rowe
42. Jeff Green
43. Justin Marks

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History Was Made on Saturday: My Bristol Experience (Part III)

Many apologies for the delay in getting this posted! This is the third and final part recounting my Bristol experiences. I hope you all have enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you!

Since the race was the only on-track action on Saturday, the gates did not open until 1:00p.m. I left my house and picked up my cousin Kayla around noon. The weather was dreary. It was sprinkling rain as we left my cousin’s house. Kayla, who is a die-hard Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan, is also a David Gilliland fan. When you ask her why she’s a Gilliland fan, she’ll respond “Because he wrecked Montoya!” Just as a side note, the incident she’s referring to happened two seasons ago! Proudly sporting her David Gilliland shirt, Kayla was excited to be back at Bristol for her 2nd ever Cup race. The rain was pouring down when we arrived at the track, which was around 2:30p.m. Kayla and I both had ponchos, but we both still questioned how smart it had been to wear white t-shirts.

So for the second day that week, I went to the Bruton Smith building and ducked into the Fan Relations office, hoping to run into Ben Trout again. As it turns out, Ben had something special for the fans in the office. He called us all over and began to explain to us about the driver introductions. Then he told us that he had some pre-race passes he wanted to hand out. So, I got one for me and one for Kayla. With the chance to be on the track before the race started, everyone who held a pre-race pass in their hand looked at the gray skies, hoping the rain would stop so driver introductions wouldn’t be cancelled.

We hung around the Bruton Smith building after that even though the rain had stopped. Jeff Gluck was hosting a tweetup outside the building, and I planned on attending it at 3:30p.m. For those of you that don’t know, a ‘tweetup’ is a gathering of Twitter users. Although, I’m sure you all knew that. As it got closer to the time of the tweetup, Kayla and I stepped outside, surprised to see it had stopped raining. I was immediately greeted by someone calling out my name. I looked over to see Becca. (Some of you know her as Rebecca Kivak, who is also a member of the Skirts and Scuffs team.) Becca and I had been texting each other in the days leading up to the race. We were both excited to be meeting each other for the first time. I was ecstatic to finally meet another member of the Skirts and Scuffs team! We talked for a few minutes before joining the crowd at the tweetup. There were so many people who showed up! The estimate I heard was that nearly 100 people had come to it. It was so great getting to meet so many people I spend a lot of time on the weekends discussing NASCAR with!

Mike Calinoff also came to the tweetup and had ARCA series driver Brandon McReynolds with him. I was excited to be able to meet Brandon. I talked to Brandon for a minute, and he signed an autograph for me. Then I went to talk to Mike again. Mike smiled and said “Saw you yesterday!” I couldn’t believe he remembered me! I laughed and said, “Yep. And again, I’d like to wish you, Matt, and the team good luck today.” Mike replied, “Thanks. And I just want you to know, I see your messages to me on Twitter. I appreciate it, and the guys do too. It means a lot to us.” At that very moment, I don’t think anything could have wiped the smile off my face. You see, before each race, I post a Twitter update wishing Matt Kenseth, Mike Calinoff, Jimmy Fennig, and the team good luck. It truly made me happy to know that Mike was seeing that message every race day. I finally got a chance to meet and talk to Mary Lou Hamlin. She is such a friendly person. She told me the story as to how her little dog, Bristol, got his name. Let's just say, it only made me respect Denny Hamlin even more!

After the tweetup, I talked to Becca for a few more minutes before going to the Matt Kenseth fan tweetup with Rae, who runs Matt Kenseth’s website and the Matt Kenseth Fan Club page on Twitter (@KensethClub). While showing up at a Kenseth fan tweetup wearing a David Ragan t-shirt isn’t exactly a good idea, I did it anyway. I did it in March too, and one Kenseth fan was none too pleased about it. But, as I said in Part II, I always have on two different drivers’ gear. I also had on a Kenseth visor, earrings, and even a Kenseth dogtag necklace. So I was supporting Kenseth too, and this time around, none of the Kenseth fans present had any objections to the fact I am a Ragan fan. After talking to the Kenseth fans for a while, we took a group photo, then Kayla and I left.

Kayla and I immediately headed for the Ford stage since A.J. Allmendinger had an appearance there, but as soon as we got there, A.J. was leaving. By then it was a little after 5:00p.m. Since our pre-race passes required us to be at the track entrance gate at 6:00, Kayla and I decided the best thing to do was go to the gate. About 5:50, Rae met back up with me and Kayla, and the three of us went on through the gate and onto the track.

With each step I took, I had to keep telling myself it wasn’t a dream that I was on the track before the race was set to start. As we walked through the gate at turn 3, one of the security guards told us we needed to go on around to the stage at the frontstretch. I knew that wasn’t right, because when the drivers come out for intros, they walk across the stage that is set up at the turn 3 gate. Ben had told us we would stand next to the stage at turn 3. Just to make the security guard happy, we obliged and walked around to the frontstretch. I immediately began taking pictures of the cars on pit road. I stood by the pit road wall and had Kayla take a picture of me standing near David Ragan’s car. Then I made Kayla go near David Gilliland’s car so I could take a picture of her with it. Kayla, Rae, and I remained on the frontstretch before going back to turn 3 where the other stage had been set up.

As driver intros began, a group of 30-40 people who had been given pre-race passes from Ben cheered every driver, no matter who it was. Although, it was still evident which drivers had the most fans. When Ragan walked out, I didn’t hear many cheers, but I cheered and waved as he walked onto the stage. He looked at me and smiled. I wondered if he remembered me from the day before. However, I think the most memorable minute for me was when David Gilliland walked out. I don’t recall hearing any cheers from the stands, but as Gilliland walked to the stage, Kayla yelled out as loud as she could, “Go Gilliland!” He stopped for a second and looked at her. He saw that Kayla was wearing a shirt with his name on across the front. Gilliland smiled and waved at her. I’m convinced there was no happier eighteen-year-old girl on the planet than at that moment when Kayla was acknowledged by one of her favorite drivers.

One by one, the drivers walked across the stage. A few of them got the crowd riled up. Some made the crowd laugh. Then came Brad Keselowski. I heard many boos from the crowd as he walked out. At least until, Keselowski called Kyle Busch an “A--“ in front of close to 160,000 people. I have never heard the crowd cheer so loud! Just to further prove the fact that Bristol fans do not like Kyle Busch, the fans pretty much booed Busch out of the place when he later walked across the stage. Yet, Busch took all the jeers with a smile. I can’t help but to admire him. He refuses to worry about what the fans think of him. He lets his racing do the talking.

As soon as the intros ended, those of us near the stage were ushered off the track. Kayla and I immediately headed for our seats. We were sitting in row two, right off of turn two. I had never sat so low for a Cup race. The lowest I had ever sat was row 42 on the frontstretch. Honestly, I would rather sit higher up, where I have a clear view of the entire track. But hey, the pair of Cup tickets I had were free so I won’t complain! I had won them through Bristol’s 100 day giveaway promotion. As I stood for the national anthem, the flyover sent chills down my spine. I’ll never know why, but flyovers always give me chills. Once the engines finally fired, the crowd was on their feet.

The green flag waved, and I don’t think I sat down until twenty laps had been completed. Being a Kenseth and Ragan fan, I had to keep switching back and forth on which driver I wanted to concentrate on. To be honest, I didn’t pay much attention to the lead. Lap 126 was when I almost lost interest in the race entirely. Ragan got hit by Allmendinger in turn one and spun out. The rear of his car slammed the wall. The driver’s side of Ragan’s car turned to the oncoming cars. Kayla and I both grabbed each other’s hand. I remember both of us screaming “Please don’t let anyone hit him!” Thankfully the other drivers avoided him.

With Ragan’s chances of winning over, I was completely heartbroken. However, just like Ragan and his crew, I refused to give up. Even when he was bringing up the rear, I cheered every time he went by.

Following a restart, Juan Pablo Montoya got into Jimmie Johnson, which sent Johnson into the wall. Cheers erupted from the stands. Bristol fans, myself included, don't seem to like Johnson too much.

Honestly, I don’t remember much else during the race, other than the fact it wasn’t as thrilling as the previous two had been that week. I wanted a caution toward the end to bunch the field back up so David Reutimann, who was in 2nd, and Jamie McMurray in 3rd would have a shot to win. Many fans still booed Kyle Busch as he brought home the win for the third time that week. As for me, I was amazed he won.

The last three Bristol races were the 8th, 9th, and 10th times I had gone to Bristol. As a die-hard race fan, I always enjoy every second I spend at the track. This year’s fall race week at Bristol Motor Speedway was the best one of my life so far thanks to: Ben Trout, who proved the folks at Bristol really do their best to help fans get the most out of their time at the track; Mike Calinoff, for being one of the nicest spotters in the sport of NASCAR; and to David Ragan, for taking a minute to make this NASCAR fan’s day simply by taking a picture. I’m already making plans to go back to Bristol next March, and after my experiences this year, I have no idea how much better it could get. I just can’t wait to be back at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile in 2011!

And on a personal note, I would like to congratulate Kyle Busch again on his sweep of the Bristol races. It was an amazing feat that nobody else had ever been able to accomplish. I’m so thankful I was able to attend all the races and see NASCAR history be made.
-----
Photos courtesy of Whitney's personal collection.

Photo 1: Becca and I during the tweetup.

Photo 2: Mary Lou Hamlin and I during the tweetup. And yes, that's little Bristol she's holding!

Photo 3: Group photo of the Kenseth fans who came to the Matt Kenseth Fan Club tweetup.

Photo 4: A view down the backstretch pit lane before the race.

Photo 5: The No. 18 congratulating Kyle Busch on his victory in the Irwin Tools Night Race.

Want to see more of Whitney's photos? Check out the following links!

UNOH 150/O'Reilly 200 race day pictures

Practice, qualifying, and Food City 250 race pictures

Irwin Tools Night Race pictures

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The Race Week Got Better on Friday: My Bristol Experience (Part II)

Yesterday I shared with you my experiences at Bristol Motor Speedway last Wednesday. Today, I bring you part II, in which I share with you about what all happened before, during, and after the Food City 250 last Friday.

By the time my alarm went off Friday morning, I was more than ready to hit the road and return to Bristol. Thankfully I only live just over an hour from the track. My best friend Hope was with me for the drive that day. We met up with Jordan—my best friend who had gone to the Truck race with me—and her friend Lindsey at Waffle House for breakfast before going on to the track.

The gates opened at 9:00a.m., and the four of us arrived around 10:00a.m. We stopped by the SPEED stage while NASCAR Live was being filmed. I’m not sure if I was ever visible in the crowd on TV, but I was absolutely cracking up at the guy with the Kyle Busch sign. As I mentioned in yesterday’s article, I am a Kyle Busch fan, but the sign was just too funny! For those of you who know what I’m talking about, I’m sure you are sitting in front of your computer screen laughing right now as you remember it too.

After that, we made a quick stop at the souvenir haulers. Being a Roush Fenway Racing fan, I had a shirt of all the drivers, except Greg Biffle and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. so I made my way to Biffle’s souvenir hauler. I had every intention of getting a Biffle shirt, until I spotted the Stenhouse, Jr. shirt. This might make me sound crazy—and I very well might actually be!—but I started jumping up and down excitedly as I told the lady working at the hauler I wanted that shirt. As she gets a shirt for me, she informs me that they also have an autographed hat too. It should come as no surprise that I ended up with both the shirt and the hat. I sure looked like a die-hard fan once I took my seat in the stands, sporting a Colin Braun t-shirt and a Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. hat. (Just an FYI, I always have on two different drivers’ gear when I’m at the track.) Friday was virtually nonstop action as both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup drivers ran practice and qualifying sessions under mostly sunny skies. Hope and I sat on the backstretch during Nationwide practice to get good pictures of the teams working on the cars. You see, during the day not many people are there so you can move all over the track to watch the practice and qualifying sessions. When Cup practice began, we moved around to the front stretch to get pictures of those teams too. The first practice session ended around 2:00p.m and the next Cup practice was set to start around 2:45p.m. To get out of the sun and cool off, Hope and I went under the stands to walk around. As we were walking, I heard a familiar voice to my left. I stopped dead in my tracks, which prompted Hope to ask me what was going on. Sitting on a golf cart talking to someone as he waited for practice to start back up, was Mike Calinoff, Matt Kenseth’s spotter. Being a Kenseth fan, I had recognized Mike the second I heard him speaking. Keep in mind, I don’t listen to the scanner on the weekends, and I had never met Mike before. I had only heard him talk during a few TV interviews and the couple times I was able to listen to the scanner earlier this season. Instead of simply waving at him or just walking on, I walked right up to Mike and said hi. I told him I was a Kenseth fan and that I wanted to wish him, Matt, and the team good luck. He said “Thank you, I appreciate it. We’ll try to win one for ya!” At that point, I thought that chance encounter with Mike would be the highlight of that Friday for me. I had no idea what would happen about an hour later!

While sitting through final practice, I watched as A. J. Allmendinger spun down the frontstretch in front of where I was sitting. He had spun out not too long before that on the backstretch. Somehow I had a feeling that if he didn’t repeat that in qualifying, then he would definitely repeat it in the race on Saturday. Sometimes I hate being right!

Cup final practice ended at 3:30p.m. Hope then tells me she had seen a sign outside the track that David David had an appearance at the Ford display stage at 4:15p.m. Immediately, we headed outside the track to the Ford display located near the hospitality area outside turn 4 for the Q&A David was scheduled to do. During the Q&A, I made sure I was front and center because the last time David did a Q&A, I was way in the back because I had gotten to the stage so late. He is my second favorite driver— second only to Matt Kenseth. And trust me, it’s such a close 2nd some people think Ragan is my favorite driver. Truth be told…they might be right. Anyway, I was able to ask David a question during the Q&A. I asked him what the team’s main goal was coming into the 2010 season. He said their goal was to win a race and make the Chase. He said he realized that making the Chase was no longer something they could accomplish in 2010 and that getting that first Cup win was the team’s main goal for the rest of the season. After the Q&A ended, Ragan walked off the stage and immediately, many of the fans present were asking him for an autograph.

As for me, I wasn’t interested in getting his autograph. I wanted a picture with him because, as cliché as it sounds, a picture truly is worth a thousand words. So as I made my way through the crowd of people to ask if he’d take a picture with me, he raised his Sharpie and was about to sign my shirt when I stopped him. That was when he realized I wasn’t wearing a Ragan shirt. I said, “Hi, David, will you take a picture with me?” He replied, “Sure, just hang on a second.” Then he smiled and patted my shoulder and signed more autographs. He was just trying to sign the autographs to get the crowd to clear out. Once the crowd thinned, he stepped up beside me and I handed the camera to Hope so she could take the picture. I thanked David for taking a picture with me and stepped out of the way. Hope asked him to sign the can coozie she had. I had to put my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing when he squeezed it twice before signing it. If only I had gotten a picture of the look on his face when he squeezed it! As Hope and I started to walk away, I turned back. David was signing another autograph. I called his name, but he didn’t hear me. So I reached out and touched his arm so he would look up. He smiled at me and I said, “I just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow, David.” He kept smiling and said “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

For those of you who might have bad opinions of David Ragan, I just have to tell you he is one of the nicest guys on and off the track.

I don’t remember much about that walk back to my seat in the stands. I had just met my second favorite driver, and my brain could barely comprehend it! David Ragan is also the only Cup driver I have ever met. Finally, I turned my focus back to the on-track action for qualifying. Elliott Sadler took the pole for the Nationwide race, which many fans were happy to see. For Cup qualifying, Carl Edwards shot to the pole only to be knocked off that top spot by Jimmie Johnson. I’m not a Johnson fan, so I wasn’t too thrilled he knocked Edwards off the pole.

Shortly before driver intros began for the Nationwide race, the fans sitting around me and Hope noticed a praying mantis under the row Hope and I were sitting on. We left it alone, figuring if we did so, it would leave us alone. However, it decided that joining the fans would be better. Without me or Hope noticing, it crawled out and flew up to land on the shoulder of a woman sitting behind us. She screamed so loud I thought someone was in major trouble. I turned to see the praying mantis on her shoulder. One fan nearby yelled out “What is that? I’ve never seen one of those!” Then some fans started taking pictures of it. The woman was still freaking out over the bug until a little girl, probably seven years old, walked over to her and picked the bug up. The little girl stood there admiring the huge bug until it flew off and landed on the catchfence. For those of you wondering, seeing a praying mantis in the stands at Bristol is not that uncommon. I’ve seen at least two every time I’ve gone.

Once the Food City 250 got underway that night, it soon became apparent that Kyle Busch would once again be the driver to beat. He was taken out of contention in the race in 2009, and on Friday night, he would not be denied the win a second time. As the race unfolded, I had actually turned my attention to the battle between Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Brian Scott for the 10th position when Justin Allgaier got into Kasey Kahne coming into turn 1. I didn’t see the wreck happen, but Hope hit my arm and made me look up. I looked over in time to see Kahne’s car sideways, the right wheels atop the SAFER barrier in turn one, as he took a wild ride through the turn. I was speechless as his car rolled off the wall and came to a stop on the apron. I breathed a sigh of relief as Kahne walked away uninjured.

A controversial move off of turn 4 in which Busch wrecked Brad Keselowski had many fans in the stands riled up. I’m not sure who the fans disliked more, Busch or Keselowski, but it seemed everyone was mad at Busch for spinning Keselowski out. As for me, I’m a fan of both drivers, and while I considered the move just one of those classic Bristol moves to gain the lead, I couldn’t help but think that Keselowski got the short end of the stick on that deal. Since he’s on probation, he couldn’t retaliate. I could elaborate on the my feelings about that, but I’ll just refrain and tell you all more about my experiences.


I had wanted to see Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. or Brian Ickler, who was in the #16 instead of Colin Braun, get the win. Both did okay, but neither of them were able to even contend for the win. Ickler did okay, and with about 30 laps to go, Stenhouse, Jr. scraped the wall in turn three as he was running around the 20th position.

As Kyle Busch took the checkered flag on Friday, all I could see from where I sitting (I was in row 4!) was the smoke from his burnout. I will say he does the best burnouts I’ve ever seen! Many fans made it clear they were not happy with the fact Busch had won again. I heard many creative ways on how to describe the young driver. However, one Kyle Busch fan looked at a group of fans who were obviously not Busch fans, and yelled, "Thanks for coming to the Kyle Busch Show! Y'all come back now, ya hear!"

I left that night looking forward to Saturday. Would Busch make history to become Bristol’s 100th Cup winner and the only driver to win all three races in one weekend? And what else would happen that could possibly make my trip to Bristol even better?

-----
Tune in for tomorrow to ‘History Was Made on Saturday: My Bristol Experience (Part III)’. I’ll share with you about walking through the rain and getting completely soaked before ducking into the Bruton Smith building, how my dream of being on the track before a race started came true, and how I witnessed NASCAR history being made firsthand.

Photo courtesy of Whitney's personal collection.

Photo 1: My best friend Hope (right) and I in the stands during practice.

Photo 2: Nationwide crews work on the racecars during practice.

Photo 3: A.J. Allmendinger spins out on the backstretch.

Photo 4: David Ragan and I after the Q&A.

Photo 5: My view of Kyle Busch's burnout. Nothing but smoke!

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WIN Series Returns with…

The Women of ESPN

After a break, the Women in NASCAR Series will make its return with a triple header: Turning the Table on 3 of ESPN's top motorsports reporters. These women are making a once male-dominated environment a thing of the past, bringing with them a new level of excitement that crushes the old "Trophy Girl" image. They are extremely knowledgeable as well as passionate about the world of motorsports.

Over the next couple of weeks, you will get to know a little more about Jamie Little, Nicole Briscoe and Shannon Spake. We will dive into their lives, both on and off the track, the roads on which each of them have traveled to get where they are, and the goals they have for their futures.

I would like to personally thank the three of them as well as Andy Hall, manager - media relations, for taking the time to talk with me during a recent phone interview via Skype. It was a pleasure speaking to each of them and I am honored that they have opened their lives to me as well as the readers and followers of Skirts and Scuffs.

So, look for the announcements from Skirts and Scuffs on the first installment of a special three-part series on the above-named women. They'll be sharing their opinions on such topics as NASCAR’s controversial "Boys, Have At It" policy as well as their thoughts on what teams they see as top contenders for The Chase.

Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoy this series!

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Most Popular Driver votes reach 1 million

Fans have 2 weeks to get their driver into Top 10

Minneapolis, Minn. (August 27, 2010) - The race to the NASCAR Chase is on and so is the chase for its favorite driver - and that effort has reached a major milestone. Fans have now cast more than 1 million votes for the NASCAR® National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Hamburger Helper® Most Popular Driver Award at www.HelpersMostPopularDriver.com.

Fans only have two more weeks of voting before the competition is narrowed to the top-10 vote-getters, coinciding with when the drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup will be determined. The votes will be reset on Sept. 12 and the 10 driver finalists will then begin a new race to the finish.

The current top 10, in alphabetical order, are Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart.  

Race fans have been able to vote online for their favorite NASCAR® Sprint Cup driver once a day since the racing season began in February. Voting for the full field of 41 eligible drivers will end on Sept. 11 at 11:59 p.m. CT, following the race event at Richmond International Raceway. The 10 drivers with the most votes will be announced as finalists and the vote count will reset to zero.

Fans will then have 10 race weeks to cast their vote once a day to determine the 2010 NASCAR® NMPA Hamburger Helper Most Popular Driver winner from the final field of 10 drivers. Voting will conclude Nov. 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT and the winner will be announced at the NASCAR® NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon in December in Las Vegas.

"It's been a lot of fun for Hamburger Helper to get involved with the Most Popular Driver award this year," said Jeff Fuller, marketing manager for Hamburger Helper. "It's pretty impressive to know that fans have come to our voting page a million times to vote for their favorite driver. It will be interesting to see who makes it into the top 10 or if there will be any drivers from the outside pushing their fans to vote them in."

Last season, Earnhardt Jr. earned his seventh consecutive Most Popular Driver Award. Only Earnhardt Jr. and Bill Elliott have won the award seven consecutive times since its inception in 1953.

For more information and to vote on the NASCAR® NMPA Hamburger Helper Most Popular Driver Award, visit www.HelpersMostPopularDriver.com.

Release courtesy of Helpers Most Popular Driver website

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Kyle Busch extends winning streak at Chicagoland (NCWTS recap)

Kyle Busch celebrates in victory lane
Friday at Chicagoland Speedway.
(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for NASCAR)

By Lee Montgomery
Special to the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

JOLIET, Ill. (August 27, 2010) —What can slow down Kyle Busch? Perhaps only the checkered flag.

Busch won his second consecutive NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and his fourth national series race in a row by dominating the EnjoyIllinois.com 225 on Friday night at Chicagoland Speedway.

Busch swept all three NASCAR national series races at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend and continued his winning ways at Chicagoland. He led three times for 121 laps for his fourth truck series win in nine starts in 2010.

Busch now has 17 wins across the Sprint Cup (three wins), Nationwide (10) and truck series this year.

The only drama for Busch came on pit road under two separate caution flags. On Lap 81, Busch’s gasman had trouble with the second gas can, and Busch lost four spots for the restart. But he charged to the lead on Lap 98 after another caution slowed the race.

On Lap 126, Busch changed four tires on his No. 18 Toyota, with several other drivers taking two. Busch restarted sixth but passed three cars on the first green-flag lap and got the lead on Lap 131.

Busch also survived a late-race thrust from Todd Bodine, who made an inside move on Busch with six laps to go but slipped and lost ground. Busch then held off Bodine on a green-white-checkered finish after Timothy Peters blew an engine. The race went four laps beyond the scheduled 150 on the 1.5-mile track.

Bodine ended up second, with Ron Hornaday Jr. third, Johnny Sauter fourth and rookie Justin Lofton fifth. Aric Almirola, Matt Crafton, Rick Crawford, Austin Dillon and David Starr completed the top 10.

The victory was Toyota’s 75th in the truck series since 2004, when it entered NASCAR competition. It also marks Busch's 20th victory in the truck series.



EnjoyIllinois.com 225 results:

1. Kyle Busch    
2. Todd Bodine    
3. Ron Hornaday    
4. Johnny Sauter    
5. Justin Lofton    
6. Aric Almirola    
7. Matt Crafton    
8. Rick Crawford
9. Austin Dillon 
10. David Starr
11. Jason White
12. James Buescher
13. Chris Fontaine    
14. Narain Karthikeyan
15. Ryan Sieg
16. Brad Sweet    
17. Tony Jackson Jr.    
18. Steve Park
19. Mario Gosselin
20. Johanna Long
21. Timothy Peters
22. Jennifer Jo Cobb
23. Mike Skinner
24. Norm Benning
25. Lance Fenton
26. Jerick Johnson
27. Ken Butler III
28. Ricky Carmichael
29. Jamie Dick
30. J C Stout    
31. Shelby Howard
32. Chris Jones
33. Mike Garvey    
34. Mike Harmon    
35. Brent Raymer
36. Tim Andrews

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Bodine on the Pole for EnjoyIllinois.com 225

Tonight the Camping World Truck Series makes its return to Chicagoland Speedway for the EnjoyIllinois.com 225 and Todd Bodine will lead the trucks to the green flag at just after 9pm eastern. Bodine who qualified with a time of 31.063 seconds will start alongside rookie Austin Dillion.

Kyle Busch, defending race winner, will start in forth position.

Here’s the full starting grid:

1. Todd Bodine
2. Austin Dillon
3. James Buescher
4. Kyle Busch
5. Johnny Sauter
6. Shelby Howard
7. Ron Hornaday
8. Aric Almirola
9. Narain Karthikeyan
10. Justin Lofton
11. Jason White
12. David Starr
13. Ricky Carmichael
14. Chris Fontaine
15. Timothy Peters
16. Mike Skinner
17. Brad Sweet
18. Matt Crafton
19. Ryan Sieg
20. Johanna Long
21. Rick Crawford
22. Tony Jackson Jr.
23. Chris Jones
24. Jamie Dick
25. Steve Park
26. Mario Gosselin
27. Tim Andrews
28. Mike Harmon
29. Jennifer Jo Cobb
30. JC Stout
31. Brent Raymer
32. Lance Fenton
33. Ken Butler III
34. Norm Benning
35. Jerick Johnson
36. Mike Garvey

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Fashion in NASCAR

This morning, as I was pulling on my jeans, I wondered to myself, "Just what do the NASCAR drivers wear for clothes?" So, I went on a hunt for anything that would answer my question. I stumbeled upon an aritcle on NASCAR.com from February 2008.

Of course, the first person they interviewed was Sherry Pollex, girlfriend of Martin Truex Jr., and also the owner of Lavendar Boutique in North Carolina. Pollex is obviously high fashion and describes how excited she was when Chandra Johnson wore one of her purchases from Lavendar Boutique on pit road, but she also sells her clothing to the drivers.

Kasey Kahne is a guy you would think is just simple jeans and tee-shirts everyday, right? Wrong. The Budweiser driver said "I'm pretty picky about my jeans, I'll try on ten pairs and buy zero or some days I'll buy five." Then he goes on to say the most he has ever paid for jeans, which rings in at $190. However, he said that he does not pay attention to the fashion trends on pit road.

On the other hand, Carl Edwards had not been shopping awhile and said, "My assistant Angela picks out stuff for me, but I got these boots from a People Magazine shoot a long time ago, I wear them so much I had to have them re-soled,"


Kyle Petty, famed for his iconic ponytail, said that drivers wore what they could afford back in the times of Dale Earnhardt and also says, "[Fashion] adds zero to the sport, I don't have any energy for it. What do I care about fashion? I haven't had a haircut in 15 years. I'm ready for my plaid pants and stripped shirt phase." Will someone tell this guy that plaid pants are out?!

Sherry Pollex says, "Honestly for me, it's a respect thing as well. Like church on Sundays, when I walk out there, I have a sense of pride because I'm a reflection of Martin and what he does." I am sure that most NASCAR wives would agree.

One other person that comes to my mind is DeLana Harvick. Almost every weekend during the Sprint Cup race, the wife of the 29 driver is supporting her husband by wearing her own Pennzoil firesuit. Just one of the reasons I love DeLana and what she believes in.

When you are watching the races, look at some of the things that the mothers, girlfriends, and wives are wearing. This is just example of the way that women have shaped NASCAR.

________


Source: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/features/02/22/rswan.pit.road.fashion/index.html

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Logano, Allgaier, and Venturini Headline Appearances at Richmond International Raceway (September 10)

Richmond, VA (August 26, 2010) — NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and Justin Allgaier, and NASCAR on SPEED reporter Wendy Venturini will participate in question-and-answer sessions in the Friday, September 10 Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone fan hospitality at Richmond International Raceway. The Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone fan hospitality, which includes a pre-race pit pass to see Friday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice from pit road, is a great way to experience all of the excitement at America’s Premier Short Track prior to the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

In addition to the appearances by Logano, Allgaier and Venturini, SPEED-TV personality Hermie Sadler and track president Doug Fritz will also participate in question and answer sessions in the Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone.

The Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone is available on Friday, September 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and includes:

• Pre-race pit pass (valid 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., time and weather permitting; guests must be 18 or older for pit road access on Friday; legs and shoulders must be covered and no open-toed shoes allowed).
• Appetizers from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• All-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Three (3) beer tickets for fans 21 years of age and older (with valid identification).
• Unlimited sodas and water.
• Question and answer sessions with Logano, Allgaier, Venturini, Sadler and Fritz.
• Live musical entertainment.
• Prizes and more!

The Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone is available for $65 only to ticket holders for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 race.  Fans must have a NASCAR Nationwide Series race ticket to purchase the Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone package. Richmond International Raceway is proud to offer a special price of just $10 for children 12 and under in the Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone. The children’s tickets do not include a pre-race pit pass or adult beverage tickets, and you must call 866-455-RACE (7223) to order children’s Party Zone tickets.

To purchase Scotts Turf Builder Party Zone passes, please log on to www.rir.com or call the Richmond International Raceway ticket office at 866-455-RACE (7223).

The Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond, September 10-11. Friday’s events for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 race “under the lights” include Fas Mart Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series and WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. Tickets start at $30 and children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult on Friday only.

Tickets are also on sale now for the Saturday, September 11 Air Guard 400–“One Last Race to Make The Chase”—NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, including a limited number of $40 seats, and can be purchased on www.rir.com or by calling 866-455-RACE (7223).


About Richmond International Raceway:
Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the new-for-2010 Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online. Find us on Facebook and follow us

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NASCAR Changes up Qualifying Procedures for Sunday’s Nationwide Race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

When you sit down Saturday to watch qualifying for Sunday’s Nationwide race from Circuit Gilles Villeneuve don’t be surprised if things look a little different. That’s right, instead of the traditional method of qualifying NASCAR has chosen to change things up a bit. Below are the rules:

• Cars attempting to quality will be divided into 8 groups. The first 6 groups will include 6 cars; the remaining groups will have 5 cars each.

• Group assignments will be based on first practice times.

• Each qualifying group will be on-track for approximately 7 minutes.

• A car’s best lap time during the group session will be the lap time of record.

• A group’s time begins when the first car receives the green flag at the start/finish line.

• Time will stop only in the event of a red flag. Time will begin again when the first car retakes the green flag.

• A car must qualify in its assigned group unless otherwise designated by the Series Director.

• Once a car enters pit road or service area it may not re-enter the qualifying group.

• A five-minute clock may be applied to a car that does not enter the qualifying group at the designated time.

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Jack Roush to Headline Appearances at Auto Club Speedway’s Ford Racing Party Zone (October 9-10)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (August 26, 2010) – NASCAR personality and team owner Jack Roush, who has lived a much talked about life both on the track and off, will make a special appearance in the Ford Racing Party Zone fan hospitality tent during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff race weekend at Auto Club Speedway, Oct. 9-10.  Don’t miss the chance to see this legend of NASCAR reflect about his life – past, present and future.

Joining Roush in the Ford Racing Party Zone on Sunday, Oct. 10, will be NSCS Ford Racing Team drivers Elliott Sadler, Greg Biffle and AJ Allmendinger.

On Saturday, Oct. 9 NNS Ford Racing Team drivers Colin Braun and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be in the Ford Racing Party Zone to talk about their racing experiences.

By simply upgrading a grandstand ticket, fans can take their NASCAR race weekend experience to the next level. The Ford Racing Party Zone fan hospitality tent comes complete with:

• NASCAR driver and celebrity appearances, including NASCAR team owner Jack Roush and Ford Racing drivers Elliott Sadler, Greg Biffle and AJ Allmendinger on Sunday, Oct. 10, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Colin Braun on Saturday, Oct. 9.  Visit www.autoclubspeedway.com/fordracingpartyzone for additional and up-to-date driver and celebrity appearances.
• Pre-Race Pit Pass, providing up close access to pre-race activities
• Breakfast and lunch
• 5 beverage tickets valid for Pepsi & Aquafina products, beer, wine and mixed drinks (must be 21 or older, with valid I.D., for alcoholic beverages). Beverage tickets only valid inside the Ford Racing Party Zone tent.
• Live entertainment
• Multiple closed circuit flat screen TV’s
• Commemorative Ford Racing gift
• Parking pass

Admission to the Ford Racing Party Zone requires a valid grandstand ticket, in addition to the Ford Racing Party Zone upgrade at an additional charge.  Upgrade options are:

• $85 per person for Saturday, Oct. 9
• $125 per person for Sunday, Oct. 10
• $175 per person for Saturday, Oct. 9 & Sunday, Oct. 10

Ford Racing Party Zone upgrades do not include a grandstand ticket(s).  Grandstand tickets must be purchased separately and start as low as $35.Race fans must act quickly, as the Ford Racing Party Zone fan hospitality tent offers limited seating.

To purchase tickets, visit us online at www.autoclubspeedway.com/fordracingpartyzone or by calling 800-944-RACE (7223).

About Auto Club Speedway
This October the playoffs go golden!  The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup roars into the Golden State and Southern California’s Auto Club Speedway.  Experience a weekend full of speed beginning with NASCAR Qualifying Day (Oct. 8), followed by the NNS CampingWorld.com 300 (Oct. 9) and culminating with Southern California’s “playoff” race – thePepsi 400 (Oct. 10).

Free parking, unbelievable menu items and a full weekend of entertainment, live music and fun await fans in the Speedway’s Opportunity, California FanZone.

Pepsi 400 tickets start at $35 and AAA members receive Show Your Card & Save discounts, including a special section with half-priced tickets for kids 12 and under.  And don’t forget children 12 and under can sign up for the FREE Auto Club Speedway Lefty’s Kids Club membership to receive FREE admission on Friday and Saturday.

For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com.

About Ford North America Motorsports
Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, Rally America and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.

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Let's Hear It for the Ladies

ARCA driver Alli Owens (Motorsports Images & Archives)

This weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, no less than nine female racers will be looking to make the field across four series of motorsports.

The IZOD IndyCar Series leads all series with five women entered for Saturday's Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300. Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick (who's also running part-time this season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series), rookies Simona De Silvestro and Ana Beatriz, and Milka Duno are in the 29-car field, which is the largest for any IndyCar race this season. The record number of women entered matches that for the Indianapolis 500 in May.

On Saturday it became official that all five women entered in the PEAK Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 will start the race, the most in the history of the IZOD IndyCar Series.
 
In the Firestone Indy Lights Series, which is the developmental series for IndyCar (similar to the Nationwide Series in NASCAR), Pippa Mann is the lone female behind the wheel in Saturday's Chicagoland 100, prior to the IndyCar race.

On the stockcar end, there are two women competing in NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series and one in the ARCA Racing Series.

Rookie of the Year contender Jennifer Jo Cobb and Billy Ballew Motorsports driver Johanna Long will be running in Friday's EnjoyIllinois.com 225 truck race. Cobb recently made history, becoming the highest-ranked woman in the Truck Series points standings, reaching 16th place after Darlington. Long, a Late Model champion in the Blizzard Series and Gulf Coast Series, will be making her third start in the series.

In ARCA, Venturini Motorsports driver and fan favorite Alli Owens will be the only woman in Friday's Ansell Protective Gloves 150 at Chicagoland. Owens was featured in Skirts and Scuffs' Women in Racing/NASCAR series earlier this year.

As any of these drivers will tell you, they are racers who happen to be female. They're in it to win it as much as the next driver, regardless of sex. But as the faces of motorsports become more diverse, it's nevertheless exciting to see more and more women making their presence known on the racetrack.

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The Race Week Began on Wednesday: My Bristol Experience (Part I)

The waning days of August mean that summer is almost over and that for many kids, school is just around the corner. However, for me, thousands of other residents of northeast Tennessee, and NASCAR fans, it means something totally different—race week at Bristol Motor Speedway. Every time I passed a motorhome on the highway, it made me realize just how much closer it was to being race day at Bristol.


Last August was the first time I had ever gone to a Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol, and after the exciting time I had then, I couldn’t wait to see what last week’s race would bring. This year, I was fortunate enough to have my best friend Jordan join me. She is fairly new to being a NASCAR fan and had never been to Bristol, despite the fact she has lived in east Tennessee for quite some time now. Recalling my past experiences at Bristol, I knew this year’s race week would be one I would never forget. When I fired up my car’s engine and headed for Bristol on Wednesday morning for what would be the first of a three day racing schedule, I never could have imagined just what would happen this time around.

The race week kicked off on Wednesday. Bristol is the only track that hosts a race in the middle of the week, and I must say, there is always a sizeable crowd for the race. Gates opened around 9:00a.m. Jordan and I arrived around 10:00a.m. Being a Twitter user, I have spoken frequently to Ben Trout, who runs Bristol Motor Speedway’s Twitter page (@BMSupdates), and I had told him late Tuesday night that I would stop by the Fan Relations office in the Bruton Smith building to meet him after getting my Truck and Cup tickets. Ben greeted me with a smile and said he was glad to finally meet me. He called me Bristol’s “All-Star Twitter follower”, which made me smile. I wasn't sure who was the most excited about meeting the other, but I was glad I had finally gotten the chance to meet him. We talked for a few minutes, and then he did something totally unexpected. He handed me a parking pass to park right next to the speedway for that day. After talking to Ben for a few more minutes, Jordan and I headed inside the track to watch the practices and qualifying sessions scheduled for that day.

The track’s infield was redone following the Cup race in March, and with the new layout, almost every seat in the stands is like a pit pass. Fans can look right into the haulers and watch the teams prepare for the race. The renovations even made the infield seem bigger, and I must say Bristol did an incredible job on it!

Rain fell in the early hours on Wednesday, prompting some of the fans, myself included, to break out the ponchos while sitting in the stands during Truck practice. While the weather looked like it would ruin any plans for the races to be run that evening, the rain stopped falling, but the skies remained gray. The rain only caused one delay the entire day—a short pause in Truck practice. All the Truck drivers managed to keep it under control in practice, with none of them spinning out. The only incident (that I can recall) was when Austin Dillon hit the barrels at the pit road entrance off of turn 2.

During Truck qualifying later that afternoon, Kyle Busch won the pole, but James Buescher came ever so close to taking that top spot. And to be honest, I was hoping Buescher would. I was on my feet when Buescher ran his laps, willing that No. 31 truck to find that extra speed needed to knock Busch off the pole.

However, Wednesday wasn’t just a day for the Truck drivers to be on the track. This year would mark the second year the Whelen Modified drivers would race at Bristol. I attended the race last year, and it was some of the best racing I had ever seen at the half-mile speedway. This year, it was no different. A rookie, Justin Bonsignore, would claim the pole for the UNOH Perfect Storm 150. There is never a dull moment during a Whelen race. Those guys will race each other as if every lap is the last one. They aren’t afraid to beat and bang to gain track position. Those guys truly lay it all on the line. As the laps wound down, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Ryan Newman suddenly became a factor for the win after hanging out inside the top five almost all of the race. He took the lead, but the battle for the lead would come down to the last lap. The driver in the 2nd position had a run going, but had to chase his car up the hill in turn 2, losing all the momentum that would have carried him past Newman on the final lap. Newman took the checkered flag, much to the surprise of many people.

Then came the big race of the night--the O’Reilly 200. It’s no secret that most Bristol fans despise Kyle Busch, so when it appeared on the giant TV screen atop the scoring pylon that Busch would go to the rear of the field due to an engine change, cheers erupted from the stands. However, I knew Busch wouldn’t stay in the back for long, which prompted me to yell out, “I don’t know why you’re cheering for, people. Busch will be back at the front before the race even reaches halfway!” Being a Kyle Busch fan, I couldn’t wait to see my words ring true. The green flag dropped, and I was on my feet for the first few laps as drivers jockeyed for position. I couldn’t help but smile as Busch made his way through the field. Then came the moment when he got into Jennifer Jo Cobb and spun her out. The incident unfolded right in front of where I was sitting. I like Cobb, and was upset Busch wrecked her, but I knew it would be classified as “One of them racing deals.” Since she didn’t make any contact with the wall, I thought Cobb would be able to rebound. At least, that’s what I thought until she spun out in turn 3 and got hit by Buescher later on. It scared me because of how hard Buescher hit Cobb, but thankfully both drivers were okay. With about 15 laps remaining, Cobb returned to the track to finish the race. As she drove down pit road, I cheered for her. Her team did an amazing job to get her back out, even if there were only a handful of laps remaining. Throughout the race, the caution flag seemed to wave after almost every restart, and the race came down to a green-white-checkered finish. For the final restart it would be Kyle Busch and Aric Almirola in the top two spots. I was anxious to see how hard Almirola would race Busch, but in the end, it didn’t make any difference. Busch brought home the win, for the second consecutive year.

Even though there was no on-track action on Thursday, there were still plenty of things for fans to do near the track. In downtown Bristol, on State Street, the speedway hosted its Food City Race Night. It gave fans the chance to meet some of the drivers and just have a great time. At 9:00p.m., it was time for the Cup hauler parade. Fans lined the street as the drivers’ haulers make their way to the speedway. A little known fact is that there is one open gate at the track were fans can enter the stands and watch the haulers being parked in the infield. Sadly, I did not attend any of the goings-on Thursday. I really wanted to, but I was sick all day. Thankfully, I was 100% better by Friday morning. I returned to the track early Friday, with no clue as to just how awesome that day would be.

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Check in tomorrow for ‘The Race Week Got Better on Friday: My Bristol Experience (Part II)’. I’ll share with you about meeting my favorite Cup driver’s spotter, meeting my 2nd favorite Cup driver, just how funny things can get when a praying mantis joins the fans in the stands, and more!

Photos courtesy Whitney's personal collection.

Photo 1: Shot of the outside of elevator tower 9.

Photo 2: Shot of Truck teams working during practice.

Photo 3: Ryan Newman celebrates his win in the UNOH Perfect Storm 150

Photo 4: Kyle Busch in Victory Lane following the O'Reilly 200.

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