Hendrick Motorsports announces changes for 2011

Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

Junior Nation has been waiting a long time to hear this: Lance McGrew and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are parting ways.

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010, Hendrick Motorsports announced the changes made for next season. Crew chiefs are being shuffled around as are garages. Although Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team have won a lot of races as well as their five Sprint Cup championships, the rest of his teammates have not won a single race this past season. Rick Hendrick, owner of the Hendrick Motorsports team and 10-time owners' champion, spoke with reporters on a telephone conference Wednesday morning. He mentioned that the idea to make the following changes started after the Texas race.

Steve Letarte will now be Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief and the #88 team will now be working with team #48’s garage. The seven-time winner of the Most Popular Driver award, Earnhardt Jr. hasn't won a race in two seasons nor has he made the Chase these past two years. He finished the 2010 season 21st in points.

Personally, I believe this will be a positive change for Earnhardt Jr. He does not need a nanny (as Terry Blount, senior writer for ESPN.com mentioned in his article) but Letarte’s optimistic personality along with Earnhardt’s boyish charm and humor will be a good mix, and Earnhardt Jr. will be in very strong hands. Both Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. are people persons, and Letarte's biggest strength is helping his driver find their confidence again.

Letarte told reporters that he is excited and proud to take on the task; you can see his comment in a video as well as his introductory video which can be found here.

Earnhardt Jr. also issued a statement on his website, DaleJr.com:

"Rick Hendrick is someone I trust wholeheartedly, and any decision he makes inside or outside his organization is something I support. He is a 10-time champion owner, and that speaks directly to his ability to lead. I am committed to give Steve Letarte and the new team 100% of my effort. I spoke with Steve last night, and his enthusiasm really pumped me up to the point I wish we were going to the track this weekend. I really enjoyed working with Lance (McGrew), and I want to thank him and everyone on that team for their hard work. I've had a lot of fun with that group, and we'll continue working together to make all the Hendrick Motorsports teams better."

Todd Warsaw / Getty Images for NASCAR

The #24 team will now be sharing a garage with the #5 team. Jeff Gordon parts ways with Letarte, but Alan Gustafson is now his crew chief. This will be Gordon’s sixth crew chief since the start of his career. Gustafson’s professional manner, engineer intelligence and positive reputation will blend well with Gordon, and Gordon will benefit by sharing a a garage with team #5 and Mark Martin.

Mark Martin will be paired with Lance McGrew. After a successful year in 2009 and a second-place points finish, Martin's 2010 season didn't go nearly as well - he finished 13th in points. Both McGrew and Martin have a professional business mindset, so the pairing could work in their favor.

Five-time Cup champion Johnson will not part ways with crew chief Chad Knaus in 2011. The two have worked well together, winning 53 races since they were paired in 2002, including six victories in 2010.

Sure, the garage will be different but not much: Letarte and Knaus are still working together as will McGrew and Gustafson. The point is to keep Team Hendrick in contention for a championship - not only for Johnson to win, but for his teammates to contend and win as well. It is clear that the Joe Gibbs Racing team has young, talented drivers in the #11, #18 and #20 cars. To stay competitive, Hendrick must make the necessary changes to keep his teams in the running.

In a statement posted on the Hendrick Motorsports website, Hendrick said:


"This will improve us as an organization, across the board. We had a championship season (in 2010), but we weren't where we wanted and needed to be with all four teams. We've made the right adjustments, and I'm excited to go racing with this lineup."

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Jeff vs. Jeff - is it really over?

After last weekend’s AAA Texas 500, all eyes have been watching Jeff Burton and Jeff Gordon. After a wreck took both out of contention on lap 191, the two were involved in an altercation. Gordon, evidently displeased, had approached Burton and shoved him. Burton flew right back at him and got a couple punches thrown before officials stepped in to separate them.

The question everyone is asking this week is how will this affect the way they race on Sunday? Was the feud a one-race deal or will the emotions somehow carry over into this week?

Jeff Gordon says the two have talked it out.

"It went good. I'm never going to agree with what went on at Texas. And we had a good conversation and like I said on Sunday, I have a lot of respect for Jeff and always have and I may have lost some for him but I still really respect him for what he brings to the sport and what kind of race car driver he is,” said Gordon. "And I feel like we were able to laugh about it and now we can just start focusing on Phoenix and move on."

They seem to have patched things up but it has been clear in the past that these things can often be carried over. Burton doesn’t think so, however.

"I feel like it's over. Like I said earlier, it's a chance for me to learn, a chance for both of us to learn. You know, I took the brunt of the responsibility, and I'll continue to do that,” Burton replied when asked if he felt the incident between himself and Gordon was really over.

While it seems clear that both parties have moved on, the question still looms, is this kind of passion good for NASCAR? This is where they differ in opinion.

"I think what the fans want is they want to see the passion. They want to see how much it means to us out there. And when something like that happens and you show that, I think they get fired up about it,” Gordon stated.

"Yeah, they want to see some controversy in a scuffle like that. But they want to really try to sense what it's like to go through a situation like that. And when you show your emotions in that way, which from time to time I think are very good, you get those types of reactions and it draws a lot of attention and I don't think that's a bad thing."

Burton’s opinion on whether it was good for the sport was very different.

“You know the whole debate about what's good for NASCAR, what's not good for NASCAR, I don't know. I know the fans on the back straightaway thought it was cool. I could hear that, but I'm torn between what's good for NASCAR and what's not good for NASCAR.”

Conscience may have something to do with it. He went on to say, "I try to conduct myself in a way that will make me and my team and my kids proud of me,even when things aren't good, and you can certainly cross a line. I come to the race to race. I don't come to the race to be a part of the show.”

As to whether or not it really is over, that is to be decided.

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Jeff Gordon to 'Drive to End Hunger' beginning in 2011

Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

AARP Foundation's Drive To End Hunger will serve as the No. 24's primary sponsor for 22 races annually from 2011 to 2013
 
CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 27, 2010) – Hendrick Motorsports and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon have teamed with AARP and AARP Foundation on the Drive To End Hunger, an unprecedented three-year initiative to address the growing problem of hunger among older Americans, including 6 million over the age of 60.

Drive to End Hunger will be the majority sponsor of Gordon's No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team in 2011, 2012 and 2013, with primary paint schemes in 22 Sprint Cup races annually. The No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, which will be unveiled at a later date, will race in the next three Daytona 500 events.

Since 1992 DuPont has served as the main sponsor of the No. 24, but the company is planning to cut back its investment in 2011. DuPont and Pepsi will return as primary sponsors for select races.

The deal marks the first time a nonprofit has signed on for a primary sponsorship in NASCAR. AARP Foundation President Jo Ann Jenkins said the foundation is planning to find corporate co-sponsors to share the car for all its races.

"This is a truly unique opportunity to help people, and it's a completely new, cause-driven approach to sponsorship," said Gordon, 39, winner of 82 career Sprint Cup races. "Every single day, millions of older Americans are forced to make a choice between food, medicine and utilities. It's going to be a team effort, and it's not going to be easy, but we can solve this problem."

With Gordon as its spokesperson, Drive to End Hunger will help the millions of older Americans who are facing hunger across the United States. The effort will engage the NASCAR fan base, corporations and charitable organizations via a text-to-donate program; activation at racetracks across the country; further research on the causes and consequences of hunger in older Americans; and an innovative national grant program that will provide resources to address the problem at a local level.

Donations from Drive to End Hunger will benefit the hunger programs of AARP Foundation.

"Hunger is a hidden problem that millions of older Americans are battling silently. In fact, between 2006 and 2008, the percentage of seniors struggling with hunger more than doubled," said Jenkins. "NASCAR fans are among the most charitable, community-minded sports fans in the country, and they have a track record of commitment. With the help of Jeff and the Hendrick team, we will make the most of this unprecedented opportunity to end the struggle that so many older Americans have with hunger."

Drive to End Hunger will build on the hunger initiative launched earlier this year by AARP Foundation, including volunteer-led food drives, individual and corporate fundraising campaigns, and online hunger resources at www.aarp.org/hunger.

"It's exciting to see a new organization engage with our sport and our fans through such an innovative approach," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "Having seen firsthand what the NASCAR community is capable of accomplishing, I know the program will help a lot of people in our country who desperately need it. Success ultimately will be measured by how many lives we can impact, and that's a truly unique and special opportunity for everyone involved."

For more information, please visit www.DriveToEndHunger.org.

To see what Jeff Gordon has to say about the new initiative, read his blog here.


- Release courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports

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Sprint Cup Pole Report: Gordon on Pole for Bank of America 500

Charlotte Motor Speedway better known as Johnson’s house has a new master, his name Jeff Gordon!   With a lap of 28.192 (191.544 mph.), the driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet took the keys for this race at least.   Just behind Gordon on the grid is Carl Edwards only -0.013 behind in the No, 99 Aflac Ford Fusion, who will we see in the Victory Lane though is the big question.  Will it be another new Chaser, will it be one of the four who won the first four races, or will it be a non-Chaser?  Only time will tell.

This weekend is homecoming for the NASCAR world, this is when the people who work on the cars, work in the different garages get to come out to see a race and realize what they are doing really does effect the team, even if they do not travel to every race. Do you want to see all the racing action on television if not in Charlotte? 

Check out Skirts and Scuffs for a full rundown of television coverage.  The NSCS Countdown starts at 7 p.m. on ABC with the race coverage starting at 7:30 green flag at 7:46 p.m. all EST.  Enjoy the race!

1. Jeff Gordon
2. Carl Edwards
3. A,J, Allmendinger
4. Mark Martin
5. Paul Menard
6. Kyle Busch
7. Reed Sorensen
8. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
9. Elliott Sadler
10. Jimmie Johnson
11. Ryan Newman
12. Joey Logano
13. Martin Truex, Jr,
14. Marcos Ambrose
15. Kurt Busch
16. David Reutimann
17. Matt Kenseth
18. Jeff Burton
19. Sam Hornish, Jr.
20. Clint Bowyer
21. Scott Speed
22. Greg Biffle
23. Denny Hamlin
24. Kevin Harvick
25. Kasey Kahne
26. David Ragan
27. Jamie McMurray
28. Landon Cassill
29. Tony Stewart
30. Bobby Labonte
31. Brad Keselowski
32. Regan Smith
33. Michael McDowell
34. Juan Pablo Montoya
35. Patrick Carpentier
36. David Gilliland
37. Bill Elliott
38. Andy Lally
39. Robby Gordon
40. J.J, Yeley
41. Dave Blaney
42. Travis Kvapil
43. Jeff Green

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Gordon Welcomes Son

Congratulations are in order for four time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jeff Gordon and his wife Ingrid Vandebosch. Jeff and Ingrid welcomed their second child, a son, into the world on Monday. Leo Benjamin Gordon was born at 8:35 am and weighed in at 7lbs. 2oz.

Skirts and Scuffs would like to congratulate Gordon and Vandebosch on the birth of their son.

To send your personal congratulations to the couple check out www.jeffgordon.com.

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Through fan vote, Jimmie Johnson's idea wins $100,000 grant for Be the Match Foundation

PURCHASE, N.Y. (June 25, 2010) -- After three weeks of intense campaigning and more than 500,000 votes, racing fans have let their voice be heard – Jimmie Johnson's idea to provide financial relief to pediatric bone marrow transplant patients as part of Be The Match Foundation has taken the checkered flag and will receive a $100,000 grant as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.


"I'm thrilled that $100,000 will be going to Be The Match Foundation," said Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet. "This Pepsi Refresh grant will help kids and their families with the overwhelming costs that come with a bone marrow transplant. I'd like to thank everyone who voted -- the support that all of us have seen has been incredible."

The drivers' passion for their individual ideas was evident and although they didn't receive the most votes, Pepsi will donate a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant to each Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to aid in implementing their projects.

In addition to the $25,000 grant, Gordon announced he will make up the difference himself through a donation to the new Child Life Program at The Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital. The purpose of the program is to help physically and sexually abused youth.

"Because I truly believe in this worthwhile project, I am personally contributing $75,000 so we can do everything possible to help these innocent children," Gordon said.

The Pepsi Refresh Project is a groundbreaking effort to foster innovation in social good that will award more than $20 million this year to fund great ideas that help impact the world. Throughout 2010, Pepsi will fund ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project, which launched Jan. 13, features significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. People are encouraged to submit their ideas and to cast a vote for their favorite ideas at www.refresheverything.com.

Press releases courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports, JeffGordon.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASCAR MEDIA

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The Lugnut Report: Jeff Gordon Nearly Wins, but Finishes Third

When you come to Martinsville you think of two drivers, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. Gordon leads the field in active drivers with the most wins with seven. He has not won at Martinsville since 2005, but was looking to end that streak on the rain postponed event, Monday.

Gordon had a fast car all weekend long. They were going with a different setup than they had used at Martinsville in the past.

With rain affecting the qualifying on Friday, Gordon was to start 11th on Monday.

Gordon quickly made his way to the front. On lap 59, Gordon took the lead and pulled away from second place. His car was handling good but he cautioned the track conditions will be changing.

The team made some adjustments on the car but it hurt the handling of the car. The outside lane was not the lane to be in on the restarts. Repeatedly, Gordon was on the outside lane and ended up losing positions on the restarts.

They were getting it done on pit road for Gordon on every stop. Crew chief Steve LeTarte, was making solid adjustments on the car. That being said the team still struggled on the long runs, something that we see often at Martinsville.

Gordon was running fourth when Jeff Burton cut a tire with less than 20 laps to go. When leader Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch pitted, Gordon inherited the win with just ten laps to go.

Gordon was pulling away on the restart but a caution for Busch with the field just coming to take the white flag. They were going to a green, white checker finish.

On the restart Gordon had the lead but got hit from behind from Kenseth, sending him up the track. Kenseth and Gordon banged off each other meanwhile Hamlin took the lead with Joey Logano sliding behind him.

Gordon finished in third and Hamlin took the win. Gordon was upset with how Kenseth raced him on the restart.

Gordon and LeTarte both have said they are being aggressive this season, no more settling for top five finishes. I think early on this season we have saw that, both on the track and on pit road.

Gordon now heads to Phoenix, where he has only one win but expect to see the same strategy we saw this week.

With his top five finish at Martinsville he moved up to seventh in the standings.

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Race Fans Treated to Special Q&A in Turn 11 with Jeff Gordon in Sonoma

(March 22, 2010) Vallejo native Jeff Gordon, who holds the track record for wins at Infineon Raceway, will be front-and-center for race fans on Sunday, June 20 (Father's Day), with a special chalk-talk session just hours before the drop of the green flag for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Race fans can secure preferred access for this special Q&A by purchasing the "24 Special" ticket package, which gets you one ticket to the race at the regular price, plus a second for just $24 (total price, $119). That's a savings of $70.


"I enjoyed this question and answer session with the fans last year, and I'm looking forward to it again this summer," said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet and five-time winner in Sonoma. "We had a great turnout in 2009 - a turnout I hope we exceed this year."

The chalk-talk session will be open to the public, but to get preferred access, you'll need the "24 Special." The Q&A will take place on the road course at Turn 11, one of the most exciting turns on the circuit.

"Last year's event left no doubt that Sonoma is Jeff Gordon country," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. "The turnout was phenomenal and Jeff makes such a terrific connection with the fans.  We're very grateful he's decided to join us for another session this year."

The raceway has also teamed with the Courtyard by Marriott, Vallejo - Napa Valley on the "24 Special." The property is offering discounted hotel room rates for those who purchase the "24 Special." Call 800-228-9290 and ask for promotional code SPE, or visit www.marriott.com/sfovl and enter SPE in the Corporate or Promotional Code box under the Special Rates & Awards heading.

Race fans can purchase the "24 Special" by calling 800-870-RACE, infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend is scheduled for June 18-20.

Release via Infineon Raceway

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Title Count: Which NASCAR Star Will Complete The Drive For Five?

In 2001 when Jeff Gordon won his last championship, fans and the media began the mantra “Drive for Five”.

For years, Gordon’s fans spent the beginning of the season chanting the famous battle cry; hoping, praying, and wishing for their favorite driver to win the elusive fifth title.

That was until Jimmie Johnson came along and has gone on to win four championships in a row. Now Johnson fans are claiming their driver will complete the drive for five first.

Since then, Gordon has finished ahead of Johnson just once, in 2002.

“It’s a bittersweet thing because as an (owner), I’m proud of what the team has accomplished,” he says of the No. 48 team’s sustained success. “As a driver, we won the championship in ’01 when they ran their first race. (In) ’02, I finished ahead of Johnson in points.”

Gordon, who is listed as the co-owner on the No. 48, knows what the critics say and think but he also knows what his team is capable of.

Johnson, meanwhile, has won a historic four championships in a row and is showing no signs of slowing down.

All good things will come to an end. 2010 will and could be Johnson’s toughest challenge. Not only is he is going for five in a row, but the competition is the best this sport has ever seen.

In the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, the drive for five will officially begin on Sunday afternoon. Both Gordon and Johnson are hoping that another driver does not spoil their title runs.

In the Camping World Truck Series, there is another drive for five to be paying attention to.

Ron Hornaday is heading into Daytona as the defending series champion. He returns to the track on Friday night as the series champion.

After a dominating performance in 2009 that saw him win five races in a row and lead the series for most of the 2009 campaign, Hornaday is ready to defend his crown and continue to make history in the CWTS. Like Gordon and Johnson, Hornaday’s competition is just as tough.

All three of them are Hall of Fame drivers. All three of them are hoping one of them can complete the drive for five.

For Gordon, it’s the elusive title in what is a Hall of Fame career. For Johnson, it’s continuing his dominating run and rewriting the history books.

For Hornaday, it is continuing to set the bar in the CWTS higher and higher.

The best of NASCAR all battling for one title; the first to complete the “drive for five."

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