Carl Edwards dominates at Phoenix

What would have turned into a two-year losing streak for Carl Edwards ended on Sunday when he brought home the victory at the Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Photo courtesy of Genna Short

While Edwards didn’t dominate the race, he did dominate the weekend. He started by winning the pole and setting a new track record of 136.389 miles an hour, snatching the spot from Kurt Busch, who was the first to break the six-year record.

A win on Saturday afternoon’s Wypall 200 added another award to Carl's growing award collection.

Edwards completed the weekend by taking the victory on Sunday afternoon.

The 99 car led the field to the green and had no problem holding his lead for the first six laps. Kurt Busch snatched the lead away from him by lap seven and the two chased each other back and forth until Denny Hamlin took the lead under green on lap 66.

The 11 car dominated the race, losing the lead during a caution but quickly gaining it back after the lap 105 restart. Hamlin had, at one point, opened up a 5.4 second lead over Jimmie Johnson and clinched the most laps led by lap 217, earning five crucial bonus points.

The final lead change for the win took place on lap 266. Hamlin was low on fuel and eventually had to pit for fuel on lap 298, just 14 laps short of the finish. He muscled his way from 19th back up to a respectable 13th place finish by the end of the race.

In the end, Denny Hamlin’s race dominance came to nothing but a top 15 finish, leaving him just 15 points ahead of Jimmie Johnson.

Meanwhile, Carl Edwards had his first taste of victory in the Sprint Cup series, breaking a winless streak which fell just one race short of two full seasons.

“It was a great day for us. The race started, I felt like we had the best car. Then here comes Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson. Really I think their cars were better in the middle part of the race. Bob (Osborne) made really good adjustments. The track came to us a little bit. “

Read More

No. 24 and No. 48 teams to swap pit crews for remainder of 2010

The pit crew swap between the No. 24 and No. 48 teams during Sunday's AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway will stay in effect for the remainder of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports announced today.

According to a team release, the two teams will trade pit crews for the last two races of the 2010 Sprint Cup season. The release offered few details, but it did specify that the change is limited to the seven primary over-the-wall members of the respective pit crews. The roles of additional team personnel will not be affected.

Hendrick Motorsports will hold a press conference Tuesday at 10 a.m. with crew chiefs Chad Knaus and Steve Letarte to address the swap.

Read More

Roush released from hospital

Jack Roush was released Wednesday from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he spent two weeks recuperating from injuries suffered in a plane crash last month, team officials said in a release.

It is not known when Roush, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing and chairman of Roush Performance, will return to the track, according to the statement.

“I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and concern I have received the past two weeks,” Roush said in the release. “Our teams and drivers have not missed a beat in my absence, and I am proud of the effort they have put forth. I look forward to rejoining them at the track soon.”

Roush underwent surgery for facial lacerations he sustained July 27, when the plane he was piloting crashed upon landing in Oshkosh, Wis. Roush was able to walk away from the crash, but photos from the scene showed him with a bloodied face.

The crash was the second for Roush in the last eight years. In 2002, Roush crashed a plane into an Alabama lake and nearly drowned before a former Marine who lived nearby came to his rescue.

The once highly visible team owner has been missed at the track. For the past two race weekends, all of the Sprint Cup and Nationwide cars in the Roush Fenway Racing stable were fitted with decals that said, "Get back to the track, Jack!"

The decals are still available for purchase to the general public, according to Roush Fenway Racing's Facebook page. Cost is $5 plus tax. All proceeds will go to Speedway Children's Charities in Roush's name. To order, call 704-720-4350.

____________
Photo: Jason Smith/Getty Images

Read More

Roush upgraded to fair condition after plane crash

Roush Fenway Racing co-owner Jack Roush was upgraded to fair condition Sunday night at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., according to a release from Roush Fenway Racing.

Roush was in a plane accident last week at Wittman Air Field in Oshkosh, Wis. He was able to walk away from the crash, but suffered facial injuries and underwent surgery last Tuesday. Roush continues to receive treatment at the hospital for his injuries. No timetable has been set for his release.

The team owner was on the minds of many this weekend at Pocono Raceway and Iowa Speedway. When Greg Biffle captured the checkered flag in the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono, the driver of the No. 16 3M Ford said, “This one’s for Jack." All of the organization's Sprint Cup and Nationwide cars were fitted with decals that said, "Get back to the track, Jack!" The Roush Fenway entries will run the decals again during the upcoming races at Watkins Glen, according to the team's Facebook page.

The decals will be available for purchase from Roush Fenway Racing starting Tuesday, Aug. 3. Cost is $5 plus tax. All proceeds will go to Speedway Children's Charities in Roush's name. To order, call 704-720-4350.

Fans who would like to send get-well cards can address them to Jack Roush’s attention at Roush Fenway Racing, 4600 Roush Place, Concord, NC 28027.

Updates on Roush's condition will be posted at www.RoushFenway.com and www.ROUSHperformance.com as they become available.

Read More

Jimmie, Chandra Johnson Welcome Baby Girl into the World

UPDATE: Jimmie and Chandra announced on Sunday that their daughter will be named Genevieve Marie

It appears congratulations are in order for NASCAR’s four time and defending champion Jimmie Johnson and wife Chandra. Earlier today (July 7, 2010,) Chandra gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Both mother and daughter are doing well.

No other details have been announced yet, so check back right here at Skirts and Scuffs for the latest on the newest addition to the Johnson family!

--
Photo courtesy of NASCAR Media

Read More

Johnson, Busch, Hornaday nominated for ESPYS

Three NASCAR drivers will bring the competition from the track to the 2010 ESPYS as they square off against one another in the Best Driver category, with one vying for the elite honor of Best Male Athlete.

The winners of these and other categories will be announced at the 18th annual performance sports awards ceremony in Los Angeles on July 14.

Four-time consecutive Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson received a pair of nods for Best Male Athlete and Best Driver. In the latter category, Johnson is a back-to-back winner, looking for his third straight win. But Johnson faces competition this year from reigning Nationwide Series champion Kyle Busch and four-time Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday. The trio of stockcar drivers will compete against two-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion and former NASCAR driver Dario Franchitti and six-time NHRA champion Tony Schumacher.

In the Best Male Athlete category, Johnson, a repeat nominee, is up against Drew Brees, Super Bowl-winning quarterback of the New Orleans Saints; basketball players Kobe Bryant of the L.A. Lakers and LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers; and baseball player Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Voting for the 2010 ESPYS started today, June 24, and will continue through July 10. Fans can vote by logging onto espn.go.com/espys/#/home or on the awards' Facebook page.

The 2010 ESPYS will be televised live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 14, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Seth Meyers from "Saturday Night Live" will host.

PHOTOS FROM NASCAR MEDIA

Read More

Bobby Labonte secures race deals with Robby Gordon Motorsports, Phoenix Racing

Bobby Labonte cut ties with TRG Motorsports on Wednesday and will pilot Sprint Cup rides for Robby Gordon Motorsports this weekend at New Hampshire and then Phoenix Racing at Daytona and Chicagoland.

Labonte has driven the No. 71 Chevrolet for TRG Motorsports since November 2009. But the 2000 Sprint Cup champion never finished higher than 21st in 16 starts this year.



Labonte had to start and park in three of the last five races because the team, in its second year of Sprint Cup competition, was unable to secure the sponsorship to run the full length of all races this season, according to a report in Scene Daily.

The story quotes Labonte as saying he did not "want to do the start-and-park thing.”

"I felt like I needed to find different opportunities that were going to allow me to race,” Labonte said.

Labonte believes he has found that with Robby Gordon Motorsports and Phoenix Racing. For the next three Sprint Cup events, both teams plan to run the entire race with Labonte in the driver's seat.

On Sunday, Labonte will helm the No. 7 Toyota in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire in a one-race deal for Robby Gordon Motorsports.

"When we found out that Bobby was available to drive for us, we jumped at it," said team owner Robby Gordon in a press release. "To have a past champion driving your car is a good opportunity. I think we can learn from him this weekend and it will help our program moving forward."

Robby Gordon Motorsports finished second in last weekend's race at Infineon. Labonte hopes to keep up the momentum this weekend.

"We're going to New Hampshire with the goal of having another solid run for his team. ... I'm just thankful for the opportunity and hope to get another solid finish for his team," Labonte said in the release.

Labonte will team with Phoenix Racing in the No. 09 Chevrolet for two events, the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona on July 3 and the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland on July 10. The deal will allow Labonte to run the full race when he makes his 600th career start at Daytona.

"It's good to know that we'll have a past champion in our car for these two races," team owner James Finch said in a prepared statement. "I've known Bobby for a while and he always works hard behind the wheel. This is a good opportunity for us to race for a win."

Phoenix Racing continues to look for sponsorship for both events. The team plans to have Labonte run more races if it can secure funding.

Labonte has 21 victories in 598 Sprint Cup starts. He currently sits 31st in driver points.

PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA

Read More

Storylines surrounding the Sprint All-Star Weekend

This weekend is a favorite among fans and drivers, alike, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

A double-dip of sorts is set for Saturday night. The night kicks off with the Sprint Showdown, a final chance for drivers not already locked into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race to make the show.

That’s followed by the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, a best-of-the-best showcase with heaps of prestige – and a cool million bucks – going to the winner.

The racing weekend begins on Friday and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, though, with the running of the North Carolina Education Lottery 200. 

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES STORYLINES

The Stars Align, and Shine
There are no points to be had, and no reason to settle for anything but first.

The annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, paying a million dollars to the winner, is a showcase for only the best. To be eligible, a driver must have won at least one race in 2009 or 2010, have won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race within the last 10 years, or have been a past series champion within the last 10 years.

There are four segments in the race. The first is 50 laps, second and third are 20 laps, and the fourth is 10 laps, with only green-flag laps counting in the final segment. There will be a mandatory four-tire pit stop prior to the fourth segment. The order the cars exit pit road will be the order in which they start the final segment.

Tony Stewart won the event last year. It was his first trip to Victory Lane as a driver-owner with his then-new team Stewart-Haas Racing.

The Sprint Showdown: One Last Chance
Not locked in? Then there are two options. Either win the Sprint Fan Vote, or finish in the top two in the Sprint Showdown.

This year’s Sprint Showdown is filled with some huge names, which should make for a wild event: Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr., Carl Edwards, among others.

Sam Hornish Jr. and Jamie McMurray nabbed the two transfer spots last season. McMurray avoids the nerve-wracking race this season, thanks to his wins at Talladega last season, and his Daytona 500 victory this year.

Pit Crew Challenge: All About the Team
On Wednesday night at the Time Warner Cable Arena, the team aspect of NASCAR will be center stage.

The contest will match pit crew teams against each other in events testing the skills of the front and rear tire changer and carrier, the gasman, the jack man, all culminating in a 40-yard car push by the entire crew.

Teamwork, as is the case during ever NASCAR event, is an absolute must for success.

Jeff Burton No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team won the event last season.

NASCAR Day: Get Your Pin On
On Friday, May 21, NASCAR celebrates NASCAR Day. NASCAR Day is a charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. NASCAR Day encourages fans to make a $5 donation for a collectible lapel pin which in turn will support programs that help children live happier, healthier lives. Fans can also volunteer at a number of NASCAR Day service projects across the country. Since it began in 2004, NASCAR Day has raised nearly $8 million for charity. For more information visit www.NASCAR.COM/NASCARDay.

The Starting Five: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony set for Sunday
The long wait is over. On Sunday, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which officially opened last Tuesday, will induct its first five members.

Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr. make up the inaugural class.

TEXT AND PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA

Read More

Yeley to replace Cook at Darlington

Terry Cook is out. J.J. Yeley is in.

Yeley, a former USAC champion who has competed in all three of NASCAR's top-tier series, will attempt to race his way into Saturday’s Southern 500 Sprint Cup event at Darlington Raceway in the No. 46 Dodge for Whitney Motorsports, the team announced this week. According to his website, Yeley will pilot the No. 46 for two races, Darlington and possibly Charlotte, with the potential for more dates to be added.

Yeley replaces Terry Cook, a contender for the Raybestos Rookie of the Year who qualified the No. 46 entry for just three of the first 10 races of the 2010 season.

On his Facebook page Sunday night, Cook announced he "is no longer with Whitney Motorsports effective immediately. Terry, who has been serving as Team Manager/Driver, was uncomfortable with the direction that the team was heading towards and opted to leave the team."

Cook finished 37th at Bristol, 34th at Phoenix and 39th at Richmond.

“We are committed to the Sprint Cup Series," team owner Dusty Whitney said in a prepared statement. "I am also committed to making whatever changes needed to improve the team, whether it’s equipment, personnel, or anything else that is needed.”

Yeley returns to Sprint Cup competition after breaking three vertebrae in an open wheel wreck last August. In February he competed in the Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona, finishing in the 10th spot.

His last attempt at a Sprint Cup race was nearly a year ago, when he failed to qualify Jeremy Mayfield's No. 41 Toyota at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Yeley expressed his excitement about his Cup return on Twitter. "I just had a great call. It looks like I will be driving the # 46 cup car starting at Darlington starting this weekend," he tweeted Monday.

He elaborated in a team press release. “They’ve asked me to come in and help evaluate their equipment and hopefully I can give them some good feedback and we can make some races and show some of the potential sponsors they’re talking to that Whitney Motorsports is here to stay and we’re doing everything we can to build it into a competitive team that’s here for the long run," he said.

Yeley, who has driven for Joe Gibbs Racing and Hall of Fame Racing, has two top-5 and seven top-10 finishes in 95 career Sprint Cup Series starts. His best career finish was second at Charlotte in May 2007. In the Nationwide Series, he has 13 top 5s and 39 top 10s in 118 starts.

He won the trifecta of USAC championships, Silver Crown, Sprint Car and Midget, in 2003.

PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA

Read More

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Drive No. 3 Wrangler Chevy in July NNS Race at Daytona

WELCOME, N.C. (April 29, 2010) – Through a joint effort between Richard Childress Racing, JR Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and Wrangler®, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will pay tribute to his father’s upcoming induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame by driving the No. 3 Wrangler® Chevrolet Impala in the July 2 Subway Jalapeno 250 powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

The announcement and car unveiling was made today at JR Motorsports and to the fans at Dale Earnhardt Inc., both in Mooresville, N.C. In attendance were Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Kelley Earnhardt of JR Motorsports, Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler® marketing. The No. 3 Wrangler® Chevrolet Impala is an RCR entry but built and prepared by JR Motorsports.



“This was an idea that came up as a way to pay tribute to my Dad, and it’s pretty cool that it’s a collaborative effort between JR Motorsports, RCR and DEI,” said Earnhardt Jr. “The Wrangler car is definitely in the top-10 of coolest cars that have ever been on the race track. A lot of people identify with it, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side, similar to the ‘Wrangler Jean Machine’ scheme of the 80s. I think it will be worth seeing, and I’m looking forward to driving it at Daytona.”

The combination of Earnhardt Jr., DEI and RCR has a very brief yet shining history on the track together. In their one and only race together, Earnhardt drove the No. 3 Chevrolet to victory in the February 2002 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. That car, with just the one race to its credit, is on display at the RCR Museum in Welcome, N.C.



“Bringing this group of people and these organizations together is the best way I can think of to honor Dale Earnhardt’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Childress. “Dale means so much to all of us, as well as his fans across the country and throughout the world. We created a special piece of history together in 2002 and, with Wrangler back on board the No. 3 Chevrolet at Daytona, we look to make some more history in July. I know the fans will love it and much as we all will.”

In support of the program, an array of licensed product will be available to fans from die-cast cars to apparel and select novelty items. Merchandise will highlight both Dale Earnhardt original Wrangler® car and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s current paint scheme. Fans can find the products at www.nascar.com, trackside or through each of the represented team stores.

“Dale’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame is truly a special honor for the Earnhardt Family as well as for all of Dale’s fans” said Teresa Earnhardt. “Dale was a competitor, but he was also a person who loved the fans and worked hard to connect with the people who supported him through his career. Wrangler was one of Dale’s first sponsors and it’s great to connect back with those early years, where it all started for Dale as he drove his way into the Hall of Fame”.

Wrangler® has a long history with all parties involved, and is the first apparel brand to have significant involvement in NASCAR, beginning in the 1980s when Dale Earnhardt was featured in the brand’s “One Tough Customer” marketing campaign. Wrangler® was the primary sponsor of Dale Earnhardt and the famed yellow-and-blue “Wrangler® Jean Machine” from 1981 to 1987. After a couple race team changes in the early 1980s including a brief 1981 stint with Richard Childress, Earnhardt moved back to Richard Childress Racing in 1984, bringing the brand with him as his primary sponsor. In 1998, the brand became one of the first corporate sponsors to sign up with Dale in his new role of team owner of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

The Wrangler®-Earnhardt legacy continued in 2004 with a relationship between a second generation
Earnhardt and a “New Generation of Wrangler®” – Earnhardt Jr. signed on as the endorsee for the Wrangler Jeans Co.TM line of new fits and styles of jeans and apparel. This longstanding relationship continues today with Earnhardt Jr. starring in the current brand marketing campaign.

“For Wrangler, this yellow-and-blue paint scheme signifies a lot of our brand history, marketing and persona from the 1980s,” said Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler® marketing. “It’s truly a piece of our history that will be on the track July 2 and it makes it that much more meaningful that it’s not only Dale Earnhardt’s son who will be driving it, but also the brand’s current partner and friend – Dale Jr.”

Photos and release courtesy of NASCARMedia

Read More

Jimmie Johnson adds Personal Touch to Hall of Fame

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 28, 2010) –  With 13 days until opening, the NASCAR Hall of Fame today announced four prominent historic items to be on display at the 150,000-square-foot interactive, entertainment attraction – Jimmie Johnson’s four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Trophies. The reigning four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion has loaned his four personal trophies to the venue for six months.

"The NASCAR Hall of Fame is going to have so many cool things, showing the history of our sport. I was definitely humbled that they asked for something of mine to display,” said Johnson. “It’s an honor for me and the whole 48 Lowe’s team. I hope fans appreciate seeing the trophies up close. I know how special they are to me, and I’ve certainly enjoyed seeing them the past four years.”

While the NASCAR Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR, a current item such as Johnson’s trophies recognizes the importance of history in the making. Eight years ago today, Johnson captured his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win on April 28, 2002 at California Speedway, and since then, he has earned a spot in the record books as the only driver to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championships (2006-2009).

“To showcase all four of Jimmie’s personal trophies emphasizes the importance of the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the veterans of the sport and the history-makers of today,” said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “These trophies represent his back-to-back championships and are iconic to this new era of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing. We are honored to show these to the public. We initially requested Jimmie’s 2009 championship trophy to display, and Jimmie graciously offered to loan us all four.  Of course we were thrilled.  His offer really illustrates how supportive the sport has been of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  We sincerely appreciate Jimmie and all the other members of the NASCAR community for their generosity and support.”

The driver of the No. 48 Lowes Chevrolet began his storied run to four championships in 2006. Since that time, Johnson and team have recorded 32 wins, 69 top-five finishes and 100 top 10s, most notably winning the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

In total, Johnson has tallied 50 wins, 122 top-five finishes and 186 top-10 finishes. Among active drivers, he is second in total wins, 32 wins behind car owner Jeff Gordon (82). Johnson has won at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at all but five (Michigan, Infineon, Chicago, Watkins Glen and Homestead) of the 22 tracks on which the series competes.

The El Cajon, Calif.-native is currently tied with two-time NASCAR Champion Ned Jarrett and NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Junior Johnson for 10^th on NASCAR’s all-time win list. In addition, the four-consecutive wins scored by the No. 48 team in the 2007 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup ties a modern-era NASCAR record.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy was crafted by world-renowned jeweler and silversmith Tiffany & Co. Weighing in at 27 pounds and 24 inches tall, the sterling silver trophy debuted in 2004 with the entry of NEXTEL as NASCAR’s premier series sponsor. It features flowing checkered flags and a perpetual base listing the names of each NASCAR Champion since 1948, four of those spots dedicated to Johnson.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame opens to the public May 11 at 10 a.m. EDT. The opening ceremony for the high-tech, interactive attraction begins at 9 a.m. EDT. The one-hour ceremony will culminate with NASCAR celebrities, elected officials and other dignitaries officially opening the venue. The opening ceremony will be followed by free outdoor activities from 10 a.m. through the late evening. Activities will include NASCAR celebrities, question-and-answer sessions, strolling entertainment, food vendors, and free concerts by country music artists Lee Brice, Bomshel and Love And Theft.

Tickets for the NASCAR Hall of Fame are on sale now and can be purchased at www.NASCARHall.com or by calling 877-231-2010. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. Memberships provide unlimited entry for one year and start at $25 for children and $50 for adults. Group discounts, facility rentals and sponsorships also are available by calling 704-654-4400.


About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Opening May 11, 2010 in uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, 275-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Media Group-operated broadcast studio. The five-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000 square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.www.NASCARHall.com

Read More

Need Tickets or Race Info? 1-866-GO-NASCAR is the Source

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 29, 2010) –  NASCAR fans can now dial a single toll-free number to purchase tickets to any national series NASCAR event and the best racing in the world.

With the help of Convergys, a global leader in relationship management, fans can dial the official NASCAR directory at 1-866-GO-NASCAR (1-866-466-2722) for tickets and information to NASCAR national series events, including the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

The toll-free number allows many NASCAR fans who attend multiple races easier access to upcoming event ticket options. Seeking to provide fans with a single point of contact for their ticket and information needs, NASCAR chose Convergys’ speech self-service solution for its ability to deliver a superior customer experience while reducing costs.

“NASCAR and the race tracks have always worked hard to give the fans the best possible experience, and now technology helps us do that even better,” said Paul Brooks, NASCAR senior vice president and president of NASCAR Media Group “Convergys understood what our fans wanted and offered a solution that made the ticket-purchasing process easier for them. Our global media assets will now promote 1-866-GO-NASCAR to fans worldwide. This partnership benefits the fans and that is our first priority.”


About NASCAR:
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports.  NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport – with more of the top 20 highest attended sporting events in the U.S. than any other sport, and is the No. 2 rated regular-season sport on television. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.

NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series.  Also part of NASCAR is Grand-Am Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (Ark.), Mexico City, and Toronto.


About Convergys:
Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG) is a global leader in relationship management.  We provide solutions that drive more value from the relationships our clients have with their customers and employees.  Convergys turns these everyday interactions into a source of profit and strategic advantage for our clients.

For more than 30 years, our unique combination of domain expertise, operational excellence, and innovative technologies has delivered process improvement and actionable business insight to clients that now span more than 70 countries and 35 languages.

Convergys, a Fortune Most Admired Company for nine consecutive years, has approximately 70,000 employees in 82 customer contact centers and other facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and our global headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.  For more information, visit www.convergys.com

Read More

Hall of Fame to Open in 50 Days!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 22, 2010 – 50 days until opening) – The checkered flag is in sight for the NASCAR Hall of Fame grand opening. To mark the final days before the 150,000-square-foot interactive entertainment attraction opens May 11, fans are invited to participate in a 50-day countdown on Twitter and watch www.NASCARHall.com for 50 days of news about the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Beginning today and running through May 11, a trivia question will be posted each morning on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Twitter page (@NASCARHall). The lucky fan who posts the first correct response to @NASCARHall will win a NASCAR Hall of Fame prize pack. In conjunction with the contest, the NASCAR Hall of Fame team will reveal one feature of the facility daily at www.NASCARHall.com/50days.

“This has been one of the most anticipated openings of an entertainment attraction not just for Charlotte and the Carolinas, but nationwide,” said Winston Kelley, executive director for the facility. “We are in the final stretch, and we want to get as many people involved as possible. We are looking forward to revealing features of the venue each day on our Web site and through social media. This allows everyone nationwide to share in our excitement as we prepare for the grand opening.”


The first item announced in the 50-day countdown was revealed today in a news conference at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip unveiled his championship-winning No. 11 Mountain Dew Buick. Waltrip drove the iconic, green-and-white stock car to back-to-back NASCAR Winston Cup championships in 1981 and 1982, the first two of three championships in his famed career. In 1981 and 1982 alone, Waltrip had 61 starts and earned 24 wins, 29 top-5 finishes and more than $1.6 million in winnings.

The car denotes a significant occurrence in NASCAR history when the sanctioning body mandated a downsizing of cars to coincide with changes taking place in Detroit during that period. The car was built and owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee Junior Johnson. Waltrip’s two championships in this car marked Johnson’s fourth and fifth titles as an owner. Waltrip and Johnson captured a third championship together in 1985.

The No. 11 Mountain Dew Buick will be one of 18 stock cars featured on Glory Road inside the main entrance of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A banked ramp simulating various racetracks, Glory Road also highlights 40 current and historic tracks and mimics various degrees of banking at racetracks including the impressive 33-degree incline found at Talladega Superspeedway. The car is on loan from Darrell Watlrip Motorsports to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for two years.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame opens to the public May 11 at 10 a.m. EDT. The opening ceremony for the high-tech, interactive attraction begins at 9 a.m. EDT. The one-hour ceremony will culminate with NASCAR celebrities, elected officials and other dignitaries officially opening the venue. The opening ceremony will be followed by free outdoor activities from 10 a.m. through the late evening. Activities will include NASCAR celebrities, question-and-answer sessions, strolling entertainment, food vendors, musical entertainment and more. The day will conclude with a free concert by country music trio Love And Theft.

Tickets for the NASCAR Hall of Fame are on sale now and can be purchased at www.NASCARHall.com or by calling 877-231-2010. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. Memberships provide unlimited entry for one year and start at $25 for children and $50 for adults. Group discounts, facility rentals and sponsorships also are available by calling 704-654-4400.


About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Opening May 11, 2010 in uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, 275-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Media Group-operated broadcast studio. The five-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000 square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.www.NASCARHall.com

Read More

Kurt Busch Makes NHRA Debut

Kurt Busch made his NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) debut this weekend in Gainsville, FL.

His debut didn't last long, as he made one qualifying run and was eliminated in the first round in the Super Gas division of the Sportsman class at the NHRA Gatornationals during a rare NASCAR off weekend.

Busch raced in a 1970 Dodge Challenger, which he helped rebuild himself, and took 10.10 seconds to get across the 1,000 foot drag strip. He was in the 9.90 second division, thus eliminating him this past Sunday.

Busch will be back behind the wheel of his No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Photo courtesy of: nascarmedia.com

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

Read More

Atlanta Winner Kurt Busch to Spend Off Weekend at NHRA Event

GLENDORA, Calif. (March 6, 2010) –  2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch will return to his drag racing roots during the 41st running of the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11-14 at historic Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway.

The driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing is set to get behind the wheel of his rebuilt 1970 Dodge Challenger next weekend to compete against a field of between 70 and 90 veteran “Super Gas” racers who no doubt will be champing at the bit to line up against one of the biggest names in motorsports.

Busch will make a minimum of three “time trial” passes on Thursday March 11 and the field will return Friday morning, pair off, and begin eliminations.

“Gainesville is one of the marquee events on the NHRA calendar and it’s a privilege to compete against the best Sportsman racers out there,” Busch said.

Super Gas is one of seven different Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) classes that will be contested at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. The LODRS is NHRA’s “sportsman” series that is home to a wide variety of racers from hobbyists to highly-competitive, highly-invested teams to young drivers with aspirations to move up to the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Busch bought the Dodge Challenger in 2008 and began the process of getting it into race shape in March of 2009.  The car is powered by a stroked 6.1 liter Hemi, weighs 3000 pounds and puts out an incredible 1167 horsepower. 

While Busch feels at home behind the wheel of his Sprint Cup car he is aware that this will be a new and exciting environment for him.

“Sportsman racing is no different than any other type of racing, you need seat time.  I spent over 30 hours at Roy Hill’s drag racing school, and have had two tests in my own Challenger, but that’s nowhere compared to the seat time many of these guys have in their own cars.  We are going to go out there and do our best competing against these talented Sportsman racers,” Busch said.

Busch’s love affair with drag racing began back in the early 1990’s when he met a pair of Las Vegas based NHRA racers - George Marnell, a Pro Stock racer, and Dave Bush (no relation), a Super Comp competitor. And when Kurt began driving in the Sprint Cup Series for Penske Racing, he got to know NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon as they were both sponsored by Miller Lite.

He got the idea to compete in an NHRA event after taking part in the opening night of zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. in September of 2008 and one of the rare off-weekends in the NASCAR schedule coincided with next weekend’s 41st running of the prestigious Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals.

The Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals has been the site of many of NHRA’s most compelling moments and the track where some of the most important performance barriers in the history of NHRA were broken, including most importantly Kenny Bernstein’s legendary first 300 mph pass which took place in 1992.

For tickets for the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, log on to www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-884-NHRA (6472).

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks nationwide.   As the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, NHRA presents 23 national events featuring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Two NHRA-sanctioned bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels: the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.  NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17.   In addition, NHRA owns and operates five racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Atlanta Dragway in Georgia; National Trail Raceway in Ohio; O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis; and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. For more information, log on to NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Release courtesy of KurtBusch.com

Read More

Steve Wallace to debut in Atlanta Truck Series race this weekend

MOORESVILLE, N.C (February 26, 2010) — Rusty Wallace Racing’s Steve Wallace and officials of Billy Ballew Motorsports announced Wallace will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut behind the wheel of BBM’s No. 15 Toyota Tundra in the March 6 Atlanta 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Wallace’s No. 15 Tundra will feature primary sponsorship from traditional BBM partner, Red Top Auto Auctions. The venerable Kevin “Cowboy” Starland will serve as crew chief for Wallace in the event.

Wallace currently drives RWR’s No. 66 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He is riding a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes in the Nationwide Series heading into his 125th career series start this weekend in Las Vegas. Wallace is currently ranked seventh overall in the Nationwide Series driver standings.

Noted Wallace, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to run my first truck race next weekend in Atlanta. I’ve always enjoyed watching that series; those guys race really, really hard. Running one of those races is something that I’ve wanted to do for awhile, but the timing has never been right until now. I’d like to thank Billy Ballew and everyone at Red Top Auto Auctions for this opportunity.

“While running the truck race is going to be fun, my main focus is 100 percent on putting the No. 66 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry up front and in contention for the Nationwide Series championship. Atlanta is a track where we traditionally haven’t run as well as we’d like in the Nationwide car, so getting some extra seat time at Atlanta will help on that side as well.”

About Rusty Wallace Racing LLC

U.S.-based Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR) is a professional auto racing team steeped in the legendary history of its founder and one of NASCAR’s top-ten drivers of all-time, Rusty Wallace. The organization currently campaigns the No. 66 and No. 62 Toyota Camrys in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, piloted by Steve Wallace and Brendan Gaughan. In 2009, RWR was the only organization with multiple drivers ranked among the top-ten in the final Nationwide Series driver standings. For more on RWR, please visit rustywallace.com.

Release via Rusty Wallace Racing

Read More

LVMS has 9th Consecutive Sellout for Sprint Cup Race

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

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

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

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

Release via Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Read More

Las Vegas + Alcohol = Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More

Carl and Kate Edwards welcome daughter

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

_______________
Photo: NASCAR Media

Read More

San Francisco Honors Jamie McMurray

Courtesy of Photobucket
Taken by phatken91

The Victory Tour

This past Wednesday, San Francisco hosted Jamie McMurray, the 2010 Champion of NASCAR's Daytona 500. Jamie and his wife, Christy, were escorted around the 'City by the Bay' in a motorized San Francisco Cable Car. Lucky fans who purchased a special ticket package offered by Infineon Raceway, that included the cable car ride in SF along with weekend tickets to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 race.

Daytona 500 Champion Jamie McMurray hangs out of a trolley in San Francisco during his Victory Tour.

(Ezra Shaw: Getty Images)

The 'Victory Lap' began at SF Giants Willie Mays Plaza where the McMurrays were greeted by the S.F. Giants VP Russ Stanley. Jamie was given an official team jersey, with his name and car number. The tour was led by an escort from the California Highway Patrol.

Daytona 500 Champ McMurray addresses the crowd at San Francisco's Willie Mays Plaza Wednesday during his tour of the city.

(Ezra Shaw: Getty Images)

The welcoming committee included Northern California race fans as well as the media. Jamie stated, "I have to say, New York was cool, but San Francisco has been awesome. The weather is beautiful and it's so great to see the fans come out here. As a driver, you can't imagine what this means to me. It's been wonderful."

His visit included a lesson on how to crack crab with Grotto #9 co-owner Anthony Geraldi, a historic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and a visit to the very popular and well known Ghirardeli Square. It was there that Jamie and Kristy enjoyed ice cream sundaes and were presented with a special basket of gourmet chocolate.

The Victory Tour was part of a ticket package sponsored by Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Ca. Jamie and his wife Christy were also given a commemorative magnum of Sonoma Valley wine by Infineon Raceway President Steve Page.

It was an Official start to the countdown of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota/Save Mart 350 held June 18th-20th, Father's Day Weekend, at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway. McMurray and his No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet along with 42 other NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will be 'Starting their Engines' to run the first of 2 road races during the 2010 NSC Season.

Tickets are still available online at http://www.Infineonraceway.com/ or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-870-RACE for more information.

Infineon Raceway offers a 2 for $99 package. Its referred to as Kasey's Korner. The package includes 2 Tickets in Turn 9 Terrace, and exclusive access to a Q&A session with defending 2009 Champion, Kasey Kahne, on Tuesday, April 13th.

_____

For additional information on the McMurray's trip to San Francisco and Kasey's Corner visit Infineonraceway.com 

Read More