Monday, February 28, 2011
Kubica Recovering
According to Keith?s story yesterday; Robert Kubica underwent a successful 7-hour surgery performed by seven doctors to repair function ability to his right hand, albeit one surgeon said it could take one year for Kubica to recover?Kubica?s recovery could take one year, Surgeon saysObviously this will be an ongoing story ? which hopefully doesn?t curtail the Polish drivers Formula 1 career...Kubica?s Manager speaks with driverVIDEO: Doctor on Kubica?s Operation
Logano believes in himself once again
He was a schoolboy freak, a skinny motor sports equivalent of LeBron James or Tim Tebow.
AUTOS: Honda's Thrifty, Sporty Hybrid
CT-Z revives the spirit of the popular CRX sport hatch with modern styling and gas/electric hybrid drive.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
NASCAR Notebook: Johnson ?qualified? to win
Four-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has cameras follow his every move in the garage during practice Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. for Sunday's Ford 400. Johnson qualified sixth, well ahead of Kevin Harvick (28th) and Denny Hamlin (37th). (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – For the two contenders seeking to deprive Jimmie Johnson of a fifth straight Sprint Cup championship, qualifying was no cause for celebration.
Johnson qualified sixth at176.482 mph. It was a nice solid run, leaving him well situated for the start of Sunday’s Ford 400.
Kevin Harvick qualified 28th, which wasn’t that unusual. Denny Hamlin qualified 37th, which was. Hamlin’s previous low in qualifying was 34th at Auto Club Speedway on Oct. 8. On the positive side, Hamlin did manage to salvage top-10 finishes in each of his previous qualifying performances that were 30th or worse, and he won after starting 30th just two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway.
A poor qualifying performance is also a poor predictor of race-day success, but starting deep in the field adds a certain amount of pressure to an already overheated championship battle.
Johnson held a press conference before qualifying, but what he said seemed pertinent: “I slept great. I don’t know if Denny (Hamlin) did, but I know I did.”
Hamlin’s response? “I feel the same as I do every week. No, I’m never uptight.”
* * *
SPEECHLESS--If Foster Gillett meant to quiet rumors regarding the future of Richard Petty Motorsports, this wasn’t the way to do it.
Gillett, whose father George is the official owner of the team that carries the seven-time champion’s name, was at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday. His presence spread quickly, but he refused to responded to any questions posed by media members.
Rumors have the team going out of business, going out of business temporarily while other investors are acquired and being sunk by the reputed mountain of indebtedness faced by the Gillett family.
Foster Gillett’s presence reportedly did nothing to allay fears among team members that their jobs are endangered.
* * *
STEWART’S TAKE-- Tony Stewart is the only driver who has won championships under both the “season-long” and current “Chase” format. Long relegated to the nether regions of the Chase field, Stewart offered his analysis of the three-way battle for the title.
“I think they’re all playing mind games with each other,” he said. “You don’t get this far in the season and be in this position by racing guys dirty. I don’t see it coming down to the last race with guys racing each other dirty.”
* * *
TITLE MAY GO THROUGH HIM--As expected, Carl Edwards established himself as a contender to win the race. He ended a 70-race winless streak last week at Phoenix and qualified second. Edwards won this race in 2008 and has finished eighth or better in five straight races at Homestead.
Referring to Hamlin, Johnson and Harvick, Edwards said, “They’re all going to be aggressive. That’s the way it’s going to be, no matter what they say. That’s how they got in the position they’re in, and now it’s going to be a great race for everyone to watch.
“I hope I’m watching the whole thing in my rear-view mirror, though.”
Paired ? last front engine to win, first rear engine to win
Paired – last front engine to win, first rear engine to win
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PDM Racing Pictures
The following pictures were sent to me courtesy of Indiana Correspondent ?N No Fenders Staff Photographer Dave ?CARPETS O?Brien...Photos(Top to Bottom)1) PDM Racing Car logo.2) PDM Racing Indy Lights Car No. 18. (Rear end of #18)3) Numerous pics of Old Cars/Drivers hang around PDM Racing. (These are above the entrance to shop)4) Silver Crown car driven by Jason Leffler hangs from the ceiling.5) A.J. Watson Joint sign.
Trevor Bayne Daytona 500
Trevor Bayne (front) beats Carl Edwards, David Gilliland, and Bobby Labonte to the finish line to win the Daytona 500 Sunday.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sand Dunes
Just a quick note to let Y?all know I?m off to someplace nearby the Sand Dunes of Oregon ? wherever that is, eh? Thus, I?ll be taking a brief hiatus from BloggerLand the next few Dazes...
Eric Berndt To Tackle A Full-Time Schedule On The Whelen Modified Tour In 2011
After many years of making selective starts on the Whelen Modified Tour, Eric Berndt of Cromwell is taking the plunge full-time in 2011.
Team owner Bob Katon Jr. announced Tuesday that Berndt will drive his No. 46 entry on the Whelen Modified Tour for 10 of 16 events in 2011 with Berndt running for his family owned team for the remainder of the schedule.
The 31-year old Berndt will hardly be a new face for those around the Tour. Berndt's family has a deep history in Northeast Modified racing and Berndt has competed in SK Modifieds at all three Connecticut short tracks since he was a teenager and has been making starts on the Modified Tour since 2004.
Team owner Bob Katon Jr. announced Tuesday that Berndt will drive his No. 46 entry on the Whelen Modified Tour for 10 of 16 events in 2011 with Berndt running for his family owned team for the remainder of the schedule.
The 31-year old Berndt will hardly be a new face for those around the Tour. Berndt's family has a deep history in Northeast Modified racing and Berndt has competed in SK Modifieds at all three Connecticut short tracks since he was a teenager and has been making starts on the Modified Tour since 2004.
From the snail-mail bag, five great suggestions for getting fans interested again in NASCAR
Great idea #4: Sprint Cup racin' on dirt tracks.
Dear NASCAR This Week,
I read your newspaper offerings weekly, and enjoy them, especially the comments from NASCAR fans. I've been a race fan for 65-plus years and enjoy sprints on dirt and NASCAR. Was talking to some buddies recently about what NASCAR could do to get fans “returning to the track,” and we came up with some suggestions:
Eliminate qualifying in its present format. At each event, have two qualifying races, starting half of the entries in each qualifier. The qualifier starting positions could be set by pulling numbers out of a hat, or something similar. The qualifier races should be short, maybe 50 miles at the max. Then take the top 20 finishers from each qualifier for the feature event. The features should be no more than 300 miles in length (with special exceptions). The races, as they are today, are too long, and real racing is usually put off until the last few laps. Shorter-distance races would encourage more intense competition throughout the event.
Eliminate this top-35 thing entirely. All that does is prevent potential new teams from being able to compete.
The points battle needs to return to the old format. Too much hype on the top 12 thing.
Maybe a couple of Sprint Cup races on dirt? There are some great mile and 1/2 mile tracks out there.
Lower the ticket prices for these events. An empty bleacher seat is a terrible thing to waste.
Thanks. -- Gary H., Newburgh, Ind.
Monte replies: Thanks to you and your friends for putting so much thought into this. We’d love to see Cup races on dirt, too, but there aren’t any dirt tracks capable of accommodating 50,000 or more fans.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Ferrari deny that the ?disposal? Dell 2011 will usher in
Alonso wrong choice for the 15th lap championship come to naught. ??AP Ferrari technical director Aldo – Costa denied that the team will dispose of ending points leader Chris tactical error – Dell (Chris Dyer).blog ??8-point lead with Alonso finishing up a decisive battle was thought certain to win, the result as the team’s tactical [...]
Trevor Bayne Daytona 500
Trevor Bayne (front) beats Carl Edwards, David Gilliland, and Bobby Labonte to the finish line to win the Daytona 500 Sunday.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Waltrip racing 10th anniversary 500 in memory of Earnhardt
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is a side of Michael Waltrip that is seen on television as an up-beat, intelligent analyst. He can easily make a reference to an incident on the track that brings laughter to the television booth, yet still brings out the character of what it is like ...
NASCAR to debut simpler points system
NASCAR chairman Brian France announced Wednesday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame that the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series will have a simpler points system for the upcoming season.
NASCAR The Game 2011: Pit Stops Trailer
The Pit Stop is just as important as the race itself in NASCAR The Game 2011. Watch as the development team explains the key mechanical moments of a race. IGN’s YouTube is just a taste of our content. Get more: www.ign.com Want this week’s top videos? Sign up go.ign.com
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This year ? the Chase works
Chase contenders Denny Hamlin, Jimmy Johnson and Kevin Harvick during a Champions press conference on Friday. (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
This year ? the Chase works
Chase contenders Denny Hamlin, Jimmy Johnson and Kevin Harvick during a Champions press conference on Friday. (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
SPRINT CAR RACING AT PARRA 2
sprint cars racing at parra
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Indianapolis 500 Drivers, Parnelli Jones and Jim Clark, in 1965
Indianapolis 500 Drivers, Parnelli Jones and Jim Clark, in 1965
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hall of Fame nominee announcement on Thursday
NASCAR announced on Monday that the 25 nominees for the 2011 induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame will be revealed at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. The official announcement will be made on a special edition of the network’s show, “NASCAR Race Hub.”
According to a press release from NASCAR, there will be be at [...]
According to a press release from NASCAR, there will be be at [...]
RuPaul?s Drag Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race first look
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Little Known Trevor Bayne Makes NASCAR History With Improbable Daytona 500 Victory Sunday
On July 12, 2008, it was a shy 17-year old from Knoxville, Tenn. who made the frontstretch at Thompson International Speedway the site of his personal coming out party, celebrating his first career victory in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
Sunday, in dramatic style, that same driver made himself the center of one of the most unforgettable stories in the history of NASCAR.
A day after celebrating his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne pulled off one of the biggest upsets in racing history, taking his Wood Brothers Ford entry to victory lane in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sunday, in dramatic style, that same driver made himself the center of one of the most unforgettable stories in the history of NASCAR.
A day after celebrating his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne pulled off one of the biggest upsets in racing history, taking his Wood Brothers Ford entry to victory lane in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Duno gets Caught-up in others Wreck
Didn?t have a chance to watch The Wanderin? Milka?s performance in Saturday Nites Alright for Fightin? DayToner ARCA race, where apparently Milkalicious was in the hunt for a Top-10 finish... Having rolled off 23rd, Milka Duno ran a strong race before being taken out in ?The BIG ?Juan,? a 9-car pile-up with just 16-laps remaining.Jon Wolfe - Crew Chief:?Milka ran a great race today...??She did exactly what we asked her to do. We were close to our goal of a top-10 finish, we just got taken out.?With Cat-like reflexes, Duno escaped two wrecks directly in front of her before clicking off a blistering red-hot smokin? lap of 190.998mph around the 2.5-mile Tri-oval, nearly 10mph above her qualifying speed!Milka got as high as P12 before another competitor taking evasive action collected Milka?s No. 63 Dodge in the right front corner ?N took her out, ultimately winding up classified as 31st overall...
Maybe it?s a matter of winning, not losing
It’s a simple case of the Cinderella story versus the truth of who has the best damn car on the track.
AVONDALE, Ariz. – This Chase race is a bouncing ball. Each week. Back and forth.
Intangibles run rampant. Let’s see.
On Friday, Denny Hamlin was in breakout mode. His crew chief, Mike Ford, has supposedly gotten under the skin of Jimmie Johnson’s crew, which, by the way, wasn’t the same as it had been a week earlier.
On Monday, Johnson still trailed by 15 points, but it seemed as if it was time to get the cases of champagne ordered. Hamlin had played it a bit too safe by pitting near the end of the Kobalt Tools 500, apparently not realizing that most everyone else was going to try to conserve fuel and make it to the end, and more importantly, that most were going to succeed.
At Phoenix International Raceway, Hamlin snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, leaving him to wander aimlessly out of the track’s media center, muttering that he didn’t think he had done anything wrong.
Meanwhile, there was Kevin Harvick lurking, eyeing the two in front of him with the stare of a vulture waiting to snatch up the pieces.
But what if we stopped putting so much weight into the tangibles? What if the tangibles are really going to decide who wins this heated contest?
What if what happens just … happens?
If Johnson emerges next week as the champion, the prevailing view is going to be that Hamlin’s crew chief, Ford, spat on Superman’s (Johnson crew chief Chad Knaus) cape and got what was coming to him. If Hamlin wins it all, it’s going be because he kept a level head and didn’t let anyone get to him.
If Harvick wins, well, it’s going to require some alleged choking or bad luck by not one, but two. Thus will emerge the Cinderella story.
But maybe, just maybe, this championship is to be decided simply by which driver has the fastest car. Maybe no one’s going to choke. Maybe the attention should be justly slanted toward a tale of winning, not losing.
If so, few will notice. What’s between the ears trumps what’s under the hood.
Another round of Snakes ?N Sushi for KVRT
Err, KV Racing Technology-Lotus, Yuhs here? As perhaps Y?all have caught the news that KVRT/LHF ? FRICKENSENSE!!! What is the dealio ?bout racing teams tryin? to uze up the WHOLE alphabet, eh? But I digress, as it comes as little surprise that Kevin Kalkhoven & Jimmy Vasser?s ?KV racing team have announced the return of ?TakuSan? (Takuma Sato) and E.j. ?SNAKES R-US? Viso for a second year behind their respective No. 5 & No. 8 KVRT Lotus Powered-by-Honda Firestone shod Dallara IndyCars... Try saying ?Dat fast 5-times, eh? NO word on KVRT?s third driver Mario ?Meltz-in-your-Hands? Moraes?s status ? as of yet...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
This week's Stockcartoon from Mike Smith
Stockcartoons are created by Mike Smith, editorial cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun, and syndicated through King Features Syndicate. Mike generously shares them with us here.
Mike is also the primary contributor to the Las Vegas Sun's NASCAR blog,"Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity."
VIDEO: AMA Supercross - San Diego Analysis
TwoTwo Motorsports' Chad Reed became the fourth different winner this AMA Supercross season with his San Diego surprise. Ralph Sheheen and Jeff Emig break it down.
Grand Am: 2011 ROLEX 24 - Preview
HURRAH! It?s time to go racing, as this year?s Daytona 24hrs race is set to kick off in just over ?Juan-day from now. As qualifying has already been held and as always, the Daytona Endurance race brings out a gala of racin? Starz ? spanning the gambit from Formula 1, IndyCar (OH CRAP! I FORGOT TO GO ALL CAPS...) ?RASSCAR & Sports Cars... As here?s a look at just some of the competitors in this year?s event.Level 5 MotorsportsFirst out of the Chute to announce their 2011 driver lineup were the ?lil Level-5 Boyz ? quickly snapping up the services of dispatched De Ferran Dragon IndyCar Piloto ?RAFA, nee Rafael Matos, with Sports Car Ace Luis Diaz also in the mix.The team will run a brace of BMW-Riley Daytona Prototypes (DP) and could be a force to reckon with, whilst Thanxs to ?Ponches IndyCar Roster for Rolex 24 story, I now know that Ryan ?The EX-IZOD DUDE? Hunter-Reay will also be part of the teams driver line-up. Yet for reasons unknown, neither racecar took part in qualifying...Cheep?s All Star Line-up ConfirmedNot surprisingly ? The ?Cheepster, a.k.a Chip Ganassi will once again field an All Star line-up for his brace of Riley-BMW DP racecars, as newest IndyCar signing ? The Graminator (G. Rahal) joins proverbial Sports Car Champion ?Scooter, (Scott Pruett) Memo Rojas and Joey Hand in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (FS) Target-TelMex entry.HOLY ALPHABET SOUP BATMAN!GEEZ CHIP! Are Yooze tryin? to secure the whol alphabet too with your Team/Sponsor/Car/Entries?The No. 02 TelMex Ganassi/Sabates racecar is filled with a Trio of Indy 500 champions: Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Juan Pablo Montoya with Daytona 500 & Brickyard 400 winner Jamie McMurry batting ?Clean-up.?And although Pruett claimed they weren?t shooting for top speed honours during The Roar before Daytona 3-day practice session, both Scooter?s and the ?Seester-car with Scott Dixon topped their respective Timesheets during various practice segments, with Pruett?s car qualifying third and Dixon?s mount starting P5...Starworks Seeing Stars?Defending Rolex 24 winner and former Champ Car driver Ryan Dalziel set the unofficial track record on the final day?s testing by blistering the course with a lap over 128mph. Dalziel, along with ex-Formula One/Indy Racing League Ace Tomas Enge is part of the two car Riley-Ford DP lineup for Starworks Motorsports, as the Scotsman (Dalziel) was the meat in a TelMex sandwich during qualifying with a fourth place finish...Bubble Roof for Michael Shank Racing?Couldn?t resist, as Justin BIG UNIT Wilson?s inclusion in the No. 6 Mike Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian; Hmm? Weren?t those Old Indy Racing League team owners? Err; Wilson?s height made me flashback to those Ford GT-40 Dazes with a bubble roof canopy to help a lanky driver by the name of Dan Gurney fit comfortably inside...Wilson will co-drive the No. 6 MSR Dallara-Ford DP with A.J. (?WallDinger?) Allmendinger and Michael ?Double Gainer? McDowell, while the team?s No. 60 Dallara-Ford DP will be co-driven by Marc Goosens, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Michael Valiante...The Jimmy ShowHe?s back.... So get ready once again to hear constant Princess ?Round-the-Clock type media coverage of Jimmy Johnson?s every BLINKIN? move... NO ? NOT that Jimmy Johnson who was just on Survivor and has lengthened his TV career as a pitchman for Extenz... Nope, its 5-time RASSCAR champ Jimmy Johnson who?ll be moonlightin? once again with the Bob Stalling Boyz of Alex Gurney & John ?On-the-Bayou? Foggerty. While I?m guessing JV?s ? as in Jimmy Vasser is back again as co-driver? Hmm? Wonder if the Stalling Gang gets a discount for Bodywork repairs at KVRT; Hya!Action Jackson?s Answer to CGRw/FSDefending Overall Rolex 24 victors Action Express Racing have said Oh Yeah to The Cheepster ? We can do that two! And have brought their own 2-car All Star driver cast, featuring seven previous Overall Rolex 24 winners.The No. 9 riley-Porsche DP features last year winners Joao Barbosa and Terry Borcheller, who?ll be partnered by Massimiliano ?MAD MAX? Papis, Christian Fittipaldi, and JC ?WHAT DRUGS?? France. (Don?t Yuhs knows who My Daddy is?)While the No. 5 Riley-Porsche/ Cayenne V8 DP has David Donohue,Darren Law, Buddy ?Hot rod? Rice and Burt Frisselle at its keyboard.Apparently IZOD?s now Everywhere!Also according to Mr. CHiP?s (Chris Estrada) Ryan ?The New IZOD Dude? Briscoe will be part of the No. 10 suntrust driver line-up, as Briscoe will share the Dallara-Chevrolet DP?s cockpit with Max ?THE AX!? Angelelli and the father-son duo of Ricky Taylor & Wayne Taylor ? the team?s owner...The Brundell Brothers ReturnAlthough I missed the Big Press Release, British ex-Formula 1 Aces Martin ?Billy bob? Brundle & Mark Blundell have teamed up to compete in this year?s Daytona 24hrs as part of the United Autosports drivers line-up; Co-driving with UA Chairman & Co-Owner Zak Brown and Mark Patterson.And for some strange reason ? Claxon Bells started ringin? in my head when I read Zackery Brown?s name. As in that cannot be the same Zak Brown whose Tony George?s Drinkin? buddy, eh?Citizen Tony spottingHOLY BACARDI ON THE ROCKS BATMAN!Apparently it is the ?Juan ?N Only Head Honcho of Just Marketing named Zak Brown ? Sponsorship Guru du Jour... Who?s also the Co-founder of Historic Motorsports Productions with Meesh?s buddy Booby Ray-X. (Bobby Rahal)Reportedly the quartet will be piloting a Riley-ford Daytona Prototype under the assistance of Michael Shank Racing, as I?m assuming its one of MSR?s older racecars? (Actually I?ve now learned it?s the third MSR entry this year...)Yet wouldn?t it be funny if the BRIT Duo ?O Brundle & Blundell upset Chip Ganassi? And won the whole BLOODY thing... Hmm? I just realized there?s three Mark?s on the team ? so may be I should call it the Mark Brotherz Project instead?Q&A Session: Mark Blundell (United Autosports, Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona)You can check out 14hrs of live ?round the clock coverage via SPEED beginning Saturday, January 29th at High Noon (12PM) PACIFIC ? as ALWAYS; check your local listings...GO JUSTIN ?N No. 6!This is the car I?d like to see WIN the race ? even if ?WallDinger DEFECTED to ?RASSCAR! As I cannot think of two more deserving drivers then Justin ?N A.J. who are due for a career highlight moment! Hmm? AIN?T McDowell the dude who was the very first driver to test out the Car Of Tomorrow?s (COT) roof structure ?N roolbar by Barrel rollin? Mikey ?Ah Shucks? Waltrip?s Double Zero Toy Yoter at Daytona International Speedway?NOTESAnd it AIN?T all Sunshine ?N Roses over in FenderLand either... As it must mean something if AIM & Godstone Ranch/Dyson Racing both of the Daytona Prototype class decide to skip the series marquee event, eh? (Can you say Cash Crunch?)
Two For One: Unique Team Pairing Has Doug Coby Returning Full-Time To The Whelen Modified Tour In 2011
When looking down the roster of established Modified drivers, those around the Whelen Modified Tour over the last two years likely would have put Doug Coby and Matt Hirschman at the top of the list of the best drivers out there not in full-time rides in the division.
Though there will be no wonder about what's keep either of them out of the division in 2011. Wednesday it was announced that Hirschman would return to the Whelen Modified Tour full-time next year to drive for Boehler Racing Enterprises.
Thursday, Coby made official the news that he will also return to a full-time ride in 2011. Coby, of Milford, told The Courant he will split time in events in 2011 for two separate teams.
Though there will be no wonder about what's keep either of them out of the division in 2011. Wednesday it was announced that Hirschman would return to the Whelen Modified Tour full-time next year to drive for Boehler Racing Enterprises.
Thursday, Coby made official the news that he will also return to a full-time ride in 2011. Coby, of Milford, told The Courant he will split time in events in 2011 for two separate teams.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Colbie Caillat to perform at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2010) ? NASCAR has announced the addition of multi GRAMMY-Award winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat to the performance lineup for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 3 at Wynn Las Vegas. Broadcast live on SPEED at 9 p.m. ET, Caillat will join country music vocal group Rascal Flatts and comedic host Frank Caliendo to create a fully star-studded celebration of the 2010 NASCAR season.
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If Alonso won the championship Advantage will
AP before the FIA President Max – Max Mosley believes that if Fernando – Alonso in this year to less than 7-point advantage to win, his third world championship will be devalued. ??F1 this season’s championship winning station has entered the final stage. This weekend’s Brazilian GP, is the penultimate year of the sub-station, Fernando [...]
Auto-racing notes: Richard Petty has hands-on role again
The assets of Richard Petty Motorsports have been sold from George Gillett Jr. to an investment group that consists of Petty, Medallion Financial Corp., and DGP Investments. "Today is a great day for me, my family, our fans and our wonderful sponsors," Petty said in a statement that listed 10 ...
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tony Stewart enjoys a new lifestyle
Stewart, who spent nearly a month racing in Australia, was back in the spotlight Monday during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour.
Townsville 400
The popular Townsville 400 is a renowned V8 Super Car Event. The race takes place on a track with a circuit length of 2.87km, with an average speed of 140kph. The event consists of two 200km races. Be sure to catch the action! Date: 9 to 11 July 2011 Venue: Townsville circuit City: Townsville State: [...]
Related posts:PowercruiseFormula One Brazilian Grand Prix 2009Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix 2009
Related posts:PowercruiseFormula One Brazilian Grand Prix 2009Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix 2009
Two-year contract with Red Bull Renault engine Renault
Renault RS27 engine available (Source: RENAULT F1 TEAM ??AP Brazil’s local time Friday, November 5, Red Bull F1 team and engine supplier Renault announced two-year contract, which means that Horner led the team will use the power unit in France until 2012. ??Red Bull Racing beginning in 2007 with Renault engines, as at present, 4 [...]
American-Canadian Tour Adds Second New Hampshire Motor Speedway Event For 2011
After a pair of successful non-point events over the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, officials from the American-Canadian Tour are ready to make it count toward a championship in 2011.
The American-Canadian Tour and New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday that a second ACT event will be added to the schedule in Loudon next season.
The non-points ACT Invitational has been held as part of the Sept. Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series weekend the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Next year will see the first points event for the division in Loudon when they are added to the card at the track as part of the Aug. 12-14 IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.
The American-Canadian Tour and New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday that a second ACT event will be added to the schedule in Loudon next season.
The non-points ACT Invitational has been held as part of the Sept. Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series weekend the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Next year will see the first points event for the division in Loudon when they are added to the card at the track as part of the Aug. 12-14 IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
INDYCAR: Tony George Reinstated To H&C Board
SPEED.com has learned that George has been reinstated to the board of Hulman & Company that funds and administers IMS and the IndyCar Series.
Another No. 3 heads to Goodwood
For the second-consecutive year, a No. 3 driven by the late Dale Earnhardt will be a part of the festivities at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Earnhardt’s daughter Taylor drove the famed No. 3 in the festival last year. This year, the car Earnhardt raced to his 1995 Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway [...]
NASCAR Notebook: Johnson ?qualified? to win
Four-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has cameras follow his every move in the garage during practice Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. for Sunday's Ford 400. Johnson qualified sixth, well ahead of Kevin Harvick (28th) and Denny Hamlin (37th). (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – For the two contenders seeking to deprive Jimmie Johnson of a fifth straight Sprint Cup championship, qualifying was no cause for celebration.
Johnson qualified sixth at176.482 mph. It was a nice solid run, leaving him well situated for the start of Sunday’s Ford 400.
Kevin Harvick qualified 28th, which wasn’t that unusual. Denny Hamlin qualified 37th, which was. Hamlin’s previous low in qualifying was 34th at Auto Club Speedway on Oct. 8. On the positive side, Hamlin did manage to salvage top-10 finishes in each of his previous qualifying performances that were 30th or worse, and he won after starting 30th just two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway.
A poor qualifying performance is also a poor predictor of race-day success, but starting deep in the field adds a certain amount of pressure to an already overheated championship battle.
Johnson held a press conference before qualifying, but what he said seemed pertinent: “I slept great. I don’t know if Denny (Hamlin) did, but I know I did.”
Hamlin’s response? “I feel the same as I do every week. No, I’m never uptight.”
* * *
SPEECHLESS--If Foster Gillett meant to quiet rumors regarding the future of Richard Petty Motorsports, this wasn’t the way to do it.
Gillett, whose father George is the official owner of the team that carries the seven-time champion’s name, was at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday. His presence spread quickly, but he refused to responded to any questions posed by media members.
Rumors have the team going out of business, going out of business temporarily while other investors are acquired and being sunk by the reputed mountain of indebtedness faced by the Gillett family.
Foster Gillett’s presence reportedly did nothing to allay fears among team members that their jobs are endangered.
* * *
STEWART’S TAKE-- Tony Stewart is the only driver who has won championships under both the “season-long” and current “Chase” format. Long relegated to the nether regions of the Chase field, Stewart offered his analysis of the three-way battle for the title.
“I think they’re all playing mind games with each other,” he said. “You don’t get this far in the season and be in this position by racing guys dirty. I don’t see it coming down to the last race with guys racing each other dirty.”
* * *
TITLE MAY GO THROUGH HIM--As expected, Carl Edwards established himself as a contender to win the race. He ended a 70-race winless streak last week at Phoenix and qualified second. Edwards won this race in 2008 and has finished eighth or better in five straight races at Homestead.
Referring to Hamlin, Johnson and Harvick, Edwards said, “They’re all going to be aggressive. That’s the way it’s going to be, no matter what they say. That’s how they got in the position they’re in, and now it’s going to be a great race for everyone to watch.
“I hope I’m watching the whole thing in my rear-view mirror, though.”
Risi holds on to GT2 pole for the 24 hours of Le Mans
UPDATE: Risi disqualified during technical inspection, Corvette assumes pole.
Risi Competizione ruled GT2 qualifying in Le Mans today, taking the class pole, and making ALMS fans here in North America proud. The Ferrari F430 piloted by Gianmaria Bruni put up the fast time on Thursday in the provisional qualifying ...
Risi Competizione ruled GT2 qualifying in Le Mans today, taking the class pole, and making ALMS fans here in North America proud. The Ferrari F430 piloted by Gianmaria Bruni put up the fast time on Thursday in the provisional qualifying ...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tony Stewart enjoys a new lifestyle
Stewart, who spent nearly a month racing in Australia, was back in the spotlight Monday during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour.
American-Canadian Tour Adds Second New Hampshire Motor Speedway Event For 2011
After a pair of successful non-point events over the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, officials from the American-Canadian Tour are ready to make it count toward a championship in 2011.
The American-Canadian Tour and New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday that a second ACT event will be added to the schedule in Loudon next season.
The non-points ACT Invitational has been held as part of the Sept. Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series weekend the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Next year will see the first points event for the division in Loudon when they are added to the card at the track as part of the Aug. 12-14 IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.
The American-Canadian Tour and New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday that a second ACT event will be added to the schedule in Loudon next season.
The non-points ACT Invitational has been held as part of the Sept. Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series weekend the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Next year will see the first points event for the division in Loudon when they are added to the card at the track as part of the Aug. 12-14 IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.
F1: Bahrain GP Still In Question
Organizers release statement that the civil unrest is being monitored for developments as the March 3 practice session nears.
NASCAR This Week ends operations today
It's been a hoot, but we gotta scoot.
NASCAR This Week is ending operations on Monday, December 6, and will go offline on Dec. 17.
While traffic to the site has continued to grow since April 2008 when we came online, NASCAR This Week failed to meet its financial expectations.
We’d like to thank Monte for his generous permission to feed all his stories to this site. We still believe he’s the best NASCAR journalist out there, and wonder if the NASCAR heat we got last summer was due more to Monte’s voice than the few bucks we were making off advertising.
Keep giving ‘em hell, Monte!
Monte will continue to cover NASCAR. You can find his stories on the NASCAR page at the Gaston Gazette where he works, as well as his blog, also located on the Gaston Gazette website. Monte also posts blogs on his personal MySpace page, and he also maintains a music MySpace page where you can hear his songs and find out where he’s performing next. He also has a page on Facebook.
We also want to thank all of you for stopping by over the past few years to catch Monte’s latest, join in the comment conversation or just enjoying some NASCAR octane.
Please leave us a message of farewell if you care to in the comments section below.
For the next couple of weeks we’ll leave up some of Monte’s best stories from the season. We think they offer ample evidence of why you should continue to follow Monte where you can. As we said, we think he’s the best around.
Here’s to great racin’ in the years to come!
-- Ovalscream
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Patrick looking forward to taking on Bristol in March
Danica Patrick has raced at a number of venues throughout her IndyCar and Nationwide Series career. However, March 19 she will come to face to face with a track like no other when she competes in the Scotts EZ Seed 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
NASCAR unveils new points system
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR chairman Brian France announced Wednesday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame that the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series will have a simpler points system for the upcoming season.
Duno gets Caught-up in others Wreck
Didn?t have a chance to watch The Wanderin? Milka?s performance in Saturday Nites Alright for Fightin? DayToner ARCA race, where apparently Milkalicious was in the hunt for a Top-10 finish... Having rolled off 23rd, Milka Duno ran a strong race before being taken out in ?The BIG ?Juan,? a 9-car pile-up with just 16-laps remaining.Jon Wolfe - Crew Chief:?Milka ran a great race today...??She did exactly what we asked her to do. We were close to our goal of a top-10 finish, we just got taken out.?With Cat-like reflexes, Duno escaped two wrecks directly in front of her before clicking off a blistering red-hot smokin? lap of 190.998mph around the 2.5-mile Tri-oval, nearly 10mph above her qualifying speed!Milka got as high as P12 before another competitor taking evasive action collected Milka?s No. 63 Dodge in the right front corner ?N took her out, ultimately winding up classified as 31st overall...
Restrictor plate bigger this time around
The Nationwide Series may have a new car this weekend in Daytona, but the Sprint Cup Series has something new of its own — a new restrictor plate. The plate that’ll be used for Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 will have 1 1/32-inch openings, the largest opening ever. Full Story
Monday, February 14, 2011
Gypsy season ends
Monday was just a great day. I worked all morning, as is the case with every Monday, then just did little things all afternoon.
I read. I went out back of the motel, where the water laps up to a sandy area walled off from the water, and played my guitar, once in the afternoon and then at dusk. A guy I saw at MFB (motel's free breakfast) asked if I was the guy who was playing guitar last night. I told him yes, and he said, "You were good. Really good."
Hah. What does he know?
I was on Mojo Nixon's NASCAR show last night on Sirius XM. "Manifold Destiny." We talked about what sets Jimmie Johnson (and crew chief Chad Knaus) apart from the rest in NASCAR.
Mainly, though, I didn't think about NASCAR on Monday. Well, I mean, other than writing all the copy for "NASCAR This Week," our syndicated page that appears in newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. And a day-after column. And a blog.
I had my encounter with the little sea bird (see video blog here). I had a good supper. I read a few of the stories about Sunday's Ford 400 written by colleagues.
Remember: I didn't think that much about NASCAR. Who am I kidding? It takes over your life.
I needed Monday. It's been a while since I had "one of those days" that brought my temper up close to a boil. I didn't completely lose it, hence the notation "up close to a boil." Things piled up on me, though. I was detained in the lobby because I didn't have the proper sticker affixed to my NASCAR hard card. When I finally got to the press box, it was very hot and I discovered its location had been changed and its size greatly diminished. Because it was so boxed in on either side by luxury suites -- and because it was so narrow, and because there was a large column right in the middle -- the only place to see was on the front row, and until shortly before the race started, the sun was multiplying through the glass and causing that front row to sizzle a bit (not literally).
There were other aggravations but no need to waste excessive words here, lest I come across as just another spoiled journalist.
So I spent a good deal of the day pissed off and trying to control myself. It's not altogether a bad thing. I usually write best when mildly aggravated. The sarcasm bites more.
On Monday, though, I was happy, relaxed and unworried. The season was over (though I'm going to be very busy for at least the next week). I'd had a night to sleep on the frustration. The little bird gave me some perspective. Playing guitar is my refuge from the maddening world.
I finished off a book and stopped by a local bookstore to buy another. I had a nice conversation with the lady at the bookstore about literature. If I'm here (as in "staying in the Keys," as opposed to Miami), I guarantee I'll stop by her store again next year.
The three video blogs offer some evidence of the range of my moods. The first was shot in the Homestead-Miami Speedway infield. I'm really relaxed and content. The second was after all the pre-race frustrations. I'm talking to the air out on the stairwell, more for therapy than entertainment. The third was the next afternoon (Monday), when I felt as content and philosophical as some mystic. Or ascetic. Or some other word that ends with "-tic." I would think none was "lunatic."
One side of me wishes I had a few more days to clear my mind here in Key Largo. Another can't wait to get home.
I'll be co-hosting NASCAR shows on Sirius (NASCAR Channel 128) on Wednesday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Saturday (noon-3 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-3 p.m.).
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. As a general rule, Thanksgiving is all good. The family gets together and it's pleasant. Christmas can get petty. Or maybe it's just that I get tired of normal life.
I've been a gypsy too long.
F1 team completed the first round of the Pirelli tire test the new Ferrari temporary leader
Sohu Ticker November 20, last year’s winter testing F1 finale in the 2010 season, held in Abu Dhabi F1 Elias terminal end of a four-day track test. The new test in the previous two days, Red Bull teenager Daniel – Ricardo RB6 car driving rule the track. After two days in the Pirelli tire test, [...]
G2 Radios 2011 Charity Racing Calendar Now Available
So are you checking off items on that Christmas shopping list but left looking for the perfect unique gift for that fan of local racing in your life?
OK, maybe you just need a way to figure out what day it is?
Here's the answer.
Available now for purchase is the G2 Radios 2011 Calendar.
"I want the G2 Radio Charitable Fundraising Calendar to raise money for worthwhile charities as a way to give back to the sport of auto racing which has given me so much enjoyment over the years", said Gino Difilippo, one of the developers of the calendar.
OK, maybe you just need a way to figure out what day it is?
Here's the answer.
Available now for purchase is the G2 Radios 2011 Calendar.
"I want the G2 Radio Charitable Fundraising Calendar to raise money for worthwhile charities as a way to give back to the sport of auto racing which has given me so much enjoyment over the years", said Gino Difilippo, one of the developers of the calendar.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Lennon?s Vroom-Vroom Ferrari Up for Grabs
(John Lennon?s Psychedelic Rolls Royce; source: Calgary.ctv.ca)John Lennon's psychedelic limousine on displayJust heard the news today,That the English had won the war...Err, that the late John Lennon?s GO FAST-Mobile, a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 coupe is slated to go on the Auction block this February in Gay ?Paree during Bonhams' Paris auction being held at the Grand Palais. (February 5th)Reportedly, this was the very first automobile that Messer Lennon purchased ? to celebrate passing his British Drivers license test. Talk ?bout passing the audition, eh? As reputedly Lennon forked over $3,119 smackeroos for the light blue ?Furr-rari.Yet the Ferrari GT Coupe is only expected to fetch ?bout one-tenth the amount his Psychedelic Rolls Royce stretch-limousine did... Hmm? And to think I actually saw that limo way back ?Dar at the Vancouver Expo ? Circa ?86; CRIKEYS!John Lennon's Ferrari Goes to Auction
The Nascar?.. Craftsman?. World Truck Series?
Brian France has a HUGE announcement to make everyone!
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Related Reading:
NASCAR Truck Series (Blazers)Blazers super high interest, super low reading level for struggling and reluctant readers.
NASCAR Sim RacingCreated by NASCAR veterans and tested by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers like Ryan Newman NASCAR SimRacing combines realism true racing 'feel' and depth. Thunder down the straightaway [...]
American-Canadian Tour Adds Second New Hampshire Motor Speedway Event For 2011
After a pair of successful non-point events over the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, officials from the American-Canadian Tour are ready to make it count toward a championship in 2011.
The American-Canadian Tour and New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday that a second ACT event will be added to the schedule in Loudon next season.
The non-points ACT Invitational has been held as part of the Sept. Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series weekend the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Next year will see the first points event for the division in Loudon when they are added to the card at the track as part of the Aug. 12-14 IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.
The American-Canadian Tour and New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday that a second ACT event will be added to the schedule in Loudon next season.
The non-points ACT Invitational has been held as part of the Sept. Sylvania 300 Sprint Cup Series weekend the last two years at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Next year will see the first points event for the division in Loudon when they are added to the card at the track as part of the Aug. 12-14 IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.
Who knows why the bubble burst?
The morning after the Amp Energy Juice 500 was as muddled as the race. It required a long drive home to get the old thoughts in order.
This race featured 87 lead changes. It ended in a side-by-side finish, though, oddly, not at the finish line. The last-place driver in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Clint Bowyer, became the only driver so far to win two of its races. Of course, the reason Bowyer is buried so deeply is the absence of 150 points due to a NASCAR penalty.
See what I mean by muddled?
But what fired my ruminations was the question of declining interest in NASCAR. Many opinions have been offered, most by folks who, in some way, have a specific interest in the view they offer. Those who are having trouble economically blame the economy. Those who love Dale Earnhardt Jr. blame his struggles. Those who loathe Jimmie Johnson blame his dominance.
It can’t be contended that the sport hasn’t reacted. Ticket prices have been slashed. Rules have been changed to promote excitement. Nothing seems to work. The NASCAR estimate of the Talladega Superspeedway crowd was 110,000. In 2003, it was 170,000. Those who point out how convenient it is to watch on TV fail to account for why TV ratings are declining as rapidly as attendance.
I’ve pondered and addressed all these issues and offered a few of my own, but the truth is, I don’t know, either. And I don’t think NASCAR does.
One word occurred to me while driving the interstate: “bubble.”
In the stock market, there was a “dotcom bubble.” I’ve heard of mortgage bubbles, real-estate bubbles and Indy 500 qualifier who are “on the bubble.” The world is one big bubble bath.
The idea is that something grows too rapidly. The perception of prosperity creates something of a feeding frenzy. Everyone gets on board, so much so that growth is artificially enhanced in a way that can’t be maintained.
And the bubble bursts.
All that “Fastest Growing Sport” rhetoric, which NASCAR so enthusiastically circulated, may have burst. “Burst” may be too harsh a word. In the stock market, there is often a “fallback position.” Maybe that’s where NASCAR is right now. It’s still big, but not as big.
This race featured 87 lead changes. It ended in a side-by-side finish, though, oddly, not at the finish line. The last-place driver in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Clint Bowyer, became the only driver so far to win two of its races. Of course, the reason Bowyer is buried so deeply is the absence of 150 points due to a NASCAR penalty.
See what I mean by muddled?
But what fired my ruminations was the question of declining interest in NASCAR. Many opinions have been offered, most by folks who, in some way, have a specific interest in the view they offer. Those who are having trouble economically blame the economy. Those who love Dale Earnhardt Jr. blame his struggles. Those who loathe Jimmie Johnson blame his dominance.
It can’t be contended that the sport hasn’t reacted. Ticket prices have been slashed. Rules have been changed to promote excitement. Nothing seems to work. The NASCAR estimate of the Talladega Superspeedway crowd was 110,000. In 2003, it was 170,000. Those who point out how convenient it is to watch on TV fail to account for why TV ratings are declining as rapidly as attendance.
I’ve pondered and addressed all these issues and offered a few of my own, but the truth is, I don’t know, either. And I don’t think NASCAR does.
One word occurred to me while driving the interstate: “bubble.”
In the stock market, there was a “dotcom bubble.” I’ve heard of mortgage bubbles, real-estate bubbles and Indy 500 qualifier who are “on the bubble.” The world is one big bubble bath.
The idea is that something grows too rapidly. The perception of prosperity creates something of a feeding frenzy. Everyone gets on board, so much so that growth is artificially enhanced in a way that can’t be maintained.
And the bubble bursts.
All that “Fastest Growing Sport” rhetoric, which NASCAR so enthusiastically circulated, may have burst. “Burst” may be too harsh a word. In the stock market, there is often a “fallback position.” Maybe that’s where NASCAR is right now. It’s still big, but not as big.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Grand Am: 2011 Daytona 24hrs Postscript
So I did the unthinkable... Although some Grab Bag Sports Dudes were apparently hostin? a BlogAthon ? whatever ?Dat is, your humble No Fenders Head Scribe held a ?Mega Speedython - Gorging meeze Eyeballz outs upon 12.6666666hrs ?O SPEED?s 14-hours of Rolex 24 race coverage; CRIKEYS!And whatever happened to the Good ?Ol Dazes ?O Endurance races, eh? When John Wyer told you exactly what lap time to run and NOT exceed it by even ?Juan blink ?O the eye! (Back in the David Hobbs era...) As I guess The Cheepster summed it up best by saying its 24 one hour races... Whale at least I think it was ?Cheep who said ?Dat? (As I simply ?Vegged Out? in order to get away from le Confuzer & did NOT attempt taking any notes...)And it was pretty entertaining hearing Booby Ruble, Err Bobby Rahal telling his story ?bout his 1981 victory ? when Brian Redman told him do NOT pass one single car, just keep your nose clean ? having gone out in sixth place. Several hours later during the driver change, Redmand asked what position are we in? To which Rahal said P1. Redman retorted; ?I told you NOT to pass anybody!? To which Bobby said; I DIDN?T! They all fell out...MAC MONTOYA: What can I say? As even Scott Dixon had a brief chuckle ?bout JPM during the Post-race interview; saying Yuhs gotta LUV Juan ? he just knows ?Juan speed... Even if he took off 3-noses & 1-splitter during the night hours; Aye Karumba!As Dorsey Schroder noted how ?Monty was in KILL mode very early on in the race, as the whirling derbish first pummeled the No. 99 ?Red Dragon? (Guess it was outta Fireballs, eh?) and then just minutes later knocked the No. 10 outta-duh-way... Incensing Team Owner Wayne Taylor so much that he could only say some Stock Car driver crashed into us... While Leigh Diffey had an amusing quip ?bout Chip Ganassi Racing?s Mike Hull telling Juan to SLOW DOWN! To which Leigh said; Good Luck with that!And it?s become quite fun to me that the race becomes two events ? as there?s the first day?s coverage before they go off the air ? and whilst I?m Snug as-a Bug in-a Rug... Whilst the drivers hurtle ?round DayToner under the artificial light ? there seems to always be a set ?O new class leaders the next morning. Not to mention the eventual winners... Whale at least I didn?t haveda sit thru the 2hr 49min Yellow flag period caused by FOG!NicolasMinassian ? pretty entertaining Pitlane interview; talking ?bout how crazy the bumping ?N banging is and having fun vs. high pressure of Peugeot Factory drive...And how ?bout that ?lil Team Seattle, eh? As I was very surprised to tune-in early Sunday morning and discover that no less than Patrick Dempsey?s No. 40 Mazda RX8 was leading the GT Class! Although unfortunately it all fell apart ? Kudos to the team for dealing with a faulty battery & clutch for the remainder of the event to eventually wind-up on the final Podium step of the GT rostrum. As I?m told whomever this Doctor McDreamy fellah is - was shedin? tears ?O joy up thar...Kevin Buckler?s 786 Porsches... NOT really, but some Alan Wedge Dude in the Blogosphere has been having fun with this, denoting the Panzerwagon known as TRG(The Racers Group) who ran a 5-car armada of Porsche 911?s and won their 496th GT Class victory; Hya! As according to Andy Lally, who was on duh Speed Freaks Sunday night ? they too ran without a clutch, albeit for the final 17hrs of the race; SHEISA! As apparently they were within a whisker?s breath of bringing the No. 67 into the garage to rebuild the clutch, but said SCREW IT! When they figured it would cost them 20-laps to do so...But for Mwah, the drive of the race was unquestionably Joey Hand?s final triple-stint segment when he had to suffer a 30-second Stop-Go penalty for hitting the errant tyre a crew member had forgotten to move outta the way towards the end of the race. Joey, who was making his debut as a Chip Ganassi driver ? who?d already complained to the crew his right foot was going numb... Drove like a man possessed ? almost like that JPM fellow! As Hand simply put the hammer down and sliced a 52-55 second deficit in half! Handing over to Scott Proffessor/Anchor/Ironman Pruett, who after some sage Pitstop strategy leapfrogged Scott Dixon in the No. 02 for the victory...Thus, I found it somewhat amusing how The Graminator, (G. Rahal) ? as Kurty Cavin noted ? scored his easiest Rolex timepiece by being part of the winning crew... As I spent the weekend thinking how little Graham musta been driving ? since I never heard a peep ?bout him being behind the wheel. Guess he got the midnight/early morning shift? But I?m happy he at least seemed to be keeping his lips closed ?N letting all of the other drivers do the talking.As Scott Pruett summed it up best on Speed Freaks, saying; ?To put it in perspective ? I?ve got a 22yr old daughter & Graham?s 22...?As I know Pruett has been pounding ?round the DayToner High Banks an awfully LONG time ? I vaguely remember watching him in those uber DOMINATING Roush BAD ASS Mustangs... Along with the likes ?O Dorsey Schroder & Calvin Fish... As Pruett admitted his first time to race in the Daytona 24hrs was 1983; Aye Karumba!And I really wanted to see the Action Express Boyz ?O Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller, Max Papis & Christian Fittipaldi BEAT those pesky Ganassi Starz... As I found it amusing how much Facetime Papis got during the weekend?s broadcast. While Christian sounds a lot alike somebody named EMMO to Mwah...Thus I found myself growlin? at le Telescreen ? Get him Joey! GO PRUETT! As I didn?t wish to see the No. 02 Ganassi car win. I means, Dario?s won everything, Dixon?s got a low pulse, JPM is a HotHead ? apparently having become fully immersed in the slogan Racin? is Rubbin;? CRAP! And I didn?t wanna see McMurray join Mario & A.J. in the only two drivers to have won the Daytona 500 and Rolex 24... Although I was MOST pleased of all to see poor ?Ol Jimmy Johnson?s race fall by the wayside; Ah Shucks ? NOT!
View of the Greatest 33 from the Pagoda
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Friday, February 11, 2011
Grand Am: 2011 ROLEX 24 - Preview
HURRAH! It?s time to go racing, as this year?s Daytona 24hrs race is set to kick off in just over ?Juan-day from now. As qualifying has already been held and as always, the Daytona Endurance race brings out a gala of racin? Starz ? spanning the gambit from Formula 1, IndyCar (OH CRAP! I FORGOT TO GO ALL CAPS...) ?RASSCAR & Sports Cars... As here?s a look at just some of the competitors in this year?s event.Level 5 MotorsportsFirst out of the Chute to announce their 2011 driver lineup were the ?lil Level-5 Boyz ? quickly snapping up the services of dispatched De Ferran Dragon IndyCar Piloto ?RAFA, nee Rafael Matos, with Sports Car Ace Luis Diaz also in the mix.The team will run a brace of BMW-Riley Daytona Prototypes (DP) and could be a force to reckon with, whilst Thanxs to ?Ponches IndyCar Roster for Rolex 24 story, I now know that Ryan ?The EX-IZOD DUDE? Hunter-Reay will also be part of the teams driver line-up. Yet for reasons unknown, neither racecar took part in qualifying...Cheep?s All Star Line-up ConfirmedNot surprisingly ? The ?Cheepster, a.k.a Chip Ganassi will once again field an All Star line-up for his brace of Riley-BMW DP racecars, as newest IndyCar signing ? The Graminator (G. Rahal) joins proverbial Sports Car Champion ?Scooter, (Scott Pruett) Memo Rojas and Joey Hand in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (FS) Target-TelMex entry.HOLY ALPHABET SOUP BATMAN!GEEZ CHIP! Are Yooze tryin? to secure the whol alphabet too with your Team/Sponsor/Car/Entries?The No. 02 TelMex Ganassi/Sabates racecar is filled with a Trio of Indy 500 champions: Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Juan Pablo Montoya with Daytona 500 & Brickyard 400 winner Jamie McMurry batting ?Clean-up.?And although Pruett claimed they weren?t shooting for top speed honours during The Roar before Daytona 3-day practice session, both Scooter?s and the ?Seester-car with Scott Dixon topped their respective Timesheets during various practice segments, with Pruett?s car qualifying third and Dixon?s mount starting P5...Starworks Seeing Stars?Defending Rolex 24 winner and former Champ Car driver Ryan Dalziel set the unofficial track record on the final day?s testing by blistering the course with a lap over 128mph. Dalziel, along with ex-Formula One/Indy Racing League Ace Tomas Enge is part of the two car Riley-Ford DP lineup for Starworks Motorsports, as the Scotsman (Dalziel) was the meat in a TelMex sandwich during qualifying with a fourth place finish...Bubble Roof for Michael Shank Racing?Couldn?t resist, as Justin BIG UNIT Wilson?s inclusion in the No. 6 Mike Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian; Hmm? Weren?t those Old Indy Racing League team owners? Err; Wilson?s height made me flashback to those Ford GT-40 Dazes with a bubble roof canopy to help a lanky driver by the name of Dan Gurney fit comfortably inside...Wilson will co-drive the No. 6 MSR Dallara-Ford DP with A.J. (?WallDinger?) Allmendinger and Michael ?Double Gainer? McDowell, while the team?s No. 60 Dallara-Ford DP will be co-driven by Marc Goosens, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Michael Valiante...The Jimmy ShowHe?s back.... So get ready once again to hear constant Princess ?Round-the-Clock type media coverage of Jimmy Johnson?s every BLINKIN? move... NO ? NOT that Jimmy Johnson who was just on Survivor and has lengthened his TV career as a pitchman for Extenz... Nope, its 5-time RASSCAR champ Jimmy Johnson who?ll be moonlightin? once again with the Bob Stalling Boyz of Alex Gurney & John ?On-the-Bayou? Foggerty. While I?m guessing JV?s ? as in Jimmy Vasser is back again as co-driver? Hmm? Wonder if the Stalling Gang gets a discount for Bodywork repairs at KVRT; Hya!Action Jackson?s Answer to CGRw/FSDefending Overall Rolex 24 victors Action Express Racing have said Oh Yeah to The Cheepster ? We can do that two! And have brought their own 2-car All Star driver cast, featuring seven previous Overall Rolex 24 winners.The No. 9 riley-Porsche DP features last year winners Joao Barbosa and Terry Borcheller, who?ll be partnered by Massimiliano ?MAD MAX? Papis, Christian Fittipaldi, and JC ?WHAT DRUGS?? France. (Don?t Yuhs knows who My Daddy is?)While the No. 5 Riley-Porsche/ Cayenne V8 DP has David Donohue,Darren Law, Buddy ?Hot rod? Rice and Burt Frisselle at its keyboard.Apparently IZOD?s now Everywhere!Also according to Mr. CHiP?s (Chris Estrada) Ryan ?The New IZOD Dude? Briscoe will be part of the No. 10 suntrust driver line-up, as Briscoe will share the Dallara-Chevrolet DP?s cockpit with Max ?THE AX!? Angelelli and the father-son duo of Ricky Taylor & Wayne Taylor ? the team?s owner...The Brundell Brothers ReturnAlthough I missed the Big Press Release, British ex-Formula 1 Aces Martin ?Billy bob? Brundle & Mark Blundell have teamed up to compete in this year?s Daytona 24hrs as part of the United Autosports drivers line-up; Co-driving with UA Chairman & Co-Owner Zak Brown and Mark Patterson.And for some strange reason ? Claxon Bells started ringin? in my head when I read Zackery Brown?s name. As in that cannot be the same Zak Brown whose Tony George?s Drinkin? buddy, eh?Citizen Tony spottingHOLY BACARDI ON THE ROCKS BATMAN!Apparently it is the ?Juan ?N Only Head Honcho of Just Marketing named Zak Brown ? Sponsorship Guru du Jour... Who?s also the Co-founder of Historic Motorsports Productions with Meesh?s buddy Booby Ray-X. (Bobby Rahal)Reportedly the quartet will be piloting a Riley-ford Daytona Prototype under the assistance of Michael Shank Racing, as I?m assuming its one of MSR?s older racecars? (Actually I?ve now learned it?s the third MSR entry this year...)Yet wouldn?t it be funny if the BRIT Duo ?O Brundle & Blundell upset Chip Ganassi? And won the whole BLOODY thing... Hmm? I just realized there?s three Mark?s on the team ? so may be I should call it the Mark Brotherz Project instead?Q&A Session: Mark Blundell (United Autosports, Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona)You can check out 14hrs of live ?round the clock coverage via SPEED beginning Saturday, January 29th at High Noon (12PM) PACIFIC ? as ALWAYS; check your local listings...GO JUSTIN ?N No. 6!This is the car I?d like to see WIN the race ? even if ?WallDinger DEFECTED to ?RASSCAR! As I cannot think of two more deserving drivers then Justin ?N A.J. who are due for a career highlight moment! Hmm? AIN?T McDowell the dude who was the very first driver to test out the Car Of Tomorrow?s (COT) roof structure ?N roolbar by Barrel rollin? Mikey ?Ah Shucks? Waltrip?s Double Zero Toy Yoter at Daytona International Speedway?NOTESAnd it AIN?T all Sunshine ?N Roses over in FenderLand either... As it must mean something if AIM & Godstone Ranch/Dyson Racing both of the Daytona Prototype class decide to skip the series marquee event, eh? (Can you say Cash Crunch?)
The 1963 Indianapolis 500 Starts with Parnelli Jones on the Pole
The 1963 Indianapolis 500 Starts with Parnelli Jones on the Pole
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This week's Stockcartoon from Mike Smith
Stockcartoons are created by Mike Smith, editorial cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun, and syndicated through King Features Syndicate. Mike generously shares them with us here.
Mike is also the primary contributor to the Las Vegas Sun's NASCAR blog,"Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity."
Travis Pastrana Drives the Boost Mobile NASCAR Car
Check out Travis Pastrana’s NASCAR prep video – he’s driving the Boost Mobile car in Los Angeles! boostmobile.com
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Coffee, Tea or; Sir Richard?
DON?T know why I find this so humorous ? as I?m certainly happy that the loser will be fulfilling his end of the bet. As perhaps you recall that Billionaire Airline Owner Sir Richard Branson put forth the wager against rival Formula 1 Team Boss Tony Fernandes ? that whoever?s Team finished worse in the standings could work as a Stewardess for the day on the rivals Airline...Richard Branson:?He has an airline, we have an airline, and if we beat him he can come and work on one of our airlines as a Virgin stewardess" Yet, Mr. Fernandes seemed at least to have the upper hand over the two Aero-liner Executives wager; as recall ? Virgin showed up to the dance with too small fuel tanks aboard their debutant racecar.Tony Fernandes:?It?s time for Richard to start preparing himself for some hard work and the likely pain of a pair of high heels.?And whilst Stewardess Branson will carry out his duties upon a long haul Air Asia flight from London to Kuala Lumpur - at least the tickets proceeds will be donated to a charity of Richard?s choice...Sir Richard Branson to serve as female flight attendant on Air Asia X flight after he loses bet
Grand Am: 2011 ROLEX 24 - Preview
HURRAH! It?s time to go racing, as this year?s Daytona 24hrs race is set to kick off in just over ?Juan-day from now. As qualifying has already been held and as always, the Daytona Endurance race brings out a gala of racin? Starz ? spanning the gambit from Formula 1, IndyCar (OH CRAP! I FORGOT TO GO ALL CAPS...) ?RASSCAR & Sports Cars... As here?s a look at just some of the competitors in this year?s event.Level 5 MotorsportsFirst out of the Chute to announce their 2011 driver lineup were the ?lil Level-5 Boyz ? quickly snapping up the services of dispatched De Ferran Dragon IndyCar Piloto ?RAFA, nee Rafael Matos, with Sports Car Ace Luis Diaz also in the mix.The team will run a brace of BMW-Riley Daytona Prototypes (DP) and could be a force to reckon with, whilst Thanxs to ?Ponches IndyCar Roster for Rolex 24 story, I now know that Ryan ?The EX-IZOD DUDE? Hunter-Reay will also be part of the teams driver line-up. Yet for reasons unknown, neither racecar took part in qualifying...Cheep?s All Star Line-up ConfirmedNot surprisingly ? The ?Cheepster, a.k.a Chip Ganassi will once again field an All Star line-up for his brace of Riley-BMW DP racecars, as newest IndyCar signing ? The Graminator (G. Rahal) joins proverbial Sports Car Champion ?Scooter, (Scott Pruett) Memo Rojas and Joey Hand in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (FS) Target-TelMex entry.HOLY ALPHABET SOUP BATMAN!GEEZ CHIP! Are Yooze tryin? to secure the whol alphabet too with your Team/Sponsor/Car/Entries?The No. 02 TelMex Ganassi/Sabates racecar is filled with a Trio of Indy 500 champions: Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Juan Pablo Montoya with Daytona 500 & Brickyard 400 winner Jamie McMurry batting ?Clean-up.?And although Pruett claimed they weren?t shooting for top speed honours during The Roar before Daytona 3-day practice session, both Scooter?s and the ?Seester-car with Scott Dixon topped their respective Timesheets during various practice segments, with Pruett?s car qualifying third and Dixon?s mount starting P5...Starworks Seeing Stars?Defending Rolex 24 winner and former Champ Car driver Ryan Dalziel set the unofficial track record on the final day?s testing by blistering the course with a lap over 128mph. Dalziel, along with ex-Formula One/Indy Racing League Ace Tomas Enge is part of the two car Riley-Ford DP lineup for Starworks Motorsports, as the Scotsman (Dalziel) was the meat in a TelMex sandwich during qualifying with a fourth place finish...Bubble Roof for Michael Shank Racing?Couldn?t resist, as Justin BIG UNIT Wilson?s inclusion in the No. 6 Mike Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian; Hmm? Weren?t those Old Indy Racing League team owners? Err; Wilson?s height made me flashback to those Ford GT-40 Dazes with a bubble roof canopy to help a lanky driver by the name of Dan Gurney fit comfortably inside...Wilson will co-drive the No. 6 MSR Dallara-Ford DP with A.J. (?WallDinger?) Allmendinger and Michael ?Double Gainer? McDowell, while the team?s No. 60 Dallara-Ford DP will be co-driven by Marc Goosens, Ozz Negri, John Pew and Michael Valiante...The Jimmy ShowHe?s back.... So get ready once again to hear constant Princess ?Round-the-Clock type media coverage of Jimmy Johnson?s every BLINKIN? move... NO ? NOT that Jimmy Johnson who was just on Survivor and has lengthened his TV career as a pitchman for Extenz... Nope, its 5-time RASSCAR champ Jimmy Johnson who?ll be moonlightin? once again with the Bob Stalling Boyz of Alex Gurney & John ?On-the-Bayou? Foggerty. While I?m guessing JV?s ? as in Jimmy Vasser is back again as co-driver? Hmm? Wonder if the Stalling Gang gets a discount for Bodywork repairs at KVRT; Hya!Action Jackson?s Answer to CGRw/FSDefending Overall Rolex 24 victors Action Express Racing have said Oh Yeah to The Cheepster ? We can do that two! And have brought their own 2-car All Star driver cast, featuring seven previous Overall Rolex 24 winners.The No. 9 riley-Porsche DP features last year winners Joao Barbosa and Terry Borcheller, who?ll be partnered by Massimiliano ?MAD MAX? Papis, Christian Fittipaldi, and JC ?WHAT DRUGS?? France. (Don?t Yuhs knows who My Daddy is?)While the No. 5 Riley-Porsche/ Cayenne V8 DP has David Donohue,Darren Law, Buddy ?Hot rod? Rice and Burt Frisselle at its keyboard.Apparently IZOD?s now Everywhere!Also according to Mr. CHiP?s (Chris Estrada) Ryan ?The New IZOD Dude? Briscoe will be part of the No. 10 suntrust driver line-up, as Briscoe will share the Dallara-Chevrolet DP?s cockpit with Max ?THE AX!? Angelelli and the father-son duo of Ricky Taylor & Wayne Taylor ? the team?s owner...The Brundell Brothers ReturnAlthough I missed the Big Press Release, British ex-Formula 1 Aces Martin ?Billy bob? Brundle & Mark Blundell have teamed up to compete in this year?s Daytona 24hrs as part of the United Autosports drivers line-up; Co-driving with UA Chairman & Co-Owner Zak Brown and Mark Patterson.And for some strange reason ? Claxon Bells started ringin? in my head when I read Zackery Brown?s name. As in that cannot be the same Zak Brown whose Tony George?s Drinkin? buddy, eh?Citizen Tony spottingHOLY BACARDI ON THE ROCKS BATMAN!Apparently it is the ?Juan ?N Only Head Honcho of Just Marketing named Zak Brown ? Sponsorship Guru du Jour... Who?s also the Co-founder of Historic Motorsports Productions with Meesh?s buddy Booby Ray-X. (Bobby Rahal)Reportedly the quartet will be piloting a Riley-ford Daytona Prototype under the assistance of Michael Shank Racing, as I?m assuming its one of MSR?s older racecars? (Actually I?ve now learned it?s the third MSR entry this year...)Yet wouldn?t it be funny if the BRIT Duo ?O Brundle & Blundell upset Chip Ganassi? And won the whole BLOODY thing... Hmm? I just realized there?s three Mark?s on the team ? so may be I should call it the Mark Brotherz Project instead?Q&A Session: Mark Blundell (United Autosports, Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona)You can check out 14hrs of live ?round the clock coverage via SPEED beginning Saturday, January 29th at High Noon (12PM) PACIFIC ? as ALWAYS; check your local listings...GO JUSTIN ?N No. 6!This is the car I?d like to see WIN the race ? even if ?WallDinger DEFECTED to ?RASSCAR! As I cannot think of two more deserving drivers then Justin ?N A.J. who are due for a career highlight moment! Hmm? AIN?T McDowell the dude who was the very first driver to test out the Car Of Tomorrow?s (COT) roof structure ?N roolbar by Barrel rollin? Mikey ?Ah Shucks? Waltrip?s Double Zero Toy Yoter at Daytona International Speedway?NOTESAnd it AIN?T all Sunshine ?N Roses over in FenderLand either... As it must mean something if AIM & Godstone Ranch/Dyson Racing both of the Daytona Prototype class decide to skip the series marquee event, eh? (Can you say Cash Crunch?)
McDougall new crew chief at RWI
On Saturday, Rusty Wallace Inc. announced that Scott McDougall would crew chief the organization’s No. 66 team and driver Steve Wallace. McDougall came to RWI in late 2009 from CJM Racing. He was an engineer with CJM’s No. 11 team, which recently folded.� examiner
Jaguar Stepping-up its GT Program
Heard this news in the closing ?My-nutes ?O Trackside with Kevin ?N Cavin last Tuesday during Indiana?s Ice Storm 2011 broadcast... As I?m impressed that Kevin Lee actually likes the ALMS cars ? thus giving a quick Shout-out to Paul Gentilozzi?s Factory backed TaTa Motors GT2 program...What? Y?all didn?t knows that Jaguar & Land Rover are now the property of India?s TaTa Group - the same entity sponsoring thee ?Fastest Indian,? (right!) a.k.a. Narain Karthikeyan, and more likely keeping the floundering Spanish Hispania F1 Team afloat! But I digress...So Messer Lee pointed out that Mr. Gentilozzi had just inked former Champ Car Starz Bruno ?WhineyBags? Junqueira, ?Shorty, nee Cristiano da Matta and P J. Jones as three fourths of his re-invigorated Rocketsports Racing (RSR) Jaguar XKR GT2 racing team, which made its American Le Mans Series debut nearly one year ago at the 58th running of the Mobil 12hrs of Sebring, albeit a single car effort.I seem to recall scribblin? that somebody named ?Scooter, nee Scott Pruett was supposed to drive for the Cat last June at Circuit de la Sarthe, albeit the dealio fell apart as Pruett moonlighted as a guest commentator on SPEED instead. But I was happy to see ex-CCWS driver Ryan Dalziel getting a decent full season ride for a change upon being announced as Rocketsports lead driver.Yet things have changed for the better, as the team has stepped up to a two car effort for 2011 in the fiercely contested ALMS GT2 Class; which will see the RSR Cats squaring off against the likes ?O Bobby Rahal?s Works BMW?s, Porsches? 911 Panzer wagons, GM?s Corvettes, Ferrari?s F430 ? and coming soon new F458 Italia model plus two Robertson Racing FordGT?s...But I?m very happy to see that Da Matta is back in a decent ride, and will be teamed with his ex-rival Junqueira ? with the two now being close friends. Recall that Cristiano won the 2002 CART title for Newman Haas Racing before spending two tough years in Formula 1 for the Toyota team before having his ugly testing accident at Road America. Thankfully Da Matta recovered and will now partner the man he beat for the Championship back in ?02.I last heard of P.J. Jones whilst trying to qualify an underfunded No. 40 Wooshmobile Throwback liveried Dallara/Honda at the Speedway for Team Leader/Dollander Racing for Kent Baker in 2007, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of his father driving Andy Granatelli?s revolutionary turbine car. But P.J. was unable to find the necessary speed to qualify...Yet my strongest memory of ?lil Parnelli was back in the waning days ?O IMSA GTP competition when he was behind the keyboard of that all conquering Dan Gurney AAR Toyota Turbo 4-banger.No word (publically) on who?ll partner P.J. in 2011 ? although I can think of three names right off the bat. RSR could go for an all Brazilian ?N ALL P.J. Show by adding that Chesnutt fellah from the IRL, Err IndyCar... While ?RAFA, nee Rafael Matos would be a good choice, albeit I don?t know if Gentilozzi wants to be outflanked by that many South Americans? Hmm? My third pick was gonna be Karun ?Cowboy? Chandhok, as he?s got some nebulous linkage to Rocketsports financial backers, right? Oh Never Mind...
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