NASCAR Cup Series

This wise man noticed that in 13 of 15 attempts, Mr. Busch had finished not worse than sixth. That would leave no room, one would think, for Jeff Gordon to make up a 12 point deficit. It seemed like a pretty good bet. Thank God that wise man didn't wager on the outcome.

Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) suffered a disappointing night at Richmond International Raceway. Rain postponed the start of the Federated Auto Parts 400 but cleared in time for all 400 laps of competition. David Reutimann started the 300-mile race from the 37th spot but struggled with the handling of the No. 10 Inc. 5000 / @TMone 6-peat Chevrolet. He finished the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) event in the 34th position, seven laps down. Dave Blaney also battled the handling of his TBR Chevrolet. He started in the 33rd position, and the No. 36 Chevrolet finished in 33rd place, five laps down.

The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of the No. 27 Richard Childress NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. The penalties concern Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; Section 12-4K: If, in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, race equipment that has been previously certified or previously approved by NASCAR for use in an event, pursuant to sub-section 8-12, has been altered, modified, repaired or changed in any matter. Intentionally modifying previously certified frame rails for the purpose of deceiving NASCAR’s inspection gauges.

Renowned singer-songwriter and musician Kid Rock will lend both his presence and his music to ESPN’s telecasts of the 10 races in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, which begins with this Sunday’s event at Chicagoland Speedway. ESPN’s coverage from Chicagoland begins at 1 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown.

With Kansas Speedway’s track reconfiguration project this summer, NASCAR has added extra practice time to the schedule for teams and Kansas Speedway will open its gates to fans free of charge on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, but is requesting a donation of $5 to March of Dimes' Bikers for Babies campaign. Volunteers will be at the gates to collect donations.

Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced today it has made changes to its crew lineup in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Mike Ford will now lead Marcos Ambrose and the No. 9 Ford while Todd Parrott has been assigned as the crew chief for Aric Almirola and the No. 43 Ford. In addition, team members from both teams will also make the switch with their respective crew chief. Several pit crew members were also recently changed. The move is made to strengthen the entire RPM organization and improve the performance level now and into the future. The change is effective immediately.

Martinsville Speedway’s ticket office will be open on weekends beginning this Saturday, Sept. 15 through the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on Oct. 28.

The 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup field is set. It needed all 400 laps in Richmond, along with some rain and a platter of pit strategy, but the field is set and the playoffs can begin.

The 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup begins next weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Here is a look at one of the deepest chase fields in history.