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Montoya: “The Brickyard is a big deal, but it’s not the Indy 500”

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SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Fred Blood

Last year, Juan Pablo Montoya announced that he would be heading back to IndyCar, driving for Team Penske. The opportunity didn’t shock fans as they could see it coming based on Montoya’s words that he wanted to get back into a car he could win in.

The opportunity to get back in an IndyCar brings forth another opportunity for the Columbian – to win the Indianapolis 500 in May.

 “Every year you came here and you’re not in an Indy car, it’s cool, but you want to come to the museum to see the Indy cars,” Montoya commented at an appearance. “It’s not the same. The Brickyard is a big deal, but it’s not the Indy 500. I never thought I’d be back here to try to get another win. I’m excited and to race here for Team Penske.”

Montoya added that while the opportunity is exciting, he isn’t focused on that right now.

“I’m more of a guy who goes, ‘What’s next? Are we testing? Are we doing this or are we doing that?’ I try not to think about it too much,” he added. “Once we need to come to Indy, I’ll worry about Indy and not before. Still it’s exciting. If you think about it, I’m 1-for-1 here and it would be cool to be 2-for-2.”

In preparation for the season, Montoya has been testing at multiple road courses and ovals to get a feel for the new car. Despite there being a learning curve, defending series champion Scott Dixon says that Montoya should do well despite not being in an open-wheel car for a couple of years. Dixon added that the change in testing rules – each team is allowed 18 days total now – will give Montoya more time to adapt to the car.

“That’s good for him, but the addition of being in a really strong team and having really strong teammates will definitely quicken that process up,” Dixon added. “I expect him to be quick straight out of the box and having the possibility of going for race wins straight on.”

Montoya has been attending tests with teammates Will Power and Helio Castroneves. The experienced teammates have help set the cars up initially, followed by Montoya running laps after and seeing if he can get close to their times. In each of the tests he’s done so far, he’s impressed.

However, even with successful tests, Montoya knows he has challenges ahead.

“The short ovals are going to be my biggest challenge because you have to run flat-out,” he commented. “That wasn’t the case when I was in the series in 1999 and 2000. The speed you carry through the corners is unbelievable.”

One of the critical tests for Montoya this off-season was Phoenix International Raceway. Montoya knows the track via his NASCAR experience, but he says the test is necessary with how different the two cars drive.

“The way you drive these two tracks is completely different from NASCAR to IndyCar,” Montoya said. “We’re running about six seconds a lap faster than in NASCAR.”

Montoya’s official return to an IndyCar will be the season opener at St. Petersburg on March 30th.

“I told Roger (Penske) that it’s easy to see why he has so much success in this series,” Montoya said. “These cars are so fast. The people on these teams are very talented. I’m excited about this chapter of my career.”

Ryan Blaney not worried about falling behind with new truck

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SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Ashley McCubbin

With the new season, NASCAR announced a new truck for the teams. Change can be good, though can be bad at times. To be competitive, a team must hit on the set-up sooner than the others. Concerns quickly surfaced that teams like Brad Keselowski Racing may fall behind compared to bigger organizations like Turner-Scott Motorsports. BKR driver Ryan Blaney says he’s not worried about that.

“I think my team has really been really prepared for this year, a lot more prepared than we were for 2013, I think,” he commented. “We were kind of behind the 8‑ball going into 2013, and it took us a while to really get going, and I think this year we’re a lot more prepared, and that’s just better for firing off good and starting the season off the way we need to.”

Part of the concern stems to the fact that BKR is one of the lone Ford teams in the field, though Blaney says that Ford is committed to their program.

“I think Ford has done an awesome job for us,” he said. “They’ve really stepped up their improvement for us on the racing side, and that’s really cool to see because they haven’t really had a big impact in the Truck Series for a while, and even that last year in 2013 they didn’t show us a ton of support, but this year they’ve really stepped it up, and with their help and Penske’s help, I think we’re really ahead of where we need to be, and I think that’s just going to let us compete a lot better with the KBMs and ThorSports, and there’s no more RCR, but I think it’s just going to put us in a better spot earlier in the season to put us in a better spot in the long run.”

Some of the concern surfaced more as the trucks hit Daytona for the test due to Blaney on bringing one truck down for the test. However, Blaney says that was done on purpose.

“If we think that if this truck can improve, we can go back and build another one with the improvements to it, better than bringing two trucks here and tearing both of them apart and having to put a new body on them,” Blaney explained. “I wouldn’t say we’re behind, it’s just kind of being smart and not wasting two trucks really if we think we can improve on this one.” 

Blaney had a great rookie season last year, finishing sixth in points with a win, eight top fives and 13 top 10s. NASCAR left the option for teams to use 2013 trucks if they wanted to, though Blaney says BKR is going all new tucks this year – except for Eldora.

“We’ve been in the tunnel and we’ve seen how much improvements they are, how much faster they are, just how much better downforce they are and all that stuff,” he explained. 

Blaney will be behind his familiar No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford in February for the season opener at Daytona, where he hopes to finish well to start his season on a good note.

“You really want to start out your year good and on a good note.  It’s important to come out here and try to have a good run and stay out of the trouble,” he commented. “It’s one of the biggest races and it’s fun to come down here and kind of experience the whole week out here.”

Marshall’s Madness: Rookies vs. Veterans

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SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Kirk Schroll

The quest begins as a multitude of drivers strap into their machines this season hoping and praying for a victory and the overall goal, a championship. Many competitors are seeking their first career win and championship, including Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon and other young rising stars. However, they’ll be competing against veterans of the sport, like Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and other former champions. Youth vs. experience will begin this season and it’s bound to be one of the best brawls NASCAR has ever witnessed. There’s only one question remaining. Who will prevail?

Jimmie Johnson will continue his dominant career after winning his sixth championship last season. The expectations won’t be raised this year for Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus, but certainly won’t be lowered. Johnson’s a championship away from being tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most championships in NASCAR history. However, talent is swarming through the racing ranks, meaning time could be running short for Johnson to tie Petty and Earnhardt. But, if there is anyone who can do it, it’s certainly Johnson.

Austin Dillon sails into NASCAR’s top series anticipating immediate success. He’s already made headlines when he and Grandfather Richard Childress decided to bring back the iconic No. 3 – which was driven by Dale Earnhardt and wasn’t expected to return to the series. He’s a former Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series champion and will attempt to become the first competitor to win a title in each of NASCAR’s top three divisions. Dillon and Larson will headline the rookie drivers this season but they’re just two of the seven ROY (Rookie of The Year) contenders. Regardless of the yellow stripes on his bumpter, many drivers don’t consider Dillon a rookie driver. He’s experienced and determined to become a successful driver and deliver the hardware back to Richard Childress Racing.  ‘

Johnson and Dillon are considered the leaders in their classes, obviously Johnson leading the veterans and Dillon the rookies. However, many other drivers won’t be defeated easily.

Below I’ve ranked the top five drivers, in my mind, that are the greatest in their classes at this juncture. We’re entitled to our opinion meaning if you don’t agree, then comment with your top five below!

 

Top Five Rookie Drivers

  1. Austin Dillon
  2. Kyle Larson
  3. Parker Kligerman
  4. Michael Annett
  5. Cole Whitt

 

 Top Five Veteran Drivers

  1. Jimmie Johnson
  2. Kevin Harvick
  3. Matt Kenseth
  4. Kyle Busch
  5. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR Champions Featuring Rex White

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo Credit: David Yeazell

Cup Champion: 1960
Born: August 17, 1929
Hometown: Spartanburg, S.C.
Career: 1956-1964

Rex White is a perfect example of what it takes to achieve success. He grew up while the country was in the grip of the Great Depression and spent much of his youth working long hours on a farm. He also suffered from polio as a child, but none of this deterred him from his dream.

“Most of the lessons I have learned have stayed with me all my life. The biggest one was how to conquer fear,” White wrote in his autobiography, “Gold Thunder.”

White was born in Taylorsville, N.C., but later moved to Maryland and began racing on the short tracks in the area. In 1956, he entered his first race in the NASCAR Grand National Series (now Sprint Cup). He was winless during his first two seasons, but in 33 races, he captured 20 top-10 finishes.

In 1958 White moved to Spartanburg, S.C. and joined forces with his friend Louis Clements. Clements became his partner and chief mechanic. Together, they evolved into a formidable team.

They quickly found success, winning two races that first year and achieving 17 top-10 finishes, including 13 top-five results. White was ranked seventh in the point standings at the completion of the season.

White’s consistency and ability to run up front paid off in 1960 when he won the Grand National Championship. He competed in 40 races with six wins, three poles and 35 top-10s, including 25 top-five finishes. His dominance during the season earned him the title of stock car driver of the year and the most popular driver award.

The following season, White had another impressive year. He took home seven wins and finished second in the point standings. In 1962, his eight victories earned him a fifth-place spot at the end of the year. He finished the 1963 season in ninth position.

Rex White retired in 1964 after running in only six races, stating that he couldn’t make enough money to make a living. His total career earnings were $223,51. In comparison, Denny Hamlin’s first-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2013 paid $322,350.

His career may have been short compared to today’s standards, but it was significant. He scored a top-10 finish in 70% of his starts. His 28 victories place him 23rd on the all-time list of premier series winners and his average finishing position of 8.983 is the fourth best in the history of NASCAR.

White remains active in the racing community and enjoys making appearances where he can interact with his fans and sign autographs. If you love the history of NASCAR, pick up his autobiography entitled “Gold Thunder,” the nickname of his famous No. 4 gold and white Chevy. It’s a slice of stock car racing history from White’s unique perspective of NASCAR’s beginnings.

Accomplishments:

1960 – NASCAR Grand National Series Champion (Now Sprint Cup)
1960 – The Most Popular Driver Award
1960 – Driver of the Year Award
1974 – Inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame
1998 – Named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers
2003 – Inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
2003 – Received Smokey Yunick Pioneer Award
2004 – Author – Gold Thunder: Autobiography of a NASCAR Champion
2008 – Inducted into Talladega Walk of Fame
2011 – Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
2014 – Nominee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
2015 – Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame

*Updated 07/18/2025

Rex White passed away on July 18, 2025. NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley issued the following statement.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Statement on the Passing of Rex White – July 18, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (JULY 18, 2025) – The following is a statement from NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley on the passing of Rex White.

“First and foremost, on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our most sincere condolences to Rex’s family and friends on his passing.

Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels. He began his driving career in 1954 before moving to NASCAR’s premier series in 1956.

Rex captured NASCAR’s top prize as both a driver and car owner, winning the 1960 NASCAR Cup Series championship on the strength of six wins and 35 top 10 finishes in 40 starts. A short track specialist, Rex made a name for himself in an era when those tracks dominated the schedule. Of his 28 career wins in NASCAR’s premier series, 26 were on tracks of a mile or less. He accomplished that in only 233 total starts over a period of just nine years.

A member of the Class of 2015, Rex was among NASCAR’s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in.

NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers and the NASCAR Hall of Fame team and I have lost one of our staunchest supporters and cherished friends. Rex’s legacy and incredible accomplishments in and contributions to NASCAR will forever remain in our hearts, minds, archives and at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”

Rusty Wallace Has Great Memories Of His Dominant Days At Martinsville Speedway

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SM Archive
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Madison Rising to Sing National Anthem for DRIVE4COPD 300

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SM Archive
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Smithfield Foods Extends Relationship with Richard Petty Motorsports

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David Ragan Set for a Milestone Year

By
SM Staff
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For David Ragan, 2014 is set to be a year full of milestones, from his 100th Nationwide start to his impending fatherhood, with baby Ragan set to arrive this summer.

But as is the case for most racers, Ragan is just happy to be back at the track, even if only for some preseason testing in the Nationwide Series.

“I’m excited for the Daytona Nationwide race,” Ragan said. “I will be racing with the Biagi-DenBeste Racing team.”

“I wanted to run a few Nationwide races to get back in the rhythm of running up front and having some fun in the Nationwide Series,” Ragan continued. “It’s something that I really haven’t had an opportunity to do in the last year or so.”

“I didn’t even realize it would be my 100th start so that was kind of interesting as well,” Ragan said. “It’s something that as the years go on, you look back and say, ‘Man it did go by pretty fast.’

“But definitely the 100th start will be fun to make at Daytona, which is special to me.”

Ragan will be behind the wheel of the No. 98 Curb Records Ford for his milestone start in the DRIVE4COPD 300, scheduled for February 22nd.

“The Nationwide team has built a really nice car,” Ragan said. “We tested down in Dayton for a couple days and thought the car had a lot of speed.”

“We have won a couple of races, a few poles and I certainly want to add another notch in the win column,” Ragan continued. “That would be cool to do in your 100th milestone start.”

Another milestone that Ragan is hoping to achieve is being able to compete in even more Nationwide Series races with this Biagi-DenBeste Racing team.

“We are working hard to attract a few more sponsors to run a few more races,” Ragan said. “This is the kind of team that doesn’t run a tremendous number of races so they can do it a little cheaper than a full-time team.”

“It’s fun and a great opportunity with a Ford Mustang to get back into the Nationwide Series,” Ragan continued. “So, I’m looking forward to hopefully running a few more races with this team.”

While Ragan is looking forward to achieving more milestones at Daytona in the Nationwide Series, he acknowledges that he will have a few challenges to face getting back into that seat. And while he enjoys racing at Daytona, the track has also presented some challenges along the way.

“I enjoy plate racing,” Ragan said. “I didn’t enjoy it the first year or two but I got to learn how to do it well.”

“But Daytona has been a tough track for me,” Ragan continued. “I think I’ve wrecked the last three or four races there.”

Several of the other challenges that Ragan will face in his milestone return to the Nationwide Series is the new ‘no tandem racing’ rule, as well as all the new, fresh rookie faces in the garage area.

“I don’t think that NASCAR will even have a chance to police that no tandem rule because of the configuration of the air intake and the radiator package,” Ragan said. “It’s very similar to the Cup Series so the temperatures will be so high that you won’t be able to even attempt to tandem race.”

“It is just one of those things that NASCAR is adjusting the rules on a bit that I don’t think they’ll have an opportunity to enforce because we can police it ourselves.”

“Also, I’m trying to get to know some of the new guys out there that I’m racing with,” Ragan said. “That’s why it was important to go and do the test.

“A lot of the Nationwide guys I know and know of but I haven’t had the opportunity to race with them,” Ragan continued. “I think it’s important to get to talk to them and let them see me in the car so they recognize who is driving it.”

“That will pay big dividends when we are out there racing for sure.”

Ragan is also looking forward to achieving new milestones on the Cup side of his career, especially being back in partnership for another year with Front Row Motorsports teammate David Gilliland.

“Front Row Motorsports has improved year in and year out since I’ve started there in 2012,” Ragan said. “We’ve got a lot of potential now.”

“Some of our primary sponsors are coming back and we’re excited about that,” Ragan continued. “We’ve worked on our car inventory this off-season and we’ve certainly improved our team.”

“We’ve got to keep working hard because as the same time we’re improving our team, the teams around us are improving theirs as well,” Ragan said. “We just have to keep our heads up and keep working hard.”

“We’re excited to get to Daytona, but really excited to get to Phoenix, Las Vegas, Bristol and see where we shake out in those first few races,” Ragan continued. “I’m looking forward to my third year and having some fun with my team.”

“And if we could slightly improve on our Cup efforts, continue to build relationships with our sponsors and it has a lot of potential to be a milestone year.”

Ragan’s final, and most important, milestone in 2014 is more personal. He and his wife Jacquelyn are expecting a new addition to the Ragan clan.

“We are also having a milestone personally as Jacquelyn, my wife, is pregnant and due in June,” Ragan said. “So, this is going to be a big year off the race track.”

“It’s going to be a fun time but a very busy time,” Ragan said. “But we’re excited and ready to get the year underway.”

Matt Crafton predicts crazy season opener due to no tandem rule

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SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images

Heading into the season, NASCAR made an announcement – tandem drafting is not allowed. You will not be allowed to hook up in pairs and stay that way. Small bumps are okay but not working in tandem.

The reaction from the drivers has since been a mixed reaction. Some drivers like it as now you don’t have to rely on a partner, while others don’t like the change. One of those who is disappointed in the new rule is 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion Matt Crafton.

“I think the tandem deal, you can get away from people,” he commented, adding that he predicts the racing in February will be crazy when they get 20 trucks running in a pack together. 

Crafton also is worried about the art of bump drafting as it’s not as easy as it looks because you have to judge when you bump right, or else you can cause the person in front of you to get sideways.

“When you’re sitting behind somebody you’re going to hit him and you can’t really judge when you hit them because if you’re getting close to them you can’t judge when you’re getting ready to go in the corner, and if you do hit somebody it might just start turning the wheel left to go into the corner and you’re going to cause a big wreck,” Crafton continued. “I mean, there’s going to be goods and there’s going to be bads, like I said, but it will be good racing.”

In 13 starts at Daytona, Crafton has only finished in the top five once and says simply that’s because the race is a crap shoot.

” To win some of these races, you’ve got to be very, very lucky and be in the right position at the right time,” he said. “We were very close in Talladega and we’re fairly close here, but our teammates won both of them, so we should have pretty good trucks to race with.  We don’t have any speed.  It’s very consistent with what we’ve had in the past.  We’re a little off in single runs on speed, but that don’t mean anything.”

Crafton will go into this season trying to defend his championship after a stellar year last year that saw him complete all 3391 laps of the season with 19 top 10s in the 22 races. Though there’s a new challenge as NASCAR has unveiled a new truck for the competitors to race – trying to bring the brand identification to the trucks as they have done with the other two series.

“I think it’s going to be who can get ahead of the game,” he explained. “It’s just that way every year, but now that we have the new trucks, it’s going to be‑‑ I mean, getting in the wind tunnel, going to test at places we’re going to race, and whoever can get that little step ahead, is going to be the team to beat without a doubt.”

NASCAR also announced that there will not be any single-truck qualifying this year.

“It’s going to be interesting.  I mean, I think it’s actually going to‑‑ it’s going to be like bump qualifying if you want to put it.  I think it’s going to be very, very cool,” Crafton commented. “I said to some of the guys on the team, they’re like, I want to see whose truck by itself is the fastest truck for two laps.  I think it’s going to be very, very interesting for the fans.”

In reflecting back to growing up in California, even having the chance to come to Daytona, Crafton said he dreamed of it – but never thought it’d be a reality.

“It’s just always a hope or a prayer that you could possibly get here and be able to race here, and now that I’m doing it, it’s just a blessing to be able to do what I do and get paid to do what you love to do,” he said. “I’ve got the best job in the world.”

Driving New Trucks, Youth Is Served In NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

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