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Fourth Turn: The Season Begins

By
SM Staff
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The echo of bull dozers and concrete rollers has died down at Daytona leaving in it’s wake the familiar echo of the more familar race engines. The jet black pavement stands in stark contrast to the snow white walls that stand guard over the crown jewel of NASCAR. Though the pavement is silent and the garages stand empty waiting their familiar lodgers, nothing stands still for long in NASCAR. Especially not Daytona.

[media-credit name=”DIS” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]Rolex 24 competitors have already begun their practice as have the super bikes. NASCAR’s finest have tested the avement and given it a big thumbs up. The tire compound has been tested. NASCAR has announced it’s yearly gift to fans in withdrawal with Preseason Thunder and Fanfest. The restrictor plate has been announced. The cars are built and the E15 is secured. It’s almost time to go racing.

For those that are tech oriented and interested in such things for Preseason Thunder, the plate size for next week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup test will be 29/32 inch. This is reduction in the size of the holes in the restrictor plate by 1/32nd of an inch – from 30/32nds of an inch to 29/32nds of an inch – a NASCAR spokesman confirmed Wednesday night.

The plate change will result in a speed reduction of 5-10 mph on Qualifying lap and 3 -5 mph on a race lap in traffic.

The spoiler will be the same as previously used –Spoiler dimensions will be 4.5 inches tall by 63 inches wide. It will sit at 70 degrees.

Another note of interest for next weeks test is that it will be the first public test of the new E15 engines and fuel, although the teams have been testing it for over a year. Most of the teams have stated that the new fuel and new engines will not be an issue.

Things to keep in mind with the new fuel are that the engine temperatures will run slightly higher than before due to the alcohol content in the fuel. Fuel mileage decreases with the Ethanol laced fuel in most cases. Fueling procedures have changed due to the Ethanol fuel. The catch can man has been eliminated and the fuel cans are slower to pour, resulting in a 3 – 5 second increase in pit times.

The new nose and body changes to the COT will also make their debut during this test. Although most teams used them in the tire test in December this is will be the first full field test with the new nose.

The new nose was designed to create more front down force and eliminate the splitter and it’s braces which were easily broken during agricultural racing. Also by eliminating the old splitter it decreases the chances of cut tires from incidental contact with other cars.

New crew chief and driver pairing, new driver/team pairings will also test their new relationships on the new pavement in Daytona. Pairings that are striking the most intrigue include the HMS pairings of Mark Martin/Lance McGrew, Jeff Gordon/Alan Gustafson, Dale Earnhardt Jr./Steve Latarte and Brad Keselowski/Paul Wolfe.

Speed TV will broadcasting much of the practice sessions live. Below is the broadcast schedule. Darrell Waltrip, John Roberts Larry McReynolds and other broadcast favorites will rotate through the analysis position in the booth.

Thursday, Jan. 20
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com)
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (SPEED.com)
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (same-day delay) (SPEED)

Friday, Jan. 21
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com)
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. (SPEED)
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (SPEED.com)

Saturday, Jan. 22
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com)
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.  (SPEED)
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  (SPEED.com)

Fans seeking to rev up their new year can do so at the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona – the companion event to the January test. Along with watching NASCAR Preseason Thunder track activity from Daytona’s Sprint FANZONE, fans can enjoy two Fan Fest sessions – from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21 and from 5-7 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions are planned. Tickets for the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest are $20. Fans also can watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands. Drivers currently scheduled to make appearances on Thursday, Jan. 20 beginning at 6 p.m. are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski, David Ragan, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Martin Truex Jr. and Regan Smith.

Scheduled to appear on Friday, Jan. 21, during the 5-7 p.m. session are Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, David Reutimann, Casey Mears, Jeff Burton, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, Kevin Conway, Kyle Busch, Paul Menard and Ryan Newman. In the 7-9 p.m. session, drivers scheduled to appear are AJ Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Greg Biffle, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya, Marcos Ambrose and Matt Kenseth.

While the snow and ice and artic temperatures blanket most of the country, the heat is just beginning to find it’s way home to Daytona. Like birds migrating back after the winter. The power, and the roar of racing engines combined with the heart and determination of champion thoroughbreds is returning to Daytona. And for those fans that have been in the clutches of withdrawal, it can’t happen too soon.

NASCAR finds itself in the Middle of a Lawsuit with Advanced Fluid Solutions

By
SM Staff
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Following a year where NASCAR’s integrity came into question with multiple issues, they find themselves in a middle of yet another lawsuit.

Advanced Fluids alleges in its complaint that NASCAR illegally terminated the agreement because NASCAR did not give proper written notice that Advanced Fluids was in default and continued to talk to the company during the time it was trying to get the funding finalized. The company is asking for its sponsorship with NASCAR to be reinstated, in which the sponsorship is worth $6.295 million over seven years.

“AFS (Advanced Fluids Solutions) never performed … any terms of the contract,” NASCAR states in its response to the lawsuit as according to Sporting News.

Advanced Fluid Solutions agreed to pay that amount to market its new XP4 fuel and oil performance additive through the “NASCAR Performance” program. Their parntership was set to start in 2010, yet did not as Advanced Fluids had not paid the original $500,000 payment. The contract was executed in October 2009 and NASCAR terminated the deal in December 2009.

The lawsuit was filed by Advanced Fluid Solutions last month in Volusia County (Fla.) Circuit Court, and NASCAR had the case moved Friday to United States District Court in Orlando.

Last year, NASCAR found themselves in front of a lot of controversy through a lawsuit that Jeremy Mayfield filed with result to being suspended due to drug usage. They also faced a lawsuit a couple years ago from NASCAR ex-official Mauricia Grant due to racial discrimination. 

Lawsuits are finding their way into NASCAR as the dollar goes up as NASCAR drivers Robby Gordon and Scott Speed have also found themselves in the middle of lawsuits over contracts.

Grant Enfinger’s Team Takes Top Honors in ARCA Daytona Test Drafting Speeds

By
SM Staff
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While Venturini Motorsports took top honors in the single-car runs, Grant Enfinger’s team took top honors in drafting.

Yesterday, Benny Gordon drove Grant Enfinger’s car to the lead position and has the quickest overall draft speed at a lap of 48.414 seconds.

Today, Grant Enfinger drove his own car to the top of the charts and second overall at a lap of 48.418 seconds.

Brian Rose and James Hylton were tied for second in the session at 48.664 seconds (184.942 mph). Joey Licata Jr., Jason Bowles, Milka Duno, Kevin Swindell, Randy Renfrow, Brent Brevak, and Bobby Gerhart comprised the remainder of the top 10.

Today concluded the Daytona test for the ARCA Racing Series. The next time they will be at Daytona will be on February 8 to begin preparation for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on February 12.

Overall Draft Speeds

  1. 09 Benny Gordon – 48.414 seconds -Wednesday Afternoon
  2. 36 Grant Enfinger- 48.418 – Thursday Afternoon
  3. 1 Chad McCumbee – 48.427 – Wednesday Afternoon
  4. 41b Ty Dillon – 48.431 – Wednesday Afternoon
  5. 82 Sean Corr – 48.432 – Wednesday Afternoon
  6. 77 Joey Licata, Jr. – 48.473 – Wednesday Afternoon 
  7. 58 Chad Hackenbracht – 48.522 – Wednesday Afternoon
  8. 55 Hal Martin – 48.609 – Wednesday Afternoon 
  9. 15 Kyle Fowler – 48.652 – Wednesday Afternoon 
  10. 25 Steve Arpin – 48.660 – Wednesday Afternoon
  11. 4 Brian Rose & 48 James Hylton – 48.664 – Thursday Afternoon
  12. 63a Milka Duno – 48.673 – Wednesday Afternoon
  13. 6 Jason Bowles – 48.724 – Thursday Afternoon
  14. 2 Kevin Swindell – 48.727 – Thursday Afternoon
  15. 66 Mark Thomson – 48.779 – Wednesday Afternoon
  16. 36b Brett Hudson – 48.834 – Wednesday Afternoon
  17. 16 Randy Renfrow & 22 Dakoda Armstrong – 48.844 – Wednesday Afternoon
  18. 3 Brent Brevak – 48.960 – Thursday Afternoon
  19. 11 Bryan Silas – 49.031 – Thursday Afternoon
  20. 31 Tim Geroge – 49.084 – Wednesday Afternoon
  21. 5a Bobby Gerhart – 49.175 – Thursday Afternoon
  22. 68 Steve Blackburn – 49.142 – Wednesday Afternoon
  23. 17b Chris Buescher & 5c Damon Lusk – 49.191 – Thursday Afternoon
  24. 14b John Ferrier – 49.199 – Wednesday Afternoon
  25. 12b Maryeve Dufault – 49.203 – Thursday Afternoon
  26. 18e Leilani Munter – 49.501 – Thursday Afternoon
  27. 62 Drew Charleson – 49.637 – Wednesday Afternoon
  28. 14a John Graham – 49.690 – Wednesday Afternoon
  29. 10b Rick Clifton – 49.724 – Wednesday Afternoon
  30. 18a Ryan Glenski – 49.760 – Thursday Afternoon
  31. 10a Ed Pompa – 49.762 – Wednesday Afternoon
  32. 12a Jarod Marks – 49.781 – Wednesday Afternoon
  33. 75b Benny Chastain – 49.788 – Wednesday Afternoon
  34. 95 Tommy Joe Martins – 49.927 – Wednesday Afternoon
  35. 18d Jill Georgs – 50.417 – Wednesday Afternoon
  36. 3a Bobby Dale Earnhardt – 50.452 – Thursday Afternoon
  37. 18d Sloan Henderson – 50.532 – Thursday Afternoon
  38. 80a Ricky Byers – 50.627 – Wednesday Afternoon
  39. 75a Hannah Baker – 50.661 – Wednesday Afternoon
  40. 80c Chris Davis – 50.870  – Thursday Afternoon
  41. 80 Russell Henderson – 59.108 – Wednesday Afternoon

Construction Begins on World’s Largest HD Video Board in Preparation for May

By
Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 13, 2011) – Construction crews using dump trucks and excavators have begun preparations for the debut of the world’s largest HD video board at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 2011 May race events.

Crews from Granite Contracting, of Concord, N.C., are using the heavy earth-moving equipment this week for the initial grading on the backstretch near Gate 25 where the gigantic, nearly 16,000-square-foot board will be located.

Designed and created by Panasonic, the approximately 200-foot-wide and 80-foot-tall screen will be centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line.

Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720P high-definition visuals. The screen will be illuminated by more than nine million LED lamps during each NASCAR race event at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, including the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 29 Coca-Cola 600.

To prepare the base of the construction site, approximately 18,000 cubic yards of dirt and 3,000 cubic yards of concrete will be removed during the month of January to bring the current grade down to the track wall level. The concrete will be removed during demolition of bleachers that were part of the speedway’s original construction in 1960. Later this month, site work will include drilling 12 holes more than 50 feet deep for the installation of concrete piers to support the massive 165,000-pound structure.

Frontstretch tickets with the best views of the new HD video board and pit road start at just $49 for the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the May 29 Coca-Cola 600 by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Bobby Labonte’s recent comments on NASCAR’s decision to reduce the size of the restrictor plate at DIS

By
Official Release
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JTG Daugherty Racing driver Bobby Labonte recently commented on NASCAR’s decision to reduce the size of the restrictor plate for the upcoming three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway. Since Labonte tested on the newly paved surface last month during a Goodyear tire test, his No. 47 Toyota Camry team has opted not to test this month.

“When we tested during the Goodyear tire test at Daytona, I could see the speeds of two cars that got together being high,” said Bobby Labonte. “When you get to actually racing, things always go a little faster. I think making the restrictor plate smaller is a deal where NASCAR was foreseeing that speeds would be really high.
 
“With a smaller restrictor plate, I think it will be similar to what you see at Talladega,” continued Labonte. “The handling affect will be gone. The throttle response will be a little less for us and it might be harder to complete the pass. Daytona has been historically a handling track the past 15 to 20 years that I’ve been down there. I think fans will see the race coming down to cars being bunched up in the right line, getting the right push from somebody, clearing the pass and blocking more like we see at Talladega. It’s hard to believe Daytona is just around the corner. I’m really looking forward to getting the season started with JTG Daugherty Racing.”

Kyle Fowler Holds Best Time of ARCA Test Single Car Runs for Venturini Motorsports

By
SM Staff
-

Teammate Hal Martin made of had the quickest time for Thursday morning’s session, however Kyle Fowler holds serve of being the quickest car on the property for single car runs.

Martin drove the No. 55 Toyota to a best lap of 48.815 seconds (184.37 mph) to lead the Thursday morning session. That lap ranks fifth-best over the single-car runs only for the entire test session. Overall, the lap ranks 16th-best of the test week as Benny Gordon’s 48.414-second effort holds the top from the drafting session.  

“It’s windier today, that’s for sure,” Martin told the ARCA Racing Network. “We had a little bit of a headwind going down the backstretch, which slowed us down a little bit. Other than that, our cars are quick. The Venturini guys put in a heck of a lot of work coming in and leading into this week and this test session, and the cars are all fast. The cars are performing like they should be.”

Fowler ranked second on Thursday’s board with a lap of 48.943 seconds (183.887 mph), though holds first on the board for the entire test in single-car runs with a time of 48.668-seconds in the No. 15 Chevrolet.

For Thursday’s board, teammates Steve Arpin and Mark Thomspon followed behind Martin and Fowler in third and forth.  Arpin drove the No. 25 Toyota to a lap of 48.978 seconds (183.756 mph), and Thompson drove his best lap in 49.208 seconds (182.897 mph). 

Venturini Motorsports officials said that they have elected not to run the afternoon session as they’ve accomplished their goals. 

“We had a game plan coming into this test session,” Martin said. “We were able to run through our list of things we wanted to try and see what benefited the car and what hampered our performance. We got our checklist done and completed, so we’re done.”

Finishing out the top 10 for Day three was Brian Rose, Bobby Gerhart, Randy Renfrow, Patrick Sheltra, Grant Enfinger, and Jason Bowles. A number of teams, including Richard Childress Racing, Kimmel Racing, and Enfinger Motorsports, chose not to participate in the final day of testing.

ARCA Racing Series testing at Daytona will conclude this afternoon with a drafting session, scheduled for 1-5 p.m.

Gordon, who led yesterday’s drafting session, does not plan on running this afternoon.

“I think we’re done,” Gordon said. “We were only planning on two days. (The team) has some stuff they want to do back at the shop, so I think we’re going to get out of here and pack it up, let them do their work, and see if they can’t make it better for when it comes back.”

Meanwhile, Bobby Dale Earnhardt, son of Kerrry Earnhardt, is looking to use these three days as a learning experience.

“It means a lot coming here,” the 23-year old said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for this track. With everything that’s happened here, it’s really awesome being here.

“I’m just hoping to learn a lot. They say this track is pretty much in my DNA, but I guess we’ll find that out.” 

Single-Car Run Speeds Combined From The Test

  1. #15 Kyle Fowler – 48.668 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  2. #55 Hal Martin – 48.697 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  3. #25 Steve Arpin – 48.796 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  4. #31 Tim George Jr. – 48.985 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  5. #66 Mark Thomson – 49.208 seconds – Thursday Morning
  6. #4 Brian Rose – 49.290 seconds – Thursday Morning
  7. #17a Chris Buescher – 49.315 seconds – Tuesday Morning
  8. #63a Milka Duno – 49.371 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  9. #41a Ty Dillon – 49.383 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  10. #22 Dakoda Armstrong – 49.438 – Wednesday Morning
  11. #42a Scott Stenzil – 49.457 – Wednesday Morning
  12. #36 Grant Enfinger – 49.486 – Tuesday Afternoon
  13. #16a Joey Coulter – 49.543 – Tuesday Afternoon
  14. #77 Joey Licata, Jr. – 49.549 – Wednesday Morning
  15. #14b John Ferrier – 49.562 – Tuesday Afternoon
  16. #18a Ryan Glenski – 49.578 – Wednesday Morning
  17. #5a Bobby Gerhart – 49.624 seconds – Thursday Morning
  18. #16 Randy Renfrow – 49.659 seconds – Thursday Morning
  19. #63 Patrick Sheltra – 49.660 seconds – Thursday Morning
  20. #75b Benny Chastain – 49.680 seconds – Tuesday Morning
  21. #10a Ed Pompa – 49.686 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  22. #6 Jason Bowles – 49.709 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  23. #18c Jeremy Frankoski – 49.714 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  24. #09 Benny Gordon – 49.743 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  25. #36b Brett Hudson – 49.804 seconds – Thursday Morning
  26. #12b Maryeve Dufault – 49.853 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  27. #12c Chase Austin – 49.925 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon 
  28. #5c Damon Lusk – 49.945 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  29. #97 Matt Lofton – 49.946 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  30. #2 Kevin Swindell – 49.949 seconds – Thursday Morning
  31. #11 Bryan Silas – 49.977 seconds – Thursday Morning
  32. #1 Chad McCumbee – 49.978 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  33. #54 Will Vaught – 50.007 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  34. #42b Joey Gaze – 50.048 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  35. #95 Tommy Joe Martins – 50.049 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  36. #68 Steve Blackburn – 50.059 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  37. #75a Hannah Baker – 50.075 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  38. #42c Ryan Lynch – 50.080 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  39. #23a Jake Crum – 50.113 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  40. #14a John Graham – 50.145 seconds – Thursday Morning
  41. #10b Rick Clifton – 50.355 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  42. #3a Bobby Dale Earnhardt – 50.477 – Thursday Morning
  43. #3 Brent Brevak – 50.540 – Thursday Morning 
  44. #18e Lelani Munter – 50.544 – Thursday Morning
  45. #44 Frank Kimmel – 50.596 seconds – Tuesday Afternoon
  46. #82 Sean Corr – 50.607 seconds – Thursday Morning 
  47. #08 James Hylton – 50.694 seconds – Thursday Morning 
  48. #80b Richard Herriman - 50.773 seconds – Thursday Morning
  49. #18d Sloan Henderson – 50.790 seconds – Thursday Morning
  50. #62 Drew Charleson – 50.821 seconds – Thursday Morning
  51. #23 Levi Youster – 50.939 seconds – Wednesday Morning
  52. #18b Tyler Speer – 50.949 seconds – Thursday Morning
  53. #58 Chad Hackenbracht – 51.244 seconds – Tuesday Morning 

Martinsville Speedway Moves Goody’s 500 Qualifying To Saturday

By
Official Release
-

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (January 13, 2011) – Martinsville Speedway President W. Clay Campbell announced a scheduling change today that will double the action on Saturday during the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 weekend.  

Qualifying for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 will be held on Saturday, April 2. Traditionally Sprint Cup qualifying has been on Friday at Martinsville Speedway. Time trials for the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will also be on Saturday, April 2.  

Friday will remain a key part of race weekends at Martinsville Speedway, with practice sessions for both the Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series set for April 1. Between the two divisions, there will be almost six hours of practice on Friday.  

“We know that it has become more and more difficult for fans to take an extra day off from work and come out for qualifying,” said Campbell. “By shuffling the schedule like we have fans will be able to come on Saturday and see a great day of racing action. The cup and truck guys will be on the track for qualifying and then the day is capped off with the Kroger 250, and everybody knows how exciting the truck series races are here at Martinsville.”  

Qualifying for the Kroger 250 on April 2 will be at 10:35 in the morning with Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 qualifying scheduled for 12:10 p.m. The Kroger 250 will take the green flag at 2 p.m.  

On track action at Martinsville Speedway will kick off on Friday, April 1 with a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice at 11 a.m. followed by a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice session at noon. The final Truck Series practice is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the Sprint Cup final practice at 3:30 p.m.  

Tickets for all three days of the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 weekend are on sale and may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.  

Tickets for Friday’s practice session are $10. Tickets for Saturday are $30 in advance and $35 the day of while tickets for the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 start at just $25.

Tony Marks Racing Leaving Impression At Daytona International Speedway

By
Official Release
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Jared Marks and Chase Austin All Enjoying Time In Spotlight

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 13, 2011) – – The Buckeye State of Ohio is being well represented in the Sunshine State of Florida this week at Daytona (Fla.) Speedway. Tony Marks Racing (TMR) headquartered in Napoleon, Ohio has successfully left an impression on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards circuit as their multi-car effort led by veteran racer and now crew chief Larry Moore has put their No. 12 Dodge Charger into the limelight.

Piloted by NASCAR driver Chase Austin, rising female sensation Maryeve Dufault and Champion Racing Association (CRA) competitor Jared Marks, the rookie team spent the first two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) of ARCA Racing Series testing at the newly re-paved 2.5-mile speedway getting their car up to speed and their drivers comfortable with the new and extremely fast asphalt.   On Tuesday, Dufault, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series pilot edged out Austin for the fastest TMR time after placing her machine 17th out of 40th on the speed charts. Austin followed in 18th. Dufault was one of three female drivers testing on the first day behind Milka Duno (Dodge) and ahead of Hannah Baker (Chevrolet).

Leaving the track with some satisfaction, the team returned for round two Wednesday looking for additional seat time and solid results. In their eyes, mission accomplished.

Dufault was again the prime target for the newly founded-race team and was the only driver behind the wheel of their Chrysler emblem Wednesday morning during the three-hour session which resulted in a 23rd place single-car run.

Yesterday afternoon, ARCA Racing Series officials opened up the legendary track to drafting. The Tony Marks Racing team opted to play it safe though and continued with single-car runs for much of the afternoon before dabbling just a little bit on the defying skill of drafting, which zones heavily on superspeedway racing, much like Daytona or its sister track, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

For the first time of the week, 16-year old Jared Marks, son of car owner Tony Marks hopped in the seat of the No. 12a Charger and wheeled his automobile around the track in 49.830 seconds or a tick over 180.550 miles per hour. It was a solid lap time for the teenage racer, who under ARCA Racing Series sanctioning age restrictions is allowed to test but not race at the historic facility. The team admitted though that comfort, not speed was the primary agenda for the second-generation racer.

Dufault clocked in her inaugural drafting lap Wednesday afternoon with a time of 49.781 seconds amounting to a speed of 180.792 miles per hour landing her a respectable 31st on the rundown. 

“We’re happy with the results thus far in Daytona,” said Tony Marks, owner of Tony Marks Racing. “In a short time, I feel like we’ve been able to build a strong team with a talented group of people. So far, we’ve achieved all of our goals here in Daytona and look to use the last day (Thursday) as a prime opportunity to further push our team into the spotlight. All three of our drivers are doing a tremendous job. What they are learning is valuable not only in ARCA but stock-car racing in general. They still have a lot to learn here in Daytona and ahead in 2011, but I’m very pleased with the overall effort of TMR this week.”

Testing will conclude at 5:00 p.m. Thursday evening for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. The three-day test is preparation for the first of 19 events on the 2011 calendar which begins on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 live on SPEED. Dufault, the Los Angeles resident is expected to lead the two-car team for TMR next month from the “World Center of Racing.”

Tony Marks Racing hopes to sport two cars in the 2011 season-opener with Dufault and possibly Austin as a teammate. The schedule will turn later in the year and allow Marks behind the second-car team for up to 11 races, including much of the series’ short track contests.

Before tackling the breathtaking Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway this week, the freshman organization spent Monday testing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway allowing the team to shake down their short-track program with all three TMR protégés being allowed priceless seat time behind the wheel. Dufault will make her ARCA Racing Series short track debut at Salem (Ind.) Speedway on May 1, 2011.

About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):   Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.    Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from

drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he  then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.

TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’  “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway. 

For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000  children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest. 

As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season.

For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.

Stratosphere to sponsor NASCAR Pole Day at LVMS

By
Official Release
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LAS VEGAS – Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, one of Las Vegas’ most identifiable properties, has partnered with Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the title sponsor of NASCAR Pole Day on March 4.

“Stratosphere has taken a very active role in motorsports over the past several years, and we’re really excited that it has decided to increase that presence for the NASCAR Weekend,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “Stratosphere’s tower is one of the top tourist attractions in the city, and its recently renovated rooms make it one of the best hotel options for the thousands of race fans who will visit from out of town for the annual NASCAR Weekend.”

Stratosphere has hosted several driver autograph sessions for both NASCAR and NHRA over the past several years as well as press conferences and other media events. In 2011, the hotel also will host the annual Speedway Children’s Charities poker tournament in October.

“Race fans are important to us at the Stratosphere.  That’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor NASCAR Pole Day and partner with Las Vegas Motor Speedway year-round by offering special room rates,” said Michael McNamee, vice president of marketing at the Stratosphere. “Race fans can find exclusive deals on Stratosphere rooms by visiting Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s website and clicking on the Discounted Hotel Rooms flashing icon.”   Stratosphere Pole Day will kick off NASCAR Weekend on the superspeedway with practice for both the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race as well as qualifying for the Kobalt Tools 400 on Friday, March 4. The Sam’s Town 300 is set for Saturday, March 5 and the Kobalt Tools 400 will run on Sunday, March 6. Two nights of World of Outlaws racing will take place on the dirt track March 2 and 3. Tickets for all of these events are on sale at www.lvms.com or by calling 1-800-644-4444.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States.  For more information visit www.speedwaymotorsports.com.

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower is a Las Vegas Strip resort with an 80,000-square-foot casino. The 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, featuring the Top of the World restaurant and highest view of the Las Vegas Strip from the Observation Deck as well as SkyJump Las Vegas and thrill rides Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity. Known as a great value to gamblers, Stratosphere is located close to the Convention Center at the gateway to downtown Las Vegas. It features 2,427 guest rooms and suites, uniquely themed restaurants, the Tower Shops and the American Superstars™ and BITE® shows. Additionally, Stratosphere’s ace | PLAY™ card allows players to enjoy awards, comps and exclusives based on their loyalty to American Casino & Entertainment’s four properties: Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower on the Las Vegas Strip, Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada, and two Arizona Charlie’s locations in Las Vegas. For more information, visit StratosphereHotel.com, call 702-380-7777 or 800-99-TOWER (998-6937).

NAPA Racing’s Pat Tryson on today’s restrictor-place announcement

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Official Release
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No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Crew Chief Pat Tryson on today’s announcement that NASCAR will use a 29/32-inch restrictor plate instead of a 30/32-inch plate at next week’s Goodyear test at Daytona:

“I think the decision was made to slow down the speeds because the speeds were too high at the first test. It’s a good move on the side of safety because no one wants to see a car go airborne at the potential speeds that could be generated with the plate they had last month. It will be better for the driver and better for the fans in the stands. Safety always comes first. “By slowing down the cars, it will make the draft bigger and tighter. Before with a little more power, the cars would spread out a little bit. I think now, we can expect to see the cars a lot closer together and more in one pack versus two, three or four. It’s going to make for some great racing for sure because I expect to see more three, maybe four-wide racing at Daytona which is exactly what we saw at Talladega Superspeedway. It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone to watch.”

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