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Sean Corr Anxious As Ever To Return To Daytona; Even For A Test

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 10, 2011) – – Just how bad or how early did Sean Corr want to arrive in Daytona Beach, Florida in preparation for this week’s ARCA Racing Series (ARS) presented by Menards test session? Bad.

Corr, the aspiring driver for Empire Racing plowed his way down the interstate Saturday night as the driver of the team’s 18-wheeler transporter arriving in the Sunshine State in the wee hours of early Sunday morning, officially become the first team to enter the track grounds for the first official test of the new year.

Corr will admit he’s not your average race car driver. Don’t let this humdrum New Yorker fool you though; he’s all about business when it comes to his duties behind the wheel of the No. 82 Empire Racing LLC Ford Fusion.

But, when the opportunity arises to sink in and get dirty or pull an all-nighter and drive to a test in hopes of potentially winning the biggest race of his racing career, look for Corr to strike his way through the crowd and flock to the front of the line.

“It doesn’t bother me at all,” said Corr, in reference to driving the team’s hauler to the 2.5-mile Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. “We’re a team and I’m willing and able to do whatever it takes to put us in contention. I’d rather drive the hauler and allow the guys who bust their tails to get our Ford Fusion ready the ability to recharge themselves.”

The Goshen, New York native whose been hopscotching from The Empire State to Race City USA, otherwise known as Mooresville, North Carolina during much of the winter is fired up for this week’s three-day test for more reasons than he can count. A new year, some fresh faces, a desirable attitude and an ever-growing outlook has this avid dirt driver ready to make his presence well known on the asphalt.

“I’m ready for Daytona, even though it’s just a test,” noted Corr, who intends to run the full ARCA Racing Series schedule this year. “The desire and “want” from this Empire Racing team is like a disease. A favorable one. We want it and we’re going for it. I have a good feeling about the car we’re bringing to the track and hope we can unload in a zone that we’re comfortable with and just improve as the week progresses.”

The Empire Racing team-led by new crew chief and former ARCA racer Richard Johns will bring a new Ford Fusion with Roush Yates horsepower to the “World Center of Speed” after losing last year’s Daytona automobile in a multi-car incident at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

“I hate to lose a car the way we did,” recalled Corr. “We were running comfortably in the top-seven and the big one unleashed with nowhere for us to go. It happens. It stinks, but it’s just part of the game. We’ve been working hard though on making sure that this car is as strong or even stronger than the one we had last February.

It was though on February 6, 2010, Corr gave an intuition of his ability to draft with the best of the best in the ARCA Racing Series. After being knocked sideways and cutting down a tire in the late stages of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, Corr was able to wrestle his wounded but still strong blue oval from the back to a respectable 14th place finish after starting 26th.

“We worked that day as a team. We came from the back to the front and vice-versa all race long. I learned a lot and no doubt the experience will help me next month. Though, we’re talking about a whole new game with the track being re-paved. The track will be so smooth; your 3400-pound stock car will feel like a Cadillac. Nonetheless, our intentions are to go have a strong test and come back and have an even worthier performance in the race.”

Former Empire Racing crew chief John Bellesfield who will take the reins as team manager for the Mooresville, North Carolina-based operation this year is extremely optimistic about the approaching test.

“We’ve put a lot of endless man hours into putting this car together,” explained Bellesfield. “I think we’re going to have a real slick piece for the test and the race. The team is excited to see Sean so enthusiastic about getting behind the wheel. That energy from the driver only gives us, the team the motivation to give him nothing but the best.”

Following the test scheduled for this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Empire Racing will trek back to North Carolina and begin their final check-in list for the running of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 set for Saturday, February 12, 2011 live on SPEED.

The team still enters the 58th year of ARCA competition without the foundation of a primary marketing partner. However, the team feels they are close to making some announcements in-time for the first of 19 ARCA races this season.

For more on Sean Corr, Empire Racing and marketing opportunities for the 2011 racing season, please visit empireracingllc.com http://www.empireracingllc.com/ .

About Empire Racing:

Established in 2009, Empire Racing LLC. (empireracingllc.com http://www.empireracingllc.com/ ) is a two-tier professional Motorsports organization consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Sean Corr, a 26-year old hailing from Goshen, New York pilots the team’s automobiles in the DIRTcar Series and Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). In 2011, the team will attempt to run for a championship in the ARCA Racing Series with aspirations of moving into the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). The team is headquartered in Goshen, New York with an additional operation in Mooresville, North Carolina.

 

Sheltra Motorsports Pairs with Milka Duno for the Running of Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway

By
Official Release
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Set to hit the track in ARCA test session at Daytona January 11-13

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 10, 2011) – Sheltra Motorsports, the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menard’s Champion, has signed Milka Duno to run the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). Duno, a driver in the IndyCar Series, will begin her foray with Sheltra Motorsports piloting the No. 63 Dodge Charger at the newly-repaved Daytona International Speedway for three days of ARCA Racing Series testing January 11-13.

Champion crew chief, Jon Wolfe, will work with Duno throughout the test session to get her comfortable, fast and ready for the ARCA Racing Series season opener at DIS on February 12th.

“This is truly an exciting opportunity for all of us at Sheltra Motorsports.” said Wolfe. “We are aiming to carry our momentum of the 2010 championship season into 2011”.

“We are really excited to have the opportunity to work with Milka in Daytona and to give her a shot at being the first female to win a major event in stock car racing.” Sheltra said. “Our goal is to get her comfortable at the test, and I have no doubt she will have a great performance in the race.”

Brandon Hinson, owner of Hinson Sports Management and Director of Marketing for Sheltra Motorsports, has been working with Duno’s team for several months to bring the Venezuelan driver to Sheltra Motorsports. “We made the commitment to give her the best equipment and opportunity possible to be successful.” Hinson said. “I believe that when she gets behind the wheel of the No. 63 this week, it will be the beginning of a great year for Milka.”

“I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity to test with the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menard’s Championship winning team,” said Duno. “Patrick, Jon and Brandon head a very skilled and dedicated organization and having met with them and visited their facility it is easy to see why they are the 2010 champions!”

Sheltra Motorsports has worked all off-season to have a multi-car program in 2011, and things are beginning to shape up to make that a reality. More announcements are set to be made in the coming weeks.

Additional information about Milka Duno’s 2011 season will also become available in the next several weeks.

Multiple cost effective partnerships are available with Sheltra Motorsports for the 2011 season. Please contact Brandon Hinson, Director of Marketing, at bhinson99@aol.com, for more information.

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About Sheltra Motorsports:

Sheltra Motorsports, established in 2007, is in the midst of its fifth season of ARCA Racing Series competition. Owned by Florida-native, Patrick Sheltra, the owner-driver team captured the 2010 ARCA Racing Series driver and owner’s championship titles on the strength of two wins, 12 top-fives and 17 top-10 finishes in 20 events. Sheltra Motorsports is headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., with additional operations in Indiana and Florida. For more information, visit www.sheltramotorsports.com.

About Milka Duno:

Duno has eight major race wins in the highest classes (Prototype) in the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Series and the highest finish ever by a female driver (2nd Place) in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the 48-year history of the race. Duno has been competing in the IndyCar Series since 2007. Off the track, Duno is a certified Naval Engineer who holds four master’s degrees, earning the last three simultaneously. Duno is also working through her “Milka Way” program to inspire youth to “Aim for the Stars” and achieve academic excellence. For more information, visit http://www.milkaduno.com/ www.milkaduno.com.

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A.J. Allmendinger and Richard Petty Motorsports Renew With Best Buy

By
SM Staff
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Best Buy announced earlier this week that they were renewing their partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and AJ Allmendinger.

“Best Buy is proud to renew our relationship with Richard Petty Motorsports and driver AJ Allmendinger for the 2011 season,” said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president of marketing for Best Buy in a press release.

[media-credit name=”FMCM” align=”alignleft” width=”300″][/media-credit]“Richard Petty is a motorsports icon and is well respected within the sport of NASCAR. Being a part of a team with his leadership is a privilege. We will be doing some innovative work with Richard Petty Motorsports surrounding our sponsorship, creating new and fun ways to engage the fans. We look forward to continuing our support of AJ and the No. 43 team as they strive to make their way to Victory Lane.”

“It’s great to have Best Buy back onboard our No. 43 Ford,” said Allmendinger. “They have been a great partner and I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with an organization that is as passionate about its racing program as I am. I think this is going to be a great year for this Richard Petty Motorsports team and I can’t wait to get the Best Buy Ford into Victory Lane.”

Best Buy announced that they would be the primary sponsor for 26 of the 36 races on the schedule.

AJ Allmendinger displayed a solid performance during the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with two top-5 and eight top-10 finishes.

In addition, he scored his first-career pole at Phoenix International Raceway. Allmendinger closed the season 19th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings, a career-best.

This marks a key step in rebuilding Richard Petty Motorsports following a year filled with turnmoil.

The team ran into financial trouble that saw them almost miss the final three races of the year after George Gillett, former part owner, made some bad financial decisions outside of the racing business.

Sporting News reported that Gillett, who owned as much as 70 percent of the team, defaulted on it’s roughly $90 million loan last February. Sirius Speedway reports that he still owes $70 million to Wachovia Bank, while still making payments to Ray Evernham for the purchase from him. Evernham told Sirius Speedway that Gillett is up to date in his payments.

The sale of Liverpool FC was suppose to help Gillett restructure it, however, it sold for a amount far less than expected causing some of these strains.

To try to put some of the pieces together, Gillett sold his stock in the companies that operate the Northstar-At-Tahoe Ski Resort in Vail Resorts on Tuesday, which is worth $63 million as according to Sirius Speedway.

Gillett’s moves did not help the team in restructuring, though.

At the end of the season, Petty announced a partnership with Medallion Financial and DBG Investments, who as a group purchased the assets from Gillett. They also have made the choice to downsize to two cars instead of running a full fleet of four.  

Allmendinger will remain behind the wheel of the famous No. 43 Ford and Marcos Ambrose will drive the No. 9 machine with sponsorship from Stanley and DEWALT.

Considering everybody’s thoughts of worry and feelings that RPM would be shut down, they look to have everything under control going into 2011.

The only question is: How will they do on track and will things continue on a good path?

The Brian France Era of NASCAR

By
SM Staff
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Brian France has stood stalwart against the verbal stones and arrows aimed in his direction because his approach to the operation of NASCAR is so different from that of his father and grandfather.

He is not the hands on, dictatorial leader of stock car racing that NASCAR’s founder, Bill France and his son, Bill France Jr. were.

Since the time of NASCAR’s inception, the leaders were at the track every race.  They ran the show from the ground, face to face with owners, drivers and crews.

[media-credit name=”Brad Keppel” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]Brian France was appointed leader of the NASCAR world in 2003 and maintains a corporate style that fans feel distance him from the reality of the sport.

This France may show up at 15 or so races a year and usually just to make a statement of some sort.

It is NASCAR President, Mike Helton’s job to interact with the teams at the track along with a plethora of people whose job it is to keep NASCAR rules and policies enforced on the competition level.

Though France grew up around racing, serving in most every capacity, his interests are in marketing.

His college education at the University of Central Florida was marketing based.  Before being named Chairman and CEO of NASCAR, he managed the marketing department and touring divisions.

France brought the Craftsman Truck Series (Camping World Truck Series) into  NASCAR’s top series during 1996.

There have been many changes with NASCAR since France took the helm in 2003.  Some fans of the sport have failed to forgive him for implementing the Chase in 2004.

Under his reign, the sport became globally recognized.  He negotiated massive television deals and the five year deal with Sirius/XM Satellite radio for exclusive NASCAR coverage.

NASCAR and the mother-ship of the France owned tracks, International Speedway Corporation, is operated out of their headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fl. 

Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr. worked autonomously, but Brian reports to a board that includes his sister Lesa France Kennedy and his uncle, Jim France, who both maintain significant stakes in NASCAR.

France’s time is spent on the business side of the sport.  NASCAR is a massive entity with numerous operating divisions.  The NASCAR leader spends most of his time behind the scenes with policy development and business negotiations.

When France took over as the head of NASCAR, the sport was still expanding.  There were new tracks built in the late 90’s, the economy was growing and fans spent freely at racing venues.

All was going relatively well until the economy tanked in 2008 and 2009. The sport experienced loss of revenue from sponsors, attendance and television ratings dropped and a myriad of cascading events took it’s toll on all phases of the economy  and the general population.

Reportedly, an ESPN Sports poll showed a drop in the average viewing age of males younger than 45.  The fastest growing age group was 45-54 and 65 and older.  The Nielsen Co. indicated 51.6 as the median viewing age.

Clearly such a continuing pattern long term would not bode well for NASCAR, though much of the spending power lies with the baby boomers. 

As a result, digital media, diversity programs, the greening of the sport and licensing issues have taken on greater importance in an effort to attract new fans in varying ways.

France faced criticism for dumping smaller tracks like Rockingham and North Wilkesboro in favor of the intermediate size, cookie-cutter tracks.

Some fans believe France turned NASCAR into a brand as opposed to the sport it once was.  Many people believe he has abandoned the southern roots of NASCAR with the expansion into larger markets throughout the country.

The NASCAR CEO does not operate in a bubble, making decisions on a whim.  Change is made by many working together with a great interest in the good of NASCAR, though that does not guarantee success with all of their decisions. 

In the past decade we have seen more exciting racing, better competition, safer drivers in the COT and better access to races by fans in other parts of the country. 

There are still those who will tell you that the races are boring until the final 25 laps, complain of starting times, want shorter races and on it goes.  The commercials overwhelming the race during television coverage is also an issue to be addressed.

Changes including “Boy’s, have at it,” green-white-checkers, double-file restarts, the redesign of the NASCAR Nationwide cars and much more were implemented under France’s oversight.

The 2010 Chase was the best we have seen following the culmination of 26 weeks that included some of the most competitive racing we have seen in years.

The head of NASCAR is working to regain any ground the sport has lost.  He is open to a great deal of feedback via the town hall meetings, Fan council, social media and of course directly from team owners and drivers.

NASCAR television contracts come up for renewal in a few years.  France knows he has got to get the fans back in the stands and in front of the televisions.

His methods of attracting a new fan base may seem disheartening to diehard race fans.  NASCAR must continue to evolve if it is to remain strong against other major sports. 

Certainly tough decisions will need to be made and some changes won’t fare well with all fans.  In an age of instant gratification it is harder to keep fans focused with so many options.

Shortly France will announce changes to the Chase and decisions impacting Cup drivers in the Nationwide series.  There may be other announcements as well.

France and those who play a major role in the operation of NASCAR will continue to implement changes.  It is just the way it works.

It remains to be seen how this third generation NASCAR leader will be perceived in the history books.  The fact remains, NASCAR is a great sport and France will hopefully do whatever needs to be done to see that it continues as such under his watch.

Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson hungry for a Rolex 24 title

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Jimmie Johnson owns five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships and the Harley J. Earl trophy as the 2006 Daytona 500 champion.

One title though is still missing from his resume — Rolex 24 At Daytona champion.

Johnson, who took part in the second day of testing during the Roar Before the Rolex 24, is hoping to join Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt as the only drivers to win both the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

For the fourth straight year, he will co-drive the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings entry with Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty in the Rolex 24 on Jan. 29-30, the season-opening event to the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

“I’m excited for the race,” Johnson said. “I certainly hope to make three guys that won the 500 that have gone on to win the Rolex 24. We have been awfully close. This year, the team has worked awfully hard again to get us in position and hopefully we learn some more this afternoon and tomorrow and come back buttoned up and ready to go.”

Johnson has experienced his near misses at the Rolex 24 crown. He finished second in 2005 and 2008.

Johnson says he enjoys competing in the prestigious twice-around-the-clock challenge and believes that racing in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series has made him a better driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“I do feel driving this (Daytona Prototype) does help me grow as a driver,” Johnson said. “I think running with Bob (Stallings) and these guys the last few years has made me a better road course racer and I was finally able to get my first road course win out in Sonoma.

“Growing up, I raced all types of vehicles, and in my Cup career, this is the first time that I have been in one vehicle for so long. I like to mix it up and I like to feel different things. The adjustments that are made on these cars are different than a Cup car and I think it opens my mind up to another way of looking at things and maybe where our (NASCAR) cars could end up someday.”

The sports car test session has also given Johnson his first look at the new racing surface of the Daytona International Speedway.

He’ll begin his pursuit of a sixth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title with the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20.

“I think this Daytona 500 will be the best one that we’ve had that I’ve been a part of as driver,” Johnson said. “What is fun about the Daytona 500 (is that) we all look at it as a single event. With it being our biggest race of the year, a fresh surface, the fact the we can run three wide and I’m sure we will try four wide around here and as smooth as it is, it’s going to be one exciting race. I think everybody is going to get their money’s worth. It’s going to be an awesome show.”

Dempsey geared up for fourth Rolex 24: Actor/racer Patrick Dempsey unveiled a bright yellow Visit Florida on his No. 40 Mazda RX-8 and a special Dempsey Racing ticket package on Saturday. Dempsey is looking to make his fourth Rolex 24 start, co-driving with Joe Foster, Charles Espenlaub and Tom Long.

In last year’s Rolex 24, he finished 13th overall and sixth in the competitive GT class.

“To come back to Daytona is always phenomenal,” Dempsey said. “It’s the greatest race for us. Hopefully we will have a good run this year. You never know what’s going to happen. I love being a part of this series. I love racing with these guys.

“We’ve got really good energy this year. We’re a little more relaxed but yet very focused and very professional.”

Daytona International Speedway and Dempsey Racing have partnered on a unique ticket package that will let fans experience the excitement of Rolex 24 At Daytona while benefiting two important causes.

Available for $59 per ticket, the Dempsey Racing package includes:

n Two-day infield/grandstand admission (Saturday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Jan. 30)

n Group meet and greet with Dempsey Racing drivers on Saturday morning prior to the start of the Rolex 24

n Dempsey Racing hero card

n Rolex 24 event hat

A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit both the Team Seattle Guild and the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

To purchase tickets for the 49th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 29-30, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

HOORAHS AND WAZZUPS: So, It Begins Again

By
SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Simon Scoggins

While the NASCAR focus should be squarely aimed at the upcoming test session at Daytona, there seems to be some other very interesting story lines this week. Michael Waltrip is on the verge of publishing a book and then plans on hitting the road as a stand up comedian. Also this week some very deserving drivers and teams received some good news regarding their 2011 plans. Then there was the matter of a bizarre lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment that actually has a stock car racing connection. With those thoughts in mind let’s begin this week with:

[media-credit name=”Simon Scoggins” align=”alignleft” width=”300″][/media-credit]HOORAH to Michael Waltrip for expanding his horizons in some very unique ways. One would think Waltrip would be plenty busy overseeing his two NASCAR Sprint Cup teams with the start of a new racing season so close at hand. But he’s found time in his schedule to undertake some new adventures.

Just this past weekend he was in Dubai where he joined Michael Waltrip Racing co owner Rob Kauffman and competed in a sports car road race. Waltrip got to race a high powered Ferrari which he referred to as “a dream.”

Waltrip also announced plans to drive one of his own Toyotas in the February 20th Daytona 500. It will mark his 25th consecutive appearance in the great American race. There are also plans for him to compete in Daytona’s annual Bud Shootout as well.

Michael Waltrip the author will make his debut on February 1st with the release of “In the Blink Of An Eye: Dale, Daytona And The Day That Changed Everything.” This book tells the poignant story of Waltrip winning the 2001 Daytona 500 only to have that special moment completely overshadowed by the tragic accident in this race that claimed the life of Dale Earnhardt Sr. It’s anticipated that the book is going to hit the best seller’s list.

Then there’s Michael Waltrip’s Comedy Garage. Headlined by premiere stand up comedians Henry Cho and John Reep, the comedy tour will be hosted by Waltrip who will also perform a stand up comedy routine. The tour makes its official debut January 21st at the Ameristar Hotel and Casino in Kansas City and then it’s on to Ontario-Canada the following day. There is also a scheduled stop at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

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Speaking of the Waltrip family, WAZZUP with NASCAR champion, turned broadcaster, Darrell Waltrip and a recent concern regarding age issues? In a recent “Twitter” message “DW” wrote: “I’m really upset about my age. I just realized I missed my mid life crisis. (I) think I’ll go out and buy a sports car, a convertible no less.”

Hang in there ‘DW”. It won’t be much longer before you’ll be returning to the Fox Sports broadcast booth to cover the Daytona 500. That experience will make anyone feel young again.

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Here’s some HOORAHS for drivers and teams who made quick work of answering the door when opportunity came knocking.

The first one goes to Sprint Cup driver A J Allmendinger, and his Richard Petty Motorsports. team, who recently found out that Best Buy Stores will be returning as a primary sponsor this year. The national store chain will be on the hood of Allmendinger’s #43 Ford for 24 races plus the two non points events: the Gatorade Duels and the All Star race. Best buy will also be an associate sponsor on RPM’s second team driven by Marcus Ambrose.

HOORAH to Justin Lofton who recently announced that he will be driving a Toyota Tundra for Germain Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this year. After winning the ARCA Series championship in 2009, the talented driver from southern California spent his rookie season in the truck series impressing a lot of observers. His 2010 stats included four top fives finishes, eight top tens and 12th in the final points standings.

HOORAH to Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing who recently announced plans to collaborate with Second Chance Motorsports for the first five races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The plan calls for Cobb to drive the #79 Ford Mustang with Roush Yates supplying the engines. More races will be added to their schedule if additional sponsorship can be found. Cobb will be rather busy this year with plans to continue campaigning her self owned Ford team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

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On the opposite end of this extreme, WAZZUP with Roush Fenway Racing’s struggles finding sponsors for their three NASCAR Nationwide Series? Carl Edwards, who will again be racing the full Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series schedules, only has enough sponsorship from Fastenal to cover half of the 34 Nationwide event after Copart announced they would not be returning this year.

Meanwhile RFR’s other two Nationwide Series teams, driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Trevor Bayne, may find themselves starting the new season with no sponsor logos at all on the hoods of their cars.

************

The final HOORAH of the week goes to the SPEED Channel for their planned comprehensive coverage of the upcoming pre season Sprint Cup test at Daytona set for January 20th through the 22nd. Check www.speed.com for air times. Hang in there racing fans, the withdrawals are almost over.

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The final WAZZUP of the week belongs to Kentucky resident Ronald Basham and a lawsuit he recently initiated against World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE. It seems that approximately 11 years ago the then seven year old Basham was attending a WWE event that featured wrestling superstars “The Rock” and “Triple H.” The intensity of this match eventually wound up in the grandstands where a female fan was accidentally hit causing her to land on Basham’s right leg and knee. After filing the lawsuit 11 years later Basham said that “at age seven he was too young to sue for himself.” His attorney said his client “suffered severe and painful injuries that will continue to bother him.” This is despite the young man’s stint playing high school football.

So, what does any of this have to do with auto racing? It seems that Basham went on to become a stock car driver at his local race track despite the intense pain in his leg. His personal “Facebook” page is loaded with photos and video streams of his racing career including some hard crashes into concrete retaining walls. Don’t bother looking up Basham on “Facebook.” It seems that his attorney, in recent days, had him remove everything connected to racing from the page. Imagine that.  

I just thought you might find this change of pace story interesting but that’s assuming that you can “smell what the Rock is cooking.”

Sprint Cup Series To Test at Daytona January 20-22 with Live Speed.com Stream

By
SM Staff
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In antipation for the new season, the Sprint Cup Series cars will hit Daytona International Speedway for a three-day test session (January 20th-22nd) to try out the new pavement.

Fans are welcome to attend to test for free as they will be able to view from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands in turn four and from the SPRINT FANZONE.

As in years past, Daytona will host their annual NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, where fans can ask the drivers questions. Headlining the list of stars set to appear are last year’s Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray, four-time champion Jeff Gordon, defending and five-time champion Jimmie Johnson and most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.  

Drivers currently scheduled to make appearances on Thursday, Jan. 20 beginning at 6 p.m. are Dale Earnhardt Jr., 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.

For those wishing to attend Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, tickets are $20 and available by calling 1-800-PITSTOP or online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.  If you have a ticket for the 2011 Daytona 500, you will recieve admission free.

Advanced reservations are available (limited to 250 people) for special autograph sessions to be held with participating 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers and Daytona 500 champions. Additional driver autograph sessions will be held on both days with wristbands available the day of the event. To request access to the special autograph sessions, race fans can call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit the Daytona International Speedway ticket office beginning on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m.

SPEED has announced that they will be providing live stream coverage on their website. They plan to show 23 hours in total.

“The most important thing we do at SPEED is cover the NASCAR season from the minute the cars first hit the track until the champion makes his acceptance speech at the banquet each year and everything in between,” said SPEED President Hunter Nickell. “We’re psyched that we get to start a little earlier now that Daytona testing is back, and based on what we heard from drivers at the Goodyear tire test in December, this is one test session you won’t want to miss.”

John Roberts and Jeff Hammond host SPEED’s on-air coverage from the studio above Victory Lane at Daytona. Steve Byrnes, Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip will offer analysis throughout the practice sessions with reporting by Bob Dillner and Krista Voda. SPEED.com is presenting live streaming of all on-track activity with the exception of 3-5 p.m. ET Thursday, and will feature a rotation of on-air personalities.

SPEED schedule for Daytona testing (all times Eastern and live unless otherwise indicated):

Thursday, Jan. 209 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. 219 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com) 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. (SPEED)2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (SPEED.com)

Saturday, Jan. 229 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com)1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – (SPEED) 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – (SPEED.com) 

This test marks an important test as many drivers will be working with their crew chiefs for the first or second time since the off-season swaps. With the new pavement, many teams will be out to try new tricks to see if their cars will work a certain way as they vow to win the biggest race come February, the Daytona 500.

2011 Budweiser Shootout At Daytona Lineup Announced

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The field for the 2011 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona will feature former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions, the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field, a host of former outstanding rookies and a collection of previous winners at the “World Center of Racing.” Adding to the drama of the 33rd annual season-opening event, this field of drivers will compete for the first time on Daytona’s new asphalt.

Criteria are based upon the following qualifications, with eligibility based on a driver having competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series within the last two seasons:

. The 12 drivers that qualified for the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup

. Past NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions

. Past Budweiser Shootout champions

. Past Daytona 500 and Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola champions

. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year drivers from 2001-2010

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said, “Race fans expect to see NASCAR’s best drivers compete in the Budweiser Shootout to kick off the 2011 racing season, and this star-studded line-up will not disappoint when they take the green flag for the first time on the new asphalt. The Budweiser Shootout has showcased some of the most thrilling racing over the years, and our fans are in for an exciting night on February 12th.”

“For more than 30 years, the NASCAR Sprint Cup season has kicked-off with the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, and we’re proud to continue that tradition,” said Mark Wright, vice president of media, sports & entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch. “With the new qualification rules allowing for more of today’s biggest stars to compete under the lights at Daytona, fans can expect a great race at this year’s Budweiser Shootout.”

The race distance will continue to be 75 laps (187.5 miles), consisting of two segments – 25 and 50 laps. Both green-flag laps and yellow-flag laps will count. Between segments there will be a 10-minute pit stop allowing teams to pit and change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments.

Tickets for the Budweiser Shootout start at $39, with special advance pricing available for tickets purchased in January, and admission is free for children 12 and under. Starting positions will again be determined by a blind-draw at the annual Budweiser Shootout Draw Party on Friday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4. The Draw Party is free to the public.

The Budweiser Shootout – a “non-points” event for NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors – was first held in 1979, originally known as the Busch Clash. Kevin Harvick has won the last two events. The green flag is set for 8:10 p.m. on Feb. 12, with FOX and MRN broadcasting live.

Tickets for the 33rd Budweiser Shootout and all 2011 Speedweeks events are now available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Drivers eligible for the 2011 Budweiser Shootout include:

2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers

Jimmie Johnson

Denny Hamlin

Kevin Harvick

Carl Edwards

Matt Kenseth

Greg Biffle

Tony Stewart

Kyle Busch

Jeff Gordon

Clint Bowyer

Kurt Busch

Jeff Burton

Others (criteria filled in parentheses)

John Andretti (Coke Zero 400)

Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Budweiser Shootout)

Kevin Conway (Series Rookie of the Year)

Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout)

Bill Elliott (Series champion, Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Budweiser Shootout)

Kasey Kahne (Series Rookie of the Year)

Bobby Labonte (Series champion)

Terry Labonte (Series champion, Budweiser Shootout)

Joey Logano (Series Rookie of the Year)

Sterling Marlin (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Mark Martin (Budweiser Shootout)

Jamie McMurray (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Series Rookie of the Year)

Juan Pablo Montoya (Series Rookie of the Year)

Ryan Newman (Daytona 500, Series Rookie of the Year)

Ken Schrader (Budweiser Shootout)

Regan Smith (Series Rookie of the Year)

Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Lofton Joins Germain Racing for 2011 Season

By
Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (1-7-2011) – After a solid rookie season in 2010, 24-year-old Justin Lofton will join Germain Racing for his sophomore effort in 2011, racing a Germain entered No. 77 Toyota Tundra full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

“I am very excited to be teaming up with Germain Racing. Fresh off of their 2010 championship, it was clear to me that Germain was the best place for me,” Lofton said.

“Todd (Bodine) served as a mentor to me through my rookie season and really helped me learn the ropes of the Camping World Truck Series. To have him, Max (Papis) and Brendan (Gaughan) as teammates, I am really excited about the upcoming season.”   Lofton, who hails from Southern California, earned the 2009 ARCA Racing Series championship after winning six of the 21 races. He moved full time to NASCAR last year, notching four top-five and eight top-10 finishes with a best finish of third, giving him a solid 12th place finish in the driver point standings.

“I’m really excited about having Justin as a teammate at Germain Racing as we’ve become friends over the last season. He’s a real good kid and I think he’s got real potential as a race car driver,” said Bodine, who thinks Lofton will play a key role in the expansion of Germain Racing’s Tundra fleet. “I’m looking forward to Justin’s input and seeing him grow as a driver.”  

Germain Racing entered truck competition in 2004 and has since accumulated 22 race victories, nine pole awards and two division championships. Germain Racing earned Toyota’s first Truck Series title in 2006, and repeated the feat in 2010, earning the No. 30 Tundra team the nod as the most dominant Tundra team in active competition.  

“Germain Racing takes a lot of pride in the championships we’ve won for Toyota and our record of having the leading Tundra team. We’ve gotten to where we are having a team that’s been a blend of youthful ambition and veteran skills. Adding Justin Lofton to our Tundra lineup gives our Truck Series program a fresh, young driver who can bring Germain Racing more wins and more championships for many years to come,” said general manager Mike Hillman Sr.  

At 24, Lofton will be the youngest driver in the Germain Racing stable.   “I wish the season started sooner because I am very excited to go racing with the Germain team. They have established themselves as the team to beat in the Truck Series,” Lofton added.

Lofton’s crew chief will be announced at a later date.   For more information on Justin Lofton, visit LoftonRacing.com.   For more information on Germain Racing, visit GermainRacing.com.  

Follow us on Twitter:  Twitter.com/jlracing and Twitter.com/GermainRacing

NORTHEASTERN SUPPLY COMPANY RETURNS FOR 18TH NASCAR SEASON

By
Official Release
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NORTHEASTERN SUPPLY COMPANY RETURNS FOR 18TH NASCAR SEASON; STAYS WITH JASON LEFFLER/TURNER MOTORSPORTS FOR 2011 TITLE RUN

BALTIMORE, MD – One of NASCAR’s longest standing sponsors, the Northeastern Supply Company, will return to Nationwide Series support for the 18th consecutive year in 2011 when it returns to Turner Motorsports, driver Jason Leffler and the #38 Great Clips Chevrolet.  

The highly successful regional distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC, water systems and hardware products will again provide associate sponsorship to a NASCAR team that began way back in 1994 in the Busch Grand National Series.  

2011 will mark the company’s fourth straight season with Turner Motorsports, previously Braun Racing, and in support of Leffler and his Great Clips race team. In each of the first three seasons, Leffler has finished well up in the NASCAR Nationwide Series point’s standing and has been a fixture in the lead pack of cars in many races.  

“Our customers and employees have grown quite fond of Jason (Leffler) and the crew members and officials for what is now Turner Motorsports, and we are excited about what the 2011 season may offer. We know that Jason is one heck of a competitor and is about ready to break through with multiple victories and to seriously challenge for a Series championship. We wanted to be there with him and the Great Clips team when that all happens,” said Steve Cook, Northeastern Supply Company president and CEO.  

Having supported professional contractors, builders and architects with a wide range of products and services for decades, the Northeastern Supply Company has used its NASCAR involvement to aid its solid growth. The company boasted just six branches in two states when its NASCAR programming first started and today has 32 sales outlets in five Middle Atlantic States ( Maryland , Delaware , Virginia , West Virginia and Pennsylvania ).  

“Our racing program has always focused on our customers and it has proven to be quite successful for us,” Cook explained. “We have always operated with the understanding that once the support of our NASCAR sponsorship has within our customer base and our vendors began to wane that we would get out and spend our marketing dollars elsewhere.

“The hard fact, however, is that interest with our racing activity continues to grow and is stronger than ever, and we have to thank our numerous vendors and the many fine race teams and drivers that we have sponsored over the years for understanding our objectives and for working with us to help us achieve them. We are really looking forward to working with Steve Turner and his organization in 2011 and in helping Jason (Leffler) achieve his goals of winning races and challenging for a championship,” Cook added.  

The Northeastern Supply Company logo has adorned Busch Grand National and Nationwide Series race cars driven over the years by such Series’ notables as Jason Keller, Mike and Kenny Wallace, Brian Scott, Kyle Busch, Phil Parsons, Hank Parker, Jr., Kevin Lepage, Sterling Marlin and Tim Fedewa.

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