Ryan Newman Visits Dixie Chopper Employees in Fillmore, Ind.

Fillmore, IN - From the race track to the small town of Fillmore, Ryan Newman takes time off to visit some Dixie Chopper employees down in Fillmore, Ind. He came down here not only to visit, but to film a promotional piece or commercial for Dixie Chopper.

Newman had spent the day at Dixie Chopper by having lunch with the workers and a question-and-answer session. Questions varied from "boxers or briefs?" to "who are your best friends in NASCAR?" Ryan preferred boxers, and his very close friends he said were Tony Stewart, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick. Newman says he bonds really close to his race team and he likes to go hunting and fishing with his teammate/team owner Tony Stewart.

#43 Crew Member Suspended for Violating Substance Abuse Policy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 29, 2010) – Chris Moore, a crew member for the No. 43 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

On June 22, Moore was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.


It has since been reported that Moore has been let go by Richard Petty Motorsports.

Wounded Warrior’s Version of National Anthem at Coca-Cola 600 Available for free to all Sprint Customers

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - June 29, 2010 – The version of “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by Cpl. John Hyland at the Coca-Cola 600 over Memorial Day weekend will be available as a free download to Sprint Customers, it was announced today by Sprint (NYSE:S).

Starting Tuesday, June 29, Sprint customers can download the song from the Sprint® Music Store^SM on their music enabled devices.  The song is available for free with any data plan under the Free Songs folder. A casual data charge of $.03/kb will apply if customers do not have a data plan.

Cpl. Hyland, who attended the North Carolina School of the Arts, sang opera as an understudy for Phantom of the Opera in New York and performed at the Opera Festival di Roma in Italy, joined the U.S. Army when he was 33 years old.  He trained to be a scout, an elite position performing reconnaissance and enemy intelligence gathering. On a mission near Baghdad on Sept. 11, 2007, Hyland was severely wounded when his team’s vehicle ran over two anti-tank bombs. He was literally blown up -- from shattered heels to shattered shoulder blades.  (The medic and three soldiers who rescued him were killed four days later.) Hyland endured 33 operations and had his lower left leg amputated.

Kevin Harvick Addresses Chase Hopes and New Nationwide Series Car in NASCAR’s Weekly Teleconference

Below is the transcript for Tuesday’s teleconference with Kevin Harvick as provided by NASCAR Media.


THE MODERATOR: We are in advance of Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. That's the second race in the race to the Chase which is the ten races which precede the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Our guest today, the current series points leader, Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Kevin is a former Dayton 500 champion, won it in 2007. He won the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona the last few years.

We would like to start off the call today, we have a question from our Twitter account from a fan, Kelly in Mansfield, Ohio and she wants to ask: How proud are you of your team this year, the way you've come out of the box after last year's somewhat disappointing effort, and what's been the big difference that's made your team so much better this year?


KEVIN HARVICK: Well, I think it would be -- we have to sit here for a while to say everything that we have changed to make everything better but in the end I think, you know, it's awesome to see the 180-degree turn that the whole organization has taken.

Kerry Earnhardt to Drive Dad's No. 3 Brickyard 400 Winner at Goodwood

WELCOME, N.C. (June 29, 2010) - The Richard Childress Racing No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo that the legendary Dale Earnhardt drove to victory in the 1995 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be driven by his eldest son, Kerry Earnhardt, in this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 2-4, is one of the world's premier historic race car events. The event has been held annually since 1993 on the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England. Race cars past and present participate in both demonstration and competition runs up the nine-turn, 1.16-mile hillclimb circuit.

This is the second consecutive year RCR has participated in the Festival of Speed. Last year, Taylor Earnhardt, Dale's youngest daughter, drove the black No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet her father earned his 76th and final NASCAR Cup Series victory in, on Oct. 15, 2000, at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Cobb to team with Baker-Curb Racing for 4 Nationwide races starting at Daytona

MOORESVILLE, NC - Officials from Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing (JJCR) and Baker Curb Racing (BCR) announced they will partner for the four 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) events featuring the new car this season, starting Friday with the Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway.

Jennifer Jo Cobb will drive the No. 27 Driven Ford Mustang at Daytona on July 2, Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 10 and Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 15. A TBD driver will drive the No. 27 Mustang at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 14, while Cobb competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Darlington Raceway.

The Subway Jalapeno 250 will mark Cobb's first NNS start at the famed 2.5-mile oval.

Family Tradition

Many people have mixed feelings about Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving the 3. Some are happy and can’t wait to see it in action, while some aren’t happy and still feel the 3 is Dale Earnhardt’s number and that no one else but Dale should race it.

For me, it will be something amazing to see. Growing up, I only heard stories and saw pictures of the Wrangler 3 car. To see it back on the track this weekend will be something special.

Johnson wins battle to the finish at New Hampshire (NSCS) - Lenox Industrial Tools 301)

LOUDON, N. H. – One of these days, people will stop doubting Jimmie Johnson.

The four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion can lose a race, or two, and folks automatically write him off as a contender.

Sunday, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Johnson played second fiddle, as he sometimes does, for most of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 before putting a payback bump-and-run on Kurt Busch.

Busch Breaks Another Nationwide Series Record

LOUDON, N. H. -- Kyle Busch added a few more records to his impressive resume
Saturday.        

He became the NASCAR Nationwide Series' all-time lap leader in winning the New England 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and he also broke veteran Mark Martin's laps-led mark in 45 fewer races than it took Martin to set the record of 8,083 laps.

Busch has now led 8,117 laps. Afterward, he heaped praise on his Joe Gibbs Racing team, under the leadership of crew chief Jason Ratliff.

Points leader Brad Keselowski finished second with Carl Edwards, third, Joey Logano fourth and Trevor Bayne fifth.           

Justin Allgaier was sixth followed by Kevin Harvick, Reed Sorensen, Paul Menard and Brenden Gaughan, respectively, to round out the top 10.

Kyle Busch: Is Nationwide on His Side?

Kyle Busch is my driver. I like to see him run well and when he has a bad run, my mood goes downhill along with his place.

For two weekends, Kyle didn’t participate in the Nationwide Series. I’ve noticed when he doesn’t run, his performance suffers.

Just take a look at the numbers.

Keselowski Takes Pole, Patrick to Start 25th: New England 200 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NNS)

With a time of 29.376 seconds (129.657) Brad Keselowski will start from the pole position for Saturday's New England 200 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This will be Keselowski’s third pole of the 2010 season and his sixth in 120 Nationwide Series starts.

Although he qualified for the race Payton Sellers in the #25 will not race in the event. It was determined the the team used unapproved fuel. The #39, driven by Charles Lewandoski, will take the final starting position.

Defending race winner Kyle Busch will start in the 4th position with media darling Danica Patrick starting 25th.

Montoya wins New Hampshire pole

Juan Pablo Montoya captured his first pole of the season and his second straight at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Montoya ran a lap of 132.337 mph, 28.781 seconds in Friday's qualifying session, beating Kasey Kahne for the top starting spot in Sunday's Lenox Industrial Tools 301.

Montoya himself was surprised by his pole-winning lap after he got loose in Turn 3.

"It was a good lap until Turn 3, where I got sideways," Montoya said. "I got sideways, still in the gas, and I thought, 'They're going to kill me.' I was about to press the button and say, 'Sorry, guys, I got loose,' and they go, 'Oh, good job!'

Through fan vote, Jimmie Johnson's idea wins $100,000 grant for Be the Match Foundation

PURCHASE, N.Y. (June 25, 2010) -- After three weeks of intense campaigning and more than 500,000 votes, racing fans have let their voice be heard – Jimmie Johnson's idea to provide financial relief to pediatric bone marrow transplant patients as part of Be The Match Foundation has taken the checkered flag and will receive a $100,000 grant as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.

TV Schedule June 25-27

NASCAR leaves wine country for New England this weekend as the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series head to the "The Magic Mile," New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.

The 1.058-mile oval has variable banking, from 2 degrees to 7 degrees, in the turns. The flat track is considered by many drivers to be one of the most difficult ovals in all of motorsports and has even been described as "Martinsville on steroids." A good racecar at Loudon is one that has enough grip upon exit in the turns.

Danica Patrick – Back to NASCAR

Danica Patrick will be returning to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series on June 26 in the New England 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. This is considered to be one of the most anticipated events to occur in the Nationwide Series because there are a lot of fans awaiting her return. Her focus has been on her Indy ride so now she will have to shift gears, which I am sure that she will do with passion and excitement.

There are constant discussions in regards to the exposure that this talented driver has been gaining even before she participated in her first NASCAR-sanctioned race. Danica has been placed under a closer microscope and I believe there are a number of reasons why she is being so closely watched this season:

Johnson, Busch, Hornaday nominated for ESPYS

Three NASCAR drivers will bring the competition from the track to the 2010 ESPYS as they square off against one another in the Best Driver category, with one vying for the elite honor of Best Male Athlete.

The winners of these and other categories will be announced at the 18th annual performance sports awards ceremony in Los Angeles on July 14.

Carl Edwards named to President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

NASCAR driver one of 16 individuals chosen by President Obama to be on special panel

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 23, 2010) – First Lady Michelle Obama joined kids from the Washington, D.C. area Wednesday to launch the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and introduce the 2010 Council co-chairs and members.  

In conjunction with the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative, this year President Obama has broadened the scope of the Council, formerly known as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, to include a focus on healthy eating as well as active lifestyles. Yesterday, the President signed an Executive Order outlining the Council’s new emphasis on both good nutrition and physical fitness.

Lally to drive No. 71 car for TRG Motorsports at New Hampshire

Mooresville, N.C. (June 24, 2010) - Andy Lally will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup oval debut in the No. 71 TRG Motorsports/Chevrolet Impala SS in this Sunday's running of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The Northport, N.Y., native made his first official Sprint Cup start at Watkins Glen last year, posting a 15th place qualifying effort and a 27th finish for TRG Motorsports.
 
Lally, a seasoned sports car ace, cut his teeth in the NASCAR ranks by participating in the Camping World Truck Series with TRG Motorsports in 2007 and 2008.

Carpentier to race for MWR in Montreal Nationwide race

CORNELIUS, N.C. (June 23, 2010) - Michael Waltrip Racing announced Wednesday that Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier will race the No. 00 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal on Aug. 29.

The Joliette (Quebec) native won the pole for this race in 2007, finished second in 2007 and 2008, and looked to be the fastest car on the track in 2009 before mechanical failure resulted in a 38th-place finish.

Parrott out, Fennig in as crew chief for Kenseth

Matt Kenseth with Todd Parrott at Auto Club Speedway in February.
Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

Concord, N.C. (June 23, 2010) – Roush Fenway Racing has named Jimmy Fennig as the crew chief for Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford in the Sprint Cup Series.

Fennig replaces Todd Parrott, who joined the No. 17 team as crew chief at Auto Club Speedway in February. In 15 starts this season, The Kenseth-Parrott pairing accumulated seven top 10s, four of which were top 5s. Parrott will serve as the new R&D manager at Roush Fenway, a position formally held by Fennig.

Roush Rewind: Toyota/Savemart 300

Coming into the weekend, the Roush Fenway Racing drivers geared up to take on the 1.99-mile long road course known as Infineon Raceway that sits deep in the heart of wine country in Sonoma, California. With 11 turns, each one just as challenging as the other, the track can be a lot to handle for drivers not used to running on road courses. It may not be a track that the Roush Fenway Racing drivers are known for being really competitive at, but the Roush drivers still enjoy the yearly trip to the track. All four are still hungry for a win, but Infineon would prove to be just a little too much to handle as only one of them finished inside the top 15, crushing any hopes the Roush drivers had for being the one to take the checkered flag.

Bobby Labonte secures race deals with Robby Gordon Motorsports, Phoenix Racing

Bobby Labonte cut ties with TRG Motorsports on Wednesday and will pilot Sprint Cup rides for Robby Gordon Motorsports this weekend at New Hampshire and then Phoenix Racing at Daytona and Chicagoland.

Labonte has driven the No. 71 Chevrolet for TRG Motorsports since November 2009. But the 2000 Sprint Cup champion never finished higher than 21st in 16 starts this year.

Danica Patrick on racing at NHMS in the Nationwide Series - NASCAR teleconference (6/22/10)

Danica Patrick spoke with the media during a NASCAR teleconference Tuesday. Patrick talked about her return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series this Saturday, June 26, driving for JR Motorsports at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.


Click here to listen to audio of the teleconference

THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone. We're pleased to be joined today by special guest Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 7 GoDaddy.Com Chevrolet for Junior Motorsports. Danica is back with NASCAR after a four-month absence coinciding with the start of the IZod IndyCar Series season. She has three Nationwide Series races to her credit this season at Daytona, Auto Club Speedway in Las Vegas. And after New Hampshire, she's scheduled to make nine more NASCAR Nationwide Series starts this season.
        
Thank you for joining us today. You're doing sort of your own version of double duty now with open wheel and stock cars. How do you think the transition is going to be coming back into NASCAR after this little break? And have you had any opportunities to reacquaint yourself with the stock car before this weekend?

Chasing the Change

There’s an old saying: “Start as you mean to go on.” It’s something I’ve often tried to live by when a new beginning presents itself, and my first post at Skirts and Scuffs is no different. As I’m a person who generally has definite opinions, not the least of which is about NASCAR, it seems only fitting I offer my first post with regard to a topic that has been percolating in my brain for the last week or so.

As the recent S&S post Let’s Race to the Chase alludes, many NASCAR eyes are focused on the last set of races of the season, by which the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cut champion will be crowned. For over 50+ years, the Cup champion was determined by a season’s worth of points accumulation. Every race was of equal value for every team, especially if you planned to be on stage at the awards banquet at the end of the season. “The Chase”, often referred to as NASCAR’s playoffs, is a comparatively new invention, with this being its 7th year. Whether NASCAR needs The Chase is really a rhetorical debate. It’s here, and it is what it is. However, suggest there needs to be some changes in The Chase, and you will receive a wealth of opinions and conjecture.

Front Row Motorsports Appeals Penalties

On June 22, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Front Row Motorsports regarding the #38 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The appeal concerned two penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. 

The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-J: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR Rules”; and Section 20-10.7J: “Unapproved modification to valve stem hardware.”

LaJoie Suspended for Violating Substance Abuse Policy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 22, 2010) – Randy LaJoie, a crew member for the No. 18 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

On June 11, LaJoie was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.

Let’s “Race to the Chase”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 21, 2010) – Securing a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup means doing the math: 10 tracks plus 10 weeks equals intense competition.

The “Race to the Chase” – the 10-week stretch that begins Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ends Saturday, Sept. 11 at Richmond International Raceway – determines the lineup for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

After race No. 26 at Richmond, the top 12 drivers in the standings compete for the NASCAR Sprint Cup title during the final 10 events.

NASCAR Media Group And Turner Sports To Offer The Coke Zero 400 In 3D Through NASCAR.COM And DirecTV

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 21, 2010) – NASCAR Media Group, a media, marketing and entertainment company, and Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., announced today that NASCAR’s first foray into 3D programming will take place on July 3, 2010 with a special presentation of the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola (TNT, 7:30 p.m. ET). The 3D production, NASCAR’s first ever, will be made available through TNT RaceBuddy on NASCAR.COM (NASCAR.COM/RaceBuddy3D) as well as through DIRECTV, and will complement a special television presentation on TNT, highlighted by the network’s groundbreaking signature Wide Open format.

NASCAR.COM will feature 3D feeds for the Daytona race in addition to the mosaic of HD-quality complementary unique camera angles available on TNT RaceBuddy on NASCAR.COM (NASCAR.COM/RaceBuddy) throughout the six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races televised on TNT.

Raymond Parks, First Championship Winning Car Owner, Passes Away At Age 96

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 20, 2010) – Raymond Parks, NASCAR’s first championship winning owner, passed away Sunday morning in his Atlanta, Ga. home. He was 96.

Parks, a true forefather of the sport, owned the championship winning car in both NASCAR’s first Modified season of 1948 and “Strictly Stock” season of 1949. Both championship-winning cars were driven by Red Byron.

Parks’ car won two of the eight races in the inaugural 1949 season of what is now known as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – at historic Martinsville Speedway and the Daytona Beach & Road Course.

Born June 5, 1914, Parks’ immense influence on the sport began well before his championship winning campaigns.

Toyota/Savemart 300 results

Jimmie Johnson was the recipient of Marcos Ambrose's costly mistake, winning his first road course race Sunday at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

The following are the results from the Toyota/Savemart 300:

Johnson Wins, Rough Day For JGR

Jimmie Johnson has officially grabbed his first road course victory at Infineon Raceway, after a late-race mistake by Marcos Ambrose. Ambrose did not maintain his pace during the very last caution so NASCAR ordered him back to seventh position for the restart. Then Jimmie Johnson sailed his way to victory.

Joe Gibbs Racing has been so far a very dominant team thus far in the 2010 NASCAR season, with Denny Hamlin pulling off back-to back-wins. Trouble started early for this team when Kyle Busch spun earlier in the race, leaving some damage to his car.

Carl Edwards Flips Over Road America

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — Carl Edwards had the last laugh.

After Thursday's first NASCAR Nationwide Series practice at Road America, Edwards poked fun at himself for how bad he was on the 4.048-mile road course, even though he was the fifth fastest driver. But Edwards proved to be a quick study, as he dominated the Bucyrus 200 to win the first NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Road America.

"The corner workers, I could tell they were shaking their heads at me and the rest of us. It was ugly," Edwards said of Thursday's day-long practice. "But as a driver, this track is pretty tough. It's a long track, there's a lot going on. … I thought about it a lot going back and forth (to Sonoma, Calif. for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race) on the airplane. Last night, laying in my motorhome, I ran laps in my head. I really tried to give my guys the best focus I could give them."

Kahne Captures Pole at Infineon

With a time of 76.300 seconds (93.893 MPH) Kasey Kahne will start from the pole position in Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. The pole is Kahne’s 17th of his Sprint Cup Series career and his first at the California road course and his first of 2010. Starting alongside Kahne will be Jimmie Johnson.

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will air Sunday June 20, 2010 on TNT at 3pm Eastern with Green Flag at 3:19pm

Burton’s Streak of 500 Consecutive Starts Dates Back to 3/24/1996:

 
10th-Longest Streak In Series History



DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 16, 2010) – Jeff Burton will make his 500th consecutive start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, this Sunday in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway.

The milestone is the 10th-longest streak in series history, and third-longest active streak (Jeff Gordon has run 596 consecutive races; Bobby Labonte has run 595 consecutive races).

Burton, who currently has 562 career starts overall, began his streak on March 24, 1996 at Darlington Raceway.

The NASCAR Baby Boom Continues: McMurray and Wife Expecting First Child In December

It looks like Speed TV's Wendy Venturini won't be the only one spending the off season learning how to change diapers and adjusting to life with a newborn baby. Jamie McMurray and his wife Christy will be expecting their first child in December.

McMurray let the news slip on Friday that the couple are due on December 5th. According to a Twitter update posted by @nateryan McMurray is getting parenting advice from Matt Kenseth. Kenseth and his wife Katie welcomed a daughter in 2009.

Does My Age and Sex Really Matter? I'm A NASCAR Fan!

Being a 17 year old girl most would think I have crushes, but I’ve never been the kind of girl to go crazy over someone who I will never have a chance with. Granted, I do find certain celebrities cute, but I never understood the fascination people have with them. 

TV Schedule June 18-20

Get ready for some left-and-right driving action as NASCAR goes road racing. For the first time the sport will visit two different road courses during a single race weekend. The Sprint Cup Series heads to wine country during its annual stop at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., while the Nationwide Series will make its debut at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Infineon is one of two road course events on the Sprint Cup schedule (the other is Watkins Glen). The 1.99-mile course has 12 turns, including the hairpin (turn 11). Drivers must be prepared for the sudden twists, turns and elevation changes. Track position is important, so expect to see drivers place even more emphasis on qualifying. Defending race winner is Kasey Kahne.

Weddings, Mullets, and Bigfoot? What have the Gillette Young Guns done NOW?

We’ve all seen the hilarious Gillette Young Guns commercials aired during the races. It’s likely that you’ll remember the “Newman!” commercials or the ads with John Cena getting pummeled by your favorite Yong Guns. It doesn’t matter, they’re all funny. Even if they aren’t aired on television anymore, they’re forever available for our viewing pleasure on YouTube.




Now, Gillette has a new line of Young Guns commercials out to promote their Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor. Gillette has released six new videos to promote the new razor, and each of them will have you busting a gut and begging for mercy.

JR Motorsports Teams up with Realtree and Elliott Sadler for Nationwide Series

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Wednesday, June 16, 2010) - Delta Apparel - a leading activewear and headwear manufacturer - has agreed to a partnership with JR Motorsports to promote the Realtree Outfitters licensed brand, which will receive primary placement on the No. 88 Chevrolet for five NASCAR Nationwide Series events this year, general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced today.  Realtree, the camouflage brand made famous by its long-running outdoor-themed television programming, recently signed Delta Apparel to an exclusive apparel and headwear licensing deal with its Realtree Outfitters brand.

Roush-Fenway and Pixar Team Up for Toy Story 3 Paint Scheme

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 16, 2010 – Aflac today announced the creation of a special Toy Story 3 paint scheme for the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion that will be driven by Carl Edwards at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on June 20.

The paint scheme reflects a collaboration between the Georgia-based insurance company and Disney^●Pixar, following the release of a television commercial using Pixar’s unique brand of animation. This marks the second time Aflac and Disney^●Pixar have worked together for cross-promotion.

Viers Named Crew Chief of #16 in Nationwide Series

CONCORD, N.C.– Roush Fenway Racing has named Rick Viers as the crew chief of its No. 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series team. Viers assumes the duty immediately and will lead the team this weekend at Road America (Wis.).

"I'm thrilled with the opportunity I have to come over and lead the No. 16 team here at Roush Fenway Racing," Viers said. "Just being here for a very short period of time, I can see there are a ton of resources at my disposal and it's a highly engineer-driven shop which I really enjoy. I feel like Road America is a really good place for me to start having Colin (Braun) in the car and I'm excited to work with him and the rest of this team."

Viers most recently served as crew chief for Baker Curb Racing and the No. 27 Ford. He worked with JD Motorsports in 2009 and was the crew chief of the No. 84 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry in 2007 and ‘08. He has also worked as a NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chief for Richard Childress Racing.

Fans In The Stands - My Michigan Experience.

Every time Michigan International Speedway rolls around, I get so excited. MIS is my favorite track. The track is so much fun to be at and the staff is wonderful. They have so much that fans can do at the track and have made this a fan-friendly environment. I just love going to MIS.

The race day started out normal for me, wake up early and be out on the road before 7 a.m... Michigan International Speedway is only about two and half hours away from Warsaw, IN, so my mom and I always stop at the same Cracker Barrel restaurant on the way to MIS. I encourage all of you to eat at Cracker Barrel is you are ever near one, it’s delicious! After we ate breakfast, we were back on the road and headed towards the track. We were about 4 miles from the track and we hit traffic. Which is kind of normal but we normally don’t hit traffic.

Roush Rewind: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

Michigan International Speedway is a favorite stop on the NASCAR circuit for the Roush Fenway Racing drivers. Not only is it a track that Fords, particularly those of Roush, are known for performing well at, Michigan is also the home of Roush Industries and Ford. With the new FR9 engine under the hoods of their racecars, the four Roush Fenway Racing drivers were looking forward to the running of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400. However, when the checkered flag waved on Sunday, none were able to bring home the win. Three finished inside the top fifteen, while one was left with a finish near the rear of the field after bad luck hit just before the halfway point of the race.

There was no denying that David Ragan was having one of the best weekends of the season leading up to Sunday’s race. With solid times in practice, Ragan proved he had a pretty good car when he qualified the No. 6 UPS Ford in the 14th position. Once the green flag waved on Sunday, Ragan hung around outside the top ten. Lap 18 saw the first caution as Marcos Ambrose spun. Ragan pitted for fuel, tires, and an air pressure adjustment to help tighten his racecar up. The second caution, for debris, came out on lap 48, and once again Ragan’s crew made an air pressure adjustment to try and correct the loose-handling issues. Ragan had worked his way inside the top ten after that stop. A long green-flag run followed, and Ragan continued to battle a loose racecar that wanted to slide off the turns. Ragan made a green-flag stop on lap 90 for tires, fuel, and a trackbar adjustment. Just nine laps later, the caution came out when Casey Mears, in the No. 83, got into teammate Scott Speed. Crew chief Donnie Wingo called Ragan down pit road for two tires and fuel in an effort to gain track position. Unfortunately for Ragan, that pit stop would be the turning point of the race for him. As Ragan was exiting his pit stall, Mears was entering his. The two made contact on pit road, resulting in damage to the right front fender of the No. 6 Ford. Ragan backed back into his pit stall, and his crew went to work repairing the damage. Ragan went back out so he wouldn’t go a lap down, then returned to pit road. The pit stop took longer than expected and left Ragan at the tail end of the lead-lap cars when the green flag waved. On lap 118, things only went from bad to worse for Ragan. He radioed to his crew to inform them that the right-rear tire was flat. He was forced to pit, but the damage had already been done. Pitting under green left his team hoping the cautions would fall in their favor. The long green-flag run that continued did nothing to help Ragan and his crew. Unable to make up those lost positions, Ragan finished a disappointing 34th on Sunday. He remains 25th in the standings.

Matt Kenseth struggled in practice on Friday and it carried over to qualifying later that evening when he qualified 39th in the No. 17 Crown Royal Black Ford. However, during practice on Saturday, Kenseth posted the 6th fastest time. The Crown Royal had high hopes for a strong run on Sunday when the green flag waved. By lap 10, Kenseth had moved from 39th to 23rd in the field. Under the caution on lap 18, Kenseth informed crew chief Todd Parrott that the car was loose in and off the turns. He pitted for four tires, fuel, and air pressure adjustments. Kenseth worked his way inside the top 20 following the restart, but reported his car was even looser than it had been before the adjustments. Kenseth’s next pit stop came under the caution that came out on lap 48. His crew made track bar and air pressure adjustments, but even after those changes, Kenseth still wasn’t happy with the way his car was handling. Green-flag stops began around lap 88, and Kenseth pitted on lap 91 for even more track bar and air pressure adjustments. The adjustments seemed to help as Kenseth had ran in the 16th position, but the No. 17 Ford was still a little loose. The next pit stops saw the Crown Royal crew making more track bar and air pressure adjustments. Kenseth managed to lead two laps before making a green-flag stop around lap 135. Kenseth hovered around the top fifteen after that. The final caution of the race came out with 17 laps remaining, and Kenseth pitted for four tires and another series of adjustments. Restarting 14th, Kenseth got caught up in traffic on the restart and was unable to advance further up the field. Kenseth was 14th to take the checkered flag. He is now 5th in the standings, down one position from last week.

For Carl Edwards, it looked like Michigan would be his chance for a great finish. In his previous 11 starts, Edwards had only finished outside the top ten once. Edwards started the race in the 19th position in the No. 99 Aflac Ford. From the drop of the green flag, Edwards began to gain positions. He was up to tenth when the first caution came out on lap 18. Edwards pitted for tires, fuel, and a slight air pressure adjustment. A quick stop by the Aflac crew had Edwards sitting 10th for the restart. Edwards was up to 8th just a few laps later. He was 9th when the caution flag waved a second time and pitted for tires, fuel, and a trackbar adjustment. Edwards’ crew helped him gain three positions on pit road to restart 6th. It soon became clear that Edwards was good on the short runs when he made his way up to 4th, but the car was still loose in the turns. He dropped back to 6th and remained there even after making a green-flag stop around lap 90. Edwards pitted under the caution on lap 98, and crew chief Bob Osborne called for right-side tires only, putting Edwards 7th for the restart. Edwards maintained that position throughout the following green-flag run. A couple more pit stops under green had Edwards’ crew making adjustments to tighten up the No. 99 Ford. Just when it seemed Edwards would get another top ten finish at Michigan, a caution with 17 laps remaining put a stop to it. Edwards was shuffled back to 11th with 10 laps to go since some of the teams behind him had opted to pit under that final caution. He held on to finish 12th. Edwards is now 10th in the point standings, down one position from last week.

Having taken wrecked racecars back to the shop the last two races, Greg Biffle was hoping for a turnaround at Michigan. Biffle qualified the No. 16 3M Ford in the 16th position and from the drop of the green flag, began to move his way up through the field. He was up to 11th when the first caution of the day came out. The No. 16 Ford was loose and crew chief Greg Erwin called for a track bar adjustment when Biffle pitted. Biffle restarted 13th, but was 10th just a few laps later. More adjustments were made when Biffle pitted under the second caution. This time his car had become too tight. However, those adjustments made under the second caution made the car too loose. Biffle tried to hang on to the 10th position while fighting the loose-handling racecar. The 3M crew made more adjustments under the caution on lap 98. It was under that pit stop that the No. 16 team discovered damage had been done to the nose of the car. The damage was quickly repaired, and Biffle was back inside the top ten by lap 119. Green-flag stops began once again around lap 135, and Biffle pitted on lap 139 for four tires, fuel, and trackbar and air pressure adjustments. Once the stops cycled through, Biffle was up to 5th. He maintained that position until the final round of green-flag stops began. Biffle’s car had gotten too tight, and his crew made more adjustments when he pitted on lap 176. When the final caution came out, Biffle and his team had an important decision to make. To pit or not to pit, that was the question. Biffle opted to stay out, but some teams behind him pitted. With 14 laps remaining, the field took the green flag one last time. Biffle dropped back to 10th, but was able to pass Joey Logano on the last lap to get a ninth place finish. Biffle is 9th in the standings, up one position from last week.

While the Roush Fenway Racing drivers were decent on Sunday, none were able to show the dominance that Ford has been known for at Michigan International Speedway. It was Denny Hamlin who brought home yet another win for Joe Gibbs Racing. Congratulations to Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 crew!

Next up: Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway

Fans In The Stands – My Eldora Experience.

When we got our tickets for Eldora, I was completely excited! This was my second time going to the charity event and I was hoping for Kyle Busch to win! He had done great in the 2009 race so what’s to say he couldn’t win the whole thing?! June 9th was going to be a great day!


There was only one thing in the back of my mind that could spoil the whole event: rain. It had rained in the morning when I was getting ready, I mean complete downpour. I was starting to get worried that the event would be rained out like it was last year in June. The rain had passed and I was so happy! Even though it had rained, the sun was out and the humidity was on full blast. By the time we got there, it was well into the 80s maybe even 90s. And of all colors, I wore my black Kyle Busch shirt. My mom and I were completely hot and sweaty and by the numbers of people there … I was starting to get frustrated. I’m just one of those people who can’t stand to walk behind people who walk slow and soak up the scenery. That’s my biggest problem, especially attending a NASCAR event because I have no patience. I eventually got over it, though.

We had walked around, bought some stuff and found our original seats in Turn 1. I looked at the dirt late models … and I couldn’t find Kyle’s car! I thought well maybe his car is on the other side. So mom and I walked to Turn 4 and still no sight of Kyle’s late model. We had loved turn 4 because we could see everything there. We decided to abandon our turn 1 seats and got out chairs that we had packed and set up in turn 4, in the grassy area. This time, my mom could watch her favorite drivers Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer work on their cars and watch the other races. I had gotten to watch Kyle last year so I think it was only right if she got to this year. (We couldn’t find Kyle’s late model because the decals weren’t on it yet!) Plus, Travis Pastrana was on this side as well. (I have always been a Travis Pastrana fan. I even have his book “The Big Jump: The Tao of Travis Pastrana”.) I actually was freaking our when I heard he was going to be racing in the Prelude to the Dream and that he was on Kyle Busch’s team: Team Levine!


Time went on, drawls for qualifying started and then hot laps. As I was looking at Clint Bowyer’s and Ricky Carmichael’s haulers, I noticed a guy on top of RC’s hauler. He was kinda short, had dark hair, and had on a head set that you could talk into. Then I found out that Mike and Austin Dillon were the owners of the #4 of Ricky Carmichael's dirt late model. I made the connection and it was Austin Dillon on top of the hauler! I was overwhelmed because I’m a big fan of Austin Dillon! I started being a fan of his when he ran some Nationwide Races for RCR! Anyways, I kept an eye on him the whole time. He gets into the races and he is kinda goofy, from what I can tell though.


Day turned to night and it was time for the heats! Kasey Kahne won the first heat, Ryan Newman won the second heat, and KYLE BUSCH won the third heat! I couldn’t believe that Kyle won the 3rd heat! Kyle and Justin Allgaier had a very nice and clean battle for the lead! It was amazing. I was screaming so loud!


Then it was time for the Prelude to the Dream! Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch stayed out front the whole time. It was amazing because all of the cautions would stack them back up. Jimmie Johnson ended up winning the whole race and I couldn’t be anymore happier for him! Jimmie was a part of Team Levine so Kyle’s team came out on top! Tony Stewart started from the back because he wanted to win the $50,000 for his team if he could come from the back and win the whole thing. He was very impressive to watch because he ended up finishing 6th! Drivers like Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards were nice to watch as well. Both drivers ran very well and I was happy for both of them for their great finishes! Congrats to Clint Bowyer, too, because he is the owner of Jimmie’s dirt late model.


I had a great time at Eldora Speedway and can’t wait till next year! I want to say thank you to Tony Stewart. You created this event and it has brought numbers of people out every year. You are an amazing person and you have a very big and warm heart. You’re a hero to so many fans out there.


Picture #1 - Eldora Speedway from Turn 4!
Picture #2 - Finally getting a look and a shot of Kyle's dirt late model!
Picture #3 - Jimmie Johnson's dirt late model in Victory Lane!

Alli Owens at MI

Roller coaster ride for Alli Owens at Michigan

The Racing for Wildlife 200 was a virtual roller coaster for the No. 15 ElectrifyingCareers.com race team. After starting 27th, Owens blistered through the field into the top-15. Thanks to a perfectly timed pit stop, Owens moved into the sixth position for the closing green flag run, only to have a controversial penalty nullify the team’s gains. Despite the setback, Owens and the team rallied and closed out the day in 13th-place. The moment the race went green, Owens set a mean pace towards the front. She picked up 10 positions on the first lap and cracked into the top-15 on Lap 13. She held her position until the first caution flag waved, Lap 27, and she entered the pits for service. Her car was “tight off” when exiting the turns, so crew chief Jeff McClure called for air pressure and track bar adjustments, in addition to four tires and fuel for the No. 15 Chevy. Owens returned to the track in 15th-place. Green flag action returned on Lap 36. Owens picked up two additional positions, but was still battling a tight-handling race car. She made the most of the situation, while waiting for an opportunity to bring her car down pit lane for another round of adjustments. Several of the leaders began making their stops on Lap 70; however, McClure kept Owens on the track in hopes of a caution flag. On Lap 76, McClure radioed for Owens to bring the ElectrifyingCareers.comChevy into the pits. Just as Owens was entering pit road, a fortuitous yellow flag waved. Owens inherited sixth-place. During the caution period, Owens pitted for fuel, along with a round of wedge and air pressure adjustments to loosen up the car. She left her stall in sixth position. As she was exiting pit road, a car below Owens forced her up the track above the blend line, which is a racing infraction. Despite being pushed up the track, ARCA determined that she violated the rule and served her a penalty. Owens had to move to the tail-end of the longest line for the ensuing restart. The race went back to green on Lap 82 with Owens in 15th-place. Only 18 laps remained in the event. Owens picked up three positions, but ran out of time to pick up any additional spots. She finished the day in 13th-place. “We had a pretty good car today,” Owens said after the event. “We were a little tight on exit when the race started. We made adjustments on each of our pit stops to loosen it up. It was a little bit tight for the remainder of the race. The car just didn’t respond to the adjustments like we hoped it would. “Jeff (McClure) had us stay on the track long enough to catch a lucky caution that put us in contention for a top-five. Unfortunately ARCA thought I illegally moved above the blend line when I exited pit road. I definitely moved up a groove, but the car below me forced me up there. I didn’t have much of a choice. That killed our track position and we didn’t have a chance to make it up. “I’m really proud of my guys. They worked really hard to get this car ready and gave me awesome pit stops all race long. We deserved a better finish today, but sometimes the breaks just don’t go your way.” Girlracer magazine Author Chelsea Woods, Girlracer Magazine

Logano continues Kentucky dominance (NNS)

By Lee Montgomery
Special to the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
(June 12, 2010)

SPARTA, Ky.—Joey Logano remained perfect in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Kentucky Speedway, winning the Meijer 300 from the pole on Saturday night.

Logano had lost the lead on two restarts late in the race but was able to power back to the top spot each time.

The first was with 44 laps to go when Mike Bliss took the lead, but after an extended caution period, Logano got back out front on Lap 169 of 200.

The second came when Brendan Gaughan charged around the outside after a restart on Lap 175, but Gaughan slipped off Turn 4 a lap later, and Logano again regained the lead.

Logano then held off a late charge from Carl Edwards to win for the third time at Kentucky.

Logano, 20, has won the pole and the race every time he has raced at the 1.5-mile track. The victory in 2008 was his first in one of NASCAR’s national series.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series double-duty drivers swept the top three positions, as Edwards finished second and NASCAR Nationwide Series points leader Brad Keselowski was third. Edwards moved up one spot in the standings to second, and is 272 points behind Keselowski.

Gaughan finished fourth, with Reed Sorenson fifth. Rounding out the top 10 were Steve Wallace, Scott Wimmer, Justin Allgaier, Scott Riggs and Raybestos Rookie Colin Braun.

Meijer 300 race results:

1. Joey Logano   
2. Carl Edwards   
3. Brad Keselowski   
4. Brendan Gaughan   
5. Reed Sorenson   
6. Steve Wallace   
7. Scott Wimmer   
8. Justin Allgaier   
9. Scott Riggs
10. Colin Braun *   
11. Trevor Bayne   
12. Jeremy Clements   
13. Brad Coleman   
14. Brian Ickler   
15. Josh Wise   
16. Scott Lagasse Jr.
17. Shelby Howard   
18. Coleman Pressley   
19. Tony Raines   
20. Jeff Green   
21. Mike Wallace   
22. Kenny Wallace   
23. Jason Keller   
24. Mike Bliss   
25. Joe Nemechek   
26. Derrike Cope   
27. Sean Caisse   
28. Michael McDowell   
29. Eric McClure   
30. Robert Richardson Jr.   
31. Brian Scott *   
32. Paul Menard   
33. Jason Leffler   
34. Michael Annett   
35. Tayler Malsam   
36. Willie Allen   
37. Morgan Shepherd   
38. Kevin Lepage
39. Chase Miller   
40. Mark Green   
41. Danny O'Quinn Jr.   
42. Matt Carter   
43. Dennis Setzer

*Rookie

PHOTO: Grant Halverson / Getty Images

Wendy Venturini and husband expecting

SPEED journalist Wendy Venturini interviews AJ Allmendinger at
Phoenix International Raceway in April. (Photo taken by Rebecca Kivak)

The NASCAR baby boom continues. SPEED reporter Wendy Venturini announced via Twitter on Friday that she and her husband, Jarrad Egert, are expecting:

@WendyVenturini: It's difficult to keep the good news in any longer. We want to be the first to share with all of you...Jarrad & I are expecting a baby!

Venturini, 31, said on her Twitter page that the couple will welcome a son. The baby's due date is Dec. 27, "just as planned for the off-season!"

Due to the timing, race fans can expect to see Venturini on SPEED without a break for the remainder of the NASCAR season:

@WendyVenturini: I'll be off camera Homestead to Daytona, but not a single NASCAR Raceday will b missed! B prepared 2 watch my baby bump grow! haha. Thanks!

Venturini and Egert were married Dec. 5, 2007. Egert is director of track operations at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Skirts and Scuffs congratulates Wendy and Jarrad on their expanding family!

Almirola Edges out the Competition in Michigan (NCWTS)

By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
(June 12, 2010)

BROOKLYN, Mich.—Aric Almirola passed Todd Bodine and Kyle Busch three-wide through the middle with seven laps left in Saturday’s VFW 200 and held on to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

Bodine finished second and retained his series lead by 55 points over Almirola, who won for the second time this season in Billy Ballew’s No. 51 Toyota. Busch ran third, followed by Ron Hornaday Jr. and polesitter Austin Dillon, who overcame a late pit-road penalty to post his second straight top five.

“I didn’t think it was the greatest place to be,” Almirola said of his middle position after a restart on Lap 93 of 100. “But I knew we were going to run wide open through the corner. We were either going to crash, or we were going to make it out the other side—because I knew how important clean air was.

“I knew that was my only shot to get out in the lead, and if I didn’t get out in the lead, there was no chance of us winning the race. So I went down in Turn 1, and I knew I was going to run a shorter distance than Todd (who was on the outside), so I just tried to hang tight on Kyle’s door and get him loose, which I did.

“By the time we got off Turn 2, I was almost clear of Todd, and then when we went through (Turns) 3 and 4, I cleared him. So I think that was the move of the race, as far as I’m concerned.”

In a race that featured a track-record 20 lead changes, Almirola didn’t go to the front until his pass on Lap 93. Bodine had held the lead for a restart on Lap 89 and had begun to pull away when Nelson Piquet Jr. spun through the frontstretch grass to bring out the fifth and final caution of the afternoon.

“Maybe it caught me a little off guard,” Bodine said of Almirola’s pass for the lead. “Aric’s a hell of a racer, and they had a good truck when it counted. On a short run like that—especially as many laps as we rode around under caution, with the tires cooling down—everybody’s handling pretty good for three or four laps, five laps.

“I really believe that, if this race was 10 laps longer, I probably would have beat him—but, guess what, there weren’t another 10 laps.”

Notes: The race was red-flagged for 40 minutes, 12 seconds because of a rain shower that caused the third caution on Lap 34. … Timothy Peters finished sixth and remained third in the standings, 165 points behind Almirola. … Matt Crafton retired after 83 laps with an engine failure and fell three spots to 10th in points.

Final Results:

1. Aric Almirola
2. Todd Bodine
3. Kyle Busch
4. Ron Hornaday
5. Austin Dillon
6. Timothy Peters
7. Jason White
8. David Starr
9. Elliott Sadler
10. Nelson Piquet Jr.
11. Stacy Compton
12. Mike Skinner
13. Donny Lia
14. Johnny Sauter
15. Ricky Carmichael
16. James Buescher
17. Chris Fontaine
18. Justin Lofton
19. Brad Sweet
20. Hermie Sadler
21. Jennifer Jo Cobb
22. Ryan Sieg
23. Mario Gosselin
24. Brett Butler
25. Donnie Neuenberger
26. Michael Guerity
27. Matt Crafton
28. Norm Benning
29. Brent Raymer
30. Chad McCumbee
31. Mark Garvey
32. Terry Jones
33. Chris Jones
34. Mike Harmon
35. Chase Austin
36. JC Stout

Sandler and James to Serve as Grand Marshalls for Michigan Cup Race

Stars of “Grown Ups” Will Serve as June 13 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 Grand Marshals

BROOKLYN, Mich. (May 26, 2010) – Michigan International Speedway is known as NASCAR’s summer reunion for friends and family. And on June 13, a pair of “Grown Ups” will reunite at the racetrack to prove it.

Adam Sandler and Kevin James, stars of Columbia Pictures’ “Grown Ups,” in theaters June 25, will serve as grand marshals for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Sandler and James know how to say the most famous words in motorsports with passion and enthusiasm. Each have given arguably the two most amazing commands in the NASCAR history — James in 2007 at Daytona International Speedway and Sandler at MIS in June 2006.

“It’s exciting to return to Michigan to give the command and launch the film,” Sandler said. “Last time I was there, we had the winning car for the movie ‘Click’ with Kasey Kahne, so hopefully we will have the same luck with ‘Grown Ups’.”

“Grown Ups,” starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider, is a hilarious comedy about five men who were best friends when they were young kids and now are getting together for the Fourth of July weekend to meet each others' families for the first time. Picking up where they left off, they discover why growing older doesn't mean growing up. The film also stars Salma Hayek, Maria Bello and Maya Rudolph. The film is directed by Dennis Dugan, written by Adam Sandler and Fred Wolf, and produced by Adam Sandler and Jack Giarraputo.

“It’s exciting that ‘Grown Ups’ will use Michigan International Speedway and the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 as a promotional platform for the movie’s summer release,” track President Roger Curtis said. “I can’t think of a better venue nor two better, more exciting grand marshals than Adam Sandler and Kevin James. This must be a sporting first to have two such high-caliber and big-name superstars serving as grand marshals.”

The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Live television coverage of the race is on TNT.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

Former NASCAR Vice President, NFL Star Les Richter Passes Away At Age Of 79

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 12, 2010) – Les Richter, who achieved extraordinary success in both a NASCAR executive and a National Football League defensive star, died Saturday morning at the age of 79 at Riverside (Calif.) Community Hospital.

After becoming both an All-American and All-Pro as a hard-nosed lineman and linebacker, Richter, a native of Fresno, Calif., brought an incomparable work ethic to the world of motorsports. His second career began in 1959 at Riverside International Raceway, where he quickly rose to become president and general manager in 1961.

Richter, affectionately known as “Coach” throughout the motorsports industry, came to NASCAR in 1983 and evolved into one of the most important advisors to then-NASCAR Chairman/CEO Bill France Jr. as NASCAR’s popularity expanded. Richter was named NASCAR's executive vice president of competition in 1986 and the senior vice president of operations in ’92.

His last job in motorsports was as vice president of special projects for Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., a track he helped come into existence and then become established as a big-time facility. As his health declined in recent years – Richter battled dementia and debilitating effects of old football injuries -- so did his visibility, as he spent most of his time at home in Riverside with his wife of 55 years, Marilyn.

Despite his failing health, Richter still delighted in meeting with old friends and was ever-ready with his trademark prank: extending his right hand, inviting a person to shake and squeeze ... and then applying a vise-grip handshake that felt like 1952 all over again, all the while smiling widely.

"Les Richter will be missed by the entire NASCAR community and always remembered for all he did for the sport – especially NASCAR's short-track racing and promoting the sport on the West Coast," said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. "Les, a tireless worker, was one of NASCAR's most respected officials and one of my father's most trusted lieutenants. Our respect and condolences go out to the Richter family."

After his All-American playing days as a linebacker and guard at the University of California, -- where he graduated as class valedictorian – Richter was drafted by the Dallas Texans of the NFL in 1952. When contract negotiations broke down, the Los Angeles Rams traded 11 players for the rights to Richter, who went on to play nine years (1954-62), and was an All-Pro selection eight times. Richter’s NFL career was delayed for two years, due to his service in the Korean War.

Richter was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. He has never been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has been called by the some to greatest player to never make that hall.

“He was an impressive guy and had an impressive life,” NASCAR President Mike Helton said Saturday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway, where he informed competitors of Richter’s passing. “To be as genuinely human as he was … he had such a remarkable story all the way through his life. We were just very fortunate to have him as part of our community for a while.

“When you look at Les’ life, it was remarkable … he transcended two sports in a time period where both of them were developing.”

In addition to his wife, Richter is survived by a son, daughter and three granddaughters.

TV Schedule: June 12-13

It's a full weekend of racing for NASCAR fans as all three series take to the track. The Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series head to Michigan International Speedway while the Nationwide Series will run at Kentucky Speedway.

Michigan is home turf for the Big Three manufacturers - Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler - making a win at this 2-mile superspeedway even more special for the car that pulls into Victory Lane. Brian Vickers' Sprint Cup win last fall captured the spotlight for Toyota. Will it be another Toyota in the winner's circle on Sunday, or will one of the Big Three re-establish their claim?

The D-shaped track has 18-degree banking in the corners. With its long straightaways and wide turns, Michigan is one of the fastest tracks on the circuit. Qualifying speeds can reach 190 mph and drivers can top 200 mph in the turns.

You can't talk about Michigan without mentioning fuel mileage. Last spring, Mark Martin tasted victory after Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle ran out of gas in the closing laps. In spring 2008, Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought home the win by conserving fuel. Will Sunday show us more of the same?

Kurt Busch will lead the field to green in Sunday's Sprint Cup race, the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400.

The Truck Series takes to the track Saturday at Michigan for the VFW 200. Defending race winner is Colin Braun.

The Nationwide Series will run Saturday at Kentucky Speedway for the Meijer 300. Joey Logano is the defending race winner at the 1.5-mile track. This is the second in a three-race stretch where the Nationwide Series is not running at the same track as the Sprint Cup Series.

The following is a schedule of track events and television coverage of NASCAR events this weekend. All times are in Eastern Standard Time. (Note: Events with no TV channel listed will not be televised. Also, Saturday's Nationwide race will be broadcast live on ESPN and later rerun on ESPN2):

Saturday, June 12:
9:30 a.m. Truck Series qualifying at Michigan
11 a.m. Sprint Cup practice at Michigan
12:30 p.m. Sprint Cup final practice at Michigan, SPEED (at least a 10-minute tape-delay)
1:30 p.m. Truck Series SetUp, SPEED
2:00 p.m. Truck Series race at Michigan: VFW 200, SPEED. Green flag: 2:19 PM
4:00 p.m. Nationwide Qualifying at Kentucky, ESPN
7:30 p.m. Nationwide Countdown, ESPN
8:00 p.m. Nationwide race at Kentucky: Meijer 300 presented by Ritz, ESPN. Green flag: 8:15 p.m. (reruns at 5 a.m. on ESPN2)

Sunday, June 13:
8:30 a.m. NASCAR Now ESPN2 8:30 AM
9:30 a.m. NASCAR in a Hurry SPEED 9:30 AM
10:00 a.m. NASCAR RaceDay SPEED 10:00 a.m.
12 noon Countdown to Green TNT 12:00 PM
1:00 p.m. Sprint Cup race at Michigan: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400, TNT. Green flag: 1:16 p.m.
8:00 p.m. NASCAR Victory Lane, SPEED (reruns at 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday)

PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA

Tim George Jr. to Make Nationwide Debut at Road America

WELCOME, N.C. (June 10, 2010) – Richard Childress Racing Development driver Tim George Jr. will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut driving RCR’s No. 21 Chevrolet Impala in the June 19 Bucyrus 200 presented by Menards at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

The New York City native races fulltime in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards driving the No. 31 RCR Development Chevrolet Monte Carlo. He is currently ninth in the point standings, with one top-five and three top-10 finishes, after seven of 20 races on the 2010 schedule.

George has extensive road racing experience in the Grand-Am Rolex GT Series, Grand-Am Koni Challenge Series and the Skip Barber R/T Formula Dodge Regional Race Series. In 2008, George was named the Grand-Am Rolex GT Series Rookie of the Year.

The Grand-Am Rolex GT Series teams he drove for in 2008 and 2009 finished third and second, respectively, in those two years’ Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to debut in the Nationwide Series with RCR at Road America,” said George. “I have not been to the historic circuit in several years, but I’m hoping that my win and two other top-three finishes there in the Skip Barber Racing Series will help with getting up to speed quickly so that we can work on the setup right away.

“The initial test day will be all about acclimating myself at the track in a much heavier and higher horsepower car than I’ve driven there previously. I will be working with a new crew chief, and we have some catching up to do as far as learning each other’s style. All in all, I’m looking forward to the challenge and to be racing in one of the top three series in NASCAR, with a great shot at doing well.”

In his second full season of racing in the ARCA Racing Series, George has made steady progress. His best finish this year came at Talladega Superspeedway, where he led 12 laps and finished third.

“Tim has made solid progress this year in the ARCA Racing Series, so getting his first Nationwide Series start on a road course he’s familiar with makes a lot of sense,” said, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “His road racing background, and his success at Road America, should give the team a strong base to work from. The No. 21 RCR Chevy is obviously a much different animal that the open-wheel cars he’s raced there before but his knowledge of the race track will be what makes the difference.”

The Bucyrus 200 presented by Menards at Road America will be televised live on Saturday, June 19 at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on ESPN2.


About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2010 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios / Hamburger Helper Chevrolet).

Bowyer and Scott Riggs drive the No. 21 Zaxby’s Chevrolet in the 2010 Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the 2010 Camping World Truck Series and Tim George Jr. drives the No 31 RCR Development Chevrolet in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Ty Dillon, Ryan Gifford and Stephen Leicht are RCR developmental drivers in both asphalt and dirt track racing.