Unrestricted: My Nascar Rants & Raves

Office Depot, Old Spice to sponsor Stewart's No. 14

2008-07-25T12:10:00.001-04:00

Office Depot and Old Spice will serve as co-primary sponsors of Tony Stewart's No. 14 Chevrolet Impala SS Sprint Cup Series entry beginning in 2009. Officials from the two companies, as well as from Stewart-Haas Racing, made the announcement Friday near Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read about why Stewart chose number 14 as well as the entire team release here.

Putting the brakes on Toyota

2008-07-23T17:37:00.002-04:00

NASCAR tried to even out the competition in the Nationwide Series on Wednesday by ordering all teams using Toyota motors to squeeze down their horsepower before this weekend's race in Indianapolis.

Well that's not a big deal for Kyle Busch, he's more interested in dominating the Cup Series.

What are your thoughts about what NASCAR is trying to do with the Toyotas?

Do you think that Kyle Busch will continue to dominate the Cup Series and win the championship easily?

Cat Fight

2008-07-21T18:01:00.002-04:00

Your thoughts about this heated arguement. Was Danica out of line or not?

Carl Edwards NASCAR Nationwide Series Victory Interview

2008-07-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

The following is a Q&A with CARL EDWARDS winner of this week’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Dodge Dealers 250 at Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis.

Missouri native Carl Edwards cruised to victory nearly seven seconds ahead of Joey Logano in the Dodge Dealers 250 at Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis. It was the second win of the year for Edwards and the 15th of his Nationwide Series career.

Carl Edwards:
For me, there have only been a couple of times I’ve had a car that dominant at the end of a race. I asked Drew, I said ‘were we that much faster or did other people slow down?’ because I was just cruising around, you know, at the end and the car was so good. I’m just really, really proud of Drew and the guys for being able to make the adjustments that made it drive like that. I couldn’t believe how fast it was.

Edwards struggled to contain his excitement in the closing stages of the race on his home track.

Edwards:
I just did my job and didn’t – just made sure to relax. A little bit of breathing technique, you know, things like that. No joke man, hard to – I mean it’s just tough. It’s like if you scratched off the winning lottery ticket and you just don’t want to mess that thing up before you get it back to wherever you’ve gotta turn it in. It’s like everything’s good, let’s just get the rest of the deal done. So I was trying really hard not to get excited, you know because I mean this is NASCAR, you know anything can happen.

Runner-up 18-year-old Joey Logano:

Joey Logano:
We had a pretty good night, you know we made a lot of adjustments there in the race, seemed like we could go from one end to the other. We could turn the center good but have no forward bite, or be too tight in the center and have good forward bite so couldn’t really get it right where we wanted to – seemed like Carl Edwards got it right where he wanted to, that thing was really stout. But we gained a lot of spots in the pits, but I lost a lot of spots in the pits with me driving, so I learned a little bit there, but we’ll just have to go to the next track and work on it there.

To hear an audio version of this interview and more about the race at Gateway International Raceway, visit (http://www.nationwide.com/about-us/edwards-wins-gateway.jsp)

Collecting the "Dew"

2008-07-18T19:44:00.003-04:00

New Racing Designs Coming in July

To keep your summer cool and exciting, watch for the next four unique Mountain Dew Limited Edition bottle can designs … all about racing! Check out the very sleek and cool bottle cans designed by acclaimed motorsports artist Sam Bass exclusively for Mountain Dew, available only at Wal-Mart in July, while supplies last.

Check out the designs here.

As If We Didn't Already Know

2008-07-14T16:33:00.001-04:00

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Penske Racing and Ryan Newman have mutually agreed to move in new directions at the conclusion of the 2008 season.

"We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years," team owner Roger Penske said. "We wish Ryan all the best for the future and we'll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season."

"I appreciate Penske Racing and all they have done for me, but more importantly, I appreciate their friendship and what they have done for my career," Newman said. "I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Alltel, who have supported me."

The driver of the Penske Racing No. 12 car for the 2009 season will be announced in the near future.

"From the early days in the ARCA series to our team celebration in Victory Lane at this year's Daytona 500, Alltel Wireless has enjoyed a memorable, eight-year relationship with Ryan Newman," said Jeff Fox, chief operating officer, Alltel Wireless.

"Ryan has been an outstanding representative on and off the track, and we're very proud of the results the partnership has delivered to our brand. We remain committed to our sponsorship of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge and look forward to having Ryan behind the wheel for the rest of the 2008 season. We wish him all the best in his next endeavor."

That endeavor may be as a teammate of fellow Indiana native Tony Stewart, who official announced last week that he is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing at season's end to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009. It has been widely speculated that Newman also would drive for SHR next year.

Disappointed

2008-07-13T11:14:00.002-04:00

I'm disappointed that Dale Jr. didn't have a better car.

I'm disappointed that his crew was unable to fix his car.

I'm disappointed that Jimmie Johnson was unable to hold off Kyle Busch for the win.

"I look at myself on this one. I didn't get the right restart. I got a good restart, but I shouldn't have given him the top," Johnson said. "These cars punch a big hole in the air. He sucked up to me down the front stretch, and I should have just given him the bottom.

"Looking back on it now, I really thought that I could run away from him on the inside if I just took the best line around the track. But he just sucked up and got to my quarterpanel. Once he broke that plane and inside drafted me, I was a sitting duck. So I'm disappointed in myself."

I'm disappointed that Kyle Busch won.

I'm NOT disappointed that Kyle Busch was such an idiot and spun out in the grass that was drenched from the heavy rains the day before.

Pfft.

Introducing Stewart-Haas Racing

2008-07-10T17:29:00.004-04:00

Tony even shaved for the announcement! Watch video here.

What's next for Stewart-Haas? Ryan Newman and/or Martin Truex Jr. driving for Stewart? We shall soon see I suppose.

By the way, Tony will be moving on, but but Greg Zipadelli is staying put. Hmmm.

Stewart to leave JGR, join Haas CNC as part owner

2008-07-09T11:13:00.001-04:00

Joe Gibbs Racing has agreed to release Stewart, a two-time Cup Series champion, from the final year of his contract. In turn, Stewart is purchasing what is believed to be a 50 percent stake in Haas CNC Racing and will drive for the team in 2009.

A formal announcement is expected on Thursday.

150-point penalties levied against No. 1 driver, owner

2008-07-08T21:56:00.000-04:00

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR on Tuesday issued penalties, fines and suspensions to the car No. 1 team that competes in the Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions found last week at Daytona International Speedway.

The car driven by Martin Truex Jr., was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.8A (roof of the car does not conform to the specifications) of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book.

As a result, Truex Jr. and car owner Teresa Earnhardt have been penalized 150 championship driver and 150 championship owner points, respectively.

Both the crew chief, Kevin Manion, and the car chief, Gary Putnam, have been suspended from the next six Sprint Cup Series events, suspended from NASCAR until Aug. 27 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Additionally, Manion has been fined $100,000.

The infractions were discovered July 3 during opening day inspection.

"We are still trying to understand how the car fit our templates multiple times at the shop, but we respect NASCAR's determination that one of our cars did not exactly conform to their template at the track," John Story, DEI vice president of motorsports operations said in a statement. "We have not decided if we will pursue our options to appeal. Under NASCAR's rules, we have 10 days to notify the sanctioning body of any appeal."

TERESA SELLING DEI TO SIEGEL?

2008-07-08T11:17:00.002-04:00

Info obtained from John 'Captain Thunder' Nevins:

One year after Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s failed purchase of his late fathers company, Dale Earnhardt, Inc., the company appears to be on the market again. However this time, the buyer is not a family member. Max Siegel, President of Global Operations at DEI is currently in negotiations with major investors to buy Teresa Earnhardt out of DEI, a source close to the negotiations said Monday.

Last year, Earnhardt Jr. negotiated for an extended period of time with his stepmother and co-founder of DEI Teresa Earnhardt for a controlling interest in the family business. There were many issues that kept the deal from coming together in addition to the biggest one, money. They allegedly haggled over the split of the percentage of winnings, merchandise revenue, the organizations growth goals, and legacy planning. When it got to the point that Teresa felt Earnhardt Jr. had asked for too much and was simply trying to insult her, the deal fell apart and Earnhardt Jr. decided to leave the only organization he had ever driven for to try his luck elsewhere.

It appears now that Teresa is finally willing to sell, and Siegel is working diligently with a number of potential investors to take the company over. Sources said Siegel would not just be buying a portion of DEI or a controlling interest, rather, he would be buying the entire company. Sources said, Teresa has agreed to walk away from the company entirely for the right price. That price is supposedly somewhere between $115-$130 million dollars. With one exception...Teresa would retain the rights to all "Dale Earnhardt' and 'Intimidator' rights and merchandise sales. Siegel would only be buying the DEI race teams, and real estate including all race shops and the DEI headquarters in Mooresville, NC. Sources said Siegel is very serious about the purchase and appears to have investors salivating over the opportunity to own the legendary team. In addition, Teresa has grown more frustrated with NASCAR nation following her fall-out with the sports most popular driver, and wants nothing more than to be out of the public eye for good.

Sources also said, Siegel met this past weekend in Daytona Beach with representatives from the 'Hard Rock Hotel and Casino' for a possible sponsorship opportunity with one of DEI's Sprint Cup teams. There has been speculation that the #8 team and Aric Almirola may lose their U.S. Army sponsorship to Red Bull with Scott Speed. Hard Rock could replace the U.S. Army or could end up on the #01 of Regan Smith who is also looking for sponsorship.

I Quit!

2008-07-06T23:31:00.002-04:00

I figure that had to get some one's attention.

No I am not going to quit blogging just quite yet. I quit trying to figure out how I'm going to blog about last night's race. I don't even know how to explain everything that went on much less my opinions about it.

For all I know NASCAR is still trying to sort out who placed where. And if you didn't watch the race, shame on you because it was mind-blowing. And if you did watch the race, I wonder if you are as speechless as I still am.

So, I am going to leave it up to you and your thoughts this time around. Let me know what are your thoughts about last night's race? I will gladly put your thoughts and opinions in my next entry, that is if Cheyenne isn't the only responder (no offense Chey).

Daytona

2008-07-05T23:30:00.002-04:00

That race was insane! It's too bad Kyle Busch won it. I'll say more about it tomorrow because right now I don't know what to say except for wow.

To be continued...

HMS signs Mark Martin, no lie

2008-07-04T14:14:00.003-04:00

Mark Martin retired, then came back, then announced he's only going to drive a limited amount of races. Then he said OK, I'll drive part-time for DEI. Now, Mark Martin finally made up his mind he's going to drive full-time with HMS.

Martin signs two-year deal with Hendrick to drive the number 5 car full-time. Yes folks, full-time. Glad you finally figured out what the heck you are doing Mark.

I don't know what to think about this, I would rather have seen Truex in the number 5, but it's not my call.

"Rick's going to have to dig deep when it comes to keeping that 'fun' promise," Martin said. "I think it will be fine, as long as I'm having fun and I'm still happy. As much fun as I was having in the 8 [his current Dale Earnhardt Inc.] car, after seven weeks in a row, with three tests, I was happy to watch [Infineon Raceway] from the couch.

There'll be plenty of couch time, later. I'll just dig deep. I'm in the best physical condition that I've been in, in my life, bar none. I feel better than I did in 2006.

"The two years running a partial schedule were 100 percent necessary. There's no way I would have accepted this deal in 2007. No way. I got to catch my breath, spend quality time with my family and reflect on what's important, and what I want to do."

Fun promise? I think producing positive results is what Rick wants from you Mark, not just having fun.

No. 1 fails Daytona practice inspection, car impounded

2008-07-03T17:36:00.000-04:00

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A black No. 1 Chevrolet belonging to Dale Earnhardt Inc. sat forlornly in a corner of the Sprint Cup garage area Thursday afternoon, and with it, perhaps the Chase for the Sprint Cup chances for Martin Truex Jr.

NASCAR officials impounded Truex's car after it repeatedly failed pre-practice technical inspection. According to NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp, the car's roof did not fit the mandatory templates.

While the car was being prepared to be transported to NASCAR's research and development center in Concord, N.C., the team was unloading the backup car from the No. 1 hauler.

It's unknown at this time what fines and penalties may be assessed against owner Teresa Earnhardt, crew chief Kevin Manion and Truex. After finishing fourth last week at New Hampshire, Truex is currently 14th in the standings with 1,945 points, 71 points behind Kevin Harvick, who is 12th with nine races remaining before the 12-car Chase field is set.

Earlier this season, NASCAR impounded the cars of Scott Riggs and Johnny Sauter before Saturday's practice at Lowe's Motor Speedway for having wing mount violations. Each driver was penalized 150 points.

A similar penalty would drop Truex to 17th position.

In 2003, NASCAR impounded Tony Stewart's car at Texas Motor Speedway for failing to fit the templates. However, the No. 20 team was not saddled with further penalties.

Enjoy Your Weekend

2008-07-03T12:19:00.001-04:00

July 4th Comments ~ Myspace Comments

Hollywood right here in our neck of the woods

2008-07-02T20:35:00.000-04:00

By MELISSA HAYES
Burlington County Times

NORTH HANOVER — The township's rural landscape will set the backdrop for scenes in a movie starting Peter Fonda and Jason Ritter, which should hit theaters next year.

County Route 680, also known as McGuire Air Force Base Access Road, will be closed to traffic for long intervals tomorrow, Thursday and Monday while crews film scenes for “The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll.”

“We think it's wonderful. We welcome the boost it will give to the local businesses,” Mayor Michael Moscatiello said. “It will reflect some of the most positive attributes of our town, especially our farmland. That's one of North Hanover's greatest beauties, the open space, and what better way to capture that than in a movie.”

The film is about a musician named Spyder, played by Kevin Zegers, who returns home to Long Island after his second album flops. He reunites with an old friend in hopes of resurrecting his career. The story revolves around a cross-country trip in an Airstream recreational vehicle.

The movie is written and directed by Scott Rosenbaum. Spike Lee is the film's executive producer.

Location Manager Louis Zuppardi said he was looking for a road that could be set in the Midwest when he stumbled across McGuire AFB Access Road.

“I did a lot of driving around to find what we were looking for and I think it's Route 680,” he said. “This movie takes place all over the country even though we're filming it in New Jersey.”

In addition to the New Jersey shoot, a few days were spent shooting in New York and the crew will head to Los Angeles before wrapping up the project, Zuppardi said.

Zuppardi said about 80 people, mostly crew members, would be on location for the filming.

Zegers, Peter Fonda, Jason Ritter and Taryn Manning will be starring in the scenes, featuring the Air-stream RV, shot in the township.

Zuppardi said county and local officials have welcomed the project and helped arrange the road closure. Zuppardi said the project has generated a lot of excitement in the area.

“I can't wait for us to be there,” he said.

The county Highway Department will post message boards advising motorists of the road closure and will also arrange detours.

A 2-mile stretch of the road will be closed from County Route 545 to County Route 616.

“This is a genuine gesture of good will on everyone's part,” Freeholder Director Aubrey Fenton said.

“We're pleased that Burlington County's farm country provides the country road backdrop that the producers are looking for.”

Kerry to make first NASCAR start for DEI

2008-07-02T00:14:00.001-04:00

By Team Release

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- For the first time in his career, Kerry Earnhardt, the son of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, will drive a Dale Earnhardt Inc. entry in a NASCAR race.

Earnhardt will pilot the No. 8 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series race on Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

"I've won several races with DEI in an ARCA car, but I'm really looking forward to driving a fast car at Daytona under the DEI umbrella," Earnhardt said. "I appreciate DEI giving me the opportunity to get back in a car, especially one that I know will be fast and competitive. I love running the speedways and can't wait for the weekend to get here."

Earnhardt, who currently works at DEI as a team liaison, will be making his 70th career start in the series, but only his fifth Nationwide start since 2003. He most recently competed regularly in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006.

It will be Earnhardt's ninth career Nationwide Series start at Daytona.

My honest opinion? Give him a handful of laps before he ends up in the back of the pack. Give it another handful of laps until he's involved in a crash.

Martin expected to drive for Hendrick next season

2008-07-02T00:06:00.002-04:00

Hendrick Motorsports is expected to announce Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Mark Martin will drive its No. 5 Chevrolet next season.

Hendrick Motorsports on Tuesday issued a media advisory that it would conduct a news conference Friday afternoon at the track to announce who will replace Casey Mears in the No. 5 car.

All I want to know is why? I just don't get it, someone please explain to me why would you throw in someone in semi-retirement in with a whole bunch of young drivers. I think Martin Truex Jr. would fit in better with Junior, Johnson and Gordon.

Almirola to be full time in DEI's No. 8 Chevy in 2009

2008-07-01T23:54:00.000-04:00

Aric Almirola, who is sharing the No. 8 Sprint Cup Series ride with Mark Martin this year, will drive the car full time in 2009, Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials announced Tuesday.

"This is a really great race team to work with," Almirola said in a news release. "[Crew chief] Tony Gibson and these guys have put me in really good racecars this season, and they've never treated me like a rookie.

"They are committed to being competitive every week, and I'm really looking forward to working with them on a weekly basis next season."

Ganassi ceases operation of Franchitti's Cup car

2008-07-01T17:04:00.001-04:00

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates on Tuesday announced due to a lack of sponsorship funding it will cease operation of the team's No. 40 Sprint Cup Series Dodge driven by Dario Franchitti beginning this weekend in Daytona.

New Hampshire

2008-06-29T23:17:00.002-04:00

Ya know the race was fine and dandy until Jamie McMurray decided to boot Junior in the ass and ruin Junior's hopes of a good finish.

Then it rained.

Kurt Busch won.

Pfft.

Well at least it wasn't his brother.

More later rather than sooner. I'm just not feeling too peachy right now.

Interesting Line-up for NHMS

2008-06-27T19:34:00.004-04:00

1. Patrick Carpentier Dodge 129.776 29.349
2. Bobby Labonte Dodge 129.059 29.512
3. Scott Riggs Chevrolet 128.976 29.531
4. Kevin Harvick Chevrolet 128.976 29.531
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet 128.885 29.552
6. Reed Sorenson Dodge 128.828 29.565
7. Dario Franchitti Dodge 128.824 29.566
8. Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet 128.645 29.607
9. Matt Kenseth Ford 128.624 29.612
10. A.J. Allmendinger Toyota 128.624 29.612

Look who got the pole! And look who qualified 3rd, 6th, 7th and 10th. Very interesting I'd say. Now the question is will they stay up front during the race?

Mears, Hendrick to part ways after 2008 season

2008-06-27T10:25:00.001-04:00

By Team Release
June 27, 2008
09:55 AM EDT

CONCORD, N.C. -- Hendrick Motorsports and driver Casey Mears will part ways following the 2008 Sprint Cup Series season.

"We've put a ton of emphasis on the No. 5 program," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "It's been a total team effort, and Casey has worked as hard as anyone to help us improve. We've tested more than we ever have, but the results just haven't come.

"None of us, Casey included, have been satisfied with the situation this season. But he's confident there are other options out there for him in 2009, and we feel like Hendrick Motorsports will have some opportunities, too."

Mears will finish the 2008 Sprint Cup campaign in Hendrick's No. 5 Chevrolets.

"I know the effort has been there, but we haven't had the finishes to show for it," Mears said. "I've never tested this much or put more energy into racing. But for whatever reason, we just haven't been able to make it click. It's certainly not for lack of dedication on anyone's part.

"I'll talk to people about opportunities and get my 2009 plans wrapped up soon, but I'm also focused on the next 20 races and finishing 2008 on a positive note. We ran well the second half last year, and I know we can do it again. I want to close this season the right way."

Hendrick Motorsports will announce its 2009 plans at a later date.

Rumors, Rumors and more Rumors

2008-06-26T13:53:00.004-04:00

What do you think about the rumor that Casey Mears will be out of the #5 car before his contract ends and that Mark Martin will be in the seat part time?

There is also the rumor that Brad Keselowski will be sharing the #5 ride with Mark Martin and that JR Motorsports will be no more. What do you think about those rumors?

Who do you think Richard Childress will add to his team in 2009? There is a rumor that Casey Mears will be joining the RCR team.

Where do you think Tony Stewart will end up? Is the rumor of Haas racing a good choice or not?

What do you think about the rumor that Ryan Newman may leave Penske racing and possibly be the 2nd driver for Haas racing?

Please feel free to let me know about any other rumors or even truths!