NASCAR Truck Series 2013 Schedule! Eldora, Rockingham, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park! Sweet

Well, it's true.  The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is headed to Eldora and NASCAR returns to Rockingham!  All I can say is this will be one sweet race season to watch... 

check out the press release below on the 2013 NASCAR Truck series season schedule:

 

 

Retrofitted: Eldora, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Give Trucks Throw-Back Feel

New Additions, Classic Look For 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Schedule

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 28, 2012) – NASCAR today announced the 2013 schedule for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, a slate that includes two exciting firsts: the series' first race on dirt and its inaugural international event.

 

On July 24, the trucks will make their dirt debut at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, the.5-mile track owned by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. This event will be the first of two Wednesday night races for the series, joining Bristol Motor Speedway's popular mid-week race on Aug. 21.

 

"We've had talks about getting the trucks on dirt in the past," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "The door-to-door racing that our truck series is known for plus Eldora's popularity and Tony's dedication to putting on great shows for the fans is a perfect fit. We'll have a maximum starting field of 30 trucks at Eldora. More details on the race format are still being developed."

 

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), a 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, Ont., will host its inaugural truck event on Sept. 1, becoming the first road-course track for the series since 2000, and ensuring a NASCAR national series presence in Canada for a seventh-consecutive season.

 

"It's very important that we maintain our national series presence in Canada," O'Donnell said. "We've accomplished that goal while also bringing a world-class venue like Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on board. The Canadian fan base is so passionate and has a high regard for NASCAR. We're excited to increase our role with our great partners at Canadian Tire while also introducing the truck series to our fans in Canada.

 

CTMP, which has hosted NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events since 2007, becomes the fifth different track to hold a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series road-course event, and first since Watkins Glen International on June 24, 2000.

 

Also beginning in 2013 as was recently announced by NASCAR, at road courses and tracks measuring 1.1 miles in length or less, the driver age restriction will be lowered to 16 years old. Currently, the minimum age to compete at the national series level is 18.

 

The balance of the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck schedule, the series' 19th season, maintains a familiar feel, opening with Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 22 and culminating on Nov. 15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

 

Next year's schedule also includes a return to Rockingham Speedway for the second consecutive season. Earlier this season, Rockingham re-joined NASCAR national series competition for the first time since 2004.

 

See below for the current version of the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule.

 

2013 NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES SCHEDULE

Date                 Site

2/22                  Daytona International Speedway

4/6                    Martinsville Speedway

4/14                  Rockingham Speedway

4/20                  Kansas Speedway

5/17                  Charlotte Motor Speedway

5/31                  Dover International Speedway

6/7                    Texas Motor Speedway

6/27                  Kentucky Speedway

7/13                  Iowa Speedway

7/24                  Eldora Speedway

8/3                    Pocono Raceway

8/17                  Michigan International Speedway

8/21                  Bristol Motor Speedway

9/1                    Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

9/8                    Iowa Speedway

9/13                  Chicagoland Speedway

9/28                  Las Vegas Motor Speedway

10/19                Talladega Superspeedway

10/26                Martinsville Speedway

11/1                  Texas Motor Speedway

11/8                  Phoenix International Raceway

11/15                Homestead-Miami Speedway

=

When Sponsorship Dollars Are The Wrong Call For The Sport of NASCAR (Townley Has A Ride?)

Wait? Todd Bodine is out, and John Wes Townley might be in?

I just heard over my SiriusXM smartphone feed (yes, I finally shelled out the extra bucks, and I'm glad I did.) that Todd Bodine may very well be out of a ride at the Red Horse Racing truck team.  The word is that they're laying people off because they can't land a sponsor for Todd for the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

Before all the words hit my ears, I was already thinking that's a bummer for Todd and how this economy, no longer the fat economy that it's been, is really hitting home.

But then I heard the rest of the news piece and just shook my head in silence.

That NASCAR news being that though they're parking Bodine's truck, Timothy Peters will be driving one of the two trucks next year, alongside his new teammate, John Wes Townley, who brings his family-owned Zaxby's sponsorship with him.

And this is where the buck speaks louder than the talent.

To let go of Todd Bodine because someone else brings sponsor monies with them seems to be a crime and seems to dilute the sport of racing.  But it drives home the power of the dollar.

Admittedly, Townley did finish 16th in the standings from the 2012 Camping World Truck Series season with 21 starts, with two top-10 finishes.  In fact, since 2008, he's had a total of 28 starts in the truck series and these top-10's were his only.  (Is he maybe improving?)  In the Nationwide series, he's had 43 starts since 2008 with no top-10 finishes.

But fans have never seen anything exciting out of him in the Nationwide or Cup series.  In fact during the 2012 season, he had a shot at a nationwide race, but wrecked the car in practice and the team benched him before he even got going.

But he was given that chance because of the money that's backing him.

And here's where I have to wonder if Zaxby's is ever getting tired of dumping money on their own family member.  I also wonder if they ever considered dropping the same dollars on someone like Todd Bodine, who might pay off more dividends in the on-track advertising?  Or bankrolling John, and doubling up their investment with another truck?

I don't know.  I do know fans were in an uproar when he got the Nationwide ride last year.  I was secretly hoping he'd pull one out of the hat, just to get some heat off his backside, but that didn't happen.  It needed to be a bigger hat.

-

Any How...

This piece was motivated because it's a shame a proven driver gets ousted because of sheer marketing dollars a driver brings.  Any driver.  And some teams though, are in pickles and have staff and other considerations that force their hand at times.  So I'm not blaming Red Horse Racing.  We might make the very same call if we were in their shoes, trying to pay their bills.

But it sure is a dang shame.  I know one thing.  If this (unsubstantiated) piece of news is true, and Townley is in for the 2013 season, there is going to be a contingent of fans whose sharp eye will be holding RHR accountable every time (if) Townley hits the wall.

Now, let's be the best NASCAR fans we can be, and attempt to be supportive of the team, the drivers and the processes and see what happens.  Who knows, maybe we'll get surprised.  Just maybe.

Just sayin'.

Jeff Burton & Richard Childress To Unveil 2013 Chevy in Peoria, Ill (Appearance Alert)

Jeff Burton and Richard Childress are making a public appearance on December 5th.

Sometimes, fans have to scramble to catch their favorites in some of their public appearances.  I remember chasing down Jack Roush at a Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, CA and getting autographs.  It was cool to do.  Now, if any fans live near Peoria, you could have a shot at seeing Jeff Burton or Richard Childress!

-

via RCR Press Release

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Burton and team owner Richard Childress will unveil the 2013 No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS on Wednesday, December 5 at the new Caterpillar Visitors Center located behind Caterpillar world headquarters in downtown Peoria, Ill.

"Caterpillar has invited Richard (Childress) and I to tour their new world-class Visitors Center and we are encouraging NASCAR fans to come visit too," said Jeff Burton. "We are bringing the No. 31 hauler for fans to tour and unveiling the new 2013 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS that I will be driving next season. I think fans are really going to like the look of the new car."

Burton and Childress will take part in an autograph session 5 to 7 p.m. Central Time and everyone attending the event will receive a 2013 Sprint Cup Series schedule poster. The Richard Childress Racing No. 31 team hauler will be on display for fans to tour throughout the day beginning at 10 a.m. The 80' hauler transports the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet to all 36 Sprint Cup Series races across the country.

For additional information on this event, please visit CATRacing.com and RCRRacing.com.  For ticket information, visit www.caterpillar.com/visitors-center.

=

Danica Patrick Headed Down the Single Route Boys!

Danica Patrick and her husband of seven years, Paul Hospenthal, are parting ways.  Patrick announced this to her fans on her Facebook account.  Though not a real issue perse, there was a 16-year difference between them.  Again, I'm not thinking that's got anything to do with it.  I've seen relationships with huge age differences work.

Here's the quote from FB:

"I am sad to inform my fans that after 7 years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage. This isn't easy for either of us, but mutually it has come to this. He has been an important person and friend in my life and that's how we will remain moving forward."

Any dissolution of a relationship is hard to deal with, even when you want it.  But I think we all know that.

In an odd sense of things, this may even make her more marketable.  It's one thing for some fans to admire her multitude of "business efforts" from afar, but marketing studies I've seen do suggest that single models have a fascinating bit of extra draw.  Just sayin'.

[facebook.com/DanicaPatrick]

What Entertainment Is In Store For the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet

NASCAR announced the lineup of entertainment for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet on November 30th. 

The show will be hosted on SPEED (soon to be no more) TV, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.  The venue includes host Howie Mandel, the top 10 drivers in the Cup standings interspersed with a few musical acts.

The entertainment includes Train, Lifehouse, Natasha Bedingfield, Phillip Phillips and a bit more.  All of this will be interjected into a serious number of thank you speeches from the drivers who, well, will try their best to deliver some words.

In between thanking every single sponsor every single time, we'll get some music.

I've watched the show a few times.  Gave it my best and it takes the true die-hard fan to endure this multi-hour extravaganza!

My only recommendation is that they get a host who is familiar with NASCAR, beyond the standard, quick brush-up artist I've seen in the past.  It's a bit silly and frustrating to have someone up there making jokes that don't always gel with the mindset of the sport.

Below, the press release:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2012) – The Wynn Las Vegas will truly be star-studded on Nov. 30, when Train, Lifehouse, Natasha Bedingfield, Phillip Phillips and performers from The Beatles LOVE take the stage during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards™.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards will be hosted by "America's Got Talent" judge Howie Mandel and will begin at 8 p.m. ET with live coverage on SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The awards are the culmination of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week™ and will honor the 2012 champion along with the rest of the top 10 drivers in the final Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ standings.

Three-time Grammy^® Award-winning and multi-platinum rock band Train is quite familiar with performing in front of NASCAR audiences. Lead singer Pat Monahan sang the National Anthem for the 54th running of the Daytona 500 this past February, and the entire band performed hits from its new album "California 37" at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in July. In addition to boasting three Grammy Awards, Train has won two Billboard Music Awards for Top Rock Artist and Top Rock Song, as well as the 2011 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Pop Music Award for Song of the Year for "Hey, Soul Sister."

American rock band Lifehouse and international pop singer and songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, known for her Grammy Award-nominated single "Unwritten" and other chart-topping hits like "These Words" and "Pocket Full Of Sunshine," are set for a compelling joint performance of their new hit single "Between The Raindrops." Lifehouse broke through in 2001 with the Billboard Hot 100 Single of the Year Award for its hit "Hanging by a Moment." Since then, Lifehouse has had 15 consecutive singles appear on multiple charts making them one of the most successful bands of the 21st century. Lifehouse's new album, "Almeria," will be released on Geffen Records on Dec. 11.

Since winning the 11th season of "American Idol" in May, 22-year-old singer and guitarist Phillip Phillips immediately launched his single entitled "Home," eventually seeing it go double platinum after elevating to No. 1 on the iTunes Pop Chart. Phillips released his first major label album entitled "The World from the Side of the Moon" on Monday, Nov. 19. His live performance at the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards will be one of his first following the release of his debut album.

Additionally, NASCAR fans will be treated to a special performance from the cast of The Beatles LOVE. Combining the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the spirit and passion of The Beatles, LOVE celebrates the musical legacy of the Fab Four through high-energy fusions of urban, freestyle dance, acrobatics and fast-paced athleticism.

The 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski, was crowned on Sunday, Nov. 18 following NASCAR's premier series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Keselowski took home his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title in just his third full season in the series, and it is also the first championship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for team owner Roger Penske.

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages. In the U.S., races are broadcast on FOX, TNT, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2, SPEED, Motor Racing Network Radio, Performance Racing Network and Sirius XM Radio. NASCAR fans are among the most brand-loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as three international series. Also part of NASCAR is GRAND-AM Road Racing, known for its competition on road courses with multiple classes of cars. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR has offices in eight cities across North America. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.nascar.com. Follow NASCAR on www.facebook.com/NASCAR or on Twitter: @NASCAR.

Keselowski Persists and Johnson Burns Out

The fight during Sunday's Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway between Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski, despite seemingly insurmountable odds against Johnson, was touted as a could-be situation for him, if something went wrong for Keselowski during the final race of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season.

But alas, thought many watched with baited breath, nothing went wrong with the No. 2 Dodge from Penske Racing.  And in fact, that something did go wrong with the No. 48 Chevy of Johnson's.

After the half-way point, it still looked like something unique or exciting could happen by the end of the race.  (As it was, Johnson had a good enough car to make this an exciting race.)

But then things went haywire.  On a pit stop, a lugnut was left off the LF wheel on the No. 48.  Then a few laps later something broke on his car and he was done.  Game over for Jimmie Johnson and no 6th title.

And it goes...

Brad Keselowski is the 2012 Sprint Cup Champion.

This was owner Roger Penske's first title in NASCAR's premier series.  He's been in the sport since 1972 chasing this elusive dream.

Keselowski's championship came in his 125th start, the fewest since Jeff Gordon captured his first of four titles in 1995 in 93 starts.
At age 28, Brad is the eighth-youngest driver to win a first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.

Brad also joins Bobby Labonte as the only two drivers to win both a NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

This is Dodge's fifth championship, and the first since 1975 with Richard Petty.  Too bad they pulled out of the scene for next year.
Congrats to Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing.  A job well done... or a job, whose integral component included patient racing, got them to the biggest finish line of them all.

   NASCAR-Bits-and-Pieces.com
on Twitter & Facebook .

- -

NASCAR Championship Weekend... Quickie Schedule Info on the Three Races

So what time is what and when?  Glad you asked.  Below are the basic race schedules and a tidbit about Kes as he and Penske sit, looking at both their first title in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing....

-

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

The Race: Ford EcoBoost 400

The Place: Homestead-Miami Speedway

The Date: Sunday, Nov. 18

The Time: 3 p.m. (ET)

TV: ESPN, 2 p.m. (ET)

Radio: MRN, Sirius XM Ch. 90

Distance: 400.5 miles (267 laps)

NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES

The Race: Ford EcoBoost 300

The Place: Homestead-Miami Speedway

The Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

The Time: 4:30 p.m. (ET)

TV: ESPN2, 4 p.m. (ET)

Radio: MRN, Sirius XM Ch. 90

Distance: 300 miles (200 laps)

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

The Race: Ford EcoBoost 200

The Place: Homestead-Miami Speedway

The Date: Friday, Nov. 16

The Time: 8 p.m. (ET) 

TV: SPEED, 7:30 p.m. (ET)

Radio: MRN, Sirius XM Ch. 90

Distance: 201 miles (134 laps)

-

If Brad Keselowski wins this, he'll be the first new name on a Championship Trophy since 2006.  (Stewart and Johnson seemed to have reprint rights over the last few seasons on that big shiny cup.)

But Jimmie Johnson has come back from a deficit in the last race before.  

Back in 2010,  he was trailing Denny Hamlin by 15 points (equates to four points under this current points system), and he finished second to take the title.

But can Penske pull this off?  It would be their first championship.  Worst case scenario, nerves could get the best of anyone on the team...  ranging from the driver, to the crew on pit road to even the crew chief. 

We'll see.

Has Lady Luck Graced Brad Keselowski? Will Foul Play Erupt At Homestead?

When the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season started with this new points structure, I knew that this system would not allow too many mulligans.  You could get away with one or two bad days, but they better be early on so you have time to recover.  Case in point might be Jimmie Johnson's fantastic result from the first race of the season at Daytona.

But by season's end, we had ourselves twelve Cup contenders.

Again... I thought to myself that with only ten races in the Chase for the Cup, my guesstimate was that the top-12 drivers could maybe get away with one mulligan a piece.  And past Chases have shown that everyone pretty much encounters a situation in these last ten races that a mulligan happens.  But usually something tends to happen to everyone of the twelve contenders.  Then by the last race or two, the teams have sorted themselves back out and the race is on for the championship.

But Brad Keselowski has shaken off the dark side of lady luck and has competed consistently.  In the first nine races of the Chase, he finished 11th of better, shoring up a pretty decent run at Jimmie Johnson.  Here's how they've both stacked up over the last nine races of the Chase

B.K.: 1st,  6th, 1st,  7th, 11th, 8th, 6th, 2nd, &   6th.
 J.J.: 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 17th,  3rd, 9th, 1st, 1st, & 32nd.

And that decent run has paid off when Johnson had his 2nd fumble last week at Phoenix, due to a "tire bead" of all things.

No folks are wondering, if something goes well enough for a long enough period of time, when will the other shoe drop?  And I have to wonder if the Penske team, taking every measure possible, can't help but wonder if lady luck (the dark side) might not finally rear her head.  (The force is strong in this one, ask Jimmie last weekend!)

If nothing goes wrong, all Brad has to do is cruise to a 15th or better position to take the championship.  And per his stats, plus adding how the team has been performing this year, I expect that to happen. Barring the thing the team and Brad's fans are worried about.

-

I Don't Think So

Someone had sent me an email asking if I thought an HMS related team might not try taking out BK?  And to back their guess, they pointed to how Jeff Gordon took out Bowyer right in front of BK at Phoenix. 

My reply was that last weekend's incident took place when it was available for Gordon to effect his frustration.  He didn't have the car or luxury of waiting and plotting until just the right time.

As far as team orders go...  I just don't see that happening.  At least as far as wrecking BK goes.  That seems absurd.  

Now if Brad finds himself surrounded by pit stalls occupied by HMS teams, he might have a few challenges in the pits.  That, I'd expect!  It is one of those pesky nuances of sports.  But I don't expect blatant wrecking.  That's not what these guys are about.  Well, most of the time unless you spend the entire season ticking off Jeff Gordon, or Carl Edwards.  Or Juan Pablo is 5 laps down racing hard for a 30th place finish!

But that's another tirade for another day.  Maybe during the off-season.

-

What are your thoughts on the matters?  Think lady luck might step up at Homestead?  Can Brad pull off a NASCAR championship for himself and Penske, all things considered?  Will something devious happen to help "five-time" make it "six-time?"

-Bruce

Matt Kenseth's Last Roush Ride This Sunday

An era is coming to a close and I am preparing for the confusion that will be set forth next year as Matt Kenseth is looking to take his last laps in a Roush Fenway Racing Ford this Sunday.

When Matt starts this Sunday, it will be his 471st start behind the wheel of a Roush machine. 

After all these years, I'd never suspect that Kenseth would actually leave Roush Fenway Racing.  In fact, I'm suspicious that maybe he knows something we don't about the organization.  (The rats bailing on a sinking ship thing)  So I'm going to be keeping my eyes out for any developments in the near future.

Matt Kenseth moves to the No. 20 Toyota at Joe Gibbs Racing, replacing Joey Logano, while Logano heads to the No. 22 Ford of Penske Racing.

Did You Know:
The only time Matt Kenseth did not start behind the wheel of a Roush machine in the Cup Series was his debut at Dover in 1998.  He filled in for Bill Elliot in the McDonald's Ford.  (Bill grieved the loss of George Elliott.)  Matt finished 6th.

His first Cup win came in 2000 at the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

He brought Roush's first ever championship to the team in 2003.

-

It will be weird seeing him in the No. 20 Toyota, but I think he'll be able to do wondrous things with that machine.

2013 Nationwide Series 33-Race Schedule Released (Mid-Ohio Replaces Montreal)

NASCAR released the 2013 schedule for the Nationwide Series.  Of note... Road America, Mid-Ohio.  And 6 standalone dates!  I'm bummed that Montreal is no longer on the schedule also.  It was a beautiful setting, to say the least!

Whose watching for the Camping World Truck Series sched!  Rumor says that Eldora is on the menu!

via press release

-

Mid-Ohio Joins NASCAR Nationwide Series Schedule In 2013

Full Schedule Announced; Racing Returns To Entitlement Sponsor's Home State

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2012) – NASCAR today announced the 2013 schedule for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, a lineup that includes a trip to Mid-Ohio for the first time in series history.

 

Mid-Ohio, a 2.4-mile, 15-turn road course in Lexington, marks the return of NASCAR national series racing to Ohio, the home state of the series' Columbus-based entitlement sponsor, Nationwide Insurance. Mid-Ohio's Aug. 17 addition fortifies the series' trio of challenging road courses, joining Road America (June 22) and Watkins Glen (Aug. 10).

 

"With Mid-Ohio on the schedule, the NASCAR Nationwide Series has another opportunity to lead the way at a new venue," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations, of the sixth time in nine years the series will run an inaugural race. "This gives us the opportunity to bring the series' signature side-by-side racing to a new fan base, and build enthusiasm among race fans that have yet to experience the unparalleled experience of attending a NASCAR event.

 

"This is a competitive and well-balanced schedule that challenges our drivers and teams with a variety of different tracks and distances. It's a schedule that the fans will enjoy."

 

NASCAR national series racing last competed in Ohio in 2008, with the running of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Mansfield Motorsports Park. GRAND-AM Road Racing has raced at Mid-Ohio since 2000.

 

The balance of the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide schedule, the series' 32nd season, maintains a familiar feel, with a strong mix of short tracks, road courses, intermediate race tracks and superspeedways.

 

Daytona International Speedway hosts the season opener on Feb. 23. That race also will feature the introduction of Chevrolet's Camaro into the series. The series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway is set for Nov. 16.

 

On July 27, the series will race at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the second consecutive year as part of "Super Weekend at The Brickyard" with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and GRAND-AM.

 

Next season's schedule includes six "standalone" race dates: Iowa Speedway (June 8 and Aug. 3), Chicagoland Speedway (July 21), Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 21), Road America and Mid-Ohio.

 

Kentucky's first NASCAR Nationwide Series race on June 28, one of 27 companion weekends with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, also will be the qualifying event for the 2013 "Dash 4 Cash" bonus program. The subsequent four races make up the 2013 "Dash 4 Cash" events: Daytona on July 5; New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 13; Chicagoland and the Brickyard.

-

 

2013 NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES SCHEDULE

Date                 Site

2/23                  Daytona International Speedway                                                           

3/2                    Phoenix International Raceway                                                              

3/9                    Las Vegas Motor Speedway                                                                 

3/16                  Bristol Motor Speedway                                                                                   

3/23                  Auto Club Speedway                                                                            

4/12                  Texas Motor Speedway                                                                        

4/26                  Richmond International Raceway                                                           

5/4                    Talladega Superspeedway                                                                    

5/10                  Darlington Raceway                                                                              

5/25                  Charlotte Motor Speedway                                                                    

6/1                    Dover International Speedway                                                               

6/8                    Iowa Speedway                                                                                    

6/15                  Michigan International Speedway                                                           

6/22                  Road America                                                                                      

6/28                  Kentucky Speedway                                                                             

7/5                    Daytona International Speedway                                                           

7/13                  New Hampshire Motor Speedway                                                          

7/21                  Chicagoland Speedway                                                                        

7/27                  Indianapolis Motor Speedway                                                               

8/3                    Iowa Speedway                                                                                    

8/10                  Watkins Glen International                                                                     

8/17                  Mid-Ohio                                                          

8/23                  Bristol Motor Speedway                                                                                   

8/31                  Atlanta Motor Speedway                                                                       

9/6                    Richmond International Raceway                                                           

9/14                  Chicagoland Speedway                                                                        

9/21                  Kentucky Speedway                                                                             

9/28                  Dover International Speedway                                                               

10/5                  Kansas Speedway                                                                                

10/11                Charlotte Motor Speedway                                                                    

11/2                  Texas Motor Speedway                                                                        

11/9                  Phoenix International Raceway                                                              

11/16                Homestead-Miami Speedway                                                                

- - -

   NASCAR-Bits-and-Pieces.com on Twitter & Facebook .

- -

New Custom Clint Bowyer '5 Hour Energy' Ad

After the melee from last Sunday at Phoenix International boxing Raceway... many things came out of it.  For me, I was slinging some Twitter humor about not wanting to get into a scrap with an entire Clint Bowyer team jacked up on 5 Hour Energy! And then one of the first TV ads to air after the melee and Clint's marathon training sprint as an ad for his sponsor.  I thought the timing was humorous and fortuitous.  

Then one fan slapped together a great retrospect of a custom video on YouTube...  but we saw this coming... right?

-Bruce

Can Keselowski Beat Johnson And Take the 2012 Championship?

No matter what Jimmie Johnson does, if Brad Keselowski finishes 15th or better, he wins the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, stealing the chance at a 6th title from Johnson.  In other words, it's Brad's to lose.

Or is it?

If you look at some statistics from Homestead for our two drivers, the past performance numbers make it look like this is going to be a close title contention race.

Average Finish from Homestead: Keselowksi (20.3), Johnson (13.5)

Driver Rating from Homestead: : Keselowksi (68.9), Johnson (95.2)

If, per the numbers, Johnson finishes 13th and Keselowksi 20th, Brad still wins the championship.  With that 20 point difference, Johnson has to have Brad finish 20 spots behind him.

But do you seriously think that will happen?

The past performance numbers say one thing... but Brad's 2012 performance is anything but like his past.  In 2012, his average finish has been 9.9 and Johnson's has been 10.5.

Ever since Brad broke his ankle, he's been driving better than prior to that injury last year.  What the heck was it about that wreck?

Probably a mental reset on his part as he looked at the challenge of driving a little bit differently.

Yet even though everything looks all but locked up for Keselowski to win the 2012 Championship, any number of things can happen to him.  As unlikely as it seems, a flat tire, a failed part, trash on a grill or even a glint of sunlight on the window can change fortunes in an instant.  Or one of them could find Clint Bowyer running after them sometime during the race!

Anything is possible, but Brad Keselowski being our next champion is more than likely.  How do you feel about that?

=

   NASCAR-Bits-and-Pieces.com on Twitter & Facebook .

- -

NASCAR Issues Penalties From Sunday to Gordon, Pattie and Keselowksi???

After all was said and done, by the end of the Advocare 500 at Phoenix, I was surprised at the few number of penalties that came out of that melee known as the Advocare 500.  I get Jeff Gordon's penalty.  I get Brian Pattie's penalty...  (I heard him say s*! on TV, so this was a no brainer!)

To some lesser degree, I get Brad Keselowski's cell phone penalty.  BUT that cell phone brought a huge amount of attention to the sport back in February at Daytona.  That phone was a cash cow for the sport as the headline that went around the world about a NASCAR driver tweeting an on-track image and gaining thousands of fans from it.

Missing from this list of penalties is what many fans are crying for, and that's for Jeff Gordon to be parked for next week.  But as one argument would have it... when Kyle Busch was parked, it took repeated incidents or a pattern, that got him the sit-down.  Jeff Gordon does not have that pattern.

Below is the summary list of penalties

-

via press release

NASCAR Issues Penalties From Sunday's Event

At Phoenix International Raceway

Three Teams Assessed Penalties Following Post-Race Review From NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2012) – NASCAR announced today penalties to three teams that compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions at Phoenix International Raceway.

Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 car:

Was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing*) – altercation with another competitor on the race track during the race – and has been

• fined $100,000,
• docked 25 championship driver points and
  
• put on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

*But were his actions detrimental?  It sparked a news rage that has NASCAR on every channel!

-

Rick Hendrick,

Owner of the No. 24 car, has also been

• penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points.

-

Alan Gustafson,

Crew chief of the No. 24 car, also was found to be in violation of Section 9-4A (at all events, crew chief assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members) and

• has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

*As an added penalty, NASCAR should force him to crew chief for one of the Cope twins in their next race... no matter where it is!

-

Brian Pattie,

crew chief of the No. 15 car, violated Sections 12-1 and 9-4A and has been

• fined $25,000 and
• placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

-

Brad Keselowski,

Driver of the No. 2 car, has

• been fined $25,000 and
  
• placed on probation until Dec. 31

for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-6.7A (cars and drivers will not be permitted to carry onboard computers, automated electronic recording devices, electronically actuated devices, power distribution modules, power conditioners, micro-processors, recording devices, electronic digital memory chips, traction control devices, digital readout gauges and the like, even if inoperable or incomplete) – driver had a cell phone in his possession on board the race car.

=

All of these violations occurred during the Nov. 11 event at PIR.

(Ya think!!!)

Additionally,

Statement From Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition:

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2012) – “Following a thorough analysis of the actions that took place during Sunday’s race at Phoenix International Raceway, we have issued penalties based upon our review. The decisions announced today cover NASCAR’s full assessment of penalties for the incidents that occurred.

 

“There’s no doubt that a unique set of circumstances combined with a championship battle on the line resulted in raw emotions coming into play. We consider the penalties appropriate and those involved understand our decision and we expect them to abide by them.”

   

-

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Official Race Results from Phoenix - The ADVOCARE "500"

Race Comments: Before an estimated attendance of 87,000, Kevin Harvick won the AdvoCare 500, his 19th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Prior to the green flag, the following cars dropped to the rear for the reasons indicated: #31 (backup car)

Going into Homestead, Brad Keselowski has a 20 point lead Jimmie Johnson. 

For Keselowski to clinch his first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, he needs to finish 15th or better; or 16th and at least one lap led; or 17th and the most laps led.  And it won't matter how Jimmie Johnson finishes.

via press release

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES OFFICIAL RACE REPORT No. 35
25TH ANNUAL ADVOCARE "500"
PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

Avondale, AZ - November 11, 2012
1-Mile Oval
312 Laps - 312 Miles Purse: $5,068,620

---

Fin	Str	Car				Series	Bonus	Driver			Leader
Pos	Pos	No	Driver	Team	Laps	Points	Points	Rating	Winnings	Status	Times	Laps
1	19	29	Kevin Harvick	Budweiser Chevrolet	319	47	4	112.0	$244,886	Running	1	15
2	3	11	Denny Hamlin	FedEx Ground Toyota	319	43	1	123.9	198,051	Running	2	46
3	1	18	Kyle Busch	M&M's Toyota	319	43	2	143.8	199,118	Running	4	237
4	4	5	Kasey Kahne	Farmers Insurance Chevrolet	319	40	0	119.1	123,660	Running
5	12	39	Ryan Newman	Quicken Loans / U.S. Army Chevrolet	319	40	1	94.0	147,918	Running	1	5
6	14	2	Brad Keselowski	Miller Lite Dodge	319	39	1	113.2	130,255	Running	2	10
7	20	16	Greg Biffle	Filtrete Ford	319	37	0	77.9	99,360	Running
8	6	78	Kurt Busch	Furniture Row / Farm American Chevrolet	319	36	0	105.7	112,493	Running
9	7	27	Paul Menard	Rheem / Menards Chevrolet	319	35	0	106.8	93,485	Running
10	10	55	Mark Martin	Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota	319	35	1	89.9	84,660	Running	1	2
11	13	99	Carl Edwards	Fastenal Ford	319	33	0	77.3	124,101	Running
12	21	42	Juan Pablo Montoya	Target Chevrolet	319	32	0	79.2	110,201	Running
13	33	31	Jeff Burton	Caterpillar Chevrolet	319	31	0	80.7	121,560	Running
14	22	17	Matt Kenseth	Ford EcoBoost Ford	319	30	0	85.1	121,796	Running
15	30	47	Bobby Labonte	Vektor Vodka Toyota	319	29	0	64.6	101,718	Running