I'm sure you heard of this, but just in case you had not, news is that Sam Hornish Jr. and Penske Racing have parted ways after a ten-year relationship.
Ten long years and finally, they went their separate ways.
And right now, they say he has no ride in NASCAR for the 2014 season.
What's up with that?
According to the AP source, Roger Penske says that Sam needs to be racing in the Cup Series and he doesn't have a ride for him in that division.
And Hornish, having no plans in concrete yet, has said that he'd rather be a NASCAR test driver than an IndyCar regular.
-
I'm not sure what the heck happened between Penske and Hornish. Even though he came in 2nd in the standings of the Nationwide Series by a mere three points. I suspect he's had ten years to show his merit, and had not really stood out in any one series.
But unless Hornish has a great investment and savings plan, this statement about rather being a test driver than a regular in IndyCar, seems pretty daring.
But hey, it is what is.
Good luck to Hornish in his job search!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
NASCAR Buys Itself A Track - Iowa Will Never Miss Another Season!
News today out of NASCAR is that they have bought Iowa Speedway. But don't worry if you're a ticket holder at the track, they've made auspices for you too.
So if I can make an educated guess, it seems that folks around the Iowa track won't be missing any seasons any more!
Check out the press release below...
So if I can make an educated guess, it seems that folks around the Iowa track won't be missing any seasons any more!
Check out the press release below...
In a strategic move designed to expand its commitment to enhancing event experiences and fan engagement, as well as solidify the future of one of the premier racing and entertainment facilities in the Midwest, NASCAR announced today that it has purchased Iowa Speedway. The agreement, finalized today under a wholly-owned subsidiary, Iowa Speedway, LLC, is effective immediately.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Iowa Speedway is a great entertainment facility with a very bright future,” said Eric Nyquist, NASCAR vice president, strategic development. “The facility has the support of the region, it’s positioned well in the heart of the Midwest, and year in and year out it provides great short-track racing action for motorsports fans.
“NASCAR ownership will allow us to draw on the entire resources of our company. It also provides us with the opportunity to execute first-hand a number of entertainment ideas and engagement opportunities with fans – much of which we have outlined repeatedly as the core of our Industry Action Plan.”
The facility, located 30 miles east of Des Moines in Newton, features a fast, .875-mile asphalt paved tri-oval designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace. The Speedway released its 2014 schedule earlier this month, encompassing three weekends, one each in May, July and August. The schedule will include two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, a combination NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and IndyCar Series weekend, plus two additional NASCAR K&N Pro Series support races. NASCAR has no plans for Iowa Speedway to host a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race next year or in the immediate future.
NASCAR will host a special event in Des Moines on Thursday, Dec. 12, to outline additional details on the purchase and plans for the future. Information on this event will be announced soon.
The 2014 Iowa Speedway season opens May 17-18, with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East versus West Challenge on Saturday night. The stars and cars of the NASCAR Nationwide Series then will battle on Sunday in a 250-lap, high-speed contest. The race marks the only Sunday afternoon event of the season at Iowa Speedway.
The new NASCAR Camping World Truck Series / IndyCar Series race weekend at Iowa Speedway is slated for July 11-12. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will race Friday night and feature short-track racing action that has become synonymous with the series in the American Ethanol 200. The first-ever Iowa Corn Indy 300 will follow on Saturday night.
On Friday, Aug. 1, a second NASCAR K&N Pro Series East versus West challenge race will be held followed by a second NASCAR Nationwide Series 250-lap event on Saturday under the lights.
Season ticket holders may renew their tickets for the 2014 season, and will have an exclusive right to secure their current seats until Dec. 14. All other seats are available for purchase immediately, with season ticket prices starting at $95. All season tickets will include a guaranteed seat location, complimentary Casey’s Fan Walk pass and an opportunity to participate in pre-race ceremonies. Season tickets, parking passes and onsite camping options are available online at www.iowaspeedway.com, or by calling the toll-free ticketing hotline, 866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946).
Iowa Speedway’s ticketing office, located at 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive in Newton, also will be open to assist customers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, holidays excepted.
-
2014 IOWA SPEEDWAY EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 17 – NASCAR K&N Pro Series East vs. West Challenge
Sunday, May 18 – NASCAR Nationwide Series
Friday, July 11 – American Ethanol 200, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Saturday, July 12 – Iowa Corn Indy 300, IndyCar Series
Friday, August 1 – NASCAR K&N Pro Series East vs. West Challenge
Saturday, August 2 – NASCAR Nationwide Series
-
About Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway, a state-of-the-art motorsports and entertainment facility, is located 30 miles east of Des Moines at I-80 Exit 168 in Newton, Iowa. The track was designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, now an anchor and analyst for ESPN. Call 1-866-RUSTY-GO, or visit www.iowaspeedway.com to learn more.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Our First Weekend Without Racing
Well... here we are. The first non-racing weekend outside the 2013 season.
Jimmie Johnson has won his sixth championship (across three different car types), Matt Kenseth seems to have adapted quickly to his new ride, and it seemed as if the Kevin Harvick/Richard Childress union is parting in under a wee bit of duress. (If you can take that truck series incident as any kind of clue.)
We've seen new rules added to the fold that seem redundant, and yet, apparently, it's necessary to tell the drivers that they must race to the best of their ability at all times. (That seems akin to launching your queen, bishops, rooks and knights first in a chess match,)
But most importantly, our TV landscape has changed drastically as SPEED has become FS1 (FoxSports 1). And NASCAR fans suddenly have a huge void in their entertainment venue that we must adapt to.
It used to be that all we had to do was pull up SPEED to see what, if anything, is going on in NASCAR. It seems, reflecting back, that any news was good news to hear.
Yet now there's this void that can't be filled until a daily 30-minute program of some other venue pops up under Fox or ESPN.
If you have Sirius Satellite Radio, you can get that fill on their NASCAR channel (Ch. 90). But unlike other channels on the satellite provider, this channel runs full of ads. But at least it's something. I'm glad I have it.
But I feel the void with no TV coverage when and where I'd like to see it. I'm forced to resort to the Syfy channel or some horrid movies on my pay channels.
But for the moment, I'm quelled by the idea that I am living in an era that is seeing another dynasty mark its name in the record halls of NASCAR, as, inevitable as it is, we'll be looking for Jimmie Johnson to attack the circuit in 2014, as we look on wondering if this will be number 7, or if someone else will steal the championship away for a season. Like Kenseth.
I'll touch on a few more things in the upcoming weeks, as I try to add some filler content to keep the off-season a bit more tolerable.
It's 11-23-13 and it's roughly 91 days until the 2014 Daytona 500. Sigh.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jimmie Johnson has won his sixth championship (across three different car types), Matt Kenseth seems to have adapted quickly to his new ride, and it seemed as if the Kevin Harvick/Richard Childress union is parting in under a wee bit of duress. (If you can take that truck series incident as any kind of clue.)
We've seen new rules added to the fold that seem redundant, and yet, apparently, it's necessary to tell the drivers that they must race to the best of their ability at all times. (That seems akin to launching your queen, bishops, rooks and knights first in a chess match,)
But most importantly, our TV landscape has changed drastically as SPEED has become FS1 (FoxSports 1). And NASCAR fans suddenly have a huge void in their entertainment venue that we must adapt to.
It used to be that all we had to do was pull up SPEED to see what, if anything, is going on in NASCAR. It seems, reflecting back, that any news was good news to hear.
Yet now there's this void that can't be filled until a daily 30-minute program of some other venue pops up under Fox or ESPN.
If you have Sirius Satellite Radio, you can get that fill on their NASCAR channel (Ch. 90). But unlike other channels on the satellite provider, this channel runs full of ads. But at least it's something. I'm glad I have it.
But I feel the void with no TV coverage when and where I'd like to see it. I'm forced to resort to the Syfy channel or some horrid movies on my pay channels.
But for the moment, I'm quelled by the idea that I am living in an era that is seeing another dynasty mark its name in the record halls of NASCAR, as, inevitable as it is, we'll be looking for Jimmie Johnson to attack the circuit in 2014, as we look on wondering if this will be number 7, or if someone else will steal the championship away for a season. Like Kenseth.
I'll touch on a few more things in the upcoming weeks, as I try to add some filler content to keep the off-season a bit more tolerable.
It's 11-23-13 and it's roughly 91 days until the 2014 Daytona 500. Sigh.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Budweiser Following Kevin Harvick To SHR
I'm sure you are aware, but just in case you missed the news or forgot...
Budweiser has signed on with Stewart-Haas Racing to continue to sponsor Kevin Harvick while under the SHR roof.
Budweiser will be the primary hood sticker for twenty races for the No. 4 Chevy that Harvick will be driving. Outside of those twenty races, they'll then serve as an associate sponsor.
Harvick has left RCR and will spend his 14th year in Sprint Cup racing with SHR.
(Wow, the last time I saw the 4 on the track full time, it was a yellow paint scheme with Kodak on the hood. Wasn't it?)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Budweiser has signed on with Stewart-Haas Racing to continue to sponsor Kevin Harvick while under the SHR roof.
Budweiser will be the primary hood sticker for twenty races for the No. 4 Chevy that Harvick will be driving. Outside of those twenty races, they'll then serve as an associate sponsor.
Harvick has left RCR and will spend his 14th year in Sprint Cup racing with SHR.
(Wow, the last time I saw the 4 on the track full time, it was a yellow paint scheme with Kodak on the hood. Wasn't it?)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas
But enough of that! What's happening in Las Vegas for the Champion's Week? (I wonder who is going to burn down their car during the victory lap through the town?)
Check out the press release from NASCAR that landed in my inbox a while back that spells out the happenings from December 3rd, to Friday, December 6th, 2013:
NASCAR Speeds Into Las Vegas For Annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week
NASCAR Celebrates Five Years In Las Vegas With Action-Packed Schedule Of Events
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.
(Nov. 5, 2013) —
For the fifth-consecutive year, NASCAR will return to Las Vegas for the
postseason NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s
Week™, a star-studded, entertainment-filled celebration for the series
champion and fans, culminating with one of NASCAR’s marquee events, the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. Since 2009, the awards have been held
at Wynn Las Vegas and have grown in stature
and prestige with each passing year.
This year’s awards will take place Dec. 6, returning to Wynn Las Vegas with
FOX Sports 2 and NASCAR.com providing coverage from 9 p.m. – midnight ET. Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 will provide live coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The show will also re-air on FOX Sports 1 at noon
ET on Dec. 8.
Among
the fan-friendly and interactive events this year are the NASCAR
National Motorsports Press Association
(NMPA) Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon, the annual event where drivers
and teams collect a number of year-end awards and accolades; NASCAR
Victory Lap down the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, featuring burnouts and an authentic pit stop;
and NASCAR After The Lap™ sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola, an
interactive Q&A session between fans and all 13 Chase for the NASCAR
Sprint Cup™ drivers.
Once
again this year, fans will join drivers, team owners and industry
leaders in celebrating
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion™ at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Awards. Approximately 200 tickets were made available to fans through
various promotions, contests and giveaways sponsored by NASCAR Official
Partners, race tracks and race teams. Fan tickets
will offer fans access to the following NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Champion’s Week experiences:
·
NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon
·
NASCAR After The Lap
·
NASCAR Fan Reception and Red Carpet Walk
·
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards
Following is a rundown of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week activities; all times are local.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
·
NASCAR Live: For
the third year in a row, Eli Gold will
sit down for an hour with the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion to
discuss the 2013 season and what winning the championship means.
NASCAR Live will air from inside the Sports Book at Wynn Las Vegas from 4-5 p.m.
on Motor Racing Network Radio. This event is free to the public and
fans in attendance will have a chance to participate in the live
broadcast.
Tuesday – Wednesday, Dec. 3 – 4
·
2013 NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum:
The 14th annual NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum, presented by
SportsBusiness Daily/Global/Journal, is the motorsports
industry’s most comprehensive business forum. Held at Aria Resort &
Casino, the Forum will provide a 360-degree overview of motorsports by
featuring insight and perspective from sports and marketing
executives both within and outside the motorsports industry.
Registration is required at
www.MotorsportsMarketingForum.
Tuesday – Friday, Dec. 3 – 6
·
NASCAR Pit Stop Tour:
The NASCAR
Pit Stop Tour consists of Official Partner show cars featured in iconic locations throughout the Las Vegas Strip from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
each day. Fans
can get up close and personal with the cars at the following locations:
Tropicana (Chevrolet), The Palazzo (Ford), Harrah’s (Ford), the
“Welcome to Las Vegas” sign (2013
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion show car), the Coca-Cola store and M&M’S World.
·
M&M’S® To Make the CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP™ ‘BETTER WITH M’:
Should
Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Camry, capture the
2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, the brand will celebrate
with America
by giving away one million free bags of M&M’S. The giveaway in Las
Vegas will be part of the NASCAR Pit Stop Tour, with sampling teams up
and down the Las Vegas Strip.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Sprint Cup Series Official Race Results From Homestead-Miami
There it is, the last official results from the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup series. Sigh. It was Juan Pablo Montoya's last NASCAR race, Kevin Harvick's last RCR run, to say the least of what changes are coming up for the 2014 season.
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES OFFICIAL RACE REPORT No. 36
15TH ANNUAL FORD ECOBOOST "400"
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
Homestead, FL - November 17, 2013
1.5-Mile Oval
267 Laps - 400.5 Miles Purse: $5,359,625
Race Comments: Denny Hamlin won the FORD EcoBoost 400, his 23rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Prior to the green flag to start the event, no cars dropped to the rear of the field.
TIME OF RACE: 3 hours, 3 minutes, 52 seconds AVERAGE SPEED: 130.693 mph MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.799 second(s)
COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD: Matt Kenseth (177.667 mph. 30.394 secs.)
3M LAP LEADER: Matt Kenseth (144 Laps)
SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Danica Patrick
Caution Flags: 8 cautions for 37 laps. [Beneficiary in Brackets]
12-14 (Car #93 Accident Turns 3/4 [None]); 24-27 (Car #93 Accident Turn 4 [None]); 69-72 (Debris Turn 3 [30]); 91-94 (Car #7 Spin Turn 2 [10]); 153-157 (Debris Backstretch [10]); 190-193 (Debris Turn 3 [5]); 207-211 (Fluid On The Track [31]); 232-239 (Debris / #27 On Fire [9]).
Lap Leaders: 22 lead changes among 8 drivers.
Kenseth 1-11, Hamlin 12-13, Kenseth 14, Harvick 15, Kenseth 16-25, Ragan 26, Harvick 27, Ku. Busch 28-31, Kenseth 32-91, Larson 92, Kenseth 93-139, Earnhardt Jr 140, Kenseth 141-142, Earnhardt Jr 143-153, Kenseth 154-166, Hamlin 167-207, Harvick 208-213, Keselowski 214-222, Hamlin 223, Earnhardt Jr 224-235, Hamlin 236-239, Earnhardt Jr 240-243, Hamlin 244-267.
- - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES OFFICIAL RACE REPORT No. 36
15TH ANNUAL FORD ECOBOOST "400"
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
Homestead, FL - November 17, 2013
1.5-Mile Oval
267 Laps - 400.5 Miles Purse: $5,359,625
Race Comments: Denny Hamlin won the FORD EcoBoost 400, his 23rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Prior to the green flag to start the event, no cars dropped to the rear of the field.
TIME OF RACE: 3 hours, 3 minutes, 52 seconds AVERAGE SPEED: 130.693 mph MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.799 second(s)
COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD: Matt Kenseth (177.667 mph. 30.394 secs.)
3M LAP LEADER: Matt Kenseth (144 Laps)
SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Danica Patrick
Caution Flags: 8 cautions for 37 laps. [Beneficiary in Brackets]
12-14 (Car #93 Accident Turns 3/4 [None]); 24-27 (Car #93 Accident Turn 4 [None]); 69-72 (Debris Turn 3 [30]); 91-94 (Car #7 Spin Turn 2 [10]); 153-157 (Debris Backstretch [10]); 190-193 (Debris Turn 3 [5]); 207-211 (Fluid On The Track [31]); 232-239 (Debris / #27 On Fire [9]).
Lap Leaders: 22 lead changes among 8 drivers.
Kenseth 1-11, Hamlin 12-13, Kenseth 14, Harvick 15, Kenseth 16-25, Ragan 26, Harvick 27, Ku. Busch 28-31, Kenseth 32-91, Larson 92, Kenseth 93-139, Earnhardt Jr 140, Kenseth 141-142, Earnhardt Jr 143-153, Kenseth 154-166, Hamlin 167-207, Harvick 208-213, Keselowski 214-222, Hamlin 223, Earnhardt Jr 224-235, Hamlin 236-239, Earnhardt Jr 240-243, Hamlin 244-267.
- - -
| Fin | Car | ||||
| Pos | No | Driver | Laps | Status | Laps Led |
| 1 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | 267 | Running | 72 |
| 2 | 20 | Matt Kenseth | 267 | Running | 144 |
| 3 | 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | 267 | Running | 28 |
| 4 | 56 | Martin Truex Jr | 267 | Running | |
| 5 | 15 | Clint Bowyer | 267 | Running | |
| 6 | 2 | Brad Keselowski | 267 | Running | 9 |
| 7 | 18 | Kyle Busch | 267 | Running | |
| 8 | 22 | Joey Logano | 267 | Running | |
| 9 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson | 267 | Running | |
| 10 | 29 | Kevin Harvick | 267 | Running | 8 |
| 11 | 24 | Jeff Gordon | 267 | Running | |
| 12 | 99 | Carl Edwards | 267 | Running | |
| 13 | 5 | Kasey Kahne | 267 | Running | |
| 14 | 55 | Elliott Sadler | 267 | Running | |
| 15 | 51 | Kyle Larson | 267 | Running | 1 |
| 16 | 43 | Aric Almirola | 267 | Running | |
| 17 | 39 | Ryan Newman | 267 | Running | |
| 18 | 42 | Juan Pablo Montoya | 267 | Running | |
| 19 | 14 | Mark Martin | 267 | Running | |
| 20 | 10 | Danica Patrick # | 267 | Running | |
| 21 | 78 | Kurt Busch | 267 | Running | 4 |
| 22 | 17 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr # | 267 | Running | |
| 23 | 31 | Jeff Burton | 267 | Running | |
| 24 | 16 | Greg Biffle | 267 | Running | |
| 25 | 30 | Parker Kligerman | 267 | Running | |
| 26 | 9 | Marcos Ambrose | 267 | Running | |
| 27 | 38 | David Gilliland | 266 | Running | |
| 28 | 13 | Casey Mears | 266 | Running | |
| 29 | 34 | David Ragan | 266 | Running | 1 |
| 30 | 1 | Jamie McMurray | 265 | Running | |
| 31 | 83 | David Reutimann | 265 | Running | |
| 32 | 36 | J.J. Yeley | 264 | Running | |
| 33 | 33 | Landon Cassill | 264 | Running | |
| 34 | 32 | Ken Schrader | 263 | Running | |
| 35 | 87 | Joe Nemechek | 263 | Running | |
| 36 | 47 | AJ Allmendinger | 257 | Running | |
| 37 | 93 | Travis Kvapil | 248 | Running | |
| 38 | 7 | Dave Blaney | 242 | Running | |
| 39 | 27 | Paul Menard | 229 | Accident | |
| 40 | 21 | Trevor Bayne | 223 | Engine | |
| 41 | 35 | Josh Wise | 119 | Rear Gear | |
| 42 | 40 | Tony Raines | 104 | Vibration | |
| 43 | 98 | Michael McDowell | 63 | Brakes | |
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TV History: Jimmie Johnson - First Athlete To Guest Host ESPN’s SportsCenter
Thought you'd guys like to see this:
via press release -
Tuesday night’s recipe is simple, yet untested. Take one part Stuart Scott, one part Billy Crystal. Add a handful of Chris Berman, and a pinch of Ken Jeong. The result: Television history, as six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson becomes the first athlete to guest host ESPN’s flagship news and information program, SportsCenter.
Johnson will join regular anchors John Anderson and Lindsay Czarniak for the 6 p.m. ET show on Tuesday, Nov. 19 on ESPN.
The aforementioned actors Crystal and Jeong are the only other celebrity guest hosts of SportsCenter in the show’s 34-year history. Crystal was the first in 2012 and Jeong guest hosted earlier this month on Nov. 1.
Johnson, who wrapped up his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title in 12 full seasons this past Sunday, has appeared on SportsCenter numerous times during his racing career both in-studio and via satellite, but always as a newsmaker. He also appeared in a humorous and memorable “This Is SportsCenter” commercial in which he used a pickaxe to remove speed bumps in the ESPN parking lot.
via press release -
Tuesday night’s recipe is simple, yet untested. Take one part Stuart Scott, one part Billy Crystal. Add a handful of Chris Berman, and a pinch of Ken Jeong. The result: Television history, as six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson becomes the first athlete to guest host ESPN’s flagship news and information program, SportsCenter.
Johnson will join regular anchors John Anderson and Lindsay Czarniak for the 6 p.m. ET show on Tuesday, Nov. 19 on ESPN.
The aforementioned actors Crystal and Jeong are the only other celebrity guest hosts of SportsCenter in the show’s 34-year history. Crystal was the first in 2012 and Jeong guest hosted earlier this month on Nov. 1.
Johnson, who wrapped up his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title in 12 full seasons this past Sunday, has appeared on SportsCenter numerous times during his racing career both in-studio and via satellite, but always as a newsmaker. He also appeared in a humorous and memorable “This Is SportsCenter” commercial in which he used a pickaxe to remove speed bumps in the ESPN parking lot.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Kyle Larson Wins NASCAR Nationwide Series Sunoco Rookie Of The Year Award
Kyle Larson is turning the NASCAR world on it's ear with his hotter than everyone mode. He's stepped up and outperforming other rookies in the Nationwide Series, showing he's got something to show.
I'm a bit reserved on the kid at the moment, but there's no denying his talent. Then again, most new talent has a blood thirst for the wins.
Here's the NASCAR press release on Kyle winning the Rookie of the Year award:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm a bit reserved on the kid at the moment, but there's no denying his talent. Then again, most new talent has a blood thirst for the wins.
Here's the NASCAR press release on Kyle winning the Rookie of the Year award:
In what has been an already impressive first full season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Kyle Larson added another accolade to his resume Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway – the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award. In doing so, he becomes the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) graduate and first Asian-American driver to receive the award in a NASCAR national series.
Additionally, Larson was a member of the 2012 “NASCAR Next” class, an initiative designed to identify the sport’s next generation of stars.
“Kyle’s Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award marks a historic moment for NASCAR and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. “We couldn’t be happier for Kyle and with the progress we have made in increasing minority and female on-track participation in the sport.”
Larson captured the rookie honors by 82 points over runner-up Alex Bowman.
Larson, from Elk Grove, Calif., finished second four times (Bristol-1, Michigan, Dover-2 and Homestead) this season and overall compiled nine top-five and 17 top-10 finishes.
He made headlines in April, winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway to become the first graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program to win a NASCAR national series race.
Larson will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2014, driving the No. 42 Chevrolet for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jimmie Johnson Wins No. 6
via press release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2013) – Jimmie Johnson took another step closer to stock car racing history on Sunday, claiming his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway.
Johnson, who entered the race with a 28-point lead over 2003 series champion Matt Kenseth, finished ninth in the Ford EcoBoost 400, putting his final margin over Kenseth at 19 points.
The championship is a record-extending 11th in the series for Hendrick Motorsports. Rick Hendrick’s organization also won four titles with Jeff Gordon, co-owner of Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet, and one with Terry Labonte. Johnson’s crew chief, Chad Knaus, has led the team to all six titles.
The 38-year-old Johnson is one of three competitors to win six or more NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships. He trails only seven-time champions and NASCAR Hall of Fame members Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
Johnson’s five previous championships – all consecutive – came from 2006-2010. He has finished first or second in eight of the 12 seasons in which he’s been a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competitor. His 66 victories rank second among active drivers, behind only Hendrick Motorsports teammate Gordon’s 88 wins.
Johnson’s six championships have come in three distinctly different NASCAR Sprint Cup cars – including the Gen-6 Chevrolet SS that debuted this season.
After winning his second Daytona 500 to open the season, Johnson led the series standings after all but three races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup regular season. He entered the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup as the No. 2 seed – behind Kenseth – with four victories. A dominant victory on Nov. 3 at Texas Motor Speedway gave Johnson the Chase lead for good.
In addition, Chevrolet won its 37th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturers’ championship.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2013) – Jimmie Johnson took another step closer to stock car racing history on Sunday, claiming his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway.
Johnson, who entered the race with a 28-point lead over 2003 series champion Matt Kenseth, finished ninth in the Ford EcoBoost 400, putting his final margin over Kenseth at 19 points.
The championship is a record-extending 11th in the series for Hendrick Motorsports. Rick Hendrick’s organization also won four titles with Jeff Gordon, co-owner of Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet, and one with Terry Labonte. Johnson’s crew chief, Chad Knaus, has led the team to all six titles.
The 38-year-old Johnson is one of three competitors to win six or more NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships. He trails only seven-time champions and NASCAR Hall of Fame members Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
Johnson’s five previous championships – all consecutive – came from 2006-2010. He has finished first or second in eight of the 12 seasons in which he’s been a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competitor. His 66 victories rank second among active drivers, behind only Hendrick Motorsports teammate Gordon’s 88 wins.
Johnson’s six championships have come in three distinctly different NASCAR Sprint Cup cars – including the Gen-6 Chevrolet SS that debuted this season.
After winning his second Daytona 500 to open the season, Johnson led the series standings after all but three races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup regular season. He entered the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup as the No. 2 seed – behind Kenseth – with four victories. A dominant victory on Nov. 3 at Texas Motor Speedway gave Johnson the Chase lead for good.
In addition, Chevrolet won its 37th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturers’ championship.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Kyle Busch Can't Find Sponsorship, Closes Team Shop
It's that time of year when we start hearing the news on teams that will and won't be coming back next year, for the 2014 season.
In this case, Kyle Busch has let the media know that he'll be closing shop of his Nationwide series team because he can't find sponsorship for the 2014 season.
This year he had Parker Kligerman drive his NNS Toyota and they found themselves in the top-10 on thirteen occasions.
No word on Kyle's Truck series teams, though I can't imagine those teams not being on the track next year.
My heart goes out to the staff on Kyle's NNS team.
ESPN
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In this case, Kyle Busch has let the media know that he'll be closing shop of his Nationwide series team because he can't find sponsorship for the 2014 season.
This year he had Parker Kligerman drive his NNS Toyota and they found themselves in the top-10 on thirteen occasions.
No word on Kyle's Truck series teams, though I can't imagine those teams not being on the track next year.
My heart goes out to the staff on Kyle's NNS team.
ESPN
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Johnson vs. Kenseth vs Harvick at Homestead Boils Down To Luck
.jpg "Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick championship chances (ph cr Getty Images)")
Matt Kenseth is 28 points behind Jimmie Johnson. Harvick is 34 points behind the 48-car helmer.
By plain appearances alone, the championship is Johnson's to lose.
If Jimmie Johnson finishes 23rd or better in Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400, the championship is his. No matter what. {24th or better if he leads a lap and 25th or better if he leads the most laps.}
Driver Ratings:
Looking at the season-to-date driver ratings. Johnson: 110.3, Kenseth: 110.0, Harvick: 95.0
Homestead Speedway stats:
Average finishes: Johnson: 15.3; Kenseth: 17.6; Harvick: 7.9.
Homestead Driver Ratings
Johnson: 95.1; Kenseth: 106.0; Harvick: 100.1
-
Yet there's one more aspect that no one can calculate:
The one thing no one can predict is luck. Luck could hold her hand and let the race run its course on Sunday. Or luck can take but a moment and ruin anyone's day. Remember Mark Martin at Talladega a few years back, just before the green flag when his car veered left because his steering wheel broke?
The Tension
Yep, the tension that fans will be experiencing during the race will be based on what is going on around Jimmie Johnson.
Will a tiny $5 part go poof?
A tire go bad?
A competitor slip just enough to tweak a fender and ruin Johnson's day?
A pit road penalty?
Or even a silly error on Johnson's part. He's made those over the last few years during the chase. Keeping him out of contention.
Crap, even an extremely poorly placed bird shit could ruin his day.
-
If I were Kevin Harvick, I might secretly hope that Johnson and Kenseth rub fenders and give each other flat tires, letting him cruise to the championship. (Without the crash... just tire going down kind of pit stops. Many of them.)
Because face it, if Harvick does well enough and by the freakiest of chances, both Johnson and Kenseth finish 42nd and 43rd... or far enough back... well, it would be an interesting parting gift from Kevin to RCR.
-
Despite the lack of a tight points race like seasons prior, there is still going to be tension in the air for Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick fans. And more than likely the TV coverage is going to be annoying if you're a fan of any other driver because all cameras will probably be on the 48 car more often than not. (To be honest, the TV guys have it tough trying to appease everyone... but still.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Bad News for Travis Pastrana Fans on Leaving NASCAR
If you were a NASCAR Travis Pastrana fan, you might be in for a rude (or not) awakening. If you followed Travis to NASCAR from his other ventures, well, you can stop fretting about following him on the paved circuits of NASCAR.
It's been announced that after trying to learn the ropes of NASCAR over the last two years, Jack Roush driver Travis Pastrana will not be returning to the tracks of NASCAR in the 2014 season, as he announced via his Facebook page.
In his announcement he said,
"...my results were not good enough to get the sponsors I needed to appropriately fund next season."
"I've never been able to figure out the finesse required in pavement racing and that is disappointing, but I'm looking forward to driving more rally and racing more off-road trucks and there will be some announcements on those fronts shortly!"
-
To be honest, I liked seeing the fresh face on the circuit, but I also have a ton of respect for Travis recognizing this moment and making the right choice for both himself and his NASCAR fans.
It's a rare kind of driver that can step up and actually wheel a NASCAR machine. A few have been able to show up in the sport and make it work, right off the bat.
Case in point, as one example of someone who could, Jimmie Johnson has never finished outside the the top-5 in Sprint Cup points at the end of a season, except once, where he finished the season in 6th.
Since 1992, Jeff Gordon has only finished a season outside the top-10 twice in the Cup series.
-
Then there's folks that come to the sport and you would love to see them do well, but eventually, only frustrate the their hopeful fans.
Juan Pablo Montoya is one example, where since 2007, he's finished around 20th each year. (20,25, 8, 17, 21, and 22nd. He's currently 21st in points this year.
And then there's the lime-green attired draw for all, Danica Patrick, whose foray into the Cup series is debated by many as a joke. Last year her average finish in her 10 races was 28th. This year she has shown "improvement," by averaging 26th in finishes.
-
Regardless of how much you like or dislike a driver, if they have the ability, it seems to shine immediately, and if not, well, there's that. (I can't tap my brain and recall anyone who has come into the series with a slow start and improved over time. Can you? I'd love some help on this one gang!!!)
-
So as it stands, Travis is headed back to the dirt where he shines and more than likely, has more fun doing. And for me, since I love both venues of paved and dirt, I win regardless.
But I will miss that extra draw of fans that Travis brought with him to NASCAR.
Good luck and have fun bud!
-
Facebook: TravisPastrana/
Racing-reference.info
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Trevor Bayne Tested Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
It's been announced that the 2011 Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Bayne, has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
No symptoms have been reported yet, and like a true champ, has announced that he plans on racing and has been medically cleared to continue to compete in NASCAR.
"Multiple sclerosis is a more serious, less predictable disease of the central nervous system which interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body, and symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to paralysis in extreme cases."
This caps what some would call his mystery ailment that he experienced back in 2011 when Trevor took a break from racing after experiencing numbness in his arm.
For now, he's focused on closing out the season and competing in the Nationwide series in 2014.
[NASCAR]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No symptoms have been reported yet, and like a true champ, has announced that he plans on racing and has been medically cleared to continue to compete in NASCAR.
"Multiple sclerosis is a more serious, less predictable disease of the central nervous system which interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body, and symptoms can range from numbness and tingling to paralysis in extreme cases."
This caps what some would call his mystery ailment that he experienced back in 2011 when Trevor took a break from racing after experiencing numbness in his arm.
For now, he's focused on closing out the season and competing in the Nationwide series in 2014.
[NASCAR]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Monday, November 11, 2013
Sprint Cup Series Official Results from Phoenix
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES OFFICIAL RACE REPORT No. 35
26TH ANNUAL ADVOCARE "500" at PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Avondale, AZ - November 10, 2013
1-Mile Oval
312 Laps - 500 Miles Purse: $5,120,188
Kevin Harvick won the AdvoCare 500, his 23rd NASCAR Cup Series victory. Prior to the green flag to start the event, the following car dropped to the rear of the field (reason): 16 (transmission change). Jimmie Johnson came in third and it's come down to a three man race for the season trophy, with Johnson commanding the points lead. (See his championship clinch potentials for next Sunday.)
TIME OF RACE: 2 hours, 57 minutes, 3 seconds AVERAGE SPEED: 105.733 mph MARGIN OF VICTORY: 1.796 second(s)
3M LAP LEADER: Kevin Harvick (70 Laps)
SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Caution Flags:
8 cautions for 49 laps. [Beneficiary in Brackets]
51-55 (Car #11 Spin Turn 2 [30]); 101-105 (Debris [83]); 117-120 (Car #32 Accident Turn 1 [11]); 132-136 (Fluid,#7 Spin Turn 1 [88]); 146-158 (Car #10,30,31,83 Accident Turn 4 [7]); 164-167 (Car #36 Spin Turn 1 [None]); 192-199 (Car #83 Accident Turn 1 [36]); 283-287 (Debris [43]).
Lap Leaders:
23 lead changes among 13 drivers.
Johnson-pole, Hamlin 1-18, J. Gordon 19-51, Gilliland 52-53, J. Gordon 54, Harvick 55-101, Kahne 102-120, Keselowski 121-147, J. Gordon 148-158, McMurray 159, J. Gordon 160-163, Newman 164-166, Logano 167, Newman 168-191, Logano 192-223, Kahne 224-245, Johnson 246, Edwards 247, Harvick 248-268, Earnhardt Jr 269-270, Newman 271-274, Biffle 275, Edwards 276-310, Harvick 311-312.
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
26TH ANNUAL ADVOCARE "500" at PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Avondale, AZ - November 10, 2013
1-Mile Oval
312 Laps - 500 Miles Purse: $5,120,188
Kevin Harvick won the AdvoCare 500, his 23rd NASCAR Cup Series victory. Prior to the green flag to start the event, the following car dropped to the rear of the field (reason): 16 (transmission change). Jimmie Johnson came in third and it's come down to a three man race for the season trophy, with Johnson commanding the points lead. (See his championship clinch potentials for next Sunday.)
TIME OF RACE: 2 hours, 57 minutes, 3 seconds AVERAGE SPEED: 105.733 mph MARGIN OF VICTORY: 1.796 second(s)
3M LAP LEADER: Kevin Harvick (70 Laps)
SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE: Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Caution Flags:
8 cautions for 49 laps. [Beneficiary in Brackets]
51-55 (Car #11 Spin Turn 2 [30]); 101-105 (Debris [83]); 117-120 (Car #32 Accident Turn 1 [11]); 132-136 (Fluid,#7 Spin Turn 1 [88]); 146-158 (Car #10,30,31,83 Accident Turn 4 [7]); 164-167 (Car #36 Spin Turn 1 [None]); 192-199 (Car #83 Accident Turn 1 [36]); 283-287 (Debris [43]).
Lap Leaders:
23 lead changes among 13 drivers.
Johnson-pole, Hamlin 1-18, J. Gordon 19-51, Gilliland 52-53, J. Gordon 54, Harvick 55-101, Kahne 102-120, Keselowski 121-147, J. Gordon 148-158, McMurray 159, J. Gordon 160-163, Newman 164-166, Logano 167, Newman 168-191, Logano 192-223, Kahne 224-245, Johnson 246, Edwards 247, Harvick 248-268, Earnhardt Jr 269-270, Newman 271-274, Biffle 275, Edwards 276-310, Harvick 311-312.
-
| Fin | Series | Bonus | ||||
| Pos | Driver | Laps | Points | Points | Status | laps Led |
| 1 | Kevin Harvick | 312 | 48 | 5 | Running | 70 |
| - | ||||||
| 2 | Kasey Kahne | 312 | 43 | 1 | Running | 41 |
| - | ||||||
| 3 | Jimmie Johnson | 312 | 42 | 1 | Running | 1 |
| - | ||||||
| 4 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | 312 | 41 | 1 | Running | 2 |
| - | ||||||
| 5 | Kurt Busch | 312 | 39 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 6 | Juan Pablo Montoya | 312 | 38 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 7 | Kyle Busch | 312 | 37 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 8 | Martin Truex Jr | 312 | 36 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 9 | Joey Logano | 312 | 36 | 1 | Running | 33 |
| - | ||||||
| 10 | Ryan Newman | 312 | 35 | 1 | Running | 31 |
| - | ||||||
| 11 | Brad Keselowski | 312 | 34 | 1 | Running | 27 |
| - | ||||||
| 12 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr # | 312 | 32 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 13 | Greg Biffle | 312 | 32 | 1 | Running | 1 |
| - | ||||||
| 14 | Jeff Gordon | 312 | 31 | 1 | Running | 49 |
| - | ||||||
| 15 | Mark Martin | 312 | 29 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 16 | Paul Menard | 312 | 28 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 17 | Jeff Burton | 312 | 27 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 18 | Jamie McMurray | 312 | 27 | 1 | Running | 1 |
| - | ||||||
| 19 | Aric Almirola | 312 | 25 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 20 | Clint Bowyer | 312 | 24 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 21 | Carl Edwards | 312 | 24 | 1 | Running | 36 |
| - | ||||||
| 22 | Bobby Labonte | 311 | 22 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 23 | Matt Kenseth | 311 | 21 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 24 | David Gilliland | 311 | 21 | 1 | Running | 2 |
| - | ||||||
| 25 | Elliott Sadler | 311 | 0 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 26 | Marcos Ambrose | 311 | 18 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 27 | Casey Mears | 311 | 17 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 28 | Denny Hamlin | 311 | 17 | 1 | Running | 18 |
| - | ||||||
| 29 | J.J. Yeley | 311 | 15 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 30 | Dave Blaney | 310 | 14 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 31 | Justin Allgaier | 309 | 0 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 32 | Michael McDowell | 308 | 12 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 33 | Danica Patrick # | 302 | 11 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 34 | Timmy Hill # | 285 | 10 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 35 | David Ragan | 282 | 9 | 0 | Running | |
| - | ||||||
| 36 | Josh Wise | 280 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | |
| - | ||||||
| 37 | Reed Sorenson | 266 | 0 | 0 | Engine | |
| - | ||||||
| 38 | Joe Nemechek | 193 | 0 | 0 | Engine | |
| - | ||||||
| 39 | David Reutimann | 187 | 5 | 0 | Accident | |
| - | ||||||
| 40 | Cole Whitt | 142 | 0 | 0 | Accident | |
| - | ||||||
| 41 | Travis Kvapil | 129 | 3 | 0 | Engine | |
| - | ||||||
| 42 | Landon Cassill | 63 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | |
| - | ||||||
| 43 | Tony Raines | 29 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | |
| - |
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)