Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Month: June 2011

  • For Toyota, the Bad News Keeps on Coming

    For Toyota, the Bad News Keeps on Coming

    One doesn’t have to look hard to find story lines during the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series season. The stories are everywhere. Perhaps the story of the Joe Gibbs Racing team ranks at the top of the list. It has been a strange season for the Toyota team headed by the former NFL coach.

    [media-credit name=”Barry Albert” align=”alignright” width=”258″][/media-credit]First came driver Kyle Busch’s battles with Kevin Harvick that resulted in suspensions, and then the “fight.” Who knows what Richard Childress was thinking when he got Busch in a headlock and began punching him. Everyone knows that Jack Roush and many others feel the same way about the younger Busch, but to lower himself to actually physically attacking the young driver? There had to be a full moon that day.

    Then came last week’s “oil pan gate” scandal, and it’s just too much.

    The story is that the three Gibbs cars came to Michigan last weekend with unapproved oil pans. That may seem like a minor offense, but not to NASCAR. With all the talk this week about how it could offer the Gibbs teams a competitive advantage, you could say that it’s not been a fun month at JGR. Even Denny Hamlin’s win at Michigan was overshadowed by the oil pan story.

    Add to that the rumor that Carl Edwards was talking to JGR about signing with the team for a fourth car, “if the rest of his teams approved and a proper sponsor could be found.” Add to that the praising of Ford, its vehicles, its CFO, and everything Ford in victory lane on Saturday and after the Cup race on Sunday. Old Joe and JR must have barfed.

    But the Toyota camp had more to worry about with the news on Monday. In a report by the Associated Press’ Jenna Fryer and others (followed by an official non-announcement late Monday afternoon), it appears that Red Bull, who owns the two Sprint Cup Toyota’s driven by Brian Vickers and Kasey Kahne, may be leaving the sport. While many are wringing their hands over this move, it’s no secret that the Red Bull team has had little success during their short time in the series. Since 2007, Red Bull only has one victory, that by Brian Vickers at Michigan. One of the original teams Toyota brought to Sprint Cup, it seems that they have come to the end of the road, leaving JGR as the only successful Toyota team in NASCAR’s premier series (yes, Michael Waltrip Racing has won a couple of races). With money in the sport not plentiful, and the seats for drivers scarce, you have to wonder what it means to both JGR, MWR, and even Brian Vickers. Silly Season might be a dandy this year.

    With Gibbs having its severe problems and the demise of Red Bull Racing, many traditionalists (and heck, maybe even Jack Roush) are almost giddy. Toyota is already dominating the Nationwide Series and has been near-dominating the truck series, and it rubs many the wrong way. This is a small victory for those of that ilk, but kids, just remember this. Toyota is a worthy adversary. The Japanese manufacturer isn’t dead yet, no matter how bad it looks.

  • NOTES FROM THE NASCAR NATION: IT’S BEEN A VERY EXPENSIVE WEEK FOR THE COACH

    NOTES FROM THE NASCAR NATION: IT’S BEEN A VERY EXPENSIVE WEEK FOR THE COACH

    NASCAR has now issued its verdict regarding those extraordinary heavy oil pans confiscated from all three of the Toyota Camrys owned by Joe Gibbs Racing, (JGR), prior to the start of the NASCAR weekend at the Michigan International Raceway. It turned out to be a very expensive week for Coach Gibbs. From Pocono to Michigan, a period of five days, the tab has now hit $175,000 in NASCAR issued penalties.

    [media-credit name=”Barry Albert” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]This expensive process started following the June 12th race at the Pocono Raceway where JGR driver Kyle Busch finished third. However, a post race technical inspection indicated that the team’s Toyota had exceeded NASCAR’s official tolerances for body height. The left front of the Busch car was 1/16th of an inch too low. Crew chief Dave Rogers later speculated that the problem was based on a possible broken part sustained from racing on the aggressive Pocono Raceway.

    None the less, the car was simply too low. The result was NASCAR fining Rogers $25,000 and, at the same time, docked Busch six driver’s championship points and docked Gibbs six owner’s championship points.

    Now, fast forward to the Michigan International Raceway five days later. During a technical inspection, prior to the first scheduled practice session, it was discovered that the oil pans on all three of the Gibbs’ cars were unapproved parts.

    Simply put, all parts on a Sprint Cup car has to be officially approved and registered by NASCAR before it can be used on the race track. If a team wants to try a new or different part, they must first submit it to NASCAR for approval.

    When the unapproved oil pans were discovered, NASCAR inspectors informed JGR to remove and replace them with the approved part which they promptly did. However, later that morning, NASCAR took the process a little bit further by weighing them. A standard, approved, oil pan for a Sprint Cup car weighs approximately four pounds. The three pans, confiscated from the JGR cars, weighed in at 20 to 30 pounds each. The pans were taken to the NASCAR Research and Development Center, in Concord-North Carolina, for a more detailed inspection.

    Once the word got out, the conspiracy theorists went into overtime. Many of them pointed out that the heavier oil pans would allow the teams to move their car weights elsewhere, such as the front of the car, thereby creating a possible advantage in the car’s overall handling package.

    In the aftermath of that procedure came more penalties levied against JGR. Crew Chiefs Dave Rogers-car #18, Mike Ford-car #11 and Greg Zipadelli-car #20 were fined $50,000 each and placed on probation until December 31st, 2011.

    Additionally the three JGR car chiefs: Chris Gillin-car #11, Wesley Sherrill-car #18 and Jason Shapiro-car #20, along with JGR Vice President of Racing Operations Jimmy Makar, were placed on probation until the end of the calendar year.

    No driver or owner points were docked by NASCAR from this penalty decision. You’re likely to hear some comments on that issue this weekend during the Sprint Cup race at the Infineon Raceway. The line of thinking here appears to lie in the fact that the JGR Toyotas, with the unapproved oil pans, never actually went out on the race track. That’s basically a fair and understanding decision.

    None the less team owner “Coach” Joe Gibbs is looking at unexpected expenditures of $175,000 accrued within a period of five days. The good news here lies in the fact that JGR driver Denny Hamlin won the Michigan race. With that comes a check worth $202,200. That will help Gibbs cover the NASCAR fines will some change leftover.

  • Trevor Bayne NNS Advance-Road America

    Trevor Bayne NNS Advance-Road America

    TREVOR BAYNE

    Race: Bucyrus 200 Presented by Menards at Road America (50 laps 200.4 miles)

    Team: No. 16 Roush Fenway Ford Mustang

    Crew Chief: Chris Andrews

    Chassis: RK-656 New Build

    Broadcast Information: Saturday, June 25, 2011- 5:00 p.m. (ET) ESPN and 5:00 p.m. on MRN radio affiliates and Sirius channel 128

    FAST FACTS

    * TREVOR BAYNE will make his 11th start of the season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Road America

    * TREVOR BAYNE has two consecutive top-five finishes in his last two NASCAR Nationwide Series races

    * TREVOR BAYNE at Road America …In one start Bayne has one top-10 finish

    QUOTES

    Trevor Bayne on racing at Road America: “I enjoy going to Road America. It mixes it up and gives us a nice change of pace during the season. It is a long road course that will test your mental makeup. We have a lot of momentum going into this weekend because we have had two straight top-five finishes and that is great for our team confidence. Chemistry plays an important role in our sport and I believe we have made great strides in our program. If we can stay out of trouble and take care of our equipment, we should be just fine. I learned a lot in last year’s race, but I will definitely get input from my teammate Carl Edwards, who dominated the race. I am confident we can run upfront and challenge for a solid top-10 finish.”

    Crew chief Chris Andrews on racing at Road America: “We are riding a lot of momentum heading into Road America, which is always a good thing. Trevor had a great run there last year and he understands what it takes to be successful at a tough road course. We have to be patient and methodical during the race. There will be plenty of guys out there being way too aggressive early, so we want to avoid the danger. I believe we have the equipment and the driver to pull off something amazing this weekend. If we follow the game plan good things will happen for our team.”

  • Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NNS Race Advance – Road America

    Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NNS Race Advance – Road America

    JACQUES VILLENEUVE – No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T

    Career Starts: 5

    Wins: 0

    Top Fives: 2

    Top 10s: 3

    Poles: 0

    Career Highlights:

    VILLENEUVE AT ROAD AMERICA

    . One of five drivers to lead a lap in last year’s race at the 4.048-mile track

    . Highest starting position: Second – 2010

    . Highest finishing position: 25th – 2010

    . Average starting position: 2.0

    . Average finishing position: 25.0

    VILLENEUVE ON ROAD COURSE

    . All five Nationwide starts have been on a road course: (Montreal (3) and one each at Road America and Watkins Glen

    . Best Finish: 3rd – Montreal (2010)

    . Has two consecutive top-five finishes at Montreal

    . Best Start: 2nd – Montreal (2010), Road America (2010)

    . Laps Led: 8

    . Led laps in all three starts at Montreal

    . Average Start: 4.2

    . Average Finish 11:2

    VILLENEUVE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

    . 1989 – began racing in Italian Formula Three

    . 1993 – moved to Formula Atlantic in the United States

    . 1995 – Indy 500 winner

    . 1995 – IndyCar Series champion

    . 1996 – joined F1’s Williams Renault

    . 1997 – won Formula One Driver’s title

    . 2007 – first NASCAR Sprint Cup start (two starts)

    . 2008 – first Nationwide Series start (one start)

    DODGE IN THE NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES . Dodge won its first Nationwide Series championship last year when Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski claimed the driver’s title.

    . Dodge has 34 wins in the Nationwide Series, seven of which came in 2010.

    DID YOU KNOW . Jacques Villeneuve will be making his first Nationwide Series start in a Dodge and with Penske Racing when he takes the controls of the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger at the 14-turn, 4.048-mile road course at Road America. It will be his sixth Nationwide Series start, all on road courses. He will also drive the No. 22 Dodge at Montreal.

    . Penske Racing and Dodge are fielding two entries in many Nationwide Series races this season. Sam Hornish Jr. has made six starts in the No. 12 Dodge Challenger from the Penske stable. Indy 500 pole winner Alex Tagliani will take over the reins of the No. 12 at Montreal.

    STAT OF THE WEEK . The No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger has six top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in 15 races this season.

    THE NUMBERS . Dodge finished fourth (Brad Keselowski) and 35th (Justin Allgaier) in the inaugural Nationwide Series race at Road America last season.

    FROM THE CREW CHIEF: “Road America is the longest track on our schedule with long straights and big breaking zones that give one of the best road racers, Jacque Villeneuve, lots of opportunities to get the Discount Tire Dodge out front. We have tested with Jacques a couple of times and had good speeds as a result of the testing. We feel we have a good package to unload with and build from for this circuit. The challenges of having to turn both ways and stop well are something this whole No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge team looks forward to.” Todd Gordon, crew chief, No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T

    DODGE QUOTES: “Road America is one of my favorite tracks and I’m super excited to be returning there this weekend to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. I was fighting for the win in last year’s race so I have some unfinished business at this event, for sure. This will be my first event both in the No. 22 Discount Tire/Ruby Tuesday Dodge Challenger, and with Penske Racing, so I’m really looking forward to getting in the car and seeing what we can achieve together.” Jacques Villeneuve – No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge R/T

  • Kenseth, Fennig Capture Two Contingency Awards In Michigan Runner-Up Finish

    Kenseth, Fennig Capture Two Contingency Awards In Michigan Runner-Up Finish

    [media-credit id=26 align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 14, 2011) – Matt Kenseth, by his own admission, rarely qualifies well. But an unlikely starting position of third combined with a typically strong race car earned Kenseth and the No. 17 team a solid second-place finish in Sunday’s Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Adding to the list of accolades, the team also took home a pair of contingency awards.

    Kenseth, who led the charge for Roush Fenway Racing by putting the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford Fusion third in qualifying with a lap of 188.620 mph, led three times for 17 laps. Thanks to a late-race caution, a hard-charging Kenseth was able to close on eventual race-winner Denny Hamlin over the final five laps. After getting loose while attempting a last-lap pass for the race win, Kenseth hung on to cross the finish line just .281 seconds behind Hamlin.

    “Every race is important to me, but if you can do good, it is probably extra special for Jack [Roush] and Ford and those people around here and headquartered here,” said Kenseth. “When you come to a track you feel like maybe is one of your better tracks, you want to take advantage of that at your good places. You want to try to perform when you can.”

    For his efforts behind-the-wheel, Kenseth earned his third American Ethanol Green Flag Restart of the Race Award this year which goes to the eligible driver that records that fastest average speed on restarts and finishes the race on the lead lap. Kenseth’s crew chief, Jimmy Fennig, also captured his second DIRECTV Drew Chief of the Race Award given weekly to the crew chief of the driver who has demonstrated the best qualifying and race effort based on starting and finishing positions during the weekend.

    The awards are part of the NASCAR Prize Money and Decal Program, also referred to as the contingency program, which provides teams prize money and weekly awards based on performance in several categories.

    Kenseth moved up from seventh to sixth in the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase standings and now trails teammate and points-leader Carl Edwards by 41 heading into Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway (3 p.m. ET, TNT).

    Official winners of this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Prize Money & Decal Program special awards include:

    v AMERICAN ETHANOL GREEN FLAG RESTART: Matt Kenseth

    v COORS LIGHT POLE AWARD: Kurt Busch (188.699 mph. 38.156 secs.)

    v DIRECTV CREW CHIEF OF THE RACE AWARD: Jimmy Fennig (crew chief for Matt Kenseth)

    v GOODYEAR GATORBACK BELTS FASTEST LAP AWARD: Greg Biffle (183.575 mph, Lap 13)

    v MAHLE CLEVITE ENGINE BUILDER OF THE RACE AWARD: Mark Cronquist, JGR, No. 11

    v MOBIL 1 OIL DRIVER OF THE RACE AWARD: Ryan Newman

    v MOOG CHASSIS PARTS PROBLEM SOLVER OF THE RACE AWARD: Bob Osborne, 0.101 secs (crew chief for Carl Edwards)

    v O’REILLY AUTO PARTS POSITION IMPROVEMENT AWARD: Kyle Busch (21 places)

    v SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD: Andy Lally

    For a complete description and special award standings of national series awards presented via the NASCAR Prize Money & Decal Program, visit www.nascarmedia.com.

    About the NASCAR Prize Money & Decal Program

    The NASCAR Prize Money & Decal Program, commonly referred to as the contingency program, is administered by the NASCAR Automotive Group. The program strives to build strong relationships with high-quality, performance-driven brands that are leaders in their respective categories and award money to NASCAR teams via per-race and year-end postings. Competitors become eligible for awards money by displaying partner decals on the front fender of their race vehicles and, in some instances, use of a sponsor’s product. National series contingency sponsors will contribute over $8.4 million to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011.

  • Coke Zero 400 Media Day: ‘Is Ryan Newman Smarter than a Grade School Student?’

    Coke Zero 400 Media Day: ‘Is Ryan Newman Smarter than a Grade School Student?’

    2008 Daytona 500 champion tests his booksmarts against Volusia County elementary students after touring some racing history at the ISC Archives

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ryan Newman took a stroll through the rich history of racing at the International Speedway Corporation’s Archives and then put his formal education to the test by participating in “Is Ryan Newman Smarter than a Grade School Student?” with approximately 250 Volusia Country elementary students as part of Coke Zero 400 Media Day.

    Newman, driver of the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet for Stewart Haas Racing and 2008 Daytona 500 champion, kicked off his Coke Zero 400 Media Day activities by visiting the ISC Archives – a treasure chest of racing artifacts and memorabilia.

    “It’s neat to see the history,” Newman said. “Seeing some of the special things . . . the different trophies, the different flags, the significance of Daytona in the world of racing, it’s really special.”

    Newman has his own dedicated place in that history at the ISC Archives, a unique display of memorabilia from the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500, which he won in 2008 for Penske Racing.

    “I’ve always had an appreciation for the history of motorsports in general,” Newman said. “I’ve always been a fan of stock cars. Getting that opportunity to win the Daytona 500 was really special. It being the 50th running was even more special and having my dad spot for me.”

    Following his visit to the Archives, Newman stopped by the ISC Contact Center and visited with employees. He even took some ticket orders over the phone to the surprise of a few lucky race fans.

    In the afternoon, students from five different Volusia County elementary schools – Indian River, Pine Trail, Port Orange, Spruce Creek and Sugar Mill – were in attendance for the trivia game show “Is Ryan Newman Smarter than a Grade School Student?”

    Newman, who graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. degree in Vehicle Structural Engineering, answered 10 first-round questions on a variety of topics such as Science, Math, Social Studies, English and Geography. For every question Newman answered correctly, DIS donated $100 to Volusia County Schools.

    Newman also correctly answered the “bonus round” question and earned a special prize for every student in attendance – a ticket to the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday, July 2.

    “The Coke Zero 400 is a family-friendly environment,” Newman said. “We want the kids to come out and enjoy the time with their parents. I think a lot of these kids will get that opportunity. It’s fun to have interaction with them even when it’s their off-season in the summer. It was a lot of fun.”

    Youth pricing ticket information:

    Special youth pricing made available for the first time for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at the “World Center of Racing,” include:

    . $10 reserved seats for kids ages 12 and under

    . Half-off reserved seats for ages 13-17

    In addition, special youth pricing is also available for the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, July 1.

    . Kids 12 and under are free in the general admission sections

    . Sprint/Petty/Earnhardt/Roberts and Weatherly Towers tickets are only $10 for 12 and under.

    . Half-off junior prices for ages 13-17

    Throughout the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, kids 12 and under are free in the Sprint FANZONE.

    Youth pricing options are available through June 30

    To purchase tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

    Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter ( http://www.twitter.com/disupdates www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway).

  • Tomy Drissi joins RWR as organization aligns with Max Q Motorsports

    Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is proud to announce that 2009 Trans Am Series Champion, and Rolex Grand Am Series and American Le Mans Series driver, Tomy Drissi has joined their organization.

    Tomy Drissi’s arrival marks the beginning of the newly formed alignment with Sprint Cup Series team, Max Q Motorsports #37 for RWR at the upcoming road course events and possibly some premier oval track dates as well.

    Drissi will drive the #37 RWR-Rise of the Planet of the Apes Ford at Infineon Raceway this weekend for the organization and then race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Watkins Glen and Montreal later this season as well as the 50th running of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona road race that strangely he has wanted to race his entire career but never given the opportunity until now.

    “Having Tomy Drissi in our camp marks exciting times for RWR,” stated Rick Ware. “I have watched Tomy race his entire career and to have him race for us and our alignment with Max Q Motorsports will provide another avenue for our marketing partners here at RWR.”

    Action gets underway on Friday, June 24th at 9:00 am EST with Sprint Cup Series practice. Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 3:00 EST with the race on Sunday at noon EST on TNT

    For more information please visit www.wareracing.com or follow the team on twitter @rickwareracing

  • Joey Logano and No. 20 Home Depot Team – Infineon Raceway Advance

    Joey Logano and No. 20 Home Depot Team – Infineon Raceway Advance

    Joey Logano No. 20 Home Depot Toyota Camry

    Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway

    The Home Depot Team Notes of Interest

    . Joey Logano and The Home Depot Team head to wine country this weekend for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. It is the first road course race of the season for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Logano has just two starts at Infineon Raceway. Last year he was running in the top 15 when he was spun on lap 84 of the 110-lap event. The car received front-end damage causing the engine to expire with two laps to go. The team finished 33rd.

    . Logano will once again run the companion event at Infineon Raceway, the K&N Pro Series West race, to gain experience at the 1.99-mile track. He will drive the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing entry that usually competes in the K&N Pro Series East.

    . The Glades – Logano will appear in the June 26 episode of A&E’s The Glades. The crime-drama is A&E’s highest rated original program. The premise of the episode titled “Moonlighting” is solving the murder of a fictitious Sprint Cup Series team member at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Logano, along with fellow Sprint Cup drivers Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Brian Vickers, all appear as themselves in the episode.

    . Meet Logano! No. 20 Team fans in the Sonoma area can meet Logano at the Rohnert Park The Home Depot Store on Thursday, June 23 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The store is located at 4825 Redwood Drive. The No. 20 Home Depot Toyota will be there in addition to the autograph signing by Logano. Wristbands will be distributed starting at 5 p.m. to the first 700 fans.

    . Chelsea Hope Dinner – Toyota Sponsifier 3 winner Tim Blankenship and Toyota are hosting a charity event for “Chelsea’s Hope” on Friday night at the Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood, Calif. Logano and his teammate Kyle Busch will be on hand for a meet and greet, photo opportunities and dinner to raise funds for Chelsea’s Hope, a nonprofit Lafora Children’s Research Fund. Details for the event can be found on Toyota Racing’s Facebook page.

    . The Home Depot Team will continue to carry the special decal this weekend on the c-post of the No. 20 Toyota Camry honoring store #3023 in Joplin. The Home Depot has committed to rebuild the store on its current location, has donated over $1 million in disaster relief for the area and its internal charity The Homer Fund is providing grants to associates who were affected by the storm.

    . About last week: Logano and the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota team were in position for a top-10 finish in the Heluva Good! 400 at Michigan International Speedway when a late-race caution waved to slow the event. Varying pit strategies foiled the team’s day and Logano finished the race in the 18th position after starting 43rd following an engine change on Friday.

    . Welcome aboard The Home Depot associates from store #157 in McDonough, Ga. The store number will ride along with Logano this weekend on the winding pavement in Sonoma.

    . The No. 20 Home Depot Team is taking chassis #306 to Sonoma this weekend. This is a new road-course chassis for the Joe Gibbs Racing Team. The back-up chassis is #234 that Logano drove at Watkins Glen and Sonoma last season.

    . To access information on The Home Depot Team visit: http://www.joegibbsracing.com www.joegibbsracing.com and follow http://twitter.com/homedepotracing twitter.com/homedepotracing, http://twitter.com/joegibbsracing twitter.com/joegibbsracing and http://twitter.com/jlogano twitter.com/jlogano.

    Logano Quotes:

    On Sonoma.

    “I really enjoy racing at Infineon. I feel like it’s a really slow road course. If I ran better, I would really like it. I have fun trying and I usually get decent speed, but I tend to get caught up in something. It seems like these cars on a road course are like a demolition derby. The only way people seem to pass cars is when they dive bomb each other in the turns. You get a lot of that going on. Staying out of trouble is a really big deal on road courses. I feel like we always have a good Home Depot Toyota, we just have to put together a good finish. It’s a big challenge trying to keep 850 hp bolted to the ground!”

    On The Glades.

    “Shooting The Glades was a really cool experience. To see Homestead-Miami Speedway turned into a Hollywood movie set was certainly interesting. You don’t realize how many people are involved to shoot just a few scenes and how long the day is for them. The actors that we worked with were impressive, they could turn it on and off in a split second. There were times I couldn’t figure out if they were just talking or if they were acting. I can promise you this, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon. The show did an amazing job making the set and garage area look authentic. I know we had The Home Depot Toyota there, the extras were in our crew shirts and we even had our tool box in the garage stall. They did their best to make it look as real as possible and I think the NASCAR fans will appreciate that.”

    No. 20 Home Depot Team

    Primary Team Members:

    Crew Chief – Greg Zipadelli Car Chief – Jason Shapiro Engine Builder – Mark Cronquist

    Lead Engineer – Jacob Canter Engine Specialist – Michael Johnson Spotter – Mark Robertson

    Tire Specialist – Jerold Shires Shock Specialist – Dusty Boyd Second Engineer – Mike Lorusso

    Mechanics – Scott Geerts, Todd Foster Pit Support – Bill Byrne IT Support – Nathan Boone

    Truck Drivers – Tom McCrimmon, Scott Crowell

    Over-The-Wall Crew Members:

    Jackman – Jason Tate Front Tire Changer – John Royer Front Tire Carrier – Brett Morrell

    Gas Man – John Eicher Rear Tire Changer – Coleman Dollarhide Rear Tire Carrier – Eric Groen

  • DRIVERS AND FANS AGREE THAT MOBIL 1 CAR SWAP WAS UNBELIEVABLE

    *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

    June 20, 2011

    * *

    *DRIVERS AND FANS AGREE THAT MOBIL 1 CAR SWAP WAS UNBELIEVABLE*

    *Feedback Continues to Roll in One Week after Historic Event*

    * *

    *WATKINS GLEN, NY *– Local and global reaction to the Mobil 1 Car Swap at Watkins Glen International on June 14 continues long after the sound of Lewis Hamilton’s team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has faded away and Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Impala wrapped up its first trip through the famed section known as The Boot. The overwhelming response has indicated that the Mobil 1 Car Swap at The Glen was an event that will last in the minds of the participants and spectators forever.

    From the moment the event was announced, the anticipation and excitement about seeing two of the best drivers in the world take a spin in the other’s car set mainstream and social media on fire. Race fans have flocked to the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York since the first race through the streets of Watkins Glen in 1948 and have made Watkins Glen International a name known worldwide. The remarks surrounding the Mobil 1 Car Swap at The Glen are just the latest example of the passion race fans have for WGI that make them the best fans in motorsports. From calling for the return of F1 to The Glen and wondering whether NASCAR will ever really run The Boot, the post-swap atmosphere has been almost as fun as the day itself.

    The best way to fully understand the significance of the swap is to get it directly from the people that were there to witness history. The following comments were collected during the event, through the official WGI Facebook page www.facebook.com/watkinsgleninternational, on Twitter at @WGI or emailed to racing@theglen.com.

    “The track is absolutely fantastic. It feels like a real classic. It just feels historic when you’re driving around. They don’t make tracks like that nowadays. When they build new Formula One circuits, they don’t build them like this.”

    *Lewis Hamilton, 2008 Formula 1 World Champion*

    “It was fun. That is truly an experience of a lifetime. I just can’t thank the people at Mobil 1 enough for helping facilitate this, everybody at Watkins Glen. I’m glad I didn’t know what these cars were like 20 years ago because I may not have put a fender on a racecar after that. I’m glad I had the experience and thankful to Lewis and his entire team for letting us do it.”

    *Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and five-time Glen Champion *

    “I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn the track, even driving around in a normal road car it got my attention. It was slippery out there, two different track surfaces. I think this is a track that if you have a lot of laps here, you could be a real specialist.”

    *David Coulthard, veteran Formula 1 driver and BBC commentator*

    “I knew it would end too fast. It’s that proverbial event that happens and you sit there and say, ‘I don’t want it to end, I don’t want it to end.’ It was just amazing for these two to come out here and do what they did. Of course the biggest win today was for the fans, and that’s what it was meant to be.”

    *Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International*

    “Thanks so much, friends at WGI, for hosting the Mobil 1 Car Swap today. Both drivers were absolutely brilliant. I don’t think I will ever forget the way the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes sounded around the track.”

    *Seth Chaffee, WGI fan*

    “Thank you so much for bringing F1 to Central New York (and giving me an excuse to take a much needed day off of work).”

    *Michael Rock, WGI fan*

    “We just wanted to let you know we attended the Mobil 1 Car Swap. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. It was thrilling to see and hear a F1 car go around the track. We arrived early and stayed until the bitter end despite dismal weather. It was well worth it.”

    *Doug & Kathy, WGI fan*

    “I call it a success. It was emotional see that F1 car at Watkins Glen International.”

    *Todd Dailey, WGI fan*

    “Especially love the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23! Wow!”

    *Mark Watkins, WGI fan*

    “Thank you so much for making the Mobil 1 F1 and NASCAR Car Swap a reality!! Traveled from D.C. to The Glen, just for this event because I wanted to see a Formula 1 car back on the race track. The roar of the engines all across the track sent shivers down my spine. I’ll remember the event for the rest of my life and I’m so happy you made it happen.”

    *John, WGI fan*

    “So nice to see and hear an F1 car on the track again. Wish I had been there in person, but the SPEED coverage was great!”

    *Bruce, WGI fan*

    “Loved the program last night, those guys really seemed to dig the opportunity to drive alternative type of cars. It was so cool to see and hear an F1 back at The Glen!!”

    *Doug, WGI fan*

    “I loved it!!!!!!! We were there!!!!! We froze, but we loved it!!!!”

    *Lee Ann, WGI fan*

    “Yesterday was awesome, please bring F1 back to The Glen and please make NASCAR races run The Boot. Please!”

    *Garrett, WGI fan*

    “Look how many people showed up for just two cars? That should tell them something. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they bring F1 back and 24-hour races.”

    *Tesha Lewis-Chandler, WGI fan*

    “F1 back at The Glen would bring generations of fans back to The Glen in a heartbeat. How about it Bernie? Bring F1 back to The Glen!”

    *James McDougal, WGI fan*

    “The drivers had more fun than anybody!”

    *Elaine Sumner, WGI fan*

    “Lewis Hamilton would fit perfectly in NASCAR the way he drives. Very aggressive! He wouldn’t get penalized every time he bumps someone”

    *Steve Saquella, WGI fan*

    “It was awesome! Love it… thanks WGI”

    *Paul Trunzo, WGI fan*

    “Fantastic day, many thanks to all involved”

    *Tony Smidowicz, WGI fan*

    “WGI – Thank you for the Car Swap. Bring back F1 to The Glen.”

    *John “Mig” Migliaccio, WGI fan*

    “Hey, after seeing a stock car take The Boot today, maybe you need to talk to NASCAR into running that version instead. Hint. Hint. Great seeing a F1 car around The Glen too!”

    *Bruce Reynolds, WGI fan*

    Tickets for the 2011 race season at Watkins Glen International are on sale NOW! Fans can order their tickets or get more information by calling the WGI ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, *www.TheGlen.com* http://www.theglen.com/. Gift certificates and track merchandise can all be purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, and closed on Sunday. Keep up with the latest happenings at The Glen by going to the official Watkins Glen International Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/watkinsgleninternational, and following WGI on Twitter, @WGI.

  • Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NSCS Race Advance – Infineon Raceway

    Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NSCS Race Advance – Infineon Raceway

    DODGE NEWS AND NOTES

    . Kurt Busch is the only Sprint Cup Series driver who has been in the top-10 in the driver point standings all season.

    . A Dodge has started from the pole in four consecutive Sprint Cup races – Brad Keselowski (Charlotte) and Kurt Busch (Kansas, Pocono and Michigan).

    . Robby Gordon leads all current Dodge drivers in laps led at Infineon with 158 (fifth most of all active Cup drivers).

    DODGE AT INFINEON RACEWAY

    . Dodge Motorsports has two wins at Infineon Raceway (Juan Pablo Montoya (2007) and Kasey Kahne (2009).

    . Dodge’s Kurt Busch started from the pole at Infineon Raceway in 2006. He led 29 of 110 laps en route to a fifth-place finish.

    . Dodge has earned two poles at Infineon Raceway (Busch – 2006 and Kahne – 2008).

    . Dodge’s Robby Gordon has a win, three top-fives and four top-10s at the 1.99-mile road course.

    THE DODGE BOYS

    . Dodge has 208 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories.

    . Dodge’s most recent win came at Kansas Speedway. Brad Keselowski led nine of 267 laps en route to his victory in the STP 400. The victory was the first for Dodge in 2011.

    . Dodge teams have posted 48 victories since the manufacturer’s return to NASCAR’s premier series in 2001 after being out of the sport since 1977.

    . Dodge has posted wins each season since its return in 2001 including seven wins twice (2002 and 2006).

    . Dodge’s Kurt Busch earned victories at the season opening Bud Shootout and Gatorade Duel at Daytona Int’l Speedway.

    . Dodge claimed two Sprint Cup victories in 2010.

    DID YOU KNOW

    . Drivers completing all 110 laps on the 1.99-mile road course will have made 1,100 turns when the checkered flag falls at Infineon Raceway.

    . Dodge has won two of the last four Sprint Cup races at Infineon.

    INSIDE THE NUMBERS

    . Last year’s Sprint Cup race at Infineon produced an event record 12 lead changes.

    . Eight of the 22 races at Infineon have been won from the front row. Only two have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.

    . Kurt Busch is one of seven active Cup drivers to have led more than 50 laps at Infineon.

    . The track was changed to its current 1.99-mile configuration in 2002.

    FROM THE ENGINEER “As we travel to the first road course race of the year, teams have to instantly change gears to, well, thinking about changing gears for one thing. A road course means lots of slow parts of the track as well as lots of fast parts. More than a dozen transmission gear changes every lap is the norm. That will put a tremendous amount of strain on all the driveline parts, not just the transmission. Teams have to be ever mindful of the durability of these key components. The right driveline parts will help provide speed, but the failure of any one of them will bring a quick end to your day.” Howard Comstock, Dodge Motorsports Engineering

    2011 SPRINT CUP SERIES SEASON BEST

    . Kurt Busch Start: Pole – Kansas, Pocono, Michigan Finish: 2nd – Pocono

    . Brad Keselowski Start: Pole – Charlotte Finish: Win – Kansas

    . Robby Gordon Start: 30th – Daytona Finish: 16th – Daytona

    INFINEON RACEWAY BEST

    . Kurt Busch Start: Pole – 2006 Finish: Third – 2005

    . Brad Keselowski Start: 36th – 2010 Finish: 35th – 2010

    . Robby Gordon Start: 2nd – 2003, 2007 Finish; Win – 2003

    ODDS AND ENDS

    . Dodge’s Kurt Busch posted three consecutive top 10s in his No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger (Charlotte 4th, Kansas 9th and Pocono 2nd) before finishing 11th at Michigan. The second at Pocono is a season best.

    . Brad Keselowski is one of three drivers outside the top-12 in the driver point standings with a win this season.

    . The last driver to win three consecutive poles was former Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman (2007).

    . There were seven cautions for 14 laps in last year’s race at Infineon. The record is nine (1990).

    ON BEING SUCCESSFUL AT INFINEON: “Patience is certainly a huge part of it, but I think it goes back to what I said. You need to come there fully prepared and be competitive from the time you unload. Qualifying up front is really important; not only because you want to start in front of the other competitors, but it also allows you to get the premium pitting positions on pit road for the race.” Kurt Busch, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger R/T

    DODGE MOTORSPORTS QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The two road course races (Infineon and Watkins Glen) could really shake the standings up and determine who makes the Chase. They’re two critical races. Marcos Ambrose and Juan Pablo Montoya are in front of me in points and both could easily win on those road courses, along with AJ Allmendinger. That would complete ruin any shot that I would have unless I win another race. I think, in reality, we just need to focus on our own path and what we can do and it will take care of itself. For us, we just need to run solid races.” Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger R/T

    DODGE QUOTES “I really do feel like we’re closing in on getting that first Cup road course win. They don’t give you anything out there; you have to scratch and claw and earn everything you get. I’ve seen our team continue to make progress and if we continue to get ourselves in the position to win, we’re bound to capitalize on it sooner or later. Hopefully, we can continue that progress at Sonoma (Infineon) on Sunday and finally win us one of these things.” Kurt Busch, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger R/T

    “Really excited to come back home to Sonoma where we’ve had a lot of success. Last year was a great race for our team finishing second. We look forward towards capitalizing on that great run. If everything goes well, from qualifying to pit stops, and even some strategy involved, you could find the SPEED Energy Dodge Charger R/T towards the front. We have GNC as a partner this weekend. They are a great retailer for SPEED Energy and we hope to put them in victory lane.” Robby Gordon, No. 7 SPEED Energy Dodge Charger R/T