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Month: June 2011

  • Roush Fenway – Michigan Advance

    Roush Fenway – Michigan Advance

    Michigan International Speedway – 2.0 mile Heluva Good! 400 Sun 6.19.11, 1:00 p.m. EDT TNT, MRN, Sirius 90

    David Ragan, No. 6 UPS Ford Greg Biffle, No. 16 Red Cross Ford Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Crown Royal Ford Carl Edwards, No. 99 Aflac Now Hiring Ford

    Alliance Truck Parts 250 Sat. 6.18.11, 3:00 p.m. EDT ABC TV, MRN, Sirius 90

    Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 6 Tender Ridge Ford Trevor Bayne No. 16 Ricky Vs.Trevor.com Ford Carl Edwards, No. 60 Fastenal Ford

    Roush Fenway Ready for ‘Home Track’ Visit After a hard fought effort last weekend at Pocono, Roush Fenway returns to the friendly confines of its ‘home track’ of Michigan International Speedway; its most successful track on the circcuit.

    Home Sweet Home Michigan International Speedway is team owner Jack Roush’s ‘home track.’ Located about an hour’s drive away from Roush Industries in Livonia, MIS has been the most successful Sprint Cup track on the circuit for Roush Fenway Racing. The organization boasts team highs in wins (11), top fives (49) and top 10s (86).

    Roush Fenway Overall at Michigan In addition to the impressive 11 Sprint Cup Series wins at MIS, Roush Fenway has won four times in the Nationwide Series and five times in the Truck Series at Michigan. Overall Roush Fenway has collected 20 wins, 77 top fives and 124 top 10s in NASCAR action at Michigan.

    20 Wins at MIS Roush Fenway’s 20 total NASCAR wins at Michigan are the most at any track for the team.

    Varied Victory Lane Nine different drivers have driven into victory lane at NASCAR races at MIS for Roush Fenway. Five in the Sprint Cup Series (Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards), three in the Nationwide Series (Martin, Jeff Burton and Edwards) and four in the Trucks (Biffle, Travis Kvapil, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun).

    In the Lead Roush Fenway has led over 2000 laps in Sprint Cup action at Michigan and needs only 136 laps to have led 3,000 in combined NASCAR action at MIS.

    More at MIS Roush Fenway turned its 30,000th lap in Cup competition at MIS last season. Overall Roush Fenway has completed 30,810 laps for just over 61,000 miles in Cup action at Michigan. Roush Fenway should hit 40,000 NASCAR laps at Michigan this season.

    Last week… Carl Edwards was able to maintain his Sprint Cup points lead, despite losing 34 points to second place after early mechanical issues….Matt Kenseth led the way for Roush Fenway with an eighth-place finish at Pocono…The Nationwide Series took a week off, before returning to action this weekend at Michigan.

    RFR Michigan Wins 1990-2            Martin            Cup 1993-2            Martin            Cup 1997-2            Martin            Cup 1998-1            Martin            Cup 2002-1            Kenseth          Cup 2003-1            Busch            Cup 2004-2            Biffle               Cup 2005-1            Biffle               Cup 2007-1            Edwards         Cup 2006-2            Kenseth          Cup 2008-2            Edwards         Cup 1993                Martin            NNS 1995                Martin            NNS 1998                Burton            NNS 2008                Edwards         NNS 1999                Biffle               Truck 2000                Biffle               Truck 2007                Kvapil            Truck 2008                Darnell            Truck 2009                Braun              Truck

    Follow us on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/roushfenway.com Twitter – www.twitter.com/roushfenway You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/RoushFenwayVideos and at  www.roushfenway.com

  • RICKY CARMICHAEL SET TO MAKE 2011 NATIONWIDE SERIES DEBUT

    RICKY CARMICHAEL SET TO MAKE 2011 NATIONWIDE SERIES DEBUT

    RICKY CARMICHAEL SET TO MAKE 2011 NATIONWIDE SERIES DEBUT

    15-time AMA champ to pilot the No. 30 Monster Energy Chevrolet Impala in four NASCAR Nationwide Series events in 2011

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 15, 2011) -Ricky Carmichael will make his 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) debut in the cockpit of Turner Motorsports’ No. 30 Monster Energy Chevrolet Impala in the Bucyrus 200 Presented by Menards at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.  

    In addition to his duty at the division’s second-annual stop at the at the famed 4.048-mile, 14-turn road course, the 31-year-old driver will also pilot the No. 30 Monster Energy-sponsored entry at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, Richmond International Raceway on September 9 and at Phoenix International Raceway on November 12. Veteran Turner Motorsports crew chief Stewart Cooper will call the shots for Carmichael’s debut in the No. 30 machine.

    The 15-time American Motocross Association (AMA) National Champion made his first career Nationwide Series start last October at Kansas Speedway where he started 12th and finished 18th. In four NNS races last season, Carmichael earned one top-20 finish, logged a 26.8 average start, a 26.2 average finish and completed 83 percent of the laps run over those four starts.

    The Bucyrus 200 presented by Menards will mark his first road course race in Nationwide Series competition. In two NASCAR Camping World East Series road course races in 2008, Carmichael finished ninth and 12th, respectively at Watkins Glen International and Lime Rock Speedway.

    “I’m obviously excited about running more Nationwide Series races with Monster Energy and Turner Motorsports,” said Carmichael. “Steve Turner is one of my biggest supporters andhasgiven me a tremendous opportunity. The biggest thing I’m looking for out of these four races is seat time. My goal is to move up and race in the Nationwide Series full time so this is a great chance for me to get some track time and better familiarize myself with the car. It is going to be a fun four races and hopefully we’ll have some good runs in the No. 30 Monster Energy Chevy.”

    Carmichael is currently in his third season overall and second full-time, competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 52 Truck Series’ starts, the Tallahassee, Fla., resident has earned three top-five and14 top-10 finishes, led 38 laps and is currently 12th in points. He finished sixth in the division’s most recent stop at Texas Motor Speedway. 

    “Ricky has an incredible upside and we want to give him every opportunity to move up to the next level,” explained Turner Motorsports owner Steve Turner. “I think a lot of people forget that Ricky hadn’t driven anything like a stock car until four years ago and he’s competing at a very high level against drivers who are much more experienced in this particular discipline of racing. We knew from the very beginning that Ricky’s learning curve would be steep but we also have a great deal of confidence in him. I expect him to rise to the occasion with this program.”

    Monster Energy and Carmichael have been synonymous since 2005 when the Corona, Calif.,-headquartered company signed on to sponsor the winningest rider in Supercross and Motocross history for the Anaheim Supercross. Since then, the rise in popularity of both the driver and sponsor continue to reach new heights.

    “Ricky Carmichael is a ‘Monster Man’ and we always know he is going to give 100 percent to win,” commented Mitch Covington, Athlete Development and Special Projects, Monster Energy.”  Just like in his Motocross career, Ricky always puts a lot into preparing to win and then has the heart and determination to hang it out.  We enjoy being a part of his program and look forward to his 2011 debut in the Nationwide Series at Road America”.

    The Bucyrus 200 Presented by Menards from Road America will take the green flag Sat., June 25at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The race will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 5 p.m. EDT and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

    About Monster Energy: Monster Energy supports the scene. Be it NASCAR, MX/SX, road racing, off-road, MTB/BMX, rally, skate/surf, mountain, on the road with Warped Tour, the DUB Show, Ozzfest … or just kickin’ it local with the bros … wherever the action’s going off you’re sure to find the M-claw logo. Monster Import, Import Light and DUB join all the types – Original Monster Energy, Lo-Carb Monster, Monster Assault, Monster’s fruit juice hybrids dubbed Monster Khaos, Monster M-80 and Monster MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster and X-Presso Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with Monster Energy’s blend, 3 oz. Monster Hitman Energy and the new Monster Energy “Rehab,” combining ice tea and lemonade with Monster Energy OG. RC digs ’em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

    About Turner Motorsports: Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, is in the midst of its sophomore season of NASCAR competition. Owned by Texas businessman Steve Turner, the organization has expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR’s top-tier touring series. Turner Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C., and will compete with three entries in the Camping World Truck Series and four entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.  The team boasts an all-star driver line-up that includes Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Jason Leffler, Reed Sorenson, Justin Allgaier, Ricky Carmichael, James Buescher, Brad Sweet and Brandon McReynolds. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which will provide engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, Kevin Harvick Inc. for body and aero support, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Dollar General, Great Clips, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Monster Energy, BRANDT, Rexall, Exide, AccuDoc Solutions, Wolfpack Rentals, Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABF Freight. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.

  • Joey Logano and No. 20 Home Depot Team – Michigan International Speedway Advance

    Joey Logano and No. 20 Home Depot Team – Michigan International Speedway Advance

    Joey Logano   No. 20 Home Depot Toyota Camry

    Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 at Michigan International Speedway

    The Home Depot Team Notes of Interest

    ·         Members of The Home Depot Team and Joey Logano took a trip to Joplin, Mo., on Tuesday to help rebuild a home as a joint venture between The Home Depot Foundation and Operation Blessing.  The home of John and Debbie Lacey was severely damaged in the tornado three weeks ago, and due to financial stress following an accident at work, the couple did not have home owners insurance.  A group of over 150 volunteers rebuilt the home and presented it to the couple as a surprise on Tuesday afternoon.  Logano also visited The Home Depot store #3023 that was destroyed and its associates while he was there.  ·

             Michigan International Speedway is a good track for Logano and the No. 20 Team.  In four starts at the two-mile track, Logano has three top-10 finishes and has completed all but one lap of competition during his rookie race there.  He has an average finish of 13th and an average starting position of 17th. ·         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: Pocono was a solid race for The Home Depot Team.  After a disappointing qualifying effort of 19th, the team worked hard throughout the 200-lap race to improve the handling of the No. 20 Toyota for Logano.  The effort showed dividends for the team with an 11th-place finish and an improvement of three positions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver point standings to 23rd, just 25 points out of the top 20.

    ·         Welcome aboard The Home Depot associates from store #3606 in Gastonia, N.C.  The store number will ride along with Logano this weekend in the 200-lap race in the Irish Hills of Michigan. 

    ·         The No. 20 Home Depot Team is taking chassis #303 to Michigan this weekend.  The team originally brought this chassis to Martinsville, but it was not raced following a practice incident.  The team rebuilt the car and will race it for the first time on Sunday.  The back-up chassis is #275 that Logano did drive in the Martinsville race and went on to finish in the 13th position.

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

    Logano Quotes: On his visit to Joplin… “This was one of the coolest things I have done in my career and to be part of how The Home Depot gives back to communities was awesome.  To go there and see the destruction, it was so much worse than I imagined, and to be able to make a difference in someone’s life like that.  Man, it was unreal.  The entire day is almost hard to describe.  To see John and Debbie’s reaction when they saw their home again was amazing.  When you drive down the street and see what happened there, and then see how the community bonds together like that is inspiring.  I’m glad I got to experience it with my team guys.  It’s a day we won’t forget.”

    On Michigan… “Last weekend was a very encouraging weekend for us.  It was one of the first weekends in a while where we started the race and were able to improve throughout it.  We know we still have some work to do, but we were a top 10 car and that momentum should carry into this weekend.  Michigan is a good track for us and it seems to suit my driving style.  Zippy (crew chief Greg Zipadelli) and the guys have always given me great cars there so we should be able to put together another solid finish.”

    Logano Career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Stats Starts Wins Top 5 Top 10 Earnings Ave. Start Ave. Finish 89 1 11 25 $13,569,553 18.3 19.3

    Logano NASCAR Michigan International Speedway Stats Date Start Finish Laps Led Laps Completed Laps in Race Status Earnings 08/15/10 27 10 0 200 200 Running $121,065 06/13/10 12 10 0 200 200 Running $121,415 08/16/09 8 7 0 200 200 Running $144,726 06/14/09 24 25 0 199 200 Running $124,776 Starts Wins Top 5 Top 10 Ave. Start Ave. Finish Earnings   4 0 0 3 17.8 13.0 $511,982  

    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

  • Toyota NASCAR Notes & Quotes Michigan June 2011

    TOYOTA NASCAR NOTES & QUOTES Week of June 13 – June 19, 2011

    TOYOTA TIDBITS POCONO PLAYBACK:  Kyle Busch was the highest finishing Camry driver in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Pocono Raceway with a third-place result.  Busch started 34th, led the field once for two laps in the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) No. 18 M&M’s Camry and earned his seventh top-five result this season.    

    Camry driver Denny Hamlin led a race-high 76 laps (of 200) in the 500-mile event, however his JGR No. 11 FedEx Ground Camry experienced a flat left-rear tire on lap 158 and Hamlin finished 19th.  It marked only the third time in 11 starts that Hamlin has finished outside the top- six at the Pennsylvania track.    

    Martin Truex Jr. (10th), Joey Logano (11th), Kasey Kahne (12th) and David Reutimann (13th) also finished among the top-15 for Toyota.    

    THREE TEXAS TOP-10s:   Three Tundra drivers earned top-10 results in Friday night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Texas Motor Speedway.  

    In his inaugural series start of the season, Brian Ickler was the first Tundra to the finish line with a fourth-place result in the Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 18 Toyota Tundra.    

    Miguel Paludo (eighth) and Justin Lofton (10th) also earned top-10 results at the 1.5-mile oval, with Paludo leading the field for 10 laps (of 168). Tundra driver Johanna Long finished 11th, marking a career-best finish for the 19-year-old female racer.  

    MICHIGAN MOMENTS:  The NSCS and NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) travel to Michigan International Speedway this weekend, a track which holds special memories for Toyota.    

    Travis Kvapil earned the first-ever NASCAR win for Toyota in 2004, taking the NCWTS checkered flag in just the 13th race that first season.    

    Brian Vickers notched a special win for Toyota at Michigan in Aug. 2009 when he earned the second victory for a TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)-built engine and the first victory for the Red Bull Racing Team since entering the series as a Toyota team in 2007.  Last June, Hamlin led 123 laps (of 200) to record his first series win at the two-mile track.    

    100 CARS FOR GOOD:  Toyota recently announced the first 25 winners of the ‘Toyota 100 Cars for Good’ program, which awards 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving non-profits.     The first 25 winners spanned across several categories including animal welfare and wildlife, arts and culture, education, health and safety, and human services.    

    Each day, five organizations are featured on Toyota’s Facebook page where the public is invited to show their support by voting to determine the winning non-profit organization.  The daily winner will be awarded a new Toyota vehicle to help the organizations continue to do ‘good’ in their local communities.  The remaining finalists each receive a $1,000 grant from Toyota.     The winning organization can choose to receive one of the following vehicles: Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna or Sienna Mobility.  With each vehicle, Toyota Financial Services provides a six-year, 100,000- mile Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement to help provide extended protection beyond the vehicle warranty.  

    NOTES, QUOTES & NUMBERS NASCARSprintCupSeries(NSCS):  Since the start of the 2011 season, Toyota drivers have combined for two victories, 14 top-five results, 30 top-10 finishes and have led 1,460 laps … After 14 races, Kyle Busch is fifth in the NSCS point standings and Denny Hamlin ranks 12th … Brian Vickers has earned the pole position in his last three starts at Michigan (Aug. 2008, June 2009 and Aug. 2009) … Vickers has seven consecutive top-10 results at Michigan, including a win in Aug. 2009 … Jake Brzozowski, rear tire carrier for the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 56 team, is from Sterling, Mich. … Dave Elenz, an engineer for the No. 83 Red Bull Camry, hails from Gaylord, Mich. … Joe Gibbs Racing mechanic Bill Byrne currently resides in Marne, Mich. … Ann Arbor, Mich., is home to the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) … TTC is the driving force behind Toyota’s North American Engineering and Research and Development activities, overseeing the design and development of vehicles.  

    DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing What do you like about racing at Michigan?  “Michigan is a fun track.  It’s just a track where you can move around, change your car, and you can get out of line of the guy in front of you.  It’s not an aero-sensitive track like a lot of them.  It definitely is a benefit, as far as that’s concerned.   I like a track where the driver can make somewhat of a difference.  When his car’s not handling well, he’s got multiple grooves to change the way his balance is on his race car and Michigan is one of those race tracks.  Your car’s not always going to be perfect, but you can almost make it that way by the way you drive there.  We see guys from the top to the bottom and it’s a drafting race track.  On the restarts, we see guys three and four-wide simply because the draft is such a big deal at that track. It’s exciting from my standpoint.”  

    KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 Snickers Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Do you enjoy racing at Michigan? “It’s just a fun place to race.  Its wide-open racing and you can run from top to bottom.  The biggest thing is just trying to get grip there.  Some guys are able to get it, other guys can’t.  You can get it for maybe five laps and then you’re just out to lunch.  The biggest thing is just trying to make your car comfortable and make it last throughout a whole tire run and, of course, make it fast, too.  And the wide race track is good — that’s what makes Michigan so exciting and so fun.”  

    MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing Why is it difficult to determine which changes to make at a track like Michigan with so many lanes? “Because the car is different depending on where you run on the race track and you really have to go into practice thinking about the past races at Michigan and what worked for you and what didn’t.  The top lane is really, really good in practice and as practice goes on it kind of goes away and as the race goes — it seems like 100 miles into the race really the top isn’t good anymore.  It’s really easy to fool yourself into making your car work good up top in the high groove and then when you get in the race you get stuck up there.  Then it quits working and you can’t go back to the bottom.”  

    BRIAN VICKERS, No. 83 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Red Bull Racing Team Do you look forward to returning to Michigan? “I’m excited to get back to Michigan.  It’s one of my favorite tracks on the circuit — I think it makes for great racing.  Last time I raced in Michigan we sat on the pole and won the race, and hopefully we can go back there and win it again.  It was a special day for myself and everyone at Red Bull.  Since I missed both races last season, we are definitely all excited to get back there and show everyone what we can do.”  

    NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS):  Since the start of the 2011 season, Toyota drivers have combined for six wins, 17 top- five results, 36 top-10 finishes and have led 1,120 laps … Kenny Wallace (seventh) is the top Toyota driver in the NNS point standings … Steve Wallace (eighth), Brian Scott (ninth), Michael Annett (1 0th) and Joe Nemechek (12th) are also in the top-15 in the standings… Toyota NNS drivers have won races at 19 of 25 facilities on the circuit, however Michigan is one of only five tracks where a Camry has not crossed the finish line first … K. Wallace has earned three top-10 finishes in his last four starts … David Reutimann will make his third start in the Rusty Wallace Racing No. 64 Camry this weekend … Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 crew chief Adam Stevens is from Portsmouth, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio University in 2002 with a mechanical engineering degree.    

    JOEY LOGANO, No. 20 GameStop Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing What is the No. 20 team’s philosophy for the remainder of the 2011 season? “I like the new philosophy that our team is going to go after in Michigan.  We just want to win races.  We’ve always been in it to win races, but I think there were times that maybe we would have made a conservative call to not fall way back in the field, which is what we needed to do to stay in the owner’s championship standings.  Now that we are in it to win it, we can go after it for all that it’s worth.  Michigan is normally a fuel mileage race and that philosophy could come down to it this weekend.  It should be a lot of fun.”  

    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS):  Since the start of the 2011 NCWTS season, Tundra drivers have registered six wins, 14 top-five results, 27 top-10 finishes and have led 642 laps … Timothy Peters (sixth), Brendan Gaughan (10th), Max Papis (11th), Todd Bodine (13th), Justin Lofton (18th), Miguel Paludo (19th) and David Starr (20th) are currently in the top-20 in the point standings … The NCWTS has three weekends off before returning to action July 7 at Kentucky Speedway.  

    MIGUEL PALUDO, No. 7 Stemco/Duroline Toyota Tundra, Red Horse Racing Are you happy with your finish at Texas Motor Speedway? “I’m very pleased with our run at Texas.  My guys worked really hard.  We had a good truck and I was happy that we were able to run at the front of the field all day.  It was cool leading laps and enjoying the clean air.  It is amazing how much of a difference that makes.  I think the more this team races together the better we get.  Our truck became a little too tight at the end of the race to get a top-five finish, but we have learned so much on how to make adjustments and what I need in a truck.”  

    TOYOTA 2011 NASCAR STATISTICS Series Races Starts (Drivers) Wins Top-5s Top-10s Poles Times Led Laps Led NSCS 14 168 (18) 2 14 30 1 107 1,460 NNS 14 112 (19) 6 17 36 2 61 1,120 NCWTS 9 115 (24) 6 14 27 2 31 642

    TOYOTA DRIVER ROSTER – Michigan International Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup Series David Reutimann, No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Camry Kasey Kahne, No. 4 Red Bull Camry Denny Hamlin, No. 11 FedEx Office Camry Casey Mears, No. 13 GEICO Camry Kyle Busch, No. 18 Snickers Camry Joey Logano, No. 20 Home Depot Camry Bobby Labonte, No. 47 RainEater/Advance Auto Parts Camry T.J. Bell, No. 50 Green Smoke Camry Martin Truex Jr., No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Camry Mike Skinner, No. 60 Big Red Camry Michael McDowell, No. 66 HP Racing LLC Camry Brian Vickers, No. 83 Red Bull Camry Joe Nemechek, No. 87 NEMCO Motorsports Camry NASCAR Nationwide Series Kenny Wallace, No. 09 RAB Racing Camry Brian Scott, No. 11 Shore Lodge Camry Kyle Busch, No. 18 Pizza Ranch Camry Joey Logano, No. 20 GameStop Camry Michael Annett, No. 62 Pilot/Flying J Camry David Reutimann, No. 64 Aspen Dental Camry Steve Wallace, No. 66 5-Hour Energy Camry Joe Nemecheck, No. 87 NEMCO Motorsports Camry  

    WEEKEND RACE SCHEDULE Sat., June 18 — NNS @ Michigan International Speedway — 3:30 PM (ET), ABC — Race 15 of 35 Sun., June 19 — NSCS @ Michigan International Speedway — 1:00 PM (ET), TNT — Race 15 of 36 CONTACTS (Michigan International Speedway) Pam Jansen, 386-631-2489, pjansen@golinharris.com (on-site at Michigan International Speedway) Matthew Simmons, 213-256-9746, msimmons@golinharris.com

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  • A TUMS’ “FIGHTS BACK FAST” MOMENT: CHARLIE GLOTZBACH CLAIMS SECOND CAREER WIN IN AUGUST 1970

    (For each of the 36 races during the 2011 Sprint Cup season, TUMS will provide a brief historical recap of a moment when a team fought back to overcome an obstacle, one that can easily be described as a TUMS “Fights Back Fast” Moment. This week, the focus is on Michigan International Speedway).

    charlie glotzbach claims second career win in august 1970

    The date was Aug. 16, 1970. In the closing laps of the Yankee 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Cale Yarborough had the lead and appeared to be on his way to victory for the famed Wood Brothers of Stuart, Va. But with nine laps remaining, Charlie Glotzbach, in the Ray Nichels-owned Dodge, had rallied back to challenge Yarborough for the win.

    NOTE:  TUMS is the sponsor of the TUMS Fast Relief 500, the seventh race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, at Martinsville Speedway on October 30.

    The Georgetown, Ind., driver led seven times for 116 laps, but fell back into the top-10 with 30 laps remaining. He fought back for position, passing Bobby Allison, Dick Brooks and Bobby Isaac to put himself back in contention to win. When Yarborough’s engine let go, Glotzbach took his second win of the season under caution.

    “I would have rather won it under green,” Glotzbach said in victory lane. “But it all pays the same. I was running faster than Cale most of the day. I think I could have caught him if he hadn’t blown.”

    Similar to Glotzbach’s commitment to fight back for a win, TUMS also fights back fast for heartburn relief.

  • Brian Scott and the No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Team – Michigan International Speedway Advance

    Brian Scott and the No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Team – Michigan International Speedway Advance

    Brian Scott   No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota Alliance Truck Parts 250 at Michigan International Speedway

    No. 11 Shore Lodge Team Notes of Interest

    ·   Brian Scott and the No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota team enjoyed the off week for NASCAR Nationwide Series and are ready for this weekend’s Alliance Truck Parts 250 at Michigan International Speedway.

    ·   Scott has only one career NASCAR Nationwide Series start at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway. He scored a 15th-place finish at the track in 2010 after starting the race from the 12th position. Scott made his first ever start at Michigan in an ARCA car in June of 2008. Scott led 13 laps in that race and scored a fifth-place finish after starting from the third position.  

    ·   The No. 11 Shore Lodge Toyota team will introduce a new chassis for this weekend’s race at Michigan International Speedway. Chassis #128 will make its 2011 NASCAR season debut. Chassis #106 will serve as the backup. This car has not yet been raced in 2011.

    ·   Last Race: The No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Team didn’t get the finish they had hoped for in Chicago but the performance definitely was there. Scott was among the fastest cars on the track as the laps wound down in the STP 300 at Chicagoland Speedway nearly two weeks ago. The race however came down to a battle of fuel mileage and the No. 11 team came up one lap empty. Scott finished the race in 17th place.

    ·   Scott remains ninth in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver point standings. He is 19 points out of eighth place and 76 points out of the top five. Reed Sorenson took over the top spot in the championship point standings. He owns a two-point lead ahead of Elliott Sadler.

    ·    To access information on Brian Scott and No. 11 Team visit: www.joegibbsracing.comand follow twitter.com/bscottracing and twitter.com/joegibbsracing.

    Scott Quotes What did you do during the off-week: “I got away from it all. I went up and camped at a place that is kind of on the way to Martinsville but it’s along the Dan River. I just floated the river and had a campfire – a good old country thing. It was really relaxing and nice. Everything went good. To be honest though I enjoy racing so much – especially in the Nationwide Series – that when I have a weekend off it’s hard to find something I enjoy as much as racing so to me I would rather be at the race track every weekend because I enjoy it and have fun doing it.”

    What are your thoughts on the upcoming race at Michigan? “Michigan is a multi-groove race track and I love race tracks that are multi-grooved because I move around a lot. I try to find where my car likes to be. I’m not married to any particular line but it really seems with these new Nationwide Series cars with the restrictor plate and keeping momentum up I prefer to pass cars on the high side so that typically brings me up the race track. But you have to weigh it out. Like I said I would prefer to be on the top. I feel like you can overtake cars, slow down less and you’re in a better position where you can manipulate them more than they can manipulate you but ultimately if it becomes a situation where everyone is running the top then I’ll run the bottom and become a loner down there. I kind of run away from the trend.

    “As for the track – my relationship with Michigan is a love/hate thing. I love Michigan and Michigan hates me. Michigan is where I broke my wrist in the Truck Series back in 2009. I feel like it has dealt me its best blow. Michigan has done everything it can possibly do to me and I’m still going there. I still like it and I want to have a good performance there and I’m hoping this weekend will be a good time for a good run in the Shore Lodge Toyota.”

    Scott Michigan International Speedway Stats Date Start Finish Laps Led Laps complete Laps  Status  Earnings 8/14/10 12 15 0 125 125 Running $22,668   Starts Wins Top 5 Top 10 Ave. Start Ave. Finish Earnings   1 0 0 0 12.0 15.0 $22,668

    Scott Career NASCAR Nationwide Series Stats Starts Wins Top 5 Top 10 Earnings Ave. Start Ave. Finish 56 0 1 8 $1,754,285 15.6 20.2

    No. 11 Shore Lodge Team Primary Team Members: Crew Chief – Kevin Kidd                                     Car Chief – Colan Ingle                                        Engine Builder – Mark Cronquist      Lead Engineer – Kenneth Oates                       Engine Specialist – Dan Bajek                            Spotter – Tim Fedewa

    Over-The-Wall Crew Members: Jackman – David O’Dell                                       Front Tire Changer – Nick Krizmanich                              Front Tire Carrier – Tom Dean Gas Man – Chris Webb                                       Rear Tire Changer – Rocco Antonino                               Rear Tire Carrier – Ben Stege

    Other Crew Members: Truck Drivers – Charles Sampson                     Tire Specialist – Ryan Martin                                             Shock Specialist – Scott Myers          Mechanic – Ben Chase                                       Mechanic – Tony Hamm

  • FEDEX RACING EXPRESS FACTS — MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

    FEDEX RACING EXPRESS FACTS — MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

    DENNY HAMLIN — #11 FEDEX OFFICETOYOTA CAMRY

    RACE INFO: Event: Heluva Good! 400 Date/Time: June 19/1 p.m. ET

    2010 winner: Denny Hamlin

    2010 polesitter: Kurt Busch

    Distance: 200 laps/400 miles

    Track Length: 2 miles Banking: 18 degrees

    Track Shape: Oval

    EXPRESS NOTES:  Pocono Recap: Denny Hamlin led four times for a race-high 76 (of 200) laps Sunday at Pocono Raceway, but a flat left-rear tire under caution with less than 50 laps to go led to myriad problems for the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota down the stretch and a 19th-place finish. Starting fourth and staying amongst the top-five as the laps clicked, Hamlin was third when the caution flew on Lap 156. Crew chief Mike Ford called for four tires and an adjustment on pit road, and quick work by the FedEx crew kept Hamlin in third. However, Hamlin radioed a potential flat tire before the green flag. After the crew confirmed it, the tire came off, causing left-rear quarter panel damage and snapping the rear brake line before Hamlin came back down pit road for repairs. With a wounded car, no brakes and restarting back in the pack in 21st, Hamlin did his best to gain spots before the checkered flag behind eventual winner Jeff Gordon. Hamlin was the class of the field for the first half of the 500-mile event on the 2.5-mile “Tricky Triangle,” taking the lead for the first time on the second lap. The 30-year-old Virginia native led through a handful of green flag pit cycles. The finish dropped Hamlin one spot to 12th in the NASCAR standings after 14 of 26 regular season races.

    Michigan Preview: Hamlin is making his 11th Cup Series start at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) and the 202nd of his career Sunday in the #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry. Hamlin is the defending race winner at Michigan, leading 123 of 200 laps in June 2010 en route to victory lane at the two-mile track. It was his first victory at Michigan, and he followed it with a runner-up finish in the Series’ return trip to MIS last August. Hamlin has four top-five finishes and six top-10 results in 10 starts at the track — including four-straight top-10 runs, dating back to a third-place in June 2009. In total, Hamlin has completed 1,928 of 1,935 laps (99.6%) in his career at Michigan, leading 140, with an average finish of 10.9.

    Race                    Series          Date                    Start           Finish          Laps            Led     Carfax 400              Sprint Cup      Aug. 15, 2010           33              2               200/200         12 Heluva Good! 400                Sprint Cup      June 13, 2010           7               1               200/200          123 Carfax 400              Sprint Cup      Aug. 16, 2009           16              10              200/200           2 Life Lock 400           Sprint Cup      June 14, 2009           14              3               200/200           1 3M Performance 400      Sprint Cup      Aug. 17, 2008           37              39              194/200 Lifelock 400            Sprint Cup      June 15, 2008           5               14              203/203          1 3M Performance 400      Nextel Cup      Aug.  21, 2007          8               5               203/203 Citizens Bank 400               Nextel Cup      June 17, 2007           7               14              199/200          1 GFS Marketplace 400     Nextel Cup      Aug. 20, 2006           9               9               200/200 3M Performance 400      Nextel Cup      June 18, 2006           21              12              129/200                 Averages/Totals                                                 15.7            10.9            99.6%             140

    FedEx Office – Closest to Michigan International Speedway:2800 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734) 665-2400

    2011 FedEx Racing Press Kit – Available for Download:  Please visit www.fedexracing.com/presskit for the 2011 FedEx Racing press materials, including bios for Denny Hamlin, Mike Ford and Joe Gibbs Racing leadership, program highlights, program statistics and 2011 crew roster.

    Bentonville (Ark.) FedEx Office Along for the Ride in Michigan: The FedEx Office location in Bentonville, Ark., currently leads the company’s President’s Club program, and will be recognized with its “1588” code numbers on the b-post of the #11 FedEx Office Toyota this weekend.

    HAMLIN CONVERSATION – MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY: How tough is it for you to put Pocono’s disappointing finish behind you? “Although it was a disappointing finish last weekend, I’m encouraged by how our cars have been performing lately. We were fast at Pocono and led a bunch of laps. It’s tough to have a flat tire on pit road under caution ruin our day, but it could’ve been a lot worse. I didn’t have rear brakes for that last run, and was doing everything I could to hang on. But, we have had pretty good cars the last few weeks, and have been up front and challenging for wins. Pocono is tough because it’s a track we circle each year as somewhere we should run well at, but we have a long way to go before the Chase starts and I still believe this FedEx team will get some wins and get into the top-10 in points before too long.”

    How has your confidence level changed at Michigan over the years? “Michigan is a track where we never ran very well early in my career — we struggled and had some bad luck.  It was also a combination of my comfort level and just not being able to get the car where we needed it. I think it was June of 2009 that we came here with a new car and a new set up and it clicked. We were fast off the truck and finished third and it was a turning point for us in a lot of ways. We came back in August and ran in the top 10 and then really hit on it when we came back last year. In June, we dominated a race probably as much as I ever have, and finished second in the second race there. That definitely gives us confidence coming back to the track.”

    2011 FEDEX RACING – TEAM ROSTER

    Crew Chief:  Mike Ford– Morristown, Tenn.                      Front Tire Changer: Nick Krizmanich – Kenosha, Wis. Car Chief: Chris “Spider” Gillin – Smithtown, N.Y.              Front Tire Carrier: Brandon Pegram – Statesville, N.C. Engineer: Mike Wheeler – Southholt, N.Y.                        Rear Tire Changer: Mike Hicks – Salisbury, N.C. Shocks: Drew Bible – Coldwater, Mich.                   Rear Tire Carrier: Heath Cherry – Belmont, N.C. Tire Specialist: Patrick Mullen – Brick, N.J.                   Jackman: Nate Bolling – Swanton, Ohio Engine Tuner: Chris Woodward – Franklin, N.H.           Gas Man: Scott Wood – Liberty, S.C. Mechanic: Rick Bray – Placerville, Calif.                       Pit Crew Coordinator:  Paul Alepa – Vienna, Va. Mechanic: John Furino – Long Island, N.Y.                       JGR Athletic Director: Michael Lepp – Charlotte, N.C. Spotter: Curtis Markham – Fredericksburg, Va.                  

    Hauler Driver: Jerry Hess – Lancaster, Pa.          Hauler Driver: Frank Hodel – Blythe, Calif.

  • JR Motorsports — NNS Michigan Preview

    JR Motorsports — NNS Michigan Preview

    JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW

    No. 88 Suave Men Chevrolet / No. 7 Air Hogs Chevrolet EVENT – Alliance Truck Parts 250 (125 laps / 250 miles)

    TRACK – Michigan International Speedway (2-mile D-shaped oval)

    DATE – Saturday, June 18, 2011

    TV / RADIO – ABC (coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. EST) / MRN (broadcast begins at 3 p.m. EST) 

    Aric Almirola No. 88 Suave Men Chevrolet “After winning the truck race at Michigan last year, it’s a special place for me. I think anytime you win at a track, typically it means a little something more when you head back there. So I’m looking ahead to racing there this week. Our 88 team had a top-10 finish at California in the spring, and we want to build on that at a similar track in Michigan this weekend. The guys have been putting a lot of work in during the off-weekend, and I’m confident about the direction our Suave Men team is heading. “Getting into this summer stretch, it’s really important that as a driver you stay hydrated. Even though Michigan is up north, it’s still really hot. I really focus on my hydration. The biggest mistake you can make is to think you can get hydrated the day of the race. I used to think that way. But now I know it really is a week-long process to get yourself properly prepared.”    Josh Wise No. 7 Air Hogs Chevrolet “I’m excited to represent the Air Hogs brand on our No. 7 Chevrolet this weekend. Not only does the car look great, but we’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a lot of their products. I had a ton of fun with their Gryphon helicopter. We flew it around the shop last week, and we certainly got a lot of attention with it.  “We’re looking at Michigan as a great opportunity to step up and perform how we feel we should. There was a pair of races earlier this year at Nashville and Richmond where we put together consecutive top-10s. That’s where we feel our 7 team is. It’s just a matter of putting together a solid race through 250 miles at Michigan.” JR MOTORSPORTS NOTEBOOK –

    WELCOME AIR HOGS – To coincide with the announcement of its parent company, Spin Master becoming NASCAR’s primary toy licensee, Air Hogs, a leader in remote and radio controlled vehicles, makes its track debut on the No. 7 Chevrolet driven by Josh Wise at Michigan. Wise’s No. 7 features a paint scheme which showcases one of Air Hogs coolest products – the Sharpshooter. The brands’ first ever missle-launching helicopter, the Sharpshooter offers stabilizing technology that makes it easy to fly so the focus is on firing its dual missles. Air Hogs features dozens of innovative planes, helicopters and ground vehicles that have revolutionized the world of R/C technology and have given kids and adults the ability to control the most amazing vehicles from the palm of their hands. Check out all the Air Hogs products at www.airhogs.com.

    SUAVE MEN ON THE 88 – Suave Men graces the No. 88 Chevrolet for the first of four races this season beginning at Michigan International Speedway this weekend. The brand was featured on the No. 7 Chevrolet at Talladega earlier this year when Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove his way to an eighth-place finish. Suave Men will also be featured on the No. 88 in races at Daytona International Speedway (July 1), Chicagoland Speedway (Sept. 17) and Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 12).

    TEAM JRM AT MICHIGAN- The No. 88 team won at MIS in August of 2009, tallying the team’s third of four victories that season. The team also led its first laps in NNS competition in 2006 at Michigan with Robby Gordon, who led 11 laps on the day.

    ALMIROLA AT MICHIGAN – Almirola holds one Camping World Truck race victory at Michigan in 2010. He led seven laps during the 100-lap event to earn his second of two truck wins (Dover, Michigan) last season. In the Nationwide Series Almirola owns one start at the two-mile facility.

    NO. 88 SEASON STATS – The No. 88 squad owns one top-five, seven top-10 and 11 top-15 finishes this season.  Almirola is currently ranked fifth in the championship driver points (-46). The No. 88 team is 11th in owner points.

    WISE AT MICHIGAN – The Riverside, Calif. native holds two Nationwide Series starts at Michigan. His best finish of 14th came in 2008.

    NO. 7 SEASON STATS – The No. 7 team holds one top-five, five top-10 and eight top-15 finishes in 2011.  Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick and Josh Wise have shared driving duties in the No. 7 Chevrolet throughout the year, each scoring a top-10 finish. The team occupies 14th position in owner points.

    JRM DRIVER SIGNINGS – Aric Almirola and Josh Wise will attend an autograph signing at the JR Nation merchandise hauler in the fan concourse area on Saturday, June 18, from 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST.

    WIN DALE JR.’S RIDE –There is still time to win the keys to Dale Jr.’s Camaro. The Dale Jr. Foundation is giving fans the chance to win one of three prizes with the purchase of a $25 raffle ticket, including a shot at Earnhardt Jr.’s own 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. The contest will run through Sept. 1, 2011, with all proceeds benefitting The Dale Jr. Foundation. For complete details visit

  • Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NNS Race Advance – Michigan

    Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – NNS Race Advance – Michigan

    Dodge Motorsports NNS Race Advance

    Alliance Truck Parts 250 Michigan International Speedway

    Saturday, June 18, 2011

    www.media.chrysler.com

    www.twitter.com/teamdodge

    BRAD KESELOWSKI

    – No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T

    Career Starts: 153

    Wins: 12

    Top Fives: 65

    Top 10s: 91

    Poles: 8

    Career Highlights:

    ·  Posted wins in last two starts at Michigan and has not finished farther back than 13th in four races on the two-mile track.

    ·  The defending NASCAR Nationwide Series champion.

    ·  Earned Penske Racing its first NASCAR champion last season.

    ·  Set career-best results in 2010 for wins (6), top fives (26), top 10s (29) and poles (5).

    ·  First Nationwide victory came at Nashville Superspeedway (2008).

    SAM HORNISH

    – No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger R/T

    Career Starts: 25

    Wins: 0

    Top Fives: 0

    Top 10s: 1

    Poles: 0

    Career Highlights:

    ·  Fifth Nationwide start of the season (Daytona, Texas, Talladega and Richmond).

    ·  Making his second career Nationwide start at Michigan; finished 25th in 2007.

    ·  Made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with Penske Racing at Phoenix Int’l Raceway in the fall of 2006.

    DID YOU KNOW

    ·  Brad Keselowski started from the pole at MIS last year and led 89 laps en route to victory.  His best finish this season came at Texas where he finished second. He has nine top-10 finishes in 14 starts in 2011 including six top fives.  His last win came at Gateway last season (17 races ago).

    ·  Sam Hornish Jr. has made five Nationwide starts this season.  He started second and finished seventh at Richmond, both season bests.  He followed with a 12th at Charlotte.

    ·  There were only two cautions in last year’s 250-mile race at MIS.  Two of the 19 Nationwide races at the track have been run without a caution.

    SAM SAYS “Living in nearby Defiance, Ohio, I consider Michigan my home track so it’s nice to be able to come home for a few days and have family and friends come out to the race as well. Another reason to be excited is that Alliance Truck Parts is sponsoring the race this weekend so I feel even more privileged to be sporting their black and yellow colors. It’s always great to get back together with the No. 12 crew as well. I feel like each week together, we keep improving so I can’t wait to see how the weekend turns out.” Sam Hornish Jr., driver, No. 12 Alliance Auto Parts Dodge Challenger R/T

    DODGE QUOTES “It felt really good to dominate the way we did at Michigan last year with the new Discount Tire Dodge Challenger.  As a driver, you dream about having cars that drive like that one did.  That win helped validate the win from 2009 because I heard a lot about that race being given to me.  All you can do is put yourself in position for wins and that’s what I felt I did in that race.  Last year, there was no doubt who had the best car.  We definitely need a win in 2011 and I can’t think of a better track to pick one up than Michigan.  We should have a pretty strong notes package from last year that should help us roll right off the truck with speed.  It would be pretty sweet to get three in a row at my home track.”  Brad Keselowski, No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge             

    “I think our intermediate track program is starting to come around to the point where I feel like we should be competing for wins.  We’re just missing that little bit to put us over the top.  Michigan should provide us with a good track to make that leap.  We had an off-weekend while the Cup cars were in Pocono, but I don’t think very many of us took a vacation.  We were all focused on getting as prepared as we can for this weekend because of the importance that is placed on running well at Michigan, especially after the dominating win by this team there last year.  Michigan, for the Nationwide Series cars, is all about momentum and keeping the car wound up the entire lap.  It’s a big, wide race track that is very forgiving, which is the reason that it is a favorite of the drivers and teams.”    Todd Gordon, Crew Chief – No.  22 Discount Tire Dodge     

    “The No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts crew has been looking forward to Michigan for a few weeks now. We overcame some obstacles at Charlotte (Motor Speedway) but we are ready to move on and continue to improve. We have a brand new chassis this week, No. 220, that we have been working on in the shop these last few weeks so we’re ready to see how successful it can be. I also couldn’t be happier to represent Alliance Truck Parts for the Alliance Truck Parts 250, hopefully we can give them an extra reason to celebrate by bring home a win.” Chad Walter, Crew Chief — No. 12 Alliance Auto Parts Dodge Challenger R/T

  • Michigan Race Part of a Memorable Week For the Wood Brothers

    Michigan Race Part of a Memorable Week For the Wood Brothers

    Michigan Race Part of a Memorable Week For the Wood Brothers June 15, 2011

    Over the years, the Wood Brothers have made many a memorable trip to Michigan International Speedway, the home track for Ford Motor Company and the site of Sunday’s Heluva Good 400 Sprint Cup Series race. But this Father’s Day weekend trip is extra special for the Wood family and their race team.

    On Tuesday, team founder Glen Wood was selected as one of the five inductees for the 2012 class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. And this weekend marks the return to the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion of the Woods’ Daytona 500 winning driver Trevor Bayne, who has been sidelined by illness.

    The success of the race team founded by Glen Wood is as evident at Michigan as anywhere. The Woods and fellow Ford team owner Jack Roush are tied for the lead in Michigan victories with 11 apiece.

    But Glen Wood and his brothers Leonard, Delano, Clay and Ray Lee were winners nearly everywhere they ran, and the team, now in its 61st year, continues to find success under the everyday management of Glen Wood’s children Eddie, Len and Kim. Wood, whose team now has 98 Cup victories including five in the Daytona 500, said he was humbled by his selection, which puts him among the first 15 people inducted in the Hall.

    “I could hardly believe it when they called out my name,” Wood said. “But I don’t take it lightly. It’s the greatest honor you can get in this sport of NASCAR, and it’s especially nice to have a Daytona 500 victory and this in the same year.” Wood pointed out that his time in the sport hasn’t always been marked by success.

    “It hasn’t been an easy thing from the get-go,” he said. “I know the ups and downs, both sides of it.”

    He said his selection to the Hall is something to be celebrated by his entire family.

    “I’m prouder for my children than I am for myself,” he said.

    While Wood, at age 85, is bracing for a year of appearances related to his induction, the team’s rookie driver, age 20, has been preparing himself for his return to the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion. He’s already raced once since he recovered from his illness, in his Nationwide Series Mustang at Chicagoland Speedway two weeks ago, where he finished a strong third. But driving the No. 21 Ford Fusion on the Cup circuit is a greater challenge, and one he’s been busy preparing for.

    “I’ve just been really working out hard and running and doing all that kind of stuff to try to help myself physically as much as I can because of the issues I had before,” Bayne said. “I don’t think there’s anything I did to induce that, but I definitely want to do all I can to prevent it again now. So I’ve been doing that…

    “I just can’t wait to get out there and get practice underway and start working with [crew chief] Donnie Wingo again and get that Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion back at the top of the board again.” Qualifying for the Heluva Good 400 is set for Saturday at 1:10 p.m., and the race is schedule to start just after 1 p.m. on Sunday with TV coverage on TNT.