Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Author: Angie Campbell

  • A Jeff Gordon story – Sometimes the little things mean the most

    A Jeff Gordon story – Sometimes the little things mean the most

    A few times a year, I’m privileged to be able to go to a NASCAR race as part of the media. It’s a unique experience that allows me to be a small part of something that has an enormous impact on so many.  What may surprise you is that it is often the little things that make it a special experience.

    One of the most enjoyable aspects is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. During several conversations with one of the women who helped prepare our food at the media center she talked about being a lifelong NASCAR fan and proudly told me, “I’m a huge Dale Jr. fan but my Dad likes Kasey Kahne. Can you believe that?” The look on her face was priceless.

    The young man who stood watch at the door to the media center told me how he begged a friend to switch assignments with him so that he could work the race at Darlington.

    My favorite moment was shared with a photographer at Darlington Raceway who has been working the NASCAR circuit for over 30 years. I was surprised to hear he drove all the way from Canada to cover the Darlington race. He was accompanied by his daughter.

    He began talking about how it was in the “old days’’ when drivers like David Pearson and Richard Petty would spend hours signing autographs for their fans. “I don’t know why,” he said “but they had such an appreciation for the fans, especially the kids. You don’t see that much anymore.”

    But then he related a story about his daughter. She has been his constant companion since she was old enough to travel with him. “She grew up in NASCAR,” he told me.

    When his daughter was a small girl, she had a Jeff Gordon Pepsi trading card and desperately wanted it autographed. When the opportunity arose, they approached Gordon who was surrounded by fans. It was beginning to rain but they were determined to wait. When Gordon saw the girl, he politely told the rest of the crowd; “children first.”

    “Gordon took the card from her, placed it face down on his pants leg, covered it with his hand so it wouldn’t get wet and told us to follow him to his hauler. He signed the card and spent several minutes talking with my daughter and me.”

    The photographer’s eyes were glistening as he looked at me and said, “Signing autographs, that’s business. But this, (he pantomimed covering up the card on his leg), this was from the heart.”

    As the story unfolded, it reminded me that a driver’s legacy extends far beyond the racetrack. It shines as an example of why Gordon’s impact on the sport goes far beyond statistics. As he embarks on his final full time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this year, I can only imagine how many more lives he will touch.

  • NASCAR Champions Featuring David Pearson

    NASCAR Champions Featuring David Pearson

    Cup Champion: 1966, 1968, 1969
    Born: December 22, 1934
    Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina
    Career: 1960 – 1986

    Premier Series Stats:
    Starts: 574
    Wins:   105
    Poles:  113

    David Pearson was not only fast in a race car, he was also quick on his feet. NASCAR’s “Silver Fox,” could outrun and outthink most of his competitors on any given day.

    Pearson made the most out of each opportunity. He never ran every single race in any season during a career that spanned 27 years, making his three Cup championship titles even more impressive.

    He won his first championship in 1966, competing in 42 of 49 races. Pearson’s second championship was earned in 1968 after running 48 of 49 events. His third and final title came in 1969 when he ran 51 of 54 races.

    Over the course of his career, Pearson raced his way to 105 victories and 113 poles in only 574 starts which ranks second all-time in both categories. His winning percentage of 18.293 is the third highest all-time. Only Herb Thomas (21.053) and Tim Flock (20.856) were more productive on the track. Any time he showed up to race, Pearson was a threat to win.

    Richard Petty once said of his rival, “If anybody asks, who is the best driver you ever drove against? I don’t hesitate. It was David Pearson.”

    Pearson drove for fellow Spartanburg, South Carolina native Cotton Owens from 1962 to 1967 and won his first championship in 1966 with Owens. Their partnership produced 27 wins and fostered a lifelong friendship.

    “He meant more to the sport than a lot of people thought,” said Pearson. “He won a ton of races in modifieds. He built the cars himself. He built the motors himself. He drove them. He won at Daytona on the beach. And he was just a good, honest fella.”

    His second and third titles came as a driver for Holman-Moody in 1968 and 1969. The two championship years included 27 wins (16 in 1968 and 11 in 1969), 26 poles and 78 top-fives in 99 starts.

    In 1968 while driving for Holman-Moody, Pearson began his rule of “The Track Too Tough To Tame,” capturing his first win, followed by another victory in 1970.  His domination continued throughout the 1970s with Wood Brothers Racing as he collected six more checkered flags at Darlington Raceway between 1972 and 1977. Two more first place finishes in 1979 and 1980 gave him a grand total of 10 wins and 12 poles, securing his place as the all-time wins leader at one of the most difficult tracks on the NASCAR circuit.

    Pearson’s 10 Darlington victories included wins with three different manufactures between 1968 and 1980.

    Ford – 1968, 1970 – Holman-Moody
    Mercury – 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976 (twice), 1977 – Wood Brothers
    Chevrolet – 1979 – Rod Osterlund
    Chevrolet – 1980 – Hoss Ellington

    Parson joined Wood Brothers Racing in 1972 for one of the most potent combinations of driver and team in NASCAR history. Although he didn’t compete in enough races to contend for a championship while with the team, he was always a formidable opponent wherever he raced.

    Pearson’s dominance on the track was never more evident than in 1973 when he won 11 of the 18 races he entered. “It was just enjoyable to go to a race track, he said, “knowing you had a chance of winning that race before you ever got there.”

    His career with the Wood Brothers also included a dramatic win of the Daytona 500 in 1976 in a car built by renowned car builder Banjo Matthews. Richard Petty was leading as the race wound down when Pearson made his move to the inside for the pass. At the same time Petty dove to the bottom of the track and the two collided as they were racing off of turn four. Pearson managed to keep his car running and inched across the finish line for his lone Daytona 500 win.

    Pearson also had an affinity for Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 46 starts, he earned a record 14 poles, including 11 consecutive poles from 1973 to 1978. Three of those poles translated into wins for Pearson.

    In 2011 he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame by Leonard Wood. Pearson called Wood, “the smartest man in the world,” in his acceptance speech. “If they needed something for that car and they couldn’t find it or couldn’t buy it, he made it.”

    He went on to thank Richard Petty. “He’s probably the one who made me win as many as I did. I’d run hard because he’d make me run hard. Sometimes he’d even make a mistake and I’d pass him. Of course I didn’t ever make no mistakes,” he said laughing.”I always accused him of having big engines when he passed me.”

    Pearson concluded by saying, “I knew if I ever went to a race track and he was there, if I could beat him, I’d win the race.”

    Pearson’s natural talent plus the ability to outwit his competitors made him one of NASCAR’s most successful and influential drivers both on and off the track.

    Accomplishments:

    1960 Rookie of the Year
    1966, 1968, 1969 Sprint Cup Champion
    1979 and 1980 Most Popular Driver Award
    1990 International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee
    1991 National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame Inductee
    1993 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Inductee
    1998 Named One of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers
    1998 Charlotte Motor Speedway Court of Legends
    2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee

  • Dover Police Complete Kurt Busch Domestic Assault Investigation

    Dover Police Complete Kurt Busch Domestic Assault Investigation

    On Tuesday the Dover (DE) Police Department concluded its investigation into the domestic assault allegations brought against Kurt Busch by his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll.

    “The Dover Police Department completed the investigation of Kurt Busch a few weeks ago and has since forwarded their findings along with all evidence and statements to the Kent County Attorney General’s Office.  Their office will review the findings of investigation and make a decision whether Mr. Busch will be charged or not.”

    Driscoll, president of the Armed Forces Foundation, alleged that Busch slammed her head against the bedroom wall of Busch’s motorhome three times. The incident supposedly occurred during a NASCAR race weekend in late September while Busch’s motorhome was parked outside of Dover International Speedway. Driscoll is also seeking an order of protection from the Delaware court in a case that is currently ongoing. The protective order hearing is scheduled to resume January 12.

    Busch has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement released by his attorney Rusty Hardin, the allegations were characterized as “a complete fabrication.”

    NASCAR chairman Brian France previously stated that no disciplinary action would be taken until the police investigation was complete but added that, “If charges are filed, that will change our equation, and we will look at that.”

  • Four Questions for the 2015 NASCAR Season

    Four Questions for the 2015 NASCAR Season

    As the NASCAR season approaches anticipation builds for the endless possibilities that a new year can bring. Will Earnhardt Jr. contend for a title? Will Smoke rise again? Will Kyle Larson finally grab that win? Will Roush Fenway Racing regain its former glory? Please join me as I take a look ahead at the 2015 season.

    1) Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. and new crew chief Greg Ives contend for the championship in 2015?

    The Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte partnership will be a hard act to follow as Greg Ives takes over the crew chief responsibilities for the No. 88 team in 2015. Last year was Earnhardt’s first multiple win season since 2004. It began with the season opener when he joined an elite group of drivers to score his second Daytona 500 win, continued with a sweep at Pocono and culminated with his first victory at Martinsville. Although Earnhardt did not make it through all the championship rounds to contend for the title, 2014 saw an Earnhardt on the cusp of capturing the ultimate prize.

    Will Earnhardt and Ives hit the ground running?

    “I don’t know how long it will take me and him to get on the same page, it may happen overnight, it might take a month, whatever,” Earnhardt said. “We see it happen different for everybody. But I think as the season goes on, we’ll be as strong as we were this year, if not stronger.”

    There will certainly be a period of transition as they develop team rapport and fine-tune the chemistry necessary to duplicate or exceed last year’s success. How quickly they accomplish this will be crucial to achieving their goals.

    2) Will Tony Stewart win in 2015?

    In June 2013, Tony Stewart won at Dover, continuing a 15-years-in-a-row streak of winning at least one race each season of his Sprint Cup career. It would prove to be his last win to date and the streak ended in 2014 as Stewart went winless for the first time in 16 years.

    There were, however, extenuating circumstances. Stewart was sidelined for the last 15 races of the 2013 season after breaking his right leg in August during a sprint car race at Southern Iowa Speedway. He returned full-time in 2014 but was not completely healed; scoring only three top-five finishes over the course of the season.

    Later in the year, controversy surrounded Stewart when Kevin Ward Jr. was struck by a car Stewart was driving at a sprint car race on August 9 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park.  Stewart was cleared by a grand jury of any charges but the ordeal took its toll on Stewart, who, out of respect for the family, sat out three races following the incident.

    Stewart ended the season on a positive note, celebrating the Sprint Cup Championship of Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick.

    “You know, I think more than anything, I’m happy for this organization and happy for this team. It’s not about me right now,” he said, “it’s about us as a group. It’s about everybody at Stewart-Haas Racing. You know, you learn when you’re in these situations that it’s about a larger group of people and a bigger picture that’s in play. I’m grateful that I have a co-owner and co-workers and teammates that are such great people that no matter what’s been thrown at us the last year and a half that this organization was able to thrive and continue to prosper and be successful through this.

    “You know, it shows the depth of this organization and what these people are capable of. Nights like tonight are when you sit back and you reflect on everything and you realize how proud you are of your entire group and everybody that you surround yourself with.”

    In December Stewart underwent two more surgeries on his leg and hopes to begin the new season pain-free. With controversy behind him and no more injuries, expect to see the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion back to his winning ways in 2015.

    3) Will Kyle Larson capture his first Sprint Cup win in 2015?

    Larson ended his rookie season with eight top-fives including three runner-up finishes at Fontana, New Hampshire and Kansas. That’s more top-fives than two of the final four championship contenders, Denny Hamlin (7) and Ryan Newman (5). Throw in 17 top-10s and one pole and it’s no surprise that he won the Rookie of the Year award.

    In 2006 Denny Hamlin became the first rookie (and only rookie to date) to make the Chase but Larson came close. He missed making the 16 driver Chase field by only one position, ending the season in 17th place, best among the non-Chasers.

    Larson summed up his season after the last race at Homestead saying, “There are a lot of moments that stand out, a lot of heartbreak moments as well. We will come back next season peel the rookie stripes off and try and go out there and win a race and get into the Chase and do what Kevin Harvick did tonight.”

    If determination and focus are any indicators, you will probably see Larson in victory lane this year.

    4) Will Roush Fenway Racing rebound in 2015?

    The 2014 season for Roush Fenway Racing was one of the most disappointing in recent memory as the team struggled to find speed. Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. combined for a grand total of two wins. The two victories were courtesy of Edwards who left RFR at the end of the year to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2015. Edwards and Biffle participated in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, finishing ninth and 14th respectively, but neither was considered a serious contender for the title.

    Trevor Bayne will move up to a full-time ride for RFR in the Cup Series after Edward’s departure. Bayne has driven a partial schedule for the Wood Brothers for the past four years. His most notable accomplishment was the unforgettable 2011 Daytona 500 win, his only victory in 58 starts in the series.

    In an effort to bolster their Sprint Cup and Xfinity programs, RFR has hired Mark McArdle as engineering director and Kevin Kidd as NSCS team manager.

    McArdle is an experienced veteran of IndyCar and NASCAR. He has worked in NASCAR for the past 15 years with various organizations including Roush Yates Engines, Evernham Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing and Richard Childress Racing.

    “I’m confident that having Mark and Kevin in these two key positions will make our organization even stronger next season,” said team co-owner Jack Roush. “Mark has a pedigree in racing that spans multiple platforms and speaks for itself in terms of results. He has a reputation not only for success, but as a great manager and motivator.

    “Kevin is recognized in the garage as one of the brightest minds in our sport,” added Roush. “He has acquired invaluable experience working with both veteran and young drivers, and will be a great asset to our Sprint Cup program week in and week out at the race track. We look forward to bringing both Mark and Kevin on board and welcoming them into the fold.”

    Also noteworthy, was the announcement in July 2014 that veteran Mark Martin has joined the RFR team as a driver development coach.

    Roush Fenway Racing remains one of the premier teams in NASCAR and despite recent struggles, it would be premature to count them out. This may be a year of transition but look for RFR to re-emerge as a leader sooner rather than later.

     

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Homestead-Miami Speedway

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Homestead-Miami Speedway

    This week the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series head to Homestead-Miami Speedway for a tripleheader championship weekend as the 2014 season comes to a close.

    All times ET.

    Friday, November14:

    11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    12:30-2 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    2:45 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    4-5:55 p.m.: Nationwide Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    6:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – ESPN2
    8:00 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 (134 laps, 201 miles) – FOX  Sports 1

    SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15:

    Noon-12:50 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    1:15 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    3-3:50 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 2
    4:30 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 (200 laps, 300 miles) – ESPN2

    SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16:

    3:00 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 (267 laps, 400.5 miles) – ESPN

    Press Conference Schedule:  (Watch live) on Nascar.com (Post race times approx.)

    Friday, November14:

    11:00 a.m.: NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France
    2:30 p.m.: NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Jarrett and Rusty Wallace talk Championship 4
    7:15 p.m.: NSCS Post Qualifying Press Conference with all Championship 4 drivers
    10:15 p.m. NCWTS Post Race Press Conference

    SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15:

    11:00 a.m.: Daytona Rising update with Joie Chitwood III
    11:30 a.m.: FDOT announcement
    1:00 p.m.: Jim Campbell (Vice President, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, Chevrolet), Jamie Allison (Director, Ford Racing) and David Wilson (President and General Manager, Toyota Racing Development)
    7:30 p.m.: NNS Post Race Press Conference

    SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16:

    6:45 p.m.: NSCS Post Race Press Conference

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Which is More Important – Winning or Respect?

    Which is More Important – Winning or Respect?

    The new playoff style Chase format was designed to put the emphasis on winning. Win and you’re in. Depending upon who you ask, it has brought out the best or the worst in the drivers.

    Brad Keselowski has been center stage in this debate. During the race at Texas Motor Speedway, he attempted to pass Jeff Gordon by squeezing through a gap between Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. As they went three wide, Keselowski made contact with Gordon cutting his left rear tire and causing Gordon to spin out, relegating him to a 29th place finish.

    After the race an angry Gordon confronted him but Keselowski didn’t seem to have much interest in discussing the incident, saying only that, “There was a hole.” Crew members of both teams gathered and a brawl of epic proportions broke out.

    Keselowski was unapologetic post-race saying, “We were just racing for the win. I didn’t wreck him, just raced him hard. He left a hole. Everything you watch in racing, if you leave a hole you’re supposed to go for it. It closed back up and we made contact. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s day. I wanted to win the race, and that was our opportunity. It just didn’t come together.”

    “I’ve been through a lot of rivalries,” he continued, “I’ve got a little blood on me right now, I’ve been roughed up, put in the grandstands, wrecked, and done all that stuff, and I’m still here fighting. It’s not going to change the way I race. I race with 100-percent intensity and race for the win. That’s what our fans deserve in NASCAR.”

    After several days to cool off, Gordon explained his intense reaction.

    “I have no issue with a guy being aggressive and making a bold move,” Gordon said. “If you win the race and the guy that you slam finishes third or fourth, I will be the first one to stand up and say, ‘That was awesome, that was a great move.’

    “But when you don’t win the race and you ruin a person’s day, then there are consequences that you are going to have to deal with. How you handle yourself after that is a part of that.”

    Denny Hamlin, who was involved in a dispute with Keselowski after the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, expressed a similar sentiment about Keselowski’s dismissive attitude.

    You’re just looking for someone to say, ‘Man, I’m sorry I ruined your day. I screwed up. I apologize,’” Hamlin said. “When that doesn’t get said, then it immediately lights a fire in your stomach that he doesn’t have any remorse. He’s just like, ‘Oh well, it’s your problem.’

    “If you ask me do you want a championship trophy or do you want the respect of your peers, I will take the respect from my peers because that trophy, they can’t put in my casket,” Hamlin said. “What’s the fun of a NASCAR party that nobody shows up to?”

    Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, it was Ryan Newman who caused another controversy when he made the decision to push Kyle Larson out of the way to finish 11th and secure his spot in the final race for the championship.

    “I did what I had to do,” Newman said. “I’m not proud of it, but I think if he (Larson) was in my position he would have done the same.”

    Larson salvaged a 13th place finish and while he was obviously unhappy, said that he understood Newman’s motivation.

    “Coming to the finish, there were a lot of cars racing really hard,” Larson said in a team statement Monday. “I knew the 31 (of Newman) was right around me and knew he needed to gain some spots to keep from getting eliminated from the Chase.

    “It’s a little upsetting he pushed me up to the wall, but I completely understand the situation he was in, and can’t fault him for being aggressive there. I think a lot of drivers out here would have done something similar if they were in that position.”

    Newman’s finish put him one point ahead of Gordon, ending his championship hopes for this year. Yet Gordon is proud of his team and the integrity he feels he has maintained throughout the season.

    “It’s disappointing, Gordon said. “We have a lot to hold our heads high about, the way we raced this race and this season. I hope we taught people that you can race clean and you don’t have to wreck people and ruin people’s season.”

    Is winning the only thing that matters? Opinions are as varied among the drivers as they are among their devoted fans. However, for better or worse, I have no doubt that whoever wins the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship will waste little time reflecting on how they got there as they hoist their trophy high.

  • Denny Hamlin Wins Coors Light Pole Award at Phoenix

    Denny Hamlin Wins Coors Light Pole Award at Phoenix

  • Kurt Busch under Investigation Following Allegation of Domestic Assault

    Kurt Busch under Investigation Following Allegation of Domestic Assault

    NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Kurt Busch is being investigated after an allegation of domestic assault against his ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll.

    The Dover (Del.) Police Department issued the following statement:

    The Dover Police Department can confirm that an investigation is being conducted based on an allegation of domestic assault that is alleged to have occurred in the City of Dover involving Mr. Busch. These allegations were brought to the Dover Police Department on Wednesday, November 5th at 2:00PM. At this time, the department is still investigating the victim’s claims and will not have any further comment on this matter in order to preserve the integrity of the case. The Dover Police Department will release further information as it becomes available. We appreciate the public’s and media’s patience in this matter and are confident that the department is taking the proper investigative steps to ensure the case is resolved appropriately.

    Multiple reports state that Patricia Driscoll said the incident occurred inside Busch’s motor home during the Dover International Speedway race weekend in September. Driscoll filed court documents Wednesday asking that a judge order Busch to have no contact with her and to stay away from her. She is reportedly also asking that Busch undergo a psychiatric evaluation and an evaluation by a certified domestic violence treatment agency.

    In the documents Driscoll alleges that, “He (Busch) was verbally abusive to her and said he wished he had a gun so that he could kill himself.”

    Driscoll said Busch called her names and accused her of “having spies everywhere and having a camera on the bus to watch him.” He then jumped up, grabbed her face and smashed her head three times against the wall next to the bed, the documents say.

    The documents further state that Driscoll says she pushed Busch away and ran from the bedroom, going to a nearby bus to put an ice pack on her head and neck. She said the incident caused her severe pain, difficulty breathing and bruising on her neck.

    Busch’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement Friday afternoon saying Busch would cooperate fully with the investigation.

    “The Dover Police Department has been informed that Mr. Busch will fully cooperate with their investigation,” Hardin said, “and he expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light. This allegation is a complete fabrication by a woman who has refused to accept the end of a relationship, and Mr. Busch vehemently denies her allegations in every respect. At this time, we intend to have no further comment in the media out of respect for the Dover Police Department’s desire to conduct a thorough investigation without a media circus.’’

    Busch is at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend in preparation for the upcoming Sprint Cup race but has made no statement concerning the allegations.

    Mike Arning, a spokesperson for Busch’s team, Stewart-Haas Racing, issued a statement which said, “This is an allegation Stewart-Haas Racing takes very seriously, but we’re still gathering all of the facts and are not in a position to comment in greater detail.’’

    NASCAR responded to the incident with a release from Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, as follows, “NASCAR is aware of the investigation involving driver Kurt Busch. We recognize the seriousness of this matter and are actively gathering information from all parties, including law enforcement authorities and Stewart-Haas Racing. It would be inappropriate for NASCAR to comment further on this matter until we have more information.”

    Driscoll is president of the Armed Forces Foundation and Busch has participated as a spokesperson for the organization.

    Pat LaFrieda, chairman of the board of the Armed Forces Foundation issued a statement saying, “I want to, first and foremost, express the direct support from the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Foundation to Ms. Driscoll. For more than a decade, Ms. Driscoll has been a tireless worker and advocate for our nation’s service members, veterans, and military families. The Foundation will continue working to support service members, veterans, and military families and we ask that Ms. Driscoll’s privacy be respected. Given the serious nature of the allegations, the Foundation has suspended its association with Mr. Busch.’’

    A hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 2.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Phoenix International Raceway

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Phoenix International Raceway

    This week NASCAR travels to Phoenix International Raceway. The Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix is the last chance to advance to the Championship Round next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Only four drivers will make it through to compete for the Sprint Cup Championship title.

    The Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series will also be on track at Phoenix.

    Thursday – November 6:

    3-3:55 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series practice
    5:30-7 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series final practice

    Friday, November 7:

    Noon-1:20 p.m.: Nationwide Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    1:30-3 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    3:10-4:20 p.m.: Nationwide Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    4:45 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    6:45 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – ESPN2
     8:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 (150 laps, 150 miles) FOX Sports 1

    Saturday, November 8:

    11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 2
    12:45 p.m.: Nationwide Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 2
    2:30-3:20 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 2
     4 p.m.: Nationwide Series DAV 200-Honoring America’s Veterans (200 laps, 200 miles) – ESPN

    Sunday, November 9:

     3 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 (312 laps, 312 miles) – ESPN

     

    Press Conference Schedule:  (Watch live) on Nascar.com (Post race times approx.)

    Thursday – November 6:

    4:30 p.m.: Erik Jones and Kyle Busch Motorsports announcement

    Friday – November 7:

    11:15 a.m.: Kyle Larson
    11:30 a.m.:  Aric Almirola
    Noon:         Joey Logano
    12:15 p.m.: Ryan Newman
    12:30 p.m.: Matt Kenseth
    12:45 p.m.: Jimmie Johnson
    1:00 p.m.:  Kevin Harvick
    3:15 p.m.:  Carl Edwards
    4:30 p.m.:  Jeff Gordon
    7:45 p.m.:  NSCS Post Qualifying Press Conference, plus Brad Keselowski (if not in top three)
    10:45 p.m.: NCWTS Post Race Press Conference

    Saturday – November 8:

    6:15 p.m.: NNS Post Race Press Conference

    Sunday – November 9:

    6:15 p.m.: NSCS Post Race Press Conference

     

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Texas Motor Speedway

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Texas Motor Speedway

    This week NASCAR travels to Texas Motor Speedway for a tripleheader action packed weekend.

    All times ET.

    Thursday – October 30:

    2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice
    3:30 – 5:00 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice

    Friday – October 31:

    Noon-12:50 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    1-2:30 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    3:15 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    4:30-6 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series final practice – ESPN2
    6:45 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – ESPN2
    8:30 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino and Resort 350 (147 laps – 220.5 miles) – FOX Sports 1

    Saturday – November 1:

    11-11:50 a.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    12:15 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 2
    2-2:50 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 2
    3:30 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge (200 laps – 300 miles) – ESPN2

    Sunday – November 2:

     3 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500 (334 laps – 501 miles) – ESPN

    PRESS CONFERENCE Schedule:  (Watch live) on Nascar.com (Post race times approx.)

    Friday – October 31

    11:00 a.m.: Joey Logano
    11:30 a.m.: Elliott Sadler
    Noon: Ryan Newman
    12:15 p.m.: Jimmie Johnson
    2:45 p.m.: Chase Elliott
    3:00 p.m.: Denny Hamlin
    7:45 p.m.: NSCS Post Qualifying
    10:45 p.m.: NCWTS Post Race

    Saturday – November 1

    10:30 a.m.: James Buescher
    5:45 p.m.: NNS Post Race

    Sunday – November 2

    1:45 p.m.: Harlem Globetrotters (Grand Marshals) and Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland (Honorary Pace Car Driver)
    6:45 p.m.: NSCS Post Race