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Author: Angie Campbell

  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. ‘Concerned’ Going into the Next Round of the Chase

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. ‘Concerned’ Going into the Next Round of the Chase

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished the Challenger Round at Dover with a lackluster 17th place finish.  Although he began the year with a win at the season-opener Daytona 500 followed by two more wins, both at Pocono, the team has taken a wrong turn in the last several weeks. Since his last win in August, his best finish and only top-five, was a fifth place at Michigan.

    After Sunday’s AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway, Earnhardt spoke to the media about the challenges his team encountered during the race.

    “We didn’t run good obviously,” he said. “We struggled with our car all day long. I thought we had a lot better car in practice, but we made some changes. I guess they didn’t really work out for us. We were real loose on entry and real tight in the center. The balance was bad at the start of the run and the end of the run. So we never had a moment during the race where the car was very good and competitive. We just missed the set-up pretty bad. We just need to start from scratch when we come back here next year.”

    Earnhardt called it a “frustrating day” and expressed his thoughts on the urgency of turning things around as they go into the next round of the Chase.

    “Seventeenth was as good as we could run. That’s not good enough to win a championship. But we get to move forward and start from scratch on the next weekend. Trust me,” he continued, “we’re going to go to work and try to find everything we can to get better. But we’re concerned. It’s not been a good couple of weeks. We need to find something quick.”

    Earnhardt is right to be concerned. Only eight of the 12 drivers will make it to the Eliminator Round and he is currently in seventh place on the Chase grid. However, it’s important to remember that all 12 drivers will have their points reset to 3000 entering the next round.

    But don’t count the No. 88 team out of the running. Earnhardt took to Twitter to reassure his fans that they are in it to the end.

    “This one’s over. It’s all back to zero. Can’t quit. Won’t. This team ain’t done yet. Gotta keep working hard. Smart. All the way to Homestead.”

    The action returns Sunday, October 5 at Kansas as the top 12 contend for one of those eight coveted positions that will take them to the Eliminator Round and one step closer to the winner-take-all Championship Round.

  • Erik Jones Beats the Odds With Truck Series Win at Las Vegas

    Erik Jones Beats the Odds With Truck Series Win at Las Vegas

    Erik Jones took the lead from teammate Darrell Wallace Jr. with 14 laps to go in his No. 51 ToyotaCare Tundra scoring his second victory of the season in the Rhino Linings 350 at Las Vegas.

    It is the 18-year-old Jones’ third career win in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Kyle Busch Motorsport’s first win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The victory is also KBM’s 10th win in 17 races this season.

    “That was a blast,” Jones said after the race. “Getting a win on a mile-and-half (track), that’s awesome. I couldn’t ask for any more than this right here. I wanted to win here so bad.”

    Darrell Wallace Jr. led the most laps with 84 in his No. 54 Toyota but was unable to catch his teammate in the closing laps, finishing second. It was his fifth second place finish of the 2014 season.

    “Just got beat, flat out,” said a disappointed Wallace Jr. “Congrats to the 51 (Jones), hate that it’s not the 54. We need a win. (It’s) frustrating, I hate finishing second so bad. Thanks to my guys though. I thought it was ours. Another KBM dominance for sure. We’ll go on to Talladega and try to finish one spot better.”

    Current points leader Matt Crafton, finished in third place and extended his points lead to 19 over Johnny Sauter, who finished 14th.

    Timothy Peters, last year’s race winner at this track, led 26 laps but had to settle for a fourth place finish in Saturday night’s race. Brian Ickler finished in the fifth position.

    Ryan Blaney, who started on the pole, is third in the points standings (-27) followed by Darrell Wallace Jr. in fourth (-33) and Joey Coulter in fifth place (-82).

    The Camping World Truck Series will take a three week break but returns Saturday, October 18 at Talladega Superspeedway.

    Complete Finishing Order:

    POS. CAR DRIVER
    1 51 Erik Jones
    2 54 Darrell Wallace Jr
    3 88 Matt Crafton
    4 17 Timothy Peters
    5 7 Brian Ickler
    6 29 Ryan Blaney
    7 31 Ben Kennedy
    8 13 Jeb Burton
    9 32 Tayler Malsam
    10 21 Joey Coulter
    11 5 John Wes Townley
    12 99 Bryan Silas
    13 23 Spencer Gallagher
    14 98 Johnny Sauter
    15 19 Tyler Reddick
    16 77 German Quiroga Jr
    17 8 Joe Nemechek
    18 15 Mason Mingus
    19 2 Tyler Young
    20 9 Ron Hornaday Jr
    21 63 Justin Jennings
    22 10 Jennifer Jo Cobb
    23 20 Jason White
    24 6 Norm Benning
    25 50 T.J. Bell
    26 8 Jimmy Weller III
    27 7 B J McLeod
    28 36 Scott Stenzel
    29 0 Caleb Roark
    30 35 Charles Lewandoski
  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Dover and Las Vegas

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Dover and Las Vegas

    Your guide to all the NASCAR on-track activities for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Dover International Speedway this weekend plus the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. All times are ET.

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26:
    10:00 -10:50 a.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    11:00 a.m.- 12:20 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    2:00 – 3:20 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series final practice – ESPN2
    3:40 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – ESPN2

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27:

    11:00 – 11:50 a.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    Noon – 1:15 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice
    12:15 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 2
    1:45 – 3:00 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice
    2:00 – 2:50 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 2
    3:30 p.m.: NASCAR Nationwide Series Dover 200 Race (200 laps-200 miles) – ESPN2
    6:40 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying
    10 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rhino Linings 350 Race (146 laps-219 miles) – FOX Sports 1

    SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28:

    Noon: NASCAR RaceDay – FOX Sports 1
    1:00: p.m.: NSCS Countdown – ESPN
    2:00 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 Race (400 laps-400 miles) – ESPN

  • Tony Stewart Cleared of Charges by Grand Jury

    Tony Stewart Cleared of Charges by Grand Jury

    The Ontario County Grand Jury met this week and determined that no charges would be brought against Tony Stewart regarding the death of Kevin Ward Jr.

    Ward lost his life when he was struck by Stewart’s car during a sprint car race at Canadaigua Motorsports Park on August 9.

    Ontario County District Attorney Michael Tantillo announced the findings in a press conference Wednesday afternoon and began by reading the following statement.

    “The grand jury has today completed its investigation,” he said. “During the course of the grand jury presentation, approximately two dozen witnesses testified. These included a number of race car drivers, racetrack employees and volunteers, two accident reconstructionists, medical personnel and a number of police officers. In addition, the grand jury reviewed a number of photographs and video recordings as well as other documentary evidence. After listening to and questioning all of the witnesses and reviewing all of the evidence, the grand jury has determined there is no basis to charge Tony Stewart with any crimes. This case was therefore no-billed by the grand jury.”

    Tantillo further stated that, “The charges that were submitted to the grand jury for consideration were manslaughter in the second degree and criminally negligent homicide. In New York State, it takes 12 or more grand jurors to return those charges. So while I can’t tell you what their votes were, obviously you can deduce the fact there were not 12 votes for either charge.”

    He also revealed that toxicology reports indicated that “at the time of operation, he (Ward) was under the influence of marijuana and that the levels “were enough to impair judgment.”

    Another significant facet of the investigation that was presented to the grand jury centered on the two videos that were examined, one of which was posted on YouTube shortly after the accident.

    “Those videos were examined in detail. They were enhanced. They were run through programs that allowed the frames to be isolated. They were run at 75%, 50% and 25% speed,” the DA explained. “They were overlaid with grids and data, and they were an important piece of the evidence considered here. The videos did not demonstrate any aberrational driving by Tony Stewart until the point of impact with Kevin Ward, at which point his vehicle veered to the right up the track as a result of the collision. Prior to that, his course was pretty straight.”

    Stewart issued a statement saying, “This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive.”

    “I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known.

    “While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”

    Brett Jewkes, NASCAR Chief Communications Officer, said of the decision, “There are no winners in tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they as they all cope with this tragic incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and we have respected the local authorities responsible for reviewing this case.”

    District Attorney Tantillo spoke to Ward’s family and acknowledged that Mr. Ward “was probably disappointed by the outcome, but he was very appreciative of the work that the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s office had put into the case.”

     

     

  • Keselowski Wins Coors Light Pole Award at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

    Keselowski Wins Coors Light Pole Award at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

  • Rookie Kyle Larson Proves He Belongs in the Sprint Cup Series

    Rookie Kyle Larson Proves He Belongs in the Sprint Cup Series

    When it was announced last year that Kyle Larson would replace Juan Pablo Montoya in the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the Sprint Cup Series in 2014, my first reaction was shock. It had nothing to do with Larson’s skill.

    I saw him race at Rockingham Speedway in November 2012 when he won the K&N Pro Series East championship in his rookie year. He also won the Rookie of the Year title that same year. Only two other drivers in the series, Joey Logano and Ryan Truex, have won the championship in their rookie season. It was enough to make me sit up and take notice, and I wasn’t the only one.

    Jeff Gordon spoke about Larson’s K&N championship, saying, “It’s extremely impressive to me. I think he came into it pretty late. To be able to win the K&N East Series against the talent that’s out there with the limited amount of experience that he has in a full-bodied stock car is extremely impressive and says a lot about his talent and skills.”

    A few months later in April of the following year, again at Rockingham, Larson won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, in only five starts. As Gordon noted, what is most noteworthy about these accomplishments is that Larson comes from an open-wheel racing background.

    And that is where the doubt crept in. Was Larson ready to tackle the Sprint Cup Series after only one full season in the Nationwide Series? We’ve seen other drivers who were arguably thrust into the Cup Series before they were ready with lackluster results.

    Chip Ganassi had no such trepidation when he announced Larson as the new driver of the No. 42.

    “We believe Kyle is the future of the sport,” Ganassi said. “He is a unique talent.”

    He went on to say, “I’m sure there will be growing pains, but I think he’s ready. Some of those growing pains will come whenever his first year in the series is. But I think this is a good opportunity. My expectations and advice to him are keep the car on the track and run laps.”

    As the season has progressed, I’m thrilled to say that at least in this particular situation, I was wrong.There have indeed been “growing pains” and it hasn’t always been pretty. Larson’s passion and determination to win sometimes causes him to push too hard and he has developed a love/hate relationship with the wall. Even with the miscues, he has managed to achieve six top-fives, 12 top-10s and one pole so far this season.

    Luckily for Larson, Jeff Gordon has remained one of his most ardent supporters and seems willing to offer support and advice. Following today’s race, Gordon took a few moments to talk to Larson.

    When asked what he said to the rookie, Gordon replied, “I’m a big fan. I like seeing young guys out there driving like that. That’s so much fun. That’s what this sport is all about. I just want to let him know what a great job I thought he did.”

    Larson added that Gordon had also given him some advice on restarts but Gordon laughed and interrupted him to say, “Don’t tell them that part.”

    After watching Larson race at Chicagoland Speedway, leading laps and battling for the win with the best drivers in the sport, one thing is clear. Chip Ganassi made the correct decision. And, thanks to his foresight, the fans get to go along for the ride as one of NASCAR’s future stars takes his first steps on that exhilarating journey.

  • Issue with Helmet Cooling System to Blame for Jimmie Johnson’s Dehydration at Richmond

    Issue with Helmet Cooling System to Blame for Jimmie Johnson’s Dehydration at Richmond

    Jimmie Johnson’s team found a problem with his helmet’s cooling system that led to his dehydration following the race at Richmond International Raceway Saturday night. After an eighth place finish, as Johnson exited his car, he began experiencing leg cramps and dizziness. He was assisted to the infield care center where he received five liters of intravenous fluids.

    “This afternoon just before I left for New York for my media obligations for NASCAR, the team found an issue with the cooling system for my helmet,” Johnson explained. “Basically, it was blowing warm air. It’s nice to have a good idea as to what went wrong and why I got so hot in the race car. It’s a newer system that we’ve implemented, so we’re just going back to our old faithful system that’s worked for years and years. We should have the problem rectified.”

    The six-time champion is considered one of the fittest drivers in the garage, incorporating exercise and proper nutrition into his training regimen to stay at the top of his game.

    “I’m always looking at different ways to adjust my routine and nutrition going into a race and coming out of a race,” he said. “I really felt like everything was in line (at Richmond) and still do after reviewing everything. Now after finding the helmet cooling issue, I’m confident in my plan going into races. We found the issue.”

    “I feel much better,” Johnson continued. “I felt a lot better Saturday evening after the infield care center. I attended the triathlon that my foundation put on Sunday morning and then headed down to Charleston for a buddy’s wedding. But I’m doing much better and feeling good.”

    He’s already looking ahead to the Chase and the media tour promoting it including appearances on NBC’s “Today” show and NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

    “I’m excited to get started with the Chase and head to New York to do all the appearances that I have up there and make my way to Chicagoland for more appearances and media on Thursday,” he stated. “It’s an exciting time for our sport and an exciting time for the Lowe’s team.”

    His primary focus, however, appears to be on the upcoming race as Johnson ended his remarks by saying, “I’m hoping to get started this weekend in Chicago with a win.”

     

  • Then There Were 16 – The Chase Grid is Set for the 2014 Sprint Cup Championship

    Then There Were 16 – The Chase Grid is Set for the 2014 Sprint Cup Championship

    With only two more positions to be filled, and one race remaining, Saturday’s race at Richmond International Raceway held the promise of a no holds barred, fight to the finish. Instead it delivered an uneventful event but a dominant fourth win by Brad Keselowski who led 383 out of 400 laps. His fourth win also puts him atop the Chase Grid.

    Keselowski was thrilled saying, “What a night! Part of me, I pulled into victory lane and I pinched myself once to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. These are nights you don’t forget as a driver, and you live for. The Miller Lite Ford Fusion was just flying, and this is, I couldn’t ask for a better way to enter the Chase than to win and take the first seed.”

    Greg Biffle held on with a 19th place finish to make the Chase by seven points and is seeded 15th on the Chase Grid. Ryan Newman finished ninth to secure the 16th spot.

    The points have been reset and all of the 16 drivers in the Chase Grid begin with 2000 points. Three additional bonus points are given for each win during the 26 race regular season.

    Keselowski is first with 2012 points. Positions second through fifth are held by the drivers who earned three victories each during the regular season accumulating 2009 points each. Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano are in positions second through fifth, respectively.

    Jeff Gordon finished second at Richmond but is excited to begin the Chase.

    “This team is on fire, and we just can’t wait to get it all started,” he said. “It’s been a heck of a year. Our fans and the way that they’ve embraced this season has been extremely motivating, and I know how proud they are. And we’re proud of the effort and the results that we’re getting this year. Ten more weeks that we’ve got to get it done, and this team is ready to do that.”

    Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick, with two wins and 2006 points each, are sixth and seventh.

    The drivers with one win during the regular season begin the Chase with 2003 points. Positions eighth through 13th, in order, are held by Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Aric Almirola, and AJ Allmendinger.

    Matt Kenseth, with zero wins and 2000 points is in the 14th spot and is joined by Greg Biffle (15th) and Ryan Newman (16th), also with 2000 points each to complete the Chase Grid.

    Next week on September 14, the series travels to Chicagoland, the first of three races in the Challenger Round. Then it’s on to New Hampshire on September 21 and the final race in this round which is at Dover on September 28.

    The Challenger Round – 3 Races/16 Drivers: At the end of the Challenger Round, the top 12 drivers will advance to the Contender Round.  Win a race in the Challenger Round and you automatically advance to the Contender Round. The remaining top 12 drivers will be set by points. All drivers who advance will then have their points total reset to 3000 for the Contender Round.

    The Contender Round – 3 Races/12 Drivers (Kansas, Charlotte, Talladega): At the end of the Contender Round, the top eight drivers will advance to the Eliminator Round. Win a race in the Contender Round and you automatically advance to the Eliminator Round. The remaining top eight drivers will be set by points. All drivers who advance will then have their points total reset to 4000.

    The Eliminator Round – 3 Races/8 Drivers (Martinsville, Texas, Phoenix): At the end of the Eliminator Round, the top four drivers will advance to the final Championship Round. Win a race in the Eliminator Round and you automatically advance to the Championship Round. The remaining top four drivers will be set by points. All drivers who advance will then have their points total reset to 5000.

    The Sprint Cup Championship – 1 Race/4 Drivers: The final race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway will determine the new champion. The first to cross the finish line of the remaining four eligible drivers will be the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion.

    Chase Grid Set.2014

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Keselowski Wins Sprint Cup Coors Light Pole Award at Richmond

    Keselowski Wins Sprint Cup Coors Light Pole Award at Richmond

  • Alex Tagliani Wins Truck Series Pole at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

    Alex Tagliani Wins Truck Series Pole at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

    Alex Tagliani won the Keystone Light Pole Award and set a new track qualifying record at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with a lap of 80.558 seconds at 109.889 mph. As he leads the field to green in Sunday’s Chevrolet Silverado 250 race, he will also be making his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

    Tagliani competes in the Canadian Tire Series and has one previous start in the series at this track in 2008 where he finished in fifth place. He also competes in IndyCar.

    After qualifying he talked about his preparation for qualifying and racing this weekend.

    “We went out, the truck was fast from the get go,” he said. “We had just one little glitch we had to fix, we had some fuel pressure issues. Basically it took about 25 minutes to fix that and then we went and ran and made sure that everything was good. We parked it before the session was over, the guys were happy enough. We used the second practice getting ready for the race tomorrow.”

    Tagliani also spoke about being part of the Brad Keselowski Racing team saying, “I feel really honored to be here and drive his truck.”

    NASCAR Next driver Gray Gaulding will start beside him on the outside pole. Erik Jones will begin the race in the third position followed by German Quiroga Jr. and Cole Custer to round out the top five.

    Several drivers had difficulties keeping their trucks on the track including third place finisher Jones who went off track during qualifying. Joey Coulter, who drove his No. 21 into the tire barriers, qualified in the 15th position. Ryan Blaney, who will start 14th, got sideways and Matt Crafton had similar issues but will begin the race in eighth place.

    Series’ point leader Johnny Sauter will start the race from the 11th position.

    The Chevrolet Silverado 250 is scheduled for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on FOX Sports 1.

    Complete Starting Lineup:

    POS. CAR DRIVER
    1 19 Alex Tagliani
    2 20 Gray Gaulding
    3 51 Erik Jones
    4 77 German Quiroga Jr
    5 0 Cole Custer
    6 53 Andrew Ranger
    7 54 Darrell Wallace Jr
    8 88 Matt Crafton
    9 17 Timothy Peters
    10 32 Cameron Hayley
    11 98 Johnny Sauter
    12 31 Ben Kennedy
    13 9 Brennan Newberry
    14 29 Ryan Blaney
    15 21 Joey Coulter
    16 8 John Hunter Nemechek
    17 13 Jeb Burton
    18 99 Bryan Silas
    19 2 Tyler Young
    20 35 Mason Mingus
    21 7 Ray Courtemanche Jr
    22 50 T.J. Bell
    23 63 Scott Stenzel
    24 8 B J McLeod
    25 36 Justin Jennings
    26 6 Norm Benning
    27 10 Jennifer Jo Cobb
    28 0 Caleb Roark