Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Category: XFINITY Series

NASCAR XFINITY Series news and information

  • Michael Annett Supports Third Annual Team WillyK Helmet Raffle

    Michael Annett Continues Support of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with Third Annual Helmet Raffle at Iowa Speedway

    Des Moines, Iowa (August 2, 2011) – Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett proudly joins Team WillyK in their third annual helmet raffle during Iowa Speedway race week in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A cause that hits close to home for the Des Moines native, Annett’s support of family friend Will Krueger, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) three years ago, started the annual fundraiser.

    “The idea to organize this helmet raffle started with Iowa Speedway’s inaugural Nationwide Series race in 2009. I wanted to find a way to help Will and others who were diagnosed with Leukemia, and with the help of my helmet painter, Ryan Young at Indocil Art, we coordinated the race related helmet raffle to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” said Annett, “In 2009 and 2010 combined, we raised $25,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and we hope that number elevates even more with this weekend’s raffle. The Krueger family has been close to me for many years, so being able to help people like them who are directly affected by this disease means a great deal to me.”

    Nick and Peggy Krueger of Des Moines, Will’s parents, are honored that Michael has stepped up for the third year in a row to help them with their fundraising mission.

    “On June 2, Will had completed 1,215 days of treatment for ALL, so this summer has really been a celebration of his tremendous accomplishment. We are so proud of him, and we are extremely grateful to people like Michael who have helped us cross the cancer finish line,” said Nick, Will’s father, “The support demonstrated by Michael for Team WillyK for the last three years has been incredible. The money that this raffle generates goes to aid the research that we believe has made it possible for Will to have not only completed treatment, but enables him to live an active lifestyle of a normal second grader. We would have done anything for Will not to have gone through this, but this experience has changed our lives in such a positive way. The kindness of people like Michael towards our family has been overwhelming.”

    For 2011, Will’s Team in Training, Team WillyK, is training and fundraising to participate in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in Malibu, Calif. this September.

    “After Will was diagnosed, we soon discovered that we couldn’t control his outcome and we had to trust that his treatment would beat the cancer. We could, however, control raising money for more research. We recognized that all of the people who had been diagnosed with ALL prior to his diagnosis helped increase his chances of a full recovery. Our family made fund raising a priority because it was the best way to pay it forward. We quickly got connected to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and started recruiting friends to join Team WillyK, and today we’re proud to say we’ve raised $438,954.82 since our first event with Team in Training in 2008,” said Nick.

    With help from his fellow Nationwide Series drivers, Annett will have the 2011 raffle helmet signed by all 43 drivers slated to compete in Saturday’s race at Iowa Speedway. Annett’s helmet designer, Ryan Young of Indocil Art, donated his time and creative efforts to the cause.

    “My dad was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1996, so when Michael asked for my help, I didn’t hesitate to offer it,” said Young, “My family has gone through the same struggle that the Krueger’s are now faced with, so this cause is very close to me. It’s my pleasure to be able to help support Team WillyK and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through this fundraiser.”

    To enter to win the commemorative helmet, individuals can purchase raffle tickets on Friday and Saturday at Iowa Speedway. The Team WillyK fundraising team will be on-site in teal Team WillyK shirts selling tickets throughout the Iowa Speedway property. The cost of the tickets is $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

    For more information on Will Krueger and Team WillyK, please visit www.teamwillyk.com.

    For more information on Michael Annett, please visit www.michaelannett.com.

    About the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

    The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and services for patients. For 60 years, LLS has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers, helping patients live better, stronger lives. Because of the funds raised for cancer research, Will is ALIVE today. It is through fundraising and research that the standard Leukemia survival rate has increased to better than 90 percent. Proceeds from this year’s helmet raffle will be donated to LLS through Team WillyK. For more information, visit www.LLS.org.

  • Elliott Sadler No. 2 Nationwide Series Advance – Iowa Speedway II

    Elliott Sadler No. 2 Nationwide Series Advance – Iowa Speedway II

    Elliott Sadler

    No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet Impala

    NASCAR Nationwide Series Race 22 of 34 – Iowa Speedway

    ON TO THE HAWKEYE STATE: Elliott Sadler and the No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet Impala will head to Iowa Speedway for the second time this season. In the first event, Sadler qualified the Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) Chevrolet in the sixth position and brought home a fifth-place finish.

    KHI AT IOWA: KHI has made a total of four NASCAR Nationwide Series starts at the Newton, Iowa track. The organization has notched two top-five and three top-10 finishes, with a best finish of second in 2010, earned by team co-owner Kevin Harvick.

    CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 2 OneMain Financial team will bring chassis No. 068 to Iowa Speedway this weekend. This is the fifth time the team has run the chassis this season, including the first race at Iowa Speedway in May. Sadler has two top-five finishes this season with this chassis, including a fourth-place finish at Richmond International Raceway and a fifth-place finish at Iowa. He also competed with chassis No. 068 at Phoenix International Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

    SPECIAL GUEST: The No. 2 team will have a special guest at Iowa Speedway this weekend. Carla Priest, the OneMain Financial Branch Manager in Joplin, Mo., and her staff spent endless hours volunteering to help the people of her town rebuild after the devastating tornado hit the city of 50,000 in May. Priest, who led efforts with the Salvation Army, the Red Cross and several other organizations, would work at the OneMain Financial branch during the day and help those left homeless each night.

    MEET ELLIOTT SADLER: Fans have the opportunity to meet Sadler at the Altoona, Iowa OneMain Financial branch on Friday, August 5. Sadler will be signing autographs and meeting fans from noon until 1 p.m. at 3418 8th St. SW, Altoona, Iowa 50009.

    PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Sadler and the No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet team battled from the back of the field after an incident during qualifying to contend for the win at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis on Saturday night. A lap-199 incident relegated the KHI No. 2 to a 16th-place finish.

    TO THE POINT: Sadler remains in the third position in the Nationwide Series Driver’s Point Standings, 24 points from leader Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and 21 points from second-place Reed Sorenson. The tight race to the championship continues this week at Iowa Speedway with 13 events left on the 2011 schedule.

    MOST POPULAR DRIVER: Sadler is eligible for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award. Fans can vote for Sadler now through November 17 on NASCARNationwideSeries.com.

    THOUGHTS FROM THE DRIVER: Elliott Sadler

    How do you feel heading into this week’s race at Iowa Speedway?

    “Iowa is a really unique race track. It’s similar to Richmond International Raceway, but it has a little longer straightaways, which gives the track more of a speedway feel. It’s a bumpy race track, but we were able to take to it right away in May because of my experience with short tracks. One of the best races that we had this season was at Iowa, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

    OneMain Financial

    OneMain Financial is the premier community lender in the U.S. With more than 1,300 locations across the country, OneMain Financial has been serving communities since 1912. Additional information may be found at www.onemainfinancial.com.

  • Promising Night for RWR’s Michael Annett Goes Up in Smoke at Lucas Oil Raceway

    Promising Night for RWR’s Michael Annett Goes Up in Smoke at Lucas Oil Raceway

    Indianapolis, Ind. (August 1, 2011) – After securing an eighth place starting position for Saturday’s 30th Annual Kroger 200 at Lucas Oil Raceway, Michael Annett and his No. 62 Pilot Flying J team were optimistic about the night’s event.

    Starting off with a free handling race car, a determined Annett fought to race towards the front of the pack throughout the first half of the 200 lap race. The second yellow flag came out on lap 113, and making an effort to gain track position, crew chief Rick Viers called for changing only right side tires when the No. 62 Pilot Flying J Toyota Camry came to pit road. Viers’ smart move advanced Annett to second for the restart on lap 120.

    Battling with the frontrunners, all with the advantage of four fresh Goodyears, Annett maintained a steady hold on the top-five throughout the next 50 green flag laps. With hopes of another strong finish for his Rusty Wallace Racing team, Annett rode in sixth on lap 175 when his promising night was cut short.

    With just 25 laps remaining, sixth place Annett was passing the No. 40 car that was five laps down when the lapped car came down from the top side of the track and hit the No. 62, pushing both cars into the wall between turns three and four. Hoping to get his No. 62 Pilot Flying J Toyota Camry re-fired and to pit road for damage repair before going a lap down, Annett was then struck by teammate Steve Wallace who was tapped and got loose trying to move around the two wrecked cars.

    The mayhem brought out the red flag at Lucas Oil Raceway and was unfortunately the ending to night’s race for both of Rusty Wallace Racing’s Toyota Camrys.

    “It’s a shame that such a good night had to end this way. Our Pilot Flying J team was heading towards another top-10 finish when a car that was five laps down ruined our night. Both mine and Steve’s cars were good, so it’s unfortunate that both of them are torn up,” said Annett, “We have a big week ahead of us at Iowa Speedway, so we’ll try to stay positive and get focused on a strong finish at my home track next week.”

    Next on the schedule for Des Moines, Iowa native Annett is Iowa Speedway’s U.S. Cellular 250 presented by Enlist Weed Control System. One of four Nationwide Series drivers eligible for Nationwide Insurance’s $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus at Iowa Speedway next week, Annett is looking forward to Saturday’s 250 lap event on his home turf. Tune to ESPN2 for live race coverage at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 6.

    For the latest updates on Michael Annett, visit www.michaelannett.com.

    About Pilot Flying J:

    Pilot Flying J is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has more than 550 locations in North America. The company employs more than 20,000 people and is the largest retail operator of travel centers in North America. Follow Pilot Flying J on Twitter at @pilottravel.

  • David Mayhew No. 33 Nationwide Series Advance: Iowa Speedway

    David Mayhew No. 33 Nationwide Series Advance: Iowa Speedway

    David Mayhew

    No. 33 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet Impala

    NASCAR Nationwide Series Race 22 of 34 – Iowa Speedway

    NATIONWIDE SERIES DEBUT: David Mayhew is set to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the No. 33 Rheem/Menards Chevrolet Impala this weekend at Iowa Speedway. Mayhew has competed in two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events for Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) this season behind the wheel of the No. 2 MMI Services Chevrolet Silverado. The Bakersfield, Calif., native finished a career-best third at Texas Motor Speedway in June and collected his first-career pole in only his sixth start in the series last month at Iowa. Mayhew led 21 laps en route to a third-place finish at the Newton, Iowa track.

    NOT REALLY A ROOKIE: While this weekend might be Mayhew’s first Nationwide Series race at Iowa, the driver is no stranger to victory lane at the 0.875-mile tri-oval. Mayhew has made six starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West division with a record that includes one pole, three wins, four top-five and five top-10 finishes at the track as well as 210 laps led.

    HARVICK’S PICK: Impressed with Mayhew’s knowledge and talent, KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick tapped fellow California native to practice his Nationwide Series cars in practice sessions at Iowa last season and Chicagoland Speedway in June this year when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule and logistics kept Harvick from participating in the practices. Mayhew has also tested cars for KHI during the off season.

    PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: After collecting his career-best series finish at Nashville Superspeedway, Austin Dillon and the No. 33 Rheem/Menards team headed to Indiana looking to top the third-place finish in the Nationwide Series Saturday night showdown at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. Dillon qualified the KHI Chevrolet Impala in the 12th position and raced among the top 10 for the majority of the 200-lap event. The young driver finished 14th after being involved in a late-race incident which included teammate Elliott Sadler in the No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet.

    CHASSIS HISTORY: Crew chief David Hyder and the No. 33 Rheem/Menards team have prepared chassis No. 066 for this weekend’s race at Iowa Speedway. The No. 33 team utilized this chassis five times thus far this season. Kevin Harvick finished third at Phoenix International Raceway, sixth at Bristol Motor Speedway and second at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Paul Menard competed with chassis No. 066 at Richmond International Raceway where he finished second and driver Austin Dillon drove to a 10th-place finish at Iowa Speedway in May.

    THOUGHTS FROM THE DRIVER: DAVID MAYHEW

    What are your thoughts on making your Nationwide Series debut this weekend at Iowa Speedway?

    “I really want to thank Kevin and DeLana [Harvick], Menards and Rheem for the chance to get to drive for KHI. They have great equipment and build great cars. I am really looking forward to making my first official start in the Nationwide Series. I practiced the car for Kevin [Harvick] a couple of times last year and made it to Iowa earlier this year to practice for Austin Dillon, but rain kept us off the track. It’ll be great to get behind the wheel this weekend and not only practice, but see it through to qualifying and the race.

    “It’s always good to go back to Iowa. I’ve been there and raced at the track before so it’ll be good that I am not trying to learn the car and the track all at once. I’ve won races at Iowa in the West Series. I like how the track drives. It’s like a big track even though it’s a short track. We had a great race there last month in the No. 2 truck. I’m really excited to go back.”

    About Menards:

    With 263 stores in 13 Midwestern states, Menards has the tools, materials and supplies for all your home improvement needs whether just needing a light bulb or can of paint to building a deck or new home. Menards is known throughout the home improvement industry as the low price leader; it’s no wonder their famous slogan – “SAVE BIG MONEY” – is so widely known and easy to remember. Menards does things right – the company’s strength and success can be seen in the well-stocked and maintained stores, the lowest prices in town and the way guests are always treated like family in a hometown hardware store atmosphere.

  • A Future Begins At The Track of Dreams

    A Future Begins At The Track of Dreams

    The brickyard has long been known as the place of dreams. It didn’t change today. Today it saw a young man who has struggled and fought the naysayers to chase his dream. He never lost his faith and his family never lost their faith in him. A familiar face moved that dream forward last fall when Richard Childress added team number 4. That addition to the legendary RCR stable would set up today’s dream come true for Paul Menard. Because today Paul Menard made his dreams come true with a win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    [media-credit name=”Brian Douglas” align=”alignright” width=”232″][/media-credit]Although Menard was a long shot to win. He did so with strategy and fuel mileage and consistency. He conserved when he had to conserve. He raced hard when he had to race hard. He over came the obstacles. He fought the temptation to be intimidated by the 24 of Jeff Gordon coming fast in his mirror. He stayed steady and he ran his line

    He won one of the crown jewels of NASCAR, by being Paul Menard. He was quiet on the radio. He was composed in victory lane. His emotions were his to share and he choose to share them with the people who got him there not the people who were undoubtedly surprised that he arrived. “This one is for my Dad.” He said calmly. When asked about the 24 in his mirror, he said, “Beating Jeff Gordon at Indy is a big deal”.

    It was a dream day for others as well. Teams that didn’t run well and haven’t run well, 6 in the top 10 had a below average day and yet the fuel strategy game fell their way. Teams like Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth all benefited from late race fuel strategy calls.

    But the track of dreams also brings disappointments for some. It is inevitable after all. For everything that is gained something is lost. In this case it was a race that many who ran well all day ended up not a part of due to fuel mileage. Crew Chief Alan Gustafson commented on those who got good finishes because of the strategy, “You hate that running bad gives those guys an advantage.” Gustafson’s driver finished 2nd after making up 11 seconds in 12 laps.

    Tony Stewart led late only to have to stop for fuel. Jimmie Johnson who ran strong all day in the top 10 finished a disappointing 19th. Dale Earnhardt Jr who took the lead on pit strategy after over heating with debris on the grill and led the race for 6 laps midway but finished 16th. The list goes on.

    The one resounding comment that was heard from every driver was, “Congratulations to Paul and Slugger Labbe. They worked hard for it. It’s good to see it come their way.”

    The race itself was rather nondescript. It was intense for the final 19 laps or so. But it was not really exciting. The broadcast was well a bit over dramatized. The new anchor in the pit studio, Nicole Briscoe was over dramatic in her starring role debut. And the entire broadcast had the feel of theatrical production rather than a race.

    The whole weekend was somewhat that way. The Camping World Trucks normally exciting and fun to watch ran a snoozer on perhaps their final showing at LOR/ORP. But it had its bright spot. We got to see a champion behave like a champion.

    Truck Series winner Timothy Peter’s, however showed an extreme lack of judgment when he proceeded with his celebratory burn out while there were still two trucks on the front stretch. To his left, dead in the water and out of gas a few yards from the start finish line was Ricky Carmichael unable to go any further. To his left was Austin Dillon, trying to finish the race after contact with Todd Bodine. To continue with the burn out while putting others at risk was simply not acceptable. Granted he won the race and was entitled to his celebration but wait until the track is clear.

    The incident between Todd Bodine and Austin Dillon on the final lap was troubling. Todd Bodine ran Austin Dillon into the wall. He made no bones about it and took complete responsibility. He said, “I didn’t see him. If I were him, I would be mad at me too.” Austin Dillon showed his roots when he said, “I don’t know what happened there. I have to talk to Todd first.” How refreshing! A Champion who acted like a champion and a potential champion that acted like a champion, is it any wonder the Camping World Truck Series is so much fun to watch. But fun or not it doesn’t change the fact that Todd’s spotter obviously didn’t tell him that Austin was there. Fortunately, Todd Bodine has exceptional truck control and was able to prevent the situation from becoming more serious. This incident was only the beginning of the “unusual” happenings at LOR/ORP that could have had serious results in terms of driver safety.

    The Nationwide Series also ran at LOR/ORP. This race had perhaps the scariest incident of the year. Justin Allgaier lost a fuel line and the fire under the car grew with each passing lap. Crew Chief Jimmy Elledge called him in when he saw the fire on the monitor.

    The fire itself was scary enough. But what Allgaier’s wife reported happened next on Twitter was terrifying. “I’m so angry w/ the firefighters… Got to car & told crew “not my job” so crew guy took fire extinguisher and it didn’t even work!” she reported. “I’m thankful Justin was okay and for the 32 guys for pulling him out of car!” She concluded.

    So not only did the fire officials refuse to help Justin out of the car, they didn’t have fire fighting equipment that was functional to try to put out the fire. Surely, this incident did not get lost in all the confusion about lining up for the restart?

    The young man’s life was at risk. The oil in the engine was reportedly over 300 degree’s. The front of the car was a rolling ball of fire. Yes he had on a fire retardant suit. But there was no way for anyone to know at that point that the engine would not blow up or that the fire was not much wider spread than it appeared and it appeared severe.

    This situation was severe enough that NASCAR needs to step up to the plate and make their driver’s safety first initiative a mandatory requirement for all tracks. No driver should ever be at the mercy of help coming or not coming because of the location of the vehicle that is on fire. No driver should have to depend on his team or team mates to help out of a burning vehicle. It is simply unacceptable.

    Regardless of what happened on the track with the restart, Justin Allgaier should have been the primary concern of everyone on pit road. His safety and his exit from that car should have been the foremost thought and focus for everyone, officials and safety workers. Every one of those people within the reach of a fire extinguisher or him should have been there immediately to assist him out of the vehicle and to put out the fire.

    Officials wear fire suits too. Yes I understand that they are impartial. But saving or assisting a driver from harms way is part of their job. It’s why they monitor lug nuts and pit stall positioning. I will lay you odds that if Justin had been out of the box there would have been an official there to issue the penalty. Yet when he needed them to be proactive and help him, they were conspicuous by their absence.

    The hype and the spectacle that is Indy has come to an end. The bricks have been kissed. The trophy has been awarded. And the haulers have begun their trek homeward. The new week has begun. Crew Chiefs have replaced their notes with Pocono and the work begins in earnest to find the way to victory lane again, this time at the tricky triangle. For some this will be a night of celebration and champagne. For some it will be a night of if only’s. But one constant remains, on nagging thought on the minds of every driver and team. How do we squeeze a gallon from a drop and when will we race for the checkers again. Only time will tell and then only if NASCAR will allow the secret to be told.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * * * * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Congratulations to Timothy Peters and his Red Horse Racing Team on their victory at LOR/ORP.

    Congratulations to Brad Keselowski and his Penske Racing Team on their NNS victory.

    And major congratulations to Paul Menard and his RCR team on their win of the Brickyard 400. It is always inspiring and uplifting to see someone make their dreams come true. Enjoy it Paul. You earned it. “Remember today, for it is the beginning of always. Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold.”

    That said, to all the competitors in all the series thanks for giving us everything you have to give, you are our heroes. Most importantly, thanks to all the families who shared their loved ones with us so we could cheer our favorite driver and favorite teams. You are the true heroes of the sport and we are forever in your debt.

  • Brad Keselowski Post-Race Quotes

    Brad Keselowski Post-Race Quotes

    Saturday, July 30, 2011

    Dodge Motorsports PR

    Lucas Oil Raceway 30th Annual Kroger 200 Post-Race Quotes NASCAR Nationwide Series

    BRAD KESELOWSKI (No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T) Finished 1st “I’m not sure what happened at the end of that race. I’m going to have to go back and watch it on TV to fully understand what happened. The 16 car blew up. The 31 caught on fire. We ended up restarted in second position on the outside lane and I knew that if I could get around the 6 car that we had a shot at the win. I had a great short-run car that could give Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.) a run for his money. If the race was two of three laps longer, I’m sure Ricky would have drove around us. Our Discount Tire Dodge Challenger was great on the short run. It’s great to get back to victory lane again.

    “Indy has always meant a lot to me. Coming from Michigan and this being a track that I always drove to, I’ve never missed a race here in all the years as a fan, spectator, kid, mechanic and a driver; it’s a place that I always enjoyed coming to. I’m glad to be able to sit in victory lane as a driver for the first time here. What’s so special about this place is that I have a lot of family on the west side of the state, some of them are here today and I saw them up in the grandstands. It’s just a privilege to win around people that you grew up with and you know. It’s almost like a second home track for me. It’s a real pleasure and honor to win here.”

    CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE RESTART? “I just knew that I needed to get a good restart. He still beat me; we drove into (turns) 1 and 2 and he had a great run, he was clearing me. So I crossed back over, got back to the bottom and raced him into 3. The next thing I knew I was in the lead.”

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WIN AT THIS TRACK? “It’s a very special win being from Michigan. I’ve been coming to this race track for years. I’ve been to victory lane as a team guy and a mechanic, but never a driver. It’s so special to win her and win here in a Dodge.”

    WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING ON WHEN THE 31 PULLED OUT OF LINE ON FIRE? “It was certainly a key factor in winning the race. I knew that if I could get to the front row with the short run speed that my car had and knowing that Ricky was struggling with short run speed, he had great long run speed, I knew that was going to be a huge deciding factor in my favor. Watching the 31 car, he was on fire for a really long time. It was really unfortunate for him. That’s a crazy way to get taken out of a chance to win a race. It worked out in our favor. It was an amazing break, an amazing opportunity. As a team, we were able to capitalize on it and close it out.”

    WOULD YOU BE IN FAVOR OF KEEPING THIS TRACK ON THE SCHEDULE NEXT YEAR? “Absolutely. I’m a big fan of keeping this race track on the schedule, speaking back to the heritage that it has to me and my family. For the sport in general, it’s been a part of the Nationwide Series for a long, long time. Event the sponsor of the race, Kroger, has been a part of the series for a long time. There’s a lot of honor and tradition that goes with that. It’s certainly something that we’d like to keep. Hopefully, something will get worked out. I think short track racing in general is great for the sport. It can be tough. It can be frustrating for the drivers. It’s some of the best races to watch for the fans. Heck, even I enjoy it; I like to watch it when I’m not driving. I’ll watch every short track race. I really think it’s a big part of our sport and what it was built on. I’d love to see this race track try and find a way to get another race.”

    TODD GORDON (crew chief, No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger R/T) “A great win for us. We’re just trying to make our race cars better each week and make the best of the opportunities that we got. I think tonight played out that way. The Roush camp was pretty strong tonight. I felt that we had a fifth-place car on the long run. That’s one of the things that Brad and I talked about in practice, that we had extremely good short-run speed, but didn’t have a long-run speed car. We made several efforts in practice to try and find that long-run speed. Finally at the end we sat in the hauler and said we have to go where we know that we can make something happen and that was put the short-run speed back in the car. We did that and worked on it all night to try a get a little bit more out of it. I think that we made improvements, but I don’t think that we made enough. We put ourselves in position to take advantage and I’m proud of the race team for getting us there.”

    TRAVIS GEISLER (Director of Competition, Penske Racing) “I don’t even think the Captain can put together a game plan for how that race finished. I’m really proud of this entire No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge team. They just keep on battling and tonight they brought home a great win. Brad and Todd (Gordon) had worked so hard to continue the success that this team had last season. Everybody at the shop has been working hard and it’s nice to see this Discount Tire Dodge back in victory lane.”

  • Brad Keselowski Captures Unexpected Win at Lucas Oil Raceway

    Brad Keselowski Captures Unexpected Win at Lucas Oil Raceway

    [media-credit name=”Adam Lovelace” align=”alignright” width=”245″][/media-credit]After starting on the pole and leading 189 laps of the Kroger 200 Nationwide Series race at Lucas Oil Raceway Saturday night, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. could almost taste the win. But with Brad Keselowski in the picture nothing is certain.

    After a green-white-checkered restart, Keselowski wasted no time in overtaking leader Stenhouse Jr. and blasted across the finish line for his second win this season in the Nationwide Series.

    “It’s a very special win being from Michigan,” Keselowski said. “I’ve been coming to this race track for years. I’ve been to victory lane as a team guy and a mechanic but never a driver. It’s so special to win here and win here in a Dodge.”

    The majority of the race was tame with Roush Fenway Racing teammates, Stehnouse Jr. Carl Edwards and Trevor Bayne leading the pack.  Elliot Sadler who started the race in last position and rookie Austin Dillon were also looking strong as the race began winding down.

    The action became more heated towards the end of the race. Things began to go badly for Carl Edwards after a caution on lap 175 for a wreck involving Steve Wallace, Michael Annett and Tim Andrews. Edwards was penalized for exiting too fast off of pit road. He slowly worked his way back towards the front but the penalty cost him a shot at the win.

    Dillon did not pit and restarted the race in first position, followed by Stenhouse Jr., Bayne, Sadler and McDowell. But Dillon didn’t keep the lead long and was quickly passed by Stehnouse Jr. and Bayne advanced to second place.

    But with only twelve laps to go, Bayne suffered a blown engine, bringing out another caution.

    More chaos ensued when Justin Allgaier, who had made his way into the second position, had a brake fire which forced him off the track.

    Because the drivers had already lined up for the restart, the NASCAR rule which states that drivers must stay in their lanes, went into effect.

    This moved Brad Keselowski, who had been behind Allagaier in fourth, up to the second position.

    Keselowski, who had been mid-pack for much of the race, was now in a position to make something happen.

    On the restart, Keselowski quickly made his move, forcing Stenhouse Jr. high and taking the lead.

    The race was under green for only two laps when Elliot Sadler spun out, collecting his teammate Austin Dillon, and ending their hopes for a top five finish.

    Finally, on lap 202, the race was underway again but Keselowski held onto the lead to capture the victory.

    After the race, Stenhouse Jr. was obviously disappointed saying, “It’s frustrating. I’ve been working on my restarts all year, but it got us tonight. Our car was pretty fast, but you couldn’t say it was dominant since we didn’t win the race.”

    However, Keselowski gave Stenhouse Jr. credit for having the car to beat.

    “I had a great short-run car that could give Ricky a run for his money.  If the race was two or three laps longer, I’m sure Ricky would have drove around us.”

    James Buescher finished in second place with Stenhouse Jr., Aric Almirola and Carl Edwards rounding out the top five.

    Stenhouse Jr. leads the points standings in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, followed by Reed Sorenson, Elliot Sadler, Justin Allgaier and Aric Almirola.

  • Keselowski wins final Nationwide race at Lucas Oil Raceway

    Keselowski wins final Nationwide race at Lucas Oil Raceway

    The last race for the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the Lucas Oil Raceway started off looking like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was going to stink up the show and lead the entire race.

    [media-credit name=”Adam Lovelace” align=”alignright” width=”244″][/media-credit]Stenhouse Jr. started from the pole and lead 189 laps of the scheduled 200 lap race. In fact, a majority of the race was lead by the three Roush Fenway Racing cars of Stenhouse Jr, Trevor Bayne, and Carl Edwards as they all ran  in the top five most of the night.

    The first accident of the night occurred on lap 177 when the 40 car of Tim Andrews and the 62 of Michael Annett spun into the turn three and four wall. Steve Wallace entered turn three at full speed and hit his teammate, Annett hard. Wallace then slammed into the car of Andrews which was also stopped on the track.

    The caution flew again for Trevor Bayne’s blown motor on lap 190, setting up a 10 lap shootout to the finish. Keselowski took the lead from Stenhouse with seven laps to go in the race.

    The caution flew again a few laps later for a wreck involving Elliott Sadler after he and Stenhouse got together battling for second place.

    The ensuing caution set up a green, white, checker finish. Keselowski got his second win of the year in the Nationwide series.

    James Buescher finished second to Keselowski followed by Stenhouse, Aric Almirola, and Carl Edwards rounding out the top five.

    Stenhouse is the points leader followed by Reed Sorenson and Elliott Sadler.

  • Keselowski wins the NNS race at Lucas Oil Raceway

    Keselowski wins the NNS race at Lucas Oil Raceway

    Brad Keselowski won a side-by-side, bumping and grinding battle with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the final laps of Saturday nights NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Lucas Oil Raceway and made the pass with a handful of laps remaining.

    [media-credit name=”CIA Stock Photo” align=”alignright” width=”224″][/media-credit]But a late spin by Elliott Sadler setup a green-white-checkers restart. Keselowski was able to hold off James Buescher and Stenhouse Jr. to win the final NNS race at the speedway.

    “We ended up restarting in second position on the outside lane and I knew that if I could get around the 6 car that we had a shot at the win. I had a great short-run car that could give Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.) a run for his money. If the race was two of three laps longer, I’m sure Ricky would have drove around us. Our Discount Tire Dodge Challenger was great on the short run. It’s great to get back to victory lane again.” Keselowski said.

    Stenhouse Jr. led 188 laps and dominated the night until lap 188 after a yellow flag came out when Trevor Bayne blew an engine. Stenhouse Jr. took the inside on the restart which allowed Keselowski to first battle on the outside and then bump and grind his way by on the inside.

    “I just knew that I needed to get a good restart. He still beat me. We drove into 1 and 2 and he had a great run, he was clearing me. So I crossed back over, got back to the bottom and raced him into 3. The next thing I knew I was in the lead.” Keselowski said.

    On lap 175, Tim Andrews, Michael Annett and Steve Wallace were involved in a hard crash between turns three and four. Andrews and Annett both were stopped at the outside wall and Wallace spun coming out of four and hit teammate Annett with the back of his car, spinning it around in the air and then into Andrews’ car. This brought out a 12 minute red flag condition for track cleanup.

    “I got loose there underneath the 40 (Tim Andrews) — I think we were lapping him for about the 10th time tonight.” Annett said.  “I was probably over aggressive on my part, but it’s just a shame to tear up a good race car — actually two Rusty Wallace Racing cars. I heard Steven I guess got jacked up from behind slowing up for the wreck when the guy behind him didn’t see it and tore us both up. Just a shame, but we have Iowa next weekend and that’s a big one for us.”

    “I got in the brakes and the care got sideways. It just slid all the way through the corner and there was nothing I could do except try to nail it to accelerate away from Michael (Annett). It was just one of those racing deals. I hate it for both of our cars. Both of our cars were running good and we were getting better. It’s just one of those things.” Wallace said.

    On lap 193, Justin Allgaier’s car caught on fire while driving around under caution. Allgaier has to take his flaming car behind pit wall and Reed Sorenson’s crew quickly pulled him out. He finished 27th.

    Sadler started 42nd and worked his way through the field. But on lap 198 while battling for third spot be lost control and spun between turns three and four, collecting his Kevin Harvick Inc. teammate Austin Dillon. What could have been a top-5 finish for Sadler, ends up being 16th.

    Stenhouse Jr. moved into the series points lead by 4 points over Reed Sorenson.

    The series heads to Iowa Speedway for the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by the Enlist Weed Control System on August 6th.

  • Travis Pastrana, Danica Patrick and Kimi Raikkonen Face Common NASCAR Choice

    Travis Pastrana, Danica Patrick and Kimi Raikkonen have one thing in common, that of dabbling in a variety of NASCAR Series racing while still maintaining careers in other racing and sports endeavors.

    [media-credit id=62 align=”alignright” width=”221″][/media-credit]Yet at some point, all three of these talents, one from Rally and X Games fame, one from IndyCar Racing, and the other a Formula One champ, must make an important choice. They must decide if they will give their all to focus on making it in the realm of stock car racing.

    Unfortunately, Travis Pastrana had his choice made for him this weekend. Instead of participating in “Pastranathon”, competing in the X Games as well as making his NASCAR Nationwide debut at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Pastrana broke his right foot and ankle while attempting a double ‘TP Roll’ on his motorcycle in X Game competition.

    “I’m disappointed in myself for letting everyone down,” Pastrana said. “I can’t tell you how sorry and how disappointed I am that I messed that trip to Indy up.”

    Because of Pastrana’s injuries, including not only his leg and foot injury as well as an injury to his hand that he sustained in practice, the 27 year old driver’s choice as far as NASCAR competition has been made at least until next year.

    “I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday,” Pastrana said. “I have to get my hand pinned and plated, my right leg pinned and plated, and my right foot pinned and plated. So unfortunately I won’t be up for about two months.”

    “I’m definitely hoping to get back as fast as possible and get as much time in that car as possible and go have some fun,” Pastrana continued. “I look forward to being in NASCAR next year.”

    Pastrana’s team owner, Michael Waltrip, was also disappointed that his driver’s choice was made for him as far as his Nationwide racing debut.

    “Like fans everywhere we were so excited about Travis’ debut,” Waltrip said. “We have a long-term vision with Travis which includes lots of NASCAR.”

    “We can’t wait to get him healed and in our race cars,” Waltrip continued. “We’ve waited a long time for someone like Travis Pastrana. I guess we’ll just have to wait a little bit longer.”

    While Pastrana had his choice made for him regarding NASCAR, IndyCar Racing driver Danica Patrick still has a major choice before her. She must decide soon what her future will be in both or either of these racing series.

    This year, Patrick, while maintaining her IndyCar Racing obligations, has also been racing select Nationwide races under the JR Motorsports banner.

    Rumors have, of course, been rampant about her racing future in 2012. Many have speculated that she will run a full-time Nationwide schedule, as well as a handful of Cup starts.

    Yet even her team owner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is uncertain as to the choice she will make about competing in stock car racing full-time.

    “I haven’t heard anything,” Dale Junior said. “I think things are looking positive for us to put something together.”

    “I would like for her to run full-time,” Junior continued. “I’m sure she is considering that and I think she would enjoy it.”

    “She seems to really enjoy driving stock cars and racing in the Nationwide Series,” Earnhardt, Jr. said of Patrick. “We just have to see but I haven’t heard anything about it.”

    While Dale Earnhardt, Jr. may be excited about Danica Patrick’s future in NASCAR, one other driver, a Formula 1 champion, has virtually disappeared from the NASCAR scene. After trying his hand at both the Truck and Nationwide Series, Kimi Raikkonen has seemingly not chosen the stock car scene.

    Raikkonen started out both NASCAR runs, including the Truck Series and the Nationwide Series, with high hopes and good feelings.

    “Everybody’s been very nice and very welcome,” the ‘Iceman’ said of his NASCAR foray. “It’s a nice atmosphere, very relaxed.”

    Unfortunately, Raikkonen struggled and finished the Top Gear 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 27th place, several laps down.

    “It was nice in the beginning but it turned out to be really bad,” Raikkonen said. “Once it got difficult, you cannot race and you really try to survive. Up until that point, it was fun.”

    But when asked if the race was fun enough to return to the NASCAR scene, the Finland native said simply, “I don’t know yet.”

    And that seems to sum it up for all three of these drivers. Their NASCAR futures are simply uncertain.

    One final commonality, however, remains for all three of these racing stars in their own rights. Each one, Pastrana, Patrick and Raikkonen, must eventually not only choose to race in the world of stock cars, but in order to be successful, they will also have to choose to make it their first, and potentially, their only priority.