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NASCAR XFINITY Series news and information

  • Busch wins NNS race at Auto Club Speedway

    Busch wins NNS race at Auto Club Speedway

    Kyle Busch rallied back from a speeding penalty on Saturday in the NASCAR Nationwide Series CampingWorld.com 300 and won his fourth career race at Auto Club Speedway.

    Busch started from the pole and led four times for 38 of the 150 laps run and extended his series record setting 12th NNS victory of the season.

    His crew got him out front on the final pit stop of the day.

    “These guys did an awesome job for me today.  Pit road probably won this race, so I can’ t thank these guys enough.” Busch said.

    Kevin Harvick led a race-high 86 laps, but his pit crew set him back twice and in the final pit stop he lost four positions.  Harvick finished third.

    “Obviously, we’ve got to take that next step on pit road because they’re just doing a terrible job. That’s not what our operation is all about. If they can’t stand the pressure, they better find something else to do.” Harvick said.

    Brad Keselowski finished second and extended his lead in the series point standings to 384 points.

    Danica Patrick qualified 14th and was heading to a top-15 finish when she was spun out late in the race.  Clearly frustrated, Patrick finished in 30th place.

    “The frustrating part is that I feel like we had a really good car on those last two restarts.  I got into the car that spun on the lap before, but I didn’t mean to. Next time, I got pretty close, but I came off and gave him room. Looking at the replay, it looks like it could have been avoidable.” Patrick said.

    Next week the NASCAR Nationwide Series moves to Charlotte Motor Speedway on ESPN2 Friday, October 15.

    Unofficial Race Results

    Pos. St. No. Driver Make Pts. Bon. Laps Status
    1 1 18 Kyle Busch Toyota 190 5 150 Running
    2 3 22 Brad Keselowski Dodge 175 5 150 Running
    3 2 33 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet 175 10 150 Running
    4 6 60 Carl Edwards Ford 165 5 150 Running
    5 5 20 Joey Logano Toyota 155 0 150 Running
    6 8 88 Aric Almirola Chevrolet 150 0 150 Running
    7 10 1 Ryan Newman Chevrolet 146 0 150 Running
    8 11 12 Justin Allgaier Dodge 142 0 150 Running
    9 16 40 Mike Bliss Chevrolet 138 0 150 Running
    10 12 32 Reed Sorenson Toyota 134 0 150 Running
    11 20 17 Trevor Bayne Ford 130 0 150 Running
    12 7 98 Paul Menard Ford 127 0 150 Running
    13 35 16 Colin Braun * Ford 124 0 150 Running
    14 30 87 Joe Nemechek Chevrolet 121 0 150 Running
    15 23 9 Brian Scott * Ford 118 0 150 Running
    16 25 35 Jason Keller Chevrolet 115 0 150 Running
    17 18 11 James Buescher * Toyota 112 0 150 Running
    18 27 81 Michael McDowell Dodge 109 0 150 Running
    19 37 34 Tony Raines Chevrolet 106 0 150 Running
    20 22 15 Michael Annett Toyota 103 0 150 Running
    21 15 1 Mike Wallace Chevrolet 100 0 150 Running
    22 21 5 Willie Allen Chevrolet 97 0 150 Running
    23 42 28 Kenny Wallace Chevrolet 94 0 150 Running
    24 28 183 John Borneman III Ford 91 0 150 Running
    25 4 99 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota 93 5 150 Running
    26 39 23 Robert Richardson Jr. Chevrolet 85 0 148 Running
    27 41 70 Mark Green Chevrolet 82 0 148 Running
    28 38 21 Morgan Shepherd Chevrolet 79 0 148 Running
    29 17 6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. * Ford 76 0 147 Running
    30 14 7 Danica Patrick Chevrolet 73 0 141 In Pit
    31 36 10 Ricky Carmichael Toyota 70 0 141 In Pit
    32 29 62 Brendan Gaughan Toyota 67 0 125 Running
    33 9 66 Steve Wallace Toyota 64 0 78 Running
    34 40 27 Brad Baker Ford 61 0 27 In Pit
    35 32 90 Danny O’Quinn Jr. Chevrolet 58 0 21 In Pit
    36 19 91 David Gilliland Chevrolet 55 0 16 Out
    37 13 38 Jason Leffler Toyota 52 0 15 Out
    38 43 52 Kevin Lepage Chevrolet 49 0 10 In Pit
    39 34 107 Danny Efland Chevrolet 46 0 6 In Pit
    40 31 26 Brian Keselowski Dodge 43 0 4 In Pit
    41 33 182 Chase Miller Dodge 40 0 3 Out
    42 26 92 Dennis Setzer Dodge 37 0 3 In Pit
    43 24 136 Jeff Green Chevrolet 34 0 2 In Pit

  • Stenhouse Jr. Leads Rookie of the Year Battle Heading into Fontana

    CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 7, 2010) – When Ricky Stenhouse Jr. left Auto Club Speedway back in February; his confidence was shaken after an accident sent him home with a 39th-place finish. This weekend, he returns to the California track with serious momentum on his side and the lead in the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings. Following his sixth-place finish last weekend in Kansas, Stenhouse is on top of the rookie standings for the first time this year. He leads Brian Scott by five points with six races left in the season.

    In a remarkable turnaround, Stenhouse has erased a 35-point deficit over the last 15 races and is poised to give Roush Fenway Racing its 12th overall rookie of the year title and fifth in the Nationwide Series. For Stenhouse, the last month has been crucial for his young career. Over the last four races, he has one top-five and three top-10s with an average finish of just over seventh during that span.

    “We have been running well lately and we’ve got to keep it going,” said Stenhouse. “With the way the season has been going for us, it’s about time we are showing our potential. It means a lot to me that Jack (Roush) has supported me and this team throughout the season. Winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year would be a huge honor and it’s something I want to deliver to Jack and all the guys on this No. 6 team. To join the likes of Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards as previous rookie winners would be awesome. These guys are not only great drivers but they are great teammates to have at Roush Fenway Racing.”

    Catch Stenhouse and the No. 6 team in the CampingWorld.com 300 at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2010 with race coverage beginning at 4:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN2.

    About Blackwell Angus beef

    Blackwell Angus beef brings affordable everyday Angus to the meat case. As genuine Select Angus beef, Blackwell Angus beef consistently provides consumers with the quality they deserve and expect. Our Angus is carefully hand-cut and hand-selected to provide the freshest beef possible. And Blackwell Angus cattle are grain-fed to produce consistently flavorful steaks and roasts. It’s the perfect family value that lets consumers enjoy authentic Angus beef more often.

    About Roush Fenway Racing

    Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating nine motorsports teams. Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and five in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Trevor Bayne, Colin Braun, Brian Ickler, and Paul Menard. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com. Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow us on Twitter @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

  • MIS offering great 2011 packages for groups of 10 or more

    Speedway announces staff promotions, hirings to accommodate group sales

    BROOKLYN, Mich. (Oct. 6, 2010) ­— For companies and businesses looking for an experience like no other for their employees or clients, Michigan International Speedway is offering great pricing for groups of 10 or more for the 2011 race season.

    Recognizing that group sales is important to businesses at all levels regionally and nationally, MIS has announced various staff promotions and hirings within the ticket department to accommodate and focus on group sales packages.

    Information about group sales packages can be found at MISpeedway.com or by calling 517-592-1134.

    “We have seen the demand for group sales increase over the last couple of years, so it only makes sense to offer even better packages for businesses, companies or large groups of race fans, for the 2011 season,” MIS Director of Ticketing Linda Wyne said. “These staff changes will help us in these efforts to provide groups a wonderful experience while they attend a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend at MIS this summer.”

    Rob Hemmig, a ticket agent for MIS since 2008, has been promoted to group sales manager effective immediately. Hemmig will oversee all group sales efforts for the speedway, including working with companies human resources departments to offer group tickets to their respective employees or cliental.

    Hemmig holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. He was a four-year baseball player for the Saints and served as an assistant coach for the team while completing his master’s degree. Hemmig and his wife, Joy, reside in Adrian.

    Additionally, the speedway has announced the hiring of Sean Nowaczyk and Ian Kirkpatrick. Nowaczyk will work with Hemmig in group sales as well as overseeing the track’s mobile ticket office. Originally from Brighton, Mich., Nowaczyk completed his bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights last summer while interning in the speedway’s ticket office.

    Nowaczyk replaces former MTO coordinator Chris Lykins, who now handles the speedway’s marketing efforts as a consumer marketing specialist. Lykins will be responsible for the track’s Fan Appreciation Program, upcoming Kids Club and other marketing efforts. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Lykins was the mobile ticket office coordinator for six years. The Adrian, Mich. resident is a native of West Chester, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati.

    Kirkpatrick joins the MIS staff after serving in the ticket office for Richmond International Raceway since 2008. Kirkpatrick, originally from Hillsdale, Mich., was a ticketing intern for MIS in 2007 and is a ticket agent effective immediately. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University.

    Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

    The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2011 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Renewals are under way for 2010 ticket holders. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2011.

    Michigan International Speedway – 2011 Schedule

    Friday, June 17 ARCA Racing Series

    Saturday, June 18 NASCAR Nationwide Series

    Sunday, June 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

    Friday, Aug. 19 Gatorade Pole Day

    Saturday, Aug. 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200

    Sunday, Aug. 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

  • Carl Edwards & Crew Help Unveil New Aflac Wingman Bead of Courage

    Carl and Crew to Wear Beads of Courage to Honor Kids with Serious Illnesses like Cancer

    COLUMBUS, GA – (October 6) – This Sunday, October 10, NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and his crew will unveil a special new Aflac Duck Wingman Bead of Courage to show kids with serious illnesses like cancer that they are not alone in their fight against the disease. The new bead is part of the Aflac Duck’s 10th birthday celebration, as the Aflac Duck shares his birthday wish for people across the nation to help give kids facing cancer renewed strength and a reason to smile.

    At a press conference scheduled for Friday, October 8, at Auto Club Speedway, Carl will be joined by the Aflac Duck and seven year-old Nolan Blake of Griffin, Ga., a cancer survivor and avid NASCAR fan and recipient of hundreds of courage beads. Nolan will be joined by his mother Brittany and Jean Baruch, Founder of Beads of Courage, a nonprofit, international organization that provides arts in medicine programs for children to help support and strengthen them as they cope with serious illness.

    Building on a long-standing commitment to pediatric cancer research and treatment through Aflac’s association with the Aflac Cancer Center in Atlanta, the Aflac Duck is issuing a Duck Call to Action to encourage people to engage in the fight against pediatric cancer. Aflac has teamed with Arizona-based Beads of Courage, Inc., to create a new Aflac Duck Wingman bead that can be purchased and sent to a courageous child with cancer. Through Beads of Courage children chronicle their unique stories using beads that commemorate milestones and procedures during their treatment for cancer. Beads of Courage, Inc. is affiliated with more than 70 hospitals across the United States, including the Aflac Cancer Center.

    The Aflac Duck is inviting NASCAR fans to go to aflacracing.com and click on the Beads of Courage logo to purchase an Aflac Duck Wingman bead for a child with cancer for only $5. For $25, donors can purchase beads for five children and receive one of their own. Purchasers can select the region of the country where they would like their bead to be sent with a portion of their donation going to Beads of Courage® to help provide and maintain the program in hospitals across the country.

    “When I visit the Aflac Cancer Center I am moved by the courage of these heroic children,” Edwards said. “My personal experience with beads of courage inspired me; so I am proud to be a part of this program.”

    Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos said, “In the same spirit that Aflac policies provide security for policyholders, keeping them under our wing; we envision the Aflac Duck bead symbolizing courage while being the wingman for children at the Aflac Cancer Center and facilities across the country.”

    Race fans will also be treated to a special visit from the Aflac Duck on October 10th, the first time the Aflac Duck has attended a NASCAR race.

     “That loveable Aflac Duck inspires smiles in children,” said Jean Baruch, RN, BSN, executive director and founder of Beads of Courage, Inc. “Our long-standing relationship with the Aflac Cancer Center, the immense strength of the Aflac Duck’s image, and Aflac’s commitment to pediatric cancer treatment and research gives me great confidence that this program will be a tremendous success in helping more kids cope with serious illnesses.”

    Edwards and his pit crew will also wear a special Beads of Courage necklace like the ones worn by Nolan at the Aflac Cancer Center in Atlanta. The Aflac Ford Fusion will sport the Beads of Courage logo during the Sprint Cup race televised nationally on ESPN as part of the Aflac Duck’s 10th birthday wish for people across the nation to help give kids facing cancer renewed strength.

    About Aflac

    When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For 55 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for four consecutive years and has been named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Reputable Company in the Global Insurance Industry for two consecutive years. In 2010, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the twelfth consecutive year. In addition, Fortune magazine ranked Aflac No. 1 on its global list of the Most Admired Companies in the Life and Health Insurance category. Aflac was also named by Forbes magazine as America’s Best-Managed Company in the Insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

     

    About Beads of Courage

    Beads of Courage is a nonprofit organization, based in Tucson, Ariz., focused on arts-in-medicine programs geared toward helping children cope with serious illnesses. Patients are given beads to represent significant treatment milestones during their journey. Beads of Courage programs have helped thousands of children and their families at over 60 hospitals. More information is available at beadsofcourage.org.

    About the Aflac Cancer Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

    Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 16 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S. News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact on the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit choa.org for more information.

    About Roush Fenway Racing

    Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating nine motorsports teams.  Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and five in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Colin Braun, Brian Ickler and Paul Menard.  For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com.  Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow us on Twitter @roushfenway.  For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

    About Nolan Blake

    Nolan was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008. A seven year old from Griffin, Ga., Nolan has four brothers and sisters. Nolan’s treatment has involved both high doses of chemo and radiation.  Through all of this, Nolan works to see the positive in his treatment.  He recently had his port removed and asked his surgeon if he could have it back so he could string it on his bead necklace.

  • Carl Edwards, No. 60 Copart.com – Fontana NNS Advance

    Carl Edwards – NNS ADVANCE

    Team: No. 60 Copart.com Ford

    Crew Chief: Mike Beam

    Chassis: RK-685

    QUOTES

    Carl Edwards on racing at Auto Club Speedway:

    “Racing in the Nationwide Series at California is always fun. We’ve won there before and with the way that the track changes you can run many different lines throughout the race. I believe that running the Nationwide Series race will really help me Sunday for the Cup race. Mike Beam and I have talked this week and we have a strategy in place that should work well to get our Copart Ford into victory lane.”

    Crew chief Mike Beam on racing at Auto Club Speedway:

    “Carl really enjoys running at California. Having raced here earlier this season, we should be able to take what we learned and have a better run. Precision in the pits will be very important for the team to stay competitive and run up front. He has a strong average finish at this track and we hope to improve on that average with a win.”

    FAST FACTS

    -FLASHBACK…Last week in Kansas, Edwards finished 14th after qualifying fourth.

    -CARL EDWARDS…will make his 12th Nationwide Series start at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday afternoon. In February’s start, Edwards finished fourth after qualifying fourth.

    -FOR THE RECORD… Edwards’ average start in Fontana is 10.0 and his average finish is 6.4. He has one Nationwide Series victory at Fontana along with two pole awards.

    -THE CAR…The No. 60 team will take chassis – RK 685 to Fontana. This is the same chassis that was used in Charlotte and Iowa earlier this season.

    -ON THE TRACK…This weekend Copart.com will serve as the primary sponsor on the No. 60. To sell your cars fast, visit the Online Vehicle Auction at Copart.com.

    -IN THE NATIONWIDE SERIES…Roush Fenway Racing has six wins, 19 top-five and 30 top-10s in 49 Nationwide Series starts at Auto Club Speedway.

    2010 No. 60 Racing Team

    Name Hometown

    Mike Beam Hickory, NC

    Hal Ralston Staunton, VA

    Heath Landis Forest City, NC

    EC Nichols Detroit, TX

    Brett Ragan Unadilla, GA

    Kenny DeGuisto Garland, TX

    Jay Maybry Camp Bello, SC

    Bennie Stevens Hampton, TN

    Justin Edgell Salisbury, NC

    Troy Cupples Normal, IL

    Jason Hedlesky Clinton, MI

    Tom Hatcher Middleburg, FL

    Frank Brassfield Fort Walton Beach, FL

    Jeremy Neeley Trenton, GA

    Michael Smith Hiddenite, NC

    Dale Hoffman Allentown, PA

    Jon Moore Gainesville, GA

    Darren Beach New Franklin, MO

  • JR Motorsports — NNS California II Preview

    JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW

    No. 88 GT Vodka Chevrolet/No. 7 Tissot/GoDaddy.com Chevrolet

    EVENT – Camping World 300 (150 laps / 300 miles)

    TRACK – Auto Club Speedway (2-mile D-shaped oval)

    DATE – Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010

    TV / RADIO – ESPN2 (coverage begins at 4 p.m. EST) / MRN (broadcast begins at 4 p.m. EST)

     

    Aric Almirola

    No. 88 GT Vodka Chevrolet

    “It’s no secret our entire GT Vodka team was disappointed after last week’s race. We were racing hard for position toward the end there, and we just came out on the bad side of it. I hate we tore up a good race car in the process. But that’s in the past, and we’ve got a clean slate heading to California. 

    “In the two races I’ve been in the GT Vodka Chevrolet we’ve made some progress. I’m really getting a feel for how the team operates, and I think Pops (crew chief, Tony Eury, Sr.) and the guys are getting a handle on my driving style and what I’m looking for in the car. We’re definitely on the right track. If you look at ORP (O’Reilly Raceway Park) and Kansas, we’ve been running in the top-five most of the time, and we’ve been able to lead laps each race. This GT Vodka team is itching to get back to the regular success they had in 2009. I’m hoping we’re on our way to reaching that point. It’s our job to get things right over these last six races of the season so we can contend for a championship next year.”

    Danica Patrick

    No. 7 Tissot/GoDaddy.com Chevrolet

    “I’m interested to see how things progress this weekend in our Tissot/GoDaddy.com car. It’s the first time I’m returning to a track that I’ve raced on before in a stock car. We’ve been thinking about this for some time, and I’m confident this weekend will help us evaluate where we’re at. 

    “So much of this year has been learning and familiarizing myself with this type of racing. I’m taking some comfort in heading back to Fontana, where I know a lot more of what to expect. When we were there in the spring, it was only my second race in the series and my third in a stock car. By no means am I saying I have all the answers now, but I’ll be a little more in my comfort zone. I’m a lot more familiar with the interior of the car, restarts, getting up through the gears, and onto pit road. Those aspects were challenging for me.

    “Everyone has been talking about their off-season plans over on the IndyCar side, but for me, I’m excited to have two more months of racing ahead. This NASCAR journey has been difficult, but I’m still having a lot of fun with all this racing.” 

    JR MOTORSPORTS NOTEBOOK –

     

    TISSOT ON BOARD THE 7 – JR Motorsports welcomes Tissot as the primary sponsor of the No. 7 Chevrolet at Auto Club Speedway this weekend. Tissot, a manufacturer of Swiss watches since 1853, along with GoDaddy.com will fill out sponsor positioning on the No. 7 Chevrolet at California. Tissot is also serving as an associate sponsor on the No. 7 Chevrolet for the remainder of 2010 and in all of Patrick’s 2011 races.

     

    PATRICK’S INDYCAR SEASON – Patrick finished second in the IndyCar Series season finale at Homestead last week. She ends her season 10th in the standings. Patrick will now turn her focus solely to her No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

     

    ALMIROLA IS BACK – Almirola embarks on his fourth race with JRM this weekend. It’s the first time he will compete in consecutive races for the 88 team. The Tampa, Fla. native has one top-five and one top-10 finish in three starts for JRM. He has led seven laps in those events and earned an average finish of 12.0.

     

    FIRST AND ONLY RETURN – This is the first and only weekend in 2010 that showcases Patrick returning to a track where she has previously raced in a stock car. In her last race at Fontana, Calif., Patrick started 36th and finished 31st.

     

    ALMIROLA AT CALIF. – Almirola may own 34 starts in the Nationwide Series, but this weekend will be his first at the two-mile Auto Club Speedway in the series. The 26-year-old does have four starts at the Sprint Cup level and one in the Camping World Truck Series at the facility.

    GT VODKA TEAM AT FONTANTA – The No. 88 GT Vodka squad, led by two-time champion crew chief Tony Eury Sr., has scored one top-five and two top-10 finishes in its last two starts at Fontana. The team has earned an average finish of 6.0 in those races with drivers Brad Keselowski and Kelly Bires.   

     

    TEAM POINTS POSITION – The No. 88 GT Vodka team is ranked ninth in the 2010 owner points after Kansas. The No. 7 Tissot/GoDaddy.com Chevrolet team is 16th in owner points.

    LOOKING BACK TO DOVER – Patrick’s sixth-place finish driving the No. 83 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the K & N Pro East Series race at Dover tied her best finish in a stock car, and also marked her best finish in a NASCAR sanctioned race. She also led three laps on the day, another first for the 28-year-old.

     

    JRM ANNOUNCES FESTIVITIES SURROUNDING FALL FAN DAY – The festivities for JR Motorsports fall fan day begin next Thursday, Oct. 14, and will continue through Sunday, Oct. 17.  The JRM fan zone and retail store will open on Oct. 14, at 8:30 a.m., to be followed by an autograph session featuring JRM drivers Aric Almirola, Danica Patrick, Josh Wise and co-owner Kelley Earnhardt at 10:30 a.m. (200 wristbands for the autograph session will be distributed on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in the retail store beginning at 8:30 a.m.). Fans can enjoy sponsor displays, food, and live radio remote broadcasts, as well as the first annual JRM car show, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The first 50 fans in attendance on Oct. 14 – 16 will also receive free JRM goodie bags.  For a complete schedule visit www.dalejr.com or check out the JR Motorsports Facebook page. 

     

    CRUISIN’ WITH DALE JR. – The Dale Jr. Foundation has announced that bids are now open for the Foundation Fast Laps, which offers a limited number of ride alongs with Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday, Oct. 18th, 2010.  Fans have their choice of either bidding on a ride through the NASCAR.com auctions page, or purchasing one through The Dale Jr. Foundation website. Winners are entitled to many extras, including two pre-race pit passes, and two grandstand seats for the Bank of America 500, a walk-through tour of Dale Jr.’s Hendrick Motorsports hauler and much more. Proceeds will benefit the Blessings in a Backpack program, which fills backpacks with food for underprivileged children.  The auction page can be found here, and to purchase a ride visit http://www.thedalejrfoundation.org/_10_08_17.html

  • Daytona International Speedway Repaving: Jostens to Offer Official Track Collection

    Daytona International Speedway Repaving: Jostens to Offer Official Track Collection

    Jostens announced today, in conjunction with Daytona International Speedway, the starting grid of limited edition memorabilia containing actual track pieces from Daytona International Speedway. Race fans and collectors will now have the rare opportunity to own a piece of American racing history following the historic 2010 repaving of Daytona International Speedway.

    From the first race in 1959 to the last race of 2010  before the repave, Daytona International Speedway holds more than 50 years of unforgettable racing memories. Now fans will be able to hold on to every legendary Daytona story with a piece of genuine track where racing history happened. The Commemorative Track Collection includes unique one-of-a-kind genuine track pieces. Quantities of these commemorative pieces are limited and available only while supplies last.

    Jostens is offering sixteen unique items. These items are being offered on Jostens official website. Such items included are a: Daytona Track Medallion,Piece of Turn 3, Framed Collage, and Front Stretch Track Surface, Jostens will be adding more items, in the coming weeks.

    This will be only the second time that this historic track has been repaved, the first came in 1978. The repaving project has a target finish date of January 1,2011. Which would have the track ready for Speedweeks 2011, which will kick off the 49th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona and conclude with the 53rd annual running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday Febuary the 20th, the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

  • Toyota NASCAR Notes & Quotes I California October

    TOYOTA TIDBITS – October 4 – 10, 2010 Here Are the Headlines: Camry Chasers Still in Contention Toyota Takes Seventh Manufacturer’s Title Camry Drivers Have Five Consecutive California Checkers Six Tundras in Top-10

    CAMRY CHASE CHANCES: A 12th-place finish at Kansas Speedway on Sunday moved Toyota driver Denny Hamlin to second (eight points) behind current points leader Jimmie Johnson after three of 10 races in the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Chase championship playoff. Kyle Busch is now seventh after a 21st-place result at Kansas, currently 80 points out of first. The two divers have now combined for 10 appearances in the 10 race playoff since it’s inception in 2004 with Hamlin’s best result being third in 2006 and Busch’s best of fifth came in 2007.

    TOYOTA TAKES TITLE: When Joey Logano’s Camry crossed the finish line first in Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Kansas Speedway, it enabled Toyota to clinch its third consecutive (2008-2010) NNS manufacturer’s championship in just its fourth year of series competition. It marked the seventh NASCAR manufacturer’s title Toyota has earned since the start of the 2004 season. The other four manufacturer’s titles came in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

    CALIFORNIA COOL: In seven NSCS races at California’s Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., the best results by Camry drivers have been third-place finishes by Busch (Feb. 2009) and Hamlin (Aug. 2008). In 2009, Toyota drivers swept the Cup pole positions with Brian Vickers in February and Hamlin in October. Overall, Camry drivers have combined for 11 top-10 finishes at the two-mile race track. Fontana is one of only four tracks Camry drivers have not won at in the NSCS in addition to Indianapolis, Kansas and Phoenix.

    NNS HIGH FIVE: Camry drivers have won the last five NNS events at Auto Club Speedway. Busch has three victories at the two-mile oval, including the February race earlier this year, the February 2009 race and the Labor Day weekend race in 2008. Logano was victorious in last year’s October race while Tony Stewart won the February 2008 event behind the wheel of a Toyota. In seven races at the Fontana, Calif., track since 2007, Camry drivers have combined to lead 709 of 1,054 laps.

    NCWTS ROUND-UP: Tundra drivers have recorded 46 top-five finishes and 97 top-10 results, and led 1,696 laps during the 2010 NCWTS season. In addition, Toyota drivers have recorded 12 triumphs in 2010 with Busch (five), Todd Bodine (four), Aric Almirola (two) and Timothy Peters (one) each taking trips to victory lane. Tundra drivers have also captured nine poles this year. Six Tundra drivers are in the top-10 in this year’s NCWTS points standings with Bodine leading followed by Almirola (second), Peters (fifth), Mike Skinner (eighth), David Starr (ninth) and Justin Lofton (10th) with five races remaining. The NCWTS takes two more weekends off before returning to action at Martinsville Speedway, October 23. SPONSAFIER2: Ten national finalists in the Sponsafier2 contest will be announced on Friday, Oct. 8, 2010.

    TOYOTA’S BACKYARD: Toyota has a rich history in America that is rooted in Southern California. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., headquarters are located in Torrance, Calif., and TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) is based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Toyota sold its first car — the Toyopet Crown — in its initial dealership located in Hollywood, Calif., in 1957. More than five million Camrys have been built in the U.S. since production began in Georgetown, Kentucky more than 20 years ago. The Camry has been the best-selling car in America 12 of the past 13 years, and last year Toyota produced its 20 millionth vehicle in North America.

    TOYOTA 2010 NASCAR STATISTICS: Series Races Starts (Drivers) Wins Top-5s Top-10s Poles Times Led Laps Led NSCS 29 373 (30) 10 32 64 5 160 2,188 NNS 29 309 (33) 15 62 123 15 151 2,951

    NCWTS 20 190 (26) 12 46 97 9 91 1,696

    WEEKEND RACE SCHEDULE: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series @ Auto Club Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 10 @ 12:00 PM (PT), ESPN — Race 29 of 36 NASCAR Nationwide Series @ Auto Club Speedway, Saturday, Oct. 9 @ 1:30 PM (PT), ESPN2 — Race 29 of 35

  • Robert Richardson, Jr. and R3 Motorsports head west for success in California

    CHINA GROVE, N.C. (October 5, 2010) – With only six races remaining in the NASCAR Nationwide Series season, many teams are trying to figure out where they stand for next year. Not only on the track in performance, but in their shop offices for marketing partners, as well.

    Such is the case for the No. 23 Chevrolet of R3 Motorsports. With a brand new 14,600 sq ft building nearing completion, five of the new Nationwide Chevrolets already built for 2011 and a complete team in place to work – R3 Motorsports feels ready to race forward. However, like many teams, they are still seeking Marketing Partners for this year and next to help enhance their improvement, and give them the proper tools to succeed.

    But, that doesn’t divert their focus and task at hand as Robert Richardson, Jr. and team head west to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California for this Saturday’s NNS race. Matter of fact, it motivates them even more to do well on the two-mile oval.

    Fast Facts: Richardson will be making his 66th career start this weekend and 20th of the season. To date, his career best finish took place at O’Reilly Raceway Park in July of this year. Through this season, the native of McKinney, Texas has completed 95.7% (3,421 of 3,576) laps contested.

    Track Facts: In two previous starts at ACS, Richardson’s best effort was in 2008 when he qualified 19th and finished 25th. He’s completed 294 of 302 laps (97.4 percent) through those two prior events.

    Car Facts: The team will roll out chassis No. 37 in the Golden State for this weekend’s race. This car was used at both Bristol Motor Speedway races this year and at ORP where Richardson finished 15th in July.

    Did You Know: The fewest laps led by a race winner was 11; done by Hank Parker, Jr. in 2001 after starting 26th.

    Robert Richardson, Jr. Quotes:

    Favorite thing about racing in California: “I like racing there because the track is pretty forgiving getting into the corners. You can run multiple grooves around there because it’s so big and wide. That suits me even more because you can search around during practice and the race to find the best way around there.”

    What’s the biggest challenge: “The biggest challenge is trying to run consistent lap times into and out of the corners. And, right now, with where we are in the Owner’s Points (30th) we need to concentrate on running in front of, and chasing down, the guys who are ahead of us. We need to start racing toward next year to keep our guaranteed starting spot.”

  • Justin Allgaier, No. 12 Verizon Dodge – Auto Club Speedway Preview

    Verizon Team News and Notes

    This Week’s Verizon Dodge … Justin Allgaier will pilot Penske Racing chassis PRS-007 in Saturday afternoon’s CampingWorld.com 300 at Auto Club Speedway. This is the same Verizon Dodge that Allgaier scored his first NASCAR victory with at Bristol Motor Speedway in March. The 2009 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year then raced it at Kentucky Speedway in June, where he started third and finished eighth. It most recently raced at BMS in August, where the Riverton, Ill.-native started fourth and finished 33rd after being involved in an incident that eliminated him from contention after 186 of 250 laps.

    Through 29 Races … With 29 races of the 2010 season in the record books, Allgaier has accumulated one pole, one win, six top-five and 16 top-10 finishes, an average starting position of 12.2 and an average finish of 12.3. Allgaier has led 133 laps of competition and has completed 97.2 percent of the laps contested (5,186 of 5,334) so far this season.

    Get to the Points … Allgaier ranks fourth in the NNS championship point standings heading into this weekend’s event at ACS. He trails current point leader and Penske Racing teammate Brad Keselowski by 793 points, and third-place contender Kyle Busch by 293 points.

    Best in Class … Allgaier’s fourth-place position in the point standings is best among full-time, Nationwide Series-only drivers. Allgaier leads fellow Nationwide-only driver Steve Wallace, currently ranked seventh, by 509 points.

    Allgaier at Auto Club Speedway … In three previous NNS starts at ACS, Allgaier has one top-10 finish. Additionally, the 24-year-old driver has an average starting position of 11.7, an average finish of 13th, and has completed 100 percent of the laps contested (454 of 454) at the two-mile, D-shaped oval.

    Penske Racing at Auto Club Speedway … In eight previous NNS starts at ACS, Penske Racing entries have recorded two top-five and three top-10 finishes. Penske’s Dodges have averaged starting positions of 13.4, finishing positions of 16.4, have completed 94.2 percent of the laps contested (1,136 of 1,206) and have led 20 laps.

    Penske Racing in 2010 … With 29 races completed in the 2010 season, Penske Racing’s two NASCAR Nationwide Series entries have recorded six poles, five wins, a combined 26 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes. Penske Dodges have completed 10,519 of 10,668 laps contested, and have been atop the leaderboard for 1,128 laps with drivers Allgaier and Keselowski.

    Last Time Out … Allgaier was able to overcome a myriad of issues in last Saturday afternoon’s Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway to record a seventh-place finish.

    Cast Your Vote … Some 30,000 fans have cast their votes since July 6, and Allgaier is currently ranked among the top-five in the NNS Most Popular Driver award voting (through Wednesday, Sept. 15). Fans can visit www.nascarnationwideseries.com to vote for their favorite NASCAR Nationwide Series driver. Voting continues through Saturday, November 13.

    Meet the Driver … Fans can meet Allgaier on Thursday, October 7 at the AAA/Stater Bros. Racefest, located in the DiscoverIE FanZone at Auto Club Speedway, where he will sign for fans from 5:45 – 7:30 p.m. PDT.

    High Above Clear Lake Avenue … As a part of breast cancer awareness month, Springfield, Ill.-based St. John’s Hospital unveiled a “Real Men Wear Pink” billboard featuring Allgaier. The billboard will remain above one of the busiest sections of Springfield for the month of October.

    Happy Birthday, Tom … Tom Clavette, car chief on the No. 12 Verizon Dodge, will celebrate his 51st birthday on Sunday, October 10.

    Justin Allgaier on Auto Club Speedway

    “I always look forward to heading to Auto Club Speedway. We don’t get to travel to the West Coast often, so we try to make the most of getting to put on an exciting race for the California fans. The track itself is very big, fast and reminiscent of Michigan International Speedway. We had a solid top-10 finish the last time we raced there in February, and felt really good about our day. It’s important to practice well, have a strong qualifying run, and maintain a decent pace throughout the race and, hopefully, we’ll put ourselves in position to have a great race.”

    Crew chief Chad Walter on Auto Club Speedway

    “We’re bringing Chassis 007, which we last raced at Bristol. It sounds strange that we would do that, but it was heavily damaged about three-quarters of the way through the race and when we looked at the schedule, we decided to convert it to a downforce car rather than it’s original short-track configuration. Races at Auto Club Speedway are always exciting to me because of the driver’s ability to use many different grooves to find speed. It’s a fun venue and I enjoy heading to the west coast.”