Daily Archives: March 11, 2015

The Martin Truex Jr. Comeback

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Martin Truex Jr is smiling a lot these days as he looks ahead in 2015. Photo - Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

Martin Truex Jr is smiling a lot these days as he looks ahead in 2015. Photo – Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

Let’s go back to 2013, the fall Richmond race that is usually the last race before the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. A race that saw Clint Bowyer spin late to cause a caution benefiting his Michael Waltrip Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. A race that saw Truex race his way in; and a race that saw Jeff Gordon miss the Chase largely because of that incident. Ultimately, it was a race that started the downward spiral of Martin Truex Jr’s career. Continue reading →

NASCAR Lifts Kurt Busch Suspension, Outlines On-Going Requirements

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NASCAR Winter Testing - Day 2

NASCAR Lifts Kurt Busch Suspension, Outlines On-Going Requirements 

NASCAR announced today that, effectively immediately, the indefinite suspension of Kurt Busch has been lifted. He is eligible to return to NASCAR racing under indefinite probation subject to additional mandatory requirements that include but are not limited to participation in a treatment program and full compliance with any judicial requirements placed upon him.  Continue reading →

No. 51 And No. 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Teams Penalized For Rules Violations At Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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NASCARlogoNo. 51 And No. 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Teams Penalized For Rules Violations At Las Vegas Motor Speedway

The No. 51 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been penalized for a rules infraction discovered during post-race inspection March 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

This infraction is a P3 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book: 

12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;

20.3.5: Added ballast containers:

  1. a. Any and all ballast added to the vehicle must be bolted inside an added ballast container, inside the main frame rails, and/or inside the front sway bar.
  2. b. Added ballast must be secured in a manner that will prevent movement of the ballast during an event.

20.17.2.2: Overall vehicle weight after competition:

  1. b. After a vehicle has raced, only water in the radiator, oil in the engine reservoir tank, and fuel in the fuel cell may be added. Wheels and tires may not be changed, unless otherwise authorized by NASCAR Officials.
  2. c. After a vehicle has raced, the minimum overall vehicle weight of all vehicles must be within 0.5% of the minimum overall vehicle weight required at the start of the race.

Ballast was observed falling off the No. 51 car during the race and the No. 51 car did not meet post-race minimum weight requirements.

As a result of the violation, crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000.

The No. 2 team has been penalized for a rules infraction committed when it was discovered that the right and left rear quarter panel wheel openings were modified after qualifying inspection on March 6.

This infraction is a P2 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:

12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;

20.4.b: Body – All approved OEM-manufactured body components must be used as supplied except as required to stiffen, or to attach to other vehicle components. Tolerances from CAD surfaces and template tolerances are provided to allow for manufacturing, fabrication, and installation variability;

20.4.2: Surface Conformance – Coordinate measuring machines, scanning equipment, and templates, among other tools, will be used to inspect body surfaces for conformance to the approved OEM and NASCAR CAD files.

As a result of this violation, crew chief Paul Wolfe has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.

The NASCAR Foundation® Now Accepting Nominations For 2015 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide®

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The NASCAR Foundation® Now Accepting Nomination For 2015 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide®

NASCAR Fans Can Nominate Everyday Champions at NASCAR.com/award;

Winner to Receive $100,000 Donation for Children’s Charity

Beginning today, people across the country can nominate their personal champion for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide, the sport’s highest community service honor.

The fifth annual award honors The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France’s unwavering commitment to philanthropic causes and calls for applicants whose generosity and compassion have positively impacted the lives of children in racing communities.

Everyone is encouraged to nominate an outstanding volunteer in their community at NASCAR.com/award. Four finalists will be announced in the fall of 2015, and the winner – determined by online fan vote – will receive a $100,000 donation to present to the children’s charity they represent.

Since the award was established, The NASCAR Foundation has donated a combined $700,000 to local charities in the spirit of Mrs. France’s passion for service and volunteerism.

“Each year during the award nomination process, we are overwhelmed by the quality of the nominees and the work they have done in communities throughout the country,” said Mrs. France. “We eagerly look forward to this year’s nominations – and our inaugural year of having Nationwide as the award’s presenting sponsor.

“The award process has evolved into what we envisioned – a true showcase for NASCAR fans whose charitable efforts are extraordinary.”

A household name among NASCAR fans, Nationwide begins its first season as presenting sponsor of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. A company with a long history of charitable giving, Nationwide’s partnership with The NASCAR Foundation will elevate the annual award’s prestige and visibility.

Each award finalist will receive a minimum $25,000 donation toward the charity they support, a VIP experience at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, and a trip to the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, where The NASCAR Foundation will present its 2015 award winner with the $100,000 donation and an all-new Ford vehicle.

Through the award, The NASCAR Foundation has recognized passionate volunteers and NASCAR fans who work tirelessly to turn kids into winners, no matter the challenges they face. More than 52,000 children have been helped through the combined efforts of finalists through the first four years the award has been presented.

Last year, Louisville, Ky., native Daniel Noltemeyer won the 2014 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and received a $100,000 donation for his charity, Best Buddies Kentucky. The funds will help the organization increase its school programs, which create opportunities for friendships and social inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Winning this award has allowed me to give back to a special organization that has changed my life,” said Noltemeyer, who has Down syndrome. “The donation is so important because it will help Best Buddies Kentucky continue to support people just like me.”

Family, friends, and colleagues may nominate a personal champion at NASCAR.com/award. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 8, 2015 at midnight ET.