Yearly Archives: 2012

336 posts

Great Clips Continues To Thrive In NASCAR

NASCAR

Companies pay big dollars to be a
Sponsor in NASCAR

In today’s economy, it has become a common site in the NASCAR garage to see a revolving door of sponsors. NASCAR’s official businesses, official products, and even series sponsors have changed hands over time. Many teams have also seen sponsors pull back sponsorship or pull out of the sport completely. A few drivers have felt the threat of lost sponsorship due to actions on their own part. Even fewer drivers have been able to maintain a steady relationship with a sponsor without seeing much change or pull-back.

The Busch Brothers, Kurt and Kyle, have both seen how their actions can affect their place with a team, how crucial sponsors are and how much influence they hold within a team. Kurt found himself suspended by Roush for the final two races following an off-track incident at Phoenix in 2005. Kyle saw M&Ms pull their sponsorship for the final two Cup races of the 2011 season and having Z-Line ask for someone else to drive the Nationwide car after his actions at Texas.

Drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have maintained a long lasting relationship with their sponsors. Johnson’s relationship with Lowes began when he started in Cup in 2001. Gordon’s relationship with DuPont dates back to 1992 when he made his first start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Tony Stewart has also seen a long lasting relationship with sponsors. His relationship with sponsors has extended beyond NASCAR to his dirt racing efforts both personally, as well as the cars he fields for his drivers in the World of Outlaws.

Great Clips sponsorship includes the
Nationwide Race in Altanta annually

Many people are familiar with long standing sponsors like Lowes, DuPont, Interstate Batteries, and M&Ms just to name a few, given their prominence in NASCAR’s top-tier series. There are a few sponsors that also have long standing ties with one of NASCAR’s lower series as well. One such sponsor is Great Clips, who holds the distinction of being the longest running sponsor in the Nationwide Series. They entered the sport in 2001, adorning the hood of the #38 car for what was then Akins Motorsports with driver Christian Elder. As the years have passed, Great Clips has seen several drivers tote their brand to the public and has seen the fruits of their labor pay dividends as their brand has grown and expanded both in and out of NASCAR. The company now has over 3,000 salons nationwide and has seen their sponsorship expand to the title sponsorship of a Nationwide event every year at Atlanta.

Joey Saldana with the Great Clips Sprint Sponsorship
at Kasey Kahne Racing
(photo from Kasey Kahne Racing)

Kasey Kahne has maintained a long lasting relationship with Great Clips, which started in 2003 when he took over the #38 car, then as a virtually unknown driver. With Kahne, Great Clips saw Victory Lane for the first time in the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2003. Kahne moved up to Cup in 2004, but continued to drive for Great Clips in the Busch Series. After the 2005 season, Kahne stepped away from the Great Clips car and pulled back his efforts in the Nationwide Series. It would be five years before close ties between Kahne and Great Clips came back to the forefront when he returned to the familiar seat of the #38 car, sharing the ride with Jason Leffler for the 2010 season. Great Clips also came onboard as a main sponsor for the #91 car of Kasey Kahne Racing, driven first by Cody Darrah and then by Paul McMahan for the 2010 World of Outlaws season. They were also an associate sponsor on cars driven by Joey Saldana and Brad Sweet. Great Clips remained on board the #91 car driven by Darrah for the 2011 season as well. Their sponsorship remains with Kasey Kahne Racing this season but makes the jump from the #91 car to the #9 car driven by Joey Saldana.

Brad Sweet and Great Clips Postcard
with Camping World Truck series

Brad Sweet joined Kasey Kahne Racing in 2007, driving a car in the USAC series. When Kahne shuttered his USAC operations in 2009, Sweet remained with the team, competing in the World of Outlaws. With Kahne behind him, Sweet began to make the move from open-wheeled Sprints to NASCAR. In 2009, he ran several events in ARCA and the Camping World Truck Series. When Sweet made his first truck start at Phoenix International Raceway on November 13, 2009 in the Lucas Oil 150, Great Clips was on his truck. They sponsored his truck the following two seasons as well while he ran a limited schedule. This season, Sweet will campaign for rookie of the year honors in the Nationwide series, splitting seat time in the storied #38 Great Clips car with Kahne. Great Clips’ involvement with the sport has been a winning partnership and with the tandem of Kahne and Sweet it will continue.

Cause and Effect: Jeff Gordon proves success with AARP

NASCAR

By Guest Blogger and Race Fan Patti Rodisch

Patti is an experienced blogger on the Fan vs. Fan Network. Her favorite NASCAR race team is all of them and her favorite driver is Jeff Gordon. She also enjoys other sports including Alabama Football, Supercross, Indy Car and basketball. And you can listen to Patti and her co-host Dustin Parks talk about racing every Saturday at 6 pm CT/7pm ET on Blog Talk Radio.

Jeff Gordon celebrates winning
the Subway Fresh Fit 500 in Phoenix in February 2011
(Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Late in 2010, Jeff Gordon announced he would be teaming up with the American Association of Retired Persons or the AARP who would become his primary sponsor in 2011 through the 2013 season. Media and fans asked why AARP would spend money on NASCAR sponsorship? Why would a then 38 year-old Gordon team up with an organization that supports those who are 55 or older?

The goal was simple, to end hunger for millions of senior citizens across the United States. It has never been done before in NASCAR. A cause-driven sponsorship deal and there was no guarantee it would work in the first place.

It cost millions to sponsor a race team and the AARP saw an opportunity with Gordon. The opportunity was to take the message of ending hunger to a sport with a target age group not even out of their 30’s yet.

Still, it is this age group with parents and other relatives who fit the AARP target age of 55 or older.

Jeff Gordon discusses his 2011 sponsorship with
AARP and The Drive to End Hunger
in Concord, NC October 2010
(Photo by The Associated Press)

Gordon became the perfect spokesperson as he is widely respected for not only his accomplishments on the track but more so away from it.

Gordon’s own foundation, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, has worked to help find cures for children with cancer and other diseases. He has opened up a hospital, has held fundraising events every year and recently has taken his mission global to Africa.

Gordon was named ‘NASCAR Illustrated Person of the Year’ in 2011 for his philanthropic work. Gordon takes representing AARP and the Drive to End Hunger very seriously. Throughout the race season he visited food banks local to the track, getting hands-on and fully involved whether they are at the race track or not.

The partnership with AARP and Drive to End Hunger at the race track in 2011 opened the eyes of millions of race fans to the serious issue of hunger in the U.S.

Jeff Gordon’s 2011 ‘Drive to End Hunger’ Car
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Gordon and his team success on the track did not hurt the cause either. Gordon won at Phoenix in the spring with the DTEH colors on the car. The result of this is TV exposure, raising awareness not only in the racing community but outside of it as well.

By the end of the season over $12 million was raised through Gordon’s exposure. With fans texting HUNGER to help support the program, over 3 million meals for senior citizens were provided.

Gordon talked about his partnership with the AARP to scenedaily.com, “For them to do it with the number of races and basically be the primary sponsor of the season and get behind these food banks every week and get to meet some of the older Americans that are dealing with the hunger issues as well as the people that are volunteering, it’s an amazing program.”

Cause-driven sponsorships have never been done in NASCAR. Usually it is only major corporations that are willing to pay for one of the best advertising packages available. Three plus hours on national TV with limited commercial break your product takes center stage.

In order for AARP’s sponsorship deal to be successful, fans have to buy-in. Not only did Gordon’s fans buy-in, many other NASCAR fans did as well.

In this type of sponsorship deal, success really lies on the fans and on-track performance to help keep the “AARP” brand in fans’ mind.

For Gordon in 2012, not only will he be looking to continue this successful cause-driven sponsorship program, he will be looking to capture his fifth title, Gordon’s first since 2001.

Patti will be posting more blogs periodically, watch for her again on Fan4Racing.

Fans can follow Patti on twitter @nascar_lugnuts

2012 Pre-Season Thunder and Testing Preview

NASCAR

By Guest Blogger and Race Fan Glenn Locke

Glenn is a rookie blogger. His favorite NASCAR race team is Hendrick Motorsports. He also enjoys other racing venues including, IZOD IndyCar Series and F1. And you can listen to Glenn talk about racing on TMR Sports every Monday at 4 pm PT, 7pm ET on Talkshoe.com

SPEED will have online and TV coverage
of Pre-Season Thunder Testing
(Photo from speedtv.com)

This is the time of year when race fans shake off memories, good and bad of the 2011 season. Also it’s when more than forty-three race teams are busy fine-tuning their 3,400 pound cars for another new year of competition. Fans will get their mid-winter race viewing revving up again with Pre-Season Thunder testing this week in Daytona beginning January 12 – 14. You can watch at speedtv.com online at 9 am ET in the mornings and on SPEED in the afternoons beginning at 1 pm ET. So, let’s take a look at what fans can expect to see with preparations and testing and as we find out which teams are ready and which ones still have more work to do.

Based on fan and driver feedback, NASCAR changed the rules attempting to break up the two-car-tango and go back to old style pack racing. The new rules were designed after testing in 2011 at Talladega in October and Daytona in November. Regarding testing this week in Daytona, Robin Pemberton – vice president of competition says, “This is an opportunity we are providing to the competitors to implement and test the new Daytona rules package for 2012.” Pemberton went on to say, “It’s a chance for them (the drivers) to get comfortable with the cooling package, the smaller spoiler and to practice drafting for next month’s Daytona 500.” Continuing, Pemberton says, “While we have had other tests with these set-ups, this is the first opportunity for the entire field to test together and get more comfortable with this package as it relates to their cars.”

The new rules package includes, smaller radiators with a maximum of 2 gallon capacity; smaller overflow tank with a maximum capacity of 1/2 gallon; the radiator inlet is moved up closer into the front center bumper area; the rate reduction in the springs is softer; smaller rear spoiler; and the base line restrictor plate is 29/32 inch, which is 1/64 inch larger than for the 2011 Daytona 500.

Although these changes are intended to minimize tandem racing on the superspeedways, fans should also consider the pros and cons of pack racing, as it creates tighter racing, with no room to move around, making passing more difficult. If a driver pulls out to pass, they still need drafting help, otherwise their car will be sucked back like a Lego toy in a vacuum cleaner. Even with the new rules package, I don’t think we are going to see strictly pack racing, as fans have seen in the past. In fact, we might see drivers go back to two-by-two racing at times in order to move forward on the track. So with all the cars on the track, watch for this in pack driving this week.

Example of Restrictor plate
used in NASCAR

With the way the cars are now, the drivers can hit a speed of around 200 mph in single car runs and 210 mph in the draft. By testing the new restrictor plate in drafting tests this week, hopefully drivers can see what is going to influence drafting most on the track. The new rules also made modifications to spoilers. And teams will again be studying to see how this change will impact their performance on the track. Depending on how testing goes this week, we might even see more rules changes before the February races, especially if in tests, drivers are unable to attain the desired pack racing on track .

Watch for teams also checking to see how the new electronic fuel injection will affect their fuel mileage. No longer using carburetors, fuel mileage is an unknown for teams this year with the new EFI packages. So this information will be particularly important knowledge for crew chiefs wanting to make accurate decisions during fuel-mileage races throughout the year.

Also, fans should keep their eye on driver conversations this week as there might be some deals made during testing. Remember last year when we saw Kurt Busch and Regan Smith working together? We also saw Dale Jr. with Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski with his brother Brian Keselowski, working together in last year’s Duel qualifying races. With numerous silly season changes, I have a feeling we’ll see some of the same deals and maybe some new deals with different drafting partner combinations than we’ve seen in the past.

Many say that pack racing will be more fun…but perhaps more dangerous and for some, more boring is more accurate. Again, with Pack Racing, all the cars will be on top of one another, with no room to pass or make a move, making passing difficult. One false move or twitch with any car could start the “Big One,” creating chaos, and ruining the day for a lot of teams. So testing this week means a lot to all teams trying to be “the team” creating an advantage to win the coveted Daytona 500.

With Red Bull Racing out of the picture this year, the team that might lead the Toyota camp is Michael Waltrip Racing or perhaps Joe Gibbs Racing. MWR has the #15, #56 and #55, and fans know Michael Waltrip is no stranger to the draft. With wins at both Daytona and Talladega, I see Waltrip leading his MWR Toyotas to the front. From the Dodge camp, Penske Racing with Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger could be drafting-darkhorses in Daytona. Fords’ number one team has been Roush, and with Carl Edwards coming up shy of winning his first cup chamionship last year, I look for him and Matt Kenseth to lead that manufactuer. Chevy, I left for last because they are the strongest in drafting. Hendrick Motorsports have their pairs ready to race with #5 and #24 together and with the #48 and #88 being partners. Many fans are not into the 48/88 pairing right now, but I think once one of those two wins, whether it’s the Shootout or the big race itself, fans will once again be happy. RCR have not been up to par with their drating program, winning only one plate track in the Fall Dega race. I think the RCR bunch need to get back in the saddle and try to fix their program a bit at testing so they might be top of the charts when it’s time to stop testing this weekend. And finally the smaller teams also called the “go or go homers” might not have enough funds to even go to the 500, but have enough money to attend this test and prep for the Dega races. So expect to see them in the mix this weekend as well.

So there you have it race fans. Hope this information gives you some ideas of what to watch for at this week’s Daytona testing. And as we head into Pre-Season Thunder Testing, we’ll see who has been doing their homework over the holidays, or who has been slacking, with more work on their plate to be ready for the great American race, the Daytona 500 in February.

Glenn Locke has already indicated, he will be writing another blog in February…so watch for more from him as a guest blogger at Fan4Racing. Fans can follow Glenn on Twitter @GL2488 and on YouTube he is MojofiedGL2488. Thanks!

News and Views – Volume 7

NASCAR

For the week of January 9, 2012 – Volume 7

Welcome race fans to another big week of news. This has been the most active silly season, we’ve seen in NASCAR, with news of the ever-changing environment since the final race at Homestead in 2011. This week is no exception with more news expected to be coming in throughout the day, we’ll post updates. Any new information after today will be posted in volume 8 of News and Views next week.

Also, fans are looking forward to Pre-Season Thunder this week with testing at Daytona scheduled for January 12-14. Fans can watch coverage online at speedtv.com beginning at 9 am ET and the afternoon activities can be seen on the SPEED channel beginning at 1 pm ET. One of our twitter friends is going to be there this weekend and will be posting a blog next week with photos about this experience at the track. While some of you know who our “Fan at the Track” is, the rest of you will need to check back next week to find out more.

If you want to be Fan4Racing’s “Fan at the Track” throughout the season, let us know when you’re planning to be at the track. Interested parties should be willing to share photos and post a blog about your experience to be considered. Support is available for those fans worried about writing a blog, we’ll help you out as long as you’re willing to share your experience. Check the SUGGESTION BOX tab for submission details.

This week the Pre-Season Thunder Fan Fest in Daytona and the Chili Bowl will be exciting with many scheduled driver appearances. This week Fan4Racing will be adding a new DRIVER APPEARANCES tab for fans’ planning purposes. We’ll begin with several appearances this week at Fan Fest in Daytona and the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, OK.

Now on with a busy news week….

Kasey Kahne sharing ride in Nationwide Great Clips Car

Turner Motorsports announced that Kasey Kahne along with Brad Sweet will share the #38 Great Clips car in NASCAR’s Nationwide series. Kahne will drive in fifteen races with Brad Sweet running the remainder of the schedule in 2012 and making a run for the Rookie of the Year title.

Kasey Kahne says, “I have had such a long-standing relationship with Great Clips and it’s been great teaming back up with them again. They gave me my first real shot in this sport and that is something I have never forgotten.”

Brad Sweet says, “I can’t begin to say how excited and grateful I am for this opportunity to compete in the Nationwide series and join Kasey Kahne in representing Great Clips both on and off the track. Turner Motorsports is a first class organization with equipment capable of contending for week in and week out. I don’t think I could be in a better position to take the next step in my racing career.

Read more from…Great Clips and Turner Motorsports

David Reutimann announced with TBR for 2012

Tommy Baldwin Racing announced David Reutimann in their 2012 lineup. Owner Tommy Baldwin says, “Reutimann will join Blaney as we continue to seek sponsors for both drivers. David will be a great asset to TBR and help build the organization.”

Reutimann says, “There are not a lot of true racers in the garage, and he(Tommy Baldwin) is one of them. It’s the way I was raised with my Dad, so we are on the same page. I’m just really looking forward to the season and see what we can do.”

At this point, Reutimann is scheduled to run 26 races until sponsorship is secured.

Read more from…Tommy Baldwin Racing, Fox Sports and NASCAR .com

Ray Evernham settles lawsuit w/former business partner

In 2007, Evernham sold majority ownership of his Evernham Motorsports Cup team to George Gillette and in February 2011, filed a $19 million lawsuit against the Gillette Company that ran the day to day operations and Gillett’s Booth Creek Management Corporation over unpaid shares from the merger of the team with Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009 and subsequent sale of RPM in November 2010. Documents to dismiss the case were filed on December 29^th and 30^th2011. Evernham says, “I made a business decision to accept pennies on the dollar, but more so it’s time to close this chapter in my life and move forward. I’ve got a lot of really good things happening for 2012 and I just didn’t want to drag this along.”

Read more from…ESPN

Edwards to Co-Host “LIVE! with Kelly

#99-Carl Edwards will take a turn co-hosting the syndicated morning program “LIVE! with Kelly” on Tuesday, January 10, during a special themed week of sports co-hosts with Kelly Ripa. Edwards was selected along with Reggie Bush, Boomer Esiason, Jesse Palmer and Apolo Anton Oh# Actress Kate Beckinsale will be a guest on the show when Edwards co-hosts with Ripa. Edwards was a guest on the popular show last June after his win in the Sprint All-Star race, and has appeared in the past with the NASCAR Chase contenders. This will be his first stint as co-host. “LIVE! with Kelly” is distributed in national syndication by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Produced by WABC-TV in New York and executive produced by Michael Gelman, “LIVE! with Kelly” airs in more than 200 markets across the U.S.

Read more from…Roush Fenway Racing

JR Motorsports tabs Cole Whitt for the #88 Nationwide car

Cole Whitt has been tabbed to drive the #88 Nationwide car and compete for the Rookie of the Year title for the 2012 season. Earnhardt Jr. says, “He’s got raw untapped talent, but we are most impressed with his ambition. I sought advice and input from people I respect in the industry, and the overwhelming consensus was that Cole has the potential to do great things in this sport.”

Cole Whitt says, “ This is a big opportunity for me and I’m happy to be part of the JR Motorsports team. I’m grateful to Dale, Kelley and everyone at JR Motorsports for giving me this chance. It’s an honor to work with the Eurys, and I will do everything in my power to put this No. 88 team where it belongs in Victory Lane.”

Read more from…JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports brings Bruce Cook to crew chief #5 car

Bruce Cook is the new crew chief for the #5 team with JR Motorsports with Earnhardt, Jr. running select races in the 2012 season. Cook comes to JR Motorsports from KHI where he was crew chief in the CWTS predominately for the #2, which won the owner’s championship in 2011. Cook also was the crew chief for Tony Stewarts’ 2011 Nationwide Daytona season opener win.

Read more from…JR Motorsports

R3Motorsports to run full cup schedule in 2012

After completing the full 2011 NASCAR Nationwide season, resulting in a top-30 in points, [#23 Chevy] R3 Motorsports has announced its racing plans for 2012. Robert Richardson, Jr. will return to the seat for a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. R3 Motorsports has also purchased a fleet of Sprint Cup Chevy’s from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to enter all of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races for the 2012 season. Robert Richardson, Jr. will attempt to qualify for his third Daytona 500 and a few other Cup races as well. Greg Conner will be the crew chief and the team will run the #23 in both series

This information is not yet confirmed with an announcement on their site and should be considered as a RUMOR until an official announcement.

Michael Waltrip negotiating with Red Bull Racing

Dave Moody is reporting Michael Waltrip negotiations with Red Bull Racing for both assets and points to run a third car at Daytona and throughout the 2012 season. Sources say MWR is interested in acquiring cars and equipment from RBR, including fabrication equipment and a shaker rig. If included in the sale, the former RBR building would likely be used by MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman to house his RK Motors muscle car restoration and performance Company and his personal collection of classic and vintage automobiles.

Read more from…Sirius Speedway

Richard Petty Motorsports announces Aric Almirola for #43

It will be Aric Almirola in the legendary #43 car for the 2012 Sprint Cup series. Almirola is paired with veteran crew chief Greg Erwin. Sponsorship was not announced for the famed car at this point. Expect more news about that to be forthcoming.

Almirola says, “One of the things I am most excited about is to have the chance to drive a car as iconic as the No. 43. There is so much history surrounding that number and to have my name above the door will be really special to me.”

Co-owner Richard Petty says, “We are thrilled to welcome Aric Almirola into the RPM family. We feel extremely fortunate to have had a number of very talented drivers interested in joining our organization, but ultimately we felt Aric would be the best fit for the team and for our current and potential partners.”

Read more from…Richard Petty Motorsports

Updated – the #71 team not returning in 2012

Dave Moody from Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway is reporting the #71 TRG Motorsports Cup team will not return in 2012. Apparently, sources indicate TRG is expected to close operations and compete only on the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car series for 2012.

Read more from…Sirius Speedway

Team owner Kevin Buckler has announced that team operations are suspended for the #71 team. Buckler says, “I want to be in Cup, but I want to be there with a proper program. I don’t think the way the economy is right now and the amount of money required right now, that a single-car team can make it as a good program. I don’t want to go without a good program.”

Read more from…Daytona Beach News Journal

Kyle Petty selling his South Carolina home

Former NASCAR driver, son of racing legend Richard Petty and grandson of racing icon Lee Petty is asking $4.5 million for the fully furnished beachfront property.

Read more from…Realtor . com

Gene Haas being sued over real estate deal

Apparently, a Miami-Dade lawsuit over a real estate deal could damage SHR championship hopes for 2012. Haas made a winning bid on two multimillion-dollar Golden Beach mansions at a public auction just days before NASCAR’s season finale in Homestead. The sellers of the homes, brothers Robert and Steven Fox say Haas through a proxy reneged on the deal, and in turn forfeited the $1 million deposit, auction rules mandate be paid up front. Attorney Eric Isicoff, representing the Foxes in the suit says, “He simply refused to sign the contracts.” The auctioneer handling the sale and Pompano Beach Mayor, Lamar Fisher addes, “ In my 30 years in this business, this is the first time this has ever happened.”

Read more from…Miami Herald

Robby Gordon racing in Dakar Rally
Follow Robby Gordon’s team journey to compete in the Dakar Rally at any of these sites: speedenergy.com, toyotires.com,robbygordon.com, planetrobby.com and dakar.com

RBR VP/GM Jay Frye joining Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports announced that Jay Frye, former Red Bull Racing vice president and general manager, will work with the team as a consultant for 2012, focusing on business development. Marshall Carlson, president of Hendrick Motorsports says, “Jay is one of the most well-connected people in the sport, and he’s going to be a great resource to help develop strong partnerships. We’ve known him for a long time, so there’s an immense level of trust and respect between us. The opportunity to work with Jay again and have the benefit of his experience is something we’re excited about.” In NASCAR, apparently, “business development” refers to helping the team find sponsorship and build relationship with sponsors.

Jay Frye and Rick Hendrick have been friends since the 1980s, when Frye was a rep for the first Budweiser and then Valvoline, and Hendrick was an ambitious car dealer trying to gain entrance into NASCAR.

Read more from…SPEED TV

Trevor Bayne returns to the #21 for 2012

Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Bayne, one of the youngest drivers in the Sprint Cup series, driving for the sport’s longest running team, will remain in the seat of the Wood Brothers #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion. Bayne says, “I’m excited, it’s a big deal for me. It’s what I had hoped for. We’re all excited to be back together.” Team co-owner Eddie Wood says, “It’s taken a long time to get to this announcement, but it’s good to be back together. We all wanted to do what was best for Ford Motor Company and its young drivers, and to be sure everybody had a place to race.”

Read more from…Wood Brothers Racing

Las Vegas track opens drivers’ meeting to fans

Want to attend a drivers’ meeting before the race? For the first time ever, LVMS race fans will be able to attend the pre-race drivers’ meeting for the Kobalt Tools 400 Cup race in March. Weather permitting, the meeting will take place adjacent to the main stage in the center of the Neon Garage.

NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing operations says, “The entire NASCAR community has always worked closely to ensure that we are the most fan-friendly sport. This is another terrific example of a race track providing fans with access that is unprecedented in sports.”

Read more from…Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Martinsville Speedway construction project progressing

With the help of mild and dry winter weather, work on the latest major construction project at Martinsville Speedway is well ahead of schedule and anticipate completing the project well before race time in April. The project includes demolition of all restrooms under the Richard Petty Tower on the fourth turn of the front stretch and construction of larger, modern restrooms. The new restrooms are built about 30 feet further back, allowing for a much wider concourse area to help improve pedestrian traffic. The width of the concourse will be almost doubled and the new restrooms will be almost twice as large as the present ones. Fans will also notice a refurbished ticket office when they return in April.

Read more from…Martinsville Speedway

Todd Zeigler is new car chief for Danica Patrick

After thirteen seasons with Roush Fenway Racing in various positions, Todd Zeigler is joining Stewart Haas Racing as the car chief for the #10 car for Danica Patrick. Zeigler will oversee the crew and supervise the setup of the car, reporting to Greg Zipadelli, interim crew chief and competition director.

Read more from…Fox Sports

Larry Carter now at Hendrick Motorsports

Resigning as General Manager from Rusty Wallace, Inc., Larry Carter joins Hendrick Motorsports. Carter’s departure is the third recent loss for RWI with crew chief Doug Randolph joining Brad Keselowski Racing and Ryan McKinny moving to Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Read more from…Fox Sports

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. to run the Daytona 500

Nationwide series 2011 champion, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will compete in the 2012 Daytona 500 in the Roush Fenway Racing #6 car. RFR says they do not expect to run the unsponsored car for the full season, but is locked into the first five races based on owners’ points from 2011 when the car was driven by David Ragan. Stenhouse is also expected to participate in the NASCAR testing this week in Daytona in preparation for the Daytona 500. Apparently Stenhouse’s 2012 Nationwide schedule is not yet solidified and may be a partial schedule.

Read more from…Scene Daily

Johanna Long will run Nationwide series in 2012

ML Racing announces that Johanna Long will drive the #70 Biomet/Foretravel Motorcoach car for the 2012 Nationwide season. Long is joining a team owned by Mary Louise Miller as one of the few female owners in NASCAR. Miller is known as a big supporter in racing. Long becomes the youngest female driver to compete in the Nationwide series and will be competing for Rookie of the Year in 2012.

Read more from…ML Racing

Germain Racing switching manufacturers

Germain Racing, owned by Bob Germain Jr., announced they are joining the Ford Racing family for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup series season. This move means the #13 GEICO car driven by Casey Mears will now be a Ford Fusion. Germain says the move is well in line with long-term Germain family relationships. “The Germain’s have a long history with Ford Motor Company. My grandfather worked with Henry Ford as an accountant and my father worked as a guide in the Henry Ford Museum. Our family currently owns and operates both Ford and Lincoln dealerships and we have many friends at Ford Motor Company. I’m excited to join the Ford Racing team. Germain Racing also announces they will not run any truck teams for the 2012 season.

Read more from…Germain Racing and Scene Daily

Mark Martin running Nationwide Race for Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing announces that Mark Martin will drive the Interstate Batteries car in the 2012 Nationwide race in Las Vegas in March.

Read more from…Joe Gibbs Racing

Rusty Wallace Racing suspends operations

Officials of Rusty Wallace Racing, LLC announces the Nationwide series team’s on-track activities will be put on a temporary hiatus. Apparently, the day-to-day competition activities will temporarily cease, with key elements of RWR’s business staff remaining in place to continue development of future opportunities. #66 driver Steve Wallace is exploring several opportunities for 2012.

Read more from…Rusty Wallace Racing

Kyle Busch Motorsports will be announcing NNS plans

Kyle Busch Motorsports will announce its much anticipated sponsor and driver lineup for NASCAR’s Nationwide series team at 2 pm ET, Thursday, January 19^th.

Read more from…Kyle Busch Motorsports

Phoenix Racing announces, Kurt Busch to run partial Nationwide in 2012

Kurt Busch will be running a limited Nationwide series schedule, Phoenix Racing has announced. Busch will be driving the #1 car beginning in Daytona in February. The team plans to run all major events, and is seeking sponsorship for these races.

Read more from…Phoenix Racing

Ford unveils 2013 Cup Car
Ford Motor Company has taken the wraps off its 2013 Fusion sedan, the automaker will race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series next year and for the near future.

Read more from…SPEED and Ford Social

Please post your views about this weeks news in the comments section below. See something you want to elaborate your view about? Let us know and you will be considered for a blog feature this week or next. See the SUGGESTION BOX tab for submission details.

As always, Thanks for reading and participating…

Yearly Archives: 2012

Great Clips Continues To Thrive In NASCAR

Like this:

Cause and Effect: Jeff Gordon proves success with AARP

Like this:

2012 Pre-Season Thunder and Testing Preview

Like this:

News and Views – Volume 7

Like this:

Ownership and Rights

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Ownership and Rights