January 8, 2013
Today’s NASCAR Nuggets from the Net includes more silly season news from Turner Scott Motorsports and other teams. This week fans can anticipate more announcements firming up the 2013 season for all three of NASCAR’s top series,’ so stay tuned for more news throughout today and the week.
Also, if you missed our Fan2Fan NASCAR Talk discussion last night with our guests – up and coming racer Jay Havens and media guest Brian Berg Jr from Rant Sports – you’ll want to set aside some time to listen to the replay. In addition to introductions and Q&A’s with Jay, our Fan4Racing team, Jay Havens and Brian Berg Jr offered some interesting insight with our non-Chase countdown drivers – Aric Almirola, Jeff Burton, Marcos Ambrose and Joey Logano.
Justin Allgaier and Brandt to return to Turner Scott Motorsports’ No 31 in 2013
Brandt, a leading agriculture retailer and manufacturer of agricultural specialty products, announced Jan 7th, its return to Turner Scott Motorsports as the primary sponsor of the No. 31 Brandt Chevrolet driven by championship contender Justin Allgaier. Brandt is committed to being the primary sponsor for at least 26 of the 33 scheduled NNS races in 2013.
Brandt President and CEO Rick C. Brandt anticipates that 2013 will be a big year for Brandt, as it marks the company’s 60th anniversary. TurnerMotorsportsllc.com
Scott Zipadelli Named Crew Chief of Turner Motorsports’ No. 31
Zipadelli to lead team in NASCAR Nationwide Series championship hunt for driver Justin Allgaier
Turner Scott Motorsports announced today that the team has named Scott Zipadelli as crew chief for the No. 31 Brandt Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). Zipadelli, a NNS veteran, has served as crew chief for 190 events in the series, earning one win, 12 top-five and 47 top-ten finishes. The East Haddam, CT native earned his first career win in 2010 with Boris Said in Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. TurnerMotorsportsllc.com
Scott Speed and Leavine Family Racing will run 24 events in 2013
The Leavine Family Racing posted Scott Speed’s 24 race schedule for 2013 in the No. 95 Ford, including the Daytona 500 in February. Leavine Family Racing facebook page
Silly Season changes includes shuffling spotters for 2013
Brandon Benesch, who was Danica Patrick’s car chief at JR Motorsports during her Nationwide Series stint in the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet, will be her eyes in the sky starting on Thursday (testing at Daytona). Benesch also spotted for Robby Gordon.
Veteran spotter Keith Barnwell started coordinating the schedule for Team Dillon (Austin and Ty) in December. But on weekends, Barnwell will spot for Jeff Burton. For the last two years, Barnwell spotted for Martin Truex Jr. The affable Barnwell has been directing drivers since 1986, when he guided Tommy Houston. He’s been in Cup since 1992 with Sterling Marlin.
Mike Herman Jr, a former racer/driving coach, will take the reins for Barnwell on the No. 56 Toyota for Truex at Michael Waltrip Racing. Herman, 38, competed in both Pro Cup and the Southern Modified Tour.
Derek Kneeland (@spotterderek) is getting his big break spotting for Juan Pablo Montoya this year. Kneeland spots for Brian Scott in the Nationwide Series and worked part-time guiding Frank Stoddard’s No. 32 Ford last year. Kneeland, 26, grew up in Windham, Maine, and raced Late Models before moving to North Carolina. FOXSports.com