Today’s NASCAR Nuggets from the Net will focus on recent track news, as well as any other news – ie. some interesting Jeremy Mayfield nuggets – recently posted on the net.

You’ll also want to read Fan4Racing’s feature with details about Daytona’s Preseason Thunder Gen-Six Test and Fan Fest, that starts tomorrow, Jan 10th.

Also, just a reminder to set your DVR’s for Jeff Gordon’s appearance tonight, Wednesday, Jan 9, on the CBS TV show ‘I Get That a Lot,’ airing at 8pm ET.

New Cars Should Bring More Excitement to Martinsville

The racing world is abuzz over the new 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup cars, the so-called Gen6 models.

And while everyone is focused on their debut in Daytona in a few weeks, these new, racy cars with the showroom looks, Martinsville Speedway fans should be getting revved up about them too.

The new cars will officially debut here in the Virgina 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on April 7, but expect many of the teams to roll out their new rides earlier as open testing has returned to the Sprint Cup series for the first time in half of a decade.

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, an enthusiastic race fan himself can’t wait to see the 2013 Cup cars hit the half-mile oval.

“I’m excited about the 2013 car and I really believe NASCAR is doing the right thing by making the race cars look like the cars you buy off the showroom floor,” said Campbell. “That’s what we used to have years ago and the fans would not only pull for the drivers, they’d also pull for a particular brand of car. To get that rivalry and excitement back is huge for our sport.”

Before a testing ban was put in place several years ago, the weeks leading into event weeks at Martinsville Speedway saw tons of activity at the track with many teams involved in several days of testing over a two or three-week period. With that ban lifted, teams are anxious to get back to testing at all tracks to help improve race-day performance.

Throw into that mix an influx of Cup drivers this season who have never raced at Martinsville Speedway and the Martinsville testing schedule could get even more interesting. Those drivers would include Danica Patrick, beginning her first full season of Cup racing for Stewart Haas and Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse, who has moved fulltime to Cup with Roush Fenway.

“We fully expect Martinsville Speedway to be a busy place this year with testing,” said Campbell. “Considering some of the talent now in the Sprint Cup ranks have never turned a lap at Martinsville, it’s almost a must for those teams to test here.

“Although it’s a short track, this is still one of the most difficult tracks on the circuit to figure out. There are guys who have been coming here for years that still haven’t! We’ve already been getting inquiries from teams about dates, so I would expect in the next few weeks we’ll see the schedule start coming together.”

The test schedules will be announced as they become available. Test sessions are open to the public at no charge. MartinsvilleSpeedway.com

With New Sprint Cup Season On Horizon, It’s an Exciting Time for Race Fans

Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway Right around the corner; tickets already on sale

The holidays are in the rearview mirror and that means the NASCAR Sprint Cup season is beginning to fill our windshields.

The Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway is just three months away. The Sprint Cup teams are heading to Daytona to shake down the new 2013 cars, preparing for the 2013 Daytona 500 on Feb 24.

“It’s an exciting time of the year for race fans,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “I’m a huge race fan and I know I’m anxious for the new season to get underway. I’m thrilled about the new 2013 cars. And I’m really excited about seeing those new cars here at Martinsville. They are really going to look great here in April.”

The new NASCAR Sprint Cup cars will make their Martinsville Speedway debut on April 7 in the Virginia 500. If past history is any indicator, it will be the normal wild, action-filled short-track shootout that Martinsville fans have come to expect and enjoy.

Remember last year’s spring race? It was a three-way battle for the lead entering the first turn of lap 498 that ended up with Clint Bowyer, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson spinning and Ryan Newman slipping through for the win. It was an incident that was talked about all season. And it was vintage Martinsville Speedway racing.

“If you love good old-fashioned short-track racing, this is the place to be,” said Campbell. “It’s one of those great race tracks where you can’t be sure who is going to win until the checkered flag falls. It’s the place to be on April 7, that’s for sure.”

The Virginia 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, the day after the Kroeger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Pole Day is Friday, April 5. It’s not too early to guarantee yourself a chance to witness all the Martinsville Speedway excitement this spring.

Ticket prices for the Virginia 500 start as low as $37. Tickets for the Virginia 500, the Kroeger 250 and Martinsville Pole Day may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or by visiting MartinsvilleSpeedway.com online. MartinsvilleSpeedway.com

Join 2nd annual John’s March Against Stomach Cancer at Sonoma Raceway this Saturday

Cancer picked the wrong guy, and for the second consecutive year that man will lead the charge in a charitable fundraiser for stomach cancer research and awareness at Sonoma Raceway.

John Cardinale, a long-time employee at Sonoma Raceway, was diagnosed with Stage IV gastric cancer in March, 2011, and he will lead the 2nd annual John’s March Agains Stomach Cancer this Saturday, Jan 12, at the raceway.

This unique fundraiser offers the public a chance to help raise funds for No Stomach for Cancer and enjoy a symbolic “march” around the raceway’s 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course.

No Stomach for Cancer is a non-profit group that works to increase awareness and education about stomach cancer, provide a support network for affected families and support research efforts for screening, early detection, treatment and prevention of stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The American Cancer Society estimates there are one million new cases diagnosed in the world each year, with more than 800,000 deaths annually, yet it is one of the least funded cancers, in terms of research.

Registration begins at 8:30am – local time – and the march will begin at 10am. No advance donation/registration is required; just show up the day of the event. Please note: only cash and checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to No Stomach for Cancer, Inc.

If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation in honor of this event, please print and complete the John’s March Against Stomach Cancer donation form and mail it with your check, payable to No Stomach for Cancer, Inc. All donations will be acknowleged. You may also elect to receive a NO STOMACH FOR CANCER wristband to show your support of our mission. RaceSonoma.com

Jeremy Mayfield working on plea deal to avoid jail time in criminal charges

After more than a year of legal maneuvering, Jeremy Mayfield is talking to prosecutors about possible plea agreements but said Monday that he would not accept any plea deal  under which he would go to jail on drug and stolen goods charges.

The former NASCAR driver appeared at a hearing Monday in North Carolina Superior Court in Newton, NC. The hearing took less than a minute and left the case potentially open for more hearings this week. SportingNews.com

Jeremy Mayfield calls into radio show, asks Brian France for his NASCAR license back

Sometimes things happen that make you go Hmm? Jeremy Mayfield failed a drug test similar to AJ Allmendinger some years ago. Instead of following NASCAR’s road to recovery program, like AJ, he chose to sue NASCAR claiming the test was not fair. His lawsuit was without merit but he continued suing only to be denied by each and every court who heard the case.

On Tuesday night Jeremy called into a radio program by MRN. The guest for the program happened to be Brian France. It is unbelievable that Brian France was able, after all that Jeremy has put NASCAR through to maintain his composure during the call.

Brian France told Jeremy what we all know, he simply needed to go through NASCAR’s road to recovery program which is open to anyone who fails a drug test and is indefinitely suspended from NASCAR. RantSports.com

Darlington Raceway Director of Emergency Services Robert Garland Honored by NASCAR

Garland receives NASCAR’s Track Services Innovation Award

For the second consecutive year, a Darlington Raceway staff member was recognized by NASCAR and his peers for success in the industry.

Roger Garland, Darlington’s Director of Emergency Services, was honored as the recipient of NASCAR’s Track Services Innovation Award, which was announced on Monday in Charlotte, NC. Garland received the award for his creative management of the track’s SAFER barrier inventory. DarlingtonRaceway.com

DIS Track Services and Fire Rescue Team Honored at NASCAR Track Services Summit

Speedway Receives Annual Track Services Teamwork Award for Outstanding Performance in 2012 Daytona 500

The Daytona International Speedway Track Services and Fire Rescue Team was honored with the Track Services Teamwork Award on Monday at the annual NASCAR Track Services Summit in Concord, NC.

Each year the Track Services Teamwork Award is granted by NASCAR to a Track Services Team that has exemplified strong teamwork during an unexpected or adverse event at a NASCAR function.

On Lap 160 of the 2012 Daytona 500, under caution, a car lost control and struck a jet dryer resulting in a fuel spill and fire. The Track Services and Fire Rescue Team responded immediately, ensured the safety of both drivers and suppressed and extinguished the fire. The crew then removed the damaged vehicles, cleaned up the remaining fuel and repaired the track surface.

The incident required EMS, Fire Rescue, Cleanup, Track Services and Engineering teams to work together efficiently and effectively to make certain the track was in condition for drivers to complete the race.

All of the rescue, fire, clean-up and repair work was completed in two hours and race was able to resume to the checkered flag, which was taken by Matt Kenseth for a second time in his career. Daytona International Speedway – PR

Kansas Speedway’s Infield Care Center Presented with Team Work Award at Annual NASCAR Summit

2013 is already an award winning year for Kansas Speedway as NASCAR’s Medical Liaison Department awarded Kansas Speedway’s Infield Care Center with the 2012 Team Work Award at the NASCAR Summit in Concord, NC Mon. Jan 7th. The award is given to an infield care center that demonstrates excellent team work on a daily basis as well as excels during the most medically challenging event.

Kansas Speedway enjoys a long standing relationship with The University of Kansas Hospital which provides staff for all of Kansas Speedway’s medical needs during its race weekends. Since Kansas Speedway opened in 2001, the hospital has served as the Official Health Care Provider.

Dr. Dennis Allin, Medical Director, and Richard Blevins, Nursing Director, accepted the award on behalf of Kansas Speedway. KansasSpeedway.com

NASCAR Recognizes Magic Mile as One of The Safest in the Country

NHMS Infield Care Center wins 2012 ‘Above and Beyond Award’

Driver safety is paramount at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by NASCAR, which presented the Magic Mile the 2012 “Above and Beyond Award,” on Mon, Jan 7th.  The award was given as part of the NASCAR Medical Liaison Department Awards at this year’s NASCAR Summit in Concord, NC.

The award is presented to an individual or infield care center (IFCC) that not only performs their job very well, but often exceeds expectations. It is given in recognition for hard work, dedication and commitment.

According to NASCAR’s criteria for the recognition, the recipient typically has four racing series at their track on race weekend. From the start of a very compact schedule, until the last car is off track, the care center is always well prepared, starting well before race weekend and incorporating training at the track to include the doctors and nurses. The opportunity to see first-hand the activities that occur on-track was provided and it took the initiative to gain more information and knowledge to have a better understanding of what happens with the driver prior to the arrival at the care center. New Hampshire Motor Speedway – PR

2013 Charlotte Motor Speedway Schedule Boasts More Entertainment Than Ever Before

Fans can expect more entertainment than ever before at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2013 with an unprecedented lineup of events to enjoy with family and friends. The legendary complex, which also encompasses zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte has a jam-packed schedule filled with NASCAR, NHRA and World of Outlaws national events, gigantic car shows, concerts, a 5K charity run, miles of Christmas lights and more.

In 2013, Charlotte Motor Speedway will once again host the biggest back-to-back weekends in racing with a 10-day festival of speed spanning from May 17 to May 26. The May motorsports megafest is highlighted by the 29th NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 18 and the ultimate iron-man race, the 54th running of the Coca-Cola 600, on May 26. In the fall, the stars of NASCAR will return for a homecoming as Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 12.

Car enthusiasts can rejoice with the return of the spring Food Lion AutoFair, April 4-7, to its traditional first weekend in April, plus the fall Food Lion AutoFair, Sept 19-22, as well as the Goodguys Southeastern Nationals, Oct 25-27. Grassroots racing will also return in 2013 as the Summer Shootout Series celebrates its 20th year with ten nights of Legend Car and Bandolero competition.

During the holiday season, Speedway Christmas, one of the largest holiday drive-thru light shows in the country, returns for the fourth year, offering more than 3.5 miles of lights and 800 displays. On Dec 7, there will also be a chance to give back and have fun with the third annual Speed for Children in Need 5K, which also includes a track walk and a Kid’s Dash. CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying returns to Friday at Dover International Speedway in 2013

As NASCAR prepares to return to Dover International Speedway for the May 31-June 2 and Sept 27-29, 2013 race weekends, the track has announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying will return to its Friday afternoon time. For the past few years, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has qualified on Saturday afternoon, just prior to the day’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

The move back to Friday will add more value to a Friday race ticket – the May 31 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Sept 27 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races – and will mark a return to a traditional Dover schedule, with qualifying now being held prior to the Friday races.

In addition, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will practice once on Friday before qualifying, and then twice on Saturday prior to the NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway May 31-June 2, 2013 for the June 2 NASCAR Sprint Series race, the June 1 “5-hour Energy 200” NASCAR Nationwid Series race and the May 31 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. DoverSpeedway.com

Chicagoland Speedway & Route 66 Raceway to Host Rally, Rock & Race Weekend, July 19-21

The STP 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series Joins the Traxxas TORC Series, Live Music and Car Shows to create Rally, Rock and Race Weekend

Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway announced Jan 4 that it will present a weekend of NASCAR action, music, off-road racing and car shows as part of the Rally, Rock and Race Weekend, July 19-21.

With three exhilarating forms of motorsports to go along with entertainment for the whole family, Rally, Rock and Race weekend is more than just a day at the races.

The Rally Rock and Race Weekend gets started Friday, July 19 with the Traxxas TORC Series at Route 66 Raceway Dirt Oval. The 900-horsepower, 4,000-pouond trucks kick off the weekend thundering through Route 66 under the lights before returning on Saturday. On Sunday, the STP 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the ARCA Racing Series close out the weekend as the main feature. Over the course of three days, live music and classic car shows will be accessible to fans with race tickets. ChicagolandSpeedway.com