2012 Pre-Season Thunder and Testing Preview

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!

All content is owned by Fan4Racing at Fan4Racing.blogspot.com
NOTE: No publishing or redistribution of any content is allowed
unless there is written, documented permission from Fan4Racing

News and Views – Volume 7

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 29th and 30th 2011. 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 19th. 
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…
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NOTE: No publishing or redistribution of any content is allowed
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Has Danica earned her seat in NASCAR’s changing world?

Danica Patrick at Atlanta Motor Speedway
(photo from atlantamotorspeedway.com)
Danica Patrick will be racing her first Daytona 500 in February 2012, and many wonder if she has truly earned her right to a seat in NASCAR’s elite series. During the off-season, fans and media are considering the possibilities of her full-time presence in the Nationwide series staying with JR Motorsports and  Tony Eury Jr. as her crew chief. Many are also wondering  how she will do with her part-time schedule in Sprint Cup at Stewart-Haas Racing with Greg Zipadelli as crew chief. So what are expectations for this female driver in a male-dominated sport?  

In short, opinions are mixed and similar to a busy off-season and speculations for the new season, the trending consensus is… there are a lot of unknowns making predictions near impossible. 

Changes are a reality in NASCAR
(photo from ideachampions.com)
The NASCAR world as we have known it is rapidly changing and there are many anticipated changes ahead, including changes to the cars which will now be using Electronic Fuel Injection as just one example.  There are changes to teams with one of the most active silly seasons bringing several new driver and crew chief pairings. There are changes in the economy affecting the amount of sponsorship dollars available and forcing reductions in teams and races for many owners. And yes, the same economy is also affecting the number of open seats in the stands at many tracks.  As a female racer, Danica Patrick is yet another changing dynamic within NASCAR going into the 2012 season.

The last female driver fans remember in NASCAR’s elite Cup series is Shawna Robinson. She wasn’t the first female driver in the series, and time has proven, she’s not the last. The same is true for Danica. However, there is a difference this time around and looking at Danica’s past will reveal only some clues as to why she will most likely continue her trend of being the first woman to achieve more feats in her historic career.

At the age of 10 in 1992, Danica Sue Patrick began go-karting at the Sugar River Raceway in Brodhead, Wisconsin eventually winning several World Karting Association track championships. At the age of 16, Patrick moved to England advancing her racing career in the British national series against drivers including future Formula 1 world champion, Jenson Button.  She earned second-place in Britain’s Formula Ford Festival, the highest finish by a woman in the event. In 2002, Patrick returned to the United States driving for Rahal Letterman Racing in the Barber Dodge Pro Series and moving to the Toyota Atlantic Championship for 2003.  In 2004, Danica finished third in championship points. 

Danica being interviewed after 2005 Indianapolis 500
(photo from IndyStar.com)
In May of 2005, Patrick became the fourth woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500, joining Janet Guthrie, Lyn St. James and Sarah Fisher. She posted the fastest practice speed of the month during the morning practice session on the first day of qualifications. Although, she didn’t get the pole, Patrick’s fourth starting position was the highest level for the race by a female driver. Danica Patrick is also the first female driver to lead the race at Indianapolis, with a total of nineteen laps led throughout the event.  Patrick’s fourth place finish, the same as her starting position made history as the highest finish of a female in the Indianapolis 500. The previous record of ninth was set by Janet Guthrie in 1978. 

In July 2005, Patrick won her first pole position, leading a 1-2-3 sweep by her team at Kansas Speedway. She is the second woman to accomplish this feat in the IndyCar series, with Sarah Fisher being the first in 2002 at Kentucky Speedway.  However, Patrick would continue the season getting her second pole in August at Kentucky and her third pole came at Chicagoland Speedway tying her with Tomas Scheckter’s record for number of pole positions earned in a rookie season. In Danica’s first year in the IndyCar series, she finished twelfth earning her the Rookie of the Year title.  She also earned the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year for her historic performance.

In 2006, Danica would actually out-perform her fourth place starting position by qualifying third in the season opener at Homestead. However tragedy struck when teammate Paul Dana was killed in a crash during practice and teammates Patrick along with Buddy Rice withdrew from the race.  Both resumed their season with the second race at St. Petersburg. Patrick would achieve fourth place finishes at Nashville and Milwaukee tying her career best IndyCar finish. Danica ended the season in ninth place for the series, beating her rookie year finish. 

For 2007, Danica changed teams signing with Andretti Green Racing. Highlights for the season would begin at Texas when she ran with the lead pack for the entire race and led for the first time since her 2005 season.  She finished less than a second behind the winner, Sam Hornish, Jr., with her first podium finish and then career-best third place.  Later in the season at Belle Isle, Patrick would again get a podium finish with second, again a career high in the series, tying her with Sarah Fisher for best finish in IndyCar by a female driver. 

Danica with her first place trophy in Japan
(photo from getsportsinfo.com)

With 2008 being her second season with Andretti Green Racing, Patrick won the race at Japan in April becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race and joining the ranks of drag racer Shirley Muldowney , who won three NHRA Top Fuel Championships, as the first female winner in the top tier series. Patrick would go on to finish sixth for the season, the highest championship finish among American drivers for the 2008 season.

The 2009 Indianapolis 500 would be Patrick’s fifth time at the event.  She finished third, one spot better than her 2005 finish and a new record high finish for a female driver in the race. For the season, Patrick had the best finish of the Andretti Green team finishing fifth in championship points and again with the highest finish by an American for the series.

The 2010 season, is the first time Patrick would run full-time in IndyCar and a limited schedule in NASCAR’s Nationwide series with JR Motorsports. For IndyCar, Danica’s top finishes for the season came at Texas and Homestead with second place finishes, the first podium finishes since 2007.  For the first time, Patrick also surpassed the IndyCar series record for consecutive races finished running, having finished every race of the 2010 season, as well as all but the first race of 2009 season, for a total of thirty-three races.

Again, in 2011 Patrick would run a full-time IndyCar schedule and NASCAR’s Nationwide series on a limited basis. With few highlights in her open-wheel races and before the season ended, Danica announced she would no longer be driving the IndyCar series. Beginning with the 2012 season, she plans to focus her full-time attention to driving in NASCAR’s Nationwide and Sprint Cup series.  Danica ended her season, dominating the IndyCar record for most consecutive races running at the finish.  As of October 2, 2011, she has competed in fifty consecutive races in the running.  The next highest total in the record book is thirty-two. Danica Patrick ends her IndyCar experience as the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing.

What some do not realize, is Danica has an equity stake in her Nationwide #7 JR Motorsports team. NASCAR highlights within the past two years for Patrick include finishing sixth place at Daytona’s ARCA race in February 2010, her first stock car race experience.  March 2011, Patrick set racing history again, finishing fourth in the Nationwide series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the best finish of a woman in NASCAR’s top-series.  July 2011, Patrick finished tenth in the Nationwide series at Daytona after leading thirteen laps earlier in the race.

Consider for just a moment, Danica achieved these feats while running a part-time Nationwide schedule and at the same time, running a full-time IndyCar schedule, with two independent racing car styles. When you also take into consideration her firsts as a female competitor across multiple series and racing formats and there is no other woman achieving these feats in a male dominated sport, Danica has indeed earned her seat among NASCAR’s elite series. However, there is another reality fans must face going forward. 

Danica Patrick is the only driver
on Forbes top 100 list
(photo from NYSportsJournalism.com)
Yes, NASCAR is a rapidly changing sport with many changes apparent and a weakened economy affecting those changes dramatically. So with all the unknowns the 2012 season has in store for fans, media and the sport, one reality we should expect is Danica-mania. Whether you like this idea or not, as the most searched athlete on the internet in 2011, Danica brings marketing power with her to NASCAR and in this economy, that is exactly what is needed. 

While questions still remain about how this female driver will perform on the track, there is absolutely no doubt, Danica Sue Patrick will continue to make waves with her historic career and will impact the NASCAR industry creating ripples that just scratch the surface of possibilities for the future of this sport.  No one should expect anything less than Danica-mania ramping up as we get closer to the race opening green flag of the Daytona 500 and  expect it to continue well beyond the checkered flag of this great American race. 
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Champion Tony Stewart still chasing first Daytona 500 win

Three-time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart
(Photo from Stewarts’ twitter account)

When most NASCAR fans speak of Tony Stewart, usually one of the first comments you hear is “he can win in any division, on any racetrack.” With that statement proving true throughout Stewart’s thirteen years in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series, along with his third and most recent 2011 championship, Tony has proven he is one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers.


However, the word ‘irony‘ comes to mind when considering Stewart has three summer-time wins at the famous Daytona track in ’05, ’06 and ‘09, yet a coveted Daytona 500 win remains elusive within his NASCAR career since 1999. Winning three summer races at Daytona is remarkable when you realize, Stewart is one of only a few Cup drivers to achieve this feat in the track’s history, including Richard Petty with three, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough and Fireball Roberts with four and David Pearson with an amazing five wins, contributing to their legendary status. 


With less than 30 laps to go Tony Stewart 
has a wild ride in the 2001 Daytona 500
(photo from Racing on the Edge)

Tony Stewart’s luck with Daytona’s season opener, known as the great American race, is reminiscent of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., who won his first Daytona 500 in 1998, just three years prior to his death in 2001. In 2001 it appeared Stewart was in the mix to contend with a shot to win the Daytona 500 until a crash sent him end over end causing a left shoulder injury and taking away his chance at winning. Sadly the life of NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was also taken on the same day. 

In 2002 Stewart again appeared to have a great car throughout speedweeks and was a favorite to win the 500. But with only two laps into the race, his engine let go, forcing him to settle for a 43rd place finish. Stewart went on to rebound in the same season and win his first Sprint Cup championship.


Once more Stewart looked as though he was in his best situation to finally win the 500 in 2004. However, his dream again vanished when a last lap pass by Dale Earnhardt Jr. left Stewart to finish second, despite drafting help from future 2004 champion, Kurt Busch. 

Tony Stewart finishes 3rd 
in 2008 Daytona 500
(photo from upi.com)
In 2008 Tony was poised yet again to win the 500, when the former Penske team of Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman passed Stewart and former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate and drafting partner Kyle Busch for the win. Stewart   refers to that race as “the most frustrating of his career.” 
Tony had yet another chance to win the Daytona 500 in 2011.   On the final restart, Stewart was on the outside of the front row with Mark Martin behind him. But when the checkered flag waved, Trevor Bayne made history, as the youngest Daytona 500 winner. Stewart would wind up thirteenth after trouble on the final restart. 

With the 2012 Daytona 500 just weeks away, fans wonder will it be more of the same for Stewart? Will it actually take twenty years of trying to make his dream a reality? Or will Stewarts’ historic 2011 momentum swing his way for him to finally win his first Daytona 500? 


Written by Stephen McCall and Sharon Burton 
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