Iowa Set For Spot On `09 Nationwide Schedule?

NASCAR Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell confirmed what Sirius Speedway told you last week, that Iowa Speedway is being considered as a replacement for Mexico City on the 2009 Nationwide Series schedule.

NASCAR announced recently that the series will not return to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez next season, and sources tell Sirius Speedway that Iowa will take its place. O’Donnell stopped short of confirming that, saying there are more than two tracks under consideration, but admitting that conversations have been had with officials at Iowa Speedway. He also said he expects the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal to be back on the 2009 schedule, which could be announced in as little as two weeks.

Pocono Stabbing Victim Critical: A 43-year old New York man remains in critical condition today, after being stabbed in the heart at Pocono Raceway Sunday. Police said Michael Gualtiere of Seaford, Long Island, N.Y., was treated at the track’s Infield Care Center at about 7 p.m., then flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital Center where he remains in critical condition after surgery.

Police have obtained a warrant to search a vehicle involved in the incident, and have identified what they call a “person of interest.” The investigation is ongoing.

And Finally: There are reports today that P.J. Jones will drive the Hall of Fame Racing Toyota at Watkins Glen this weekend, in place of J.J. Yeley. Yeley failed to qualify on the road course at Infineon Raceway in June, and Jones recently tested the #96 Toyota at Road Atlanta. As of this morning, Yeley was still listed on the official Watkins Glen entry list.