Matt Tifft To Drive For Red Horse Racing At Kansas

Matt Tifft will join the Red Horse Racing stable for several races, beginning at Kansas Speedway. The 19-year old driver has 15 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts to date, with six Top-10 finishes. He also has four NASCAR XFINITY Series starts with one Top-10. 

"We're very glad to bring Matt on board for the next few races," said team owner Tom DeLoach. "He's a great young driver with a lot of potential and I think we can help him gain some more experience and continue to improve."            

Tifft will pilot the No. 11 Toyota Tundra recently vacated by Ben Kennedy at Kansas Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and possibly additional races with veteran crew chief Scott Zipadelli leading the team.  

"I'm really excited for the opportunity to join Red Horse Racing," said Tifft. "I'm looking forward to working with (teammate) Timothy (Peters) and (crew chief) Scott Zipadelli on our No. 11 Toyota Tundra team. We're going to some tracks I really enjoy and I'm confident we're going to have some speed and we'll go and try to get some really good runs."

Arrive Hungry! Talladega Adds "Talla-Mento Dogwich" To GEICO 500 Weekend Menu

Fans will be sinking their teeth into Talladega Superspeedway’s new signature hot dog – the Talla-Mento Dogwich –during the track’s upcoming GEICO 500 race weekend, April 29-May 31.

The Talla-Mento Dogwich is a grilled, all beef hot dog, split in two and placed on top of melted Yancey’s Fancy buffalo cheddar cheese, topped with a generous helping of Pimiento Cheese, then placed between two slices of golden brown, grilled Texas toast and cut down the middle.

Talladega is cutting no corners on this dish, using Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan signature spicy buffalo cheese and cheddar cheese to drive home the flavor. Yancey’s Fancy has specialized in hand crafted cheeses for more than 60 years, with a reputation for producing high quality products.

“We have the best and most competitive form of racing in the world here at Talladega Superspeedway, and now we have the most unique, tasty and ‘big’ menu items anywhere,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “At Talladega, ‘Size Matters’ and our fans won’t be disappointed with the incredibly large Talla-Mento Dogwich. It joins ‘The Big One Meatball’ as the most creative and delicious food items at any sporting event in the world.”

The world-renowned “The Big One” Meatball, the biggest of its kind, weighs in at over a pound. It has a center of blended Mozzarella and Pepper Jack Cheeses, mixed with smoked BBQ Pulled Pork and house BBQ sauce for an extra kick. It is then covered by a layer of ground beef, rolled in a panko bread crumb and parmesan mix, before being deep fried to a golden brown. And finally, it is topped off with a dollop of BBQ sauce and a spaghetti garnish.

The Talla-Mento Dogwich ($5) will be sold in the O.V. Hill North and South Grandstands as well as the Tri-Oval Tower and all Infield Locations. The Big One Meatball ($13) will be sold at concession stands in the Gadsden and O.V. Hill South Grandstands, along with the Tri-Oval Tower along the frontstretch.

Northacker Says Rockingham's Silas Guilty Of "Stealing From A Non-Profit"

Vets-Help.org Executive Director Craig Northacker

Vets-Help.org executive director Craig Northacker responded today to statements made by Rockingham Speedway mortgage holder Bill Silas last week.

Northacker’s written response, submitted to the GodfatherMotorsports.com comment board, took issue with Silas’ contention that the North Carolina oval “should have gone on the auction block a long time ago,” saying, “the only reason (Rockingham) was not on the auction block is that I was to be given the opportunity to buy it. We had a deal worked out last year, but the other members in the triad refused to cooperate. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars as well trying to make it work, only to be thwarted time and again.”

In that response, Northacker claims that he assisted in paying down Rockingham’s $4-million note, saying, “We had it down to $2.7 million last year before the bank intervened, (then) did not sign the purchase contract.”

Northaker called the deal “lousy business,” adding, “I have offered to enable you to recover your losses from the track - for you to handle the massive amounts of construction we are entering in to. I have the purchase contract you recently sent me - I asked to make sure that no one else had claims, and that if Hillenburg was in bankruptcy that we had the permission of the Court appointed trustee.”

He also accused Silas of being “in conversation with people I was paying to get work done there without telling me,” terming those alleged conversations “stealing from a non-profit.

“I have a lease there, which you acknowledged and which I have insurance for that you are named as a loss payee on,” wrote Northacker. “And yet you deny me access wrongfully. The real sordid history of the track is being unraveled as we speak - it will not have a chance to get to auction.

“There is a lot more to the story,” he wrote. “But Dave Moody was uninterested in what we can do for our military and veterans there.”

Contacted by phone today, Northacker complained about a recent interview on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius XM Speedway in which he was “not allowed to speak about the plans we had to turn Rockingham into a Reintegration Center for military veterans.”

He alleged that in the approximately 15-minute interview, this writer “continually steered the conversation away from our plans and back to racing.” Reminded that the channel caters to a NASCAR-centric audience that was primarily interested in the racing aspects of his plan, Northacker replied, “So you’re not interested in helping our veterans,” before abruptly hanging up.

Here is Northacker’s written esponse, in its entirety:

"Billy, the only reason it was not on the auction block is that I was to be given the opportunity to buy it. We had a deal worked out last year, but the other members in the triad refused to cooperate. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars as well trying to make it work, only to be thwarted time and again. Why are you asking me for $ 4.1 million, only to turn around and auction it? There is a lot more to the story - but Dave Moody was uninterested in what we can do for our military and veterans there. Actions speak louder than words, Billy. Why do you not want to let me do what we started - turn it into a reintegration center? You paid $ 4 million for the note when we had it down to $ 2.7 million last year before the bank intervened. Then did not sign the purchase contract. This is lousy business - I have offered to enable you to recover your losses from the track - for you to handle the massive amounts of construction we are entering in to. I have the purchase contract you recently sent me - I asked to make sure that no one else had claims, and that if Hillenburg was in bankruptcy that we had the permission of the Court appointed trustee. A couple of weeks later after no answer, without telling me, you put the track up for auction. And it appears you have been in conversation with people I was paying to get work done there without telling me. That is stealing from a non-profit. You told me recently that you had $ 400,000 in escrow from another buyer, but that you wanted the veterans to have the track. Your attorney belied that sentiment with his comment that my concerns over 10,000 veteran suicides was mere "diatribe". You reinforced that sentiment by your actions now. I have a lease there, which you acknowledged, and which I have insurance for that you are named as a loss payee on. And yet you deny me access wrongfully. The real sordid history of the track is being unraveled as we speak - it will not have a chance to get to auction.”

 

Silas Speaks On Rockingham Speedway, What Went Wrong And What Comes Next

Rockingham Speedway’s Bill Silas broke his lengthy silence today in an exclusive interview with GodfatherMotorsports.com, clarifying his role in the operation of the North Carolina speed plant, discussing what went wrong and outlining his plans for the future.

It was announced this week that the venerable speedway will go up for public auction on Thursday, May 5 at the Richmond County (NC) Superior Court, with the track, its grounds and infrastructure being sold to the highest bidder. Silas confirmed that the sale will take place, while disputing past descriptions of him as a part-owner of Rockingham, along with former ARCA champion and NASCAR racer Andy Hillenburg.

“I have never been a partner in the speedway,” he said. “I co-signed the note for Andy to purchase the track. I saw it as something for my son Bryan to have a hand in at some point in the future, but I was never involved in the day-to-day operation of the track.

“I never thought we’d make a ton of money, but I didn’t think we’d lose a ton, either,” said Silas. “I thought we’d have it paid off in 10 years, and it would be a great opportunity for Bryan. It has always been about Bryan.”

Silas said that in his opinion, Rockingham’s financial downfall stemmed from a failure to supplement its on-track activities with other, non-racing events.

“The first race Andy booked was an ARCA show,” he recalled. “We spent $300-400,000 and never made it back. That was a tough way to start. Sponsorships didn’t come through the way we expected them to, and then we got hit with one of the biggest financial recessions in history. The timing could not have been worse.

“We tried bringing in the (NASCAR Camping World) Truck Series,” said Silas, “and it was a complete financial failure. (The monetary strain) began impacting my main business, and I started to realize that this was not working out the way we had hoped. I suggested (to Hillenburg) that he either buy me out, or that we hang a ‘For Sale’ sign out front, but he didn’t want to do that. He sincerely believed that we could make it work.”

Silas said that after some financial restructuring, he mistakenly believed that his name had been taken off the bank note.

“I trusted that my name was off the note,” he said, “but that was not the case.”

Silas stressed that he harbors no animosity or ill-will toward Hillenburg, who “put his life on the line for that race track. He never misled me. He worked his tail off, because he loves Rockingham Speedway and Richmond County. The decision was made to run a second NASCAR Truck race, and again, there was no money (made). A lot more money went out the door, with nothing coming back in.

“At a certain point, it just doesn’t make sense to keep writing checks.”

Silas said that in his opinion, Rockingham “should have gone on the auction block a long time ago.  You can’t keep throwing good money after bad. I’ve spent more than $200,000 on attorney’s fees alone since the last race there (in April of 2013). I bought the note from the bank. I have spent millions of dollars. I’m spending money right now to get the track as operational as possible for a future buyer.”

Silas said he believes Rockingham could make money, if properly run.

“It can’t be just racing,” he said. “Two or three races a year will not begin to pay the bills. The track needs other (non-racing) events to draw people in. The place is totally underutilized. When you’re paying 7.5% interest on a bank loan and your payment is $37,000 a month, $22,000 of that is interest alone. That doesn’t work unless you have cross-revenue from other events.”

Silas said he believes Rockingham “will never be just a race track, ever again. Look at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” he said. “There is something going on there just about every day. They have 2-3 major racing events each year, but they’re putting something in the bank just about every day.”

He stressed, however, that he is not the man for the job.

“I have 1,000 employees in seven states,” he said. “I can only do so many things at the same time. Running a racetrack was never part of my plan. I am stretched too thin to do it myself, and Bryan doesn’t want to tackle it, either. The best thing to do is hand it off to someone who can give it their full attention.

“Rockingham needs a businessman, not just a racer.”

Silas declined to comment on statements made by Vets-Help.org executive director Craig Northacker, who announced plans in January of 2015 to purchase the speedway as the centerpiece of a “Reintegration Center” for military veterans. He did say, however, that at various points, a number of individuals have expressed interest in buying the track.

“At least 10 people have talked about buying Rockingham,” he said. “Unfortunately, not one of them put forth a single dime. In fact, people got in trouble for using the track, after being given permission to do so by people who had no authorization. Locks were cut off gates by folks who thought they had permission to be there."

Finally, Silas said he has been disappointed with the lack of support shown by area race fans, as well as the unfair criticism he believes he has received from some members of the racing community.

“I’m not going to write checks all day, if people won’t support the race track,” he said. “The people who criticize me are not the ones draining their checking accounts (to keep Rockingham running). I’m not trying to kill the speedway, I‘m trying to save it.

“On May 5, someone is going to own this race track, debt-free,” he said. “Any previous debts have either been paid, or forgiven by the courts. There is an opportunity here for someone to make a clean start and do what it takes to make Rockingham Speedway successful again.

“All it takes is for the right person to step forward.”  
 

Rockingham Headed For The Auction Block May 5

The latest chapter in the long-running saga of Rockingham Speedway is set for May 5, when the historic North Carolina oval goes up for public auction.

A notice of foreclosure sale filed with the Richmond County (NC) Superior Court last week reveals that the track will be sold to the highest bidder on that date, including real estate, structures and “all rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto… described in the deed of trust.” The speedway will be sold “as is, where is."

Rockingham is owned by Bill Silas and Andy Hillenburg, who purchased the speedway in 2007 for $4 million. Despite the return of ARCA, regional racing and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to the track, Silas and Hillenburg were unable to navigate rough financial waters. As of August 8, 2015, they owed $4,532,796.23 to Farmers & Merchants Bank – slightly more than the amount of the original mortgage -- prompting F&M to request that the track be put into receivership.

Superior Court Judge W. David Lee ordered that the speedway be sold by March 15, 2015, but that order was suspended when an apparent buyer was found for the property. That buyer, Craig Northacker of Vets-Help.org, announced plans to build a “Reintegration Center” for military veterans on speedway grounds, with educational, vocational and rehabilitative programs for service men and women, bound together by auto racing.

Northacker never purchased the property, however, despite announcing plans to host a racing event for the fledgling X-Cup Series at Rockingham later this month. That event was cancelled recently, after a three-year lease held by Northacker was terminated by Silas.

Silas’ Florida-based holding company, BK Rock Holdings, LLC, purchased the outstanding note from F&M Bank late last year.

Kenneth Robinette, chairman of the Richmond (NC) County Board of Commissioners, told the Richmond County Daily Journal that the foreclosure may be an attempt to “get rid of some partners,” in advance of a potential sale.

Neither Silas not Hillenburg were available to comment.

COMMENTARY: Robertson's Texas Invocation Begs Long-Overdue Religeous Debate

Make no mistake about it, Phil Robertson is a controversy magnet. 

Family patriarch, self-made millionaire and star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” reality TV program, Robertson is known for his outspoken religious and political views; views he is happy to share, regardless of venue. Saturday night, his venue was Texas Motor Speedway; site of the “Duck Commander 500” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, where Robertson – founder of the race sponsor – was called upon to deliver the pre-race invocation. 

With head bowed, Robertson began his pre-race prayer by declaring, "We got here via bibles and guns. I’m fixin’ to pray to the one who made that possible.” 

Que the nervous squirming on pit road. 

After briefly praising the United States military, he transitioned to the political arena, saying, “I pray, Father, that we put a Jesus-man in the White House. Help us do that and help us all to repent, to do what is right, to love you more and to love each other. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen." 

The Robertson family has traditionally been outspoken in its support of Republican candidates. This election season, Phil Robertson has endorsed Texas senator Ted Cruz. Son Willie, the CEO of Duck Commander, is backing Donald Trump. Just weeks after NASCAR Chairman Brian France, Hall Of Fame driver Bill Elliott and current stars Ryan Newman, David Ragan and Chase Elliott publically endorsed Trump, Robertson’s comments served to rekindle the still-smoldering debate over whether NASCAR – or any other professional sport – should espouse specific political and religious views. 

The breathless headlines quickly followed: 

“Bizarre Video: `Bibles & Guns!’ Phil Robertson Delivers Controversial Prayer at NASCAR Race.” 

“NASCAR Invocation Features Prayer To Elect Republican President.” 

“'Duck Dynasty' Star May Ruffle More Than A Few Feathers This Time.” 

This, despite the fact that nowhere in his invocation did Robertson use the words Republican, Democrat or Independent. 

Whether or not you agree with Robertson’s political and religious views, his comments Saturday reinforced long-held stereotypes of NASCAR as a staunchly conservative southern sport. They also raised important questions about the atmosphere of inclusion our sport endeavors to espouse. For in an era when NASCAR advocates inclusion, the sanctioning body continues to play favorites on the religious front. 

Before we go any further, a brief disclaimer is in order. 

I am not a deeply religious person. Much to the chagrin of my dearly departed grandmother – a devout, God-fearing woman who would have climbed from her death bed to attend Sunday morning services – my church attendance is strictly limited to weddings and funerals. My biblical knowledge begins and ends with generic, “do unto others” platitudes, and while I absolutely believe in a higher power, I’m not sure I can identify him (or her) by name. 

While admittedly not a “religion guy,” I do have some specific thoughts on the role of religion in our sport; thoughts that will almost certainly damn me to hell in the minds of some. I’m OK with that, since the decision on how and where I spend eternity is in hands of that aforementioned higher power, and not the readers of GodfatherMotorsports.com.  

NASCAR is one of the few major professional sports that allows pre-race prayers at events. That is an admirable stance, in my view; one that would be even more laudable if the “singing and praying” were inclusive, rather than exclusive. Currently, the sport’s weekly, pre-race invocations are conducted almost exclusively by Christian clergy, with a heavy emphasis on resurrection, the cross and – in Robertson’s words – “the name of Jesus.” Try to recall the last time a pre-race prayer was delivered by a rabbi, rather than a pastor. Try to recall the last time the prayer was non-denominational, instead of ecumenical. 

Odds are, you’ll be thinking for a while. 

One wonders how Jewish, Hindu, Islamic or Buddist fans feel in the midst of NASCAR’s weekly, Christian-based pre-race prayer, not to mention those who happen to be agnostic or atheist. How must they feel when their favorite sport hands the microphone – week after week – to a series of “Jesus-men,” at the exclusion of all others? 

Lots of words come to mind. “Welcome,” however, is not one of them. 

Prayer has a long history in NASCAR, pre-dating the foundation of the sanctioning body in 1949. In an era when religion has been banished from our schools and public forums, NASCAR stands with the NFL's Carolina Panthers and NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder as the only major sporting franchises willing to give thanks to a higher power before putting the ball in play.  

As a privately owned business, NASCAR is entitled to address its pre-race prayers to whatever deity it chooses. What’s legal, however, is not necessarily what’s right. Our nation’s courts ruled decades ago that prayer is only permissible at publically funded universities if it does not endorse a specific religion.  

Perhaps it is time for NASCAR to begin walking a similar path, taking a page from the Panthers, who require their pre-race invocations to be “ecumenical in nature,” embracing all beliefs while favoring none. By praying to a higher power without defining that deity by name, we enable fans to celebrate their religious beliefs together, without sending the message that one religion is better than others.  

Recently, in an attempt to become more welcoming to people of color, NASCAR parted with longstanding tradition by discouraging the use of Confederate flags on speedway property. That decision was justified on racial grounds, just as the elimination of specific, denominational prayers is justified on religious grounds. 

Tradition does not justify exclusion, and NASCAR can do better in this regard. In fact, it is high time for us to do so.  

Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage defended Robertson’s comments Saturday, saying the Duck Dynasty star “said what he felt and believed. There are a lot of people that agree with him and a lot that disagree with him. Nowadays, you cannot say what you think because of political correctness. So, I guess everyone has a right to free speech. Or nobody does. 

“What do you do?” asked Gossage. “We’re supposed to be tolerant of all.” 

Tolerance is indeed a worthy goal. It is achievable, however, only through the willingness to honor all points of view, not just those with which we agree.  

Robertson is absolutely entitled to his personal beliefs. One wonders why the former Louisiana Tech football star eschewed a heartfelt statement of thanks to a higher power in favor of a recruitment speech for Team Jesus, but that’s Robertson’s call, not mine.

 

Texas Motor Speedway officials stretched the boundaries of believability, however, by claiming to be surprised by Robertson’s words. When you book Phil Robertson to deliver a pre-race prayer, you know what you’re in for. 

Hellfire, brimstone, guns and bibles… with a side order of alienation. 

Urging people to “do what is right… and love each other” is admirable on all fronts. The balance of Robertson’s “bibles and guns” rhetoric, however, was clearly (and perhaps intentionally) alienating to those of conflicting faiths. To non-Christians, Saturday night’s invocation was akin to saying, “My God is the only acceptable God, and if you don’t believe as I do, you are not welcome here.” Those words are perfectly acceptable for a Sunday morning church service filled with like-minded believers. They were ill-suited, however, for a speedway filled with wildly diverse race fans, not to mention a worldwide television audience. 

It’s not about whether or not you agree with Phil Robertson. Plenty of people do, and plenty do not. It’s also not about whether you think we need a Jesus-man in the White House. It’s about welcoming everyone -- people of all races, genders, religions and political beliefs – to our sport. Disenfranchising large numbers of current and potential fans by praying publically to one (and only one) God makes as little sense as alienating others by flying the Confederate flag.  

It is short-sighted in the extreme, and its time is long passed. 

NASCAR has made important, meaningful strides toward inclusiveness in recent years. Robertson’s comments Saturday night did the sport a favor, by stimulating discussion on yet another critical issue. 

Let’s make the most of the opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xfinity Series Debuts Heat Racing Saturday Night

The NASCAR XFINITY Series will take racing back to its roots with Heat races, beginning with the first of four Dash 4 Cash events Saturday, April 16, at Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers will each compete in one of two 50-lap Heat races for the chance to be eligible to win $100,000 in the 200-lap Main event. As in years past, the potential for a $1,000,000 total payout stands. New for this year, a driver who wins multiple Dash 4 Cash bonuses will earn a spot in the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase, provided he/she remains eligible per the NASCAR rule book.

“Excitement for the NASCAR XFINITY Series Dash 4 Cash has reached a new level since the format change was announced in January,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “With potential NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase implications involved, we will see the intensity around these events ratcheted up.”

All Dash 4 Cash events are comprised of two Heats and a Main, and will take place when the NASCAR XFINITY Series visits Bristol Motor Speedway (April 16), Richmond International Raceway (April 23), Dover International Speedway (May 14) and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 23).  

For these unique Dash 4 Cash events, traditional, single-car qualifying will determine the 40 eligible vehicles and starting positions for the two Heats, with the fastest qualifier receiving the Coors Light Pole Award. Odd-numbered qualifiers (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) will start in the first Heat in respective order, while even-numbered qualifiers (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) will start the second Heat in respective order.

The two Heats will set the starting positions for the Main, with the top two NASCAR XFINITY Series championship points-earning drivers in each Heat becoming eligible for the Dash 4 Cash bonus. Of the four eligible Dash 4 Cash drivers, the highest-finishing driver in the Main will be awarded a $100,000 bonus.  

“The new Dash 4 Cash format changes well-represent XFINITY’s goal to bring the best in entertainment to NASCAR fans by heightening the competition,” said Matt Lederer, executive director of sports marketing at Comcast. “Names are Made Here in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, and the Dash 4 Cash program provides an opportunity for these drivers to prove themselves on a national stage. XFINITY is changing the way fans experience NASCAR, and the shakeup in the competition for these races will create plenty of drama for them to see.” 

Multiple Dash 4 Cash bonus wins will earn a driver a spot in the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase, provided he/she remains eligible per the NASCAR rule book. In essence, multiple Dash 4 Cash bonus wins equal one race win for Chase eligibility. If a driver wins the first three Dash 4 Cash bonuses and wins the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway outright, that driver will also receive an additional $600,000 to bring the total Dash 4 Cash award to $1,000,000. 

In order to be eligible for the Dash 4 Cash bonus, drivers must have declared to earn NASCAR XFINITY Series points.

Stenhouse To Drive Waltrip Paint Scheme At Darlington

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. knew exactly what paint scheme car he wanted for this year’s Southern 500 Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway.  It had to be the orange and white No. 17 that Darrell Waltrip drove to his first win in 1975.

“Darrell Waltrip is one of the icons in our sport and has helped build NASCAR into the sport it is today,” said Stenhouse.  “It is a huge honor to be able to run the 1975 throwback paint scheme of Darrell’s at Darlington. Darrell’s last win was at Darlington, so it only seems fitting that we get his throwback paint scheme in Victory Lane on Labor Day weekend and have Darrell celebrate with us.”

Waltrip was 28 years old when he put the field two laps down in his orange and blue No. 17 on his way to Victory Lane at Nashville Speedway.  He would go on to win a total of 84 Sprint Cup Series races and three Championships throughout a career that spanned three decades.

“It’s an honor to have this car run in the Southern 500,” said Waltrip.  “I got my first win at Nashville with that paint scheme but I got my last win in Darlington so it will be a special race weekend for me.  I missed the throwback weekend in Darlington last year and regretted it.  You can bet I won’t miss this one and I’ll be rooting for the 17!”

Ricky’s primary sponsor, Fastenal, was quickly on board with the plan to honor the three-time champion and NASCAR icon.

“When Ricky first suggested the throwback paint scheme, we were excited to support his idea,” said Dan Florness, Fastenal CEO.  “NASCAR fans of all ages know Darrell Waltrip, and what better way to honor that legacy than with a tribute to his first win.  We’re proud to have the Fastenal logo on the hood.”

Darlington Raceway’s award-winning throwback event celebrates the history and heritage of NASCAR racing at one of the sport’s most iconic tracks. The campaign focuses on specific eras plus the historic moments and drivers that made impacts at the track Too Tough to Tame. The Tradition Continues throwback celebration will take place on Labor Day weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 is set for Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016.

Gaulding Signs With Roush Fenway

Roush Fenway Racing has announced the addition of Gray Gaulding to its developmental program. Gaulding, who hails from Colonial Heights, Va., will make his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut behind the wheel of the No. 60 Ford Mustang in the August 19th race at Bristol Motor Speedway. He is also slated to run the NXS race in September at his ‘home’ track of Richmond.   

“I’m very excited to become a part of Roush Fenway Racing’s Developmental program and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel for my XFINITY Series debut later this year at Bristol,” said Gaulding, who made his ARCA Series debut earlier this season at Daytona. “Roush Fenway has proven to be second to none in developing drivers within the NASCAR garage. I think their record speaks for itself. Jack Roush is the most successful owner in XFINITY Series history and it’s a great honor to be able to break into the XFINITY Series in a Roush Fenway Ford Mustang.”  

The 18-year old Gaulding has made 13 starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, including a fourth-place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in 2014. He has made 38 starts in the NASCAR K&N East Series, including four starts at Bristol where he earned a pair of Top-10s and posted a runner-up finish in 2014.  He also has five starts in the K&N West Series, including a win at Phoenix in 2013.   

“We’re pleased to be able to give Gray the opportunity to cut his teeth in the XFINITY Series this season,” said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark. “He is a talented young driver and we are happy that we can help play a role in his growth and progression as he continues forward in his NASCAR career.”

Report: Rockingham Race In Doubt After Lease Is Terminated

The Richmond County Daily Journal is reporting today that the promised return of stock car racing to Rockingham Speedway later this month is now in serious doubt, after a lease held on the track by Vets-Help.org Executive Director Craig Northacker was terminated recently by speedway co-owner Bill Silas.  

Northacker and X-Cup Series promoter James Martin had announced plans to hold a race at The Rock on April 23, despite ongoing disputes between Northacker, Silas and fellow speedway co-owner Andy Hillenburg.  

Martin confirmed via Facebook Monday that both the event and the X-Cup Series’ inaugural season are now “at least temporarily on hold,” with an open test scheduled for this Sunday cancelled outright.

He confirmed that Silas has terminated Northacker’s lease, adding, “I was… as blown away as anybody else.” 

 

The historic speedway has not hosted a race since the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competed there in April of 2013.

 

Northacker, however, told Daily Journal reporter William R. Toler that his lease remains valid, and that an agreement to purchase the speedway is still being negotiated. In his words, “As far as I’m concerned, we’re still on track to do what we’re going to do.” 

Silas' attorney, Alan Armour, offered a much different assessment in January of this year, telling GodfatherMotorsports.com, "There are numerous parties who have shown, and continue to express, an interest in Rockingham Raceway, including Craig Northacker. However, to date, it is my understanding that none of the parties have presented any definitive proposals. We are aware of numerous parties who desire to bring racing events back to the Rock. However… until a definitive agreement is reached, there are no assurances that there will be any racing events in year 2016." 

In January of 2015, Northacker announced plans to purchase the track and convert it into a “Reintegration Center” for military veterans. At the time, he said auto racing would be a major part of his organization’s effort to “reintegrate veterans back into society… with stability, financial security and an affordable home.”  

The Daily Journal reported today that Vets-Help.org vice president of operations and development Jim Blakenbaker acknowledged receiving a 60-day written notice of termination of the lease, and had removed $30,000 worth of assets and equipment from the property by a March 14 cutoff date, in order to avoid having them seized.  Blakenbaker said he has also retained legal counsel regarding alleged back wages owed and a bounced check written by Northacker. 

He said there are “conversations going on trying to salvage (racing) in 2016. If there’s a way to do something, we’re doing it. There’s too much synergy not to be able to pull something off.” 

GodfatherMotorsports.com attempted to contact Northacker today for comment, without success. Hillenburg and Silas were unavailable for comment.

Allmendinger, JTG Daugherty Show Solid Progress At Martinsville

To the victor goes the spoils, and Sunday afternoon at Martinsville Speedway, the victor was Kyle Busch.

But as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver celebrated his 35^th career Sprint Cup Series victory with a series of smoking, post-race donuts on the Martinsville front stretch, just a few feet away stood a driver with a smile nearly as wide as his. 

In the aftermath of Sunday's STP 500, runner-up AJ Allmendinger basked in the afterglow of a season-best runner-up finish, simultaneously disappointed and elated with a day that brought his JTG Daugherty team everything but a checkered flag.  

For Allmendinger, Sunday’s second-place showing was his best since a thrilling win on the road course at Watkins Glen International two seasons ago. For his JTG Daugherty Racing team, it signaled a return to relevancy after a 2015 season that saw them slip to 22^nd in the championship standings; a nine-spot plunge from their 2014 Chase-qualifying campaign. 

“I hope the fans enjoyed that,” said a giddy Allmendinger following the checkered flag. “It was a lot of fun. I was hoping for one more spot, but I passed Jimmie Johnson like five freakin’ times at Martinsville! That’s pretty cool!” 

In a race characterized by rising and falling fortunes for many of the top contenders, Allmendinger was one of the day’s few constants. He qualified sixth and ran inside the Top 10 virtually all afternoon, frequently forfeiting spots on restarts before surging forward with a car that thrived on long green-flag runs. Crew chief Randall Burnett kept the California native on-track during the race’s final caution period with 16 laps remaining, and Allmendinger made the most of the opportunity, surging past runner-up Matt Kenseth on the final restart, then trailing Busch to the finish line by just .06 of a second. 

Allmendinger’s Martinsville success could perhaps have been forecast. He finished second there for Team Penske in 2012 and has 10 Top-15 finishes in 16 career starts on the Virginia half-mile oval. While a strong Martinsville showing does not necessarily guarantee a return to Chase contention in 2016, Allmendinger spoke candidly about his teams’ past struggles and the numerous changes made during the offseason. 

"We weren't where we wanted to be about six months ago," he admitted. "We brought in Randall Burnett, (Competition Director) Ernie Cope (and) so many different people, while we kept the same core group." 

Allmendinger said he has also worked hard on himself, trying to be a better teammate. 

"I didn't like myself last year," he said. "I didn't like who I was for the team. I was frustrated. I want to be better for these guys (because) when they step up, they make me better. I'm trying my butt off.” 

Sunday’s performance catapulted Allmendinger from 17^th to 12^th in the Sprint Cup Series championship standings, solidly inside of the Chase cutoff, were the playoffs to start today. And while the Los Gatos, California native knows there’s a lot of racing to do before the Chase kicks in, Sunday’s performance gave a clear indication of what he and his single-car JTG Daugherty team are capable of. 

"God, I wish we had one more spot," laughed Allmendinger post-race. "But that was pretty darn cool."