NASCAR Notebook: Daytona AeroTesting, Grubb Moving Up?

Seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams took part in an aerodynamic test at Daytona International Speedway yesterday, establishing aero parameters for Preseason Thunder testing next January, and ultimately for the 2012 Daytona 500. Job One is the reduction (or outright elimination) of the two-by-two drafting that has dominated recent restrictor plate races at both Daytona and Talladega.

Teams participating in Tuesday's test included Hendrick Motorsports (Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Aric Almirola); Roush Fenway Racing (David Ragan and Marcos Ambrose); Joe Gibbs Racing (Joey Logano); Michael Waltrip Racing (Martin Truex Jr.); and NEMCO Motorsports (Joe Nemechek). The test was delayed by early morning rain showers, with teams kept off the track at 11:45 AM ET. Initial laps were run with a 29/32” restrictor plate and 4½ by 63” rear spoiler; the same configuration used in July's Coke Zero 400. By day's end, the size of the rear spoiler had been reduced to 3” by 62”; reducing rear down force and drag. As expected, those changes produced increased speeds, with cars topping out at more than 207 mph.

Earnhardt Jr., a 13-time race winner at Daytona, called the test "a positive step in finding a solution to the drafting style at Daytona. I did not anticipate finding a magical solution here today, but we will be much better off and a lot smarter about things by having tested," said Earnhardt. "This is just part of the work that needs to get done. There are a lot of creative minds out here. We're learning what we need to know. I think we're all in agreement that we probably won't totally rid ourselves of the tandem racing, but I'm confident we can get to the point where it will not be the norm."

NAPA Toyota driver Martin Truex, Jr. said, "We tried several different packages out there today. What we're trying to do is put an end to this two-car draft, or at least make it so we can only get together for a lap or two and have to switch or run in a pack. NASCAR is being smart about all of this, and they are going through some steps to see if the changes we're making will result in what they think they will."

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby said Tuesday's test should “give the teams more options when it comes to how they draft. We believe we're headed in the right direction on that," said Darby. "We want to be able to reduce the difference in the speeds between the tandem style of racing and more of the pack style of racing and we made a lot of good progress on that here today."

Grubb Playing Coy: Crew chief Darrien Grubb continues to keep mum on his plans for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

Just days before driver Tony Stewart makes his final bid for the 2011 series championship at Homestead Miami Speedway, the Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet crew chief fended off questions about his future during a NASCAR teleconference Tuesday. Various rumors have Grubb promoted to Director of Competition at Stewart Haas Racing next season -- replaced atop the pit box by current Penske Racing crew chief Steve Addington -- or even fired outright from the team. He was reportedly told weeks ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he will not return as crewchief. Penske Racing holds an option year on Addington’s contract, and sources say team owner Roger Penske has not yet agreed to grant him his release.

Asked about his 2012 plans, Grubb said, “We'll leave that to after Sunday and figure out what's going to happen then. Our goal is to win the championship. We'll decide everything else after that.” Grubb said he has not allowed himself to be distracted by speculation about his future, adding, “We've still got the same goals we've always had; that we want to go out and win the championship. Winning races is the way to do that. What we've done in the last nine weeks (has) shown we have the capability to do that. Hopefully we can continue that streak… and win at Homestead.”

And Finally: NASCAR Nationwide Series veteran Jason Leffler will make his last start in the #38 Great Clips Chevrolet for Turner Motorsports this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Leffler and his distinctive “faux hawk” hairdo have been the face of Great Clips’ Nationwide program for the last six seasons, and the former open wheel star continues to seek a new ride for the 2012 campaign. He will continue to represent Great Clips in select projects, and his longtime NASCAR sponsor will back his effort in the 2012 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in January.

JR Motorsports Fined, Penalized

NASCAR announced today that the No. 7 NASCAR Nationwide Series team of Danica Patrick has been issued penalties and fines as a result of rule infractions at Phoenix International Raceway last week.

The No. 7 Chevrolet was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-2.3A (improperly attached weight) of the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. The infraction occurred during the race on Nov. 12.

As a result of the violations, crew chief Tony Eury Jr. has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until March 28, 2012.

Sgt. Slaughter Named GM of Ford 300

"Maggots, start your engines!"

WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter has been announced as Grand Marshal for Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series championship race, the Ford 300, at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Track President Matthew Becherer made that announcement today.

“I am really excited to start the Ford 300,” said Slaughter. “Ricky Stenhouse, Elliott Sadler, Justin Algaier and Aric Almirola have made the 2011 Nationwide Series special, and I can’t wait to see who is named champion once the checkered flag is waved and history is made.”

Sgt. Slaughter is truly one of a kind. A former United States Marine, he earned his famous ring name during his time in the service. Once he began his professional wrestling career, he solidified that name, intimidating adversaries and fans alike with his trademark drill sergeant attire and booming baritone. He remains one of the WWE’s most recognizable figures and comes to South Florida in advance of WrestleMania XXVIII, which will take place at Sun Life Stadium on April 1.

Following his retirement from full-time mat competition, he spent some time as WWE Commissioner and today serves as a WWE Ambassador.

“Sgt. Slaughter is a huge racing enthusiast,” said Becherer. “I am sure he’ll put his full effort into the command to start engines, and it’ll be a lot of fun for the fans Saturday night.”

Hamilton Jr. Out At Nashville Fairgrounds, Marlin Could Assume Promotional Reins

City officials are seeking a new promoter for the legendary Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, after 2011 leaseholder Bobby Hamilton, Jr., was determined to be in breach of contract.

WTVF-TV in Nashville reported recently that Hamilton’s last three checks to the Metro Board of Fair Commissioners bounced, after a difficult first season where he struggled to attract both cars and fans. He recently cancelled the track’s showcase event, the All-American 400, after being unable to negotiate a mutually agreeable financial arrangement with the sanctioning body for the event, CRA Super Series.
Hamilton’s contract to promote the city owned speedway expired at the end of October, and State Fair Director Buck Dozier said the board is looking for a new promoter to operate the track in 2012.

A group of investors headed by former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Sterling Marlin has expressed interested in acquiring the lease. Marlin won three championships at the legendary oval in the 1980s and his father, the late Clifton “Coo Coo” Marlin was a four-time titlist there in the 1960s. Both drivers used the track as a springboard to what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and Sterling Marlin said recently that he would like to take over the track "if everything can be worked out."

The Fair Board has asked for potential 2012 promoters to present proposals at a meeting December 6, with a decision expected by the end of the month. Hamilton will reportedly continue to own and operate Highland Rim Speedway, a quarter-mile short track 20 miles north of Nashville.

Piquet Set For Double Duty At Homestead

Nelson Piquet, Jr. will do double duty this weekend, competing in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finales at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway. Piquet has performed well on intermediate tracks this season, earning five Top-5 and seven Top-10 finishes in 12 starts on 1.5-mile speedways.

Piquet will close out his first full season of Camping World Truck Series competition in the Kevin Harvick Inc. #8 Piquet Realty Chevrolet Silverado for Friday night's season-ending Ford 200. After 24 of 25 races Nelson sits 10th in the championship and is entrenched in a heated battle with Richard Childress Racing driver Joey Coulter for 2011 Rookie of the Year honors.

Saturday, Piquet will take the wheel of the #30 Turner Motorsports Chevrolet in the Ford 300 Nationwide Series finale. The race will mark Piquet's first Nationwide start of the 2011 season and his second overall. He made his series last year on the road course at Watkins Glen, racing to an impressive, seventh-place finish.

“I am looking forward to this weekend at Homestead," said Piquet. "I seem to do quite well at this style of track and I’ve learned so much during the course of the season. I’m heading into the Truck race with a lot of confidence in myself and my team. We are only five points behind Joey Coulter for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award, and I'm hoping that after the race this weekend we'll be able to take over the lead. A solid finish will also help me achieve my primary goal of the season, finishing in the Top-10 in the driver point standings. I’m excited to be getting in a Nationwide car again. Last year I got a good result at Watkins Glen, so if I can get another result like that it will be fantastic.”

Truex Bags A Big `Un!

NAPA Toyota driver Martin Truex, Jr., got a little "down time" last week before reporting for duty at Phoenix International Raceway, and spent it in pursuit of the elusive buck in Kansas. This nine-point, 250-pound bad boy is going to look REALLY good over MTJr's fireplace!

Daytona Announces Hotel Discounts

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III announced today that the speedway has expanded its ongoing efforts to help lower the costs for fans attending Speedweeks and the 2012 Daytona 500, with special hotel rates available through February 22nd, 2012.

From now through December 31, fans can save at least 20-percent off the standard rate for hotels located in the Daytona Beach region and surrounding areas. From January 1, through February 22, 2012, fans can save at least 10 percent off standard room rates.

At least 20 hotels are participating in the program so far, and more will likely be added in the future. All are located within 35 miles of the Speedway in Daytona Beach, western Volusia County, Seminole and Flagler counties. Fans can visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/hotels to find a list of participating hotels, along with contact information for reservations.

“We continue to work very closely with our local and regional hotel partners to provide our fans and guests with the best rates possible,” said Chitwood. “We want to thank those hotels who continue to participate in this important program and welcome additional hotels to join. Our fans are the most loyal and passionate in all of sports. By working together, we will ensure our guests have a memorable and positive experience when they visit our community.”

This offer is made possible through a partnership between Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Seminole Convention and Visitors Bureau, the West Volusia Tourism Bureau and the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. Hotels interested in participating in this program can contact the Speedway for more information.

The speedway has also announced a new Daytona 500 youth ticketing policy. Children 12 and under will receive 50-percent off all Superstretch grandstand seats for the Daytona 500 with the purchase of an adult ticket. This special offer is available only while supplies last. Tickets for the 54th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 as well as other Speedweeks 2012 events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP

One Last Hurrah For Red Bull Racing

There is no quit in Red Bull Racing. Unfortunately, tenacity and determination alone will not be enough to keep the doors open.

The embattled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team is awash in uncertainty these days, after team owner Dietrich Mateschitz announced in June that he will shut down the operation at season’s end. Red Bull Racing Vice President Jay Frye has spent the ensuing weeks searching for a buyer or sponsors to keep the team operational in 2012, but the company warned employees in September that it expects to lay off 152 employees when it ceases operation in early December.

The team has not responded like a typical “lame duck” operation. Driver Kasey Kahne has finished sixth or better in six of the last seven races, culminating in Sunday’s emotional victory at Phoenix International Raceway. Kahne trails only title contenders Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart in points earned during the 2011 Chase, and said he takes pride in his team’s ability to overcome adversity.

“Everybody kept working hard,” said Kahne in Victory Lane Sunday. “We're bringing awesome cars to the track. They haven't given up, and they're doing a great job. We've been able to stay focused. It's tough to hear you say it's shutting down in eight days,” he admitted. “Over the last three months, (we) have one of the top five cars in NASCAR. (Now it’s) shutting down, and that's crazy.”

Unfortunately, prospects are bleak that a last-minute buyer can be found. With Kahne and crew chief Kenny Francis departing for Hendrick Motorsports at season’s end, their late-season surge adds little value for a prospective buyer. Teammate Brian Vickers owns the team’s other Sprint Cup Series win, and was a Chase qualifier as recently as 2009. But lately, the former NASCAR Nationwide Series champion has been less team leader than loose cannon, waging a senseless, on-track feud with Matt Kenseth that has produced nothing more tangible than a wrecking yard full of crashed race cars. As talented as Vickers is – and there is no question about his skill behind the wheel – a month filled with road rage incidents makes him a liability in Frye’s effort to find a buyer, rather than an asset.

Sometimes, hard work, determination and desire are simply not enough. Barring an eleventh hour miracle, Sunday’s Victory Lane festivities will mark the final opportunity for anyone associated with Red Bull Racing to celebrate.

Vickers Denies Intent In Kenseth Crash

Brian Vickers’ feud with Matt Kenseth shows no sign of abating this week, after Vickers pushed Kenseth into the Turn Three wall Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway. The crash, which caused major damage to Kenseth’s Crown Royal Ford, was the latest in a series of run-ins between the two dating back to Martinsville Speedway three weeks ago.

An angry Kenseth said the wreck was a clear case of retribution. "Obviously, it is retaliation for retaliation,'' said Kenseth, as his Roush Fenway Racing crew scrambled to repair severe radiator, suspension and body damage. “I saw (Vickers) coming and lifted at least 10 car lengths before where I normally would lift. He drove in there at 165 miles per hour and cleaned us out. It was so premeditated.”

The former Sprint Cup Series champion called upon NASCAR to sanction Vickers, saying, “It surprises me that they didn't do anything. I am disappointed, but I expected it.'' He also compared Sunday’s incident to the recent crash between Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday, Jr., that resulted in Busch being parked for two races, fined $50,000 and placed on NASCAR suspension for the remainder of the year. "If NASCAR is going to start parking people for being mad 25 seconds after you wreck and wrecking somebody, then you would park somebody for (what happened today,” he said.

Kenseth claimed that Vickers has talked openly in the garage about crashing him in retaliation for their Martinsville incidents, a charge Vickers denied. "He wrecked me at Martinsville (and) he got wrecked here, but it actually wasn't (payback),” insisted Vickers. “I'm not saying I wasn't going to pay him back, but I'm just saying that wasn't it. If he wants to doubt us, that's fine."

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby said the sanctioning body viewed Sunday’s crash as a racing incident, adding, “Had we felt it was more than a racing incident, we would have reacted.”

Rain Falling In Phoenix

As of 12:30 AM ET, the rain has begun to fall again here at Phoenix International Raceway. Depending on which weather forecaster you trust, it could be a long afternoon here in the not-so-aptly named "Valley of the Sun." Scattered showers are expected to continue to pass through the area for the next few hours, possibly delaying the start of today's "Kobalt Tools 500;" scheduled to take the green flag at 3:18 PM ET.

If necessary (and we hope it's NOT), PIR is equipped with lights.

Kimmel, ThorSport Team For ARCA Bid

ThorSport Racing will broaden its horizons in 2012, expanding to field a full-time ARCA Racing Series entry for nine-time series champion Frank Kimmel.

Kimmel will pilot the # 44 Ansell/Menards Chevrolet under the ThorSport Racing banner next season, and will also compete in the 2011 Camping World Truck Series season finale on Friday, Nov. 18, driving a Chevrolet Silverado out of the ThorSport stable at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kimmel is a 73-time winner in ARCA competition, and captured the series championship in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He was also the 1992 ARCA Rookie of the Year, and has made 12 career starts in the Camping World Truck Series. He split with his family owned team at the end of this season, after finishing third in championship points behind youngsters Ty Dillon and Chris Buescher. He failed to win a race this season, finishing with three Top-5 and 17 Top-10 finishes in 19 starts.

ThorSport is the longest tenured team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, making more than 500 starts since 1996. The team currently fields a trio of Truck Series Chevrolets for driver Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton and Dakoda Armstrong.

Carmichael Uninjured In Highway Crash

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ricky Carmichael and his wife were uninjured in a highway crash Friday night near Phoenix International Raceway.

Carmichael said an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped a Jeep, spinning both cars around and tearing the left-rear tire and wheel off the Jeep. The tire/wheel assembly flew into the front of Carmichael's rental car, doing serious damage and deploying the air bags. Carmichael and wife Ursula escaped uninjured.

"It was a nasty crash," said Carmichael. "I jerked the wheel to the right as hard as I could to try and avoid the wrecking cars in front of us, but the loose tire drilled us dead center. There were three kids in the Jeep, and they were all cut up from the flying glass. It was scary, for sure."

Carmichael called the wreck, "Something I never want to experience again. When you're strapped into a race car, you have confidence that you can take a hard hit and still come out OK. But in a street car, it's scary."

The multi-time former motocross champion said that in all his years of racing, he has only feared for his life once. "I had a wreck on the bike that about halfway through, I realized, `OK, this could be it. I can could end up in a wheelchair from this, or worse.' Last night was the same kind of deal.

"The man upstairs was definitely looking after us, as well as the people in the other cars."

Carmichael is in Phoenix to drive the #34 Turner Motorsports/Monster Energy Chevrolet in this afternoon's "WYPALL 200" NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

Stewart Haas Signs Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse has formed a partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing that will make Outback the primary sponsor of SHR’s No. 39 team and driver Ryan Newman for two races next season. When not the primary sponsor, Outback will serving as associate sponsor, with placement on the B-post of the No. 39 Chevrolet Impala. Outback Steakhouse joins the U.S. Army, Quicken Loans and Tornados as primary sponsors of the No. 39 team.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and Newman who are recognized for their leadership and performance on and off the track,” said Mike Kappitt, chief marketing officer of Outback Steakhouse. “It’s especially meaningful to us to continue Outback’s longstanding commitment to supporting troops and their families by being a sponsor on the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet.”

Since first opening in 1988, Tampa, Fla.-based Outback Steakhouse has hosted military events and initiatives all over the country and abroad including its "Thanks for Giving" program, which over the last two years has donated $2 million to Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that supports military troops and their families, and its Operation Feeding Freedom initiative that sends teams of Outbackers overseas to feed American troops stationed abroad.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Outback Steakhouse, and I know why it’s been voted the best steak year in and year out,” said Newman, winner of 15 Sprint Cup races, including the 50th Daytona 500 in 2008. “They have a quality product that I’m very familiar with and we’re certainly proud to be representing Outback Steakhouse on the racetrack.”

To officially launch the new partnership, Outback Steakhouse’s logo, along with a special message to United States Veterans, will be featured on the decklid of Newman’s No. 39 U.S. Army Chevy during this weekend’s Sprint Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway. Fittingly, the U.S. Army Chevy carries a special paint scheme during this Veterans Day weekend at Phoenix honoring Army Vietnam Veterans. A collage made up of hundreds of photos of those who served is incorporated into the car’s design.

“We’re honored to have Outback Steakhouse join Stewart-Haas Racing,” added team owner Tony Stewart. “The company’s reputation for quality and great service is second to none in the restaurant industry, and it’s a true pleasure to be associated with a company and a product that is admired by so many, including myself. We’re looking forward to doing some great things together on and off the racetrack.”

Busch: "I Got Burned By My Own Fire."

Kyle Busch said everything right Friday at Phoenix International Raceway, but it is his actions in the coming months that will determine his fate.

Wearing a Joe Gibbs Racing shirt devoid of sponsor logos, a contrite Busch shouldered the blame for the Camping World Truck Series crash at Texas Motor Speedway last week that saw him intentionally turn championship contender Ron Hornaday, Jr., into the outside wall under caution. The move prompted NASCAR to park Busch from the weekend’s Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series events, and triggered a series of events that left Busch’s very future with the team in doubt.

He will drive in Sunday’s race in Phoenix, but with the Interstate Battery colors on his #18 Toyota instead of his customary yellow M&MS livery. The candy maker announced yesterday that it will withdraw as Busch’s sponsor for the final two races of this season, with plans to return in 2012. In addition to sanctions imposed by NASCAR – including a $50,000 fine, probation through the end of the year and a promise to suspend him indefinitely for any further missteps – Busch will also face what team owner Joe Gibbs called “substantial” financial penalties from the team. While declining to speak specifically on the amount of the fines, Gibbs said the #18 team’s drop from seventh to 11th in points last week “was a big deal” financially.

Busch, meanwhile, said he regrets the turmoil created by his actions and has no one to blame but himself. “I understand my actions last weekend were uncalled for,” he said. “They were disrespectful. “(I have) no one to blame but myself, (and) I apologize to everybody involved in this whole ordeal.”

He said he was not surprised by NASCAR’s crackdown, saying, “I felt like it was a decision that they needed to make. I respect that decision and I (accept) the consequences and the repercussions of that. We’re still dealing with them today and we’ll still be dealing with them for a while.”

Busch said he feared Friday’s incident would ultimately cost him his job. “Was there a point at which I thought, ‘Do I have a ride?’” said Busch. “Of course there was. I thought that (I might be fired).“ He revealed that Gibbs never questioned his status with the team, adding, “Joe has been there, stuck by my side and held my arm through this whole deal. I want to be with Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Busch. “I want to be in NASCAR, I want to race the M&M’s Toyota.”

Busch understands that he lost the respect of many in the garage area last Friday night, and can only regain the trust of his fellow competitors by dealing with adversity in a more positive manner going forward. “You’ve got to be smarter,” he said. “I certainly was not smart in my actions Friday night, and I get that. For me, the decision needs to be different come next time around, in the heat of the moment. I’m here to make sure that I can continue on in a positive manner and make it to where everyone believes in me from this week forward.

“Sometimes -- when you’re that close to fire -- are you just going to stay warm, or are you going to get burned by it?” he asked.

“This week, I definitely got burned by my own fire.”

Busch In, M&MS Out For Balance Of 2011 Season

After a marathon series of negotiations between officials of Mars, Inc., and Joe Gibbs Racing, Kyle Busch will continue as driver of the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota.

A statement released by Mars, Inc., late Thursday read, “Mars, Incorporated announced today that they will be removing Kyle Busch from driving the M&M’S car for the remaining two races of the 2011 NASCAR season as a result of the incident during last Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. The car will not run with the M&M’S paint scheme until 2012, at which time Kyle Busch will be the driver with the expectation that no future incident take place.

“As a proud member of the racing community, Mars and the M&M’S® brand strongly support the partnership we have with Joe Gibbs Racing and are committed to NASCAR. Yet, Kyle’s recent actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of Mars,” said Debra A. Sandler, Chief Consumer Officer, Mars Chocolate North America. “While we do not condone Kyle’s recent actions, we do believe that he has shown remorse and has expressed a desire to change. We believe our decision will have a positive impact on Kyle and will help him return next season ready to win.”

M&MS will relinquish its role as primary sponsor for the final two races of the season, replaced by longtime JGR backer Interstate Batteries at Phoenix International and Homestead Miami Speedways. There had been speculation this week that Busch would not compete in the final two races of the season, and driver Aric Almirola confirmed that he was approached by JGR officials about replacing Busch at both Phoenix and Homestead.

Team owner Joe Gibbs said, ““We strongly support Mars’ decision. This gives us all time to work together to foster a positive change where Kyle can continue racing in a way we can all be proud of.”

It is unknown whether Busch will continue to drive JGR’s #18 NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota. However, sponsor Z-Line Designs has asked the team to replace Busch with teammate Denny Hamlin in next week’s NASCAR Nationwide Series finale at Homestead Miami Speedway. Z-Line reacted negatively to last week’s Truck Series incident, saying, “We were disappointed in Kyle Busch's actions during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. As a sponsor, it is important that those who represent our company abide by certain standards of conduct. We have expressed our concerns directly to Kyle and to Joe Gibbs Racing. We support NASCAR’s decision and support Joe Gibbs Racing as they address this issue internally."

Hornaday To Run Nationwide In Phoenix

One week after seeing his bid for a fifth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship come to a crashing end at Texas Motor Speedway, Ron Hornaday, Jr., has signed to drive the #32 Dollar General NASCAR Nationwide Series Chevrolet for Turner Motorsports in this weekend's WYPALL 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Hornaday will be making his first Nationwide Series start for Turner Motorsports and his 11th career series start at Phoenix. He has three Top-5 and six Top-10 finishes in 10 career Nationwide starts there, while leading a total of 103 laps.

The team has been quick to downplay speculation that the move might provide an opportunity for Hornaday to exact a measure of revenge on rival Kyle Busch for last week's controversial crash in the Lone Star State. Busch is not currently entered in Saturday night's race, with Joey Logano slated to steer Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 GameStop Toyota, with Ryan Truex at the wheel of the team's #20 entry, backed by the Martin Truex, Jr., Foundation. A spokesman for Turner Motorsports said a deal to put Hornaday in the #32 Dollar General Chevrolet was struck weeks ago, long before the incident with Busch.

Hornaday told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Tradin' Paint this week that Busch phoned him Saturday and apologized for his part in the incident, adding that he now considers the case closed.

Hornaday will be part of a three-car effort for Turner Motorsports this weekend, joining Truck Series colleagues James Buescher and Ricky Carmichael. Buescher will drive the #30 Exide Battery Chevrolet in his tenth Nationwide Series event of the season, while Carmichael wheels a #34 Monster Energy Chevrolet. The race will mark Carmichael's second Nationwide start at the desert oval.

Reutimann On MWR: "It Feels Awfully Personal"

One week after being informed that he will not return to the #00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota next season, driver David Reutimann said he remains confused and hurt by his firing.

“We knew the season had been pretty bad, and we weren’t very excited about that,” said Reutimann on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody. “But we had some things in the works for next year, and I really felt like 2012 was going to be better for us. Now, it doesn’t look like that opportunity is going to be there.”

MWR announced last week that they will replace Reutimann with veteran Mark Martin in 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races next season, with team owner Michael Waltrip and an unnamed third driver splitting the balance of the schedule in the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota. Reutimann said he was attending the SEMA Trade Show in Las Vegas last week when he received a call from Waltrip informing him of his release. “I was in the lobby of the hotel last Tuesday morning, waiting for my ride to the show when I got a call from Michael. He said there there was an article out somewhere (in the media) talking about me not coming back next year, and that we needed to talk. I’m not sure when he had planned on telling me, but I think (the story) forced the issue a bit. It sped up the process of him actually telling me what was going to happen.”

The third-generation driver insisted he had no prior indication that his job was in jeopardy. “I hadn’t been told anything,” he said. “I had asked around a little bit, and felt like we were all pretty clear about the direction we were going to go (in 2012). It certainly didn’t involve me getting fired. I didn’t have any indication that’s how things were going to happen.”

Waltrip has claimed the move was made at the behest of Aaron’s CEO Ken Butler, who “picked a future Hall of Famer to drive the Aaron's Dream Machine." Reutimann said he is still unsure what happened to force his release, saying, “Michael and I haven’t caught up to talk about what actually happened. All I have to go on at this point is what he has said publically. I’m sure I’ll talk with Michael at some point. He has actually reached out to have that happen, but we haven’t found the right time to do it.

“At this point, though, I don’t know that it really matters. I don’t know when (MWR) had planned on telling me, but maybe it’s better now, with a couple of weeks left to talk to people. They could have waited until after Homestead and said, `Oh, by the way, grab your stuff and leave.’”

Reutimann said his firing and the reality of finishing the 2011 season as a lame-duck driver have been difficult to accept. “It’s hard,” he said. “I’m a pretty emotional guy to begin with, and there are guys on that team that have been with me since the Truck Series. There are guys who left other organizations to come work with me on the #00 team. That’s a great group of guys.

“I feel like I have played at least a small part in helping to build MWR,” he said, “They gave me an opportunity and I appreciate that, along with the opportunity Aaron’s gave me. But I also feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of trying to help build the organization and be a guy they could rely on. That’s why it’s difficult at the end of the day to put this in perspective and not be hurt by it.

“I know people say, `It’s just business,’” said Reutimann. “But that’s nothing but a catch-all to try and make you feel better. It doesn’t really work, at least from my end. At the end of the day, it all comes down to, `You’re not needed anymore. Thanks for everything, but we’ve got a different direction we’re going in.’

“It’s only business when it isn’t happening to you,” he said. “When you’re the guy in the middle of it, it doesn’t feel like business. It feels awfully personal.”

Reutimann said he is determined to finish his tenure at MWR on a high note. “These last two weeks are not going to be easy, but it’s still my sponsor and my team until the checkered flag waves at Homestead. I am going to go out there and do the best I can to try and win races. I’m going to go out the best way I possibly can.”

Asked if he feels any animosity toward the man who will replace him next season, Reutimann said, “I don’t really know. Mark had to do what he had to do, and that’s the end of the story. You can’t blame a guy for taking a great opportunity, evidently, and as long as he feels okay with it, everyone should be able to move on with it and go forward.”

The Florida native said has no idea what his future holds, but hopes to catch on with another NASCAR team. “Just being notified last week, I haven’t had much of an opportunity to talk with anybody,” he said. “Right now, it’s too early to tell. I’ve had a conversation or two with different people, and a couple of folks have called to see what was going on. But there’s nothing that would put me in any kind of seat next year. There are a lot of rumors out there about me going here, there and everywhere, but I haven’t crossed that bridge with anybody.

“I wish things hadn’t gone down the way they did,” said Reutimann. “But now, it’s time to focus on something different and figure out what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.”

Dillon's #3 Chevy Triggers Memories

Richard Childress Racing will field a black No. 3 Chevrolet on the NASCAR Nationwide Series next season; a car that will tug at the heartstrings of many veteran NASCAR fans.

RCR will field the No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet for current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship leader Austin Dillon in 20 Nationwide races next season; featuring a graphics package that is in many ways identical to that of the late, great Dale Earnhardt. Dillon's car is primarily black -- like Earnhardt's legendary Goodwrench Chevrolet -- and carries a virtually identical slanted #3.

Some fans feel strongly that NASCAR should have retired Earnhardt's #3 following his death in the 2001 Daytona 500. The sanctioning body does not retire numbers, however, creating at least the possibility that the number could be used again one day in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

There are probably only two people who could return Earnhardt's #3 to the race track without invoking the wrath of NASCAR Nation; Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Richard Childress. Earnhardt actually did so last season, driving a retro-themed #3 Wrangler Chevrolet to Victory Lane in NASCAR Nationwide Series competition at Daytona International Speedway. In Victory Lane, he announced that he would never again drive a car emblazoned with his father's former number, and there has been no change of heart since then.

Childress, however, has campaigned the legendary #3 for a number of years since Earnhardt's death, emblazoning it on the quarter panels of grandson Austin Dillon's dirt Late Models, and more recently on his Camping World Truck Series entries. Now, Dillon will carry the number to the Nationwide Series in 2012, hopefully with the blessing of NASCAR Nation.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has repeatedly said he has no issue with someone driving his father’s #3 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series one day. “The #3 meant a lot to Daddy and… to a lot of race fans,” he said, “but there's some kid growing up that was never a Dale Earnhardt fan that drives the #3 and might want to be #3 all his life. To not give him that opportunity just ain't fair."

Bottom Line? The #3 did not make the late Dale Earnhardt who he was. In fact, just the opposite is true. Earnhardt made the #3.

NASCAR pioneers Joe Littlejohn, Herschel McGriff, Dick Rathmann, Paul Goldsmith, Tim Flock, Cotton Owens, Fireball Roberts, David Pearson, Lee Roy Yarbrough, Charlie Glotzback and Buck and Buddy Baker (among others) all spent considerable time behind the wheel of #3 entries in what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Junior Johnson authored a Hall Of Fame driving career with #3 on his door, and Childress himself used it throughout his 12-year driving career. Ricky Rudd steered Childress’ #3 Chevrolet between Earnhardt’s two driving stints with RCR, proving beyond all doubt that the #3 had its own claim to fame, long before “The Intimidator” came along.

Earnhardt did most of his early racing in cars with his father’s traditional #8 on the doors, before winning the first of his seven Cup championships in -– gasp –- a #2 Wrangler-backed Chevrolet owned by Rod Osterlund.

The facts don’t lie. Dale Earnhardt was a champion with or without the #3 on his door. The #3 won championships with and without Earnhardt at the wheel. Numbers are nothing more than symbols; a splotch of paint (or these days, a hunk of vinyl) on the door of a race car. They have no more to do with success or failure than the color of the car, and nobody’s upset about drivers campaigning black race cars.

Numbers are not heroes. The men who drive them are.

BREAKING: Busch Fined $50,000 By NASCAR

NASCAR has fined Kyle Busch $50,000 and placed him on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for his actions during the Nov. 4 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Kyle Busch violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2011 NASCAR Rule Book. NASCAR took immediate action, parking Busch for the remainder of Friday night’s event and maintaining the parked position for the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. On Monday, the parking directive was lifted by NASCAR.

In issuing Monday’s penalty, NASCAR went on to say that “if during the remaining NASCAR events in 2011 there is another action by the competitor that is deemed by NASCAR officials as detrimental to stock car racing or to NASCAR, or is disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, the competitor will be suspended indefinitely from NASCAR.”

Busch Not Included On M&Ms Website

Kyle Busch's future with Joe Gibbs Racing remains in doubt today, but the unhappiness felt by sponsor M&M'S is readily apparent.

Following Busch's Friday night Camping World Truck Series incident with driver Ron Hornaday, Jr., M&MS' parent company, Mars, posted a statement on the brand's Facebook page saying, "The recent actions by Kyle Busch are not consistent with the values of M&M'S and we're very disappointed. Like you, we hold those who represent our brand to a higher standard and we have expressed our concerns directly to Joe Gibbs Racing."

Monday morning, Busch's name and photo are not included on the M&M's website's "Meet The Crew" page. Crew chief Dave Rogers' profile appears, as do those of over-the-wall crew members Jake Seminara, Kenny Barner, Brad Donaghy, Jeff Fender, Tom Lampe and Nick Odell. Team spokesman Bill Janitz insisted via Twitter today that Busch's profile was never a part of the M&Ms "Meet The Crew" page, and that nothing has been removed.

Mars is a conservative company with a youth-oriented demographic, and multiple sources close to the situation say the company insisted on a clause in their conduct with JGR allowing them to terminate their sponsorship if the embattled driver acts in a manner they consider damaging to the brand.

Team owner Joe Gibbs made it clear Saturday that Busch's latest outburst creates a potential rift with the team's sponsors. He said team officials are "trying to meet with everybody that was affected by this. Obviously, we’ve got a lot of work to do and a lot of people to see, but we’re going to be trying to go through this and handle everything in the right way.”

Gibbs is not the first team owner forced to placate a sponsor unhappy with Busch's behavior. The driver's 2007 departure from Hendrick Motorsports is widely believed to have come at the request of then-sponsor Kellogg's, after the cereal giant grew tired of repeated bad publicity generated by Busch.

Gibbs called this newest controversy "a tough situation for us,” saying that he will once again attempt to deal fairly with Busch, sponsors and team members. “(With) other things that have happened in the past, we’ve tried to handle those things the right way," said Gibbs. "Certainly, that’s what we’re going to try to do with this.”