BREAKING NEWS: Bodine Out At Red Horse Racing

The Onion needs a ride for 2013.

Two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Todd Bodine appears to be out of a ride at Red Horse Racing. 

Multiple sources say the team laid-off a number of employees today, with plans to field only two full-time Truck Series Toyotas next season. Bodine, the 2006 and 2010 NCWTS champion, finished 14^th in the 2012 championship standings with one win – at Dover on June 1 – along with five Top-5 and seven Top-10 finishes. He appears to be the odd-man-out at Red Horse Racing, with his No. 7 machine set to be parked due to a lack of sponsorship. Peters, who finished second behind champion James Buescher, and John Wes Townley, who brings sponsorship from the family-owned Zaxby’s fast food chain, will drive the team’s No. 17 and 7 Toyotas in 2013. 

Calls to both Bodine and Red Horse Racing seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Photo: LAT Photographic

Keselowski A New Kind Of NASCAR Champion

Just one week into his reign as 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski has made it clear that he will do things his way.  

While other championship-winning drivers celebrate their victory with the customary spraying of champagne, Keselowski toasted his title by indulging in an oversized – two-gallon plus – glass of his sponsor’s product, Miller Lite. Some of the contents of that glass ended up streaming down Keselowski’s face and uniform – much to the delight of NASCAR CEO Brian France – but clearly, plenty of beer made it into the newly crowned champion. 

Instead of hoisting the Sprint Cup Trophy high overhead in traditional fashion, Keselowski elected to cradle it gently in his left arm, allowing him to keep a firm grip on his beer with the right.  

He then delivered a rollicking, “little bit buzzed” ESPN SportsCenter interview that the show’s anchors quickly dubbed “one of the greatest of all time.” He could not have been further removed from past series champions, most of whom sat politely in front of the post-race cameras, thanking all the right people with a predictable stream of “couldn’t have done it without thems.”  

Like every Sprint Cup Series champion in recent seasons, he made an appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” delivering Letterman’s “Top 10 Signs You May Not Be Cut Out To Be A Race Car Driver.” While his predecessors stuck faithfully to the script, however, Keselowski added a handful of ad-libbed lines that were at least as funny as those provided by the show’s writers.  

While past champions have gratefully accepted a new high-performance automobile supplied by their respective manufacturer, Keselowski said last week that he will buy himself a World War II/Korean War-era tank. The 2012 Sprint Cup Series champion, who lives next door to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s 200-acre home near Mooresville, N.C., said he has been lobbying his fellow driver to buy matching tanks for an unusual brand of off-road fun. 

“That'd be awesome,” said Keselowski. "I thought it would be cool if we both got a tank and chased each other around in the woods with them. It's kind of our deal. I promised myself if I won (the championship), I would buy one whether Dale does or not. I'm not one to buy trophies for myself, but I think a tank would be pretty cool. When I'm done playing with it, I'll just park it in the driveway." 

Clearly, Keselowski is not your average NASCAR champion; a fact we probably should have realized some time ago. 

After all, this is the same Keselowski who ignored the customary suit-and-tie dress code at a 2011 Champion’s Week luncheon in favor of blue jeans and an untucked shirt.  “I'm a race car driver!” he scoffed. “Why do I need to dress like that?'' 

When Juan Pablo Montoya crashed into a jet dryer and triggered a lengthy red-flag period in the season-opening Daytona 500, it was Keselowski who passed the time by snapping a few cell-phone photos and posting them on Twitter. He easily ranks as NASCAR’s most social media-savvy driver, and his 340,000 Twitter followers are roughly three times as many as his predecessor, two-time titlist Tony Stewart.  

Not all of Keselowski’s on-line commentary meets with the approval of those who run the sport. He has a penchant for speaking his mind, no matter whose toes might get stepped on. Earlier this month, he was fined $25,000 by NASCAR for carrying a cell phone in his race car in violation of the rules, and while he probably won’t be packing an I-Phone in his firesuit any longer, his insistence on calling `em like he sees `em is unlikely to change.

“I'm going to meet some cool people," said Keselowski after clinching the title at Homestead Miami Speedway. “I’ve always wanted to date a celebrity. That would be really cool, don't you think? Not a Kardashian, though.”

“He's entertaining,” laughed four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon. “You never know what you're going to get with Brad. I think because of that, he'll do great. His ability to reach out through social media (to) the younger crowd… he's somebody that takes it, (who) wants to take it.

“And because of that, he'll put a lot of effort into it.”

While Keselowski will undoubtedly do things his way as champion, he also understands the responsibility of the position.

“Brad rubbed a lot of people the wrong way (at the start of his career),” recalled rival team owner Rick Hendrick. “He was very aggressive, but he learned how to control that and how to race, and he did it in a hurry.''

“I suffered from some serious confidence issues when I first came into Cup,” admitted Keselowski, “a result of not having the speed to be successful and trying to do too much. Nobody ever taught me about teamwork. My family and my parents, my mom and dad, they taught me about work ethic, (not teamwork).

“Eventually, though, I learned.”

Expect more of the same in the weeks to come.

Photo: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images. Alan Diaz/AP

 

 

 

Great Clips To Back Hendrick Motorsports

Great Clips backs Kahne in 2013

Great Clips Inc., the world’s largest salon brand, has joined Hendrick Motorsports as a primary sponsor of the team’s No. 5 Chevrolet and driver Kasey Kahne for three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2013.

Great Clips was Kahne’s co-primary sponsor in the Nov. 4 race at Texas Motor Speedway, marking the company’s first-ever Sprint Cup sponsorship. In 2013, the Minneapolis-based company will be the No. 5 team’s primary sponsor March 17 at Bristol, Tenn., July 28 at Indianapolis and Sept. 22 at Loudon, N.H.

“Kasey Kahne has been such an important member of our Great Clips family since we first sponsored him nearly 10 years ago,” said Terri Miller, vice president of marketing for Great Clips. “To have the opportunity to work with Kasey in the Sprint Cup Series is a very proud moment for all of us. We could not ask for a better partner to take this step with than Hendrick Motorsports, a team that shares our company’s values. At Great Clips, our tagline is ‘It’s gonna be great,’ and that’s exactly how we feel about this relationship.”

Kahne, 32, has earned 14 career victories and 26 pole positions in Sprint Cup Series competition. In his first season with Hendrick Motorsports, the Enumclaw, Wash., native secured his third career Chase for the Sprint Cup berth and recorded two wins, four poles, 12 top-five finishes and 19 top-10s. He finished the 2012 campaign a career-best fourth in championship points.

“When you hear the people at Great Clips talk about their business, it’s easy to understand why they’re so successful,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “The focus on customer service, convenience, value, community and philanthropy is something NASCAR fans appreciate. It’s a company that’s been committed to our sport and seen a great return on investment over many years. We look forward to building on that at the Cup level.”

Great Clips, which has more than 3,000 locations and nearly 30,000 stylists throughout the United States and Canada, has a long history with Kahne. Since 2003, the company has supported his efforts as both a driver and car owner across multiple racing series.

“It’s exciting to have Great Clips come on board the No. 5 for 2013,” Kahne said. “They’ve been with me for most of my career, supporting me as a driver and a team owner. It’s always great to see a partner step up their program, and I’m looking forward to bringing them their first win in the Sprint Cup Series.”

Great Clips has utilized NASCAR as a marketing platform since 2000. Its relationships have included sponsorship of Turner Motorsports, which will continue in 2013 with Kahne running select events, and the recent Great Clips 200 race entitlement at Phoenix International Raceway.

NASCAR Suffers Thanksgiving Day Tragedy

The NASCAR community suffered an unfathomable tragedy on Thanksgiving Day when Bryce Rueger, seven-year old son of Stewart Haas Racing crewman Andy Rueger, died in an ATV accident.

Andy Rueger, affectionately known as “Big Andy” in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage, served as gas man for Ryan Newman’s No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet last season, and will go over the wall for Kurt Busch at Furniture Row Racing in 2013. He is a well-known and well-liked personality in the SPrint Cup garage, and across NASCAR Nation, hearts are heavy with grief for him and his young family.

What happened to the Ruegers Thursday is nothing short of a nightmare. No parent should ever outlive their child, and to lose a son so tragically, so young… there is no description for that kind of horror. Thanksgiving will never again be a day of celebration for those Bryce left behind, only a day of sadness, memory and regret.

The NASCAR community is incredibly close-knit, and its collective arms have already reached out to Andy, his wife Julie and children Grace and Brock in their time of loss. It’s not nearly enough, to be sure. But the love, prayers and support of an entire nation can only help as they attempt to make their way through the dark and painful days that are sure to come.

There will be a visitation for family and friends at Cavin Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, on Sunday, November 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, and at Voss Chapel, in the family’s native Seymour, IN, on Tuesday from 4-8 PM, and from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Funeral Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour on Wednesday at 10:30 AM with Pastor Ralph Blomenberg officiating. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Carolina Havoc Baseball Team, Attn: Bud Clonch, 151 Nevis Lane, Mooresville, NC 28115 and/or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 South Walnut Street Seymour, Indiana 47274. 

Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com and www.vossfuneralservice.com.

Keselowski Earns NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award

Members of the National Motorsports Press Association have selected NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Brad Keselowski as the third quarter winner of the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award. 

The award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is determined by a vote of the National Motorsports Press Association membership. 

Keselowski was recognized for work through his Checkered Flag Foundation, which  awarded grants to a series of entities, including Blum’s Landing, a retreat that provides veterans the opportunity to enjoy serene woods, lakes and rivers surrounding the bed and breakfast while recovering from the stress of combat, Rivers of Recovery and K9s for Veterans, this quarter. 

Clint Bowyer won the award for the first quarter and Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg won the second quarter award.  

Also receiving votes were: Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon.

Photo: HHP Photo/Alan Marler

Ride In A Race Car At Martinsville Next Month!

Martinsville Speedway will conduct its 16^th annual Toy Drive on Saturday, December 8, with a very special twist.

For the first time, fans will be able to take a realistic ride around the historic half-mile oval in a real Sprint Cup car for a $25 donation. They will be dressed in full racing gear; fire suit, helmet and Hans Device during the ride along. Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, who competes in several NASCAR divisions, will be behind the wheel.

“We’ve been giving pace car rides for several years now, but we wanted to do something totally different, something that would really excite race fans and help us help the families in need in our area,” said Campbell.

Fans will still be able to drive their personal vehicle around the track if they donate a toy or make a $10 donation. Pace cars will lead the personal vehicles around the track. All toys and monetary donations from the day will go to the Grace Network, which will distribute toys to families in need for Christmas.

It will be a busy two days for Campbell. On Friday, December 7, he will once again sit atop the track’s entrance sign to raise funds for the Martinsville Speedway Children’s Foundation.

Campbell will be lifted to his perch some 40 feet in the air at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 7 and remain there until he raises $20,000 for the Martinsville Speedway Children’s Foundation. Last year Campbell spent over eight hours suspended above the ground before he came down with a total that topped $25,000.

Clay Campbell will climb again

“We’ve got a bright, shiny new state-of-the-art entrance sign this year, but it’s not going to make my job any easier,” said Campbell. “I’m still going to have to sit up there in what are normally pretty cold temperatures for most of the day. But it’s for a good cause, so I’ll do my best to make it fun.”

The Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive will be held the following day, Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the infield of the track.

There will be plenty other options for those not interested in the drive around or the ride along. As has become a tradition, the Martinsville Speedway staff will be manning the infield concession stand on Saturday, making and serving the Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dogs™. Hot dogs and Pepsi products are $1 each, with proceeds going toward purchasing toys.

Santa Claus will be making his annual appearance at the track at noon and will listen to the wishes of boys and girls.

Anyone who would like to donate a toy, but cannot make it to the Toy Drive, can drop them off at the Martinsville Speedway ticket office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Grace Network, a local group comprised of almost 100 churches, will distribute the collected toys to families in need. The monetary donations will be used to purchase additional toys. All of the toys will remain in the Martinsville and Henry County area.

The car used for the ride-alongs is an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car, supplied by Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track High Performance Racing School.

Winners Selected In GodfatherMotorsports "NASCAR The Game: Inside Line" Giveaway

Fifteen lucky winners of our GodfatherMotorsports.com “NASCAR the Game: Inside Line” giveaway have now been selected. A total of 15 winners -- selected at random from all entries received -- have been notified by e-mail, and will receive a FREE copy of “NASCAR the Game: Inside Line” from Eutechnyx and GodfatherMotorsports.com.

Congratulations to the winners, and check back daily for more holiday giveaways here at GodfatherMotorsports.com!

Happy Holidays!

Jeb Burton Signs With Turner Motorsports

Jeb Burton to Turner Motorsports

Turner Motorsports has announced the signing of Halifax, Virginia native Jeb Burton. Burton has signed a two-year contract with Turner Motorsports to run a full-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule and a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) schedule in 2013 and 2014.

Burton, who made his first Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway this past March, has a total of five starts in the NCWTS. In those five starts, Burton has recorded one top-10 finish.

"I'm really proud that I can race for Turner Motorsports over the next two years," said the 20-year-old Burton. "This team has had so much success, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to work with such a quality team."

Steve Turner, who has been known to give opportunities to up-and-coming stars, said "I'm really excited that we will have Jeb under the Turner Motorsports umbrella. Everyone at Turner Motorsports feels he has the skills to be successful in NASCAR and we are eager to welcome him to our team." Turner, also noted, that he is proud to have Jeb's father, Ward Burton onboard to assist with driver development at Turner Motorsports.

More information for Burton will be released in the near future.

2013 Rockingham Tickets On Sale Now

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, ticket sales are open for the April 14, 2013 running of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) 200-mile race at Rockingham Speedway.

"I can't think of a better stocking stuffer than tickets to the second annual NASCAR truck series race at Rockingham," said speedway president Andy Hillenburg. "Our renewals were very good from last year's race, so the remaining tickets will be in high demand."

 

Ticket renewals ended on November 20.

"Every seat we have left is now up for grabs," said Hillenburg. Grandstand seats begin at $20 and go up to $35 depending on the location. Suite or camping packages are also available by calling the speedway. The inaugural NCWTS event at Rockingham drew nearly 30,000 people last April, and Hillenburg promises an event better experience for race fans who fill the Rock for the second event.

"We learned a great deal from the first truck race, and while our fans had a great time at that event, the staff here is committed to making the second time around even better," said Hillenburg.

To order your tickets, or for more information, visit online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com or call the speedway office at 910.205.8800.

Check Out Keselowski's Late Show "Top-10 List"

Brad Keselowski's post-championship Media Tour continued Tuesday night, with an appearance on CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman. Keselowski delivered Letterman's nightly "Top-10" list, aptly entitled, "Top-10 Signs You're Not Cut Out To Be a Race Car Driver."

Next up for the Rochester Hills, Michigan native? An appearance in Detroit's annual Thanksgiving Day parade.

Scott To Replace Sadler at Richard Childress Racing

Look for Brian Scott to return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series next season, driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing.  

Scott finished ninth in the final 2012 Nationwide standings, driving the No. 11 Dollar General Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, with two Top-5 and 11 Top-10 finishes in 33 starts and a best finish was a third at Dover in early June. He became the odd man out when JGR signed Elliott Sadler and former series champion Brian Vickers to full-time Nationwide deals for 2013. Multiple sources close to the team say Scott will now replace Sadler in RCR’s No. 2 Chevy. 

There is currently no word on sponsorship. RCR Director of Corporate Communication Dave Hart did not comment specifically on Scott via e-mail today, saying only that the team will have “a full lineup announcement for all three series sometime in the next couple of weeks.”
 

Photo: NASCAR Media

RACE 101 Announces "Team Development Weekend"

The RACE 101 ‘Team Development Weekend’ will debut January 11^-13, 2013 in North Carolina. The three-day seminar was created to meet demands from racers and race teams for a detailed overview of everything taught in the popular, year-long RACE 101 program.

“The Team Development Weekend will be intense,” said RACE 101 founder and head instructor Tony Blanchard. “The goal is to introduce drivers, team members, and family members to the principles we teach our students in the full RACE 101 program. It will be a lot to take in over three days, but we have been developing this for years. The market is ready.”

RACE 101 is a one year program for young racers looking to flourish by understanding the complicated business of racing both on the track and away from the track. It combines technical principles along with marketing and public relations studies that a race team needs to achieve success.

“It is amazing what we will introduce a class in just three days,” said marketing and public relations instructor Adam Ross. “Once we share our philosophy behind the way we approach the business of racing it becomes much easier to take everything in. We also plan to work with our race teams beyond the weekend to see them succeed.”

Blanchard and Ross say the reason for understanding the material taught is just as important as understanding the material itself. If it sounds complicated – it is, but it isn’t at all.

“Any of the topics we teach could be university courses,”said Blanchard. “From physics, to public relations, to communication the content is advanced learning. But if you understand it in context, and if you understand why you need to grasp those subjects then it becomes much easier.

“If we told the average racer we need to affect the coefficient of friction on a car he or she likely wouldn’t know where to start. When you explain we’re looking for forward bite then it becomes much easier to understand. Every racer has encountered that challenge. We plan to help our students understand reasons for learning what we teach, and it will be much easier to grasp.”

While teaching the drivers it is important to also teach the whole crew. The need for crew members and family to understand the same principles as the driver is simple.

“The core of RACE 101 is communication,” said Ross.“Communication dictates the success of a race team. Communication within the team is critical to on-track success. Communication with the media and with potential marketing partners creates opportunity.

“Often a race team is a family operation with a small amount of outside help. When everyone understands the same principles the team becomes stronger. In three short days we will show how communicating the right way will lead to greater success in our sport, and the entire team will play a role.”

Following two days in a classroom setting the group will put its knowledge to use working on various parts of a race car. The course is hands-on, and the material relates directly back to each individual race team. Included in the cost of the seminar is ongoing consultation with Blanchard and Ross on both chassis set-up, proposal-writing, and the creation of a media campaign.

“Our goal is to communicate what we know to be successful strategies and tactics in racing, and then to work with each team to make sure they apply what they learn successfully,” said Blanchard. “By applying their studies to their individual teams it completes the teaching process. The results are staggering.”

“We don’t just want to teach a class and move on to the next group,” said Ross. “By following up with each team to execute what they’ve learned then we know they understand. It’s very rewarding to see past students achieve their potential.”

For more information on RACE 101: Team Development Weekend, or to inquire about registering to this exciting event please email RACE 101 at office@race101.net .

Kligerman To Run Nationwide For Kyle Busch Motorsports In 2013, Townley To Red Horse Truck Team

Kligerman to KBM in 2013

After a tumultuous 2012 season that saw him drive in both the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series’ for Penske Racing, Brad Keselowski Racing and Red Horse Racing, expect an announcement next week that Parker Kligerman will compete full-time on the Nationwide Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2013.  

Kligerman was released from Penske’s No. 22 Nationwide Dodge in early August in favor of Ryan Blaney, and departed BKR’s Truck Series operation shortly afterward, also in favor of Blaney. He won for Red Horse at Talladega Superspeedway in only his seventh start.  

While Kligerman declined to confirm the deal today, he did say he is “excited about my prospects for 2013” and feels he will “have every opportunity to be successful” with his new team. “It’s the right place for me, at the right time.” 

 

KBM General Manager Rick Ren was unavailable for comment today.

 

John Wes Townley will reportedly fill Kligerman’s vacated seat next season, running the full NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule in 2013 with Red Horse Racing.  Townley competed in 21 of 22 Truck Series races this season, finishing 16^th in points despite missing the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. While he managed only two Top-10 finishes in those 21 starts, he showed dramatic improvement over previous seasons, sustaining only two crash-related DNFs.  

He will reportedly carry his family-based Zaxby’s sponsorship to Red Horse Racing, driving the No. 7 Toyota that won twice this season, including the season-opener at Daytona with driver John King.

 

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Erwin To Crew Chief Hornish's Nationwide Effort

Greg Erwin to Penske Racing

Penske Racing has added Greg Erwin as crew chief of the No. 12 Ford Mustang driven by Sam Hornish, Jr. in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Erwin joins the Penske Racing team after most recently serving as the crew chief for Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 43 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.  

The move will give Hornish a veteran’s perspective as he competes in his second full season in the Nationwide Series. The native of Defiance, Ohio finished fourth in the Nationwide Series standings in 2012 after recording 10 top-five and 22 top-10 finishes in 33 starts.  

Erwin comes to Penske Racing with vast experience with some of NASCAR’s top teams including Roush Fenway Racing where he teamed with Greg Biffle to win five (5) races and qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup in three (3) consecutive years.  

“It is an honor to be selected as the crew chief of the No. 12 Ford Mustang,” said Erwin.“I would like to thank Roger Penske and everyone at Penske Racing for the opportunity to be a part of this championship-caliber team. I look forward to working hard to build a team that consistently wins races and competes for championships.” 

“We are excited about having Greg as he brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to Penske Racing,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. “We are confident that he will be able to take the No. 12 Nationwide Series program to another level.”

Photo: LAT Photographic

Smith, Waltrips Kick Off Speedway Christmas

(L-R) Smith, Shepherd, Stevie, Darrell, Michael Waltrip

Monday night, Marcus Smith and Darrell and Michael Waltrip kicked off Speedway Christmas and the Season of Giving at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The trio flipped the switch on over three million lights, helped give out the yearly grants to local organizations on behalf of Speedway Children’s Charities and presented a tractor trailer full of food and supplies to NASCAR driver Morgan Shepherd to support his charitable efforts.

As part of the celebration, Smith, with a little help from Santa Claus, distributed toys to more than 125 children representing local organizations assisted by SCC in 2012, including Victory Junction Gang Camp, Cabarrus County Partnership for Children and A Child’s Place of Charlotte.

In 2012, 37 different organizations, which impact more than 30,000 children locally, will benefit from SCC grant funding.

“Giving really is the best part of Thanksgiving,” said Smith, president of the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. “So what better way to kick off the holiday week than by helping so many worthy organizations in their efforts to serve children in need in our community.”

Also as part of the speedway’s Season of Giving, NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip and 1996 All-Star Race winner Michael Waltrip were on hand to make a special presentation. Several NASCAR drivers teamed up to buy the NASCAR on FOX “Big Rig of Help,” an 18-wheeler stocked with 20,000 pounds of food donated by Speedway Children’s Charities. The Waltrips and Smith surprised Shepherd Monday evening with the food-laden truck, which will benefit 400 families.

Shepherd has made the same trek to Stuart and Galax, Va. for the past 25 years to share Christmas joy with families in need.

Along with Monday’s presentation to Shepherd, the Waltrips also presented Feed The Children and Motor Racing Outreach with $100,000 checks, each raised at this year’s Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship.

Following the presentations, the Waltrip brothers and Smith led hundreds of families through the opening night of the 3.5-mile Speedway Christmas light show.

Since the organization was founded in 1982, Speedway Children’s Charities has raised more than $47 million and made a difference in the lives of more than 11.3 million children across the United States. The children who have been helped over the last 30 years would fill the stands of the eight SMI tracks more than nine times.

With the help of volunteers and the support of sponsors, SCC raises money through various fundraising activities such as track walks, auctions, raffles, holiday light displays, annual galas and more. Individual and corporate donations are also made throughout the year.

Operating hours for Speedway Christmas will be 6 to 10 p.m., nightly through Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. Tickets are available online or at the gate nightly during event hours for drive-up traffic. Admission is just $15 per car on nights the Christmas village is closed and $20 per car on nights the village is open. Group packages are available.

The Coca-Cola Family Ice Rink, sponsored by New Life 91.9FM will be open daily through Jan. 21, excluding Christmas Day. Admission is $12, which includes skate rentals. For information about group outings call 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or for private events at the rink, call Extreme Ice Center at 704-778-1208.

Patrick Announces Plans To Divorce

Danica Patrick has announced that she and husband Paul Hospenthal have decided to end their marriage.

"I am sad to inform my fans that after 7 years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage,” said Patrick in a written statement today. “This isn't easy for either of us, but mutually it has come to this. He has been an important person and friend in my life and that's how we will remain moving forward."

Hospenthal, 47, is 17 years older than the 30-year old Patrick, and has a successful career as a successful physical therapist . They have been married since 2005.

Photo: DanicaRacing.com

Sam And Steph Team Up For Holiday Jewelry Line

Two of our favorite people have teamed up to produce a unique and special line of holiday jewelry. 

NASCAR's First Officially Licensed Artist, Sam Bass is renowned for his artwork on both prints and race cars. Stephanie Calinoff – known around here as Mike's frequently annoying little sister – is also renowned as a top-notch maker of glass jewelry. Together, Sam and Steph have stepped into a new medium to provide their fans with a unique holiday jewel.  

Bass's artwork will now be featured on Calinoff's trademark one of a kind glass pendants, creating a limited edition “Santas and Snowmen” wearable design.

For $50 each, $85 per set the pendant is sure to capture the whimsy of Sam's design in collaboration with Stephanie's glasswork. Jewelry will be shipping via priority mail for an additional $7.00. Stephanie accepts payment via Paypal or check. A portion of the sales will be donated to Bryson's FUEL. Please note: Delivery will be within two weeks.

Due to the one of a kind nature of these pieces, quantities are limited. Reservations will take place at 8:30 pm ET on Sam Bass's Facebook page. For more information on Stephanie Calinoff One of a Kind Glass Jewelry please visit her Facebook page.

Cast Your Vote For This Year's Stewie Awards!

Sirius XM Radio announced today that three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart will host the sixth annual ‘Stewie Awards’ show on Thursday, November 29, live from Las Vegas on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. 

The ‘Stewies,’ which annually features Stewart’s entertaining and irreverent take on the best, boldest and funniest moments from the 2012 NASCAR season, will be awarded during a live broadcast hosted by Stewart and Matt Yocum from the Cabo Wabo Cantina at the Miracle Mile Shops on the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday, November 29 (10:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm PT). The live broadcast will air nationwide on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90 on Sirius and XM Premier. Those fans who will be in Las Vegas during Champion’s Week are invited to attend and watch the broadcast live in person. 

The ‘Stewie Awards’ will feature live interviews with several of Stewart’s competitors in this year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, plus other special guests. 

The 2012 ‘Stewie Awards’ will feature 10 categories – from ‘Best Original Drama’ to ‘Bonehead Move of the Year’ to the annual ‘Stewie Lifetime Achievement Award.’ Between now and the event, fans can cast their votes for ‘Stewie Award’ winners online at www.siriusxm.com/stewieawards.

The 2012 ‘Stewies’ nominees are: 

Best Original Drama– For the year’s most dramatic moment or sequence.

·         One hour before the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona (7/7), it is announced that AJ Allmendinger is suspended after failing a random drug test. Penske Racing flies in replacement Sam Hornish Jr. who makes it to the car just moments before the green flag. Hornish finishes the race 33^rd.

·         Near the end of the Indiana 250 at Indianapolis (7/28) NASCAR penalizes Elliott Sadler for not letting race leader Brad Keselowski back to the start/finish line first during a restart. Sadler is black flagged and goes from first after the restart to finishing the race in 15^th. Keselowski wins.

·         In a furious final lap in the Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen (8/12), Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski and Marcos Ambrose battle toward the checkered flag. First Busch gets loose, then Keselowski and Ambrose make contact with each other before Ambrose goes on to win.

·         With a win at the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan (6/17), the season is shaping up nicely for Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sport’s most popular driver. Junior makes the Chase but after an accident at Talladega, concussions sideline him for two races and end his shot at a title.

·         The season-long “competitive drama” between Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson lasts to the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix (11/11), the penultimate race of the Chase, when Jimmie Johnson loses a tire and hits the wall with less than 80 laps to go. Johnson was running seventh at the time and was only three points behind Brad Keselowski in the standings but the accident and Johnson’s 32^nd place finish puts him 20 points behind going into the season finale.

Bonehead Move of the Year Award

·         At the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (2/23) Michael Waltrip loses control exiting pit lane and hits the wall, ending his chances of running in the Daytona 500, which he had won twice before.

·         During the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas (10/21) Danica Patrick, in an attempt to spin Landon Cassill as payback for what she felt was overly aggressive driving, ends up putting herself into the wall.

·         Denny Hamlin runs out of gas on the last lap of the Geico 400 at Chicagoland (9/16) thanks to a miscommunication with his crew in the pits. He finishes a disappointing 16^th.

·         At the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca Cola at Daytona (7/6), Kyle Busch’s crew allows a tire to roll across pit road. The resulting penalty moves the #54 car from second place to the back of the field.

·         During a caution at the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover (6/3), Kevin Harvick misses his pit box and is forced to back up and re-enter. The botched stop moves him from third place to 18^th but Harvick ends up racing his way back to a second place finish.

“Feels Like The First Time” Award – For the most notable “first” of the NASCAR season.

·         In his first race as a crew chief, Scott Graves finds Victory Lane with driver Carl Edwards at theZippo 200 at the Glen (8/11).

·         Nelson Piquet Jr. stretches his fuel 43 laps for 86 miles to secure his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory in the VFW 200 at Michigan (8/18).

·         In only his third career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start, 18-year-old Ryan Blaney becomes the youngest winner in Truck Series history with a win in the American Ethanol 200 at Iowa (9/15). It is also BK Racing’s first win.

·         Dale Earnhardt Jr. ends a 144 race winless streak by taking the checkered flag in the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan (6/17).

·         John King survives a wreck-filled finish to win the NextEra Energy Resources 350 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opener at Daytona (2/24).

Best Vocal Performance – For the year’s most memorable quote. (Visit www.siriusxm.com/stewieawards to hear audio of nominees.)

·         After the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega (5/6), Tony Stewart meets with the media and shares his thoughts on the wrecks during the race.

·         During his post-race interview with ESPN, Kevin Harvick expresses displeasure about Amber Cope costing him a win in the F.W. Webb 200 at New Hampshire (7/14).

·         After his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Richmond (4/27), Travis Pastrana tells ESPN about the highs and lows of his 22^nd place finish.

·         Disappointed in his second place finish in the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan(6/17), Tony Stewart shares some thoughts with the media gathered for Dale Jr.’s return to Victory Lane.

·         Brad Keselowski, addressing the media after the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix (11/11), has some pointed comments about the on-track feud between Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer.

Best “Driver2Crew Chatter” – (Visit www.siriusxm.com/stewieawards to hear audio of nominees.)

·         Tony Stewart does a “rain dance” in hopes of a rain shortened victory in the Auto Club 400 at Fontana (3/25).

·         Carl Edwards plays an April Fool’s joke on then crew chief Bob Osborne during the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville (4/1).

·         Tony Stewart offers some friendly advice to his crew after they fail to remove a wrench after a pit stop during the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas (10/21).

·         Ryan Newman puts his engineering degree to good use while chatting with his team during the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix (11/11).

·         Brad Keselowski pleads with his team to relay a message to Tony Stewart during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (5/27) in hopes of avoiding retaliation by Smoke.

 Best Original Comedy – For the year’s most entertaining “incident.”

·         After winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma (6/24), Clint Bowyer runs out of fuel during his celebratory burnout and is forced to walk to Victory Lane.

·         During the pre-race at Chicago (9/16), TV cameras capture Tony Stewart as he engages in his pre-race ritual good-luck “goosing.”

·         After the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (5/27) when no moderator shows for Matt Kenseth’s media availability, Kenseth takes it upon himself to host the proceedings.

·         Kevin Harvick’s car is forced off the starting grid for repairs just before the AAA Texas 500 (11/4) when a sandbag attached to a skydiver participating in the pre-race festivities strikes and dents a panel.

·         During the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol (8/25), Tony Stewart wrecks after making contact with Matt Kenseth. Before heading to the infield, Smoke gives Kenseth a parting gift, firing his helmet at Kenseth’s hood.

Hal Needham Award (Best Stunt Sequence) – For the year’s most remarkable crash.

·         At the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan (6/17), a fairly benign-looking accident between Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman becomes more serious when Hamlin’s car bursts into flames. Safety officials race to put out the fire and Hamlin walks away unharmed and appreciative.

·         At the Pure Michigan 400 (8/19), Mark Martin hits the wall hard near the opening of pit road, causing his oil tank to explode on impact. Martin is unharmed and nobody on pit road is hurt.

·         On lap 161 of the Daytona 500 (2/27), Juan Pablo Montoya loses control and hits a jet dryer in Turn 3. The fiery crash ignites a fuel spill that burns the track, causing a two hour race delay.

·         On the final lap of the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 at Talladega (10/7), Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip bump, sparking a massive crash that involves 25 cars and 10 of the 12 Chase drivers. Only race winner Matt Kenseth and second place finisher Jeff Gordon escape the wreck.

·         Early in the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover (6/3), Landon Cassill and Tony Stewart touch in Turn 2, starting a wreck that claims 12 cars.

 “Boys, Have At It” Award – For the year’s most memorable on- or off-track bumping and/or dumping.

·         This year there was one occurrence that was so epic that it wins this category by default … Jeff Gordon vs. Clint Bowyer in the final laps of the AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix (11/11).

The Social Stewie Award – For the year’s best tweet.

· @MattKenseth: “Talked to #DaleJr yesterday, told him I was glad he was coming back…being the most popular driver was really hard work. #imkidding” (10/23)

· @ClintBowyer: “Crew guy filled my water bottle with warm beef stew. After I damn near threw up he is now wearing it. Now I really need a cold beer!” (5/2)

· @JPMontoya: “It’s pouring here in Michigan and we need a jet dryer. I know they used to have one but somebody blew it up.” (4/3)

· @MW55 (Michael Waltrip): “A light workout listening to Leo Sayer isn’t near as cool as@55MarkMartin doing heavy squats rappin with a dude with an ice cream cone tattoo.” (7/20)

· Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski had this exchange heading into Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway (11/16)

@DennyHamlin: "Hey @Keselowski, would this be a bad weekend for me to pay you back for all those times you wrecked me? I mean I do owe ya a couple.”

@Keselowski: "@DennyHamlin it'll be hard to pay me back if I'm looking at your rear!"

Golden Stewie Award – Chosen by Stewart and Yocum and honoring a legendary figure from the Golden Era of racing, the winner of this award will be revealed the night of the event.

“Stewie” Lifetime Achievement Award– Chosen by Stewart and Yocum, the winner of this award will be revealed the night of the event. 

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