Smith: TV Report Is False

Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman/CEO Bruton Smith has done it again.

Roughly 24 hours after telling Charlotte, NC television station WBTV that there is a “70/30 chance” he will move Charlotte Motor Speedway’s fall Sprint Cup Series race to Las Vegas, Smith now claims to have been misquoted. He also took the opportunity to renew his long-running feud with the town of Concord and Cabarrus County over a series of economic incentives promised during the construction of ZMax Dragway.

In a written statement today, Smith said, “The ‘done deal’ report by WBTV regarding moving a race is false. No final decision has been made regarding any race date move, and I have not discussed this with NASCAR.
 
“Instead of what ‘could’ happen, let’s set the facts straight about what has happened. We’ve invested $100 million in the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex in the past six years to make it even better for the fans. We’ve expanded our fan zone, added pit road suites and built the world’s largest HDTV for every fan to enjoy. We’ve put more people to work with these projects and we’ve added more events to the calendar to bring in more tourists and fans. And we’ve done this during the worst economy since the Great Depression.
 
“We’ve done this without asking for a handout from the government, like we’ve seen from so many other sports facilities, teams or franchises, and yet at the same time property values are falling during the recession, our Cabarrus County taxes have doubled since 2005. We absolutely love the fans that come to Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s frustrating to think about the future and consider that the local government doesn’t share the same excitement about Charlotte Motor Speedway that our fans do. The Cabarrus County politicians may say nice things to the media, but raising taxes does not support the tourism business, the area economy or companies trying to grow.”

Annett Set To Return At Charlotte

After an absence of eight races due to injury, Michael Annett will return to the driver's seat of the No. 43 Pilot Flying J NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford this weekend at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.  

Annett was medically cleared today after suffering a broken and dislocated sternum in an accident during the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway. 

He underwent surgery for his injuries after the accident and has been sidelined for three months to allow sufficient time to heal. Annett has been preparing for his return by participating in physical therapy over the last three weeks. Following an MRI on Monday afternoon, his doctors and NASCAR officials determined he was fit to drive in this weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte.

"Obviously, I can't wait to get back into the No. 43," said Annett today. "It has been a long three months, and I am more than ready to jump back in the car. The accident at Daytona was disappointing for our team, but I'm very grateful for the amount of support I had from the team, NASCAR, family, friends and fans and not to mention the outstanding medical team that helped me through all of this. While it was really hard to be on the sidelines, I realize that it was even more important to heal properly.

"It's always fun to race at Charlotte. Since it's a 'home' race for most of the teams, it's cool to see so many family and friends get to experience what we do every weekend. It's a fast mile-and-a-half track and we typically run well at the bigger tracks, so hopefully we can get a decent run my first time back in the car."



 

Smith Says "70% Chance" Of Moving Fall Charlotte Race

Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton Smith told Charlotte’s WBTV television today there is a 70% chance he will petition NASCAR to move his October Sprint Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway to Las Vegas. 

Smith, whose Speedway Motorsports Inc. owns Charlotte, Las Vegas and seven other major motorsports facilities, said, “When the game is over, it’ll be money, money, money. Money will move it. I'd say (the odds of moving the race) are about 70/30. 

“I've been having strong conversations about one of these events being moved," said Smith to WBTV reporter Paul Cameron today. "Las Vegas is a great place -- the entertainment capital of the world -- and they want another event." 

Las Vegas Motor Speedway currently hosts a single Sprint Cup Series race, in March of each year. Smith has repeatedly lobbied NASCAR to move its season-finale from Homestead Miami Speedway to Las Vegas, but the sanctioning body has shown no interest in doing so. 

NASCAR has already begun work on the 2014 Sprint Cup Series schedule, but has not received a request from SMI – either written or verbal -- to realign a race.

Martin Recalls Trickle As Friend And Mentor

Martin grew up racing in the midwest

Mark Martin spoke of his old friend and rival Dick Trickle in a media session Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. At the end of the session, he walked only a few steps, before quickly turning around.

“I remember one more thing,” he said, before telling yet another story of the man who embodied Midwest short track racing for decades.

Less than 24 hours earlier, the 71-year old Trickle had ended a life that included over 1,000 race victories and saw him mentor many of the sport’s brightest stars on the short tracks of Middle America.

One of those youngsters seeking Trickle’s wisdom was Martin, who as a teenager battled the Wisconsin legend on the ASA and ARTGO series before moving south to a NASCAR career that now includes 40 Sprint Cup Series wins and a likely place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“Dick made himself a mentor to many,” said Martin. “Rusty (Wallace), myself, Alan Kulwicki -- you know we wouldn’t have been the racers that we were when we got here, had we not come under his influence.”

Martin didn’t follow Trickle’s example to the letter. He didn’t smoke cigarettes – both in and out of the race car -- and he fell far short of Trickle’s “one hour of sleep for each 100 laps of racing the next day” rule. But Martin, and others, learned plenty.

Trickle was a winner and mentor

“I was proud of who we were and the racers we were,” Martin said. “(I’m proud of) the influence that he had on us, the etiquette and the way he raced. He raced us real hard on the race track, but off the race track, he was very free with parts or advice. He gave freely.”

Those short track days may be just a distant memory, but the lessons learned as a teenager under Trickle’s guidance still resonate. And when Martin starts Sunday’s Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he’ll remember one of the first lessons.

"This is kind of corny, but it isn't when you're 18 or 19 years old,” Martin recalled. “He told me in order to finish first, first you must finish. That has always kind of stuck with me.”

Trickle’s last NASCAR race came in 2002, and Martin said the pair rarely crossed paths in recent years. Despite the separation, he said Trickle “was part of the influence that helped mold the people and racers that we were.”

And that extra memory at the end of the media session?

It goes back to 1977, when the 18-year-old Martin travelled from Arkansas to Wisconsin, racing five nights a week. The promoter at the high-banked, third-mile Golden Sands Speedway in Wisconsin Rapids offered a $100 bonus to anyone who could break the existing track record.

Martin smashed the record and grabbed the provisional pole. As qualifying wound down, he began thinking of ways to spend the extra cash that would surely be his.

Suddenly, an open trailer rolled into the pit area, with a racecar idling on the back. The crew climbed from the trailer and dropped the ramps, before Trickle drove the car off the trailer and directly onto the race track, where he knocked Martin off the pole and set a new track record of his own.

"Afterward, he got on to me for breaking the record too much,” laughed Martin. “He said we were only supposed to break it a little at a time, so we could collect the $100 every week.

“I'm sure he'd like to be remembered the way all of us remember him -- and that is as a hell of a hard guy to beat.”

COMMENTARY: All Star Race Suffers From Micromanagement

NASCAR continues to tinker with the format of its annual Sprint All Star Race, seeking a sure-fire dose of competitive excitement to spice-up the midseason event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Despite the latest in a series of format tweaks – one that re-aligned drivers for a decisive final pit stop based on their average finish in a series of four, 20-lap segments – the final, 10-lap showdown featured little of the side-by-side racing that brings fans to their feet. Compounding the situation was a FOX television graphic that erroneously ranked Johnson 11th prior to the race’s final, four-tire pit stop, rather than fourth. That miscue triggered a tsunami of anti-Jimmie internet rhetoric, and when Johnson’s newly revamped pit crew sent him back to the track in second place, the misinformed din grew exponentially louder.

The five-time Sprint Cup Series champion did his job from there, driving away from Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne on the final restart to claim his second consecutive All Star victory and his record fourth of all time, breaking a tie with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon.

"People just want to hate," said Johnson of the faux controversy.  “I'm just lucky (and) NASCAR rigs the races. Whatever (the fans) want to believe. I'm going home with a cool trophy and a big check and we all really know what happened. So, whatever."

He admitted, however, that NASCAR’s All Star format needs more work.

"I really don't know what to do at this point," said Johnson. "(In the first) four segments, there were a lot of guys on different strategies that made for exciting racing. (But when) you're on a 1.5-mile track with a 10-lap shootout (at the end), your options are limited to create multiple passes for the win."

Since CMS was repaved in 2006, competition has suffered. High speeds, increased grip and minimal tire wear have led to a dearth of side-by-side racing, and in the All Star Race, mandatory caution flags every 20 laps make it virtually impossible for creative crew chiefs to concoct strategy twists.

"You know when the cautions are coming, so you can sit back and strategize,” said Johnson’s crew chief, Chad Knaus afterward. “In a normal race, you have no idea what's going to happen.”

He suggested that if NASCAR really wants to infuse some excitement into the All Star Race, it may be time for a softer tire.

"When tires fall off, you're going to start to see some passing,” said Knaus. “I think it could be very exciting to see who plays the tire strategy. I don't foresee it, because Goodyear is in a tough spot. They have to build a tire that's going to last. I'm just saying it would make it exciting, because the only way you're going to get passing is to have tire wear."

Knaus’ point is valid and deserves serious consideration. Ultimately, however, the All Star Race will continue to suffer until NASCAR stops trying to micromanage its way to unpredictability.

Short, 20-lap segments may sound exciting on paper, but what works at your local Saturday night short track does not necessarily work at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Shorter races provide little or no time for back markers to fight their way forward. They eliminate virtually all pit road strategy, and stop the action before tire wear and fuel consumption have been allowed to impact handling.

Everyone took the green flag with their best, short-run setup Saturday night, and the checkered flag flew before anything had time to change.

With so many segments – and so many stoppages, realignments and adjustments in between – we spent more time preparing to race Saturday night than we did actually racing. “Hurry up and race,” seemed to be NASCAR’s All Star message, “because we’ll be stopping you again in a minute.”

It’s time for NASCAR to dispense with the gimmicks and get back to what it does best; racing. Run a pair of 20-lap sprints on gumball-soft tires, then use the “Best Average Finish” criteria to line up a final, 100-lap Dash For Cash.

Let creative crew chiefs like Knaus decide when (and if) to pit, rather than dictating the timing and degree of every adjustment.

Let talented drivers like Johnson, Kahne and the Busch Brothers do what they do best; wrestling race cars that fall off dramatically over the course of a fuel run.

And most important of all, don’t let FOX do the math.

Charlotte Set For Memorial Day Celebration

A United States senator, a lieutenant governor and a military hero will lead race fans in the commencement of the nation’s largest Memorial Day celebration, as they serve as race officials for the 2013 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Sgt. Aaron Causey will be Grand Marshal; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott will serve as Honorary Starter and Tennessee’s Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will serve as Honorary Race Director for the 54^th running of NASCAR’s only 600-mile race on Sunday, May 26.

“It is our pleasure to welcome these distinguished elected officials, as well as a military hero to the 2013 Coca-Cola 600,” said Lauren C. Steele, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Coca-Cola Consolidated. “It is exciting to have these state leaders to recognize America’s servicemen and women at the largest Memorial Day celebration in the country. We are honored to have a true American hero announce those famous words: ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!’”

Scott and Ramsey will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of more than 140,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy to the winning driver in Victory Lane. Causey will give the race command, while Scott will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start NASCAR’s most challenging race. As Honorary Race Director, Ramsey will ride in an official pace car.

Causey graduated from EOD school at Eglin Air Force Base in August 2001 and was then stationed in Aviano, Italy. He served in Iraq in 2004 along with many other international missions during his years in Aviano. In 2006, he left the Air Force to continue working in EOD, transferring to the Army. He deployed to Iraq 2006-08 out of Fort Stewart, Ga., then was stationed in Mannheim, Germany 2008-10. Later in 2010, he was stationed at Fort Drum, NY and deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011. On Sept. 7, 2011, he was performing dismounted operations in an attempt to disarm a suspected IED when one detonated under him. He ultimately lost both legs above the knees, two fingers, suffered broken arms and hand injuries, shrapnel wounds over most of his upper body, loss of tissue, and multiple other serious injuries. He lives with his wife of three years, Kat. After recovery is complete, they intend to stay in the DC-metro area and build a new life together.

Scott is a U.S. senator representing the great state of South Carolina. His goal is simple: to positively affect the lives of the American people. That path has taken him from a successful small businessman, to being elected to Charleston County Council, the South Carolina State House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the U.S Senate.

Ramsey is serving his fourth term as Lt. Governor of Tennessee. A small businessman himself, he has become a leading voice for economic growth in his state and region. He and his wife, Sindy, live in Blountville.

Continuing its tradition as the biggest Memorial Day Weekend celebration in America, the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will pay tribute to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Welcome Home Our Troops Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will also include a performance of “I Will Give My All” by country music artist Jamie Tate and the 82^nd Airborne All-American Chorus, a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band and “Taps” played by a Fort Bragg bugler. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad.

Coca-Cola has been involved with stock car racing for more than 50 years and has been the official sparkling beverage of NASCAR since 1998. Through its partnerships with International Speedway Corporation, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Coca-Cola refreshes racing fans at the majority of NASCAR-sanctioned tracks. A signature part of the brand’s NASCAR association is the Coca-Cola Racing Family – a group of top drivers that include Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, Danica Patrick and Tony Stewart. The company also maintains relationships with Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and Elliott Sadler. Coca-Cola Racing Family members make appearances and are featured in advertising, promotions and packaging.

Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can purchase two frontstretch tickets with excellent views of pit road and the world’s largest HDTV for just $99 to the May 26 Coca-Cola 600.

BREAKING NEWS: Dick Trickle Dead At Age 71

The Lincoln County (NC) Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that former NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year Dick Trickle died today from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The incident occurred at 12:02 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Highway 150 East in Boger City.

The Lincoln County Communications Center received a call apparently from the victim that “there would be a dead body and it would be his “. Communications Center workers tried to place a return call to the number but did not get an answer.

The first emergency units arriving on the scene located the body lying near the victim’s pickup truck.

Born October 27, 1941 raced for decades around the short tracks of Wisconsin and the midwest, winning an estimated 1,000 races and innumerable championships on the ASA, ARTGO, ARCA, All Pro, IMCA, NASCAR, and USAC circuits. Almost unquestionably the winningest short track racer of his – or any other – time, his finest season came in 1972 when he won an amazing 67 main event features.

He won seven championships in nine years on the tough ARTGO Series between 1979 to 1987 and won consecutive ASA titles in 1984 and 1985. He was USAC’s Stock Car rookie of the year in 1967, became the old Rookie of the Year in NASCAR Winston Cup Series history, claiming that title in 1989 at age 50.

Trickle had lived in Lincoln County, NC since the early 1990’s. He was 71 years old.

The Curious Case Of Mike Harmon And Jennifer Jo Cobb

Mike Harmon

NASCAR driver Mike Harmon professed his innocence today, just hours after being arrested on felony larceny and breaking and entering charges related to the alleged theft of Jennifer Jo Cobb’s race transporter.

Harmon was released on a $10,000 bond yesterday, and responded angrily to hithe charges against him, saying via Twitter, “I want it known that I have never stolen so much as a piece of bubble gum in my life. I did not take JJC hauler, there is no video of me anywhere near her shop. Today she was the windshield & I was the bug, but when we get in FEDERAL court in a couple wks there's a boulder coming."

Cobb says the transporter – which along with its contents is worth more than $250,000 – was stolen Saturday from her team's race shop. Authorities issued warrants for both Harmon and a female companion, Sheila Rae Rice, for felony larceny and breaking and entering.

Harmon formerly served as team manager for Cobb's NASCAR Nationwide Series team, but the relationship did not end amicably. Harmon has previously claimed that the hauler in question belongs to him, but failed in an effort to take possession in court.

Cobb said via Facebook today, “I have not accused or alleged any person in this crime. Arrests have been made based on evidence and eye witness accounts.”

Ironically, she and Harmon are parked next to each other in the Caping World Truck Series garage at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. Cobb told MotorRacingNetwork.com reporter Dustin Long that she is uncomfortable racing against Harmon, and fears he may attempt to retaliate on the race track.



Jennifer Jo Cobb

“I absolutely feel in danger,” he said. “Absolutely. I’ve heard some of the things that he’s been saying to the media. I heard there was a quote about going for the jugular. What does that mean? If somebody is looking at a felony theft, what means would they go through? I’m uncomfortable.’’

Harmon told Long he has no intention of confronting Cobb at the speedway, or on the track. “It’s all legal,” he stressed. “I don’t like racing against females anyway, but I definitely am not going to wreck one. That will get you blasted forever. If I do, it will definitely not be on purpose.”



Harmon’s arrest marks the latest in a series of legal disputes between Cobb and former or current business partners. Former JJC Racing partner David Novak filed federal charges earlier this year, alleging that he contributed more than $1 million in capital to the team, only to have Cobb transfer  nearly $250,000 from the team’s bank account into her personal account. He also alleged that Cobb broke into a warehouse and removed the transporter in question, without his consent.

In February, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Voorhees denied Novak’s request for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order against Cobb, ordering her to return the trailer to him. The transporter remained in Cobb’s possession until Saturday night, when it was allegedly stolen. Harmon claims he was at Darlington Raceway last Saturday night, and can prove it. 

“You couldn’t drag me over there (to the JJC Racing),” said Harmon to MotorRacingNetwork.com. “I know she’s got a lot of animosity toward me because Dave (Novak) has helped me some this year and because I helped him retrieve his stuff.

“She thinks it’s her stuff,” he said. “If you go to Wal-Mart, you’ve got to pay for the stuff before you leave before it’s yours. She did not pay for it.’’

 

Newberry Adds New Sponsor And Number

A new deal for Newberry

The NTS Motorsports NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team unveiled a new sponsor, a new look for their truck and a new number for driver Brennan Newberry.

When Newberry took to the track this morning for the first NCWTS practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he sported the blue and yellow colors of Qore-24 -- the world’s first antimicrobial barrier for the skin – on his No. 24 truck. With a new, multi-year sponsor on board, NTS has changed their truck number to match the product, Qore-24. As a result, Newberry will now run the No. 24 truck for the remainder of the 2013 season, instead of hisrevious No. 14.

“We feel NTS Motorsports and the Truck Series are a great fit for us,” said Vince Adam, co-founder of Qore-24. “We are the next generation in hand sanitizers as a hand purifier, and Brennan is the next generation of NASCAR driver in the Truck Series. We couldn’t be more excited to see where this partnership takes us, on and off the track.”

One squirt of Qore-24 provides a continuous barrier against germs for 24 hours, allowing people to be more confident about shaking hands of high-fiving their friends, without worrying about getting sick. Most hand sanitizers last only while they are wet on the skin; typically 30 minutes or less. Even after Qore-24 dries, however, it continues to protect for 24 hours.

Busch, Bayne Sizzle In MIS Tests

Kurt Busch and Trevor Bayne spent the past two days at Michigan International Speedway testing NASCAR’s Gen-6 Car for their Furniture Row Racing and Wood Brothers Racing teams, preparing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400 on June 18 and the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 18. 

“Raw speed,” said Busch of his MIS test. “This place is fast. It’s fun. You always pull the belts down tight for your first lap out.” 

A new coat of asphalt made Michigan NASCAR’s fastest track a year ago, and Busch’s top average speed around the two-mile oval -- 195.865 mph with a top speed of 212 mph down the back stretch.  

Bayne was nearly as fast on the second day of his test. He clicked off a lap at 193.500 mph with a top speed of 211.500 mph.  

Michigan International Speedway officially became NASCAR’s fastest track in June of 2012, when Marcos Ambrose qualified at 203.241 mph for the Quicken Loans 400. It was the 11th-fastest pole-winning speed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history and the first time the pole winning speed was faster than 200 mph at a track other than Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway. 

Wood Brothers Racing is looking to take the new Gen-6 car to victory lane to add to their impressive 11 total Sprint Cup Series victories at Michigan. The Wood Brothers history seems fitting given the location, as it is in the back yard of the Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford Motor Company, who has supported the Wood Brothers for many years. 

“This would be one of the biggest wins for the Wood Brothers,” Bayne said. “It’s a big deal to run good here.” 

MIS is once again host to a pair of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2013. The top series comes to the Irish Hills for the Quicken Loans 400 on Sunday, June 16, and returns just two short months later for the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, August 18.

NASCAR Announces 2013 Banquet Dates

NASCAR announced today the postseason awards dates for the annual NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, set for Monday, Nov. 18 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla.

For the fifth consecutive season, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will share the awards stage, honoring the series driver and owner champions as well as the top-five drivers in each series.

“Winning a NASCAR championship in one of our national series is a remarkable accomplishment, and the reason why the postseason awards shows are such significant dates on the NASCAR calendar,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer. “Returning to a major market such as Miami for the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series Awards will shine a bright spotlight on the special and unique achievements of our champions.”

For the first time in two years, NASCAR will crown a new champion in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as reigning two-time titlist Ricky Stenhouse Jr. now races full time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. JR Motorsports driver Regan Smith currently owns the top spot in the standings, followed by three-time IndyCar champion Sam Hornish Jr., last year’s championship runner-up Elliott Sadler, Justin Allgaier and Brian Vickers.

Reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion James Buescher returned to the series in 2013 to defend his crown, and currently ranks sixth after four races. Johnny Sauter leads the points, followed by Matt Crafton and a trio of young rising stars Jeb Burton, Ryan Blaney and Ty Dillon.

NASCAR previously announced the date for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards – Dec. 6 at Wynn Las Vegas.

 

How They'll Qualify For Saturday Night's All Star Race

The format for this year’s event has undergone just a few minor tweaks from a year ago, but in an effort to answer any questions that remain, here’s the rundown on rules, regulations and procedures for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

· Qualifying order is determined by random draw

· Qualifying will consist of three laps, including a pit stop for four new tires.

o The green flag and checkered flag must be taken on the race track

o Total elapsed time of the 3-lap qualifying run will determine starting positions for the race

o During qualifying, there is no pit road speed entering or exiting pit road

o Crews are permitted to go over the wall once the car has come to a complete stop

o Five-second penalties will be assessed to violations such as:

§ Loose or missing lug nut

§ Over the wall too soon

§ Removing equipment

§ Uncontrolled tire(s)

§ Running under/over the air hose

§ Running over the jack

§ Pitting out of the box will result in disqualification of the qualifying time

§ All penalties will be assessed (added to qualifying time) after the qualifying attempt

o The race will consist of five segments – four 20-lap segments and a 10-lap shootout

§ Running order at the completion of the 4^th segment will be repositioned based on the average finish for the first four segments

§ New lineup will be placed directly behind caution car prior to opening of pit road for a mandatory 4-tire pit stop

§ Order of the cars returning to the track will determine the starting order for the 5^th and final segment

§ Running order ties will be broken by the finish of the 4^th segment

§ Only green flag laps count in the 5^th and final segment

o The top-two finishers in the Sprint Showdown advance to the Sprint All-Star Race

o The top Sprint Fan Vote driver who finishes the Showdown and whose car is in “raceable” condition as determined by the series director will advance to the Sprint All-Star Race

Calinoff Unveils ENCORE140

Mike Calinoff has always said that he has NASCAR in his blood and music in his soul. Now, he's excited to announce the creation of ENCORE140 to service the music industry and allow him to continue bringing his passions to life in the business world.

ENCORE140 is the newest entity to join the PR/branding/social influence powerhouse 140 BUZZ under the Mike Calinoff Management (MCM) banner. 

The company will service the industry for the undiscovered artist, those ready to break out and artists who are have already achieved mainstream success. The efforts of the company will focus on brand-building through social influence platforms in an effort to create or enhance "Star Power," fan engagement and branding. Working in all genres and sub-genres, ENCORE140 will have a concentration on Country, Rock, Pop, R&B, Indie and Jazz for both solo artists and bands. 

Joining Calinoff in his newest venture is NASCAR artist Sam Bass. Bass' designs have graced the guitars of Tim McGraw, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley and countless NASCAR race cars. His passion for music runs as deep as the colors he paints.  

"I'm really charged up about having the opportunity to work in music," said Calinoff. "It's been a dream of mine from an early age and I'm looking forward to making a footprint and long-lasting impression in the industry." 

ENCORE140 will maintain offices in Charlotte and Nashville. 

Look for the first official client announcement, within the next two weeks along with introduction of additional staff members. 

For more information on ENCORE140, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and stay tuned for an unveiling of our website.

Body Found Near Talladega Campground, Preliminary Identification Made

Nick Bower vanished May 4

The Talladega, Alabama deputy coroner has confirmed the discovery of a body near the Talladega Superspeedway this morning, just after 11 a.m. local time. 


The body has been tentatively identified, but the coroner’s office has made no formal announcement, pending forensic testing and the notification of next of kin. Authorities have been searching for 28-year old Nick Bower, an Indianapolis native who was last seen on Saturday night, May 4. He was last seen by his girlfriend in the South Park camping area outside the speedway. 

His girlfriend, Jennifer Boesch, said they did not set up their tent before heavy rain hit the speedway, prompting them to sleep in Bower's pickup truck. Boesch told police she awakened at approximately 12:30 a.m. and discovered Bower missing.

The body was reportedly discovered near a campground along Jackson Trace Road, but there is no word on whether it was the same campground from which Bower disappeared.

JGR Nationwide Crew Chief, Car Chief Penalized

Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chief Adam Stevens has been fined and placed on probation for violations during this past weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway. In addition, the team’s car chief Christopher Landis has been placed on probation for the remainder of the year. 

Stevens has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Landis has likewise been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. 

The rules violations referred to Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the rule book); 20A-2.1E (streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the car’s hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear deck and quarter panel area will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted. Addition of body fillers of any type, to the underside of the body, chassis or suspension components will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in appearance); 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in determining whether a competitor’s bumper cover conforms to the specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be permitted.) 

The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on May 9.

Kyle Promises Aggressive Approach To All-Star Race

If there was one person who best embodies the “bring me back the trophy or the steering wheel” attitude surrounding Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, it would be Kyle Busch.

Busch, will drive the No. 18 SNICKERS Bites Toyota Camry Saturday night, after locking in his spot in this year’s All-Star Race by winning one race in 2012 and two so far in 2013. This year’s wins came at Auto Club Speedway in March and Texas Motor Speedway in April, putting Busch solidly into a field  comprised of 2012 and 2013 Sprint Cup race winners, past All-Star Race winners and former series champions.

Busch’s Texas win was the 26^th of his Sprint Cup career, part of 112 career wins in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck divisions. He was regarded as a potential star when he entered the Sprint Cup ranks full-time in 2005 as an 18-year old, and has quickly transformed that star potential into bonafide All-Star status since joining Joe Gibbs Racing at the beginning of the 2008 campaign.

Now in his sixth season with JGR, he says his approach to Saturday night’s All-Star Race will be different, as he throws patience out the window in the non-points event.

“Being aggressive -- knowing when to be aggressive and how to be aggressive -- is the biggest thing,” he said. “It’s a race where you have to get to the front and get yourself in clean air in order to (stay) out front and on your own.

“I’ve been aggressive (in the past); maybe too aggressive at points and not aggressive enough at other points. Last year, we just ran a clean race, didn’t really do much aggressive driving and ended up fourth. Maybe there was a little bit more that needed to be done, but overall, it was a good week there for us last year.”

Busch said the 2013 season is off to a flying start; not just for him, but for the entire JGR stable.

“All three teams have been fast this year and I expect that with Denny (Hamlin) back, we should be strong with communication between the three of us. It really comes down to everyone at the shop working hard and working together,” he said. “They’ve given us cars fast off the truck every week. I think it’s motivated those guys even more, and I’m sure we’ll be strong again the next couple of weekends.

“I’ve never won a Cup race at Charlotte, so it would be pretty awesome if we could win one Saturday night with our SNICKERS Bites Camry.”

Whether Busch brings back the trophy or the steering wheel, it’s a safe bet he’ll be exciting to watch.

Michigan National Guard To Sponsor MIS Truck Race

The Michigan National Guard is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Michigan International Speedway to include the sponsorship of the August 2013 truck race, the Michigan National Guard 200.

“We are excited to announce the Michigan National Guard as sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at MIS in August,” track President Roger Curtis said. “It provides a great opportunity for the Michigan National Guard to spread its message and communicate with its target audience. We look forward to continuing our long-term support of the military.”

While the Michigan National Guard has always had a presence at the races, this marks the first time the organization has sponsored a race.

As the title sponsor, it allows the Michigan National Guard the opportunity to market its brand to its target audience through television, radio and print mediums on a state and nationwide basis. It also gives the organization access to a tremendous social media network already built by MIS and NASCAR.

“Our partnership with Michigan International Speedway connects many of our troops to a sport they really enjoy while also providing us a venue to show the public what the Michigan National Guard is all about,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, Michigan adjutant general. “Michigan is the automotive capital of the world and it only makes sense that our Guard members are at the forefront of such a spectacular event.”

The partnership will allow the Michigan National Guard to connect with the citizens of Michigan and potential recruits through NASCAR. The two share the same values of teamwork and competing to be the best, making for a natural partnership.

The Michigan National Guard will also continue to partner with Michigan International Speedway for race activities at all of the events held at MIS in 2013. MIS continues its long-time support of military initiatives through various ticket programs and support throughout the year.

Two Crewmembers Suspended For Drug Policy Violations

Two NASCAR crewmembers have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

Jackson L. Dodson II, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book on May 9.

Michael Waltrip Racing confirmed today that Dodson was an employee of the team, but has been terminated, effective immediately.

The following day, NASCAR Nationwide Series crewmember Frank W. Earnhardt was also found to have violated Sections 12-1 and 19, and was similarly suspended from NASCAR.