NASCAR Announces 2015 Sprint Cup Schedule

NASCAR confirmed today that Darlington Raceway’s Southern 500 will return to its traditional Labor Day Weekend date in 2015; one of a number of changes to the Sprint Cup Series schedule.  

Darlington hosted the “Granddaddy of the All” each Labor Day weekend from 1950 through 2003. In 2005, the race moved to Mother's Day weekend as part of a reduction from one annual Sprint Cup Series event to just one, then shifted to April this season as part of a date-swap dates with Kansas Speedway. Whether or not the event will run during the day or under the lights remains to be determined, according to track president Chip Wile. 

Other changes to the 2015 slate include Atlanta Motor Speedway, which will now assume the second slot on the schedule, one week following the season-opening Daytona 500. Phoenix International Raceway will move from Week Two of the season to Week Four, with Bristol Motor Speedway moving from mid-March to Sunday, April 19. Kentucky Speedway will move from the week before the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona until the week after; running on Sunday, July 11. Charlotte and Kansas will trade their traditional autumn races dates, with Charlotte running on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Kansas racing on Sunday, Oct. 18. 

The 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup remains unchanged next season. 

2015 Sprint Cup Series Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 -- Sprint Unlimited, FOX
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015 -- Daytona 500 Qualifying, FOX
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 -- Duel, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 -- Daytona 500, FOX
Sunday, March 1, 2015 -- Atlanta, FOX
Sunday, March 8, 2015 -- Las Vegas, FOX
Sunday, March 15, 2015 -- Phoenix, FOX
Sunday, March 22, 2015 -- California, FOX
Sunday, March 29, 2015 -- Martinsville, FOX
Sunday, April 5, 2015 -- Off
Saturday, April 11, 2015 -- Texas, FOX
Sunday, April 19, 2015 -- Bristol, FOX
Saturday, April 25, 2015 -- Richmond, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, May 3, 2015 -- Talladega, FOX
Saturday, May 9, 2015 -- Kansas, FOX Sports 1
Saturday, May 16, 2015 -- Sprint All-Star, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, May 24, 2015 -- Charlotte, FOX
Sunday, May 31, 2015 -- Dover, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, June 7, 2015 -- Pocono, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, June 14, 2015 -- Michigan, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, June 21, 2015 -- Off
Sunday, June 28, 2015 -- Sonoma, FOX Sports 1
Sunday, July 5, 2015 -- Daytona, NBC
Saturday, July 11, 2015 -- Kentucky, NBCSN
Sunday, July 19, 2015 -- New Hampshire, NBCSN
Sunday, July 26, 2015 -- Indianapolis, NBCSN
Sunday, August 2, 2015 -- Pocono, NBCSN
Sunday, August 9, 2015 -- Watkins Glen, NBCSN
Sunday, August 16, 2015 -- Michigan, NBCSN
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 -- Bristol, NBCSN
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 -- Off      
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015 -- Darlington, NBC
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 -- Richmond, NBCSN
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 -- Chicagoland, NBCSN
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 -- New Hampshire, NBCSN
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 -- Dover, NBCSN
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 -- Charlotte, NBC
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 -- Kansas, NBC
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 -- Talladega, NBCSN
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 -- Martinsville, NBCSN
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 -- Texas, NBC
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 -- Phoenix, NBC
Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 -- Homestead, NBC

Three Truck Teams Penalized For Bristol Violations

Three teams that compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series have been penalized for post-race infractions committed following the Aug. 21 race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The infraction involves the No. 00 truck driven by Cole Custer, the No. 19 truck driven by race-winner Brad Keselowski and the No. 30 truck driven by Ron Hornaday, is P2 level penalty as outlined in Section 12-4.1 of the rule book and violates sections:

·         12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;

·         20B-12.8.1 Truck failed to meet post-race height requirements

As a result of this violation, crew chiefs Joel Shear (No. 00); Doug Randolph (No. 19); and Doug George (No. 30) have each been fined $5,000. Each team has also been penalized with the loss of 10 championship driver and 10 championship owner points. This includes Custer and Hornaday, along with owners Keselowski, Gene Haas (No. 00), and Steve Turner (No. 30).

Spokesman Denies Rumors Of Stewart's Return

A spokesman for Tony Stewart is denying reports that the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will test a car this week, and could return to competition Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Stewart has not raced since the Aug. 9 Sprint Car incident that claimed the life of driver Kevin Ward, Jr. at New York’s Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Multiple sources say he is slated to test a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry either today or tomorrow at an undisclosed location, with a possible return to competition in time for Sunday afternoon’s Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta. 

Longtime Stewart spokesman Mike Arning denied those reports today, saying, "Stewart Haas Racing is testing at Chicagoland Speedway today and tomorrow with the No. 10 and No. 41 teams, but the No. 14 car and Tony Stewart are not a part of that test." 

Asked if Stewart will test elsewhere this week, Arning said, "Absolutely not. Tony and the No. 14 car are not testing anywhere."

The Ontario County (NY) Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ward’s death, and a rough timeline offered by Sheriff Philip C. Povero immediately following the incident indicated that the investigation could wrap-up sometime this week. Officer Nathaniel Ross, the department’s Senior Communications Officer told FOXSports.com’s Tom Jensen today that the investigation is "finishing up," but gave no definitive timeline for completion.

Regan Smith and Jeff Burton have replaced Stewart in the last three races at Watkins Glen International, Michigan International Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway, dropping the former series champion to 26^th place in the championship standings. Even if he were able to return and win one of the final regular-season races at Atlanta or Richmond International Raceway, Stewart would need a special exemption from NASCAR to compete in the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

 

NASCAR has not commented on whether such an exemption would be offered.

 

COMMENTARY: Terrible Timing For Busch/Rogers Spat

Kyle Busch had rough go of it Saturday night, crashing his race car and clashing with crew chief Dave Rogers en route to a 36^th-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway that raised serious questions about their Chase-worthiness.

Busch’s evening got off to a promising start, as he surged from fourth place on the qualifying grid to lead the race. A pit road speeding penalty on Lap 63 derailed that early run, however, and forced him to restart at the rear of the field. He was soon swept-up in a multi-car crash with Brian Vickers, Kyle Larson and Clint Bowyer that damaged his M&Ms Toyota and triggered an intra-team clash that compounded an already difficult situation.

Rogers said he initially believed the damage to be confined to a cut left-rear tire and bent body panels. But when Busch returned to the track, he was well off his previous pace and complained bitterly over his in-car radio.

“You didn't fix the problem,” he said. “The suspension is broke.”
 
Busch eventually parked the car on pit road and walked away with 59 laps remaining, following another heated exchange with Rogers.

“I need a whole new right front suspension,” barked Busch. “I will be behind the wall in about two f#$%ing laps.”

Rogers responded in kind, saying, “Park it behind the truck and take your whiny little ass to the bus.”

Harsh words for Busch and Rogers

Busch was unavailable for comment after the race, choosing – perhaps wisely – to say nothing when he had nothing good to say. Rogers, meanwhile, was left to deal with the media by himself, blaming the dust-up on a simple lack of communication.
 
"I still don't know what happened," said Rogers to NASCAR.com's Alan Cavanna. "We got into the fence and I could hear the spotter say the tires were up. I heard Kyle say something about right-front suspension, (but) I couldn't put it all together.
 
"I got frustrated with Kyle because I wasn't sure what he was saying. He got frustrated with me because I wasn't fixing the race car. It's Bristol, it's loud and a lot of things are going on."
 
Saturday night’s race marked the fourth consecutive finish of 36th or worse for Busch, a competitive collapse that has seen him fall from sixth to 17^th in the championship standings. At a point of the season when most teams begin to peak, Busch and Rogers are plummeting, and their struggles have taken a toll on the team’s competitive dynamic.

“Everyone's frustrated," admitted Rogers. "It's been a long month (and) emotions overflowed like they always do at Bristol.” He downplayed the harsh words between himself and his driver, calling it “really no big deal."

Team owner Joe Gibbs called it "just pro sports," adding, "every now and then you get frustrated.”

Rogers: "He's still my buddy."

No matter how they downplay the situation, however, Saturday’s incident raises serious questions about the No. 18 team’s ability to compete for the 2014 Sprint Cup Series championship.
 
Traditionally, Busch has entered NASCAR’s postseason Chase as a favorite for the title, only to flame-out down the stretch amid a series of ill-timed crashes, mechanical failures and senseless feuds. He has finished in the Top-5 only twice in his nine full seasons of Sprint Cup Series competition, providing ample ammunition to those who insist he lacks the mental toughness to weather NASCAR’s frequent competitive storms. When things go bad, Busch often chooses to turn on his own team, pointing fingers and shouldering little of the blame.

Saturday night’s spat will do little to change that perception.

"If Kyle Busch wasn't passionate, I probably wouldn't work for him," said Rogers after the race. "If I wasn't passionate, Kyle probably wouldn't want me as his crew chief. You've got two passionate people that want to win more than anything, and sometimes that passion gets the best of you.

“Tonight (was) that night,” he insisted. “Kyle and I are fine. He's still my buddy, I love him to death and I'm very confident he'd tell you the same about me. It's such a small deal (and) it doesn't even factor into the Chase.

“The guys at Joe Gibbs Racing are busting their butts… building better and better cars. We have some really good cars sitting on jack stands, getting ready to go. We're saving our good stuff for the Chase."

Unfortunately, fast cars do not make up for a dysfunctional race team. Rogers and Busch have two weeks to patch things up before the start of the 2014 Chase, lest they find themselves once again on the outside, looking in.

Stenhouse Unveils 2015 Fastenal Ford

Two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. traveled to Fastenal headquarters in Winona, Minn., last week to unveil the  No. 17 Fastenal Ford Fusion that he will drive on the 2015 Sprint Cup Series.    

“It was great to unveil our 2015 Fastenal paint scheme at Fastenal’s headquarters in front of their employees,” Stenhouse said. “I got to meet a lot of individuals and their excitement has me looking forward to the 2015 season. On our tour, they showed me a wall that was designated for win banners so our No. 17 team will have to work on that for them.” 

Roush Fenway Racing recently announced that Fastenal will serve as the anchor partner on the No. 17 Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a multi-year agreement beginning next season.  

Fastenal first joined with Roush Fenway in 2010 and has served as a primary partner for multiple Roush Fenway teams and drivers in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series.

NASCAR Owner Ed Whitaker Dies

Whitaker (far right) after a 1983 win with driver
Morgan Shepherd at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Longtime NASCAR team owner Ed Whitaker passed away Friday morning in Bristol, Tennessee.

During a 20-year career in what is now the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Whitaker’s familiar No. 7 entries earned 28 victories in 246 starts – a winning percentage of more than 11 percent -- with a veritable who’s-who of NASCAR greats at the wheel. Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Butch Lindley, Tim Richmond, Morgan Shepherd, Mark Martin, Harry Gant, Davey Allison and Jimmy Hensley all drove for Whitaker, many of them in the formative years of their career. He also fielded cars for John A. Utsman in six NASCAR Winston Cup Series races in 1978, `79 and `80.

His final start as a NASCAR owner came in the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park in October of 2002; a 39^th-place finish with driver Regan Smith.

Ortho Backs Biffle In Multi-Year Deal

Roush Fenway Racing has announced that the Ortho line of home, lawn and garden pest control products will serve as the anchor partner on the No. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry driven by two-time NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle in a multi-year deal. 

“I am thrilled to have Ortho on board,” said Biffle, who is looking to become the first driver to win championships in all three of NASCAR’s major series. “I spend a great deal of time outside and do a lot of work on my home myself, and I understand how important their products can be. They have a great history and it will be an honor to have a brand of their stature and reputation on our No. 16 Ford Fusion moving forward.” 

Ortho makes its debut on the No. 16 car next week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and will appear on the car for two more races this season before becoming the anchor partner in 2015.  

“Roush Fenway Racing, Greg Biffle and the No. 16 Ford are a natural partner for Ortho,” said Mike Sutterer, Vice President of Ortho and Regional Marketing. “Like Ortho, Greg and Roush Fenway Racing have a long history of success, including being number one.  We feel Greg and his crew will enable us to engage with fans and highlight our great brand.  Needless to say, our entire team is excited to see the new car on the starting grid and in Victory Lane.” 

Biffle, who has started 750 NASCAR races, first joined Roush Fenway in 1998, driving to NASCAR championships in the Truck Series in 2000 and in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2002. A perennial championship contender, Biffle has qualified for the NASCAR ‘Chase for the Sprint Cup’ in five of the last six seasons; with a runner-up finish in 2005. He has 55 career NASCAR wins, with 19 in the NSCS, including Ford’s historic 1,000^th NASCAR win last season at Michigan.  

Ortho’s parent company, Scotts Miracle-Gro teamed with Roush Fenway from 2005 until 2011, teaming for 12 wins and 14 poles across all three of NASCAR’s major series. Mark Martin drove the Scotts Ford F-150 to six victories in the NASCAR Truck Series, while Carl Edwards captured the 2007 NNS Championship carrying Scotts colors. 

NASCAR's Phelps, O'Donnell Move To Charlotte Offices

Steve Phelps

NASCAR has elevated the responsibilities of Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell, with both assuming leadership roles in NASCAR’s Charlotte region offices, effective immediately. The moves are designed to balance the company’s senior leadership across NASCAR’s various offices and accelerate the implementation of several key growth initiatives. 

“In Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR has two seasoned leaders who are highly respected throughout the industry and have records of success in leading key functions within NASCAR,” said NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France. “Our strong teams in Charlotte and Concord are engaged in many efforts critical to the sport’s future and we’re confident having these two leaders at the helm on a day-to-day basis will accelerate projects and help us drive innovation for the future.” 

Phelps, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, now will lead the company’s operations at NASCAR Plaza in Uptown Charlotte. Phelps, who will continue to report to NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Brent Dewar, retains all of his current responsibilities which include oversight of Brand Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, NASCAR Digital Media and NASCAR Properties. As part of this move, Phelps now also will assume oversight of Licensing, as well as Entertainment Marketing to bolster integration between the Los Angeles-based division and the other marketing and content disciplines operating primarily out of Charlotte. 

Steve O'Donnell

O’Donnell assumes leadership of NASCAR’s Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. Reporting to NASCAR President Mike Helton, O’Donnell has been named Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer and will add oversight of all operations in Concord, including Racing Development and Innovation, as well as Competition. O’Donnell maintains oversight of Racing Operations, Industry Services, Green Innovation, Touring / Weekly Series and Membership Services in addition to his new responsibilities. 

Gene Stefanyshyn, who leads NASCAR’s Racing Development and Innovation group, and Robin Pemberton, who heads the Competition department, both have been promoted to senior vice president and now will report to O’Donnell.  Additionally, Tom Swindell who has played a key role on several recent Racing Operations initiatives has been assigned to Concord where he will work closely with O’Donnell on short- and long-term development projects. 

Stefanyshyn, who joined NASCAR in May 2013, has made an immediate impact on the company in leading the transformation and modernization of NASCAR’s rules package development, testing and parts approval processes and set in motion a number of innovation projects for future racing development.  Pemberton, a long-time crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has played a key role in the evolution of NASCAR’s officiating model, qualifying procedures and championship format since his arrival at NASCAR in 2004. 

“Gene and Robin both bring invaluable experience and unique expertise to our team in Concord, and we are enjoying some of the best competition ever in NASCAR due to their efforts,” said O’Donnell. “We are constantly looking to improve and while we have very good momentum on an array of projects, we believe we can make an already strong product even better in a variety of ways for the industry and most importantly, for the fans.”

Ryan Truex Cleared To Compete

Ryan Truex, driver of the No. 83 Burger King / Dr Pepper Toyota Camry, has been medically cleared to return to previous racing activities. 

Truex was involved in a single-car crash during Saturday practice at this past weekend's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. JJ Yeley substituted for Truex and finished 30th in last Sunday's race. 

Cameron Hayley Signs With Turner Scott

Turner Scott Motorsports announced today that Cameron Hayley will compete in three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season aboard the No. 32 Cabinets by Hayley Chevrolet Silverado, beginning at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park next weekend. A Calgary, Alberta native, Hayley is currently competing full time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for TSM and has one pole and six Top-5 finishes and currently sits second in the driver point standings.

The 18-year old driver ran a partial NASCAR K&N Pro Series West schedule in 2011 as the youngest driver to compete in the series, scoring a second-place finish in his series debut. After a full-time K&N Pro Series West rookie season in 2012, Hayley finished the 2013 campaign with one win, six poles and a second-place finish in the championship standings. Hayley was named a NASCAR Next member in 2012, a select group chosen by the sanctioning body that spotlights NASCAR's rising stars.

"I'm really excited to make my NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut. It's always been a dream of mine to run in one of NASCAR's top-three series, and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance to live that dream. I feel privileged to work with such an accomplished team that has had so much success in the series. Turner Scott Motorsports has great equipment and great resources, both of which I plan to take full advantage of in this learning process. I can't wait to get on track in the No. 32 Cabinets by Hayley truck. Having my first Truck Series start in a place I consider 'home' is everything I could've ever hoped for."

Hayley will be under the direction of two-time NCWTS championship-winning crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. for his three races. Hillman and Hayley will team up at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Aug. 31, New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 20 and Texas Motor Speedway on Oct. 31.

"We're really looking forward to seeing Cameron Hayley in the No. 32 truck for these three races," said TSM co-owner Harry Scott Jr. "It's been a pleasure to watch Cameron this year, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Cameron has proven to be a great representation of our organization and we expect to see great things out of him in the future."

Keselowski Scores In Bristol Truck Race

Keselowski (19) had them covered

Brad Keselowski is finally a winner on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

After finishing in the runner-up position no less than five times over the years, the former Sprint Cup Series champion finally claimed a Truck Series checkered flag, holding off a strong late run by Darrell Wallace, Jr., to win the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The race was scheduled to run last night, before being postponed by heavy rain.

Keselowski’s win came in his 62^nd career NCWTS start and made him the 25^th driver to win at least one race in all three of NASCAR’s national series. He led three times for 119 laps, including the final 76 circuits, and joined with his father, Bob Keselowski as the only father/son tandem to win in the series. Bob Keselowski won at Richmond International Raceway in 1997.

“This is huge,” said Keselowski after the race. “I’ve been wanting to win in this series for a long time. My family has been a part of this series since its inception, and I feel like I have, too, either as a kid watching or now as a team owner and driver. I nearly went bankrupt in this series, trying to make it.

“It took a long time to get here and I’m thrilled. It’s great to win. This is a special day.”

Wallace finished second – his fourth Top-2 finish in the last seven races – followed by Ron Hornaday Jr., defending series champion Matt Crafton and point leader Johnny Sauter. John Hunter Nemechek, Joey Coulter, Cole Custer, Ben Rhodes and Corey Lajoie completed the Top-10. Pole sitter Kyle Busch finished 24^th after suffering a cut right-rear tire on lap 177, and has now lost two consecutive Truck Series races after winning five in row over the last two seasons.

Only four cautions slowed the race, the fewest in Bristol Truck series history.

Fin           #              Driver

1                19             Brad Keselowski

2               54            Darrell Wallace Jr.

3                30             Ron Hornaday Jr.

4               88            Matt Crafton

5               98            Johnny Sauter

6               8               John Hunter Nemechek

7                21             Joey Coulter

8               00            Cole Custer

9               32             Ben Rhodes

10             92            Corey Lajoie

11             13             Jeb Burton

12             23             Max Gresham

13             29            Ryan Blaney

14             77             German Quiroga

15             75             Caleb Homan

16             63             Justin Jennings

17             9               Brennan Newberry

18             02            Tyler Young #

19             08            Jimmy Weller III #

20            33             Brandon Jones

21             31             Ben Kennedy #

22            35             Mason Mingus #

23             20            Gray Gaulding #

24            51             Kyle Busch

25            6               Norm Benning

26            17             Timothy Peters

27             10             Jennifer Jo Cobb

28            50            TJ Bell

29            05            John Wes Townley

30             25            Justin Boston

31             80            Jody Knowles

32             99            Bryan Silas

33             01             Jake Crum

34             07             BJ McLeod

35             36             Blake Koch

36             28            Bryan Dauzat

BREAKING NEWS: Stewart Will Not Race At Bristol

Tony Stewart’s self-imposed exile from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will continue for at least another week.

Stewart Haas Racing has announced that the former Sprint Cup Series champion will sit-out his third consecutive race, giving way to substitute driver Jeff Burton in the aftermath of the Aug. 9 Sprint Car incident that killed driver Kevin Ward Jr.

Regan Smith replaced Stewart the day after the crash at Watkins Glen International, with Burton behind the wheel last weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Stewart has forfeited his eligibility for the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by not competing in those races and has dropped from 19th to 25th in the point standings.

Stewart Hass Racing said today’s announcement applies only to Bristol, and that Stewart’s plans for upcoming races have yet to be determined.  

Alliance Re-Signs As Team Penske Sponsor

Team Penske announced today that it has extended its partnership with Alliance Truck Parts, building on the relationship between the two transportation-based organizations that began in 2010.

Under the new multi-year agreement, Alliance Truck Parts will continue to be a primary sponsor of the No. 2 Team Penske Ford Fusion driven by 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski. The 2015 season will mark the second consecutive year that ATP, a provider of heavy duty truck parts for the commercial transportation industry, will be featured in the Sprint Cup Series.

Alliance Truck Parts will back the bright yellow Ford driven by Keselowski in eight races as a primary sponsor each season, and as an associate sponsor for the balance of the NSCS schedule.

“Team Penske is excited to build on our relationship with Alliance Truck Parts,” said team owner Roger Penske. “We have worked closely with ATP as one of our key partners in NASCAR to build value for both of our organizations. As we continue to enhance our business relationship, we look forward to experiencing more success with Alliance Truck Parts on the track as well.”

“This extension is a big deal to all of us at Team Penske,” said Keselowski. “Alliance Truck Parts is a great brand – I actually own a few Freightliner trucks and we use Alliance Truck Parts to maintain them. We appreciate all they do for the Team Penske organization and I’m looking forward to continuing our success with ATP in the future.”

Alliance Truck Parts made its debut with Team Penske at the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The partnership expanded in the 2011 Nationwide Series when Alliance Truck Parts was a partial season primary sponsor with the bond with ATP grew to include a full-season Nationwide Series primary sponsorship in each of the following two seasons. Alliance Truck Parts made its debut in the Sprint Cup Series this year and 2015 will mark its second consecutive year as an NSCS sponsor with Team Penske.

“There is a special excitement when the No.2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion is featured on track,” said Friedrich Baumann, senior vice president, Daimler Trucks North America - Aftermarket. “Sundays have a new meaning for our customers and our presence in NASCAR has allowed them to connect with Alliance Truck Parts in a very special way. Alliance Truck Parts is proud to be partnered with a champion both on and off the track. We look forward to continued success with Team Penske.”

LaJoie Set For Bristol Truck Race

After a two-month layoff from the series, Ricky Benton Racing  Enterprises and driver Corey LaJoie are making their return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tonight in the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway.  

This will be LaJoie's second stint behind the wheel of the BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors/Goodyear FleetHQ/Wynn's Ford F-150. In his first start with the team in June at Kentucky Speedway, the 22-year old finished 17th.  

"Corey did a great job for us first time out at Kentucky," said RBR Enterprises team owner Ricky Benton. "We learned a lot and he and (crew chief) Mike (Hester) got to know each other and the communication improved as the race went along."  

LaJoie, the son of two-time Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie, has been spending time at RBR's shop in Cerro Gordo (N.C.) helping prep the truck for this week's race.   

"This is a good group of guys at RBR who love to race," said LaJoie. "Bristol is a tough track, but I feel like we have a great truck and if we stay out of trouble, we can bring home a good finish."

COMMENTARY: Loyalty, Schmoyalty

It’s official, Carl Edwards will leave Roush Fenway Racing at season’s end to drive a new, No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2015.

Since making his Cup Series debut in the No. 99 Green Lantern Ford at Michigan International Raceway on August 22, 2004, Edwards has driven for just one car owner; Jack Roush. Together, the pair amassed five Top-10 finishes in the championship standings, highlighted by a 2011 season that saw them emerge from the season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway in a dead-heat tie with Tony Stewart, only to lose the title on a tiebreaker.

It hasn’t all been grits and gravy, however. Roush Fenway has suffered through some lengthy competitive droughts during that 10-year run, leaving Edwards 12^th in the 2006 standings, 11^th in 2009, 15^th in 2012 and 13^th last season. Edwards has a pair of wins this year – at Bristol and Sonoma – but continuing technological challenges have him no better than ninth in points at present; by his own admission a longshot for the 2014 championship.

While today’s media announcement at Joe Gibbs Racing was dominated by happy, smiling faces, not everyone is pleased with Edwards’ decision to change teams at season’s end. Some observers see the Missouri native’s decision as disloyal to Jack Roush; the man who gave Edwards his first shot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and who also – just three years ago – broke the bank to retain him as the lead horse in Ford Motor Company’s NASCAR draft.

Others cannot shake their distaste for Toyota, emphasizing the company’s Japanese ownership while ignoring the fact that the automaker – like its competitors at GM and Ford -- builds millions of cars and components in the United States. One overwrought caller to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio recently compared Edwards’ departure (at that point only a rumor) to “standing on the deck of the battleship Arizona, waving the Japanese flag as the bombs fell on Pearl Harbor.”

It’s impossible to reason with that degree of nationalistic nuttiness, but sadly, it’s out there.

Loyalty gets a lot of lip service in professional sports today, but as the saying goes, “Talk is cheap.” In fact, there’s really no such thing as loyalty. And that’s okay by me.

As a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, I’ve seen more than a few beloved Beantowners jump ship for a fatter paycheck with New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner’s signature at the bottom. Beginning with Babe Ruth (slightly before my time) and continuing through Wade Boggs, Johnny Damon and Jacoby Ellsbury, I have seen quality players spurn the Olde Towne team -- over and over again -- in favor of the almighty dollar. And while I never liked it, I always understood it.

Johnny Damon owed nothing to the Boston Red Sox. They offered him a lucrative contract to play baseball at the very highest level, and he did so with great distinction. Likewise, Jack Roush gave Carl Edwards an opportunity to race at NASCAR’s highest level, while enriching his bank account substantially. Like Damon, Edwards made the most of that opportunity.

Over the years, both Damon and Edwards played their guts out for their respective team owners, establishing themselves as All-Star talents and either winning (Damon) or contending mightily (Edwards) for championships. That’s all anyone could reasonably have asked.

Loyalty – or the lack thereof – also works both ways.

When Jack Roush needed to make room for an up-and-coming, ridiculously talented youngster named Edwards midway through the 2004 season, veteran Jeff Burton was aggressively encouraged to vacate the No. 99 Ford and move along to a new ride with Richard Childress Racing. Edwards, meanwhile, was installed as RFR’s new driver, in Week 23 of a 36-race season.

Loyalty, schmoyalty.

Edwards and Roush have one thing in common, and that’s a responsibility to look out for their own best interest. Edwards is entitled to change teams in 2015 if he chooses, going where the cars and the money are best, especially if there is no reasonable light at the end of RFR’s competitive tunnel. He gave Roush Fenway Racing his level best for a decade, serving as an impeccable spokesman for his team, his sponsors and his manufacturers.

Now, it’s time to embark on a new adventure with a new race team, and there is every reason to believe that Edwards will tackle that adventure with the same enthusiasm, determination and talent that characterized his time with RFR.

OFFICIAL: Edwards To JGR With ARRIS Sponsorship



Edwards (R) and Hamlin will be teammates

Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that drivers Carl Edwards and Daniel Suarez will join the organization in 2015 to compete full time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series respectively.  

In addition, ARRIS Group, Inc. will sponsor Edwards in the No. 19 Toyota Camry for 17 races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with JGR expanding its operations to include a fourth team. ARRIS also will support Suarez in a multi-year program, starting with the 2015 NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as a partial schedule in the Camping World Truck Series.  

JGR also announces that it has launched a diversity initiative with Escuderia TELMEX with support from ARRIS to provide developmental opportunities to deserving Mexican and Latin American candidates in the NASCAR Toyota Series in Mexico and other racing series under the JGR umbrella.  



Daniel Suarez' 2015 NNS Toyota

“This is one of the biggest days in Joe Gibbs Racing’s history,” said Joe Gibbs, founder and owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “To be able to bring a driver the caliber of Carl Edwards on board to launch our fourth team is just a thrill. But we also have the opportunity to announce a new partner in ARRIS that will not only sponsor Carl, but also share a vision with Carlos Slim Domit and Escuderia TELMEX to develop Mexican and Latin American drivers in NASCAR. We are excited to have Daniel Suarez as part of that program and look forward to watching his development in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next season.”  

A Missouri native, Edwards is currently eighth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with two wins, five top-five and nine top-10 finishes thus far this season. Over the course of his 11-year career, he has won a total of 23 races with 106 top-five and 182 top-10 finishes. In addition to his 23 Sprint Cup Series wins, he has also compiled 38 wins in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and won the championship in 2007. His highest finish in the Sprint Cup Series season was in 2011 when he was runner-up to Tony Stewart based on a tiebreaker.

Suarez is currently competing full time for Escuderia TELMEX in the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series, where he leads that series, and also competes in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Rev Racing Team in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He has four wins and six top-five finishes in 10 starts in the NASCAR Toyota Series and has added two wins, four top-five and seven top-10 finishes this season in 12 K&N Pro Series starts. Suarez made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with JGR earlier this season at Richmond International Raceway with a 19th-place finish.

“Having the opportunity to run full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Joe Gibbs Racing is like a dream come true,” said Suarez. “Everyone knows how successful they have been in the Nationwide Series and I can’t thank ARRIS enough for supporting me next season. It’s also exciting to be part of this initiative with Carlos because I know his passion for racing and his desire to provide opportunities to others like me.”

ARRIS is a worldwide leader in broadband and video delivery technology.

“We’re proud to join Joe Gibbs Racing—an icon in the world of motorsports—and sponsor two of the best drivers in the business: Carl Edwards and Daniel Suarez. We believe this is a great match: ARRIS broadband technology delivers fast entertainment to your home, and Joe Gibbs Racing delivers the same experience on the racetrack,” said Bob Stanzione, Chairman and CEO, ARRIS. “We’re excited to collaborate with Carlos Slim Domit, one of our top customers, to bring our shared passion for diversity to the sport on an international stage. As ARRIS continues to grow, we’re proud to take an increasingly visible role in cultivating the community, diversity, and performance that reflect our global brand.”

Carlos Slim Domit is Chairman of the Board for Grupo Carso, co-founder of Escuderia TELMEX, and the son on Carlos Slim, listed by Forbes Magazine as the world’s richest man. As part of Escuderia TELMEX’s international program, he has partnered with Joe Gibbs Racing to aid in their diversity program with the continued focus of developing Mexican and Latin American drivers in NASCAR.

“I am very excited to have Escuderia TELMEX as a partner with Joe Gibbs Racing and ARRIS,” said Carlos Slim Domit. “They are great teams with whom we share strong values with a passion to win. Over the past 12 years we have worked very hard together with NASCAR in the development of a racing series and building a strong ladder system for our drivers. Having the opportunity for Daniel Suarez to demonstrate his talent to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is very rewarding and encouraging to us all.”