Motor Racing Network Gears Up For Daytona 500

Motor Racing Network – “The Voice of NASCAR” – will hit the airwaves with 467 affiliate radio stations available to race fans throughout North America for Sunday’s 54^th running of the Daytona 500.

The 2012 network lineup features a number of new stations from Northern Canada to South Florida and includes KLAA/Angels Radio in Los Angeles; ESPN Radio-AM 770 in Fort Myers, Fla.; 104.5-FM/The Zone in Nashville, Tenn.; and FM-103.5 in Iqaluit, which is located in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. Other new markets include Salt Lake City; Sacramento and Victor Valley, Calif.; Columbus, Ind.; Fargo, N.D.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Earlier this year, Motor Racing Network announced the addition of WZGV-ESPN 730 in Charlotte, N.C.; which will broadcast MRN’s complete 2012 schedule of Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races.

“The expansion of our 2012 affiliate lineup is a reflection of the ever-growing NASCAR fan base, which can count on Motor Racing Network for comprehensive, compelling coverage of the sport,” said MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt. “In addition to that network of affiliates, which is the foundation of our efforts, Daytona 500 coverage will feature additional distribution sources including live streaming at individual stations’ websites, at MotorRacingNetwork.com, and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.”

The 467 affiliated radio stations carrying Sunday’s MRN coverage of the Daytona 500 represent 49 states and Canada, with a Spanish language broadcast on ESPN Deportes. In addition, American Forces Radio will bring the race to more than one million men and women in the United States military stationed around the world.

Sunday’s Daytona 500 will cap nine straight days of Speedweeks coverage from Daytona International Speedway that began with the Feb. 18 Budweiser Shootout, and includes season-opening races Friday in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Saturday for the Nationwide Series.

Sunday’s MRN broadcast of the Daytona 500 will be anchored by Joe Moore and Eli Gold. Air time is 12 p.m. (EST). Trevor Bayne is the defending race winner. 2011 championship runner-up Carl Edwards will start this year’s race from the pole position, two spots in front of reigning Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.

COMMENTARY: Robby's Right, It's Time To End The Past Champion's Provisional

Robby Gordon raced his way into the Daytona 500 Thursday, rebounding from a tire rub at the start of his Gatorade Duel 150 qualifier to post an unlikely Top-5 finish and punch his ticket to the “Great American Race.”

Afterward, the always outspoken Gordon ignited a bit of a controversy by criticizing the rule that allowed former Sprint Cup Series champion Terry Labonte to qualify for the race, despite running just 12 laps in his Gatorade Duel before heading to the garage with what was generously termed a “vibration.”

"I think (the guaranteed starting spot) should be based on if you were with that team when you win the championship, not just because you win a championship,” said Gordon yesterday. “That takes a spot from teams that are working really hard to get in the Daytona 500. Rules are rules, and we made (the race) fair and square by being fast enough. I'm proud of my team and I'm proud to be in the Daytona 500."

Robby Gordon speaks out...

Labonte’s FasLane Racing, owned by former Roush Fenway Racing crew chief Frank Stoddard, races on a limited budget and came to Daytona without a backup car. A crash in yesterday’s Duel would prevent the team from competing in Sunday’s main event, so Stoddard wisely instructed his driver to make an early day of it and withdraw from the race, claiming a Past Champion’s Provisional good for the 43^rd and final starting spot on Sunday. 

Labonte insisted he took advantage of the rules as they exist; doing the smart thing for both himself and his team. "It's the only car we’ve got," he said. "That wreck was right in front of us, and we just couldn't take a chance on wrecking it. We practiced enough in a pack and… the car's really good. 

“We just couldn't risk it."

Gordon wasn’t buying it, saying, "I've got a lot of respect for Terry. This is not a Terry Labonte thing, (but) there are only eight cars that make the Daytona 500. He takes one of those spots; now seven guys make the Daytona 500. Four make it in qualifying races, three make it on speed. It's just not right. Why take a free ride when the rest of us have to bust our butts to get into the 500?"

Gordon’s remarks touched a nerve with many fans, who feel – right or wrong – that there are too many guarantees in NASCAR these days. Counting Labonte, 36 drivers arrived in Daytona Beach last week knowing they were locked into the season’s most important event, leaving only seven spots to be filled by Saturday afternoon’s time-trial qualifying and 300 miles of heat racing yesterday. To many, qualifying for the Daytona 500 has lost its luster, reduced to little more than a week of busy work en route to a starting lineup that is pre-determined in a corporate board room, well in advance.

NASCAR is the only professional sport to reward athletes and teams for something they accomplished long ago. For all their past glory, the Green Bay Packers do not receive a guaranteed spot in the NFL playoffs. The New York Yankees own 27 World Series champions; a lofty statistic that earns them not a single advantage on Opening Day.

Perhaps it’s time for NASCAR to simply celebrate its past, rather than living in it. Eliminate the outdated Past Champion’s Provisional and begin awarding the final Daytona 500 starting spot to a team that excels today, rather than a driver who excelled a decade or more ago.  

 Photo Credit: Ashley Dickerson/ASP Inc/Icon SM

Pastrana Announces Nationwide, K&N Schedule

Pastrana returns to NASCAR

Travis Pastrana will make a long-awaited NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the No. 99 Boost Mobile Toyota at Richmond International Raceway on April 27.

The 11-time X-Games gold medalist and action sports star plans to run seven Nationwide Series races as well as 11 K&N Pro Series races in 2012. He’ll make his K&N debut in the season-opening race at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 17.

“The wait has been grueling,” Pastrana said. “This is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. But we’re ready to go now. We have seven Nationwide races planned but if we can secure some additional sponsorship we’ll run more. If it were up to me we’d run every race after Richmond. I’m ready to get this thing going.”

Pastrana expected to make his Nationwide Series debut last season at the July 30^th race in Indianapolis. But two nights before the race he broke his right ankle and foot in Los Angeles while attempting a trick called a “TP Roll” which is a 720 on a motorcycle during the Best Trick Competition in the X Games.

The injury and surgeries forced him to miss his entire 2012 Nationwide schedule.

“I was pretty much unable to do anything for a couple months, but as soon as they let me I was back behind the wheel testing and preparing for this upcoming season. I have to thank Boost Mobile for its patience and understanding – they didn’t have to stick with me through all this, but they did and I really appreciate it. I really hope to reward their commitment once I get back behind the wheel at Richmond.”

Pastrana's Boost Mobile Toyota

Before the accident, Pastrana raced in four K&N races plus the Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway where he finished sixth. Last month, he raced for AF Waltrip in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

Pastrana will race under the Pastrana199 Racing banner in 2012. The team will have a technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing supplying personnel and equipment. Boost Mobile will sponsor each of the seven Nationwide races while iRacing will serve as the primary sponsor in four K&N races.

Pastrana, 28, owns multiple supercross and motocross championships, and four Rally America championship. He is also known for his Nitro Circus empire, which includes a TV show, live tours and a soon-to-be-released 3D feature film.

Pastrana Nationwide Schedule

Richmond April 27

Darlington May 11

Charlotte May 26

New Hampshire July 14

Chicagoland July 22

Indianapolis July 28

Atlanta Sept. 1

Pastrana K&N Schedule

Bristol March 17

Greenville-Pickens March 31

Richmond April 26

Iowa May 19

Bowman Gray June 2

Langley June 23

Iowa Aug. 3

Greenville-Pickens Sept. 3

New Hampshire Sept. 22

Dover Sept. 28

Rockingham Nov.3

NOS To Back Stenhouse In Three Races

Stenhouse has a new backer

NOS Energy Drink has entered a partnership with reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series 2011 Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Roush Fenway Racing. NOS’ colors will be featured on Stenhouse’s No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford Mustang for three races in 2012, as he defends his NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship title. Those races include Daytona on July 6, Bristol on August 24 and Texas on November 4. 

Stenhouse will be the focal point for the brand’s strategic motorsports media outreach, and be featured in national and local initiatives. Fans will be able to acquire custom co-branded Stenhouse merchandise and memorabilia through the NOS Rewards Series, the under-the-tab loyalty program launched in 2011. 

“It’s awesome to have NOS Energy on our No. 6 Ford Mustang,” said Stenhouse. “We both have our sights set on going fast and finishing first in 2012, and I look forward to drinking a lot of NOS in victory lane this season.”

“We’ve always made it a point to work with partners that embody what NOS stands for—high performance energy, unwavering mental focus, and aggressive determination—and Ricky and Roush Fenway are perfect examples .” said Eric Helms, NOS director of marketing. “Ricky’s young, he’s charismatic, and though he’s had tremendous success, he’s still committed to getting better. We’re excited to be teammates and we can’t wait for the season to start.” 

Budweiser To Sponsor Speedweeks, Duel

Budweiser and Daytona International Speedway have announced the beer brand will take on an enhanced role in NASCAR’s season opening festivities.

Beginning with the 2013 season, Budweiser will become the official title sponsor of Speedweeks – the 10-day stretch of stock-car racing beginning with the non-point Shootout and continuing through the Daytona 500, Budweiser also will assume title sponsorship of the Budweiser Duel at Daytona; two 150-mile qualifying races that determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500. These enhancements to Budweiser’s partnership with DIS will replace the brand’s existing entitlement of the season-opening, non-points Shootout.

“Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway marks the official start of the NASCAR season, and the opportunity to expand our presence throughout the 10-day event puts Budweiser even more in the thick of it all,” said Brad Brown, vice president of sports & entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch. “The Shootout has been an important element of our NASCAR program for 34 years, but this opportunity to enhance our partnership makes Budweiser even more relevant to our consumers as well as the fans of the Daytona 500.”

As part of the sponsorship, Budweiser will also serve as presenting sponsor of the Daytona 500 pre-race broadcast show. The brand will also receive increased access for consumer hospitality events, including naming rights to the 5th Turn hospitality area throughout Speedweeks.

“Budweiser is the longest running active partner with Daytona International Speedway and we are incredibly excited to enter this new chapter with them in 2013,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood. “The opportunities created by this enhanced partnership are compelling and our fans will benefit the most. The intensity and fun atmosphere that Budweiser brought to the Shootout for so many years will be taken up several notches as they assume a much broader role during Speedweeks and ‘The Great American Race.’ ”

Busch Issues On-Air Apology

Kinder, gentler Kurt.

Three months ago, Kurt Busch directed an obscenity laced tirade at ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Captured by a race fan and his cellular telephone, video of the incident went viral across the internet, igniting a controversy that saw Busch fined $50,000 by NASCAR and eventually played a major role in his offseason departure from Penske Racing.

Today, Busch apologized to Punch during ESPN’s coverage of NASCAR Nationwide Series practice from the World Center of Racing. The Phoenix Racing driver embraced Punch, saying, “Let's just start off with a hug, Doc,” before adding, “I'm so sorry with the way last year ended.

“I feel horrible,” continued Busch. “With this offseason, all the work that I've gone through to put together this (Nationwide Series) team with Kyle (and) the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet on the Cup side, it's a humbling experience. We're going to have a lot of fun and we're going to do this with a serious effort."

France Jr. Statue Unveiled at Daytona

Members of the France family gathered Wednesday with donors, local officials and industry members to unveil a statue of former NASCAR CEO Bill France, Jr. outside Daytona International Speedway Ticket and Tours Office.

France is remembered as the man who followed his visionary father at NASCAR's helm, guiding the sport through an unprecedented era of growth to its highest levels of popularity. He combined pragmatism with optimism in steering the sport, setting the stage for it to become the multi-million dollar entity it is today.

The statue was created by sculptor John Lajba. 

Motor Racing Network Announces Mobile Site

Motor Racing Network – “The Voice of NASCAR” – is expanding its reach into the realm of digital media with the launch of a mobile site that provides access to on-air programming and the network’s full website at www.motorracingnetwork.com.

In addition to MRN’s extensive NASCAR race coverage, the new mobile site allows fans to stay abreast of breaking news; check race and broadcast schedules; and listen to podcasts and on-demand programming including exclusive weekly content streamed only at MotorRacingNetwork.com.

“Motor Racing Network has been the pace-setter in NASCAR coverage for decades,” said MRN Web Manager Craig Moore. “This launch enables us to keep pace in a digital arena that’s steadily growing. We’re glad to deliver a new product that’ll make it more convenient for fans to follow us throughout the new season.”

MRN’s 2012 broadcast schedule features 86 live events from 33 venues, including full coverage from Speedweeks in Daytona that will culminate with the 54^th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday afternoon. Motor Racing Network’s daily and weekly programming also is available on the new mobile site. NASCAR Live on Tuesday nights has begun its 29^th year and NASCAR Performance Liveairs each Wednesday evening.

In addition to servicing a nationwide network of affiliate radio stations, all MRN programming is streamed live at www.motorracingnetwork.com and is now accessible on mobile devices, as well.

Motor Racing Network’s 2012 schedule began last month with a live broadcast from the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and included around-the-clock coverage of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It will conclude in December with theNASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.

MRN’s Speedweeks 2012 coverage continues today with a live broadcast of the Gatorade Duel at Daytona qualifying races, beginning at 1 p.m. (EST). That kicks off a stretch of five races over four days including season openers in theNASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. The weekend concludes with Sunday’s Daytona 500, opening race of the 2012NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Joe Moore and Eli Gold will anchor the MRN broadcast from Daytona International Speedway. Air time is 12 p.m.