Allmendinger Optimistic Heading To Sonoma

With two Top-10 finishes in five career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Sonoma Raceway, Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 could rank as AJ Allmendinger’s best opportunity yet to win a race and qualify for the 2014 Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Despite those numbers, however, Allmendinger insists that Sunday’s race is not all-or-nothing for his JTG Daugherty team.

“We can’t put every egg in one basket and say we have to win this race,” he said. “Because if we do, then it’s just disappointing if we don’t (win). If we go there, have a solid day and have a chance to win the race, that’s all we can do.”

Allmendinger said he tested at Sonoma recently and came away encouraged about his changes at the Wine Country circuit.

“With our race team being as small as we are, we don’t get much test time,” he said. “So any track time we get helps us focus on the weekend and future. These tests are good because as a driver, you don’t have to focus on other people. You just focus on your car and what feels good.

“We had two days of testing there and we had really good speed in the Kingsford Chevrolet.”

Allmendinger said success at Sonoma boils down to two variables; grip and horsepower.

“It all comes down to rear grip at Sonoma Raceway,” he said. “ECR Engines have a lot of horsepower and you want to put it down to the racetrack. Especially if it gets hot, it’s so easy to burn off the rear tires in five or six laps. Then it’s a long stint when you do that.

“You have to just ease the rear tires. If you can make your rear tires last longer than most people, then you have a shot to win the race.”

The JTG Daugherty driver said there are differences between Sonoma and the other road course on the Sprint Cup Series schedule, Watkins Glen International.

“Sonoma is narrow and slick and it is so easy to make a mistake,” he said. “I think it’s about not locking up the tires, because if you lock up a tire in the brake zone, it just kills the tire. Other than that, if you have a fast car, you have a shot to win it. That’s all you can really ask for during your day at Sonoma.”

The California native said that road racing demands more of a driver, and rewards those who can manhandle their car through the demanding Sonoma turns.

“In road-course racing, you can wring a bit more out of the car,” he said, “whether it’s braking, or how you use the curbs or the lines you choose. That’s why I enjoy it and that’s why I feel like we can come here and have a shot to do well.

JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said the track’s location also makes it an important venue for his team.

“Sonoma Raceway is not far from the home office of one of our largest sponsors -- The Clorox Company -- and it's a home track for AJ", he said. “We will have all of them out there cheering for us and we want to do well in front of a group of people that have supported us through thick and thin for nearly two decades. 

“We’ve almost won that race before,” he said. “We would like to give them something to cheer for again this time with AJ.”

Team co-owner Brad Daugherty agreed, saying, “AJ is really good at Sonoma Raceway. We feel like it’s one of the racetracks – and there’s several, not just the road courses - - that AJ and our team can win. We’re going to go out and be as prepared as we can possibly be. We built him a car specific to Watkins Glen last year and we had a great run there. We feel if we do the same for Sonoma, it gives him a great opportunity.

“We need to qualify well, run up front all day and have great pit stops. All we need is a chance on that last green-white-checker to have an opportunity to race to the checkered flag."

Panasonic Signs Multi-Year Deal With Hendrick

Panasonic has expanded its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports with a new multi-year agreement that includes primary sponsorship of the No. 24 team of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and current points leader Jeff Gordon.

Panasonic will be featured as a primary sponsor of the No. 24 team in two Sprint Cup races annually and as an associate-level partner in all other events. It will mark the first on-car branding for Panasonic since joining Hendrick Motorsports as a technology partner in 2007. The agreement covers the 2014, 2015 and 2016 NASCAR seasons.

Gordon’s No. 24 Panasonic Chevrolet SS will debut this weekend at California’s Sonoma Raceway and will again appear Aug. 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Panasonic’s Toughbook brand will be featured on the car’s quarter panels at Sonoma.

 

“To maximize the value of a NASCAR sponsorship, you need to partner with proven teams and drivers that exemplify your brand,” said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon have a record of excellence that is a perfect fit for Panasonic and its Toughbook brand. We've been a technology partner of Hendrick Motorsports for many years, and as our business evolves to solutions and deeper partnerships with our customers, it is an excellent time to extend our relationship from behind the scenes to the car on the track.”

Panasonic will leverage the partnership to promote technology solutions and products for business. Hendrick Motorsports currently utilizes Panasonic technology throughout its Concord facility, including cameras, electronic displays, televisions, digital signage, Toughbook computers and projection units. The team also uses Panasonic’s professional video products to support its in-house video production capabilities.

“Panasonic has a combination of world-class people and products,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “We use their technology across the organization, and it provides the best possible tools in every area, from competition to marketing to IT. To have them see more opportunities for their business and want to grow the relationship sends a very positive message.”

Gordon, 42, is one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR history. He is a four-time Sprint Cup champion, and his 89 victories rank third on the all-time wins list. In 15 races this season, he has posted one victory, five top-five finishes and a series-best 11 top-10 finishes.

“We’re looking forward to working with Panasonic in a new way, and I can’t think of a better place for their debut with the No. 24 team,” said Gordon, who has posted a record five Sprint Cup wins at Sonoma Raceway and grew up in nearby Vallejo, California. “This is the next step in what’s already been a successful partnership, and it’s going to be fun to take it to another level. We hope to kick it off with a win this weekend for Panasonic and Toughbook.”

Hendrick Tightening Its Grip On Sprint Cup Dominance

"They're a full season ahead."

As NASCAR heads into its annual summer stretch, Hendrick Motorsports is on a roll. With five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories, including three by six-time champion Jimmie Johnson, if you’re not working with HMS, you’re working at a disadvantage.

In the aftermath of another beat down Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, Hendrick’s performance edge has the competition worried – maybe even panicked – about what lies ahead.

"It's pretty obvious that the Hendrick engines are way ahead of everyone else," said former series champion Brad Keselowski, after chasing Johnson and HMS-affiliated Kevin Harvick to the checkered flag in Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400. "As far ahead as they are right now, they're probably a full season ahead of everyone.”

Read that again. One full season ahead of everyone. Twelve long months of catchup ball before anyone can realistically hope to upset Hendrick’s apple cart.

Keselowski was strong Sunday, but had little for Johnson or Harvick at the end. And in truth, his third-place finish was one of the few bright spots for anyone not wheeling a Chevrolet SS. Ford Motor Company’s longstanding stranglehold on Michigan’s Victory Lane was broken with authority Sunday, with Keselowski and Team Penske teammate Joey Logano the only Fords in the Top-10. Rival Toyota fared even worse, with only Clint Bowyer claiming a spot (the final one) in the Top-10.

Get used to this sight...

After decades of domination in the Irish Hills, Roush Fenway Racing was struggled mightily Sunday. Jack Roush failed to claim a Top-10 finish at his home track for the first time in 14 years, with Greg Biffle finishing 20th, Carl Edwards 23^rd and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. 27^th. Joe Gibbs Racing was only marginally better, managing a 14^th-place finish from Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin’s 29^th and a 41^st from Kyle Busch. Busch was hindered by right-rear hub issues, but Kenseth and Hamlin were just plain slow and never a factor for the win.

"We just don't have it," admitted Kenseth, who remains winless this season after claiming seven checkered flags a year ago. "I don't know how else to explain it. We just can't fix it on pit road (and) we can't get close enough (to) the leaders to be able to hang on to a position, even when the team gives it to me (with a fast pit stop)."

With Hendrick performing at peak efficiency and most of its major challengers struggling, it could be a long summer for Ford and Toyota fans.

"I don't really think there is anybody in the wings," said Keselowski when asked who might be able to derail the HMS juggernaut. "I think where we are right now is where we're going to be for the remainder of the year. You might see some small gains from some teams, but I don't see anything significant coming.

“The Penske cars are probably the best when it comes to balance,” he said. “The Hendrick cars are probably the best (on) power. Kevin Harvick’s team is probably the fastest, (and) I don't really see that changing for the duration of the season.”

Even Harvick, who has access to the full complement of HMS chassis, engines, technology and set-up advice, responded snappishly Sunday when asked about Hendrick’s dominance, saying, “I think it's pretty obvious."  

When he’s right, he’s right.

Hendrick Motorsports is unquestionably the team to beat in 2014. With six victories in 14 starts – and three more for their Stewart Haas Racing affiliate – they have a firm grasp on the Sprint Cup Series’ collective windpipe.

“We've got 12 weeks until the Chase starts,” said Keselowski, doing his best to sound optimistic. “At Penske, I think we're right there, just half a nose behind the Hendrick‑powered cars. We need just a little bit more, and if we can do that, we have a shot at running for the championship.

“But we've got work to do to get there."

Ray Fox Dies At Age 98

Fox (L) with David Pearson 

Former NASCAR team owner, engine builder and master mechanic Ray Fox died at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday at age 98, after a lengthy battle with COPD.

Fox fielded winning entries for NASCAR Hall of Famers Junior Johnson, David Pearson and Buck Baker, and won 14 times as a car owner at NASCAR’s highest level. His biggest win came in the 1960 Daytona 500, with Johnson at the wheel.

He remained active as a NASCAR engine inspector into his 80s and has been nominated for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III commented on his passing today, saying, “We are saddened by the news. Ray was a legendary wrench man who led Junior Johnson to victory in the 1960 Daytona 500 and also called Daytona Beach home. Since his retirement, he was a frequent visitor at the track and his presence will be missed. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the Fox family.” 

Harvick Soars To Michigan Pole

Kevin Harvick took the field to the woodshed Friday at Michigan International Speedway, demolishing the track record with a lap at 204.557 mph en route to the pole position for Sunday afternoon’s Quicken Loans 400.

Harvick’s lap mark better Joey Logano’s 203.949 mph track record set last August, and was the fastest Sprint Cup pole qualifying lap since Bill Elliott went 212.809 mph at Talladega in May 1987, and the fastest non-restrictor plate qualifying lap of all time.

“You just have to relax and really pay attention to not overdrive,” said Harvick of his fast lap. “It’s so easy to miss your line on the entry to the corner. My guys are doing a great job and we just have to keep doing everything we’ve been doing.”

Harvick called his pole run, “a credit to our Budweiser/Stewart-Haas race team for putting fast race cars on the track. Together with the Hendrick Motorsports engine package, it creates a lot of speed and it makes coming to these places a lot of fun. I’m really excited to start on the pole and get that first pit box, and hopefully we can put the whole day together on Sunday.

Harvick is statistically tough to beat when he starts from the pole. In eight career starts from the top spot, he has collected four wins. This is his third pole of the 2014 season.

Jeff Gordon will start outside the front row, after a 203.776 mph effort that he called, “up a heck of a lap, (but) just not enough to get Harvick.”

Pocono winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. will start third alongside Aric Almirola, with Paul Menard and Brad Keselowski in Tow Three. Defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano and Brian Vickers completed the Top-10. Ryan Truex was the only driver who failed to make the race, after fuel pump issues hindered his qualifying effort.

Kahne Not Interested In Mending Fences With Kyle Busch

Kahne crashed hard at Pocono

Kyle Busch emailed Kasey Kahne this week in the aftermath of their latest tangle at Pocono Raceway last Sunday. That email will apparently go unread, after Kahne said today that he has no interest in anything the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has to say.

“He did write me an email,” said Kahne to reporters at Michigan International Speedway. “But I don’t really care anymore. I don’t care to talk to him, or anything.”

Sunday’s incident occurred when Busch appeared to squeeze Kahne into the outside wall on Pocono’s lightning-fast Long Pond Straightaway, leaving Kahne’s Great Clips Chevrolet unable to continue en route to a 42^nd-place finish.

Kahne expressed anger immediately after the race, saying, "That's just Kyle being Kyle. He was probably pissed off because his car was slow. He just floored it, didn't care there was someone out there and ran me right into the wall.” 

Kahne and Busch have history

By some counts, Sunday’s crash was the fourth involving the pair in the last two seasons. After tangling last August on the road course at Watkins Glen International, Kahne tweeted that he was "headed to Joe Gibbs Racing to talk to whoever will come out front."

Today, Kahne said there has been a common denominator in all the crashes; Busch’s over-aggressiveness.

“I had already passed Kyle,” he said. “The reason he passed me back was because I was passing Ryan Newman and (our) two cars… going down the straightaway side-by-side gave him an opportunity to get a big draft and stick his nose in when we got to Turn One.

“He knew if he didn’t clear me, that he would be a position behind. So he just floored it.

“If it’s close, someone is going to (have to) lift,” said Kahne. “When you put someone in that position, it’s up to the guy on the inside. His spotter was telling him ‘outside, outside, outside.’”

Kahne said he is not interested in discussing Sunday’s wreck with Busch, adding, “I talked through every situation with him last year when we had them. And to this day, I’ve still raced him the exact same way. For him to do that (Sunday)… I knew it was coming as soon as he floored it in the corner.

“I was like, ‘You can’t (race that way)! You’re going to run me right in the wall!’  I think he was having a bad day and he just loses it.”

Former NASCAR Euro Series Driver Killed In Shooting

NASCAR Whelen Euro Series driver Enzo Pastor was killed Thursday night in a shooting in the Philippines.

Reports say the 32-year old Pastor was driving a team transporter en route to this weekend’s Asian V8 Series championship race at Clark International Speedway in in Pampanga, Philippines, and was stopped at a traffic signal in the town of Quezon City when a masked assailant approached his vehicle and opened fire.

Pastor was struck in the head, neck and arm, and was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later. A passenger in the vehicle, Paulo Salazar, reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Pastor finished sixth in the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series championship standings, but had not competed in the series this season. Investigators have reportedly ruled out robbery as a motive, since none of Pastor's personal belongings were stolen.

It is unknown whether the shooting is related to racing. 

Larson Announces There's A Baby On The Way

Kyle Larson bought his first house recently. Now, he’s ready to fill it with the pitter-patter of little feet.

The 21-year old Chip Ganassi Racing rookie announced during a media availability today at Michigan International raceway that he and girlfriend Katelyn Sweet will welcome their first child in late December.

“Me and Katelyn just found out we are having a baby, so it’s a really exciting time,” said Larson. “With how good the racing has been going, a new house and now (this), it’s been a lot of fun.

"(The due date) was Dec. 29 the first time she went,” he said. “Then it was Christmas, and now it is kind of back to December 29^th. Christmas sounds cool, so I will go with Christmas."

Sweet, the sister of NASCAR Nationwide Series and Open Wheel driver Brad Sweet, posted an ultrasound image of the baby to her Twitter account this morning as well, with the caption, “Baby Larson due December 2014.”

Larson closed on the new house on June 2, joking that the home would soon “look like a Chuck E Cheese with even more TVs."

Montoya On Michigan Return: "We Can Win"

Juan Pablo Montoya returns to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, running the first  of two scheduled races in the No. 12 SKF Ford for Team Penske. The Columbia native said he believes he can be a threat to win this weekend, despite a limited schedule of testing in advance.

“It’s exciting to be back, especially with Team Penske and the SKF Ford," he said. "I only had one day of testing in Nashville before the Indy 500, so it’s been awhile. But in Nashville, it took me about five laps to really get comfortable in the car. The way Team Penske is running here, it’s a hell of a chance. You see Joey’s comments sometimes and he says, `It was a terrible day’ and he finished fifth or sixth. I would have killed to have a car that would do that. 

“Our goal here is (to) take it as it comes this weekend, but the way I really look at it is, it’s really good preparation for the Brickyard 400. I’m working with Greg Erwin, who is a real experienced crew chief.  He’s won races and he knows what it takes to get it done.  If we do a good job here understanding what I want out of the car, then going to the Brickyard, we might be looking really, really strong. 

“It could be fun.”

Montoya said it is difficult to compare Team Penske to his former team; calling Chip Ganassi Racing “a very different organization.  With Chip we had good years, bad years, good races, bad – we had everything.  The way Team Penske is running right now, every week they have a shot at winning. If we do a good job here and we have a decent race, we’ll easily get a Top-10. And if I’m really comfortable in the car, we could even look at a win. 

“With my background in open wheel, coming here is going to play into my hands a little bit,” he said. “It’s a really fast track. It’s a track where you don’t brake, it’s a track where you’re really controlling the throttle. You do that a lot in Indy Car. 

“I always run well here and qualify really well here,” said Montoya. “Last year, I think I qualified 10^th and sixth in the Ganassi car, so coming here is really exciting.  Roger gave me the opportunity to come here and we want to make SKF and the Ford group proud of what we can do.”

Montoya said he hopes to contend for the win in both his Sprint Cup Series starts this season, and is focusing on Michigan as “probably one of the best tracks for the Fords. They always excel here and have a car that can win. And with the way Team Penske is running right now, if it clicks from the beginning, we might have a shot at winning this. 

“The Brickyard is (also) a place that I run really well.  Even when we ran bad, we were always in the Top-10, so going there in a car like this, you’re definitely looking at a shot at a win as well.”

Oops! Earnhardt Leaves Newman Standed At Airport

Ryan Newman’s race weekend is off to a rocky start, after being left at the airport this morning by fellow driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

“I still don’t know where he’s at,” admitted Earnhardt is his weekly Friday media briefing at Michigan International Speedway. “Tuesday, (Ryan) asked me if he could get a ride to the race track, which is common for drivers to do. We were leaving at 8:30 a.m.; that is what it said on my calendar.  (But) since Tuesday, we have added some media (obligations) to this morning and did a couple of things out front (with fans). 

“My PR guy, Mike Hoag, moved take-off time to 8:00 a.m., but I didn’t know about it. When I got up this morning, I didn’t look at the clock, I just got in the shower, went downstairs, got in the car, drove to the airport and got on the plane. 

“I forgot about Ryan,” he admitted Earnhardt. “Even if we were taking off at 8:30 a.m. and he wasn’t there, I probably would have left him. He should have texted me last night, (but) I think he got a ride.”

Earnhardt said he has spoken with Newman this morning to apologize for the mixup.

“He said, ‘I should have texted last night,’” laughed Earnhardt. “It was unfortunate for sure, but it happens.”

Farmers Insurance Extends With Hendrick, Kahne

Farmers Insurance has extended its sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team for three years and will give fans an opportunity to help design Kasey Kahne’s 2015 Chevrolet SS paint scheme.

Farmers Insurance will be featured as primary sponsor in 12 Sprint Cup Series races each season, including the season-opening Daytona 500. Farmers will also serve as an associate-level partner in all other events for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Fans can visit FarmersRacing.com to register for the upcoming paint scheme design challenge and vote on different elements of Kahne’s 2015 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet SS, including paint color, television panel text and more. In addition, one fan will be randomly selected to see the car in action at the 2015 Daytona 500. Voting will launch later this summer.

“We are pleased to announce our continued sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 team and are excited to build on the momentum of the last three years,” said Mike Linton, chief marketing officer at Farmers Insurance. “We are also looking forward to involving our fans in the design of the paint scheme for next year’s car.”

“Our team takes so much pride in representing Farmers Insurance and the thousands of agents, district managers and employees around the country,” said Kahne. “They have such a passion for NASCAR and the sport’s fans. Whether it’s thanking teachers or helping rebuild Joplin (Missouri), I’m honored to be involved with Farmers and the communities they serve. It’s exciting to continue our work together.”

Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance joined the No. 5 team as a primary sponsor in April 2011.

“Our partnership with the team at Farmers has been unbelievable,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Everything that’s been accomplished in just three years is extremely impressive, and they continue to seek ways to engage our fans and use the sponsorship to improve the lives of others. It’s gratifying to see the impact of our two organizations working together, and we look forward to more successes in the coming years.”

Since joining Hendrick Motorsports for the 2012 season, Kahne has earned two consecutive Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup berths. In addition to his 16 career race wins, the Enumclaw, Washington, native has earned 26 pole positions, 81 top-five finishes and 139 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. His current contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through the 2015 NASCAR season.

One Year Later, Remembering Jason Leffler

It's been one year since former NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series driver Jason Leffler lost his life in a savage Sprint Car crash at New Jersey’s Bridgeport Speedway. Our eulogy for "LefTurn" remains one of the most-read articles in the history of GodfatherMotorsports.com, and we re-post it today in memory of our friend Jason.

He is gone, but not forgotten.

Dave Moody

Writer/Editor

GodfatherMotorsports.com

 

Charlie Dean Leffler’s daddy died last night, torn from the world in a crash so stunning, so horrific that it once again causes us to question our devotion to a sport that all too often breaks our hearts.

NASCAR driver Jason Leffler was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday, after a grinding crash at New Jersey’s Bridgeport Speedway. Witnesses said his 410 Sprint Car impacted the Turn Four wall during a qualifying heat race and flipped wildly down the front stretch of the 0.625-mile dirt oval.  Safety teams extricated the unconscious driver from his vehicle, with plans to transport him to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. His condition deteriorated rapidly while awaiting arrival of a medivac helicopter, however, and responders elected to transport him by ground ambulance to nearby Crozer-Chester Medical Center, where efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

As word of the crash began to circulate, I did what I always do in situations like this. I told myself that the reports were untrue or exaggerated; the sad result of internet hysteria and a public raised on “reality” TV. When it became clear that a serious crash had indeed occurred, I prayed that Leffler’s injuries were not severe, assuring myself that he would back in the cockpit in a few weeks, or months.

Just before 10 p.m., however, a phone call from a colleague brought the horrible reality home. Jason Leffler was dead, leaving us to mourn – and remember --once again.

I have so many memories of the man we called “LefTurn.” He was a weekly guest on our Sirius XM Speedway radio program for years, sharing his life – both on and off the track – with a degree of candor that was both refreshing and rare. There were plenty of good days; wins in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, championship-contending rides with elite owners like Joe Gibbs and Chip Ganassi, and a trio of runs in the legendary Indianapolis 500.

There were also a few bad days; crushing race-day defeats, championship shortcomings and the loss of his Nationwide and Truck Series rides. When he and Alison decided to end their marriage a few years ago, Leffler made his weekly appearance as scheduled, despite a heavy heart.

“Leff, we don’t have to do this today,” I told him. “If you want to take a pass, we can catch up next week.”

“Nah, dude,” he replied. “It’s OK. I got no secrets.”

In the months that followed, Leffler spoke constantly of his desire to be a loving and involved father to Charlie, despite the demands of his racing career. Our weekly, 4 p.m. conversations often coincided with the end of Charlie’s afternoon nap, and the unpredictability of a newly-awakened two-year old made our visits an absolute joy.

A year ago, I crossed paths with Jason and Charlie, sharing a “Boys Day Out” lunch at a local restaurant. While Jason and I talked racing, Charlie demolished a massive salad, shoveling huge forkfuls of lettuce into his mouth while simultaneously carrying on a silent flirtation with my wife.

“Charlie, you ate the whole thing,” laughed Leffler at the end of our chat. “What am I supposed to eat?”

“Sorry Daddy,” replied Charlie, “I was very hungry!”

How do you tell a five-year old boy that daddy is not coming home tonight? How do you explain that his father, his best friend and his hero – all rolled into one – has been cut down by a sport that exacts such a horrible toll from its brightest lights?

The loss is unfathomable, unacceptable and unbelievable.

Today, I mourn the loss of a phenomenal talent; a man who could run an entire, 10-lap heat race at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals on three wheels, his left-front tire twitching in mid-air in an awe-inspiring display of chassis-bending bravado.

I mourn the loss of a friend whose zest for life, winning smile and goofy, faux-hawk hairdo never failed to make me smile.

I mourn the loss of a father who adored his son and deserved to see him grow up.

A quote attributed to the author Ernest Hemingway said, “There are but three true sports -- bullfighting, mountain climbing, and motor-racing. The rest are merely games.”

All sports include a varying degree of risk, but auto racing is especially adept at destroying its own. Racers have a special relationship with death. They brush shoulders with it daily, acknowledging its presence with a passing nod while clinging stubbornly to the belief that it’ll never happen to them.

“Last year, I did a part-time truck deal,” said Leffler to Motor Racing Network’s Winged Nation recently. “It was the least I had raced since I was 18 (and) mentally, it wasn’t good. I don’t like being home. I just like being in the race car at the race track.

“The (NASCAR) start-and-park deal is not for me,” he said. “I had a good run for over a decade, so it’s time to get back racing.”

Big-league NASCAR racing had not suffered a fatality since the great Dale Earnhardt crashed to his death on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. In that time, SAFER barriers, HANS devices, improved helmet and seat technology and car construction have made the sport safer than at any point before. But make no mistake about it, auto racing is not safe, and it never will be.

As long as men and women strap themselves into objects capable of eclipsing 200 miles per hour, as long as they test the boundaries of human endurance at places like Daytona, Lemans, Winchester and Bridgeport, horrible things can – and will -- happen. Until the laws of physics are repealed, the immovable force will always trump the unstoppable object. And when it does, racers will die.

Jason Leffler knew that. We all knew that. But it doesn’t make what happened Wednesday evening any easier to accept.

Photos: Instagram/Jason Leffler

SKF To Back Montoya At Michigan

The SKF colors will return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this weekend at Michigan International Raceway on the No. 12 SKF Ford Fusion driven by Team Penske’s Juan Pablo Montoya.

“I’m really excited to be heading back to NASCAR and looking forward to driving the SKF Ford Fusion,” said Montoya. “I’ve been around various forms of racing throughout my career and I’ve crossed paths with SKF in some way in each one of those series. I hope to put SKF and Team Penske back in victory lane on Sunday.”

Sunday’s race will be the second of three appearances for the SKF Ford Fusion. Ryan Blaney drove the No. 12 SKF Ford Fusion at Kansas Speedway earlier in the season, and he’ll return to the SKF Ford Fusion on October 19^th in Talladega.

SKF and Team Penske are in the third season of a multi-year racing partnership that saw Brad Keselowski win the Sprint Cup Championship in 2012. In addition to highlighting the SKF Group brand on the No. 12 SKF Ford Fusion, it will also feature Lincoln Lubrication and Kaydon Corporation, an SKF Group company acquired in 2013. Kaydon, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an international manufacturer within three areas: friction control products, velocity control products and specialty products including environmental services. These products and services are utilized in a variety of demanding industries, from medical and aerospace to wind power and mining.

As a technical partner to the entire Team Penske organization, SKF brings its world-class knowledge of reducing friction to both the NASCAR and IndyCar racing arenas. Partnering since November 2011, SKF and Team Penske have over 25 different application and development projects, drawing from all five of SKF’s technology competence areas: bearings, seals, lubrication, mechatronics and services.

Lynda Petty Honored With NMPA Spirit Award

The late Lynda Petty has been named the first quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association’s Spirit Award. Petty died at her home in North Carolina on March 25, after a long illness.

The matriarch of NASCAR’s legendary Petty family and wife of 55 years to NASCAR Hall Of Famer Richard Petty, Lynda Petty was a founding member of NASCAR’s Racing Wives Auxiliary, which assists member of the racing community in times of hardship. She was also involved with a number of other civic and charitable causes.

“The NMPA Spirit Award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports,” said the NMPA in a media release this week. “Each year, quarterly winners are chosen, and an overall annual winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership.”

Also receiving votes were six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and driver Denny Hamlin.

McMurray, Chitwood Practice With The Jags

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray got a taste of life in the National Football League on Tuesday as the driver of the No. 1 McDonald’s/Cessna Chevrolet SS Chevrolet participated in offseason training activities with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

McMurray and Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III were at the Jaguars training facility promoting the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 5.

McMurray and Chitwood were worked through drills during the first hour of practice at the fields adjacent to EverBank Field.

“Dale Jr. actually sent me a text last week at a test and asked me about doing fantasy football,” McMurray said. “I’ve never done it before. This year is going to be my first time. It’s nice to get down here and meet these guys and see everything they go through.”

“It’s all about the athletes,” Chitwood said. “When you can put those together, it’s a great opportunity.”

Among the activities the duo performed were returning punts, catching passes alongside quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Stephen Morris and pushing the blocking sled. The Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver wore a black No. 1 jersey while Chitwood wore No. 59 signifying the first year of operation of Daytona International Speedway.

following practice, McMurray and Chitwood spoke to the team. Chitwood presented a Jaguars-themed driver’s helmet autographed by all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers and McMurray gave a crew shirt to the organization.

The grueling hot practice was an eye opener for both McMurray and Chitwood.

“Water boy would probably be the best spot,” McMurray joked about what position he could play in the NFL. “It’s crazy how big all the guys are and then to see how small some of them are at the same time and they go up against each other fighting for the same piece of property.”

“Speed in racing is a big deal,” Chitwood said. “When you go out there and see these athletes at speed is pretty impressive. It doesn’t translate on TV. When you see them out there practicing, it’s amazing how fast things happen. It’s definitely something that I appreciated today.”

McMurray, who captured the 2010 Daytona 500 and won the Coke Zero 400 in 2007, will return to the “World Center of Racing” in a few weeks for the Independence Day holiday classic with hopes of adding another Daytona win to his resume and a spot in the Chase.

“When I look at Daytona, that’s kind of a wild card race that I think a lot of guys have an opportunity to win,” McMurray said. “I’ve won both races at Daytona in the past. I look forward to coming down here every time we race here but this year more than anything because guys are trying to get that one win to get into the Chase. Daytona is going to be a big event.”

The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. You can also catch the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola live from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, July 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT. The race will also be broadcast on MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

Glen Wood Remembers Junie Donlavey

Junie Donlavey

Wood Brothers Racing founder and NASCAR Hall Of Famer Glen Wood commented today on former team owner Junie Donlavey, who passed away Monday at age 90.

“The only thing you really need to know about Junie Donlavey is that he was probably the most well-liked person ever in the sport of NASCAR,” said Wood. “He was a good friend of the Wood Brothers … one of our very best friends in the sport.   I can tell you I would call him on the phone, and even before I could get a word or two out, he knew who it was that was calling.

“The thing I will always remember about Junie is that he was never mad or upset.  He took everything in stride.  He just enjoyed being around the sport and being around people.   You’d see him in the garage, and he’d always be talking with someone, and I used to love seeing him doubled-up laughing over some story.

“As far as I know, his team was never fully-funded, like you would see with most teams,” Wood said. “But he always wanted to run well every time he was out there.  I know he had some real good cars in the modified and sportsman days, even before NASCAR started.  He had cars that ran well all the time, so he was a competitive person.

“But he always helped out everyone, no matter who you were.  He helped out so many drivers and crew members who just wanted to get into the sport.  He always had time for people like that."
  

Lee Brice To Perform In Daytona Pre-Race

Country music singer and songwriter, Lee Brice, whose list of hits include “A Woman Like You,” “Parking Lot Party,” CMA and ACM Song of the Year “I Drive Your Truck,” and “I Don’t Dance,” will perform an hour-long pre-race concert prior to the 56^th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 5 at Daytona International Speedway.

Through a special VIP Ticket Package, race fans can get unprecedented access to the 60-minute pre-race concert that will be staged on pit road in the tri-oval area of the “World Center of Racing.” With packages starting at $115, the VIP Ticket Package includes a reserved grandstand ticket for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access and admission to the VIP viewing area in front of the stage for the pre-race concert by Brice.

“We’re excited to welcome Lee Brice for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola and have him perform in front of the thousands of race fans in attendance,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “As we celebrate the Independence Day holiday weekend, Lee’s energetic performance will prepare race fans for a thrilling night of NASCAR racing on the high banks.”

Brice released his debut album, Love Like Crazy, in 2009 and its title track was Billboard’s Top Country Song of 2010. His second album, Hard 2 Love, was released in 2012 and has produced hit singles such as “A Woman Like You,” “Hard to Love” and “I Drive Your Truck,” which garnered both CMA and Academy of Country Music honors in the coveted Song of the Year category. Earlier this year Brice released “I Don’t Dance,” which is the title track for his third album set to release on September 9.

Brice is also an accomplished songwriter have written for stars such as Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, the Eli Young Band, Adam Gregory and Jason Aldean.

The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.