Long Wait Over - Daytona

Since the checkered flag waved at Homestead-Miami and Brad Keselowski was crowned 2012 Champion, fans have been anxiously awaiting the start of the 2013 season.  The cold winter months have left NASCAR die-hards chomping at the bit for the sun and fun of Daytona and the beginning of the new season. 

A lot happened in the off-season, especially for new Dad, Denny Hamlin.  There is a new focus to his life as of late and for good reason. His beautiful daughter, Taylor James, was born on January 20th.  Her full head of dark hair, full lips and precious smile have melted Daddy's heart and caused him to fall head-over-heels in love with his tiny angel.  But this latest, tiny edition to the Hamlin family hasn't dampened the fire in the #11 Toyota's belly to win races and get that Championship.  He is still a racer at heart, who just so happens to have added the title of Dad to his impressive resume.

The first race at Daytona was the Sprint Unlimited. The new format for the season-opener that awards 2012 pole sitters and previous Unlimited winners with a non-points event, was unique and Hamlin started 5th.    Things didn't go as planned for the #11 FedEx Toyota, as Hamlin was involved in a crash and finished 15th.  Not exactly the way the team wanted to start the season, but lesson learned.

Or was it?  Denny went out to qualify for the Great American Race 24th and logged the 7th fastest time, behind pole-sitter Danica Patrick.  His time gave him a 4th place starting spot for the first Budweiser Duel.  And the inevitable happened when yet again he was caught up in someone else's mess and finished 20th in his Duel.  Not exactly where the Virginia native wanted to finish.  It put the FedEx Toyota 33rd in the lineup for the Daytona 500.  This race fan was hopeful that the old adage "it doesn't matter where you start, it only matters where you finish" would hold true.

There was plenty of sheet metal getting tangled up during the Daytona 500 but luckily Denny avoided the catastrophes.  His teammates Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch, as well as fellow Toyota driver, Martin Truex Jr, suffered engine failures, leaving doubts in the minds of the Joe Gibbs Racing crewmembers about the powerhouse under the hood of Hamlin's ride. 

It was an impressive race for Denny, leading 33 laps and finishing 14th with all the fenders on his machine.  He lead the second-most laps and is 13th after the first race is complete.  Given the difficulties of his fellow Toyota teammates and a field that was unable to make a move seemingly throughout the entire race, it's a pretty good start to the season.

The Joe Gibbs Racing #11 team heads to Phoenix for race #2 of the season with plenty to be proud of.  Any time you finish at Daytona on the lead lap without cosmetic damage it's a good day. 

Wheels up....Phoenix, AZ here we come!

New Season New Faces New Outlook?

After what felt like an eternity away from the track, NASCAR has returned to Daytona for Pre-Season testing.  There were lots of new faces in the JGR #11 Fed Ex garage.  Gone are former Crew Chief Mike Ford and former Spotter Curis Markham, all in an effort to elevate Denny Hamlin to the next level of his career.  A move that has been a long time in the making, and is one that I truly believe will make not only the driver, but the entire team better.

So who are the new faces of the Fed Ex team? Well the Crew Chief will definitely look familiar to you.  He's none other than Darian Grubb, former Sprint Cup winning Crew Chief for 2011 NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart.  Stewart's loss is definitely our gain.  He's a racing master mind and will be a fabulous asset to the team and to Denny Hamlin.

Hamlin's new spotter is Chris Lambert, former spotter for Brian Vickers.  I'm not as familiar with Chris Lambert, but definitely feel the change in eyes and communication for Denny will be the most positive modification the team has made. The constant bickering and yelling on the radio had gotten old long ago and I'm ready for some good things for my driver.

Judging by the smiles on Denny's face during testing and Pre-Season Thunder fan meet and greet, things are definitely going in the right direction.  I like Hamlin's positive outlook, his focus seems to be on racing and getting back to basics.  I don't think moving to Scottsdale, AZ for a few months to clear his head and get away from the business of life has hurt him any.  I for one really like the changes I'm seeing all over JGR and especially with Denny Hamlin. 2012 has so much potential.  It has a clean slate with multiple possibilities.  All that's waiting is for the Fed Ex team to write their history.  And I can't wait to read the headlines.

Friday Testing Results

Friday's afternoon test session is over after 240 scheduled minutes, the five fastest drivers :
#51-KuBusch 206.058
#78-Smith 206.053
#18-KyBusch 205.813
#24-Gordon 205.747
Testing Notes:
After the morning session, NASCAR met with the drivers to encourage them to draft in a large pack of cars at the start of the session to see how the cars react. All teams except the #48 participated.
#31-Burton made contact with the wall during the pack drafting when he cut down a tire. The team will repair the car.
28 drivers exceed 200mph.
Driver again tested in a large pack with an hour remaining in the session before returning to two car drafts.
Denny Hamlin's Testing Results:
AM Session:
24th fastest. Fastest Time: 43.903  Fastest Speed: 194.788

PM Session:
8th fastest.  Fastest Time:  43.903  Fastest Speed:  204.997

More Changes In Store At Daytona Testing

If NASCAR's objective was to eliminate tandem drafting at restrictor-plate racetracks, based on Thursday's first Preseason Thunder test session at Daytona International Speedway, it remains a work in progress.  Accordingly, in a meeting with crew chiefs at approximately 5:30 p.m. Thursday, NASCAR announced additional modifications to a restrictor-plate competition package that already had undergone major changes in the offseason.

Even though Kyle Busch topped the speed chart in Thursday afternoon's Preseason Thunder test session at Daytona International Speedway at 202.402 mph-in a tandem draft with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano-NASCAR will make the cars faster, less stable and more prone to overheating on Friday. The sanctioning body increased the diameter of restrictor-plate openings 1/32nd of an inch to 15/16ths inches, adding an estimated 26 horsepower to the engines. In addition, NASCAR has lowered the pressure relief valve settings from 30 pounds per square inch to 25 psi and narrowed the grille openings of the cars, thereby decreasing airflow to the engine. Both measures are designed to decrease the number of laps one car can push another without overheating.

NASCAR announced more changes for Sprint Cup Series teams after the second day of testing at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. Teams will receive a smaller restrictor plate with an opening of 29/32nd of an inch, down from 15/16ths, to decrease the amount of air intake to the engine. The radiator opening was shrunk from 3.5-by-18 inches to 2-by-20 inches, or from 63 square inches to 40. And the pressure relief valve is now 21 pounds per square inch from the 25psi they used Friday.

The top speed in Friday's test session was set 90 minutes into the afternoon by Kurt Busch. He ran a 206.058-mph average lap working in tandem with his regular drafting partner, Regan Smith. Busch hit 210.9 mph down the backstretch, the fastest portion of the track.

Thursday testing has completed at Daytona. Denny's testing times are:
Morning Test Session: 16th fastest  Best Time 47.122   Best Speed  190.994
Afternoon Test Session:  7th fastest  Best Time 44.965  Best Speed  200.156

Thursday afternoon test session:   The five fastest drivers:
#18-Busch 202.402
#20-Logano 202.388
#2-Keselowski 202.224
#22-Allmendinger 202.220
Testing  Notes:
NASCAR permitted cars to draft together during the session, but only a handful of drivers did so.
#55-Martin got into the back of #15-Bowyer while drafting and spun Bowyer out. Bowyer was able to save the car and did not hit anything, but did suffer some sheetmetal damage when the car went down on the track apron.
Thursday morning test session:   The five fastest drivers:
#24-Gordon 192.773
#27-Menard 192.369
#51-Kurt Busch 192.361
#6-Stenhouse, Jr. 191.959
#42-Montoya 191.853

Testing Notes:
#14-Stewart arrived at the track around 10:30am/et. He was returning from the Chili Bowl in Tulsa.
#39-Newman also arrived late. He has been battling the flu.
Chad Knaus is on vacation and not at the track. Steve Letarte is helping oversee the #48 team's test session.

Pre-Season Testing at Daytona

Here is the schedule for NASCAR Pre-Season Thunder Testing at Daytona International Speedway.

Thursday, January 12th7:30 AM Garage Opens
9:00 AM 12:00 PM Practice
1:00 PM 5:00 PM Practice - Drafting
6:00 PM Garage Closes

Friday, January 13th7:30 AM Garage Opens
9:00 AM 12:00 PM NSCS PPractice - Drafting
1:00 PM 5:00 PM NSCS Practice - Drafting
6:00 PM Garage Closes

Saturday, January 14th

7:30 AM Garage Opens

9:00 AM 12:00 PM Practice - Drafting

1:00 PM 5:00 PM Practice - Drafting

6:00 PM Garage Closes

Sunday, January 15th Optional - Rain Date

Participating Teams:

• 1-Jamie McMurray
• 2-Brad Keselowski
• 5-Kasey Kahne
• 6-Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
• 9-Marcos Ambrose
• 10-Danica Patrick
• 11-Denny Hamlin
• 13-Casey Mears
• 14-Tony Stewart
• 15-Clint Bowyer
• 16-Greg Biffle
• 17-Matt Kenseth
• 18-Kyle Busch
• 20-Joey Logano
• 21-Trevor Bayne
• 22-A.J. Allmendinger
• 24-Jeff Gordon
• 27-Paul Menard
• 29-Kevin Harvick
• 31-Jeff Burton
• 36-Dave Blaney
• 39-Ryan Newman
• 42-Juan Pablo Montoya
• 43-Aric Almirola
• 48-Jimmie Johnson
• 51-Kurt Busch
• 55-Mark Martin
• 56-Martin Truex, Jr.
• 78-Regan Smith
• 87-Joe Nemechek
• 88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
• 99-Carl Edwards

What a Difference a Year Makes

It's been a long time since I've posted a blog entry, but I've been away for good reason. His name is Aaron Timothy. He just turned 5 months old yesterday. That's right...I had a baby!  He was born on my Mother's birthday, just like I had prayed for since the day I discovered I was expecting him. 

He is the most precious, amazing little man I've ever known in my life.  I had the honor of going into labor just as I got to the cemetery to put flowers on my Mom's grave. I informed my Doctor when I got to the hospital that he had 7 hours and 50 minutes to get my son here and even though he doubted it was possible, at 9:22 PM on September 17th, I had my precious angel.  The name Aaron means "exalted" and the name Timothy means "to honor God".  He was given a biblical name because my Mom had given that same gift to me. Timothy is the name of my Mom's Guardian Angel and I know she is watching over him, I see her in his smile and hear her in his laughter. I now know what true love is and all the little things I never quite understood before are all crystal clear now.

I realize how difficult it is to have your heart walking around on the outside of your body. He is my whole world and I am forever a changed and better woman because I am his Mom.  But Daytona is lurking, there are lots of changes in store for 2011 and I have a lot to say....so let's go racing and Mama, put down that bottle it's time to get to blogging.  May 2011 truly be the year of Denny Hamlin and may the greatest man and NASCAR driver on the planet be as blessed in his success as I am with my amazing, wonderful new life!

Time To Step It Up

Denny Hamlin started the season at Daytona on a high note. He drew fifth for the Budweiser Shootout. He even won a few friendly wagers with his buddies during the selection show, without question the funniest part of the entire night. He finished in a blaze of glory caught up in a crazy crash which saw him finish 13th.

Then he started his Gatorade Duel 13th and finished fifth, a pretty impressive turn around with numbers that have me shaking my head and chuckling to myself. Strange.

He rolled off the grid tenth for the Daytona 500 and once again went down in a blaze of glory at the hands of none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr, who made the Neanderthal move of the year when he deliberately turned into Brian Vickers below the yellow line right in front of the leaders, and Hamlin found himself 26th when the smoke cleared. And to add insult to injury, he is currently 27th in the Sprint Cup points standings, behind none other than Dale Jr himself.

This week Hamlin leaves the sun and sand of Daytona behind him and heads to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. During the first practice Hamlin turned in the sixth fastest time with a speed of 180.298. His qualifying effort, however, sees him starting 23rd on Sunday.

No reason to panic, yet. That's the thought that comes to mind, but I have erased that notion and replaced it with no need to panic, ever. This is Denny Hamlin we're talking about after all. Daytona may be the season opener, but it does little to display a driver's talent. It's not that hard to mash the pedal to the floor and hold on. The hard part is staying out of other people's way and avoid their bone head moves.

California has the chance to set Hamlin apart from the rest of the field. What he does come Sunday when the green flag waves will be the true test of what he's made of and how his season will go for 2009. Forget Daytona, focus on Cali. I CAN I WILL. It's time to put that into practice and show that swagger that makes me write this blog, refuse to miss a single second of the Fed Ex Toyota driver's seat time and cheer until I'm hoarse and my cheeks are tear stained. Step it up or shut up!

Daytona 500 Results

The Unofficial Results of the Daytona 500 ~ Race 1 of 36
Rain Shortened ~ Race Called on Lap 152 of 200

1. 17 Matt Kenseth
2. 29 Kevin Harvick
3. 44 A J Allmendinger
4. 33 Clint Bowyer
5. 19 Elliott Sadler
6. 6 David Ragan
7. 55 Michael Waltrip
8. 14 Tony Stewart
9. 43 Reed Sorenson
10. 2 Kurt Busch
11. 1 Martin Truex Jr
12. 00 David Reutimann
13. 24 Jeff Gordon
14. 42 Juan Pablo Montoya
15. 07 Casey Mears
16. 5 Mark Martin
17. 47 Marcos Ambrose
18. 99 Carl Edwards
19. 34 John Andretti
20. 16 Greg Biffle
21. 78 Regan Smith
22. 96 Bobby Labonte
23. 21 Bill Elliott
24. 66 Terry Labonte
25. 36 Scott Riggs
26. 11 Denny Hamlin
27. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
28. 31 Jeff Burton
29. 9 Kasey Kahne
30. 8 Aric Almirola
31. 48 Jimmie Johnson
32. 77 Sam Hornish Jr - 1 Lap
33. 12 David Stremme - 1 Lap
34. 7 Robby Gordon - 1 Lap
35. 82 Scott Speed - 1 Lap
36. 39 Ryan Newman - 2 Laps
37. 26 Jamie McMurray - 13 Laps
38. 98 Paul Menard ~ Accident
39. 83 Brian Vickers ~ Accident
40. 41 Jeremy Mayfield - 26 Laps
41. 18 Kyle Busch ~ Accident
42. 28 Travis Kvapil - 62 Laps
43. 20 Joey Logano ~ Accident

Daytona 500 Starting Lineup

The Official Starting Lineup for the Daytona 500

1. 1 Martin Truex Jr
2. 5 Mark Martin
3. 24 Jeff Gordon
4. 18 Kyle Busch
5. 14 Tony Stewart
6. 83 Brian Vickers
7. 48 Jimmie Johnson
8. 42 Juan Montoya
9. 20 Joey Logano
10. 11 Denny Hamlin
11. 8 Aric Almirola
12. 96 Bobby Labonte
13. 2 Kurt Busch
14. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
15. 9 Kasey Kahne
16. 99 Carl Edwards
17. 36 Scott Riggs
18. 41 Jeremy Mayfield
19. 98 Paul Menard
20. 44 A J Allmendinger
21. 26 Jamie McMurray
22. 33 Clint Bowyer
23. 47 Marcos Ambrose
24. 12 David Stremme
25. 07 Casey Mears
26. 31 Jeff Burton
27. 55 Michael Waltrip
28. 00 David Reutimann
29. 77 Sam Hornish Jr
30. 19 Elliott Sadler
31. 7 Robby Gordon
32. 29 Kevin Harvick
33. 6 David Ragan
34. 43 Reed Sorenson
35. 16 Greg Biffle
36. 39 Ryan Newman
37. 34 John Andretti
38. 82 Scott Speed
39. 17 Matt Kenseth
40. 21 Bill Elliott
41. 28 Travis Kvapil
42. 78 Regan Smith
43. 66 Terry Labonte

Not Making The Field

1. 87 Joe Nemechek
2. 08 Boris Said
3. 09 Brad Keselowski
4. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine
5. 71 Mike Wallace
6. 37 Tony Raines
7. 73 Mike Garvey
8. 75 Derrike Cope
9. 23 Mike Skinner
10. 51 Kelly Bires
11. 46 Carl Long
12. 64 Geoff Bodine
13. 57 Norm Benning

Gatorade Duel Race 1 Results

Here are the results of Gatorade Duel Race #1

1. 24 Jeff Gordon


2. 14 Tony Stewart


3. 20 Joey Logano


4. 48 Jimmie Johnson


5. 8 Aric Almirola


6. 2 Kurt Busch


7. 9 Kasey Kahne


8. 36 Scott Riggs


9. 26 Jamie McMurray


10. 98 Paul Menard


11. 87 Joe Nemechek


12. 09 Brad Keselowski


13. 47 Marcos Ambrose


14. 07 Casey Mears


15. 55 Michael Waltrip


16. 77 Sam Hornish Jr


17. 46 Carl Long


18. 37 Tony Raines


19. 66 Terry Labonte


20. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine


21. 1 Martin Truex Jr


22. 7 Robby Gordon


23. 6 David Ragan


24. 16 Greg Biffle


25. 34 John Andretti


26. 17 Matt Kenseth


27. 21 Bill Elliott


28. 23 Mike Skinner

In on qualifying speed

Past Champions Provisional will make field

Out - did not make the field

NOTES:

Even before the 2nd Duel, #78-Smith is now locked in the Daytona via speedon lap 46

#16-Biffle drifted high and fell back about 8 spots

#55-Waltrip came in to the pits before the green flag, didn't have the transponder installed

All the drivers came in to the pits during the 2nd caution

Cautions:

1) lap 3 - #2-Busch spun off turn 3, no damage, may had gotten a tap from #7-Gordon after Busch got loose2)

2) Lap 25 - #23-Skinner lost fuel pressure and went to the garage, THEN during the caution #21-Elliott had the transmission locked up and he ended up hitting the wall with the front right. Jackman Kyle Roland, got hit by #27-Shelmerdine, and was awake and alert but taken to the infield care center by a stretcher, he was on loan from #41-Mayfield's team. Logano overshot hit pit stall and lost 10 spots.

3) Lap 48 - pole sitter #1-Truex Jr while running 6th, wobbled and got loose and spun off turn 3, didn't hit any other car and looks like the car no serious damage, the splitter braces look broken. All the cars came in to pit during this caution BUT #26-McMurray, #09-Keselowski, #66-Labonte, #27-Shelmerdine. Two tires only for #98-Menard, #8-Almirola

4) Lap 53 - multi car wreck off turn 1 when #17-Kenseth and #77-Hornish move up and get into each other, squeezing #34-Andretti, #20-Logano got into the slowing #07-Mears, spinning Mears around. Then #6-Ragan got off the track with a flat.

Gatorade Duel Race 2 Results

Here are the results of Gatorade Duel Race #2

1. 18 Kyle Busch


2. 5 Mark Martin


3. 83 Brian Vickers


4. 42 Juan Montoya


5. 11 Denny Hamlin


6. 96 Bobby Labonte


7. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr


8. 99 Carl Edwards


9. 41 Jeremy Mayfield


10. 44 AJ Allmendinger


11. 33 Clint Bowyer


12. 12 David Stremme


13. 71 Mike Wallace


14. 31 Jeff Burton


15. 00 David Reutimann


16. 78 Regan Smith


17. 19 Elliott Sadler


18. 29 Kevin Harvick


19. 28 Travis Kvapil


20. 51 Kelly Bires


21. 43 Reed Sorenson


22. 75 Derrick Cope


23. 57 Norm Benning


24. 39 Ryan Newman


25. 82 Scott Speed


26. 73 Mike Garvey


27. 64 Geoff Bodine


28. 08 Boris Said

In on speed

Raced their way in

Out of race

NOTES:

On lap 44, #88-Earnhardt Jr. had a front right tire go down and made an unscheduled pitstop and lost a lap, then on lap 45, #5-Martin and #83-Vickers came down to pit for tire problems, both losing a lap. #39-Newman came in to pit with a tire going down on lap 13, was gonna lose a lap until the caution came out

Cautions:

1) Lap 15 - #08-Said looks like he lost a tire and turn right, into the wall, #82-Speed had no palce to go and has front end damage. Said's only hope to make it into the race is for #78-Smith and #28-Kvapil to race in so Said can fall back on his qualifying speed

2) Lap 48 - #39-Newman dropped down to get past a slower car and #00-Reutimann got into the #39 and turned the #39, Newman went head first into the wall and slid to the infield, he is ok. Earnhardt Jr. got the lucky dog.

Gatorade Duel Race 1 Lineup

The official lineup for Gatorade Duel Race 1 that will run Thursday, Feb. 12th at 2pm on SPEED.

1. 1 Martin Truex Jr
2. 21 Bill Elliott [PC 3]
3. 48 Jimmie Johnson
4. 8 Aric Almirola
5. 24 Jeff Gordon
6. 14 Tony Stewart [PC 1]
7. 98 Paul Menard
8. 16 Greg Biffle
9. 87 Joe Nemechek
10. 20 Joey Logano
11. 17 Matt Kenseth
12. 26 Jamie McMurray (backup car)
13. 6 David Ragan
14. 47 Marcos Ambrose
15. 36 Scott Riggs
16. 55 Michael Waltrip (backup car)
17. 34 John Andretti
18. 09 Brad Keselowski
19. 9 Kasey Kahne
20. 7 Robby Gordon
21. 07 Casey Mears (engine)
22. 2 Kurt Busch
23. 77 Sam Hornish Jr
24. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine
25. 37 Tony Raines
26. 66 Terry Labonte [PC2]
27. 23 Mike Skinner
28. 46 Carl Long

Not locked into Top 35 in owners points

Past Series Champion - Not locked into Top 35 in owners points or speed

Not locked into Top 35 in owners points but locked in by speed

To back of field in Gatorade Duel due to engine failure or use of backup car

Gatorade Duel Race 2 Lineup

The official lineup for Gatorade Duel Race 2 that will be run on Thursday, Feb. 12th beginning at 2 PM on SPEED.

1. 5 Mark Martin
2. 39 Ryan Newman (engine)
3. 42 Juan Pablo Montoya
4. 28 Travis Kvapil
5. 96 Bobby Labonte
6. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
7. 78 Regan Smith
8. 18 Kyle Busch
9. 82 Scott Speed
10. 00 David Reutimann
11. 08 Boris Said
12. 33 Clint Bowyer
13. 11 Denny Hamlin
14. 99 Carl Edwards
15. 43 Reed Sorenson
16. 19 Elliott Sadler
17. 31 Jeff Burton
18. 83 Brian Vickers
19. 44 AJ Allmendinger
20. 12 David Stremme
21. 41 Jeremy Mayfield
22. 71 Mike Wallace
23. 73 Mike Garvey
24. 29 Kevin Harvick
25. 75 Derrike Cope
26. 51 Kelly Bires
27. 64 Geoff Bodine
28. 57 Norm Benning

Not locked into the Top 35 in owners points but locked in on speed

Not locked into the Top 35 in owners points

To back of field in Gatorade Duel due to engine change

Daytona 500 Qualifying Results

The 56 cars entered into the Daytona 500 scheduled to run Feb. 15, 2009 have completed qualifying and the top two cars have been locked into the field. Here are the results:

1. 1 Martin Truex Jr
2. 5 Mark Martin
3. 39 Ryan Newman
4. 42 Juan Montoya
5. 21 Bill Elliott
6. 48 Jimmie Johnson
7. 8 Aric Almirola
8. 28 Travis Kvapil
9. 24 Jeff Gordon
10. 14 Tony Stewart
11. 96 Bobby Labonte
12. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
13. 98 Paul Menard
14. 78 Regan Smith
15. 18 Kyle Busch
16. 16 Greg Biffle
17. 82 Scott Speed
18. 00 David Reutimann
19. 87 Joe Nemechek
20. 08 Boris Said
21. 20 Joey Logano
22. 33 Clint Bowyer
23. 17 Matt Kenseth
24. 26 Jamie McMurray
25. 11 Denny Hamlin
26. 99 Carl Edwards
27. 6 David Ragan
28. 43 Reed Sorenson
29. 19 Elliott Sadler
30. 47 Marcos Ambrose
31. 31 Jeff Burton
32. 36 Scott Riggs
33. 83 Brian Vickers
34. 55 Michael Waltrip
35. 44 AJ Allmendinger
36. 34 John Andretti
37. 09 Brad Keselowski
38. 9 Kasey Kahne
39. 7 Robby Gordon
40. 07 Casey Mears
41. 12 David Stremme
42. 2 Kurt Busch
43. 41 Jeremy Mayfield
44. 77 Sam Hornish Jr
45. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine
46. 71 Mike Wallace
47. 37 Tony Raines
48. 73 Mike Garvey
49. 29 Kevin Harvick
50. 66 Terry Labonte
51. 75 Derrike Cope
52. 23 Mike Skinner
53. 51 Kelly Bires
54. 46 Carl Long
55. 64 Geoff Bodine
56. 57 Norm Benning

Daytona 500 Qualifying Order

Qualifying for the Daytona 500 can be viewed on FOX Sunday Feb. 8th @ 1PM. The qualifying order for the Daytona 500 which will run on Sunday February 15, 2009 is as follows:

1. Jeff Gordon
2. 9 Kasey Kahne
3. 12 David Stremme
4. 96 Bobby Labonte
5. 2 Kurt Busch
6. 83 Brian Vickers
7. 34 John Andretti
8. 5 Mark Martin
9. 48 Jimmie Johnson
10. 7 Robby Gordon
11. 42 Juan Montoya
12. 29 Kevin Harvick
13. 8 Aric Almirola
14. 16 Greg Biffle
15. 82 Scott Speed
16. 43 Reed Sorenson
17. 99 Carl Edwards
18. 07 Casey Mears
19. 55 Michael Waltrip
20. 00 David Reutimann
21. 31 Jeff Burton
22. 98 Paul Menard
23. 39 Ryan Newman
24. 26 Jamie McMurray
25. 6 David Ragan
26. 19 Elliott Sadler
27. 77 Sam Hornish Jr
28. 1 Martin Truex Jr
29. 47 Marcos Ambrose
30. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
31. 11 Denny Hamlin
32. 17 Matt Kenseth
33. 20 Joey Logano
34. 33 Clint Bowyer
35. 18 Kyle Busch
36. 09 Brad Keselowski
37. 41 Jeremy Mayfield
38. 73 Mike Garvey
39. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine
40. 23 Mike Wallace
41. 28 Travis Kvapil
42. 71 Mike Wallace
43. 14 Tony Stewart
44. 21 Bill Elliott
45. 64 Geoff Bodine
46. 51 Kelly Bires
47. 66 Terry Labonte
48. 08 Boris Said
49. 75 Derrike Cope
50. 78 Regan Smith
51. 87 Joe Nemechek
52. 44 AJ Allmendinger
53. 57 Norm Benning
54. 37 Tony Raines
55. 46 Carl Long
56. 36 Scott Riggs
57. 60 James Hylton

Hamlin Victim Of Circumstance In Wild Bud Shootout

Between the odd mix of experience among drivers entered in the newly formatted Budweiser Shootout and the lack of off-season testing to get drivers back in the groove of racing at 200 mph on the edge of out of control, the Inaugural race of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season was anything but ordinary.

For fans who were aching to see some darting, dodging, beating, banging and crashing, Saturday night's Bud Shootout certainly delivered. They say rubbing is racing and as far as the 28 superstars trying to put on a spectacular show for the fans, there is no doubt that they delivered just that.

The tone was set early on, with a multi-car crash on lap 3 that took out rookies Joey Logano and Scott Speed among others. There was a record 23 lead changes as well as a record 8 cautions. Drivers Greg Biffle and David Stremme were each involved in 3 cautions and struggled just to stay out of the way of everyone else.

Due to the high number of cautions, the finish was a green-white-checkered attempt that ended in one of the wildest cautions of the night. And our favorite, Denny Hamlin, was caught up in the may lay. He finished a disappointing 13th, the final car on the lead lap. His race car was destroyed but there is no question Hamlin, as well as the 27 other drivers who were competing last night, learned exactly what would be in store for them come next Sunday.

Whether the Budweiser Shootout was an advantage for the guys competing in it last night is yet to be seen, but for drivers who were itching to climb back into their race cars and fans who have struggled to occupy their Sunday afternoons it was long overdue and more exciting than words can express. Whether your driver won or was a casualty of one of the many cautions, it was a welcome return to the sport that makes hearts beat faster and the hair on your arms stand on end.

The results of the 2009 Budweiser Shootout are as follows:

1. 29 Kevin Harvick
2. 26 Jamie McMurray
3. 14 Tony Stewart
4. 24 Jeff Gordon
5. 44 AJ Allmendinger
6. 9 Kasey Kahne
7. 99 Carl Edwards
8. 17 Matt Kenseth
9. 2 Kurt Busch
10. 18 Kyle Busch
11. 83 Brian Vickers
12. 98 Paul Menard
13. 11 Denny Hamlin
14. 48 Jimmie Johnson (accident)
15. 07 Casey Mears (accident)
16. 12 David Stremme (accident)
17. 16 Greg Biffle (accident)
18. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr (accident)
19. 96 Bobby Labonte (accident)
20. 00 David Reutimann (accident)
21. 19 Elliott Sadler (accident)
22. 55 Michael Waltrip (accident)
23. 43 Reed Sorenson (engine)
24. 31 Jeff Burton (accident)
25. 82 Scott Speed (accident)
26. 6 David Ragan (accident)
27. 7 Robby Gordon (accident)
28. 20 Joey Logano (accident)

31st Budweiser Shootout Field Set

The Budweiser Shootout Selection Show was once again quite the event, with the draw for starting positions giving fans exactly what they were hoping for. From the jump, seeing the drivers that we have missed since the checkered flag waved at Homestead-Miami in November just felt like the reunion fans have been aching for.

Hosts Steve Burnes and Kenny Wallace were entertaining, endearing and exactly what we needed to get ready to watch 28 of the sport's top drivers climb back in their cars and do what they do best. RACE

Our favorite competitor, Denny Hamlin, was quite the gambler Thursday night as it seemed every driver around him was wagering with the Fed Ex driver over their starting draw. It was estimated that Denny walked away with around $1,100.00 . Michael Waltrip admitted he had lost $400 to Hamlin while teammate Kyle Busch claimed to draw even via the results of his draw.

It was hilarious to see Hamlin laughing and joking with his fellow Toyota teammates and enjoying being back with the guys he will be mere inches away from going 200 mph during Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout.

The 2006 winner of the Bud Shootout was the first driver to draw a position of 10th or better when his turn came around and he will roll off the grid in 5th place when the green flag waves on the kickoff to the 2009 season. The remainder of the 28 car field is as follows:

1. 98 Paul Menard
2. 19 Elliott Sadler
3. 43 Reed Sorenson
4. 82 Scott Speed
5. 11 Denny Hamlin
6. 14 Tony Stewart
7. 83 Brian Vickers
8. 96 Bobby Labonte
9. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
10. 18 Kyle Busch
11. 99 Carl Edwards
12. 2 Kurt Busch
13. 7 Robby Gordon
14. 9 Kasey Kahne
15. 26 Jamie McMurray
16. 6 David Ragan
17. 55 Michael Waltrip
18. 44 AJ Allmendinger
19. 20 Joey Logano
20. 12 David Stremme
21. 48 Jimmie Johnson
22. 00 David Reutimann
23. 31 Jeff Burton
24. 07 Casey Mears
25. 17 Matt Kenseth
26. 16 Greg Biffle
27. 29 Kevin Harvick
28. 24 Jeff Gordon

The return of NASCAR Race Day can be seen on SPEED from 6-8 pm with the Budweiser Shootout airing on FOX at 8pm. It is sure to be an exciting event. The drivers are ready to get back in the car after a long winter without any testing. Don't miss your first view at the new 2009 field of Sprint Cup superstars.

Preseason Thunder: Fan Fests Set for Jan. 16-17

From the second the checkered flag waved at Homestead-Miama Speedway, signaling the end of the 2008 race season, I have been jonesing for my NASCAR. The winter months are long, cold and agonizing for this die-hard race junkie. I miss the news, the drama and the roar of the engines. I get so used to nine months of competition and when the winter break hits I'm like a cop without a donut. I just feel lost.

Well, the wait is nearly over. Things are just about to heat up on the NASCAR front. I say this of course as I look at my window at the two inches of snow that Mother Nature so graciously dumped on me last night. It only makes me ache to be down in Daytona, watching my 43 favorite men on this planet do what they do best and make my hair stand on end, my pulse race and take my breath away.

I'm in luck, race fans will receive a sneak peek of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 as well as the new racing season on Jan. 16-17 with the annual NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests at historic Daytona International Speedway. Fans can get their racing fix prior to Speedweeks and the Daytona 500 with numerous activities with their favorite drivers from the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series in the Sprint FanZone located in the heart of the World Center of Racing.

Among the activities planned for both days include:
• Interactive fan forums
• Autograph sessions
• Show cars, displays, music
• Online auction
• Blood drive

In addition, the Richard Petty Driving Experience will be on track with ride and driving packages available. The ride-only packages can be purchased on-site while the driving packages must be purchased in advance at 1-800-BE-PETTY.

Tickets, which go on sale at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, are $15 with autograph session availability limited to only 100 people per driver in advance. To purchase tickets and request access to the special autograph sessions, call 1-800-PITSHOP.

• Drivers scheduled to make appearances beginning at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 include: Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Reed Sorenson, Aric Almirola, Casey Mears, Greg Biffle, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, Mike Skinner and Jon Wes Townley.
• Scheduled to appear during the noon-4 p.m. session on Jan. 17 include Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan, Colin Braun, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Paul Menard and Alex Garcia.
• In the 4-8 p.m. session on Jan. 17, drivers scheduled to appear include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and Ron Hornaday.

Additional drivers and more details about the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be released as the time gets closer.

Chance Of A Daytona Sweep Wiped Away

Denny Hamlin was all smiles as the fireworks exploded over his head in Daytona this 4th of July. He wasn't thinking about Independence Day, he was thinking about the 100th win he had just earned for car owners Joe and JD Gibbs in his very last ride in the #20 car that had treated him so well the two previous years he'd been its sole pilot.

When he headed to the comfort of his motorcoach, no doubt he was wondering what it would be like to sweep the festivities at the night races in Daytona. After all he was starting 15th in the Coke Zero 400 and he had a pretty decent chance of handing the country a free Coke Zero. It was anybody's race to win. But the same went for the opposite. It was anybody's race to lose.

When you roll off the grid at Daytona, you risk the chance of being caught up in the big one. No one even wants to think about it let alone experience it, but it lingers in the back of your mind and hangs around no matter how hard you try to ignore it. The only safe place is out front and that's one piece of real estate that's in high demand when the green flag waves. If anyone could make it to the front and stay there Denny Hamlin was up for that tough task.

Hamlin fought a loose car for the first half of the race and the team made track bar and wedge adjustments to dial the car to send Hamlin to lead lap 115. Hamlin then battled with the leaders until he was struck from behind on lap 136 putting him out of contention for the win.

To end the evening, and add insult to injury, Hamlin was caught up in yet another incident with three laps to go. After nearly clearing a multi-car accident he was clipped in the right rear and fell further back in the pack. Hamlin and the FedEx Office Camry would finish in the 26th spot for the night, good enough for him to remain in seventh place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup points.

Hamlin looked like he might be able to visit Victory Lane for the second time in two nights - having won the Nationwide Race on Friday evening - until Martin Truex Jr. ran into the back of Hamlin coming off of Turn four on lap 136. Hamlin was in the middle of a multi-car draft, running 180 miles-per-hour while only inches from the other cars, when Truex closed in on him and sent Hamlin spinning into the inside retaining wall inside, causing major rear-end damage to the #11 FedEx Office Camry. The crew fixed the damage as well as they could but could not return the car to its original form. Hamlin was actually turning fairly competitive lap times after the incident, running well through the corners but struggling on the straights because of aerodynamic problems to the car.

"When I got hit from behind we were working our way back to the front of the pack and thinking about taking the lead. It's too bad because I know the #11 FedEx Office car could have been in contention at the end of the race,” said a disgusted Hamlin. "In the final wreck of the night I thought I was going to make it through and just got clipped at the last second. But, by then we were already out of contention, we were just trying to get some points."

"Daytona is always a tough place to race - tonight shows that, but my hat is off to the whole FedEx team - we worked hard all night and got better and better but in the end it was out of our hands. We started out loose and worked on the FedEx Office Toyota and gradually made it better and better and we finally made it to the lead. I've got to add, the pit crew did a great job on the stops tonight – we definitely picked-up some spots tonight on pit road. We went from loose to tight and then finally got it right. We had good power and had a good car when we got to the lead."

Despite the disappointment of the evening's events, Hamlin and the FedEx team again showed they are capable of running up front. Hamlin led six laps Saturday night and has led 670 laps in ten races over the course of 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup events this year.

Hamlin will return to the racetrack again Saturday night for the Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.