Last week was full of talk of Denny Hamlin and his $25,000 fine from NASCAR for "statements detrimental to NASCAR" and his refusal to accept and pay this fine. He took a stand, posted a tweet, and was backed by not only his team, but by millions of fans. Even people that weren't his fans before are standing behind him now.
So I ask the question, what exactly did Denny say that was so bad, or more importantly, so wrong?
The first two races were complete snooze fests. Even Daytona, that is normally action packed, was a single-file, follow the leader, boring event. It was clear that the new car wasn't what it was hyped to be. Not since "Sliced bread" that turned out to be moldy has anything been more disappointing.
The crashes in the NNS race at Daytona was terrifying and noone wanted a repeat of that tragedy. But was it too much to ask for some excitement? Danica Patrick lead the race which clearly gave away the issues the car was facing. That was the first clue that everything wasn't sunny in the Sunshine State.
Then NASCAR headed to the desert and the racing was even dryer than the atmosphere. The only excitement was on the final lap when Hamlin dove onto the apron and made a move on the 48 and the 2. Denny's post-race interview was dead on! The racing was boring and there is a problem and everyone but NASCAR knows it.
Heading into Las Vegas, I wouldn't have bet on what took place when NASCAR decided that stating the obvious wasn't allowed. NASCAR is protective over its new race car like a secret society is over its top secret happenings. But the G6 car has become the elephant in the room that noone wants to talk about and the sport has now become scripted. Apparently, you can have a DUH! moment with a reporter, that is never printed and be suspended. The officials are out to tattle tale and the higher ups are going to squash the competition like bugs if they speak their minds.
Going into week 4, it's time to start stating the obvious. The golden child is starting to look a little tarnished and it's time to tweak it. The fans aren't happy and neither are the drivers. Admitting that everything needs improvement, even Apple had to admit its products had a bruise on occasion, is what competition is all about. Being unyielding to the obvious is what sunk the Titanic and is exactly what will destroy NASCAR.
The fans took up Hamlin's cause and began the FREE DENNY hastag on Twitter and STAND WITH DENNY was plastered all over Facebook. They called for t-shirts to be printed and the support meant a lot to the driver. Walking out to face Goliath with just a few stones and a sling shot is scary, and not every David topples its foe with just one shot. It isn't just because Denny had chosen to speak and the world should listen. He didn't say anything everyone else wasn't already saying. He simply stated it on camera.
My personal opinion is that NASCAR has taken a dangerous stance that the drivers aren't allowed to say anything honest about the competition on the track. They want "boys have at it" and for personalities to show, but only if it fits inside a tiny box that suits the lie they want to present.
Hamlin has refused to pay the fine and chose not to appeal it either. When I first read that, I have to admit I was fearful of the repercussions of such a decision. I want him to win races, I want him to make the Chase, and even better, I want him to be Sprint Cup Champion. I do not want anything to stand in the way of that, no matter what the point is.
NASCAR has declared the matter closed, the fine will be taken out of Hamlin's race winnings. Well, I'm not buying that. I think NASCAR realized it infringed upon Denny's freedom of speech, underestimated the fans reaction and has backed off on its foolish fine. Do I think the money will ever be paid? NO! Do I think the matter should be forgotten? NO! NASCAR has a huge problem and it's bigger than Denny Hamlin and a few statements of the obvious post-race.
They are blind to the fact that nothing and no one is perfect and everything can be improved upon. After 5 races there need to be changes. After 10 races there need to be more changes. Changes need to continue to be made until the drivers and teams are happy. And the way to find out what those changes should be is to talk to the people IN the cars and the people working ON the cars. Giving them a gag order and demanding they not air the family dirty laundry will lose fans from a sport that is already seeing more empty seats in its stands.
I stand behind Denny Hamlin no matter what. I like the person he is when he speaks his mind. But thanks to NASCAR, I won't get to see the real Denny because he won't give as many interviews and he certainly won't be as fun to listen to when he does choose to speak.
It's times like these when I wish Dale Earnhardt was still around and can't help but wonder what would happen were he still The Intimidator and the icon and voice of NASCAR. Just makes me realize what a huge hole he left when he left us and how badly NASCAR needs him still.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, Benefiting Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Returns to RIR, April 25
Late Model Event to Benefit the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab
For the third year in a row, the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown is set to open the Spring race weekend at Richmond International Raceway. The race, which typically features a dozen NASCAR drivers and celebrities battling on the ¾-mile track with some of the best local Late Model Stock Car drivers, will serve as a fundraiser for the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
In 2012, the Denny Hamlin Foundation committed to a 3-year grant totaling $150,000 for the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR). Funds from the grant, which are raised through events like this year’s Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown at Richmond International Raceway, will help accelerate the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab's ability to bring new therapies to cystic fibrosis patients. In addition, the newly established Denny Hamlin Foundation Summer Scholars program will help train the next generation of CF research scientists.
"Every dollar we give to cystic fibrosis makes a difference,” explained Hamlin, Virginian and driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. “You never know. This could be the year that we find a cure."
The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown at Richmond International Raceway has brought some of the best late model racing action to Hamlin’s hometown track for the past two years and is sure to provide another great show for fans who come out to support cystic fibrosis research.
“We are excited to once again host the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown at Richmond International Raceway,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “RIR is proud to partner with Denny to raise awareness and money that will assist one of the best research teams as they work to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.”
The Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown and BLUE OX 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races will run on Thursday, April 25, as part of an action-packed opening day of the Spring NASCAR weekend at Richmond International Raceway.
"The Showdown has had some of the best late model racing in the past,” added Hamlin. “This year will be no different. We've invited the region’s finest drivers to compete against some of my Sprint Cup Series friends. I can't wait to get back to Richmond. It's going to be wild!"
Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. CF causes chronic infections in the lungs and inadequate digestion of nutrients. There is no cure for CF, but medical advances have doubled the life expectancy of children in the last 30 years and increased the overall median age of survival to 38.
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) has a large research staff focused on finding a cure for CF. This research group has been critical in developing new therapies for CF. They recently discovered a promising CF lung disease treatment that is in development and undergoing pre-clinical testing at CHoR. As the only accredited CF center in the region, CF patients cared for at CHoR have access to the latest therapies and can participate in groundbreaking clinical studies.
Click here or call 866-455-7223 to purchase tickets for the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown. All tickets are general admission and $25. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Thursday’s ticket also includes the BLUE OX 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.
Tickets are on sale now for the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Advance tickets, including seats in Turns 1 and 4, start at $45, and can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling 866-455-7223. Tickets for the ToyotaCare 250 start at $30 in advance and can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling 866-455-7223. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission sections on Friday.
Courtesy Richmond International Raceway
Denny Hamlin Appearance at NASCAR Acceleration Weekend
The return of NASCAR Acceleration Weekend, a fan-friendly, interactive experience is scheduled for FEb 8-10, 2013, at the Charlotte Covention Center and includes the 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and NASCAR Preview 2013.
Tickets are on sale now and available at www.nascaracceleration.com and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Box Office. Tickets for Friday night's Induction Ceremony start at $45. In addition, $20 a ticket will gain fans all-day access into NASCAR Preview 2013 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 9.
More than 50 drivers across NASCAR's three national series are scheduled to particiapte in the all-day NASCAR Preview 2013 event. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with drivers and secure autographs, particiapte in driver Q&A Sessions, get a first-look at the new Gen 6 NASCAR Sprint Series race cars and paint schemes and check out various interactive displays, among other activities.
Fans headed to NASCAR Acceleration Weekend will have the opportunity to meet inagurual NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnsion at Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon Shine and Sign. The new event will feature a fan Q&A and autograph session with Johnson and a free tasting at the Midnight Moon moonshine bar. All fans with a NASCAR Preview 2013 ticket will have a free admission to the Shine & Sign, which will be held immediately following the NASCAR Preview on Saturday, Feb 9 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Driver Appearance Times on Saturday, Feb. 9th
9 AM - 11 AM (autographs begin at 9:30AM): Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Jamie McMurray, Mark Martin, Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Justin Allgaier, Eric McClure, Brian Scott, Timothy Peters, Migue Paludo and Todd Peck.
10:30 AM- 12:30 PM (autographs begin at 11 AM): Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Aric Almirola, Paul Menard, Joey Logano, Hal Martin, Elliott Sadler, Sam Hornish Jr., Jamie Dick, Sean Corr, Brennan Newberry, Ross Chastain, and Ron Hornaday Jr.
Noon-2 PM (autographs begin at 12:30 PM): Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, David Ragan, David Gilliland, Marcos Ambrose, Ryan Newman, Brian Vickers, Johanna Long, Austin Dillon, Michael Annett, Nelson Piquet Jr, Ty Dillon, Joey Coulter, Trevor Bayne, and Todd Bodine.
1:30 PM-3:30 PM (autographs begin at 2 PM): Brad Keselowski, Danica Patrick, Kasey Kahne, Joan Pablo Montoya, Bobby Labonte, Justin Lofton, John Wes Townley, Regan Smith, Parker Kligerman, Max Gresham, Dakoda Armstrong, James Buescher, Michael McDowell and Alex Bowman.
For more information check out www.jayski.com and www.nascaracceleration.com
Go see Denny, wish him luck for the 2013 season and congratulate him on his finest accomplishment, new daughter, Taylor James Hamlin.
Tickets are on sale now and available at www.nascaracceleration.com and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Box Office. Tickets for Friday night's Induction Ceremony start at $45. In addition, $20 a ticket will gain fans all-day access into NASCAR Preview 2013 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 9.
More than 50 drivers across NASCAR's three national series are scheduled to particiapte in the all-day NASCAR Preview 2013 event. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with drivers and secure autographs, particiapte in driver Q&A Sessions, get a first-look at the new Gen 6 NASCAR Sprint Series race cars and paint schemes and check out various interactive displays, among other activities.
Fans headed to NASCAR Acceleration Weekend will have the opportunity to meet inagurual NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnsion at Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon Shine and Sign. The new event will feature a fan Q&A and autograph session with Johnson and a free tasting at the Midnight Moon moonshine bar. All fans with a NASCAR Preview 2013 ticket will have a free admission to the Shine & Sign, which will be held immediately following the NASCAR Preview on Saturday, Feb 9 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Driver Appearance Times on Saturday, Feb. 9th
9 AM - 11 AM (autographs begin at 9:30AM): Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Jamie McMurray, Mark Martin, Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Justin Allgaier, Eric McClure, Brian Scott, Timothy Peters, Migue Paludo and Todd Peck.
10:30 AM- 12:30 PM (autographs begin at 11 AM): Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Aric Almirola, Paul Menard, Joey Logano, Hal Martin, Elliott Sadler, Sam Hornish Jr., Jamie Dick, Sean Corr, Brennan Newberry, Ross Chastain, and Ron Hornaday Jr.
Noon-2 PM (autographs begin at 12:30 PM): Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, David Ragan, David Gilliland, Marcos Ambrose, Ryan Newman, Brian Vickers, Johanna Long, Austin Dillon, Michael Annett, Nelson Piquet Jr, Ty Dillon, Joey Coulter, Trevor Bayne, and Todd Bodine.
1:30 PM-3:30 PM (autographs begin at 2 PM): Brad Keselowski, Danica Patrick, Kasey Kahne, Joan Pablo Montoya, Bobby Labonte, Justin Lofton, John Wes Townley, Regan Smith, Parker Kligerman, Max Gresham, Dakoda Armstrong, James Buescher, Michael McDowell and Alex Bowman.
For more information check out www.jayski.com and www.nascaracceleration.com
Go see Denny, wish him luck for the 2013 season and congratulate him on his finest accomplishment, new daughter, Taylor James Hamlin.
SPEED Ready for Start of 2013 Season
SPEED is prepared to broadcast 11 days of programming, nearly 100 hours of coverage, live from Daytona International Speedway, in preparation for the 55th running of the Daytona 500.
It all kicks off February 14th at 6 PM with a special 2 hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub from Media Day.
The fan voted-upon format for the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona (formerly the Budweiser Shootout) will be revealed on Feb. 14th on Hub.
A total of 25 SPEED on-air personalities present 2 weeks of on-track action to viewers beginning when Cup Series cars fire up Feb. 15 for the first The Sprint Ultimate practice session, carried live on SPEED at 5PM/et.
NASCAR Race Hub returns to deliver all the days' happenings Feb. 18-20 at 6 PM/et, with Danielle Trotta hosting from the SPEED studios and Steve Byrnes and Ray Dunlap on-site at Daytona.
SPEED is live from the Budweiser Duel at Daytona on Thursday Feb. 21 at 2PM/et as drivers battle for the final spots on the Daytona 500 starting grid.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season under the lights Feb. 22 at 7 PM/et with NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda setting the stage for the green flag at 7:30 PM/et.
Rick Allen hosts with Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons providing analysis and Ray Dunlap, Hermie Sadler, and Bob Dillner reporting from the pits.
NASCAR Race Day Fueled by Sunoco returns for 3 pre-race editions from Daytona with John Roberts hosting. Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace, Larry McReynolds and Matt Clark provide analysis and Wendy Venturini and Rutledge Wood will be reporting from the garage.
NASCAR Race Day offers pre-race coverage of the Sprint Unlimited, Budweiser Duel at Daytona and an expanded 3 hour show Feb 24 (9am- Noon/et) leading into FOX Sports live coverage of the 55th running of the Daytona 500.
TRACKSIDE, the network's longest running NASCAR program returns Feb 22 at 5:30 PM/et for a live 30 minute edition hosted by Krista Voda, Kyle Petty, Rutledge Wood and Kaitlyn Vincie. The gang hangs around the next day for another 1 hour edition at 4:30 PM/et.
Live coverage of Cup and Truck series practice and qualifying sessions, as well as up-to-the-minute updates from NASCAR Live! round out the schedule.
Wind Tunnel has Dave Despain hopping back in his chair for an 11th season Feb 24 at 8 PM/et live.
NASCAR Victory Lane, SPEED's Cup Series post-race show, rolls into the famed Victory Lane at Daytona Feb 21 and Feb 24 at 5:30 PM/et live with hosts John Roberts, Kyle Petty and Kenny Wallace and garage reporting by Bob Dillner.
It all kicks off February 14th at 6 PM with a special 2 hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub from Media Day.
The fan voted-upon format for the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona (formerly the Budweiser Shootout) will be revealed on Feb. 14th on Hub.
A total of 25 SPEED on-air personalities present 2 weeks of on-track action to viewers beginning when Cup Series cars fire up Feb. 15 for the first The Sprint Ultimate practice session, carried live on SPEED at 5PM/et.
NASCAR Race Hub returns to deliver all the days' happenings Feb. 18-20 at 6 PM/et, with Danielle Trotta hosting from the SPEED studios and Steve Byrnes and Ray Dunlap on-site at Daytona.
SPEED is live from the Budweiser Duel at Daytona on Thursday Feb. 21 at 2PM/et as drivers battle for the final spots on the Daytona 500 starting grid.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season under the lights Feb. 22 at 7 PM/et with NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda setting the stage for the green flag at 7:30 PM/et.
Rick Allen hosts with Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons providing analysis and Ray Dunlap, Hermie Sadler, and Bob Dillner reporting from the pits.
NASCAR Race Day Fueled by Sunoco returns for 3 pre-race editions from Daytona with John Roberts hosting. Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace, Larry McReynolds and Matt Clark provide analysis and Wendy Venturini and Rutledge Wood will be reporting from the garage.
NASCAR Race Day offers pre-race coverage of the Sprint Unlimited, Budweiser Duel at Daytona and an expanded 3 hour show Feb 24 (9am- Noon/et) leading into FOX Sports live coverage of the 55th running of the Daytona 500.
TRACKSIDE, the network's longest running NASCAR program returns Feb 22 at 5:30 PM/et for a live 30 minute edition hosted by Krista Voda, Kyle Petty, Rutledge Wood and Kaitlyn Vincie. The gang hangs around the next day for another 1 hour edition at 4:30 PM/et.
Live coverage of Cup and Truck series practice and qualifying sessions, as well as up-to-the-minute updates from NASCAR Live! round out the schedule.
Wind Tunnel has Dave Despain hopping back in his chair for an 11th season Feb 24 at 8 PM/et live.
NASCAR Victory Lane, SPEED's Cup Series post-race show, rolls into the famed Victory Lane at Daytona Feb 21 and Feb 24 at 5:30 PM/et live with hosts John Roberts, Kyle Petty and Kenny Wallace and garage reporting by Bob Dillner.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
35 Teams Testing at Daytona
35 teams testing at Daytona: NASCAR fans will get their first glimpse of the new sixth-generation NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars on the storied Daytona International Speedway for three days this week at Preseason Thunder, the unofficial on-track start of the 2013 NASCAR season. This week's sessions will be the only test for the new car at Daytona prior to Speedweeks, which begins with The Sprint Unlimited on Feb. 16 and culminates with the 55th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 24.
"This test is an opportunity for the teams to prepare their cars for Speedweeks and the 55th running of the Daytona 500," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. "This is the teams' test and provides an excellent lead in to the upcoming 2013 season. There has been a lot of work put into the development of the Gen-6 car by the manufacturers, teams and NASCAR. It will be exciting to see the new cars on the track for Daytona Preseason Thunder."
After several tests for the new car, including one restrictor plate test at Talladega Superspeedway, the rules package has been set heading into Preseason Thunder.
The rules package for Daytona includes:• Plate size - 29/32" (same plate size as 2012)
• Spoiler size - 4" high x 53" wide
• Spoiler angle - 70 degrees
• Front Grill size - 1-3/4" high x 23" wide
• Radiator Relief valve - 32 psi
Teams participating in the test are:
"This test is an opportunity for the teams to prepare their cars for Speedweeks and the 55th running of the Daytona 500," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. "This is the teams' test and provides an excellent lead in to the upcoming 2013 season. There has been a lot of work put into the development of the Gen-6 car by the manufacturers, teams and NASCAR. It will be exciting to see the new cars on the track for Daytona Preseason Thunder."
After several tests for the new car, including one restrictor plate test at Talladega Superspeedway, the rules package has been set heading into Preseason Thunder.
The rules package for Daytona includes:• Plate size - 29/32" (same plate size as 2012)
• Spoiler size - 4" high x 53" wide
• Spoiler angle - 70 degrees
• Front Grill size - 1-3/4" high x 23" wide
• Radiator Relief valve - 32 psi
Teams participating in the test are:
| Car # | Team Name | Driver |
| 1 | Earnhardt Ganassi Racing | Jamie McMurray |
| 2 | Penske Racing | Brad Keselowski |
| 5 | Hendrick Motorsports | Kasey Kahne |
| 9 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Marcos Ambrose |
| 10 | Stewart Haas Racing | Danica Patrick |
| 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Denny Hamlin |
| 13 | Germain Racing | Casey Mears |
| 14 | Stewart Haas Racing | Tony Stewart |
| 15 | Michael Waltrip Racing | Clint Bowyer |
| 16 | Roush Fenway Racing | Greg Biffle |
| 17 | Roush Fenway Racing | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
| 18 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Kyle Busch |
| 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing | Matt Kenseth |
| 21 | Wood Bros Racing | Trevor Bayne |
| 22 | Penske Racing | Joey Logano |
| 24 | Hendrick Motorsports | Jeff Gordon |
| 27 | Richard Childress Racing | Paul Menard |
| 29 | Richard Childress Racing | Kevin Harvick |
| 31 | Richard Childress Racing | Jeff Burton |
| 33 | Richard Childress Racing | Austin Dillon |
| 36 | Tommy Baldwin Racing | Dave Blaney |
| 38 | Front Row Motorsports | Josh Wise |
| 39 | Stewart Haas Racing | Ryan Newman |
| 42 | Earnhardt Ganassi Racing | Juan Pablo Montoya |
| 43 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Aric Almirola |
| 47 | JTG-Daugherty Racing | Bobby Labonte |
| 48 | Hendrick Motorsports | Jimmie Johnson |
| 51 | Phoenix Racing | Regan Smith |
| 55 | Michael Waltrip Racing | Mark Martin |
| 56 | Michael Waltrip Racing | Martin Truex |
| 78 | Furniture Row Racing | Kurt Busch |
| 83 | BK Racing | Travis Kvapil/David Reutimann |
| 88 | Hendrick Motorsports | Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 95 | Leavine Family Racing | Scott Speed |
| 99 | Roush Fenway Racing | Carl Edwards |
Off-Season Schedule
Jan. 10-12: Pre-Daytona 500 testing at Daytona International Speedway
Jan. 17-18: 2nd round of testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Jan. 19: (NMPA) National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame ceremony in Charlotte
Jan. 21-24: Charlotte Motor Speedway Sprint Media Tour
Jan. 28-29: Testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Feb. 8: NASCAR Hall of Fame class 3 induction
Feb 9: NASCAR Preview in Charlotte
Jan. 17-18: 2nd round of testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Jan. 19: (NMPA) National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame ceremony in Charlotte
Jan. 21-24: Charlotte Motor Speedway Sprint Media Tour
Jan. 28-29: Testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Feb. 8: NASCAR Hall of Fame class 3 induction
Feb 9: NASCAR Preview in Charlotte
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Budweiser Shootout and Budweiser Shootout Selection Show
The ever-evolving rules that determine the potential lineup for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway have opened the door for the top rookie drivers of the past decade. The revised qualifications are much simpler than its previous incarnations and include only two provisions:
· The highest ranked 25 competitors in 2011 NSCS driver points
· Previous winners at Daytona, including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola, and Shootout events
Thirty drivers will be eligible for the Feb. 18 race. The Shootout, a non-points event, opens the NASCAR portion of Daytona SpeedWeeks. It will be the first NASCAR race on Daytona’s recently repaved surface.
The starting grid for the 75-lap (two segments of 25 and 50 laps) race will be set with a blind draw Feb. 17.
“Race fans expect to see NASCAR’s best drivers compete in the Budweiser Shootout to kick off the 2011 racing season, and this star-studded lineup will not disappoint when they take the green flag for the first time on the new asphalt,” said DIS president Joie Chitwood. “The Budweiser Shootout has showcased some of the most thrilling racing over the years, and our fans are in for an exciting night on February 17.”
With that in mind, the drivers eligible for the 2012 Bud Shootout at Daytona include:
2011 Top 25 Driver Points:
Tony Stewart
Carl Edwards
Kevin Harvick
Matt Kenseth
Brad Keselowski
Jimmie Johnson
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Jeff Gordon
Denny Hamlin
Ryan Newman
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer
Kasey Kahne
AJ Allmendinger
Greg Biffle
Paul Menard
Martin Truex Jr.
Marcos Ambrose
Jeff Burton
Juan Pablo Montoya
Mark Martin
David Ragan
Joey Logano
Brian Vickers
Others (criteria in parentheses)Bill Elliott (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Shootout)
Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Shootout)
Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)
Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)
Jamie McMurray (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)
Trevor Bayne (Daytona 500)
Terry Labonte (Shootout)
Ken Schrader (Shootout)
The Budweiser Shootout Selection Show will air on SPEED Friday, February 17th @ 8:30 PM with a replay at 12:30 AM on Saturday, February 18th.
· The highest ranked 25 competitors in 2011 NSCS driver points
· Previous winners at Daytona, including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola, and Shootout events
Thirty drivers will be eligible for the Feb. 18 race. The Shootout, a non-points event, opens the NASCAR portion of Daytona SpeedWeeks. It will be the first NASCAR race on Daytona’s recently repaved surface.
The starting grid for the 75-lap (two segments of 25 and 50 laps) race will be set with a blind draw Feb. 17.
“Race fans expect to see NASCAR’s best drivers compete in the Budweiser Shootout to kick off the 2011 racing season, and this star-studded lineup will not disappoint when they take the green flag for the first time on the new asphalt,” said DIS president Joie Chitwood. “The Budweiser Shootout has showcased some of the most thrilling racing over the years, and our fans are in for an exciting night on February 17.”
With that in mind, the drivers eligible for the 2012 Bud Shootout at Daytona include:
2011 Top 25 Driver Points:
Tony Stewart
Carl Edwards
Kevin Harvick
Matt Kenseth
Brad Keselowski
Jimmie Johnson
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Jeff Gordon
Denny Hamlin
Ryan Newman
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer
Kasey Kahne
AJ Allmendinger
Greg Biffle
Paul Menard
Martin Truex Jr.
Marcos Ambrose
Jeff Burton
Juan Pablo Montoya
Mark Martin
David Ragan
Joey Logano
Brian Vickers
Others (criteria in parentheses)Bill Elliott (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Shootout)
Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Shootout)
Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)
Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)
Jamie McMurray (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)
Trevor Bayne (Daytona 500)
Terry Labonte (Shootout)
Ken Schrader (Shootout)
The Budweiser Shootout Selection Show will air on SPEED Friday, February 17th @ 8:30 PM with a replay at 12:30 AM on Saturday, February 18th.
No More 'Secret' Fines
WARNING: NASCAR will continue to fine competitors who 'Challenge the Integrity of the Sport'.
Gone of the days of "secret fines" that are hinted at in the Media, yet refuted by NASCAR and the party involved. Here to stay is the effort to keep drivers from making comments that are irresponsible and unhelpful to the growing of the sport.
Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman have been previously fined for comments each had made, but the sanctioning body did not make the penalties public knowledge at the time they were issued. Such secrecy, some competitors said, made it unclear of what would or would not be construed as “damaging.”
“We're not talking about who's critical of NASCAR,” France said. “You can be critical of things you don't think we're doing well, in particular a race call. You can say ‘I don't think I was speeding; I disagree with that.’ We understand that. It's when you go after the integrity of the sport is where we will step in, and they will be public.”
Keselowski, who was fined for criticizing NASCAR new fuel injection system last year, said he didn’t believe the decision to make future penalties public came from his fine last year or from recent meetings between the teams and NASCAR officials.
“I don’t think I have that influence,” he told a group of reporters Thursday. “It’s probably more of a direct result of you guys [the media] than anything else.”
While questionable comments aren’t as black and white as technical issues, Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition for NASCAR, said the same group of officials determine if and when a line has been crossed.
“If it’s a competition fine, it isn’t just Mike Fisher (Managing Director, NASCAR R&D) or (Sprint Cup Series Director) John Darby ... weighing in,” Pemberton said. “We run that stuff all the way up and all the way down. Brian [France] weighs in on all the penalties. A lot of people do.”
Pemberton acknowledged that the move to announce such fines was partly due to the media’s concern over the secrecy aspect of the fines and the question of how they were being levied.
Previously, he said, the determination to keep such fines private was to protect those who were involved, the competitors as well as the team’s sponsors.
“If you were private on [issuing] one, and it got out there, immediately everyone thought we had [issued] 100 fines,” he said. “And [in reality] you could count them on one hand.
“When we started out, private was about giving the benefit to a team, to not drag them through the mud. They’re embarrassed about what they said and it’s an embarrassment for their sponsor, and then for us to go through and drag everyone through the mud again ....
“Obviously we tried it one way and it didn’t work. It got put back on us because everybody thought we were trying to hide something and we’re not. So there they are.”
The effort to keep the sport honest, will they also let us in on the happenings inside the NASCAR hauler during private meetings? Will they be honest about whether blows were exchanged between waring drivers? Or is that still a line that will not be crossed? I for one wish their 'open door policy' and full disclosure concept didn't have limits. If it's leaked to the Media they should address the rumors, tell the truth and let us see what really goes on behind the scenes.
Gone of the days of "secret fines" that are hinted at in the Media, yet refuted by NASCAR and the party involved. Here to stay is the effort to keep drivers from making comments that are irresponsible and unhelpful to the growing of the sport.
Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman have been previously fined for comments each had made, but the sanctioning body did not make the penalties public knowledge at the time they were issued. Such secrecy, some competitors said, made it unclear of what would or would not be construed as “damaging.”
“We're not talking about who's critical of NASCAR,” France said. “You can be critical of things you don't think we're doing well, in particular a race call. You can say ‘I don't think I was speeding; I disagree with that.’ We understand that. It's when you go after the integrity of the sport is where we will step in, and they will be public.”
Keselowski, who was fined for criticizing NASCAR new fuel injection system last year, said he didn’t believe the decision to make future penalties public came from his fine last year or from recent meetings between the teams and NASCAR officials.
“I don’t think I have that influence,” he told a group of reporters Thursday. “It’s probably more of a direct result of you guys [the media] than anything else.”
While questionable comments aren’t as black and white as technical issues, Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition for NASCAR, said the same group of officials determine if and when a line has been crossed.
“If it’s a competition fine, it isn’t just Mike Fisher (Managing Director, NASCAR R&D) or (Sprint Cup Series Director) John Darby ... weighing in,” Pemberton said. “We run that stuff all the way up and all the way down. Brian [France] weighs in on all the penalties. A lot of people do.”
Pemberton acknowledged that the move to announce such fines was partly due to the media’s concern over the secrecy aspect of the fines and the question of how they were being levied.
Previously, he said, the determination to keep such fines private was to protect those who were involved, the competitors as well as the team’s sponsors.
“If you were private on [issuing] one, and it got out there, immediately everyone thought we had [issued] 100 fines,” he said. “And [in reality] you could count them on one hand.
“When we started out, private was about giving the benefit to a team, to not drag them through the mud. They’re embarrassed about what they said and it’s an embarrassment for their sponsor, and then for us to go through and drag everyone through the mud again ....
“Obviously we tried it one way and it didn’t work. It got put back on us because everybody thought we were trying to hide something and we’re not. So there they are.”
The effort to keep the sport honest, will they also let us in on the happenings inside the NASCAR hauler during private meetings? Will they be honest about whether blows were exchanged between waring drivers? Or is that still a line that will not be crossed? I for one wish their 'open door policy' and full disclosure concept didn't have limits. If it's leaked to the Media they should address the rumors, tell the truth and let us see what really goes on behind the scenes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)