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Monday, July 27, 2009

Report: NASCAR says Mayfield lied to federal court: NASCAR says Jeremy Mayfield lied to a federal court about the chronology of a second random drug test. The accusation came Monday in court filings that ask U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen to lift the injunction he granted Mayfield so he could return to racing. NASCAR questioned Mayfield's sworn testimony last week when he said a July 6 request for a second drug test went to voicemail and he didn't get the message until 40 minutes later. NASCAR says it has a recording of the actual phone call. (AP/ThatsRacin.com)

McMurray's future at Roush depends on sponsorship dollars: DeWalt's departure from Matt Kenseth's team after this season could impact Jamie McMurray's future with Roush Fenway Racing. "The question with Jamie is whether or not we can close out with more sponsors before he has to accept an offer from somebody else," said Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing. The organization must cut back from five teams to four after this season to meet NASCAR guidelines. Smith said that three of the four teams Roush plans to keep are those of Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and David Ragan. Then, it's down to Matt Kenseth and McMurray. Smith admits there's much interest in companies to sponsor Kenseth. "It makes it harder for the 26," Smith said of finding funding for McMurray's team with interest high in Kenseth's team. "Matt has got in the hierarchy of things in the garage, Matt is viewed as more pre-eminent." (Virginian-Pilot)

Menard back with Robert Yates Racing in 2010: Yates Racing co-owner Max Jones said Sunday morning that the team plans to be back up to at least two cars next season, with Paul Menard and the Menards sponsorship returning to the No. 98 Yates Racing Ford in 2010. Menard has had a disappointing first season with the team which had spurred rumors that the driver and sponsor might move to a different team next season. But Jones said the driver and his sponsor will both continue forward in 2010. "The Menards deal is in place," Jones said Sunday morning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jones said he was unsure if Yates would campaign the HoF car again in 2010, saying talks to extend the partnership are underway, but the outcome uncertain. Another possibility is to take the fifth Roush Fenway Racing Ford next season, when NASCAR will require that team to downsize from five to four cars. Jones said that one way or another, Yates expects to run at least two cars next year.(SPEEDtv.com)

Newman: Stock cars aren't made for Indy: Ryan Newman is not a fan of racing at Indy: "(Indianapolis Motor Speedway) is just flat and it's fast. Our race cars aren't made for that. Our race cars aren't designed for that. They designed this race car to put it on a racetrack, and it works here, it just doesn't put on a great race." (Indy Star)

Red Bull Racing to decide on drivers and manufacturer soon: Jay Frye, Vice President and General Manager of Red Bull Racing says he expects to have driver Brian Vickers' contract extension finalized, and a manufacturer decision made, after he travels to Austria next week to meet with Red Bull officials. Frye said several weeks ago that a contract extension between Red Bull  which owns and sponsors the team's two-car effort  and Vickers was one step away from being completed, but had not been approved. While ironing that out will be a priority, so to will be determining whether to remain with Toyota or making a move to another manufacturer. Vickers, who has driver for the team since 2007, told reporters Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he was "keeping all my options open & the ball is in their court." Red Bull Racing was one of Toyota's original teams when the automaker joined NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series in 2007. Despite reports that have paired the organization with Chevrolet in 2010, Frye said nothing has been determined.(SceneDaily.com)

Montoya's crew chief to meet with Series director: Instead of becoming the first driver to win the 500 and 400, Juan Pablo Montoya had to stomach 11th place in a classic case of what might have been. "Ah, it kind of sucks, but it's what it is," Montoya said. "Everybody with the Target Chevy did an amazing job. I thought I was down to speed. You know, we've got lights (on the dashboard), I was on the lights every time. "It's what it is. We had that deal like that before (in Phoenix). Once it happens, you can't change it. It's pretty frustrating. But it shows where we're going with the team." Crew chief Brian Pattie declined to take issue with NASCAR, or the rule, and said he would meet with Series director John Darby some time next week. "Obviously it's disheartening," he said. "Like (Montoya) said on the racetrack, it was potentially our first oval win for Juan for Target, and it's Indy. It's a big day." (Indy Star)

Did you know? Indianapolis Motor Speedway can hold 40 Yankee stadiums: With a seating capacity of 250,000-plus and situated on more than 1,025 acres, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, host of the Nascar Brickyard 400 on Sunday, is big. Just how big? According to a Speedway official, the property could hold about 40 Yankee Stadiums, or 12 Wimbledon tennis campuses or two Vatican Cities. As it turns out, about 180,000 people were on hand to see Jimmie Johnson win the race. (Wall Street Journal)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

J. Gordon still having back pain: Jeff Gordon says he has decided not to have a second procedure to deal with an achy back and instead will try to deal with the pain. Gordon said Saturday during qualifying for Sunday's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that the first procedure didn't help much and he doesn't see the point in having another injection of anti-inflammatory medication. Gordon has been dealing with a sore back for several months but ruled out surgery because it was too invasive. Instead he will continue to focus on a series of stretching exercises and physical training in hopes the condition will improve.(Associated Press)

Ganassi plans to find driver for No. 1: Chip Ganassi, co-owner of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, on replacing Martin Truex Jr., who is leaving the No. 1 Bass Pro Chevy for Michael Waltrip Racing next year: "We're going to fill it. Everything's fine. I'm not going out of business. We're going to have two cars (next year). You guys always ask silly questions. I wish I had great answers for you. I'm unable to make things up. All I can tell you is we're fine. We're talking to a few guys, and I'll tell you in due time.. .. I'm a bit of a gambler in that sense. I don't feel the need to announce my plans July 1 like a lot of people do. I'm not going to be dragged into that. We're going to make the best decision at the right time. We're on my calendar. I'm not on anybody else's calendar."(USA Today)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Earnhardt, Jr. has stomach flu: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won't let two days of fever, IVs and nausea keep him out of Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We didn't have to dial 911," Earnhardt said after qualifying third on Saturday. "I had a stomach virus pop up late Thursday night and was throwing up and all that good stuff all the way up until 5 o'clock in the morning [Friday]. I came here and got a couple of IVs early in the afternoon. I broke my fever about 8 o'clock yesterday morning. The fever came back last night but I broke it again. I've just been sweating a lot and probably will get some more fluids this afternoon after practice." Earnhardt still will have Brad Keselowski, who drives for him in the Nationwide Series, on hand as a backup driver. Keselowski, who was scheduled to take a couple of practice laps in Earnhardt's Cup car, is competing at nearby O'Reilly Raceway Park in Saturday night's Nationwide race. "I doubt we'll need it," Earnhardt said. "I did that basically to be safe. The only thing I have to worry about is being hydrated from here on out. I feel tons better. That stomach virus was the worst thing I experienced in my life. I used to think sore throats were the worst aggravatingest thing. I'm not a very big fan of stomach viruses now."(ESPN.com)

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri sponsors No. 36: Tommy Baldwin's No. 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup team will be the best one to hang out with this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Guy Fieri -- star of the Food Network, celebrity chef and restaurateur -- is sponsoring the car owned by Baldwin for one race. Fieri, a UNLV graduate, was grand marshal for the June 21 Cup race in Sonoma, Calif. Baldwin's crew couldn't be happier to have Fieri as a sponsor instead of NASCAR regulars Subway, Long John Silver's and Burger King. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Attendance likely way down at Indy: While not divulging numbers, outgoing Indy track President Joie Chitwood said IMS is not immune to the economic realities that have produced an alarming number of empty seats (official attendance is not made public) at nearly all of this season's first 19 races. "We're going to be down, like just about every other venue out there," Chitwood said. But with a smile, he noted that because of the Speedway's enormity (257,000 permanent seats), it could have 100,000 go unused and still boast NASCAR's biggest crowd of the season. "Trust me, we'll have a lot of people here," Chitwood said. (Indy Star)

Ganassi not joining Joe Gibbs Racing: Don't believe the latest that has Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates partnering with Joe Gibbs Racing, making Juan Pablo Montoya JGR's fourth driver with Target as the sponsor. Not that there hasn't been some conversation looking at that as a possible marriage. There are conversations between almost every organization about almost everything these days. But this one hasn't been talked about enough to warrant it as a substantial rumor. It likely never will be. Ganassi is under the umbrella of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with its partnership with DEI, and he's happy with that relationship. "We have an affiliation now," he said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We have an affiliation with Earnhardt with EGR [and] with Childress [Richard Childress Racing]. I'm very happy with that. Knock on wood. We've had no issues. The idea of what we put together at the end of the season last year, it's been mission accomplished."(ESPN Insider)

Dale Jr. says don't blame him for ratings and attendance drop: Dale Earnhardt said he doesn't think he can be blamed for sagging ratings and a dip in attendance. "I'm not sure if that can be possible or not," Earnhardt said. "But I mean, if it is, it shouldn't be. That shouldn't be why, you know; the sport shouldn't rest on one man's shoulders. You know, I say that, but at times it has, you know, in years past. � I don't feel like personally it rests on my shoulders. "I'm sorry I haven't run better this year. I want to run better. If it's hurting the sport, you know, that's not what I want to do, not my intent." (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

Racehost.com to sponsor Gilliland: TRG Motorsports' welcomes Racehost.com onboard the No. 71 Chevy of David Gilliland this weekend for the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Race Host, founded in 1996, was the first racing website design company to work exclusively in the racing, motorsport and automotive industry. "We're excited about our new team partner Racehost.com and are looking forward to working together long into the future," Buckler continued. Gilliland qualified the No. 71 Racehost.com/TRG Motorsports Chevy in 37th for the race.(TRG)

Friday, July 24, 2009

Jeremy Mayfield suspended again: An appeals court has ruled in NASCAR's favor, granting its request to keep Jeremy Mayfield off the race track. The decision Friday by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals means Mayfield is once again suspended for failing a May 1 random drug test. A federal judge lifted the driver's suspension July 1, and NASCAR appealed to the appeals court in Richmond, Va. That court issued a stay until the appeal can be heard. U.S. District Court Graham Mullen, who allowed Mayfield to return to competition, still has a request before him to overturn his earlier decision based on NASCAR's claim that Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine a second time. Mayfield is not entered in Sunday's race at Indy.(Associated Press)

Mayfield sells team: Georgia-based team owner John Carter confirmed Friday he has acquired the assets of Jeremy Mayfield's Sprint Cup operation in what he called "a package deal." Carter's operation recently announced plans to have Terry Labonte and Boris Said to drive the No. 08 for the rest of the season, beginning with this weekend's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Tony Furr was brought in to oversee the team, and he suggested to Carter to reach out to Mayfield, embroiled in litigation with NASCAR over a pair of failed drug tests. "We needed some good equipment and Jeremy needed to sell because of his problems with NASCAR," Carter said in a brief phone conversation while on his way to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. "It was a package deal. We got cars, haulers and equipment." An unconfirmed report said Carter was receiving a total of two cars from Mayfield. Carter said the cars and equipment remain in place at Mayfield's shop, even though Carter's team has its headquarters in Toccoa, Ga., where he runs a recycling business. (NASCAR.com)

David Ragan to still with Roush Fenway in 2010: With Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle all signed to long term contracts, multiple sources say that David Ragan will be the fourth driver at the team next year. "Absolutely, I can confirm that David Ragan will be driving for UPS in the No. 6 Roush Fenway car," said Zak Brown, CEO of Just Marketing International, which handles the UPS marketing account. According to NASCAR rules, RFR has to downsize from five to four teams by the end of this year. Jamie McMurray, the fifth driver at RFR, is likely headed across the street from the Roush shop to Yates Racing, which is a satellite organization of RFR. However, another option appears to be a reunion with former boss Chip Ganassi.(FOXSports.com)

Mayfield's hair may be tested: The back and forth between NASCAR and driver Jeremy Mayfield over drug allegations has gotten so bad that in Mayfield's latest statement he describes the humiliation of having to go to the bathroom while someone watched. So what could bring it all to an end? It turns out it could come down to a piece of hair. "It's like the bully in school," Jeremy Mayfield told NewsChannel 36 last week. "Every three to five days I go get tested." Who ends up in victory lane may come down to the difference between urinating in a cup and pulling a hair. "The drug that is incorporated into your hair -- it stays there. You get a record, basically, of drug use with the hair," said Dr. Ruth Winecker, the chief toxicologist for the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office. She says there's no messing with hair. But no one has tested Mayfield's hair, just his urine samples. "There are techniques people can use to try to cheat the system," Winecker said. That's exactly what both sides have accused each other of doing. NASCAR says Mayfield diluted his urine even before testing positive for meth, and Mayfield says NASCAR did something to his urine. NewsChannel 36 asked Mayfield's attorney if they'll be testing his hair as the judge in the case suggested several weeks ago. Attorney John Buric told us they are looking at the possibility, but right now they have been told Mayfield's hair is too short.(NewsChannel 36)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Mayfield working on 'big sponsorship' deal: Jeremy Mayfield, who says he's "80 percent there" on getting a major sponsorship deal that might enable him to once again drive in the Sprint Cup Series, isn't on the entry list for Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. But that doesn't mean he won't be at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend.Mayfield spoke by phone Tuesday morning, prior to meeting his legal team to discuss his ongoing court battle over NASCAR suspending him from competition as either an owner or a driver as of May 9, due to a positive result for methamphetamine in a random drug test taken May 1 at Richmond International Raceway. "I'd like to come to Indy just to come watch, and to try to get a ride," Mayfield said. "We're working on sponsorship deals as we speak and I'm telling you, if this works out, it's going to be big. "And what's funny is, it could be big in all kinds of different ways, and all I needed was [NASCAR's] support, and to work with me on this. They could have had races sponsored and tracks sponsored and I could have been with one of their big teams with a big sponsor and I guess they don't want that, because I didn't need them to get it." (NASCAR.com)

DeWalt Tools will not renew contract after season: Roush Fenway Racing was informed today that DeWalt Power Tools will not renew its sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 team for the 2010 NASCAR season. “We would like to thank DeWalt for serving as a great partner for the past 10 years,” said Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith. “During that time we have seen great success for both their company and marketing program, as well as with Matt on the race track. They will always be remembered and honored as the sponsor of Jack Roush’s first Sprint Cup Championship team. Despite this success – in the face of the significant world-wide economic decline in the construction industry – DeWalt’s decision to not return is not a great surprise to us. Fortunately, we have several great companies interested in taking over and we expect to begin finalizing those sponsorship arrangements in the very near future. All of us at Roush Fenway Racing remain committed to keeping the No. 17 DeWalt car running up front, winning races and to put them in a position to contend for a second championship this season.”(Roush Fenway Racing)

Ganassi Racing to merge with Joe Gibbs Racing? The latest rumor is that Chip Ganassi somehow will merge his Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing team with Joe Gibbs Racing, possibly eliminating another owner.(SPEEDtv.com)

McMurray & Crown Royal offering "Safe Rides Home": Before hitting the bricks at one of the most historic tracks in all of motorsports, NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray will show off his skills on the street when he provides adults free and safe rides home from Indianapolis-area hot spots on Friday, July 24. The Crown Royal “Safe Rides Home” designated-driver program provides adult consumers safe rides home via a fleet of four (4) replica purple and gold No. 26 Ford Fusion cars. The program will take place at the corner of Jackson Place and South Meridian on Thursday, July 23, with safe rides home made available from 8pm – 12am. McMurray will headline the event on Friday, July 24 at the corner of Broad Ripple Avenue and Guilford Streets from 7:30 – 9:30pm, with rides continuing until midnight. In addition to his spot in the driver’s seat, McMurray will make appearances at various local venues in the Broad Ripple-area to meet with fans and sign autographs. This marks the fifth year the Safe Rides fleet will take to the streets of Indianapolis prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend. During that span, the “Safe Rides Home” program has provided residents and race fans in the area hundreds of free rides totaling more than 5,000 miles. Throughout the years, Indianapolis residents and bar owners have commended Crown Royal for offering this service. Consumers can sign up to receive a free safe ride home at special Crown Royal No. 26 taxi stands on Thursday they will be located at corner of Jackson Place and South Meridian and Friday at the corner of Broad Ripple Avenue and Guilford Street. Eligible residents must be 21 or over and live within a 20-mile radius of the signup location. There is a four-passenger limit per car.(Taylor PR)

Kasey Kahne set to start 200th Cup race: Kasey Kahne is set to make his 200th consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when he takes the green flag at this weekend’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Talk about making your 200th start this weekend at Indy. “It’s hard to believe this will be the 200th start. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was racing sprint cars in Washington. I feel pretty fortunate to be able to do what I do for a living. I’ve celebrated a lot of great moments in racing and I hope to celebrate more. I still have a lot of goals – I want to win races and compete for and win championships. I’ve had a lot of great support getting to this point and I’m thankful for the success that I have had in NASCAR. I’m lucky to work with the guys on this Budweiser team that support me each week and look forward to rewarding them with more wins.”(Elevation Group/RPM)(

Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage undergoing cancer treatments: Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage has been absent from TMS because he has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Gossage, 50, was diagnosed with cancer early last fall and began treatment this spring. Gossage, who oversaw the construction of the track and was the general manager for its first race in 1997, declined to be interviewed. A statement from TMS vice president of media relations Mike Zizzo said Gossage "would like to keep his illness private and does not plan to discuss it publicly." Gossage was informed by doctors in February that treatment needed to begin, and it was done around the Samsung 500 in April and the Bombardier Learjet 550 in June. He was at the track for the IndyCar Series race in June and looked thinner than he did at the Sprint Cup event in April. He hasn't appeared at any TMS public functions since the June race as he has undergone more intense treatments over the last month. Gossage is hoping to return to work next month. "I've been talking to him almost every day either by phone or text," Zizzo said. "His brain is in overdrive. If it were up to him, he'd be back tomorrow." Zizzo said Gossage doesn't want to talk about his illness because he doesn't want that to be what people identify him with. Gossage's father, H.L., died of lung cancer in 1998. "He's trying to keep it under the radar and keep it as low-key as possible," Zizzo said.(Dallas Morning News)

Scam targeted law enforcement officers and NASCAR drivers: NASCAR drivers are among the victims of a scam that also targeted police officers, Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials said. FDLE agents served two search warrants on homes in Ormond Beach and Ponce Inlet believed to be involved in the scam. Officers are searching for evidence as well as potential victims. Ivey said Grand Am driver Henri Zogaib and Ormond Beach businessman Paul Bellanca worked together to convince clients to invest in iron and ore products through their two companies. Zogaib was able to gain credibility with NASCAR officials through his association with Grand Am racers and teams, the FDLE said. No charges have been filed in the case and it may take weeks for any to be filed. NASCAR drivers were victimized as well as a top-ranking NASCAR official and a retired police officer Ivey said. Investigators believe dozens of people fell victim to the scam and are searching for additional victims. "NASCAR is learning about the allegations as well, and we are as eager as everyone else to learn about the facts of this case," NASCAR said in a statement released Wednesday.(ClickOrlando)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Jeff Gordon doesn't anticipate racing in Indy 500: Jeff Gordon was asked if he would ever want to drive in the Indianapolis 500 if it were not on the same day as a NASCAR race. He said he did not anticipate that happening. "I have a lot of respect for what it takes to drive an open-wheel car just one lap at the Speedway. I'm not one to do something for fun and going 200 laps becomes more than fun. I might do it if I were not driving full-time and going for a championship but I don't see it happening," said Gordon. (Terre Haute Tribune Star)

No discussion of changing Indy 500 start time: For those hoping that the Indianapolis 500 might change its start time to encourage drivers to be able to do both the IndyCar Series race and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, think again. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus, who oversees both the IRL and the race track, said Tuesday during a news conference at the track that he has had no discussions about changing the start time since taking over the position three weeks ago. The Indianapolis 500 start time likely would have to change from its recent 1 p.m. EDT slot for it to be possible for a driver to do both events. It would be hard for Lowe's Motor Speedway to start the NASCAR race later than 5:45 p.m. because of the length of the 600-mile race, which takes more than four hours to complete. (SceneDaily.com)

ESPN revs up NASCAR coverage at Indy: ESPN is revving its engines, with its TV channels this week carrying at least 19 hours live from the Indianapolis track and another eight hours of race reruns. It won't air Sunday's race live on its ESPN360 broadband service, which might drive a few viewers to TV. Sunday, it will add a so-called BatCam to zip along a cable above pit road and its prerace show includes talk show host Kelly Ripa chatting with driver Jeff Gordon. Julie Sobieski, an ESPN programming vice president, notes "the SportsCenter brand" will be at the track -- for a Saturday show -- and ESPN will air a Thursday night Feel Your Heart Race special that's "a 30-minute promotion of Nascar Nation." (USA Today)

Indy tires must pass three inspections: One of the more fascinating aspects of seeing the process of how a racing tire is made is the checks done to the tire before it leaves the plant. There's a visual inspection by a worker, then the tire is X-rayed and then it's put into a machine that is akin to an MRI machine where it can take an even closer look at the tire. Pass all three and the tire is loaded on to a truck to be sent to the Goodyear warehouse just north of Charlotte. (Virginian-Pilot)

Almirola has an uncertain future: Since the No. 8 team folded, Aric Almirola has gone to almost every Cup race in an effort to keep his name circulating in the garage as a driver looking for a ride. "I've been going and talking to people and showing my face," said the 25-year-old Tampa, Fla., native. "I'm really scared of basically [being] out of sight, out of mind. I've been trying really hard to not let that happen. I don't want to be forgotten, and I want people to think about me if they have an opportunity or if they're looking to put somebody in the seat. … Or if I run into somebody and they're thinking about it, I want to be someone that crosses their mind." Almirola, who remains under contract with EGR, says he has talked with team officials about possibly returning to the seat at some point but has been given no indication that will happen. Whether with EGR or another team, Almirola still wants to return to NASCAR's top series as soon as possible. He says he would be open to taking a full-time Truck ride in 2010, however, if the opportunity arose. Right now, though, he doesn't know what his future in the sport - long term or short team - holds.(SceneDaily.com)

Jeremy Mayfield passes independent drug test: An independent drug test on Jeremy Mayfield was negative for methamphetamines, contradicting the results of a NASCAR test taken 40 minutes earlier, the driver claimed in court documents filed Tuesday. In response to NASCAR's claim that Mayfield again tested positive for methamphetamines on July 6, Mayfield submitted an affidavit to the U.S. District Court that said he traveled to Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, N.C., right after NASCAR collected a sample at his Catawba County home. In a room he described as "very sterile," Mayfield said he emptied his pockets, washed his hands and was ushered into a bathroom, where he provided another urine sample. Mayfield said in the court filing he received confirmation from Laboratory Corporation of America in Raleigh, N.C., that his sample was negative on July 10 - the same day NASCAR informed his counsel that its sample was positive. Dr. Harold Schueler of the Broward County (Fla.) Medical Examiner's Office, filed an affidavit on behalf of Mayfield that claimed the levels of methamphetamine in NASCAR's test are "astronomical" and "could not be remotely accurate, unless Mr. Mayfield was deceased or a chronic abuser." (Associated Press)