NASCAR News Dec. 07 - Dec. 16 2005

NEXT Race/RaceCast: Find NEXTEL Cup Next race information, including television, practice, qualifying times and more, also radio coverage information.. During the race find RacewayReport.com: RaceCast with running order, notes, and more..

Dec. 16, 2005:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. loses out:  Americans Most Want to be Driven Home in a Hummer by Designated Drivers of Choice Katie Couric and George Clooney: Hoping to help "drive home" the message of responsible celebrating this holiday season, Anheuser-Busch today released the results of its annual Designated Driver survey to kick off National Designated Driver Awareness Week. The survey found that most Americans (41%) would prefer to be driven home in a Hummer by their designated drivers of choice Katie Couric and George Clooney. In addition, according to the poll, respondents favor a sleigh ride (45%) over a speedy ride in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 8 Chevrolet (27%) as their favorite mode of transportation. Additional survey results include: * Almost three-fourths (72%) of American adults ages 21 and older have been or have used a Designated Driver. * Nearly all Americans (97%) are familiar with the concept of a Designated Driver. * Those aged 21-44 have the most experience with the Designated Driver concept (46%), followed by those aged 45-54 (28%) and then 55-64 year olds (23%). * "Jingle Bell Rock" won with 28% of the votes as the holiday song Americans would request their Designated Driver to play on their ride home. "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" came in a close second (25%) and third place was "Let it Snow" (17%). * In addition to Katie Couric and George Clooney, Americans also chose Mariah Carey (18%), Tom Cruise (13%) and Orlando Bloom (8%) as their preferred Designated Drivers. * After the Hummer, top picks for cars to be driven home in are a Mustang (18%), a Mini Cooper (12%) and a Corvette (10%). National Designated Driver Awareness Week launches with full-page advertisements in USA Today, People Magazine and US Weekly, in tandem with nationwide radio promotions. The designated driver survey was conducted from September 9-10, 2005 utilizing Random Digit Dialing procedures. The findings were based on telephone interviews with a representative sample of 991 Americans ages 21 and older. For more information on designated drivers and responsible drinking programs visit www.designateddriver.com - (G.S. Schwartz & Co. Inc, PR)

Dec..15, 2005:

• Gov. Bush signs NASCAR Fl. Tag bill: Gov. Jeb Bush today signed a bill creating a specialty license plate to help fund Daytona Beach's bid for a NASCAR Hall of Fame.The measure was one of 10 passed last week in the Florida Legislature's special session. Besides contributing $25 toward the project for each tag sold, supporters said the plates would demonstrate Florida's commitment to landing the hall. (Orlando Sentinel)

• Crashes rise in 2005: A year after rates for accidents and spins dipped, incidents in NASCAR Nextel Cup races reached their highest level in five years. USA TODAY database research found 253 on-track incidents this season, a 24% jump from 2004 (204) and up 8% from the previous high (235) in 2003. (USA Today)

• Foyt IV to switch to NASCAR?  Felipe Giaffone will join A.J. Foyt's race team as a full-time driver in the IRL. Giaffone will take over the No. 14 Dallara driven last season by Foyt's grandson, A.J. Foyt IV, who was released from his contract so he could switch to NASCAR. Giaffone drove a Foyt entry at Indianapolis in May, qualifying with just 30 minutes to go after getting a cell phone call from Foyt while he was shopping with his wife. It was his only IRL start of the season. (The Ledger)

• Dale Jr. to test at Daytona: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says the Dec. 9 surgery he had on his left wrist will not keep him from preseason testing at Daytona. This week's edition of NASCAR Scene reports that Earnhardt Jr. said he would be able test a car approximately 10 days after the surgery, if necessary. (NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)

• ESPN and RCR settle suit: RCR Enterprises Inc., the racing team of the late Dale Earnhardt, has settled its complaint with ESPN Inc. over the television network's use of a stylized No. 3. The dispute involved the marketing for ESPN's movie about Earnhardt in 2004. The network used a version of Earnhardt's racing number that RCR thought was too similar to their version, which is trademarked.  RCR filed a lawsuit in federal court in March, charging trademark infringement, unfair competition and the dilution of Earnhardt's symbol.  Attorneys notified the court on Nov. 28 that they were dismissing the complaint, and the parties said yesterday that they have settled. The terms have not been disclosed. "The matter has been resolved to our satisfaction, and the exact terms are confidential," said Heather Adams, an attorney for ESPN. David Hart, a spokesman for RCR, said that the company is satisfied, too. (Salem-Journal)

• Kentucky Speedway/ISC antitrust trial to stay in Kentucky: The Kentucky Speedway has won the first victory in its multi-million-dollar lawsuit against NASCAR. U.S. District Judge William O. Bertelsman denied NASCAR's request to move the case to Florida, where NASCAR is headquartered. Instead, the case will be heard where it was filed, in U.S. District Court in Covington. "There exists a strong public interest in having this controversy adjudicated locally," Bertelsman wrote in the eight-page order. "Particularly, the court concludes that the great public interest in having this dispute decided locally tips the balance in favor of retaining the case." Cincinnati lawyer Stan Chesley, who leads a team representing the speedway that includes anti-trust expert Steve Sussman of Houston and Mark Guilfoyle of Edgewood, said he was "very pleased" with the ruling. "It's a very thorough opinion, one that is certainly supported by the law, and we're looking forward to moving on in the case," Chesley said. Bertelsman scheduled the next hearing for Jan. 12. At that hearing NASCAR will ask the judge to dismiss the lawsuit. "(Bertelsman's) decision is unfortunate but relatively minor," said NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston. "More importantly, NASCAR will be ready to make the case for dismissal on Jan. 12." NASCAR lawyers had argued that the case should be moved closer to its Daytona, Fla., headquarters where witnesses, records and other information are located. Bertelsman didn't buy that argument. "The convenience of parties and witnesses is a wash," Bertelsman said in his ruling. "Witnesses are in Florida, Kentucky and all around the country." NASCAR also had argued that information contained in contracts it has signed with the speedway, where NASCAR does run truck and Busch series races but not Nextel Cup, stipulate that the case should be moved to Florida. Bertelsman concluded there are more compelling reasons to keep the case in Covington than contract clauses. "Apparently, a Nextel race is the World Series or Super Bowl of that sport," he said. "Many members of the local community are fans who have a great interest in having such a race occur locally." (Cincinnati Enquirer)

• Stewart honored by House of Representatives: on Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution from U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel of Indiana recognizing #20-Tony Stewart for his 2005 Nextel Cup championship. Sodrel, who sponsored the resolution, was joined by other members of the Indiana delegation – Reps. Mike Pence, Dan Burton, Mark Soder, John Hostettler and Julia Carson – as co-sponsors. House Resolution 587 passed unanimously. Sodrel represents Indiana’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Stewart’s hometown – and current residence – of Columbus. “I am proud to honor Mr. Tony Stewart for all of his accomplishments in NASCAR and the world of motorsports by bringing this resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives,” Sodrel said. “Hoosiers and racing fans around the world are proud of Tony and his team and we look forward to his continued success.” The resolution cites Stewart for his five 2005 wins, his two series titles in seven seasons, his eight other auto racing championships, his top-10 ranking in each of his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup seasons and particularly his Aug. 7 victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard). Following that win, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels awarded Stewart the state’s highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash, on Aug. 29. (NASCAR PR)

• Talladega to be repaved: Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that the legendary Alabama racetrack is set to be repaved for the first time since 1979, and the project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2006 UAW-Ford 500, race four in next year’s Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. The project will include complete asphalt repaving of the 2.66-mile tri-oval track, apron and pit road. A portable asphalt plant will be mobilized to the site in December of this year, and on-site work will begin in February, when trial batches of the asphalt pavement will be produced and asphalt test strips will be constructed on superspeedway property. Engineers are expected to begin formulation of asphalt mix designs and designing the required equipment modifications in December. The repaving project will begin immediately following the April 28-30, 2006 Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega. “Twenty-six years has certainly been a long time to go without necessitating a project this extensive, so there is no question that the time has come for us to repave. It will ensure that Talladega Superspeedway continues to uphold its reputation for the most exciting, most competitive racing throughout the entire NASCAR circuit for years to come,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch. “If our track history is any indication, it will increase the level of competitiveness. The first race held here after our last repaving project was one of the most exciting on the record books.” This will be the fourth paving project for Talladega Superspeedway, with the first being the actual construction of the track for its opening in September 1969, which was followed by a repaving project completed in time for the 1970 season. The third and most recent paving was completed at the conclusion of the 1979 racing season. When drivers tested and practiced on the new surface prior to the May 4, 1980 race, they gave it rave reviews - - pointing out how the new, smooth surface greatly enhanced drafting and overall handling ability. The result was one of the most exciting races and dramatic finishes yet at the still-young superspeedway. A dozen drivers swapped the lead 40 times, and Buddy Baker took his fourth Talladega Superspeedway victory in that event, winning by just three feet after crossing the line side-by-side with Dale Earnhardt. (Talladega Superspeedway PR)

Dec. 14, 2005:

• Champion Stewart visits GM Plant: Tony Stewart, the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion, visited the GM Arlington Assembly Plant this afternoon to help build a 2007 Chevy Tahoe. Stewart visited the Texas plant to perform several jobs in the general assembly process and meet with GM employees that work on the various lines. Plans are in development for the final Tahoe that Stewart drives off the line be used at several promotional events and eventually be auctioned off for charity. Stewart's visit to the plant today helped kick off Arlington production of the 2007 Chevy Tahoe. The new Tahoe will be available in dealer showrooms beginning in January. (GM Racing PR)

Dec.. 13, 2005:

• Earnhardt, Jr. & NASCAR among top searched terms and athletes:   AOL Search today announced the year's top searches based on the topics that received the highest volume of online queries on AOLSearch.com (http://www.aolsearch.com/), the AOL.com portal (http://www.aol.com/) and the AOL service during 2005. "Millions of people search online through AOL Search for a wide spectrum of things, but there are those terms that are looked-up more frequently than others," said Jim Riesenbach, senior vice president of AOL Search and Directional Media. "From news and people that grab attention to popular products and common queries, the most searched for topics online during 2005 are a reflection of what was top of mind or what people wanted to find more information about." "Lottery" emerged as the most searched word in 2005, followed by "horoscopes" (no. 2) and "tattoos" (no. 3). New search terms that emerged in 2005 include the addictive puzzle "Sudoku," the irregular minting of the new "Wisconsin Quarter" and the global music event "Live 8."  Top Words: 1) Lottery; 2) Horoscopes; 3) Tattoos; 4) Lyrics; 5) Ringtones; 6) IRS; 7) Jokes; 8) American Idol; 9) Hairstyles; 10) NASCAR. Top Athletes: 1) Danica Patrick; 2) Lance Armstrong; 3) Serena Williams; 4) Eddie Guerrero; 5) John Cena; 6) Maria Sharapova; 7) Derek Jeter; 8) Anna Kournikova; 9) Jackie Robinson; 10) Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (AOL) Find what's hot on AOL in 2005 review.

• Group looking to reopen Wilkesboro: A grass-roots group is lobbying to return racing to North Wilkesboro Speedway, but a $12 million price tag might be too steep for Wilkes County. That's the asking price of Bruton Smith and Bob Bahre, who own the former NASCAR track. A group calling itself Save the Speedway, which wants to bring racing back to the .625-mile oval, retired an online petition last week after gathering 4,582 signatures. Save the Speedway is led by Rob Marsden, a 24-year-old computer specialist from New York. "We feel we've got a full package," he said. "The only thing we seem to be lacking is the financing to make it happen." Marsden's group wants the county to buy the speedway, then lease it to them. County officials told the Winston-Salem Journal they cannot take on all the risk. (USA Today)

• Earnhardt at Sound & Speed Fest: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will participate in the Sound & Speed festival at Gaylord Entertainment Center (Nashville, TN) on Jan. 13-14. Earnhardt’s commitment was announced yesterday by organizers of the event. Top NASCAR drivers and country music entertainers will be on hand. Activities will be held at the GEC and County Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the latter of which will receive a portion of the proceeds. The remainder will go to the Victory Junction Gang Camp for children with life-threatening ailments. The camp was founded by the Petty family, and Kyle and Richard are among the drivers and racing personalities who will be here. Two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart has also agreed to appear. LeAnn Rimes, Keith Anderson and Montgomery Gentry are scheduled for a concert. In addition to the autograph sessions, other activities at Sound and  Speed include the display of the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series and Grand-Am show cars,  an exhibit of vintage cars, historic artifacts from racing and country music, interviews with both current and legendary stars of NASCAR and country  music, performances by country music's top up-and-comers and a concert finale. Tickets are available through TicketMaster. For details visit www.soundandspeed2006.com.

• Iowa Company to finance rest of Newton track: An Iowa-based construction company says it will guarantee the money needed to completed construction of the Iowa Speedway in Newton, a planned NASCAR-style racetrack. Newton Mayor Chaz Allen says the parent company of Manatt's Incorporated has offered to provide the funding. Manatt's officials say they've obtained financing through Wells Fargo Bank. They declined to say how much money they would be guaranteeing for the project. The city has been hesitant to begin building streets to the racetrack until it has assurances from the developers that financing is guaranteed to finish the track. Streets are estimated to cost just under 14 (M) million dollars. The federal government will pay for about half the cost and the city will borrow the rest. (WHO-TV)

Dec.. 12, 2005:

• Vegas start time set: The NASCAR Nextel Cup event will start at 12:05 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, March 12. Qualifying for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is set for Friday, March 10 at 3:40 p.m. The Busch cars will practice on Friday and there will be two Nextel Cup practice sessions on Saturday morning prior to Busch qualifying. Tickets are on sale for the NASCAR Weekend by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com. LVMS also had a limited number of three-day pit passes, pre-race activities passes and Lucky 7 parking passes available through its ticket office. (LVMS PR)

• Shepherd recipient  of NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award: NASCAR Nextel Cup veteran Morgan Shepherd has been named the fourth quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award. Shepherd, who made his first Cup start in 1970, has four career victories in 511 Cup starts, and has competed for the past several seasons with much less financial backing than most Cup teams. But it is his efforts off the race track that have earned the 64-year-old Shepherd recognition among the membership of the NMPA. The Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund, now in its 19th season, began as a program to assist the needy and handicapped living in the Virginia mountains. Each year Shepherd headlines a trip throughout that region that includes stops to assist more than 300 people. That trip often includes several prominent NASCAR figures taking part along with Shepherd. "We're carrying friends, presents and hope for these people," Shepherd said. "Besides a donation, hopefully a large donation, to the PARC Workshop (a non-profit organization that teaches job skills to the handicapped), we are delighted to have a chance to meet with old and new friends, and to show the love of Christ to these folks." Other fourth-quarter nominees for the award included the Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports and Nextel Cup driver Kasey Kahne. The NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each quarter during the year the NMPA names a winner of the Spirit Award. And in January, the NMPA and Pocono International Raceway honor the four winners and select a national winner at the annual NMPA convention. Michael and Buffy Waltrip won the 2005 first-quarter award, Jeff Gordon was named the second-quarter winner and the NASCAR community as a whole was named the third-quarter recipient. (NMPA PR)

• Neuenberger planning eight cup races: Donnie Neuenberger and Austin Cox, Jr. announce the creation of their new company AD Motorsports, Inc. AD Motorsports is based in Salisbury Maryland. Donnie Neuenberger takes his Maryland base operations to join those of Austin Cox to form AD Motorsports. Donnie has managed his 13 year race career from Maryland and will continue to do so in this next chapter of NASCAR racing. In 2000 Neuenberger stepped up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series working with Rick Ware of Ware Racing of Thomasville, NC. 2006 has Neuenberger and Ware together again in the NASCAR Sprint / Nextel Cup Series. Ware Racing has been participating in the Nextel Cup level racing over the past two years. Neuenberger will begin the 2006 schedule participating in the Daytona speed weeks activities including the Twin 150’s as part of the Daytona 500 race events. An eight (8) race schedule in the NASCAR Sprint / Nextel series will include 2 races at Daytona, Dover, Texas and Talladega. Super speedways are where Neuenberger has had his best results while participating in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series and most recently the NASCAR Busch series. Neuenberger has competed in the NASCAR Busch series the past three (3) years. “The opportunity to step up into the Sprint / Nextel Cup series is exciting and as a racer achieving a life long goal to compete at the premier level. I look forward to Austin “Skip” Cox joining forces with DGN Racing creating AD Motorsports to make this happen. We look forward to an exciting and successful year in 2006.” ………Donnie Neuenberger “Having spent many years at the race track it is with great excitement and expectation to join Donnie in the forming of AD Motorsports. We are stepping up into the Sprint / Nextel Cup series looking forward to our successful race journey.” ……..Austin “Skip” Cox, Jr. Stepping up into the NASCAR Sprint / Nextel Cup series will include three long time sponsors of Neuenberger’s. Bay Area Goodyear Tires owned by Craig Arch will continue support. Bay Area Goodyear Tire has seven stores in Maryland and in the Cayman Islands. BG Products Maryland distributor owned by Corky Crovato will also continue to support the Sprint / Nextel team as an associate. Plan B Technologies owned by Donnie Downs and Curtis Eshelman continue associate sponsorship. President and CEO Donnie Downs leads the Information Technology Engineering Company which is also Maryland based. 2005 had Austin Cox Mechanical as a sponsor of our Busch Series car and this year will continue to do so in addition to the partnership relationship of AD Motorsports. For more information about Donnie Neuenberger and AD Motorsports visit our website www.ad-motorsports.com. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact AD-Motorsports at 410-334-6707 for details. (AD Motorsports, Inc. PR)

Dec.. 11, 2005:

• Earnhardt, Jr. fine after minor surgery: From Fingerprint/Jade Gruss Blog: I'm no doctor. And I don't play one on TV. But everyone can take a deep breath and step away from the ledge. Despite some panicked e-mails claiming otherwise, Junior does not have any fractures of his right or left arm. He had a minor procedure done to remove calcium build-up in his wrist. It's a chronic condition he's had for several years, and apparently decided to have it taken care of Friday morning. If anything serious were to happen - we'd let you know about it.

• McSwain Promoted, Hyder new crew chief for #21: Former crew chief Michael “Fatback” McSwain has been promoted to the position of Race Director for all of the teams under the Wood Brothers Racing/ST Motorsports/Wood Brothers/JTG Racing umbrella. And, David Hyder has been hired as crew chief for the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Fusion and driver Kenny Schrader. The announcement was made today by WBR co-owner Eddie Wood. “This was just the logical progression of events,” said Wood. “Hyder was Kenny Schrader’s crew chief in 2004, and they had a good thing going there. We wanted to keep the relationship between Kenny and David in tact. And at the same time, we are giving Fatback the title that goes with the work he has been doing in getting the Truck, Busch and Cup teams under one roof and ready for competition next year. He has coordinated the move to our new location while maintaining a leadership role in the fabrication and engineering of all of our racecars and trucks. These changes will just strengthen our Little Debbie/Motorcraft/US Air Force team in 2006.” David Hyder comes to the Wood Brothers operation after working with Schrader as crew chief at Bam Racing for over a year. Before that he was with the Petty Enterprises where he served as car chief for both the #43 and #45 Nextel Cup cars. The High Point, North Carolina native has a history in racing that spans close to 25 years. For 17 years he raced late model stock cars including stints in Hooters Pro Cup and the All Pro Series. “I am so pleased to be able to continue the working relationship Kenny and I started at BAM,” stated Hyder. And, I’m looking forward to working Eddie, Len, Fatback and everybody at Wood Brothers Racing. This is really a win – win situation for me.” (Ford Racing PR)

Dec.. 10, 2005:

• Chilli Bowl includes Kahne and Stewart:  The Bowl season is nearly upon us and that can mean only one thing: it's time to take a look at the pre-entries for the upcoming 20th Annual O'Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, which will take place at Tulsa Expo Raceway on Wednesday through Saturday, January 11-14, 2006. The complete list of entries is available at www.chilibowl.com/2006cbentries.asp. The entry list for the 20th edition of the Chili Bowl, which includes 229 entries from 26 different states, reads like a veritable "Who's Who" of auto racing with top drivers from all disciplines of racing. Among those headlining the list of entries are NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart, NASCAR star Kasey Kahne, 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser, four-time Chili Bowl winner Sammy Swindell, two-time Chili Bowl champions Cory Kruseman and Dan Boorse, and defending Chili Bowl winner Tracy Hines. With 229 entries already submitted, it is expected that last year's record count of 249 competitors will be easily eclipsed. One-third of the entrants will compete on Wednesday night, January 11, with the second-third on Thursday night and the final third on Friday night. Qualifying night results will determine the Saturday, January 14, Chili Bowl championship feature lineups. Reserved seating for all four nights of the event was depleted in mid-October. Pit passes for all four nights do remain however. Four-night pit pass vouchers are available by contacting the O'Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals ticket office at 918-838-3777. Those unable to attend the event can listen to all the action unfold live via the Internet at www.racinboys.com. Additional information regarding the O'Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is available at www.chilibowl.com or by calling 918-838-3777.

Dec.. 9, 2005:

• Gordon says he was OKd to miss banquet: In his first public comments since being criticized by NASCAR for failing to attend the year-ending Awards Gala, four-time Cup champ Jeff Gordon fired back Friday, saying NASCAR gave its blessing for Gordon to skip the dinner at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria so he could compete in an all-star race in Paris the following day. Gordon—who was in the Big Apple Friday for a promotional appearance—said that NASCAR initially had no problem with him missing the Champions Week festivities.  “I was in a unique situation where I was 13th or 14th in points, got invited to go over to Paris for that event [the Race of Champions], which I missed out on last year,” Gordon told the Press in an exclusive interview. “I agreed to go, not expecting to be at the banquet for 11th or any other position. And when the conflict came up, I talked to the higher-ups in NASCAR, and they told me, ‘Hey, we understand. You’ve got a commitment and you can’t be here this year.’” Since instituting the top-10 Chase for the Championship two seasons ago, the 11th-place driver has been recognized at the Awards Gala as the highest finishing non-Chase competitor. Gordon’s comments Friday sharply contradict those of NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, who said Tuesday that that the sanctioning body was “extremely disappointed” in Gordon, along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and other non-Chase drivers who failed to show.  “I’m pretty disappointed in some of the things that were said,” Gordon said. “I understand that they want to get as many drivers there [as possible], and being a past champion, I want to be there as the champion. But I also want to be there to accept any award that I can.” (Long Island Press)

• New Crew Chief for Busch and #2: Penske Racing South announced today that Roy McCauley will become the crew chief of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge effective immediately. McCauley replaces Larry Carter who will move to a management role within Penske Racing South's operations division. "I am pleased to announce these changes to our racing organization," Roger Penske said. "Roy brings a wealth of technical and engineering experience to the #2 team. Roy and Kurt will be a great team and when you combine them with Ryan Newman and Matt Borland, we are looking forward to building on our recent successes. I want to thank Larry Carter for his contributions as crew chief with the #2 team. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Rusty into 'The Chase' this season. Whereas Matt and Roy will focus on the competition side of our business, Larry will bring a wealth of experience to an important management role within the operations of Penske Racing." The moves of Carter and McCauley were made along with other personnel changes at Penske Racing South as the company prepares its two NEXTEL Cup teams for the 2006 season. (Penske Racing South PR)

• SMI sees new television package positive: Speedway Motorsports, Inc.  reacted positively to the details of NASCAR's new eight year, approximately $4.48 billion television package that was announced Wednesday. The agreements run from 2007 through 2014 and provide for the broadcast rights of 36 NEXTEL Cup races and the Busch and Craftsman Truck series events. We understand Fox, ABC/ESPN, TNT and SPEED Channel will carry the events for an average annual rights fee of approximately $560 million - a 40% increase over the current average. The remaining details about the transaction are still under negotiation. "I am excited to see the 40% increase that comes with this new TV deal," said SMI Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith. "In an era where ratings are decreasing for most major league sports and competition is fierce for viewers, this shows the strong and growing value of NASCAR." "This is a positive development for our company and our industry. The 40% increase is a signal that our sport continues to grow. Increased broadcast exposure will increase our marketing opportunities and help us win more fans," said SMI president and chief operating officer H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler. "I'm real happy with the increase of 40% over the current broadcast contracts. A large percentage of our revenues through 2014 will be already contracted. Racing fans will be able to see two thirds of NEXTEL Cup series events on network television with the remaining events on cable. The Busch and Truck series events gain additional exposure as well. Overall, this deal underscores the expanding popularity of the sport." (SMI PR)

Dec.. 8, 2005:

• Kvapil Permitted To Pursue Other Teams: With the recent decision by Penske-Jasper Racing and Eastman Kodak Company to not field the No. 77 Kodak Dodge in the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season, 2005 rookie Travis Kvapil is permitted to seek other driving opportunities. “I want to thank Travis for what he has provided to Penske-Jasper Racing during this year,” said Roger Penske. “Travis is a talented driver and an excellent ambassador for our team and our sponsors. While it is unfortunate that we will not field the Kodak Dodge in 2006, I am confident that Travis will find the opportunity to drive another car next year.” Kodak, which will continue as an associate sponsor with the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, intends to re-enter the No. 77 Kodak Dodge in the 2007 NEXTEL Cup season. (Penske Racing South PR)

Dec.. 7, 2005:

• NASCAR Television Package announced: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced the completion of comprehensive broadcast agreements that will benefit the industry and its fans for years to come. Under the new eight year agreements NASCAR races will be broadcast on a combination of networks that includes FOX, SPEED, Turner’s TNT and ABC/ESPN beginning in 2007. “NASCAR’s new network agreements mark a historic moment for the entire NASCAR community,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “This is a major accomplishment for the NASCAR drivers, teams and track operators that have made this sport what it is today. It represents a significant reward for the competitive side-by-side racing our fans have come to expect. It also validates the marketing and production enhancements our current media partners have brought to the sport. The new broadcast partnership is also good for the fans because they will have so much more NASCAR content from a variety of media and new media sources." “NASCAR is proud to continue its relationship with FOX, SPEED and TNT, while welcoming back ABC/ESPN into the family of broadcasters,” said NASCAR Vice President Dick Glover. “By signing deals with three of the largest and best media companies in the world, NASCAR will meet the growing nationwide fan demand for more NASCAR content into the next decade,” Glover said. NASCAR expands its relationship with News Corp as FOX becomes the official home of the Daytona 500. FOX - FOX’s broadcast agreements for the NFL Playoffs, the Super Bowl, the Bowl Championship Series and American Idol provide an excellent opportunity for cross promotion around the Daytona 500 held each year in mid-February. The deal also includes a brand-new comprehensive multi-media distribution program which includes Internet, wireless and broadband platforms. “FOX is extremely excited to extend its relationship with NASCAR for another eight years, and come 2007 be known as the official television home of the Daytona 500, by far the most watched auto race in this country,” said FOX Sports President Ed Goren. “Our production team has done an amazing job over the last five years to put NASCAR broadcasts on par with America's most popular sports, and we look forward to pushing the production envelope further as we move forward.”
  
  SPEED - SPEED will increase NASCAR programming as the continuing exclusive home for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as well as the new home for the Gatorade Duels, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series All-Star Challenge.
  
  TNT - NASCAR looks forward to continued great exposure and coverage of the sport from TNT, which will be entering its 22nd year with NASCAR, the longest continuous relationship of any media company with the sport. TNT will broadcast six consecutive races in the middle of the season including the July 4th weekend extravaganza, the Pepsi 400 from Daytona.
  
  ABC/ESPN - ABC and ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage of NASCAR on their numerous outlets. The final 17 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN with the last 10, the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, on ABC. All NASCAR Busch Series races will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN 2. In addition, ESPN will bring NASCAR coverage to its full suite of media including its cable TV networks, ESPN360, Mobile ESPN, ESPN.com and affiliated international networks throughout the world. “This agreement totally embraces NASCAR’s multimedia future,” said George Bodenheimer, ESPN Inc. and ABC Sports president and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks. “NASCAR is a strong and growing property, and the ESPN of the 21st century – an array of new media platforms and content outlets reaching fans wherever and however they consume sports – will take the sport to even higher levels of exposure and growth. ABC Sports first exposed sports fans to the racing excitement of NASCAR in the 1960s, and ESPN and the sport grew up together in the 1980s and ‘90s. Our tradition is rich, and our future is bright. To NASCAR, its drivers and fans we say, ‘Welcome back.” “NASCAR thanks NBC for its stellar coverage and commitment to the sport for the past five years and looks forward to another great year in 2006,” Glover concluded.
  
  Under the Agreement
  Beginning in 2007, each NASCAR season will be launched on FOX with the telecast of the Daytona 500. FOX will also carry NASCAR “Speedweeks” events including the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona Pole Qualifying. FOX will also broadcast the 12 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races following the Daytona 500.
  
  TNT will broadcast six consecutive NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races (races 14 through 19).
  
  The final 17 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points races will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN. The final 10 races, the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, will be broadcast on ABC. The NASCAR Busch Series will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN 2, with no less than four events on ABC.
  
  SPEED will be home to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with the exception of two events, which will be broadcast by FOX.
  
  NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series qualifying practice and “happy hours” will be broadcast on a combination of SPEED Channel, ESPN and ESPN2.
  
  SPEED will broadcast the Gatorade Duels held each year during “Speedweeks” to determine part of the Daytona 500 starting order.
  
  SPEED will also broadcast the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series All-Star Challenge and its companion all-star event, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge.
  ESPN will launch specially NASCAR-branded news and information programming.
  
  All broadcast partners will have new interactive rights, special “season preview” and “season end review” programming rights and other ancillary content. NASCAR fans will be able to receive NASCAR coverage from an expanded range of outlets including highlights and live streaming, content from and on each network’s Web pages, datacasts and newly-developed multimedia programming. (NASCAR Media Services)

• NASCAR disappointed with Earnhardt, Gordon and others: NASCAR officials are “extremely disappointed” in Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other drivers who failed to attend the season-ending awards ceremonies. “It was very disappointing to NASCAR and the entire industry that drivers did not show up for various awards,” spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday. “It shows a lack of respect for the history and tradition of the sport.” NASCAR president Mike Helton plans to speak with the drivers who failed to attend last week’s ceremonies in New York, Hunter said. The sanctioning body also is considering ways to ensure future attendance. NASCAR has held its season-ending ceremonies in New York the past 25 years, handing out numerous awards during a weeklong celebration capped by a black-tie banquet in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria. Gordon, who finished 11th in the standings, skipped the banquet because he was in Paris preparing to compete in the Race of Champions all-star event. Actor Will Ferrell, pretending to be Gordon, accepted the $1,075,386 payout — which included a $250,000 bonus for finishing 11th — on Gordon’s behalf. Gordon’s absence was glaring because under NASCAR’s new points system the 11th-place driver is awarded a spot at the banquet as a reward for being the highest finishing driver outside of the Chase for the championship. (MSNBC.com)

• NASCAR to be honored at Annual Urban Wheels Award:  On Wheels, Incorporated, publisher of African Americans On Wheels, Latinos On Wheels, and the soon-to-be-launched Asians On Wheels magazines will honor NASCAR at the Tenth Annual Urban Wheel Awards as the inaugural recipient of the Diversity in Motorsports Award. Mike Helton, NASCAR's president, will attend the Urban Wheel Awards to receive the honor. "A lot of people are not aware of the many great diversity oriented things happening at NASCAR," says Randi Payton, president and CEO of On Wheels, Incorporated, producer of the Urban Wheel Awards. "NASCAR has operated its many diversity initiatives under the radar for quite a while." The Tenth Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. More than 2,500 automotive industry executives, media, political and community leaders are expected to attend the ceremony, which is being held in conjunction with press preview week for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The program benefits the Edward Davis Education Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) 3 that provides scholarship support for students of color pursuing careers in the automotive industry. Sinbad, acclaimed actor and comedian will serve as master of ceremonies. An independent panel of judges comprised of well-known journalists will select the UWA winners in the following categories: Company of the Year, African-American Executive of the Year, Asian-American Executive of the Year, Latino Executive of the Year, Minority Supplier of the Year, Urban Truck of the Year and Urban Car of the Year. (On Wheels, Inc)

• Earnhardt, Jr. and Fantasy Racing:  ISC Interactive has launched Dale Jr. Reality Cup Racing, an online NASCAR fantasy racing game that will take the green flag in 2006. The game partners with NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. and offers fans a chance to win prizes. Among the prizes that will be awarded to game winners are race weekend tickets, travel accommodations, merchandise and cash. The season will conclude with an awards banquet at Daytona International Speedway, featuring an appearance by Earnhardt and other industry celebrities.  Potential interactive racers can register at www.realitycupracing.com.

• FL. OKs first hurdle for NASCAR tags: A proposed NASCAR license plate completed its first legislative lap with no crashes Tuesday, receiving nearly unanimous approval in three committees. If approved, money from plate sales would help Daytona Beach lure a NASCAR Hall of Fame to the racing town. A decision from NASCAR on where a Hall of Fame should be built is expected early next year. Officials trying to bring it to Daytona say they have a strong commitment of private money, but that the creation of a license plate to provide additional money would show NASCAR there is broader support. "The thing that we absolutely do need is to show we have state support," said Sen. Evelyn Lynn, a Republican from Ormond Beach, before the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved the bill. A design for the plate has not yet been chosen. Florida already has about 90 different plates supporting various groups, schools, sports teams and causes. Some critics say that is far too many.

• McReynolds wins Gold Medal: Legendary NASCAR crew chief and popular television commentator Larry McReynolds has won a gold medal for his book, How to Become a Winning Crew Chief. The award was presented during the International Automotive Media Awards (IAMA), held at the famous Sardi's restaurant in New York City. McReynolds shares his medal with co-author, Jeff Huneycutt. "For this book to win an award in motorsports publishing far exceeds my expectations," McReynolds said. "It's quite an honor to have the book recognized by the IAMA and judged over similar books of this type. The most rewarding part of being involved in writing the book is this kind of feedback, and knowing from readers that the book has made an impact on them and helped their racing." Publisher David Bull said, "I'm proud that Larry and Jeff's work has been honored with the gold medal. It's a great reflection of the quality of the information they've provided and the indispensable help it offers to racers." "How to Become a Winning Crew Chief" is on bookstore shelves, or you may order your own autographed copy from www.DWStore.com.

• Finley to serve as Waltrip's Crew Chief:  Bill Davis Racing Tuesday confirmed Derrick Finley would switch teams within the organization and serve as crew chief for Michael Waltrip and the No. 55 NAPA Auto Parts Dodge crew. Along with Finley, the majority of the crewmembers who worked on the No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge with former BDR driver Scott Wimmer in 2005 will move to the No. 55 team. "Derrick has done a good job with the No. 22 car this year," Davis said. "Putting him and his experienced group of guys with Michael is going to make the entire transition back into a two-car team easier for all of us. "Derrick is a very intelligent individual and a hard worker. I am confident he, Michael and the rest of the guys have what it takes to get the No. 55 NAPA car up front." Earlier this year, BDR entered into a partnership with Waltrip and NAPA to field a second team in 2006. Davis announced last Thursday Dave Blaney had returned to his racing organization to drive the No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, with Kevin Hamlin joining him as crew chief. Next season will be the first time since 2003 that Davis has fielded two full-time NASCAR Nextel Cup teams. "I'm really looking forward to having two teams," Finley said. "Having Blaney and Hamlin's input is going to be valuable. I've known Hamlin for a long time. We'll work well together (and) it's a big help to be able to take most of my guys with me. (BDR)

• Parrott named Bobby Labonte's Crew Chief: Nextel Cup Series champion Todd Parrott has been named crew chief for the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team and driver Bobby Labonte. Robbie Loomis, Executive Vice President of Operations and a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion himself, made the announcement. "While few can match him in knowledge and strategy, no one can match Todd Parrott when it comes to the desire to win," Loomis said. "Working together with Paul Andrews (crew chief for Kyle Petty's #45 Dodge and a former NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion) and the talent we have here, we feel we have the ingredients to return Petty Enterprises to victory lane." Greg Steadman, who had been serving as crew chief for the #43, has been named Competition Director for Petty Enterprises and is involved with both race teams. "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be a part of Petty Enterprises," Parrott said. "I've been a fan of Richard Petty since I could talk, and one of the most exciting times of my life is when my dad (Buddy Parrott) was crew chief for Richard. When I see the people who are coming into the organization and how hard everyone is working to get Petty Enterprises back to the top, I can't help but be excited to be a part of that," Parrott continued. "Robbie Loomis, Bobby Labonte . . . these guys are coming here for one reason, and that's to win." Parrott, 41, is a native of Charlotte, N.C. Winner of the 1999 NASCAR Nextel Cup championship with driver Dale Jarrett, Parrott begins his 12th year as a leader of NASCAR race teams in 2006. He grew up in the sport and began working on race cars when just 14 years old, developing into one of the top mechanical and strategy-minded names in motorsports. (Williams Company PR)

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