Feb. 13 - Feb. 20, 2006

The News Below

• Hendrick won't appeal suspension

• Daytona cracks down on scalpers

• Jimmie Johnson wins Daytona 500

• France comments on Helton remarks

• Suspended Knaus keeps in contact with #48 team

• Shelmerdine no sponsors or crew sign yet

• B. Labonte in Intrepid for Cali. race

• Lester couple Cup attempts in 2006?

• Nadeau update

• Dale Earnhardt Candle-light Tribute Ceremony

• Childress on #3

• Yates wants cheaters banned

• Hendrick wants Knuas to sign long-term deal

• Miller Awaits Budweiser's answer to Challenge

• France looking at tweaking points system, more points for winner

• Extended USA Today NASCAR coverage

• TBC brands joins as associate and primary sponsors for Petty

• NASCAR looking to move headquarters to NC.?

• Shelmerdine and Valvoline for 500 sponsor?

• Subway increases Biffle #16 sponsorship

• New bumper for 'Dega?

• Darlington offers fans Daytona special

• More on Knaus and Hendrick rumors

• Marlin to race backup car

• US Olympic snowboarders to serve as Honorary starters of Daytona 500

• Chevy to unveil new Chevy Racing ads

• Green adds associate sponsor

• Georgia looking for money for Atlanta NASCAR HoF bid

• NASCAR to use different scoring system in 2007?

• Petty fined $45,000 in 2004 by Dodge

• NBC Actor James Caan Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500

• Sundance Vacations sponsor Cope & McGlynn Racing

• Ferrell to serve as spokesperson of NASCAR Day 2006

• Betters like Dale Jr. in Daytona 500 odds

• NASCAR to enforce no "bump-zone"

• Teresa doesn't believe #3 will return to the track

• No appeal for Knaus?

• #31 Burton engine legal

• NASCAR Testing at Kentucky Speedway

• Hendrick Motorsports response

• Johnson's Crew Chief Knaus ejected from Daytona Speedweeks after failing inspection

• Stewart meets with NASCAR Officials and discusses 'bump drafting' with media

• J. Johnson, Terry Labonte fails inspection

• Knaus Suspension?

Find Updated NASCAR News 24hrs a day. at the GNEXT NASCAR Articles Section

Preseason Top 15: Checkout GNEXTINC.com's Gilbert's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup preseason top 15, including a former Champion's surge back to the top.

Feb. 20, 2006:

• Johnson car inducted into Daytona USA: Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team were reunited with their Daytona 500-winning No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo at DAYTONA USA on Monday morning for the Eckrich Champion’s Breakfast. After celebrating his first Daytona 500 victory on Sunday night, Johnson, owner Rick Hendrick and substitute crew chief Darian Grubb were up bright and early to induct the winning racing machine into DAYTONA USA. The No. 48 car will rest inside Gatorade Victory Lane at DAYTONA USA for the next 364 days and will be returned to the team before the start of the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2007. “It’s slowing sinking in,” said Johnson, who earned $1,505,124 in winnings. “Last night, I had the pleasure of hanging out with all of my guys. Channy and I were reminiscing on a few things. It’s just amazing to me to be in this position to win this race and how much it means to my career. I think over the next couple of days and really the next couple of years, it’ll really sink in what this race means to me and how big it is and what it means for my career. (DIS)

• Hendrick won't appeal suspension: Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said Monday morning that barring unforeseen circumstances, the organization would not appeal what they feel is a certain NASCAR suspension of crew chief Chad Knaus. Knaus was sent away from Daytona International Speedway and Speedweeks 2006 two Sundays ago after Hendrick's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet failed its post-qualifying inspection.  NASCAR officials said they would not issue any further penalties until this week, following last Sunday's Daytona 500 -- which Knaus' driver Jimmie Johnson won, giving Hendrick his sixth career Daytona 500 victory. "We don't plan to appeal anything," Hendrick said during a media gathering following the induction of the No. 48 Chevrolet into Gatorade Victory Lane at Daytona USA. "We're leaving the door open [because] if [the penalty] is something wild and crazy, we would surely be open for [an appeal]. "We want to get on with life. It was hard on the team and the sponsors, so [moving on] is the way we'd rather do it." (NASCAR.com)

• Daytona cracks down on scalpers: Scalpers hovering around Daytona International Speedway found themselves to be the target of a sting conducted by Daytona Beach police this past weekend, authorities said. Undercover officers arrested 14 people for peddling tickets along International Speedway Boulevard said Sgt. James Newcomb, of the Daytona Beach Police Department. The ticket hawkers were arrested and brought to the county jail after they sold tickets to undercover officers who posed as race fans looking for a good seat. The most expensive ticket bought was $150 more than the retail value, Newcomb said. Anyone who offers or sells a ticket for more than $1 above the retail price is charged with the resale of an amusement ticket, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines or 60 days in jail. Buyers don't face any penalties because it isn't illegal to purchase a scalped ticket. (News-Journal)

Feb. 19, 2006:

• Jimmie Johnson wins Daytona 500: Maybe Jimmie Johnson didn't need to cheat to win his first Daytona 500. Johnson won a two-lap shootout Sunday to claim the victory, capping a roller-coaster week that saw NASCAR kick his crew chief out of competition for cheating. Johnson had a strong car when he arrived at Daytona International Speedway 10 days ago, and posted the fifth-fastest time in time trials. But when NASCAR gave his Chevrolet a careful once-over, inspectors discovered that Chad Knaus had made an illegal modification. Knaus was sent home, seemingly spoiling Johnson's shot to win The Great American Race. Not on this Sunday. "I knew deep down inside my heart that this team could still win this race," Johnson said in Victory Lane. "There's no doubt that not having Chad here was a huge handicap, but everybody stepped up. I am just so proud of this team." (ABC News - Results - Points)

• France comments on Helton remarks: NASCAR chairman Brian France said he has not talked to series president Mike Helton about recent comments Helton made that referred to NASCAR's "Southeastern redneck heritage." NASCAR announced Feb. 8 in Washington, D.C., a plan to boost diversity by working with historically black universities. Helton was among those who spoke that day. The Associated Press quoted Helton as saying: "We believe strongly that the old Southeastern redneck heritage that we had is no longer in existence. But we also realize that there's going to have to be an effort on our part to convince others to understand that." France met with reporters Friday for the first time during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway and was asked about Helton's comments. France defended Helton. "I didn't hear Mike's comment in any context, how he said it," France said. "I haven't even talked to him about it. I know what he meant. I've been meeting with him every week. I know exactly what he means when he talks about the regional stereotype and how he's like all of us working to get past that. (News-Record)

• Suspended Knaus keeps in contact with #48 team:  Since Knaus went home, NASCAR has approved the Hendrick Motorsports crew chief's post-practice telephone and e-mail communication with his team and Johnson in preparation for the 500. Johnson's interim crew chief at the speedway is Darian Grubbs. The No. 48 Chevy was 18th on the list of fast times during Saturday's final practice, at 190.670 mph or 47.202 seconds —.555 seconds slower than Ken Schrader's top lap of 46.708 seconds. "He's been a No. 48 guy from the beginning," Johnson said of Grubbs. "When we can talk to Chad at night on the telephone, we're all talking the same language. I know the big challenge is going to be the races following — once we figure out how many races Chad is suspended for. We definitely anticipate Fontana (next weekend's race in California) being that way." The team has adjusted to communicating with Knaus from four states away. Johnson, though, would prefer his 500 didn't play out this way. "We talk at night and work on a game plan for the next day and work on that test matrix, if you will," Johnson said, "and come back and have a conference call the next evening and talk about what worked and what didn't. It's definitely a different way of working on a race car. I've never been through it and certainly hope we're never in this position again." (Palm Beach Post)

• Shelmerdine no sponsors or crew sign yet: {Kirk} Shelmerdine is staying in a rented motor coach in the Turn 2 area of the track and not in the secured area where the other drivers' high-dollar mansions on wheels are parked. "I am always optimistic even though I probably shouldn't be," Shelmerdine said. "Sometimes when you go through the long dry spells you kind of forget what it is that brings you here. It's nice to get refreshed and remember why we're here." He said he hadn't been approached by anyone trying to buy his slot in the field. "I've sacrificed an awful lot and put up with an awful lot," he said. "There's not a very long list of names of the people who've raced in the 500. I am not really sure that's for sale." (Mercury News)

• B. Labonte in Intrepid for Cali. race: Bobby Labonte will drive the 2004 Dodge Intrepid instead of the Charger in next week's Nextel Cup race at California. "Bobby came straight out of the Chevy into the Dodge camp,'' said Labonte's teammate/owner Kyle Petty. "He's not run a downforce Dodge car. So he's going to give us an honest assessment of where the Intrepid is compared to where the Monte Carlo is.  "For us, we feel it's a great opportunity for us to be able to use a driver of his caliber and say this is what it is.'' The Charger has been the topic of controversy since it was re-introduced to NASCAR last season. Dodge owners contend the nose creates an aerodynamic disadvantage on intermediate tracks such as California. (NASCAR.com)

• Lester couple Cup attempts in 2006? Car owner Bill Davis said his team might have a sponsor in place to give Bill Lester a ride in selected Cup races this season. Lester could make his first career Cup start at Atlanta next month. If so, he would become the first African American to start a Cup race since Willy T. Ribbs started three races in 1986. (News-Record)

• Nadeau update: Jerry Nadeau, who's been largely absent since the crash at Richmond in May of 2003 that ended his driving career, has been hired as a consultant for the new Clay Andrews Racing team and driver David Gilliland in the Busch Series. (Mercury News)

Feb. 18, 2006:

We remember #3 Dale Earnhardt Forever... 5 Years Ago today we lost the Intimidator.

• Dale Earnhardt Candle-light Tribute Ceremony: Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is once again asking fans to remember Dale Earnhardt on Saturday, February 18. Tribute plans are set for both Mooresville  and Daytona. A beautiful candle-light tribute will be held outside DEI’s headquarters in Mooresville, NC from 6-8 pm on Saturday, February 18. That evening, DEI’s building will be closed and illuminated with candles. Commemorative decals will be distributed to all in attendance. DEI’s gates will remain open until midnight for those that cannot attend between 6 and 8 pm, but still want to pay tribute to the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Fans that cannot attend the ceremony at DEI are encouraged to light a candle in remembrance at home that evening. In Daytona, all NASCAR Busch Series cars will carry a commemorative decal during their race on Saturday. Additionally, on lap three of Saturday’s Busch race, fans will be encouraged to stand and proudly display three fingers. (Dale Earnhardt Inc.)

• Childress on #3: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress said he agrees with Teresa Earnhardt and hopes NASCAR will retire Dale Earnhardt's No. 3. NASCAR never has retired a number. (Dallas Morning News)

• Yates wants cheaters banned: Veteran NASCAR car owner Robert Yates said Friday that if Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief Chad Knaus was found guilty of deliberate and flagrant cheating by NASCAR that he should be banished from the sport for life. If Knaus merely skirted the rules, Yates added, than probation would be the appropriate punishment. “If what he did, there was language in the rules about not doing that particular thing, then he ought to go race the Talladega Short Track the rest of his life,” Yates said of Knaus. “If the (NASCAR rule book) language covered that area … gone. Just gone forever, because that’s just stealing.” “If (what Knaus was caught with) was a hydraulic system, or a little winch that pulls a cable so the rear-end housing … pulls his body down, outta here, outta from now on. That’s a device. That’s clear,” Yates said. “If it was a creation that was not covered by the language or intent, then I think he needs to be on probation for a while.” (SPEED)

• Hendrick wants Knuas to sign long-term deal: Run-ins between crew chief Chad Knaus and NASCAR, including his ejection from Sunday's Daytona 500, haven't interrupted plans to renegotiate a long-term deal with Hendrick Motorsports.  Team owner Rick Hendrick said he hopes to have a new deal with Knaus, who has two years left on his current contract, before the end of the season. "We want him. He wants us. Lowe's is happy. Life is good,'' Hendrick said. "He's been a big influence in our whole organization. This has been a little bump in the road, but we're putting it behind us and moving on.'' NASCAR ejected Knaus from Speedweeks on Monday for illegally rigging a device to create an aerodynamic advantage in the rear window of Jimmie Johnson's car during qualifying. Officials told NASCAR.COM that Knaus likely will be suspended for one or two more races. "This hasn't influenced either one of us,'' Hendrick said. "We're right where we were. This has been a hiccup, but we haven't lost our focus and we're ready to move on.'' (NASCAR.com)

• Miller Awaits Budweiser's answer to Challenge: Miller Brewing Company is offering Anheuser-Busch one last chance to show that it is up to the NASCAR challenge Miller issued Friday morning. Budweiser still has until noon (Eastern) tomorrow to change its decision to back away from the friendly wager. Comments and polls on a variety of racing web sites show an overwhelming interest by NASCAR fans in this challenge. “We’re surprised that A-B doesn’t seem as certain about their team’s success, but we hope they’ll reconsider because there are so many NASCAR fans who would enjoy watching this wager unfold,” said Miller’s chief marketing officer Tom Long. “We assumed the folks at Budweiser would have more confidence in their driver’s performance, especially given that so many experts and fans expect Dale Junior and his team to be so strong this season.” The challenge from Miller is simple: Kurt will finish ahead of Earnhardt Jr. in the final 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season standings. The terms of the friendly wager: The losing sponsor must change the paint scheme on its car to match the winning brand’s car for one Nextel Cup Series points-paying race next year. Budweiser has until the start of Sunday’s season-opening race to accept the Miller challenge. “My team and I definitely appreciate this great show of support from Miller Lite,” Kurt said. “We thought this challenge would give the fans a little something extra to get excited about this year. Both teams are focused on doing everything they can to win races and win the championship this year, and that’s what this wager is all about. I hope Dale’s sponsor will rethink their decision before the race tomorrow. This would be great for the sport and its fans.” (Tom Roberts/Miller PR)

• France looking at tweaking points system, more points for winner: NASCAR chairman Brian France said that NASCAR is considering changing the points system to allow more points for winning. (Dallas Morning News)

Feb. 17, 2006:

• Extended USA Today NASCAR coverage: USA TODAY Sports Weekly adds NASCAR to its ongoing coverage with the NASCAR season preview issue which hits newsstands today. The addition of NASCAR coverage opens the magazine's pages to three of the most popular sports in America -- baseball, professional football, and NASCAR. Featured in this week's edition: * A preview of the Daytona 500. * 10 Things to watch this NASCAR season. * The legacy of Dale Earnhardt. * A colorful graphic of all the 2006 cars. * A diary from Reed Sorenson, the youngest driver in the Nextel Cup chase. * An introduction to NASCAR fantasy. * Full 2006 NASCAR schedule. ( USA Today Sports Weekly PR)

• TBC brands joins as associate and primary sponsors for Petty: The names of TBC Corp.'s Tire Kingdom, Merchant's Tire & Auto Centers and National Tire & Battery properties will appear on NASCAR driver Kyle Petty's #45 Dodge at various races this year. "We believe that involvement with NASCAR is a natural progression in our marketing efforts," says Bob Crostarosa, TBC's vice president of marketing. "TBC (has) reached an agreement with the Petty race team that presents the Tire Kingdom brand as the primary sponsor of the car driven by Kyle Petty for the Darlington, S.C., race on May 13, and for the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Race in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 14," say TBC officials. "The car will carry the Merchant’s Tire & Auto Centers logo for the Richmond race on May 6 and the National Tire & Battery logo in Atlanta on March 19. Additionally, the three brands will be identified as associate sponsors throughout 2006 for all other Nextel Cup races." (moderntiredealer.com)

• NASCAR looking to move headquarters to NC.? Might NASCAR be moving its headquarters from Daytona Beach, Fla., to Concord? That's the speculation here, with NASCAR buying more land in the Concord area, where it already has a significant presence, with its research-and-development center. Any such NASCAR move could be related to its plans for a Hall of Fame near Charlotte. (Winston Salem Journal)

• Shelmerdine and Valvoline for 500 sponsor? Thursday night, as Shelmerdine continued a massive effort to control his emotions, that #27 Chevrolet looked like a Rolls Royce. Beginning today, it might as well be. A few decent sponsors, and at least one prominent one (Valvoline, which bankrolls Scott Riggs' #10 car), might be ready to deal for a little logo placement in Sunday's big show. "The quarterpanels are open," said Shelmerdine, who smiled broadly and added, "the price has gone up." (Daytona Beach News Journal)

• Subway increases Biffle #16 sponsorship: Subway Restaurants will heighten sponsorship efforts with #16-Greg Biffle of Roush Racing in its third year of team sponsorship. Subway restaurants made its first Nextel Cup Series appearance as a team sponsor in 2001. Today, Subway restaurants are set to be the primary sponsor of the #16 National Guard/Subway Ford Fusion at 11 Nextel Cup Series races in 2006, including two entitlement races. The Subway Fresh 500 will take place at Phoenix International Raceway on April 22 and the Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 22. For more information about the Subway restaurant chain, visit subway.com. (PR Newswire)

• New bumper for 'Dega? NASCAR is working on a new front bumper for its race cars it hopes will be ready by the April race at Talladega. The bumper would be softer and deprive the drivers of the ability to bump or slam draft without harming the bumper and the car's aerodynamics. (Florida Today)

• Darlington offers fans Daytona special: The 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season has finally arrived. On Sunday, February 19, the eyes of race fans all over the world will be focused on the state of Florida and racing’s premier event, the Daytona 500. Darlington Raceway is offering a special one-day-only deal to celebrate the opening of the season at Daytona. Fans who purchase any grandstand ticket to the 2006 Dodge Charger 500, coming up Saturday, May 13 at the track “Too Tough To Tame,” will receive a free pre-race pit pass. The pre-race pit pass allows access to the pit road area until one hour before the start of the race. This offer is valid only on Sunday, February 19 – race day at Daytona. Ticket prices for the Dodge Charger 500 start at $45. Fans can purchase their tickets and receive their free pre-race pit passes by calling toll-free at 866.459.RACE (7223), or by visiting www.racetickets.com, on Sunday, February 19. Only 12 weeks remain until racing returns to NASCAR’s original superspeedway. The Dodge Charger 500 weekend at Darlington Raceway will once again feature flag-to-flag racing under the lights. Activities will include practice and qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series on Friday, May 12, followed by the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR Busch Series race that evening. Matt Kenseth won the event in 2005. On Saturday, May 13, Darlington will host Cup Series racing for the 57th consecutive year. The 2006 Dodge Charger 500 will be run under the lights in its entirety. Greg Biffle is the defending champion. Tickets for all events are on sale now. For more information, call the Raceway ticket hotline toll-free at 866.459.RACE, or log onto to www.racetickets.com. (Darlington Raceway PR)

• More on Knaus and Hendrick rumors: Daytona’s most ridiculous rumor was that Knaus got himself kicked out of the Daytona 500 because he’s trying to get fired from his job at Hendrick Motorsports so he can go back to work for his old boss, Ray Evernham. Not only is the rumor untrue, it is patently absurd. Knaus worked for Evernham twice, once as one of Jeff Gordon’s original “Rainbow Warriors,” the second time very briefly after Evernham formed his own team. After that, the two split for good, perhaps because their personalities are so similar. Don’t expect them to work together again any time soon. (Speed Channel)

• Marlin to race backup car: What looked to be a very successful run at Daytona International Speedway for Sterling Marlin turned into a nightmare when an incident under caution damaged the #14 Waste Management Chevy, forcing the team to a backup car for Sunday's Daytona 500. Marlin showed a strong performance in Thursday's first of two Gatorade Duel 150-mile qualifying races, starting eighth and running as high as fourth several times. Then on Lap 58 of 60, the caution flag waved, setting up a green-white-checkered restart. As Marlin followed the field across thestart-finish line for the final caution lap, he was caught off guard as several other racecars slowed to avoid debris and the result was a wrecked racecar. By going to a backup car he will be forced to start the Daytona 500 from the rear of the field.(MB2 Motorsports PR)

• US Olympic snowboarders to serve as Honorary starters of Daytona 500: Olympic snowboard medalists Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler, who led the United States to a 1-2 finish in the women’s halfpipe, have been named Co-Honorary Starters for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 (NBC 2:30 p.m. ET) at historic Daytona International Speedway. Hannah Teter, a native of Belmont, Vt., captured the Gold Medal in the halfpipe competition in her Olympic debut at the 2006 Torino Games. Teter has been one of the world's best halfpipe riders the past few years winning the 2004 Winter X Games, the 2004 Grand Prix and taking bronze at the 2005 Worlds. Gretchen Bleiler, also making her Olympic debut, took the silver in the halfpipe. In 2005, the Aspen, Colo., resident returned from a torn ACL injury to win the X Games, Gravity Games, U.S. Open and a World Cup at the Olympic pipe at Bardonecchia. Leading up to the Olympics, Bleiler was the 2006 U.S. Grand Prix Champion, winning four of the five events that determined the Olympic team. “We’re proud to have two decorated Olympians wave the green flag for the Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. “The NASCAR community is proud of all of our Olympians and we’re honored to have Hannah and Gretchen get this prestigious motorsports event underway.” Teter and Bleiler continue to the tradition of high-profile celebrities, politicians and athletes that have served as Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500. Actor Ashton Kutcher waved the green flag for the 2005 Daytona 500 and comedian Whoopi Goldberg started the 2004 edition of “The Great American Race.” Singer Mariah Carey sang the National Anthem and served as the Honorary Starter for the 2003 Daytona 500. (Daytona International Speedway PR)

• Chevy to unveil new Chevy Racing ads: Chevy Racing celebrates its successes on the track with the launch of a new comprehensive advertising campaign by Deutsch Los Angeles. Touting an impressive win record of "25 of the last 33 Manufacturers' Cup Championships" and more than any other manufacturer, the television work includes a tongue-in-cheek look at Chevy's dominance in one of the country's most popular and dynamic sports. The campaign establishes "Team Chevy" - an exclusive club uniting some of NASCAR's most notable drivers and their supremacy driving Chevy's Monte Carlo SS race car. Chevy retains its tagline "An American Revolution," yet takes its advertising to a new level, adding a bit of humor with the executions. The first spot, "Toast," centers on racing superstars Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart, celebrating a handful of recent Team Chevy victories. As they recap their wins, they end with a twist on the classic NASCAR victory celebration of spraying champagne into the crowd - they casually pour their champagne over their heads. Team Chevy's long-standing domination of racing provides the irony for the second TV spot in the campaign. Entitled "Office," it shows Chevy's Racing Director, Terry, desperately searching for a place to display the latest spoils from NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart. Searching high and low in display cases, hallways, cubicles, offices and even drawers, he finds that every last square inch of the office is covered in trophies. Well, almost... "Chevy Racing is all about a passion for racing and winning and that excitement extends to our vehicle lineup, which is now America's No. 1-selling automotive brand," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. "Deutsch found a simple, clear way to deliver that message with a couple of great humorous twists." The campaign breaks on February 19 during the Daytona 500 on NBC, and television spots will air nationally on NBC and Fox. Print executions will appear in USA Today and in racing program guides. Outdoor elements will be seen at Daytona 500 and web elements will appear on sites including "Yahoo! Fantasy Racing." (GM Racing Communications)

Feb. 16, 2006:

• Green adds associate sponsor: Best Buy Haas CNC Racing and SanDisk Corporation announced that SanDisk has signed on as an associate sponsor of the #66 Chevy, driven by Jeff Green. SanDisk, the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage products, will have its logo displayed on the quarter panels of the #66 Best Buy Chevy throughout the 2006 season. In addition, the SanDisk sponsorship will be highlighted on team uniforms, trailers and merchandising items. SanDisk will also have a presence in the Best Buy Fun Zone Technology vehicle, a mobile unit featuring interactive technology displays that will make appearances at select races. The SanDisk logo will appear on the #66 Best Buy Chevy in the Feb. 16 Gatorade Duel 150 event, and the Feb. 19 Daytona 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Daytona International Speedway. (GMR/Best Buy Racing PR)

• Georgia looking for money for Atlanta NASCAR HoF bid: Georgia lawmakers are trying to win NASCAR's hall of fame for downtown Atlanta with millions of new dollars from Dale Earnhardt license plates and airport rental cars. Leaders in Georgia's House will soon introduce legislation to shift additional money to the hall of fame project from Georgia's new NASCAR license plate and Atlanta's 10-year-old rental car tax. This would be on top of the $32 million in public incentives already on the table. The added money will help the local bid team seal a deal with NASCAR in a hall of fame race that could be Atlanta's to lose, said state Rep. Mark Burkhalter (R-Alpharetta), the No. 2 man in the House who's become the attraction's point man under the Gold Dome. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Feb. 15, 2006:

• NASCAR to use different scoring system in 2007? NASCAR will likely use an outside vendor for its timing and scoring in 2007. Swiss watchmaker Tissot entered into a partnership as NASCAR's "official timekeeper" to develop a new timing system that could be implemented in 2007. "We'll test some of their products," NASCAR vice president of corporate marketing Steve Phelps said. "If that works out well, and we think they can improve the timing of NASCAR, they will be our timing and scoring partner starting in 2007." Tissot is currently the official timekeeper of the MotoGP World Championship. And Omega, a corporate cousin to Tissot, does timing for the Olympics. Currently, NASCAR uses software from a Dutch company, AMB i.t., to time qualifying and races.(NASCAR Scene Daily)

• Wednesday Practice 1 Complete: Daytona 500 third practice session has completed, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #8 Budweiser, Chevrolet was the fastest. Followed by Matt Kenseth, Roush Racing Ford, trailed #8 Budweiser -0.044 secs.  Speed or Next Race page

• Petty fined $45,000 in 2004 by Dodge: Dodge fined {Kyle] Petty $45,000 when the veteran relieved Harvick in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol in August 2004. Harvick complained that he had lost feeling in his left arm and Petty, a Dodge driver, took over for Harvick in the RCR Chevrolet. Petty, whose car was already out of the race, did not have permission from Dodge to drive the Chevy, and Dodge promptly fined him for breaching their contract. Dodge didn't announce the fine, but it was revealed in depositions released during their recently completed trial involving Bill Davis Racing. "Initially it was a shock just because that's just a given in the sport - if a driver is down, everybody rallies and tries to help him out," Petty said Feb. 11. "Kevin was sick; Kevin felt bad, so I drove the car. When I got a phone call and a legal letter that said I owed them $45,000, that was a little bit of a shock. But at the same time, they were exactly right. I have a contract to drive for Dodge." Dodge Motorsports Director of Operations John Fernandez said Feb. 10 that he believed Petty's violation of their contract was inadvertent but that the manufacturer must protect the sanctity of its contracts. (NASCAR Scene Daily)

• NBC Actor James Caan Named Grand Marshal For Daytona 500: Actor James Caan, star of the NBC hit drama “Las Vegas,” has been named Grand Marshal for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 (NBC 1:30 p.m. ET pre-race coverage) at historic Daytona International Speedway. Caan, who garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role as Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather” and an Emmy nomination for his performance as football star Brian Piccolo in “Brian’s Song,” will give the starting command “Gentlemen, start your engines” in the premier motorsports event in the world. Caan, who also starred in popular films such as “Misery” and “Honeymoon in Vegas,” will also ride in one of the Daytona 500 pace cars ahead of the 43-car field. In Las Vegas, which will be moving to Friday nights on NBC at 9 p.m. beginning March 3, Caan stars as Ed Deline, the head of a surveillance team of a casino. On Monday, Feb 6, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Driver Jimmie Johnson had a major guest starring role on the show, playing himself. “We’re proud to have James Caan serve as Grand Marshal and deliver the starting command for the Daytona 500 in front of thousands of race fans and millions more watching on television,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Attracting an accomplished actor such as James Caan continues the tradition of high-profile actors, athletes and politicians that have kicked off the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.” Caan received a Best Actor Award from the Sebastian Film festival for his performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rain People,” as well as the Actor of the Year honor from the National Associate of Theater Owners for “The Gambler.” Actor Matthew McConaughey delivered the starting command for the 2005 Daytona 500 and President George W. Bush and Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck served as the Co-Grand Marshals for the 2004 with Bush giving the starting command. Past Daytona 500 Grand Marshals also include actor John Travolta, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. Tickets for Speedweeks 2006 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. (DIS PR)

• Sundance Vacations sponsor Cope & McGlynn Racing: McGlynn Racing announced today that Sundance Vacations will co-sponsor the Derrike Cope driven NASCAR Nextel Cup Dodge for the Daytona 500 on February 19th. Sundance Vacations will be featured on the car and on the team uniforms. Sundance Vacations will also be featured as a Primary sponsor for three races this season, the first at Dover (June 4), Pocono (June 11) as well as the race at Chicagoland Speedway (July9). Sundance Vacations is a wholesale travel company headquartered in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania that operates offices nationwide. "We experienced exceptional results from our limited team sponsorship last year," explains company President, John Dowd. "We are looking forward to even better results from a full season sponsorship of the Derrike Cope Dodge. We believe in sports and event marketing. We are involved with a variety of venues including a sponsorship at the Wachovia Center which includes the 76ers and the Flyers but a NASCAR Nextel Cup sponsorship is really the pinnacle. "You don't get that kind of exposure from any other sport," continued John. The company has always had an impressive growth rate since its inception in 1991. Partnering with the McGlynn NASCAR Nextel Cup team last year helped contribute to a 60% growth in sales. "With our product clients can vacation in great resort destinations for a fraction of the retail price. It's a simple wholesale business model. We buy in bulk and pass the savings on to our customers," explains Mr. Dowd. Sundance Vacations is negotiating with the team and former Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope to outline the details for a full season sponsorship. When the agreement is finalized, Sundance will join My Guardian 911 as co-sponsor for the season. Further details will be released when available. "I'm thrilled to have Sundance Vacations back with us in 2006, " said Ray McGlynn, owner of McGlynn Racing. "We've enjoyed a great relationship with John Dowd and his group at Sundance Vacations since they came on with us last year and we look forward to making 2006 even brighter. (McGlynn Racing PR)

Feb. 14, 2006:

• Ferrell to serve as spokesperson of NASCAR Day 2006: he National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Foundation today announced that Will Ferrell, star of Columbia Pictures’ upcoming NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, will serve as the official spokesman for NASCAR Day 2006. Set for Friday, May 19, NASCAR Day celebrates the spirit of NASCAR by encouraging fans to get their NASCAR Day lapel pins, which will be available in exchange for a $5 donation at www.NASCAR.com/foundation along with their favorite NASCAR apparel. As part of his role as official spokesman, Ferrell will appear in a new ad campaign promoting NASCAR Day for the newly-formed NASCAR Foundation. The commercial will premiere on February 19 during NBC’s telecast of the Daytona 500 and will continue to air during NASCAR race telecasts through NASCAR Day on May 19. (More)

• Betters like Dale Jr. in Daytona 500 odds: Just days away from the biggest race of the year, NASCAR fans are envisioning Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the podium in Florida. He is the runaway choice with 15.3% of all bettors' wagers backing him to repeat his 2004 victory. The odds makers' favorite is three time Daytona 500 winner and defending champion Jeff Gordon who has captured only 5.5% of wagers. "Everybody bets on NASCAR at sportsbook.com and our players have spoken," says Alex Czajkowski, Marketing Director, Sportsbook.com. "If betting sentiment is any indication it should be a great season. There are a lot of elite drivers in the running, from Gordon and Earnhardt Jr. to Stewart and Johnson, it'll be interesting to see how the season shapes up and the Daytona 500 is the first big test." Tony Stewart topped the NASCAR leader board in 2005 and posts 5-1 odds to take the race The Daytona International Speedway. Stewart has received 11.1% of wagers, second to Earnhardt Jr. (Sportingbet PLC PR)

• NASCAR to enforce no "bump-zone": NASCAR will begin policing "bump-drafting" during the qualifying races for the Daytona 500, a change that probably will be met with apprehension from drivers and teams. Nextel Cup officials said Tuesday that spotters located in turns at Daytona International Speedway will feed information to NASCAR, which will then determine whether to penalize cars in Sunday's season-opening race. The decision came two days after defending series champion Tony Stewart ripped the use of bump drafting banging into another car to gain momentum for a pass in superspeedway racing and warned that drivers could be hurt or killed if something is not done. NASCAR responded quickly, with vice president of competition Robin Pemberton and Nextel Cup director John Darby outlining a plan Tuesday to begin policing the bump drafting in Thursday's two 150-mile qualifying races for Sunday's Daytona 500.  (ABC News)

• Teresa doesn't believe #3 will return to the track: Teresa Earnhardt doesn't believe anyone -- including her stepson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- will bring the No. 3 the late Dale Earnhardt made famous back to Cup racing. "Contrary to popular belief, everyone cannot be replaced," Teresa Earnhardt said. "Legends live on forever. I don't think the No. 3 will ever be driven by anyone else." The rare public comment from Teresa Earnhardt comes from a one-hour television show, "NASCAR Five Years Later," that will air tonight on Speed Channel. The show, which will air at 8 p.m. as part of Speed's 70-plus hours of Daytona Speedweeks coverage, looks at the reaction to Dale Earnhardt's death in a crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and the impact it has had on the sport. Teresa Earnhardt has declined virtually every interview request since her husband's death. Speed Channel provided the advance quotation from tonight's show to the Observer. (Charlotte Observer)

• No appeal for Knaus? Chad Knaus, the crew chief for Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet, has been ejected for the remainder of SpeedWeeks and will not be allowed to participate in any further Daytona 500 activities. Knaus cannot appeal the deci-sion, and Darian Grubb, the lead engineer for Johnson and Jeff Gordon's teams, will assume Knaus' duties at the track in preparation for Sunday's race. This is the seventh time Knaus has been fined and/or suspended by NASCAR for infractions on one of his cars. The first two came in 2001 when he was working on Stacy Compton's car. The other five have come with Johnson. He has been fined a total of $74,250, and this is the third suspension he will serve. Knaus also was suspended two races and fined $35,000 last March at Las Vegas when Johnson's race-winning car was found to be too low. He appealed the suspension, and NASCAR overturned it but put him on 90 days probation and kept the fine and the 25-point docking. In September at Dover, Johnson's car failed postrace inspection but later passed on a second attempt. NASCAR did not punish the team but did rewrite a rule about shock absorbers that Knaus had found a way to work around. (Richmond Times Dispatch)

• #31 Burton engine legal: Rumors about the legality of the engine in Jeff Burton's pole-winning No. 31 Chevrolet circulated the garage area Sunday evening. But Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of communications, said the technical inspection found zero violations -- "none, whatsoever" -- in the Richard Childress Racing power plant that put up the top lap of 189.151 mph. Burton deferred to the engine shop at RCR, saying he had little to do with the hot lap in his Monte Carlo. (Star-Telegram)

• NASCAR Testing at Kentucky Speedway: Today's testing at Kentucky Speedway will include, Ryan Newman's No. 12 Alltel Dodge, Penske South Racing; Travis Kvapil's No. 32 Tide Chevrolet, PPI Motorsports;  Robby Gordon's No. 7 Menard's Chevrolet, Robby Gordon Motorsports. Find more at Kentucky Speedway.

Feb. 13, 2006:

• Hendrick Motorsports response: Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick today responded to NASCAR sanctions levied against crew chief Chad Knaus following Sunday's Daytona 500 post-qualifying inspection at Daytona International Speedway. "We understand NASCAR's position," Hendrick said. "Our expectations for the team remain high. It's a deep, championship-caliber group and they'll step up this weekend." Darian Grubb, lead engineer for the #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams, will immediately assume Knaus' at-track duties in preparation for the Feb. 19 Daytona 500. "It's obviously disappointing to miss the biggest race of the year, but I'm confident in Darian and the rest of my teammates," Knaus said. "There's been a lot of effort put into the Daytona 500 and I know the team will be successful with the support they'll receive from the entire organization." (Hendrick Motorsports PR)

• Johnson's Crew Chief Knaus ejected from Daytona Speedweeks after failing inspection: NASCAR announced today that NASCAR Nextel Cup Series crew chief Chad Knaus has been ejected from any further participation in 2006 Daytona 500 activities as a result of a rules infraction discovered following pole qualifying runs Sunday. Knaus is the crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson. NASCAR said the 48 car failed post-qualifying template inspection in the rear window area. The qualifying time posted by the 48 was disallowed and Johnson will have to start at the rear of the field in the first of two 150-mile qualifying races Thursday. The qualifying time of the No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte was also disallowed. NASCAR officials said an unapproved carburetor was found on the 96 car. Labonte will also have to start from the rear of the field in Thursday’s qualifying races. Additional penalties for both cars will be determined following the Daytona 500. (NASCAR PR)

• Stewart meets with NASCAR Officials and discusses 'bump drafting' with media: Two-time and defending NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart visited the NASCAR trailer after the race, where he met with series President Mike Helton and series tech officials John Darby, Gary Nelson. and Robin Pemberton to complain about the risks of bump drafting at Daytona. "I was watching TV and they were talking about another tribute to Dale Earnhardt," Stewart said Sunday night. "Five years from now we're probably going to have to do another tribute to another driver because we're going to kill somebody from Wednesday to Sunday," Stewart said. Drivers bump draft by running into the car directly ahead of them. The technique can give the lead car more speed, but it can also shove it out of the way, depending on the angle and force with which it’s struck. Stewart delivered impassioned pleas first to the media and then to NASCAR about the dangers of the technique, which nearly caused several major pileups in Sunday’s Budweiser Shootout. “I won’t use the word ‘eloquent,’ but he was very professional in making his argument,” NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter said of Stewart’s discussion in the trailer. (SPEEDTV.com)

• J. Johnson, Terry Labonte fails inspection: Jimmie Johnson and Terry Labonte had their Daytona 500 qualifying runs thrown out Sunday after their cars failed inspection. NASCAR officials said someone illegally altered the rear window on Johnson's Chevrolet after it passed through pre-qualifying inspection. The infraction was discovered when the car was presented after its qualifying run for a second inspection. Labonte's car was found to have illegal modifications to the carburetor. The two-time NASCAR champion is driving in the inaugural race for Hall of Fame Racing, the team owned by former NFL quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. "These were serious infractions," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. "I don't think we would disallow the times if this was not serious." The penalties are not that serious - for now. Both drivers will have to start from the rear of the field during Thursday's qualifying races. The outcome of those races determines the starting lineup for Sunday's season-opening Daytona 500. But Hunter left open the possibility of further penalties, including confiscation of the cars, suspension of the crew chiefs, monetary fines and maybe even a points deduction.  (AP/FOXSports.com)

• Knaus Suspension? #48 Crew chief Chad Knaus faces possible suspension for altering the height of the rear window in driver Jimmie Johnson's car before Sunday's qualifying for the Daytona 500. The biggest penalty could come as early as Monday against Knaus, according to a NASCAR source. According to the source, an instrument was placed inside the car that raised the rear window after it went through pre-qualifying inspection to provide an aerodynamic advantage. The height difference was discovered during a post-qualifying inspection and considered a flagrant attempt to gain a competitive advantage. (NASCAR.com)

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