NASCAR News May 7 - May 15, 2006

The News Below

• Lowe's and Jimmie Johnson extends with Hendrick through 2010

• Richert Wins WYPALL® Crew Chief of the Race Award

• Wheeler picks Edwards to win All-Star Challenge

• Andretti to race Indy 500?

• Richard Childress receives honorary degree

• Darlington back in 2007

• Greg Biffle edges Jeff Gordon to win Dodge Charger 500

• Doug Yates, reaction to Jarrett's departure to Toyota

• Waltrip/Jarrett make it Official, Jarrett in Toyota in '07

• Jarrett/Waltrip Announcement Today?

• Ford upset with lose of Jarrett

• NASCAR in Canada few signatures away

• Sad News, Darlington Raceway's Brasington passes sway

• MIS President to step down

• Kasey Kahne wins Dodge Charger 500 Pole

• ISC's France ask SI to keep it a democratic process

• Labbe offered resignation after penalty

• Sherman leaves BAM officially, starts own team

• Record purse for LMS for month of May

• Little Debbie launches NASCAR fan merchandise site

• Gossage denies rumors

• FX Richmond highest ever

• Tracey expected to announce deal, to keep him in Champ Car

• #29 Crew wins Checker's Drive-Thru Challenge

• All three S.I. Councilmember's against ISC proposal

• NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Line-up Announced

• ISC seeks zoning change in Kitsap

• Pocono Raceway to build resort

• Yates to appeal penalty

• Labbe suspended 3 races

• Eury Jr. Wins WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award

• Terry Labonte's final start at Darlington, and to be honored

• Jarrett's Crew Chief Labbe faces possible suspension

• Penske angry over USA Today article

• Evernham Motorsports names May 27, fan appreciation day

• Spark plug wire cost Kahne

• Big day for former Manchester High Alumnus in big league and NEXTEL Cup

• Roush Racing and NASCAR have talked about team downsizing

• NASCAR NYC Speedway operation shuffle

• Toyota Sponsorships worrisome to teams

• Mike Melton auctions off Harley for former Champion

• Dodge Dealers not happy with fees?

• Motorsports Seminar

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

May 15, 2006:

• Lowe's and Jimmie Johnson extends with Hendrick through 2010: Lowe’s Companies Inc. today announced a multi-year extension of its primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Under the new agreement, Lowe’s will continue its primary sponsorship of the No. 48 Chevrolet through the 2010 racing season. Johnson, 30, also signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that keeps him behind the wheel through 2010. Financial terms were not disclosed. “I’m with the best team and the best sponsor in the sport,” said Johnson, a native of El Cajon, Calif. “Since I started in Nextel Cup racing, my association with Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports has been absolutely incredible. I couldn’t be more proud of this relationship and look forward to continuing what we’ve started with the No. 48 Lowe’s team.” (Hendrick Motorsports PR)

• Richert Wins WYPALL® Crew Chief of the Race Award: Greg Biffle and his crew chief Doug Richert finally shook their spell of bad luck this weekend at Darlington Raceway. Biffle dominated the Dodge Charger 500, leading a race-high 170 laps before claiming his first Nextel Cup victory of the season. Biffle’s wining performance earned Richert the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. Although Biffle was up front for the majority of the event, on the second-to-last run, his car’s handling began to fade and relegated him to fourth-place before the final round of pit stops. Richert called Biffle into the pits earlier than the rest of the field for fresh tires, which moved him into the lead once the stops cycled around. The No. 16 National Guard Ford remained on point until the checkered flag. “I actually wanted to bring Greg (Biffle) in a few laps earlier than I did, but I was worried the caution might come out,” said Richert. “The way our luck has been going I thought that would happen for sure. But it all worked out.” A panel of voters; including a member of the local media, Tony Eury Sr. and a WYPALL® Wipers representative; all cast their vote for Richert as the crew chief who did the best job. “Pit strategy is so important at Darlington,” said Eury Sr. “Your tires wear out so fast here, so you want to have your car come in as soon as possible for fresh rubber. You’ve got to be careful not to come in too soon, though, or the caution could come out and trap you, but you can’t stay out too long either. If you do that, your car’s handling will go away and you’ll slide back. Doug (Richert) pitted at just the right time tonight. The fresh tires allowed him to pass the leaders under green and hold them off until the end. It was a great call.” For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, WYPALL® Wipers presented Richert $1,000. At the end of the season, the Nextel Cup crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Richert’s first Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him with Darian Grubb, Todd Berrier Chad Knaus and Roy McCauley for second-place in the Crew Chief of the Year standings. Robbie Reiser, Tony Eury Jr. and Kenny Francis are tied for first, each with one win. - (SMC 500 PR)

• Wheeler picks Edwards to win All-Star Challenge: The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge is a "super-sized" version of the Saturday night shootouts that take place each week at hundreds of short tracks across the nation. As a result, H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, thinks Carl Edwards, just four years removed from those rough-and-tumble short-track wars, will collect the $1 million prize Saturday night for winning the 22nd running of NASCAR's annual all-star spectacular. Wheeler named Edwards as his selection Monday during his annual pick-the-winner press conference in downtown Charlotte. Known for his promotional flair and Karnac-type ability, Wheeler has correctly picked the winner of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge 10 times in the past 17 races. "Carl Edwards is the epitome of the type of driver that can win a race like this," Wheeler said. "He came up on dirt running Saturday nights against some of the toughest, roughest guys in racing. He is long on courage and short on patience, and can drive a loose race car like (Dale) Earnhardt could. I've seen him save more sideways race cars than anybody in a long time." (MS PR)

May 14, 2006:

• Andretti to race Indy 500? Andretti, who drives fulltime in the Busch Series for ppc Racing was the first NASCAR driver to "do the double" when he raced in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in 1994.  While preparing for Friday night's Diamond Hill Plywood 200 Andretti was asked what circumstances would get him back in a car at Indianapolis. "Right now I keep mulling over some opportunities that are there even for this year," Andretti said with a smile. "I've got to make a decision pretty quick but I got to get through Darlington first." Two Andrettis are already at The Brickyard preparing for the 90th Indy 500 on May 28. Michael Andretti came out of retirement to join his son, Marco, as two of four Andretti Green Racing drivers attempting to qualify. (NASCAR.com)

• Richard Childress receives honorary degree: Championship NASCAR team owner Richard Childress will be awarded an honorary degree from the board of trustees of Davidson County Community College (DCCC) during tonight’s commencement ceremony on the school’s campus in Lexington, N.C. Childress’ wife, Judy, will accept the award as he will be busy directing his NASCAR Busch Series teams’ efforts in tonight’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. “I’m honored to receive this recognition from Davidson County Community College and I’m sorry I won’t be there to accept it in person,” said Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR). “Davidson County Community College provides its students with a great opportunity to continue their education and prepare for better jobs in the future. It’s also an honor to be rewarded at the same time as my friend Bob Timberlake.” Childress and Timberlake, a world renowned artist, are only the fourth and fifth community leaders to receive such recognition from DCCC. “Both Timberlake and Childress have generously given their time, talent and resources to better our community. My fellow trustees and I value their support, dedication, and concern for the people and businesses that make up our educational service area,” said Dr. Barbara Leonard who chairs the DCCC Board of Trustees. ( RCR Press Release)

May 13, 2006:

• Darlington back in 2007: Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning didn't have to wait nearly as long as last year to find out about his next race. Browning got the NASCAR sanctioning agreements in the mail Friday for 2007, guaranteeing more Nextel Cup racing at "The Track Too Tough To Tame.'' "So that was pretty cool,'' Browning said Saturday. Browning said the format will be the same as this year and take place on Mother's Day weekend with the Busch series' Diamond Hill Plywood 200 on Friday, May 11th, and the Nextel Cup's Dodge Charger 500 on Saturday, May 12th. (SI.com)

• Greg Biffle edges Jeff Gordon to win Dodge Charger 500: Greg Biffle finally snapped the streak of bad luck that has plagued his season, holding off a late charge from Jeff Gordon to win at Darlington Raceway on Saturday night. It was the first win of the season for Biffle, who had been unable to catch a single break all year. He led the most laps in three other races, only to see his shot at a win evaporate because of a wide-ranging batch of mishaps. He dominated in this one for his second straight Darlington victory, leading 170 of the 367 laps, but had to keep a close eye on Gordon in his rearview mirror. Gordon, a six-time Darlington winner who also was looking for his first victory of the season, used the final 25 laps to chip away at Biffle's lead. Gordon cut the margin down to just about a second over the final few laps and had a clear shot at running Biffle down with one to go. But he never could pull onto Biffle's rear bumper, and Biffle held on to beat him by two car lengths. (FOXSports.com - Results - Points)

• Doug Yates, reaction to Jarrett's departure to Toyota: Doug Yates, co-owner of Robert Yates Racing, reacted to the announcement that Dale Jarrett will be leaving the team after the 2006 season. Yates Reaction

• Waltrip/Jarrett make it Official, Jarrett in Toyota in '07:  Jarrett, 49, was officially named as one of Waltrip's drivers for next season when the Toyota Camry makes its debut in the Nextel Cup Series. Waltrip and Jarrett will be teammates on the two-car team of Michael Waltrip Racing. The move ends Jarrett's 12-year relationship with Robert Yates Racing, where 29 of his 32 career Cup victories came. Jarrett, who is 12th in points heading into Saturday's Dodge Charger 500 at Darlington, denied published reports that suggested that he was lured with an eight-figure salary and the promise of Toyota dealership options. "[There is] a lot of stuff out there that I came here because I was getting paid millions and millions of dollars and Toyota dealerships here and there, it is just funny to see what people think and how things get started," Jarrett said. "I know there is a value for some things that I have being a former champion, so all of those things added up to a lot. "The reason I am doing this is not about money. This is to help Michael. I told my wife that this was going to be one of the biggest things to happen in NASCAR, for a driver with a new manufacturer to start his own organization." Waltrip also said it had nothing to do with money.  Jarrett already has said that 2008 will be his final season behind the wheel, and last week at Richmond confirmed he has had discussions with ESPN about joining the network as a television analyst. ESPN will take a leading role in Cup coverage beginning in 2007. Jarrett has also reportedly expressed interest in team ownership or managment. A sponsor and a car number were not immediately announced, but Waltrip said that he had funding in place for his programs. Waltrip did not say whether Jarrett's current sponsor, UPS, would go along with him. (In part from NASCAR.com)

• Jarrett/Waltrip Announcement Today? Michael Waltrip Racing has scheduled an announcement Saturday at 1 p.m. Waltrip will debut a two-car Toyota team next season, and has been lobbying former Cup champion Dale Jarrett to drive for him. Jarrett, in the final year of his contract with Robert Yates Racing, said April 29 at Talladega that his decision would be made "in the next two or three weeks." (Post Courier)

• Ford upset with lose of Jarrett: Ford officials are none too pleased with the apparent loss of Dale Jarrett, who will announce his decision to join Michael Waltrip Racing later this weekend (check it out live on SPEED, Saturday morning at Noon ET). All but two of Jarrett's 32 career Cup wins have come behind the wheel of a blue-ovaled automobile, as did his 1999 Winston Cup title. In addition, Jarrett's father, Ned, won both of his Cup titles as a Ford factory driver, and Dale Jarrett Ford is one of the largest Ford dealerships in the country, located in Monroe, N.C. about one hour north of Darlington. (FOXSports.com)

• NASCAR in Canada few signatures away: Stock-car fans can prepare to book their seats in high-octane heaven - NASCAR is within a few signatures of coming to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2007. The renewal of a 10-year lease for racing on Ile Notre Dame, a contract between the city of Montreal and motorsport promoter Normand Legault, is the final turn to be negotiated, one that's expected to be rounded in the next couple of weeks. And when it is, Legault will announce that the NASCAR Busch Series will unleash 43 of its 3,400-pound Chevy, Ford and Dodge lookalikes for a fender-rubbing, paint-trading race on the Expo 67 island. "We think that NASCAR could be as big as Formula One in Montreal, but with a totally different crowd," Legault said last night. "Fans wouldn't be coming from Tokyo or Paris, as they do for F1, but from the U.S. and other parts of Canada. "This could be a huge event for Montreal. It would give us a tremendous window of visibility in the U.S., where NASCAR racing is one of the top television properties. "And we feel it's a new kind of entertainment we can offer Montrealers." It's no secret that NASCAR, North America's most popular and fastest-growing form of motorsport, has had expansion into Canada, and specifically Montreal, in its sights for some time. (Montreal Gazette)

• Sad News, Darlington Raceway's Brasington passes away: Harold Brasington Jr., the son of Darlington Raceway's founder, has died. The 63-year-old Brasington passed away Saturday, one week before the facility's Nextel Cup event. His survivors include four children, among them daughter Annie Brasington of Charleston. Brasington's father built the track in 1950, the same year it hosted NASCAR's first 500-mile event and first race on a paved track. Brasington Jr. spoke with the media in early April, when the facility's new grandstand was named in honor of his father, and said he would like to see the elder Brasington inducted into NASCAR's upcoming Hall of Fame. (Post Courier)

• MIS President to step down: International Speedway Corporation today announced W. Brett Shelton, President of Michigan International Speedway ("MIS"), will step down from his position at the end of the 2006 racing season at MIS. Roger A. Curtis, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for California Speedway, has been named as Shelton's replacement and will move to MIS to begin working on the transition immediately. "We are saddened to see such an outstanding employee like Brett leave our organization," said ISC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John R. Saunders. "He has made significant accomplishments during his nine years of loyal service to ISC, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. "We are fortunate to be able to tap a highly successful and motivated executive like Roger to take the helm at MIS. Roger is a creative and strategic leader with a long track record of success not only within our company, but in the motorsports industry. We look forward to a very smooth transition period over the next several months and the continued long-term success of MIS." "My wife Elisabeth, our son Blake and I have enjoyed our five, going on six seasons at MIS immensely which made this a difficult decision," said Shelton, who is planning to move his family back to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. "The fans at MIS are arguably the best in racing and we have a tremendous seasoned staff which should make the transition much easier. I've had a chance to work with Roger Curtis for a number of years during our time with ISC and I think he'll be a great fit for MIS." Curtis, 39, a Terre Haute, Indiana native, brings over 15 years of Motorsports experience to MIS and is looking forward to returning to his Midwest roots. To purchase tickets to events at MIS, or for more information, log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010. (MIS PR)

May 12, 2006:

• Kasey Kahne wins Dodge Charger 500 Pole: Kasey Kahne put his Dodge at the top of starting grid capturing the Dodge Charger 500 Bud Pole Award with a 29.096 sec. lap at 169.013 mph, followed by Ryan Newman 29.238 seconds at 168.192 mph, and a trio of rookies Clint Bowyer, David Stremme and Denny Hamlin in the top 5. Complete Starting Grid.

• ISC's France ask SI to keep it a democratic process: International Speedway Corp. has asked New York City Council members from Staten Island to avoid a "rush to judgment" over its proposed three-quarter mile race track in the borough. Staten Island representatives James Oddo and Andrew Lanza sent a letter May 8 to ISC board members that emphasized their strong opposition to the Proposal, and ISC President Lesa France Kennedy responded in a May 11 letter, stating that ISC wants to continue the public hearing process.  The first public hearing was halted because of an unruly crowd April 27. "Despite strong rhetoric in your letter, the process remains alive, and there is a long way to go before anything is decided," Kennedy wrote. "Any attempt to sever the democratic process would be unfair and send a chilling signal to any company seeking to do business on Staten Island."  (NASCAR Scene Daily)

• Labbe offered resignation after penalty: Richard "Slugger" Labbe, crew chief for Dale Jarrett's No. 88 Fords, said he offered to quit this week after he was penalized by NASCAR for an unapproved sway bar last weekend at Richmond, Va. Labbe said Yates would not accept his resignation. "He said we weren't going to do that because what I did was not a flagrant violation of the rule book," Labbe said Friday. "That's the way I feel. "I don't like the term 'cheater' because I don't think that's what we did. We worked hard to get an advantage because the competition is so strong. "There's not a crew chief in the garage that goes through inspection that's not sweating, either before the race or after the race. We're nervous about what we do because we push a lot of issues." NASCAR suspended Labbe four races and fined him $25,000 and stripped Jarrett of 25 points and car owner Robert Yates 25 points for the violation. Labbe is allowed to work until his appeal is heard on Wednesday. (Charlotte Observer/ThatsRacin.com)

• Sherman leaves BAM officially, starts own team: Brent Sherman's first lap around the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit has been a bumpy ride. But he thinks he knows how to fix his problems behind the wheel: by forming his own team. Sherman, 31, a St. Paul native living in Chicago, told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday that he has left BAM Racing's Nextel Cup team to form his own team, Sherman Racing. Sherman's team will spend the rest of the 2006 season on the ARCA RE/MAX Series circuit, with plans to try to qualify for Nextel Cup races July 9 in suburban Chicago and Nov. 12 near Phoenix. He hopes his new team can run a full Nextel Cup season in 2007. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

• Record purse for LMS for month of May: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers will battle for a record $6.4 million during the May 28 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway while total posted awards for the track's schedule of May events is more than $14.2 million. Six races will be run at Lowe's Motor Speedway and The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway between Friday night, May 19, and Sunday evening, May 28, and each carries a record purse with a total of $14,227,498 up for grabs. Already one of the richest races on the NASCAR circuit, the $6,432,681 in total awards for the Coca-Cola 600 is $153,032 more than was posted for last year's event and $2,095,632 more than competitors raced for in the 600-mile event just five years ago. "These are some impressive numbers as the prize money for our races continues to escalate, but money is only part of what these guys race for," said H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "I think we could pay nothing for the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and the racing would be just as furious." Competitors participating in the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and the NASCAR NEXTEL Open on Saturday night, May 20, will be competing for a record $4,200,450 with the Challenge winner guaranteed a minimum of $1,005,000. In addition to the posted prize money, $1,780,853 in television awards for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge will be distributed through the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Car/Champion Owner Program. NASCAR Busch Series drivers will compete for a record $1,227,316 during the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on Saturday night, May 27, and the Quaker Steak & Lube 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event on Friday night, May 19, adds $524,098 to the total prize money. (LMS PR)

May 11, 2006:

• Little Debbie launches NASCAR fan merchandise site: Little Debbie, in conjunction with the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing Team, announced the creation of their fan merchandise website featuring branded products from clothing to key chains. The site, now online, is registered as www.littledebbienascar.com. Featured products include Little Debbie race team apparel for men, women and children, and souvenir collectibles from key chains to a children’s No. 21 Little Debbie Ford Fusion authentic racing pedal car. “This is another way to connect with our fans in addition to our at-track offerings,” said Steve Vogt of McKee Foods, the parent company of Little Debbie. “Statistics have shown a steady climb in the number of e-commerce websites and their success at connecting with people’s purchasing decisions,” he added. In order to celebrate the kick-off of the site, www.littledebbienascar.com is offering three separate buyer-incentive programs to generate sales and create value-added benefits to their fan base. Incentives include a discount for volume orders, a Kenny Schrader autographed hero card for any order over $50 and a monthly “featured item”, in which a purchase leads to a free token gift. (Wood Brothers/JTG Racing Press Release)

• Gossage denies rumors: If and when a reunification between the IRL IndyCar Series and Champ Car World Series takes place, a key issue will be hiring a CEO. Indy Racing League founder Tony George and Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven likely will retain power as members of a board of directors. Like NASCAR's Brian France, there needs to be an open-wheel "czar," but Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage said Wednesday it won't be him. "It's flattering to be included on that list," said Gossage, referring to Internet rumors. "But I haven't been approached about it in two or three years. I'm perfectly happy and expect to be doing this 20 years from now." (Star-Telegram)

• FX Richmond highest ever: FX's official debut of regularly scheduled NASCAR NEXTEL CUP RACING earned a 3.5/7 (5.633 million viewers) for the Richmond 400 this past Saturday. That is up +3% over last year's 3.4/7 and ranks as FX's highest rating for the Richmond race ever. These are national figures that will not change. (FX PR)

• Tracey expected to announce deal, to keep him in Champ Car: Encouraged by the merger talks, Champ Car veteran Paul Tracy has decided to forgo a jump to NASCAR and will announce today in Houston a five-year extension of his contract at Forsythe Racing. Although he still believes he was wrongly declared the runner-up in a controversial finish to the 2002 Indy 500, Tracy said by phone from Houston that he would welcome a return if a merger happens.  (Indy Star)

• #29 Crew wins Checker's Drive-Thru Challenge: Kevin Harvick's race team scored its first win of the season in the weekly Checkers / Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition by spending the least amount of time on pit road in Saturday night's Nextel Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. The GM Goodwrench crew, which spent 164.225 seconds on pit road during the Crown Royal 400, helped propel its driver to a third-place finish in the event. Harvick also led the most laps, 272 of 400. "It was a great race for our entire GM Goodwrench crew," said Todd Berrier, crew chief for the No. 29 Chevrolet. "Our guys did an excellent job on pit road. We had good, clean, fast pit stops all night that helped keep Kevin up front." Harvick's over-the-wall crew consists of: Nick Terry (jackman), Josh Mick (front-tire carrier), Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Matt Krueter (rear-tire carrier), Clint Pittman (rear-tire changer), Brian Englehart (gasman), Scott Naset (catch can), Rick Tulbert (2nd gas can) and John Goodwin (eighth-man). The team's pit crew coach is Corrine Mauldin. The #29 Richard Childress Racing crew will be awarded the weekly $10,500 prize. A bonus of $105,000 will be presented by Checkers/Rally's to the team with the most pit crew challenge wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule. After 10 Nextel Cup races, the pit crews for Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Elliott Sadler are tied for first place in the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge standings with two wins each. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com. (DMF Communications PR)

• All three S.I. Councilmember's against ISC proposal: All three Staten Island Council members banded yesterday against a plan to build a NASCAR track on a former oil tank farm near the Goethals Bridge. Their united front could signal a flag of doom for the project, which would require City Council approval. Generally, the rest of the Council heeds the wishes of the affected borough's delegation. Democrat Michael McMahon announced yesterday that he wouldn't vote for the track and called it "finished." His two Republican colleagues - James Oddo and Andrew Lanza - also oppose the project. Meanwhile, Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) sent Mayor Bloomberg a letter urging him to take a closer look at the controversial NASCAR track proposal. But the project's lobbyist, Guy Molinari, insisted the $500 million plan to build a NASCAR track and a shopping plaza will move forward. "We want to take our case to the people," said Molinari, Staten Island's Republican kingmaker during long stints as borough president and a congressman. (New York Daily)

• NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Line-up Announced: Sprint Nextel announced today that rock groups Train and Red Hot Chili Peppers and perennial all-pro receiver Steve Smith will participate in pre-race festivities for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 20. "The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge is a high-energy event that starts well before the green flag waves," said Michael Robichaud, vice president of sports marketing for Sprint Nextel. "The pre-race atmosphere depends upon a talented and notable lineup of celebrity guests. We are pleased to announce some of the top names in music and sports to add to the pre-event celebration." Pat Monahan, lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning rock band Train, will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. Formed in 1994, Train is a multi-platinum band, whose hits include "Calling All Angels," "Drops of Jupiter," "Free" and "Meet Virginia." The group also will be performing a pre-race concert presented by Miller Lite. Warner Bros. Records artists Red Hot Chili Peppers will join the pre-race activities serving as Grand Marshals, which calls for them to give the famous command, "Gentleman, start your engines." In addition, the band will perform a live set, billed as the Red Hot Pit Stop, between the first and second segments of the 90-lap race. The group's latest album Stadium Arcadium, which features the hit single "Dani California," went on sale nationally May 9. STAR Motorsports' Steve Smith, a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, will serve as Honorary Starter by waving the green flag to start the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. (LMS PR)

May 10, 2006:

• ISC seeks zoning change in Kitsap: The company proposing to build a speedway in South Kitsap is asking county officials to include the racetrack site within the South Kitsap Industrial Area and to rezone the land to allow commercial projects.  But the land-use application submitted by International Speedway Corp. doesn’t mean the company is dead set on building a speedway in Kitsap, no matter what state officials decide on the proposed public-private funding package. "I don’t think it changes the fact that we continue to want to hear positive things from elected officials from the state of Washington about the project," said Grant Lynch, ISC vice president. ISC wants to build a speedway that could host NASCAR races on 976 acres of property in South Kitsap adjacent to the Mason County line. The company’s $345 million financial proposal calls on the state to authorize the issuance of $166 million in bonds, which would be repaid out of sales taxes collected in Kitsap, Mason and Pierce counties. Another $13 million would come from taxes on race tickets. The company would put up $166 million of its own money, as well as cover any cost overruns. (Kitsap Sun)

• Pocono Raceway to build resort: The owner of Pocono Raceway, who scrapped plans for a slot-machine casino near the track, said he now plans a $50 million resort to cater to racing fans in the summer and skiers in winter. "Raceway Village" would have up to 250 two-story rental units on 125 acres across Long Pond Road from the raceway, Joseph Mattioli told Tunkhannock Township supervisors at a work session. "The prices will be high," Mattioli said. He said the 1,200-square foot units will be designed to attract a well-heeled clientele wanting to stay a few days or a few weeks during NASCAR races at Pocono Raceway in June or July or during the ski season in the winter. (Centre Daily Time)

• Yates to appeal penalty: Car owner Robert Yates said that the violation wasn't intentional. "The wording of various rules in the NASCAR rulebook leaves them open for interpretation, as many teams have contested for years," Yates said in a statement. "Obviously, in this case, we interpreted the rules differently from NASCAR but because of the lack of a clear-cut understanding, on our part, we believe we have grounds for appeal and have started that process. "If the appeals committee believes otherwise, then we will accept those terms." The suspension means that Labbe, in his first season with Jarrett, will miss this weekend's race in Darlington, S.C., the All-Star race and Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and the June 4 race in Dover, Del. But NASCAR could allow Labbe to continue to work with the team until his appeal is heard. It's unclear what kind of punishment Labbe could face in his own company if NASCAR rules that the violation was flagrant. Yates also said he would fire any employee caught intentionally cheating. "If it was (an infraction) with a clear rule written against it, and he didn't tell me about, because I wouldn't approve that, I'd have fired him, yes," Yates said. (Salem-Journal)

May 9, 2006:

• Labbe suspended 3 races: NASCAR issued penalties Tuesday to the #88 Nextel Cup Series team for a rule violation committed last weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Richard “Slugger” Labbe, crew chief for the #88 Ford driven by Dale Jarrett, was fined $25,000 and suspended from NASCAR until June 7, 2006 [thru race at Dover], for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.2D (unapproved rear sway bar mounting for use other than anti-roll) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule Book. The violation was discovered during pre-race inspection on May 6. Also, Jarrett has been penalized 25 driver championship points, while team owner Robert Yates has been penalized 25 owner championship points as a result of the violation. (NASCAR PR)

• Eury Jr. Wins WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award: Tony Eury Jr. helped Dale Earnhardt Jr. snap a 27 race winless streak this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. The pivotal moment of the event came when Earnhardt Jr. relinquished his second-place position to pit for fresh tires during the closing stages of the Crown Royal 400. The strategy allowed Earnhardt Jr. to track down the leader and fend off the advances of a hard charging Denny Hamlin before capturing the checkered flag. Eury’s winning call earned him the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. “Tony (Eury) Jr. did a great job calling the race,” said Earnhardt Jr. following the event. “My team did a great job on the pit stops. I was real proud of the race car. It says a lot about the guys back at the shop putting the car together and calling the set-up plate and everything. I really didn’t have to work real hard.” A panel of voters; including a member of the local media, Robbie Reiser and a WYPALL® Wipers representative; all cast their vote for Eury Jr. as the Crew Chief of the Race. “The 8 team had a really good car, but Tony made all the right calls today,” said Reiser. “He chose the right time to come into the pits and made the right adjustments to the car. It was its best at the end of the night. He’s got that team back on track this year and tonight proved that.” (WYPALL PR)

• Terry Labonte's final start at Darlington, and to be honored: Terry Labonte, driver of the No. 44 Kellogg's Chevrolet, will make his 54th and final Darlington (S.C.) Raceway start Saturday evening. Racing a limited schedule in his last NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, Labonte will enter eight more events for Hendrick Motorsports in 2006, including the last of his career in November at Texas Motor Speedway. Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning will present Labonte with a one-of-a-kind memento during pre-race driver introductions Saturday evening. The piece includes souvenir program covers from significant Darlington races throughout Labonte's career, including his first start, first win, most recent win and final start. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)

• Jarrett's Crew Chief Labbe faces possible suspension: NASCAR confiscated the sway bar from Nextel Cup driver Dale Jarrett's No. 88 Ford this past weekend at Richmond, Va., and crew chief Richard "Slugger" Labbe faces stiff penalties for the infraction, the Observer has learned. A sway bar may be used on the front and/or rear suspension to help keep the body flat as the vehicle rounds a corner, which greatly improves a vehicle's cornering agility. Replacing the sway bar with one of a larger diameter can increase it even more. According to NASCAR sources, Labbe could receive a hefty fine and possible suspension for the violation. Jarrett and team owner Robert Yates could also receive points penalties. An official announcement of NASCAR's verdict is expected on Tuesday. (Charlotte Observer)

• Penske angry over USA Today article: An angry Roger Penske met with USA Today reporters before Saturday night's race to express his displeasure with that newspaper's Thursday article on driver Kurt Busch. Busch and Penske have been trying to wipe the slate clean on all the controversies that have dogged Busch the last few years. But each time they think they're getting over the hump, something new crops up. (Salem-Journal)

• Evernham Motorsports names May 27, fan appreciation day: On May 27, Evernham Motorsports will hold its fifth annual Fan Appreciation Day featuring team owner Ray Evernham and drivers Jeremy Mayfield, Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs, Boris Said and AJ Foyt IV. The event is held to thank fans for their support of the team and provide them an opportunity to meet the stars of the Evernham Motorsports organization in person.  The event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET at the Evernham Motorsports facilities in Statesville, N.C. Throughout the event, fans will have the opportunity to view areas of the race facility and see how a race shop runs. Evernham Motorsports partners will have displays and giveaways. Interactive exhibits will be provided by Valvoline, Stanley and vitaminwater. The main features will consist of autograph sessions with Evernham, Kasey and Foyt at 9:30 a.m. and Mayfield, Riggs and Said at 11:30 a.m. Due to the expected crowd, fans will be limited to one autographed item per person and a wristband is required to participate in the autograph session. In order to give more fans the opportunity to get an autograph, this year's sessions will have a separate line for each personality -- meaning more tickets will be given, but one for each line. Fans may pick up wristbands at the Evernham Motorsports facility beginning at 7:00 a.m. the day of the event whiles supplies last. A total of 300 wristbands will be given for each line. (Evernham Motorsports PR)

May 8, 2006:

• Spark plug wire cost Kahne: Defending champion Kasey Kahne's chance of a repeat ended early when he had to pit to repair an engine problem and lost five laps. He ended up 34th, four laps down. "They left off two spark plug wires," Kahne said. "We put them back on and there was nothing wrong. That's the third time it's happened this year. We've got to figure out why they're falling off or whatever is going on there. We had a top five car. We definitely could have battled with those guys, but we didn't want to get up there and mess with the leaders. "I think [Kevin] Harvick might have been the only car that passed us under green after we got back out there. Harvick definitely had the car to beat tonight for 300 laps. I can't believe he lost it." (Times-Dispatch)

• Big day for former Manchester High Alumnus in big league and NEXTEL Cup: Separated by an entire continent, Manchester High School's most famous alumnus grabbed starring roles in two radically different sports dramas Saturday night. In San Diego, Chicago Cubs rookie left-hander Sean Marshall continued his impressive run of early-season performances by mowing down the Padres through five no-hit innings at Petco Park. Three thousand miles away, Nextel Cup rookie Denny Hamlin found himself leading the Crown Royal 400 in his big-league debut at Richmond International Raceway. Alas, neither enjoyed a big, splashy Hollywood ending. Marshall lost his no-hit bid in the sixth inning and wound up with a no-decision in the Cubs' 2-1 loss. Hamlin, whose lead lasted just 18 laps, finished second to NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. But if you don't believe second place is a happy ending, don't tell Hamlin. He was ecstatic after performing so well at a track where he used to watch races as a boy. "This is by far the biggest race of my career. It's something that's very special and to have so many friends and family here, it's awesome. I can't tell you how I feel," Hamlin said. "I'll be riding this wave for months to come." (Free Lance-Star)

May 7, 2006:

• Roush Racing and NASCAR have talked about team downsizing:  Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, says he last talked to NASCAR officials about a month ago on complying with NASCAR's four-team limit. NASCAR announced last year that they would limit organizations to four teams. Roush fields five teams. Roush officials say contracts with sponsors and drivers go through the 2009 season. Smith says he's hopeful the organization can fulfill those contracts before downsizing. "They've made it pretty clear that they don't want an indefinite window,'' Smith said about NASCAR. "Philosophically, it seems like we're on the same page. I expect ... we're going to do this on a year-to-year basis with the view that if we can get it done before then we will.'' Smith also said that the team is in talks with the National Guard about returning as a sponsor. (Roanoke.com)

• NASCAR NYC Speedway operation shuffle: A shakeup is expected in NASCAR's New York City Speedway operation, in the wake of last week's brouhaha at a Staten Island town-hall meeting. Some New York media are already writing off NASCAR's Staten Island track plans. Certainly the contentious - and televised - meeting dealt a major setback to NASCAR's New York City plans. (Salem-Journal)

• Toyota Sponsorships worrisome to teams: While some NASCAR team owners are complaining about Toyota teams offering significant pay raises to lure away talented mechanics, Roush Racing President Geoff Smith said he fears sponsorship is the latest threat to race teams representing U.S. manufacturers. He's heard some Toyota teams have offered sponsors reduced rates, with Toyota subsidizing the deals. "Toyota is attacking the price points of our sponsorships in the garage by offering radical discounts to the sponsorship values that are out there today as a means of attracting the corporate sponsors to those teams," Smith said. "That's what they did in the [Craftsman Truck Series], and you can see what the impact is on the sponsorship environment there." (Myrtle Beach Sun)

• Mike Melton auctions off Harley for former Champion:  NASCAR president Mike Helton auctioned off a 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Low on Saturday to benefit former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard. Ard was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease last May. Ard's wife, Jo, was also diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that could cause her to go blind. The motorcycle sold for $8,000, with all proceeds going to Ard's family. Ard was the 1983-84 Busch champion and a two-time winner at Richmond. The race track also is holding a silent auction to benefit the family. (CBS SportsLine)

• Dodge Dealers not happy with fees? John Fernandez, Dodge's racing director, said things are running along quite smoothly this spring, but Detroit sources said some shakeups may be coming down in the Daimler-Chrysler racing camp. One potential issue - some Dodge dealers are said to be in revolt over the $70 a car fee they have to charge their customers to pay for part of Dodge's NASCAR operations. Nevertheless Dodge reported it sold 9,662 Chargers in April, 11 percent more than in March, making it one of the best sales months since the model hit the road last May, even though car sales in the U.S. generally fell in April, because of soaring gas prices. (Salem-Journal)

• Motorsports Seminar: "Up to Speed" will provide updates on the latest in the motorsports industry from retired NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, Lowe's Motor Speedway President H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler and UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phil Dubois. The seminar will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 in the Time Warner Media Center at Lowe's Motor Speedway on U.S. 29 in Concord. The seminar costs $50 for Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce members and $75 for others. Seating is limited to 150 people. Details: (704) 782-2000, ext. 26, or www.cabarruschamber.org.

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