Motorsports FanHouse http://motorsports.fanhouse.com Motorsports FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Motorsports FanHouse http://motorsports.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Nationwide Series Car Will Be "Different" from Sprint Cup Configuration, NASCAR Sayshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/08/nationwide-series-will-be-different-nascar-says/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/08/nationwide-series-will-be-different-nascar-says/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/08/nationwide-series-will-be-different-nascar-says/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I read a good line the other day by David Poole of The Charlotte Observer. In one his postseason columns, he made the point that NASCAR needs to be looking out the other window. Instead of looking out of the back of the tower at the business side Poole says, they need to take a glimpse at the track out front.

Doing that, he says, will naturally and positively affect the business side of the sport.

To me, NASCAR looks to be taking a step in that direction, as numerous articles over the past few days have indicated that the NASCAR Nationwide Series -- formerly known as Prince the NASCAR Busch Series -- is going to sport a much different race car in 2009, despite moving to the "NASCAR" (next-generation Car of Tomorrow) body style.

That same body style will be in full-time use for the Sprint Cup series in 2008.

Many complained, including myself, that NASCAR was simply going too far in keeping the two series the same, and not allowing any real definition.

Joe Balash, the director of the Nationwide Series, said that was not the intended plan, and talked about the two cars needing to drive different. The key? Suspension differences.
"We want the car to drive different.We've gone down the path of having two very similar cars and very easily taking the technology that makes the car turn both aerodynamically and with suspension interchange between the garages.

"As we go forward, we want more difference there. We want to have our cars use a more conventional spring setup. We're not going to use the bump-stops on the cars."
That's a nice step -- and there's more.
In addition the suspension differences, Balash also noted that the hood will sit higher and the rear deck lid will be shorter -- mainly because the series will become based on models not used in the Sprint Cup Series.
Manufacturers are still deciding what model to use, though it appears likely Ford will run a Mustang, Chevrolet a Camaro and Dodge a Challenger. Toyota likely will stick to the Camry, sources said.
Sweet.

There's even more, and it was to do with the part of the Sprint Cup car NASCAR fans love/hate the most.

The wing.

From David Poole's blog:
The Nationwide car will be built on the same chassis as the Cup Series car of tomorrow, but the bodies will be different. And, at least right now, the Nationwide cars will have spoilers and not wings
fThat's plenty of changes, and they'll definitely make the cars drive differently But will that keep the Sprint Cup stars from "Nation-whacking" on Saturday's?

Doubt it.

But another possibility of this configuration is that NASCAR will have some new answers if big changes are needed to the Sprint Cup car in the near future.

Nationwide Series Car Will Be "Different" from Sprint Cup Configuration, NASCAR Says originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerSat, 08 Dec 2007 09:55:00 EST Top 8 Spectacular NASCAR Crashes of 2007http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/20/top-8-spectacular-nascar-crashes-of-2007/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/20/top-8-spectacular-nascar-crashes-of-2007/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/20/top-8-spectacular-nascar-crashes-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's been quite a year for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, and with that comes a nice collection of crash clips splashed across the ends of the internet.

NASCAR rolled out the Car of Tomorrow for part-time use in 2007 in anticipation of full-time use in 2008 with safety as a top priority. That was indeed a good idea because even though the now-defunct body style was a mostly safe model and the tracks keep adding SAFER barriers, one thing is still the same.

The drivers are still crashing, and crashing hard.

From the last-lap pile-up during the season-opening Daytona 500 to the Chase-changing crash at Dover in the fall, here's a look back at the biggest hits from the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Season.

Enjoy.

Click on the video to watch full size.

Dover Fall Race
Kurt Busch Starts a Mess
 Daytona 500 Finish
Harvick Wins, Bowyer Flips

Click for more NASCAR crashes after the jump.
Nextel Open Start
Juan Pablo Gets Loose on Lap 1
 Coca-Cola 600
Johnson Loses a Tire, Starts Big One
Camping World 300
Brad Keselowski Pounds the Wall in California Speedway
 Aaron's 312
Kyle Busch takes a wild ride at Talladega Superspeedway
Auto Club 500
David Reutimann Scares the World
 Coca-Cola 600 Part II
Jeff Gordon Grabs Air at LMS

%Gallery-7156%

Top 8 Spectacular NASCAR Crashes of 2007 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clint BowyerClintBowyerCrashesDavid ReutimannDavidReutimannJamie McMurrayJamieMcmurrayJeff GordonJeffGordonJimmie JohnsonJimmieJohnsonKevin HarvickKevinHarvickKurt BuschKurtBuschKyle BuschKyleBuschMark MartinMarkMartinNASCAR Season ReviewNascarSeasonReviewGeoffrey MillerTue, 20 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST Nationwide Series Gets New Car in 2009http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/10/28/nationwide-series-gets-new-car-in-2009/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/10/28/nationwide-series-gets-new-car-in-2009/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/10/28/nationwide-series-gets-new-car-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That didn't take long.

NASCAR confirmed Sunday morning at Atlanta Motor Speedway that they will switch to the new generation race car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The new car (I'm tired of calling it the Car of Tomorrow when its here today) will be raced full-time in the top NASCAR series next season.
"We're working on an '09 [Nationwide] car," Bodine said. "[Having it ready for] '09 is tentative. It's not set in stone but we're working on it. We've informed some of the Busch owners and we've got a prototype at the R&D center."

"There will be a different body style and different aerodynamic package," Bodine said. "We're working on all that stuff. We're just not there yet, still working through all that process.

Sporting several new safety features, a rear wing, and a front splitter, the next generation chassis and body style brought hope that NASCAR would finally apply some clarity and definition between the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series.

Instead, NASCAR will revert back to the old thinking of running two series that are hardly different, which will continue to lead to insane amounts of Cup regulars parading the Nationwide Series (formerly Busch).

The safety additions are without a doubt a good idea, but let's hope Bodine is right in that they will use a different body style and aerodynamics.

What happened to this fun idea?

Nationwide Series Gets New Car in 2009 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 28 Oct 2007 17:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>AtlantaAtlanta Motor SpeedwayAtlantaMotorSpeedwayBrett BodineBrettBodineBusch SeriesBuschSeriesCar of TomorrowCarOfTomorrowGeorgiaNationwide SeriesNationwideSeriesNextel CupNextelCupPep Boys Auto 500PepBoysAuto500Spint CupSpintCupGeoffrey MillerSun, 28 Oct 2007 17:18:00 EST NASCAR Series Secures Nationwide Sponsor, Leaves Geico and Allstate Uninsuredhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/10/03/nascar-series-secures-nationwide-sponsor-leaves-geico-and-allst/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/10/03/nascar-series-secures-nationwide-sponsor-leaves-geico-and-allst/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/10/03/nascar-series-secures-nationwide-sponsor-leaves-geico-and-allst/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continuing with less experience is more theme, Robert Yates Racing pulled Kenny Wallace out of the #88 this week at Talladega and replaced Ricky Rudd with Wallace's brother, Mike, instead.

It's not obvious to me why ... Kenny has more Nextel Cup experience and a better record at Talladega. RYR might have done better to put Warren Loren Wallace in the car, considering NASCAR doesn't require experience or anything to run at the super speedway.

Speaking of Mike's third cousin, once removed ... since NASCAR is naming an insurance company as the new title sponsor of the Busch Nationwide Series, does that mean no more Geico sponsorship and no more commercials starring Warren Loren?

Say it ain't so!

And what does this mean for Allstate, the insurance company formerly known as the Official Insurance of NASCAR?

NASCAR Series Secures Nationwide Sponsor, Leaves Geico and Allstate Uninsured originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>talladega superspeedwayTalladegaSuperspeedwayUAW-Ford 500Uaw-ford500warren wallaceWarrenWallacetallglassofmilkWed, 03 Oct 2007 13:18:00 EST Suspension Looming for Busch's Gustafson?http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/30/suspension-looming-for-buschs-gustafson/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/30/suspension-looming-for-buschs-gustafson/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/30/suspension-looming-for-buschs-gustafson/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It wasn't a bright and shiny day after all for Hendrick Motorsports Saturday at Kansas.

Kyle Busch won Saturday's Busch race at Kansas Speedway over Matt Kenseth by about a car length in his No. 5 Chevrolet. While the victory was nice, it could turn out to haunt Busch for the rest of 2007 season in both the Busch and Nextel Cup series.

Busch's car failed post-race inspection in a major sort of way Saturday evening. And by major sort of way, I mean like Michael Waltrip-type way, not the Carl Edwards-type way.

The intake manifold on the No. 5's engine -- a piece long thought as one of the steepest of infractions when out of bounds -- was deemed illegal in the eyes of NASCAR. The sanctioning body has since taken the part into their possession.

This certainly isn't good news for anyone involved with Busch's Busch or Nextel Cup series efforts. Without a doubt, the penalty will be steep (as Busch Series penalties go) for Busch and Co. The significant "and Co." part of that equation includes the man who crew chiefs for Busch in both divisions, Alan Gustafson.


With such an infraction, it's a very real possibility that Gustafson will be banned from race tracks for the next few weeks as a result of the crew chief suspension penalty that NASCAR has become known for giving out.

That type of penalty applies to all tracks on all weekends no matter the division competing, potentially leaving Busch with a temporary crew chief for multiple races in his quest to win the Chase for the Championship.

Essentially, there isn't a worse time to change up the chemistry of a race team than in the Chase. Unfortunately for Busch, it could be a very real possibility in the early days of next week.

And to think, all of this for a win in the series that doesn't even matter the most.

Suspension Looming for Busch's Gustafson? originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Alan GustafsonAlanGustafsonChevroletcrew chiefsCrewChiefsintake manifoldIntakeManifoldKansas CityKansas SpeedwayKansasCityKansasSpeedwayLifelock 400Lifelock400MissouriNASCAR penaltiesNascarPenaltiesGeoffrey MillerSun, 30 Sep 2007 01:28:00 EST Series Formerly Known As Busch to Pony Uphttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/15/series-formerly-known-as-busch-to-pony-up/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/15/series-formerly-known-as-busch-to-pony-up/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/15/series-formerly-known-as-busch-to-pony-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

or Why NASCAR Is Better Than Other Racing Series ... They keep coming up with new ways to keep it fresh. We don't always like them, but they do keep it interesting.

Sources are telling Speed that the series that will cease to be known as Busch after this season is planning a major change as early as 2009--a switch to Pony cars:
If plans go according to schedule, the next-generation Busch Series cars will be Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Challengers, Ford Mustangs and an as-yet-to-be named Toyota model, sources said. Ford overhauled the Mustang as a 1960s-retro model in 2005, to positive critical and commercial results. Chevrolet and Dodge will release similarly retro-themed Camaros and Challengers, respectively, by the 2009 model year.The Mustang, Camaro and Challenger all are two-door coupes with rear-wheel drive and available V-8 engines, a hugely popular combination in the halcyon days of 1960s muscle cars.
I imagine the difficulty NASCAR has had in securing sponsorship for the series has inspired them to shake things up. Short of limiting/excluding Nextel Sprint Cup drivers' participation in the series--and what series should prohibit racers from racing?--NASCAR needs to do something to spice up the series. Firing up the manufacturers can't hurt.

'Course, they might want to do something about the runaway point lead phenomena, too.

Hard to say what not running a "Cup-lite" might do for Buschwhacking. Running another type of race car might inspire even more Cup drivers to compete or it might eliminate some benefit to Cup racing. Would either be a bad thing?

Whether this has been inspired by difficulty securing sponsorship or a desire to improve competition, I don't care. Personally, I think it's inspired by the 2009 retro Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challengers. I know I am, although I'm partial to the Camaros. The sneak peak sent me on a walk down memory lane to my 14-year-old lead foot and my first 160mph leisure drive on two-lane blacktop in Iowa. I don't remember his name any more, but I'll never forget the ride he was brave enough to let me get behind the wheel of--a '67 Camaro SS 396 in Hugger Orange.

Whatever the inspiration, the switch to muscle cars would be a great way to give the Busch--or whatever it will be called--Series its own identity. Even better if the cars have different body styles.

Bring it on!

h/t Full Throttle

Series Formerly Known As Busch to Pony Up originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>tallglassofmilkSat, 15 Sep 2007 21:54:00 EST Kesolowski Awake After Vicious Busch Wreckhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/01/kesolowski-awake-after-vicious-busch-wreck/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/01/kesolowski-awake-after-vicious-busch-wreck/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/09/01/kesolowski-awake-after-vicious-busch-wreck/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Brad Keselowski, the driver of the JR Motorsports No. 88, was removed gingerly from his battered race car Saturday night at California Speedway after one of the hardest NASCAR wrecks in recent memory.

Keselowski was placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance with noticeable pain in his legs. He was later flown to a nearby hospital for X-rays on his legs.

Keselowski, 23, of Rochester Hills, Mich. was battling with A.J. Allmendinger for 18th spot on lap 67 when Allmendinger appeared to move into the path of J.J. Yeley entering turn one. Allmendinger spun down the track and clipped the rear end of Keselowski, shooting the No. 88 Chevrolet head-on into the outside wall. Yeley then clipped Eric McClure, resulting in a four car crash.

ESPN2 telemetry the No. 88 impacting the wall at over 140mph. The impact lifted Keselowski's car into the air enough to allow Allmendinger to briefly get under the spinning, flaming race car. Allmendinger's No. 42 suffered a broken A-post on the right side of the roll cage.

NASCAR red-flagged the race for repairs to the SAFER barrier.

A.J. Allmendinger talked to ESPN2 after getting released from the infield hospital.
"I thought i was clear, but then I got clipped in the right-rear," said Allmendinger.

"I felt so bad for Brad because that was a big hit. I think he's going to be OK. I talked to him in the infield hospital, and he didn't cuss at me, so I think we'll be OK."
Fanhouse Followup
Keselowski's X-Rays Negative After Crash

Kesolowski Awake After Vicious Busch Wreck originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 23:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brad KeselowskiBradKeselowskiCalifornia SpeedwayCaliforniaSpeedwayCamping World 300CampingWorld300Dale Earnhardt Jr.DaleEarnhardtJr.Eric McClureEricMcclureJ.J. YeleyJ.j.YeleyJR MotorsportsJrMotorsportsGeoffrey MillerSat, 01 Sep 2007 23:48:00 EST Follow TGOM at the Racetrack Todayhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/31/follow-tgom-at-the-racetrack-today/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/31/follow-tgom-at-the-racetrack-today/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/31/follow-tgom-at-the-racetrack-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TGOM is off to the races--or qualifying at least--today. Nextel Cup and Busch Series quals are today and I'll be Twittering all the way, sending updates via the mobile phone from pit road. Wanna follow me? It's gonna be a hot one - expected high of 104°. And no tank tops or open toed shoes allowed on pit road. Sigh. They're trying to kill the fans.

Follow TGOM on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tallglassofmilk

Follow TGOM at the Racetrack Today originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>california speedwayCaliforniaSpeedwaytallglassofmilkFri, 31 Aug 2007 13:38:00 EST Subway Not the Official Fast Food of NASCARhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/29/subway-not-the-official-fast-food-of-nascar/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/29/subway-not-the-official-fast-food-of-nascar/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/29/subway-not-the-official-fast-food-of-nascar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sounds like the Subway deal to sponsor the Busch Series is falling apart. Why? Keyword: exclusivity.

I'm probably optimistic, but I like to think that NASCAR, after all the grief it's experiencing with the Nextel deal, will proceed with great caution before entering into a long-term sponsorship that jeopardizes team sponsorship.

Sponsorships liks those with McDonald's, Arby's, Domino's and Jimmy John's ... wait ... Jimmy John's? Where the heck are those?

Anyway, once again I have to point out that there are enough fan dollars to go around. Obviously, I don't know all the reasons why Subway might be getting cold feet, but if it is the exclusivity thing, they're really over thinking it. This isn't like a cell phone service where you typically just have one and call it a day.

The fans gotta eat, but it would be unrealistic to expect even the most loyal of NASCAR fans to eat Subway sandwiches every day. Is it really that big a problem for Subway executives if we want to mix it up and throw down a Big Mac every now and then?

Subway Not the Official Fast Food of NASCAR originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>mcdonaldssubwaytallglassofmilkWed, 29 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST Kahne Wins Busch; Cup Race Could Be Friggin' Amazinghttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/25/kahne-wins-busch-saturday-could-be-friggin-amazing/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/25/kahne-wins-busch-saturday-could-be-friggin-amazing/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/25/kahne-wins-busch-saturday-could-be-friggin-amazing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Kasey Kahne has had a pretty darn good Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Friday afternoon, Kahne topped the Nextel Cup Series in qualifying and will start out front for Saturday night's Sharpie 500. Later Friday night, Kahne took home his first Busch Series short track victory with a win in the Food City 250.

And boy did the 250-lapper set a tone for the weekend.

Kahne won Friday night after battling three-wide with Ryan Newman and Jason Leffler with less than 15 laps to go, just before Newman blew a tire after contact and fell out. At the line, it was Kahne crossing first, Leffler spinning sideways, and David Reutimann third -- all of them close enough to fall under a blanket.

The finish, though, only tells half of the story.

All night long, cars found two and three different grooves they could handle and run quickly in. Instead of the normal Bristol freight train on the bottom of the groove, cars spread out and actually ran two-wide easily. Kahne was able to hold on to the race win even with tires going away by running the top groove of the race track -- which is certainly something Bristol hasn't seen in a long while.

The track itself is indeed a little wider and the banking up top is a smidge steeper than the bottom. In all reality, Friday night it was the perfect combination.

Even a guy who shares the title of the most race wins of any current driver at BMS felt that the changes were for the better:
"I'm telling you, I'm driving around here thinking this is the first time I've ever been here. I didn't think you could make Bristol any cooler or more fun, but they have. They've basically made this track have more room to race on," said five-time BMS winner, Jeff Gordon.
I'd say look for more the same Saturday night when the Cup boys hit the track, and also look for some guys up front who aren't normally there at Bristol. The track has changed enough that it might play into a few new guys' hands.

Kahne Wins Busch; Cup Race Could Be Friggin' Amazing originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bristol Motor SpeedwayBristolMotorSpeedwayFood City 250FoodCity250Jason LefflerJasonLefflerSharpie 500Sharpie500Geoffrey MillerSat, 25 Aug 2007 00:46:00 EST Tuesday Is Penalty Day, Gordon Put on Short Leashhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/tuesday-is-penalty-day-gordon-to-be-kept-on-short-leash/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/tuesday-is-penalty-day-gordon-to-be-kept-on-short-leash/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/tuesday-is-penalty-day-gordon-to-be-kept-on-short-leash/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR announced today that if If Robby Gordon messes up again, he's outta here.

On top of a $35,000 fine and probation, Gordon was threatened with indefinite suspension from NASCAR if, for the remainder of 2007, "there is another action by Gordon that is deemed by NASCAR officials as detrimental to stock car racing or to NASCAR, or is disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he will be suspended indefinitely from NASCAR."

I think they forgot "tampering with the outcome of a race," but I suppose that falls under detrimental actions like just about everything else under the sun.

All things considered, Gordon seems to have matured. In 2005, when Michael Waltrip wrecked him under caution, Gordon went after him with his helmet. This week, after Marcos Ambrose got him under caution, Gordon offered him his first Nextel Cup ride this weekend at The Glen.

The infamous "helmet incident"

Turn Up the Volume
Charles "Cully" Barraclough, crew chief of the #90 Ford driven by Stephen Leicht, was fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules), 20A-12.3C (3): divider pistons in both front shock absorbers were not installed to the manufacturer's specifications and 12A-12.3I: oil volume did not meet the minimum one-inch specification. Robert Yates, owner of the No. 90 Ford, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship owner points, while Leicht was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship driver points.

Unauthorized Parts
Paul Wolfe, crew chief of the #22 Dodge driven by Patrick Carpentier, was fined $5,000 after violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-12.1A(2): front spring inside and outside coil diameter exceeded the 1/8-inch limit. Armando Fitz, owner of the No. 22 Dodge, lost 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship owner points, while Carpentier was docked 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship driver points.

Chris Wright, crew chief for the #35 Ford driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., was fined $2,000 for violating 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-12.1A(8): unapproved jacking bolts; two hollow bolts. The infraction was discovered during opening-day inspection on Aug. 4.

Jeff Spraker, crew chief of the No. 63 Chevrolet of Mike MacKenzie, was fined $2,000 after being found in violation of 12-4-A, 9-4-A: the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members, 9-15-G: permitting individuals, without a proper NASCAR license, into the car servicing area and 20A-17B & 17.1A: entering the car service area without the proper safety equipment. These infractions took place during the event.

Tuesday Is Penalty Day, Gordon Put on Short Leash originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>penaltieswatkins glen internationalWatkinsGlenInternationaltallglassofmilkTue, 07 Aug 2007 23:54:00 EST Rubbin' Is Racin', Eh?: Gordon v. NASCARhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/rubbin-is-racin-eh-gordon-v-nascar/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/rubbin-is-racin-eh-gordon-v-nascar/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/rubbin-is-racin-eh-gordon-v-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's a little too late for do-overs at the NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, but what if ...?

What if Marcos Ambrose hadn't spun Robby Gordon out under caution? What if NASCAR wouldn't have told Gordon to lineup at the head of the field, then said 2nd, then said, nah, go back further.

What if ESPN had actually captured the entire incident on camera so there was no disputing his position when the caution was thrown?

What if NASCAR had red-flagged the race and watched that footage to determine the right course of action? What if they did?

What if ESPN hadn't shown the viewers just enough to see that the caution flag was displayed when Ambrose plowed into Gordon, spinning him out, presumably to the 13th position. What if Gordon had maintained pace? What if NASCAR had disciplined Ambrose for agressive driving under caution? What if NASCAR had penalized both drivers for not observing the caution?

What if NASCAR was consistent when applying rules to all drivers who are spun out during a caution? or any rule for that matter?

What if Gordon didn't have a "bad boy" reputation? What if he were a potential Chase contenter?

What if Gordon had respected NASCAR's authority and followed their directive even though they got it wrong?

What if NASCAR hadn't taken emergency action against Gordon, inviting other drivers to exercise a blatantl disregard their authority?

What if, upon further investigation, NASCAR determined they made a bad call? What if they admitted it?

What if it was the right call?

Previously on Fanhouse
Gordon Expresses Regret, Blames NASCAR for His Actions
NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss
Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent
Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins

Rubbin' Is Racin', Eh?: Gordon v. NASCAR originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>circuit gilles villeneuveCircuitGillesVilleneuveespnmarcos ambroseMarcosAmbrosenapa auto parts 200NapaAutoParts200tallglassofmilkTue, 07 Aug 2007 00:42:00 EST Carpentier to Help Riggs Prepare for Leaving EMShttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/carpentier-to-help-riggs-prepare-for-leaving-ems/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/carpentier-to-help-riggs-prepare-for-leaving-ems/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/07/carpentier-to-help-riggs-prepare-for-leaving-ems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Candian Patrick Carpentier sat on the pole and finished 2nd in his first-ever NASCAR race at Montreal last Satuday.

This Sunday, he's expecting to sport Valvoline colors for Evernham Motorsports.

Because the No. 10 that Scott Riggs usually campaigns is out of the top-35 in owner points, Ray Evernham decided that putting in a road course guru might be beneficial.

Evernham has already made it quite clear in early July that he doesn't see Riggs as part of the long-term future, anyways.
Evernham said negotiations to extend the contract of Scott Riggs, who has missed the past two races and is 36th in points, continue. But he wasn't quite as adamant that Riggs will be a part of the organization in 2008 as he was three weeks ago.

"He's a good little guy," Evernham said. "I just feel bad for what's going on with him."
There's so many things demeaning with that statement, and not the least of it is the diss on Rigg's height.

Riggs hasn't especially gotten a fair shake of it this season, seeing as how bad the Evernham team has run this season. Obviously, he's not the only one not driving fast enough when Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler can only muster 27h and 23rd, respectively, in the point standings.

Carpentier does deserve a shot at Watkins Glen this week because he proved to be no stock-car slouch at Montreal. One more left turn in a late right-hander, and Carpentier takes the 'W' on the heels of Kevin Harvick spinning behind him.

Carpentier to Help Riggs Prepare for Leaving EMS originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>MontrealPatrick CarpentierPatrickCarpentierWatkins GlenWatkinsGlenGeoffrey MillerTue, 07 Aug 2007 00:37:00 EST Gordon Expresses Regret, Blames NASCAR for His Actionshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/gordon-expresses-regret-blames-nascar-for-his-actions/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/gordon-expresses-regret-blames-nascar-for-his-actions/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/gordon-expresses-regret-blames-nascar-for-his-actions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Robby Gordon has released an official statement on the Busch Series incident that got him parked for a Nextel Cup event:
I want to start by expressing my regrets to the sponsors, fans, and all competitors for any part I played in the miscommunication, confusion and uncertainty surrounding the finish in this weekend's Busch race in Montreal. Immediately following the last caution when I was spun out by the 59 car, at first I was told that I was scored in first place and I should be in that position. Later, I was told that I was in second place and I assumed that position, which was fine. Moments before the green flag dropped, I was told that I was scored in 13th position.

Obviously I objected, and I stated that I would complete the race under protest. I believed that my protest would be a foregone conclusion if I moved to position 13. I was confident that most people who watched the race or see the replay would agree that I should have been scored in first or second. I also wanted to make sure that the race played out the way it should if the officials ultimately agreed with me after seeing the tape and granted my protest. Therefore, I decided to preserve the status quo by holding the second position and racing from that position to the end of the race. My belief was that it would be no harm no foul if my protest was denied because I would then be disqualified in the race regardless. On the other hand, if I moved to position 13 and my protest was granted, then the race results would be affected. In order to preserve the integrity of my protest, I decided to stay in second position.

It was not my purpose to disrespect the authority of NASCAR or the officials. I do respect their authority to run the race and make the calls, and I understand the significance of the black flag. I strongly disagree with the calls that affected me at the end of the race. Being spun under the yellow and not being allowed to resume my position prior to the spin put me in a position to react as I did. Nonetheless, I accept NASCAR's decision and I intend to move forward under the rules.
Heh. He intends to move forward under the rules. I'll bet he does. Either that or he'll be moving forward somewhere besides NASCAR.

I understand he was frustrated. I really do. I'm sure it's difficult to determine where he was at the exact moment the caution was put out. But NASCAR reviewed it and made their decision. It's unfortunate for Gordon, but we just can't have rogue drivers taking it upon themselves to make sure the race plays out the way they think it should.

This "NASCAR made me do it" crap isn't gonna fly.

More opinion:

Bench Racing: Harvick-oui, Robby agi comme un idiot
Full Throttle: Robby Gordon turns Cunucklehead!

Previously on Fanhouse
NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss
Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent
Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins

Gordon Expresses Regret, Blames NASCAR for His Actions originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>circuit gilles villeneuveCircuitGillesVilleneuvenapa auto parts 200NapaAutoParts200penaltiestallglassofmilkSun, 05 Aug 2007 14:12:00 EST Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedenthttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/tuesday-could-come-early-for-gordon-penalty-could-set-new-prece/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/tuesday-could-come-early-for-gordon-penalty-could-set-new-prece/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/tuesday-could-come-early-for-gordon-penalty-could-set-new-prece/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On paper, Robby Gordon finished 18th at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. In his mind, he won the Napa Auto Parts 200.

Even if he had won, NASCAR would have stripped him of it ala Sears Point in 1991, when Ricky Rudd spun Davey Allison out and went on to win.

But Gordon didn't win, despite his giant lead on the track, because he didn't line up in the correct position for the last restart and was black flagged as soon as green flag racing resumed. Then, after he ignored all of NASCAR's orders, he went completely bonkers and pretended to win the race anyway.

So ... another driver let his emotions get the best of him and he'll be punished accordingly by NASCAR.

But is parking him for a Nextel Cup race for his offenses in the Busch Series justifiable? Since when do rule violations in one series affect the driver's eligibility to compete in another? With the obvious exception of substance abuse, NASCAR doesn't typically spread their punishment across different series. I don't know of any instance when a Nextel Cup driver has been penalized for rule infraction in the Busch Series.

But Gordon chartered new territory in the rulebook on Saturday when he blatantly ignored NASCAR's mandates and mocked NASCAR's authority in a foreign land. This gives new meaning to "actions detrimental to stock car racing."

At first I thought it was messed up that NASCAR was considering screw with Gordon's Cup points, I thought they should just park him for a Busch race. But I've reconsidered. There's way too much at stake in the Nextel Cup field. Who needs a clown out there who will give NASCAR the big F-You and start making up his own rules at any given moment during the race destroying everything in his path? His actions could be detrimental to the championship campaigns of his fellow drivers!

Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 05:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>circut gilles villeneuveCircutGillesVilleneuvemontrealnapa auto parts 200NapaAutoParts200penaltiespennsylvania 500Pennsylvania500pocono racewayPoconoRacewaytallglassofmilkSun, 05 Aug 2007 05:35:00 EST Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Winshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/robby-gordon-might-have-suspended-himself-harvick-wins/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/robby-gordon-might-have-suspended-himself-harvick-wins/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/05/robby-gordon-might-have-suspended-himself-harvick-wins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

68,000 folks showed up for the Busch Series race Saturday north of the border in Canada, and boy, did they get a show.

Hometown favorite Patrick Carpentier started on the pole and Daytona 500 champ Kevin Harvick won the event.

That, however, doesn't even begin to tell half the story that ended with three cars doing donuts after the race and two drivers feeling that they had won.

That other driver? Robby Gordon.

He decided to act a fool and could be suspended for Sunday's Cup race at Pocono for his actions, according to several rumors.


Officially, Gordon will be scored as 18th in the race despite crossing the finish line ahead of the field. NASCAR black flagged Gordon after he tried to resume 2nd-position following a tap by Marcos Ambrose with four to go. Cars had spun just moments before on track, bringing out the yellow. NASCAR ruled that Gordon didn't maintain speed, and placed him in 13th -- a directive he didn't follow.

On the restart, Gordon was first displayed the black flag, and he subsequently ruined Ambrose's day by spinning him, leading NASCAR to park Gordon's No. 55. Again, directive not followed, Gordon drove away as Harvick and Carpentier battled to the delight of the crowd.

Following the race and his unofficial donuts, Gordon met immediately with NASCAR's top brass at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Prez Mike Helton and VP of Competition Robin Pemberton left Gordon with a copy of the rule book, but Gordon didn't have a changed mindset when talking to reporters.
"I play by their rules - EIRI," said Gordon, referring to the "except in rare instances" portion of the rule book. "I guess this is one of their EIRI situations." Gordon said the final bump of Ambrose wasn't intentional. "On the last lap, he completely missed the apex of the Turn 1 and I got into him in Turn 2," Gordon said. "I had my apex and I had more speed."
At the very least, NASCAR did confirm that they are discussing Gordon's candidacy for Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Pocono. P.J. Jones practiced the No. 7 at Pocono today and would be the best available suitor in case of Gordon's determined absence.

Things aren't likely going to turn out pretty for Gordon on this one. It's one thing to not follow NASCAR directives in U.S., but when the sport is putting on an international show for the sake of growth, they aren't going to look to highly on drivers who make a mockery of their discretion.

For fans though? Man, you gotta love it. Excitement just brewed from all aspects of the finish.

That's the case, as long as you're not a Marcos Ambrose fan.

Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 01:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>circuit gilles villeneuveCircuitGillesVilleneuveMarcos AmbroseMarcosAmbroseMontrealnapa auto parts 200NapaAutoParts200Pocono RacewayPoconoRacewayGeoffrey MillerSun, 05 Aug 2007 01:17:00 EST Canadian Race Underway, But Not Before Repairshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/04/canadian-race-underway-but-not-before-repairs/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/04/canadian-race-underway-but-not-before-repairs/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/04/canadian-race-underway-but-not-before-repairs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Patrick Carpentier started from the pole in his first NASCAR Busch Series start at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Saturday, but it wasn't an easy morning for track workers.

Before any activity got underway, workers patched an area of the track in the hairpin that was peeling up from the heat and weight of the Busch Series cars.
The officials placed some street bond on a small patch in the tight hairpin, where there was a small hole after the first Busch Series practice Friday on the 2.709-mile course. The patch was about 1-foot by 2 1/2-feet.

There also was some preventive patch work done in turns 1 and 2, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Saturday morning.
Drivers from eight different nations are represented in the Busch Series' second trip beyond American borders this season.

Typically, the Montreal circuit is mainly used for Formula One -- cars that weigh nearly a third of what the Busch machines weigh in at.

If you can't be near a TV this afternoon, be sure to check out a free stream of ESPN2 on NASCAR.com.

Canadian Race Underway, But Not Before Repairs originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>circuit gilles villeneuveCircuitGillesVilleneuveMontrealnapa auto parts 200NapaAutoParts200Patrick CarpentierPatrickCarpentierGeoffrey MillerSat, 04 Aug 2007 16:39:00 EST Biff Apologizes for Skipping Busch Mediahttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/02/biff-apologizes-for-skipping-busch-media/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/02/biff-apologizes-for-skipping-busch-media/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/08/02/biff-apologizes-for-skipping-busch-media/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Greg Biffle, his lack of appearance in the press box following the Kroger 200 at O'Reilly Raceway Park was due to a misunderstanding.

The Roush driver was fined $5,000 and placed on probation through the end of the year. He apologized Wednesday.
"I talked to every reporter on pit road, which included television, radio and print. I also offered to stay and speak to any other media member at the track. I believe there was a misunderstanding on my part as to how we would be getting to the press box, and at the time it seemed that we would be trying to walk in the opposite direction of thousands of fans trying to exit the grandstands," said Biffle.
But then again, how did Jason Leffer, Saturday night's winner, make it to the media room?

I think its fair to say NASCAR went a little more lenient than the last media snafu than with Biff's case for a few reasons.

He did actually talk to some reporters after the race and he didn't use a radio show to rip NASCAR's integrity. For the most part, NASCAR isn't a fan of that behavior.

Biff Apologizes for Skipping Busch Media originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Busch SeriesBuschSeriesGreg BiffleGregBiffleGeoffrey MillerThu, 02 Aug 2007 07:57:00 EST Tuesday is Penalty Day and Other Bullsh*thttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/31/tuesday-is-penalty-day-and-other-bullsh-t/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/31/tuesday-is-penalty-day-and-other-bullsh-t/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/31/tuesday-is-penalty-day-and-other-bullsh-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Stewart Spews Bullsh*t, Pays the Price
As expected (?), NASCAR announced today that Tony Stewart has been fined $25,000 and penalized 25 points for "actions detrimental to stock car racing."

His crime: using one of the seven dirty words on the air.

In his post-race interview, Stewart thanked the fans who support him week in and week out and putting up with the bullsh*t from all the other drivers' fans.

Even though ESPN, unlike TNT, was able to bleep the word out before it could cause irreparable damage to young fans' ears, Stewart will still be fined, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in 2004. The fine has gone up since then, but the points deduction was the same. Update: Apparently it wasn't bleeped out it all markets.

Stewart maintains his 5th place position in the standings and isn't too concerned about his punishment:
"Whatever happens, they still can't take this trophy away from me."
Note to NASCAR: If you really want to get drivers attention with penalties, start stripping them of their trophies and wins.

In addition, Stewart's car owner, Joe Gibbs, has been penalized 25 car owner championship points because of the infraction.

Biffle Skipped out on the Media
Greg Biffle has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, for "actions detrimental to stock car racing."

His crime: finishing 2nd in the Kroger 200 and the failing to fulfill his post-race media obligations Saturday night at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

Unauthorized Parts
Also, two NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs have been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 due to violations at Indianapolis:

o. Chris Rice, crew chief on the No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Shelby Howard;
o. Chuck Meyers, crew chief on the No. 1 Chevrolet driven by J.J. Yeley.

During opening inspection, both crew chiefs were found in violation of Section 12-4-A, 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules) and Section 20A-5.9D(4) (unapproved intake manifold modifications to the plenum area).

Tuesday is Penalty Day and Other Bullsh*t originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>chris riceChrisRicechuck meyersChuckMeyersjoe gibbsJoeGibbspenaltiesshelby howardShelbyHowardtallglassofmilkTue, 31 Jul 2007 19:10:00 EST Steve Wallace OK After Getting Jumped in Indyhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/31/steve-wallace-ok-after-getting-jumped-in-indy/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/31/steve-wallace-ok-after-getting-jumped-in-indy/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/07/31/steve-wallace-ok-after-getting-jumped-in-indy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NASCAR Busch Series driver Steve Wallace hung out a little too long and showed off a little too much bling in Indy.

Late Sunday night / early Monday morning, Wallace got jumped for the Breitling watch he received as a gift from the RWI sponsor after winning his second career pole at Nashville Superspeedway in June.

Wallace was attacked by a group of at least three men upon exiting a
was in a convenience store in Broad Ripple Village, an Indianapolis neighborhood known for its arts and culture. The men had previously been inside the store and had commented on Wallace's watch when he first entered.

Police have arrested Mark Tharpe, 25, for beating and kicking 19-year-old Wallace in the face.

Wallace suffered only minor cuts and abrasions in the attack and declined treatment for his injuries. He will compete as scheduled in this weekend's NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Steve Wallace OK After Getting Jumped in Indy originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>breitlingrusty wallace incRustyWallaceInctallglassofmilkTue, 31 Jul 2007 01:50:00 EST