Motorsports FanHouse

Mark Martin Wins Fourth Race of Season

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:40:00 EST

Filed under: Mark Martin, Chevrolet, Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) -- Mark Martin will feel his age in the morning or a day or two after a race.

His bones will stiffen and his body will ache after driving 400 grueling miles, even though the fitness fanatic is still in top shape.

After all, 50 is 50 and that matters - well, everywhere but on the track.

More Coverage: LifeLock 400 Results | Sprint Cup Standings

Martin is still nifty at 50 and has made Cup racing his personal senior circuit. He won at Chicagoland Speedway, getting the strong jump off the double-file restart with two laps left to win his series-high fourth race of the season.

"I'm going to feel like hell tomorrow because I ain't going to sleep much tonight,'' Martin said on Saturday night. "When I'm pumped up driving fast race cars, I certainly don't feel 50.''

He's far from the sunset of his career and proved it under the lights on the 1.5-mile track.

Martin dominated the race early and led 195 laps, easily the most of the 400-mile race. He was in so much control of the No. 5 car, he radioed his crew to say, ``this is easy.''

But he dropped the lead to Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson with just over 40 laps left. Then a frantic finish that saw Johnson and Kurt Busch tangle on the track allowed Martin his chance to regain the lead and hold on.

"I don't know how we have one, much less four,'' Martin said.

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Mark Martin drives during the NASCAR LifeLock.com 400 auto race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Saturday, July 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Warren Wimmer)

Mark Martin cresses the finish line after winning the NASCAR LifeLock.com 400 auto race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Saturday, July 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Warren Wimmer)

Jeff Gordon (24) drives during the NASCAR LifeLock.com 400 auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Gordon finished second. (AP Photo/Tim Stewart)

Kasey Kahne (9) drives during the NASCAR LifeLock.com 400 auto race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Kahne finished third. (AP Photo/Tim Stewart)

JOLIET, IL - JULY 11: Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock (R), poses with million dollar contest winners Donna (L) and Richard Musgrave (C) after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Todd Davis;Donna Musgrave;Richard Musgrave

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JOLIET, IL - JULY 11: Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, poses in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Mark Martin

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JOLIET, IL - JULY 11: Mark Martin (R), driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, is congratulated by by teammate Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 National Guard Patriot Academy/DuPont Chevrolet, in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Martin;Jeff Gordon

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JOLIET, IL - JULY 11: Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Martin

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JOLIET, IL - JULY 11: Mark Martin (R), driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg's Chevrolet, is congratulated by NASCAR President Mike Helton in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, 2009 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Martin;Mike Helton

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Mark Martin celebrates after winning the NASCAR LifeLock.com 400 auto race at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., Saturday, July 11, 2009.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Jeff Gordon's hard-charging finish got him second place. He made a late pit stop for four fresh tires which helped him quickly make up ground and earn his third runner-up finish in the last five races.

Martin and Gordon are Hendrick teammates and earned a $1 million prize for a Colorado family. The teammates also grabbed the top two spots at the LifeLock sponsored race in June, setting up the fan's shot at the big cash prize.

"I saw Jeff coming and I was like, 'Get it, get it,''' Martin said. "I wanted him to get it. This is really, really special. Incredible what everybody does for us.''

Not only that, they gave team owner Rick Hendrick a nice early birthday present. Hendrick turns 60 on Sunday.

"It's a slightly early birthday present,'' Martin said just a few ticks before midnight eastern.

Martin might still be racing and winning races at 60, showing no signs in the No. 5 Chevrolet of slowing down.

Not for Kyle Busch.

Busch had a dreadful night, and was unruly on the radio as his No. 18 car was on the track and finished 33rd. He complained all race about his car to his crew and fell to 10th in the points standings.

"I got nothing,'' Busch said over the radio. "I don't care what you do. It's junk.''

Kyle Busch had shared the series lead for wins (three) with Martin.

While Busch sank, Martin soared. He went from 13th to 11th to propel himself into contention for a spot in the Chase for the championship.

Martin has insisted all season he wasn't racing for points. His move to Hendrick rejuvenated him and gave the best driver to never win a Cup championship perhaps the best ride of his career.

Martin, who was series runner-up four times, might have to start thinking championship over the season's final 10 races if he can stay inside the top 12.

"I leave the track in my mind 13th and that's fine with me,'' Martin said. "I'm not going to let myself get sucked into that. I may change my mind later, but I'm leaving the track at the same position I was last week.''

Kasey Kahne was third. Points leader Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top five.

Martin Truex Jr. finished 16th, but the No. 1 Chevrolet is headed back to research and development because the right rear was high.

Hamlin briefly took the lead late when he pushed past Johnson off a restart. Johnson got loose and bumped into Busch. Busch slammed back in Johnson's No. 48 Chevy, sparking chaos and some ill feelings.

"Everyone was going for a win right there,'' Hamlin said. "(Johnson's) had his fair share.''

Just not at Chicagoland.

Johnson, who let the checkered flag slip away in the final laps last year, is still searching for his first career victory at the track just outside Chicago. He told his crew before the race he owed them a win.

Busch and Johnson picked up where they left off after they also ran into each other three races back at Sonoma. Busch finished 17th on Saturday night and criticized Johnson's performance on the track.

"I am starting to lose faith in his ability as a three-time champion,'' Busch said.

Johnson accused Busch of "bodyslamming'' him on the track.

Greg Biffle fell out of the top 12 in the points standings and Kahne moved from 12th to eighth.

They were all looking up at Martin at the end.

"That's what life's all about right there,'' he said.

By DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Mark Martin Wins Fourth Race of Season originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Pulls Support from NASCAR Nationwide and Truck Series Teams

Holly Cain — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:14:00 EST

Filed under: Matt Kenseth, Chevrolet, Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup, Camping World Truck Series

Everyone had a feeling something had to give. And it has.

A week removed from Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, General Motors has pulled its factory support for teams in NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck series. And as the company evaluates its financial commitment to motorsports, there is concern that further cost-cutting may involve the Sprint Cup Series too. Several teams fielding Chevrolets in the Nationwide Series confirmed the news on Friday in statements.

"Obviously the automotive industry is dealing with unprecedented business challenges and we understand the need for restructuring to accommodate the need to reduce costs and maximize returns,'' said Kelley Earnhardt, general manager of JR Motorsports, a Nationwide team owned by her brother Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"The manufacturer support GM provides in the NASCAR Sprint Cup level is more critical in nature than in the Nationwide Series and I hope Chevy is able to continue supporting that level as the promotion of NASCAR works well for its demographics.''

Win on Sunday, sell on Monday is one of NASCAR's oldest refrains. Now it's a lifeline.

With the country's auto makers suffering major financial setbacks -- GM and Chrysler have already accepted government bailouts -- it's only natural to question whether the companies regard racing, and NASCAR specifically, as an essential expense.

Ironically, or maybe not, the marquee Sprint Cup Series is racing just outside Detroit this weekend as this major bit of news comes down. There will be a lot of focus, and serious talk, about the factory involvement as the companies are in the middle of shutting down plants, laying off thousands of workers and cinching their purse strings.

"Chevrolet's involvement in racing is a sound business decision that translates directly into the sale of cars and trucks,'' GM said in a statement to the Sports Business Journal.

"It is essential, however, that we continue to look at every penny we spend as General Motors takes the necessary steps to become a leaner company with a significantly stronger balance sheet.

"While Chevy Racing is talking to its business partners about ways to reduce cost and maximize the return on investment, it is our policy to not talk about the details of business relationships with our partners.''

Perhaps, but everyone else is talking. And worrying.

"Although this will require some internal restructuring, our commitment to our sponsors to provide the best possible product on the race track will not change,'' said Kevin Harvick, a Cup Series driver that fields and has won a championship with Chevy-backed teams in both the Nationwide and Truck series.

A large, high profile team such as Harvick's and JR Motorsports typically would receive manufacturer support in terms of engineering and engine development in addition to cash payments. It's unclear the immediate impact GM's cutbacks will have for these established teams.

Already in the Sprint Cup Series, there are rumors that teams are exploring other options. Richard Petty Motorsports is rumored to be interested in switching from Dodge to Toyota, for example.

"Chevrolet is going through some very challenging times,'' Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Friday at Michigan International Speedway. "I had a true understanding that this would be coming down the pipe and they would have to make some adjustments.

"Every company not only in this sport but particularly having a company of my own I've had to make adjustments due to how the economy has turned so it wouldn't be any different for anybody else. I've been a loyal supporter of Chevrolet for a very long time and will continue to be.''

Ford Motor Company has proven itself on more solid ground than its GM and Chrysler counterparts. It hasn't had to take government money and to date hasn't made any major changes in its financial dealings with its race teams.

Matt Kenseth, a Ford driver and the Cup Series' 2003 champion, joined several drivers at Ford's headquarters this week before on-track activity started at MIS. And while he said the tone of the meeting wasn't as upbeat as years past, he remains optimistic about Ford's involvement in NASCAR.

"It's always been strong and they've always said that the very last thing they would ever cut is the NASCAR funding because they realize how important it is to their brand and to their success in selling vehicles,'' Kenseth said Friday.

"I think they're seeing some signs of recovery, but certainly I don't think they're comfortable where they are because they're not at levels where they were a few years ago. Auto sales aren't at that level overall.

"Obviously it's a struggle for everybody, I don't know what's gonna happen with basically the government running two auto companies and another one running itself, so I don't know what that's gonna work out.

"But certainly, I'm proud to drive a Ford and I'm glad they haven't had to go down the avenue the other two have.''

GM Pulls Support from NASCAR Nationwide and Truck Series Teams originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where There's Smoke There's Fire

Holly Cain — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:35:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, Sprint Cup, Stewart-Haas Racing

Really now, was there any more fitting way for Tony Stewart to claim his first win as owner-driver in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series?

After crashing in Saturday practice, Stewart started a backup No. 14 Office Depot Chevrolet last in the 43-car field and had to massage the throttle for the last few laps so as not to run out of fuel -- while keeping a hard-charging Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson at bay. ... all to earn the Cup Series' first win for an owner-driver in 11 years.

Sunday's effort at Pocono, Pa. was the kind of driving mastery, grit and determination that proves why the masterful, gritty, determined Stewart is the best true, all-around talent of NASCAR's new generation of racers.

Pocono 500: Stewart Wins on Fumes | Check Results | Series Standings

Stewart has won races and championships in everything he's put foot to pedal -- midgets, sprint cars, Indy cars, and NASCAR's elite Sprint Cup Series. He spends his spare time winning dirt late model races and raising millions of dollars for charity.

He had a cushy championship-caliber existence with Joe Gibbs Racing for the first 10 years of his NASCAR career. The reverent Super Bowl-winning coach and the tell-it-like-it-is racing prodigy formed an unlikely match that produced two championships and made Stewart the first true open-wheel star to challenge the stock car good ol' boys in a generation.

And with all that going for him, Stewart defied skeptics who doubted whether he'd be much of a factor after leaving such a good situation and going it on his own this season with his namesake organization, Stewart-Haas Racing.

For all his off-the-cuff demeanor, Stewart is also very calculating and result-driven. He is the ultimate example of what hard work and extreme talent can produce. He is blue-collar ethic and Ivy League ability.

And even his biggest rivals seem genuinely pleased for him... if not very worried about what this means in the championship hunt.

"The things that he set out to accomplish this year were huge,'' said Edwards. "I personally didn't believe he could get it done -- I did not think he would succeed the way he has so far. So, I'm extremely impressed with that. I can only imagine how good that feels to be able to do what he's done."

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Tony Stewart (14), Carl Edwards (99) and Matt Kenseth (17) follow the pace car during a restart in the NASCAR Pocono 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Sunday, June 7, 2009. Stewart won the race, with Edwards in second. Kenseth finished 16th. NASCAR debuted revamped restarts at Pocono in an effort to add more competitive spice and give in to fans clamoring for more excitement. The most obvious change: the race leader has the option to restart on the inside or outside, with the second-place driver pulling alongside. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Lance McGrew, new crew chief for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., watches the Pocono 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Sunday, June 7, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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LONG POND, PA - JUNE 07: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet celebrates with the Sunoco checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 500 on June 7, 2009 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Tony Stewart

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LONG POND, PA - JUNE 07: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 500 on June 7, 2009 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Tony Stewart

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Fans watch the Pocono 500 auto race Sunday, June 7, 2009, from a platform on the top of a camper at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

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Carl Edwards makes a pit stop at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., during the NASCAR Pocono 500 auto race Sunday, June 7, 2009. Edwards finished in second place. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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Stewart's success is a very big deal, especially when you consider that Stewart isn't just leading the championship by a comfortable 71 points over four-time champ Jeff Gordon; his team's second car, driven by Ryan Newman is ranked fifth as well and coming off a seventh top-10 run in the last nine races.

It's one thing to drive well for a good team. It's another to win races for your own team. It's yet another to contend for the championship for your own team. Even the great Dale Earnhardt Sr. chose the safer option of owning a team yet driving for another.

Over the years Stewart has taken heat for politically incorrect answers and temperamental reactions. He does not suffer fools -- or the press -- well. But the few that know him well or have worked alongside him would not trade the opportunity. He is the ultimate team player and has the ability to make those that work with him, want to work with him.

When the season started at Daytona Beach in February, Stewart was a wild card. The year was either going to be a disappointing overly-ambitious go for Stewart. Or he would distinguish himself, again.

"It is [more special] because of the group of guys I am working with,'' Stewart said. "I have always had a great group of people to work with at Gibbs. It is just a little different when it is your own.

"You know when you are the one at the end of the day that has to be accountable
for it."

For those that questioned how Stewart would wear so many hats, he's answered with the two hats that matter most -- winning driver, championship leader.

And he's not done yet.

Where There's Smoke There's Fire originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Story of the Season: Tony Stewart Takes Points Lead

Holly Cain — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:14:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, Sprint Cup, Stewart-Haas Racing

This week Tony Stewart is holding his annual, HBO pay-per-view all-star charity race, a multi-million dollar fundraiser that he named, the "Prelude to the Dream."

As of Sunday afternoon's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover, Del., it's clear Stewart -- the new championship leader -- is already living the dream, no matter how unlikely or far fetched it may have seemed five months ago.

"You hope that you don't wake up tomorrow and all of a sudden realize that we're just getting ready to go to Daytona or something and it's all been a dream,'' said Stewart, who's runner-up showing at Dover has propelled him to become the first owner-driver to lead the championship standings since 1992, when the late Alan Kulwicki won the title in that season's last race.

"We probably all lost bets that at this point we would be this far along,'' Stewart conceded Sunday. "But it's a good bet to lose, I guess."

And if so, it is the only losing proposition Stewart's been a part of this year

Halfway through the Sprint Cup Series' "regular season" you could make a case that Jeff Gordon's resurgence (nine weeks atop the standings, before falling 46 points behind Stewart) or Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s volatile start or Kyle Busch's three-series victory tear are story-of-the-year contenders.

Fifty-year old Mark Martin's two wins and Chase-worthy effort; Michael Waltrip Racing's coming of age; and certainly Jimmie Johnson's legitimate run at a historic four straight championships are also worthy of distinction.

For my money, the most compelling storyline of the 13-week old NASCAR season must be Stewart's immediate success as an owner-driver -- a compound feat that eclipses any of the other choices.

With the level of today's competition, it's hard enough to race yourself in the 12-man Chase, much less drive yourself to the championship lead. And that's only half of Stewart's amazing performance.

Stewart, 38, is leading the driver's championship while owning, operating and guiding the two-car Stewart-Haas Racing team which has BOTH drivers (Ryan Newman, too) comfortably in position for the playoffs. A team that prior to Stewart's arrival had never won a race. A team that before his winning touch hadn't been even an afterthought at fielding a car in the 10-race Chase for the championship that wraps up the season.

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Jimmy Johnson takes a moment to catch his breath in victory lane after winning the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Jimmy Johnson (48) gains on Greg Biffle (16) during the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. Johnson won the race and Biffle finished third. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Jimmy Johnson, right, with his crew chief Chad Knaus hold up the Monster Mile trophy after winning the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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NASCAR rookie driver Joey Logano, right, has a last chat with his crew chief Greg Zipadelli before the start of the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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The Dale Earnhardt Jr., number 88 car on it's way to pre-race inspection before the start of the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Driver Tony Stewart is all smiles before the start of the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. Stewart finished second behind winner Jimmy Johnson. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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NASCAR legend Richard Petty greets fans after the drivers meeting before the start of the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Dale Earnhardt Jr., takes a picture with 8-year-old Jake Wesley from Trevose, Pennsylvania, before the start of the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Driver Mark Martin sits on the wall before the driver introductions Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. Martin finished the race in 10th place. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Jimmy Johnson celebrates winning the Autism Speaks 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, Sunday, May 31, 2009. (Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)

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Gordon, Johnson, Martin and Busch have demonstrated stellar driving displays. Stewart's done that, PLUS run a two-car Cup team, in addition to a full slate of other business ventures that include track ownership and fielding a USAC and World of Outlaws championship team.

Wear two hats well? Hasn't been done in 17 years and even then Kulwicki's feat was considered a true Cinderella story.

It's hard to think of the gritty, outspoken Stewart as an underdog, but really he is. Other owners -- Jack Roush, Richard Childress and Joe Gibbs -- will tell you how hard it is to best Rick Hendrick's uber-operation and beat his all-star driver lineup. Stewart's doing both. And essentially doing it with Hendrick's own equipment.

As a driver Stewart's six top-five finishes in 13 starts is tied with Gordon and Johnson for tops in the series -- three of those are runner-up showings. His nine top-10 efforts is best of all drivers. He has zero DNFs and two weeks ago claimed the $1 million-to-win All-Star Race, a non-points paying exhibition where pride and paycheck usually produce one of the most competitive shows of the year.

As an owner, Stewart's assembled a leadership team that's also helped the group's other Chevrolet, driven by his friend Newman, to a fifth place championship ranking -- a jump of 22 positions in the standings in the last eight races -- the largest gain by any driver. Newman has five consecutive top-10 finishes and seven top-10s in the last nine races.

From the first preseason race when Stewart finished third in his SHR debut, he has humbly answered that he never expected such a short learning curve. His standard and modest response each week since has been on behalf of the entire organization.

"We're excited about it," Stewart said, duly noting with each new accomplishment that SHR has exceeded expectations. Again.

Stewart never fails to thank the team or show gratitude to Hendrick, for that matter, for the chassis and engines SHR uses.

"Have good people around you; have good people in the right spots,'' Stewart said. "That's the key in any business is to have good people around you that you can trust and that have your best interests in mind. That's what we've got."

And the lead driver isn't too bad either.

Few, including myself, figured Stewart to challenge for the championship in his first year out undertaking dual roles. We've been proven wrong. And we should know better by now.

As impressive as Stewart's efforts have been throughout the first half of the regular season, the most worrisome aspect for his competition should be that he typically doesn't start piling on the wins until summer and fall. If history is an indicator, this season's best success story is only going to get better.

The expectations have changed. For Stewart and for everybody else.

Story of the Season: Tony Stewart Takes Points Lead originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earnhardt Jr., Mears Ready to Move On

Holly Cain — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Casey Mears, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, Sprint Cup

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears met with reporters for the first time since being placed on a six-week probation by NASCAR for post-race antics Saturday night in Phoenix.

And they both essentially invoked the ol' "that's just racin' " clause and are ready to move on.

"I don't really have (a reaction)," Earnhardt said of the six-week punishment NASCAR issued Tuesday. "Me and Mears are cool. We've been buddies. What happens on the track stays on the track. It's good to be on probation every once in a while, I guess."

"Six weeks probation is a good penalty because as a driver you're kind of taught to watch yourself. For the next six weeks you get back in the habit of acting more professionally on the race track. It's good to have the penalty, but it's good to have the fireworks too."

Both drivers felt the six-week probation handed down by NASCAR was reasonable considering the offense.

Their Chevrolets collided with 12 laps remaining Saturday with Earnhardt getting the worse end of the deal. He had been running well and even led laps, but the damage to his No. 88 car relegated him a 31st place showing and dropped him another three positions in the championship -- 19th coming into Sunday's race here at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

On the cool down lap, Earnhardt expressed his frustration by ramming his No. 88 Chevrolet into Mear's car. Mears responded by running into the back of Earnhardt's car on pit road as the field was making its way to the garage.

"We didn't really put anyone in harms way with what we were doing," said Mears, who finished 20th in the No. 7 Jack Daniels Chevy. "I mean we got down onto pit road when I bumped him, but I obviously knew we were on pit road and I wasn't going to shove him into someone on pit road or do something stupid. I just wanted to bump him and let him know I was upset.

"And where he did it on the race track it was after the race, no one was out there. No one was going to get hurt

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Driver Johnny Sauter (11) takes a practice lap at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, April 24, 2009. Sauter is practicing for Saturday's NASCAR Camping World Truck series auro race O'Reilly Auto Parts 250 auto race. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: David Ragan, driver of the #6 UPS Ford, stands in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** David Ragan

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Joey Logano, driver of the #20 the Home Depot Toyota, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Joey Logano

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kurt Busch

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Matt Kenseth, driver of the #17 DEWALT Ford, in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Matt Kenseth

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, prepares for practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Jeremy Mayfield, driver of the #41 All Sport Body Quencher Toyota, waits in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jeremy Mayfield

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Chad Knaus, crew chief of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chad Knaus

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, preapres for practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson

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TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 24: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Dupont/Pepsi Throwback Challenger Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Gordon

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"I think we both proved our point. No harm no foul, we go to the next week."

Earnhardt echoed the sentiment and Friday seemed more frustrated with the season's big picture than that one incident. Both drivers -- Mears still doesn't have a top-10 this season -- have bigger challenges than a little on-track temper tantrum. Earnhardt scoffed at rumors that Hendrick Motorsports was going to change his crew chief and cousin, Tony Eury Jr. And Mears said he's hoping a crew swap with Richard Childress Racing teammate Jeff Burton will change his fortune -- beginning Sunday.

"Me and Casey are real good friends and definitely wouldn't go the week without having a discussion about it," Earnhardt said.

"He's having a better season this year but still isn't satisfied. I'm definitely in the same position he is. We're just trying to run better. It's frustrating. I knew he made a mistake because Casey doesn't run over people. I just lost my cool. It happens.

"I hated leading the race, running good and getting wrecked. That's all that was."

Earnhardt was ninth quickest in Friday's opening practice for Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega. Mears was 16th fastest in the final practice. Qualifying for the race is Saturday morning.

Earnhardt Jr., Mears Ready to Move On originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR Fans, April Fools Don't Mix

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:44:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Dodge, NASCAR Media Watch, Sprint Cup

NASCAR fans, the point has been taken: April Fool's Day jokes just don't fly.

A day after many fans thought the NASCAR world as a whole was crumbling to the ground, we've learned that NASCAR fans just don't take kindly to false news reports in an attempt to be irreverent and humorous. The violator of the NASCAR people's trust was automobile magazine Car and Driver, and everywhere you looked on April 1, there was a reminder of their egregious error.

And when I say 'everywhere you looked', I mean everywhere -- including places like a major search engine site with a headline reading 'April Fools' hoax has NASCAR fans in a frenzy'. Yeah, it was that bad.

Car and Driver posted what's now an infamous article to their website (to the best of my searching abilities, it no longer exists) claiming that U.S. President Barack Obama was forcing both Dodge and General Motors to exit NASCAR by the end of 2009 as part of their last-minute lifelines for survival announced this week.

According to the faux story, the automakers were going to save $250 million by dropping support of America's top racing league.

Well, that story quickly circulated as many people were utterly and completely oblivious that they were being roped in to one of the best-played hoaxes of the annual day of jokesters. As the day wore on, several NASCAR websites began putting updates on their site proclaiming that C&D's article was indeed a prank and that NASCAR's downfall was not imminent due to a lack of manufacturers.

Over at Jayski, a warning was posted to readers, calling it a "sad tradition" of April Fool's Day gags from the magazine. The Charlotte Observer's David Poole recalled pulling a prank on his college paper at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, saying he "knows better now" that not everyone finds it funny.

Now, if you make a search for Car and Driver, numerous articles pop up talking about how fan after fan e-mailed comments around to various outlets trying to find out if the article was true. Without a doubt, I'd say Car and Driver's stunt topped just about everything else on April 1 in the amount of volume it received -- think the advertising team is happy today or what? -- but in terms of comedic value it fell flat on its face.

This wasn't similar to Expedia's offer of a $99 trip to Mars or a London newspaper declaring it was switching to Twitter because "studies have shown that all news can be told in 140 characters or less", but rather, it had a strange tone that said "Hey, this might be true."

For the record, C&D removed the post later in the day.

Of course, with the way the pair of major American auto companies are failing to make any sort of profit, the near future could very well see a dramatic reduction, if not complete pull out, of NASCAR support given by GM or Dodge. The optimistic race fan hopes that the return on the investment to NASCAR is good enough thanks to the large crowds and overall sponsorship pride race fans have, and that any remaining auto companies will stay in the sport.

I'll grant NASCAR fans a pardon on this one because of how sensitive the subject was -- heck, I even wrote something similar a year ago -- and how close to the truth it could have been. Surely, C&D could have found a less sensitive topic with more humor.

In the same breath, however, I'm worried that NASCAR media sources looking to just brighten up someone's day with a well-placed joke will have to tread so lightly that we don't get a laugh. I mean, come on, don't tell me that reading a faux-quote from Jimmie Johnson saying that he "plans to grow that beard until it's "so thick it doesn't fit in my helmet" (props to Busbee at the Marbles) isn't something that makes you laugh.

I know the world isn't great at the moment and that we all get caught up in the grind, but let's make a promise for next year to be a little less miffed at getting 'taken' by an April Fool's joke and more open to laughing it off. After all, we all seemed to have dodged -- for the time being -- that nasty little Conficker character.

Isn't that something to be more Carl Edwards-y (backflips and smiles) about than Kyle Busch-y (100-yard tantrum dash to the motor home lot following bad race) about?

NASCAR Fans, April Fools Don't Mix originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ethics for Governor, Hendrick Questioned

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:40:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Rick Hendrick had a pretty doggone good weekend at Martinsville Speedway by taking home the race win and watching each of his four cars finish in the Top-10.

To cap it off, the race was the 25th anniversary of Hendrick's first win in NASCAR's top division, so it was fitting for his team to have a successful day.

Unfortunately, not all was roses for Hendrick over the weekend as Raliegh, N.C.'s News & Observer ran a lengthy story detailing what could be some significant transgressions involving his business relationship with former North Carolina governor Mike Easley.

Easley, of course, gained a nice bit of fame in the minds of NASCAR fans after he wrecked one of Hendrick's show cars during a promotional event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. During his tenure, Easley helped pass a good number of legislation pieces beneficial to the Tar Heel State's large motorsports industry -- including sales tax exemptions on things such as car parts and jet fuel for race teams.

Hendrick's name came up in the story because he's been known to have a close professional relationship with the governor who left office on Jan. 10. The paper cited a couple of examples that could hint at some improper benefits to the governor from Hendrick in return for favorable racing legislation, including a two-day trip to a Hendrick vacation home near Key West, Fla., and the free use of a new Honda Accord for Easley's wife from one of Hendrick's auto dealerships.

If you're into this kind of thing, and especially if you enjoy what appears to be an incredibly well-researched piece by the N&O staff, I'd highly suggest taking a look.

I'm not one to pass judgment, and this situation only strengthens that fact because of its overwhelming complexity and a question of whether anything was illegal under state ethics laws or is relavant now that Easley has left office.

Regardless, it's an interesting look into just how shrewd of a businessman Hendrick is and definitely causes one to recall some of the issues that the most successful owner in NASCAR's recent history had during his battle with lukemia in the 1990's. Then, Hendrick was charged in a mail-fraud operation that involved him bribing executives of Honda Motor Company to secure more of Honda's extremely popular products for his expansive network of dealerships.

He was eventually found guilty and sentenced to a year of home detention away from his race teams and automotive group, and later pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

There's been no little to no mention of this story since it ran, and to me, it just shows how much the NASCAR media seems to circle the wagons for some of the titans of the industry. After all, such a story isn't exactly convenient to report when in another breath one is talking about the impressive accomplishments that Hendrick's upstart team has racked up in 25 years of winning.

I'm not here to throw Hendrick's name in the mud or dig up dirt on a guy who is likely one of the most philanthropic persons in the NASCAR garage area. But when stories like this come around, it's important that they are taken seriously and not just brushed under the rug.

Rick Hendrick's a great guy for NASCAR and deserves all of the accolades that he and his team's have accomplished over the years. But at the same time, if he's involved in situations that aren't so ethical, the NASCAR community should feel obligated to ask as many questions as accolades that it has doled out.

Ethics for Governor, Hendrick Questioned originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blown Tire Puts Daytona in Chaos for Stewart-Haas Racing

Holly Cain — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, Daytona Int'l Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- It's pretty much the worse case scenario for the Stewart-Haas Racing debut.

Defending Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman's Chevrolet blew a tire in the final minutes of practice for Sunday's Daytona 500 and the wreck collected the car immediately behind him - his team owner, Tony Stewart.

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: David Ragan, driver of the #6 UPS Ford, spins into a gravel pit during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** David Ragan

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: A view of cars racing during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard Chevrolet, races Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Dale Earnhardt Jr.;Kyle Busch

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Crew members work on the #82 Red Bull Toyota, driven by Scott Speed, in the garage are during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Scott Speed

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Crew members work on the #18 M&M's Toyota, driven by Kyle Busch, on pit road during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Crew members work on the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, driven by Kevin Harvick, on pit road during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Harvick

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, sits in his car on the grid prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, sits in his car on the grid prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Brian Vickers

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Denny Hamlin (R), driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, talks with his crew chief Mike Ford on the grid prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Mike Ford;Denny Hamlin

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NASCAR driver David Ragan talks with reporters as he leaves the infield care center after he was involved in an accident during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

More Coverage: Stewart Rebounds to Win Nationwide Race | Saturday Notes

"Don't get them (Goodyear) anywhere near me," said Stewart, who described his emotions as "ticked, not nice and not cordial" as his crew worked feverishly to prepare his car.

"It's frustrating because the gold and blue caused another deal. I'm so tired of talking about Goodyear. Apparently this is their marketing strategy to get publicity."

Both drivers will have to go to a back-up car for the biggest race of the year - for Newman, it's his third car of the week. Stewart had earned the fifth starting position for the 500 but now will have to join Newman in a back-up at the rear of the 43-car field.

Stewart returned to the track to get in a couple laps of practice, Newman's car wasn't ready.

"If it was a driver's mistake that's one thing," Stewart said, "but a manufacturer that's got the sole deal. ... they don't have any competition, they can't give us something to keep us from having problems like this?"

"I'm just amazed how much everybody kisses their butt right now."

This isn't the first time Stewart has been disappointed with Goodyear. He's perhaps the garage's most vocal critic of NASCAR's sole tire supplier, and has often had good reason. Last year the tires were so dysfunctional at the series Indianapolis Motor Speedway race, officials had to throw caution flags every handful of laps for safety concerns.

Earlier Saturday, Goodyear recalled eight right side tires from eight Cup teams.

The force of the right rear tire failure yesterday essentially blew off the right rear side on Newman's No. 39 Chevy. The tire had less than a dozen laps of use.

"The car was handling well, everything was fine," Newman said. "It gave me about 100 yards of sign that it might do something.

"It's ridiculous the situation we have with these tires."

After examining the tire, Stu Grant, Goodyear's General Manager of Worldwide Racing, said the evidence clearly shows a puncture in the tire indicating that Newman's car ran over debris on the race track, versus a structural tire problem.

"The tire did no show excessive wear, it did not show any evidence of heat, blistering or abuse of any kind," Grant said. "What we did find was a clear puncture through the tread and both belts in one of the pieces we found."

Grant said he wasn't entirely surprised to hear Stewart's comments, especially in this situation.

"But we're focused on doing the best possible job we can at all levels of involvement in the sport," Grant said. "It can be frustrating for us to hear that criticism, but we also understand it's got to be extremely frustrating for him to experience what he did today.

"I do want to talk to Tony and I do plan to talk to Tony."

NASCAR Wives and Girlfriends

Kevin Harvick and his wife Delana arrive at the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Awards Ceremony at The Waldorf Astoria on November 30, 2007 in New York City.

Brad Barket, NASCAR / Getty Images

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson kisses his wife, Chandra, after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship for the third consecutive year on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in Homestead, Fla.

Terry Renna, AP

Jeff Burton and his wife Kim, left, share a light moment in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Bank of America 500 auto race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.

Chuck Burton, AP

Juan Pablo Montoya and his wife Connie Freydell pose on the red carpet prior to the Juan Pablo Charity Gala hosted by Juan Pablo Montoya, Fonseca, Fanny Lu, Angela Patricia Janiot, Silvia Tcherassi, Camilo Vellegas and United for Colombia at Karu & Y on November 16, 2007 in Miami, Florida.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

Race car driver Sam Hornish Jr. (L) and wife Crystal Hornish arrive at the 3rd annual GM All-Car Showdown held at Paramount Pictures on July 11, 2006 in Hollywood, California. The GM All-Car Showdown is a charity-driven event celebrating the hottest modified GM vehicles, where athletes and celebrities compete for the King of Bling title.

Mark Davis, Getty Images

Actress Ashley Judd and IRL driver Dario Franchitti arrive at the 2007 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre on July 11, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

Ingrid Vandebosch (L) and race car driver Jeff Gordon arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2008 in New York City.

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A.J. Allmendinger, driver of the #84 Red Bull Toyota, celebrates with his wife Lynne Allmendinger after winning the NASCAR Sprint Showdown on May 17, 2008 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Rusty Jarrett, NASCAR / Getty Images

Samantha Sarcinella and Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&Ms Toyota prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock.com 400 on July 12, 2008 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.

Rusty Jarrett, NASCAR / Getty Images

Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 Aflac Ford, poses for a photo with his fiancee Nicole Lunders as he celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series LifeLock 400 at Kansas Speedway on September 30, 2007 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Jerry Markland, NASCAR / Getty Images

Blown Tire Puts Daytona in Chaos for Stewart-Haas Racing originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmie Johnson Wins 2008 Sprint Cup Title; Carl Edwards Wins Fuel Mileage Gamble

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:27:00 EST

Filed under: Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, Roush Fenway Racing, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports

Dominance and dynasty were the two words most thrown around in post-race celebrations at Homestead-Miami Speedway after Sunday's Ford 400.

And most of those words were aimed at NASCAR's second driver in history to win three-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships -- Hendrick Motorsports' Jimmie Johnson.

Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus had a solid car Sunday night in the season-finale event of the 36-race NASCAR season, but with the race playing out in a fashion that required drivers to stretch fuel mileage to earn the race victory, the driver and team leader opted to play it safe by coming in for a splash of gas. The pit stop left Johnson to finish 15th and ultimately surrender 72 points to race winner Carl Edwards.

Edwards, though, couldn't overcome Johnson's enormous 141-point prerace advantage despite leading the most laps and winning the event thanks to a spectacular fuel mileage. It was Edwards' ninth win of the season and doubled as the most wins for any driver in 2008.

Edwards appeared to be the only driver who didn't pit either late in the race or out of sync with the race leaders, as the rest of the Top-5 featured drivers who pitted during the final caution flag. Kevin Harvick took 2nd, the resurgent Jamie McMurray took 3rd, Jeff Gordon remained winless in 2008 with a 4th-place finish and Clint Bowyer ended his run in No. 07 with a fifth-place finish.

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Justin Skinner, driver of the #03 Germain Toyota Toyota, poses on tack prior to the start of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Justin Skinner

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Mike Skinner (L), driver of the #5 Toyota Tundra Toyota, poses with son, Justin Skinner (R), driver of the #03 Germain Toyota Toyota, on the track prior to the start of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Mike Skinner;Justin Skinner

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Jeff Green, driver of the #40 Westerman Companies Chevrolet, spins as leader Ron Hornady, driver of the #33 Camping World Chevrolet passes during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Green;Ron Hornady

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, celebrates winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, leads the field on the final restart during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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L Carriers Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ron Hornaday Jr.;Johnny Benson;Kevin Harvick

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, crosses the finish line to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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Tony Stewart, in his final race with Joe Gibbs Racing after deciding in July to get into the ownership side of NASCAR in addition to driving, led in the final 20 laps with a very strong race car but wound up 9th after coming to pit road for fuel.

Matt Kenseth led 73 laps of Sunday's race and was trying to outrun Edwards late in the race when he ran out fuel with less than three laps to go. He wound up 25th

Two other Chase for the Sprint Cup contenders also suffered late-race problems to impact the final point standings and whether or not they would be heading to New York City during the first week of December for the Sprint Cup Series Awards banquet.

Jeff Burton made contact with Joe Nemechek on the backstretch and spun his No. 31 around and wound up 40th, 8 laps down. Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffered an odd brake failure that broke the caliper in the final 30 laps of the race to push him to a 41st-place finish.

Kenseth and Earnhardt Jr. finished 11th and 12th, respectively, and if NASCAR continues its tradition, they won't be attending the awards banquet that is only open to the sport's Top-10 drivers -- not the Chase for the Sprint Cup field.

Some other notable finishers included Travis Kvapil in 7th, Casey Mears in 8th, A.J. Allmendinger in 11th, Bill Elliott 12th, Scott Riggs 14th, Scott Speed 16th and pole-sitter David Reutimann in 20th.

Jimmie Johnson Wins 2008 Sprint Cup Title; Carl Edwards Wins Fuel Mileage Gamble originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make the Call: Is Earnhardt Jr. Guilty?

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, Toyota, NASCAR Crashes, Sprint Cup, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing

Tens of thousands of race fans -- most of them likely decked out in green, blue, or maybe even red gear -- roared to life on lap 211 Sunday at Richmond International Raceway after their hero Dale Earnhardt Jr. seemed to finally get some revenge.

And that unintentional (as Dale Jr. called it) revenge took the form of the No. 88 Chevrolet nudging Kyle Busch around in turn one as the two battled for the lead.

Sure, Earnhardt Jr. is the sport's most popular wheel man, and Busch has been the hottest driver for all of 2008, but the revenge factor had nothing to do with either of those. Come on, you remember back to Richmond in May, right?

That was when the roles were reversed late in the race and Busch decided to barrel into the side of Earnhardt Jr. in the closing laps. It was the type of move that some called just racing, but others, well, they craved pay back.

And so it happened on lap 211 Sunday during the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Earnhardt Jr. spun Busch. Busch hit the wall. Earnhardt Jr. called it unintentional. Busch was upset. The crowd cheered.

Whaddya think? Was it legitimately a mistake? Or was it that revenge thing?

In my book, Dale Earnhardt Jr. played off the move very well. He slid his tires (looks like a mistake), tried to arc car in higher (explains why he took a higher line to the corner), and didn't really apologize for the move (take THAT, Shrub!).

In other words, Earnhardt Jr. explained why he hit him but just said that it wasn't necessarily supposed to happen that way, though he acknowledged he got a little closer to Busch than cautious people would.

So was it intentional? Without a doubt.

Earnhardt Jr. showed just last week that he has a mind like a steel trap after he was asked whether or not he had any long-lost battles to pick in the racing world like Carl Edwards talked about after bumping Busch at Bristol. Earnhardt Jr. responded that Jason Keller apparently wrecked him in his Busch Series rookie season at Myrtle Beach.

Keller didn't remember the decade-old incident.

All of that tells me two things -- Earnhardt Jr. knew darn well what he was doing in taking Busch out in the final race before the Chase. He knew it wouldn't hurt Busch, and knew that he had to get even with the hot shoe.

And so he did, quietly, yet effectively with exacting precision. That kind of reminds you of that other guy named Earnhardt, doesn't it?

Make the Call: Is Earnhardt Jr. Guilty? originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newman Ready for Fun at Stewart-Haas

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:23:00 EST

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Chevrolet

Despite a press conference Friday that left a lot of people with a lot of questions, Ryan Newman is officially hired on at Stewart-Haas Racing -- and a big part of that is just to simply have more "fun".

"The bottom line is that I want to have fun," said Newmanduring the Stewart-Haas press conference at Michigan International Speedway on Friday.

"I'm here to have fun and I know (Stewart) he wants to have fun doing this."

I'd assume that the definition for "fun" carries two mandates: being in contention to win more races and having a nice contract with multiple zeros at the end of the compensation line. Both drivers are known fisherman, so that might be included in the "fun" deal, too.

Friday's meeting with the media didn't offer as much information as most would have guessed but it did seal up one driver and one ride for 2008 in the ever-present NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rumor mill by eliminating Newman and SHR No. 4 ride from deliberation.

There was no sponsorship announcement nor any word on specific crew chiefs for the team -- all of which is likely a crafted way by the team's public relations staff to keep SHR racing in the news for just a few more weeks as we try to figure out who Ryan Newman will pitch in 2009 and beyond.

Secretly, I'm hoping for Burger King because I can envision commercials involving the large king character and Newman in interesting situations.

Newman will be back on the same team, though, as Matt Borland. Borland was Newman's crew chief at Penske Racing until 2006 when he was essentially pushed off the box despite leading Newman to 12 of his 13 career Sprint Cup victories.

Borland was hired on as a competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing early this year.

Newman Ready for Fun at Stewart-Haas originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stewart's No. 14 Ready To Roll in 2009

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, Sprint Cup

FanHouse's Geoffrey Miller is on-location at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

Tony Stewart officially has sponsors for 2009, but he wouldn't divulge much else in a press conference Friday morning in Indianapolis.

The conference was held across the street from Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Literally, the media had to walk across five lanes of traffic outside the speedway to get to it. Talk about a funny sight...) and Stewart announced that Office Depot and Old Spice would be the primary sponsors of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in 2009.

Of course, if you were a regular FanHouse reader, you would have known that already.

Additionally, Stewart shed some light on how the rest of the "new" team is coming along for 2009, slipping in that they are looking at two drivers for the other car on the SHR operation. That car will take the No. 4 -- made famous by Sterling Marlin and Morgan-McClure Racing in the early 90's by winning back-to-back Daytona 500's.

The No. 4 is special to Stewart because that was his first number in racing when he started in go-carts as a young boy. However, the No. 14 is an homage to Stewart's racing hero, 4-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt.

As I sat there this morning, one thought that came to mind was how incredibly similar the two drivers are. Essentially, Stewart is a modern-day Foyt nearly to a T. Both drivers excelled in many different disciplines of racing and, unfortunately, both drivers have a nasty side that occasionally rears its ugly head -- like it did for Stewart Thursday night at a USAC Midget race in Indianapolis.

Stewart also had an interesting quote about the how his current team, Joe Gibbs Racing, switched from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2008, saying that the "manufacturer switch wasn't a big factor, but it was a factor" -- indicating for the first time that he wasn't the biggest fan of Toyota. Stewart also called coming back to Chevrolet a "natural fit" that "just made sense".

The move is also indicative of the current climate of the American economy, as Old Spice and Office Depot are splitting the sponsorship 60-40, with Office Depot taking the larger amount of the races.

Stewart's No. 14 Ready To Roll in 2009 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sell Your No. 20 Gear: Stewart-Haas Begins

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:52:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, NASCAR Silly Season, Sprint Cup

I call myself an average eBay shopper, and because of that, I'm putting out a warning.

If you see some great deals on Tony Stewart gear, there's a reason for that: it's not relevant after 2008.

Stewart announced here at Chicagoland Speedway Thursday that he and Haas-CNC Racing will pair up to form Stewart-Haas Racing, an entity that Stewart will drive for in 2009, that will sport two teams, and will continue running Chevrolets.

The partnership, amazingly enough, doesn't appear to have involved any financial commitment on Stewart's part, with Stewart continually referring to the move in numerous tenses of the word "give". When asked directly, he skirted the question.

Stewart, who had to step out of last week's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona after feeling quite ill during the early parts of the race, looked a little weary during the press conference but said he was feeling much better. I'd hope so considering the contract he signed with Haas-CNC -- including the 50% ownership stake he recieved -- could be worth a very high two-digit number.

There were no sponsors announced, no car numbers announced, no crew chiefs announced, and no fellow drivers announced, but Stewart did make one thing clear. He intends to make this more than just a business venture.

"I've won races and I've won championships and I know I could've continued to do that at Joe Gibbs Racing, but to attempt to do those things as a car owner is something that really appeals to me.

"There's a whole new sense of appreciation and satisfaction that comes with success when you're both a driver and an owner."

The real question, though, is how long it will take this new team -- and Tony Stewart in particular -- to reach a competitive level in the Sprint Cup Series. Both of Haas-CNC's (the name will stay until the end of 2008) race cars are currently outside the Top-35 in points and have frankly struggled all season.

Of course, looking back to before the 2008 season began, the world was questioning whether Joe Gibbs Racing could compete with their new Toyotas, and Kyle Busch has absolutely dropped that thought on its head with six wins this season.

The situation this time is much different though, with the lone exception being the fact that a guy with the talent, performance and respect that Tony Stewart has should bring in talent and help make up for some deficits the team has at the start of next season.

My prediction? Stewart-Haas is going to reinvent the way drivers become owners, and could win a championship within three years. What say you?

Sell Your No. 20 Gear: Stewart-Haas Begins originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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