Motorsports FanHouse

Ten Questions With ... Clint Bowyer

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Clint Bowyer, Richard Childress Racing , FanHouse Exclusive

Richard Childress Racing driver Clint Bowyer took a moment this week to chat with FanHouse. Here's what the Kansas native told us about good meals, gettin' back home, next Wednesday's Gillette Young Guns Prelude to the Dream (live on HBO pay-per-view) and Elvis:

1) What's the one race, across any division or any type of race cars, that you've always wanted to win?

Clint Bowyer: It'd definitely have to be Daytona. The Daytona 500 has always meant so much to our sport and to me personally. Kansas Speedway would certainly be a close second -- just because I have all my family and friends there.
2) If Clint Bowyer wasn't a NASCAR driver, he'd be...

CB: You know, I always worked in car dealerships as I grew up and I've always enjoyed the car industry. I can myself in some sort of management role at a car dealership.

3) You got your start in motorcycles and then doing some dirt track racing. Are you like Dale Earnhardt Jr. with his closet Indianapolis 500 dream? Do you want to race or try any other forms of motorsports?

CB: Man, I'm racing what I dreamed of racing. I always wanted to compete in stock car racing and NASCAR at its premier level. I'm doing what I've always wanted to do. I'm living out a dream.

4) Alright, Clint, tell me, why did you use the song C.C. Rider for your intro music at Bristol?

CB: [Laughs] I was always a big Elvis fan and that was the song he used to start off his concerts. If it's good enough for the King, it's good enough for me.

5) You had a nice two-week break here after Bristol. What did Clint Bowyer get himself into?

CB: Actually, I got home to my hometown Emporia, Kan., and hosted a golf tournament that raised over $250,000 for the kids and the community. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend off.

6) Some drivers talk of a 'Welcome to NASCAR' moment where they just suddenly realize that it doesn't get much bigger than this. Did you ever have that?

CB: It wasn't really the Nationwide Series for me, but it was when I got my first Cup start at Phoenix. It's crazy to be able to start your first Cup race and look over and see Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart on the race track -- you know, all the guys I grew up watching on TV. Just to be able to be in that race was my 'Welcome to NASCAR' moment.

7) If dinner could come from anywhere in the world tonight, where would that be?

CB: Oh man, I've got to go with mom's home cooking. You can't beat that.

8) Your newest sponsors -- Hamburger Helper, General Mills -- don't exactly fit the same type of experiences involved with old sponsor Jack Daniel's. Still, what's the coolest thing you've done thanks to a sponsor?

CB: Obviously Jack Daniels had some pretty neat things, but with General Mills and Hamburger we've certainly done some fun things. I've been in some commercials and got to be in an episode of "The Biggest Loser" this year. That was cool.

9) If Clint Bowyer could run NASCAR, he would...

CB: [Laughs] Well, being a racer, I'd say I'd something with the schedule. I know everyone has got a job to do, but as a racer I'd say the schedule is a little long and drawn out. It'd be nice to shorten it up a bit.

10) Finally, how bad do you want to beat Tony Stewart next week at his home track of Eldora Speedway for the rescheduled Prelude to the Dream?

CB: Man, we're all shooting for Tony on that one because he's got that home-track advantage. Otherwise, being able to race Eldora means a lot to me. Growing up and racing dirt cars, that was the track that you always wanted to get to. My career path kind of turned before I had my chance there, so to go back and race Eldora means a lot to me.

Ten Questions With ... Clint Bowyer originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sam Hornish Jr.'s Stock Finally Rising in Stock Car

Holly Cain — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sam Hornish Jr., Penske Racing, Sprint Cup, FanHouse Exclusive

Sam Hornish Jr. climbed out of his No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Monday afternoon in Pocono, Pa., allowed himself to crack a smile and looked forward to receiving a call from his boss, Roger Penske.

Fourth place.

It wasn't exactly cause for celebration for Hornish, who owns three IndyCar championships and an Indianapolis 500 ring. But his hard-fought finish was a career best and gives him five top-10 Sprint Cup efforts.

It was progress.

"Well, yes it was [progress],'' Hornish allowed in a telephone interview with FanHouse this week. "But ultimately I want to win. We're getting closer and closer and I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.''

It's a good indication that Hornish the most-decorated, least-hyped of the recent open-wheel defectors is figuring this stock car business out. It's time to go and he knows it.

It's been a rough-and-tumble transition from the IndyCar Series to NASCAR's top Sprint Cup ranks for Hornish, who hasn't gone this long (nearly two full seasons) without a win since he moved from go-karts to Formula Fords as a teenager back in the late-1990s.

As accomplished but less-heralded than other marquee names to convert from open-wheel to NASCAR in the last few seasons, Hornish made the full-time move to NASCAR in 2008 -- the same time as Dario Franchitti and on the heels of Juan Pablo Montoya.

They are both flashy commodities and headline grabbers compared to Hornish, a quiet 30-year old from Bryan, Ohio.

Franchitti, a Scot whose Cup Series ride only lasted a half season, walks Hollywood red carpets with his wife, actress Ashley Judd. Montoya came to NASCAR just after returning from a respectful Formula One foray around the globe.

Hornish, the All-American "kid next door" likes to go bowling in his spare time and still lives near his parents in rural northwestern Ohio, where he is a local hero who has donated almost $2 million dollars to projects, including a senior center in honor of his late grandmother.

When it was time for Hornish to make the high-profile move to NASCAR, it didn't receive nearly the attention of the others despite having a resumé that stacks up to most of open-wheel's best. But Hornish doesn't care about those kind of things. His record speaks for itself.

He has three times the number of IndyCar titles as Tony Stewart and Franchitti and just as many Indy 500 wins (one) and Formula One world championships (zero) as Montoya.

Two years after Hornish left the IndyCar Series, Scott Dixon has just tied his all-time win mark of 19. Two years removed from competition, Hornish still has led more laps than anyone in that series' history.

This is a prodigy who earned two World Karting Association (WKA) national championships, including a 19-win season in 1994, when he finished in the top-five 43 times in 55 starts.

Since making the difficult technical transition to stock cars, Hornish has often been a punch line, his car a punching bag on-track. And people forget how accomplished a racer he is.

What he lacks in flair, he makes up for in substance. That's why the legendary Penske hired him in 2004. Two years later Hornish delivered a championship and Penske's 14th Indy 500 victory. And that's when the pair agreed to let Hornish eventually take the next logical but difficult step in his career -- NASCAR. What more did he have to accomplish in open-wheel?

Hornish made only a handful of Nationwide and ARCA Series starts in 2007 before a full-time Cup Series gig last year. With the testing ban this season, it's been harder to make up ground as driver or team. Few realize that his No. 77 team wasn't an intact operation simply moved up from the Nationwide Series or moved over from another driver.

"We started from the ground up,'' Hornish said. "It was like finding the right pieces of the puzzle wherever we could find them. We've changed some pieces since then and I feel like we have a great team, a lot of young guys, a lot of people learning right with me.''

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Latest NASCAR Photos

Amber Bacha of Bradford, Pa., gets out of the Zippo II Car, a 1947 Chrysler New Yorker customized with Zippo lighters, while setting up a merchandise display for the NASCAR Nationwide Series' Zippo 200 at The Glen auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)

Latest NASCAR Images

NASCAR fans Dave Flammger, left, and his son Paul Flammger, both of Buffalo, N.Y., shop for souvenirs near a Kyle Busch merchandise trailer during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen auto race weekend in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, driver Kyle Busch waits in his car at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., during practice for the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race. The emotional driver knows he has to get going over the next five races or else he'll be left out of championship contention. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this photo taken Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, driver Kyle Busch races through turn three during the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa. The emotional driver knows he has to get going over the next five races or else he'll be left out of championship contention. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, driver Kyle Busch sits in the garage at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., during practice for the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race. The emotional driver knows he has to get going over the next five races or else he'll be left out of championship contention. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Driver Denny Hamlin makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

David Reutimann, left, is bumped by Denny Hamlin coming out of the second turn during the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Hamlin won the race and Reutimann finished 29th. (AP Photo/Russ Hamilton Jr.)

Marcos Ambrose (47) drives his wrecked race car back to the pits for repairs as Jimmie Johnson (48) drives past during the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa. Denny Hamlin won the race. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Sam Hornish Jr. leads Martin Truex Jr. as they race through turn three during the NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 auto race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Hornish finished fourth and Truex finished 19th. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

That learning curve has been steep. Last year, he had only two top-20 finishes and failed to qualify for the season-ender at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

He's 27th in the points standings entering Sunday's race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., but has 10 finishes of 30th or worse to go along with his five top-10s. That inconsistency frustrates Hornish most. Each time he's had a top-10 finish, the next race he's finished 29th or worse -- often a victim of tough luck.

"This season there have been quite a few times I felt like he deserved a better finish and something happened out of his control, something would just go wrong,'' Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said. "This weekend was a case where opportunity finally came and he took advantage of it.

"You keep knocking on the door and eventually it's going to open. At the same time, a top-five is great but that should be the expectation not the exception and Sam won't be happy until that happens.''

Hornish's competitors are taking notice of his improved runs and he feels like he's slowly gained the respect needed for the side-by-side give-and-take or to be a drafting partner.

His boss is pleased, too. Penske told reporters earlier this year that he expected a top-25 finish in the points standings for Hornish.

"This is the year, he's got to make it,'' Penske said in April. "Sam's got a lot of pressure on him and 1 of 43 [drivers] is a lot different than 1 in 20. But we have all the confidence in the world in Sam.''

Fortunately for Hornish he also possesses something as necessary as his bosses' blessing and pure talent: great perspective.

"It takes time,'' Hornish said. "I knew it was going to be difficult, but I also knew I wasn't going to give up.''

Sam Hornish Jr.'s Stock Finally Rising in Stock Car originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Danica Battles Indy, Critics Head On

Holly Cain — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, FanHouse Exclusive, IRL

INDIANAPOLIS -- "Hey Danica, I love your moxie."

The middle-aged woman wearing a Danica Patrick t-shirt had stood in line for more than an hour in blazing 80-degree heat in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway all for the chance to get an autograph from Patrick and to deliver those four words of encouragement.

Moxie, as it turns out, is a tricky thing to manage.

Danica Patrick Snapshots

Danica Patrick is IndyCar's most recognizable star, but also its most scrutinized one. The intense 27-year-old driver admitted she's consciously worked on controlling her emotions and "come into things with a different attitude." Click through to see more photos of Danica.

Chris O'Meara, AP

Patrick poses for a portrait at Homestead Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., in 2008.

Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

Patrick attends the unveiling of Sports Illustrated's 2008 Swimsuit Issue in New York City.

Jamie McCarthy, WireImage.com

Patrick flashes a smile in pit lane at the Phoenix International Raceway in 2005.

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

Patrick walks the runway at the 10th Annual Gridiron Glamour show benefiting the HollyRod Foundation and SARRC in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2008.

Michael Buckner, Getty Images

Patrick poses for a portrait at the Homestead Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., in 2007.

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

Danica Patrick makes an appearance at Spike TV's 2003 GQ Men of the Year Awards in New York City.

Jim Spellman, WireImage.com

Patrick gets serious at the Richmond International Speedway in Richmond, Va., in 2005.

Nick Laham, Getty Images

Danica Patrick arrives at the ESPY Awards in 2003.

Mark Mainz, Getty Images

Patrick is seen during a photo session prior to the 2007 Indianapolis 500.

Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images

Live Chat: Holly Cain Talks Indy 500 | Sunday, 11 AM ET

Patrick, 27, is easily the most recognizable name on the 33-car starting grid for Sunday's Indianapolis 500, and also the driver with simultaneously the most to win and the most to lose.

Depending on your take -- and everyone has one -- Patrick is overrated or underestimated.

And the Indy 500, like no other race, has helped shape Patrick's unique standing in the sport.

Patrick has had to balance talent and toughness with perception and stereotype. And her tenure in the Indianapolis 500 serves as a perfect example of the challenge she faces.

Patrick's first major triumph came after an impressive debut here four years ago. But last May, she earned headlines for an angry walk up pit road to confront one of her competitors. Two snapshots that aren't uncommon in racing, but are scrutinized when you're a marketable young woman trying to excel in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Patrick, who spent time as a teenager racing in Europe, first turned heads as a 23-year-old when she qualified fourth for the 2005 Indianapolis 500 in her first try around one of the most challenging circuits in the world. Later that month she became the first woman to ever lead the 500 (three times for 19 laps), ultimately finishing fourth -- the best ever showing for a woman and an impressive debut for anyone.

Contrast that with last year, when Patrick's day ended 29 laps early after a pit road collision with Ryan Briscoe. It was the first time she had finished worse than eighth place. In fact, of the 33 starters on Sunday, only pole sitter Helio Castroneves had better results in his first three 500s than Patrick (fourth, eighth and eighth).

But Patrick's purposeful, angry stride toward Briscoe's pit -- security intercepted her and convinced her otherwise -- was caught on camera. And replayed, and analyzed and replayed and analyzed. And she was branded.

Women Burning Up the Track

Ashley Force Hood, who recently raced to her second career victory, follows in the great drag racing legacy of her father -- 14-time NHRA Funny Car division champion John Force. Force isn't the only talented female driver making her presence felt in the racing world. Click through to see other women known for their prowess on the track.

Jose Carlos Fajardo, Contra Costa Times/MCT

Chrissy Wallace is well known for being a member of the Wallace Racing Family, but the 20-year-old also made her own mark with a promising debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2008.

Mark Humphrey, AP

Former IndyCar Rookie of the Year winner Danica Patrick has made a big impact on her circuit, winning the Indy Japan 300 in her 50th career start.

Thomas Concordia, WireImage.com

Indy Racing League's Milka Duno holds the record of highest finish for a female driver in the 24 Hours of Daytona (a second-place finish in 2007), despite not beginning her racing career until the age of 24.

Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images

Sarah Fisher competes in the IndyCar Series and is best known for being the youngest women to ever compete in the Indianapolis 500. She also became the first woman to win a pole for a major-league open-wheel race at Kentucky Speedway in 2002.

Gavin Lawrence, Getty Images

Hillary Will is an accomplished racer in the Top Fuel Dragster category. In a qualifying run in February 2008, the 27-year-old became the fastest female driver in the history of NHRA drag racing with a lap of 334.65 mph down the
quarter-mile.

Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire

Angelle Sampey is an American Pro Stock Motorcycle racer who has won the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship three times (2000-2002). Since her debut in 1996, she has earned over 40 event victories.

Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire

Erin Crocker ran a select number of ARCA Series events in 2007, and clinched the Hoosier Tire Superspeedway Challenge Championship in October 2007, becoming the first female driver in the 55-year history of the ARCA RE/MAX Series to earn the prestigious award.

Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire

In 2007, Leilani Munter became the fourth woman in history to compete in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, the development league of IndyCar. Prior to her debut in open wheel racing, she was a stock car driver in the NASCAR Elite division.

Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire

Katherine Legge is a British auto racing driver who made strides in November 2005 when she became the first woman to test a Formula One car since Sarah Fisher did it in 2002.

Robert Laberge, Getty Images

Patrick said she and Briscoe are actually very friendly and that her reaction was the emotion of the moment. But she said this week that she has consciously worked on controlling her emotions better this season.

"I really did used to feel like I had to prove to people that I cared, by being mad, like I had to let you know I wasn't okay with being 10th by being angry and not looking happy," Patrick said.

"But it's a real waste of energy and it makes me unapproachable as well. I heard so much that people think I'm this tough person. I'm not. If you catch me away from the track, it's much different. We're just in such an intense atmosphere."

"I have learned from some of the things I've done. They've drawn attention to me and it's part of my personality, so I can't just flat out say I'm not going to be mad anymore. If I get taken out of the lead on the last lap of the race, you're going to see it again. I'm going to be mad."

That's called passion and competitiveness, two essential elements to any successful professional athlete.

What Patrick also has is a unique opportunity at celebrity that has ruffled some traditionalist feathers. Good looks and an outgoing personality and the willingness to use both have made her one of the most marketable drivers in all of auto sport. And who of her competitors wouldn't seize the same opportunities?

Patrick, however, who scored her first and only IndyCar victory last year, is repeatedly asked if she is deserving of the fame.

"I do the ads because I'm a driver," Patrick said. "I'm in the magazines because I'm a driver. I know what comes first."

In fact, even when Patrick scored her maiden win last April in Japan, some critics still begrudged her the victory, saying it was a result of another's flawed fuel mileage estimation. What about the fact that Patrick raced herself into position to take advantage of that opponent's misstep?

Her strategy worked that day. Her competitors' did not. She hoisted the trophy.

Would people have considered it less of a win if Scott Dixon or Dario Franchitti or Helio Castroneves were the guys celebrating in victory lane due to a fuel strategy? How many races have been decided that way? Or shortened because of rain?

Here's the thing. While everyone else has an opinion on Patrick -- whether she deserves the attention, whether she's good enough to win again, whether she should consider moving to NASCAR -- Patrick is digging in and adapting and persevering in a way that frankly, most of her competitors can not fully relate to.

This month, she uncharacteristically didn't go to New York City with some of the other starters for marquee appearances in the national media. Instead she stayed here in Indianapolis, training, sleeping in and, most of all, consulting with her engineers about the No. 7 Boost-sponsored car she'll race Sunday.

"It goes back to what I've always said that my successes off the track come from successes on the track," said Patrick, who is coming off a pair of top-five finishes at Long Beach and Kansas.

"The attention comes from what happens on the track.

"I tried to take some of the things that happened last year and see how I could re-direct it or change the energy, just come into things with a different attitude.

"I think it's paid off. I'm having a lot more fun this year and I feel like everyone around me is having a lot more fun. It's human nature to learn from mistakes, to learn from life in general whether it's good or bad."

Patrick, who will start 10th Sunday, is absolutely on the list of favorites, and with contract negotiations coming up next month, you'd think the stakes have never been higher.

Except that when you're Danica Patrick, the stakes are always high. Every race is the Indy 500.

Danica Battles Indy, Critics Head On originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 23 May 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keselowski Wins in Spectacular Fashion

Holly Cain — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:10:00 EST

Filed under: Carl Edwards, Sprint Cup, FanHouse Exclusive

TALLEDEGA, Ala. -- Brad Keselowski did what any driver would do.

It was the last lap, and he had a shot to win his first NASCAR Sprint Cup race. So he held his line and powered forward.

That the ensuing collision between his Chevy and Carl Edwards's Ford as they approached the finish line resulted in Edwards taking a frightening airborne ride into grandstands fencing and injuring seven fans had less to do with Keselowski than the innate dangers of restrictor plate racing.

In fact, NASCAR started putting restrictor plates on the cars at its two super speedways in Talladega and Daytona because of a similar airborne accident at Talladega in 1987. The idea was to control speeds. Roof flaps developed in the 1990s were supposed to keep the cars on the ground.

And so the 25-year-old Keselowski, whose win came in only his fifth Cup start, didn't make apologies for the racing.

More Coverage: Drivers Irate After Terrifying Finish

He thought the fans got exactly the high-drama show they paid to see or chose to tune into.

But he did feel bad for the fans who were hurt -- most of whom suffered minor injuries like bruises. One may have a broken jaw. Edwards escaped without injury.

"Holding your line was the way to do it, and I'm sorry it caused a wreck and sorry for those that are hurt," said Keselowski, who drives full time for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Nationwide Series.

"But that's just the situation with the rules and the way it is, and either way, it was a great show, and I hope the fans had fun with it. This is NASCAR racing at its finest. This was a great show. I really hope everyone enjoyed it, because I had fun."

Keselowski realizes that there will be controversy about the outcome and the danger of the last lap. But he was trying to enjoy his win with low-budget independent team owned by businessman James Finch, who races as he can afford it.

And ... Keselowski did finish one position ahead of Earnhardt, who was duly impressed with his protege's first win.

"I'm so proud of Brad, he did a great job," Earnhardt said. "Man, he's got to be screaming happy. James Finch, as the car owner. It's just amazing. He's an awesome dude."

While Keselowski isn't running for the championship, the race outcome did mean a big shakeup in the Sprint Cup Series standings. Seventh place finisher Kurt Busch leaves as the new points leader -- five points over Jeff Gordon, who finished 37th. Three-time reigning champ Jimmie Johnson dropped to third place, 64 points back -- both Gordon and Johnson were involved in multi-car wrecks.

Kasey Kahne was the biggest points loser on the day, dropping four positions and out of The Chase top-12 to 14th position thanks to a 13-car accident less than 15 minutes into the race.

Conversely, Greg Biffle's seventh place run moved him inside the Chase (10th place). And Ryan Newman vaulted four positions to 13th, only 30 points out of the Chase cutoff.

And in a complete reverse of Hendrick Motorsports recent fortune, Earnhardt was the team's only driver to finish the race. The runner-up effort -- his best finish of the year -- moved him up three spots in the rankings to 15th as the series moves to Richmond, Va., next weekend.

Australian rookie Marcos Ambrose finished fourth for his best career Cup finish and could only manage to state the obvious after climbing out of his car: "That is the most spectacular thing I've ever seen in my life."

Terrifying Finish at Talladega

A push for victory takes a disastrous turn for Carl Edwards at Talladega Superspeedway. Contact from race winner Brad Keselowski on the final lap sends Edwards into a tailspin before he's lifted into the air by Ryan Newman (39). Click through to see more photos from Sunday's incredible race.

Rainier Ehrhardt, AP

Edwards' car went airborne and into the safety fence, scattering debris into the crowd and injuring multiple fans. "I'm glad the car didn't go up in the grandstands," he said. "I don't know if I could live with myself if I ended up in the grandstands."

Glenn Smith, AP

After landing back down on the track, Edwards had to climb out of his car as it sparked flames. "I just want to tell my mom, I'm OK," Edwards told the television audience. "I'm very fortunate."

Christian Petersen, Getty Image

Edwards was quick to put some blame on NASCAR's use of restrictor plates to combat the high speed of the two fastest tracks -- Talladega and Daytona. The plates keep cars packed together, and all it takes is one wrong move to trigger "The Big One," a nickname for the recurring pileups.

Jerry Markland, Getty Images

As Edwards was derailed on the final lap, Keselowski surged into the lead to win a Sprint Cup Series race for the very first time. Keselowski felt sorry for the fans who were hurt, but wasn't about to make excuses for his maneuver. "Holding your line was the way to do it," said Keselowski.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

"Either way, it was a great show, and I hope the fans had fun with it," said Keselowski, seen here celebrating in Victory Lane. Restrictor-plate races are both loved by fans for the thrills they provide and dreaded by drivers who fear for their safety.

Rusty Jarrett,, Getty Images

Edwards' stunning flight wasn't the only major crash during the Aaron's 499. On the seventh lap, a 13-car accident caused havoc for top drivers like Mark Martin, far left, Kevin Harvick (29) and points leader Jeff Gordon (24).

Dale Davis, AP

NASCAR issued a strong warning before the race, telling the drivers to avoid aggressive driving. But that didn't prevent the mayhem from taking over Talladega again. "You expect it," said Gordon. "You just hope to survive it."

Russell Norris, AP

Like Edwards, Jeremy Mayfield also had to leave his burning vehicle after a wreck Sunday. There were four major accidents between the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide race over the weekend.

Dale Davis, AP

Edwards, who crossed the finish line on foot, said that drivers fear these type of races. "NASCAR has put us in this box and we'll race like this until we kill someone and then they'll change it."

Christian Petersen, Getty Image

Keselowski Wins in Spectacular Fashion originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kasey Kahne Talks About His Birthday, LeBron James, Sponsorship Rumors

Holly Cain — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Talladega Superspeedway, Sprint Cup, FanHouse Exclusive

On Friday evening we caught up with one of NASCAR's most popular drivers, Kasey Kahne, for a live chat in which Kahne spent time answering the burning questions of his fans.

Among the topics Kahne touched on were his confidence in his car, the rumors swirling around his sponsorship status, his favorite track (and which one needs the most work) and what he did on his birthday.

Check out the full chat transcript after the jump.

Kasey Kahne: Hey, I just got out of the car -- lost an engine in practice so I only made one run, but car felt alright for Sunday.

Tracy: Do you have a girlfriend?
Kasey Kahne: I'm single right now.

Don Brown: Kasey, how does that blown engine impact the rest of your weekend?
Kasey Kahne: I didn't get as much practice as some of the other cars, but usually when you unload at this track you're fairly close.

Brett Pharve: Who was your favorite sports star (non-NASCAR) growing up?
Kasey Kahne: LeBron James right now because of how dominant he is in the NBA. I liked Gary Payton a lot growing up because of the Seattle SuperSonics.

Lori: Where do you think you will get your first win this year?
Kasey Kahne: Darlington -- I've always really liked that place.

Carrie: When are you guys going to start using the new Dodge engine?
Kasey Kahne: Hopefully sooner than later. The engine shop is working hard to have it, I'm just not sure when.

Chris: I miss your Allstate commercials, do you plan on doing any more?
Kasey Kahne: I always had a lot of fun with the Allstate commercials, but as of right now I haven't heard of anymore.

kayla: How was your birthday? What did you do, since there was no race that weekend?
Kasey Kahne: I ended up racing Saturday and just went out to PF Changs for dinner.

Dan Brinke: Hey Kasey, heard a rumor that you would be driving a Bud Light car. Any truth to that?
Kasey Kahne: No truth to that. I'll be Budweiser all year long

Julieanne: How do you not let the the rumors about you leaving your racing team or losing your sponsorship affect you while racing?
Kasey Kahne: It's easy. Budweiser is a great sponsor and they say they're sticking with us. All I want to do is work my hardest to win where I'm at right now.

Willie Nelson: Is it intimidating to race at Talladega Superspeedway? Or not too different from other tacks?
Kasey Kahne: It's not too intimidating. It's super smooth and cars handle so well at these tracks that you're always just focused on being in the right lane at right time.

kayla: What made you choose NASCAR racing as your career?
Kasey Kahne: I chose racing because I grew up loving racing. I ended up being a NASCAR driver, which is great, but I was open to any type of racing.

Dan Brinke: Do you actually ever drink Budweiser?
Kasey Kahne: That's all I drink. Dead serious. Beer and water.

Al: How about winning the Allstar Race again?
Kasey Kahne: I hope we have a great shot. We're bringing a brand new car which will be the latest and greatest Richard Petty Motorsports has.

David: You are the best.
Kasey Kahne: Thanks David.

David Rothfeld: How do you feel when you are about to race?
Kasey Kahne: I feel excited and ready to go. I usually listen to some music the hour before, get something to eat.

Chris: I'm from Vegas, what do you think of the Championship Ceremonies being moved from New York City to Las Vegas?
Kasey Kahne: I think it will be great. It seems to me there's more of a NASCAR following in Vegas than New York.

skdub: Do you think Danica Patrick could handle being a driver in NASCAR?
Kasey Kahne: As well as she runs in the IRL, I'd imagine she could figure it out with the right amount of experience.

Sareena: What other careers did you want to try?
Kasey Kahne: I wanted to be a logger when I was young, because my dad was. Then I decided to race and I'm glad that I did.

Marvin: Which NASCAR driver has the best personality? Which one of your rivals is a really funny guy?
Kasey Kahne: When I go out with Elliott Sadler, he's a great time. Jimmie Johnson's always cool.

David: What music do you like?
Kasey Kahne: Country

Danny: How is your Sprint car team doing?
Kasey Kahne: Alll three of my teams are doing great this year. We've already won six races.

skdub: Is Days of Thunder your favorite movie?
Kasey Kahne: No, but it's a good one.

Allison: Do you have any pets?
Kasey Kahne: No, but I'd like to have a dog some day.

Mason: Do you still talk with Bill Elliott at all?
Kasey Kahne: Not as much. But whenever I see him we talk. He's definitely a great guy.

kris: do you like Kyle and Kurt Busch?
Kasey Kahne: I like both Kyle and Kurt. I think they're great drivers and cool guys away from the track.

john: What track would you like to see some improvement on?
Kasey Kahne: Phoenix. ... new pavement.

rodney: When will your car be the car you need? We know you can drive, when will you get a fast car?
Kasey Kahne: It keeps getting better every week.

Al: What are your feelings on Martin winning?
Kasey Kahne: I thought it was awesome!

Kasey Kahne: Thanks for all the questions. Watch for the Bud car Sunday. I'm coming from the back.

Kasey Kahne Talks About His Birthday, LeBron James, Sponsorship Rumors originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martin May Finally End Title Drought

Steve Byrnes — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Mark Martin, FanHouse Exclusive, SPEED TV

Mark Martin's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory last weekend at Phoenix very well may have been the most popular and sentimental win in years.

Not only did the fans in the grandstands voice their thundering approval but numerous drivers and car owners ducked into Victory Lane to congratulate Mark on his accomplishment. Greg Biffle articulated it best when he said, in summary, that he couldn't think of anyone else, besides himself, he'd rather see in Victory Lane. The feeling of virtually every driver in the garage is that if they can't pull their car into Victory Lane, they're happy to see Mark do so. He has that much respect because he races everyone clean and is as intense as they come.
And while it appears Mark has his best shot ever at winning the elusive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, he will be the first to tell you the trophy wasn't his true motivation for returning to full-time competition.

As soon as word leaked out last year he would be joining Hendrick, tongues began wagging about Mark's long-awaited, overdue championship finally coming to fruition at the powerhouse organization. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark during the off-season both on and off-camera and was struck by his revelation that he didn't join Hendrick Motorsports for the opportunity to finally hoist that Sprint Cup trophy, but rather because it was the right situation for him at this point in his life.

Mark chose Hendrick Motorsports for one reason and one reason only - to race for Rick Hendrick. After running a partial schedule in 2007 and 2008, he was not ready to walk away from the sport. Although the reduced schedule allowed him to do the things he wanted, such as spending time with his wife and son, and to unwind a bit from the rigors of the crazy NASCAR life, Mark also recognized his desire to race for a championship still abounded.

But he's a very obsessive individual, by his own admission, and he wasn't going to commit to racing just halfway. If you've ever heard anything about his rigorous fitness routine, you'd know Mark is all-out in every aspect of his life, and the overwhelming desire to compete and be a true contender lured him back.

Jeff Gordon also helped draw him into the fold. Mark had been talking to Hendrick about a partial schedule but Gordon is the one who twisted his arm into accepting a fulltime ride. The fact that a four-time champion wanted Mark with his organization is a huge testament to what a respected racer Mark is.

More Coverage: Get NASCAR on SPEED TV Schedule

Mark also has the utmost admiration of his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, who told me Mark is the most open-minded racer he has ever worked with. You'd think that as a 50-year-old driver with more than 700 starts and 36 Cup wins, Mark would be fairly set in his ways. But Gustafson said he accepts feedback from the team like no one else and encourages them to challenge him with different setups and ideas - whatever it takes to be better. Furthermore, Mark understands the car from front to rear and can pinpoint specifically what he needs it to do.

The guy obviously hasn't forgotten anything during his weekends off the past two seasons. It was amazing how strong he and the No. 5 team were right out of the gate this year, although they had some horrendous luck with motor and tire problems that killed them in the points. But the most important thing is they ran very well before those problems struck. If anyone can rebound, Mark can because he is strong at virtually every track the Sprint Cup Series races on, doesn't make mistakes and his work ethic is second to none.

Sure, Mark is by far the sentimental favorite for the championship after finishing runner-up four separate times, but he's got more than sentiment on his side. He has at his disposal every resource necessary to win a championship. Plus, he has afforded himself every chance to win races and championships by virtue of his dedication to physical fitness. Mark is lacking nothing in his first bid for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship and don't be surprised if the 50-year-old finally pulls it off.

Steve Byrnes is the host of Trackside Live, NASCAR Live and This Week in NASCAR on SPEED, in addition to his duties as a pit reporter for FOX Sports. A NASCAR broadcaster for nearly 25 years, Byrnes also hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying broadcasts, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series sessions. He broke into NASCAR broadcasting in 1985 as the host of Inside NASCAR on TNN and went on to host Darrell Waltrip's Racers on TNN, among numerous other programs. Byrnes also has served as a play-by-play announcer in the NFL. For more information about Byrnes or to access the NASCAR on SPEED programming schedule, please visit www.speedtv.com.

Martin May Finally End Title Drought originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Al Unser Jr. 'Done' With IndyCar, 500

Holly Cain — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:45:00 EST

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, IRL

As lean and fit as he ever looked during a heralded IndyCar career, Al Unser Jr. walked around the St. Petersburg IndyCar Series paddock two weeks ago posing for snapshots and signing autographs for fans, who wanted to know when he'd be racing again.

The answer is this week in Long Beach, Calif. -- the picturesque downtown street course where Unser won six Indy car races in an eight-year period, including four straight from 1988-1991, in one of the most dominating performances at one venue in series history.

Only the 46-year-old Unser won't be racing in Sunday's IndyCar Series grand prix, he'll be driving a tricked-out Toyota in Saturday's 33rd edition of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.

"We're done with that level of competition,'' Unser told FanHouse last week. "We had a good time and now it's time to pass the torch.'"

Never again? I pressed.

"No,'' he said very deliberately. "As far as the IRL or the Indy 500 -- at that level -- I'm done.

"God has blessed me with being able to work and help other drivers right now and I wouldn't trade it for anything.''

And so, one of the most talented drivers of his generation has decided to move on, enjoying life as the ultimate tutor. He is working for the IndyCar Series as a driver coach -- joining a "teaching" lineup of greats like his dad, four-time Indy winner Al Unser and three-time 500 winner Johnny Rutherford.

Unser said he is still open to competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona or the historic 12 Hours of Sebring sports car races, but only if he had the opportunity to co-drive with his son, Al Unser III.

More pressing for him are the accolades of the weekend. He'll be inducted into the Long Beach race's Motorsports Walk of Fame, and serve as the grand marshal for Sunday's IndyCar race. When Unser speaks of life these days, he sounds content, humbled and genuinely excited. And that's no small thing.

Because for all his great triumphs behind the wheel of an IndyCar -- 31 wins, the two Indy 500 crowns and two championships -- Unser has also had well-documented problems off-track, including a DUI arrest three years ago.

Ten years ago, his daughter Cody was stricken with a rare spinal cord condition called Transverse Myelitis, which left her paralyzed from the waist down. Now 22, Cody is graduating from college next month with plans to attend law school.

Getting healthy and happy has been a long and public process for Unser -- more endurance than sprint and complete with speed bumps.

"Things are really good right now,'' Unser allows. "I'm feeling really good.''

And it shows.

His namesake, son Al, 26, is the Unser racing priority now. He's trying to land a full-time ride in the Indy Lights series, and despite the pedigree, it hasn't been easy work. The family is still trying to help him land sponsorship to compete in the Indy Lights race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Unser family owns nine Indy 500 wins among Al Sr. (four), Bobby (three) and Unser (two) -- and where Unser's photo finish victory over Scott Goodyear in the 1992 Indy 500 is obligatory highlight-reel material.

The place is so special to Unser that, even after retiring from full-time racing in 2004, he returned to compete in his beloved Indianapolis 500 two years later. His last race was the 2007 Indy 500, where he finished 26th driving for another of the sport's icons, A.J. Foyt.

"There was no announcement or anything like that,'' Unser said of his decision to step completely away from IndyCar competition. "It just kind of happened last year working with dad and helping the league. I really loved it.''

The Toyota Pro-Celebrity race, which raises money for Racing for Kids and Children's Hospital, will feature professional drivers like NASCAR champion Johnny Benson and defending winner, ESPN pit reporter Jamie Little, in addition to an A-list of celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Tyson Beckford, Adrien Brody, Tim Daly, Luke Wilson and even Jeopardy's own Alex Trebek.

Unser, who hasn't turned competitive laps since that 2007 Indy 500, is taking his preparation for the race very seriously. The celebrities get a 30-second head start and the race is only 10 laps long so there isn't much time to make up ground.

"We're here to win this thing,'' Unser said.

"To run on the streets of Long Beach means so much to me. Really, this whole weekend is an honor.

"I've watched people do this kind of thing for my father my entire life. To have people do this for me, it's an honor.''

Al Unser Jr. 'Done' With IndyCar, 500 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Time for Sin City to Have Shot

Krista Voda — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:36:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Awards, Sprint Cup, FanHouse Exclusive, SPEED TV

While nothing has been officially announced, it appears the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series postseason awards ceremony will be trekking across the country from New York City to Sin City in December.

The powers-that-be in the NASCAR world, specifically SMI Chairman Bruton Smith and NASCAR, have long bantered back and forth about taking their awards banquet to Las Vegas but never before has the city represented so much potential to NASCAR.

Given the current economic landscape in America and across the world, the banquet, held in Manhattan since 1981, is in dire need of revitalization to infuse it with some fresh energy, and the possibilities don't get more promising than Las Vegas. Along with the rest of the country, NASCAR has suffered in the recession, so we must explore new avenues to reach out to the sponsors and fans who are the sport's lifeblood. If Vegas encourages more race fans to experience the banquet, or makes it more affordable or easier to reach, then it is time to pack it up for the move. The awards ceremony should flourish in Las Vegas and inject into the sport the spark it currently needs.

The Big Apple has a certain electricity and buzz but that fizzles right out when it comes to NASCAR. The historic Waldorf-Astoria and NASCAR's presence there are steeped in tradition but in these financial times, that no longer is enough. We've got to do it better.

While many New Yorkers showed up to support NASCAR during Champions Week, the sport struggled to gain acceptance among the local media and the community as a whole. The NASCAR show car parade through Midtown was cancelled last year, due in part to complaints from area residents, but we could easily substitute a parade down The Strip in Vegas. The awards ceremony itself hasn't included the general public due to space constraints at the Waldorf-Astoria, but finding convention centers, hotels or casinos in Las Vegas capable of holding thousands won't be a problem. Plus, the cost of hotel rooms for the teams and fans in Vegas will be a fraction of those in New York during the holiday season.

However, New York City's loss of the NASCAR banquet should not mandate a removal of attention to the country's largest media market. Jeff Gordon made a very valid point when he said the sport still should make the media blitz through NYC for the champion and The Chase contenders. But the actual awarding of the championship would be better served under the neon lights of Las Vegas instead of the Christmas lights of New York.

While we're talking about relocating the awards ceremony, let's go for the gusto and totally scrap the current format that has become too "stuffy" and boring for anyone to enjoy.

The formality and monotonous pace at which the ceremony trudges along has long been a running joke in the NASCAR garage area. We all realize how vital each driver's few moments are to properly thank his sponsors who pump so much money into these teams. However, there has to be another way to afford appropriate credit to these companies while making the process more television-friendly and entertaining for the fans at home because the banquet is a celebration for them, as well. We must find additional avenues to appeal to the fan who may be watching his or her first NASCAR function and isn't familiar with any of the drivers, teams or sponsors. Look to other sports and industries for examples, such as the Country Music Awards.

I also think the format should be more inclusive and supportive of the winning crew. The cameras traditionally pan to the team sitting atop the balcony off to the side while the driver acknowledges them. However, I'd like to hear their names announced, see their faces and learn more about who these men and women are. I think the fans appreciate the "people" stories that make these championships possible.

I was fortunate enough a few years ago to cover Supercross, which schedules its banquet in Las Vegas on the same weekend as its season finale. That's a fantastic plan because the season's energy, excitement and thrill of the championship are so fresh in everyone's minds. The celebration is larger and more intense because it follows the concluding event by a mere 24 hours. I doubt that concept would ever work in NASCAR for logistical reasons but maybe there is a lesson somewhere in there.

I'm looking forward to hearing an official announcement that we're headed to Vegas in December. The city and race track always welcome NASCAR with open arms, the crowds at Las Vegas Motor Speedway consistently are outstanding and the local media is very supportive of us. Vegas has a lot to offer its tourists, whether for a race weekend, guys', girls' or family vacation. People flock to Las Vegas for the city itself, and it's for that reason, that I think the awards ceremony will flourish there and help bolster NASCAR during these crucial times.

Krista Voda is the host of NCWTS Setup, the popular pre-race program for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on SPEED, as well as a NASCAR pit reporter for FOX Sports. A veteran of the NASCAR garage, Voda also hosts The SPEED Report and was the first female to host a NASCAR pre-race show. She hosted Totally NASCAR and NASCAR Nation on SPEED, in addition to serving as a reporter and pre-race show host for AMA. Voda also has extensive experience in radio and local television and works as a sideline reporter for the NFL and BCS on FOX. For more information on Voda, or to access the NASCAR on SPEED programming schedule, please visit www.speedtv.com.

It's Time for Sin City to Have Shot originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR Needs to Abolish 'Mess'

Jimmy Spencer — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, Sprint Cup, Richard Childress Racing , FanHouse Exclusive, SPEED TV

There was much ado about nothing leaving Bristol Motor Speedway last Sunday. The top 35 owner points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series were reset for the first time this year following the Bristol race, guaranteeing a starting spot to the top 35 teams this weekend at Martinsville Speedway and forcing the outsiders to race their way in on time.

So, for those locked into the top 35, relief reigns at least for the next week. But my contention is the top 35 shouldn't even exist. Get rid of the whole system. I've thought that since the rule's inception but became even more incensed when things became completely convoluted entering the 2009 season.In case you missed it, a couple of car owners bought their way into the top 35 in Cup Series points with last-second "partnerships" and points exchanges right before we rolled into Daytona in early February.

Bill Davis shut down his No. 22 Cup team at the conclusion of the 2008 season but has resurfaced as a minority owner of Sam Hornish Jr.'s No. 77 Penske Racing Dodge, which, at Daytona, assumed Davis' points from last season. Bobby Ginn hasn't been seen in the garage area in quite a while but now has minority ownership stake in Clint Bowyer's No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, which, to start the season, claimed the No. 01's 32nd place points from 2008. Remember that Ginn merged with DEI in 2007, and although he left shortly thereafter, was still listed as owner of the No. 01.

Think these guys are getting back into the sport? Think again.

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** FILE ** In this Sept. 19, 2008, file photo, Denny Hamlin, left, and teammate Kyle Busch talk in the garage during practice for a NASCAR auto race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. Busch had to settle for second place, behind Busch, on Sunday, March 22, at Bristol. (AP Photo/Russ Hamilton Jr., File)

BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, leads Martin Truex Jr., driver of the Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet and Scott Speed, driver of the #82 Red Bull Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Gordon;Martin Truex Jr.;Scott Speed

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Kyle Busch (18) leads Kevin Harvick (29) during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500 auto race in Bristol, Tenn., Sunday, March 22, 2009. Busch won the race. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Kyle Busch leads the field just after taking the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Food City 500 auto race in Bristol, Tenn., Sunday, March 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, celebrates winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

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BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

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BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

Getty Images for NASCAR

BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, races Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch;Joey Logano

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BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Kyle Busch (2L), driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, poses with his girlfriend Samantha Sarcinella (3L) and crew in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch;Samantha Sarcinella

Getty Images for NASCAR

BRISTOL, TN - MARCH 22: Kyle Busch (L), driver of the #18 Snickers Toyota, celebrates with his crew in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 22, 2009 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

Getty Images for NASCAR

Since starting positions in the top 35 are guaranteed the first five races of the season, based upon the previous year's points, Bowyer and Hornish moved into the top 35 a few weeks ago through these questionable deals in which their owners aligned with owners who finished 2008 in the top 35 but are not racing this season.

NASCAR needs to regain control of this mess and put some cohesion back into the system. A.J. Allmendinger thought his No. 44 was guaranteed a starting spot at Daytona until a day or two before we got down there, but was knocked out when Bowyer's No. 33 was allowed entrance. That's plain wrong, and this year is the worst I've ever seen for this problem.

The wealthier teams capitalize on these gray areas because they can afford to buy points, or align themselves with owners who have points they don't need, which isn't fair to teams like the No. 44.

NASCAR just needs to chuck the top 35 rule and revamp the system because it does not accomplish its intent and purpose. We don't need to guarantee starting spots to 35 teams. The past champion's provisional is being abused and so is the dignity of a past champion himself. The intent of the rule was to allow a past champion into a race when he enters every race but happens to miss one. It's not to permit someone to come out of retirement every time a team wants a starting position.

I urge NASCAR to lock in only the top 20 cars each weekend based on points and set the remaining 23 spots via speed in qualifying sessions. Allow a provisional starting position for the past champion, but only if he runs all the races. If I owned a Cup team right now, and wasn't one of the fastest 23 cars on time, I would want to go home because I didn't deserve to be there.

Not only would the ability to make a race be more equitable between teams, we'd also have more new owners stepping into the series to take a stab at making a race, because they wouldn't have to go up against the "Goliaths" guaranteed a starting spot. The way the system currently stands, the top 35 have endless advantages, especially with the testing ban, simply because they're guaranteed to start the race. They spend Friday's practice working on race set-ups while the other guys bust their tails just to get qualified, losing all that practice time to qualifying trim.

Not only will a restructuring open the door to new and small owners, it will bring some significance back to the qualifying sessions, because they don't mean anything right now. Neither does the top-35 rule.

Jimmy Spencer calls it like he sees it as an analyst on NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane on SPEED. He retired from driving with two NASCAR Sprint Cup, 12 NASCAR Nationwide and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory, putting him in an elite group of drivers who have logged wins in all three of NASCAR's premier divisions. In 478 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, Spencer amassed 28 top-five and 80 top-10 finishes. He won back-to-back NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championships in 1986 and 1987 on the heels of 15 victories, becoming the first driver ever to earn consecutive titles in the series. He earned the nickname "Mr. Excitement" for his flamboyant and aggressive driving style early in his racing career. For more information on Spencer or SPEED's NASCAR programming, please visit www.speedtv.com.

NASCAR Needs to Abolish 'Mess' originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pit Road to Riches (or Ruin)

Holly Cain — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Pit Crews, FanHouse Exclusive

The setting for one of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' more interesting subplots of the season hasn't been the race track, but on pit road.

Greg Biffle blamed a mistake there with costing him a win at California. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon were guilty of miscues Sunday at Las Vegas.

And if not for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s one-lap pit penalty in the Daytona 500, he's not a lap down racing desperately to get around Brian Vickers to earn the Lucky Dog pass ... and maybe the inevitable "Big One" doesn't go down that way but with another cast of characters.

"It just takes one mistake or one circumstance or whatever the case may be, to change everything that you're doing that day,'' Kevin Harvick said this week, acknowledging a run on early season pit road issues.
"All of sudden you're trying to play catch-up instead of trying to keep your track position.''

Johnson agreed, saying it could be in part because track position means more than ever with the new cars. He thinks people are being more aggressive on pit road trying to make up positions they're finding tougher to take on track with the new cars.

"Daytona is always so tough as the first one out of the gate,'' Johnson said Tuesday. "At the other tracks, I think it's just people being aggressive and I'm guilty of that as well.

"We had a little bit of confusion on the radio when I slipped through my stall this weekend. ... I was just going too fast and slipped through.

"So some of it could be just early in the season and guys are making mistakes. I'm guilty of that.''

"I know there were a lot of mistakes on pit road. I think you'll see everybody spending more time practicing their pit-ins next time we're back in Vegas.''

According to NASCAR's race reports there has actually been one less pit road penalty assessed this year in the first three Cup races compared to 2008.

There were 16 penalties handed out at Daytona in February, compared to seven a year ago. Six were issued at California, compared to 20 a year ago.

Of the three tracks, Las Vegas easily leads this category with 28 pit road violations last Sunday and 22 accessed in 2008.

Of course these numbers don't take into account mistakes like missing the pit box and having to drive around again, or simply having a slow stop -- but it is an interesting statistic. And it was certainly a hot topic in driver interviews this week.

What it tells us, however, is that there aren't necessarily any more problems on pit road, but maybe it's just higher profile drivers making the mistakes and getting the penalties.

Last weekend, the three-time champ Johnson, his four-time champion teammate Gordon and two-time champion Tony Stewart committed pit road violations, as did Earnhardt.

"I just keep giving everybody ammunition,'' Earnhardt joked with reporters afterward.

"The problem with speeding on pit road is just trying too hard and that can hurt you just as bad as not trying enough. We've just got to be smart.''

Pit Road to Riches (or Ruin) originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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