Motorsports FanHouse http://motorsports.fanhouse.com Motorsports FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Motorsports FanHouse http://motorsports.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Lesa France Kennedy Is 'Most Powerful Woman In Sports'http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/20/lesa-france-kennedy-is-most-powerful-woman-in-sports/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/20/lesa-france-kennedy-is-most-powerful-woman-in-sports/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/20/lesa-france-kennedy-is-most-powerful-woman-in-sports/#commentsFiled under:

Lesa France KennedyIt's hard to imagine Forbes Magazine's newly crowned "Most Powerful Woman in Sports" in a neon-orange vest standing outside Daytona International Speedway directing race day traffic in the hot Florida sunshine. Or collecting tickets from fans at the gate. Or working in the chaotic, noisy mail room -- before computers automated the process.

But that's exactly how Lesa France Kennedy, 48, got her start at International Speedway Corporation (ISC), sister company to NASCAR. Her late father, Bill France Jr., would have it no other way in the family business.

"In fact, he [France Jr.] was probably tougher on Lesa than her brother [NASCAR Chairman] Brian ... just to toughen her up and prepare her, he didn't cut her any slack,'' said NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter, who has known Kennedy since she was a teenager.

"And he would be proud of her [for this honor].''

This is the first time Forbes has named a racing-related person to top this prestigious list of mostly stick-and-ballers, and it says as much about the sport that Kennedy has guided as the leader she has proven to be.

"One of the really cool things about it is where we've come as a sport,'' Hunter said. "When you look 30 years ago, no women were allowed in the pits, there were no women in the garage, now look at it. This is a great honor not only for Lesa but for all the women working in the sport today.''

Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip couldn't agree more.

"When you look 30 years ago, no women were allowed in the pits, there were no women in the garage, now look at it. This is a great honor not only for Lesa but for all the women working in the sport today."
- NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter "Our whole sport should be really proud,'' said Waltrip, a driver/owner in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series.

"And it shows the apples don't fall far from the tree. Her family has always been so passionate about directing this sport and she watched that and learned how to grow it even bigger. Her grandfather and father had great foresight and I love that she's grasped that.

"To be recognized by Forbes says a ton for our sport and that our sport has now evolved to the level that it's taken in a most serious manner.''

Ironically, Kennedy received official word of her honor by phone call just after arriving home in Daytona Beach, Fla., from a trip to Charlotte, N.C., where her grandfather, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., and her father were announced as inaugural members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

"My assistant called and said, 'I think I have some more good news ...' It was a huge surprise, really icing on the cake for the week,'' Kennedy said. "It was very uplifting to say the least and it speaks to how our sport is recognized within all top sports.''

Also included on Forbes' top-10 list of powerful women in sports are Donna Goldsmith, CEO of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE); Heidi Ueberroth, President of International Business Operations for the NBA; Virginia McCaskey, principal owner of the NFL's Chicago Bears; and Jamie McCourt, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

At ISC, Kennedy, who has an economics degree from Duke University, oversees a massive $750 million in annual revenue generated from the promotion of more than 100 races -- including stock car's biggest event, the Daytona 500.

She also oversees the operation of 15 major motor sports tracks all over the country in some of the largest markets including Daytona International Speedway, California Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and Kansas Speedway.

She was the force behind building the ultra-modern $250 million facility outside Kansas City from shovel to its 2001 green flag and considers that her biggest accomplishment.

"It absolutely wouldn't have happened if not for her,'' Hunter said. "She shepherded the project through at times when I think even her father would have given up.''

In selecting Kennedy, Forbes said, "No female sports executive oversees a bigger operation.''

Yet Kennedy, who has worked at ISC for 26 years as traffic cop, ticket taker, secretary, treasurer and vice president of the board, couldn't be more humble or reserved. She is the ultimate example of substance over flash in a business where flash is easier to come by. And it would be hard to argue the strategy.

At the Hall of Fame announcement last week, she stood smiling alongside her younger brother, NASCAR Chairman Brian, but politely deferred most of the reporters' questions to him.

Even though she clearly prefers working behind the scenes to being in front of the cameras, she is becoming more comfortable of her role as the face of the company.

"She would rather be totally in the background, but she has a really good way with people and when she's out front, it shows,'' Hunter said.

So it wasn't too surprising that her formal ascension from president to CEO this June was as low-key as she is. It came only two years after enduring painful personal losses.

Her father, France Jr., died of cancer in June, 2007 then her husband, Dr. Bruce Kennedy, was killed in a plane crash one month later.

But those that know her best say Kennedy has always embraced her opportunity, no matter the difficult circumstances. Now she joins the ranks of single, working-parent, juggling the demands of her fast-paced career overseeing billion-dollar company with that of being mom to 17-year old Ben, who has also taken up the family business -- albeit pursuing a slightly different course -- as a race car driver.

"I find it ironic that I'm spending my weekends at a race track watching him race after spending my entire week working in racing,'' said Kennedy with a laugh, adding that's she feels fortunate to have both a good family life and a strong career.

"In this day and age, life overall is a huge balancing act and the dynamics are changing. It's easier in a sense, because employers are more understanding of [working parents].

"But like anything, it's just a matter of finding the right balance."
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Lesa France Kennedy Is 'Most Powerful Woman In Sports' originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Lesa France KennedyHolly CainTue, 20 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST Hall of Fame Got Inaugural Class Righthttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/14/hall-of-fame-got-inaugural-class-right/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/14/hall-of-fame-got-inaugural-class-right/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/14/hall-of-fame-got-inaugural-class-right/#commentsFiled under:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NASCAR executives and racing royalty filled a ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center Wednesday afternoon. David Pearson, Cotton Owens, Ned Jarrett, Bruton Smith, Glen and Eddie Wood and Ricky Rudd were among stock car's dignitaries on hand, eager to hear the inaugural five-person NASCAR Hall of Fame class.

The room went totally silent when NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter took the stage to introduce chairman Brian France. And in an eight-minute ceremony carried on live television, France opened sealed envelopes announcing one-by-one that his grandfather, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.; the sport's all-time winningest driver, Richard Petty; Brian France's father, Bill France Jr.; the late seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt; and champion driver and owner Junior Johnson will go down as the first to be in enshrined when the Hall opens next May.

The inclusion of France Sr., Petty and Earnhardt was a given, it was the final two selections that created an air of suspense.

"It was a spirited debate for sure,'' said Dusty Brandel, one of the 50 members of the voting panel, who confirmed a nearly two-hour, closed-door discussion before the vote Wednesday morning.

There was plenty of spirited debate after the vote was announced too. And more coming.

"You can draw any five out of a hat and then draw five more and they'd all be deserving,'' said Johnson, a nominee and member of the diverse voting committee.

And Johnson's absolutely right. But this initial five-person class will be debated until the second five-person class is announced next year.

Earnhardt's selection was the only one to receive loud cheers from the audience.

Even Petty second-guessed the list, suggesting among others that his father Lee Petty, who won the very first Daytona 500, probably deserved to be in the Hall of Fame more than himself.

"When I first saw the names, I made my own list and David Pearson was my number one pick,'' said Petty, who earned 200 victories and seven championships in his racing career.

"Anyone (Pearson) who won 105 races and didn't make the cut? Someone's not adding right, that's my opinion.''

Many in the audience agreed with Petty and several voting committee members confirmed that the discussions focused on the final two spots and whether it should be France Jr., Johnson or Pearson.

Pearson, who won 105 races and three Cup championships, was gracious after the announcement, but left immediately afterward to give legendary engine builder Cotton Owens a ride home.

"That's all right,'' Pearson said, of not being selected. "I'm happy.

"Disappointed? Not really. I always heard they were going to put Junior (Johnson) in there. And Earnhardt and Petty had to be in there, so when I seen the two Frances went in there I knew I didn't have a chance.''

For what it's worth, NASCAR said the next three top vote-getters of the 25 nominees for the first Hall class were Pearson, Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison.

The 670,000 fans who voted online counted as one single ballot of five drivers and they chose -- Petty, Earnhardt, France Sr., Yarborough and Allison as their top five.

Johnson, who had back surgery six weeks ago, participated in the morning deliberation and vote, but left to rest his back and wasn't even there to hear his selection announced.

He said later that this was "the greatest thing that's happened to me in the sport.''

"You just don't know how it feels to be one of the five people selected to go into this first class,'' said Johnson, who won 50 races as a driver, 132 wins and six titles as an owner. "It's so big and it's so honorable.''

Earnhardt's widow, Teresa, who is part-owner of the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Sprint Cup team, spoke to reporters briefly and posed for a photograph outside the conference hall with five models hired from a local agency -- all wearing fake moustaches and mirrored sunglasses -- a nod to the late Earnhardt's signature look.

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Latest NASCAR Photos
FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2000, file photo, Dale Earnhardt looks out of the garage at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., while crew members work on his car. Earnhardt, who died in a crash at Daytona in 2001, is one of the five people to be inducted next year in the inaugural class of auto racing's NASCAR Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
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Latest NASCAR Images

    FILE - In this undated file photo provided by NASCAR, former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. is seen. France; his father, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.; and drivers Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty are the inaugural class of five for the sport's Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/NASCAR, File) **NO SALES **

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2000, file photo, Dale Earnhardt looks out of the garage at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., while crew members work on his car. Earnhardt, who died in a crash at Daytona in 2001, is one of the five people to be inducted next year in the inaugural class of auto racing's NASCAR Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

    AP

    Richard Petty talks to reporters after being named as one of the members of the first class of NASCAR's new Hall of Fame, during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    AP

    FILE - A 1959 file photo shows NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. France; his son, Bill France Jr.; and drivers Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Junior Johnson were selected as the inaugural class for NASCAR's Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is next year. (AP Photo/File)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2008 file photo, Richard Petty is shown before practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Petty is among five people selected for the inaugural class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The induction is scheduled for next year. (AP Photo/Glenn Smith, File)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    In this June 3, 1964, file photo, Junior Johnson peers from his car after winning the pole position for the Dixie 400 stock car race at Atlanta International Raceway in Atlanta. Johnson is among five people selected for the inaugural class for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/File)

    AP

    Teresa Earnhardt, right, widow of NASCAR driver and car owner Dale Earnhardt, greets people after Dale Earnhardt was named as one of the first members of NASCAR's new Hall of Fame, during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    AP

    Richard Petty, right, talks to reporters after being named as a member of the five-person class for the new NASCAR Hall of Fame, during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, center, looks on as a video showing Bill France Sr., right, plays after the elder France was named as the first member of NASCAR's new Hall of Fame, during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    AP

    CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 14: Ned Jarrett speaks to the media after the announcement of the Nascar Hall of Fame Inductions on October 14, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Ned Jarrett

    Getty Images for NASCAR



"Of the many legendary accomplishments and accolades of his career. ... this is another defining moment,'' Teresa Earnhardt said. "It is the achievement of a lifetime and is celebrated by the millions of Dale Earnhardt fans around the world."

Even France acknowledged he was surprised that both his grandfather and father were in the inaugural class.

"There was a lot of discussion about two France family members in the same year, so I was surprised but very, very proud,'' France said.

He should be. The voters got this right.

This inaugural class should be about those with the greatest contributions to the foundation and flourish of this sport.

Bill France Sr. started it all. His son Bill France Sr. guided it into the next era.

Johnson, Petty and Earnhardt the best of their times -- the best of all time.

How can you argue that?
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Hall of Fame Got Inaugural Class Right originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bill francedale earnhardtRichard PettyHolly CainWed, 14 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST France Father-Son Headline 1st Hall of Fame Classhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/14/france-father-son-headline-1st-hall-of-fame-class/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/14/france-father-son-headline-1st-hall-of-fame-class/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/10/14/france-father-son-headline-1st-hall-of-fame-class/#commentsFiled under:

NASCAR Hall of Fame
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. has been selected as the first inductee of the sport's Hall of Fame.

France formed the National Association for Stock Car Racing in 1947 and headlines the inaugural class of five for the Hall.

Also joining the Hall in next year's induction ceremony is Bill France Jr., who took over for his father as head of NASCAR in 1972. He spent nearly 30 years running the family business.

Also selected were Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR's two seven-time Cup champions, and Junior Johnson.

France Father-Son Headline 1st Hall of Fame Class originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bill france jrFanHouse NewswireWed, 14 Oct 2009 17:27:00 EST First Hall of Fame Nominees Announcedhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/06/30/first-hall-of-fame-nominees-announced/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/06/30/first-hall-of-fame-nominees-announced/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/06/30/first-hall-of-fame-nominees-announced/#commentsFiled under:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Former drivers Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip are two of the 25 nominees for the first NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class.

NASCAR released the two names Tuesday ahead of the announcement of all nominees Thursday night.
More From Bleacher Report: Controversy in Selection Process?

The first class will consist of five members. They'll be inducted in conjunction with the opening of the Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte next May.

Allison and Waltrip were longtime rivals and are tied for third with 84 victories in NASCAR's top series. Waltrip won three Cup championships and Allison one.

A 21-member nominating committee selected the nominees from NASCAR drivers, owners and promoters.

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.

First Hall of Fame Nominees Announced originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bobby allisondarrell waltripFanHouse NewswireTue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST NASCAR Sprint Cup Banquet Moves to Las Vegashttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/23/nascar-moves-cup-banquet-to-las-vegas/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/23/nascar-moves-cup-banquet-to-las-vegas/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/23/nascar-moves-cup-banquet-to-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: ,

In one of the worst kept secrets in racing, NASCAR formally announced Thursday it is moving its Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony from New York City to Las Vegas. The ceremony which caps off "Champion's Week" will be held Friday, Dec. 4 at the Wynn Las Vegas.

The Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series award banquets will be combined and held at Miami's Loews Miami Beach on Monday, Nov. 23.

"Las Vegas really made it a priority to get the awards ceremony moved there,'' NASCAR CEO Brian France said.

The Cup Series banquet had been held in New York City since 1981 at the landmark, Waldorf-Astoria.

Las Vegas, however, has been pursuing the event and France cited a willingness for the city to agree on "reasonable room blocks, banquet facilities and approvals to hold fan activities on the famous Las Vegas Strip" as part of what swayed the decision.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway has hosted a Sprint Cup race since 1998 and has requested a second Cup date from NASCAR.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Banquet Moves to Las Vegas originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Las VegasLasVegasSprint CupSprint Cup Awards BanquetSprintCupSprintCupAwardsBanquetHolly CainThu, 23 Apr 2009 12:19:00 EST It's Time for Sin City to Have Shothttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/09/its-time-for-sin-city-to-have-shot/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/09/its-time-for-sin-city-to-have-shot/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2009/04/09/its-time-for-sin-city-to-have-shot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR on SPEED ScheduleWhile 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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]]>nascarsprint cupSprintCupKrista VodaThu, 09 Apr 2009 20:36:00 EST Best Driver in the World? Carl Edwardshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/12/15/best-driver-in-the-world-carl-edwards/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/12/15/best-driver-in-the-world-carl-edwards/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/12/15/best-driver-in-the-world-carl-edwards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Note to all the No. 48 fans still drunk on three-peat (hey, I'd be too if my guy was the dominant force) -- hold off on the "Miller, you're out of your mind, Jimmie Johnson is 'da best, man!" quips until we get through this, alright?

Because, really, Carl Edwards is the best driver in the entire racing world.

The best, that is, according to a panel "racing jurors" -- let's hope they stick to racing awards and aren't involved in the O.J. Simpson appeal because I have a feeling they'd complement Juice's white Ford Bronco driving abilities -- who named Columbia, Missouri's finest figure* the top wheel man in, like, all of the world this week.

Edwards received the award -- the TAG Heuer Racing Award -- during the opening of the Race of Champions in England this week after those judges "analyzed the weekly performance of more than 150 drivers from Formula One, GP2, NASCAR and the World Rally Championship."

From the best of my knowledge and lack of research into the matter, this is the first year this award was given out, but none of the jurors seem to have any major NASCAR ties -- making this accomplishment that much cooler for Cousin Carl.

So props to Carl and his fans because now they have something to cheer about despite losing to Johnson in the Chase like everyone else has in the past three years. Hey, you can't win 'em all, right?

*=Edwards get that nod because I don't know anyone else from Columbia, except Chase Daniels and Oklahoma kind of put him to shame a few weeks ago.

Best Driver in the World? Carl Edwards originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>CarlEdwardsJimmieJohnsonRaceofChampionsRoushFenwayRacingSprintCupGeoffrey MillerMon, 15 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST Scenes From the Sprint Cup: Champions Weekhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/12/08/scenes-from-the-sprint-cup-champions-week/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/12/08/scenes-from-the-sprint-cup-champions-week/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/12/08/scenes-from-the-sprint-cup-champions-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Friday night, FanHouse hosted a marathon live blog of what was likely the least entertaining awards show ever televised as NASCAR officially crowned Jimmie Johnson as its first three-time consecutive Sprint Cup champ in 30 years.

I'll give 'em credit, though, because its virtually impossible to make a banquet entertaining for fans who aren't eating the $300-plate (my guess) meals at an event that we already know the award winners of. The most thrilling award given was a the "Sprint Monster moment" and even that one had its winner (Carl Edwards) unsure if he was even supposed to give a "I'd like to thank the Academy"-type speech.

If you missed the show, don't worry too much because it wasn't the next incarnation of the Daytona 500 and the best line of the night really wasn't even that great. Funny, but not great. (More on that in a coming post)

It is, however, fun to see some of the usually firesuit-clad drivers dressed in black tie formality and to see some other events from what NASCAR has dubbed "Champions Week". So if you're in to that, here's your cup of tea as we enjoy a nice photo gallery from the fine folks at Getty Images:



Cale Yarborough, the first NASCAR driver to pull the three-consecutive championships feat, surprised Jimmie Johnson by presenting the second driver to manage the triple his championship ring. Johnson later said he was "floored" that one of his childhood heroes had made the trip.




Just prior to Friday night's banquet, NASCAR announced a new cross-promotion deal with actor and musician Kevin Costner for the 2009 season. Costner led a brief look back at the 60 years of NASCAR's existence (including unintentionally re-naming Dale Earnhardt the "Eliminator" rather than "Intimidator".



Matchbox Twenty served as the musical entertainment at the event by playing two songs (they could have played more but only two were broadcast) "Bright Lights" and "How Far We've Come".



Jeff Gordon accepted his seventh-place check and trophy during the banquet and also cracked that he has somehow been listed as the car owner for the last three championships for Johnson. Gordon serves as the technical car owner for Johnson's car.



NASCAR CEO Brian France congratulated Johnson on his third-consecutive title as the driver and his wife Chandra stood behind him.



Carl Edwards took home the second-place trophy Friday night but acknowledged it was hard to deliver a speech after finished second in the points "because that means we didn't win".



Johnson is shown in one of the many photo-ops he had to take part in during Champions Week festivities. This one if from just above New York City's Times Square.



Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't give a speech Friday night thanks to finishing 12th in the standings but he was on hand for the media luncheon and to receive yet another Most Popular Driver award -- all the while sporting a fully-grown beard.



I'm not really too sure how it happens, but Jimmie Johnson seems to grow hair faster than a Chia Pet. Here, Johnson is shown with crew chief Chad Knaus. Knaus is the first crew chief in NASCAR history to win three-straight titles.

Scenes From the Sprint Cup: Champions Week originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>CarlEdwardsChampionsWeekGregBiffleJeffGordonJimmieJohnsonRickHendrickScenesFromGeoffrey MillerMon, 08 Dec 2008 13:17:00 EST Spoiler Alert: Jimmie Johnson Wins an ESPYhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/07/18/spoiler-alert-jimmie-johnson-wins-an-espy/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/07/18/spoiler-alert-jimmie-johnson-wins-an-espy/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2008/07/18/spoiler-alert-jimmie-johnson-wins-an-espy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yeah, ESPY fans -- all 32 of you! -- sorry about that headline.

But for the rest of the world who more than likely won't be watching the ESPY's on Sunday, ESPN is apologetic of that fact and announced the winners of each award Thursday on their web site. They show gets taped on Wednesday night and then aired Sunday.

And during that show (I don't know if Johnson was on hand for the ceremony or not, I guess you'll have to watch to find out. What suspense!) Jimmie Johnson was awarded "Best Driver". Last season, Jeff Gordon received the same honor, so Johnson is just continuing the dominance of Hendrick Motorsports.

Kyle Busch, who is dominating what really matters on the track, was snubbed for the award along with Dario Franchitti (for winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2007), Lewis Hamilton (for not winning the F1 championship in 2007), and Tony Schumacher (for kicking the rest of the field for a few years now in NHRA Top Fuel competition).



Why Kyle Busch wasn't chosen doesn't make much sense to me. Gordon's win last year was a direct result of his on-track performance in 2007, whereas Johnson seemingly won this season for his championship in 2007, not his racing stats in 2008. I suppose it might have something do with the fan voting side of things because Kyle, well, isn't exactly the most well-liked driver in NASCAR at the moment, despite what Yahoo!'s Jerry Bonkowski claims.

I may have given away Johnson's win, but Kyle Busch and Jamie McMurray's finish in the 2007 edition of the July race at Daytona (remember this fancy side-by-side duel?) is up for the "Best Finish" award, and there's no word on that.

But those of you who are just have to know who won before Sunday's show, well, there's always that list.

Spoiler Alert: Jimmie Johnson Wins an ESPY originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dario FranchittiDarioFranchittiESPNespysHendrick MotorsportsHendrickMotorsportsJeff GordonJeffGordonJimmie JohnsonJimmieJohnsonKyle BuschKyleBuschGeoffrey MillerFri, 18 Jul 2008 15:07:00 EST Nextel Cup Awards Banquet In Reviewhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/01/nextel-cup-awards-banquet-in-review/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/01/nextel-cup-awards-banquet-in-review/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/12/01/nextel-cup-awards-banquet-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Just in case you missed Friday night's NASCAR Nextel Cup Awards Ceremony, or if you're looking for a refresher, here's a recap of the goings on from the Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom in New York City.

Jimmie Johnson is your $15 million man -- Johnson took the stage last Friday night in New York, but walked off with the most. Contributing to his $7,996,421 in 2007 race winnings was a check of $7,317,499 from the point fund for his first-place finish in the Nextel Cup standings. Together, Johnson's 2007 winnings totaled $15,313,920.

Jeff Gordon, in second, took home $10.9 million for the year.

Tony Stewart Courting Greg Zipadelli? -- Before each driver that finished in the Top-10 had their chance on stage, ESPN ran video with each having a conversation with their wife. That was the streak, at least, until Tony Stewart was introduced.

"I'm really look forward to my tenth year with everyone at Joe Gibbs racing with my crew chief Greg Zipadelli, who I guess since I'm not married, you kind of had to fill the wife role in the video for everyone tonight," said Stewart. "Sorry, babe."

Classic.


Brokaw Delivers Fitting Tribute -- NASCAR recruited long-time NBC news man Tom Brokaw to do one of the most moving parts of the evening. NASCAR lost many, many great people in 2007 including Bill France Jr., Bobby Hamilton, Benny Parsons, Billy Hagan, Ray Cooper, Shav Glick, Joe Collins, Pete Babb, Dennis James, Morris Metcalfe, Michael Klemm, and Dr. Bruce Kennedy.

None of them were more influential to the sport than Bill France Jr. Brokaw told an interesting story about France's love of Taco Bell and talked of his "sense of humility and being in touch with common taste" when it came to running NASCAR for 30+ years. Brokaw did a great job of being able to reminisce about the losses the sport has seen while at the same time keeping the mood reflective, and not overly sad.

David Spade: Not Really that Funny -- Last year, NASCAR had Jay Mohr. This year, they hired David Spade.

As the token comedic entertainment for the evening, it seemed like Spade knew he was in over his head. Or is it that Spade just isn't very good at connecting with an audience? Spade's best joke of the evening consisted of his trip around Darlington in a TV ride-along with the "one driver who wasn't good enough to race" Wally Dallenbach.

It all went downhill from there. Will Ferrell or Kevin James, anyone?

Clarkson Over-Shadowed by Conversation, Yawns -- Grammy-winner Kelly Clarkson has sold 11 million albums in her career. Apparently no one in the audience had ever bought one.

In between songs in her two-song set, you could hear the clinging of glasses and conversation and you had to feel bad for Jimmie Johnson & Co. who couldn't get up and move around due to being on-stage. NASCAR really needs to find someone that isn't B-list or that people in the audience would enjoy. Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich -- someone that has more connection and fans in the NASCAR world might be a better idea.

Overall -- The evening wasn't horrendous and I've definitely seen more boring versions of the awards show. It's a shame that drivers have to fit such a mold of the black-tie extravaganza because it doesn't hardly let any emotion show through. Doubly a shame is the fact that ESPN can't find a way to even get this program on at a reasonable hour for east coast fans on ESPN2. ESPN Classic just isn't shown in enough places for everyone to see it.

My big question though is why don't we have our Busch and Truck Series champs there, too? Aren't they important?

Nextel Cup Awards Banquet In Review originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerSat, 01 Dec 2007 15:54:00 EST LIVE BLOG: Nextel Cup Awards Banquethttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/live-blog-nextel-cup-awards-banquet/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/live-blog-nextel-cup-awards-banquet/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/live-blog-nextel-cup-awards-banquet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Get in on the conversation here at the FanHouse about tonight's NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Awards Banquet live from New York City's Waldorf-Astoria.

LIVE BLOG: Nextel Cup Awards Banquet originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerFri, 30 Nov 2007 20:35:00 EST FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 4: <br>Make Your 2008 Predictions Resultshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-4-make-your-2008-predictions-result/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-4-make-your-2008-predictions-result/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-4-make-your-2008-predictions-result/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2007 was a long, interesting year, but 2008? According to my clock, just 79 days to go until the green flag at Daytona.

Naturally, that means we've got to wrap up the FanVote with some of your predictions for 2008.

Before we get to the results though, remember that tonight (Friday, Nov. 30) is the annual NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Awards Banquet live from New York City's Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom. The show gets underway at 9pm/ET (6pm/PT) on ESPN Classic, or if your internet provider carries it -- ESPN360.

Here at the FanHouse, we'll be running a live blog/discussion to talk about the banquet starting around 8:45pm/ET. Heck, maybe we'll get off topic a few times, so if you're sitting on 'net this evening, drop by to say hello! Tallglassofmilk ran one of these during the season finale at the Ford 400 and it was a success, so tonight should be plenty exciting.

And now, back to the regularly scheduled programming:
1) Which team will win the Sprint Cup Series title in 2008?
  1. 66% -- Hendrick Motorsports (Gordon, Johnson, Mears, or Earnhardt Jr.)
  2. 14% -- Roush-Fenway Racing (Kenseth, Edwards, Biffle, Ragan, or McMurray)
  3. 10% -- Joe Gibbs Racing (Stewart, Hamlin, or Ky. Busch)
  4. 7% -- Other (DEI, GEM, Yates, etc.)
  5. 2% -- Penske Racing (Newman, Ku. Busch, or Hornish Jr.)

Analysis: The fan choice is clear in who they think will take the Sprint Cup Series championship in 2008 in Hendrick Motorsports. It's hard to pick against the winners of the last two championships especially with the more-than-stellar year exhibited by the team in 2007. However, Hendrick will need to watch closely over their shoulder for Roush-Fenway in 2008 -- keeping a firm eye especially on Matt Kenseth's No. 17. Yep, you heard it here first. Matt Kenseth will be your 2008 champ.

2) Will the Next-Generation NASCAR Race Car (aka Car of Tomorrow) Perform Well in 2008?
  1. 64% -- NASCAR folks are smart, they'll eventually figure it out
  2. 13% -- It's going to be a complete bust.
  3. 12% -- It already has! (in 2007)
  4. 10% -- I can't get over the new body styles!

Analysis: It's hard to agree with the majority on this one. Sure, the NASCAR next-gen race car is a lot different than teams are used to. There isn't a whole lot of adjustments that can be done it. And certainly, engineering work is proving to be more and more useful with the new car. Don't kid yourself into thinking big-time auto racing can always look like Saturday-night street stocks (even though that would be super cool!) and try to find a way to like this car. NASCAR has been around a while, and though I may not fully think the next-gen car is the end-all answer, it's a step in the right direction to make racing better.

3) What's the Biggest Change Needed for NASCAR in 2008?
  1. 63% -- Say Adios to Rusty Wallace and/or ESPN's Coverage
  2. 16% -- Drop the Chase for the Sprint Cup!
  3. 9% -- Nothing. Too many changes lately haven't allowed for consistency.
  4. 6% -- More points for race winners.
  5. 5% -- Full-time traveling NASCAR safety team

Analysis: While ESPN's coverage has been bad, and Rusty Wallace has been even worse, I think there are more pressing issues when it comes to NASCAR in '08. The entire format of the Chase seems convoluted, but I'd imagine before other pro sports had playoffs they felt the same way. Race winners do indeed more points for winning, otherwise Jimmie Johnson vs. Matt Kenseth at Texas will just be a drop in a bucket of races. Really though, NASCAR needs to just stay put with things affecting competition for the next year or two to help things really play out. But do note -- a full-time traveling safety team doesn't affect competition, it just keeps the drivers safer. That's not a bad thing.

4) Which Driver out of the Top-20 in 2007 will step it up in 2008?
  1. 39% -- Elliott Sadler, No. 19 Best Buy Dodge
  2. 24% -- Brian Vickers, No. 83 Red Bull Toyota
  3. 18% -- David Ragan, No. 6 Discount Tire Ford
  4. 14% -- Michael Waltrip, No. 55 NAPA Toyota
  5. 5% -- Paul Menard, No. 15 Menards Chevrolet

Analysis: Elliott Sadler does have the talent to compete and win at the Nextel Cup level, and 2007 was unfortunately a year to forget for his Gilette-Evernham Motorsports team. With a new sponsor for '08, I think the team (GEM) is due for a turnaround. I'd also slide Brian Vickers up there as well after seeing how well Toyota can run when they hit the right setup. With the Gibbs addition to the Toyota camp, all of them are bound to improve, even Waltrip.

Thank you all for participating in the 2007 FanHouse NASCAR FanVote! We really appreciate it and look forward to seeing you Friday night, Nov. 30 at 8:45pm/ET, for the live blog of the Cup Awards Banquet!

FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 4:
Make Your 2008 Predictions Results originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerFri, 30 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 3:<br>The Battles, The Stories, & The Feuds Resultshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-3-br-the-battles-the-stories-and-th/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-3-br-the-battles-the-stories-and-th/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-3-br-the-battles-the-stories-and-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've heard your thoughts on driver performance in 2007 and how awesome or terrible you thought the television coverage was here at the FanHouse NASCAR FanVote.

Now, it's time to get into those juicy stories of the NASCAR season in 2007.

From Juan Pablo Montoya getting into an interesting skirmish with Kevin Harvick at Watkins Glen to Joe Gibbs Racing announcing a move to Toyota in 2008 to the best on-track battle, there was plenty to talk about in 2007 -- even though Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon flat out destroyed the rest of the field nearly all year.

Here's your take on the battles, the stories, and the feuds of 2007:

1) Which Driver Disagreement was the Best in 2007?
  1. 39% -- Juan Pablo Montoya vs. Kevin Harvick, Watkins Glen
  2. 21% -- Carl Edwards vs. Matt Kenseth, Martinsville
  3. 19% -- Kyle Petty vs. Denny Hamlin, Dover (Fall)
  4. 12% -- Kyle Busch vs. Kurt Busch, All-Star Race
  5. 9% -- Denny Hamlin vs. Tony Stewart, Daytona (July)

Analysis: The fans went with what was decidedly one of the funnier moments of 2007 after Kevin Harvick and Juan Pablo were involved in a multi-car accident at Watkins Glen in August. You could Harvick's anger at Montoya for a year-full of aggressive driving by the rookie Colombian lash out when he jumped out of his No. 29 and approached Montoya. A few shoves, plenty of expletive I'm sure, and a raucous turn one crowd later? It ended up being a highlight of the year with NASCAR Cup Series Director John Darby calling it "cool as hell." Agreed.

2) Other than Dale Jr. to Hendrick, What the Biggest News of 2007?
  1. 66% -- Joe Gibbs Racing to Toyota for 2008
  2. 17% -- Influx of Open-Wheel Drivers (Hornish, Carpentier, Montoya, Villeneuve)
  3. 8% -- Kyle Busch to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008
  4. 6% -- Dale Jr. wasn't a Big Deal, Gosh!
  5. 3% -- New Hampshire International Speedway Sold to SMI

Analysis: Without a doubt, there's got to be many Gibbs fans, especially Tony Stewart loyalists, who are deeply questioning the move from Chevrolet to Toyota for JGR. Toyota will have to make some leaps and bounds in 2008, but it definitely doesn't seem out of the question to me for a team of Gibbs' caliber to make a statement with the move. On the other hand, it could completely backfire, and you have to believe that's a good reason why Tony Stewart hasn't said a whole lot about the issue.


3) What's the Biggest Question in NASCAR after 2007?
  1. 47% -- Can Dale Earnhardt Jr. Perform in a Hendrick Car?
  2. 23% -- Will Brian France Ever Remember NASCAR's Original Fans?
  3. 18% -- Is Joe Gibbs Racing going to be Successful with Toyota?
  4. 10% -- Can Anyone other than Hendrick Win?
  5. 2% -- Is the Chevrolet domination here to stay?

Analysis: I think there's going to be a lot of fans in 2008 that are going to be wondering "What's Going On?" if Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn't find victory lane in the first 5 to 7 races of the season -- though expecting a win that quick with a new team isn't necessarily fair. Push that streak later in the season, and plenty of the Dale Jr.-has-no-talent folks will come barking from all corners, but I don't see that happening. Junior will run well and a win a few in 2007, but as for Brian France being able to stop alienating core fans? That's a question that I still have.


4) What was the Best Battle of 2007?
  1. 56% -- Kevin Harvick vs. Mark Martin, Daytona 500
  2. 22% -- Jimmie Johnson vs. Jeff Gordon, Chase for the Nextel Cup
  3. 11% -- Matt Kenseth vs. Jimmie Johnson, Texas (November)
  4. 6% -- Jeff Gordon vs. Tony Stewart, Phoenix (April)
  5. 5% -- Jeff Burton vs. Matt Kenseth, Texas (April)

Analysis: While I do have to agree that Kevin Harvick vs. Mark Martin in the Daytona 500 was an impressive finish -- especially with guys like Clint Bowyer flipping across the finish line -- I'd have to agree with the 11% of fans who found the Matt Kenseth vs. Jimmie Johnson finish at Texas in November to be the season's best battle. With a championship out of sight with any contact, Johnson pressed Kenseth and Kenseth pressed Johnson in the waning laps of the Dickie's 500. Several slide jobs, more great saves, and a show of racing brilliance later, Jimmie Johnson took the crown. Man, that was fun.

FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 3:
The Battles, The Stories, & The Feuds Results originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerFri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 2:<br>Rate the '07 Television Coverage Resultshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-2-br-rate-the-07-television-covera/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-2-br-rate-the-07-television-covera/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-2-br-rate-the-07-television-covera/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With this post, we're halfway through the results of the inaugural NASCAR FanHouse FanVote.

Day 2 (Tuesday's) topic? The television coverage of NASCAR in 2007.

Here at the FanHouse, we talked plenty about problems with the ESPN coverage, and so we asked you for your opinion.

Here's what you came up with:

1) Who is the Best NASCAR Play-by-Play Announcer?
  1. 67% -- Mike Joy, FOX Sports
  2. 12% -- Jerry Punch, ABC/ESPN
  3. 11% -- Bill Weber, TNT Sports
  4. 10% -- Rick Allen, SPEED

Analysis: Not a surprising pick here at all. After all the flack ESPN has received about their 2007 coverage, it's no stretch to feel the longing NASCAR fans have for Mike Joy of FOX Sports. He is truly one of those that can tell you the story of the race without you ever noticing it is happening because his approach is that natural. It's good to see Rick Allen from SPEED picked up a few votes, too, for his work on the Craftsman Truck Series.

2) Who is the Best NASCAR Analyst Team?
  1. 75% -- Larry McReynolds & Darrell Waltrip, FOX Sports
  2. 16% -- Wally Dallenbach & Kyle Petty, TNT Sports
  3. 6% -- Michael Waltrip & Phil Parsons, SPEED
  4. 4% -- Rusty Wallace & Andy Petree, ESPN/ABC

Analysis: FOX Sports again takes the cake for NASCAR tv color personalities. McReynolds and Waltrip definitely have something going for them in that they, in addition to FanVote top play-by-play guy Mike Joy, have been able to remain a steady team since 2001 -- something that other networks can't challenge. Sometimes, change isn't so good. Unless your ESPN, of course.
3) What's the Best NASCAR Television Feature of 2007?
  1. 51% -- TNT's Wide-Open Commercial-free Coverage
  2. 42% -- Crank it Up, FOX Sports
  3. 5% -- NASCAR HotPass (pay-per-view service)
  4. 3% -- Draft Tracker, ESPN

Analysis: NASCAR fans aren't dumb and they know when they get a good deal. During this year's Pepsi 400, TNT tried a new concept to covering NASCAR racing by going to only a handful of full commercial breaks during the caution periods, and substituted more ads into the screen the make up for the lost revenue. For fans, it meant over an hour of more live race coverage on the screen -- even if the audio was a commercial. TNT has already rolled out plans for the same race in 2008.


4) What's the Best NASCAR-related TV Show?
  1. 50% -- NASCAR RaceDay, SPEED
  2. 32% -- Inside Nextel Cup, SPEED
  3. 14% -- Wind Tunnel, SPEED
  4. 3% -- NASCAR Now, ESPN2

Analysis: Most would think a daily show on the Worldwide Leader in Sports devoted to NASCAR would have plenty of happy viewers, but NASCAR Now is definitely no RPM2Nite. NASCAR fans are definitely flocking to SPEED to get their weekly dose of stories, personalities, and other NASCAR entertainment. Can you blame them though when Erik Kuselias is still on the NASCAR Now set?

FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 2:
Rate the '07 Television Coverage Results originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerFri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 1: <br>Driver Performance FanVote Resultshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-1-br-driver-performance-fanvote-re/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-1-br-driver-performance-fanvote-re/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-1-br-driver-performance-fanvote-re/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The FanHouse NASCAR FanVote has officially come to a close, and the NASCAR FanHouse would truly like to thank you for your participation!

We will unveil the results of each day's vote with four separate posts today every two hours -- starting with this one at 8:00am/ET (5:00am/PT).

That leaves three more posts today for you to savor on at the 10am, 12pm, and 2pm hours (Eastern, of course!) to cover the results of each day of the FanHouse NASCAR FanVote from the remaining categories:
  • The 2007 NASCAR Television Package
  • The Stories, The Battles, and the Feuds of 2007
  • Predictions for 2008
But, as promised, here's the results of Day 1 -- how you felt about driver performance in 2007!

1) Which Nextel Cup Driver Improved the Most in 2007?
  1. 49% -- Clint Bowyer, No. 07 Jack Daniels Chevrolet
  2. 35% -- Martin Truex Jr., No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet
  3. 11% -- Casey Mears, No. 25 National Guard Chevrolet
  4. 5% -- Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge

Analysis: It's easy to see why the fans went with Bowyer on this one -- he was the only other driver in the Nextel Cup Series to have a legitimate shot at the Nextel Cup title with three races to go. Bowyer -- as well as the rest of the competition -- picked up his first-career win in 2007, but it was only the black Richard Childress Chevrolet hanging around at the end in a race he couldn't win against the Hendrick superstars.

2) Which Cup Driver Should Forget 2007 the Quickest?
  1. 48% -- Dale Earnhardt Jr., 16th in Cup standings
  2. 32% -- Michael Waltrip, 44th in Cup standings
  3. 18% -- Kasey Kahne, 19th in Cup Standings
  4. 3% -- Greg Biffle, 14th in Cup Standings

Analysis: As with anything, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is bound to lead the pack, but 2007 could turn out to be a year of revitalization for Junior. After signing his huge deal with Hendrick Motorsports, you've got to think 2008 looks pretty bright. You've got to believe Michael Waltrip really was happy to see 2007 end after the cheating scandal at Daytona and such a miserable time just making races. 2008 can't come fast enough for Waltrip.


3) Who is the Most Overrated Driver of 2007?
  1. 35% -- David Gililland, No. 38 M&M's Ford
  2. 29% -- Jamie McMurray, No. 26 Crown Royal Ford
  3. 20% -- J.J. Yeley, No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet
  4. 16% -- David Stremme, No. 40 Coors Light Dodge

Analysis: David Gililland has pair of restrictor-plate poles and one Busch Series win to his credit, and that's about it. His performance (driving a Ford from a two-car operation doesn't help) in 2007 definitely isn't doing a whole lot to prove his worth in Nextel Cup, but in the same breath, McMurray has one career win with Roush-Fenway Racing while Yeley and Stremme have been brief -- very brief -- flashes in the pan in Nextel Cup. Think that has to do with why those two are moving rides in 2008? You bet. Gililland and McMurray might be next.


4) Which Team Not Named Hendrick Had the Best 2007?
  1. 52% Richard-Childress Racing
  2. 25% Roush-Fenway Racing
  3. 17% Joe Gibbs Racing
  4. 5% Penske Racing
  5. 1% Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Analysis: It's pretty obvious that Hendrick Motorsports dominated in 2007 and that most people are tired of that, so we had the fans rate the best from the rest. A selection of RCR makes plenty of sense seeing the strength of Clint Bowyer in the Chase and Jeff Burton's win at Texas in April. I'd imagine DEI got the shaft because of their inability to keep the most-popular driver in the Series on their roster.

FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 1:
Driver Performance FanVote Results originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clint BowyerClintBowyerGeoffrey MillerFri, 30 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST And Now for This Surprise: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins 5th-Straight Most Popular Driver Awardhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/and-now-for-this-surprise-dale-earnhardt-jr-wins-5th-straight/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/and-now-for-this-surprise-dale-earnhardt-jr-wins-5th-straight/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/30/and-now-for-this-surprise-dale-earnhardt-jr-wins-5th-straight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

NASCAR fans don't care about wins, poles, or championships for their favorite drivers.

Performance on the track? Well, it's kind of important, but not nearly as important as having multiple television commercials, a pretty-darned famous last name, and a down-home attitude and look.

For those reasons, Dale Earnhardt Jr. just won his fifth-straight NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver award Thursday in New York City. Junior gave his obligatory remarks on winning his 5th-straight popularity contest that came as a surprise to -- well -- no one.
"When I became a Cup driver in 1999, I never would've imagined that we'd be talking about five consecutive Most Popular Driver awards. I have a special place at JR Motorsports where I put the MPD trophies, so I'm honored to add another one to the collection," said Junior.

"I don't want it to sound like a cliché, but this award really does mean a lot to me after all we have been through this year. This year has marked a significant transition in my life and career [...]"

You do kind of have to feel sorry for the folks at the NMPA because of the absolute domination that Junior holds on the contest. According to this article, of nearly 3.8 million votes cast online for each of the top 50 drivers in NASCAR, Dale Jr. managed to pull in 1.4 million of those -- nearly a third of the votes cast.

In other words? Dale Earnhardt Jr. is going to have to start building a new room onto JR Motorsports to house the trophies from the popularity contest he is bound to continue winning for a long time.

This victory, of course, comes during the year when Dale Jr. was the single-most talked about driver on the planet because of his departing of Dale Earnhardt Inc. for greener pastures at Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 -- a move that precipitated over several months.

The move, Earnhardt hopes, will take him from his zero-win 16th-place 2007 series finish to contending for wins and championships.

And Now for This Surprise: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins 5th-Straight Most Popular Driver Award originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 06:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>chexjuniormost popular driverMostPopularDrivermountain dewMountainDewnascar awardsNascarAwardsnational guardNationalGuardnew york cityNewYorkCityNMPANo. 88No.88tony eury jr.TonyEuryJr.Geoffrey MillerFri, 30 Nov 2007 06:32:00 EST Inaugural Stewie Award Winners Announcedhttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/29/inaugural-stewie-award-winners-annouced/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/29/inaugural-stewie-award-winners-annouced/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/29/inaugural-stewie-award-winners-annouced/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tony Stewart announced the winners of his inaugural Stewie Awards Thursday night on a special broadcast of Tony Stewart Live on SIRIUS in the midst of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champions Week.

You know I'd really like to point out a bad choice, or something he missed, but I wasn't able to find an argument with any winners of The Stewies.

Take, for instance, the Dazed and Confused Award bestowed upon Teresa Earnhardt and DEI for letting Dale Earnhardt Jr. Uh ... no argument here.

The Best Original Comedy Award for the year's most entertaining on track "incident" or occurrence was rightfully awarded to Robby Gordon for his "victory celebration" burnout after not winning the Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villaneuve in Canada.

The other award winner I wholeheartedly agree with is for Best Vocal Performance. That went to Kevin James for his engine command. Seriously. The best ever. He even edged out Matthew McConaughey in my book.

Congrats to all Stewies winners! A complete list of awards and winners follows.The winners of the 2007 'Stewie Awards' are:

Stewie Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill France, Jr., former Chairman and CEO of NASCAR
Benny Parsons, Hall of Fame driver/broadcaster

Golden Stewie Award - Honoring a legendary driver from the Golden Era of racing (1960-85)
A.J. Foyt

Best Duet - For outstanding teamwork by a driver and crew chief
Clint Bowyer & Gil Martin: Martin keeps Bowyer calm and team performs only one adjustment all day to get Bowyer's first career NASCAR NEXTEL Cup win in Sylvania 300 (Sept. 16)

Best Original Drama - For year's most exciting race moment
Kevin Harvick edges Mark Martin to win his first Daytona 500 (Feb. 18)

New Kid on the Track Award - For year's most outstanding performance by a rookie
Juan Pablo Montoya: Wins first NEXTEL Cup race in Toyota Save Mart 350 (June 24)

Best Stunt Sequence (Hal Needham Award) - For year's most spectacular crash
Clint Bowyer: Crosses finish line at Daytona 500 on his roof (Feb. 18)

Best Original Comedy - For year's most entertaining on track "incident" or occurrence
Robby Gordon performs "victory celebration" burnout despite losing Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villaneuve in Canada (Aug. 4)

Best Vocal Performance - For year's most memorable quote or sound bite
Actor Kevin James: Provides memorable "Start Your Engines" command before Pepsi 400 (July 7)

Best Engineering and Special Effects (Smokey Yunick Award) - For year's most creative - and ultimately illegal - modifications to a race car
Crew Chief David Hyder & MWR VP of Competition Bobby Kennedy: Illegal fuel in #55 car at Daytona 500 (Feb. 18)

Dazed and Confused Award - For year's the most baffling move
Teresa Earnhardt and DEI allow Dale Earnhardt Jr. to leave for Hendrick Motorsports

'I Got Dumped' Award - For year's most memorable on-track bumping
Kyle Busch: Wrecked by brother Kurt in NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge (May 19)

Best Driver2Crew Chatter Exchange - For year's most memorable driver-to-pit crew communication
Denny Hamlin/#11 team: Discuss "plan of attack" against Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #8 car during Subway 500 (Oct. 21)

Inaugural Stewie Award Winners Announced originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Stewie AwardsStewieAwardsteresa earnhardtTeresaEarnhardtThe StewiesTheStewiesTony Stewart AwardsTonyStewartAwardstallglassofmilkThu, 29 Nov 2007 23:41:00 EST FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 4:<br>Make Your 2008 Predictionshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/29/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-4-br-make-your-2008-predictions/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/29/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-4-br-make-your-2008-predictions/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/29/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-day-4-br-make-your-2008-predictions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's the last day to get your votes in for the first-ever NASCAR FanHouse FanVote.

We've decided on driver performance, television coverage, and the biggest stories of 2007, so naturally, that means its time to predict for 2008.

Will Jimmie Johnson three-peat? Will Roush-Fenway strike back with a vengeance? Will the NASCAR's Next-Generation race car perform at a high level? These are all looming questions for 2008, and its up to you to decide!

Make your selections, return to Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 if you haven't made your selections there yet, and be sure to check in on Friday here at the FanHouse as we unveil our results of the FanVote, prior to the annual Nextel Cup Awards ceremony in New York City.

Happy voting, and thanks for the participation!


Click the link to continue voting!






Check back on Friday to see the results of the 2007 FanHouse NASCAR FanVote!

FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 4:
Make Your 2008 Predictions originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>2008 NASCAR Predictions2008NascarPredictionsFanVoteNew York CityNewYorkCityNextel CupNextelCupSprint Cup SeriesSprintCupSeriesGeoffrey MillerThu, 29 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST NASCAR's New York Tour in Full Swinghttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/28/nascars-new-york-tour-in-full-swing/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/28/nascars-new-york-tour-in-full-swing/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/28/nascars-new-york-tour-in-full-swing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season-ending week-long award-giving gala has officially taken control of New York City.

Wednesday morning, Times Square and Broadway hosted the "NASCAR Victory Lap", which involved all Top 10 drivers driving in their cars, a police escort, plenty of barricades, from many accounts a decent fan base, and definitely a lot of PO'ed New Yorkers.

The highlight of the event (which you can kinda see on the video) was Kyle Busch bumping into Matt Kenseth's bumper during the parade.

The week culminates on Friday with the Nextel Cup Series awards banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria Grand Ballroom, where Jimmie Johnson will be toasted as the champ and countless gaffes will be made by NASCAR personalities who aren't the best with public speaking will mis-read the teleprompter.

No worries, though, as ESPN has managed to make sure it isn't that big of a deal by hosting the awards show on ESPN Classic. You've got to believe NASCAR just loves that exposure.

Dr. Jerry Punch, the ESPN play-by-play commentator will serve as Master of Ceremonies while entertainment will be provided by David Spade. NASCAR's token B-list star, Kelly Clarkson, will be on hand for musical entertainment.

Until that point, make sure to keep an eye out for NASCAR personalities all over the tube -- from Good Morning America to Rachel Ray's cooking show -- during the media blitz.

One casuality of the current writer's strike? We won't get another appearance by the Top 10 guys on David Lettermen's show, which was definitely one of my favorite parts of the week.

NASCAR's New York Tour in Full Swing originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>New York CityNewYorkCityparadeTimes SquareTimesSquareVictory LapVictoryLapGeoffrey MillerWed, 28 Nov 2007 23:02:00 EST FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 3:<br>The Stories, The Battles, The Feudshttp://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/28/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-2007-br-the-stories-the-battles-the-f/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/28/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-2007-br-the-stories-the-battles-the-f/http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2007/11/28/fanhouse-nascar-fanvote-2007-br-the-stories-the-battles-the-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some have called the 2007 edition of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series an anti-climatic, dull affair.

Sure, Jimmie Johnson's domination down the stretch left some fans gagging and others actually feeling sorry for Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon, but to call the 2007 affair boring is hogwash.

Maybe Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't make the Chase and maybe the "evil" men at Hendrick dominated the sport in many fashions, but 2007 did not roll by without its fair share of big news, good racing, and a few fights & feuds along the way.

Cast your vote below on what you think the best of this topic was in 2007, and be sure to click the link below the first poll to continue voting!

Did you miss Day 1: Driver Performance or Day 2: Rate the 2007 Television Coverage of the FanHouse NASCAR FanVote 2007? Be sure to vote for those, too.

Come back Friday for a full run-down on what you -- the fan -- voted for in this inaugural FanHouse FanVote!


Click the link below to continue voting!





Thanks for voting, see you tomorrow for Day 4!

FanHouse NASCAR FanVote Day 3:
The Stories, The Battles, The Feuds originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Geoffrey MillerWed, 28 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST