Motorsports FanHouse

Coke Zero 400 Preview Live Chat from Daytona International Speedway

Holly Cain — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

FanHouse auto racing expert Holly Cain conducted a live chat from inside Daytona International Speedway, prior to the running of the Coke Zero 400. Read the recap after the jump.

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Coke Zero 400 Preview Live Chat from Daytona International Speedway originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Updates From the Daytona 500

Tom Mantzouranis — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Fans, NASCAR Live Blogging

The cars are in motion, and Geoffrey Miller is in Daytona, following all of the action of the Daytona 500.

You might not be getting the full live experience, the roar of the engines, the drama in the air, but you can follow Geoffrey's updates live from the race with FanHouse's Twitter (after the jump) and be closer to the track than anywhere else on the Internet. Lead changes, wrecks, weird sights in the stands -- none of it is off-limits for Geoffrey.

Latest NASCAR Photos

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Live Updates From the Daytona 500 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Blog: NASCAR's NYC Awards Ceremony

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:19:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

Santa has arrived in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, the mercury is starting to drop and the Big Apple has been besieged once again by yet another endless week of NASCAR drivers, PR reps and writers who would rather be anywhere else than to listen to another acceptance speech.

Yep, it's that time of the year again: NASCAR's finest are in New York City for Friday night's annual ~~Jimmie Johnson coronation~~ Sprint Cup Awards Banquet.

And yes, for the third time in as many years, Jimmie Johnson will be the man getting many of accolades -- staying in the Waldorf-Astoria's Presidential Suite, getting award after award after award, and, finally, seeing that really fat check after his acceptance speech -- after taking the 2008 Sprint Cup crown.

It's an interesting night because NASCAR's best are in a setting that isn't exactly similar to anything they do day and day out, and that always provides some interesting gaffes.

So come on out and join the FanHouse as we live blog the official end of the NASCAR season tonight at 9pm/ET as the ceremonies get underway on ESPN Classic! Get your email reminder below and come on back later!

Live Blog: NASCAR's NYC Awards Ceremony originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Bloggin': Ford 400 @ Homestead-Miami

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:09:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

One race to go, one champion to crown.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ends its lengthy 36-race schedule Sunday afternoon with the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Friday night, Johnny Benson secured the Craftsman Truck Series title, Clint Bowyer won the Nationwide Series trophy Saturday night, and we're expecting to see Jimmie Johnson motor onto a third-straight championship in NASCAR's top series this afternoon.

I know, I know, if you're not a Johnson fan you're more than tired of hearing about the exploits of the No. 48 team, and if your name is Carl Edwards (Johnson's nearest competitor in the point standings for the newbies joining us today), you're hoping you can stage the biggest upset in NASCAR history.

Will it happen? Can Edwards overcome Johnson? If I'm placing a bet, I'm not leaning that way, but hey, 400 miles is a long way and a lot can happen. Join us below in the final live blog event of the NASCAR season (sad face) here at FanHouse and tell us what you think. We'll kick it off right about 3:30 PM EST.

Live Bloggin': Ford 400 @ Homestead-Miami originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Bloggin' Alert: Ford 400 @ Homestead

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

Jimmie Johnson has a ginormous lead ahead with a single race to go in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Will that be some bad karma for NASCAR's Mr. Incredible? Will Carl Edwards become just the third driver in all of NASCAR's history to overcome a points deficit in the season finale?

I doubt it and probably not. Johnson's gonna win this thing, no matter what Jack Roush says.

Regardless, there's plenty of super fun awesome story lines prepping themselves for Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Can Jeff Gordon remember how to win? Will A.J. Allmendinger get payback from Tony Stewart after last week's shenanigans at Phoenix? Will anyone care that Johnson's three-straight titles are a huge freakin' accomplishment?

Whatever your NASCAR fancy is, we'll be serving it up all afternoon here on the 'House with our final live blog of the NASCAR season Sunday afternoon starting at 3:30pm/EST. Come for the whole thing or stop by for a few minutes to jump in on the good times for all.

Get your email reminder below and we'll see ya Sunday!

Live Bloggin' Alert: Ford 400 @ Homestead originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Bloggin': Sprint Cup Series @ Phoenix

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:48:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

Will Sunday afternoon's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500k be Jimmie Johnson's opportunity to shine? (Ha, get it?
As in shine like the sun above his car in the photo? Funny? Right?) Or will Carl Edwards be able to pounce on a second straight week of misfortune for the No. 48?

The story is simple: Edwards is 106 points behind the two-time defending champion Johnson with two races left. A slip for Johnson today means Edwards can steal the championship. Join us to watch the plot unfold as we analyze all of the Phoenix International Raceway happenings and other musings at 3:30PM EST with a LIVE BLOG! CAPITAL LETTERS EQUAL EXCITEMENT! WOOT!

Join us below. See ya there!

Live Bloggin': Sprint Cup Series @ Phoenix originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR Live Bloggin': Dickies 500 @ Texas

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

With just three races left in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, the NASCAR Sprint Cup season is winding down faster than you can say the word "three-peat" for Carl Edwards and the other drivers still chasing Jimmie Johnson for the season title.

Sunday afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway, that countdown moves closer to zero, but for the first time since Oct. 5 at Talladega, Johnson isn't starting on the pole. Edwards hopes that might bring a chink the armor for the No. 48, and Jeff Gordon hopes he can finally find victory lane after earning the first starting spot on Friday.

Can Johnson keep his sterling pace and move that much closer to a third championship? Can Edwards make up some ground? We'll only know 500 miles from now when one of the 43 starters stands in the TMS victory lane donning the traditional cowboy hat.

Follow all the action on ABC starting at 3pm/ET (green flag around 3:40pm/ET), and get in on the fun as we break down the race right here on the 'House, live blog style. Whether your a first time caller, a long time listener, or both, jump on in below as we break down the Dickies 500.

NASCAR Live Bloggin': Dickies 500 @ Texas originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Blog Alert: Dickies 500 at Texas

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Chase for the Sprint Cup, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

The last time we did this here at the 'House during the regular season finale at Richmond, Kyle Busch was making business cards saying "2008 Sprint Cup Champion" and Jimmie Johnson was likely ready to question team owner Rick Hendrick about why in the world he let the Shrub leave the organization.

My, oh my, have the tables turned.

Johnson, of course, is the one writing the new business cards and Kyle Busch has been left to doing nothing except shake his head and wonder why.

Naturally, it's a great time for FanHouse to get back on the live blog bandwagon, and I'm certainly hoping you'll join us!

We'll crank up the live blog on Sunday at around 3 p.m./ET to help you get through yet another run to the title for Johnson. There will be race analysis, TV analysis, commercial analysis and whatever other type of analysis you want during the 500 miles that will be the Dickies 500 coming to you and yours live on ABC.

Come one, come all and make sure you visit the box below to have an email reminder sent your way so you can join in on the fun.

And lest I forget, the live blog will be officially considered an "Election-Free Zone", so stop by if you just need a break from the zoo that is American politics.

See ya Sunday!

Live Blog Alert: Dickies 500 at Texas originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Bloggin' Alert: Chevy Rock & Roll 400

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:15:00 EST

Filed under: Greg Biffle, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

"Yo Biff - I heard FanHouse is running a live blog on Sunday afternoon for the race, and since you're locked in already to the Chase, I was thinkin' 'bout catchin' some of that. Whaddya think?" - Greg Erwin

So, in all likelihood (though not completely impossible), Greg Biffle's crew chief Greg Erwin probably wasn't talking about the live blog coming your way Sunday afternoon here at FanHouse, but that's not really too important.

What is important is that you need to sign up for your very own e-mail alert for Sunday's live blog so you can join in on the fun! So what are you waiting for? Go for it, sign up below and make sure you're back here on Sunday afternoon -- even if you've got to watch your favorite NFL team on the locals because we've got you covered here at the 'House!

See ya'll Sunday!

Live Bloggin' Alert: Chevy Rock & Roll 400 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coke Zero 400 @ Daytona Live Blog

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

Put away the roman candles, y'all, Saturday night is right for racing in Daytona. Tune in on TNT for Wide Open coverage and join in the conversation as we follow the Sprint Cup stars under lights for 400 miles on NASCAR's most famed track.

Click the link below to find your way to the live blog!

Coke Zero 400 @ Daytona Live Blog originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Bloggin' Alert: Coke Zero 400 at Daytona

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

It's been, well, half of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season since we've done this, so it sounds like Saturday night is right for some live bloggin'!

That's right, NASCAR FanHouse is dusting off the ol' CoverItLive system for some live coverage of Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

Everyone is invited to stop by and talk about the racing action on track at DIS, and in between launching exploding projectiles into the air to celebrate freedom, we here at the FanHouse hope you'll be there, too!

The green flag drops at just past 8:00pm/ET Saturday night on TNT, so we'll get things started for the 400-mile dash under the stars at 7:45pm/ET, or for all you West Coasters, 4:45pm/PT.

This is just the start of the ramped-up coverage you'll get to enjoy from the FanHouse as we make our way to towards the Chase for the Championship this fall.

From a few more live blogs to coverage from the track as yours truly makes his way to Chicagoland Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Sprint Cup events, FanHouse's NASCAR coverage will be coming at you like a spider monkey hopped up on Mountain Dew.

Aside from Ricky Bobby references, I'll look forward to having everyone back Saturday night for the live blog, and if you need a reminder, just follow the link below:

Live Bloggin' Alert: Coke Zero 400 at Daytona originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live From Lowe's: Practice/Qualifying Updates

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Lowes Motor Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

Geoffrey Miller is in Concord, N.C. for Sunday's Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He'll aim to eat as many elephant ears as possible while blogging away "Live from Lowe's" throughout Memorial Day weekend.

As the Coca-Cola 600 weekend gets underway, watch below as I offer some live updates from the track via text message. Sprint Cup practice runs from 3:00pm/et to 4:30pm/et with qualifying set to begin at 7:10pm/et. Note: this requires Flash player, and if the updates aren't appearing, refresh your screen.

Got a comment? Leave it at the bottom of the post.

Live From Lowe's: Practice/Qualifying Updates originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live From Lowe's: Follow Me at the Track

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Lowes Motor Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

It's been a 13-year tradition that will continue this year: attending the Coca-Cola 600 in Concord, North Carolina.

1996 was my first experience of NASCAR after my father decided that the Indianapolis 500 -- a race he had attended for many years -- was no longer worth it after the open-wheel world was literally fractured in two parts. Charlotte-bound, we were.

And finally, after all this time, IndyCar is one again, but that doesn't change the fact that us Indiana natives will be hundreds of miles from the so-called "Greatest Spectacle in Racing". The NASCAR bug has bitten hard, you could say.

Thanks to my gig here with the FanHouse, I've got the privilege to share it with you. While we're not the camping type, we'll definitely be hitting every major event at Lowe's Motor Speedway this weekend starting with Thursday afternoon's Sprint Cup practice and the following night-time qualifying session.

From there, its race shop tours (maybe a romp around the newly-remodeled Hendrick Motorsports museum?) and discount souvenir shopping. Saturday, we'll be in the LMS parking lot by 8am/ET for the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at 7:30pm/ET and Sunday will look much the same for the 400-lapper, 600-miler.

If you're going to the race, I'll be the guy wearing shorts, a NASCAR t-shirt, and a camera around my neck. Shouldn't be hard to find, right?

I'll definitely try to get as much of the fan experience on to this blog for those of you who can't be there, and I'm looking at ways to offer in-race updates via text message directly to the blog.

In other words, this weekend on the FanHouse will be unlike any other, and I'll hope you'll join me as I go "Live from Lowe's".

Live From Lowe's: Follow Me at the Track originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 11:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Progress: 50th-Running of the Daytona 500

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Sprint Cup

It's easily one of NASCAR's most-anticipated races in years with a next generation car, new competitors, and higher stakes. Most importantly though? It's still the Daytona 500, "The Great American Race".

Follow along and join in on the fun as NASCAR FanHouse gets revved and ready for 2008. The live blog will start at 3:00pm/ET.

In Progress: 50th-Running of the Daytona 500 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LIVE BLOG: Nextel Cup Awards Banquet

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:35:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Awards, NASCAR Live Blogging, ESPN

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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LIVE BLOG: Dale Jr. Moves to Hendrick

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Inc., NASCAR Live Blogging, NASCAR Rumors, Nextel Cup, NASCAR Sponsors, NASCAR Silly Season

12:05 pm/ET - So there you have it. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will head to Hendrick as Kyle Busch departs. The 5-year deal hasn't revealed a sponsor yet. Busch is reportedly already talking to DEI. As for the Dale Jr. fans? They've now got quite a problem. Will they stay with Junior or will they go? This move will definitely shake out the real Jr. followers from the ones who simply jumped on the bandwagon because they want anti-Gordon sentiment.

Thanks for participating in the live blog today in this landmark deal in NASCAR. Stay tuned for plenty of coverage later in the day.

12:03 pm/ET - Dale Jr. and Hendrick signed a 5-year deal. "Seemed like the right amount of time for me. I don't think we've even talked about how we're going to leave the end of the deal open."

12:01 pm/ET - "I've got friends throughout the garage. ... I know my dad would trust Rick. They had a lot of respect for each other. His approach and respect for my sister and family, I know dad would appreciate that. He'd probably be a little jealous, to be honest."

11:59 am/ET - "I want to have success off the racetrack, as well. Pleasing his sponsors, his employees -- I couldn't be anticpating more. I couldn't be working for a better guy."

11:57 am/ET - Rick is telling a great story about how his late son Ricky Hendrick told him four years ago that he would sign Dale Jr. Ricky was supposed to take over the No. 25 team before his death.

11:53 am/ET - "Everyone has the ability to build cars. Everyone has the ability to hire good people. ... Rick and I's relationship is what made the difference to me."

11:51 am/ET - "I never struggled with making that decision [to leave DEI]. I was pretty confident. That harder part for me was being in limbo -- not having a home. When dad was around, I always had a job. This is really unchartered territory for me -- to get out in the real world and actually have to shape up a bit."

11:49 am/ET - "It's good to see [Truex's team] do well." - JR.

11:48 am/ET - The run at Texas may have played a factor. "I could tell a big difference in the way the car rolls into the corner and how it yaws in the middle. When I was talking to Casey [Mears], he told me it took a little bit to learn how to drive the cars at Hendrick."

11:47 am/ET - "This wasn't ever a competition issue with me and DEI, I've got a lot of confidence in their cars." .... what?!? That makes no sense.

11:44 am/ET - RH - "We'll look at what our sponsor commitments are and what his are and we'll make them mesh."

11:43 am/ET - On Kyle "There was an incredible amount of interest in Kyle. I'm going to support in whatever he does."

11:41 am/ET - Was this in the back of your minds when Jr. jumped in the car at Texas? "It sure started a lot of rumors, didn't it?"

11:40 am/ET - "I want to work really, really hard for myself and Tony Jr. and the rest of the team to make the Chase and run for the Championship." - JR.

11:38 am/ET - Could Kyle move before the end of the season? "Kyle's goal is to see that car in first place. I think you're going to see him very focused for the effort." Sounds like Kyle will finish the season in the No. 5.

11:36 am/ET - "He's a such an icon in the sport and he made the decision to come to us to win."

11:34 am/ET - How close did it come to signing with Childress or Gibbs? "All of the reports that I saw or heard of came out of air, basically." - Jr.

11:33 am/ET - Have you finally found the peace of mind that you've been looking for? JR: "I do feel that a lot of the weight has been lifted off my shoulders. ... There's a whole lot of work left to be done. I'd still like to focus on driving the red No. 8 car. ... I do feel a big relief and a lot of excitement."

11:30 am/ET - Jeff vs. Jr. "I like to outrun Jeff. He's fun to race with. Especially when you beat him, it's a good feeling. I think that will still be there -- I'll still have that in me as an Earnhardt, to beat Jeff Gordon."

11:29 am/ET - "Jeff [Gordon] has always been a real good friend of mine. I helped Jimmie [Johnson] get into the sport. We're pretty pumped up about being teammates next year."

11:27 am/ET - "I'd like be number 8. We'd obviously have to talk to Teresa about that. It works pretty well sometimes to let the media speak for you." -Dale Jr. Take THAT Teresa.

11:26 am/ET - "[Rick] wants to make a huge commitment to JR Motorsports with driver development."

11:25 am/ET - "I want to give the fans what they deserve and get them on their feet more often."
11:24 am/ET - "I hope it ain't that hard to get me to victory lane." - Dale Jr.

11:22 am/ET - What kind of a role did the relationship with Rick have in the decision-making process. Junior: "For me, it had a huge impact on the decision for me. ... [Rick] was always really genuine to me. ... His main concern was just my well-being, no other motives, no other intentions other than seeing that I was happy as I could be at the end of the day."

11:19 am/ET - Is stockpiling this talent bad the sport? RH:"I don't think so, they're going to race each other. ... My job is to get the best talent out there. ... We've been very fortunate this year."

11:17 am/ET - How does Dale Jr.'s brand reputation mix with Hendrick? "It's important to me and Junior to protect his brand and grow it. ... It's a situation where we want to give him the best equipment we can. It's a goal of ours to go to Daytona and win the Busch race and the Cup race." - RH

11:15 am/ET - The Earnhardt family has been close to the Hendrick family for a long time.

11:14 am/ET - Car number, car, sponsor -- NONE has been decided yet.

11:13 am/ET - How did this come together? "Kyle Busch and I had been negotiating a contract extension. It became pretty obvious to me that other people were talking to Kyle at the same time. ... In those conversations, it became pretty obvious for both of us that we both needed a fresh start." -- Rick Hendrick. Kyle Busch will leave Hendrick Motorsports.

11:11 am/ET - Apparently Dale Jr. signed the contract -- as a joke -- when he was 14 at a ARCA race in Topeka, KS. On a napkin.

11:10 am/ET - Junior is nothing but smiles. He really looks relieved to be at Hendrick.

11:08 am/ET - Hendrick welcomed to the stage. "It's exciting time for us. ... I can't tell you how special this is to me -- how thrilled I am, and how much pressure I feel to win races for him."
11:07 am/ET - The banner is unveiled. It's a bunch of Hendrick Motorsports logos, nothing particular. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive for Hendrick Motorsports.

11:06 am/ET - "One team stood out among the rest. ... So today, it my great honor to introduce my new boss for 2008. Rick Hendrick"

11:05 am/ET - JR: "Would like to thank the fans and media for their patience." Ha. Right.

11:04 am/ET - Dale Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Elledge welcomed to the stage.

11:03 am/ET - Winston Kelley from PRN and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, is the emcee of the event. There will be a Q & A session afterwards.

11:01 am/ET - The room? Full of media members. No sign of Dale Jr. yet.

11:00 am/ET - Welcome to the big stage Mr. Earnhardt Jr.

10:57 am/ET - Just a few minutes away from one of the biggest announcements in NASCAR history. No pressure. My bet? Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Hendrick, with Budweiser, in the #25. Casey Mears to the #5 and Kyle Busch, well, who knows.

10:47 am/ET - Still hangin' around ready for the start. SPEED is showing "Back in the Day" with Dale Jr. as the host. Gotta love that show about classic NASCAR races.

10:39 am/ET - SPEED just had its first break-in to coverage. The JR Motorsports shop looks much, much different this time around with a large black curtain behind the table. SPEED's BobDillner said that behind part of that curtain would be the plans for Jr. next year. Oh to be a fly on the inside of that curtain...

10:30 am/ET - Welcome everybody to the AOL Sports FanHouse. We'll have your live coverage of today's Dale Earnhardt Jr. Press Conference about 2008 and beyond. Will it be Hendrick Motorsports? Will it be Ginn Racing? That's where the rumors are pointing. Stick around to find out -- the conference will get under way at 11 am/ET.

Keep the refresh button hot and your opinions strong. Stick around later today as well because the hosts of NASCAR FanHouse will have plenty of coverage for you.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the most popular driver in NASCAR. Where will he end up?

LIVE BLOG: Dale Jr. Moves to Hendrick originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live from Lowe's: Weekend Observations

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 28 May 2007 00:51:00 EST

Filed under: Casey Mears, Lowes Motor Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Nextel Cup

Sunday night's Coca-Cola 600 definitely did not disappoint on a day typical reserved in race fans hearts for the Indianapolis 500. A big wreck near the start, good green flag racing, Toyota dominating the middle of the race, and a great fuel mileage finish where anything could happen. What else could Brian France ask for?
Casey Mears did not steal that race. He was a presence in the top 10 for the last 200 laps.
Kyle Petty's finish wasn't a fluke either. In a race high in attrition, Petty showed that old veterans know how to finish.
Sitting next to an entire block of Hispanic Juan Pablo Montoya fans for Saturday's Busch Series race makes his addition NASCAR totally worth. The enthusiasm these new NASCAR fans have for their driver is above anything Dale Jr. has ever had.
Remember Blaise Alexander's fatal crash at Charlotte and it's similarity to Jeff Gordon's wreck Sunday, I was totally appalled to see many, many fans cheering Gordon's smoking pile of metal before he dropped the window net.
Speaking of Petty, how unbelievably cool would a win for him been?

NASCAR race director David Hoots called an excellent race from race control tonight. Several times, especially during the final 60 lap dash to the checkers, drivers radioed about debris on the track. He had spotters check the area and determine if there was an issue -- and there were none. Hoots let them race and as a result had a memorable finish.
Humpy Wheeler brought back the pre-race military demonstration this year. That included low-flying helicopters and plenty of loud bangs. Impressive.
Brian Vickers would have been in victory lane had this race been run in the fall. Vickers and crew chief Doug Richert just haven't had enough time to gel, and a power steering problem didn't help. After Sunday's race, I'll say it again. Toyota will win a race in 2007, and it's going to be Team Red Bull. Remember, Vickers left Hendrick under his own terms.
Why would Casey Mears make it on fuel and teammate Jimmie Johnson couldn't? Same for J.J. Yeley and Tony Stewart? Playing it safe should not be rewarded in racing. C'mon NASCAR, give the winner more points.
Bring on the conspiracy theories. Again. Casey Mears won in a Hendrick Motorsports National Guard (Memorial Day) car on a fuel mileage race. Someone has to draw connections there.
Until the Indianapolis 500 has a full slate of quality drivers (not just 10), the NASCAR event in Charlotte is the best racing entertainment during Memorial Day. From qualifying to the Busch race to the big event on Sunday, Lowe's Motor Speedway offers excellent sightlines and great racing. Concerts and entertainment surround the race and fans who care about the competitors are passionate for the race. It's well worth the trip for this Hoosier.

Live from Lowe's: Weekend Observations originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 28 May 2007 00:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live From Lowe's: Charlotte Gets Revved Up Again

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 24 May 2007 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Lowes Motor Speedway, NASCAR Live Blogging, Nextel Cup

Note: Your's truly has made the trek this weekend for the 12th straight year to this year's edition of the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Forget the fact that I reside less than 20 miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the real fun on Memorial Day Weekend is off of Highway 29 in Concord, NC. I'll provide you with some posts over the next few days relating to the action on -- and off -- the track, live from Lowe's!

Good morning, afternoon, and evening from the recently-checked-in-to hotel midway between the speedway and Charlotte. Six miles away from Lowe's Motor Speedway isn't too bad.

We (my father and I) arrived into NASCAR country around 10 am/ET today -- the first day of practice and then qualifying for Sunday's Coca-Cola 600.

The Charlotte region really knows how to handle the NASCAR crowd down to a T, and this year their preparation is as good as ever. Cones, signs, and markers are in place to help with the estimated traffic flow of 180,000 folks for Sunday's race. After all, they had to do it just last weekend for the Nextel All-Star Challenge.

One of the marquee community events of race week in Charlotte is Speed Street in Uptown. Country acts The Wreckers and Sara Evans headline the opening night of the three-day festival which will include plenty of sponsor displays and driver appearances.

The first Nextel Cup practice gets under way at 3 pm/ET this afternoon and it will be carried live on SPEED (what isn't?) and qualifying is on at 7:10 pm/ET on, you guessed it, SPEED.

Coverage from a fan's perspective will follow later tonight here on the FanHouse. See ya then.

Live From Lowe's: Charlotte Gets Revved Up Again originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 24 May 2007 12:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LIVE BLOG: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Press Conference

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 10 May 2007 11:48:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Inc., NASCAR Live Blogging, NASCAR Media Watch, NASCAR Rumors, Nextel Cup

Follow Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s press conference with live blogging updates here at the NASCAR FanHouse. For those just tuning in:

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not drive for DEI in 2008. He is now a free agent.

12:00 pm/ET - Bob Dillner throws out the possibility that Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 is a viable seat for Junior because of JJ Yeley's lack of success this season. And then John Roberts talks more about Hendrick and how Junior is rumored to have had several conversations.

Junior and Hendrick? That's just talent overload.

I really think everyone is just kidding themselves. RCR has two cars, and adding one more to that stable would be a nice addition.

My prediction? Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a Budweiser car for Richard Childress Racing next year.

This concludes the live blog... TGOM and myself will provide plenty of analysis and prediction over the next few days. Thanks for watching.

11:57 am/ET - Statement from Teresa:

"While we are very disappointed that Dale Jr. has chosen to leave the family business, we remain excited about our company's future. Dale and I built this company to be a championship contender, and those principles still apply. Dale Earnhardt Inc. will win ... This company has a great legacy and a bright future."

The press conference is now over. Let the analysis begin!

11:56 am/ET - "I'm going to look at everybody from a competition standpoint. But i want to feel comfortable with the teammates I'll have, feel welcomed by the employees there. It's got to give me the opportunity to be able to take care of my family.

I won't allow myself to try to narrow it down. I want to listen to everybody."

11:54 am/ET - "For me personally, the best thing I can do is be ridiculous about my effort. ... I know that when I'm behind the wheel, I'm racing, man. I think we can have a successful season. I know these types of things have happened before.

"They're too good of a bunch ... they deserve my full effort."

11:52 am/ET - "I don't want to confuse the focus of what kind of company (JR Motorsports) we've started here."

- talking about driving any car for JR Motorsports

11:50 am/ET - "I've always had a real hard time knowing what kind of weight I carry in this sport."

11:48 am/ET - "Dale Jarrett and Bobby Labonte are two guys I will go talk to ... I feel that will shoot me straight."

11:46 am/ET - Jr. does not want to make this a package deal with Truex. He would support Truex staying at DEI.

Jerry Bonkowski -- you're wrong.

11:42 am/ET - "I personally want to focus and go in another direction. I don't want to talk about the technical part of the contract. ... We never got close, we never got in the same ballpark.

"We'll continue to support DEI as we can. ... I'm just going to take my job as a race car driver somewhere else."

11:41am/ET - "I think our fans deserve to know that we won't be back at DEI." - KEE

11:40 am/ET - The Hendrick question.

"I've sought advice from several key individuals in the sport. I think the reason for this press conference was to address this as our final decision. We're looking to move forward."

He totally skipped the question. Why is he skipping over about talking to Rick Hendrick? Hmm... Jr. nation is sighing...

11:38 am/ET - "[Teresa] is mainly focused on keeping the morale as high as possible (at DEI).

"She thanked me for everything we've accomplished to this point." - Dale Jr.

11:36 am/ET - "I love my team, love the camaraderie. ... It really comes down to where I need to be and DEI's direction. ... It wasn't so much that motors weren't good enough or the cars weren't .... I made this decision to put myself in a better position for next year and down the road. .... I've got my family to consider ... I've got to put myself in position to take care of things that need to be taken care at that age."

11:34 am/ET - Concerned about fans being disappointed with a change?

"I don't expect my fans to be worried about [switching from a Chevy to a Ford]."

"I feel like over the last years or two ... we haven't been able to put up the results that we were capable of doing."

11:31 am/ET - And we're back!

"I drove for DEI my entire career. There's something to be said for that. ... I really wanted to, ya know, have a larger more personal interest than driving with DEI. ... We danced around that bush for quite a long time. I think the negotiations went deeper, longer, and more in depth than with any other owner and driver." - Dale Jr.

11:29 am/ET - Question about going to RCR "There's a lot of logical scenarios people are going to put together."

and the SPEED tv feed just cut out.... and now its back.... no audio though.... please hold folks while technical difficulties are solved....

11:27 am/ET - "We jointly let [our sponsors] know what was happening." - Kelley Earnhardt Elledge

11:25 am/ET - "Piece of mind, satisfaction ... I'm seeking to have that piece of mind. That comfort can really be an asset to somebody." - Dale Jr.

11:23 am/ET - "We're going to listen to everybody. ... I want to give my self the best chance to be successful. I don't ever want to make this decision again. ... I like Chevy's, I love driving them."

11:21 am/ET - Had DEI become TEI? "It may not be the exact thing my dad wanted. But I believe it can be successful." - Dale Jr.

yeah.. right... then why is Dale Jr. leaving?

11:19 am/ET - "I was anticipating signing a new contract with DEI. We've done them before. This was probably ten times the effort. ... It was really, really hectic and difficult."

"We never even got close." - Dale Jr.

11:16 am/ET - Timetable for getting something done? "We're just going to really look at everything clearly. ... We want to give our employees here (at JR Motorsports) the best opportunity.

"There is time to start our own Cup effort. ... We have our work cut out for us to engage other teams. Our first choice would be to drive for another top competitive team." - Kelley Earnhardt Elledge

11:15 am/ET - "We support DEI in the future. The company is still part of our family. It's what my father built and conceived. This decision is solely based on my driving career."

11:14 am/ET - "It was really hard to talk to those guys today." -- Dale Jr. about telling DEI goodbye.

11:13 am/ET - Martin Truex Jr. is not a part of this discussion or situation.

11:12 am/ET - "Teresa will likely want the 8 to stay at DEI."

11:11 am/ET - "It's just the time for us to prepare for 2008." - Kelley Earnhardt Elledge

11:09 am/ET - "We have a great relationship with Budweiser. I enjoy driving Chevrolets ... I feel that driving a Chevrolet is what will fit me best."

11:07 am/ET - "I'm sort of split down the middle. I've drove for DEI my entire career. We've done a lot of great things. I believe that company will do a lot of great things and continue to surprise people."

"The other half of me is really excited to see what kind of opportunities there might be." - Dale Jr.

11:06 am/ET - "I can honestly say that we weren't really close with what we both had in mind." - Dale Jr.

11:05 am/ET - "We will continue to work together on many projects (DEI and JR Motorsports). If i may speak openly to my fans, please understand that my decision is one I make for my career. My motivation when I climb in my race car each week is to please my fans."

11:04 am/ET - "Trust me that DEI will come out of this successfully. What team I drive for next season, I don't know." - Dale Jr.

11:03 am/ET - "After a year of intense negotiations, between DEI and Jr Motorsports, we decided its time to move on and drive for another team in 2008."

11:01 am/ET - SPEED is now live. Dale Jr. and his sister Kelley sitting at the podium.

10:58 am/ET - Just a couple of minutes away now from SPEED's live coverage of the "presser" as TGOM says. Be sure to stay tuned for plenty of analysis and our best guesses here at the FanHouse where Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive in 2008.

The big question: what exactly is Dale Earnhardt Inc. without Dale Earnhardt Jr.? Anything? Anything?

10:54 am/ET - The AP is reporting this will be nothing more than an announcement of free agency to any all teams -- that drive Chevrolets.

"We worked really hard, but we were never close," said Dale Earnhardt Jr.

10:47 am/ET - Here's what we've heard so far about this saga, a summary of the speculation:

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr. will drive for JR Motorsports next season
Dale Earnhardt Jr. visited DEI this morning to tell everyone goodbye
They will drive Hendrick chassis and engines

some of that seems a little far fetched, at this point
10:31 am/ET - John Roberts and Bob Dillner do a brief break-in to SPEED coverage, just telling viewers the press conference will be live in less than a half hour. Roberts calls it "expected to announce Junior is leaving DEI" and Dillner says that this sets up "one of the biggest free agent signings in the history of motorsports.

10:29 am/ET - Good morning, folks, and welcome to the FanHouse. In case you aren't able to sit in front of the boob tube to catch today's landmark announcement from Dale Earnhardt Jr., the AOL NASCAR FanHouse will have you covered.

LIVE BLOG: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Press Conference originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 10 May 2007 11:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung 500 from Texas Live Race Commentary

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Live Blogging, Nextel Cup

Samsung 500 | In-Race Commentary and Updates

500 Miles | 334 Laps| Race 7 of 36 | Mostly Sunny| High 70°

Stay tuned to the AOL NASCAR FanHouse for live commentary on anything important that happens on your TV screen. Well, anything important to NASCAR. We don't care about what happened on America's Funniest Home Videos until Bob Saget makes a triumphant and needed return. Anyways, back to the race.

CHECKERED FLAG - Jeff Burton is your first two-time victor at Texas Motor Speedway. He passed Kenseth on the inside coming out of turn 2. Kenseth second, Martin third, Gordon fourth, and McMurray fifth, Greg Biffle 6th, Martin Truex Jr. seventh, Juan Pablo Montoya eighth, Denny Hamlin 9th and David Stremme 10th.

Gordon has to be absolutely fed up with himself after choking again at the end of the race. Tony Stewart and Juan Montoya should have some words, I believe.

Green Flag Lap 332- Two laps to go. Burton is right on Kenseth's bumper. Mark Martin is third, but not close.

Green Flag Lap 326- 10 to go, Kenseth and Burton battle for the lead. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is driving Kyle Busch's car. Martin gets by Gordon for 3rd.

Green Flag Lap 322 - Jeff Burton is fast and closing. Kenseth leads. Gordon is going to be lucky to finish in the top 5.

Green Flag Lap 318- Kenseth passes Gordon, but still complains of a tire issue.

Green Flag Lap 314 - Gordon pounded the wall off of 4, still leads, but losing all kinds of time. Kenseth is at the bumper.

Green Flag Lap 310- Gordo is setting sail at this point with a 1.610 second lead. Matt Kenseth feels that a right rear tire might be going down, but he's still on track.

Green Flag Lap 305- I can't get over how much Dale Jr. has matured. He is ready to own DEI. Jeff Gordon leads by .571 seconds and is pulling away slightly.

Green Flag Lap 300- Matt Kenseth is chasing the 24 for the lead. Remember Chicago...?

Green Flag Lap 298- There's going to be 35 laps to go next time by. Kurt Busch was really hurt by the yellow after he pitted. He is in 14th.

YELLOW Lap 294- Conspiracy theorists settle down. The debris is large and on the frontstretch. Results of pit stops are as follows: Gordon wins battle off pit road BARELY. Mark Martin 2nd and Matt Kenseth 3rd. We'll see if Gordon's car is the same after making contact with the wall before the yellow.

Green Flag Lap 292- Jeff Gordon leads.

Green Flag Lap 288- Can't agree with those FOX guys more. David Stremme is going to have a breakout year, I believe. He just passed Biffle for 6th. Gordon is .855 seconds back. Pit stops soon?

Green Flag Lap 282- That deficit has been cut 1.62 seconds.

Green Flag Lap 278- Jeff Gordon is slowly catching Kurt Busch after passing Matt Kenseth for 2nd. 2.5 seconds back.

Green Flag Lap 269- Dale Jr.'s handling is simply gone. You gotta feel bad for the guy. David Stremme was the fastest car on the track a couple laps ago. He's currently in 8th. Nice run. McMurray is 7th, as well. Jeff Gordon has now moved up to 3rd.

Green Flag Lap 259- As we go back to green, you gotta hand it to Dale Jr. He showed great maturity in this situation talking with his crew. That's something that we wouldn't have seen a few years ago out of driver #8. He's 14th now, and it will absolutely shock me if he gets to the top 5.

YELLOW Lap 256- I can't leave this one alone. How can Mike Joy talk about Tony Stewart's car control? He was driving like an idiot because he was pissed off at Montoya and Nemechek. There is no reason Stewart had to be driving that hard, his race is pretty much over. And now? Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch aren't going to have a chance at victory lane. Don't blame the Jr. wreck on Kyle Busch, he couldn't see through the smoke. Tony Stewart is solely to blame for driving like an idiot in front of the leaders late in the race. It's not time to give Smoke a free pass on this one. He simply screwed over Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch.

YELLOW Lap 252- Tony Stewart makes himself look like an idiot. Wrecks in front of the leaders, Dale Earnhardt Jr. slows and Kyle Busch can't see through the smoke and and plows Dale Jr. Victories out of question now. Maybe that bad pit stop was a good omen for the 24 bunch. And someone get Stewart off the track.

Green Flag Lap 250- Kurt Busch now leads. Tony Stewart's day goes from bad to worse with a flat right rear, I believe. Smoke is HOT. Oh, and the Reds won 1-0 in Chicago today. That makes the Reds 2-0 in series' against the Cubs.

Green Flag Lap 244- Back racing. Watch the 24 car, he's gotta be pretty hot under the collar after that pit stop.

YELLOW Lap 241- The 24 car could be out of this one. Terrible stop on pit road dropped Gordon to 8th, and with lapped cars alongside that's like restarting 16th. I hope FOX has a camera on Stewart after the race, look for him and Montoya to rumble, I'd believe. Jr. still leads.

YELLOW Lap 240 - Juan Montoya slides up and hits Tony Stewart wh spins. Jimmie Johnson's day gets worse as he slams into the side of the 20. The 20 didn't have much damage but Johnson's day will be done, I'd assume. Pit stops.

Green Flag Lap 233 - Jimmie Johnson dropped a cylinder. He fell to 7th place. Gordon is now 2nd.

Green Flag Lap 226- The 24 bunch has seemed to fall behind on the setup today. They've got 108 laps to get it straight, otherwise it'll just be another day without a win for the Gordon crew.

Green Flag Lap 217- Back racing.

YELLOW Lap 216 - Dale Jr, Johnson, Burton, Kurt Busch, and Jeff Gordon top off of pit road. My pick today, Greg Biffle, isn't really making it happen today back in 16th.

YELLOW Lap 212 - Debris. Pit stops coming.

Green Flag Lap 200- I wonder if Gordon is holding up Johnson to keep Johnson's memory fresh from Martinsville last week.

Green Flag Lap 197- Jeff Burton is the fastest car on the race track. He's in 4th, 2.57 seconds behind Junior.

Green Flag Lap 191- Matt Kenseth is sliding back. Currently 9th.

Green Flag Lap 187- Let's see how the FanHouse Power Rankings are looking so far. 1. Tony Stewart (12th) 2. Jeff Gordon (2nd) 3. Elliott Sadler (20th) 4. Jimmie Johnson (3rd) 5. Matt Kenseth (7th) 6. Carl Edwards (13th) 7. Jeff Burton (5th) 8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1st) 9. Kyle Busch (6th) 10. Mark Martin (11th)

Green Flag Lap 175- Dale Jr. is looking pretty strong today. Tony Stewart has slipped to 12th. Be ready for a mid-race recap of this week's power ranking picks.

Green Flag Lap 170- Green flag stops, leaders are in.

Green Flag Lap 169- Talk about a fun show, the NEXTEL Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway in Rossbirg, Oh. is worth every penny. Last year's event was postponed by rain, but you can't beat these guys racing on dirt. Make sure you've got safety goggles, though. FOX just mentioned that Juan Pablo Montoya will be there.

Green Flag Lap 167- So FOX, what happened to Sterling Marlin? Replay?

Green Flag Lap 155- Dale Jr. takes the lead from Gordon. Gordon has led 145 laps. Green flag pit stops soon. Hometown team Hall of Fame Racing's driver Tony Raines is having a good day in 16th.

Green Flag Lap 145- The crazy mutant desert guy is catching the fire and flames brigade...

Green Flag Lap 139- Why is Kurt Busch a Cubs fan? He's from Las Vegas. That's a long way from Chicago. Well, all the more reason to not favor Busch. Go Reds, baby. Yeah, they lead the Cubs 1-0 in the top of the 6th right now.

Green Flag Lap 132- Thank you, Kelly Clarkson, for being part of Brian France's plan to ruin the sport. Come on. Kelly-freaking-Clarkson. What the heck?

Green Flag Lap 121- Nothing is better than Crank it Up on FOX. Nothing. Except actually being there. Every year when I'm Charlotte, I have to stand at the end of the front stretch going to turn one right against the fence. That'll get your heart racing -- cars running by you at 200 mph. M'm the sweet smell of 110 octane.

YELLOW Lap 119- Brian Vickers is having a solid day. He came off pit road in 10th. He's gotta be the most ideal candidate for Toyota to get to victory lane this year.

YELLOW Lap 116 - Debris, turn 4. Chip Ganssi Racing is having a solid day so far. Stremme is 8th, Sorenson 11th, and Juan Pablo in 14th.

Green Flag Lap 102- Following green flag pit stops, Hamlin is back on the lead lap. Gordon leads Johnson by 1.9 seconds. Burton is third, Dale Jr. fourth, Kurt Busch is 5th.

Green Flag Lap 99- Green flag pit stops. The 24 is on pit road. So is the 48, 17, and 2. Dale Jr. leads, but hasn't pitted.

Green Flag Lap 93- Still just makin' laps here at Texas. Johnson is .8 seconds back, but him and Gordon seem to have leveled off lap times. As I say that, Johnson just picked up another two tenths. Reed Sorenson just had the fastest lap and is running 10th.

Green Flag Lap 72- Chevolet is dominating right now with the top 4 cars. Kurt Busch is 5th in a Dodge and Matt Kenseth is 6th in a Ford. Toyota's best effort is Brian Vickers who has moved to 22nd. Jimmie Johnson is slowly catching the 24 for the lead, although still 2.74 seconds back.

Green Flag Lap 69- Denny Hamlin to pit road with a vibration. Four tires and fuel and he's on his way. Hamlin came in 7th in points. DW thinks there could be an issue with the new Chevy engine that Hamlin is running.

Green Flag Lap 64- Kyle Petty is headed to the garage with what appears to be suspension issues. Gordon is st-ret-chin out the lead. 1.8 seconds over Jeff Burton.

Green Flag Lap 51- Boogity. Gosh, I can't get over how beautiful it is in Texas today. Them cars is sparkin'!

YELLOW Lap 46- Gordon leads. Robby, that is. He stayed out to to lead a lap get the 5 bonus points. He has since pitted and put J. Gordon back up front. Burton, Johnson, Dale Jr., and Kenseth round out the top 5.

YELLOW Lap 45- Mike Bliss gets loose off turn 2, hits inside wall. Good time for a caution for Jeff Gordon because Jeff Burton was catching him quick. The Evernham bunch breathes a sign of relief -- all 3 were about to go a lap down. What a difference a year makes for Kasey Kahne. Cars on pit road now.

Green Flag Lap 41- Jeff Gordon still leads, Jeff Burton is catching him. Less than a half second back now.

Green Flag Lap 28- I wonder how much Sunoco (official fuel of NASCAR) likes FOX pit guy Matt Yocum referring to Kevin Harvick's car as the "Shell Car".

Green Flag Lap 24- Jeff Gordon has led every lap so far and is ahead of Johnson by 2.5 seconds, and growing.

Green Flag Lap 13- Kevin Harvick is stuggling early here. You know it's bad when Jamie McMurray is passing you on the outside.

Green Flag - Back to green on Lap 7. Jimmie Johnson is chasing Jeff Gordon for the lead.

YELLOW Lap 1 - That'll make some highlight films. Ricky Rudd's Snickers Fusion ended up on top of David Regan's AAA car. Casey Mears also had some front end damage and is on pit road after getting into contact with Ricky Rudd. Ryan Newman has tape on the hood after pitting. Ricky Rudd is back on track, miraculously with little damage. Yeley was pretty critical of Regan, and you can understand why. Wrecking on the first lap just isn't acceptable,

YELLOW Lap 1 - David Regan pushes up into JJ Yeley, taking them both out coming out of turn 4. Also involved: Ricky Rudd.

Green Flag - We're racing at Texas for the Samsung 500 at 2:18pm/ET.

Pre-Race Coverage - Wow. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is still around? And why's he starting the engines at my NASCAR race? Weird.

Pre-Race Coverage - Tony Stewart and Dairy Queen ... a match made in heaven!

Pre-Race Coverage - Not a bad national anthem by MercyMe at all. It's refreshing to have folks just sing the song, and not add their own signature to it. And that B-52 bomber flyover? Flippin' sweet.

Pre-Race Coverage - The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Saga -- aka contract negotiations -- just got a new June deadline, instead of May.

Pre-Race Coverage - Well, apparently Darrell Waltrip is smarter than a 5th grader. Debatable. Grin.

Pre-Race Coverage - Looks like Jeff and Jimmie are friends again. Nice package by FOX to illustrate the frustration and competition in the final laps at Martinsville. And check out Jeff's new energy drink!

Pre-Race Coverage - FOX is alive and kicking and it looks like a glorious day for a race in North Central Texas. Quite a contrast to the deadly tornadoes that moved through the region on Friday afternoon. Boogity.

Samsung 500 from Texas Live Race Commentary originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 15 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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