Motorsports FanHouse

Mark Martin Wins Pole at Richmond

Holly Cain — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:40:00 EST

Filed under: Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Penske Racing, Chase for the Sprint Cup

RICHMOND, Va. -- Fifty-year old Mark Martin continues to make a strong case for his emotional NASCAR championship run, winning the pole position for Saturday night's Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

It's Martin's sixth pole of the year, tying him with Brian Vickers for the most in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. His four wins is also tied for most of the season -- a victory total that equals his wins from 2000-2008 combined.

"This year, I've been getting some nice laps,'' Martin said in the ultimate understatement.

Martin Truex Jr. will be joining Martin on the front row, with Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne rounding out the top-five.

Kahne was the best qualifier of the nine other drivers still trying to clinch one of the final eight points in the Chase for the Championship. The other contenders include Brian Vickers (sixth), Kyle Busch (eighth), Carl Edwards (10th), Kurt Busch (13th), Juan Pablo Montoya (14th), Ryan Newman (21st), Greg Biffle (24th), and Matt Kenseth (28th).

Martin, who returned to full-time competition this season after racing part-time the last two seasons, has been one of the feel-good stories of the year. He's had four top-five finishes in the last seven races driving the Hendrick Motorsports Kelloggs-sponsored No. 5 Chevy and positioned himself to be a factor in the 12-driver Chase for the Championship.

He needs to finish 12th or better, however, to secure a spot in the playoffs and continue what he considers a storybook season. His average finish in 48 previous starts at the three-quarter mile Richmond track is 11.9.

"This is beyond my wildest dreams,'' Martin said. "I had hoped we might win a race and I hoped I would drive a fast race car and have great camaraderie with teammates.

"I tend to try to not shoot so high so that I don't fall short of my expectations. I might have had higher expectations if i wasn't so afraid of that. That's how I protect myself.

"But this is what it's all about. I'm just living a dream.

"We don't have to make the Chase to save our year. It's been phenomenal."

In Other News ...

Matt Kenseth has taken a very philosophical approach to his tenuous position of 12th place in the points standings. With only a 20-point edge over 13th place Brian Vickers and a 37-point advantage over 14th place Kyle Busch, Kenseth is in a very precarious situation. In fact only 122 points separate 10 drivers vying for the final eight Chase spots.

"We're capable of much better than this,'' Kenseth said this week.

"We all have the same opportunity to gain points, lose points from Daytona all the way until the race is over here Saturday night, so I think whoever the top-12 end up being, those are the guys that should be in there because they're the ones that have enough points to be in the top-12 after the race.''

Kenseth said he doesn't want the in-race updates on his closest competitors either, finding it too distracting to his task at hand.

"I think you've just got to worry about racing your own car -- race as hard as you can all night long and at the end of the night where you finish, if that's good enough, they you're gonna be in.''

* Pat Tryson, crew chief for Kurt Busch's No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, announced Friday he will be leaving the team at the end of the season. He has led Busch to four wins since joining the team in the summer of 2007. There's no word who will replace Tryson at the Penske operation.

"It's unfortunate that Pat made that type of decision,'' Busch said solemnly Friday afternoon. "It seems like our focus should be on the Chase and making it in the Chase, so it's a tough week for that type of news.

"The timing isn't all that good, but it never is any good when you want to change directions in life. There's never a really good time to bring things up, but I can't be disappointed in Pat or upset at Pat.

"The way that we've had a great run together and the way that he turned our program around in 2007, it helped put him back on the map too, so to speak.''

Rumors have Tryson heading to the same position for driver Martin Truex Jr., who will compete for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2010. But Truex deferred when asked about it following qualifying.

* A week later, Denny Hamlin can laugh about his brush with crime a little bit. Authorities have made arrests after thieves stole Hamlin's Lexus right out of his driveway. Video surveillance of Hamlin's Lake Norman home showed the entire crime taking place. And Hamlin said Friday that authorities believe it is the same group of thieves that stole a car from his team owner and neighbor Joe Gibbs several years ago.

"I guess he's stolen about 30 cars in his life which you've got to wonder why he keeps getting out (of jail),'' Hamlin said. "I guess he stole Joe's car out of his garage six or eight years ago.... I don't know. It seems like you would at least go out of town or something instead of just riding around Charlotte. Everyone knows it's my car.

"Eventually, once they played it on the the news, they caught him the next day. Idiots."

Mark Martin Wins Pole at Richmond originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Keselowski Will Join Penske Team

FanHouse Newswire — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Brad Keselowski's long courtship with Penske Racing ended Tuesday when he finally took an offer to move to the Sprint Cup Series.

Keselowski, who had been hoping to move into a Cup ride with mighty Hendrick Motorsports, will instead drive the No. 12 Dodge next season. He'll replace David Stremme, and run full schedules in both the Cup and Nationwide Series.

"This was the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life,'' Keselowski said. "But I woke up this morning feeling confident I had made the right one. It was clear to me this is the direction I want to head."

Keselowski said he relied upon advice from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt, who own his current Nationwide team, as well as Rick Hendrick. He had turned down the No. 12 before this season in hopes of graduating into a Hendrick ride in 2010, but Mark Martin's decision not to scale back next year meant there wasn't a seat to offer NASCAR's hottest prospect.

"I have the blessings of Dale, Kelley and Rick to come out and do this,'' he said. "I am where I am at today because of their support.''

Terms of the contract were not announced, and a release sent by the team said only that Keselowski will drive for Penske next season.

Hendrick sent a message across the garage two weeks ago, warning other teams that wherever Keselowski drives in 2010 "he'll always be close enough for me to get him and bring him back.''

Penske team president Tim Cindric would not address Hendrick's vow.

"We're not going to comment on contracts and how long they are,'' he said. "Brad has given us every indication that he's committed, and I am not aware of any promises to go back, or to have him back.''

Keselowski certainly talked the talk, insisting he's looking forward to adding to Roger Penske's storied racing history. Although Penske is the most successful owner in American open-wheel racing, he's yet to win a NASCAR title. His current Cup lineup includes Kurt Busch and three-time IRL champion Sam Hornish Jr., while 23-year-old prospect Justin Allgaier races in the Nationwide Series.

"My intent is to come to Penske Racing and build a home for my long-term career,'' he said. "There are very few teams that have the resources that can compete with Hendrick Motorsports, and this is one of them. I want to be the guy who comes to Penske Racing and gives them their first NASCAR championship.

"For everything they've accomplished, that's the one thing that's been missing.''

Keselowski, who is third in the Nationwide standings with three wins this season, will race for that series title next year. He won his first career Cup race with a dramatic last-lap pass of Carl Edwards at Talladega in April while driving a James Finch-owned car.

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.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=512173&pid=512172&uts=1251978295

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Latest NASCAR Photos

MONTREAL, QC - AUGUST 29: Carl Edwards, driver of the #60 CitiFinancial Ford celebrates by performing a backflip after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Napa Auto Parts 200 on August 29, 2009 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carl Edwards

Getty Images

Getty Images North America

Latest NASCAR Images

American Sprint Car Series driver Jessica Zemken works on her car with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart after qualifying for an auto race in Dundee, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/ Charles Berch)

** HAmerican Sprint Car Series driver Jessica Zemken talks with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart before qualifying for a Sprint car auto race in Dundee, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/ Charles Berch)

American Sprint Car Series driver Jessica Zemken is push started by NASCAR driver Tony Stewart during qualifying for an auto race in Dundee, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Berch)

Hendrick Motorsports engineer Richie Parker, center, stands in the inspection line with the crew from Brad Keselowski before the NASCAR Carfax 400 Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Richie Parker was born without arms, but that didn't stop him from working his way through college at Clemson _ then combining the engineering degree he earned with his boyhood love of cars to go to work for Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Hendrick Motorsports engineer Richie Parker, right, stands in the inspection line with the crew from Brad Keselowski before the NASCAR Carfax 400 Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Richie Parker was born without arms, but that didn't stop him from working his way through college at Clemson _ then combining the engineering degree he earned with his boyhood love of cars to go to work for Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Hendrick Motorsports engineer Richie Parker, center, talks to a Tony Stewart crew member as they wait in the inspection line with the crew from Brad Keselowski before the NASCAR Carfax 400 Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009. Richie Parker was born without arms, but that didn't stop him from working his way through college at Clemson _ then combining the engineering degree he earned with his boyhood love of cars to go to work for Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols exchanges comments with NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace seated above the Cardinals' dugout during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, September 1, 2009. (Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

MCT

NASCAR Nationwide driver Brad Keselowski smiles before the morning practice session in Montreal , Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Keselowski signed with Penske Racing on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, to drive in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series next season. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

FILE -- This is a July 2, 2009, file photo showing Bobby Labonte climbing into his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Coke Zero 400 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Yates Racing is taking Bobby Labonte out of its No. 96 car for seven upcoming races because of sponsorship issues.(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

A member of the NYFD signs the hood of the NASCAR racecar custom-designed to commemorate 9/11 during a marketing event Monday, Aug. 31, 2009 in New York. Driver Benny Gordon and North South Motorsports will race the car to commemorate 9/11 on September 11, 2009 at the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Keselowski Will Join Penske Team originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Cup Success Not a Lock for Keselowski

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:24:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup

It's got to be tough to be in Brad Keselowski's shoes.

The full-time Nationwide Series driver has shown to be one of the brightest up and coming stars in NASCAR, and his surprise Sprint Cup victory at Talladega only added to the hype. Consider that he's got the best shot as a non-Cup regular to overtake Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards for the Nationwide points title and his 3 wins in 2009, and you're looking at a guy who's turned plenty of heads in Cup ownership.

Reports say that Penske Racing has agreed to put him in the No. 12 Cup car for 2010, but how well he'd do there as a full-time driver is very much up in the air.

For reference, Keselowski needs to look no farther than the guy he's expected to replace in the No. 12, David Stremme.

Stremme latched on to Penske in 2008 after Chip Ganassi Racing no longer had sponsorship to run his race team at the end of 2007 and served as the Penske's test driver for much of the season. In a similar fashion, Keselowski has worked for Hendrick Motorsports for five races in 2009 and two in 2008 as a driver for their No. 25 team that primarily focuses on research and development.

Late last season, Penske announced that Stremme would be elevated to replace a departing Ryan Newman in the No. 12 car after the team owner was impressed with his testing work and performance in the Nationwide Series with Rusty Wallace Inc. that netted half of his finishes in the Top-10.

2009, though, has been nothing short of a struggle for Stremme and No. 12 team. Stremme is currently 31st in the standings without a Top-10 to his credit. His struggles have been interesting to see after teammate Kurt Busch has been consistently inside the Top-5 in points throughout 2009 while Sam Hornish Jr. appears to be making big strides into becoming a successful stock car racer.

The Car of Tomorrow platform is certainly a reason why Stremme may have struggled in his first season with Penske. Numerous drivers have commented on how the new car takes such a different approach in driving style, handling and setup -- all of which require lap after lap, race after race to help master. Stremme's experience prior to 2009 was limited to testing for Penske in 2008 and just a few races with Ganassi in 2007.

Part of that experience is a big part of why Keselowski might find it tough to be competitive as he needs to be in Cup from the start. His Car of Tomorrow experience also consists of a little bit of testing and ten Sprint Cup races.

Should Keselowski end up with Penske, one would expect that he'd be pressured to perform better than Stremme nearly immediately or find himself in Stremme's situation by the end of 2010 with drivers rumored to be filling his spot. Granted, Keselowski would probably have a year more of slack than Stremme due to Stremme having sub-par previous Cup experience.

Keselowski currently drives for JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series, a team run cooperatively by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. His win in the Sprint Cup Series at Talladega in April came with the James Finch-owned Phoenix Racing.

Keselowski made it known earlier in the season that he would have heavily favored staying with Hendrick or a Hendrick-satellite team -- who wouldn't? -- but the sheer numbers of seats that would be open in 2010 equaled zero. Obviously, his desire to go Cup racing in 2010 is pretty high, and that combined with an opportunity in a Penske ride probably sounds pretty appealing.

It'll be interesting, for sure, to watch what happens if Keselowski does replace Stremme.

On one side, he'll be a moderate success and build his stock higher with possible future team owners and on the other, he could wallow arond the Cup schedule in 2010 running 20th every weekend and diminish some of the high thoughts observers may have of his talent that could have been sustained or increased just by waiting out another year with JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series.

Penske offers what Keselowski wants -- a Cup ride immediately -- but should he have stayed with the Hendrick camp (and JR Motorsports) and hope a better door opens for 2011?

Like I said, it's tough to be in Brad Keselowski's shoes.

Cup Success Not a Lock for Keselowski originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

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

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

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

Fourth place.

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

It was progress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=512173&pid=512172&uts=1249591257

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Latest NASCAR Photos

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

Latest NASCAR Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

'Push to Pass' Thrills IndyCar in Kentucky

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:04:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

Penske Racing's Ryan Briscoe needed every inch of the Kentucky Speedway top groove Saturday night to pull out a win over winless Ed Carpenter in the Meijer Indy 300, though that's not what people will remember.

The biggest story won't be Briscoe's triumphant return to victory lane in 2009 or how narrowly close the Tony George-owned Vision Racing team with Carpenter came to winning his first career race in some 94 tries.

Instead, the racing that the IRL IndyCar Series had become known for seemed to return with a bang in the hills of Sparta, Ky., thanks to a few rule changes for the series.

Call it what you will -- push-to-pass, overtake assist, magic potion No. 9 -- but the new button giving drivers a twelve second boost in horsepower up to 20 times per race, in addition to some heavy aerodynamic rulebook changes that are harder to explain, brought IndyCar back to seeing races won by inches and enough side-by-side action for a nail-biter to start look for extra hands.

Prior to Saturday night's race at Kentucky, the series had seen a total of 72 lead changes in the season's first 11 lead changes, leading to an per race average of 6.54. With the additional horsepower and increased downforce package, IndyCar drivers swapped the lead some 20 times on the 1.5-mile track -- accounting for nearly 22% of the season's lead changes to this point.

Lead changes weren't even the whole story. The downforce seemed to keep cars more under control as the only caution waved when Justin Wilson suffered electrical problems, while the last 10 laps were a complete dog fight for the top spot between Briscoe and Carpenter.

Officially, the record shows Briscoe led every lap from 192 until the checkers on lap 200, but Carpenter used all of his resources to stay on the low groove and in contention for the win the the Penske driver. The two cars came perilously close on numerous occasions all around the tri-oval as Carpenter tried to subtlely force Briscoe higher and higher out of the groove.

Briscoe never flinched, and instead held on and kept his foot in it as Tony Kanaan and teammate Helio Castroneves breathed fire down the necks of the two leaders in what became a four-way pack for the win.

When the checkers did fly, it was Briscoe in front by less than a nose, or merely some 0.0162 seconds, to secure the closest finish in Kentucky Speedway history and the seventh closest overall for the IndyCar Series -- certainly a result that the question-filled series needed heavily.

'Push to Pass' Thrills IndyCar in Kentucky originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

IndyCar's Will Power Taking the High Road to Victory Lane

Holly Cain — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

Unfortunately lost in the hoopla accompanying NASCAR's annual visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend was one of the best story lines in motorsports getting even better.

In only his fifth start of the season -- in a car and with a pit crew that he can't even fully claim his own -- Australian Will Power dominated the field to win the IndyCar race at Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday.

You don't have to be an open-wheel fan to appreciate what Power's accomplished with great opportunity and sparing chance.

He started the season as a fill-in for Helio Castroneves but in four sporadic starts since in a third Team Penske car, Power has earned more points than four drivers who have competed the full 11 races to date. He sits only 48 points out of 10th place entering Saturday's race at the high speed Kentucky Speedway oval.

"He's done so well with the uncertainty of this, we hesitated to tell him the whole plan,'' joked Penske Racing President Tim Cindric.

Power's talent and ability to adjust was never more obvious than at the Long Beach Grand Prix race weekend in April, when Castroneves was found not guilty of tax evasion charges and cleared to race. Castroneves flew from Miami to Southern California for qualifying and to reward his loyalty, Penske generously fielded another entry for Power, the defending Long Beach winner.

As per his contract, Power immediately relinquished the seat of Castroneves' No. 3 racer then he jumped into the untested No. 12 Verizon-sponsored Penske car, won the pole position and finished runner-up in the race. Not once did he complain about his fate or the uncertainty that awaited.

The attitude earned Power a handful of additional starts to be spread out over the remaining six months of the season. In three races he's competed in since Long Beach, Power has had a fifth place, a third place and now the victory on Sunday. He is scheduled to run three of the remaining six races -- Kentucky Speedway on Saturday, then the Sonoma, Calif., road course and the season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The whole plan is still a work in progress, but Power's enjoying the working model. And so is mighty Team Penske whose other drivers, fellow Australian Ryan Briscoe and Castroneves, are ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the championship.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=558163&pid=558162&uts=1249078680

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Latest IndyCar Photos

IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti, left, and Tony Kanaan talk as they wait to practice for the Meijer Indy 300 auto race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

Latest IndyCar Photos

IndyCar Series drivers Tony Kanaan, left, and Marco Andretti talk as they wait for the track to be dried in preparation for a practice session for the Meijer Indy 300 auto race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti waits on pit wall for the track to be dried to practice for the the Meijer Indy 300 auto race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

IndyCar Series points leader Scott Dixon, right, and teammate Dario Franchitti, who is second in points, wait for the track to be dried to practice for the the Meijer Indy 300 auto race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick listens to a question during a news conference at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Thursday, July 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

IndyCar Racing League driver Danica Patrick listens to a question during a news conference at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Thursday, July 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

CT-114 Tutor jets from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds fly over the race track at the start of the Indy Car Series race at the Edmonton Indy in Edmonton, July 26, 2009. REUTERS/Todd Korol (CANADA SPORT MOTOR RACING TRANSPORT MILITARY)

Reuters

Will Power of Australia reacts to getting sprayed by Helio Castroneves (L) of Brazil and Scott Dixon (not pictured) of New Zealand after winning the Indy Car Series race at the Edmonton Indy in Edmonton, July 26, 2009. Castroneves finished second while Dixon finished third. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber (CANADA SPORT MOTOR RACING IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

EDMONTON, AB - JULY 26: Dario Franchitti drives his #10 Vaseline Men Lotion Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda during the IRL IndyCar Series Rexall Edmonton Indy on July 26, 2009 at Edmonton City Centre Airport in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dario Franchitti

Getty Images

EDMONTON, AB - JULY 26: Graham Rahal drives his #02 McDonald's Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing Dallara Honda during the IRL IndyCar Series Rexall Edmonton Indy on July 26, 2009 at Edmonton City Centre Airport in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Graham Rahal

Getty Images

"We knew there would be uncertainty until Helio's trail was decided and in a good way, we've continued this uncertainty with a third car,'' Cindric said in an interview with FanHouse Thursday. "It could have been very black and white, but Will has handled things so well that even though contractually we had no obligation whatsoever beyond paying him what we owed him, we felt he deserved to run Indianapolis for us.

"As we got to know him better, spend time with him, it's evident he's our kind of guy and we'll see where it goes.''

Power, a quiet and intense 28-year old from rural Toowoomba, Australia -- located outside Brisbane -- made a name for himself racing in the British F3 championship and earned a test with the Minardi Formula One team.

He's been highly regarded his entire career yet even considering the unusual circumstances, Power never had a second thought about signing in a part-time capacity with the legendary Penske operation.

After winning the 2006 Rookie of the Year honors in the Champ Car Series, Power was an odds-on favorite to challenge for the 2008 championship. As luck would have it, 2008 was the year America's two open-wheel racing series unified after a bitter and devastating 13-year split.

Suddenly Power went from Champ Car contender to IndyCar rookie. He posted six top-10s last year with the "transition" Team Australia racing operation but was without a job as many Champ Car teams struggled to find proper funding.

"I came out expecting to win the championship in 2008 and suddenly there was no series and I was in a position I thought, this could finish my career,'' Power said Thursday.

"Looking at it, this [Penske] is a place I wanted to be at anyway and I figured if anytime my career was at a crossroads, it was now.

"I knew the situation and there was a chance I wouldn't even get to do one race [with Penske], but I wanted to get my foot in the door and show that I was fast, consistent and worked hard at my job.

"Really it was an easy decision and I'm very happy I did it.''

His sixth place while substituting for Castroneves at the season-opener in St. Petersburg is his lowest finish of the year. At Indianapolis, he led laps and was a serious threat to win before a late race problem in the pits, and still he finished fifth in only his second start at the treacherous track.

At that point, Penske's motives to field a car for Power weren't merely charitable. Power had proven his loyalty and unflinching team-first attitude, but he also performed. And ultimately that's what Team Penske is all about.

His three top-five efforts since -- including Sunday's win -- are even more impressive because Power is in a third car with a part-time pit crew that includes IndyCar shop personnel and some people borrowed from Penske's Grand-Am Series team.

This ability to adapt and succeed has proven something even to Power. He's more spontaneous than even he knew he could be.

"It goes against my nature really,'' Power said with a laugh. "But it has really opened my eyes and now I realize that you don't have to have everything perfect to win a race. It's been a good experience to learn about myself.

"It is key in not just racing, but life in general. Hardly ever is everything perfect in life, and motorsports magnifies that even more.''

"Last year I had a bad year with mechanical problems and stress and I was a bit negative,'' Power allowed. "This year I've made it a point to be happy, not to always be thinking about what's going to happen.

"I'm just enjoying every race and not thinking, 'is this my last ride?'

Certainly that doesn't look to be the case whether it's with Penske or another team that's watched Power's impressive run.

Power's No. 12 car has been sponsored by Penske Truck Rental since Indy but Cindric said the team is actively looking for a sponsor for Power. It's a tough challenge even for a proven commodity in this tough economy.

"The audition's over,'' Cindric said.

"We're not helping Will out of the goodness of our heart anymore. It's business now. As long as we think there's the potential we'll keep in him in a car, we will.

"We still think there's s chance to make that happen [for 2010 season] whether part-time or full-time.

"We tell Will to take it one race at a time. And he's sure made the most of it.''

IndyCar's Will Power Taking the High Road to Victory Lane originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Castroneves Beats Teammate at Texas

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Helio Castroneves keeps smiling-and climbing.

Castroneves, who last month won the Indianapolis 500 for the third time after being acquitted of federal tax evasion charges, became a three-time winner at Texas Motor Speedway when he beat Penske teammate Ryan Briscoe off pit row after the final stop and stayed in front Saturday night.

"I have no reason to not smile," Castroneves said. "Life is too short. I love doing what I do. That's why I smile all the time."

Briscoe was dominating the race, with more than a 10-second lead before a caution flag on the 150th of the 228 laps bunched the field after an extended stretch of green-flag racing.

Castroneves worked past Marco Andretti after that restart and was on the tail of his teammate when A.J. Foyt IV crashed 15 laps later.

When everybody went into the pits for the final time, Castroneves had a 6-second stop, beating Briscoe and Scott Dixon out by more than a half-second and led the final 46 laps of green-flag racing.

The winning margin was 0.39 seconds, and Castroneves celebrated as usual by climbing the fence.

"It feels fantastic," Castroneves said. "The last pit stop, I jumped in the front and that was it. That was incredible. ... It was pedal to the metal, let's drive like we stole it."

It was the 16th career victory for Castroneves, whose racing career was in jeopardy earlier this year before a jury acquitted him on most charges. The remaining count was finally thrown out before his Indy win.

Briscoe finished second for the second consecutive week, and took over the season points lead from Scott Dixon, who had won two of the last three races.

Marco Andretti was fourth and polesitter Dario Franchitti, the Ganassi teammate of Dixon, finished fifth. Danica Patrick was sixth, ending her streak of consecutive top-five finishes at four.

Castroneves won at Texas for the third time in the last six races. Penske has won four of the last six on the 1 1/2 -mile, high-banked oval and has five victories overall, matching Panther Racing for the most by a team.

The only other three-time TMS winner is former series champion Sam Hornish Jr.

Briscoe built his big lead over Andretti before that caution for debris, the first time the race pace was slowed since the opening laps.

"I didn't see any debris. That's what killed us," Briscoe said. "We got beat by Helio in the pits. ... I didn't have enough speed to get around Helio at the end."

Castroneves acknowledged that he didn't see anything either, but didn't question the call by IndyCar officials.

"At those points, you have to trust the call. You can never know if there is debris and what that can effect," he said. "I trust those guys. When you're in the lead you don't want to see a yellow. But you have to trust those guys."

There was then the short run before the unquestioned caution for Foyt's accident that set up Castroneves' race-winning stop.

"It was so evenly matched that it was so hard to pass. It was frustrating knowing I was going to come in second," Briscoe said. "It's bitter when you come so close and it falls away."

Graham Rahal got loose on the second lap, that mishap collecting E.J. Viso and Milka Duno and knocking all three of them out of the race. After the restart on lap 10, there wasn't another yellow flag until the debris caution that cost Briscoe his huge advantage.

Franchitti led on the first restart, but Briscoe went around the outside to take the lead when they passed on the frontstretch again, then stayed in front after completing the pass in the first turn.

Briscoe had a 3-second lead over Dixon after 80 laps, and kept increasing that advantage. He spent much of that time driving alone on the track.

"We didn't have the speed Briscoe did. It was an all right night," Dixon said. "When everyone is this close in speed, it's not really racing, it's more follow the leader. We just need to open a few things up and see how it works."

Dixon crossed the finish line as the winner at Texas last year under caution. No IndyCar driver has won consecutive races at the track.

Briscoe, in the No. 6 car that Hornish drove before making the move to NASCAR, is the only driver to complete all 1,038 laps this season.

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.

Castroneves Beats Teammate at Texas originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Dario Franchitti Wins at Long Beach

Holly Cain — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:33:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

It was a weekend of comebacks for the IndyCar Series culminating with 2007 series champ Dario Franchitti, winning Sunday's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and taking the championship lead in only his second race back after spending most of last year in the NASCAR ranks.

Helio Castroneves, who starred in the weekend's other high profile comeback story, finished seventh in his return to the circuit after being acquitted Friday of federal tax evasion charges. His laps in Saturday 's practice and qualifying sessions marked his first time behind the wheel in six months.

"If you can't beat em, join em,'' Franchitti joked in victory lane about his first win with Target Ganassi Racing -- his former nemesis when claiming the 2007 title as a member of Andretti Green Racing.

Will Power finished second to Franchitti even after hastily switching to a third Team Penske car with Castroneves' sudden return on Saturday. The Australian, who was filling in while Castroneves stood trial, will miss the series next race in Kansas this weekend despite being ranked second to Franchitti in the standings. He will compete in a third Team Penske entry in the May 24 Indianapolis 500.

Andretti Green Racing lead driver Tony Kanaan rounded out the podium and scored his series best 11th consecutive top-10 finish. He'll have to make good on a hair-raising bet with his good friend Franchitti. The former AGR teammates made a friendly wager that if Franchitti was the first to win this season, the bald Kanaan would have to grow his hair out until he won.

Had Kanaan won, the long-haired Franchitti would have had to shave his head.

Kanaan's teammate Danica Patrick was fourth, followed by former series champ Dan Wheldon in his new ride with Panther Racing.

The series moves to Kansas next week before heading to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the month of May and that track's historic 100th anniversary celebration.

Dario Franchitti Wins at Long Beach originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

'Nightmare' Over, Helio Castroneves Jumps Back into Race Car

Holly Cain — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

Effusive and emotional by nature, Helio Castroneves could offer up only a simple and humble greeting when he arrived at his team's trackside garage area in Long Beach, Calif., shortly after sunrise Saturday morning.

"Hey guys, I'm home," Castroneves, 33, told the Team Penske crew, who loudly applauded his arrival -- hugs and handshakes all around.

Only 18 hours earlier, the two-time Indy 500 winner was hearing six verdicts of "not guilty" in his highly-publicized tax evasion case in a Miami federal court. The jury was hung on a final charge prompting the judge to declare a mistrial on that count. After seven months of legal worries, Castroneves -- and his co-defendants, sister Katiucia and attorney Alan Miller, who were also acquitted -- was free to return to the IndyCar circuit.

"It feels like I just woke up from a nightmare," Castroneves said before taking a few moments to compose himself in his first post-trial press conference on Saturday.

"Everyone knows I'm a pretty emotional guy and to go through that with my family, it was difficult. ... I tell you, I never lost faith. I might have questioned it a bit every now and then, but those prayers that people sent me kept me really strong and focused. ...

"My life is definitely starting all over.''

And yet, it is also picking up where it left off.

Driver Will Power, who had been driving Castroneves' No. 3 Team Penske car turned over the keys, so to speak, telling him, "The car's ready for you, the car's fast." And Castroneves climbed in, belted-up and posted the seventh fastest speed of 23 cars in practice -- his first laps in nearly six months.

"He asked me, 'Is it a dream?' " Team Penske President Tim Cindric shared, adding with a grin, "I told him, 'No, it's reality, so don't stall it. A lot of people are watching.' "

"And I didn't, I was focused on that," Castroneves said as the room erupted in laughter.

Castroneves followed up his practice session with an eighth place qualifying run and will start his first race since October from the fourth row. Equally as impressive, Power jumped into a third Team Penske car and with only one practice session in the new ride still managed to win the pole position for Sunday's race.

Castroneves' team owner, Roger Penske, flew in Saturday from the NASCAR race in Phoenix to be with his lead driver. Far from cutting ties with Castroneves after the federal indictment, the legendary team owner has been supremely loyal and committed -- just as publicly supportive of Castroneves as he has been supportive in private.

It was Penske's idea to make sure there were three cars at Long Beach so that should Castroneves be cleared in time, he could race immediately.

"I felt until he was proven guilty, there was no reason for me not to support him,'' Penske said. "Obviously we were concerned ... but he had to know that the people he's been around were still with him. We had to in some way, say, 'We've got our arms around you.' "

The Long Beach Grand Prix is slated to start just after 3 PM ET on Sunday.

"Now I just want to go back to my normal life, talk to my engineers and set up my car ... that kind of thing," said Castroneves, who insisted, "It feels like riding a bicycle and I could never ask for a better way to forget."

Added Penske, "To me, it's over. He's back to where he wants to be."

Now let's go race.

'Nightmare' Over, Helio Castroneves Jumps Back into Race Car originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Cleared of Tax Evasion, Castroneves Returns for Sunday's IndyCar Race

Holly Cain — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:12:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

There was no celebratory fence climbing, victory lane to visit or mirror ball trophy to hoist, but two-time Indy 500 winner and "Dancing With the Stars" champ Helio Castroneves scored the biggest victory of his life Friday when a Miami jury acquitted him of federal tax evasion charges that could have sent him to prison for six years.

And so this weekend, Castroneves will be seeing checkers instead of stripes.

Minutes after the early Friday afternoon verdict, his longtime racing strategist, Tim Cindric, sent Castroneves a text message: "We're ready for you" to which Castroneves responded, "I'm coming man."

And just like that, a Team Penske plane was immediately dispatched to Miami to transport Castroneves to the IndyCar Series race in Long Beach, Calif. where he will compete Sunday.

The series is allowing him to participate in both practice sessions Saturday in what will be his first laps in an IndyCar since a race in Australia last October.

"His best medicine will be to get back in a race car," Cindric, the Team Penske president, said in a hastily called news conference trackside in Long Beach. "And I've got 100 percent confidence it will be like riding a bike for him."

Reporters in the Miami courtroom said Castroneves, 33, and his sister Katiucia, 35 -- who was also acquitted -- sobbed and embraced as the verdicts were read. The jury was deadlocked on the more serious charges of conspiracy against the Brazilian-born siblings prompting U.S. District Judge Donald Graham to declare a mistrial on that count. Castroneves' sports attorney, 71-year-old Alan Miller, was acquitted on all four charges brought against him

Castroneves was accused of avoiding more than $2.3 million in taxes by deferring payments from Team Penske, which he has driven for since 2000

Since Castroneves was indicted late last year, legendary team owner Roger Penske has remained committed to his lead driver. He hired Australian Will Power to drive Castroneves' famous No. 3 car until the case was resolved but promised the seat was Castroneves immediately upon being cleared of any wrongdoing

Penske made good on that pledge and also announced Friday that Power would drive a third Team Penske car -- sponsored by Verizon Wireless -- this weekend and again in the Indianapolis 500 on May 24.

Power appeared alongside Cindric at the press conference and reiterated how grateful he is for the opportunity to be a part of IndyCar's most successful organization -- even if it now means he won't have a full time job.

"I'm just happy for Helio and his family, I couldn't imagine going through that," Power said. "None of this is a surprise to me, and I appreciate the way it's all played out.

"It's a great opportunity for me."

Crying Athletes

Brazilian racing star Helio Castroneves choked back tears after he was acquitted of tax evasion charges Friday. "I just want to thank God and my fans, and all of the people who prayed for me," he said while holding a rosary. Click through to see other athletes who have cried on big stages.

John Watson Riley, Reuters

Tennis superstar Roger Federer cried after losing to rival Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final in January. Federer said he shed some tears again recently when he was married to his longtime girlfriend.

Andrew Brownbill, AP

Former Bills defensive end Bruce Smith teared up after learning he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in January. "I cry because I am not less than a man but because I am a man," said Smith.

Chris O'Meara, AP

Terrell Owens completely lost it following Dallas' loss to the Giants in the 2008 playoffs. Hiding behind his sunglasses, a teary-eyed Owens defended second-guessed Tony Romo, saying, "That's my quarterback."

Tony Gutierrez, AP

An emotional Tiger Woods walked off the 18th green at Royal Liverpool hugging caddie Steve Williams after winning his third British Open in 2006. Woods dedicated the win to his father who had died after a lengthy battle with cancer earlier in the year.

Alessia Pierdomenica, AP

After starting 275 consecutive games at quarterback and every Packers game since 1992, Brett Favre finally broke down. The Green Bay legend let the tears flow when he initially announced his retirement early in 2008. Favre would return to play a full season with the Jets.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

There has to be a first time, even for "His Airness." Michael Jordan was moved to tears after winning his first NBA Championship in 1991. Jordan would go on to win six titles and six NBA Finals MVP awards in his playing career.

Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE / Getty Images

Following previous denials, three-time Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones wept as she apologized for using performance-enhancing drugs and her role in a check-fraud scam in 2007. "I have let my country down, and I have let myself down," she said.

Mary Altaffer, AP

Nancy Kerrigan vaulted into the public eye after she was clubbed near the knee following a practice in January 1994. Despite the setback, Kerrigan went on to win the silver medal in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.

YouTube.com

Karma caught up with Tonya Harding in the 1994 Olympics. Harding, who had been linked to the Kerrigan attack, was left in tears because she had the wrong shoelaces. After consulting the judges, she was allowed to repair the laces and finish her short program.

Chris Cole, Allsport / Getty Images

Long before Danica-mania hit the IndyCar Series, Castroneves had endeared himself to American open-wheel fans for his infectious, omnipresent smile and cheerful disposition. He became famous for climbing fences at the race tracks after winning a race -- including back-to-back Indy 500s in 2001-02

He won over the rest of America out-dancing and out-charming other celebrities en route to the 2007 trophy on the hit television show, "Dancing With the Stars."

The charges against Castroneves stunned those in the racing community. Three-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson even testified on behalf of the defense team regarding the integrity of Miller, who has also represented other successful race car drivers

"It just feels good to have the family back together again," said Indy Racing League president Brian Barnhart. "(Helio) is a true star in every sense of the word. Obviously we couldn't be happier."

Castroneves was expected to arrive in Long Beach Friday evening, but plans to address the media haven't been finalized yet. Penske, who is in Phoenix for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Friday night, will fly to Long Beach to greet Castroneves on Saturday.

Cleared of Tax Evasion, Castroneves Returns for Sunday's IndyCar Race originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Roger Penske Discusses Economy, Danica and a NASCAR Title

Holly Cain — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge, Penske Racing, Sprint Cup, IRL

Roger Penske is the most successful team owner in Indy car history with driver Ryan Briscoe earning Penske's 139th victory two weeks ago in the IndyCar Series opener at St. Petersburg. Penske has won the Indy 500 a staggering 14 times. His NASCAR team has 63 victories, including the 2008 Daytona 500. His sports car team won the historic 12 Hours of Sebring last year.

Penske sat down in his motor coach for a wide-ranging interview on topics as diverse as what keeps him motivated to Danica Patrick's flirt with NASCAR to the future of his NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr.

Excerpts from my interview with Penske after the jump.

On what continues to motivate him after 50 years in the sport:

Roger Penske: "I love to go racing. The juices that flow on a weekend when you're racing and the competitive spirit. ... And what I like is the strategy. You're getting your quarterly earnings every weekend. You either make the right calls or you don't. This isn't a case where you can wait until next month to solve the problem. I'd say competitive juices are paramount but it ties right into the business benefits."

On the situation with the "Big Three" auto manufacturers:

Penske: "Number one, it would be really tough on teams if we lost the 'Big Three' support in NASCAR. (It would be) tough from a team perspective, a track perspective. I don't know what's going to happen.

"I do think once the government and companies come to an agreement on to how they'll go forward and what mode, I think they'll look at exactly what does racing mean to their customer base. And I'd have to say, in most cases, racing will get a vote of confidence because of the notoriety racing has with the drivers, the teams, the markets. You might see some things cut out of the promotional and marketing budget.

"But I will say this, we're with Dodge and they have supported us right to the letter of the contract. I've spoken with Rick Hendrick and other people and we've seen no indication of backing down on support so that's positive.''

On Danica Patrick's impending "free agency" potential and whether he thinks NASCAR is a good fit for her:

Penske: "I don't know what the economics are (for her). She's done a terrific job and I think people underestimate her driving capability. I mean, it's so close here. She gets frustrated because she's not up there where she wants to be. But I think Andretti Green have a real asset with her.

"I read about her going Formula One, but I think she's in the right place. She's an American. She's a woman. There's sponsor interest and the fans love her. A lot of folks want to see her succeed. As long as she runs competitively I think she'll be fine. I have no idea what she can attract from sponsorship, but I can tell you if I was Andretti Green I wouldn't let her go."

On open-wheel drivers' recent struggles in NASCAR:

Penske: "I think anyone -- and we're going through same situation with Sam (Hornish) and (Dario) Franchitti did -- these guys are good race car drivers, but when (Jeff) Gordon and (Tony) Stewart and (Ryan) Newman came up they all could go and practice. Now, there's no testing. You walk in there cold. You're in a car twice the weight of the car you've been running, there's so many nuances to drafting. ... It's experience. The question is jumping right from here to there. I think you have to go through the Nationwide (Series).

"Even (Joey) Logano, he jumped right in (to Sprint Cup Series) and saw what it's like. Experience is just so important there and the new cars are tougher. I think it would be a big step. For me, if I had to do it again, I'd say do a full year in Nationwide and then move up."

On not winning a NASCAR championship:

Penske: "When you talk about winning a NASCAR championship, we've been close two or three times, a number of years ago with Rusty (Wallace). One year we won 10 races and didn't win the championship. It's something that's out there we really wanted to do. We wanted to win the Daytona 500 and we did that. We wanted to win Sebring and we did that. Those are all goals that are out there. The key thing is, the consistency of winning in these markets is important to us. At the end of the year, if you add it all up, the championship is just the crown on top. We're involved in multiple sports activities. Some people have said if you were in NASCAR by itself, would you have more wins. I say no, but some might say yes."

On former Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr., who has struggled in NASCAR:

Penske: "Look, this is his final year that he's got to make it. We're in the top-35 in points, he's raced well. He's got to make it. He's got a lot of pressure on him. When you're one in 42 people it's a lot different than when you're one in 20. We want to see him be successful where he is. He's a charged-up guy, but he doesn't show the emotions like Kurt does.''

"This is a year -- and Sam knows it too -- we've got to see some good progress here and he's got to see it. He's run better than where he's finished."

On economy and its effect on racing season:

Penske: "The tracks feel more of the pain because of the general economy and people not being able to travel. One thing I see of being a real negative in this meltdown is the perception that if anyone sponsors something, 'that's bad.' ... They're getting pressure to take their names off things. That's going to have a tough effect.

"Hopefully there will be some rational thinking going on here ... What we have to do now is get the auto industry squared away. We've got to get banks lending money to companies and we've got to get the consumer fired up.

"Hopefully there will be some better times."

Roger Penske Discusses Economy, Danica and a NASCAR Title originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Castroneves' Trial Takes Weekend Break

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:16:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

IndyCar driver, and perhaps more notably the former champion of TV's Dancing with the Stars, Helio Castroneves will have to wait at least two more days to learn the fate of his future.

The two-time Indianapolis 500 champion and driver for the esteemed Penske Racing operation faces charges of tax evasion, along with his sister Katitucia and attorney Alan Miller for what the Internal Revenue Service says was millions of dollars worth of evaded and unpaid tax returns.

And Friday, after both the prosecution and the defense finished their final statements, the jury deliberated for over two hours before closing up shop for the weekend.

Of course, these charges threaten to seriously derail the career of a driver who has won just about everything in IndyCar with the exception of a few near-misses at the season championship. If found guilty, Castroneves & Co. all face up to six years in prison -- quite a sentence for the 33-year-old in a sport where one bad season can mean the difference between battling for wins or battling for a place to drive.

The possible prison sentence has implications for the NASCAR world, too, as drivers like Jimmie Johnson are clients of Miller's business. It should be clear, though, that there are no other accusations of impropriety against any of Miller's clients.

For many people who find United States tax code to be more challenging than hitting a three-run home run in baseball with one person on base -- like your's truly -- it's hard to fully grasp what Helio is accused of doing, much less why a tax case has gone to criminal court.

One would think that another venue -- say, a tax court? -- might be a little better suited for such a case to decide if Helio owes money or not. The problem, though, seems to arise from the fact that the IRS feels Castroneves and Miller misled or outright lied to their investigators about the placement of Helio's income.

Regardless, the decision on the future of Helio in the seat of an IndyCar should come early next week and until then, we'll only be able to wait and wonder.

Castroneves' Trial Takes Weekend Break originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Opener Proves IndyCar Worth Watching

Holly Cain — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:20:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Ryan Briscoe stood triumphantly atop the winner's podium at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg clad in the iconic Penske Racing red-black-and-white celebrating the team's record 139th win on Sunday.

On either side of him were drivers whose second- and third-place finishes were the best in their team's history.

Briscoe's driver suit had as many sponsorship patches on one arm as runner-up Ryan Hunter-Reay and third-place Justin Wilson had on their entire uniforms -- combined.

"My wife was sewing this one on at midnight last night,'' Wilson said with a smile.

Ironically, it is the perfect commercial opportunity for the IndyCar Series, which may not garner the same attention as NASCAR or have the same star power, or sell as many T-shirts. But it does offer something the stock car bunch lacks: consistently tight racing and plenty of parity.

Here, the underdog stands as good a shot at contending as the top dog. It's fun to watch and it may be IndyCar's saving grace.

"You've just got to out-punch your weight every week,'' said Hunter-Reay, who has been at Vision Racing all of seven days and climbed into the race car for the first time for Friday's practice session here.

Wilson was hired at Dale Coyne Racing only a month ago and like Hunter-Reay, was a race winner last year but unemployed as the 2009 season approached. Their effort Sunday was a high-speed version of two little-trains-that-could chasing down the mighty Penske organization and besting last year's championship Ganassi team, whose cars finished fourth (Dario Franchitti) and 16th (Scott Dixon) and the mighty Andretti Green Racing team, which had only one of its four cars even finish the race.

IndyCar's biggest star, Danica Patrick, wrecked early. Its pedigreed young guns, Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti, never put up much fight. Its biggest personality, Helio Castroneves, is in Miami standing trial for federal tax evasion.

And still this race was compelling and competitive. And there's every reason to believe that it will be indicative of the season, not a fluke.

"I think it proves the competitiveness of this championship,'' said Briscoe, 27, after earning his third IndyCar victory. "You don't have to be with the biggest team or the team with the most experience to win races here.

"I don't know how many years we've been on the same car, this Dallara, but it's so long that it's really given everyone the chance to know all the secrets, what set-ups to put on. There's not really much you can invent right now to go faster.''

The economic downturn has shrunk IndyCar's starting grid, but it's also had the unintended consequence of pairing proven -- newly out-of-work -- drivers with previously mid-pack teams, which doesn't just level the playing field it raises the game. A new tire twist from Firestone that requires teams to use a mix of primary and softer-faster "alternate" tires will also spice of the competition and add another level of strategy.

"It's still about the whole package but it is one of those situations that if any given day, you're on your 'A' game, it's very competitive, but you've still got a shot at doing well and winning,'' said Tony George, IndyCar Series founder and a co-owner of Hunter-Reay's Vision Racing team. "Of course, we've got one more step on the podium to climb.''

And his new hire couldn't be more ready for the job.

"This is what racing is about,'' Hunter-Reay said. "This is why people love it and this is why IndyCar is so great, because you can put something together in this amount of time and if you get the right people together you can challenge for a race win against teams that are spending $15 million, $20 million a year.

"It's a very neat thing, a very cool series that way.''

Agreed.

Opener Proves IndyCar Worth Watching originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Roger Penske Still Committed to Embattled Helio Castroneves

Holly Cain — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:48:00 EST

Filed under: Penske Racing, IRL

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Team owner Roger Penske said Saturday that if driver Helio Castroneves is cleared of federal tax evasion charges, he can return to his seat in Penske's IndyCar immediately. Penske said he is 100 percent committed to the two-time Indy 500 champ.

"Absolutely," Penske said Saturday trackside at the IndyCar Series' season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

"If there's no issue coming out of this, he'll be in a car at Long Beach (April 19). If he'd been done Thursday of this week, he'd have been in a car Friday. We've never backed off that a minute. It's a tough situation. He doesn't have a bad bone in his body. We certainly understand the concerns everybody has for him ... and we're hoping the jury sees he's not the culprit in this situation."

Castroneves, a charismatic driver who grabbed attention by climbing the fences when he won races, gained super-celebrity status with a win on the popular "Dancing With the Stars" television show in 2007. He, along with his sister and lawyer, are on trial in Miami. Castroneves is charged with failing to pay approximately $2.3 million in taxes and could face more than six years in prison if convicted.

The trial is in its fifth week and expected to wrap up early next week and go to a jury.

"I've kept in touch with Helio weekly and daily to a certain extent,'' Penske said. "I think next week will be D-Day for him to determine where we're going to be."

Should Castroneves be cleared and return to the team, Penske said it would consider running a third car for Will Power, who is currently driving the car Castroneves has driven for Penske since 2000.

"We've had talks about that (a third car),'' Penske said. "Problem is there are so many decisions that ride on Helio, it's hard to say. But Will's done a great job for us."

Castroneves, whose 155 consecutive starts is the most ever for the legendary Penske Indycar organization, issued a statement through the team just prior to Sunday's grand prix.

"I don't have words to express how much I will miss racing this weekend, but instead I am in another race in a field that is completely unknown to me,'' Castroneves said. "I wish the team a great start to the season and I really hope to be back in the race car soon.''

Roger Penske Still Committed to Embattled Helio Castroneves originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NASCAR Needs to Abolish 'Mess'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latest NASCAR Images

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

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

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

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Busch Bond Can Lead to Broken Records

Holly Cain — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Michael Waltrip, Penske Racing, Sprint Cup, Joe Gibbs Racing

Gaye Busch has a very reasonable explanation for the simultaneous success of both her sons -- NASCAR's reigning super siblings Kurt and Kyle.

"We did everything as a family when they were growing up," Gaye Busch. "We just did things together."

And they still are. Only now the Busch family gatherings are happening every week in victory lane.

With his dominating performance Sunday at Bristol, Tenn., Kyle Busch (pictured above left) has now visited victory lane every week of the season with wins in each of NASCAR's three premier series.

He and older brother Kurt (above right) have won the last three Sprint Cup races. And NASCAR old-schoolers, you better sit down for this: If this pace keeps up, the Busch brothers could challenge the Allisons (94 wins) and the Waltrips (88) to become the winningest sibling combination in NASCAR history.

It's not as far-fetched as it may seem. They're already two-thirds of the way there in only five years of trying together.

Unlike the top of the win list with brothers Bobby (84 wins) and Donnie Allison (11 wins) or Darrell (88 wins) and Michael Waltrip (four wins), the Busch brothers results are more evenly distributed. Kurt, the 2004 Cup champion, has 19, while Kyle added his 14th Sunday at Bristol.

Kurt, who drives the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, joked after winning at Atlanta earlier this month that he was finally "holding up his end" of the brotherly bargain. He may need to crank it up another notch to match his brother's winning tear. But if they can both maintain multiple win seasons, they have a great shot at re-writing the record book.

This is the fifth year both Buschs have been competing in the Sprint Cup Series, and they've won 21 races in that time (Kurt had 12 victories before Kyle's rookie year). Even using conservative projections, if they combined for an average of five wins a year for the next 15 years they'd be within one victory of the Allisons' mark.

They've both won races every year they've been competing together.

Factor in Kyle's current winning pace in the No. 18 M&Ms Toyota and it becomes a realistic expectation.

And remember, Kurt is only 30 years old. Kyle is 23.

"I'm just pinching myself," Gaye Busch said by telephone from her home outside Charlotte, N.C. "I told Kyle last year, let's just not wake up. It is so special and I hope they con continue what they're doing. I don't know how any parent could be prouder."

These family ties are strong, competition-tested as kids playing Candyland, baseball and then as precocious teenagers behind the wheel of race cars. When one does well, the other answers and it's always been like that.

They were both standout baseball players growing up in Las Vegas and played the same position: catcher, both highly-regarded for a rocket arm to second base. In high school they both got their best grades in science, and both considered physics their favorite subject.

When it came to careers, they have enjoyed similarly successful paths, winning early and often.

Latest NASCAR Images

Getty Images for NASCAR

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

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

Getty Images for NASCAR

This month at Las Vegas, they became the first brother combination to sweep the front row in qualifying since 2000. Twice they've won back-to-back races.

They're on a string of three consecutive wins right now, in alternating order, which means Kurt's due next -- and he is a former winner at Sunday's stop, Martinsville, Va.

Only one set of brothers, Terry (1984, 1996) and Bobby (2000) Labonte, have won Cup championships.

Kyle was well on his way to making the tandem a two-title clan when he was derailed during the Chase last year -- his eight wins still a series best. Conversely, 2008 was Kurt's worst championship showing (18th) since his rookie year and he still won a race.

Both are early championship contenders this year -- accounting for more than half the wins through five races. Kurt is second to Jeff Gordon in the championship standings, 76 points back. Kyle is fourth, 85 points out.
And with the exception of a dust-up in the All-Star race at Chalotte two years ago, the Buschs have been good sports on-track and genuinely pleased for one another's success.

Kyle was the first to his big brother's car with congratulations when Kurt clinched the 2004 championship. Kurt's been especially busy stopping by victory lane to pat Kyle's back.

And for now, at least, they are both each other's greatest cheerleader. And keenest competition.

Busch Bond Can Lead to Broken Records originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Busch's Reverse Victory Lap Gets Name

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Kurt Busch, Penske Racing, Sprint Cup

It wasn't a great week and change to be the assistant of Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch after the Las Vegas native won the series' last outing two weeks ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Thanks to a nameless, peculiar victory lap Busch unveiled after the win by driving his No. 2 Penske Racing Dodge in reverse in the correct counter-clockwise fashion for a full lap, ideas poured from all corners of the NASCAR world on what the lap should be called.

And because, you know, that's what people in NASCAR do, Busch announced Friday that the lap's official title will be the "Unwind Lap".

The name, Busch said, came after some 61 of over 10,000 entries via phone and e-mail included the word "unwind" in some fashion. Fan Andy Kane -- Busch only knows his e-mail and little else -- was the first to send in the complete title last week on March 12 at 9:41 a.m.

"We had more than 10,000 individual suggestions received all through kurtbusch.com," said Busch. "With all the phone calls into the office, my assistant was throwing things at me when she first saw me because she didn't realize how much response we would get."

Naturally, Busch tied in the moment to his primary sponsor, Miller Brewing Company.

"It's fun to be able to win these races, but at the same time, the 'Unwind Lap' stands for a day when you had a great day at the office, you're looking to unwind, kick your feet up and have a beer," said Busch.

I'd have to say I agree with Busch on the beer-drinking, kick-up-your-feet thing, but as for the lap, I was a big fan of "Kurt-ain Call".

What say you? Think Busch is on the money with his "Unwind Lap" title?

Busch's Reverse Victory Lap Gets Name originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Kurt Busch Finds Victory Lane in Atlanta

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Penske Racing, Sprint Cup

He may have ended the day going backwards, but Kurt Busch did just about everything right to stay up front Sunday.

As a result, Busch earned his first victory of 2009 in the Sprint Cup Series' Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Kobalt Tools 500 Roundup: Complete Results | Sprint Cup Standings | Schedule

A brush with the wall, potential fuel issues and a two-lap green flag dash to the finish all posed threats to Busch's nearly impeccable day. But in the end, he was left standing in Victory Lane after overcoming Carl Edwards' rush and a hard-charging Jeff Gordon as the checkered flag lifted from the flag stand.

To celebrate? Busch grabbed the checkered flag and proceeded to do a full lap around the Atlanta's tri-oval by driving through his rear-view mirror -- in reverse.

It wasn't a full day of celebrations for Busch, though, despite leading 234 laps of the 330 run at the 1.5-mile track.

When the yellow flag waved on Lap 320 of 325 scheduled laps thanks to a Robby Gordon flat tire, Busch's steady half-second lead over Brian Vickers evaporated. Each of the 12 cars on the lead lap opted to hit pit road for fresh tires and a splash of fuel after the previous green flag run of 53 laps left nearly every car sliding with a lack of grip.

Edwards, fourth at the time of caution, took a gamble for two tires and got off pit road first with Busch and Gordon just behind with four.

When the green flag waved, Edwards tried to jump away as Gordon got a run to the outside of Busch, but Busch closed the door, caught Edwards and completed the pass on the backstretch. On the final lap, Gordon drove deep into turn three hoping to slingshot past Busch, but the Penske Racing No. 2 was simply too good for Gordon to snap his 45-race winless streak.

Latest NASCAR Images

ATLANTA - MARCH 08: Fans watch action during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Getty Images

HAMPTON, GA - MARCH 08: Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kurt Busch

Getty Images for NASCAR

ATLANTA - MARCH 08: Fans watch during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Getty Images

ATLANTA - MARCH 08: Fans watch during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Getty Images

ATLANTA - MARCH 08: Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Vickers

Getty Images

ATLANTA - MARCH 08: Fans watch during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 8, 2009 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Getty Images

A large number of seats remained empty in the Grandstand during the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 8, 2009. (Johnny Crawford/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT)

MCT

With Gordon finishing second and Edwards third, Kevin Harvick jumped to a fourth-place finish and Vickers -- who had a tough time on pit road during the final stop -- came in fifth.

Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. rounded out the Top 10.

Kyle Busch, winner a week ago at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the defending winner of Sunday's race from a year ago, never was a factor and wound up three laps down in 18th.

Pole-sitter Mark Martin desperately needed a dose of good luck after two straight engine failures dropped him to 34th in points, but a blown right rear tire sent to the No. 5 into the turn two wall and left him 14 laps off the pace in 31st.

Kurt Busch Finds Victory Lane in Atlanta originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Previewing the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Holly Cain — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Penske Racing, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Sure, NASCAR has the high-wattage personalities. Drag racing has the raw speed and IndyCar racing can't be beat for pure, wheel-to-wheel excitement.

But this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway represents the truest form of racing in America and is arguably the toughest 24-hour race in the world.

The starting grid is eclectic and richly-talented; the racing diverse and pure - right turns, left turns, high-speed high-banks and tricky chicanes; the conditions unique - daylight, moonlight, rain or shine.

Where else can you watch the Indy car champions and NASCAR stars test themselves against the world's best sports car drivers in exotic, ultra-fast prototypes maneuvering around a healthy dose of GT-class rich-guys-who-own-Porsches?

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson is here on an off-weekend, as is reigning IndyCar Series champ Scott Dixon. Legendary Indy 500 owner Roger Penske is fielding a car and so is legendary NASCAR owner Richard Childress.

There are four Indy 500 winners and two Daytona 500 champs entered and an A-list of racing pedigrees from Petty to Donohue to Gurney to Mears. Racing's superstarlet Danica Patrick will compete and so will Patrick Dempsey, "Dr. McDreamy" from television's hit "Grey's Anatomy."

The cars are compelling to look at and even cooler to listen to - screaming down the straight aways and screeching into the braking zones around the 3.56-road course.

And for those purists who still need a sense of relevancy?

There's a good bet history will be made this weekend.

Chip Ganassi Racing is trying to win its fourth consecutive Rolex 24 title - perhaps one of the most impressive - if under-appreciated - feats in all of racing.

"To do it three years in a row is very, very impressive,'' said 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, who will steer Ganassi's No. 02 Lexus Riley.

"Every race there are so many variables plus this race is so long it just magnifies things.''

And while it's impossible to control the variables of a 50-car field through two trips around the clock, the Ganassi team has proven itself a master of preparation and trackside support.

"We start getting the car ready two weeks after the last season ends,'' said Scott Pruett, driver of the No. 01 Ganassi Lexus and a two-time defending Rolex champion.

Race weekend, there may be 40 people in the two-car Ganassi pit stall and the crew and drivers are just the beginning. Each driver has a "handler" whose sole duty is to efficiently usher the driver from the pits to a good meal or to a warm bed after each driving stint.

There's even a masseuse just for the crew members - most who work the entire 24-hour race plus set-up and clean-up.

And yet for all the preparation and strategizing the race inevitably comes down to the final hour. The cars are so durable that drivers can run full-on from the get-go and that means door-to-door racing for hours, not just a for a green-white-checkered finish.

The first 10 cars on Saturday's grid are separated by less than a second, yet there was a difference of 22-seconds between the fastest prototype and slowest GT-class car.

The competitiveness within class coupled with the speed disparity between classes is just one more subplot- further proving this event to be racing's best competition of driver, team, stamina and resolve. You don't just win, you endure.

"It's going to be close,'' Chip Ganassi said. "You try to do everything right as much as possible, but at the end of the day, you've got to have a little bit of luck on your side.

"We've got our fingers crossed.''

Previewing the Rolex 24 at Daytona originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

'08 Rear-View Mirror: Ryan Newman

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:44:00 EST

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Penske Racing, Sprint Cup

Warning: Objects in this post may be the only way to successfully live through the NASCAR off-season. For best results, read rearview mirror early and often.

Driver: Ryan Newman
Team: No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge
'08 Final Standing: 18th (-3049)
Best Race: Daytona 500 (1st-place)
Worst Race: Phoenix & Talladega (43rd-place)

Season in a box: Two big things -- winning the Daytona 500 and then leaving the only team he's ever known in NASCAR -- happened to Ryan Newman that he probably didn't expect prior to the start of 2008. However, the win in the season opener and subsequent dismal season was the biggest story for the No. 12.

Newman really came out of nowhere -- there weren't a whole lot of people choosing the Dodge driver to take home the trophy from the 50th running -- to win the Daytona 500. He, along with teammate Kurt Busch, motored around Tony Stewart on the final lap to give team owner Roger Penske his first win in NASCAR's biggest race. It was obviously the highlight of the season, but the success didn't last long.

Soon, Newman found himself slipping through the point standings and out of Chase contention, though most of that slide came later in the '08 season. To wrap up the season, Newman had a best finish of just 13th in his final 12 races with the Penske team.

Through the crystal windshield: Heading to the brand new Stewart-Haas Racing to drive the No. 39 Chevrolet with teammate Tony Stewart in 2009, it's tough to say what 2009 will hold for the native of South Bend, Ind. While the team isn't completely new -- it ran under the moniker of Haas-CNC Racing before Stewart announced his intent to join forces as a co-owner in 2009 -- it has never experienced success on a level that Newman has.

Also, as is the case for too many race teams in '09, Newman lacks full-season support with roughly 13 races left to sell on the fenders of his No. 39. The team plans to run the entire season, though, and over the course of that time, I expect both Newman and teammate Stewart to make a run at a win or two, but battling for a championship seems a little out of the question.

Next up: Jamie McMurray

'08 Rear-View Mirror: Ryan Newman originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments