Motorsports FanHouse

NASCAR Cup Qualifying Rained Out, Stewart on the Pole

Holly Cain — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Sprint Cup

Tony Stewart picked up his third rain-out pole position of the season Friday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway. He'll start the No. 14 Burger King-sponsored Chevrolet first in Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 by virtue of leading the championship standings. Rain washed out qualifying so the starting order reverts back to the season rankings.

Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will start second and third.

"We weren't going to be third, I know that,'' Johnson said with a smile. "We'll take the track position, it is so important where you start and to take advantage of that all day long.''

Max Papis and Mike Wallace were among those outside the top-35 in the standings who ended up on the end of the circumstance and will miss the race. This is the fifth time this season and third time in the last five Sprint Cup races that qualifying has been cancelled because of bad weather.

NASCAR Cup Qualifying Rained Out, Stewart on the Pole originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Greg Biffle Live Chat, Saturday at 3 PM ET

Holly Cain — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Greg Biffle

Greg Biffle is joining FanHouse for a live chat Saturday at 3 PM ET -- just a few hours before climbing behind the wheel of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion for the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

Biffle, a former NASCAR Camping World Truck series and Nationwide Series champion, earned his first career Sprint Cup victory in this race in 2003. He has 14 career wins and finished runner-up to Tony Stewart in the 2005 Cup championship. He's currently ranked ninth in the season standings with five top-five finishes.

Join Greg on Saturday when he answers all your questions. The chat is below.

Greg Biffle Live Chat, Saturday at 3 PM ET originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Milwaukee Mile May Be on Last Legs

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Nationwide Series, Other Racing Series, Camping World Truck Series, IRL

Wisconsin is not regarded by many people as a mecca for auto racing. However, it does have a fair history in the sport. Tracks like Road America (Elkhart Lake) and Madison International Speedway have been around for over 40 years, while the Milwaukee Mile has been around for over 100 years.

The historic racetrack on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis is in trouble. After its most recent run of major events, the Milwaukee Mile may be about to shut its doors for good.

Milwaukee Mile May Be on Last Legs originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FH NASCAR Grades: Midseason Report

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:47:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sprint Cup

Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona will mark the official midway point of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Naturally, it's a great time to review what we've seen so far from the Cup boys, their teams, the series and the tracks. First, we'll start with the not-so-hot performers:

Motorsports FanHouse Grade: F

Dale Earnhardt Jr. - It's been easy to see why the season for driver No. 88 has earned a failing grade. He's been slowly -- very slowly -- improving of late, but still has no chance for the Chase in 2009 and has one track left with a great chance to win at -- Daytona.

FH NASCAR Grades: Midseason Report originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jeremy Mayfield a No-Show at Daytona

Holly Cain — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Sprint Cup

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Jeremy Mayfield did not bring his race team to Daytona International Speedway Thursday, despite getting the go-ahead from the U.S. District Court in Charlotte on Wednesday.

Mayfield, an owner-driver in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on May 9 after allegedly testing positive for methamphetamine on May 1. He has repeatedly denied that he took the illegal drugs, insisting the test was a false positive -- the result of mixing a prescription drug and a common allergy medication.

Mayfield has sued NASCAR over the test results, and Wednesday U.S. District Judge Graham Mullen ruled he could compete until his trial, saying the damage to Mayfield's reputation and career exceeded the potential damage done to NASCAR.

More Coverage: Drivers Welcome Stricter Testing

Jeremy Mayfield a No-Show at Daytona originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Drivers Welcome Stricter Drug Testing

Holly Cain — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, Sprint Cup

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Some drivers said Thursday they've noticed a change in NASCAR's drug testing procedure: A more detailed, formal process since Sprint Cup owner-driver Jeremy Mayfield was suspended indefinitely for failing a random drug test on May 1.

"When I went at the start of the year, it was go in, take your sample, sign your name and basically walk out,'' Kasey Kahne said, "It was a five, 10 minute process. ... Now it's every step, you have to initial every step through the process. It seemed like it took 40 minutes in Sonoma (two weeks ago).''

Kurt Busch said he hasn't been tested since Mayfield's suspension took effect but welcomed the news.

"If they have made changes, I'm glad it's more formal,'' Busch said. "It seemed informal in the beginning."

Drivers Welcome Stricter Drug Testing originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Danica Better Give Possible Move to NASCAR Some Serious Thought

Krista Voda — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

by Krista Voda

Filed under: Sprint Cup, Speed TV, IRL

One of the loudest buzzes in motor sports the past couple of weeks comes in the form of one tiny, but potent, package -- Danica Patrick. Does she dare make the daunting move from the IndyCar Series to NASCAR?

Only those close to her know Danica's true intentions, but we can say with certainty she is a savvy business woman. Making public her willingness to entertain any and all offers from both series is a prudent business decision. Danica may have every intention of remaining in the IndyCar Series and simply jumping from Andretti-Green Racing to Chip Ganassi's team, so she could very well be using the NASCAR chatter as a bargaining chip. She possesses the driving ability and marketing appeal to demand her price and place.

More Coverage: Get NASCAR on SPEED TV Schedule

Danica Better Give Possible Move to NASCAR Some Serious Thought originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ryan Newman Live Chat from Daytona

Holly Cain — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Sprint Cup

Join driver Ryan Newman trackside at Daytona International Speedway Friday at 3 PM ET for a live chat with FanHouse readers. Newman, who drives the No. 39 U.S. Army-sponsored Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, is ranked seventh in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. The 2008 Daytona 500 winner enters Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 with eight top-10s, and his best showing in Daytona's summer race is 11th. This is your chance to catch up with one of the season's biggest success stories.

Also, 2003 Daytona race winner Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion, will join FanHouse for a live chat at 3 PM ET on Saturday.

Chat with Ryan Newman after the jump.

Ryan Newman Live Chat from Daytona originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Bill Weber Out, Ralph Sheheen In for TNT

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:18:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Media Watch, Sprint Cup

After what the Charlotte Observer is calling a "loud confrontation" at a Manchester, N.H., hotel prior to last Sunday's Lenox 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, TNT play-by-play announcer Bill Weber won't be returning to the booth in 2009.

The network announced the move Wednesday, and also confirmed that Ralph Sheheen will continue in the replacement role for the final two TNT races this weekend in Daytona Beach and next at Chicagoland.

Sheheen did a bang-up job in his first coverage of a Sprint Cup race on Sunday, but the bigger question surrounds what exactly Weber did to force himself out of the booth for what will ultimately be half of TNT's NASCAR coverage.

Bill Weber Out, Ralph Sheheen In for TNT originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jeremy Mayfield Can Race, Judge Rules

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sprint Cup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- A judge issued a temporary injunction on Wednesday to lift Jeremy Mayfield's drug suspension, leaving the NASCAR driver free to race at Daytona this weekend.

U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen concluded the "likelihood of a false positive in this case is quite substantial." The decision came after NASCAR's lawyers portrayed Mayfield as a danger to the sport after he tested positive for methamphetamines on May 1. He was suspended indefinitely eight days later.

Mayfield's lawyers argued he never used recreational drugs and that NASCAR's testing system was flawed.

Jeremy Mayfield Can Race, Judge Rules originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Shakeup -- Tony George Takes New Role

Holly Cain — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, International Speedway Corp

This time it's official. As of July 1, Tony George is out as CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Instead he'll focus his efforts on the Indy Racing League and will continue on as member of the board of directors of the Speedway and the family's Hulman & Company.

George's mother, Mari Hulman George, made the announcement Tuesday. It comes four weeks after several news outlets, including FanHouse, reported the move was imminent -- only to have George deny the reports then.

"[George] has decided that with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team IMS has cultivated over the years, now would be the time for him to concentrate on his team ownership of Vision Racing with his family and other personal business interests he and his family share," Hulman George, the IMS' chairwoman of the board, said, while also praising her son's "leadership and direction."

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Shakeup -- Tony George Takes New Role originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Hall of Fame Nominees Announced

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: NASCAR Awards

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

NASCAR released the two names Tuesday ahead of the announcement of all nominees Thursday night.

More From Bleacher Report: Controversy in Selection Process?

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

Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Lenox 301

Geoffrey Miller — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sprint Cup, Joe Gibbs Racing, Joey Logano

Mopping up from a wet finish, here's this week's teenage wasteland edition of Sprint Cup Notes & Quotes. They're Logano-rific!

No. No. No. Rain Tires. No.

Because this is the third time in 2009 that a Sprint Cup race has been halted by rain [congrats, Lincoln Log-ano!], the thoughts of "Why can't NASCAR use rain tires?" are creeping back again.

Well, you want the answer? It's way too simple: the racing would plain suck.

Sprint Cup N's & Q's: Lenox 301 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Weather Determines Winner - Again

Holly Cain — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Toyota, NASCAR Tracks, Sprint Cup, Joe Gibbs Racing, Joey Logano

If we celebrated David Reutimann's win at Charlotte last month and Matt Kenseth's February Daytona 500 victory -- both races called off early because of rain -- then no one can begrudge rookie Joey Logano his maiden win Sunday at rain-soaked New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

However, we can question NASCAR's schedule. And we're entitled to bristle just a bit at Sunday's finish.

More Coverage: Logano Makes History | Check Standings

Weather Determines Winner - Again originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Drivers Apologize for 'Awful' IndyCar Race

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: IRL

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Scott Dixon described the IndyCar Series race at Richmond International Raceway as "a bit of a procession, unfortunately,'' and said the 300-lap event was frustrating because the lack of passing made it more closely resemble a parade.

And he made those comments Saturday night after ending up in Victory Lane.

Teammate and runner-up Dario Franchitti apologized to fans for an "awful, awful race,'' while Graham Rahal said he only passed two cars all night while finishing third.

Drivers Apologize for 'Awful' IndyCar Race originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FanHouse Warmup: Lenox Tools 301

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:47:00 EST

Filed under: Greg Biffle, Sprint Cup

The Essentials

Race: Lenox Industrial Tools 301

Where: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Time: Sunday 2:00pm/EDT
TV/Radio: TNT, PRN Radio
Twitter: Updates at FanHouseRacing
Forecast: 67 degrees, 80% chance of rain
Distance: 301 laps (318.46 miles)
Pole Winner: Tony Stewart
2008 Winner: Kurt Busch

The Storylines

You may have heard or seen some reports this morning connecting Danica Patrick to NASCAR in a very big way, that also heavily impacts the sport's most popular driver. But here's one word of advice: don't read into it quite yet.

FanHouse Warmup: Lenox Tools 301 originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

After Crash, Vickers Slams Teammate

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Brian Vickers, Scott Speed, Red Bull Racing

Get in the groove for today's race with FanHouse Warmup.

Veteran Brian Vickers couldn't have been less of a Red Bull Racing team player during Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, while his teammate Scott Speed handled a dicey situation beautifully.

The two Sprint Cup Series teammates tangled while battling Mike Bliss for fourth on the last lap, sending Vickers into the wall. On the cool-down lap, Vickers bumped Speed numerous times in retaliation.

What Vickers said, though, likely will have some lasting repercussions on the team.

After Crash, Vickers Slams Teammate originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Busch Tops Logano for Nationwide Win

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Kyle Busch, Nationwide Series, Joe Gibbs Racing, Joey Logano

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) -- Kyle Busch figured out a way to win again in NASCAR's Nationwide Series.

After two straight frustrating runner-up finishes in the second tier series, Busch passed Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano near the end of the Camping World 200 on Saturday and held off the precocious 19-year-old to get the victory at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Busch Tops Logano for Nationwide Win originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Humpy and IndyCar? It Could Happen

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lowes Motor Speedway, NASCAR Tracks

The rumor that wouldn't stop after the shuffling of Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George's job duties finally has some teeth.

Humpy Wheeler -- the longtime and now ex-President and General Manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway -- told the Indianapols Star this week that he and his company are in talks with IndyCar officials about promoting the American open-wheel series.

Humpy's name first entered the IndyCar fold after he attended the Indianapolis 500 instead of the 50th-running of the Coca-Cola 600 in May.

Humpy and IndyCar? It Could Happen originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.