05.18.13: According to the obituary for Dick Trickle, the legendary short track driver was suffering from chronic pain with an unknown cause. The family will hold a private family service as they deal with their loss. Trickle died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday. Read the obituary [here].

05.15.13: PASS North is heading across the border to Quebec this weekend for the first leg of the Triple Crown Series at Autodrome Chaudiere. Top racers from New England and Canada are expected to enter the event - including New Brunswick's Lonnie Sommerville and Matt Matheson. Points accumulated in the Frameco 150 will count toward the Triple Crown that will see $30,000 awarded the top 15 drivers who compete in all three races. The Frameco 150 is set for Saturday; racing starts at 7 p.m.

05.14.13: Authorities have found the body of the man reported missing from Talladega Superspeedway last Saturday night; the 28-year-old was found near the bank of a newarby creek - foul play is not suspected (see May 10 tidbit for more).

05.13.13: An engine tuner for Penske racing was seriously injured in an accident this past Saturday. Jonathan Clark and a fellow bicyclist were hit by a tractor trailer while cycling in Virginia. Clark's injuries are serious and required eight hours in surgery. The driver of the rig left the scene is being sought by police.

05.11.13: Attention Jeff Gordon fans who may be seeking the ultimate memorabilia from their favourite driver...Gordon has listed his New York City 'trophy' three bedroom condominium with stunning views overlooking Central Park - for $30 million. Gordon purchased the unit in 2007 for $9.6 million and then he and his wife customized it to their specifications. The current asking price is based on a nearby, albeit slightly larger unit, that was listed for $36 million and sold a few months ago for just over $32 million.

05.10.13: The forecast is looking better for Saturday's pre-season test'n'tune at Scotia Speedworld - currently showing cloudy with sunny breaks and 14 degrees for the Halifax area. Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour teams get the track from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and weekly racing series divisions are scheduled from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. There is a $10 fee to get in the pits (restricted to 16 and older) - but grandstand seating is FREE. With the rainy weather the past few days and more expected early next week (cancelling private test sessions) expecations are high for a good showing of cars Saturday. The Pro Stock Tour starts the 2013 campaign next weekend on Sunday May 19 at Scotia and weekly racing starts at the track the next weekend, on Sunday May 26. Check the local weather link [here]...

05.10.13: Nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow, whose long list of hits include "All I Wanna Do," "Soak Up The Sun" and her latest single "Easy," will perform a hour-long pre-race concert prior to the 55th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Through a special VIP Ticket Package, race fans can get unprecedented access to the 60-minute pre-race concert that will be staged on pit road in the tri-oval area of the "World Center of Racing." More info by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

05.10.13: A 28-year-old Georgia man has gone missing from Talladega Superspeedway this past weekend. Hi girlfriend says they were camping together when she fell asleep early Saturday evening; when she awoke around 12:30 a.m. Sunday he was gone - and has not been heard from since. The couple has been together for four years and this is out of character for the man. More at alabamas13.com.

05.09.13: The new owners at Speedway 660 in Geary (NB) have undertaken infrastructure improvements to the facility this pre-season. Since taking ownership in early March, they have replaced boards in the grandstands, improved walking paths that lead to the stands in the pit area, and more. The Foley and Roy family co-owners are excited to start the faciltiies 20th anniversary season May 25.

05.08.13: Amherst teenager Ryan Mackintosh took time out from his busy racing schedule in the southeastern U.S. to enjoy his grade 11 prom last Friday night - see photo below - he cleans up pretty good, eh! Saturday he was back in the saddle of his Legends Car at Concord Motor Speedway where he finished second - especially impressive considering he had to come from the back after being sent to the rear for making contact with the leader while battling for the point earlier in the race.

05.07.13: Advance tickets are now avalable for the four Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PST) races at Scotia Speedworld this year via Ticket Atlantic at www.ticketatlantic.com , or 1.877.451.1221, or at participating Atlantic Superstores Ticket Aylantic outlets, or at the Ticket Atlantic box office. Service charges will apply to advance ticket sales. Fans can also purchase tickets at the track box office on race days (cash only). The 2013 PST season gets underway in less than two weeks on May 19 at Scotia Speedworld.

05.07.13: Officials for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour have issued an advisory stating the August 24 series race at Petty International Raceway in NB will NOT be broadcast by Race Time Radio as originally announced. A scheduling conflict is cited for the change.

05.04.13: Matt Harris and Matt Matheson, both from New Brunswick, are on the early entry list for today's PASS North 150 at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Maine. The list shows an impressive 35 teams have indicated their intention to enter the event which gets underway at 3 p.m. this afternoon (local time).

05.04.13: Former NASCAR driver turned ESPN broadcaster Ricky Craven will be only the third stock car racer ever inducted to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame - an honour that will be bestowed upon Craven this Sunday in Augusta, Maine. More in a story published Friday in the Bangor Daily News - click here (you will elave this site).

05.03.13: Denny Hamlin tweeted a single happy face symbol Thursday evening that sent media scambling to learn the driver has been cleared by NASCAR to race this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Hamlin will reportedly practice and qualify the No. 11 for Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race - but how much more he will do will be determined by his Joe Gibbs Racing team at the track. Hamlin has missed the last four races after suffering a back injury during a last-lap crash at Auto Club Speedway in March.

05.03.13: Budweiser is giving consumers a whole new look at what it's like to hit speeds of 190 mph in the No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet SS with the interactive BUD 360° app. The innovative new app utilizes surround video technology to provide users with a 360-degree look inside Kevin Harvick's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ride as the driver completes several laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While Harvick controls the wheel, the consumer controls the view, allowing them to experience the sensation of speed in never-before-seen angles. The app is available for free in the Apple App Store for both iPhone and iPad users. The Budweiser Racing 360° videos are also accessible on desktop computers at www.budweiser.com.

05.03.13: Milka Duno became the first female ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver since 1988 to win the pole at Talladega Superspeedway Thursday afternoon. Duno had the second-fastest time in the Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell but when the time of Venturini Motorsports teammate John Wes Townley was disallowed following post-qualifying inspection, Duno was announced as the pole winner. After inspection, ARCA racing officials said the qualifying efforts of Bobby Gerhart, Korbin Forrestor, Mark Thompson and Townley were being disallowed following the post-race technical inspection. Each of those drivers will start at the rear of the field in Friday's International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250. The race will begin at 4 p.m. (Central Standard Time) and will be broadcast live on SPEED.

05.02.13: Riverside International Speedway has posted availability for 2013 IWK 250 camp sites along with the 2013 IWK 250 camp permit application. Sites that were not renewed from 2012 are now available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit www.riversidespeedway.ca for details.

05.02.13: According to social media sources...as of Wednesday Denny Hamlin had yet to be cleared by NASCAR to race in this weekend's Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway. Hamlin had circled this week to return to the seat of JGR's No. 11 after being sidelined by a back injury suffered at Auto Club Speedway in March. Hamlin's latest tweet on April 30 indicates he will be in the car, saying "I can not wait to get back in car.. The smell of fuel and tires Ahhh."

04.30.13: TODAY is the final day to renew your IWK 250 camping spots at Riverside International Speedway. Forms were mailed out several weeks ago to 2012 site holders (for whom the track had a valid address). Sites not renewed by April 30 will be available in early May. The 2013 edition of the IWK 250 is set for July 19-20. Email camping@riversidespeedway.ca for more info.

04.30.13: On Wednesday, May 8, at 9 a.m. at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel will hear the Joe Gibbs Racing appeal of penalties assessed to the No. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. On April 23, following the Kansas Speedway race weekend, this team was penalized for infractions discovered during post-race engine inspection at the R&D Center in Concord, N.C.

04.29.13: The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel will hear the Penske Racing appeal Wednesday May 1 in Concord, NC. The process begins at 9 a.m. and goes until a decision is reached based on the arguments put forth by Penske Racing officials. The penalties were levied against the teams of Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano after 'unapproved' pieces were found in the rear-end assemblies on both cars during the Texas race weekend. Both crew chiefs were fined $100k and suspended for six races, and both teams lost 25 driver and owner points. The appeals panel will decide whether to uphold or change the penalties.

04.28.13: Centre for Speed continues to massage its 2013 schedule with recent updates including the August 17 conversion from a Demolition and Enduro show to a fourth Maritime Super Series event, and the rescheduling of the monster truck show from September 14 to August 9 & 10.

04.27.13: Speedway Miramichi has updated their website to include 2013 rules for street stock and 4 cylinder divisions, along with announcing via Twitter that their full 2013 schedule will be releaded May 8. Visit the track site [here]...

04.26.13: Scotia Speedworld will host its annual pre-season 'tech'n'tune' session on Saturday May 11 with the track open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for registered teams on the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour, and then from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. for drivers registered to compete for 2013 in any weekly racing series division. Pit admission is $10 and grandstand admission is free.

04.26.13: Looks like Halifax area veteran stock car racer Stacey Clements will be back behind the wheel this year - at least once. Clements has reportedly struck a deal with multi-time pro stock champion Wayne Smith to run Smith's No. 44 at Petty International Raceway in the June 1 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour event at the New Brunswick track. Smith retired from full-time competition after the 2011 season - the same year he became co-owner at Petty. Clements raced sportsman cars for years before switching up to pro stocks - he's not run full-time for a few years.

04.25.13: Johnny Sauter's crew chief, Joel Shear, was fined $10,000, suspended for the next four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races and placed on probation until December 31 for unapproved modifications to the fuel cell or its components after it had already been certified. In addition, Sauter and his car owner Mike Curb were docked 25 driver points and 25 owner points, respectively. This violation was discovered during opening day inspection April 18 at Kansas Speedway.

04.25.13: Denny Hamlin will not return to the seat of No. 11 this weekend in Richmond; Hamlin posted the following message on his Twitter feedWednesday evening: "Unfortunately I won't be racing this weekend at Richmond. It kills me to not be in the car for my team and sponsors but after long discussions with the doctors we have decided to wait on my return back to racing. Thanks to all of my fans who have sent encouraging messages over the last month. I'll be back in no time." Hamlin underwent scans to his back Tuesday to determine if he was ready to return, or not. Brian Vickers will drive the car in Hamlin's absence.

04.24.12: Officials for the Napa Sportsman Series will have tires available Monday April 29 and are asking that teams call them to make arrangements to get their supply; the number is 902-735-2966...

04.24.12: Management at Petty International Raceway are expecting their first shipment of sportsman tires later this week and will be at the track Saturday (April 27) for teams that want to stock up early...

04.24.12: Drivers planning to compete at Speedway 660 this year are invited to register online - a new feature recently launched on the track website. Driver Profile and Sponsor forms can also be completed online. [click here] to check it out (you will leave this site)...

04.23.12: NASCAR will update the public Wednesday on findings following the horrific crash at Daytona International Speedway February 23 that saw pieces of Kyle larson's race car project through the catch fence, injuring several fans in the grandstand area. The teleconference is being co-hosted by the speedway and International Speedway Corporation.

04.21.13: Denny Hamlin told ESPN.com Saturday there is a 50-50 chance he'll return to the seat of the No. 11 car for next weeks NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Racewat. Hamlin was sidelined by a back injury sistained in a crash March 24 at Auto Club Speedway in California.

04.20.13: King Racing unveiled a new look for its 2013 No. 13 Friday at the car show in Moncton - as well as announcing their driver as Denver Foran - 16-year-old phenom whose family currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta - originally from New Brunswick. Foran will work with team owner Rollie MacDonald and crew chief Andrew Hicken this year to grow his talents with an eye toward a NASCAR career. The new team tested their compatibility in February with select events during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida.

04.20.13: Even though he is not showing on the PASS North early entry list, Federicton's Matt Harris is expected to make the trip to Oxford Plains Speedway Sunday for the series season opener...

04.20.13: While MWR teams have changed the look of their car numbers this week to honour victims of the Boston Marathon bombing this past Monday, Hendrick Motorsports is feeling the pain closer to home. The MIT security officer shot and killed by the terrorists Thursday evening, Sean Collier, is the younger brother of Andrew Collier, a machinist at the Hendrick engine department.

04.20.13: Jimmie Johnson is adament no-one from Hendrick Motorsports 'ratted' out Penske Racing to NASCAR - answering speculation started last week after Brad Keselowski voiced displeasure with how the penalties to his and Joey Logano's team came about. The rumour mill has been rampant it was a Hendrick tip that caused NASCAR to check the rearends on the Penske cars, finding them 'not in the spirit of the rules' and resulting in heavy fines to both Penske teams this week. Richard Petty added fuel to the proverbial fire Friday when he said he unequivocally believes someone told NASCAR what to look for, and where to look for it.

04.19.13: A little more on the reduced schedule at Centre for Speed (CFS) this season...Track management has indicated the change comes in response to what the majority of teams have suggested to them - big events in four or five shows - exactly what they got. There are five stock car racing dates plus a demo/enduro show plus mud bogs and monster trucks. See yesterday's tidbit for a link to the CFS site schedule page.

04.19.13: Oromocto, New Brunswick's Matt Matheson is the lone Maritime stock car racer listed on the PASS North season opener early entry list; the series 2013 season gets underway this Sunday (April 21) at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine. See the complete early entry list on the Oxford track site [here] - you will leave this site.

04.18.13: We at CheckersToWreckers.com would like to welcome new marketing partner Irving Blending & Packaging. Please visit their website at www.irvingblend.com to learn how you can use their products - and remember to thank them for supporting our favourite sport!

04.18.13: Management for Centre for Speed in Shediac (NB) distributed a message Wednesday announcing the 2013 schedule had been posted on the track web site; it appears the facility will run a limited schedule this season with seven events listed including three Maritime Super Series races, a monster truck show, a mud bog show, a demolition/enduro show, and the Atlantic Championships finale. [Click here] to visit the track site for complete schedule detail.

04.17.13: Petty International Raceway management have made several updates to their website in the past couple days, including a final version of their 2013 schedule with minor revisions to previous postings, announcing a new partnership with Atlantic Motel, and an important notice to Bandolero teams with regard to a 2013 engine rule. Visit the Petty site for details - click [here]...

04.16.13: Fans and friends of Jeff Dilman will hold a fundraising auction May 10 to help with expenses as Dilman makes his entry into pro stock racing this year. While the auction will be the highlight of the evening there will also be a 50/50 draw and karaoke. The event will take place at Shooters in Elemsdale (NS). Auction donations are kindly accepted; please call (902) 384-2118 or 758-5186. Dilman, a former sportsman racer, plans to compete for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour rookie of the year title.

04.14.13: Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski went on a tirade against NASCAR officials after the Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday night. Keselwoski's team, along with that of Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano, were both forced to change rear-ends in the race cars just prior to the race. Keselowski says this is just the latest of a week of unbelievable scrutiny by the sanctioning body - and the champ is unbeleivable frustrated. Read the story [here] - you will leave this website.

04.12.13: Tickets are now available for the annual USHRA monster truck visit to Scotia Speedworld. There will be three shows on June 1 & 2. Visit Ticket Atlantic for ticket info - [click here] - you will leave this site.

04.11.12: Speedway Miramichi officials posted the following note on social media sites last evening: "I apologize for the delay in rules and scheduling for this upcoming season. We are currently under negotiation for upcoming events. For any competitors that are interested, you can go to Petty International Raceway to download any rules as they will be the same for SS, 4cyl. No Major changes. DEMO and Racing are both on the schedule."

04.08.13: SAD NEWS - The Maritime racing community lost a longtime fan Saturday with the passing of Mae Roue. Mae travelled to hundreds of regional and NASCAR stock car races over the past five decades with her husband Laurie and daughter Joan Roue, both well-known in regional racing circles. She was 79. Arrangements are [here].

04.08.13 Lonnie Sommerville finished 21st in his first outing with BKR Racing this past Saturday at Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN. Bubba Pollard won the Southern Super Series sanctioned event - complete results are [here].

04.05.13: The 2013 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour Rules and Procedures packages are now available online - [click here] to check them out on the series site.

04.04.13: In his first extensive interview since being sidelined March 24 Denny Hamlin says he'll go to Martinsville this weekend (to support his team) and that he hopes to return to the driver's seat of his No. 11 car as early as Richmond on April 27. Hamlin seemed in good spirits and said he does not hold Joey Logano responsible for his injury, but he blames his former teammate for the wreck that led to the injury. Click [here] to read the extensive interview on the USA Today website...

04.04.13: 'Like' or 'share' Riverside International Speedway's new Facebook page and you could win a family pass to the track season opener on June 15 featuring the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour and the Napa Sportsman Series - click [here] - you will be redirected to Facebook...

04.03.13: Amherst NS's Ryan Mackintosh is on the front page of today's edition of 'The Herald' - check out Monty Mosher's story [here - you will be linked to The Herald website]...

04.02.13: Five Star Bodies will return as a contingency sponsor for the 2013 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour season. Five Star, an industry leader in the manufacturing of composite bodies and windows for stock cars, will supply a body re-skin package to a Parts for Trucks Pro Stock driver chosen by random draw at the 2013 awards banquet to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Moncton, NB on November 23, 2013.

03.29.13: Kyle Busch will appear on an upcoming episode of the FX comedy 'Anger Management'. Busch will appear as himself and seek counselling from the character played by Charlie Sheen. No air date yet for the episode - stay tuned...

03.28.13: A REMINDER that nominations for the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame is APRIL 1. Visit the MMHF site [here] for nomination criteria and forms. All genres of motorsports are welcome. If you know someone who deserves to be included please take the time to nominate them.

03.27.13: Petty International Raceway management has posted their 2013 Mini Stock Rules and updated their 2013 Street Stock rules. For links to both rules packages plese visit the Petty site rules page [here]...

03.27.13: NASCAR's Senior Director of Communications Kerry Tharp announced on his [Twitter] account Tuesday there would be no penalties levied against either Tony Stewart or Joey Logano after Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway in California...

03.25.13: Petty International Raceway management have updated their 2013 schedule with one date change and including start times. Visit their site for more [here]...

03.25.13: Roger Penske backed driver Joey Logano in an interview Sunday evening after his driver was involved in two feuds during the closing laps of Sunday afternoon's race at Auto Club Speedway in California. In regard to the Stewart issue Penske said Stewart is a master blocker, saying he's watched Stewart many times making similar moves from the spotter stand; as far as the Hamlin incident Penske said he felt like the Bristol aftermath lit up a fire in both drivers and that accidents happen when two drivers race side by side as hard as Hamlin and Logano were.

03.25.13: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour has announced via Twitter the June 29 and August 24 events at Petty International Raceway will be 150-lap feature races. This brings to five the number of 150-lap events in the series 2013 schedule. For the complete 2013 PST schedule click [here]...

03.22.13: Oyster Bed Speedway will hold 2013 registration on April 27 at Outriders (upstairs) between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., as follows: 1 p.m. 4 Fun, 2 p.m. Outlaws, 3 p.m. Street Stock, 4 p.m. Modified. Additionally, track management will host an important meeting for modified drivers at 7 p.m. April 10, also at Outriders...

03.21.13: Look for Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville on Friday's edition of 'Live at 5' on CTV. Sommerville will be interviewed in regard to his 2013 plans with Brad Keselowski Racing by CTV journalist (and motorsports fan) Andy Campbell. If you missed our exclusive inetrview with Lonnie last week click [here]...

03.20.13: Regan Smith will drive the James Finch Racing No. 51 at Martinsville Speedway April 7; AJ Allmendinger has been piloting the car so far this year but will make his IndyCar Series debut for Roger Penske that same day...

03.17.13: Our 'Let's Go Racin' event planner has been updated to include the latest regional racing schedules that have been released (Lake Doucette Motor Speedway and Speedway 660). It now includes at-a-glance race dates for the following: Speedway 660; Lake Doucette Motor Speedway; Petty International Raceway; Scotia Speedworld; Riverside International Speedway; Oyster Bed Speedway; along with NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Trucks; Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour;Napa Sportsman Series; and PASS North, PASS South, and PASS National. [Click here] to view - it's even printable...

03.16.13: NASCAR announced Friday what they hope will be the end of the Denny Hamlin Phoenix fine. In a statement the sanctioning body said: "NASCAR announced today that the $25,000 fine assessed to driver Denny Hamlin on March 7 will be settled per Section 12-3 of the 2013 NASCAR rule book after being informed by Hamlin that he will not appeal the penalty. Hamlin was fined after the sanctioning body determined he had violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing). NASCAR considers this matter closed." Hamlin's comment to media Friday seemed to crack the controversy door open again, in saying: "The biggest thing is I think that we won in the judge of the people and their opinion I think some of the peers of mine -- at least the ones that have a backbone had the nerve to stick up for what they know is right and wrong -- agreed. But what was the point in going another week or so. We've got bigger fish to fry than to argue over what I said just for $25,000 and it's better just to move on and let NASCAR get its credibility back and they're going to do that and I'm going to move on and just focus on a championship." NASCAR chose not to add fuel to the fire by reiterating they consider the matter closed...

03.16.13: The Tenors (formerly called the Canadian Tenors) will sing the national anthem at the Auto Club Speedway in California on Sunday March 24. The multi-platinum-selling quartet has performed on The Oprah Winfrey Show (with Celine Dion), for Her Majesty The Queen during her Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle, the live broadcast of the 2011 Emmy® Awards in Los Angeles, at the opening ceremonies of Vancouver's 2010 Olympics and for the NBA, MLB, and NHL All-Star Games. They have rubbed shoulders with presidents and prime ministers, princesses and even shared a private tea with HM The Queen. They have shared the stage with Sarah McLachlan, Justin Bieber, Elton John and Paul McCartney, among others - and now they can add NASCAR to their accomplishments!

03.16.13: Country music star Sara Evans, who has gained popularity with five No. 1 singles on the country charts, will headline the Great American Pre-Race Spectacular at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 13 prior to the NRA 500 NASCAR Sprint Sup Series race.

03.15.13: Denny Hamlin announced via Twitter last night that he will not appeal the NASCAR penalty of $25,000 for comments he made following the Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix two weeks ago - but also said he will not pay the fine. According to publsihed reports the NASCAR rule book states they can garnish unpaid penalties from winnings or suspend the driver. Read Hamlin's Tweet [here]..

03.14.13: Speedway 660 management have released the 2013 schedule to include 21 events between May 25 and September 2. Weekly racing goes Saturday nights and features pro stock, sportsman, street stock, 4 cylinder, and bandoleros. Highlights of the season include special events on June 8 with the PASS 150, July 6 with the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour, and September 1 with the Auto Value 250. See the complete schedule on the track site [here]...

03.13.13: Time is running out to get your tickets for 2013 ATV draw in support of the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHF). A limited number of tickets remain for the March 22 draw in which the grand prize winner will take home a 2013 Honda ATV valued at approx. $7,000. Tickets are $100 each or 3/$200 and include dinner at the draw event which will be ehld at the MMHF site in Petitcodiac (NB). Call 902.444.0703 or 506.756.2110 to get your tickets - today.

03.12.13: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is pleased to announce that Absolute Traffic Services will sponsor the Hard Charger award for a second season. The Hard Charger award is a cash bonus which is presented each race to the driver who gains the most positions at the conclusion of the feature. The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour kicks off the 2013 season May 19 at Scotia Speedworld near Halifax (NS)...

03.12.13: Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville has entered the Southern Super Series (SSS) inaugural event at Fairgorunds Speedway in Nashville, TN - the even bigger news: Sommerville will be driving a car out of the Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) stable! He and BKR teammate Austin Theriault (from Maine) hope to challenge for the checkers against some of the best short track racers in the U.S. Both BKR cars will be prepared by (Gary) Crooks Racing in North Carolina. Sommerville, 38, is jumping at the chance to cross some big tracks, events, and the chance to race big name drivers off his bucket list. Theriault, 19, is looking to climb the professional racing ladder - winning this past weekends PASS South season opener gave him a running start toward that goal. Neither driver has ever run at the famed Fairgrounds Speedway before. The SSS season opener is April 6. Read the SSS/Sommerville Release [here]...

03.12.13: Scotia Speedworld management has posted a notice on the track website in support of a sealed engine program in the Bandoleros Cars division. The program has been implemented by Truro's R&D Performancenter, an authorized 600 Racing dealer. As part of the initiative R&D is pre-registering engines that will be used in Bandoleros compeition in the Maritimes this summer; more details on the track website [here]...

03.12.13: Talladega Superspeedway (AL) is offering a special Dale Jr. "Two for $88" ticket package for the upcoming Aaron's 499 set for Sunday, May 5. The special promotion celebrates Jr's two career wins in the event, along with his being in position two in the point standings after two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2013. The "Two for $88" promotion ends March 18, or while quantitites last (limited number of seats available for this promotion). Get your tickets [www.talladegasuperspeedway.com] or by calling 877-Go2-DEGA. Entering the 2013 edition of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., driver of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, has "two" career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories in the May classic. As a result of his success at the 2.66-mile facility, and in recognition of him being in position "two" in the title chase after "two" races in 2013, The "Two for $88" Dale Jr. opportunity includes two Anniston Grandstand tickets located in between turn four and the frontstretch Tri-Oval for the Aaron's 499, and presents a savings of over $50 off race time pricing. The offer is good though Monday, March 18, while seats last.

03.11.13: The organizers of the fundraising event for Craig MacDonald are extending many, many thanks to all those who helped them raise over $7,500 so the young racer can compete this year at Scotia Speedworld. MacDonald lost his father, his biggest supporter, last summer to cancer. The fundrasier was held this past Saturday, March 9.

03.11.13: Austin Theriualt's PASS South win at Dillon Motor Speedway this past weekend has a Maritime connection...Theriault is a development driver out of (Gary) Crooks Racing shop in North Carolina. Kudos to Gary - making his Dartmouth (NS) home-town proud!

03.09.13: The 2013 rules package for sportsman competitors at Petty International Raceway is now posted on the track website - [click here]...

03.06.13: Riverside International Speedway is starting preparations for the 2013 season in mailing Premium Seat renewals this week. If you want to be on a cancellation list for these high demand seats then send an email to mclean@riversidespeedway.ca. Track management is also in the process of updating the IWK 250 Camping Permit application form; those who had sites in 2012 will be offered the chance to reserve the same space for 2013 - assuming the contact information on your 2012 registration form is current. If not you better email them today at campingiwk250@riversidespeedway.ca

03.06.13: The SPEED channel will be rebranded Fox Sports 1 (FS1), effective August 17. The new format will feature a variety of sports including NASCAR with content to include: select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races as soon as 2015; NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races; NASCAR Sprint All-Star race; all SpeedWeeks events leading up to the Daytona 500 including: Daytona 500 Qualifying, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona (2014, 2017-22) and the Budweiser Duel, now in prime time; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NCWTS Practice and Qualifying sessions; NASCAR RaceDay, providing pre- and post-race coverage; NASCAR Victory Lane, a weekly wrap-up show; and Race Hub, a daily mid-day studio show with the latest from drivers, owners and garages.

03.06.13: A fourth person has retained a lawyer seeking damages for injuries sustained in the last-lap wreck at Daytona during the NASCAR Nationwide Series race; NASCAR has retained a firm to act for them. The fan lawyer says they are working diligently to settle the issue without going to trial. Two people remain hospitalized and are listed in stable condition; 28 fans were injured after parts of Kyle Larson's car tore through the catch fence in a crash that happened as the field headed for the checkered flag.

03.06.13: A reminder the fundraiser for Craig MacDonald is being held this Saturday March 9. It had been oroginally scheduled for February 9 but was snowed out, so plan to be at the Elmsdale Legion this Saturday from 1 to 9 March 9 to help a young racer who lost his biggest supporter, his father Gary, to cancer last summer.

03.05.13: Yesterday's announcement of the NRA (National Rifle Association) sponsorship of the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is making headlines outside the trade - even a lengthy discussion on CNN's 'Piers Morgan' last night with views from both sides of the fence - those who think it is OK, and those who don't...

03.02.13: Micahel Annett has been released from hospital in Charlotte (NC) to recover at home after successful surgery this week to repair a fractured and dislocated sternum; his release is ahead of schedule after responding well to post-op treatment. Annett and NASCAR Nationwide Series team owner Richard Petty Motorsports are encouraged by his progress and hoping he can return to the seat of the No. 43 sooner than the six to eight weeks suggested by his doctors. Annett was injured in a crash at the Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona Int'l Speedway last weekend. Aric Almirola is in the 43 car this weekend at Phoenix.

03.01.13: Our 'Let's Go Racin' event planner has been updated to reflect changes in the 2013 Oyster Bed Speedway schedule. The May 19 season opener has been changed to May 20, and the Sept. 1 season finale has been changed to Sept. 8 with Sept. 2 now a full card event.

03.01.13: Three more fans injured in last Saturday's last-lap crash at Daytona have been released from hospital; two people remain hospitalized for injuries sustained when pieces of Kyle Larson's race car broke through the catch fence and into the grandstand in the tri-oval area just before the start-finish line of the famous speedway. Both people remaining in hospital are in stable condition with undisclosed injuries.

03.01.13: SAD NEWS - Ronnie Moore, a longtime competitor at Scotia Speedworld, passed away Wednesday; he was 66. He resided in Shubenacadie (NS) and before that in Antrim. Visitation is Sunday at 2 p.m., followed by a service at 4 p.m., both at Ettinger's Funeral Home in Shubenacadie. More details in his obituary [here]. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

02.28.13: Rcaers planning to compete at Petty International Raceway this year are reminded March 1 is the deadline for an early bird registration fee discount. Register by March 1 and pay $30; register after March 1 and pay $40. More info at www.pettyinternationalraceway.com.

02.28.13: Two of the seven fans remaining hospitalized after Saturday's crash at Daytona Int'l Speedway have been released. The five people remaining in hospital are being treated for undisclosed injuries - all are listed in stable condition.

02.28.13: Lowe's Companies Inc. will continue its successful relationship with Hendrick Motorsports after signing a two-year contract extension that secures the full-season primary sponsorship of the No. 48 NASCAR Sprint Cup team and five-time series champion Jimmie Johnson in 2014 and 2015. Now in its 12th full season, the sponsor-driver-team relationship has become one of the most successful in NASCAR history. Since his first full-time Sprint Cup season in 2002, Johnson has earned 61 victories -- the most in the series during that span -- and never finished lower than sixth in championship points.

02.28.13: Jeremy Clements, a driver in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Code of Conduct. On Feb. 23 at Daytona International Speedway, Clements was found to have violated Sections 7-5 (NASCAR's Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing). "During the course of an interview, Jeremy Clements made an intolerable and insensitive remark," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that's explicitly spelled out in the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book. We fully expect our entire industry to adhere to that Code."

02.27.13: How would you celebrate winning the 2013 Daytona 500 - why of course with your version of the Harlem Shake - check out Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team [here] (You Tube)...

02.27.13: Three fans who were injured in Saturday's last-lap wreck at Daytona Int'l Speedway have reportedly retained the services of a personal injury lawyer - in spite of the risk disclaimer printed on the back of their admission tickets. According to their counsel the issue is not the assumption of risk but whether the components in place to protect the fans did their jobs, i.e. catch fence, etc. The Speedway is not commneting on potential litigation; the fan attorney hopes the issue is settled without the need to involve the courts.

02.26.13: Reports are coming out of Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, FL that Tony Stewart spent part of his Sunday visiting fans who were injured during Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race in which Stewart was the winner. Stewart did not want to be acknowledged for his good deed but after word spread his staff confirmed he had spent approximately two hours at the facility Sunday evening. Not only did he visit with each of the fans who remained hospitalized from their injuries but he brought each a gift. Stewart won Saturday's race and was visibly shaken in Victory Lane saying he had seen the horrific crash in his rear view mirror.

02.25.13: A statement issued by Halifax Health in Daytona Beach Sunday says seven fans remain hospitalized after injuries suffered during the last lap wreck of Saturday's Nationwide Series race. The facility received 12 patients in total; five have been treated and released. The seven remaining in hospital have been stabilized and are being treated for their injuries. Six others were taken to Halifax Health in Port Orange - all of them have been treated and released.

02.25.13: NASCAR Nationwide Series drive Michael Annett was released from hospital in Daytona Beach (FL) Sunday. Annett was kept for observation after complaining of chest pain following a crash during Saturday's Nationwide race at Daytona Int'l Speedway.

02.24.13: SPEED will start live broadcasts from Daytona International Speedway at 9:30 a.m. (AT) Sunday morning. Watch for the latest updates on fan injuries in Saturday's NASCAR Natiownide Series race. Kudos to SPEED and their team for excellent post-race coverage Saturday.

02.18.13: Fans of the late Dale Earnhardt will attend the annual candlelight ceremony at Dale Earnhardt Inc. this evening to mark the 12th anniversary of his death. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

02.18.13: Our 'Let's Go Racin' event planner is now updated to include the 2013 schedule for Oyster Bed Speedway. Click [here].

02.17.13: Kudos to Cole Boudreau and Cole Tanner who finished second and third, respectively, in Saturday's Bandolero open at Auburndale Speedway in Winter Haven, FL. Good practice for this weeks INEX Winter Nationals!

02.16.13: Several Maritime Canadian young guns are in Florida this week to compete in the INEX Winter Nationals at Auburndale Speedway. The five-day event starts Monday and ends Friday. Those who made the trek south include Cole Boudreau, Cole Tanner, Braden Langille, Jarrett Butcher and Cole Butcher. Also competing at Auburndale this week is Legends veteran Cy Harvey. Good luck to all!

02.16.13: SAD NEWS - Most sincere condolences to the Ledwidge family on the passing of family patriarch Laurie Ledwidge, founder of Ledwidge Lumber in Enfield, NS - a longtime supporter of Maritime motorsports. Mr. Ledwidge's eldest son Jim Ledwidge is a familiar face at Maritime tracks. Mr. Ledwidge's granddaughter Cassie is married to two-time Maritime Pro Stock Series champion Shawn Turple. Visitation is today at Ettinger Funeral Home in Enfield; the funeral is Monday - further detail in the obituary [here].

02.15.13: We've updated our 'Let's Go Racin' event planner to include television broadcast times for Daytona Speedweeks 2013. Click [here] to view or print the calendar, or click [here] to view only TV times.

02.15.13: 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski will be part of the FOX broadcast team during Saturday evening's Sprint Unlimied from Daytona Int'l Speedway. Keselowski did not qualify for the race since he did not win a pole award in 2012, nor is he a rpevious winner of the event.

02.13.13: James Franco, star of the Disney fantastical adventure "Oz The Great and Powerful," which is scheduled for release on March 8, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 55th running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Daytona International Speedway. The race is scheduled for 2 p.m. AT/ 1 p.m. ET on FOX and will also be broadcasted on FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Franco will give the starting command, "Drivers start your engines," in "The Great American Race." He'll also be introduced at the driver's meeting, participate in pre-race ceremonies and ride in one of the Grand Marshal cars during the pace laps prior to the green flag of the 200-lap, 500-mile race.

02.11.13: Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour officials are gradually filling in the blanks on their 2013 schedule. Lap counts are complete except for the three Petty Int'l Raceway events, showing Scotia Speedworld with two 150-lap races, a 250, and a the season-ending 200 lap race. Riverside sees a 150, a 250, and a 100. Both Speedway 660 and Oyster Bed Speedway will have 100-lap features. The most significant change is a date shift for the Oyster Bed Speedway event - changed from the originally announced Sunday August 4 to Saturday August 3. Start times are also now shown for all events except the July 20 IWK 250 at Riverside. Our PST [schedule page] and our 'Let's Go Racin' [event planner] show the updates.

02.11.13: Michael McDowell will return to the seat of Phil Parsons Racing No. 98 at Daytona with plans to run the full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Primary sponsors are being sought on a race-to-race basis.

02.10.13: If you're heading for New Smyrna Speedway in Florida next week to take in some of the World Series of Asphalt Racing and want to save some moola ($) visit a select Walgreens store for a discount admission ticket. [Click here] to visit the track site where all the participating Walgreens stores are listed. two Atlantic Canadians (Wayne Smith, Timberlea, NS & Josh Collins, Jerseyside, NF) are pre-registered to compete at the annual event which attracts some of the biggest short track stock car racing names in North America.

02.09.13: Speedway 660 has posted draft versions of their 2013 rules packages with the following IMPORTANT notice to teams: "These rules are the DRAFT versions and subject to change before being finalized on February 17th, 2013. Please to don't implement the 2013 updates on your cars until the rules are finalized. They will remain in DRAFT form and are open to feedback until February 17th, 2013." [Click here] to visit the track rules page with links to the rules for each division.

02.08.13: The Craig MacDonald fundraiser planned for Saturday (Feb 9) has been postponed until March 9 - thanks to Mother Nature's snowy forecast for Saturday. Plan to be at the Elmsdale Legion from 1 to 9 March 9 to help this young racer who lost his biggest supporter, his father Gary, to cancer last summer.

02.08.13: Michigan International Speedway is enhancing the fan experience for 2013 by offering free WiFi hot spots throughout its property. With more than 20% of its fan-base coming from Canada, speedway officials are promoting the service as "a great opportunity for all of the international guests to stay in contact with their families back across the border."

02.07.13: The mayor of Charlotte, NC has proclaimed this Friday 'Buck Baker Day' in recognition of the longtime Charlotte resident being inducted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Friday night. In the proclamation, Foxx said Baker, a longtime Charlotte resident who died in 2002, had "established himself as one of NASCAR's early greats, becoming the first to win consecutive NASCAR premier series championships in 1956 and 1957." View the proclamation [here]...

02.07.13: The Motorsports Group (TMG) has signed Reed Sorenson to pilot its No. 40 Chevrolet Camaro in the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, starting with the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 23. Sorenson comes to TMG with a winning Nationwide Series résumé. The Peachtree City, Georgia native, who will be 27 when the green flag drops at Daytona, has four victories in the series, most recently at Road America in 2011, and has earned two top-five finishes in the final series point standings (2005, 2011). He competed in 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races last year for various organizations.

02.05.13: Scotia Speedworld has posted its 2013 schedule of events to include four Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour events, the Monster Jam Summer Heat Tour, and 16 Weekly Racing Series dates. The complete schedule has been integrated in our NEW 'Let's Go Racin' event planner [here] OR visit the track website [here]...

02.05.13: The familiar DuPont branding on Jeff Gordon's No. 24 will be replaced by the newly branded Axalta Coating Sytems, starting in the second quarter of the year; all the result of DuPont's paint business being acquired by the Carlyle Group. In the meantime, on-car branding will include familiar automotive paint brands and products such as Standox®, Spies Hecker, Imron®, and CromaxPro®, an environmentally friendly water-based paint brand. The Axalta Coating Systems contract with Hendrick Motorsports includes 14 primary paint schemes annually on Gordon's No. 24 car. The first primary paint scheme of 2013 will be at Texas Motor Speedway in April and will run at various races throughout the year including the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Carlyle Group is one of the world's largest and most successful investment firms with a portfolio of businesses that includes Hertz Rental Car, Allison Transmission and Dunkin' Donuts.

02.04.13: You a quick note to let you know our 2013 schedules are now up-to-date and including broadcast and start time information for NASCAR national events. Find race dates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour, and the PASS North SLM series - click on the SRSR tab at the top of every page for dropdown links to each page OR click the series logo in the 'Event Central' section on our home page. Race winner names linked to complete results for each event will be added as race dates pass.

02.04.13: Tommy Baldwin, owner of Tommy Bladwin Racing (TBR) and crew chief for 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton, announced Sunday evening he will be re-assume the crew chief role for the 2013 edition of the Daytona 500 - this time with TBR driver Dave Blaney.

02.03.13: This has absolutely nothing to do with racing - but will affect all our Canadian readers in some way. Distribution of the Canadian penny will end on Monday (February 4). The one-cent piece is being retired because it costs nearly 1.6 cents to produce - the gov't estimates it will save neary $11 million a year by getting rid of the coins. However, the move means mearchants will need to either round a final purchase price either up or down to the nearest five-cent increment. With nearly six billion pennies in circulation officials estimate it could take three or four years to see them gone, for good.

02.02.13: More than two years after a life-threatening accident that left him paralyzed, former NASCAR racer Shane Hmiel got behind the wheel of a race car recently at Rockingham Speedway. Watch an inspirational video documenting the occasion [here]...

02.01.13: Corey Lajoie, the son of two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy Lajoie, will make his Nationwide Series debut driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing at Dover on June 1...

01.30.13: The 'Oval Outlaw' camp is reporting great success with their recent fundraiser (January 26) held to help with expenses as they head to Florida's New Smyrna Speedway for the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Wayne Smith fans contributed more than $12,000 to the cause at the event which included dinner, a dance, and an auction. A die-cast replica (pictured below) of the 'Friends and Fans' car Smith will race in Florida was the highlight of the auction.

01.28.13: Grammy-award winning musicians Zac Brown Band will perform the Daytona 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show leading up to the start of "The Great American Race" at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 24 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio). Zac Brown Band will perform several songs prior to the start of the 55th annual Daytona 500 – the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the biggest stock car race in the world. Zac Brown Band member and Southern Ground recording artist Clay Cook will sing the National Anthem.

01.26.13: The Rolex 24 at Daytona starts today at 4:30 p.m. (AT, 3:30 p.m. ET) with two NASCAR drivers on teams that occupy the front row - Juan Pablo Montoya on the pole winning team and Jamie McMurray on the outside pole winning team - both from the Ganassi stable in BMW/Rileys...Clint Bowyer will make his first 24 start in the slower GT-class Ferrari - driving for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner (and Rolex 24 co-driver) Michael Waltrip. Renowned road racer turned NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose is in the race, a teammate with AJ Allmendinger who is trying to make his way back to NASCAR after last years suspension. 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Andy Lally is also entered. The event is carried live on SPEED television and on MRN Radio via affilaite stations on live online streaming [here]...

01.26.13: Danica Patrick has revealed she and fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr are a couple. During an interview with The Associated Press Friday Patrick said: "I have a boyfriend, his name is Richard...I think I am just finally excited to tell someone about this," Patrick laughed, sounding almost giddy as she said the two-time Nationwide champion's middle name is Lynn and he prefers she use his first name. The two became friends the past two seasons when both were running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series - where Stenhouse (25) became a mentor of sorts to Patrick (30); both move to full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rides in 2013. Patrick announced in November that she and her husband of seven years were divorcing.

01.26.13: Kyle Busch will be the headline star on Sunday February 10 at the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. Prior to signing autographs for the fans Busch will be on stage to discuss his career and the upcoming NASCAR season. The 27 year old has raced in Canada several times and appreciates how passionate Canadian racing fans are. The CME takes place February 8-10 at Toronto's International Centre

01.25.13: Gary Crooks' 'GRIP Seminars' at Dale Earnhardt Inc is fast approaching and still adding benefits for the short track racers who will attend. Besides sevreal daytime seminars scheduled for February 8-10, after hours programs have been added featuring a session at the A2 wind tunnel using a super late model with the ABC body, and another at Moorse Measurements that will demonstrate how a 7-post machine works. Packages are still available starting at just $500 per person. Visit www.gripseminars.com for more information.

01.24.13: What could possibly amplify the commercial appeal of Richard Petty? Try adding Dale Earnhardt Jr. In order to reach a broader audience, Goody's Headache Powder, which Petty has represented for 37 years, has added Earnhardt to its marketing efforts. Both NASCAR's King and Sprint Cup racing's most popular driver now will represent one of the sport's most enduring brands. Asked to name an instance when he needed Goody's the most, Petty paused for a moment and cited the 1976 Daytona 500, when David Pearson beat him to the finish line after the drivers wrecked while racing for the lead on the final lap. "There wasn't enough Goody's in Volusia County to take care of that headache," Petty quipped.

01.24.13: Wayne Smith (aka the Oval Outlaw, six-time maritime pro stock champion) will host a fundraiser this Saturday to help with expenses as he plans his second entry in next months World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach. Florida. Smith will enter his familiar No. 44 in the pro late model class at the high profile event which runs from February 15-23 and attracts some of the best short track racers in North America. This Saturday's fundraiser is at the Lakeside Legion and will include dinner, dance and an auction, and where Smith will display the hood for the car he will run in Florida - offering attendees the chance to sign it. For more info email askwayne@ovaloutlaw.ca...

01.23.13: NASCAR will debut a new innovative track drying procedure at Daytona International Speedway next month that could effectively reduce drying time by 80% - meaning the 2.5-mile surface could be race-ready as soon as 30-minutes after a deluge. The new technology uses compressed air which both reduces the drying time in a more conrbon-emmission friendly way. It is estimated drying time at short tracks like Martinsville could be as little as 15 minutes.

01.22.13: More than 16,000 tickets have already been sold to fans planning to see the inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on dirt July 24 at Eldora Speedway. According to track owner Tony Stewart the facility has less than 1,000 reserved seat tickets remaining for the event.

01.22.13: CONGRATS for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin on the birth of his first child Sunday. Hamlin and his girlfriend Jordan Fish welcome daughter Taylor James Hamlin, born Sunday evening and weighing in at 6lb 5oz.

01.19.13: Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) announced today that the team owned by the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) champion will field two full-time entries in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) for the 2013 season. The move to two full-time teams comes in the organization's sixth season in the Series. Similar to the Penske Racing team for which Keselowski drives in the NSCS and NASCAR Nationwide Series, 2013 will see BKR take to the track in the Ford camp. 2012 was a banner year for BKR, which claimed its first victory behind the skillful driving of Penske Racing development driver Ryan Blaney, who became the youngest winner in NCWTS history at Iowa Speedway in September. Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Ross Chastain will share driving duties; races for each will be announced at a later date.

01.18.13: On Saturday, February 9, two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will appear at the Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME). The veteran NASCAR racer, team owner, television personality, and author will be making his first-ever appearance at the CME, signing autographs for fans and participating in an on-stage Q&A session. The CME takes place February 8-10 at Toronto's International Centre.

01.17.13: It has been announced that the June 15 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour events at Riverside Int'l Speedway will be a 150 lap feature - increased from the 100 lap srandard of the past. That's an extra 50 laps on the high banks = more excitement for racers and fans! The series will also sanction the July 20 IWK 250 at Riverside for a total of three stops, and 500 laps and the storied facility in 2013...OOPS Guess we jumped to conclusions in saying both 100s would be 150s - we've been advised today the announcement is for just the June 15 race - as of now there is no announcement to the length of the September PST race at Riverside; we are anticipating all feature lap counts will be announced by the series in the near future...

01.16.13: Watkins Glen International and Kellogg Company announced Tuesday that Cheez-It®, the iconic snack brand, has signed a multi-year agreement to be the title sponsor of The Glen's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The Cheez-It 355™ at The Glen weekend is August 8-11, 2013. This is the company's first race entitlement sponsorship, although the Cheez-It® brand's parent, the Kellogg Company, has been involved with NASCAR since 1991. Tickets for Watkins Glen International's season are on sale now and available at http://www.TheGlen.comand by calling 866.461.RACE.

01.14.13: Michael McDowell is excited about what lies ahead in 2013. He announced today that he will return as driver of the No. 98 Ford Fusion to run the full 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. McDowell's Ford will be fielded by Phil Parsons Racing with Roush Yates Engines supplying the power plant. Gene Nead will continue to call the shots for the team as crew chief.

01.11.13: Friends of the late Gary MacDonald have organized a fundraising auction to help fulfill one of MacDonald's wishes - that his son Craig finish his final year on the local Bandolero circuit - which is this coming season. But without his father's support Craig will be unable to compete, so friends of the family have stepped up to organize this event in hopes of raising enough to allow Craig to race this year - and fulfill his father's wish. Gary MacDonald passed away in August 2012 - Craig's rookie season in the Bandolero division at Scotia Speedworld where he finished seventh overall. The auction is planned for February 9 between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Elmsdale Legion. Auction donations and/or more information is available by calling Peter Fraser at 902.488.6337 or Kathryn Langridge at 902.405.6640.

01.11.13: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour has announced Mike McCarthy as the series official photographer for 2013. McCarthy has been a regular stand-in for Matt Jacques over the last few seasons and will now take over for Jacques, who moved west following the 2012 season. McCarthy has been taking photos professionally for over 20 years and is the owner of McCarthy Photographic. McCarthy will also serve as official photographer fopr Scotia Speedworld. You can check out Mike's work at www.mccarthyphotographic.com; and you can follow Mike on Twitter @McCarthy_photo.

01.11.13: NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose will join Michael Shank Racing for the 2013 Rolex 24 At Daytona (Jan 26-27) to drive the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford-Riley. Ambrose, who impressed in testing with the team during the "Roar Before the 24" over the weekend, will supplement the driving line up of AJ Allmendinger, Justin Wilson, John Pew, and Ozz Negri as Negri continues to heal from an off-season testing injury. Ambrose has previous experience in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and with the NASCAR Preseason Thunder kicking off this weekend, is getting plenty of seat time on both the oval and the 3.56-mile road course at Daytona International Speedway as he prepares to kick off a busy season.

01.09.13: 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Rusty Wallace, will auction a special-edition NASCAR-style Ford Mustang next week at the 42nd edition of the world-famous Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. All proceeds from Wallace's pony car will benefit The NASCAR Foundation and its mission of helping children live, learn and play. Nearly 3000 man-hours went into the Mustang's construction. At the vehicle's heart is a 358 cubic-inch V8, by Roush Yates Racing Engines, producing nearly 800 horsepower. The car's unique configuration features dual racing seats, making it perfect for days at the various motorsports country clubs appearing throughout America. Wallace's pony car is set to cross the auction block on Wednesday, January 16 at approximately 10:00 PM ET (11 p.m. AT). Speed Channel will carry live coverage of the event.

01.03.13: Petty International Raceway will hold drivers meetings to discuss the 2013 season on Saturday January 19 at the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame in Petitcodiac. The Bandolero meeting will start at Noon and run until 1:30 p.m.; the 4 Cylinder and Street Stock divisions will meet from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.; and the Sportsman meeting will go from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

01.02.13: With the new year comes the end of several probation periods for top NASCAR drivers...Those absolved include Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon, and Kurt Busch...On the local front, so too ends the Maritime Pro Stock Tour probations of Wayne Smith, Russell Smith, and Russell Smith Jr...

01.01.13: Seems AJ Allmendinger is still unsure of his racing future, this according to a note he made via his Twitter account last night, saying: "...Thanks to all my fans who have stuck with me in such a rough year. I don't know where and if I will be racing full time next year (2013) but no matter what it has meant the world to me with all my family and friends support..." Allmendinger was suspended from NASCAR competition for several weeks in 2012 after testing positive for a random substance test; the suspension resulted in his termination as a driver with Penske Racing.

12.29.12: Petty Int'l Raceway owners have added a new concrete wall around turns 1-2 of their asphalt oval. The move will both keep the cars from going over the end of the track and allow passage from outside the track to inside the pit area during events...

12.28.12: CONGRATS to NASCAR racer Reed Sorensen who became engaged to Laura Frame over the Christmas holiday. The couple will set the date in 2013...

12.26.12: The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte (NC) will "undeck" their "HALLidays" by allowing visitors to each take home one NASCAR-themed decoration from the trees at the Hall, starting at 10 a.m. December 26. The festive tree decorations feature some autographed items as well as bigger ticker surprises like race tickets, Chase posters signed by all 12 competitors, and more.

12.24.12: Just a reminder to all our loyal followers that Christmas Day is an off day for us here at CheckersToWreckers.com - and since it's the only day of the year we don't update our site we are out of here until Boxing Day (December 26 for our U.S. fans). Merry Christmas to all - and to all a good night!

12.23.12: CONGRATS to former NASCAR driver Ricky Craven on his forthcoming induction to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Craven is among a group of nine poeple whose accomplishments will be celebrated May 5 at an annual awards banquet in Augusta. Craven, currently a stock car racing analyst for ESPN, began racing at age 15 at Unity Raceway. Named Busch North Rookie of the Year in 1990, Craven was also honored in 1995 as NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie the Year. In more than 11 years of competition, the Concord, N.C., resident participated in 278 races and won twice in what is now known as the Sprint Cup circuit, NASCAR's top division. He also finished third in the 1997 Daytona 500 behind Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon and Terry LaBonte.

12.22.12: Speedway 660 management is asking for team input with regard to 2013 competition and building rules. This follows the successful implementation of a similar format last year. Teams are asked to submit ideas before January 17. More detail at the Speedway 660 website [here]...

12.20.12: The Dale Jr. Foundation (TDJF) has announced the successful conclusion to its year-long fundraising efforts, which raised more than $280,000 to benefit non-profit organizations and charities on a national scale. TDJF utilized a trio of major initiatives to raise the funds, including the "Driven to Give" event, the "Win Dale Jr.'s Ride" raffle and ride-along experiences with Earnhardt Jr. The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

12.18.12: NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson shared his thoughts about a couple of NASCAR's current top drivers yesterday on SiriusXM NASCAR radio; hear what he had to say about Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch [here]...

12.17.12: - Michael Waltrip and the employees of Michael Waltrip Racing teamed up with ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" builders and designers to surprise a Lincolnton, N.C. family in a holiday-themed episode of the popular home makeover show. Waltrip makes a special appearance in two segments of the episode to air Monday, Dec.17 at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. AT) on ABC.

12.16.12: CONGRATS to NASCAR driver David Ragan on his marriage to Jacquelyn Butler. The two were married Saturday. Ragan drives the No. 34 on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports.

12.15.12: Veteran racer James Hylton is OK after his transporter was involved in an accident Thursday night while en route to Daytona International Speedway for this weekends ARCA test. The transporter was destroyed and Hylton's primary superspeedway race car also sustained damage, but the team says they should have it repaired in time for the Daytona race in February. Besides Hylton, there were two other team members in the hauler - none of them were injured.

12.14.12: Glad to learn legendary NASCAR team owner/driver Junior Johnson (also a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame) is doing well after contracting a life-threatening infection while in hospital for back surgery this past spring. Johnson, now 81 and a lifetime resident of Brushy Mountains (NC), has since moved his family to Charlotte. Tom Higgins, a lonmgtime motorsports journalist, recently met with Johnson and has rlayed holiday greetings from the legend in his latest column- [check it out here].

12.13.12: Daytona International Speedway will host over 50 ARCA teams this weekend as testing starts in preparation for the series 2013 season opener at the track February 16. Testing starts Friday (December 14) and ends Sunday (December 16). A section of the Oldfield grandstand will be open (and free) to the public for the test which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (local time/ET) each day. The season-opening ARCA race is celebrating its golden anniversary in 2013. The inaugural Lucas Oil 200 back in 1964 was the series' first superspeedway race in history.

12.10.12: According to Team Lowe's Racing Twitter account Jimmie Johnson will run a throwback 'Daytona Yellow' paint scheme (pictured below) in the 2012 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway in February. 'Daytona Yellow' was used by GM in 1969 and 1970 on the Chevelle SS, Camaro SS, and Corvette.

12.08.12: Several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will test 2013 cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway this coming Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec 11 & 12). Teams expected to particpate include Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing and Wood Brothers Racing. The sessions run from p a.m. to 4 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch at Noon. A section of the frontstretch grandstand will be open to the public with free admission.

12.07.12: Turner Motorsports and Miguel Paludo have announced that the top-tier NASCAR team and the rising Brazilian talent will extend their partnership in 2013. Paludo, who joined the championship-winning team in 2012, will compete full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) next season. Paludo will return to the seat of the No. 32 Chevrolet Silverado with sponsorship from long-time partner Duroline Brakes and Components, along with additional marketing partners to be announced at a later date. Crew chief Jeff Hensley will continue to lead the team from atop the pit box.

12.07.12: Race fans can purchase tickets for the annual Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway beginning on Monday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. The stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take to the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway for three days of testing on Thursday, Jan. 10 through Saturday, Jan. 12 in advance of the 55th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24. The test sessions mark the first time the new 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars, dubbed "G6", which highlight greater brand identity for the manufacturers. Tickets for Daytona Preseason Thunder Fan Fest are $20 on Thursday and $10 for Friday and Saturday and are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Children 12 and under will receive free admission.

12.07.12: Kyle Larson handled the elements and the competition on Wednesday to win the Fifth Annual NASCAR Touring & Weekly Series Champions Karting Challenge as Champions Week in Charlotte (NC) got into full swing. Larson, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, deftly handled the ever-changing track conditions as rain drops intermittently fell at Mooresville (N.C.) Motorplex while fending off challenges from Dylan Kwasniewski, champion from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, and Ander Vilarino, who claimed the first Euro-Racecar NASCAR Touring Series title. "It was fun to go out there and compete with these guys," said the 20-year-old Larson, out of Elk Grove, Calif. "The wet track definitely made it interesting. It's kind of a bragging rights thing, but all of these guys are obviously talented and had great seasons."

12.06.12: Tony Stewart has declined Roger Penske's offer to 'do the double' next year and race the Indy 500 (for Penske) and then compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway later in the day. Stewart said yesterday at a trade show in Indianapolis he would not attempt the double next year; he has done it twice before: once in 1999 (finishing ninth at Indy, fourth at Charlotte) and then again in 2001 (sixth at Indy, third at Charlotte). Penske made the offer to Stewart during his championship acceptance speech last Friday in Las Vegas, and reiterated later it was a serious offer.

12.05.12: Good to hear short track legend Dick Trickle on Eli Gold's 'NASCAR Live' show on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) last night. Trickle, now 71, says he retired the 'right way, i.e. no television or team ownership for him. He's got a shop but uses it for his own purposes, like fixing his tractor. He's got his family nearby and still keeps an eye on the racing scene, but that's about it. Trickle is considered America's winningest driver with more than 1,200 wins in an estimated 2,200 starts. He won two ASA championships, seven ARTGO championships and, at 48 years old, was the NASCAR Sprint Cup (then Winston Cup) Series rookie of the year. 'NASCAR Live' airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. AT (7 p.m. ET) on MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR channel 90.

12.04.12: Toyota and Richmond International Raceway have announced multi-year race entitlements, beginning with the April 26-27, 2013 doubleheader weekend at America's Premier Short Track. The weekend features the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Toyota has a rich history at Richmond International Raceway. The auto manufacturer has seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins (Kyle Busch, four; Denny Hamlin, two; Clint Bowyer, one) and five NASCAR Nationwide Series top finishes (Kyle Busch, two; Denny Hamlin, two; Kurt Busch, one), and has served as the Official Pace Car at RIR. Tickets for the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race go on sale this Friday, December 7. Please visit www.rir.com for additional information.

12.03.12: Sixteen-year-old Erik Jones beat Kyle Busch to win Sunday's Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Florida. The youngster led the last 18 laps and never flinched under pressure from one of NASCAR's biggest stars. Jeff Choquette finished second and Busch was third; it was Jones' first start in the Snowball Derby. Race story and complete finish is [here]...

12.02.12: Chase Elliott, son of former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott, won the Snowflake 100 at Five Flags Speedway on Florida Saturday night. It is Elliott's second win in the event and adds to his Snowball Derby win last year, a victory he hopes to defend from his fifth-place starting spot when that race goes green today at 2 p.m. (ET). Mike Garvey finished second Saturday and Kyle Benjamin was third. Read the Snowflake story and see the complete results [here]...

12.01.12: One of the biggest short track races in North America - the Snowball Derby - is being held this weekend at Five Flags Speedway in Florida. David Ragan won the pole Friday night; John Hunter Nemecheck (son of Joe Nemechek) will start second, TJ Reid is starting third while NASCAR's Kyle Busch qualified fourth and Chase Elliott (son of Bill Elliott) will go fifth on the grid. The race goes green Sunday at 2 p.m. (ET). See the starting lineup [here]...

11.29.12: The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) is proud to announce, on behalf of all NASCAR fans who voted, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been crowned the 2012 NASCAR NMPA Most Popular Driver. The award, given annually since 1956, is Earnhardt Jr.'s 10th consecutive honor. This now ties him with Bill Elliott as the only other driver to be presented the award 10 consecutive years. Elliott is still the all-time leader with 16 overall. After fans voted from February to September, the top 10 drivers that earned the most votes were reset to zero. After more than 934,000 votes were cast this season, Earnhardt Jr. proved once again to be the fans' favorite. Completing the voting, in order, were Gordon, Kahne, Stewart, Johnson, Harvick, Kyle Busch, Edwards, Kenseth and Labonte. Earnhardt Jr. has now won the award since 2003, and with Elliott and Richard Petty, are the only drivers to receive it at least five consecutive times.

11.25.12: Jeb Burton - son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ward Burton (and nephew of current Cup driver Jeff Burton) - has signed a two-year contract with Turner Motorsports to run a full-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule and a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) schedule in 2013 and 2014. Burton, who made his first Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway this past March, has a total of five starts in the NCWTS. In those five starts, Burton has recorded one top-10 finish.

11.24.12: SAD NEWS - The seven-year-old son of one of Ryan Newman's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew members was the victim of an ATV accident near the families home in Salisbury, North Carolina on Thursday. Neighbours say Bryce Rueger rode often with his father, Andy Rueger, and his father stressed safety at all times with the boy. Newman is reportedly setting up a trust fund in the boys memory.

11.22.12: Tickets are now available for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway (NC) on April 14 of next year. The event drew nearly 30,000 fans in 2012 after a long-awaited return to the famed historic facility by one of NASCAR's national divisions. Tickets range for $20 to $35 and can be purchased online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com or by calling the speedway at 910.205.8800.

11.21.12: The 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver Danica Patrick announced yesterday via social media that she and her husband of seven years,Paul Hospenthal, will divorce. Patrick reported the split as 'amicable'. The couple has no children. Patrick moves on to a full-time Sprint Cup Series career in 2013 driving for Stewart-Haas Racing.

11.21.12: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will celebrate its 2012 season this Saturday at an awards banquet in Moncton. Season champion (and new daddy) Shawn Turple will receive the official hardware and a cheque for $10k while many other drivers and teams will also be honoured for their achievements. Not sure if tickets are still available, or not; best place to find out is by calling the series admin office at 902.481.2514.

11.21.12: A general meeting was held recently among track owners and promoters who field sportsman division events. A reprort posted by Napa Sportsman Series management says the meeting went great with a few areas left to work on. Once things are finalized for 2013 race teams will be notified.

11.20.12: 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski is scheduled to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman tonight. 'Kez' will present the top 10 list. The show airs at 12:35 a.m. AT (11:35 p.m. ET) on CBS.

11.20.12: Not even remotely related to stock car racing, or even motorsports for that matter, but a huge CONGRATS to my good friend Brian Smith and to Ra McGuire, original members of Canada's longtime superstar rock band 'Trooper', who were honoured for their contributions and achievements last night at the annual SOCAN gala in Toronto. Brian and Ra, musical partners for 37 years, each received the SOCAN National Achievement Award and three SOCAN Classic Awards for their Canadian rock anthems "Raise a Little Hell," "General Hand Grenade," and "Janine."

11.19.12: The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), the racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009. The IMIS will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond. The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Show days, December 12-14, 2013. The acquisition unifies the racing industry's two trade shows into one, creating the opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to do business in a single location. Both the PRI and IMIS trade shows will take place as scheduled for 2012. The PRI Trade Show will be held November 29–December 1, in Orlando. The IMIS will be held December 6–8, in Indianapolis. The IMIS transaction is set to close in December 2012.

11.18.12: Special $49 ticket packages and a unique ticket package with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars highlight Daytona International Speedway's "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" Thanksgiving holiday ticket specials. On Friday, Nov. 23 (Black Friday) and Monday, Nov. 26 (Cyber Monday), Daytona International Speedway will have several $49 ticket package specials available for select ROLEX 24 and Daytona Speedweek events in January and February (2013). Call 1-800-PITSHOP between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/deals.

11.16.12: HOMESTEAD FACTOIDS...If Ty Dillon, 20, were to overcome a 12-point deficit to James Buescher and win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, he would supplant his brother, Austin Dillon, as the youngest champion in series history. Should Ricky Stenhouse Jr. win the Nationwide Series title, he would become the sixth driver to claim back-to-back championships. Sam Ard (1983-1984), Larry Pearson (1986-1987), Randy LaJoie (1996-1997), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1998-1999) and Martin Truex Jr. (2004-2005) are the five drivers who already have achieved that distinction.

11.16.12: It's not stock car racing - but - thought you might like to check out this article about 2012 Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee Garry Sowerby (endurance driver) published in yesterday's edition of 'The Chronicle Herald' newspaper >>> click here...

11.15.12: Tune into ABC's "Good Morning America" this Saturday, November 17th to see Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards attempt to teach some of your favorite anchors how to drive a stock car. Biffle was teamed up with Dan Harris, while Edwards coached Bianna Golodryga. The Roush Fenway teammates took on Joey Logano and Darrell Wallace Jr., from Joe Gibb's Racing to see whose anchor could become the best driver. Biffle and Edwards took their respective anchors for a few laps around Charlotte Motor Speedway to show them the way around the 1.5-mile track. Be sure to watch "Good Morning America" to see which coach turned out the best student.

11.14.12: This Thursday marks 20 years to the day when a bright new sponsor took a chance on a rookie driver with a newly formed Hendrick Motorsports team. And the rest, as they say, is history. Jeff Gordon burst on the NASCAR Cup Series scene in a big way at the season-ending race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1992 with global Fortune 500 Company DuPont as a sponsor. The trademark DuPont oval adorned the hood of the famous rainbow-colored No. 24 car designed by renowned motorsports artist Sam Bass to depict the Automotive Finishes paint that DuPont set out to showcase through its sponsorship. Four championships, 86 victories, over 250,000 customers who have been entertained by DuPont through one of the most prolific at-track hospitality programs in the history of the sport, and four DuPont primary paint schemes later, Gordon reflects on the success of the partnership.

11.13.12: SAD NEWS - Our most sincere condolences to John Garnhum (CARQUEST Auto Parts/Dartmouth) on the passing of his wife Wendy. Wendy attended may races with John both during and after CARQUEST's tenure as the Maritime Pro Stock Tour series sponsor. She was 60. Visitation is Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., and funeral Thursday at 2 p.m., both at the Cole Harbour-Woodside United Church.

11.12.12: Petty International Raceway has announced their awards banquet will be held one night only (not two as previously announced). This Saturday November 17 champions in all regular divisions will be honoured at the Petitcodiac Legion. More info at www.pettyinternationalraceway.com.

11.10.12: CONGRATS to two-time and defending Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour champion Shawn Turple and his wife Cassie on the birth of their first child, Thomas, this week.

11.09.12 Charles J. Henry, crew chief for the No. 38 truck in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. On Nov. 7, Henry was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19-4A (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book. The No. 38 team has made 12 starts this year, mostly start and park, with drivers Dennis Setzer and Chris Jones.

11.05.12: Past NNS champion Brian Vickers is returning to the series full-time in 2013. Vickers will pilot the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota sponsored by Dollar General, the team and retailer announced Tuesday. Vickers returns to the series in which he won the 2003 championship as the youngest driver (age 20) to win a national series title. In 117 NNS races, Vickers has three wins – all in 2003, the last season he raced full-time in the series. In eight NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season, he has three top-five and five top-10 finishes. Vickers will be getting a jump on next season this weekend at Phoenix in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Dollar General Toyota during the Great Clips 200. This weekend, Joey Logano will drive the No. 18 Toyota, in which he's won six of his series-high eight races.

11.02.12: The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame will hold a meeting in Charlottetown, PEI on November 8. All motorsports enthusiasts are encouraged to attend; the meeting will be held at the Silver Stream Restaurant starting at 7 p.m.

11.01.12: A REMINDER to get your tickets for the 2012 Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration. The event is scheduled for Nov. 17 in Moncton; tickets are $80 each and include a reception, dinner, and the induction ceremony. Tickets need to be purchased in advance by today (Nov. 1). Visit www.mmhf.ca or call 506.756.2110 for more info.

10.31.12: Richard Petty Motorsports has announced Drew Blickensderfer has been assigned as the crew chief of the No. 9 team and driver Marcos Ambrose. The Mount Zion, Ill., native comes to Richard Petty Motorsports most recently from Richard Childress Racing where he was the crew chief for Jeff Burton. Prior to his time there, Blickensderfer spent the majority of his career with teams associated with Ford Racing and Roush-Fenway Racing. He is a former Daytona 500 champion and has multiple Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series wins with drivers Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth. Blickensderfer replaces Mike Ford who is no longer with the organization.

10.31.12: Mud run, qualifying run and race run. Those three competitions are consuming 100 percent of Kurt Busch's focus as he heads to Texas Motor Speedway for a memorable weekend at the mega "No Limits" motorsports facility. First up in Busch's Texas three-step is Thursday's inaugural Busch Whacked Mud Run, 4-10 p.m. CT at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. The charity Mud Run is a competition on an obstacle course which will feature troops from nearby Fort Hood, NASCAR drivers and team members, celebrity supporters and media with proceeds supporting military families and children through the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF), The Kurt Busch Foundation and Speedway Children's Charities.

10.31.12: Chandra and Jimmie Johnson have announced a second edition of "On The Road," the 208-page, hardcover book that chronicles Johnson's 2011 unsuccessful quest for an historic sixth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. In addition, a partnership with online retailer Amazon has been formed and the book is now available for purchase on Amazon.com. In less than three months, more than 4,200 books have been sold through various outlets, including JimmieJohnson.com and the No. 48 Lowe's trackside merchandise hauler – a testament to the passion and loyalty of NASCAR fans that played a significant role in the book's sellout status. The second edition will be sold at those outlets again in addition to mass distribution through the new relationship with Amazon.com.

10.30.12: Wednesday October 31 is the last day to get tickets for the Scotia Speedworld awards banquet set for this Saturday (Nov. 2) in Truro at the Glengarry. All weekly divisions will be included along with the Maritime League of Legends. Call 902.481.2514 or email admin@scotiaspeedworld.ca...

10.28.12: NASCAR has announced its 2012 Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series awards ceremony for Monday November 19 in Miami Beach, FL - just days after the conclusion of the series' seasons at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 16 and 17...

10.26.12:Veteran NASCAR fans will remember Jerry Nadeua - a young rising start driver who had his career snuffed short in an accident 10 years ago that nearly killed him. Nadeau was left with a brain injury that meant he would never race again - devastating news that still impacts his life on a daily basis. Learn more about Nadeau's journey since the accident in Marty Smith's ESPN.com story [here]...

10.24.12: Reports this week suggest Trois Riviere could become home for the NASCAR Nationwide Series annual pilgrimage to Canada. Since the announcement a few weeks ago that the series will not return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, NASCAR has been looking at various options to keep the series in Canada. The Trois Riviere facility hosts a Grand Prix event, along with the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, annually on the first weekend of August.

10.22.12: A reminder for the Scotia Speedworld weekly racers that your annual banquet is just a couple weeks away on November 3 at the Glengarry in Truro. Tickets and more info at www.scotiaspeedworld.ca or call 902.481.2514...

10.21.12: Speedway Miramichi was rained out Saturday and will hold its season finale 'Halloween Sppoktacular' event today (Sunday). The action gets underway at 2 p.m. More info at [speedwaymiramichi.ca]...

10.20.12: Richard Petty Motorsports and Ford Motor Company have renewed their owner/manufacturer agreement for the 2013 season, the parties announced Friday. Accordingly, RPM will field two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series -- the No. 9 currently driven by Marcos Ambrose and the No. 43 currently driven by Aric Almirola. Neither driver has signed a contract for 2013, though Ambrose says he and RPM are close to a deal.

10.19.12: According to published reports this week, Geoff Bodine is making it official and retiring from racing, he thinks. The 63-year-old racer has not competed full time with NASCAR since 1999, and as recently as 2011 in select races with Tommy Baldwin racing. "I'm 99.9 percent sure I'll never drive a race car again," said Bodine recently. His last start was the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2011; at the time he didn't imagine it would be his last start. Bodine's career spanned 27 years with 575 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts and 18 wins.

10.18.12: Speedway Miramichi will put a period on the Maritime racing season this Saturday with the 'Halloween Spootacular' event featuring 100-lap 'no holds barred' Figure 8 Enduro. Several other specialty races and awards are planned for the event which starts at 2 p.m. The rain date, if necessary, is Sunday at 2 p.m. Rules and more at [speedwaymiramichi.ca]...

10.17.12: Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III likes the 2013 qualifying changes, particularly how they will affect the Duel at Daytona: "The changes to the NASCAR qualifying procedures will add intrigue, suspense and excitement to the Budweiser Duel At Daytona. The new qualifying procedures will place a greater emphasis on the finishing order of the Budweiser Duel At Daytona, which determines the starting lineup for the Daytona 500. We expect the changes to produce incredible racing action throughout the field as drivers attempt to qualify for the sport's biggest, richest and most prestigious race of the season."

10.16.12: Dale Earnhardt Jr visited with a renowned concussion expert at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on Tuesday of this week; Earnhardt will sit out his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this weekend after being sidelined with his second concussion in six weeks after the recent Talladega race. Earnahrdt Jr hopes to return to his No. 88 at Martinsville October 27...

10.14.12: Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway marked a couple of significant moments in series history: it was the first time since September 3, 1979 that there was not an Earnhardt in the field; and, with Dale Jr. sidelined with a concussion, and Scott Riggs failing to make the starting grid, it was the first time since May 27, 1961 there was not a driver from North Carolina in the field...

10.13.12: The PASS North SLM season finale set for Sunday (Oct 14) at Oxford Plains Speedway has been postponed to Saturday October 20; a rainy forecast forced the change. This is the second delay for the series season finale which was originally set for September 29. October 21 will be the rain date for the October 20 date, if necessary.

10.13.12: REMINDER...The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHF) annual 'Birthday Bash' is set for Sunday at the MMHF facility in Petitcodiac (NB). All racers and race fans are welcome and encouraged to bring their race cars, bikes, trucks, boats, etc. There will also be a swap shop and food offerings. Admission is FREE. It starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. - RAIN OR SHINE. Learn more about the MMHF at www.mmhf.ca...

10.13.12: Early in Friday's second NASCAR Sprint Cup Seriespractice session at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ryan Newman reported that his No. 39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet was "blowing up." The team subsequently confirmed that Newman's car would require an engine change. The crew began work immediately in the Cup garage, but the engine change consumed the final 50 minutes of practice, and Newman got no laps on the new engine. On top of that, Newman will lose his third-place starting spot because of the engine change and will start Saturday night's race from the rear of the field.

10.09.12: Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch will make his Furniture Row Racing debut in Saturday night's Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The agreement with the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing calls for Busch to drive the team's No. 78 Chevrolet in the final six Sprint Cup races of 2012 and during the 2013 campaign...

10.05.12: A big CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. & Mrs. Larry Sommerville (pictured above) who were married Thursday in Nashville, TN. Both are well-known to the Maritime racing community - Larry being a longtime crew member with his father Bill Sommerville or his brother Lonnie Sommerville, and Jessica (Stevens) having worked with the Maritime Pro Stock Tour for the past five seasons. So it's no surprise to also learn Larry will spend part of his honeymoon weekend as the "tire guy" for Trey Mitchell in this weekends PASS-sanctioned All American 400 at Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville...

10.02.13: Centre for Speed (CFS) has posted an advance [entry list] for Sunday's Cavendish Farms Pro Stock 150 including top drivers from throughout the Maritimes. Racing starts at 1 p.m. and the Sunday show will also see competition in the four fun, street stock, and open wheel divisions. On Saturday (Oct 6) CFS will host mini stock, mini cup, and the Vance Hanes Auto Parts Sportsman 100. The weekend starts Friday with practice for all divisions, a pit party, and bonfire. All the weekend details can be found at the CFS website [here]...

10.01.12: Regan Smith, AJ Allmendinger, and David Reutimann seem to be the most popular names on the short list of drivers who could pilot the Finch Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 51 after this weekend when Kurt Busch vacates the seat to replace Smith in the No. 78 at Furniture Row Racing. No official word from the Finch team other than to say they are dedicated to finishing the 2012 season...

09.30.12: The David Lambe Memorial Street Stock race planned for today at Pyster Bed Speedway (PEI) has been postponed by rain until October 6; start time is 2 p.m...

09.29.12: Mother Nature has intervened and Speedway Miramichi has postponed the Grand Opening event they had planned for today; according to a note on their website they will post the make-up date/schedule Sunday evening...

09.29.12: Kurt Busch and James Finch confirmed yesterday that Busch will take the wheel of Finch's No. 78 for the last six races of this NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, leaving Regan Smith looking for a ride after Talladega (October 7); Smith has yet to announce his future plans. Busch was announced as the driver of the 78 for 2013 earlier this week...

09.28.12: SAD NEWS - Chris Economaki, affrectionately known as the "dean of American Motorsports', died this morning; he was 91. Economaki started selling National Speed Sport News when he was just 14 and eventually became the publication's editor, a position he held for 60 years. He also was well known for his work in broadcasting and track announcing. His immeasurable contributions to all forms of motorsports has been recognized in his election to numerous Halls of Fame. Arrangements are pending. Learn more about Economaki's incredible career [here]...

09.28.12: Check out the 2012 Riverside International Speedway Year in Review photo gallery at www.riversidespeedway.ca. Lots of great pictures & memories...

09.27.12: This Sunday (Sept. 30) will see the David Lambe Memorial Street Stock race at Oyster Bed Speedway. The 75-lap feature is one of the most popular street stock shows in the Maritimes - both for sentimental reasons - and for the $1,000 winners purse. Racing starts at 2 p.m. More info at www.oysterbedspeedwaypei.com...

09.27.12: Maritime stock car racing fans can head for Speedway Miramichi this weekend to help celebrate the facilities Grand Opening. Friday (Sept. 29) will see practice for all the divisions that will compete Saturday (sportsman, street stock, 4 cylinder, mini cup, bandolero, and AOW). Saturday's show gets underway with ehat races at 1 p.m. The highlight of the weekend is expected to be the 125-lap sportsman race. More info at www.speedwaymiramichi.ca...

09.27.12: SPEED's Race Hub show reported Wednesday that Regan Smith will vacate the No. 78 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rdie after Talladega (October 7); the report also said Kurt Busch is expected to be in the car for the remainder of the 2012 season. Earlier this week Busch was announced as driver of the No. 78 in 2013...

09.26.12: Riverside Int'l Speedway has announced the date for the 2013 edition of the IWK 250 as July 20 - an open weekend on the newly announced 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Riverside has scheduled their premiere event on an off-weekend since 2007 to allow a top name NASCAR driver the opportunity to enter the event.

09.25.12: Officials at Petty International Raceway have announced dates for their 2012 Awards Banquets. The Leisure Days RV Bandoleros will celebrate the season Friday November 16, and the GT Enterprises Sportsman, Mister Transmission Mini Stock, and Street Stock celebration will be Saturday November 17. Both functions will be held at the Petiticodiac Legion, both will start at 7 p.m.; tickets for both are $25 each - and available from [craig@pettyraceway.com]...

09.23.12: Denny Hamlin's No. 11 Toyota was the fastest car in Friday's opening Cup practice. Then, because his team mistakenly ran racing tire pressures instead of qualifying tire pressures for Friday's time trials, Hamlin qualified 32nd. In Saturday's two practice sessions, however, Hamlin was back on top of the speed charts at 131.656 mph and 132.053 mph, respectively, suggesting that a run through the field is likely on Sunday. . . . Dale Earnhardt Jr. was pleased with changes made to his car during Saturday's final practice. With 22 minutes left in the session, Earnhardt, who qualified 14th for Sunday's race, radioed to crew chief Steve Letarte, "Pretty easy to drive, considering what I've been driving all weekend -- just a little snug." Earnhardt was tied for ninth-fastest in the session, matching the speeds of Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick (130. 959 mph).

09.23.12: As he prepares for his first full season as a Cup driver next year, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will run at least three more races in NASCAR's premier series in 2012, team owner Jack Roush said Saturday. Roush, however, isn't averse to adding events to Stenhouse's Cup plans, if circumstances dictate doing so. Stenhouse's main focus this year is defending his Nationwide Series title, but Cup experience may play into that.

09.21.12: Jeff Gordon's flashback 'stache' is gone - shaved away this week after his disastrous start to the Chase last weekend in Chicago. Gordon started the growth as the result of a promise to his team if they made the Chase; they did, but then Gordon's bad luck continued after the throttle stuck and he hit the wall last week - finishing 35th and 47 points behind leader Brad Keselowski. Gordon's team determined this week it was the way a bracket was mounted that caused the issue with the throttle.

09.20.12: The Wilson Equipment 300 will be broadcast on TSN this Saturday (Sept. 22) and 1 p.m. AT (Noon eastern). The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race was recorded at Riverside International Speedway last Saturday. The show will be rebroadcast several times - check local listings for times...

09.20.12: Antigonish's Donald Chisholm is heading for Kawartha Speedway in Ontarion this weekend for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season finale. Chisholm finished sixth last weekend with the series at his home track (Riverside), and has two previous starts with the series at Kawartha finishing 10th in 2008 and 22nd last year.

09.19.12: NASCAR announced on Tuesday that driver AJ Allmendinger has successfully completed the "Road to Recovery" program and has been reinstated effective immediately. "I want to thank everyone for their support through this entire process," said Allmendinger. "I appreciate that NASCAR created the the Road to Recovery program, and am grateful for the opportunity to return to competition. The Road to Recovery program was really helpful to me in getting my priorities reset away from the race track. And, honestly, that helped find my love of racing again and why I began racing in the first place. I'm looking forward to taking this experience and be better for it moving forward."

09.16.12: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will start from the rear in Sunday's GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, after his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports team opted to change engines after Saturday's qualifying session. Issues the team found within the engine will force Earnhardt to give up the fourth starting spot, but crew chief Steve Letarte believes Earnhardt, one of 12 drivers eligible for the Cup championship, can use pit strategy to move to the front. "I don't think we are super concerned," Letarte said. "We had a great car in practice and qualified really well, so we showed we have good speed. Fortunately, this is a race track that there are multiple pit strategies, and it's not a really simple, straightforward pit strategy to call."

09.15.12: Earlier this week NASCAR issued technical bulletins in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series that address a safety enhancement to the driver's roll cage and will take effect beginning in January, 2013. The cars in both series will feature an additional forward roof bar and a center roof support bar that will intersect near the front center of the roll cage. This addition comes following extensive testing at the NASCAR R&D Center and is an effort to strengthen the roll cage and help make it an even safer compartment for the driver.

09.14.12: As the action on-track heats up with NASCAR's postseason set to begin, NASCAR, Sprint and Turner Sports announced today the launch of the sport's first official app for iPhone and iPod Touch. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile App allows fans to follow their favorite drivers and stay on top of all the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race action, including access to race day content, schedules, standings, breaking news and more. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod Touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

09.14.12: Jeff Dillman carries a slim five-point lead over Russell Smith Jr. to Riverside Int'l Speedway Friday night for the Napa Sportsman Series season finale; Fred Broussard sits third only 14 markers behind Smith. The title and final standings will be decided Friday with racing starting at 7 p.m. Complete series standings are [here].

09.13.12: Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced today the release of their self-published book, On The Road. The 208-page, hardcover book chronicles Johnson's 2011 unsuccessful quest for an historic sixth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. The book reveals lifestyle photographer Missy McLamb's unprecedented access to all aspects of the Johnsons' lives, from the frustrations of ending his record-breaking winning streak to the joys of fatherhood with then 1-year-old daughter Genevieve. NASCAR's 10-week playoff known as the Chase serves as the backdrop for this first-hand account of the emotional toll running for a championship takes on Johnson, his family and team. A limited release of 2,000 copies will be available for purchase exclusively trackside at the No. 48 merchandise hauler starting Friday (Sept. 15) at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. The track is the site of the first race in this year's 10-race Chase where Johnson will begin his quest for a sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Johnson will sign books at the merchandise hauler Saturday (Sept. 16) immediately following the Nationwide Series race. He will hold additional signings at track during the Chase while supplies last. In addition, copies are available at jimmiejohnson.com.

09.11.12: Multi-platinum country music quartet Lonestar will give a free concert for race fans on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 11:30 a.m. in Victory Plaza, presented by AAA. The band will then head inside the track where they'll perform the National Anthem prior to the "AAA 400" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway.

09.08.12: The PASS North race scheduled for today has been postponed to September 22 due to impending bad weather forecast for New England. See the updated PASS North 2012 schedule here...

09.07.12: JR Motorsports and its competition director of five years, Tony Eury Sr., announced today the decision to amicably part ways, effective today. "The conversation Tony Sr. and I had was one of the most difficult I've ever been a part of," said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. "I believe Tony Sr.'s passion for the sport is exceeded only by his yearning to excel in it, and that itself became the issue that both he and I struggled with. At JR Motorsports we do this to win races and compete for championships, and lately we have not met that standard. Being the competitor that Tony Sr. is, I know that bothers him more than anyone."

09.04.12: The racing rumour mill is rampant...Speculating Matt Kenseth will be named as driver for the No. 20 car at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for 2013 - and that Logano has accepted an offer to driver Penske Racing's No. 22 next year. Announcements for both appointments are rumoured to be coming this week...

08.31.12: Four drivers are expected to run both the sportsman and pro stock feature races at Speedway 660 this weekend. Lonnie Sommerville, Dave O'Blenis, Ken MacKenzie, and Steve Halpin have indicated their dance card is full with entries in both races - the sportsman on Saturday and the pro stock on Sunday.

08.28.12: Regional racing purists will be interested to know 'Stella' (Sommerville) is making her comeback this weekend in the Auto Value 250 at Speedway 660. 'Stella' is the chassis in the Sommerville stable that has won numerous races, including Sommerville's second of two '250' wins...

08.23.12: Unapproved modifications to the frame rails of a NASCAR Sprint Cup car can be very expensive, as crew chief Slugger Labbe and his No. 27 Richard Childress Racing team found out Wednesday afternoon. The sanctioning body fined Labbe $100,000 and suspended him from NASCAR competition until Oct. 3 for violations discovered in post-race inspection at the research-and-development center in Concord, N.C. The No. 27 Chevrolet, driven by Paul Menard, was the random car chosen for inspection after Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Car chief Craig Smokstad and crew member Grant Hutchens also drew suspensions until Oct. 3, after NASCAR discovered that the frame rails had been modified after having been previously approved. The rule book citation also includes "intentionally modifying frame rails for the purpose of deceiving NASCAR's inspection gauges." Labbe, Smokstad and Hutchens, who would sit out six races under the suspensions, were placed on probation though Dec. 31. In addition, Menard and team owner Richard Childress were docked 25 championship driver points and 25 owner points, respectively. Childress indicated to FoxSports.com that he plans to appeal. If he does so, Labbe, Smokstad and Hutchens would have their suspensions deferred until the appeals process runs its course. Menard finished ninth in Sunday's race, fourth best among Chevy drivers. The 25-point penalty drops him from 15th to 16th in the Cup standings.

08.22.12: Aaron Fike, a former driver in the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, was reinstated Tuesday by the sanctioning body after completing the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery program. Fike, 29, was suspended indefinitely July 11, 2007 for actions detrimental to stock car racing. The ban came four days after Fike and his girlfriend were arrested in an Ohio amusement park's parking lot on charges of possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia; Fike pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to two years' probation. In a story on NASCAR.com, Fike said he completed an inpatient recovery program and was nearly one year sober when he initially asked NASCAR about the reinstatement process last summer. Fike, who credited a renewed faith and closeness to his family, called the reinstatement "a huge blessing." Fike competed in 52 NASCAR Nationwide Series races from 2004-06 with a best finish of eighth in his second season. He moved to Red Horse Racing in the truck series in 2007, posting his best finish of fifth place just seven days before his arrest. Fike, who is the 16th driver or crew member to be reinstated since NASCAR revised its random drug testing policy in 2009, has since competed part-time in sprint car events.

08.21.12: NASCAR's Kenny Wallace was at Flamboro Speedway near Hamilton Monday night competing in the 'Gold Rush 100'. Wallace started at the rear and finished third on a 26-car field - good run, eh? He drove a car that was set-up by none other than Nova Scotia native and Canadian short track legend, Junior Hanley. Wallace posted a picture of himself and Hanley, and the car Wallace drove at Flamboro, on Twitter...

08.20.12: Advance ticket sales start 8:30 Tuesday morning for the Sept 14-15 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series weekend at Riverside Int'l Speedway. The Friday (Sept. 14) show will feature the Napa Sportsman Series and the Maritime League of Legends, and Saturday (Sept. 15) it's all NASCAR, all day. Ticket prices and order form [here]...

08.17.12: BREAKING NEWS - Just got word that Darren MacKinnon will pilot Rollie MacDonald's No. 13 this Saturday at Riverside International Speedway. This will be MacKinnon's first pro stock race since the IWK 250 at Riverside in July, a race that he won in 2011. MacKinnon will be the sixth driver in the 13 car this year; he will drive the No. 13 chassis at Riverside that Cassius Clark took to Victory Circle last weekend in the Atlantic Cat 250.

06.17.12: Short-track competitor Andrew Gresel of the Late Model ranks in Ontario plans to make his first ARCA start this coming February at Daytona International Speedway. With six years late model experience Gresel has several wins and a Delaware Speedway track championship on his resume. He will need to participate in a mandatory test session for ARCA officials in the coming months in order to enter the event.

08.16.12: Maritime race fans will be interested to know Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville will make a rare appearance in the Maritime Pro Stock Tour (PST) this Saturday at Riverside; Sommerville will substitute for Craig Slaunwhite in the 99 car as Slaunwhite fulfills a personal commitment. Sommerville, a multi-time winner with the PST, has focused his efforts on the New England-based Pro All Stars Series the past couple of years. The PST makes its final stop of 2012 at Riverside Saturday with races slated to start at 6 p.m.

08.14.12: Speculation is strong there could be more NASCAR "premiere" division races in Canada than the one and only Nationwide Series event set for this weekend in Montreal. While the Montreal organizers are interested in a Sprint Cup Series date, so too is Mosport in Ontario - now co-owned by driver Ron Fellows. Fellows has indicated Mosport would ultimatley like a Sprint Cup date but is also interested in the Nationwide and/or Camping World Truck Series. While NASCAR may be willing to entertain the notion, the problem - particularly in the Sprint Cup Series with an already full calendar, would seem to be scheduling...

08.11.12: For those of you who were hoping to hear the Scotia Speedworld sportsman race broadcast Friday night via Race Time Radio (RTR)...according to the RTR Twitter feed they had technical difficulties with their studio board, that it is fixed and set to broadcast the Atlantic Cat 250 live - hopefully later today - currently pending Mother Nature's decision to rain on the Halifax area. Saturday Atlantic Cat 250 weather updates will be available as provided by the series via our Twitter feed (middle of home page in black box) or follow us @check2wreck and have updates delivered directly to you. Check with the track online (scotiaspeedworld.ca) or by phone (902.873.2277) before making travel plans.

08.10.12: Pocono Raceway has established the Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund to benefit the victims of the lighting strike tragedy which occurred following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Donations will be accepted at any PNC Branch or by mailing checks/money orders, addressed to "Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund" to the following address: Pocono Raceway, Attn: Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund, 1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334

08.10.12: NASCAR has penalized the No. 43 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a result of rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection last Saturday at Iowa Speedway. The No. 43 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-12.8.1B(body height requirements – car failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book. As a result, crew chief Philippe Lopez has been fined $10,000, while owner Sandra Turner and driver Michael Annett have been penalized with the loss of six championship owner and six championship driver points, respectively. In addition, Lopez and car chief Michael Wright continue to remain on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

08.08.12: Veteran Maritime race fans will be interested to know that for the first time in more than a decade a Clattenburg and a Fraser are expected to compete against each other this Friday at Scotia Speedworld. The sportsman division should see entries by second-generation racers Dean Clattenburg and Frank Fraser Jr, sons of longtime on-track rivals Terry Clattenburg and Frank Fraser. Dean, a former MASCAR rookie of the year who has resided in North Carolina for several years, will make a special appearance driving a car out of the Alexander shop in Dartmouth; Fraser will pilot Jeff Dillman's car, which Fraser built and raced to several wins before selling to Dillman last winter. Clattenburg has been running a limited late model/pro stock schedule in the southeast the past few years, and Fraser has competed part-time on the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour this year - ironically also driving a car out of the Alexander shop.

08.07.12: Brad Keselowski Racing has elected to make a driver change for the Team's No. 29 RAM in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ("Series"). For the Series' next race, scheduled for August 18, 2012 at Michigan International Speedway, Brad Keselowski will pilot the No. 29 BKR RAM. Driver information relating to BKR's continued pursuit of the Series' 2012 Owners Championship will be forthcoming.

08.06.12: A tie marked Shediac's CENTRE for Speed's first Demolition event of the season Saturday night as Trevor Brown (#3) of Moncton and Mark Hines (#2) from Lower Coverdale battled to a draw. Hines and Horton chased each other around several disabled cars until they finally made contact after nither was able to move again. The event was therefore deemed a tie and the $1000 prize was split between the two happy competitors. Earlier in the night Stephane Poirier of St Louis de Kent gained his entry into the Demo with a win in the "Bump to Pass" event in his #707 machine. The "Barrell Races" were won by #1, Joey Horton of Amherst and #2 Mark Hines, of Lower Coverdale. The next demolition event will be held on Sept 23rd as a part of the Atlantic MONSTER Nationals double header weekend.

08.05.12 CONGRATS to Amherts teenager Ryan Mackintosh for his first-in-class finish in Legend Stock at Bethel Motor Speedway in New York state. Mackintosh was the top semi-pro driver and finished third overall in the 50-lap race that saw racers from several Legends divisions. Mackintosh is back in action Tuesday evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina for the Summer Shootout Series.

08.02.12: Race Time Radio announced via Twitter last night that they will broadcast the Atlantic Cat 250 LIVE flag-to-flag on August 11 from Scotia Speedworld. The show will air on SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 157 starting at 7 p.m. (AT).

08.01.12: NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame member Bobby Allison is scheduled to appear at Centre for Speed this Friday evening. Allison will serve as Grand Marshall along with providing colour commentary during the races and alsp participating in a one-hour autograph session starting at 6:45. Racing starts at 8 p.m. and will feature a Sportsman Super Series 75 as well as Mini Cup, Mini Stock, and Street Stock. Centre for Speed is located near Shediac, NB.

07.31.12: Published reports are coming out of Prince Edward Island saying NASCAR's Sterling Marlin will be in Rollie MacDonald's No. 13 King Racing entry this Saturday at Oyster Bed Speedway. The two-time Daytona 500 winner will take on the cars and stars of the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour in a 150-lap feature race, the second extended length series event of the season, and the first extra-length series race on the Island in quite some time. Marlin will be the fifth driver to wheel MacDonald's car in eight races this year (Cassius Clark - 3 races, Corey Williams - 1 race, Colby Smith - 1 race, and MacDonald - 2 races). With Darren MacKinnon's suspension earlier this week, the No. 13 is effectively seventh in points, 68 markers out of first.

07.30.12: Advance tickets for the August 18 Lucas Oil 100 at Riverside Int'l Speedway are now available. The ticket order form is online at www.riversidespeedway.ca.

07.30.12: Based on wind tunnel data from a July 18 test, all four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturers have met their aerodynamic targets and are ready to race. Accordingly, the 2013 Ford Fusion, Chevrolet SS, Dodge Charger and Toyota Camry are ready to hit the track for testing in preparation for their debut in February's season-opening Daytona 500. With the aero targets met, manufacturers can now begin to make parts and pieces for the new cars. Indeed, without exception, the new cars that will debut next year represent a return to greater brand identity than that offered by the generation of race car that preceded them. Ford, Toyota and Dodge already have revealed their 2013 models. Chevrolet has released only a camouflaged version of its SS, which is based on the Australian-built rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore.

07.29.12: Team owner Roger Penske will sit down with driver AJ Allmendinger this coming week to discuss the driver's status with his organization. Allmendinger has been suspended from competition since July 8 for a failed random test under NASCAR's substance abuse program. Allmendinger has agreed to enter the sanctioning body's Road to Recovery program as a path to reinstatement. "From the standpoint of what happened or didn't happen, let's just put that aside," Penske said. "I would tell him as we're standing here, he's got to face the facts, these are the facts, let's move on now and go into whatever rehabilitation program's available to him, which I think will be very positive for him. "Also, unfortunately, he becomes the example, but I'll tell you, it sends really broad message across this garage area. One of the great things about NASCAR is that there are very few irregularities of this type that we've seen over the last couple of years. When you look at other sports -- stick-and-ball sports -- there's other things, and I think that's a credit to the way NASCAR runs it. "To me, unfortunately, he becomes an example, and we've got to move on, and I think he understands that, and I'm going to do everything I can to be one thought in his mind that, 'Hey, let's move on here.' " Penske can either replace Allmendinger in the No. 22 or wait for him to return. Sam Hornish Jr., who will drive the car next Sunday at Pocono, finished 16th at the Brickyard.

07.25.12: If anyone is doubting the stature of the IWK 250 these days, consider this: this year the total purse was over $100,000, attendance was more than 10,000, there were 900 RV's on site, more than $12,000 was given away in 50/50 draws, and a campsite pig roast raised $14,000 for the IWK. Still waiting to hear the total tally raised for the IWK this year, but it (like everything else) is expected to exceed previous years..

07.25.12: he No. 09 RAB Racing team and driver Kenny Wallace were penalized Tuesday after their Toyota entry failed post-race inspection after a season-best fourth-place finish in Sunday's NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Chicagoland Speedway. Wallace and team owner Robby Benton were each stripped of six points for an improperly attached weight and failing to meet the minimum weight after the STP 300 at the Joliet, Ill., track. Crew chief Scott Zipadelli was also fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 5. Additionally, car chief Travis Young was placed on probation until Sept. 5 for the same infractions. Wallace has competed in nine of 18 Nationwide Series events this season with three top-10 finishes.

07.25.12: Hey, if you are the Ken Dalrymple that sent us an email yesterday please resend with your correct email address; we tried to reply but the address you included was invalid.

07.24.12: If you missed the IWK 250 you can still catch it by listening to the Race Time Radio rebroadcast available online [here]...

07.23.12: AJ Allmendingers "B" sample test will happen Tuesday; results will be known within 48 hours, according to a Penske Racing representative. If Allmendinger passes the test he will be reinstated immediately as driver of Penske's No. 22 on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. If he fails the test they his temporary suspension from the series will become indefinite. The "A" sample results were made public just before the start of the July 7 race at Daytona; Sam Hornish has replaced Allmendinger in the 22 car in the two races since then.

07.22.12: SAD NEWS - Reports are coming from PEI that a three-year-old child was killed while riding a tricycle on the grounds at Raceway Park (drag racing) in Oyster Bed Bridge. The child was apparently run over by a truck - the driver didn't see the child. Both the child and the driver were from Nova Scotia.

07.20.12: In case you have not heard...two-time Daytona 500 winner Sterling Marlin will be at Oyster Bed Speedway August 4 driving in the 150-lap Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour race at the facility that night. Click [here] to watch the commercial for the event...

07.19.12: Ryan Blaney's breakout performance at Richmond didn't go unnoticed. Thanks to an opportunity with Penske Racing, Blaney will return to the .75-mile short track, where he finished seventh in his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in April, in a championship-caliber car. Blaney, the 18-year-old son of current NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and former World of Outlaws sprint car champion Dave Blaney, has signed a development deal with Penske that will put him behind the wheel of the No. 22 Dodge in at least three Nationwide races this season. Blaney will race Aug. 4 at Iowa Speedway, Sept. 7 at Richmond and Sept. 22 at Kentucky, where he finished 15th in his most recent race in the series, his third to date. Blaney has been driving cars fielded by Tommy Baldwin, his father's Sprint Cup owner.

07.19.12: Amherst teenager Ryan Mackintosh continued his strong performance in the Summer Shootout Series for Legends Cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday night. Mackintosh finished third this week after winning his heat race; it is his third podium finish in five starts on the series this season. He is currently second overall in the series point standings.

07.18.12: SAD NEWS - Laughlan 'Lockie' Roma passed away suddenly Tuesday morning - just a little more than three months after losing his brother Terry on April 15. The Roma brothers have been a fixture in the regional racing community since the early 80s. Our deepest condolences to the entire Roma family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rowlings Funeral Home in Musquodoboit Harbour. UPDATE Visitation is Friday July 20 from 2 until 4 and from 7 until 9; the funeral service is Saturday July 21 at 10 a.m. in St. Anslem's Catholic Church in West Chezzetcook. Read the obituary [here].

07.18.12: We got word yesterday that Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville will enter the sportsman leg of the River Glade International at Petty International Raceway on August 24. It will be one of just three races for the short track superstar in his home province this year as he focuses on his sophomore season with the New England-based Pro All Stars Series (PASS) where he sits sixth in current point standings - just 37 markers out of first...

07.16.12: CONGRATS to Ryan and Krissie Newman in the birth of their daughter Monday. Ashlyn Olivia arrived at 12:20 p.m. according to a Tweet by the new daddie - driver of No. 39 on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Newman went on to say mother and baby are doing well.

07.13.13: The testing of AJ Allmendinger's "B" sample is reportedly delayed until next week as Allemndinger gathers independent experts to attend the test on his behalf. NASCAR suspended the driver from competition under their substance abuse policy last week at Daytona after an "A" sample taken at Kentucky showed a positive finding. Allmendinger insists he has never "knowingly" taken a banned substance. Meanwhile Sam Hornish Jr. will replace Allmendinger in Penske's No. 22 again this weekend.

07.11.12: BREAKING NEWS (9:30 a.m.) - We have just learned the show scheduled for this Saturday (July 14) at Petty Int'l Raceway has been cancelled. Management cites the lack of commitment from competitors for the open (no points) format as the cause and apologize for any inconvenience their decision to cancel may cause. Their next event is a double-header weekend August 4-5. More at www.pettyraceway.com.

07.11.12: Danica Patrick turned laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a race car Tuesday, July 10 for the first time in more than a year, but this time she had a special passenger. Patrick drove around the famous 2.5-mile oval in a two-seater version of her No. 7 GoDaddy.com/NASCAR Unites "An American Salute" Chevrolet, with iconic television personality Katie Couric in the passenger seat. She also gave Couric a tour of IMS. The laps also served as a fun warm-up for Patrick's official return to the Brickyard when she makes her IMS stock-car debut in the Indiana 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday, July 28 during the Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard.

07.10.12: The U.S. Army has decided not to renew its sponsorship with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2013 as a primary sponsor of the No. 39 Chevrolet driven by Ryan Newman due to a reallocation of its marketing budget that will not include a presence in NASCAR. SHR is actively pursuing a strong brand to partner with the team and its roster of sponsors that also includes Office Depot, Mobil 1, Quicken Loans, GoDaddy.com, Haas Automation, Chevrolet, WIX Filters, Outback Steakhouse, Aspen Dental, Tornados, Coca-Cola, Oreo, Ritz, Bass Pro Shops and Code 3 Associates.

07.07.12: There's a habit Austin Dillon's NASCAR Nationwide Series team needs to break -- immediately -- if the driver of the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet hopes to win the series championship. Bluntly, the No. 3 team needs to stop failing inspection. Dillon's pole-winning time for Friday night's Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway was disallowed after inspectors found an open cooling hose into the cockpit of the car, a duct work violation that in theory would provide an aerodynamic advantage. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., second to Dillon in Friday's time trials, gets credit for the pole, but Dillon retained his pit selection, with pit choices already having been made. Dillon was required to start from the rear for Friday's race. (by Reid Spencer/NASCAR Wire Service)

07.05.12: Greg Fahey, driver of the No. 20 pro stock at Speedway 660, has just announced he will enter this Saturday's Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour race at the Geary (NB) track. Fahey will strive to defend his home turf against the Tour regulars when the green flag drops at 7 p.m.

07.04.12: With a little more than two weeks to go until the IWK 250 (July 19-21) Riverside International Speedway continues to sell advance tickets and RV site spaces for the event at an unprecedented pace. Management are reporting all reserved stadium seats (top two rows) as sold out, along with just about all the 400+ reserved RV spaces offered. Plenty of reserved and general admission seats remain, and management are considering adding more reserved sites in an effort to meet the demand. The chance for fans to see one of NASCAR's brightest young stars - Joey Logano - who also happens to be NASCAR's winningest driver this year (in the three national divisions) has created lots of advance buzz. More info on seats, sites, and the event is available at www.riversidespeedway.ca.

07.03.12: The No. 3 NASCAR Nationwide Series team and driver Austin Dillon were penalized Monday for rules violations at Kentucky Speedway, knocking the rookie driver from the top of the points standings. Dillon took over the points lead after dominating Friday night's Feed the Children 300, leading 192 of 200 laps in his first Nationwide victory. But his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet did not pass the post-race inspection, failing to meet the minimum rear car height. Dillon was docked six points in the driver standings, dropping him to four points behind Elliott Sadler and ending his ride atop the NASCAR Nationwide Series at just under three days. Additionally, NASCAR stripped Morgan Shepherd, the car owner of record, of six points in the owner standings. Crew chief Danny Stockman Jr. was fined $10,000 for the infractions. He and car chief Robert Strmiska remain on probation until Dec. 31 for illegal modifications to the No. 3 Chevy found during inspections at Richmond International Raceway in April.

07.02.12: Two-time Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin is rumoured to be making a stop at Oyster Bed Speedway in PEI on August 4 for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour event. Marlin will reportedly enter the event, which will see a 150-lap feature in his honour.

06.30.12: Petty International Raceway has added fireworks (real ones) to Sunday evening's Canada Day show. The fireworks (in the sky) will start after the racing - which could see fireworks on the track - ends. The show starts at 6 p.m. ore info at www.pettyraceway.com.

06.29.12: Management at Riverside Int'l Speedway have announced popular celtic band 'Jug in Hand' as the pre-race entertainment for the IWK 250 on July 21. The band takes center-stage during the autograph session prior to the feature. Jug in Hand is based in Antigonish and tour throughout the Maritimes playing their lively renditions of toe-tapping, foot-stomping, hand-clapping traditional music. Advance tickets for the IWK 250 are now available at www.riversidespeedway.ca.

06.29.12: Amherst teenager Ryan Mackintosh is planning two races closer to home this long Canada Day weekend: Friday in a Legends Car at Scotia Speedworld and Saturday in an AOW Tour car at Centre for Speed. Mackintosh has spent most of the last few years racing in the southeast U.S. where he currently sits second in the Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

06.28.12: Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield's attempt to prove NASCAR erred in finding a positive result in a 2009 drug test is over. Wednesday was the deadline for Mayfield to file an appeal for a court ruling earlier this year that upheld NASCAR's test, with the ruling based on a waiver drivers are required to sign in order to compete with NASCAR. A NASCAR spokesperson says the sanctioning body is pleased the case is behind them and also that the court supported them being able to implement reasonable rules and requirements that help regulate the sport.

06.27.12: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh scored his second podium finish in as many weeks at Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday night. The teenage up-and-coming driver finished third in the Legends Summer Shootout Series, a result that should move him to second-place overall in series point standings after three events. Mackintosh held the lead twice during the feature Tuesday night but fell back during caution periods; he won his qualifying heat earlier in the evening.

06.26.12: Riverside International Speedway has posted its annual Call for Entries to teams that plan to race during the IWK 250 Super Weekend. Pro stock, sportsman, and legends teams that register by July 4 can take advantage of discounted pit pass rates and other perks. Registration forms are available online at www.riversidespeedway.ca.

06.23.12: Apologies to ourr eaders for tha late start today...There was a global malfunction with the servcie provider that hosts our site and so were were unable to post today's stories until just aft 9 a.m. We were microblogging headlines via Twitter - and even though we don't expect a technical issue of this magnitude again anytime soon (fingers crossed) - it's just one more reason to follow us at twitter.com/check2wreck...

06.21.12: Thunder Valley Speedway in Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland has announced an eight-race schedule for 2012. The dates are: July 7, July 21, August 4, August 11, August 26, September 9, and September 23. More info at www.thundervalleyspeedway.ca.

06.21.12: Riverside Int'l Speedway management is reporting brisk advance ticket sales for the IWK 250 next month. The addition of NASCAR's Joey Logano to the entyr list has created unprecedented hype for the event. According to the track Twitter feed more than 500 tickets were sold in the first three hours the phone lines were open Monday morning, and - as of late yesterday - they report nearly all the reserved stadium seats to be taken. Visit www.riversidespeedway.ca for more information.

06.20.12: Berlin Raceway in Michigan hosted the Rowdy 251 Tuesday night and nearly 6,000 fans turned out to watch the race's namesake, Kyle Busch, win the event for the third consecutive time.

06.20.12: The pro stock leg of the River Glade International weekend at Petty International Raceway in August has a new name: the Irving Max1 150. The race is round 11 of 12 in the 2012 chase for the championship on the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour - and the 48th running of the oldest stock car race in Canada. More series info can be found at either www.maritimeprostocktour.com or specific event info at www.pettyraceway.com...

06.17.12: Brad Eddy has secured Dana's Collision Center / CSN as a sponsor on his No. 72 pro stock machine; longtime motorsports fans will recognize the sponsor as having been a supporter of Maritime motorsports for many years - most often with Brad's father Dan Eddy.

06.16.12: If you can't make it to Riverside for tonight's Ron MacGillivray Chev Buick GMC 100 tune in to the live broadcast by Race Time Radio starting at 7 p.m. on SIRIUS Satellite Radio Channel 157...

06.15.12: REGIONAL RACING ROUNDUP FOR THIS WEEKEND...Scotia Speedworld - Weekly Racing - Friday at 7; Riverside Int'l Speedway - Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour & Napa Sportsman Series - Saturday at 6; Centre for Speed - Weekly Racing & LMS50 - Saturday at 7; Speedway 660 - Weekly Racing - Saturday at 7; Oyster Bed Speedway - 100 Lpa Enduro & Weekly Racing - Saturday at 7; Lake Doucette Motor Speedway - Weekly Racing - Sunday at 1 p.m. (schedules are subject to change without notice - check with venue to confirm before travelling)...

06.11.12: Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, and Jeff Burton will get a first look at the revamped Bristol Motor Speedway this week as they participate in a two-day Goodyear tire test at the facility. The griding of the top groove was finished last week on the concrete oval; a move made in hopes of creating two racing lanes - precipiated after the the March race at Bristol...

06.09.12: Today's practice session at Riverside International Speedway is good to go. The weather is clear with a 30% chance of showers later in the day. Gates open at Noon, practice starts at 1 p.m. Watch for updates from the track on Twitter directly ir via their Twitter feed on the new website home page (under "Hot Topics")...

06.09.12: Riverside International Speedway has launched a new website. Check it out at www.riversidespeedway.ca.

06.08.12: According to the Speedway 660 website both Shawn Tucker and Chris Duncan will enter Saturday's PASS 200; Tucker is a former track champion and multi-time winner at the track along with being a three-time Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour champion; Duncan is a longtime pro stock division regular at Speedway 660. The dup will join New Brunswick PASS regulars Lonnie Sommerville, Matt Harris, and Matt Matheson in defending their home turf against the American teams. The PASS 200 is set to get the green flag at 7 p.m. Saturday night. More info at [Speedway660.com] and on the [PASS site]...

06.07.12: Ken MacIsaac (Ken's Photos) was at the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHF) June 2 for the seventh annual Petty Auto Fest. Check out his gallery by visiting the MMHF site [here]...

06.06.12: Rookie pro stock racer Brad Eddy has announced support for his 2012 campaign from Eastlink. As part of the deal the communications company will provide the 17-year-old racer and his sponsors with valuable marketing exposure thoughout the Maritimes, and beyond. Eddy's next race is June 16 at Riverside International Speedway near Antigonish, NS.

06.04.12: The Southwest Stock Car Association has planned a six race season for Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (near Yarmouth, NS - Exit 32, Highway 101). Race dates are June 17, July 8, July 29, August 19, Sept. 16, and Oct. 14. Start time for all events is 1 p.m. Divisions, rules and more on their site [here]...

06.02.12: Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials have cancelled Sunday's scheduled PASS North SLM event at Riverside Speedway in Groveton, NH due to a deteriorating forecast. No word whether the race will be rescheduled, or not. PASS North is back in action next weekend (June 9) at Speedway 660 near Fredericton, NB - their only stop in the Maritime Provinces this year.

05.30.12: Tickets to NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race – the 55th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24 – will go on sale Friday, June 1 at 9 a.m. (ET). Tickets for the Daytona 500, which was won earlier this year by Matt Kenseth, start at $65. For the second straight year, the Speedway is offering special youth pricing for the 55th annual Daytona 500. Children 12 and under will receive 50 percent off all Superstretch grandstand seats for the Daytona 500 while supplies last. In addition, children 12 and under are free in the Sprint FANZONE throughout Budweiser Speedweeks. Visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com for more information.

05.28.12: Newfoundland's Avondale Speedway will host a drivers meeting tonight (May 28) at 7 p.m. at Rumors Lounge in Avondale. All Dirt 8 Cyl and 4 Cyl drivers are encouraged to attend.

05.27.12: It's not stock car racing but fellow motorheads will want to note the 2012 running of the Indy 500 is today. The race will be aired live on ABC and also on IMS Radio Network affiliates. The green flag is set to fly at 1:15 p.m. AT; check your television or radio provider schedules for local listings.

05.27.12: NASCAR's longest serving TV pit reporter, Dick Berggren, will retire after next weeks race at Dover Int'l Speedway. Berggren, who turns 70 this week, has been "on the job" for 31 years making his debut at Dover in 1981 alongside Mike Joy, a current colleague of Berggren's at FOX. Berggren will continue to contribute stories to Speedway Illustrated, which he founded, and most of all enjoy being a fan at local tracks.

05.27.12: Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) announced Saturday that Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver Juan Pablo Montoya claimed the All-Time Greatest Chip Ganassi Racing Driver title after fans participated in four rounds of voting. Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti faced Montoya in the Championship round to decide the overall winner of the team's bracket-style social media promotion.

05.26.12: Practice at Riverside Int'l Speedway that was scheduled for today has been postponed to June 9 due to forecast inclement weather. Pro stock and sportsman teams are welcome and MUST pre-register by email to [Paul McLean]. The June 9 session will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

05.25.12: Anyone planning to attend Saturday's practice session at Riverside International Speedway should check www.riversidespeedway.ca before leaving in case the session needs to be posptoned due to weather. As of Friday morning rain is in Saturday's forecast. Any teams (pro stock or sportsman) planning to attend should email track manager [Paul McLean] TODAY so he knows how many will be affected. Saturday's website update will be made by 9 a.m..

05.24.12: Friends of Tom Nicholls are rallying to help and his wife Gineen. The PEI pro stock rookie racer remains in ICU at a Halifax hospital following a crash during pre-season practice at Scotia Speedworld May 12. "Big Poppas Trust Fund" has been established at Scotiabank, 135 St Peters Road, in Charlottetown - walk in to donate.

05.22.12: Turns out Maritime Pro Stock Tour rookie Brad Eddy had a mechanical failure that caused his wreck on Sunday at Scotia Speedworld. The failure happened as Eddy came off turn four to take the first green flag of the season in his heat race - while that may make the teenager feel a bit better, the end result is his car needs a costly enw front clip and lots of parts that attach to it. The team hopes to have the car ready for June 2 at Petty Int'l Raceway.

05.19.12: According to a spokesperson for the Maritime Pro Stock Tour driver Tom Nicholls remains in "serious but stable" condition following a preseason practice accident on May 12 at Scotia Speedworld; Nicholls was airlifted to a Halifax hospital following the crash. Continued throughts and prayers are with him and his family from CheckersToWreckers.com...

05.18.12: A good news story for a PEI racer this week...Randy Millar was devastated Feb 28 when he lost his race car in a fire that destroyed his shop and everything in it. But Millar's racing and community friends rallied to gather enough parts and pieces to put a new race car together - and in time for this Monday's season opener at Oyster Bed Speedway. Read The Guardian story [here]...

05.17.12: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour site is reporting Maine's Cassius Clark will be behind the wheel of Rollie MacDonald's No. 13 race car is this Sunday's series season opener at Scotia Speedworld. Clark is touted as one of the best top runners at the facility - ever. His last visit saw him win the 2010 edition of the Atlantic Cat 250 while substituting for PEI's Jonathan Hicken.

05.16.12: Published reports have Jimmie Spencer retiring from his television "gigs" in favour of enjoying his life. The 55-year-old says he had a wake-up call two years ago when his sister passed away. His plans include selling his North Carolina home, moving back to his native Pennsylvania to be closer to family and friends, gardening, and travelling. Besides his work on TV, Spencer is a former NASCAR racer with two Cup and 12 Nationwide wins on his resume. No word when we'll be saying good-bye to "Mr. Excitement."

05.15.12: CONGRATS to Shawn and Cassie Turple on the news they are expecting their first child. Shawn drives No. 0 on the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour in which he is the 2009 champion, 2005 rookie of the year, and a multi-time race winner. Baby Turple is due at the end of October.

05.12.12: A REMINDER for those of you who just can't wait another week for your first "fix" of the race season...Both Scotia Speedworld (NS) and Petty International Raceway (NB) are hosting open pre-season practice today; Petty is open to all divisions and Scotia is open to Parts for Trucks Pro Stock competitors today (Saturday) and weekly racing divisions tomorrow (Sunday). A minimal fee to cover insurance applies for the pit areas and grandstand admission is free at both locations, which both start their 2012 seasons next weekend.

05.11.12: We have confirmed Ken Cunning as the 2012 Race Director for both the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour and for Scotia Speedworld. Cunning adds the new responsibilities to his role as General Manager for both entities - a title he's held for five seasons. Cunning replaces Dan Harvey as Race Director, who resigned over the off-season for personal reasons. A race director does exactly that, directs the race - orchestrating drivers and staff on race day to follow rules and procedures set forth in rule books and drivers meetings. Cunning takes on his new role formally when the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour starts its 2012 season at Scotia Speedworld May 20, and then for Scotia Speedworld with its weekly racing series season opener May 27.

05.11.12: Scotia Speedworld is pleased to announce they and Dartmouth Dodge have partnered once again to present the Dartmouth Dodge Sportsman Series in 2012. The Sportsman division at Scotia Speedworld is the highest level of competition on the Weekly Racing Series ladder at the 3/10-mile oval and has produced some of the finest stock car racers and champions this region has ever seen. In addition, Dartmouth Dodge will present two exciting nights of racing this season: the Sportsman 100 Presented by Dartmouth Dodge takes place on Friday, August 10 as part of the Atlantic CAT 250 weekend; and, Dartmouth Dodge's Mopar Express Lane will present the Weekly Racing Series show on Friday, July 6.

05.11.12: With both the IZOD IndyCar Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series holding two of their largest events of the season during the month of May, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) is launching their first-ever all-time greatest driver bracket. The promotion encourages fans to vote for their All-Time Greatest Chip Ganassi Racing Driver through the team's social media platforms. With over 23 years of history in motorsports, CGRT trimmed their all-time list of over 50 drivers down to 16. Match-ups will begin Friday, May 11 across all three CGRT Twitter handles - @CGRTeams, @TCGRTeams and @EGRTeams. There will be a new match-up every day with the finals concluding on Friday, May 25. Each match-up will be preceded with stats and information on why each driver should be considered. The All-Time Greatest Chip Ganassi Racing Driver will be announced on Saturday, May 26, the day before the Coca-Cola 600 and Indianapolis 500. Eligible drivers include: Michael Andretti, Luis Diaz, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Joey Hand, Charlie Kimball, Arie Luyendyk , Sterling Marlin, Jamie McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett, Graham Rahal, Memo Rojas, Jimmy Vasser, Dan Wheldon, and Alex Zanardi.

05.10.12: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Carl Edwards will move from the cockpit of his race car to the broadcast booth as he becomes an analyst for ESPN on two upcoming telecasts of NASCAR Nationwide Series races. Edwards will make his debut during ESPN2's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on Friday night, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. AT/6:30 p.m. ET. Edwards also will serve as an analyst for the June 29 event at Kentucky Speedway. For the Darlington race telecast, Edwards will join lap-by-lap announcer Allen Bestwick and analyst Andy Petree in the booth. While Edwards has never called a race, he has worked closely with ESPN the past two years during ESPN's portion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule by doing post-race analysis for SportsCenter.

05.10.12: Monday May 14 will see an announcement by Roush Fenway Racing (RFR) that will reportedly result in a new number on Matt Kenseth's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car; the announcement includes naming a new multi-year partner for RFR. Kenseth currently drives car # 17.

05.10.12: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PST) and Linde Canada have announced that they have partnered once again for the upcoming season. Linde will continue support of the series by backing the Linde Most Laps Led Award as well as supplying a Miller Electric Welder for use by the teams during the season. The series season opener is next Sunday May 20 at Scotia Speedworld.

05.09.12: Three-time Parts for Tricks Pro Stock Tour (PST) champion John Flemming is hoping 2012 will bring a fourth title; recently announcing a 14-race schedule to include the 12 PST races. Flemming also plans to enter the annual 250 at Speedway 660 on Labour Day Weekend and to wrap up his year with the All American 400 at Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN. Full details [here]...

05.09.12: David Reutimann will be behind the wheel of the No. 93 BK Racing Toyota this week at Darlington Raceway for the Bojangles' Southern 500. Reutimann raced the season-opening Daytona 500 with BK Racing, but has driven the balance of 2012 events with Tommy Baldwin Racing. Travis Kvapil will return to drive the No. 93 Burger King/Dr Pepper car next week at Charlotte.

05.08.12: Eric McClure was released Monday evening from the UAB Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was airlifted Saturday afternoon following a racing incident during the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. McClure suffered a concussion and mild internal bruising and is expected to make a full recovery.

05.08.12: NASCAR legend and Hall of Fame member Junior Johnson continues to recover from an infection acquired during a hospital stay in early March. Johnson was admitted to hospital for back surgery but instead caught a life-threatening staph infection which raged through the former driver and team owner's 81-year-old body. He got so sick he needed to be revived at one point. "Reckon the Lord thought it wasn't my time yet," said Johnson in a recent interview, "for which I am grateful." Johnson spent five weeks in hospital before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. Even now food does not taste good and he has trouble swallowing; only when he lays on his back is he without pain - which he'll likely need to endure for several months since his body needs to recover from the infection before doctors will consider the back surgery. Johnson injured his back while working on his farm in North Carolina, which he will soon leave in favour of a much lower maintenance residence in Charlotte.

05.07.12: Eric McClure is stable and alert adter being admitted to hospital Saturday following a vicious wreck at Talladega Superspeedway where McClure was competing in the NASCAR Natiownide Series race. McClure is undergoing tests and remains under observation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital.

05.06.12: Centre for Speed has posted a revised 2012 season schedule. Check it out [here]...

05.05.12: Petty Int'l Raceway is hosting pre-season practice today; early showers are expected to clear. Watch the Twitter feed on their website [here] for updates.

05.04.12: Tickets are now available at Ticket Atlantic locations for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour season opener at Scotia Speedworld on May 20. The green flag is set for 4 p.m. in the the first of 12 events that will determine the series 2012 champion.

05.03.12: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour 100 lap race scheduled for August 4 at Oyster Bed Speedway on Prince Edward Island has been extended to 150 laps. This event becomes one of two 150 lap events scheduled for the regional touring series, which will see action on five different tracks throughout the Maritimes during the upcoming 12 race season. Oyster Bed Speedway is located in Oyster Bed Bridge, PE, and hosts weekly racing in addition to special events like the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. The other 150-lpa event is at Petty International Raceway in New Brunswick August 25. The series also sanctions two 250-lap events in Nova Scotia, the IWK 250 at Riverside International Speedway July 21 and the Atlantic Cat 250 at Scotia Speedworld on August 11, also home for the series 200-lap season finale. The remaining seven events are 100-lap features. See the complete schedule [here]...

05.01.12: Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield's hard times continued Monday when his home was sold in a foreclosure auction; Mayfield had apparently not made mortgage payments of $19,000/month since April 2011. He now has 10 days to leave the property. This on the heels of recent indictments for alleged possession of stolen goods.

04.30.12: Carl Edwards left Richmond Int'l Raceway this past weekend frustrated with the confusion that led to him being penalized during Saturday's race. He met with NASCAR officials before leaving the track hoping for a better understanding of the call, but left it saying: "We had to just agree to disagree and that's the way it is. They run the sport and they do the best job they can, and I drive a race care and do the very best job I can. I'd rather not say what was said in there. This whole thing is very frustrating. I don't feel like we did the wrong thing."

04.30.12: Centre for Speed management posted a Twitter message Sunday evening that the "schedule is being revised." Check their site schedule page [here] for more info...

04.30.12: Amherst teenager Ryan Mackintosh finished second behind John Hunter Nemechek at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina this past weekend. The two dueled for the win in an Allison Legacy Touring Series race that saw Mackintosh start fourth just a car length behind Nemechek. Mackintosh was doing double-duty in the event also running the INEX Legends Cars Semi-Pro division in which he finished third; the Allison Legacy runner-up spot should put him in fourth-place in the series point standings.

04.28.12: Racetime Radio has announced via Twitter they will be broadcasting the IWK 250 from Riverside International Speedway, near Antigonish NS, on July 21; the show will have the ability to reach an even broader audience than its first year broadcast, in 2011, with the recent addition of Internet availability for Sirius NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).

04.27.12: Both Lonnie Sommerville and Matt Matheson are on the early entry list for next weekends PASS North SLM season-opener at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Maine. Both drivers are from New Brunswick and returning to the series after full-time particpation in 2011 when Sommerville finished second and Matheson was ninth. The only other Canadian entered to-date is Quebec's Alex Gingras. The SouthernMaineMotors.com 150 is set for May 5 at 3 p.m. (ET)...

04.25.12: Forbes Magazine has named Jimmie Johnson as the year's most influential athlete; the top 10 list is good news for Johnson, who repeats as last year's most influential athelete, but not-so-much for fellow NASCAR drivers and Hendrick Motorsports teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon. Earnhardt fell from third last year to seventh this year, and Gordon fell off the list entirely. See the Forbes article [here]...

04.25.12: Check out the new Napa Sportsman Series website [here]. It's got a new address so, if you plan to be a regular visitor, be sure to bookmark it for future reference...

04.24.12: Speedway Miramichi car building rules for six of their eight regular divisions and special events are now posted on their website. Check them out [here]...

04.23.12: Petty International Raceway management have announced two pre-season practice dates; the first on May 5 and the second on May 12. All divisions are welcome between Noon and 6 p.m. both days. Pit admission is $10 and grandstand admission is free.

04.22.12: Ross Kenseth (son of NASCAR's Matt Kenseth) won his first-ever PASS South Series event Saturday night at Orange County Speedway in South Carolina. Preston Peltier looked to have the Orange Blossom Special 150 in the bag until something broke on his car allowing Kenseth to take the win. Brandon Ward nabbed his first podium finish with a runner-up finish followed by Peltier who was able to hold on to third. Ryan Blaney finished fourth after leading 59 laps and David Latour Jr. rounded out the top five.

04.20.12: Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield was indicted by a Grand Jury in Iredell County (North Carolina) on Wednesday on five counts of felonious breaking and entering along with two counts of felony breaking and entering and felony larceny from a building. These charges are in addition to a February indictment after allegedly stealing more than $1,000 worth of goods.

04.18.12: Halifax's Greg Sewart is heading for Toronto this weekend where he will be formally inducted to the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Read the story we ran on Sewart's career when the induction was announced [here] and/or see Monty Mosher's story in today's edition of The Chronicle Herald [here]. Congratulations Greg!..

04.18.12: NASCAR has announced that Wayne Grubb, crew chief of the No. 27 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined for violations during this past weekend's event at Texas Motor Speedway. Grubb was fined $2,500 for violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-12 (use of hollow bolts in truck trailing arms and panhard bar) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on April 12.

04.14.12: The Driftclimbers Snowmobile Club is holding their annual auction today (Saturday Apr 14) at Shooters in Enfield. With many of their members being fans and friends of regional racing it's a great event to support, starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are just $20 which includes dinner. See the list of auction items [here]...

04.13.12: Anyone looking for the Riverside Sportsman Series website should hold off until Monday of next week when a new site is expected to be launched - according to series co-manager Lynne Delorey-Vassil; the old site has been down for the past week during the transition.

04.13.12: The PASS North SLM race that was scheduled for May 19 at White Mountain Motorsports Park in New Hampshire has been rescheduled for May 26; PASS and track officials apologize for any inconvenience to their fans and racers...

04.11.12: Ontario's Steve Arpin has announced two NASCAR Nationwide Series races driving Turner Motorsports No. 30 entry. Arpin will enter this Saturday's race at Texas Motor Speedway and then the May 5 event at Talladega Superspeedway...

04.11.12: The annual pre-season test'n'tune session for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is set for Saturday May 12 at Scotia Speedworld. Pit gates open at 11:30 a.m. and practice runs from Noon to 5 p.m. Pit admission is $10 and grandstand admission is free...

04.11.12: The annual pre-season test'n'tune session for Scotia Speedworld's weekly racing division competitors will be held Sunday May 13. The pit gates will open at 11:30 a.m. and practice runs from Noon until 5 p.m. with rotating sessions for Lightning, Thunder, Trucks, Legends & Sportsman. Pit admission is $10; grandstand admission is free. Only teams registered for the 2012 season will be allowed to participate. The 2012 weekly racing season starts May 27 at Scotia Speedworld...

04.11.12: Management for the NASCAR Hall of Fame will unveil the 25 nominees for the 2013 class tonight at 7 p.m. AT/ 6 p.m. ET during SPEED's hour-long Race Hub show...

04.10.12: We have confirmed reports that NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bobby Allison is scheduled to make an appearance at Centre for Speed near Shediac, NB this summer. Track management has promised to keep us in the loop when final details are announced - so stay tuned...

04.10.12: Management for Petty Int'l Raceway have updated their 2012 driver registration roster to include more than 60 teams in four divisions - with more than half being in the sportsman ranks. See the complete list [here]...

04.10.12: Speedway Miramichi management have finalized their 2012 schedule; check it out [here].

04.07.12: Jeff Gordon and his wife Ingrid dedicated the 2007 vintage at "Jeff Gordon Cellars" to daughter Ella Sofia who was born that year; keeping with that tradition the 2010 vintage has been named for the Gordon's son Leo, born August 9 of last year. The 2010 Leo Carneros Chardonnay was released earlier this week; it has already collected two prestigious wine-maker awards. More at the Jeff Gordon Wine website [here]...

04.06.12: JR Motorsports has implemented a crew chief swap to its No. 88 and No. 5 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams, according to general manager and co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller. Crew chief Bruce Cook has taken over responsibilities for the No. 88 Chevrolets driven by Cole Whitt. Until now Cook has spearheaded the organization's third team – a part-time entry primarily driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. – while lending assistance to the company's two full-schedule teams. That role will now fall to Tony Eury Sr., who takes charge of the No. 5 team while continuing his role as JR Motorsports' competition director. Tony Eury Jr.'s role as crew chief for Danica Patrick and the No. 7 GoDaddy.com team remains unchanged.

04.04.12: This year the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PST) will see three events presented by veteran series sponsors Lucas Oil: on June 2 at Petty International Raceway (NB); on June 30 at Oyster Bed Speedway (PE); and on August 18 at Riverside International Speedway (NS). 2012 will mark Lucas Oil's sixth season of support for the regional touring series. The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour kicks off the 2012 season with the CARQUEST 100 Sunday, May 20 at Scotia Speedworld near Halifax (NS).

04.03.12: SAD NEWS - Two motorcyclists have died as the result of a head-on collision on track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The accident happened after a private event at the speedway; witnesses say the two drivers were not following rules laid out by organizers when the crash happened. A third person, a passenger on one of the bikes, was hurt and remains in hospital.

04.02.12: Amherst,NS-native Ryan Mackintosh is off to a fast start this season with three podium finishes this past weekend: and first and a second in Legends Cars Semi-Pro competition at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, and a third-place finish Friday in his Allison Legacy car at Florence Speedway in South Carolina. Mackintosh, 15, continues to reside in North Carolina as he develops his racing career. As a result the teenager is an impressive third in point standings for both divisions. Look for Mackintosh to move to ARCA next, having recently completed his license qualifications for the series; he also plans to run a few races in the Maritime Provinces of Canada this summer - in a sportsman car.

04.02.12: GET WELL wishes for NASCAR legend and Hall of Fame member Junior Johnson. Johnson, 80, is in hospital being treated for a staph infection; once that issue is resolved he needs a pacemaker. Johnson expects to be home within the week.

03.30.12: Centre for Speed officials have posted their 2012 schedule to include events running from June to October. Most shows are scheduled for Saturday's at 7 p.m., with the exception of a few special events. Complete details are [here]. ...

03.30.12: Management at Petty Int'l Raceway have posted rules for their GT Enterprises Sportsman division. Check them out [here]...

03.30.12: GOOD NEWS - Barney Hall, longtime anchor on the Motor Racing Network, will return to his position behind the microphone this weekend in Martinsville. Hall has recently recovered from an illness that kept him away from Daytona for just the third time in the event's 54-year history. Hall will join co-anchor Joe Moore in the booth this weekend for Saturday's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Welcome back Barney!

03.29.12: Bristol Motor Speedway chairman Bruton Smith has studied fan input and as a result given track management the go-ahead to make changes to the famous 1/2-mile high-banked oval. The scope of work is due to be announced in the near future. The study came just days after a "disappointing" crowd at NASCAR's spring races at Bristol in mid-March.

03.28.12: CARQUEST Auto Parts will present the 2012 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour season opener on May 20 at Scotia Speedworld near halifax. The CARQUEST 100 will kick off the 12th season for the region's top touring series - and the 12th season that CARQUEST has supported the series with sponsorship.

03.28.12: Scotia Speedworld Weekly Racing Series driver registrations are due Monday April 2 for all divisions. Registration must be accompanied by a $20 cheque made payable to Scotia Speedworld in order to be accepted. Registrations received after April 2 must be accompanied by a $50 cheque. Get the registration form [here]...

03.28.12: Fans and racers planning to attend events at Petty International Raceway this year should stop by the track website for the final 2012 schedule. The previously posted tentative schedule has been tweaked with a few division shifts as well as the addition of start times for all events. Get it [here]...

03.27.12: Petty International Raceway management have posted an impressive list of drivers pre-registered for the 2012 season. Sportsman, Bandolero, street stock, and mini stock divisions are included. Check it out [here]...

03.24.12: Management for the PASS South series have had to postpone the races scheduled for South Boston Speedway in Virginia this weekend; rain was forecast for both Saturday and Sunday. A make-up date will be announced in the near future...

03.23.12: Eddie Wood and Len Wood of the famed Wood Brothers Racing team, donated Trevor Bayne's 2011 Daytona 500 winning Ford Fusion to The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich., on Thursday. The car, exactly as it was after Bayne won at Daytona International Speedway and still covered in celebratory confetti, Gatorade and Coca-Cola will be housed in the museum's Driving America exhibit, next to Henry Ford's 1901 Sweepstakes and Jimmy Clark's 1965 Indianapolis 500 winning Lotus-Ford.

03.23.12: Officials of the ASA Midwest Tour and Rusty Wallace, Incorporated announced today that former NASCAR and ASA Champion, Rusty Wallace, will compete in the June 12 Howie Lettow Memorial 150 at The Milwaukee Mile. The race honors the late Lettow, a former standout ASA crew chief who mentored many young drivers. The event will benefit the MACC Fund, dedicated to childhood cancer and blood disorder research. The June event will mark only Wallace's third time in a car since retiring from NASCAR in 2005. He will drive a super late model that was campaigned by his son Steve, who will also enter the event. Rusty has five wins at the Milwaukee Mile in USAC and ASA competition.

03.22.12: Daytona International Speedway officials will begin removing and repaving parts of the race track affected by the now-famous jet dryer fire during the Daytona 500. The work will be completed in time for the July NASCAR weekend.

03.22.12: Bruton Smith, owner of Bristol Motor Speedway, wants your input with regard to the racing surface at the high-banked 1/2-mile asphalt oval; likely the result of the stands looking half-empty (or half-full depending how you look at it) this past weekend. Emails can be sent to input@bristolmotorspeedway.com.

03.21.12: SAD NEWS - Centre for Speed Four Fun division racer Dave Crossman, from Lakeville NB, passed away this past Saturday (March 17) after a battle with cancer. Condolences to the Crossman family and friends.

03.20.12: Hendrick Motorsports makes it final appeal today in an effort to see the penalties imposed on the 48 team after Daytona either thrown out or lessened. NASCAR's chief appelate officer, John Middlebrook, will hear the case today when both sides meet with him at the same time. This is NASCAR's "high court" - the final step in the appeal process after the penalties were upheld last week when a three-member board heard each side present their arguments separately.

03.18.12: Nelson Piquet Jr. made his K&N Pro Series East debut a memorable one, claiming his first career NASCAR Coors Light Pole Award and capturing a hard-fought first career victory in the series driving for X Team Racing in the season-opening race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Driving the #14 Fox Sports Toyota, Piquet and X Team Racing made history as the first Brazilian driver/team combination to win in NASCAR competition with their victory in the Widow Wax 125 presented by Seal Wrap Repair Tape.

03.17.12: Five Star Bodies is back as a contingency sponsor for the 2012 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour season. Five Star will supply a body re-skin package to a Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Driver chosen by a random draw at the 2012 Annual Banquet to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Moncton, NB on November 24, 2012.

03.16.12: The National Stock Car Chief Appellate Officer will conduct a hearing on the appeal of the No. 48 team Tuesday, March 20, at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. This is the final court where Hendrick Motorsports can seek to have penalties overturned after being imposed for technical infractions at Daytona. A NASCAR appeals panel upheld the penalties after a hearing earlier this week.

03.15.12: Lower Sackville, NS teenage racer Brad Eddy will be discussing his off-season with CBC newspeople tonight in a segment that will air between between 5:30 and 6 p.m. If you missed the interview - click here to view in its entirety...

03.14.12: Just a couple days after Dodge rolled out its 2013 Charger that will be used in NASCAR competition Chevrolet has a new car under development for NASCAR competition that will bear a new name. The new car, in its retail and racing versions, will be unveiled later this year. The Impala brand has been Team Chevy's NASCAR entry for the past several seasons.

03.13.12: Penske Racing seems to be having fuel pressure issues...apparent after both Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger were bit by similar problems this past Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Keselowski's issue came as he was challenging leader (and eventual winner) Tony Stewart for the lead in the closing laps - on the restart the No. 2 car bogged down and fell to the back like an anchor. Keselowski pitted and later confirmed there was still fuel in the tank; he finished 32nd. Almedinger's problem was similar but came much earlier in the race, relegating him to a 37th-place finish.

03.13.12: The Riverside Sportsman Series has a new home on the Internet. You will find them at www.riversidesportsmanseries.com. The site confirms the series with four races this year in total, all at Riverside Int'l Speedway near Antigonish (NS).

03.11.12: Preston Peltier of Concord, North Carolina broke his season-long winless drought from a season ago Saturday winning the 2012 PASS South series season opener at the Dillon Motor Speedway in Dillon, South Carolina. Peltier took the lead on lap 97 of 150. Jay Fogleman and Steven Naase, who lead the most laps with 56, rounded out the top three positions.

03.11.12: SAD NEWS - Paul O'Regan, co-owner of several car dealerships in Nova Scotia under the O'Regan's banner, died unexpectedly Saturday in a Florida hospital. Mr. O'Regan, 67, was a resident of Dartmouth. O'Regan's has been a longtime supporter of maritime motorsports; our condolences to the O'Regan family and staff.

03.11.12: It's not stock car racing but our auto enthusiast readers might be interested in [this story] about the restoration of a 100-year-old McKay roadster that is now on display at a museum in Stellarton...

03.08.12: Team owner Rick Hendrick and No. 48 crew chief Chad Knaus will have their day in the NASCAR appeal "court" this coming Tuesday (March 13). They will try to convince the appeal board NASCAR erred when imposing a penalty last week that, if upheld, would see Knuas suspended for six weeks and fined $100,000, car chief Ron Malec suspended for six weeks, and driver Jimmie Johnson and registered car owner Jeff Gordon each fined 25 points. The 48 car was found to have "improper" C posts during a pre-practice inspection at Daytona. Hendrick contends the inspection process was flawed. Teams are rarely successful in the appeal process and also run the risk of having a penalty increased. Knaus and Malec will be in their roles on the 48 team at Las Vegas this weekend awaiting the outcome of the appeal.

03.07.12: Petty Int'l Raceway has posted updated street stock and 4 cylinder rules on their website. Click [here]...

03.06.12: Speedway Miramichi has posted a tentative 2012 schedule with six event dates on tap for this year: June 9, July 21, August 18, September 15, September 29, and September 30. Divisions, rules, and other track policies are expected to be announced by mid-March...

03.06.12: NASCAR returns to Rockingham Speedway (NC) with the Camping World Trucks Series on April 15; Goodyear will host a tire test for the series at the historic facility today and tomorrow.

03.05.12: You wouldn't have had to look far into a crystal ball to see this one coming...During Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race from Phoenix Tide ran a commercial featuring their product being used in the jet fuel cleanup last week at Daytona. The ad slogan: You keep inventing stains. We'll keep inventing ways to get them out.

03.05.12: In the wake of Juan Pablo Montoya's explosive contact with the jet dryer truck last week at Daytona NASCAR has made changes; effective immediately an extra pace car with lights flashing will drive behind the trucks - and, in agreement with the tracks that host their events, drivers of the trucks will wear fire suits and helmets.

03.03.12: Jeff Gordon reported via Twitter Friday that it was a broken rod in his No. 24 racecar engine that ended his Daytona 500 last week. Gordon said the malfunction was heat-related and the engine department at Hendrick Motorsports is addressing the issue.

03.02.12: Speedway 660 has posted an advisory on their website that the 2012 schedule will be finalized in early March...

03.01.12: Finalized rules are now posted on the Centre for Speed site [here]...

02.29.12: There has been some scuttlebutt with regard to Brad Keselowski's use of Twitter during the red flag in Monday night's Daytona 500 - so much so the rumour mill was swirling speculating about potential penalties for Keselowsi, who picked up 10s of thousands of Twitter followers in less than two hours during the break. NASCAR squashed that rumour Tuesday with the following statement: NASCAR will not penalize Brad Keselowski for his use of Twitter during last night's Daytona 500. Nothing we've seen from Keselowski violates any current rules pertaining to the use of social media during races. As such, he won't be penalized. We encourage our drivers to use social media to express themselves as long as they do so without risking their safety or that of others.

02.28.12: Less than 15 minutes after Matt Kenseth won the Daytona 500 Tuesday morning Roush Yates Performance was sent us an email offering a 2012 Daytona 500 champion t-shirt. Now that is fast! Order yours [here]...

02.26.12: Weather could be an issue for the 54th running of the Daytona 500... As of 6 a.m. today's [forecast] calls for showers start around 8 a.m. right through until 11 p.m.. Daytona does have lights so it could run after dark - but would be broadcasting against the Oscars Sunday night...Monday's forecast does not look much better with showers most of the day. The Daytona 500 has only bee shortened by rain four times in its 53-year history, most recently in 2009 when Matt Kenseth won the "Daytona 380"...

02.26.12: On Saturday Kurt Busch hit a bird with his No. 51 racecar during final practice ...the impact made a hole in the radiator and so team owner James Finch decided to change motors before Sunday's Daytona 500. Busch will need to start at the rear of the field because of the motor change, joinng four others who also had troubles since qualifying: David Gilliland, Danica Patrick, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Paul Menard.

02.23.12: Nova Racing is having a garage sale...Race cars, trailers, and more...Call George at 902.396.6443...

02.22.12: CONGRATS to Austin Dillon and his brother Ty Dillon - both in Victory Circle Tuesday at Florida's Volusia County Speedway after Austin won the DIRTCar Nationals A-Main feature - and Ty clinched the points championship. Fellow NASCAR racer Kenny Wallace won three of seven A-Mains in the series at Volusia over the past week - the most wins of anyone...

02.21.12: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (near Digby, NS) has posted 2012 rules on their website. Two divisions are shown: Cavalier/Sunfire and Modified (formerly Outlaws). More on their site [here]...

02.21.12: To help celebrate Tony Stewart's incredible 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, race fans can enter for a chance to win a 2012 Camaro Synergy Edition and meet Stewart at the race track at www.WinCamaroSynergy.com now through March 20, 2012. One Grand Prize Winner will receive a 2012 Camaro Synergy Edition, and trip for two to Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in May and a meeting with three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. The prize is compliments of Chevrolet.

02.21.12: According to a tweet from Speedway Miramichi after this past Sunday's general meeting...they had "great responses and we will keep you posted on rules and schedules soon." After a two-year hiatus the track will re-open this season under new ownership.

02.20.12: Scotia Speedworld has posted its 2012 25th Anniversary season schedule; pretty much status quo from previous years with the Weekly Racing Series Friday nights for the most part, along with special event Saturday's. Check it out [here]...

02.20.12: Centre for Speed has posted [rules for the 2012 season] - the notice says they are tentative for a week to allow input - however, we have no idea when the week is up - so best to call 506.388.2415 ASAP if you have questions or concerns...

02.19.12: CONGRATS & HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dad, Laurie Roué, who turns 80 today. Veteran Nova Scotia race fans will remember him driving No. 21 'The Golden Hawk' in the late 60s (pictured above), and then in the 90s driving the MASCAR pace car. In the 70s & 80s we ran the roads chasing races from Nova Scotia to Florida to Ontario - and all points in between. He is why I love racing, which is why this site exists. So thanks - and love you Dad!

02.19.12: Management at Petty Int'l Raceway announced several new sponsors for 2012 at their drivers meeting held yesterday. Check them out at www.pettyraceway.com.

02.18.12: REMEMBERING Dale Earnhardt Sr., seven-time NASCAR champion and legend, who died 11 years ago today in a crash on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. In keeping with tradition Dale Earnhardt Inc. in Mooresville NC will hold their annual candlelight tribute to the "Intimidator" tonight, Feb 18, at DEI headquarters from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

02.18.12: (at 7:30 a.m.) Management for Petty International Raceway have advised they are either in or en route to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame in Petitcodiac NB for today's final pre-season drivers meeting.

02.18.12: SAD NEWS - FOX Sports NASCAR studio host and NFL on FOX sideline reporter Chris Myers will miss Daytona Speedweeks broadcasts due to the death of his son, Christopher. Myers' son was involved in a fatal car accident in Southern California on Thursday. John Roberts, Speed studio host, will fill in as the NASCAR on FOX studio host for the Budweiser Shootout, Daytona 500 Qualifying and the Daytona 500 and will be available until Myers' return.

02.17.12: CONGRATS to Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, sister to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-owner of JR Motorsports, who gave birth to her first child Thursday afternoon. Kelley is married to modified driver L.W. Miller. Wyatt Wayne Miller weighed in at 8 pounds 13 ounces...a new fan for "Uncle Dale" just in time for Daytona...

02.17.12: Just a reminder that live coverage of all the Daytona Speedweeks action starts today at 5 p.m. on SPEED with NASCAR Live followed by practice for saturday's Budweiser Shootout. Download and print our "Speedweeks TV Guide" [here]...

02.17.12: For the second straight night, Kenny Wallace found his way to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment victory lane at Volusia Speedway Park. Wallace, who was raised in Arnold, Mo., gave credit to his crew first and foremost in the winner's circle. "All the credit goes to my guys and crew chief Billy Smith of Farmington, Mo., who will pilot my car (in qualifying Friday) while I participate in activities surrounding next weekend's Daytona 500. For me to compete with guys like Michael Long who won the most DIRTcar UMP Modified features last year means a lot," Wallace said. "I've finally started to run good in the dry slick." Wallace switches his focus to asphalt racing starting Friday at Daytona International Speedway...

02.17.12: Competitor registration for the 2012 Napa Sportsman Series is now open. Currently, the series will feature four races at Riverside Int'l Speedway near Antigonish. A new website is under development where drivers and fans will have access to the schedule, rules, and more. In the meantime competitors that have not already received the 2012 registration form and rules can contact Bill Vasil at 902.971.0416 - or Lynne Delorey-Vasil by email at lynne@antigonishevergreeninn.com.

02.16.12: Kenny Wallace found his groove Wednesday night at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida winning the 20-lap feature event, besting a record field of 78 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds at the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment. "It was an awesome win," said Wallace, who will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 next week. "What makes wins special is when you have the best modified racers in the United States. This is like a championship race every night. Every night is a big race. This isn't any old feature..."

02.16.12: Two former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions, both now semi-retired, will enter the Daytona 500. Bill Elliott will be in the No. 97 car driving for and as a teammate to Joe Nemechek, and Terry Labonte will be in the No. 32 car for FAS Lane Racing. In other new entry news Phil Parsons Racing has announced Micahel MacDowell will pilot No. 98 for them on the entire 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, starting at Daytona next week.

02.16.12: Chip Bolin will serve as crew chief this weekend at Daytona International Speedway on the No. 99 Fastenal Ford with Carl Edwards due to the passing of Bob Osborne's father. Osborne will return to Daytona next week to lead Edwards and the team in the Gatorade Duels and the Daytona 500. Bolin is currently the head engineer for Roush Fenway Racing and previously served at Matt Kenseth's Sprint Cup crew chief.

02.15.12: David Reutimann has been entered as driver of the #93 Toyota for BK Racing in the Daytona 500. Todd Anderson, the former car chief at TRG Motorsports [the #71 team in 2011], will serve as crew chief for the team. Travis Kvapil will take over the driving duties in the #93 Toyota at Phoenix for the March 4 Sprint Cup race.

02.15.12: Canada's TSN and TSN2 2012 package of NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series races kicks off with live coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on TSN2. All races are also available live on TSN Mobile TV. Along with the Daytona 500, highlights of TSN and TSN2's 2012 NASCAR schedule include the Sprint Cup: Gatorade Duel at Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. ET on TSN2, which determines the starting grid for Sunday's championship race, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series' annual stop in Montreal on Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. ET on TSN. Check out TSN/TSN2's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series broadcast schedule [here], and NASCAR Nationwide Series broadcast schedule [here]....

02.13.12: The Kevin Harvick Foundation have announced the launch of "Win Happy's Chevy." For the second consecutive year, one lucky winner will take home Kevin Harvick's custom designed Chevrolet Camaro, while helping children in need. Starting today, tickets for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible can be purchased for $29 each at www.winhappyschevy.com. The vehicle includes gray leather interior, 21" black painted wheels, 6-speed manual transmission, V8 engine, rear parking assist and much more. Proceeds will be used to further the mission of the Kevin Harvick Foundation.

Ryan Mackintosh at his ARCA test...

02.12.12: CONGRATULATIONS to Amherst Nova Scotia teenager Ryan Mackintosh (pictured above) who tested last week for his ARCA racing license; Mackintosh passed the test and is now cleared to participate in the series. According to a team spokesperson they are working on a few deals that will hopefully culminate in Mackintosh's ARCA debut.

02.11.12: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard announced Friday that as a result of his recent DUI arrest, John Wes Townley will be replaced as driver of their No. 09 Toyota Tundra until his return is deemed appropriate. "Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation," said Robby Benton, owner of RAB Racing with Brack Maggard. "However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team. "John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions," Benton continued. "We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."

02.10.12: UPDATE - DATE CHANGE - REMINDER - The second and final pre-season drivers meeting for Petty Int'l Raceway is Saturday Feb 18 (changed from Feb 12 due to pending storm) at the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame in Petitcodiac (NB). The Bandolero meeting is from 11 a.m. to Noon; the 4 Cylinder and Street Stock meeting from Noon to 1:30 p.m.; and the Sportsman meeting is from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers not already registered for the 2012 season can do so at the meeting.

02.10.12: Management for Oyster Bed Speedway in PEI have posted their 2012 race schedule; the season starts May 21 and runs through September 16 featuring weekly racing as well as special events. Check it out [here]...

02.08.12: As Grand Marshals, co-stars from the new Three Stooges movie Jane Lynch and Kate Upton will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – "Drivers, start your engines." Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso -- starring as Larry, Moe & Curly – in the all new The Three Stooges movie from Twentieth Century Fox, will start the action by delivering the green flag at the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious race, on Sunday, February 26th (FOX, 1 p.m. ET).

02.08.12: SUBWAY®, the world's largest restaurant chain, has expanded its partnership with Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing from the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for three races in 2011 to six races starting in 2012. The multi-year partnership also includes four additional races as a major associate sponsor and becoming the Official Training Restaurant of Carl Edwards and Roush Fenway Racing.

02.07.12: The facility that was USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida is no more. The 0.75-mile oval saw its last race in 2008 before being sold and then stripped of most infrastructure. Even then, with the oval still remaining, there was still hope it might be resurrected to host more great racing. The final blow came in late January when heavy equipment moved in to tear up the track and demolish whatever else was left standing. No word on how the land will be used. (Thanks to Don Mahar for the picture, taken Jan 26)

02.07.12: WWE Superstar John Cena will wave the green flag as Honorary Starter of the 54th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 26 at historic Daytona International Speedway (FOX, 1 p.m. ET). Cena was invited to participate in this year's big race by 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runner-up Carl Edwards last night on WWE's Monday Night Raw®. Edwards got out of his official No. 99 Fastenal Ford and told Cena, "NASCAR asked me to come to Monday Night Raw and personally invite you to drop the green flag and officially start the Daytona 500 on February 26." An appreciative John Cena enthusiastically accepted with an emphatic "Yes!"

02.07.12: He is the person most race fans and guests likely don't want to see when they visit Michigan International Speedway. But if they do, they are in good hands. NASCAR has named Dr. John Maino, Michigan International Speedway's medical director, as medical director of the year during its annual meeting with racetracks. NASCAR annually recognizes a medical director who excels in leadership and organizational skills in the daily operations of a racetrack's infield care center. Maino always assures medical standards are met, and that issues are quickly addressed with an immediate and positive outcome.

02.05.12: Race fans looking for a stress-free, convenient and affordable way to get to Auto Club Speedway's Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race need not look any further. Auto Club Speedway has partnered with Metrolink to provide direct train service to the Auto Club 400 on Sunday, March 25 at Auto Club Speedway.

02.03.12: Speedway Miramichi management will hold a general meeting Sunday February 19 to discuss plans for the upcoming season, rules, and other information that may be of interest to drivers and fans alike. The meeting will start at Noon in Mike's Bar, Newcastle, NB (across from the Civic Centre).

02.02.12: SAD NEWS - Nicola (Nicki) Kenseth, mother of NASCAR's Matt Kenseth, passed away January 31 after a long battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Mrs. Kenseth, 63, is survived by her husband Roy, children Kelley and Matt, several grandchildren, as well as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Mrs Kenseth lived in Wisconsin. The family has established a memorial with the Alzheimer's Association where donations can be made in lieu of flowers.

01.30.12: Scotia Speedworld's 2012 rules and regitration information is now posted on their website. Check it out [here]...

01.29.12: Petty Int'l Raceway has posted details for its second and final pre-season drivers meetings to be held Sunday February 12 at the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame in Petitcodiac (NB). The Bandolero meeting is from 11 a.m. to Noon; the 4 Cylinder and Street Stock meeting from Noon to 1:30 p.m.; and the Sportsman meeting is from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Any drivers planning to run for points can register at the meeting - or beat the rush and register now at www.pettyraceway.com.

01.27.12: Richard Petty Motorsports has announced the formation of a new NASCAR Nationwide Series team with driver Michael Annett and his long-time partner Pilot Flying J. The team will be run out of RPM's Concord, N.C. race shop and will vie for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship. Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, comes to Richard Petty Motorsports after spending last season at Rusty Wallace, Inc. He has posted 13 top-10 finishes in 105 Nationwide Series starts and drove to a ninth-place finish in the championship points standings last season. Born into a family with a rich racing heritage, Annett began his own racing career in 2007 competing in the ARCA Series. In only his fourth start, Annett drove his Pilot Travel Centers machine to victory lane at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. He drove to victory once again in the ARCA Series the next season at Daytona International Speedway and also piloted an entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in eight events that season. In 2009, he moved to the Nationwide Series with Germain Racing and posted four top-10 finishes en route to a 10th-place effort in the point standings. He remained at Germain through 2010 and in 2011 competed for RWI.

01.26.12: CONGRATS to Kevin and Delana Harvick who are expecting their first child this year. Kevin announced during Wednesday's media tour that Delana is 14-weeks pregnant...

01.26.12: NASCAR will no longer issue fines that are undisclosed. We looked at this issue from every angle and gathered feedback from the industry. While there are always sensitivities related to sponsor relationships and other leagues may continue issuing disclosed and undisclosed fines, NASCAR has decided that all fines moving forward will be made public after the competitor or organization that has been penalized has been informed.

01.25.12: Riverside Int'l Speedway has put Premium Seat renewals for 2012 in the mail; fans with top row seats in sections, D,E, & F have until March 31 to reserve them for the upcoming season featuring four big events: two Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour "regular" races, the IWK 250, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. Management continues to work at securing a guest NASCAR driver for the IWK 250 and hopes to make an announcement in the coming weeks.

01.23.12: Last week Regan Smith went from the high banks of Daytona to the skip slopes of Colorado in his No. 78 NASCAR racecar. Smith and world tour freeskiing champion Jess McMillan were shooting scenes for an upcoming ski movie produced by Warren Miller Entertainment.

01.21.12: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard announced today that they will attempt to make their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut in the 54th-annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 26, with driver Kenny Wallace behind the wheel of their No. 09 American Ethanol Toyota Camry. With Wallace behind the wheel of their NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota in 2011, the No. 09 team finished seventh in the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship standings, a career-best for the Concord, N.C.-based team, after posting 11 top-10 finishes. Wallace will attempt to make his 11th Daytona 500 start. His last start in the Great American Race came in 2008, when he raced his way into the starting lineup via an eighth-place finish in the first Gatorade Duel.

01.17.12: The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHF) will host its inaugural Wedding & Prom Gala Expo February 24-25. A Diamond Ring Dinner will be held Friday night (tickets are limited) and the public Expo will happen Saturday. Both events will be held at the MMHF conference room in Petitcodiac (NB). The event is a fundraiser for the organization. More info at www.mmhf.ca...

01.17.12: Carl Edwards says he is not planning to run any NASCAR Nationwide Series races this year - maybe. Edwards says that if he finds he is going crazy on Saturday's and would be better off racing, than not, then the plan could change. He has competed in the Nationwide Series for the past seven seasons while also doing a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

01.16.12: The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame website is undergoing a makeover; plans are to see a new site launched in the coming weeks that will be more interative and also pay due homage to the facility, the mission of its founders, and the accomplishments of its homoured inductees. The current site remains active in the meantime. The first step in making the site more interactive is in the creation of an abbreviated address; you can now use either www.mmhf.ca or www.maritimemotorsporthallof fame.com to visit the site.

01.15.12: Gary Crooks and Jason Enders have been working overtime to put together the inaugural GRIP Seminar for short track racers in Portland, Maine next weekend (January 19-22). According to their website, registration includes top racers from the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada. A full schedule for the four-day seminar is now posted as is a new option offering the Spotter's Only session via live streaming online. All the details are at www.gripseminars.com...

01.14.12: Management at Petty International Raceway are working toward announcing details for their planned 2012 six-race sportsman series. So far we know the features will be a minimum 100-laps and that competitors will accumulate points toward an overall championship. Bigger purses are also part of the plan with specific details to be revealed as the season gets closer. Rules for Petty's street stock and 4 cylinder divisions have been posted on their website [here]...

01.13.12: Don't forget you can watch today's (and tomorrow's) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session at Daytona Int'l Speedway ALL DAY and LIVE. The morning sessions (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. AT) will be streamed online via SPEED's website and the afternoon sessions (2 p.m. to 6 p.m. AT) will be on SPEED television. Those wanting to watch on their computer can tune in online by clicking [here] - and those wanting to use their iPhone or iPad can use this link: http://stream.speedtv.com/mobile/idevice/daytona. The online boradcast had some overloading issues due to extreme traffic (just like at a track) Thursday so please be patient if the link doesn't work right away...

01.12.12: In a sport where drivers are constantly striving to be leaders of the pack, a few NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars – and one lucky NASCAR fan – are taking a back seat to learn a thing or two about how to control their pets. "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan," airing on Nat Geo WILD, is going all-NASCAR when they bring the show to Daytona Beach, Fla. this February to shoot an upcoming episode. This episode, which will be filmed around Daytona 500 events on February 17-18, will feature NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Greg Biffle and Kevin Harvick for two of the first three segments. For the final segment, Millan will work with a NASCAR fan. Kevin Harvick and his wife DeLana will be featured with their Chihuahua, Little One (LO), and Greg Biffle will select animals in need through his charity, the Greg Biffle Foundation. His foundation strives to create awareness and serve as an advocate to improve the well-being of animals by engaging the power and passion of the motorsports industry.

01.12.12: Phoenix Racing has announced that in addition to running the complete NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule with Kurt Busch, they will field the No. 1 Chevrolet in a limited amount of NASCAR Nationwide Series races (NNS), starting at Daytona. The team plans to run all major events and are looking for sponsorship for these races.

01.11.12: The Riverside Sportsman Super Series will hold a very important meeting this coming Sunday (January 15) between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Antigonish at the STFX Millenium Centre (conference room A). Series organizers Bill Vasil and Lynne Delorey-Vasil will discuss rules and other details for 2012, and teams will be able to register for the upcoming season. All drivers and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.

01.11.12: Tickets are now available for the 2011 Speedway 660 Awards Banquet to be held January 28 at the Fredericton Inn. Tickets can be purchased in Fredericton at RV World, in Moncton at Moncton RV Centre, and in Saint John at Leisure Time RV Centre - or phone orders can be placed with a credit card by calling 506-454-7223. Tickets are $35 each.

01.11.12: The second phase of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers is underway at Rockingham Speedway in advance of the April 15, 2012 running of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Good Sam Club Roadside Assistance Carolina 200. When complete, this installation will encase the south and north ends of the speedway (turns one and two and turns three and four, respectively) in the force absorbing barriers. For the first phase, crews installed SAFER barriers along the inside backstretch wall in October 2011 before the American 200 and Polar Bear 150.

01.09.12: Three Nova Scotia stock car racers have been nominated in two different categories for the 2011 Inside Track Reader's Choice Awards. Wayne Smith, three-time and defending Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour champion, is included in the Canadian Stock Car Racers of the Year category; and both Dylan Blenkhorn and Ryan Mackintosh are included in the Upand Coming Canadian Stock Car Racer category - Blenkhorn was the 2011 Scotia Speedworld Legends champion and Maritime Legends Tour champion and Mackintosh finished fifth in the U.S.-based Allison Legacy Series. Votes can be palced online until Jan 25 [here] and the winners will be announced February 11.

01.08.12: Officials of Rusty Wallace Racing have announced that the team's on-track activities will be put on a temporary hiatus. While the organization's day-to-day competition activities will temporarily cease, key elements of RWR's business staff will remain in place to continue development of future opportunities. The team is currently assisting No. 66 driver, Steve Wallace, in exploring several exciting opportunities for 2012, with backing from his current RWR sponsors. RWR will continue to maintain and manage those sponsor relationships on Wallace's behalf. No. 62 driver, Michael Annett has been released from the team and will pursue other 2012 opportunities with his longtime family sponsor, Pilot Flying J.

01.07.12: Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) will announce the sponsor and driver lineup for its 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series program next Thursday at 2:00 p.m. (EST) at the team facility in Mooresville, N.C. No hints in the media advisory as to attendees, other than Kyle Busch...

01.04.12: Carl Edwards will take a turn co-hosting the syndicated morning program "LIVE! with Kelly" on Tuesday, January 10, during a special themed week of sports co-hosts with Kelly Ripa. Edwards was selected along with Reggie Bush, Boomer Esiason, Jesse Palmer and Apolo Anton Ohno. Actress Kate Beckinsale will be a guest on the show when Edwards co-hosts with Ripa. Edwards was a guest on the popular show last June after his win in the Sprint All-Star race, and has appeared in the past with the NASCAR Chase contenders. This will be his first stint as co-host. Check your local listings for broadcast information.

01.02.12: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to perform the opening coin toss at the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl today (Jan. 2) at 2 pm AT. The Florida Gators will face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes - check your local lisiting for broadcast information.

01.02.12: Industry sources say an announcement is expected this week by Richard Petty Motorsports that will name the new driver of the fabled No. 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. Aric Almirola is the driver rumoured to be filling the seat left vacant when AJ Allmendinger joined Penske Racing just before Christmas.

01.01.12: In an ongoing effort to provide fans with the most exciting and enjoyable race experience in NASCAR, Dover International Speedway is pleased to announce a seat-widening plan for the track's grandstands beginning in 2012. The multi-year process, which will take place throughout the entire outdoor grandstands, will begin in all seating sections located in Turns 2 and 3. Additional widening of seats toward Turns 1 and 4 and the frontstretch will begin after the conclusion of the 2012 season. When the process is complete, all seats will have increased from 18" to 22" in size throughout the venue.