News Tidbits...
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2010 Tidbits...

• 2/17: Seems NASCAR is scrambling trying to catch up with the race teams as speeds at Daytona continue to creep over the 200 mph mark...Wednesday morning they changed the size of teh restrictor plate on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars...Wednesday evening saw the Nationwide Series cars practice with speeds topping 202 mph - no word on changes in the Nationwide Series - yet...
  
  
• 2/14: Daytona International Speedway will be asking a moment of silence of the third lap of Sunday's Daytona 500 to honour the 10th anniversary of the death of Dale Earnhardt - who lost his life in a last lap crash of the 2001 Daytona 500...
  
  CONGRATS to Maritime drivers Russell Smith Jr. and Shawn Tucker for runner-up finishes in the recently completed Inside Track Reader's Choice Awards. Smith (Scotia Speedworld 2010 Lightning division champion) finished second behind Quebec's Alex Labbe in the "Up & Coming Driver" category, and Tucker (two-time Maritime Pro Stock Tour champion) finished second to NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver DJ Kennington in the "Stock Car Racer of the Year" category...
  
  2/14: All eight of the cars entered in various events during Daytona Speedweek by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will bear tribute decals (pictured right) to Dale Earnhardt, honouring the 10th anniversary of Earnhardt's death (Feb 18, 2001). Earnhardt not only drove for RCR but was a very good friend of team owner Richard Childress. In addition, all team members of ECR (Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines) will wear a tribute cap all week, and RCR employees will wear a special cap on February 18...
  
  
• 2/14: NASCAR officials announced two technical changes Sunday evening aimed at preventing the sustained two-car drafts that dominated Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, said the body issued a bulletin to race teams with the following specifications: "1) The maximum size for the air inlet for the cooling system will be 2½ inches tall by 20 inches wide; and 2) The pressure release valve on the water system will be set at 33 pounds per square inch." The intent is to set up the cars so they can't push each other in two-car tandems for extended runs without overheating...
  
  
• 2/13: Daytona International Speedway and Chevrolet officials announced today that the Chevrolet Camaro SS will serve as the official pace car for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 – the second time in the past three years that the iconic automobile has paced the field for the “The Great American Race.” In addition, behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Camaro as the Honorary Pace Car driver will be Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley, who is also performing the Daytona 500 Pre-Race show. The Chevrolet Camaro has previously paced the field for the Daytona 500 – NASCAR’s signature event – three times beginning back in 1968 and 1969 and most recently in 2009...
  
  
• 2/12: Eddie Sharp Racing announced veteran NASCAR driver Mike Skinner will pilot the No. 45 Cushman Toyota Tundra at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on February 18. The former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion will compete for the eighth time at the 2.5-mile speedway in the NCWTS...
  
  
• 2/12: NASCAR announced Friday that it has placed Michael Annett, driver of the No. 62 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, on probation until Dec. 31, 2011. Annett violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2011 NASCAR Rule Book. The violation occurred Feb. 6. In addition to the steps already underway by Rusty Wallace Racing, Annett will be evaluated by a certified substance abuse professional at NASCAR’s discretion and will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing. Annett was charged with DUI after being involved in a traffic accident last weekend near Charlotte, NC...
  
  
• 2/11: Clint Bowyer won for the second consecutive night at the 40th Annual DIRTcar Nationals By University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida. Bowyer started 17th in the DIRTcar UMP Modified main event and weaved through the field. He worked past Ken Schrader, then Ty Dillon and set his sights on leader Austin Dillon, whose motor then let go. Bowyer finally motored past Ryan Gustin and held on to win for the second consecutive night. Gustin was second with Ty Dillon, Schrader and Jon Henry rounding out the Top 5...
  
  
• 2/11: Michael Waltrip, two-time winner of the Daytona 500, will make his first Daytona NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start next week in the 2011 series season opener. Waltrip will be a teammate to Aric Almirola in the race. The truck entry gives Waltrip, now a part-time driver, a busy week - with entries already filed for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series events...
  
  
• 2/10: Hollywood actress Amber Heard will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 33rd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 12 – the star-studded non-points NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event that kicks off the stock car portion of Speedweeks 2011 at Daytona International Speedway. Heard will give the starting command “Gentlemen start your engines” as the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series compete for the first time on the newly repaved racing surface of the “World Center of Racing.” The Budweiser Shootout will feature former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions, the 2010 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field, a host of former outstanding rookies and a collection of previous winners at Daytona International Speedway...
  
  
• 2/8: Reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley will perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of “The Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 20. The Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on FOX, with pre-race coverage beginning at Noon and the race starting at 1 p.m. EST. Paisley, who has 18 No. 1 hits, three Grammy awards, 14 CMA Awards, 13 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, will perform three songs prior to the start of the 53rd annual Daytona 500 – the season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the biggest stock car race in the world...
  
  
• 2/7: The most recent of Michigan International Speedway’s changes has to be one of the best values in professional sports and entertainment today. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole qualifying for Michigan International Speedway’s Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 has been moved to Saturday, June 18 from its traditional Friday spot, track officials announced. And at just $20 per ticket, at the current Value Pricing Period which ends February 28, the move gives fans a chance to see a full day of competitive Saturday racing action from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series. Drivers from both series practice that day, followed by pole qualifying sessions from both series and then the 250-mile Nationwide Series race...
  
  
• 2/4: Kenny Wallace is playing in the dirt en route to Daytona Beach for Speedweeks; and on the second night of competition he won picked up his first-ever open wheel modified wins taking the checkers in his heat race and the A-Main in the 2011 Winternationals at East Bay Speedway in Florida. Needless to say, Wallace was thirilled! He'll be racing at Volusia Speedway Park later this week...
  
  
• 2/4: Stock car driving legend Harry Gant will appear in the Neon Garage during NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Gant and Carter will meet NASCAR fans for one hour each day, March 4-6, in the Neon Garage and also will participate in a question-and-answer session on the speedway’s midway on March 5. LVMS’s NASCAR Weekend begins March 2 with two nights of World of Outlaws Sprint Car racing on the half-mile Dirt Track before moving to the 1.5-mile superspeedway for Stratosphere Pole Day on Friday, March 4, the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, March 5 and the Kobalt Tools 400 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, March 4. As part of its youth initiative, LVMS is offering young race fans a 50-percent discount on tickets and free admission to the fabulous Neon Garage fan experience (when accompanied by an adult with a race ticket). To purchase tickets or obtain additional information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com...
  
  
• 2/3: Jeremy Mayfield couldn't say much about the ongoing legal dispute between himself and NASCAR when he appeared on SPEED TV's 'Race Hub' Monday evening, but did talk about possible race plans for 2011 and another business venture he is considering. More [here]...
  
  
• 2/2: Riverside International Speedway has announced a four-event schedule for 2011 with three Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour sanctioned events and its annual NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event. The season will start June 18 with a 100-lap Tour event, continue July 22-23 with the IWK 250 weekend, then on to August 20 for a second 100-lap Tour event, and then close with the NASCAR event on September 16-17...
  
  
• 2/2: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced Tuesday a multi-year partnership with world-renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) apparel brand TapouT, an Authentic Brands Group company. TapouT will make its NASCAR debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 5, 2011 as sponsor of the No. 2 Chevrolet Impala in the Nationwide Series event with driver Elliott Sadler. KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick will also carry the world renowned black and white logo on the hood of the No. 2 TapouT Chevrolet Silverado in the Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway in 2011...
  
  2/2: Moroso Investment Partners, the ownership group of Palm Beach International Raceway, has closed the transaction on purchasing the Memphis Motorsports Park track property from Dover Motorsports Inc. for 2.062 million dollars. Moroso Investment Partners was the high bidder at an auction held on December 14. The purchase includes all 342+ acres, including the ¼ mile drag strip, the ¾ mile paved oval and the road course. All equipment, furniture and fixtures were sold separately at the auction. the group, led by Michael Dezer of Team Dezer Racing and Joseph Lubeck, managing partners, and Jason Rittenberry, President & CEO hopes to have the facility reopen for the racing season in April of 2011...
  
  
• 2/2: Kenny Wallace will be on standby for Matt Kenseth at Daytona - as Kenseth is on baby watch with wife Katie due to give birth to their second child in teh next couple of weeks. Wallace would replace Kenseth if he is called away before the Shootout or the Duels, but Kenseth will apparently run the Daytona 500 "no-matter-what"...
  
  
• 2/1: Jeremy Mayfield is scheduled to appear on SPEED tv's 'Race Hub' tonight - a rare media appearance since Mayfield's competitor's license was suspended by NASCAR in May 2009 after Mayfield allgedly tested positive for methamphetamines. Mayfield has since been engaged in a lawsuit against NASCAR. The show is scheduled to air on SPEED at 8 p.m. AT (7 p.m. ET)...
  
  
• 2/1: ACT has announced that Motorsports Hall of Famer and former CBS Senior Motorsports Editor Ken Squier will join Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius Radio host Dave Moody at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida February 13 & 14 to provide play-by-play action at the ACT Goodyear Speedweeks Cup events...
  
  
• 2/1: Michael Waltrip's memoir "In the Blink of an Eye" hits book stores today...
  
  
• 1/31: CONGRATS to Jessica Lee Waltrip (Darrell's elsest daughter) who married Fautos Rocha this past Saturday evening. According to Darrell's Twitter report a good time was had by all...
  
  
• 1/31: It's not stock car racing - but worthy of an honourable mention...Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) with a team led by Scott Pruett won the Rolex 24 at Daytona this past weekend - giving CGR what is being called the "Grand Slam" in motorsports - an unprecedented 12-month run that includes Pruett and season-long co-driver Memo Rojas winning the Rolex series driver and team championships for Ganassi last season; Ganassi's NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jamie McMurray won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400; and one of his two IZOD IndyCar Series drivers, Dario Franchitti, won his series title and the Indianapolis 500. What a year !!!
  
  
• 1/31: Many of our veteran race fan readers will remember a fellow named Dan St. Andrews from the GM Goodwrench MASCAR Tour days - Dan was one of the GM reps that championed the sponsorship and the series - as a sponsor and a race fan. Dan now lives in British Columbia, is retired from General Motors, and since 2007 has engaged in an acting career and landed roles in several movies. He has recently launched a new website featuring some of his work - check it out here...
  
  
• 1/29: Roush Fenway Racing teammates Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards will appear on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to demonstrate the dangers of texting and driving. The show will air on Sunday, January 30, at 8 p.m. (ET) on ABC. The RFR teammates’ appearance is in support of the Brown family of Wellman, Texas who lost their daughter in a tragic auto accident involving texting and driving. Since the accident the family has dedicated their lives to communicating the dangers of this practice. Biffle and Edwards are joined by Justin Beiber and Emma Roberts on the show...
  
  
• 1/29: The "new" Petty Int'l Raceway in River Glade NB will see four event dates on its 2011 calendar. Besides the two Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour races on June 4 & August 27, there will be two Maritime Sportsman Superseries events held July 16 and August 6...
  
  
• 1/27: Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and retired television personality Ned Jarrett is on the road to recovery following a heart procedure in late December. Jarrett, 78, had a pair of stents inserted to open blockages after experiencing chest pains. He expects to be totally recovered in time to fully enjoy his induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in May...
  
  
• 1/26: As two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip approaches his 25th start in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the popular NASCAR driver and owner of Michael Waltrip Racing will partner with Daytona International Speedway for the second straight year on a special ticket package – the Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer. Included in the ticket package, available for $129, is: a Superstretch Daytona 500 ticket; fan forum with Waltrip the morning of the Daytona 500; celebration with Waltrip featuring cupcakes and Coca-Cola products; gift bag that includes items from Michael Waltrip Racing partners; and, commemorative item signed by Waltrip for each ticket holder. The Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/mwr or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP...
  
  
• 1/25: Not stock car racing but...Addison Brown will have one of the best seats in the house for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. Brown, from Scottsdale, Ariz., was the winning bidder at the Barrett-Jackson auction Saturday, Jan. 22 for the special-edition Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible that will serve as the Official Pace Car for the 2011 Indianapolis 500. She has the opportunity to drive the car during a parade lap in front of the field of 33 starters shortly before the green flag flies at "The Most Important Race In History" on Sunday, May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet donated Brown's winning bid of $225,000 to the David Foster Foundation, a charity devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. David Foster, the 15-time Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, founded the organization in his native Canada...
  
  
• 1/25: If you are heading to Florida for the Daytona 500 you may want to get a ticket to the Champion's Breakfast held the day after the big race to honour the winning driver and his team. For just $40 you get a fan forum with the winning driver, owner and crew chief from the 53rd annual Daytona 500; breakfast; entertainment including watching the NASCAR Victory Lane show on SPEED, Minute to Spin It games and signed giveaway items; and, a souvenir gift. To purchase tickets for the Champion’s Breakfast or any of the Speedweeks 2011 events, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com...
  
  
• 1/25: On Sunday Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh finished third on the Charlotte Motor Speedway infield road course race for the Bandolero's - amazing considering the teenager got caught up in a first lap melee that saw extensive damage to his car. A pit stop and quick work allowed him to restart ninth and work his way to third. Good job Ryan !
  
  
• 1/24: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh was a winner Saturday in round six of the Winter Heat Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Mackintosh took his Bandolero to Victory Lane after the car that crossed the finish line first was disqualified - after the two battled for the lead most of the race. Kudos Ryan!
  
  
• 1/23: NASCAR has announced that the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be broadcast live on Sirius NASCAR Radio on Friday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Jan. 29. The race at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) has been dubbed by competitors as the ‘Daytona 500 of short-track racing.’ It is the premier postseason showcase for NASCAR’s touring and weekly series and this year’s event has attracted drivers from across North America as well as Brazil and France. The field will include 2010 series champions Eric Holmes (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), German Quiroga (NASCAR Mexico Series) and DJ Kennington (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series); two-time race winner Matt Kobyluck; 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series rookies of the year Darrell Wallace Jr. (East) and Luis Martinez Jr. (West); and Max Gresham, who won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series combination race in Iowa last May. It will also mark the NASCAR debut for action motorsports star Travis Pastrana...
  
  
• 1/23: For Brad Keselowski, the 2011 NASCAR season brings about a fresh start as the new driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge at Penske Racing. Along with a new sponsor and new car number, the Penske Racing driver will also rollout a new website. Bradracing.com will give fans a new look and feel while giving them up-to-date information on their favorite driver in an easy to use format. Picture galleries, social media integration and a weekly site contest are some of the features that this new site will provide fans of Brad, the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge team, the No. 22 Discount Tire/Ruby Tuesday Dodge team and Brad Keselowski Racing...
  
  
• 1/22: Sackville, Nova Scotia teenager Brad Eddy will head south in late February to test his NASCAR Late Model Series racecar. Eddy ran the car seven times in a weekly division in 2010; 2011 plans call for a move to the NASCAR Limited Late Model Series - meaning the car will weigh 100 lbs. more and have more horsepower. More details are expected to be announced in the near future. In an effort to help raise funds for this year the team is selling its Legends Car - a 34 Ford Coupe...Only raced a hand full of times - new and fresh (2011) Greg MacLean 1250 engine with all the goodies - big big power. New front and rear clips for 2011. New Rear end with spool gear. Literally every nut and bolt on this car is new for 2011. Seat included. Over $21,000 invested over the winter, will sell for $12,000. Call Dan today at 902-233-7757...
  
  
• 1/21: Broadcast schedules are not yet available for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck Series. SIRIUS Satellite Radio's NASCAR channel is reporting that start times have yet to be established for all the events...
  
  
• 1/20: Atlantic Tiltload (AT) will return as sponsor of the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour time trials for 2011; in addition, AT will transport the series tire trailer to each of its events this summer...
  
  
• 1/21: NASCAR has scheduled a press conference for today at Daytona Int'l Speedway during which time they are expected to talk about some of the expected changes for 2011. President Mike Helton and vice president of competition Robin Pemberton will moderate the discussion...
  
  
• 1/18: According to an Assocaited Press report NASCAR is considering a change to its point system where it would be simplified by awarding 43 points to a race winner and then dropping the number by one for each finishing spot. The current system has been in place since 1975 and sees 185 points per win, then drops by five to sixth place then four to 10th spot then three to 43rd. Bonus points are also awarded for leading the most laps and leading a lap - now word how that might change SHOULD the system be revised. All major rule and procedure changes for 2011 are expected to be announced when NASCAR meets with its teams next week in Charlotte...
  
  
• 1/18: Centre for Speed management has announced the location of Sunday's drivers meeting to discuss 2011. It will be held at 203 St George St. in Moncton near the corner of Lutz and St George. The agenda includes discussions with regard to: Four Cyl Season Overview and Rule Changes (Mini and Four Funs); Street Sportsman Season Overview and Rule Changes (including new Truck Rules); Super Sportsman Season Overview and Rule Changes; Maritime Super Series Overview; and, Atlantic Championships Overview...
  
  
• 1/17: Nova Scotia native Junior Hanley, regarded as one of the great asphalt short track racers in North America, will make a rare public appearance this coming weekend at Toronto's Canadian Motorsports Expo. Hanley will appear as part of a panel discussing his former arch-rival in racing, the late Don Biederman. Hanley, 66, still builds select racecars at his shop in Ontario and is retired from driving...
  
  
• 1/15: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (near Yarmouth NS) will hold a meeting January 30 at 1:00 at the Salmon River Fire Department to discuss membership in a new entry level 4-cyl Cavalier/Sunfire class that has been established. The meeting is open to anyone interested. Call Adam Blooi at 902.649.3085 for more information...
  
  
• 1/15: Looks like the Riverside Sportsman Series will see four dates at Riverside Int'l Speedway this year; a June date tba, July 22-23 with the IWK 250 weekend, an August date tba, and September 16-17 as part of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series weekend. Presumably the June and August dates will be with the Parts for Trucks Tour so will likely be filled in when that series announces its '11 schedule in the near future. And a further note says the "Petty dates" will be announced ASAP - so looks like they're going to New Brunswick (Petty Int'l Raceway)...
  
  
• 1/15: Watch for the 2011 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour schedule in the next couple of weeks. According to series officials it will be released by January 28...
  
  
• 1/14: Scotia Speedworld has scheduled drivers meetings for Sunday January 23 at the Holiday Inn Express across the highway from Scotia Speedworld. The schedule is Sportsman cars at 12:00 pm, Trucks at 1:00 pm. Thunder cars at 2:00 pm and Lightning cars at 3:00 pm. The purpose of these meetings is to outline upcoming changes to the rules and procedures for the 2011 season. A separate meeting for Bandolero cars will be held at a later date, closer to the racing season...
  
  
• 1/14: Pro All Stars Series (PASS) President Tom Mayberry has announced that the touring super late model series has reached an agreement designating Crane Cams Ignition as the official ignition of PASS. The official designation does not mean that race teams will be required to use Crane Cams Ignition components. However, there will be substantial awards in all thirty one 2011 PASS North and South events that will give super late model racers the opportunity to redeem certificates for products throughout the entire Crane Cams line in addition to Crane Cams Ignition...
  
  
• 1/14: Five area hotels, in partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway, lowered per-night room rates for 2011 and dropped a previous three-night minimum to two in a continuing effort to address issues facing race fans. The AmericInn Lodge & Suites in Jonesborough, Tenn., The Comfort Inn in Abingdon and Bristol, Va., The Comfort Suites in Abingdon, Va., and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Bristol, Va., lowered requirements for the coming racing season, the first properties to join the fan-friendly Bristol initiative. More [here]...
  
  
• 1/12: Centre for Speed officials will hold a meeting January 23 at 2 p.m. Items on the agenda include: 2011 schedule; rules for 4 cyl, street sportsman and super sportsman. The meeting location is yet to be announced. Check www.centreforspeed.com to confirm as the date gets location...
  
  
• 1/12: In 2010, The NASCAR Foundation contributed more than $3.3 million in charitable support to nonprofit organizations nationwide and united more than 250,000 fans in support of children’s charities across the United States. The NASCAR Foundation is dedicated to raising funds and increasing volunteerism to support charities and charitable causes throughout the nation through events such as NASCAR Day with an emphasis placed on initiatives that help children live happier, healthier lives...
  
  
• 1/12: Richmond International Raceway (Virginia) president Doug Fritz has announced that Richmond International Raceway’s grandstands will be smoke-free beginning this season. Fans who smoke may continue to do so, but in approved areas only. The new policy is in response to fan feedback...
  
  
• 1/12: Regan Smith's No. 78 over-the-wall pit crew for Furniture Row Racing will be employed and trained by Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) during the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The No. 78 pit crew will be under the supervision of SHR pit crew coach Joe Piette, who also oversees the pit crews for Tony Stewart's No. 14 team and Ryan Newman's No. 39 team. The SHR team is based in Kannapolis, N.C...
  
  
• 1/11: According to a Twitter feed Brian Vickers made his first laps in several months in a stock car yesterday in Orlando. Vickers was forced to take a medical leave from his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ride driving the Red Bull car last spring. No word yet from team officials as to when Vickers might be back in competition...
  
  
• 1/11: Snow in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday forced the NASCAR Hall of Fame to cancel an open house that had been scheduled to help promote a new display called Short Careers, Lasting Legacy. The open house resumes through Friday of this week when the Hall reopens Tuesday at Noon...
  
  
• 1/11: Kevin Harvick Inc. announced Monday that NASCAR veteran Chris Carrier will lead the organization's third Truck Series team as crew chief in 2011. The addition to the KHI stable, which will carry the No. 8, will be driven full time by Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr. Carrier, who has more than 30 years of experience in the sport, has wins as a crew chief in each of NASCAR's top-three series. The Bristol, Tennessee native began his career in grassroots racing at the local level as a teenager and graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Carrier has served as crew chief at Morgan McClure Motorsports, Andy Petree Racing and Penske Racing. The 50 year old most recently led Penske's driver development program with driver Parker Kligerman...
  
  
• 1/11: SAD NEWS - June Schrader Cox, mother of NASCAR driver Ken Schrader, passed away Saturday January 8 in St. Louis...
  
  
• 1/9: Michael Waltrip plans to run this year's Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500. The 2001 winner of the '500' has been semi-retired from the driver's seat since 2008 but is still part-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing (fields Cup teams for Martin Truex Jr. and David Reutimann), does work as a part-time television broadcast race analyst, and other ventures including his 'Comedy Garage' road show (see story below). If Waltrip qualifies for the Daytona 500 it will be his 25th-straight, third on the all-time list, behind only Richard Petty and Dave Marcis...
  
  
• 1/7: And - Michael Waltrip's Comedy Garage will make a stop in Canada January 22 playing the Colosseum at Caesars in Windsor, Ontario. Waltrip and a cast of stand-up comics are taking the show on tour with additional dates in Kansas and Las Vegas. Tickets for all of Waltrip's Comedy Garage shows can be purchased through Ticketmaster...
  
  
• 1/7: According to a post on the Riverside Sportsman Series website they will be posting 2011 rules this week ("first week of 2011")...
  
  
• 1/6: Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh is registered to race in the Bandolero division at the INEX Winter Nationals at Auburndale Speedway in Winter Haven, Florida starting February 14th and running for one week. The teenager will use the event as a warm-up for the coming season which will see him in the Allison Legacy division starting in March - a division that will see Mackintosh compete at tracks in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Click here for our EXCLUSIVE interview with Ryan Mackintosh and his father, Keith...
  
  
• 1/6: SPEED kicks off a year-long celebration of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s 40th anniversary with 40 hours of live coverage from Scottsdale, Ariz., starting Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. In addition to six-consecutive days of collector cars crossing the auction block at no reserve, the popular Hagerty Fantasy Bid game is back for another year. In recognition of the 40th anniversary, SPEED also has teamed with the auction company to highlight four iconic vehicles from 1971. Tabbed as the ‘Barrett-Jackson Collection,’ the cars are set to travel in a themed trailer, making appearances at grassroots and motor sports events throughout the country. At each of the four Barrett-Jackson auctions, one of the aforementioned cars are to be sold at no reserve, and later presented to the new owners during a special anniversary wrap up party in Las Vegas next October...
  
  
• 1/5: Turner Motorsports is pleased to announce that veteran crew chief Jimmy Elledge has joined the team to lead the efforts of driver Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Elledge has been a part of several championship-winning organizations and has worked with an impressive mix of veteran and rookie drivers over the years including Reed Sorenson, Juan Pablo Montoya, Casey Mears, AJ Allmendinger, Bobby Hamilton and Dale Jarrett. He has one Sprint Cup Series win to his credit, leading Hamilton to his final victory at Talladega in 2001...
  
  
• 1/4: Ray Evernham is reportedly leaving his role with ESPN as a NASCAR analyst to return to the Hendrick fold. According to a News Release issued by Hednrick Companies, Evernham will be a consultant on special projects to help build the Hendrick brand. "Hendrick Performance parts and cars will have a racing pedigree, and Ray is someone who will help ensure that on behalf of our customers and dealers," Rick Hendrick said in a statement. Evernham was crew chief for Jeff Gordon at Hendrick Racing from 1992 to 1999 before leaving to form his own race team...
  
  
• 1/1: CONGRATS to NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr. He and his wife Crystal became proud parents of Eliza Jo Hornish on December 28. Ella Jo weighed in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces and is a little sister for Addison. All are doing well...
  
  
• 12/30: The Southwest Stockcar Association has posted a note on its website saying plans are being made for the 2011 race season at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (NS) and that a meeting will be held in January...
  
  
• 12/30: Officials of Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR) announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series veteran Doug Randolph has been named crew chief for driver Steve Wallace and RWR's No. 66 5-Hour Energy Toyota in their charge for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship. Randolph joins RWR following stints as crew chief at such organizations as Richard Childress Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing and Petty Enterprises. In his most recent NASACAR Nationwide Series crew chief role, Randolph led Childress's No. 29 team and 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver champion Clint Bowyer to wins at Daytona and Dover in 2009...
  
  
• 12/29: The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 will be honored on a United States Postal Service commemorative stamp that will go on sale in May 2011. The Indianapolis 500 is one of 25 subjects highlighted in the USPS 2011 Commemorative Stamp Program, which was unveiled Dec. 28. The stamp will be a "Forever Stamp," always equal in value to the current First Class Mail 1-ounce letter regardless of price changes in the future. Award-winning illustrator John Mattos created the stylized, art deco illustration of Ray Harroun driving the Marmon "Wasp," winner of the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911, on the Indianapolis 500 Forever Stamp. Text along the bottom of the stamp reads "Indianapolis 500," with small type along the bottom of the stamp opposite the year 2011 reads "100 YEARS OF RACING."
  
  
• 12/28: Geoff Bodine's annual bobsled challenge will not happen this winter. The event has been held in Lake Placid, NY the first weekend of the New Year for the past five years and featured stars from NASCAR and the NHRA. No reason was given for the cancellation...
  
  
• 12/26: CONGRATS to SPEED TV personality Wendy Venturini and husband Jarrad Egert, who works at Joe Gibbs Racing, on the birth of their son Caleb James this past Wednesday (Dec 22). Morth and son are doing well...
  
  
• 12/24: Many thanks to our readers who have been sending tips and story suggestions. Appreciate every one of them and we'll do our best to bring them to you. If you've got an idea or tip for us please let us know by email...
  
  
• 12/20: Talladega Superspeedway has selected 30 race fans to serve as the first members of the Talladega Superspeedway Fan Advisory Network (TSS FAN). The TSS FAN will focus on creating constructive dialogue with the Talladega Superspeedway administration team. “Our goal is to have a team of race fans that can help us identify areas the track can improve upon that will benefit all fans attending races at Talladega Superspeedway,” said Chairman Grant Lynch. “It gives us the ability to look at ourselves through the eyes of a race fan and make the best decisions concerning their experiences.” The TSS FAN members will serve a one-year term which will include two race weekends at Talladega. After serving for two race weekends, the member’s term will expire and new members will be chosen. In addition to periodic teleconferences, onsite meetings will take place at Talladega Superspeedway during race weekends...
  
  
• 12/18: SAD NEWS - Our condolences to the family of Carol MacDonald (pictured right) who passed away Wednesday December 15. Carol's friendly face would be known to many Scotia Speedworld fans as a box office ticket seller for special events. She her husband Blair have been avid race fans and part of the Maritime motorhome clan that travelled to races near and far for several years. Carol was 66. A memorial service will be held Monday December 20 at 1 p.m. in the Atlantic Funeral Home in Sackville (NS). Donations in Carol's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com.
  
  
• 12/17: Emily Maynard, the fiance of the late Ricky Hendrick (son of NASCAR's Rick Hendrick), is one of the ladies appearing on the current edition of "The Bachelor." Miss Maynard was engaged to Ricky Hendrick at the time of his death in a plane crash in 2004 - learning she was pregnant a few days later. Now five-year-old Josephine is called "Ricki" after her late father...
  
  
• 12/14: At least 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will participate in the two-day Goodyear tire test on the new racing surface at Daytona International Speedway this Wednesday and Thursday. Drivers tentatively scheduled to participate in the test include: Jamie McMurray, Brad Keselowski, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., David Ragan, Kurt Busch, Casey Mears, Matt Kenseth, Trevor Bayne, Paul Menard, Jeff Burton, Juan Pablo Montoya, Bobby Labonte, Todd Bodine, Regan Smith, Reed Sorenson, and Brian Keselowski...
  
  
• 12/13: Following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Banquet in Las Vegas on December 3, where Greg Biffle was honored for finishing sixth in the point standings, he traveled home to Vancouver, Wash. to honour a few of the local dirt track racers. Biffle co-hosted the awards banquet for the DAA Northwest Spec Motor Series presented by Sherwin Williams along with MRN personality Paul Bartholomew on Sunday, December 5 at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver. The night culminated with the presentation of the champion’s trophy to 32 year-old Greg Walters of Banks, Oregon...
  
  
• 12/12: Kevin Harvick Inc. has scheduled a Press Conference for Monday afternoon to make a announcment regarding a driver and sponsor for the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Watch for details...
  
  
• 12/10: TriStar Motorsports owner Mark Smith announced today the addition of Eric McClure to the organization’s driver line up for 2011, further extending the team’s presence in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Beginning with the Drive 4 COPD 300 in Daytona, McClure returns to the Chevrolet family and will pilot TriStar Impalas for a full Nationwide Series season. McClure, a 31-year-old native of Chilhowie, VA will be competing in his fifth full season of NNS competition. The Virginia driver, who finished a career best finish of 17th in NNS Driver points in 2009, has 137 NNS starts and three Sprint Cup Series Starts to his credit, with a best finish of 15th and 26th, respectively...
  
  
• 12/9: Just got official word we can expect the 2011 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour schedule in January...
  
  
• 12/7: The Riverside Sportsman Super Series will hold its 2011 drivers meeting December 14 at the Keating Millennium Centre, St FX University in Antigonish, starting at 7:30 p.m... will be holding a drivers meeting for the 2011 Sportsman series here in Antigonish, The date is December 14th at 7:30 pm, Same location as last year, upstairs in t
  
  
• 12/6: SPEED announced today that grassroots drag racing television show, PINKS All Out, is taking a hiatus from producing new episodes for 2011. "PINKS All Out has been one of the most successful television shows in network history,” said Hunter Nickell, SPEED President. “However, after visiting 34 drag strips in four seasons of production throughout the United States, the network feels the current show model needs further evaluation to determine what new direction we want to take the property.”...
  
  
• 12/4: Antigonish NS's Nova Racing has a team hauler for sale (pictured below). Serious inquiries should be directed to 902.396.6443...
  
  
  
  
• 12/4: Continuing its initiative of making NASCAR events at the Monster Mile more family friendly and affordable, Dover International Speedway has reduced the price of junior tickets for those 14 years old and under to just $8 for Friday and Saturday NASCAR events in 2011. Friday events include the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on May 13, 2011 and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Sept. 30, 2011. Saturday events include both NASCAR Nationwide Series races on May 14 and Oct. 1, 2011...
  
  
• 12/3: The regional racing rumour mill has been running rampant this week that Petty Raceway in Petitcodiac, NB will re-open for the 2011 season - and that an announcement is expected in the near future. Petty, featuring a 1/4-mile asphalt oval, opened in 1983 and saw its last race in 2000...
  
  
• 12/2: Shell-Pennzoil execs joined the NASCAR festivities in Las Vegas this week to unveil the 2011 "look" for their new Sprint Cup Series sponsorship of Kurt Busch who will drive No. 22 for Penske Racing (pictured below)...
  
  
  
  
• 11/30: CONGRATS to NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray on the birth of his son Carter Scott last Thursday (Nov 25). McMurray's wife Christy and Baby Carter are doing well...
  
  
• 11/29: CONGRATS to Regan Smith, driver of the No. 78 car on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - and winner of the 2008 IWK 250 at Riverside Int'l Speedway...He asked Megan, his girlfriend of seven years, to marry him over the long Thanksgiving weekend - and she said "YES."...
  
  
• 11/27: More racing is what our fans want, and more racing is what they will get next season at Richmond International Raceway. Track president Doug Fritz announced today the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will race at America’s Premier Short Track “under the lights” on Thursday, April 28, 2011 to kick off the first NASCAR Tripleheader Weekend in Richmond since 2005. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series features separate schedules and championships for the East and West, and makes up the top step of the NASCAR Home Tracks ladder—a launching pad for developmental drivers and home for veterans of motorsports. In addition to producing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series has served as the starting point for some of the top up-and-coming talent now in NASCAR’s three national series, including Austin Dillon, Trevor Bayne, Brian Ickler, Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Truex...
  
  
• 11/24: Only two days after hoisting the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship on the championship stage at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the fifth consecutive year, Jimmie Johnson is already talking about racing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. Johnson said Tuesday in an interview that he will be joining GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing for the fourth consecutive year, sharing the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Chevrolet/Riley with two-time Daytona Prototype champions Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty in the 49th running of the endurance classic on Jan. 29-30. Jimmy Vasser completed the driver lineup the past three seasons...
  
  
• 11/23: With the 2010 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour season officially coming to a close last Saturday in Charlottetown with their annual awards banquet - watch for a major series announcement for 2011 in the near future - stay tuned...
  
  
• 11/23: Following a team meeting Monday morning Richard Petty issued a statement with regard to the future of the NASCAR race team bearing his name: "Richard Petty Motorsports has completed its restructuring process and is now in the process of moving forward," his statement read. "RPM will shift from running four cars to two in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and that is never an easy process for the people involved. Currently, we are concentrating on building two solid programs with AJ Allmendinger behind the wheel of the #43 entry and Marcos Ambrose in the #9 Ford. We are very fortunate to have an extremely loyal family of partners and are looking forward to the future."
  
  
• 11/22: CONGRATS to Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh on his first-place finish in the Bandolero division of the Rockingham Road Wars series at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina! The teenager clinched the title Sunday afternoon - just before climbing into his Allison Legacy Series racecar to compete in his first-ever road course with the car - finishing a respectable sixth. Ryan's mom, Anne-Marie, was with her son to celebrate (pictured below)...
  
  
  
  
• 11/21: CONGRATS to Aric Almirola, NASCAR driver and 2009 IWK 250 at Riverside competitor, who will be married on December 11. Almirola will wed Janice Goss who he met in 2005 when driving on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Morgan Dolla Motorsports for which Goss' dad, Randy, was crew chief...
  
  
• 11/21: According to reports out of Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend Richard petty remains confident the race team bearing his name - of which he owns a minority share - will be operational in 2011. Petty stopped short of saying he has secured enough investors to save the team which has been in peril since majority share holder George Gillett began scrambling for resources to keep the team afloat a few weeks ago. Petty apparently met with Ford reps Saturday to brief them on his plans and has scheduled a team meeting for Monday morning at 8 a.m...
  
  
• 11/19: Brooklyn Sage Newman was born to NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie yesterday. Both mom and baby girl are doing well...
  
  
• 11/19: Close to 300 people are expected to attend Saturday's CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour 2010 Awards Banquet this Saturday - being held for the first time ever in Charlottetown, PE. More than $50,000 in bonus funds will be awarded top teams with the lions share reserved for champion Shawn Tucker who will take home the first-place cheque for $10,000. Numerous contingency program payouts will also be made and their respective winners acknowledged. Congrats to all!
  
  
• 11/18: NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne will undergo knee surgery somethime in the days following this weekends season finale at Homestead. Kahne says the surgery is "no big deal" and that doctors will be cleaning up the area around his knees. He opted to have both knees done at the same time to reduce recovery time, saying "it's either six weeks this way or 12 weeks the other way." Kahne plans to be in full form in time for February's Daytona 500...
  
  
• 11/17: Dover Motorsports, Inc., the owner of Memphis Motorsports Park, has retained Morris Auction Group to conduct the sale of the Memphis Motorsports Park at auction, which will take place Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 at 10 a.m. The live auction will be held on site at the former NASCAR and NHRA racing facility, 5500 Victory Lane, Memphis, Tenn., which is located just off Fite Road in north Memphis. The auction is open to the public and bidder's registration will begin at 8 a.m. The auction will include the entire racing facility including the racetrack, drag strip, road course, all equipment, tools, furniture and other items...
  
  
• 11/17: Hot off a third-place finish in Sunday's World Crown 300 in Georgia Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville has quickly quieted rumours of his entry in this years Snowball Derby in a team News Reelase issued Monday: "...This is officially our last race this season, we talked about running the Snowball Derby but not getting to race the track during the season and it being the biggest short track race in the country we decided we better wait until next year..." Sommerville also announced he will enter the $75k-to-win PASS race at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway set for the first weekend in April of 2011...
  
  
• 11/16: Denny Hamlin's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship thoughts on Monday, via his Twitter account (verbatim): "I told u once, ill tell u again... It aint over"...
  
  
• 11/16: A team hauler and motorhome registered to Furniture Row Racing were both involved in a multi-vehicle pileup near Denver, CO. The vehicles were en route to the team shop in Denver after the team and driver Regan Smith competed at Phoenix Sunday. Both vehicles were reportedly demolished; thankfully the occupants escaped without serious injury. In all 34 vehicles were involved and 20 occupants were transported to hospital. Racecars for this weekends season finale at Hoemstead were not in the hauler. Richard Childress Racing has offered a transporter loaded with equipment to help the team make it to Homestead on time...
  
  
• 11/16: Amherst NS's Ryan Mackintosh finished second Sunday at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. Mackintosh startied his Bandolero third and stayed in the top three for the entire race - and event that was round two of three in a "Road War Series" hosted by the track. Unofficially, Mackintosh will lead the division as the series wraps next weekend when the young man will do double duty driving his Bandolero and entering a race for the Allison Legacy Series. Another young 'Maritimer', Brodie MacQuarrie from PEI, was also at Rockingham Sunday in a Bandolero and finished third...
  
  
• 11/15: CONGRATS to Saint John NB's Lonnie Sommerville on a third-palce finish in Sunday's World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia. Sommerville was fast in Saturday's practice but relegated to a 19th-place starting spot. By lap 19 he was sixth and stayed in the top 10 for the entire 300 laps, moving into the top five in the closing laps. Sommerville actually crossed the finish line fourth, but ended up third after second-place finisher Ross Kenseth was DQ'd in post-race tech. Justin Wakefield was the winner and Jeff Fultz finished second after Kenseth's DQ...
  
  
• 11/15: The finish line is in sight for the historic 2010 Daytona Int'l Speedway repave. The paving crew from Lane Construction and the massive Titan 525 paver reached a milestone moment as the paving of all four layers of the racing surface on the 2.5-mile tri-oval is now complete. The final paving took place last Saturday on the lower pass on the Superstretch. Even though the paving of the racing surface is complete, several key items still remain on the to-do list as the Daytona Repave project wraps up its 19th week of work: 1) The reinstallation of the SAFER barrier and catch fence in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing as well as the removal of the fill dirt behind the walls; 2) The concentration of this week’s paving remains on the Superstretch. Finishing touches are being put down the skid pad and paving is ongoing on the apron and chicane; and 3) Paving also remains in the frontstretch skid pads, apron and pit road...
  
  
• 11/13: Ten years after his grandfather and uncle scored a podium finish in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, fourth-generation driver Jeffrey Earnhardt will make his debut in America's premier sports car race. Earnhardt, Stanton Barrett and Kevin O'Connell will be part of a NASCAR-flavored driver lineup in a Porsche fielded by Rick Ware Racing in the Jan. 29-30 event at Daytona International Speedway. The race will mark the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. co-driving in the Rolex 24, when they finished fourth overall and second in the GTS class in a Corvette. Jeffrey Earnhardt, the 21-year-old son of NASCAR veteran Kerry Earnhardt, plans to drive for Rick Ware Racing in the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season...
  
  
• 11/13: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today that four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday has signed a multi-year agreement to compete for the team's Truck Series program in 2011. Hornaday will return to pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado and compete for his fifth-career Truck Series championship. The 2011 season will mark the 52-year-old Palmdale, California native's seventh full-time season competing in the Truck Series for KHI. To date, Hornaday has made 273 starts in the Truck Series, and is the series' winningest driver with 47 victories. Hornaday has earned four Truck Series championship titles (2009, 2007, 1998 and 1996), the two most recent of which were achieved with KHI in the No. 33 truck...
  
  
• 11/12: Travis Pastrana is coming to NASCAR in 2011. After mining gold medals in the X Games, shattering jump records on both motorcycles and automobiles and starring as a cultural icon for the action sports world, the star of MTV’s “Nitro Circus” is ready to turn his attention to America’s most popular form of motorsports – NASCAR. Michael Waltrip Racing, Gary and Blake Bechtel and Pastrana announced Thursday the creation of Pastrana-Waltrip Racing that will field cars in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in 2011. Initial plans are for Pastrana to compete in seven NASCAR Nationwide races in 2011 and twenty races in 2012. Pastrana-Waltrip Racing will field Toyotas out of the Michael Waltrip Racing shop in Cornelius, N.C...
  
  
• 11/11: Jeff Gordon made an appearance in Nashville, TN Wednesday evening at the 2010 CMA Awards. Gordon arrived on stage wearing a huge white stetson impersonating co-host Brad Paisley, who came out from back stage and attemped to "scrap" with Gordon - poking fun at last Sunday's incident between Gordon and Jeff Burton at Texas Motor Speedway. See the clip on You Tube [here]...
  
  
• 11/11: Country music band Rascal Flatts will join comedian Frank Caliendo at the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 3 at Wynn Las Vegas. Broadcast live on SPEED at 9 p.m. ET, Rascal Flatts will entertain fans with a performance of songs from their multi-platinum selling records, as well as their upcoming album, “Nothing Like This,” due to release Nov. 16. Caliendo, impressionist extraordinaire, will host for a second-consecutive year...
  
  
• 11/10: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Clint Bowyer and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie Austin Dillon speed into THE PRICE IS RIGHT for a special NASCAR-themed episode, Monday, Nov. 15 (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT) on the CBS Television Network. Bowyer and Dillon will present two NASCAR-themed showcases, featuring a trip North Carolina to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a trip to Miami to see the season-ending races in all three National Series at the end of November and a Chevy Impala LS. THE PRICE IS RIGHT, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey. Produced by FremantleMedia North America, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network...
  
  
• 11/9: During Sunday’s pre-race festivities at Texas Motor Speedway, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon presented the keys to his personal Corvette to raffle winner, Cindy McCotter of Matthews, North Carolina. Gordon used the occasion to announce the launch of the 2011 raffle which is expected to raise $500,000 over the next year. The event has raised over $2,000,000 for pediatric cancer research, treatment and patient support, as well as the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital over the last five years...
  
  
• 11/8: Two fans were injured at Texas Motor Speedway Sunday when a brake pad from one of the cars racing in the AAA Txas 500 broke through the glass on the eighth floor of the Speedway Club above the track's first turn; a track spokesperson said the injuries weren't life threatening. It is unclear wich car the brake pad came from...
  
  
• 11/7: CONGRATS to members of the stock car racing fraternity that were inducted in the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame Saturday night in Moncton. New alumni include Frank Fraser, Dave Gorveatt, Jim Hallahan, Ernie & Winona McLean, and Greg Sewart...
  
  
• 11/6: CONGRATS to Shubeacadie's Fraser family on the induction of Frank Fraser and Scott Fraser (posthumously) in the Colchester County Sport Hall of Fame Friday night at a ceremony in Truro. Frank Fraser Jr. inducted his father and brother in a warm, humorous speech that embodied the family and their spirit to the crowd, most of whom were unfamiliar with stock car racing. Frank (Sr.) accepted the honour by acknowledging all of those who helped both he and Scott, especially Frankie (Frank Jr.) and his wife Grace. Watch for photos this week...
  
  
• 11/6: In a continuing effort to provide the best guest experience in motorsports, Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz today announced enhancements to the carry-in policy for the 2011 season at America’s Premier Short Track. One of the great traditions in NASCAR is the fans’ ability to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy while watching the races. Also, race fans tend to stay in the facility for longer periods of time than in other sports. To help make the race day experience more enjoyable, fans may now carry in soft-sided coolers measuring up to 14 x 14 x 14 inches or 2,700 cubic inches – six times the size previously permitted. Coolers of this size typically have a removable plastic liner and are branded to hold 24 to 36 beverage cans. To ensure these items fit underneath grandstand seats and do not block walkways, coolers with telescoping handles and wheels will not be permitted. Hard-sided coolers will still be prohibited...
  
  11/6: Ditto the cooler policy for Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway - same rules as Richmond will apply for 2011...
  
  
• 11/4: The NASCAR racing family has gathered to remember and celebrate former Darlington Raceway president and NASCAR executive Jim Hunter. Hunter was 71 when he died Friday night in Daytona Beach, Fla., after a yearlong battle with cancer. He had been an adviser to NASCAR executives and drivers for more than half a century in his role as journalist, promoter and one of the sport's top administrators. Hundreds attended visitation Tuesday night and the service on Wednesday; speakers included NASCAR president Mike Helton, NASCAR officials, Camping World Truck Series driver Mike Skinner, and Delana Harvick, co-owner of Harvick Racing with husband Kevin Harvick - driver of the Sprint Cup Series No. 29, and members of Hunter's family...
  
  
• 11/4: AOW officials have released an updated photo (below) of the new-for-2011 body style for the popular racecar. The car is undergoing a makeover to better accomodate fan and driver requests...
  
  
• 11/4: Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) announced Wednesday that it was ceasing all operations at Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis, MO. The company previously announced that it would not seek to run any NASCAR Series events at the facility in 2011. The track ran its final NASCAR Nationwide Series event on October 23, 2010...
  
  
• 11/3: Continuing a long-standing series tradition, the ARCA Racing Series will open its schedule at Daytona International Speedway in 2011. The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, consisting of 80 laps on the historic 2.5-mile superspeedway oval, will air live on SPEED at 4 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, February 12. The race will be the 48th for ARCA at Daytona, which has hosted the series' season opener every year since the first visit by ARCA in 1964. The ARCA Racing Series will mark its 59th year of competition in 2011...
  
  
• 11/3: Jerry Caldwell was named Tuesday as General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway by Bruton Smith, Chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc. Caldwell, most recently Vice President of Corporate Sales and Acting General Manager at BMS, fills the position held since 1996 by Jeff Byrd, who passed away Oct. 17. Caldwell joined the BMS Sales and Marketing Department in 1997, and was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Sales in 2009...
  
  
• 11/2: As part of the an ongoing effort to ensure fans have an enjoyable, affordable race experience, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III today announced a new promotion to help lower the costs for fans who plan to attend Speedweeks and the 2011 DAYTONA 500. During the entire month of November, fans are eligible to save 30 percent off the standard rate for hotels located in Daytona Beach. The offer extends into the month of December, when fans will be eligible to receive a 20 percent discount. To take advantage of this offer, fans can visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/hotels to find a list of participating hotels and contact information. The 25 participating hotels are all located in the Daytona Beach area and represent over 2,600 rooms. They also provide a range of amenities that can fit any budget...
  
  
• 11/2: Jim Hunter began his long association with NASCAR as a member of the media. So in the wake of Hunter’s death on Friday at age 71, Talladega Superspeedway feels it is a fitting tribute to rename the track’s press box in his honor. Among Hunter's long list of career accomplishments was an era when he served as the public relations director for the Alabama track...
  
  
• 10/31: According to a comment made by Jeff Gordon Saturday we may not have seen the last page of his saga with Kurt Busch - for which the most recent incident played out last week at Martinsville. Gordon's comment: "You're going to have incidents with guys and you're going to single out the ones that you feel were intentional and the ones that weren't. And you're going to remember those situations and yeah, you make a list. I think as drivers, when it comes to things like that, I can't tell you what I did two days ago but I can tell you who wrecked me 15 years ago and I'll never forget that. And that's probably something Kurt Busch might want to think about for a while."
  
  
• 10/31: Daryl Mahar (No. 66 on the Maritime Pro Stock Tour) has some racecar parts for sale. Check out the list at his website - click here...
  
  
• 10/31: The Pro All Stars Series will celebrate its tenth anniversary season on Friday evening January 14th at Howard Johnson (formerly Verillos) Convention Center at 155 Riverside Street in Portland, Maine. (Exit 48 off the Maine Turnpike). The evening will get underway with a social hour from 6:00 until 7:00 PM, followed by the dinner. Award ceremonies will begin promptly at 8:00 PM, followed by dancing to DJ Jesse Butler until 11:30 PM. Banquet tickets are $40.00 per person and must be purchased on or before January 4, 2011. Tickets will not be available at the door. For mroe info please visit PASS online...
  
  
• 10/30: According to a story in the National Post, Montreal native Jacques Villeneuve will abandon his F1 effort in favour of finding a NASCAR ride for 2011, and beyond. Read the complete store [here]...
  
  
• 10/30: According to Jeff Burton all is well with he and RCR teammate Kevin Harvick after last weekend's exchange of heated comments toward each other at Martinsville. Burton commented about the Harvick incident yesterday: "I think we are both very competitive people. Everybody on the race track is a competitive person. I think the best way I can describe it, RCR is like a family and sometimes family argue amongst themselves and carry on probably more with your family than they do with people they don’t even know. That is probably what happened with us last week. We sat down and had a great meeting and talked about it and we’ll be better teammates for it. Both of us could have handled that situation better, both of us had something to learn from it. It is completely over. And again, I think we will be stronger for it. It is hard man. Being teammates is hard. You always expect more out of your teammate. You are trying to be a good teammate, but you are also trying to beat your teammate and it’s a very very difficult…I’m surprised we don’t have more incidents to be quite honest. Kevin and I are good. We had a great meeting on Tuesday and again, I think in the long run it will actually help us.”
  
  
• 10/29: With the announcement earlier this week that "Drive to End Hunger" will be the primary sponsor on Jeff Gordon's No. 24 car for 22 events next year, so comes the news that DuPont has renewed their longtime association with Gordon through 2013, albeit in a lesser role that will see DuPont and Pepsi split primary sponsorship on the 24 car for the remaining 14 races on the Cup schedule. The three sponsors will rotate in associate roles when they are not primary, i.e. when Pepsi is primary on the car, Driver to End Hunger and DuPont will be associate sponsors, when DuPont is promary the other two will be assocoiate, etc...
  
  
• 10/29: Management of the Sportsman Series operated in Nova Scotia have confirmed the series will be back in 2011 - and that they will be racing at Riverside Int'l Speedway; more details on their 2011 season will be announced throughout the winter months as they are confirmed...
  
  
• 10/29: Each January for the past five years, fans of NASCAR racing and country music descended upon downtown Nashville for a unique and increasingly popular event known as Sound & Speed, which featured performances, autograph and storytelling sessions, displays and other opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with their favorite racecar drivers and country music artists. But the event’s board of directors and its charitable beneficiaries have announced that there will not be a sixth Sound & Speed in 2011 due to current economic conditions, as well as the lingering effects of last spring’s floods that devastated many residential neighborhoods in Nashville and the surrounding area...
  
  
• 10/27: Twenty NASCAR drivers and celebrities joined more than a thousand fans to help collect $150,000 in donations and pledges at the Third Official Jail and Bail charity event benefitting the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund Oct. 12 at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, N.C. Over the three years of the event, more than $300,000 has been raised to provide 30 scholarships for qualified female students. The Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund is intended to provide an opportunity for qualified female students who wish to attend any one of Universal Technical Institute’s eleven campuses across the U.S., including the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C...
  
  
• 10/26: Hendrick Motorsports has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday to announce a new partnership for the No. 24 car of Jeff Gordon. The announcement is expected to reveal the new co-primary sponsor for the car in 2011, and beyond - rumoured to be an affiliated cause of the AARP. Longtime Gordon sponsors DuPont and Pepsi will reportedly remain as co-primary sponsors on the car...
  
  
• 10/26: HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes today to Curtis Lindsay, driver of the No. 08 in the truck divsion at Scotia Speedworld this year - and longtime crewmember for the SFR team !
  
  
• 10/25: HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes today to Maritime racing veteran Frank Fraser ! And to Ellen Smith, Mrs. "Oval Outlaw" (Wayne Smith), who we hear is celebrating the big 5-OH today !
  
  10/25: CONGRATS to Scotia Speedworld Thunder Car driver Tyler Hawes (#01) who has recently become engaged to Michelle Dunphy !
  
  
• 10/24: NASCAR veteran team leader Steve Hmiel was at Martinsville Saturday - the first time he's left his son Shane's bedside since his horrific accident October 9 - an accident that has left Shane with numerous serious injuries. Steve Hmiel did an extensive interview with a local journalist talking about his son's condition, how he is dealing with it, and the expectations for recovery. Read the story [here]...
  
  
• 10/23: SAD NEWS - Phyllis Donlavey, wife of longtime NASCAR car owner Junie Donlavey, passed away Thursday night. Junie and Phyllis had been married 68 years...
  
  
• 10/22: A NASCAR executive will be featured on this weeks edition of the CBS television show "Undercover Boss." NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps recently spent time as a team tire specialist; his experience will be documented when the show airs Sunday at 9 p.m. ET...
  
  
• 10/21: Kasey Kahne was released from RPM Motorsports and the No. 9 car Wednesday, effective immediately. It appears Kahen will take over the wheel of the Red Bull ride, where he will spend 2011, starting this weekend at Martinsville. Aric Almirola will drive the No. 9 car this weekend...
  
  
• 10/21: Centre for Speed near Shediac NB will open its 2011 season May 22 - and that the 2011 racing divisions will include Open Wheel Modifieds, Super Sportsman, Shediac Sportsman, and 4 Cylinders...
  
  
• 10/20: Today would have been Scott Fraser's 40th birthday. Share some memories with us by viewing a slideshow we put together from family and team photos - click here...
  
  
• 10/20: Brad Keselowski is on the verge of winning his first NASCAR title. The 26-year-old can mathematically clinch the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship this weekend at Gateway International Raceway...
  
  
• 10/20: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh is ready for Dillon Speedway in North Carolina this coming Saturday where he will race the No. 03 Scotia Hyundai Allison Legacy in his second division start of the 2010 season. Mackintosh's initial outing in the Allison Legacy car two weeks ago saw him place ninth at Orange County Speedway. Mackintosh will be back in his Bandolero on October 30th at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a 100-lap event...
  
  
• 10/18: It's last call for tickets to the 2010 Oyster Bed Speedway Awards Banquet, The function is this coming Saturday (October 23) at the Howard Johnson Dutch Inn in Charlottetown. Tickets need to be purchased by Wednesday (October 20) and cost $25 each, which includes a dinner, awards presentation and a dance. Tickets are available at Charlottetwon Bottle and Metal...
  
  
• 10/16: Saint John NB's Lonnie Sommerville is not in Newport TN this weekend for the PASS National event - rather opting to finish his season at the World Crown 300 open SLM race at Gresham Speedway in Georgia on November 14...
  
  
• 10/15: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway news...A meeting was held on October 8th where lease issues were resolved and it was decided racing will be taking place in 2011 at LDMS. There will be a general meeting held in January where plans will be made for the 2011 season. Adam Blooi will continue to be the president of the Soutwest Stockcar Association for the start of the 2011 race season and has plans to retire the position once financial obligations from the 2010 season can be met...
  
  
• 10/13: This past Monday saw 2009 CARQUEST Tour champ Shawn Turple win his first-ever road course race (in his second-ever Legends race) driving in a Legends event at Atlantic Motorsports Park near Shubenacadie (NS). Vince MacLellan finished second and Justin MacNiel was third. In the three-hour endurance Jack Canfield Memorial race it was Garnet Loomer and Todd Roberts picking up the checkered flag, Derek Lugar and Paul Grey were second and the Wright brothers, Jeff and Callum, were third...
  
  
• 10/12: SAD NEWS - Longtime NASCAR journalist Jack Flowers passed away Monday. Flowers had covred NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series for more than 30 years writing for publications including National Speed Sport News and Speedway Scene with his 'Say it With Flowers' column. Learn more about Flowers in fellow-journalist Monte Dutton's blog [here]...
  
  
• 10/10: Watch for Ken Schrader to attempt to qualify for upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville and Talladega...
  
  
• 10/8: 2010 CARQUEST Tour champion Shawn Tucker has his championship car for sale...$20,000.00 turn-key or will separate. Call Shawn at (W)506-450-2051 or (H) 506-450-6110...
  
  
• 10/8: 2009 CARQUEST Tour champion Shawn Turple will be trying something different this weekend at AMP in Shubenacadie...Turple will be in Kevin McLean’s No. 51 Legends car - his second time in a Legends car - and first ever on a road course. The Legends race starts at 11 a.m. October 11 as the "opening act" for the Jack Canfield Memorial race - a three-hour endurance race for the Roadracers of Atlantic Canada...
  
  
• 10/7: NASCAR announced Wednesday that Steve Kuykendall, crew chief of the No. 13 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Kansas Speedway. The No. 13 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturis exceeded the specified size) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Oct. 1...
  
  
• 10/7: Kenneth Luna, a crew member in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On Sept. 21, Luna was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book...
  
  
• 10/6: Members of the National Motorsports Press Association have selected Brian Vickers as the third quarter winner of the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award. The award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is determined by a vote of the National Motorsports Press Association membership. Vickers, who is active with various charities, was selected based on his attitude and determination to return to racing after blood clots forced him out of the car in May. He’s not raced since as he’s undergoes treatment for the blood clots. He has repeatedly said he’s confident he’ll be racing again in next year’s Daytona 500...
  
  
• 10/5: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will make their final appeal today (Tuesday) with regard to the penalties imposed by NASCAR after the September 19 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway - which was won by RCR driver Clint Bowyer. Childress, Bowyer and Bowyer's crew and car chiefs were all penalized. The first appeal was turned down last week by a three-member panel; this one will be heard by John Middlebrook, NASCAR's new chief appellate officer. The team maintains the car's height was knocked out of bounds by a wrecker that pushed them to Victory Lane - and brought in a respected accident reconstruction expert to prove its case last week, to no avail. The car was found to be 60 thousnads of an inch off in a post, post-race inspection...
  
  
• 10/5: The rumour mill is running rampant with news of potential track ownership changes in New Brunswick...Centre for Speed management have acknowledged they have an party interested in purchasing the facility; another group is said to be negotiating the purchase of Petty Speedway; and yet another party is said to be interested in buying River Glade Speedway. While we're not at liberty to discuss names of those involved we have done enough fact checking to know all three are definite possibilities...So stay tuned...
  
  10/4: The Southwest Stockcar Association will be holding a meeting on Sunday Oct. 10th at 1:00 at the Salmon River Fire Hall. This will be a VERY important meeting that all members and local drivers need to attend...
  
  
• 10/2: 10 a.m. The start time for Saturday's scheduled show at Centre for Speed has been delayed until 2 p.m. Pit gates and tech will open as per the original schedule. Check the track website for further details...
  
  
• 10/2: 7 a.m.A notice posted early Saturday morning on the Centre for Speed website says: "CFS wishes to inform fans and competitors that todays schedule of events has been delayed and will start at noon. Pit gates and tech will open as per the original schedule. Forecasts show clear skies from approximately 11am today for the remainder of the weekend." Check the track website for further details...
  
  
• 10/1: Centre for Speed GM Tim Wile remains confident the scheduled Saturday leg of his Atlantic Championship weekend will run Saturday. Based on the Friday forecast for Saturday Wile is anticipating any wet weather the track may see to move through the area by early Saturday morning. Warm temps would help track drying operations so the show should go on. In the event that it needed to be postponed then the Saturday show would run Sunday and the Sunday show would be postponed until next week. Stay tuned to centreforspeed.com for all the latest weekend updates...
  
  
• 10/1: Oyster Bed Speedway will host its first annual car show swap meet October 9. The site will open for vendors at 8 a.m. and to the public at 10 a.m...
  
  10/1: The 2010 Oyster Bed Speedway Awards Banquet is set for October 23 at the Howard Johnston Dutch Inn. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m., followed by the awards and a dance. Tickets need to be purchased by October 20 and are available at Charlottetown Bottle and Metal and are $25.00 which includes meal and dance. Music will be provided by the Roger Jones Band...
  
  
• 9/30: Young Ryan Mackintosh's 2010 race season continues in North Carolina with a win in the Bandolero Outlaw division last Saturday at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway. The teenager should be fifth overall in U.S. national INEX point standings when the official results are released - just three points out of fourth (whose driver ran 11 more races than Mackintosh over the season). Ryan will race in his first ever Allison Legacy Touring Series race on October 9 at Orange County Speedway where his crew will include Daniel Hemric (spotter) and Winsloe PEI's Modified driver Brodie MacQuarrie. Ryan hopes to run three Legacy races before the end of the schedule in November and still competes in select INEX sanctioned Bandoelro events in the spouthern U.S...
  
  
• 9/29: Centre for Speed has posted its entry lists for this coming weekends Atlantic Stock Car Championships...The pro stock divisions shows 27 cars, sportsman shows 50 cars, 28 street stock, 15 mini stock, and 29 in the four fun division. First practice is set for Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday will see sportsman, mini stock and four fun racing, and Sunday includes the sportsman, street stock and pro stocks. Complete entry list and schedule on the track website...
  
  
• 9/29: In the "better late than never" department...finally see results from Lake Doucette's season fianle show last Saturday featuring 4 cylinder and outlaw divisions...Scott Williams won the 4 cylinder 75-lap feature and Danny Rogers won the outlaws race. Congrats to both - and to all the volunteers that made the 2010 season at Lake Doucette possible...
  
  
• 9/28: All eyes will be on Daytona Beach Wednesday afternoon as the appeal is heard by Richard Childress Racing with regard to last weeks penalty assessed to the No. 33 team of Clint Bowyer. A three-member commission will hear arguments by RCR in support of their appeal. In recent history only 1 of 3 penalty appeals have been successful in being either overturned or reduced...
  
  
• 9/27: Avondale Speedway in NFLD had to cancel their Sunday show due to bad weather. The track is back in action next Sunday October 3...
  
  
• 9/25: Turner Motorsports, currently a two-team operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), announced today that they are acquiring select assets of Braun Racing's NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) team and will immediately take over operation of the organization. Braun Racing fields four entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series - the No. 32, No. 38, No. 10 and No. 11 cars with a driver line-up that includes Brian Vickers, Kasey Kahne, Reed Sorenson, Jason Leffler, David Reutimann, Brian Scott, Tayler Malsam and Jacques Villeneuve. These four teams will join forces with the existing Turner Motorsports’ NCWTS entries - the No. 4 Monster Energy Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Ricky Carmichael, and the No. 31 Wolf Pack Rentals Chevrolet Silverado, driven by James Buescher. With the acquisition of Braun Racing, Turner Motorsports will field six teams in two of NASCAR's top-three premier series. Plans for the 2011 racing season include three NNS teams and three NCWTS teams. The NNS driver line up for Turner Motorsports will be announced in October. As for the NCWTS teams, James Buescher will once again pilot the No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado with Ricky Carmichael also returning to drive the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado...
  
  
• 9/23: Dover International Speedway will spruce up its pre-race driver introductions this Sunday by inviting all 43 starting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers to introduce themselves on stage before the start of the race. Each driver will introduce themselves and announce what car they’ll be driving, commencing with the driver starting in the 43rd position. The top-10 starters will introduce themselves and a military veteran who has recently returned home from overseas. Driver introductions are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. AT) The “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will take the green flag at 1 p.m. ET...
  
  
• 9/21: Continuing a tradition of innovation and fabulous firsts, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials announced a partnership with Panasonic to revolutionize the fan experience at sporting events with the creation of the world's largest high-definition video board. Panasonic will also become the founding sponsor of the video board and a Speedway Motorsports Inc. alliance partner around its broad portfolio of advanced technologies. At an incredible length of 200 feet wide, standing 80 feet tall and weighing 165,000 pounds, the video board will cover an expansive 16,000 square feet and be located between Turns 2 and 3 along the backstretch of the legendary superspeedway. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of the gigantic board that will feature 720P high-definition visuals illuminated by more than nine million light emitting diode, or LED, lamps...
  
  
• 9/20: With the Riverside Int'l Speedway having wrapped its 2010 season yesterday, track management have this morning announced the date for the 2011 IWK 250 as July 23...
  
  
• 9/19: NOON Practice is underway with Legends currently on track; weather is a bit overcast - but DRY. Race starts at 2 p.m. 9 a.m. All systems are go under a sunny sky at Riverside Int'l Speedway for today's Napa Sportsman Series season finale, a 100-lap duel to decide the 2010 series champion. The Maritime League of Legends will see their second-last event of the season. Qualifying heat races for both divisions start at 2 p.m., to be follwoed by the 50-lap Legends feature and the 100-lap Sportsman race...
  
  
• 9/18: Work continues into week 11 of the Daytona Int'l Speedway repaving project. On Thursday, workers put down the top pass of the leveling course (the third of four layers of asphalt) on Turns 3 and 4 and expect to finish work on the bottom pass over the next week. The paving of the wearing course -- the final layer of asphalt -- will begin thereafter. The first paving of the wearing course will start at the beginning of the Superstretch, run through Turns 3 and 4 and the tri-oval and finish at the entrance of Turn 1...
  
  
• 9/17: Officials at Riverside Int'l Speedway are asking teams and fans planning to attend tonight's scheduled sportsman/legends tour season finale to sit tight until 10 a.m., at which time they - in conjunction with series officials - will review the weather situation. The current Weather Network forecast called for 20-30 mm rain in the Antigonish area over the next 24 hours. If tonight's show is postponed it will be tentatively rescheduled for Sunday afternoon, pending only the successful completion of Saturday's NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Riverside. Saturday's forecast shows sunshine and 17 degrees and Sunday looks like sun/clouds and 19 degrees...
  
  
• 9/17: Speedway 660 will hold a 2011 rules meeting Novemebr 28 at the Fredericton Inn starting at 1 p.m. for pro stocks, 2:30 p.m. for sportsman, and 4 p.m. for street stock. The 2010 Speedway 660 Awards Banquet will be January 29, also at the Fredericton Inn...
  
  
• 9/16: NASCAR fans in the Antigonish/New Glasgow areas should watch for showcar displays at their local Canadian Tire stores today in Antigonish and tomorrow in New Glasgow...
  
  
• 9/16: A note on the Riverside Int'l Speedway website is saying IF the Friday sportsman/legends show gets rained out then it will run Sunday - assuming Saturday's NASCAR show goes as planned. The weather forecast is currently calling for heavy rain Friday, sunshine both Saturday and Sunday...
  
  
• 9/15: Scotia Speedworld's 2010 Awards Banquet will be held November 6 at the Glengarry in Truro - and the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour 2010 Awards Banquet is set for November 20 at the Delta Charlottetown. Call 902.481.2514 for more information on either...
  
  
• 9/15: For the second time in this season, Ontario Legends hot shoe Chad Windsor is headed to Nova Scotia. Windsor, who hails from Ottawa, will drive in the Maritime League of Legends 50 lap main feature Friday night at Riverside International Speedway in a MacLean Motorsports prepared racecar. He will drive the same No. 5 car he drove in July; which was shaken down last weekend at Scotia Speedworld by Ian Mollins, a former Maritime League of Legends Tour and Scotia Speedworld champion...
  
  
• 9/14: SAD NEWS - Maine racer John Phippen Jr. passed away Saturday evening at Speedway 95 near Bangor after suffering an apparent heart attack. A 31-year racing veteran, Phippen most recently competed in late models and had just finished seventh in a 100-lap feature Saturday night when he collapsed at his trailer. Phippen began racing in 1979 and captured points championships at Unity Raceway in the Street Stocks division in 1981 and ’82. He was the Rookie of the Year in the Pro Stocks in 1983 and won his first Pro Stock race at Unity in 1984. He has won four points championships at Speedway 95 and one at Wiscasset Raceway along with the two titles at Unity. He won his last race a week ago at Speedway 95...
  
  
• 9/13: Avondale Speedway in Newfoundland was silent Sunday as adverse weather passed through the area. The track is back in action next Sunday, September 19...
  
  
• 9/12: SAD NEWS - NASCAR driver Tony Stewart raced with a heavy heart Saturday night at Richmond. Stewart's grandfather, Gaylord Marshall, passed away earlier in the day. He was 95...
  
  
• 9/10: Island Speedway in Sydney has closed until further notice. A message to that degree was recently posted on their website. The late-season closure was a surprise to racers and fans alike...
  
  
• 9/9: NASCAR announced Wednesday that Wesley Gonder, crew chief of the No. 26 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2010 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 26 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on Sept. 3...
  
  9/8: Cambridge, Ontario’s J.R. Fitzpatrick will be behind the wheel of a Legend car at Riverside International Speedway on September 17. Fitzpatrick, the current point leader on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, will drive the #23 Double Z Automotive/Pizza Delight Amherst car in a 50-lap main feature as part of the Komatsu 300 race weekend which will feature the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on Saturday September 18...
  
  
• 9/8: Jack Smith, driver of the No. 63 truck in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book. The violation occurred July 23...
  
  
• 9/7: Oyster Bed Speedway (PE) management has announced details of their 2010 season finale set for September 25 at 2 p.m. The Atlantic Invitational Showdown will feature For Fun Division - 25 laps, Outlaw Division - 30 laps, Street Stock Division - 50 laps, Modified Division - 50 laps, Sportsman Division - 100 laps, plus a 100 lap Enduro and our second ever Chain Race. Details and rules are available at oysterbedspeedwaypei.com...
  
  
• 9/6: Good to see Dartmouth Nova Scotia native Dean Clattenburg's name in the results rundown from Saturday's PASS South race at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, where Clattenburg now resides near Charlotte. Dean was driving the No 80 car pictured below (photo by Norm Marx/PASS) and finished 16th. Complete race results here...
  
  
  
  
• 9/3: On Friday NASCAR announced the addition of a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event to the July 2011 NASCAR national-series race weekend at Kentucky Speedway. The Thursday, July 7 event will mark the 10th race on the NASCAR Camping World Series schedule and completes the 2011 schedule. It will be the first time the series has raced on a Thursday evening since 2005. A NASCAR Nationwide Series event follows on Friday, July 8, with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series following on Saturday, July 9. The tripleheader marks the first time all three NASCAR national series have run on the same weekend at Kentucky; it will be the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ first event there. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has raced at the 1.5-mile, tri-oval since 2000...
  
  
• 9/2: The crew from Lane Construction began the most challenging aspect of the 2010 Daytona Repave on Thursday morning – putting new asphalt on the steep 31-degree high banks of Daytona International Speedway. Workers paved the drainage layer in Turns 3 and 4, the first of four layers that will make up the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The crew completed the first 21-foot wide pass late Thursday and will pave the bottom 21-foot pass on Friday or Saturday. Paving of the other layers of asphalt in the Turn 3 and 4 high banks will continue through next week...
  
  
• 8/30: A late-season change in CARQUEST Tour rules may end up having a big effect on the 2010 title; seems this weekends Auto Value 250 at Speedway 660, round three of three in the series 'Triple Crown', has been recently changed to a flat-rate points show awarding 200 points to series competitors, regardless of where they finish. The 2010 'Triple Crown' was originally announced as regular point-scoring events where points would be awarded series regulars based on finishing positions. The move effectively eliminates one of two chances left for any of the drivers still in contention for the title. Mathematically, any of the top six teams still have a shot at the title, with only 59 points currently separating them. Realistically, it is a tight race between the top four (1. Tucker, 2. Turple, 3. Smith & 4. Chisholm), with only 32 points currently separating them. With only one points race left, the September 11 season finale at Scotia Speedworld, Smith and Chisholm could be left out in the cold - unless Tucker or Turple, who are only separated by 16 markers, have early problems...
  
  
• 8/30: A second-place finish for Ryan Mackinstosh in Sunday's Bandolero Outlaw race at Concord Motor Speedway (NC) was enough to move the Amherst Nova Scotia teenager into fourth place overall in INEX U.S. national standings...
  
  
• 8/29: Although we've yet to receive official confirmation, we are hearing it was announced at Scotia Speedworld last night that NASCAR racing veteran Ken Schrader will return to Halifax to race in the September 10-11 Speedworld season finale. Schrader made his first appearance at SSW in August 2009 when he ran a sportsman car. Sounds like he'll be in a pro stock this time (on the 11th), but stay tuned for the official word when we hear back from track management. Update Track management say the official Schrader announcment will be out Monday, so stay tuned...
  
  
• 8/28: Lake Douctte Motor Speedway, near Yarmouth NS, will host more event this season - on September 25 - featuring two oval track divisions, Outlaws, and Thunder - as well as a demolition derby...
  
  
• 8/28: The crew from Lane Construction completed the installation of the 18-foot wide concrete pit stalls this week as the massive 2010 Daytona Repave entered its eighth week. Construction continues in many different areas throughout historic Daytona International Speedway. The daunting 31-degree high banks in Turns 3 and 4 continue to be graded and compacted in preparation for the first layer of asphalt, which is expected to be put down early next week. The first of two asphalt layers has been put down on the 500-foot skid pad extension along the Superstretch. The second layer, covering the existing skid pad as well as the extension, is expected to be installed in the next several days. Crews will leave an 80-foot gap closest to the racing surface which will be paved when the final asphalt layer is placed on the apron and race track. The job will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011...
  
  
• 8/27: Furniture Row Racing announced Thursday that Regan Smith has signed a contract extension through the 2012 season to drive the team's No. 78 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Smith, the 2008 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year, is currently in his second season driving for the Colorado-based Furniture Row Racing team. Last year he competed on a part-time basis, entering 20 races. The 26-year-old native of central New York is running a full schedule this season and will do the same in 2011 and 2012...
  
  
• 8/26: The (Halifax) Chronicle Herald's Monty Mosher did a great story this week with two-time Scotia Speedworld track champion Terry Roma who, while he is in a fight with cancer, is still racing his sportsman car - grabbing his first podium finish on the season last weekend while he wore a chemo bottle stapped to his arm. Read Mosher's story [here]...
  
  
• 8/26: Ryan's roll continues...Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh continued his recent winning streak Wednesday night at Concord Motor Speedway in North Carolina. The young teenager started his Bandolero Outlaw on the pole and led all 15 laps to win his fifth race in his last seven starts. Mackintosh races again Friday night at Concord...
  
  
• 8/25: NASCAR has reinstated crew member Randy LaJoie upon his successful completion of a counseling program following his June 22 suspension for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy...
  
  
• 8/23: The racing rumour mill has Hendrick Motorsports in negotiations with retail giant WalMart as a potential sponsor for the No. 24 of Jeff Gordon in 2011 and beyond. DuPont has been Gordon's sponsor since he became a full-time Cup driver in 1992, but the current sponsorship deal ends after this season. DuPont is expected to continue with Gordon at some level, but their future involvement is presently unclear. Neither Hendrick Motorsports, Gordon or DuPont is commenting on the WalMart rumour...
  
  
• 8/21: Amherst Nova Scotia's young Ryan Mackintosh is in the Lone Star state this weekend racing his Bandolero Outlaw in the US Bandolero Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway. And he's already turning heads. Mackintosh won both Thursday and Friday night features, but lost the Thursday checkered flag when a clutch plate was found to be 1/1000mm too thin, by INEX standards. Even with Thursday's disappointment Mackintosh has won four out of five of his most recent races. He hopes to extend that streak Saturday in the National final...
  
  
• 8/21: The massive 2010 Daytona Repave entered its seventh week as construction continued in many different areas throughout the historic Daytona International Speedway. The crew from Lane Construction continues to grade and compact the daunting 31-degree high banks in Turns 3 and 4. Paving could possibly begin in that area late next week. Other notes from the seventh week of the 2010 Daytona Repave include: Grading, compacting and the placing of asphalt primer on the 500-foot skid pad extension along the Superstretch is complete; paving on the skid pad extension began Thursday; and, the excavation of the pit stalls along the 1,900-foot pit road is complete and the pouring of concrete has begun...
  
  
• 8/21: SAD NEWS - Our condolences to the friends and family of longtime maritime motorsports fan John James 'Jimmy' Marshall who passed away earlier this week, on Wednesday. From Lawrencetown, NS Jimmy Marshall was a fixture on the MASCAR circuit during the 80s and 90s, working with race teams as a gifted mechanic - known by some as 'Superwrench'. Jimmy Marshall was 67. A celebration of his life will be held this morning (Saturday) at 10 a.m. at Atlantic Funeral Home in Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers donations in Jimmy's memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be made at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com...
  
  
• 8/21: Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon will run a special paint scheme “designed” by 3-year old daughter Ella at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 5. Ella – with the assistance of some finishing touches by NASCAR’s first officially licensed artist Sam Bass -- created the design for “My Papa’s Car.” The design will also feature the new logo of the newly renamed Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, and the car design and die-cast purchase information can be viewed at www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org...
  
  
• 8/20: Vince Jones and Russell Smith Jr. have entered Saturday's $5,000 to win Wedgeport Lobster 100 Napa Sportsman Series race at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway near Yarmouth - bringing the expected entry list to 30 top racers from throughout Nova Scotia. Heat races will set the starting grid for the 100-lap feature. With more than $20,000 on the line including $2,000 in lap leader bonus and a $500 half-way leader bonus, the racing is expected to be intense. The show starts at 1 p.m. Saturday. More [here]...
  
  
• 8/19: SAD NEWS - Our condolences to the friends and family of Gordon Ryan, 76, father of Gordie Ryan - a former Scotia Speedworld sportsman champ and multi-time winner on the pro stock tour. Mr. Ryan passed away Tuesday; visitation is today in Atlantic Funeral Home in Sackville (NS) from 2-4 and 7-9; the funeral is 10 a.m. Friday at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church in Enfield...
  
  
• 8/19: NASCAR announced Wednesday that Mike Boerschinger, crew chief of the No. 87 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2010 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Michigan International Speedway. The No. 87 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Aug. 12...
  
  
• 8/17: Richard Petty Motorsports has scheduled a press conference for today where team management will make a 2011 driver and sponsor announcement...
  
  
• 8/15: A reminder to our readers with regard to coverage of news and results from your favourite regional (Atlantic Canada) race track...If you don't see it, it's likely because we don't get it - so if you're looking for something in particular drop us a line to let us know - BUT - also be sure to let the promoter/manager at your local track know to send us their news us as well. Email admin@checkerstowreckers.com or call 902.444.0703...
  
  
• 8/14: Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh celebrated Friday the 13th with his third win in as many races this week. Mackintosh, who is spending this season with a Kannapolis, North Carolina-based team, got the checkers in the Bandolero Outlaw division Friday and Wednesday at Concord Motor Speedway and Tuesday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway...
  
  
• 8/13: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway has upped the ante for next Saturday's Wedgeport Lobster 100 - to a whopping guaranteed $5,000 to win! World Links has joined Wedgeport Lobsters, Harold Newell Trucking and Swimm's Lobsters to co-sponsor the first-place prize. Half-way pays another $500 to the leader, and the heats pay $250 to win. Another $2,000 is up for grabs in lap leader bonus money - assuming all 100 laps are sold (call 902.649.3085 to get your $20 lap today). The expected entry list to-date sees 24 top sportsman racers - with more expected to join as this late-breaking purse news spreads. The race goes August 21 at 1 p.m. - and is round five of six for the Napa Sportsman Superseries. Lake Doucette Motor Speedway is located between Digby and Yarmouth on Nova Scotia's southwestern shore...
  
  
• 8/13: Lower Sackville NS's Brad Eddy, who turned 16 a few weeks ago, will make his Legends Car debut at Scotia Speedworld tonight. The race could be a 'first and last' of sorts as Eddy, at 6'1", has already almost outgrown the brand new Legends Car - so the plan is to sell the car ASAP and replace it with a pro stock that will enable the aspiring young racer to get seat time locally in preparation for his next venture to the southeastern U.S. where Brad made his late model debut earlier this year. The team hopes to raise the necessary funding by this fall to allow an October run in North Carolina. Anyone interested purchasing the Legends Car or sponsoring Brad Eddy should contact Dan Eddy at 902-468-6892 ext. 240...
  
  
• 8/12: Riverside International Speedway expects to offer advance tickets starting August 23 for their September 18 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Komatsu 300. Advance adult Saturday tickets sold before September 17 range from $35 for general admission to $45 for reserved seats. Two-day adult passes go from $40 to $55. Legends and Sportsman race Friday September 17; September 18 is all NASCAR with qualifying at 2:30 p.m., an autograph session at 3:15 and the green flag at 4:30...
  
  
• 8/12: For the 15th consecutive season, New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends. Moving from its recent late-June date, NASCAR’s elite series makes its season debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 17 for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will make its second trip to the “Granite State” on Sunday, September 25, as the SYLVANIA 300 lights up the competition for the second race in the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.”
  
  
• 8/12: NASCAR’s two Sprint Cup and Nationwide races at Bristol Motor Speedway will remain in March and August in 2011, with the August date moving back one week. Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR’s most popular track, returns to its customary August race date, the weekend prior to the Labor Day holiday, Aug. 26-27. NASCAR kicks off the BMS spring weekend with Ford Fan Friday March 18, followed by the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series event March 19, and the Food City 500 Sprint Cup race March 20. August race week will begin with the O’Reilly Auto Parts 200 Camping World Series/Whelen Modified Series UNOH Perfect Storm 150 doubleheader Aug. 24. The Food City 250 Nationwide Series race is Aug. 26, followed by the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 27...
  
  
• 8/11: Auto Club Speedway (Fontana, California) will host one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend – March 25-27 – returning to its traditional spot on the schedule beginning in 2011. Speedway officials also continue to work in earnest to add events to the Speedway’s race schedule in an effort to diversify on-track activity for the 2011 year. “Moving our Auto Club 500 event from February to March provides us the opportunity to show off the area’s beautiful ‘Chamber of Commerce’ weather,” said Auto Club Speedway President Gillian Zucker. “Our staff and the thousands of Southern California loyal race fans look forward to the return of NASCAR’s most talented drivers in both the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series as well as Southern California’s own four-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson"...
  
  
• 8/11: Kansas Speedway and International Speedway Corporation (ISC) announced today that NASCAR has approved ISC’s request for realignment and beginning in 2011, Kansas Speedway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends. The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend will be held June 4-5 and the second event weekend will be the fourth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Oct. 8-9. 2010 Kansas Speedway ticketholders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the new June race. Tickets for the 2011 events will go on sale after Kansas Speedway’s 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend in October...
  
  
• 8/11: ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards (ARS) driver Patrick Sheltra was uninjured in a motor vehicle accident Tuesday near Amherstburg, Ontario Canada. Sheltra, who currently sits fourth in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings, just 60 markers from first on the heels of a second-place finish in the most recent contest at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway Saturday night left the scene of the accident under his own power. Terry Jones, a part-time ARCA Racing Series competitor for Jones Group International was a passenger with Sheltra, but was also unharmed in the collision...
  
  
• 8/11: Congrats to Amherst NS's Ryan Mackintosh for winning Tuesday night's final round of Bandolero Outlaw racing at the Summer Shootout Series in Charlotte, North Carolina. The teenager led all 20-laps of the feature to visit Victory Lane at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway - and to cap what could best be described as a challenging debut in the annual Shootout Series...
  
  
• 8/11: Congrats to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame Atlantic CAT 250 driver auction winners, 1) Joe Mason, who bought Cassius Clark, won $1,345 2) Terry MacWilliams, bought Shawn Tucker, won $672.50 3) Joe Mason, also bought Ben Rowe, won $403.50 and 18) Lori Boates, bought Marty Prevost, won $269. The remaining $2,690 raised at the auction will benefit the Hall of Fame; many thanks to the all of the bidders for their support of the Hall...
  
  
• 8/10: The purse for the Wedgeport Lobster 100 sportsman race at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway next weekend (August 21) continues to grow, now sitting at $16,250. The top five spots pay: 1st $3000.00; 2nd-$2000.00; 3rd $1500.00; 4th $1250.00; and 5th $1000.00. Plus drivers can collect an additional $20 per sold lap led. So...if all the laps are sold, and if the same driver leads all 100 laps...they would take home a whopping $5,000. The race is round five of six for the Napa Sportsman Series. With the increased purse race organizers are optimistic they will have a large field, with early indications for as many as 30 cars. We hope to have an expected entry list from them in the coming days...
  
  
• 8/9: A reliable source tells us Jeff Gordon's son has arrived. Gordon's wife Ingrid Vandebosch gave birth to the couple's second child this morning. Leo Benjamin is a brother to three-year-old Ella Sofia. update A team issued release has confirmed Leo Benjamin Gordon as being born at 8:53 a.m. Leo weighed in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces and is 19 inches long. “He’s happy and healthy, and Mom is doing great,” said Gordon...
  
  
• 8/9: GOOD NEWS - Talked to Ken Cunning, GM for the Maritime Pro Stock Tour this weekend at Scotia Speedworld, asking specifically about Scott Livingston's condition. Ken reports that Scott has been released from hospital to recuperate at home; Livingston suffered a fractured vertebrae when his nO. 24 car landed hard atop the concrete retaining wall during July 31's series event at Oyster Bed Speedway in PEI...
  
  
• 8/7: The driver auction held Friday night at Scotia Speedworld to benefit the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame saw $5,380 bid with $2,690 to go the Hall of Fame and the remaining $2,690 to be split among the successful bidders of the top three finishers in the Atlantic CAT 250. First place will pay the winning bidder $1,345, second place $672.50, third place $403.50 and a mystery spot will pay the winning bidder $269. Craig Slaunwhite, driver of the No. 99 car, got the highest bid at $750...
  
  
• 8/5: Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh was at Charlotte Motor Speedway in NC Tuesday night for Summer Shootout action - watch his feature race in this You Tube video clip...
  
  
• 8/5: NASCAR announced Wednesday that two crew members that compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 have been penalized as a result of a rules violation committed Saturday, July 31 at Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, British Columbia. Mike Grove, crew member of the No. 3 team, and David Wight, crew member of the No. 17 team, were found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing; involved in an altercation in Victory Lane) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book. Grove and Wight have each been fined $200, suspended from NASCAR until the fine is paid, placed on probation for the next three NASCAR Canadian Tire Series events, and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 25, 2010...
  
  
• 8/5: Centre for Speed near Shediac, NB will host its annual Burnout Competition this Saturday night at 7 p.m...
  
  
• 8/4: Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to Scott Livingston, driver of the Maritime Pro Stock #24. The Charlottetown-based driver was injured this past Saturday in a crash during practice for the CARQUEST Tour event at Oyster Bed Speedway. Livingston remains in hospital in Charlottetown where he was scheduled to undergo diagnostic tests Tuesday. According to a report published by series announcer Tim Terry "...The veteran Pro Stock driver from Charlottetown lost control of his Wendell Taylor’s Garage Toyota Camry during Saturday’s second practice and after hitting the turn three wall the car went airborne. The car came to rest a top the wall after bouncing off the retaining fence in the corner." Yikes - get well soon Scott...
  
  
• 8/4: Dale Jr. wins! Dale Earnhardt Jr. beat "Shaq" in Tuesday's televised race between the two in a 10-lap contest at Concord Motor Speedway in North Carolina. To level the playing field for the NBA star, Jr. agreed to make two four-tire pit stops during the race while Shaq made none - but Jr. still managed a last-lap pass to win...
  
  8/4: Elliott Sadler is reporting NASCAR has indicated to him his crash at Pocono this past Sunday was the hardest impact ever recorded by the series. "We do not share those numbers except with the team and the folks at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska," NASCAR said in a statement. "They want to meet with me this weekend," Sadler said on Tuesday. "But we were told this morning that it was the hardest one they have in their data in history." The previous "hardest hit" reported publicly was Kyle Petty's 2003 crash at Bristol where more than 80 Gs (80 times the force of gravity) were recorded. Sadler lost his wind but was otherwise unscathed in the crash that saw the engine torn from its compartment on impact with the retaining wall..
  
  
• 8/3: The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame is holding a fundraiser auction this weekend at Scotia Speedworld. Participating pro stock drivers will be auctioned off Friday evening - then the successful bidders of the top three finishers in Saturday's Atlantic CAT 250 will split half the auction proceeds; the winner will get half of the take-home portion, second place gets 25% and third place gets 15%. The remaining 10% will go the the winner of a mystery draw. The auction will take place after Friday's race card has concluded...
  
  
• 8/3: As of Monday morning Jack Roush was upgraded to fair condition as he continues to be treated at Mayo Clinic for facial injuries sustained in a plane accident last week in Oshkosh, Wisc. There has been no timetable set for his release from the hospital...
  
  
• 8/3: NASCAR will reprtedly allow Speedway Motorsports to mvoe one its currunt Sprint Cup Series races to Kentucky Speedway in 2011. An official announcement is expected August 10, but speculation has centered around either Atlanta or New Hamsphire losing one of their two dates...
  
  
• 8/3: Scotia Speedworld has made some mid-season changes to rules for three of six weekly racing series divisions. Competitors in the Thunder, Lightning, and Trucks classes should visit the Speedworld website for more info...
  
  
• 8/2: It was reported Sunday at Pocono Raceway that Jack Roush had more surgery at Mayo Clinic Saturday; the surgery was Roush's second since his plane crash Tuesday in Wisconsin. Team General Manager Robbie Reiser said Roush, 68, is being treated for facial injuries and that it will be "a while" before he returns to the track...
  
  
• 8/2: Two-time Cup Series champion Terry Labonte will reportedly run as many as three races before the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. He will drive the No. 10 Stavola-Labonte Racing entry at Richmond, Charlotte and Texas. Cars and engines will be supplied by Richard Childress Racing - which is apparently looking at expanding to a four-car operation for 2011...
  
  
• 8/1: Bad weather forced the postponement of Sunday's show at Centre for Speed until Monday at 2 p.m...
  
  
• 8/1: Avondale Speedway in Newfoundland has cancelled today's scheduled race card due to bad weather...
  
  
• 7/30: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (near Yarmouth, NS) has posted more than $15,000 in purse money for the Napa Sportsman Super Series Wedgeport Lobster 100 on Aug 21. The winner is guaranteed $3,000 with a chance to bump their bounty by $20 per sold lap led, $500 for the 1/2-way leader and the heat races pay $250 each. The race is round five of six on the 2010 Napa Sportsman Series which currently sees Steve Ross leading Scott Allen by just five markers and only 29 points separating the top five. Racing starts August 21 at 1 p.m. and admission is just $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth aged 12-16, $5.00 for children from 5-12, with free admission for those 5 and under...
  
  
• 7/30: Braun Racing has announced that former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, from Quebec, will drive the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in the upcoming Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International, rounding out the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series road course event trifecta. The August race at “The Glen” will be the road course phenomenon’s debut at the 2.45-mile track....
  
  
• 7/29: The racing rumour mill has Marcos Ambrose replacing Kasey Kahne in the No, 9 car at RPM Motorsports next year - neither the team nor Ambrose would confirm. And - Bobby Labonte will fill the seat in the No. 47 car at JTG Daugherty Racing - vacated after JTG and Ambrose announced earlier this week they are parting ways at the end of this season. Kahne's whereabouts for 2011 remain a mystery as Mark Martin continues to contend he will drive the No. 5 car at Hendrick next year - the seat Kahne will fill starting in 2012...
  
  
• 7/29: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (located near Yarmouth, NS) has launched an updated version of its website; check it out here...
  
  
• 7/28: Rick Hendrick this week elevated Marshall Carlson to the role of president and chief operating officer of Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick made the announcement to more than 500 people at the organization's quarterly employee meeting. The position of Hendrick Motorsports president most recently was held by Hendrick's late brother John Hendrick, who assumed the title in 1998. It has remained vacant since his passing in October 2004...
  
  
• 7/27: Ryan Mackintosh's planned effort at Charlotte Motor Speedway's Summer Shootout Series Tuesday night was rained out. The Amherst, NS teenager and the rest of his Bandolero Outlaw rivals will run double-features at next weeks event...
  
  
• 7/27: Maine's Cassius Clark will enter the Atlantic CAT 250 at Scotia Speedworld August 6-7; Clark will drive Jonathan Hicken's No. 5 as the PEI native takes the weekend off to participate in one of his best friends wedding. The deal came together by way of a North Carolina connection through Hicken's brother Andrew who works at the same shop Clark uses for a base when he races in the southeastern U.S...
  
  
• 7/27: According to a report by the Associated Press NASCAR is fining drivers for damaging comments; the news organization say they have learned NASCAR warned teams during the off-season that public citicism would not be tolerated. According to the report at least two drivers have been fined - as much as $50,000. NASCAR's reaction: "It is the sanctioning body's obligation on behalf of the industry and our fans to protect the sport's brand," said Ramsey Poston, NASCAR spokesman. "Any action taken by NASCAR has nothing to do with the drivers expressing an opinion-it's focused on actions or comments that materially damage the sport. We have specifically discussed this in meetings with teams, drivers and stakeholders."
  
  
• 7/26: According to NASCAR CEO Brian France the 2011 Sprint Cup Series schedule is near completion - and will likely feature "impactful" changes from the 2010 schedule. Rumoured revisions include changes to the site of the series season finale (Homestead-Miami Speedway for the past several seasons) and changes to the Chase format...
  
  
• 7/24: With Jeff Gordon's wife Ingrid soon expecting their second child, the four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion has backup drivers on standby for the next couple of weeks - in case baby Gordon decides to arrive on a weekend day. Aric Almirola will be 'Plan B' for Pocono and Scott Speed for Watkins Glen...
  
  
• 7/22: Saint John, NB's Lonnie Sommerville is off to Thompson, CT for Thursday's PASS North/National 75-lap shootout at Thompson International Speedway. Sommerville is currently fifth in the national standings...
  
  
• 7/21: For those of us who missed the live broadcast of this past weekends NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Jumpstart from Toronto’s Exhibition Place...the race will be re-aired on TSN Friday, July 23 at Midnight ET and on TSN2 Thursday, July 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET and Saturday, July 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET...
  
  
• 7/21: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh rebounded from a wreck Saturday night to a podium finish Tuesday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway's Summer Shootout Series. Mackintosh started 19th in the feature and finished third. In spite of the Saturday wreck it's been an exciting week for Mackintosh as his North Carolina home is with Daniel Hemric - winner of the Legends Million event and as such recipient of the $250,000 first-place cheque...
  
  
• 7/20: Glad to report Hughie Richard is doing fine after a scary wreck in his sportsman car at Riverside International Speedway this past Friday night that saw his car roll into the catch fence in turn one. According to an update by Napa Sportsman Series officials, Richard escaped the wreck with only a bruise on his arm. Series officials are urging all teams to ensure safety equipment in their cars is checked and double-checked before every event...
  
  
• 7/19: Juan Pablo Montoya' s wife Connie gave birth to their third child Monday. Manuela Montoya Freydell is a new sister for five-year-old Sebastian and three-year-old Paulina. Both mother and baby are doing well..
  
  
• 7/16: Enfield Nova Scotia's Cy Harvey was 39th of 62 cars in Legends Million / Masters Division qualifying Thursday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Steve Pye was 46th. Chris Reed, a transplanted native of Cape Breton, was 135th of 144 cars that particpated in the first round of qualifying for the Legends Million division. Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh finished fourth in the Bandolero Outlaw division 15-lap feature race. Qualifying continues today. The Legends Million goes Saturday at CMS and the 100-lpa A Main feature will be broadcast live on SPEED TV starting at 8:30 a.m. The race pays a guaranteed $250,000 to the winner...
  
  
• 7/15: Today is the last day to purchase advance tickets for this weekends IWK 250 at Riverside Int'l Speedway. Advance tickets can be purchased for either Friday's Sportsman and Legends racing or Saturday's pro stock racing - or both. Adult ticket prices range from $15 to $60, depending on your seat location and number of days attending. The satellite box office in Antigonish Mall (for in person, phone and internet orders) closes tonight at 9 p.m. General admission tickets will be available at the track box office only starting Friday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Visit www.riverspeedway.ca or call 902.863.9410 for more info...
  
  
• 7/15: Phillip Gibson, a crew member for the No. 5 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On July 11, Gibson was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book...
  
  
• 7/13: The newly formed NASCAR Teams Licensing Trust announced Monday that it has formed a joint venture with Lionel Electric Trains to make and sell NASCAR replica die-cast race cars. The joint venture is not a traditional licensee agreement. Both the Licensing Trust and Lionel will actively manage and develop the business, in which it will be partners. Lionel has plans to offer fans and collectors die-cast models representing all of the teams and more than 30 NASCAR national series drivers included in the Licensing Trust. The joint venture will take over the category from Motorsports Authentics, a Concord, N.C.-based company that will instead focus on its core competency of trackside retail and be the exclusive die-cast car retailer at NASCAR tracks around the country...
  
  
• 7/12: This morning at 11 a.m. in Daytona Beach, Florida Darrell (the 1989 Daytona 500 champion) and Michael Waltrip (the 2001 and 2003 Daytona 500 champion) -- the only brothers to win the Daytona 500 -- will make the first strike on the daunting 31-degree high banks in Turn 1, part of the 2010 Daytona Repave project. For only the second time in history, Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval is being repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Concrete will be used for the pit stalls. All of the existing asphalt is being removed down to the original 52-year-old lime rock base, which will be leveled and then paving will begin. An estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt will be used on the project that will pave 1,435,000 square feet, about 33 acres...
  
  
• 7/12: The folks at Centre for Speed near Shediac, NB were forced to cancel Sunday's monster truck show after issues following the Saturday night show. They hope to be able to reschedule the cancelled show for a date later this summer. For more info call 506.388.2415...
  
  
• 7/11: The IWK 250 practice session that was scheduled for this afternoon at Riverside Int'l Speedway is a wash-out. The track will be open for practice Thursday afternoon for Legends and Sportsman cars, and Thursday night for Pro stocks. The IWK 250 is set for next Saturday July 17 with the Legends and Sportsman divisions racing Friday night. Advance tickets are now available at www.riversidespeedway.ca or 902.863.2410...
  
  
• 7/9: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway near Yarmouth (NS) will host a demolition derby July 24. The "Bash for Cash" is planned for the same day the Atlantic Open Wheel cars make their stop at the track...
  
  
• 7/9: According to a posting on Brad Eddy's website this week the fundraising dinner that had been planned for Sunday (July 11) has been postponed. The open house portion of the event will happen as scheduled between 1:30 and 4:30 Saturday afternoon at the old Sackville Arena. The announcment says the dinner will be held this fall...
  
  
• 7/9: Chandra and Jimmie Johnson welcomed a baby girl Wednesday, July 7 at 1:44 p.m. ET in Charlotte, NC. She weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and measured 19.5" long. Dad says she is absolutely beautiful and affectionately referred to her as "Baby J" as the proud parents have yet to decide on a name...
  
  
• 7/9: NASCAR has announced that two NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chiefs have been fined due to rule violations during last week’s event at Daytona International Speedway. Curtis Aldridge, crew chief for the No. 49 team, was fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until December 31, 2010, for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-2.3A (improperly attached weight) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The violations occurred during practice on July 1. Gary Showalter, crew chief for the No. 40 team, was fined $5,000 for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (venturi height was not dimensionally correct). These infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on June 29...
  
  
• 7/7: Jeff Gordon will make his 600th consecutive series start in Saturday’s LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Crown Royal Black Ford) and Bobby Labonte (No. 09 Phoenix Construction Chevrolet) continue quests for career marks — Martin for his 50th series pole, Kenseth for his 100th top five and Labonte for his 200th top 10...
  
  
• 7/7: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith will perform Grand Marshal duties Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway. No doubt a popular choice, Keith was a force in the Hawks’ 2010 Stanley Cup title run. The 6-foot-1 Canadian became the first player to win the Stanley Cup, an Olympic Gold medal and the NHL’s Norris Trophy (best overall performance) in the same season. He’ll be joined in his honorary duties by the Blackhawks’ anthem singer, Jim Cornelison, who will sing the anthem prior to Saturday night’s event...
  
  
• 7/7: More hard luck for Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh Tuesday night in the Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina... After leading 13 laps and swapping the lead three times Mackintosh's Bandolero was second under caution waiting for the green-white-checker finish but when the teenager pumped the brakes he had nothing and was forced to pit. He returned to the track for the finish - in 21st position moving up five spots in the closing laps to finish 16th. Mackintosh's next race is Saturday at Rockingham Speedway (NC)...
  
  
• 7/5: Brad Eddy's hopes for a great race at Florence Speedway in South Carolina this past weekend were dashed in a crash that tore up his late model racecar. Eddy had been running in the top 10 when a wreck ahead of him collected a good part of the field; his car was slammed from behind so hard the clip was bent. Unfortunatey the 15-year-old aspiring racer will need to sit out some races for the foreseeable future while funds are raised to fix the car - starting this weekend with a July 11 open house/fundraiser in Eddy's hometown of Lower Sackville, NS. More details on the fundraiser here - you will be redirected to BradEddy.com...
  
  
• 7/2: Young Ryan Mackintosh, from Amherst NS, had another disappointing Tuesday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mackintosh had mechanical difficulties with his Bandolero Outlaw racecar that saw him end the night with a DNF in the feature after running as high as second...
  
  
• 7/1: NASCAR announced Wednesday that penalties have been issued to the crew chief, owner and driver for the No. 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series team due to rule violations found on June 26 during post-qualifying inspection at last weekend’s event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In addition to having the qualifying time disallowed for the No. 25 car, crew chief Paul Richmond has been fined $10,000 and suspended for the next four NASCAR Nationwide Series events, suspended from NASCAR until July 28, 2010, and placed on probation until Dec. 31, for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules), 20A-15 (NASCAR reserves the right to have all cars use the same brand of fuel in a given event) and 20A-15.2C (the gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers, or other oxygenates and it must not be blended with aniline or its derivatives, nitro compounds or other nitrogen-containing compounds) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. Team owner Bert Sellers Jr. was penalized with the loss of 50 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points while driver Peyton Sellers also was docked 50 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points...
  
  
• 6/30: SAD NEWS - Robert H. Bouchard, father of former NASCAR drivers Ken and Ron Bouchard, died Saturday at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, Mass. He was 88. A resident of Winchendon Springs, Mass., Bouchard owned and operated Red & White Trucking Company in Fitchburg for 65 years and shared his love of auto racing with his family. Older son, Ron, won a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in 1981 at Talladega Superspeedway and claimed both NASCAR Nationwide Series victories at Darlington Raceway in 1984. Ken raced in all three of NASCAR's national series and notched a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win in 1986 and a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory in 1990...
  
  
• 6/29: Update for our readers on the "new" CheckersToWreckers.com...It's still coming - thanks for your patience. We had technical difficulties in the transition - which are sorted out now - but there is a lot of archived info to move to the reformatted site which will be even more user friendly and interactive than our current site. We are likely to launch the "new" site mid-summer - so stay tuned...
  
  
• 6/27: Bad weather postponed Sunday's scheduled show at Avondale Speedway in Newfoundland. The event has been rescheduled for Thursday July 1 - Canada Day...
  
  
• 6/26: NASCAR driver Regan Smith - also winner of the 2008 IWK 250 at Riverside Int'l Speedway - has been fitted with a custom-molded splint for this weekend's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Smith, driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, fractured his scaphoid bone (located at base of thumb) when he was involved in a multicar accident at Infineon Raceway in California last weekend. The 26-year-old Smith is being treated for the injury at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte; he is set to make his fourth appearance at Riverside next month on July 17 for the 2010 edition of the IWK 250...
  
  
• 6/24: Bobby Labonte, a former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series champion, has severed his relationship with TRG Motorsports as driver of the No. 71 car and will drive the No. 7 car for Robby Gordon this weekend at Loudon. "I want to be in a position to win races and be competitive," said Labonte. "I have worked as hard as possible to give my best at the track so far this season. I'm now looking to move on and get back into a position to win races." Bobby Labonte is the only NASCAR driver to win titles in the sanctioning bodies two highest divisions...
  
  
• 6/24: NASCAR announced Wednesday that Scott Eggleston, crew chief of the No. 34 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Road America. The No. 34 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(6): (combined thickness of throttle shaft and throttle plate was less than specified thickness) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on June 18...
  
  
• 6/23: Randy LaJoie, a crew member for the No. 18 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On June 11, LaJoie was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. LaJoie, a former NASCAR racer, has confirmed he smoked marijuana once after the Coca-Cola 600 in May and has enrolled in a substance-abuse program. LaJoie has also been indefinitely suspended from his recent role as a NASCAR analyst with ESPN. LaJoie was tested after applying for a NASCAR license to become a spotter on one of Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide teams...
  
  
• 6/23: NASCAR Media Group, a media, marketing and entertainment company, and Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., announced today that NASCAR’s first foray into 3D programming will take place on July 3, 2010 with a special presentation of the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola (TNT, 7:30 p.m. ET). The 3D production, NASCAR’s first ever, will be made available through TNT RaceBuddy on NASCAR.COM (NASCAR.COM/RaceBuddy3D) as well as through DIRECTV, and will complement a special television presentation on TNT, highlighted by the network’s groundbreaking signature Wide Open format. TNT’s televised coverage of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona on July 3 begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with Countdown to Green, and continues with live race coverage in its groundbreaking signature Wide Open format beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. This format is a television presentation in which the network provides continuous race coverage free of national commercial breaks and features more unobstructed race action than that of a standard telecast by using a letterbox widescreen format...
  
  
• 6/22: A note posted on the Island Speedway website says their is a meeting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and that ALL drivers must attend - however it does not say where the meeting is. If you are a driver best call 902.842.9761 for details...
  
  
• 6/21: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh scored a podium finish at Rockingham Speedway (NC) Sunday finishing third in the INEX Bandoelro Outlaw division. Mackintosh qualified and started the race in the third spot in time trials. It was the first race in his primary car since it was rebuilt after a wreck a couple of weeks ago. Mackintosh practices today at Charlotte Motor Speedway in preparation for Tuesday's Round 3 of the Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway...
  
  
• 6/20: Today's race card at Centre for Speed near Shediac NB has been cancelled due to rain. More action next Sunday at 2 p.m. with the Buyer Flyer Soap Box 50...
  
  
• 6/18: Tickets for the 2011 edition of “The Great American Race” – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – go on sale today at 9 a.m. (EST). Prior to today, only renewals for seat assignments for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. For the third straight year, tickets for the 2011 Daytona 500 – which will be the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on the new asphalt at Daytona International Speedway – will start at $55. Immediately following the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on Monday, July 5, Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. The repaving project will be completed in time for Speedweeks 2011 and the 2011 Daytona 500. Get your tickets today - click www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP...
  
  
• 6/17: Casey Mears will return to Tommy Baldwin Racing in the No. 36 Toyota at New Hampshire Motor Speedway June 27. Mears was released from Red Bull Racing earlier this week where he was filling in for Brian Vickers - who is out for the rest of the season recovering from health issues. Road course expert Mattias Ekstrom will drive the Red Bull car this weekend at Infineon and Reed Sorenson climbs behind the wheel starting at Loudon. Mears left Baldwin in a bind a few weeks ago to take the Red Bull ride; Baldwin has Brian Simo is his car this weekend at Infineon and then Steve Park is scheduled to make a return to Sprint Cup competition in the Baldwin car at Daytona July 3...
  
  
• 6/16: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh was at Charlotte Motor Speedway (NC) Tuesday night for round two of the Summer Shootout Series. Mackintosh came from 24th to finish seventh in a 20-lap Bandolero Outlaw feature driving a backup car as a result of damage to his primary car in round one of the series last week. This weekend Ryan is back on the road with a double-header stopping first at Orange County Speedway in Raleigh then making his way to Rockingham Speedway for a Sunday show...
  
  
• 6/15: It was a bad news/good news trip for young Ryan Mackintosh at Rockingham Speedway this past weekend. First, the bad news: the 14-year-old driver from Amherst blew the motor in his Bandolero Outlaw racecar; then the good news: Rockingham track owner and racing veteran Andy Hillenburg has taken the young Maritimer under his wing to help advance Mackintosh's racing career. Hillenburg, one of few drivers who can boast starts in both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, has a son Casey who races out of the same North Carolina shop as Mackintosh. "I think the world of Ryan," said the elder Hillenburg - who is able to offer young Mackintosh the wisdom of his experience relating to preparation, strategy, communication and teamwork...
  
  
• 6/14: Race fans attending the Oct. 31 AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway will have the opportunity to see two of the biggest names in NASCAR for the price of one admission to the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience. Pepsi driver Jeff Gordon and AMP Energy driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. are both scheduled to appear in the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience hospitality area prior to the start of the race. “It’s two for the price of one,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “This is a great opportunity for race fans to hear from two of this generation’s superspeedway masters. Jeff leads all active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in wins at Talladega Superspeedway with six, but Dale is second with five wins. It should be a truly memorable experience for all.” The AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience package is $140 per person and must be accompanied by a frontstretch grandstand or tower ticket. For more information on hospitality packages at Talladega Superspeedway, guests should call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com...
  
  
• 6/11: SAD NEWS - Alan Craven, a former owner of Wiscassett Speedway in Maine and father of NASCAR racer Ricky Craven, passed away Wednesday in a Bangor hospital. He was 72...
  
  
• 6/10: Glad to hear Scotia Speedworld sportsman racer Terry Roma had successful surgery this week as he continues to recover from a cancer diagnosis last year. According to a family post on his team Facebook page last night Roma will continue his recuperation with healing time and chemo. Hope to see Terry back on track soon - literally and figuratively...
  
  
• 6/9: If there is anyone heading for Speedway 660 this weekend interested in a really good deal on a hotel room in Fredericton please call 902.444.0703...
  
  
• 6/9: NASCAR has penalized the No. 10 and No. 38 teams that compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a result of rule violations during the June 5 race at Nashville Superspeedway. Both teams were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); 20A-10.8.2E (teams will not be permitted to use tires or wheels from another team unless approved by the series director) and 20A-10.8.2L (identification numbers have been changed on previously approved tires) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. As a result, Stewart Cooper, crew chief of the No. 10 car and Sean Whisenhunt, tire specialist on the No. 10, along with Trip Bruce, crew chief for the No. 38 car and Kevin Bellicourt, tire specialist for the No. 38, all have been suspended from the next two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, suspended from NASCAR until June 23 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Bruce and Cooper also were each fined $25,000. Tayler Malsam, driver of the No. 10 car, and Jason Leffler, driver of the No. 38, each were penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide championship driver points for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J, 20A-10.8.2E and 20A-10.8.2L. Additionally, the owners of the No. 10 and No. 38 cars, Todd Braun and Ralph Braun, respectively, each were penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide championship owner points also for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J, 20A-10.8.2E and 20A-10.8.2L...
  
  
• 6/9: NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines to the No. 38 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions committed during last Sunday’s event at Pocono Raceway. The team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-10.7J (unapproved modification to valve stem hardware) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. As a result, crew chief Steve Lane has been fined $100,000, suspended for the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 15 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Car chief Richard Bourgeois and tire specialist Michael Harrold have also been suspended from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup events, suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 15 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Driver Travis Kvapil and owner Doug Yates have been penalized with the loss of 150 driver and 150 owner points, respectively...
  
  
• 6/9: Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh, 13, raced at Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday night in Round 1 of the Summer Shoot-Out Series. Mackintosh is shown with a 19th-place finish in the 20-lap Bandolero Outlaw division. The small cars use a 1/4-mile track in the infield area of the 1.5-mile course frontstretch. Ryan finish fifth in the first heat and started ninth in the feature; he was involved in a wreck on the second lap that forced him to the garage for repair. He is back in action Sunday at Rockingham Speedway (NC)...
  
  
• 6/7: CENTRE for Speed has announced it will require crate engines in all Sportsman and Super Sportsman cars competing at the speedway by no later than 2012. CFS owner Tim Wile says that the program is beinging announced now to allow competitors time to use up their existing refreshed inventory of customer built engines and plan for the acquisition of the spec speedway supplied crate engines for 2012. Sportman and Super Sportsman competitors will be required to run the speedway spec'd engine available for purchase through the speedway as of this announcement. This program is similer in nature to the crate engine program within the speedways new ACT Late Model division. The speedway says it will continue to reduce costs and make changes it feels are necessary to allow new cars to be built in the Sportsman and Super Sportsman fields...
  
  
• 6/6: SAD NEWS - coming out of Maine this morning that pro stock racer Bub Bilodeau passed away last night after the conclusion of the feature at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. Bilodeau, 53, was a three-time Beech Ridge pro stock champ and had numerous wins to his credit at Beech Ridge, and beyond...
  
  
• 6/5: A reminder to Cape Breton stock car racing fans that Island Speedway in Sydney kicks off its 2010 season tonight at 6 p.m. It's a good time to get out and show your support for our sport in Cape Breton!!!
  
  
• 6/3: A story in today's edition of Halifax's "The Chronicle Herald" newspaper says defending Maritime Pro Stock Tour champion Shawn Turple is looking for a repeat performance this season. Click here for the story - you will be redirected to the newspaper website...
  
  
• 6/3: As the NASCAR Nationwide series rolls into Nashville for the Federated Auto Parts 300 this weekend, the No. 88 car driven by Coleman Pressley will sport a special paint scheme featuring Earnhardt, Jr.’s popular restaurant and nightspot, Whisky River, and country music star Lee Brice. Brice is preparing for the release of his major-label debut, Love Like Crazy, next Tuesday, June 8. Although this is Brice’s first full-length studio album, he has released four singles since 2007, all of which have charted. Brice has also written songs for some of country music’s biggest stars, including Curb Records labelmate, Tim McGraw. "I've always been into fast cars and racing,” says Brice. “So to see my name and the title of my debut CD on a car owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and JR Motorsports is thrilling."...
  
  
• 6/2: When the JR Motorsports flagship No. 88 team travels to NASCAR Nationwide Series road-course events at Road America and Watkins Glen International later this season, it will have one of the best road-course drivers in the sport behind the wheel and two brand new sponsorship partners on its hood. AER Manufacturing will sponsor the No. 88 Chevrolet driven by decorated road racer Ron Fellows in the June 19 race at Road America. Fellows has driven for JR Motorsports three times before, winning at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on Aug. 2, 2008. AER Manufacturing has been a world leader in engine remanufacturing for the past 60 years, and has supported Fellows in the Trans Am Series, NASCAR and the American Le Mans Series since 1990. Grand Touring Vodka, which announced a new partnership with JR Motorsports earlier this month, will be Fellows' primary sponsor in the Aug. 7 race at Watkins Glen International...
  
  
• 6/1: WANTED - Two tickets for the August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Please email bonnie034492@hotmail.com or call 902.462.8102...
  
  
• 6/1: Twenty-six-year NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will resume driving duties of the No. 2 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) NASCAR Camping World TRuck Series Chevrolet this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The Fenton, Mo. native made his KHI debut in the Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway on May 2 where he qualified 12th and finished ninth...
  
  
• 5/31: Four Loudon tickets for sale (Cup race on June 27). Section North B, Row 39, Seats 8-11. $420 CDN. Call 902.483.7260...
  
  
• 5/31: Island Speedway in Sydney NS has announced the addition of a monster show to their 2010 schedule - set for July 3 at 2 p.m. Montser Madness tickets are $20 advance or $25 at the door.
  
  
• 5/31: A Crewman from Greg Biffle's No. 16 car was taken to hospital after being hit by Tony Stewart on pit road during Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. A replay showed the man slumping to the ground after Stewart hit him while leaving his pit stall - but no further info is currently available...
  
  
• 5/30: Avondale Speedway (NFLD) will host a meeting today (May 30) at 2 p.m. at Avondale Coffee. The 2010 season starts next Sunday June 6 at 2 p.m...
  
  
• 5/27: Furniture Row Racing announced Wednesday that Pete Rondeau has been named crew chief for the No. 78 Chevrolet, driven by Regan Smith in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Rondeau's new role will commence at this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, N.C. A 44 year-old native of Saco, Maine, Rondeau joined Furniture Row Racing following the 2009 season. His former position was director of research and development at Richard Petty Motorsports...
  
  
• 5/27: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh is on the road this weekend with his INEX Bandolero heading for a double-header in Mobile Alabama. Mackintosh will be on track Friday for a points event and then again Saturday for an INEX Regional Qualifier event. Mackintosh will race five times in eight days in preparation for the Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a 10 week series. The 13-year-old is currently second in national point standings...
  
  
• 5/25: Update re Craig Slaunwhite's venture to White Mountain Motorsports Park in New Hampshire this past weekend for the PASS North SLM show... He got spun in his heat then showved out of a transfer position in the semi - so didn't make the feature - but he loved the track and can't wait to go back...
  
  
• 5/25: Charlotte Motor Speedway officials have announced a new television agreement with SPEED today for coverage of the Legends Million, the largest grassroots race in history, taking place at the track July 15-17. SPEED's national telecast will air Saturday, July 17, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The program will include live coverage of the 100-lap A-Main feature and taped highlights from Thursday and Friday night's action...
  
  
• 5/24: Weekly racing started Sunday at Scotia Speedworld and Centre for Speed; we'll have results for you just as soon as we get them. Oyster Bed Speedway opens today while Speedway 660 opens next Saturday...
  
  
• 5/23: Advance tickets are now available for the June 19th season opener at Riverside Int'l Speedway - the Ron MacGillivary 100 for the Pro Stock Tour. Click here for the order form (PDF file - Adobe Reader required)...
  
  
• 5/22: Ryan Mackintosh was rained out Friday at Concord Motor Speedway. His schedule shows him back in his Bandoleros Outlaw racecar May 28 - at Concord...
  
  
• 5/21: The Riverside Sportsman Series has updated their website showing the two races previously scheduled for Island Speedway in Sydney as "currently cancelled." This leaves six events for the series maiden season, four at Riverside International Speedway (June 19, July 16, August 14 and September 17) and two at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (June 26 and August 21)...
  
  
• 5/21: All drivers who compete in this weekends Centre for Speed event on Sunday, May 23rd at 2 PM will receive free admission. In addition, all those who compete this weekend will be eligible for season long free entry to all points championship events. Drivers can miss up to two events (total) throughout the season and still receive free entry all season long to all points racing events. This is a continuation of the policy announced last year. Drivers are encouraged to call the speedway if they have any questions (CFS online)...
  
  
• 5/20: The Donald Chisholm/Nova Racing team has returned to Antigonish after a successful test in their new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car earlier this week at Delaware Speedway in Ontario - where Chisholm will race in the series season opener June 5. Chisholm's times were in the mix with other cars at the test; the session was helpful as team learned the new spec motor car (pictured below) and Chsiholm adapted to the 1/2-mile track...
  
  
  Donald Chisholm (89) at Delaware Speedway in Ontario earlier this week...
  
  
• 5/21: Reports are coming out of Charlotte North Carolina yesterday that Brian Vickers could miss at least three months as driver of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 83 car as Vickers undergoes treatment for blood clots diagnosed 10 days ago. The 26-year-old missed Dover last week with Casey Mears replacing him - and who will replace Vickers again in Saturday's All-Star Race. No official diagnosis for Vickers has been announced but one is expected, along with a prognosis, at a Press Conference scheduled for Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway...
  
  
• 5/21: A reminder for PEI race fans that Oyster Bed Speedway opens for the 2010 season this coming Monday May 24. The show will feature weekly racing divisions and a demolition derby. Pit gates open at 11 a.m.; racing starts at 2 p.m...
  
  
• 5/20: Centre for Speed (near Shediac NB) has announced rules for its ACT Late Model racing division. Visit the track website for more - click here...
  
  
• 5/19: A charity event for the late PASS North driver Gary Bellefleur has been scheduled for June 5th in his hometown of Stetson, Maine. The Gary Bellefleur Memorial Supper will benefit a memorial fund to assist his family and honor his memory. The dinner will take place on Saturday, June 5th from 4-7pm at the Stetson Union Church. Donations will be accepted at the door. The supper will feature hot dogs and beans along with cole slaw provided by Maine racing legend Ralph Nason. Deserts will also be a part of the fare. It is being organized by PASS North driver and team owner Scott Mulkern with the help of PASS North driver Gary Smith and PASS Sportsman driver Duane Seekins. Bellefleur passed away late last month after a shop accident while he was preparing his racecar for the 2010 PASS North season. He had strong ties to the Stetson community, where he served as a Town Selectman and previously headed the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his wife Melodie, son Gary and daughter Cassie. Anyone who wishes to make a donation that cannot attend the supper can mail a donation to: Mulkern Racing LLC, Attention: Bellefleur Memorial Fund, 58 Hadlock Road, Falmouth, ME 04105...
  
  
• 5/19: A judge has dismissed Jeremy Mayfield's lawsuit against NASCAR saying the NASCAR driver failed to support the defamation claims he made against the organization. Mayfield filed the suit last year in a counter-action after NASCAR suspended Mayfield in May '09 for alleged substance abuse. In Tuesday's ruling the judge further stated Mayfield had signed several documents as a NASCAR drvier and owner saying he would abide by NASCAR's substance abuse policy which, among other things, prohibits drivers for suing NASCAR in connection with drug test results...
  
  
• 5/19: SAD NEWS - An 87-year-old WWII veteran, Fred Donald Krusemark, has died as a result of injuries suffered earlier this week in a ride-along experience at Texas Motor Speedway. The accident happened after a tire blew out and the car hit the wall; the driver of the car remains in critical condition. Krusemark chose the ride-along experience as a reward for being a blood donor. Texas Motor Speedway officials had no comment since the track was being leased by an unaffiliated company for the event...
  
  
• 5/18: Good to hear Scotia Speedworld sportsman division vetean driver Terry Roma was in the pits at Speedworld Sunday. Roma has been undergoing cancer treatment over the winter but is still in hopes for some action beghind the wheel this year. While he didn't have his car at the track Sunday he does plan to run the heat race this week - and let that be his guide as to whether he runs the feature, or not. Kudos Terry...
  
  
• 5/17: We'll have photos from Sunday's Scotia Speedworld's weekly racing division practice either later on today or Tuesday - so stay tuned. Click [here] for the slideshow..
  
  
• 5/17: Ryan Mackintosh was rained out in North Carolina Sunday. On Saturday at Concord Motorsports Park Ryan won his heat to earn the outside pole for the ' feature. He was racing for the lead when the other car clipped the nose of his racecar causing damage; he was 12th on the restart and made it all the way back to second before being black-flagged with a scraping bumper (welds had broken in crash). The 12-year-old from Amherst, NS was disappointed with the finish - but extremely pleased with his car...
  
  
• 5/16: Today's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is being broadcast live by FOX, will be tape-delayed on TSN with an 8 p.m. AT start time...
  
  
• 5/15: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and 2010 Speedway Children's Charities Spokesman Carl Edwards has announced that if he is victorious in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway he will donate his portion of the $1 million prize earned by the race winner to the non-profit organization that cares for children in educational, financial, social and medical need...
  
  
• 5/14: Red Bull Racing Team officials announced Thursday that due to a recent diagnosis of a medical condition, Brian Vickers will not compete in this weekend's NASCAR racing activities at Dover International Speedway. Vickers, 26, driver of the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota, was hospitalized Wednesday evening and continues to undergo testing and further evaluation. Casey Mears has been selected to drive for the team this weekend. "It is unfortunate that I will not be able to participate in the Dover race. Casey is a good friend of mine, and I know he will do his best for the No. 83 team this weekend," Vickers said. "Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery," said Jay Frye, RBRT General Manager and Vice President. "All things are looking good at the moment. This is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well."
  
  
• 5/14: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show today (May 14) as part of "Oprah Fridays LIVE with Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz." Johnson joins Oprah's mission to put an end to distracted driving...
  
  
• 5/14: A reminder to race fans in the Halifax area this weekend...Scotia Speedworld will host pre-season practice for CARQUEST Tour competitors Saturday and weekly racing series racers on Sunday. Saturday's session starts at Noon and runs until 5 p.m.; Sunday goes from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Bandoleros until 11 then the others from 11:30 until 5:30 p.m.). Pit admission is $5 both days; grandstand admission is free...
  
  
• 5/14: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski made a visit to home state and hometown Detroit Tigers on Thursday, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch along with Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, just prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Keselowski’s pitch was high, but right down the middle to Tiger’s outfielder Magglio Ordonez. Keselowski, a native of nearby suburb Rochester Hills, was in Detroit supporting the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 race weekend, scheduled for June 11-13 at Michigan International Speedway. He will return to the Irish Hills in a month after making his Sprint Cup Series debut at MIS last August, finishing 24th. He also won the Nationwide Series race that same weekend...
  
  
• 5/13: There will be an open practice this Saturday (May 15) at 2pm at Oyster Bed Speedway in PEI. Admission $5.00 per person...
  
  
• 5/12: Tony Stewart needs a sponsor for his No. 14 Sprint Cup Series car for 2011, and beyond, after longtime supporter Old Spice announced they will not renew their contract when it expires at the end of the 2010 season. "Based solely on a change in our marketing strategies, the Old Spice contract with Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing will expire at the end of 2010 and will not be renewed," Mike Norton, Old Spice Brand spokesman, said in a statement...
  
  
• 5/11: A familiar face at the Monster Mile will say the four most famous words in motorsports – “Gentleman, start your engines” – to bring 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series engines to life this Sunday (May 16) at Dover International Speedway. Richard Petty, a seven-time winner at the Monster Mile and owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, will be the grand marshal for the “Autism Speaks 400 presented by HERSHEY®’S Milk & Milkshakes” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race...
  
  
• 5/9: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh finished third at Concord Motor Speedway in Friday night Bandolero Outlaw action, running as high as second with an ill-handling racecar after track temps plummeted following heat race action earlier in the show. Saturday at Concord Mackintosh, 13, had a fast car and was hoping for a win, but got togther with a fellow competitor while making a pass for second - assuring the leader a comfortable margin of victory. Mackintosh was off Sunday...
  
  
• 5/6: FanHouse.com, http://www.fanhouse.com, will be the primary sponsor for Carl Edwards’ No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion at the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway on June 12, 2010, and is asking fans to determine Edwards’ paint scheme. Voting runs from May 5 to May 11, and fans will be able to choose between three designs by visiting the NASCAR section of FanHouse.com http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/...
  
  
• 5/5: Talked to three-time maritime pro stock champion John Flemming yesterday - thinking he would be down after not making the field for the PASS North opener this past weekend in Maine. "Not really," he said. Seems Flemming had a bad coil on his car causing the engine to miss, starting in the heat just as he was about to move into the final feature transfer spot. Thinking it was fixed they returned to the consi with confidence - but the problem persisted. It wasn't until they got the car home and tore it down they found the problem...
  
  
• 5/5: Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Mark Martin's No. 5 car on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be the guest on today's AmpUpThe88.com chat, starting at 1:30 p.m. Gustafson will tell fans that join in what his team is doing this week to prepare for the track "Too Tough To Tame" Darlington Speedway - site of this weekends Sprint Cup Series race...
  
  
• 5/4: On Saturday May 29 the Autism Society of Cape Breton together with Racing for Autism will host an event At Island Speedway in Sydney NS. The Racing for Autism Team are coming to Cape Breton on May 28th to take Jessie Delorey for a drive in the Racing for Autism Mustang. Jessie is the brother of James Delorey an autistic boy who was lost in December 2009 in South Bar. While in Cape Breton the Racing for Autism team has approached the Autism Society of Cape Breton to host an autism awareness event. The event will present the Racing for Autism Mustangs with the names of Cape Bretoner’s with autism printed on puzzle pieces affixed to the cars. More info at www.racing4autism.ca or call 902.842.9761 to help track officials prepare for the event...
  
  
• 5/4: On Saturday, June 5th, the night after PASS South runs at Ace Speedway in North Carolina, there will be an open test at North Wilkesboro Speedway for PASS Super Late Models and any other divisions that wish to run at the famed track in North Carolina. Fees will be $20 per person...
  
  
• 5/3: The 2009 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge Champions – the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet pit crew of Richard Childress Racing – will appear on FOX and Friends Tuesday, May 4 at approximately 8:50 a.m. ET. The No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet pit crew will perform a pit stop on national TV, marking the first time a NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM pit crew will be featured on a national morning show. The 2009 champions captured the team title last year setting a new event record with a time of 22.115 seconds...
  
  
• 5/3: Concord Motor Speedway action was red-flagged by rain Saturday night but not before Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh won his heat race to earn the pole position for the Bandoelro Outlaw feature race; Mackintosh fell back to second before being collected by another car and spinning - having to work his way from the rear, getting back to the top five - when rain halted the race...
  
  
• 5/2: Amherst Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh finished eighth Friday night at Concord Motorsports Park in North Carolina, driving in the INEX Bandoelro Outlaw division. Mackintosh, 13, started ninth and finished fifth in his heat, starting fifth for the feature in which he advanced to second before a leaky valve stem caused the need for a pit stop - and a finish not indicative of his run. Mackintosh was scheduled to run again Saturday at Concord...
  
  5/1: PASS NORTH BEECH RIDGE REGIONAL RACER UPDATE (5 p.m. AT)... Shawn Turple finished fourth in the first heat - transferred to the feature with a 13th place starting spot. John Flemming finished last in the first heat and Craig Slaunwhite finished seventh in the third heat; both need to go to consi's in their quest to qualify for the feature. There are 38 cars entered... at 6 p.m. Craig Slaunwhite has made the feature by finishing third in the first consi for 23rd-place on the starting grid...(Thanks to Cassie Ledwidge for the news...)
  
  
• 5/1: Hendrick Motorsports announced Friday multi-year extensions with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chiefs Chad Knaus (48 car) and Alan Gustafson (5 car)...
  
  
• 4/29: Nova Scotia's Shawn Turple and Craig Slaunwhite are both planning to enter this weekend's PASS North SLM season opener at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Maine. Turple, the 2009 maritime PST champ, finished 14th at the PASS spring Beech Ridge race last year while Slaunwhite makes his first race trip to the U.S. Both drivers are graduates of the SFR (Scott Fraser Racing) program - ironically perhaps both following on the heels of one of the most successful Maritime racers in the U.S.: the late Scott Fraser. Good luck to both Turple and Slaunwhite this weekend...
  
  
• 4/28: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) has named Casey Mears driver of the No. 36 Chevrolet, team owner Tommy Baldwin announced. Mears will be behind the wheel of the No. 36 starting this weekend at Richmond International Raceway for the Heath Calhoun 400. Mears takes over for Johnny Sauter, whose two-race stint as driver of the No. 36 ended this past weekend at Talladega, where he finished 41st...
  
  
• 4/27: Jimmie Johnson "made a mistake" Sunday when he blocked Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon during the Talladega Sprint Cup Series race. This from Johnson Monday in an AP interview. Johnson said he miscalculated Gordon's closing speed when he drifted down the track hoping the two would draft to the front of the pack; instead creating a block that forced the faster Gordon to the apron, losing his momentum and getting caught up in the wreck that ensued moments later. Gordon was blatantly frustrated with Johnson in his post-race interview. Not only are the two teammates as drivers at Hendrick but Gordon is listed as the owner of Johnson's No. 48 car...
  
  
• 4/26: Brad Eddy is shown with a 13th-place finish at Hickory Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon after being involved in a late-race caution. Brad was running sixth at the time and felt like he the potential for a top five finish...
  
  
• 4/26: The Atlantic Open Wheel Tour (AOW) will visit the Centre for Speed (CFS) near Shediac, NB six times in 2010: June 6, July 4, July 10, July 31, Aug 15, and Aug 29. In addition AOW have agreed to a CFS request to allow the cars to optionaly run a speedway perscribed IMCA style front snout...
  
  
• 4/25: Brad Eddy's plans to race at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina Saturday night were postponed by rain; the race card was moved to Sunday afternoon...
  
  
• 4/24: The ACT Late Model Tour season opener has been potponed by rain for the second week in a row - at a second track. After last weekend's rain-out at Lee USA this weekend's race at at Albany-Saratoga Speedway became the season opener, until it was forced into potponement by the huge wet weather system blanketing the eastern half of the U.S. for the past couple of days. Next weekend's event scheduled for Thunder Road Speedway is now set to be the 2010 ACT Late Model Tour season opener...
  
  
• 4/24: Lower Sackville's Brad Eddy finished fourth (unofficially) Friday in his first-ever race at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, North Carolina. Eddy practiced at the track earlier this week and turned times similar to top division racers - a good omen for qualifying Friday where he was the last car to take time - but impressed many by qualifying sixth on the field - to give a sixth-place start for the feature. Brad races at Hickory Motor Speedway tonight...
  
  
• 4/24: PASS has bumped up the start of its PASS South event at Orange Blossom Speedway in North Carolina tonight; the race was originally set to start at approx. 7:30 p.m. - but now sees a 6:30 p.m. anticipated start - in order to accomodate an approaching weather system. Based on the forecast late last night PASS officials beleive this will give them enough time to get the race in - before the rain starts...
  
  
• 4/24: More on the JR Motorsports announcement...the rumour mill is running at full speed saying Dale Jr. will drive a No. 3 Wrangler-sponsored car in the July Nationwide race at Daytona - a tribute to the No. 3 Wrangler car made famous by his dad...
  
  
• 4/24: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shaved the beard. Jr. started the season with a bit of whisker then let it grow - until this week when he decided it was getting too warm, and becasue he has a couple of sponsor-related productions coming up...
  
  
• 4/24: Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have apparently talked through their on-track tussle at Texas last weekend. Both drivers spoke about the incident with media at Talladega Friday - both saying they respected the others competitive spirit...
  
  
• 4/22: JR Motorsports will host a special announcement next Thursday at their facility in Moorresville, NC. The event will be co-hosted by Richard Childress Racing, and Dale Earnhardt Inc., with special attendees set to include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Richard Childress, Teresa Earnhardt and Kelley Earnhardt. The event is open to credentialed media members only...
  
  
• 4/21: Mike Robar is the lucky winner of the CARQUEST Tour 10th Anniversary "Memorable Moment" contest. Robar's recollection of the reopening of Riverside Int'l Speedway in August 2006 netted him a VIP package to the June 5 Tour season opener at Scotia Speedworld...
  
  
• 4/20: For anyone wondering (like we were)...Lake Doucette Motor Speedway near Yarmouth, NS will run three events this year - two sportsman tour shows and an AOW show. All three races will feature outlaw and 4 cylinder support races...
  
  
• 4/20: There was lots of disappointment to go around Monday between Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. The two had cars that were in a zip code by themselves for most of the race and raced each other aggressively for the lead more than once. At one point, with Johnson leading, Gordon got close enough to get Johnson loose then ducked under him to make the pass for the lead; Johnson drifted down the track as Gordon passed and the two cars connected. Gordon's 24 had a big donut on the passenger door - but Johnson's 48 had a bent fender and a damaged tire. Both drivers said in interviews they were "disappointed" with the other - but added they preferred to sort out their differences in private, not through the press...
  
  
• 4/19: Dartmouth NS native Gary Crooks, now operating out of Mooresville, NC, is offering a new service to local racers that will allow them access to data acquisition equipment that analyzes certain components of their racecar so they better understand what makes their car tick, literally. The concept is that a better understanding of why things do what they do should allow teams to make real-time adjustments quicker and - that work better. Anyone interested in more info should contact Gary at 704.224.6672...
  
  
• 4/19: Island Speedway in Sydney, NS has posted rules for a 2010 Bomber class of racecars; according to the post they are looking at the division in an effort to take the track and its racers back to its roots. Visit the track website [here] for more info...
  
  
• 4/19: Amherst NS's Ryan Mackintosh finished his weekend Sunday with a second-place at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. The 13-year-old Bandolero Outlaw driver started the feature on the third row of the feature with a fast car fresh off a fourth-place finish Friday night at Concord Motor Speedway, also in NC... Mackintosh had a fast car all weekend and this continued on Sunday. Practice sessions were fast but a loose car and an error by the driver put the #03 on the third row for the feature. A clean feature made it tough for Mackintosh to get back up to the front but when the smoke cleared the #03 ended with a second place finish after the 20 lap feature.
  
  
• 4/18: Brad Eddy got his first limited late model top 10 finish Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. It was Eddy's second race at the track - and second in a late model. Brad started the race 15th on the 18-car field and made it to eighth before getting caught up in someone else's wreck on lap 25, restarting in 13th and racing back to ninth before the checkers flew on lap 35. Brad, 15, is back in action next Friday night for his first race ever at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, North Carolina...
  
  
• 4/18: Ryan Mackintosh finished fourth Friday night at Concord Motor Speedway - but had as much fun as he has ever had driving his Bandolero. Starting fifth on the starting grid Mackintosh made his way into a three-way battle for the lead much of the race and then finally in the closing laps a three-way battle for second. The top fours cars finished under a blanket. Mackintosh, 13 - from Amherst NS - races again Sunday at Rockingham Speedway...
  
  
• 4/17: Heavy rain ahs caused the postponement of the 2010 ACT Tour season opener which was set for this weekend at Less USA Speedway. The track and the series are negotiating a replacement date - which they hope to announce in the near future...
  
  
• 4/16: Tony Stewart, NASCAR driver and owner of Eldora Speedway in Ohio, will be joined by Kyle Busch Tuesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to announced details of the 2010 Prelude to a Dream charity race that Stewart/Eldora host annually featuring top names in motorsports. The pair will be at Indy for a NASCAR/Goodyear tire test in preparation for August's Brickyard 400...
  
  4/16: Denny Hamlin expects to be behind the wheel of the No. 11 Sprint Cup Series car Sunday at Texas - for the entire 500 miles of the event. Hamlin, who underwent knee surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago, was noticeably uncomfortable after last weekends 600 km (375 mile) race at Phoenix. He says the knee feesl much better after another week of rest and rehab...
  
  
• 4/16: NASCAR superstars Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear in the Monster Mile Club on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at Dover International Speedway, joining Richard Petty and Denny Hamlin as guests of question-and-answer sessions in the club. The Monster Mile Club, an all-inclusive hospitality option, is available for $99 and can be added on to any May 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race ticket. Call the Dover ticket office at 1-800-441-RACE Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit DoverSpeedway.com; the special packages are only available until April 30...
  
  
• 4/16: Lower Sackville NS's Brad Eddy is back in North Carolina and ready to race his limited late model Saturday at Hickory Motor Speedway. Next week Brad's got a double-header planned for Tri-County Speedway and Hickory...
  
  
• 4/14: The racing rumour mill is hot'n'heavy this week that Kasey Kahne will join Hendrick Motorsports, effective 2012. Richard Petty Motorsports has confirmed Kahne will not renew his contract with them when it expires at the end of 2010 - which would leave Kahne's 2011 plan in question since Hendrick's current roster of drivers are all signed for next year. Speculation is that Kahne will replace Mark Martin, whose contract expires at the end of 2011. Earnhardt is signed through 2013; Johnson through 2015 and Gordon has a lifetime contract with Hendrick...
  
  
• 4/14: The CARQUEST Tour has scheduled its annual pre-season shakedown for Saturday May 15 at Scotia Speedworld near Halifax NS. The track will be open to teams registered to compete on the 2010 Tour. Tech will also be open. Pit admission is $5; grandstand admission is free. The gates open an Noon and close at 5 p.m...
  
  4/14: Scotia Speedworld's annual test'n'tune is set for Sunday May 16. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. with the Bandoleros on track from 9 until 11; the rest of the weekly racing divisions get the green at 11:30 a.m. with the track closing at 5:30 p.m. Admission will be $5 and the session is open only to drivers registered to compete at Scotia Speedworld in 2010...
  
  
• 4/14: Roush Fenway Racing veteran Mike Kelley has been named crew chief of the No. 6 NASCAR Nationwide team with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. effective immediately. Kelley joined Roush Fenway in 2002 as car chief of the No. 97 team under Jimmy Fennig and has since gone on to contribute to Roush Fenway’s 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship along with numerous wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a car chief and in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a crew chief with Carl Edwards and David Ragan. Ben Leslie, who had served at crew chief on the No. 6, moves to the role of director of competition over Roush Fenway’s four Nationwide teams...
  
  
• 4/14: Ryan Sebek, a crew member for the No. 76 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On April 8, Sebek was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book...
  
  
• 4/13: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Whelen Engineering, Inc., have announced an extension that will see Whelen remain as the entitlement sponsor for three of NASCAR’s developmental series through the 2019 racing season. The extension means Whelen, which became an entitlement sponsor in 2004, is the longest running current entitlement contract for any of NASCAR's series...
  
  
• 4/12: Island Speedway in Sydney, NS will be undertaking fundraisers to help with track improvements; a special bank account will be created for those wishing to contribute. Call Blair at 902.842.9761 for more info - or ideas...
  
  
• 4/11: Joe Gibbs, once considered a rival to many in the state of Texas as the Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Washington Redskins, will now be hailed by the Lone Star State as he will be the latest motorsports icon inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame. Gibbs, who owns three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships (2000, ’02, ’05) as owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, will be honored Friday, April 16, during the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Gala held in the Speedway Club’s Grand Ballroom at Texas Motor Speedway during the Samsung Mobile 500 race weekend...
  
  
• 4/10: Amherst, Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh battled his way to a third-place finish Friday night at Concord Speedway in North Carolina. Mackintosh, who will celebrate his 14th birthday Saturday, started the feature fifth driving his backup car after electrical problems during practice him park his primary car. Mackintosh will be back in action Sunday at Rockingham Speedway...
  
  
• 4/9: Got an email from Centre for Speed this morning; it says: CENTRE for Speed says it expects to make what it believes is the most significant announcement for the speedway in it's 15 year history, later today. "This coming announcement is the most significant one we have ever made in relation to stock car racing at our venue", said Tim Wile GM of the CENTRE. Wile went on to say that he expects there may be some interests who try to downplay the announcement similar to when CFS first introduced Pro Stock crate engines into the region several years ago. He believes however that, as with the engines time will prove this to be a boom for racing for the region...
  
  
• 4/9: Riverside Int'l Speedway has opened the box office for those interested in purchasing Premium Seats for the season. New stadium=style seats with fold-up bottoms and full backs on the top row of the main grandstand are reserved exclusively for the Premium Seat holders. Visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 1-902-863-1596 for more info...
  
  
• 4/9: SAD NEWS - Tom Blackwell, longtime NASCAR track promoter and a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame voting committee, passed away Wednesday night. He was 81. Blackwell operated and was the former owner of Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway, the second- oldest race track in NASCAR. He has been involved with the track since 1955, when his family purchased the half-mile paved oval from the Garrison family and then-track promoter Bill France Sr...
  
  
• 4/8: Laila Ali, daughter of former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali who has emerged as the greatest in terms of women’s boxing, will serve as Grand Marshall for the Subway Fresh Fit 600 on Sunday. The tie-in: she is the spokesperson for Subway’s new “Fresh Fit For Kids” campaign. Ali has risen to the top of her sport in recent years with several high-profile victories, including a knockout of Christy Martin, once considered the unofficial “pound-for-pound” women’s champion. Ali is 24-0, and holds the world Super Middleweight title...
  
  
• 4/8: Denny Hamlin is expected to be in the driver's seat of the No. 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car at Phoenix this weekend. Hamlin, the most recent winner on the circuit, had reconstructive knee surgery last Wednesday; post-op rehab is said to be going well...
  
  
• 4/7: Larry Pearson update...The former NASCAR driver injured in a scary crash at Bristol Motor Speedway March 20 during a support race featuring NASCAR legends remains in hospital. According to a report on SPEED TV this week Pearson has had six surgeries since then; he suffered two broken legs, a shattered pelvis, two broken ribs, a broken ankle and a broken right hand. He hopes to be released from hospital this week to return to his South Carolina home to begin what is expected to be months of rehab...
  
  
• 4/7: NASCAR's Regan Smith, driver of the No. 78 Sprint Cup Series car, will enter the 2010 edition of the IWK 250 at Riverside Int'l Speedway near Antigonish. Smith has made the trek north and east to compete in the race the past three years scoring a win in 2008...
  
  
• 4/5: It's not stock car racing - but - will help support the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame, if you attend the play they are hosting at their Petitcodiac, NB location this Saturday (April 10). "Aunt Tilley Goes to Sea" is a three-act comedy by Wilbur Braun; the show starts at 7 p.m. Call 506-756-2110 for more information...
  Lonnie Sommerville at Hickory Motor Speedway April 2, 2010; Photo Credit - Norm Marx
  
  
• 4/3: Forty-seven super late model teams were on hand at Hickory Motor Speedway Friday to practice for today's Easter Bunny 150. Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville (pictured avove) is among the racers trying to bring home the Easter Bunny. Qualifying time trials and a last chance race this afternoon will set the field for the feature - expected to start at 7:30 p.m. AT (6:30 ET)...
  
  
• 4/2: The forecast is great for this weekends PASS National/South SLM Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Practice today will see sunny skies and high temps in the low 80s; Saturday race day forecast calls for sunshine and high 70s. New Brunswick's Lonnie Sommerville is among the names on the entry list. Amherst, Nova Scotia's Ryan Mackintosh will also compete at Hickory this weekend in the Bandoleros division...
  
  
• 4/2: A new name for the 4-cylinder divisions at Scotia Speedworld in 2010 - same sponsor...What has been know for several seasons as the Miller Tire/BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning divisions will now be dubbed "Tirecraft Thunder & Lightning" as the tire company promotes its affiliation with the national Tirecraft family...
  
  
• 4/2: Showtime Networks Inc. has announced a deal with Darlington Raceway to be named the official title sponsor of the Southern 500, becoming one of the only television networks ever to title sponsor a NASCAR event. The newly branded SHOWTIME Southern 500® is one of the most exciting and anticipated races on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. The title sponsorship builds on the premium television network’s recent entry into NASCAR. In February, SHOWTIME premiered “Inside NASCAR,” premium television’s first weekly highlights and analysis show dedicated to auto racing. The network committed 38, one-hour episodes of Inside NASCAR on SHOWTIME (weekly premiere on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT) featuring exclusive narrated highlights and in-depth analysis of every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this season. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series will visit the track on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 7-8, for the SHOWTIME Southern 500® and Darlington 200...
  
  
• 4/1: Denny Hamlin, winner of Monday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway (VA), had successful surgery Wednesday to repair a torn ligament in his knee. Hamlin will start rehab immediately and is expected to make a full recovery. Casey Mears remains on standby in case Hamlin has any complications, but barring that he will be back in the No. 11 April 10th at Phoenix...
  
  
• 4/1: Hard to believe it's been this long - but - it was 17 years ago today in 1993 we lost Alan Kulwicki in a place crash as he headed for the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kulwicki was the 1992 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (then Winston Cup) champion...
  
  
• 3/30: Denny Hamlin, winner of Monday's Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway (VA), will have his knee surgery Wednesday; originally scheduled for Monday morning the trip to the OR was pushed back to late Monday afternoon - but Hamlin's Victory Lane obligations meant he couldn't make that appt. either. In spite of losing two days recovery time doctors still anticipate Hamlin will be able to drive the car at Phoenix April 10th...
  
  
• 3/30: The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour has announced details of a 10th anniversary contest for which the grand prize is a VIP experience for the June 5th series season opener at Scotia Speedworld. Visit their website to learn more - click here...
  
  
• 3/30: Chris Hughes, driver of the No. 32 car on the CARQUEST Tour, has announced the extension of his primary sponsor Pauley Equipment - marking the third year for the partnership. Hughes, from PEI, will campaign a 2010 Toyota Camry on the Tour hoping to compete for the championship...
  
  
• 3/29: No word whether Denny Hamlin or Casey Mears will be in the No. 11 Sprint Cup Series car at Martinsville today. Hamlin, the regular driver, announced this weekend he would have surgery on his left knee today to repair a torn ligament suffered in January while he was playing basketball. Hamlin had previously announced he would wait until the season was over for the surgery but growing fear of long-term damage changed his plan. Mears was on standby Sunday in case Hamlin needed relief; Hamlin expects to be back in the car by Phoenix in two weeks..
  
  
• 3/28: Lower Sackville's Brad Eddy finished 12th in his limited late model division debut Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Not only was it Brad's racing debut at Hickory but also his debut in a late model - having raced karts and Bandoleros until now. Brad, 15, started the feature 14th after spinning on the first lap of his qualifying race. Brad heads home to Nova Scotia this week with plans to return to Hickory for more late model racing in a few weeks; needless to say - he can't wait (updated from unofficial results which showed a 10th for Brad)...
  
  
• 3/28: Ryan Mackintosh had problems with a stuck throttle but still managed to finish fourth in the Bandolero feature at Concord Motor Speedway in North Carolina saturday night. Mackintosh started the race fourth and had advanced to second when the problem started - resulting in a full throttle entry into the corners thereafter. Mackintosh had planned a Sunday run at Rockingham Speedway (NC) but that event has been postponed due to expected wet weather...
  
  
• 3/27: Amherst's Ryan Macintosh picked up another podium finish Friday night in Bandoleros competition Friday night at Concord Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Macintosh finished second to John Holleman and both beat a full field of drivers from six states and Canada. Friday's finish gives Ryan four top three finishes in five starts this season. Congrats to Ryan!
  
  
• 3/27: Centre for Speed will host "Monster Mayhem" July 10, a monster truck show expected to feature Crushtation, Erradicator, Backdraft, War Eagle, Screamin Deamon, and Razin Kane...
  
  
• 3/26: Lower Sackville's Brad Eddy (15) will make his NASCAR Weekly Racing Series debut this Saturday in the limited late model division at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina - confirmed by Brad's dad, Dan, yesterday. The team is impressed with Brad's progress to-date and feel the next step is real racing action. Good Luck Brad!
  
  
• 3/25: Charlie Glotzbach was released from hospital Wednesday after suffering injuires in Saturday's legends race crash at Bristol Motor Speedway; Glotzbach will return to his home in Indiana to complete his recovery. Larry Pearson, injured in the same wreck, remains hospitalized in Charlotte, NC...
  
  
• 3/25: Cars from Venturini Motorsports swept the top five positions on the speed charts at Talladega Superspeedway today as the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards finished up the second of a two-day test. Steve Arpin led the Venturini Motorsports contingent with a top speed of 190.666 mph. Patrick Sheltra led the non-Venturini Motorsports cars, with a sixth-best speed of 188.999 mph. Motocross legend and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ricky Carmichael was seventh fastest in a Wintron Motorsports car at 188.973 mph. Daytona’s ARCA winner, Bobby Gerhart, was ninth fastest of the day with a speed of 188.193 mph...
  
  
• 3/24: Both Larry Pearson and Charlie Glotzbach remained hospitalized Tuesday after Saturday's legends race crash at Bristol. Pearson has been moved to Carolinas Medical Centre in Charlotte NC while Glotzbach remains in a Bristol-area hospital...
  
  
• 3/24: Island Speedway officials will host their 2010 drivers meetings April 11 at the Mira Road Firehall starting at Noon for the Trucks and Mini/Lightningbug classes and at 1:30 for Thunder and Street classes...
  
  3/24: Most anyone who watched the television broadcast of this past Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race from Bristol Motor Speedway noticed the empty seats and imagined that to be odd for the popular short track. It was the first time since 1982 the event was not a sell-out...
  
  
• 3/23: As of Monday afternoon both Larry Pearson and Charlie Glotzbach remained in a Bristol-area hospital recovering from injuries suffered in a scary wreck during a charity late model race for motorsports legends this past Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Their conditions remain unchanged with Pearson listed in fair condition and Glotzbach in good condition. Pearson, 56, suffered multiple fractures while Glotzbach, 71, is believed to have suffered a punctured lung and cracked sternum...
  
  
• 3/23: Speedway 660 has issued a call-out to anyone intending to compete in their 4 cylinder division this year. The move comes as track management finalize their 2010 schedule and are needing to understand how many competitors they will have in the 4 cylinder division. If you are one of those guys - or gals - please confirm your participation by completing a form found on the track website - click here for the link...
  
  
• 3/23: More than 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are scheduled to participate in a two-day test today and tomorrow at Charlotte Motor Speedway in preparation for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 - both in May. The session is devoted entirely to spoiler work. Spoilers will replace the current wings on backs of cars beginning this weekend in Martinsville...
  
  
• 3/22: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh wrapped up a double-header weekend of Bandolero racing with a third-place finish Sunday at Rockingham Speedway; two podium finishes in two days for the 13-year-old. Mackintosh will be back in action this Friday at Concord Motor Speedway in North Carolina...
  
  
• 3/22: The Island Speedway website has been updated to say their 2010 opening day is set for June 5 - and that there will be driver meetings within the next two weeks...
  
  
• 3/22: According to a report in Monday's edition of a South Carolina newspaper Larry Pearson is doing "OK" after surgery Saturday night for a fracture in his left ankle. Expectations are that he will be released from hospital Monday but will need more surgery for a fractured pelvis at a later date...
  
  
• 3/21: Amherst's Ryan Mackintosh finished a solid second in the INEX Bandoleoro Outlaw feature race Saturday night at Concord Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Mackintosh won a heat earlier in the evening to earn his second-place start on the feature grid beside eventual feature winner John Holleman IV...Mackintosh, 13, is back in action Sunday at Rockingham Speedway...
  
  
• 3/21: Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials announced today a promotion unprecedented in the history of asphalt short track racing. Both the PASS South Super Late Model Series events at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC and Concord Speedway in Concord, NC will offer free grandstand admission for fans. Orange County’s Orange Blossom Special to be held on April 24th and Concord’s Old Glory 150 scheduled for May 29th will be free to fans holding complimentary tickets provided by PASS, the speedways, and sponsors. These tickets, good for a $20 general admission seat, will be made available thanks to the help of various series sponsors. The only charge will be a $10.00 per vehicle parking fee....
  
  
• 3/20: Brad Eddy was on track at Hickory Motor Speedway again Friday afternoon setting speeds within 3/10-second of the fastest laps on the day in his limited late model division. He's now got 175 laps under his belt at the famed oval billed as the home to NASCAR stars. Eddy, along with his dad and his team, has decided he needs more seat time before mixing it up at speed with 24 other drivers hungry for points so has decided to sit out tonight's season opener at Hickory, instead opting to watch tonight's show to study procedures - and his competition. His program calls for more practice next week...
  
  
• 3/18: Lower Sackville NS's Brad Eddy got to shake down his limited late model racecar Wednesday at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. The 16-year-old did more than 100 laps at the historic oval and by the end of the session was within 4/10-second of pole times for the division. Brad said he can feel the speed of the car (compared to his Legends car) but needs more seat time to get used to the much-heavier weight. There is an open session Friday which Brad will participate in before deciding if he'll make his racing debut at the track season opener Saturday night...
  
  
• 3/17: JR Motorsports officials announced this week its goal for the No. 7 program is to race the full 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule as opposed to the previously-announced 13 races in which Danica Patrick will drive. Complete sponsorship details and drivers are to be determined; however, veteran racer Scott Wimmer will take the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet this Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway and April 3 at Nashville Superspeedway...
  
  
• 3/17: Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup car, revealed Tuesday at Talladega that the baby he and his wife Ingrid are expecting in August will be a boy - a brother for Ella who will be three in June. Gordon said they would have been happy whether the new baby was a boy or a girl so long as the baby is healthy - but that having a girl and a boy is exactly what they had hoped for...
  
  
• 3/16: A new spin on intentional on-track retaliation, i.e. the Edwards-Keselowski incident at Atlanta two weeks ago...According to an article published this week in North Carolina, the law firm that represents Richard Childress racing is saying drivers need to be aware they could face legal action is someone is hurt as a result of an intentional wreck. The firm believes criminal and/or civil action could result in such instances. The issue is a matter of debate, according to other lawyers and educators who follow sport law...
  
  
• 3/16: Race fans, tourists, Charlotte residents: All are invited to a full day of free fun May 11, 2010 outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte, N.C., to celebrate its grand opening. One of the highlights of the daylong event will be a free concert that evening on the Ceremonial Plaza headlined by country music trio Love And Theft, who are preparing to tour with country music superstars Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. EDT with all the pomp and circumstance expected of a national tourist attraction. The one-hour ceremony will culminate with NASCAR celebrities, elected officials and other dignitaries officially opening the 150,000-square-foot venue. The opening ceremony will be followed by free outdoor activities from 10 a.m. through the late evening. Activities will include NASCAR celebrities, question-and-answer sessions, strolling entertainment, food vendors, musical entertainment and more...
  
  3/16: According to a note posted on the Centre for Speed website yesterday the speedway will introduce a new race format for the 2010 season. No details for the change are included with the posting other than will apply to all points championship events and all divisions and will included a variety of enhancements in the racing and race procedures. More information is expected as the season approaches...
  
  
• 3/16: Nova Racing has two racecars for sale and they need to go soon in order to make room for new cars expected to arrive in the near future. Nova Racing fields cars primarily for Donald Chisholm and George Koszkulics as well as for NASCAR drivers that have entered the IWK 250 at Riverside Int'l Speedway the past few years. Email Paul McLean for more info...
  
  
• 3/15: Lower Sackville's Brad Eddy is in North Carolina preparing for what may be his debut at Hickory Motor Speedway this weekend. Eddy, 16 - a former go-kart and Bandoelro champion, will test at Hickory Tuesday and Wednesday; then - based on his comfort level in the bigger faster late model cars - and together with his father (Dan) will decide whether he's ready to start his NASCAR Weekly Racing Series season Friday...
  
  
• 3/14: Ryan Mackintosh weekend update...Bandolero racing was rained out both Friday and Saturday at Concord Motorsports Park; Rockingham weather is showing light rain as of 8 a.m. but clearing should start any time - today's show is set to start at Noon local time...
  
  
• 3/13: Young Ryan Mackintosh from Amherst, NS has a busy weekend racing in the North Carolina this weekend; the 13-year-old will be at Concord Motorsports Park Saturday and at Rockingham Speedway Sunday. Mackintosh is running a Bandolero out of a shop in Kannapolis, NC. This weekend's double-header are his fifth and sixth events on the 2010 season, having already competed at tracks in Florida and North Carolina in January and February. The young man was featured in a CBC Radio interview earlier this week - listen to it [here] (March 10 episode, part 2, starts about half-way through)...
  
  
• 3/13: Next Wednesday (March 17) Charlotte Motor Speedway will make a special announcement with regard to the 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race - set for May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway...
  
  
• 3/12: As of Thursday there were 17 seats remaining for the inaugural Crooks Racing Short Track Seminar to be hosted by Gary Crooks and held in Moncton March 20-21. The workshop will focus on in depth racecar setup for the short track racer. The $549.95 registration fee includes a workbook and DVD as well as entry into promotional draws sponsored by industry vendors. Registration can be done online at www.crooksracinginc.com...
  
  
• 3/12: Centre for Speed has posted rules and procedures for a demolition derby on May 15 - the week before stock car racing starts at the facility located near Shediac, NB. Visit their website for more demolition details...
  
  
• 3/11: A recent posting on the Centre for Speed website shows its 2010 season opener as May 23 at 1 p.m. - the full schedule for what will be the 15th season at the facility is yet to be announced...
  
  
• 3/10: Matthew Huffstetler, a crew member for the No. 01 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and William Keith, a crew member for the No. 38 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On March 5, both were found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book...
  
  
• 3/9: SAD NEWS - Tim Boulton, owner of Boulton Racing - a Dartmouth-based race team that fielded racecars for as many as 10 drivers at Scotia Speedworld in 2009 - passed away March 5 at the age of 59. Besides his passion for racing Tim was a self employed chartered accountant as well as past president of Nova Scotia Association for Community Living. He was an active golfer and a member of the Colby Village Slow Pitch League. He is survived by his wife Lee-Ann, son Drew, brothers Michael and Terry and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth where visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Atlantic Funeral Home Chapel. Private family burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Tim's memory to the Nova Scotia Association for Community Living or Canadian Cancer Society...
  
  
• 3/9: We'll likely know today or tomorrow what action, if any, NASCAR will take against Carl Edwards after the Keselowski incident at Atlanta Sunday. Edwards was parked by NASCAR and had little to say after a meeting with them but his mindset was very clear in a Facebook posting late Sunday night: "My options: Considering that Brad wrecks me with no regard for anyone's safety or hard work, should I: A-Keep letting him wreck me? B-Confront him after the race? C-Wait til Bristol and collect other cars? or D-Take care of it now? I want to be clear that I was surprised at his flight and very relieved when he walked away. Every person has to decide what code they want to live by and hopefully this explains mine."
  
  
• 3/6: According to a story in the Concord Monitor newspaper in New Hampshire this week there are plans in the works for a casino, a hotel and a racing museum at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The idea is contingent on the state legalizing expanded gambling later this year, which is also far from certain...
  
  
• 3/5: Pro All Stars Series (PASS) President Tom Mayberry and Sunoco Race Fuels have announced a multi-year agreement making Sunoco Supreme and Standard racing gasoline the official spec fuel for all five PASS touring series through 2010 and beyond...
  
  
• 3/5: It’s been nearly six years since brothers Todd and Geoff Bodine have taken the green flag in the same NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. They look to do it for a sixth time in the series this week. Todd (No. 30 Toyota) won the 2006 Atlanta 200. Geoff, who’ll drive the No. 95 Team Gill Racing Dodge, has 21 starts (the last in 2004) and a trio of second-place finishes. Bodine has spent the past several weeks at the Winter Olympics, overseeing the fortunes of his Bo-Dyn bobsleds and the Gold Medal U.S. Bobsled team...
  
  
• 3/4: Pro All Stars Series President Tom Mayberry and Ace Speedway have reached an agreement to promote and sanction a 150 lap PASS South super late model race at the semi-banked 4/10 mile speedway on Friday evening June 4th, 2010. The event marks the series first visit to the Altamahaw North Carolina Speedway as well as the first appearance for the ultra-fast super late model race cars on the Ace oval...
  
  3/4: Lake Doucette Motor Speedway (near Yarmouth, NS) has announced the dates for three special events on their 2010 season: Saturday June 26 at 1 p.m. - Sportsman Tour Bruce Honda 100; Saturday July 24 at 1 p.m. - Atlantic Open Wheel Class; and Saturday August 21 at 1 p.m. - Sportsman Tour Bruce Honda 100...
  
  
• 3/4: In honour of the anniversary of African-American racing trailblazer Wendell Scott making his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start, vehicles competing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway will have a commemorative decal baring the image of Scott. Scott made his first start in NASCAR’s premier series on March 4, 1961 at Spartanburg, S.C. On Dec. 1, 1963 in Jacksonville, Fla., Scott became the first African-American to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup event, a distinction he still holds. To further recognize the occasion this weekend at AMS, Sybil Scott, daughter of the late Scott, will be in attendance as will NASCAR Drive for Diversity competitor Jason Romero...
  
  
• 3/3: Geoff Bodine, a veteran NASCAR driver who has not raced much the last few years, has entered this Saturday's Camping World Truck Series race driving a truck adorned with a Bo-Dyn Bobsled paint scheme featuring the U.S. Olympic bobsled medalists from Vancouver 2010. Bodine helped create the U.S. bobsled program in 1992 and had been integral in the design of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled...
  
  
• 3/3: Island Speedway management have posted a note on their website saying normal operations will continue for 2010 in even though the facility is for sale. While their 2010 schedule has yet to be announced they do have two dates on the new Sportsman Tour...
  
  
• 3/3: R3 Motorsports has signed up-and-coming NASCAR driver Coleman Pressley to a multiple-race deal for the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Pressley, 21, of Asheville, N.C., is the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series driver Robert Pressley. Coleman is also the grandson of Bob Pressley, a multiple-NASCAR short track champion in the Late Model ranks. Pressley will drive the No. 23 Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, Richmond International Raceway in April and Darlington Raceway in May. If more sponsorship can be attained, then Pressley will add more races to his schedule with R3 Motorsports. The third-generation NASCAR driver has already made a name for himself in the Late Model ranks. At age 16, he won Rookie of the Year honors at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway in 2005 en route to a total of 20 wins in four years. He’s the two-time winner of the Prestigious Bobby Isaac Memorial and the inaugural Banjo Mathews 150 winner at Hickory Motor Speedway (NC)...
  
  
• 3/2: William Hileman, a crew member for the No. 76 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On Feb. 25, Hileman was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book...
  
  
• 3/1: Brad Eddy from Lower Sackville NS, son of veteran pro stock racer Dan Eddy, is hoping to get his shot at the big time, announcing a "Drive to NASCAR" campaign today. Brad, 15, started racing go-karts as a youngster and recently has been competing in the Bandolero division at Scotia Speedworld where he won the '09 division championship. Brad, who took a test drive in his dad's pro stock last year, will move to North Carolina next week to drive a late model at a NASCAR-sanctioned track in North Carolina this season near the mecca of NASCAR race shops in Mooresville, NC. Good Luck Brad!!!
  
  
• 2/26: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced Thursday that Doug George has been appointed crew chief of the No. 33 Longhorn Chevrolet Silverado driven by four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday. George, who made the move to KHI in the off season, began 2010 as crew chief of the organization’s No. 2 Truck Series team with Cup Series veterans Elliott Sadler and Kevin Harvick splitting time behind the wheel...
  
  
• 2/26: Ryan Mackintosh from Amherst NS will be based out of Kannapolis North Carolina racing for Chris Woods Racing in 2010 and will run a full schedule of INEX Bandolero races as well as a limited Alison Legacy schedule. Mackintosh, 13, is the 2009 Bandolero Young Guns Canadian National champion, finishing seventh in overall division point standings at Scotia Speedworld near Halifax...
  
  
• 2/25: All grandstand seating, mezzanines, concession and restroom buildings, suites and chalets at Michigan International Speedway will be smoke-free, racetrack officials have announced. The ban comes on the heels of a state measure that will go into effect May 1, banning smoking in public places...
  
  
• 2/24: Charlotte Motor Speedway will partner with regional tourism bureaus and area hotel operators to secure lower room rates for race fans attending the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22, and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. More than 50 hotels within approximately one hour of the 1.5-mile superspeedway have agreed to reduce their race week room rates by 15 percent and waive the minimum stay requirements. A full list of participating hotels is available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/hotels or fans can call the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS. In order to obtain the discounted rate, those interested in the deal must call the hotels directly and request the Speedway Special when making reservations...
  
  
• 2/24: According to published reports this week there seems to be concern at Hendrick Motorsports that the broken axle problem on Dale Jr.'s car in California Sunday could be more widespread. Earnhardt's crew chief Lance McGrew says race winner Jimmie Johnson, also from the Hendrick stable and Sunday's race winner, was very close to the same fate as Earnhardt - and that similar issues were found on team cars after Saturday's practice. So far, the team has found no logical explanation for the extreme wear...
  
  
• 2/23: For those of you wondering how Jimmie Johnson stayed on the lead lap when getting caught on pit road during a late-race caution at Auto Club Speedway Sunday...Johnson's explanation: "The deal on pit road, we got lucky. We were in our pit box and the caution came out. We were able to just beat the 31 car off of pit road where the scoring line is at the end of pit road. You know, certainly got lucky. We were running third or fourth or fifth at the time, so it's not like we totally backed into this thing. We got a really nice gift with the way things worked out, then it was kind of up to me to hang onto it." From Jeff Burton (driver of the 31 car): "There's a fine line between slowing down and not slowing down. I don't know where that line is. I came around as quick as I thought I could without NASCAR getting upset at me. You know, I don't know. If I'd have come around probably 2/10ths of a second quicker, we would have had him (Johnson) a lap down. Nonetheless, I did what I thought was right. You know, I didn't just stop. I carried speed around. They ask you to slow down. You can't run down there wide open or they'll get you for that. You know, I don't know. I don't know what the right thing to do there is. I'll go back and spend some time with them and ask them their opinion. If I could carry more speed the next time, I certainly will."
  
  
• 2/22: A memo distributed to NASCAR teams in California this past weekend effectively banned traction chemicals being used by race teams on pit road. The memo names "non-natural traction products" as banned and does not include "natural" products such as soft drinks - something race teams learned a long time ago would create a sticky surface allowing the cars to gain more traction as they leave their pit stall...
  
  2/21: Island Speedway in Sydney, NS has been listed with a real estate broker and is for sale; asking price is $350,000 which includes "paved raceway, canteen, pit area, grandstands, announcers booth, large parking lot, mobile home, and out buildings all located on 23 acres with 275 foot of road frontage in a high traffic area." Barry Cusack Jr. has owned the track since 2006...
  
  
• 2/20: A note has been posted on the Centre for Speed website advising the 2009 awards banquet has been moved to Don Cherry's and postponed until February 27 (from February 20). Call 506.388.2415 or 506.866.6387 for more information...
  
  
• 2/19: Carl Edwards is still on baby-watch. After breathing a sigh of relief after last Sunday's Daytona 500 Edwards' hoped his wife Kate would deliver their first child this week as she was due Wednesday. It's Friday, no baby, and Edwards' is on his way to California for this weekends NASCAR races at Auto Club Speedway. Erik Darnell has been hired as a backup driver on standby in case Carl gets the call to head home...
  
  
• 2/19: Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation has awarded Bobbie Newgard of Salisbury, N.C. the $25,000 Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship, made possible through the donation of NASCAR team owner and chairman of Penske Corporation, Roger Penske. The Penske award is part of the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund – a scholarship program designed to help women gain the education they need to pursue careers in the automotive industry. Davis, a UTI alumnus who went on to become a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series official, died tragically in 2008. Newgard, whose love of racing stems from working as a pit crew member for a Pro-Stock team at NASCAR-sanctioned Thompson Speedway in Connecticut, is using the scholarship to help fund her education at NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C...
  
  
• 2/18: Veteran crew chief Todd Parrott has been appointed crew chief of Roush Fenway’s No. 17 Sprint Cup team with driver Matt Kenseth. Parrott will take over the role effective immediately. Drew Blickensderfer, who has served as crew chief on the No. 17 since the start of the 2009 season, will assume a role in Roush Fenway’s research and development department. Parrott, who won a Sprint Cup championship with Dale Jarrett in 1999, is the third winningest active crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 29 career wins...
  
  
• 2/18: More on the potential new Sportsman Touring Series...Lake Doucette Speedway near Digby, NS is apparently confirmed as a host track - assuming the series happens - according to a recent entry on their website...
  
  
• 2/17: A post on the Riverside Sportsman Super Series website says they are working on a multiple track mini-series for regional sportsman teams; we're guessing for the upcoming season. More details will be announced as finalized...
  
  
• 2/17: Centre for Speed near Shediac has realigned its racing divisions as well as announcing a new Outlaw class; details to be announced...
  
  
• 2/16: Looks like regional race fans will wait until June to get their engines revved up for the 2010 CARQUEST Tour. Unofficially, we hear the season opener is June 5 at Scotia Speedworld. A tentative schedule released to teams shows 11 events - four at Scotia, three at Riverside, two at Speedway 660 and two in PEI. The three 250's that comprised the 2009 Triple Crown are included in the 11 events; no word on whether the Triple Crown will be revived, or not. Riverside has already released their dates as June 19 and August 14 (100 lap features); the IWK 250 is set for July 17...
  
  
• 2/16: While all the Daytona Speedweek "Baby Talk" seemed to surround Carl Edwards it was Elliott Sadler who became a daddy first this week as his wife Amanda gave birth to a baby boy - Wyatt Herman Fritz Sadler - Monday morning in Richmond, VA. Meanwhile Edwards and his wife Kate await the stork; Kate is due Wednesday...
  
  
• 2/16: Talked to one of the guys on Lonnie Sommerville's team yesterday...A broken transmission sheared off the drive shaft Saturday night at New Smyrna Speedway, resulting in a disappointing DNF to end the week-long World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. The guys feel they learned a ton in the intense series against some of the best short track racer's in North America. It's just a little more than six weeks before they are scheduled to head south again to Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina for race #2 on the PASS National Series where Sommerville sits third in the point standings...
  
  
• 2/16: The CARQUEST Tour will see two Alexander's on the roster this season with the return of Scott and the debut of his son Michael. It will be a part-time gig for both of them as Michael will also run the sportsman division at Scotia Speedworld where he won the Hobby Stock division title in 2008. Scott, a pro stock feature multi-time winner, was forced to take some time off from racing for hip replacement surgery in 2008; he served as the series Race Director last year. It's gonna' be a busy summer at the Alexander shop in Dartmouth...
  
  
• 2/14: Marking the Wood Brothers’ 60th year in NASCAR competition, Glen Wood, one of the founders of Wood Brothers Racing, will wave the green flag for the 52nd running of ‘The Great American Race” – the Daytona 500. Joining Glen Wood in the flagstand for the start of the Daytona 500 will be his brother Leonard as well as Glen’s sons Len and Eddie Wood, who currently lead Wood Brothers Racing efforts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series today. Under the leadership of Glen and Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing has captured the Daytona 500– NASCAR’s most prestigious race –four times and earned a total of 96 wins with legendary drivers such as David Pearson, A.J. Foyt, Tiny Lund, Neil Bonnett, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Cale Yarborough. In the 52nd running of the Daytona 500, the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford will be wheeled by two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott, who will start 40th...
  
  
• 2/14: Richard Petty was a guest on one of SPEED's pre-Daytona 500 shows Saturday night. His son Kyle Petty was one of the co-hosts and asked "the King" to tell everyone how mama is doing; Lynda Petty was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Richard reports she is doing well, having had her second treatment this past Friday...
  
  
• 2/13: Baby Watch...Carl Edwards isn't saying what he'll do if his wife Katie goes into labour for their first baby this weekend; the due date is Wednesday. "I'm not getting into it because anything can happen, so we're just gonna go race and hopefully all the baby happening will happen on Monday," he said. Because Speedweek was so close to the due date Katie stayed home in North Carolina this week; Edwards is scheduled to race in Saturday's Nationwide Series race and Sunday's Daytona 500...
  
  
• 2/13: PEI's Mike McCarville (pictured right) is featured in a story in today's edition of the Daytona Beach News Journal. He and fellow Canadians who work in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series are keeping an eye on the Vancouver Olympics from Daytona this weekend. Click here to read the story - you will leave this site...
  
  
• 2/13: Richard Petty will find himself in a very familiar place on Sunday afternoon, leading the field in the Daytona 500. Petty, who holds the NASCAR record with seven Daytona 500 victories, has accepted the role as “Pace Car Driver” for the 52nd running of “The Great American Race,” and will pace all 43 cars to the green flag behind the wheel of a special edition 2011 Mustang GT, powered by Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Petty is back as a member of the Ford Racing family after Richard Petty Motorsports merged with Yates Racing during the recently concluded off-season. “The King” previously drove for the blue oval in 1969 and won nine races that season in a Ford Torino. Ironically, the last and only other time Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was one year later when a Ford Torino GT convertible started the 1970 event...
  
  
• 2/13: Ford Racing, along with Roush Yates Engines, officially decided Friday afternoon that three Ford Fusions will have the new FR9 engine for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Matt Kenseth, Elliott Sadler and Bill Elliott will all be racing with the FR9 while the other 10 Fords in the field with have the previous 452 model. This will mark the second straight restrictor plate race that Kenseth and Sadler will run the FR9. Both drivers debuted Ford’s first purpose-built NASCAR engine at Talladega last fall in the Amp Energy 500. Kenseth was in position to win the race as he was running second until being forced to pit for fuel in the closing laps. He finished 24th while Sadler ran up front all afternoon and finished ninth. The only other time FR9 competed last year was in the season finale Ford 400, where David Ragan finished 34th...
  
  
• 2/12: NASCAR announced Thursday that William Wheeler, a crew member for the No. 57 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. Wheeler violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book...
  
  
• 2/10: Tuesday at New Smyrna...Heavy rain all afternoon resulted in a four-hour track drying operation. Each division got a short practice session starting at just after 9 p.m. during which time the fog rolled in. Officials called a meeting with the drivers to decide whether they should race, or not. "Not" was the answer. Action resumes tonight. More [here]...
  
  
• 2/9: New Smyrna World Series point update...Heading into tonight's action Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville is tied for the lead in the SLM division and Halifax's Wayne Smith is tied for 10th in the Crate division (-72 behind the leader). The SLM's run every night through Saturday to determine the overall title while the Crate's finish Friday. Go Guys!
  
  
• 2/9: Monday at New Smyrna... Heard from Wayne Smith's team Monday afternoon. The team has been struggling a bit to learn the track rules and shocks (different than they run at home) which affect so much with the setup. They felt they were getting closer as of Monday afternoon's practice session. Turns out the unofficial results for Saturday night were wrong; track scoring had confused Smith's #44 with someone else's #4x - so Smith finished 18th, not 24th. Monday night they used the flip of a coin to decide whether Saturday's finishing order would be inverted to start the 25-lap feature. It was not - so Smith started 18th, finishing 14th...
  
  
• 2/9: Team registration for the 2010 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour season is now open; teams are encouraged to visit the series website to complete their registration forms ASAP. No word yet when the series schedule will be released - made an inquiry with series organizers Monday, to no avail...
  
  
• 2/9: The life of the fast famous...Four-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and wife Chandra have sold their $4 million loft in New York City - and replaced it with another rumoured to have cost in excess of $8 million. Both units have 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. The Johnson's use the loft as a home away from home when in New York City where Chandra, a former model, resided before marrying Johnson and setting up their primary household in Charlotte, NC...
  
  
• 2/8: Sunday at New Smyrna...Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville got the win in the SLM division. Sommerville finished the race in the sixth spot but was moved to the top of the chart when the top five cars were DQ's during post-race tech - all found with soft tires. Sommerville had qualified sixth in a 22-car field, started second and led the first three laps before being passed by Jeff Choquette, the '08 series champ, who crossed the finish line first but was among the five who were DQ'd. Others were David Rogers ('09 series champ), Tim Russell, A.J. Curreli and Jack Landis. Sommerville becomes the first Maritime Canadian to win a World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing event at New Smyrna since the late Scott Fraser won two features en route to third overall in 1999 . Nova Scotia native Junior Hanley won the series title in 1981 and again in 1990. Wayne Smith's Crate division was off Sunday night. Sommerville's SLM division is off tonight; Wayne Smith is back on track in the Crate division. Check out this YouTube video to see interviews with NSS tech and the drviers involved, including Sommerville..
  
  
• 2/8: Engines are quiet at Daytona International Speedway until Wednesday when Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series teams hit the tri-oval for practice. Thursday sees more Truck Series along with Nationwide Series practice - and the Duel qualifying races for the Sprint Cup cars. Friday the Nationwide cars qualify, the Sprint Cup cars practice, and the Truck Series has its 2010 season opener. Saturday sees final Sprint Cup practice and the Nationwide race - and of course, Sunday is the Daytona 500. Click here for a complete schedule, including TV broadcast times.
  
  
• 2/7: Saturday at New Smyrna...Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville qualified seventh, started first and finished fifth (of 35) in the 30-lap Super Late Model feature at New Smyrna Speedway Saturday night while Halifax's Wayne Smith qualified 19th, started 19th and finished 24th (of 27) in the 25-lap Crate division feature. SLM's race Sunday night; Crate's do not...
  
  
• 2/7: Scotia Speedworld placed a 2010 Rules & Procedures advisory on their website yesterday; click here - you will be redirected to the SSW website...
  
  
• 2/6: Congrats to Sprint Cup driver Kyle Busch; he proposed to his girlfriend Samantha Sarcinella earlier this week - she said yes! No date set, yet...
  
  
• 2/6: As of 6 a.m. this morning the weather forecast for New Smyrna Beach in Florida says the rain will clear early this morning with sunshine and temps in the high 60s by mid-day. This evening should see clear skies and temps in the 50s - so it looks like the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing should get cranked up tonight at New Smyrna Speedway...
  
  
• 2/5: 4 p.m. Rain has cancelled night one of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. Maritimer's Wayne Smith and Lonnie Sommerville will have to wait for Saturday night. And - totally unofficially we are hearing Wayne Smith was second-fast in Thursday's final practice session for the crate division, trailing only Quebec's Patrick Laperle. Go Canada!
  
  
• 2/5: Heard it through the grapevine...that Halifax's Wayne Smith has arrived at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida - and that Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville had the track rented Wednesday (yes, even after he finished fifth there last Saturday in the PASS race). Smith was on track Thursday during open practice. The first night of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing series is tonight; the track opens for practice today at 11 a.m. (ET), time trials are at 4 p.m. and racing (features only) starts at 7:30. Both Smith and Sommerville race tonight; Smith in the Crate division and Sommerville in the Super Late Models. Go Guys!
  
  
• 2/5: Richard Petty's wife Lynda has been diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma. She will be treated at Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center. "We are thankful for the medical team at Duke. My wife Lynda is in good hands," Richard Petty said in a statement. "The doctors and our family are very optimistic that the treatment for this cancer will be successful." Richard and Lynda Petty celebrated their 50th anniversary last year...
  
  
• 2/5: Several NASCAR drivers have cars at Volusia County Speedway (just north of Daytona Beach,FL) and are competing in the 39th DIRTcar Nationals that run from February 3-13. More than 70 teams signed in for the Modified division alone, including Clint Bowyer, David Reutimann, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace. Austin Dillon (Richard Childress' grandson) also has a Modifed car there. Several different dirt divisions are featured on different nights so if you're planning to go be sure to check the schedule. Visit the track website here...
  
  
• 2/5: Baby talk seemed to dominate the first segment of the Budweiser Shootout Pole Draw last night on SPEED TV. Jimmie Johnson and wife Chandra are expecting their first child this year: Jimmie's glad to report Chandra is over a bad bout of morning sickness; then Jeff Gordon announced he and wife Ingrid are expecting their second child, a sister for Ella; and then Carl Edwards said he's keeping fingers crossed his first baby arrives as expected - on February 17, just three days after the Daytona 500. No word what papa will do if baby Edwards decides to arrive early...
  
  
• 2/5: Jamie McMurray, driver of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has joined the Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts by donating 10 driver firesuits and two leather jackets worn and autographed by McMurray for an online charity auction hosted by The NASCAR Foundation on NASCAR.com. The Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver joins a growing NASCAR community sending relief to victims of last month's devastating Haiti earthquake through the American Red Cross...
  
  
• 2/4: NASCAR has partnered with DRIVE4COPD to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). DRIVE4COPD will become the “Official Heath Initiative” of NASCAR – educating fans about this disease and providing screening at NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series™ races. Additionally, DRIVE4COPD will be title sponsor for the season-opening NASCAR Nationwide Series™ race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 13...
  
  
• 2/2: We'll have a complete Daytona Speedweek TV broadcast schedule for you tomorrow - click here...
  
  
• 2/1: Attn Maritime race fans heading for Florida Speedweeks. If you are at New Smyrna Speedway and would like to send photos or updates of "our boys" Wayne Smith and Lonnie Sommerville, we'd love to have them for all our readers to enjoy. Emails/photos can be sent to stockcarsc@aol.com; calls can be placed to 902.444.0703 anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m...
  
  
• 1/30: NASCAR officials confirmed Friday they will be cutting race winning purses in its top three series by approximately 10%. The move is part of an extensive cost-cutting plan for host tracks that have been forced to slash ticket prices over the past two seasons. The tracks pay the purses plus sanctioning fees to NASCAR for the events...
  
  
• 1/28: Wayne Smith has his racecars loaded and is ready to leave for Florida's New Smyrna Speedway where he will compete in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. The event runs the same week as Daytona Speedweek and the track is just a 25-minute drive from Daytona Beach. Smith, a five-time Maritime pro stock touring series champion, will practice next Thursday (Feb 4) and race February 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12. We're hoping to have updates from the 44 team as the week progresses. Good Luck Wayne!
  
  
• 1/28: Zac Brown Band, the GRAMMY nominees for Best New Artist whose platinum debut album 'The Foundation' (Atlantic Records) produced the No. 1 hit “Chicken Fried,” will perform at the 32nd annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway. The Atlanta-based group will perform a pre- and post-race concert, in addition to the National Anthem...
  
  
• 1/26: Registrations are still being accepted for this weekends Driver Advancement Marketing Summit in Charlotte, NC where attendees will learn more about the business side of a racing career in two days than most will in a lifetime. This year's special guest speakers include John Bickford (Jeff Gordon's stepfather and general manager of Jeff Gordon Inc.) and Kelley Earnhardt (Dale Jr's sister, VP and general manager of JR Motorsports). Topics will include driver selection, sponsorship, getting the ride of a lifetime, self-promotion and more. Click here for more info...
  
  
• 1/26: RAB Racing has announced Scott Riggs will pilot the No. 09 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 13th. Riggs, the 2002 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year, will be making his 81st NNS start and his fifth NNS start at Daytona International Speedway. The Bahama, NC native has an impressive four wins, 19 top-5 and three poles to his NNS resume, and in just four starts at “The World Center of Racing” has two top-10 finishes...
  
  
• 1/25: The official Dan Harvey/Race Director announcement from CARQUEST Tour communications staff came in early this a.m...It says: Dan Harvey of Lantz, NS was named Race Director for the 2010 season at the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour banquet held in Dartmouth, NS on Saturday, January 23. Harvey was introduced as the new Race Director by General Manager Ken Cunning who said, “Dan is able to make decisions and communicate with the drivers. He is proactive in his approach and has the best interests of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. I have every confidence that Dan will do a great job”. Speaking to those on-hand, Harvey committed his best to the teams and is looking forward to the start of the season. Harvey is a long-time racer, competing in legends cars and sportsman, before retiring from the driver’s seat. He has worked as an official both at Scotia Speedworld and the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour...
  
  
• 1/25: NASCAR's Denny Hamlin suffered a serious injury to his knee while playing basketball this past Friday. Doctors have advised the ligament tear in his left knee will require surgery but Hamlin says he will put it off until after the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season - OUCH...
  
  
• 1/24: Danny Harvey is the new Race Director for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour - formally introduced to the role at the series 2009 awards banquet held last night in Dartmouth (NS). Harvey is a former racer at Scotia Speedworld with a limited run as the series Race Director a few years ago. The 2010 schedule was not announced as hoped, evidently yet to be finalized with some track promoters - including Centre for Speed, near Moncton (NB) - which was removed from the '09 series schedule just days before last years event...
  
  
• 1/24: Besides the 2011 Ford Mustang Daytona 500 pace car that sold for $300,000 Saturday evening, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction also offered the No. 28 NASCAR race car Davey Allison drove to victory at the 1992 Daytona 500 and the No. 2 2007 Dodge Challenger Rusty Wallace drove in the 2009 edition of the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. The Allison car was driven on stage by car owner Robert Yates; the car sold for $137,500 and included the Daytona 500 winning trophy, Allison's driving suit and helmet. Wallace's car sold for $104,500. There was also a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT (serial # 001, pictured right) which was specially made for Richard Petty, even titled in his name - from his garage; it sold for $130,000 with proceeds benefitting the Petty Family Foundation...
  
  
• 1/24: The 2011 Ford Mustang to be used as THE Daytona 500 pace car sold for $300,000 Saturday night at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. NASCAR's Carl Edwards was on hand to help along with Ford executive Mark Fields - who offered the lucky buyer the ultimate Daytona 500 experience complete with a ride in the pace car with Edwards around Daytona Int'l Speedway. Net proceeds were donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation...
  
  
• 1/23: The Centre for Speed 2009 Awards Banquet has been rescheduled from February 12 to 20 according to an update on their website this week. Details are yet to be announced...
  
  
• 1/23: Richard Petty's wife Lynda will undergo a medical procedure Monday in hopes of diagnosing the cause of an underlying ongoing medical problem. The Petty family is asking their privacy be respected. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary this past year. Petty was scheduled to be in Arizona this weekend to help auction the 2011 Ford Mustang Daytona 500 pace car; he was replaced at the event by Carl Edwards...
  
  
• 1/23: Two Nova Scotia racer's have been named on the Top 51 list of best short track racer's of the last decade (2000-2009). The top 50 were picked by members of the Speed 51 media group and the 51st pick was a fan's choice. Shubenacadie's Scott Fraser only competed in four of those seasons before losing his life in a March 2004 snowmobile accident - but made an impact at every event he entered, win or lose; and even though Port Mouton native/longtime Ontario resident Junior Hanley was winding down his legendary career in the early 2000's he was named the fan's choice. Quebec's Patrick Laperle was the only other Canadian on the list...
  
  
• 1/22: Darlington Raceway (SC) has been added to the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule. The Aug. 14 Too Tough To Tame 200 replaces an event at The Milwaukee Mile on the 25-race schedule and marks the series’ return to the 1.366-mile South Carolina track that hosted four races between 2001 and 2004. The single-day schedule features practice, qualifying and a 170.75-mile, 125-lap race beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The 2010 season is the 16th for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and begins Feb. 12 with the NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida...
  
  
• 1/21: On Sunday, February 14, multiple Grammy Award winner and superstar Tim McGraw, who recently released his 10th studio album SOUTHERN VOICE, will perform the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to the start of “The Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway. McGraw, who has 30 #1 hits to his credit, will perform three songs prior to the start of the 52nd annual Daytona 500 which will be broadcast live on FOX, with pre-race coverage beginning at noon and the race starting at 1 p.m. EST. (1 and 2 p.m. AT).
  
  
• 1/20: Tony George, former CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and board member of Hulman & Company, has severed ties with his family-owned dynasty in spite of efforts to convince him to stay, according to Mari Hulman George, chairman. He continues to be involved in racing through his ownership of Vision Racing, a competitor in the IZOD IndyCar Series of the Indy Racing League...
  
  
• 1/19: The votes have been tallied and Ormond Beach (FL) resident Gordon Goodman has been declared Mayor of Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks 2010. Goodman’s 100-word essay on “Why I Should Be Mayor” was selected by Facebook users as the winner of the annual contest held by Daytona International Speedway. Goodman, an avid NASCAR fan who calls local radio stations to give race reports often, has NASCAR memorabilia in every room of his house. Unique aspects of Goodman’s home include a rendering of the tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway on one wall. Goodman will wave the flag at the Rolex 24 At Daytona practice session to officially get Speedweeks 2010 underway as his first duty as Mayor. Other perks include Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access for the Daytona 500, two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience, an invitation to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver’s Meeting and a chance to be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at NASCAR’s most prestigious race – the 52nd running of the Daytona 500...
  
  
• 1/18: In response to fan requests for an afternoon NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Charlotte Motor Speedway's TECH-NET Auto Service 300 Powered by CARQUEST Auto Parts will start at 2:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 29. In addition to the start-time change, the race's name will be different in 2010 as well. Formerly the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300, the TECH-NET Auto Service 300 will promote CARQUEST's TECH NET Professional Auto Service program. The race has been run under the lights for the past several years...
  
  
• 1/16: Hendrick Motorsports has loaned a 45-passenger airplane and two flight crews to Missionary Flights International to aid in the Haiti rescue and relief effort. The team is planning to fly at least one round-trip per day, starting today, carrying personel and medical aids to earthquake-stricken Port-au-Prince in Haiti...
  
  
• 1/16: Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz, joined by NASCAR personality Hermie Sadler and representatives from Panasonic, officially broke ground Friday for the new state-of-the-art video scoring tower which will soar above the infield of America’s Premier Short Track. The “larger than life” tower will support four giant video screens high above the infield of America’s Premier Short Track beginning in 2010. The new leaderboard and video screens, which combined will be the largest in all of motorsports, will be visible from every seat in this modern-day coliseum and installed in time for the NASCAR Doubleheader weekend April 30-May 1. At 153-feet high, it will be the tallest in motorsports and feature four LED (light-emitting diode) 38' x 24' video screens at the peak. Below the video screens, a four-sided LED leaderboard will stretch 67-feet high by 13-feet wide and provide real-time running order, lap times, points standings - and during the last race to make the chase - chase standings...
  
  
• 1/16: Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) officials announced Friday that NASCAR veterans Eric Phillips and Dan Stillman will serve as crew chiefs for KBM’s two entries in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Phillips will head up the No. 18 Toyota Tundra, which will be driven by team owner Kyle Busch and Brian Ickler. Busch will pilot the No. 18 Toyota whenever the Camping World Truck Series runs in companion with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, while Ickler will drive in the non-companion events. Stillman will serve as crew chief on the No. 56 Toyota Tundra for KBM, which will be driven full-time by 20-year-old Tayler Malsam...
  
  
• 1/16: Hershey®’s Milk & Milkshakes, a new line of single-serve milk and milkshakes, will serve as the official sponsor of Speedweeks 2010 at historic Daytona International Speedway. All of the Speedweeks races at DIS – beginning with the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-31 and culminating with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14 – will now be billed as Hershey’s Milk & Milkshakes Speedweeks At Daytona...
  
  
• 1/15: Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville will leave next week for a few weeks of racing in Florida - starting with the PASS Winterfest 150 on January 30 at New Smyrna Speedway and then entering the 44th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at the same track the next week (February 5-13). This makes two Maritimers for snow-birds to cheer for at the World Series; Halifax's Wayne Smith will also be there - although it is our understanding the two will be running different divisions: Sommerville in the Super Late Model and Smith in the Crate/ASA Late Model division...
  
  
• 1/15: Braun Racing has announced its long-awaited entrance into motorsports’ number one series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Dollar General, which sponsors the team’s No. 32 entry in the Nationwide Series, will serve as primary sponsor for five races throughout the 2010 season, including Daytona International Speedway (February), Atlanta Motor Speedway (March), Chicagoland Speedway (July), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (October). Reed Sorenson, who drives the No. 32 Dollar General Camry on a limited basis in the Nationwide Series, has been named as the driver...
  
  
• 1/14: According to a post on the Terry Roma fundraiser Facebook page the January 30 event has sold out of advance tickets. There are supposed to be a limited number of tickets available at the door of the Porters Lake Pub, host for the event which starts at 2 p.m. There is apparently a fundraising dance in the works for February (details tba). Roma, the '08 sportsman champ at Scotia Speedworld, was recently diagnosed with cancer...
  
  
• 1/14: And - according to Riverside Speedway's Facebook page - the 2010 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour schedule will be announced at the series 2009 awards banquet next Saturday (January 23). This apparently told Riverside by Tour staff earlier this week...
  
  
• 1/14: Ontario native Randy MacDonald has moved his NASCAR race team shop to Mooresville, NC and hired Michael MacDowell to pilot the No. 81 MacDonald Motorsports Dodge in the 2010 Nationwide Series. MacDonald plans to run the team full time and is approaching the season optimistically even though they have yet to sign a primary sponsor. "The current state of the economy gives us an opportunity to be more competitive against larger teams than ever before,” said MacDonald. “This year, our focus is different. With the move to our new Mooresville location, we’re now closer to suppliers and those we lean on for technical support. New equipment has been purchased, and I’m committed to having Michael in the car full time, just as he is committed turning our team into a serious contender this season.”
  
  
• 1/13: The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame has announced some of its 2010 event dates starting with a Valentine fundraiser dance on February 13. Music will be provided by "The Lost Connection." Tickets are just $8/person $15/couple; the event will be held in the multi-function room at their location in Petitcodiac. June 5 will see the Petty AutoFest, also to be held at the MMHOF site; tickets are now available for a tool box that will be drawn for June 5. And - last but not least, the 2010 Induction Ceremony will be held November 6 at the Moncton Casino; nominations for this year's class need to be received by April 1 - visit their website for more info...
  
  
• 1/13: Seems PEI's Doug MacEwan is going to make another run at the street stock division title at NB's Centre for Speed this year. MacEwan, a former street stock title holder at Raceway Park, would like to become (perhaps*) the first Maritime racer to hold division titles in two provinces. *If you know of another Maritime racer who has accomplished this feat please let us know (email stockcarsc@aol.com)...
  
  
• 1/13: Got a note from Scott Sinclair yesterday asking us to post this notice, which we're happy to do...Paul Fitzpatrick was recently diagnosed with cancer of the jaw bone and tongue. Paul is well known to maritime racers having spent many years crewing for Dave Clements modified team as well as with his son-in-law Kevin Carr, also in the modified division. He underwent a very lengthy surgery on November 2 in Halifax and will be undergoing treatment in the following weeks. There will be a benefit dance and auction this Saturday (January 16) at the Murphy Community Centre in Charlottetown starting at 8:30 p.m. For more info please contact Linda MacDougall at 902-566-4291. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Paul...
  
  
• 1/13: The days are winding down to the 2009 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Championship Awards Ceremony to be held next Saturday (January 23) at the Holiday Inn in Dartmouth. Shawn Turple will be formally crowned champion, his first pro stock title, and other top series racers will be honoured as well. Hoping to hear some announcements for the 2010 season then, or before...
  
  
• 1/12: A reminder to all of you wanting to help support Wayne Smith's trip south next month for the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. A fundraiser in support of the "oval outlaw" is being held this Saturday (January 16) at the Lakeside Legion near Halifax. Tickets are just $20 and include a lobster dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., an auction from 7 to 9 and then a dance. Anyone wishing to donate items for the auction or buy tickets can contact the team at askwayne@ovaloutlaw.ca...
  
  
• 1/12: Centre for Speed (near Shediac, NB) has posted an update on their website announcing the '09 awards banquet for February 12 at the Moncton Dart Club - and its 2010 season opener for May 15...
  
  
• 1/11: Tickets are now available for the 2009 Speedway 660 Awards Banquet - set for January 30 at the Fredericton Inn. Tickets are just $35 each and available in Fredericton at RV World, in Saint John at Leisure Time RV Center, and in Moncton at Moncton RV Center, - or by phone and credit card via 506-454-7223...
  
  
• 1/11: Another merger is seemingly in the works for Richard Petty Motorsports, reportedly in the final stages of concluding a deal with Yates Racing, a longtime foothold in the Ford camp - which Petty is switching to starting at Daytona. The employees at RPM are expcted to move to the Yates shop in Concord, NC - next door to Roush-Fenway, another Ford team. 2010 will mark the third consecutive year of change in administration and management for the Petty team...
  
  
• 1/11: Patrick Carpentier is still looking for a NASCAR ride. The Quebec native had a limited run in '09 with select races and differnet teams after being released from Gillett-Evernham at the end of the '08 season. Carpentier is hoping to land a deal that will allow him to grow with a team to the point they are full time and competitive...
  
  
• 1/11: Add David Stremme to the list of unemployed NASCAR drivers with just five weeks to the start of the 2010 season. Stremme is apparently considering a Nationwide ride in order to stay active; he was released from the No. 12 Penske Sprint Cup Series ride late last season, being replaced by Brad Keselowski...
  
  
• 1/10: NASCAR has been looking at making some changes for 2010, said to include the elimination of the yellow line rule at Daytona and Talladega, as well as a design change to the rear wing of the Sprint Cup Series cars. NASCAR officials at Saturday's Speed & Sound show in Nashville said final decisions are yet to be made but they plan to make an announcement by January 21...
  
  
• 1/10: Aric Almirola was telling reporters Saturday he'll be driving the No. 09 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car for Phoenix Racing this year. According to Almirola, the deal is a verbal one at this point, but he hopes to have everything formalized before Daytona...
  
  
• 1/9: Aflac, primary sponsor of Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion, has announced a partnership with Kellogg Company. The agreement gives Kellogg primary sponsorship for two Sprint Cup races in the 2010 season and the opportunity to leverage one of NASCAR’s top drivers in continuing to build its brand. In addition to the two races as primary sponsor, Kellogg Company will become an associate sponsor of the No. 99 car for all other 2010 Sprint Cup Series races...
  
  
• 1/9: Riverside Int'l Speedway is waiting only on their two CARQUEST Tour dates to finalize the '10 schedule; after that they'll start premium seat renewals. New for this year they'll be offering online ticket sales through their in-house box office. Track manager Paul McLean will be attending the annual short track promoter workshop in Daytona next month - looking for even more ways to improve the fan experience at Riverside...
  
  
• 1/9: SAD NEWS - Bob Tasca Sr., an automotive enthusiast, Ford dealer and drag racing innovator, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010, his family announced today. An automotive businessman for more than 60 years, Tasca achieved fame as a record-setting automotive dealer and as an internationally-known designer of high-performance race cars. Tasca Sr. is credited with helping create the Ford Thunderbolt drag racing car, and bringing the Cobra Jet 428 engine to NHRA in the 1960s. Tasca Sr. coined the phrase, “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday,” because that was exactly what he did. Tasca Sr.’s dealership in Seekonk, Mass. modified Mustangs on Sunday, won races, and sold those same cars in his dealership on Monday. Every one of Tasca Ford dealership’s vehicles was driven 200 miles by a Tasca before it was delivered to a customer as part of Tasca’s “de-bugging” plan. Tasca Sr. was also instrumental in the advent of short-term leasing, which made automobiles affordable throughout the world. Tasca Sr. was 83 years old...
  
  
• 1/8: A reminder for Scotia Speedworld competitors that the 2010 meetings are this Sunday at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport. Thunder & lightning drivers meet at 9 a.m.; truck drivers at 10:30 and sportsman at 12:30 p.m. No hobby stock meeting as they have been replaced by the truck division. If you're wondering about Legends or Bandoleros best thing is to check with Race Director Rob Bowness at rob.bowness@scotiaspeedworld.ca or General Manager Ken Cunning at manager@scotiaspeedworld.ca...
  
  
• 1/8: Richard Childress Racing will start 2010 as a three-car team in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. The #07 car (driven by Casey Mears in '09) remains sponsorless so team owner Richard Childress has decided he will only take three cars to Daytona (for Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer). Mears has been aware of the situation since last season but has yet to land a ride elsewhere...
  
  
• 1/8: Braun Racing has announced that Brian Vickers and Reed Sorenson will share time at the helm of the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series. Vickers returns to Braun Racing for his fourth consecutive season. Sorenson debuted with the Nationwide Series in 2004 and has three wins to his credit. Like Vickers, he has been a full-time Sprint Cup Series driver in the past few seasons. Vickers will be behind the wheel as the series opens its '10 season in Daytona...
  
  
• 1/8: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced Thursday that Kevin Harvick and Elliott Sadler will climb behind the wheel of the No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado for KHI in 15 of 25 Truck Series events in 2010. In 2009, the No. 2 competed as the No. 4 with Truck Series rookie Ricky Carmichael. Sadler will kick off the 2010 season for KHI and the No. 2 team in the series opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway February 12 as he returns to the Truck Series for the first time since 2003...
  
  
• 1/8: A limited number of campsites are available in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s three newest campgrounds for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend this March. The Legends Reserved Tent, Elliott Reserved and Elliott Reserved Handicapped Campgrounds have just a select number of spaces available for campers looking for prime real estate for the Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend. Availability is most scarce in the Elliott Reserved Handicapped Campground, where only a few spaces remain. Prices range from $125 to $150. If you don't want to leave the comfort of your RV, even for the race, a few Trackside Terrace Luxury RV spots remain available and include 10 tickets, 10 pit passes and full RV hookups for a 50 feet by 25 feet RV location overlooking the track for $7,000 annually...
  
  
• 1/7: Hoping for something to report from the CARQUEST Tour soon. Sent a message to them earlier this week wondering when they might be announcing a their 2010 schedule as well as a new race director. The series has been as quiet as a church mouse since mid-November when Ken Cunning was named general manager. Stay tuned...
  
  
• 1/6: The bright, flashy lights of Times Square and its giant New Year’s Eve ball have nothing on Richmond International Raceway. The track is ringing in the New Year—and the upcoming racing season—with a “larger than life,” state-of-the-art video scoring tower which will support four giant video screens high above the infield of America’s Premier Short Track beginning in 2010. The new leaderboard and video screens, which combined will be the largest in all of motorsports, will be visible from every seat at Richmond International Raceway and installed in time for the NASCAR Doubleheader weekend April 30-May 1...
  
  
• 1/5: Congrats to NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Todd Bodine...Johnson and his wife Chandra are expecting their first child in July. Bodine married girlfriend Janet Paczkowski in a New Year's Eve ceremony in Florida...
  
  
• 1/4: Yikes...been a slow couple of weeks with the holidays and all - but you can expect the racing world to wake up this week...The 2010 season seems a whole lot closer now that it is 2010!!! Stay tuned...
  
  
• 1/4: Congrats to NASCAR's Steve Park and wife Jessica on the birth of baby Jaden on January 2...
  
  
  
  2009 Tidbits...
  
  
• 12/30: There will be a benefit auction January 30 for Terry Roma - a longtime racer at Scotia Speedworld and the 2008 sportsman champ. Roma was recently diagnosed with cancer; the proceeds from the auction will help with his recovery. Anyone who would like to donate an item for auction should contact Jodi at 222-5400 or Brenda at 827-5304. The auction will be held at the Porters Lake Pub between 2 and 5 p.m. January 30. Tickets are just $5 each - all are welcome. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Terry...
  
  
• 12/28: Dave Moody, host of "SIRIUS Speedway" on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio 128 and lead turn announcer for MRN's NASCAR race broadcasts, has been named as the official starter of the Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway (in North Carolina). Moody will wave the green flag at the New Year's Day event, officially starting the first race of 2010. The 2nd Annual Polar Bear 150, which will be held at noon January 1, will be a chance for race fans to celebrate the beginning of the 2010 racing season with competitive racing by the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Series. The entry list, which already has 71 registrants, includes a combination of NASCAR drivers and crew members, drivers from the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, and previous Rockingham winners from the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Series...
  
  
• 12/26: SAD NEWS - Bob Paulin, well-known in New England motorsports public relations, passed away this week in Auguts, Maine. Paulin served as media co-ordinator for the NASCAR Northeast Series for many years besides numerous other endeavours in motorsports marketing - many of which brought him to the Maritimes over the years. He was 62...
  
  
• 12/24: SAD NEWS - Bobby Hutchens, the director of competition at Stewart-Haas Racing and a NASCAR mainstay nearly all his life, lost his wife, Sharon, to breast cancer Tuesday evening. She was 45; they have two sons. This past May, Sharon was the recipient of the inaugural Susan G. Komen Foundation “Survivor of the Year” award presented to her by her local chapter...
  
  
• 12/23: NASCAR will continue its 17-year streak of racing on a national-series level in Wisconsin with the addition of the historic Road America course to its 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. The Road America 200 at the 4.048-mile, 14-turn track located in Elkhart Lake, Wis., replaces the event previously scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile and will be run on Saturday, June 19. Road America will be the third road course on the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. The series also will race at Watkins Glen International and at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. As recently as the 2007-08 seasons, the NASCAR Nationwide Series also had three road courses on its schedule, racing at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City in addition to The Glen and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve...
  
  
• 12/22: In response to the overwhelming feedback from the fans, NASCAR community and motorsports industry, TUMS and Martinsville Speedway today announced that all fans attending the 2010 TUMS Fast Relief 500 on Oct. 24 will serve as the “Official Starter” for the event. In 2009 and for the first time in NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM history, TUMS designated all fans attending the event as the “Official Starter”. More than 64,000 fans participated in the unique event, waving their commemorative green flag to start the 500-lap event at the storied racing facility. All fans attending the Oct. 24, 2010, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event will receive a commemorative green flag when they arrive at their seats. Following the lead of the NASCAR flagman, fans will participate in the official start of the race...
  
  
• 12/21: Dartmouth native Gary Crooks will present a two-day short track racing seminar in Moncton, NB next March 20-21. Crooks will share technical knowledge that has made him one of the top short crew chief/consultants in the southeast (where he has resided and been in business since the mid 90s). The cost is $569.95; save $20 if you pre-register by January 31. To register or for more information contact Gary Crooks at gbcrooks@hotmail.com or (704) 224-6672...
  
  
• 12/21: CJM Racing, which fielded cars for Scott Lagasse and Denny Hamlin on the '09 NASCAR Nationwide Series, posted a note on its website Friday saying it doesn't appear they'll be running in 2010. Lagasse and Hamlin combined for five top-five finishes and two second-place showings in the No. 11 car in '09. Team owners Tony and Bryan Mullet say it is "really hard for us to see this great group of people move in other directions." The team formed in 2006 and have since competed in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series...
  
  
• 12/18: 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Matt Kenseth has been announced as a special guest at the 2010 Canadian Motorsports Expo to be held in Toronto January 23. Kenseth will be available to meet with fans and sign autographs...
  
  
• 12/17: Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South officials announced Wednesday that both events scheduled for 2010 at Gresham Motorsports Park have been cancelled. Representatives from Gresham Motorsports Park informed PASS President Tom Mayberry on Tuesday, December 15th that the speedway had made the decision not to host the PASS South Super Late Models in 2010 and that both events previously announced for June and October had been cancelled. PASS South officials are currently in negotiations with several race tracks and hope to announce the final schedule within the coming weeks...
  
  
• 12/16: Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville plans to enter the first-ever PASS-sanctioned race at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida on January 30. Sommerville has been very competitive in recent his southern excursions the past couple of years so should be a great representative for the Maritimes...
  
  
• 12/15: Officials of Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR) and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced Monday the formation of a technical alliance between the two teams, under which JGR will provide RWR with technical support for the development of NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota Camry race cars. In the last two Nationwide Series seasons, RWR has fielded a pair of Chevrolet Impalas and in 2009 was the only team with multiple drivers among the top-ten in the year-end driver standings. For the 2010 season, the team will campaign factory-backed Toyota Camrys, with engines provided by Triad Racing Development...
  
  
• 12/13: A fully-developed website is up and running for the new race track hoped to attract the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to Canada in the near future. Canadian Motor Speedway in Fort Erie, Ontario will feature a 1-mile progressive banked oval as well as a 2.6 mile multi configuration FIA grade road course; will host permanent seating for 65,000 with expansion capabilities to 100,000; and is just two miles from the U.S. border and 10 minutes from Niagara Falls. NASCAR's Jeff Gordon is a track design consultant. The facility is scheduled to open in April 2011. Check out their online home at www.cdnmotorspeedway.com...
  
  
• 12/12: Anyone looking for a good pro stock racecar? The Nova Racing team in Antigonish has two for sale: One is a is two-year-old Taylor built car (finished third in last years IWK 250) and the other is an older Hanley built car that was formerly owned by Scott Kelly. The cars area available with or without motors. Call George at 902-396-6443 for more info...
  
  12/12: A grass-roots fan forum has decided to is fundraise for Wayne Smith's planned entry in the February 2010 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. The group is called "S.O.O.S" SEND the OVAL OUTLAW SOUTH and for a $50 donation offers the opportunity to have your name on the trunk lid of the 44 car when it heads south; bump your contribution up to $72 and you'll also get a copy of a special edition Oval Outlaw poster. For more info search "S.O.O.S." on Facebook...
  
  
• 12/12: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced Friday that Dave Fuge and Doug George have joined the organization’s Truck Series program. Fuge will lead the No. 33 Longhorn Chevrolet Silverado driven by four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday and George will serve as crew chief of the No. 2 Truck which will feature several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers throughout the 2010 season...
  
  
• 12/11: Ken Schrader, former full-time now part-time NASCAR racer - known as someone who will race anything on wheels - anywhere, is showing no signs of slowing down since his semi-retirement from NASCAR in 2008. After this weekend he will have run 82 races in 2009 - including one at Scotia Speedworld near Halifax in August...
  
  
• 12/11: Representatives for Kyle Busch have announced a News Conference for today where the young NASCAR superstar will announce a "major motorsports initiative" - likely to include a full or partial 2010 lineup for Busch's new Camping World Truck Series operation. Nova Scotia's own Craig Langille, a familiar face in Maritime racing circles as a longtime crewman on the pro stock scene - and owner of Velocity Machining, was at the Snowball Derby in Florida last week with Busch's winning late model team. Langille says the excitement level was extreme in preparation for the big announcement this week - which could include a ride for truck series champion Johnny Benson. Scott Speed spent the weekend with the Busch team as well as visits from numerous other NASCAR legends and up-and-comers including Bill and Chase Elliott, Rusty and Steven Wallace, David Stremme, Matt and Ross Kenneth, Dave and Ryan Blaney, Darrel Guinn, James Finch and Bobby Allison. Cool - huh!!!
  
  
• 12/9: Looking for a Xmas gift for the race fan that has everyting? We may have your answer: The Richard Petty Audio Book. A four CD set featuring "the King" recollecting favourite stories from his 50+ years in NASCAR. These sell for $29.95 plus shipping in the U.S. You can get it here for just $30 CDN including shipping to any address in Canada. Email for payment info...
  
  
• 12/8: An announcement is expected today from IndyCar's Danica Patrick saying she will drive a part-time schedule for JR Motorsports on the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series. The rumour mill has been buzzing with this story for weeks - but it's supposedly now a done deal. Patrick will reportedly drive a No. 7 entry in 10-12 races...
  
  
• 12/8: Kyle Busch is adding NASCAR team owner to his resume ending speculation he would become a part owner of Billy Ballew's team. Kyle Busch Motorsports has recently purchased assets from Xpress Motorsports and will operate from the former Xpress building in Mooresville, NC while a new KBM headquarters is built. The new team will reportedly field as many as three teams on NASCAR's Truck Series in 2010 with Rick Ren, four-time championship crew chief (formerly for Ron Hornaday), assuming a management role for Busch...
  
  
• 12/8: It's that time of year when racing news slows so we're reminding all regional racing teams to be sure to let us know as your 2010 season takes shape. Simply send a quick email to us at news@checkerstowreckers.com...
  
  
• 12/8: Menards, the third largest home improvement retailer in the United States, will join RE/MAX as presenting sponsors of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing Series in 2010. The series will be known as the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards...
  
  
• 12/7: The 2010 Scotia Speedworld drivers meeting that had been scheduled for yesterday (Sunday) was postponed because of the wintery weather in the area. A make-up date will be announced in the near future...
  
  
• 12/5: A reminder for Scotia Speedworld competitors that their 2010 rules meeting is tomorrow (Sunday December 6) at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport. The Thunder and Lightning divisions meeting goes from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; the Truck division goes from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; and the Sportsman meeting goes from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m...
  
  
• 12/5: Sydney NS's Island Speedway is getting a jump on the 2010 season...They've already got rules posted for their street and thunder divisions. Visit their website at www.islandspeedway.ca for details...
  
  
• 12/4: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced Thursday that Rick Ren, crew chief of the No. 33 truck driven by four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, has left the organization to pursue management opportunities within the sport. “Ron (Hornaday) and Rick (Ren) have been a powerful combination over the last few years in the Truck Series,” said KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick. “With success comes opportunity and we wish him well in the next step of his career." An announcement regarding Hornaday’s crew chief for 2010 is be expected as early as next week...
  
  
• 12/4: Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion, will be competing in the first off-road race of his career in Saturday’s Henderson Fabtech Desert Classic, sanctioned by the Best in the Desert Racing Association. Biffle, who will be sharing driving duties in a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R with Rob MacCachren and Steve Olliges, is scheduled to start the race behind the wheel...
  
  
• 12/3: The regional racing rumour mentioned yesterday is confirmed: Scott Alexander will not be Race Director for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour in 2010. Alexander, who took over the role just about one year ago after Ernie Ledwidge retired, cites unresolved issues and changes within the organization for his departure and will move forward concentrating on his son Michael's budding racing career. Series management is in the process of reviewing candidates for the position...
  
  12/3: Two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and co-host Matt Yocum return to honour the best, boldest and funniest moments of the 2009 NASCAR season during the third annual Stewie Awards live TONIGHT on SIRIUS|XM on SIRIUS & XM channel 128. Stewart will also honour a legendary driver from the Golden Era of racing with the Golden Stewie Award and present a Lifetime Achievement Award. The "Stewies" will be presented live from the Rio Las Vegas during NASCAR Champions Week. The event will feature live interviews with the 2009 Sprint Cup Series champion and other drivers in the Chase for the Cup, plus special guests. The two-hour show starts at 11 p.m. AT (10 p.m. ET)...
  
  
• 12/3: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will kick off his 2010 racing season at Daytona International Speedway in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31, the prestigious twice-around-the-clock challenge and the ultimate test of driver and machine. For the third straight year, Johnson will co-drive the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing entry – the 2009 Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champions – with the team’s lead drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty as well as open-wheel veteran Jimmy Vasser. The 2010 Rolex 24 will be Johnson’s fifth appearance in the grueling race that kicks off the season for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. Johnson has a best finish of second in both the 2005 and 2008 Rolex 24s...
  
  
• 12/2: MAHLE Clevite Inc. recently announced the MAHLE Engine Builder of the Year for the 2009 NASCAR® Nationwide® Series and NASCAR Camping World® Truck SeriesTM. The award is presented to the engine builder in each series who has accumulated the most points, based on qualifying, laps lead and finishing position. Mark Cronquist of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and builder of the No. 18 Toyota driven by Kyle Busch; received the MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year for the Nationwide Series after accumulating 5,862 points. This marks Cronquist's fourth title in his career with JGR. The MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder of the Year for the NASCAR Truck Series went to Pro Motor Engines (PME) owner Mark Smith for the second consecutive year. Smith was recognized for his work on the Kevin Harvick Inc. No. 33 Chevy driven by Ron Hornaday, Jr. that accumulated a total of 3,817 points...
  
  
• 12/2: The regional racing rumour mill is running rampant again speculating more changes in the administration of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour where Ken Cunning took over as general manager just a couple weeks ago. Stay tuned; we'll post details just as soon as the rumours are confirmed...
  
  
• 12/1: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will spend the full hour with host Eli Gold on a special edition of NASCAR Live on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET (8 p.m. Atlantic). The five-day Champion's Week blitz will culminate with Friday night’s Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas - which will also be broadcast live on MRN Radio starting at 9 p.m. (ET/ 10 p.m. AT). NASCAR Live, now in its 26th year, invites fans interested in congratulating Johnson on his historic fourth straight championship to send their questions to www.motorracingnetwork.com or call 1-800-2-NASCAR during Tuesday’s show. On Wednesday, Chad Knaus – Johnson’s crew chief – will be the featured guest on the final 2009 airing of NASCAR Performance Live on MRN Radio at 7 p.m. (EST). Co-hosts Steve Post and Larry McReynolds will review the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season with Knaus and look ahead to 2010. NOTE: MRN Championship Week broadcasts are available on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Channel 128...
  
  
• 11/30: Speedway 660 is offering a special rate for 2010 season passes from November 27 to January 10. A Grandstand Pass is $220.00 or a Pit Pass is $240.00. This special will end January 10, 2010. If you are a 2009 season pass holder you will be receiving a renewal form in the mail. Otherwise please e-mail your request to info@speedway660.com or call (506) 454-RACE (7223) and leave a detailed message...
  
  
• 11/28: It's not stock car racing - but - some of our readers may find this of interest: The governments of Canada and Québec, Montréal and Tourisme Montréal are proud to announce that the Grand Prix du Canada will return to Montréal on June 13 through a $15 million annual investment over the next five years. The Government of Canada and Tourisme Montréal will each contribute $5 million of this amount. The Government of Québec will provide $4 million and Montréal will add $1 million. Montréal and its partners will in return receive 30% shares from ticket sales...
  
  
• 11/27: Start times have been announced for Scotia Speedworld's 2010 drivers meetings on December 6 at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport. The Thunder and Lightning divisions meeting goes from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; the Truck (?) division goes from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; and the Sportsman meeting goes from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. 'Twould appear the longtime Hobby Stock division has seen its last hoorah at Scotia Speedworld - assumedly being replaced by trucks. No mention of meetings for either the Bandoleros or Legends Cars...
  
  
• 11/26: Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine has announced its 60th anniversary 2010 schedule which includes the 37th annual TD Bank 250 on Saturday July 17. Other highlights include two American-Canadian Tour events and four prime-time Motor Mayhem shows. The track will make the entire season festive with and a record 11 fireworks displays at the conclusion of several events. Visit the track site for the complete schedule - click here...
  
  
• 11/26: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week, a two-state affair in 2009, gets underway Monday, Nov. 30 near NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson’s hometown of El Cajon, Calif. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation will award grants to several public schools in the San Diego area and Johnson will appear at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Camp Pendleton on Monday afternoon. That evening Johnson will be the guest of honor at a homecoming at Lowe’s in Santee; and on Tuesday, Dec. 1, Johnson will host a Breakfast and Champion’s Q&A at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cited Johnson’s accomplishments this past Monday, just hours after Johnson became the first driver to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles. “His performance is a testament to our state’s championship spirit and I am proud to say he’s from California,” the governor said. The championship celebration moves to Las Vegas, Nev. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 with activities leading up to Friday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, which is being held for the first time at Wynn Las Vegas. Las Vegas becomes the host city after a 28-year run in New York City...
  
  
• 11/25: For those of you curious about Rick Hendrick's niece that needed the kidney transplant Sunday...be sure to read the interview with Hendrick posted on this website today; he talks about his niece along with the thrill of his most recent NASCAR championship...
  
  
• 11/25: On Friday, Nov. 27 and Monday, Nov. 30 Daytona International Speedway is offering a pair of exclusive $45 ticket packages for the Gatorade Duel on Thursday, Feb. 11 and the Budweiser Shootout, which is part of a racing tripleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6. The Budweiser Shootout package includes a ticket to the tripleheader day of racing that includes the electric All-Star race, the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA event and Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger as well as admission to the Pre-Race Party featuring an appearance by Kasey Kahne, Hooters wings and beverages (savings of over 35%). The Gatorade Duel package includes a ticket to the 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500 and a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass (a savings of over 45%). To purchase tickets call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com...
  
  
• 11/24: A reminder that the Speedway 660 2010 drivers meeting is this Sunday November 29 at the Fredericton Inn. The pro stock meeting starts at 1 p.m.; the sportsman meeting starts at 2:30 p.m. and the street stock meeting is set for 4 p.m...
  
  
• 11/22: Tickets are now available to the 2009 CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Awards Banquet - to be held January 23, 2010 at the Holiday Inn in Dartmouth. Call the series office at 902.481.2531 to secure your seat; the cost is $45 which includes dinner, the awards ceremony and dance...
  
  
• 11/22: There will be a Scotia Speedworld drivers meeting Sunday December 6 at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport. Contact the track office at 902.481.2514 or admin@scotiaspeedworld.ca for the start time...
  
  
• 11/21: Got the official word: Ken Cunning has replaced Ron Clarke as general manager for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour and Scotia Speedworld. Cunning took over from Bas Gordon in 2005 and was replaced by Clarke after the '07 season. According to the official announcement Clarke, a longtime sponsor of the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman division at Speedworld, resigned in order to concentrate on his business...
  
  11/21: Lowe's Companies Inc. will continue its successful relationship with Hendrick Motorsports after signing a three-year agreement that secures primary sponsorship of the No. 48 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Driving the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolets will be current points leader and three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, who has signed a five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will keep him with the organization through 2015. Johnson and Lowe's previously were signed through the 2010 season. The new pacts build upon a partnership launched in 2001 when Johnson was selected by Hendrick Motorsports to drive for the new Lowe's-sponsored No. 48 team. After nearly eight full seasons, the driver-sponsor relationship has become one of the most successful in NASCAR...
  
  
• 11/20: Rusty Wallace Racing is moving from Chevrolet to Toyota for 2010. Wallace, a former Sprint Cup champ and current TV analyst, fields cars for his son Steve Wallace and for Brendon Gaughan on NASCAR's Nationwide Series...
  
  
• 11/20: A number of streaks are in jeopardy this week at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale — none longer than Greg Biffle’s (No. 16 3 M Ford) run of six consecutive seasons with at least one victory. Also needing a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway to preserve a streak is Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet), who has victories in three consecutive seasons. A runner-up finish in Sunday’s race at Phoenix suggests the Richard Childress Racing driver might be close. Winless in 2009 after posting victories a year ago are defending Ford 400 winner Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet) and Ryan Newman (No. 39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet). Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Budweiser Dodge) continues to chase a Coors Light Pole to extend his consecutive fast qualifying streak to six seasons...
  
  
• 11/19: Jamie McMurray has signed with Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing to drive the No. 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car in 2010. Bass Pro Shops will continue sponsorship of the car. Current No. 1 driver Martin Truex Jr. moves to Michael Waltrip Racing after this weekend's season finale at Homestead; McMurray is leaving Roush-Fenway Racing...
  
  
• 11/19: The NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year battle will be decided this Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway between Justin Allgaier and Brendan Gaughan? Allgaier has an eight-point lead in the rankings, but the award is based on more than competition points, bonus points, entry points and final driver standings. Contenders also are voted upon by the Rookie of the Year Panel, consisting of NASCAR competition executives and a select group of veteran drivers. Allgaier has led since the July race at Daytona International Speedway. Michael McDowell and Gaughan also have led the standings...
  
  
• 11/19: The regional racing rumour mill is running rampant with news of a change in the executive administration for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. Have yet to confirm the rumour as fact - but stay tuned...
  
  
• 11/19: Think Mark Martin beating Jimmie Johnson for the championship this weekend is impossible? Not quite...Nine times since 2002 Martin has gained 108 points or more over Johnson in one race: 11/3/2002 - North Carolina Speedway, +128; 6/6/2004 - Dover International Speedway, +113; 8/15/2004 - Watkins Glen International, +117; 8/22/2004 - Michigan International Speedway, +132; 11/20/2005 - Homestead-Miami Speedway, +132; 2/18/2007 - Daytona International Speedway, +129; 4/15/2007 - Texas Motor Speedway, 116; 6/10/2007 - Pocono Raceway, +114; 11/8/2009 - Texas Motor Speedway, +111...
  
  
• 11/17: The racing rumour mill has it that Sterling Marlin will retire after this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Marlin, 52, whose racing career spans more than 30 years is perhaps best known for back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in '94 and '95. marlin has been running a limited schedule for the past couple of years...
  
  
• 11/16: Speedway 660 is holding its 2010 rules meeting Sunday November 29 at the Fredericton Inn - starting at noon...
  
  
• 11/15: The principals of Diamond Ridge Motorsports and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced today the formation of Diamond-Waltrip Racing which will enter a full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team starting in 2010 for driver Trevor Bayne. Diamond-Waltrip Racing, co-owned by majority owners, Gary and Blake Bechtel and owners, Michael Waltrip and Rob Kauffman, has purchased the assets and associated car owner benefits of Michael Waltrip Racing’s No. 99 Toyota Camry team. Drivers Scott Speed, Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann, Patrick Carpentier and Bayne have shared the No. 99 Camry this year. The No. 99 team’s best year was 2007 when Reutimann finished second in the Nationwide Series Driver points standings. Diamond-Waltrip Racing will field its team for Bayne out of Michael Waltrip Racing’s Cornelius, N.C., facility and will continue to be managed by MWR personnel. The team has secured limited sponsorship and is seeking additional race sponsors for 2010...
  
  
• 11/13: As the Sprint Cup season comes to an end, much focus is on who will win the championship. But at the other end of the standings is another important battle. It’s the race to get into the top 35, which guarantees the teams a starting spot in the first five events of the 2010 season, including the Daytona 500. Three teams are susceptible to falling out, or moving into, the top 35 with two races to go. The two teams trying to hold on to the bubble spots are Robby Gordon Motorsports and the No. 7 Robby Gordon-owned/driven Chevrolet which is 34th in the standings, 41 points ahead of Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing and the No. 34 Teresa Earnhardt-owned Chevrolet driven by John Andretti in 35th. Team Red Bull Racing and the No. 83 Dietrich Mateschitz owned Toyota driven by Scott Speed is currently 36th — 117 points behind 35th...
  
  
• 11/13: Two drivers will be aiming to make history this weekend by becoming the first to win in all three NASCAR national series at Phoenix International Raceway — Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick. Busch came close to scoring the feat last weekend at Texas when he won both the NASCAR Camping World Truck and NASCAR Nationwide Series races, but fell just short when he ran out of gas a few laps short of the checkered flag in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, relegating him to a 11th-place finish. Both Busch and Harvick have won at Phoenix in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series...
  
  
• 11/12: Casey Mears and girlfriend Trish Grablander will be married in January; the couple went directly from Texas last Sunday to Phoenix - where they met - to share the news with family and friends...
  
  
• 11/12: 3M, a diversified technology company serving customers with innovative products and services, and NASCAR announced Wednesday an agreement for 3M to expand the categories for which it holds exclusive NASCAR marketing rights to include bandages, first aid supplies, braces, supports and hot & cold therapy products. For nearly 10 years numerous 3M products associated with automotive, industrial, professional and home use applications have been designated as exclusive NASCAR licensed products with the rights to use NASCAR-themed marketing elements in advertising and promotional materials. The 3M products range from hearing protection to automotive care and refinishing products, adhesive tapes, abrasives and many more. With this expansion of the agreement, 3M Nexcare bandages and first aid tapes, ACE, Futuro and Tru-Fit support devices and certain other 3M medical products will be permitted to carry the prestigious NASCAR mark on packaging, promotional elements and related media...
  
  
• 11/11: Aric Almirola has filed a lawsuit against Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. The complaint alleges the companies are in breach of contract with the driver whose ride was parked earlier this year due to lack of sponsorship; it was announced this time last year that Almirola would have a full-time ride in 2009. The document does not include details of the alleged breach but asks for arbitration. The teams have not commented...
  
  
• 11/11: NASCAR announced penalties Tuesday for the car No. 1 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a violation that occurred during post-race inspection last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. The team was penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (front of the car did not meet the required height specification; too low in post-race inspection). Crew chief Kevin Manion was fined $50,000 and remains on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt and driver Martin Truex Jr., were penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner and 50 championship driver points, respectively...
  
  
• 11/11: RAB Racing announced today that Brad Parrott was released from his duties as crew chief on the No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, effective immediately. Car Chief Ben Gable will assume those responsibilities for the final two races of 2009. A permanent replacement for 2010 will be named at a later date...
  
  
• 11/10: Champions Week is underway in the center of NASCAR racing as six 2009 series champions converge on the Charlotte area for a week of activities leading up to the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards Banquet. NASCAR champions Jason Bowles (Camping World Series West), George Brunnhoelzl III (Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Donny Lia (Whelen Modified Tour, Philip Morris (Whelen All-American Series), Andrew Ranger (Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1) and Ryan Truex (Camping World Series East) will be honored at the end of the week during awards ceremonies at the Concord Convention Center...
  
  
• 11/9: Got confirmation from the Oval Outlaw team that Halifax's Wayne Smith will indeed enter the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida this coming February. The team is holding a fundraiser for the effort and all are welcome to show their support by attending a lobster dinner, auction and dance January 16 at the lakeside Legion. Tickets are only $20. Contact ellen@ovaloutlaw.ca for more info...
  
  
• 11/9: Seems the No. 1 Chevy driven by Martin Truex in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Texas was found to be too low in post-race inspection. NASCAR penalties, if any, are usually doled out mid-week...
  
  
• 11/8: Jeff Fultz won the North-South Shootout at Concord Motorsports Park in North Carolina Saturday; an emotional win as Monday Fultz will attend the funeral for his 21-year-old son Johnny who died in a traffic accident last week. PEI's Jonathan Hicken finsihed 22nd driving a car out of the Fultz shop...
  
  
• 11/7: On Friday PEI's Jonathan Hickens qualified a respectable 13th of 27 entries for today's North-South Shootout at Concord Motorsports Park in North Carolina. Hickens is driving a car prepared by his brother Andrew Hickens who works at Jeff Fultz Racing. Fultz, who qualified 10th, is driving with heavy heart this weekend; his 21-year-old son Johnny passed away in a traffic accident last weekend...
  
  
• 11/6: Morgan Shepherd’s No. 89 Chevrolet will carry the image of country music artist Kellie Pickler on the car this weekend at Texas to kick off the 23rd Annual Morgan Shepherd Charitible Fund trip to Galax, Va. The trip will take place on Dec. 14. Pickler will headline entertainers that also include Berry McGee, the 2007-08 Inspirational Country Music Awards Comedian/Entertainer of the Year. Guest speakers include Joe Gibbs, while 2007 series champion Carl Edwards is also scheduled to participate. The NASCAR Sprint Cup show cars of Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Joey Logano will be on display. The Fund was founded in 1986 by Shepherd in order to assist handicapped or underprivelaged children and adults...
  
  
• 11/5: The 2010 NASCAR season will prove to be a busy one for current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competitor James Buescher. The 19-year-old will compete full-time for Phoenix Racing, piloting the No. 1 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In addition to the 35-race schedule for NASCAR’s second-tier series, Buescher will drive the No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado for Turner Motorsports in a minimum of 19 Truck Series events. Buescher’s passion for racing started at an early age and the youngster has achieved success at every level that he has competed. In his first ARCA RE/MAX Series race at USA International Speedway, Buescher claimed the victory and became the youngest winner in ARCA history, a title that he still holds today...
  
  
• 11/4: Got a tip yesterday that PEI's Jonathan Hicken will enter the North-South Shootout at Concord Motorsports Park near Charlotte, NC this weekend. Hicken, who runs the No. 5 pro stock regionally, will drive a car prepared by his brother Andrew Hicken and Jeff Fultz. Go Jonathan!
  
  
• 11/2: North Wilkesboro Motor Speedway in North Carolina will re-open next year hosting a USARacing ProCup event October 3. The 0.625-mile track was a longtime favourite on NASCAR's top circuits until it was got caught in a battle for Cup dates and closed following the 1996 season with its two dates being moved to New Hampshire and Texas. Former NASCAR star Benny Parson's widow is leading a group of new owners working hard to bring racing back to the track...
  
  
• 11/1: Several NASCAR Nationwide Series teams will be at Talladega Superspeedway Monday testing the new 2010 cars. All four manufacturers that compete on the series will be represented with the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Camry. This will be the first superspeedway test for the new car scheduled to run a limited number of races in 2010...
  
  
• 11/1: Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE-Symbol: DVD) announced today that it was ceasing all operations at Memphis Motorsports Park and that it would not be promoting any events in Memphis in 2010. As previously announced, the Memphis facility had been under an agreement of sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment but Gulf Coast was unable to secure financing...
  
  
• See links at the top of this page for Tidbits archives...

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