Blue Oval Brigade and Matt Kenseth win big on Sunday

(2-26-2006) - Chevrolet and Dodge came up empty after three days of racing at California Speedway as Matt Kenseth held off Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards in a green/white/checkered finish to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Auto Club 500, joining teammates Mark Martin and Greg Biffle making the trip to victory lane.

Martin won the Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday and Biffle the Busch Series race on Saturday. On this day Martin was ninth and Biffle, 42nd, despite leading 168 of 250 laps. Biffle drove to the garage 21 laps short of the finish with a crippled engine. Edwards finished third and the fifth Roush driver, Jamie McMurray was sixth.

Kasey Kahne crossed the line fourth, followed by Burton in fifth, Casey Mears in seventh, rookie J. J. Yeley eighth and Kyle Busch tenth.

Biffle wins big in Stater Bros. 300 Busch Series

(2-25-2006) - Greg Biffle cruised to an easy win over Ryan Newman, 2.255 seconds, in the Stater Bros. 300 Busch Series race at California Speedway placing car owner Jack Roush in victory lane for the second consecutive day. Mark Martin put Roush in victory lane Friday night with a win in the Craftsman Truck series.

Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton, Jamie McMurray, Matt Kenseth, J. J. Yeley, Kevin Harvick, Brian Vickers and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top ten. Todd Kluever, another Roush driver, was the highest finishing Busch Series regular in 12th.

“The beginning of race little bit loose,” Biffle said. “I should have known the track would tighten up; we almost made a fatal error on the first pit stop by tightening the car up.”

Biffle hung onto the car, working his to the front when a critical caution waved near the end of the 150 lap event. Pitting was out of the questions.

“We had to stay out,” Biffle admitted. “We had used all our tires.”

Martin wins again in Craftsman Truck

(2-24-2006) - Mark Martin is making a mockery of the Craftsman Truck Series in overtime.

For the second week in a row, the Arkansas driver showed the strength of his skills earning the victory in a  green/white/checkered finish at California Speedway over Todd Bodine and Ted Musgrave.

“Man, I am having a blast,” Martin said from victory lane. “It’s a privilege to drive this truck. I love racing with Todd, Ted and Skinner. We had our hands full on that last restart. I knew Todd was going to be really tough.
“We had some big horsepower here. We just stepped on it and got to the checkered first.”

Martin had the horsepower and a bit of luck. Bodine wiggled off the corner on the final lap, allowing Martin to build a truck length lead while third place

Musgrave was forced to check up so as not to wreck Bodine.

“I told everyone tonight Mark was going to be tough,” Bodine said, after coming back from a penalty for an illegal pass. “

Martin has five more races in the truck scheduled for 2006 before stepping into the series fulltime in 2007.

(2-24-2006) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that Kerry Tharp will manage public relations for NASCAR’s three national racing series and the weekly and touring series.  In his new role, Tharp will be responsible for all at-track media procedures, public relations for the Research and Development Center and NASCAR media events in Charlotte, N.C.

“Kerry will further reinforce our at-track public relations efforts to ensure that we continue to be responsive to media requests and vigorously promote the sport,” said NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter.  “Kerry’s ability to develop personal relationships and work with others will be a benefit to all.” 

Tharp joined NASCAR’s PR team in April 2005 as director for NASCAR’s licensing office in Charlotte and worked with NASCAR’s licensees to provide public relations support and strategy.  He will transfer from his role in NASCAR’s Charlotte licensing office to NASCAR’s Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. and will report to Ramsey Poston, NASCAR’s managing director of corporate communications.

Prior to joining NASCAR, Tharp spent 26 years in college sports public relations, 20 of which he was the Associate Athletics Director/Sports Information Director at the University of South Carolina.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree in PR from Western Kentucky University and a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee. 

(2-22-2006) – NASCAR announced today that Tommy Perkins, crew chief of the No. 05 Chevrolet driven by Chad Chaffin in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been penalized due to rules violations at Daytona International Speedway.

Perkins was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: 20A – 13B: steering idler arm not solid) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book.

The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on Feb. 14.

(2-21-2006) – NASCAR announced today that four penalties have been issued to two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams, as a result of rule violations this past weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson, has been fined $25,000 and suspended from all NASCAR events until March 22, 2006. Knaus has also been placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2006.  The penalties come because of an unapproved template modification to the rear window area, violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 20-3.12.1 (A) (unapproved template modification.) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule book. The violation was discovered during Feb. 12 post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500. On Feb. 13, NASCAR ejected Knaus from further participation in Daytona 500 activities as a result of the violation.

Three penalties were assessed to the No. 96 Chevrolet team, due to the use of an unapproved carburetor, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule Book.  Crew chief Philippe Lopez was fined $25,000; driver Terry Labonte was penalized with the loss of 25 driver championship points; and car owner William Saunders was penalized 25 owner championship points. This rule violation was also discovered during post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500.

The Top 10 following Daytona

(2-21-2006) – The following is a rundown of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Top 10 heading into Sunday’s Auto Club 500 at California Speedway, the second of 36 races on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup schedule (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX).

The first 26 races of the season will determine who will be part of the third annual “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup” in the final 10 races. Drivers who are in the top 10 or within 400 points of the points leader after those 26 races will vie for the 2006 series title in the “Chase.”

No. 1 – Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet), Team: Hendrick Motorsports. Points: 185. Johnson’s 19th career victory put him into familiar territory – at the top of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup point standings. Johnson has finished in the top five of the final point standings in each of the past four seasons. A native of Southern California, Johnson carries tremendous momentum to California Speedway, where he won in 2002 and finished second in the 2005 Auto Club 500.

No. 2 – Casey Mears (No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge). Team: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Points: 170. Mears kicked off the season at Daytona with his best career finish. He’s never finished higher than eighth in five previous NASCAR NEXTEL Cup events at California, but after a stellar Speedweeks at Daytona (he also drove for the winning Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series team in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona); Mears enters this weekend’s race with plenty of confidence.

No. 3 – Ryan Newman (No. 12 Alltel Dodge). Team: Penske Racing South. Points: 170. Newman and his new Penske teammate, Kurt Busch (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge) worked well together in the draft at Daytona, helping Newman record his best Daytona finish. Watch for Newman’s trademark Bud Pole qualifying speed to be a factor at California – it’s one of 15 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup tracks where Newman has won the pole position.

No. 4 – Elliott Sadler (No. 38 M&M’s Ford). Team: Robert Yates Racing. Points: 165. Sadler succeeding in delivering a solid finish for the new Ford Fusion stock car: he was the best of three Ford drivers in the top 10. It was his third top-five finish at Daytona and first since 2002. At California, Sadler has made nine starts and won there in September 2004.

No. 5 – Tony Stewart (No. 20 The Home Depot Chevrolet). Team: Joe Gibbs Racing. Points: 160. Stewart, the reigning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion, was a favorite for the Daytona 500 but will have to wait another year to see if he can finally win the “Great American Race.” Although his Chevrolet was involved in a few incidents, it was fast: he closed from 20th to fifth position over the last 20 laps at Daytona. Stewart has posted good results at California, including fourth-place finishes in 1999 and 2001.

No. 6 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet). Team: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Points: 152. Earnhardt, not surprisingly, was in contention for victory throughout Sunday’s Daytona 500. He spent 201 of 203 laps among the top 15 and led 32 laps – the most of any driver – before finishing eighth. It’s his first appearance in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Top 10 since May 2005. Earnhardt has recorded two top-10 finishes in eight races at California.

No. 7 – Brian Vickers (No. 25 GMAC Chevrolet). Team: Hendrick Motorsports. Points: 151. Like Johnson, Mears and Newman, Vickers also recorded his best Daytona finish on Sunday. In four previous races at California, Vickers has led a total of 46 laps, won a Bud Pole and posted a third-place finish there in the series’ last visit in September.

No. 8 – Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet). Team: Richard Childress Racing. Points: 150. Bowyer was the top-finishing Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate at Daytona, in sixth place, and helped RCR enjoy a superb Speedweeks. Bowyer will be attempting his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start at California, where he has two top-five finishes and a pole in two NASCAR Busch Series starts.

No. 9 – Ken Schrader (No. 21 Little Debbie Ford). Team: Wood Brothers Racing. Points: 138. Schrader began his 23rd NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season with his best Daytona 500 finish since 2000, when he also finished ninth while driving for MB2 Motorsports. Schrader was the best “Closer” in Sunday’s race as he advanced from 33rd to ninth in the final 20 laps. This is his highest points ranking and first time among the Top 10 since he was ranked 10th after Darlington in March 2001.  Schrader’s best finish at California is 14th, which he posted in 1999 and in the 2005 Auto Club 500.

No. 10 – Dale Jarrett (No. 88 UPS Ford). Team: Robert Yates Racing. Points: 134. Jarrett matched his 2003-04 Daytona 500 performances by finishing 10th, proving he is still one of the most competitive cars in the field after 22 years in the series. Jarrett has scored five top-10 finishes in 11 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races at California.

AJF Racing returns to its roots

(2-20-2006) - Dirt track auto racing has a unique way of infiltrating the rudimentary senses of a driver. Jason Smith hasn't forgotten.

The perpetual feeling of dirt clumps smacking off his visor as he speeds
through the pack. The rumbling sensation of the car as he handles the wheel
while sliding into another sharp turn. The thrill and satisfaction of
cheering fans in victory lane.

Smith has felt it all before. Following a brief stint asphalt racing in
NASCAR's Weekly Racing Late Model Series, Smith and the AJF Racing Team are
ready to experience it all again, returning to dirt competition for the 2006
season.

With a new car, a new shop and renewed focus, AJF plans to race in the
Limited Dirt Late Model Division (Late Model Sportsman) at Hagerstown
Speedway during the 2006 season. The team also will compete at Susquehanna
Speedway Park, Williams Grove Speedway and Lincoln Speedway this season.

"We are all really excited about our return to dirt racing in 2006. It is
the best decision for the team and our sponsors who recognize the superior
loyalty that dirt track racing fans exhibit on a week-to-week basis."
Smith said.

AJF's last venture was in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model
Division, but a lack of sponsorship, coupled with the influence of a strong
local fan base, pointed the team back in the direction of dirt track racing.


It is a familiar scene for AJF. In 1994, Smith formed a team with friends
and began his racing career at Trail-way Speedway in Hanover, Pa. By the
time he left Trail-way in 1997, Smith was regarded as one of the finest
drivers in the Street Stock Division. He compiled an impressive record of
top-five points finishes and awards, including Rookie of the Year.

In 1998, Smith switched to the Pure Stock Division at Hagerstown Speedway,
where he gained more dirt track experience and finished in the top-five
often.

Next, the Finksburg, Maryland resident ascended to asphalt competition, when
Smith joined AJF Racing and landed a ride with a team in the All-Star Racing
Truck Series in 2001. The success in the Truck Series led to the offer to
drive in the NASCAR Late Model division.

Smith said, "I am glad to have had the opportunities that I have in my
racing career. The plan to return to dirt racing opens the door for many new
and exciting opportunities that local asphalt racing doesn't provide.
Our team and our sponsors want to offer something innovative and refreshing
to dirt racing fans."

AJF has not ruled out the possibility of asphalt racing in the future, but
the team's return to its roots provides a great place to race competitively
within budget limits. And it gives Smith a chance to renew his unforgettable
love of driving on dirt tracks, where he launched his career.

Johnson wins drama-filled Daytona 500 for Rick Hendrick

(2-19-2006) - Car owner Rick Hendrick summed up the week in three words saying, “This is unbelievable.”

Minus his crew chief, his qualifying speed disallowed, Jimmie Johnson was still able to drive his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet to victory in a green/white/checkered finish to the 48th running of the Daytona 500, which ended under caution.

Casey Mears, in his third start, finished second and Ryan Newman was third. Elliott Sadler and Tony Stewart finished fourth and fifth respectively. Clint Bowyer, Brian Vickers, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ken Schrader and Dale Jarrett rounded out the top ten.

“Say that a few more times,” Johnson said from victory lane when asked how it felt to be the winner of the Daytona 500. “Obviously it’s been a tough week for us.”

Johnson started the week with the news his crew chief, Chad Knaus had been ejected from the remainder of the events at Daytona and his fifth fastest qualifying run had been disallowed. Johnson then had to run hard in the Gatorade Duels on Thursday to claim a ninth place starting spot in the Daytona 500.

Along the way, Johnson had to field an onslaught of questions concerning the credibility of the his team.

Right now, I just have so much pride in my race team, what we have accomplished today with the circumstances we've been through,” he said, as he contemplated the enormity of his accomplishment. “This is a well prepared team, a team that was very hungry and wanted to make a statement today. We stepped up and get the job done today and I'm very proud of my guys.

“(This victory) going to take a little while to sink in. I think as tomorrow unfolds, putting the car in the museum, on the way to New York, I just found out I guess I get to go to New York, be on some great shows, be a part of everything up there. That's when it will start to sink in.”

Read More on the Daytona Notes Page

Not Exactly A Drafting Technique

Stewart wins crash-marred Hershey’s Kissables 300 Busch Grand National event

(2-18-2006) - As the rest of the field crashed, boomed and banged their way to the finish, Tony Stewart drove his #20 Old Spice Chevrolet took the checkered flag winning the Hershey’s Kissables 300 Busch Grand National event at Daytona Int’l Speedway.

Stewart used a push from rookie Burney Lamar with 11 laps remaining to take the lead from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Lamar held onto second, followed closely by Clint Bowyer. Jon Wood and Kevin Harvick finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Jason Leffler, Todd Kluever, J. J. Yeley, Reed Sorenson and Mark Green rounded out a top ten that took NASCAR officials some time to sort out after a huge pack of cars wrecked on the front stretch when Stacy Compton and Elliott Sadler got together while fighting for position.

Read More on the Daytona Notes Page

Hey Man, You're Going the wrong way

MILLER BETS ON A WINNER, CHALLENGES BUD IN RACE FOR NASCAR GLORY; If Kurt Beats Junior in Season Standings, #8 Bud Car Must Wear Miller Lite Colors!

(2-18-2006) - Miller Brewing Company is kicking off a new era in its 35-year history of motorsports sponsorship by boldly declaring its confidence in Kurt Busch's ability to drive the #2 Miller Lite Dodge to victory lane.

Miller's chief marketing officer Tom Long today sent a letter to
Anheuser-Busch vice president of brand management Marlene Coulis, betting the beer-market leader that Miller Lite driver Kurt Busch will finish ahead of Budweiser driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the final 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season standings.  The terms of the friendly wager:  The losing sponsor must change the paint scheme on its car to match the winning brand's car for one Nextel Cup Series points-paying race next year.  Budweiser has until the start of Sunday's season-opening race to accept the Miller challenge.

Of course, Miller looks forward to seeing Earnhardt Jr. driving a blue #8 Miller Lite Chevy alongside Kurt's #2 Miller Lite Dodge for one race in 2007.

"We chose Kurt to drive the Miller Lite car because he thrives on
competition and has an unrelenting will to win," Long said.  "Healthy,
fun-spirited competition is the essence of sport and of business; and the Miller versus Bud battle is one great example of this.  We both have a great tradition in the sport, and a little added public competition will be fun for everyone, especially the winner."

The winner of NASCAR's inaugural "Chase for the NEXTEL Cup" championship in 2004, Kurt is looking forward to taking the checkered flag early and often in his first season behind the wheel of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge.

"This challenge is great for our sport because it will create even more
excitement throughout the season for fans of both teams, and I know it will give me and my team added incentive to win," Kurt said.  "I hope the guys in St. Louis accept the challenge because everybody loves a spirited rivalry.

Whether it's Miller and A-B, or Junior and me, we're going to give the fansn something to holler about this season."

Earlier this week, Miller Lite announced that legal-drinking-age consumers can register to win its "When Kurt Wins, You Could Win" sweepstakes online at www.millerbeer.com until 11:59 a.m. (Eastern) Sunday, Feb. 19.  If Busch takes the checkered flag in Daytona Beach, then 500 randomly selected registered fans will win a year's supply of Miller Lite.  (See the official contest rules online.)

(2-18-2006) – NASCAR announced today that STATS LLC, the world’s leading sports information provider, will be creating and analyzing new, in-depth racing statistics designed to enhance how its racing series are viewed and enjoyed.

For the first time ever, NASCAR is utilizing its “loop data” to help provide a more complete picture of the exciting action that occurs during every lap in America’s second most popular sport on television. With multiple loops now placed at various locations throughout each track, NASCAR will now provide an additional collection of statistics from NASCAR’s three national series. This new data will complement and enhance the current NASCAR statistics that are generated each week.

“Along with knowing who won a race, fans and media will know how the race was won,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “The new loop data provided to NASCAR by STATS will help fans identify which drivers and teams excel in certain race situations,” said Poston.

The first ever “NASCAR Box Score” will be made available after each race by STATS. This box score provides an expanded look at each race utilizing both standard and loop data in the four prominent categories of Performance, Position, Passes and Laps. A sample NASCAR Box Score can be found at www.nascarmedia.com. In total, more than 20 new reports will be offered after each race.

Among the numerous new statistics, reports from NASCAR and STATS will analyze driver speeds and the number of cars passed in the straightaways and corners. Additionally, the reports will track “quality passes” – the number of cars in the top 15 a driver passes – and “closers,” the number of positions a driver picks up at the end of the race.

"Our new partnership with NASCAR is extremely exciting to all of us at STATS. It is very gratifying that an organization of NASCAR’s stature recognized our talents and capabilities to help them tell the story of NASCAR racing through numbers and analysis,” said Jim Capuano, STATS Vice President of Sales.

Each week NASCAR and STATS will offer a pre-race report that offers a glimpse into past performance at the upcoming track, a post-race report that analyzes each race soon after its conclusion, and a season-to-date report showing which drivers have excelled in each statistical category. NASCAR’s new in-depth data and analysis from STATS for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is available beginning today with the racing at Daytona International Speedway.

(2-18-2006) –The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has announced that highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage from NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races throughout the 2006 season will be available for purchase and download from the iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com).

The coverage, provided by NASCAR Images, the exclusive content provider for NASCAR, will be available beginning with the Daytona 500, which begins the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season on Sunday, Feb. 19 (NBC, 1:30 p.m.) Racing fans can download a free preview of the Daytona 500 now, and in the week following each race, will be able to purchase a race review and other exclusive coverage for $1.99.

NASCAR, which is the second highest-rated regular season sport on television and has seen TV audience growth of nearly 80% over the past 15 years, will produce the iTunes previews and reviews with unique content designed to drive fans to the race telecasts and complement those telecasts. Known for its close, thrilling, side-by-side racing, NASCAR is seen in more than 150 countries.  In the U.S., there are 75 million NASCAR fans, including 30 million women.

“For the past several years, NASCAR has been developing content for race fans at the track, in their homes and on the go,” said Dick Glover, vice president of broadcasting and new media at NASCAR.  “iTunes provides an innovative way for us to reach NASCAR fans, and puts NASCAR fans ‘inside the helmet’ providing unparalleled access to the sport and its competitors.”

NASCAR has won several Emmy awards for its new media applications and was judged in 2004 by media executives as having made the best media enhancements during TV broadcasts of all major sports, according to the Turnkey Sports Poll.  NASCAR is also a pioneer in using podcasts to provide information to media to help them cover the sport.

With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated video and Podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and videos online.

The iTunes Music Store features a selection of over 3,000 music videos, Pixar and Disney short films, a variety of hit TV shows, and more than two million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent labels.

Pricing & Availability

iTunes 6 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Music Store and is available as a free download from www.apple.com/itunes (www.itunes.com). Purchase and download of songs and videos from the iTunes Music Store requires a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. Television shows are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country. Television shows are $1.99 (US) per episode, and music videos and short films are $1.99 (US) each.

(2-17-2006) - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced multiple management changes, effective immediately, that will position NASCAR to continue its strong growth and more efficiently manage business decisions and communications throughout the company and the industry.   

“Mike Helton and I have restructured NASCAR’s executive leadership to reflect the broad and deep talent developed over many years,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France.  “I am proud of the leaders that we have developed and I believe this team is as strong as any in sports,” said France.

Paul Brooks will be taking on additional responsibilities as senior vice president and will continue his role as president of NASCAR Broadcasting and NASCAR Digital Entertainment. Brooks will now oversee all broadcasting, new media, entertainment, corporate administration, corporate communications, diversity, international business and business affairs.  Brooks, who is based in Daytona Beach, Fla., has worked in the sport for 16 years and with NASCAR for 13 years. Named a Sports Business Journal “Forty under 40” recipient for 3 years, Brooks entered the Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame” in 2005.  Brooks will continue to report to Brian France.

Steve Phelps is promoted to chief marketing officer (CMO) and will oversee all NASCAR corporate marketing, industry marketing, brand and consumer marketing, multi-media, sales, licensing, business development and The NASCAR Foundation.  Phelps will relocate to Daytona Beach, Fla. from New York City.  Phelps will report to Brian France.

Phelps joined NASCAR as vice president of corporate marketing last July following a 15-year career with the National Football League (NFL) and most recently, the top sales executive for Wasserman Media Group.  Over the past six months, he restructured NASCAR’s corporate marketing team based in New York and instituted a new approach for the office to better serve and benefit NASCAR’s teams, drivers, track operators and other business partners.  Phelps has twice been named to Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list. “Paul and Steve are seasoned executives who are well-qualified for their new responsibilities at NASCAR.  Their track records and experience put them in the perfect positions to continue making significant contributions within our industry,” said France.   

Taking over for Phelps in New York will be former NFL and Viacom executive Jim O’Connell.  O’Connell will serve as vice president of corporate marketing and will manage NASCAR’s New York office and all corporate marketing initiatives.  O’Connell will report to Phelps.  At Viacom, O’Connell served as senior vice president and was responsible for partnerships and brand building for Infinity Broadcasting’s advertising clients.  At the NFL, O’Connell served in several roles over ten years including vice president for commercial development – NFL Europe and senior director for corporate sponsorship marketing.  

“We welcome Jim to the company and look forward to his leadership in our New York office,” said France.  “Jim’s experience will benefit the entire industry as we look to attract the best corporate sponsors to the sport and help them receive maximum value for their investment.” 

NASCAR President Mike Helton will continue to interface with all NASCAR departments with direct management of all areas of competition, research and development, events and operations, and the touring and weekly series.  Helton continues to report to Brian France and serve on NASCAR’s Board of Directors.  NASCAR Chief Financial Officer Todd Wilson and General Counsel Gary Crotty will continue their current duties and report to Brian France.  

These changes will help NASCAR meet the challenges and expectations that come along with the sport’s global growth over the past ten years.  That growth has seen the fan base expand from 63 million fans to 75 million fans nationwide.  The schedule of race events have been realigned and now includes 36 points races in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, up from 31 events in 1995.  

NASCAR and its affiliated companies currently employ 886 people. The company is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. and has key offices throughout the country.  NASCAR offices are located in the following markets: New York City, Corporate Marketing; Los Angeles, Calif., Broadcasting and NASCAR Digital Entertainment; Charlotte, N.C., and Bentonville, Ark., Licensing; and Concord, N.C., home to NASCAR’s Research and Development Center.

STATE FARM® DRIVES HOME ITS SAFE DRIVING MESSAGE DURING DAYTONA 500 BROADCAST; Two New TV Spots Featuring State Farm® Policyholder and NASCAR Driver Jeff Burton to Debut

(2-17-2006) — State Farm Insurance Companies today announced that it has signed marketing agreements with NASCAR drivers Jeff Burton of Richard Childress Racing and Reed Sorenson of Chip Ganassi Racing.

Major elements included in the sponsorships are drivers’ appearances in State Farm commercials and endorsements of State Farm insurance; the State Farm logo on the driver uniforms and the uniforms of the pit crew during Nextel Cup and Busch Series races, as well as personal appearances on behalf of State Farm.

“There is a natural link between auto insurance and auto racing,” said Mark Gibson, assistant vice president, advertising for State Farm. “With these sponsorships, State Farm is leveraging the power of NASCAR while at the same time reinforcing its auto safety message.”

State Farm will advertise in nearly every 2006 NASCAR race on FOX, NBC, TNT and Speed Channel.  State Farm commercials featuring Jeff Burton will begin running during televised coverage of the Daytona 500 on February 19, 2006.  Commercials featuring Reed Sorenson will run later this year. 

Jeff Burton drives the #31 car and was selected because he is known throughout the sport as a strong advocate of auto and driver safety.  As an outspoken voice in the area of auto safety, Burton encourages responsible driving.  Burton is a State Farm policyholder.  Richard Childress Racing has earned more than 130 victories and nine NASCAR championships, including six in the Nextel Series. 

“State Farm has a great reputation for being a champion of auto safety, which is something I’m very passionate about,” said Burton. “Working with State Farm provides an excellent opportunity to deliver our auto safety message to racing fans, as well as the larger consumer audience.”

“State Farm is the No. 1 insurer of automobiles and homes in the <<United States>> and it’s our goal at RCR to make them No. 1 on the race track,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “RCR has been around only about half as long as State Farm but both companies have long histories of success and share the same goal of being the best in our respective industries.”

Reed Sorenson races the #41 car and is a rookie driver whose family has several policies with State Farm.   Last year, Reed finished fourth in the point standings in the NASCAR Busch Series, and in 2006 will drive in both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series events.

“The number one thing that my father taught me as I was learning to race was the importance of safety,” said Sorenson. “Whether it’s on a race track or a city street, my number one concern is safety for myself and other drivers.  That’s why I’m excited to be working with State Farm.” 

 “Running Late” (:30)

“Running Late” features Jeff Burton driving two children to school, while they play “backseat driver” to Burton’s cautious driving style.  Burton’s State Farm agent Annette Burkhard praises Burton for his safe driving and says State Farm is proud to insure his car – his personal car. 

“Safe Driver” (:30)

“Safe Driver” features Burton and his State Farm agent Annette Burkhard as she asks him all the tough questions about his driving history while completing his application for personal auto insurance.

Sadler saddles field in first Gatorade Duel 150

(2-16-2006) - Elliott Sadler raced to victory in the first Gatorade Duels 150-mile qualifying race, beating Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth. The victory guarantees the Emporia (Va.) native a third place starting position in Sunday’s Daytona 500.

“This is a great feeling,” Sadler said from victory lane. “Tommy (Baldwin) has come in and changed the whole attitude of this race team. We got a lot of enthusiasm with our team right now. We got a great leader who's got everybody fired up. To come down here and to win Ford Fusions' first race in NASCAR, that's something that will be in the record book a long time.

“To get the first Ford Fusion victory is a great, great feeling.”

Sadler took the lead from Tony Stewart on lap 29 when he beat the defending NEXTEL Cup champion off pit road. Jeff Burton led the first thirteen laps before he relinquish the lead to Stewart.

Three cautions and a red flag that lasted for 10:05 minutes because of sprinkling rain slowed the first of two 60-lap qualifying events. Problems with right front tires forced NASCAR to wave the yellow twice. The first as Paul Menard came to a stop in the grass after blowing a right front and hitting the wall. The second when Chad Chaffin also lost a right front tire. Running under the caution for the Chaffin incident, Sterling Marlin slammed into the rear of Dale Jarrett, taking those two cars out of the race.

NASCAR officials called Marlin, his crew chief and car owner, to the hauler following the race to discuss the incident. Marlin told reporters he wasn’t sure what happened to cause the incident.

Gordon wins the  second Gatorade Duel 150

(2-16-2006) - Jeff Gordon rode the rails to victory in the second Gatorade Duels 150. Kyle Busch, Jamie McMurray, Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin rounded out the top five. Kyle Petty finished sixth, giving Petty Enterprises its best finishes in over a decade.

“We started in the front, went to the back and came back to the front,” Labonte said during his post race interview. Now we’ve just got to figure out a way to get closer to the front. A top five finish in the 150 is a good start. It gives us something to build on for Sunday. Kyle had a good run today, too, so I’m optimistic about our chances in the 500.”

Petty echoed Labonte’s words saying, “Both cars had a good day, and Bobby drove his tail off. I think he’s got something to prove. It was a real good day for Petty Enterprises. To come down here and have one car qualify like Bobby did – we had some trouble just like some of the Evernham cars with gears – but I think we had two cars speedwise of being in the top 10. Then to put both cars in the top 10 in that group was great. I can’t say enough about Evernham engines. I’ve said it all winter long. They’re really stout.”

Scott Riggs, in his first run for Evernham Motorsports in the No. 10 Valvoline Dodge, missed the field for the Daytona 500 despite a thirteenth place finish. Riggs qualifying time on Sunday was ruined by a gear failure and the new procedures in place to set the field for the 500 left Riggs on the outside looking in.

The Knaus Saga Continues

by Stan Creekmore

(2-15-2005) - Chad Knaus has plenty of time to think about what went wrong in his plan to gain an illegal advantage for the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson during qualifying for the Daytona 500. NASCAR officials ejected the veteran crew chief on Monday, the day after discovering the scheme, which they admit could have occurred right under their own noses in the final inspection bay.

“Yes,” John Darby, NEXTEL Cup Series Director, responded when asked if it was possible the adjustment to the track bar, which led to the rear windshield being deflected upward, could have occurred in full view of his inspectors without causing any suspicion.

The final inspection bay measures roof and quarter panel heights, in addition to checking the car’s weight. If a car has problems in this area of the inspection process, teams are allowed to make a single turn on each of the four jacking bolts and can request to raise or lower the track bar. At most tracks, the amount of adjustment to the track bar is not limited.

“At Daytona and Talladega there is a maximum that it can’t exceed,” Darby explained. “If, for example, the team asked to adjust the bar inspectors would have gone underneath the car to confirm the measurement. So at that point, they would have been under the car and the back window would have been doing its thing with our guys under the car.”

Darby see’s no reason to change the system just because one crew chief figured out a way to pull off a change to the car under their own noses.

“They didn’t get away with it. It passed pre-qualifying and failed post,” Darby said, explaining why this infraction would not lead to changes in the inspection procedure. “Now, had we not found or not been dedicated or the process of inspection not been thorough enough to detect it then I would say we need to better. But, those aren’t the facts. The facts are they made the alteration, it was detected.”

Knaus might have gotten away with the deception if Johnson hadn’t qualified in the top-five and/or is someone in the Chevrolet camp hadn’t alerted NASCAR to a possible problem. Standard procedure is to run the top five qualifiers back through inspection, along with one, two or even three cars picked at random prior to the start of qualifying.

Only Knaus knows if the benefits were with the risk and Darby wasn’t about to speculate on why Knaus might have done what he did, instead saying, “There are people who believe if they can cheat for ten years and get caught for one, that’s not too bad.” (Tom Whitmore/VPSMotorimages)

UPS puts big, brown truck on race track; 2006 Ad Campaign Required High-Performance Package Car

(2-15-2006) – NASCAR fans have waited a long time to see Dale Jarrett “race the truck.”  Now, there really is a UPS race truck.

To prepare UPS’s 2006 TV commercials for the popular “Race the Truck” campaign, the company ignored animation possibilities and instead built a real racing truck, starting with a 20-year-old, 250,000-mile workhorse UPS package car.

A team of highly qualified fabrication specialists transformed the old truck, dropping in a 514-cubic-inch factory Ford SVO crate motor that generates 620 horsepower and 700 pounds of torque.  The engine, in turn, was fitted with a two-stage nitrous oxide injection system that boosts its output to 800 horsepower, allowing for low gear burnouts and an estimated top speed of nearly 150 mph on the track. 

During NBC’s Daytona 500 broadcast on Sunday, Feb. 19, viewers will get their first glimpse of the modified UPS package car in two new spots.  What began as a way for UPS to create awareness for its NASCAR sponsorship has since grown in popularity as fans everywhere are ready for Jarrett to race the truck.  But as with any good race car, there’s testing required to get driver, pit crew and race truck ready.

Jarrett, driver of the #88 UPS Ford Fusion for Robert Yates Racing, puts custom-made Goodyear tires to the test as he maneuvers the UPS race truck in the first of the new commercials, “Brakes.”  As Jarrett completes a lap and attempts to stop, team members discuss whether he has enough braking power to offset the momentum behind a four-ton vehicle.  Jarrett begins fishtailing as he brings his speedy UPS vehicle to a halt, convincing the team of the need for adjustments.

“Draft” illustrates the force behind the UPS race truck by showing its effects on a father and his young son as they watch a NASCAR practice trackside.  One car passes and blows their shirts; another passes and nearly causes the dad to lose his hat.  When the brown truck passes, the boy is elevated horizontally as he holds onto his father’s hand to avoid being blown away.  Subsequent commercials titled “Burnout,” “Lug Nuts” and “Sponsor” will debut throughout the 2006 NASCAR season.

“This is the year when we seriously prepare the UPS truck for racing conditions,” said Patrick Guilbert, UPS vice president of sponsorships and events.  “Just as we’ve expanded our capabilities to provide delivery and logistics services through our NASCAR sponsorship, we’re going to demonstrate our ability to transform the UPS package car for peak performance.”

Through its Trackside Services SM, UPS has coordinated thousands of critical inbound and outbound shipments to and from controlled-access garage areas at NASCAR events.  Race teams, sponsors, officials, merchandise vendors and media depend on UPS Trackside Services for last-minute needs.  For example, anything left stateside during the Busch Series’ second annual visit to Mexico City in early March will be just a UPS Worldwide Express® shipment away.

Before those NASCAR teams see the green flag in Mexico, UPS will coordinate the necessary customs clearances for multiple convoys carrying crews and equipment across the border. This marks the second year UPS will facilitate this process, which comes at a time when NASCAR’s Hispanic audience is rapidly expanding.

Media predicts finishing order of 2006 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup

(2-15-2006) – Stung by last season’s inconsistency, four-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet) has been clear about his intent to return to the top of his sport.

He’s already made one on-track statement by earning the No. 2 starting spot for Sunday’s 48th annual Daytona 500. Now, media voters have echoed his optimism, selecting him as the favorite to win the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.

Gordon – the defending and three-time Daytona 500 champion – heads the 2006 NASCAR Preseason Top 10 poll. A total of 247 votes were cast; voting began Jan. 18 and ended Feb. 13. Drivers received 10 points for first place, nine points for second place, eight points for third place, seven points for fourth place, six points for fifth place, five points for sixth place, four points for seventh place, three points for eighth place, two points for ninth place and one point for 10th.

Gordon received 1,748 points and 57 first-place votes – 51 points more than second-place Tony Stewart (No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet), the two-time and defending series champion. Stewart received 1,697 points and 48 first-place votes. Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) is third with 1,691 points and 43 first-place votes – only six points behind Stewart.

Rounding out the top five in the NASCAR Preseason Top 10 are Greg Biffle (No. 16 National Guard Ford) in fourth place and his Roush Racing teammate Carl Edwards (No. 99 Office Depot Ford) in fifth place. The 2005 runner-up, Biffle received 1,490 points and 44 first-place votes. Edwards, who finished third in last year’s Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, received 1,309 points and 19 first-place votes.

The rest of the NASCAR Preseason Top 10 follows: Sixth-place Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet) with 853 points and six first-place votes; seventh-place Ryan Newman (No. 12 Alltel Dodge) with 774 points and three first-place votes; eighth-place Mark Martin (No. 6 AAA Ford) with 668 points and seven first-place votes; ninth-place Kurt Busch (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge) with 665 points and six first-place votes; and 10th-place Matt Kenseth (No. 17 DEWALT Power Tools Ford) with 580 points and three first-place votes.

Eight drivers in the 2006 NASCAR Preseason Top 10 competed in the 2005 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. The exceptions are Gordon, who finished 11th last season, his worst result since finishing 14th in his rookie season of 1993, and Earnhardt Jr., who finished 19th. (VPS Studios/Worth Canoy photo)

(2-15-2006) – With two NASCAR Busch Series championships under his belt, Martin Truex Jr. (No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) is the most accomplished of the seven drivers seeking the 2006 Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

According to the media, he’s also the favorite to win the award.

Truex topped a preseason poll in which media members ranked the field of rookie contenders from first to seventh place. A total of 198 votes were cast on NASCAR's media site. Drivers received 10 points for first place, nine points for second place, eight points for third place, seven points for fourth place, six points for fifth place, five points for sixth place and four points for seventh place.

Truex tops an impressive field widely considered the best rookie class in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series history. He received 1,179 points, including 71 first-place votes to edge Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Express Chevrolet) by 118 points. Hamlin, who became the first rookie to win the Budweiser Shootout last Sunday, grabbed 78 first-place votes, the most of any driver, and finished with 1,061 points.

Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet) finished third in the voting with 932 points and 21 first-place votes. Bowyer was locked in a tight battle for the NASCAR Busch Series championship with Truex last season and finished in second place. The two drivers were one-two in the point standings throughout the second half of the season before Truex secured the title at the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Reed Sorenson (No. 41 Target Dodge) and David Stremme (No. 40 Coors Light Dodge) are fourth and fifth, respectively. The Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates teammates combined for two wins and 17 top-five finishes in the NASCAR Busch Series last season. Sorenson received 892 points and 20 first-place votes; Stremme received 619 and three first-place votes. 

Rounding out the list are J.J. Yeley (No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet) with 576 points and three first-place votes and Brent Sherman (No. 49 Serta Dodge) with 257 points and one first-place vote. (Rusty Jarrett, NASCAR photo)

Star of Upcoming NASCAR Film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby to Appear in New Ad Campaign for The NASCAR Foundation

(2-14-2006) — The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Foundation today announced that Will Ferrell, star of Columbia Pictures’ upcoming NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, will serve as the official spokesman for NASCAR Day 2006.  Set for Friday, May 19, NASCAR Day celebrates the spirit of NASCAR by encouraging fans to get their NASCAR Day lapel pins, which will be available in exchange for a $5 donation at www.NASCAR.com/foundation along with their favorite NASCAR apparel. 

As part of his role as official spokesman, Ferrell will appear in a new ad campaign promoting NASCAR Day for the newly-formed NASCAR Foundation.  The commercial will premiere on February 19 during NBC’s telecast of the Daytona 500 and will continue to air during NASCAR race telecasts through NASCAR Day on May 19.

“I am honored to be a part of NASCAR Day 2006,” said Will Ferrell.  “As big as this sport is, its heart is even bigger.  I’ll be proudly wearing my NASCAR Day pin to work on May 19th.”

NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the spirit of NASCAR fans, both for the sport and for giving back.  In 2005, 240,000 fans bought NASCAR Day pins, raising $1.2 million.  Additionally, 25 states declared May 20, 2005 “NASCAR Day” in their state.  All proceeds from NASCAR Day will benefit The NASCAR Foundation which will help some very worthy causes.

The NASCAR Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family.  The Foundation uses the strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.    

“Will Ferrell embodies everything NASCAR Day and The NASCAR Foundation stand for: spirit, good will and giving back,” said Sandy Marshall, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation.  “We are thrilled to stand with Will on May 19th as we give back to our community.”

New Monte Carlo SS Dominates In Daytona Debut; Pre-season Race A Success For Chevrolet

(2-13-2006) – NASCAR announced today that NASCAR Nextel Cup Series crew chief Chad Knaus has been ejected from any further participation in 2006 Daytona 500 activities as a result of a rules infraction discovered following pole qualifying runs Sunday.

Knaus is the crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson.

NASCAR said the 48 car failed post-qualifying template inspection in the rear window area. The qualifying time posted by the 48 was disallowed and Johnson will have to start at the rear of the field in the first of two 150-mile qualifying races Thursday. 

The qualifying time of the No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte was also disallowed. NASCAR officials said an unapproved carburetor was found on the 96 car. Labonte will also have to start from the rear of the field in Thursday’s qualifying races.

Additional penalties for both cars will be determined following the Daytona 500.

BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT- Hamlin is off to a good start with win

(2-12-2006) - In a race that means absolutely nothing in November, Denny Hamlin, a rookie driver from Chesterfield (Va.) proved his might against Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Scott Riggs and Jimmy Johnson.

Tagged to drive the No. 11 FedEx Chevrolet late last year, Hamlin proved he could handle the muscle of a Joe Gibbs Racing-prepared Chevrolet taking the checkered flag to win the Budweiser Shootout in his first competitive run at Daytona Int’l Speedway.

Hamlin was clearly excited at getting his first victory on the Cup level after just two days of practice.

“During the second practice yesterday I realized, I knew, our car was good out front,” Hamlin said. “The most important thing is that I tried not to make a mistake on pit road getting in or coming off. The pit stop the crew just beat everyone off pit road, plain and simple. I came in third and they got me out first and that was the winning move.”

Hamlin didn’t stop with praise for his crew; without help from his teammate the rookie might have been eating dust, a lot of dust.

“I really felt confident as long as (Stewart) was behind me. He came over the radio and told my spotter for me to just run my line and he’s got everybody covered behind me. So I figured he’s going to push me to the win but it’s not that simple. He made the move to the outside, he passed me, and I said ‘Well, we’re heading the back now.  We don’t have any help.’ We just got that winning push down the back-straightaway with a lap to go and once our car was out front it was untouchable”

Blocking for Hamlin, Stewart lost second to Earnhardt in a photo finish duel to the checkered. Riggs was fourth and Johnson fifth in the 72-lap event which finished under green/white/checkered conditions. (Photos by David Vaughn )

Order of Finish

Denny Hamlin
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Tony Stewart
Scott Riggs
Jimmie Johnson
Matt Kenseth
Mark Martin
Jamie McMurray
Joe Nemechek
Dale Jarrett
Michael Waltrip
Bill Elliott
Elliott Sadler
Ken Schrader
Kyle Busch
Carl Edwards
Ryan Newman
Kasey Kahne
Jeff Gordon
Kevin Harvick
Brian Vickers

DAYTONA - Burton leads Daytona 500 Qualifying

(2-12-2006) - Timing is everything in a sport built around speed. By all appearances, Mother Nature and the racing surface cooperated best with those who turned their qualifying laps later in the qualifying order. Jeff Burton, winner of the pole with a lap of 189.151 mph (47.581 seconds), stood 34th in the qualifying lineup.

Burton’s closest challenger, Jeff Gordon, 188.877 mph (47.650 seconds), was the 55th of 58 cars to make attempts.

Burton and Gordon are guaranteed to start on the front row in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 19. The remainder of the 43-car field will be set on Thursday with the running of the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, a pair of 125-lap events used to determine the first 36 starting spots. The remainder of the field will be filled based on speed and provisionals.

Third fastest, Dale Jarrett, 188.849 mph (47.657 seconds) was the 44th car on the track. It is his best performance in restrictor plate qualifying in several years.

“I’m extremely happy,” Jarrett said after making his lap. “That’s actually faster than I thought that we could go with this car, but the guys worked extremely hard with it to be able to make it go fast, but we also think that this car is gonna draft well.

“The 500 trophies are a lot bigger and nicer than the pole trophies are, and that’s what we worked hard on. Again, I didn’t really expect this car – from where we tested with it – to be this fast, but they went back and did some things that we can do for qualifying and, obviously, horsepower always helps that too. So hopefully we have a great package for next Sunday.”

Elliott Sadler, 188.810 mph (47.667 seconds) was fourth fastest and Jimmie Johnson, 188.762 mph (47.679 seconds) rounded out the top five.

Bobby Labonte, in the No. 43 Cheerios Dodge owned by Petty Enterprises, gave the old-time faithful reason to cheer with his sixth place qualifying effort. Labonte held onto the top spot until Johnson knocked him off, however he was the fastest of the Dodges taking times.

“We went out fourth and knew we were in store for a long wait,” Labonte said, noting he didn’t expect the lap to hold up to the onslaught of good cars still waiting to qualify. “Obviously we’re not a threat for the pole today, but that was a good pickup from practice. The guys tuned on it well and got good power out of it. I think picking up from yesterday is a big plus and hopefully it’ll get us a good starting position for Thursday. I hope it will hold up, but that time shouldn’t hold up for the pole.” (Photos by Gary Natase (top) and David Vaughn (bottom)

Click here to read complete qualifying order.

DAYTONA - Saturday's Activities Rained Out At Speedway, Rescheduled for Sunday

(2-11-2006) -- Due to inclement weather, the 28th annual Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200, all scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, have been postponed.

NASCAR officials and officials from Daytona International Speedway announced that Sunday’s schedule is as follows (weather permitting):

9:30 a.m.: ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race (80 laps, 200 miles)
Noon: Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 (top-two starting positions for the Daytona, two laps)

4:30 p.m.: Budweiser Shootout

Tickets for Saturday's events at the Speedway will be honored on Sunday. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. As always, every day's schedule is tentative and subject to change.

(2-11-2006) – Famous 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino will unveil two officially NASCAR licensed prints during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway, the first commemorating the 48th running of the Daytona 500 and the second celebrating the opening of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.  The unveiling will take place in the track’s media center on Sun., Feb. 12 at 11 a.m.  Fazzino’s NASCAR licensed artwork is available for purchase at NASCAR.com with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Victory Junction Gang Camp, one of NASCAR’s designated charities.

Fazzino, who was the official artist for the 2005 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis, is regarded to be one of the most popular pop artists in the world.  He has been the official artist for the Super Bowl, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Belmont Stakes, U.S. Olympic Teams, Country Music Awards, U.S. Tennis Foundation, Grammy Awards, NBC’s “Today” Summer Concert Series, Rosie O’Donnell’s “For All Kids” Foundation and the President William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation.

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s premier race and traditionally kicks off the Nextel Cup season.  It is one of the largest events in all of motorsports, drawing more than 170,000 fans to the track, with the television broadcast shown worldwide.

“We’re excited to have one of the most famous pop artists capture the essence of NASCAR’s most prestigious race,” said Robin Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway.  “We look forward to Charles Fazzino’s work, which will no doubt become a collectible piece of art among race fans.”

NASCAR officials take pride in the fact that Fazzino has produced a pair of prints that reflect the growing popularity of the sport.

“It’s a terrific testament to the power of NASCAR that an artist of Charles Fazzino’s caliber has produced two pieces of officially-licensed artwork that are sure to be popular among our fans,” said Mark Dyer, NASCAR’s vice president of licensing.  “When you take a look at the sporting events and other national projects that Fazzino has been associated with in the past, it’s a real compliment to NASCAR to have him target the Daytona 500 along with the upcoming Nextel Cup season.”

“It’s a great honor to have been selected by NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway to create the official commemorative artwork for both the Daytona 500 and the 2006 Nextel Cup season,” said Fazzino.  “I hope my artwork captures the magic and thrill of this exciting racing series and historic racing event.”

Fazzino’s officially-licensed NASCAR prints will be available for fans to view and purchase on the internet at www.nascar.com,

"Charles Fazzino has an exceptional ability to catch the greatness and tradition of a sporting event and we're honored to be able to share his one-of-a-kind style with our visitors and customers, said Scott Bailey, vice president and general manager of NASCAR.com.  "I'm personally excited to see the fans’ response to this incredible piece of art designed for the 2006 Daytona 500, and I know many others are as well."

Schrader Draws Pole For Saturday Night's Budweiser Shootout

(2-10-2006) - Ken Schrader will lead a field of 21 drivers to the green flag in the 28th running of the Budweiser Shootout this Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway (8 p.m. ET on TNT).  Schrader was one of two drivers remaining to draw his respective starting position Thursday night at the Budweiser Shootout Qualifying Draw Party when he pulled the No. 1 spot.  SPEED Channel will air the Draw Party on its “NASCAR Live” telecast between the first and second practice sessions on Friday.

The 2005 Budweiser Shootout champion, Jimmie Johnson, will start on the outside poll.  Tony Stewart, Joe Nemechek, and Kasey Kahne round out the top-five.  The complete line-up is as follows:

1. Ken Schrader
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Tony Stewart
4. Joe Nemechek
5. Kasey Kahne
6. Elliott Sadler
7. Ryan Newman
8. Scott Riggs
9. Dale Jarrett
10. Jeff Gordon
11. Carl Edwards
12. Bill Elliott
13. Mark Martin
14. Kyle Busch
15. Denny Hamlin
16. Matt Kenseth
17. Jamie McMurray
18. Kevin Harvick
19. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
20. Brian Vickers
21. Michael Waltrip

Kasey Kahne at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show

(2-9-2006) -- Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger, appears on the “Dodge Driving Game” at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, Wednesday.  At the event to introduce the new Dodge Nitro and Dodge Caliber SRT4, Kahne rewards the lucky contestant with her new car – driven by Kahne himself.  Kahne also took time at the show to tour the new vehicles for 2006 and meet one of his racing legends – Mario Andretti – before heading to Daytona to kick off the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.

NASCAR NEXTEL FANVIEW GIVES FANS A NEW PERSPECTIVE

The Next Generation Race Scanner Provides In-Race Video, In-Car Audio,Real-time Data and Statistics. Sprint Nextel continues to leverage its NASCAR sponsorship along with its wireless technology to enhance the NASCAR fan experience at track and away.

(2-9-2006) – For years race fans have used scanners to listen to communications between a driver and crew during a race.  On Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway (DIS), Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S), NASCAR and Kangaroo.TV (TSX: KTV) will introduce the newest at-track wireless technology for spectators, NASCAR NEXTEL FanView, a hand-held scanner that includes video, audio and data capabilities. 

The first device of its kind in any major sport, NASCAR NEXTEL FanView combines the race telecast and up to seven in-car camera channels, direct audio feeds allowing the user to listen to live driver and team conversations, as well as the radio broadcast and an exclusive audio-replay feature.  NASCAR NEXTEL FanView also taps directly into NASCAR’s timing and scoring system, providing fans with real-time race data and statistics at the touch of a button.  The device, featuring technology which is licensed by Kangaroo.TV, will be available to rent during all NASCAR NEXTEL Cup SeriesTM weekends.

“NASCAR NEXTEL FanView is an excellent example of how Sprint Nextel, along with our industry partners, can enhance the fan experience at NASCAR events,” said Michael Robichaud, vice president of sports marketing for Sprint Nextel. “We entered the NASCAR partnership with a passion to advance the sport through innovative wireless technology, and this launch is another step in realizing that vision.”

The device represents the next generation of fan access by integrating a race-day scanner with video feeds and race data and transmitting over the 2.5 GHz wireless broadcast spectrum.  Produced and developed by Sprint Nextel, NASCAR and Kangaroo.TV, NASCAR NEXTEL FanView bridges the live excitement of races with the data and visuals of the at-home, multi-screen fan experience.

“NASCAR has always provided our fans with the highest level of access in sports; from the athletes to the teams to the track itself, our first priority has always been creating the most interactive experience possible.  From the beginning of our relationship with Sprint Nextel, we have worked together to use their unequaled technology to enhance that access and our fans’ experience,” said Dick Glover, vice president of broadcasting and new media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment.  “NASCAR NEXTEL FanView offers an authentic and unprecedented next level of access that has never before been made available at a sporting event.”

NASCAR NEXTEL FanView represents a new direction in the way fans in the stands view live sports.  The in-house video broadcast on the NASCAR NEXTEL FanView is identical to the trackside NEXTEL Vision screens, which show race action. In-car camera channels allow fans to virtually ride along with the drivers, and real-time race data keeps fans up to date on their favorite drivers’ lap-by-lap statistics.

“We also designed NASCAR NEXTEL FanView to be a platform for continual enhancement,” Robichaud said.  “As fans become more accustomed to the device and demand different types of information, we have the ability to develop new content and integrate it quickly and seamlessly, providing an even greater personalized at-track experience.”

Additional NASCAR NEXTEL FanView features include:

1. Graphic-rich data such as lap times, speeds, position and point standings updated every lap, as well as information and statistics on drivers, events, and tracks

2. Real-time statistics for multiple drivers on the same screen, allowing fans to compare their favorite drivers’ performance to other drivers every lap

3. Pre-programmed frequencies of audio channels for every driver, NASCAR officials and the radio broadcast

4. Priority scanning for up to four drivers, selected by the individual user

5. Audio replay of communications between drivers and teams on demand

“NASCAR NEXTEL FanView represents an excellent application of the Kangaroo.TV technology and will soon become a ‘must have’ for NASCAR fans,” said Alain Charette, executive vice-president of Kangaroo.TV.  “Our revolutionary technology and manufacturing capabilities, along with Sprint Nextel’s communications expertise and NASCAR’s racing proficiency, will enhance NASCAR fans’ experience at every NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event weekend.”

NASCAR NEXTEL FanView will be available to rent at the branded FanView hauler and at all Track Scan rental locations during NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekends.  The device also will be available for use during NASCAR Busch and Craftsman Truck Series events when they are companion events to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races, as well as during practice and qualifying sessions for all three series.  At $50 per day or $70 per race weekend, NASCAR NEXTEL FanView is comparable to the standard rate for most racing scanners and includes the device, battery, charger (available only for weekend rentals), headset, carry bag and neck lanyard.

This is another innovative wireless development for Sprint Nextel involving in-car communications.  In 2004, Sprint Nextel introduced Nextel FanScan.  Meant for fans that are unable to make it to the track, subscribers to Nextel FanScan can hear live in-car communications by dialing *RACE from most Nextel and Sprint PCS wireless phones during each NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. This unique service is available for $4.99 per race or $9.99 monthly, plus standard airtime charges.

For more information and images of NASCAR NEXTEL FanView, please visit www.nextel.com/nextelcup.

(2-8-2006) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced a collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in an effort to further increase diversity in the sport. The NASCAR-HBCU Consortium will aim to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for African-American students in key racing and other related automotive business activities.

“This relationship with HBCU and UTI is something that we’re proud of,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “Working together, we will be able to raise awareness and provide more job opportunities for African-American students in the NASCAR industry as well as the entire automotive industry. We believe that our participation in this Consortium will increase the diverse pool of Americans that have the option to develop their professional careers in our industry.”

The announcement of the Consortium came at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Members Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Mel Watt (D-NC) announced a Congressional Resolution recognizing the creation of the NASCAR-HBCU Consortium. The Members encouraged the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and other appropriate agencies of the federal government to provide suitable assistance and support to ensure the success of this effort.

“I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of this resolution recognizing the NASCAR-HBCU Partnership,” Watt said. “I’m especially excited because Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina A&T University, two HBCUs located in my congressional district, have already agreed to join the NASCAR-HBCU alliance. This partnership certainly has the potential to open an exciting door of opportunity for many students in my district and across the country.” 

The groups will work together to help create opportunities for students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at participating HBCUs. NASCAR, UTI and HBCUs will work together to increase awareness, access to and participation by minority students in the NASCAR Technical Institute curriculum. These students will receive proper training to enter the NASCAR workforce or other related fields including automotive engineering and technology, automotive safety, sports marketing and other automotive industry areas.

“Bethune-Cookman College is excited about the HBCU-NASCAR initiatives to assist students with job opportunities in key racing and other related automotive business activities. The College looks forward to a long-standing partnership with HBCU-NASCAR,” said Trudie Kibbe Reed, Ed.D. President of Bethune-Cookman College.

(2-8-2006) - The construction of a new 6,100-seat grandstand outside Turn 1 at Darlington Raceway is progressing according to schedule, according to the Elrod Corporation, the construction company which is overseeing the project. Estimated completion date for the tower, which has yet to be named, is early to mid-April. Seats in the new tower for the Dodge Charger 500 weekend, May 12-13, are now available by calling 866.459.RACE (7223), or at www.racetickets.com.

Return to Contents

Return to Contents