Tidbits...2007 - January & February...

• 2/27: Made an inquiry to the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour yesterday regarding the release of their 07 schedule. No reply yet...Stay tuned.
  
  
• 2/27: Got a really interesting tip about Raceway Park in PEI yesterday. Watch for details later in the week...
  
  
• 2/27: Talked to Paul McLean at Riverside Speedway yesterday. He hopes to be able to announce details on the July 21 Riverside 250 and also the specifics of the September 15 event in the next couple of weeks. McLean says they have lots of exciting things on the go for this season, and when the details are announced - well, it will be worth the wait!!!
  
  
• 2/26: On Sunday, at California Speedway, Ray Evernham filed appeals on the penalties levied against three of his NASCAR Nextel Cup teams for infractions at Daytona. Evernham said he is most concerned about the severity of the penalties - particularly the loss of points - and the damage the allegations have done to the reputation of his organization. One of Evernham's teams - Kasey Kahne's - was fined 50 points and $50,000 and the crew chief was suspended for four races; the two other teams - Riggs and Sadler - were fined 25 points and $25,000 each - and their crew chiefs suspended for two races. NASCAR has yet to set a date to hear the appeal.
  
  
• 2/26: Mark Martin's lead in the current NASCAR Nextel Cup point standings is the first time Martin has led the points since September 2002. Martin's team owner, Ginn Racing, has never led the point standings before - even when they were known as MB2 Motorsports - which ran its first race in 1996 with Derrike Cope driving. Martin has announced plans to run a limited schedule with the Ginn Racing team this year...
  
  
• 2/24: Of all the accolades Daytona 500 winner Kevin Harvick received this week, he rates a phone call from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as a highlight. Harvick received the call from the actor-turned-politician Monday. Gov. Schwarzenegger and his family are avid NASCAR fans.
  
  
• 2/23: Just when you thought the discussions as to whether the Daytona 500 should have finished under yellow were over, word has surfaced that Sunoco (NASCAR's Official Fuel) was extremely unhappy with the prominence of the Shell logos on Kevin Harvick's helmet, uniform and car. Evidently, Sunoco had voiced their displeasure to NASCAR before the 500, but when Harvick won both the Daytona 500 and the Daytona Busch Series race, the situation was re-visited. As a result, NASCAR has "asked" RCR (Harvick team owner) to make the Pennzoil logos more dominant than the Shell logos. Harvicks' new uniform will reortedly be ready for this weeks race in California, but he is likely to wear his Busch Series helmet. RCR is also involved in discussions with NASCAR regarding the AT&T / Cingular merger and subsequent rebranding that will see Jeff Burton's car eventually bear AT&T logos. Apparently when Nextel signed their deal with NASCAR, existing competitor sponsorships were allowed to continue, meaning Cingular was OK - the question remains regarding AT&T since it's technically not a new sponsorship...
  
  
• 2/22: NASCAR announced Wednesday that Bryant Frazier, crew chief of the No. 66 Dodge driven by Steve Wallace in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been penalized due to rule violations at Daytona International Speedway. Frazier 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) and 20A – 10.5B: (bracket around drive shaft less than one-quarter inch thick) of the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on Feb 13.
  
  
• 2/21: As a result of his strong second-place finish in the Daytona 500, mark Martin will drive the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet in July's Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
  
  
• 2/21: Josh Yost, crewman for Jeff Burton, who was injured during a pit stop during the Daytona 500 will undergo surgery on his left ankle Thursday.
  
  
• 2/19: The so-called rocky relationship between Teresa Earnhardt and step-son Dale Earnhardt Jr. appeared to be on good terms Sunday during pre-race ceremonies for the Daytona 500. Teresa went to Jr.'s side on pit road about 20 minutes before the start engines command. The two hugged and posed for pictures...
  
  
• 2/19: Two crewmen were injured during the Daytona 500...Josh Yost, jack man for Jeff Burton, suffered his second pit road accident in two years. Yesterday he suffered and injury to his left Achilles tendon and was flown home to North Carolina where he will see an orthopoedic doctor as soon as possible. In May 2005 Yost suffered a laceration to his right Achilles tendon that required months to heal. Jeremy Geiter, a crewmember on Mike Wallace's #09 team, suffered an injury to his left foot and ankle after being struck by Jamie McMurray during a pit stop on Lap 176.
  
  
• 2/17: UPS has announced it has signed a new five-year agreement with NASCAR to continue as the official express delivery company of the sport through the 2011 racing season. The exclusive “Official Delivery Company” partnership extends a highly successful union dating back to UPS’s initial entry into the sport in 2000. As part of the deal, UPS will continue providing its popular Trackside Services to the industry at all NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races as well as logistics, freight and supply chain services.
  
  
• 2/16: 72-year-old James Harvey Hylton was trying to become the oldest driver ever to make a Cup race – and he nearly pulled it off Thursday during the first Gatorade Duel qualifying race for the Faytona 500. He was running eighth with 10 laps to go – good enough to earn a qualifying spot for Sunday’s race. But Hylton’s clutch wasn’t working properly, and he couldn’t keep up on a late restart. He slipped and finished 23rd. Hylton was disappointed, but is still revving to go. “It’s got me in the mood now, where’s the next race?” Hylton said. Hylton said he had a few dicey moments back in the pack. “I didn’t feel too good when they was back there wrecking,” Hylton said. “It was one of them, close your eyes and do a Hail Mary. That brought back a lot of memories.” Hylton said he plans to do several more races this season, including the July Daytona race. Other drivers were impressed. “I won’t be here when I’m 72,” Dale Jarrett said. “He did a good job. It looked like there toward the end that if we got enough cautions and he could stay right there that he might get himself in. I couldn’t imagine doing that at his age.”
  
  
• 2/14: Kyle Busch has purchased a super late model stock car from Maine's Chris Kennison. According to PASS, Busch has plans to run the car in select PASS events this year as well as a few races in his hometown of Las Vegas. Kennison has purchased a new car from Jeff Taylor/Distance Racing and has plans to run the complete 07 PASS North schedule.
  
  
• 2/13: Tony Stewart will once again be behind the wheel of the No. 33 Old Spice Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the NASCAR Busch Series for Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI). Stewart will compete in eight races during the 2007 season. Stewart’s last race for KHI in a Busch car was at Kansas Speedway in September of 2006, where he finished fourth. In all last season, Stewart drove in 10 races for KHI, picking up one win (Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway) and four top-10 finishes. Stewart helped get the KHI Busch program off the ground with two starts in 2004, and then in 2005 picking up the first win for KHI at the season-opener in Daytona. Much like last season Stewart will share driving duties in the No. 33. Team owner and fellow Cup competitor Kevin Harvick, Tony Raines, Ron Fellows and newcomer Cale Gale will all be behind the wheel this season. The star-studded cast of drivers should make for a thrilling season. Primary sponsors in addition to Old Spice will be RoadLoans.com for 14 races and Camping World for 11 races with the remaining two races going to Bounty and Dollar General.
  
  
• 2/13: Carl Edwards and California Speedway President Gillian Zucker (pictured right) attended a post-Grammy party thrown by Warner Music Group Sunday evening in Los Angeles. The party was part of a day and a half media blitz by Edwards to promote the 2007 West Coast Premiere of NASCAR, the Auto Club 500 February 25 at California Speedway, where Warner Music Group recording artist Brian McKnight will sing the national anthem.
  
  
• 2/12: NASCAR will use a smaller fuel cell and a different tire compound for the Nextel Cup and Busch races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 10-11. After discussing the issue with Goodyear, NASCAR has decided to go with a 13-gallon fuel cell at Vegas, and Goodyear will bring a different tire compound than tested last month. Both NASCAR and Goodyear felt the potential is there for the same issues experienced at Lowe's Motor Speedway after it was repaved last year. The fuel cell this season for most races is 17.5 gallons. With a smaller cell, the teams will need to pit more often, allowing more frequent tire inspections. The Las Vegas track was completely rebuilt in recent months, adding increased banking to the new surface.
  
  
• 2/10: Roush Racing and Fenway Sports Group will make a major announcement at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, FL Feb. 14. The function will be attended by Red Sox players and Roush Racing drivers. Speculation is strong Jack Roush will announce he has sold a 50% stake in his race operation to Fenway Sports Group.
  
  
• 2/10: Bobby Hamilton Racing has announced a Press Conference next Thursday, Feb. 15, to discuss details of the future of the team. Team founder Bobby Hamilton lost his battle with cancer January 9.
  
  
• 2/9: Jeff Gordon revealed on SPEED TV Thursday night that he and his wife Ingrid learned this week they are expecting a baby girl. Ingrid is five months along.
  
  
• 2/9: In response to a query sent earlier this week, Ken Cunning, GM for the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour says "I still have a couple of issues to put to bed before I can announce the schedule." He did not indicate how long that will take. Earlier indications were the schedule and rules would be announced before the end of January.
  
  
• 2/9: Darlington Raceway has been awarded the state of South Carolina’s prestigious 2007 Governor’s Cup Award. The announcement was made on February 6th during the 42nd annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel, the state’s largest annual gathering of tourism industry leaders. The 2007 conference was held in Spartanburg, SC. The Governor’s Cup Award is presented annually by SCPRT to an outstanding organization that has demonstrated a significant tourism-related impact on the state and local community, and which has markedly improved the quality of life for South Carolinians.
  
  
• 2/8: N.C. congressman Robin Hayes has announced the House has passed legislation to honour NASCAR legend Benny Parsons. Hayes introduced the legislation Jan. 17 and spoke on the House Floor to honor Parsons for his excellence in racing and his great character. Parsons was born in Wilkes County on July 12, 1941. He won 21 races, including the 1975 Daytona 500, and was the first NASCAR driver to qualify at more than 200 mph. Parsons died Jan. 16 from complications from lung cancer.
  
  
• 2/6: Joe Millikan, who was injured in a multi-vehicle accident outside of El Paso, Texas on Wednesday, was released from Thomason Hospital on Friday afternoon. Millikan returned home to North Carolina on Saturday, February 3. Millikan was one of two Roush Racing employees injured when the No. 6 NEXTEL Cup transporter was involved in an accident returning home from a test session in Las Vegas, Nev. Justin Grebe, the driver of the transporter, was treated, released and returned home to North Carolina on January 31.
  
  
• 2/6: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber has announced the hiring of two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup stars to the PIR ticket sales team. Carl Edwards and Bobby Labonte will join the PIR staff for one day and will sell tickets for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ at the PIR Ticket Office from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21. The SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ is scheduled to be the first night race of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, and fans looking to secure a spot under the lights can purchase their tickets directly from Carl and Bobby beginning at noon.
  
  
• 2/4: Joe Milliken, who was injured earlier this week while riding shotgun in a Roush Racing team transporter that was involved in a highway accident, has been upgraded to stable condition.
  
  
• 2/3: It appears race tracks in central Florida escaped damage as deadly tornadoes ripped through central Florida early Friday. Storm track maps show the path extending from northwest of Orlando across to just north of New Smyrna Beach. Daytona International Speedway is Ok, as are New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia County Speedway. Twenty fatalities have been reported as a result of the storm that tossed tractor trailers off I4 like children's toys, and left over 1,500 homes damaged; many beyond repair.
  
  
• 2/2: A $4 million renovation of the frontstretch grandstand that includes replacing the current concrete and aluminum bleachers with spacious stadium-style seats is among several capital improvement projects planned this year at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The design and procurement phase of the grandstand renovation is underway and construction will begin following the May 27 Coca-Cola 600. It is scheduled for completion prior to the Oct. 13 Bank of America 500.
  
  
• 2/2: The all-woman country group Cowboy Crush, who’s Asylum/Curb release "Nobody Ever Died of a Broken Heart” put the group on the country map, will perform the National Anthem prior to the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout At Daytona on Saturday, February 10 at historic Daytona International Speedway. The group’s performance at the Budweiser Shootout will be aired on FOX Sports, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. (ET), 9 p.m. (AT).
  
  
• 2/2: Nicolas Cage, the star of the upcoming action-adventure Ghost Rider™ from Columbia Pictures, in theaters everywhere on February 16th, has been named Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest, richest, and most prestigious race. Cage will command the drivers, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” at NASCAR’s signature event, which will run on Sunday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway.
  
  
• 2/1: Got a tip from Andy Campbell Wednesday...He's heard from reliable sources that NASCAR's Ricky Craven has purchased Spud Speedway in northern Maine. Craven apparently has big plans for the facility, home for a 1/3-mile paved oval, located next to the Loring AFB near Caribou...
  
  
• 2/1: The Roush Racing No. 6 transporter was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Texas, en route from testing at Las Vegas to the shop in Concord, NC. The accident occured at a Border Patrol checkpoint station, and reportedly started when the Roush truck rear-ended an RV, which struck another vehicle and so on. According to a report in the El Paso Times, the driver of the Roush rig, former Cup driver Joe Milliken, was critically injured and transported to hospital along with others who had suffered non life-threatening injuries. Roush Racing released a brief statement Wednesday confirming the accident with injuries, further details to follow. Milliken ran in 80 Cup races from 1974 to 1986, with 10 top-fives, 38 top-10s and one career pole. His best season was in 1979 with 20 top-10s in 31 starts [his only full season], finishing 6th in points and was 2nd in the rookie race to the late Dale Earnhardt.
  
  
• 2/1: Popular country music star Dierks Bentley, whose recent album Long Trip Alone debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart, will perform before thousands of fans both before and after the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout at historic Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, Feb. 10. Bentley’s hit single “Every Mile A Memory” from the album Long Trip Alone reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles charts and recently garnered two Grammy nominations for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.
  
  
• 2/1: Cal Ripken Jr., best known as baseball's "Iron Man", playing in a record 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, will be behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette as he paces the field for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Voted to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2007, his consecutive games played record, which took 16 years to establish, made him a popular player with baseball fans everywhere as evidenced by his 19 All-Star Game appearances.
  
  
• 1/31: Got a spare $30 million - U.S.? That's the rumoured price tag to become the "Busch" series sponsor for 08. The beer cpmpany announced earlier this year they would not be renewing their longtime sponsorship contract. Accoring to insiders, the sereis sponsor will see approximately $100 million/year in brand exposure...
  
  
• 1/31: One of auto racing’s most likable personalities, #78-Kenny Wallace is also a dedicated racer. In a fascinating recounting of his roller coaster life and career, Wallace shares hilarious stories from a racing-obsessed youth, the pain of losing his best friend, and remarkable insights from a life well-lived. A NASCAR crew chief before he was 21 years old, a nine-time winner in the Busch Series, and a go-to driver for Nextel Cup car owners, “Herman” provides an insider’s view of great drivers such as Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Richard Petty and so many more, including brother Rusty Wallace, as well as a behind-the-scenes view of motorsports TV. Inside Herman’s World is the rollicking good-time fans would expect, but it’s also poignant and perceptive.
  
  
• 1/30: Lowe's Motor Speedway will be branded with a new nickname as the 07 season kicks off. Speedway officials have launched a marketing campaign that brands the 1.5-mile quad-oval as "The Beast of the Southeast." "Over almost a half century, the track has emerged a true beast, so why deny it?" said H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "Its mean reputation is very well known among the competitors, but this campaign will reinforce the fact with the fans." Speedway officials will use The Beast of the Southeast logo and theme in print and electronic advertising; as part of multiple direct-mail campaigns; and on the track's web site. An extensive line of The Beast of the Southeast souvenirs is also being developed.
  
  
• 1/29: Wally Dallenbach pais special tribute to Benny Parsons this past weekend at the Rolex 24 At Daytona . Dallenbach's car carried the name "Benny Parsons" on the side behind the driver's door. Dallenbach wanted to put a memorial to Parsons on the car. Parsons, who shared the TNT and NBC booth with Dallenbach the last six years, died Jan. 16. "The TV thing and all the other stuff is a big part of it, but the friendship that we had of going out after we left the race track and the stories, that's the stuff that meant more to us than anything," Dallenbach said. "He was just a lot of fun to be with. He'll be missed. We'll be thinking about him a lot this year." Parsons was the grand marshal of the 24-hour race last year at Daytona International Speedway.
  
  
• 1/28: After several calls in recent years for the rebirth of North Wilkesboro Speedway, the future of the facility has reportedly been put in the hands of a real estate developer. Co-Owners Bob Bahre and Bruton Smith bought the facility 10 years ago and moved its two races to Bahre's New Hampshire Inetrnational Speedway and Smith's Texas track - giving NHIS two dates and launching the Texas track for Smith. Smith does not anticipate racing as a viable activity for the track, anticipating it will be used for other major events - "like a major national fiddlers' convention."
  
  
• 1/28: Al Unser Jr. has been charged after an alleged hit and run accident in Las Vegas Thursday. There were no injuries but the other motorists car crashed into a cement center median after being sideswiped. Unser has been charged with driving under the influence, misdemeanor hit and run, failure to render aid in an accident and failure to report an accident.
  
  
• 1/28: Joe Gibbs grandson and son of J.D. Gibbs is being treated for leukemia. Two-year-old Zachary Taylor Gibbs has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The diagnosis came two weeks ago and the boy, one of seven grandchildren for Joe and Pat Gibbs, has had surgery and begun chemotherapy.
  
  
• 1/28: Race fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Friday, February 23, 2007 at California Speedway. Track officials announced today that the Truck Series garage will be open to fans with a Weekend Pit Pass and a ticket to the San Bernardino County 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Weekend Pit Passes can be purchased for only $55 and allow pit road access when the track is cold. Fans must have a grandstand or infield ticket for each day they use the Weekend Pit Pass. Access to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series garage on Friday is limited to fans 18 years of age and older. NASCAR requires long pants, no open toed shoes and no sleeveless shirts for garage access. Children 12 and under are admitted in the pits free on Sunday with a ticketed adult.
  
  
• 1/28: Nicolas Cage, the star of the upcoming action-adventure Ghost Rider™ from Columbia Pictures, in theaters everywhere on February 16th, has been named Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest, richest, and most prestigious race. Cage will command the drivers, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” at NASCAR’s signature event, which will run on Sunday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway.
  
  
• 1/27: Former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driving champion Mike Bliss and long-time veteran crew chief Barry Dodson will reunite to run the first four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races for Key Motorsports in 2007. Bliss and Dodson first teamed together in 1995 when as a rookie, Bliss earned his first career victory in the Craftsman Truck Series at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. It was Dodson’s very first outing as crew chief for owner Jim Smith’s Team ASE/Ultra Wheels Ford, and the Bliss/Dodson duo would visit Victory Lane five more times through the 1998 campaign when Dodson left the Series. During their 81 NCTS races together, Bliss and Dodson earned 28 top 5 and 41 top 10 finishes, captured 13 pole positions, finished in the top 10 in the championship standings every year and earned nearly $1,500,000 in race winnings and point fund money. Bliss, who went on to capture the NCTS title in 2002, had a best point standing finish under Dodson’s rule of fourth in 1997.
  
  
• 1/27: Diversity is the word of the week for Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he hosts the high octane excitement of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) this weekend at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena for the Dale Jr. PBR Clash. “I can’t wait to see all the action,” said Earnhardt Jr. “It’s been a while since the PBR has come to Charlotte and I’m glad to be included in their return to the area. I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with the PBR and watching to see who I’ll be giving the big check to on Sunday. They are great guys, but to do what they do, you not only need to be an excellent athlete, but a little psycho too. I’d much rather be in my race car in a pack going three wide at 200 mph for days, than to climb on a 2,000 pound angry bull for eight seconds.”
  
  
• 1/26: Texas Motor Speedway will conclude a special track renovation process today that is expected to help alleviate a dip that has formed between Turns 1 and 2 on the 1.5-mile superspeedway, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage announced today. The delicate process, known as “Concrete Lifting By Structure Urethane,” will in essence “pump” up the surface below the track and ultimately raise targeted areas in the affected 200-foot stretch over the South Tunnel that is situated in the middle of the two turns. The depth of the dip varies throughout, but it is at a maximum of two inches at any given point.
  
  
• 1/26: Kevin Costner will serve as Grand Marshal of the Auto Club 500 during the West Coast premiere of NASCAR on February 25, 2007, it was announced today by California Speedway President Gillian Zucker. Costner will give the "Gentlemen, Start your Engines" command to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers in front of the live audience and those watching at home on FOX. In addition, Kevin will energize fans when he performs live with “The Kevin Costner Band” on the Opportunity, California FanZone stage during pre-race festivities.
  
  
• 1/24: Martin Truex Jr. had a run-in with a Daytona Beach police officer last Thursday evening. Truex was out with friends and admittedly had "a few drinks" WITH a designated driver; while on the way to their vehicle Truex decided he needed to make a "pit stop" in the corner of a parking garage. A nearby car was occupied by a local officer...When the officer asked Truex if what he was doing was worth $100, Truex pulled a $100 bill out of his pocket - but the officer construed the act as a bribe. After all the talking was done Truex was charged with disorderly intoxication and paid a $208 fine. Truex has released a statement regarding the incident: "The incident that recently occurred in Daytona Beach, Fla. was in poor judgment and shouldn't have happened. I want to apologize to Bass Pro Shops, the NASCAR community and my fellow employees of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. After testing on Thursday afternoon, some team members and I went to a local restaurant that evening. We had a few drinks, I was not intoxicated and we had a designated driver. Afterwards, while I was standing by our SUV, a man walked up to me in the parking deck. He didn't immediately identify himself as a police officer. I was taken a little off guard, but once I realized he was an officer, I fully cooperated. There was no resistance on my part in any way. I don't feel I was being disorderly, but that doesn't make what happened right, and again, I want to apologize for my behavior."
  
  
• 1/24: For 30 years, the “King” Richard Petty has been synonymous with Goody’s® Headache Powders and its fast pain relief. Now through a landmark agreement, Petty’s status as spokesperson for the fast pain relieving headache powders will be guaranteed for life. This announcement marks the first time a current or former NASCAR driver and a sponsor have agreed to lifetime terms.
  
  
• 1/23: Mountain Dew will once again be partnered with legendary NASCAR Champion Darrell Waltrip for the upcoming 2007 NASCAR season. Mountain Dew Racing will be celebrating DW’s Championship seasons in the Mountain Dew car over 25 years ago. In 1981 and 1982, Waltrip won back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles behind the wheel of the No. 11 Mountain Dew Buick. DW’s 1981 Championship season is now recognized as one of the most impressive runs in NASCAR history, as he fought back from a 341-point deficit in the final 17 races to capture the Cup. During those two seasons, Waltrip amassed an unbelievable 24 victories, 18 poles, 38 top-five finishes, and two Cup titles. Now, a television analyst for FOX Sports, Waltrip remains legendary to the sport. Mountain Dew will honor DW’s history-making moments with the Fueled by Dew: Flashback to Glory national campaign. Waltrip and the No. 11 Mountain Dew Buick will be featured in national Mountain Dew advertising, including radio commercials, print materials, online, and on in-store point of sale materials. Mountain Dew has even refurbished one of the actual #11 Buick race cars from the Championship season and will let fans check it out at events throughout the year. Fans will also have the chance to win VIP race trips, meet Darrell and receive retro Mountain Dew Racing merchandise by participating in retail promotions throughout the country over the course of the Flashback to Glory campaign.
  
  
• 1/22: One of the oldest race tracks in Illinois gets new life with new owners. Macon Speedway revealed the new ownership team Sunday as part of the Racing Expo at the State Fairgrounds. Past track owner-operator Macon's Bob Sargent and NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader make up the team. Racing on the dirt track ended ahead of schedule last season because of financial hard times. The track was built in 1946.
  
  
• 1/21: According to a report published Friday by the Associated Press, Teresa Earnhardt is willing to discuss a larger role at Dale Earnhardt Inc. with stepson #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. as part of the ongoing contract negotiations to keep him at his late father's company. "We are moving full speed ahead with negotiations, moving ahead as we normally would," Teresa Earnhardt said Thursday night in a telephone interview from Los Angeles, where she was promoting the documentary "Dale." Asked if she was committed to keeping Junior behind the wheel of the #8 Chevrolet, she didn't waver: "Absolutely." Junior's contract expires at the end of this season, and his status with the company has been in question since Teresa Earnhardt seemingly questioned his commitment in a December article in The Wall Street Journal. Teresa Earnhardt indicated the two have since spoken but seemed fuzzy on when the conversation occurred. "I don't know, it has just been a short while ago," she said. "We talk." Teresa Earnhardt said Thursday there's been nothing unusual about these extension talks. "It's all been very typical," she said. "We're moving forward, discussing everything and trying to get this done."
  
  
• 1/21: The Army National Guard has announced it will expand its new partnership with Hendrick Motorsports by supporting driver Casey Mears in the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series. Mears is scheduled to make 22 starts in Chevrolets branded with the 24 number, which has not been campaigned by Hendrick Motorsports in the Busch Series since 2002. All races will be companion events with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. At each event, a different National Guard brigade or division will be represented through recognition on the car, identification on team uniforms and other elements. The Busch Series program will focus on the National Guard's local recruiting efforts.
  
  
• 1/20: Island Speedway (Sydney) drivers meetings are set as follows: Feb 4th 7PM - Street Class Drivers Only - Mira Road Firehall downstairs back door. Feb 11th 7PM - Thunder and Lightning Bug class - Mira Road Firehall downstairs back door.
  
  
• 1/20: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Food & Beverage Department is accepting orders for the Brickyard Box Lunch, a complete, satisfying meal that fans can enjoy during the race. The popular Box Lunch Program allows fans to order a tasty, filling lunch before the Indianapolis 500, United States Grand Prix or Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, and pick it up on Race Day at the Speedway. The cost is $13.95. Brickyard Box Lunches come complete with a fresh-made sandwich or chef’s salad and a delicious fried chicken breast, along with snacks and dessert.
  
  
• 1/19: Two-time Grammy winner and Sony recording artist Kelly Clarkson will headline the NEXTEL Tribute To America, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to “The Great American Race” -- the prestigious Daytona 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 18 (1:00 pm ET on FOX). Clarkson will perform in the NEXTEL-sponsored show, which will be carried live on FOX Sports. The NEXTEL Tribute To America pays tribute to music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway’s historic five-acre tri-oval grass.
  
  
• 1/18: Like all of you, we've been trying to determine what event might be happening at Riverside Speedway September 15, so we asked the PR rep for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series if they could confirm an event at Riverside...Following is the reply we received: "We do hope to have an event on the East Coast in 2007. I can’t disclose when and where we wish to hold the event just yet, but I do expect that we will release a confirmed schedule in the next week or so." So stay tuned...
  
  
• 1/18: Toyota Racing Development (TRD) said Wednesday it would build a plant in Rowan County. The company announced the decision a day after Rowan commissioners voted to put up $519,000 over five years to lure the plant. The company has an option to buy 89 acres near Salisbury to build a racing production plant. Toyota Racing has said the $22 million plant would hire at least 40 employees. If state officials approve incentives worth $100,000, the plant could open by the fall.
  
  
• 1/17: As race fans and NASCAR family mourn the death of former champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons, Kenny Wallace’s family was dealt a blow of its own Tuesday morning. Shortly after Parsons passing Wallace’s father-in-law Charlie Poole died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61. “This day has not been a good day for me. In six days you have Bobby Hamilton die, Benny Parsons, my father-in-law…and I thought of Kevin Harvick because (last year) he lost his father-in-law too. My wife and the family asked me to please stay down here (Daytona) because Charlie liked racing so much. Unfortunately the pearly gates are backed up right now like a toll booth…and I don’t mean that funny…just not a real good two weeks you know…its pretty rough.” Charles "Charlie" Poole died Tuesday, January 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Dolores Sunshine Poole and the son of Edna Poole. He is survived by daughters Kim Wallace, Kelly Shackelford, Jenny Melton, son Jason Poole and 10 grandchildren.
  
  
• 1/16: The 2006 New Brunswick International Speedway Awards Banquet is set for Saturdya, Jan. 27 at the Fredericton Inn. Tickets are $35 and can be ordered by calling 454-RACE (7223) OR purchased at either the Bishop Drive CARQUEST store in Fredericton or the McAllister Driver CARQUEST location in Saint John.
  
  
• 1/15: Two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart (pictured right) added another Golden Driller trophy to his collection as he raced to victory lane in Saturday night's 50-lap O'Reilly Chili Bowl Nationals championship feature event. "Smoke" gridded his Chevrolet/Bass Pro Shops No. 20 Spike Chassis fifth and made his way to second in the opening handful of laps before overtaking Shane Cottle for the lead on the tenth lap. Stewart was chased to the checkered flag by J.J. Yeley, Justin Allgaier, Cottle and Chili Bowl rookie Donnie Ray Crawford.
  
  
• 1/15: Mike Wallace says that he will be attempting the "Daytona Triple" in the NASCAR 2007 season opening events February in Florida. Wallace will drive the #46 Morgan-Dollar Motorsports Chevy sponsored by DirecTV NASCAR Hot Pass in the Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday February 16th. He will then jump into his full time 2007 ride, the #7 GEICO Chevy for Phoenix Racing, in Saturday's Busch Series event. Sunday Wallace will drive the #09 Miccosukee Gaming & Resorts Chevy in the Daytona 500 Nextel Cup race. Both the #46 Truck and #7 Busch vehicles are locked into the field for their races based on last season's points. Wallace will have to qualify and race his way in the Daytona 500 with the #09 car.
  
  
• 1/14: The start time for the 2007 Daytona 500 on February 18 has been pushed back to 4:15 p.m. (AT). Industry sources say the later time change is at the request of FOX in hopes of picking up more west coast viewers. The later start time will mean the teams will need to deal with changing track conditions as the event will start in the heat of the afternoon and end under the lights.
  
  
• 1/12: For the first time in 10 years, Ned Jarrett attended pre-season testing at Daytona. Jarrett is a legendary NASCAR racer with 50 wins - and father of Dale Jarrett. The elder Jarrett cited the lure of seeing the new Toyota Camry on the track for the first time, combined with good weather and good health, as the reasons he was on hand. Jarrett added that, at first, he was not in favour of Dale leaving Robery Yates Ford for Michael Waltrip's Toyota - but when he discovered that Toyota actually builds more cars in the U.S. than Ford does - he quickly changed his mind. Jarrett, now 74, only attended two races last year - spending most of his time playing golf. He doesn't have to go far...his home in Hickory, North Carolina backs on the sixth hole of the local golf course.
  
  
• 1/12: May 18 has been declared NASCAR Day. NASCAR Day, an annual, charitable celebration of the spirit of NASCAR fans, last year raised more than $1.3 million, with 98,000 pins sold online at NASCAR.com and more than 3,000 company locations participating all across the country. “The fourth annual NASCAR Day promises to be even bigger, even better, than the first three years,” said NASCAR First Lady Betty Jane France. “And of course, first and foremost, we have to thank the fans for that. Their support is vital – and very much appreciated.”
  
  
• 1/11: Continuing Daytona International Speedway’s “Fans R 1st @ Daytona” initiative, the 2007 edition of the Fan Guide – the top fan information source at “The World Center of Racing” – is now available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Guests can download the Fan Guide by clicking on the Fan Info banner at the top of the main page. The Daytona International Speedway Fan Guide is loaded with ticket information, schedules, specialty vehicle overnight parking information, traffic patterns and Speedway facility maps including free parking locations, disabled guest assistance services and other tidbits that will make the fans’ visit an even more enjoyable experience.
  
  
• 1/10: Management at Riverside Speedway have provided an update on the status of the 07 schedule. Only thing new seems to be they have confirmed one CARQUEST Tour date and are still working on the second. As already reported, July 21 is the PASS Riverside 250, Sept. 15 is another major event with details tba "soon", and no progress on the weekly racing front. Non-racing, but they also are working on a major concert at the facility in August...
  
  
• 1/10: With Nextel Cup testing wrapping up Thursday, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will hold its test at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 12-14, in preparation for the Feb. 16 Chevy Silverado HD 250. The three-day session will include all teams and more than 40 competitors are expected to participate.
  
  
• 1/10: For the first time, race fans can see NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow at an exhibit only inside DAYTONA USA, the official attraction of NASCAR.The exhibit inside DAYTONA USA is a completed version of Jeff Gordon’s No. 24 DuPont Automotive Finishes Chevrolet complete with the Car of Tomorrow body design and features, highlighted by the rear wing. The Car of Tomorrow, scheduled to debut in the spring of this year, has been in development for more than five years by NASCAR’s Research and Development Center and is designed to be safer, more competitive and cheaper for the race teams. DAYTONA USA is open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  
  
• 1/9: CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour mananger Ken Cunning said Monday the series 07 event schedule, as well as 07 building rules and procedures, "should be released sometime this month." No indication of any major changes. The only thing we're hearing from the teams is that the exhaust pipes will be mandated to come out the back of the cars, rather than the side - apparently as a result of excessive noise complaints at Riverside Speedway last year...
  
  
• 1/9: SAD NEWS - NASCAR President Mike Helton's mother passed away Sunday evening in Bristol, TN. Funeral services will be held later this week.
  
  
• 1/8: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson are on the docket of those to hold press conferences today at Daytona pre-season testing. Dale Jr. is expected to talk about his pending contract renewal with DEI and Johnson about his off-season golf cart accident - which resulted in a broken wrist. Watch for full reports Tuesday on CTW.com. UPDATE - Jimmie Johnson was moved to Tuesday - watch for his transcript Wednesday...
  
  
• 1/7: Kelly Earnhardt Elledge discussed Dale Jr.'s contract status this week during an interview on Sirius NASCAR Radio, saying negotiations have been ongoing for four month and she expects it to take a few more months before they are done. Kelly is Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s sister and manager, as well as wife of NASCAR crew chief Jimmy Elledge. Kelly said she expects, and hopes, Dale renews his contract with DEI (which expires Dec 31/07), but that there are a lot of considerations for both sides...
  
  
• 1/6: Roush Racing announced Friday Larry Carter will serve as the crew chief for Jamie McMurray and the No. 26 Crown Royal / IRWIN Industrial Tools team. Carter, who has more than 12 years in the NASCAR industry, will lead the No. 26 team in the upcoming Nextel Cup season.
  
  
• 1/5: Sad News: Larry Childress, brother of Richard Childress, passed away Tuesday (Jan 2). Larry, 59, was a familiar face in the NASCAR garage, having been there for over 25 years, originally as an official, most recently with RCR (Richard Childress Racing).
  
  
• 1/5: Reports published Thursday suggest NASCAR will massage the Chase format, with an official announcement expected the week of January 22. Romour has it the Chase field will be expanded from the current 10 qualifiers. The sanctioning body is also said to be considering an increase in the number of points awarded (all year long) for a win.
  
  
• 1/5: Michael Waltrip Racing has named Frank Kerr as the new crew chief for David Reutimann and his No. 00 Toyota Camry co-branded by DOMINO’S PIZZA and BURGER KINGâ during his campaign for the Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Kerr has worked with Reutimann during multiple NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test sessions laying the groundwork for his new role. The 46-year-old joined Michael Waltrip Racing in August 2006 to lead the charge for the organization’s Research and Development department. Kerr’s first experience as a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chief was with the No. 08 Braun Racing entry in 2005. The Bensalem, Pa. native also worked for Robby Gordon Motorsports as a co-crew chief of the No. 7 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series entry during the same year. Kerr earned back-to-back top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings during his reign as crew chief of the No. 59 car driven by Stacey Compton in 2002 and 2003. Kerr has been involved in racing his entire life whether it has been both behind the wheel or under the hood of a car. As a driver, Kerr won 250 races. He has won in all different types of open wheel racing, such as, USAC, World of Outlaws and ALL STAR (four-time ALL STAR Champion).
  
  
• 1/5: Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced today Thursday Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief for the No. 36 OTC 360 team and driver Jeremy Mayfield. Finley, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico and a 1996 graduate of the University of New Mexico, began working in NASCAR right out of college when he was hired by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. He remained at DEI until moving to Travis Carter Racing in 1999 and it was there that he was given his first opportunity to move into the crew chief position in NASCAR’s premiere series in 2003. Finley, 35, began his tenure at Bill Davis Racing near the end of the 2003 season and was chosen to become the crew chief of the No. 22 Caterpillar team for the final two races of the 2004 campaign. Finley spent 2005 calling the shots for that team before moving to the No. 55 team for the 2006 season. Midway through 2006, Finley returned to his engineering roots and became a key part of both the No. 55 and No. 22 teams’ efforts.
  
  
• 1/4: SPEED TV channel has announced four hours of coverage from the second annual Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge this weekend, presented by Whelen Engineering, to be staged in Lake Placid, N.Y. Event coverage will air on SPEED Jan 6-7 from 2:00 to 4:00pm/et each day. The event will feature race car drivers piloting specially-made bobsleds down Lake Placid's icy chute in fun races geared to raise money for the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project.
  
  
• 1/4: TNT is reportedly looking at broadcasting NASCAR races this year commercial free. The network has apparently approached advertisers with the concept that advertising will be shown during the broadcast to eliminate commercial breaks. TNT will broadcast six NASCAR Nextel Cup events this summer.
  
  
• 1/4: Talladega Superspeedway announced Wednesday that it has answered the call of race fans seeking increased family-oriented amenities by introducing Champion’s Corner, an enclosed RVs-only overnight parking area outside the track’s first turn featuring a strict no-alcohol policy for all park residents and guests. In addition, the new Champion’s Corner Overnight Park features: Water hook-ups and gravel surfaces for each of its 156 spaces, Morning newspaper delivery to each guest’s doorstep, Special entertainment, Children’s activities and worship service Sunday morning provided by Alabama Raceway Ministries.
  
  
• 1/4: 2006 NASCAR Busch Series champ Kevin Harvick will not defend his title in 07, announcing he will not run the entire series this year.
  
  
• 1/3: Tony Stewart has continued his winning ways during the off-season, sweeping the Ft. Wayne Rumble last Friday and Saturday nights at the Ft. Wayne Memorial Coliseum indoor race. Stewart remains undefeated in the event, winning all four of his "Rumble" starts in the last three years.
  
  
• 1/2: Kasey Kahne finished fourth in a self-titled sprint car race in Australia on Monday (New Year's Day). Kahne was the victim of a poor qualifying run (20th of 59 entries) for the Kasey Kahne International Sprintcars/Coca-Cola Track Championship race at the .28-mile dirt oval in Grenville. Kahne spent 11 days "down under" where he was reportedly able to walk the streets of Sydney in relative obscurity - a welcome relief from the constant attention his celebrity status brings him in America.
  
  

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