News Tidbits...

2008 Tidbits - September to December...
• 12/31: The Northeast Motorsports Expo is set to go this weekend in Augusta, Maine. The annual show features displays from many of Maine’s stock car tracks, drag strips, kart ovals and other racing venues as well as autograph appearances from several well-known racing personalities. Topping the list this year is Dr. Dick Berggren, one of the nation’s premier television announcers and motorsports publishers and former Maine short track and regional standout Pete Silva. The doors open at the Augusta Civic Center Friday January 2 at 5 p.m. (to 10 p.m.), Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (times shown are local/ET.) Admission is just $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for senior citizens and for children six to 12. Kids under six years of age will be admitted free...
  
  
• 12/31: Ray Evernham was s surprise caller on SIRIUS Satellite radio's NASCAR channel Tuesday morning...Seems he was listening to the morning show hosts discussing him on the Monday show - speculating about his future in NASCAR now that he's seemingly vacated Gillett-Evernham Motorsports. So Evernham decided to set the record straight and let the listeners know exactly how he feels. Evernham confirmed he no longer has a major day-to-day role at GEM, but also wanted to make it clear he is not down on NASCAR. He simply tried something (team ownership) that didn't work for him - mostly because he does not have a "good enough" switch - that is where he can walk away from a task he's not totally satisifed with. "I guess you can say that some of my biggest strengths are also my weaknesses," he admitted. Evernham added that he still wants to be involved in NASCAR and in a lighthearted moment mentioned he would be interested in being Jeff Gordon's crew chief again - now there's a thought. For now, Evernham will focus on preparing his newly acquired East Lincoln Speedway for the '09 season...
  
  
• 12/30: Fredericton pro stock racer Brent Wiggins' home was destroyed by fire Boxing Day. A published report in the local newspaper says Wiggins was in Moncton at the time and the structure was vacant, but because of its secluded location was fully engulfed by the time neighbours noticed the flames and called the fire department. The home was completely destroyed. Wiggins declined to comment in the newspaper story...
  
  
• 12/29: Regan Smith - the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year AND winner of the IWK 250 at Riverside - will reportedly drive the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing car in '09. The team announced late in the '08 season it will run a limited schedule in '09...
  
  
• 12/28: Gillett-Evernham Racing appears to be in the middle of a major shake-up this holiday week...Team founder Ray Evernham - who sold majority ownership earlier this year - has reportedly cleared out his personal possessions...And Elliott Sadler is supposedly being replaced by A.J. Almendinger as driver of the No. 9 car. The team spokesperson is neither confirming nor denying the rumours...
  
  
• 12/26: For the first time since Speedway Motorsports purchased the facility in 1996, Bristol Motor Speedway has a limited supply of season tickets to sell; a result of the recent economic downturn. "We don't believe the economy will be facing these times forever and as a result, we don't believe we will have tickets available when business returns to normal," said BMS president and general manager Jeff Byrd. "Just like a ticket to the Masters or Lambeau or Fenway, having tickets to Bristol is on the list of a lot of sports fans. Because of our environment here, we have been fortunate to sell out 53 consecutive races and we believe the Food City 500 in March will be number 54. As a result of that, some people have given up trying to get tickets. But it is no secret many corporations are cutting back in certain areas and we have a large amount of corporate clients who are cutting tickets from their accounts as a means to trim." For tickets call (423) 989-6900 or log on to www.bristoltix.com...
  
  
• 12/24: With the release of the '09 PASS North SLM schedule - an unless Scotia Speedworld ends up with the Aug. 1 "tba" date - the question that begs to be asked is what will happen to the Atlantic CAT 250??? The event has been sanctioned by first the IPSC and then PASS since its inception in 1998 - when it was the Atlantic CAT 150. The draw of the best U.S. drivers vs. the best local drivers has kept the stands packed at Scotia Speedworld the second weekend in August for 10 years now. The track has yet to release anything to do with its '09 schedule...
  
  
• 12/24: Mars North America announced that it will extend its contract as official NASCAR partner, giving tens of millions of NASCAR fans even more to cheer about at track and in store. The multi-year sponsorship commitment allows multiple Mars brands to connect with racing fans and includes four designations: Official Chocolate of NASCAR (M&M'S® Brand); Official Chocolate Bar of NASCAR (SNICKERS® Brand); Official Cheese-Filled Snack of NASCAR (COMBOS® Brand); Official Pet Food of NASCAR (PEDIGREE® Brand)...
  
  
• 12/23: SAD NEWS - Ron Hornaday Sr., a two-time NASCAR champion on the West Coast - and father of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., died Sunday at the age of 77. Hornaday Sr.'s racing career spanned from 1955 to 1973. He accumulated 13 wins and 12 poles in the series that is now known as the NASCAR Camping World Series West. In addition to his championships, he finished as the runner-up in the final standings in 1962...
  
  
• 12/22: Joe Gibbs Racing has announced they have signed promising young NASCAR driver Brad Coleman back into their family fold effective immediately. Coleman will be running a partial NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule alongside Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in the No. 20 car in 2009. Coleman left Gibbs at the end of the '07 season when it became apparent he would not have a full-time Nationwide ride in '08. He went to work at Baker Curb Racing driving the No. 27 Nationwide car - ranked in the tp 15 before leaving the team mid-year, as well as testing a Sprint Cup car for Hall of Fame Racing...
  
  
• 12/20: Roush Fenway Racing has announced that Dan Stillman has been named the new crew chief for Carl Edwards and his No. 60 Nationwide team. Stillman, a Wisconsin native, brings over 25 years of racing experience to the position. He served last season as the crew chief on DEI’s No. 01 Sprint Cup team, where he led Regan Smith to the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award in 2008...
  
  
• 12/19: Speedway 660 is working diligently to resolve technical issues that have stricken its website this week. The site should be up and running again - any minute now...Update www.speedway660.com has returned!
  
  
• 12/19: At a mediation held in New York on December 3, 2008, Ms. Mauricia Grant settled her discrimination lawsuit with her former employer, NASCAR. Ms. Grant was represented by her attorneys Morelli Ratner PC. NASCAR was represented by Jackson Lewis. Neither NASCAR nor Ms. Grant admits liability or wrongdoing by way of the settlement. “We’re glad to have the case settled on mutually acceptable terms,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “NASCAR remains dedicated to maintaining a professional work environment for all employees at all times and we wish Ms. Grant well in her future endeavors.” The specific terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential and both sides agreed not to publicly discuss the details of the case or the terms of the agreement going forward...
  
  
• 12/19: Daytona International Speedway is offering the job of a lifetime with its annual Mayor Of DIRECTV Speedweeks contest as one lucky race fan will receive two tickets to all DIRECTV Speedweeks races, be part of the prestigious Daytona 500 Gatorade Victory Lane celebration, and officially kick off DIRECTV Speedweeks at the Rolex 24 At Daytona practice – all just a few of the perks bestowed upon Daytona International Speedway’s “Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009.” To enter the contest fans need to tell Daytona officials “Why I Should Be Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009” in 100 words or less, mailing the essay to: Mayor of Speedweeks c/o Daytona International Speedway, P.O. Box 2801, Daytona Beach, FL, 32120; or via E-Mail to daytonaspeedway@daytonainternationalspeedway.com. The contest runs Dec. 18 – Jan. 8, 2009. Winner will be chosen and called by an employee of Daytona International Speedway the week of Jan. 8, 2009...
  
  
• 12/19: Marcos Ambrose, who won his first NASCAR nationwide race this year, has been voted as the Australian Driver of the Year by Australian motor racing magazine Auto Action for the second-consecutive year. Ambrose, who is currently at home with his family in his hometown of Launceston, Tasmania, won the award by receiving 41 percent of the vote, which was decided by readers of Auto Action as part of the magazine’s annual ‘Racer of the Year Awards’ issue. Ambrose will run the Sprint Cup Series full-time in '09 for JTG Daugherty Racing...
  
  
• 12/18: The racing rumour mill is running rampant that Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 41 at Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing in '09. Labonte has been a free agent since ending his relationship with troubled Petty Enterprises last week - and EGR has been a virtual media lockdown since announcing a four-car operation for '09 with only the 41 seat vacant. Neither Labonte or the team has commented...
  
  
• 12/18: When Robby Gordon rolls on the track at Daytona in February he will be behind the wheel of a Toyota. His team has made the decision to switch from Chevrolet, with Gordon commenting: “We are excited to be partnering with Toyota in NASCAR in 2009. After watching their progress last season, we decided that a switch to Toyota was the right package for our team. We are confident that fielding a Toyota Camry will add to the success of our organization and the competitiveness of our performance on the race track.” Gordon has been involved with Toyota in other motorsports genres since 1989...
  
  
• 12/16: Talladega Superspeedway officials joined the staff of WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM to raise a record $16,500 during the 12th annual Bake A Christmas fundraiser Friday, Dec. 12. The money raised will be used to provide Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the track’s surrounding region. Members of the Talladega Superspeedway and radio station staff encouraged listeners and race fans to bid on one-of-a-kind race packages on-air, while donations of baked goods, racing memorabilia and other items such as gift certificates from local merchants, flowed in throughout the day. This year’s top selling items were flag stand panels used at Talladega during the final DieHard 500 and Winston 500 races...
  
  
• 12/15: Hmmm...The '09 PASS North SLM schedule has yet to be released but the rules have been published - showing a gear rule for each host track, including "New Brunswick" - with an obvious exclusion (at least for us in Nova Scotia), of Scotia Speedworld. Other tracks included in the gear rule listing for '09 are: Beech Ridge, Thompson, Speedway 95, Unity, White Mountain, Canaan, Riverside (assuming New Hampshire) and Lee. Speedworld has been a host track with the series since its inception in 2001, with the series sanctioning the tracks premiere event, the Atlantic CAT 250. The series tried to run in New Brunswick at Speedway 660 in '07 - but was rained out - twice. Now don't run out and tell everyone we're saying PASS is going to Speedway 600 and not Speedworld; cause we're not saying that - just reporting the facts. Will try for more details, so stay tuned...
  
  
• 12/13: Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing, will have a section of I-85 named for him in a ceremony this Tuesday. The Richard Childress Freeway runs through Davidson County and is in honor of Childress and the work he has done for the Piedmont region of North Carolina...
  
  12/13: DirectTV's HotPass will be re-worked for '09. While broadcast exec's have confirmed the current format has been tossed, they have yet to indicate how the shows will air...
  
  
• 12/13: Tickets for Dover International Speedway’s Sept. 25–27, 2009 “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup” weekend go on sale on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008. Tickets can be reserved by phone by calling 800-441-RACE or online at DoverSpeedway.com. Great seats are available for all three days of the NASCAR tripleheader at the Monster Mile, including the Sept. 27, 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Sept. 26, 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Sept. 25, 2009 “Sunoco 150” NASCAR Camping World Series race. Fans planning to spend the weekend at the track can save $25 by purchasing a special three-day ticket package for either the Sept. 25-27, 2009 race weekend, or the May 29-31, 2009 race weekend, on sale now...
  
  
• 12/13: Tickets for the 16th annual Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2009, will go on sale Monday, Dec. 15. As a special incentive for loyal IMS fans, anyone who buys a Race Day ticket between Dec. 15-26 will receive a promotional code good for a 15 percent discount on all purchases at the IMS Online Store through 2009 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Race Day, Sunday, July 26. Fans have three methods to buy tickets: 1) Visit the Tickets section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com; 2) Call the IMS Ticket Office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally; or 3) Visit the IMS Ticket Office, located in the IMS Administration Building at the intersection of 16th Street and Georgetown Road in Indianapolis. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking and camping permits for the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series classic also can be purchased online, by phone or at the Ticket Office...
  
  
• 12/12: Tickets go on sale Friday (Dec. 12) for the Jan. 9 concert in downtown Nashville’s Sommet Center featuring the award-winning country duo Montgomery Gentry (“Roll with Me,” “My Town,” “Back When I Knew it All”). The concert kicks off the fourth annual Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust festival, which brings together stars of NASCAR and country music for autographs, story-telling and question-and-answer sessions, featuring drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Michael Waltrip, artists Josh Turner, Jason Michael Carroll and Richie McDonald, and more to be announced in the coming weeks. Concert tickets, priced at $35 (Level 1), $25 (Level 2) and $17.50 (Level 3), will be available beginning Friday through TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and through the Web site www.soundandspeed.org. The concert is set for 8 p.m., Jan. 9, in the Sommet Center...
  
  
• 12/11: Speedway 660 has confirmed plans for this Sunday's '09 rules meetings. They will be held at the Fredericton Inn with the following start times: Pro Stock Meeting 1:00 p.m.; Sportsman Meeting 2:30 p.m.; Street Stock Meeting 4:00 p.m...
  
  
• 12/10: NASCAR model kits may become harder to find...This note was posted on the Revell website yesterday: Over the years we have been pleased to provide you with the finest NASCAR plastic model kits featuring the most popular drivers. Regrettably however, over the last several years we have faced increasing licensing costs that are greater than our increase in sales. Despite our best efforts to secure reasonable licensing terms for NASCAR model kits in general, and the Car of Tomorrow in particular, we have been unable to develop a program that allows us to market the product at a viable price point. Consequently, we will not be issuing a kit on the Car of Tomorrow and, in fact, will be exiting the NASCAR business altogether. We will discontinue all sales of NASCAR plastic kits by February 28, 2009. This has been an extremely difficult decision to make as we are fully aware of the avid fan base of NASCAR model kit builders and truly appreciate your support over the years. We trust you will find other model kits in our line that will be of interest and that will provide you with the model building enjoyment you desire...
  
  
• 12/9: Petty Enterprises has become the latest victim of hard times. As the landmark team continues to search for sponsorship and/or a partner to help keep it operating for '09, 35 employees were released Monday, pushing its total layoffs to almost 70 - having released 30 November 18...
  
  
• 12/7: SAD NEWS - A founder of motorsports in the state of Maine, Jim McConnell, has passed away at the age of 96. McConnell built Beech Ridge Speedway in 1948-49 and ran it until 1973. He also formed the Maine State Stock Car Association in 1949. Jim McConnell had a direct hand in the establishment of many tracks such as Oxford Plains, Unity, Arundel and Star Speedway (NH). He was inducted in the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2004 and will be inducted in the New England Racing Hall Fame in January 2009...
  
  
• 12/4: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sports’ five-time most popular driver will be at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City to present the new Godinger NASCAR Collection of crystal and silver gifts and barware, featuring the No. 88 National Guard Crystal Car collectible. Beginning at store opening, the first 100 guests to make a $150 purchase of the new Godinger NASCAR Collection will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in line to meet Dale Jr., and have their photo taken with him. In addition, the first 50 guests to make a $75 purchase will receive a pre-signed photo...
  
  
• 12/3: Rumour has it that Thursday's edition of "Tony Stewart Live on Sirius" will be the last show after a two-year run for the NASCAR champ on the satellite radio air waves. Thursday's show will feature the 2008 Stewie Awards...
  
  
• 12/3: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Motorsports Engineering Conference Award was presented to the NASCAR Research and Development Center on Tuesday for its efforts towards “designing safer and more competitive vehicles.” NASCAR’s new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car, a seven-year project undertaken at the R&D Center, made its debut on the track in 2007 and was fully implemented into the series at the beginning of the 2008 season. The new car was designed with three primary goals in mind: improving driver safety, improving competition, and helping teams be more cost efficient. Peter Wright, FIA Technical Consultant and the conference’s keynote address speaker, presented the award to Mike Fisher, NASCAR’s Managing Director of the R&D Center...
  
  
• 12/2: Brian Vickers will have Ryan Pemberton as his crew chief and Scott Speed will race with Jimmy Elledge working on his Toyotas in 2009, Red Bull Racing announced Monday. Pemberton comes to the team from Michael Waltrip Racing, where he worked with driver David Reutimann in 2008. Elledge joined Red Bull in 2008 and worked with Speed as he closed out the 2008 season in the No. 84 Toyotas. Speed's car in 2009 will use the No. 82. Vickers will stay with the No. 83...
  
  
• 11/30: Unofficially, there have been 381 employees laid off at NASCAR Sprint Cup teams in the last couple months - reportedly all due to the state of the economy in the U.S. - and its effect on sponsorship revenue. The count, as we know it, lies is: Dale Earnhardt Inc -- 120; Ganassi -- 71; Bill Davis Racing -- 60; Roush Fenway Racing -- 35; Petty Enterprises -- 30; Wood Brothers -- 25; Stewart-Haas -- 16; Hendrick Motorsports -- 12; JTG Daugherty Racing -- 12...
  
  
• 11/29: Get Well Wishes for Scott Alexander who underwent yet another hip surgery this week. It is the fourth time in the O.R. for the Dartmouth racer in hopes of fixing a recurring problem. We hope this time is the charm for him,too. It's kept him from the wheel of his No. 15 pro stock for the past two seasons; it would be great to see him back on the track but even more importantly to be rid of the pain and problem this has caused him for several years now. In other news out of the Alexander household we hear Scott's son Michael, the '08 Scotia Speedworld hobby stock champ, has bought a sportsman car and will be moving to that division next year...
  
  
• 11/29: See a familiar name on the entry list for the December 3rd running of the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola (FL): Halifax's John Flemming is listed as pre-registered for the big event that annually attracts some of the best short track racers in North America. Maine's Johnny Clark is another familiar name on the entry list that our readers will recognize...
  
  
• 11/27: Tony Stewart and Matt Yocum are saluting the best, the boldest and the funniest moments of the 2008 NASCAR season and they need your help. Cast your votes right at www.sirius.com/stewieawards. The polls close on Sunday, November 30 at 11 pm ET and the winners—determined solely by your votes—will be announced during Champions Week on a special Stewie Awards edition of Tony Stewart Live. Tony and Matt will also be presenting the Stewie Special Achievement Award and the Golden Stewie Award on December 4. Tony Stewart Live is broadcast exclusively on NASCAR Radio, Channel 128 on Sirius Satellite Radio...
  
  
• 11/27: Anyone in Canada interested in watching the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Banquet ON December 5 is urged to contact TSN asking they carry the event, which is being broadcast by ESPN Classic in the U.S. However, the show is not on the schedule for ESPN Classic Canada - which is administered by TSN. Their email address is audiencerelations@tsn.ca; phone number is 416-332-7660...
  
  
• 11/26: Centre for Speed, near Shediac (NB) has announced its '08 banquet date as January 20/09. $20 tickets include a meal and beverage. Reserve your tickets by calling 506.388.2415.
  
  
• 11/26: The annual Centre for Speed drivers meeting will be held January 6/09. Competitors are urged to attend as significant changes for the '09 season and beyond will be discussed. Call 506.388.2415 for more info...
  
  
• 11/25: Infineon Raceway (California) donated a single-year record of nearly 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) in Petaluma during the facility’s 8th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The amount marked one of the largest single donations either food bank will receive this holiday season. Since the inception of the annual food drive in 2000, Infineon Raceway has distributed more than 12,000 pounds of non-perishable food items...
  
  
• 11/24: Speedway 660 in New Brunswick is offering its 2009 season passes at a special price if you purchase them by January 9/09 - a grandstand pass for $230.00 or a pit pass for $250. These special prices end January 9/09. Call 506-454-7223 to place your order...
  
  
• 11/24: 74-year-old James Hylton is expected to attempt to qualify for the February 15 running of the Daytona 500. Hylton set the record as the oldest competitor in the legendary race in '07...
  
  
• 11/24: David Reutimann, driver of the Sprint Cup Series No. 44 out of the Michael Waltrip Racing stable, is short a crew chief for '09. Ryan Pemberton left the team last week with the rumour mill reporting he will return to Gillett-Evernham Racing...
  
  
• 11/23: Ray Evernham has announced he is in advanced negotiations to purchase East Lincoln Speedway in North Carolina and plans to retire from NASCAR. Evernham made the declaration at a meeting with businesspeople from Lincoln (NC); according to the report he has already sold off most of his interest in Gillett-Evernham Racing and wants to get back to "grassroots" racing...
  
  
• 11/21: Roush Fenway Racing announced Thursday that it has re-signed 2003 Sprint Cup Champion Matt Kenseth to a multi-year contract. Kenseth has been with Roush Fenway since 1998 and has claimed 16 Sprint Cup Series wins and 24 Nationwide Series wins in addition to Roush Fenway’s first Sprint Cup championship...
  
  
• 11/20: A reminder to any and all race teams in the Maritimes to be sure to let us know any team news that may develop over the winter months; such items can include news directly relating to your racing program or news of a personal nature to do with team members. News items should be submitted to us via email at admin@checkerstowreckers.com...
  
  
• 11/17: Regan Smith - winner of the 2007 IWK 250 at Riverside Int'l Speedway near Antigonish - was named the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year Sunday evening. The year-end payout for 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is $75,000, the same amount Darrell Waltrip earned from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for his 1982 Cup series championship. Smith will earn a grand total of $91,500 from Raybestos brand Brakes for his efforts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season. Smith became the first Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the 52-year history of the program without a DNF (did not finish). He was running at the finish in all 34 starts he made this season. In spite of this significant accomplishment Smith's racing future at DEI is uncertain...
  
  
• 11/16: Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) has laid off 116 people from their jobs effective with the end of this season, bringing the count to over 200 among several teams that have announced lay-offs - so far. Industry experts fear as many as 1,000 jobs could be lost as a result of several teams scaling back and merging in conjunction with the economical woes facing many corporations. DEI has also announced a merger with Chip Ganassi Racing for the '09 season - a move that has perhaps saved both entities from extinction...
  
  
• 11/15: In an effort to help teams manage costs, NASCAR is suspending testing for its three national and two regional racing series for the 2009 season. Testing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as well as the NASCAR Camping World East and West Regional Touring Series at tracks hosting any of those events are included in the 2009 policy. NASCAR reached this decision following several months of discussion with the teams regarding testing, coupled with the current economic conditions. The suspension of testing should save the industry millions of dollars. "This is a significant move during an unusual time for all of us," said NASCAR President Mike Helton in making the announcement. “NASCAR has routinely adjusted its test policy over the years to reflect current conditions. This is another example of that.”
  
  
• 11/14: Edsel Ford will unveil the new-look 2009 Ford Fusion that will be used for NASCAR competition today at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida...
  
  
• 11/12: NASCAR announced Tuesday that Wally Rogers, crew chief for the No. 9 Dodge driven by AJ Allmendinger, has been fined due to rules violations during the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Phoenix International Raceway. Rogers was fined $1,000 for violating Section 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-12.4C (unequal length – lower A-frames) of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Nov. 6...
  
  
• 11/11: Petty Enterprises, the winningest organization in the history of American motorsports, announces that it has extended its partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) through the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The Petty-Paralyzed Veterans partnership began in 2006 with ‘The King’ Richard Petty. Over the span of the partnership, Petty has made numerous trips to VA Hospitals across the country, hosted Paralyzed Veterans members at racetracks and attended fundraising events—all in an effort to increase awareness of the altruistic organization. In 2008, the relationship grew to include NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. In 2009, both Pettys will co-chair the “Go All In for Veterans” Texas Hold’em poker tournament to be held on Thursday, February 26 at the Rio in Las Vegas...
  
  
• 11/10: ABC is evidently taking heat after cutting short Sunday's broadcast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Phoenix. They have issued the following statement: "After two red flags, rain in Phoenix and 4 1/2 hours on ABC, we were still 34 minutes from the end of the telecast as it turned out. We told fans in the East and Central from the second red flag on that the race was moving to ESPN2. ABC's entertainment viewers and NASCAR fans were both well served in a tough spot, and we are fortunate to have ESPN2 among our networks to serve the fans."
  
  
• 11/10: Jimmie Johnson’s third consecutive championship is well within reach, needing to finish 36th or better in next Sunday’s season finale Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to clinch. Even if second-place Carl Edwards wins and leads the most laps – a 195-point day – Johnson would clinch with the 36th-place finish. Additionally, Johnson can clinch by finishing 37th and leading at least one lap or 39th and leading the most laps...
  
  
• 11/9: Scotia Speedworld will hold its 2009 Rules Meetings Sunday November 15 at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport. The Thunder/Lightning Division meeting goes at 9 a.m.; the Hobby Stock meeting goes at 10:45 a.m.; and the Sprotsman meeting goes at 12:30 p.m...
  
  
• 11/8: Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 38th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. As grand marshal, Stewart will not only lead this year’s Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, but will also serve as a special guest at the 38th Annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 5, 2009, where he will participate in the pre-game festivities and coin toss. The 38th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in central Phoenix...
  
  
• 11/8: Ray Evernham is reportedly selling his minority shares in Gillet-Evernham Racing. His role with the organization he formed in 2001 has diminished to almost noting in recent months. Evernham - once renowned as the top crew chief in the garage area - hopes to make an announcement with regard to his racing future in the coming weeks...
  
  
• 11/8: Jamie McMurray, driver of the NASCAR Sprint Cup No. 26, has recently proposed to longtime girlfriend Christy Futrell...
  
  
• 11/7: CTW.com OPINION - Kudos to PASS management for implementing and enforcing a rule where drivers must be present at the awards banquet to receive their season accolades (including cheque). For series and/or track promoter's there is nothing more embarassing than having "no shows" at a banquet - surely sends out the wrong message to current and potential corporate partners at this most important time of the year when '09 contracts are being courted. The PASS rule reads: "TO QUALIFY FOR POINT MONEY AND TROPHY DRIVER MUST HAVE COMPETED IN 85% OF TOTAL EVENTS RUN IN THE 2008 SEASON FOR SPECIFIED DIVISION AND BE PRESENT AT THE BANQUET TO ACCEPT TROPHY AND MONEY (no trophy or money will be accepted on behalf of another person for driver)"...
  
  
• 11/6: Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville, fresh off two successful PASS South races in South Carolina and Virginia, has decided to open his '09 season next March in Alabama...
  
  
• 11/6: Anyone out there got any Flashback Fotos they'd like to share with our readers? Regional stock car racing or NASCAR themes are preferable - and the picture should be at least 20 years old. Please email submissions to us - along with a caption or description of the pictured event - at admin@checkerstowreckers.com. Flashback Friday has become one of our most popular features; sponsorship is available - for more info please call us at 902.444.0703...
  
  
• 11/6: O’Reilly Auto Parts and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today an exclusive multi-year agreement for O’Reilly to become the Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR. The agreement allows for O’Reilly Auto Parts to be an exclusive NASCAR partner and utilize NASCAR marks and marketing programs in store and in related media. As part of this agreement, O’Reilly will become a contingency sponsor for the competitors as well as provide season-ending awards in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The O’Reilly Auto Parts “People, Service and Performance” Award recognizes the team effort made both on the track and in the pits. O’Reilly has been a longtime NASCAR industry participant. The auto parts chain is currently the title sponsor of six NASCAR events in 2008, including the O’Reilly 300 and O’Reilly Challenge Nationwide Series races both held at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Tex. Additionally the company sponsors the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on November 9...
  
  
• 11/6: H.A. (Humpy) Wheeler, legendary auto racing promotor, will receive two prestigious awards from his alma mater, the University of South Carolina, this Thursday. The first will be the "Pioneer Award" from the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management for his award winning work in sports promotion the last 50 years particularly the 33 years he served as president of both Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., the first motorsports company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange. The second award will honor him as the "Outstanding Alumni" at the Summit Club by the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications and will be presented by current Dean and former CNN correspondent Charles Bierbauer...
  
  
• 11/5: Yikes! A woman was hit in the arm by a stray bullet this past weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. She was in her RV when the bullet pierced the roof of her RV. She was taken to hospital for treatment; a full recovery is expected. The "shooter" reportedly fired five or six rounds at a mound of dirt, quite a ways from the RV. Charges may be laid against the man who fired the gun...
  
  
• 11/5: It's the end of an 22-year era for Texaco Havoline Racing this weekend at Phoenix where the corporate logo will adorn the hood of Juan Pablo Montoya's car for the last time...
  
  
• 11/5: Lowe's Companies, Inc. will continue as title sponsor of Lowe's Motor Speedway in 2009, executives from both companies announced today. The home improvement retailer, based in Mooresville, N.C., obtained naming rights for the legendary track, formerly known as Charlotte Motor Speedway, in 1999. Lowe's will retain naming rights at the superspeedway as well as marketing exclusivity in the home improvement category through a one-year contract extension...
  
  
• 11/5: Tickets are now available for the 2008 Scotia Speedworld Annual Awards Banquet. Racers in all divisions, C&R Auto Supply Sportsman, Wallace Equipment Hobby Stock, Miller Tire/BF Goodrich Thunder and Lightning, Legends and the Sojourn Signs Bandoleros, will be honoured on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at the Best Western Glengarry Hotel in Truro. Tickets are $35.00 per person. Reserve your tickets by calling the SSW business office at 902-481-2514...
  
  
• 11/5: Back-to-back Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday, Nov. 6. The show airs at 11:35pm/et (12:35 a.m./at) on NBC...
  
  
• 11/3: Gutsy strategy earned Carl Edwards the win at the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, and made it difficult for points leader Jimmie Johnson to clinch at Phoenix. Edwards’ victory slashed his deficit to Johnson, who finished 15th, by 77 – from 183 to 106. Johnson needs to leave Phoenix with a 196-point lead over second-place to officially clinch his third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. In other words, Johnson must beat Edwards by 90 points and third-place Greg Biffle by 52 at Phoenix to clinch (Johnson needs to finish 195 points ahead of Biffle to clinch because he owns the tie-breaker). Jeff Burton, 212 points back in fourth place, can also spoil Johnson’s clinch hopes by getting within that 195-point “magic number.” If Johnson leaves Phoenix with a 162-point lead, he would need only to start the season-finale at Homestead to clinch a championship. Under this scenario, Johnson has to beat Edwards by 56 and Biffle by 18. If Johnson finishes seventh or better in the next two races, he will clinch the title, no matter what any other driver does. Edwards matches up well with Johnson at the remaining two tracks (Phoenix and Homestead). Over the next two tracks, Edwards has an average finish of 12.3 and a Driver Rating of 104.5. Johnson has an average finish of 9.1 and a Driver Rating of 108.1...
  
  
• 11/2: Donny Schatz scored his 18th win of the season and the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series title in Saturday's VAULT World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway. In late model action, Josh Richards took home the win and Darrell Lanigan was crowned champion. Schatz started from the point position in the 24-car field and was never challenged for the lead as he claimed his third win at the four-tenths-mile clay oval and took home the $10,000 top prize. The Sprint Car Championship is Schatz's third-consecutive title and the second World of Outlaws title for Tony Stewart Racing...
  
  
• 11/1: Watch for NASCAR TV analyst Jeff Hammond as part of Sunday's NFL on FOX Pre Game show, airing at noon eastern. Hammond will be the guest weatherman, joining show regulars Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson (no, not the racer)...
  
  
• 10/29: NASCAR standout Carl Edwards and motocross guru Travis Pastrana will team up this December to represent Team USA in the 2008 Race of Champions held at Wembley Stadium, as the USA aims for its first Race of Champions Nations Cup title since 2002. The back-flipping duo will take on an all star line-up including Michael Schumacher, Troy Bayliss and Sabastien Loeb...
  
  
• 10/29: In this Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway, there won't appear to be anything different about Kenny Wallace or his U.S. Border Patrol car fielded by Jay Robinson Racing. Wallace will still be racing his customary green-and-white No. 28 Chevy, with his car owner, crew chief, and other team members present in his pit area. You will only be able to catch what's different about Team Border Patrol this weekend if you've got your eye on Wallace's pit stops. The U.S. Border Patrol will be hands-on this weekend helping their driver. Seven U.S. Border Patrol Agents have volunteered to be members of his pit crew. Without formal training, agents who have expressed an interest in racing have been awarded the opportunity to participate in the race. These agents will be working in the seven key pit crew positions on the No. 28 Border Patrol Chevrolet for all of Kenny's pit stops this weekend...
  
  
• 10/28: Jimmie Johnson needs to average a ninth-place finish in each of the last three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races to guarantee his third consecutive series championship. Ironically, his average finish the three tracks remaining on the '08 schedule (Texas, Phoenix and Homestead) is 8.9...
  
  
• 10/28: Eastman Kodak Co. is ending its 22-year sponsorship in NASCAR and putting more sports marketing dollars into professional golf. The photography pioneer, betting its future on electronic imaging, says the realignment fits better with a new effort to highlight its brand digitally, such as on PGA Tour scoreboards. Kodak also wants to engage more customers overseas since 60 percent of its sales are outside the United States. Kodak said Monday it is also ending a four-year sponsorship of Penske Racing at year-end...
  
  
• 10/27: Reports during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta say Mark Martin will be in a Hendrick Motorsports ride for this year's season finale at Homestead. Martin was not scheduled to start for Hendrick until February at Daytona...
  
  
• 10/26: Roush Fenway Racing driver Erik Darnell and his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series sponsor Northern Tool + Equipment will continue their partnership next season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The 2009 season will be Northern Tool + Equipment’s fourth year with Darnell and Roush Fenway Racing. Darnell and Northern Tool will share the No. 6 Ford Fusion with David Ragan and Discount Tire Company during the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide season. The team’s full schedule will be announced at a later date...
  
  
• 10/24: Centre for Speed (Shediac, NB) has announced highlights of its 2009 schedule, include the continuation of the popular Maritime Super Series for Sportsman and the enhancement and expansion of "Speed Weeks" to include four big weekends of including the 9th annual "Atlantic Championships Speed Weekend '09" for stock car enthusiasts. They are still working on a few dates including, they hope, a second Pro Stock Tour date so stay tuned. More events will be announced as finalized...
  
  
• 10/23: Ryan Newman is positioned on the cusp of history. Should Newman claim the pole during Friday’s Hot Shot Qualifying Night, Newman would surpass his mentor, Buddy Baker, with eight-career pole wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Currently tied with Baker at seven poles apiece, the duo represents the best pole performers in Atlanta’s history. Newman, who has three career top-10 finishes in Atlanta, always enters qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway as a favorite...
  
  
• 10/23: Veteran NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip will make his 1,000th NASCAR start at Atlanta Motor Speedway when he starts the No. 55 for the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday, Oct. 26. After finishing 18th in Martinsville in his 999th-combined NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series start, Waltrip returns to Atlanta for number 1,000, where he has eight career top-10 finishes. Waltrip claimed 30th in March’s Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway...
  
  
• 10/23: Birthday wishes today to everyone's maritime motorsports friend Jim Hallahan. Hope you have a good one, Jim...
  
  
• 10/22: The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour will hold its 2008 awards banquet this Saturday in Truro, Nova Scotia where Wayne Smith will formally receive his second series trophy and the $10,000 cheque that goes with it. Many other drivers will share in end-of-season accolades as well...
  
  
• 10/22: NASCAR is expected to levy what could be record-breaking fines on Brian Vickers Red Bull Sprint Cup team today. Vickers finished 11th in Martinsville last weekend and was selected as the random car to be tech'd where officials discovered the sheet metal on the car did not meet the minimum thickness requirement...
  
  
• 10/20: Fort Erie, Ontario is rumoured to be the home of a new state-of-the-art $172 million motorsports facility. A group of investors are planning a 65,000 seat facility that will include a one-mile oval and 2.5-mile road course. The group has had preliminary discussions with NASCAr, but the organization says NASCAR will not be part of the project. “Our schedule is extremely full, especially in our top three national series,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston told The Buffalo News, referring to the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck series. “There’s really not much, if any, room to add any dates at this time.” The facility investors say its completion does not hinge on NASCAR's participation...
  
  
• 10/20: Speedway 660 has set Sunday December 14 as a tentative date for its 2009 rules meeting; location and more info will be provided when the meeting is confirmed...
  
  
• 10/20: SAD NEWS - Steve Lawson, 51, a NASCAR official for more than 10 years, passed away Sunday morning in Martinsville, Va. Lawson was in town working the NASCAR events at Martinsville Speedway. Lawson, a native of Rockford, Ill., worked as a safety inspector in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series...
  
  
• 10/18: Saint John's Lonnie Sommerville is in Greenville, South Carolina this weekend for the PASS South Howler 150. We're should be hearing from them - so stay tuned...Both Lonnie and Halifax's John Flemming are on the entry list for next weekends PASS South Mason-Dixon Showdown in South Boston, Virginia...UPDATE: Flemming is also in Greenville, South Carina for the Howler!
  
  
• 10/18: Published reports Friday out of Martinsville are saying Carl Edwards has this week become engaged to be married to his girlfriend, Dr. Katherine Downey...
  
  
• 10/17: Yates Racing announced Thursday that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will sponsor the No. 38 entry with driver David Gilliland for a total of three races in the remaining NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. The primary sponsorship will debut at Martinsville Speedway on October 19th as the No. 38 Digital TV Transition Ford will take to the track...
  
  
• 10/16: Rookie Scott Speed will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend in the No. 84 Red Bull Racing Team Toyota Camry. Speed was scheduled to make his first start last weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. However, due to the cancellation of qualifying last weekend because of rain; Speed now hopes to make his debut at Martinsville Speedway...
  
  
• 10/14: NASCAR announced today that Paul Wolfe, crew chief for the No. 00 Toyota driven by Josh Wise, has been fined and placed on NASCAR probation due to rule violations during the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Wolfe was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 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-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturis exceeded the specified size) of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. The infraction was discovered during opening-day inspection on Oct. 9...
  
  
• 10/11: Unilever, a multi-national company that owns more than 400 of the world’s most recognized food and home care brands, will be a primary sponsor for JR Motorsports’ No. 5 Chevrolets in 10 NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2009. The partnership was announced by Dale Earnhardt Jr. today at a news conference at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The 10-race sponsorship package will be divided amongst four popular Unilever brands – Hellmann’s® mayonnaise, Ragu® pasta sauce, Klondike® ice cream, and Lipton® tea. Three different drivers will compete in select races in the Unilever-branded No. 5 car – two-time series champion Earnhardt Jr., all-time wins leader Mark Martin, and current Raybestos Rookie-Of-The-Year contender Landon Cassill. Martin and Earnhardt Jr. alone combine for 70 NASCAR Nationwide Series victories...
  
  
• 10/10: Riverside Int'l Speedway has announced the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will return to the facility in 2009; the date will be announced in conjunction with the series '09 schedule being announced by NASCAR, usually early in the New Year...
  
  
• 10/10: Antigonish's Driver Donald Chisholm recently competed at Kawartha Speedway Peterbourgh Ontario in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 2008 season finale - finishing 10th out of a field of 26. The race will air on TSN this Saturday 12 Noon...
  
  
• 10/10: Braun Racing and Dollar General Corporation announced the driver line-up of the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota for 2009. The car will be shared by two drivers who are both familiar faces in the yellow and black Dollar General firesuit. Brian Vickers, the 2003 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, will return to the seat of the No. 32 for 17 races. He will be sharing the ride with Burney Lamar, who drove a Dollar General-sponsored car in the 2006 season...
  
  
• 10/10: Representatives for The NASCAR Foundation presented Victory Junction Gang with a $450,000 check Thursday from funds raised through the NASCAR Day 2008 celebration. Mike Helton, NASCAR president and The NASCAR Foundation board member, and Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of corporate communications and The NASCAR Foundation board member, made the presentation to camp founder Kyle Petty and Victory Junction camper Collin McCord at the camp in Randleman, N.C., prior to a service project carried out by members of The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network...
  
  
• 10/9: The Island Speedway 2008 banquet date has been changed to November 1, same time same place (Mira Road Fire Hall). Banquet tickets will go on sale after all drivers and dtaff have their tickets...
  
  
• 10/9: Twenty years ago in Charlotte (NC), James Finch watched while Jeff Purvis strapped himself into the No. 49 Buick after qualifying 14th for what would be Phoenix Racing’s first venture into the NASCAR arena. After running only 21 laps, the engine failed and, consequently, Purvis was forced to load the car in the trailer and watch the remainder of the race on television. Despite the setback in his debut appearance, James Finch continued on and has become one of the longest running, well-known team owners in NASCAR. A fierce competitor with a candid personality, Finch is now approaching a significant milestone in his 20-years as a NASCAR team owner. On October 10, 2008, Finch will watch Mike Bliss strap into the No. 1 Miccosukee Chevrolet for what will be Finch’s 500th start as a car owner. Bliss, currently fourth in the driver standings, hopes to deliver a victory for Phoenix Racing and the lineage of people who have played a role in the team over the last 20 years...
  
  
• 10/8: A disagreement between a Gillett-Evernham Racing team director and Quebec native Patrick Carpentier has resulted in Carpentier being on the unemployment line - effective immediately. Mike Wallace will replace Carpentier in the driver's seat of the No. 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup entry this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway...
  
  
• 10/8: According to Tim Wile, general manager of Centre for Speed near Shediac (NB), more than 150 teams have indicated they will participate in this weekends SpeedWeekend Championships - which will see the Vance Hanes Sportsman 100 and the Pepsi Pro Stock 150 Saturday; and Sunday action for the 4 Cyl, Streets, AOW and Legends. Racing is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. both days...
  
  
• 10/8: Stewart-Haas Racing has scheduled a press conference at Lowe's Motor Speedway Thursday to announce the '09 sponsor of Ryan Newman's NASCAR Sprint Cup effort. Both Stewart and Newman will participate...
  
  
• 10/8: NASCAR past champion Bill Elliott, will be back behind the wheel of the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 on October 11th. Elliott has 57 starts at the 1.5 mile quad-oval and two career wins in 1984 and 1987. He also holds four pole awards, 11 top-5 and 22 top-10 finishes at the track...
  
  
• 10/7: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced Monday that driver Jack Sprague has been released from the No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado. KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick will assume driving duties of the No. 2 Chevrolet for the upcoming Truck Series event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on October 18th. Details on the driver lineup for the remainder of the season will be announced at a later date. “The performance of the No. 2 team was not up to either Jack or KHI’s standards,” said Kevin Harvick, co-owner of Kevin Harvick Inc. “My main goal now is to prepare the team to run for a championship in 2009. I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Martinsville. It should be a lot of fun.”
  
  
• 10/6: Brad Keselowski will attempt to put his No. 25 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet in the Bank of America 500 field during Thursday evening's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying session at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Should he be successful, Keselowski will make his first-ever Sprint Cup Series start Saturday night...
  
  
• 10/5: Casey Mears will start on the front row at Talladega Sunday - maybe. Nationwide Series driver Brad Keselowski could make his Sprint Cup debut if Mears' girlfriend, Trisha Grablander - who is due to give birth, goes into labour. Mears, who qualified second, will fly home to North Carolina if Grablander goes into labour this weekend. "It's a very important time in my life," Mears said. "I don't want to miss the birth of my child. Hendrick Motorsports has set it up for me to get back if it comes to that."
  
  
• 10/2: Rusty Wallace is denying rumours that he will return to the driver's seat. The former Cup champ released a statement yesterday refuting reports of his comeback, running rampant since first mentioned by his brother Kenny earlier this week: "I love Kenny to death; he's been trying to get me back in a car ever since I retired after 2005," the statement said. "While any rumours like this are certainly flattering, they're untrue. I have a long-term commitment to ABC and ESPN and I really love what I'm doing right now."
  
  
• 10/2: CORRECTION - The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race taped at Riverside Int'l Speedway Sept. 20 will air this saturday October 4 at Noon AT, not 11 a.m. as originally reported...
  
  
• 10/1: Jeff Gordon and sponsor DuPont are scheduled to unveil his 2009 (and beyond) paint scheme live on the NBC's Today Show Thursday [Oct 2nd] morning at 7:00am/et, Rockefeller Center, New York. It’s his first paint scheme change since 2001 and only the third since 1993...
  
  
• 10/1: Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Kenny Wallace will attempt to qualify the #00 Champion Mortgage Toyota at Talladega Superspeedway for the Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 on Sunday. Michael Waltrip Racing made the decision to make a driver change starting this weekend. The team is regrouping after failing to qualify last weekend at Kansas Speedway. The status for the remaining six races this year is being determined. Michael McDowell, who has five top-25 finishes in 20 starts during his rookie season, is still an option...
  
  
• 10/1: Paul Menard has reached an agreement to drive for Yates Racing in the Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2009 season. “This is a great opportunity and I’m glad to be joining the Yates Racing organization next season,” said Menard. “I think a lot of what Doug Yates and Max Jones are doing over there building for continued success. I’m excited to be a part of their future and excited to work with Travis (Kvapil) and David (Gilliland). You look at what Doug and the Ford Motor Company have done in this sport, they’ve created a lot of horsepower and hoisted quite a few trophies over the years. I’d like to help continue that for both of them.” Paul Menard’s Ford Fusion will feature sponsorship from Menards, as well as associate sponsors including: Johns Manville, Super Clean, Quaker State, Pittsburgh Paints, Moen, Sylvania, Energizer, Turtle Wax, Vertis, Peak and Nibco...
  
  
• 9/30: SAD NEWS - Dick Bahre, former longtime manager of Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine, passed away last Saturday at his home in North Carolina. Bahre, together with his brother Bob, was instrumental in the growth of stock car racing in New England - not only at OPS and in developing the Oxford 250, but also at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. His racing credits run long - read his obituary here (you will leave this site)...
  
  
• 9/30: Watch the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 from Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish Saturday October 4th on TSN. The race was taped at Riverside September 20. The broadcast premier is Saturday October 4th @ Noon AT. Replays will be shown on TSN Tuesday October 7th @ 2 a.m. and 2 p.m. (times shown are Atlantic)...
  
  
• 9/29: Dale Earnhardt Inc. (Mooresville, NC) will showcase a country western feel featuring recent programs paying tribute to the legendary Dale Earnhardt, Johnny Cash and John Wayne at the company's headquarters Oct. 10-11 during the Bank of America 500 weekend. The “Dale and The Duke” show car as well as other displays will honor these three American legends. Also on display will be never before seen displays, featuring traditions richly-embedded into the NASCAR Culture. The event will kick off Friday morning, Oct. 10th, with Dale Earnhardt Inc. drivers Martin Truex Jr., Paul Menard, Aric Almirola and Regan Smith signing autographs for the fans. Dale Earnhardt Inc. developmental drivers, Jeffery Earnhardt, Trevor Bayne and Jesus Hernandez, as well as Kerry Earnhardt, will be on hand Friday afternoon to visit and talk with fans, as well as be available for autographs. Taylor Earnhardt, representing the DEI equestrian division, will also be on hand and available for photos and autographs.
  
  
• 9/28: Published reports today say Quebec's Patrick Carpentier is likely to run the Nationwide Series full-time next year. Carpentier's current Sprint Cup ride at Gillett-Evernham is finished at the end of this season unless a sponsor is found - which isn't off the table - but not promising either. Carpentier says he does have a Nationwide ride lined up and will run the series...
  
  
• 9/27: Hooters and United Speed Alliance Racing have announced that Hooters will end its title sponsorship of USAR’s Pro Cup Series after the 2008 season. Hooters has been with the series since its inception in 1994...
  
  
• 9/26: The '08 CARQUEST Tour season is barely over and Hughes Motorsports/Chris Hughes is already making plans for next year. They are looking for some help in the pits. The biggest area for change in 2009 will be in the pits and asked us to post the following: If your a driver taking a year off, a mechanic wanting to be involved, a crewman/driver who wants to move up to the pro stock level as a crew man, or someone with mechanical ability and a willingness to do whatever it takes who wants to go racing and win contact Chris Hughes @ cnhughes@ruranet.com or at 902-626-7641...
  
  
• 9/25: Centre for Speed has moved the date for its Atlantic Demolition and Endurance Championsips to Saturday, Oct 18th at 1 PM with a rain date / poor weather date of Oct 19th at 1PM. The move was necessary due to other events having to be rescheduled speedways desire to ensure the best possible track conditions for the Atlantic Stock Car Championships...
  
  
• 9/24: Congrats to young Brad Bevan who was yesterday announced as a co-recipient of the Scotia Speedworld Bandoleros division rookie of the year award. A post-season point audit resulted in a reshuffling of the final standings for the division - seeing Bevan tied with previously announced ROTY Ryan Macintosh...
  
  
• 9/24: Scotia Speedworld has announced their 2008 weekly racing series awards banquet date as January 10, 2009; it will be held at the Best Western Glengary in Truro. Tickets will be available after October 15 for $35 each at the track admin office in Burnside...
  
  
• 9/23: Victory Junction Gang will announce its site selection this Friday for the second state-of-the-art medical facility. Early 2008, co-founders Kyle and Pattie Petty announced plans to expand to the Midwest and spread the once-in-a-lifetime experience with children in need. Victory Junction Gang is a year-round facility that enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience free of charge to children and families...
  
  
• 9/22: Riverside Int'l Speedway has announced the date for the 2009 IWK 250 as July 17-18. They are working to shorten the length of the show as well as to improve exit routes from the track - both in an effort to better satisfy patrons...
  
  
• 9/18: According to a message posted on the Centre for Speed website the big super mod show that had been scheduled for this weekend is cancelled. The messages reads: CFS wishes to inform race fans that, due to a reduced car count, this Sunday's Super Modifieds event has been cancelled. Both Lee and CFS officials agreed to cancel the event in light of high gas prices and conflicting events in New England. Originally 14 cars were expected however that number has been reduced in recent weeks to an expectation of between 6 and 8. There will be no racing at CFS this weekend and the Points Championship Final will now be held on Sept 28th at 2 PM...
  
  
• 9/17: Quebec's Patrick Carpentier is officially an free agent. Current employer Gillett-Evernham Motorsports did not exercise its contractual first right of refusal by the September 16 deadline. Carpentier remains optimistic he will find another NASCAR Sprint Cup ride for '09...
  
  
• 9/17: Earnhardt and the top six drivers in the Chase attempted to crack into the Guinness World Records for the most successful ice cream tosses. Earnhardt and teammate Jimmie Johnson were paired up for the event. Watch Earnhardt and the drivers on "Live with Regis and Kelly," when it airs today on ABC and affiliates - check local listings for show time...
  
  
• 9/17: Baker Curb Racing announced that Jason Keller, a 17-year NASCAR Nationwide Series veteran, will drive the No. 27 Kleenex Ford Fusion for the 2009 season. He will also finish out the 2008 season for the team. "I am very thankful that Gary Baker and Mike Curb have given me this opportunity," said Keller. "It is also a wonderful opportunity to represent such a first-class company like Kimberly-Clark and their family of brands. Baker Curb Racing has some great guys working on their cars, and I am excited about working with them in 2008 as we build the program for a strong 2009 season." Keller, a native of Greenville, S.C., brings 450 starts, 10 wins and 11 poles to the Baker Curb team. He’s the all-time leader in starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series...
  
  
• 9/16: SAD NEWS - Mark Jordan (pictured right), a racer who called Riverside Speedway home, passed away last week at just 38 years of age. He was from Stellarton, and ran both street and sportsman at Riverside in the 80s and 90s, then moved to the CARQUEST Tour for two seasons ('03 and '04). Jordan is remembered as a talented racer and mechanic; our sincere condolences to his family and friends...
  
  
• 9/14: A wet forecast has caused River Glade Speedway to call off their scheduled Sunday regular points racing and Special Demo Derby. This race was originally scheduled for Sept. 7 but weather conditions did not permit. The race again has been rescheduled for Sept. 21 at 3 p.m...
  
  
• 9/14: For the first time in the 15-year history of NASCAR Sprint Cup racing at the Loudon New Hampshire track there are tickets available for today's event. Hoping to keep their sellout record alive, the track will open its box office for ticket sales starting at 7 a.m./ET...
  
  
• 9/13: U.S. Republican presidential hopeful John McCain will make a campaign stop at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sunday. Track officials say they are prepared for the extra security measures that will need to be taken; they have prepared twice for President Bush and once before for McCain - in '06 when he served as the grand marshal for the '06 Sylvania 300. No word whether McCain's wife Cindy - a trained racecar driver herself - will accompany her husband. The U.S. election is November 4...
  
  
• 9/11: River Glade Speedway, near Moncton, will host a demolition derby this weekend - on Sunday at 3 p.m. - also featuring regular points racing and a special Endurance race for drivers that have never raced before...
  
  
• 9/10: Miramichi City Speedway (NB) will host its 2008 season finale this Saturday September 13 at 7 p.m., featuring the Parts for Trucks FINAL DEMOLITION along with the DUKES and 4 CYLINDER End of Points...
  
  
• 9/9: Speedway 660 has posted an update on driver Hal O'Neal, as follows..."We are receiving updates from the team and family every couple of days and things are going well with Hal. He is now in Perth Hospital and they had him up and walking over the weekend. As far as we know visitation is still restricted to family but we are hoping to hear more on that later this week. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and support."
  
  
• 9/7: Avondale Speedway in NF has cancelled Sunday's race card due to rain. Their next show is September 14 at 2 p.m. featuring: the start of the Chase to The Buy & Sell Cup.; Ms Motosports contest; and a Powder Puff Race...
  
  
• 9/5: SAD NEWS - Calvin Sharpe, a racer at the old Nine Mile River track and at Seabreeze Raceway between 1963 and 1971 - and a longtime fan of local stock car racing, passed away Wednesday. Visitation will be held today at the Atlantic Funeral Home in Dartmouth, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. Sincere condolences to his family and friends...
  
  
• 9/5: The NASCAR Nationwide Series begins a new era when its new car goes on track for the first of two scheduled tests Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 8-9, at Richmond International Raceway. Wednesday, Sept. 10, will be a rain date. Each of the four series manufacturers – Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota – will be permitted to bring two cars. The drivers are to be announced but will be representative of their specific manufacturer. “The goal of this test is for the manufacturers and participating teams to start laying a foundation for the transfer phase from the current car to the new car in the Nationwide Series,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president of competition. The cars will be on track in their current stages of development and the test data will be shared among the manufacturers, teams and NASCAR. “We’re still in the process of approving the cars,” Pemberton said. “This wasn’t a quick process on the NASCAR Sprint Cup side and it won’t be with these cars. We’ve also been talking to teams and they’ve indicated they’d be better suited budget-wise to spend a full season building cars instead of a mid-year transition. “We’ve had this style of chassis for more than two years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and many questions have already been answered,” he said. “In applying the new car to the Nationwide Series, we fully anticipate the teams to be as competitive and resourceful as possible throughout the developmental process.”
  
  
• 9/4: NASCAR issued a technical bulletin Tuesday amending the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rulebook. Effective as of Sept. 3, 2008 Section 20B – 5.10.4 is amended as follows: “At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing less than 4.470 inches must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.125-inch diameter holes. At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing of 4.470 inches or more must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.100-inch diameter holes. Unless otherwise authorized, the carburetor restrictor will be issued by NASCAR. As was the case with the amendment we recently made in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, all teams that upgrade to new engine packages will be subject to this rule modification,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition. “This is a continuance of the ongoing engine evaluation we’ve had in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series over the course of this season and is a step we’ve taken to help further maintain a level playing field among our competitors.”
  
  
• 9/3: Officials at Richmond Int'l Raceway - the site for this weekends NASCAR double-header - are keeping a close watch on Hurricane Hanna - for which the projected path sees it making landfall on the East Coast by Friday. Track officials issued the following statement Tuesday: "Given the projected path of Tropical Storm Hanna, we are working closely with NASCAR, as well as state and local government officials to monitor the path and potential impact of the storm. As always, the safety of our fans, competitors and the local community is of the utmost importance to Richmond International Raceway. This weekend’s events are currently scheduled to run as planned..."
• 9/3: Keeping with Daytona International Speedway’s motto of “Fans ‘R’ 1st At Daytona,,” “The World Center of Racing” has embarked on a significant frontstretch grandstand renovation project. The project is currently under way and is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The renovation project will replace the lower grandstand seating in the DePalma and Oldfield Grandstands (located near Turn 4) as well as the Seagrave, Keech and Lockhart Grandstands (located near Turn 1) with chair seats with arm rests. In addition, all risers and walkways will be replaced with new aluminum. New and additional handicap ramps and stairs will provide access to seating as well. The grandstand renovations will also create new open areas underneath the grandstands for additional concession/souvenir kiosks...
  
  
• 9/2: Seems the regional racing rumour mill has a young gun rivalry brewing after the Peterbilt 250 at Speedway 660 Sunday - when nothing could be further from the truth. It all started when Lonnie Sommerville got alongside winner Craig Slaunwhite during the cool-down lap; at the same time Sommerville was about to execute the traditional congratulatory tap Slaunwhite swerved and the two hit with greater force than either intended. Anyone who knows the Sommerville-Fraser connection (that Lonnie was one of Scott Fraser's best friends) and that the two teams remain close - would know with certainty that Lonnie and his team were some of the biggest cheerleaders for the Slaunwhite SFR win - and that the post-race move was a simple show of congratulations - and nothing more...
  
  
• 9/2: Congrats to Dartmouth native Dean Clattenburg on a fifth-place finish in Monday's PASS South race at Caraway Speedway in South Carolina. The race was won by Justin Wakefield, followed in second, third, and fourth by Alex Haase, Bradley McCaskill and Mark Gibson...
  
  
• 9/1: Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine has announced the 2009 edition of the TD Banknorth 250 will be held Sunday July 19...


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