Category Archives: Camping World Truck Series

No points means no holding back in NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race

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Track Size: 1.5 miles
Banking Turns: 24 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 5 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,980 feet
Backstretch: 1,500 feet

Notebook

·         There have been 27 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Races.

·         The first NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race was in 1985.

·         26 have been held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 1986, the event was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and won by Bill Elliott. That season was also the first year for what is now known as the Sprint Showdown.

·         86 drivers have run in at least one all-star race.

·         There have been 19 different winners of the all-star race.

·         Mark Martin has participated in 22 races, more than any other driver.

·         The race has featured a field that ranged from 10 drivers in 1986 to 27 in 2002.

·         Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990 and 1993) and Jeff Gordon (1995, 1997 and 2001) are the only three-time winners of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

·         There have been eight different winners in the last eight NASCAR Sprint All-Star Races.

·         Davey Allison (1991 and 1992), Terry Labonte (1988 and 1999), Mark Martin (1998 and 2005) and Jimmie Johnson (2003 and 2006) are the only other drivers to post multiple victories in the all-star races. Allison is the only driver to ever win consecutive all-star events.

·         Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2000) and Ryan Newman (2002) are the only drivers to win the all-star race in their rookie season.

·         Jeff Gordon is the youngest winner of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at 23 years, 9 months and 18 days (1995). Mark Martin is the oldest at 46 years, 4 months and 12 days (2005).

·         In two starts Joey Logano leads the series with an average finish of 5.5 in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race; followed by Matt Kenseth with a 6.5 average finish in 11 appearances and Tony Stewart with a 7.1 average finish in 13 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race appearances.

·         The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race has been won from the pole position four times; the first three came in consecutive years: Dale Earnhardt (1990) and Davey Allison (1991 and 1992). Kurt Busch posted the fourth win from the pole in 2010.

·         The deepest in the field an all-star race winner has started was 27th, by Ryan Newman in 2002.

·         Hendrick Motorsports drivers have won six all-star races: Jeff Gordon (three), Jimmie Johnson (two) and Terry Labonte (one).

·         Five drivers have won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in the same year: Darrell Waltrip (1985), Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990, 1993), Rusty Wallace (1989), Jeff Gordon (1995, 1997, 2001) and Jimmie Johnson (2006).

·         The record for lead changes in a NASCAR Sprint All-Star race is 10 in 2004. The most different leaders is nine in 2002.

 

Below is a look at some of the top statistical performers at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. going into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 19.

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet)

·         One win, eight top fives, nine top 10s

·         Average finish of 7.1

Ryan Newman (No. 39 Tornados Chevrolet)

·         One win, three top fives, six top 10s; one pole

·         Average finish of 9.2

Mark Martin (No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota)

·         Two wins, six top fives, 10 top 10s

·         Average finish of 10.9

Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford)

·         One win, four top fives, eight top 10s; two poles

·         Average finish of 6.5

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Patriotic Chevrolet)

·         Two wins, six top fives, six top 10s; one pole

·         Average finish of 7.2

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet)

·         Three wins, six top fives, nine top 10s

·         Average finish of 9.3

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Fastenal Ford)

·         One win, three top fives, four top 10s

·         Average finish of 9.3

Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M’s Toyota)

·         One top five, two top 10s; two poles

·         Average finish of 13.8

Kurt Busch (No. 51 Phoenix Construction Services Inc. Chevrolet)

·         One win, four top fives, five top 10s

·         Average finish of 11.1

Greg Biffle (No. 16 3M/ American Red Cross Ford)

·         Two top fives, three top 10s

·         Average finish of 12.3

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race festivities kick off on Thursday night with the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge at Time Warner Cable Arena in Uptown Charlotte at 7 p.m. ET. SPEED will broadcast the event on tape delay at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the Sprint Showdown starts at 7 p.m. on SPEED, with the top-two finishers advancing into the main event. The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race starts at 9 p.m. on SPEED.

First-timers usually don’t fare too well in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The last driver to win in his first appearance was Ryan Newman in 2002.

Those attempting to accomplish a feat that hasn’t occurred in a decade: Paul Menard, Trevor Bayne and Marcos Ambrose.

Other drivers could join those three as first timers, depending on the results of the Sprint Showdown and the Sprint Fan Vote.

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 on Friday, May 18 and will air at 7:30 p.m. on SPEED.

Timothy Peters leads the championship standings by four points over James Buescher. Justin Lofton, Ty Dillon and Nelson Piquet Jr. round out the top five.

Brad Keselowski will return to the series for the third time this season to pilot his BKR No. 19 entry at Charlotte.

The former trucks series competitor could become the 24th different driver to win in all three national series with a victory in the N.C. Education Lottery 200.

NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES

NASCAR Nationwide Series heads to the much anticipated short-track at Iowa Speedway. The Pioneer hi-Bred 250 will run Sunday at 2 p.m. on ESPN.

Since winning his first NASCAR race in 2010 at a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East record age of 16 years, five months, 19 days, the countdown was on for Darrell Wallace Jr. – AKA “Bubba” – to start taking his steps on “The Ladder” toward his ultimate national series goal.

 

His ascension officially begins Sunday at Iowa Speedway where he’ll make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut for Joe Gibbs Racing. This is the first of four stand-alone events for the series this season and the first of two visits to the .875-mile track designed by NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Rusty Wallace.

 

 

Stenhouse, the reigning series champion, swept both Iowa races last year, defeating his Roush Fenway Racing teammate – and 2007 series champion – Carl Edwards each time. The second of those victories was perhaps the most dramatic moment of 2011: Stenhouse sliding across the finish line just ahead of Edwards, who had slammed into the rear of Stenhouse’s No. 6 Mustang thanks to a thick smoke shield from its expiring engine.

 

Now Stenhouse (@StenhouseJr) returns to his turf brimming with confidence. Not only because of those wins but as the series’ points leader. He’s 23 up on his rival, Elliott Sadler, who’s in second.

 

 

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day – NASCAR style

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— n
MOTHER  
A female who has given birth to offspring
b. ( as modifier ): a mother bird
c. ( often capital, esp as a term of address ) a person’s own mother

A female substituting in the function of a mother

Motherly qualities, such as maternal affection: it appealed to the mother in her
b. ( as modifier ): mother love
c. ( in combination ): mothercraft
A female or thing that creates, nurtures, protects, etc, something
b. ( as modifier ): mother church ; mother earth

A title given to certain members of female religious orders: mother superior

— vb
To give birth to or produce to nurture, protect, etc as a mother  

— Related
maternal   [Old English mōdor;  compare Old Saxon mōdar,  Old High German muotar, Latin māter, Greek mētēr ]

NASCAR moms have always been an important part of all the racing families. From their ‘little driver’ learning how to ride a bike to getting a finger stuck in a steering wheel to watching their (grown) child tackle the toughest of all tracks – MOMS have been on quite a ride with their kids as they continue to compete in all three top NASCAR Series.

A special THANK YOU to all Mom’s out there and congratulations on a job well done!

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart poses with his mother Pam Boas.

He said: “She’s a pretty patient woman. Anyone that could actually raise me and not want to kill me or kick me out of the house has got to be a very patient person. That’s my mom. She’s a very patient lady with a great heart and she’s really good with people.”

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin with his mother, Mary Lou Hamlin.

She tells him to “Keep your confidence up even though things aren’t going well. Don’t let discouragement take over your ability.”

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray with his mother, Sue McMurray.

She told him to… “Live within your budget! I think that was the best advice that I would get. Mom was always very conservative and maintained a disciplined habit of paying all the bills on time. She was a school teacher and always worked hard to manage our family finances. I grew up in a home of modest means, but she taught me to not spend money that I didn’t have for things that were non-essential.”

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Elliott Sadler with his mother, Bell Sadler.

“One thing that my mom taught me was to be able to laugh at yourself. If you can’t laugh at yourself and have fun, there’s no need to even do it.”

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Justin Allgaier with his mother Dorothy Allgaier and family.

She told him to  “Treat others as you would want to be treated and treat your wife like a princess.”

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Jennifer Jo Cobb with her mother, Connie Cobb.

“My mama always reminded me, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ And, boy, was she right.”

NASCAR Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series driver Johanna Long with her mother Brenda Long.

Brenda’s race day advice to Johanna: “Don’t ever leave anything on the table. As long as you give 110 percent you will always be able to walk away with a clear conscience knowing that you gave it your all!”

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver John King with his mother Myra King.

Her best advice? “If you don’t separate your colors you’re gonna end up with a pink shirt” and “Always keep a clean pair of drawers.”

ESPN Pit Reporter Jamie Little. Photo by ESPN PR

Also, Happy 1st Mother’s Day to ESPN Pit Reporter Jamie Little and DeLana Harvick  as well as to ALL Mom’s in NASCAR Nation!

*All photos were submitted to NASCARMedia.

 

 

First time’s a charm for Scott Stenzel and MB Motorsports at Kansas Speedway

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Ty Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Allstate Chevrolet, races side by each against Scott Stenzel, driver of the No. 65 Making the Driver Chevrolet, in Stenzel's series debut during the NASCAR Camping World Series SFP 250 at Kansas Speedway on Saturday in Kansas City, Kan. Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

MB Motorsports has been competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series since its inaugural 1995 season and has built quite a legacy in the process. However, after missing the first two races of the 2012 season, it was time for a change.

The SFP 250 at Kansas Speedway was a first for many things for the MB Motorsports organization. For 17 consecutive seasons, MB Motorsports campaigned Ford F-150s. When the team rolled into Kansas Speedway, though, they unloaded a shiny new Chevy Silverado. Behind the wheel of the black #65 Making the Driver Chevy was rookie driver Scott Stenzel, who was making his very first NASCAR start. When the green flag dropped, MB Motorsports was in the field for the first time this season.

“We defined a victory this week by setting achievable goals for the team,” stated Mike Mittler team owner, “Our first goal was to make the race and our second was to finish the race. Today was a victory for MB Motorsports.” After qualifying 32nd the #65 Making the Driver Chevy Silverado was in the race and one goal was achieved. MB Motorsports accomplished their second goal when Stenzel piloted his way through the field to finish 23rd, bringing the truck home with nary a scratch on it.

“Working with a race team of this caliber has given me the confidence to push harder and focus even more,” said Stenzel. “We accomplished our goals as a team this week and hope to carry that momentum into the future.”

The next MB Motorsports race event is yet to be determined.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube:

MB Motorsports
www.mbracing.net

Twitter: @MBMotorsports
Yellow Stripes Making the Driver

www.makingthedriver.com

Scott Stenzel Racing
www.scottstenzel.com

 MB Motorsports Press Release 

Rookie Scott Stenzel brings ‘Yellow Stripes – Making the Driver’ to Kansas Speedway in NCWTS

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Graphic courtesy of Scott Stenzel

Scott Stenzel was born on July 28, 1980 in the southern part of Minnesota. Scott’s interest in racing began about the age of eight. Scott and his father built his first go-kart, but the only place to race was on his neighbor’s track in the backyard. At age 16 he finally was old enough to enter into the FASCAR racing league. Scott worked many jobs in order to make his dream of racing, happen. Scott was a part-time shelf stocker at a grocery store, a part-time laborer for his father’s marine removal and installation service, and worked night shifts at a food and dairy plant, all of which allowed him to save up enough money to race.

During his high school years Scott assembled three race cars, one for dirt and two for concrete. He did it with his own money, donated parts, the help of his friends and family, and various sponsors. Back during Scott’s first NASCAR K&N Series debut he had worked with Carl Edward’s spotter, Jason Hadlesky, where he kept him out of trouble and helped coach him about the lines and traffic at race speeds.

In 1999, before leaving for college to North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, Stenzel sold everything from his racing cars to his racing gear – only keeping his driving suit. He eventually moved to Central Florida where he then attended Valencia Community College and Full Sail Real World Education in Orlando, FL.

After graduation from Full Sail, Scott started his own advertising and marketing company in the Orlando area called Digi Craft. This company services Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Adventures Magazine and specializes in print, web and video multimedia services.

Scott Stenzel (right) poses with other stilt performers in 2006. Photo courtesy of Scott Stenzel.

Scott also has another “hobby”- stilt walking. He stilt walks at special events wherever, and whenever, he can. Back in 2004, Scott had met Cart Edwards at the Daytona 500 while “stilt walking” for the event. Carl was intrigued and had invited Scott and his crew back to hang out at the motor home where they shared in conversation.

Had they left unknowingly that they’d be crossing paths once again…

SCOTT STENZEL’S RACING HISTORY
In December 2007, Stenzel attended Finish Line Racing School headed up by Mike Loescher. He graduated and Loesher approved him ready for ARCA RE/MAX series. Stenzel made his first ARCA RE/MAX series race during the Daytona International Speedway test that same month. He posted a speed of 50.599 seconds at 179.105 MPH which placed him 13 of 64 drivers.*

Scott drove a Bob Schacht prepared car in the December 2009 Daytona test for ARCA drivers and teams. Scott earned his license with full series approval to race the entire season. Stenzel tested in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and obtained his 2010 license during the Daytona test.*

In April 2010 Jeff Spraker (owner and operator of Spraker Racing Enterprises) fielded the #42 Ford Fusion for Scott Stenzel where he qualified 28th at Talladega Superspeedway for the ARCA RE/MAX presented by Menards 250. Stenzel finished in the 7th place position. He received the CGS Hard Charger award for passing the most cars during the race.*

Then the day came when Scott Stenzel would meet Charlie Patterson…

Charlie Patterson (l), Scott Stenzel (r). Photo courtesy of Scott Stenzel

The day Scott met Charlie Patterson, they happen to be at…yes, Daytona International Speedway. Scott wasn’t there to race, but rather to perform as a stilt walker for the Daytona 500 event. A friend introduced Charlie to Scott, who in the meantime, knelt down on his stilts to become eye to eye with Charlie – while impressing him with just that stunt alone – and added “and, by the way – Scott is a race car driver, too.”

Shocked as he sat upon hearing the news, Charlie was impressed and interested to hear more from Scott. As the day progresses, Charlie and Scott exchanged numbers and told Scott, “give me a call.”

A couple of weeks went by and Scott called Charlie at his home in Avon, Indiana. From their conversation, came the invite Scott will never forget.

Charlie invited him to his home in Avon, IN so they can discuss Scott’s career more. Upon Scott’s excitement as well as heightened anxiety, Charlie threw out the “test” objective without warning.

“I want to see how well you can race,” Charlie stated.

A stunned Scott, feeling the pressure of being put on the spot to perform, replied, “well, I don’t have my driver’s suit, helmet or gloves with me…”

“No excuses,” Charlie said firmly, shaking his head.

Charlie ended up taking Scott to an indoor Karting complex where Scott will have to prove himself to Charlie. After several laps, Scott’s speed increased and kept increasing. Charlie was very impressed with what he was witnessing while Scott had proven himself… to a point.

CHARLIE PATTERSON
So what does Charlie Patterson bring to the table? Charlie has a history with racing… a GREAT, LONG history.

Charlie Patterson, circa: 1995. Photo by Jack Gladback/Stock Car Racing Magazine

Charlie Patterson started his motorsports career in 1958, at the age of 20. Patterson use to work and started out as a crewman for a Indy Racing team. He had then spent the next 30 years mastering the different skill levels from lead fuel man to crew chief. During 1969-1989, Charlie owned his own USAC Silver Crown & Midget racing teams. At times, Charlie would pilot his own midget car. He was also hired as a motorsports consultant and provided race cars for use in Paul Newman’s motion picture, “WINNING.”

Here are some highlights of Charlie’s career:

Developed “Gasoline Alley” – a commercial strip that houses over 80 Motorsports related businesses, national team headquartered and specialty shops.

Owned & operated “Patterson Driveshafts” supplying competition driveshafts to NASCAR Winston Cup (Sprint Cup) Craftsman Truck (Camping World) Series & NHRA Drag Racing Teams. Drivers and teams such as Penske, Junior Johnson, Richard Childress, Bud Moore and Dave Marcis used Patterson Drivershafts.

Established a special “Toastmaster’s” Chapter dedicated to the unique needs of Motorsports Industry, with emphasis on preparing young drivers for their rolls as spokespersons.

Co-hosted Indy 500 pre-race sports shows.

As I walked around the Daytona International Speedway garage area with Charlie, he introduced me to Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon, Brad Daughtery, just to name a few. I asked Charlie, “is there anyone you DON’T know here?” I, myself, was quite impressed.

THE SCOUT
Charlie Patterson has proven his ability to single out young men & women who posses the natural talent, star image and personality – both on and off the track. But what exactly does he look for in a driver? One must show the listed qualities below:

  • Competition record which ranks in the top 2% of the driver’s respective series.
  • Must be a proven team player with strong work ethics:
  • Demonstrate willingness to learn and to take instruction.
  • Posses unrelenting desire to win with a total commitment.
  • Displays a wholesome athletic image to fill the roll of sponsor/team spokesperson.
  • NO usage of drugs or alcohol
  • Clean, well groomed appearance
  • Articulate
  • Personal lifestyle is suitable for public recognition
  • Parental consent (if under age 18)
  • NO “excess baggage” – NO “backstage parents”, educational, occupational or age restrictions

Over time, Charlie and his company NexGen Motorsports, where he holds the rank of agent, scouts out new racing talent and Scott’s advertising and marketing firm, Digi Craft, joined forces to start a production of “Yellow Stripes – Making the Driver” which they are currently in search of a cable network to pickup. “Yellow Stripes – Making the Driver” is a documentary that has molded an aspiring driver into an official NASCAR racecar driver. NexGen Motorsports has been working with rookie Scott Stenzel for the last four years and has experienced successful runs in that time. One of Patterson’s recent achievements was bringing Stenzel to Mike Mittler, owner of MB Motorsports to race in this week’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway.

MB Motorsports has a rich racing heritage and a deeply rooted tradition of finding and developing young athletes into Championship caliber racecar drivers. They entered the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in its inaugural season in 1995 and have competed in the series every year since, making them the oldest and longest running team in the series. MB Motorsports has helped shape the careers of drivers including Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, Jamie McMurray, Regan Smith, Justin Allgaier and Kenny Wallace among others. Mike Mittler, President and GM of Mittler Brothers Machine & Tool, has dedicated his life to achieving greatness on and off track.

“Bringing new talent into the sport is what I do,” Mittler states, “with Scott, there is no question about his talent. It’s the addition of having a background in advertising and marketing that makes our relationship even stronger.

In order to prepare for his big NASCAR debut Scott has put in countless hours behind the wheel of his sim racing cockpit at the comfort of his home. There he’s been training with the pros at Sim Factory on their new beta version of trucks at Kansas Speedway as well as some iRacing with his racing buddies.

Scott Stenzel. Photo courtesy of Scott Stenzel Racing

Now, Scott will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in the #65 Making the Driver Chevy Silverado truck owned by Mike Mittler at Kansas Speedway, the very same man who gave Carl Edwards his first series start.

Qualifying for the SFP 250 at Kansas Speedway begins April 21st at 9:30 AM Eastern and coverage begins at 1:30 PM Eastern live on SPEED.

Be sure to follow Scott Stenzel on Twitter at www.twitter.com/YellowStripesTV; Facebook – www.facebook.com/scottstenzelracing and YouTube – www.youtube.com/makingthedriver as well as these other media outlets:

MB Motorsports
www.mbracing.net

Yellow Stripes Making the Driver
www.makingthedriver.com

Scott Stenzel Racing
www.scottstenzel.com

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

2012 ThunderFest at ‘The Rock’ underway

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2012 ThunderFest at The Rock
Friday, April 13th 11am – 10pm
Downtown Rockingham Square

• FREE Kids Zone with racing themed inflatables, climb the Rock Wall or play Laser Tag!

• Mechanical Bull (adjacent to Beer Garden) Rides – $2.00 proceeds benefit Relay for Life

4:00 pm – Beer Garden opens

5:00 pm – Mother Reign on Main Stage

7:00 pm – Autograph Session with NCWTS drivers

• •Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton & Dakoda Armstrong are scheduled to be signing and selling ThorSport Racing merchandise before and after the scheduled autograph session [7:00 - 8:00pm/et] as part of the Rockingham THUNDERFEST, Harrington Square in downtown Rockingham, NC on Friday, April 13, 2012. Look for the #13 Hot Honeys Toyota Tundra show truck, where fans can get free Hot Honeys samples, purchase TSR merchandise and meet the guys.

•• Ty Dillon is scheduled to participate in an autograph session on behalf of Rheem in the Fan Zone at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 12:30pm/et

•• NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Drivers are scheduled to sign autographs at their trucks on the front stretch at Rockingham Speedway on Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 11:00am – 12:00pm/et. The gates on the front stretch (under the flag stand and in turn one) will be open for fans to cross.

8:00 pm – Jim Quick & Coastline on Main Stage

• FREE Caricature drawings from 4pm -7pm. See NASCAR show trucks, racing merchandise & collectibles, lots of festival food & more!!!

OPEN DRIVERS MEETING

NASCAR and Rockingham Speedway are opening up the NCWTS drivers meeting for fans to come watch. The meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. April 15 in the garage at the speedway.

Fans are asked to enter the infield through the tunnel in turn four if they wish to take part in the drivers meeting. A ticket to the race serves as admission.

TICKET SPECIALS

Along with the John Boy and Billy Show Rockingham Speedway will be providing a special section of seats just for their FANS at the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 200 Presented by Cheerwine on Sunday April 15, 2012.  All seats in this section are $25.00 each. Call the speedway to order your tickets and make sure you mention John Boy and Billy’s PLAYPEN.

PRE-RACE CONCERT
SAT., APRIL 14th:

6:30 pm – Chris Lane Band

8:00 pm – Little Texas

Pre-race concert will take place outside of Turn 2. Tickets to Saturday or Sunday race events grants FREE admission.

NSCS, NNS stats heading into Texas; NCWTS heads back to ‘The Rock’

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Race #: 7 of 36 (04-09-12)
Track Size: 1.5 miles
Race Length: 501 miles
·     Banking/corners: 24 degrees
·     Banking/straights: 5 degrees
·     Frontstretch: 2,250 feet
·     Backstretch: 1,330 feet

Qualifying/Race Data
2011 pole winner: David Ragan, 189.820 mph, 28.448 seconds
2011 race winner: Matt Kenseth, 149.231 mph, 4-9-11)
Track qualifying record: Brian Vickers, (196.235 mph, 27.518 seconds, 10-21-05)
Track race record: Tony Stewart, (152.705 mph, 11-6-11)

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES – SATURDAY, 7:30 P.M. ET, FOX

Roush Fenway Racing has two cars in the top four and all three in the top 12. Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth (along with Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr.) is 12 points behind teammate and points leader Greg Biffle while last season’s standings runner up Carl Edwards is 12TH. Kenseth and Biffle are two of only three drivers to have three top-five finishes. (Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the other.)

Momentum aside, the Roush stable has good reason to look forward to this weekend. Kenseth won this race last season, and Roush has eight victories at Texas overall – more than twice the second-place owner on the TMS wins list.

But then there’s Denny Hamlin. Hamlin swept the two Texas race in 2010, so past success is prevalent. And not he has a not-so-secret weapon: Darian Grubb. Grubb won last year’s Texas Chase race with driver Tony Stewart.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been stuck on win No. 18 for 135 races. Could this weekend’s site finally signal the end?

Earnhardt nabbed his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Texas Motor Speedway on April 2, 2000. So there’s good memories, and great momentum.

He has three top-three finishes (and four top 10s overall), which has moved him to second in the points. The last time he was this high in the points late in the season was 2008, the season he last won. The last time Earnhardt held the points lead was October 2004.

Of course, an Earnhardt win this weekend would be extra special. Hendrick Motorsports has a mini-win drought on its hands – 12 races have passed since its last win. The organizations next victory would be No. 200.

Michael Waltrip Racing still has three drivers in the top 10 in owner points and two in the top nine in the driver standings. Martin Truex Jr. is one of four drivers with four top-10 finishes, along with Biffle, Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson.

Greg Biffle (No. 16 Filtrete Ford)

·         One win, six top fives, nine top 10s; one pole

·         Average finish of 17.2

 

Clint Bowyer (No. 15 5-hour Energy Toyota)

·         Three top fives, seven top 10s

·         Average finish of 13.0

Kurt Busch (No. 51 Phoenix Construction Services Inc. Chevrolet)

·         One win, three top fives, 11 top 10s

·         Average finish of 14.5

Kyle Busch (No. 18 Interstate Batteries Toyota)

·         Four top fives, five top 10s

·         Average finish of 16.2

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew / National Guard Chevrolet)

·         One win, three top fives, 10 top 10s; two poles

·         Average finish of 14.1

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Fastenal Ford)

·         Three wins, five top fives, six top 10s

·         Average finish of 15.5

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet)

·         One win, seven top fives, 10 top 10s; two poles

·         Average finish of 16.8

Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Office / March of Dimes Toyota)

·         Two wins, five top fives, eight top 10s

·         Average finish of 10.2

Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet)

·         Three top fives, eight top 10s

·         Average finish of 12.9

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s / Kobalt Tools Chevrolet)

·         One win, seven top fives, 12 top 10s

·         Average finish of 10.2

Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Best Buy Ford)

·         Two wins, 10 top fives, 13 top 10s

·         Average finish of 8.7

Mark Martin (No. 55 Aaron’s Best of the Best Toyota)

·         One win, seven top fives, 12 top 10s

·         Average finish of 13.7

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Mobil 1 / Office Depot Chevrolet)

·         Two wins, five top fives, 11 top 10s; one pole

·         Average finish of 12.6

History

· Construction began in 1995.

· The first NASCAR race was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on April 5, 1997.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was on April 6, 1997.

Notebook

· There have been 22 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway, one per season from 1997 through 2004 and two races per year since 2005.

· Four drivers have competed in all 22 Texas races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin.

· Jeremy Mayfield was the first pole winner, in 1998. Qualifying for the inaugural race in 1997 was canceled.

· Jeff Burton won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

· 16 drivers have scored poles, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon with two.

· 16 drivers have won races, led by Carl Edwards, with three. Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart and Jeff Burton each have two wins.

· 16 of 22 races have been won from a top 10 starting position. Only one has been won from the pole – Kasey Kahne in 2006.

· Matt Kenseth started 31st en route to his victory at Texas in 2002, the deepest in the field that a race winner has started.

· Both Jeff Burton (1997) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2000) scored their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Texas, and 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne made his first series start at Texas (11/07/10).

· Martin Truex Jr. (11/04/07) and David Ragan (04/09/11) scored their first series poles at Texas.

· Matt Kenseth (8.7) is the only active driver to average a top-10 finish at Texas.

· Jimmie Johnson (9.2) is the only active driver to average a top-10 starting position at Texas.

· Roush Fenway Racing leads all owners in victories, with eight. Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports have three wins each.

· There has been two season sweeps, by Carl Edwards in 2008 and Denny Hamlin in 2010.

· Youngest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Texas Motor Speedway winner: Ryan Newman (03/30/2003 – 25 years, 3 months, 22 days).

· Oldest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Texas Motor Speedway winner: Dale Jarrett (04/01/2001 – 44 years, 4 months, 6 days).

NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES – FRIDAY, 8:30 P.M. ET, ESPN2

After a two week break in the schedule, the wait is finally over as the NASCAR Nationwide Series returns this week at Texas Motor Speedway. An added bonus: it’s the first night race of the season.

This race features one of the more star-studded fields thus far in 2012. Joining regulars like standings leader Elliott Sadler, Danica Patrick, reigning series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and talented rookies Austin Dillon and Cole Whitt are six top double-duty drivers led by Dale Earnhardt Jr. (who also is Patrick and Whitt’s team owner), Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch.

Each manufacturer in the Nationwide Series has won at least one of the last eight races dating back to the last three events of 2011 (Ford – 2, Dodge – 2, Chevy – 3, Toyota – 1).

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES – SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, SPEED

After an absence of eight years, NASCAR roars back into Rockingham Speedway for Sunday’s Good Sam Roadside Assistance 200 Presented by Cheerwine (SPEED, live, 1 p.m. EDT). NASCAR’s last visit to “The Rock” – a 1.017-mile track that opened in 1965 – came in 2004. The race featured a final lap, last-turn duel between Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne. The latter driver came up 0.010 seconds short in just his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Kahne will compete in the event driving a Turner Motorsports Chevrolet following his primary duties in Saturday night’s Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Brad Sweet is due to practice and qualify Kahne’s truck. Todd Bodine is the only other NASCAR winner in the field of more than 40 entries having won a pair of NASCAR Nationwide Series races, most recently in 2001.

Source: NASCARMedia

 

NASCAR driver appearances / autograph sessions for Martinsville

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Friday, March 30

Joey Coulter
6:00pm/et
Kroger
240 West commonwealth Blvd.
Martinsville, VA.

Ty Dillon
1:15pm/et.
Team Chevy stage located in the display area at Martinsville Speedway

Ron Hornaday Jr. & Max Gresham
1:00pm/et.
Team Chevy stage located in the display area at Martinsville Speedway

Ron Hornaday Jr, Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton, Parker Kligerman, Dakoda Armstrong, Joey Coulter, Ty Dillon, Cale Gale, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Paulie Harraka, Ward Burton, Jeb Burton, J.R. Fitzpatrick, John King, Timothy Peters, Bryan Silas, Nelson Piquet Jr, Miguel Paludo, plus other NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Drivers
4:00pm/et
Martinsville Speedway – Speedway’s main ticket office

Timothy Peters, Todd Bodine & John King
6:00 – 7:00pm/et.
Thunder Road Harley Davidson
4960 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA.

Saturday, March 31

James Buescher
12:00pm/et
Question-and-answer session and sign autographs at the Chevrolet display located in the vendor area at Martinsville Speedway.

Jeb Burton
11:45am/et.
Team Chevy stage located in the display area at Martinsville Speedway

Sunday, April 1

Paul Menard
9:30am/et.
Team Chevy stage located in the display area at Martinsville Speedway

#27 RCR Chevrolet Over-the-Wall Pit Crew
Team Chevy stage located in the display area at Martinsville Speedway prior to the Goody’s Fast Relief 500.

 

Crunch ‘N Munch at Martinsville Speedway – STATS

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Martinsville Speedway
Goody’s Fast Relief 500
Sunday, 1p.m. on FOX
Race #: 6 of 36 (4-1-12)
Track Size: .526 mile
Race Length: 500 laps/263 miles
Banking/Corners: 12 degrees
Banking/Straights: 0 degrees
Frontstretch: 800 feet
Backstretch: 800 feet

Qualifying/Race Data
2011 pole winner: Jamie McMurray, 96.509 mph 19.621 seconds
2011 race winner: Kevin Harvick, 74.195 mph, 4-3-11)
Track qualifying record: Tony Stewart (98.083 mph, 19.306 seconds, 10-21-05)
Track race record: Jeff Gordon (82.223 mph, 9-22-96)

Tony Stewart has everyone ‘fooled’ this season. For one, he never wins this early in a season. Of his 46 career victories, only six came before June. And only four came prior to race No. 10. Yet, he’s 2-for-5 in this young season.

Two, with seven wins in the last 15 races, Stewart’s on a rare run. Jimmie Johnson ripped off a similar clip in 2009-10, winning four Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup races in 2009 and then three of the first five in 2010. But this has seemingly come out of nowhere for Stewart. Remember, he entered last year’s Chase winless.

Now, the three time – and defending – series champion has catapulted to fourth in the points. Impressive, especially considering Stewart has an average finish of 17.3 in his non-wins this season.

• Here are the contenders for the running of the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 running on April Fool’s Day at Martinsville: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin. If a Gordon victory occurs (or a Johnson, Kasey Kahne or Dale Earnhardt Jr. win), it’ll be Hendrick Motorsports’ 200th win. That scene would be fitting – Martinsville was the site of Hendrick’s first win in 1984. Hendrick would also tie Petty Enterprises from most wins all time at the Virginia short track.

• Kevin Harvick is the defending winner of this weekend’s race.

• Landon Cassill and the No. 83 BK Racing Toyota. Owner of guaranteed spot in the first five races, Cassill and his team will now have to qualify their way into this weekend’s event at Martinsville.

Clint Bowyer (No. 15 5-hour Energy Toyota)
·         One top five, six top 10s
·         Average finish of 15.1

Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet)
·         One win, 10 top fives, 16 top 10s
·         Average finish of 14.6

Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M’s Toyota)
·         Six top fives, seven top 10s
·         Average finish of 16.4

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 AMP Energy / National Guard Chevrolet)
·         Nine top fives, 13 top 10s
·         Average finish of 13.0

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet)
·         Seven wins, 25 top fives, 31 top 10s; seven poles
·         Average finish of 6.9

Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Freight Toyota)
·         Four wins, nine top fives, 11 top 10s; two poles
·         Average finish of 6.5

Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet)
·         One win, three top fives, 10 top 10s
·         Average finish of 15.9

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 MyLowe’s Chevrolet)
·         Six wins, 14 top fives, 18 top 10s; one pole
·         Average finish of 5.5

 

Jamie McMurray (No. 1 Belkin Chevrolet)
·         One top five, 10 top 10s; one pole
·         Average finish of 16.8

Juan Pablo Montoya (No. 42 Target Chevrolet)
·         Two top fives, three top 10s
·         Average finish of 14.7

Ryan Newman (No. 39 Outback Steakhouse Chevrolet)
·         Six top fives, 10 top 10s; three poles
·         Average finish of 14.4

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Office Depot / Mobil 1 Chevrolet)
·         Three wins, nine top fives, 14 top 10s; three poles
·         Average finish of 13.4

History

·         Opened in September 1947 by H. Clay Earles, Martinsville, originally a dirt track, is one of the oldest continuously-operating race tracks in the United States.

·         The first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville was on July 4, 1948.

·         The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was Sept. 25, 1949.

·         The track was paved in 1955.

·         The first 500-lap event at Martinsville was in 1956.

·         Concrete corners were added atop asphalt in 1976.

Notebook

·         There have been 126 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, one in the inaugural year and two races per year since 1950.

·         Curtis Turner won the pole for the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville in 1949.

·         Red Byron won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

·         56 drivers have won poles, led by Darrell Waltrip with eight. Jeff Gordon, with seven poles, can tie that mark this weekend.

·         Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Darrell Waltrip share the consecutive pole record, each with three.

·         46 different drivers have won, led by Richard Petty’s 15.

·         Jeff Gordon leads active drivers with seven wins. Jimmie Johnson has six and Denny Hamlin has four.

·         19 races have been won from the pole, the last by Denny Hamlin in October 2010.

·         Petty Enterprises has won 19 races, more than any other organization. Hendrick Motorsports, with 18 wins, can tie that mark this weekend.

·         Kurt Busch won the 2002 fall race from the 36th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.

·         Three active drivers average a top-10: Jimmie Johnson (5.4), Denny Hamlin (6.4) and Jeff Gordon (6.8).

·         Youngest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Martinsville Speedway winner: Richard Petty (4/10/1960 – 22 years, 9 months, 8 days).

·         Oldest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Martinsville Speedway winner: Harry Gant (9/22/1996 – 51 years, 8 months, 12 days)

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

Jeb Burton, the 19-year-old son of 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton, will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in Martinsville’s Kroger 250 for Hillman Racing.

Burton carries a one dollar bill in the pocket of his driver’s uniform as a good luck charm. It was the change he received back after purchasing a hot dog before a race that he went onto win.

Johnny Sauter is among the favorites to take home the famed grandfather clock trophy at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday.

Sauter led 75 laps en route to victory in the Kroger 250 last spring and returned in the fall to finish fourth in the penultimate truck race of the season.

However, Sauter has not always been the king of the “paperclip” layout. In six previous races, his best finish had been 15th with four finishes outside the top 20.

His ThorSport Racing teammate holds an impressive qualifying record at the Speedway. Matt Crafton broke the track’s qualifying record with a pole-winning lap of 19.653 seconds (96.352 mph) last fall.

Kevin Harvick will pilot the No. 2 Chevrolet in the Kroger 250 for Richard Childress Racing. It will mark the first time since 2001 that he has competed in someone else’s equipment other than his own.

Two-time NCWTS champion Todd Bodine will be back behind the wheel of the No. 11 Red Horse Racing entry at Martinsville. Despite 21 victories in the series, Bodine is still searching for his first short track victory.

NATIONWIDE SERIES

NOTE: The series is off for the next two weeks and will return on Friday, April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway.

One year ago, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers had won each of the season’s first five races. In fact, it took 12 races – until reigning series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won at Iowa Speedway – for a NASCAR Nationwide Series driver to break through the Cup-centric winners.

Fast forward to the first open week of the 2012 season, which also follows the first five races. The difference is astounding. Elliott Sadler, winner of two of this season’s first five events, also has led the standings since Daytona.

Of those first five Nationwide Series races, four – in consecutive fashion – were won by non-Sprint Cup Series drivers. Joey Logano snapped that streak with his win last Saturday at Auto Club Speedway.

When racing resumes at Texas, the top 30 automatic qualifiers will begin using 2012 owner points versus 2011 owner points that were in play for the first five races. ML Motorsports and Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Johanna Long find themselves in 31st, two points out of the cutoff spot. The No. 70 Chevrolet will have to qualify on time at Texas. … DeLana Harvick, owner of the No. 2 Chevrolet, leads the owner standings by 18 points over the No. 6 Ford of Jack Roush. The series driver and owner championship hasn’t been unified since 2009 when Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing won with the No. 18 Toyota.

Source: NASCARMedia

 

 

 

NCWTS returns to ‘The Rock’ for open Goodyear tire test

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In advance of NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway on Sunday, April 15 for the Good Sam Club Roadside Assistance Carolina 200 Presented by Cheerwine, Goodyear will host a tire test for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on March 6-7.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Drivers participating are James Buescher (Turner Motorsports), Jason Leffler (Kyle Busch Motorsports) and Timothy Peters (Red Horse Racing).

Rockingham Speedway
2152 N US HWY 1
Rockingham, NC 28379

2002 Daytona Champion making NCWTS debut at Daytona International Speedway

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Hillman Racing today on January 26th that 2002 Daytona 500 Champion Ward Burton will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut behind the wheel of the No. 27 Hillman Racing Chevrolet with funding from State Waters Heaters in next month’s season-opening NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Hillman Racing is making its NASCAR debut this season, but the organization is anything but new to the sport.  Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. played a key role in the founding of Germain Racing and was the architect of the group’s two NASCAR championships in 2006 and 2010. Hillman acquired the championship-winning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series assets following the conclusion of the 2011 season and is set to embark as the owner and general manager of Hillman Racing for the 2012 season.

In 375 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, Burton has posted fives wins, seven poles and 24 top-five and 82 top-10 finishes. Burton also has four NASCAR Nationwide Series victories, seven poles, 23 top-five and 50 top-10 finishes in 161 starts.

In addition to Burton, a driver development program is being established for Jeb Burton, the 19-year-old son of Ward. Since making his last NASCAR start, Burton has been using that time to focus on helping his son Jeb develop his racing career and his conservation efforts with The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation. Being the son of NASCAR’s 2002 Daytona 500 winner, it would be natural to think that Jeb Burton would have the hope of someday becoming a professional race car driver like his dad. Jeb has been racing since he was a kid, starting in go- karts and racing his way through the ranks in ASA and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and now at 19, he is ready to step into one of NASCAR’s top tier racing series with Hillman Racing in No. 27 Chevrolet Silverado, sporting the same number that he has been racing in his Late Model division.

 Source: Hillman Press Release