Category Archives: NASCAR/Mike Helton

NASCAR CEO Brian France says NASCAR is in a good place

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(Left to right) Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, speaks with the media as NASCAR President Mike Helton looks on during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday. Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

In his State of NASCAR remarks delivered during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said, “The sport is in a very good place and we’re going to work even harder to achieve the very best things for the sport of NASCAR well into the future.”

France pointed to initiatives begun a year ago – a simplified points structure in all three national series and a “Wild Card” twist in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ that placed a greater emphasis on race victories – which culminated in what France called “a championship battle that will be talked about for decades to come.”

While the 2012 season will be one of continuity rather than major change, NASCAR will introduce electronic fuel injection into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and implement rules designed to restore traditional “pack racing” at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

France also said the sanctioning body continues to operate on a more collaborative method of maintaining and growing the industry by taking into consideration the thoughts and needs of teams, tracks, media partners and especially its fans. “The goal of this effort is to help us better serve our great fans, grow our audience and ensure that our sport stays relevant, vibrant and highly-valuable to sponsors and other partners critical to the health of NASCAR,” said France.

France said the organization is “very encouraged” by increased television ratings across its three national series – NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He also pointed to attendance gains at a number of venues. “While we are still in a tough economic climate that is still difficult, we are pleased with some positive steps we saw last year,” he said.

France and Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president, competition and racing development, touched on how EFI and the introduction in 2013 of re-styled NASCAR Sprint Cup cars from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota will make the sport more relevant to manufacturers and technology companies.

Ford earlier this week unveiled its 2013 Fusion prototype with the other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to follow in the near future. A closed test of the cars is scheduled early next month with additional testing to follow before final specifications are drawn.

Source: NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications Release

NASCAR lesson 101: EFI and Sunoco Green E15

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So 2012 is going to be an interesting year with the new Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). In this article I will be answering these two questions:

How is Sunoco E15 made?

What exactly is EFI?

SUNOCO GREEN E15

Farmers in the United States harvest corn throughout our country. Kind of ironic seeming how some of the top NASCAR drivers in the past started by outrunning the law while running Moonshine… which is made out of corn. It’s actually the world’s number one producer. It helps put the American farmers back to work and helps to promote energy independence.

With that all said, Sunoco announced last season that it was going to supply NASCAR with a high-performance fuel for the 2011 season. Sunoco® Green E15 is a highly oxygenated unleaded race fuel that contains 15 volume percent ethanol (hence fuel has a 15 percent ethanol blend) Because it contains more oxygen than most fuels, fuel system changes may be needed to extract peak performance from Green E15. Sunoco Green E15 contains a comprehensive additive package that helps keep fuel systems clean, enhances shelf life and reduces fuel system deposits. The cautionary risks remain as with those of any type of racing fuel. This fuel is extremely flammable liquid and vapor. It contains material or materials that can cause cancer.

To limit problems with condensation, Sunoco distributes the Green E15 blend to race teams from on-site tankers that travel to each and every NASCAR event throughout the season.

The grain ethanol is then moved to the Sunoco refinery in Marcus Hook, PA where it is blended with gasoline to create the Sunoco Green E15, the high-performance racing fuel.

The process – Ethanol Conversion

An ethanol production facility processes the corn into grain ethanol using the latest, most efficient ethanol production technologies that have made American ethanol a viable energy source. It goes from Storage (where it’s grounded into a flour-type substance) < Fermentation (Enzymes and heat are added) > Distillation (Enzymes and heat are added) > Sustainable Power > to the market.

Sunoco Green E15 is used at all NASCAR tracks while increasing horsepower and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.

A side view of an engine that was used during NASCAR Electronic Fuel Injection testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 17, 2011. Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for NASCAR

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION

The carburetor on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series engines mixed Sunoco Green E15 and air together to power the engines. Guess what? That’s the exact purpose of the EFI. Instead of mixing Sunoco Green E15 and air together in the carburetor, multiple port EFI efficiently injects fuel into each intake runner and mixes it with the air from the throttle body. A collection of sensors and a Freescale/McLaren Electronic Control Unit (ECU) provide maximum performance and engine efficiency.

NASCAR will still require EFI engines to use a restrictor plate at Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway. The plate will be placed beneath the Holley EFI throttle body and limit the amount of air made available to the engine. Unlike carburetored engines, Sunoco Green E15 will not pass through the restrictor plate openings.

Crew Chiefs and engine technicians will be receiving data directly from the Freescale/McLaren ECU. Once the race is started, the EFI technology constantly makes adjustments, eliminating the need for teams to monitor the data in real time.

KEY PARTS

Freescale/McLaren Electronic Control Unit (ECU) – The brain of the EFI system that receives data from sensors to determine the amount of fuel to inject into the engine and when to fire the spark plugs.

Holley EFI Throttle Body – The only thing passing through this part is air, despite being similar in appearance to a carburetor. Four air valves are actuated by stainless steel throttle shafts, throttle levers and linkage designed for the extreme NASCAR racing environment.

BOSCH O2 Sensors – These sensors provide the ECU with key data so the system can adjust the air/fuel ratio to maximize horsepower and engine performance. Other network of sensors provide the ECU operating information at a rate of up to 100 times per second.

Fuel Injectors – Each cylinder has it’s own injector that precisely sprays Sunoco Green E15 into the engine for ignition.

Ignition Coils – Eight individual ignition coils send electricity to the spark plugs making distributors obsolete.

Spark Plugs – Use electricity from the coils to ignite the Sunoco Green E15 and air mixture.

Sources: Google, Sunoco Racing Fuels, NASCARMedia, R&D Research

NASCAR suspends Kyle Busch for intentially wrecking Hornaday

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Kyle Busch isn’t working for THIS weekend.

NASCAR announced this morning that they have parked Kyle Busch for the whole weekend for his actions against Ron Hornaday in the NCWTS race last evening at Texas Motor Speedway. Busch will not be racing in today’s Nationwide race, nor tomorrows Sprint Cup race at Texas.

Watch part of the news conference with Mike Helton announcing the suspension of Kyle Busch:

So what happened? Well, here’s what happened.

Busch and Hornaday were racing for second, side-by-side with Busch on the outside when they encountered Johnny Chapman’s lapped truck in the middle of Turns 1 and 2 on Lap 14. Hornaday moved up slightly to avoid Chapman and when he did, his truck “loosened-up” and slapped Busch’s truck, knocking it slightly into the outside wall.

Busch, unhappy with being sent into the wall, caught up to Hornaday, while under caution, and intentionally clipped Hornaday in the right-rear corner knocking him head-on into the outside wall. That instantly ended Hornaday’s chance at the NCWTS Championship battle.

Busch was parked immediately following the incident and was to report to the NASCAR hauler after the race.

With the suspension, Denny Hamlin will drive the J.D. Gibbs owned No. 18 Nationwide car today and Michael McDowell will get his opportunity of a lifetime to fill the JGR M&M’s No. 18 Toyota Cup car on Sunday. Both will start in the back due to driver change.

In the meantime, Joe Gibbs is in the middle of doing damage control with all of the sponsors. Here’s Joe Gibbs conference with the media:

Meanwhile, KHI have locked in the Owner Championship points with his No. 2 truck over Kyle Busch Motorsports.

More penalties could come as of Monday for Kyle, so stay tuned!

Kevin Harvick wins at Texas, but not too “happy” with Kyle Busch

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Photo credit:\ SPEED

Not so “Happy” Harvick won the WinStar Casino 350 at Texas Motor Speedway. Yes, happy he won; but hot that his driver, Ron Hornaday (KHI’s No. 33 Chevy) was knocked out of contention for the NCWTS Championship.

But can he relate to what happened tonight between Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday? In case you missed the race this evening, this is what blew up Twitter and Facebook this evening. It will be the talk of the rest of the weekend. Trust me.

 

This is Kevin harvick’s response following the race in the Texas Motor Speedway Media Center:

Just as Kevin Harvick was into his first season of taking over for Dale Earnhardt in April 2002 in the No. 29 RCR Chevy, Harvick was officially parked for a Sunday’s Cup race after spinning Coy Gibbs during a Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville. After repeatedly bumping and banging, Harvick rammed Gibbs’ rear bumper and finally spun him exiting Turn 2.

 

NASCAR had enough, black-flagged Harvick and parked him for the day and for the Sunday’s Martinsville race. Harvick parked his #6 Chevy in front of the Truck series hauler near pit road.

 

NASCAR parked Kyle Busch for the rest of the race after a Lap 14 incident that started with Busch and Hornaday racing hard side-by-side and ended with Busch knocking Hornaday into the Turn 4 wall in retaliation and out of the series championship battle.

 

Sound a little familiar?

 

This suspension fell under NASCAR’s rulebook as an emergency action that is “final, non-appealable and non-reviewable.” n addition to the penalties, Harvick was fined $35,000 and his probation was extended. This $35,000 was in addition to the $15,000 that he paid after the Biffle incident.

 

One difference between Harvick and Gibbs and what happened between Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday Friday night, is that Harvick was already ON PROBATION from an earlier incident with Biffle at Bristol. Kyle is not on probation.

 

So, if Kyle Busch is to be fined, I say NASCAR will hit his wallet hard. He intentionally risked the life of another drive, which NASCAR takes very seriously. He’s had issues with his “loss of temper” perviously. With the severity of this wreck, I would like to see NASCAR end his Camping World Truck Series racing, effective tonight, instead of Homestead-Miami, issue a large fine, and follow in Tony Stewart’s footsteps and take an Anger Management course before he does seriously hurt, or god forbid, kill someone.

 

SPEED had reported via Twitter shortly after the race that NASCAR has called a meeting with Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Officials before practice hits the track at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday morning. That’s not a good sign if his Cup car owner is getting involved. Something there is hinting a possible suspension on Sunday.

 

Richard Childress had taken a stance that since the initial incident was during a Busch (Nationwide) race, and the most recent incident occurred during a Craftsman (Camping World) Truck series race, that the penalties should remain in those series and not rolled over into Winston(Sprint) Cup. It’s a fair point, but NASCAR saw that in this case, the driver had demonstrated a lack of ability to control his temper and had intentionally wrecked and risked the life of another driver.

 

But all we can do is wait and see and let NASCAR do their jobs. STAY TUNED!!

Dan Wheldon tribute planned by NASCAR at Talladega

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A special tribute to fallen IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon will be part of the next Sprint Cup race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, according to NASCAR president Mike Helton. Helton said the 15-car crash that killed the 33-year-old Wheldon Sunday touched the NASCAR community.

 

NASCAR will provide teams with a B-post decal in honor of Dan Wheldon for all the cars and trucks this weekend in Talladega. The Lionheart Knight image is one that was included on the back of every one of Dan’s helmets. NASCAR is also producing helmet decals for any of the drivers who would like to run a version of the decal on their helmets. NASCAR also understands that a driver would like to honor Dan in his/her own way as well.

 

 

SERVICE / TV: A public memorial service for driver Dan Wheldon will be Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Downtown Indianapolis. The event will be at 4 pm/et Sunday at the home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. No additional details were provided late Tuesday night in a news release from Amy Konrath, an IndyCar spokeswoman. The event will be carried live on Versus from 4-5 pm.

NASCAR says no more greasing bumpers at Talladega Superspeedway

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NASCAR issued a technical bulletin to teams this week outlining the changes at Talladega with one more additional change coming for the Sprint Cup cars.

NASCAR just recently mandated changes to the size of the restrictor-plate and the pressure release valves… but there was also a note that “the addition of lubricants to the rear bumper cover will not be permitted.”

Race teams have used everything from grease, ointment to cooking spray to keep the bumpers from getting locked up and prevented the pushing car from spinning out the lead car in the two-car tandems.

Source: Jayski/Charlotte Observer

NASCAR investigating Gordon’s accusations Menard’s spin at Richmond was intentional

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After the race at Richmond International Speedway last weekend, Jeff Gordon made comments that “there was something fishy” about the spinout of Kevin Harvick’s RCR teammate, Paul Menard, with just 16 laps to go. Gordon has implied that Menard’s spinout was intentional bringing out the caution. Harvick then beat Gordon off of pit road, maintaining the lead after the final restart with 12 to go.

Gordon said from what he’s been told of the radio communications between Menard, crew chief Slugger Labbe and RCR executive Mike Dillon there is reason to believe the spinout was orchestrated on a second channel.

NASCAR released a statement Thursday stating they saw no evidence of anything out of the ordinary as far as actions that they would have to react to. However, during a media press conference with Mike Helton on Friday morning at Chicagoland Speedway, Helton stated, “In light of the suspicions, I guess, we’re going to look into it and see if there is anything. A lot of it’s going to be interpretation. But certainly I think it’s on us to understand exactly what all we can find as far as facts are concerned. I remind everybody that an incident like that is a race procedure. We have in the past reacted to cars that caused cautions during a race. So it doesn’t necessarily mean that we would find something after the fact and react to it, but it certainly would probably play a role in going forward as to our observations.”

NASCAR rules call for the analog channels to be used. Most cars have multiple analog channels that fans in the grandstand, NASCAR (located in the tower), and the industry listen to. All radio communications between crew chiefs, spotters and the driver are analog.

In light of the accusations, Richard Childress Racing released a statement regarding this ongoing issue:

“There were no team orders despite all the speculation in the media. I know Paul Menard well enough that he wouldn’t have spun out on purpose even if he had been asked. We are at Chicagoland Speedway to win the race and get a great start toward the championship.”

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 9/17

NASCAR officials said on Saturday there is no evidence to support allegations that Paul Menard spun out intentionally to bring out a caution and affect the finish of last weekend’s Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. Spokesman Kerry Tharp said officials listened to audio of Menard’s radio transmission before he spun out with 16 laps remaining and found nothing to indicate he did anything deliberately

Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot finalists announced

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The two small businesses finalists were recently announced, and who could take home $1 million in its annual “Official Small Business of NASCAR®, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes. Office Depot, the Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR®, has partnered with 3M for this promotion.

MEET THE FINALIST:
Kacie Howard, Owner of HuckleBerry Pets
Kacie Howard, an avid NASCAR® fan whose nine-year-old daughter was born on the day of the 2002 Daytona 500, started HuckleBerry Pets in July 2010 with her husband, Chris. The business specializes in manufacturing comfortable, stylish and durable pet beds using orthopedic mattresses that help support a pet’s muscles and bone structure.

Sara Mortensen Owner of Bales Mold Service, Inc.
Sara Mortensen’s father, Steve Bales, and uncle, Mike Bales, founded Bales Mold Service, Inc., in 1978.  Bales Mold Service, Inc., represents the cutting edge of engineered coatings and finishes, and continues to be at the forefront of developing technology to service varied industries. In November 2009, Mortensen’s father passed away and the company was handed down to her and her sister, Stacey Bales. Knowing that their father was a racing fan, Mortensen dug out his old NASCAR hat and put it on her desk for good luck after entering this year’s sweepstakes.

As part of the finalists prize package, Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Impala and team owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, and Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford will each feature one finalist’s logo on their respective race cars during this weekend’s nationally televised NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, AdvoCare 500 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Sunday, Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN). Howard was randomly paired with Stewart, while Mortensen was matched with Biffle.

The small business featured on the highest-finishing driver’s car at the end of Sunday’s race will be named the 2011 “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” and receive the use of the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” logo for one year.  Additionally, if Stewart or Biffle win the race, the small business featured on the winning car will walk away with $1 million. As finalists, both Howard and Mortensen receive a $10,000 small business makeover from Office Depot and a VIP experience this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Prize Package Overview

The “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes finalist prize package includes the following:

· A $10,000 small business makeover from Office Depot (if applicable, the $1 million payout would negate the $10,000 small business makeover)

· VIP race experience for two at the September 2-4 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway

· Use of the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” logo for one year, including on company stationery materials (to be printed by the Copy & Print Depot at Office Depot).

Outside of the two finalists, Office Depot allowed even more small business owners to win big this year during the “Official Small Business of NASCAR, Courtesy of Office Depot” sweepstakes. Every day during the promotion window, which ran from May 1 through May 28, one lucky small business owner was randomly selected to receive a $1,000 Office Depot gift card and Officially Licensed NASCAR® memorabilia just for entering the sweepstakes.

Congratulations to both of them!!!

Statement from NASCAR Chairman/CEO Brian France regarding traffic situation at Kentucky Speedway

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“While NASCAR was thrilled by the incredible response to our inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Kentucky, we also are extremely disappointed by the traffic problems and inconveniences endured by fans who wanted to be part of our races at Kentucky Speedway. NASCAR will be in close communications with Kentucky Speedway and Speedway Motorsports Inc. to see that they work to resolve the issues. This situation cannot happen again.”

Source: NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications PR

GRAND-AM, NASCAR Nationwide Series to join Sprint Cup at Brickyard in 2012

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Race fans, in case you missed the announcement there is more racing headed your way at the Brickyard next year.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has added the NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing to it’s July 26-29, 2012 race weekend, joining the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for four exciting races during the inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard.

It will be the first time in IMS history that races will take place on the 2.5-mile oval and 2.534-mile Grand Prix road course during the same weekend, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing will make their IMS debuts.

The 19th annual Brickyard 400 for the Sprint Cup Series will race on the oval Sunday, July 29, with the Nationwide Series also racing on the oval Saturday, July 28. GRAND-AM will conduct separate races for its Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge on the 13-turn IMS road course Friday, July 27.

All four days of Super Weekend at the Brickyard will be packed with on-track action, providing great value for fans:

•Thursday, July 26: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice

•Friday, July 27: GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge practice, qualifying and races

•Saturday, July 28: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice, qualifying and race; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying

•Sunday, July 29: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400 race

Brickfest, a music festival featuring a headlining national act, also will return during the Super Weekend at the Brickyard after its debut during this year’s Brickyard 400.

Ticket orders for the 2012 Super Weekend at the Brickyard will be accepted starting Monday, Aug. 1, 2011. Orders can be made at www.imstix.com and through the IMS Ticket Office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Details on ticket pricing, race distances for the Nationwide Series and two GRAND-AM events and the complete event schedule will be released at a later date.

The best way for fans to secure their reserved seat tickets for the historic inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard is to purchase reserved seats for the 2011 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31 and reorder those tickets during the two-week renewal period starting Aug. 1.

Source: NASCAR Media