Tag Archives: Daytona International Speedway

Line-ups for Gatorade Duel Races

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Line-up / Duel Race # 1


1 99 Carl Edwards – Ford /Fastenal
2 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Chevrolet / Diet Mountain Dew / National Guard
3 9 Marcos Ambrose – Ford / Stanley
4 6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Ford / Ford EcoBoost
5 21 Trevor Bayne – Ford / Motorcraft / Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center
6 14 Tony Stewart – Chevrolet / Office Depot / Mobil 1
7 43 Aric Almirola – Ford / Smithfield “Helping Hungry Homes”
8 27 Paul Menard – Chevrolet / Peak / Menards
9 34 David Ragan – Ford / Scorpion Truck Bed Liners
10 22 A.J. Allmendinger -  Dodge / Shell / Pennzoil
11 2 Brad Keselowski – Dodge / Miller Lite
12 29 Kevin Harvick – Chevrolet / Budweiser
13 31 Jeff Burton – Chevrolet / Caterpillar
14 42 Juan Montoya – Chevrolet / Target
15 30 David Stremme – Toyota / Inception Motorsports
16 1 Jamie McMurray – Chevrolet / Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats
17 10 Danica Patrick – Chevrolet / GoDaddy.com
18 32 Terry Labonte – Ford / C&J Energy
19 140 Michael Waltrip – Toyota / Aaron’s Dream Machine
20 11 Denny Hamlin – Toyota / FedEx Express
21 98 Michael McDowell – Ford / K-Love / Curb Records
22 83 Landon Cassill – Toyota / Burger King
23 38 David Gilliland – Ford /  MHP Power Pak Pudding
24 37 Mike Wallace – Ford / Poynt.com
25 7 Robby Gordon – Dodge  / Mapei / Menards / Speed Energy

Line-up / Duel Race #2

1 16 Greg Biffle – Ford / 3M
2 13 Casey Mears – Ford / GEICO
3 24 Jeff Gordon – Chevrolet / Drive to End Hunger
4 56 Martin Truex Jr. – Toyota / NAPA Auto Parts
5 55 Mark Martin – Toyota / Aaron’s Dream Machine
6 48 Jimmie Johnson – Chevrolet / Lowe’s
7 17 Matt Kenseth – Ford / Best Buy
8 39 Ryan Newman – Chevrolet / U.S. Army / Quicken Loans
9 20 Joey Logano – Toyota / The Home Depot
10 5 Kasey Kahne – Chevrolet / Farmers Insurance
11 26 Tony Raines – Ford / Front Row Motorsports
12 18 Kyle Busch – Toyota / M&M’s Brown
13 109 Kenny Wallace – Toyota / American Ethanol
14 36 Dave Blaney – Chevrolet / Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
15 51 Kurt Busch – Chevrolet / HendrickCars.com
16 33 Elliott Sadler – Chevrolet / General Mills / Kroger
17 87 Joe Nemechek – Toyota / AMFMEnergy.com / Pellet & Wood Stoves
18 78 Regan Smith – Chevrolet / Furniture Row / CSX “Play it Safe”
19 47 Bobby Labonte – Toyota / Kroger
20 97 Bill Elliott – Toyota / AMFMEnergy.com / Pellet & Wood Stoves
21 93 David Reutimann – Toyota  / Burger King
22 23 Robert Richardson Jr.  – Toyota / North Texas Pipe
23 249 J.J. Yeley  – Toyota / America Israel Racing
24 15 Clint Bowyer – Toyota / 5-hour Energy

 

SMOKE ALERT: Tony Stewart autograph session in Daytona

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Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet and team owner at Stewart-Haas Racing will sign autographs for fans at an Office Depot store in Daytona Beach, Florida, prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ season kick-off race – the Daytona 500.

Office Depot
1560 South Nova Road
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
3:30 p.m. local time

NOTE: This event is open to the general public, and 600 wristbands will be distributed for autographs (one per person). The wristbands may be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis at the store beginning at 8 a.m. local time on the day of the event only. Fans with a wristband must be in line no later than 4:30 p.m. local time to receive an autograph.

 

ARCA driver Mikey Kile teams up with Andy Belmont Racing for 2012

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Mikey Kile's No. 1 ModSpace Ford Fusion almost ready for Daytona. Photo courtesy of Andy Belmont Racing.

The 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season-opener is set for Saturday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway with a new driver and team combination which holds the perfect fit – that of Andy Belmont Racing (ABR) and Mikey Kile.

Andy Belmont Racing (AndyBelmont.com) is a competitive and respected motorsports operation fielding race cars in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. ABR has been competing in motorsports for nearly 25 years. ABR will also field a second-entry and a drafting partner to Kile with NASCAR K&N West Series driver Brandon Davis at the helm of the No. 2 ModSpace Ford Fusion.

Kile, 29, will be returning to the ARCA Racing Series circuit full-time since 2010 will look to

Mikey Kile, driver of the No. 1 ModSpace Ford Fusion in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Andy Belmont Racing (ABR). Photo courtesy of Chris Knight PR.

pilot the No. 1 ModSpace Ford Fusion to his second career-victory and ABR’s first during the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. Crew chief Jeff McClure has worked fiercely on their blue oval since the open-test in December where the team left the 2.5-mile speedway confident in their superspeedway program.

Kile has a proven record and had formerly raced for Turner Motorsports in the 2011 Nationwide Series as well as for Venturini Motorsports in 2010 in the ARCA Series. Kile, completing fifth in the series drivers points, achieved seven top 5′s and 15 top 10 finishes. Kile also completed the season holding two Menards Pole Awards. In 2009, he competed in six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races for Brad Keselowski resulting in three top 12 finishes.

With the competition in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards continuing to increase, ABR has raised the bar themselves with each approaching season with many taking to note the team’s strength on the superspeedways.

“Everyone wants to say that they’ve won at Daytona and we feel like we can do that with a driver like Mikey Kile and a sponsor in ModSpace,” added Belmont. “Over the last couple of years we’ve really picked up the pace at tracks like Daytona and Talladega and that’s something to be proud of. Our No. 1 ModSpace Ford Fusion should be just as strong if not stronger than last year and we’re looking forward to battle Saturday.”

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona (80 laps / 200 miles) is the first of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. Practice begins Thursday, February 16 with a four hour practice session planned from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for Friday, February 17 slated to begin at 2:00 p.m. A forty-five minute final practice session is etched in on Saturday, February 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring and radio broadcast through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com.

ARCA, celebrating its 60th season in 2012 is the preamble for the highly anticipated Budweiser Shootout for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) set to ignite under the lights later that night.

‘Rolex 24 at Daytona’ is a must add to your Bucket List

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The 50th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Karen Pistone

I must admit, in all of my years of attending races and covering NASCAR events, yesterday was the very first time I have attended the running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. But to be honest, the only reason I went was because I was given infield passes from a friend, which I thought was very sweet. So I asked Joe if he wanted to go. “sure,” he said. Although we only went on Sunday, it was something that I was totally NOT expecting. I had never seen the infield packed as it was for a non-NASCAR event…but don’t forget…our first time!!

As usual, we had our run into the same security situation where they all have attitude – either that or they just don’t want to be there – right off the bat. What is it with these people??? Nothing knew there!!! We eventually arrived in the infield – finally after showing the tickets like three times within about 100 feet apart (yep…security still makes you feel like a criminal!!) Joe found a parking spot and we made a b-line for the garage area.

As we walked passed a group of people, I overheard one say, “this is the most RV’s we’ve ever seen in the infield for the Rolex.”

“Interesting….,” I thought to myself. Maybe it’s a sign of what’s to come?

Team works on the Porsche after pulling into a garage stall during the Rolex 24. Photo by Karen Pistone

Upon entering the garage, it was a little slow…not much action since the cars were out on the track and all the teams were on pit road. We took our time and walked around, grabbed some good photos and then headed to the FanZone. For those of you who have never been in the FanZone at Daytona International Speedway, you are able to stand up top of the garage area (called the FanDeck) and are able to look down into the garage area and see somewhat of the action that’s out on track (cars coming out of turns 3 & 4 and then heading into turn 1). Down below the FanDeck in the garage area are windows where you can see what’s actually going on in the garage stall. Today…. there wasn’t much.

Next, Joe and I headed down behind the fenced area of pit road. We had no access to the pits while they were hot. As a matter of fact, I don’t think anyone else did either by the looks of it. I think as long as you were a crew member, sponsor, public relations, or family – you were allowed. You couldn’t really see much, anyway. Each pit box had a huge white tent pitched covering and blocking your view of any pit stops.

Nope, didn’t like that. Because there were so many drivers for different teams, you couldn’t really tell “who the driver” was. Especially if you are not familiar with the different classes nor teams that race. However, I did think Travis Pastrana passed us by while he was in regular street clothes!

We then headed back outside to the FanZone area. A lot of people were sitting, eating and drinking all while watching the race on the jumbotron. Thank goodness for that, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to see what was happening during the race. I loved the fact that Sprint put a jumbotron in that exact location and Daytona placed a lot more seats and tables for the fans…it was needed and you definitely don’t see this during any of the NASCAR races. And by the way, while I am on the subject – Daytona also needs a scoring tower or jumbotron above the grandstands on the frontstretch so while you are in the pits during a race, you can see what’s going on. Homestead Miami Speedway has a scoring tower below the skybox on the frontstretch, which is great. But the one thing I could have done without was the band. Ooooh my…the band. They were cranking out the rock ‘n roll and good ‘ole 19070′s guitar reps that were never ending…. and when I said cranking…it was LOUD!! Actually too loud, because it was too close to where you sat to watch the race. We had to get out of there! To me, it was just unnecessary noise. I’d rather hear the whining of the car engines and the announcers calling the action lap by lap. I think that’s why everyone kept their ear protectors on. My suggestion is to have the band perform when the cars are off track.

Ok, now let’s check out the souvenirs. I’ve been in the make-shift store where they have the usual Daytona merchandise for sale many, many times before, but decided to check it out again…just in case. I wanted to see what was new. I specifically liked the handmade hats made of original 12-pack boxes…you can choose from Miller, Miller Genuine Draft or Miller Lite. Those were a hoot!!! Other than that, it was the same t-shirts, jackets, flags, etc.

Infield at Daytona International Speedway during the Running of the Rolex 24 on Sunday. Photo by Karen Pistone.

From there, Joe and I went out towards the infield to the inner part of the track where all the turns are and watched the action from there. It wasn’t like a NASCAR race, but I could get into it. After all, I was able to see the Chevy Camaro (finished 14th) and the protype  Chevy Corvette race. The infield had more of a state fair/carnival atmosphere with the huge ferris wheel (which has become a Rolex 24 icon) going as well as other carnival type rides along the superstretch (backstretch) near the Bud Party Porch. The typical “carnival” foods were available….pizza, corn dogs, funnel cakes, sausage & peppers; we located a Patron Bar; lots of vehicles were on display per manufacturer ranging from BMW to Nissan. There were also a line of souvenir trailers and R.E. Racing Scanners available to the fans. I was truly amazed!

If you have never attended a Rolex 24 before, I would suggest you try it at least once. Camping is available all weekend long infield, so you have access to everything right out your door. I am happy I went to experience it. And congratulations to AJ Allmendinger – who put in three grueling hours at the wheel of the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Ford/Riley Daytona Prototype to win the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona.

In the competitive GT class, the No. 44 Magnus Racing Porsche with team owner John Potter, Andy Lally, Richard Lietz and Rene Rast were victorious.

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

Preseason Thunder brings the roar of the pack back at Daytona

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Trevor Bayne, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford leads a group of cars during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway. Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

After the late afternoon practice session on Thursday, NASCAR announced changes for Friday’s test session with an increase in the diameter of restrictor-plate openings from 1/32nd of an inch to 15/16ths inches, adding an estimated 26 horsepower to the engines.

In addition, they lowered the pressure relief valve settings from 30 pounds per square inch to 25 psi and narrowed the grille openings of the cars, thereby decreasing airflow to the engine. Both measures were designed to decrease the number of laps one car can push another without overheating.

NASCAR had asked drivers in their early morning meeting on Friday (the one Jimmie Johnson missed due to administering to his drug test) to participate in a pack drafting session during the afternoon session to assist in the gathering of information teams and officials were looking for in hopes to be able to apply to a baseline when we come back for Speedweeks next month.

Following the afternoon session, NASCAR conferred with its notes and decided to implement additional changes for today’s (Saturday), final day of Preseason Thunder.

Kasey Kahne led the morning session with a speed of 201.545 mph, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jimmie Johnson also posting times near the top of the charts.

Teams continued to collaborate with NASCAR throughout the day, in particular with the afternoon pack drafting session. The afternoon session kicked off with pack drafting for most teams. Top speed of the afternoon was 200.562 mph, posted by Jeff Gordon.

Changes implemented included the closing of the bottom of the radiator opening; reducing radiator pressures approximately four pounds and a return to the restrictor plate used in Thursday’s test session.

“We’re going to continue to work on aero packages and plate sizes and all types of things from now until the day we sign back in here at Daytona,” said Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton.

What the drivers are saying:

JEFF GORDON: ” With the smaller spoiler and restrictor plate, cars have a lot of power, a

Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, speaks with the media during NASCAR Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway. Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

lot of speed, and definitely that has changed things a bit.  You know, the pushing is a little bit unique and different.  The cars aren’t quite as stable as they were, but yet    and we can’t go as long, which I think is the goal.”

JIMMIE JOHNSON:   “From an overall aero package and plate package, there’s still probably some adjusting that would take place I would guess.  I don’t really know, but from a reliability standpoint of the EFI, I don’t see any issues for anybody.”

DALE EARNHARDT, JR: “I think that the changes they made are really good.  I can feel that I’m going around the corner faster than I have been the last couple years, which is good.”

Today’s test sessions concluded the 2012 Preseason Thunder at Daytona for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams.

Preseason Thunder takes place at Daytona with great fan participation

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Hendrick Motorsports team personnel at work during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway. Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR

The teams have returned and are back to work this week at Daytona International Speedway. They are testing their equipment, becoming familiar with new teammates and crew chiefs right along with the changes NASCAR has implemented for the 2012 Daytona 500. The most significant will be the Electronic Fuel Injection. But just imagine – the winning car of this year’s Daytona 500 will be the first car in the history of the sport to score a victory with a fuel injected engine!

For the morning session of practice that took place Thursday, Jeff Gordon led 31 cars with a top speed of 192.773 mph. Teams practiced single and two-car runs in the morning session.

Then afternoon drafting session belonged to the Toyotas of Kyle Busch and Joey Logano with Busch posting a top speed of 202.402 mph.

For Friday’s morning practice session, the fastest car belonged to Martin Truex, Jr. with a top speed of 204.722 mph. The top speed for Friday afternoon’s session has not been released as of yet, but I am seeing on Twitter, that Phoenix Racing’s No. 51 Chevrolet driven by Kurt Busch was timed as the fastest with the speed of 210.9 mph down the backstretch and was placed at the top of the score board.

The Preseason Thunder Fan Fest

Carl Edwards gets ready to roll out during the afternoon test session on Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Karen Pistone.

So yesterday I attended the Preseason Thunder Fest at Daytona International Speedway. I purchased my own ticket for $20. And just so you know, yes, I was a “paying race fan,” just like you! For those of you who were following me on Twitter, there really wasn’t much to tweet. For that I apologize, but I was not able to lock in credentials for the event and was very loss without having access to the Media Center and being access to the “inside scoop.” I was able to tweet who was drafting with who on track and take a few pictures from my viewing prospective from the FanZone atop the garage area. I didn’t know who was testing what part of the new package, who was planning on drafting with who, the speeds or hear the results they received from these test sessions in order to get the information right out to you over the social network.

Let’s just say it’s an obstacle I’m working to get over – a work in progress – a bump in the road – a rough mountain I’ve gotta climb.

Moving on….

Having direct access to the drivers has always been right on target with NASCAR and its’ fans. The drivers accessible for Thursday’s autograph sessions were: Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano, Mark Martin, Juan Pablo Montoya, Danica Patrick, David Ragan, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, AJ Allmendinger, Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Regan Smith, Martin Truex Jr, Brian Vickers. (Note: Ryan Newman canceled his autograph session due to being ill with the flu).

Fans that received reserved wristbands for Kyle Busch get into line for the start of the Preseason Thunder Fest Autograph sessions last evening at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Karen Pistone.

NASCAR has the best fan base with the most interactions and access to the drivers and teams, more than any other sport. Some drivers were real friendly to the fans, no matter what driver t-shirt or hat they had on. I was standing next to a gentleman, who happened to be a Jimmie Johnson fan, as we watched Kevin Harvick conduct his autograph session. We witnessed other race fans – especially this one lady who mistakenly handed Harvick her Matt Kenseth 1:64th scale diecast car to autograph, and Harvick replied “I don’t think you’d want my signature on THAT car,” laughing. She quickly ran to her bag, slightly embarrassed, to retrieve the right car and then he autographed it. That gentleman I was standing next to, had turned to me and said, “wow, now that was cool! Harvick just got himself a new fan….me!!”

See, it does not take much to win over fans.

Most, if not all drivers, really lit up when kids approached them and really made it a special …. EXCEPT for three time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart. Standing behind the stage where he had just finished participating in a Q & A session, and talking to Clint Bowyer and Michael Waltrip, other fans were standing around, hoping for an autograph. I was standing next to a little girl – I believe she was five – or six years-old, holding a driver book and her own little sharpie, ready to roll. I asked her Mother which driver’s autograph she was hoping to get, and she replied “Tony Stewart.” The fans got the little girl to start yelling “Smoke!, Smoke!” to get his attention. He was in the process of walking to the other side of his vehicle, if not 7 feet away, to get in.  The group caught his attention by yelling “this little girl wants your autograph! Come on, she’s a kid!” He turned and with that “Smoke” attitude, snapped, “did you see that line of people I just signed autographs for? You should’ve gotten a wristband.” Smoke got in the vehicle and was gone. Sure, I can understand if it was just adults, but everyone was rooting for the little girl to get his autograph. DENIED!  A pet peeve of mine is when it comes to kids, (attention drivers!) YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE THEM YOUR AUTOGRAPH, no matter what. Kids come first, so needless to say, that was a little disappointing to see.

Dale Junior signs an autograph for a young fan at the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fest held at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Sandi Goodall /Racingal.com

Overall, Daytona International Speedway’s first day of the Preseason Thunder Fest looked to have a great fan turnout. Not to mention the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. My only thing, besides the Smoke incident, is I wish there would be more vendors. No live bands were playing, a DJ was playing hip-hop music, and they were on stage trying to get the fans to stay pumped up….filling time until the Q&A Sessions began. There’s only a certain number of times you can hear “Are you having fun, race fans?!”

“YEAH……!!!”

Martin Truex Jr., answers a question during a Q&A Session at the Preseason Thunder Fest at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Sheila Robinson.

I sat and listened to a few Q & A sessions – one with Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer and Michael Waltrip. It’s great listening to these guys bust on each other! Such comedians!! The session after that one was Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick. Martin Truex, Jr. said he’d love to start a contest to see who – in between Clint Boywer and Michael Waltrip – could focus and stay in a conversation the longest (laughing). On a more serious note, Truex Jr. was asked by a fan, out of all the new rule changes, which one he doesn’t like. His reply,”believe it or not, the one rule change, to me, that I don’t like is that NASCAR took away the driver to driver communication. Before, it was great to talk to the driver ahead of you, or behind you to find out what they were planning, or if you could draft together. Now, we have to rely totally on our spotters, once again, for EVERYTHING!”

They need more interaction for race fans to occupy their time, especially if they will be spending the day there. They did add a new bar area and the prices were not too bad – typical for what you would pay at an event…$5 draft beers, $8 bottle, $10 mixed drinks. The Budweiser Bistro located in the FanZone had really good food and great service. A little pricey, but you get a lot for the money. You can actually share the food, if needed to. Their menu consisted of an all-beef grilled hot dog, with Pepper Jack cheese on a flatbread, homemade chips, pickle; turkey wrap, chips and pickle; or a Sheperd’s Pie; sodas, coffee, water, hot chocolate and cookies.

The Preseason Thunder Fest continues thru this evening, Friday, Jan. 13 with the last scheduled autograph session at 5:00 – 7:00pm.

Drivers scheduled this evening are:  Advance Reserved wristbands required.

Jeff Gordon (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Jimmie Johnson (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Additional Drivers (wristbands available day of event):

Marcos Ambrose

Trevor Bayne

Greg Biffle

Jamie McMurray

Aric Almirola

Dave Blaney

Michael McDowell

Casey Mears

Updated Preseason Thunder Fan Fest driver autograph sessions for Daytona

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Signs directing fans as to where the drivers will be located during the autograph sessions during the Preseason Thunder Fan Fest. Photo by Sandi Goodall/Racingal.com

As part of NASCAR Preseason Thunder — the annual three-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the season-opening 54th annual Daytona 500, that is scheduled to be held on January 12-14, 2012.

Along with watching NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing from the Sprint FANZONE, enjoy two Fan Fest driver sessions – from 5:00 – 9:00pm/et, on Thursday, January 12, 2012 and from 5:00 – 7:00pm/et, on Friday, January 13, 2012. The schedule of driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions will be finalized closer to the event. Fans can also watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands.

Race fans can purchase tickets for the popular Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway beginning on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 9:00am/et. Advanced reservations are available (limited availability) for the autograph sessions with participating 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers. Additional driver autograph sessions will be held on both days with wristbands available the day of the event. Scheduled appearances are as follows: [updated 1-4-2012]

Thursday, January 12th, 5:00pm/et

Advance Reserved Autograph Session Drivers:

Kurt Busch

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Carl Edwards (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Denny Hamlin

Matt Kenseth

Brad Keselowski

Tony Stewart (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Additional Drivers (wristbands available day of event):

Jeff Burton

Kasey Kahne

Joey Logano

Mark Martin

Juan Pablo Montoya

Danica Patrick

David Ragan

Thursday, January 12th, 7:00pm/et

Advance Reserved Autograph Session Drivers:

Kyle Busch

Kevin Harvick

Ryan Newman

Additional Drivers (wristbands available day of event):

AJ Allmendinger

Clint Bowyer

Bobby Labonte

Regan Smith

Martin Truex Jr

Brian Vickers

Friday, January 13th, 7:00pm/et

Advance Reserved Autograph Session Drivers:

Jeff Gordon (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Jimmie Johnson (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Additional Drivers (wristbands available day of event):

Marcos Ambrose

Trevor Bayne

Greg Biffle

Jamie McMurray

For ticket information and updates, visit the Daytona International Speedway website.

ARCA Racing Series holding weekend long testing at Daytona International Speedway

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Sixty-two drivers are entered to take laps in this weekend’s ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards open test at Daytona International Speedway.

Testing is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, and will open ARCA’s 60th Anniversary Season.

The full list of entries is below.

ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Daytona Int’l Speedway Open Test

Entry List (12/16-18/2011)

1       Alli Owens, Andy Belmont Racing, Ford

1       Kyle Brinkmann, Andy Belmont Racing, Ford

4       Brandon McReynolds, Turner Motorsports, Chevy

5       Bobby Gerhart, Bobby Gerhart Racing, Chevy

5       TBA, Bobby Gerhart Racing, Chevy

6       Cale Gale, Eddie Sharp Racing, Chevy

7       Damon Lusk, Bobby Gerhart Racing, Chevy

7       Brent Cross, Team LaCross, Chevy

8      Jared Marks, Tony Marks Racing, Dodge

9      Bob Bryant, Keselowski Racing

10   Derrick Griffin, Fast Track Racing

10   Dennis Strickland, Fast Track Racing

12   Maryeve Dufault, Tony Marks Racing, Dodge

14   Mikey Kile, Andy Belmont Racing, Ford

16   Matt Lofton, Coulter Motorsports, Chevy

17   Chris Buescher, Roulo Brothers Racing, Ford

32  Chris Windom, Win-Tron Racing

44   Frank Kimmel, ThorSport Racing, Toyota

48  James Hylton, Hylton Motorsports, Ford

51  Drew Charlson, DC Racing, Chevy

58  Chad Hackenbracht, CGH Motorsports, Chevy

59  TBA, Mark Gibson Racing, Dodge

61  Joey Coulter, Coulter Motorsports, Chevy

61  TJ Duke, Coulter Motorsports, Chevy

63  Milka Duno, Sheltra Motorsports, Ford

66  Mark Thompson, Venturini Motorsports, Toyota

68  Will Kimmel, Kimmel Racing, Ford

68  Chris Brown, Kimmel Racing, Ford

74  Jimmy Nowell

75  TBA, Bob Schacht Motorsports, Chevy

75  Benny Chastain, Bob Schacht Motorsports, Chevy

82  Sean Corr, Empire Racing, Ford

89  Chris Lafferty, Lafferty Motorsports

92  Sam Edwards, Keselowski Racing

92  Aaron McMorran, Keselowski Racing

94  Steve Blackburn, Steve Blackburn Motorsports, Dodge

99  Buster Graham, Team BCR, Ford

00 Ed Kennedy, Solhem Racing, Chevy

05  Spencer Gallagher, Clark-Diedrich Racing, Chevy

05  Derrike Cope, Clark-Diedrich Racing, Chevy

06  Jeremy Petty, Peterson Motorsports, Ford

08 Ross Chastain, Jeff Spraker Racing, Ford

Butch Jarvis
Tommy Joe Martins, Ronnie Smith Racing, Dodge
George Cushman
Bill Keyes
Michael Affarano
Michael Bockler
Trent Mayo
Zachary Ralston, Ford
Fain Skinner
John Stancill, Venturini Motorsports, Toyota
Ryan Reed, Venturini Motorsports, Toyota
Brennan Poole, Venturini Motorsports, Chevy
Alex Bowman, Venturini Motorsports, Chevy
Josh Richards, Venturini Motorsports, Toyota
Sunny Hobbs
Paul Harraka, Fast Track Racing
Scott Edwards, Carter Eminem Motorsports
Juan Carlos Blum, Carter Eminem Motorsports
Ed Pompa, Fast Track Racing
Rick Clifton, Fast Track Racing
Daryl Eustace, Fast Track Racing
Nelson Canache
Sloan Henderson, Fast Track Racing

NASCAR announces eligible drivers for Shootout at Daytona

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In what could be the deepest and most talented field to date, NASCAR announced Wednesday the list of eligible competitors for the 2012 Shootout.

 

The 34th annual season-opening event launches Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a start time set for 8:10 p.m. FOX and MRN will broadcast live nationally. Criteria are based upon the following qualifications, with eligibility based on a driver having been active in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the 2011 season:

·               The highest ranked 25 competitors in 2011 NSCS driver points

·               Previous winners at Daytona, including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola, and Shootout events

 

The race distance will again be 75 laps (187.5 miles), consisting of two segments – 25 and 50 laps. Both green-flag laps and yellow-flag laps will count. Between segments there will be a 10-minute pit stop allowing teams to pit to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform functions they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR Sprint Cup event. All work must be performed on pit road or in the garage. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.

Starting positions will again be determined by a blind-draw at the annual Shootout Draw Party on Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4.

The Shootout – a “non-points” event for NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors – was first held in 1979. Kurt Busch is the defending race champion.

Tickets for all 2012 Speedweeks events are now available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Drivers eligible for the 2012 Shootout include:

 

2011 Top 25 Driver Points

Tony Stewart

Carl Edwards

Kevin Harvick

Matt Kenseth

Brad Keselowski

Jimmie Johnson

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Jeff Gordon

Denny Hamlin

Ryan Newman

Kurt Busch

Kyle Busch

Clint Bowyer

Kasey Kahne

AJ Allmendinger

Greg Biffle

Paul Menard

Martin Truex Jr.

Marcos Ambrose

Jeff Burton

Juan Pablo Montoya

Mark Martin

David Ragan

Joey Logano

Brian Vickers

 

Others (criteria in parentheses)

Bill Elliott (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Shootout)

Geoff Bodine (Daytona 500, Shootout)

Derrike Cope (Daytona 500)

Michael Waltrip (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Jamie McMurray (Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400)

Trevor Bayne (Daytona 500)

Terry Labonte (Shootout)

Ken Schrader (Shootout)