Tag Archives: Racing

Budweiser Beer School 101 at the Daytona 500 Club

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Geez, and I thought I knew everything there was to know about drinking a Budweiser. Guess not!!

I attended a Budweiser Beer school at the Daytona 500 Club Thursday night that was held for the media as well as other guests, along with the likes of Kevin Harvick and Richard Childress. I learned some interesting facts about Budweiser beer – and learned the most satisfying way to drink it – no kidding!  I’ve had it ALL wrong all these years.

HISTORY

The beer was perfected by a man named Adolphus Busch in 1876. Since that time, Budweiser has never messed with the classic recipe. Back in the early 1800′s, beer drinkers preferred the darker, heavier ales that were around during that period. Then came along the lighter lager, Budweiser, which lasted longer than the heavy ales – especially during that non-refrigerated period. The lager (German term for Lagern, meaning “to rest”) use to be brewed and then aged in cool caves or cellars. Today, the Budweiser is lagered in cold tanks for three weeks…. and no matter how you look at it, that’s 21 days or 504 hours or 30,240 minutes or 1,814,400 seconds!!

Budweiser has only five ingredients that make their beer: Barley malt, rice, hops, yeast and water. That’s it.

Different stages of the Barley, Wheat and rice - some of the ingredients in Budweiser beer. Photo by Karen Pistone

• Budweiser is brewed with only the finest two-and-six row barley malt from 2,500 American and Canadian fields.

• Verdant rice – milled, polished, graded and immediately brewed – never stored, and is an expensive process, but worth it.

• Hops -  selected from company owned fields in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho and Busch Farm Huell in the Hallertau region of Germany. Hops are what gives the beer the distinct flavor it has.

• Yeast – 40 billion or so yeast cells are produced in every bottle of Budweiser beer – a directly descended from the original culture used by Adolphus Busch.

• Only the purest of water is used. Filtered water is flown to Budweiser’s headquarters in St. Louis, MO and taste tested by their brew masters.

Budweiser also adds Beechwood Aging. This process is during the fermentation period (a change brought about by a ferment,  as yeast enzymes, which convert grape sugar into ethyl alcohol.) Beechwood, which is grown in America, is harvested and made into chips which is then added to create a crisper and more sparkling carbonation while adding smoothness to the beer. Once the beer’s bottled, the Beechwood chips are recycled into compost.

The special "Fresh Seal Crown" used to cap of the bottled beer, specially designed to eliminate oxygen trapped during the bottling process.

Once bottled, the beer is then capped with its own Fresh Seal Crown which is designed to eliminate oxygen trapped inside – hence, that’s why the “King of Beers” is so fitting. Budweiser also introduced the “Born on Date” to tell you exactly when the beer was brewed to ensure its freshness.

As of today, Anheuser-Busch operates twelve breweries in the United States. They are located in Fairfield, CA, L.A., CA, Fort Collins, CO, Houston, TX, St. Louis, MO, Jacksonville, FL, Cartersville, GA, Williamsburg, VA, Columbus, OH, Newark, NJ, Baldwinsville, NJ, and Merrimack, NH. Every day, each one of the twelve Anheuser-Busch Breweries flies a sample of its beer to St. Louis for a 3 p.m. quality control test by our expert brew masters. Only samples deemed perfect are cleared for bottling. It’s the final step in a series of five separate quality control checks.

This is the correct way you should drink a nice, cold Budweiser. Photo by Karen Pistone.

Believe it or not, beer has enemies. The enemies are air, sun and time. Friends of beer? Dark, cool places. TIP: If you buy a six pack of bottled beer – keep the beer in the carton when placed in your refrigerator. Keeps the beer dark and preserves it better.

Question: How are you sure that the light goes off in your refrigerator?

Did you realize to get the best out of a beer, it’s better to drink from a glass, rather than straight from the bottle? Here’s another tip: DO NOT tilt your glass when pouring. Rather, pour the beer directly down the middle of the glass, straight. Some people do this to escape the “head” or the “foam” that forms when pouring into the glass. You DO want a nice head on your beer. The “perfect” pour frees the beer’s subtle flavors and aromas for a more enjoyable taste. It seals in the flavor below, while the pouring releases the natural carbonation, which, by the way, ladies – allows you to feel less “bloated” or “full” while drinking the beer. He hit that one “right on the head!!” Lol.  You can go to the Budweiser website at www.budweiser.com and take “The Perfect Pour Challenge.”

This was one class that got my full attention and I think it’s wonderful that a sponsor would take the time to share so much information on their product.

So go ahead and grab a Bud and enjoy – I know I will!!!

BK Racing officially announces team, drivers for 2012

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BK Racing officially announced plans to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series full-time beginning this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. The team will enter two Toyota Camrys, numbered 83 and 93, out of its headquarters in Statesville, N.C. The team is led by an ownership group consisting of experienced and successful business people including Wayne Press, Scott Gunderson and others. General Manager Harry McMullen will lead the team at the race shop and at the track.

Two-time Sprint Cup Series winner David Reutimann will pilot the No. 93 Toyota in the Daytona 500 and former Phoenix Racing’s Landon Cassill will race the No. 83 in the Daytona 500 and for the balance of the 2012 season. In addition, the team also announced that 2003 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil will be behind the wheel of the No. 93 Toyota beginning at the second race of the season in Phoenix, Ariz.

BK Racing has acquired certain assets from the former Red Bull Racing operation and has moved into a race shop that has all the essential equipment to prepare winning cars. This immediate success allowed the team drivers to feel confident about this season.

BK Racing will make official sponsorship announcements in the near future.

Source: Breaking Limits PR

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.

Landon Cassill lands with new two-car team – formerly known as Red Bull Racing

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Landon Cassill has been named one of the drivers for a new, yet-unnamed race team for the #83 Toyota purchased from the former Red Bull Racing team.

Doug Richert will be the crew chief, with former Roush Fenway Racing executive, Harry McMullin, serving as General Manager.

Multiple sources say Virginia resident and former TRG Motorsports minority partner Ron Devine is a leading player in the new ownership group. The team will reportedly be owned and sponsored by Devine and a group of his fellow Burger King franchisees. Specualtion has it that possibly the new team would run under BK racing.

The newly formed team will be announcing the team name and sponsorship in the near future. The team will operate out of the former Randy Moss Motorsports building in Statesville, NC, and will run with horsepower supplied by Triad Racing Technology.

The new team will field two cars in every race this season, beginning at Daytona. Travis Kvapil has been mentioned as the other driver for the team’s #93 Toyota, (which was previously Kasey Kahne’s No. 4 Toyota) along with ex-Red Bull driver Brian Vickers.

The team will be making an announcement very soon.

2012 racing schedule announced for FOX

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FOX Sports gears up for its 12th season of NASCAR coverage by unveiling the 2012 NASCAR on FOX broadcast schedule featuring 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup points races and 15 events total, highlighted by the 54th running of the Daytona 500, live on Sunday, Feb. 26 (1:00-5:30 pm/et) from Daytona International Speedway. Coverage of the “Great American Race” begins that day with a special one-hour pre-race program (12:00-1:00 pm/et) from the DIS infield and a completely remodeled Hollywood Hotel. The flag officially drops on FOX Sports’ 2012 Speedweeks coverage with the Budweiser Shootout, live on Saturday, Feb. 18 in prime time (8:00-10:00 pm/et), followed by live coverage of Daytona 500 Qualifying on Sunday, Feb. 19 (1:00-4:00 pm/et).

Michael Waltrip, driver, owner and pitch-man extraordinaire, joins the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace team, taking a seat in the famed Hollywood Hotel alongside big brother Darrell Waltrip and host Chris Myers. Darrell and former champion crew chief Larry McReynolds return to provide race analysis for all NASCAR on FOX Sprint Cup events, and Mike Joy returns as race announcer. Veteran analyst Jeff Hammond takes his extensive experience as a former championship-winning crew chief to the action in the garages and on pit road. Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda also return to cover pit road. NASCAR on FOX “storm scout” and meteorologist Rick Dickert of FOX-owned KTTV in Los Angeles rejoins the crew to provide weather updates to viewers on the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace show as well as during race coverage.

Source: FOX

LARRY BARFORD, JR.: ARCA driver carries two dreams to Daytona International Speedway

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ARCA driver Larry Barford, Jr. ,also RAD Racing's (Racing Against Drugs) spokesperson, poses with a fan at the CADCA’s Seminar.

UPDATE: Due to unforseen circumstances, Larry’s car number has changed from the No. 26 to the No. 04 1st Mariner Bank/Trauma Doc Dodge for Roger Carter Racing.

Last season there was a race team in the ARCA Series Presented by Menards known as Carter/Eminem Motorsports. Eminem you ask? Oh, yes, there are familiar names associated with it: a team co-owned by ARCA veteran Roger Carter and hip-hop icon Eminem (Marshal Mathers).

If the name ‘Carter/Eminem Mortorsports’ rings a bell it’s due to the 2011 season when Eminem joined forces with ARCA Veteran driver and team owner, Roger Carter to bring more awareness to the Stop CAID Now Foundation. They used the ARCA race at Iowa Speedway in an effort to bring awareness and generate funding for both the research and education needed in hopes to finding a cure for a group of related illnesses termed Childhood Auto Inflammatory Disease (CAID). Unfortunately, children suffering from CAID experience acute pain and intense inflammation throughout the body and can possibly sustain permanent organ and tissue damage. At present, there is no known cure for any disease that falls under the CAID classification. Hopefully the well known icons will team up again sometime in the 2012 season.

But for now, it’s Roger Carter Racing teaming up with Brad Smith Racing in the 2012

"When I'm at the track...I'm at work....I have to be serious...." - Larry Barford, Jr.

season. Roger Carter Racing will be fielding four ARCA entries for the first race of the season at Daytona International Speedway. One of the drivers is Larry Barford, Jr., 36, born on April 13, 1975 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Barford, Jr. has always wanted what almost every little boy dreams of becoming – a race car driver.

Coming from a family of drivers, Barford, Jr. grew up hanging around his Uncle Jim and Uncle Bobby in the garage and at the race tracks, including Charlotte Motor Speedway. His Uncle Bobby (Bobby Ballantine) was a Grand National Series driver in the early 80′s. Since Larry had a problem pronouncing “Uncle,” at a young age, he settled on calling his Uncle Jim, “Kunkle”. Once he grew older, he started calling him “Kunk,” and then eventually “MIJ” (Jim spelled backwards.) What Larry didn’t realize at the young age while hanging with his Uncles, was that he was actually tuning in and learning what it took to become a race car driver and builder.

In 1981, while driving his No. 1 Pontiac during the Sportsmen Series at Daytona, Uncle Bob rolled the car, sustaining injuries that ended his racing career. “Kunk” was Uncle Bobby’s crew chief and Larry always looked up to him. “I remember when I was 8 or 9 years-old, we use to ‘supe’ up our golf carts by re-wiring the motor to make them run faster and “Kunk” would show me how to “slide it” around the turns while we were racing on them,” said Barford, Jr. “I actually learned how to drive a full size car by the age of seven”. This would lead in to racing non sanctioned go-cart racing and Dirt bikes. Barford Jr. said “If it has wheels I will find a way to make it faster and race it”

Unfortunately, “Kunk” passed away in 1987 at the young age of 30 due to an allergic reaction to an anesthetic he received during surgery on his hip. This surgery would allow Kunk to follow his dream of racing in NASCAR. Currently, Barford, Jr. has the bumper of his first race car which will always be a reminder of his beloved Kunk:

Larry Barford Jr., and his very first racecar, named Mij in honor of his late Uncle Jim.

Photo courtesy of Larry Barford, Jr.

Thanks, Kunk

1957-1987

Living Your Dream

Barford, Jr. married a young lady named Alicia – who just happened to be just a “friend” – and no, they were not dating during their high school years – soon after graduating and shortly thereafter, started a family. During this time, Larry was racing and helping as a car chief in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series. In 1997, realizing that he needed stability and benefits for his growing family, Larry started training for the Police Academy. He joined up in 1999.

However, after about ten years on the force, while chasing a criminal, Barford, Jr. sustained injuries to his right knee and ended up having three surgeries. Unfortunately, his surgeon informed him his days of chasing of criminals were over. That’s when Barford, Jr. turned to his grass roots of racing and thus, in honor of his favorite Uncle, Kunkle Motorsports were born. Barford Jr.’s first race car was named MIJ – Jim – spelled backwards in honor of “Kunk.” Barford Jr. developed his signature trademark of checkered flags and angel wings, in remembrance of Kunk and to signify always follow your dreams no matter what.

In 2009, Larry decided to test with Derrike Cope for his NASCAR truck license and was slated to drive in the truck series but funding never came through. Barford Jr. then bought some cars to run ARCA and the East Series but never had the chance… his wife suddenly became ill so he wasn’t sure what was going to happen, so he ended up selling everything.

The Barford Family (from left to right) Jacob, Alicia, Larry and Tyler.

Today, Larry and Alicia are proud parents of two boys, Tyler (15), and Jacob (11). Barford, Jr. living in Denton, Maryland and are definitely the outdoors type. Barford Jr. enjoys Archery and goes hunting for deer, bear, birds, as well as taking his boats out to go fishing, crabbing, or just for a relaxing cruise on the Chesapeake Bay. Normally when they hunt the birds (snow, Canada geese), whatever they get, they donate to veterans and charities for hot meals. The Barford’s also have five other family members – their four labs: Nellie (Chocolate Lab), Noel (Chocolate Lab), Chassy (Yellow Lab and yes, named after car chassis) and Avery (Black Lab). Avery and Chassy are the trained bird dogs. Then there’s Alicia’s Papillon, “Justice.” She runs the roost.

Larry Barford Jr. waits his turn to run some laps at Daytona International Speedway during ARCA's testing held in Dec. Photo by Karen Pistone / Racingal.com

Thanks to his current agent Ryan Johnston of Champion Motorsports Marketing, Roger Carter agreed to take a look at Larry’s driving abilities. His time to shine was during the ARCA testing sessions that were held at Daytona International Speedway in December. And he did. Barford, Jr. was behind the wheel of the No. 04 Dodge for Roger Carter Racing during the ARCA testing at Daytona International Speedway for the very first time. He turned one of the fastest speeds for the team and was very comfortable out on the track. “Kunk” always told me that I should become one

Larry Barford, Jr.s No. 04 1st Mariner Bank/Shock Trauma Dodge for Roger Carter Racing to race in the ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18. Photo courtesy of Roger Carter Racing.

with the car,” said Barford, Jr., “I am very comfortable behind the wheel. Seems as though things slow down, almost like in slow motion when I’m out on the track. I can actually see the the cracks in the paint of the yellow stripe as I’m coming out of the turn,” explains Barford, Jr. “I can even see the seats in the grandstands, while going down the superstretch.” He mentioned that he looks up to the man that really helped and guided him when he was starting out, and that is none other than NASCAR Daytona Champion, Derrike Cope. “Derrike would always tell me to “feel what the car wants to do, and then try to run a fast line.. this will tell you what is upsetting the car and it is how you know what will make the car faster.. and always look as far ahead as you can” said Barford, Jr. “I will

Larry's good friend, NASCAR Truck / Nationwide driver Donnie Neuenberger. Photo by Sandi Goodall / Racingal.com

always be forever thankful to Derrike for all his guidance.” Barford Jr. is also close friends with NASCAR Veteran Donnie Neuenberger. He was present at the test with him. “Donnie is a great person who will do anything for anyone. He didn’t hesitate to come along to Daytona for support and advice, and has helped me so much this year especially when it was time to draft,” said Larry. “Donnie is a great friend to me and its so cool to be racing with him.”

It will be his time to shine once again on Feb. 18th. Larry Barford Jr. locked in the ride and will be in the drivers seat of the No. 26 1st Mariner Bank/Trauma Doc Dodge making his debut at Daytona International Speedway during the ARCA Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. There will be another special tribute to his beloved “Kunk”, over the passenger door will read “James “Kunk” Keatts IV. Larry said, “I tear up every time I think of Kunk and how much he loved the sport and how he gave his life to follow his dream for the chance to drive a racecar, and that I am actually following our dream of racing. I know he is with me always and this will symbolize that he is riding along,” Barford Jr., said. Barford Jr., will be racing at Mobile, AL and hopes to race Talladega Superspeedway and along with others to include his “home” track at Dover International Speedway sometime in the near future in the Truck or Nationwide Series. All depends on how well he does at Daytona and if any sponsors come around.

Barford, Jr. is also the RAD Racing (Racing Against Drugs) spokesperson and will be making an appearance at the *CADCA’s Seminar on February 7th at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD between 6 pm – 8 pm. Barford Jr. has been honored as a Certified Police Driving Instructor and an Honorary Volunteer Fire FIghter for his fundraising efforts.

*CADCA is the nation’s leading drug abuse prevention organization, representing the interests of more than 5,000 community anti-drug coalitions in the country.

J.J. Yeley signs with new team – literally

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Photo courtesy of Robinson-Blakeney Racing

Robinson-Blakeney Racing (a new Sprint Cup team) has signed J.J. Yeley to drive the #49 Toyota for the 2012 season. Yeley will be reunited with crew chief Tony Furr, who has been hired to coordinate and direct the upstart endeavor.

In addition to its first year in Cup, Robinson-Blakeney Racing returns for its 12th season of competition in the Nationwide Series in the #28 car.

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 Preview ’12 big hit among race fans, media

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Rutledge Wood carries on a Q & A Session with Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski at the NASCAR Preview '12 in Charlotte, NC.

This was my second time visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame located in Uptown Charlotte. Actually, this past weekend was the inaugural NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center that actually brought me there.

First off, I was a little confused as to why Charlotte-onians called Downtown, Uptown? So, I asked some local race fans and did some research and found it to be quite interesting.

There is much confusion brought about by the use of the terms “Uptown” and “Downtown” for Charlotte’s center city area. The history of the dual names is contested, yet prior to the mid-late 1980s, the term “Downtown” was used by residents, media and city leaders for the center city. As “history” has it, during the 1980s, after the release of “Uptown Girl” by musician Billy Joel, first released in 1983, caused a massive campaign to revamp the image of the downtown area and the term “Uptown”. Then on February 14, 1987, the local newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, began using the term “Uptown” as a way to promote a more positive upbeat image of the center city area.

All because of a song? Really….?

My routine during the weekend consisted of traveling to “Uptown” only a few miles away from where I was staying. I was so looking forward to this trip. It’s the “off season” for NASCAR, and only a week after the Preseason Thunder Fest/Testing at Daytona, but it was something to get back where my passion is….. and that’s with anything that has to do with NASCAR racing. After all, it had to with NASCAR……  after a 9 hour drive, I WAS SO THERE!

The weekend started Friday night at the Charlotte Convention Center in the Ballroom. That’s where the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held. Wow, I couldn’t believe the size of the convention center. It was huge and very nice.

Fans sit in a conference room waiting for their turn to get in line for their driver's autograph. Photo by Karen Pistone.

More than 60 drivers were on hand to sign autographs and greet fans, with several participating in fan Q&As.The conference rooms were set up for individual driver autograph sessions, broken up into sections for which ever driver was signing. This way, it was very organized and the fans actually had a place to sit while waiting their turn.

Additionally, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees new and old led fans on personal guided tours of the Hall’s exhibits. Jeff Gordon also entertained fans during a question and answer session with Richard Petty, unveiling a new paint scheme commemorating 20 years in the sport with longtime sponsor DuPont.

New Miss Sprint Cup (middle) Kristen Beat joins Miss Sprint Cup Kim Coon and Miss Sprint Cup Jaclyn Roney. Photo by Karen Pistone

Two other pieces of news came out of event, as Sprint unveiled its Miss Sprint Cup lineup for 2012, and American Ethanol announced sponsorship for two highly visible race teams. Kristen Beat, a former on-air talent for Fuel TV and replaces Monica Palumbo, joins returning Miss Sprint Cup members Kim Coon and Jaclyn Roney for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

They had the NASCAR Preview ’12 event spread out through the two floors of the convention center. Driver autograph sessions were going on, while at the same time, each track had booths available for race fans to win free prizes and sign up for tickets and to answer any questions. There were vendors showing what new racing memorabilia will be available for 2012, including mugs, tumblers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and so on.

Ryan Newman's No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevy is on display "refelcting" the new paint scheme - a matte finish- for 2012. Photo by Karen Pistone

Another interesting tidbit – as I was walking around looking at the new 2012 team cars on display, both of Newman’s No. 39 Chevy’s (his Army and Quicken Loans sponsored cars) caught my attention. I noticed both of his cars are painted with a matte finish – no glosss/or shine. I thought those two cars looked pretty awesome. I walked over and introduced to myself to the gentleman standing near the spoiler and asked “so what’s with the matte finish?” The gentleman, Todd Carte, is the Director of Business Development NASCAR for Quicken Loans – who just happens to be Ryan Newman’s sponsor for nine races in 2012 – replied, “we wanted something different. Today was really the first time I saw the car with the matte finish because I just got back into town and the guys at the shop were working on it. I like it. It turned out better than I thought it would.”

You know what, I totally agree!! I think it makes the graphics “pop” more. What a great idea!!

Additionally, American Ethanol announced that it will continue relationships with Richard Childress Racing and RAB racing for the 2012 season. Austin Dillon, the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, will drive the No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet for six races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as well as one race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2012. Dillon’s No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet paint scheme was unveiled at the event. American Ethanol will also partner with Kenny Wallace and RAB Racing for the Daytona 500 on FOX, as well as five races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

As I walked around, I met a few more of my Facebook friends, which is always nice when I attend NASCAR events. It’s a great time to mingle and swap racing stories. I also saw how Sprint pre tapes race fans’ questions for the new season… they have race fans ask certain questions, such as “What is camber?” or “What is wedge?” recorded during the Acceleration Weekend, and they use it as filler throughout the season. Of course, the questions get answered and are aired throughout the season at the tracks.

I watched as crew members quickly assembled an engine with the electronic fuel injection. I also read about the Electronic Fuel Injection, which I thought I would share (in another blog!) because YOU WILL be hearing about this A LOT during the 2012 season.

As the day went on, I went and sat in the media work room updating my Facebook Fan page and uploading/tweeting photos of the days events, and it was very cool that at one time, I turned to look and there came walking in was NASCAR Hall of Famer, “Gentleman Ned” Jarrett. He said “hello” and perused around the media room, stopping to talk the media personalities. Then I hear an interview going on at the table in front of me, and I look up from computer and there sat Ty Dillon, talking about his favorite foods. I place my focus back to my keyboard to try to get more work done, but it happened again – I look up and there stood Kevin Harvick.

I will always say this about the sport of racing – NASCAR drivers are the most accessible sport figures available to media as well as to their fans. Being able to witness the Induction of some of NASCAR’s greatest drivers and to walk around checking out the NASCAR Preview ’12 was really an experience I will never forget.

Here’s looking forward to the NASCAR Preview 2013!!