Saturday, April 30, 2011
Ryan Newman #39 / Army Adult 2010 Black Pit Crew Shirt
Product DescriptionNASCAR Pit Crew Shirts by JH Design! This Ryan Newman #39 /Army Adult Twill Pit Crew Shirt is made of 100% lightweight cotton construction,Breathable climate mesh for ultra comfort and direct embroidered team & sponsor logos…. More >> Ryan Newman #39 / Army Adult 2010 Black Pit Crew Shirt addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fpitstops-2%2Fryan-newman-39-army-adult-2010-black-pit-crew-shirt'; addthis_title = [...]
David?s Blog: First Off Weekend of Season
David Ragan and the UPS team have this weekend off from racing. David will head back home to Georgia to spend the weekend at home before heading to Bristol next week.
Superstores!
Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC. is proud to announce the launch of some of our newest Super Store Websites. Be sure to check them all out.
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
Local Show & Shine ProSource Promo Event
Yesterday I participated in a Show & Shine event with Karlino.� One of my autocross buddies works for ProSource Wholesale Flooring, a premier wholesale supplier to the construction industry.� His business was having a special promotional sales event.� The Show & Shine was a fun way to promote & increase interest in the event. There [...]
Friday, April 29, 2011
Great Expectations: A Fantasy Season Preview
This last January weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona marks the blessed beginning of the 2011 race season with NASCAR going green in mid-February followed by the F1, IZOD IndyCar and ALMS debut weekends in March.
For fantasy racing game players the season can't start soon enough.
Of course the IZOD IndyCar Series opener is still almost two months away. Yes, we have our opinions about which teams and drivers will be contenda's, and we'll get to those in a few paragraphs, but our first thoughts have to be about the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The Ganassi team, including the for-Daytona-only No. 02 entry will be as strong as ever as will the No. 99 Gainsco car and the newly Bow Tied No. 10 SunTrust entry. A rung below will be one or more of the various Riley Fords from Michael Shank and Starworks, then the Action Express Porsche Rileys, which could surprise, and the Level 5 BMW Rileys.
Some will be tempted to pick one of the Lola, Dallara or Coyote teams and this is the weekend to do so but when the checkers fall next Sunday, and at the end of every other Rolex race this season, chances are it will be a BMW Riley in victory lane.
Next up, the three NASCAR openers at Daytona featuring the cars and stars from the Cup, Nationwide and pick-em-up series.
Not surprisingly the usual suspects will remain so.
NASCAR's new rule about making drivers declare which one and only one series they've championship racing in won't really change our fantasy strategies although it will definitely impact those players who rarely check entry lists.
Kyle is still going to have a truck team, he's still going to drive in a number of races and he's still going to win most of the race he enters. Todd Bodine and Ron Hornaday will be top picks each weekend as will Austin Dillon, ThorSport's Johnny Sauter and whoever is driving for Kyle or in the second Kevin Harvick truck on any particular weekend. The No. 51 Vision Aviation/Billy Ballew Toyota, one of the Randy Moss trucks and perhaps Matt Crafton in the other Thorsport Chevy will battle for wins, as will the Turner Chevy when Mark Martin is behind the wheel.
But most players with stick with Kyle, Ron or Todd.
Full-time KHI driver Elliott Sadler should be the favorite pick for most Nationwide races next season along with Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and any one else in a Gibbs or KHI car. It would be nice to say that one of the Roush Fenway Ford drivers will contend next year but that probably will not be the case.
Turner Motorsports bought out the old Braun Toyota team and will run Chevys for Justin Allgaier (full time) and Ricky Carmichael, Kasey Kahne, Jason Leffler and Reed Sorenson part-time. Allgaier could win the title without ever earning a trophy, as could Steve Wallace and darkhorse Aric Almirlola who is driving full time for JR Motorsports but the most fantasy game starts will be registered for Brad, Carl and Kyle.
The Daytona 500 will see Cup cars with new frond ends, a slightly smaller restrictor plate and a brand spanking new, slicker than baby snot surface at DIS but the same old, same old picks: Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and maybe Carl Edwards.
There's no way to bet against JJ and his Chad Knaus-led No. 48 team while the jury is still out on the rest of the moved 'n shuffled Hendrick teams. Richard Childress Racing's Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer may rise back up to championship form as could Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth for Roush Fenway and Kurt Busch for Penske. Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers won't get a lot of picks; neither will either Richard Petty Motorsports driver (except for Marcos Ambrose when they run on the road courses) or either one the Red Bull racers.
The best Cup dark horses? Joey Logano and Juan Pablo Montoya. But neither will be any 2011 weekend's top cup pick unless they start dominating.
The Formula 1 season, fresh off a relatively dull hiatus with little drama (the Lotus name legal mishmach cannot compare to a something like the Mosley scandal, crashgate or those Kimi Raikkonen drinking stories) opens in March the same way it closed.
Can anyone beat Sebastien Vettel and Team Red Bull?
Probably not. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is worried his car is getting too confusing to drive and Felipe Massa has yet to regain his pre-head injury form. Team McLaren will comprise the third of the top three tier followed by one Mercedes driver, the cars formerly called Renaults and then all the rest. That means the top picks will again be Vettel, Webber, Alonso and Hamilton.
The American Le Mans Series starts off with the 12 Hours of Sebring in mid-March with more questions, more unknowns and more interest than the series has shown for quite a while. Rules changes have dictated two prototype classes, one for LMP1s and LMP2s and the other for spec prototypes. The GT classes are also a duo; one for sports cars like Corvettes, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and BMWs and the other for spec Porsches.
Only the LMP1 and LMP2 cars have a realistic chance at winning overall, and the odds on favorite (and defending champion) Patron Highcroft Honda LMP2 will almost always be the top pick. A rash of new Lolas powered by everything Nissans, AERs, Aston Martins and Hondas will turn "who else should I pick" into a real brain basher until after a few races have been run but that's part of the game.
Then, finally, the last season of the spec Dallara/Honda IZOD IndyCar series begins in St. Petersburg with everyone picking some combination of Penske and Ganassi drivers. Will Power will get most of the picks on road and street courses until someone shows they're faster and it will be a toss-up among Ryan Briscoe, Helio, Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti when it comes to starters for the oval races.
Interest will be high re: Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball and the new Ganassi 'satellite' team. Everyone will be plenty excited to see how Tony Kanaan does with de Ferran Dragon/Luczo Dragon, how Justin Wilson does racing for the same team two years in a row and how Ryan Hunter-Reay does as the undisputed leader of the Andretti Autosport team.
But the only people who will pick Danica or any other IZOD IndyCar driver who doesn't race for the Captain or the Chipster are driver fans first, fantasy game players second.
-Bill
Read more of Bill Tybur's thoughts on fantasy racing at FMFL
photo credit: Bill Tybur
For fantasy racing game players the season can't start soon enough.
Of course the IZOD IndyCar Series opener is still almost two months away. Yes, we have our opinions about which teams and drivers will be contenda's, and we'll get to those in a few paragraphs, but our first thoughts have to be about the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The Ganassi team, including the for-Daytona-only No. 02 entry will be as strong as ever as will the No. 99 Gainsco car and the newly Bow Tied No. 10 SunTrust entry. A rung below will be one or more of the various Riley Fords from Michael Shank and Starworks, then the Action Express Porsche Rileys, which could surprise, and the Level 5 BMW Rileys.
Some will be tempted to pick one of the Lola, Dallara or Coyote teams and this is the weekend to do so but when the checkers fall next Sunday, and at the end of every other Rolex race this season, chances are it will be a BMW Riley in victory lane.
Next up, the three NASCAR openers at Daytona featuring the cars and stars from the Cup, Nationwide and pick-em-up series.
Not surprisingly the usual suspects will remain so.
NASCAR's new rule about making drivers declare which one and only one series they've championship racing in won't really change our fantasy strategies although it will definitely impact those players who rarely check entry lists.
Kyle is still going to have a truck team, he's still going to drive in a number of races and he's still going to win most of the race he enters. Todd Bodine and Ron Hornaday will be top picks each weekend as will Austin Dillon, ThorSport's Johnny Sauter and whoever is driving for Kyle or in the second Kevin Harvick truck on any particular weekend. The No. 51 Vision Aviation/Billy Ballew Toyota, one of the Randy Moss trucks and perhaps Matt Crafton in the other Thorsport Chevy will battle for wins, as will the Turner Chevy when Mark Martin is behind the wheel.
But most players with stick with Kyle, Ron or Todd.
Full-time KHI driver Elliott Sadler should be the favorite pick for most Nationwide races next season along with Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and any one else in a Gibbs or KHI car. It would be nice to say that one of the Roush Fenway Ford drivers will contend next year but that probably will not be the case.
Turner Motorsports bought out the old Braun Toyota team and will run Chevys for Justin Allgaier (full time) and Ricky Carmichael, Kasey Kahne, Jason Leffler and Reed Sorenson part-time. Allgaier could win the title without ever earning a trophy, as could Steve Wallace and darkhorse Aric Almirlola who is driving full time for JR Motorsports but the most fantasy game starts will be registered for Brad, Carl and Kyle.
The Daytona 500 will see Cup cars with new frond ends, a slightly smaller restrictor plate and a brand spanking new, slicker than baby snot surface at DIS but the same old, same old picks: Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and maybe Carl Edwards.
There's no way to bet against JJ and his Chad Knaus-led No. 48 team while the jury is still out on the rest of the moved 'n shuffled Hendrick teams. Richard Childress Racing's Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer may rise back up to championship form as could Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth for Roush Fenway and Kurt Busch for Penske. Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers won't get a lot of picks; neither will either Richard Petty Motorsports driver (except for Marcos Ambrose when they run on the road courses) or either one the Red Bull racers.
The best Cup dark horses? Joey Logano and Juan Pablo Montoya. But neither will be any 2011 weekend's top cup pick unless they start dominating.
The Formula 1 season, fresh off a relatively dull hiatus with little drama (the Lotus name legal mishmach cannot compare to a something like the Mosley scandal, crashgate or those Kimi Raikkonen drinking stories) opens in March the same way it closed.
Can anyone beat Sebastien Vettel and Team Red Bull?
Probably not. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is worried his car is getting too confusing to drive and Felipe Massa has yet to regain his pre-head injury form. Team McLaren will comprise the third of the top three tier followed by one Mercedes driver, the cars formerly called Renaults and then all the rest. That means the top picks will again be Vettel, Webber, Alonso and Hamilton.
The American Le Mans Series starts off with the 12 Hours of Sebring in mid-March with more questions, more unknowns and more interest than the series has shown for quite a while. Rules changes have dictated two prototype classes, one for LMP1s and LMP2s and the other for spec prototypes. The GT classes are also a duo; one for sports cars like Corvettes, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and BMWs and the other for spec Porsches.
Only the LMP1 and LMP2 cars have a realistic chance at winning overall, and the odds on favorite (and defending champion) Patron Highcroft Honda LMP2 will almost always be the top pick. A rash of new Lolas powered by everything Nissans, AERs, Aston Martins and Hondas will turn "who else should I pick" into a real brain basher until after a few races have been run but that's part of the game.
Then, finally, the last season of the spec Dallara/Honda IZOD IndyCar series begins in St. Petersburg with everyone picking some combination of Penske and Ganassi drivers. Will Power will get most of the picks on road and street courses until someone shows they're faster and it will be a toss-up among Ryan Briscoe, Helio, Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti when it comes to starters for the oval races.
Interest will be high re: Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball and the new Ganassi 'satellite' team. Everyone will be plenty excited to see how Tony Kanaan does with de Ferran Dragon/Luczo Dragon, how Justin Wilson does racing for the same team two years in a row and how Ryan Hunter-Reay does as the undisputed leader of the Andretti Autosport team.
But the only people who will pick Danica or any other IZOD IndyCar driver who doesn't race for the Captain or the Chipster are driver fans first, fantasy game players second.
-Bill
Read more of Bill Tybur's thoughts on fantasy racing at FMFL
photo credit: Bill Tybur
Meguiar?s Simplifies Spring Cleaning With Five Simple Steps
With gloomy weather and poor driving conditions in the rear view mirror, now is the perfect time for a quick spring cleaning, courtesy of Meguiar?s. To maintain a stunning shine and flawless appearance, the century-old leader in vehicle appearance care presents the top five car care tips for keeping your vehicle looking its best this [...]
NASCAR?s 2008 ?Regular Season? Ends
Cross posted from Rev’ Jim’s RantsnRaves: NASCAR’s regular season for 2008 ended with a great shootout between two of the best drivers in the sport. The entire season had its share of similar exciting moments, as well as some huge disappointments. Dodge started out on a high note, with the Penske and Gillett-Evernham teams making [...]
Fast Bucks: FAST Offers NHRA Contingency Program
Fuel Air Spark Technology, known as FAST, has just introduced a new contingency program for the 2011 NHRA racing season. Now, to support the NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes, FAST is offering cash prizes. Any racer using the FASTTM XFITM or XFI 2.0TM Fuel Injection Systems who wins at one of the national events [...]
New Hampshire Weekend Review
There is never any way, in the US at least, Formula One is going to steal NASCAR’s thunder. The racing world was amazed as 21 year old Sebastion Vettel became the youngest driver ever to win a points Grand Prix race in the history of that series. He did it at Monza in Italy, driving [...]
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Hunnert Car Heads-Up Vintage Drags At Great Lakes Dragaway June 11
The Chrome Czars Motor Club today announced that their rapidly growing nostalgia drag racing event, the 3rd annual Hunnert Car Heads-Up? drags, is set for Saturday, June 11th, at historic Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wisconsin. The Heads-Up drag racing event is open to any hot rod, custom, purpose-built drag car or motorcycle from [...]
Gray Ghost GTO Funny Car: Extreme Altered Wheelbase
Larry Swiatek and the 1966 Gray Ghost GTO: an exercise in extreme funny car wheelbase modification. Swiatek brought his ultimate AWB match-bash A/FX car to Detroit Dragway for the 1967 Midwest Championships.
World?s Fastest Half Mile Speed Trials
On March 19, with lap time of 19.481 seconds at 98.497mph, NASCAR driver David Ragan piloted a supercharged Mustang to the World?s Fastest Passenger Car Half Mile Record. Supplied from Ford Racing, Ragan?s Mustang was a supercharged 624 horsepower 5.0L engine with an FR3 handling package and Brembo brakes.The record was set during the World?s [...]
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
David?s Blog: Viva Las Vegas!
David Ragan and the UPS team head out to Las Vegas for this weekend's race.
Racing Speed vs. Budget: A New Perspective
‘Tis more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. This is a quotable quote from Jon, a Miata friend of mine.� It is in reference to a short & to the point video clip he sent that I had to share… Looking closely, you can note that this NA Miata [...]
NASCAR?s 2008 ?Regular Season? Ends
Cross posted from Rev’ Jim’s RantsnRaves: NASCAR’s regular season for 2008 ended with a great shootout between two of the best drivers in the sport. The entire season had its share of similar exciting moments, as well as some huge disappointments. Dodge started out on a high note, with the Penske and Gillett-Evernham teams making [...]
Racing Speed vs. Budget: A New Perspective
‘Tis more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. This is a quotable quote from Jon, a Miata friend of mine.� It is in reference to a short & to the point video clip he sent that I had to share… Looking closely, you can note that this NA Miata [...]
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
MINI WRC Team: Dress rehearsal ahead of debut
Final preparations for the WRC premiere: Outings in Spain complete the testing programme of the MINI WRC Team for its World Championship campaign. � Everything needs to be just perfect: Kris Meeke, Dani Sordo�and the entire MINI WRC Team are working at full speed as they complete final preparations to ensure the team?s debut on [...]
Plate Racing Is The Great Equalizer
[...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Things Racing Fans Should See in Las Vegas
I just got back from a trip to Las Vegas and I know it's not exactly known as the mecca for NASCAR, but if you are heading to Las Vegas anytime soon there are some things you should really see. If you are planning on attending a race in Las Vegas these things could be a cool addition to the actual race.Nascar CafeLocated in the Sahara Hotel and Casino, this place is really cool. They have actual NASCAR race cars outside and even some hanging across the rafters. They have huge TV's to watch sports and the food is rather good also. Right outside the cafe are cars driven by Dale Earnhardt sr, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Rusty Wallace. They have a nice display of fire suits and plenty of other cool NASCAR items. Speed - The RideAlso located inside the Sahara Hotel this Roller coaster-like ride will take your breath away. The initial burst of speed is simply amazing and the coaster takes you through turns outside the casino. It really is worth the price of admission.Pole Position RacewayYou may have heard about Pole Position Raceway mentioned during one of the races because it's part owned by Kurt Busch. It is really fun and they have cool memorabilia.Auto Collection ShowLocated in the Imperial Palace Casino on the Las Vegas strip the Auto Collection Show is open all year round and has some cool racing cars from the past. Last time I was there they had a few pace cars from the Indy 500, a couple IROC cars and some race cars from the 1950's. Admission is around $8, but there are usually coupons to get in free on the internet or from the many magazines in Las Vegas. If you have a Harrah's players card they usually give coupons also. Bring a camera as there will be many cars you will want a get on film.Shelby MuseumYou can also head up to the track and visit the Shelby museum which is located right near the race track. There are plenty of race cars and racing memorabilia and even a place to grab a quick bite.
That's my list. What are your favorite places to visit in Las Vegas as a racing fan?
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Urban Mixer
That's my list. What are your favorite places to visit in Las Vegas as a racing fan?
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Urban Mixer
ISIS Performance at FD Sonoma Round 6!
Here are some photos of the car competiting at Formula Drift Round 6!� Bill qualified 21st, and finished 32nd due to power steering issue causing the car not to make it the line in time to go against Takatori in the top 32 battle.� Aside from that the car ran great with the new 383ci
World?s Fastest Half Mile Speed Trials
On March 19, with lap time of 19.481 seconds at 98.497mph, NASCAR driver David Ragan piloted a supercharged Mustang to the World?s Fastest Passenger Car Half Mile Record. Supplied from Ford Racing, Ragan?s Mustang was a supercharged 624 horsepower 5.0L engine with an FR3 handling package and Brembo brakes.The record was set during the World?s [...]
Monday, April 25, 2011
Tough Day in Fontana; Ragan Finishes 22nd
David Ragan and the UPS team started sixth and finished 22nd on Sunday at Auto Club Speedway
Busch can't do no wrong
Busch again was in the right place at the right time to claim victory in the pepsi 400
FD 2010 Recap
The first event was Round 2 Road Atlanta. The cars shake down event. There were a few things that needed to be worked out. Bill only had 1 day of testing before hand and it was a short one. So unfortunately he didn’t make it into the top 32 this event,
Richard Petty 50th Anniversary
This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of Richard Petty's first race, which occurred on July 12, 1958. In celebration of his half-century of involvement in NASCAR, here is a reproduction of a Petty Enterprises race report...
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Race, Reuse, Recycle: A Call to Action
The Indianapolis 500 celebrates its centennial this year. This is not a story about Indy, though it is about the cars that used to race there.
One of those cars, a 2000 Lola chassis, was all but destroyed in a crash at another stop on the Indycar racing circuit. Fortunately, that ?tub? ended up at the DeLaSalle Education Center high school in Kansas City, Mo., where ?at-risk? students and their mentor-instructors thought it would enhance their education and inspire their futures if instead of just studying car design and construction, they could actually design and build a car of their own.
By the way, by ?at-risk? we?re talking about teenagers who, in many cases, had experience with drugs and violence and without what DeLaSalle offers might be heading soon to incarceration or interment.
Instead, they took a race car chassis that also had no future and turned it into an amazing electric-powered vehicle with a see-through skin that they?ve tested at Bridgestone?s Texas Proving Grounds track. They also got to make field trips to Ford?s design studios in Michigan and to the automotive technology and restoration department at McPherson College in Kansas. The car will be on display in early May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Working one-on-one with their mentors, the students restored the Indy car tub, designed and fabricated the shrink-wrap style, see-through body and its wire-frame support, installed the electric motors and other components, and even drove the car for its test laps at Fort Stockton, Texas.
They call it experiential learning, and it continues as the DeLaSalle students continue to develop the car so it can go farther and faster on each recharge. By the way, those students also are going farther and faster. They?re staying in school and graduating and enrolling in college.
And now those original DeLaSalle mentors have formed a non-profit called MINDDRIVE so they can share the program with other students at other schools, which is where you come in. I?m sure that some of you who read this website either are or have been Indy team owners or know people who are or have been Indy team owners and who therefore have a bunch of old, obsolete chassis cluttering up their garages.
Except as the kids in KC have shown us, those tubs aren?t obsolete. They can be used to teach and to inspire another generation.
So this is a call to action. Contact someone at MINDDRIVE through www.minddrive.org website and donate those tubs, and then offer to become a mentor at a school in your own community. You?ve won on the track, now win for the future.
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One of those cars, a 2000 Lola chassis, was all but destroyed in a crash at another stop on the Indycar racing circuit. Fortunately, that ?tub? ended up at the DeLaSalle Education Center high school in Kansas City, Mo., where ?at-risk? students and their mentor-instructors thought it would enhance their education and inspire their futures if instead of just studying car design and construction, they could actually design and build a car of their own.
By the way, by ?at-risk? we?re talking about teenagers who, in many cases, had experience with drugs and violence and without what DeLaSalle offers might be heading soon to incarceration or interment.
Instead, they took a race car chassis that also had no future and turned it into an amazing electric-powered vehicle with a see-through skin that they?ve tested at Bridgestone?s Texas Proving Grounds track. They also got to make field trips to Ford?s design studios in Michigan and to the automotive technology and restoration department at McPherson College in Kansas. The car will be on display in early May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Working one-on-one with their mentors, the students restored the Indy car tub, designed and fabricated the shrink-wrap style, see-through body and its wire-frame support, installed the electric motors and other components, and even drove the car for its test laps at Fort Stockton, Texas.
They call it experiential learning, and it continues as the DeLaSalle students continue to develop the car so it can go farther and faster on each recharge. By the way, those students also are going farther and faster. They?re staying in school and graduating and enrolling in college.
And now those original DeLaSalle mentors have formed a non-profit called MINDDRIVE so they can share the program with other students at other schools, which is where you come in. I?m sure that some of you who read this website either are or have been Indy team owners or know people who are or have been Indy team owners and who therefore have a bunch of old, obsolete chassis cluttering up their garages.
Except as the kids in KC have shown us, those tubs aren?t obsolete. They can be used to teach and to inspire another generation.
So this is a call to action. Contact someone at MINDDRIVE through www.minddrive.org website and donate those tubs, and then offer to become a mentor at a school in your own community. You?ve won on the track, now win for the future.
AttachmentSize
IMG_1091resized.jpg357.8 KB
New Points System, Chase Tweaks for NASCAR -- But Are the Chase's Days Numbered?
Last Wednesday NASCAR announced a new points system for its Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series plus another modification to the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship.Starting this season drivers will be awarded 43 points for first place, 42 for second, 41 for third, etc. with the last place driver in 43rd earning a single point. The winner gets three bonus points plus another point for leading a lap and one more point if he leads the most laps.Nothing wrong with that.The Chase will still have a dozen drivers but the 11th and 12th will be added based on race wins if they are not in the top 10 in points and as long they're in the top 20 when the 'regular' season is over.I'm okay with that too.But what I really liked hearing was what Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith said on Tuesday, the day before the announcement."It [the Chase] started off as a good idea but maybe it's time to look for something [else]. I think it started off being very important, but I don?t think it?s as important as maybe we thought it would be."Hear, hear. Another voice of reason, one who carries a pretty big stick, has actually said what many of us 'purists' think.The Chase was a manufactured marketing strategy intended to boost the broadcast audience when the NFL season started. It added nothing, zero, zilch, nada to the sport and was about as successful at growing TV share numbers against the NFL as Jeremy Mayfield was in sueing NASCAR.The Chase was and remains a feeble attempt at creating a playoff segment a la the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball.But those sports and their championship elimination tournaments are based on the format of teams playing against one another, one game at a time. To crown a champion in those sports, a single-elimination playoff schedule is really the only option.That's certainly not the case with NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1 or anything else except drag racing -- which does it at every event.As a traditionalist I have never liked the Chase, just as I didn't like the NHRA creating their me too Countdown to the Championship for its Full Throttle Pro classes. Racing championships are supposed to be determined according to a full season's results.They're not supposed to be manipulated or messed with to gin up 'spin' or generate more interest; the spin and interest are the by-product of unbesmirched competition for a championship.Yes, some championships are boring if the season provides nothing but runaway wins by one dominant team and driver. And some are as close and exciting as you could want, with titles going down to the last race and even the last lap.But race fans don't consciously choose to not attend or watch a race because of championship standings. We watch and follow and buy tickets because we like the noise and action and precision and brutality of racers pushing their vehicles to the limit in an effort to pass the guy in front or hold off every one who's behind.In 2013 NASCAR will introduce the next generation of Sprint Cup cars, styled and designed to more closely resemble their Chevy, Dodge, Ford and Toyota street car inspirations.I think that would be a great year to lose the Chase.
-Bill
Read more of Bill Tybur's thoughts on fantasy racing at FMFL
photo credit: Bristol Motor Speedway
-Bill
Read more of Bill Tybur's thoughts on fantasy racing at FMFL
photo credit: Bristol Motor Speedway
Own Kyle Petty's '06 Victory Bike and Ride Across the US
A special online auction give you the chance to own Kyle Petty's 2006 Victory motorcycle and join Kyle on the 2009 Ride Across America. But hurry, the auction runs July 15-25, 2008. All proceeds benefit two extremely...
Jeff Gordon / Pepsi Adult Blue Nascar Pit Crew Shirt
Product DescriptionJeff Gordon Pit Crew Shirt. Show your racing pride with this Nascar licensed pit crew shirt. Made of a cotton/synth. blend for comfort and durability, wash after wash these impressive shirts will turn heads wherever you go! They feature team colors, driver and sponsor logos and more! Reinforced stitching on the sleeves and collar, [...]
Goings on at Amy?s Bad Groove
Here are a couple of excerpts from Amy’s Bad Groove this week: In I Have Stupid (NASCAR) Questions, I laments over the fact that she has questions about NASCAR she is afraid to ask…for fear of looking stupid: Anyway I have been a NASCAR fan for years (as in since childhood)?and I have a couple [...]
Goings on at Amy?s Bad Groove
Here are a couple of excerpts from Amy’s Bad Groove this week: In I Have Stupid (NASCAR) Questions, I laments over the fact that she has questions about NASCAR she is afraid to ask…for fear of looking stupid: Anyway I have been a NASCAR fan for years (as in since childhood)?and I have a couple [...]
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Superstores!
Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC. is proud to announce the launch of some of our newest Super Store Websites. Be sure to check them all out.
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
NASCAR?s 2008 ?Regular Season? Ends
Cross posted from Rev’ Jim’s RantsnRaves: NASCAR’s regular season for 2008 ended with a great shootout between two of the best drivers in the sport. The entire season had its share of similar exciting moments, as well as some huge disappointments. Dodge started out on a high note, with the Penske and Gillett-Evernham teams making [...]
Chrysler Group LLC Releases Sketch of Mopar ?11 Charger
Today, Chrysler Group LLC issued a sketch of its new Mopar� ?11 Charger. The company will release details of the vehicle later this month. ?After the success of our Mopar ?10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance,? said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group?s [...]
Friday, April 22, 2011
Video: Global Rallycross Championship: Rd 2: Sights & Sounds with Subaru Rally Team USA
Subaru Rally Team USA driver Dave Mirra finishes his #40 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rallycross car in round 2 of the 2011 Global Rallycross Championship. Catch-up on the action with exciting in-car and fixed camera footage! The Global Rallycross Championship consists of 3 rounds, each scheduled at different venues across the country, leading up to [...]
Meguiar?s Brilliant Solutions New Car Kit
The joy of driving off the lot with a new (or new-to-you) car is exhilarating, but maintaining that perfect exterior and pristine paint job months down the road may seem impossible. That?s why Meguiar?s, historically known as the ?car guy?s? choice for car care, is introducing its consumer-friendly Brilliant Solutions New Car Kit, designed to [...]
No More Cars in Europe by 2050? Maybe
The European Commission is working on a law that would banish gasoline and diesel powered cars out of major cities by 2050. The European Union is behind the movement, which also included regulation on short airline trips to encourage more train use. The movement is planned to cut movement of cars in half over the [...]
RCR signs Burton, sponsor Caterpillar to extension
Richard Childress Racing has signed Jeff Burton to a multiyear contract extension. View full post on NBCSports.com: NASCAR / Motors addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-racing%2Frcr-signs-burton-sponsor-caterpillar-to-extension'; addthis_title = 'RCR+signs+Burton%2C+sponsor+Caterpillar+to+extension'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: Burton, Caterpillar, Extension, signs, sponsor
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Cut Tire Ends Ragan?s Day in Phoenix
David Ragan and the UPS overcame damage from early wreck only to have their day shortened because of a cut tire
Choose The Best Car Insurance And Leasing
It’s easier to get the auto insurance from the company that you get your lease for your car as it seems to be easy and quick but what we don’t really know is that by getting the insurance from the same company can be very expensive so it’s better to look for a better that [...]
Theme Park Offering Supercar Rides
The largest theme park in Latin America, Bobby Carrero World now offers Mustang and supercar rides. Although unlike a roller coaster, this ride you actually control. Choosing from six cars total, including a Ferrari, Mustang, Porsche, Hummer, Corvette and Lamborghini, a ticket holder can drive the cars for several miles. The theme park is located [...]
Ragan Earns First Top 10 of Season
David Ragan and the UPS team started 14th and finished 8th at Martinsville Speedway. The team moves up four spots in points to 18th.
Shift 2: Unleashed, NFS?s New Muscle Cars
Growing up, the reoccurring Christmas gift every year was the latest addition in the Need for Speed video game franchise and whatever console it was playing on at the time. As I grew up so did the technology, causing me to never fully leave behind the once considered childish act of video games. Now Need [...]
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Ragan Finishes 16th in Bristol; Moves up in Points
David Ragan and the UPS team started fifth and finished 16th at Bristol Motor Speedway. The team moves up six spots in points to 20th.
Lucas Oil Nitto Tire S13.5 on TV
We follow Joons blog pretty avidly, and love it! He sports Enjuku stickers on the side skirts of his s13.5 that was just in an awesome Lucas Oil commercial. Congrats to Joon! He keeps making great moves with his career and we’re looking forward to watching him during the 2011 season of
Senna Documentary, SWSX Premiere in Austin
As part of the escalating, winding up promotion and awareness-making of the Formula1 Austin USGP, the SXSW venue was the US debut of the documentary film, Senna. After seventeen years, the documentary about Ayrton Senna’s life was finally shown. On Jan 28, 2011, Senna originally debuted to the crowds at the Sundance Film Festival.� Last [...]
You Too Can Be Fast And Fabulous!
Hey race fans- just wanted to let you know that you can win a $25.00 BP gas card from TheFastandTheFabulous.com. Just fill out the form located here. And while you are there poke around- it’s a great racing blog!
Seventh Annual Dale Earnhardt Day Set for April 29th
Dale Earnhardt Inc. will host the seventh annual Dale Earnhardt Day at its corporate headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday, April 29th.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ragan Finishes 16th in Bristol; Moves up in Points
David Ragan and the UPS team started fifth and finished 16th at Bristol Motor Speedway. The team moves up six spots in points to 20th.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Richard Petty Drivers Search
Renowned road course racer Marcos Ambrose and two-time Nationwide series champion Randy LaJoie will, again, be among the guest instructors when Richard Petty's Driver Search III takes place December 6-9, 2010 at Charlotte...
Wreck Takes Ragan Out Early in ?Dega
David Ragan and the UPS team had their day cut short in Talladega on Sunday. After starting seventh, a mid-race wreck forced the team out of the race and into the garage.
Dick Smith defeats Ron Ross for gasoline Funny Car Honors
Dick Smith's Firebrewed Dodge Coronet defeated Ron Ross for the gas funny car crown at Detroit Dragway's Midwest Championships.
Road Test Review of Cruze 2011
Do not mistake the Cruze for a Corvette, as both the engines offer better acceleration in most of the situations. The turbo charged cruze versions provides a better feel of energy especially in the cities and while merging on to the highway. The manual transmissions and eco versions have not been available yet for the [...]
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Learn These Benefits of Leasing Car
The auto consumers are now days going for more and more towards leasing. It actually is becoming very popular and common among the buyers. It is a very feasible financing option and it also allows you to choose your life style and preference. The leading auto makers are giving now days every low interest rate [...]
Can't Compare Johnson's Three to Cale Yarborough's Three
So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...
Can't Compare Johnson's Three to Cale Yarborough's Three
So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Richard Petty Drivers Search
Renowned road course racer Marcos Ambrose and two-time Nationwide series champion Randy LaJoie will, again, be among the guest instructors when Richard Petty's Driver Search III takes place December 6-9, 2010 at Charlotte...
Chevrolet Cruze 2011: What Consumers Said
Consumer A I exchanged my civic for the Chevy Cruze. It has been very long since I had an American car in my garage. I am with the new cruze especially with the special features it has to offer. I bought the 1.4 t automatic, fully loaded LTZ model. I am a person who travels [...]
New Book Celebrates the ?40 Ford
Motorbooks�and�The Henry Ford�have teamed up to bring you an unprecedented celebration and history of�the ?40 Ford titled “’40 Ford: Evolution – Design – Racing – Hot Rodding” by Joseph Cabadas ABOUT THE BOOK: Notable for its streamlined style and deco details, the ?40 Ford has gained in popularity among today?s classic car nostalgists and hot [...]
David?s Blog: Moving on From Daytona
David Ragan talks about the race in Daytona and moving on to Phoenix this weekend
Friday, April 15, 2011
Choose The Best Car Insurance And Leasing
It’s easier to get the auto insurance from the company that you get your lease for your car as it seems to be easy and quick but what we don’t really know is that by getting the insurance from the same company can be very expensive so it’s better to look for a better that [...]
Ron Pellegrini?s Superbird Buick Funny Car
There were only a handful of Buick funny cars in the 1960s, and Ron Pellegrini raced two of them. The first was a fiberglass 1967 Gran Sport known as SuperBird.
Is Red Bull Failing With Cole Whitt?s Development?
[...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Digital ?Blood Tester? for Your Car Saves You Time, Money, Oil Changes, and May Even Save Your Engine
Digital ‘Blood Tester’ for Your Car Saves You Time, Money, Oil Changes, and May Even Save Your Engine WaveOn Technologies introduces the first consumer model motor oil tester. With the Lubricheck, users can cut motor oil use in their truck, car, ATV, motorcycle or RV by over 50%. Fewer oil changes save money and time, [...]
Jack Thorton and the Southern Style Dodge Funny Car
Jack Thorton competed in both the UDRA and NASCAR circuits with Southern Style Dodge Funny Car during the 1967 season,
Danica Patrick 1/2? Medium Driver Number ?7? Dangle Earrings ? 10KT Gold Jewelry
Product DescriptionEnjoy these earrings featuring the IRL driver Danica Patrick. A great gift for any Danica Patrick fan!Dangle earringsSize: 1/2″10KT gold finishExpress your driver pride with jewelry from LogoArt�. LogoArt� earrings are available in 14KT and 10KT gold, sterling silver and gold plated sterling silver. The precise detail of your favorite driver’s number is captured [...]
David?s Blog: Going Back to Cali
David Ragan talks about heading to Fontana this weekend, making a stop at the Shriners Hospital and answers your questions in this week's blog
David?s Blog: Moving on From Daytona
David Ragan talks about the race in Daytona and moving on to Phoenix this weekend
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Chevrolet Cruze 2011: Customer Review
Consumer A Chevrolet Cruz was my first brand car. I researched about lot of cars. I test-drove the car and it was great. It had great pick up. The interior was amazing and it gives a luxury feeling. I got the connectivity package and I use them on a daily basis. It has a fuel [...]
Bayne picks up sponsor for All-Star race
Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne landed the sponsorship he needed to enter the Sprint All-Star Race next month at Charlotte Motor Speedway. View full post on NBCSports.com: NASCAR / Motors addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-racing%2Fbayne-picks-up-sponsor-for-all-star-race'; addthis_title = 'Bayne+picks+up+sponsor+for+All-Star+race'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: AllStar, Bayne, Picks, race, sponsor
Female Racers Free to Be Themselves at the Track
PHOENIX -- I suspect that if I gave you six guesses, or for that matter, sixty six guesses, you still wouldn?t guess what Danica Patrick is doing today, Monday, January 17, 2011.
Is she testing an Indy car? Nope.
How about shooting another music video or Sports Illustrated swim suit photo? Nope and nope.
And nope and more nopes to your other guesses.
So, what is she doing?
?I?m taking a sewing class,? Patrick said here Sunday during one of two panel discussions that were part of the fourth annual Wheels of Wellness historic racing car show, which annually kicks off classic car auction week in Arizona?s Valley of the Sun.
Though people may assume she has to be the ultimate tom boy to go wheel to wheel in the 200-mph world of Indy car racing, ?I enjoy being a girl,? Patrick said. ?And I like to iron. I?m very much a girl.?
Patrick?s point, I think, was that you really can be a woman and a race car driver. She found no disagreement among the other panelists -- Desire Wilson, former South African racing champion and the only woman to win a Formula One race; Denise McCluggage, pioneering sports car racer as well as the first woman to receive press credentials to cover the Indy 500; Bobby Rahal and Dario Franchitti, neither of them a woman but both Indianapolis 500 winners; and moderator Lyn St. James, the first woman to win rookie of the year honors at Indy.
The panel was to have included one more driver, three-time Indy pole winner Tom Sneva, but his grandson was racing his quarter-midget elsewhere in Phoenix and Sneva is crew chief and had to make that duty his priority.
Patrick also said she and the growing number of women now participating in motorsports have benefited from the groundwork established by women racers of previous generations. The history of women in American is being highlighted this year in the Women in the Winner?s Circle, a traveling exhibit from The Henry Ford museum.
McCluggage not only raced before there were corporate sponsors, but even before there were what we now recognize as professional racing teams, and she talked about how in 1961, she drove her own Ferrari 250 GT from New York to Sebring, where, with a co-driver, she won her class in the 12-hour race -- and was 10th overall -- then drove the car home by way of Chicago.
Some two decades later, Wilson was approached by Bernie Ecclestone about joining his Brabham F1 team as Nelson Piquet?s teammate. Instead, Ecclestone put another driver in the car and Wilson found a ride with the Ken Tyrrell?s team.
When she asked Ecclestone why he changed his mind, she was told the other driver -- Hector Rebaque -- ?has really good hands.?
Wilson looked at her hands and asked if they were not good enough.
?His hands write really big checks,? Ecclestone responded in his way of saying that Rebaque and his sponsors had purchased his ride.
Meanwhile, Patrick noted that when she returned from racing Formula Fords in England, it was Rahal who personally engineered her Barber-Dodge series car, and then put her into his Toyota Atlantic racer and, in 2005, into one of the Rahal-Letterman Indy cars.
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Larry Edsall
Is she testing an Indy car? Nope.
How about shooting another music video or Sports Illustrated swim suit photo? Nope and nope.
And nope and more nopes to your other guesses.
So, what is she doing?
?I?m taking a sewing class,? Patrick said here Sunday during one of two panel discussions that were part of the fourth annual Wheels of Wellness historic racing car show, which annually kicks off classic car auction week in Arizona?s Valley of the Sun.
Though people may assume she has to be the ultimate tom boy to go wheel to wheel in the 200-mph world of Indy car racing, ?I enjoy being a girl,? Patrick said. ?And I like to iron. I?m very much a girl.?
Patrick?s point, I think, was that you really can be a woman and a race car driver. She found no disagreement among the other panelists -- Desire Wilson, former South African racing champion and the only woman to win a Formula One race; Denise McCluggage, pioneering sports car racer as well as the first woman to receive press credentials to cover the Indy 500; Bobby Rahal and Dario Franchitti, neither of them a woman but both Indianapolis 500 winners; and moderator Lyn St. James, the first woman to win rookie of the year honors at Indy.
The panel was to have included one more driver, three-time Indy pole winner Tom Sneva, but his grandson was racing his quarter-midget elsewhere in Phoenix and Sneva is crew chief and had to make that duty his priority.
Patrick also said she and the growing number of women now participating in motorsports have benefited from the groundwork established by women racers of previous generations. The history of women in American is being highlighted this year in the Women in the Winner?s Circle, a traveling exhibit from The Henry Ford museum.
McCluggage not only raced before there were corporate sponsors, but even before there were what we now recognize as professional racing teams, and she talked about how in 1961, she drove her own Ferrari 250 GT from New York to Sebring, where, with a co-driver, she won her class in the 12-hour race -- and was 10th overall -- then drove the car home by way of Chicago.
Some two decades later, Wilson was approached by Bernie Ecclestone about joining his Brabham F1 team as Nelson Piquet?s teammate. Instead, Ecclestone put another driver in the car and Wilson found a ride with the Ken Tyrrell?s team.
When she asked Ecclestone why he changed his mind, she was told the other driver -- Hector Rebaque -- ?has really good hands.?
Wilson looked at her hands and asked if they were not good enough.
?His hands write really big checks,? Ecclestone responded in his way of saying that Rebaque and his sponsors had purchased his ride.
Meanwhile, Patrick noted that when she returned from racing Formula Fords in England, it was Rahal who personally engineered her Barber-Dodge series car, and then put her into his Toyota Atlantic racer and, in 2005, into one of the Rahal-Letterman Indy cars.
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Larry Edsall
This Week in the NASCAR Blogosphere
By the end of the race at Lowe’s Motorspeedway the Chase will be half over. When the heck did that happen? I don’t know. Last weekend’s race at Talladega provided Tony Stewart with his first win of the season, his first win there in a sprint cup car and ended his 43 race winless streak. [...]
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Racing Speed vs. Budget: A New Perspective
‘Tis more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. This is a quotable quote from Jon, a Miata friend of mine.� It is in reference to a short & to the point video clip he sent that I had to share… Looking closely, you can note that this NA Miata [...]
Hobart Brothers Welding Tips Poster
Hobart Brothers offers the cure to common stick welding troubles. The poster illustrates common weld defects, their causes and solutions and is available free of charge in Spanish and English.
Things Racing Fans Should See in Las Vegas
I just got back from a trip to Las Vegas and I know it's not exactly known as the mecca for NASCAR, but if you are heading to Las Vegas anytime soon there are some things you should really see. If you are planning on attending a race in Las Vegas these things could be a cool addition to the actual race.Nascar CafeLocated in the Sahara Hotel and Casino, this place is really cool. They have actual NASCAR race cars outside and even some hanging across the rafters. They have huge TV's to watch sports and the food is rather good also. Right outside the cafe are cars driven by Dale Earnhardt sr, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Rusty Wallace. They have a nice display of fire suits and plenty of other cool NASCAR items. Speed - The RideAlso located inside the Sahara Hotel this Roller coaster-like ride will take your breath away. The initial burst of speed is simply amazing and the coaster takes you through turns outside the casino. It really is worth the price of admission.Pole Position RacewayYou may have heard about Pole Position Raceway mentioned during one of the races because it's part owned by Kurt Busch. It is really fun and they have cool memorabilia.Auto Collection ShowLocated in the Imperial Palace Casino on the Las Vegas strip the Auto Collection Show is open all year round and has some cool racing cars from the past. Last time I was there they had a few pace cars from the Indy 500, a couple IROC cars and some race cars from the 1950's. Admission is around $8, but there are usually coupons to get in free on the internet or from the many magazines in Las Vegas. If you have a Harrah's players card they usually give coupons also. Bring a camera as there will be many cars you will want a get on film.Shelby MuseumYou can also head up to the track and visit the Shelby museum which is located right near the race track. There are plenty of race cars and racing memorabilia and even a place to grab a quick bite.
That's my list. What are your favorite places to visit in Las Vegas as a racing fan?
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Urban Mixer
That's my list. What are your favorite places to visit in Las Vegas as a racing fan?
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Urban Mixer
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lucas Oil Nitto Tire S13.5 on TV
We follow Joons blog pretty avidly, and love it! He sports Enjuku stickers on the side skirts of his s13.5 that was just in an awesome Lucas Oil commercial. Congrats to Joon! He keeps making great moves with his career and we’re looking forward to watching him during the 2011 season of
Pit Stop USA Announces New Retail Store and Catalog
Pit Stop USA, a leading online retailer to the circle market, will be opening a new retail showroom in March and also announced the release of their 2011 catalog.
Don Schumacher and the Stardust Charger Funny Car
Don Schumacher's Stardust Charger funny car wasn't a flip top. Instead it featured an extreme altered wheelbase with both the rear and front wheels moved radically forward.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
David?s Blog: Special Visit
David Ragan made a special stop at the Los Angeles Shriners Hospital for Children before heading out to the track on Thursday
Shuttle pilot taking piece of TMS into space
Space shuttle pilot Doug Hurley will take a piece of Texas Motor Speedway into space. View full post on NBCSports.com: NASCAR / Motors addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-racing%2Fshuttle-pilot-taking-piece-of-tms-into-space'; addthis_title = 'Shuttle+pilot+taking+piece+of+TMS+into+space'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: INTO, piece, pilot, shuttle, space, taking
Female Racers Free to Be Themselves at the Track
PHOENIX -- I suspect that if I gave you six guesses, or for that matter, sixty six guesses, you still wouldn?t guess what Danica Patrick is doing today, Monday, January 17, 2011.
Is she testing an Indy car? Nope.
How about shooting another music video or Sports Illustrated swim suit photo? Nope and nope.
And nope and more nopes to your other guesses.
So, what is she doing?
?I?m taking a sewing class,? Patrick said here Sunday during one of two panel discussions that were part of the fourth annual Wheels of Wellness historic racing car show, which annually kicks off classic car auction week in Arizona?s Valley of the Sun.
Though people may assume she has to be the ultimate tom boy to go wheel to wheel in the 200-mph world of Indy car racing, ?I enjoy being a girl,? Patrick said. ?And I like to iron. I?m very much a girl.?
Patrick?s point, I think, was that you really can be a woman and a race car driver. She found no disagreement among the other panelists -- Desire Wilson, former South African racing champion and the only woman to win a Formula One race; Denise McCluggage, pioneering sports car racer as well as the first woman to receive press credentials to cover the Indy 500; Bobby Rahal and Dario Franchitti, neither of them a woman but both Indianapolis 500 winners; and moderator Lyn St. James, the first woman to win rookie of the year honors at Indy.
The panel was to have included one more driver, three-time Indy pole winner Tom Sneva, but his grandson was racing his quarter-midget elsewhere in Phoenix and Sneva is crew chief and had to make that duty his priority.
Patrick also said she and the growing number of women now participating in motorsports have benefited from the groundwork established by women racers of previous generations. The history of women in American is being highlighted this year in the Women in the Winner?s Circle, a traveling exhibit from The Henry Ford museum.
McCluggage not only raced before there were corporate sponsors, but even before there were what we now recognize as professional racing teams, and she talked about how in 1961, she drove her own Ferrari 250 GT from New York to Sebring, where, with a co-driver, she won her class in the 12-hour race -- and was 10th overall -- then drove the car home by way of Chicago.
Some two decades later, Wilson was approached by Bernie Ecclestone about joining his Brabham F1 team as Nelson Piquet?s teammate. Instead, Ecclestone put another driver in the car and Wilson found a ride with the Ken Tyrrell?s team.
When she asked Ecclestone why he changed his mind, she was told the other driver -- Hector Rebaque -- ?has really good hands.?
Wilson looked at her hands and asked if they were not good enough.
?His hands write really big checks,? Ecclestone responded in his way of saying that Rebaque and his sponsors had purchased his ride.
Meanwhile, Patrick noted that when she returned from racing Formula Fords in England, it was Rahal who personally engineered her Barber-Dodge series car, and then put her into his Toyota Atlantic racer and, in 2005, into one of the Rahal-Letterman Indy cars.
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Larry Edsall
Is she testing an Indy car? Nope.
How about shooting another music video or Sports Illustrated swim suit photo? Nope and nope.
And nope and more nopes to your other guesses.
So, what is she doing?
?I?m taking a sewing class,? Patrick said here Sunday during one of two panel discussions that were part of the fourth annual Wheels of Wellness historic racing car show, which annually kicks off classic car auction week in Arizona?s Valley of the Sun.
Though people may assume she has to be the ultimate tom boy to go wheel to wheel in the 200-mph world of Indy car racing, ?I enjoy being a girl,? Patrick said. ?And I like to iron. I?m very much a girl.?
Patrick?s point, I think, was that you really can be a woman and a race car driver. She found no disagreement among the other panelists -- Desire Wilson, former South African racing champion and the only woman to win a Formula One race; Denise McCluggage, pioneering sports car racer as well as the first woman to receive press credentials to cover the Indy 500; Bobby Rahal and Dario Franchitti, neither of them a woman but both Indianapolis 500 winners; and moderator Lyn St. James, the first woman to win rookie of the year honors at Indy.
The panel was to have included one more driver, three-time Indy pole winner Tom Sneva, but his grandson was racing his quarter-midget elsewhere in Phoenix and Sneva is crew chief and had to make that duty his priority.
Patrick also said she and the growing number of women now participating in motorsports have benefited from the groundwork established by women racers of previous generations. The history of women in American is being highlighted this year in the Women in the Winner?s Circle, a traveling exhibit from The Henry Ford museum.
McCluggage not only raced before there were corporate sponsors, but even before there were what we now recognize as professional racing teams, and she talked about how in 1961, she drove her own Ferrari 250 GT from New York to Sebring, where, with a co-driver, she won her class in the 12-hour race -- and was 10th overall -- then drove the car home by way of Chicago.
Some two decades later, Wilson was approached by Bernie Ecclestone about joining his Brabham F1 team as Nelson Piquet?s teammate. Instead, Ecclestone put another driver in the car and Wilson found a ride with the Ken Tyrrell?s team.
When she asked Ecclestone why he changed his mind, she was told the other driver -- Hector Rebaque -- ?has really good hands.?
Wilson looked at her hands and asked if they were not good enough.
?His hands write really big checks,? Ecclestone responded in his way of saying that Rebaque and his sponsors had purchased his ride.
Meanwhile, Patrick noted that when she returned from racing Formula Fords in England, it was Rahal who personally engineered her Barber-Dodge series car, and then put her into his Toyota Atlantic racer and, in 2005, into one of the Rahal-Letterman Indy cars.
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Larry Edsall
Former F1 Champ Testing Well In NASCAR With Kyle Busch Racing
Former F1 Champ Testing Well In NASCAR With Kyle Busch Racing FORT WORTH, TX – Kimi Raikkonen is testing well in NASCAR as the former Formula One world champion prepares for his debut in a truck owned by Kyle Busch. After testing for two days at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia this week, Raikkonen was [...]
Busch can't do no wrong
Busch again was in the right place at the right time to claim victory in the pepsi 400
Saturday, April 9, 2011
2011 SCCA Houston Solo Nat?l Tour ? Wrapup
Eric, my esteemed Contributing Blogger Extraordinaire, was challenged by this event.� It took him awhile to wrap his head around the results.� Let’s read what he experienced & his outcome at the 2011 SCCA Solo National Tour in Houston. Yes, it took awhile, but I decided to write the blog about my experiences at the [...]
You Too Can Be Fast And Fabulous!
Hey race fans- just wanted to let you know that you can win a $25.00 BP gas card from TheFastandTheFabulous.com. Just fill out the form located here. And while you are there poke around- it’s a great racing blog!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Disney Cars Lightning McQueen Pit Crew Play Set
The Lightning McQueen Pit Crew Play Set is a real rolling air compressor that lets you attach a range of Cars toy Mechanic’s Tools When McQueen pulls into the pits you can roll into action with an air-powered drill & paint gun to get him back out on the track in no time Ages 3+ [...]
Heart-Breaking End in Daytona; David Finishes 14th
David Ragan and the UPS team led twice for seven laps during the Daytona 500. The team brought the field to green for the first attempt at a green-white-checker finish, but a lane change at the front sent David to the back
Richard Petty's Driver Search is On
If you are an aspiring racer looking to develop your skills and advance your career, Richard Petty?s Driver Search is the program for you.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Racing Speed vs. Budget: A New Perspective
‘Tis more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. This is a quotable quote from Jon, a Miata friend of mine.� It is in reference to a short & to the point video clip he sent that I had to share… Looking closely, you can note that this NA Miata [...]
Learn These Benefits of Leasing Car
The auto consumers are now days going for more and more towards leasing. It actually is becoming very popular and common among the buyers. It is a very feasible financing option and it also allows you to choose your life style and preference. The leading auto makers are giving now days every low interest rate [...]
David?s Blog: Race Hub & Final Off Weekend
David filmed a segment for SPEED's Race Hub today and is getting ready for the final week before the UPS team heads down to Daytona!
Choose The Best Car Insurance And Leasing
It’s easier to get the auto insurance from the company that you get your lease for your car as it seems to be easy and quick but what we don’t really know is that by getting the insurance from the same company can be very expensive so it’s better to look for a better that [...]
Stock car racing to continue in Nashville
Stock car racing to continue in Nashville NASHVILLE (AP) ? The State Fair Board has voted to continue stock car racing at the Nashville fairgrounds. According to The Tennessean newspaper, the decision Tuesday came after months of debate about whether the property should host racing as it has since 1958. Read more on Columbia Daily [...]
Funny car showdown: Jerry Harvey against Wayne Gapp
In a battle of SOHC powered Fords, Wayne Gapp defeated Jerry Harvey at Detroit Dragway's 1967 Midwest Championshps.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
You Too Can Be Fast And Fabulous!
Hey race fans- just wanted to let you know that you can win a $25.00 BP gas card from TheFastandTheFabulous.com. Just fill out the form located here. And while you are there poke around- it’s a great racing blog!
34 down, 2 more to go
That’s right the 2008 season is winding down. �With only two races left, it’s Jimmie’s championship to lose. �Carl did cut down some of Jimmie’s lead in Texas, but Jimmie and Chad have been here before. �I have to admit since Talladega I haven’t been all that excited about the racing. �I guess it’s because [...]
Engine Compression Check Made Easy
Keep tabs on your engine's compression ratio and performance with this cool new compression tester from Katech Performance...
World?s Fastest Half Mile Speed Trials
On March 19, with lap time of 19.481 seconds at 98.497mph, NASCAR driver David Ragan piloted a supercharged Mustang to the World?s Fastest Passenger Car Half Mile Record. Supplied from Ford Racing, Ragan?s Mustang was a supercharged 624 horsepower 5.0L engine with an FR3 handling package and Brembo brakes.The record was set during the World?s [...]
Own Kyle Petty's '06 Victory Bike and Ride Across the US
A special online auction give you the chance to own Kyle Petty's 2006 Victory motorcycle and join Kyle on the 2009 Ride Across America. But hurry, the auction runs July 15-25, 2008. All proceeds benefit two extremely...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
B&M Automotive Group Acquires Flowmaster, Inc.
The B&M Automotive Group is excited and proud to announce the addition of Flowmaster, Inc. to its portfolio of iconic industry brands. The undisputed leader in exhaust technology, Flowmaster Inc., will now become an integral part of the B&M Racing and Performance, Hurst Shifters, and Hurst Driveline Conversions team of outstanding aftermarket brands. “Flowmaster is [...]
Petty Holdings Announces Richard Petty's Driver Search
Training Camp & Competition Will Award Opportunity in ARCA Racing
Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of
Richard Petty's Driver Search.
Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of
Richard Petty's Driver Search.
South Carolina Wants Your Money
As much as you might want to pass through South Carolina as quickly as possible on your next road trip, you might have to slow down. The state recently introduced a bill that, if passed, would allow law enforcement to issue fines for speeding by under 10mph for $150.00. At the same time the bill [...]
Chevrolet Cruze 2011: Customer Review
Consumer A Chevrolet Cruz was my first brand car. I researched about lot of cars. I test-drove the car and it was great. It had great pick up. The interior was amazing and it gives a luxury feeling. I got the connectivity package and I use them on a daily basis. It has a fuel [...]
Monday, April 4, 2011
Truex Not Happy, NASCAR Looking At Fuel Heads
[...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
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Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
2011 Bulldog Rally North Wales on YouTube and Sky Sports
� Coverage of the second round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship will be broadcast on Sky Sports 4 & 4HD tonight at 18:00. If you haven?t subscribed to Sky Sports yet, you can get a taste of the action on the BRCMedia YouTube channel HERE or on the www.rallybrc.co.uk homepage player. Take [...]
Sunday, April 3, 2011
What Will a New Points System Mean for the 2011 NASCAR Season?
Ever since I caught parts of the Sprint Cup testing at Daytona International Speedway last week, I?ve been getting excited about the new season. Actually, excited doesn?t begin to even cover it; raring to go would be more accurate. Like ?Gentlemen Start Your Engines,? let?s go, racing ready. BRING IT ON!As NASCAR announced yesterday, the points structure has changed this season. Everyone is in a roar about it with the usual pro-change and anti-change arguments. My initial gut reaction was to be anti-change. I thought it was dumb to change the points structure. My main argument; that you don?t see football or baseball or even basketball just up and changing their scoring system and I believe NASCAR has a sound one.
However, when further contemplating this new points structure I realize that it isn't ALL that different. The most points for a race are now only 48 (43 for first, three bonus points for the win, one bonus point for leading a lap, and one bonus point for leading the most laps). It?s still the same concept with just fewer points. I am no mathematician but I think that in the end this will still reward consistency in the drivers. The only negative thing I can think of is it can make a bad day really bad, but with there only being 48 max points available it might make recovering from that bad day a little easier. I guess only time will tell. More of a concern to me was the announcement about the change in the way the chase field will be set. The first 10 will still be set in the chase. But the 11th and 12th spots in the chase will not necessarily go to those who are 11th and 12th in points. Those two spots are now available to whomever in positions 11-20 who has the most wins. It takes away the reward for consistency and makes it based only on your ability to get to the checkers first. This will make those rain-shortened race wins all the more critical so pit strategy because paramount. I am unsure how I feel about this change. Some believe it will make for a more exciting race to the chase as well as a more exciting chase itself, but I am not sure. Ask me at the end of the season. The order for qualifying will now be set on practice speeds instead of by random draw. This will put more of an emphasis on first practice and dialing in the car as soon as possible. There is also all the driver and team changes that will taking getting use to. I am talking about seeing Kasey Kahne in the #4 Red Bull car, Kurt Busch in the #22 Shell car and seeing Kevin Harvick in the #29 Budweiser car are but a few I can think of right off the top of my head. NASCAR fans are use to these kind of changes, but it doesn?t mean that we won?t all be confused during the first couple of races as to who is who out there!Even with all the changes I can?t wait for the season to get underway. I sit her and wait and wait for the activities in Daytona to get underway. Let?s go racing?soon!
-Amy
Read More from Amy Marbach at Amy's Bad Groove
Photo credit: Roger Smith
However, when further contemplating this new points structure I realize that it isn't ALL that different. The most points for a race are now only 48 (43 for first, three bonus points for the win, one bonus point for leading a lap, and one bonus point for leading the most laps). It?s still the same concept with just fewer points. I am no mathematician but I think that in the end this will still reward consistency in the drivers. The only negative thing I can think of is it can make a bad day really bad, but with there only being 48 max points available it might make recovering from that bad day a little easier. I guess only time will tell. More of a concern to me was the announcement about the change in the way the chase field will be set. The first 10 will still be set in the chase. But the 11th and 12th spots in the chase will not necessarily go to those who are 11th and 12th in points. Those two spots are now available to whomever in positions 11-20 who has the most wins. It takes away the reward for consistency and makes it based only on your ability to get to the checkers first. This will make those rain-shortened race wins all the more critical so pit strategy because paramount. I am unsure how I feel about this change. Some believe it will make for a more exciting race to the chase as well as a more exciting chase itself, but I am not sure. Ask me at the end of the season. The order for qualifying will now be set on practice speeds instead of by random draw. This will put more of an emphasis on first practice and dialing in the car as soon as possible. There is also all the driver and team changes that will taking getting use to. I am talking about seeing Kasey Kahne in the #4 Red Bull car, Kurt Busch in the #22 Shell car and seeing Kevin Harvick in the #29 Budweiser car are but a few I can think of right off the top of my head. NASCAR fans are use to these kind of changes, but it doesn?t mean that we won?t all be confused during the first couple of races as to who is who out there!Even with all the changes I can?t wait for the season to get underway. I sit her and wait and wait for the activities in Daytona to get underway. Let?s go racing?soon!
-Amy
Read More from Amy Marbach at Amy's Bad Groove
Photo credit: Roger Smith
Seventh Annual Dale Earnhardt Day Set for April 29th
Dale Earnhardt Inc. will host the seventh annual Dale Earnhardt Day at its corporate headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday, April 29th.
Chevrolet Cruze 2011: What Consumers Said
Consumer A I exchanged my civic for the Chevy Cruze. It has been very long since I had an American car in my garage. I am with the new cruze especially with the special features it has to offer. I bought the 1.4 t automatic, fully loaded LTZ model. I am a person who travels [...]
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Ragan Victim of Last-Lap Crash; Will Start 34th in Sunday?s 500
David Ragan and the UPS team started sixth and finished 20th in the second Duel after getting collected in a last-lap accident with Trevor Bayne
Professional Hammer & Dolly Set Built for Craftsmen, Priced for Do-It-Yourselfers
An affordable priced, 7-Piece Hammer & Dolly Set for auto restoration experts and enthusiasts was launched today by The Eastwood Company, America?s premier source for automotive restoration tools that help body shop pros and weekend hobbyists get the job done right. Eastwood?s new Hammer & Dolly set includes three hammers made from 4140 chrome-moly steel [...]
This Week in the NASCAR Blogosphere
By the end of the race at Lowe’s Motorspeedway the Chase will be half over. When the heck did that happen? I don’t know. Last weekend’s race at Talladega provided Tony Stewart with his first win of the season, his first win there in a sprint cup car and ended his 43 race winless streak. [...]
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