Hendrick Motorsports News
NASCAR Hendrick News
Friday, July 4, 2008
Hendrick Motorsports announces Mark Martin in the #5 in 2009: Mark Martin, a 35-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner and the all-time leader in NASCAR Nationwide Series victories, has signed a two-year agreement to drive for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2009. Martin will race the full 2009 Sprint Cup schedule in the No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolets, becoming teammates with Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. It will mark his first full season of Cup competition since 2006, when he finished ninth in points. A Batesville, Ark., native, Martin also is slated to run a partial Sprint Cup schedule for Hendrick Motorsports in 2010, sharing the No. 5 Chevys with a to-be-determined second driver. Martin will enter 26 events, including the non-points Budweiser Shootout and NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. "Mark is an incredible racer and one of the classiest guys around," said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, whose organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2009. "He is a driver who makes everyone around him better, and our entire company is going to benefit from his presence." (HMS PR)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Stewart interested in the Hendrick #5 car: Tony Stewart proclaimed his interest Friday in Hendrick Motorsports’ soon-to-be-vacated No. 5 Chevrolet, saying the removal of Casey Mears from that ride could alter his plans for 2009 and beyond. Stewart has another year left on his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing but has expressed interest in partial ownership of another team. Reports have said the deal is done, with sponsors and drivers named. But Stewart said that wasn’t the case, joking at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that there are some teams he has yet to talk to. “I’ve still got two ARCA teams I’m talking to, a truck team and now the 5 car’s available,” Stewart said. “I’ve still got a lot of work to do.” But Stewart wasn’t joking when asked if Hendrick’s No. 5 would be something he would be interested in. “Absolutely, absolutely,” Stewart said. “You’ve got to. There’s nobody in this garage area that’s not going to look in that direction. You’ve got to look at that.” (NASCAR Scene Daily)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Mark Martin to replace Casey Mears in 2009? Casey Mears and Mark Martin look to be on the move, and their futures might be linked. Mears' future with Hendrick Motorsports appears in jeopardy, ESPN.com has learned. Although Mears has one year left on his contract, team owner Rick Hendrick would not commit to the driver of the #5 car beyond this season. "I'm committed to him right now," Hendrick said on Sunday at Infineon Raceway. "I'm committed to him making that car run better right now." Earlier on Sunday, sources told ESPN.com that Martin would leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. Later, ESPN.com learned that he would replace Mears, making one last full-time run at a championship.(ESPN.com)
June 26, 2007
NASCAR issues teams #48, #24 penalties for Sonoma Infractions: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Both cars – the #24 driven by Jeff Gordon and the #48 driven by Jimmie Johnson – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20-2.1E (parts or components of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that have been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted); and 20-2H (fenders may not be cut or altered except for wheel or tire clearance which must be approved by the Series Director) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during the initial inspection process last Friday. As a result, Gordon and Johnson have each been penalized 100 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus – have each been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Nextel Cup Series events until Aug. 15, 2007 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #24, has been penalized 100 car owner championship points as has Gordon, who is the owner of the #48.(NASCAR PR)
Hendrick Motorsports response to NASCAR: Car owner Rick Hendrick responded to NASCAR sanctions announced today involving the #24 and #48 Nextel Cup Series teams of Hendrick Motorsports. "We are disappointed in NASCAR's decision and feel the penalties are excessive," Hendrick said. "Right now, all of our options are being evaluated, including our personnel situation and a possible appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission. We'll take some time to decide on a direction and make an announcement regarding our plans for New Hampshire later in the week." (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
NASCAR: DEI can't sell the No. 8 to Hendrick: Hendrick Motorsports may have Dale Earnhardt in their stable, but they won't be able to buy his trademark No. 8. Dale Earnhardt Inc. will not be allowed to sell the No. 8 to Hendrick or any other team, according to a report on the Charlotte Observer Web site. According to the report, spokesman Ramsey Poston reiterated that NASCAR owns and assigns all car numbers and said a team cannot sell numbers on their own accord. "NASCAR owns the numbers and licenses them to teams on an annual basis," Poston said in the report. "A team may allow another team to use the number for that year pending NASCAR's approval." (FOXSports.com)
Jeff Gordon documentary to air on TNT: A documentary-style feature on the driver is set to debut on TNT and then be available as a DVD. he program, "24 x 24: Wide Open with Jeff Gordon," will debut on TNT July 7 with an extended version DVD set to be released July 10. The documentary explores the life of Gordon, both on and off the track. It includes interviews with motorsports and entertainment personalities as well as Gordon's family and friends. Gordon allowed cameras to follow him for 24 hours to film the project. (SceneDaily.com)
June 24, 2007
Eury to Hendrick? FordRacing.com is also reporting.. Tony Eury, Jr. is likely to join Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports next season sources said. (FordRacin.com)
June 23, 2007
Hendrick would like to buy the No. 8 for Earnhardt, Jr.: Car owner Rick Hendrick has let it be known to officials at Dale Earnhardt Inc. that he'd like to purchase the No. 8 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. when he begins driving for his organization in 2008. "I'm not sure what their position is or what they want for it," Hendrick said Saturday between practices at Infineon Raceway. (ESPN.com)
Gordon and Johnson OK'd for Saturday practices: Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon wasted no time returning to the track after NASCAR inspectors approved their cars. The two had an unexpected day off Friday after their cars failed to pass inspection. NASCAR deemed the front fenders on the No. 24 and No. 48 Chevrolets illegal and banned the two drivers from the day's practice and qualifying. NASCAR did, however, allow the teams to alter the fenders and send the cars back through inspection. Both teams did that Friday, but waited until Saturday morning for official approval. "Everything is fine," said Doug Duchardt, vice president of development for Hendrick. "We're way behind, but we'll just go out there and prepare today the way we would on any Saturday and hope for the best." (AP/ABC News)
June 22, 2007
J. Gordon and J. Johnson fail inspection; Neither allowed to qualify or practice: Nextel Cup Series points leader Jeff Gordon and defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, both of the Hendrick Motorsports stable, have failed inspection at Infineon Raceway. The cars of neither Gordon, the defending race champion, nor Johnson will be allowed to practice or qualify Friday. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said both cars "failed the initial inspection ... as a result of body modifications found to be outside NASCAR tolerances. The front fender [of both cars] was modified outside of NASCAR regulations. They did not meet the C2 template inspection." According to Poston, Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 and No. 25 cars, for Kyle Busch and Casey Mears, passed inspections. Poston added, "both teams have an opportunity to repair and resubmit their cars" for inspection up to the start of practice Saturday. "Assuming they pass inspection, they can practice [Saturday] and start at the rear of the field [Sunday]," he said. (NASCAR.com) Note: Further penalties, including possible suspensions if any, will be announced next week.
June 20, 2007
Beverage companies trying to sponsor Earnhardt? Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick has been in talks with two beverage sponsors for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s racecar for 2008. One is Pepsi and the other is Monster Energy. (Captain Thunder)
June 18, 2007
Jeff Gordon knew of Earnhardt deal in the process; Johnson surprised by signing: Privately he listened to team owner Rick Hendrick agonize over the arduous, closed-door maneuvering to sign Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Rick was going back and forth, back and forth," [Jeff] Gordon said. "He was like, 'Man, I would love to do this,' and at the same time, 'I don't know how I'm going to do it.' And, 'Should we do it?' " Gordon didn't waver. "I was very supportive of it from the beginning," he said, sitting in the lounge of his team transporter during preparations for today's Citizens Bank 400. On the other hand, reigning Nextel Cup Jimmie Johnson, the other resident star at Hendrick, "really was surprised," Johnson said, when he learned of the blockbuster signing just before it was announced Wednesday. (LA Times)
June 16, 2007
Max Siegel: DEI willing to discuss transfer of #8 to Earnhardt, Jr./Hendrick: Earnhardt said Friday after qualifying at Michigan International Speedway that there has not yet been any communication with DEI about obtaining the No. 8. "Obviously, we'll see if there's any interest from [team owner] Teresa [Earnhardt] and [DEI president of global operations] Max [Siegel] to do that, but they've probably got to answer a couple more questions of their own to be able to have a good idea how they feel about that," Earnhardt said. "Whether they feel like they have any interest in talking about it, I'm sure that's something Rick [Hendrick] and my sister [Kelley Earnhardt Elledge] would be interested in doing." Siegel said Friday that he would be willing to discuss a transfer of the number. "We're open to talk about anything," Siegel said. "But in order to consider it, there has to be some formal proposal. No one has contacted me. Other than knowing his desire to have the number, no one has approached me with a formal proposal. I'm not going to talk about it until I get one." (ESPN.com)
Busch's Crew Chief Gustafson plans to remain at Hendrick: Kyle Busch's crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports says he doesn't plan on going anywhere - even if it means accepting a new role in the company. Busch may be leaving Hendrick at the end of this season, but crew chief Alan Gustafson said he wants to stay loyal to team owner Rick Hendrick, no matter what that may entail. "I expect to be a crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports, but I will make the statement that I will be at Hendrick Motorsports next year regardless," Gustafson said Friday at Michigan International Speedway. "I'd rather sweep floors for Rick Hendrick than be a crew chief for someone else." (SceneDaily)
June 15, 2007
Busch: I never talked to other team: Kyle Busch says he hasn't talked with any race team about where he'll drive next season after leaving Hendrick Motorsports. "This is all brand new," Busch said Thursday in an interview on "The Driver's Seat" on Sirius Satellite Radio. "I haven't talked or discussed or done anything with any other team." Busch will leave his No. 5 Chevrolet ride with Hendrick at season's end, a move that makes room for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to join the four-car team for 2008 and beyond. Busch said one reason he left a developmental deal with Roush Racing to sign with Hendrick in the first place was to get out of the shadow of his older brother, Kurt, who was then at Roush. (Charlotte Observer)
June 14, 2007
Hendrick and Earnhardt still have details to finalize: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick have agreed for Earnhardt Jr. to drive for Hendrick Motorsports next season. But while they have an agreement, there are many details to work out, from potential sponsorship conflicts to whom the actual sponsor of the car might be. While Hendrick and Earnhardt Jr. have agreed, it's now time for Hendrick Motorsports Executive Vice President Marshall Carlson and JR Motorsports General Manager Kelley Earnhardt Elledge to get to work. "We haven't gotten all the details down," said Earnhardt Elledge, who is the business manager for her brother. "Rick is a man of his word. We've had some high-level discussion on our expectations and what the most important thing for us is, the involvement in terms of sponsors and licensing and marketing in terms of Dale's brand. "Dale knows the competition side and what's important there. ... We still have a long ways to go in putting all the details together." (SceneDaily.com)
Dale Jr. not the highest paid driver at Hendrick: Terms of his [Dale Earnhardt, Jr.] contract were not disclosed, but Hendrick said that Earnhardt would not be the highest-paid driver on his team. “It’s akin to the Yankees signing the best free agent out there,” Marc Ganis, a sports marketing consultant, said in a telephone interview. (New York Times)
Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports transcript: Find the transcript from Wednesday's news conference, following the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports announcement.
June 13, 2007
Kyle Busch statement regarding his departure from Hendrick Motorsports: Kyle Busch, driver of the #5 Chevy in the Nextel Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports and four-time Nextel Cup race winner, will depart Hendrick Motorsports at the conclusion of the 2007 season. The following is a statement from Busch regarding the decision to leave: "We had been working on a contract extension for me to remain at Hendrick Motorsports, but after prolonged negotiations, we mutually agreed that a fresh start was in order. I have been granted a release after the 2007 season. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. It's where I grew up, and I have a lot of great memories. I kind of feel like I'm graduating. I'm excited about my future, and I know a lot of opportunities await because of what everyone at Hendrick did for me - on the track and off. I still have a job to do this year, and will give it my all - just as I've always done - to make sure we put the #5 car in victory lane a few more times before the year is out."(True Speed Communication PR)
Budweiser Statement regarding Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announcement: "Anheuser-Busch has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. since our sponsorship commenced back in 1999. Dale Jr. is an excellent ambassador for the sport and our company, and we look forward to exploring options with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports to continue Budweiser’s relationship with him as he enters this new stage of his racing career." Tony Ponturo, Vice President, Global Media and Sports Marketing Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (Anheuser-Busch PR)
General Motorsports statement regarding Earnhardt/Hendrick announcement: "Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been synonymous with the modern era of Chevy Motorsports with his 17 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series victories and two NASCAR Busch Series championships, all powered by the legendary small-block Chevy V8. Dale, Jr. has a choice in his future direction. We are proud he chose to stay with Team Chevy - the winningest name in motorsports with 609 wins and 30 championships - to pursue his championship bid. On behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet, congratulations to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports on the announcement of their partnership. They epitomize the Chevy spirit of competition. We wish them success as they embark on their new relationship." Brent Dewar, General Motors North America Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Parts (General Motors PR)
NASCAR Chairman Brian France statement regarding Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports: “Today’s announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr. ’s move to Hendrick Motorsports is indeed an important announcement for this season and beyond, and it should be noted that high-profile partnerships have always been a part of NASCAR’s competitive history. There have been so many great partnerships involving people of great character and ability. We’re proud of what they have brought to our sport. “Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always said that first and foremost, he wants to win a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship. We wish him the best of luck. ” (NASCAR PR)
Earnhardt, Jr. to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2008: Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended months of speculation Wednesday, announcing that he will drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 and beyond. Earnhardt Jr., who has never driven a Nextel Cup car for a team other than Dale Earnhardt Inc. -- the team founded by his father Dale Earnhardt Sr. -- said during his job search that "it became apparent to me the man I wanted to drive for." That was team owner Rick Hendrick, someone Earnhardt Jr. has known since childhood. Hendrick said the deal, struck with Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, will run for five years. "I don't feel a whole lot of pressure," said Earnhardt Jr, 32, whose press conference was held at JR Motorsports in Mooresville, N.C., home to the Busch, Hooters and late-model series teams that he owns. "I'm pretty excited to drive Rick's cars. His on-track performance speaks for itself. I hope it ain't that hard to get me to victory lane." Still unresolved is Earnhardt's future with sponsor Anheuser Busch. The driver has become synonymous with the No. 8 Budweiser car which he will continue to drive for the duration of the 2007 season. (More at USAToday.com)
June 12, 2007
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announcement is planned: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET at his JR Motorsports race shop. (JR Motorsports, PR)
July 18, 2006
Ky. Busch's Crew wins Drive-Thru Challenge: Kyle Busch's over-the-wall crew had two reasons to celebrate when they left New Hampshire International Speedway Sunday. Not only did Busch win the NEXTEL Cup event, but his No. 5 Kellogg's pit crew also took top honors in the weekly Checkers®/Rally's® Double Drive-Thru Challenge. "The Kellogg's guys worked their tails off in New Hampshire," said Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 5 team. "They had flawless pit stops and never lost focus all day long. It was one of the hottest days we've had on pit road and they just went out there and did their job. The No. 5 team deserves respect because they are a great pit crew. I'm proud of how hard they work and they deserve this reward." This is the third Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge win of the season for Busch's team, which is now tied with Tony Stewart's crew for second place in the season-long competition. Jimmie Johnson's crew leads with four victories. "My guys did it for me in New Hampshire," said Busch. "They were on the money every stop. Alan (Gustafson) made great calls and I just can't say enough because it was a total team effort, right down to the guys who build the cars and motors back at Hendrick Motorsports." Busch's over-the-wall team, out of the Hendrick Motorsports stable, spent 133.356 seconds on pit road to claim the win. The group includes: Rick Pigeon (jackman), Jeremy "JD" Holcomb (front-tire carrier), DJ Richardson (front-tire changer), Jason Jones (rear-tire carrier), Josh Kirk (rear-tire changer), Brad Pickens (gasman), Jason Dalrymple (catch can), and Whit Satterwhite (eighth-man). The pit crew coach is Mark Mauldin. Busch's crew collected $10,500 for the win. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR
July 16, 2006
Ky. Busch wins first race of 2006: There was plenty to distract Kyle Busch during his victory in Sunday's Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. There was Tony Stewart, the defending race winner and a primary threat to Busch, crashing out of the lead after colliding with the lapped car of pole-sitter Ryan Newman. There was Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffering a blown engine and finishing last. There was a bizarre accident between Michael Waltrip and Robby Gordon under caution that forced an eight-lap overtime with several drivers — Busch included — already testing the limits of their gas tanks. None of the plot twists in a wild race featuring 11 caution flags fazed the 21-year-old, who stuck to a new single-minded philosophy of worrying only about his No. 5 Chevrolet. (USA Today - Results - Points)
July 13, 2006
No penalty for J. Gordon
Gordon offers no apology
July 10, 2006
J. Gordon likes Montoya's move to NASCAR
July 7, 2006
J. Gordon featured on ESPN SportsCenter's Make-A-Wish Series
June 30, 2006
J. Gordon to race 24hrs at Daytona
June 28, 2006
#48 Lowe's Crew wins Drive-Thru Challenge: Jimmie Johnson's team extended its lead in the season-long Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge by winning the award in Sunday's Dodge/ Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. The victory was the fourth of the season for the #48 Lowe's pit crew. They also picked up wins at Daytona, California, and Charlotte. Tony Stewart's, Elliott Sadler's and Kyle Busch's crews are tied for second place with two wins each. Johnson's team will be awarded the weekly $10,500 prize. An additional $105,000 will be presented to the pit crew with the most wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule. Johnson's over-the-wall crew, which spent only 109.657 seconds on pit road during the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event, includes: Chris Anderson (jackman), Art Simmons (front-tire carrier), Mike Trower (front-tire changer), Ron Malec (rear-tire carrier), Tim Ladyga (rear-tire changer), Rich Gutierrez (gasman), Mike Knauer (catch can) and Sean Kerlin (eighth-man). The Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge is in its second season with the Nextel Cup Series. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)
June 25, 2006
Vickers to Toyota, to drive #83 Red Bull car: Brian Vickers will drive for Team Red Bull in 2007, positioning himself to be the future of Toyota as the Japanese automaker prepares for its Nextel Cup debut, The Associated Press has learned. The hiring was confirmed to the AP on Sunday night by Red Bull officials at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. "Brian brings not only youth, but also championship credentials to the Red Bull seat," general manager Marty Gaunt said. "More importantly, he shares the same vision held by Team Red Bull and he becomes a key building block in the foundation of our team." Vickers asked earlier this month to be released from his contract with Hendrick Motorsports, where he has driven since 2003. His request was granted, clearing the way for Vickers to emerge from the shadow of his successful Hendrick teammates to drive for a startup company that will build its organization around the promising 22-year-old. "I hope this makes us - me and Team Red Bull - champions," Vickers said by phone from Sonoma, Calif., following his 14th-place finish in the NASCAR race. (AP/FoxSports.com)
Gordon king of the road
J. Gordon engaged
June 21, 2006:
GMAC Crew wins Drive-Thru Challenge: Brian Vickers' pit crew claimed the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge win in Sunday's rain-shortened 3M Performance 400, becoming the 10th Nextel Cup team of the season to capture the weekly competition. The victory was the result of Vickers' #25 Chevy spending the least amount of time on Michigan International Speedway's pit road - 337.524 seconds. "It was a solid performance by the GMAC Racing team on pit road at Michigan," said Hendrick Motorsports pit crew coach Mark Mauldin. "We had all of our regulars on the crew back in place and it showed. We expect to be able to win this award a couple of mores times before the season is finished." Vickers' over-the-wall crew includes: Mike Moore (jackman), Jake Brzozowski (front-tire carrier), Tony Hamm (front-tire changer), Matt Myers (rear-tire carrier), Jeff Fabian (rear-tire changer), Chris Fasulka (gasman), Chris Hamilton (catch can) and Jim Jenkins (windshield). Crew chief for the #25 team is Lance McGrew. The program awards $10,500 per week to the pit crew of the car spending the least amount of time on pit road. In addition, a bonus of $105,000 will be awarded to the pit crew with the most wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule. Jimmie Johnson's crew leads the season standings with three Checkers/Rally's Drive-Thru Challenge wins. Tony Stewart's, Elliott Sadler's and Kyle Busch's crews are tied for second with two wins each. (DMF Communications PR)
June 19, 2006:
J. Gordon angry with teammate Johnson: Jeff Gordon was upset with Hendrick Motorsports teammate and good friend Jimmie Johnson during Sunday's 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. He led 50 of the first 68 laps, but it was a pair of three-wide encounters with Johnson that raised Gordon's ire. Gordon spoke to his crew over the team's radio about his displeasure, and the conversation was picked up by Fox television broadcasters. "I'll definitely talk to him about it," Gordon said as rain pelted the garage after the race was called. "I didn't understand why the second he got a chance to take me three-wide when I was trying to pass somebody, [he did]. "We had a good car, and we were taking our time, making some passes, and he got inside me, made it three-wide twice. I just didn't think it was necessary at the time, and I was just asking for him to give me a little bit of a break and explain to me what was going on." (Scene Daily)
June 15, 2006:
C. Mears to Hendrick Motorsports Officially: Car owner Rick Hendrick today announced the signing of driver Casey Mears to pilot Hendrick Motorsports' #25 Chevys in the Nextel Cup Series beginning in 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed. Mears, 28, inked a multi-year agreement that will keep him with the team through at least the 2009 racing season. He will replace Brian Vickers, who is slated to complete the current schedule after being granted a release from contractual obligations to Hendrick Motorsports beyond 2006. "Casey is a talented driver and a high-character person who is going to be a great fit with our organization," Hendrick said. "He has the ability to win races and ultimately contend for championships, so we're thrilled to welcome him to Hendrick Motorsports." In the midst of his fourth full season, Mears has posted two pole positions, five top-five finishes and 21 top-10s on the NEXTEL Cup circuit. The Bakersfield, Calif., native kicked off the 2006 campaign with a career-best second-place performance in the Feb. 19 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, where on Jan. 29 he became the first full-time NASCAR driver to be part of a winning Grand American Rolex 24 team. "I'm committed to winning races and going after championships with the #25 team," said Mears, the son of legendary off-road racer Roger Mears and nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Rick Mears. "This is an opportunity for me to work with close friends and start fresh with one of the top organizations in all of sports. It's an exciting situation for me, both personally and professionally." (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
June 8, 2006:
Vickers seeks release from Hendrick, Mears likely to replace him: Brian Vickers asked for and received permission from Hendrick Motorsports to look for a new ride, and Casey Mears was in line to replace him Thursday after informing car owner Chip Ganassi he won't be returning next year. Mears' decision comes after weeks of his steadfast claims that he wanted to extend his contract with Ganassi and was not interested in talking to other teams. Ganassi hired Mears in 2003 and stuck with him despite several mediocre seasons. "I wish him well," Ganassi said. "I obviously take a lot of pleasure in the fact that I brought Casey a long way, and hopefully his next step will be as fruitful for him as his last step was." Ganassi said he'll begin his search immediately for a driver for his No. 42 Dodge. But the talent pool is thin, even with Vickers now in it. He's likely headed to either Robert Yates Racing's top seat in the No. 88 Ford, or to one of the Toyota seats for its inaugural 2007 season. "Brian came to us recently and expressed his desire to explore opportunities outside our organization," Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex said Thursday. "Although he is under contract, we have given him permission to do so." (Sporting News)
June 7, 2006:
Gordon and Smith inducted into Wall of Fame
June 5, 2006:
Knaus Wins WYPALL® Wipers Race Award
June 3, 2006:
Ky. Busch regrets incident: Kyle Busch on Coca-Cola 600 incident "It is a tough situation to go through," he said. "We had a car that was capable of winning. It's tough to hold that emotion back and keep that frustration under control, and there is a point of no return. "...You try to learn from others' experiences, but you never know the severity of it until you do it yourself. I hate that it happened and I am just going to go on with what did happen because that is the only way to do it." (Charlotte Observer)
May 31, 2006:
Both Mayfield and Busch docked points, Busch fined 50k: Kyle Busch, driver of the #5 Kellogg's Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, has been fined, penalized points and placed on probation because of a rule infraction this past Sunday during the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Busch was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR Rule Book. He disobeyed a directive from a NASCAR official, entered the racing surface without authorization and threw an object at another competitor’s car during the event. He has been fined $50,000, penalized 25 Driver Championship points and placed on probation until Dec. 31. The infraction also resulted in car owner Rick Hendrick being penalized 25 Owner Championship points. In addition, the #19 Dodge team was found to be in violation of Section 12-4-A, 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 20-12.8.1A (roof height too low in post-race inspection). That infraction resulted in crew chief Chris Andrews being fined $35,000, driver Jeremy Mayfield losing 25 driver points and car owner Ray Evernham losing 25 owner points. Also, Don Richardson, crew member on the #5 Chevrolet team, has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. He violated 12-4-A, because of improper use of a NASCAR credential. (NASCAR PR)
Mayfield and Ky. Busch penalties expected today: NASCAR typically issues penalties on Tuesday, but today they delayed action on possible sanctions for both Kyle Busch and the Evernham Motorsports No. 19 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield. Busch, who drew NASCAR’s ire earlier this year at Phoenix for ramming Casey Mears’ car during a red flag, threw his HANS device at Mears after the two collided Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600. Mayfield’s car failed the postrace inspection in the same race when it came up one-eighth of an inch too low in the roof height measurement test. “The way we run these cars now, it beats these springs to death and they settle and you never know how much,” said team owner Ray Evernham. “They were low, no doubt about it. … The front springs gave up. It settled too much.” Mayfield finished 15th in the race. (SPEEDTV)
May 25, 2006:
Knaus and Hendrick near extension through 2010: Crew chief Chad Knaus is close to reaching a three-year extension that will keep him with Hendrick Motorsports and driver Jimmie Johnson through 2010. "We've talked this week about trying to finish up a contract with him and going ahead and putting that to bed,'' said owner Rick Hendrick, who last week extended Johnson's deal. Hendrick said at Daytona he hoped to extend Knaus' deal, which runs through 2007, before the end of the season. But after NASCAR suspended Knaus for the first four races speculation emerged that negotiations were stalled. Knaus said last week that there had been no recent discussions. (NASCAR.com)
May 23, 2006:
Ky. Busch fined $150 for citation: NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Kyle Busch was fined $150 plus court costs after being found guilty of improper driving this morning in Henrico General District Traffic Court. Busch was originally ticketed for reckless driving after an incident near the corner of South Laburnum Avenue and Williamsburg Road on April 12. He appeared in court this morning with attorney Toby Vick and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge. (Times-Dispatch)
May 15, 2006:
Lowe's and Jimmie Johnson extends with Hendrick through 2010
May 9, 2006:
Terry Labonte's final start at Darlington, and to be honored: Terry Labonte, driver of the No. 44 Kellogg's Chevrolet, will make his 54th and final Darlington (S.C.) Raceway start Saturday evening. Racing a limited schedule in his last NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, Labonte will enter eight more events for Hendrick Motorsports in 2006, including the last of his career in November at Texas Motor Speedway. Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning will present Labonte with a one-of-a-kind memento during pre-race driver introductions Saturday evening. The piece includes souvenir program covers from significant Darlington races throughout Labonte's career, including his first start, first win, most recent win and final start. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
May 2, 2006:
Vickers on winning, and Hendrick contract: "As far as the pressure, I'll be honest with you, I really don't feel any pressure," Vickers said. "Rick has made it clear that he's happy - everybody is happy. "As far as the contract situation, we don't divulge that information. There's no way anybody could know what year we are in our contract. "We're all set there, taken care of, and everybody is happy. (Salem-Journal)
May 1, 2006:
Johnson wins rain delayed Aaron's 499: No controversy this time. Jimmie Johnson's win was fair and square. Johnson erased a career full of Talladega Superspeedway troubles, barreling past teammate Brian Vickers with one lap to go then holding off a charge from Tony Stewart to win the rain-postponed Aaron's 499 on Monday. It makes Johnson 2-for-2 in restrictor-plate races this year. And this one won't have an asterisk. His season-opening Daytona 500 win fell under intense scrutiny when crew chief Chad Knaus was suspended for cheating during race preparations. Although Johnson rallied to win the race in a legal car, he was forced to defend himself and his team from a wave of criticism that spoiled the victory. Not this time. (ABC News - Points - Results)
April 30, 2006:
Busch and Mears have yet to talk: Kyle Busch would like to apologize to Casey Mears, but his NASCAR Nextel Cup competitor won't call him. The 20-year-old Busch said he has yet to talk with Mears since their on-track run-in last week in Phoenix. "I've tried to talk to Casey," Busch said. "I left a message with Brian Vickers, who is a very close friend of his and mine, to give him my phone number, and I haven't heard back from him." Mears didn't sound very forgiving this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. "I know that he'd call and apologize because a lot of people told him he should call and apologize, not because he really wants to," Mears said. "I'm glad he didn't [call], because I wouldn't have taken it as a true apology anyway." (Myrtle Beach Sun News)
April 25, 2006:
NASCAR will not fine younger Busch: Kyle Busch will receive no further penalty from NASCAR for hitting Casey Mears while the red flag was displayed during Saturday night's Nextel Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Busch was assessed a five-lap penalty during the race for the incident, but that was after his car had sustained damage and he was already more than 40 laps down from the race leader. NASCAR officials said Tuesday, after meeting twice about the incident over the past two days, that the incident had been dealt with "before and after the race." (Charlotte Observer)
April 20, 2006:
Kyle Busch makes a pole run: Kyle Busch picked up where he left off at Phoenix International Raceway, winning the pole Thursday to put himself in prime position to win a second straight race in the desert. Busch, who won at Phoenix last November, ran a lap at 133.745 mph to take the top qualifying spot for Saturday night's Subway Fresh 500. His lap bested Greg Biffle, who qualified second with a lap at 133.383, and Tony Stewart, who was third at 133.299. After crossing the line, Busch barked into his radio. "I was just chomping at the bit," said Busch, who was cited for reckless driving in Richmond, Va., last week and was booed by the Phoenix fans most of the day. He then celebrated his first pole since February of last year by climbing onto the pit road wall and waving his arms in the air. (USA Today - Starting Grid)
April 15, 2006:
Kyle Busch talks about citation: The 20-year-old NASCAR Nextel Cup driver was issued a summons for reckless driving about 10 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the KFC restaurant on Williamsburg Road near Richmond International Airport. Busch met with the media yesterday after practice for today's Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway, and he said the ticket has been blown out of proportion. The driver was on his way back to the airport after spending two days in town for testing at Richmond International Raceway. Busch said he was leaving a gas station next to the restaurant in a Buick Rendezvous and saw traffic starting to advance. He said he stepped on the gas while turning right, admitting it might have been too hard, then "went about 20 feet at less than 10 miles an hour" and turned into the KFC. There, he says, he paused to let pedestrians cross the parking lot before entering the drive-through lane. After ordering his food, he noticed the police lights. It was then he said he found out he was being ticketed for reckless driving. "There was no smoke," Busch said. "Nothing. I pulled off the curb, and as you pull off the curb there's a little dip. I planted my foot into the throttle, maybe a little too heavy, in order to beat traffic so I could pull into the KFC before anyone would have a chance to rear-end me." (Times-Dispatch)
April 14, 2006:
Younger Busch, Kyle ticketed for Reckless Driving: NASCAR driver Kyle Busch was ticketed for reckless driving in a Richmond suburb Wednesday night. The misdemeanor charge carries up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine and a driver's license suspension, said Sgt. Don Lambert, with Henrico County police. The charge also calls for a mandatory court appearance; Busch will appear in Henrico County General District Court on May 23. Lambert said the incident happened at 10 p.m. near Richmond International Airport, a few minutes outside the city. Neither speed nor alcohol was a factor, though Lambert would not provide further details. "The officer observed his driving behavior consistent with reckless driving," he told The Associated Press late Thursday night. (AP/CNNSI)
Hendrick Family places cross at crash site: Members of NASCAR's Hendrick family have erected a 14-foot cross on Bull Mountain in memory of the 10 people who died when a team plane crashed there in 2004. The 8-foot-wide polished metal cross was placed at the private site about two weeks ago, according to Jesse Essex, manager of media relations for Hendrick Motorsports. He did not know what company completed the project. The cross replaces smaller versions placed at the site soon after the Oct. 25, 2004, crash, which occurred as the group was en route to a Nextel Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Federal investigators concluded that the flight crew improperly read instruments and missed a landing approach to Blue Ridge Airport, resulting in the Beech King Air 200 crashing into the fog-shrouded mountain. (ThatsRacin)
March 29, 2006:
5 Kellogg's testing: #5 Crew chief Alan Gustafson has selected Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 263 for Sunday's race at Martinsville. The Kellogg's team tested the car, which saw action in both Martinsville events in 2005, on March 22 at Caraway Speedway, a .455-mile oval in Asheboro, N.C. (Hendrick Motorsports Weekly Release)
Feb. 20, 2006:
Hendrick won't appeal suspension: Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said Monday morning that barring unforeseen circumstances, the organization would not appeal what they feel is a certain NASCAR suspension of crew chief Chad Knaus. Knaus was sent away from Daytona International Speedway and Speedweeks 2006 two Sundays ago after Hendrick's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet failed its post-qualifying inspection. NASCAR officials said they would not issue any further penalties until this week, following last Sunday's Daytona 500 -- which Knaus' driver Jimmie Johnson won, giving Hendrick his sixth career Daytona 500 victory. "We don't plan to appeal anything," Hendrick said during a media gathering following the induction of the No. 48 Chevrolet into Gatorade Victory Lane at Daytona USA. "We're leaving the door open [because] if [the penalty] is something wild and crazy, we would surely be open for [an appeal]. "We want to get on with life. It was hard on the team and the sponsors, so [moving on] is the way we'd rather do it." (NASCAR.com)
Feb. 18, 2006:
Hendrick wants Knuas to sign long-term deal: Run-ins between crew chief Chad Knaus and NASCAR, including his ejection from Sunday's Daytona 500, haven't interrupted plans to renegotiate a long-term deal with Hendrick Motorsports. Team owner Rick Hendrick said he hopes to have a new deal with Knaus, who has two years left on his current contract, before the end of the season. "We want him. He wants us. Lowe's is happy. Life is good,'' Hendrick said. "He's been a big influence in our whole organization. This has been a little bump in the road, but we're putting it behind us and moving on.'' NASCAR ejected Knaus from Speedweeks on Monday for illegally rigging a device to create an aerodynamic advantage in the rear window of Jimmie Johnson's car during qualifying. Officials told NASCAR.COM that Knaus likely will be suspended for one or two more races. "This hasn't influenced either one of us,'' Hendrick said. "We're right where we were. This has been a hiccup, but we haven't lost our focus and we're ready to move on.'' (NASCAR.com)
Feb. 12, 2006:
Hendrick comments on suit: Team owner Rick Hendrick on Saturday said he was "very disappointed" in Dianne Dorton, the widow of one of the men killed in a 2004 Hendrick Motorsports plane crash, for comments she's made referencing a wrongful death lawsuit she's filed against the company. Dorton and the wife of another man killed in the 2004 crash recently filed wrongful death lawsuits claiming the company was negligent in their husbands' deaths. Dorton, the widow of Hendrick engine builder Randy Dorton, said in an interview with the Observer that the lawsuit was "just an insurance issue" after the company didn't respond to her requests for help after her husband died. Her lawsuit alleges company president John Hendrick rejected the pilot's suggestion to divert to a different airport because of foggy weather in Martinsville, Va. Dorton and Hendrick were among 10 people killed in the October 2004 crash of the plane. "You can do a lawsuit for an insurance company, but you don't have to personally attack my family and you don't have to say the company hasn't helped when we've broken our back and been there and done things," an emotional Hendrick said Saturday. "Those are the two things that bother me. Lawsuits don't bother me. That's why we have insurance. To attack my family personally when we've done everything we can, I was very disappointed in Dianne." Hendrick disputes Dorton's claim he didn't respond to requests for help. "I paid Randy's bonus in 2004. I paid him six months in 2005. She's got a BMW, I paid her insurance. We had somebody there helping her night and day and available, I met with her anytime she wanted to," he said. Dorton was out of the country Saturday and unavailable for comment. Hendrick called accusations his brother, John, overruled a pilot to land at the Martinsville airport "totally false." (Miami Herald)
Feb. 8, 2006:
Suit filed in Hendrick plane crash: The wife of one of the people who died in the Hendrick plane crash has filed a new lawsuit that places partial blame for the crash on John Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports. Those allegations come from Diane Dorton, who claims Hendrick's desire to get to the race on time may have contributed to the deaths of the ten people in that crash. In a claim she filed on behalf of husband Randy Dorton she claims there were a sequence of events leading up to the crash that could have been avoided. She also claims that they could have also chosen not to go at all. Randy Dorton called Diane on the morning of October 2, 2004. The conversation involved Randy's delay flying to the Subway 500 race in Martinsville. Randy built engines for NASCAR and for Hendrick race teams. Dianne said Randy told her he was supposed to fly by helicopter, but the helicopter was grounded due to bad weather. They'd fly in a Hendrick Motorsports plane instead. Randy waited in the Hendrick hangar for more than an hour. He called Dianne and told her he didn’t think they'd go. He called 47 minutes later and said "we're going." It's not clear who gave the go order for the trip. It's an alleged conversation between pilot Richard Tracy and Hendrick Motorsports president John Hendrick that's part of a negligence and misconduct lawsuit against Hendrick Motorsports. The suit claims Tracy proposed flying to Danville instead of the Blue Ridge airport due to the weather and that Hendrick said that option was unacceptable because they'd be too far from the track and late for the race. Danville is farther away from the track than Blue Ridge. "He told us that and I feel certain that he would stay by what he said," said David Burgess, Dianne Dorton's attorney. Burgess said the grounded helicopter pilot was part of that conversation and could be called to testify. A separate lawsuit against Hendrick Motorsports alleges at least 27 other planes aborted landings at Blue Ridge due to weather. Diane said the lawsuit isn't about money. She said it's about finding the truth about what happened to Randy, what happened onboard the plane, addressing accountability and making future airplane travel safer for her friends in NASCAR. 6NEWS asked Hendrick Motorsports for their side of this story. They refused, saying they can't talk about a legal matter. (wncn.com)
Feb. 7, 2006:
Pilot error probable cause of Hendrick plane crash: Flight crew errors probably caused a Hendrick Motorsports plane crash in October 2004 that killed 10 people with ties to one of NASCAR's top syndicates, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday. The crew improperly read instruments and missed a landing approach to Blue Ridge Airport, resulting in the Beech King Air 200 crashing into fog-shrouded Bull Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians, the NTSB said in a synopsis of the report sent via e-mail to The Associated Press. 0"Contributing to the cause of the accident was the flight crew's failure to use all available navigational aids to confirm and monitor the airplane's position during the approach," NTSB staff wrote. The crash killed the son, brother and two nieces of Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick. (WRAL.com)
J. Gordon to use Holograms to protect merchandise
Jan. 20, 2006:
Mountain Dew reups: Mountain Dew will be an associate sponsor of Brian Vickers' #25 GMAC Chevy throughout the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series season announcing a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Hendrick Motorsports. The season will mark the 20th anniversary of the #25 Hendrick Motorsports team, which has 29 pole positions and 15 wins since 1986. Vickers will also pilot #57 Mountain Dew Chevys in three Busch Series races in 2006: Feb. 25 at California, May 12 at Darlington, and Aug. 19 at Michigan. Vickers will be featured in Mountain Dew advertising and on in-store display materials. He joins teammate #24-Jeff Gordon as part of the Pepsi-Cola racing team. Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew's parent company, has been involved with stock car racing for more than five decades. Today, Pepsi serves its products at 15 of the 22 NEXTEL Cup tracks and is the title sponsor of the Pepsi 400, which is held annually at Daytona International Speedway. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
Jan. 18, 2006:
J. Johnson guest stars in Las Vegas at AMS
Jan. 17, 2006:
Vickers recovers after surgery: Brian Vickers' #25 GMAC Chevy was sixth fastest in Monday's test session at Daytona International Speedway, but he was back home in North Carolina having surgery to repair a hernia. Team spokesman Chris Haid said Vickers, 22, was resting comfortably Monday evening after a successful operation. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Jan. 6, 2006:
T. Labonte to drive final NEXTEL cup season: Hendrick Motorsports today unveiled the 2006 schedule of two-time champion Terry Labonte, who will appear in 10 races with the organization during his final year of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition. The team will again campaign its No. 44 Chevrolets with primary sponsorship from Kellogg Company, GMAC and CARQUEST Auto Parts. Kellogg’s will continue its 12-year relationship with Labonte as primary sponsor in half of the planned events. “This is an opportunity for me to have a little more fun,” said Labonte, 49, who has 22 career Cup victories and two series championships (1984 and 1996) to his credit. “I’ve been fortunate to do this for nearly three decades and I’m excited to go back to some of the places that have meant so much to me, my team and my family over the years.” Labonte, who began racing at the Cup level in 1978, will appear at six different venues during his 2006 Hendrick Motorsports “Shifting Gears – Lone Star Style” schedule, including multiple races at Texas Motor Speedway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway. A Corpus Christi, Texas, native, Labonte will compete April 9 at Texas Motor Speedway, followed by dates at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Chicagoland Speedway. The July 23 event at Pocono will open the second half of the 10-race slate, prior to dates at California Speedway, Kansas Speedway and Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The final race of Labonte’s storied career will come Nov. 5 at Texas Motor Speedway. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
Dec. 21, 2005:
Ky. Busch to run double duty in '06: Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports announced that Kyle Busch is scheduled to drive the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet in every NASCAR Busch Series race in 2006. "It's good to be back in the Lowe's Chevrolet and back full time in the Busch Series," said Busch, who was named the series' Rookie of the Year and finished second in the championship standings in 2004. "Hopefully we can repeat the success we had in my first season. I love the Busch Series, so I'm excited that Lowe's, its vendor partners and especially Lowe's employees are enthusiastic about having me back. I know its going to make for a pretty hectic schedule, but I'm a racer. The more I race, the happier I am. " The 20-year-old's six career NASCAR Busch Series victories have all come in the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet, including a win at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Busch drove a partial NASCAR Busch Series schedule last season while competing full time in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, where he won twice and claimed Rookie of the Year honors. Busch will continue in the No. 5 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series car in addition to his new NASCAR Busch Series duties for Hendrick Motorsports. "Kyle Busch is a phenomenal talent, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is excited about having him back in the No. 5 Lowe's Chevy," said Marshall Carlson, general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. "We're honored to represent Lowe's and their vendors in the NASCAR Busch Series, and we've prepared to perform against a very competitive field next season." Kobalt, a line of tools and accessories available exclusively at Lowe's, will join returning vendor partners Spectracide, Sta-Green, Hitachi Power Tools, Shop-Vac, and Pella as associate sponsors of the No. 5 Chevrolet in 2006. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
Nov. 21, 2005:
Ky. Busch wins 2005 ROTY: Kyle Busch in the #5 Kelloggs Chevy clinched the 2005 Raybesto Rookie of Year at Homestead, beating out #77-Travis Kvapil, who was the only other full-time rookie driver. Busch racked up two wins, one pole, nine top-fives and 13 top 10 finishes this season. He claimed Raybestos Rookie of the Race 23 times in 36 races and was the only Raybestos Rookie to post a top-five finish this season. Busch joins Jeff Gordon (1993) as the only Hendrick Motorsports drivers to win Raybestos Rookie of the Year. He is the first Raybestos Rookie to post two or more wins since Jimmie Johnson won three races in 2002. Busch became the youngest pole winner in NASCAR's premier series (19 yrs., 9 mos. and 24 days) when he grabbed the No. 1 qualifying spot for the February 27 Auto Club 500 at California Speedway. He is also the most recent Raybestos Rookie to win a pole and is the only first-year driver to win a pole in 2005. Where the Raybestos Rookies finished at Homestead: T. Kvapil 32nd; K. Busch 41st. (Raybestos/Camp and Assoc PR)
Nov. 19, 2005:
Kyle Busch apologies to Media: Kyle Busch acknowledged Saturday that he made a mistake last week when he stormed out of a post-race interview following his victory at Phoenix. "I made a mistake and I realize that," Busch said Saturday. "Everything that was said was said during a high-emotion time. I know I have the opportunity of a lifetime here, and I don't want to screw it up any." (CNNSI)
Nov. 15, 2005:
Kyle Busch why not burnouts: "I just want to apologize to all the fans for not doing my normal smoky burnouts," Busch said during an interview in Victory Lane. NASCAR officials denied they had told Busch's team he could not perform any victory celebration. "He could have fried the tires off," said series director John Darby. Following his win at Atlanta in a Craftsman Truck Series race at Atlanta last month, Busch was told to go directly to Victory Lane. However, NASCAR officials insist that decision was prompted by debris scattered all along the frontstretch following a multicar wreck on the last lap of the race. (Miami-Herald)
Nov. 14, 2005:
Kyle Busch avoids reporters questions and walks out: In the PIR infield media center for the traditional winner’s interview, Kyle was queried about his emotions on the day when his brother was suspended following an encounter with local police Friday night. “The only thing I’m going to say is I’m behind my brother 100 percent and usually things in the media are false and that’s what it comes down to sometimes,” Kyle said. Soon after, USA Today reporter Chris Jenkins asked, “Kyle, what specifically has the media written this weekend that’s been false about your brother?” “I’m not going there, bud,” Kyle replied. “That was a really, really inappropriate question.” He then got up and stormed out of the media center, only to return some 15 minutes later. (Speed Channel)
Nov. 13, 2005:
Kyle Busch drives to Victory: Rookie Kyle Busch outdrove NASCAR's top contenders to win Sunday. All but one, that is. "I just want to say I'm behind my brother 100 percent," the 20-year-old winner said of Kurt Busch, who was suspended earlier in the day for a Friday night run-in with police. Standing on top of his No. 5 Chevrolet and waving to the cheering crowd at Phoenix International Raceway, Busch called his older brother, who won last year's Nextel Cup, "a true champion." Kurt Busch was suspended by Roush Racing earlier in the day for the last two races of the season after police accused him of reckless driving. Officers said he smelled of alcohol and was belligerent during a traffic stop near the speedway. Kenny Wallace drove the Roush car and finished 16th. Title contender Greg Biffle dominated the race, leading 189 of the 312 laps in the Checker Auto Parts 500. But the younger Busch, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, used a pit stop strategy to get track position, taking the lead for the first time lap 230 by staying on track when the leaders pitted. (ABC News - Results - Points)
Nov. 10, 2005:
Pepsi resigns with Hendrick: Pepsi and Hendrick Motorsports have extended one of NASCAR's most enduring relationships, today announcing an agreement that secures the New York-based beverage maker as a major associate sponsor and "Official Soft Drink" of Jeff Gordon's #24 DuPont Chevrolets through the 2010 NEXTEL Cup Series season. As part of the pact, Gordon in 2006 will drive Pepsi-branded race cars April 30 at Talladega, Ala., and July 1 in the company's signature event, the Pepsi 400, at Daytona Beach. NASCAR's 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2001 Cup Series champion, Gordon has been associated with Pepsi since 1997 and remains its most longstanding spokesperson. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
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