NASCAR & France Family News

Updated: 2009

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

NASCAR President Mike Helton says NASCAR will endure crisis: Southwest Virginia native and NASCAR President for the past 8 years--Mike Helton--says this sports has done too much not to endure this latest crisis brought on by the economy. (TriCities.com)

Monday, June 15, 2009

NASCAR in talks with other manufacturers: The fact Chevrolet joined Chrysler and Ford in cutting support to racing programs in NASCAR's top three series is hardly surprising, given the stark reality of the economy as a whole, but such moves may hasten the arrival of more foreign carmakers. "We have been talking to people for off and on for a long time," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said before Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. "These are decisions in terms of the new manufacturers joining the sport that would take a long time to evaluate and actually enter. "Of course, we're the preeminent place in North America for car manufacturers to build their business with an auto racing group. We remain that, and clearly there's some companies that are going to look at opportunities that may not have even been there in the past that could be presented in the future. "We'll have our philosophical approach to that in terms of welcoming new companies in, as we did with Toyota. It is under a very clear set of circumstances that the manufacturers come to NASCAR to compete. And that will not change." Though France declined to identify manufacturers that have had discussions with NASCAR, a logical entrant into the sport would be Honda, which competes head to head with its Japanese counterpart Toyota. (Sporting News)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

NASCAR announces a green initiative: NASCAR announced “NASCAR Green Clean Air” – a program to help capture the carbon emissions produced by racing. Under a pilot program that will expand significantly next year, NASCAR will plant ten new trees for each green flag that drops during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. The tracks participating in the tree-planting program – eleven this year and every venue visited by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 – will mitigate 100% of the carbon emissions produced by the race cars competing in their Sprint Cup Series events. Over time, rolled out across all three national series, NASCAR and its partners will be planting approximately 20 acres of new trees each year. Michigan International Speedway, which is at the forefront of green initiatives, is matching the carbon-capturing planting effort at its track. A tree stores approximately one ton of CO2 over its lifetime, which means that the entire CO2 emissions from a typical race will be offset during this time.(NASCAR PR)

Friday, June 12, 2009

NASCAR uncertain of GM's future in sport: A statement provided to the Free Press from a Chevrolet motorsports spokesman at the track did not confirm or deny the auto manufacturers’ future plans in the series. It said: “Chevrolet’s involvement in racing is a sound business decision that translates into the sale of cars and trucks. It is essential, however, that we continue to look at every penny we spend as General Motors takes the necessary steps to become a leaner company with a significantly stronger balance sheet. “While Chevy racing is talking to its business partners about ways to reduce cost and maximize the return of investment, it is our policy not to talk about the details of business relationships with our partners.” NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter spoke to the Free Press on today’s rumors. “It’s not secret GM is going through serious restructuring,” said Hunter. “How it will affect NASCAR — we don’t know. I would expect you’ll still see Chevys (in the series) on the race track. In the short-term, we don’t expect it to have serious effects; in the long-term, NASCAR doesn’t have answers to that." It is believed GM will also review its relationship with their Sprint Cup teams next week as the company continues to look at its involvement in NASCAR. (Detroit Free Press)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Mayfield's attorney claims NASCAR is 'butchering' him: Eyewitness News anchor Blair Miller spent Wednesday gathering comments from around racing.Driver Carl Edwards said that he is trying to reserve judgment on Mayfield's case for now, but said he thinks NASCAR is doing the right thing with its drug policy. "Nobody would say it's alright to race on the race track with someone who's impaired, and I think that NASCAR is trying to do their best and I feel good about it," he said.Miller also spoke with Bill Diehl, Mayfield's attorney, who couldn't comment directly on the details of the case because of a gag order. However, he did say, "NASCAR is butchering a nice young man who doesn't do drugs and hasn't done drugs. They're abusing their power." (WSOC-TV)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

NASCAR countersues Mayfield: NASCAR filed a countersuit against Jeremy Mayfield on Friday, accusing the suspended Sprint Cup driver of willfully violating the substance abuse policy, breach of contract and defrauding competitors of earnings. The suit stated that Mayfield knowingly participated in sanctioned competition using a combination of drugs in violation of the substance abuse policy that he agreed to follow. "And in doing so violated his contract with NASCAR and the standards of care for other drivers," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said from Pocono Raceway. Mayfield was suspended on May 9 for violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy after failing a random drug test taken a week earlier. He then hired Charlotte, N.C.-based attorney Bill Diehl and made charges against the governing body ranging from defamation of character to discrimination against someone with a disability (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Mayfield's attorneys argued in an open court hearing, in which they sought a temporary restraining order to get the driver back on the track, that Mayfield's positive test was the result of taking Adderall prescribed for ADHD and Claritin-D for allergies. NASCAR revealed in court that Mayfield tested positive for three drugs, two of which were explained (Adderall and Claritin-D) and amphetamines. Attorney Paul Hendrick described the drug as a dangerous, illegal, banned substance. "You will see in [the lawsuit] he competed in a number of races that had we known he had been on a medication he was on and certainly known there were illegal substances involved we wouldn't have allowed him to compete," Poston said. (ESPN.com)

France: We have heard the fans loud and clear: The use of the new format at Pocono, first reported Sunday by The Observer, should produce more opportunities for side-by-side racing among the best cars in the race. "We've heard the fans loud and clear: 'double-file restarts - shootout style' are coming to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," said Brian France, the NASCAR chairman. "This addition to the race format is good for competition and good for the fans." The push to adopt the format got a boost with its use in May's Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, which produced several exciting restarts in the final 10-lap segment. (Charlotte Observer)

Friday, June 5, 2009

NASCAR announces double-file restarts: NASCAR announced a change to its race format with the addition of “Double-File Restarts – Shootout Style” throughout each race. Beginning with this weekend at Pocono Raceway, the first- and second-place drivers will line up side-by-side as the green flag flies for each restart. “We’ve heard the fans loud and clear: ‘double-file restarts – shootout style’ are coming to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “This addition to the race format is good for competition and good for the fans.”
NASCAR recently used the “double-file” format for its non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, which produced an unpredictable finish. The format will be adapted for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the near future. Under the previous format, cars on the lead lap would restart in a single-file line while cars that had been lapped would start in a line next to them. Under the new format, the race leader will have the option to restart on the inside or outside lane. The second-place driver would then restart next to the leader. Regardless of where the leader starts, drivers in odd number positions (3rd, 5th, 7th places, etc.) will restart on the inside lane, while drivers in even number positions (4th, 6th, 8th places, etc.) will restart on the outside. All restarts will use the same format regardless of the number of laps remaining in the race. The first-place driver will continue to control the timing of restarts in a designated zone on the track. Likewise, cars are to stay in line until they reach the start/finish line. The first eligible car a lap or more down will continue to earn one lap back following a caution, which is known as the “free pass.” However, a new element beginning this week will be that the “free pass” will remain in effect the entire race [before it was all race until 10 or less laps to go, then none was awarded]. Lapped cars choosing to remain on the track will be “waved around” the caution car and will restart the race in respective track position, thus picking up a lap to the leader provided the leader also pits. This will also remove lapped cars from behind the pace car, allowing the leaders to take the green without interference.(NASCAR PR)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

NASCAR ask to move Jeremy Mayfield case to federal court: NASCAR on Tuesday moved Jeremy Mayfield's challenge of his indefinite suspension to federal court, a move that could keep the driver out of his car another week. The notification came a day before a North Carolina Superior Court was scheduled to hear arguments pertaining to Mayfield's suspension for failing a random drug test. NASCAR's action automatically stayed that proceeding. Mayfield had hoped a judge would reinstate him in time to compete this weekend at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. His attorneys will now have to either fight the suspension in federal court, or petition the case be moved back to the state level. "Administration of NASCAR's substance abuse policy extends to every state in which it races, which is why the logical forum is federal court," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. NASCAR has not revealed what substance Mayfield tested positive for, but his attorneys said in court he tested positive for amphetamines. Bridges warned both sides not to discuss Mayfield's test results.(Associated Press)

Monday, June 1, 2009

NASCAR likely to introduce double-file restarts at Pocono: NASCAR distributed proposals to crew chiefs regarding possible procedures for double-file restarts which could be introduced as early as Pocono Raceway next week. The proposal states all starts will be double file. The race leader will have his choice of which lane to use for the restart. The third-place car will always start in the inside lane. There will be no changes in the free pass or "lucky dog," and cars that are one lap down can choose not to pit, therefore regaining a lap during a caution. The new rule appears to be a work in progress but Pocono is a 2.5-miler with plenty of space and opportunity to figure it out.(FOXSports.com)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Report: Mayfield expected to file lawsuit today: Sources tell NewsChannel 36 that Jeremy Mayfield's attorney will file a lawsuit today in Mecklenburg County Court. According to the source, it will be a temporary restraining order against NASCAR to keep the organization from enforcing a suspension. (WCNC.com)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Drivers talk about NASCAR town-hall meeting: No solutions, but plenty of ideas. That appeared to be the consensus among drivers and team owners who participated in two town-hall-style meetings earlier this week at NASCAR’s research and development center. “We talked about everything — about the drug policy, about marketing, about where the sport is today, about the fans, about the races, things we can do to make the sport better,” said driver Mark Martin, who attended the Tuesday morning session. “Whenever you put a group together like that, you typically get a lot of people who don’t agree. Everybody has their own ideas.” Suggestions included changes to the Sprint Cup car, changes to the tires and reduction in engine horsepower. “It was interesting to hear different people’s opinions about the speed of the cars, talking about the engines and what the racing would be like if we didn’t have as much horsepower,” said driver Ryan Newman. “In the end, I think to me personally, it’s important to have driver control. Driver control is what we’re out there to see.” NASCAR president Mike Helton said a true sport is “where the athletes can do things that normal people can’t, or people on the street can’t. The more we have control of the cars as drivers, the better the racing is in my opinion.” (KC Star)

Monday, May 25, 2009

NASCAR has no plans to settle dispute if suit is filed: Chairman Brian France says NASCAR has no plans to settle the dispute with suspended Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield out of court if a lawsuit is filed. "We'll defend the policy," France said before Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "We're very confident about the policy." Mayfield hired Charlotte-based attorney Bill Diehl to challenge his positive test that resulted in an indefinite suspension as a driver and owner for violating the substance abuse policy. Mayfield's denial has raised many questions among drivers about the policy. France said the mandatory meeting that NASCAR called for drivers and owners on Tuesday at the Research and Development Center in Concord was scheduled before the suspension. "It's not related to the drug issue or the substance abuse policy, although we'll take questions on that," he said. (ESPN.com)

Sunday, May 24, 2009

NASCAR facing possible protest: The Miami-Dade branch of the NAACP has set its sights on NASCAR, Homestead’s major national attraction, in its fight against the Confederate flag. The civil rights organization will first reach out to officials with NASCAR, seeking to enlist their help in efforts to ban the controversial symbol from city-sponsored events. If that does not work, however, NAACP officials say they will consider a boycott and protest march at the NASCAR events slated for Nov. 20-22 at the Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway. NAACP officials on Wednesday said they are drafting a letter to NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, who has publicly spoken out against the Confederate flag in recent years. If the civil rights organization does not get the racing league’s cooperation and support, officials there said they are prepared to begin contacting NASCAR’s sponsors, and to stage protests during the races.(South Florida Times)

Friday, May 22, 2009

NASCAR considering double-file restarts? NASCAR officials are looking at whether the double-wide restarts used in the All-Star race with all the leaders up front should be used for regular Sprint Cup races. "We've been talking about it for a year," series director John Darby said on Thursday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "Every time we have an All-Star race the frequency of those talks gets much louder. It's obviously something the fans like a lot. Their interest is our interest. We're looking at it." While most procedural changes are made during the offseason, Darby didn't rule out that a change could be made during the season if the governing body thought it made for better racing. "We use it in modified and Camping World East/West events," he said. "The only thing it hasn't applied to is the national series. What we have to look at is the downside. We try to apply every scenario that could create more problems. That's what we're working through." Races currently are started double-filed until 20 laps remain with lapped cars on the inside lane. That means a 15th-place car actually could be starting in the 30th position. All restarts 20 laps in are single file.(ESPN.com)

NASCAR calls for mandatory drivers meeting Tuesday: NASCAR has called a mandatory meeting for all Sprint Cup drivers and team owners for Tuesday morning at the Research and Development Center in Concord. Spokesman Ramsey Poston said it would be a town hall-type meeting to discuss the state of the sport. Chairman Brian France and president Mike Helton will attend to answer any questions. Poston said the hope is to have the meetings on a more regular basis. (ESPN.com)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Mayfield likely to decide on lawsuit in next couple days: Charlotte lawyer Bill Diehl, representing suspended NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield, on possible legal action: "First question, no lawsuit has been filed. Will there be a lawsuit? That will depend on what happens between Jeremy and NASCAR which ought to be known in the next couple of days."(Virginian-Pilot )

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

IRacing.com partners with NASCAR: Now the online computer simulation, which debuted last August, has added NASCAR's endorsement. IRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, based in Bedford and co-owned by Henry and Kaemmer, said it has reached a deal with NASCAR that could catapult iRacing.com to a new level of success. NASCAR says it will adopt the company's simulation - which is played against other users - as a virtual branch of auto racing, with potential scoring updates on NASCAR's website, spots on ESPN, and NASCAR trophies for the best video racers in the country. "We're literally going to be a brand of motor sports to them," said Tony Gardner, iRacing.com's president. "It's going to be NASCAR online." NASCAR said it expects the first officially-sanctioned online races to start in 2010. (Boston Globe)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Brian France remains optimistic about manufacturers future in NASCAR: While GM considers bankruptcy, Chrysler is already in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and could face restrictions on the money spent on in marketing. Of the 53 cars entered in Saturday's All-Star race and preliminary Sprint Showdown, 29 carried either GM's Chevrolet or Chrysler's Dodge brand. "They are current with all of their obligations with our sport," France said. "They're still going to be a company that needs to sell cars and trucks. We're still the best place in the country to do that from a sponsorship standpoint and the related benefits that you receive. And obviously those companies are going to have to make some tough choices." (AP)

Friday, May 15, 2009

Brian France says NASCAR will not disclose substance: NASCAR chairman Brian France on Friday put an end to speculation that Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield was indefinitely suspended for anything but a recreational drug. France hopes drivers questioning what Mayfield took get the message as well. The head of the sport said the banned substance Mayfield took was a "serious infraction," and defined it as a recreational or performance-enhancing drug. "I don't think the word serious needs anymore definition from me," France said before qualifying for Saturday's All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. France remained adamant that he would not identify the drug and that there are no plans to change NASCAR's policy despite requests by a number of top drivers that the substance be made public. "If you look back over the last 20 years of our policy we just haven't disclosed that, and let me tell you why," France said. "No. 1, we do take it serious. No. 2, there is a privacy area. We're talking about somebody's medical record and somebody's health record. "Our view is there is nothing gained by disclosing exactly what the substance was that tested positive in Jeremy's case or anybody else's." (ESPN.com)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Communities nationwide prepare to celebrate NASCAR Day tomorrow: The NASCAR Foundation and communities nationwide are preparing to celebrate NASCAR Day on May 15. NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the NASCAR community's spirit of giving. It is an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to donate to The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds to help thousands of children live better lives. Since 2004, NASCAR Day has united millions of fans and raised $6.5 million for charity, truly making an impact in the lives of those who need help the most. Fans can participate by donating via phone at 1-877-515-GIVE or online at WWW.NASCAR.COM/NASCARDAY. A $5 donation will let fans receive their 2009 NASCAR Day Pin. Fans can also donate their time by signing up for The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network to participate in events year round. Pins are also available for a donation at participating Sunoco APlus locations nationwide and at NASCAR.COM. Other businesses are participating in local markets. (PR)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

NASCAR closely monitoring NFL's proposed schedule expansion: Plans to expand the NFL's regular season could very well wind up putting the Super Bowl on the weekend that's also the traditional date for NASCAR's premiere event, the Daytona 500, based on comments from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Speaking Friday in a meeting with Associated Press Sports Editors before this weekend's draft in New York City, Goodell outlined a scenario for the extended regular season that would push the Super Bowl back to President's Day weekend. It would have two preseason games in August, down from the current four. That would be followed by an open week on Labor Day weekend, followed by the opening week of the regular season. “We have not found a saturation point for pro football, which is a good thing,” Goodell said. “I don't want to be around if we do.” NASCAR's position on an expanded NFL regular-season and a possible conflict with the Daytona 500 hasn't changed. “We're aware of the proposal and are watching to see what happens,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said.(Charlotte Observer)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

NASCAR doesn't see start-and-park teams as major issue: When it comes to start-and-park, the bottom line appears to be that it's not a major issue to NASCAR, which is usually keenly tuned to the public's perception of the sport. "NASCAR doesn't perceive this to be an issue," a statement released this week by the sanctioning body said. "It doesn't impact the quality of competition whatsoever. NASCAR has always been about teams having the opportunity to participate in our sport; some teams might not have the full complement of resources to compete at the same level as others, but it's all about having an opportunity." Virtually to a man, the owners who seem to be in the middle of the situation see it in the same way, as racers. And NASCAR said it has had no conversations with owners specific to what their intentions are once they qualify for races. Staying in line with its take that the situation is not one of concern, NASCAR said it would not monitor any closer the reasons teams give for the their cars' dropping out of races, which range from a variety of mechanical reasons such as "engine," "transmission" and "rear end" to more nebulous causes including "handling," "vibration" or "electrical." One thing NASCAR did dispel is the misconception that there is language in the current TV contracts for the three national tours that demands 43-car fields in Cup and Nationwide, and a 36-truck field in the Truck Series, with penalties resulting if full fields aren't provided. "It is NASCAR's responsibility to have a reasonable field of cars for each of its events," NASCAR said in a statement. "However, there is no language in the TV contracts that demands what the size of the fields must be."(NASCAR.com)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Jim France steps down as International Speedway Corp. CEO: Jim France will step down as chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation effective June 1 with Lesa Kennedy succeeding him in that role. Jim France is the son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., brother of former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. and uncle of current NASCAR chairman Brian France. Brian France is Lesa Kennedy’s brother. Jim France will retain his role as chairman of ISC’s board of directors. Lesa Kennedy will remain vice chair of the ISC board. “While I will miss being involved in the daily operations of ISC, I will continue to provide strategic oversight and support to Lesa and the rest of the ISC senior management team,” Jim France said in a memo to ISC employees. “Under Lesa’s outstanding leadership, the company’s Board of Directors has every confidence that ISC will remain a dynamic and successful company for many years to come.” (ThatsRacin.com)

Saturday, April 4, 2009

National Science Musuem partners with NASCAR: As science educators continue to explore ways to improve science scores among students grades 8-12, they now can turn to NASCAR. A new online series of videos called The Science of Speed, announced Friday at the Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) in Fort Worth, reveals the sophisticated science and engineering behind NASCAR racing to teach science. To bring the 12-module science video series to computer screens, NSF teamed with NASCAR, the largest sanctioning body of motorsports in the United States, University of Texas at Dallas physics professor Diandra Leslie-Pelecky—author of the book The Physics of NASCAR and Santa Fe Productions, Albuquerque, N.M. In a series of high-quality, easy-to-understand videos, fast cars double as science experiments that illustrate basic concepts of friction, safety, sound and other elements of racing at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Deftly guided onscreen by Leslie-Pelecky, viewers glimpse the intricacies of a rarely seen side of NASCAR—the science. Segments feature drivers, crew chiefs and engineers from numerous NASCAR garages including Jeff Gordon, Steve Letarte and Lisa Smokstad of Hendrick Motor Sports; Nick Hughes of Michael Waltrip Racing; Carl Edwards and Chris Andrews of Roush Fenway Racing; Josh Browne and John Probst of Red Bull Racing; Andy Randolph of Earnhardt Childress Racing and many others. Teachers and students can download the videos for free from NSF’s new website, Science360.gov. Science360.gov was created to be the preferred on-line destination for obtaining cutting-edge science information.(NASCAR PR)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

ISC revenue decline sharply: International Speedway Corp.'s fiscal first-quarter net income fell 31% on falling revenue amid price cuts as the racetrack operator cut its fiscal-year outlook, citing a worsening economy. The company has seen attendance at its events fall. The average income of NASCAR fans is below the national median, making them more susceptible to the recession. The company had also said it had begun to see a slowdown in corporate spending for hospitality, making the process of securing deals more time consuming. The company cut its fiscal-year earnings outlook to a range of $1.80 to $2 on revenue of $700 million to $720 million from December's estimate of $2.35 to $2.45 a share on revenue of $745 million to $765 million. It also said it wasn't including its Motorsports Authentics business in that estimate, saying that division's management was re-evaluating it given the challenges of selling licensed sports goods in the current market. President Lesa Kennedy said the company had reduced ticket prices to make it more affordable for fans to come to events. For the period ended Feb. 28, the motorsports promoter reported net income of $25.1 million, or 52 cents a share, down from $36.2 million, or 71 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items, earnings fell to 56 cents from 78 cents. Revenue decreased 14 percent to $166.1 million.(Wall Street Journal)

Saturday, March 7, 2009

NASCAR devises formula for restart line: NASCAR has established a formula for determining the length of the restart zone on the track. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, said Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway that officials will take the pit-road speed limit, double that figure and then set that as the distance in feet of the restart zone. At the start of this season, NASCAR created a zone where the leader must restart the race instead of giving the leader discretion from a certain area coming out of Turn 4 up to the starting line to restart the race. The rule is designed to create a more consistent restart at each track. Pit-road speeds typically range from 30 to 55 mph, depending on the length of the track. That means the restart zone will vary from 60-110 feet, depending on the track. "It will be twice the pit-road speed," Pemberton said. "It's a means to get variable lengths in there for the race track itself. It's something the garage area asked us to do. Is it perfect; maybe, maybe not. But, it's a start."(NASCAR PR)

Saturday, February 28, 2009

NASCAR moves restart line again: NASCAR is still experimenting with new distances for the restart zone. This weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it’s 90 feet. The zone two weeks ago was 50 feet at Daytona. Last week, it was 110 feet at Auto Club Speedway in California. (SceneDaily.com)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

NASCAR reevulating restart line: NASCAR is evaluating the 50-foot distance announced at the Budweiser Shootout as the new standard for the leader to restart an event. It could decrease from track to track based on driver input, officials said. Under the new rule, the leader has between the double-red line 50 feet from the start-finish line and single-red line at the start-finish line to start the race. Otherwise, the starter on the flag stand will start the field.(ESPN.com)

NASCAR to use single file restarts inside 20 laps: NASCAR will use single-file lineups for restarts with 20 laps remaining in all three national series this year, NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said today. The previous rule called for single-file restarts with only 10 laps remaining. All other restarts had lapped cars on the inside lane. NASCAR is still allowing for the first driver one-lap down to get back on the lead lap until there are 10 laps left in the race. Pemberton said the rule was to allow the leaders more room to race following a caution in the waning laps. “We’ve been talking to the crews, teams and drivers and we felt like it was a time to make a change,” Pemberton said. “We haven’t taken away the lucky dog and haven’t hurt anybody from getting a lap back.”(SceneDaily.com)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

NASCAR sponsorship renewals down: According to Andrew Giangola, head of Nascar business communications, sponsorship renewals are running at about 90%. Granted, a 10% decline over a few months is sharp, but I'm sure Madoff and Dow index fund investors would give their right arm to be down just 10%. Some big-name companies that have dropped out include Texaco, Wrigley's, Bass Pro Shops and Napa. But other sponsors are either holding firm or even expanding their Nascar sponsorships. (Wall Street Journal)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Grant lawsuit officially dismissed: The sexual and racial discrimination and harassment lawsuit filed in June by former NASCAR official Mauricia Grant has officially been dismissed in U.S. District Court in New York, according to court filings. NASCAR had announced Dec. 18 in a news release that it had reached a settlement in the suit, and that the terms of the settlement are confidential and neither NASCAR nor Grant admits liability nor wrongdoing by way of the settlement. NASCAR and Grant filed jointly Friday to voluntarily dismiss the case. No terms were listed in the filing, which was just one paragraph stating that both sides had agreed to discontinue the case. (SceneDaily.com)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

NASCAR statement on aviation investigation: Late Wednesday NASCAR released the following statement from Ramsey Posten Managing Director, Corporate Communications for NASCAR. "The NTSB finalized its report of the tragic accident that occurred on July 10, 2007. This process was largely about finding ways to make aviation safer and we support that effort. We have worked closely with aviation industry experts to improve our safety management systems so as to prevent an accident like this from occurring in the future. Our thoughts continue to be with those whose lives were affected that day." (NASCAR Examiner)

NASCAR to blame for aviation crash: Investigators blamed NASCAR for a "tragic, unnecessary" plane crash in 2007, saying the racing organization let one of its aircraft take off without checking an electrical problem reported the day before. NASCAR violated federal aviation rules when it allowed the small corporate plane back in the air on July 10, 2007, the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday. The Cessna 310 was en route from Daytona Beach to Lakeland in Florida when it crashed outside Orlando. The plane hit two homes, killing a 24-year-old law student and her 6-month-old son as well as a 4-year-old neighbor. Also killed were the NASCAR pilot and the husband of a NASCAR executive, a pilot himself. (ESPN.com)

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Brian France has no plans to leave NASCAR soon: NASCAR chairman Brian France doesn't plan to leave the sport, which has been run by a member of his family since it began in 1949, anytime soon. France's intentions came under question after he said last month at a motorsports marketing forum in New York that he would not be in the sport for 30 years like his father, Bill France Jr. hat, along with speculation from a few years ago that the 46-year-old France might relocate an existing NFL franchise to Los Angeles, had some questioning his dedication and effectiveness. But France insisted on Thursday during the final stop of the NASCAR media tour that he plans to be around the sport founded by his grandfather, Bill France Sr., for a long time. "This gets misunderstood whenever I say something like that," France said. "It simply means that my father [spent] 32 years as CEO and president of NASCAR. All I said was that's not in the cards for me, I don't think it's a smart thing for the sport. "It doesn't mean I won't have a long run. I hope I do. I hope I'm doing what I'm doing. I really like what I'm doing and like working in the industry." (ESPN.com)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

NASCAR rejects local television blackout proposal: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith might like the idea of local television blackouts for races that are not sold out, but NASCAR and at least one television partner do not. Paul Brooks, the NASCAR senior vice president who oversees its broadcasting efforts, said such blackout would create too many problems. "Event attendance is a priority for NASCAR and our television partners," Brooks said. "However, there are many significant issues, unique to NASCAR, that arise around the concept of local TV blackouts. "TV partners, advertisers, ratings, team and event sponsors would all be negatively impacted. However, the most significant issue is the negative effect this move would have for our fans. "We need to continue to find ways to bring our fans even more television, Internet, radio and new-media coverage and continue to remind fans that the ultimate NASCAR experience will always be sitting in the grandstands watching that race live." (ThatsRacin.com)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Bud Shootout format revised: NASCAR announced Friday a revision to the 2009 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona format that provides each manufacturer with a ‘wild card’ entry, increasing the size of the field from 24 to 28 cars, highlighting the manufacturers’ involvement in NASCAR, and featuring more drivers for fans to support. The 31st annual season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway will be held on Saturday night, Feb. 7. As was announced last August, the lineup will consist of the top six teams from each manufacturer, based on the final 2008 car owner points. Eligibility is based on owners competing in this event with the same manufacturer as 2008. The new wrinkle calls for each manufacturer to be able to enter a seventh car, or “wild card” entry, based on the following criteria:
• Any owner outside of the top six in year end 2008 owners’ points whose driver is a past NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion that attempted to qualify for all of the 2008 events (only one position will be filled per manufacturer and will be based on the most recent past champion per manufacturer).
• If an owner/manufacturer does not have a past champion driver, the next highest eligible owner outside the top six in year end 2008 owners’ points from each manufacturer will be eligible to compete in the event.
As previously announced, the race distance will be increased from 70 laps to 75 (187.5 miles) on the 2.5-mile tri-oval. The race will have two segments of 25 and 50 laps. Both green- and yellow-flag laps will count. Between segments, there will be a 10-minute pit stop at which time teams will pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform functions they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR Sprint Cup event. All work must be performed on pit road or in the garage. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted. Starting positions will again be determined by a blind draw, at the annual Budweiser Shootout Draw Party on Thursday night, Feb. 5, on the SPEED stage in the Midway, outside Turn 4. As of today, cars eligible to compete in the 2009 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona would be as follows (using 2008 car numbers):
Chevrolet: 48, 29, 07, 31, 24, 88;
Dodge: 9, 12, 2, 43, 19 , 7; wildcard #10
Toyota: 11, 20, 18, 83, 44, 55
Ford: 99, 16, 17, 6, 26, 28
[the #28 and #38 may be switching numbers with #98-Menard and #96-Labonte](NASCAR PR)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

NASCAR settles discrimation lawsuit: At a mediation held in New York on December 3, 2008, Ms. Mauricia Grant settled her discrimination lawsuit with her former employer, NASCAR. Ms. Grant was represented by her attorneys Morelli Ratner PC. NASCAR was represented by Jackson Lewis. Neither NASCAR nor Ms. Grant admits liability or wrongdoing by way of the settlement. “We’re glad to have the case settled on mutually acceptable terms,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “NASCAR remains dedicated to maintaining a professional work environment for all employees at all times and we wish Ms. Grant well in her future endeavors.” The specific terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential and both sides agreed not to publicly discuss the details of the case or the terms of the agreement going forward.(NASCAR PR)

Related story at USA Today

NASCAR to set drug testing in January: NASCAR will test drivers for performance-enhancing drugs next month under a tougher policy that also bans using illegal drugs and abusing prescription medications. NASCAR likely will test drivers the third week of January, and crew members must submit results from an approved lab by Jan. 16, according to documents obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

Among the substances those participants must be tested for are:

_ Seven different amphetamines, including methamphetamine and PMA, a synthetic psychostimulant and hallucinogen.

_ Three drugs classified under ephedrine.

_ 13 different narcotics, including codeine and morphine.

_ Ten different benzodiazepines and barbituates.

_ Marijuana, cocaine, zolpidem, nitrites, chromates and drugs that can increase specific gravity.

Complete story at Associated Press

Monday, December 15, 2008

Brian France among most influential in sports: NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France is ranked ninth on Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal’s list of the 50 most influential people in sports business. France was ranked 10th last year by the magazine. The magazine’s item on France in this week’s issue reads as follows: “The foreword to the 2008 season was written when Brian France proclaimed NASCAR’s intent to get back to the roots of the sport. France set the tone in January by reaching out to those hard-core fans who felt left behind when NASCAR grew beyond its regional roots over the last 10 years. A NASCAR branding campaign followed and many of the sport’s stakeholders, from tracks to network partners, worked that theme into their promotions and broadcasts. With an industry that depends so heavily on sponsorship facing tough times in 2008 and tougher times in 2009, France’s leadership will be under close inspection. But it’s clear – as this season showed – that when he sets an agenda, most everyone in the sport falls in line.” John Henry, whose Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox and half of Roush Fenway Racing, is 20th on the list. Topping the list is ESPN/ABC Sports President George Bodenheimer. (SceneDaily.com)

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Helton: No plans to shorten race weekends: NASCAR President Mike Helton asked if there will be any consideration in shortening the racing weekend to save more money? "Not today. Except to tell you that starting next week, we, NASCAR have the opportunity to sit down and catch up on topics that will be timely for '09. And in reviewing that we will have things over the off season and maybe into January where we can come back and say these are things that we're doing in different series or all the series. Hopefully, there are other things we can accomplish and put forward to address the issues and the future of the sport. But, in the meantime, we have to protect the quality of what goes on on the racetrack because at the end of the day, you don't want to cut into the muscle. You have to whatever your decision is whether it's your own media outlet, or your own household or whatever business you might be in, whatever stake you've got to watch after, it's important to make forward thinking and good decisions. But it's also important to not lose sight of the fact that things are different." (Augusta Chronicle)

NASCAR most searched sport according to AOL: AOL released its annual Top Searches with WWE coming in second behind NASCAR in the top Sports searches for 2008. WWE topped the Olympics, NFL, and UFC which came in seventh. On the top search list for sports athletes, World Hvt. champion John Cena came in sixth behind a host of other athletes including Michael Phelps and Kimbo Slice, who took fourth. Popular NFL quarterback Brett Favre was eighth. (ProWresting.com)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Brian France sends letter to congress to ask for help for US Automakers: NASCAR chairman Brian France has lobbied Congress to support a financial rescue plan for the struggling Big Three automakers. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors — three of the four manufacturers that participate in NASCAR — are pleading with Congress for a bailout to prevent their companies from going bankrupt. "I'm writing you as a concerned American who wants what is best for our general country," France wrote. "Of course, the domestic automobile manufacturers play a very important part of the heritage of NASCAR, but more importantly, it is vital for all of America." The letter, a copy of which was obtained Saturday by The Associated Press, was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Chris Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and Sen. Richard Shelby, the senior Republican on the Banking Committee. It was dated Tuesday. France's letter warned that if the auto industry fails, 3 million people would lose their jobs in the first year, and another 2.5 million over the following two years.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Brian France wants more emotion out of drivers: NASCAR chief executive Brian France praised the talents of Jimmie Johnson but conceded that the triple series champion has failed to become a household name outside racing circles. "He's a California guy, a very nice guy, a cool customer and obviously very talented," France said at the Reuters Media Summit. "But he's not going to do a lot of things that are going to wow you or stun you or surprise you in the ways that sometimes other athletes make their mark. "We need to do more with our athletes to bring out their emotions." (Washington Post)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

NASCAR to sue aircraft maker: NASCAR and one of its companies are suing Cessna for damages, saying the aircraft company's negligence and its faulty plane are responsible for a crash last year that killed five people. The plane that slammed into two houses in Sanford in July 2007 was "unreasonably dangerous and defective," and Cessna's instructions, warnings, inspections and repairs for the aircraft were inadequate, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in circuit court. "The incident was entirely due to the negligence or fault of (Cessna), and not the negligence or fault of (Competitor Liaison Bureau, Inc.) or NASCAR," the lawsuit states. The amount of money sought in the lawsuit is not specified, but NASCAR has already paid at least $1 million to the family of one of the two men killed in the plane, 56-year-old Michael Klemm, a NASCAR pilot. (Daytona News Journal)

Sunday, November 9, 2008:

NASCAR facing layoffs: There's talk of layoffs -- hundreds of them -- once the current NASCAR season ends. Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team, JR Motorsports, have already cut staff. Depending on how you count it, as many as 15 current full-time Cup teams face questions about their sponsorship for 2009. You can multiply that number by two or three if you include the Nationwide and Truck series. (Charlotte Observer)

Thursday, July 24, 2008

France asked if NASCAR has taken a look at its drug policy? France: We're about completed with our work on our policy. As I've said before, we have a long-standing policy that worked well. We also acknowledge there are different circumstances and different things today that might not have gone on when we originated the policy and that if there are ways to improve it - and there probably will be - we will. We'll have those answers pretty shortly, within a month or six weeks. I wouldn't look for dramatic changes in our policy because the basis of our policy, No. 1 is we can test anytime we want for cause. You can have any policy you want, but if the punishment isn't tough, that's the lesson of the time. If you look at lifetime suspensions, and we have several out there today, what happens on a first infraction in our sport is very severe. Frankly, it probably means your career is over. Certainly a second infraction probably will end a career. A third gets you a lifetime suspension. (Augusta Chronicle)

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

NASCAR Technical Director Steve Peterson passes away: NASCAR Technical Director Steve Peterson, 58, was found deceased today at his home from what appears to be natural causes. Steve began his NASCAR career in January, 1995 and led many of NASCAR’s safety initiatives including development and installation of SAFER Barriers, management and approval of head and neck restraints and improved seat belts, and coordination of the safety features in NASCAR’s new car. “Steve’s accomplishments to increase driver safety will continue to be a benefit to every NASCAR driver that gets behind the wheel for generations to come,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family and friends; he will certainly be missed throughout the NASCAR community.” Funeral arrangements will be announced later. (NASCAR PR)

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Brian France discusses the lawsuit against NASCAR: NASCAR has nearly completed its investigation of the allegations made by former Nationwide Series inspector Mauricia Grant in a $225 million discrimination lawsuit, CEO Brian France said in his annual midseason question-and-answer session Friday. Grant, who is black, is alleging racial and sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination in a lawsuit filed last month. She discussed her accusations in detail on ESPN this week. France reiterated that NASCAR will vigorously defend itself in court, but he didn't discuss any specifics of the case. "My own experience with lawsuits over many years is, by the time the facts ultimately catch up to the actual lawsuit, they're usually a whole lot different than the claims that are made on the front end when you're after a lot of money," France said.(Tampa Tribune)

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Army sponsorship may head to Red Bull Racing? In a related story, ESPN’s Angelique Chengelis reported yesterday that the Army sponsorship is likely to move from DEI to Bill Davis Racing's #23 Toyota next season. That report has been denied by several sources, however, and Sirius Speedway has learned that Red Bull Racing is actually a leading candidate for the Army deal. Red Bull General Manager Jay Frye first brought the Army sponsorship to NASCAR during his tenure at MB2 Motorsports, and is said to be in serious discussions to secure that sponsorship once again in 2009. (The Motorsports Soapbox)

Limited tickets available for Sunday's race: A limited number of grandstand tickets are available for Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Tickets start at $60. Guests who purchase tickets by Wednesday will be eligible to win a $500 Sunoco gas card, watch the SYLVANIA 300 from a luxury suite, or have their mortgage or rent paid until December, 2008. Once all grandstand seats are sold, standing-room tickets will be made available before the start of Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 week events, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931. (NHMS PR)

Monday, June 23, 2008

Former NASCAR personnel inducted into Georgia Sports HoF: This year’s inductees are former NASCAR vice president of competition Bill Gazaway, short track racer Jack Jackson, 1965 NASCAR rookie of the year Sam McQuagg, Peach Bowl champion Charles Padgett, drag racing pioneer Randy Payne, NASCAR legend Wilbur Rakestraw, car owner Dub Smith, and track promoter Mike Swims. The eight inductees were chosen from the initial “Sweet 15” nominees, who had been whittled down from over 40 nominees that were submitted to the Hall of Fame voting committee.(Georgia Racing Hall of Fame PR)

NASCAR warns drivers don't pass the pace vehicle: During Sunday morning's driver meeting, NASCAR race director David Hoots reminded the drivers that passing the pace car is illegal. "We know that under road-racing conditions, fuel management is very important, drivers," Hoots said. "Do all you can to conserve fuel, but hold your respective track positions when you do so." (AP/ThatsRacin)

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Clapp honored at Infineon Raceway: NASCAR veteran Ken Clapp, who was instrumental in helping build Sears Point, now Infineon Raceway, and for bringing NASCAR's top division to the Bay Area in 1989, was inducted Friday into the Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame. (SF Chronicle)

Friday, June 20, 2008

NASCAR monitoring carbon monoxide and heat inside cars: The governing body began last week at Michigan International Speedway monitoring the heat inside the new cars after several drivers complained that they were hotter than the old cars. They also began doing random tests for carbon monoxide to guarantee nobody was at risk. The findings were just what officials anticipated, that cars with proper ventilation, vents and insulation had no problem. For example, the temperature inside the car of Brian Vickers was 130 degrees, compared to 105 for another. "You start looking at the cars and say how can this be, they're all the same?" series director John Darby said. "Well, the 105 degree car didn't have a lot of vents and stuff in it, but they did take the time to insulate the floorboard and put insulation around the exhaust pipes. "There's so many little things that make a difference that if you want to do them you can do them." Monitoring the heat isn't new to NASCAR. Darby said the governing body periodically has done this for six years when the temperatures are unusually hot or "you get a couple of guys whining about it." (ESPN.com)

Saturday, June 14, 2008

NASCAR suspends two officials after claims: Two officials suspended by NASCAR are accused in a $225 million lawsuit of exposing themselves to a former co-worker, the Associated Press has learned. Tim Knox and Bud Moore have been placed on indefinite administrative paid leave. NASCAR will not reveal the identities of the officials sent home Friday from Kentucky Speedway, but a person familiar with the investigation confirmed to AP on Saturday that Knox and Moore were suspended. The person requested anonymity because NASCAR's investigation is ongoing. NASCAR did not give a reason for the men's suspension, and chairman Brian France cautioned against assuming the officials are being punished for allegations made in the lawsuit. "Obviously we found some violations in our policy, but I would not jump to conclusions to assume that all of the allegations that were made are accurate," France said at Michigan International Speedway, site of Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race. "Even if we take action on any official in this investigation — we might discover something entirely different that has been going on that has nothing to do with the claim, this lawsuit, but still is in violation of our policy. That would get you in trouble with us." Mauricia Grant filed her suit Tuesday, alleging 23 specific incidents of sexual harassment and 34 specific incidents of racial and gender discrimination during her time as a technical inspector for NASCAR's second-tier Nationwide Series. (AP/Google)

Friday, June 13, 2008

NASCAR tells drivers to remain positive.. while fans struggle in economic times: NASCAR called a mandatory meeting for Sprint Cup drivers and owners before Friday's practice at Michigan International Speedway in which president Mike Helton encouraged everyone to keep the fans first. They both agreed this simply was a reminder that during these tough economic times when fans are paying $4 a gallon for gas to travel to tracks that drivers should be more positive about the sport. In other words stop complaining about the new car that has become a target for everything that is wrong in NASCAR's premier series, from creating boring races to being so hot that the drivers are at risk. "My interpretation was that the drivers should be thankful for the position they're in and should be more positive in where this car is going to be in a year or two," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. Jeff Burton agreed. "In today's conversation you could have heard whatever you wanted to hear," he said. "I bet if you asked every driver what they heard they would have said something different. What I heard was things aren't bad. Let's don't forget we can make things better." NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said this so-called "Come to Jesus" was a reminder of chairman Brian France's preseason back-to-basics message. That the timing was a few days after the lawsuit, he added, was merely coincidental and that the lawsuit wasn't discussed. "We remind them if it weren't for the fans we wouldn't be here," he said. "The fans are paying over $4 a gallon for gasoline. [We told them] to keep the fans in mind when you're talking, to show your appreciation to the fans. Without them this wouldn't be like it is." (ESPN.com)

June 26, 2007

NASCAR working on going global: NASCAR still is in the developing stages of growing internationally, and Robbie Weiss, managing director of NASCAR's global effort, said that although winning one race likely won't cause Montoya mania worldwide, at the least it should increase interest. ''It's a big deal for NASCAR,'' said Weiss, who was on hand for Montoya's win in Northern California. Weiss said a new weekly, hour-long NASCAR show -- that will include results, behind-the-scenes footage and educational segments -- is in the works to air in Colombia. Races are being carried in South America, including his native Colombia, by the Speed Channel. (Miami Herald)

June 23, 2007

Cup date to Kentucky Speedway? Second date to Las Vegas? Winston Salem Journal reports.. NASCAR executives may be ready to settle one of those thorny legal situations they face, according to sources who say that a settlement with Kentucky Speedway could be coming - by adding the 11/2-mile track south of Cincinnati to the Nextel Cup tour next season. And there is also an unconfirmed report that NASCAR could be looking at adding a second Nextel Cup event at Bruton Smith’s Las Vegas track for next season. (Salem Journal)

Brian France interested in NFL Ownership? Oakland Raiders? NASCAR CEO Brian France has long been talked about as a potential owner of a National Football League franchise in Los Angeles, and now comes more speculation, from NFL sources, that France might be interested in buying the Oakland Raiders and moving the franchise to Los Angeles. France has danced around the NFL issue over the years, but his fondness for Los Angeles is well known, and he has a home there. Two years ago NBA star Magic Johnson said he had talked with France about the NFL and indicated France was indeed interested. If the NFL deal cost $800 million, France has it. (Salem Journal)

June 17, 2007

NASCAR Sues AT&T for $100 Million: Today NASCAR filed a counter claim in U.S. District Court against AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless and AT&T Inc., alleging breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation, and conspiracy to aid and abet wrongful interference with Nextel’s exclusive sponsorship agreement. NASCAR is seeking a minimum of $100 million in damages. The NASCAR Rule Book governs participation in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and its contents are agreed to in writing by all NASCAR members and participants. Cingular is a member of NASCAR and agreed to abide by all NASCAR rules and regulations when its representatives signed official documents such as the NASCAR Membership and License Application. NASCAR’s suit further alleges that AT&T, Cingular and its representatives breached its explicit agreements with NASCAR when they re-branded the #31 car; entered into contract with RCR knowing that they would litigate against NASCAR; and when they sought to ambush Nextel’s exclusive sponsorship rights. NASCAR also submitted its response today to a suit filed by AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless by soundly rejecting each of their claims. The response demonstrates the clarity of NASCAR’s rule book and the baseless allegations made by AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless in its attempts to re-brand the #31.(NASCAR PR)

June 13, 2007

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)

July 8, 2006

Possible Schedule Expansion? Daytona 500 Primetime Start? NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said he does not know whether, as rumored, the Daytona 500 start time could be moved to late afternoon or to prime time, as with the Super Bowl. FOX will carry the Daytona 500 the next eight years. Poston also said that, amid talk of a race of some kind in Canada (Montreal), perhaps as soon as next year, NASCAR is not brushing off the idea of more than the current 36 a year (38 if the two exhibitions are counted). The new network contracts, which include FOX, ABC/ESPN and TNT, last through 2014. Under the agreement, NASCAR agrees to provide 36 events per season, but Poston noted that NASCAR won't be limited by that, allowing room for possible expansion. "I don't think NASCAR would paint itself into a corner like that," Poston said. (Speedtv.com)

July 5, 2006

Possible schedule change for final 10 races in 2007? For the third consecutive year, NASCAR's playoff-style Chase for the Nextel Cup likely will have only 10 drivers racing for the championship. The final 10 races, which decide the title, call for the top 10 drivers and those within 400 points of the leader to be included. As long as leader Jimmie Johnson and runner-up Matt Kenseth don't collapse in the next nine races, the 400-point rule will not come into effect. NASCAR chairman Brian France last week hinted some changes in the Chase format might be coming in 2007. The number of drivers making the Chase, the 400-point rule and scoring during the Chase are among the possible changes. There's also an outside chance France might shuffle the final 10 races, giving eligible drivers a variety of tracks to conquer. (USA Today)

July 1, 2006

Dodge Chairman committed to NASCAR: The chairman of DaimlerChrysler denied a widespread rumor that Dodge is pulling out of NASCAR, and pledged his commitment to America's top racing series. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, attending his first race of the season Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway, said NASCAR is a successful platform for DaimlerChrysler and he has no plans to pull Dodge out. "I don't know who is creating those rumors, we have no reason whatsoever (to leave),'' he said before the start of the Pepsi 400. "We are very happy with NASCAR, it is a great platform, and Dodge is the right brand to race NASCAR.'' (MSNBC.com)

June 30, 2006

Changes in Chase coming in 2007: NASCAR's playoff format, known as the Chase for the Nextel Cup, could expand to include more drivers next season. That is one of several changes to the championship being considered by NASCAR's chairman and chief executive, Brian France, who instituted the playoff in 2004. "What I've always said about the Chase was that we needed a few years under our belt to see how it evolved," France said during a news conference at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday in advance of the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night. "We will make some adjustments going into '07." Now, France said, he is considering changing the 400-point plateau, which has not come into play in the first two years of the Chase and is unlikely to be a factor this year, either. If that plateau is changed, more drivers outside the top 10 could conceivably qualify for the Chase. "Is 10 the number?" France said. "Is 12 the number? Would we like to see the 400-point issue come into play? I think it would be interesting. It would be nice to see. Call it a wild card if you will. (New York Times)

France says Sprint-NEXTEL is here to stay: Q) Along with the potential name change with the merger, the rumors continue to pop up about the possible change of the sponsor. Has there been any discussions at all about Nextel/Sprint getting another company to buy out the contract? BRIAN FRANCE: None whatsoever. They have got one of the great positions, the greatest position perhaps, in sports. They are obviously going through a change post their merger trying to get their company in a place that takes the most advantage with NASCAR. But they are focused on how to build around the sponsorship that Nextel brought into the merger. So none whatsoever. (NASCAR PR)

B. France says, WA. and NYC has yet to realize impact of sport: "This is the most undercovered sport in the country," France said. "Week in and week out until the fall, we're usually the largest sporting event in the country. You just wouldn't know it by looking at a lot of media outlets. "We're really going to look at ways to get this sport the proper coverage and to change some hearts and minds."  (NASCAR)

June 29, 2006

Former Longtime NASCAR executive dies: Bill Gazaway, a longtime NASCAR executive during the sport's modern era, died Thursday in Atlanta, NASCAR officials said. He was 76. Gazaway joined NASCAR in 1960 as a team owner. His cars made seven starts, including one with him behind the wheel. He started 44th at Atlanta Motor Speedway and drove his Oldsmobile one lap before the rear end failed. Gazaway moved into NASCAR's front office three years later as a technical inspector. He maintained that position until 1967, when he was promoted to assistant technical director. He assumed the role of competition director the following year. He became director of racing operations in 1979, and was named vice president of competition in 1984, a position he held until his retirement from NASCAR in 1987. "Bill Gazaway was one of those NASCAR pioneers who did a lot of good things during his time with NASCAR," former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. said. (Sporting News)

June 26, 2006:

Bank of America looking at replacing NEXTEL? When word of the shake-up first broke in April, Sprint executives insisted they were committed to continuing the NASCAR sponsorship, despite reports otherwise that the new powers were less than interested in NASCAR. Now, according to sources familiar with the situation, there are reports that Bank of America executives are interested in acquiring the title sponsorship to the Cup series. (Salem-Journal)

June 25, 2006

NEXTEL sports executives out: Sprint Nextel’s NASCAR Marketing Manager Mike Mooney has had his job eliminated by the telecommunications company in a round of job cuts. Mooney, along with Jill Gregory and Michael Robichaud, were the three most visible executives in Nextel’s NASCAR program when it began prior to the 2004 season. But with Gregory and Robichaud already gone and Mooney leaving as of next Friday, the key strategists behind Nextel’s initial foray into NASCAR are all gone. (SPEEDtv)

June 24, 2006

Sprint/NEXTEL says no timetable on series name change: A spokesman for Sprint Nextel said no timetable has been set on any name change. Sprint Nextel officials said this year they planned to decide by this summer on the series name. (Virginian Pilot)

June 23, 2006:

Sprint//NEXTEL Announcement expected at Daytona?  Sprint/Nextel is expected to make some sort of announcement next week at Daytona about its future plans for the name of the Cup series. Nextel probably will remain part of the title. The Nextel name isn't leaving the merged company, so why would the executives want to eliminate it from its NASCAR sponsorship? However, some type of name change is coming. The question is when. It would take a huge amount of work to change all NASCAR and track logos in time for the 2007 season. (Dallas Morning News)

June 22, 2006:

2007 Start times pushed back after 2:00 pm: The 2007 racing schedule hasn't been released but one significant change is expected: All races will start no earlier than 2pm. The later starting times come at the demand of television networks Fox, FX, ABC, TNT and ESPN. They pushed NASCAR to start most races at 4pm to better capture West Coast viewers and create a link to prime-time shows, but they settled for a mix. None of the times, however, will be any earlier than 2pm. (Augusta Chronicle)

June 19, 2006:

Slight schedule change? The Virginian Pilot is reporting: NASCAR is working on its 2007 schedules. One change is expected next July. Nothing is set since sanctioning agreements aren't signed, but the New Hampshire race is expected to be moved to July 1 before the Daytona race, which will be held July 7. Unless something changes, that means the Cup series will race at Infineon Raceway on June 24, then go to New Hampshire and Daytona in consecutive weekends. Also, Martinsville's two Cup races next season are expected to remain about the same time in the schedule with one race in the championship chase.

June 17, 2006:

Sprint/Nextel Announcement expected: Sprint will, within a week or so, acknowledge a change in the name of NASCAR's top series for 2007, mandating Sprint Cup or Sprint/Nextel Cup. Sprint acquired the assets of its walkie-talkie rival last year and promised an eventual name change in order to make use of Nextel's top sports marketing property. (Speedtv.com)

Lesa France to Christen new Goodyear Blimp: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is proud to announce that Lesa France Kennedy, President of the International Speedway Corporation and a member of NASCAR's Board of Directors, will serve as the official christener for its newest blimp. France Kennedy, one of the most powerful and influential women in the automotive racing community and the sports business world, will join Lynn Keegan, wife of Goodyear Chairman and CEO Bob Keegan, to perform the traditional christening honors during a gala event held at Goodyear's Akron, Ohio airship operations base. The event will be held Wednesday morning, June 21. "I'm thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event and the storied history of Goodyear's airship program," said France Kennedy. "Like a lot of people across the country, I can't wait to see what the name of the new blimp will be." In front of what is expected to be a large audience, France Kennedy will officially christen Goodyear's newest airship by breaking a christening bottle on the craft's gondola. The christening ceremony is expected to attract more than 5,000 spectators, dignitaries, and Goodyear employees. (Goodyear Tire and Rubber PR)

June 6, 2006:

Auction raises 36K for Ard: As part of the 25th anniversary of the NASCAR Busch Series, Richmond International Raceway joined with NASCAR President Mike Helton, former champions, series greats, current drivers, teams and fans for an auction to benefit former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard during the May 2006 NASCAR weekend. The two-day auction raised more than $36,000 to help assist Sam and Jo Ard with medical expenses. Born in 1939, Sam Ard is one of the most successful drivers in the NASCAR Busch Series history. In just a three-year, 92-race career, Ard won 22 races and back-to-back championships.  Ard, who is now retired and lives in Asheboro, North Carolina, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease last May, while his wife, Jo was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that could cause her to become blind. (RIR PR)

May 24, 2006:

Walsh and AMW increase awareness with Spring/NEXTEL and NASCAR: John Walsh, host of the long-running television program America's Most Wanted, has found a partner in his fight against those who prey upon children. Wash and AMW have joined forces with Sprint Nextel and NASCAR to continue to fight.   Walsh was on hand during All-Star Weekend festivities at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and his appearance there was two-fold: • He, along with Sprint Nextel, presented a $10,000 check to the America's Most Wanted All-Star, an award established last year to honor first responders -- law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and others who go above and beyond the call of duty. • AMW also profiled a local missing girl, Asha Degree, who's story is scheduled to air this week (9 p.m. ET, Saturday, FOX). America's Most Wanted sponsored the No. 63 Ford of J.R. Patton in the Truck Series race at Lowe's, with Asha's picture donning the quartepanel of the truck, which failed to qualify by one-tenth of a second. (NASCAR.com)

May 19, 2006:

Celebrate NASCAR Day today! Support NASCAR Foundation and NASCAR Charities

NASCAR Official Fan Club to hold first annual National Convention this weekend: The Official NASCAR Members Club (ONMC) will hold its inaugural national convention this week in Charlotte, with members from 34 different states coming together for the two-day event. Highlighting the ONMC's first national convention is a kickoff awards celebration on Thursday night for hundreds of the club's most avid members and their guests. The ONMC, a membership organization created early last year by the sport to recognize its most loyal fans, is kicking off the 2006 national convention on Thursday, May 18, with an awards celebration at the Charlotte Convention Center. NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace will host the event, with partners, tracks, champion drivers, teams and members being presented with various awards. On Friday, May 19, the ONMC will present workshops for local chapter presidents at Joe Gibbs Racing's Huntersville, N.C. campus. Five workshops will hit on topics ranging from how to work with local businesses to how to organize charity events and manage NASCAR programs in their communities. In addition to Thursday's awards banquet and Friday's workshops, ONMC members that attend the convention will also be given preferred seating and discounted ticket deals to Wednesday's Pit Crew Challenge, Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Quaker Steak & Lube 200 and Saturday's NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. The ONMC, which includes as charter members 15 legendary NASCAR Champions including Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Benny Parsons, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and ONMC National Membership Chairman Richard Petty, currently has more than 1,100 local chapters across all 50 states. More info at nascar.com/members_club. (NASCAR PR)

May 18, 2006:

NASCAR announces year-end's Award Ceremonies sites: While the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion and the rest of the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup competitors will celebrate on familiar ground at the world-famous Waldorf=Astoria hotel in New York at season�s end, the top teams in NASCAR�s other two national series will be "going to Disney World." On Dec. 1, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Awards Ceremony will again take place at the venerable Waldorf in Midtown Manhattan, which first hosted the ceremony in 1981. The following week, on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, the champions of the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be feted at Disney�s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando, Fla. The 867-room Victorian-themed Grand Floridian resort is just outside the gates of Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park on the grounds of Walt Disney World. (NASCAR PR)

May 13, 2006:

NASCAR in Canada few signatures away: Stock-car fans can prepare to book their seats in high-octane heaven - NASCAR is within a few signatures of coming to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2007. The renewal of a 10-year lease for racing on Ile Notre Dame, a contract between the city of Montreal and motorsport promoter Normand Legault, is the final turn to be negotiated, one that's expected to be rounded in the next couple of weeks. And when it is, Legault will announce that the NASCAR Busch Series will unleash 43 of its 3,400-pound Chevy, Ford and Dodge lookalikes for a fender-rubbing, paint-trading race on the Expo 67 island. "We think that NASCAR could be as big as Formula One in Montreal, but with a totally different crowd," Legault said last night. "Fans wouldn't be coming from Tokyo or Paris, as they do for F1, but from the U.S. and other parts of Canada. "This could be a huge event for Montreal. It would give us a tremendous window of visibility in the U.S., where NASCAR racing is one of the top television properties. "And we feel it's a new kind of entertainment we can offer Montrealers." It's no secret that NASCAR, North America's most popular and fastest-growing form of motorsport, has had expansion into Canada, and specifically Montreal, in its sights for some time. (Montreal Gazette)

May 7, 2006:

Mike Melton auctions off Harley for former Champion:  NASCAR president Mike Helton auctioned off a 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Low on Saturday to benefit former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard. Ard was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease last May. Ard's wife, Jo, was also diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that could cause her to go blind. The motorcycle sold for $8,000, with all proceeds going to Ard's family. Ard was the 1983-84 Busch champion and a two-time winner at Richmond. The race track also is holding a silent auction to benefit the family. (CBS SportsLine)

May 6, 2006:

NASCAR likes Montreal site: NASCAR officials were ecstatic with their midweek visit to Montreal and are moving forward with plans to expand the Busch Series into Canada — perhaps as early as next season. The contingent of seven NASCAR representatives found the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a temporary street course, to be in race-ready condition with very few alterations necessary, said Steve O'Donnell, managing director of events and operations. "The track and facilities were in great shape and really have a lot to offer to NASCAR," O'Donnell said. "And it meets a need for NASCAR, which has targeted road course races in the Busch Series as one of the areas we'd like to grow." (Toronto Star)

May 1, 2006:

France among TIME's Top 100 most influential people: Brian France, chairman and chief executive officer of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing -- better known as NASCAR -- has a new title to his name today courtesy of TIME Magazine. France, 43, is one of the world's 100 most influential people, according to an edition of the magazine that hits newsstands today. He was selected in the "Builders and Titans" category, one of five that also include heroes and pioneers; leaders and revolutionaries; scientists and thinkers and artists and entertainers. This is the third year TIME has published such a list, with other famous people invited to write profiles of those who are selected as the most influential people in the world. Darrell Waltrip, a three-time NASCAR driving champion and race analyst for Fox Sports, wrote about France. (Daytona News-Journal)

May 1, 2006:

France among Top 100 most influential people: Brian France, chairman and chief executive officer of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing -- better known as NASCAR -- has a new title to his name today courtesy of TIME Magazine. France, 43, is one of the world's 100 most influential people, according to an edition of the magazine that hits newsstands today. He was selected in the "Builders and Titans" category, one of five that also include heroes and pioneers; leaders and revolutionaries; scientists and thinkers and artists and entertainers. This is the third year TIME has published such a list, with other famous people invited to write profiles of those who are selected as the most influential people in the world. Darrell Waltrip, a three-time NASCAR driving champion and race analyst for Fox Sports, wrote about France. (Daytona News-Journal)

April 25, 2006:

New York to celebrate NASCAR Day: The New York State Senate passed a resolution Tuesday, calling for May 19 to be declared "NASCAR Day" in New York State. The resolution was sponsored by Senator George H. Winner Jr. (R-C, Elmira), whose legislative district in the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region includes Watkins Glen International "I'm proud to wave the green flag, so to speak, and start NASCAR Day 2006 in New York State," Winner said. "It's an opportunity for us to draw the attention of NASCAR fans across New York to a worthwhile cause and worthy opportunity to express their spirit and sense of community."  Winner noted that Watkins Glen International celebrates 20 years of NASCAR racing at The Glen this year. "This region is noted as the home of Watkins Glen International, which over the course of more than a decade has become a national institution -- the premiere road racing facility in America," he said. "Watkins Glen is a great source of pride to our region, an economic mainstay and a landmark that annually attracts visitors from around the world." (NASCAR PR)

April 22, 2006:

All 3 Manufactures respond to internet rumor: Ford Public Affairs Manger: "We've seen that story, and I can assure you Ford does not plan on getting out of NASCAR. Our racing program has support at the highest levels of the company, and our research and data has shown conclusively that there's a viable business case for us being involved in the sport in terms of our market share and purchase consideration among race fans. Racing is part of the Ford DNA and has been since Henry Ford raced back in 1901." GM's NASCAR Director: General Motors' Pat Suhy, the company's NASCAR director, said that GM isn't leaving, either: "We're here in NASCAR and we're here to stay. It makes good business sense for us to be here. We get a great return on our investment. We have a lot of activation around this around the country with our dealers and our regional dealer groups. And we have great sponsorship partners with our teams. So if there is any truth to that, I don't know about it, and it certainly isn't us." (Salem-Journal) John Fernandez, Director of Dodge Motorsports Operations: "I've heard the rumor, but obviously we're not involved in it. I haven't heard anything from General Motors or Ford that indicates they're in any jeopardy. Obviously their total companies right now are having a tough time in the marketplace, but that's happened before and it'll happen again I'm sure. As far as I know, GM and Ford are still committed to NASCAR and committed to racing in the Cup Series. As far as I know right now it's only a rumor." (Dodge PR)

April 20, 2006:

68,000 NASCAR Day Pins sold: With exactly one month left until the third annual NASCAR Day, The NASCAR Foundation is gearing up for its most successful event ever, having sold twice as many NASCAR Day pins online compared to this point last year. NASCAR Day, an annual celebration of the power and passion of NASCAR's fans, will be held on May 19. NASCAR fans, tracks, corporations, schools and organizations across the country are encouraged to donate $5 and all participants receive a collectible 2006 NASCAR Day lapel pin for their donation. Of the 68,000 plus pins that have been sold so far this year, 61,000 of them were sold online at www.nascar.com/nascarday, the site that allows fans to order an individual pin, sign up a company and even purchase NASCAR Day apparel. The NASCAR Foundation, created in January to help NASCAR support driver and industry charities, signed Will Ferrell, the star of Columbia Pictures' upcoming NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, to serve as the official spokesperson for NASCAR Day 2006. (NASCAR PR)

April 19, 2006:

France offers comments about All-Star race location:  NASCAR Chairman Brian France offered his strongest endorsement yet for keeping the all-star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway during a speech Tuesday at the Charlotte Business Journal's annual Power Breakfast. France, who has flirted with the notion of relocating the Nextel All-Star Challenge in recent years, said reinvigorated corporate and community support for the race has put it on more solid ground. The all-star race has attracted crowds of 120,000 to 140,000 in recent years. This year's race is May 20.   "I think the all-star race has done very, very well here," France said during the speech in front of more than 1,000 civic and business leaders gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center. "Historically, big events tend not to move around much unless they're not working well. (Charlotte civic leaders) have started to rally around the (motorsports) industry and the all-star race. Community leaders have sorted (an earlier lack of attention) out." The NASCAR chairman also said the uncertainty of moving events around on the schedule is a "bad business model" because it discourages track operators from investing in their events and venues. A recent higher profile for the all-star race and related events has made France more bullish on having it in Charlotte: "I hope we'll be able to keep it here."  (Charlotte Biz Journal)

April 13, 2006:

General Motors committed to NASCAR, dispute layoffs: The news that General Motors plans to trim 30,000 workers and close nine plants left some people in NASCAR unsettled. They wondered if GM's business problems would affect the company's commitment to NASCAR. "I get asked that quite often," Mark Kent, GM's director of racing, said Wednesday from his Detroit office. "What I tell everybody is, although racing is a sport, companies engage in motor sports for business reasons. At GM, all our racing programs give us tremendous marketing value. It's a very cost-effective way to put our products and brands in front of automotive enthusiasts." To clear up any doubt, Kent said, "We're committed to racing." Chevy almost has to be in NASCAR. If GM withdrew its Chevy brand, its absence would give Ford and Dodge a huge marketing advantage. According to Kent, more than 40 percent of NASCAR fans own GM products. "Of NASCAR's 75 million fans, 13 million attend races," he said. "At many of these races, we are able to display our whole lineup of Chevrolet products. NASCAR fans buy new cars at a higher rate than the national average." (Mercury News)

April 10, 2006:

NFL head official likes NASCAR's state-of-the-art system: Mike Pereira, the NFL's supervisor of officiating, watched Sunday's Samsung/RadioShack 500 from NASCAR control. The NFL, seeking to upgrade its replay system in the future, sent Pereira to study NASCAR's state-of-the-art replay system. "It was very impressive," Pereira said. "They have touch-screen technology like we do. The high-definition is something we're clearly going to go to. It was interesting to see, from a race standpoint, how they use it and what they use it for. The whole process was really educational for me." NASCAR has had its replay system for three years. NASCAR president Mike Helton has nine high-definition televisions in race control, with 18 different shots available for review. Helton uses the system for scoring, to assess penalties and to locate debris on the track, among other things. Every scrape with the wall, every pass, every pit stop -- just about every move at the speedway -- is monitored in race control. "It's become a staple in the officiating part," Helton said. "Our form of sport is, in a lot of ways, more difficult to officiate because it's not as uniform [as other sports]. The playing field is certainly different every week, and we've got 43 vehicles up there and 43 times seven crew members involved [on pit stops]. In order to try to be as complete and thorough as we are in officiating and scoring, we're more dependent on that than most other sports might be, as it's developed." (Star-Telegram)

NASCAR still important for automakers: The news that Ford Motor Company is looking to the NASCAR race series to give sales of its highly praised new Fusion sedan a boost is an indication that despite substantial costs, automakers are still very anxious to go racing. Ford executive vice-president Anne Stevens reportedly underlined that NASCAR was important to Ford marketing because the TV viewership continues to grow and the series was only edged out by NFL football in the television ratings for major sports events in North America. Motor sport is very expensive, regardless of series, as technology gains and intense competition have pushed costs to super-high levels. Even so, there is a clear indication that racing does sell cars and the old adage "race on Sunday, sell on Monday" still holds true. (Montreal Gazette)

April 6, 2006:

NASCAR outraged by 'Dateline' NBC's story: NASCAR's governing body called a network television news magazine "outrageous" on Wednesday, saying it tried to provoke anti-Muslim reactions from spectators at last week's race for a story about growing U.S. sentiment against Islam.  NASCAR said NBC's Dateline NBC confirmed it was sending Muslim-looking men to a race, along with a camera crew to film fans' reactions. The NBC crew was "apparently on site in Martinsville, Virginia, walked around and no one bothered them," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Wednesday. "It is outrageous that a news organization of NBC's stature would stoop to the level of going out to create news instead of reporting news," Poston said. "Any legitimate journalist in America should be embarrassed by this stunt. The obvious intent by NBC was to evoke reaction, and we are confident our fans won't take the bait," he said. (AP/NASCAR.com)

April 4, 2006:

Sprint/NEXTEL undecided on timeline of name change:  Sprint Nextel executives said on Tuesday it would be mid-season before a decision would be made on a possible name change for NASCAR's top series. Nextel merged with Sprint in August 2004, but the Nextel Cup Series name has remained unchanged. Sprint executives were initially scheduled to meet with NASCAR in February to discuss a possible name change, but that meeting won't happen until later in the year.  "It was not the right time to consider a change and we have agreed to a new timetable which is the middle of this year," said Mark Schweitzer, Chief Marketing Officer of Sprint Nextel. "We want to make sure that if we were to make a change, it would not be detrimental to the equity we have built up. "That is not the same as saying the name needs to change. We have an agreement with NASCAR to revisit it." Sprint Nextel said that NASCAR itself would have a "lot of input" in the name. Only one name change can occur over the 10-year contract period. Jill Gregory, the director of Nextel's NASCAR marketing since 2004, left the company to head motorsports marketing for Bank of America. Gregory's boss, Michael Robichaud, has announced he also will be leaving the company, sparking speculation about the future of Sprint-Nextel in NASCAR's top series. But Sprint Nextel executives pointed out that selling the deal with NASCAR, which began in 2004 and runs through 2013, is not an option. (NASCAR.com)

March 23, 2006:

NASCAR & Sprint says no to Cingular/AT&T rename:  NASCAR officials say they have informed Richard Childress Racing that if Cingular Wireless changes its name to AT&T, as expected after a recent merger, AT&T would not be allowed on Jeff Burton's No. 31 car. NASCAR made the ruling based on its interpretation of its contract with series sponsor Nextel.   Cingular and Alltel, as well as Samsung/Radio Shack with Texas Motor Speedway, were grandfathered in as existing sponsors when the Nextel Series sponsorship contract was signed in 2003. "It's pretty clear that they can't transfer a name due to a sale," NASCAR Vice President for Corporate Communications Jim Hunter said March 17. Executives from Cingular would not comment March 16 when asked about what would happen to the company's sponsorship.  Hunter said that Cingular could negotiate with Nextel to try to transfer the name and keep the sponsorship. But Michael Robichaud, vice president for sports marketing for Sprint Nextel, said there are no plans to negotiate. (NASCAR Scene Daily)

March 21, 2006:

Frances take pay cut: France family members holding the top jobs at International Speedway Corp. took 4 percent cuts in salary and bonuses last year, but received hefty increases in their stock options. In contrast, chief operating officer John R. Saunders, the top-ranking nonfamily member in Speedway's top echelon, received a 10 percent pay raise. The pay figures were disclosed in ISC's annual proxy statement as required by federal law. While salaries for 2005 were set about 3 percent above 2004 levels, performance bonuses were reduced, leaving most senior executives with lower compensation overall. The figures were approved by a compensation committee of ISC's board of directors, headed by hotelier Thomas Staed. The committee said it endorsed the pay proposals that had been drafted by vice chairman and chief executive officer Jim France, and then set his own pay. Chairman Bill France was paid a salary of $533,496, up from $516,028, but his bonus was cut to $293,925, down from $347,281 the year before. His stock options were valued at $448,480 up from $325,350. (Daytona News-Journal)

March 16, 2006:

Frances sell stock: NASCAR Chairman Brian France has sold most of his stock in International Speedway Corp., the publicly traded track operating company controlled by his family, but an ISC spokesman said March 9 there is nothing unusual about the action. France didn't own much of the stock, relatively speaking, in the first place. According to its annual filing of stockholders to the Securities and Exchange Commission, ISC reported March 6 that Brian France had 8,930 shares of Class A stock and 8,033 of Class B stock (.03% of the total voting power). In last year's report, he had 237,078 shares of Class A and 235,181 of Class B (0.78% voting power). The stock sales happened sometime before Jan. 31. His sister, ISC President Lesa France Kennedy, also has given up some of her stock. She had 417,404 shares of Class A and 391,718 shares of Class B (1.34% of the total). At the end of last year, she owned 888,812 of Class A and 867,407 shares of Class B (2.9% in voting power). None of the sales were to anyone outside of the France Family Group (made up of 35 members), which collectively owns 62.95% of the ISC stock and votes as one entity. Members of the France family own stock as part of the France Family Group and also can own shares outside of it. (NASCAR Scene Daily)

Mar. 6, 2006:

Cup series in Mexico Series? Team owner Felix Sabates has admitted that he's had serious discussions with several influential and presumably wealthy Mexican associates about building a ¾-mile oval near Mexico City. Sabates thinks it could happen within five years. That could pave the way for a Cup event in Mexico. (Yahoo! Sports)

Feb. 24, 2006:

Tharp named NASCAR public relations manager:  NASCAR announced that Kerry Tharp will manage public relations for NASCAR's three national racing series and the weekly and touring series. In his new role, Tharp will be responsible for all at-track media procedures, public relations for the Research and Development Center and NASCAR media events in Charlotte, N.C. "Kerry will further reinforce our at-track public relations efforts to ensure that we continue to be responsive to media requests and vigorously promote the sport," said NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter. "Kerry's ability to develop personal relationships and work with others will be a benefit to all." Tharp joined NASCAR's PR team in April 2005 as director for NASCAR's licensing office in Charlotte and worked with NASCAR's licensees to provide public relations support and strategy. He will transfer from his role in NASCAR's Charlotte licensing office to NASCAR's Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. and will report to Ramsey Poston, NASCAR's managing director of corporate communications. Prior to joining NASCAR, Tharp spent 26 years in college sports public relations, 20 of which he was the Associate Athletics Director/Sports Information Director at the University of South Carolina. He has a Bachelor�s Degree in PR from Western Kentucky University and a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee. (NASCAR PR)

Feb. 22, 2006:

Official release on Nelson leaving NASCAR: Gary Nelson, NASCAR vice-president of research and development, announced today he is leaving the sanctioning organization to form his own company. "It has been a lifelong dream of mine to have my own company that specializes in safety, performance and other technology-driven aspects of motorsports," said Nelson. "I've been thinking about it for a long time and now is a good time to do it. 'Nelson & Associates’ will be open for business right away and I’m delighted that NASCAR will be my first client.” With NASCAR as a client, Nelson will continue his efforts on the Car of Tomorrow and other safety initiatives for the racing industry. “Gary has been a great contributor to NASCAR’s success,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton, “beginning as a crew member, then as a championship crew chief and, most recently, as a leader in NASCAR’s commitment to safety. “This is something he has always wanted to do and it will be a great opportunity for Gary to take advantage of his racing knowledge and make it available to the entire motorsports industry. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Gary in this new role,” Helton said. Nelson will use his quarter-century of experience in NASCAR racing and make it available to other forms of racing. The 52-year-old native of California won the 1982 Daytona 500 and the 1983 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship with driver Bobby Allison. It was Allison’s only Championship. Three years later, Nelson again won the Daytona 500 this time with driver Geoff Bodine. Nelson became NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Director in 1992 and was named Vice President of NASCAR’s newly formed Research and Development facility in 2002. (NASCAR PR)

Feb. 21, 2006:

Nelson leaves NASCAR post to start new company: Gary Nelson is leaving his job as vice president of research and development for NASCAR to form his own company. "This is something I have wanted to do my whole life," Nelson said Tuesday. "I am really excited about it." Nelson said his new company, Nelson & Associates, will consult with NASCAR and other racing operations on safety, performance and other motorsports technology issues. His first client is NASCAR. Nelson, 52, will continue to work on the "car of tomorrow" project that he has been part of at the NASCAR research and development center in Concord. He has been heading up that facility since 2002 after joining NASCAR as Winston Cup Series director. Nelson said he's wanted to start his own company from as far back as when he was a crew chief in NASCAR's top series. (Miami Herald)

Feb. 19, 2006:

France comments on Helton remarks: NASCAR chairman Brian France said he has not talked to series president Mike Helton about recent comments Helton made that referred to NASCAR's "Southeastern redneck heritage." NASCAR announced Feb. 8 in Washington, D.C., a plan to boost diversity by working with historically black universities. Helton was among those who spoke that day. The Associated Press quoted Helton as saying: "We believe strongly that the old Southeastern redneck heritage that we had is no longer in existence. But we also realize that there's going to have to be an effort on our part to convince others to understand that." France met with reporters Friday for the first time during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway and was asked about Helton's comments. France defended Helton. "I didn't hear Mike's comment in any context, how he said it," France said. "I haven't even talked to him about it. I know what he meant. I've been meeting with him every week. I know exactly what he means when he talks about the regional stereotype and how he's like all of us working to get past that. (News-Record)

Feb. 18, 2006:

France looking at tweaking points system, more points for winner: NASCAR chairman Brian France said that NASCAR is considering changing the points system to allow more points for winning. (Dallas Morning News)

Feb. 17, 2006:

Extended USA Today NASCAR coverage: USA TODAY Sports Weekly adds NASCAR to its ongoing coverage with the NASCAR season preview issue which hits newsstands today. The addition of NASCAR coverage opens the magazine's pages to three of the most popular sports in America -- baseball, professional football, and NASCAR. Featured in this week's edition: * A preview of the Daytona 500. * 10 Things to watch this NASCAR season. * The legacy of Dale Earnhardt. * A colorful graphic of all the 2006 cars. * A diary from Reed Sorenson, the youngest driver in the Nextel Cup chase. * An introduction to NASCAR fantasy. * Full 2006 NASCAR schedule. ( USA Today Sports Weekly PR)

NASCAR looking to move headquarters to NC.? Might NASCAR be moving its headquarters from Daytona Beach, Fla., to Concord? That's the speculation here, with NASCAR buying more land in the Concord area, where it already has a significant presence, with its research-and-development center. Any such NASCAR move could be related to its plans for a Hall of Fame near Charlotte. (Winston Salem Journal)

Feb. 15, 2006:

NASCAR to use different scoring system in 2007? NASCAR will likely use an outside vendor for its timing and scoring in 2007. Swiss watchmaker Tissot entered into a partnership as NASCAR's "official timekeeper" to develop a new timing system that could be implemented in 2007. "We'll test some of their products," NASCAR vice president of corporate marketing Steve Phelps said. "If that works out well, and we think they can improve the timing of NASCAR, they will be our timing and scoring partner starting in 2007." Tissot is currently the official timekeeper of the MotoGP World Championship. And Omega, a corporate cousin to Tissot, does timing for the Olympics. Currently, NASCAR uses software from a Dutch company, AMB i.t., to time qualifying and races.(NASCAR Scene Daily)

Jan. 23, 2006:

NASCAR Press Conference: Speed Channel will break into its regularly scheduled programs on Monday, Jan. 23 at 12:15pm/et for coverage of an important NASCAR press conference from the 23rd Annual NASCAR NEXTEL Media Tour, hosted by Lowe's Motor Speedway. John Roberts will host the coverage from Speed Channel's Charlotte studios, with live reports from the press conference being held at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. Among the NASCAR Executives scheduled to appear: Chairman of the Board/CEO Brian France, President Mike Helton, Chief Operating Officer George Pyne, Vice President of Research & Development Gary Nelson. (Speed Channel PR)

Jan. 22, 2006:

The stats of NASCAR about to change: Thanks to a newly signed deal between NASCAR and Kretschmann's employer (STATS Inc.), auto racing is about to enter a new statistical era. Says NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston: "Our hope is that these new statistics tell the story in a way that our fans and the media have never had the opportunity to see before." Starting soon, NASCAR hopes race fans will talk about drivers' "quality passes," "speed in traffic" or "consecutive passes" (chart), three of the roughly 30 new stats it will begin releasing after races. Former NASCAR champ Darrell Waltrip, now a racing analyst for Fox Sports, says his broadcast team has had nothing like the statistical resources John Madden has access to during NFL games. (In part from Newsday)

Jan. 21, 2006:

NASCAR executive Pyne to leave: George Pyne, chief operating officer for NASCAR since 2002, will leave his post to become president of the International Management Group early next week, according to a high-ranking official in the racing organization. IMG, founded by the late Mark H. McCormack in 1960 on a handshake deal with golf legend Arnold Palmer, is considered one of the top sports marketing and representation firms in the world. "George got the kind of opportunity that you don’t say no to," said the NASCAR official. "His success at NASCAR in negotiating the big deals will easily translate into success at IMG. NASCAR wishes him well and hopes to do business with him in his next endeavor." (Boston Herald)

Jan. 20, 2006:

NASCAR to go unleaded: NASCAR will use unleaded fuel for its racecars and trucks beginning in 2008, making the switch from the high-octane leaded fuel that it has used for decades. Gary Nelson, NASCAR's vice president for research and development, said yesterday that the series had been testing a new fuel since the fall and that early results had been promising. The fuel, Sunoco 260 GTX, will be used in NASCAR's three main racing series - Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck. Nelson said it was already being used in the Grand American road racing series. "Sunoco came up with a formula that really seems to do the job," Nelson said in a telephone interview. "It does a very good job inside the engine," he said, adding that "we've got more testing to do and more work to do." NASCAR is exempt from the 1970 Clean Air Act, which required the transition to unleaded fuel for all automobiles. But the series has worked to find an unleaded substitute for years. Nelson had said there were problems finding a fuel that provided the same lubrication as lead. The new fuel alleviates that problem without using MTBE, an additive that had been considered in the past but was rejected because it was barred in some states as a health hazard. (New York Times)

Toyota to join Cup and Busch series

NASCAR press conference scheduled: Speed Channel will break into its regularly scheduled programs on Monday, Jan. 23 at 12:15pm/et for coverage of an important NASCAR press conference from the 23rd Annual NASCAR NEXTEL Media Tour, hosted by Lowe's Motor Speedway. John Roberts will host the coverage from Speed Channel's Charlotte studios, with live reports from the press conference being held at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. Among the NASCAR Executives scheduled to appear: Chairman of the Board/CEO Brian France, President Mike Helton, Chief Operating Officer George Pyne, Vice President of Research & Development Gary Nelson. (Speed Channel PR) Conference for what? Toyota announcement?

Jan. 19, 2006:

NASCAR sets up the NASCAR Foundation: NASCAR announced the establishment of the NASCAR Foundation, a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that will serve as the liaison between the sport and all of the charitable causes supported by its different constituents. The Foundation will review charity requests on a regular basis and over time, will expand its focus beyond the industry-related charities that NASCAR currently supports. Betty Jane France has been a leader of NASCAR charitable projects, most notably Speediatrics, a NASCAR themed pediatric unit at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla. Mrs. France believes the NASCAR Foundation will be an effective tool in making a positive and lasting impact in the community. “NASCAR actively supports charities and is devoted to being a leader in the area of public service,” said Mrs. France, who will serve as chairman of the NASCAR Foundation Board. “We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of drivers, owners, teams, tracks and sponsors, along with more than 75 million fans that believe in providing opportunities for those in need. The NASCAR Foundation will link all of our charitable initiatives, and working together, we will make a difference.” The NASCAR Foundation will also work with drivers and their foundations or favorite charity. Kyle Petty, who along with his wife, Pattie, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in honor of their late son, Adam, says the NASCAR Foundation will be a great asset to furthering the assistance the sport can provide to those in need. The NASCAR Foundation Board will consist of Betty Jane France, chairman; Mike Helton, vice chairman; Jim Hunter, vice president; Todd Wilson, treasurer; and Jennifer F. Bates, vice chairman, secretary. Sandy Marshall, who has served as NASCAR’s senior manager for Community Relations for the past three years and is based in Charlotte, will be executive director of the NASCAR Foundation. For more information on the NASCAR Foundation, visit www.NASCAR.COM/foundation.(NASCAR PR)

Jan. 10, 2006:

M.I.S. and AAA brings NASCAR to Detroit Auto Show: Starting with the public kickoff to the 2006 North American International Auto Show, MIS will bring motorsports to the Motor City as auto racing will be celebrated at a special MIS and AAA display throughout the show scheduled to run January 14-22 in Detroit, including a special day that auto racing fanatics will especially enjoy on Thursday, January 19. MIS and AAA will partner in a two-part display located in Michigan Hall of Cobo Center's lower level. The MIS display will feature the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship trophy, along with the championship winning No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet Tony Stewart showcar, the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Kevin Harvick showcar and the Chevrolet SSR official pace car. The AAA Display will feature the #6 AAA Ford Mark Martin showcar. In addition to the display in Michigan Hall, MIS will have a ticket booth located in Cobo Arena with tickets on sale to all 2006 MIS events, including both NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races which will be held June 18 and August 20. To add to the excitement of this year's show, MIS and AAA will be the presenting sponsors of "Racing Day at the Auto Show" on Thursday, January 19. During Racing Day at the Auto Show presented by MIS and AAA, the upstairs lobby of Cobo Hall may look more like the NASCAR garage area at MIS. The area will feature several showcars, including the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., the No. 24 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon and the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson, along with the public debut of the 2006 MIS Chevrolet SSR pace vehicle.  (MIS PR)

UNC offering Alan Kulwicki scholarship nominations: The Lee College of Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is now accepting applications for the 2006-2007 Alan Kulwicki Memorial Scholarship. Lee College annually awards the Alan Kulwicki Memorial Scholarship to an outstanding high school graduate who has an affiliation with NASCAR and who exemplifies the late Alan Kulwicki's commitment to education and love of auto racing. With the financial support of R.J. Reynolds Company, UNC Charlotte established the Kulwicki Scholarship in 1994. The Kulwicki Scholarship is awarded to freshmen entering the motorsports engineering program at UNC Charlotte. It is given in memory of late NASCAR Winston Cup points champion Alan Kulwicki, who lost his life in a plane crash in 1993. Alan was an engineer himself, and a strong supporter of engineering and science education. Kulwicki was the first college graduate to win the NASCAR Winston Cup championship, an honor he deeply cherished. To be considered for the Kulwicki Scholarship, students must: (1) apply and be admissible to UNC Charlotte, (2) show evidence of NASCAR affiliation, and (3) show evidence of academic achievement and financial need. Scholarship application must be submitted to the Lee College of Engineering no later than February 1. For more information and an application see the scholarship link under the prospective student's page at www.coe.uncc.edu

Jan. 3, 2006:

France named among the most powerful in sports: NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France was named fifth in the Sporting News top 100 most powerful people in sports list, down from second last year. "As head of a family-run business," Stuart Miller wrote, "France has more freedom than traditional commissioners. And although he didn't do anything as revolutionary in '05 as his implementation of the Chase for the Nextel Cup in '04, he continued expanding NASCAR's presence with a points race in Mexico, changed the rules specifically to clamp down on owner Jack Roush's reach and listened to the pitches of several cities hoping to land the NASCAR Hall of Fame." Others on the list with NASCAR ties included: (FoxSports.com/AP)
* 2) George Bodenheimer, president, ESPN and ABC Sports; co-chair Disney Media Networks
* 7) Dick Ebersol, chairman, NBC Universal Sports and Olympics
* 9) David Hill, chairman, FOX Sports; president and COO, DirecTV
* 13) August Busch IV, president, and Tony Ponturo, V.P. of global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
* 20) Ed Goren, president and executive producer, FOX Sports
* 22) David Levy, president, Turner Sports; president, Turner Entertainment ad sales and marketing
* 26) Jack Roush, owner and CEO, Roush Racing, NASCAR

Jan. 1, 2006:

New GA. NASCAR plates: Georgia racing fans can sign up for new custom license plates that show off their love of NASCAR beginning this week. And if racing's not your thing, the state will also offer license plates that honor doctors, emergency medical technicians, Purple Heart recipients, Elks and police officers hurt in the line of duty. The state is expecting to offer roughly 40 different NASCAR plates. Officials are working with the vendor to come up with the plate designs, which will include the NASCAR logo and either a specific driver or a general motorsports theme. But there's a catch: 1,000 people must apply for each tag before it goes into production. If the state does not receive 1,000 applications within two years, the customers who applied would receive a refund of their $25 manufacturing fee. Once the tag is produced, Georgians will have to pay a $25 specialty tag fee in addition to an annual registration fee and ad valorem taxes. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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