Unrestricted: My NASCAR Rants & Raves

Who cares about Championships...

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:51:00 +0000

when this stuff was a lot more interesting:

(Nationwide Series)

(Sprint Cup Series)

and then:

Rusty Wallace Racing switching to Toyota in '10

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Rusty Wallace Racing announced Thursday that beginning with the 2010 season the team will field Toyotas in its quest for a Nationwide Series championship.

Steve Wallace and Brendan Gaughan will remain the team's drivers.
wallace.193.jpg

Additionally, a separate agreement with Rusty Wallace, the 1989 Cup Series champion, will enable him to represent the Toyota brand on a national basis.

"I'm very proud to have the opportunity for the team and I to represent the Toyota brand," Wallace said. "Our team's decision on manufacturers involved input from a lot of people within the organization.

"We decided that at the end of the day, our goal as a race team is simple: to win races and championships. Thus, we all had to take a long look at which manufacturer partner could best help us reach that goal."

Toyota will enter the 2010 season looking for its new RWR partnership to aid in securing the brand's third consecutive Nationwide Series manufacturer championship.

RWR's move to Toyota follows a two-year campaign in which the team enjoyed manufacturer support from Chevrolet.

"Chevrolet has been a great partner for our team and on behalf of RWR, I'd like to thank Pat Suhy, Shane Martin and everyone at GM Racing for their dedication and support," Wallace said. "They were a key in our team's growth the past two seasons."

Wallace said he toured Toyota's racing facility in North Carolina and became convinced that the manufacturer has the best products for the Nationwide Series.

The three American manufacturers in NASCAR -- Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford -- have reduced their support for NASCAR teams during their financial restructuring.

EGR wrangles McMurray to drive No. 1 car in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Jamie McMurray has been tabbed by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet in 2010, the team announced on Wednesday.

The EGR opening came about when Martin Truex Jr. signed with Michael Waltrip Racing on July 7.

McMurray, who will team with Juan Montoya under the EGR banner, said he is looking forward to reuniting with some familiar faces.

"I am really excited about this opportunity with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, as I think Juan Pablo and Martin have shown this season [that] their equipment is as good as anyone's in the garage. I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of their cars and once again competing for a NASCAR championship.

"It will also be fun to work with some of the people that I worked with when I was there a few years ago."

McMurray -- reunited with team owner Chip Ganassi for whom he drove from 2003-05 -- has driven the past four seasons for Roush Fenway Racing. However, because of the impending four-car limit imposed by NASCAR for the 2010 season McMurray was free to negotiate with other teams.

Roush Fenway Racing will have Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan in its stable next season.

"To be able to sign a veteran driver with the talent and experience of Jamie was important to us," Ganassi said. "We know Jamie and understand what makes him tick as a driver. We had a lot of success with Jamie in the early part of his career and are looking for more of the same.

"We also think he will be a tremendous compliment to Juan Pablo Montoya as well. The duo of McMurray and Montoya creates a very formidable team as we look to continue the momentum that has been established this year in our chase for the championship."

Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats will return as sponsor of the No. 1 Chevy.

McMurray drove the 2002 season's final six races following neck injury to Sterling Marlin that ended the veteran's challenge for the championship after Kansas race in September.

McMurray, who has three wins in 257 starts in the Cup Series, made his series debut on Oct. 6, 2002, at Talladega, then won his second start a week later at Charlotte by holding off Bobby Labonte on the final lap.

McMurray's most recent victory came Nov. 1 at Talladega. He has 30 top-five finishes and 80 top-10s in the Cup Series. His best finish in the point standings is 11th in 2004.

McMurray's victory in the Nationwide Series on Oct. 26, 2002, gave him the distinction of becoming the 100th driver to win a series race.

ARGHHHHH!

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:34:00 +0000

Jimmie Johnson won, ESPN sucks, Jr caused a huge wreck, and Tony Stewart is an ass. Tony lost my respect.

Tony Stewart called Junior a no talent SOB. You know if Sr. were still alive I think Tony would think twice about saying what he did on his radio.

I'm sick of the Cup Series and think it is a has been. Don't be surprised if I talk more about the Truck Series, Nationwide Series and NHRA more often than not.

::sighs:: I miss Dale Sr. and the way racing used to be.

Brad vs. Denny...AGAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Brad Keselowski dumps Denny Hamlin; Kyle Busch and others talk about incident at PIR. View the video here.

"On the last restart there, Denny got into the back of me and pushed me up the track," Keselowski said. "I was going to return the favor. When he did it to me, I saved it. When I did it to him, he didn't save it. We just got into a pushing match. I don't really don't hold any grudges. I don't know why he wanted to do that. But whatever, that's just how racing is, I guess.

"To me, I was over it. I'm focused on running the No. 88 Junior Motorsports car and trying to run up front, chase down Carl [in the standings] and finish second in points. I haven't put a lot of thought into [the rivalry], but apparently he has."

Hamlin implied he'd have a shot at revenge in next Saturday's race.

"I can sit here and bash him for the next 20 seconds or so and give you all a bunch of sound bites," Hamlin said, "but I'm just happy that I signed up for next week's Nationwide race, and you know in turn, there's a lot of guys that owe him. There's a lot of guys that have a lot of chips that they're going to cash in, I'm just going to be the first to the pay window.''

Later on, after Hamlin spoke to NASCAR president Mike Helton, the two drivers had what USA Today reporter Nate Ryan described as an animated but civil discussion.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. crew involved in accident, no injuries reported

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:53:00 +0000

AVONDALE, Ariz. – The van carrying the Dale Earnhardt Jr. race-day crew for today’s Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 was involved in an accident outside Phoenix International Raceway this morning, a Hendrick Motorsports spokesman confirmed.

Some of the team members were evaluated and released at the infield medical center. All of the HMS crewmen are expected to fulfill their duties during the race today, the spokesman said.

Hornaday gets fourth title; Harvick wins the race

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Kevin Harvick wins as Ron Hornaday finishes fourth at Phoenix to clinch the Truck title. Watch the final laps here.

"We're not done yet," Hornaday said as soon as he climbed from his truck. "We've got to get that owners' championship for Kevin and DeLana."

NASCAR docks Kyle Busch 25 Nationwide points

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP)—NASCAR has docked Kyle Busch 25 Nationwide points and fined crew chief Jason Ratcliff $5,000 after Busch’s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota failed inspection before last week’s race at Texas.

NASCAR also placed Ratcliff on probation through the end of the year for actions detrimental to stock car racing, using improper equipment and use of an improperly attached weight.

The penalty means Busch now leads Carl Edwards by 247 points with two races remaining. The infraction was discovered last Thursday at Texas Motor Speedway. Busch won the Nationwide race at the 1.5-mile track on Saturday.

NASCAR also fined crew chief Brad Parrott $5,000 and placed him on probation until the end of the year for rules violations on the No. 09 Ford driven by John Wes Townley.

Parrott out as crew chief of No. 09

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:26:00 +0000

CONCORD, N.C. -- Brad Parrott was released from his duties as crew chief on the No. 09 Zaxby's Ford Fusion in the Nationwide Series, RAB Racing announced Monday.

Car chief Ben Gable will assume those responsibilities for the final two races of 2009.

The No. 09 is 32nd in points. Driver John Wes Townley, who finished 18th on Saturday at Texas, has a season-best finish of 16th, at Bristol in March. His average finish is 28th with 10 DNFs. Townley also has failed to qualify for six races

Truex penalized for rule infraction at Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:22:00 +0000

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced penalties for the car No. 1 team in the Sprint Cup Series for a violation that occurred during post-race inspection Sunday at Texas.

The team was penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (front of the car did not meet the required height specification; too low in post-race inspection).

Crew chief Kevin Manion was fined $50,000 and remains on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt and driver Martin Truex Jr. were penalized with the loss of 50 owner and 50 driver points.

You Got Me Under Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:38:00 +0000

First of all, I think ZZ Top still rocks! As for the ho-hum race, not so much.

Ok, ok so Jimmie Johnson wrecked in the 2nd lap. Big deal. The guy still has a seventy something lead going on. I don't believe anyone will put much more of a dent in his point lead unless something catastrophic happens like Sunday's little accident.

Anyway, my hopes of Junior having a top 5 pretty much stalled like Junior's car did on pit row. Yep, something or someone always seems to ruin Junior's day. But I have to say I was absolutely giddy when Kyle Busch had the same thing happen to him. That pretty much shut everyone's trap.

I was so sick and tired hearing the commentators talk about Kyle's potential historic weekend that I wanted to throw the TV right out the front door.

And speaking of TV, did anyone see who finished in what place? I saw Kurt Busch and that was it. ESPN was so preoccupied with Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch that they didn't even bother to show the rest of the field crossing the finish line. What is up with that?

So, let me know if I am the only one that thinks ESPN should not be covering NASCAR races until they read the "how to broadcast a NASCAR race properly" manual. Pfft.

CUP: Hendrick Wants Earnhardt’s Problems Fixed

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:50:00 +0000

CUP: Hendrick Wants Earnhardt’s Problems Fixed

Keselowski to make first start in 12 car at Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Penske announced Sept. 1 that Keselowski will drive the No. 12 Dodge full time in the Sprint Cup Series next year, and the team has opted to get an early start on the transition.

"Penske Racing wants to give Brad an opportunity to work with the team and get to know the racecar as we prepare for the 2010 season," owner Roger Penske said Monday. "These three races will provide a good base for both Brad and the team as we head into next year."

Keselowski, 25, has been driving part time in the Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports and James Finch's Phoenix Racing while competing full time in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports. Keselowski is third in the Nationwide standings with four victories, the most recent coming Oct. 24 at Memphis Motorsports Park.

"I am very excited to begin working with the Penske Racing team, and I look forward to competing in the No. 12 Penske Dodge in the final three Cup Series races of the year," Keselowski said. "We all have high expectations for next season and beyond and being able to race with the team this year will only help us as we look toward 2010."

Keselowski finished eighth at Talladega Superspeedway in his last ride in Finch's No. 09 Chevrolet. Keselowski has four top-10s in 12 Cup starts in 2009 and scored his only win in the series at Talladega in April driving for Finch.

Stremme, 32, is winless in 108 Cup starts and does not have a top-10 finish in 33 starts this season. He is 31st in the points standings. This was his first year in the Cup Series with Penske Racing after breaking in with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2005.

Nice going NASCAR

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:08:00 +0000

Oh yeah the rules and regulations really made Dega racing so much better, NOT! In my opinion, NASCAR is losing its fan base and it's not just because of the economy.

Ryan Newman said it best after his awful wreck:

Then after the red flag, this occurred:

Yeah NASCAR you really got a handle on things, don't ya? Pfft!

Boo!

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Question

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Will you watch Sunday's race at Dega after NASCAR has screwed with the cars once again?

I really don't know if I'll watch it or not. Unfortunately, I've really become bored with Sprint Cup. The Truck and Nationwide series are a so much more interesting and has less of the bull crap.

In my opinion, NASCAR is ruining itself and it's quite obvious that NASCAR doesn't care what the fans want. That's fine NASCAR have it your way, but you'll have more and more empty seats because of it. A matter of fact, we didn't renew our Daytona 500 seats for next season. And when and if NASCAR removes its head out of its own ass, maybe we'll come back until then, you won't see me at Daytona or any other race anytime soon.

HMS: McGrew to return as crew chief for No. 88 in '10

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:10:00 +0000

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 30, 2009) – Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick has named Lance McGrew the full-time crew chief of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolets driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The 41-year-old McGrew assumed the role May 28 on an interim basis.

"I have total faith in Lance and what he's capable of accomplishing with Dale Jr.," Hendrick said. "There was a lot of pressure with how he came into this deal, and the way he's handled it has been extremely impressive. Lance is confident in himself and in his decisions, and all the outside distractions aren't going to faze him. He's a strong-willed guy who will keep his eye on the ball and not settle."

McGrew will complete the final four races of the 2009 schedule, beginning with this weekend's AMP Energy 500 at Talladega, Ala., and return in 2010, which will mark the 11th full-time Sprint Cup season for Earnhardt.

"Lance has been part of the solution, not the problem," said Earnhardt, an 18-time winner in the Sprint Cup Series. "He's tough, which is what I need, and we've really clicked in a short period of time. The communication has gotten better every practice and every race, and I know that's going to keep improving. Having this decision behind us is really important, and now we can focus on the future instead of the past."

As a crew chief, McGrew earned the 2003 Nationwide Series championship with driver Brian Vickers and has posted victories in all three of NASCAR's national touring series. In addition to Vickers, he has won races with drivers Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Ricky Hendrick, Mark Martin and Tony Stewart.

"The communication between Dale Jr. and I continues to improve every single week," said McGrew, a native of Baton Rouge, La. "Both of us are 110-percent committed to the success of this team, and we're going to do everything necessary to get the job done for Hendrick Motorsports, our sponsors and Dale's fans."

Allmendinger arrested for DUI after failed field test

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:18:00 +0000

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- A.J. Allmendinger was arrested early Thursday morning on a charge of drunken driving.

Mooresville police said Allmendinger failed a field sobriety test after he was pulled over.

Allmendinger, who drives the No. 44 for Richard Petty Motorsports, said in a statement he had drinks with dinner and made a mistake in driving afterward.

"I honestly felt fine, but I obviously should have erred more on the side of caution, particularly given what I do for a living," Allmendinger said. "It was a bad judgment call and I apologize for that."

RPM officials had no immediate comment.

Allmendinger is a major factor in RPM's long-range plans, and team officials told The Associated Press that Allmendinger was going to be moved into Petty's famed No. 43 next season. Best Buy is expected to sponsor the car.

It's not clear how his arrest may affect that relationship. Petty routinely shunned alcohol sponsorship, and refused to allow his teams to participate in NASCAR's second-tier series when it was sponsored by Busch.

"If anything good can come of this, then hopefully I can be an example of being more aware of drinking responsibly and if even if you feel fine, take a cab, call a friend," Allmendinger said. "Just don't risk it. I will do my best to make it right and use this to learn myself and hopefully educate others."

Junior Needs Pop

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Below is a blog post from rowdy.com. He seemed to have taken a walk inside my head because he wrote what I have been thinking.

Note to Buzz: I tried to get in touch with you but to no avail. If this is unacceptable, please let me know.

By Buzz Cutler

I have heard all of the arguments that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has had pretty good runs in the first five Chase races only to be done in by things beyond his control. I concede the point. I also suggest that it is wholly irrelevant. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. seems to be so incredibly frustrated by his results that the reason for them takes a back seat to his emotional state.

I assume that his equipment is comparable to that of his teammates. Certain members of the Junior Nation have suggested to me that the 88 is being used as a guinea pig in order to test out new ideas for the 5, 24 & 48. I guess that could be true, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense. Don’t you think Rick Hendrick is more inclined to give Junior every opportunity to get back in a groove rather than hamper him with experimental/risky set-ups?

I am not a Psychologist. I am not a Crew Chief. I am not Rick Hendrick. Still, I believe that if Junior can find some confidence and regain the joy he once felt behind the wheel, his performance is likely to improve. To that end, Tony Eury, Senior might just be the answer.

Tony, Senior currently runs JR Motosports Nationwide efforts and has said he’s perfectly happy continuing to do so, but maybe he shouldn’t be given the choice. I’m not in a position to assess his abilities as a Crew Chief versus Tony, Junior’s or Lance McGrew’s. I also know that past magic is difficult to recapture. Dale, Junior, however, needs to regain his confidence. The last time he had sustained success as a driver was with Eury, the elder. They won back-to-back Nationwide Championships together. They won 15 Cup races together, including the All-Star race and a Daytona 500.

Junior’s Cup Stats with “Pops” (five full-time seasons):
Wins – 15
Top 5’s – 52
Top 10’s – 78

Junior’s Cup Stats without “Pops” (2009 is the fifth season):
Wins – 3
Top 5’s – 36
Top 10’s – 63

Clearly, there are many factors that go into performance. Junior has had some tumultuous years since he and his Uncle split up. Junior left DEI. The Car of Tomorrow was introduced. Reuniting them for the rest of the season isn’t about any of that, and it’s not really about set-ups or equipment. It’s about Junior knowing that he won when he and “Pops” were together. Maybe, just maybe, seeing his Uncle atop the pit box will help him believe he can do so again.

You've got to be kidding me!

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:29:00 +0000

My husband was surfing thru channels and guess what he happened to see? Joey Logano and Kyle Busch on Monday Night Raw (eyeroll).

Yes, they were in the ring talking crap to Chris Jerico and The Big Show. Now, I don't watch wrestling for a number of reasons, but I do know most of the wrestlers names believe it or not. And I was hoping that The Big Show would scoop up Kyle Busch and break him in half. That did not happen, unfortunately.

Logano and Busch are appearing on the program to promote the upcoming O’Reilly Challenge NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 7 – a race during which each driver will helm cars featuring paint schemes from the WWE SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010 (THQ, ESRB: T) video game. The video game tie-in is nothing new for Logano, as his No. 20 Toyota is sponsored by GameStop, the world’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to guest host WWE Monday Night Raw and I’m happy that we were able to get Kyle on board too,” said Logano. “GameStop is one of the coolest sponsors a driver can have and I love that I’ll get a chance to bring the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 video game to life the best way I know how – on the racetrack.”

Oh darn, I missed the race

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:02:00 +0000

I was at my nephew's birthday party and from what I read, I really didn't miss much.

So, what did you think of the race?

Phillies Heading Back To World Series

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:30:00 +0000

No. 16 Nationwide team fined and docked points

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:26:00 +0000

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Wednesday that the crew chief, owner and driver of the No. 16 Nationwide Series team have been fined and penalized for violations involving sealed engine rules.

Crew chief Eddie Pardue has been fined $30,000 for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (Race equipment that has been previously sealed by NASCAR for use in an event) and sub-section 8-6 (Failure to submit the sealed engine from the race winner for inspection; removal of the seal from the winning engine without authorization from NASCAR) of the 2009 Nationwide Series rule book.

Team owner Jack Roush was penalized with the loss of 100 championship owner points while driver Matt Kenseth also was docked 100 championship driver points.

Do I have to talk about NASCAR?

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:39:00 +0000

I really don't want to, after all my favorite driver is having one of the worst seasons ever.

Junior is so depressed and frankly, so am I. The poor man can't seem to get a break. And if I hear one more idiot say, "he's not like his father" I am going to scream.

I've been riding it out. There comes a point though when you don't want to ride it out anymore," Earnhardt said Friday at Charlotte. "You just have had enough, you know? It's been a long year. I really don't want the year to be over with, because I like going to the race track every week and racing. But the last several ... well, all year, it's been so ... low.

"The highs have been not very high and the lows have been terribly low. It's hard to want to get back up and try again the next week when you take such a beating. But I don't know what else to do."

"There are a lot of smart people around here," Earnhardt said. "I'm just waiting on somebody to make the call. Put the damn team together and say, 'This is what you've got, and this is what you're going to do next year.' I'm just kind of waiting on that to happen."

Believe me Junior, your loyal fans are waiting too.

Did you see this?

noreply@blogger.com (Antonette) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:02:00 +0000