NASCAR Ranting and Raving

Well it is now official ...

2010-03-12T02:57:58Z

I just lost my freelance writing gig for The Hamilton Spectator. I used to write a weekly NASCAR Column for them during the racing season. I thought they were just limited with their space due to their coverage of the Olympics but I was wrong, their freelance budget was significantly cut this year and I was one of the first to go.

Oh well, to be honest with you after the market bottomed out last year I thought I was a goner, but they held on to me for the entire season except for a few missed weeks due to illness and the US Open so I consider myself lucky to have been writing for them at all this past year.

With that being said anyone know of any local papers looking for a freelance NASCAR scrib?

There's not many links to my stuff left over at their site, but here is one about last year's All-Star race that I like because I got to talk a little bit about the history of the event itself.

I've really got to thank Rick Hughes over at The Spec for having the vision of bringing a Blogger into the fold. I never had a contract with him, all we had a handshake deal that lasted almost two years - kind of unheard of in this day and age isn't it? But that's what it was.

After my first article for him, Rick emailed me and told me to stop trying to sound like a reporter, "I want your voice not what you think it should be for a newspaper" he wrote. After that I ran with it and aside from a few changes to my original work due to space restrictions he and his associate editors left my work alone.

I really appreciate the opportunity Rick gave me I really enjoyed my time writing for The Spec and you never know I just might end up back there again one day, especially if the Canadian Motor Speedway becomes a reality.

NASACR's decision on Carl Edwards' actions against Keselowski at Atlanta: three race probation. Really?

2010-03-10T04:29:42Z

I will never understand NASCAR's policing of its drivers. Carl Edwards gets a three race probation (only in the Cup series too) for deliberately wrecking Brad Keselowski in last Sunday's race at about 190 mph causing Keselowski to get airborne and fly into the outside retaining wall and catch fence upside down landing hard on the driver's side A - pillar.

Officially Edwards was found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing - aggressive driving) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book.

Now granted having Keselowski flying through the air with the greatest of ease was not what Edwards intended to happen, all he wanted to do was just spin Keselowski out and into the grass but unfortunately things at 190 mph don't always go as planned.

Mike Helton explained NASCAR's position regarding this incident; "We made it very clear to [Edwards] that these actions were not acceptable and did go beyond what we said back in January, about putting the driving back in the hands of the drivers. I believe [Edwards] understands our position at this point."

Helton went on to explain; "I think first of all, I'll go back to the fact that we parked Carl as soon as the [Atlanta] incident occurred, for the balance of the event," Helton said. "You can look back at the incidents at Homestead [Denny Hamlin wrecking Keselowski, Tony Stewart wrecking Juan Montoya] where it was a one-lap penalty.

"So the immediate reaction [to Edwards' move] from NASCAR was parking the car for the balance of the event. That in its own can be a serious reaction from us, I think. The balance of it, I think, will still have to be sorted out among the drivers as to what their opinion or their interpretation of all of this is. - Dave Rodman nascar.com.

My initial response to the three race Sprint Cup only probation and NASCAR's explanation of it was;

"Oh come on Mike (Helton) there were like what, five laps left? And Carl only lost one position due to his 'parking' because he was so many laps down anyway. Yep that's a harsh penalty. I can see how that makes a significant impact on Carl in the standings, man he is going to suffer because of that (said with much sarcasm)."

Please Note: Expletive content has been edited for publishing.

So let me see Carl was running about 38th when this happened and lost only one place as a result of being parked which cost him 8 driver points while Brad was running 5th when Carl hit him causing him to finish 36th and potentially losing Brad 105 points.

I'm sorry, I feel that the punishment does not suit the crime here. I understand that NASCAR wants the drivers to work these things out, but come on even parents who want their kids to solve their own issues between themselves need to discipline their children when they cross the line so they know right from wrong.

I'll conceed to what Aarron had to say in that Edwards has lost more than points in the court of public opinion, especially with the fans, is a more than fair assessment of this mess but what kind of message does NASCAR's ruling send to the other drivers? Go ahead boys hit each other all you want as long as you don't intend to send each other airborne, hurt each other, etc.?

Standards must be set and examples must be made, but in this case low standards were set and an ineffective example was made.

As I said the other day; "Which is it going to be? Have at it boys or Have havoc boys?"

Pictures of new spoiler in action at Goodyear's Darlington tire test today

2010-03-10T02:03:32Z

Clint Bowyer tests Goodyear tires Tuesday at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. - Credit: MotorRacingNetwork.com

Elliott Sadler takes on the rough track surface at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. Tuesday during a Goodyear Tire test - Credit: MotorRacingNetwork.com

Marcos Ambrose avoids getting a Darlington Stripe Tuesday during a Goodyear Tire test at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. - Credit: MotorRacingNetwork.com

Light Edwards penalty fits, as the damage is already done

2010-03-09T22:42:27Z

A lot of people have already launched into tirades that Carl Edwards received a mere slap of the wrist Tuesday when NASCAR handed him a three-race probation for the incident with Brad Keselowski on lap 322 of Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500. and that he should have sat out the March 21 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway

The cries that if Keselowski's car had flown a few inches in another direction, Carl could have potentially killed someone in the stands, if not Keselowski himself, are valid, but what-ifs rarely play into penalties.

When Kurt Busch almost struck Tony Stewart's jackman, Jason Lee, during a road rage incident in the pits at Dover in 2007, there were cries for Busch too to be suspended, but he wasn't because Lee was not hit or injured.

The penalty may not have fit the crime in many eyes, but it would have merely been overkill had NASCAR heavily fined Edwards or sat him down a race, and I'll explain why.

In the interest of full disclosure, let me preface this by saying that I am no fan of Brad Keselowski. I felt there was a need for his team to have to take a torn up race car back to their shop, with as many teams have had to take a torn up car home as a result of his actions. His total lack of respect or regard for the hard work of his competitors and teams won't fly in the Cup Series, and if he continues to race as he did the last part of 2009, Sunday won't be the last time the #12 car is intentionally sent into a slide.

Let me also say that it shouldn't have happened at Atlanta Motor Speedway, certainly not at the fastest point of the fastest track in NASCAR.

I support Carl Edwards, though I don't support what he did. His best option would have probably been to run the rest of the race, giving Keselowski room, and when the race was over, found him and taken care of business then and there. A black eye and a busted nose would probably have been the best way to get Carl's point across.

Fellow drivers and the fans of those drivers who had seen past races ruined because of Keselowski's actions would have lauded Carl, sending engraved "Thank you" notes. I have commented that I would have "given him a big, wet, sloppy one right on the cheek."

Instead, purely because of the accident's horrific nature, Keselowski is viewed as the victim and Edwards the villain.

And that's where the damage is done.

Carl's image is anything but squeaky clean, the result of many incidents over the last few years with such stars as Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart, and Kevin Harvick. However, he has generally been regarded as a fan favorite, a Mr. Nice Guy with occasional lapses in judgement and temperamental outbursts.

Now, while Edwards' fanbase will probably remain strong, there are a great number of onlookers who have and will lash out and scorn him. It will take a long time for him to get back into their good graces.

The public backlash, both from the media and especially the race fans, presents a greater long-term penalty than any fine, or even suspension, that NASCAR could have handed down.

Carl Edwards must face the music for his actions, but will it be Metallica or Bobby Vinton?

2010-03-08T23:39:36Z

ATLANTA - MARCH 07: The wrecked #12 Penske Dodge, driven by Brad Keselowski, sits in the garage after an incident on tack during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 7, 2010 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

There is no mistaken what Carl Edwards did today to Brad Keselowski was a big no no in the eyes of anyone watching the race including NASCAR but what kind of penalty is he going to face as a result?

Well Keselowski wants Edwards parked for at least one race, which seems possible but unlikely in my opinion.

Why? Sponsorship dollars. Think of the lost revenue by not having the Afflac, Scotts, (name of other sponsors here) car in the race. Certainly if I were a sponsor of Edwards I would not be pleased that my car was not in the race with my driver behind the wheel. Of course the 99 car would be in the race, but not with Edwards behind the wheel.

In fact I might just be so upset that I would pull all of my television advertising from the race too which would mean a loss of revenue for NASCAR and FOX.

Get the picture?

So what would you do?

Looking at Edwards' past history might help NASCAR's decision, so let's do that.

1) In 2006 Carl was wrecked on the last lap while leading at MIS in an incident caused by eventual winner Dale Jr. After getting fresh rubber Carl went back out on the track and crashed into the driver's side of the Dale Jr's car while he was on his cool down lap and while Jr had his hand out the window. He was given a fine and put on probation.

2) In 2006 Carl retaliates on Tony Stewart for a bone head move Stewart did earlier in the race and Carl spins out Tony while entering pit road for caution period pit stops while pit crew members were over the wall on pit road. I still have problems with this one even though Carl claimed that he spun Tony away from the pit crews, but Tony could have easily lost control of his car and went in a totally opposite direction.

3) Carl has an altercation in front of cameras with teammate Matt Kenseth after a race where Carl threatens physical aggression on a stunned Kenseth.

4) Carl and Kevin Harvick get into a shoving/wrestling match in the pits after practice - it is reported that punches were exchanged between the two.

These are just off the top of my head too, there might be more. I do believe that Carl and Busch got into it in Bristol one time, but I'm also sure Busch started it.

So what to do now that we've established a bit of 'history in payback' as it were?

Look at similar cases;

1) Kevin Harvick was parked for a Cup race for his actions in a Truck race at Martinsville involving the late Bobby Hamilton.

2) Ted Musgrave was parked for a race because he went back out on the track and wrecked Kelly Bires after being more than 100 laps down because of an altercation with Bires that caused him to be down that many laps.

3) Kevin Harvick and Jamie MacMurray are fined and put on probation for banging bumpers on each other.

and the list goes on.

So what now?

Well Dustin Long thinks NASCAR should just fine him a ton of points so its like he has been parked a race. Not a bad idea really.

Nail him hard so that it is like he missed a race. I'm OK with that, but I think I might just take it a bit further.

I'd nail him a minimum 200 points and park him a race too. If they can fine Carl Long 200K for a large motor in an exhibition race then they can fine Carl 250K for overly aggressive driving with the potential to injure other drivers (look at the A-piller on Keselowski's car - man he is lucky it didn't collapse any more) as well as spectators. Then I'd fine Roush/Fenway racing for not controlling their driver, make them take some ownership too. Roush would get hit with the same amount of point and dollar fines. Also, I'd make the 99 car ineligible for the next race regardless if they had a different driver in the car. They can run a different number on the car if they want, just not the 99 so they can't collect Owner Points either.

Harsh? Yes. Unfair? Maybe. Unrealistic? In the world of NASCAR yes. But if you don't make an example now then what's next? I mean the precedent of a one race suspension was set with Musgrave when, under similar circumstances he deliberately drove into Kelly Bires at Martinsville which is a short track where the speeds are about 1/2 they are at Atlanta, and Bires' truck didn't get airborne.

Some of you may think that I'm just saying this because I'm not an Edwards fan, well you have your right to say that, but based on this history and the precedents already established by NASCAR I'd be saying that about any driver out there that would be in Carl's shoes at this moment - even Dale Jr.

Now don't get me wrong I'm sure Carl had no intention for Keselowski's car to get airborne and I'm quite sure that he regrets doing what he did to Brad and if I had thought otherwise I would have said so and made the punishment even more harsh. We all do stupid things everyday, and we all must face the consequences of our actions - intended or not - and a NASCAR driver is no different in my opinion.

There's "Have at it boys" and then there's "Have havoc boys" - which is it going to be and at what cost?

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 | Atlanta Motor Speedway Open Race Thread

2010-03-07T17:20:35Z

Hey all. Today's open race thread is going to be a little different in that I'm going to provide you with the link to Jeff Gluck's open race thread too. Feel free in posting either at Jeff's page or here, or even on both, which is what I'm going to be doing at times throughout the day.

Jeff and I are still working out this open race thread thing. To be honest with you I haven't returned Jeff's email on the topic from Wednesday as I've been really busy this week so the ball is resting in my court on this as it were. We'll have it all sorted out by next week for sure.

Anyway, look for the complete starting line-up after the jump. See you on the other side (and at Jeff's page too).

POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND

1 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Amp Energy / National Guard 192.761 28.761 Leader

2 18 Kyle Busch Toyota M&M's 192.280 28.833 -0.072

3 42 Juan Montoya Chevrolet Target 192.106 28.859 -0.098

4 5 Mark Martin Chevrolet HendrickCars.com / GoDaddy.com 191.814 28.903 -0.142

5 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet National Guard / DuPont 191.774 28.909 -0.148

6 9 Kasey Kahne Ford Budweiser 191.688 28.922 -0.161

7 39 Ryan Newman Chevrolet Tornados 191.549 28.943 -0.182

8 19 Elliott Sadler Ford Hunt Brothers Pizza 191.436 28.960 -0.199

9 00 David Reutimann Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine 191.186 28.998 -0.237

10 99 Carl Edwards Ford Scotts 191.087 29.013 -0.252

11 2 Kurt Busch Dodge Miller Lite 191.054 29.018 -0.257

12 47 Marcos Ambrose Toyota Lance Snacks / Tom's Snacks 190.935 29.036 -0.275

13 16 Greg Biffle Ford U.S. Census 190.850 29.049 -0.288

14 17 Matt Kenseth Ford Valvoline 190.791 29.058 -0.297

15 14 Tony Stewart Chevrolet Office Depot / Old Spice 190.692 29.073 -0.312

16 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's / Kobalt Tools 190.640 29.081 -0.320

17 6 David Ragan Ford UPS 190.574 29.091 -0.330

18 33 Clint Bowyer Chevrolet BB&T 190.561 29.093 -0.332

19 56 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota NAPA Auto Parts 190.548 29.095 -0.334

20 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota FedEx Office 190.424 29.114 -0.353

21 71 Bobby Labonte Chevrolet TaxSlayer.com 190.267 29.138 -0.377

22 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet Caterpillar 190.221 29.145 -0.384

23 98 Paul Menard Ford CertainTeed / Menards 189.987 29.181 -0.420

24 1 Jamie McMurray Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker 189.915 29.192 -0.431

25 43 A.J. Allmendinger Ford Insignia / Best Buy 189.857 29.201 -0.440

26 83 Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull 189.798 29.210 -0.449

27 66 Dave Blaney Toyota Prism Motorsports 189.590 29.242 -0.481

28 12 Brad Keselowski Dodge Mopar / FLO TV 189.571 29.245 -0.484

29 20 Joey Logano Toyota The Home Depot 189.189 29.304 -0.543

30 36 Mike Bliss Chevrolet Wave Energy Drink 189.144 29.311 -0.550

31 13 Max Papis Toyota GEICO 189.112 29.316 -0.555

32 82 Scott Speed Toyota Red Bull 189.079 29.321 -0.560

33 87 Joe Nemechek Toyota FrontRowJoe.com 189.060 29.324 -0.563

34 21 Bill Elliott Ford Motorcraft / Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center 189.021 29.330 -0.569

35 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Shell / Pennzoil 189.015 29.331 -0.570

36 77 Sam Hornish Jr. Dodge Mobil 1 188.970 29.338 -0.577

37 38 David Gilliland Ford Charter Air Transport / Taco Bell 188.341 29.436 -0.675

38 78 Regan Smith Chevrolet Furniture Row Companies 187.958 29.496 -0.735

39 7 Robby Gordon Toyota Warner Music Nashville / Blake Shelton 186.403 29.742 -0.981

40 34 Travis Kvapil+ Ford Long John Silver's 185.430 29.898 -1.137

41 37 Kevin Conway+* Ford Extenze 184.812 29.998 -1.237

42 26 Boris Said+ Ford Sacred Power / Southern Pride Trucking 182.916 30.309 -1.548

43 55 Michael McDowell Toyota Prism Motorsports 188.758 29.371 -0.610

Did Not Qualify

44 09 Aric Almirola Chevrolet Phoenix Racing 188.066 29.479 -0.718

45 190 Casey Mears Chevrolet Juice Air Fre
sheners / SmellMyCar.com 187.678 29.540 -0.779

46 46 Terry Cook* Dodge Whitney Motorsports 186.122 29.787 -1.026

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie


POS	CAR	DRIVER	MAKE	SPONSOR	SPEED	TIME	BEHIND
1	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Chevrolet	Amp Energy / National Guard	192.761	28.761	Leader
2	18	Kyle Busch	Toyota	M&M's	192.280	28.833	-0.072
3	42	Juan Montoya	Chevrolet	Target	192.106	28.859	-0.098
4	5	Mark Martin	Chevrolet	HendrickCars.com / GoDaddy.com	191.814	28.903	-0.142
5	24	Jeff Gordon	Chevrolet	National Guard / DuPont	191.774	28.909	-0.148
6	9	Kasey Kahne	Ford	Budweiser	191.688	28.922	-0.161
7	39	Ryan Newman	Chevrolet	Tornados	191.549	28.943	-0.182
8	19	Elliott Sadler	Ford	Hunt Brothers Pizza	191.436	28.960	-0.199
9	00	David Reutimann	Toyota	Aaron's Dream Machine	191.186	28.998	-0.237
10	99	Carl Edwards	Ford	Scotts	191.087	29.013	-0.252
11	2	Kurt Busch	Dodge	Miller Lite	191.054	29.018	-0.257
12	47	Marcos Ambrose	Toyota	Lance Snacks / Tom's Snacks	190.935	29.036	-0.275
13	16	Greg Biffle	Ford	U.S. Census	190.850	29.049	-0.288
14	17	Matt Kenseth	Ford	Valvoline	190.791	29.058	-0.297
15	14	Tony Stewart	Chevrolet	Office Depot / Old Spice	190.692	29.073	-0.312
16	48	Jimmie Johnson	Chevrolet	Lowe's / Kobalt Tools	190.640	29.081	-0.320
17	6	David Ragan	Ford	UPS	190.574	29.091	-0.330
18	33	Clint Bowyer	Chevrolet	BB&T	190.561	29.093	-0.332
19	56	Martin Truex Jr.	Toyota	NAPA Auto Parts	190.548	29.095	-0.334
20	11	Denny Hamlin	Toyota	FedEx Office	190.424	29.114	-0.353
21	71	Bobby Labonte	Chevrolet	TaxSlayer.com	190.267	29.138	-0.377
22	31	Jeff Burton	Chevrolet	Caterpillar	190.221	29.145	-0.384
23	98	Paul Menard	Ford	CertainTeed / Menards	189.987	29.181	-0.420
24	1	Jamie McMurray	Chevrolet	Bass Pro Shops / Tracker	189.915	29.192	-0.431
25	43	A.J. Allmendinger	Ford	Insignia / Best Buy	189.857	29.201	-0.440
26	83	Brian Vickers	Toyota	Red Bull	189.798	29.210	-0.449
27	66	Dave Blaney	Toyota	Prism Motorsports	189.590	29.242	-0.481
28	12	Brad Keselowski	Dodge	Mopar / FLO TV	189.571	29.245	-0.484
29	20	Joey Logano	Toyota	The Home Depot	189.189	29.304	-0.543
30	36	Mike Bliss	Chevrolet	Wave Energy Drink	189.144	29.311	-0.550
31	13	Max Papis	Toyota	GEICO	189.112	29.316	-0.555
32	82	Scott Speed	Toyota	Red Bull	189.079	29.321	-0.560
33	87	Joe Nemechek	Toyota	FrontRowJoe.com	189.060	29.324	-0.563
34	21	Bill Elliott	Ford	Motorcraft / Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center	189.021	29.330	-0.569
35	29	Kevin Harvick	Chevrolet	Shell / Pennzoil	189.015	29.331	-0.570
36	77	Sam Hornish Jr.	Dodge	Mobil 1	188.970	29.338	-0.577
37	38	David Gilliland	Ford	Charter Air Transport / Taco Bell	188.341	29.436	-0.675
38	78	Regan Smith	Chevrolet	Furniture Row Companies	187.958	29.496	-0.735
39	7	Robby Gordon	Toyota	Warner Music Nashville / Blake Shelton	186.403	29.742	-0.981
40	34	Travis Kvapil+	Ford	Long John Silver's	185.430	29.898	-1.137
41	37	Kevin Conway+*	Ford	Extenze	184.812	29.998	-1.237
42	26	Boris Said+	Ford	Sacred Power / Southern Pride Trucking	182.916	30.309	-1.548
43	55	Michael McDowell	Toyota	Prism Motorsports	188.758	29.371	-0.610

Did Not Qualify
44	09	Aric Almirola	Chevrolet	Phoenix Racing	188.066	29.479	-0.718
45	190	Casey Mears	Chevrolet	Juice Air Fre sheners / SmellMyCar.com	187.678	29.540	-0.779
46	46	Terry Cook*	Dodge	Whitney Motorsports	186.122	29.787	-1.026

Nascar Twitter Call

2010-03-07T02:35:47Z

This week Nascar heads to Atlanta. Following final practices most drivers are usually very active on Twitter. Here is what they had to say

jpmontoya had a difficult practice car not great today, gonna have to work on it a lot for tomorrow...

maxpapis I feel good from practice even if speeds where not incredible we improved the car step by step

jamiemcmurray Need to work on our car for tomorrow

BrianLVickers Made some gains today. Car was good in practice. Had a good debrief and chat with the guys today.

Regan_Smith_ still struggling this weekend, just cant seem to get this place figured out....

dennyhamlin had a pretty good set of practices today.. i feel like we have made good progress. trivia tonight at 7pm est

Mc_Driver Car was pretty good in happy hour.

AJDinger Insignia best buy ford was decent during practice. Need to make the right calls tomorrow for setup and guess the track right.

Should be a good race.

Remember you can follow along with the drivers here:

NASCAR Ranting and Raving's NASCAR Driver Twitter List

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series E-Z-GO 200 | Atlanta Motor Speedway Open Race Thread

2010-03-06T18:37:54Z

Complete line up after the jump! Don't know if I will be around much for this one today, I've got a busy sched.

How do you think Austin Dillon is going to do?

Oh and hey, two Bodines are starting in the top 10 and its too bad that Carl Long didn't amke the race. Help me out on this if you can, is this the first race that Carl has tried to enter since his huge fine from last May for having an oversized motor?

See ya all on the other side!

POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND

1 33 Ron Hornaday Chevrolet Longhorn Smokeless Tobacco 177.721 31.195 Leader

2 18 Kyle Busch Toyota Toyota Tundra 177.306 31.268 -0.073

3 88 Matt Crafton Chevrolet Australian Gold / Menards 177.028 31.317 -0.122

4 2 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet ShopEZGO.com 176.853 31.348 -0.153

5 3 Austin Dillon* Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker 176.853 31.474 -0.279

6 15 Steve Wallace Toyota Red Top Collector Car Auction 176.028 31.495 -0.300

7 51 Aric Almirola Toyota AKawareness.com / Graceway Pharmaceuticals 175.821 31.532 -0.337

8 95 Geoff Bodine Dodge Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project "Olympic Gold" 175.682 31.557 -0.362

9 13 Johnny Sauter Chevrolet EasytoInstall
.com / Tim McGraw / Curb Records 175.654 31.562 -0.367

10 30 Todd Bodine Toyota The Night Train 175.565 31.578 -0.383

11 56 Tayler Malsam Toyota Toyota / One Eighty 175.526 31.585 -0.390

12 4 Ricky Carmichael Chevrolet Monster Energy 175.454 31.598 -0.403

13 84 Chris Fontaine Chevrolet Glenden Enterprises 175.338 31.619 -0.424

14 23 Jason White Dodge GunBroker.com 175.260 31.633 -0.438

15 81 David Starr Toyota Zachry 175.133 31.656 -0.461

16 07 Donny Lia Chevrolet Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Atlanta 175.017 31.677 -0.482

17 5 Mike Skinner Toyota International Trucks / Monaco RV 174.983 31.683 -0.488

18 60 Stacy Compton Toyota SafeAuto Insurance Company 174.890 31.700 -0.505

19 46 Dennis Setzer Dodge Dixie Home Crafters 174.724 31.730 -0.535

20 93 Shane Sieg Chevrolet S&W Services 174.268 31.813 -0.618

21 90 Brad Sweet Toyota Great Clips 173.826 31.894 -0.699

22 7 Justin Lofton* Toyota VisitPIT.com 173.592 31.937 -0.742

23 85 Brent Raymer Ford Ford. Drive one. 173.543 31.946 -0.751

24 14 Rick Crawford Ford Circle Bar Truck Corral 173.467 31.960 -0.765

25 12 Mario Gosselin Chevrolet TireMonkey.com / James Carter Attorney 173.266 31.997 -0.802

26 49 Chad McCumbee Chevrolet 75000000.com 173.223 32.005 -0.810

27 76 Ryan Hackett Ford Kentucky Steel Buildings 173.185 32.012 -0.817

28 39 Ryan Sieg Chevrolet Waste Pro 172.877 32.069 -0.874

29 89 Mike Harmon Ford Marriott / Shula's 347 Grill 172.683 32.105 -0.910

30 17 Timothy Peters Toyota K&N Filters 172.635 32.114 -0.919

31 10 Jennifer Jo Cobb* Ford drivenmale.com / DriverBoutique.com 172.046 32.224 -1.029

32 47 Brett Butler* Chevrolet Fuel-Doctor.com 170.695 32.479 -1.284

33 21 Butch Miller Dodge ASI Limited 170.145 32.584 -1.389

34 57 Norm Benning+ Chevrolet Norm Benning Racing 167.412 33.116 -1.921

35 48 Tim Bainey Jr.+ Chevrolet DelGrosso 166.043 33.389 -2.194

36 6 Donnie Neuenberger Chevrolet E-Z Slider 171.381 32.349 -1.154

Did Not Qualify

37 01 Carl Long Chevrolet Koma Unwind Chillaxation Drink 169.293 32.748 -1.553

38 187 Chris Jones Chevrolet D.W. Campbell Tire Inc. 169.288 32.749 -1.554

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie


POS	CAR	DRIVER	MAKE	SPONSOR	SPEED	TIME	BEHIND
1	33	Ron Hornaday	Chevrolet	Longhorn Smokeless Tobacco	177.721	31.195	Leader
2	18	Kyle Busch	Toyota	Toyota Tundra	177.306	31.268	-0.073
3	88	Matt Crafton	Chevrolet	Australian Gold / Menards	177.028	31.317	-0.122
4	2	Kevin Harvick	Chevrolet	ShopEZGO.com	176.853	31.348	-0.153
5	3	Austin Dillon*	Chevrolet	Bass Pro Shops / Tracker	176.853	31.474	-0.279
6	15	Steve Wallace	Toyota	Red Top Collector Car Auction	176.028	31.495	-0.300
7	51	Aric Almirola	Toyota	AKawareness.com / Graceway Pharmaceuticals	175.821	31.532	-0.337
8	95	Geoff Bodine	Dodge	Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project "Olympic Gold"	175.682	31.557	-0.362
9	13	Johnny Sauter	Chevrolet	EasytoInstall .com / Tim McGraw / Curb Records	175.654	31.562	-0.367
10	30	Todd Bodine	Toyota	The Night Train	175.565	31.578	-0.383
11	56	Tayler Malsam	Toyota	Toyota / One Eighty	175.526	31.585	-0.390
12	4	Ricky Carmichael	Chevrolet	Monster Energy	175.454	31.598	-0.403
13	84	Chris Fontaine	Chevrolet	Glenden Enterprises	175.338	31.619	-0.424
14	23	Jason White	Dodge	GunBroker.com	175.260	31.633	-0.438
15	81	David Starr	Toyota	Zachry	175.133	31.656	-0.461
16	07	Donny Lia	Chevrolet	Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Atlanta	175.017	31.677	-0.482
17	5	Mike Skinner	Toyota	International Trucks / Monaco RV	174.983	31.683	-0.488
18	60	Stacy Compton	Toyota	SafeAuto Insurance Company	174.890	31.700	-0.505
19	46	Dennis Setzer	Dodge	Dixie Home Crafters	174.724	31.730	-0.535
20	93	Shane Sieg	Chevrolet	S&W Services	174.268	31.813	-0.618
21	90	Brad Sweet	Toyota	Great Clips	173.826	31.894	-0.699
22	7	Justin Lofton*	Toyota	VisitPIT.com	173.592	31.937	-0.742
23	85	Brent Raymer	Ford	Ford. Drive one.	173.543	31.946	-0.751
24	14	Rick Crawford	Ford	Circle Bar Truck Corral	173.467	31.960	-0.765
25	12	Mario Gosselin	Chevrolet	TireMonkey.com / James Carter Attorney	173.266	31.997	-0.802
26	49	Chad McCumbee	Chevrolet	75000000.com	173.223	32.005	-0.810
27	76	Ryan Hackett	Ford	Kentucky Steel Buildings	173.185	32.012	-0.817
28	39	Ryan Sieg	Chevrolet	Waste Pro	172.877	32.069	-0.874
29	89	Mike Harmon	Ford	Marriott / Shula's 347 Grill	172.683	32.105	-0.910
30	17	Timothy Peters	Toyota	K&N Filters	172.635	32.114	-0.919
31	10	Jennifer Jo Cobb*	Ford	drivenmale.com / DriverBoutique.com	172.046	32.224	-1.029
32	47	Brett Butler*	Chevrolet	Fuel-Doctor.com	170.695	32.479	-1.284
33	21	Butch Miller	Dodge	ASI Limited	170.145	32.584	-1.389
34	57	Norm Benning+	Chevrolet	Norm Benning Racing	167.412	33.116	-1.921
35	48	Tim Bainey Jr.+	Chevrolet	DelGrosso	166.043	33.389	-2.194
36	6	Donnie Neuenberger	Chevrolet	E-Z Slider	171.381	32.349	-1.154

Did Not Qualify
37	01	Carl Long	Chevrolet	Koma Unwind Chillaxation Drink	169.293	32.748	-1.553
38	187	Chris Jones	Chevrolet	D.W. Campbell Tire Inc.	169.288	32.749	-1.554

Well look at that Dale Earnhardt Jr is sitting pretty in P1

2010-03-06T14:00:23Z

Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, poses in Victory Lane after qualifying for the first position for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway via nascar-assets.americaneagle.com - Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR.

Its been what, about 67 races since Dale Earnhardt Jr won his last pole position?

He's just like his Dad.

Dale Earnhardt wasn't the best pole winner either, he just concentrated on set-up more than anything.

As long as he qualified in the top 20 he was fine, and he had the past Champion's Provisional to make sure he was in the show each week as they didn't have the Top 35 Rule back when Dale Sr was driving. And he had to use that past Champion's Provisional a time or two too.

Spring is upon us...

2010-03-06T01:43:38Z

View full size photo »

Hello Friends and Fans!

I realize it has been a while, and I apologize for not keeping you updated better lately... We have been busy here at Ricky Byers Racing, still trying to rustle up our primary sponsorship to get out on the track and make a difference by RACING FOR A CURE!

Ricky Byers Racing is very grateful to the associate sponsors who have already come alongside us in our endeavor to take a stand against cancer, including a new brand with which we are currently discussing partnership. Watch for a possible announcement about this exciting news soon!

Know that we have not given up, fans! Far from it! We have an entire team of dedicated folks hard at work trying to cover all aspects of achieving the goal to get me out there on the track to do what I know best... racing!

It does get frustrating, and I do have to fight being discouraged a lot of the time. I don't understand why it is so hard for some corporation to see what a win-win deal this is. A proven driver, in the good equipment of well-respected, long-time car owner Andy Belmont - who has been nothing short of spectacular in his gracious support of our attempts to secure funding for his ride - should be a no-brainer. With the media draw of my story alone, now that they will look for "real" stories, not to mention all the promotional activities we have planned in our sponsors' names; why, the brand recognition available through Racing for a Cure with Ricky Byers alone is a Victory Lane of its own. There is a company out there waiting for just this opportunity to showcase their brand... and we will find them.

In the meantime we have another exciting promotion we want to share with fans right now. Prilosec OTC currently has a program to vote for your favorite potential Prilosec OTC spokesperson! So all you Ricky Byers fans out there need to go to http://www.officialsponsor.com/ and cast your vote! Just enter ‘Ricky Byers' in the search window, and then click on "Cancer Survivor Race Car Driver." Vote and then leave a comment to let them know how much you believe we deserve to win and be awarded the sponsorship! Thanks, fans!! You can go back each day and vote! Every little bit helps!

Another endeavor we are currently involved with is a diecast replica of the Daytona test car. Friend Chip Perkins created a remarkable 1/24 scale duplicate of the Corrie Stott car we ran as fast as 8^th quick at the test in December '09. Action Diecast would be my choice if I were to have them made in quantity, and I would surely like to use them for promotions toward Racing for a Cure... but at 1,000 minimum to order, I'm afraid that unless I get some more positive feedback, I might have to wait a little while on this project. People seemed to balk at spending the money for charity when I brought it up on my facebook page. Well, when we bring a primary sponsor on board, everything will be different and we can move forward with these items unencumbered.

Well, for now, I want thank you all for your faithful support, your prayers, and your loyal friendship on this journey. You are all very much appreciated.

Check out the video I have posted below from a local news station interview last winter, and don't forget to go vote at the Prilosec OTC page!

Till next time, this is Ricky Byers Racing, wishing you all good health and God speed!

Fox 6 News Interview

New rule aimed directly at 'Start and Park' teams

2010-03-05T07:54:51Z

It was announced earlier this week that NASCAR will now tear down the engine from the first car that drops out of a race that was not involved in a wreck on the track.

Why is NASCAR doing this? In my opinion it is to cut back on the number of start and park teams.

Start and park teams are those that go to races with the purpose of making the race and then parking the car after running a few laps. The reason why teams do this varies, but it essentially boils down to money.

Some teams can't afford to pay for tires and a crew so they go and make the race, park the car, and collect the prize money and hopefully if they do this enough times they can afford to compete in a future event for the whole race. Or another reason is just to collect the prize money with no intention of re-investing it into the team.

I mean last place for this year's Daytona 500 paid $261,424 - that's waaay more than I make in a year (make that waaay more than I make in multiple years).

Start and park teams have been around since NASCAR was formed, this is nothing new but the spotlight has been shining on them lately - especially now since starting and parking has become openly discussed in the media by the drivers. You can even read about it on Twitter.

With television ratings on the decline and sponsors hard to find I can see why NASCAR wants to keep all 43 cars on the track for as long as humanly possible because a race is much more interesting with all 43 cars on the track at the same time. Start and park teams may also give the image that NASCAR is fixing the race by having cars pull off the track in order for certain drivers to finish higher in the standings.

Also, NASCAR wants to be able to attract sponsors for race teams and why would a sponsor want to be on the side of a car that only runs 20 laps before the infamous rear gear goes south. If I were a sponsor I'd want my name out there in front of the crowd and on TV for as long as the race is broad-casted on TV and if I see a lot of cars starting the race and then disappearing why would I want to throw my advertising dollars at these teams or series?

Another assumption about all of this is that some of these start and park teams may be going with an 'illegal' oversized engine to get into the show and then pull off to get their prize money without fear of NACAR tearing the engine apart of the last place car, which they don't regularly do.

So what NASCAR could also be trying to do is catch these guys cheating (or at least keep them honest). One has to to look no further than at a year ago when NASCAR tore Carl Long's motor apart and found it to be illegal. He got nailed with a $200 000 fine and it was only an exhibition race too.

The punishment benchmark has been set by Carl and NASCAR would look pretty foolish to let anyone off with anything less than what Carl got no matter who the driver is.

I think what NASCAR is doing with this new tear down rule is good for the sport and should be applauded, assuming of course that curbing the number of start and park teams is really their intention.

What do you think?

NASCAR Honoring Wendell Scott’s First NASCAR Sprint Cup Start

2010-03-04T02:47:47Z

Wendell Scott (middle) via Motorsports Images and Archives at nascarmedia.com.

I know this is just a press release and that I usually just put the press releases on the NASCAR Related Press Releases section of the site and not on the Front Page, but I think this is a significant event.

I wasn't born yet when Wendell made his first start, but I wish I was able to see it. There is a movie about Wendell staring Richard Pryer called 'Greased Lightning' that I think is good. If you want to find out a little bit more about Wendell I suggest you rent the movie. I know it is a Hollywood version of Wendell and what he went through, but I think it is a more accurate stock car movie than 'Days of Thunder'.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 3, 2010)– In honor of the anniversary of African-American racing trailblazer Wendell Scott making his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start, vehicles competing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway will have a commemorative decal baring the image of Scott.

Scott made his first start in NASCAR’s premier series on March 4, 1961 at Spartanburg, S.C. On Dec. 1, 1963 in Jacksonville, Fla., Scott became the first African-American to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup event, a distinction he still holds.

To further recognize the occasion this weekend at AMS, Sybil Scott, daughter of the late Scott, will be in attendance as will NASCAR Drive for Diversity competitor Jason Romero.

Romero was last season’s winner of the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award, given annually to a female or minority driver in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series who personifies excellence on and off the race track.

No More Free Pass. Make Teams Pay for going a Lap Down.

2010-03-02T04:34:30Z

It's time for Nascar to do away with its "free pass" rule. The reasons for its creation no longer apply. For those of you who are unfamiliar with how this rule came about, here's a quick review. (The rest of you can skip the next paragraph.)

Back in 2003, Nascar used to race back to the start-finish line when the caution came out. In other words, if there was a crash in turn four that brought out the caution and the leaders were on the backstretch, they would continue to race through the accident scene and back to the line as if it were the end of the race. Most of the time the drivers slowed down and followed a so called "gentleman's agreement", but as you might imagine there were some exceptions. One of those exceptions came whenever there were lapped cars right behind the leader. They would use this opportunity to to unlap themselves by beating the leader (who was slowing down for the caution) back to the line. Everything changed however following this incident involving Dale Jarrett at New Hampshire in September 2003.

Nascar realized that racing back to the line was unsafe and started freezing the field at the moment of caution just like they do today. A byproduct of this rule however was that there was now no way for lapped cars to get their lap back; so Nascar created the "free pass" rule to give drivers who were a lap down some hope.

I always hated the "free pass" rule. I like to see drivers earn their laps back. I also like it when it means something if you go a lap down early in a race instead of being able to rely on the crutch that is the "free pass". At first this rule was somewhat tolerable because without it getting a lap back would have been nearly impossible after Nascar got rid of the racing back to the caution rule. My feelings have changed however since Nascar went to double file restarts last summer.

Now that Nascar has these double file restarts, lapped cars have another opportunity to get there lap back via the wave around rule. It requires a bit of gambling for the lapped cars but it's a way to get a lap back nonetheless.

So now that going a lap down is no longer a death sentence, Nascar should can the "free pass" and stop giving laps back like they're candy on Halloween. Last Sunday, 19 CARS, (19 FREAKING CARS!!!!!!!!!!) made up a lap via the wave around rule on the last caution. Get rid of the "free pass" rule Nascar and force teams to gamble to get their lap back.

Who's with me?

Poll

Do you think Nascar should get rid of the "free pass" rule?

I've pulled into the pits and still waiting for my gas and go

2010-03-01T14:00:46Z

Ice Hockey - Men's Gold Medal Game - Day 17 VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: Team Canada celebrates with their gold medals after winning the ice hockey men's gold medal game between USA and Canada on day 17 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics at Canada Hockey Place on February 28, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hey all. Sorry I didn't post about the race on Sunday, but to be honest with you I'm all Olympiced out right now. I watched that amazing USA vs Canada hockey game yesterday then spent some time with the kids before bed, and then watched the closing ceremonies. After all that I promptly fell aspleep on the couch and woke up just in time to crawl into bed and turn off the alarm.

I had every intention of watching the race after the closing ceremonies since I recorded it but oh well, it is what it is.

So I'm going to watch it today (Monday) and do my post then. Thanks for your understanding.

Before I go I just want to share with you all a bit of a discussion that happened in the race day open thread (see last several comments) about SBN and motorsports coverage.

Based on that conversation tell me what you would like to see here at NASCAR RnR and what you would like to see added to SBN's motorsport coverage? I'd love to hear your ideas, I mean SBN is about the fans after all - you know "by the fans for the fans" and all.

Thanks.

Harvick the leading man, but we've seen this movie before

2010-03-01T05:48:35Z

FONTANA, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, looks on from pit road during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Auto Club Speedway on February 19, 2010 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Kevin Harvick is quite the hot topic in NASCAR these days. Not only is the former Daytona 500 champion in the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, he has finished no worse than seventh in the first three races, and two of those, the season-opening Daytona 500 and the Sprint Cup circuit's second race in Fontana, California, he could have and should have won.

What a far cry from 2009, when Harvick became so frustrated with the lack of performance of his #29 Chevrolet and the RCR organization as a whole that he all but told Marty Smith he would be leaving the team in a much-publicized ESPN interview last fall.

Harvick's hot start has him on top of the NASCAR world, for now at least, as he leads the Sprint Cup standings. It is the third time Harvick has topped the standings, but the first time he has done so for more than one week. He held the top spot after his win in the 2007 season-opener at Daytona, of course, and before that after a win at Loudon in September in 2006.

It was that 2006 season in which Harvick found himself in a similar situation to the one he is now. In the final year of his contract and fresh off a tough season. He had won a race, at Bristol, during the 2005 season but otherwise was an afterthought, missing the Chase for the second-straight season and indicating late in the year, much like last year, that not even a strong upswing in performance would be enough to keep him in Childress's camp.

The rumor mill churned, with Harvick supposedly headed anywhere in 2007 from Roush Racing as Mark Martin's replacement to Team Red Bull as the Toyota upstart tried to launch its program.

Of course, Harvick ultimately remained in the #29 Chevrolet he had driven since being thrust into the limelight as Dale Earnhardt's untimely successor. A strong stretch during the late spring, including a win at Phoenix International Raceway and a dominant performance in Richmond in a race Harvick for all intents and purposes should have won, indeed was enough to get Harvick to ink a four-year extension.

After signing the deal, Harvick won four more races and came within a blown engine at Dover in September of being the series champion. He also ran full-time that year in what was then the NASCAR Busch Series for Childress and his own Kevin Harvick Incorporated team, winning nine races and trouncing the field en route to his second title in the second-tier circuit.

Many, including the writer of this story, predicted big things for Harvick in 2007, and he seemed poised to answer the expectations after he nipped Mark Martin to win the Daytona 500 exactly six years to the day that Earnhardt's death vacated the seat Harvick has become synonymous with.

Alas, it has not panned out. At all. Harvick has not won - aside from two wins in the pre-season Budweiser Shootout and a triumph in the 2007 All-Star Challenge, none of which count in the official record book - since the 2007 Daytona 500, and a solid 2008 campaign was sandwiched between seasons that could charitably be described as short of what the team hoped for.

Thus, here we are. The rumor mill churns once more, with Harvick's good friend Tony Stewart seemingly the front-runner to land his services should Harvick choose to part from RCR. Joe Gibbs Racing could be another player, though the long-time Chevy stalwart would probably appear as out of place in a Toyota as Stewart did in 2008.

There is even talk, in spite of past comments to the contrary by Harvick and his wife, Delana, that the KHI organization that they co-own could move into the Cup Series with Harvick as the driver.

It appears that ultimately, Harvick will have to choose whether to remain loyal to Childress, who gave him his big break with a full-time Busch Series ride in 2000, and continue to ride the roller coaster of momentum that seems to have the organization on top one season and playing catch-up the next, or to go for a more stable situation elsewhere. Stewart-Haas Racing, with its Hendrick Motorsports ties, is perhaps the most attractive destination short of Hendrick itself, which has no open seat right now.

What Harvick will do is uncertain, as he has remained coy and even cold on the subject since the Smith interview aired. His hot start would seemingly make it difficult to leave, but as stated, the Childress team seems to ride the most substantial momentum wave of any of the top teams in NASCAR. Still, it would be hard to walk away while on top.

Unless Harvick has already made the decision, regardless of how this season plays out, to part ways with Childress at the conclusion of the season and makes the announcement this spring, it will likely be a good while, with no clear-cut outcome, before we know what car the man affectionately known as Happy will be driving when the green flag drops on the 2011 season.

Kevin Harvick survives pit stop woes to win race

2010-03-01T00:01:56Z

(editor's note: Amanda has been having computer issues but mangaed to get a copy of her Nationwide post to me so I could post it for her)

Kevin Harvick, who had the most laps led with 82, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Saturday’s Sam's Town 300. This is Harvick’s second win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (last one was in 2004) via nascar-assets.americaneagle.com. Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR

Kevin Harvick overcame two poor pitstops by his No. 33 during Saturday's Sam's Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to take the team to victory lane following the event. He took advantage of four tires his team put on his car during the next-to-last caution of the race, passing Denny Hamlin, who only took two on the same stop, on the restart following the final caution.

"The race started great and ended great, but the middle wasn’t so good on pit road," Harvick said.

Despite most of the cars around him being on four fresh tires, Hamlin held his ground after being passed by Harvick to finish in the runner-up spot. Hamlin was followed across the line by points leader Carl Edwards. With a finish of third, Edwards keeps a string of top-five finishes alive, finishing in the top-five in all three races so far in 2010.

Pole sitter Brad Keselowski rebounded late to finish fourth after falling back early due to what the team thinks was some kind of engine issue. Whatever the problem was, it seemed to ventually fade away, allowing Keselowski to come back up through the field to finish in the top-five and take over the second position in the points standings.

Brian Vickers rounded out the top-five. The highest finishing non-Sprint Cup competitors were Trevor Bayne, who finished sixth, and Justin Allgaier who faded back to seventh by the end of the race as a result of being on older tires than everyone else near the front -- opting to not take tires on the next to last caution when much of the rest of the field took four and Hamlin took two.

For additional Nationwide Series coverage, follow me on Twitter @nascarexaminer or become a fan of NASCAR Examiner on Facebook.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby American | Las Vegas Motor Speedway Race Day Open Thread

2010-02-28T15:00:46Z

To save space on the front page I am now going to be putting the complete starting lineup after the jump.

POS.	DRIVER
1	Kurt Busch
2	Jeff Gordon
3	Ryan Newman
4	Dale Earnhardt Jr.
5	Kyle Busch

Complete list after the jump.

Between the race and the Gold Medal hockey game today I'm going to be a very busy boy. No offence to my US readers but Go Canada Go!!

POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND

1 2 Kurt Busch Dodge Miller Lite 188.719 28.614 Leader

2 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Pepsi Max / DuPont 188.646 28.625 -0.011

3 39 Ryan Newman Chevrolet Tornados 188.180 28.696 -0.082

4 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet National Guard / Amp Energy 188.173 28.697 -0.083

5 18 Kyle Busch Toyota M&M's 188.153 28.700 -0.086

6 20 Joey Logano Toyota The Home Depot 187.611 28.783 -0.169

7 16 Greg Biffle Ford 3M 187.598 28.785 -0.171

8 5 Mark Martin Chevrolet GoDaddy.com 187.500 28.800 -0.186

9 14 Tony Stewart Chevrolet Old Spice / Office Depot 186.942 28.886 -0.272

10 42 Juan Montoya Chevrolet Target 186.793 28.909 -0.295

11 17 Matt Kenseth Ford Crown Royal 186.748 28.916 -0.302

12 99 Carl Edwards Ford Aflac / Kellogg's 186.554 28.946 -0.332

13 33 Clint Bowyer Chevrolet Cheerios / Hamburger Helper 186.548 28.947 -0.333

14 77 Sam Hornish Jr. Dodge Mobil 1 186.445 28.963 -0.349

15 87 Joe Nemechek Toyota FrontRowJoe.com 186.355 28.977 -0.363

16 12 Brad Keselowski Dodge Penske Racing 186.245 28.994 -0.380

17 00 David Reutimann Toyota Tums 186.233 28.996 -0.382

18 6 David Ragan Ford UPS 186.188 29.003 -0.389

19 9 Kasey Kahne Ford Budweiser 185.995 29.033 -0.419

20 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's / Kobalt Tools 185.963 29.038 -0.424

21 13 Max Papis Toyota GEICO 185.497 29.111 -0.497

22 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet Caterpillar 185.395 29.127 -0.513

23 82 Scott Speed Toyota Red Bull 185.236 29.152 -0.538

24 1 Jamie McMurray Chevrolet McDonald's 185.109 29.172 -0.558

25 34 Travis Kvapil Ford Long John Silver's 185.058 29.180 -0.566

26 98 Paul Menard Ford Moen / Menards 184.773 29.225 -0.611

27 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota FedEx Ground 184.615 29.250 -0.636

28 78 Regan Smith Chevrolet Furniture Row Companies 184.590 29.254 -0.640

29 71 Bobby Labonte Chevrolet TaxSlayer.com 184.552 29.260 -0.646

30 36 Mike Bliss Chevrolet KimKardashian
Fragrance / Sephora.com 184.540 29.262 -0.648

31 83 Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull 184.458 29.275 -0.661

32 47 Marcos Ambrose Toyota Kingsford / Scott Products 184.445 29.277 -0.663

33 55 Michael McDowell Toyota Prism Motorsports 184.439 29.278 -0.664

34 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Pennzoil Ultra 184.080 29.335 -0.721

35 56 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota NAPA Gold Filters 183.961 29.354 -0.740

36 66 Dave Blaney Toyota Prism Motorsports 183.955 29.355 -0.741

37 19 Elliott Sadler Ford Stanley 183.467 29.433 -0.819

38 38 David Gilliland Ford Taco Bell 181.965 29.676 -1.062

39 37 Kevin Conway* Ford Extenze 181.843 29.696 -1.082

40 43 A.J. Allmendinger Ford Valvoline 181.026 29.830 -1.216

41 26 Boris Said+ Ford Sacred Power / Southern Pride Trucking 176.586 30.580 -1.966

42 7 Robby Gordon+ Toyota Monster Energy - - -

43 09 Aric Almirola Chevrolet Phoenix Racing 183.038 29.542 -0.928

Did Not Qualify

44 190 Casey Mears Chevrolet Keyed-Up Motorsports 182.248 29.630 -1.016

45 46 Terry Cook* Dodge Whitney Motorsports 180.705 29.883 -1.269

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie

POS	CAR	DRIVER	MAKE	SPONSOR	SPEED	TIME	BEHIND
1	2	Kurt Busch	Dodge	Miller Lite	188.719	28.614	Leader
2	24	Jeff Gordon	Chevrolet	Pepsi Max / DuPont	188.646	28.625	-0.011
3	39	Ryan Newman	Chevrolet	Tornados	188.180	28.696	-0.082
4	88	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	Chevrolet	National Guard / Amp Energy	188.173	28.697	-0.083
5	18	Kyle Busch	Toyota	M&M's	188.153	28.700	-0.086
6	20	Joey Logano	Toyota	The Home Depot	187.611	28.783	-0.169
7	16	Greg Biffle	Ford	3M	187.598	28.785	-0.171
8	5	Mark Martin	Chevrolet	GoDaddy.com	187.500	28.800	-0.186
9	14	Tony Stewart	Chevrolet	Old Spice / Office Depot	186.942	28.886	-0.272
10	42	Juan Montoya	Chevrolet	Target	186.793	28.909	-0.295
11	17	Matt Kenseth	Ford	Crown Royal	186.748	28.916	-0.302
12	99	Carl Edwards	Ford	Aflac / Kellogg's	186.554	28.946	-0.332
13	33	Clint Bowyer	Chevrolet	Cheerios / Hamburger Helper	186.548	28.947	-0.333
14	77	Sam Hornish Jr.	Dodge	Mobil 1	186.445	28.963	-0.349
15	87	Joe Nemechek	Toyota	FrontRowJoe.com	186.355	28.977	-0.363
16	12	Brad Keselowski	Dodge	Penske Racing	186.245	28.994	-0.380
17	00	David Reutimann	Toyota	Tums	186.233	28.996	-0.382
18	6	David Ragan	Ford	UPS	186.188	29.003	-0.389
19	9	Kasey Kahne	Ford	Budweiser	185.995	29.033	-0.419
20	48	Jimmie Johnson	Chevrolet	Lowe's / Kobalt Tools	185.963	29.038	-0.424
21	13	Max Papis	Toyota	GEICO	185.497	29.111	-0.497
22	31	Jeff Burton	Chevrolet	Caterpillar	185.395	29.127	-0.513
23	82	Scott Speed	Toyota	Red Bull	185.236	29.152	-0.538
24	1	Jamie McMurray	Chevrolet	McDonald's	185.109	29.172	-0.558
25	34	Travis Kvapil	Ford	Long John Silver's	185.058	29.180	-0.566
26	98	Paul Menard	Ford	Moen / Menards	184.773	29.225	-0.611
27	11	Denny Hamlin	Toyota	FedEx Ground	184.615	29.250	-0.636
28	78	Regan Smith	Chevrolet	Furniture Row Companies	184.590	29.254	-0.640
29	71	Bobby Labonte	Chevrolet	TaxSlayer.com	184.552	29.260	-0.646
30	36	Mike Bliss	Chevrolet	KimKardashian Fragrance / Sephora.com	184.540	29.262	-0.648
31	83	Brian Vickers	Toyota	Red Bull	184.458	29.275	-0.661
32	47	Marcos Ambrose	Toyota	Kingsford / Scott Products	184.445	29.277	-0.663
33	55	Michael McDowell	Toyota	Prism Motorsports	184.439	29.278	-0.664
34	29	Kevin Harvick	Chevrolet	Pennzoil Ultra	184.080	29.335	-0.721
35	56	Martin Truex Jr.	Toyota	NAPA Gold Filters	183.961	29.354	-0.740
36	66	Dave Blaney	Toyota	Prism Motorsports	183.955	29.355	-0.741
37	19	Elliott Sadler	Ford	Stanley	183.467	29.433	-0.819
38	38	David Gilliland	Ford	Taco Bell	181.965	29.676	-1.062
39	37	Kevin Conway*	Ford	Extenze	181.843	29.696	-1.082
40	43	A.J. Allmendinger	Ford	Valvoline	181.026	29.830	-1.216
41	26	Boris Said+	Ford	Sacred Power / Southern Pride Trucking	176.586	30.580	-1.966
42	7	Robby Gordon+	Toyota	Monster Energy	-	-	-
43	09	Aric Almirola	Chevrolet	Phoenix Racing	183.038	29.542	-0.928

Did Not Qualify
44	190	Casey Mears	Chevrolet	Keyed-Up Motorsports	182.248	29.630	-1.016
45	46	Terry Cook*	Dodge	Whitney Motorsports	180.705	29.883	-1.269

NASCAR Nationwide Series Sam's Town 300 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway Open Race Thread

2010-02-27T20:48:57Z

In order to dave space on the front page I'm now going to be putting the starting line up for the races after the jump.

One thing to note is that Danica's qualifying speed was less than the speeds of 5 of the DNQs.

See you on the other side.

POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND

1 22 Brad Keselowski Dodge Discount Tire 185.427 29.122 Leader

2 33 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Rheem 185.027 29.185 -0.063

3 60 Carl Edwards Ford Copart 184.495 29.269 -0.147

4 20 Denny Hamlin Toyota Interstate Batteries 184.250 29.308 -0.186

5 18 Kyle Busch Toyota Z-Line Designs 184.168 29.321 -0.199

6 98 Paul Menard Ford Richmond Water Heaters / Menards 183.306 29.459 -0.337

7 6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.* Ford Roush Fenway Racing 183.100 29.492 -0.370

8 11 Brian Scott* Toyota Stop Repair Bills.com 182.852 29.532 -0.410

9 27 Greg Biffle Ford Red Man Moist Snuff 182.747 29.549 -0.427

10 32 Brian Vickers Toyota Dollar General 182.673 29.561 -0.439

11 16 Colin Braun* Ford Roush Fenway Racing 182.359 29.612 -0.490

12 88 Kelly Bires Chevrolet HendrickCars.com 182.309 29.620 -0.498

13 12 Justin Allgaier Dodge Verizon Wireless 182.125 29.650 -0.528

14 21 John Wes Townley Chevrolet Zaxby's 181.843 29.696 -0.574

15 66 Steve Wallace Toyota 5-Hour Energy 181.830 29.698 -0.576

16 1 James Buescher* Chevrolet Phoenix Racing 181.720 29.716 -0.594

17 96 Dennis Setzer Dodge Stratosphere 181.531 29.747 -0.625

18 99 Trevor Bayne Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine 181.525 29.748 -0.626

19 70 Shelby Howard Chevrolet Foretravel Motorcoach 181.080 29.821 -0.699

20 09 Scott Riggs Ford RAB Racing 180.620 29.897 -0.775

21 42 Parker Kligerman* Dodge Smith Iron Works 180.620 29.897 -0.775

22 87 Joe Nemechek Chevrolet FrontRowJoe.com 180.114 29.981 -0.859

23 15 Michael Annett Toyota Pilot Travel Centers 180.084 29.986 -0.864

24 156 Kevin Lepage Chevrolet Start Energy Drink 180.000 30.000 -0.878

25 05 Willie Allen Chevrolet 31-W Insulation / CertainTeed 179.922 30.013 -0.891

26 62 Brendan Gaughan Toyota South Point Hotel & Casino 179.892 30.018 -0.896

27 107 Danny Efland Chevrolet Shred 360 / M&W Towing / Stratosphere 179.862 30.023 -0.901

28 40 Mike Bliss Chevrolet Bad Boy Buggies / Buck Commander 179.360 30.107 -0.985

29 31 Stanton Barrett Chevrolet Fuel-Doctor.com 179.217 30.131 -1.009

30 90 Danny O'Quinn Jr. Chevrolet D'Hondt Humphrey Motorsports 179.069 30.156 -1.034

31 38 Jason Leffler Toyota Great Clips 178.926 30.180 -1.058

32 43 Scott Lagasse Jr. Ford Dr. Gadget / EverybodyGets1.com 178.212 30.301 -1.179

33 81 Michael McDowell Dodge Monte Carlo Resort & Casino 177.772 30.376 -1.254

34 01 Mike Wallace Chevrolet Monster Diesel 177.317 30.454 -1.332

35 10 Chad Blount Toyota Braun Racing 177.078 30.495 -1.373

36 24 Eric McClure Ford Hefty 176.869 30.531 -1.409

37 7 Danica Patrick+ Chevrolet GoDaddy.com 176.638 30.571 -1.449

38 28 Kenny Wallace+ Chevrolet Federated Auto Parts 176.303 30.629 -1.507

39 61 Josh Wise+ Ford Stratosphere 174.848 30.884 -1.762

40 34 Tony Raines+ Chevrolet Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 173.572 31.111 -1.989

41 23 Robert Richardson Jr.+ Chevrolet Southern Pride Trucking / Stratosphere Hotel 171.816 31.429 -2.307

42 26 Brian Keselowski+ Dodge Stratosphere 170.315 31.706 -2.584

43 49 Mark Green Chevrolet Jay Robinson Inc. 178.690 30.220 -1.098

Did Not Qualify

44 35 Jason Keller Chevrolet TriStar Motorsports 178.165 30.309 -1.187

45 92 Johnny Chapman Dodge K-Automotive Motorsports 178.018 30.334 -1.212

46 73 Derrike Cope Dodge AssetProtect 177.673 30.393 -1.271

47 104 Jeremy Clements Chevrolet Boudreaux's Butt Paste 177.357 30.447 -1.325

48 91 Stephen Leicht Chevrolet D'Hondt Humphrey Motorsports 176.823 30.539 -1.417

49 183 John Borneman III Ford Super Seal Construction Products 175.222 30.818 -1.696

50 102 Andy Ponstein Chevrolet CarLocate.com 174.588 30.930 -1.808

51 89 Morgan Shepherd Chevrolet Lagina Plumbing 173.449 31.133

-2.011

POS	CAR	DRIVER	MAKE	SPONSOR	SPEED	TIME	BEHIND
1	22	Brad Keselowski	Dodge	Discount Tire	185.427	29.122	Leader
2	33	Kevin Harvick	Chevrolet	Rheem	185.027	29.185	-0.063
3	60	Carl Edwards	Ford	Copart	184.495	29.269	-0.147
4	20	Denny Hamlin	Toyota	Interstate Batteries	184.250	29.308	-0.186
5	18	Kyle Busch	Toyota	Z-Line Designs	184.168	29.321	-0.199
6	98	Paul Menard	Ford	Richmond Water Heaters / Menards	183.306	29.459	-0.337
7	6	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.*	Ford	Roush Fenway Racing	183.100	29.492	-0.370
8	11	Brian Scott*	Toyota	Stop Repair Bills.com	182.852	29.532	-0.410
9	27	Greg Biffle	Ford	Red Man Moist Snuff	182.747	29.549	-0.427
10	32	Brian Vickers	Toyota	Dollar General	182.673	29.561	-0.439
11	16	Colin Braun*	Ford	Roush Fenway Racing	182.359	29.612	-0.490
12	88	Kelly Bires	Chevrolet	HendrickCars.com	182.309	29.620	-0.498
13	12	Justin Allgaier	Dodge	Verizon Wireless	182.125	29.650	-0.528
14	21	John Wes Townley	Chevrolet	Zaxby's	181.843	29.696	-0.574
15	66	Steve Wallace	Toyota	5-Hour Energy	181.830	29.698	-0.576
16	1	James Buescher*	Chevrolet	Phoenix Racing	181.720	29.716	-0.594
17	96	Dennis Setzer	Dodge	Stratosphere	181.531	29.747	-0.625
18	99	Trevor Bayne	Toyota	Aaron's Dream Machine	181.525	29.748	-0.626
19	70	Shelby Howard	Chevrolet	Foretravel Motorcoach	181.080	29.821	-0.699
20	09	Scott Riggs	Ford	RAB Racing	180.620	29.897	-0.775
21	42	Parker Kligerman*	Dodge	Smith Iron Works	180.620	29.897	-0.775
22	87	Joe Nemechek	Chevrolet	FrontRowJoe.com	180.114	29.981	-0.859
23	15	Michael Annett	Toyota	Pilot Travel Centers	180.084	29.986	-0.864
24	156	Kevin Lepage	Chevrolet	Start Energy Drink	180.000	30.000	-0.878
25	05	Willie Allen	Chevrolet	31-W Insulation / CertainTeed	179.922	30.013	-0.891
26	62	Brendan Gaughan	Toyota	South Point Hotel & Casino	179.892	30.018	-0.896
27	107	Danny Efland	Chevrolet	Shred 360 / M&W Towing / Stratosphere	179.862	30.023	-0.901
28	40	Mike Bliss	Chevrolet	Bad Boy Buggies / Buck Commander	179.360	30.107	-0.985
29	31	Stanton Barrett	Chevrolet	Fuel-Doctor.com	179.217	30.131	-1.009
30	90	Danny O'Quinn Jr.	Chevrolet	D'Hondt Humphrey Motorsports	179.069	30.156	-1.034
31	38	Jason Leffler	Toyota	Great Clips	178.926	30.180	-1.058
32	43	Scott Lagasse Jr.	Ford	Dr. Gadget / EverybodyGets1.com	178.212	30.301	-1.179
33	81	Michael McDowell	Dodge	Monte Carlo Resort & Casino	177.772	30.376	-1.254
34	01	Mike Wallace	Chevrolet	Monster Diesel	177.317	30.454	-1.332
35	10	Chad Blount	Toyota	Braun Racing	177.078	30.495	-1.373
36	24	Eric McClure	Ford	Hefty	176.869	30.531	-1.409
37	7	Danica Patrick+	Chevrolet	GoDaddy.com	176.638	30.571	-1.449
38	28	Kenny Wallace+	Chevrolet	Federated Auto Parts	176.303	30.629	-1.507
39	61	Josh Wise+	Ford	Stratosphere	174.848	30.884	-1.762
40	34	Tony Raines+	Chevrolet	Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino	173.572	31.111	-1.989
41	23	Robert Richardson Jr.+	Chevrolet	Southern Pride Trucking / Stratosphere Hotel	171.816	31.429	-2.307
42	26	Brian Keselowski+	Dodge	Stratosphere	170.315	31.706	-2.584
43	49	Mark Green	Chevrolet	Jay Robinson Inc.	178.690	30.220	-1.098

Did Not Qualify
44	35	Jason Keller	Chevrolet	TriStar Motorsports	178.165	30.309	-1.187
45	92	Johnny Chapman	Dodge	K-Automotive Motorsports	178.018	30.334	-1.212
46	73	Derrike Cope	Dodge	AssetProtect	177.673	30.393	-1.271
47	104	Jeremy Clements	Chevrolet	Boudreaux's Butt Paste	177.357	30.447	-1.325
48	91	Stephen Leicht	Chevrolet	D'Hondt Humphrey Motorsports	176.823	30.539	-1.417
49	183	John Borneman III	Ford	Super Seal Construction Products	175.222	30.818	-1.696
50	102	Andy Ponstein	Chevrolet	CarLocate.com	174.588	30.930	-1.808
51	89	Morgan Shepherd	Chevrolet	Lagina Plumbing	173.449	31.133

Something of interest here; Danica's qualifying speed was less than the speeds of 5 of the DNQs.

Nascar Twitter Call

2010-02-27T20:09:26Z

This week NASCAR heads to the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas! Between practices the drivers are squeezing in some time for fun. One funny tweet had Scott Speed conducting his own Twitter Survey.

jamiemcmurray I love walking thru the casino at 7am on my way out and seeing others just coming in.

scottspeed Shower servey!! Ok to pee in the shower yea or nea? I say yea, @Amanda_Speed says yea...

KevinHarvick i say it's ok. RT @scottspeed: Shower servey!! Ok to pee in the shower yea or nea? I say yea, @Amanda_Speed says yea...

Kylebusch @scottspeed not in motorhome shower but ok in normal shower lo

scottspeed So the official results are 90% plus people pee in the shower.. I feel alot better now!

Kenny_Wallace I talked to Danica Patrtick and she likes me!....So there!....Na Na Boo Boo!!!!!!!...Ha Ha Ha Ha!....Calm Down!....

David_Ragan Qual 18 today. I think the car will race good. Man I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. I checked out the "Pawn Stars" pawn shop tonight. Crazy!

Brendan62 Getting ready for the big appearance at the South Point! 7 PM expect to see everybody there

BrianLVickers Not the best day at the track. Starting 31st on Sunday. Good chance of rain tomorrow. Appearance and dinner tonight. http://bit.ly/buNUTa

MartinTruexJr56 Interview at #56 hauler with Comcast Sports Net at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Asked about social networking. #http://tweetphoto.com/12718450

Last week Kyle Busch joined fellow teammate Denny Hamlin in a Twitter giveaway. One lucky fan received the sunglasses Kyle wore following his NNS win. This week Kevin Harvick tweeted that he would be doing his own giveaway at Bristol

KevinHarvick alright we have 5 sets of 2 tickets to give away for bristol cup and nw race details coming soon! it will be fun @BMSupdates!

Follow along with the drivers here and you never know you may just be a winner

NASCAR Ranting and Raving's NASCAR Driver Twitter List

Ricky Byers Has Not Given Up On Quest To Race For a Cure

2010-02-27T07:03:23Z

If you've been reading this blog for the last few months then you will know about Ricky and his quest to go racing against cancer with all of his winnings being donated to cancer research.

Ricky at ARCA Daytona Testing December 2009. Photo used with permission from Ricky Byers.

Ricky came up 30 grand short in making it to the Daytona ARCA race, which is something that I'm still upset about. I mean really how can someone not sponsor him?

The man's cause is just.

Everyone has been either directly or indirectly effected by cancer at some point in their lives yet no one wants to sponsor him.

I just don't get it.

I guess it isn't as glamorous as other causes out there.

I am totally baffled by the lack of interest in companies to sponsor Ricky. He has his team set up as a charity so the sponsorship would also be classed as a charitable donation which means that the sponsor gets to write off the sponsorship.

About a week before the Daytona race I was personally involved in negotiations with 3 potential sponsors for Ricky. At one point I was on a conference call with Ricky and his media adviser while web conferencing with one of the prospective sponsors about sponsorship for the Daytona race.

If obtaining a sponsor could be measured in linear units I literally came within inches of getting that sponsorship for Ricky. I honestly thought it was a done deal, although I didn't tell that to Ricky I didn't want to get his hopes up yet again. Good thing too because the deal fell through.

Ricky at ARCA Daytona Testing December 2009. Photo used with permission from Ricky Byers.

I also had a sit down meeting with a high profile Canadian corporation about sponsoring Ricky for Daytona, and threw everything at them that I was able to (and probably some stuff that I wasn't allowed to offer them either), including donating some of the winnings to Canadian cancer research facilities but they wouldn't commit.

We're still working on the third possible sponsor for either the Texas or Talladega race. We'll keep you updated.

Man I just don't get it. I know its a recession and all, but there is still a lot of money out there for this sort of thing, especially just 30K for a nationally televised race featuring the female Messiah of racing, Danica Patrick.

SPEED reported the ratings for the Daytona ARCA race were up over 60% compared to last year - that's over 2 million viewers people! You can't buy that kind of advertising in any medium for 30K, you just can't.

Instead Ricky's been getting a slew of "Thanks but no Thanks" and a few "Maybe Next Year" rejections along with the pinnacle of nos, "Wow what a great cause! But we're are unable to help this year as were are (Insert reason here).

Despite the setbacks Ricky has kept his eye on the prize; raising money for cancer research. Ricky is just as dedicated now in racing to find a cure as he was 5 months ago and he is not resting until he finds that elusive sponsorship deal to get him in the show for good.

He will not do any start and parks either and trust me he's been offered a few of those but the man is going to race for a cure, not park for it! The more you race the more awareness you'll bring to the cause and you can't do that after running one lap.

The latest thing Ricky is focusing on is perhaps winning a legit sponsorship from Prilosec OTC, I mean why not after all the stress he's been through trying to get a sponsor in time for the Daytona race Ricky could probably attest first hand to this heartburn medication.

But Ricky needs your help with this, he needs to be voted in to keep moving on in the judging and that is where you come in; just go to the site, register, and vote and then keep voting everyday!

What Ricky needs right now is for everyone to step up to the plate, do this, and see it through to the very end. Think of every vote as a donation towards cancer research.