2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Competition Schedule and Winners

[RayGator]

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Competition Schedule with Winners

All Times E.T.

1. Budweiser Shootout
Saturday, February 18th. 8:00 P.M. FOX
Daytona Beach International Speedway
Daytona Beach FL
2011 Winner - Kurt Busch
2012 Winner - Kyle Busch

2. Daytona 500
Postponed to Monday, February 27th. 7:00 P.M. FOX. Rain Delay
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach FL
2011 Winner - Trevor Bayne
2012 Winner - Matt Kenseth

3. Subway Fresh Fit 500
Sunday, March 4th. 3:00 P.M. FOX
Phoenix International Raceway
Avondale AZ
2011 Winner - Jeff Gordon
2012 Winner - Denny Hamlin

4. Kobalt Tools 400
Sunday, March 11th. 3:00 P.M. FOX
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas NV
2011 Winner - Carl Edwards
2012 Winner - Tony Stewart

5. Food City 500
Sunday, March 18th. 1:00 P.M. FOX
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol TN
2011 Winner - Kyle Busch
2012 Winner - Brad Keselowski

6. Auto Club 400
Sunday, March 25th. 3:00 P.M. FOX
Auto Club Speedway
Fontana CA
2011 Winner - Kevin Harvick
2012 Winner - Tony Stewart

7. Goody's Fast Relief 500
Sunday, April 1st. 1:00 P.M. FOX
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville VA
2011 Winner - Kevin Harvick
2012 Winner - Ryan Newman

8. Samsung Mobile 500
Saturday, April 14th. 7:30 P.M. FOX
Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth TX
2011 Winner - Matt Kenseth
2012 Winner - Greg Biffle

9. STP 400
Sunday, April 22nd. 1:00 P.M. FOX
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City KS
2011 Winner - Brad Keselowski
2012 Winner - Denny Hamlin

10. Richmond 400
Saturday, April 28th. 7:30 P.M. FOX
Richmond International Speedway
Richmond VA
2011 Winner - Kyle Busch
2012 Winner - Kyle Busch

11. Aaron's 499
Sunday, May 6th. 1:00 P.M. FOX
Talladega Super Speedway
Talladega AL
2011 Winner - Jimmie Johnson
2012 Winner - Brad Keselowski

12. Southern 500
Saturday, May12th. 7:00 P.M. FOX
Darlington Raceway
Darlington SC
2011 Winner - Regan Smith
2012 Winner - Jimmie Johnson

13. Sprint All-Star Race
Saturday, May 19th. 7:30 P.M. SPEED
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte NC
2011 Winner - Carl Edwards
2012 Winner -Jimmie Johnson

14. Coca-Cola 600
Sunday, May 27th. 6:00 P.M. FOX
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte NC
2011 Winner - Kevin Harvick
2012 Winner - Kasey Kahne

15. Dover 400
Sunday, June 3rd. 1:00 P.M. FOX
Dover International Speedway
Dover DL
2011 Winner - Matt Kenseth
2012 Winner - Jimmie Johnson

16. Pocono 400
Sunday, June 10th. 1:00 P.M. TNT
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond PA
2011 Winner - Jeff Gordon
2012 Winner - Joey Logano

17. Michigan 400
Sunday, June 17th. 1:00 P.M. TNT
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn MI
2011 Winner - Denny Hamlin
2012 Winner - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

18. Toyota / SaveMart 350
Sunday, June 24th. 3:00 P.M. TNT
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma CA
2011 Winner -Kurt Busch
2012 Winner - Clint Bowyer

19. Quaker State 400
Saturday, June 30th. 7:30 P.M. TNT
Kentucky Speedway
Sparta KY
2011 Winner - Kyle Busch
2012 Winner - Brad Keselowski

20. Coke Zero 400
Saturday, July 7th. 7:30 P.M. TNT
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach FL
2011 Winner - David Ragan
2012 Winner - Tony Stewart

21. Lenox Industrial Tools 301
Sunday, July 15th. 1:00 P.M. TNT
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Loudon NH
2011 Winner - Ryan Newman
2012 Winner - Kasey Kahne

22. Crown Royal "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 At The Brickyard
Sunday, July 29th. 1:00 P.M. ESPN
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis IN
2011 Winner - Paul Menard
2012 Winner - Jimmie Johnson

23. Pennsylvania 400
Saturday, August 5th. 1:00 P.M. ESPN
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond PA
2011 Winner - Brad Keselowski
2012 Winner - Jeff Gordon

24. Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips At The Glen
Sunday, August 12th. 1:00 P.M. ESPN
Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen NY
2011 Winner - Marcos Ambrose
2012 Winner - Marcos Ambrose

25. Pure Michigan 400
Sunday, August 19th. 1:00 P.M. ESPN
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn MI
2011 Winner - Kyle Busch
2012 Winner -Greg Biffle

26. Irwin Tools Night Race
Saturday, August 25th. 7:30 P.M. ABC
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol TN
2011 Winner - Brad Keselowski
2012 Winner - Denny Hamlin

27. AdvoCare 500
Sunday, September 2nd. 7:30 P.M. ESPN
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton GA
2011 Winner - Jeff Gordon
2012 Winner - Denny Hamlin

28. Wonderful Pistachios 400
Saturday, September 8th. 7:30 P.M. ABC
Richmond International Speedway
Richmond VA
2011 Winner - Kevin Harvick
2012 Winner - Clint Bowyer

29. Geico 400
Sunday, September 16th. 2:00 P.M. ESPN
Chicagoland Race.
Joliet IL
2011 Winner - Tony Stewart
2012 Winner - Brad Keselowski

30. Sylvania 300
Sunday, September 23rd. 2:00 P.M. ESPN
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Loudon NH
2011 Winner - Tony Stewart
2012 Winner - Denny Hamlin

31. AAA 400
Sunday, September 30th. 2:00 P.M. ESPN
Dover International Speedway
Dover DL
2011 Winner - Kurt Busch
2012 Winner - Brad Keselowski

32. Good Sam Club 500
Sunday, October 7th. 2:00 P.M. ESPN
Talladega Super Speedway
Talladega AL
2011 Winner - Clint Bowyer
2012 Winner - Matt Kenseth

33. Bank of America 500
Saturday, October 13th. 7:30 P.M. ABC
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte NC
2011 Winner - Matt Kenseth
2012 Winner - Clint Bowyer

34. Hollywood Casino 400
Sunday, October 21st. 2:00 P.M. ESPN
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City KS
2011 Winner - Jimmie Johnson
2012 Winner - Matt Kenseth

35. Tums Fast Relief 500
Sunday, October 28th. 2:00 P.M. ESPN
Martinsville Motor Speedway
Martinsville VA
2011 Winner - Tony Stewart
2012 Winner - Jimmie Johnson

36. AAA Texas 400
Sunday, November 4th. 3:00 P.M. ESPN
Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth TX
2011 Winner - Tony Stewart
2012 Winner - Jimmie Johnson..

37. Kobalt Tools 500
Sunday, November 11th. 3:00 P.M. ESPN
Phoenix International Speedway
Avondale AZ
2011 Winner - Kasey Kahne
2012 Winner - Kevin Harvick

38. Ford 500
Sunday, November 18th. 3:00 P.M. ESPN
Homestead International Speedway
Homestead FL
2011 Winner - Tony Stewart
2012 Winner - Jeff Gordon

www.nascar.com

http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/motor/schedule

2011 Final Driver Standings
1. Tony Stewart - 2,403
2. Carl Edwards - 2,403
3. Kevin Harvick - 2,345
4. Matt Kenseth - 2,330
5. Brad Keselowski - 2,319
6. Jimmie Johnson - 2,304
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 2,290
8. Jeff Gordon - 2,287
9T. Denny Hamlin - 2,284
9T. Ryan Newman - 2,284
11. Kurt Busch - 2,262
12. Kyle Busch - 2,246
13. Clint Bowyer - 1,047

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120216/NEWS/120219503/1002/SPORTS?Title=NASCAR-Preview-Tony-Stewart-Goes-Into-2012-Season-With-New-Crew-Chief-

http://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/showthread.php?t=184464

[RayGator]

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers

#22. A.J. Allmendinger
Top-tier ride means increased pressure.
Team: Penske Racing
Drives: Dodger Charger
Primary Sponsor: Shell-Pennzoil
Crew Chief: Todd Gordon (new).
2011 Finish: 15th (1,013 points).
Born: Dec. 16, 1981, Age 31
Hometown: Los Gatos CA
Breakthrough: After two fruitless seasons with Red Bull Racing, the former open-wheel standout began making yearly strides as what is now known as Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009.
On Twitter? Yes (@AJDinger)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Signs of continued development, but the breakthrough victory lane has been elusive.

#43. Aric Almirola
Road to current Cup was a length one.
Team: Richard Petty Motorsports
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Smithfield.
Crew Chief: Greg Erwin (new).
2011 Finish: 4tn in Nationwide Series
Born: March 14, 1984. Age 28
Hometown: Tampa FL
Breakthrough: The much-traveled 27 year old finished 4th in the Nationwide Series in 2011 for JR Motorsports, and Richard Petty rewarded Almirola's finish with his first full-time Sprint Cup ride.
On Twitter? Yes (@aric_almirola)
2011 in 140 characters or less: Waiting for a chance...still waiting for a chance.

#9. Marcos Ambrose
Aussie mastering learning curve on ovals.
Team: Richard Petty Motorsports.
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Stanley Tools
Crew Chief: Todd Parrott (returning).
2011 Finish: 19th (936 points).
Born: September 1, 1976. Age 36.
Hometown: Launceston, Australia.
Breakthrough: The Australian landed a Sprint Cup full-time gig with JTG-Daugherty in 2009 and responded with 4 top-fives (including one each at Talladega Superspeedway and Bristol Motor Speedway) which was impressive considering his non-ovals background.
On Twitter? Yes @MarcosAmbrose)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Got first Cup win, improved statistically in all areas in 3rd full season.

#21. Trevor Bayne
NASCSAR's answer to Tim Tebow is still learning.
Team: Wood Brothers Racing
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Motorcraft
Crew Chief: Donnie Wingo (returning).
2011 Finish: 11th in Nationwide Series
Born: Feb. 19, 1991, Age 21
Hometown: Knoxville TN
Breakthrough: Farmed out from Roush Fenway Racing to the Wood Brothers, he became the youngest (at 20 years and 1 day) to win the Daytona 500 last year.
On Twitter? Yes (@TBayne21)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Daytona 500. Contacted Lyme disease. Fame. No full-time ride.

#16. Greg Biffle
Goal for 2012: Prove 2011 was Aberration.
Team: Roush Fenway Racing
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: 3M
2011 Finish: 16th. (997 points).
Born: Dec. 23, 1969 Age 43
Hometown: Vancouver WA
Breakthrough: Won truck (2000) and Nationwide (2002) titles for Roush Fenway and finished 2nd in Sprint Cup points in 2005, perhaps coming a pit road mistake away from becoming the first to win Titles in NASCAR's top 3 series.
On Twitter? Yes (@gbiffle)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Down virtually in every statistical category, his worst in points (16th) since 2004.

#36. Dave Blaney
Teammate's winning ways may give boost.
Team: Tommy Baldwin Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Accell Construction
Crew Chief: Philippe Lopez (returning).
2011 Finish: 32nd. (508 points).
Born: Oct. 24, 1962 Age 50
Hometown: Hartford, Ohio
Breakthrough: Joined the Sprint Cup Series full time in 2000 with Bill Davis Racing.
On Twitter? No.
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Powered by drafting partner Brad Keselowski, scored a season-highlight 3rd-place finish in Talladega.

#15. Clint Bowyer
Goal is to extend late groove to new team.
Team: Michael Waltrip Racing
Drives: Toyota Camry
Primary Sponsor: 5 Hour Energy
Crew Chief: Brian Pattie (new).
2011 Finish: 13th. (1,047 points).
Born: May 30, 1979 Age 33
Hometown: Emporia KS
Breakthrough: In 2007, his 2nd full season in Sprint Cup, Bowyer won the Chase opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and finished 3rd in the standings. That remains his highest career finish.
On Twitter? No.
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: As teammates Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard competed more consistently, a Summer fade dropped Bowyer from the Chase.

#31. Jeff Burton
Forgetting troubles from 2011 is priority.
Team: Richard Childress Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Caterpillar
Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer )new).
2011 Finish: 20th. (935 points).
Born: June 29, 1967 Age 45
Hometown: South Boston VA
Breakthrough: Won a career-best 6 races for then-Roush Racing in 1999 to finish 5th and was a career-best 3rd in points a season latter.
On Twitter? Yes (@RCR31JeffBurton).
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: An utter regression from a 2010 Chase for the Cup campaign and worst points finish since 1995.

#51. Kurt Busch
Will new team provide an enjoyable ride?
Team: Phoenix Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Tag Heuer Eyewear
Crew Chief: Nick Harrison (new).
2011 Finish: 11th (2,262 points).
Born: Aug. 4, 1978. Age 34.
Hometown: Las Vegas NV
Breakthrough: Won 4 races and finished 3rd in points in his 2nd full season for Roush Fenway Racing in 2002.
On Twitter? Yes. (@KurtBusch)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Temper, temper, temper. Goodbye, Penske ride.

#18. Kyle Busch
Top talent riding emotional roller coaster.
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Drives: Toyota Camry
Primary Sponsor: M&M's.
Crew Chief: Rave Rogers (returning).
2011 Finish: 12th, (2,246 points).
Born: May 2, 1985. Age 27.
Hometown: Las Vegas NV
Breakthrough: An ultra-talented and precocious Busch finished 5th in points in 2007 but he was replaced by Hendrick Motorsports the next season by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
On Twitter? Yes. (@KyleBusch)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Strife, contraversy and bad behavior, on the track and off.

#88. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
After good '11, Junior seeks to end drought.
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew
Crew Chief: Steve Letarte (returning).
2011 Finish: 7th (2,290 points).
Born: October 10, 1974. Age 38
Hometown: Kannaplois NC
Breakthrough: Born the namesake of NASCAR's most popular driver and finished 3rd in points in 2002 with Dale Earnhardt Inc.
On Twitter? No
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Fits, starts, progress, backslides. And still winless since 2008.

#99. Carl Edwards
Driver must put missed opportunity in past.
Team: Roush Fenway Racing
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Fastenal
Crew Chief: Bob Osborne (returning).
2011 Finish: 2nd. (2,403 points).
Born: Aug. 15, 1979. Age 33
Hometown: Columbia MO
Breakthrough: Won 4 races and finished 3rd. in points in 2005, his first full Cup season, for Roush Fenway Racing.
On Twitter? No.
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: It should have been good enough for first Sprint Cup Championship...but it wasn't.

#38. David Gilliland
Moving forward, but seeking higher gear.
Team: Front Row Motorsports
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: ModSpace
Crew Chief: Peter Sospenzo (returning).
2011 Finish: 30th. (572 points).
Born: April 1, 1976. Age 36
Hometown: Riverside CA
Breakthrough: Parlayed a stunning Nationwide in 2006 with Clay Andrews into a Cup ride with now-defunct Yates racing.
On Twitter? Yes (@DGilliland2010)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Finished 3rd in the4 Daytona 500, then...

#24. Jeff Gordon
Four-time Cup Champion back in running.
Team: Hendrick Motorsports.
Drives: Chevrolet Impala.
Primary Sponsor: Drive to End Hunger
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson (returning).
2011 Finish: 8th. (2,287 points).
Born: August 4, 1971. Age 41
Hometown: Pittsboro IN
Breakthrough: Won 7 races and his first of four Championships in his 3rd. full-time season (1995).
On Twitter? Yes (@JeffGordonWebb)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Gordon turned 40 and became a serious title contender again.

#11. Denny Hamlin
Mechanical mishaps should be in the past.
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Drives: Toyota Camry
Primary Sponsor: FedEx
Crew Chief: Darian Grubb (new).
2011 Finish: 9th. (2,284 points).
Born: Nov. 18, 1980 Age 32
Hometown: Chesterfield VA
Breakthrough: Won twice and finished 3rd. as a Sprint Cup rookie in 2006.
On Twitter? Yes (@dennyhamlin)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Appeared to suffer a season-long hangover after succumbing to Jimmie Johnson's title charge in the final race of the 2010 season.

#29. Kevin Harvick
Title quest hinges on Chase improvement.
Team: Richard Childress Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Budweiser
Crew Chief: Shane Wilson (new).
2011 Finish: 3rd. (2,345 points).
Born: Dec. 8, 1975 Age 27
Hometown: Bakersfield CA
Breakthrough: Took over the rebranded #3 car in 2001 after Dale Earnhardt's death and won 2 races with 16 top-10s on the way to winning Cup Rookie of the Year.
On Twitter? Yes (@KevinHarvick)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Put on probation in May after reigniting feud with Kyle Busch, Shuttered truck progtam. 4 race wins, none in the Chase.

#48. Jimmie Johnson
5 time Champ aims to reclaim throne.
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Lowe's
Crew Chief: Chad Knaus (returning).
2011 Finish: 6th. (2,304 points).
Born: Sept. 17, 1975 Age 37
Hometown: El Cajon CA
Breakthrough: Johnson was backed by Jeff Gordon and selected by team owner Rick Hendrick to drive a new team spliced from Gordon's title winning program in 2002.
On Twitter? Yes (@JimmieJohnson)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Johnson's record setting run of 5 consecutive championships came to a crashing halt.

#5. Kasey Kahne
With Hendrick comes chance to compete.
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Farmers Insurance
Crew Chief: Kenny Francis (returning).
2011 Finish: 14th. (1,041 points).
Born: April 10, 1980. Age 32
Hometown: Enumclaw WA
Breakthrough: Led Sprint Cup with 6 wins as a 3rd year driver in 2006, validating owner Ray Evernham's move to sweep him away from Ford and into one of his Dodges full time.
On Twitter? Yes (@kaseykahne)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Made the most of his one-season stopgap at Red Bull while waiting for Mark Martin to vacate his seat at Hendrick.

#17. Matt Kenseth
Great on wheels but still looking for deals.
Team: Roush Fenway Racing
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Best Buy
Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig (returning).
2011 Finish: 4th. (2,330 Points).
Hometown: Cambridge WI
Born: March 10, 1972. Age 40
Breakthrough: Kenseth won 5 races in 2002 as a springboard to his first Sprint Cup title in 2003, the last of the non-Chase era.
On Twitter? Yes (@matt_kenseth17)
2011 on 140 characters or fewer: Won 3 times, his highest total since 2006. Dug an early Chase hole when he ran out of gas at Chicagoland.

#2. Brad Keselowski
Poor finish won't diminish breakthrough.
Team: Penske Racing
Drives: Dodge Charger
Primary Sponsor: Miller Lite
Crew Chief: Paul Wolfe (returning).
2011 Finish: 5th. (2,319 Points).
Born: Feb. 12, 1984. Age 28.
Hometown: Rochester Hills MI
Breakthrough: In 2009, hewon at Talladega Superspeedway in his 5th Sprint Cup start for single-car Phoenix Racing. By the end of the year he had left a part-time gig at Hendrick Motorsports for a full-time ride at Penske.
On Twitter? Yes. (@keselowski)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: An ankle is broken but a start is born. A legend, at least.

#47. Bobby Labonte
Fourth at Daytona, veteran remains factor.
Team: JTG Daugherty Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Kingsford
Crew Chief: Todd Berrier (new).
2011 Finish: 29th. (670 Points).
Born: May 8, 1964. Age 48.
Hometown: Corpus Christi TX
Breakthrough: Punctuated a steady rise with the 2000 Cup Championship for Joe Gibbs Racing.
On Twitter? Yes. (@Bobby_Labonte)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Rowing as hard as he can with a team not equipped to keep up with the titans.

#20. Joey Logano
New Crew Chief brings a shot at redemption.
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Drives: Toyota Camry
Primary Sponsor: Home Depot
Crew Chief: Jason Ratcliff (new).
2011 Finish: 24th (902 points).
Born: May 24, 1990, Age 22
Hometown: Middletown CT
Breakthrough: Took over the No. 20 at age 18 in 2009 when then 2-time Champion, Tony Stewart left JGR to embark on a new career as a driver-owner.
On Twitter? Yes. (@JLogano)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: He proclaimed himself ready to compete for a chase bid in the preseason and instead backslid.

#55. Mark Martin
Fitness fanatic will share ride 3 ways.
Team: Michael Waltrip Racing
Drives: Toyota Camry
Primary Sponsor: Aaron's
Crew Chief: Rodney Childers (new).
Born: Jan. 9, 1959 Age 53
Hometown: Baresville AR
Breakthrough: Won a race and finished 3rd in points in his 2nd full season with what is now Roush Fenway Racing in 1989, establishing a relationship that would last that would last until 2006.
On Twitter? Yes (@55markmartin)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: The least successful of the 4 driver Hendrick Motorsports stable plowed again into semi-retirement.

#1. Jamie McMurray
Consistency needed after poor run in 2011.
Team: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
Crew Chief: Kevin Manion (returning).
2011 Finish: 27th (795 points).
Born: June 3, 1976 Age 36
Hometown: Joplin MO
Breakthrough: In 2002, he won in his 2nd Cup start, replacing injured Sterling Martin in the No. 40 Dodge.
On Twitter? Yes (@jamiemcmurray)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: A colossal disappointment with more DNF's (5) than top-10s.

#13. Casey Mears
Car switch, better start could big boost.
Team: Germain Racing
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Geico
Crew Chief: Bootie Barker (returning).
2011 Finish: 31st (541 points).
Born: March 12, 1978 Age 34
Hometown: Bakersfield CA
Breakthrough: The nephew of 4 time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears becamea full-time stock car driver in 2003.
On Twitter? No.
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Mears started poorly by missing the Daytona 500 and was relegated in partial start-and-park status.

#27. Paul Menard
Plan is to build on foundation of 2011.
Team: Richard Childress Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Menard's
Crew Chief: Slugger Labbe (returning).
2011 Finish: 17th (947 points).
Born: Aug. 21, 1980 Age 32
Hometown: Eau Claire WI
Breakthrough: Put in the best competitive situations of his 8 year career. Menard responded with a win in the Brickyard 400, flirted with a Chase berth and finished with a career-high 17th points.
On Twitter? Yes (@RCR27PMenard)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Proved that he can be a factor on the tractor in the proper situation.

#42. Juan Pablo Montoya
Changes afoot after fast start stalls in 2011.
Team: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Target
Crew Chief: Chris Heroy (new).
Born: Sept. 20, 1975 Age 37
Hometown: Bogota, Columbia
Breakthrough: The 2000 Indianapolis winner transitioned from Formula One in 2006, reuniting with team owner Chris Ganassi.
On Twitter? Yes (@jpmontoya)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Began the season with promise, faded again.

#39. Ryan Newman
Early-season success must follow chase.
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: U.S. Army
Crew Chief: Tony Gibson (returning).
2011 Finish: 10th. (2,284 points).
Born: Dec. 8, 1977 Age 35
Hometown: South Bend IN
Breakthrough: Won a race and finished 6th in his rookie season for Panske Racing in 2002, beating some guy named Jimmie Johnson for the rookie of the year award.
On Twitter? Yes (@RyanNewman39)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Amassed points like a title contender - until the Chase.

#10. Danica Patrick
Scrutiny high with champ in her corner.
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: GoDaddy.com
Crew Chief: Greg Zipadelli (new).
2011 Finish: 10th in Izod IndyCar Series.
Born: March 25, 1982 Age 30
Hometown: Roscoe IL
Breakthrough: After 2 seasons studying in the Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports, Patrick leaps full time to NASCAR. She will run 10 Cup races with Stewart-Haas Racing and another full Nationwide Series slate with JR Motorsports and an anticipated full-time move to Cup in 2013.
On Twitter? Yes (@DanicaPatrick)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Speculation, anticipation, NASCAR nation.

#34. David Ragan
Consistency is key to taking next big step.
Team: Front Row Motorsports
Drives: Ford Fusion
Primary Sponsor: Taco Bell
Crew Chief: Jay Guy (new).
2011 Finish: 23rd. (906 points).
Born: Dec. 24, 1985. Age 37
Hometown: Unadilla GA
Breakthrough: Graduated to the Sprint Cup Series at Roush Fenway Racing in 2007, replacing Mark Martin in the No. 6 Ford.
On Twitter? Yes (@David_Ragan)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer. Had the Daytona 500 in his grasp, lost it; came back to win the Summer race.

#35. David Reutimann
41-year-old restarts career after getting ax.
Ream: Tommy Baldwin Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Tommy Baldwin racing
Crew Chief: TBA
2011 Finish: 28th. (757 points)
Born: March 2, 1970 Age 42
Hometown: Zephyrhills FL
Breakthrough: Graduated from a successful Camping World Truck Series career to a full-time ride for Michael Waltrip racing in 2007.
On Twitter? Yes (@David Reutimann)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Save a second at Kentucky Speedway, his results were poor, and he lost his job.

#78. Regan Smith
Taste of success has him hungry for more.
Team: Furniture Row Racing
Drives: Chevrolet Impala
Primary Sponsor: Furniture Row
Crew Chief: Pete Rondeau (returning).
2011 Finish: 26th. (820 points).
Born: Sept. 20, 1983. Age 29.
Hometown: Cato NY
Breakthrough: Got his 1st career win last season at Darlington Raceway (though he thought he had it a few years back at Talladega Superspeedway).
On Twitter? Yes (@Regan_Smith_)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Another of NASCAR's first time winners.

#14. Tony Stewart
Three Cup titles and revving up for more.
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing.
Drives: Chevrolet Impala.
Primary Sponsor: Office Depot
Crew Chief: Steve Addington (new).
2011 Finish: First (2,403 points).
Born: May 20, 1971. Age 41.
Hometown: Columbus IN
Breakthrough: The 1997 Indy Car Champion was an immediate winner upon switching to NASCAR in 1999 and has won at least one race every year since. He claimed his first Sprint Cup title in his 4th season.
On Twitter? No.
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Subpar regular season. 5 wins in 10 Chase Races. Tony is king.

#56. Martin Truex Jr.
Competitive garage should boost results.
Team: Michael Waltrip Racing.
Drives: Toyota Camry
Primary Sponsor: Napa Auto Parts
Crew Chief: Chad Johnston (new).
2011 Finish: 18th (937 points).
Born: June 29, 1980. Age 32.
Hometown: Mayetta NJ
Breakthrough: The 2 time Nationwide Series Champion won at his home track of Dover International Speedway and finished 11th in points in 2007 for now defunct Dale Earnhardt Inc.
On Twitter? Yes (@MartinTruexJr56)
2011 in 140 characters or fewer: Improved statistically despite crashing out in 3 races, lip-synced on TV commercials.

Other Sprint Cup Drivers

#32. Terry Labonte
Team: FAS Lane Racing
Drives: Ford
Age 55
Hometown: Corpus Christi TX

#TBA Michael McDowell
Team: Phil Parsons Racing
Drives: Ford
Age 27
Hometown: Phoenix AZ

#32. Ken Schrader
Team: FAS Lane Racing
Car: Ford
Age 56
Hometown: Fenton MO

#95. Scott Speed
Team: Leavine Family Racing
Drives: Ford
Age 29
Hometown: Manteca CA

#6. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Team: Roush Fenway Racing
Drives: Ford
Age 24
Hometown: Olive Branch MS

#? Brian Vickers
Team: TBA
Car: TBA
Age 28
Hometown: Thomasville NC

#55. Michael Waltrip
Team: Michael Waltrip Racing
Drives: Toyota
Age 48
Hometown: Owensboro KY

#49. J.J. Yeley
Team: Robinson-Blakeney Racing
Car: Toyota
Age 35
Hometown: Phoenix AZ

www.usatoday.com

[RayGator]

Monday 2.13.12 USA Today
Chad Leistikow

Expect Bounce-Back Years For Jimmie Johnson, Joe Gibbs Racing.

1. Jimmie's still the clear No.1
2. The rebound year.
3. Adjustments take time.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/fantasy/story/2012-02-12/Jimmie-Johnson-tops-fantasy-rankings/53082266/1

[Speedofsand]

Dave Blaney & Tony Stewart won heats at Volusia tonite in AllStar Sprint cars on the dirt. Danny 'The DUDE' Lasoski won the feature.

Kenny Wallace won the Modified feature, Ken Schrader was 5th.

The winged sprints clocked 135mph around the 1/2 mile dirt oval.

Brap Brap Braaaaaap

[Speedofsand]

live media day coverage today
http://www.nascar.com/multimedia/webcast/media-day/index.html

driver schedule
http://www.nascar.com/news/120215/media-day-scheduled-times/index.html

[Speedofsand]

Ken Schrader makes a late pass around Buzzie Reutimann to win tonite's 7th mod heat.

Where is Red Farmer?

[RayGator]

Thursday 2.16.12 Lakeland Ledger
AP, Jenna Fryer

Meet The New Boss

Tony Stewart Goes Into 2012 Season With New Crew Chief

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120216/NEWS/120219503/1002/SPORTS?Title=NASCAR-Preview-Tony-Stewart-Goes-Into-2012-Season-With-New-Crew-Chief-

[Speedofsand]

Ryan Lochte is Grand Marshall for the first Gatorade Duel race next Thursday.

[RayGator]

Saturday 2.18.12 USA Today

Reigning Champ Tony Stewart Triggers 6 Car Wreck Friday In Shootout Practice Week

The First Accident of Speedweeks!

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-02-17/stewart-crashes-at-daytona/53137770/1

[RayGator]

Saturday 2.18.12 Lakeland Ledger
AP, Mark Long

Bayne On The Beach ! :)

>> Defending Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne went for a spin in the sand Friday morning, driving his race car down a stretch of Daytona Beach in a salute to NASCAR's roots.

"This is probably the coolest thing I've gotten to do outside of racing on other tracks." said Bayne, who became the Daytona 500's youngest winner last year at the age of 20. "I wish we could come back out here and get the groove rutted up a little bit and try to miss the potholes. This is an unbelievable feeling being on the beach where it all started."

Before moving to Dayton International Speedway in 1959, NASCAR raced on a temporary track running partly on the beach and partly on an adjacent road from 1948 to 1958. Today, passenger cars still are allowed to drive on the beach. <<

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120217/NEWS/120219378/1018/sports11?Title=Stewart-Penske-Cars-Trade-Paint-in-Practice-&tc=ar

[RayGator]

Sunday 2.19.12 Tampa Tribune
Martin Fennelly

Ready For An Encore?

Trevor Bayne Has Seen His Share Of Ups And Downs Since Winning The Daytona 500 Last Year

Today for the first time, he can legally raise a glass to his stunning Daytona 500 Victory. Not that he would.

That's right: 2011 Daytona 500 Champion Justin Bieber turns 21 today. Did I say Justin Bieber? I meant Trevor Bayne. It was a year ago that Bayne shocked the world by winning NASCAR's biggest race.

Bayne is back at the high banks to try and defend the title.

"This time it's different," he said.

"I like to talk to Tim Tebow."
Bayne, who is a Baptist, is a Tim Tebow fan.

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/auto-racing/2012/feb/18/1/could-bayne-be-ready-for-an-encore-ar-360354/

It's a great article on this kid! I was excited for him when he won at Daytona last year! I thought it it was funny when that he didn't know where Victory Lane was after that race. Trevor Bayne and Joey Logano are my 2 favorites in NASCAR. I love those young guys. They're fun to watch and they bring excitement.
:)

[Speedofsand]

Ray if you like Trevor you might enjoy this. The audio switches a little left to right, but its just racin' talk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MC7iKj5e7U

[RayGator]

Thanks, I liked it!

I consider Trevor and Joey my two "adopted" NASCAR Grandkids! I guess they shave by now. :)

By the way, it looks like it was a foggy day on Daytona Beach.

[RayGator]

Sunday 2.19.20 Lakeland Ledger
Patrick Zier

NASCAR Silences Injector Talk

>> There's nothing official. You won't find anything in writing. But the word is out. NASCAR is very touchy about it's new project to switch from carburetors to fuel injection. So, if you can't say anything good about it, don't say anything at all. <<

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120219/NEWS/120219255/1018/SPORTS?Title=NASCAR-Silences-Injector-Talk-

I've read other articles on this subject. Appears NASCAR drivers don't feel all that confident about the change to fuel injection.

[RayGator]

Tuesday 2.21.12 Lakeland Ledger
Patrick Zier

With End Of 2-Car Drafting, Big Pack Racing Makes Return

"The big packs are back. And so are the big crashes. And whether that's better than what we had before is up for debate."

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120221/NEWS/120229864/1002/sports?Title=NASCAR-With-End-of-2-Car-Drafting-Big-Pack-Racing-Makes-Returns-

[Dreamliner]

Be interesting to see how Kyle Busch does with his new team. Love him or hate him, he may be the best driver on the planet. Yes, better than anyone in F1.

[Speedofsand]

Saw these on twitter. Wheelbarrow races are a great time. I'm missing it this week, had to go to Akron.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/523859834.jpg?key=32642448&Expires=1330090296&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=AUQDjOrvlE874w1eWmgprZwLvTn5xyvVXJ~G9S9V X1mhJQ0GTA5jlylP6leKzuhH3J2hSIC3fW20hwmOVecP7hwYaB 9Ks1vTs1MmFx247DbQLd0YG9E~tca4IzEJ9RsnMmHZrbWV0BvN yh1hWWcMVs1LioeObUCNeEdnOQH33jI_



http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/523860824.jpg?key=32642448&Expires=1330090269&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=OANkifGNi9DH1soniuFoNvTX-zrfIbMeKhut0s9rUGawn2GsPasJFGrK6toviK8oFpyU5nYM8YY L55VVGeIMUzeOrMIyx5PNa8Ucp1M3z-8YAp90OyWSaTjBS5BhMJN1R92bdO-Xj98D4Fy2~8XW~DnBDIKZ2fAEo-6EddjaLaI_

[RayGator]

Friday 2.24.12 Tampa Tribune
AP

Stewart, Kenseth Win In Duels

Roush, Fenway Has 3 Cars Up Front, Along With 2011 Champ. For The Season Opener Daytona 500.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/2012/feb/24/1/spsporto1-stewart-kenseth-win-in-duels-ar-362277/

[RayGator]

Saturday 2.25.12 Orlando Sentinel
George Diaz

Random Bump-And-Grind Will Determine Daytona 500 Winner

>> To Paraphrase The Famous Philosopher, Forrest Gump:
"The Daytona 500 Is Like A Box Of Chocolates." <<

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-diaz-nascar-daytona-setup-0226-20120225,0,900191.column

Very good article on the 500.

[RayGator]

Due to rain conditions on Sunday the Daytona 500 has been postponed until Monday at Noon. It's the first time the 500 has been postponed. Problem is that there is also an 80% chance of rain as well on Monday. So...........

[RayGator]

Well, guys, it looks like we have a 2nd rain delay in the Daytona 500. Latest info I have is that it will now be 7:00 P.M. on Monday evening. It's been raining pretty much all day on Monday in Daytona so we'll see.

[Dreamliner]

OMG! Most bizarre thing Ive ever seen in racing. Montoya slid into the back of one of those jet dryer trucks ignited several hundreds of gallons of jet fuel. The track is engulfed in flames and the race has been red-flagged.

[GatorWon]

That was the only angle they have? Where is the in car footage?

[RayGator]

You would think there is a possibility of damage to the track. That was quite a fire with 2 vehicles.

[RayGator]

12:56 A.M. Tuesday Morning.

After 2 big rain delays, 2 vehicles on fire, 10 caution flags, we finally got a winner in the Daytona 500!

#17 Matt Kenseth

[RayGator]

Tuesday 2.28.12 Tampa Tribune
Martin Fennelly

Daytona Gave NASCAR Blazing Start

Goodness, Gracious, Great Balls Of Fire!

And wouldn't you know, there was no rain to put it out.

Now we've seen everything at the Daytona 500 - And we had already seen everything.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/2012/feb/28/10/spsporto1-tough-start-to-new-season-ar-363555/

[RayGator]

Friday 3.2.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Shock Move: Penske Switching From Dodge To Ford In 2013

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-03-01/penske-switch-from-dodge-to-ford/53316772/1

[RayGator]

Monday 3.12.12 USA Today
Chad Leistikow

Stewart Races To First Vegas Win

Reigning Champion's Confidence, Competence On Full Display

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-03-11/tony-stewart-wins-las-vegas/53488244/1

[RayGator]

USA Today Snapshots

Number Of Laps Kyle Busch Led In His 5 Wins At Bristol Motor Speedway

Race Date / Laps Led

March 22, 2009 378

Aug. 21, 2010 283

March 20, 2011 153

Aug. 22, 2009 68

March 25, 2007 29

[RayGator]

Thursday 3.15.12 USA Today

Penske's Jump Leaves Dodge Scrambling

Penske's Move To Ford In 2013 Leaves Dodge With No Full-Time Sprint Cup Teams Next Season. Possible Replacements Include Richard Petty Motorsports.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-03-13/Questions-linger-as-Dodge-scrambles-to-find-2013-home/53527350/1

[RayGator]

28 year old Brad Keselowki wins at Bristol. :)

[RayGator]

Monday 3.19.12 lakeland Ledger
AP, Jenna Fryer

Keselowski Dominates At Bristol

"Brad Keselowski used Bristol Motor Speedway last Fall to cement his spot in NASCAR's championship race."

"And he began to think about a Sprint Cup title."

"Keselowski had a career-best and race-high 232 laps, then held off Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth on a late restart to cruise to his first victory of the season."

http://www.theledger.com/section/sports11

[RayGator]

Monday 3.26.12 USA Today
Gary Graves

Finisher Stewart enjoying fast start!

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-03-25/Auto-Club-400/53774090/1

[RayGator]

Monday 3.26.12 USA Today

Sprint Cup Points Leaders

Rank Driver Wins Behind

1. Greg Biffle 0 Leader
2. Kevin Harvick 0 -7
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 0 -17
4. Tony Stewart 2 -18
5. Martin Truex Jr. 0 -20
6. Matt Kenseth 1 -22
7. Denny Hamlin 1 -24
8. Clint Bowyer 0 -38
9. Jimmie Johnson 0 -39
10. Ryan Newman 0 -40

14. Kyle Busch 0 -52

16. Brad Keselowski 1 -56

25. Jeff Gordon 0 -91

[RayGator]

Tuesday 3.27.12 USA Today Snapshots

Tracks Hosting The Most NASCAR Points Races

130 Daytona International Speedway

126 Martinsville Speedway

111 Richmond International Raceway

108 Darlington Raceway

106 Charlotte Motor Speedway

[RayGator]

Friday 3.30.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Dale Earnhardt Jr. tackles Tebow, Tiger and love of cooking!

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-03-29/Earnhardt-talks-Tiger-Tebow-cooking/53869278/1

[Speedofsand]

Martinsville lap 350

Carl Edwards: I think the transmission broke. Yep, I broke it.

Crew Chief: WHAT?!

Carl : haha April fools.

:laugh:

[RayGator]

And what a weird finish it was! Ryan Newman somehow pulls it out. Almost like an April fools joke itself. I think Gordon and Johnson messed up and blew it.

[GatorBen]

David Reutimann ruined that race.

[RayGator]

You are probably right.

[RayGator]

Monday 4/2/12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Reutimann's Gafe Steals Show

Newman Wins; Earnhardt Irked

http://fantasynascar.usatoday.com/content/homesport.asp?sport=NAS

[RayGator]

Monday 4.16.12 USA Today
Seth Livingdtone

Texas Win Validates Strong Start To Season For Greg Biffle

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-04-12/Victory-validates-strong-start-for-Greg-Biffle/54288734/1

[RayGator]

Sunday 4.22.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Denny Hamlin Outkicks Martin Truex, Jr. Kansas Win

The Temperatures Were Right For Denny Hamlin. The Tires Were Wrong For Martin Truex. Jr.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-04-22/Denny-Hamlin-outkicks-Martin-Truex-Jr-for-Kansas-win/54473706/1

[RayGator]

Monday 4.30.12 Tampa Tribune
AP

Opportunistic Busch Rolls To Richmond Win

>> Carl Edwards thought the race was his to win. So did Tony Stewart.

And Kyle Busch? Well, he didn't think he had a chance as the laps wound down at Richmond International Speedway. <<

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/auto-racing/2012/apr/29/2/opportunistic-busch-rolls-to-richmond-win-ar-397914/

[RayGator]

USA Today Snapshots

Closest Sprint Cup Finishes At Talladega

0.002 Jimmie Johnson. April 17, 2011

0.005 Dale Earnhardt. July 25, 1993

0.011 Kevin Harvick. April 25, 2010

0.018 Clint Bowyer. October 23, 2011

0.025 Jimmy Spencer. July 24, 1994

[RayGator]

Wednesday 5.2.12 USA Today
Chad Leistikow

NASCAR All Ears When It Comes To Eavesdropping

Open-Mike Policy Welcome Key To Strategy

>> As allegations of the New Orleans Saints eavesdropping on NFL opponents rocked the sports world last week, there was no reason for NASCAR to take notice. At stock car racing's highest level, listening to to rivals' conversations not only is accepted, it's also part of the game.

"Everybody scans everybody," said mike Calinoff, spotter for Matt Kenseth.

The equivalent of listening to the other team's OB give in-huddle instructions is one of the the aspects that makes NASCAR unique in pro sports. <<

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-05-01/Eavesdropping-part-of-the-game-in-NASCAR/54671930/1

Interesting article about a part of NASCAR's way of doing things.

[RayGator]

Monday 5.7.12 Tampa Tribune
AP

Busch Push Propels Keselowski To Win

Late 9 Car Wreck Sets Up Driver's Sprint To Talladega Victory

>> The leader of the last lap isn't suppose to win at Talladega Superspeedway. Everybody knows that.

Brad Keselowski disagrees, and he showed how to do it Sunday with a calculated plan that sent him to Victory Lane. <<

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/auto-racing/2012/may/06/1/keselowski-gets-busch-push-to-win-talladega-ar-400602/

[RayGator]

Sunday 5.12.12 The Tampa Tribune
AP

Johnson Gives Hendrick Milestone 200th Victory

That Feat Has Been Matched Only by Petty Enterprises

Jimmie Johnson snapped a 16-race winless streak with Saturday night's victory at Darlington Raceway.

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/auto-racing/2012/may/13/2/johnson-tames-darlington-gives-hendrick-200th-win-ar-403189/

[RayGator]

Friday 6.1.12 USA Today

Sprint Cup Points Leaders Wins Behind
1. Greg Biffle 1 Leader
2. Matt Kenseth 1 -10
3. Denny Hamlin 2 -16
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 0 -18
5. Jimmie Johnson 1 -48
6. Martin Truex Jr. 0 -49
7. Kevin Harvivk 0 -55
8. Kyle Busch 1 -62
9. Tony Stewart 2 -65
10. Carl Edwards 0 -81
11. Brad Keselowski 2 -85
12. Clint Bowyer 0 -87
13. Ryan Newman 1 -116
14. Paul Menard 0 -116

[Juggernautz]

Even though I own GM products I'm rooting for one of the Rousch drivers to win.

[PD]

I used to live NASCAR...could care less anymore. It's such a different sport and there is nothing I find remotely interesting about it anymore. It's like watching an IROC race with nobody I care about. Back in the day we would have killed for ANY TV coverage for NASCAR. Now everything's televised and none of it's worth watching...sad.

[Speedofsand]

I watched Smoke's event from Eldora last night. He took Darrell Waltrip for a ride in a 2 seat late model. It was a ROTFLMAO time. Tony was giggling before he even started. As DW was belting in, Ken Schrader came up and said 'I wouldn't get out of the electric chair for that seat.' They were doing over 100mph sliding inches from the wall, DW screaming like a little girl.

[RayGator]

Thursday 6.7.12 USA Today Snapshots

NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Who Have Swept Both Events At Pocono Raceway

1982 Bobby Allison

1985 Bill Elliott

1986 Tim Richmond

1989 Bobby Labonte

2004 Jimmie Johnson

2006 Denny Hamlin

[PD]

Had Pocono been around longer, my boy Richard Petty would have swept them a few times.

[Speedofsand]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF-XdhAhJFU&feature=player_embedded#!

[RayGator]

Sunday, June 10th.

Really happy that one of my two "adopted" NASCAR grandkids, Joey Logano, won the Pocono 400 today! :)

[RayGator]

Monday 6.11.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

"Sliced Bread" Gets a Big Win! :)

Logano Outduels Mentor Martin

Second Win Could Help Secure Young Driver's Future

>> When Joey Logano was 15, Mark Martin anointed him as a NASCAR Superstar in the making.

The veteran got an unwelcome reminder Sunday at Pocono Raceway that he still might be right. "He raced for it," Martin said of Logano. "He certainly didn't get that one handed to him."

Logano shoved Martin out of the lead and led the final 4 laps of the Pocono 400 in a moment called "surreal." The Middletown, Conn., native said he didn't stop screaming until he reached Victory Lane.

In becoming the first driver to win from the pole position this season, Logano, 22, became the youngest winner in Pocono Raceway history. <<

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-06-10/Joey-Logano-uses-late-bump-to-win-Pocono/55501590/1

[Dreamliner]

Jr. wins!*

*promptly faints

[Speedofsand]

on Father's Day, I think he had a little help from above. Pretty cool for Dale Jr. today. I clicked on Nascar.com race buddy and went in car camera with him the last 5 laps, listening to his radio. Nothing real special, he was just thankful and humble as always.

[Dreamliner]

Couldn't be happier for him.

[RayGator]

on Father's Day, I think he had a little help from above. Pretty cool for Dale Jr. today. I clicked on Nascar.com race buddy and went in car camera with him the last 5 laps, listening to his radio. Nothing real special, he was just thankful and humble as always.

I've been thinking the same thing. It's Father's Day and Dale Jr. wins a race.

What's it been, about 10 years now? It's still hard to believe that Dale Sr. died in, what seemed to me when I saw it on TV at the time, a crash that didn't look all that bad. I know we've seen worse in NASCAR where drivers are OK.

[Dreamliner]

True story: my name is Dale. My kid brother was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. So, the day he died, my brother called our mother and blurted, "Mom! Dale just died!"

Being my mom's firstborn ... my mom almost died.

[RayGator]

True story: my name is Dale. My kid brother was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. So, the day he died, my brother called our mother and blurted, "Mom! Dale just died!"

Being my mom's firstborn ... my mom almost died.

Oh my goodness! Your poor Mom.....

[Dreamliner]

If there is such a thing as "best race car driver in the world" then Tony Stewart gets my vote. He is absolutely pwning Jimmy Johnson these days. Ran him down again and finished ahead of him for the third consecutive race. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see him win the cup again this year even with the slow start.

[RayGator]

Saturday 6.30.12 Tampa Tribune
AP

Roush, Kenseth Address "Divorce"

Driver's Break From Longtime Team Has Overshadowed Race.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CAR_NASCAR_ROUSH_KENSETH?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Speedofsand]

Dreamliner, I just found this and thought it was cool. You want FAST?! This is when racing was FAST! :grin: Somewhere, I have pics of this car and tires from the Daytona museum.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb-0jnvTE1U&feature=player_embedded

[Speedofsand]

http://www.news-journalonline.com/racing/nascar/2012/07/02/petty-still-busy-as-he-turns-75.html

Happy 75th Birthday Richard Petty

Long Live The King

[Dreamliner]

Dreamliner, I just found this and thought it was cool. You want FAST?! This is when racing was FAST! :grin: Somewhere, I have pics of this car and tires from the Daytona museum.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb-0jnvTE1U&feature=player_embedded

My MAN! Those were the days. BTW, I can't believe that Dave DeSpain and Robin Miller were arguing on SPEED.com that speed wasn't important. And last night Larry Mac expressed the wish that NASCAR speeds be curbed in 2013 to foster parity.

[Speedofsand]

Flying mile up and down the beach. 276mph was the avg., his first run was 330mph but he had engine trouble coming back. Might have saved his life because those tires may not have made it back going 330. I still marvel at this being in 1935.

I really like Dave but never do anything but ignore Robin Miller. I met Dave at New Smyrna many many years ago during a bike week motorcycle demo derby.

[RayGator]

Friday 7.6.12 USA Today

Top 10 In Points Wins Behind

1. Matt Kenseth 1 Leader
2. Dale Earnhardt 1 -11
3. Jimmie Johnson 2 -23
4. Greg Biffle 1 -25
5. Denny Hamlin 2 -68
6. Kevin Harvick 0 -68
7. Clint Bowyer 1 -76
8. Martin Truex 0 -77
9. Tony Stewart 2 -88
10. Brad Keselowski 3 -96

[RayGator]

Saturday 7.7.12 Lakeland Ledger
AP Jenna Fryer

Brian France Focused On Improving Races

NASCAR Chairman However Isn't Interested In Adding Gimmicks To Events

>> But make no mistake, France wants to figure out how to ensure NASCAR has best racing in the world. He doesn't think that track promoter Bruton Smith's idea of implementing mandatory cautions during races is the way to go. <<

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120706/NEWS/120709535/1018/sports?Title=NASCAR-France-Focused-on-Improving-Races-

Interesting article. No doubt a lot of drivers and fans have not been too happy about some of the changes this year.

[RayGator]

Saturday 7.7.12 AP Motorsports
Jenna Fryer

Allmendinger Suspended Following Failed Drug Test

>> NASCAR temporarily suspended AL Allmendinger for a failed drug test, forcing Penske Racing officials to scramble to get Sam Hornish Jr. to the track before Saturday night's race at Daytona International Speedway. <<

http://netscape.compuserve.com/sports/story.jsp?idq=/ff/story/1001/20120708/k1077.htm

[RayGator]

Sunday 7.8.12 Tampa Tribune
AP

Coke Zero 400

Final-lap Charge

Stewart Makes His Move Late At Daytona For His 3rd. Win Of The Season.

There was No Fire Or Rain. Still Another Frantic Finish At Daytona International Speedway.

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/auto-racing/2012/jul/07/2/stewart-makes-late-move-to-win-at-daytona-ar-426258/

[Dreamliner]

The best race car driver in the world wins another one.

[Speedofsand]

I can't recall better weather in a July race. Once the sun went down, just perfect. Stewart was 3/4 lap behind until halfway when Hornish blew his tire. Until that the race was boring as hell. After that it was thrilling. I knew when they were coming in on lap 122 for the money stop, then they ran over each other! Too bad Awesome Bill got wrecked, he was great in the Walmart car. I met him Thurs. at the store and he signed my posters from 1985, Daytona 500 and 'Catch Million Dollar Bill' at The Southern 500. Both posters were his Coors Tbird, he won both races.
AJ Allmendinger signed my Rolex 24 hat Thurs nite at the Speed trackside show, backstage. My girlfriend and I were the only ones around and I said later he seemed kind of bothered to be there, like he was having a long bad day at work at still had to go do this tv show. Blew my mind when they announced after the Train concert that he was suspended. I'll wait to see what its for...


TOURS, France — Ben Kennedy turned a historic first for the Euro-Racecar Series into a historic first for his young racing career.
It was the first NASCAR-sanctioned oval race in Europe, a monumental step for the European-based touring series in its first year under the NASCAR banner.
http://www.racingwest.com/news/articles/28913-kennedy-makes-history-at-tours.html

[Juggernautz]

Exactly why is Matt Kenseth leaving for Joe Gibbs team?

[RayGator]

USA Today Snapshots

Youngest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Winners At New Hampshire Motor Speedway

2009 Joey Logano 19 years, 1 month.

2006 Kyle Busch 21 years, 2 months.

1995 Jeff Gordon 23 years, 11 months.

2002 Ryan Newman 24 years, 9 months.

2004 Kurt Busch 25 years, 11 months.

[Speedofsand]

NASCAR Foundation Finalizes Single Largest Donation to a Pediatric Oncology Unit:
The NASCAR Foundation announced its final installment of $100,000 as part of a record donation to Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the commitment totaled $500,000  the single largest donation that The NASCAR Foundation has been a part of to support a new pediatric oncology unit. Each foundation committed $250,000 toward the 18-bed inpatient unit that serves approximately 14 pediatric patients a day. The unit cares for an estimated 288 patients annually. Among the diseases treated and operations performed in the unit are cancer, bone-marrow transplants, organ transplants, rheumatology/immunology conditions and sickle cell disease. "The V Foundation remains committed to fighting pediatric cancer," said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation. "We are thrilled to partner with The NASCAR Foundation to beat this disease." The V Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to saving lives by helping to find a cure for cancer, has a well-established record of supporting cancer research.(NASCAR)(7-13-2012)

[sneakygator]

Awesome a NASCAR thread!!

Loved watching Smoke come through last week. Have no idea how he got by the front 2 without a drafting partner at the end.

Smoke knows Daytona, hopefully he will know one of these February's soon!

[RayGator]

Awesome a NASCAR thread!!

Loved watching Smoke come through last week. Have no idea how he got by the front 2 without a drafting partner at the end.

Smoke knows Daytona, hopefully he will know one of these February's soon!

Thanks. I think it's an awesome NASCAR thread also. :)

It has over 8,500 views!

[RayGator]

Monday 7.16.12 Lakeland Ledger
Howard Ulman, AP

Bad Communication Good For Kahne

"The best car was rolling toward victory - until it's driver and crew chief couldn't agree on how many tires to change.

Kasey Kahne capitalized on that confusion between Denny Hamlin behind the wheel and Darian Grubbs in the pits to win his second Sprint Cup of the year."

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120716/NEWS/120719522/1018/sports11?Title=Bad-Communication-Good-for-Kahne-

[Juggernautz]

Bone headed mistake by the #11 team.

[Speedofsand]

Tony Stewart won the second of twin A mains last night in The Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup in Lernerville, Pa. I wish I could go pick up $10k like that on a Tuesday night, lol.
The King's Royal was at Tony's Eldora Speedway last weekend, he raced Friday night but got caught up in a little wreck that took him out of contention. Sammy Swindell won $50k on Sat. night. It will be on Speed tv July 28 at 2:00pm. Slammin' Sammy is as old as Mark Martin. Aussie Kerry 'The Madman' Madsen was 2nd, Jac 'The Wildchild' Haudenschild was 3rd. The dirt track was prepared beautifully and the 40 lap A main had some terrific 3 wide racing. Donny Schatz and both Kinsers had to race out of the B main to tag on to the rear of the A, and all finished in the top 10. Steve Kinser made a full engine change between his heat race and the B main.

[RayGator]

USA Today Snapshots

All-time Closest Finishes in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series At Indianapolis Motor Speedway. By Margin Of Victory In Seconds

0.183 1997 Ricky Rudd

0.332 2008 Jimmie Johnson

0.370 1995 Dale Earnhardt

0.400 2009 Jimmie Johnson

0.530 1994 Jeff Gordon

[Juggernautz]

Wish more women would race in NASCAR.

NHRA has them beat in this category.

[Speedofsand]

Good article on Smoke
http://www.indystar.com/article/20120727/SPORTS0109/207280316/Brickyard-400-Champion-Stewart-pushes-reset-dirt-tracks
Stewart is 41 years old with more business ventures than he can count. Yet, he keeps driving with as much passion as ever, in part because he has targets to shoot for, including the conquering of winged sprint cars that he is still learning. Last week he scored his second career World of Outlaws victory.
...
He will be racing at Eldora tonite again. I'm watching the King's Royal now on Speed tv. Its better than Nascar.

[Speedofsand]

USAC had a great race last night at Eldora, here are the video highlights. Stewart won the NRA Sprint feature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBX123YBz7Q&feature=player_embedded


As for Indy, Nascar blew the Nationwide race yesterday.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/427536_395035420559470_211625980_n.jpg

[RayGator]

Tuesday 8.7.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Shocked By Penske Move; Dodge Won't Return To NASCAR In 2013

When Penske Racing Announced March 1 That It Was Switching To Ford Next Season, Dodge's Future Was Essentially Sunk In The Sprint Cup Service

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-08-07/dodge-expected-to-announce-sprint-cup-exit-in-2013/56847912/1

[RayGator]

Wednesday 8.15.12 USA Today
Chad Leistikow

Keselowski Plows Forward

Brad Keselowski Has 6 Consecutive Top 10 Finishes And Is Seeking To Win His First Sprint Cup Championship In Dodge's Final Year In Nascar

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-08-14/Brad-Keselowski-running-strong-through-Dodge-departure/57059424/1

[Juggernautz]

Nice to see a Dodge win a race.

I'm hoping one day that Camaros, Mustangs, Challengers, Accords etc will be racing in NASCAR one day.

[Speedofsand]

Mustangs and Challengers are in Nationwide, Camaros and Hondas in Grand Am.
Check out the Nationwide road race from Montreal today at 2 on ESPN.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/523358_509480905733533_1273980779_n.jpg
Wes Duenkel Motorsport Photo


Billy Johnson racing in Montreal (http://www.nationwide.nascar.com/nationwide-series/news/120817/bjohnson-montreal-nationwide/index.html)

Billy also drives the Roush #61 Mustang and Turner #94 BMW in Grand Am.

[Speedofsand]

Billy had to give up 2nd place under caution to get gas while the race went 7 laps overtime. Restarted 20th and finished 8th in the last two laps. Ran in the top 5 or 10 all day. This driver is a top talent in any series.

[RayGator]

USA Today Snapshots

Active Drivers With The Most Runner-Up Finishes At Michigan International Speedway.

Starts In Parentheses

8 Jeff Gordon (39)

3 Kasey Kahne (17)

3 Tony Stewart (27)

3 Mark Martin (53)

3 Terry Labonte (55)

[RayGator]

Sunday 8.19.12 Tampa Tribune

Biffle Wins At Michigan As Johnson's Car Falters.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/aug/19/2/earnhardt-johnson-start-at-back-at-michigan-ar-468545/

[Juggernautz]

Biffle tearing it up this year. Eases the pain of Rousch losing Kenseth

[Speedofsand]

Oh My God. If this don't make you LOL nothing will.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99my_BjkxaQ

[Juggernautz]

and this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEeeJeMwAyU

[Speedofsand]

Tony Stewart for CY YOUNG AWARD!
He had no cause to toss his helmet last night but it was very entertaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC8Jyuryc_s

[gatordee]

WHAT!!?? Tony pouting again?? Why can't I do that on I4?

[RayGator]

Sunday 8.26.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Denny Hamlin Shows Title-Caliber Resistance At Bristol

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/story/2012-08-26/Denny-Hamlin-shows-title-pedigree-at-Bristol/57335404/1

No doubt he was quite happy with the win!

[Speedofsand]

What a night at Richmond. Checkered flew at 1:24am. Gordon came back from lap(s)? down during rain delay to finish 2nd and knock BooBooKyle out of the Chase. Joe Gibbs met him on pit lane before he got out of the car and said 'handle it the right way'. When Krybaby finally spoke to ESPN at his hauler he said 'there is no right way to handle it' and walked off. BWAAAAHAHAHAHAA!
Great race with tons of passing due to many cars being on different pit sequence. Gordon was interviewed during the rain delay and said they just totally missed the setup. His crew chief Alan Gustafson from Ormond Beach made the right moves after the restart for a remarkable comeback.

[RayGator]

Monday 9.10.12 Lakeland Ledger
Hank Kurz Jr., AP

Gordon Grabs The Last Chase Position As Busch Fades Late

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120909/NEWS/120909248/1018/SPORTS?Title=Gordon-Grabs-the-Last-Chase-Position-as-Busch-Fades-Late-

[RayGator]

Thursday 9.13.12 USA Today Snapshots

Sprint Cup Winless Skids Ended At Chicagoland.

Races

2010 43 David Reutimann

2002 35 Kevin Harvick

2011 33 Tony Stewart

2004 23 Tony Stewart

2007 21 Tony Stewart

[Speedofsand]

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7421478n&tag=mg;mostpopvideo

Excellent CBS This Morning segment with Dale Jr 'note to self'. He opens up to show his personal story from his teen years and what he knew his future held.

[RayGator]

Thanks! I'll let my brother know. He's always been a big fan of Sr.and Jr.

[Juggernautz]

I'm sticking my neck out & saying that Biffle wins the chase this year!

[RayGator]

USA Today Snapshots

NASCAR Going Green

Recycling By NASCAR In The Last 4 Years.

200,000 Gallons of race-used oil annually by Safety-Kleen

4,500 pounds of brake fluid.

Over 24 Million Sprint phones since 2001, which includes race event recycling.

Over 14 Million bottles and cans by Coca-Cola and MillerCoors.

121,000 Goodyear Tires.

[Speedofsand]

^ They also donate alot of leftover food to local organizations after each race.

This is not Nascar, but Tony Stewart's track so I'm posting it. More passing than you see on I-4 in the first highlight. Just the first 5:35 is the midget race. The rest is not as good, its sprint & silver crown divisions. No wings on top because its USAC series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tvzBkyVEko


This is the second race, Larson walked away from a wild crash. I can't believe how far he flew when the other car hit him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvLUixFNSNg

[RayGator]

That was interesting. Glad you posted it.

[RayGator]

Monday 10.1.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

No.2 Shaping Up As No.1 Contender

Keselowski Points To Team

> He's won 2 of the first 3 Chase for the Sprint Cup races, but Brad Keselowski is adamant he isn't a favorite for the Championship.

He might concede, though, that his team is. "I can't emphasize the word 'team' strongly enough, because that's what this sport is," Keselowski said.

"It's easy to caught up looking in stat books and forget about teams." <

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2012/09/30/brad-keselowski-wins-fuel-mileage-finish-at-dover/1604447/

[Speedofsand]

Monday in Colorado. Dale Jr's first elk hunt. Got this with a bow and arrow! That's Kerry Earnhardt with him.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/557184_424609307588447_1448756352_n.jpg

[RayGator]

Sunday 10.14.12 Tampa Tribune
AP

Bowyer Takes Charlotte, Goes Into Chase Picture

http://www2.tbo.com/sports/auto-racing/2012/oct/14/1/bowyer-takes-charlotte-gets-into-chase-picture-ar-533116/

[RayGator]

Thursday 10.18.12 Lakeland Ledger
Jenna Fryer, AP

Keselowski Not Backing Down As He Heads To Kansas

>> Brad Keselowski held serve through the first half of the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, due in part to a smart strategy with his Penske Racing team. <<

http://www.theledger.com/article/20121018/NEWS/121019255/1018/sports11?Title=Auto-Racing-Keselowski-Not-Backing-Down-as-He-Heads-to-Kansas-

[Juggernautz]

A question for NASCAR fans:

Since Dale jr. has been out can his team still collect points in the chase even tho another driver is driving his car?

[RayGator]

I'm inclined to say no but I'm not sure how that works.

[Juggernautz]

Yep, Dale won't collect any points while he's out.

He's suppose to return the next race.

[RayGator]

Near the end of the NASCAR season. Coming down to Brad Keselowski vs Jimmie Johnson.

[Juggernautz]

JJ's got it.

I hope Brad gets it since this is the last season of Dodge running in the Sprint cup.

[RayGator]

Tuesday 11.6.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Brad Keselowski Would Win NASCAR's Popular Vote.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2012/11/06/nate-ryan-brad-keselowski-would-win-nascar-popular-vote-vs-jimmie-johnson/1687629/

[Juggernautz]

My vote goes to Brad.

[RayGator]

NASCAR is definitely A sport! And many Gators have a big interest in it. If not I would not have spent the considerable amount of time I did in posting the info in the opening 2 posts of this thread. Did you even bother to check it out?

[RayGator]

Friday 11.9.12 USA Today
Nate Ryan

Junior Living Under Green, Not Yellow

At 38, NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Embracing Life, Leaving Comfort Zone

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2012/11/08/dale-earnhardt-jr-matures-with-age-adversity/1693509/

Photo Gallery on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 2012 NASCAR Season.

www.motorsports.usatoday.com

[Dreamliner]

Saw where NASCAR may be expanding to Canada. There are serious plans to build a track in Ft. Erie, ONT, just across the lake from Buffalo.

[Juggernautz]

The more tracks the merrier.

[swampgas44]

:bored: :bored: :bored:

[Juggernautz]

Funny guy!

[Speedofsand]

:happy:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4j3sdxAEDI&feature=youtu.be

[Juggernautz]

Is Jeff Gordon's fine of $100k & being docked 25 points for his "encounter" w\ Bowyer the most severe in NASCAR history?

[Speedofsand]

Carl Long in 2009. $200k for an engine that was 0.17 cubic inches too big. Ridiculous because he leased the engine and never had it apart, just tuned it.
Childress had a $150k fine for punching Kyle Busch. That had to be worth it.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/lists/Biggest_NASCAR_penalties#tab=photo-title=Richard+Childress+%2526ndash%253B+Probation% 252C+%2524150%252C000+fine&photo=29870542


Here's the one I hate the most. I was a big Martin fan.

Mark Martin won the 1990 Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond, but four and-a-half hours after the race, NASCAR determined his carburetor spacer - a piece that fit between the carburetor and the intake manifold - was 2.5 inches high, half an inch taller than the legal maximum.

At most, the extra half-inch was worth two to three horsepower, hardly the difference between winning or losing. Worse yet, the infraction was avoidable. The 2.5-inch spacer was bolted to the manifold. Had the team welded half an inch onto the manifold and then bolted a 2-inch spacer on top of it, the car would have been totally legal with the carburetor at exactly the same height.

Martin was stripped of 46 Winston Cup points, his Roush Racing team fined $40,000 and crew chief Robin Pemberton suspended for 30 days by team owner Jack Roush, a suspension that was later lifted. "This particular situation could turn into losses of millions of dollars in sponsorships (and) prize money," Pemberton said at the time.

Little did he know just how right his forecasting would prove to be. Martin would eventually lose the 1990 Winston Cup championship to Dale Earnhardt by just 26 points. And while Earnhardt would go on to claim four titles this decade, Martin is still looking for his first. "People are going to say we are cheating to win, but it's not like that," Martin said. "I look at cheating as something that's done to get an unfair advantage. What was done on our car didn't give us an advantage on anybody. It wasn't like we had a big engine or illegal tires."

[Juggernautz]

Thanks Speed!

[RayGator]

Saturday 11.17.12 8:02 P.M. USA Today
Jeff Olson

Keselowski Will Start First After Logano's Crash

>> A crash in practice Saturday sent Chas leader Brad Keselowki to the pole position for Sunday's NASCAR's Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway.

Pole leader Joey Logano was involved in a crash with Greg Biffle and Denny Hamlin. All 3 drivers went to backup cars for the Ford EcoBoost 400, meaning all 3 will move to the back of the field for the race start. <<

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2012/11/17/brad-keselowski-moves-up-to-pole-position/1711295/

Fell bad for Joey. He's such a nice young boy.

[sneakygator]

JJ goes to the garage. No Championship this year.

[Speedofsand]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/63141_10151076918475927_847057619_n.jpg

[Juggernautz]

Congrats to Brad & to Ford for picking that team up.

[RayGator]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/63141_10151076918475927_847057619_n.jpg

I've come to like this young guy a lot during this season. He's only 28. Hope others saw his couple of minutes on ESPN celebrating with his crew and fans. Smart kid and was having a ton of fun! ESPN must have liked it because they kept showing it over and over again! :)

[Speedofsand]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/30655610.jpg

[Juggernautz]

Take a number!

[Speedofsand]

Trucks at Eldora will not be so hot. Not after being used to outlaw winged sprints.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V7GJdn9rZE

[Juggernautz]

The "car of tomorrow" is now the "car of yesterday"!

As stated elsewhere, Chevy has posted picture of its new NASCAR car on the web.

http://a57.foxnews.com/global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Leisure/2009/660/371/sschevrolet.JPG

[Juggernautz]

2013 Ford Taurus(NASCAR flavour):

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2013-ford-fusion-nascar-main.jpg

[Juggernautz]

2013 Camry:

http://worldcarspicture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2013-Toyota-NASCAR-Camry-Front-Angle.jpg

[Dreamliner]

I don't get why people don't like these new cars. I think they look pretty hawt!

[Speedofsand]

Tim Tebow's Tbird is getting overhauled in Petty's Garage. It's going to be auctioned off for his charity foundation. So cool, two of my all time favorite guys on this project together.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/230260_10151193562790779_870234963_n.jpg


https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/481647_10151186272730779_731742330_n.jpg

[Juggernautz]

I don't get why people don't like these new cars. I think they look pretty hawt!

Except for the Camry, you're right.

[Speedofsand]

Its time for a 2013 MOTORSPORTS thread. Not just Nascar. People are biased against the word Nascar. Even sports car fans.
Its KartWeek in Daytona this weekend. 1800 racers age 7 to 67, 3 tracks, a 1/5th dirt oval, short road course, and 3.56 mile course. Jamie McMurray is always in the 7/8th road course classes. He even designs and builds his own chassis.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/60997_10151151780916020_587731849_n.jpg


Rolex24 testing is next weekend. Its going to be sweet. Tons of new cars, Mazda6, Aston Martins, more Prototypes, etc. Waltrip, Bowyer, Ambrose, Montoya, Franchitti, Boris Said, ....

[Juggernautz]

Don't forget the NHRA as well!

[Juggernautz]

It's a shame Dodge pulled out of NASCAR...

[RayGator]

It's long overdue but I should say congratulations to Brad Keselowski for winning the NASCAR Championship in 2012! :)

I have really enjoyed NASCAR a lot more the last few years as it's been fun to see so many young guys enter the sport. For a long time it just seemed to be mostly a little bit older drivers on the track. Now I think of these young guys as my grand kids having fun racing the cars they just got for Christmas! :)

[RayGator]

When NSD for football is over we'll try and get the info to post for the 2013 NASCAR competition.

[RayGator]

And we're finally getting it started. :)

http://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/showthread.php?t=257073

[RayGator]

Friday 2.15.13 Lakeland Ledger
Mark Long, AP

Media Day Features Loose Champ, Dating Drivers

>> Brad Keselowski strolled through the Daytona 500 Club with his cellphone in one hand and a half-empty bottle in the other.

Nope, not beer. Not this time.

Keseleowski was drinking orange juice Thursday at Daytona 500 Media day, which officially kicked off Speedweeks. Still, the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion was his usual, laid-back, out-spoken self, offering up some of the best one-liners during a daylong event filled with playful jokes, repetitive questions, canned answers and optimistic outlooks for the upcoming season.

For Keselowski, it wasn't all that different from his last moment in the spotlight. He just didn't have a little buzz going.

"If you drink enough orange juice, you can drink a lot of beer," said Keselowski. <<

http://www.theledger.com/article/20130215/NEWS/130219597/1002/sports?Title=NASCAR-Media-Day-Features-Loose-Champ-Dating-Drivers

I'm one who sure likes Keselowski and these other young guys we now have in NASCAR! They sure are bringing a lot of fun to the sport! :)