Denver, NC - Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) announced today that Michael McDowell will take over as driver of the No. 20 Dodge this weekend at Milwaukee for Governor’s Cup 200. McDowell will be making his oval track debut in the first of five scheduled races in 2006.

“This is a great opportunity that came available when the previous driver left the team,” said the 21-year-old McDowell.  “The team has been running strong all year long; the seat was available and it was an opportunity for me to get some experience in stock car racing.  There is no better place to get that experience than the ARCA RE/MAX Series.”

The first opportunity for the team to excel and gel together will come this weekend with the Governor’s Cup 200.  ESR Teammate Ryan Mathews is from Wisconsin and has had many laps around The Milwaukee Mile, so McDowell hopes to use that to his advantage.

“I have been hanging around the last couple of weeks and talked with all of the guys,” added McDowell. “Ryan is from Wisconsin and knows Milwaukee pretty well, and I have just been trying to get as much information from him and the rest of the team as I can before we get out there.  These guys have been running all year and they all have been running really well.  I am just trying to utilize them as much as possible.”

When McDowell walks into the infield at The Milwaukee Mile it will be his first time he sees the track.  Despite not having experience in an ARCA car, he is excited about the opportunity and taking every available chance to prepare himself for the race.

“I am really excited about going to Milwaukee.  It is going to be pretty interesting for me; it will be the first time that I have done anything like this; it will be a learning experience, but I feel pretty good about it.  We are doing some testing at Hickory Motor Speedway in order for the team and I to get some practice in before the race and I think that we should be able to do pretty well.  We have good equipment and it should be a good race for the team.”

Eddie Sharp, team owner of ESR is looking forward to looking forward to having McDowell as one of the racers in his driver development program.

“I am extremely excited to have Michael come and join our team,” said Sharp.  ”He has all of the credentials that one has to have in order to be successful in stock car racing.  From what I have seen him do in road racing, I know that he is racer.  And that is the kind of person that I want involved with my company, a racer.

“But we are managing our expectations.  We are going into this weekend to gain experience and to earn respect from the other racers.  We are going to take our time to build this; this is for the long term, not the short term.  We are going to go to Milwaukee, qualify solidly, and run all of the laps, finish the race and build for the future. That is our goal.”

The Governor’s Cup 200 at The Milwaukee Mile will take the green flag at 3pm local time on Sunday August 27th.  Pork Pole Qualifying takes place on Saturday the 26th at 5:15pm. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced today that Jeremy Mayfield will join the organization to drive the No. 36 Toyota Camry the team will field in 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition.  Additionally, Dave Blaney, current driver of the No. 22 Bill Davis Racing entry, will remain in the Caterpillar car for the ‘07 season.

“We’re happy to have Dave back in the Caterpillar car next year, and we’re just as excited that Jeremy has decided to join our team,” said Team Owner Bill Davis.  “Both of these men are very talented and capable drivers who are veterans of the sport and yet still hungry to win. Both Jeremy and Dave are extremely knowledgeable and will play an important part in taking our race team to the next level.”

360 OTC™ joins Bill Davis Racing to serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 36 Toyota machine beginning with the ’07 Daytona 500. Headquartered in Athens, Ga., Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc. is the developer of 360 OTC, a brand of FDA-approved Over-the-Counter (OTC) pain relief medicines.  Included in the 360 OTC family are 360 OTC Relief, which relieves symptoms of headache, fatigue, heartburn, upset stomach and generalized aches and pains associated with a hangover, and 360 OTC Lite Relief, a caffeine-free version of 360 OTC.  Other products include 360 OTC Ignite, a fast-acting alertness aid that safely helps restore mental alertness during times of drowsiness and fatigue, and 360 OTC Hangover Relief, which relieves generalized aches and pains associated with a hangover.

“We have done an incredible amount of research to find the perfect combination of ownership, team chemistry, driver performance and manufacturers support,” said Michelle Shearer, CEO of Rockford-Montgomery Labs. “There is no question that we have found the best business partner in NASCAR to entrust the value of our brand. “  Having Bill and Gail Davis, Tommy Baldwin, Jeremy Mayfield and Toyota behind our brand on the track every week is a direct reflection of our commitment to NASCAR fans, our retailers and our shareholders.  We need to get the 360 OTC No. 36 Toyota Camry in victory lane, and we are very fortunate to have this winning combination at BDR to accomplish that goal.”

“We feel like we’ve put together a winning combination,” Davis said.  “Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc. is a solid company which has learned in the short time they have been involved in the sport just how big a marketing tool NASCAR can be.  They were interested in finding a spokesperson that can get their No. 36 Toyota to victory lane as well as appeal to the people in their market. Everyone agrees that Jeremy is that guy. He’s a proven winner and is obviously a talented and consistent driver, as well as a smart businessman.  He brings with him Chase experience and a great deal of excitement, and we feel fortunate to welcome both he and 360 OTC to our family.”

Mayfield most recently competed for Evernham Motorsports.  The 37-year-old driver, who hails from Owensboro, Ky., has made 402 starts at NASCAR’s highest level and was a contender in the Chase for the Championship during both the 2004 and 2005 seasons. 

“I’m very, very excited about the opportunity to be a part of Bill Davis Racing,” Mayfield said.  “I’ve always thought a lot of and had a lot of respect for Bill and Gail, and I’m thrilled to be a part of their organization.  Obviously, I’m looking forward to working with Toyota, Todd Holbert [General Manager of Triad Racing Development, Inc.], Tommy Baldwin and everyone involved with the Toyota program, and I’m

looking forward to being a part of Toyota’s entrance into NEXTEL Cup racing as well as working with them for a long time to come. Rockford-Montgomery Labs and 360 OTC has also given me a great opportunity, and I’m happy to have the chance to represent their company, their people and their products.

“From what I’ve seen at Bill Davis Racing, they have the resources in place and the desire to do whatever it takes to be competitive, and those are the kinds of people and the type of place that I want to be involved with.”

Mayfield made his first Cup Series start in 1993 before teaming with Cale Yarborough the following season.  He remained with that team through most of the 1996 season, before uniting with car owner Michael Kranefuss, who eventually joined forces with Roger Penske in 1997.  Mayfield spent the next four seasons with the Penske organization.  He scored his first career victory at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in 1998, and went on to finish seventh in the championship standings that year.  Mayfield earned two more victories in 2000.  He joined Evernham Motorsports beginning with the 2002 season, where he continued to prove his talent by winning races in 2004 and 2005.  Mayfield has five NEXTEL Cup victories under his belt, has started from the pole position nine times and has posted 96 top-10 finishes throughout his career.

Blaney, a Hartford, Ohio, native, has been behind the wheel of the Caterpillar car the entire 2006 season.  His first partnership with Bill and Gail Davis came back in 1998, when Blaney drove part-time in the NASCAR Busch Series.  He joined the Cup Series in 2000 and remained with Bill Davis Racing through 2001.  After departing to race for Jasper Motorsports in 2003, he returned to BDR to drive part-time in the Cup Series in 2004.  In 2005, Blaney was invited drive for Richard Childress Racing, where he posted two top-10 finishes.  In all, Blaney has made 222 starts in NASCAR’s premiere series and has captured one pole position and 19 top-10 finishes during his tenure.

“It’s certainly nice to know with half the season left where I’ll be next year, and I’m glad it will be back with Bill Davis Racing,” Blaney stated.  “This is the place I have always considered home, and though we’ve struggled a bit more than anyone thought we would this year, we all think the future is bright for BDR.  I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of Toyota’s entrance into the Cup Series, and I’m looking forward to working with Jeremy next year.  I think next season has the possibility to be the best one Bill Davis Racing has ever seen.” SCR

Union organizers crisscrossed the state line Thursday getting signatures on a petition that seeks to keep the status quo with regard to the assignment of NASCAR race dates.

The group wants NASCAR to sever its ties with Kentucky Speedway and uniform company Cintas.

Volunteers told fans who turned out along Bristol’s State Street for Family Race Night that a lawsuit filed by Kentucky Speedway against NASCAR could force the race-sanctioning body to take race dates away from smaller tracks.

The Kentucky track, owned in part by Cintas Chairman Richard Farmer, accuses NASCAR of antitrust violations because of the way the organization assigns race dates to tracks.

The speedway in Sparta, Ky., opened in 2000 but has been unable to secure a Nextel Cup race date.

If the lawsuit succeeds, tracks would have to compete for race dates, and the highest bidders would get the races, petition organizers said.

The volunteers working the crowd didn’t tell those who signed the petition that the textile and hotel workers’ union Unite-Here! backed the petition drive.

The union has a long-running dispute with Cintas over efforts to unionize Cintas’s work force. The union accuses Cintas of using intimidation to quash any moves toward unionization.

Chris Rook, the organizer of the petition volunteers, said Unite-Here! would be interested in Kentucky Speedway’s lawsuit even if the track weren’t connected to Cintas.

"A lot of our members are NASCAR fans, and this issue is of great concern to our members," he said.

The union has collected 25,000 signatures at tracks across the country, and volunteers seemed to have little trouble attracting interest on State Street.

HAMPTON, Ga. – When an F2 tornado ripped through Atlanta Motor Speedway one-year ago, it left what could have been mistaken for a high-speed jig-saw puzzle. This week, the final piece of the puzzle was locked into place when the giant scoring tower that sits in Turn One was re-erected after its collapse following the twister.

Like its twin in Turn Four, the 100-foot behemoth has indicators for lap times and the number of laps completed, the top-20 cars in the running order and the ability to scroll through the entire fields running order.

The towers were constructed as part of the track reconfiguration following the March race in 1997 and hold a place in NASCAR history. The pylons flashed Geoff Bodine’s non-restrictor plate NASCAR qualifying record of 197.478 mph on November 15, 1997.

Both drivers and fans look to the Turn One tower for instant race updates. Fans look to find out where their favorite driver is running and how many laps remain until they can expect a door-banging finish.  Even at the high speeds they are running, drivers look at the tower when they cross the start/finish to note what position they are in.

“I used to always look at the Turn One scoring tower after each qualifying run to see if I was on the pole,” said six-time AMS pole winner, Ryan Newman.  “I couldn’t do that the past two races, so it will be good to have it back in place.” SCR

Mooresville, NC - La Crosse, Wisconsin native Tony Leis will be fulfilling a dream this weekend at the historic Milwaukee Mile in the Governor's Cup 200. Leis will be making his first start in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, behind the wheel of the #24 Chuck Weber/Bob Schacht Motorsports Ford.

"This is really a dream come true for me, says Leis, I grew up not all that far from Milwaukee and now Bob (Schacht) is giving me the chance to race there, in one of his cars, that I know can get the job done."

Leis began his racing career at the age of 16 in the Pure Stock division at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in Wisconsin. There he earned the Dash Champion crown in only his 2nd year of competition. At 18 he moved on to the Sportsman ranks and earned Rookie of the Year honors.

In October of 2005 Leis picked up and moved to Mooresville, NC to continue to chase the elusive dream of racing. The move came with benefits, including a friendship with fellow Wisconsin racer Johnny Sauter. "Johnny has truly been an inspiration to me, says Leis, I look at what he's accomplished and know it's possible for me."

The transition to North Carolina for Leis led him to employment at Nitro Manufacturing where they manufacture and produce top of the line pit boxes and accessories for the majority of the NASCAR teams. Although Tony enjoyed the creativity allowed at Nitro Mfg. he was searching for a more detailed and inside line to racing. That led him to Bob Schacht Motorsports, where he is still employed today.

"Tony's a good kid, said Bob Schacht, Owner and Crew Chief, he's got a lot of talent, not just on the track but in the shop too, I think he will do us a good job at Milwaukee."

Leis said of Bob Schacht, "Bob is like a father figure to me, he has helped me out a lot and I've learned so much working with him in the shop and at the track." Tony added, "We're ready to rock at Milwaukee."

With help and support from his friends and family and Bob Schacht atop the pit box, this promising young talent is sure to be a contender.

The Bob Schacht Motorsports Team and driver Tony Leis will be at the Milwaukee Mile on Saturday, August 26 for a practice session form 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM and Pork Pole Qualifying at 5:15 PM. The green flag is set to wave for the Governor's Cup 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 27. SCR

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - MB2 Motorsports announced that crew chief Richard "Slugger" Labbe has joined the NASCAR racing organization and will play a key role in the company's expansion for 2007.   

Labbe's specific position with MB2 will be announced at a later date. His immediate role is to work with the organization's Nextel Cup teams -- the No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Joe Nemechek and the No. 14 Chevrolet driven by Sterling Marlin. 

Labbe, who previously worked as a crew chief for Robert Yates Racing, Evernham Motorsports and DEI, will join the MB2 teams at this weekend's Nextel Cup race in Bristol, Tenn.

"The hiring of Slugger is the first phase of our expansion program for 2007," said MB2's CEO and general manager Jay Frye. "Slugger is a talented crew chief and when the opportunity became available to hire him we jumped on it."

"We recently shored up our organization when Bobby Ginn purchased majority interest in MB2," Frye added. "Bobby is committed to growing our program and making our teams better."

Labbe, a 38-year-old native of Saco, Maine, said, "I am excited to join MB2 Motorsports. The company has a good vision on what's going to happen in the coming years. I hope my knowledge in the Nextel Cup field will help the organization. This is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to getting started." 

One of Labbe's biggest wins as a crew chief was the 2003 Daytona 500 with driver Michael Waltrip. SCR

TOLEDO OH - The ARCA RE/MAX Series, now in its 54th year of competition, is heading to Southern Indiana for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA Fall Classic by Advance Auto Parts, set to roll off at Salem Speedway on Saturday, September 16th, 2006.

No track on the series tour has appeared more on the schedule through the years than Salem. The 200-lap event marks the 77th appearance of the national stock car tour at the high-banked, half-mile short track since 1955. In April, second-generation driver Billy Venturini picked up his career-first series win in an action-packed edition of the race over NASCAR Nextel Cup veteran Ken Schrader, Bobby Gerhart, Phil Bozell and Josh Allison.

On September 16th, the ARCA warriors will go for round two at Salem. Seven-time and defending ARCA RE/MAX Series champion Frank Kimmel and rookies Ryan Foster, Ryan Howard, Dexter Bean, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Allgaier and Brett Rowe are just a few of the talented shoes expected to enter the Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA Fall Classic by Advance Auto Parts.

Kimmel is the all-time ARCA RE/MAX Series winner at Salem with eight career victories at the Southern Indiana bullring, which is also the Borden, Indiana, resident’s hometown track. Other RE/MAX winners at Salem through the years include Jack Bowsher, Les Snow, Tim Steele, Ramo Stott, Benny Parsons, Bobby Allison and Tracy Leslie to name a few.

A full schedule of racing is planned for the weekend, with ARCA RE/MAX Series rig parking and optional pre-registration and unloading scheduled for Friday, September 15th from 5-8 p.m.  On-track activity begins Saturday, September 16th with a practice session from 1:05-2:35 p.m., Pork Pole Qualifying at 4, and the Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA Fall Classic By Advance Auto Parts set to roll off at 7:15 p.m.

The ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series will join the ARCA RE/MAX Series for same-day action.

For tickets, contact Salem Speedway at (888) 246-7223. SCR

NASCAR released its 2007 Nextel Cup schedule today with very few changes from the 2006 season. The season will start at Daytona February 18, 2007 and end November 18, 2007 at Homestead-Miami.

The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard will move from its traditional August date to July 29^th while Pocono will be the week after Indy. Aug. 5^th. Richmond will once again host the last race before the “Chase for the Championship.” SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Bristol, TN – When asked about his plans for 2007 Wednesday night at Bristol, Mark Martin told SCR "I really don't know, but I expect to run the full Truck season and maybe a little bit of Cup too." SCR

Matthew Blaylock, Kevin Carver

Denver N.C. - Front Row Motorsports announced local East Tennessee company Thompson Metal Services will sponsor the #61 Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo piloted by Chad Chaffin this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Sharpie 500.

This will mark the fourth Bristol race that Thompson Metal Services has adorned a Front Row Motorsports entry. They were on the car for both races at the track last year and the spring race this season. “We appreciate Thompson Metal Services coming abroad once again. We have enjoyed partnering with them in past and look forward to a great weekend this time around,” commented team owner Bob Jenkins. 

Thompson Metal Services is an industrial scrap metal recycler. They are a privately owned company that has been in business for over 25 years. “We understand what it takes to own your own business,” said Thompson Metal Services President Bradley Thompson. “We recognize what Bob and Front Row Motorsports are trying to do to compete at this level and we are happy to be a part of their effort this weekend.” In addition, to the original location in Piney Flats, TN they own and operate Kingsport Iron and Metal in Kingsport, TN. Both locations specialize in solving the scrap metal recycling needs for businesses and individuals.

“I’m looking forward to driving the Thompson Metal Services Chevrolet,” commented Front Row Motorsports driver Chad Chaffin. “As always I have the utmost confidence in the team to give me a good car and I feel we will give Thompson Metal Services a great effort on the track this weekend.”

Thompson Metal Services is in the process of putting the final touches on their website www.tmsitn.com, but in the meantime can be reached at 423-245-5124 or 423-538-6137. SCR

Only three drivers in 2006 have not used the “Lucky Dog” free pass to get a lap back during a caution. Those drivers are Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart and Brian Vickers. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Hall of Fame racing officials announced Wednesday that Tony Raines would return to pilot the No. 96 Chevrolet in 2007. Raines will pilot the car in all 36 Nextel Cup events in 2007.

"Two-and-a-half months before the Daytona 500, we didn't even own a lug nut," said Bill Saunders , managing partner of Hall of Fame Racing. "Without the heart, desire and talent of Tony Raines and Philippe Lopez, we couldn't have come this far. And without the help and leadership of Terry Labonte, we don't even get started. We've come a long way this year, but we are not putting consistently good race cars on the track yet. So it's hard to evaluate just how good our driver is or can be. We are going to get better and give Tony something to showcase his talent."

"I'm happy to be coming back," Raines said. "I think we've made progress and we're learning, but we are a long way from being as good as I know we will be. I'm looking forward to finishing 2006 in a strong way and having a great season in 2007 in the DLP HDTV Chevy."

Raines best finish of 2006 was and 11^th at Indianapolis. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Richmond, VA —NASCAR star Jamie McMurray will participate in a question and answer session at the Party Zone fan hospitality area on Friday, September 8 before the Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race at Richmond International Raceway.  McMurray will be running double-duty September 8 and 9, piloting the #66 Top Flite car in the Emerson Radio 250 on Friday and driving the #26 IRWIN Industrial Tools NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series car in the sold-out Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday, September 9.

Tickets for the Party Zone are $65 per person and include:

Question and answer session with NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray

Pre-race pit pass to watch NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series practice and Fas Mart Pole

Qualifying for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 from pit road (time and weather permitting)

All-you-can-eat dinner buffet

Unlimited sodas and water

Three (3) beer tickets to adults 21 years of age and older with a valid photo I.D.

Souvenir gift

Live music by the Marna Bales Band

Interactive games and prizes

Tickets for the Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race are sold separately.  You must have a ticket to Friday’s race to purchase a ticket to the Party Zone.  No coolers are allowed in the Party Zone.

To take advantage of the pre-race pit pass, guests must be 18 years of age or older.  No shorts, sleeveless shirts, or open-toed shoes are permitted in the pits.  No alcohol or coolers permitted in pits.

The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race is sold out but fans still have the opportunity to catch many NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers in the always-exciting NASCAR Busch Series Emerson Radio 250, set for Friday, September 8 “under the lights.”  McMurray, Virginia’s own Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, defending race winner Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, J.J. Yeley and Reed Sorenson are among the list of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series regulars who plan to enter the Emerson Radio 250. 

Tickets for the thrilling NASCAR Busch Series Emerson Radio 250 on Friday, September 8, which includes Fas Mart Pole Qualifying for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, are available online at www.rir.com or by calling 1-866-455-RACE (7223).  Reserved seats are $45 in advance and $50 the day of the race.  General admission seating is $35 in advance and $40 the day of the race.  Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admission seating with a ticketed adult Friday night. SCR

Concord, NC – Brack Maggard Racing (BMR) announced today that Justin Marks will drive the #65 Construct Corps Dodge for the remainder of the 2006 season, and run a full schedule for the 2007 and 2008 seasons in the ARCA RE/MAX Series beginning this weekend at The Milwaukee Mile.

“BMR and Construct Corps are proud to be apart of an enthusiastic group that now includes Justin Marks,” President of Construct Corps, Scott Tashkin said. “He brings a strong desire to learn and grow along with a positive energy that rubs off on the team members and sponsors alike.”

“Justin is a very accomplished driver in his own right and we look forward to 
growing with him in his transition to the ARCA/RE/MAX Series.”

The 25-year-old native of Rocklin, CA comes to BMR with an extensive racing background consisting of The American Le Mans Series, The Rolex Sport Car Series, The Speed World Challenge GT and Touring Car Championship, NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series, Grand-Am Cup Series, and the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

“It’s an honor that there is a team that shows this much interest in me given that I am new in Stock Car racing,” Marks said. “I am excited to work with a group of people that are as dedicated and passionate about this sport as I am. As a driver, I am excited to work with a Sponsor that values this team and this series the way that Construct Corps does.”

“Racing offers a real opportunity for companies to develop their brand and image and it is motivating to work with a company that uses it sponsorship like Construct Corps.”

With only five starts under his belt in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Marks will use the remainder of the 2006 season to prepare for the complete 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series season.

“This is my first season in stock racing so I still have a lot to learn,” Marks said. “I am looking at the rest of the season as a preseason for 2007. It is a good opportunity for me to continue to learn about stock car racing. This will be a good time to mesh with the team and form a solid relationship.”

“Robby Benton has been a big part of the success that the 65 car has had this year. Robby has a lot of experience and I look forward to working and learning from him. I think that two of us share the same passion and desire for racing, as well as the willingness to work hard.”

“I look forward to representing Construct Corps in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. I know this is going to be a long and successful relationship.”

Along with his driving ability and his outgoing personality, Construct Corps is proud to have Marks represent the company, its employees and customers. 

“Construct Corps and the entire race team could not be happier to have a long 
term partner in Justin Marks in which to grow with and become a strong 
contender in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Championship for years to come,” Tashkin said. SCR

Bristol, TN – Mark Martin dominated Wednesday night at the Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) on his way to winning the O’Reilly 200. With the win Martin has one in all three of NASCAR’s top series at BMS.

Martin started on the pole and jumped to an early lead and used a strategy of pitting early (lap 30) and never pitting again to take the win.

Point’s leader Todd Bodine did try to challenge Martin after a restart with two laps to go but came up short by a half of truck link, Bodine finished second. Bodine’s Germain Racing teammate Ted Musgrave, with new crew chief Rick Gay finished third.

Rounding out the top five was second in points Johnny Benson fourth and David Starr fifth.

Bodine added to his points lead with his second place finish and Benson finishing fourth. Bodine now leads Benson by 154 points. David Reutimann sits third. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

TNT announced today that they have agreed to a multi-year deal with Wally Dallenbach NBC/TNT NASCAR analyst to continue in his same roll exclusively for TNT in 2007.

Dallenbach will join Bill Weber in the booth as TNT covers six straight NASCAR races in 2007. TNT has signed a seven year contract to broadcast NASCAR races starting in 2007 and running through 2014. It includes races in Daytona, California (Sonoma) and Chicago as well as Pocono, Michigan and New Hampshire. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

Germain Racing announced yesterday that Rick Gay will take over as crew chief for the No. 9 Toyota driven by Ted Musgrave. Gay comes to Germain Racing from the Busch Series ppc Racing team and driver John Andretti. Gay will replace Tom Ackerman who left the team to pursue other opportunities. SCR
Matthew Blaylock

Toyota has submitted its proposed Nextel Cup engine to NASCAR but is still awaiting a response, Lee White, Toyota Racing Development senior vice president, said Monday.

The Toyota teams at the "car of tomorrow" test at Michigan were using truck motors with Cup-approved carburetors.

"The engine that we're using here is essentially a hot-rodded truck engine," White said. "It's a truck engine brought up to Cup power specifications. It's not the engine that we will be racing in February in Daytona."

White said he presented the block and cylinder head to NASCAR two weeks ago.

"It's really a matter of them getting all of the right people in one place ... to look at the parts and talk about what the engineers are seeing and make sure they agree with the box that they've described," White said. "Once that's done, I would expect that we would have final approval. At this point, there's no indication that there is any issue."

Toyota is already manufacturing the pieces for the Cup engine.

"We're moving ahead," White said. "We have been running the engine since June [in tests]. We're moving on down the road with it. Certainly, we can't stop. They're not going to delay the Daytona 500 for us if there is some sort of a glitch.

"We have, in our opinion, have met every criteria that we have been asked to meet with the engine. We don't expect to have any difficulties."

CONCORD, NC – When the PASS South Super Late Models opened their inaugural  season at Hickory Motor Speedway (NC) back in April for the Easter Bunny 150, the 30-plus cars in attendance and hoards of fans in the stands proved that Super Late Model racing was back and here to stay in the Carolinas.  Now, six races into the PASS South season, the interest in the series is at an all-time high and some high-profile names are coming out to compete as the series heads back to Hickory for the “Over The Mountain 150” on Sunday, August 27th.

NASCAR Nextel Cup Series veteran Jeremy Mayfield headlines several key players that will compete in the “Over the Mountain 150” on Sunday.  Mayfield, a native of Owensboro, KY, and former ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie of the Year, has competed in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series since 1993.  He’s earned five career wins, 48 top-fives and 96 top-10s during his Nextel Cup career.  The past two years, he made the NASCAR’s “Chase for the Nextel Cup.” 

“I just want to race,” said Mayfield.  “I’ll be at Bristol (Motor Speedway) on Friday to appear on Trackside Live on SPEED Channel and make an announcement about my Cup career.  Then, I’m heading over to Hickory Motor Speedway to have some fun and hopefully run real well in the PASS South Super Late Model race on Sunday.  The Whorffs are giving me a great car and I’m even going to have my brand new Nextel Cup Series number on it for this weekend.  I’m just real excited because Super Late Models are what I grew up with.”

Mayfield will compete in a car furnished by Whorff Motorsports and Bill and Jeremie Whorff, the father and son combination that finished one-two in this year’s running of the prestigious Oxford 250 at Oxford-Plains Speedway (ME).  Jeremie will now make the long trip down from Maine to race at Hickory on Sunday.

“At this point in time, after winning the 250, I’ve really thought about furthering my career and there is no better place to do that than down south,” said Whorff.  “I am going to make an attempt to go down there and win the thing and by doing that, I know I’d help further my career.  I spoke with Mike Rowe and a couple of the New England guys and they say it’s a lot of fun to race down there and the competition is excellent.  That makes it good for everyone when the competition is that good.  Everyone says they’ve gone down there and learned a lot of stuff. 

“I’m excited to have Jeremy Mayfield as my teammate,” added Whorff.  “On the racetrack, though, he is just another driver out there.  He is a great racecar driver and I’m pretty excited to get to work with him.  It’s a pretty big deal for the crew to run down there with me and have a chance to communicate with Jeremy Mayfield, one of the big Nextel Cup guys.  For the whole series it’s a big deal and it gets a ton of exposure.  I’ve learned a lot from those Cup and Busch guys.  Jeremy has probably run that track before, too, so we can probably even pick up a few pointers from him.”

Hickory-native Andy Houston will also make his PASS South debut during the “Over the Mountain 150.”  Houston is a veteran of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he scored three career wins.  Houston, the son of legendary Busch Driver Tommy Houston, was the Hickory Motor Speedway Late Model track champion in 1994 and has spent time in both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series.

“I grew up at Hickory and it’s going to be a lot of fun to get back there,” said Houston.  “I haven’t raced there since 1997, but it’s always been a great place for me.  It’s just a few miles from the house.  We were fortunate to win a championship in 1994 and a bunch of features along the way.  

“I haven’t raced in almost a year and I miss it a lot, so I’m just ready to get back going.  Any opportunity I can get to drive a car I’m going to look at it, and I know this one is going to be a lot of fun.  A lot of friends and family are excited about it.  I just hope I can go out there and have some fun myself and be competitive.  It’s a whole new deal for me.  I went up to the track the other day and tested the car and it was real good.  I really liked the way the car handled and I’m really looking forward to this race.”

SPEED TV Personality Bob Dillner will also return to the driver’s seat, but not behind the wheel of a PASS South Super Late Model.  Instead, Dillner will pilot a car in the Redneck Racing Series.  Dillner will race the #51 in the Chris James Foundation 25.  Dillner was battling for the lead in the inaugural event in April before his engine erupted in flames.

There is a practice session for all cars on Saturday, August 26th.  Racing is set to get underway on Sunday, August 27th, at 3pm while general admission gates open at 2pm.  The Redneck Racing Series is scheduled to take the green flag at 4:30pm and will be followed by a 40-lap Legends Car race and a 50-lap National Points event for the Aaron’s Pro Challenge Series.  Then, some of the best short track drivers in the country, along with Nextel Cup star Jeremy Mayfield and former Truck Series winner Andy Houston, will tear up Hickory Motor Speedway in the “Over the Mountain 150” PASS South race. SCR

CONCORD, N.C. – Roush Racing announced today that Carl Edwards recognizes and accepts NASCAR's penalty and will not appeal.  

“I put everything I can into winning races,” stated Edwards.  “I was wrecked and I reacted.  It was wrong on my part.  NASCAR penalized me and I respect that.  Most importantly I apologize if I upset any of my fans or sponsors.” SCR

NASCAR announced on Tuesday that they have fined and placed on probation Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 60 Ford in the NASCAR Busch Series. Edwards was fined $20,000 for hitting the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. after the checkered flag flew. In addition to the fine Edwards was also placed on probation until December 31, 2006.

Edwards was upset with Earnhardt after Earnhardt spun him out on the green-white-checker restart while he was leading the race. After Jr. spun him Jr. went on to win the race and Edwards came home 22^nd.

Edwards was not docked any driver points for his actions. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA - A 3’ X 5’ American Flag, that was flown from a United States Air Force gun ship during the first combat mission from Balad Air Base, Iraq, has been presented to Key Motorsports and in honor of the #40 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team.

Staff Sergeant David W. Goodfriend, the Senior Controller for the 816 Expeditionary Special Operations Group of USAF Maintenance Operations Center, made the presentation.

Goodfriend was the bunkmate of current, part-time Key Motorsports tire carrier Colin McGuffin in the Air Force for five years. McGuffin, who left the service in 2004, hails from California while Goodfriend, who has now served four tours of duty in the Middle East, hails from Fort Walton Beach, FL. The two were stationed together at Hurlburt Field near Fort Walton Beach.

The American Flag, that will now become the Key Motorsports pit identification marker for the remaining races on the 2006 Craftsman Truck Series season schedule, was flown on the AC-130V “Spooky Gunship”, tail #90-0166 on March 2, 2006.

“We are honored that the United States Air Force and the squad from that gunship and combat mission have bestowed this honor on our race team,” team owner Curtis W. Key, Sr. said. “We will cherish the moment and will be privileged to display the flag in our pit during the remaining races in 2006,” he added.

Several other Key Motorsports team members during the current race season have had family members serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Key Motorsports saluted these soldiers on their #40 Chevrolet Silverado race truck in races held during the Memorial Day and Independence Day holiday weekends.

Key Motorsports received a commemorative Certificate of Authenticity of the flag’s prior use and will display the framed article in its race shop. SCR

Twelve cars are at Michigan International Speedway for the test of the "car of tomorrow" as some teams get their first chance to test the car at a NASCAR track while others will get to compare the enhancements to the car to previous tests.

Among the 12 cars are two Toyotas - one from Team Red Bull with Bill Elliott testing and another from Michael Waltrip Racing/Bill Davis Racing with Waltrip and Dave Blaney splitting time behind the wheel.

"It's really a monumental day for our first outing to come to a car of tomorrow test," said Team Red Bull General Manager Marty Gaunt. "Everything is new. New team. New car. It's really big, and we're really enthused about it and excited about it. I don't think you can put everything into words. It's like having a baby and watching it grow.

"It's the first step."

The first step did not include an approved Nextel Cup engine in the Toyota. The Toyota cars had truck engines.

After two hours of practice, Gaunt said the team has seen some different reaction of the car than what it thought it would see after testing in a wind tunnel. The team was going through a pre-determined test plan.

"This being our first test, we don't have any teammates or a book of knowledge we can go to," Gaunt said. "I don't think anybody in the garage area is going to come up and tell us what they saw. It is just a learning process. It was nothing dramatic [from the wind tunnel]."

Waltrip had his car in a wind tunnel Thursday getting ready.

"I'll know more [today]," Waltrip said Friday in anticipation to the test. "We like where we're at. We have got a lot to learn. It was at Concord Motorsports Park [Friday] with [David] Reutimann driving it trying to shake it down making sure it was ready."

Hendrick Motorsports, Haas CNC Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Penske Racing, Roush Racing (three cars), Evernham Motorsports and MB2 Motorsports all have cars at the test.

Teams were testing new side panels on the wings and new pieces for the front splitter. The exhaust routing system underneath the cars also has been changed to help lessen the heat on the driver.

"Right now, from what we're seeing for lap times, we're definitely in the ballpark and we'd be competitive," Gaunt said. "But obviously it's only a test. We're going through all of our test matrix and going through change by change.

"We'll collect all of our data and then go back through it."

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. - Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today a partnership with Pensacola, Fla., based Allstates Employer Services (AES) as primary sponsor of the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Ron Hornaday for the remainder of the 2006 NASCAR Truck Series season, and returning for the 2007 season.

Since its inception in 2003, Allstates Employer Services has been dedicated to offering companies the very best business programs and services available – services such as human resources administration, payroll, workers’ compensation, employment compliance reporting and safety training. Headquartered in Pensacola, Fla., AES is a multi-state entity with several thousand employees.

Hornaday, a two-time NASCAR Truck Series Champion, has 166 career Truck Series starts.  Throughout a nine-year span in the Truck Series, Hornaday has collected a series record 29 wins, 78 top-five and 114 top-10 finishes.

"I'm excited to have Allstates Employer Services on my Chevrolet Silverado in 2006 and 2007," said Hornaday. "I can relate with the AES commitment to exceeding expectations and excellence. When I put my helmet on and climb behind the wheel, I give everything I have to win every race. To have AES come on-board at Kevin Harvick Inc. with the Truck Series team is going to be a huge boost of adrenaline for everyone on the team.”

Allstates Employer Services joins a growing list of sponsors at KHI, an organization that is in just its third full-season of competition in NASCAR’s premier divisions.

“I am very proud and very excited to have Allstates Employer Services on-board with Kevin Harvick Inc. and the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado,” said Kevin Harvick, owner and CEO of Kevin Harvick Inc. “We've raced a majority of this season without a primary sponsor, and that's been very tough.

“AES couldn't have come aboard at a better time,” added Harvick. “Our team is very focused and very determined going down the stretch this season. Just like AES’ interest in successful and productive employee relationships, we're looking forward to a successful and productive relationship with them as a sponsor of our team.  AES will be an outstanding sponsor for this season and continuing through 2007."

Joining the KHI family of sponsors, Richard Gregory, president and founder of Allstates Employer Services adds his predictions for the partnership.

“At AES we have been driven to improve the professional employer outsourcing industry by offering the highest level of service available,” said Richard Gregory, president and founder of Allstates Employer Services. “Our sponsorship of this world-class racer and his truck is a natural extension of that principle. It’s an ideal way for us to add value to our business by supporting the passions of our customers and employees.” SCR

BROOKLYN, Michigan – The Robbie Reiser led No. 17 team cruised to their third win of the season at Michigan International Speedway.  Matt Kenseth’s DeWalt Ford paced the field for a race high 87 laps in the GFS Marketplace 400 before taking the checkered flag over Jeff Gordon.  For leading his team to victory, Reiser won the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award.

A panel of voters, including Tony Eury Sr., a member of the local media and a WYPALL® Wipers representative, all voted for Reiser as the Crew Chief of the Race.  “Robbie (Reiser) called a great race today,” said Eury Sr.  “A lot of teams tried out-of-sequence pit strategies, short pitting or taking just two tires to get track position.  Robbie stuck to his game plan.  He kept his car up front and took four tires each time he brought his car in.  It was a solid day all around.”

 “My guys did a great job all day,” said Reiser after the race.  “This award is as much for them as it is for me.  The crew did a great job in the pits and Matt drove a great race.  My hat’s off to the whole team.” 

For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, WYPALL® Wipers presented Reiser $1,000.  At the end of the season, the Nextel Cup crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Year.  This was Reiser’s third Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him for second-place place in the standings with Tony Eury Jr.  Mike Ford, Chad Kanus and Todd Berrier are tied for third-place, all with two wins.  Darian Grubb, Todd Berrier, Doug Richert, Philippe Lopez, Frankie Stoddard, Scott Miller, Alan Gustafson and Roy McCauley are tied for fourth-place, all with one win. Kenny Francis is in the lead with four wins. SCR

BROOKLYN, Michigan – Despite it being Robby Gordon’s first time behind the wheel of the No. 88 Navy Chevrolet, Wes Ward guided the team to a season-best finish in the Carfax 250.  Gordon and Ward made a seamless transition into their newfound driver/crew chief relationship at Michigan International Speedway and ended their day with third-place run.  Ward’s performance earned him the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award.

The Navy Monte Carlo battled in the top-10 throughout the race, and led a total of 11 laps during the event.  It was Ward’s decision to take only two tires on the final pit stop, though, that ensured Gordon a top-five finish.  Ward’s call moved Gordon from eighth-place to second-place for the final restart.  “Track position is so important here,” explained Ward after the race.  “We took two tires to get Robby (Gordon) up front and let him battle for the lead.”

A panel of voters, including Tony Eury Sr., Robbie Reiser and a WYPALL® Wipers representative, all agreed that Ward deserved crew chief of the race honors.  “Whenever you have a new driver in your car, it makes it hard for the crew chief to get the car set up,” commented Reiser.  “It usually takes several weeks before the driver and crew chief can communicate and really be effective, but the (No.) 88 team was fast from the start.  For it being Gordon and Ward’s first week together, that was impressive.  You would have thought they’d been together for years.”

For winning the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award, Ward was presented $500.  At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $10,000 and be crowned the WYPALL® Wipers Crew Chief of the Year.  This was Ward’s first Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him third-place with Wally Rogers, Matt Gimbel, Pat Smith, Brad Parrott and Bryant Frazier. Trip Bruce, Eddie Pardue and Tony Eury Sr. are tied for second-place in the standings, all with two wins.  Shane Wilson is in the lead with three wins. SCR

Dodge Director of SRT and Motorsports Marketing Mike Accavitti said today that the manufacturer is still trying to free up Juan Pablo Montoya from his contract with the McLaren -Mercedes Formula One team so Montoya can begin driving stock cars.

The F1 season ends October 22, and even though McLaren replaced Montoya soon after he announced he would join Chip Ganassi Racing in 2007, Montoya, who will replace Casey Mears in the No. 42 car, is still prohibited to drive stock cars.

"We're still working with our partners at McLaren on when we can get him in the car," Accavitti said. "Right now, the earliest looks like it's going to be some time in October, but we're looking to move that up."

Bob Dillner said on the Speed Report on Speed TV Sunday night to expect an announcement from Bill David Racing announcing Jeremy Mayfield as the new driver for the team. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

After crashing during practice yesterday David Gilliland will have to go to a back-up car for today’s GFS Marketplace 400 at the Michigan Int. Speedway. Gilliland new driver of the No. 38 Ford for Robert Yates Racing will have to start at the back of the field in his debut for the team. SCR

Matthew Blaylock