Captain Thunder Racing.com http://captainthunderracing.com ALL YOUR NASCAR NEWS Captain Thunder Racing.com Captain Thunder Racing.com Evo RSS 2.0 Parser 60 Captain Thunder Racing.com http://captainthunderracing.com/images/evo/minilogo.gif http://captainthunderracing.com 94 15 Nuke-Evolution 2.0.7 Powered - Xtreme 2.0 Edition en-us captainthunder@captainthunderracing.com 2012-02-22T17:55:49-06:00 hourly 1 2012-02-22T17:55:49-06:00 Captain Thunder's Legendary Daytona 500 Preview http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15887
 
Daytona International Speedway Data
Race #: 1 of 36 (2-26-11)
Track Size: 2.5 miles
Race Length: 500 miles (200 laps)
Banking/Corners: 31 degrees
Banking/Straights: 3 degrees
Banking/Tri-Oval: 18 degrees
 


Qualifying/Race Data
2011 pole winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (186.089 mph, 48.364 seconds)
2011 race winner: Trevor Bayne (130.326 mph, 2-20-11)
Qualifying record: Bill Elliott (210.364 mph, 42.783 secs., 2-9-87)
Race record: Buddy Baker (177.602 mph, 2-17-80)
Throw back. Old school. Retro. Use whatever moniker you like, and it’d fit this past weekend in NASCAR.
 
First you had the Shootout at Daytona, the annual fan-favorite preseason race at Daytona International Speedway. After an offseason – and more – of testing and fine-tuning, pack racing is back. For the most part, drivers abandoned the two-car tandem for the big packs of old. It made for a wild race, and a sparkling finish. Kyle Busch’s slingshot move on defending series champion Tony Stewart gave him his first Shootout victory. The margin of victory of .013 seconds was the closest in the race’s history.
 
Now fast forward to Sunday morning. As competitors put the finishing touches prior to Coors Light Pole qualifying, a major announcement hit the mailboxes of media everywhere. Next season’s eligibility for the Shootout had been released. Pole winners from 2012 and past winners of the event would be locked in, eligibility rules mirroring those from 1979 to 2008. It was a return to the event’s roots.
 
Shortly after, at 1 p.m., Daytona 500 qualifying began. Carl Edwards, taking advantage of a powerful engine and an opportunistic qualifying draw, laid down a lap of 194.738 mph. It was the fastest Daytona 500 pole winning lap since 1999 – more than a decade ago.
 
Last weekend set the strong foundation for the second and final week of Speedweeks. Up first is the two Gatorade Duel races, a final chance for those not already locked into the Daytona 500 to make the show.
 
On Friday night, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season at Daytona in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at 7:30 p.m. on SPEED.
 
On Saturday afternoon, the stars of the NASCAR Nationwide Series run their season-opener at Daytona in the DRIVE4COPD 300 at 1:15 p.m. on ESPN.
 
And, of course, the 54th annual Daytona 500 culminates Speedweeks. NASCAR’s biggest race starts at 1 p.m. on FOX.
 
Storylines for all three series follow.
 
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
 
99 Has No Problems On Pole Day
After turning the fastest lap in Daytona 500 pole qualifying since 1999, Carl Edwards will attempt to become the 10th driver to win the Daytona 500 from the pole and first since Dale Jarrett in 2000. Edwards finished second last year in The Great American Race and had a ninth-place finish in 2010.
 
Edwards leads an all-Ford front row, as Roush Fenway Racing teammate Greg Biffle captured the second spot). A win would be the manufacturer's third Daytona 500 victory in four seasons and the second in four years for Roush Fenway Racing, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this season.
 
Roush Fenway Racing’s next victory – be it in Saturday NASCAR Nationwide race or in the Daytona 500 – would be the team’s 300th in NASCAR national series competition.
 
The first and second starting positions have accounted for the most wins in Daytona 500 history with nine and seven respectively, combining for 30 percent of the victories in the previous 53 events.
 
Bayne Locked In And Loaded For Great American Repeat
With the fastest time among drivers not in the top 35, Trevor Bayne locked himself into the 54th running of the Daytona 500 along with Tony Raines, David Stremme and Terry Labonte, who can use a past champion’s provisional.
 
Bayne, who turned 21 on Sunday, will attempt to join Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84) and fellow Tennessean Sterling Marlin (1994-95) as the only drivers to win back-to-back Daytona 500s. A win would extend 2012 NASCAR Hall of Famer Glen Wood's win record at Daytona to 16.
Champ Seeks First 500 Win On His Own
Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has three Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola wins, three Budweiser Shootout crowns, two Gatorade Duel wins and two triumphs in IROC cars. His six DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series wins (including the last four consecutive victories) is second only to Dale Earnhardt's seven, and Stewart is also tied for second with Bobby Allison on the all-time victory leader list at Daytona with 16 behind Earnhardt, who had 34.
 
In 13 previous starts, Stewart has three top-five finishes, including a runner-up run in 2004.
 
Danica Makes Highly Anticipated Debut
When the green flag flies on FOX at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Danica Patrick will become the third woman to start the Daytona 500, following Janet Guthrie (1977, 1980) and Shawna Robinson (2002). She'll also attempt to join last year's race winner Trevor Bayne as the eighth driver to win her first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in the 500. The club consists of Tiny Lund (1963), Mario Andretti (1967), Pete Hamilton (1970), Derrike Cope (1990), Sterling Marlin (1994), Michael Waltrip (2001) and Bayne (2011).
 
Of the two women who have raced before her in the Daytona 500, neither has a top-10 finish with Guthrie coming home 12th in 1977 and 11th in 1980 and Robinson finishing 24th in 2002.
 
Not Old, But Experienced: Martin Looks To Make History
In his 28th Daytona 500 and 25th consecutive Great American Race, Mark Martin is back in his quest to win his first Daytona 500. Turning 53 on January 9, Martin would not only break NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison's record as the oldest driver to win the 500, but become the oldest winner in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history. The current oldest winner is Harry Gant at 52 years, seven months and six days.
 
It's the fifth anniversary of his loss at the line to Kevin Harvick as Martin begins a new chapter in his career with Michael Waltrip Racing. A win for Martin would break Dale Earnhardt's record of 20 races before his first win in the Daytona 500.
 
Junior Gaining Steam Heading Into 500
Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of a 129-race wins drought, has the feel of someone who appears on the verge of a breakthrough.
 
Before getting caught up in an accident in Saturday night’s Shootout, Earnhardt led 12 laps, bringing the fans to their feet with each one.
 
On Sunday, Earnhardt narrowly missed sitting on the front row of the Daytona 500 for the second consecutive year, turning the third fastest lap in qualifying.
 
A win in the Daytona 500 would be Earnhardt’s second, joining his trophy from 2004.
 
This Time, It IS Go Or Go Home
Thursday’s Gatorade Duel at Daytona races mean everything to a select 10 drivers.
 
Those who have yet to secure a spot in the Daytona 500: Kenny Wallace, Dave Blaney, Michael Waltrip, Michael McDowell, Joe Nemechek, Bill Elliott, Mike Wallace, Robert Richardson Jr., JJ Yeley and Robby Gordon.
 
They’ll need to race their way in on Thursday. The top two “non-35 drivers” in each Gatorade Duel make Sunday’s Daytona 500.
 
NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES
 
Encore, Encore!
If you were enamored with the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, there’s no reason not to carry that same sentiment into Daytona, the opening race of the 2012 campaign.
 
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the reigning series champion, returns to defend his title. NASCAR’s media corps thinks he’ll do just that, predicting him to repeat, according to a preseason poll on NASCARMedia.com.
 
But in scanning the list of driver championship contenders in 2012, it may be a good thing that his favorite status is on paper. This season already has the feel of an explosive title chase, where each race, every point, will be scrutinized.
 
Danica Patrick, Elliott Sadler, Sam Hornish Jr., Austin Dillon, Trevor Bayne, Justin Allgaier, Cole Whitt, Brian Scott, Michael Annett, Kenny Wallace … all have the same goal in mind as the reigning champ.
A Daytona victory on Saturday is huge. But some of the aforementioned names are shooting for a bigger prize – the same one that Bayne stunned the sports world in winning last year – Sunday’s Daytona 500.
 
Bayne, Stenhouse, Patrick, Sadler and Kenny Wallace are among eight 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship contenders who have entered the “Great American Race.” In addition, Joe Nemechek, Mike Wallace and Robert Richardson Jr. are also entered.
 
What’s in a Number?
NASCAR fans are number-oriented, especially when it comes to two particular numbers with historic backgrounds.
 
Ask the most avid member of the NASCAR fan base, and they’ll likely point out that the No. 3 and the No. 43 are dripping with history.
 
This year, both will be in the NASCAR Nationwide Series on a full-time basis.
 
The RCR No. 3, made famous by Dale Earnhardt, hasn’t been on the track n a full-time capacity in the NASCAR Nationwide Series since 2000 when Ron Hornaday Jr. drove the No. 3 Chevrolet for Childress. The No. 43 Petty Enterprises Ford has never been a full-time participant in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
 
Starting at Daytona, Austin Dillon – the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion – will bring the No. 3 Chevrolet back. The grandson of Childress – and the one who talked RC into bringing the iconic number with him to his rookie NASCAR Nationwide Series season – is a serious contender for the series championship in addition to aiming for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award.
 
Michael Annett has the distinction of bringing the No. 43 Mustang into the series for the first time on a full-time basis. Annett finished a career-best ninth in the driver standings last year.
 
NNS ETC: In addition to Stenhouse, 10 other former NASCAR Nationwide Series champions are entered in this year’s Daytona 500 field. … Nine double-duty drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series along with one from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series are entered in Saturday’s DRIVE4COPD 300. Heading that list is three-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, who has won the last four NASCAR Nationwide Series season openers. Also entered is two-time series champion and current team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who dominated this event for three successive years from 2004-04. Stewart will sport the same sponsor – Oreo/Ritz – that Earnhardt took to Victory Lane in his last Daytona win in 2004. … Dillon and Whitt will be joined by three other Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidates at Daytona – Jason Bowles, Joey Gase and Johanna Long. Timmy Hill, the 2011 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, will run at Daytona but soon after will make the jump to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series where he’ll attempt to lock up consecutive rookie of the year awards. Blake Koch, runner-up to Hill in the 2011 rookie race and now his teammate at Rick Ware Racing, will be the lone full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series car for the organization in 2012.
 
NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES
 
Hornaday, Chevrolet Still Winless At Daytona
Four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. has a series-leading 51 wins. Not one of them has come at the season-opener at Daytona.
 
Here’s a stat that should provide a silver lining for Hornaday: a Daytona winner has never gone on to win the series championship. Still, it’s a race the veteran very much wants to win.
 
If Hornaday were to win Friday night he would end a second winless drought. Like Hornaday, Chevrolet has also gone winless at Daytona.
 
Sauter Tabbed As Championship Favorite
Johnny Sauter – who won the season ending race at Homestead - came within six points of being the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion in 2011.
 
NASCAR’s media corps thinks he will do just that in 2012, naming him the preseason favorite followed by Ty Dillon, Ron Hornaday Jr., Matt Crafton and James Buescher.
 
Sauter’s ThorSport Racing is the longest continuously competing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team, but is still searching for the elusive championship title.
 
Veterans Bank On Experience Paying Off At Daytona
The truck series entry list for Daytona is full of many young and eager names. However, it’s the group of veterans who hope to use their experience overshadow the newcomers:
•           Brad Keselowski, who needs a NCWTS victory to complete a sweep of all three national series
•           Ward Burton, the 2002 Daytona 500 winner, will compete with his son Jeb, a rookie contender
•           David Reutimann, a former series rookie of the year
•           Travis Kvapil, who won the series championship in 2003
•           Todd Bodine, a two-time series champion and Daytona winner
•           Mike Skinner, 1997 Daytona 500 pole winner and former series champion

At Daytona International Speedway
History
•Groundbreaking for Daytona International Speedway was Nov. 25, 1957. The soil underneath the banked corners was dug from the infield of the track and the hole filled with water. It is now known as Lake Lloyd.
•The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona was a 100-mile qualifying race for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, 1959.
•Richard Petty won his 200th career race on July 4, 1984 at Daytona.
·         Lights were installed in the spring of 1998. However, the July race was delayed until October that year due to thick smoke from wildfires. The second Daytona race has been held under the lights ever since.
Notebook
•There have been 129 NASCAR Sprint Cup races since the track hosted its first race in 1959: 53 have been 500 miles, 49 were 400 miles and four 250 miles. There were also 23 qualifier races that were point races.
•Fireball Roberts won the inaugural pole at Daytona.
•Bob Welborn won the first race at Daytona, the 100-mile qualifying race for the Daytona 500.
•Lee Petty won the inaugural Daytona 500 on Feb. 22, 1959.
•Fireball Roberts won the first 400-mile race at Daytona, the 1963 Firecracker 400.
•53 drivers have posted poles at Daytona.
•Cale Yarborough leads all drivers with 12 poles at Daytona.
•Bill Elliott leads all active drivers with five poles at Daytona.
•54 drivers have won at Daytona.
•Richard Petty leads all drivers in victories at Daytona with 10.
•Jeff Gordon has six victories at Daytona, more than any other active driver.
•The Wood Brothers have won 15 races at Daytona, more than any other car owner.
•17 full-length races at Daytona have been won from the pole; the last to do it was Kevin Harvick in last year’s Coke Zero 400.
•A driver has swept both races at Daytona only four times, most recently by Bobby Allison in 1982.
 
Daytona 500 Tidbits
•The 2012 edition will be the 54th running of the Daytona 500.
•Although the first Daytona 500 was held in 1959, it has been the season-opener only since 1982.
•518 drivers have competed in at least one Daytona 500; 306 in more than one.
•35 drivers have won a Daytona 500.
•Youngest Daytona 500 winner: Trevor Bayne (02/20/2011 - 20 years, 0 months, 1 days)
•Oldest Daytona 500 winner: Bobby Allison (02/14/1988 - 50 years, 2 months, 11 days)
•Eight drivers have won more than one Daytona 500, led by Richard Petty with seven victories.
•The eight drivers who have won the Daytona 500 more than once: Richard Petty (seven), Cale Yarborough (four), Bobby Allison (three), Dale Jarrett (three), Jeff Gordon (three), Bill Elliott (two), Sterling Marlin (two) and Michael Waltrip (two).
•Dale Earnhardt leads the series in runner-up finishes in the Daytona 500 with five; Kurt Busch leads all active drivers in Daytona 500 second-place finishes with three.
•Dale Earnhardt finished in the top 10 in 16 of his 23 Daytona 500s.
•Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty each had 16 top 10s in the Daytona 500, more than any other driver.
•Dale Earnhardt had 12 top fives in the Daytona 500, more than any other driver.
•Only 13 drivers have an average finish of 10th or better in the Daytona 500, six of those competed in the Daytona 500 only once.
•Clint Bowyer has a 12.2 average finish in six appearances, the best of the active drivers who have competed in more than one Daytona 500.
•Lee Petty, who won the inaugural Daytona 500, and Trevor Bayne, 2011 Daytona 500 champion, are the only two drivers to win the Daytona 500 in their first appearance.
•28 of the 35 drivers who have won, participated in at least two Daytona 500s before visiting Victory Lane.
•Dale Earnhardt competed 19 times before winning his only Daytona 500 (1998), the longest span of any of the 35 race winners.
•Six drivers made 10 or more attempts before their first Daytona 500 victory: Dale Earnhardt (19), Buddy Baker (18), Darrell Waltrip (16), Bobby Allison (14), Michael Waltrip (14) and Sterling Marlin 12).
•The most Daytona 500s all-time without a victory was Dave Marcis (33 races).
•Mark Martin (27) leads active drivers without a victory.
•Six drivers posted their career-first victory with a win in the Daytona 500: Tiny Lund (1963), Mario Andretti (1967), Pete Hamilton (1970), Derrike Cope (1990), Sterling Marlin (1994), Michael Waltrip (2001) and Trevor Bayne (2011).
•Three other drivers posted their career-first victory in (point-paying) qualifying races: Johnny Rutherford (1963), Bobby Isaac (1964) and Earl Balmer (1966).
•A driver has won back-to-back Daytona 500s three times. Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84) and Sterling Marlin (1994-95)
• Kevin Harvick’s 0.020-second margin of victory over Mark Martin in the 2007 Daytona 500 is the 12th-closest overall since the advent of electronic timing in 1993, and the closest in a Daytona 500.
•26 of the 53 Daytona 500s have been won from a top-five starting position.
•Matt Kenseth won the Daytona 500 from the 39th starting position in 2009, the deepest a race winner has started.
•Nine have been won from the pole. The last to do so was Dale Jarrett in 2000.
•16 Daytona 500s have been won from the front row.
•Danica Patrick will become the third female driver to compete in a Daytona 500 joining Janet Guthrie and Shawna Robinson.
Race Season Driver  Start Finish
Daytona 500 1977 Janet Guthrie 39 12
Daytona 500 1980 Janet Guthrie 18 11
Daytona 500 2002 Shawna Robinson 36 24

Driver Rating at Daytona
Kyle Busch                   98.7     
Tony Stewart                 98.2
Kurt Busch                    96.0
Jeff Gordon                  89.4
Matt Kenseth                 89.0
Jimmie Johnson            87.5
Dale Earnhardt Jr.         87.1
Clint Bowyer                  87.0
Landon Cassill             86.9
Kevin Harvick                86.3
Jeff Burton                   83.8
Carl Edwards                83.2
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at Daytona.
 
•Driver Ratings for Winners – Pre-Race Daytona 500 Driver Ratings heading into 2012 for past Daytona 500 winners (past 6 years)
Driver – Year – Driver Rating
?Trevor Bayne – 2011 – 68.9
?Jamie McMurray – 2010 – 80.2
?Matt Kenseth – 2009 – 89.0
?Ryan Newman – 2008 – 82.9
?Kevin Harvick – 2007 – 86.3
?Jimmie Johnson – 2006 – 87.5
 
•Drivers who have won the Daytona 500 in more than one car manufacturer:
Driver – Manufacturer (Number of wins in that manufacturer)
?Richard Petty – Plymouth (3), Dodge (2), Oldsmobile (1) and Buick (1)
?Cale Yarborough – Chevrolet (2), Mercury (1) and Pontiac (1)
?Bobby Allison – Buick (2) and Ford (1)
?Dale Jarrett – Ford (2) and Chevrolet (1)
 
•Drivers who have won the Shootout at Daytona and the Daytona 500 in the same season:
Driver – (Year)
?Bobby Allison (1982)
?Bill Elliott (1987)
?Dale Jarrett (1996 and 2000)
?Jeff Gordon (1997)
 
DRIVER STATS
Clint Bowyer (No. 15 5-hour Energy Toyota)
     ·         Two top fives, six top 10s
     ·         Average finish of 15.1
     ·         Average Running Position of 15.7, ninth-best
     ·         Driver Rating of 87.0, eighth-best
     ·         2,550 Green Flag Passes, 10th-most
     ·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.792 mph, seventh-fastest
 
Jeff Burton (No. 31 CAT Chevrolet)
     ·         One win, seven top fives, nine top 10s; one pole
     ·         Average finish of 17.8
     ·         Average Running Position of 16.2, 10th-best
     ·         Driver Rating of 83.8, 11th-best
     ·         54 Fastest Laps Run, 11th-most
     ·         2,927 Green Flag Passes, second-most
     ·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.946 mph, second-fastest
     ·         1,350 Laps in the Top 15 (53.7%), 10th-most
     ·         1,722 Quality Passes, fifth-most
 
Kurt Busch (No. 51 Tag Heuer Avant-Garde Chevrolet)
     ·         10 top fives, 12 top 10s
     ·         Average finish of 16.3
     ·         Average Running Position of 13.7, fourth-best
     ·         Driver Rating of 96.0, third-best
     ·         56 Fastest Laps Run, 10th-most
     ·         2,719 Green Flag Passes, seventh-most
     ·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.867 mph, third-fastest
     ·         1,693 Laps in the Top 15 (67.3%), second-most
     ·         Series-high 1,927 Quality Passes
Kurt Busch (No. 51 Tag Heuer Avant-Garde Chevrolet)
·         10 top fives, 12 top 10s
·         Average finish of 16.3
·         Average Running Position of 13.7, fourth-best
·         Driver Rating of 96.0, third-best
·         56 Fastest Laps Run, 10th-most
·         2,719 Green Flag Passes, seventh-most
·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.867 mph, third-fastest
·         1,693 Laps in the Top 15 (67.3%), second-most
·         Series-high 1,927 Quality Passes
 
Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M's Toyota)
·         One win, five top fives, six top 10s
·         Average finish of 17.6
·         Series-best Average Running Position of 12.3
·         Series-best Driver Rating of 98.7
·         66 Fastest Laps Run, third-most
·         2,507 Green Flag Passes, 11th-most
·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.817 mph, sixth-fastest
·         Series-high 1,821 Laps in the Top 15 (72.4%)
·         1,918 Quality Passes, second-most
 
Landon Cassill (No. 83 Burger King Toyota)
·         Average finish of 26.0
·         Average Running Position of 14.4, sixth-best
·         Driver Rating of 86.9, ninth-best
·         Series-best Average Green Flag Speed of 187.060 mph
 
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet)
·         Two wins, eight top fives, 13 top 10s; one pole
·         Average finish of 15.0
·         Average Running Position of 15.3, eighth-best
·         Driver Rating of 87.1, seventh-best
·         64 Fastest Laps Run, fifth-most
·         2,563 Green Flag Passes, ninth-most
·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.784 mph, ninth-fastest
·         1,501 Laps in the Top 15 (59.7%), fifth-most
·         1,657 Quality Passes, eighth-most
 
Carl Edwards (No. 99 Fastenal Ford)
·         Four top fives, six top 10s
·         Average finish of 17.9
·         Average Running Position of 17.0, 13th-best
·         Driver Rating of 83.2, 12th-best
·         53 Fastest Laps Run, 12th-most
·         2,785 Green Flag Passes, fifth-most
·         1,450 Laps in the Top 15 (57.7%), eighth-most
·         1,918 Quality Passes, second-most
 
Jeff Gordon (No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet)
·         Six wins, 12 top fives, 19 top 10s; three poles
·         Average finish of 15.5
·         Average Running Position of 14.3, fifth-best
·         Driver Rating of 89.4, fourth-best
·         1,479 Laps in the Top 15 (58.8%), seventh-most
·         1,521 Quality Passes, 12th-most
 
Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet)
·         Two wins, five top fives, nine top 10s; one pole
·         Average finish of 15.4
·         Driver Rating of 86.3, 10th-best
·         67 Fastest Laps Run, second-most
·         2,732 Green Flag Passes, sixth-most
·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.791 mph, eighth-fastest
·         1,316 Laps in the Top 15 (52.3%), 12th-most
·         1,526 Quality Passes, 11th-most
 
Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet)
·         One win, six top fives, nine top 10s; two poles
·         Average finish of 17.0
·         Average Running Position of 13.0, second-best
·         Driver Rating of 87.5, sixth-best
·         2,469 Green Flag Passes, 12th-most
·         1,612 Laps in the Top 15 (64.1%), fourth-most
·         1,680 Quality Passes, seventh-most
 
Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Best Buy Ford)
·         One win, four top fives, 11 top 10s
·         Average finish of 17.4
·         Average Running Position of 15.3, seventh-best
·         Driver Rating of 89.0, fifth-best
·         Series-high 68 Fastest Laps Run
·         2,415 Green Flag Passes, 13th-most
·         1,497 Laps in the Top 15 (59.5%), sixth-most
·         1,608 Quality Passes, ninth-most
 
Ryan Newman (No. 39 WIX Filters Chevrolet)
·         One win, two top fives, three top 10s
·         Average finish of 22.0
·         Average Running Position of 16.6, 11th-best
·         Driver Rating of 82.9, 13th-best
·         2,709 Green Flag Passes, eighth-most
·         1,371 Laps in the Top 15 (54.5%), ninth-most
·         1,560 Quality Passes, 10th-most
 
Tony Stewart (No. 14 Mobil 1/Office Depot Chevrolet)
·         Three wins, seven top fives, 12 top 10s; one pole
·         Average finish of 16.7
·         Average Running Position of 13.6, third-best
·         Driver Rating of 98.2, second-best
·         66 Fastest Laps Run, third-most
·         Average Green Flag Speed of 186.835 mph, fifth-fastest
·         1,617 Laps in the Top 15 (64.3%), third-most
 
SOURCE:  NASCAR MEDIA
]]> 15887@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-22T15:18:54-06:00 Posted by admin UFC Champ Named Honorary Race Official For 54th Daytona 500 http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15886 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will serve as Honorary Race Official for the 54th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Daytona International Speedway (FOX, 1 p.m. ET).
As Honorary Race Official, Jones will be introduced at the driver’s meeting, participate in pre-race ceremonies and ride in one of the honorary race official cars ahead of the 43-car field for the 200-lap, 500-mile historic race.
“Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is a huge star in mixed martial arts,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We are excited to welcome him to the ‘World Center of Racing’ and have him be a part of the pre-race ceremonies for NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race.”
“I am thrilled to be able to serve as Honorary Race Official at this year's Daytona 500, NASCAR's premier event,” Jones said. “Like the UFC, NASCAR has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base, and I am honored that I will get to share this experience with them."
Jones’ holds a career record of 15-1, which is comprised of eight knockouts and five submissions. He was named “Most Dangerous Man” at the 2011 Spike Guys’ Choice Awards and “2011 Fighter of the Year” at the World MMA Awards.
In December 2011, the Endicott, N.Y. native capped off what many have hailed as the greatest year in MMA history with a submission against Lyoto
Earlier in the year, Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history at the age of 23 after he won all four of his fights and earned the Light Heavyweight title. With two more defeats of former champions later in 2011, Jones became the first fighter in UFC history to defeat three former champions in one year.
Jones entered the UFC in August 2008 after only four months of competing in professional fights.
 Currently, Jones trains in Albuquerque, N.M. under legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson. On April 21 in Atlanta, Jones will take on his former champion training partner, “Suga” Rashad Evans, in one of the most anticipated UFC fights of the year.
Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling             1-800-PITSHOP.
If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500. - dis pr
]]> 15886@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T11:58:37-06:00 Posted by admin Robby Gordon Says He Is 'Stuck' In NASCAR http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15885


photo credit:  us presswire


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- In one breath, Robby Gordon is bemoaning the fact he couldn't quit NASCAR even if he wanted to. He has money tied up in a race shop and airplanes, with crew members depending on him for their livelihood.


Minutes later, though, Gordon is talking with boundless optimism about the potential of Speed Energy, a brand of energy drink that he's trying to market on his own.


 And does he have a deal for you.


"Race team's for sale," Gordon said. "It's been up for sale. Really, what I'd like to do, I think the smartest thing for us to do as we're talking candidly here, would be to bring in investors that have more opportunity to [attract] big sponsor relations.


"Obviously, I can drive it, we can run it, but between doing that and operating Speed, we need people that have more relations than I have."


The 43-year-old Gordon has been an owner/driver in NASCAR since 2005, and the former Indy driver has had his moments -- including a second-place finish at Infineon Raceway in 2010.


But there are challenges, too.


Does he make money in NASCAR?


"Right now? No," Gordon said. "We haven't made money in NASCAR in a long time."


Would he consider getting out?


"I've got a 100,000-square-foot building," Gordon said. "Unfortunately, I've got airplanes that I can't even afford to use today that are sitting there, I'm still paying insurance on them, I'm still paying payments. The race shop, it's not paid for, obviously I'm paying rent on it. So I'm stuck. Plain and simple."


Gordon later reconsidered his use of the word "stuck," saying he would prefer to stay in NASCAR on a limited schedule and take on investors.


"The reality is, I don't want to be all the way out," Gordon said. "I would like to run about 15 stock car races a year. That would be my goal."


That would allow him to continue pursuing his diverse racing interests outside of NASCAR -- and continue to build Speed Energy, which he insists is on its way to becoming a marketing success that can grow to take on the likes of industry titans such as Red Bull. - AP


 

]]> 15885@http://captainthunderracing.com NASCAR NEWS 2012-02-20T10:25:43-06:00 Posted by admin Hendrick Says NO Changes Were Made To Johnsons #48 That Failed Inspection http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15884 photo credit:  getty images
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The owner of Hendrick Motorsports disputes NASCAR's claim that Jimmie Johnson's Daytona 500 car was illegal and plans to appeal any penalty the governing body issues.
NASCAR on Friday confiscated the C-posts -- pillars that come down from the roof to the quarter panel -- from Johnson's car during the initial inspection process. Officials said the pieces were so obviously altered to create an aerodynamic advantage that they could be seen by the naked eye.
Sprint Cup series director John Darby said it was a major offense and could result in a suspension for crew chief Chad Knaus and others involved.
HMS owner Rick Hendrick said before Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout that the car is the same one that Johnson ran in all four restrictor plate races last season, including the Daytona 500, and the roof had not been altered.
He added that the car went to NASCAR's Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., for inspection and was returned without any notification of being outside the lines.
"That car, we've run it four times,'' Hendrick said. "It was built for this place and they never touched the roof, and it's been to the Tech Center after they won Talladega (in the spring). All that's been done is paint it, so I don't get it.''
Hendrick acknowledged that this is the same car Knaus was caught on film prior to the October Talladega race telling Johnson to damage the rear end if he won. Johnson's car was taken back to the R&D center after that race and the remaining races in 2011.
Asked if this was in response to that incident, for which Knaus received a reprimand from NASCAR, Hendrick said, "Maybe you can put it together.
"I don't understand," Hendrick continued. "They know the serial numbers of the cars. Our guys swear they have not touched the roof on the car."
Hendrick said he plans to meet with NASCAR to discuss the matter. NASCAR said a decision on penalties wouldn't come until after the February 26 Daytona 500.
"When you take it to the Tech Center, you would think they could see it if they have a problem," he said.
Knaus' only comment on the issue was, "They found some things they didn't like and they asked us to remove them.''
The No. 48 team has replaced the C-posts, practiced it on Saturday and plans to use the car to qualify for the 500 on Sunday.
This is not the first time Knaus and the No. 48 team have faced sanctions before the "Great American Race." In 2006, Knaus was suspended for four races and fined $25,000 when NASCAR discovered a device that pushed the rear window out more than three-quarters of an inch to create a competitive advantage.
Knaus sat out the 500 and Johnson won with Darian Grubb as his interim crew chief. He has been penalized by NASCAR eight other times, two before he arrived at HMS.
Knaus' last penalty came in 2007 when he was suspended for six races after NASCAR claimed the front fender was outside the tolerances at Infineon Raceway.
"You know, I don't like it if we find some flagrant problem," Hendrick said. "I don't like it when someone says I just don't like the looks of it and never put the plate down on it."
NASCAR officials said the issue was discovered before it went through inspection, and was confirmed in inspection. Hendrick disputed that after talking to Knaus and his team, saying NASCAR never used the claw used to measure if a car is in specification. - by david newton - www.espn.com]]> 15884@http://captainthunderracing.com NASCAR NEWS 2012-02-20T10:20:12-06:00 Posted by admin Kyle Busch Needs To Accept ''WildThing'' Nickname & Forget About ''Rowdy'' http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15883 "WildThing"
Following Busch's hair raising win Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway in NASCAR's annual kick-off event the Bud Shootout, twitter nation was blowing up with tweets praising Busch's driving skills.
Fans of Busch, haters of Busch, and non NASCAR fans who just happened to catch the race on TV, were all chiming in regarding the amazing saves Busch pulled off throughout the 75-lap exhibition race. Whether they loved Busch or hated Busch, they all seemed to agree - "WildThing" can drive!
Not only does twitter world agree Busch is a helluva wheelman, they also agree his nickname is "WildThing". Nearly every tweet I read regarding Busch Saturday night, referred to the 26-year old Joe Gibbs Racing star as "WildThing".

But, Busch refers to himself as "Rowdy", a nickname he stole from the Tom Cruise movie "Days Of Thunder". Doesn't Busch know you cannot give yourself a nickname? Nickname's need to be given to you, you don't give yourself a nickname - it just doesn't work. For those of you about to type me a nasty e-mail, the nickname Captain Thunder was given to me by Sirius/XM Sportstalk host Scottie Ferrall @ScottFerrall on twitter. So, save your e-mails for Busch.
"Rowdy" was a name for another driver from another time, in a make believe movie. No one calls Kyle Busch "Rowdy" - except Busch himself.
Come on Kyle, embrace "WildThing", it's who you are. You have been "WildThing" since the day you drove on to the truck series scene in 2001. Don't run from the moniker, use it, market it, embrace it - learn to love it.
The saves Busch made in Saturday night's Bud Shootout where spectacular. The way he made the sports defending champion his bitch on the final lap was stunning.

But, none of it was Rowdy. Wild yes, Rowdy, ah no. - Captain Thunder - www.CaptainThunderRacing.com]]> 15883@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T08:48:26-06:00 Posted by admin Daytona Gatorade Duel 150 Starting Lineups http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15882 GATORADE DUEL #1 STARTING LINEUP
POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND
1    99 Carl Edwards Ford Fastenal - - -
2    88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Diet Mountain Dew / National Guard  - - -
3    9 Marcos Ambrose Ford Stanley - - -
4    6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ford Ford EcoBoost  - - -
5    21 Trevor Bayne Ford Motorcraft / Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center  - - -
6    14 Tony Stewart Chevrolet Office Depot / Mobil 1  - - -
7    43 Aric Almirola Ford Smithfield "Helping Hungry Homes"  - - -
8    27 Paul Menard Chevrolet Peak / Menards  - - -
9    34 David Ragan Ford Scorpion Truck Bed Liners  - - -
10  22 A.J. Allmendinger Dodge Shell / Pennzoil  - - -
11  2 Brad Keselowski Dodge Miller Lite  - - -
12  29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Budweiser - - -
13  31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet Caterpillar - - -
14  42 Juan Montoya Chevrolet Target - - -
15  30 David Stremme Toyota Inception Motorsports  - - -
16  1 Jamie McMurray Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats  - - -
17  10 Danica Patrick  Chevrolet GoDaddy.com - - -
18  32 Terry Labonte Ford C&J Energy  - - -
19  140 Michael Waltrip Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine  - - -
20  11 Denny Hamlin Toyota FedEx Express  - - -
21  98 Michael McDowell Ford K-Love / Curb Records  - - -
22  83 Landon Cassill Toyota Burger King  - - -
23  38 David Gilliland Ford MHP Power Pak Pudding  - - -
24  37 Mike Wallace Ford Poynt.com - - -
25  7 Robby Gordon Dodge Mapei / Menards / Speed Energy 

GATORADE DUEL #2 STARTING LINEUP
POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND
1    16 Greg Biffle Ford 3M - - -
2    13 Casey Mears Ford GEICO - - -
3    24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Drive to End Hunger  - - -
4    56 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota NAPA Auto Parts  - - -
5    55 Mark Martin Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine  - - -
6    48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's - - -
7    17 Matt Kenseth Ford Best Buy  - - -
8    39 Ryan Newman Chevrolet U.S. Army / Quicken Loans  - - -
9    20 Joey Logano Toyota The Home Depot  - - -
10   5 Kasey Kahne Chevrolet Farmers Insurance  - - -
11   26 Tony Raines Ford Front Row Motorsports  - - -
12   18 Kyle Busch Toyota M&M's Brown  - - -
13   109 Kenny Wallace Toyota American Ethanol  - - -
14   36 Dave Blaney Chevrolet Ollie's Bargain Outlet  - - -
15   51 Kurt Busch Chevrolet HendrickCars.com - - -
16   33 Elliott Sadler Chevrolet General Mills / Kroger  - - -
17   87 Joe Nemechek Toyota AMFMEnergy.com / Pellet & Wood Stoves - - -
18   78 Regan Smith Chevrolet Furniture Row / CSX "Play it Safe"  - - -
19   47 Bobby Labonte Toyota Kroger - - -
20   97 Bill Elliott Toyota AMFMEnergy.com / Pellet & Wood Stoves - - -
21   93 David Reutimann Toyota Burger King  - - -
22   23 Robert Richardson Jr. Toyota North Texas Pipe  - - -
23   249 J.J. Yeley Toyota America Israel Racing  - - -
24   15 Clint Bowyer Toyota 5-hour Energy  - ]]> 15882@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T08:23:05-06:00 Posted by admin Clint Bowyer's #15 Car Fails Post-Qualifying Inspection http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15881 photo credit:  getty images
Clint Bowyer described his 22nd-place qualifying lap as "uneventful."
Maybe that's because all the drama took place in the inspection line -- after time trials.
Bowyer's No. 15 Toyota failed the post-qualifying height stick test when his car was deemed too low in the left front. Bowyer's qualifying time was disallowed, and he will start the second Duel from the rear of the field.
The problem was a shock absorber that failed to come back up after the attempt, as usually happens.
"I don't know if we got something stuck in the bleed hole in the shock, but the front just didn't come back up," said Scott Miller, vice president of competition at Michael Waltrip Racing, which fields Bowyer's cars. "It's the same stuff that we ran in practice, and it was coming back up.
"We'll go over there and get to the bottom of it and see what happened."
NASCAR doesn't plan to impose any additional penalties, a typical posture for this sort of infraction. - nascar media wire service]]> 15881@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T08:15:51-06:00 Posted by admin 'Wildthing' Wins Wild Bud Shootout http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15880 Kyle Busch Tony Stewart 2012 Bud Shootout finish


photo credit:  getty images




DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kyle Busch rallied from two near-disasters to win Saturday's Budweiser Shootout with a slingshot move past Tony Stewart a few yards from the finish line at Daytona International Speedway.


Starting from the back of the field in a backup car -- necessitated by a wreck in Friday's practice -- Busch won the season-opening exhibition race for the first time. His winning margin over Stewart was .013 seconds, the closest in Shootout history, in a green-white-checkered finish that took the race seven laps beyond its scheduled distance.


 Marcos Ambrose recovered from a pair of wrecks to finish third, followed by Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin. Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman, Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards and Juan Montoya completed the top 10.


Busch's victory was the first in a NASCAR race car using electronic fuel injection, which was introduced to the Sprint Cup Series this season.


Stewart had just taken the lead on Lap 74 of a scheduled 75 when a violent wreck in Turn 4 sent Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet barrel-rolling through Turn 4 and sliding on its roof toward the entrance to pit road.


Gordon was following Kyle Busch on the backstretch, and contact between the cars turned Busch's Toyota onto the apron. Busch made a dramatic save for the second time in the race, but Gordon slid up the track into the Chevrolets of Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray.


As all three cars contacted the outside wall, Jimmie Johnson's Chevrolet nosed beneath the right rear bumper of Gordon's car and turned it upside down. The wreck left 11 cars on the lead lap and sent the race to overtime.


"With Gordon behind me, I don't know what the deal was there -- I'd like to talk to him about it," Busch said. "When we came off [Turn] 2, he had me sideways, and then all the way down the backstretch, I was still sideways -- left, right, left, right, everywhere -- then we were off into 3 and he turned me sideways again. He was on the left side of my bumper instead of the right."


The first of the close calls for Busch, on Lap 48, strung the field out, leaving a 10-car pack fighting for the lead. Busch's Toyota twice turned sideways off the bumper of Johnson, and twice Busch saved the car from calamity despite running onto the apron in Turn 2.


"Stab and steer, stab and steer," Busch said of the technique that bailed him out of trouble. "That's what you do. And some brakes. There are brakes involved, too. I thought I was clear ... and I tried going down slowly, and Jimmie just must have been there a little bit, turned me sideways and got me on the apron -- scared everybody half to death, including me."


The complexion of the race changed dramatically on Lap 55, when a chain-reaction wreck that started with contact between the cars of polesitter Martin Truex Jr., Ambrose and Joey Logano clobbered those three vehicles and eliminated Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth.


The resulting fourth caution of the race bunched the field for a restart on Lap 62, with Biffle in the lead, followed by Hendrick Motorsports teammates Gordon and Johnson and reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Stewart.


Rule changes NASCAR instituted during the offseason changed the character of racing at Daytona. Though Busch and Stewart hooked up for the final two-lap dash, drivers spent the vast majority of the race drafting in packs. To Stewart, it was a significant improvement.


"I had fun racing at Daytona again, which I haven't had for a while," Stewart said. "This is better than having to sit there and stare at the back of a spoiler for 500 miles."


The race was barely eight laps old when contact from David Ragan's Ford turned Paul Menard's Chevrolet and ignited a multicar wreck that also damaged the cars of Kasey Kahne, Hamlin, Kenseth, Montoya, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Burton and Gordon.


Earnhardt, who had led the first three laps, had just regained the top spot on Lap 8 and was out in front when the wreck erupted behind him. The crash sidelined Menard, Ragan and Waltrip and knocked Hamlin and Kahne off the lead lap. Burton also fell of the lead lap during the first 25-lap segment when he pitted under green with a cut tire.


"Everybody was real racy and I just got into the back of Menard," Ragan said after exiting his car. "You get a good run, and you're pushing a little bit, and I guess he was pushing whoever was in front of him. And when you've got the meat in between the sandwich, you usually get wrecked."


McMurray was at the front of the field when NASCAR called the competition caution after Lap 25. Gordon, undeterred by minor damage to his car, was second, followed by Harvick, Kyle Busch and Ambrose. - nascar media wire service

]]> 15880@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T08:12:18-06:00 Posted by admin New Daytona Shorttrack Puts Spotlight On Regional Stars http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15879 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2012) — The bright lights of the “World Center of Racing” will shine on the stars of NASCAR’s regional and touring series, as NASCAR announced today Daytona International Speedway will host the inaugural “UNOH Battle At The Beach” on Feb. 18-19, 2013.
 
The two-days of racing will be headlined by three non-points special events: the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified tours, and the Late Model division of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
 
A temporary oval will be set up on Daytona’s Superstretch to host the races, It is tentatively slated to be approximately .4-mile.
 
“This is all about the stars of tomorrow vying for glory at Daytona International Speedway,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series. “During two days and nights of intense competition, fans will be able to see today’s aces of short track racing and some great young talent.”
 
Both nights of race action will air live on SPEED.
 
The process for setting the field for the 2013 UNOH Battle At The Beach will be:
·         Winners of the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West events as well as the series champions will automatically be locked into that series’ race at Daytona next year.
·         Similarly, winners of the 2012 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour or NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour races and series champions will be locked into the Modified race next February at Daytona.
·         The top 10 finishers in the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I national standings will earn a starting spot in the 2013 Late Model race.
·         In addition, the champions of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Toyota Series from Mexico, and Euro Racecar NASCAR Touring Series in 2012 will earn a protected starting spot in whichever one of the three 2013 Daytona races they choose to run.
·         The remaining spots in the 2013 Daytona features will be filled through time trials and heat races during the two days of racing next February.
 
”Grassroots short track racing is the foundation of this great sport and we are thrilled to give these young drivers the opportunity to fight for a win at the ‘World Center of Racing,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood. “Many of NASCAR’s greatest stars cut their teeth on short tracks around the country and we look forward to hosting the stars of tomorrow in 2013.”
 
Chitwood also announced that Daytona has reached an agreement with a number of area hotels to secure special room rates for those nights next February to make it more affordable for racers and fans to attend the Battle At The Beach.
 
Event entitlement sponsor, the University of Northwestern Ohio, has been heavily involved with NASCAR’s grassroots racing programs. The school, which offers a degree in High Performance Motorsports, owns NASCAR-sanctioned Limaland Motorsports Park and is the sponsor of several NASCAR touring races. - nascar media
]]> 15879@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T08:07:16-06:00 Posted by admin NASCAR Changes Bud Shootout Criteria For 2013 'Old School' http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15878 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2012) – NASCAR today released the eligibility requirements for the 2013 Shootout at Daytona, an announcement that signals a return to the fan-favorite preseason event’s roots.
 
Next season’s field will consist of 2012 Coors Light Pole winners and past Shootout winners who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season.
 
Eligibility rules for next season’s annual non-points race mirror those from 1979-2008, and puts greater emphasis on each weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole qualifying session.
 
“Fans have expressed their desire to see this event return to its original eligibility rules,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We listened and decided it would be best to return to the eligibility rules of years past adding further meaning to pole qualifying for each NASCAR Sprint Cup race.”
 
This announcement comes prior to 2012’s first qualifying session, adding intrigue to an already important event. Today’s fastest qualifier, in addition to winning the pole for next Sunday’s 54th Annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. on FOX), will also earn a spot in next year’s Shootout. Two Daytona 500 starting positions will be locked in after today’s qualifying session. The fastest two cars in qualifying will sit on the front row for The Great American Race.
 
Last night, Kyle Busch won his first Shootout at Daytona, locking up a spot in next year’s field. Busch passed defending series champion Tony Stewart in the tri-oval, edging the three-time titlist by a margin of victory of .013 seconds – the closest in Shootout history.
 
Last season, 18 different drivers won a pole. - nascar media
]]> 15878@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T08:03:02-06:00 Posted by admin DAYTONA 500 POLE WINNING INTERVIEW - COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15877             The front row of Roush Fenway Fords.  The No. 99 Fastenal Ford is sitting on the pole for the Daytona 500.  Owner Jack Roush.  I understand crew chief Bob Osborne had his father pass away and is certainly in our thoughts and prayers.
            Carl, congratulations.  What does it feel like to be the polesitter for the biggest race in our sport?
            CARL EDWARDS:  It's an amazing feeling.  I just cannot thank Jack Roush enough for all the work that he's put in.  Doug Yates, I feel like he should be sitting up here with us.  Those guys have done an unbelievable job of working through the transition to the EFI.  It's just amazing.  To know for the next week Bob and all of us are going to be working on the fastest racecar here at Daytona and preparing it for the biggest race of the season is a lot of fun.  It's great.
            I'm glad that I'm driving it.
            KERRY THARP:  Chip Bolin crewing the car today.  Congratulations, Chip.  Talk about when the car unloaded till the time it went to qualifying, did you think you were going to be sitting on the pole?
            CHIP BOLIN:  We would like to think that we were going to be.  Our goal was to sit on the pole.  You come down here to try to run the fastest lap you possibly can.  The guys at Roush-Yates engines have worked really hard to get us ahead on the EFI curve.  We were discussing last week, we felt this was the best crop of Superspeedway cars we brought to the racetrack in a long time.  Our entire organization was really confident about it.
            Bob has built this program on steady, calculated moves.  We just tried to execute the plan he expected us to do, and here we are.
            KERRY THARP:  Jack, two of your Fords up there.  Certainly another outstanding qualifying effort for Matt Kenseth, as well.  Talk about being able to start on the front row for the Daytona 500.
            JACK ROUSH:  It obviously starts in the shop.  Robbie Reiser, he's under the weather today as well.  But he's worked really hard all winter.  Great manufacturing program for us.  Chip is behind the scenes leading the engineering group with the simulations, with the predictive things, the wind tunnel, kinematics and suspension.  I tease him as he's writing up new stuff all the time.
            There's a lot to this.  There's a lot more than driving a car fast and having a fast engine.  You have to coordinate every piece so it's ready to do its job when it's time.
            I think we may have been a little bit lucky on our wind, more favorable wind than some of our competitors.  I think that Greg's lap was impacted more than Carl's was.
            It's just a crapshoot when you line your stuff up and see what you got.  When you have the great people behind the organization, if they're as diligent as they are, on a good day you can have the success we had today.
            KERRY THARP:  The pole speed of 194.738 miles an hour, the fastest pole sitting speed for the Daytona 500 since 1999.  Certainly the horsepower showed through today for the Fastenal Ford.
            We'll go ahead and take questions from the floor.
 
            Q.  Jack, your reaction to the first Ford being on the front row for the Daytona 500 since 2007?  Each year's frustration versus the satisfaction to get back on the front row, but also to get a sweep this year.
            JACK ROUSH:  It was great.  We had a sweep that's in the record books for 2004.  We had one of Robert Yates' No. 38 car and Greg Biffle's No. 16 car there then.
            It's great for Ford Motor Company.  Ford has been behind my racing and been a great partner for more than 40 years now.  Some days, many days, they don't get what they deserve, but today we've rejoiced in the success.  I'll be happy to get the phone calls early in the week from people as they go back to work and read the newspapers and figure out what happened.
            Hopefully they can sell some more Fords on Monday, as well.
 
            Q.  Carl, this is the fastest qualifying speed for the 500 in 13 years.  You're only a tick off from what Gordon ran back then.  How do you account for it?  Is it the technology, the Ford engines, maybe why did it take so long?
            CARL EDWARDS:  It's not that simple.  It's not the same rules package, so a lot of that's just chance.  Our speed is based on what package NASCAR thinks is going to race the best and works the best for the current rules.
            You can't really compare speeds here from year to year.  All you can do is compare where you stack up from the rest of the field on a given day.  For us sitting up here, that's where the pride in this accomplishment comes from.  Hey, we got done with the season last year, we ended on a very high note.  But obviously this shows that everybody went back to work hard and they brought the best racecar that we could here.
            Like Jack said, the wind worked out in our favor.  Everything went our way.  But at the end of the day it's not just one Ford up there, it's two of them, two Roush Fenway Fords.  I think that says a lot about the organization.
 
            Q.  Carl, this whole off-season you've had to listen to everybody talk about how it was such a close championship race and finish second.  How does it feel to come out of the box and be first?
            CARL EDWARDS:  It feels really nice.  This is our second pole in a row.  Feels nice to pick up right where we left off.  I've been telling everybody, it seems like every media question, How great would it have been to have one more point?  How did you deal with that this off-season?
            I think this is nice to come here and show everyone that, hey, it isn't just talk.  Everybody at Roush Fenway went back and worked hard and kept their heads down and dug for, just like Chip said, the best racecars we've had in a long time.  I thank Jack, Chip, Bob, Robbie Reiser, Doug Yates, everybody who has built these racecars, for not letting the disappointment of not winning that championship, not letting that slow us down, but instead giving us real motivation.
 
            Q.  Carl, obviously you want to win next weekend.  That would be the ultimate.  You've won poles before.  Tell me how this rates in your career of overall accomplishments.  A pole is a pole, but is this any more special?
            CARL EDWARDS:  This is very special.  It's not a driving accomplishment.  This is a team accomplishment, this pole.  As a driver, any one of the drivers out there that would have gone out at the time I had gone out, would have been driving that 99 car, the Fastenal Fusion, this he would have run the same lap time I did.
            This pole and these qualifying sessions at these restrictor plate racetracks, it shows you what the guys are doing at the shop, it shows you the engine capabilities, the engineering, the decisions by guys like Chip and Bob.  So this is about the team.  Today there's a lot of pride in this for everyone.  Just like Jack said.  I'm excited to have all the guys back at the shop this week know they sent the best racecars down to Daytona.
 
            Q.  You're a competitive guy.  You've run short tracks all over the Midwest.  You want to win every time they drop a green flag.  Thursday is going to be different for you.  If it gets goofy out there, your spot is protected, why risk it?
            CARL EDWARDS:  Yeah, that's one way to look at it.  The other thing is I know how good our backup car is.  I also know you can't give these other guys any advantage.
            If I were to not race and not understand the dynamics that are going to happen during the daytime here at this racetrack with this package, I'd be giving them something.  I have to go out there as a driver and mix it up, race, see how our car handles.
            But, yeah, there is a little bit of, Man, there might be something really special about this car.
            I'll talk with Bob.  I'm sure Jack will have some words for me before that race.
            JACK ROUSH:  We talked about it.  I think you've been a little late going to the front some of the time.  I would go to the front a little earlier.  That would be my advice.
            CARL EDWARDS:  All right.  I just do what I'm told (smiling).  You guys write that and we'll see what happens.
 
            Q.  Noticing your record, you have had a lot more poles in the last two years.  Has there been a strategy change on your team to go for pole positions, higher starting points?
            CARL EDWARDS:  Jack hasn't been doing much carburetor tuning.
            JACK ROUSH:  They're working me closer to the door.  The more this technology expands, the less there is for a dinosaur like me to do.  I'm just a comedian right now.
            CARL EDWARDS:  No, Bob and I and Jack and Chip, everyone, we've recognized the last couple years that qualifying is more important, it's harder to pass.  I do get a lot of really good advice from Robbie and Jack and Bob about my shortcomings as a racecar driver.  They've sort of kicked me in the butt a little bit.  We've all agreed we need to focus more on qualifying.
            I think our success out there has come from some of that recognition that it is important and focusing on it.
            JACK ROUSH:  I'd like to comment on that a little bit, too.
            One of the things that happens, the qualifying event and the race are totally different, except for an impound race.  We've made an effort with Chip's support, the direction he's had with his guys back in the shop, to be able to bring a racecar to the track that was set up with known things that would be of benefit for a qualifying package.  We started with those in our practice and dedicated time that otherwise might have been fretted away on looking for that last shock absorber, that last pound of air pressure.
            There has been a focus started with Chip and the guys in the shop, that the crew chiefs have carried forward, to dedicate a certain amount of time in practice for the qualifying event.
 
            Q.  Carl, last year it's actually not true you didn't win the championship because you didn't win races.  If you would have been one position higher in any race in the Chase, you would have.  But when you look back on that, I know when you tie for the championship and you don't win it, it has to rack your brain at some level.  It racks our brain at some level.  Is there anything other than just luck and the way things fell that made it that way?  Was there any sense that you felt like you were too cautious or tried to be more consistent?  Is there anything at all that you would have done different?
            CARL EDWARDS:  No (smiling).  It's just like the four thousandth time I've been asked that question.
            We sat down and we had a meeting.  We all sat there.  It was Jack, Robbie, I think you were there, Bob and me.  The first thing Jack asked was the same question.  I started to say -- Bob said, No, if we started the Chase again, we'd do the same thing, put our efforts in the same places, I wouldn't change a thing.  As we sat there and talked about it, there was Martinsville and Kansas in particular where we were truly running somewhere in the high 20s or low 30s, running laps down.  We were able to come back those days and finish, I don't know what it was, ninth in Martinsville and fifth at Kansas.
            That doesn't seem as exciting as a victory.  But those days I was more proud of our ability to gather up those points.  Those two days themselves were probably 40 points that we didn't really deserve.  So at the end of the championship, when you look at it, we tied a guy who won half of the races.  I venture to say if we would have been able to win half of those races, we would have just dominated that thing.
            So I guess that's the long version of me saying we did the very best we could and there weren't any races where I got out of the car and felt like, Oh, man, I could have got another spot.  I got out of the car at seven or eight of those races and thought, Thank you, Lord, for the spots you gave me and we were able to capitalize on it.  In the end it ended up a tie.
            Another simple way to put it is we didn't lose it.  We didn't go out and do anything wrong.  We went out, raced hard, did well, and they came in and beat us.
 
            Q.  Carl, I know that next Sunday is a long way away, there's races in between.  Does it give you a little bit of relief to know when the green flag falls next Sunday you're starting at the front, all the madness that could transpire like last night?
            CARL EDWARDS:  I don't know.  We're likely to wreck up there in the front, too.  Last night I was running second behind Greg.  Clint was third.  He got turned sideways coming out of the tri-oval.  I truly don't know there's a safe place on the racetrack with this style of racing.
            The thing that's really good for me is that Greg, the guy who has been my partner at these restrictor plate races, is right there with us.  Him and I can work together.  I know Greg has my best interests and Roush's best interests in mind, just as I do for him.  That kind of makes me feel better, that we'll be together at the start, we don't need to find each other to help each other later.
 
            Q.  Carl, most of the recent 500s have ended with green-white-checkereds.  Last night's racing would indicate the chances of that next week are really good.  Do you go into the race assuming that's going to happen and you try to strategize and plan early for that or do you hope it's not going to happen?
            CARL EDWARDS:  Yeah, I think you have to.  Chip and I last night, he was calculating fuel based on going through a green-white-checkered.  I think everybody knows that that's very likely to happen.  As a driver, you have to in your mind plan how aggressive you're going to be and get a plan for that, too.  So, yeah, we take that into consideration.
 
            Q.  Carl, there's this sentiment that plate qualifying doesn't matter as it pertains to where you finish on Sunday.
            CARL EDWARDS:  That's what I've always said.  But I've never qualified up front.
 
            Q.  Other than the marketing part of this, the exposure part of this for you, your sponsors and team, why does this matter to you?
            CARL EDWARDS:  That's a really good question.  It probably wouldn't have mattered to me the first time I came down here or the second time.  But now, after seeing how hard everybody works all winter, how much pride the guys take in how these cars qualify, it does mean something to me.  It's a sign of the strength of your team.  It's not that we just have one car up there.  To have two cars, to have that whole front row, I mean, that says a lot about Roush Fenway Racing, about Ford.  It's huge for our sponsors.  You said 'other than the marketing'.  There is no part of our sport that is other than the marketing.
            For Fastenal to be on the pole for the Daytona 500, their first Cup race, that's huge, too.
            But your question is specifically, What does it mean to me.  It's that understanding of how much goes into it and now that I've been in it for a little while I recognize this is huge for everybody at the shot.
 
            Q.  Jack, Trevor's sponsorship situation being what it is, do you think him getting a solid spot in the race helps you?
            JACK ROUSH:  Certainly it helps.  Trevor is the reigning Daytona 500 champion.  We have not managed to put together full sponsorship for the Cup program or the Nationwide program.  We do have ongoing conversations.
            I don't know that there will be any great improvement in our prospects based on this, but it would have certainly have been a downer if we failed to qualify or had a problem with our car on that lap.
 
            Q.  Fuel injection, what has it been like so far?
            JACK ROUSH:  Doug Yates and Ford Motor Company have set the curve.  We've had three or four tests.  I think there were four that we were invited to bring our fuel injection.  Our system worked better than everybody else's every time we went out.
            Today it's not a well-kept secret, but we had a qualifying calibration for the fuel injection.  I think that some of the speed we found in our car from the practice on Saturday to what we have had on Sunday here was the result of the work that Doug and the guys did in the shop, with Ford Motor Company's support.
            The fuel injection thing has been a boon for us based on our support and partnership with Ford, the insight and inspiration that Doug and the guys have had.
 
            Q.  Carl, the cars were extremely unstable last night.  It's the shorter spoiler, longer rear bumper and the nose, and the water temperatures were surprising.  You had to make a quick move.  All this instability, do you think they ought to do something to make the cars more stable in the rear?
            CARL EDWARDS:  I guess you're right.  I don't know.  In my mind if they just take the front splitter off and the rear spoiler off of the thing entirely, it would be better.  To me the less stable they could be the better because it would separate the cars a little bit and make it a race.  But that's not what people want to see.  They want to see that pack.
            What NASCAR has done, and I give them credit, they've done a really good job of making the cars just stable enough that everyone can stay together in a pack.  But they're not stable enough to really partner up well and push one another.
            Kyle and Tony were able to do it.  We're going to look close at that and figure out how we can be able to do that ourselves.  You got to look at the big picture.  We have a racecar that can hold such high speeds.  They're trying to slow the cars down enough to where you keep them under a certain speed, but that speed makes it easier for the car to drive, then they have to take downforce away to make it harder to drive, but not so hard that the drivers complain.  NASCAR is just trying really hard to keep this race so that it keeps everybody happy.
 
            Q.  Jack, water temperature, engine problems you foresee?
            JACK ROUSH:  We pretty much decided that with 250 degrees water is all we recommend, water temperature.  It's down substantially from what we had before NASCAR got involved with a number of things they required.  There's limitations in the system.
            Everybody that loses water in the engine has an indication that the water is leaving.  There may be some situations where there will be cars hit pit road for a drink of water, but I don't think it will be a major factor.  I think the bar has been lowered for what the tolerance is for temperature of the engine, and I think everybody understands what the impact of that is.
            It's going to be okay.
 
            Q.  Carl, the pole here has traditionally not meant a lot but I get the feeling you think these cars are really good in the pack and this is a car that is as good as any out there, where in years past you maybe would have won the pole and that didn't equate to running well in pack racing.
            CARL EDWARDS:  We've been able to do the things we've done at these restrictor plate races, which for me I don't have a win yet, but we've had some really good runs with cars that were not this fast on qualifying day.  So to me, I'll take a little extra speed anytime.
            There are times, no matter what anyone says, when you're running around in that pack, you can tell one car is just a tick faster than the other.  For me that's a good feeling to know I'm going to get in this Fastenal Fusion on Sunday and I've got as good a car as anyone, even if it's just a psychological placebo, really doesn't mean anything.  It's nice to have that feeling.
 
            Q.  Carl, can you talk about balancing the fact that you want to win your Duel on Thursday versus trying to protect your primary racecar.
            CARL EDWARDS:  We talked about that a little bit earlier.  I really haven't thought much about that.  I've never been in this position.  Bob and I will talk about it.  Like I said, I'm sure Jack will have some input.  We'll just decide what we're going to do.
            Even if we make a change halfway through the race and say, Hey, things look smooth, let's go for it, or, Things are looking insane, let's save the car, I don't know exactly what everybody will want to do.
            KERRY THARP:  Congratulations to Carl, Jack and Chip on winning the pole for the 2012 Daytona 500.
            We'll call up Greg Biffle who will be starting on the outside pole.  Greg drives the No. 16 3M Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, and he gets the outside pole for the 2012 Daytona 500.
            Greg, you were hearing Carl talk a little bit, but it's got to be a feather in your cap and give you a little spring in your step the next few days knowing you're going to be starting up front for the Daytona 500.
            GREG BIFFLE:  Yeah, it really is.  The first thing that comes to mind is what a team effort it's been getting these cars prepared, how hard everybody's worked.  We have fuel injection, we got all kinds of things that could play a factor in qualifying here.
            One thing is apparent, we have good, fast racecars.  We were the fastest in both practices, felt like we may have helped the 99 a little bit.  Pulled the team effort together to get the front row for today, so that's exciting for us to do that.
            I remember 2004, all-Ford front row with Jack and I on the front row, then Doug Yates with Elliott Sadler in the 38 car.  Kind of felt the same today.  It's great to start up front on Sunday.
            KERRY THARP:  Jack, I'll have you comment about Greg's performance and having the front row again.
            JACK ROUSH:  One of the things that's in play in our team, one of the dynamics, is the jousting between Matt and Greg, as to who has been with us longer, the seniority thing.
            Greg won the first championship in the Truck Series in the 1990s.
            GREG BIFFLE:  2000.
            JACK ROUSH:  Then two years later he won in the Nationwide Series.  Greg brought us our first championship.  It was my embarrassment that I wasn't able to support him and get him in the Chase last year.  But we certainly feel we're off to a great start.  Greg it committed, motivated, able.  I'm glad he's on the front row.  Would have been happier if he had the pole.
            KERRY THARP:  We'll go ahead and take questions.
 
            Q.  You're one of just four guys in the field last night that wasn't involved in an accident.  Three of them were veteran guys with lots of experience in both pack and tandem racing.  What is it going to take for you and everybody else to avoid the mishaps come next Sunday?
            GREG BIFFLE:  A lot of that, as well, is luck.  Hopefully my jar, won't call it my purse, over there that has my luck in it, hopefully I haven't used very much of it because I missed some big wrecks last night.  Every wreck I was right in the middle of it.  Thank goodness I didn't cause any of them.
            It's a matter of paying attention to your surroundings and a lot of it is what position you're in.  That wreck up there with the 24, the 18, I saw the 18 wrecking on the bottom.  I was being told, you know, Slow down, get down.  Then, No, stay up, c'mon.  Joel changed his mind three or four times, and so did I.
            I caught myself watching the 18 car.  I thought he was going to come back across the track.  I'm watching the 18, I've got the gas down, I'm on the brakes, I have the gas down.  Then Joel is telling me, Get to the bottom.  I look forward and I see the 24 car is in the air.  I dang near ran right into that wreck because I was watching the 18 come back up the racetrack at me.
            I went from full throttle back to skidding the tires again, then turning down the racetrack and getting by all that stuff.  It's just paying attention to what's going on and hopefully nobody's coming at you at that angle.
            It's going to be the same way for the 150s and the 500.
 
            Q.  How difficult is it that you don't have radio communication with other drivers?
            GREG BIFFLE:  It's actually not any more difficult because we weren't tandem racing.  I'm not typically going to be talking to another driver anyway.  I was behind that car, that car, that car, then that car.  I was never with another car, other than I pushed Kyle to the lead that one time.  So that was only half a lap.
            Really, it's kind of a non-issue since the cars are broke apart.  If we were tandem racing, I would say we should be talking to each other.  But it doesn't really work out now with the spoiler and all the stuff.
 
            Q.  Jack, one of the reasons that tag-team drafting is not going to be is people have been told you can't do that because of the overheating issues.  Does it concern you or how do you manage it that in the biggest race of the season with the laps winding down, the same way that some guy might not be able to make it on gas, but he's going to go for it at the end of the race, do you worry with the race on the line there's the danger of an engine blowing and causes mayhem at the end of the race?
            JACK ROUSH:  I'm watching it just like you.  You should be asking Greg that question.  The point that's there is there's a limit to how long the engine can keep its water.  There's a limit to how long it will go on fuel.  As you approach the checkered flag, in a perfect world you'd use all your fuel up, your engine and water up, you'd get the checkered flag in time. ]]> 15877@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T07:58:00-06:00 Posted by admin CARL EDWARDS SCORES DAYTONA 500 POLE - FORDS DOMINATE http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15876 Carl Edwards Daytona 500 Coors Light Pole


 


DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING RESULTS


 


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Carl Edwards had an inkling he might have a pole-winning car at Daytona International Speedway.


He was right.


With a lap at 194.738 mph (46.216 seconds) Edwards outran Greg Biffle (194.087 mph) for the top spot in Sunday's Daytona 500 qualifying session, as the Roush Fenway Racing teammates locked themselves into the front row for next Sunday's 54th running of the Great American Race.


Edwards, the fifth driver to make a qualifying attempt, won the 11th Coors Light pole award of his career and is the first qualifier for the 2013 Budweiser Shootout, now that NASCAR and the speedway have returned to the traditional eligibility criteria for the season-opening exhibition event.


"This is a very, very speedy Fastenal [Ford] Fusion, and I appreciate [crew chief] Bob Osborne and all the work he's done," Edwards said. "[Engine builder] Doug Yates -- the engines are so important in this.


"It's neat to come down here and to be so fast and to really have fun qualifying here. We've struggled so much in the past, and so many guys have put so much effort in this offseason."


The time trials also brought good news for defending race winner Trevor Bayne, who locked himself into NASCAR's most prestigious race with a ninth-place qualifying effort, fastest among drivers not already exempt into the field.


Bayne, who turned 21 Sunday, fought a strong gust of wind on his money lap, but he accomplished his primary objective?securing a spot in the race. Despite winning last year, Bayne wasn't exempt because the Wood Brothers, his team owners, ran a limited schedule and finished the 2011 season outside the top 35 in owner points.


Under the quirky format peculiar to Daytona 500 qualifying, only the fastest two cars in time trials know exactly where they'll start next Sunday -- on the front row. The rest of the drivers will start the 500 based on their finishes in Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying races.


Tony Raines and David Stremme also know they will race in the 500, having posted the second- and third-fastest speeds among drivers not otherwise exempt. Terry Labonte likewise is in the race as the most recent past series champion not otherwise qualified. Labonte could also race his way into the Daytona 500 during his Duel race, which could open the champion's provisional for Bill Elliott.


The final four spots in the 500 field will go to the top two finishers in each Duel not already assured of a starting spot.


Last year's pole winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., had the strongest Chevrolet in the field, but his third-place qualifying effort at 194.028 mph earned him nothing more than a front-row starting spot in Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying race.


"The guys did a great job on putting the car out there for qualifying," Earnhardt said. "We weren't really seeing that kind of speed in the car [Saturday]. We made a lot of changes, and I'm sure we got some help -- a good push of wind down the back straightaway as well.


"But the guys did a great job. The engine shop did a great job, too. All the guys worked really hard on the body. They took this thing apart several times this winter, trying to make it as good as they could, and we can't appreciate their help enough."


Danica Patrick, who has a guaranteed starting spot by virtue of an owner points deal between Stewart-Haas Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing, qualified 30th for her Sprint Cup debut. When she takes the green flag next Sunday, Patrick will become the third woman to start the Daytona 500, joining Janet Guthrie and Shawna Robinson.


Patrick's car was spewing water long before she completed her second lap at an average speed of 191.738 mph. Race strategist Greg Zipadelli expressed some concerns about the early overheating, but, by and large, Patrick was satisfied with her first Cup qualifying effort.


"It felt fine," she said. "It got a little hot on the water at the end, but other than that -- some water blowing out of the car -- but everybody did a good job. Everybody worked really, really hard on the cars.


"We were really fast in January [during testing], and I'm not sure we're as fast right now as I thought we were going to be, but that doesn't mean anything leading into Sunday, really. It's nice to be fast, but anything can happen on Sunday. Any given Sunday, as they call it, right?


"The important thing is that the pretty green GoDaddy car doesn't have any dents, and it doesn't get into the accidents in the Duels next week, and then we have a good car for Sunday."


Marcos Ambrose was fourth fastest in Sunday's session, followed by Casey Mears, as Fords claimed four of the top five spots, breaking a Hendrick Motorsports stranglehold on qualifying at restrictor-plate tracks. Hendrick cars won all four poles at plate tracks last year. - NASCAR MEDIA PR


 

]]> 15876@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T07:52:05-06:00 Posted by admin DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING RESULTS - EDWARDS WINS POLE http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15875 POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND
1 99 Carl Edwards Ford Fastenal 194.738 46.216 Leader
2 16 Greg Biffle Ford 3M 194.087 46.371 -0.155
3 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Diet Mountain Dew / National Guard  194.028 46.385 -0.169
4 9 Marcos Ambrose Ford Stanley 193.999 46.392 -0.176
5 13 Casey Mears Ford GEICO 193.844 46.429 -0.213
6 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Drive to End Hunger  193.803 46.439 -0.223
7 56 Martin Truex Jr. Toyota NAPA Auto Parts  193.665 46.472 -0.256
8 6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ford Ford EcoBoost  193.665 46.472 -0.256
9 21 Trevor Bayne Ford Motorcraft / Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center  193.615 46.484 -0.268
10 14 Tony Stewart Chevrolet Office Depot / Mobil 1  193.607 46.486 -0.270
11 55 Mark Martin Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine  193.503 46.511 -0.295
12 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's 193.449 46.524 -0.308
13 43 Aric Almirola Ford Smithfield "Helping Hungry Homes"  193.382 46.540 -0.324
14 27 Paul Menard Chevrolet Peak / Menards  193.374 46.542 -0.326
15 34 David Ragan Ford Scorpion Truck Bed Liners  193.249 46.572 -0.356
16 17 Matt Kenseth Ford Best Buy  193.245 46.573 -0.357
17 39 Ryan Newman Chevrolet U.S. Army / Quicken Loans  193.224 46.578 -0.362
18 22 A.J. Allmendinger Dodge Shell / Pennzoil  193.121 46.603 -0.387
19 2 Brad Keselowski Dodge Miller Lite  192.992 46.634 -0.418
20 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Budweiser 192.914 46.653 -0.437
21 20 Joey Logano Toyota The Home Depot  192.868 46.664 -0.448
22 15 Clint Bowyer Toyota 5-hour Energy  192.843 46.670 -0.454
23 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet Caterpillar 192.777 46.686 -0.470
24 42 Juan Montoya Chevrolet Target 192.600 46.729 -0.513
25 5 Kasey Kahne Chevrolet Farmers Insurance  192.583 46.733 -0.517
26 26 Tony Raines Ford Front Row Motorsports  192.534 46.745 -0.529
27 30 David Stremme Toyota Inception Motorsports  191.963 46.884 -0.668
28 18 Kyle Busch Toyota M&M's Brown  191.873 46.906 -0.690
29 1 Jamie McMurray Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats  191.840 46.914 -0.698
30 10 Danica Patrick  Chevrolet GoDaddy.com 191.738 46.939 -0.723
31 109 Kenny Wallace Toyota American Ethanol  191.567 46.981 -0.765
32 32 Terry Labonte Ford C&J Energy  191.522 46.992 -0.776
33 36 Dave Blaney Chevrolet Ollie's Bargain Outlet  191.506 46.996 -0.780
34 51 Kurt Busch Chevrolet HendrickCars.com 191.363 47.031 -0.815
35 33 Elliott Sadler Chevrolet General Mills / Kroger  191.270 47.054 -0.838
36 140 Michael Waltrip Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine  191.180 47.076 -0.860
37 87 Joe Nemechek Toyota AMFMEnergy.com / Pellet & Wood Stoves 191.160 47.081 -0.865
38 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota FedEx Express  191.127 47.089 -0.873
39 78 Regan Smith Chevrolet Furniture Row / CSX "Play it Safe"  191.062 47.105 -0.889
40 98 Michael McDowell Ford K-Love / Curb Records  190.990 47.123 -0.907
41 83 Landon Cassill Toyota Burger King  190.605 47.218 -1.002
42 38 David Gilliland Ford MHP Power Pak Pudding  190.046 47.357 -1.141
43 47 Bobby Labonte Toyota Kroger 190.022 47.363 -1.147
44 97 Bill Elliott Toyota AMFMEnergy.com / Pellet & Wood Stoves 189.950 47.381 -1.165
45 37 Mike Wallace Ford Poynt.com 189.853 47.405 -1.189
46 93 David Reutimann Toyota Burger King  189.235 47.560 -1.344
47 23 Robert Richardson Jr. Toyota North Texas Pipe  188.438 47.761 -1.545
48 7 Robby Gordon Dodge Mapei / Menards / Speed Energy  188.229 47.814 -1.598
49 249 J.J. Yeley Toyota America Israel Racing  187.954 47.884 -1.668 ]]> 15875@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-20T07:50:24-06:00 Posted by admin Captain Thunder's Legendary Top-5 - BUD Shootout http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15874 JAMIE MCMURRAY - WINNER

KEVIN HARVICK

TONY STEWART

JEFF GORDON

DENNY HAMLIN
 
SLEEPER PICK - JOEY LOGANO
 ]]> 15874@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-18T13:02:59-06:00 Posted by admin 56-Year Old Former Champ Bill Elliott Lands Daytona 500 Ride http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15873 NEMCO Motorsports announced that Bill Elliott, past Sprint Cup Champion and Daytona 500 winner, will pilot the #97 Toyota for the Daytona 500 to be held at the Daytona International Speedway.
This synergy will bring Front Row Joe, Joe Nemechek and Million Dollar Bill, Bill Elliott together as a powerful pair to kickoff the 2012 NASCAR season.
"I am really excited to be racing with NEMCO Motorsports and Joe Nemechek, who has been a friend and respected competitor through the years," said Bill Elliott. "This will be a great way to start off the 2012 NASCAR season in Daytona."
"This is a great and fun moment in racing for us at NEMCO Motorsports," said Joe Nemechek. "We believe the talent and skill of Bill will steer the 97 car to a great showing for us and I am excited to be racing right along with him, this time on the same team." - NEMCO Motorsports TEAM RELEASE]]> 15873@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-15T18:32:07-06:00 Posted by admin NASCAR Season Starts 'Shootout' Style In Daytona http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15872 Saturday night’s Shootout at Daytona without a doubt is the greatest preseason spectacle in sports. While preseason games in most major leagues are training or cut-down exercises, the 75-lap, 187.5-mile Shootout is serious business – with virtually every significant player on the field giving 100 percent from the drop of the green flag to the checkers.
 
No points are at stake; in its place, the glory of victory leading up to the Feb. 26 Daytona 500.
 
This year’s 34th Shootout field is comprised of drivers finishing among the top 25 in final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points standings as well as active past winners of the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 and Shootout at Daytona. Three-time champion Tony Stewart has won the Shootout three times, most by a 2012 participant. Other Shootout winners entered include Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch.
 
On Sunday, competitors climb into their Daytona 500 cars for Coors Light Pole qualifying and run qualifying laps to determine the front row positions for The Great American Race and positions in the Feb. 23 Gatorade Duel at Daytona – a pair of 60-lap, 150-mile races that will set the remainder of the 500 field.
 
NASCAR Media Day gets Speedweeks 2012 started on Thursday during which more than 50 of NASCAR’s stars from all three national series will lay out their 2012 plans before an expected turnout of 300 print, broadcast and online reporters.
 
Season Starts In Shootout Style
Before the points-paying season gets under way with the Daytona 500, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, fans will get to see many of their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series favorites in the 34th annual Shootout at Daytona.
 
The race distance will again be 75 laps (187.5 miles), consisting of two segments – 25 and 50 laps. Both green-flag laps and yellow-flag laps will count. Between segments there will be a 10-minute pit stop allowing teams to pit to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments.
 
Finishing last in the 2011 edition of this race, Kasey Kahne hopes to follow Denny Hamlin (2006) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2008) and get a Shootout win in his first race for a new team, Hendrick Motorsports. Defending race winner Kurt Busch will attempt to do the same thing as he moves to Phoenix Racing. Kevin Harvick will go for his third victory in four years in this race, extending Richard Childress' record for Shootout wins to eight.
 
FOX will televise the Shootout live beginning at 8 p.m. ET. MRN and NASCAR Sirius Radio also will provide coverage.  -  NASCAR]]> 15872@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-15T18:27:20-06:00 Posted by admin Bud Shootout - By The Numbers For Every Driver http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15871 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2012) – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing returns to the track Saturday night with the Shootout at Daytona. A total of 25 drivers are entered in the annual preseason, non-points race at Daytona International Speedway.
 
Following is a shootout-specific rundown of this year’s eligible drivers.
 
Eligible Drivers Performance
 
AJ Allmendinger                                                                                 
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2009     5          18         44         78                                 Running
 
Marcos Ambrose                                                                                 
None
 
Greg Biffle                                                                               
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2005     5          2          16         70         1          44         Running
2007     13         5          16         70                                 Running
2008     20         17         16         48                                Accident
2009     17         26         16         72                                 Accident
2010     15         5          16         74         2          5          Accident          
2011     5          11         16         75                                 Running           
 
Clint Bowyer                                                                           
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2008     14         21         07         70                                 Running
2011     9          7          33         75         2          4          Running
 
Jeff Burton                                                                              
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
1997     14         9          99         20                                 Running
2001     5          16         99         70                                 Running
2007     9          12         31         70                                 Running
2009     24         23         31         32                                 Accident
2010     12         7          31         76                                 Running
2011     8          15         31         75         9          32         Running
 
Kurt Busch                                                                              
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2002     14         1          97         70         1          3          Running
2003     11         3          97         70         1          11         Running
2005     6          6          97         70                                 Running
2007     3          19         2          70         2          6          Running
2008     18         1          2          70                                Running
2009     9          12         2          78                                 Running
2010     23         22         2          32                                 Accident
2011     1          17         22         75         3          3          Running
 
Kyle Busch                                                                              
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2006     15         14         5          72         2          4          Running
2007     7          6          5          70         3          39         Running
2009     10         10         18         78         2          6          Running
2010     4          17         18         76                                 Running
2011     16         21         18         41         2          2          Accident
 
Dale Earnhardt Jr.                                                                               
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2001     6          10         8          70                                 Running
2002     2          16         8          70         1          20         Running
2003     1          19         8          70         4          13         Running
2004     2          19         8          70                                 Running
2005     7          12         8          70                                 Running
2006     2          19         8          72         1          1          Running
2007     14         17         8          70                                 Running
2008     1          7          88         70         7          47         Running
2009     18         9          88         64         4          23         Accident
2010     11         11         88         76                                 Running
2011     19         1          88         27         3          4          Accident
 
Carl Edwards                                                                          
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2006     16         11         99         71                                 Running
2008     12         20         99         70         1          1          Running
2009     7          11         99         78         2          11         Running
2010     17         1          99         74         2          42         Accident
2011     21         3          99         33                                 Accident
 
Jeff Gordon                                                                             
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status             
1994     1          6          24         20         1          2          Running
1995     4          5          24         20                                 Running
1996     9          7          24         20                                 Running
1997     1          3          24         20                                 Running
1998     14         5          24         25                                 Engine
1999     15         8          24         25                                 Running
2000     2          6          24         25                                 Running
2001     11         6          24         70                                 Running
2002     3          22         24         70                                 Running
2003     2          18         24         70         2          31         Running
2004     5          2          24         70         2          16         Running
2005     3          11         24         70                                 Running
2006     19         10         24         23                                 Accident
2007     21         11         24         31                                 Electrical
2008     4          22         24         70         1          1          Running
2009     4          28         24         78         2          2          Running
2010     6          23         24         76                                 Running
2011     6          12         24         75         1          1          Running
 
Denny Hamlin                                                                         
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2006     1          15         11         72         3          16         Running
2007     17         21         11         70                                 Running
2008     9          12         11         70                                Running
2009     13         5          11         78         2          4          Running
2010     5          24         11         76                                 Running
2011     12         4          11         75                                 Running
 
Kevin Harvick                                                                          
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2003     9          16         29         70                                 Running
2004     3          5          29         70         2          10         Running
2006     20         18         29         15                                 Engine
2007     5          20         29         70         2          11         Running
2009     1          27         29         78         1          1          Running
2010     1          2          29         76         5          21         Running
2011     7          18         29         75                                 Running
 
Jimmie Johnson                                                                                 
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2003     7          2          48         70         1          4          Running
2004     9          17         48         70                                 Running
2005     1          17         48         70         1          16         Running
2006     5          2          48         72         3          12         Running
2007     4          8          48         70                                 Running
2008     3          18         48         70                                Running
2009     14         21         48         77         1          2          Accident
2010     13         16         48         76                                 Running
2011     4          23         48         75         2          7          Running
 
Kasey Kahne                                                                           
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2005     9          13         9          70                                 Running
2006     18         5          9          35                                 Accident
2007     15         15         9          70                                 Running
2008     10         8          9          70                                Running
2009     6          14         9          78         1          2          Running
2010     2          19         9          76                                 Running
2011     24         5          4          7                                  Engine
 
Matt Kenseth                                                                           
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2003     3          5          17         70         3          6          Running
2006     6          16         17         72                                 Running
2009     8          25         17         78         1          1          Running
2010     16         8          17         74                                 Accident
2011     13         19         17         74                                 Running
 
Brad Keselowski                                                                                 
None
 
Joey Logano                                                                           
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2009     28         19         20         3                                  Accident
2010     7          21         20         76                                 Running
2011     18         22         20         27                                 Accident
 
Jamie McMurray                                                                                  
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2004     17         3          42         69         2          8          Accident
2006     8          17         26         72         1          1          Running
2008     22         4          26         24                                Accident
2009     2          15         26         78         4          16         Running
2010     3          9          1          76         2          2          Running
2011     2          14         1          75                                 Running
 
Paul Menard
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2009     12         1          27         62         1          2          Running
 
Juan Pablo Montoya                                                                           
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2010     10         20         42         76                                 Running
2011     20         13         42         27                                 Accident
 
Ryan Newman                                                                         
                                                            Times   Laps    
Year     Fin       St         Car       Laps     Led      Led      Status
2002     15         8          12         70                                 Running
2003     4          15    &]]> 15871@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-15T18:16:39-06:00 Posted by admin Daytona 500 Champ To Drive Thru Streets Of Daytona http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15870 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – 2011 Daytona 500 Champion Trevor Bayne will kick off the stock car portion of Speedweeks 2012 on Friday, Feb. 17 by driving his No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford through the streets of eastern Volusia County to historic Daytona International Speedway where he will defend his victory in the “Great American Race.”
Escorted by the 2012 Toyota Camry Daytona 500 Pace Car, Bayne will begin his drive on A1A south of Dunlawton Avenue at 11:15 a.m. He will travel North along A1A before heading west on International Speedway Blvd. to NASCAR Way.  He will enter Daytona International Speedway at Gate 7 and cross the start/finish line brandishing a large green flag.
“We encourage the local community to come out and cheer on Trevor Bayne as he drives along A1A and International Speedway Boulevard toward ‘The World Center of Racing’ to defend his Daytona 500 victory,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We would like to extend our thanks to Volusia County officials starting with County Council Chair Frank Bruno, officials from the cities of Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach Shores and Daytona Beach, and all the local law enforcement agencies and other officials for their assistance with this unique event that showcases the rich racing tradition of our area.”
At the age of 20, Bayne became the youngest champion of the Daytona 500 in 2011. On Sunday, Feb. 26, he will attempt to become the first repeat champion of the Daytona 500 since Sterling Marlin back in 1994-95.
NASCAR-sanctioned automobile racing was held on the famous beach road course from 1948 through 1958.  Vehicles racing on the 4.1-mile beach road course would travel north on the hard packed sand beach, turning left through the banked sand North Turn and then travel south on the two-lane paved Atlantic Avenue until they reached the start/finish line at the banked sand South Turn, thus completing one lap.
Tickets for the 54th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26 as well as other Speedweeks 2012 events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP
If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway’s social media channels on Twitter (@DISUpdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). In addition, fans can also follow NASCAR (@NASCAR) and hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500. - dis pr]]> 15870@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-15T16:43:19-06:00 Posted by admin Daytona 500 Grand Marshal On Cover Of Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Issue http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15869 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – For Kate Upton fans around the world, Valentine’s Day came a little early late last night when the Daytona 500 Grand Marshal and Melbourne, Fla.-native was unveiled as the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
 Upton and her Three Stooges co-star, Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Lynch, will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Drivers, start your engines” prior to the start of the 54th annual “Great American Race” on Feb. 26, 2012 (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET).
“SI’s Swimsuit Issue is the most anticipated sports publication each year – to have one of our wonderful Grand Marshals on the cover is exhilarating,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III.  “Kate will have hearts racing around the world before she and Jane give the command to bring 43 stock cars roaring to life.  There is a lot to love about this year’s Daytona 500.”
 Jane Lynch is best known for her role as the sarcastic villain on FOX’s hit show Glee, for which she has earned an Emmy and Golden Globe.  Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso -- starring as Larry, Moe & Curly – in the all new The Three Stooges movie from Twentieth Century Fox, will start the action by delivering the green flag at the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race.
 Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and fans can also follow NASCAR (@NASCAR) and hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500.
 Visit www.threestooges.com and Facebook (www.facebook.com/thethreestooges) for all the latest Three Stooges movie news. - dis pr
]]> 15869@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-14T13:14:41-06:00 Posted by admin Michael Waltrip Will Race Daytona 500 For Hillman Racing http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15868 photo credit:  getty images
CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Hillman Racing announced Monday that two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 40 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota in the 2012 Daytona 500 on Feb. 26.
The race will mark Waltrip's 75th start at Daytona in one of NASCAR's top three touring series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Trucks) -- the most of any driver.
"Aaron's really does make your dreams come true," said Waltrip. "When I was a kid thinking about racing in Daytona I never dreamed I would start more NASCAR races there than anyone. That's amazing."
He said it takes many factors for success.
"I appreciate what the folks at Hillman Racing including Joe Falk are putting together. Hopefully my experience at Daytona will help them get out of the gate strong with their new team."
Daytona's 2012 Speedweeks promises to be busy for Waltrip. He'll race the No. 55 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota in the Feb. 18 Budweiser Shootout, oversee his three Sprint Cup teams at Michael Waltrip Racing and host several top executives from corporate America attending the races with the team. Waltrip also will continue his television work serving as a commentator for SPEED's Truck Series broadcasts and begin his new role as an analyst for the Fox NASCAR Sunday broadcasts joining his brother and Hall of Fame member Darrell Waltrip.
Aaron's chief operating officer Ken Butler said the chance to have Waltrip drive the No. 40 and Mark Martin drive MWR's No. 55 Aaron's Dream Machines in the Daytona 500 is too good of an opportunity to miss.
"We could not be more pleased to work out a deal to sponsor Michael for his 26th consecutive start in the Daytona 500," Butler said. "There isn't a better way to introduce our 2012 Dream Machine program than having both Mark Martin and Michael competing together in NASCAR's biggest race. I look forward to watching Michael and Mark bringing our Dream Machines to the checkers side by side in the first and second spots."
Hillman Racing is making its NASCAR debut this season, but the organization is anything but new to the sport. Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. played a key role in the founding of Germain Racing and was the architect of the group's two NASCAR championships in 2006 and 2010. Hillman acquired the championship-winning Truck Series assets following the conclusion of the 2011 season and is set to embark as the owner and general manager of Hillman Racing for the 2012 season.
"I can't think of a better way to start off the season than to have Michael Waltrip behind the wheel of our car at Daytona," said Hillman, who credits longtime friend and co-owner Falk for the inclusion of the Cup program under the Hillman Racing banner. "I've been in this sport a long time, but I've never been so excited to go to Daytona. To have two Daytona 500 champions at the start of the season -- with Ward Burton in the truck and Michael in the Cup car -- positions Hillman Racing for a strong debut and a chance to win both races."
Waltrip won last year's Daytona Truck race on a dramatic last-lap pass. The victory came on the 10th anniversary of his first Daytona 500 victory. - team release]]> 15868@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-14T10:23:45-06:00 Posted by admin Missing Ford Racing Trophy Won By A.J. Foyt Returned After 45-Years http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15867 DEARBORN, Mich. Feb. 9, 2012. – A trophy from one of Ford Motor Company’s greatest racing triumphs has just returned home in time to help celebrate the 45th anniversary of Ford Racing's 1967 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The victory that day was piloted by the All-American team of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt in a car prepared by Carroll Shelby and his Shelby-American race team.  The trophy was recently returned to Edsel B. Ford II, a Ford Motor Company board member.
“It is a very important milestone for Ford to have this great and historic trophy returned to the Company,” said Ford.  “The win in the No. 1 Ford Mark IV with Gurney and Foyt was memorable in so many ways and proved beyond doubt that our dominant victory at Le Mans in 1966 was not a one-time occurrence.”
The 1967 victory still remains the only time an American car, prepared by an American team with American drivers, has ever won the world’s greatest endurance sports car race.  The Ford team took the lead 90 minutes into the event and won going away, winning by four laps over the second-place Ferrari.
The trophy was preserved by an individual following the company’s pull-out from racing in 1970.  It was recently shipped to Dearborn with the wish that it be returned to Ford Racing.  The trophy is currently in the hands of expert curators at the Henry Ford Museum, who are conserving it for display later.
Henry Ford Museum is the owner of the famous red No. 1 Ford Mark IV that Gurney and Foyt drove that day in France.  The winning car is one of the prized pieces of the museum’s Racing in America collection.
“It’s great to have this trophy back 45 years after the historic win,” said Ford.  “It gives us hope that one of these days the greatest missing artifact in our company’s racing history – my great-grandfather’s punch bowl trophy from 1901 – may someday be found as well." - fr pr
 ]]> 15867@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-10T07:23:22-06:00 Posted by admin 'Little Big Town' To Headline Bud Shootout At Daytona http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15866 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Country vocal quartet Little Big Town will perform a pre- and post-race concerts as well as the National Anthem for the 34th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway.
Little Big Town will perform three songs prior to the non-points event on the pre-race stage located on pit road as well as the National Anthem, which will be carried live on FOX Sports. After the checkered flag waves on the 75-lap race, the group will perform a 60-minute post-race concert from the Sprint FANZONE Main Entertainment Stage.
Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access holders will be able to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval grass while all ticket holders will have access to the post-race concert, which will start in the Sprint FANZONE approximately 30 minutes after the end of the race.
“Country superstars Little Big Town will take the party into overdrive at the 34th annual Budweiser Shootout At Daytona,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “Our fans can expect some hard racing, loud music and an unforgettable night as the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kick off the 2012 racing season at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ ”
In addition to their Budweiser Shootout pre- and post-race concerts and National Anthem, a special $84 ticket package designed around the Little Big Town has been created that includes a Budweiser Shootout ticket, Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and VIP area access to the Little Big Town pre-race performance.
Formed in 1998, Little Big Town is comprised of Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and husband and wife duo, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook. The group has sold over 1.5 million records, placed 12 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, earned four Grammy Nominations and was honored with an Academy of Country Music award for Top New Vocal Duet/Group.
Their 2005 Grammy-nominated album, The Road to Here, was certified platinum and boasts hits such as “Boondocks” and “Bring It On Home.” Recent hits from their 2010 album The Reason Why include “Kiss Goodbye,” “The Reason Why” and the album’s fastest-rising single, “Little White Church.”
The Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR’s season-opening non-points event, is the climax to a racing doubleheader.  The Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is set for 4:30 p.m. followed by the Budweiser Shootout at 8:10 p.m., which will feature the top 25 competitors in the 2011 driver points as well as previous winners at Daytona including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola and the Budweiser Shootout.
Tickets for all Speedweeks 2012 events, including the Budweiser Shootout, are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/disupdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway). - DIS PR
 ]]> 15866@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-09T11:12:23-06:00 Posted by admin Robby Gordon Scores Off-Road Win In 'Parker 425' http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15865 Photo Credit: Dusty Wooddell
Robby Gordon was the overall winner of the 2012 Parker 425. His rail, No. 1537, is seen in mid-air in the Parker Python, a collection of jumps and curves surrounded by the main pit area. The thrills of off-road racing returned to Parker Feb. 4 for the 39th annual running of the BlueWater Resort & Casino/Best in the Desert Parker 425 race for trucks, cars and rails. A total of 260 vehicles entered, and 246 of them left the starting line in the early morning hours in downtown Parker. Of those, 125 finished the race.
the number of entrants was higher than 2011's total of 212.
Parker Mayor Dan Beaver reported to the town council at their Feb. 7 meeting the crowds were the largest Best in the Desert Racing Association had seen for the years they've been running the race.
The race was run over a course laid out in the desert around Parker. Most of the vehicle classes ran three laps, while others ran two laps.
At the awards ceremony Sunday, BITD President Casey Folks said there had been one major incident. A Jeep caught fire, and one of the drivers, juvenile female, had to be airlifted to a Phoenix hospital. Folks told the audience that, as of Sunday morning, she was in fair and in stable condition.
Robby Gordon of Charlotte, N.C., and Steve Kendall of Santa Ana, Calif., placed first overall in the three-lap classes. They brought in rail No. 1537, a Geiser, at a time of 7:18:50.9. They also placed first in the 1500 class.
Placing second overall in the three-lap classes were Troy Herbst of Huntington Beach, Calif.; Ryan Arciero of Foothill Ranch, Calif.; and Wade Weaver and Gary Williams of Irvine, Calif. They brought Class 1400 Trick Truck No. 49, a Smith Built Ford, in a time of 7:23:01.7
Coming in third in the three-lap classes were Mark Weyhrich of Troutdale, Calif. and Ryan Williams of El Cajon, Calif. They drove Trick Truck No. 9, a Ford. Their time on the course was 7:26:12.8.
The top Parker-area racers in the three-lap classes were Richard and Jim Madison in rail No. 1104. They placed 49th overall and were tops in the 1100 class. They brought their Lothinger in at a time of 9:29:17.3.
The top racers from Lake Havasu City in the three-lap classes were Keith Waibel, Jeff Jetter and Tim Krauss in truck 3027. They were 80th overall and won the 3000 class. They drove a custom-built vehicle and spent 10:50:46.9 on the course.
In the two-lap classes, Paulo and Nils Castillo of Westlake Village, Calif.; Kevin Rash of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif,; and Juliana Howe of Playa Del Rey, Calif., placed first overall and won the 1800 Sportsman class. They drove a Chevrolet, No. 1860, and had a time of 6:40:23.
Taking second place among the two-lap classes were Todd Jackson and Mike Barnett of Orange, Calif. and Michael Slater of Eastgale, Calif. They drove a 1700 class Jeep, No. 1712, to a time of 6:52:10.3. They were also the Jeep Speed champions.
The third-place spot in the two-lap classes went to Tom and Ben Thorvick of Poway, Calif., and Clint Malburg of Las Vegas, Nev. Their Jeep, No. 1716, placed second in the 1700 class with a time of 7:05:45.6.
The top team from Lake Havasu City placed fourth overall and third in the 1800 Sportsman class. Bill Masche, Kevin Davis and Stephen Palmieri brought No. 1810, a Ford, in with a time of 7:12:55.8.
Ronald Welch Jr. and Joe Gillespie were the top Parker-area drivers in the two-lap classes. They placed 13th overall and first in the 5100 Baja bug class. They brought No. 5105, a Volkswagen, in at 9:58:22.9
At the awards ceremony Sunday morning, Folks saluted the drivers, crews, support staff and their families. He also thanked the 300 volunteers who were out on the course and kept things running smoothly.
“They were out there until 1 a.m., making sure everyone got in safe,” he said.
Folks thanked BITD’s sponsors for their support, and he thanked the BlueWater for hosting the event. He thanked the Town of Parker, La Paz County, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes for their efforts at making this a successful event.
As for the accident, Folks said the juvenile female was part of a mother-daughter team who had been racing in a Jeep when the vehicle caught fire. Emergency crews were on the scene within five minutes, and a helicopter had landed and was taking the girl to a hospital within 15 minutes.
Folks thanked the emergency crews for their prompt action.
Folks also spoke about what he called his “pet bug-a-boo”: large amounts of trash and litter left behind near the finish line. He said he was embarrassed by this, and this was not the sort of thing off-road racing needed. He added he knew most of the persons in the audience were not those who would leave behind trash.
“I’m probably preaching to the choir here,” he said.
“I know we live in the greatest land on earth,” Folks continued. ‘I don’t understand where young people learn not to respect other people’s property.”
Folks said everyone needed to be responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
“We all have to think about what we’re doing,” he said.
The next BITD event will be the GPR Laughlin USHS for motorcycles, which will be held March 3 in Laughlin, Nev.
Full race results can be found at www.bitd.com. - By JOHN GUTEKUNST - Parker Pioneer - www.parkerpioneer.net
]]> 15865@http://captainthunderracing.com NASCAR NEWS 2012-02-09T08:06:30-06:00 Posted by admin JD Motorsports Announces Second Nationwide Team http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15864 PHOTO CREDIT:  GETTY IMAGES
GAFFNEY, S.C. (February 8, 2012) – To better strengthen its overall program, JD Motorsports will field a second car for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.
Johnny Davis, owner of JD Motorsports, will race a No. 4 Chevrolet to double their efforts on the track this season.
Mike Wallace will continue to drive the No. 01 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports on a full-time basis with Newt Moore as the crew chief. The second car will have several drivers in the seat including Danny Efland and Darryl Harr; with the possibility of Mike’s daughter, Chrissy Wallace, driving if marketing partners can be found.
Efland will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports in the upcoming NNS race at Daytona International Speedway. Both cars are locked into the first five races via their Owner’s Points from the 2011 season.
“We needed to do this because a two-car operation is better than one,” Davis said. “Any time you can get twice as much information from two drivers and teams, the better understanding you have of what’s going on out there on the track.
“Pairing this new venture with a veteran like Mike (Wallace) adds an even bigger dynamic and improves the feedback we’ll be getting this year. All information is good and we’re looking forward to this being a big part of our success this year.
“This is just another step to making JD Motorsports a stronger team, and more improved all around. We’re feeling pretty good about our outlook this year. We just need to get the marketing partnerships to make it even better.” - jdm pr
 ]]> 15864@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-09T07:55:06-06:00 Posted by admin Three Stooges Named Grand Marshals For Daytona 500 http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15863 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As Grand Marshals, co-stars from  the new Three Stooges movie  Jane Lynch and Kate Upton will deliver the four most famous words in motorsports – “Drivers, start your engines.”
Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso -- starring as Larry, Moe & Curly – in the all new The Three Stooges movie from Twentieth Century Fox, will start the action by delivering the green flag at the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, on Sunday, February 26th (FOX, 1 p.m. ET).
“We look forward to Jane and Kate’s participation in the pre-race ceremonies, adding to the star power of NASCAR’s biggest and richest race of the year,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Also, the thousands of race fans in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX Sports are eagerly waiting to experience ‘Stoogemania,’ when The Three Stooges deliver the green flag”
In The Three Stooges, which hits theaters everywhere April 13, 2012, newborns Larry, Moe and Curly are left on the doorstep of an orphanage run by nuns.  The boys grow up finger-poking, nyuk-nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way to uncharted levels of knuckleheaded misadventure.  Out to save their childhood home, only The Three Stooges could become embroiled in an oddball murder plot…while stumbling into starring in a phenomenally successful TV reality show.
Earl Benjamin, President and CEO of C3 Entertainment, Inc. (The Three Stooges brand owner) and Executive Producer of the new movie, said “The Three Stooges as a part of the Daytona 500 gives both comedy and racing fans a truly unique blend of two of America’s most enduring cultural icons – The greatest comedy team of all time and the aptly named The Great American Race. What could be better?”
Jane Lynch is best known for her role as the sarcastic villain on FOX’s hit show Glee, for which she has earned an Emmy and Golden Globe. Kate Upton, who was raised in Melbourne, Fla., is known for her appearance in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she was named Rookie of the Year.
Sean Hayes (Larry) garnered acclaim as the sarcastic and hilarious Jack McFarland on NBC’s long-running sitcom, Will & Grace.  Will Sasso (Curly) starred for five seasons (1997-2002) on FOX-TV’s hit sketch comedy series MADtv, Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe) recently portrayed Frank Sinatra in the Emmy-nominated mini-series The Kennedys.
Tickets for Speedweeks 2012 events, including the 54th annual Daytona 500, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET. - dis pr
 ]]> 15863@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-08T15:24:50-06:00 Posted by admin DAVID GILLILAND SCORES VETERAN CREW CHIEF PAT TRYSON http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15862 Statesville, N.C. (February 8, 2012) - NASCAR veteran Pat Tryson will join Front Row Motorsports as the crew chief for David Gilliland's No. 38 Ford.  The move is the latest of numerous off-season improvements for the Sprint Cup Series team and allows interim crew chief Derrick Finley to return full-time to his role of Director of Competition.
 
Tryson comes to Front Row Motorsports with more than 15 years of experience atop the pit box and race-winning credentials, earning victories with drivers Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and Mark Martin.  He most recently worked for Michael Waltrip Racing, where he served in crew-chief and consultant roles.   
 
"We made some pretty big changes this off-season to really take this team to the next level, and adding Pat is just one more critical piece that we've put in place for our 2012 season," said team general manager Jerry Freeze.  "With Jay Guy on the No. 34 car and Derrick returning full-time to the competition director role, the depth and experience of our leadership team is better than it's ever been before."
 
Tryson has worked with some of the sport's best organizations and drivers over the years.  This season will be his first time working with Gilliland, but he is ready to step in and help the team.
 
"I like what this team has done in the last few years, doing the right things and making the right changes to get better every season," said Tryson.  "Gilliland's a competitive driver - he's got the fire in his belly - and I'm really looking forward to working with him."
 
Gilliland, who scored a season-best third in last year's Daytona 500, is ready to hit the track next week in Daytona Beach with Tryson running the No. 38 program.
 
"He's a great 'get' for this team," said Gilliland.  "There's just so much that he brings to the table with all his experience.  I can't wait to get started." - BREAKING LIMITS PR
 ]]> 15862@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-08T15:15:47-06:00 Posted by admin Lenny Kravitz To Headline Daytona 500 http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15860 Sources have told Captain Thunder Racing.com that rock & roll superstar Lenny Kravitz will headline the opening of the 2012 Daytona 500.
Kravitz, a South Florida regular, will play a live show before the start of the 54th Annual Daytona 500.
The 47-year old singer/songwriter is best known for his wide range of genres and melodic vocals. Kravitz has performed soul, R&B, funk, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, folk and ballads.
Kravitz also holds the record for most consecutive Grammy wins in a row by a male artist. From 1999-2002 Kravitz won the Grammy Award for ""Best Male Rock Vocal Performance". The four year winning streak broke the record for most wins in the category, and most consecutive wins in one category for a male.
But, let's hope Kravitz has some gas left in the tank for NASCAR Nation come February 26th - he's playing the Fillmore At The Jackie Gleason Theater in South Beach the night before. - Captain Thunder - www.CaptainThunderRacing.com
]]> 15860@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-02T12:11:35-06:00 Posted by admin Daytona Summer Race Moving To Homestead-Miami In 2013 http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15859 NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway are working on a project to bring NASCAR's most historic facility in to the 21st century.
Sources confirmed to Captain Thunder Racing.com, that officials from the speedway and NASCAR have been working on a major project to overhaul the entire frontstretch grandstands. Tens of thousands of seats will be torn down to make room for a 'stadium' like facility with better seating and more amenities. 
 
The engineering study, said to cost upwards of $5 million dollars, includes the total tear down of the historic frontstretch,and the construction of a major state of the art stadium facility.
 
In the works are corkscrew stadium style ramps at each end (instead of stairs), more comfortable seats, new bathrooms, upscale concessions, suites, and numerous escalators to carry fans to up to higher rows.
 
A top notch restaurant with magnificent views of Daytona Beach is also planned for the upper level, and it will be open to visitors throughout the year.
 
Sources said NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway officials are looking to build NASCAR's version of Dallas Cowboys Stadium, complete with upscale suites and state of the art technology designed to deliver racefans a mind blowing experience.
 
Sources also confirmed that the planned date for ground breaking would be sometime after the running of the 2013 Daytona 500, and 2013 Daytona Beach Bike Week events.
 
Due to the magnitude of the project, the racetrack would not be available to host the 2013 July race at Daytona, the Coke Zero 400. Therefore, sources said NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway will move the summer race to Daytona's sister track, Homestead-Miami Speedway. The race would return to Daytona in 2014.
 
For a very long time, NASCAR has wanted to be considered as 'one of the boys' when speaking of the major players in American sports such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, and the NHL. A project like this will go a long way in helping the sport become a legitimate top tier American sport. Especially if the new Daytona is 'anything' like Dallas Cowboys stadium.
 
Perhaps, just perhaps, a  state of the art facility like the one NASCAR and Daytona are proposing, will bring the sport in to the 21st century. Perhaps it will attract new fans, and perhaps it will keep elderly fans coming to the races - especially now that they won't have to walk up 55 flights of stairs after every trip to the bathroom.
 
Nobody can say NASCAR isn't trying. Recent changes to the points system, fuel injection, the Bud Shootout, etc. all prove that NASCAR is listening to the fans, and they are acting on the fans wishes.
 
Now, if we could just do something about that dang two-car draft.  - Captain Thunder - www.CaptainThunderRacing.com
          ]]> 15859@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-02-01T16:03:59-06:00 Posted by admin FIRE Erupts In Joe Gibbs Racing Shop Again! http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15858 photo credit: @copacavanna
Joe Gibbs Racing has had their engine issues, both on and off the racetrack.
Last season, not only did the Toyota team lose multiple engines on the racetrack, they also had a fire erupt in the JGR engine shop.
Fast forward to today - another fire. Luckily, no one was injured in the blaze. Reports are that a few employees inhaled some smoke, but no one has been transported to the hospital as of yet.
Late last season, JGR agreed to let Toyota Racing Development's engine team work with them to improve performance as well as engine life. They may want to just switch to TRD engines full time and forget about building their own stuff before someone gets seriously hurt.
Head engine builder Mark Cronquist has quickly become a legendary builder thanks to his speed, precision, and many awards. But, engines have been an issue at JGR for more than a year now, and it's time for a change. - Captain Thunder - www.CaptainThunderRacing.com
 ]]> 15858@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-01-31T14:54:51-06:00 Posted by admin Danica's Boss Buys Her Way In To Daytona 500 http://captainthunderracing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15857 photo credit:  AP
Danica Patrick will race the Daytona 500.
Her boss Tony Stewart, has purchased the owners points from the #36 Tommy Baldwin Racing car driven by Dave Blaney. This move guarantees Patrick's Sprint Cup debut will happen in the Great American Race on February 26th.
Patrick would have had to race her way in to the race if not for the purchase of TBR's owners points. The Daytona 500 locks in only two qualifiers based on qualifying speed. The remaining starting positions are filled by teams locked in to the Top-35, and the strongest finishers in the Daytona Duels 150's. Patrick would have had to race her way in to the Daytona 500 thru the Duel's, but not anymore.
Blaney, always a strong restrictor plate driver, will now have to race his way in to the Daytona 500. - Captain Thunder - www.CaptainThunderRacing.com
 
 ]]> 15857@http://captainthunderracing.com YardBarker 2012-01-31T08:54:20-06:00 Posted by admin