Friday, June 29, 2012

Nationwide winner fails post-race tech

   Austin Dillon's tenure atop the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings is likely to be short lived.

   Dillon's car failed post-race inspection Friday night following his victory in the Feed the Children 300 at Kentucky Speedway - his first series win. His No. 3 Chevrolet was found to be too low in the rear.

   With the win, Dillon took over the series points lead and holds a two-point lead over Richard Childress Racing teammate Elliott Sadler.

   However, similiar penalties this season have resulted in a $10,000 fine to the crew chief and a loss of six driver points. If the same occurs here, Sadler will retake the series lead once penalties are announced by NASCAR next week.

Daytona prepares for major facelift

   Daytona International Speedway has filed a Planned Master Development application with the City of Daytona Beach, Fla. - the first step in the beginning of new redevelopment projects at the track.

   International Speedway Corp., which owns the track, needed to file the application in order for the property to be rezoned to provide the most flexibility in the track's development.

   Speedway president Joie Chitwood III said the projects could include a complete overhaul of the entire frontstretch grandstand and new suites, entry points, new fan amenities and a redesigned midway area.

   Our filing with the City of Daytona Beach is only the first step in a long process and there are still many unanswered questions that could impact or even derail this initiative,” Chitwood said. “Multiple internal and external factors will influence the economics and project feasibility, and construction design and costs must still be determined.”

   The track recently underwent a repaving of its surface.