Shall we call this the "Danica Patrick Rule?"

   NASCAR has issued the following bulletin to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book, which makes an update to the section dealing with overall car weight.

    In Section 20-2.2, the rule book has added the following new or altered sections which became effective April 3:

    * The driver's weight will be measured by NASCAR Officials at one (1) or more date(s) and time(s) determined by NASCAR in its discretion. This weight may be added to the left side of the car.

    *The following is a schedule of overall car weight in relationship to the starting driver weight:

    DRIVER WEIGHT // OVERALL CAR WEIGHT
    180 lbs. - Above // 3,300 lbs.
    170 lbs. - 179 lbs. // 3,310 lbs.
    160 lbs. - 169 lbs. // 3,320 lbs.
    150 lbs. - 159 lbs. // 3,330 lbs.
    140 lbs. - 149 lbs. // 3,340 lbs.
    139 lbs. and under // 3,350 lbs.

    Previously, the rule book only addressed driver weight down to 140 pounds. The bulletin adds a new "139 lbs. and under" category. In effect, drivers under 140 pounds must now add an additional 10 pounds of weight to their car.

    In February, questions were raised if Danica Patrick could enjoy a weight advantage in her Cup car due to her low weight.

    To read what NASCAR officials said about it at the time, go here.

Dale Earnhardt Day set for April 29

    

   Dale Earnhardt Inc. and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation are proud to announce the 2013 Dale Earnhardt Day on Monday, April 29, at the DEI Corporate Headquarters on Hwy. 3, Mooresville, NC. The event will run 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

   The annual event in celebration of “The Intimidator’s" birthday is free and open to the public.

   The DEI Showroom will be opening its newest exhibit on Dale Day: “Being Dale Earnhardt”, which highlights the many facets of the life of the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion. The new displays will allow fans to step inside the world of Dale Earnhardt.

   The Grand Showroom will also be open to the public, for the newest Dale Earnhardt Inc. vehicle display. The Grand Showroom is occasionally opened to the public, and this special event will give fans a rare opportunity to see these special vehicles up close.

   Cupcakes will be served in the afternoon – an annual tradition on Dale’s birthday celebration.

   For more information, check www.daleearnhardtinc.com.

Statement from Michael Waltrip Racing regarding NASCAR penalty

   STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING:

   “Michael Waltrip Racing is sensitive to working within the guidelines of NASCAR policy. This infraction clearly occurred as a result of a malfunction caused by race conditions. Therefore, we will not appeal. We thank NASCAR for providing a fair and equitable platform for all of its competitors and respect its decisions.”

NASCAR announces penalties on Nos. 2, 22 and 56 Sprint Cup teams

Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Teams Penalized Following Race At Texas Motor Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2013) – Penalties have been handed down to three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams following last Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.

   The No. 2 and No. 22 cars have been penalized. Both cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20-12 (all suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted, in a completed form/assembly, to the office of the NASCAR Competition Administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.)

As a result of this violation and as it pertains to the No. 2 car the following penalties have been assessed:

·          Crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

·       Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars) have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

·         The loss of 25 championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and 25 championship owner (Roger Penske) points.

As it pertains to the No. 22 car the following penalties have been assessed:

    · Crew chief Todd Gordon has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

   · Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

   · The loss of 25 championship driver (Joey Logano) and 25 championship owner (Walt Czarnecki) points.

   The No. 56 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book.

   As a result of this violation, crew chief Chad Johnston has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 5. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Martin Truex Jr.) and six championship owner (Michael Waltrip) points.

NASCAR fines Ron Hornaday $25,000, docks him 25 points

 

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Ron Hornaday Jr. Penalized Following On-Track Incident at Rockingham Speedway

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2013) – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. has been penalized by NASCAR following his involvement in an on-track incident last Sunday at Rockingham Speedway.

Hornaday Jr., driver of the No. 9 truck, was found to have violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing. Altercation with another competitor on the race track during a caution period) of the 2013 rule book.

As a result of this violation, Hornaday Jr. has been fined $25,000, docked 25 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until June 12.

Congressman Pittenger also honors NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski

 

  Picture of Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins, NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski, and Congressman Pittenger at White House ceremony

  WASHINGTON –Today, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) honored Mooresville resident Brad Keselowski and his Penske Racing team for winning the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. Congressman Pittenger hosted a reception at the U.S. Capitol and later joined Keselowski for a ceremony at the White House.

   “NASCAR is a source of entertainment for millions of Americans, but also a source of jobs to thousands of residents in Mooresville and the greater Charlotte region,”said Congressman Pittenger. “We’re proud that the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion calls Mooresville home, and I congratulate Brad Keselowski not just for his championship, but for his commitment to serving the community.”

   In addition to chatting with Brad Keselowski and his race team, Congressman Pittenger used part of the reception to explain the economic impact of motorsports to other members of Congress.

Did Ron Hornaday get away with one at The Rock?

   After a caution had been displayed late in Sunday's NASCAR Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway, Ron Hornaday intentionally wrecked driver Darrell Wallace Jr., sending him hard into the wall.

   Hornaday's only punishment at the time was to be put at the tail end of the longest line at the next restart. At least one driver in the past in a similar situation - Kyle Busch - was parked and missed two races for the move.

   NASCAR has said it will review the incident but would anything that came out this week make up for not addressing the issue correctly when it happened?