Get a sneak peek of the 2013 Chevrolet SS production car

   Check out these pictures of the 2013 Chevrolet SS production model car which will be officially debuted on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway prior to The Sprint Unlimited.

Jack Roush sees benefit to Stenhouse/Patrick relationship

   On Thursday, Roush Fenway Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. said his team owner, Jack Roush, was supportive of his relationship with fellow Sprint Cup driver Danica Patrick.

    Thursday night, Roush appeared on Sirius XM Satellite Radio's show "Dialed In" with host Claire B. Lang and offered his take on the relationship which has dominated NASCAR headlines.

    "I wouldn't give (Ricky) and guidance. I think the relationship between Danica and Ricky is going to be good for both of them," Roush said. "They both have energy and they'll add to one another's brands and the excitement fans have for them. They will look to see if they are helpful and cooperate with one another or will they be competitive and fight with one another.

    "I think there will be a component of interest that will be there that would otherwise not be there that will be to both their benefit."

NASCAR, Swan Racing to pay tribute to Newtown, CT, community

   Using the biggest race of the year as a backdrop, NASCAR, Swan Racing and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip announced on Thursday a special tribute to raise awareness and contributions for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

    Following a private meeting with town officials, community leaders, first responders and victims’ families last week in Newtown, Conn., NASCAR, Swan Racing and Waltrip announced that the No. 30 Lean1 Swan Racing Toyota will instead garner the No. 26 Sandy Hook School Support Fund Toyota. Waltrip’s ride for the Daytona 500 will honor the 26 victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School and prominently feature a call-to-action decal encouraging the NASCAR community to make $10 donations by texting NEWTOWN to 80888.

   The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, established jointly by United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank, supports the healing process for the broader Newtown community including children, teachers, first responders, families, residents, mental health professionals, counselors and others, following the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. One hundred percent of the funds raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund go to meet the needs of the Newtown community.

   “Americans everywhere are heartbroken about the tragedy in Newtown and Swan Racing is proud to join NASCAR and the United Way of Western Connecticut to help the community move forward,” said Swan Racing owner Brandon Davis.

    In addition to piloting the No. 26 Newtown car in the Great American Race, Waltrip confirmed today that all three Michael Waltrip Racing entries will run the “text NEWTOWN to 80888” decal for the Daytona 500.

    NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France also announced he and his wife Amy would personally kick off the NASCAR industry support with a $50,000 donation that will be matched by The NASCAR Foundation.

   “Being in Newtown last week and delivering a moment of happiness to that community was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” said France. “Looking out at a room of smiling faces amidst the aftermath of a horrible tragedy was very powerful."

    The NASCAR community can contribute to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund by texting NEWTOWN to 80888. Donations can also be made online at newtown.uwwesternct.org or by mail to:

    Sandy Hook School Support Fund
    c/o Newtown Savings Bank
    39 Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470

NASCAR unveils "Air Titan" track-drying technology

  
   Less than eight months ago, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France tasked the team at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., with developing a means to shorten the delay caused by rain.

   The reasons for the initiative were many, but at the top of the list: Fans, whether in the grandstands or watching on television, should not have to wait long before racing resumes following a downpour.

   NASCAR announced on Tuesday Phase 1 of France's vision, introducing the Air Titan track drying system that will debut during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. This innovative technology, steeped in science and created by the NASCAR R&D Center, will reduce track drying time, improve the racing product and enhance the fan experience.

Any NASCAR fans want to be part of a new TV show?

   Travel Channel will be filming at this year’s Daytona 500 and is seeking NASCAR superfans for a new series.

    They are looking for:
    • A NASCAR-obsessed family in need of a tailgate upgrade – Do you love Daytona but wish you had a better tailgate setup?
    • The best food – Do you have the ultimate signature dish, award-winning food creations, or one-of-a-kind recipes?
    • The most unbelievable tailgate setup – Do you have a tricked out RV, unique tailgating inventions, or the perfect tailgating spot?
    • The best Daytona 500 events – Do you host the best Infield parties, potlucks, contests, or games?
    • The most unique Daytona 500 fan traditions – Do you have any peculiar or outrageous customs or superstitions?

    If you or your family fit any of the above descriptions and will be at this year’s Daytona 500, then Travel Channel wants to hear from you!

    Contact them by emailing U​ltimateNas​carFanCast​ing@gmail.​ with subject line “Daytona 500,” and include photos of you and your family showing off your NASCAR/Daytona 500 pride.

NASCAR tightens up rules on race car communications

In a technical bulletin issued on Jan. 30, NASCAR officials made some more changes to what is and is not allowed in regards to in-car communications.

The changes include:

• In-car communications will be permitted only between team members of the same car number. Translation: A spotter for, say Kevin Harvick, cannot communicate with his Richard Childress Racing teammate Jeff Burton.

• Direct vehicle-to-vehicle communications will not be permitted. Translation: Drivers cannot communicate with each other directly, even if they are teammates.

Last January, NASCAR altered its radio policy to prohibit drivers from communicating with other drivers during the race. The communication was used primarily at Daytona and Talladega when two-car drafting tandems became commonplace.

Wood Brothers' winning car on display at Speedweeks

During Budweiser Speedweeks at Daytona, race fans will be able to take a special glimpse into the storied history of Wood Brothers Racing as a replica of the 1963 Daytona 500-winning car -- the No. 21 Ford Galaxie driven by Tiny Lund -- will be on display in the Sprint FanZone.

The replica car was constructed by Leonard Wood, who was recently inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The car, which was part of Wood's induction ceremony, will be on display for the next year at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.

Before the 1963 Daytona 500, Lund didn't even have a ride for "The Great American Race." Ten days before the Daytona 500, Marvin Panch suffered severe burns when he crashed a sports car during testing for the 250-mile American Challenge Cup race. Among the first to arrive on the scene was Tiny Lund, who helped Panch escape from the burning car. For his efforts, Lund, along with several others, received the Carnegie Medal of Heroism.

Following the crash, Panch was unable to race in the Daytona 500 so Glen and his brother Leonard selected Lund to be his replacement. Lund went on to capture the Daytona 500, which was the first win for Ford in "The Great American Race."