Former NASCAR driver Robby Gordon ready for his 10th Dakar Rally

 

   Former NASCAR driver Robby Gordon will begin his 10th Dakar Rally in Rosario, Argentina on Sunday as one of 149 international competitors. He will again attempt to become the first American to win the most extreme and demanding motorsports event in the world.  

   Widely regarded as one of the world’s best off-road racers, Gordon’s previous attempts at overall Dakar Rally victory have resulted in an amazing nine stage victories, however, the overall title has eluded him. In 2005, his initial Dakar Rally effort, he become the first American to win a stage in the race which began in 1979.

   Entering its 35th edition, Frenchmen have dominated the Rally, taking 19 overall victories. Finland has produced five race winners, Japan three, Germany two and one each from South Africa, Belgium, Qatar, Spain and Sweden.

   “I feel more prepared than in any of our previous trips to the Dakar Rally,” Gordon said. “Since our first race in 2005, where we accomplished our goal of becoming the first American to win a stage, our focus has been on winning the overall title. I believe with the experience we have, and the new car we have built, this year could be our time.”

What's on tap for Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2014

 

The 2014 Charlotte Motor Speedway schedule:

March 15
King of the Track
zMAX Dragway

April 3-6
AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway

April 11-13
NHRA Four-Wide Nationals
zMAX Dragway

April 17-20
Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Event
zMAX Dragway and Charlotte Motor Speedway

April 25-26
TORC Off Road Series
The Dirt Track at Charlotte

May 3-4
Carolina Rebellion
Charlotte Motor Speedway

May 16
North Carolina Education Lottery 200
Charlotte Motor Speedway

May 17
NASCAR Sprint All–Star Race
Charlotte Motor Speedway

May 22
LiftMaster Pole Night
Charlotte Motor Speedway

May 23
May Showdown
The Dirt Track at Charlotte

May 24
HISTORY 300
Charlotte Motor Speedway

May 25
Coca-Cola 600
Charlotte Motor Speedway

June-July
Summer Shootout Series (Race Nights TBD)
Charlotte Motor Speedway

June 7
Hot Rod Power Tour
zMAX Dragway

June 21
Faith, Family and Freedom Concert
zMAX Dragway

August 9
Back-to-School Monster Truck Bash
The Dirt Track at Charlotte

September 11
Laps for Life Blood Drive
Charlotte Motor Speedway

September 12-14
NHRA Carolina Nationals
zMAX Dragway

September 18-21
AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway

October 9
Bojangles’ Pole Night
Charlotte Motor Speedway

Southern Slam 150- NASCAR Southern Modifieds
Charlotte Motor Speedway

October 10
NASCAR Nationwide Series 300
Charlotte Motor Speedway

October 11
Bank of America 500
Charlotte Motor Speedway

October 24-26
Goodguys Southeastern Nationals
Charlotte Motor Speedway

November 6-8
World of Outlaws World Finals
The Dirt Track at Charlotte

Nov. 21-Dec. 30
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway

November 28
Souvenir Blowout
Charlotte Motor Speedway


*Schedule Subject to Change

For a detailed listing of events and for more information on tickets and pricing, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com; or call the speedway’s ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

NASCAR alters Sprint Cup Series rules for 2014 Speedweeks

   This was posted to the NASCAR Twitter feed on Monday afternoon:

    NEWS: #NASCAR notified Sprint Cup teams today that the spoiler size for the January DIS test and the 2014 Daytona 500 event week, including the Sprint Unlimited, will be 4.5 inches tall. This is .5 inches taller than previously. NASCAR says the taller spoiler size should allow for a little more rear down force which should make the cars a little more stable.

    As recently as the Charlotte test earlier this month, NASCAR officials had said they expected no changes to the Daytona rules package.

ARCA testing speeds from Daytona

Final ARCA testing speeds from Daytona International Speedway
Combined Test Results (12-20/21/22-13)
POS	NO	NAME	TIME	SPEED
1	25	Justin Boston	49.019	183.602
2	15	John Wes Townley	49.046	183.501
3	88	Justin Allison	49.053	183.475
4	23A	Spencer Gallagher	49.057	183.460
5	22A	Tyler Reddick	49.068	183.419
6	55	Leilani Munter	49.099	183.303
7	35	Michael Self	49.105	183.281
8	23	Scott Sheldon	49.152	183.105
9	22	Austin Wayne Self	49.163	183.064
10	2	Thomas Praytor	49.206	182.905
11	39B	Alex Guennet	49.224	182.838
12	39A	Mario Gosselin	49.246	182.756
13	82B	Jacob Engle	49.250	182.741
14	12	Kody Weisner	49.268	182.674
15	22B	Shannon McIntosh	49.270	182.667
16	12A	Jared Marks	49.276	182.645
17	77	Tom Hessert	49.299	182.559
18	38	Clay Rogers	49.304	182.541
19	82A	Cole Powell	49.313	182.508
20	23B	Joey Coulter	49.330	182.445
21	48	Sean Corr	49.336	182.423
22	75	Benny Chastain	49.342	182.400
23	56	Derrick Lancaster	49.342	182.400
24	98	Mason Mitchell	49.342	182.400
25	69A	Will Kimmel	49.346	182.386
26	5	Bobby Gerhart	49.399	182.190
27	86	Bobby Grewohl	49.472	181.921
28	9	Chase Elliott	49.515	181.763
29	75B	Scott Green	49.525	181.726
30	99	Buster Graham	49.530	181.708
31	2	Josh Williams	49.543	181.660
32	40C	Kelly Admiraal	49.613	181.404
33	97E	Friday Hassler Jr	49.678	181.167
34	57	Bryan Dauzat	49.713	181.039
35	90	Grant Enfinger	49.721	181.010
36	12C	Tanner Berryhill	49.769	180.835
37	97	Dominick Casola	49.776	180.810
38	40B	Justin Lloyd	49.806	180.701
39	54	Matt Kurzejewski	49.854	180.527
40	11	Travis Braden	49.854	180.527
41	68	Michael Lira	49.907	180.335
42	69B	Chris Bailey Jr	49.928	180.260
43	40A	Rick Clifton	49.939	180.220
44	5B	Scott Hubler	49.961	180.141
45	57A	Andy Seuss	49.962	180.137
46	5B	Scott Edwards	49.982	180.065
47	54	Mark Thompson	50.004	179.986
48	32	Mason Mingus	50.015	179.946
49	40G	Mark Meunier	50.024	179.914
50	32	John Hunter Nemechek	50.036	179.870
51	40	Josh Reeves	50.061	179.781
52	32	Terry Jones	50.120	179.569
53	40E	Alx Danielsson	50.141	179.494
54	57A	Doug Barnes Jr	50.229	179.179
55	5c	Jacob Severen	50.256	179.083
56	97D	Jami Weimer	50.259	179.072
57	5A	Michael Lia	50.269	179.037
58	39	Darin Matthews	50.331	178.816
59	5A	Casey Hillenburg	50.460	178.359
60	69E	Brian Finney	50.484	178.274
61	69C	Sara Elrod	50.496	178.232
62	40D	Josh White	50.509	178.186
63	11B	Dave Darland	50.554	178.027
64	97B	Kris Martin	50.618	177.802
65	97B	Jerry Tunney	50.683	177.574
66	10B	Ed Pompa	50.739	177.378
67	10	Ethan McMillian	50.766	177.284
68	3B	Tim Viens	50.805	177.148
69	10A	Richard Doheny	50.886	176.866
70	11A	Dan Fredrickson	50.903	176.807
71	7	Brent Cross	51.107	176.101
72	3A	Kevin Powell	51.110	176.091
73	10C	Tyler Speer	51.117	176.067
74	97A	Andrew Portter	51.205	175.764
75	3	Sarah Cornett-Ching	51.242	175.637
76	3C	Karl Weber	51.274	175.528
77	97C	David Sear	52.730	170.681
78	12B	Rachel Marks	53.901	166.973

Check out Danica Patrick as you've never seen her before

  
   Danica Patrick, now a fulltime driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has made a name for herself over the years doing commercials for her sponsor, GoDaddy.com, particularly those aired during the Super Bowl. No doubt this one will leave people talking as well.

Brian Vickers gets a new crew chief for 2014 NASCAR season

  

   Michael Waltrip Racing announced Thursday that Billy Scott will serve as driver Brian Vickers’ crew chief on the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Scott has served as lead engineer for the team the past two seasons.

   “Billy was the unanimous selection by everyone here at MWR including the crew, drivers, and ownership,” said team co-owner Michael Waltrip. “We feel like engineering is one of our strongest assets and with that type of talent in house it was easy to promote from within. Billy has earned this opportunity because he has helped develop and refine the engineering tools that we use every day to make our cars faster.”

   Scott, 36, began racing motorcycles as a 5-year-old and stock cars when he turned 15. He worked in the Truck series as a mechanic before he returned to college to obtain an engineering degree. After graduating in 2005 Scott worked at Robert Yates Racing and began as an engineer at MWR in 2008.

   “I’m honored, but I also know this is a big responsibility,” said Scott on the announcement. “We have very high expectations for the Aaron’s Dream Machine in 2014. Brian has been incredible to work with and is a winner, so we can’t wait to get 2014 started.”

   Scott Miller, who took over as crew chief on the No. 55 when Rodney Childers left the organization, will return to his previous duties as MWR’s executive vice president of competition.

Ken Schrader Racing hires Martinsville (Va.) Speedway president as driver

 

   Ken Schrader Racing will field a fulltime entry in 2014 in the Automobile Racing Club of America series and owner Ken Schrader has hired Martinsville (Va.) Speedway president Clay Campbell to drive two races for the team.

   Schrader will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in 10 races, while Matt Tifft, of Hinckley, Ohio, will be behind the wheel of the No. 52 for eight events. 

   Campbell will drive the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts car in the Feb. 15 series season opener at Daytona International Speedway and the May 3 event at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

   Campbell, a 25-year veteran of NASCAR’s Late Model series, raced at Daytona and Talladega in 2013. Since 2011, Campbell also has competed whenever possible in NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East.

   “Growing up in this sport like I have, obviously, I’ve known Ken Schrader and followed his career for a long time and have tremendous respect for him,” Campbell said. “To now drive for him in the Federated Auto Parts No. 52 is really a highlight of my life.

    "Ken loves racing and has a passion for it just like I do. He knows both sides of this business by being a driver as well as a track owner. I’m the same way, just the exact opposite."

NASCAR delivers 2014 competition rules package to teams

   Press release

   NASCAR delivered the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rules package to race teams today, following collaborative development by the industry.

   “It was important to get the final pieces of the rules package to teams as quickly as possible following the final tests last week,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, NASCAR vice president of innovation and racing development. “Throughout the process, we gained valuable data that informed many of the changes for 2014. This data will prove useful as we continue to evolve the racing product into the future.”

   Changes to the package include statically setting the race car ride height and eliminating the pre- and post-race front height rules and inspections. Additionally, the 2014 package includes a square leading edge on the splitter, side skirt and rear fascia adjustments and an eight-inch rear spoiler. Finally, a 43-inch by 13-inch radiator pan will round out changes for 2014.

   “We looked at a number of important factors when finalizing what the 2014 version of the race package will look like,” Stefanyshyn said. “The Gen-6 car has been a great asset to our sport. As we continue to improve and develop the racing product, we’ll rely significantly on the critical data that has been generated by the entire industry over the last several weeks. We’re extremely appreciative of those efforts.”

   The first race featuring the new package will be at Phoenix International Raceway on March 2. This package will not be utilized for restrictor-plate races, including the 2014 Daytona 500 on Feb. 23.

Bill France Sr.'s great-grandson will be a fulltime NASCAR driver in 2014

  

   Team release 

   MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 16, 2013) – Turner Scott Motorsports is pleased to announce the addition of Ben Kennedy to its 2014 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series roster. 

   The 21-year-old will drive a fulltime campaign while competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors behind the wheel of the No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado. Michael Shelton, who led the No. 31 team to TSM’s first championship in 2012 with driver James Buescher, will continue his role atop the pit box. 

   Kennedy made his NCWTS debut for TSM in 2013, earning a best finish of fourth at Martinsville Speedway. Kennedy, who began his racing career on the short tracks of central Florida, has Pro-Truck championship titles at both Orlando Speedworld and New Smyrna Speedway, which he earned in 2009, followed by the Super Late Model championship at Orlando Speedworld in 2010. 

   The great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., Kennedy made his touring series debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2010. In 2013, he finished fourth points standings on the strength of two wins, one pole, three top-five and nine top-10 finishes in addition to being crowned as the series’ Most Popular Driver. The Daytona Beach, Fla. native is also completing his sports management degree at the University of Florida.

   "I’m really excited about the opportunity to be in Turner Scott Motorsports’ No. 31 truck for 2014 and to be able to work alongside Michael Shelton and a very talented crew,” said Kennedy.

   “It will be a great year and I hope to really learn a lot in the series and compete for wins and Rookie of the Year. It’s going to be a blast to work with such great people; I can’t thank everyone I’ve worked with in the past enough for getting me to this point in my career. A big ‘thank you’ to all my fans for always sticking behind me.”

What were Joe Gibbs Racing's Top 5 NASCAR moments of 2013?

 

   Joe Gibbs Racing decided to rank its own Top 5 moments of the 2013 NASCAR season.

    Here's its list:

   1. Matt Kenseth's first win with JGR, at Las Vegas in March.

   2. Darrell Wallace Jr.'s first NASCAR victory, which came in the fall Truck series race at Martinsville, Va.

   3. Kyle Busch takes sponsor Interstate Batteries to Victory Lane at Texas in April.

   4. Denny Hamlin wins the Sprint Cup Series season finale race at Homestead, Fla.

   5. JGR drivers finish 1-2-3-5 in the Nationwide Series race at Darlington, S.C.

   To see a video tribute to each moment created by JGR go here.

James Buescher is changing teams and NASCAR series in 2014

  

   RAB Racing announced on Friday it had signed 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion James Buescher to a multi-year deal to compete fulltime in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in the No. 99 Toyota.

   Buescher has competed fulltime in the Truck series the past three seasons with Turner Scott Motorsports, winning the title in 2012. Buescher also won the 2012 Nationwide series season opener at Daytona.

   "My first couple of years in NASCAR have been a dream come true, and I can't thank Turner Scott Motorsports enough for the opportunity they have given me to develop my skills," said Buescher. "I am very excited to be able to take the next step in my career, and I couldn't be more thrilled about the opportunity that RAB Racing is giving me to run full time in the Nationwide Series.

   "I am really excited to get back behind the wheel of a Toyota and I am looking forward to driving their cars next year.  RAB Racing is a solid organization with great people; I can't wait to get to work with them."

   Buescher will have veteran crew chief Chris Rice on top of the pitbox for the 2014 season. In 2013, Rice, lead the No. 99 team to two poles, two top-five and six top-10 finishes.

Gil Martin talks about crew chiefing the No. 3 car and Austin Dillon

  

    Gil Martin, who most recently served as crew chief for Kevin Harvick in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, was officially named Wednesday as crew chief for 2014 Cup rookie Austin Dillon, who will drive the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing.

   Martin talked about his newest role at RCR:

   "Since I came to RCR in 2000 I've worn many hats since I've been there and I've had the opportunity to be in all kinds of different and successful situations," he said. "I have to say this is probably the most excited I've been since I've been there for the simple that I've watched Austin since he was probably eight years old - go karts, Bandaleros, Legends cars.

   "What an awesome talent. He's won championships through all of that. To get to be a part of watching where he's going to go in the Cup series is a tremendous thing for me. I'm really excited about it. I want to thank Richard for letting me be a part of it."

NASCAR postpones scheduled test Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway

   Due to rain Monday and another bad forecast for Tuesday as well, NASCAR has postponed its planned Sprint Cup Series test at Charlotte Motor Speedway until Wednesday.

   The test will now run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Between 20 to 30 teams are planning to participate as NASCAR tests new ideas to help make the improve the racing on 1.5-mile speedways.

Blizzard: Chase Elliott DQ'd from Snowball Derby; Erik Jones wins

   Hendrick Motorsports development driver Chase Elliott appeared to become the first driver in history to win both the Snowflake 100 and the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., on Sunday.
 
   That was until post-race inspection was completed.

   Elliott was disqualified from the Snowball Derby for having a prohibited tungsten part on his car. Runner-up Erik Jones, who won last season's Snowball Derby, was named the winner. Elliott was relegated to last place in the running order.

   Elliott, the 18-year-old son of former NASCAR Cup series champion Bill Elliott, started from the pole in both events. He won the Snowflake 100 on Saturday for the third consecutive season, a record.

   Here are the official results.

46th Annual Snowball Derby Results
Finish, car number, driver

1 51J Erik Jones            
2 90 Grant Enfinger            
3 29T Austin Theriault          
4 18 Hunter Robbins          
5 8 John Nemechek         
6 11 David Rogers            
7 71 Kyle Benjamin            
8 25 Ross Kenseth            
9 12 Derek Thorn            
10 2W Donnie Wilson            
11 29C Landon Cassill            
12 96 Ben Kennedy            
13 42 Chad Finley            
14 21 Cale Gale            
15 99 Casey Smith            
16 10 Johanna Long            
17 7 Paul Shafer Jr.           
18 22 Jeremy Pate         
19 45 Clay Rogers         
20 98 Daniel Hemric          
21 51N Stephen Nasse        
22 49 Josh Hamner           
23 15 Mason Massey          
24 129 Spencer Davis         
25 29B Anderson Bowen      
26 11 Logan Boyett          
27 91 Zac Hausler         
28 77 David Ragan         
29 98 Mason Mingus         
30 26 Bubba Pollard         
31 74 Preston Peltier          
32 14 Chris Davidson          
33 41 T.J. Reaid            
34 53 Boris  Jurkovic            
35 1 Mike Garvey            
36 112 Augie Grill            
37 9 Chase Elliott  

Surprise! Dale Jr. is NASCAR's most popular again

 

 
   On Thursday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was announced as the 2013 NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver at the Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas.

    It's the 11th straight year that Junior has won the award, a NASCAR record. He was tied with Bill Elliott for the most consecutive wins in a row.

    Elliott won the award from 1991 through 2000. Elliott is also the last driver outside of Earnhardt Jr. to win the award, having done so in 2002. (In 2001, the year he died at Daytona, Dale Earnhardt Sr. won the award.)

    Final order of vote totals:
    1. D. Earnhardt Jr.
    2. Kasey Kahne
    3. Jeff Gordon
    4. Tony Stewart
    5. Danica Patrick
    6. Jimmie Johnson
    7. Kevin Harvick
    8. Matt Kenseth
    9. Kyle Busch
    10. Carl Edwards.

Changes made to NASCAR Hall of Fame nomination and eligibility rules

   Summary of changes made to NASCAR Hall of Fame nomination and eligibility rules:

   Driver Eligibility  
   -Drivers who have competed for a minimum of 10 years and reached their 55th birthday on or before Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year are immediately eligible for the NHOF. Also, any competitor who has competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR competition by Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year is automatically eligible, regardless of age. 

    Nominating Committee Will Select Five Fewer Nominees for Enshrinement
   -Throughout its history, the NHOF Nominating Committee has selected 25 nominees each year to be discussed and voted on for NHOF enshrinement. That number will be reduced to 20 starting with the selection process for the 2015 class.

    Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR
   -Beginning with the 2015 class, a new award – Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR – will be initiated to honor significant contributions to the growth and esteem of NASCAR. 

   Nominating Committee to Meet, Vote on 20 NHOF Nominees / Five Landmark Award Nominees
   -For the first time, the Nominating Committee will meet in person to discuss, debate and vote to create two ballots – the NHOF ballot and the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR ballot. The Nominating Committee will meet during Speedweeks at Daytona on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014.

    Nominees To Be Recused From the Nominating / Voting Process
   -Any member of the Nominating Committee or Voting Panel who appeared on the previous year’s ballot or current year’s ballot will now be recused from participating in the nominating and / or voting process for as long as he / she appears on the ballot. 

    Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Added To Voting Panel
   -As was already announced on Nov. 14 at Homestead-Miami Speedway during the annual NASCAR Championship Contenders Press Conference, the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will be added to the following year’s voting panel.