The 2013 Sprint Cup Series model of the new Dodge Charger will be officially unveiled on March 11 at Las Vegas Motor
Speedway,
The reveal will take place in the speedway's Neon
Garage at 10:30 a.m. Local prior to the running of the Kobalt Tools 400. Along
with the 2013 Cup car will be a production 2012 Dodge Charger R/T,
giving fans and media an opportunity to see the many features of the
production Charger that have been incorporated into the new race car.
In
October 2009, Dodge introduced the Challenger R/T as the “new car” for the 2010
NASCAR Nationwide Series season.
“The reception for the Dodge Challenger was
simply outstanding,” said Ralph Gilles, president and CEO. “It’s been another remarkable effort by our
SRT Motorsports design and engineering teams and Penske Racing, working together
with NASCAR, to achieve a Dodge Charger that embodies so many of the
characteristics of the production version.
"Our team is confident, that even
with the iconic design features incorporated into the Sprint Cup car, there has
been no compromise in the area of competition.”
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Tony Stewart's excellent explanation
Three-time Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart wasn't always a fan of the big pack racing at Daytona and Talladega, but given the choice between that and the two-car tandem racing which has dominated those tracks the past two seasons, he prefers the former.
Saturday night after finishing second in the Budweiser Shootout, Stewart offered a very comprehensive explanation as to why he would rather run in the packs and why Saturday night's race may have been a lot more wild than what will take place in next Sunday's Daytona 500.
"My point is this is better than having to sit there and stare at the back of a spoiler for 500 miles and not be able to see where you're going half the race. We had control of what lane we got to run in. We got to move whenever we wanted. You didn't have to not move because you had a guy behind you that you had to rely on making your decision on what he had to do also. We had more control as drivers today," Stewart said.
Saturday night after finishing second in the Budweiser Shootout, Stewart offered a very comprehensive explanation as to why he would rather run in the packs and why Saturday night's race may have been a lot more wild than what will take place in next Sunday's Daytona 500.
"My point is this is better than having to sit there and stare at the back of a spoiler for 500 miles and not be able to see where you're going half the race. We had control of what lane we got to run in. We got to move whenever we wanted. You didn't have to not move because you had a guy behind you that you had to rely on making your decision on what he had to do also. We had more control as drivers today," Stewart said.
"Look at the
history of this race. They always crash here. Go to Talladega, they crash cars
there. It's a yard sale every time we go to a restrictor
"It's not
that bad. It's the Bud Shootout. Everybody pushes the envelope. Everybody
tries to see what that limit is, what that boundary is. When it comes to
Sunday, you have to race 500 miles, you have to make it last till the end. It's
not that they're not conscious of the fact you have to make it to lap 75
tonight, but you have the flexibility of not worrying about points standings and
not worrying about the 500 title, losing it if you make a mistake tonight.
"The
competition is so tight, you have to try things tonight. If you don't, somebody
else is and they're going to learn from it whether it's right, wrong or
indifferent. You had to be aggressive tonight and you had to see what you can
get away with. You have to try things. It's a great opportunity for trial and
error.
"As you saw
tonight, it worked out sometimes and it didn't work out a lot of times. The
guys that crashed, it didn't work out, there's something they took away from it
and said, That didn't work out so well. Just like last night when I crashed
Kurt (Busch), that wasn't even close to what I had in mind for practice, but that's what
happened. It's part of the trial and error process. You have to go through
that.
"Forty-three cars can
win this race a week from tomorrow. If you don't push yourself into figuring
out what you can or can't do, I would rather do it with my Shootout car than I
would with my 500 car."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Former 'Dukes' star blasts NASCAR
Former Georgia congressman Ben Jones,
who starred as ace mechanic "Cooter" Davenport on the hit television
series "The Dukes of Hazzard", issued a statement on Friday criticizing NASCAR for its decision to
prevent the use of the popular "General Lee" 1969 Dodge Charger at the
Phoenix Sprint Cup race in March.
"At a time when tens of millions of Americans are honoring their Union and Confederate ancestors during this Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, NASCAR has chosen to dishonor those Southerners who fought and died in that terrible conflict by caving to 'political correctness' and the uninformed concerns of corporate sponsors," Jones said in a release.
"This is also an extraordinary insult to rural Southerners, who are NASCAR's oldest and most fervent fan base, and it sends a message against inclusion and against the need for diversity. Many of us who are descended from ancestors who fought for the South see this as a crude dishonoring of our kinfolks and our heritage. Our ancestors were proud Americans who had fought for our Nation before the Civil War and have served honorably in every conflict since then.
"The Confederate Battle Flag is on display at many National Battlefields and is displayed by countless historical and heritage groups who are descendants of those who fought in that crucible of the American experience. 'The Dukes of Hazzard' remains a beloved classic television show which is watched by Americans of all races and regions and is watched internationally as an upbeat reflection of the American Spirit. It is also watched by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world.
"At a time when tens of millions of Americans are honoring their Union and Confederate ancestors during this Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, NASCAR has chosen to dishonor those Southerners who fought and died in that terrible conflict by caving to 'political correctness' and the uninformed concerns of corporate sponsors," Jones said in a release.
"This is also an extraordinary insult to rural Southerners, who are NASCAR's oldest and most fervent fan base, and it sends a message against inclusion and against the need for diversity. Many of us who are descended from ancestors who fought for the South see this as a crude dishonoring of our kinfolks and our heritage. Our ancestors were proud Americans who had fought for our Nation before the Civil War and have served honorably in every conflict since then.
"The Confederate Battle Flag is on display at many National Battlefields and is displayed by countless historical and heritage groups who are descendants of those who fought in that crucible of the American experience. 'The Dukes of Hazzard' remains a beloved classic television show which is watched by Americans of all races and regions and is watched internationally as an upbeat reflection of the American Spirit. It is also watched by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world.
"While
it is true that the Confederate Battle Flag has been used by extremist
groups like the KKK, these groups also display the American Flag and the
Christian cross in their rituals. However, the vast majority of the
display of the St. Andrews Cross Flag is in a benign spirit of
remembrance and reverence. I am a
veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, a Life Member of the NAACP, and a
proud member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
"As a cast member of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and the owner of several 'General Lees', I can attest that the car and our show reflect the very best of American values, and that Hazzard County was a place where racism was not tolerated. This action by NASCAR is a provocative and unnecessary over-reaction to a problem that doesn't exist. It is a disgraceful and gratuitous insult to a lot of very decent people. It is prejudicial toward those good-hearted folks who, like Uncle Jesse Duke, are in fact 'never meanin' no harm'."
"As a cast member of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and the owner of several 'General Lees', I can attest that the car and our show reflect the very best of American values, and that Hazzard County was a place where racism was not tolerated. This action by NASCAR is a provocative and unnecessary over-reaction to a problem that doesn't exist. It is a disgraceful and gratuitous insult to a lot of very decent people. It is prejudicial toward those good-hearted folks who, like Uncle Jesse Duke, are in fact 'never meanin' no harm'."
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Daytona or Phoenix? Where is Dale Junior more likely to win?
Daytona or Phoenix?
Where does Dale Earnhardt Jr. think he is more likely to win? The answer could well surprise you.
Earnhardt offered his opinion during Thursday's Media Day at Daytona International Speedway while discussing the uncertainty of how the racing will unfold the next two weeks at Daytona.
"This weekend will be enjoyable but I am looking forward to going to Phoenix because I know I have better odds of winning there. I look forward to going to tracks where I’m driving the car, where I can make a difference. I don’t know what is going to happen in the Daytona 500, I don’t even have a clue what the race is going to be like now and that’s frustrating but that’s just the way it is," Earnhardt said.
"We’ll go through Shootout practice tomorrow and get the chance to practice a little bit and see what works and doesn’t work. Then we’ll run the Shootout and really see some people play their hand and see what we’re capable of doing and after that race we’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect the rest of the week. Right now, I have no knowledge and it’s frustrating as a driver to go in a situation like that.
"Everything we’re going to have to learn, we’re going to have to learn really fast in just a few hours of practice. Just waiting to get that going, waiting to get that practice started and see what kind of racing we are going to be doing.”
For the record, Earnhardt has two career Sprint Cup wins at both tracks.
Where does Dale Earnhardt Jr. think he is more likely to win? The answer could well surprise you.
Earnhardt offered his opinion during Thursday's Media Day at Daytona International Speedway while discussing the uncertainty of how the racing will unfold the next two weeks at Daytona.
"This weekend will be enjoyable but I am looking forward to going to Phoenix because I know I have better odds of winning there. I look forward to going to tracks where I’m driving the car, where I can make a difference. I don’t know what is going to happen in the Daytona 500, I don’t even have a clue what the race is going to be like now and that’s frustrating but that’s just the way it is," Earnhardt said.
"We’ll go through Shootout practice tomorrow and get the chance to practice a little bit and see what works and doesn’t work. Then we’ll run the Shootout and really see some people play their hand and see what we’re capable of doing and after that race we’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect the rest of the week. Right now, I have no knowledge and it’s frustrating as a driver to go in a situation like that.
"Everything we’re going to have to learn, we’re going to have to learn really fast in just a few hours of practice. Just waiting to get that going, waiting to get that practice started and see what kind of racing we are going to be doing.”
For the record, Earnhardt has two career Sprint Cup wins at both tracks.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
M. Waltrip gets Daytona 500 ride
Add the Daytona 500 to Michael Waltrip's busy Speedweeks schedule.
Hillman Racing and Aaron’s Inc. announced Monday two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 40 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the 2012 Daytona 500 for the organization. The race will mark Waltrip’s 75th start at Daytona in one of NASCAR’s top three 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.”
Waltrip said it takes many factors for success.
“You have to have a great sponsor to race and Aaron’s has been a great sponsor for a long time.” Waltrip said. “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.”
Waltrip will race the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the Feb. 18 Budweiser Shootout, oversee his three Cup teams at Michael Waltrip Racing and host several top executives from corporate America attending the races with the team. He will also 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.
Hillman Racing and Aaron’s Inc. announced Monday two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 40 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the 2012 Daytona 500 for the organization. The race will mark Waltrip’s 75th start at Daytona in one of NASCAR’s top three 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.”
Waltrip said it takes many factors for success.
“You have to have a great sponsor to race and Aaron’s has been a great sponsor for a long time.” Waltrip said. “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.”
Waltrip will race the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the Feb. 18 Budweiser Shootout, oversee his three Cup teams at Michael Waltrip Racing and host several top executives from corporate America attending the races with the team. He will also 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.
Monday, February 13, 2012
2012 Budweiser Shootout entries
Entries filed as of Monday for Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway:
Car, driver, make
No. 1, Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet
No. 2, Brad Keselowski, Dodge
No. 5, Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet
No. 9, Marcos Ambrose, Ford
No. 11, Denny Hamlin, Toyota
No. 14, Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
No. 15, Clint Bowyer, Toyota
No. 16, Greg Biffle, Ford
No. 17, Matt Kenseth, Ford
No. 18, Kyle Busch, Toyota
No. 20, Joey Logano, Toyota
No. 22, A.J. Allmendinger, Dodge
No. 24, Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
No. 27, Paul Menard, Chevrolet
No. 29, Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet
No. 31, Jeff Burton, Chevrolet
No. 34, David Ragan, Ford
No. 39, Ryan Newman, Chevrolet
No. 42, Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet
No. 48, Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
No. 51, Kurt Busch, Chevrolet
No. 55, Michael Waltrip, Toyota
No. 56, Martin Truex Jr., Toyota
No. 88, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet
No. 99, Carl Edwards, Ford
Car, driver, make
No. 1, Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet
No. 2, Brad Keselowski, Dodge
No. 5, Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet
No. 9, Marcos Ambrose, Ford
No. 11, Denny Hamlin, Toyota
No. 14, Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
No. 15, Clint Bowyer, Toyota
No. 16, Greg Biffle, Ford
No. 17, Matt Kenseth, Ford
No. 18, Kyle Busch, Toyota
No. 20, Joey Logano, Toyota
No. 22, A.J. Allmendinger, Dodge
No. 24, Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
No. 27, Paul Menard, Chevrolet
No. 29, Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet
No. 31, Jeff Burton, Chevrolet
No. 34, David Ragan, Ford
No. 39, Ryan Newman, Chevrolet
No. 42, Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet
No. 48, Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
No. 51, Kurt Busch, Chevrolet
No. 55, Michael Waltrip, Toyota
No. 56, Martin Truex Jr., Toyota
No. 88, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet
No. 99, Carl Edwards, Ford
Friday, February 10, 2012
RAB Racing suspends NASCAR driver John Wes Townley
RAB Racing issued a statement on Friday saying it was replacing driver John Wes Townley until "his return is deemed appropriate" following Townley's arrest Tuesday for drunk driving in Georgia.
You can read details of Townley's arrest here.
"Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation," said team owner Robby Benton. "However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team.
"John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions. We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."
Townley was planning to run fulltime for RAB Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season.
No replacement driver has been named at this time.
NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said the sanctioning body has been in close communication with the team and will continue to monitor the situation until if - or when - the team decides to bring Townley back as its driver.
You can read details of Townley's arrest here.
"Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation," said team owner Robby Benton. "However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team.
"John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions. We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."
Townley was planning to run fulltime for RAB Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season.
No replacement driver has been named at this time.
NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said the sanctioning body has been in close communication with the team and will continue to monitor the situation until if - or when - the team decides to bring Townley back as its driver.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)