Denny Hamlin says Sunday's race is the 'most significant' of his career

   The 2014 Sprint Cup Series season has been full of ups and downs for driver Denny Hamlin, beginning early in the year when he missed the race at Fontana, Calif., with an eye infection.

   Hamlin earned a win at Talladega, Ala., to become eligible for the Chase and appeared to get his performance back up to par in time to begin the Chase and a chance to win his first series championship. Unfortunately, a fuel-intake problem and subsequent accident last weekend at New Hampshire leaves in a precarious position as one of the four drivers who could be eliminated from title contention after Sunday's AAA 400 at Dover.

   After being asked about whether he will be paying attention to other drivers in the Chase during Sunday's race, Hamlin explained how important this race is to him:

   "Short of just winning the race, it matters what other guys do. For us, we don't control our own destiny unless we win.  I really don't want to know. Honestly, this will be the hardest race I'll definitely ever drive for 400 miles. I'm just going to be as aggressive as I can, not put myself in a bad position," he said.

   "This is the most important race of my career because it's the most significant of my career at this point. We got to get the job done and I'm going to do my part to try to make sure we're successful."

Ross Kenseth to run next week's ARCA race at Kansas

   Ross Kenseth, the son of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran Matt Kenseth, will attempt to make his first start of the season in the Automobile Racing Club of America series in the Oct. 3 season finale at Kansas Speedway.

   Ross, 21, will drive the No. 3 Chevrolet for RACE 101 and it will be his first career start on a track 1-mile or more in distance. Kenseth has made one previous ARCA start, winning the pole and finishing sixth last year at Madison, Wisc.

   "I think Kansas presents a lot of challenges for us with this being our first race together. We’re all going in with realistic expectations, but I’m certainly going to do whatever I can to make the most of this opportunity and get this team the best finish possible," Ross said.

   Ross Kenseth has won over 30 late model races throughout the country over the past six years, including the prestigious Winchester 400 and All-American 400 in 2012. He’s currently second in the ARCA/CRA Super Series championship standings with two races remaining in that series' season.

Joey Logano signs multi-year contract extension with Team Penske

   As if his season couldn't get any better, Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Team Penske on Thursday, the organization announced. 

   Logano has four wins this season - one more than his previous career total entering the season - and has already advanced to the second round of the Chase, which determines the series season champion.

   “Joey Logano has been everything we hoped he would be, both as a driver and as a representative of our organization and for our partners,” said team owner Roger Penske. “He continues to put points on the board for us and the continuity and chemistry he has developed within the team has been terrific. We believe he can be a leader and championship-level driver for Team Penske for years to come.”

    
    Since joining Team Penske at the start of the 2013 NASCAR season, Logano has enjoyed the best two-year stretch of his young career, earning five Cup wins and three Nationwide Series victories.

    
   “I am fortunate and excited to be a part of Team Penske for the foreseeable future,” said Logano, currently ranked second in the Chase standings after his victory last weekend at New Hampshire. “Mr. Penske gives us everything we need to keep our eye on the prize and compete for wins and championships. I think that is clear by the number of wins we have across the board this year."

NASCAR statement on grand jury's decision regarding Tony Stewart

   "There are no winners in tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they all cope with this tragic incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and we have respected the local authorities responsible for reviewing this case.”

Tony Stewart statement on grand jury's decision

   The following is a statement from Tony Stewart regarding the grand jury’s decision.

   “This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive. 

 

   “I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known.  

   “While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”

Statement from Ontario County (NY) district attorney's office regarding Tony Stewart

DATE: September 24, 2014

This week an Ontario County grand jury has been meeting to hear testimony and review evidence gathered in the Tony Stewart matter, relating to the death of Kevin Ward at the Canandaigua Motor Speedway on August 9, 2014. The grand jury has completed its investigation.

During the course of the grand jury presentation, approximately two dozen witnesses testified. These included a number of race car drivers, racetrack employees and volunteers, two accident reconstruction experts, medical personnel, and a number of police officers. In addition, the grand jury reviewed a number of photographs and video recordings, as well as other documentary evidence. After listening to and questioning all of the witnesses, and reviewing all of the evidence, the grand jury has determined that there is no basis to charge Tony Stewart with any crimes; his case was “No-Billed” by the grand jury.  

Michael Tantillo

Ontario County District Attorney

Report: Grand jury begins to hear testimony in Tony Stewart case

   According to a report in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, the grand jury in Ontario County (N.Y.) began hearing testimony on Tuesday regarding the Aug. 9 incident at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park involving NASCAR driver Tony Stewart that resulted in the death of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr.

   Stewart was driving a sprint car that struck and killed the 20-year-old Ward while he was walking on the track while the race was under caution. Ward and Stewart had been involved in a prior accident on the track.

   Among the first witnesses, according to the report, called was Chuck Hebing, who was driving the car in front of Stewart and passed Ward without incident.

   To read more on grand jury proceeding, go here.

   There is no timetable for grand jury; it could be days or weeks before it decides whether to charge Stewart in the incident.