Center stage May 10, 2007
He's performed at local festivals, concerts and other events as well as the Aaron's 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway. He's won several youth and adult guitar championships and recently placed second in guitar in the State of Tennessee Old-Time Fiddlers' Championships in Clarksville, Tenn. (Shoals TimesDaily)
Jr. wants changes May 8, 2007
Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., walks to his car before qualifying for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Aaron's 499 auto race, Saturday April 28, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. Associated Press. (Crystal River Citrus County Chronicle, FL)
Would DEI-Yates have Jr.? May 6, 2007
Jeff Gordon is saluted by Dale Earnhardt Jr. after winning the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Andy Lyons/Getty Images. (Suffolk News Herald, VA)
It seemed everyone felt the hate this past May 6, 2007
" because Miami picked Ted Ginn Jr. over golden-boy quarterback Brady Quinn. Other fans took their anger a step further at Talladega, throwing cans full of beer at Jeff Gordon's car after he won the Aaron's 499 to pass Dale Earnhardt on the NASCAR career victories list. Booing is not new, especially in sports. Even the Merriam-Webster dictionary uses sports as an example for how to use boo as a verb (the crowd booed the referee). But why all the disapproval? Especially in the cases of the... (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
State of shame May 4, 2007
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy, who was the Grand Marshal for Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega, has a theory on why Jeff Gordon is one of the least liked figures in NASCAR. ... Even though I'm pretty young, I'd like to think that I'm well aware of the reasons that Jeff Gordon was pelted with debris after Sunday's Aaron's 499 race. (Hartselle Enquirer, AL)
NASCAR fines Harvick, McMurray $25K each May 3, 2007
NASCAR officials announced today that Kevin Harvick and Jamie McMurray have been fined $25,000 each and placed on probation until Oct. 3, 2007, after being involved in an incident on the white flag lap of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. A NASCAR official said the two drivers were bumping each other after the final caution was displayed. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Talladega prez asks other tracks to ban 12 fans May 3, 2007
Talladega has already barred those fans from buying tickets for future events at the Superspeedway for their behavior following Jeff Gordon's victory at the Aaron's 499 on Sunday. Las Vegas Motor Speedway general manager Chris Powell said Wednesday those fans would also not be allowed to buy tickets for any event at his track. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
US falls to Czech Republic on late goal May 2, 2007
Superspeedway has permanently banned 14 fans from buying tickets at the track following their arrests Sunday for throwing objects on the track after Jeff Gordon's victory in the Aaron's 499. Gary Player was forced to pull out of the Bank of America Championship at Nashawtuc Country Club June 22-24 because of scheduling conflicts. (Boston Globe)
Talladega track bans 14 unruly fans for life May 2, 2007
Andy Lyons / Getty ImagesFans throw beer cans on to the track after Jeff Gordon won the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Talladega Superspeedway bans fans for life May 2, 2007
The fans were charged with disorderly conduct Sunday after the Aaron's 499 and posted bond at the track's jail facilities, Talladega County Sheriff Jerry Studdard said. A number of fans began throwing beer cans after Jeff Gordon won the race under caution, passing the late Dale Earnhardt -- a Talladega favorite -- in career wins. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Probe blames pilot error for Lidle air crash May 2, 2007
Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama has permanently banned 14 fans from buying tickets at the speedway following their arrests Sunday for throwing objects on the track after Jeff Gordon's victory in the Aaron's 499. Tracy Hines, who drives in USAC's Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown series, is in stable condition after surgery for injuries to both legs and his pelvis from an off-road motorcycle crash in Indiana. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Hot Topic: Nascar fans at Talladega Superspeedway leave something to be desired May 2, 2007
So, to those idiots at Talladega Superspeedway who hurled cans and rubbish at Jeff Gordon's No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet after his victory in the Aaron's 499 Sunday: Get a life. You are not true race fans, and Dale Earnhardt would be ashamed of you. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Sports briefs May 2, 2007
Talladega Superspeedway has permanently banned 14 fans from buying tickets at the speedway following their arrests Sunday for throwing objects on the track after Jeff Gordon's victory in the Aaron's 499 Nextel Cup race. Actor Patrick Dempsey, a star of the TV medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" and a co-owner of the Vision Racing team, will drive the Chevrolet Corvette pace car for the Indianapolis 500 May 27. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Wreck brings about more Stewart fumes May 1, 2007
Although his finish in Sunday's Aaron's 499 was worse than his second-place result a week ago at Phoenix, Stewart stood calmly in the garage at Talladega Superspeedway and described in painstaking detail the wreck that took him out on the next-to-last lap. It was a wild ending to a weekend dominated by Stewart headlines. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Jeff Gordon notches historic win at Talladega May 1, 2007
Jeff Gordon didn't know what to do after winning Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway ... NASCAR-Nextel Cup-Aaron's 499 Results. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Pistone: Talladega troubles steal spotlight from Gordon Apr 30, 2007
Then there was Sunday's sickening scene at Talladega Superspeedway of being pummeled with beer cans, trash and other debris by "fans," some of which were unhappy with him surpassing Dale Earnhardt's career win mark of 76 with his Aaron's 499 victory. Let's just say these haven't been the finest moments in NASCAR history. (CBS News)
Events Calendar Apr 30, 2007
FRESNO GRIZZLIES Baseball: 2:05 p.m. vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Chukchansi Park VISALIA OAKS Baseball: 1 p.m. vs. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at Recreation Park On TV ARENAFOOTBALL27:30 p.m. Bakersfield at Central Valley** 32 AUTO RACING10 a.m. Sports cars: Rolex Series DP SPEED 10:30 a.m. Nextel Cup: Aaron's 499 26 1:30 p.m. IRL: Kansas IndyCar 300 ESPN2 4 p.m. NHRA: Southern Nationals eliminations* ESPN2 COLLEGE SOFTBALL11 a.m. Tennessee at Louisiana State ESPN2 GOLF5:30 a.m. European PGA:... (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Fans' actions mar Gordon's win at Talladega Apr 30, 2007
Jeff Gordon drives down pit road towards victory lane after winning the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Opinion: A shameful display by NASCAR fans again Apr 30, 2007
Race fans cheer during the start of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Gordon takes Talladega thriller, passes Earnhardt on win list Apr 30, 2007
But that didn't stop him from winning his second consecutive Nextel Cup race, his 77th in the series, and moving ahead of the late Dale Earnhardt into sixth on the all-time victory list by taking the checkered flag under caution in the Aaron's 499. RACE RESULTS. (USA Today -- Sports)
Stewart gripes after late-race wreck Apr 30, 2007
After taking back virtually all of a tirade in which he compared NASCAR with professional wrestling and accused officials of using debris cautions to orchestrate closer racing, Stewart expressed regret over gesturing angrily at near the end of the Aaron's 499 on Sunday. TALLADEGA THRILLER. (USA Today -- Sports)
Notes: No Mears-Johnson fracas after bump Apr 30, 2007
Casey Mears was slowing down for a pit stop when teammate and pal Jimmie Johnson bumped into him from behind and sent him slamming into the wall Sunday in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. That relegated Mears, who was running with the leaders when he crashed, to 39th place. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Gordon laps Dale Apr 30, 2007
Jeff Gordon celebrates in victory lane after winning the Aaron's 499 auto race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. Associated Press. (Crystal River Citrus County Chronicle, FL)
J. Gordon uses draft; fans prefer beer cans Apr 30, 2007
The reception was so nasty after Gordon won the Aaron's 499 that he couldn't even decide whether to feel elated or guilty over breaking a tie with Earnhardt for sixth on the NASCAR Nextel Cup all-time winners list at the track where Earnhardt is still worshiped most. "I certainly didn't want to start a riot today," Gordon said, "and hopefully nobody got injured with what happened. But I wanted to break the record, and it's pretty awesome to do it here today. So I keep going back and forth: 'It's... (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Fans 'salute' Gordon at Talladega Apr 30, 2007
A beer can bounces off the hood of Jeff Gordon's car after he won the NASCAR Aaron's 499 auto race, breaking a tie with the late Dale Earnhardt on NASCAR's career victory list, Sunday April 29, 2007, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. Story Tools. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Gordon wins Aaron's 499 under caution again Apr 30, 2007
Jeff Gordon captured Sunday's Aaron's 499 Nextel Cup race at the Talladega Superspeedway. The No.24 Hendrick Motorsports driver crossed the finish line under caution ahead of Jimmie Johnson. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Entering hostile territory Apr 30, 2007
Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch said Saturday he will personally join track security and police in watching closely for can-throwers at the end of the Aaron's 499, and "if we catch anybody doing it, they police are going to put them in jail.". To Gordon personally, such displays are amusing, even encouraging. (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
Angry fans pelt Gordon's car again Apr 30, 2007
The reception was so nasty after Gordon won the Aaron's 499 that he couldn't even decide whether to feel elated or guilty over breaking a tie with Earnhardt for sixth on NASCAR's all-time winners list at the track where Earnhardt still is worshipped most. "I certainly didn't want to start a riot," Gordon said, "and hopefully nobody got injured with what happened. But I wanted to break the record, and it's pretty awesome to do it here. So I keep going back and forth: 'It's cool,' then, 'Oh, man,... (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
Fans throw beer cans at Gordon's car after he wins at Talladega Apr 30, 2007
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left) congratulates Jeff Gordon (right) on his Aaron's 499 victory at Talladega Superspeedway as fans throw beer cans on the track ... A beer can bounces off the hood of Jeff Gordon's car after he won the NASCAR Aaron's 499 auto race ... " But no reaction from fans can take away from what Gordon has accomplished in his career and so far in the 2007 season. The pole he won Saturday was the 60th of his career, putting him fourth on the all-time list. The win moved him to sixth... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
The fans at Talladega again showed Jeff Gordon their sincere appreciation. Apr 30, 2007
Jeff Gordon has won back-to-back titles in the Aaron's 499 -- to the dismay of beer-can-throwing fans at Talladega on Sunday ... Gordon's win Sunday in the Aaron's 499 (his second straight, after Phoenix last week) drew the customary brew deluge, even though officials had warned fans during pre-race ceremonies that anyone throwing anything onto the track would face arrest -- and even though favorite son Dale Earnhardt Jr. had implored his supporters to throw toilet paper instead. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Reutimann's Day Gets Worse After Blown Engine Apr 30, 2007
But I didn't mean to. "The only way I could see was when I stuck my hand out the window and got some air blowing in there to kind of [clear] it to where I could see the yellow line. And then I turned down. I didn't even know where I was at before that.". (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Gordon Basks In Boos Apr 30, 2007
But it wasn't probably the best decision to do it where I did, because it did sort of egg people on. " Earnhardt won a record 10 races at Talladega Superspeedway and enjoyed iconic popularity in Alabama - as his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., does now. It didn't help that Gordon's fifth Talladega victory came on what would have been Dale Sr.'s 56th birthday. But the scene - not quite as bad as a similar one three years ago at Talladega when Gordon beat Earnhardt Jr. under caution - was scary because... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Passing Dale Sr. Apr 30, 2007
Gordon charged to the front in the race's final laps, bypassing Jamie McMurray and holding off teammate Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. He broke a tie with the elder Earnhardt for sixth on 's all-time wins list. (Shoals TimesDaily)
Aaron's 499: Gordon passes Earnhardt on career list Apr 30, 2007
Wins 77th race under caution at Talladega. Monday, April 30, 2007. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
April showers Apr 30, 2007
I saw maybe one roll. "But Talladega is Earnhardt country. The Intimidator won 10 times here, and his legion of fans adopted his son following Earnhardt's 2001 death. The fans turn the grandstands into a sea of red, and when Junior charges to the front the roar is deafening.It's what made this the perfect place for Gordon to surpass the seven-time champion. Although their fans mix like oil and water, Earnhardt and Gordon were pals. They shared a competitive rivalry on the track and a healthy... (The Morning Star)
Pistone: Gordon win wouldn't sit well in Earnhardt land Apr 29, 2007
That could spell trouble for Gordon on Sunday if he does win the Aaron's 499 ... Stewart, who dominated the first half of the Daytona 500 before getting knocked out in an accident with , has never won at Talladega and has six second-place finishes, including a runner-up run in last year's Aaron's 499. (CBS News)
Jeff Gordon wins pole Apr 29, 2007
Jeff Gordon qualifies for Sunday's Aaron's 499 auto race Saturday. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Jeff Gordon gears up, grabs pole at Talladega Apr 29, 2007
understands the value of securing the pole at Talladega Superspeedway as he did on Saturday for Sunday's Aaron's 499. "It's not a matter of if, it's when that wreck is going to happen," said Gordon, referring to the likelihood of a major multi-car accident at Talladega. (USA Today -- Sports)
Despite being seventh in the standings, Tony Stewart seems increasingly frustrated by his inability to win in 2007. Apr 29, 2007
The winner of the Aaron's 499 will be. Tony Stewart. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Today's lineup Apr 29, 2007
Originally published April 29, 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Aaron's 499. At Talladega (Ala. (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Gordon wins pole at Talladega Apr 29, 2007
"It's not if it's going to happen, it's when," said Jeff Gordon, the pole-sitter for Sunday's Aaron's 499. Elliott Sadler, who starts 39th, has been involved in some of those multi-car melees and even been along for an airborne ride or two. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Gordon expects to hear Earnhardt fans Apr 29, 2007
069 miles per hour to take the top starting spot for today's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Gordon, who enters today's race atop the Nextel Cup standings, also leads the circuit in top-five finishes with six, top-10s with seven and bonus points with 45. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Unrestricted Apr 29, 2007
I don't know if it was because he tied Dale Earnhardt [in career wins] or because he was excited about winning at a track he hadn't won at. But this is one of four places on the schedule that I haven't won at. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Gordon goes first, holds on for poleNEXTEL CUP: TALLADEGA Apr 29, 2007
Gordon, the first driver to make a qualifying attempt yesterday for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, posted a lap of 192 ... Event: Aaron's 499, the ninth race on the Nextel Cup schedule. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Stewart Remarks Put NASCAR on Defensive Apr 29, 2007
Drivers Tony Stewart, left, and Dale Jarrett, right, talk before qualifying for the Sunday's Aaron's 499 auto race, Saturday, April 28, 2007, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Glenn Smith). (The Ledger)
Starting Grid Apr 27, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007. Site: Talladega, Ala. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
For some, broadcasting a family affair Apr 27, 2007
He'll try again Friday for Sunday's Aaron's 499. "I get more questions than he does about what's going on and what I tell him," Darrell says. (USA Today -- Sports)
• Morning kickoff Apr 27, 2007
SPEED - NASCAR, Nextel Cup, practice for Aaron's 499, at Talladega, Ala. 3 p.m.. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Stewart's comments draw NASCAR's fire Apr 27, 2007
It's never over until it's over, especially in Nextel Cup races at Talladega Superspeedway, site of this weekend's Aaron's 499. The winner of the past three Cup races at the Alabama track took the lead with passes on the final lap. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Hendrick Is The Team To Beat Apr 27, 2007
" Not long ago, it was Dale Earnhardt Inc., with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip, that had the decided advantage at Talladega. From 2001 through 2004, DEI won 11 of the 16 restrictor-plate races at Talladega and Daytona, including back-to-back Aaron's 499s by Earnhardt in 2002 and 2003. The shift of power to Hendrick began in 2004, when Gordon beat Earnhardt in a controversial finish in which a late caution flag froze the running order and NASCAR decided the winner based on video review.... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
This weekend on TV, radio Apr 27, 2007
SATURDAYAUTO RACING 11 a.m. -- NASCAR Nextel Cup: Aaron's 499 pole qualifying, Speed ... SUNDAYAUTO RACING 1:30 p.m. -- NASCAR Nextel Cup: Aaron's 499, Ch. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Motorsports schedule Apr 26, 2007
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series: Aaron's 499, Talladega (188 laps; Channel 6, 11 a.m.) Jimmie Johnson is the defending race champion, his victory following a series of embarrassing mishaps on NASCAR's longest and fastest oval. This, like Daytona, is a restrictor-plate track. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Stewart likens NASCAR to wrestling Apr 26, 2007
"He has had a frustrating start to the season, dominating several races but failing to find his way to Victory Lane. He was the class of the field at Daytona and Bristol, only to lose those races because of a wreck and mechanical failure.He also lost a race in Atlanta when a debris caution came out while he was leading with 25 laps to go and the field pitted. Jimmie Johnson passed him for the victory with three laps to go.Stewart was so frustrated after wrecking in Texas two weeks ago -- an... (North County Times)
Hendricks Motorsports - the team to beat at Talladega's Aaron's 499 Sunday Apr 26, 2007
TALLADEGA - According to the numbers, the balance of power has shifted in restrictor-plate racing, making Hendrick Motorsports the team to beat in the Aaron's 499 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway on April 29. For several years, the numbers favored Dale Earnhardt Inc. From 2001 through 2004, DEI won 11 of the 16 restrictor-plate races at Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway, including back-to-back victories in 2002 and 2003 by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the... (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
Having top draft pick doesn't assure success Apr 23, 2007
Who was the Orlando Magic's most vaulable player this year. Results are not scientific. (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
Car of Tomorrow still frustrates Apr 23, 2007
Jim Gintonio The Arizona Republic Apr. Success certainly doesn't equate to happiness in the ongoing squabble over NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Domino's Pizza Delivers the 'Great Debate' to NASCAR Fans Apr 14, 2007
Then in two weeks at Talladega Superspeedway, either the Philly Cheese Steak or Brooklyn Style Pizza will be the inspiration for a unique paint scheme on the #00 Domino's Pizza Toyota during the Aaron's 499 Dream Weekend. This is a true heavyweight battle between two of Domino's most successful pies -- a rivalry fit for NASCAR. In 2003, Domino's Pizza brought the craveable taste of Philly Cheese Steak to America's favorite fun food-pizza- with the introduction of Domino's Philly Cheese Steak... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
2007 IRL IndyCar schedule Mar 21, 2007
Aaron's 499, Talladega (Ala. Superspeedway. (USA Today -- Sports)
2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule and standings Feb 23, 2007
April 29 Aaron's 499, Talladega, Ala. May 5 Crown Royal 400, Richmond, Va. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Rev up for a tour of Talladega, nearby caverns Feb 1, 2007
The next race at Talladega Superspeedway is the Aaron's 499 on April 29 ... Talladega's next race is the Aaron's 499 on April 29. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Gordon looking for spark at Talladega Oct 6, 2006
To get that big win, Gordon likely will have to fend off teammate and protege Jimmie Johnson, winner of two plate races already this year - the Daytona 500 and the Aaron's 499 at Talladega in April. "Jimmie is a smart driver, and that is what it takes to win on these types of track," Gordon said. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NASCAR Report Sep 28, 2006
Days after the Aaron's 499 in April, workers tore up the worn, cracked surface. Then came the tricky process of laying asphalt on the 33-degree banked track. (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR fans use next-generation wireless technology for close-up view Jul 26, 2006
This gives us more views, more excitement, and more to see," said Audrey Reynolds, 38, of Raymond, N.H., a NASCAR buff who first tried FanView at the Aaron's 499 race in Talladega, Ala. ``I can hear all the announcers, I can hear all the drivers, I can see in the drivers' cars.". In effect, Sprint Nextel's FanView system turns Loudon and other NASCAR racetracks into giant wireless-data hot spots. (Boston Globe)
Stewart turns into fans' superhero Jul 3, 2006
"Stewart, who led six times for 86 laps in the 160-lap race, became the first driver to win consecutive July Daytona races since David Pearson won three in a row (1972-74). Stewart also joined Fireball Roberts, A.J. Foyt, Cale Yarborough and Pearson as the event's only back-to-back winners."He's obviously one of, I think, the greatest drivers that any of us are ever going to see," said Stewart's crew chief, Greg Zipadelli.Thursday night, Stewart had won the IROC road race on Daytona's infield,... (Florida Today)
Line of fire Jul 2, 2006
Before Jimmie Johnson became the dominant plate racer this season by winning the Daytona 500 in February and the Aaron's 499 at Talladega in May, Gordon for two years had been taking advantage of their Hendrick Motorsports team's edge in this highly specialized NASCAR form. In 2004-05, Gordon won four of eight plate races at NASCAR's superspeedways, including the '04 Pepsi 400 and the '05 Daytona 500. (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
