Junior looking to end 63-race winless streak Feb 24, 2008
NASCAR's most popular driver got off to a good start in his new ride at Hendrick Motorsports, winning the non-points Budweiser Shootout and his 150-mile qualifying race at Daytona. A ninth-place finish in last Sunday's Daytona 500 wasn't bad, either. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Hendrick teammates driven to shrug off Daytona's doldrums Feb 22, 2008
A: The two-time champion was despondent (yet gracious in congratulation of fellow Hoosier ) after finishing third Sunday, and his mood had improved slightly a day later during his Sirius Satellite Radio program as he reflected on notching four top-fives (in the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duel qualifying race, Nationwide Series event and Daytona 500) during Daytona Speedweeks. But he also admitted to replaying "the last two-thirds of a lap in my mind probably a thousand times. "It's always... (USA Today -- Sports)
Mark ZeskeINSIDE NASCAR Feb 21, 2008
Dale Jr. a Daytona qualifying race and the Budweiser Shootout. Hendrick teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson might not have done as well as they'd have liked in the Daytona 500, but everyone expects them to contend this season. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Reed Sorenson's coming of age continued with a fifth-place finish at Daytona. Feb 20, 2008
Sorenson finished fifth in the 500, proving that his runs to fifth in the Budweiser Shootout and to second in the Gatorade Duel 150 (all the way from 18th) weren't mere happenstance. Restrictor-plate racing is an art which places a premium on good decision-making while requiring a good-handling car and competitive horsepower. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Once-reticent Newman now enjoying extra attention Feb 19, 2008
After overall NASCAR TV ratings fell the last two seasons, Fox has drawn increases over last year on all its NASCAR coverage so far, with ratings for last weekend's Budweiser Shootout up 6% and Daytona qualifying up 4% and its Daytona 500 prerace show Sunday up 5. -- Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY. (USA Today -- Sports)
Notebook Junior disappointed in Hendrick debut Feb 18, 2008
Notebook / Junior disappointed in Hendrick debut (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
New era for Newman: Penske goes 1-2 in historic Daytona 500 Feb 18, 2008
" and Stewart ended Speedweeks just as they'd begun it in the spotlight together. They tangled during Budweiser Shootout practice Feb. 8, and they each drew a six-race probation from NASCAR after Busch intentionally rammed Stewart's car and Stewart retaliated by blocking the entrance to the pits. They appeared to have put their differences behind them Sunday night, shaking hands while passing on the podium for postrace interviews. "It didn't matter who was to my inside or outside, I was doing... (USA Today -- Sports)
Wrap up the action from Daytona Feb 18, 2008
It's already been a big week for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the Budweiser Shootout as well as his heat in the Gatorade Duels. The Gatorade win earned him a starting spot in the second row, alongside Denny Hamlin, whose Gatorade Duel victory produced Toyota's first checkered flag in Sprint Cup. (USA Today -- Sports)
Seems like 500 changes at race Feb 18, 2008
Earnhardt, the 2004 winner of the Daytona 500, won the Budweiser Shootout exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway a week ago. It was his first win since May 2006. (Albany Times Union)
Upstart steals the stage Feb 18, 2008
He had already won twice here this month first in the Budweiser Shootout, then in a Gatorade Duel and already the conspiracy theorists were in a full lather: No way a sluggish sport wouldn t, ahem, do everything in its power to juice the Nielsens and give the people what they wanted. Instead, the 200th lap of the 50th Daytona 500 sent up this hearty salutation. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Earnhardt frustrated with finish Feb 18, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Disappointed Stewartgracious in defeat Feb 18, 2008
" Last week, NASCAR placed Stewart and Kurt Busch on probation after an on-track incident in practice for the Budweiser Shootout (and a reported punching of Busch by Stewart in the NASCAR hauler). Sunday night, Busch was asked if he took any satisfaction in helping keep Stewart from winning. Busch said he would have drafted on any car that jumped in front of him on the last lap. Stewart, he suggested, may have noticed it was him in the outside lane. "So maybe he did think twice before he jumped... (The Palm Beach Post)
Hello, Newman Feb 18, 2008
Once the dust settled from Busch's brouhaha with Stewart in a Budweiser Shootout practice last Friday night, which earned both drivers a six-race suspension, Penske was content to let the spotlight fall upon Dale Earnhardt Jr., the Hendrick Motorsports and Gibbs Racing camps, and Toyota. And so, when the checkered flag fell and Daytona swung open its doors to Victory Lane, who was standing there waiting to be greeted. (Boston Globe)
Dodge proves it's a new day Feb 18, 2008
"Little E sets paceDale Earnhardt Jr. was the last man standing among the four-car Hendrick Motorsports stable, finishing ninth. Teammates Jeff Gordon (39th) was forced to retire with a suspension problem on Lap 154 and dropped 10 laps off the pace; Jimmie Johnson (27th) spun out on Lap 148; and Casey Mears (35th) tagged the wall in Turn 1 with five laps to go to induce the race's seventh and final caution. "It was a good Speedweeks," said Earnhardt, who won the Budweiser Shootout last Saturday... (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Two-team tussle Feb 17, 2008
Earnhardt won the Budweiser Shootout and one of the twin qualifying races. Teammate Johnson took the 500 pole. (CBS News)
Hendrick is souped up for success Feb 17, 2008
Hendrick s rivals no doubt threw their hands in the air, as if to say, Here they go again, when Earnhardt, with his cousin Tony Eury Jr. atop the pit box as crew chief, won last Saturday s Budweiser Shootout in his first race in the No. 88 Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet. But Earnhardt wasn t able to win without drafting support from all three teammates to stave off the Toyota of runner-up Tony Stewart. (Boston Globe)
Stewart searches for first Daytona 500 victory Feb 17, 2008
He would have won the exhibition Budweiser Shootout if a late caution didnt give Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Hendrick Motorsports fleet the opportunity to grab it from him. Five days later, he repaid the favor, yielding victory to teammate Denny Hamlin in their qualifying race and helped hold off Hendrick driver Jeff Gordon. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Stewart gears up for Daytona with big win Feb 17, 2008
This car was just fast, said Stewart, who finished second in both the Budweiser Shootout and his 150-mile qualifying race earlier in Daytonas Speedweeks. It just had so much speed. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Edwards turns fastest lap in final practice Feb 17, 2008
Earnhardt, who is looking for a Daytona sweep after winning the Budweiser Shootout and one of the qualifying races, was not immune from car changes. His crew worked on his suspension before he and Gordon, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, went out together to test the draft. (USA Today -- Sports)
Stewart talks up Toyotas after forceful win in Daytona's 300 Feb 17, 2008
" Earnhardt, whose team was forced to change deck lids and spoilers after failing pre-race inspection, started 19th and felt fortunate to be challenging for the lead in the closing laps. "I just kind of struggled all day," said Earnhardt, who already had posted victories in the Budweiser Shootout and the first Gatorade Duel during Speedweeks. "I was just kind of lucky to be behind those guys. " Earnhardt said it's little surprise to him that the Gibbs cars have run so well at Daytona. "The... (USA Today -- Sports)
Junior's got a new car and something left to prove Feb 17, 2008
So the move to Hendrick Motorsports has already paid off with victories in the Budweiser Shootout and a qualifying race at Daytona this week. But unless Junior adds Sunday's crown jewel to his haul, it's going to be a tougher sell than ever. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Jimmie Johnson starts 2008 NASCAR season at the front in an apparent Hendrick-Gibbs showdown Feb 17, 2008
He won the exhibition Budweiser Shootout last week in his Hendrick Motorsports debut, then won the first of two qualifying races Thursday. It established Earnhardt as the favorite to win the Daytona 500, a victory that would snap a winless streak that is closing in on two years. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
The Daytona 500 from A to Z ... Feb 17, 2008
B Kurt Busch wasn't worried so much about the Budweiser Shootout as he was about the Tony Stewart punchout. C Clint Bowyer is being touted for a breakthrough season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Little E a bigger deal now Feb 17, 2008
His first big test comes today in the Daytona 500, but in the lead-up to the 50th running of the race, he has won the Budweiser Shootout and a qualifying race -- neither race counts toward the standings. His early results are fitting because the biggest story entering this season is Earnhardt. (News & Observer -- Sports)
One-two punch wins it for Stewart Feb 17, 2008
"This car was just fast," said Stewart, who finished second in both the Budweiser Shootout and his 150-mile qualifying race earlier in Daytona's Speedweeks. "It just had so much speed."The field got strung out early in the race, but the last 20 laps were a wild, two- and three-wide melee that included a nine-car crash on lap 111 that took out Cup stars Kasey Kahne and Kevin Harvick. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Five DRIVERS worth watching Sunday Feb 17, 2008
He finished fifth in the Budweiser Shootout and second to Earnhardt in his 150-mile qualifier, then sped to the top of the speed chart in Friday's practice session. A first Cup win in the 500 isn't a far-fetched notion. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
A glance at drivers racing in Daytona 500 Feb 16, 2008
He joins superstars Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson at Hendrick Motorsports, where he has access to the best cars, engines, crew members and technical data available in NASCAR. He's 2-for-2 so far, with victories in the Budweiser Shootout exhibition race and his 150-mile qualifying race ... Just 21, he still has the most Cup experience of all three Ganassi teams and is off to a great start with solid showings in the Budweiser Shootout and his Daytona qualifying race ... Looking for his first... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Big day for Earnhardt, Toyota Feb 16, 2008
Last week, Earnhardt whipped the field to win the Budweiser Shootout and is now looking to sweep Daytona and add a second 500 to his name. "That was a fun race," said Earnhardt, the 2004 Daytona winner. (Albany Times Union)
Chart: National Sports Ratings for Week of Feb. 4-Feb. 10 Feb 16, 2008
NASCAR RACING (Budweiser Shootout). FOX. (TVweek.com)
Hendrick team has four drivers Feb 16, 2008
With wins in his first two starts this month at Daytona (the Budweiser Shootout and a Gatorade Duel 150), Earnhardt is off to a fast start in Hendrick equipment. But with 17 career wins, he has a way to go to catch up to Johnson (33) and Gordon (81). (The Palm Beach Post)
At the 500: Anxiety in the infield for Tent City folks Feb 16, 2008
RICK WILSON/The Times-UnionA couple of race fans in the infield snap a souvenir photograph of themselves while waiting for the Budweiser Shootout to begin Saturday evening at Daytona International Speedway. KELLY JORDAN / The Florida Times-Union. (Florida Times-Union)
Hunt for 500 Feb 15, 2008
He stole a win from Stewart in last week's exhibition Budweiser Shootout, then held on to win the first of Thursday's qualifiers. Stewart seemed poised to win the second qualifier, but a late race caution set up a two-lap shootout to the finish. (CBS News)
Junior shows he's boss at Daytona Feb 15, 2008
Hes 2-for-2 in his Hendrick debut after stealing a win from Stewart in last weeks exhibition Budweiser Shootout, then holding on to win the first of Thursdays qualifiers. Slide show. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Aiming for third straight points crown Feb 15, 2008
A day after Earnhardt won his unofficial Hendrick debut in the exhibition Budweiser Shootout, Johnson answered by winning the pole for the Daytona 500 ... " Matching the streak Yarborough set will demand near invincibility from Johnson in an era of multicar teams and the 10-race title run. Many of his challengers are under the Hendrick roof, including Gordon (six wins, a modern-era-record 30 top-10s in 2007), Earnhardt (17 career wins) and Casey Mears, who earned his first win in the series last... (USA Today -- Sports)
Take duel 150-mile qualifiers Feb 15, 2008
The son of the seven-time Sprint Cup champion and Daytona's winningest driver (34 wins) continued his hot streak by coming from the rear after he won the Budweiser Shootout exhibition Saturday. He established himself as a favorite along with new Hendrick teammate Johnson, the two-time defending series champion. (USA Today -- Sports)
Sorenson could spoil Hendrick-Gibbs battle Feb 15, 2008
Sorenson finished second in the first of two qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway Thursday, adding to his fifth-place finish in the Budweiser Shootout exhibition race last weekend. Could Sorenson be a surprise winner Sunday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Jimmie Johnson Takes Daytona Pole Feb 15, 2008
He had to drive a backup car, one of his team's short track entries, in the Budweiser Shootout after a crash in practice on Friday. Johnson called it "a brick" before going out and nearly winning Saturday night's race. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Earnhardt, Hamlin win qualifiers for Sunday's Daytona 500 Feb 15, 2008
30-day news archives. I'm shocked right now. (Florida Today)
Getting back to racing Feb 15, 2008
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s victory in Saturday's Budweiser Shootout earned overnight TV ratings of 4. 8, up from 4. (News & Observer -- Sports)
A look at the 2008 season Feb 15, 2008
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Budweiser Shootout in record fashion in his Hendrick debut Saturday, and his three teammates were in the top 6. Then Jimmie Johnson won the pole for the Daytona 500 the next day. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Junior, Hamlin win qualifiers Feb 15, 2008
" So can one of the four Hendrick entries. With his victory on Thursday added to his Budweiser Shootout win Saturday, Earnhardt has a chance to win a Daytona triple with a 500 victory. "It'd mean we have a good race car," he said. "I'm just going to try to do whatever I can to win that race. " Asked if he considers himself the 500 favorite, Earnhardt wouldn't go that far. "I feel like we got a shot, you know what I mean. (The Palm Beach Post)
Earnhardt Jr. Favorite To Win Daytona 500 Feb 15, 2008
Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCARDale Earnhardt Junior won the first of Thursday's twin 150-mile qualifiers and he won the exhibition Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night ... He also won the exhibition Budweiser Shootout on Saturday night. (Click2Houston, TX)
Little E, Hamlin first in their class Feb 15, 2008
- After winning the Budweiser Shootout Saturday night in his first race with Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr. yesterday made it 2 for 2 by winning the first 150-mile qualifying heat of the Gatorade Duels at Daytona International Speedway. Denny Hamlin, meanwhile, earned a green-white-checkered triumph over Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Tony Stewart in the second qualifying heat. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Nascar Fans Demand More Country, Less Rock to Return Daytona 500 to Roots Feb 15, 2008
News Corp.'s Fox network said interest in Earnhardt's debut with the seven-time championship winning team helped boost ratings 6 percent for last weekend's Budweiser Shootout Exhibition race. Ratings rose during the final 10 minutes of the race, which was won by the 33-year-old driver who last season left the team started by his late father. (Bloomberg -- US)
Hendrick problems Feb 14, 2008
The same engine package was used in preseason testing and in the Budweiser Shootout on Saturday and no problems were found. It is believed the problems lie with a batch of parts from the same vendor, Hendricks director of engine development Jeff Andrews said. (Florida Today)
Hendrick handles engine problems Feb 14, 2008
30-day news archives. Right now, our biggest focus is to get stuff in the car that will be good for (today) and practice again on Friday, and we'll make some decisions on the (500) here later on (Wednesday) tonight or early tomorrow (today). (Florida Today)
Back in the driver's seat Feb 14, 2008
Based on Stewart's second-place finish in the Budweiser Shootout last Saturday, the team appears to be headed in the right direction. But Gibbs' most important role right now might be that of a loving grandfather. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Fox's Daytona 500 to Feature 'Gopher Cam' Feb 14, 2008
Installation of Gopher Cam, with the cooperation of Daytona International Speedway and Nascar s Competition and Media Group departments, was conducted over a three day period last week and tested during the Budweiser Shootout telecast on Saturday night. The wiring and stainless steel housing for Gopher Cams remain behind in-place after the race, but the actual cameras travels with Fox to be used at the next race location. (MediaWeek.com)
Busch, Stewart put on probation Feb 13, 2008
Fans watch a replay on a television screen as Kurt Busch (2) bumps into Tony Stewart during practice for the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout on Friday. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Toyota has look of a contender Feb 13, 2008
Tony Stewart's No. 20 Toyota passes Dale Earnhardt Jr. en route to a second-place finish in the Budweiser Shootout. Getty Images Photo by Jason Smith. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Fox posts another ratings victory Feb 13, 2008
Also for Fox, NASCAR's "Budweiser Shootout" dominated Saturday (3. 0/9 in 18-49, 8. (Variety)
Penalty won't keep Busch, Stewart out of 500 Feb 13, 2008
Fans watch a replay on a television screen as Kurt Busch (2) bumps into Tony Stewart during practice for the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Busch, Stewart on probation Feb 13, 2008
The action was taken in response to Stewart's and Busch's on-track altercations Friday at Daytona International Speedway during practice for the Budweiser Shootout. After contact on the track, Busch twice ran his No.'2 Penske Racing Dodge into Stewart's No.'20 Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet on pit road. (The Palm Beach Post)
NASCAR's Real Chase Feb 13, 2008
(AP) -- When Tony Stewart checked his rearview mirror in the final laps of the Budweiser Shootout last weekend, he knew he was in trouble. The Hendrick Motorsports cars were lined up and ready to take charge. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Easing the pain: Shootout win dedicated to team mechanic Feb 12, 2008
Arnold recently suffered the loss of his 4-year-old son Cayden Arnold, prompting NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief Tony Eury, Jr. to dedicate their Budweiser Shootout race win to Arnold and his son ... That s why Earnhardt s Hendrick Motorsports crew dedicated their win in Saturday s Budweiser Shootout exhibition race to teammate Joey Arnold, whose 4-year-old son, Cayden, had died eight days earlier. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Earnhardt crew member overcomes tragedy Feb 12, 2008
That's why Earnhardt's Hendrick Motorsports crew dedicated their win in Saturday's Budweiser Shootout exhibition race to teammate Joey Arnold, whose 4-year-old son, Cayden, had died eight days earlier. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. choked up with emotion during the postrace news conference, saying how stunned he was to return to the team's shop in Charlotte from a recent test session and find Arnold already back at work and talking about, of all things, winning the Daytona 500. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Daytona quiet, exactly like NASCAR wants it Feb 12, 2008
The incident certainly didn't hurt NASCAR, as overnight television ratings for both Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout and Sunday's qualifying for the Daytona 500 were both up from 2007. Fox's broadcast of the Shootout was up 7. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Grammy Awards Take Sunday Feb 12, 2008
Saturday NASCARs Budweiser Shootout (2. 9) gave Fox (2. (TVweek.com)
Legendary slingshot passes back on track at Daytona Feb 12, 2008
"The dreaded "aero push" made the slingshot little more than a fond memory in recent years, thanks to the slick cars being used in what is now the Sprint Cup series.Drivers would pull up behind another car and, as they closed in, the air flowing off the back would give a hard push to the nose of the trailing vehicle, taking downforce off the front tires and usually forcing the driver in the car behind to back off.That, combined with the horsepower-sapping carburetor restrictor plates used to... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
DAYTONA 500: This could be Earnhardt Jr.'s time to deliver Feb 12, 2008
No, it was Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win in last Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout, his first win of any kind since Richmond in May 2006. By winning the shootout between last year's pole winners and the drivers who have previously won this exhibition event, it didn't take Junior long to prove that he had made the right decision to join the powerful Hendrick Motorsports. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Lars AndersonINSIDE NASCAR Feb 12, 2008
Hendrick has flexed more of its muscle in the early events of the Daytona Speedweeks -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Budweiser Shootout and Johnson captured the pole for the 500 -- but during test sessions over the winter it appeared that both Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing had narrowed the gap on Hendrick. Stay tuned. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Garages avoiding scandals Feb 12, 2008
" The incident certainly didn't hurt NASCAR, as overnight television ratings for both Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout and Sunday's qualifying for the Daytona 500 were both up from 2007. Fox's broadcast of the Shootout was up 7.1 percent from last year, while qualifying was up 8 percent. Dale Earnhardt Jr., winner of Saturday night's race, came to Daytona skeptical of NASCAR's plan to allow more emotion. But after watching the drama surrounding Busch vs. Stewart unfold, he changed his mind.... (Athens Banner-Herald)
All about Junior Feb 11, 2008
But Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout win was a big help in relieving some of the pressure that had been building during the transition. "This is exactly what we needed coming out of the gate," an elated Earnhardt said. (CBS News)
Toyota's situation is better by miles Feb 11, 2008
Aust cited the victory of 21-year-old Toyota driver Michael Annett in Saturday afternoon's ARCA Re/Max Series race at Daytona, the strong run and runner-up finish by Tony Stewart in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout, and the Daytona 500 pole qualifications as reasons for optimism. "The real feeling of happiness comes from the fact that now when you put your cars out on the track, you feel like you can give your teams the ability to be competitive," Aust said. (Boston Globe)
Strong run helps Waltrip overcome scandal Feb 11, 2008
Expectations had risen so much that some in the Toyota camp might walk away from this weekend with a twinge of disappointment, after Waltrip came oh-so-close to winning the pole and Tony Stewart narrowly lost out to Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Budweiser Shootout exhibition race Saturday. But the most dramatic turnaround was Waltrip, whose team struggled mightily on the track and in the boardroom after the Daytona cheating scandal. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
