Hendrick relishes impending 4-peat Nov 18, 2009
Hendrick congratulated Johnson not just for steering the No. 48 Lowe s Chevrolet to Victory Lane at Phoenix, but also for reaching the threshold of an unprecedented fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup title. Hendrick, who seemed happy just to tag along for the ride, paid Johnson a compliment of the highest order when he told his driver, I m glad we don t have to race against you. (Boston Globe)
Busch ready to wrap up Nationwide title Nov 18, 2009
Mike Bliss has driven the car in the last four races, but takes over the wheel of the No.1 Chevrolet for Phoenix Racing at Homestead. Fifty-three teams are on the preliminary entry list for the Ford 300. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson races to NASCAR victory Nov 17, 2009
Johnson was wrecked on the third lap at Texas, and sat inside his disabled race car as his crew did a total rebuild of the Chevrolet. He limped to a 38th-place finish that sliced his lead in the standings to just 73 points over Martin. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Hendrick championship part of master plan Nov 17, 2009
" Johnson started Sunday's race from third place. His No. 48 Chevrolet took off after the first round of pit stops, leading all but 22 of the final 260 laps. Jeff Burton finished second, followed by Denny Hamlin in third, Martin in fourth and Martin Truex Jr. in fifth. In private meetings at the shop, Hendrick individually tells all three of his top drivers they are the best of the bunch. Then it's up to them to prove him right. "I try to give them a snapshot of I'm going to be on neutral... (The Augusta Chronicle)
PHOTOS: Action at Phoenix Nov 16, 2009
Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #1 Rain-X Chevrolet, takes the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona. Christian Petersen - Getty Images. (Fox Sports)
Johnson wins, back in Chase control Nov 16, 2009
Johnson was wrecked on the third lap of last weeks race at Texas, and sat inside his disabled race car as his crew did a total rebuild of the Chevrolet. He limped to a 38th-place finish that sliced his lead in the standings to just 73 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on title Nov 16, 2009
(3) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 312 laps, 149 ... (36) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 312, 101 ... (10) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 312, 117. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Desert domination puts Johnson on cusp of history Nov 16, 2009
It did a week ago in Texas, where Johnson was caught in a wreck three laps into the race and had to sit inside his crippled car as his crew did a total rebuild of the Chevrolet. He limped to a 38th-place finish that cost him 111 points in the standings. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Johnson joins most-dominant talk Nov 16, 2009
But Johnson slammed their fingers in that window Sunday, taking his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet past Kurt Busch for his first lead on Lap 56. He led 238 laps and won for the fourth time in this year's Chase. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson rolls at PIR Nov 16, 2009
"After we put fresh tires on after the first pit stop, our (No. 48 Chevrolet) came to life," Johnson said. Still, Burton gave it a yeoman's effort, passing Hamlin for second place on Lap 284. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Keselowski is cautioned Nov 16, 2009
Chip Ganassi has had a seat to fill since July, when Martin Truex Jr. said he would vacate the No. 1 Chevrolet to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing next season. Ganassi vowed to take his time replacing Truex, and has. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Victory lane: Roundup of the Auto Parts 500 Nov 16, 2009
Car: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 2009 wins: 7 Career wins: 47 ... (3) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 312, $267,001 ... (36) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 312, $204,006. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Rewind | OK, so now Stewart's a mellow fellow? Nov 16, 2009
TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 30: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet, stands in the garage prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 30, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama ... AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Dupont Chevrolet, leads a line of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona ...... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson closer to 4th Cup title with Phoenix win Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet ... Jeff Burton, Chevrolet ... Mark Martin, Chevrolet. (ABC News)
Sparks fly as Edwards delays Busch's clincher in Nationwide series Nov 16, 2009
"Able Body Labor 200 Results1. (2) Carl Edwards, Ford, 200 laps, 148.4 rating, 195 points, 57,895.2. (3) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 200, 122.5, 170, 41,175.3. (10) Reed Sorenson, Toyota, 200, 113.5, 165, 34,825.4. (5) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 200, 110.2, 160, 31,700.5. (17) Brad Keselowski, Chevrolet, 200, 104.5, 155, 33,493.6. (9) David Ragan, Ford, 200, 109.3, 150, 26,075.7. (12) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 200, 98.6, 146, 24,175.8. (8) Mike Bliss, Toyota, 200, 101.8, 142, 31,993.9. (4) Kyle Busch,... (Longview Daily News, WA)
NASCAR: Johnson makes winning stand at Phoenix Nov 16, 2009
Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost control of his Chevrolet coming off the fourth turn, triggering a crash that also involved: Brian Vickers, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Clint Bowyer, Scott Speed, Joey Logano and Sam Hornish Jr.. Stewart's 25th-place finish eliminated him from title contention. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Martin not ready to give up Chase Nov 15, 2009
Jamie McMurray, winner two weeks ago at Talladega, has nothing firm locked up for next season but could be headed back to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing if a sponsorship deal can be worked out on the No. 1 Chevrolet. Bobby Labonte yesterday signed to drive for TRG Motorsports in 2010, but Reed Sorenson, Casey Mears, and David Stremme have nothing firm in place. (Boston Globe)
Edwards wins Nov 15, 2009
4 seconds over Kevin Harvick's No. 33 Chevrolet. Reed Sorenson was third in the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Carl Edwards wins, makes Kyle Busch wait for crown Nov 15, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Sat, Nov 14, 2009 07:27 PMModified Sat, Nov 14, 2009 09:56 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
RESULTS: Able Body Labor 200 Nov 15, 2009
NASCAR Nationwide Series - Able Body Labor 200 - USATODAY.com. Updated: 11/14/2009 - 8:21 PM. (USA Today -- Sports)
Auto Racing Notebook: Edwards cruises to Nationwide triumph Nov 15, 2009
Labonte already has raced five times for TRG this season, and will finish the year in the No. 71 Chevrolet for a total of seven races. Looking for more from the Post-Gazette. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
CARQUEST extends deal with Hendrick, Martin Nov 15, 2009
The CARQUEST extension leaves just eight races remaining for Hendrick to sell on the No. 5 Chevrolet. CARQUEST has been with Hendrick Motorsports since 2002 in different capacities, and joined the No. 5 team in 2005 as a co-primary sponsor. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson, Martin key picks for Phoenix Nov 15, 2009
The idea that Johnson's crew, with assorted members of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s teams, managed to repair the blitzed Lowe's Chevrolet was little short of remarkable and the fifteen points Johnson salvaged -- finishing 38th rather than 43rd -- might be the difference between first and second place this season. Regardless, his poor finish has given Gordon and Mark Martin hope that the Championship is still a possibility, albeit a vague one. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
RESULTS: Lucas Oil 150 Nov 14, 2009
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - Lucas Oil 150 - USATODAY.com. Updated: 11/13/2009 - 11:18 PM. (USA Today -- Sports)
Truex takes pole in Arizona Nov 14, 2009
Martin Truex Jr. and his Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing team were stripped of 50 points and crew chief Kevin Manion was fined 50,000 after their No. 1 Chevrolet failed post race inspection last weekend at Texas ... Jimmie Johnson couldn t wait to get back in his No. 48 Chevrolet after wrecking last weekend at Texas after just three laps ... (1) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 135. (Longview Daily News, WA)
The Sprint Cup lineup at Phoenix Nov 14, 2009
Old Spice / Office Depot Chevrolet ... Jack Daniel's Chevrolet ... Kellogg's / CARQUEST Chevrolet. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Incentive? They're still racing, right? Nov 14, 2009
"As the season winds down and job changes begin, there's a handful of drivers still jockeying for a 2010 ride.Jamie McMurray, winner two weeks ago at Talladega, has nothing firm locked up for next season but could be headed back to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing if a sponsorship deal can be worked out on the No. 1 Chevrolet.But Reed Sorenson, Casey Mears, David Stremme and Bobby Labonte have nothing firm in place, and that might not change regardless of how they run the next two weeks."We all know... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Chase has become a hot pursuit Nov 14, 2009
But the driver of the No. 48 Lowe s Chevrolet wasn t as quick to declare The Chase over. To get through Talladega, I felt like we missed the big one, everything was in great shape, he said. (Boston Globe)
Truex, Kurt Busch take top 2 spots at PIR Nov 14, 2009
120 mph Friday to qualify first in his No. 1 Chevrolet. It was a huge lift for his team, which failed post-race inspection last week at Texas to draw a 50-point penalty. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
JOHNSON: Looking to rebound from Texas crash Nov 14, 2009
" Sponsor sequels: The U.S. Army Accessions Command announced Friday that the U.S. Army will return as a primary sponsor of 's No. 39 for 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2010 and will continue its sponsorship of 's Top Fuel Dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). ... announced it will continue as a major sponsor of Martin's No. 5 Chevrolet for 2010 and 2011. Tracking titles: On Saturday, aims to lock up his first NASCAR championship in the Nationwide Series. Busch was 272... (USA Today -- Sports)
Dale Jr.: Danica's move far from a done deal Nov 14, 2009
Chevrolet has an eight-race win streak at Phoenix, dating to 2005 ... com, but the company will move to Cup next year to back the No. 5 Chevrolet of at Hendrick Motorsports, which has an alliance with JRM.. (USA Today -- Sports)
Truex on pole, Johnson third at PIR Nov 14, 2009
" When Johnson did, he motored to near atop the qualifying leader board, a pick-me-up that has helped erase the sting of last week's result. Martin wasn't as fortunate. He won at PIR in April after starting from the pole, but now will start from the fifth row and is battling a "cantankerous" Chevrolet Impala. "I needed a breathtakingly spectacular lap and I got a below-average lap," Martin said. "We still have some time, a couple of hours (in practice today) to work on that and hopefully we'll... (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson making most of lessons learned from Gordon Nov 13, 2009
The roll they ve been on certainly reminds me of the roll we were on with the DuPont Chevrolet back in the mid- to late 90s. While both are fierce competitors, and their relationship and personal lives have definitely changed over the past eight years, Johnson insists that there isn t any issues with our friendship and, more importantly, that they both still respect each other. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Nationwide inspection issue spurs NASCAR penalties Nov 13, 2009
NASCAR assessed a 50-point penalty to both driver Martin Truex, Jr. and car owner Teresa Earnhardt and fined crew chief Kevin Manion $50,000 after Truex's No.1 Chevrolet failed post-race inspection last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway ... FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 07: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Z-Line Designs/WWE Smackdown Toyota, races against Kevin Harvick, driver of the #33 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Nationwide Series O'Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway on November 7,... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Younger Busch's team is penalized Nov 12, 2009
STICKING TOGETHER: When pressed by General Motors and Toyota for an answer last week at Texas, car owner Chip Ganassi apparently decided to stay with Chevrolet for 2010. Ganassi, who runs Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, had talked with Toyota about moving to their camp since General Motors has reduced their support after taking a pair of government bailouts. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Johnson's Chase challengers can't keep pace Nov 12, 2009
His trouble came at Charlotte, when he ran into the back of Juan Pablo Montoya on a restart and couldn t overcome the gaping hole in the front of his No. 5 Chevrolet. Martin finished 17th at Charlotte, while Johnson went on to win the race and finally put a cushion between himself and his teammate. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Driver notes Nov 12, 2009
Chevrolet has an eight-race win streak at Phoenix, dating to 2005 ... s , which then clipped Johnson's Chevrolet on the backstretch ... Martin No. 5 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports. (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR - Sprint Cup - Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Preview Nov 12, 2009
2008 Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 97 ... 2007 Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 102 ... 2006 Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 96. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Martin's optimism gives him winning edge Nov 12, 2009
Getty Images for NASCAR MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 23: Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 23, 2009 in Martinsville, Virginia ... Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team co-owner Teresa Earnhardt and driver Martin Truex Jr. were penalized 50 points each and crew chief Kevin Manion was fined $50,000 after Truex s No. 1 Chevrolet was found too low in... (News & Observer -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings He crashed in Texas, but Jimmie Johnson won't lose the Chase. Nov 11, 2009
Sunday reminded fans of the Gordon of old at Texas, as the pole sitter dropped like a rock while the DuPont Chevrolet struggled to simply stay on the lead lap. "A total missed opportunity that completely got away from us," he said after running 13th, remaining 112-points behind Johnson and a longshot at best for the title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Truex Jr.'s team penalized for Texas violation Nov 11, 2009
Getty Images DOVER, DE - SEPTEMBER 25: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #1 Vaseline MEN Body Lotion Chevrolet looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 25, 2009 in Dover, Delaware ... - NASCAR assessed a 50-point penalty to both driver Martin Truex, Jr. and car owner Teresa Earnhardt and fined crew chief Kevin Manion $50,000 after Truex's No.1 Chevrolet failed post-race inspection last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway ... NASCAR... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Kurt Busch wins at Texas, Johnson 38th after wreck Nov 10, 2009
While crew chief Chad Knaus and Co. were basically rebuilding the mangled mess that was his No. 48 Chevrolet after it was knocked into the wall on the third lap at Texas on Sunday, Johnson stayed inside the cockpit frustrated and replaying the accident in his head. He knows the outcome could have been a lot worse. (FindLaw News)
Jimmie Johnson Wrecks on 3rd Lap in Texas Nov 10, 2009
That knocked Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet hard into the inside wall. There was heavy damage to both cars. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Johnson crashes to earth Nov 9, 2009
Johnson finished 38th after his crew needed more than an hour to repair his No. 48 Chevrolet. Johnson returned to the track on Lap 115, the front and rear of his car solid black after all the repairs. (Boston Globe)
Nascar Crash slashes Johnson's points lead Nov 9, 2009
Johnson finished 38th after his crew needed more than an hour to repair and basically rebuild his No. 48 Chevrolet. Coming out of Turn 2 on the third lap, Hornish got loose after being tapped by David Reutimann. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Delayed Gratification Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesEven with his day-ending crash at Lap 3, Jimmie Johnson (48) still holds a sizable lead in the Sprint Cup title chase. In his weekly notes, Bruce Martin details IndyCar's landmark sponsorship agreement, Kurt Busch's lottery-style lucky day and Jimmie Johnson's revised chances for making history. Nov 9, 2009
Hornish's Dodge ran into the side of Johnson's Chevrolet, sending the points leader into the inside wall on the backstretch amid a roar of cheers from the crowd at Texas Motor Speedway that wanted to see a little excitement in a Chase that has become a yawn. Johnson drove his Chevy into the garage area, a mangled heap of twisted sheet metal looking as if it were the winner of a demoliton derby instead of a NASCAR title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Kurt Busch claims win; Johnson crashes to 38th Nov 9, 2009
"All along we've been trying to tell everybody this thing is far from over and what our mind-set's been," said Johnson, who spent more than an hour in the garage with the No. 48 Lowe's/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet and finished 129 laps down ... Martin and his No. 5 Carquest/Kellogg's Chevrolet were in 15th place 100 laps into the race ... (7) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 334, 108. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnsons wreck helps Kurt Busch win Nov 9, 2009
Johnson finished 38th after his crew needed more than an hour to repair and basically rebuild his No. 48 Chevrolet. Im still in great position. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Rewind | Racing to win? Category may be the key Nov 9, 2009
Although he spun out once and had handling problems with his No. 24 Chevrolet, Gordon fought all day to stay near the front. He finished 13th and made up considerable ground in the points race with Johnson. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson exits early -- DNF Nov 9, 2009
He looked like he may save his car before he was hit again by Hornish, knocking Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet hard into the inside wall. "By the time that I knew that I was hit, I was already sideways," Hornish said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Kurt Busch wins on fumes; J.J. wrecks Nov 9, 2009
His crew needed more than an hour to repair and basically rebuild his No. 48 Chevrolet, but he returned to finish 38th -- 129 laps behind Kurt Busch. Johnson's points lead was cut from 184 to 73 over Hendrick teammate Mark Martin, who finished fourth, with two races left. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
RESULTS: O'Reilly Challenge Nov 8, 2009
NASCAR Nationwide Series - O'Reilly Challenge - USATODAY.com. Updated: 11/7/2009 - 4:34 PM. (USA Today -- Sports)
Gordon earns pole at Texas, his first of season Nov 8, 2009
Gordon is third in points, 192 behind Hendrick teammate Jimmie Johnson, who drives the No. 48 Chevrolet on which Gordon is listed as the owner ... Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch qualified second and third in Dodges, and Tony Stewart was fourth in his No. 14 Chevrolet ... (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 191. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Kyle Bush wins 4th straight Nationwide at Texas Nov 8, 2009
154 seconds over Casey Mears, who was filling in for Jeff Burton in the No. 29 Chevrolet. This is the 28th time in his career Busch has run all three series the same weekend. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Kyle Busch rolling Nov 8, 2009
154 seconds over Casey Mears, who was filling in for Jeff Burton in the No. 29 Chevrolet. Jason Leffler was third, Kenseth fourth and Brad Keselowski fifth. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Kyle Busch races to 5th straight NASCAR Trucks win Nov 7, 2009
Busch passed Hornaday on lap 98, the bump move between turns 3 and 4 getting Hornaday loose, though he managed to keep the No. 33 Chevrolet off the wall. "Kyle bent the rear bumper in pretty good, and raced me real hard," Hornaday said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Childress gives Jeff Burton Saturday off after hard wreck in Cup practice Nov 7, 2009
RCR is putting Casey Mears in the No. 29 Chevrolet for Saturday's O'Reilly Challenge. "Honestly, Richard (Childress) came to see me right after the wreck and he made the call," Burton said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
RESULTS: WinStar World Casino 350 Nov 7, 2009
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - WinStar World Casino 350k - USATODAY.com. Updated: 11/6/2009 - 11:58 PM. (USA Today -- Sports)
Great Expectations Doug Murray/Icon SMIDanica Patrick is rumored to have had negotiations with JR Motorsports about leaving IndyCar and joining NASCAR.If Danica Patrick moves to NASCAR in 2010, the racing community would benefit financially, writes Tom Bowles. During this period of economic turmoil, any little bit helps. Nov 6, 2009
Whether the signing gets announced next week, next month, or early next year, expect her to show up to Daytona in a JR Motorsports Chevrolet. Her first race will likely be in the ARCA Series, after which she'll strap into her No. 5 Chevy for the 300-mile Nationwide race (the sport's equivalent of AAA baseball) on Saturday, Feb. 13. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Crafton takes pole for Texas truck race Nov 6, 2009
108 seconds) in his No.88 Chevrolet for his second pole of the season and the third of his Truck Series career. Todd Bodine will start on the outside pole after turning a lap at 178. (News & Observer -- Sports)
North Wilkesboro's wild 'Rush Through the Brush' Nov 6, 2009
Johnson, driving a Ford, was involved in a dandy duel with Chevrolet rival Jack Smith during the early stages of the 160-lap race that spring Sabbath 51 years ago. Junior took the lead on the 79th lap and steadily pulled away to a half-lap advantage. (News & Observer -- Sports)
BrantJamesInside Nascar Crown him now? Not so fast. Here's how J.J. could lose. Nov 5, 2009
Mark Martin: Certainly, the 50-year-old's chances appeared to tumble and smash with his No. 5 Chevrolet in the final laps at Talladega on Sunday, but he remains statistically viable with three races remaining. Of course, he's realistically resigned to finishing -- at best -- as a runner-up for the fifth time in his 27-year career. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Sources: Danica near deal with JR Motorsports Nov 5, 2009
The Web site registration service is a sponsor on JR Motorsports' No. 88 Chevrolet, which has earned four Nationwide Series wins this season with at the wheel. GoDaddy. (ABC News)
Win gives McMurray bittersweet send-off at Roush Nov 5, 2009
Full-time job opportunities are hard to come by, and there s only one job that s really open right now: the No. 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Chevrolet. McMurray is well aware of the speculation he may be heading back to Ganassi, the place where he began his career. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Keselowski replaces Stremme for final three races Nov 3, 2009
He is currently third in Nationwide Series points, driving the No.88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, which is co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick. "Penske Racing wants to give Brad an opportunity to work with the team and get to know the race car as we prepare for the 2010 season," team owner Roger Penske said in a statement. (News & Observer -- Sports)
