Is Anyone Safe? Getty ImagesAs seen at Talledaga this spring, restrictor plates force drivers to bunch together, increasing the chance of a crash.Racers in Sunday's event at Talladega will return to using restrictor plates, but there will still be crashes. Just don't expect that trend to change anytime soon, writes Tom Bowles. Oct 30, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin on Talladega, restrictor plate racing - Tom Bowles - SI.com. Posted: Thursday October 29, 2009 1:38PM; Updated: Thursday October 29, 2009 6:30PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Phillips not necessarily done in TV Oct 30, 2009
The men's college basketball title game, the Kentucky Derby, Daytona 500, the most-watched NBA Finals game, MLB's All-Star Game and the final round of The Masters have at least one thing in common. Each drew fewer TV viewers than 15 NFL regular-season games so far. (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR, rooted in fossil fuels, turning over new, green leaf Oct 29, 2009
org calculated the carbon footprint of the 2008 Daytona 500 as 14,163 tons. In 2007, sponsor made an environmental donation to offset more than 4,200 tons of emissions for a Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway. (USA Today -- Sports)
Sadler to drive a Ford as RPM finalizes 2010 plans Oct 29, 2009
Giving Sadler the car for Talladega also gives the team a database to prepare for the season-opening Daytona 500, which is also a restrictor plate race. Sadler is the best plate racer at RPM, with two top-10 finishes in the three plate races so far this season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
On The Road To Victory APJimmie Johnson's Chase victory is all but inevitable after his finish at Martinsville. He is ahead by 118 points.Jimmie Johnson is still king after Martinsville, writes Tom Bowles. Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and the rest of the pack need to step up soon if they want a shot at winning the Chase. Oct 28, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon top NASCAR Power Rankings - Tom Bowles - SI.com. Posted: Tuesday October 27, 2009 3:47PM; Updated: Tuesday October 27, 2009 7:23PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Beautification project begins on International Speedway Boulevard Oct 26, 2009
Special events such as the Daytona 500 and Bike Week will put work on hold intermittently, but the project should wrap up by early May, McLemore said. The road will not shut down for the project, but lane closures will be necessary at some points, he said. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Speedway plans new project Oct 22, 2009
The area will be open only on Daytona 500 day. By comparison, a front-stretch ticket runs $110, and an upgrade to the Sprint FanZone costs another $60 during the Daytona 500. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Business events Oct 18, 2009
DAYTONA BEACH ADVERTISING FEDERATION networking luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Daytona 500 Experience, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. Speaker: John Hamlin, president of Hamlin & Associates in Ormond Beach. Topic: The Sales Process: Keeping Customers from Cradle to Grave. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
NASCAR's Johnson To Film Series With HBO Oct 17, 2009
The four-episode series will air beginning in January and focus on Johnson's preparation for the 2010 season-opening Daytona 500. "I'm confident that my personality will come out, and for those who may think I'm boring, they'll see a different side of me," Johnson said Thursday from his office at Hendrick Motorsports. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Stewart has exceeded expectations Oct 17, 2009
When the team finished eighth at the Daytona 500, it was an indication of how quickly it was coming together. With six races remaining in the Chase, Stewart has four victories and four seconds. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
On The Ballot Rusty Jarrett/Getty ImagesDavid Pearson finished his career with the highest winning percentage of anyone who had over 250 starts.With the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class announced, it's time to look ahead to the next one. For SI.com's Tom Bowles, legendary driver David Pearson is his top choice. Oct 16, 2009
His 1976 Daytona 500 win also ranks second wildest behind the 1979 finish, with he and Petty crashing off Turn 4 before Pearson was able to drive his wounded Mercury across the line first ... Yet even running half the races, Yarborough was just as dangerous, winning the Daytona 500 back-to-back in 1983-84 en route to a total of 83 victories for his career ... But his greatest moment came in the sport's biggest race, surviving a photo finish with Johnny Beauchamp to win the first ever Daytona 500... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Edwards says wife, Kate, is pregnant with a girl Oct 16, 2009
The couple is having a girl, and Edwards joked they'll name her "Daytona" because her birth is projected around the season-opening Daytona 500. Edwards says they went for the ultrasound this week to learn the gender, and the nervous dad-to-be "almost passed out" when he saw the baby move. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
HBO Sports Revs Up '24/7' Series For NASCAR's Johnson Oct 16, 2009
Series To Follow Racing Champion As He Prepares for The Daytona 500 ... HBO Sports will move its 24/7 reality franchise from the boxing ring to the racetrack in January as it follows NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmy Johnson's preparation for the Daytona 500. (Multichannel News)
ESPN taking a cut at virtual pitches Oct 16, 2009
Thursday, it announced the next step: A 24/7 four-part series, debuting Jan. 26, focused on NASCAR star before and during next year's Daytona 500. While HBO's NFL Hard Knocks series were produced by the league-owned and its 24/7 boxing series followed fighters training for HBO fights, HBO has no obvious ties to NASCAR or Johnson that suggest it might be protective of its subject. (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR's Johnson to film series with HBO Sports Oct 16, 2009
The four-episode series will air beginning in January and focus on Johnson's preparation for the 2010 season-opening Daytona 500. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
NASCAR Hall of Fame announces inaugural class Oct 15, 2009
Teresa Earnhardt made a rare public appearance, and invited almost everyone in attendance to a reception to celebrate her husband, who was killed in an accident on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. "Everyone who knew him respected him," she said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
France Sr., France Jr., Petty, Earnhardt, Johnson named to NASCAR hall Oct 15, 2009
In 1998, he won his most coveted race -- the Daytona 500 -- in his 20th attempt ... Petty holds numerous records in the NASCAR Cup Series, including 200 wins, seven Daytona 500 victories and 1,185 starts. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
NASCAR founder France tops first Hall class Oct 15, 2009
Won the 1998 Daytona 500. Died in an accident on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 ... He won the second Daytona 500 in 1960 and was credited with discovering drafting at superspeedways. (ABC News)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings Juan Pablo Montoya's rising. But will his Cinderella run soon end? Oct 14, 2009
" Add in a late-race crash in the Nationwide race while subbing for Kyle Busch, and the weekend quickly devolved into his worst nightmare. Dropped Out: Brad Keselowski (10) Underdog of the Week: Heading down the stretch, the championship isn't the only points battle being staged in NASCAR. With just a 111-point lead over the No. 82 car entering California, the underdog Front Row Motorsports team is fighting for something just as important: a coveted spot in the top 35 in owner points, which... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
2009 Sprint Cup Series Schedule Oct 13, 2009
Feb. 15: Daytona 500 Daytona; Matt Kenseth. Feb. 22: Auto Club 500 Auto Club (California); Matt Kenseth. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Foyt and Evernham being inducted Oct 13, 2009
Foyt, with four Indianapolis 500 wins and the 1972 Daytona 500 victory, has visited Victory Lane in stock cars, sports cars, champ cars, sprints and midgets virtually all disciplines in which he's competed. Evernham, best known as part owner of a major racing operation and crew chief who helped guide Jeff Gordon to three Cup championships, is also recognized as an innovator. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Actors invited, 'other factors' cited Oct 12, 2009
The first California race is run in February, right after the Daytona 500 while Phoenix runs in April. "Everybody knows that we've had some challenges with weather during (February)," she said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NASCAR will go to an earlier start time (3) Oct 12, 2009
In 2010, the bulk of the schedule will start at 10 a.m. next season, including the Daytona 500. In all, 28 races next season will begin earlier than they did this year. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Danica needs seat time to excel, Johnson says Oct 11, 2009
Montoya rarely ventures outside of stock cars these days save for the Rolex 24 at Daytona shortly before the season-opening Daytona 500. Even then, after just a couple days of testing and racing in the Rolex, it feels "weird" when he gets back in a Cup car. (MSNBC -- Sports)
TALE OF THE TAPE: Braylon Edwards vs. Mariah Carey Oct 10, 2009
NBA All-Star Game vs. Daytona 500. Michael Phelps vs. Jeff Spicoli. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
NASCAR, TV execs agree on earlier 2010 start times Oct 10, 2009
In 2010, the bulk of the schedule will start at 1 p.m. Eastern time next season, including the Daytona 500 ... Fox was the biggest proponent of later race starts, and Hill particularly liked starting the Daytona 500 late enough in the afternoon that it ended in the prime-time television viewing block. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Failure To Launch Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCARWith seven races left in the Sprint Cup season, Denny Hamlin is the only Toyota driver with a shot at the crown.Toyota's deep pockets were widely expected to dominate NASCAR when the company arrived. Tom Bowles explores why, three years later, the takeover hasn't happened. Oct 9, 2009
Of the dozen drivers running Camrys on the Sprint Cup level, they have zero championships and two Daytona 500 victories (both achieved by Michael Waltrip long before Toyota drove around in circles). Since losing Tony Stewart to his own team this season, the company's brought up a young rookie in Joey Logano to replace him but failed to add more star power to its lineup. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Jets acquire Browns' troubled Edwards Oct 9, 2009
The Daytona 500 will be the first of 20 races that begin at 1 p.m., while West Coast races will begin at 3 p.m. ET and night races will begin at 7:30 p.m.. The one exception will be the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NASCAR imes to be more friendly for fans Oct 8, 2009
Starting with the season-opening Daytona 500, start times for Sprint Cup Series races will be more unified in 2010, the sanctioning body said Wednesday. The Daytona 500 on Feb. 14 will get the green flag at 1 p.m. ET. It's one of 28 races which will feature an earlier starting time. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Sinking Ratings Spark NASCAR to Make Changes Oct 8, 2009
It's not clear what Fox Sports chairman David Hill plans to do with the season-opening Daytona 500. He prefers a race that starts in late afternoon and ends in prime-time. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Acting head of USOC to step down Oct 8, 2009
The Daytona 500 will be the first of 20 races that begin at 1 p.m., while West Coast races will begin at 3 p.m. and night races will begin at 7:30 p.m. The one exception will be the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend. That race will maintain its 5:45 p.m. start. (Erie Times-News, PA)
NASCAR Looks To Consistent TV Scheduling In 2010 Oct 8, 2009
"NASCAR fans have been asking for earlier and more consistent start times, and we are making this change for our fans, beginning with the Daytona 500 next February," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France in a statement. "We are revisiting our sport's tradition of earlier green flags, and the added consistency will make it easier for fans to know exactly when the races are being televised. Additionally, the new start times will help track operators get fans in and out of the track earlier in... (Multichannel News)
International Speedway Corporation Unveils New Logo Oct 6, 2009
The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway in Florida (home of the Daytona 500); Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Handicapping the hall's starting field Oct 6, 2009
Why he s considered: Petty s Cup Series records are staggering: Most wins (200), most poles (123), tied for most championships (seven), most wins in a season (27), most Daytona 500 wins (seven), most consecutive wins (10) and most starts (1,185) ... Why he s considered: Robert Glenn Junior Johnson won the second Daytona 500 in 1960 and in the process, became credited with the discovery of drafting on the massive superspeedways ... Why he s considered: It took a while three whole days for... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson becoming good at mind games Oct 4, 2009
He was suspended for four races in 2006 for illegally modifying Johnson's Chevy at the Daytona 500. "NASCAR gives us a box, and you're supposed to use every bit of it," said driver Brian Vickers, who starts 12th today. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Hospitality business gets boost Oct 3, 2009
It was the first year-over-year increase since February 2008, which got a boost with the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500. The Volusia tourism industry has been on the decline since then, with collections down about 9 percent in July, about 9. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Jimmie Thing Sep 30, 2009
" Heading to Kansas, where he finished second in '08, it's likely his last, best chance to live up to the hype as the trendy preseason title pick. Dropped Out: Kyle Busch (6) Underdog of the Week: It's been a tough few weeks for A.J. Allmendinger, who's been part of the RPM-Yates merger drama that's playing out in the public eye. With a lack of leadership and funding right now in an organization switching from Dodge to Ford, the 'Dinger doesn't even know what type of car he's going to drive the... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Round Two Of The Chase Moves To Dover Sep 26, 2009
Newman's last win in the series came in the 2008 Daytona 500 when he drove for Penske Racing. After winning at Richmond and finishing second at New Hampshire, Hamlin carries a lot of momentum into Dover. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Tap 'er Light: Staying neutral Sep 22, 2009
The mistake I made didn't occur to me until I rolled into the small town for the Twin Bridges-Sheridan football game, which is like the Super Bowl, World Series, Daytona 500, a heavyweight title fight and World War III all rolled into one. My sweatshirt was red, and that is the color of the Twin Bridges Falcons. (Montana Standard, MT)
23rd Annual Cowboy Joe Club Auction Deadline Nears Sep 22, 2009
The event will take place Friday, October 9th in Cheyenne at Little America's Grand Ballroom (Wyomingathletics.com)
Opinion: Owners shouldn't be broadcasting Sep 22, 2009
This is the sport where two of the most famous TV moments of all time featured broadcasters rooting on their relatives to Daytona 500 victories: Ned Jarrett calling son Dale across the finish line, and Waltrip crying as his brother Michael took the checkered flag. So perhaps NASCAR is filled with so many family ties and sponsor relationships that conflict is unavoidable. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Martin starts Chase with strong shot at title Sep 20, 2009
It was evident as he nearly won the 2007 Daytona 500 that his performance had not missed a beat, and it took just that little break to get Martin geared up for a full return this season with Hendrick. Now, he s having so much fun, there s no clue when he ll quit. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Martin Extends Contract With Hendrick Through 2011 Sep 19, 2009
"I can't overstate the contribution he's made or the kind of teammate he's been, and we're excited that he'll race with us for the next two years. With his focus and dedication, he will continue to make all of us better." GoDaddy will serve as Martin's sponsor for at least 20 races next year, starting with the season-opening Daytona 500. Additional sponsorship for the No.5 team will be announced at a later date. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Martin has strong shot at title Sep 19, 2009
" And that includes Martin, even though he doesn't want to focus on the championship. He's finished second in title races four times in his career, most recently when he lost by 38 points to Stewart in 2002. He was penalized 25 points that season for an illegal spring, so in terms of performance, he only missed the title by 13 points. It's been an up-and-down road since then, even though Martin made the Chase in each of its first three seasons. He wasn't a strong contender then, though, and his... (Erie Times-News, PA)
Four-wheel drive Sep 19, 2009
Johnson, who turned 34 Thursday, has been tough to ignore ever since the first race in his rookie season, when he won the pole for the 2002 Daytona 500. He captured his first race two months later, and hasn t slowed much, winning at least three races every season, topped by 10 victories in 2007. (Boston Globe)
What Are The Odds? Sep 18, 2009
Elliott Sadler, A.J. Allmendinger and Reed Sorenson have combined for exactly zero top-5 finishes since the Daytona 500 -- so it's almost like Kahne's pulling dead weight around while trying to contend. X Factor: Dodge. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Local briefs: Tachi sets up MMA promotion Sep 17, 2009
Mario Andretti -- who won Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500 and Formula I championships in a stellar auto-racing career -- is scheduled to make a promotional appearance Sept. 24 at Lee's Performance Tire in Reedley. Andretti will be in town to help Lee's celebrate its 60th anniversary. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
NASCAR Releases 2010 Schedules With No Major Changes Sep 16, 2009
The 36-race Sprint Cup schedule begins with the February 14 Daytona 500 and concludes on November 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The series will have four off weekends, including the traditional Easter holiday on April 4. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Tim TuttleINSIDE NASCAR Sep 16, 2009
Nobody saw the next three seasons coming, when he'd win only one race -- even though it was the Daytona 500 -- and became an also-ran in the championship. After Newman's eight seasons with Penske Racing, the team that groomed him from an open-wheel USAC Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown driver with its ABC (ARCA, Busch, Cup) stock-car program, it was time for him to try something new. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Richmond Notebook: Johnson viewed as favorite among Chasers Sep 15, 2009
Matt Kenseth opened the season with victories in the Daytona 500 and at Fontana in the second race, but said the beginning of the end started the next week. Kenseth, who along with Johnson were the only drivers to make the Chase in every season, dropped from 12th to 14th in points Saturday night, and out of the 10-race playoffs. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Chase Is On But No One Is A Heavy Favorite Sep 15, 2009
He finished 36th in the Daytona 500, using a backup car intended for the following event at California. Newman sat 32nd in points after Atlanta in March, but gained enough momentum from there to put him in the Chase for the fourth time. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Hamlin finally tastes victory at home track Sep 13, 2009
On the bubble was Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth, who started the race in the 12th and final qualifying spot, with hard-charging Brian Vickers and Busch, owner of four wins this season, right on his bumper. More Sports. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Hamlin savors hometown win, dominates Richmond Sep 13, 2009
"(This is) like a Daytona 500 win for anyone else," said Hamlin, who was running short tracks in virtual obscurity around Virginia before catching the attention of JGR five years ago. "I wanted to win this race before I won a 500, and especially after all the heartbreak, it makes it more gratifying to win now. It's by far the biggest win of my career, and hopefully goes a long way for this race team over the next 10 weeks.". (USA Today -- Sports)
Hamlin wins at Richmond; Vickers makes Chase Sep 13, 2009
Although it was a bittersweet night for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin felt as if he'd just won the Daytona 500 ... The final spot went instead to , who knocked both Busch and Daytona 500 winner out of contention with a career-best seventh-place run ... On the bubble was Kenseth, the Daytona 500 winner, who started the race in the 12th and final qualifying spot. (ABC News)
NASCAR’s Race to the Chase approaches finish line Sep 12, 2009
It s surprising that Kenseth is in this position, after winning the season-opening Daytona 500, and following that with a victory the next week in Fontana, Calif. But he s added only two top-five finishes since then, dropping him in the standings and opening the door for others. (Boston Globe)
BOWLES:NASCAR's bubble drivers where they are for a reason Sep 11, 2009
While his three other teammates finished in the top 10 in this year's Daytona 500, Kahne was busy wrecking with Aric Almirola en route to a 29th-place finish, the start of a 3-for-3 debacle in which the Budweiser Dodge was in the wrong place at the wrong time ... The One That Got Away: The Daytona 500 ... The One That Got Away: The Daytona 500. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Turner Sports, Speed Program NASCAR.com Channel Sep 10, 2009
NASCAR RaceDay at the Daytona 500The shoulder programming is: NASCAR RaceDay Built by the Home Depot (pictured before the Daytona 500); NASCAR Victory Lane; Trackside; NASCAR Performance; NASCAR Live. This Week in NASCAR and NASCAR Smarts. (Multichannel News)
A Tale of Two Drivers Sep 10, 2009
That thought persisted when Vickers missed 13 races his first year with Red Bull, including the Daytona 500. He finished 38th in points that first year with Red Bull, 19th in 2008 and is 13th, 20 points from a Chase berth. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Excitement is building locally for one of cycling's top events Sep 9, 2009
"It is like if you were a NASCAR fan and your ultimate is to go to the Daytona 500," Miller said. "Going would be cool but it would be even better to have it outside your back door.". (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Kenseth on brink of missing Chase Sep 9, 2009
Kenseth opened the Sprint Cup Series season winning his first Daytona 500, and a week later added another victory at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. Now, 23 races later, Kenseth is precariously close to missing the 12-driver Chase field for the first time. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
One For The King Sep 8, 2009
Drew is Kenseth's crew chief Drew Blickensderfer, and if this team has one hallmark -- remember, Kenseth and Blickensderfer won the first two races of the season, including the Daytona 500 -- it's that it finds speed in the car as the laps wind down. Well, the team did it again on Sunday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
BruceMartinInside Racing After a disappointing Atlanta run, Kyle Busch is almost out of time. Sep 8, 2009
Two Roush Fenway drivers are 11th and 12th with Greg Biffle 68 points ahead of the cutoff and this year's Daytona 500 winner Kenseth only 20 points from being eliminated. After finishing 13th at Atlanta Sunday night, Busch did what he typically does when he has a poor finish -- he left the track without issuing a comment, leaving crew chief Steve Addington to speak on his behalf. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Kahne Shines Under The Lights At Atlanta Sep 8, 2009
Harvick, won has not won a Cup race since the 2007 Daytona 500, finished a season-best second. He won Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Atlanta. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Kahne pulls away to second win of year Sep 8, 2009
"That's a long way from where we've been," said Harvick, whose other runner-up finish this season came way back in February at the season-opening Daytona 500. The first scheduled night race at Atlanta and the new date was a big hit with the fans. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Better attendance under the lights Sep 7, 2009
First he got in a crash with Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sport s most popular driver, during the season-opening Daytona 500, but wound up getting broad support from fans across the board, including many members of the Junior Nation. Then he won at Michigan in his Red Bull Toyota, validating his decision to leave Hendrick Motorsports to drive for a start-up race team. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
