More of this story... Oct 8, 2004
After winning the EA Sports 500, Earnhardt said an expletive in a postrace interview. As a result, Earnhardt was fined 10,000 and most importantly docked 25 points for saying the vulgar word, costing him the Nextel Cup points lead. (New Albany Tribune, IN)
NBC Adding Delay to NASCAR Telecasts Oct 7, 2004
Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane of the Talladega Superspeedway after winning the EA Sports 500 NASCAR race in Talladega, Ala. in this Oct. 3, 2004 photo. (The Ledger)
What do Favre, Manning and Bengal unis equal? Answer ... Oct 7, 2004
Washington-Cleveland, Colorado-Houston pennant race baseball, EA Sports 500 (the NASCAR race from Talledega). You didn't think there'd be a wall of TVs at a sports event in the Carolinas without one of them tuned to a car race, did you. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NFL)
NASCAR makes its point with Earnhardt Oct 7, 2004
Moments after he had stormed back to win Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, Earnhardt was asked by an NBC reporter about the significance of his fifth career victory at that track. In a fit of self-deprecating glee, Earnhardt recalled the memory of his legendary father, Dale Earnhardt, who was killed in the 2001 Daytona 500, declaring, "It don't mean (expletive) right now. Daddy's won here 10 times.". (Buffalo News)
Chopper goes up for bid on eBay Oct 7, 2004
Race fans had the first opportunity to see the Orange County Choppers' Talladega Bike when it made its debut Sunday in pre-race ceremonies for the EA Sports 500. Oct. 11, the eBay auction for the bike begins, opening the window of opportunity for someone to call this one-of-a-kind machine their own. (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
Verbal slip-up worries Earnhardt Oct 6, 2004
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is doused in Victory Lane after winning the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala ... Junior put his newly acquired points lead in jeopardy by cursing during an interview with NBC. After dominating the EA Sports 500 on Sunday to take the Nextel Cup lead, Earnhardt erred -- in Victory Lane, of all places. (South Bend Tribune )
Notebook: Sadler walks away fromwreck Oct 6, 2004
He did it again in Sundays EA Sports 500, this time sliding backward through the grass and flipping once before sliding across the finish line on his wheels on the last lap. Everything did its job again and it wasnt half as bad as last year, Sadler said after the mandatory checkup at the infield hospital. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Earnhardt cusses up a controversy Oct 6, 2004
Two fresh tires helped Dale Earnhardt Jr. win the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala. Superspeedway yesterday, but a four-letter word he said in Victory Lane might cost him the points lead. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Davis takes wins however they come Oct 6, 2004
The bottom line is in January nobody's going to care how you did it. It's just, 'How many did you win. (Bowling Green State University -- BG News, OH)
Els' moves to second ranked player in world with victory Oct 6, 2004
Junior put his newly acquired points lead in jeopardy by cursing during an interview with NBC. After dominating the EA Sports 500 on Sunday to take the Nextel Cup lead, Earnhardt. I always enjoyed the fact that I don't have to pay for tickets to a Falcon Sporting event. (Bowling Green State University -- BG News, OH)
Football fans go out to Philly Oct 6, 2004
" Suddenly, the outlook is as bright as ever. His goals . . . ... I always enjoyed the fact that I don't have to pay for tickets to a Falcon Sporting event. I just hand them my student identification card, and I'm in, no questions asked! However, I always questioned why I had to pay for food and beverages when I don't have to pay for a . . . ... Once he came back from the Olympics, LeBron James took his bronze medal and hung it on his mansion wall -- right next to his pompoms. It wasn't the... (Bowling Green State University -- BG News, OH)
Earnhardt Jr.'s mouth may cost him points Oct 6, 2004
Daddy's won here 10 times. "In February at Rockingham, NASCAR president Mike Helton told drivers to watch their language on radio and television. Less than a month later, Johnny Sauter was fined $25,000 and docked 25 points after cursing during a radio interview following the Busch Series race in Las Vegas."Johnny said it in a fit of anger. (Bowling Green State University -- BG News, OH)
NASCAR Punishes `Junior' For Slip Oct 6, 2004
TERRY RENNA/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Dale Earnhardt Jr. is doused with beer in Victory Lane after winning the EA Sports 500 Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. NEXTEL LEADERS 1. (The Ledger)
This week in television Oct 6, 2004
PBS's timely look at natural fuel. See its many uses besides in our cars. (Media Life)
Prudish policy could haunt NASCAR Oct 6, 2004
So when Earnhardt uttered a semi-offensive word Sunday after winning the EA Sports 500, the second-most powerful sanctioning body on the planet had no choice but to follow its prudish policy the brass chiseled in stone seven months ago. If NASCAR didn't assess the same punishment, an equally flammable reaction would have occurred when NASCAR Nation cried "favoritism.". (Corning Leader, NY)
Nextel Cup notes: Pit road timing a serious issue Oct 6, 2004
"It's just a typical disagreement,'' said Johnson, who was sent to the rear of the longest line by NASCAR, dropping him from fourth to 18th after the disputed call. He eventually lost a lap and wound up finishing 10th, leaving Johnson fourth in the standings, just 39 points behind leader going into Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. "I felt I was doing the pit road speed and they thought I was speeding. They have the final say in things, so I had to come down and serve a... (ESPN -- RPM)
NASCAR fans group cancels protest Oct 6, 2004
The National Association for Minority Race Fans canceled a protest planned for Sunday's EA Sports 500 NASCAR race after track officials and police expressed concerns about security. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Race)
Earnhardt wins at Talladega Oct 5, 2004
Elliott Sadler (38) flips on the last lap just before the checkered flag in the EA Sports 500 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala ... Although he was at or near the front virtually the entire EA Sports 500, leading a race-high 78 of the 188 laps, Earnhardt fell behind when crew chief Tony Eury Sr. decided to gamble on two fresh right-side tires on his final pit stop ... Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane of the Talladega Superspeedway after winning the EA Sports 500... (South Bend Tribune )
Yes, it does happen Oct 5, 2004
Sunday, Dale Earnhardt Jr., celebrating victory at the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, let go with an expletive during an NBC television interview. Now, Earnhardt has said he hopes NASCAR will consider that he was jubilant and not angry when he slipped up. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Dale Junior Regains Lead With EA Sports 500 Win Oct 5, 2004
(AP) -- Dale Earnhardt has regained the Nextel Cup points lead by winning the E-A Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Earnhardt led the race for 78 of 188 laps. (WOFL.com, FL)
Earnhardt Jr. takes checkered flag at Talladega Oct 5, 2004
"Junior" came from outside the top five with four laps remaining to take the checkered flag at Talladega Superspeedway, notching his fifth victory of the season at the EA Sports 500. "Personality is what comes out at this racetrack," Earnhardt said. (The Crimson White, AL)
Junior swears by win at Talladega Oct 4, 2004
Dale Earnhardt Jr. went from 11th on a restart on Lap 184 to first less than two laps later to win the EA Sports 500 ... "It don't mean (expletive) right now," Earnhardt Jr. said after the EA Sports 500 when asked what it meant to have won at the 2. (St. Petersburg Times -- Sports )
Sadler takes another Talladega tumble Oct 4, 2004
He did it again in Sunday's EA Sports 500, this time sliding backward through the grass and flipping once before sliding across the finish line on his wheels on the last lap. He was okay after a mandatory checkup at the infield hospital. (St. Petersburg Times -- Sports )
TV Sports Oct 4, 2004
NBC NASCAR announcer Bill Weber apologized to viewers for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s "enthusiastic language" after the driver used profanity on-air after winning the EA Sports 500. Leagues themselves will never be able to prevent these spontaneous acts. (USA Today -- Sports)
Dale Jr. tames Talladega Oct 4, 2004
That was fine by Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose superspeedway script of staying ahead of the fray was followed to the letter before a strange sequence of events forced him to improvise over the final five laps of the EA Sports 500. (Related item: ). (USA Today -- Sports)
Ryan Newman bounces back at Dover Downs Oct 4, 2004
Monday October 04, 2004. The Union Star (434) 376-2795 Phone (434) 376-2676 Fax P.O. Box 180 241 Main Street Brookneal VA 24528. (Brookneal Union Star, VA)
Front Row Joe Oct 4, 2004
Check out the full lineup for. A glance at the 10 drivers in. (ESPN -- RPM)
Nerve-racking weekend ahead for Cup drivers Oct 4, 2004
There will be frayed nerves all around, and not just because of the importance of Sunday's EA Sports 500 to the 10 drivers competing for the title. There's also the inherent danger of racing 500 miles with carburetor restrictor plates that slow cars, creating big packs that often lead to big crashes. (West Point Daily Times Leader, MS)
Area Sports Oct 4, 2004
Auto Racing: NASCAR Nextel Cup EA Sports 500, 11 a.m. (KING 5); IRL Toyota Indy 400, noon (ESPN); NHRA Carquest Auto Parts Nationals, 5 p.m. (ESPN2). Golf: WGC American Express Championship, 1:35 a.m. (KOMO 4, same-day tape); WGC American Express Championship, 10:30 a.m. (KOMO 4, same-day tape). (Mount Vernon Skagit Valley Herald, WA)
Earnhardt Jr. Takes EA Sports 500 Oct 4, 2004
Talladega, AL -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured the EA Sports 500, the third of 10 races to determine the Nextel Cup champion, at the Talladega Superspeedway. The No.8 Budweiser Chevrolet crossed the finish line 0. (Click2Houston, TX)
Earnhardt slips into Chase lead Oct 4, 2004
Wins the EA Sports 500 at Talladega but might lose points for cursing in interview ... Butch Dill, Associated PressElliott Sadler (38) flips on the last lap just before the checkered flag in the EA Sports 500 at the Talladega Superspeedway yesterday ... " Although he was at or near the front for virtually the entire EA Sports 500, leading a race-high 78 of the 188 laps, Earnhardt fell behind when crew chief Tony Eury Sr. decided to gamble on two fresh right-side tires on his final pit stop. Eury... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Auto Racing Roundup: Helio will start 1st again Oct 4, 2004
The National Association for Minority Race Fans canceled a protest planned for today's EA Sports 500 NASCAR race after track officials and police expressed concerns about security. Instead of protesting, the organization's leaders will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the state-owned International Motor Sports Hall of Fame adjacent to Talladega Superspeedway. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Notebook: Pit road speed under scrutiny Oct 3, 2004
He eventually lost a lap and wound up finishing 10th, leaving Johnson fourth in the standings, just 39 points behind leader Jeff Gordon going into Sundays EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. I felt I was doing the pit road speed and they thought I was speeding. They have the final say in things, so I had to come down and serve a penalty, Johnson said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Drivers fear 'The Big One at Talladega Oct 3, 2004
I think everybody says this race is pivotal because theres usually a big wreck here, said Jeff Gordon, who enters Sundays EA Sports 500 the third race of the title chase as the Nextel Cup leader by one point over Kurt Busch. A big wreck here can change the chances for the guys who get caught up in it, Gordon added. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Fofaria: 'Dega rules different Oct 3, 2004
With six of the 10 title chasers occupying starting spots five through 10 for Sunday's EA Sports 500, you'd think there'd be some relieved championship hopefuls. Not at all, it turns out. (ESPN -- RPM)
Talladega protest turns into news conference Oct 3, 2004
-- The National Association for Minority Race Fans canceled a protest planned for Sunday's EA Sports 500 NASCAR race after track officials and police expressed concerns about security. "Our whole focus is to make NASCAR races a safer environment for minority fans," Jirard Brown, director of the minority fans group, said Saturday. (ESPN -- RPM)
Restrictor-plate races becoming competitive Oct 2, 2004
"Obviously, we have some momentum from our two restrictor plate runs," said Gordon, who qualified fifth for Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega. "I feel good about our performance and how well our car is going to run, but that doesn't guarantee anything.". (St. Petersburg Times -- Sports )
Nemechek wins pole for EA Sports 500 Oct 2, 2004
Nemechek took the pole for Sunday's NASCAR EA Sports 500 ... Joe Nemechek took his first pole in four years and the seventh of his NASCAR Nextel Cup career Friday, earning the top spot for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Notebook: Spring change slows cars Oct 2, 2004
(AP) -- In yet another step to keep its Nextel Cup teams from getting too creative, NASCAR handed out rear springs Friday to be used in qualifying for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Once qualifying was finished, NASCAR officials collected the springs and will reissue them randomly for Sunday's race. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Nemechek tamed Talladega Oct 2, 2004
EA Sports 500 Lineup ... Joe Nemechek took his first pole in four years and the seventh of his NASCAR Nextel Cup career Friday, earning the top spot for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Will Earnhardt have more ‘fun’ at Talladega? Oct 2, 2004
Sunday s EA Sports 500 at Talladega Round 3 of the Chase will spotlight that disparity, which adds yet another layer of intrigue to the championship battle that has eight races remaining. Some drivers will be out to maintain their Talladega status quo; others will strive to go where they usually don t at the 2. (Shamokin News Item, PA)
Attorneys seek plea deal for Lewis Oct 2, 2004
Joe Nemechek took the pole position for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala. Superspeedway. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Mr. 3000 whiffs Oct 2, 2004
"In other news... CSTV's on-air talent lineup improved dramatically this week with the addition of hockey announcer Mike Emrick, who will call CSTV Friday Night Hockey games for the duration of the lockout, including the network's season opener on October 8 when North Dakota plays at Maine. Emrick has called seven Stanley Cup Finals, three Winter Olympics, five NHL All-Star Games and has been the lead play-by-play voice of the New Jersey Devils the past 11 seasons. It's the broadcasting rental... (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
'Dega prez offers secretive protest group site Oct 2, 2004
"Unfortunately, our conversations with the group have not been very informative,'' Lynch said before the start of qualifying for Sunday's EA Sports 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race. "We don't really know exactly when they're coming. We don't really know where they're coming from. (ESPN -- RPM)
FULL STORY Oct 2, 2004
NASCAR EA Sports 500 (Happy Hour), Speed, noon ... NASCAR EA Sports 500, NBC, CH, 2 p.m.. (Globe and Mail -- SportsTP)
Weekend TV sports highlights Oct 2, 2004
2 p.m.--NASCAR Nextel Cup EA Sports 500, TV-4, TV-12. 3 p.m.--IRL Toyota Indy 400, ESPN.. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, VA)
TV Sports Oct 1, 2004
NBC auto race announcer Allen Bestwick suffered a broken leg Wednesday playing hockey near his home in Coventry, R.I. Bill Weber, who does the prerace show and is a pit road reporter, will fill-in on Sunday's EA Sports 500 and do the prerace show from the roof of NBC's broadcast booth rather than trackside. Because the Talladega, Ala. (USA Today -- Sports)
keeping the mood light Oct 1, 2004
Still, Mayfield needs a little luck on his side at Talladega for this Sunday's EA Sports 500. This may be his best chance to get back into title contention, but he'll need a solid finish, preferably in the top five, and it would help greatly if a few drivers in front of him encounter problems. (ESPN -- RPM)
Domestic calendar Sep 29, 2004
3 -- Auto racing, NASCAR Nextel Cup, EA Sports 500, Talladega, Ala. 3 -- Motorcycle racing, World Superbike, Magny Cours, France. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Talladega set for 'Rising Star' as NASCAR visits Oct. 3 Sep 29, 2004
McMurray and the Texaco/Havoline team head into the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway sitting 11th in points. McMurray has posted seven top-five and 17 top-10 finishes during the 2004 season. (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
Hamm argues to keep gymnastics gold Sep 28, 2004
The group is planning a protest at upcoming Nextel Cup events, including Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway and the Oct. 31 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said he doesn't believe the group is a part of a sincere effort to work on behalf of minority fans. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Newman Rebounds With Win At Dover Sep 28, 2004
The next race in the title chase is the EA Sports 500 from the Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct, 3. Copyright 2004. (Click2Houston, TX)
More of this story Sep 23, 2004
The EA Sports 500 is slated at Alabama's Talladega Superspeedway Oct. 3. Talladega officials said Wednesday they have not had contact with the group, which they had not heard of. (Jonesboro News Daily, GA)
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE CONSOLIDATED BUDGET Sep 11, 2004
TALLADEGA (Adamson, SHNS _ Commentary) _ Famed Talladega Superspeedway will be part of NASCAR's new era when it celebrates 35 years of racing with the EA SPORTS 500 in early October. It's can't-miss racing. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Cleveland Cavaliers Sep 1, 2004
Stock car officials don't buckle under to the star power held by Earnhardt A round-and-round of applause goes out to NASCAR for its handling of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Arguably stock car racing's biggest star, Earnhardt was fined $10,000 and 25 points, knocking him out of first place in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, after the driver cursed during a live television interview after his victory in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega. ( By Scot Fagerstrom, 10/17/2004 03:01 AM EDT). (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Sports)
Talladega honors 35 years of racing Aug 12, 2004
Any fan who purchases or has purchased a ticket to the Oct. 3 EA Sports 500 at the 2 ... The winner will be part of pre-race activities prior to the EA Sports 500 Oct. 3 and will also have a chance to win 35,000 if the leader on lap 35 goes on to win the race ... The EA Sports 500 weekend starts with the Alabama Beef Producers ARCA RE/MAX Series Qualifying Day Sept. 30, to set the field for the Food World 300 and concludes with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series EA Sports 500 Oct. 3. (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
Cleveland Browns Jul 29, 2004
Stock car officials don't buckle under to the star power held by Earnhardt A round-and-round of applause goes out to NASCAR for its handling of Dale 000005DC Earnhardt Jr. Arguably stock car racing's biggest star, Earnhardt was fined $10,000 and 25 points, knocking him out of first place in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, after the driver cursed during a live television interview after his victory in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega. ( By Scot Fagerstrom, 10/17/2004 03:01 AM EDT). (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Sports)
Talladega hosts fan appreciation day Jul 29, 2004
To celebrate the track's 35th Anniversary, a Fan Appreciation Day has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 and as a special "thank you" to the fans, anyone who has pre-purchased or purchases a ticket to the Oct. 3 EA SPORTS 500 that day will have the opportunity to take their personal vehicle for a lap around the 2 ... Fans will also have an opportunity to have their picture made in Gatorade Victory Lane with the October EA SPORTS 500 trophy and the No. 24 Jeff Gordon Pepsi Monte Carlo ... The... (Andalusia Star News, AL)
10 of the last 13 Apr 25, 2004
After all, each of his four career victories have come in a restrictor plate race, including last October's EA Sports 500. "The reason why we're favorites is because we've done the job here before," said Waltrip, the most recent Talladega winner. (ESPN -- RPM)
Talladega books up area hotels Apr 21, 2004
According to Fetner, every weekend in April is close to capacity, but the Fourth of July holiday and Talladega's EA SPORTS 500 race in October are the only times that compete with the shear numbers the inn posts this weekend. Alexander City Chamber of Commerce president Phil Blasingame said the size and proximity of Talladega play a huge role in this area's draw. (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
Carrying the family name Apr 17, 2004
"That was my main concern at the time. Now the 34-year-old Earnhardt is taking another run at NASCAR's top circuit. Fittingly, he'll renew his quest at the Aaron's 499 on April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway, where his father, Dale, and younger brother have dominated over the years. Richard Childress Racing offered Earnhardt a part-time gig in January, driving a black No. 33 Chevrolet in at least five races this year. For Earnhardt, it was a chance to prove he's ready for the Nextel Cup series... (South Bend Tribune )
There's a racing Earnhardt you don't know Apr 17, 2004
"Hoping to help Kerry out is our main focus, trying to put him in some first-rate equipment with some first-rate people and hopefully let people see what he can do,'' said Bobby Hutchens, RCR's director of competition and a former crew member of Intimidator. When Kerry races next weekend, it will be the first time an Earnhardt has driven a Cup car for RCR since the family's racing patriarch died in 2001. Earnhardt didn't fare particularly well in his only other start in NASCAR's top series,... (ESPN -- RPM)
Kerry Earnhardt again strives for stardom Apr 15, 2004
Two years later, he failed to qualify for the EA Sports 500 at Talladega, where Dale Jr. set a track record with four straight Cup wins and the elder Earnhardts 10 victories is tops. Earnhardt and his team are confident hell be able to qualify this time. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Points leaders, schedules Apr 2, 2004
October 3 -- EA Sports 500, Talladega, Ala. 10 -- Banquet 400, Kansas City, Kan. (Topeka Capital-Journal -- Sports)
Fans asked to choose Talladega's best races Apr 2, 2004
Talladega Superspeedway celebrates its 35th anniversary this fall with the running of the EA Sports 500 weekend September 30 through October 3 ... n Darrell Waltrip breaks the string of 13 different winners of Talladega's second event of the season, now known as the EA SPORTS 500, with a victory in 1982. (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
