Wednesday, May 2, 2012

NASCAR Twitter InAnimate Objects Preview-Talladega


Note: @jeff_gluck, along with some of the InAnimates and I, sat down in the infield before this weeks race at Talladega. Here's a sample of the comments from a few of the Objects. These comments are strictly the opinions of the Objects who claim to have been partying, and drinking, with the fans! Thanks, Jeff for getting the gang together.


@DebriInTurn4 "I know, I know, I've been out of the loop here for a few weeks, ya think I'm happy about it. My in-box is stuffed with trash and I feel bloated. And now all I hear from Jayski is this B/S about zero cautions back in October of 2002, that wasnt all my fault ya'know."


@TheNascarGarage From Wednesday: "Now listen you objects, I know its Kyle Busch's birthday, and he's one of two drivers to win a Cup race on his birthday, but you're not havin a party with a big old greasy cake in my confines. The last time we did that in 2009, you got all that frosting on my concrete and it took all the contents of @CMS_Watertower to clean it up and he's not here this weekend. That is all!"


@The_BlackFlag "I can't believe it, the NASCAR official dropped a tube of ChapStick in the washer with me when I was being cleaned. I'm so sticky and raveled up I look like a piece of licorice. Well, I never get to fly at Talladega any way. Wait, there's that don't go below the yellow line deal here. All right, I'll see y'all on Sunday, gotta fly to the nearest dry cleaners."


@TheCatchFence "This place always worries me, especially with @keselowski running here. Ya know I never got an apology from him after 2009, and I'm still waitin to get reimbursed for all those repairs and galvaniztion applications after that Edwards deal. I won't be as flexible towards those guys the next time,, wait, there better not be a next time."


@TheMiniChad "Tom I need to pick your brain, where do you get all this info from, we could use you over there at HMS, y'know, I'll DM you." Unfortunately, I heard that Mini was let go by HMS so I guess we wont be partners there.  Note: Not sure what sparked that conversation, but it may have been the bon fire smoke, told Mini to stay away from there since he's basically card board!


@TheNASCARHauler "I tell ya, this trip to Dega was nothing, but that trip back from Richmond with six nose pieces and all those crew guys, whew, I hope the fines are huge,,WHAT, you're kiddin', no points deducted. I'm charging per mile from now on, damn it."


@FlagofCaution "I tell ya, I'm gettin real tired of the B/S about me not comin out. C'mon man, we're here to watch good racin, not wreckin. I'll tell ya, that 11 times back in April 2004 was tough, not just on me but the pit guys, they dont wanna work every time I fly. Besides, its hot out there and the sun causes me to fade, I'll stay in the flag stand if I can."


@In_CarCamera "Ya know how hard it is to swing up and look at 33 degrees in the corners and then, BAM, swing back down lookin at 16.5 degrees on the stretches? Well I do, and me and my gal, Polly Ethylene are gonna hook up before and after this race, and I mean early and often!"


@NASCAR_EFI "I like coming down here to the infield, but the damn camp fire smoke is killing me. And I know Kingsford sponsors Labonte, but have y'all ever heard of propane, cough, cough, I gotta go get some STP cleaner for the venturi's, a lil fresh air please! It's gonna be a long race!"


@The_GreenFlag "Why does everyone ask if we'll see long runs from me here, DUH, the damn place is 2.666 miles around, get out the slide rules kids, its a LONG way around every lap. Well, I plan on showing up at the start and thats it. I dont wanna see these cars, especially that nice green #88 car get all bent outta shape. We're goin green the whole race if I have anything to wave about it!"


@acheckeredflag "I know I only show up once a week, but I gotta get somethin off my flag. Lots of these other objects are braggin about arms, legs, heads, mouths, wallets, money, drinkin and all kinds of other ANIMATE abilities. Now knock it off you show offs, y'know ya aint got none of them things, stick to bein a NASCAR object and enjoy life in the inanimate fast lane. #SMDF." 

@TheOrangeCone "Hey, Tom, I work very closely w @odsteve on pit road entrance requirements for every track. I do, however, object to this orange box dude. If he shows up again I'll have to give him the #asskickinofalifetime. All right, I gotta go find @AmberAngelaCope, heard they wanna wax me up for the race!" 


 @48Horseshoe "Man, I am just heart broken, I hear Double J has sold me off to the highest bidder.  I wanna be on hand with JJ for Hendrick's number 200 win. Hey, Tom, its not that crazy cartoon network is it, please say it ain't so, man!" Um, sorry, Shoe!


@TheMini_Jimmie "I'm tellin ya, Maxi Chad and I have had a helluva time tryin to keep those damn illegal C-pillars from showing up on Ebay! And, I've been busier than a 1 legged man in an ass kickin contest, tryin to keep Mayfield outta the hauler from tryin to find a few to steal. We're talkin to Sean Peyton about some kind of bounty on that guy!"


- Compiled from Twitter

Federated Auto Parts Unites with RIR for September 8th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race


 Rusty Bishop and J.R. Bishop pose for a photo op with Ken Schrader and Dennis Bickmeier 

Virginia-based Federated Auto Parts announced today a partnership with Richmond International Raceway.  Joining RIR as the entitlement sponsor for the Saturday, September 8, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Federated Auto Parts 400 is one of the most important races on the series schedule, as the “One Last Race to Make The Chase” sets the field for the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.


In addition to the entitlement partnership, Federated Auto Parts, which has hosted hundreds of guests in hospitality and suites for more than 10 years at RIR, also announced it has signed on as the track’s Official Auto Parts Supplier.


“Federated Auto Parts joins a growing list of Virginia-based companies that Richmond International Raceway is proud to call our partner,” said track president Dennis Bickmeier. “The partnership between RIR and Federated Auto Parts gives us great momentum as we prepare for September 8, one of the most anticipated NASCAR events of the season.”


Federated Auto Parts is no stranger to NASCAR.  Now in its 17 year in the sport, Federated has served as the primary sponsor for Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, as well as the entitlement partner at Nashville Superspeedway, prior to its announcement that it would not seek any 2012 race sanctions.  Schrader, well known in the NASCAR community, joined Federated and RIR for the announcement and will drive the No. 32 FAS Lane car with Federated Auto Parts as the primary sponsor on Saturday night, September 8, in the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. 


“We are very pleased to partner with NASCAR and Richmond International Raceway as the primary sponsor for this pivotal Sprint Cup Series race,” said J.R. Bishop, Director of Racing and Event Marketing for Federated. “All eyes will be on the Federated Auto Parts 400 this September to see which drivers will be in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.  In addition to exciting racing, we are planning a fun-filled weekend of hospitality events for our members and their customers, so we know the Federated Auto Parts 400 will be memorable for all involved.”


The Saturday, September 8, Federated Auto Parts 400 marks “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag flies, the field will be set for the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Only the top 10 drivers in the point standings and two “wild card” drivers will be eligible for the series championship.


Tickets for the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race go on sale Friday, June 1.


The weekend begins Friday, September 7, as the NASCAR Nationwide Series returns for the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.


- Richmond International Raceway Press Release

SRT Motorsports Dodge Presents THE NUMBERS for the Aaron’s 499

THE NUMBERS for the Aaron’s 499
Talladega Superspeedway (all 85 Sprint Cup races)
0 – fewest cautions for a Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway (three times, most recent 10/6/02)
1 – fewest laps led by race winner (twice, most recent 4/26/09 – Brad Keselowski)
1 – fewest cars on the lead lap at finish (twice, most recent 5/6/79)
6 – cautions in last year’s spring race
7 – races won from starting spot outside top 20
8 – most poles (Bill Elliott)
10 – most wins (Dale Earnhardt Sr.)
11 – number of jet dryers available for track drying this weekend
11 – most cautions (4/25/04)
13 – wins from the pole; 33 from the front row
14 – fewest running at finish (7/27/86)
23 – races won from a starting spot outside the top 10
29 – most leaders (4/25/10)
35 – different pole winners
40 – most cars running at finish (4/22/01)
41 – different drivers have posted wins at Talladega
62 – most caution laps (5/7/72)
88 – most lead changes (twice, most recent 4/17/11)
153 – most laps led by race winner (Pete Hamilton, 8/23/70)
120 minutes – approximate amount of time it takes to dry the 2.66-mile track after a significant rainfall.


2012 Caution Update
1 – fewest cautions this season (Fontana 3/25/12)
2 – number of races extended beyond scheduled distance in 2012 (Daytona and Martinsville)
10 – most cautions this season (Daytona, 2/27/12)
48 – number of cautions in the first nine races of 2012
281 of 2,926 – number of laps under caution in 2012
322.323 of 3,214.390 – miles under caution in the first nine races.


BONUS: In addition to Talladega Superspeedway (85 races), six other Alabama tracks hosted 19 Sprint Cup events from 1951 to 1969.


Darnell Communications for SRT Motorsports Dodge Press Release

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

NASCAR Issues Nationwide Penalties

NASCAR announced today that six NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chiefs had been fined and placed on probation for violations during this past weekend’s event at Richmond International Raceway. In addition, the teams’ respective car chiefs have also been placed on probation for the remainder of the year.

Crew chiefs Luke Lambert (No. 2 team), Danny Stockman (No. 3 team), Trent Owens (No. 30 team), Jimmy Elledge (No. 31 team), Ernie Cope (No. 33 team), and Mike Shiplett (No. 38 team) have each been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Additionally, the teams’ respective car chiefs – Phil Gould (No. 2), Robert Strmiska (No. 3), Shannon Rursch (No. 30), Ronald Hornaday III (No. 31), Paul Balmer (No. 33), and Christopher Meyers (No. 38) – have likewise been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

The rules violations referred to Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the rule book); 20A-2.1E (streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the car’s hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear deck and quarter panel will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in appearance); 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in determining whether a competitor’s bumper cover conforms to the specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be permitted.)

The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on April 26.


- NASCAR PRESS RELEASE

NASCAR Driver Press Conference Schedule - Talladega



Press Conference Schedule, Talladega Superspeedway, May 3-6



NASCAR schedules driver press conferences at every race weekend event. These normally include the Top 12 drivers in championship points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, along with other drivers of note. The press conferences will last approximately 15 minutes each and may be viewed at NASCAR.com.

May 4:
10 a.m. – Johanna Long (No. 70 Foretravel Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series) – Media Center

10:15 a.m. – Aric Almirola and crew chief Mike Ford (No. 43 Verifone Sail Ford) - Media Center

11 a.m. – Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M’s Toyota) – Media Center

11:30 a.m. – Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota) – Media Center

11:30 a.m. – Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet) - #24 hauler

11:45 a.m. – Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) – Media Center

12 noon – Martin Truex Jr. (No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota) – Media Center

12:15 p.m. – Matt Kenseth (No. 17 BEST BUY Ford) – Media Center

12:15 p.m. – Greg Biffle (No. 16 O’Reilly’s Ford) - #16 hauler

1:45 p.m. – Tony Stewart (No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet) - #14 hauler

1:50 p.m. – Carl Edwards (No. 99 Fastenal Ford) – Media Center

2:05 p.m. – Danica Patrick (No. 7 GoDaddy.com in the NASCAR Nationwide Series) – Media Center

May 5:

9 a.m.  – Aaron’s Announcement – Media Center

10:20 a.m. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet) – Media Center.

All Times are Central Time

- NASCAR

BASS PRO SHOPS Salutes America's Outdoorsmen At Talladega


NASCAR fans may think they’re seeing double during the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Sunday, May 6th at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
The paint scheme that has adorned the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet all season will be shared with the Stewart-Haas Racing’s Bass Pro Shops sponsored No. 39 Chevrolet driven by Ryan Newman for the Talledega race as a salute to men and women across America who enjoy the outdoor traditions of hunting, shooting sports, fishing, boating, camping and hiking.
“Both Ryan and Jamie love to hunt and fish so we felt like this would be a great time to thank all theoutdoor enthusiasts out there who love the outdoors and continue to pass on these traditions to future generations,” stated Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.
It is also Bass Pro Shops way of encouraging others to discover all the great outdoors has to offer and to get out and enjoy it with friends and family.
“Fishing is one of the few sports, other than my racing, that my dad and I always did together when I was growing up,” said McMurray. “Personally, I think there is no feeling like cranking a black Jitterbug across the water real slow on a calm summer night and having a largemouth strike it 10 feet from the boat.”
In addition, Bass Pro Shops wants to emphasize the outdoors is a great way to get away from our hectic fast-paced world and escape to the sights and sounds of nature.
“Whether it’s fishing or hunting, it’s just great to get away,” commented Newman. “On the track or off, it doesn’t matter – we’re always going. When you’re outside with a fishing pole in your hands or up in a deer stand, you can finally slow down.” He continued, “It sort of lets you hit the reset button.”
The race will be televised at 1:00 pm ET on FOX.
- Bass Pro Shops PR

Talladega SuperSpeedway History and Notes


At Talladega Superspeedway:
History:
· Construction began on what was then known as the Alabama International Motor Speedway on May 23, 1968.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on Sept. 14, 1969.
· The name changed to Talladega Superspeedway in 1989.
· Fourth repaving completed on Sept. 19, 2006.

Notebook:
· There have been 85 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Talladega Superspeedway since the track opened in 1969; two a year every year except the inaugural season, which had just one.
· Richard Brickhouse won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
· Bobby Isaac won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup pole in September 1969. Isaac won the first three poles there.
· 35 different drivers have won poles. Bill Elliott leads all drivers with eight poles.
· 41 different drivers have posted victories, led by Dale Earnhardt Sr. (10). Twenty drivers have won more than once.
· Jeff Gordon leads all other active drivers in victories, with six. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is second among active drivers in victories with five.
· Richard Childress Racing has won more than any other organization at Talladega with 12 wins.
· 33 of 85 races have been won from a top-two starting positions, including 13 from the pole; 23 have been won from a starting position outside the top 10. The most recent driver to win from the pole was Jeff Gordon in 2007 (spring).
· The furthest back in the field a race winner started was 36th, by Jeff Gordon in 2000.
· Mark Martin’s pace in the 1997 spring race set an all-time NASCAR Sprint Cup record for the fastest race ever. He won the caution-free race with an average speed of 188.354 mph and covered the 500-mile distance in two hours, 39 minutes and 18 seconds.
· The 2010 spring race set the all-time and track records for lead changes (88) and lap leaders (29). Last season’s spring race tied the 2010 record for most lead changes with 88 (amongst 26 lap leaders). The previous highs were 75 lead changes (set on May 6, 1984) and 28 lap leaders (set on Oct. 5, 2008). Both previous records also were set at Talladega.
· Dale Earnhardt Jr. had four consecutive victories (October 2001 through April 2003), the most ever by a driver there. Buddy Baker (three – May 1975 through May 1976) is the only other driver to win more than two consecutive races there.
· Since the inception of electronic scoring in 1993, every race that has ended under green has had a margin of victory under half a second.
· The 2011 spring race tied the 03/16/2003 Darlington race won by Ricky Craven for the all-time record of the closest series finish (0.002 seconds) since the inception of electronic scoring.
· Youngest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Talladega Superspeedway winner: Bobby Hillin Jr. (07/27/1986 – 22 years, 1 month, 22 days).
· Oldest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Talladega Superspeedway winner: Harry Gant (05/06/1991 – 51 years, 3 months, 26 days)

Talladega Superspeedway DataRace #: 10 of 36 (05-06-12)
Track Size: 2.66 miles
Race Length: 500 miles
· Banking/corners: 33 degrees
· Banking/Frontstretch: 16.5 degrees
· Banking/Backstretch: 2 degrees
· Frontstretch: 4,300 feet
· Backstretch: 4,000 feet