Talladega Leads The Way In Most Competitive Year In NASCAR
2010 was the most competitive year in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history and the racing at Talladega Superspeedway was one of the prime reasons. Talladega Superspeedway set NASCAR records of 29 different leaders and 88 lead changes in the April 25 Aaron’s 499, smashing the previous records, also held by Talladega, of 28 leaders and 75 lead changes. The October 31 AMP Energy Juice 500 at Talladega showed that the new records were no fluke by producing a near record 26 different leaders and 87 lead changes.
The combined 55 leaders and 175 lead changes are both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series single season records.
“2010 was a great year for our fans at Talladega Superspeedway,” said Chairman Grant Lynch. “The record breaking competition speaks for itself. Talladega is the fastest, most competitive, most exciting racing in NASCAR. We look forward to another exciting year in 2011 and hopefully breaking some more records.”
Talladega Superspeedway is already gearing up for the 2011 Aaron’s Dream Weekend featuring qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, followed by the ARCA Racing Series 250 race on Friday, April 15. On Saturday, April 16, fans will see qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, followed by the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. On Sunday, April 17, the greatest drivers in the world face off in the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Daytona Repave update
Week 20 Daytona Repave update: Superstretch work complete: Even though paving is complete on the racing surface of Daytona International Speedway's 2.5-mile tri-oval, the paving crew from Lane Construction continues to be busy with work around the "World Center of Racing" during the 20th week of the Daytona Repave project. Work on the Superstretch is finished with the paving of new asphalt now in place on the skid pad, apron and the existing chicane. This week, milling and paving is occurring in the apron in Turns 3 and 4 and paving is moving forward on the pit exit area.
Here are the other highlights from the 20th week of the Daytona Repave:
· The reinstallation of the catch fence in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing
· Renovations to the Turn 4 tunnel including a new concrete driveway, stem wall and sidewalk are now complete
· Reinstallation of the Musco lights in Turns 3 and 4 near completion
· The underdrain trench and fabric installation is complete all around the track
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011.
Here are the other highlights from the 20th week of the Daytona Repave:
· The reinstallation of the catch fence in Turns 1 and 2 is ongoing
· Renovations to the Turn 4 tunnel including a new concrete driveway, stem wall and sidewalk are now complete
· Reinstallation of the Musco lights in Turns 3 and 4 near completion
· The underdrain trench and fabric installation is complete all around the track
About the Daytona Repave: Lane Construction, which repaved other ISC race tracks including Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Darlington Raceway, will use an estimated 50,000 tons of asphalt to repave more than 1.4 million square feet of Daytona International Speedway and has a target completion date of Jan. 1, 2011.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway:
History
· Groundbreaking for Homestead-Miami Dade Motorsports Complex – as the track was originally named – began Aug. 24, 1993. The first race was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Nov. 5, 1995.
· The original configuration was a four-turn, rectangular oval based on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's layout.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead was held on Nov. 14, 1999.
· 2002 was the first season of the Championship Weekend at Homestead, with all three of NASCAR’s national series holding their season finale at the same track.
Notebook
· Since the inception of the current points system in 1975, only two drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip) and Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison).
· There have been 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Homestead, one per season since 1999.
· Five drivers have competed in all 11 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler and Tony Stewart.
· David Green won the first pole, in 1999.
· Tony Stewart won the inaugural race, in 1999.
· There have been nine different pole winners. Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson lead all drivers, with two.
· There have been eight different race winners, led by Greg Biffle, with three.
· Jack Roush has won six races, most among owners.
· The race has been won from the pole twice: Bill Elliott (2001) and Kurt Busch (2002).
· The race has been won from a top-10 starting position eight of 11 times.
· Denny Hamlin won last season from the 38th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
· Three active drivers have averaged a top-10 finish: Carl Edwards (6.5), Jeff Gordon (9.5) and Kevin Harvick (8.4).
NASCAR in Florida
· There have been 164 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Florida.
· 162 drivers in NASCAR’s three national series have their home state recorded as Florida.
· There have been 10 race winners from Florida in NASCAR’s three national series:
Homestead-Miami Speedway Data
Race #: 36 of 36 (11-21-10)
Track Size: 1.5 miles
Race Length: 267 laps/400.5 miles
· Banking/Corners: 18-20 degrees
· Banking/Straights: 4 degrees
· Frontstretch: 1,760 feet
· Backstretch: 1,760 feet
Driver Rating at Homestead
Carl Edwards 111.0
Matt Kenseth 105.3
Martin Truex Jr. 103.8
Kevin Harvick 101.1
Greg Biffle 99.0
Jeff Gordon 95.1
Denny Hamlin 94.7
Jimmie Johnson 92.9
Mark Martin 91.9
Jeff Burton 88.7
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2009 races (4 total) at Homestead.
Qualifying/Race Data
2009 pole winner: Jimmie Johnson (173.919 mph, 31.049 seconds)
2009 race winner: Denny Hamlin, 126.986 mph, 11-22-09)
Track qualifying record: Jamie McMurray (181.111 mph, 29.816 seconds, 11-14-03)
Track race record: Tony Stewart (140.335 mph, 11-14-99)
Pit Window: Every 50-55 laps
History
· Groundbreaking for Homestead-Miami Dade Motorsports Complex – as the track was originally named – began Aug. 24, 1993. The first race was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Nov. 5, 1995.
· The original configuration was a four-turn, rectangular oval based on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's layout.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead was held on Nov. 14, 1999.
· 2002 was the first season of the Championship Weekend at Homestead, with all three of NASCAR’s national series holding their season finale at the same track.
Notebook
· Since the inception of the current points system in 1975, only two drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip) and Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison).
· There have been 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Homestead, one per season since 1999.
· Five drivers have competed in all 11 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler and Tony Stewart.
· David Green won the first pole, in 1999.
· Tony Stewart won the inaugural race, in 1999.
· There have been nine different pole winners. Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson lead all drivers, with two.
· There have been eight different race winners, led by Greg Biffle, with three.
· Jack Roush has won six races, most among owners.
· The race has been won from the pole twice: Bill Elliott (2001) and Kurt Busch (2002).
· The race has been won from a top-10 starting position eight of 11 times.
· Denny Hamlin won last season from the 38th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
· Three active drivers have averaged a top-10 finish: Carl Edwards (6.5), Jeff Gordon (9.5) and Kevin Harvick (8.4).
NASCAR in Florida
· There have been 164 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Florida.
· 162 drivers in NASCAR’s three national series have their home state recorded as Florida.
· There have been 10 race winners from Florida in NASCAR’s three national series:
Homestead-Miami Speedway Data
Race #: 36 of 36 (11-21-10)
Track Size: 1.5 miles
Race Length: 267 laps/400.5 miles
· Banking/Corners: 18-20 degrees
· Banking/Straights: 4 degrees
· Frontstretch: 1,760 feet
· Backstretch: 1,760 feet
Driver Rating at Homestead
Carl Edwards 111.0
Matt Kenseth 105.3
Martin Truex Jr. 103.8
Kevin Harvick 101.1
Greg Biffle 99.0
Jeff Gordon 95.1
Denny Hamlin 94.7
Jimmie Johnson 92.9
Mark Martin 91.9
Jeff Burton 88.7
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2009 races (4 total) at Homestead.
Qualifying/Race Data
2009 pole winner: Jimmie Johnson (173.919 mph, 31.049 seconds)
2009 race winner: Denny Hamlin, 126.986 mph, 11-22-09)
Track qualifying record: Jamie McMurray (181.111 mph, 29.816 seconds, 11-14-03)
Track race record: Tony Stewart (140.335 mph, 11-14-99)
Pit Window: Every 50-55 laps
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Infineon Raceway to use solar power in 2011
Infineon Raceway to use solar power in 2011
By Tripp Mickle
Special to the Sporting News NASCAR Service
(November 16, 2010)
Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., has signed a marketing partnership with Panasonic that will result in the installation of 1,652 solar panels at the track early next year.
The panels, which are developed by Panasonic’s subsidiary Sanyo, will provide the track with more than 350 kilowatts of electricity and make it the second track in NASCAR, after Pocono Raceway, to use solar-powered energy.
Panasonic will become the official solar partner of Infineon in a multiyear agreement valued in the low seven figures annually. It will receive signage and promotion at the track, and its executives plan to use the track as a showcase of the solar technology Panasonic can provide other facilities.
“Everyone that’s renovating their facility, we’re trying to get solar into the mix,” said Lesley Poch, group director of marketing at Panasonic Enterprise Solutions, a division of the company that specializes in LED boards, security systems and other facility technology. “This is the first big one.”
The solar panels will offset 35 percent of the power load for Infineon Raceway.
“This will be a significant part of what we do and the way we promote ourselves,” said Steve Page, president of Infineon Raceway. “Our environmental profile is something we’re proud of.”
The combination of the Panasonic marketing agreement, which offsets some of the initial costs, and an agreement with Bank of America, which is paying for the panels and leasing them to the track, makes the deal financially beneficial for Infineon.
“The track can go green and have it be affordable,” said Robert Zerner, business development manager at Panasonic Enterprise Solutions. “It’s savings from day one.”
The deal is part of Panasonic’s larger agreement with Speedway Motorsports Inc. It also is providing a giant LED board to Charlotte Motor Speedway and a new scoring tower at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Tripp Mickle is a reporter with SportsBusiness Journal.
By Tripp Mickle
Special to the Sporting News NASCAR Service
(November 16, 2010)
Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., has signed a marketing partnership with Panasonic that will result in the installation of 1,652 solar panels at the track early next year.
The panels, which are developed by Panasonic’s subsidiary Sanyo, will provide the track with more than 350 kilowatts of electricity and make it the second track in NASCAR, after Pocono Raceway, to use solar-powered energy.
Panasonic will become the official solar partner of Infineon in a multiyear agreement valued in the low seven figures annually. It will receive signage and promotion at the track, and its executives plan to use the track as a showcase of the solar technology Panasonic can provide other facilities.
“Everyone that’s renovating their facility, we’re trying to get solar into the mix,” said Lesley Poch, group director of marketing at Panasonic Enterprise Solutions, a division of the company that specializes in LED boards, security systems and other facility technology. “This is the first big one.”
The solar panels will offset 35 percent of the power load for Infineon Raceway.
“This will be a significant part of what we do and the way we promote ourselves,” said Steve Page, president of Infineon Raceway. “Our environmental profile is something we’re proud of.”
The combination of the Panasonic marketing agreement, which offsets some of the initial costs, and an agreement with Bank of America, which is paying for the panels and leasing them to the track, makes the deal financially beneficial for Infineon.
“The track can go green and have it be affordable,” said Robert Zerner, business development manager at Panasonic Enterprise Solutions. “It’s savings from day one.”
The deal is part of Panasonic’s larger agreement with Speedway Motorsports Inc. It also is providing a giant LED board to Charlotte Motor Speedway and a new scoring tower at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Tripp Mickle is a reporter with SportsBusiness Journal.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
BOWYER VISITS VICTORY LANE Todd Bodine Captures Second Truck Championship
BOWYER VISITS VICTORY LANE AT PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY IN NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE
Todd Bodine Captures Second Truck Championship in Lucas Oil 150 Race
PHOENIX – There were two winners in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 on Friday night at Phoenix International Raceway. Clint Bowyer, strong on restarts all night, ran away with the victory in his Kroger Chevrolet, while Todd Bodine locked up the Truck Series title by finishing 12th.
Following the race, Bodine’s season points lead stands at 202 points, too many for Aric Almirola to overcome with only one race to go in the 2010 season. It marks Bodine’s second Truck championship after having won in 2006.
“Tonight’s race was pretty bad,” admitted Bodine. “We wanted to come out of here as the champions. It never hit me (as the race ended) that we won the title. We couldn’t go ‘wee-eee’ until later.”
Bowyer, in his only Truck race of the year, stepped into the same Chevrolet that had won three straight at PIR. “I didn’t know that until just before the race, so I felt a bit of pressure. But the truck was so good, it made me feel like Superman out there.”
Driving the Kevin Harvick Inc. machine, Bowyer took the lead for the first time from pole-sitter Austin Dillon on lap 25 shortly after the first restart. Bowyer battled Kyle Busch most of the race, protecting his lead over Busch four times on restarts. Busch, who finished second, led a few laps in the middle of the race when “we made some changes (on pit road) that I thought could win the race.” But subsequent changes “just missed and we went backwards a little bit.”
Twenty-year-old Dillon started on the pole for the sixth time this season. “We ran good out front (for a while),” but he couldn’t stay with Bowyer and Busch and ultimately finished seventh, the 16th top-10 of his rookie year in the Bass Pro Shops/Remington/Tracker Boats Chevrolet.
Caitlin Shaw of Albuquerque, NM made her second career start in the Truck Series. She qualified 33rd, joining Jennifer Jo Cobb in the field, and becoming the sixth different female driver to race in a Truck Series race this season. That set a new record in the history of major NASCAR touring series. Shaw spun and backed into the wall to bring out the race’s fourth caution on lap 88. Cobb finished 23rd, while Shaw finished 30th.
Tickets for Saturday’s doubleheader, featuring the WYPALL 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race are still available, as well as Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixraceway.com/tickets or call 866-408-RACE (7223) today!
About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s famed one-mile oval – including four-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and many more – on November 14, 2010 in the Kobalt Tools 500. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway
Todd Bodine Captures Second Truck Championship in Lucas Oil 150 Race
PHOENIX – There were two winners in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 on Friday night at Phoenix International Raceway. Clint Bowyer, strong on restarts all night, ran away with the victory in his Kroger Chevrolet, while Todd Bodine locked up the Truck Series title by finishing 12th.
Following the race, Bodine’s season points lead stands at 202 points, too many for Aric Almirola to overcome with only one race to go in the 2010 season. It marks Bodine’s second Truck championship after having won in 2006.
“Tonight’s race was pretty bad,” admitted Bodine. “We wanted to come out of here as the champions. It never hit me (as the race ended) that we won the title. We couldn’t go ‘wee-eee’ until later.”
Bowyer, in his only Truck race of the year, stepped into the same Chevrolet that had won three straight at PIR. “I didn’t know that until just before the race, so I felt a bit of pressure. But the truck was so good, it made me feel like Superman out there.”
Driving the Kevin Harvick Inc. machine, Bowyer took the lead for the first time from pole-sitter Austin Dillon on lap 25 shortly after the first restart. Bowyer battled Kyle Busch most of the race, protecting his lead over Busch four times on restarts. Busch, who finished second, led a few laps in the middle of the race when “we made some changes (on pit road) that I thought could win the race.” But subsequent changes “just missed and we went backwards a little bit.”
Twenty-year-old Dillon started on the pole for the sixth time this season. “We ran good out front (for a while),” but he couldn’t stay with Bowyer and Busch and ultimately finished seventh, the 16th top-10 of his rookie year in the Bass Pro Shops/Remington/Tracker Boats Chevrolet.
Caitlin Shaw of Albuquerque, NM made her second career start in the Truck Series. She qualified 33rd, joining Jennifer Jo Cobb in the field, and becoming the sixth different female driver to race in a Truck Series race this season. That set a new record in the history of major NASCAR touring series. Shaw spun and backed into the wall to bring out the race’s fourth caution on lap 88. Cobb finished 23rd, while Shaw finished 30th.
Tickets for Saturday’s doubleheader, featuring the WYPALL 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race are still available, as well as Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixraceway.com/tickets or call 866-408-RACE (7223) today!
About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s famed one-mile oval – including four-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and many more – on November 14, 2010 in the Kobalt Tools 500. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway
Friday, November 12, 2010
PURSLEY TAKES POLE FOR NASCAR’s ‘3 AMIGOS 125’ RACE AT
PURSLEY TAKES POLE FOR NASCAR’s ‘3 AMIGOS 125’ RACE AT
PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Two-time Daytona 500 Champ Michael Waltrip Qualifies Seventh for K&N Pro Series West finale
PHOENIX – Greg Pursley captured the pole and beat his own track record for the “3 Amigos Tequila 125” NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race on Thursday, Nov. 11 at Phoenix International Raceway. The race starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 and is the season finale for the series and part of double-header action following PIR’s WYPALL* 200 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at 2:30 p.m.
The No. 26 finished the one-lap qualifier in 27.700 seconds, ahead of the record of 27.784 seconds he set on April 16, 2009 qualifying for the Jimmie Johnson 150.
Following today’s qualifying, the entire West Series garage moved into PIR’s interactive midway behind Turn 2 for an unprecedented West Series Garage Open House from 12-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 – free of charge – prior to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at PIR. As part of this first-ever midway garage open house at PIR, all fans in attendance that day will have an opportunity to see K&N Pro Series West cars up close and will be able to interact with teams and drivers. All PIR patrons will also be able to take in the official pre-race inspection process, autograph sessions, driver/team Q&A’s and more. PIR Season Ticket holders will be granted early entry to the open house at 11:30 a.m.
Included in preliminary entry lists for the 3 Amigos 125 is two-time Daytona 500 Champion Michael Waltrip. Waltrip, a popular NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner and TV personality, retired from driving full-time following the 2009 season. He is expected to compete at PIR in a special car that will be partially sponsored by 3 Amigos Tequila.
Spectator gates will open at 9 a.m. and fans will have the opportunity to view NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying at 10:05 a.m., along with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practices at 11:30 a.m. and 12:50 p.m.
Competition on Friday, Nov. 12, will feature the Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race beginning at 6 p.m., with qualifying at 2:30 p.m. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and fans will also have the chance to watch the NASCAR Nationwide Series practices at 10 a.m. and 1:40 p.m., as well as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice at 12 p.m. and qualifying at 3:45 p.m. The aforementioned K&N Pro Series West Garage Open House also takes place from 12-5 p.m. on Friday.
Tickets for the exciting Nov. 11-14 NASCAR event weekend are still available with prices starting at just $25! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixraceway.com/tickets or call 866-408-RACE (7223) today!
About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s famed one-mile oval – including four-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and many more – on November 14, 2010 in the Kobalt Tools 500. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway
PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Two-time Daytona 500 Champ Michael Waltrip Qualifies Seventh for K&N Pro Series West finale
PHOENIX – Greg Pursley captured the pole and beat his own track record for the “3 Amigos Tequila 125” NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race on Thursday, Nov. 11 at Phoenix International Raceway. The race starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 and is the season finale for the series and part of double-header action following PIR’s WYPALL* 200 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at 2:30 p.m.
The No. 26 finished the one-lap qualifier in 27.700 seconds, ahead of the record of 27.784 seconds he set on April 16, 2009 qualifying for the Jimmie Johnson 150.
Following today’s qualifying, the entire West Series garage moved into PIR’s interactive midway behind Turn 2 for an unprecedented West Series Garage Open House from 12-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 – free of charge – prior to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at PIR. As part of this first-ever midway garage open house at PIR, all fans in attendance that day will have an opportunity to see K&N Pro Series West cars up close and will be able to interact with teams and drivers. All PIR patrons will also be able to take in the official pre-race inspection process, autograph sessions, driver/team Q&A’s and more. PIR Season Ticket holders will be granted early entry to the open house at 11:30 a.m.
Included in preliminary entry lists for the 3 Amigos 125 is two-time Daytona 500 Champion Michael Waltrip. Waltrip, a popular NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner and TV personality, retired from driving full-time following the 2009 season. He is expected to compete at PIR in a special car that will be partially sponsored by 3 Amigos Tequila.
Spectator gates will open at 9 a.m. and fans will have the opportunity to view NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying at 10:05 a.m., along with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practices at 11:30 a.m. and 12:50 p.m.
Competition on Friday, Nov. 12, will feature the Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race beginning at 6 p.m., with qualifying at 2:30 p.m. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and fans will also have the chance to watch the NASCAR Nationwide Series practices at 10 a.m. and 1:40 p.m., as well as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice at 12 p.m. and qualifying at 3:45 p.m. The aforementioned K&N Pro Series West Garage Open House also takes place from 12-5 p.m. on Friday.
Tickets for the exciting Nov. 11-14 NASCAR event weekend are still available with prices starting at just $25! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixraceway.com/tickets or call 866-408-RACE (7223) today!
About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s famed one-mile oval – including four-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and many more – on November 14, 2010 in the Kobalt Tools 500. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Phoenix International Raceway
Phoenix International Raceway:
History
· Construction was completed in January 1964.The facility consisted of a one-mile oval and a 2.5-mile road course.
· Alan Kulwicki won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix on Nov. 6, 1988.
· The first spring race was held on April 23, 2005 and also the first night race, which was won by Kurt Busch.
Notebook
· There have been 28 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, one per season from 1988-2004 and two each season since.
· Geoffrey Bodine won the first pole in 1988.
· There have been 18 different pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four.
· Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon are the only drivers to win consecutive poles. Newman won three straight (2002-04), while Gordon won the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007.
· There have been 20 different race winners, led by Jimmie Johnson, with four. Johnson has won four of the last six races. Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Ryan Newman (spring 2010) won the other races in that span.
· The race has been won from the pole three times: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008) and Mark Martin (spring 2009).
· The race has been won from a top-10 starting position in 14 of 28 events.
· Denny Hamlin won his first career pole in November 2005. AJ Allmendinger won his first career pole earlier this season.
· Ricky Rudd won the 1995 race from the 29th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
· Mark Martin has 12 top-five finishes, more than any other driver. Martin (8.7) and Jimmie Johnson (4.9) are the only active drivers who average a top-10 finish.
· Three of the last four races have ended with a margin of victory under one second.
· Two perfect Driver Ratings of 150.0 have been recorded at Phoenix. Kurt Busch did it with his win in April of 2005, and Kevin Harvick did it in November of 2006.
Phoenix International Raceway Data
Race: 35 of 36 (11-14-10)
Track Size: 1 mile
· Banking/1 and 2: 11 degrees
· Banking/3 and 4: 9 degrees
· Banking/Frontstretch: 3 degrees
· Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees
· Frontstretch: 1,179 feet
· Backstretch: 1,551 feet
Driver Rating at Phoenix Jimmie Johnson 123.7
Mark Martin 102.3
Jeff Gordon 101.1
Kurt Busch 98.7
Carl Edwards 98.6
Greg Biffle 96.2
Tony Stewart 96.2
Denny Hamlin 95.2
Kyle Busch 94.8
Kevin Harvick 94.6
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-10 races (11 total) at Phoenix.
Qualifying/Race Data
2009 pole winner: Martin Truex Jr. (135.120 mph, 26.643 seconds)
2009 race winner: Jimmie Johnson (110.486 mph, 11-15-09)
Track qualifying record: Ryan Newman (135.854 mph, 26.499 seconds, 11-5-04)
Track race record: Tony Stewart (118.132 mph, 11-7-99)
Pit Window: Approximately 70-78 laps, based on fuel mileage.
NASCAR in Arizona
· There have been 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Arizona.
· 30 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Arizona.
There have been no race winners from Arizona in NASCAR’s three national series.
History
· Construction was completed in January 1964.The facility consisted of a one-mile oval and a 2.5-mile road course.
· Alan Kulwicki won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix on Nov. 6, 1988.
· The first spring race was held on April 23, 2005 and also the first night race, which was won by Kurt Busch.
Notebook
· There have been 28 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, one per season from 1988-2004 and two each season since.
· Geoffrey Bodine won the first pole in 1988.
· There have been 18 different pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four.
· Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon are the only drivers to win consecutive poles. Newman won three straight (2002-04), while Gordon won the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007.
· There have been 20 different race winners, led by Jimmie Johnson, with four. Johnson has won four of the last six races. Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Ryan Newman (spring 2010) won the other races in that span.
· The race has been won from the pole three times: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008) and Mark Martin (spring 2009).
· The race has been won from a top-10 starting position in 14 of 28 events.
· Denny Hamlin won his first career pole in November 2005. AJ Allmendinger won his first career pole earlier this season.
· Ricky Rudd won the 1995 race from the 29th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
· Mark Martin has 12 top-five finishes, more than any other driver. Martin (8.7) and Jimmie Johnson (4.9) are the only active drivers who average a top-10 finish.
· Three of the last four races have ended with a margin of victory under one second.
· Two perfect Driver Ratings of 150.0 have been recorded at Phoenix. Kurt Busch did it with his win in April of 2005, and Kevin Harvick did it in November of 2006.
Phoenix International Raceway Data
Race: 35 of 36 (11-14-10)
Track Size: 1 mile
· Banking/1 and 2: 11 degrees
· Banking/3 and 4: 9 degrees
· Banking/Frontstretch: 3 degrees
· Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees
· Frontstretch: 1,179 feet
· Backstretch: 1,551 feet
Driver Rating at Phoenix Jimmie Johnson 123.7
Mark Martin 102.3
Jeff Gordon 101.1
Kurt Busch 98.7
Carl Edwards 98.6
Greg Biffle 96.2
Tony Stewart 96.2
Denny Hamlin 95.2
Kyle Busch 94.8
Kevin Harvick 94.6
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-10 races (11 total) at Phoenix.
Qualifying/Race Data
2009 pole winner: Martin Truex Jr. (135.120 mph, 26.643 seconds)
2009 race winner: Jimmie Johnson (110.486 mph, 11-15-09)
Track qualifying record: Ryan Newman (135.854 mph, 26.499 seconds, 11-5-04)
Track race record: Tony Stewart (118.132 mph, 11-7-99)
Pit Window: Approximately 70-78 laps, based on fuel mileage.
NASCAR in Arizona
· There have been 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Arizona.
· 30 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Arizona.
There have been no race winners from Arizona in NASCAR’s three national series.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Texas Motor Speedway:
Texas Motor Speedway:
History
· Construction began in 1995.
· The first NASCAR race was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on April 5, 1997.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was on April 6, 1997.
Notebook
· There have been 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway, one per season from 1997 through 2004 and two races per year since 2005.
· Four drivers have competed in all 19 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin.
· Jeremy Mayfield was the first pole winner, in 1998. Qualifying for the inaugural race in 1997 was canceled.
· Jeff Burton won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
· 13 drivers have scored poles, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon with two.
· 16 drivers have won races, led by Carl Edwards, with three. Jeff Gordon won at Texas for the first time, last season. Gordon has won at every track he has run except Homestead-Miami Speedway.
· 14 of 19 races have been won from a top-10 starting position. Only one has been won from the pole (Kasey Kahne in 2006).
· Matt Kenseth started 31st en route to his victory at Texas in 2002, the deepest in the field that a race winner has started. Denny Hamlin started 29th in his win earlier this season.
· Both Jeff Burton (1999) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2000) scored their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Texas.
· Six of the last eight races have had a margin of victory under one second. Last November’s race had an MOV of 25.686 seconds, the largest since the inception of electronic timing and scoring in 1993.
· Denny Hamlin (9.6) and Matt Kenseth (9.9) are the only active drivers to average a top-10 finish.
· Roush Fenway Racing leads all owners in victories, with seven.
· There has been one season sweep, by Carl Edwards in 2008. Edwards is looking to break a 69-race winless drought. Jeff Gordon’s last win came at Texas, 62 races ago.
Texas Motor Speedway Data
Race #: 34 of 36 (11-7-10)
Track Size: 1.5 miles
Race Length: 501 miles
· Banking/corners: 24 degrees
· Banking/straights: 5 degrees
· Frontstretch: 2,250 feet
· Backstretch: 1,330 feet
Driver Rating at Texas
Tony Stewart 105.7
Matt Kenseth 101.6
Jimmie Johnson 99.0
Kyle Busch 98.3
Carl Edwards 97.8
Denny Hamlin 97.2
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 96.4
Greg Biffle 95.5
Kurt Busch 94.5
Jeff Gordon 93.7
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2010 races (11 total) at Texas.
Qualifying/Race Data
2009 pole winner: Jeff Gordon (191.117 mph, 28.255 secs.)
2009 race winner: Kurt Busch, 146.372 mph, 11-8-09)
Track qualifying record: Brian Vickers (196.235 mph, 27.518 seconds, 11-3-06)
Track race record: Carl Edwards (151.055 mph, 11-6-05)
Pit Window: Every 50-55 laps, depending on fuel mileage
History
· Construction began in 1995.
· The first NASCAR race was a NASCAR Nationwide Series event on April 5, 1997.
· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was on April 6, 1997.
Notebook
· There have been 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway, one per season from 1997 through 2004 and two races per year since 2005.
· Four drivers have competed in all 19 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin.
· Jeremy Mayfield was the first pole winner, in 1998. Qualifying for the inaugural race in 1997 was canceled.
· Jeff Burton won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
· 13 drivers have scored poles, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon with two.
· 16 drivers have won races, led by Carl Edwards, with three. Jeff Gordon won at Texas for the first time, last season. Gordon has won at every track he has run except Homestead-Miami Speedway.
· 14 of 19 races have been won from a top-10 starting position. Only one has been won from the pole (Kasey Kahne in 2006).
· Matt Kenseth started 31st en route to his victory at Texas in 2002, the deepest in the field that a race winner has started. Denny Hamlin started 29th in his win earlier this season.
· Both Jeff Burton (1999) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2000) scored their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Texas.
· Six of the last eight races have had a margin of victory under one second. Last November’s race had an MOV of 25.686 seconds, the largest since the inception of electronic timing and scoring in 1993.
· Denny Hamlin (9.6) and Matt Kenseth (9.9) are the only active drivers to average a top-10 finish.
· Roush Fenway Racing leads all owners in victories, with seven.
· There has been one season sweep, by Carl Edwards in 2008. Edwards is looking to break a 69-race winless drought. Jeff Gordon’s last win came at Texas, 62 races ago.
Texas Motor Speedway Data
Race #: 34 of 36 (11-7-10)
Track Size: 1.5 miles
Race Length: 501 miles
· Banking/corners: 24 degrees
· Banking/straights: 5 degrees
· Frontstretch: 2,250 feet
· Backstretch: 1,330 feet
Driver Rating at Texas
Tony Stewart 105.7
Matt Kenseth 101.6
Jimmie Johnson 99.0
Kyle Busch 98.3
Carl Edwards 97.8
Denny Hamlin 97.2
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 96.4
Greg Biffle 95.5
Kurt Busch 94.5
Jeff Gordon 93.7
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2010 races (11 total) at Texas.
Qualifying/Race Data
2009 pole winner: Jeff Gordon (191.117 mph, 28.255 secs.)
2009 race winner: Kurt Busch, 146.372 mph, 11-8-09)
Track qualifying record: Brian Vickers (196.235 mph, 27.518 seconds, 11-3-06)
Track race record: Carl Edwards (151.055 mph, 11-6-05)
Pit Window: Every 50-55 laps, depending on fuel mileage
Dover Motorsports, Inc. Announces Closing of Gateway International Raceway
Dover Motorsports, Inc. Announces Closing of Gateway International Raceway
DOVER, Del. -- Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) announced today that it was ceasing all operations at Gateway International Raceway.
The company previously announced that it would not seek to run any NASCAR Series events at the facility in 2011. The track ran its final NASCAR Nationwide Series event on October 23, 2010.
Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports, stated: “Gateway is a tremendous facility in a great racing community, but we are simply unable to operate it with an acceptable return. We truly appreciate the many years of dedication shown by our Gateway employees and their efforts to make Gateway such a great destination for all those passionate about our sport – from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies.”
The majority of the track is leased from third parties. The company owns approximately 150 acres of the facility and has been in discussions with several interested purchasers.
DOVER, Del. -- Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) announced today that it was ceasing all operations at Gateway International Raceway.
The company previously announced that it would not seek to run any NASCAR Series events at the facility in 2011. The track ran its final NASCAR Nationwide Series event on October 23, 2010.
Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports, stated: “Gateway is a tremendous facility in a great racing community, but we are simply unable to operate it with an acceptable return. We truly appreciate the many years of dedication shown by our Gateway employees and their efforts to make Gateway such a great destination for all those passionate about our sport – from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies.”
The majority of the track is leased from third parties. The company owns approximately 150 acres of the facility and has been in discussions with several interested purchasers.
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