TRACK'S

Danica Patrick’s Impact on 2012 NASCAR Season

2012-02-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark Gives His Thoughts on

Danica Patrick’s Impact on 2012 NASCAR Season

HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 10, 2012) – With a new NASCAR season preparing to unfold on the Florida coast, many new storylines emerge as compelling elements to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series campaign.
Arguably the biggest hot-button topic throughout the sport is the arrival of Danica Patrick to the NASCAR ranks. The open-wheel veteran will compete full-time for the Nationwide Series championship with JR Motorsports after running part-time for the past two seasons. She will also begin to dip her toe into the ranks of the Sprint Cup Series by running 10 races for Stewart-Haas Racing.
In recent years, several open-wheel drivers have made the attempt to crossover into NASCAR, with little-to-no success. But Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark thinks that Patrick is setup for success unlike many of those before her.
“Other than the time period that A.J. Foyt drove for the Wood Brothers, I don’t know that there has been another person to come over from the Indy Car ranks to have the caliber of equipment for multiple events that she’s going to have at JR Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing,” Clark said. “She’s got a great opportunity to set some new career marks that other people have not been able to do.”
Aside from the equipment, Patrick will have the added benefit of being surrounded by quality people at Stewart-Haas, with veteran crew chief Greg Zipadelli calling the shots on the No. 10 Chevrolet and team owner Tony Stewart offering valuable input during her journey. Patrick is also guaranteed a starting spot in the upcoming Daytona 500 due to a points-swap with Tommy Baldwin Racing, putting her in an atmosphere designed for success as she gets her Sprint Cup career started.
“She is just one element in one overall operation . . . Other than the pressure she’s putting on herself, it’ll be a stress-free qualifying situation where she can be comfortable and get it all out of the car week-in and week-out,” Clark said.
While Sprint Cup racing will be a growing process with bumps along the way, Patrick has the chance to log some solid runs. While the impact on the competition will be seen on the track, Clark also thinks she will make an impact in the grandstands.
“You take her charisma and intensity and competitive nature and you throw in what she’s been able to accomplish in Indy Cars, and it’s quite a curiosity factor,” Clark said. “People are going to want to pull for their favorite driver and see where they finish and then they’ll want to see where Danica finishes. Anytime you have that kind of added interest, it’s a big plus for the sport.”
Patrick will make her Atlanta Motor Speedway debut this Labor Day weekend when she runs in both the Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series races at the 1.54-mile facility. But it won’t be her first trip to the speedway. Atlanta played host to Patrick in January 2010 while she turned test laps in preparation for her initial stock car event, the 2010 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA race in Daytona. The main focus of the day was practicing getting onto pit road for pit stops, something that brings Clark to remark that “people take that for granted, but if you haven’t done it, it’s a big part of having a good day at the track.
“To have her in both races is going to make the weekend pretty cool. I expect she’ll adapt and do real well here.”
NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2012. Tickets for the AdvoCare 500 go on sale beginning Feb. 20. For more information, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

NHMS Ticket Sales Soaring

2012-01-25T10:41:00.000-05:00

NHMS Ticket Sales Soaring in 2012: Surge in Sales for NASCAR Races Sign of Economic Recovery

LOUDON, N.H. (January 23, 2012) - The new year is off to a fast start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. As the deadline for season ticket renewals closed, "The Magic Mile" has seen a spike in sales from 2011 for both the July and September NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012.
"We haven't seen this level of sales activity this early in quite some time. We are up an average of double digits between the two races," explains Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "Our fans and our families have been struggling for quite a while in this economy. I take this as a sign that the recovery is underway."
According to Susan Colby, the vice president of guest services at NHMS, ticket sales for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 for July are up 4% from last year. Sales for the SYLVANIA 300 in September are up 19%.
"When times are tight for fans, one of the first things people cut from their budget is vacations and summertime extras. We are thrilled to see them coming back in big numbers," said Colby.Colby noted sales for camping spaces and pre-race pit passes are a good sign that fans have more discretionary funds this year than in the previous few seasons.
The encouraging stats are also a result of the harder work being done at venues like NHMS to attract fans back through the gates. Speedway management ran off-season ticket sales a lot like a campaign, with mailers and email reminders to regular customers, as well as aggressive public relations efforts to keep Loudon in the spotlight for locals and fans.
"Strong sales don't just happen," explains Gappens. "In this environment, you have to work that much harder to bring fans to the speedway. We use every tool at our disposal, from traditional media and mailers to social media. We are thrilled with the results and hopeful the trend continues. I believe we are a barometer for economic activity and this is certainly a hopeful sign of recovery."
While NHMS is pleased with the spike in sales, there are still plenty of tickets for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. If you have a favorite seat, please call the tracks ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 by Feb. 1 to ensure your spot. After Feb. 1 all seats will be released to the public. Guests can also visit www.nhms.com for tickets and more information.

PIR NAMES DAVE LOCKETT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

2012-01-13T12:13:00.002-05:00

PIR NAMES DAVE LOCKETT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

PHOENIX – Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced today that Dave Lockett has been named Director of Communications. Lockett, who most recently directed public relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will oversee all communications for PIR effective immediately.
“We are excited to have Dave join the PIR team,” said Sperber. “His sports industry knowledge and experience with major events will be a true asset as we prepare for the 2012 NASCAR season and beyond.”
Lockett spent 13 seasons with the Steelers after previously working in corporate communications at the National Football League and with several New York-area PR firms.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the great people at Phoenix International Raceway,” said Lockett. “I look forward to playing an integral role in further developing world-class NASCAR events for the Phoenix area.”
Born in Montclair, N.J., Lockett graduated with a degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Phoenix International Raceway opens their 2012 season immediately following The Great American Race, the Daytona 500. Tickets are now available for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Phoenix International Raceway. Fans can secure their NASCAR tickets today by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or going online at www.racetickets.com.

Dover International Speedway announces seat-widening

2011-12-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

Dec. 29, 2011

Dover International Speedway announces seat-widening plan to begin in 2012

DOVER, Del. – In an ongoing effort to provide fans with the most exciting and enjoyable race experience in NASCAR, Dover International Speedway is pleased to announce a seat-widening plan for the track’s grandstands beginning in 2012.

The multi-year process, which will take place throughout the entire outdoor grandstands, will begin in all seating sections located in Turns 2 and 3. Additional widening of seats toward Turns 1 and 4 and the frontstretch will begin after the conclusion of the 2012 season. When the process is complete, all seats will have increased from 18” to 22” in size throughout the venue.

“Year to year, we’re always exploring ways to improve the experience for fans who attend our races at the Monster Mile,” said Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “Because many seats have already been renewed by our most loyal fans, we don’t want to displace them in an effort to make this change in one fell swoop. We’ll do our best to widen seats this year, and complete the process by 2014.

“By widening our seats we are responding to suggestions from our fans and allowing them to enjoy the race in a far more comfortable setting.”

When the process is complete by 2014, Dover’s new seating capacity will be 113,000.

Tickets are now on sale for the June 1-3, 2012 and Sept. 28-30, 2012 NASCAR race weekends at the Monster Mile. For more information or tickets, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.

# # #

Dover Motorsports, Inc. is a leading promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tennessee. For further information, log on to www.DoverMotorsports.com.

Pocono Raceway Solar Farm Hits Milestone

2011-12-27T09:59:00.002-05:00

Pocono Raceway Solar Farm Hits Milestone

December 26, 2011

Five Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity Produced

Long Pond, Pa. (December 26 2011) ? Slightly more than 16 months after the dedication of Pocono Raceway’s solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 5,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 500 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.

"This is another important milestone for Pocono Raceway," said Brandon Igdalsky, President and CEO of Pocono Raceway. "Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight with the world’s largest renewable energy project to –power a sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to Go Green, can do it."

The 5,000,000kWh produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 30,000 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 400,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) offset equaling that of 90,000 trees or 143,000 Propane BBQ Grills.

The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise

The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway’s storied 2.5 mile Super Speedway. Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2012. The 31^st annual Pocono 400, June 8-10 and the 39^th annual Pennsylvania 400, August 3-5.

XXX

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

2011-12-14T11:45:00.002-05:00

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

David Kaplan steps in for Scott Paddock and announces plans to take the 2012 season to a new level

Joliet, Ill. – December 14, 2011 – Chicagoland Speedway president Scott Paddock is relinquishing his seat at the helm of the Speedway while Comcast SportsNet’s Chicago Tribune Live host, David Kaplan, proudly steps in to serve as Chicagoland Speedway’s president for the day. In what originally started off as a friendly bet between Paddock and Kaplan on their weekly Comcast SportsNet show, quickly turned into a season-long point’s competition for bragging rights and a day that will turn out to be one of the best days for NASCAR fans in the Chicagoland area.

“Sure, Scott Paddock has made many steps in the right direction since taking over last year, but it’s not every day I get to be president of the state’s largest sporting facility,” said Kaplan, the only broadcaster in Chicago to host a daily radio show, TV show and write a regular column in a major newspaper simultaneously. “As president of Chicagoland Speedway for the day, I want to do something that really gives back to race fans and helps them enjoy their favorite sport up-close-and-personal. That’s why I’m implementing special advance ticket pricing so fans that purchase early will have access to even more affordable pricing. And for the first time ever, I’m also going to allow every fan that purchases a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to experience the banking of Chicagoland Speedway first hand by allowing all fans on the track for a post-race track walk.”

With Kaplan’s announcement, for the first time in Chicagoland Speedway history the track will offer advanced ticket pricing. From February 26-April 28, fans can purchase tickets to the two 2012 NASCAR race weekends in advance for the lowest rate of the season—guaranteed—with single day tickets starting at $25 for the July race weekend and $45 for the September Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend. Also, for the first time in the track’s history fans will have the opportunity to walk the race track immediately following September’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

In addition to these changes, with race fans top of mind, Kaplan has decided to kick-off the 2012 season in a major way for one lucky fan and a guest—he’s giving away a trip to the DAYTONA 500® and tickets to the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the GEICO 400, at Chicagoland Speedway! Enter to win now through January 5 for two unforgettable, action-packed NASCAR weekends. The Grand Prize includes two tickets to the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at Daytona International Speedway, pre-race and Gatorade Victory Lane access for the winner and guest, as well as a travel allowance. The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup portion will include two tickets to the September 16 race at Chicagoland Speedway along with pre-race and Gatorade Victory Lane access for the winner and guest. The winner can also look forward to a live on-air interview on WGN Radio and a tour of Comcast SportsNet studios with Kaplan along with a tour of Chicagoland Speedway with track president Scott Paddock. Fans can enter the contest by visiting www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com. The winner will be announced on January 9.

“I look forward to Kaplan experiencing the power of NASCAR nation and their 75 million plus fans,” said Paddock. “Kaplan has stirred things up around here at Chicagoland Speedway. The advance ticket pricing and track walk are brilliant ideas. Why didn’t I think of that?!”

In addition to Kaplan’s fan first-ever fan initiatives he’s implementing, he also has changes for the staff at Chicagoland Speedway, “To my loyal Chicagoland Speedway employees, please leave the office by 3:00 p.m. and enjoy the rest of your afternoon!”

Catch Kaplan on Comcast SportNet’s Chicago Tribune Live tonight at 5:30 p.m. CST to see his day at Chicagoland Speedway.

The complete 2012 NASCAR schedule of events at Chicagoland Speedway is as follows:

Date Event

Saturday, July 21 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series & ARCA Racing Series

Sunday, July 22 STP 300 (NASCAR Nationwide Series)

Saturday, Sept. 15 Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola (NASCAR Nationwide Series)

Sunday, Sept. 16 GEICO 400 (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series)

For more information on Chicagoland Speedway stay connected on Twitter and Facebook or by visiting www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com.

# # #

Chicagoland SpeedwayChicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile, paved oval race track located in Joliet, Ill. The track has hosted racing events of the major U.S. racing series, and currently conducts races in all three NASCAR national series, including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Along with Route 66 Raceway, a drag racing facility located on the same property, Chicagoland Speedway is wholly-owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC), a major promoter of motorsports activities. ISC owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major racing venues, including Daytona International Speedway. For more information on Chicagoland Speedway, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com.

Cressona Fire Company No. 1 wins its very own Miles the Monster trophy

2011-12-01T17:13:00.002-05:00

Dec. 1, 2011

Cressona Fire Company No. 1 wins its very own Miles the Monster trophy

Special parade to be held in Cressona to celebrate

DOVER, Del. – Dover International Speedway is set to present Cressona Fire Company No. 1 in Cressona, Pa. with its very own Miles the Monster trophy on Saturday, Dec. 10 after the group was declared the winner of the Firehouse Challenge contest at the Speedway during the Oct. 2 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Along with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Monster Mile challenged fire companies to see who could get the largest group of firefighters to attend the NFFF Firefighter Appreciation event at the race. The winner receives an exact model of the unique Miles the Monster trophy to display at their firehouse for one year. The monster trophy is the same award that winners of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races receive after a victory in Dover.

Dover International Speedway has partnered with the NFFF for four years to create a special hospitality event for firefighters and their families prior to each fall’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. The trophy contest is the newest addition to the partnership, and to date the Monster Mile has donated $305,899 to the NFFF.

The Cressona Fire Company was able to gather 35 participants, winning the contest, and will be presented with their trophy in a day-long celebration beginning with a 2 p.m. parade through Cressona, Pa. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

“We are humbled and honored to accept this award and trophy from Dover International Speedway and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,” said Leroy Long, vice president of the Cressona Fire Company No. 1. “We would like to thank the management and all the hard-working staff at Dover International Speedway for working with the NFFF by donating a portion of ticket sales to them so that they can continue on with their mission. We look forward to next years race so that we may again challenge for and win the Firehouse Challenge.”

The parade will begin at the Cressona Mall and travel through town, ending at the firehouse at 59 S. Second St., Cressona, Pa. 17929, where the Company will be awarded the trophy by Dover International Speedway. More than 45 vehicles, led by Dover’s official pace vehicle, will participate in the parade.

The Monster Mile will host the Firehouse Challenge again at next year’s “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, set for Sept. 30, 2012. Tickets for that race, as well as the rest of the June 1-3, 2012 and Sept. 28-2012 race weekends, are now on sale. For more information, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. The NFFF also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the Foundation and its programs, contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.firehero.org.

Homestead-Miami Speedway:

2011-11-16T14:28:00.001-05:00

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 position-based points system in 1975, only three drivers have made up a points deficit in the season finale: Richard Petty in 1979 (made up two points on Darrell Waltrip), Alan Kulwicki in 1992 (made up 30 points on Davey Allison) and Jimmie Johnson in 2010 (made up 15 points on Denny Hamlin).

· There have been 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Homestead, one per season since 1999.

· Five drivers have competed in all 12 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, Kasey Kahne 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 seven 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 in nine of 12 races.

· Denny Hamlin won in 2009 from the 38th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.

· Three active drivers have averaged a top-10 finish: Carl Edwards (5.7), Kevin Harvick (7.9) and A.J. Allmendinger (8.7).

Homestead-Miami Speedway Data

Race: 36 of 36 (11-20-11)

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	117.5
Martin Truex Jr.	107.4
Matt Kenseth	105.7
Kevin Harvick	102.8
Greg Biffle	97.4
Jimmie Johnson	97.4
Denny Hamlin	92.5
Kasey Kahne	89.6
Mark Martin	89.6
Jeff Gordon	88.7

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-11 races (six total) at Homestead-Miami.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Kasey Kahne (176.904 mph, 30.525 seconds)

2010 race winner: Carl Edwards (126.585 mph, 11-21-10)

Track qualifying record: Jamie McMurray (181.111 mph, 29.816 seconds, 11-16-03)

Track race record: Tony Stewart (140.335 mph, 11-14-99)

Michigan re-paving is complete

2011-11-13T09:31:00.000-05:00

Michigan re-paving is complete: Michigan International Speedway is paving the way for the exciting return of NASCAR to Michigan in 2012. The fourth repave project in the track's 44-year history is complete. The completion of the project means NASCAR drivers will have to work extra hard to win a race at Michigan, a driver favorite and fan since the track opened in 1968. A laser survey of the racetrack before the repave project began last August collected more than 100 million data points across the surface, allowing engineers to replicate all points of the original pavement. But crews smoothed out all of the dips and bumps that occurred over time, making MIS as smooth as silk. "Since the track is so much smoother, it has now created a level playing field for all competitors and all teams," Roger Curtis, president of MIS, explained. "Some teams have a larger book of historical information about the track from past events. All this data can now be thrown out the window because the new, smooth surface will mean the less experienced teams have just as much knowledge of the new surface as the larger, more experienced super-teams." The data points also showed MIS has always had variable banking in its 18-degree turns. Variable banking allows cars to carry more speed through the turns, enabling drivers to run multiple lines around the racetrack. Additionally, a smoother surface usually means more grip with the tires, and more grip means better handling of the cars so drivers feel good about passing and driving high lines.
The $7 million project was done by Ajax Paving Industries in Troy, Mich., who has extensive background in paving high-speed, high-banked ovals including the Chrysler Corp. oval in Chelsea, Mich., and the Ford Romeo Test Track for Ford Motor Co., a five-mile, steep-banked oval used by the manufacturer for testing. The group also completed Phoenix International Raceway, which will host NASCAR events this weekend. The ISC Design & Development engineering and construction team overseeing the project has paved seven NASCAR-sanctioned tracks since 2003. Besides completion of the two-mile oval, the 1.5-mile road course inside the oval was also paved and unveiled to media Thursday. The paving of the road course will enhance the speedway's efforts to be a test bed for various R&D opportunities, while allowing the racetrack to host karting and car club activities.
With paving complete, a few small projects remain to round out all the track work, including landscape restoration, reinstallation of the NASCAR scoring loops and painting the start-finish line. This is the fourth repave in the track's history. The track was built in 1968, and repaved in 1977, 1986 and 1995. During the latest project, 22,000 tons of asphalt was placed on the surface, enough to construct about 5 ½ miles of a two-lane county road.
Renewals for 2012 are under way. Guests have until Nov. 18 to ensure they get the best pricing for next season and automatically entered for a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. New guests can place a $10 refundable deposit to take advantage of the best pricing for 2012 by calling 800.354.1010.

GRAND-AM RETURNS TO HOMESTEAD

2011-11-10T08:53:00.001-05:00

GRAND-AM ROLEX RACING SPORTS CAR SERIES RETURNS TO HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY IN 2012: GRAND PRIX OF MIAMI SET FOR APRIL 27-29

Homestead-Miami Speedway continues rich history of sports car racing

MIAMI— Next spring, Homestead-Miami Speedway will serve as host to the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series’ Grand Prix of Miami, with the Daytona Prototypes and Grand Touring classes both set to run in South Florida in April. The Grand Prix of Miami will take center stage as Race 3 of the 2012 campaign on the 2.3-mile road course.

“Miami has a stellar sports car-racing tradition, and this is America’s most competitive road-racing series,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matt Becherer. “The Grand Prix of Miami Weekend is a very unique opportunity to get up close with the best sports car drivers in the world. And rest assured that we’ll continue our tradition of unparalleled fan amenities, as we welcome fans into the infield and on to Pit Road; feature driver meet-and-greets and autograph sessions; and continue our policy of admitting all kids 12 and under FREE of charge.”

GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series competitors will compete for an exciting new three-race endurance championship, highlighting the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series schedule announced today.

The inaugural North American Endurance Championship will feature the 50th anniversary running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 28-29, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International on June 29-July 1 and GRAND-AM’s three-hour debut race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Super Weekend at the Brickyard on July 27.

The 13-race schedule also includes GRAND-AM’s first visit to Detroit – the automotive capital of the world – with the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Challenge at Belle Isle on June 2, and the return to many of North America’s premier circuits, including Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal; Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.; Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio; Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.; Homestead-Miami Speedway; New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J.; and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.

“This is without doubt the strongest schedule in GRAND-AM history,” said GRAND-AM President Tom Bledsoe. “Highlights are everywhere you look …new races, new places – and a new three-race championship. We’re going to be making a lot of sports car history in 2012.”

The North American Endurance Championship will be open to competitors in both the Daytona Prototype and production-based GT classes. The championship’s point structure and purse will be announced in the near future. Awards for the series will be awarded at dusk on the Victory Podium at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, following the historic race on the 2.605-mile road course.

In addition to featuring GRAND-AM’s solid lineup in both classes, several top teams have indicated they will field additional cars with all-star drivers to compete in the three endurance races.

“I think the North American Endurance Championship adds more excitement to an already exciting schedule,” said four-time Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champion Scott Pruett. “The Rolex 24 is clearly the highlight of our season, and I’m very excited with the addition of Indianapolis. The new championship gives further emphasis on our three endurance races.”

The Rolex Series will also run with the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series at Watkins Glen International, and with the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Road America and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Two Rolex Series events will be in companion with IndyCar, at Detroit and Barber.

Following the season-opening events at Daytona and Barber, the Rolex Series moves to Homestead-Miami Speedway, followed by a visit to New Jersey Motorsports Park. Following the Detroit Belle Isle race, the series returns to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Cars on June 9. In addition, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s event shifts to September.

The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will run in conjunction with the Rolex Series at 10 of the 13 weekends, including Indianapolis.

The potential season-ending events for both series are still to be announced.

The Grand Prix of Miami debuted in the spring of 1983 and was long a fixture as the second major sports car event of the season following the Rolex 24 At Daytona (again the case in 2011). The event was held in Miami’s Bayfront Park before moving to Homestead-Miami Speedway in 1995. GRAND-AM began sanctioning the event in 2000.

Drivers who have competed in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series include NASCAR Champions Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch; IndyCar Champions Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon; South Florida-residents Juan Pablo Montoya (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star) and Helio Castroneves (three-time Indy 500 winner); and “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey.

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates drivers Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas—who won the 2011 GRAND-AM Championship—will look to pick up where Ganassi’s IndyCar team left off when Dario Franchitti netted his fourth IndyCar Championship in October.

About Homestead-Miami Speedway:

The Speedway has been open since 1995 following an initiative to spur economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The 640-acre facility is active more than 280 days per year and hosts NASCAR’s Championship Races during Ford Championship Weekend (November 18-20, 2011). The Sprint Cup Championship Ford 400 is broadcast live on TV and radio to 175 countries and into 24 languages. Homestead-Miami Speedway, featuring a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course, generates more than $250 million annually for the region. Tickets start at just $55 for the Ford 400 (Sunday, November 20) – NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series Championship. For more information, please visit www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com or call 866.409.RACE.

Phoenix International Raceway:

2011-11-09T15:32:00.001-05:00

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.

· The track underwent its first repave this year. The construction began in March and concluded in September of 2011.

· The following changes were made during the construction period:

· Widened the frontstretch from 52 to 62 feet

· Reconfigured pit road with the installation of concrete pit stalls

· Pushed the dog-leg curve between Turn 2 and Turn 3 out 95 feet

· Tightened the turn radius of the dog-leg from 800 to 500 feet

· Implemented variable banking to ensure the immediate use of two racing grooves, including 10-11 degree banking between Turn 1 and Turn 2; 10-11 degree banking in the apex of the dog-leg; and 8-9 degree banking in Turn 4.

Notebook

· There have been 30 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 Coors Light Pole in 1988.

· There have been 18 different pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four. Newman’s next pole will be his 50th.

· Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards 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, and Edwards won the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011.

· There have been 21 different race winners, led by Jimmie Johnson with four.

· The race has been won from the pole four times: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008), Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Carl Edwards (fall 2010).

· The race has been won from a top-10 starting position in 15 of 30 events.

· Denny Hamlin won his first career pole at Phoenix in November 2005. AJ Allmendinger won his first career pole in April 2010.

· 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 (8.8 average finish) is one of three active drivers who average a top-10 finish. Jimmie Johnson (4.8) and Jeff Gordon (10.0) are the others.

· 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 (11-13-11)

Track Size: 1 mile

· Banking/1 and 2: 10 - 11 degrees

· Banking/3 and 4: 8 - 9 degrees

· Banking/Frontstretch: 3 degrees

· Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees

· Frontstretch: 1,179 feet

· Backstretch: 1,551 feet

Driver Rating at Phoenix

Jimmie Johnson 121.8

Jeff Gordon 103.3

Kurt Busch 100.3

Carl Edwards 99.6

Mark Martin 99.4

Denny Hamlin 98.3

Tony Stewart 98.1

Kyle Busch 98.1

Kevin Harvick 95.9

Greg Biffle 94.8

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-11 races (13 total) at Phoenix.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Carl Edwards (136.389 mph, 26.395 seconds)

2010 race winner: Carl Edwards (110.758 mph, 11-14-10)

Track qualifying record: Carl Edwards (137.279 mph, 26.224 seconds, 2-27-11)

Track race record: Tony Stewart (118.132 mph, 11-7-99)

PIR GIVES FANS ACCESS TO NASCAR STARS

2011-11-09T14:31:00.002-05:00

PIR GIVES FANS ACCESS TO NASCAR STARS

Schedule for Entertainment and Driver Appearances is Announced

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Phoenix International Raceway NASCAR fans will be treated to a star-studded line-up of drivers taking time to visit with crowds as part of the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend, November 10-13.

Guests for fan Q&A appearances throughout the weekend include four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, 2011 Sprint Cup contender Kevin Harvick, 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Clint Bowyer and UFC Champion Anderson Spider Silva.

Other drivers scheduled to mix with fans throughout the race weekend include 2011 DAYTONA 500® winner Trevor Bayne, Arizona native Michael McDowell, Australian driver Marcos Ambrose, the first twins to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series – blonde bombshells Angela and Amber Cope – and West Coast fan favorites AJ Allmendinger and Robby Gordon.

PIR will also offer fans a host of live entertainment options, headlined by Grammy-winning Los Lobos. Los Lobos will perform at 11 a.m. on Nov. 13 on the Budweiser ROLL-BAR main stage – just before Kobalt Tools 500 pre-race ceremonies commence. The pre-race ceremonies promise to be equally exciting with “Armed Forces Entertainers of the Year” Catchpenny performing the Star-Spangled banner and International race car driver Adrian Fernandez serving as Grand Marshal for the Kobalt Tools 500.

The weekend’s full schedule of entertainment is listed below. Please note that events scheduled within the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club, Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club or Octane requires patrons to purchase a ticket to those areas.

Tickets to the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club are available for advance purchase at $149 for Nov. 13 and $99 for Nov. 12. A grandstand ticket is still required for track admission. A three-day package for Octane is $1,900 per person and includes unlimited food/beverage and many other plush accommodations. Tickets to the Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club and Octane are available online at PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223).

Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Weekend Entertainment Schedule

Thursday, November 10

9:00 p.m. Harry Luge Jr. SPEED Cantina

Friday, November 11

7:00 p.m. Second Shift SPEED Cantina

9:00 p.m. Harry Luge Jr. SPEED Cantina

Saturday, November 12

10:30 a.m. Jeff Gordon Chevy Display (Midway)

11:00 a.m. Stealing Angels Budweiser ROLL-BAR Main Stage (Midway)

11:00 a.m. Marcos Ambrose Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club

11:45 a.m. Trevor Bayne Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

12:30 p.m. Angela and Amber Cope Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

9:00 p.m. Harry Luge Jr. SPEED Cantina

Sunday, November 13

9:00 a.m. Clint Bowyer Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club

9:30 a.m. Anderson Silva Budweiser ROLL-BAR Main Stage (Midway)

10:00 a.m. Kevin Harvick Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

10:00 a.m. AJ Allmendinger Octane

10:00 a.m. Robby Gordon Turn 4 Wine Trackside Club

10:15 a.m. Michael McDowell Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

10:20 a.m. Robby Gordon Budweiser ROLL-BAR Club

11:00 a.m. Los Lobos Budweiser ROLL-BAR Main Stage (Midway)

11:15 a.m. Jeff Hammond Octane

Although grandstand seats for Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series are sold out, fans can still catch the action from PIR’s Hillside. Hillside tickets are $35 in advance ($40 on race day) and children 12 and under are admitted free. For Hillside tickets or tickets to the Nov. 12 WYPALL* 200 visit www.PhoenixRaceway.com or call 866-408-RACE (7223). Hillside tickets do not allow access into the main PIR gates including the Fan Midway.

About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Be there for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13 to watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s brand new one-mile oval in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway.

Phoenix International Raceway –newly reconfigured and repaved

2011-11-08T20:14:00.001-05:00

Phoenix International Raceway –

We’re very excited to unveil PIR’s newly reconfigured and repaved 1-mile oval this weekend for the Kobalt Tools 500. With three NASCAR series competing at Phoenix this weekend, we’re making sure our new track is ready for a full weekend of racing in the Valley of the Sun.

Since the last NASCAR test at PIR on October 4-5, our team has implemented several exercises designed to help develop an upper groove:

· Advanced tire dragging machine focusing on enhancing the upper groove applied rubber into the surface; the machine went through more than 80 tires over 12 days for around 90 hours of actual dragging.

· Working with Richard Petty Driving Experience yesterday and today, six cars and drivers (NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy Lajoie, ARCA champion Frank Kimmel, Tim Fedewa, Steve Grissom, Brad Noffsinger and Andy Thurman) turned laps, focusing on widening the upper groove.

· The cars driven this week are 850-hp NASCAR-sanctioned race cars prepared for Sprint Cup competition.

· The cars collectively ran more than 3,000 miles on a soft Goodyear tire compound.

We appreciate the time and efforts of the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the drivers who assisted us in preparing the track for our three NASCAR events this weekend here in Phoenix. Here’s what they had to say:

Lajoie: “Whoever wins this race is going to have to work hard and will have a lot of fun. This track has a lot of grip and we definitely widened the grip out. We’ve been able to give the drivers some more options. What the track did – it’s definitely going to make everyone who tested here think it’s a whole lot nicer when they turn their first laps.”

Grissom: “From the work that has been done between the test and running yesterday, it’s pretty amazing. It has definitely picked up the pace here on the track. I think the drivers are going to be really surprised from the time they tested to when they put down the first laps Thursday, and it’s only going to get better.”

Lajoie: “Phoenix got RPDE to come out here with their cars and Goodyear with the tires, just to make the drivers happy. Some drivers voiced an opinion during the test that it was a one-lane race track and the only way they were going to make it a two-lane track is to age it and put rubber down. So you have to commend the track for bringing these guys out here. Where we started yesterday morning to right now – this track is totally different.”

Fedewa: “I think the track is coming along nicely. They drove the tires here [with the dragging machine] before we got here. It was in nice shape when we got here; certainly better than when we came here for the test.”

In addition to the aforementioned measures taken to develop our new track, the new PIR will be washed and swept before being turned over to NASCAR for the event weekend.

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY SOLD OUT

2011-11-04T19:37:00.002-04:00

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY GRANDSTANDS sold out FOR KOBALT TOOLS 500

General admission tickets and infield passes remain for November 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Track President Bryan R. Sperber today announced that Phoenix International Raceway’s grandstands are sold out for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13. Race fans wishing to attend NASCAR’s final West Coast race of the season – the first Sprint Cup Series event on Phoenix International Raceway’s newly repaved and reconfigured 1-mile oval – may still purchase general admission tickets to PIR’s hillside area or infield passes by calling 866-408-RACE or visiting PhoenixRaceway.com. PIR also sold out its grandstands for February’s SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“Once again we’re going to have a full house for NASCAR at Phoenix International Raceway,” Sperber said. “It’s exciting to have a packed grandstand as we unveil the new PIR on Sunday, November 13. We want to remind fans wishing to attend the Kobalt Tools 500 that general admission hillside tickets and infield passes remain available.”

In February, Sperber announced details related to the 47-year old NASCAR facility’s first major track paving project since 1990. Construction began in March with the removal of the facility’s former racing surface and the subsequent installation of a new surface, with a series of changes implemented to promote side-by-side racing. While maintaining the integrity of PIR’s oval – including the 1-mile distance – the slight configuration changes have produced a racier track with average speeds that should increase two to three miles per hour during the Kobalt Tools 500.

General admission tickets and infield passes remain available for the November 13, Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and can be purchased by calling 866-408-RACE (7223) or online at PhoenixRaceway.com. Hillside tickets do not allow access into the main PIR gates including the Fan Midway.

Texas Motor Speedway:

2011-11-02T16:55:00.001-04:00

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 21 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 21 Texas 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.

· 15 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. Denny Hamlin and Jeff Burton each have two wins.

· 15 of 21 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. Kenseth started fourth and won earlier this season at Texas.

· Both Jeff Burton (1999) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2000) scored their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Texas, and 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne made his first series start at Texas (11/07/10). Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup competitor Brad Keselowski also made his first career start at Texas (11/2/08).

· Martin Truex Jr. (11/04/07)and David Ragan (04/09/11) scored their first series poles at Texas.

· Matt Kenseth (9.0), Denny Hamlin (9.3) and Jimmie Johnson (9.9) are the only three active drivers to average a top-10 finish.

· Roush Fenway Racing leads all owners in victories, with eight. Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports have three wins each.

· There has been two season sweeps, by Carl Edwards in 2008 and Denny Hamlin in 2010.

Texas Motor Speedway Data

Race #: 34 of 36 (10-30-11)

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
Matt Kenseth	105.2
Tony Stewart	102.9
Greg Biffle	100.3
Jimmie Johnson	98.8
Carl Edwards	98.3
Denny Hamlin	97.8
Kyle Busch	97.5
Dale Earnhardt Jr.	93.1
Clint Bowyer	92.4
Kurt Busch	92.0

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at Texas.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Elliott Sadler (195.397 mph, 27.636 seconds)

2010 race winner: Denny Hamlin, 140.456 mph, 11-07-10)

Track qualifying record: Brian Vickers (196.235 mph, 27.518 seconds,

11-03-06)

Track race record: Carl Edwards (151.055 mph, 11-06-05)

NASCAR in Texas

There have been 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Texas.
74 drivers in NASCAR’s three national series (all-time) have their home state recorded as Texas.
There have been eight race winners from Texas in NASCAR’s three national series:

Driver	NSCS	NNS	NCWTS
Terry Labonte	22	11	1
Bobby Labonte	21	10	1
A.J. Foyt	7	0	0
Billy Wade	4	0	0
Bobby Hillin Jr.	1	2	0
Johnny Rutherford	1	0	0
David Starr	0	0	4
Colin Braun	0	0	1

Atlanta Motor Speedway to Host 2012 U.S. Legend Cars Nationals

2011-10-29T14:20:00.002-04:00

Atlanta Motor Speedway to Host 2012 U.S. Legend Cars Nationals

HAMPTON, Ga. (Oct. 29, 2011) – For the first time ever, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host to the 21^st Annual Asphalt Nationals and the 13^th Annual Thunder Car Nationals on Oct. 24-27, 2012.

Over 200 Legend Cars and Thunder Roadsters from all over the country will be on hand to compete in this yearly short track event. Pre-registration will open on Wednesday, Oct. 24. Thursday, Oct. 25 will be a practice day while qualifying will take place on Friday, Oct. 26. Saturday, Oct. 27 will be Championship Day.

Year in and year out, the Asphalt Nationals is the premier Legend Cars event in the country. Talented drivers of all ages compete for the national title with some of the most intense competition in American racing. The U.S. Legend Cars program is an affordable way for drivers to gain experience behind the wheel. This program has been a launching pad for countless NASCAR drivers, including Kyle and Kurt Busch, David Ragan, Reed Sorenson and Joey Logano.

“We are excited to welcome the U.S. Legend Cars Nationals to Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2012,” said Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark. “The U.S. Legend Cars program has been successful throughout the United States and this event will bring out the best of the best and the future stars of NASCAR to compete here at AMS.”

For more information on U.S. Legend Cars, call (704) 455-3896 or visit www.uslegendcars.com. For more information on Atlanta Motor Speedway, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Martinsville Speedway:

2011-10-26T13:29:00.002-04:00

Martinsville Speedway:

History

· Opened in September 1947 by H. Clay Earles, Martinsville, originally a dirt track, is one of the oldest continuously-operating race tracks in the United States.

· The first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville was on July 4, 1948.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was Sept. 25, 1949.

· The track was paved in 1955.

· The first 500-lap event at Martinsville was in 1956.

· Concrete corners were added atop asphalt in 1976.

Notebook

· There have been 125 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, one in the inaugural year and two races per year since 1950.

· Curtis Turner won the pole for the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville in 1949.

· Red Byron won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

· 56 drivers have won poles, led by Darrell Waltrip with eight. Jeff Gordon, with seven poles, can tie that mark this weekend.

· Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Darrell Waltrip share the consecutive pole record, each with three.

· 46 different drivers have won, led by Richard Petty’s 15.

· Jeff Gordon leads active drivers with seven wins. Jimmie Johnson has six and Denny Hamlin has four.

· 19 races have been won from the pole, the last by Denny Hamlin in October 2010.

· Petty Enterprises has won 19 races, more than any other organization. Hendrick Motorsports, with 18 wins, can tie that mark this weekend. If HMS does win this weekend, it will also be the team’s 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory.

· Kurt Busch won the 2002 fall race from the 36th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.

· Three active drivers average a top-10 finish: Jimmie Johnson (5.6), Denny Hamlin (6.6) and Jeff Gordon (7.0).

· There were 31 lead changes in the April Martinsville race this season, a track record.

Martinsville Speedway Data

Race #: 33 of 36 (10-30-11)

Track Size: .526 mile

Race Length: 500 laps/263 miles

· Banking/Corners: 12 degrees

· Banking/Straights: 0 degrees

· Frontstretch: 800 feet

· Backstretch: 800 feet

Driver Rating at Martinsville
Jimmie Johnson	121.9
Jeff Gordon	119.7
Denny Hamlin	113.0
Tony Stewart	102.4
Dale Earnhardt Jr.	98.9
Kyle Busch	94.3
Kevin Harvick	93.1
Jeff Burton	89.3
Mark Martin	89.3
Ryan Newman	88.8

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at Martinsville Speedway.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Denny Hamlin (97.318 mph)

2010 race winner: Denny Hamlin, 71.619 mph, 10-24-10)

Track qualifying record: Tony Stewart (98.083 mph, 19.306 seconds, 10-21-05)

Race record: Jeff Gordon (82.223 mph, 09-22-96)

Talladega Superspeedway:

2011-10-19T14:19:00.001-04:00

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 84 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). Eighteen 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 and Hendrick Motorsports have won more than any other organization at Talladega with 11 wins each.

· 33 of 84 races have been won from the 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). The lead change record was matched last April. 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 season’s spring race tied the March 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.

Talladega Superspeedway Data

Race #: 32 of 36 (10-23-11)

Track Size: 2.66 miles

· Banking/Corners: 33 degrees

· Banking/Frontstretch: 16.5 degrees

· Banking/Backstretch: 2 degrees

· Frontstretch: 4,300 feet

· Backstretch: 4,000 feet

Driver Rating at Talladega

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 92.7

Denny Hamlin 90.9

Joey Logano 90.2

Jeff Burton 88.9

David Ragan 87.1

Kurt Busch 86.9

Brian Vickers 85.4

Jeff Gordon 84.4

Jimmie Johnson 83.8

Tony Stewart 82.5

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at Talladega.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Juan Pablo Montoya (184.640 mph, 51.863 seconds)

2010 race winner: Clint Bowyer (163.618 mph, 10-31-10)

Track qualifying record: Bill Elliott (212.809 mph, 44.998 seconds, 04-30-87)

Track race record: Mark Martin (188.354 mph, 05-10-97)

Charlotte Motor Speedway

2011-10-12T15:17:00.001-04:00

Charlotte Motor Speedway:

History

· Construction began on Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1959.

· The track’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on June 19, 1960.

· The track was repaved midseason in 1994.

· The track name changed from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 1999. It changed back to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 2010 season.

· The track was re-paved again before the 2006 season.

Notebook

· There have been 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, two races per year since the track opened in 1960. In 1961, there were two 100-mile qualifying points races held the week beforethe May race. The first six fall races at Charlotte were 400-mile events (1960-65).

· 38 drivers have posted poles, led by David Pearson with 14.

· Fireball Roberts won the pole for the first race, in 1960.

· David Pearson posted 11 straight poles at Charlotte from the fall of 1973 through 1978.

· Ryan Newman leads all active drivers in poles, with nine. Jeff Gordon has eight.

· Jeff Gordon won five straight poles for the spring races between 1994 and 1998.

· 44 drivers have won races, led by Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip and Jimmie Johnson, with six each.

· Joe Lee Johnson won the first race, in 1960.

· There have been 13 back-to-back victories, including three consecutive by Fred Lorenzen (fall 1964 and both 1965) and four straight by Jimmie Johnson (both in 2004 and 2005).

· A sweep has occurred eight times, including each season from 2004-2007.

· 14 races have been won from the pole, the last by Jimmie Johnson (October, 2009).

· Jimmie Johnson won the 2003 Coca-Cola 600 from the 37th starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.

· Joey Logano is the only driver with more than two starts at Charlotte to average a top-10 finish (7.4).

· A number of active drivers earned their first win at CMS: Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears and David Reutimann. Inactive drivers David Pearson, Buddy Baker and Charlie Glotzbach also got their first series wins at Charlotte.

· Three Chase contenders earned their first career Coors Light poles at Charlotte: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Data

Race #: 31 of 36 (10-15-11)

Track Size: 1.5 miles

· Banking/Corners: 24 degrees

· Banking/Straights: 5 degrees

· Frontstretch: 1,980 feet

· Backstretch: 1,500 feet

Driver Rating at Charlotte

Jimmie Johnson	112.8
Kyle Busch	106.5
Joey Logano	96.5
Kasey Kahne	94.5
Matt Kenseth	92.1
Mark Martin	89.7
Jeff Gordon	88.3
Greg Biffle	87.4
Denny Hamlin	87.2
Jeff Burton	87.1

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Jeff Gordon (191.544 mph, 28.192 seconds)

2010 race winner: Jamie McMurray (140.391 mph, 10-16-10)

Qualifying record: Elliott Sadler (193.216 mph, 27.948 seconds, (10-13-05)

600-mile race record: Bobby Labonte (151.952 mph, 05-28-95)

2012 Atlanta Motor Speedway Racing Schedule Announced

2011-10-11T13:05:00.002-04:00

2012 Atlanta Motor Speedway Racing Schedule Announced

HAMPTON, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2011) – For the fourth consecutive year, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the biggest Labor Day party in the USA with the running of the 53^rd annual AdvoCare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series night race on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012.

The 2012 AdvoCare 500 will be a part of NASCAR’s yearly stop at the historic 1.54-mile speedway on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2012. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will race 200 miles on Friday night, Aug. 31, while the NASCAR Nationwide Series will battle under the lights for 300 miles on Saturday, Sept. 1.

“We eagerly anticipate the return of three nights of NASCAR racing under the lights here at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” said AMS President and General Manager Ed Clark. “We will once again host our passionate fans as they celebrate the biggest Labor Day party in the USA, and we’ll be adding many activities throughout the weekend for everyone to enjoy and participate in.”

In addition to the AMS NASCAR schedule, the popular Thursday Thunder Legends racing series will return for eight weeks of action on the quarter-mile “Thunder Ring.” The series will run June 7-July 26, with a special Wednesday, July 4 race that will include fireworks.

The sixth season of Friday Night Drags & MCR Safety Show-N-Shine will begin with an April 27 event and will take place on Fridays through Aug. 17. There will be no racing on May 25. The series will resume for two season-concluding dates on Sept. 14-Sept. 21.

For ticket information and a complete listing of 2012 racing schedules at Atlanta Motor Speedway, call the AMS Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Talladega Superspeedway Creating Special Award For 100 Lead Changes

2011-10-08T12:31:00.000-04:00

October 08, 2011 (11-45)

Talladega Superspeedway Creating Special Award For 100 Lead Changes

TALLADEGA, Ala. - Talladega Superspeedway has long been known as NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track…and now it’s looking to back up that reputation with cold hard cash. Track officials believe that this month’s running of the Good Sam Club 500 could eclipse 100 lead changes during the race and should that happen, the driver who takes the lead the most times throughout the race will earn $100,000.

“There’s a real excitement and buzz going into our race weekend,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “Our fans look forward to seeing a lot of passing and a lot of lead changes. It makes sense to put an extra incentive on giving our fans what they want. The new rules package, that includes a larger restrictor plate opening, should give drivers the opportunity to really mix it up and pass even more in traffic. This is going to be an exciting race on Oct. 23 and we look forward to potentially setting another NASCAR record.”

Talladega Superspeedway currently holds the NASCAR record of 88 lead changes in a race, a mark that has been reached twice. Both instances occurred in the spring race at Talladega Superspeedway (2010 & 2011) with the 2010 fall race narrowly missing the mark with 87 lead changes.

Talladega also holds NASCAR records for leaders (29), fastest average race speed (188.354 mph) and fastest qualifying speed (212.809 mph).

Race fans that want to experience true southern hospitality combined with the most competitive racing in NASCAR should call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office today at 1-877-Go2-DEGA. Guests that purchase their tickets in advance have the opportunity to save over those who purchase during race week. Tickets are available online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Final Preparations For The Fall Chase Weekend At Phoenix

2011-10-06T11:49:00.002-04:00

Final Preparations For The Fall Chase Weekend At Phoenix Officially In The Books

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (Oct. 5, 2011) — On-track preparations for the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are officially complete as teams concluded a two-day test session on Wednesday.

This second day of testing hosted 35 teams on the newly repaved and reconfigured one-mile oval. There were a variety of reactions to the new track, but change seems to be the one constant that drivers have seen to the 47-year-old facility.

“As we ran the track, it got a lot better with rubber,” said Carl Edwards (No. 99 AFLAC Ford). “As treacherous as this place was in the Goodyear tire test, as tough as it was to drive, it got better the whole day. I think we have a lot to look forward to once the track gets more rubber on it.

“To me it's going to be pretty amazing to be the penultimate race and have all those opportunities for something crazy to happen, it could shake everything up. I don't know how all those dynamics are going to work out. I think as we see the other series run, we'll learn where the problem spots are.”

Crew chiefs have also had to adjust a little over the last two days and try a variety of set ups and strategy.

“It's awesome,” said Steve Addington, crew chief No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge and driver Kurt Busch. “They've done an awesome job with the racetrack, plus they've done an awesome job on pit road. You look forward to picking a pit. All the pits should be good when we come back to race.

“I think that's going to be the action place. We were talking about it last night, about the double file restarts, getting through two. Getting into the dogleg is going to be exciting. During the test, everybody is giving. When you catch a car, they let you go. But when they start racing, it's going to be pretty interesting through there. That's going to open up another can of worms to see how all the action takes place back through there. Getting into it, positioning yourself, where you get a run on the guy, whether it's on the outside or inside of him, the give and take is going to be pretty interesting.”

As teams took their last lap around the track and completed their final notes, the new Phoenix International Raceway certainly has teams and NASCAR ready for an exciting Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race come November.

“Testing here has allowed the teams to really focus on their strategy and gather crucial data as they prepare for the upcoming race weekend,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “This is a totally new race track and as with all newly repaved facilities, time is going to play a factor in how these cars compete. It will certainly be an exciting weekend in Phoenix for sure.”

Day Two: NASCAR Test At Phoenix International Raceway

2011-10-05T21:33:00.002-04:00

Day Two: NASCAR Test At Phoenix International Raceway

Final Preparations For The Fall Chase Weekend At Phoenix Officially In The Books

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.(Oct. 5,2011) —On-track preparations for the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are officially complete as teams concluded a two-day test session on Wednesday.

“As we ran the track, it got a lot better with rubber,” saidCarl Edwards (No. 99 AFLAC Ford). “As treacherous as this place was in the Goodyear tire test, as tough as it was to drive, it got better the whole day. I think we have a lot to look forward to once the track gets more rubber on it.

Crew chiefs have also had to adjust a little over the last two days and try a variety of set ups and strategy.

“It's awesome,” saidSteve Addington, crew chief No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge and driver Kurt Busch. “They've done an awesome job with the racetrack, plus they've done an awesome job on pit road. You look forward to picking a pit. All the pits should be good when we come back to race.

“Testing here has allowed the teams to really focus on their strategy and gather crucial data as they prepare for the upcoming race weekend,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “This is a totally new race track and as with all newly repaved facilities, time is going to play a factor in how these cars compete. It will certainly be an exciting weekend in Phoenix for sure.”

Kansas Speedway:

2011-10-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

Kansas Speedway:

History

· Groundbreaking was held on May 25, 1999.

· The official opening of Kansas Speedway was in 2001, with the first events being an ARCA race and a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race on the same day – June 2.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was Sept. 30, 2001.

Notebook

· There have been 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Kansas

since the track opened in 2001.

· All of the races have been scheduled for 267 laps.

· 10 drivers have competed in all 11 races at Kansas.

· Jeff Gordon won the first two NASCAR Sprint Cup races.

· Jason Leffler won the first pole in September 2001.

· Eight different drivers have won poles, led by Jimmie Johnson with three.

· Eight different drivers have posted victories, led by Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart (each with two).

· Seven of the 11 races have been won from a top-10 starting position.

· Two drivers have won from the pole: Joe Nemechek in 2004 and Jimmie Johnson in 2008.

· The furthest back in the field that a race winner started was 25th, by Brad Keselowski earlier this season.

· Three active drivers with more than one start have averaged a top-10 finish: Greg Biffle (8.3), Jeff Gordon (8.1) and Jimmie Johnson (9.1).

· Jeff Gordon leads all drivers in top fives (eight) and top 10s (nine). Gordon’s only two non-top 10s were a 39th in 2006 and a 13th in 2004.

· Seven of the 11 races that ended under green had a margin of victory under one second. The 2007 race ended under caution.

Repaved Phoenix track is new Chase wild card

2011-10-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

Repaved Phoenix track is new Chase wild card

By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

(October 4, 2011)

AVONDALE, Ariz.—Chances are that wider, smoother, slicker Phoenix International Raceway will have serious implications in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Fortunately for the Cup teams, they have two days to figure out the repaved, reconfigured one-mile track.

As part of a massive renovation project, Phoenix widened its frontstretch to 62 feet (an increase of 10 feet), moved the dogleg on the backstretch out 95 feet—shifting the apex by approximately 200 feet—and added graduated banking to the corners (though the difference from the bottom of the track to the top is only one degree).

To Regan Smith, it might as well be a different racetrack.

"The only place that seems familiar to me is Turn 3," Smith told Sporting News during a break in Tuesday's test session at PIR. "It seems kind of similar in the feeling and how it drives. When we first got here, it was a handful, but now that it's taking rubber, it's starting to turn into a normal racetrack again.

"I think by the time we race here (Nov. 13), it might not be two grooves, but it'll at least be a lane and a half, and we'll have a little wider area to work with."

Smith said the reconfiguration radically changed the entry points to the corners.

"It feels like you can run lower into (Turn) 1 than you used to, because your turn-in point is so much earlier," Smith said. "The whole dynamic of the angles that you run is a lot different now."

By the time the series gets to Phoenix this fall, the Cup championship will be on the line. The Subway Fresh Fit 500 is the penultimate race in the Chase.

David Reutimann, who is not in the Chase, doesn't believe the importance of the race in determining a champion should have delayed the repaving project, as some have suggested. The renovation began after the February race at PIR and was completed in August.

"I don't know," Reutimann said. "I mean, the track wanted to redesign. The sooner the better really is kind of how I look at it. We have to get laps on the racetrack, rubber on the racetrack and get used to it. I think the more laps we get on it, the better it'll be, but right now it's pretty scary.

"As far as the Chase guys go and determining a championship—I guess we'll find out when we get here. We all have to race on the same racetrack, and no one has an advantage or disadvantage on a new racetrack. As long as we all know ahead of time what to expect, I don't have a problem with doing it now."

While most teams took the opportunity to try to dial in their cars for the November race, several cars came to the track equipped with electronic fuel injection—a look ahead to 2012, when fuel injection is scheduled to replace carburetors on Sprint Cup cars.

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, said Tuesday at PIR that fuel injection is still on track to debut in the Daytona 500. The first test of the new system on a restrictor-plate superspeedway is scheduled for Oct. 20 at Talladega, three days before the Chase race there.

Day One: NASCAR Test At Phoenix International Raceway

2011-10-04T19:56:00.002-04:00

Day One: NASCAR Test At Phoenix International Raceway

New Asphalt, New Configuration And A New Notebook for Teams At Phoenix

DAYTONA BEACH,Fla.(Oct. 4, 2011) —Among the grocery list of items needed to repave a one-mile race track located just outside of Phoenix: 23,000 tons of asphalt, 7,000 cubic yards of concrete and 600 pounds of rebar. Combine all of that, and you have cars on the race track in Arizona, and the first opportunity for a full-scale NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test on the newly repaved Phoenix International Raceway.

Testing on the repaved and reconfigured one-mile Phoenix oval kicked off Tuesday, the first of a two-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session. This was the first opportunity for most teams to test the new track surface following the five-driver Goodyear tire test in late August.

“I think it is a really unique layout,” saidJeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) of the new track. “The exit of Turn 2 is very unique; very different; the back straightaway has a lot of banking and it’s like falling into a hole; it’s pretty cool and it is neat to do something different here.”

In February, the 47-year-old facility announced it would undergo its first major paving project since 1990. While protecting the integrity of the one-mile oval, changes were implemented to the banking and configuration to promote side-by-side racing.

“It’s cool with the new banking,” saidDavid Ragan (No. 6 UPS Ford). “There is a little bit more speed. Anytime you repave a race track you always have that 6-8 month period where the asphalt is wearing. It is curing and it is coming into its own. It gives us a hard time to figure it out, but the track will only get better with time. I think it is going to be a good race.”

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition, noted that the test session is an opportunity for teams to prepare for next month’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix. “This is a brand new facility,” said Pemberton. “These teams will have to throw out their notebooks and start over. It takes time for these newly paved tracks and that’s why we are here testing. The teams are experimenting with a lot of different options and that’s what they need to do.”

In addition to testing the new asphalt and configuration, three teams were also here testing Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) cars. Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Motorsports and Michael Waltrip Racing brought additional cars to test in preparation for the launch of EFI in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2012.

Pocono Raceway Improvement Projects Continue

2011-10-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

Pocono Raceway Improvement Projects Continue

October 4, 2011

Long Pond, PA. (October 4, 2011) ? On June 4, 2010 Pocono Raceway announced the Raceway was embarking on an expansive construction project directed to improve driver safety and enhance competition. In the fall of 2010, more 5,500 feet of the new generation SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier was installed to the inside of the track from the exit of turn one to the entrance of turn three, and more than 6,100 feet of catch fence added from the front straight to turn two. Today, Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky announced the kick-off of phase two of the project that includes: a new outer pit wall, concrete pit stalls and repaving of the 2.5 mile superspeedway, known as "The Tricky Triangle."

"We received input from a number of drivers, as well as, NASCAR Officials before making our final improvement plans," stated Igdalsky. "A new outer pit wall will replace the current pit wall and new concrete pit stalls will provide an excellent surface for pit stops and subsequent burn-outs. Our pit stalls are already among the largest on the circuit and our pit road is one of the widest and safest in NASCAR," Igdalsky added. "Pocono was last repaved in 1995 and all construction work will be completed prior to Pocono Raceway’s June 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event."

The 2012 Pocono Raceway schedule includes the June 10, Pocono 400 and the August 5, Pennsylvania 400, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. An ARCA 200-mile race will be run on Saturday, June 9. An ARCA 125-mile race and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 125-mile race will be run on Saturday, August 4. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Qualifying will also be conducted on the Saturday prior to each Sprint Cup Series event.

Renewal forms for 2012 tickets have been sent out to existing ticket holders. June 2011 ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount on tickets ordered by October 31. August 2011 ticket holders will receive a 20 percent discount on tickets ordered by November 1 or a 10 percent discount on tickets ordered by December 31. Additionally, if race fans renew their tickets for the 2012 season by October 31, they will be automatically entered into a random drawing for two tickets to 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet in Las Vegas on Friday, December 2 and $500 spending cash.

Road to a Miami Championship

2011-09-30T14:13:00.002-04:00

The “Road to a Miami Championship” Heads to Delaware This Weekend

Race 3 in the Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup takes place at Dover before culminating at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 20

MIAMI— Tony Stewart may not have captured a win leading up to the Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup, but he is making up for it now. Stewart is two-for-two in NASCAR's “playoffs” after winning at New Hampshire and has taken over the Championship points lead. In capturing his first two victories of 2011, Stewart became only the second driver to start the Chase with two consecutive wins. The first was in 2008 by Greg Biffle, who went on to finish third in that season’s championship points. Now, can he do the seemingly impossible? Stewart would be the first to open the Chase with three consecutive wins and it would be the first time in his career he has ever won three straight races. The driver of the No. 14 car is stalking a third NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. His championship runs in 2002 and 2005 at Homestead-Miami Speedway make him the only driver to win NASCAR’s biggest prize in both the pre-Chase and Chase era. Stewart is also trying to become the first driver/owner to win the Sprint Cup trophy since Alan Kulwicki accomplished the feat in 1992.

While Chase drivers around him ran out of gas at Loudon, Stewart had the fuel to go the distance and injected the Chase For The Sprint Cup Championship with a dose of dominance that has made him a formidable front-runner and a favorite to end five-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson’s incredible run. Johnson has gotten off to a sluggish start in the Chase, falling to 10th in the standings after the first two Chase races and leading to questions about whether his reign as five-time champion is finally over.

Don’t count Johnson out of the Championship fight just yet. Johnson has overcome large deficits before to win the title, and rallied during the final two races last season to win the Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He has won three of the past five races at Dover and dominated the spring race there in May.

Every point matters and could be huge when it comes down to the Championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 20. Here’s a look at some notable Chase drivers and how they have fared on the “Road to a Miami Championship”:

Tony Stewart The current Championship points leader heads to Dover with two straight wins. Stewart also has four straight Top 10 finishes with three of those in the Top 5. This torrid pace has made him a legitimate championship contender.

Carl Edwards The defending Ford 400 winner at Homestead-Miami Speedway has recorded five consecutive Top 10 finishes to keep his NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship hopes alive.

Brad Keselowski The reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion at Homestead-Miami Speedway has put together an impressive streak of his own lately. Keselowski has eight Top 10 results in his last nine races, and the other finish was 12^th. His runner-up finish last week at Loudon put him in the thick of the Championship race.

Expect these drivers to take this momentum into Delaware this weekend. The drama, excitement and anticipation of NASCAR’s Chase For The Sprint Cup Championship “playoff” system has begun—the winner of which will be crowned at Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend for a 10th consecutive season Nov. 18-20.

NASCAR Preseason Thunder,

2011-09-29T14:46:00.002-04:00

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR Preseason Thunder, the annual three-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the prestigious season-opening 54th annual Daytona 500, will be held on Jan. 12-14.

All NASCAR Preseason Thunder test sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., weather permitting. Each includes a lunch break from noon until 1 p.m.
Race fans can also rev up their new year at the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest – the companion event to the January test sessions. Along with watching NASCAR Preseason Thunder track activity from the Sprint FANZONE, fans can enjoy two Fan Fest driver sessions – from 5-9 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 12 and from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 13.

The schedule of driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions will be finalized closer to the event. Tickets for the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, which include autograph session wristbands, will be available for purchase at a later date. For fans who would like to be contacted regarding NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest ticket information can sign up online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/thunder

Fans can also watch each day’s testing at no cost from a section of the Oldfield Grandstands.

“NASCAR Preseason Thunder is an important opportunity for teams to acquire vital on-track data as they prepare for the sport’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race of the year – the Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “It’s also exciting time for race fans who are anxious to see their favorite drivers and teams preparing for the new NASCAR season.”

The Roar Before The Rolex 24, the tune-up session for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series teams in advance of the historic 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, is scheduled for Jan. 6-8.

Information on tickets for both the NASCAR Preseason Thunder and the Roar Before The Rolex 24 will be available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Dover International Speedway:

2011-09-28T12:51:00.002-04:00

Dover International Speedway:

History

· The official opening of Dover International Speedway, then called Dover Downs International Speedway, was in 1969.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was held on July 6, 1969.

· The first two races at Dover were 300 miles. The race length was changed to 500 miles in 1971.

· The track surface was changed to concrete in 1995.

· The race length was changed to 400 miles beginning with the second race in 1997.

· The track name was changed to Dover International Speedway in 2002.

Notebook

· There have been 83 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Dover International Speedway since the track opened in 1969.

· There was one race in 1969 and 1970. There has been two-a-year since 1971.

· Richard Petty won the track’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

· There have been 35 different pole winners, led by David Pearson (six).

· David Pearson won the first pole in July 1969.

· Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman lead all active drivers, each with four poles.

· 32 different drivers have posted victories led by Bobby Allison and Richard Petty, each with seven.

· Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers, with six victories.

· Hendrick Motorsports has a series-high 12 wins.

· 50 races at Dover have been won from a top-five starting position; 18 races have been won from a starting position outside the top 10.

· 13 drivers have won from the pole. The last to do so was Jimmie Johnson, in last season’s September race.

· The furthest back in the field a race winner started was 37th, by Kyle Petty in 1995.

· Several active drivers had their first start at Dover, including three past champions: Kurt Busch (18th in 2000), Matt Kenseth (sixth in 1998) and Bobby Labonte (34th in 1991).

· In addition, Matt Kenseth (2002) and Michael Waltrip (1991) earned their first pole at Dover. Martin Truex Jr. won his first race there (2007).

NASCAR in Delaware

· There have been 83 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Delaware, all at Dover International Speedway.

· Eight drivers in NASCAR’s three national series (all-time) have their home state recorded as Delaware, though none have posted victories.

Dover International Speedway Data

Race #: 29 of 36 (10-02-11)

Track Size: 1 mile

· Banking/Corners: 24 degrees

· Banking/Straights: 9 degrees

· Frontstretch: 1,076 feet

· Backstretch: 1,076 feet

Driver Rating at DoverJimmie Johnson         117.4
Matt Kenseth              110.0
Greg Biffle                  106.9
Carl Edwards             104.9
Kyle Busch                 102.0
Mark Martin                   97.8
Kurt Busch                   95.0
Ryan Newman             93.5
Jeff Burton                   90.4
Martin Truex Jr.           89.7
Jeff Gordon                 89.4
Clint Bowyer               87.9

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at Dover.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Jimmie Johnson (155.736 mph, 23.116 seconds)

2010 race winner: Jimmie Johnson (131.543 mph, 09-26-10)

Track qualifying record: Jeremy Mayfield (161.522 mph, 22.288 seconds, 06-04-04)

Track race record: Mark Martin (132.719 mph, 09-21-97)

New Hampshire Motor Speedway:

2011-09-23T14:25:00.001-04:00

History

· Groundbreaking for New Hampshire International Speedway, as New Hampshire Motor Speedway was originally named, was Aug. 13, 1989.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was on July 11, 1993.

· Renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2008.

Notebook

· There have been 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway; one per year from 1993 through 1996 and two per year since.

· Four drivers have competed in all 33 races: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Joe Nemechek.

· Mark Martin won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup pole.

· Rusty Wallace won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

· There have been 17 different pole winners, led by Ryan Newman (five).

· 20 different drivers have won, led by Jeff Burton (four).

· Jimmie Johnson (2003) and Kurt Busch (2004) are the only drivers that have posted season sweeps. Those are also the only back-to-back winners.

· Hendrick Motorsports has won eight races, more than any other organization.

· The deepest in the field that a New Hampshire race winner started was 38th, by Jeff Burton in 1999.

· There have been five winners who started from the pole. The last race winner to win from the pole was Ryan Newman this past July.

· Jeff Burton led all 300 laps raced in the 2000 fall race.

· Five drivers got their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at New Hampshire: Joe Nemechek (1999), Robby Gordon (2001), Ryan Newman (2002), Clint Bowyer (2007) and Joey Logano (2009).

· Two drivers got their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole at New Hampshire: Patrick Carpentier (2008) and Brad Keselowski (2010).

· The last four races that have not finished under caution have had a margin of victory of less than a second.

NASCAR in New Hampshire

· There have been 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in New Hampshire, all at NHMS.

· 14 drivers in NASCAR’s three national series (all-time) are listed as New Hampshire natives.

· There has been one race winner from New Hampshire in NASCAR’s three national series: Jamie Aube. Aube, from Manchester, won a NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Oxford Plains Speedway in 1987.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Data

Race #: 28 of 36 (9-25-11)

Track Size: 1.058 miles

Race Length: 317.4 miles (300 laps)

Banking/Corners: Variable at 2 & 7 degrees

Banking/Straights: 1 degree

Driver Rating at New Hampshire

Tony Stewart 114.0

Jeff Gordon 107.3

Jimmie Johnson 105.8

Denny Hamlin 100.5

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 97.1

Kurt Busch 95.4

Jeff Burton 95.0

Ryan Newman 94.6

Clint Bowyer 94.5

Kevin Harvick 91.1

Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2011 races (13 total) at New Hampshire.

Qualifying/Race Data

2010 pole winner: Brad Keselowski, 133.572 mph, 28.515 seconds

2010 race winner: Clint Bowyer, 106.769 mph, 09-19-10)

Track qualifying record: Brad Keselowski (133.572 mph, 28.515 sec., 09-19-10)

Track race record: Jeff Burton (117.134 mph, 7-13-97)

Chicagoland Speedway:

2011-09-15T17:04:00.001-04:00

History

· Construction began in August 1999.

· The first NASCAR Nationwide Series race was July 14, 2001.

· The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was held on July 15, 2001.

· This weekend marks the first time Chicagoland Speedway will be included in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – Sept. 18, 2011.

Notebook

· There have been 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Chicagoland Speedway.

· 12 drivers have competed in all 10 races.

· Todd Bodine won the first pole.

· There has been a different pole winner after every qualifying session (qualifying was canceled in 2008).

· Kevin Harvick won the first two races; six drivers have won races, led by Harvick and Tony Stewart, each with two.

· Kyle Busch won the 2008 race from the pole, the first time a driver won from the pole. It was also the only time a driver had won from a top-five starting position.

· Kevin Harvick won the 2002 race from the 32nd starting position, the deepest in the field that a race winner ever started at Chicago.

· Only one starting position has multiple wins: 14th. Mark Martin won from the 14th starting position in 2009, as did Ryan Newman in 2003.

· Jeff Gordon (8.6), Jimmie Johnson (10.0), Tony Stewart (9.5) and Brian Vickers (8.8) are active drivers who average a top-10 finish.

· Five of the last six races have ended with a margin of victory under one second.

NASCAR in Illinois

· There have been 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Illinois.

· 74 drivers all-time in NASCAR three national series have their home state recorded as Illinois.

· There have been four race winners from Illinois in NASCAR’s three national series:

Driver	NSCS	NNS	NCWTS
Fred Lorenzen	26	0	0
Tom Pistone	2	0	0
Justin Allgaier	0	2	0
Bobby Dotter	0	1	0
Erik Darnell	0	0	2

Chicagoland Speedway Data

Race #: 26 of 36 (9-18-11)

Track Size: 1.5 miles

Race Length: 400.5 miles (267 laps)

Banking/Corners: 18 degrees

Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees

Banking/Tri-Oval: 11 degrees

CHICAGO TRACK FACT'S N DATA

2011-09-13T22:05:00.000-04:00

TRACK FACTS
Track Length: 1.5 Miles (267 laps = 400 miles)
Race Length: 400 Miles
Grandstand Seating Capacity: 75,000
First Race: July 15, 2001 – Tropicana 400
Banking in Turns: 18 degrees
Banking on tri-oval: 11 degrees
Banking on Backstretch: 5 degrees
Frontstretch: 2,400 feet
Backstretch: 1,700 feet
QUALIFYING & RACE RECORDS
Qualifying: Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 188.147 mph (28.701 sec.);
July 8, 2005
Race: David Reutimann, Toyota, 145.138 mph (2:45:34);
July 10, 2010

Darlington off 2012 schedule:Trucks

2011-09-11T10:30:00.002-04:00

Darlington off 2012 schedule: NASCAR's trucks won't return to Darlington Raceway next season, but the departure apparently has nothing to do with Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina. Darlington spokesman Jake Harris said Wednesday that while the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series would run on Mother's Day weekend next season, the Camping World Truck Series would not. Harris said the track worked with the truck series to find a useable date. Harris said Darlington would seek to bring the trucks back, if possible, in 2013.(USAToday.com)(9-8-2011)