Set remote to racing

What to watch today while you try to figure out what the noise coming from your closet is.

On Now- Firestone Indy Lights Freedom 100. The race was last week, but lets see who wins anyway! [ESPN 2], Sprint Cup Practice from Dover. Because one session already today wasn't good enough. [Speed Channel]

2:30 pm- NASCAR Nationwide Series from Dover. Defending winner Carl Edwards is on pole, if he wins he'll get an extra bale of hay for dinner. [ESPN2],
Prelude to the Dream preview. [Speed Channel]

3 pm- Star Mazda from Salt Lake City Utah. I waited two weeks for this, I'm pumped. [Speed Channel]
4 pm- World of Outlaws from Williams Grove, Pa. A car will probably flip. [Speed Channel]
5:30 pm- NHRA Qualifying from Topeka, Kansas. Yeah seeing this is taking place in Kansas just has me all excited. [ESPN2]
9 pm- AMA Motocross from San Bernardino, Ca. [Speed Channel]
10 pm- AMA Superbike, race 1 from Salt Lake City, Utah. [Speed Channel]
11 pm- Koni Challenge Series from Lime Rock, Ct. [Speed Channel]

Ecclestone calls for Mosley's resignation

Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone has called for FIA President Max Mosley to step down from his position saying that he only humiliate himself even more by staying around for Tuesday's confidence vote which will most likely have Mosley forced out of his postion as FIA president.

"The last thing most people involved in the sport, including the clubs, would want to see is Max in a position where he could be forced to stand down," Ecclestone told the British newspaer, the Telegraph."I don't want to see that. I've been a friend of Max for 40 years. I would hate to see him go in this way after all he has done for the sport."

"Since the story broke I have been under enormous pressure from the people who invest in Formula One, sponsors and manufacturers, over this issue," Ecclestone continued."They point out that as a chief executive or chief operating officer of a major company they would have gone either immediately, or within 24 hours, in the same circumstances. They cannot understand why Max has not done the same."

"Max is a strong man." Ecclestone continued. "Once he makes a decision he sticks to it. He feels that there is still important work to do at the FIA. But in my view there is a way to accomplish this and retire at the end of the year at the FIA general assembly in November. I would be happy to sit at his side to help him to achieve that. He should stand down out of responsibility for the institution he represents, including F1. Everyone who I speak to in a position of authority across F1 rings me to say he should leave. It is regretful that he has not made that decision."

Ecclestone went on to say because of the scandal Mosley can no longer conduct buisness in a normal manner. Mosley has been uninvited to many events because of that, even birthday parties.

"The big problem is that he can no longer represent the FIA worldwide because of these incidents," Ecclestone said. "The general feeling is that people would no longer be comfortable speaking to him in the same way. My wife had invited Max to her birthday party, (but) she was told to ask Max not to appear because of the embarrassment it might cause to a number of corporate guests. She was extremely upset about that, but she accepted she had to speak to him. It was very difficult for her to do that."

"Max is being punished for the wrong reasons. He has done a first-class job as president. Like all of us he has made some mistakes but 90 per cent of the decisions he has taken have been to the benefit of all. He deserves to be remembered for all the positive work he has done, not for an expose in a tabloid newspaper. That is why he should announce his decision to resign now and not go through with a vote of confidence. That is not in his best interests, the FIA's or the sport's."

Ecclestone calls Mosley to stand down (Autosport.com)

Kimi Raikkonen's Monaco Grand Prix could have been much worse

Apparently there was a bit of a whoopsie made by officials at Monaco last week. We all know that Kimi Raikkonen was penalized for not having his tires properly fitted at the three minute signal. Raikkonen was given a drive through penalty for it early in the race, but with all of the carnage early in the race the penalty didn't hurt him that much. Surprisngly, that penalty wasn't supposed to happen. Instead Raikkonen should had started from the back of the grid or from the pit lane and no that's not my opinion that is what the rules say.

Rule 38.5 in the F1 sporting regulations reads: “When the three minute signal is shown all cars must have their wheels fitted, after this signal wheels may only be removed in the pit lane or on the grid during a race suspension. Any car which does not have all its wheels fully fitted at the three minute signal must start the race from the back of the grid or the pit lane. Under these circumstances a marshal holding a yellow flag will prevent the car (or cars) from leaving the grid until all cars able to do so have left to start the formation lap.”

So there you have it. Now we could sit here and get into one of those "what could have happened" talks if Kimi had to start from the back, but I certinally won't because it would give me a headache, but go ahead conspiracy theroists start your "engines."

Raikkonen's penalty that never was (Speedtv.com)

Scott Speed is down with that

Another week, another first time winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as Scott Speed took victory last night in Dover. Speed in only sixth start took held off Kevin Harvick Inc. teammates Jack Sprague and Ron Hornaday for the victory.

"We had a good strategy and an awesome truck, and we got everything we could out of it," Speed said of his No. 22 Bill Davis Racing Toyota. "The learning curve I've had has been amazing. Every time I go out on the track, I feel I come away with a lot of knowledge.

"I'm just having an awesome time trying to learn this sport."

Speed and his Bill Davis team used some strategy to get his truck towards the front by taking to two tires on their final stop on lap 133 and with about 50 to go Speed grabbed the lead from Todd Bodine and never looked back, but sealing the deal wasn't easy as Ron Hornaday was on his tail end the majority of those final laps. Speed's chance for victory went into serious jeopardy when Bodine smacked the wall with 30 to go, putting Hornaday, the "king of restarts", on his back bumper. But by then Hornaday had devloped a problem with his motor and Speed pulled away for the victory with ease.

The Craftsman Truck Series now heads off to the high banks and high speeds of Texas Motor Speedway, next Friday night. Rick Crawford is now your points leader with a 20 point lead over Matt Crafton.

Speed out runs Sprague, Hornaday for first victory (NASCAR.com)

Me can haz remote?

What to watch tonight as you try to find out what not to do with Sonic the Hedgehog tonight.

7 PM- Trackside at Dover with Tony "Smoke" Stewart and Joey "Sliced Bread" Lagano. [Speed Channel]
8 PM-NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from Dover. Don't tell me who won! [Speed Channel]

Kevin Harvick has some advice for young Kyle Busch

2007 Daytona 500 winner and frequent Rogaine user, Kevin Harvick has some advice for young driver and frequent pain in the ass Kyle "Rowdy" Busch.

“Kyle Busch is an incredibly talented driver. He’s very good at what he does, but I think his age shows through in a lot of aspects,” Harvick said. “You know, that’s not a bad thing. I’ve been in the same boat, and you learn to respect the people around you, and it all takes its toll on you. It doesn’t necessarily take its toll on you immediately; it takes its toll on you as you move down the road."

“You know, you have to respect the guys that laid the foundation for the sport that got you here. I think just the immaturity is probably the biggest thing that he has going for himself, and this sport has a very good way of breaking you of those habits pretty easily."

Harvick would also like the remind Mr. Busch that just because he is leading the Sprint Cup standings and winning race out the ying-yang doesn't mean it will last forever.

“At some point, all that momentum goes away,” he said. “It doesn’t last forever, and I think a lot of people look at you, and that’s probably the biggest thing I learned as I came in and was kind of the same way. You think that you’re invincible, and pretty soon you’re not. Then you don’t have anybody to turn to in the garage, and that becomes a little bit of a problem as you move down the road or you need a favor or somebody to come do something or you need a new job or whatever the case may be."

“At some point all that disrespect comes back … no matter how good you’re doing because you’re not going to do good forever," Harvick said. "It's all in how you handle yourself in a five-year stretch, not a five-month stretch.”

By the way is it me or does that picture of Kyle Busch just plain creepy. I mean look at the way hes staring at the camera, he's more creepier than the Philly Phanatic.

Harvick offers advice to Busch about being young and aggressive (Scenedaily.com)

Tomas Scheckter to get a couple more races on his schedule

Tomas Scheckter and his Luczo Dragon Racing, who seemed to be the dark horse to win the Indy 500 until broken driveshaft put him of the race with 44 laps to go, will get a couple more chances to get into victory lane. Along with the road race in Somona in August, the team will race at Texas in two weeks and Chicago in September.

"Given the strong performance of the car at the Indy 500, and the exceptional driving displayed by Tomas, we feel that it makes sense to expand our effort this season in order to position LDR as competitively as possible for our full run next year," Luczo Dragon co-owner Steve Luczo said. "Tomas has won at Texas before and we feel that this is a great opportunity to build on his and the team' success."

Scheckter's last Indycar win came at Texas in 2005 and of course he too is looking forward to these two extra races.

"I am really looking forward to Texas," said Scheckter. "I am so happy the team has decided to go. I have shot the guns in Victory Lane there before and I look forward to doing so again in a Luczo Dragon car. We really have a strong team. We have been getting better and better every weekend. We had impeccable stops at Indy and I look forward to the same kind of performance in Texas."

More for the 12 car (Indycar.com)

John Andretti to get two more races with Roth

John Andretti will get a couple more opportunities in the Indycar Series with Roth Racing. Andretti who finished 16th in last week's Indy 500, will drive the car this weekend at Milwaukee and next Saturday night at Texas.

Not that I don't hate John or anything, but what of Jay Howard? The young English driver put in some good top 15 finishes earlier this year and now he is sitting out in favor of a driver who can bring sponsorship for the team. If Marty Roth had any smarts he would take himself out of the car since I don't know he couldn't drive one to save his life?

Roth Racing holds on to John Andretti (Indystar.com)

Flashback: CART in Milwaukee 1993

For this weeks flashback its the Miller Genuine Draft 200 at Milwaukee featuring the CART PPG Indycar World Series. Paul Page, Sam Posey and Bobby Unser are there with the call.

The future is bright?

This is Joey Lagano. He is 18 years old and on Saturday he will make his debut in the Nationwide Series race in Dover. To some this kid is known as "Sliced Bread" because he may be the greatest thing since well sliced bread. But can this kid really be the future superstar in NASCAR? How many times have we been led to believe that we have a new young superstar full of raw talent on our hands on to flop and leave us disappointed? Casey Atwood, anyone?

But lets give Joey the benefit of the doubt. I mean he was in late models by 13, racing in the ASA by 14, raced and won in the Hooters Pro Cup seriers at the age of 15 and last year in his first year of competing in the Camping World East series took 7 wins and the championship. Earlier this year he took a win in the ARCA series in Rockingham nearly lapping the field. It was this win that convinced me that this kid might be the "real deal". Even today during practice in Dover he was taking to the Monster Mile like a fish to water.

So say what you will. Yeah, he may look good because he has a Cup team with years of experience on his side, but truly this kid will be something to watch in the next few years. Trust me.

Extensions, extensions

Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports today signed an extension that will keep DuPont on the #24 machine through 2010. Extending a relationship between the two groups that has already lasted for a period of almost 16 years. "The relationship Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon have enjoyed with DuPont is not just one of the great success stories in NASCAR, but across all forms of sponsorship," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "We feel fortunate to have such a terrific, long-term partner, and our entire company looks forward to an exciting future with the No. 24 DuPont team."

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Elliott Sadler also signed a contract extension that will have him behind the wheel of a Gillet-Evernham Dodge for a few more years.

“This is the place where I want to race,” Sadler said in a statement issued by the team. “I think what we are building here is special and something other drivers and crew members envy.”

“Elliott is a well-respected driver who has the skills, both on and off the track, to succeed in NASCAR,” said Tom Reddin, CEO for Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

“In addition to being a great Sprint Cup driver, Elliott has a wonderful personality that attracts fans and sponsors who love working with him. We have enjoyed working with Elliott over the last year and a half and look forward to continuing our relationship.”

Exact details of the contract were not given.

DuPont extends contract with Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports to 2010 (SceneDaily.com)

Sadler signs multiyear contract extension with Gillet Evernham Motorsports (Scenedaily.com)

Dillon Battistini to do two Indycar races later this year

The doors of opportunity are flying open for young Dillon Battistini who won last week's Freedom 100. The Brit will now get to do two Indycar races with his Panther Racing team at the end of the year.

"There's a plan to do two races later this year, which will let me retain my rookie status for next year," Battistini said.

"It's likely to be one oval and one street track. I don't know which ones, but maybe Surfer's Paradise. But for now I'm just focusing on getting the job done in Indy Lights."

Battistini plans two Panther outings (Indycar.com)

Montoya to Joe Gibbs Racing?

Juan Montoya is still not happy over the firing of crew chief Jimmy Elledge and in a face to face meeting with car owner Chip Ganassi, Montoya let his feeling about the decision be known.

"I told him everything I was thinking and how it was," said Montoya, who finished 30th in the Coca-Cola 600. "The hope of the meeting is that everything that has happened turns into results. I need to run better. That's what will calm me down."

There is now rumor surfacing that Joe Gibbs Racing, who may lose Tony Stewart at the end of the year, is looking at Montoya as his replacement.

Montoya gives Ganassi an earful (Chicagotribune.com)

Eury Sr. and two others fined for brew-ha-ha in Charlotte

Brad Keselowski's crew chief Tony Eury, Sr has been fined $1,000 and put on probation until June 25th for not keeping his crew members under control after his driver and Denny Hamlin had their own altercation towards the end of Saturday night's race. Two pit crew members involved with the fight Michael Sandlin and Jordan Allen have been fined $1,500 and put on probation until October 15th for thier actions on Saturday night. Sandlin, himself, also received a one race susepnsion.

Good call by NASCAR, this shit should have stayed between the drivers.

NASCAR Suspends JR Motorsports Crew member, puts Eury Sr. on probation (Scenedaily.com)

Time running out for F1's return to Indy in 2009

Time is running out for the United States return to the Formula 1 circus. Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George says that there is only two months left to get United States Grand Prix on the 2009 Formula 1 Schedule in time for the speedway's centennial celebration next year.

"It's 50/50, that it's safe," said George. "The last conversation I had was probably in February. For planning purposes, we would need to know fairly soon if it's part of our '09 calendar.

"They (F1) don't necessarily need to know now. They can wait until August, September, October to announce their calendar, and that doesn't work for us."

George is also searching for a title sponsor for the event, but most of the money from the title sponsor would go to Formula 1. The track, though, would be eligible for a "finder fee".

"It won't happen until we get some more commercial support - a title sponsor or whatnot," continued George. "There is still a gap to be bridged in the finances for it to make sense."

Time running out for new Indy deal (Autosport.com)

Indycar to set new engine rules in 2011

Indycar officials, teams and representatives of the U.S. car industry are ready to meet next month on what the engine for the Indycar series will look like in 2011. With new eviromental constraints on the horzion this could possibly mean the end of the V8 engine which the Indycar Series has used the past 10 years. This could mean that a move to 4 or 6 cylinder engines in the future is very likely.

Indycar is also looking for new faces in the series when it comes to engines. Honda has singed up to be Indycar's sole engine supplier until 2014, but both Honda and Indycar are open to new engine suppliers. Honda has been the sole engine supplier since Toyota left to focus more on thier NASCAR efforts in 2005.

"Racing is about competition," Indycar boss Tony George said. "It's always had competition and, while it can be successful without it, we think it works better with it because it attracts new players to the series."

Hopefully, players like Cosworth can enter the series and bring in some diversity and competion to a series that has been needing some.

Engine rules set for 2011 overhaul (Autosport.com)

Mosley refuses compromise deal

Max Mosley, head of the FIA, refused a compromise deal that would have him step down as FIA president at the end of November, instead of facing a confidence vote that could cost him his job next week.

The World Council, who meets on Tuesday to decide Mosley's fate, wants to keep the least amount of damage happening and it is in their belief that a resignation from Mosley instead of a vote will keep the damage at a minimum, Mosley disagrees.

Mosley beleives that there is enough strife within the World Council that will keep him in his job until October 2009, but with the lastest plea from the World Council, Mosley's job looks to be in serious jeopardy.

Clubs plead with Mosley to resign (Autosport.com)

Mosley declines compromise deal (Autosport.com)

This just in...

Apparently NASCAR drivers need sustenance to make it through these long and hard testing days. Here is a picture of Kasey Kahne during a lull at testing today in Pocono. I'm no expert, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express once and I'll say that is food that Mr. Kahne is taking in and I bet it was very yummy.

Who knew, drivers are people just like you and I. Just goes to show that you learn something everyday.

Seriously folks, do we really need pictures of that? Kyle Busch wasn't doing anything dumb?

Pow, right in the kisser

NASCAR lowered the boom on the Haas CNC team today giving out 150 driver and owner point penalties to both teams. Both teams will lose their crew chiefs and car chiefs for six weeks and both teams will lose $100,000 each.

NASCAR has been saying now for quite a while that as time marched on and more people comitted these kind of violation that the penalties would only get harder. Just goes to show kiddies that cheaters never win.

NASCAR heavily fines HASS CNC Racing teams, takes 150 points from each (SceneDaily.com)

I feel dirty now

Here's a new feature I'm doing, every week I'll pick one weird music video that will make you question the sanity of the human race. This week Will Hatcher would like to remind you that before you make "love in the club" you need to "Scrub in the Tub". Word.

Edmonton offically a part of Indycar Series through 2010

Indycar officals and Edmonton Grand Prix officials have agreed to a new contract that will keep open-wheel racing through 2010. I just hope that see deals like thid with tracks like Cleveland and Road America.

Oh Canada (Indycar.com)

Doornbos to drive in Superleague Series

Robert Doornbos won't be unemployed anymore. The former F1 and Champcar driver will drive in the Superleague series which starts in September. The series connects open-wheel racing with soccer teams. Doornbos will drive for the AC Milan soccer team. The series has its first test in early July.

So lets see Formula 1, Champ Car and now this. Bobby, you're racing carrer is certinally on the right track. What next? Hooters Pro Cup?

Doornbos joins Superleague Series (Autosport.com)

Is P.J. Jones tied up this weekend?

While Robby Gordon, being the total badass that he is, goes to compete in the Baja 500. Matt Crafton will practice and qualify Gordon's Sprint Cup car. Robby and his father will also be honored in the Baja Hall of Fame.

But there is one question on my mind. Where is P.J. Jones? He ussually is Robby's backup for these events. Does P.J. actually have something better to do? My guess is no.

Crafton to practice, qualify for Robby Gordon at Dover (Scenedaily.com)

Is that Octane 93 you're wearing?

Jeremy Mayfield is back in a Sprint Cup car this weekend subbing for Dario Franchitti who is not quite ready to drive his Sprint Cup car, but will compete in the Nationwide Series race this weekend. That means Bryan Clauson who has been substituting for Franchitti in Nationwide Series will be driving Randy MacDonald's #81 Dodge this weekend.

Mayfield to compete for Franchtti in Best Buy 400 at Dover (Scenedaily.com)

Now that looks badass

Usually when NASCAR drivers go to do testing they drive a usually plain boring looking car. Tony Stewart and the Home Depot team has defied those rules by coming up with this sweet looking thins for the Pocono test. Totally awesome.

Hat tip to Rusty Jarrett of Getty Images for this pic.

Renault: full of dilemmas

The Renault F1 has quite the full plate right now they have the son of a world champion that is not developing into the superstar that many thought he would become and they have a car that can't hold a candle to the McLarens, Saubers and Ferraris. Its starting to look bad for a team that only a couple of years ago was on top of the world.

There first problem is trying to get young Nelson Piquet back on track. Pat Symonds, Renaults director of enginerring, says that a Piquet needs a little bit of confidence.

"It has been difficult for him (Piquet), but he has put in some good races," Symonds told Renault's official podcast. "This time last year, a lot of people were thinking Heikki was entering his last few races, and Canada was just an incredible weekend for him because on Saturday could things really have gone worse?

"He had two major accidents, one of them in qualifying and it is still a miracle to me we got the car out in qualifying to get anywhere. (Then he had) a fabulous race on Sunday in Canada and he never looked back.

"I've said it so often before how much with a driver or sportsman is about self esteem and believing in yourself. And all Nelson needs to do is turn that corner and believe in himself and it will happen again."

Piquet himself beleives that he will improve once the F1 circus returns to Europe and to tracks he is familiar with. "It's normal for them to be pushing me, this is the way Renault is," Piquet said. "They like to push the drivers and they think this is better. The driver needs to know how to focus himself, put things aside, and work."

Renault also trying to decide what to do about their car, whether to work on the current car which has them sitting seventh in the constructors championship or start developing a new one for next year. With the new technical regulations coming in for 2009, Renault may start focusing thier efforts on the new car. "It is always difficult," Symonds said. "And the level of difficulty depends on two major factors - one is where you are sitting in the current championship, how threatened you are and what you can achieve.

"If you are in a solid third place and unlikely to get second but unlikely to drop to fourth, more or less as we were last year, you can think about turning your attention to the following year. If you are fighting, like we are doing this year, then you have got to keep the development."

"There is nothing wrong with keeping the development going if it is all applicable to next year's car, unfortunately this time there is very little that is applicable to next year's car. Next year's car is a very, very different animal, completely different aerodynamic rules, the KERS system, slick tyres - lot of things that will make it a very different car. So it is all the more important that we start early on it.

"And it makes it a very hard for us to do. We are a big team but we are not big enough to handle two major projects and some of the people who are maybe struggling this year, for example Honda, are pushing a lot more effort into next year than we have been able to. We may see a little bit of a shake-up of the establishment next year."

"We have gone from Australia where we had a car that was definitely not the car we wanted, nor the car we needed, to a car that is a great deal better."

"All the things that were put in place to make the car better are still in place and still producing results, so in terms of performance I feel very confident.

"But I am a little bit more concerned by the fact we are not finishing races for various reasons and that is where we have to concentrate as well."

Symonds: Piquet needs self-belief (Autosport.com)

Renault admit development dilemma (Autosport.com)

Quick Nick not living up to his name

What in the Wide World of Sports is up with Nick Heidfeld lately? A guy I considered to be fighting for some wins this season has really fallen off the radar lately. He's making me regret coping his trademark neck-beard. But seriously what has happened to the young German?

BMW's motorsport director, Dr. Mario Theissen, may have an answer in what is wrong. Apparently, Heidfeld has been having troubles in warming up his tires which is costing him dearly come qualifying. But Thiessen putting that doctor title to good use says that he and the BMW-Sauber team have figured out Nick's problem and hope to have him in fighting condtion real soon.

"We have to make a joint effort to help him overcome this situation as quickly as possible," Theissen told his team's official website. "He has significant difficulties getting the tyres up to working temperature for a fast lap.

"While Robert only encounters first hints of this problem, Nick is already in massive difficulties. This is a situation we have witnessed throughout the season. However, as soon as his tyres are warm, the problem is history.

"Nick fully immerses himself in the technology and tackles the situation. He is going to analyse the issue together with our engineers. I hope that we will quickly succeed in isolating the cause.

"We have to discover if there is a factor which represents a bigger obstacle for Nick than for Robert, a task that will require a lot of fine-tuning."

Theissen is encouraged by the fact that the team helped Kubica overcome similar difficulties he had last year - when Heidfeld outshone him for much of the year.

"In 2007 Robert encountered a similar low. Together we analysed the situation and defined remedy measures. And we did so successfully.

"Nick will return to the road to success, we are fully aware of his true competitiveness. I have often watched him under pressure and in these situations he delivers at his very best. I know that he has what it takes to cope with the pressure and to analyse the technology. These are two crucial basic requirements for solving the problem."

Well I hope Nick can get back on track soon or I'll be shaving real soon.

Thieissen: Hiedfeld will overcome problems (Autosport.com)

Braun may be out of Nationwide Series

The future looks bleak for a team that just won the last Nationwide Series at Charlotte. With the Nationwide Series planning to go to the car of tomorrow for the 2009 season, car owner Todd Braun may consider getting out of the Nationwide Series because of the painful costs that come with trying to convert to the CoT.

“They’re going to make us all half-pregnant,” Braun said of NASCAR making the move to the COT. “I’m supposed to start developing a car to race half a season? Now I’m going to have all this new stuff sitting there that I’ve spent all this money on before I make my decision?

“They’re forcing my hand. They’re trying to make me half-pregnant to get started to run the season next year, and then think that I’ll just go ahead and say, ‘Ah, heck, I’m already there. I’ll spend more money to keep doing it.’ I think they might be wrong this time. I think people might call their bluff.”

Braun says that merging and selling teams will become the trend with the CoT coming to the Nationwide Series as the switch will cost up to 3 million dollars.

“Until I see something that makes me think that long term, it’s viable, I’m not going to switch my complete fleet out just so that I can spend some money to put on a show for NASCAR,” Braun said. “This still is a business. A lot of people make money in this business. That means everybody should be healthy, not just a few people.”

Braun considering possible sale of Nationwide Team (Scenedaily.com)

Barker says rear wing brackets on Haas cars have been the same all year

Bootie Barker claims that the wing mounts on the two Haas CNC cars that were confiscated on Saturday are the same as the mounts that have been used on the two HASS CNC cars all season. Barker also said that the car passed all inspections before the cars were confiscated.

"I'm not going to make any excuses," Barker said before Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "The car is my responsibility. But if you knew the whole story it would be like, 'Hmph.' I do myself more harm than good if I say anymore."

Sprint Cup Series director John Darby said NASCAR began looking into the allegations on Thursday night. "All I know is the mounts were not in the same place as they were Thursday morning when they went through inspection," Darby said. Fines will mostly like be handed out tommorow and Darby says they will be the same as the ones handed out to Dale Earnhardt, Jr and his team last year at Darlington for the same infraction.

Barker though has an idea on who may have tattled on them. "I wish I could tell you some stuff," he said."It would probably work against me until I know everything. The person I think that did it, and what we really did, it's pretty ... I've never done it. I'll put it that way."

Lowe's Notebook: Crew Chief Fires Back (ESPN.com)

Sato searching for ride in F1

Takuma Sato doesn't think his carrer in F1 is over just yet. Sato met recently with Honda the company that supplied engines for the Super Aguri that Sato drove for just before they folded before the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. Nothing really came out of the meeting, but one thing is clear, Sato wants to stay in Grand Prix racing.

"No plan as yet," Sato said. "It is a blank sheet of paper. I did feel they (Honda) would like to be associated with me but that does not necessarily relate to their F1 project.

"I have my own ideas and before I went over to see him (Oshima, Hondas team operating officer) I did already tell him of my feelings but I wanted to see him in person.

"I believe I can bring out my best performance. I proved what I could do with Aguri. I am still competitive so I am looking for a way to come back to F1."

"If there is an opportunity I want to race now," he said. "But I am not that desperate to race at any cost this season. If there is a chance I would like to, but if 2009 is better opportunity I will wait.

"I would not like to rush out to make a hasty decision. I would like a proper opportunity, and if testing is required (for 2009) then I am prepared to test."

There rumors surfacing right now, that Sato might get a ride with the Renault team replacing Nelson Piquet, Jr whose performance has not been up to par.

"As a driver I do welcome such rumours," Sato added. "I think this time last year I was going to replace Ralf (Schumacher) in Toyota. When I am ready I will let you know."

Hopefully the popular driver from Japan can find a ride real soon.

Sato looking to find way back into F1 (Autosport.com)

Stay classy, Chad Knaus

Listen closely around the 1:10 mark for the f bomb drop by Chad Knaus

How bout that 9 car?!

I'm going to be honest with you folks I'm a big Kasey Kahne fan and last night's win left me feeling pretty titillated (teehee, titillated). Which is a much different feeling than I felt last night, I was in shock, I seriously thought that the Bud crew screwed up on that final pit stop and that it was game over for the 9 car and Tony Stewart was going to get his first 600 win and then it happened, Tony blows a tire and soon enough Kasey flies right by him for the win.

Just amazing.

And how about Donny Lia pulling off his first carrer truck series win for he and The Racer's Group at Mansfield by holding off and bumping off David Starr and Todd Bodine for the win. And Kyle Busch gets a win in the Nationwide Series race in Charlotte making it 9 wins in 30 starts across NASCAR's top three series, now if only he had a personality, I would actually appreciate that.

No Respect

The last few weeks in NASCAR have seen quite a few confrontations between drivers. After a Nationwide race in Richmond Kyle Busch confronted Steven Wallace after Busch felt that Wallace raced him to hard on the final lap. Wallace responded to Busch words by yanking his helmet and calling Busch, "a girl".

This weekend was chalked full of conflicts towards the end of Saturday night's Nationwide race, Brad Keselowski ran into the back of Denny Hamlin's car, Hamlin retaliated by veering his car into Keselowski's and damaging Keselowski's left front quarter-panel. Keselowski's owner Dale Earnhardt, Jr retaliated by running his car into the back of Hamlin's car. The whole thing ended with the crews of the teams having a shoving match on pit lane after the race. The mystery though is what started the whole thing in the first place.

“I don’t know,” said Keselowski, when asked in the media center why he drove into Hamlin under the yellow. “He’s here. Ask him.”

“Ask him first,” Hamlin retorted. “I retaliated. I didn’t retaliate based on what happened earlier in the race.” Hamlin then went off about the is a lack of repsect there is for Cup drivers from the Nationwide drivers. “You throw a rock, I’m going to throw a concrete block back,” he said. “You’re going to have to deal with it.”

Keselowski disagrees with Hamlin's views. “I race one day a week,” he said. “I don’t race twice a week. I’ve got one day a week to prove myself. I have 200 laps, not 400. I have to take every opportunity I have to prove myself.”

Last night even more conflicts spawned with Tony Stewart and Juan Montoya getting into a shoving match with their cars down the backstrecth and towards the end of the race Kyle Busch gave the "you're number one!" signal to Jeff Gordon after Gordon held Busch up while Busch was trying to lap him. The two former teammates had a heated discussion after the race and Gordon gave his views on the matter.

“He’s got an issue because he gave me the finger, and you know what?” Gordon said. “That’s not necessary for a guy he just didn’t like racing him the way I did. Kyle and I never had any issues, but I raced him hard tonight just like I did everybody. And when track position is as important as it is here, you’ve got to race every single car for every single position. And I wasn’t going to give anybody an inch, and I was racing for position."

This lack of respect will only continue as long as NASCAR allows it and with NASCAR's new theme this year of bringing old-school racing I don't expect this problem to end anytime soon. I do hope someone comes along soon and knocks some of these assholes in there place. This sport needs real men driving stock cars, not 5-year olds bumping tricycles and getting into a slap fight about it.

Crews face off after Hamlin-Keselowski contact under caution (Scenedaily.com)

Former teammates Gordon, Busch displeased with one another (Scenedaily.com)

Dixon on cloud nine, but ready to return to level ground

Scott Dixon is on top of the world right now after wining Sunday's Indy 500, but the high of winning one of the world's biggest races won't last long as Dixon will be back at work trying to duplicate a feat that has happen in the three previous years, win the Indy 500 and then win the Indycar series championship.

"We definitely knew that (tradition) because of last season," Dixon said on the morning after the biggest victory of his career. "And we were definitely trying to stop that tradition. Unfortunately, we came up short. This year, we won the 500, and it sounds like a pretty good tradition. We're going to try and carry that on, come away with the championship."

Dixon leaves Indy with a 15 point lead over Helio Castroneves, but the will be no rest for the victor as the Indycar Series heads off to Milwaukee for a race next Sunday.

"We have another championship to win this year," Dixon said. "That is something we get on in Milwaukee. Having won a championship in 2003, that was a long time ago. So I need to get on my game and try and capture another championship for the team and everybody involved. That's exactly what they want to do. We're going to have great memories from this day, and we're going to treasure those for sure, but Thursday, Friday we're back on the game for the championship."

Quick Celebration (Indycar.com)

Hamilton takes rain-soaked Monaco victory

Lewis Hamilton came back from a tire puncture early in the race to take the win in the Grand Prix of Monaco winning by three seconds over Robert Kubica.

"I am absolutely over the moon," said Hamilton, whose margin of victory over Kubica was 3 seconds. "To win here in Monaco is the highlight of my career and an occasion I will always remember."

Hamilton started third and qucikly took away second from Kimi Raikkonen at the start, but Hamilton bounced off a wall and quickly found himself with tire puncature and had to pit, but with pit strategy and the help of a safety car period, Hamilton quickly found himself back in the lead holding off Kubica and Felipe Massa for the victory. Mark Webber, Sebastain Vettel, Rubens Barrichello, Kaz Nakajima and Hekki Kovalainen rounded out the top eight. The win also helped promote Hamilton to the world championship lead over Raikkonen who didn't have the best of days. Raikkonen quickly found himself being penalized early in the race for not having his tires on his cars at the prestart time and then made mistakes throughout the race including knocking out Adrian Sutil who seemed to be on the greatest run of his young carrer.

The race was shortened by two laps due to the two-hour time limit in a race marred by rain and saftey car periods. Many drivers had problems keeping there cars clean and free from damage like Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg, who had to come in many times to change nosecones. Rosberg's day came to an end though when crashed hard in the swimming pool section on lap 58. Alonso, the defending winner of the race, finished a lap down in 10th. The Forumla 1 circus moves on to North Ameica for the Candian Grand Prix in a couple of weeks.

GP2 update: In the top step of the F1's devlopment ladder a famous name was back on top of the podium as Bruno Senna, newphew of 6 time Monaco winner Ayrton Senna, won the feature race while Mike Conway got his first GP2 win in the sprint race.

Hamilton rain-dances to victory at Monaco (Motorsport.com).

Dillon Battistini wins batshit crazy Freedom 100

The Freedom 100 on Saturday was a crazy race filled daring 3-wide and 4-wide passes. Including a daring 4-wide pass in the grass pulled off by Jeff Simmons. For most of the drivers they knew it was all or nothing, but for Dillion Battistini it seemed to be an easy Saturday drive winning from pole and leading 38 of the 40 laps.

It wasn't easy at all, especially at the start of the race," Battistini said who drives for Panther Racing. "I think it was James (Davison, who also started on the front row) who managed to get a few of good runs on me. You can get a massive tow from quite a long way back here, and I knew that I could get it back. You can't see very much out of the back of these cars, but going on what my spotter said, it was very close. It was a good race and I'm just glad that I came out on top."

Richard Antinucci who finished second took over the points lead in the Indy Lights Series with Wade Cunnigham, Robbie Pecorari and Ana Beatriz rounding out the top 5.

Instant Indy Classic: Battistini holds off Antinucci at the yard of bricks. (Indycar.com)

Photo courtesy of Indycar.com

The closest will get to a Delta Force intro for this year's Indy 500

Courtesy of racermac1988. Enjoy:

Pray for Mojo

Tony Stewart has had to part ways with his monkey, Mojo this week after Mojo has recently shown signs that he is growing up and becoming to aggressive to be kept as a pet. Stewart though found a good home for Mojo at the Louisville Zoo. Which is a happier ending than when I had to part ways with my montior lizard, Mr. Happy. I relased him into the wild and now the number of missing pets in my nieghborhood has increased, its not my fault that my lizard probably found Ol' Yeller to be delcious.


Tony Stewart's former pet monkey, Mojo, now resides at Louisville Zoo (Louisvillezoo.org)

Schatz to NASCAR?

Donny Schatz is another open-wheel driver who thinks that he can take his talent to stock car racing. Schatz said yesterday that he'll consider all options if Stewart decides to leave Joe Gibbs Racing to form a NASCAR team. Stewart acknowledged last month that he has considered opting out of the final year of his contract with JGR to explore ownership options. "I don't know exactly what Tony is thinking of doing," Schatz said. "If something else comes along, I'll evaluate it and maybe want to make a move. The main focus for us right now is to be on the dirt [tracks]. I feel like I can race with those [NASCAR] guys, and sure it's in the back of my mind. It's not something I'm dead-set on doing, and I'm not going to trade the ranch for it, but it's definitely something I would try given the right opportunity.

For race Schatz, a bigger stage? (Richmond Times Dispatch).

Ganassi trying to calm Montoya

Things have become even more frustrating for Juan Montoya. Thursday night, Montoya posted the second slowest lap in qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600. "What did you expect?" he asked. "Seriously, what did you expect?" Montoya is still reeling from the midweek firing of Jimmy Elledge, a personnel decision that's given the Montoya his third crew chief in a month. Frustrated that his opposition to the dismissal went unheeded, Montoya is now worried that his team is ill-prepared for Sunday's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Because new crew chief Brian Pattie had just two days to dissect Elledge's setup on the No. 42 Dodge, changes were made on the fly during a difficult Thursday practice session that saw Montoya post the 45th slowest speed and starting 42ndon race day.Team owner Chip Ganassi sympathizes with Montoya's frustration, but said Elledge's dismissal was warranted after the crew chief engaged in a heated argument with competition director Steve Hmiel during last week's All-Star race. "We had an employee step over the line, and I'm sorry it happened because I like Jimmy personally, but it had to be done," Ganassi said. "I know Juan is upset and he comes out on the short end of this deal. I apologize for that, but unfortunately it was unavoidable collateral damage." Elledge declined to comment on his dismissal, but Montoya has been vocal in his opposition of the decision. Elledge had only been atop his pit box for four races, dating back to an earlier crew chief swap that sent Donnie Wingo over to Reed Sorenson's slumping team.

Ganassi working to calm Montoya after stressful week. (ESPN.com)

NASCAR confiscates Haas-CNC cars

Earlier today, the cars of Scott Riggs and Johnny Sauter were taken away by NASCAR for having illegal rear wing mounts on their cars. Both drivers will allowed to use thier backup cars for Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. Their primary cars will be taken to the nearby NASCAR R&D center. The funny thing about this is that the mounts were not discovred in the tech line, but that someone (tattletale!) infomred NASCAR about the mounts.

Stiff penalties will be handed out to the teams on Tuesday.

NASCAR impounds Riggs, Sauter cars for illegal rear mounts (ESPN.com).

The Greatest Day in Racing

If you looked at every sport across America, you could probably tie a certain day in the year to every sport. For example, college football has New Year's Day where everyone gathers together and tries to figure out the clusterfuck that is the Bowl Championship Series, for the NFL its Thanksgiving where you and your family gather together to eat a lot of food and to watch the Detroit Lions be their crappy selves and listen to your drunk uncle go off for three hours and how great the Dallas Cowboys are and for horse racing its a certain first Saturday in May where the women where God-awful hats and everyone gets drunk on mint juleps and giggles why trying to sing “My Old Kentucky Home”. But if there was a day where people in the motorsport community can gather together and celebrate the greatness of the sport. That day would have to be the final Sunday in May. It is the day before Memorial Day and every year people gather together fire up the barbecue and watch three of the world's greatest races: the Grand Prix of Monaco, the Indianapolis 500, and the Coca-Cola 600.

The first race of the day is “the Grandest of all Grand Prixs”, the Grand Prix of Monaco. A race set in a modern-day fairy tale kingdom, the Grand Prix of Monaco is the ultimate peak for glamor and celebrity in the Formula 1 schedule. For some of the drivers this race is home as they only live within a few blocks of the track (tax-free havens rule!). The track has had very few changes over the years remaining its narrow and twisty self. Three-time World Champion Nelson Piquet once described this track as “Trying to ride your bicycle around your living room.” A driver has to some finesse and some balls to get around the circuit successfully, one mistake could have in the fence and taking the long walk back to garage or your apartment within the principality (Ayrton Senna did that in 1988). The best part of the track has to be to tunnel, listening to those V8's scream through that section must be the best way in the world to go deaf. The circuit has had its heroes over the years like Aryton Senna who won five straight race between 1989 and 1993, including 1992 when Senna had Nigel Mansell breathing down his neck throughout the race, but held him off to get the victory. Graham Hill earned the nickname Mr. Monaco for his many wins throughout the 1960's. The track has had its surprise winners, too. Like in 1996 when Oliver Panis in his Mugen-Honda powered Ligier found victory when everyone else to seem to have found the fence in crazy wet-dry conditions. It would be the only win for Panis and the last win for the Ligier team. The best part though must be when the trophy is presented to the winner by the Prince of Monaco or a member of the royal family and of course there is no podium to climb on in Monaco, another unique feature.

The second race of the day is “the greatest spectacle in racing”, the Indianapolis 500. The race has many traditions from Jim Nabors singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” to the three-wide eleven row deep start to the cold drink of milk the winner receives in victory lane and of course the Borg-Warner trophy. Many of the drivers who have won in Monaco have also won in Indy like Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi and Juan Montoya. Even though the cars, the speeds and the sanctioning series have changed over the years, the fans still come every year and over a quarter-million people come to see their heroes. Heroes of the past like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt, heroes of the present like Dan Wheldon and Helio Castroneves and future heroes like Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti. The track itself is a cathedral of speed, from the early days of a track with a complete brick surface to today where the grandstands stretch high and wide. Many great memories stretch from this race such as the close finishes of 1982, 1992 and 2006. The four time winners like Al Unser, AJ Foyt and Rick Mears. Even the not-so spectacular moments such as Roberto Guerrero's spin on the pace lap at the beginning of the '92 race or pretty much any time Kevin Cogan has raced.

The third race is simply known as “NASCAR's longest night”, the Coca-Cola 600. This is no ordinary stock car race, this is a race of endurance. The car and driver must be in top shape to make all 600 miles. The race is so long that is starts in the heat of the day and ends in the cool of the night. Amazingly, a race in which one would think a grizzled veteran would come on top after 4 hours of racing has actually rewarded future stars with their first win. Drivers like Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth and last year's winner Casey Mears have claimed their first win in the 600. And then there is Jimmie Johnson. The driver who is sponsored by the same company who sponsors the speedway the 600 is held at, Lowe's home improvement warehouse, call this place “his house”, Jimmie won three straight 600s between 2003 and 2005, the last win coming in an incredible duel with Bobby Labonte that made some people forget about the wreckfest that described the rest of the night.

No matter what happens tomorrow, good or bad, this day will certainly last in a race fan's mind for the rest of the year. I know it will in my mind.

Sprint Car racing is fliptastic!

Just ask Jason Johnson from last night's World of Outlaw event in Charlotte.

Sit. Stay. Watch.

What to watch today as you try to figure out a more clever deal than this.

12 pm-Indy Lights Freedom 100. More racing, less rain. [Indycar.com]

12:30 pm- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from Mansfield, Ohio. I can't think of a more exciting thing than to go to Ohio. [Speed Channel]

1 pm- Sportscentury: Al Unser, Sr. [ESPN Classic]

2 pm- Classic Indy 500: 1987. Roberto Guerrero has this one in the bag. [ESPN Classic]

3 pm- Nationwide Series Qualifying from Charlotte. [Speed Channel]

4 pm- Classic Indy 500: 1991. Michael Andretti will win this one, trust me. [ESPN Classic]

5 pm- The 92nd Indy 500 Festival Parade. Ooooh I just love a parade. [ESPN2]

6pm- NASCAR Sprint Cup Happy Hour from Charlotte. [Speed Channel]

6pm- Classic Indy 500: 2005. Didn't Danica Patrick win that one? Can't remember, seemed like they talked a lot about her, so she must have won. [ESPN Classic]

7 pm- NASCAR Nationwide Series Carquest Auto Parts 300 from Charlotte. That "dreamy guy" in the picture is your defending winner. [ESPN2]

Taylor receving help after transporter fire

Here's a heartwarming story for you. After the race in Laguna Seca Wayne Taylor Racing's transporter en route to the team's shop in Indianapolis burned to the ground just outside Amarillo, Texas. The team lost just about everything, from important race data, to spare parts, tools and even a copy machine.

"This all has been so devastating," Taylor said, emotion choking his words

"The only thing (spared) was a Dallara frame, and it's back at the shop in Indy. Everything we had for an entire racing season was on that truck, and it's all gone. Everything we possibly could need to run a race, repair or replace other parts was on that trailer; everything for the entire season."

And then like something seen only in some sort of Chirstmas Special came help from the friends and rivals of Wayne Taylor Racing.

"People have offered cars, parts, transporters, whatever we need," he said. "I've gotten calls from Bob Stallings, Bill Riley, Kevin Doran, Mike Shank, Gene Sigal. Timmy Keene at Chip Ganassi Racing (in Indianapolis) has just been utterly phenomenal with his help."

"It's just so remarkable that every one of these people would do all they can to beat us on the track and yet do everything they can to get us back on it."

"Jim France and the SunTrust people have been on the telephone throughout the day with me, asking and doing what they can to help. Their just being there for us has been utterly incredible and comforting."

Again fighting to express words that his brain wished to convey but at which his voice balked, "It's just remarkable, this Grand-Am community - competitors and fans, alike - how they've rallied to my aid. I just don't think there is any other racing community like it anywhere. I've certainly not encountered anything like it before in all my decades of racing."

"I'm just so proud to be among them and have friends who've gone well beyond being only my competitors."

Now after some doubt that they would be able to make the 6 hour classic at Watkins Glen, Wayne Taylor said that they would be able to make the race on June 7th.

Makes you just want to go volunteer at the nearest Goodwill doesn't it?

DC chats with Wayne Taylor: Suntrust on Fire (Motorsport.com)

Woooo TV

To watch tonight:

8 PM- ARCA from Toledo. [Mav TV]

World of Outlaws from Charlotte [Speed Channel]

Happy Carb Day!

Yes, Carburetion Day for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 has arrived, which means were only a couple of days from the big event itself. ESPN2 is putting in some big coverage for the event about 5 hours worth. Here is whats on tap for today.

11 am- Final Practice for the 92nd Indy 500
Noon- The 6th running of the Freedom 100. Dillon Battistini is on pole.
1:30 pm- McDonald's Pit Stop Challenge.

Speedway Motorsports Inc. buyouts Kentucky Speedway

Yesterday Speedway Motorsports Inc. bought out Kentucky Speedway. No word on how much the track was bought out for, but don't get your hopes up if your expecting to see a Sprint Cup race at the track next year. NASCAR offcials said yesterday with the track being in such close proximity to other tracks such as Bristol and Indianapolis giving Kentucky a Cup date will be a hard thing to achieve. The only opition for Kentuck Speedway to get a Cup date is that Speedway Motorsports Inc. gives up a race at one of thier other venues and this will probably mean bad news for Atlanta Motor Speedway which of the SMI tracks has had the worst attendence records in the past few years. I sure this doesn't happen.

NASCAR may put brakes on Bruton (Speedtv.com)

A "Wise" move for Fitz Motorsports

Michael Waltrip Racing test driver and former USAC Sprint Car champion Josh Wise is getting an oppturnity to drive in the Nationwide Series race for Fitz Motorsports driving the 22 Supercuts car.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Supercuts and Fitz Motorsports are giving me,” Wise said. “I feel like it’s been a long time
coming. I haven’t been able to be in a competitive situation in a long time.

“I have been testing Cup cars for MWR and have enjoyed the testing that I have done and the experience I have gained from it. I’m looking forward to being able to compete in the Nationwide race this weekend."

Wise drove for Fitz last year at Indianapolis Raceway Park finishing 19th in his only Nationwide Series start to date.

This also a great move for Fitz motorsports who have been struggling to find a driver since Mike Bliss left the team earlier in the season.

And lets thanks Racetracker Photos for reminding us how we need more bikni clad girls in victory lane (beats those hoop-earring Sprint Cup girls anyday) and reminding us how great red-eye reduction techonolgy has been to the world of photography.

MWR development driver Wise to drive for Fitz Motorsports this weekend (Scenedaily.com)

Doug Richert leaves DEI

Doug Richert is out as crew chief for Regan Smith as Smith and the 01 car have struggled to stay within the top 35 in points. Kevin Buskirk, heading the Dale Eamhardt Incorporated testing program, will fill the crew chief position until a permanent replacement is found.

For Richert this is the third time in three years that he has left or been fired from a team. It seems the man that found success with guys like Greg Biffle and Dale Earnhardt is struggling to keep a job these days.

Buskirk to replace Richert as Regan Smith's crew chief (Scenedaily.com)

Castroneves to NASCAR?

Two-time Indy 500 winner and dancing star Helio Castroneves is considering a move to NASCAR. "I won't deny that I'm thinking about it," Castroneves said Monday night. "It would be great to one day try the [stock] cars. But at this point I'm focusing on Indy cars and winning the Indianapolis 500 again.”

But renewed interest in Indycar Series after the merger between they and Champcar is giving Castroneves second thoughts, but after seeing his fellow open-wheel drivers make the jump, Helio is defiantly not putting stock car racing out of the question. "It depends on the opportunity," Castroneves said. "It's all about the timing and I'm not sure if the timing is right." Castroneves has even better chances to go to NASCAR as his team owner Roger Penske has his own team in NASCAR. Castronveves’ fromer teammate Sam Hornish, Jr recently made the jump this year. Castroneves’ contract expires at the end of the year, so when asked as whether Castroneves and Penske had talked about stock car racing in 2009. Helio responded, "We're going to talk after Indy."

Indy champ Helio Castroneves ponder move to NASCAR (LA times)

Humpy Wheeler to retire after Coca-Cola 600

Humpy Wheeler long time president of Lowe's Motor Speedway is retiring after Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. Wheeler who has been president of Lowe's Motor Speedway since 1980 is stepping down, but Humpy said he isn’t totally exiting the racing world just yet.

"While it is with sadness that I announce my retirement from Speedway Motorsports and Lowe's Motor Speedway, it is time for me to move on to other things," Wheeler said. "I have devoted my entire life to racing and I don't intend on leaving it, just serving it in different ways. I have made arrangements with a well-known author to co-write a unique book interweaving my various experiences in the sport with the wonderful human drama and rich characters that abound in it. I will resume the 'Humpy Show' on SPEED Channel and look forward to being chairman of the Charlotte Regional Partnership in 2009. I also look forward to other endeavors, including lecturing and working with the motorsports management program at Belmont Abbey College."

No word yet on who will succeed Wheeler after this weekend.

H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler is Retiring from Speedway Motorsports and Lowe's Motor Speedway (LowesMotorSpeedway.com)

Aflac to take over sponsorship on the 99 car for 2009 and beyond

Aflac and Roush Racing came to an agreement today over who sponsorship of the 99 car driven by Carl Edwards. The deal is over three years and is estimated at 78 million dollars, which is about 26 million dollars per year folks. The deal expires in 2011, right along with Carl Edwards' contract giving Aflac the option to jump to a new team with Edwards if Edwards doesn't find things satisfactory at Roush three years from now. Meanwhile this leaves the door open on what Carl's former sponsor, Office Depot, will do in the future, rumor has them going to sponsor one of Micheal Waltrip's team for 2009.

Aflac announces mutimillion dollar contract with Carl Edwards (Scenedaily.com)

It's maaaagggiicccc

Morgan Shepherd receving help

Morgan Shepherd will be receiving a little more help this weekend as Kevin Harvick will provide Shepherd a car to race with and Dale Jarrett will pay for Shepherd's tire expenses this weekend.

Harvicks help Shepherd with new car (RacewithFaith.com)

Cup Drivers Lining Up Backups for Nashville

Well the first big split weekend for NASCAR's top two series is coming up as the Sprint Cup series will be in Pocono while the Nationwide series will be in Nashville and teams are starting to lineup backup drivers to fill in for the primary drivers in case something goes wrong during the weekend. Here are what some of theams have planned:

Roush Racing- Carl Edwards will have good friend Jason Hedlesky fill in for him, while Auggie Vidovich will fill in for David Ragan. Casey Atwood will practice the #16 for Greg Biffle, but Biffle will qualify the car as it is not locked into the field.

Josh Wise will fill in for David Reutimann in the 99 Aaron's Dream Machine. Plans are unknown as who will fill in for Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch.

Nationwide teams schedule backup drivers for June 6 race weekend (Scenedaily.com)