Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it
August 20, 2004
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Photos: NHRA
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The NHRA has been hoping for fresh, young faces and personalities to help attract a more youthful audience. They just may have gotten what the doctor order in Brainerd, Minn. when rookie Eric Medlen in Funny Car and second year driver Dave Connolly both captured their first career win.
Tracy to Try Sedans?
August 19, 2004
There are still rumors circulating connecting reigning Champ Car series Champion Paul Tracy to NASCAR, specifically Richard Childress Racing. It is no secret that Robby Gordon is shopping for a new ride next year and it was also rumored that, due to his Champ Car team’s budgetary issues, Paul might make a mid-season jump to RCR’s #30 car, but that has since been filled by Jeff Burton.
Mortals in F1 Cars Part 2 - The Consequences
August 19, 2004
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Photo: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca PR
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In a previous entry I pointed out a program that allows a “regular Joe” (well, actually, members of the motorsports media) to drive an F1 car through a program run by Michelin. However, Ferrari also has a program, but of course it is only for the super wealthy, and super ballsy. The program, called Ferrari F1 Corsi Clienti, allows people to purchase used F1 cars from recent years (right up to last year) and drive them on track whenever they like, while the car is housed and maintained by the factory.
Robin Pemberton NASCAR VP of Competition
August 18, 2004
Robin Pemberton named Vice President of Competition
Gary Nelson named Vice President of Research and Development
Steve O’Donnell named Managing Director of Events and Operations
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today an executive reorganization that includes the appointment of longtime premier series crew chief Robin Pemberton to the position of Vice President of Competition.
Rear Gear, New Spoiler Rules Announced
August 18, 2004
NASCAR announced Wednesday that a gear ratio rule for NEXTEL Cup, Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series will be implemented beginning in 2005. The rule is part of an effort by NASCAR to control costs to the teams and to improve competition in the show presented to spectators.
Fatback Gets A New Gig With An Old Friend
August 18, 2004
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Photo: David Grella
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Michael “Fatback” McSwain has joined Wood Brother’s Racing as crew cheif of their legendary #21 car and its driver Ricky Rudd. McSwain replaces Ben Leslie, who accepted a position with Ford Racing Technology earlier today.
Too late for 2005, NHRA needs changes in 2006
August 18, 2004
The NHRA recently released their schedule for the 2005 season with few changes from 2004. The 2005 NHRA racing schedule features a return to all venues currently on the 2004 schedule. It is too late to make suggestions for next year but maybe they can make a few changes for the 2006 season to help expand the sport.
NASCAR Teleconference With Jeremy Mayfield
August 17, 2004
JEREMY MAYFIELD (No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge)
Q: Now that you’re back into the top 10 for the first time since the spring race in Bristol, can you talk about what it’s taken the 19 team to get back into it?
A: To start with, it looked like it was going to be OK., and then we had a few bad races, and then all of a sudden we kept staying focused on what we’ve had to do, and we’ve been racing every week just like there’s no pressure, nothing to worry about, and just do the best we can as a race team and racking up all the points we can. This is really the solid part for us, this last half of the season. That’s playing a role also. We’ve really got the momentum going, and we’re communicating well, and everything’s going great and that’s what me and Kenny Francis, my crew chief, you know, things just keep getting better and better every week.
Dodge Teleconference with Rusty Wallace
August 17, 2004
Wallace, a 48-year-old St. Louis native, has more wins than any other active driver at Michigan International Speedway with five. He also leads all active drivers with 15 top fives at the 2.0-mile track in the Irish Hills. Wallace will also compete in Saturday’s Busch race at MIS. It’ll be his first Busch start since Oct. 19, 1997 at Fontana. Wallace’s last double dip weekend with Cup and Busch came at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, 1989
What’s next for Don Schumacher? World domination?
August 16, 2004
Is Don Schumacher trying to eliminate every bit of competition in the NHRA? He already has two Funny Cars, two Pro Stock Bikes, a Top Fuel dragster and a Pro Stock car. Now he is adding Johnny Gray as a third Funny Car. I understand that in order to stay competitive you need to stay on top of your competition. Does that mean he has to own everything under the sun?