Martinsville Qualifying Notes & Quotes
October 22, 2004
RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge) - Wins 7th pole of season, breaks tie with Jeff Gordon, sets track record. “Totally the track (track record lap of 97.043 mph). Obviously the car had to be right, but the track, just being so much smoother, allows the cars to grip off the corners as well as the concrete being farther down the straightaway. It used to be the hardest part of this track was the transition both getting in from the asphalt to the concrete and then as well the concrete to the asphalt on the exit getting the power down. The fresh concrete is definitely grippy on top of the fact that there’s more of it.
Surprises From Martinsville
October 22, 2004
Two surprises from qualifying at Martinsville today. Ryan Newman takes pole by shattering the track record. And there are only three “Chase” contenders in the top ten (Newman, Earnhardt and Busch).
Talks Of An ‘Unofficial’ British GP
October 21, 2004
The British Racing Drivers’ Club, owners of the Silverstone racing circuit where the British GP is usually held, are talking about hosting an “unofficial” GP in the 2005 season. So it sounds like the BRDC is looking to host something along the lines of NASCAR’s “All Star Race.” A full on race, with all of the “A Players” present, but it doesn’t count towards the championship points. This could actually be a great thing.
Mark Martin Tops in Atlanta Tests
October 21, 2004
Sixteen NASCAR Teams Prepare for Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500
With the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 weekend only a week away, the garages were full on Wednesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway as 16 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch teams prepared their vehicles.
Mark Martin topped the unofficial speed chart during the day/night test, piloting his No. 6 Viagra Ford around the 1.54-mile quad-oval in 30.00 seconds (184.800 mph).
Button Must Stay With BAR!
October 20, 2004
The FIA’s Contract Recognition Board (CRB) finally got around to deciding whether or not Jenson Button is contractually allowed to go drive for Williams next season. In short, the answer was - NO!
Budweiser Shootout Shakedown
October 20, 2004
For years, the Budweiser Shootout for Top Fuel has been held at the season ending NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. This year the shootout moves to Las Vegas and it comes with a few more modifications than just a change in venue. The rules have been altered in regards to determining the qualifying order to add a little more excitement and drama to the first round. The old system needed revamping but the amount that was done was overkill.
Brit GP Out Says Bernie
October 20, 2004
The BBC is reporting Wednesday morning that Bernie Ecclestone, promoter of the FIA’s Formula One series, has ended negotiations with the British Racing Drivers’ Club. The negotiations were intended to ensure the continuation of the British Grand Prix which has been under challenge from Ecclestone for several years.
Truex Jr to Make First ‘Cup’ Start at Atlanta
October 20, 2004
Martin Truex, Jr. will attempt his first NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start in the Bass Pro Shops/MBNA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Truex, Jr. will drive the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. This will be his first Nextel Cup Series start if he qualifies for the race on the 1.5-mile track. His previous attempt was at New Hampshire International Speedway in September, where qualifying was cancelled by NASCAR due to rain.
‘Bootie’ Barker Moved to Crew Chief For NetZero Chevy
October 19, 2004
Haas CNC Racing announced today the appointment of Robert (Bootie) Barker as crew chief of the No. 0 NetZero Chevrolet beginning at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
NASCAR Teleconference - Tony Stewart & Sterling Marlin
October 19, 2004
The driver of the No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet, Tony Stewart, the 2002 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion, is currently sixth in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, 204 points behind leader Kurt Busch. Tony has two wins this season at Chicago and at Watkins Glen, bringing his career total to 19 in the series. He has nine Top 5 and 16 Top 10 finishes this season, including Top 10 finishes in his last three races. He has one win at Martinsville, that was in the fall of 2000. All told, Tony has three Top 5s and six Top 10 finishes at that track in 11 career races. He was 14th in the spring race after starting 30th and finished third in this event one year ago.