Saturday, January 31, 2009

Joey Logano Needs A Time-Out.


No, I don’t want to send the boy to the corner for rough driving. Being lucky enough to have had an exceptional seat at the sixth edition of the exciting NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, I am brimming with views as to “Sliced Bread’s” white flag antics – but heck, the media has covered that adequately during this last week.

The title of this article refers to Mr. Logano’s lack of communication awareness. First off, the question Dick Bergren asked was, “Do you think that that the penalty NASCAR handed out was fair or not.” The young pilot of the #08 Camping World Series race car never addressed that question adequately, which is why the interviewer asked the same question twice.

Mr. Logano is moving ahead to the cup series next year where his opportunities to hurt or help himself via the media will escalate considerably. With as much time and money that has been spent to prepare Mr. Logano for his NASCAR career, it was unexpected how little skill he appeared to hold in the art of communication.

Being a skilled communicator is even more vital now than it was in the past. That is why it is critical, each time you speak, that you sell your ideas to your audience. You must connect both intellectually and emotionally with them.*

Logano’s interview did neither. Good advice to him, and all racecar drivers, would be to take some time out of your busy schedule to prepare yourself before speaking to the media. Learn to listen and hear what is being asked. Then take a moment and prepare your answer to insure that the question is dealt with professionally. If you cannot answer the question, acknowledge that you understand the question but the answer is not available.

Each answer should be a mini-speech with a beginning, middle and end. You don’t have to answer every question in lengthy detail, but you should remain positive. Take some time away from the track to practice bridging (answering questions, then refocusing by bridging to your message). *

From Mr. Logano’s interview, the message I remember is, “It is what it is.” There was nothing said about his crew, his sponsors, or his car owner. Mr. Logano’s interview did not grab the audience. Further and more importantly it did not sway the fans to support him.

Understandably, it must be extremely difficult to remain positive and enthusiastic after being disqualified; however doing so is an essential part of the job. Mr. Logano could have positively manipulated that interview by quickly answering Mr. Bergren’s question and moving forward to the upbeat aspects of his on-track performance during the showdown. There certainly were highlights there to remind the fans about. The effective speaker must remember that the listener will most likely only retain that last thing said – so make sure it is the best affirmative message you have to offer.

That being said, Joey Logano is just eighteen years old and will have plenty of interactions with the media. Hopefully he realizes the magnitude of the media in his future and takes a “time-out” to prepare himself to become a better representative for himself, his team and his sponsors.



*Borrowed from “Coach’s Communication Playbook” by Kathleen Hessert – A successful action plan for getting through to athletes, the public, the media and more.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Moses Credits Crew for His Respectable 12th Place Finish in the Toyota All-Star Race


The sixth edition of the Toyota All-Star Showdown was held on the Toyota Speedway half-mile after two days of uncharacteristic California rainstorms. The lack of practice proved to be a hindrance to the Hasa Pool Products #16 Toyota Camry. The team was not able to shake out the car completely and experienced a carburetor issue during qualifying. The team was not pleased with their qualifying results.

Unfortunately the team would not be able to correct these problems, because all the cars are impounded after qualifying, and no changes can be made. Moses’ Bill McAnally crew would not be allowed to touch the vehicle until the first of three scheduled ten-minute breaks. Nevertheless, Moses came in for the first competition yellow in seventeenth place having moved up ten positions from his start.

After taking tires, and making a few quick adjustments during the first break, the #16 Hasa Pool Products car charged into the eleventh spot before becoming one of numerous victims of the “big one.” Lap 141 brought on a chain reaction crash that started with the leaders. Moses was left with no room to avoid the pile-up, and sustained major cosmetic damage, and minor component damage.

The incident brought out a fourteen-minute red flag. “It was very frustrating sitting in the pits with my guys not being able to fix the car.” Moses expressed. “However, I cannot say enough about how well my new crew chief, Mario Isola and crew did fixing my car when finally able to start working on it.” Because of the red flag, the team is not allowed to work on the car, until the track resumes under the yellow flag. Once the crew was able to start working, they hustled and, Moses was able to return to the field on the lead lap.

By the second scheduled timed pit stop, Moses was back in the thirteenth position. The team was very optimistic about their chances of breaking into the top-ten during the last fifty laps of the “Daytona 500 of Short-Track Racing.”

However, all did not go according to plan. During the final restart, with just seven laps to go, the right rear tire went flat. “It was all I could do to keep the car on the track.” Moses chuckled. “I almost lost it twice in turn four. It was pretty wild.” With so few laps to go, the team elected to stay out, and try to finish on the lead lap. Moses managed to keep the #16 Hasa Pool Product car on the lead lap for a respectable twelfth place finish.

Poll - Who do you think will win the Showdown?

The Poll – “Who do you think will win the Showdown?” will be archived tomorrow. NASCAR Race Mom was pleasantly surprised at the large number of votes it drew. As a relatively new blog, we were hopeful for at least fifty voters. The poll was answered by one hundred and six Camping World Series fans.

I must acknowledge my new friends from the Eastseries.com website. Alan and Kate Claffie offer complete coverage of the NASCAR Camping World Series East. I sent them an email regarding the poll. They responded by announcing the poll on their site. Without that exposure, I believe my poll would not have had a third of the response it did. Thank you Alan and Kate!

The Claffies ventured over to my son’s hauler and introduced themselves on Saturday. Besides being friendly, as a successful and established site, they offered me valuable insight into the complications of running your own race series blog. I will treasure their friendship and undoubtedly bother them in the future with endless questions. Alan and Kate let’s get together for dinner at the next ‘East vs.West’ race on May 17, 2009 - Dinner is on us!

Now on to the poll: Eight-one percent (81%) of the voters were correct in selecting an East Series Driver as the winner of the sixth edition of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. This was Matt Kobyluck’s second Showdown win. Not only is he an East Series Driver, Matt is the 2008 East Series Champion with four wins, nine top-five and twelve top-ten finishes in the thirteen race season. Congratulations to Mr. Kobyluck for a run from the back (23rd starting position) to a spectacular finish.

Four and a half percent (4.5%) of the voters picked a driver not from the East or West Series (the other category). Now I know many of these voters will probably maintain that they voted correctly by claiming Joey Logano the winner of the Showdown. This topic will be covered in more detail in a future post. However, if in doubt re-read the paragraph above.

Lastly, fourteen and a half percent (14.5%) of the voters went with a West Series Driver. While they were not correct in that aspect; out of the top-fifteen finishers, the West was well represented. Nine West Series Drivers finished in the top-fifteen: Jason Bowles - 3rd; Johnny Borneman - 4th; Mike David - 7th; Jim Inglebright - 9th; David Mayhew - 10th; Todd Souza -11th; Moses Smith - 12th; Jim Warn - 14th; and Jason Patison - 15th.

Matt Crafton – 5th and Ron Hornaday, Jr – 6th covered the Other category. The East Series Drivers in the top-fifteen finishers numbered four with the winner Matt Kobyluck; Trevor Bayne – 2nd; Marc Davis – 8th; and Peyton Sellers – 13th.

Thanks to all the readers who took the time to cast their vote. NASCAR Race Mom will definitely offer more polls in the near future.

‘At the Track’ coverage opposed to ‘On the Track’

Good morning to all. You may have notice a lack of post yesterday. I am armed with a overabundance of material to write about, but was just too exhausted after my two days of the sixth edition of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. As most of you already know, that race was the launch of my ‘At The Track’ coverage. The excitement, travel and rain took its toll.

I feel the initiate was successful if not smooth. I was down for almost five hours Saturday due to an internet access issue. However, I believe I have solved that problem. Further, some of my readers thought that I would be doing a ‘lap by lap’ of the race. This is not the case for two reasons.

The first, my eight-year-old laptop is clunky and needs an alternative power source to operate properly. There just are not any power plugs in the stands where we watch the race. However, the RacingWest forum usually hosts a ‘Near Live’ during all the Camping World Series West races. I will monitor that site (among others) and should it become necessary, I will attempt to update everyone as to race results after the race. Unfortunately, that update might have to wait until I get back to my hotel. My reporting will be geared more to ‘At the Track’ coverage opposed to ‘On the Track’ coverage.

Secondly, since I have my attention pretty much glued to my son during his race, any attempt at a ‘Lap to Lap’ dialogue of the race on my part would probably be limited and bias at best. I will always be a mom first I fear.

Regrettably, I was not able to do the interviews I wanted at the track. I believe that the rain played the villain in that respect. I simply could not find anyone to talk to. They were all hiding from the rain in their haulers. Believe me when I tell you that I looked hard.

So this post is just to let you know that while I thoroughly enjoyed my debut of “At The Track’ coverage. I recognize the opportunity for improvement is huge. My promise to the readers is that my blog will improve with experience. Also, I invite you to leave me a comment with your thoughts as to what you want to see on the NASCAR Race Mom blog.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

At The Track - Toyota All-Star Showdown (Irwindale, California)

* * * * * * * *
2009/01/24

Looks like the race is going to start in about 15 minutes - go to eastseries .com - They are doing "The Toyota NASCAR All-Star Showdown As It Happens."

They say that the Camping World Series Race is next.

Lap 50 - Very clean race 77, 58, 61, 34, 45, 10 transfer.
Lap 35 - 78 Kann spins and brings out the yellow. He is back in line.
Lap 25 - 19 brings out the caution; run order 77, 03, 61, 45, 58, 10, 89, 00, 21, 39.

Getting ready for the green.

Cars in the Open by Car # = 19, 77, 03, 45, 61, 89, 00, 39, 10, 21, 91, 04, 34, 58, 99, 65, 5, 7, 31, 78, 0

We are being treated to a really beautiful sunset; however, there are still some rain clouds in the sky.

I looks like about 26 cars in the field.

They are staging the Camping World Series 50-Lap “Open.”

2009/01/24 @ 4:20 pm


Qualifying is over. Go over to see the nice people at eastseries .com for the times and order.

2009/01/24 @ 4:20 pm

Chris Johnson just took pole with 16 cars to go.

2009/01/24 @ 4:15 pm

Qualifying is progressing nicely - Jason Bowles is pole with about 30 cars to go.

2009/01/24 @ 3:12 pm

Camping World Cars just got on the track to scrub their tires.

2009/01/24 @ 1:30 pm
Question from Firecracker!:


So do you know what happens if the rain doesn't stop?

Is the track availiable on Sunday...or what other options are availiable?

Hey, remember when they tried running a Nationwide race in the rain...up in Canada? :)

Answer from NASCAR Race Mom:

No one here is really sure what our options will be. I believe that the track is available. The speedway website shows no events scheduled for tomorrow. No official word from NASCAR as of yet. I will let you know as soon as I hear.

2009/01/24 @1:30 pm


The blower are out, but it is still drizzling.

At The Track - Toyota All-Star Showdown (Irwindale, California)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009/01/24 @ Noon
GRRRRRRRRR- Still Raining Hard.

2009/01/24 @ 10:46 a.m.
NASCAR Update


Sunshine has made it's first appearance of the weekend -- albeit with considerable cloud cover. Practice for the Late Models is scheduled to go off at 11:15 a.m.

2009/01/24 @ 9:27 a.m.
NASCAR Update

Updated schedule: NASCAR is releasing Camping World Series qualifying tires and commence pre-qualifying inspection. The cars will be impounded in their qualifying groups on the back shoot entrance to the racing surface. Once rain stops and the track is dried, the cars will have an optional scuff session of up to five laps. They will be impounded in the infield, and Camping World Series qualifying will begin as soon as the track conditions permit.

2009/01/24 @ 9:00 a.m.

Update from a track source - It is still raining - really no activity to report. We should be leaving for the track in a half an hour.

2009/01/24 @ 8:00 a.m.

Public Information for Saturday, January 24 event activities:
  • Friday night’s races were canceled because of inclement weather and have been rescheduled for today (see schedule below)

  • Fans who purchased tickets for Friday’s races may reuse them for Saturday activities

  • Toyota dealer promotion tickets for January 23 can not be used for January 24 but may be used for Toyota Speedway’s opening night on March 21

  • Spectator gates open today at 2 p.m.

2009/01/24 @ 7:30 a.m.

Question from Tony:

Z are we going to see a race today?
Do you have an up dated schedule?

Thanks
Tony
http://tailgatingtrackside.com/

Answer from NASCAR Race Mom:

Well Tony, we are not at the track yet. However, we only live an hour and a half away from the Toyota Speedway. As I step outside, I see a cloudy sky; however, not that angry dark sky from yesterday. There is a lot of blue behind those clouds. I would venture a guess that the weather will clear up quickly.

The weather.com site states that it is 58 and cloudy at the track. Their 36 hour forecast states "Cloudy with a few showers. High 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%."

6:45 am - - - Registration Opens
6:45 am - - - NCWS Garage Opens
6:45 am - - - NWAAS-SLM Garage Opens
6:45 am - - - NWAAS-LM Garage Opens

11:15 am- - - NWAAS-SLM Qualifying (Impound)
12:30 pm- - - NCWS Qualifying (Impound)
1:50 pm - - - NWAAS-LM Qualifying (Impound)
3:25 pm - - - NCWS “Open” Race (50 Laps, 25 Miles)
4:00 pm - - - NWAAS-SLM Race (150, 75 Miles, Or 90 Mins)

5:45 pm 6:15 pm
NCWS Driver Autograph Session – Mandatory (Front Stretch)

5:45 pm 6:15 pm
NWAAS-LM Driver Autograph Session – Mandatory (Front Stretch)

6:35 pm - - - NWAAS-LM Driver Introductions Followed By
6:35 pm - - - NCWS Driver Introductions
7:00 pm - - - Speed Live On Air
7:12 pm - - - NWAAS-LM Race (75 Laps, 37.5 Miles, Or 40 Mins)
8:31 pm - - - NCWS Race (250 Laps, 125 Miles)

All Times Are Listed In Local / PST
Tentative, Subject To Change

At The Track - Toyota All-Star Showdown (Irwindale, California)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009/01/24 @ 6:30 a.m.
Favorite Photos from 01/23/2009








2009/01/24 @ 6:00 a.m.

Well it appears that I was wrong last night. The Camping World Series drivers were able to get in one short practice session before the track closed at 11:00 p.m. Two drivers, Matt Kobyluck and Dakota Armstrong hit the wall. The practice statistics are listed below:
2009/01/24 @ 6:00 a.m.

Pos
Car
Driver
Fast Lap
MPH
1
08
Joey Logano
18.823
95.628
2
01
Jim Inglebright
18.839
95.546
3
14
David Mayhew
18.869
95.395
4
83
Peyton Sellers
18.876
95.359
5
15
Brian Ickler
18.914
95.168
6
77
Andrew Myers
18.916
95.158
7
46
Jeff Barkshire
18.923
95.122
8
61
Brett Thompson
18.937
95.052
9
41
Ryan Foster
18.950
94.987
10
51
Alex Haase
18.962
94.927
11
20
Eric Holmes
18.971
94.882
12
35
Steve Park
18.972
94.877
13
12
Antonio Perez
18.983
94.822
14
16
Moses Smith
18.986
94.807
15
29
Nick Lynch
18.995
94.762
16
3
Austin Dillon
19.003
94.722
17
33
Ron Hornaday, Jr.
19.003
94.722
18
21
Blake Koch
19.017
94.652
19
45
Matt Crafton
19.019
94.642
20
10
Jim Warn
19.026
94.607
21
19
Terry Henry
19.029
94.592
22
2
Mike David
19.047
94.503
23
03
Joey Polewarczyk
19.048
94.498
24
40
Matt Kobyluck
19.062
94.429
25
9
Auggie Vidovich
19.066
94.409
26
37
Alex Kennedy
19.082
94.330
27
1
Trevor Bayne
19.095
94.266
28
50
Chris Johnson
19.100
94.241
29
18
Marc Davis
19.109
94.196
30
17
Jason Patison
19.113
94.177
31
4
Ricky Carmichael
19.139
94.049
32
28
John Salemi
19.153
93.980
33
58
Jarit Johnson
19.154
93.975
34
71
Eddie MacDonald
19.164
93.926
35
8
Johnny Borneman
19.165
93.921
36
34
Jonathon Gomez
19.179
93.853
37
44
Eric Richardson
19.181
93.843
38
00
Daryl Harr
19.189
93.804
39
6
Jason Bowles
19.208
93.711
40
04
Rod Johnson, Jr.
19.273
93.395
41
91
Tony Toste
19.278
93.371
42
39
Keith Spangler
19.296
93.284
43
52
Jamie Hayes
19.297
93.279
44
25
Jason Fensler
19.298
93.274
45
88
Jamie Dick
19.309
93.221
46
13
Todd Souza
19.319
93.173
47
22
Scott Steckly
19.324
93.148
48
99
Marcus Zukanovic
19.435
92.616
49
65
Stan Silva, Jr.
19.519
92.218
50
31
Wes Banks
19.650
91.603
51
0
Paul Pedroncelli
19.753
91.125
52
5
Dakoda Armstrong
19.754
91.121
53
7
Kyle Kelley
19.901
90.448
54
78
Billy Kann
20.102
89.543
55
26
Greg Pursley
N Time

56
89
Brian Wong
N Time

Friday, January 23, 2009

At The Track - 2008 Toyota All-Star Showdown (Irwindale, California)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009/01/23 @ 6:15 p.m.

From the NASCAR Site: Racing has been washed out for Friday night. All three races will be held Saturday, with the TV coverage beginning on SPEED at 7 p.m. PT. All three races will be broadcast on SPEED. With rain lightening up at Irwindale, NASCAR is still going to attempt to get in some practice and possibly qualifying before the 10 p.m. curfew.

However, even practice looks doubtful - it is still raining. I hope you have enjoyed the coverage! It should be a bit more exciting tomorrow - weather permitting.

2009/01/23 @ 6:15 p.m.

Looks like the weather is not going to cooperate. Just about ready to pack it in and try again tomorrow.

2009/01/23 @ 4:15 p.m.

Rain interrupts schedule again. Cars are off the track.

2009/01/23 @ 2:30 p.m.

Lots of noise and activities at the track - Adjusted schedule:

3:30 p.m. - - - Late Model practice
4:20 p.m. - - - Camping World Series practice
7:15 p.m. - - - Camping World Series qualifying.
10:20p.m. - - - Camping World Series Last Chance 50 Lap Race

2009/01/23 @ 2:30 p.m.

Question from Filmgirl:

Inquiring minds want to know.... does Moses eat anything special before a race? I remember Sarah Fisher would eat strawberries and Austin Cameron would eat Fruit Loops.

Answer from Moses:

No - nothing special; just lots of protein and carbs.



2009/01/23 @ 2:30 p.m.

Rain has stopped and they are drying the track.



2009/01/23 @ Noon

Question by Firecracker!:

Maybe you could find out, for me, why Paulie H. hasn't been listed as running this weekend. I understand he is to be joining BMR for the 2009 Racing Season, and will have Moses' crew chief from most of last year (Duane Knorr) working with him.

Answer by NASCAR Race Mom:

Well I have been asking around. Here is the best answer I could get. Yesterday's NASCAR release reported that "Paul Harraka, who will return for his fourth year, earned the title at All-American Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Harraka will be staying with Bill McAnally Racing this season and will advance to the NASCAR Camping World Series."

The scuttlebutt is that that he will be particiapating in the NASCAR Camping World Series; however it is unclear if he will be running the entire schedule.


2009/01/23 @ Noon

Jelly Beans in the Rain

2009/01/23 @ 11:00 a.m.

Okay we are at the track and it is raining. Nothing much to report. Everyone is hiding out in their haulers. Our is leaking a bit, but nothing a trash can can't fix. I will put my jacket on and get some photos.

2009/01/23 @ 9:00 a.m.

We are on the road and heading to the track. The sky is over-cast, but no rain. I can see that our voting is heating up with 80% of the voters of the belief that an East Series Driver will win the Showdown. The West has received 20% of the votes and no one feels that a driver not competing in the NASCAR Camping World Series East & West will win. Come on West Series fans, lets root on our drivers!

2009/01/23 @ 7:50 a.m.

Blog Talk Radio - Sports Internet Radio Show and NASCAR Internet Radio by TITS recently covered NASCAR Race Mom and the 2008 Toyota All-Star Showdown. You can listen to an excerpts at the bottom of this article.

2009/01/23 @ 6:53 a.m.

Oh Oh - I stuck my head out the door and was greeted by rain. I am about an hour and a half away from the Toyota Speedway.

2009/01/23 @ 6:30 a.m.

Require More Information?

RacingWest - Covering Auto Racing and Motorsports News and Results.

East Series - Complete Coverage/NASCAR Camping World East Series

Racing News Digest - All Of Your Racing News In One Location


2009/01/23 @ 6:05 a.m.


The Time And Place

The sixth annual NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be Jan. 23-24 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Calif. The event has been moved from its fall date (where it was held the first five years) to January, where it provides a winter break and an opportunity to return to racing. It will share the racing weekend on SPEED TV with the Grand-Am Series Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Format

The NASCAR Camping World Series is NASCAR’s top developmental series. It includes series on the East and West Coasts that run a mix of short-tracks, road courses and superspeedways. The NASCAR Camping World Series race is the main event of the Showdown weekend and will feature the best of the best in the series.

In addition to NASCAR Camping World Series competition, action in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series will feature a Late Model race (Friday) and a Super Late Model race (Saturday).

2009/01/23 @ 5:53 a.m.

Firecracker! - sorry you have to go to work today instead of being at the track. Will you be at the race on Saturday? I should be at the track around 10:00ish. I will see if I can get the scoop on Paulie Harraka for you.

2009/01/23 @ 5:00 a.m.

Will the winner of the sixth edition of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown be a West Series Driver or East Series Driver? Do you believe it will be one of the others, like defending champion Joey Logano? Cast your vote in the poll on the sidebar to the right. Let your opinion count.

2009/01/23 @ 4:44 a.m.

Morning Schedule:

6:30 a.m.----Garage opens. Inspection begins.
7:30 a.m.----Registration opens.
8:30 a.m.----Drawing to determine order of qualifying.
9:00 a.m.----Mandatory Camping World Series Driver’s/
------------------Crew Chief’s/Spotters’s Meeting.

2009/01/23 @ 4:31 a.m.

Wow I am excited - today is the first day of two nights of the Toyota All-Star Showdown, an event widely considered the most prestigious short-track stock car racing in the nation. We should be driving to the track around 9:00 a.m. It is only about an hour away from my home.

Remember, if you have any questions, just leave a comment and I will attempt to find the answer for you as quickly as possible.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *





Thursday, January 22, 2009

At The Track - 2008 Toyota All-Star Showdown (Irwindale, California)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2009/01/22 @ 5:00 p.m.

Track scheduled to close.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


2009/01/22 @ 3:27 p.m.

The weather is cloudy and it just stopped drizzling.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2009/01/22 @ Noon
Official Countdown 10 hours 11 minutes

12:00 Noon Garage opens. Inspection begins.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


2009/01/22 @ 6:34 a.m.
Official Countdown 16 hours 31 minutes

Question To Firecracker! from z. (NASCAR Race Mom)

Have you had a chance to look at Moses's Website recently? I spent my off-season revamping the entire site. Would you please go take a look and tell me what you think? It is not completely finished yet - I have two more pages to put up, but would appreciate your honest opinion. Thanks, z.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2009/01/22 @ 6:28 a.m.
Official Countdown 16 hours 31 minutes


Question From Firecracker!:

So actually, "WHEN" Moses qualifies 'way above' that position, it will go to someone else...next in line! Right!?! :)

Answer: NASCAR Race Mom:

That is correct. Interesting side note is that since there are only seven East Series drivers entered who are not "locked in" to the showdown; should the East Series drivers not need their four provisional starting positions, the remainder would go to West Series drivers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2009/01/22 @ 6:17 a.m.
Official Countdown 16 hours 41 minutes

Starting Grid for the Toyota All-Star Showdown. (A visual resource)

P01- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P02- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P03- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P04- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P05- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P06- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P07- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P08- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P09- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P10- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P11- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P12- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P13- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P14- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P15- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P16- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P17- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P18- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P19- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P20- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P21- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P22- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P23- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P24- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P25- Winners/Champs/Fast Q P26- Winners/Champs/Fast Q
P27- Provisional West P28- Provisional East
P29- Provisional East P30- Provisional West
P31- Provisional West P32- Provisional East
P33- Provisional East P34- Provisional West
P35- Open Race 1 P36- Open Race 2
P37- Open Race 3 P38- Open Race 4
P39- Open Race 5 P40- Open Race 6

Starting Grid Positions 1 – 26
= the fifteen 2008 race winners and series champions on the entry form and the eleven top fast time qualifiers.


Starting Grid Postions 27 - 34 = the eight available provisionals.

Starting Grid Postions 35 - 40 = the top six finishing drivers in the 50-lap“Open” electing to transfer.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2009/01/22 @ 5:37 a.m.
Official Countdown 17 hours 22 minutes

First off, good morning Firecracker! Many thanks for following my blog and for presenting the first assignment (question). I thought I knew the answer off the top of my head, but I wanted to be sure. So I did a bit of research before breakfast.

Question From Firecracker!:

I know Moses will have to qualify for a starting position...but isn't he already fully guaranteed a spot in the line-up, on the merit of his 2008 high point standing? (Isn't he one of the provisionals?)

Answer: NASCAR Race Mom:

It is my understanding that in addition to eligible 2008 race winners and series champions, the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for NASCAR Camping World Series regulars, and the last-chance "Open" race that provides drivers one final chance to make the final starting grid for the "Daytona 500 of short-track racing. (Official NASCAR Release March 25, 2008)

Page two of the NASCAR Camping World Series Toyota All-Star Showdown entry form reads: the Starting field for the NASCAR Camping World Series Toyota All-Star Showdown is limited to 40 starters including provisional and “Protected” drivers.

Starting on page three of the NASCAR Camping World Series Toyota All-Star Showdown entry form : The following will be the procedure for determining eligibility for and assigning of provisional starting positions for the NASCAR Camping World Series Toyota All-Star Showdown after positions 1st thru 26th have been determined by time trials, providing all entrants have had the opportunity to qualify. (What constitutes an opportunity to qualify shall be at the discretion of the event Director.)

Provisional Starting Position 27th to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West Championship driver point standings (who has not qualified for one of the original 26 starting positions, provided the eligible driver’s car that is added to the field is the same car that was used in the official qualifying attempt or was used during an official practice session for the event, unless the car was not repairable as determined by NASCAR.)

Provisional Starting Position 28th to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Championship driver point standings . . . .

Provisional Starting Position 29th to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Championship driver point standings . . . .

Provisional Starting Position 30th to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West Championship driver point standings . . . .

Provisional Starting Position 31st to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West Championship driver point standings . . . .

Provisional Starting Position 32nd to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Championship driver point standings . . . .

Provisional Starting Position 33rd to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Championship driver point standings . . . .

Provisional Starting Position 34th to the driver with the highest ranking of the Top 30 drivers in the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West Championship driver point standings . . . .

If any unfilled provisional positions 27th thru 34th still remain, they will be assigned to the next highest eligible driver, from either the West or East Series who did not qualify for one of the original 26 starting positions based on the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series West and East Championship driver point standings.

So the quick answer to your question would be “Yes I believe so.”

It would appear that for the West, should it be necessary, Provisional Position 27 would go to Jim Inglebright; Provisional Position 30 would go to Moses Smith; Provisional Position 31 would go to David Mayhew and Provisional Position 34 would go to Johnny Borneman, III.

For the East Series, should it be necessary, Provisional Position 28 would go to Marc Davis; Provisional Position 29 would go to Ricky Carmichael; Provisional Position 32 would go to Steve Park; and Provisional Position 33 would go to Jamie Hayes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2009/01/22 @ 4:34 a.m.
Official Countdown 18 hours 23 minutes

The track will be opening today. On the schedule - 9:00 a.m. to Noon:
  1. Registration opens.
  2. Haulers enter.
  3. Wheels brought to Goodyear.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

‘At The Track’ Coverage Begins at the 2008 Toyota All-Star Showdown – January 23 & 24

The 2009 Camping World Series West season is still months away. However, the NASCAR Race Mom will be launching its ‘At The Track’ coverage this weekend at the sixth edition of the Toyota All-Star Showdown. NRM plans on being at the track on both action filled race days. The ‘At The Track’ coverage will consist of frequent updates including track conditions, lap times, interviews, and photos.

However, the most innovative and exciting feature will be the opportunity for the reader to ask questions or present ideas that this writer will respond to as quickly as possible. Do you have a question you would like answered regarding the Showdown? Do you have a story idea? Simply leave your thoughts in the comment section below – and the NASCAR Race Mom will respond.

If you cannot be at the track yourself, the NASCAR Race Mom will be there for you.

2008 Toyota Showdown Entry List By Stats

Below is the entry list broken down by statistics. The first column is the entry’s car number. Column two contains the name of the driver. The third column is a breakdown of the entry’s 2008 stats as follows:

W = West Series Driver
E= East Series Driver

R=Race Winner
C=Series Champion

P=Part-Time Series Participant
The number behind the P = The number of races the driver ran in 2008.
Example P4 = the driver started in 4 races in 2008.

The last column is the championship points position the driver earned for the 2008 series in his division.

The Drivers who are in bold have earned a guaranteed spot in the sixth edition of the Toyota All-Star Showdown.

#
Driver
2008 Series
Pts
20
Holmes, Eric
W/R/C
1
6
Bowles, Jason
W/R
2
46
Barkshire, Jeff
W/R
3
2
David, Mike
WR
4
1
Inglebright, Jim
W
5
16
Smith, Moses
W
6
14
Mayhew, David
W
8
8
Borneman, III, John
W
9
17
Patison, Jason
W
10
88
Dick, Jamie
W
12
00
Daryl Harr
W
13
10
Warn, Jim
W
14
61
Thompson, Brett
W/P7
18
31
Banks, Wes
W/P8
19
91
Toste, Tony
W/P6
21
77
Myers, Andrew
W/P5
22
13
Souza, Todd
W/P4/R
23
19
Henry, Terry
W/P4
24
0
Pedroncelli, Jr., Paul
W/P4
26
89
Wong, Brian
W/P4
27
78
Kann, Billy
W/P3
30
44
Richardson, Eric
W/P4
31
26
Pursley, Greg
W/P4
32
65
Silva, Jr, Stan
W/P3
33
34
Gomez, Jonathon
W/P2
34
41
Foster, Ryan
W/P3
35
50
Johnson, Chris
W/P2
36
7
Kelley, Kyle
W/P2
38
25
Fensler, Jason
W/P1/R
45
07
Rayl, Gregory Rayl
W/P1
46
29
Lynch, Nick
W/P1
47
48
Jarit Johnson
W/P1
58
43
Pannone, Brian
W/P1
61
27
Hillis, Jr, Bobby
W/P1
63
51
Haase, Alex
W/P1
66
21
Koch, Blake
W/P1
68
9
Vidovich, Auggie
W/P1
69
40
Kobyluck, Matt
E/R/C
1
3
Dillon, Austin
E/R
2
1
Bayne, Trevor
E/R
4
18
Davis, Marc
E
5
4
Carmichael, Ricky
E
6
71
MacDonald, Eddie
E/R
7
83
Sellers, Peyton
E/R
8
35
Park, Steve
E
9
15
Ickler, Brian
E/R
10
52
Hayes, Jamie
E
14
28
Salemi, John
E/P7
22
37
Kennedy, Alex
E/P5
28
12
Perez, Antonio
E/P3/C
38
03
Polewarczyk, Jr., Joe
E/P2
40
22
Steckly, Scott
C

62
Morris, Philip
C

5
Armstrong, Dakoda


45
Crafton, Matt


33
Hornaday, Jr, Ron


4
Johnson, Jr, Rod


08
Logano, Joey


39
Spangler, Keith


99
Zukanovic, Marcus




Matt Crafton (No. 45 Speed Wong Racing Toyota)
  • A veteran of 197 starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ... Earned first series win at Lowe's Motor Speedway last May.
  • Has one career NASCAR Camping World Series West start, a runner-up finish in the 2000 season finale.
  • Was the 2000 champion of the former NASCAR Southwest Tour.
Ron Hornaday Jr. (No. 33 MMI/Ron's Read Ends Chevrolet)
  • 1996, 1998 and 2007 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion ... Has 39 wins in 225 career starts in the series.
  • Has six wins and 10 poles in 46 career NASCAR Camping World Series West starts ... Was the series runner-up in 1994.
  • Has 45 career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and 179 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts.
Joey Logano (No. 08 Joe Gibbs Driven Toyota)
  • The defending Toyota All-Star Showdown champion.
  • Captured the 2007 NASCAR Camping World Series East title with five wins in 13 starts as a rookie.
  • Had a win, 14 top 10s and three poles in 19 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts in 2008 and made three starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, where he will run full-time in 2009.
Philip Morris (No. 62 Chevrolet)
  • Earned a guaranteed starting spot in the Toyota All-Star Showdown as the 2008 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion ... Also won the national title in 2006.
  • Home track is Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va., where he drives in the Late Model division.
  • Is the only driver attempting to start in all three Showdown races.
Antonio Perez (No. 12 Chivasi/Telmex/Troy Williams Racing Dodge)
  • The 2008 NASCAR Mexico Series champion with five wins and 12 top 10s in 14 starts.
  • Made three NASCAR Camping World Series East starts in 2008 and won the Coors Light Pole Award at Watkins Glen.
Scott Steckly (No. 22 Tow Truck in a Box/Erb & Aw Millwrights Chevrolet)
  • Earned the 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series crown.
  • 2008 season was highlighted by four wins and nine top fives in 13 starts ... His win total is a new series record.