Dalton Sargeant and GALT made the most of their debut in the #NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at Kern County Raceway Park in the NAPA Auto Parts 150 on Saturday, March 28. Sargeant, driving for the newly formed Jefferson Pitts Racing in the No. 55 GALT Ford Fusion, with Kris Bowen as crew chief won both the pole and #KNWEST Season Opener!
Even more impressive, the 17-year-old from Boca Raton, Florida, picked up right where he left off in February at Florida's New Smyrna Speedway where he finished second in the K&N Pro Series East opener.
The NAPA Auto Parts 150 trophy did not come easily however. Sargeant battled series veteran, David Mayhew as a pair of late cautions pushed the NAPA Auto Parts 150 to 160 laps. Mayhew led eighty-five laps before Sargeant took control on Lap 102. Despite challenging Sargeant on every lap, Mayhew was unable to get past the rookie Sargeant and had to settle for second.
Sargeant took control on Lap 102 and did not relinquish the lead to Mayhew.
(Jonathan Moore/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Time of Race: 1 hrs., 18 mins, 7 secs Average Speed: 61.447 mph Margin of Victory: .417 Seconds
Caution Flags: Laps 5-10; 48-52; 77-83; 88-91; 126-131; 142-146; 148-157. 7 for 43 laps.
Lap Leaders: Dalton Sargeant * 1-16, David Mayhew 17-101, Dalton Sargeant * 102-160.
Total Laps Led: David Mayhew 85, Dalton Sargeant * 75. 2 changes involving 2 drivers.
Top 10 Driver Points: Dalton Sargeant * 47, David Mayhew 44, Noah Gragson * 41, James Bickford 40, Chris Eggleston 39, Gracin Raz * 38, Jonathan White * 37, Brett Thompson 36, Christian McGhee * 35, Alex Schutte * 34
New Structure to Feature Two Rounds to Determine Pole Winner
NASCAR today unveiled modifications to the qualifying format at superspeedways across all three national series. The updated format will take effect at Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next month.
Qualifying for May’s Talladega Superspeedway races, as well as the July events at Daytona International Speedway, will consist of the following:
Two rounds of qualifying, with the top-12 posted lap speeds advancing to the second round
Race vehicles taking one, timed lap in each round of qualifying
Each race vehicle will be released in a predetermined timed interval as determined by NASCAR, with the sanctioning body reserving the right to have more than one vehicle engaging in qualifying runs at the same time
Qualifying order for the first round will be determined by a random draw; final round qualifying order is determined by slowest to fastest speeds from the first round
• A 10-minute break will occur between the first qualifying round and the final round
Upon completion of the first qualifying round, the field will be set with positions 13 and beyond determined from first round qualifying speed
The 12 fastest vehicles from the first round will have their speeds reset for the final round with starting positions 1-12 determined by the fastest laps in the final roun
NASCAR will impound race vehicles following each qualifying lap; vehicles advancing to the final round will be allowed to adjust tape and utilize a cool-down unit during the 10-minute break only
“We are set for another incredible weekend at Talladega, said track Chairman Grant Lynch. For more than 25 years, we have had different body style configurations of the cars and different sized restrictor plates but one thing has remained constant: The competition on the race track has been as good as anywhere in the world. That is why we continue to hold the records for number of lead changes (88) and most drivers to ever lead laps (29). We anticipate once again when they cut ‘em loose on May 2 for the Winn-Dixie 300 and May 3 for the GEICO 500, we will see the same type of racing that the drivers can only provide at one place in the world - and that is Talladega Superspeedway.”
NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), with the circuit’s steepest banking (33 degrees) and longest distance (2.66 miles), is the most fun and fan-friendly, offering up hundreds of acres of free camping, amazing kids ticket prices and special offers for military members and college students. Talladega Superspeedway is NASCAR’s “Party Capital” thanks to the track’s infamous infield, which features the traditional Saturday Night concert and the world renowned Talladega Blvd, home of the “Big One on the Blvd” party. The historic venue features the most comfortable seats in motorsports, large video viewing boards (a new initiative planned for future implementation at all ISC tracks) lining the frontstretch and endless activities for fans throughout its event weekends.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will be at Talladega Superspeedway May 1-3. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying will air live May 2 on FOX at 1 p.m. ET. The Winn Dixie 300 and GEICO 500 will air live on FOX on May 2 (3 p.m. ET) and May 3 (1 p.m. ET), respectively.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will utilize the format for the first time when the series returns to Talladega Superspeedway with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in October.
Qualifying procedures for the 2016 Daytona 500 will be announced at a later date.
Crown Royal is once again honoring the people who make a difference every day. The whiskey brand is offering you the opportunity to put the spotlight on a hero who has made a difference in your community.
2014 Contest Winner John Wayne Walding And Big Machine Records
Founder Scott Borchetta Present Race Winner Jeff Gordon With His Trophies.
To suggest your hero for naming rights to the 2015 Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard NASCAR Race scheduled to be held in Indianapolis this July, you will be asked to write an essay in a hundred words or less completing the question:
“Describe a personal achievement, unselfish act, or honorable act that is worthy of a toast with Crown Royal? ”*
The winner will be chosen from five finalists and revealed in a special ceremony. Honors will include giving the deserving hero the naming rights to one of the summer’s biggest NASCAR races – the Brickyard 400. He or She will also wave the green flag to signal the start of the race, and deliver the trophy, bearing their name, to the race winner in Victory Lane!
While in the past, the contest has been limited exclusively to adult military and service members, it is now open to all unsung heroes, twenty-one or older, in communities nationwide.
Country Western Star Justin Moore with the Five 2014 ‘Your Hero’s Name Here’ Finalists
Like apple pie and ice cream, country music and fast cars have always seemed to go together. Reigning Academy of Country Music - New Artist of the Year, Justin Moore, has sold over 5.9 million digital downloads. He has appeared on NBC's The Voice Finale and The Queen Latifah Show. Further his music has been featured on the ABC hit drama “NASHVILLE,” Hannity & Colmes, and NFL Rewind.
This talented musician is teaming up with Crown Royal for the fourth year in a row and issuing a call for nominations for the “Your Hero’s Name Here” program.
“I have been fortunate to have a relationship with Crown Royal for a number of years now. It is kind of cool that it has become an annual thing for us and allows us to give back. It is wonderful to meet these families and the people who are truly heroes. Without a program like the Crown Royal’s 'Your Hero’s Name Here,' they would not be getting the recognition that they so deserve. It’s been a truly rewarding experience to get to know these heroes and their families. I still get to see them at some of my shows – it’s a lot of fun. Hopefully we can continue to do the things that we do and help the program along.”
Moore further expressed his enthusiasm regarding his involvement with the Heroes program solicitously.
“I am just a very small piece to this program. To me it is always about the people involved; not only the winner, but all the nominees. That is the coolest part for me; to meet them because they are the type of people whose story make you want to be a better person. I believe that if you surround yourself with these types of people, this world will become a better place. It is very humbling to meet these folks and encourages me to be a better person.”
Justin Moore and NASCAR Race Mom at the 2014
"Your Hero's Name Here" Race.
Justin became a loyal NASCAR fan after watching the 2001 Daytona 500.
“The first NASCAR Race I sat and watched the entire race and caused me to get hooked was the 500 where Earnhardt unfortunately passed. I don’t know why I watched that race. I was always a bit intrigued by NASCAR, but it wasn’t till I watched that race on the television, from start to finish, that I became a real NASCAR Fan. Now I like to curl up on the couch on Sunday and watch the race whenever I can.”
Like most NASCAR Fans, Moore cheers for his favorite driver.
“I have become buddies with a couple of the guys. I am better friends with and my favorite driver is Carl Edwards. He was in a some of my music videos a couple of years back. We became really good friends after that. I have a lot of respect for him; not only as a competitor but as a person.”
When asked about the heroes in his personal life, Moore responded quickly and with conviction.
“Fortunately, I have a handful. I am blessed to have a mom and dad who provide me with the perfect example of what a marriage; wife and husband and father should be. My parents are on the top of the list for me. My grandparents are the same way. My grandfather, who passed from cancer four or five years ago, he was it to me. He was in the Navy and served his country. Then he came back and raised his family. As far as 'hero' to me, obviously there are our men and women of the military, however specifically for me it is family.”
Justin Moore married his wife Kate in 2007. They have three young and energetic daughters, Ella Kole, Kennedy Faye, and Rebecca Klein. The baby was born last year and they call her Klein. Following his families example, the Christian couple are busy caring for their girls and enjoy taking them to softball, gymnastics, cheer-leading and dance.
You have until April 12, 2015 to submit your nomination the 2015 Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” Contest.
NASCAR Race Mom with 2013 Winner Samuel Deeds
in the Pagoda Suite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
What could be better than a warm and sunny California Saturday spent at a NASCAR race? Not much can beat it. However, when you add a NASCAR VIP experience to your day, it is guaranteed that you will drive home tired but smiling.
NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) along with husband Paul were treated to a NASCAR VIP Experience for the Drive4Clots.com 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Auto Club Speedway. Race morning arrived early and found us in front of the Credential Office before 7:00 a.m.
We had to get there early because our schedule started with a 7:30 a.m. pace car ride with Carl Edwards. I definitely did not want to be late for that!
Pace Car Ride With NASCAR’s Carl Edwards
(Please excuse the low audio)
The one-lap pace car ride around Auto Club Speedway was both informative and exhilarating. NASCAR Driver, Carl Edwards, could not have been more accommodating. We were in good hands for the wild ride that included a jolting simulated pit stop; Edwards took the checkered flag to win the Auto Club 500 in 2008. The view of the blue wall from inside the pace car also offered a thought-provoking perspective of a driver’s job.
Amanda - Our Track Guide
Next, we were escorted to a press conference in the Media Center by our track guide. Amanda has worked for NASCAR for five years and describes herself as “a southern girl living her dream job.”
Casey Mears fielded questions serenely with expertise. Mears’ dialogue featured the new 2015 rule package and working with the Richard Childress Racing alliance.
Question: You Have Three Top-20 Finishes In The First Four Races. Did You Have Any Expectations Early In The Season For 2015?
Casey Mears
“I think we all have lofty goals. We know we’ve got good equipment. We’ve got a good group of guys. So, we all want Top Five’s and Top Ten’s, but I think we kind of told ourselves that if we could be consistent inside the Top Ten or Top Fifteen, the first part of this year and establish a good base, we’d be pretty happy with that. But, now that we’ve seen the pace that we’re capable of running part of this year, we’re slightly disappointed with some of our results.
“We had a really good car in Vegas and the first run we took two tires, and it just didn’t work out for us and we went a lap down and it ended up being one of those races where you could never get a lap back. And we had a car that was very fast once we made a couple of adjustments and got it tightened-up. We only feel like we came short on that one a little bit. In Phoenix, we had a very fast race car again; Top Ten easily. The first run we were flying through the field and after the first pit stop the right rear spring came out of the bucket and we didn’t know until after the race. And it made the car massively loose.
“So, I think our goals were very conservative to start the year, but now that we’ve seen what we’re capable of and how fast we have been able to run, I think internally our goals are getting a lot higher. But I think we’ve just got to kind of stick to what we’re trying to do. In this series, if you can be a Top Fifteen or Top Twenty guy, week in and week out, you’re going to be in a good position coming into the season. And one thing I’m noticing too, is that if you’re inside the Top Fifteen, you’re running lap times that are capable of anywhere from Fifth to Fifteenth, to be honest. If you’re a Top Fifteen guy, you’re a call away from being a Top Five guy. And so, we just continue to really focus to be Top Fifteen and with being Top Fifteen, you’ve got opportunities to finish way higher than that. So, that’s been our goal and we’re going to kind of stick to that and see how it goes.”
Casey, who is from Bakersfield, California started the race in thirty-seventh position and finished in twenty-third place. He is ranked twelfth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Richard Buck, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Managing Director
The Laser Inspection tour, led by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Managing Director Richard Buck, proved to be our favorite event of the VIP Experience. (Yes even more than the pace car ride – we are nerdy that way)
Buck has worked as a crew chief, team manager and director of operations with open-wheel racing teams from 1980-2000. Prior to joining NASCAR in January 2005, he also worked with teams in all three NASCAR national series. Therefore, he has a deep and unique knowledge of motorsports that serves NASCAR well.
Going Through Laser Inspection
“It is the team’s job to push the limits.” Buck summarized. “It is also their responsibility to get their car to the legal setting. The new laser system saves a tremendous amount of time in tech; but more importantly it is consistent and accurate.”
“In my opinion the competitiveness of the season’s end last year is the level of intensity of the start of this season. The drivers do not want the teams to leave anything on the table. They have less down force, less horse power, there are changes in the mechanical and aerogrip . . . . they are pushing the limits and we are able to measure that. When a crew chief adjust something it effects multiple points of the car – it is a dynamic organic beast really.”
When asked about the cost of the new technology, Richard Buck replied “six figures” with a smile. NASCAR has worked very closely with Microsoft and Rockwell Automation on this program. It was a sight to see up close. Buck added that what is best for the competitors is that the machine eliminates judgement calls. You just push a button and provide the report to the team, importantly insuring that everyone is handled the same.
Dillon Brothers at the Driver's Meeting
We were then whisked way to attend the XFINITY Driver’s Meeting. The room filled up quickly with the drivers we would soon be cheering for on the track. We were very familiar with several of the young men as they raced with our son in the K&N Pro Series a few years earlier.
Bubba Wallace & Clyde Elliott
Before Driver Intros
Paul and I also enjoyed watching the pre-race ceremony and driver’s introductions from the track.
It is hard to stand on the 11 degree track banking.
We had a great view of the race from our seat at the very top of the grandstands. We could see and hear everything. Nevertheless, the Drive4Clots.com 300 XFINITY race itself surfaced as a tad anticlimactic after our remarkable NASCAR morning.
While it was fun to watch west coast alumni Kevin Harvick win; NASCAR Race Mom was hoping for a victory by a XFINITY series driver, or newcomer such as pole winner Erik Jones. Also a bit tighter racing and passing would have provided more gratification. The crowd was not even treated to a burnout by the race winner.
More Sights from Auto Club Speedway:
Smiling "Cousin Carl" Was A Great Pace Car Driver!
New Dad, Kyle Larson Prepares For Practice
Dale Jr. Observes As His Crew Preps His Car For Practice
Check Out These Goodyears, The Official Tire Of NASCAR
Time For A Quick Snack
XFINITY Race Winner's Cup Ride (love the two winner stickers!)
Enjoyed Our Walk Down Hauler Row
Pre-Race Ceremonies On A Perfect California Saturday
Despite A Throttle Issue, Blake Koch Managed A Top-Twenty Finish
Fontana's Tribute To Retiring NASCAR Driver – Jeff Gordon
As Paul and I found our car after the race, my Fitbit informed me that we had walked over eight miles. They were happy miles for these NASCAR Fans. If you get the opportunity to participate in a NASCAR VIP experience, do not pass it up!
NASCAR® announced it has reached a five-year agreement with K&N Filters to continue as the entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series™ through 2021. The renewed deal ensures that K&N Filters will own exclusive rights as the title sponsor for a total of 12-consecutive years. Additionally, K&N Filters acquires the designation as the “Official Automotive Filters of NASCAR.”
The extended agreement is the latest in a number of landmark partnerships and renewals recently signed with the sanctioning body. In recent history, NASCAR has announced momentous 10-year deals with series entitlement sponsor XFINITY; broadcast partners FOX and NBC; and international broadcast rights partner IMG. NASCAR also announced a seven-year extension with series entitlement sponsor Camping World in 2014.
“The NASCAR K&N Pro Series features the most competitive regional racing in the country and thanks to this newly signed agreement the series has never been healthier,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. “K&N Filters has the unique ability to showcase its products to a fiercely brand-loyal fan base on a national stage, while partnering with NASCAR to introduce professional motorsports’ stars of tomorrow.”
The NASCAR K&N Pro Series is universally recognized in the racing industry as the top rung in NASCAR’s developmental ladder – notable alumni include Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, both finalists in last year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™, as well as rising stars like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Darrell Wallace Jr. The series introduces NASCAR fans and industry stakeholders to the next generation of stars, and the diverse mix of short tracks, road courses and national series speedways appeals to a broad range of motorsports fans.
“K&N Filters has played an integral role in NASCAR for years and we’re thrilled to renew our commitment to the sport and specifically as the title sponsor of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series,” said Jesse Spungin, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, K&N Filters. “Our ability to leverage the power of NASCAR’s intellectual property on and off the track while cultivating the sport’s rising stars across the country elevates our brand and drives our business.”v
K&N Filters is the established leader in reusable filters, high flow oil filters and high performance intake systems. In addition to its series entitlement, K&N Filters’ Contingency Sponsorship extends to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series™ and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour™ as well as the three national series.
The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will kick off the 2015 season at Kern County Raceway Park with the running of the NAPA Auto Parts 150 on March 28.
About K&N Filters
K&N Engineering, Inc., with headquarters in Riverside, California, has been the world's leader in performance filter technology since 1969, serving the needs of the automotive, motorcycle, marine, industrial and military markets. K&N is heavily involved in nearly every form of motorsports, from off-road and powersports, to drag racing, stock cars and road racing.
A favorite isn’t always the winner – as the Sprint Fan Vote’s history suggests. In the last 10 seasons, fans have voted 10 different drivers into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race™ at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including names like Danica Patrick, Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
You never know who will win. That’s what makes voting so important. Polls are open for the 2015 Sprint Fan Vote – and unpredictability will take center stage until the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 16. Fans can vote their favorite Sprint Fan Vote-eligible driver into the All-Star Race by casting ballots daily. Voting closes at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, May 15, one day before the green flag.
For the first time in program history, votes shared via Facebook and/or Twitter will count as double towards a driver’s total. Fans can vote daily with a maximum of one vote per day per unique email address by downloading the NASCAR MOBILE application or visiting NASCAR.com/SprintFanVote. Eligible voters can also enter into the Sprint Fan Vote sweepstakes, in which one lucky Sprint Fan Vote participant will win a trip for two to any 2015 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
The winner of the Sprint Fan Vote will be announced in Victory Lane following the conclusion of the Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, May 15.
To date, 32 drivers are eligible for the 2015 Sprint Fan Vote. Eligibility for participation is restricted to those drivers who have been approved by NASCAR for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition and have met all other eligibility requirements. Amongst those eligibility requirements, drivers must have attempted to qualify for the 2015 Daytona 500 and race in the Sprint Showdown. Any eligible Sprint Fan Vote candidate who wins a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race during the 2015 season will automatically earn a spot in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the driver’s name will be removed from the Sprint Fan Vote ballot with their existing votes voided.
To engage in the #SprintAllStar Race conversation throughout the #SprintFanVote window, fans are encouraged to follow @MissSprintCup, @CLTMotorSpdwy and @NASCAR on Twitter.
The 32 drivers eligible for the Sprint Fan Vote include:
Justin Allgaier
Michael Annett
Trevor Bayne
Greg Biffle
Ryan Blaney
Alex Bowman
Clint Bowyer
Jeb Burton
Landon Cassill
Austin Dillon
Ty Dillon
David Gilliland
Ron Hornaday Jr.
Sam Hornish Jr.
Bobby Labonte
Kyle Larson
Justin Marks
Michael McDowell
Casey Mears
Paul Menard
Danica Patrick
David Ragan
Johnny Sauter
Brian Scott
Reed Sorenson
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Martin Truex, Jr.
Mike Wallace
Michael Waltrip
Cole Whitt
Josh Wise
JJ Yeley
SPRINT FAN VOTE SWEEPSTAKES - ABBREVIATED RULES
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Sweepstakes/Promotion entry period begins at 12:00:01 a.m., Eastern Time (“ET”), on March 8, 2015 and ends at 7:00:00 p.m., ET, on May 15, 2014. For complete rules, visit http://www.nascar.com/sprintfanvoterules. Sponsor: Sprint Communications Company, L.P. NASCAR, Inc. is not a sponsor of the Sweepstakes/Promotion.
When Bill France Sr. founded NASCAR, he envisioned a stock car series that stretched from coast-to-coast. He worked immediately to make it happen.
In 1951, the NASCAR Grand National Division (today’s Sprint Cup Series) visited Carrell Speedway in Gardena, California three times. The first race, held on April 8, was the first NASCAR venture west of the Mississippi. Marshall Teague took the checkered flag in his Fabulous Hudson Hornet, the same car he had driven to victory on the famed Daytona beach-road course two months earlier.
From 1958-88, Riverside International Raceway was a West Coast highlight of the NASCAR schedule. The race was often the first of the calendar year and from 1970-81 was the NASCAR premier series season opener. The list of Riverside race winners reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of motorsports, with NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby Allison (6), Richard Petty (4), Darrell Waltrip (4), David Pearson (3), Cale Yarborough (3), Rusty Wallace (2) and Bill Elliott (1) winning 24 of the 48 races held at the 2.62-mile road course.
In 1971, NASCAR scheduled its first 500-mile oval race in Southern California at the new Ontario Motor Speedway (OMS). This racetrack was located in Ontario, California, 40 miles (64 km) east of Los Angeles. The 2.5-mile track was built as the “Indianapolis of the West,” complete with a rectangular shape and low banking. Its inaugural race, the 1,000th in premier series history, was won by racing legend A.J. Foyt, who had won three Indianapolis 500s at that point.
In 1997, the Auto Club Speedway opened in Fontana, less than 2 miles (3.2 km) from the former site of the OMS, and the two names were sometimes confused.
Love him or hate him, NASCAR Race Mom is pleased that Kurt Busch was re-instated by NASCAR. Domestic Violence is a very staid issue.
However, equally important to this writer is the American Axiom of “Innocent Until Proven Guilty.”
The “Presumption of Innocence" emphasize that the tribunal has the obligation to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Was that accomplished in the elder Busch’s cases? NRM thinks not.
Clearly, when false allegations of domestic abuse are made, the stakes are very high. Ironically, this is contrasted by a relatively low burden of proof necessary for accusers seeking civil restraining orders and the abbreviated manner in which such hearings are generally held.
Kurt Busch’s Statement: “It means the world to me to be back in the car. It's been a tough situation the last few months, and I've gone through this with confidence knowing that I know the truth and that I never did any of the things that I was accused of. It was a complete fabrication. But it's unfortunate that my personal life crossed over and affected my business life, but I can't wait to get to the track, to see my team, to shake their hands and say thanks for the support, and to go out there and make my first lap this weekend.”
Busch related that he is appreciative of the NASCAR process of the Road to Recovery. For him, hardest part about this entire situation was watching this #41 racecar on the track without him. Although Busch has missed the first three races of the year, he still has a decent chance at making the Chase.
“It's working with the great group of people at Stewart-Haas Racing. Kevin Harvick is a winner already this year. Him and Rodney Childers have gone above and beyond what we all expected them to do here, and with Tony Gibson, he has that team in place, and we proved that at the end of last year with our top finishes of the year those last three races.” Kurt theorized. “I hope to start off this year in that same pattern, and my start is a little late. It's at Phoenix. So I'm looking forward to it. I believe I've got cars that are capable of winning races, now I've just got to go out there and do my job.”
Kurt Busch is on the entry list for the 11th Annual CampingWorld.com "500" - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - Phoenix International Raceway - 3/15/2015. Best of luck to him and the #41 Haas Automation Chevrolet Team!
#NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch had his indefinite suspension*** from NASCAR lifted on today and it has been replaced by indefinite probation. Further, NASCAR has waive a Chase requirement and 2004 Series Champion Busch will be eligible to participate in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, if he can qualify.
The driver must still undergo additional steps to address the behavior for which he was penalized.
"As we stated last week, the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges removed a significant impediment to Kurt Busch's return to full status as a NASCAR member," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer in a statement released by NASCAR. "We therefore have decided to move him to indefinite probation and waive the Chase requirement. He has fully complied with our reinstatement program during his suspension and the health care expert who conducted his evaluation recommended his immediate return.
Chevrolet, which also suspended Busch's personal services contract on Feb. 20, has also reinstated Kurt Busch.
***On February 16, 2015, Busch was given a no-contact order by a Dover judge. Busch was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR February 20, 2015.
On March 10, the NASCAR Foundation launched the nomination phase for the fifth year of
The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide.
This is a year-long process consisting of a nomination phase, the finalists’ voting campaigns, and
our exciting award announcement during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards in Las Vegas.
The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide
honors everyday champions and NASCAR fans whose volunteer efforts turn kids into winners,
no matter what kind of challenges they face. Did you know that since the award’s inception,
The NASCAR Foundation has awarded $700,000 to charities in honor of sixteen
remarkable finalists? And more than 52,000 children have been helped through their
combined efforts!
Since the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award launched in 2011, they
have seen some great results! Results can be seen through the impact
The NASCAR Foundation has been able to make through their donations to
the finalist and winner charities.
Members of our race communities have also been able to engage with
the humanitarian award in ways that benefits them as well - mainly
by promoting finalists throughout the fan vote and building stronger
relationships with them and their local charities and group affiliations.
This all starts with the nomination phase.
Daniel Noltemeyer, 2014 Winner
Best Buddies Kentucky
Kentucky Speedway embraced Daniel as a finalist for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian
Award, inviting him to the track for a VIP tour of the facility and recording a video that they
used for promotion throughout the voting phase.
The track promoted Daniel through social media, email inclusion, and press releases
highlighting his visit to the track and winning the award.
Best Buddies Kentucky also leveraged the celebrity relationships that their national
organization had, resulting in independent tweets from Maria Shriver, Food Network’s Guy
Fieri, and Glee’s Lauren Potter.
Lynda Petty, the wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty, died last year after a long battle with cancer. She had just turned seventy-two and had been diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma four years earlier.
The King, Richard made Lynda his queen in 1959. Lynda played an instrumental role in her husband's early racing career. She would feed their four children and the pit crew from the back of a 1960 Chrysler sedan parked in the infield.
"We finally got a station wagon in 1969," Richard Petty said. "She said she thought she'd died and gone to heaven because it had all that room for the kids and the food."
Lynda Petty is survived by her husband, son Kyle (a TV analyst and six-time winner in Cup); daughters Sharon, Lisa and Rebecca; and 11 grandchildren.
NASCAR’s new pit road technology is a camera-based system that records pit road activity through a race and alerts officials of all pit road infractions. Over forty-five (45) HD cameras will be utilized at each track. These cameras are mounted on the grandstand side of the track and are able to monitor all pit road activity including all pit stalls.
NASCAR officials will be stationed on the “cold” side of the pit wall and will assess penalties for the violations they see.
Eight Officials will also staff the pit road officiating trailer during each event and are responsible for reviewing all pit stops. Approximately ten officials will work behind the wall on pit road. This system is scheduled to be utilized in all NASCAR Sprint Cup races and companion events.
Teams are to be notified of infractions via radio communication from NASCAR Race Control. NASCAR implemented the change to technology for officiating to increase the accuracy, efficiency, and safety on pit road.
Violations To Be Monitor
Over The Wall Too Soon
Driving Through Too Many Pit Boxes
Pitting Outside The Box
Too Many Crew Members Over The Wall
Removing Equipment
NASCAR Race Mom hopes to get a closer look at NASCAR’s New Pit Road Technology at the Fontana Race later this month; look for Photos and Opinions to Follow!
The NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship trophy was displayed after being unveiled prior to practice for the NASCAR XFINITY Series Alert at the Florida 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2015 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
My career as a NASCAR driver was remarkable! I won 55 races! (I have to admit I am pretty proud of that.) But as successful as I was, I know that I couldn’t have won without the support, expertise and willingness to go the extra mile of every member of my team and my crew.
Now that my driving career is over, I’m trying to show that gratitude by working with The NASCAR Foundation to help a lot of folks – especially children – who haven’t been as fortunate as I have been.
So, as a Foundation Board Member, I’d also like to express my deepest gratitude to you, Z., for your generous support of everything we’re trying to accomplish.
None of this, of course, would be possible without the loyalty and generosity of thousands of NASCAR fans like you, fans who truly deserve to be members of our special crew. I can’t tell you how much good we do by coming together and pledging our support not only to each other but to children and families less fortunate than we are.
Please help me make 2015 the most successful year ever for The NASCAR Foundation by becoming a 2015 Honorary Member today. And in doing so, won’t you make a generous gift of $25, $50, or even $75? Together, we really make a great crew!
Sincerely,
The NASCAR Foundation
Board of Directors
P.S. In addition to your honorary membership card, I will send you a 2015 Proud Supporter decal. I hope you will display it proudly to support The NASCAR Foundation and our work for children. Please become a 2015 Honorary Member today!
Born in 1957 in Belgium, it was after a trip at the age of seven that my love for NASCAR caught hold of me! It was the 1964 World 600 in Charlotte. Since NASCAR it's my life! A large collection of objects and papers make up my personal little NASCAR museum.
Passionate about the history and statistics of NASCAR, I have contributed to numerous magazines and websites mainly in French language (Europe and Canada). One of my greatest pride is my full-time collaboration at racing-reference.info from 2003 to 2021.
Today I continue to write for fun and it's with joy that I join nascarracemom.com as contributor. .