Monday, October 31, 2016

Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville #se7en

Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville #se7en

Then He Just Drove Away

 

Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville

 

It’s real now. The drive for a record tying seventh NASCAR Championship is more real than it’s ever been for Jimmie Johnson and his Team Lowe’s Racing crew. In capturing his series leading ninth Martinsville win, the six-time champion earned the right to race into Homestead Miami with the opportunity to win #se7en.

Since 2013 when Johnson and crew left Homestead with their sixth championship, it has been a hard fought road to get back there to run for number seven. Johnson noted their race Sunday in Martinsville embodied that same never give up attitude that the No. 48 has become so well known for.

“There were a lot of moments but anything in life you have to work for it. It’s not going to come easy and we knew that coming into this race. There are so many challenges with this track. I’m so thankful for this race team.”


Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville


Those “moments” that Johnson spoke of in victory lane began early in the race, which was the hottest race at the Virginia short track since 2006; the hottest fall race since 1999. Friday was a happy day for the team as Johnson qualified on the inside of the second row. Holding station in third until the first caution, Johnson steered away from pit lane and restarted runner up on lap 29. As the run went on, the fresh tires of his competitors shuffled Johnson outside the top ten.

On lap 200 Johnson was fighting for the top five when the No. 11 car booted him out of the way and damaged the No. 48 Chevy. Luck fell the No. 48’s way as the caution fell for an unrelated incident and allowed Johnson to make his way to Knaus and crew for repairs under caution. The extended repairs sent Johnson back the 25th, but still on the lead lap. It took less than a hundred laps for Johnson to re-enter the top ten.

With 150 laps to go, green flag pit stops started happening for the first time in four years at the shortest track in NASCAR. Knaus kept the No. 48 on track as other leaders pitted. Then chaos ensued. The caution came out mid-cycle and left Johnson third on track. Suddenly, the No. 48 rolled to a stop on the backstretch under the yellow. As the Lowe’s Chevrolet sat stationary for a number of seconds, the day appeared to be ruined. Then fire miraculously returned to the cylinders of the Chevrolet V8 and the No. 48 was rolling again. Knaus’ directive to pit for fuel was ignored by Johnson, who in the car knew that fuel was not the issue. The decision by Johnson to not enter the closed pit lane kept the hopes of victory alive.

Johnson explained what happened in the media center post-race: “We were definitely sputtering and running out of gas. I don't exactly know what happened, but somehow there's a switch for the ECU. It was off. When I saw the fuel pressure fluctuate and the engine sputtering, I don't know, I was reaching around. I hit the switch and shut the ECU off, which cut the power off to the car. So I came to a stop. In my mind somewhere there was a voice saying, ‘Recycle the power of the car.’ So I shut the main power off, counted to three, which was probably only one second instead of three, turned it back on. In my mind, I am like, ‘All switches on.’ I went through my checklist and saw the most important switch was off. I switched it on, fuel pressure came up, the car fired, off it went. Then it was hopefully pit one or two laps from then. It went five or six. It was really scary, hoping I could maintain solid fuel pressure. But I just kept coasting, shutting the engine off, was able to stretch it.”

With so much of the field trapped at least one lap down, Johnson made his final pit stop under that caution period and miraculously was able to restart fourth on lap 387. With 92 laps to go, he maneuvered the No. 48 into the lead which he never relinquished.


Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville


The whole of Hendrick Motorsports has worked their collective tails off to get back to their winning ways after a tumultuous summer, as Jimmie Johnson appreciates: “The turnaround, I'm way impressed with, especially from where we came from to where we've ended up. It's one thing to see progress, but to advance and go back to leading a lot of laps and contending for many wins is very, very impressive. We couldn't have done it on our own. It took all four teams, then it took all the departments at Hendrick. Honestly, it took Rick Hendrick showing his commitment. For him to sit in the wind tunnel for a 24 hour shift with all the teams, his commitment. He couldn't help being in that wind tunnel, but his presence there, the message that sent to the organization. There's other examples like that, as well. He's led by example. We've come a long way in a short period of time, which is really impressive.”


Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville


It’s safe to say Mr. Hendrick may have been the proudest person on the property in Martinsville following his team’s 244th Sprint Cup Victory: “It means it takes a lot of pressure off right now, I tell you, just having the win, just like Charlotte, to advance into that round. We're really looking forward to Texas because that's a really good track for Jimmie. But to win here and know we're locked into Homestead, it's a great relief. It's a special race for us. Think this was our 24th clock here, so they told me. I'm pretty excited about that. You know, these guys have worked hard. The whole organization has worked hard. We’re really happy for Lowe’s, for Chevrolet and for the organization. We’ve been so close in a lot of these races. It just feels so good. Now we get to go to Texas, and we like Texas. This place is special. Twelve years ago we lost a lot of our family and friends. We dedicate this one to them. Now we get to go on to Texas and have fun.”

Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville
Those friends and family members that were lost on that fateful day twelve years ago always weigh heavy on the mind of Jimmie Johnson as well: “To win on this weekend at this track with the tragedy we had in ’04, we’re thinking of all the loved ones that we lost in the plane crash. We want to thank our family and friends. It’s a great time to start winning races. I mean, gosh, they're all very, very special. To be here in the fall, pay respect to the people that we lost in the plane crash is one aspect when we show up here, to see Rick in Victory Lane, have a few moments talking about little Ricky and his brother and the plane crash, the people on it, there's a moment we take. I'm not sure if others do. It definitely hits something inside of us that lived through that. Then to punch our ticket, know the chance at seven is alive is pretty damn awesome.”

Speaking of seven, Johnson can only play Mr. Cool for so long, and he knows it: “I’ve been trying to ignore this conversation about seven but now I can’t! We’re locked in. I’m just honored to be in this position. I wouldn’t be in this position without the belief of Lowe’s and all their employees had in me back when I was running 10th or 15th in the Busch Series. Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon… all of the people who have believed in me to get this point. It’s crazy that we have a shot at seven now. We couldn’t do it without our partners at Chevrolet, Valvoline and the list goes on and on. Thanks to them all very much. I’ll probably lie to all of you guys and say I’m not going to think about it at all. But it’s inevitable. Fortunately, I don’t have to think about it for three weeks. But we’re going to enjoy this and savor it. We’re going to get our ducks in a row for Homestead.”


Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville


Jimmie mentioned Jeff Gordon, the man who believed in Johnson enough to put his money where his mouth is and to this day is the co-owner of the No. 48. Johnson’s longtime friend and mentor likes what he is seeing from the six-time champ: "When things are on the line and things matter most, Jimmie and that team know how to step it up to another level. They showed that today. He'll be showing that again in Homestead. I was back there in sixth or seventh place just watching him go after the No. 11 car. That was just phenomenal driving and racing. Then he just drove away.”

And that’s just what Jimmie and Team Lowe’s Racing look to do with the rest of the 2016 season: just drive away.


Jimmie Johnson wins at Martinsville

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What Are the #NASCAR Xfinity Drivers Up To?

What Are the #NASCAR Xfinity Drivers Up To?
What Are the #NASCAR Xfinity Drivers Up To?


Are you missing the Xfinity Series as much as NASCAR Race Mom is? Two weeks away from the track is just about two weeks too much. So what are your favorite Xfinity Chase Drivers doing with their time off?

Xfinity Chase Contenders

Elliott Sadler
JR Motorsports

Finished 2nd at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



Daniel Suarez
Joe Gibbs Racing

Finished 3rd at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016

(Truck Race)

Blake Koch
No. 11 Kaulig Racing

Finished 9th at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



Justin Allgaier
JR Motorsports

Finished 14th at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



Erik Jones
Joe Gibbs Racing

Finished 15th at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



Ryan Reed
Roush Fenway Racing

Finished 16th at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



Brendan Gaughan
Richard Childress Racing

Finished 31st at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



Darrell Wallace Jr
Roush Fenway Racing

Finished 33rd at Kansas Lottery 300 on 10/15/2016



What Are the #NASCAR Xfinity Drivers Up To?


You can catch the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the drivers return for the second race of the ‘Round of Eight’ in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth, TX on November 5th. 



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  5. Elliott Sadler Takes NASCAR XFINITY Series Points Lead


Sunday, October 30, 2016

Remembering the First Lady of #NASCAR

Remembering the First Lady of #NASCAR
Remembering the First Lady of NASCAR

Betty Jane, the widow of Bill France Jr., was known throughout the racing world as the "First Lady of NASCAR." Her impact on stock car racing and her commitment to helping others, especially children was legendary. Betty Jane died this year at age 78 of unspecified causes.

Below is an informative and tender video tribute to Ms. France.




Remembering the First Lady of #NASCAR

Remembering the First Lady of #NASCAR


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Saturday, October 29, 2016

Josh Reeves Set to Make #NCWTS Debut #nascar

Josh Reeves Set to Make #NCWTS Debut #nascar It doesn’t get much better than making a debut at your home track. That’s what Martinsville native Josh Reeves will be doing on Saturday, Oct. 31 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

Josh Reeves Set to Make #NCWTS Debut #nascar

Reeves will drive the No. 74 Dodge at the famed Martinsville Speedway in the Kroger 200 on Halloween for Mike Harmon Racing. Reeves isn’t spooked about his first race in the truck series.

“We’ve got all of the parts and pieces and we’re ready to get started,” he said. “If we come out of the race with a 15th or 20th place finish, that’ll be a great start. We’re aiming for much higher than that, but we’ll be happy with what we can accomplish.”

Josh Reeves Set to Make #NCWTS Debut #nascarReeves, 22, has been busy with testing race cars this season. He participated in his first ARCA Series race in September of 2014 at Salem Speedway in Indiana. Reeves finished 23rd after suffering tire issues during the contest. He gathered the attention of others with his driving and a “never give up” attitude.

Mike Harmon Racing and Manager Danny Glad are working to finalize the details for Reeves’ debut in the 200-lap NCWTS race on the half-mile track known as “The Paperclip”.

The Kroger 200 will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 31. The event will be televised on Fox Sports 1 and MRN will have the radio broadcast.

Burton to Make Truck Series Debut in Fall Martinsville Race

Burton to Make Truck Series Debut in Fall Martinsville Race

Second-Generation Wheelman Joins KBM’s Stable of Talented Young Drivers

Harrison Burton to Make Truck Series Debut in Fall Martinsville Race #nascar


Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that second-generation driver Harrison Burton will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut for the team driving the No. 18 DEX Imaging/Konica Minolta Tundra Oct. 29 in the Alpha Energy Solutions 200 at Martinsville Speedway.

Burton, the son of 21-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner and current NBC Sports broadcaster Jeff Burton,  is currently competing for Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. The racing prodigy was a three-time USAC Quarter Midget national champion before moving into Late Models, where at the age of 11 he captured his first pole in the Limited Late Model division at Ace Speedway in Elon, N.C. At the age of 12, he graduated to Pro-Late Models and won two races at Dillon (S.C.) Motor Speedway.

At the age of fourteen, the talented teenager became the youngest driver to win a NASCAR Whelen Super Late Model event when he visited victory lane twice during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) last February and in May he picked up his first Southern Super Series win at Mobile (Ala.) International Speedway. Last October, at the age of 15 years and eight days, Burton became the youngest driver to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West when he raced in the series stop at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif.

In addition to his full-time schedule in the K&N Pro Series East this season, Burton will compete in numerous Super Late Model events around the country for his family-operated team. The 15-year-old driver returned to the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna this year and finished second in the Super Late Model point standings after collecting two wins and finishing inside the top three four times across the six-race schedule. He also posted a runner-up finish in January at 2016 SpeedFest at Crisp Motorsports Park in Cordele, Ga., against a field that included KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch and KBM Truck Series driver William Byron.

“Harrison is mature beyond his age on the track and it’s impressive the resume he has already put together at the age of 15,” Busch said. “He comes from a racing family and doesn’t have to look very far to find a role model that can show him what it takes to be successful both on and off the track. We’ve been fortunate the last few seasons to get KBM to the point where we can provide young drivers an opportunity to grow in the sport and we’re excited to be a part of Harrison’s continued development. It wouldn’t be possible without sponsors like DEX Imaging and Konica Minolta who see the value in getting involved with a young driver and growing alongside him as he moves up the racing ladder.”

“I am proud to have Konica Minolta join our DEX Imaging team for my Truck Series debut with Kyle Busch Motorsports,” Burton said. “It means a lot to have these sponsors onboard for the next step in my racing career and making it possible for me to be able to race for the marquee team in the series. It’s a big step, but we have been working really hard to prepare ourselves for everything that’s to come this year and we’re ready.”

“We are excited to welcome Konica Minolta to our racing team as we continue our long standing partnership with Harrison,” said Dan Doyle, Jr., President and CEO of DEX Imaging, a loyal sponsor of Burton since 2013 and the nation’s largest independent dealer of Konica Minolta document management solutions. “He is a wonderful complement to our company. Our team is thrilled to be on board as he makes his debut into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series later this year.”

Burton, who will be eligible to race at Martinsville after his 16th birthday on Oct. 9, joins a crop of talented young drivers already in the KBM stable. The team recently signed 15-year-old second-generation driver Todd Gilliland to a limited schedule for the team’s Super Late Model program and boasts three Truck Series drivers that are 21 and younger; Christopher Bell (21), Cody Coughlin (20) and William Byron (18).

Holiday Card Sets Designed By Sam Bass

Holiday Card Sets Designed By Sam Bass The NASCAR Foundation partnered with Sam Bass Gallery to produce one of a kind Holiday Cards with your favorite Speediatrics characters such as Safety Sam, Chase, Lou Chief and Champ!

Holiday Card Sets Designed By Sam Bass #NASCAR

To say that Sam loves the holidays is an understatement. For years, 'The First Officially Licensed Artist of NASCAR', has had a tradition of creating cheerful winter-themed originals depicting Santas and snowmen in whimsical snowy settings. Although this tradition was originally started for close family and friends in celebration of Sam’s favorite season, the warm characters and chilly scenes caught on.

They became so popular that in 2005 - after encouragement from those same family members, friends, and clients - he released his first edition of the Sam Bass Santas & Snowmen Collection. Now you can have a set of these specially designed cards to send to your friends while helping us continue our work of helping children in our racing communities.


ABOUT THE ARTIST: Sam Bass is the most accomplished artist and graphic designer in
NASCAR. Since 1987, he has created race team graphics for corporate America’s leading sponsors, NASCAR team owners and drivers.

He is also known for his fine-art original paintings and a distinctive style when it comes to his design of track program covers, racing-themed ad campaigns, posters, apparel and custom-shop guitars. His personal studio and motorsports art gallery in Concord, N.C., are adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway. He is the first officially licensed artist of NASCAR. For more information, please call (704) 455-6915, or log on to www.sambass.com.


For just a $20 donation, you can receive 10
of these limited edition Holiday Cards.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday, October 28 At Martinsville Speedway #NASCAR Photos

Friday, October 28 At Martinsville Speedway #NASCAR Photos
Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford,  speaks to the media at Martinsville Speedway
Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford,
speaks to the media at Martinsville Speedway.
Crew members push the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota,  of Denny Hamlin through the garage area during practice.
Crew members push the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota,
of Denny Hamlin through the garage area during practice.
Matt Crafton, driver of the #88 Ideal Door/Menards Toyota,  leads Christopher Bell, driver of the #4 JBL Toyota, during practice.
Matt Crafton, driver of the #88 Ideal Door/Menards Toyota,
leads Christopher Bell, driver of the #4 JBL Toyota, during practice.
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet,  practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Relief 500
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet,
practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Relief 500.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Halloween Toyota,  practices for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Halloween Toyota,
practices for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Timothy Peters, driver of the #17 Red Horse Racing Toyota, practices  for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Texas Roadhouse 200.
Timothy Peters, driver of the #17 Red Horse Racing Toyota, practices
for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Texas Roadhouse 200.
Johnny Sauter, driver of the #21 Smokey Mountain Herbal  Snuff Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Johnny Sauter, driver of the #21 Smokey Mountain Herbal
Snuff Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Ben Kennedy, driver of the #33 Jacob Chevrolet, practices  for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Texas Roadhouse 200
Ben Kennedy, driver of the #33 Jacob Chevrolet, practices
for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Texas Roadhouse 200.
Christopher Bell, driver of the #4 JBL Toyota, talks with Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Halloween Toyota, during practice
Christopher Bell, driver of the #4 JBL Toyota, talks with Kyle Busch,
driver of the #18 M&M's Halloween Toyota, during practice.

Photo 1 and 2, by Matt Sullivan/NASCAR via Getty Images
Photo 3, 6, 7 and 8, by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images
Photo 4 and 5, by Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Photo 9 by Jerry Markland/Getty Images

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Ryan Newman - #1 Martinville Closer

Ryan Newman - #1 Martinville Closer Ryan Newman will make his 545th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the series embarks on its 33rd event of the season. In 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Martinsville Speedway, Newman visited victory lane at this event in 2012. The Rocket Man also owns three pole awards ... all happening in the fall events in 2002, '04 and '09. In total, he owns eight top-five and 14 top-10 finishes along with 196 laps led in competition. The South Bend, Indiana, native has an average start of 9.1 and average finish of 15.0. 

Ryan Newman - #1 Martinville Closer #NASCAR


Question: What is the biggest challenge getting around Martinsville?
Ryan Newman: "Martinsville seems as if it's about forward drive, what tire Goodyear brings and getting your car balanced not just in practice but get the balance adjusted from practice to the race. It seems like the track changes quite a bit from Friday to Sunday."

Question: Do you enjoy going to Martinsville Speedway?
Ryan Newman: "I think Martinsville is one of the best short tracks on the circuit. I think for me having won there is just fun. It's one of those that requires patience yet you have to be aggressive when you can. You kind of just wait until someone starts slipping in front of you and then you start working him over. Then you work that guy over and start on the next one. It's just a lot of fun."



Meet Ryan ... Newman is scheduled to sign autographs on behalf of Coca-Cola on Friday at the Wal-Mart located at 976 Commonwealth Blvd., in Martinsville, Virginia, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Then on Sunday, he is scheduled to stop by the Team Chevy stage located at the track's midway at 10:15 a.m. local time. He'll be there for a question and answer session.


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Martinsville Speedway To Be First Major Motorsports Facility to Install LED Lights

Martinsville Speedway To Be First Major Motorsports Facility to Install LED Lights 'Light Up Martinsville'

 

Martinsville Speedway To Be First Major Motorsports Facility to Install LED Lights #NASCAR

After nearly seven decades of automotive racing without lights, historic Martinsville Speedway is finally set to flip the switch. International Speedway Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) (“ISC”) today announced that it will commit $5 million to equip the track with LED lighting, making it the first major motorsports facility to do so.

The lights, which will begin installation following this year’s Goody’s® Fast Relief 500 on October 30 and are scheduled to be in place by January 2017, represent the largest capital investment by ISC into Martinsville to date.

“Bringing lights to Martinsville Speedway is something that has been a priority for us,” said ISC President John Saunders. “But just like Martinsville, we wanted the lights for this project to be unique. They had to be of the highest-quality for both the competitors and the fans.”

The project, dubbed “Light Up Martinsville,” will see the installation of an industry-leading LED lighting solution, which provides better illumination, greater flexibility and more efficiency than traditional metal halide lights. In addition to enhancing the fan experience at Martinsville Speedway, LED lighting will also enhance the quality of the broadcast for fans watching at home. The lighting solution will consist of multiple structures located around the perimeter of the facility and the infield of the track.

“To be able to light this track up when the sun goes down, that’s going to be something truly special,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “Our fans have told us that they want lighting. We’re pleased to provide them with another amenity which will ensure Martinsville continues to be one of the premier destinations in motorsports.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports, was at Martinsville earlier today to help unveil the project.

“As a driver, I always get excited about coming to Martinsville,” said Earnhardt. “Adding lights to the track will only add to its legacy.”

Graybar, a leading distributor of high-quality electrical and communications products and services, will oversee the addition of Eaton’s Ephesus Stadium 750 LED professional sports lights to Martinsville.

“We’re proud to be a part of this historic project,” said Bill Mansfield, Graybar Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “When you combine Graybar’s services along with the products from Eaton’s Ephesus lighting business, this project will create the best lighting for the best drivers and fans in the world. We can’t wait to ‘Light Up Martinsville.’”

Tricia Helfer Set To Give #NASCAR Command

Tricia Helfer Set To Give #NASCAR Command

Actress and NASCAR Fan Tricia Helfer Set To Give Command To Fire Engines at Martinsville Speedway



Tricia Helfer Set To Give #NASCAR Command



A star on the FOX hit drama “Lucifer” and long-time NASCAR fan Tricia Helfer will say the most famous words in racing, “Drivers, Start Your Engines,” before the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday.

The Canadian-born actress will serve as the Honorary Starter for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“I was already a NASCAR fan, but after presenting at the 2015 Sprint Cup Awards and now being able to say the most famous words in motorsports to kick off a Chase race, this is definitely a fan solidifying moment,” Helfer said. “I am honored to be able to take part in the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 in Martinsville.”

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Tricia to Martinsville Speedway and to have her give the command to fire the engines,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “I first saw her at the banquet last year and you could see then she has a real interest and passion for NASCAR.”

Best known as the face of the series, and for her Leo award-winning lead performance as the humanoid, Cylon ‘Number Six’ in the critically acclaimed Syfy series, “Battlestar Galactica,” Helfer has since gone on to book leading roles on a wide variety of networks.

Before acting, Helfer launched her modeling career at age 17, and erupted into an international superstar after winning the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Contest in 1992.

In addition to acting, Helfer continues to support as many causes as she can, as she strongly believes in giving back. Currently, she is working with the Humane Society of United States, Best Friends Animal Society, AmFAR, PETA, Kitten Rescue and Richmond Animal Protection Society.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 race weekend is this weekend.

The action starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is in action Sunday with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500.

Adult ticket prices for the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 start at $55. Seats in the Bill France Tower are only $60.

Last year, Jeff Gordon took home his ninth grandfather clock trophy and was the first driver to clinch a spot in the Championship Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, live on NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 1 p.m. ET.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 is the first race in the Round of 8 of the Chase.


Thursday, October 27, 2016

Patrick Paints Martinsville Speedway Pink

Patrick Paints Martinsville Speedway Pink

Team Chevy will donate $5, up to $500,000, to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer every time the hashtag #IDriveFor is shared on Instagram or Twitter. 


Patrick Paints Martinsville Speedway Pink #nascar
Danica Patrick joined Chevy Racing, the American Cancer Society and four breast cancer survivors Wednesday to Paint the Curbs Pink at Martinsville Speedway. The event is part of Team Chevy and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program.

In addition to painting the iconic curbs, Chevy Racing will donate $350, up to $50,000, to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for every caution lap run during the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 on October 30. Last year the race saw 109 caution laps.

“What’s unique about Paint the Curbs is it’s like a precursor to the event weekend that’s coming up in a couple of weeks,” Jeff Chew, senior marketing manager for Chevy Racing, said. “So we want to one bring out the survivor group from the local community to join us and we want to make a splash in the local media, in the community and in the area about what’s coming.

The whole Martinsville Speedway Paint the Curbs Pink program is so cool. It’s the only one I know of in the sport.”

“It’s a great honor to be a part of something that is so important,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “Breast cancer has affected most of us in some way and we are thankful that Chevy Racing and the American Cancer Society want Martinsville Speedway to be a part of it.”

Like most everyone, Patrick has a personal story about the importance of breast cancer awareness and research. Her story isn’t about her or even an immediate family member, but a high school classmate.

“I have a very good friend who, 10 years ago we were in our mid-20s, she was tested for the breast cancer gene, because it ran in her family,” Patrick said. “Her results were overwhelming and she decided to have a double mastectomy to take away the chance that she would develop breast cancer someday.

“Those kinds of things happen because of events like this. People like Chevrolet that donate so many millions of dollars, $6 million since 2011, that’s very, very cool. Those things help with research and everything. That is why my friend won’t have to worry about (breast cancer).”

For breast cancer survivors the day was filled with emotion.

“When you look at the effort that everyone makes towards helping me is awesome. It’s absolutely awesome,” Beverly Rakes, a breast cancer survivor said. “I’m one who doesn’t like attention and am just getting used to being called a survivor. It was October of last year that I got the diagnosis.”

“It’s wonderful,” April Hammock, a three year survivor, said. “I didn’t even realize they did all of that for breast cancer awareness. I had no idea they do the donations for each caution lap.”

And from a fan standpoint, Hammock was also grateful to get to spend some time with Danica.

“She was fun. I’ve never been that up-close-and-personal with her. I’ve seen her close and gotten to take pictures of her, but I’ve never gotten to talk to her.

“She’s great. She’s really down to earth. I liked getting to spend some time with her.”

In addition to donating money for caution laps, Team Chevy will donate $5, up to $500,000, to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer every time the hashtag #IDriveFor is shared on Instagram or Twitter.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 Race Weekend is October 28-30.

The weekend starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is in action Sunday with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500.

Source

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Complete Weekend #NASCAR Schedule for #NSCS & #NCWTS

Complete Weekend #NASCAR Schedule for #NSCS & #NCWTS
Complete Weekend #NASCAR Schedule for #NSCS & #NCWTS

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
    • Goody's Fast Relief 500
    • Sunday, Oct. 30 / 1:00 PM ET
    • Martinsville Speedway

  • NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
    • Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions
    • Saturday, Oct. 29 / 1:30 PM ET
    • Martinsville Speedway

The NASCAR Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series will gather for a doubleheader showing at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Check out the full schedule below. The Xfinity Series is off and will return to action on November 5th at the Texas Motor Speedway.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 Race Weekend is October 28-30; the weekend starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is in action Sunday with the Goody’s Fast Relief 500.


Martinsville Schedule


Note: All times are ET

FRIDAY, OCT. 28:

  • -- 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice, NBCSN/NBC Sports App
  • -- 12:30-1:25 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series first practice, FS1
  • -- 2:30-3:50 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice, FS1
  • -- 4:40 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying,

SATURDAY, OCT. 29:

  • -- 9-9:55 a.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, CNBC
  • -- 10:15 a.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying, FS1
  • -- Noon-12:50 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice, NBCSN/NBC Sports App
  • -- 1:30 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Texas Roadhouse 200 presented by Alpha Energy Solutions (200 laps, 105.2 miles), FS1

SUNDAY, OCT. 30:

  • -- 1 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody's Fast Relief 500 (500 laps, 263 miles), NBCSN/NBC Sports App

The half-mile speedway offers great views of the entire track from nearly every seat, and every seat has a view of the action on pit road.

“When you come to Martinsville you know that you’re actually going to see a great race,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. “No matter if you’re sitting in the turns or on the straightaway, you get a great view of the action all over the track and we have a lot of action. You can’t say that about every track.”

Last year, Jeff Gordon took home his ninth grandfather clock trophy and was the first driver to clinch a spot in the Championship Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 is the first race in the Round of 8 of the Chase.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Richard Petty Motorsports Partners with the American Red Cross

Richard Petty Motorsports Partners with the American Red Cross
Team up with Brian Scott and No. 44 Ford to Raise Funds for Hurricane Matthew Victims

Richard Petty Motorsports announced today that the American Red Cross, one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations, will be featured as the primary partner on the No. 44 Ford Fusion driven by Brian Scott this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. With a history of giving back to the community, Richard Petty Motorsports and Scott will support giving back to the victims of Hurricane Matthew with a paint scheme donning a phone number to text and donate money to relief efforts.


Richard Petty Motorsports and Brian Scott will support giving back to the victims of Hurricane Matthew with a paint scheme donning a phone number to text and donate money to relief efforts. #nascar
Richard Petty Motorsports and Brian Scott will support giving back to the
victims of Hurricane Matthew with a paint scheme donning a phone
number to text and donate money to relief efforts.

More than two weeks after Hurricane Matthew struck Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and parts of Virginia, the American Red Cross has served more than 1.3 million meals and snacks, and provided 99,000 overnight shelter stays to people in need, prompting the charity to issue a call for the public's help.

"With the significance that Hurricane Matthew had on the Carolinas, Virginia and really all of the southeast coast, we knew it was extremely important to give back to our community in a partnership with the American Red Cross," Richard Petty, co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, said. "One of the best things we can do for our community is to give back, and after seeing the impact Hurricane Matthew had on cities like Lumberton, Kinston and others cities in the coast plains of NC, , we think partnering with Red Cross is an integral part in helping with the relief efforts of fans in those areas. We have cities completely under water where our neighbors have lost everything!"

The Red Cross depends on donations to provide immediate relief. Fans can help people affected by Hurricane Matthew by visiting http://www.redcross.org/rpm-pub, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word MATTHEW to 90999, which will be featured on the No. 44 Ford Fusion this weekend, to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

"We truly appreciate the partnership of Richard Petty and Brian Scott, and all the racing fans who are so generously supporting our work," said Selma Bouhl, Red Cross VP Brand & Marketing Strategy. "We're in the middle of a vast response effort and will be helping people affected by Hurricane Matthew to recover for as long as we are needed."

This will be the first time Richard Petty Motorsports and the American Red Cross have partnered together for a primary race. Scott has one start at Martinsville Speedway in the Sprint Cup Series, finishing 26th in the spring race earlier this season.

The No. 44 Red Cross Ford will hit the track for Sunday's Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, October 30 at 1:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN. 



About Richard Petty Motorsports

A performance and marketing driven company, Richard Petty Motorsports, co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and successful business entrepreneur Andrew Murstein, is one of the most recognized brands in all of motorsports. With a history of over 200 wins and business partnerships with national and global leaders, today the race operation fields two teams in competition in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Aric Almirola and Brian Scott. Almirola will return to the iconic No. 43 Ford with partners Smithfield Foods, STP, United States Air Force and the "Fresh From Florida" campaign. Scott will make his debut with the team and drive the Petty Family No. 44 Ford. Albertsons Companies, Shore Lodge, Twisted Tea and GoBowling.com will join Scott as he competes for Rookie of the Year in his first full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series. The team is headquartered in Mooresville, N.C.


About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.



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Jack Seller’s #NASCAR Cup Debut

Jack Seller’s #NASCAR Cup Debut The #44 Coca-Cola Buick Debuted in 1990

Sear’s Point Raceway
The Banquet 300
Sunday, June 10, 1990
Race 12 of the 1990 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
  • Race Length:74 laps
  • Time of race: 2:41:35
  • Average speed of winner: 69.245 mph
  • Margin of victory: under caution
  • Lead changes: 8 among 6 drivers
  • Cautions: 9 for 24 laps
Jack Seller’s #NASCAR Cup Debut
Jack Sellers, who made a record 282 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West
starts, passed away over the weekend at age 72. (Getty Images)
Jack Sellers, a K&N Pro Series West Icon ran his last race on October 15th 2016. Just nine days later, news that ‘Cowboy Jack’ had passed shocked the tight racing west coast family. True to his word, he raced until the day he died.

What most fans did not know is that Jack had raced in two Cup races with many of the sports champions.

The 1990 Banquet Frozen Foods 300 was a NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing event that took place on June 10, 1990, at Sears Point International Raceway in the community of Sonoma, California.

While the names have changed, Winston Cup to Sprint Cup and Sears Point to Sonoma Raceway, the racing was as fierce and competitive then as it is now. Jack Sellers made his NASCAR Sprint Cup debut that day and some how managed to grab the brief spotlight and valuable television coverage.

Jack Seller’s #NASCAR Cup Debut


Driving his Green #44 Coca-Cola Buick, Sellers started forty-fourth (last) off the starting grid. He had to bring the car back to the pits on the first lap due to an oil leak that was filling his cockpit with smoke. During that pit stop, the car fell off the jack. Never willing to give up, Sellers went back on the track.

Unfortunately, on lap four, Sellers brought out a two-lap caution due to an accident. The #44 was off-track and backed into a tire barrier in turn nine. However, in ‘Cowboy Jack’ fashion, he soldiered on. Jack Sellers managed to be the last man to actually finish the event, thirty-three laps down. He took the checkered in the fortieth.



Sellers’ Caution – is at 7:58 on video 


After two hours and forty-five minutes of racing, Rusty Wallace defeated Mark Martin under the race's final caution flag. Below are the complete race results: 

Finish Start Driver Car # Laps
1 11 Rusty Wallace 27 74
2 5 Mark Martin 6 74
3 1 Ricky Rudd 5 74
4 26 Geoff Bodine 11 74
5 31 Bobby Hillin, Jr. 8 74
6 17 Sterling Marlin 94 74
7 2 Ernie Irvan 4 74
8 28 Irv Hoerr 0 74
9 20 Michael Waltrip 30 74
10 14 Rick Wilson 75 74
11 21 Alan Kulwicki 7 74
12 16 Hut Stricklin 12 74
13 19 Derrike Cope 10 74
14 10 Dale Jarrett 21 74
15 37 Terry Fisher 9 74
16 13 Kyle Petty 42 74
17 36 Stan Barrett 18 74
18 7 Ken Schrader 25 74
19 41 Harry Gant 33 74
20 29 Bill Schmitt 73 74
21 4 Bill Elliott 9 74
22 42 Jim Bown 2 73
23 35 John Krebs 99 73
24 15 Davey Allison 28 72
25 38 Mike Chase 23 72
26 32 Richard Petty 43 71
27 40 Jimmy Spencer 57 71
28 43 Butch Gilliland 24 71
29 8 Morgan Shepherd 15 70
30 33 Troy Beebe 93 70
31 30 Butch Miller 98 68
32 22 Dave Marcis 71 67
33 12 Darrell Waltrip 17 65
34 3 Dale Earnhardt 3 65
35 9 Terry Labonte 1 62
36 34 Bill Sedgwick 76 61
37 23 Chad Little 19 60
38 6 Tommy Kendall 40 46
39 27 Dick Trickle 66 41
40 44 Jack Sellers 44 41
41 18 Brett Bodine 26 38
42 24 Rob Moroso 20 17
43 39 Ted Kennedy 34 11
44 25 Hershel McGriff 4 2


The names of the drivers above is astonishing.  Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, and Mark Martin are all inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  It must have been epic to have raced against those legends.


Sellers in the Red #44 far left keeps to the high side to let the youngsters pass.
Sellers in the Red #44 far left keeps to the high side to let the youngsters pass.
The NASCAR Community lost an important and enduring symbol of what a racer should aspire to be. Rest In Peace Jack Sellers – NASCAR Race Mom is privileged to have known you.

Note: Sellers also ran in the 1992 Save Mart 300K at Sears Point International Raceway in the #44 Dad's Old Fashioned Root Beer Buick. He started 43th and finished 40th after suffering a transmission issue. He completed 48 of the 74 schedule laps.

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