Tuesday, November 23, 2021

NASCAR Practice & Qualifying Returns

#NASCAR Practice & Qualifying Returns

Knockout-Style Format in 2022

NASCAR to Implement Group-Based Qualifying for Three National Series

NASCAR announced the return of practice and qualifying to its race weekends in 2022, with a dramatic knockout-style qualifying format setting the starting lineup for each NASCAR Cup Series race.

 

The announcement comes after nearly two seasons with race weekends largely held without practice or qualifying – a procedure born out of necessity to reduce travel days and on-site personnel while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In 2022, all events across all three NASCAR national series are scheduled to include qualifying.

 

“NASCAR is excited to return practice and qualifying to its race weekends,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “We missed seeing cars and trucks on track all weekend long, and so did our fans. We worked closely with our broadcast partners, teams and racetracks to create an exciting, unique qualifying format, while keeping several of the efficiencies that helped our entire industry successfully navigate the pandemic.”

 

For a majority of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the field will be split into two groups and participate in a practice and qualifying event that will last approximately two hours. The two-hour window will allow broadcast partners ample time and ability to cover the entire field, bringing wide-ranging, in-depth stories and insight to millions of fans each and every weekend.

 

During six NASCAR Cup Series weekends, five NASCAR Xfinity Series weekends and eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series weekends, NASCAR will implement an extended practice weekend schedule, which will feature one standalone 50-minute practice as well as a qualifying event.

 

Daytona International Speedway’s Speedweeks and the lead-up to the DAYTONA 500 will employ the extended practice format for all three series. Busch Pole Award Qualifying for the DAYTONA 500 is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Feb. 16, 2022.

 

Below is the format for each of the national series.

 

NASCAR Cup Series

Oval Qualifying

 

  • • Group A and Group B will each receive 15 minutes of practice 
    • o Groups set by odd/even finishing order of previous race 
  • • Qualifying Round 1 (Group A) – single car, one lap* 
    • o Top 5 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Round 1 (Group B) – single car, one lap* 
    • o Top 5 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Final Round (10 cars) – single car, one lap*

 

* — Two laps at Bristol, Dover, Martinsville and Richmond

 

Superspeedways

 

  • • Qualifying Round 1 (all cars) – single car, one lap 
    •     o Top 10 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Final Round (10 cars) – single car, one lap

 

Road Course

 

  • • Group A and Group B will each receive 20 minutes of practice 
  • • Qualifying Round 1 (Group A) – 15-minute timed session 
    •     o Top 5 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Round 1 (Group B) – 15-minute timed session 
    •     o Top 5 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Final Round (10 cars) – 10-minute timed session

 

Dirt

 

  • • Two 50-minute practice sessions 
  • • 4 qualifying races determine the field and lineup for the main race; order of qualifying races based on random draw

 

Extended Practice Weekends

 

  • • Events: Daytona 500, Atlanta-1, Bristol Dirt, WWT Raceway at Gateway, Nashville, Phoenix-2 
  • • One standalone 50-minute practice replaces group practice sessions 
  • • Qualifying procedure is based on the track type, following the procedures above

 

 

NASCAR Practice & Qualifying Returns - Cup

________________________________________

NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (90 minutes)

Oval Qualifying

 

  • • 20-minute practice for all vehicles 
  • • Qualifying (all vehicles) – single vehicle, one lap*

 

* — Two laps at Bristol, Dover, Martinsville and Richmond

 

Superspeedways, NCWTS Dirt

 

  • • Same as NASCAR Cup Series format

 

Road Courses

 

  • • All vehicles receive 20 minutes of practice in a single session 
  • • Qualifying Round 1 (Group A) – 15-minute timed session 
    • o Top 5 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Round 1 (Group B) – 15-minute timed session 
    • o Top 5 transfer to Final Round 
  • • Qualifying Final Round (10 vehicles) – 10-minute timed session

 

Extended Practice Weekends

 

  • • NXS: Daytona-1, Atlanta-1, Portland, Nashville, Phoenix-2 
  • • NCWTS: Daytona, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Knoxville, Sonoma, Mid-Ohio, Nashville, Phoenix-2
  • • One standalone 50-minute practice replaces group practice sessions 
  • • Qualifying procedure is based on the track type, following the procedures above

 

NASCAR Practice & Qualifying Returns - Xfinity

 

NASCAR Practice & Qualifying Returns - Trucks

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Saturday, November 20, 2021

What Will #NASCAR Do Now – Bubba Wallace Tweet

What Will #NASCAR Do Now – Bubba Wallace Tweet
Bubba Wins the “YellaWood 500” at Talladega Superspeedway


Most everyone alive is aware that the Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict came in as “Not Guilty.” There has been an enormous response to this episode of justice – some are relieved, while others outraged. This post will not address the right and/or wrong of the jury’s decision.

 

 

The above was posted by NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace. By his own words on his twitter account – Bubba is the only “driver from an African American background at the top level of our sport.. I am the 1. You're not gonna stop hearing about "the black driver" for years. Embrace it, accept it and enjoy the journey..”

 

Darrell “Bubba” Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota Camry for the new Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin owned 23XI Racing team in the NASCAR Cup Series.

 

NASCAR Series regulations say participants can be fined, suspended or terminated for "public statement and/or communication that criticizes, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition."

 

Now in the past NASCAR has been quick to sanction a participants for controversial statements. Just last year, veteran NASCAR driver Mike Wallace was placed on indefinite suspension due to a violation of the league’s member conduct guidelines with a social media post.

 

It will be interesting to see if there is any response from the NASCAR upper management regarding Bubba's demonstration of freedom of speech.

 

You will not have to wait to hear from the NASCAR fans regarding this situation. Below is just a sampling:

 

 

Mark Mcvey (@mark_mcvey) replied “Nothing wrong with Bubba’s tweet and everyone has a right to their opinion.”

 

Debbie (@wickeddebbie1) replied “If nascar does nothing to bubba, then they’re as racist as he is and will lose even more fans, sponsors and credibility than it has. Playing the ‘race card’ goes both ways. For and against ALL colours. Suspend bubba NOW or be counted with him. Do the right thing.”

 

lyn doyle (@ldddoyle) replied “Punished for what? Last time I checked we have a right in the U.S. to free speech. From an old white woman who is tired of the hatred in this country. Drivers in NASCAR could be an agent for change instead of perpetuating hatred.”

 

Kim Clarke (@KimClar13163291) replied “ There is a no tolerance policy in Nascar. Doesn’t matter what skin color you are. Bubba needs to be punished for this comment! I realize we have freedom of speech, I’m sick of all this black n white bullshit! Segregation will never go away because we won’t let it!

 

Now we NASCAR Fans will just have to wait and see . . . . . .

 

***Kyle Rittenhouse stood trial for shooting three white men killing two. He traveled to Kenosha, Wis., and took up arms asserting he did so because he wished to help protect businesses and residents from protesters demanding justice after the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. Kyle is white.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Thursday, November 18, 2021

RFK Racing Launches with Robust Rebranding Strategy

RFK Racing Launches with Robust Rebranding Strategy

Roush Fenway Racing changes Name to RFK Racing

RFK Racing Launches with Robust Rebranding Strategy


 

Roush Fenway Racing announced today a robust rebranding strategy that will see the organization change its official name to Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (going by RFK Racing). The team unveiled a new branding campaign and all new marks at a media luncheon at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday. The branding includes a new organizational logo structure, as well as a rebranding of the team’s iconic No. 6 mark.

 

“We are excited about this next chapter in our team’s history,” said team president Steve Newmark. “For our whole team, it has been vitally important to spend time and energy around this process to capture the right message about who we are as we move forward as an organization.”

 

 

For the rebranding, the team enlisted the services of the award-winning marketing firm RARE Design, who has handled rebranding for several major league stick and ball sports, as well as the NASCAR league rebranding. RARE conducted interviews with over 40 Roush Fenway employees, ranging from drivers, owners, board members and executives to crew members and shop employees with years of service ranging from a few months to 35-plus years. In addition, the change to the No. 6 Cup imagery is the first in two decades, signifying the team’s launch into a new era of success and performance.

 

For the rebranding, the team enlisted the services of the award-winning marketing firm RARE Design


 

“After all of the interviews and evaluation of our legacy, what stood out was that our ownership group represents three fundamental pillars, and each will contribute to our success going forward,” said Newmark.

 

“The heritage and innovation of Jack Roush, the championship swagger of Fenway Sports Group and the passion for racing of Brad Keselowski are what merges together to create RFK Racing,” added Newmark. “These principles form and drive the fundamentals of our team and the new brand, as we lay out the roadmap that will lead us into the future.”

 

 

“Today’s announcement is more than a fancy new logo,” said Keselowski. “It’s an acknowledgment to our heritage, a renewed commitment to our people and a stake in the ground that says we are here to operate top-tier race teams in the sport of NASCAR for decades to come. I’m thrilled to be a part of this next chapter with Jack Roush and John Henry.”

 

RFK Racing will field two NASCAR Cup teams in 2022, with NASCAR and perennial Cup contender Brad Keselowski taking part ownership in the team, while piloting the team’s No. 6 Ford Mustang. Chris Buescher returns to pilot the No. 17 Ford. The team announced earlier this month that veteran crew chief Matt McCall will call the shots for Keselowski and the No. 6 Team.

 

Scott Graves will lead the No. 17 team and Buescher in 2022. The duo of Buescher and Graves combined to win the 2015 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and were paired together again with five races remaining in the 2021 season, scoring three finishes of 12th or better, including a pair of top 10s and a third-place finish at the Charlotte ROVAL.

 

 

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Life-long NASCAR Fan Wins Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

Life-long NASCAR Fan WinsBetty Jane France Humanitarian Award

Down Syndrome of Louisville to receive $100,000

Jeff Harmon Wins #NASCAR's  Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award
Jeff Harmon Wins #NASCAR's  Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

 

The NASCAR Foundation announced Louisville, KY native Jeff Harmon as the winner of the 11th annual presentation of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award during a live-streamed announcement on NASCAR’s YouTube channel today. As the award winner, Harmon secured $100,000 from The NASCAR Foundation to Down Syndrome of Louisville.

 

“I’m so excited and humbled to win this award”, said Jeff Harmon when he first received the news. “The other three finalists were all deserving as well, I’m blessed, what an honor. The $100,000 will go a long way in helping Down Syndrome of Louisville grow and expand to help even more kids. Thank you to The NASCAR Foundation and all who voted!”

 

Harmon, who has served, supported, and uplifted Down Syndrome of Louisville and the surrounding communities for 18 years, earned the most online votes from a pool of volunteers, including: Erin Collins of the Dallas Hearing Foundation, Jaeleen Davis of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, and Beverly Hodson of Richie McFarland Children’s Center, all of whom have impacted a combined number of 6,330 kids through their continual service. Each of these organizations has each earned a $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation in recognition of their nominated volunteers’ achievements.

 

“We’re very proud to present this award to Jeff Harmon, he has been doing extraordinary work for Down Syndrome of Louisville and exemplifies the values of Betty Jane France,” said Mike Helton, The NASCAR Foundation Chairman. “Our fans had a tough decision because all four are passionate people who devote hours of their time to help their respective organizations. We’re delighted to present this recognition to Jeff to honor the work he’s doing in the Louisville community.”

 

Throughout the 11 years of its existence, the Betty Jane France Award has highlighted 44 different individuals who have served and uplifted children in their local communities. The NASCAR Foundation, through this program, has acknowledged 622 years of combined service from these community heroes who have touched at least 374,763 children’s lives overall.

 

Harmon began his tenure volunteering for the Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) 18 years ago, when his son, Justin, was born with Down Syndrome. Serving in the capacity of coach and fundraiser, he logs around 20 hours per month with the organization. The organization serves as a support system for local families and individuals that have dealt with Down Syndrome. 

 

Harmon began his tenure volunteering for the Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) 18 years ago

 

 

Harmon and the DSL plan to use the $100,000 cash prize to help implement modern playground equipment and sensory room renovations, as well as launching satellite campuses to further support the Down Syndrome community.

 

Aside from his service, Harmon has been a committed life-long fan of NASCAR, with his all-time favorite driver being Darrell Waltrip. The racing fan grew up racing modified stock cars with his family and friends, and now gets to share his love of the sport with his own family and children.

 

To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s programs, including the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and Speediatrics Children’s Fund, please visit NASCARfoundation.org.

 

 

Down Syndrome of Louisville - Providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome!
Down Syndrome of Louisville - Providing support, education,
and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome!

 


 

source: NASCAR Media

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Racing Legend Bob Bondurant Passes at Age 88

Racing Legend Bob Bondurant Passes at Age 88

Champion Race Car Driver and Founder of The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving

 

Bob Bondurant 1965 courtesy Bondurant Racing School
Bob Bondurant 1965

Breaking overnight, America's iconic World Champion Bob Bondurant has passed away in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Pat. Bondurant is the only American to bring home the World Championship trophy back to the U.S. while racing for Carroll Shelby. 

 

Bob Bondurant circa 2018
Bob Bondurant
circa 2018
He won his class at Le Mans and has been inducted into ten motorsports halls of fame. Bondurant Racing School was founded in 1968 and has graduated celebrities for car movies like James Garner, Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage, and Christian Bale, along with over 500,000 graduates from around the world. 

 

His legacy will remain with us forever.

 

 

On a personal note, this writer had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Bondurant at a 2016 Barrett-Jackson Auction.  Bob was a true gentleman who seem genuinely please to meet you. He served as a mentor to an overabundance of up-and-coming racers, including my son, Moses Smith.

 

Bob Boundurant & NASCAR Race Mom (2016)
Bob Bondurant & NASCAR Race Mom (2016)

 

You will be remembered and miss Bob Bondurant! 

 

Robert Lewis Bondurant, April 27, 1933-November 12, 2021

Friday, November 12, 2021, the world lost an iconic American racing hero, Bob Bondurant. Bondurant passed away at the age of 88 and is survived by his wife, Pat, President and CEO of the Bondurant Racing School,  who vows to continue the legacy of Bob's School.

 

Robert Lewis Bondurant was born on April 27, 1933, to John Roper Bondurant and Ruth Williams Bondurant of Evanston, Illinois. His father owned two luxury car dealerships named "Bondurant Motors." When Bob turned two years old, the family moved to Westwood Village, CA.

 

Bob and Pat Bondurant
Bob and Pat Bondurant
Bob began his fascination with speed as a three-year-old on his first tricycle with playing cards clothes pinned on his spokes for the sound of the rush. At age 8, his father introduced him to racing by taking him to Thursday night midget races.

 

By twelve years old, his parents were divorced, and he persuaded his mother to purchase a Whizzer electric bike to deliver his newspapers faster. By 14, he owned his first Indian motorcycle, and after the devastating death of his mother at 16 years old, he started racing flat track and even bigger Indians and Harleys. His mother's death left him inconsolable, which is where the seed of his fearlessness was realized.

 

Bob was then inducted as the youngest member of the "Galloping Gooses,"  which eventually became "Hell's Angels." At 23 years old, he discovered that he had more control with four wheels than he did with two, and his racing career began in a Morgan Plus 4.

 

From the age of 23 to 34, Bob became one of the most iconic race car drivers in the world. He had won the National Corvette Title, Le Mans GT, the World Championship, and the Baja 500... Between 1961 and 1963, he won 30 out of 32 races in Corvettes. Bob is the first and only American to bring the World SportsCar  Championship trophy home to America in the legendary Shelby Daytona Coupe #26. He then rose to the highest level in racing with Ferrari in Formula 1 and prototypes.

 

Bob in F1 Ferrari, Watkins Glen, 1965
Bob in F1 Ferrari, Watkins Glen, 1965

 

Bondurant left the Formula 1 race series to race the even faster Can-Am cars with best friend and team driver, Peter Revson, in the Lola T70 Mark II. In 1967, a fateful race at Watkins Glen  changed his entire career, and the Bondurant School was born. His steering arm broke at 150mph, and, lying in traction at the hospital, he vividly remembers his conversation with God explaining to Bob that he was needed more on Earth and to start a driving and safety school to save thousands of lives of those otherwise dying on the highways and in motorsports.

 

 

Answering the call, on February 14, 1968, Bob founded The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. For 50 years, it earned and held a reputation as the number-one racing school in the world, crediting Bob as "the global expert authority on driver training and safety." Using his notorious racing skills, he copyrighted "The Bondurant Method." Personally, he taught his hand-selected instructors how to educate the world to be better drivers.

 

Le Mans Win 1965 courtesy Bondurant Racing School
Le Mans Win 1965 courtesy Bondurant Racing School


 

Bob and the Bondurant team graduated well over 500,000 students at his famous school, including Christian Bale, Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood, Nicolas Cage, and Tom Cruise, to name a few. Bondurant was actively at the track every day, enthusiastically greeting his new students until he was well over 85 years old. He kept racing, too. Bondurant's last Championship was 1997 for the World Cup Challenge, racing for Steve Saleen. Bondurant retired from racing at 79 after winning his last race at Pomona Raceway in his #72 ERA GT40.

 

Bob Bondurant has had a worldwide impact on the motorsports industry, and his legacy will live on eternally as the Bondurant Racing School moves forward into the future.

 

His wife Pat is the President and CEO of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving dba/ BONDURANT RACING SCHOOL and is carrying his legacy forward into the future.

 

In the classroom, 1975 courtesy Bondurant Racing School
In the classroom, 1975 courtesy Bondurant Racing School


 

Bondurant concludes, "My life has been lived in two halves. The first was becoming a World Champion driver. The second was teaching the world to become champions."