NASCAR Unites 2012 TV Spot

The NASCAR Unites 30 second TV Spot shows what NASCAR Unites is all about!

NASCAR Unites is an industry-wide initiative led by The NASCAR Foundation that showcases the efforts of the NASCAR community to support charitable initiatives.

Do you have your NASCAR Unites wristband? NASCAR Race Mom has hers!

SPEED's Car Warriors Premieres

Two local garages. 48 hours. A fight to the finish. Host/judge Jimmy Shine is stoked for the new season of Car Warriors. The Special Preview aired on Friday, February 24th, after the Daytona Truck Race.

SPEED's Car Warriors premieres TONIGHT at 9pm ET and will continue to air on Wednesdays at 9pm throughout the remainder of the season.

Check out preview video from Friday's special preview below:

Matt Kenseth - Priceless

Matt Kenseth holds off Dale Earnhardt Jr.
to win a wild Daytona 500

Matt Kenseth, who won back in 2009, claimed his second Daytona 500 victory thanks to a push from teammate Greg Biffle. It was Biffle who blocked a hard-charging Dale Earnhardt Jr., who tried to make a desperation pass at the end but came up short, finishing second, extending his winless streak to 130 races.

“The Roush cars are just really strong, they showed that all week,” Earnhardt said. “I’m happy for Matt. He’s going to need that for his college fund. They’re in good shape now.

For Kenseth and his Roush Fenway teammates, it marked the completion of a stellar Daytona experience. Carl Edwards was the polesitter, Kenseth won his Duel 150 qualifier, and Biffle finished third in the 500.

“Awesome, man, awesome!” Kenseth screamed over his radio as he crossed the finish line.

Source

2011 Successful NASCAR Team Changes

NASCAR is one of the most important components of the race niche in the sports world. The reason for this is that it highlights more than 100 races every year. These races take place in three main circuits, such as Sprint Cup, Craftsman Truck, and Nationwide. Another great thing that you must know about NASCAR is the fact that it features some truly popular teams and drivers, including Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

NASCAR: What You Must Know about It

We cannot talk about NASCAR without referring to stock car racing. As you might already know, stock car racing actually relates to the competition between the cars, which use standard bodies instead of specific designed exteriors. This type of racing registered an essential rise in popularity during the 90’s. But even after so many years, NASCAR remains one of the most popular televised sports events especially in the U.S. However, it is essential to know that it has been characterized by some important team changes. From all of them, the most successful ones were registered in 2011. These great changes underlined the phenomenal growth that NACAR has been showing for so many long.

The 10 Most Important Team Changes

As you already know, last year was marked by a few essential team changes. The most important ones highlight the followings:

1. The very first change that took place was done by the Penske Racing team, which replaced Kurt Busch and the team with Brad Keselowski and the team number 12. In addition to this change, Kurt Busch moved to the Shell/Pennzoil car.
   
   
2. Hendrick Motorsports made another important change. The team rearanged things so that Steve Letarte, Alan Gustafson, and L. McGrew are now with Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Mark Martin. Jeff Gordon's new crew chief became Alan Gustafson, Lance McGrew switched to Mark Martin, and Dale got paired up with Steve Letarte.
   
   
3. The third essential change took place in January 2011, when Lance Fenton and Bob Leavine announced the formation of a new racing team, which came under the name of Leavine Fenton Racing. David Starr was chosen to drive for the rest of the season.
   
   
4. The month of February witnessed another team formation. At that time, Frank Stoddard formed a new team, which is known as FAS Lane Racing.
   
   
5. In March 2011, David Stremme confirmed his return in the racing world with another team, namely Inception Motorsports. He returned to the Cup Series, driving the Chevrolet with number 30 for the rest of the season.
   
   
6. Another great change relates to Sinica Motorsports, which also joined the Cup Series. It ran the Chevrolet with number 93 for the last three races of the season. This team had two different drivers, namely Terry Labonte and Bill Elliott. Additionally, Sinica Motorsports has already announced that Grant Enfinger is going to drive for this team in 2012.
   
   
7. Additionally, Paul Menard left from Richard Petty Morotorsports and joined Richard Childress Racing. Paul Menard left with a contract, which will expire in 2013.
   
   
8. Kasey Kahne also changed his team – which used to be Richard Petty Motorsports – with Red Bull Racing.
   
   
9. Marcos Ambrose left from JTG Daugherty Racing to replace Kahn and drive for the Richard Petty Motorsports team.
   
   
10. Bobby Labonte left his team to replace Ambrose. He drove for JTG Daugherty Racing until the end of the season.

As you are able to see, the aforementioned drivers and teams performed a few significant team changes in 2011. For this year, many professionals estimate some other essential changes, which will definitely make everything even more exciting than it already is.

More on NASCAR and Team Changes

Although a person, who does not know too many things about NASCAR, might consider that different changes can easily unbalance the structure of a racing team, they actually revitalize this magnificent sport. A truly great thing is that in most cases, the team changes are benefic especially because they come along with specific advantages, which mainly relate to the capabilities of different drivers.

Obviously, these changes can help specific teams – that usually get mediocre results – to obtain more points than before. The reason for this is that these changes allow different teams to get some better drivers than they used to have. And this is one of the reasons why the teams complete different strategies based on the changes that will take place within particular periods. Based on all these facts, we can state that the team changes are definitely some very important elements for NASCAR and its history.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on NASCAR Race Mom are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of NRM.

David Veibl, occasional guest blogger and sport enthusiast, now writes for AthlonSports. Athlon's digital properties include AthlonSports.com which provides coverage for NASCAR news and college sports of every kind. @DavidVeibl

Hutchison Chases Rookie Title In K&N West

Teen Took Rookie Honor In Late Models At Roseville Last Year

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – Seventeen-year-old Dylan Hutchison will go for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award this year in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, driving the Johnny Walker Performance / Bay Bio Diesel-sponsored No. 5 Chevrolet for Jack Sellers Racing and car owner Charlie Silva in 2012.

Hutchison was the 2011 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model division at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif.

The entire Jack Sellers Racing organization is getting a freshened look thanks to paint and vinyl from Johnnie Walker Performance. The black and red Chevrolets will be hard to miss on the track when the team kicks of the 2012 season at Phoenix International Raceway on March 3 in the Talking Stick Resort 50. Hutchison's car will also make an appearance for sponsor Eibach Springs over the race weekend.

"I am extremely grateful to all of my sponsors and especially Jack Sellers, John Krebs, Charlie Silva, and all the hard work of Tom Wicks for this opportunity," Hutchison said. "Our goal is to compete for the Rookie of the Year and gain experience throughout the season."

Hutchison – a football star at Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, Calif. – got his first taste of NASCAR K&N Pro Series racing at All American in 2011 when he qualified ninth against a stout 29-car turnout. But Hutchison's step up will begin at the one-mile Phoenix track will be against possibly the toughest field the young driver will have ever faced.

Hutchison will be teamed with series veteran Jack Sellers for the full 15-race schedule that includes two trips to Phoenix, two trips to Iowa Speedway and four road course events; including the series debut in Minnesota. The schedule and a desire to continue his high school football career motivated Hutchison to stay on the West Coast for 2012.

John Krebs will turn the wrenches for Hutchison this season and has already worked alongside the teenager in preparing the fleet of cars for the season. Long-time Hutchison supporter Tony Caputo has been named crew chief for Sellers in the No. 15 car.

Race fans can learn more about Dylan Hutchison Racing at www.dylanhutchison.com or by visiting the team on Facebook at keywords “Dylan Hutchison Racing”.

Dylan Hutchison Racing sponsors include Johnnie Walker Performance Center, Bay Bio Diesel, Eibach Springs, Karp Capital Management, Rex Hutchison Racing Engines, All Valley Tow & Transport, GM Construction & Developers, Allen’s Cabinet & Fixtures, PJ’s Auto Body, Done by Don, JW Sweet Rides, Metal Jeans, Amsoil, Aero Wheels, Blakesley Sports Media, and Race Media Group.

Team Release
February 22, 2012 - 10:29pm

Rise Up and Register

Blake Koch is bringing "Rise Up and Register"
to 2012 NASCAR Nationwide campaign

THOMASVILLE, NC (2-20-12) – Returning for his second full season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with a new team and a new look, Florida native Blake Koch is proud to announce his partnership with The Rise Up and Register Campaign. Koch will proudly pilot the Rick Ware Racing #41 Rise up and Register Chevrolet Impala and Ford Mustang for the NASCAR Nationwide Tour. As part of the partnership, Koch will reach out to the NASCAR fans, educating them on the importance of being registered to vote in the coming elections.

"I am excited to be working with Rise up and Register for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide season," said Koch. "This is a great organization dedicated to educating race fans about the importance of getting out and voting," said Koch.

Rise Up and Register is a national campaign with a goal of registering over one million new voters this year. Rise Up and Register firmly believes that increased electoral participation will yield tremendous benefits to our nation at a time when our problems seem to mount daily. During this race season, Rise Up and Register will work to add voices and encourage all Americans to Rise Up for their country. Koch will be one of those voices as he brings this powerful campaign to one of the Nation's largest audiences – NASCAR.

"Back in 2008 I didn’t vote and I feel bad for that," said Koch. "Now, as a husband and a soon to be father, I realize the importance of taking part in our political process. I'm honored to be part of this great outreach to get everyone registered and voting for our next election and every election in the future."

In addition to serving as the primary sponsor for Koch during the 2012 season, Rise Up and Register will also conduct a national advertising campaign during the races, and host outreach events across the country, all designed to encourage people to register to vote and to get their friends to register to vote. As part of the campaign, Rise Up and Register will give one lucky fan a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro painted to match Koch's 2012 Rise Up and Register NASCAR.

Fans can sign up to join this campaign and register to win this car by texting “USA” to 41600.” To learn more about this campaign and to view a copy of the contest rules, please visit the organization’s website at www.riseupandregister.com.

Blake Koch has created a major fan base in both the NASCAR community and the faith based market over the past three years. Back in 2009 he made his NASCAR debut when he was recruited by a Richard Childress Racing Driver Development team to become their primary driver in the NASCAR Camping World West Series. In his Rookie season Blake placed an impressive 8th in the season ending point standings and became one of the few teams to bring a faith based primary sponsorship to the NASCAR Community.

Last season, Koch went fulltime into the NASCAR Nationwide Series where he earned five top 25 finishes in just his first 10 races and joined an elite group of drivers who have achieved that goal, including: Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Throughout the year Koch competed with fellow driver Timmy Hill for the coveted Rookie of the Year title, a title which Hill won by a single point after a season long battle that drew as much attention as the series championship.

This year, Koch has joined forces with Hill as his teammate after being signed by Rick Ware Racing. “After last year we figured it was better if Blake raced for us instead of against us,” said Ware. “Blake is a very special young man with a very bright future, both on the track and off the track.” Based in Thomasville, North Carolina, Rick Ware Racing is known as the "Biggest Little Team in Motorsports." With Hill as his teammate and carrying the message of Rise up and Register, Koch is looking for a powerful campaign in the NASCAR Nationwide Series which opens up at Daytona International Speedway on February 17.

"I am truly blessed to be a part of Rick Ware Racing," said Koch." I am really looking forward to the upcoming year with RWR and excited to be teammates with Timmy Hill."

Join with Blake Koch and Rise Up and Register today by texting "USA" to 41600.

To learn more about Blake Koch visit www.blakekoch.com. For further information on Rick Ware Racing visit www.wareracing.net. For additional information on the Rise Up and Register campaign visit www.riseupandregister.com. For additional information on the NASCAR Nationwide Series visit www.NASCAR.com.

By Bill Sullivan, Blake Koch Inc.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The bright lights of the “World Center of Racing” will shine on the stars of NASCAR’s regional and touring series, as NASCAR announced today Daytona International Speedway will host the inaugural “UNOH Battle At The Beach” on Feb. 18-19, 2013.

The two-days of racing will be headlined by three non-points special events: the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified tours, and the Late Model division of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

A temporary oval will be set up on Daytona’s Superstretch to host the races, It is tentatively slated to be approximately .4-mile.

“This is all about the stars of tomorrow vying for glory at Daytona International Speedway,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series. “During two days and nights of intense competition, fans will be able to see today’s aces of short track racing and some great young talent.”

The event will include live television coverage on Speed.

The process for setting the field for the 2013 UNOH Battle At The Beach will be:

• Winners of 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West events as well as the series champions will automatically be locked into that series’ race at Daytona next year.
  
  
• Similarly, winners of 2012 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour or NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour races and series champions will be locked into the Modified race next February at Daytona.
  
  
• The top 10 finishers in the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I national standings will earn a starting spot in the 2013 Late Model race.
  
  
• In addition, the champions of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Toyota Series from Mexico, and Euro Racecar NASCAR Touring Series in 2012 will earn a protected starting spot in whichever one of the three 2013 Daytona races they choose to run.
  
  
• The remaining spots in the 2013 Daytona features will be filled through time trials and heat races during the two days of racing next February.

”Grassroots short track racing is the foundation of this great sport and we are thrilled to give these young drivers the opportunity to fight for a win at the ‘World Center of Racing,’ ” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood. “Many of NASCAR’s greatest stars cut their teeth on short tracks around the country and we look forward to hosting the stars of tomorrow in 2013.”

Chitwood also announced that Daytona has reached an agreement with a number of area hotels to secure special room rates for those nights next February to make it more affordable for racers and fans to attend the Battle At The Beach.

Event entitlement sponsor, the University of Northwestern Ohio, has been heavily involved with NASCAR’s grassroots racing programs. The school, which offers a degree in High Performance Motorsports, owns NASCAR-sanctioned Limaland Motorsports Park and is the sponsor of several NASCAR touring races.

At Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, from left, Joie Chitwood, speedway president, George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West competitor Dylan Kwasniewski and Dr. Jeff Jarvis, UNOH president gathered on Friday for the official announcement of the UNOH Battle at the Beach set for 2013. Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

Short Track Stars To Light Up Daytona
Speedweeks 2013 To Include UNOH Battle At The Beach
Official Release
February 17, 2012 - 9:18am

The Budweiser Shootout

“By taking the top 25 competitors in last year’s driver points and combine that with former race winners at Daytona, you have all the ingredients for an extremely deep and talented field of drivers for the 2012 Budweiser Shootout,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “When you take a look at the roster of drivers that this entails, I have to believe this is one of the most competitive fields that have ever been assembled for this event.”

Read "Everything You Need To Know About The Budweiser Shootout" Click Here .

Roush Fenway “25 Winning Years” program

Roush Fenway celebrated the kick-off of its 25th season by ‘seeing the team haulers off’ to Daytona Speedweeks and taking a ‘25’ team photo with Jack Roush and team employees to commemorate the start of the “25 Winning Years” program.

Source

Kip Childress - Work With Professionals!

Kip Childress is a forty-one year old who lives in the northern part of Davidson County. He is married to Jenny, the love of his life and has two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Brianna.

Childress is also the director of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, East. His Facebook page mentions that he is extremely fortunate to work with some of the greatest racing professionals in the country.

He also recently tweeted the photo above, attached to the tweet, “A pleasure to work with this group of professionals! @NASCARHomeTrack #KNEast #KNWest #NWMT #NWSMT http://yfrog.com/oe3e5hzj ”

NASCAR Race Mom will miss these NASCAR Professionals this race season.

Sign up for Twitter to follow Kip Childress (@KNPSEDir). Director, NASCAR K&N Pro Series. You can also follow him on Facebook.

Crown Royal® Kicks Off Nationwide Call for Heroes

Whisky Brand to Honor an American Hero with Naming Rights
to the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Feb. 7, 2012 – There are certain people who go above and beyond to change people’s lives. From protecting our country to serving as leaders in the community, Crown Royal is looking to pay tribute to those who are making a difference. The whisky brand is encouraging adult fans to nominate their personal heroes (21 or older) for naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here”TM 400 at the Brickyard.

The race, to be held on July 29, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and will mark the sixth time Crown Royal has awarded race naming rights to an adult fan. For the past two years, Crown Royal accepted nominations for military and service members exclusively. Not only has the 2012 race moved to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the annual program—now called “Your Hero’s Name Here”—has been expanded to accept entries for all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from firefighters and police officers, to first responders and local volunteers.

“The expansion of the nomination category gives adult fans the opportunity to honor all men and women who truly make a difference in their day-to-day lives,” said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, DIAGEO North American whisky. “We’ve been given the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who unselfishly commit themselves to giving back, and we look forward to seeing one of our heroes kiss the bricks in Indianapolis this summer.”

To nominate a hero for consideration for naming rights to the race, fans are encouraged to visit the Crown Royal Facebook page (Facebook.com/CrownRoyal), where they will be asked to describe a heroic act by the nominee in 100 words or less. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2012 and the five finalists will be announced in May. Once the finalists are announced, fans will be provided the chance to cast a vote and determine the winner. The winner will be revealed in a special ceremony leading up to the race.

As part of the prize package, the grand-prize winner will travel to Indianapolis for the race, where he or she will be provided an once-in-a-lifetime experience, which includes waving the green flag to signal the start of the race and delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane.

The race is the culminating event of the Crown Royal Heroes ProjectTM, an ongoing commitment to recognize everyday heroes and give back to their communities. As part of the project, special commemorative CAMO Crown Royal bag stuffing events were held across the country throughout the fall, resulting in thousands of Crown Royal care packages being sent to American troops overseas, with the help of Packages from Home. The Project benefits the brand’s two national charity partners, Honoring Heroes and Operation Patriot Foundation.

Crown Royal’s ongoing effort to identify deserving individuals kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis, along with various military bases across the country and will continue throughout the entry period. Former NFL standout Warrick Dunn made a special appearance around the big game to call attention to the program and encourage adult fans to nominate their heroes. Dunn has partnered with the whisky brand to honor his own hero – his late mother – a former police officer who was killed during an off-duty security shift 19 years ago.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all fans to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has hosted the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing also will make their IMS debut with races in 2012.

IMS is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and is the only venue to stage annual races in the IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, GRAND-AM Road Racing and MotoGP.

About Operation Patriot Foundation
The mission of Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc., is to pay tribute to those who protect us daily - fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and our active and veteran military forces, and to raise money for organizations representing these men and women who protect us. Our intentions are simple. To pay tribute to and help those who risk their lives for us daily and provide support to these people and their families through fund raising and ceremony in their honor. Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.operationpatriot.org.

About Honoring Heroes
Honoring Heroes, also known as The American First Responder Institute of Heraldry, has created nationally recognized awards for valor and heroism in the service of the First Responders' life saving mission. No federal, state or local funds are required because the First Responder Institute prioritizes using locally donated dollars to honor local first responders. Prior to the work of the Institute, there was only one nationally recognized award for First Responders; the Medal of Valor. We have created complimentary awards for heroism and exceptional service "above and beyond the call of duty." Awards are also given for direct participation in significant events, for improving security of the homeland and for exemplary service. For more information, please visit www.honoringheroes.com.

About Packages From Home
Packages From Home is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans. Packages From Home was founded in 2004 by Kathleen Lewis and has sent over 130,000 individual care packages and thousands of pounds of bulk mailing to deployed military troops overseas since its inception. You can make a donation and learn more about Packages From Home by calling 602.253.0284 or by visiting us at www.packagesfromhome.org.

Paulie Harraka Teams with Venturini Motorsports for Daytona

Duke University honor student and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Paulie Harraka will join Venturini Motorsports for a single-race effort in the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 18.

"I'm excited to be competing in the ARCA race at Daytona with Venturini Motorsports," Harraka said. "Daytona International Speedway is certainly the hallowed grounds of motorsports, and I've looked at the high banks there in awe for years. To have the opportunity to compete for the first time on those high banks, and to be doing it with this team, is extremely exciting for me."

Harraka, a former NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver, will be a part of Venturini's five-team effort at Daytona, piloting the No. 55 Venturini Motorsports Toyota.

In addition to competing in the ARCA opener at Daytona, Harraka has teamed with veteran NASCAR crew chief Richie Wauters and will compete for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title with newly formed Wauters Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

As a senior at Duke University, Harraka is not your typical college student. The 22-year-old from Wayne, N.J. is an overachiever in every sense of the term.

During his collegiate career, Harraka has won countless NASCAR races while juggling a full load of academic studies; focusing on engineering, sports psychology, leadership, and business. He's also interned at Joe Gibbs Racing in their research and development division, as well as interning in corporate marketing at NASCAR's New York office.

Harraka is a past champion in NASCAR's Whelen All-American Series, and has posted two different NASCAR Rookie of the Year titles: NASCAR Whelen All American Series and NASCAR Camping World Series West (now K&N Pro Series West). Most recently, Harraka posted three victories in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Beyond his racing and academic focus, Harraka is a celebrity ambassador for Childhelp, a national nonprofit that works with abused, neglected, and at-risk children. There's no wonder Harraka has been featured on everything from ESPN and Sports Illustrated to Fox News and The New York Times.

Practice for the season-opening race starts on Thursday, February 16, while Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is Friday, February 17, at 2 p.m. The race, scheduled to be televised live by SPEED, is Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

From Team Release

Kevin Harvick inducted Into Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame

"From my go-kart days or my wrestling days at North High, no matter what it was, the town has been supportive. And you guys support our foundation events when we come back. It's truly an honor to see the support."

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Kevin Harvick returned Wednesday to where his racing career began -- his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif. -- to be inducted into the Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame.

A sold-out gathering greeted their hometown hero, who went from racing go-karts around the Bakersfield area as a 5-year-old to winning the Daytona 500 in 2007.

"It's been an honor to be selected," Harvick told the audience at his induction. "My friends and family and everybody in this town have been very supportive. From my go-kart days or my wrestling days at North High, no matter what it was, the town has been supportive. And you guys support our foundation events when we come back. It's truly an honor to see the support."

"This town has been very much a part of everything I've been able to do in my career," Harvick said, thanking many individuals and businesses by name. "We had a lot of help from a lot of people around here."

Harvick recalled his grandfather taking him to the race track as a kid and growing up around racing.

"It really helped shape my life and gave me something as a kid that I could really latch onto and really be a part of and really look forward to every week," he said.

Harvick recalled his racing days at Mesa Marin Raceway, where he competed as a 16-year-old.

"Mesa Marin Raceway is a place where I learned a lot of hard lessons and I had a lot of success," he said. "The Collins family was always very supportive of everything that we did. Mesa Marin was a huge part. It really launched my career into what it is today."

Harvick also thanked his family for their contribution to his career.

"My family has made a lot of sacrifices through the years to give me the opportunity to drive my car and do the things that I get to do today," he said. "It's fun to come back to the town they still live in and see the support that everybody gives. We all appreciate it and I really appreciate everything they have done for me through my career."

Harvick, 36, was one of four enshrined during Wednesday's ceremony. Also inducted were Olympic swimmer Gabe Woodward; Pat Skrable, an outstanding baseball and football player at Bakersfield High School; and Arnold Kirschenmann, a golfing standout from Bakersfield.

Harvick joins just three other drivers in the Hall -- four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, off-road champion Roger Mears and Indy 500 competitor George Snider.

The Hall is named for Bakersfield sports broadcaster Bob Elias, who, before his passing in 1965, led the effort to establish a way to honor outstanding performances by athletes and officials from Bakersfield and Kern County.

Harvick grew up racing go-karts and then competed as a teenager in late model stock cars at Mesa Marin Raceway in eastern Bakersfield. He won a championship at the high-banked, half-mile track in 1993. He graduated to the former NASCAR Southwest Tour, where he won Rookie of the Year honors in 1995, and then to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, where he won a championship in 1998.

Harvick's success continued as he moved to NASCAR's national level, competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2000. He won the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in 2001 and a second title in 2006. He also won the Raybestos Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2001.

His NASCAR Sprint Cup Series accomplishments include 18 victories, highlighted by his win in the Daytona 500. Harvick finished third in the standings in each of the past two seasons.

Source RCR Racing

What Did You Do During The NASCAR Off-Season?

The break from NASCAR racing did not afford NASCAR Race Mom the extra time to finish half the projects planned. However, one off-season experience proved to be unexpectedly delightful.

Read about my adventure at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway participating in the Richard Petty Driving Experience by clicking here.

Audi Commercial - Super Bowl Favorite

NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) is not a huge football fan; however I did find myself glued to the television for the “Big Game” last night. Congratulations to the Giants for their thrilling 21 – 17 win over the Patriots.

Everyone is always buzzing about the Super Bowl commercials. I must say the Audi Vampire “LED Headlights Ruin Vampire Party” has got to be one of the most entertaining commercials. NRM is a huge True Blood fan; so that might make me a tad bias.

Notwithstanding, the commercial was well made; it’s message was easy to understand; it stuck in my mind and it was hilarious. For those of you who did not see it; NASCAR Race Mom has supplied the YouTube Link below.



Funny right? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Just In Time For The Big Game

In celebration of the winter season, Robb Report presents the Discover Your Winter Cocktail Blog App.

Featured in the App:

• Discover Your Winter Cocktail!
• Little Known Cocktail Facts!
• Four Classic Cocktails With a Winter Twist!

If you have a few moment's check it out. NASCAR Race Mom did and discovered my winter cocktail is Gin Winter Rose.

Honestly I have never tasted Hendrick's Gin and am not a gin fan; however, this app peaked my interest. Hendrick's Gin is a brand of gin produced by William Grant & Sons in Girvan, Scotland. In addition to the traditional juniper infusion, Hendrick's uses Bulgarian rose and cucumber to add flavor. Hendrick's gin is bottled in a dark brown apothecary-style bottle.

Sounds yummy - right? I would love to try it one day.