Saturday, August 30, 2014

#NASCAR K&N Pro Series West
Kern County Raceway Park

www.kernraceway.com

Raceday 11 of 14 (2014 Season)


Track Facts

SHAPE: Oval

SURFACE: Asphalt

LENGTH: Half-mile

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West - Kern County Raceway Park
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West - Kern County Raceway Park



TRACK ADDRESS

Interstate 5 and Enos Lane

Bakersfield, CA, 93311

(661) 835-1264

Friday, August 29, 2014

#NASCAR 's Jeff Gordon's
2014 Corvette Raffle

Wow is it that time already! #NASCAR Race Mom better hurry and buy her Raffle Ticket.



Enter now to win Jeff Gordon's personal 2014 Corvette Convertible Stingray with 3LT. And, if winning wasn't enough, all Federal taxes for the Corvette will be paid for as well

Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and access to treatment. Each raffle ticket is $100, only 7,500 tickets will be sold. 

The raffle will end on September 29, 2014 or when all tickets have been sold, which ever occurs first. Jeff Gordon will personally hand over the keys to the lucky winner. 


 Click here to buy your tickets



NASCAR Race Mom has her fingers crossed that she be the lucky winner to meet Superstar Gordon and drive home in his Corvette Convertible.  Nevertheless NRM is already a winner knowing that her $100 will help children in need!






Please read the Rules and Regulations before purchasing a ticket.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Pursley and Mayhew to Battle Again
Kern County Raceway Park #knwest

Kern County Raceway Park is one of three tracks to host a pair of K&N West events this season. The series already has made two trips to Iowa Speedway, with a return trip to Phoenix International Raceway set for Thursday, November 6th. 


David Mayhew has 15 #NASCAR Whelen All-American Series victories at   Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif., but none in two #knwest events at the half-mile track.
David Mayhew has 15 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series victories at
 Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif., but none in two
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West events at the half-mile track.
(Getty Images for NASCAR)

David Mayhew, coming off his third series win of the season the last time out at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, came close to a Kern County victory earlier this year. He overtook Greg Pursley for the lead on Lap 114 of the 150-lap event, but a late-race caution changed everything. The Lap 136 caution set up a restart on Lap 142. Mayhew and Pursley waged a side-by-side battle that figured to go all the way to the checkered flag, but as the pair came through Turn 2 on Lap 146, the slowed car of Bill Kann was in Mayhew’s line and he had to put on the brakes to avoid contact. The evasive action dropped Mayhew to fourth in the moment, and Pursley cruised for the final four circuits in the No. 26 GPM/Star Nursery/Real Water Ford to his 19th career victory.

Mayhew would earn back a spot, ultimately finishing third on the evening, but he knew that he missed an opportunity to celebrate in front of a home crowd.

"We gave one away the last time we were there," said Mayhew. "We'd love nothing better than to go to our home track and try and get two in a row."

Mayhew enters the Bakersfield 150 presented by GPS on Saturday in fourth place in the championship standings, trailing points leader Pursley by 40 points. His three victories have come at Stockton (California) 99 Speedway, the May Iowa Speedway event and the last time out at Evergreen Speedway.

K&N Pro Series West points leader Greg Pursley has two victories in two visits to Kern County. He went to Victory Lane in the series’ inaugural event at the .5-mile oval and again earlier this season. Pursley heads to Kern County Raceway Park hoping to bounce back from his worst finish of the season, an 11th place effort at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington. The 2011 series champion had top-five finishes in every event this season before electrical problems caused him to break that streak the last time out. 

Click Here for Entry List

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Kyle Larson: A Rookie on a Roll

Kyle Larson: A Rookie on a Roll

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Kyle Larson has had an exciting season. So far, the 22-year-old Asian-American, who is a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, has earned his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole at Pocono Raceway, won his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway and is close to earning a coveted spot in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup. It’s also been in an exciting year in his personal life; shortly after purchasing his first home in North Carolina, Larson announced that he and his girlfriend are expecting a baby boy in December. ( https://twitter.com/KyleLarsonRacin/status/495357352171044864 ) In a recent interview with Fox Sports , the California-native showed optimism about making...Read More

NASCAR inGEAR

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

#NASCAR Releases 2015 Schedule Of Races

#NASCAR Releases 2015 Schedule Of Races - NASCAR Race Mom


NASCAR released its 2015 schedule of races for all three of its national series on Tuesday, realigning the dates for several tracks, including moving the Southern 500 back to its traditional spot on Labor Day weekend.

Changes for Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway are among the major alterations to the 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule, plus two non-points events. The season begins Feb. 22 with the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and ends Nov. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, site of the season finale since 2002.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will expand from 22 to 23 races next season, adding an early season date at Atlanta. The NASCAR Nationwide Series, which will gain new title sponsorship in 2015, remains at 33 races. The news was announced Tuesday on FOX Sports 1 and NBC Sports Network.

NASCAR Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell credited stakeholders across NASCAR with working together to put out all three national series schedules at once in August, earlier than the usual mid-September release date.

"It was really a result of some great collaboration from the entire industry," O'Donnell said. "The tracks recognized this was an opportunity for us if we could collectively, with NBC and FOX coming on board, look at some of the venues that may have had challenged dates and put them in a better position to succeed.

"We also knew that getting the schedule out early for all three series was really important for the fans. If we were able to get that out ahead of time, a lot of our fans plan vacations around races so getting them notice early was really the goal for the entire industry."
Click for more details

Monday, August 25, 2014

Sunoco Contest Deadline – August 31, 2014

If you haven’t entered the Sunoco Free Fuel 5000 Decal Hunt and GIVEAWAY, you have just six days left to do so.


  • GRAND PRIZES (1): One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded, which will consist of one (1) Sunoco Gift Cards Package, valued at $1,500.

  • DAILY PRIZES (51): A total of fifty-one Daily Prizes will be awarded. Each Daily Prize will consist of one (1) $10 Sunoco Gift Card.


To participate, go to http://www.gosunoco.com/contests-and-sweepstakes/free-fuel-5000/decal-hunt (the "Web Site") during the Promotion Period to gain access to the Sweepstakes entry form. Once there, users will be asked to complete the following two tasks in order to earn an entry:

  1. Register for the Promotion by completing the registration form (required fields include: Full Name, State and Email Address) with your true and correct information. Users will also be asked to provide a URL of the site they are posting the decal to or their social media username.
  2. Post the decal either on a website or social media. If posting to a website, please use the provided embed link. If posting to social media, please use the provided embed functionality. Upon completion, entrants will have the opportunity to share the Promotion with others.

Limit of one (1) entry per person, per email address throughout the Promotion Period.

Just register and share the digital decal on your website, Facebook page, or Twitter to be eligible for the grand prize and daily draws.

Sunoco Online Decal Hunt Sweepstakes ("Promotion") begins at 6:00:00 PM Eastern Time (“ET”) on July 10, 2014 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on August 31, 2014 (“Promotion Period”).



Related Posts:




A New Playoff Format

A New Playoff Format

With just three races left in the regular season, NASCAR’s version of the playoffs – the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – is right around the corner. With a new format unveiled at the start of the season, the 10 race Chase is fixing to be the most dramatic and exciting yet. As the Chase Grid (the 16 drivers eligible to compete for the Championship) is finalized in the next three weeks, it’s the perfect time for a refresher on the new format. Chase-locked drivers Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards help spread the word about the all new Chase in this video ( http://nas.cr/BXQ1 ) and on Twitter. As the start of the Chase looms, the questions continue – which drivers will be in the Chase Grid and who will be left on...Read More

NASCAR inGEAR

Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
T.J. Bell

T.J. Bell
Age 34 (08/25/1980)

Saturday, August 23, 2014

NASCAR President Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

NASCAR President Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

"This goes to show that we work hard, but we play hard, too." Said Helton.

NASCAR inGEAR

Hayley's Truck Series Debut Set
For Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

Cameron Hayley's Truck Series Debut Set For CTMP




Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) is pleased to announce that Cameron Hayley will compete in three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) races this season in the No. 32 Cabinets by Hayley Chevrolet Silverado, beginning at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on August 31. A Calgary, Alberta native, Hayley is currently competing full time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) for TSM and has claimed one pole award, six top-five finishes and currently sits second in the Driver Point Standings.


18-year-old Hayley made his karting debut at the age of seven and ran a partial NASCAR K&N Pro Series West schedule in 2011, where he was the youngest driver to compete in the series, scoring an impressive second-place finish in his series debut. After a solid full-time rookie season in the K&N Pro Series West in 2012, Hayley finished his 2013 season with one win, six poles and a second-place finish in the Driver Point Standings. Hayley continued to impress on and off the track and was named a NASCAR Next member in 2012, a select group chosen by the sanctioning body that spotlights NASCAR's rising stars.

“I’m really excited to make my NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut. It’s always been a dream of mine to run in one of NASCAR’s top-three series, and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to live that dream. I feel privileged to work with such an accomplished team that has had so much success in the series. Turner Scott Motorsports has great equipment and great resources, both of which I plan to take full advantage of in this learning process. I can’t wait to get on track in the No. 32 Cabinets by Hayley truck. Having my first Truck Series start in a place I consider ‘home’ is everything I could’ve ever hoped for.”

Hayley will be under the direction of two-time NCWTS championship-winning crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. for his three events. In 2013, Hillman directed the No. 4 truck and claimed one victory, seven pole awards and finished the season in fifth place in the NCWTS standings. Hillman and Hayley will team up for the following races:

  • 8/31, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park
  • 9/20, New Hampshire Motor Speedway
  • 10/31, Texas Motor Speedway

“We’re really looking forward to seeing Cameron Hayley in the No. 32 truck for these three races,” said TSM co-owner Harry Scott Jr. “It’s been a pleasure to watch Cameron this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Cameron has proven to be a great representation of our organization and we expect to see great things out of him in the future.”

Be sure to tune in on Sunday, August 31 as Hayley makes his NCWTS debut at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Live coverage of the Chevrolet Silverado 250 begins at 1:30 p.m. EDT on FOX Sports 1.


Cameron Hayley, second in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points standings, will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut on Aug. 31
Cameron Hayley, second in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points standings,
will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut on Aug. 31. Getty Images

Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
Kenny Wallace

Kenny Wallace
Age 51 (08/23/1963)

Friday, August 22, 2014

A Battle On and Off the Track

A Battle On and Off the Track

Jimmie Johnson & Ryan Newman Have Heated Discussion in Garage After Race – trickles to ALS Ice Bucket Challenge call outs!

NASCAR inGEAR

Monday, August 18, 2014

Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
Steve Wallace

Steve Wallace
Age 27 (08/18/1987)

Drivers explain the New #NASCAR Chase Format


Sunday, August 17, 2014

My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
#icebucketchallenge #nascar

As of Sunday, August 17, 2014, The ALS Association has received $13.3 million in donations compared to $1.7 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 17). These donations have come from existing donors and 259,505 new donors to The Association.

The ALS Association’s mission includes providing care services to assist people with ALS and their families through a network of chapters working in communities across the nation and a global research program focused on the discovery of treatments and eventually a cure for the disease. In addition, The Association’s public policy efforts empower people to advance public policies in our nation’s Capital that respond to the needs of people with ALS.

NASCAR Race Mom was challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge by my ex-friend Richard. . . . 

So here I am to nominate my four soon-to-be ex-friends to accept this worthwhile challenge. In keeping with my NASCAR Mommy blog themes, my four nominees are Jen Kwasniewski (Dylan's Mom); Heidi Pursley (Taylor and Tyler’s Mom), my buddy Cindi Peace (Kelsy’s Mom) and I would not want to forget our dads so I also nominate Butch Gilliland (Amanda, Lisa, & David’s Dad) 



Dylan Kwasniewski's Special Guest

Dylan Kwasniewski and the No. 42 team had a special guest with them this weekend at Mid-Ohio. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion Reid Zupanc will serve as an honorary crewmember on the up & up team at Mid-Ohio.

In July 2011, Reid was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma. Following the diagnosis, Reid had multiple surgeries, six months of chemotherapy treatment, many labs drawn, multiple scans, a skin graft, lung fungus, and countless doctors appointments.

He will also have tissue expanders put in the top of his head so that in the future, he can have a full head of hair. Currently, Reid is free from treatment, but regularly visits Nationwide Children’s Hospital for preventative scans.

Kwasniewski started the race in twelfth and finished eighth.


Dylan Kwasniewski has special guest, Reid Zupanc, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion
Dylan Kwasniewski has special guest, Reid Zupanc, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion
Dylan Kwasniewski has special guest, Reid Zupanc, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion
Dylan Kwasniewski has special guest, Reid Zupanc, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion
Dylan Kwasniewski has special guest, Reid Zupanc, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion

Photo Credit:  2014 Action Sports Photography, Inc.

Welcome Back Mayhew

Mayhew Gets Third Win In A Thriller

Makes Daring Pass By Lupton In Final Turn

David Mayhew is all smiles after scoring his third NASCAR K&aN Pro Series West
win of the season taking the checkered flag in the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150
at Evergreen Speedway. (Getty Images for NASCAR)

David Mayhew brought the fans to their feet as he made a daring pass by Dylan Lupton, last year's winner, in Turn 4 on the final lap of the race to score his third NASCAR K&N Pro Series West victory of the year Saturday.

As the field took the white flag lap, a blanket could have been laid across the top three Lupton, Mayhew and pole-sitter Brandon McReynolds were all racing for the lead.

Mayhew was able to get on the outside of Lupton going in to Turn 4, holding on for his seventh career win. Mayhew's other two wins this season were at Stockton and Iowa Speedways.

McReynolds was able to advance a spot to finish in second with Lupton having to settle for a disappointing third. James Bickford and Giles Thornton completed the top five.

Gracin Raz, Tyler Tanner, Thomas Martin, Dan Moore and Austin Reed rounded out the top 10.


Via David Mayhew's Instagram: All the guys worked their asses off and it paid off tonight. Last lap pass for the win. Only lap led but only one pays!

Heckert Conquers Road Course

Heart Break For Haley

Scott Heckert won the Biscuitville 125 at Virginia International Raceway
for his second consecutive NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory in as many weeks.

Scott Heckert may want to consider petitioning for more road course races to be added to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East calendar.

The 20-year-old Ridgefield, Connecticut, native took the lead late and survived a green-white-checkered finish for his second consecutive K&N Pro Series East win in the Biscuitville 125 at Virginia International Raceway. It was Heckert’s second victory on a road course: He won the Bully Hill Vineyards 125 at New York's Watkins Glen International one week ago in similar fashion, with a late lap pass for the lead.

Heckert, who began the day by winning his third 21 Means 21 presented by Coors Brewing Co. Pole Award of the season, took the lead from Cameron Hayley on Lap 52 and never looked back.

Hayley was forced to settle for his fourth runner-up finish of the season. He was followed across the line by rookie Austin Hill, Gray Gaulding and rookie Kaz Grala.


Click Here for Race Results


Scott Heckert (34) leads the way at Virginia International Raceway Saturday
en route to his second NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory.*


Photo Credit: Grant Halverson/Getty Images for NASCAR

Saturday, August 16, 2014

#NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
Virginia International Raceway

www.virnow.com

Race Day - Race 14 of 16 (2014 Season)


Track Facts

SHAPE: Road Course

SURFACE: Asphalt

LENGTH: 2.25 Miles

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Virginia International Raceway
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Virginia International Raceway


TRACK ADDRESS

1245 Pine Tree Road

Alton, VA, 24520


MAILING ADDRESS

1245 Pine Tree Road

Alton, VA, 24520

#NASCAR K&N Pro Series West
Evergreen Speedway

www.evergreenspeedway.com

Race Day - Race 10 of 14 (2014 Season)


Track Facts

SHAPE: Semi-banked oval

SURFACE: Asphalt

LENGTH: .375 Miles & .646 Miles

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West - Evergreen Speedway
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West - Evergreen Speedway


TRACK ADDRESS

14405 179th Avenue Southeast Build 300

Monroe, WA, 98272

(360) 805-6100



MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 220

Monroe, WA, 98272

Friday, August 15, 2014

On-Track Incident Procedure Formalized

NASCAR Responds to the
Stewart / Ward Incident

In its continued efforts to evolve the safety of its sport, NASCAR announced Friday that it will add a rule that addresses on-track incidents as part of its race procedures. The rule, listed as Section 9-16, will be an addendum to the NASCAR rule book and will apply to all of its racing series, effective immediately.

Section 9-16 On-Track Incident Procedure


During an Event, if a racecar is involved in an on-track incident and/or is stopped on or near the racing surface and unable to continue to make forward progress, unless extenuating emergency conditions exist with the racecar (i.e. fire, smoke in cockpit, etc.) the driver should take the following steps:

  • Shut off electrical power and, if driver is uninjured, lower window net
  • Do not loosen, disconnect or remove any driver personal safety equipment until directed to do so by safety personnel or a NASCAR/Track Official
  • After being directed to exit the racecar, the driver should proceed to either the ambulance, other vehicle, or as otherwise directed by safety personnel or a NASCAR/Track Official
  • At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach any portion of the racing surface or apron
  • At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach another moving vehicle

All vehicles not involved in the incident or that are able to continue afterwards should slow down to a cautious speed as outlined in Section 10-4 (Yellow Flag), use extreme care as they approach an incident scene, and follow any directions given by safety personnel or NASCAR/Track Officials. Cars in line behind the safety car should not weave or otherwise stray from the line in the vicinity of the incident.

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition and racing development, says the rule is “part of the evolution of NASCAR’s rules and regulations.”

“Throughout the history of our sport, NASCAR has reviewed and analyzed situations and occurrences that take place not just in NASCAR racing but also throughout all motorsports and other sports,” said Pemberton. “When we believe we can do something to make our sport safer and better for the competitors and others involved in the competition environment, we react quickly. Safety always has been priority number one at NASCAR.”

As with other behavioral infractions, NASCAR will handle each instance separately when assessing potential penalties.


Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards
Age 35 (08/15/1979)

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

#kneast VIR : FAST FACTS

Scott Heckert picked up his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East win of the year at
Watkins Glen (N.Y.)  International in the Bully Hill Vineyards 125. He next heads to another
road course in search of a second victory.  (Getty Images for NASCAR)
FAST FACTS

The Race: The Biscuitville 125 will be the 14th of 16 races on the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East schedule. It’s the second time the series has visited the Virginia track and the second road course event for the series this season. It is also the third of three visits to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the series having already competed at Richmond International Raceway in April and Langley Speedway in Hampton in June.

The Procedure: The starting field is 30 cars, including provisionals. The first 26 cars will qualify through NASCAR road race style group qualifying. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 55 laps (123.75 miles).

The Track: Virginia International Raceway originally opened in 1957 and was closed from 1974 to 2000 when it was reopened by Harvey Siegel. VIR offers five track configurations. The Full Course is 3.27 miles in length while the Patriot Course stretches for 1.1 miles entirely inside the Full Course. The North Course measures 2.25 miles in length and the South Course covers a distance of 1.65 miles. The Grand East course is the longest configuration at 4.2 miles and is made up from the Full and Patriot courses. Overall, the facility includes three separate paddocks with timing towers, separate skid pads, covered tech bays in the North Paddock, classrooms, full service restaurants, pro shop, restrooms with showers and several lodging options. The Biscuitville 125 will be contested on the North Course.

VIR RACE NOTES

Gaulding Looks To Rebound: Gray Gaulding and the No. 20 Krispy Kreme Chevrolet heads to Virginia International Raceway looking to rebound from an 18th place effort at Watkins Glen International the last time out. The Colonial Heights, Virginia, native has only one top-10 finish in his last 10 events, but heads to VIR as one of only two drivers entered with a top five at the track.

Welcome Back Ortiz: Bryan Ortiz will make his 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut for Rev Racing in the Biscuitville 125 on Saturday. Ortiz, who spent the last two seasons as a member of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, was the runner-up finisher in last year's series visit to VIR. He will be filling in for Daniel SuƔrez who will be competing in the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series event at Puebla on Sunday.

Road Warriors: Turner Scott Motorsports heads to the second road course event of the season looking to repeat its performance at Watkins Glen International the last time out. Led by Scott Heckert's victory, TSM placed three drivers in the top five, with Ben Rhodes and Kaz Grala finishing third and fourth respectively. The other two Turner Scott drivers, Brandon Jones and Cameron Hayley, finished sixth and eighth in the event.

Homecoming: Of the 25 drivers currently entered for Saturday's Biscuitville 125 at Virginia International Raceway, four hail from the state of Virginia. Gaulding will be joined by Sergio Pena from Winchester, Sam Hunt out of Midlotian and Brandon Gdovic from Yorktown.

HOME TRACKS: Pulliam In Tight Race For National Standings Lead Two-time Defending NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national and Virginia state champion Lee Pulliam currently finds himself looking up in the standings. Through Aug. 4, Pulliam trails Anthony Anders in the National Standings by 19 tallies and is in third place in the state rankings. The Semora, N.C., driver has seven Virginia wins in 17 starts while competing at Motor Mile and South Boston Speedways. Peyton Sellers and Matt Bowling, both of whom also compete at Motor Mile and South Boston, occupy the top two positions in the state standings. 

LAST TIME OUT: Watkins Glen The 13th event of the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season took place at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8. Highlights of the Bully Hill Vineyards 125 were: 
  • Scott Heckert outraced road course expert Andrew Ranger to record his first career K&N Pro Series East victory. Heckert's prior career best finish was a third-place effort he earned in the first Iowa combination event this season. 
  •  Ben Rhodes earned his 10th top five of the season and increased his point lead over Cameron Hayley to 75 points heading into the final two events of the season. 
  •  Kaz Grala topped his previous career-best finish of fourth, earned earlier this season at Langley Speedway, with a fourth-place effort at Watkins Glen. The youngster now has two top fives in 13 career series starts. 

NEXT TIME OUT: Greenville The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will make its second trip this season and 12th since 2006 to Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 6 . Ben Rhodes picked up his first series win at the historic half-mile oval in March while Dylan Kwasniewski won this event a season ago.



Click Here for Entry List

#knwest Monroe : FAST FACTS

Dylan Lupton returns to Evergreen Speedway, site of his first series victory in 2013.
Dylan Lupton is second in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship standings.
He returns to Evergreen Speedway, site of his first series victory in 2013.
(Getty Images for NASCAR)
The Race: This event is the 10th of 14 events on the 2014 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

The Procedure: The starting field is 24 cars, including provisionals. The first 20 cars will qualify through two-lap time trials. The remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race will be 150 laps.

The Track: Evergreen Speedway is a semi-banked .646-mile paved oval with turns banked eight degrees and four degrees banking in the straights.

Records: Qualifying: Greg Pursley, July 10, 2011, 101.862 mph, 22.831 seconds; Race: Ray Elder, July 6, 1975, 80.071 mph, 1 hour 10 minutes 15 seconds.

History: Evergreen Speedway has hosted 53 NASCAR K&N Pro Series races, dating back to 1964.

MONROE RACE NOTES

Possible First Time Evergreen Winner: The K&N Pro Series West has visited Evergreen Speedway 52 times since 1964, but of the drivers currently entered for the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150, only Pursley and Lupton have a career win at the track. With 20 drivers currently entered for the event, there is a 90% chance a first time Evergreen winner will end up in Victory Lane.

Behar Set For Second Series Start: 16-year-old Nicole Behar is among the 20 drivers currently entered for the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 at Evergreen Speedway on Saturday. The Spokane, Washington, native made her K&N Pro Series West debut at Stateline Speedway in Post Falls, Idaho, finishing sixth at her home track. Saturday will be her second series event but not her first visit to Evergreen Speedway. In late June, Behar drove her Super Late Model in the track's Summer Showdown 200, finishing 12th and on the lead lap in an event won by K&N Pro Series East driver Cameron Hayley.

Representing The Evergreen State: Behar will be joined by fellow Washington natives Dan Moore from Snohomish, Washington, and Tyler Tanner from Auburn, Washington. Moore is the defending NASCAR Whelen All-American track and state champion at Evergreen Speedway, while the 23-year-old Tanner has one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start on his resume (Martinsville, 2011). Both drivers occupy second and third respectively in the Washington state standings.

HOME TRACKS: Holden Leading The Pack At Evergreen Mike Holden leads the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I standings at Evergreen Speedway. In 7 starts this season, Holden has four wins, six top fives and seven top 10s. Moore trails Holden by 25 tallies, 218 to 193, followed by Tanner, 185 points, Jeff Knight and Andy Sole.

LAST TIME OUT: Iowa Greg Pursley was the top finishing K&N West driver, ninth overall, in the Autolite Iridium XP 150 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East-West combination race at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa on Aug. 1. It marked his second win this season and 20th career win, moving him into a tie for sixth on the list of all-time career series victories. Also on the list with 20 wins is Eddie Gray.

NEXT TIME OUT: Kern The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West heads south to Bakersfield, California, on Aug. 30 for the second time this season. Greg Pursley won the series' first visit to the half-mile asphalt oval in May and is the defending event winner as he looks to put to the 2014 championship out of reach in the 11th of 14 events on the season calendar.





Click Here for Entry List

Monday, August 11, 2014

Tony Stewart - Kevin Ward Jr.
Just The Facts Please

By now everyone has heard about the Tony Stewart and Kevin Ward Jr. tragedy. Heck, the mainstream of race fans observed a portion of the actual disaster via video which was shot from the stands by a fan!

Indeed, NASCAR Race Mom has an attitude in regards to accountability. However, at this juncture, that opinion is worthless. NASCAR Race Mom was not there; did not witness; is not part of the official investigation.

Nevertheless, there are a plethora of media outlets you can pursue if you wish to join the fault frenzy. It is so easy to vilify and disparage a person who is down. Sensationalism is not new and is a proven method to “sells papers.”

NYU Journalism Professor Mitchell Stephens, in his book "A History of News," writes that sensationalism has been around ever since early humans began telling stories, ones that invariably focused on sex and conflict.

In this age, when with the click of a mouse, it's possible to call up news from literally every corner of the globe; from newspapers, blogs and news sites too numerous to count, extravagant claims and/or interpretations draw that all important traffic to your site.

However, this is not a harmless quest. Distorted embellished journalistic reports can generate false hopes, unwarranted fears or a legacy of unwarranted character assassination. NASCAR Race Mom is of the strong belief that this type of reporting is disreputable and should be avoided at all cost.


Therefore, here is NASCAR Race Mom’s report.


On 08/09/2014, three-time NASCAR champion, Anthony Wayne "Tony" Stewart and fellow competitor, Kevin Ward Jr. in a Sprint Race at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park were involved in an on-track incident. Stewart and Ward were racing for a spot in the top-ten when they initially collided.

When Ward exited his car during the resulting yellow flag, he walked down the dirt track towards Stewart’s #14 racecar. Stewart's car passed close to Ward and it appeared that Stewart’s right rear tire hits Ward. An ambulance took Ward to a hospital, but he died before it arrived.

"This is an ongoing investigation, and all options remain available," Sheriff Philip C. Povero of Ontario County, New York, reported this morning. "We're continuing to gather and analyze every piece of evidence we can."

Tony Stewart, who does not have a wife nor children will benefit from the love, understanding, and support from his fans in this upcoming difficult period in his life. 

"There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr.," Stewart said Sunday, according to a written statement tweeted by NASCAR. "It's a very emotional time for all involved. ... My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."


This post will probably not garnish a ton of “clicks,” however, it is what NASCAR Race Mom accurately knows about the unfortunate event. 


Andy Lally* expressed it very well.


From Andy Lally Facebook page: Sad day. Just in case someone gets the urge, please don't tag me in a link to video of the accident from last night. I have no opinion on it yet as we do not have all the facts. RIP Kevin Ward.

*Andy Lally is 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year

According to information posted on the website of the Empire Sprint Series, the series in which he raced, Ward's funeral service will take place at the Trainor Funeral Home, 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville, NY. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. ET, with the funeral Thursday at 11 a.m.

Friday, August 8, 2014

#NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
Watkins Glen International

www.theglen.com

Race Day - Race 13 of 16 (2014 Season)


Track Facts

SHAPE: Road Course

SURFACE: Asphalt

LENGTH: 2.45 Miles

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Watkins Glen International
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Watkins Glen International


TRACK ADDRESS

2790 County Route 16

Watkins Glen, NY, 14891

(607) 535-2486



MAILING ADDRESS

2790 County Route 16

Watkins Glen, NY, 14891

#KNEAST News & Notes (#NASCAR)

Brandon Jones earned his first series victory at Iowa Speedway on Aug. 1.
He heads to Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International for Friday's Bully Hill
Vineyards 125 in search of his sixth career top-five finish.
(Getty Images for NASCAR)
 
Fast Facts:



The Race: The Bully Hill Vineyards 125 will be the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East’s 15th visit to the track since 1993 and first trip since the 2009 season. It is the 13th of 16 events on the 2014 schedule and the first of two road course races on the calendar.

The Procedure: The maximum starting field is 32 cars, including provisionals. The first 28 cars will have secured starting positions through NASCAR Road Race style group qualifying and the remaining four spots will be awarded through the provisional process. The race is scheduled for 51 laps (125.124 miles/200.246 kilometers). This is the first time the event will run 51 laps.

The Track: Watkins Glen International was established on the streets of Watkins Glen, New York, in 1948 when law student Cameron Argetsinger dreamed of bringing European style competition to the village where he spent his summer vacations and he drew up a challenging course that encompassed asphalt, cement and dirt roads in and around the village of Watkins Glen. It has hosted a total of 14 K&N Pro Series East events since 1993 and its current short course configuration is eight turns for a total of 2.454 miles.

The Records: The qualifying record was established on June 9, 2008 by Antonio PĆ©rez at 118.831 mph (74.223 seconds). The Bully Hill Vineyards 125 will be the first time the event will span 51-miles.

Watkins Glen Race Notes: European Invasion: Two-time defending NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Ander VilariƱo will make his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East 2014 debut. The San SebastiƔn, Spain, native ran in the inaugural Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway in 2013. VilariƱo, who is currently second in the Euro Series championship standings, will be joined by 2013 championship runner-up FrƩdƩric Gabillon, who will be making his first series start. The Whelen Euro Series 2014 schedule consists of 12 events, with the only oval track being the newly constructed Tours Speedway in Tours, France.

Double Duty For Ranger: Quebec, Canada, native Andrew Ranger will look to add two more road course victories to his NASCAR resume. Ranger, who is running full-time in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, will run Friday night's Bully Hill Vineyards 125 at Watkins Glen International before heading up to Circuit Trois-RiviĆØres in Trois-RiviĆØres, Quebec, for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 JuliaWine.com Le 50 Tours event on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 9-10. In 14 K&N Pro Series East events, Ranger has one win, one pole, three top fives and five top 10s. His victory in the series came at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, a 1.530-mile road course. Ranger has 13 road course victories in the Canadian Tire Series.

Dillon Joins K&N Field: Austin Dillon, K&N Pro Series East alum and current driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is one of the 27 vehicles entered for Friday night's event. Dillon, who was the championship runner-up in 2008, has one win, seven top fives and 12 top 10s in 15 East series races. He also has two K&N Pro Series West races in his career, the second coming earlier this season at the road course in Sonoma (California).

New Track For Many: 17-year-old series points leader Ben Rhodes was 11 the last time the K&N Pro Series East ran at Watkins Glen International. Turner Scott Motorsport teammate Kaz Grala was nine. In fact, none of the K&N Pro Series East regulars currently entered for Friday's Bully Hill Vineyards 125 have ever run on the 2.454-mile road course in upstate New York.

HOME TRACKS: Heywood Paces New York Standings Through July 27, rookie Nick Heywood leads the New York contingent in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I standings. Travis Bruno, also competing at Airborne Park Speedway out of Plattsburgh, is second followed by Stewart Friesen who races at Utica Rome Speedway in third. NASCAR Next driver and defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ryan Preece, who races at Riverhead Speedway in Long Island, is 11th in the overall state standings.

LAST TIME OUT: Autolite Iridium XP 150 at Iowa Speedway Brandon Jones kept the trend of new winners at Iowa Speedway going, picking up his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series win in the series' 12th event of the season. He became the 11th different winner in 11 meetings at Iowa between the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West. Kenzie Ruston who started the race from the 16th position, eclipsed her own mark of third-place -- which she did twice, most recently at Virginia's Langley Speedway earlier this year -- as the highest finishing female in series history. Earlier in the day, Jesse Little won his first series pole award, becoming the 11th different driver to lead the field to green at Iowa.

NEXT TIME OUT: Virginia International Raceway The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will get on the road again on Aug. 16 when it visits the 2.25-mile road course at Virginia International Raceway for the Biscuitville 125.

Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
Parker Kligerman


Parker Kligerman
Age 25 (08/08/1990)

Thursday, August 7, 2014

2014 Capture the Crown
#nascar #video


NASCAR Race Mom was honored to be one of the twelve bloggers selected to participate in this year’s ‘Capture the Crown’ event held over the “Super Weekend” at the Brickyard. (July 25-27,2014) 

Going to a NASCAR Race is always special. Attending a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an extraordinary adventure. However, Crown Royal’s commitment to honoring our American Heroes makes this late July race most significant.

“Pappy” Higgins
Squier-Hall Award Winner Announced

Longtime The Charlotte Observer reporter Tom Higgins has been named the recipient of the 2015 Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence. Higgins was the first beat writer to cover every race on the NASCAR schedule, a role he held from 1980 until his retirement in 1997.

He will be honored during NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony festivities on Jan. 30, 2015 and featured in an exhibit in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C.

Higgins’ professional newspaper career started in 1957 at the weekly Canton (N.C.) Enterprise. While at the Asheville (N.C.) Times, he covered racing for the first time. Higgins joined the sports staff at The Observer in 1964 as an outdoors writer and soon began covering stock racing as well. He has continued to write motorsports nostalgia columns for the newspaper and its website ThatsRacin.com since his retirement.

“Tom Higgins helped establish what it means to be a NASCAR beat reporter,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “For more than five decades, his words have told the story of NASCAR, and the people and emotions that define the sport. He has been much more than a reporter to those in the NASCAR industry – serving as friend and confidant to competitors, administrators and his fellow journalists.”

Higgins, affectionately known as “Pappy,” won the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Henry T. McLemore Award for lifetime achievement in motorsports journalism in 1980, the NMPA George Cunningham Award as writer of the year in 1987 and was named the NASCAR Bill France Award of Excellence winner in 1996. He was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame in 2011. He is also a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel.

Higgins was among eight nominees voted upon by a panel comprised of NASCAR and NASCAR Hall of Fame executives, journalists, public relations representatives and former drivers. The Squier-Hall Award was created in 2012 to honor the contributions of media to the success of the sport. Legendary broadcasters Ken Squier and Barney Hall, for whom the award is named, were its initial recipients.

The other seven nominees were:

  • Norma “Dusty” Brandel, the first woman to report from inside the NASCAR garage
  • Russ Catlin, one of the best-known early racing writers and historians, served as editor of Speed Age Magazine
  • Shav Glick, covered motorsports for the Los Angeles Times for 37 years, bringing NASCAR coverage to the West Coast
  • Bob Jenkins, served as the lead NASCAR lap-by-lap anchor at ESPN from 1982-2000.
  • Bob Moore, spent more than 20 years as a NASCAR beat writer including stints with the Daytona Beach News-Journal and The Charlotte Observer
  • Benny Phillips, spent 48 years covering NASCAR for the High Point (N.C.) Enterprise, 27 years for Stock Car Racing and 12 years on TBS
  • T. Taylor Warren, best known for his three-wide photo of the 1959 Daytona 500 finish, he covered every Daytona 500 until his death in 2008.

Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
Brett Moffitt

Brett Moffitt
Age 22 (08/07/1992)

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Current #NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase Line-Up

I love this graphic - make it super easy to see the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase Line-Up.






Two-Time Whelen Euro Series Champion
VilariƱo To Also Run #NASCAR #KNEAST Event

Two-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Ander VilariƱo will race the
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Race at Watkins Glen (Photo: Stephane Azemard)
As a prize for his 2013 championship season, resident of San SebastiƔn, Spain, will enter the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at Watkins Glen during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend.

As he did in 2013, Ander VilariƱo will cross the Atlantic and go to the U.S., where he will claim the prize for his title while taking part in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series at Watkins-Glen on August 8. He will race in front of all the best professional teams gathered in the state of New York for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“After last year’s experience in the UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona on a flat oval, this time I want to race on a road course. Having little experience on ovals, it would take me a lot of time to be prepared and costs would inevitably rise. This way instead I can immediately be a contender because road courses are the strong point of us European drivers.”

Happy #NASCAR Birthday To Driver
Jeb Burton


Jeb Burton
Age 22 (08/06/1992)

Monday, August 4, 2014

Photographical Recap of NASCAR
Race Mom’s Indy Weekend
(#crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar)

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to be one of the twelve bloggers selected to participate in this year’s ‘Capture the Crown’ event held over the “Super Weekend” at the Brickyard. (July 25-27,2014)

The annual scavenger hunt is crafted to enhance our event understanding of the “Your Hero’s Name Here” program while providing fun and friendly competition.

To celebrate the maiden visit to Canada of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England, Seagram’s Chairman Samuel Bronfman developed a unique whisky of refined smoothness for the occasion. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom flew into the Indianapolis International Airport on Friday, and was escorted to the JW Marriott Indianapolis. Crown Royal had a sweet welcome bag in NRM’s posh room. Note the personalized purple camo bag in the lower left corner of the photo. 

To celebrate the maiden visit to Canada of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England, Seagram’s Chairman Samuel Bronfman developed a unique whisky of refined smoothness for the occasion. But he needed something to present this crown jewel in. Something regal. Something luxurious. It was decided this special whisky would be housed in a velvet bag of purple — since ancient times the color reserved for royalty — with drawstrings of gold. 

The blogger’s first challenge consisted of a whiskey tasting. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar


The blogger’s first challenge consisted of a whiskey tasting.

  • Crown Royal was introduced in 1939 and is the original version of the brand. It was available only in Canada until 1964.
  • Crown Royal Black was introduced in 2010, and is a darker, higher alcohol (90 proof) whisky.
  • Crown Royal Reserve was introduced in 1992. The whiskies are aged for a longer period than the original.
  • Crown Royal XR (Extra Rare) was introduced in 2006. This limited-release version is sold in numbered bottles and was originally made from the last batches of whiskey distilled at the now-closed Waterloo, Ontario distillery
  • Crown Royal Maple Finished was introduced in 2012. It is a blend of Crown Royal with maple flavor.
  • Crown Royal XO was introduced in January 2014. It is a blend of 50 whiskies that is then finished in Cognac casks from the French Limousin Forest.
  • Crown Royal Monarch is the newest offering and 75th Anniversary Whiskey Limited Edition. “Showcasing Crown Royal's signature Coffey Rye Whiskey, this exquisite blend is meticulously crafted using some of the finest, most unique hand-picked whiskies from our extensive stocks. The result is an exceptionally rich and smooth whisky highlighting an elegant complexity of light spice and dried fruit.” - CrownRoyal
  • Crown Royal Cask No. 16, a former version, was introduced late 2007. It was made from over fifty blended and individually aged whiskies in 12 year old cognac barrels.
NASCAR Race Mom found her first taste of Crown Royal XO exquisite – if you have not tried it you are missing out.


Part of the ‘Capture the Crown’ benefits are the networking opportunities abound.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Part of the ‘Capture the Crown’ benefits are the networking opportunities abound. Here, Brett Singer of Daddy Tips  and NASCAR Race Mom are collaborating over the menu at Harry & Izzy's Steakhouse.

We both opted for the Grilled Salmon entree. After a lifetime of friendship and building St. Elmo Steak House into a hugely successful business, Harry Roth and Izzy Rose celebrated their personalities in a more casual and updated environment.


Crown Royal Mixologist, Steven Wilson brings Hailey Cobb her birthday cake.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Crown Royal Mixologist, Steven Wilson brings Hailey Cobb her birthday cake. Joe Clarkson photographs as we bloggers sing the “Happy Birthday” Song. Fun Times!


CrĆ©me BrĆ»lĆ©e served as the perfect succulent ending to a great evening with the ‘Capture the Crown’ Crown Royal gang.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

CrĆ©me BrĆ»lĆ©e served as the perfect succulent ending to a great evening with the ‘Capture the Crown’ Crown Royal gang. 

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the ‘Capture the Crown’ bloggers congregated in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center for Press Credentials.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the ‘Capture the Crown’ bloggers congregated in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center for Press Credentials. 

NASCAR Race Mom was part of #TeamHailey! Victor, Jeremy and DJ, were my handsome teammates.

NASCAR Race Mom was part of #TeamHailey! Victor, Jeremy and DJ, were my handsome teammates. While the goal of ‘Capture the Crown’ is to emerge the winner and earn a tour of the Crown Royal facility in Canada; NRM’s trip objective was to highlight the nuances of Crown Royal’s sponsorship of the Brickyard 400. . . . and to have fun.

Views from the Crown Royal Pagoda Eighth Floor Suite.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Views from the Crown Royal Pagoda Eighth Floor Suite.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Views from the Crown Royal Pagoda Eighth Floor Suite. The Pagoda Suites are located on the middle floors of the Pagoda, right at the start/finish Line. 

Jet Dryers clearing away the morning mist – boy these big guys are very noisy. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Jet Dryers clearing away the morning mist – boy these big guys are very noisy.

There is plenty to do on the Midway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.#crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

There is plenty to do on the Midway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. #crownheroes #reignon

NASCAR Race Mom had the opportunity to meet Big Machine Records, Founder Scott Borchetta. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom had the opportunity to meet Big Machine Records, Founder Scott Borchetta. The label was part of a joint venture between Borchetta and country singer Toby Keith. Did you know that Borchetta “discovered” singer Taylor Swift?

Photo opportunity for Crown Royal guest Vasquez in the Pagoda Hospitality Suite. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Photo opportunity for Crown Royal guest Vasquez in the Pagoda Hospitality Suite.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, located five miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, located five miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing. In 1987, the museum and Speedway grounds were honored with the designation of National Historic Landmark.

As part of the Crown Royal Heroes Project, IMS NASCAR fans were able to stuff CAMO care packages to be sent to military servicemen and women stationed abroad.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

As part of the Crown Royal Heroes Project, IMS NASCAR fans were able to stuff CAMO care packages to be sent to military servicemen and women stationed abroad. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Garage Tours included a stop at the NASCAR Tech Tent. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Garage Tours included a stop at the NASCAR Tech Tent. Here, Casey Mears and his GEICO team ready for his 400th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start Sunday at the Brickyard, a place where the Mears name is omnipresent. Mears started the race from twenty-six place and finished thirty-third two laps down.

Cole Whitt’s #26 Toyota Crew wait for their turn through the Tech line. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Cole Whitt’s #26 Toyota Crew wait for their turn through the Tech line. Whitt started thirty-ninth and took the checkered flag in thirty-second, two laps down. NRM interviewed Whitt in February

The Crown Royal Garage Tour Guide was very knowledgeable about the track and the sport of NASCAR.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar


The Crown Royal Garage Tour Guide was very knowledgeable about the track and the sport of NASCAR.

NASCAR Race Mom bumped into old friend Chris Monez. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom bumped into old friend Chris Monez. NRM meet Chris when he was keeping her son Moses safe on the track – he is now Cole Whitt’s spotter.

Terrence J, an American actor, television personality and model, John Wayne Walding, race name recipient, and Justin Moore, country music singer and songwriter signed to Big Machine Records interviewed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Terrence J, an American actor, television personality and model, John Wayne Walding, race name recipient, and Justin Moore, country music singer and songwriter signed to Big Machine Records interviewed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Greg Biffle and David Gilliland have a chat before driver introductions. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Greg Biffle and David Gilliland have a chat before driver introductions. Biffle finished the race in thirteenth and Gilliland thirty-sixth after completing a mere eight laps. 

This photo is the winner of “cutest” - Kurt Busch walked through driver introductions with nine-year-old Houston Hermanstorfer, Kurt’s girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll’s son.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

This photo is the winner of “cutest” - Kurt Busch walked through driver introductions with nine-year-old Houston Hermanstorfer, Kurt’s girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll’s son. 

Actor Chris Pratt, star of the soon-to-be-released movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” served as honorary pace car driver. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Actor Chris Pratt, star of the soon-to-be-released movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” served as honorary pace car driver in a 2014 red and silver Chevrolet SS Pace Car for the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com.

Scattered thunder storms did not affect the IMS NASCAR Fans.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Scattered thunder storms did not affect the IMS NASCAR Fans. Weather did not hinder the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com.  The race is 160 laps around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a total of 400 miles.

Sunoco, the Official Fuel of NASCAR® since 2004, is the exclusive provider of racing fuel for NASCAR’s three national series. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Sunoco, the Official Fuel of NASCAR® since 2004, is the exclusive provider of racing fuel for NASCAR’s three national series: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Their racing fuels can always be counted on to deliver maximum performance.


This year’s winner John Wayne Walding and 2012’s winner Curtiss Shaver, a firefighter and certified EMT, take a break in the Pagoda Suite before the start of the race. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

As we hustle and bustle through our everyday pursues, the majority do not take the time to reflect on that which is most important. Many do not recognize the significance of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” contest. This yearly nationwide search for an everyday hero is an essential reminder of the abundance of patriotic men and women who are selflessly dedicated to the service of others!

Here this year’s winner John Wayne Walding and 2012’s winner Curtiss Shaver, a firefighter and certified EMT, take a break in the Pagoda Suite before the start of the race.  Walding lost the lower part of a leg after being shot by a sniper during a mission to capture a high-value target in the Shok Valley area of Afghanistan on April 6, 2008.


Crew of Michael Annett’s team, the #7 Pilot/Flying J Chevrolet, stand in formation during the race opening ceremonies. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Crew of Michael Annett’s team, the #7 Pilot/Flying J Chevrolet, stand in formation during the race opening ceremonies.

J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president shows off his purple socks in tribute to the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president shows off his purple socks in tribute to the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com. His purple tie was pretty snazzy too!

 Kevin Harvick took pole and Jeff Gordon, who started second won the race. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

This year, the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com marks the 20th anniversary of NASCAR racing at the Brickyard. Kevin Harvick took pole and Jeff Gordon, who started second won the race.

Crown Royal VIPs huddle on the Pagoda Balcony for the Winner Circle Festivities.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Crown Royal VIPs huddle on the Pagoda Balcony for the Winner Circle Festivities – NASCAR Race Mom, DJ and Kristin Barclay hustled themselves into Victory Circle for the best view!

Jeff Gordon lights up his tires after his the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com win. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Jeff Gordon lights up his tires after his the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com win. Now, he stands on another pedestal alongside Michael Schumacher as the only drivers to win five races at IMS. 

#24 Jeff Gordon in Victory Circle - Chevrolet owns an eleven -year win streak at the Brickyard and has won fifteen of twenty Brickyard 400s overall. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

#24 Jeff Gordon in Victory Circle - Chevrolet owns an eleven -year win streak at the Brickyard and has won fifteen of twenty Brickyard 400s overall.

John Wayne Walding and Scott Borchetta right before Jeff Gordon's trophy presentation. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

John Wayne Walding and Scott Borchetta right before Jeff Gordon's trophy presentation.  The John Wayne Walding Brickyard guitar was really sweet.

Rick Hendrick, Gordon’s car owner  congratulates the #24 Axalta Coatings/AARP Drive To End Hunger Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS team. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Rick Hendrick, Gordon’s car owner  congratulates the #24 Axalta Coatings/AARP Drive To End Hunger Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS team.

Jeff Gordon with his Crew Chief, Alan Gustafson. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Jeff Gordon with his Crew Chief, Alan Gustafson,  “I don’t think there’s a greater feeling for a racecar driver and a race team,” Gordon said. “It’s such a great race and such an important victory and such an important moment in the season and championship.”

Gordon joined by his team, car owner, and family prepare to kiss the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Gordon joined by his team, car owner, and family prepare to kiss the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to shadow Green Beret Hero John Wayne Walding at the race bearing his name.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to shadow Green Beret Hero John Wayne Walding at the race bearing his name.  John is humble, sweet, and handsome in every way. 

TeamHailey won the trivia challenge.  I must say it was tough to concentrate with Country Star Justin Moore asking you the questions. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

#TeamHailey won the trivia challenge.  I must say it was tough to concentrate with Country Star Justin Moore asking you the questions.


The bloggers' last night together was spent at “Dick's Last Resort.” #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

The bloggers' last night together was spent at “Dick's Last Resort.” Don’t expect to stumble upon Hoosier Hospitality at Dick’s. In fact, quite the opposite. This downtown restaurant and bar is known for its intentional employment of obnoxious staff. NRM would post the photo of the paper hat they made me wear, but I would loose my “G” rating.

Group photo taken in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. We are all piled into Rick Mears’ Gould Charge 1 Indy Car. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

No blogger event would be complete without a group photo. This one was taken in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. We are all piled into Rick Mears’ Gould Charge 1 Indy Car.

My artsy photo – the view from my JW Marriott Hotel Room. Goodbye Indy. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

This is my artsy photo – the view from my JW Marriott Hotel Room. Goodbye Indy. Goodbye to the super fun “Capture the Crown” blogger group. Goodbye and thank you to Crown Royal for this wonderful opportunity.

Remember to take a moment everyday to acknowledge
and thank the heroes around us.

#crownheroes #reignon #jww400 #nascar

If you drink, please drink responsibly!

Related Articles:

  1. John Wayne Walding-Crowning Heroes
  2. Gordon Kisses The Bricks Again
  3. Jeff Gordon Wins The Crown Royal Presents the 'John Wayne Walding 400' at The Brickyard Powered By BigMachineRecords.com."
  4. Brickfest: The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Thousand Horses
  5. Photos from Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  6. Researching the Brickyard 400
  7. Off to the Brickyard
  8. Jeff Gordon Talking 20th Anniversary of Inaugural Brickyard 400 Win
  9. Watch @IMS for Clues Each Day
  10. Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at The Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com
  11. Who’s Going To the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com?
  12. 2007–2014 Crown Royal ‘Your Name Here 400’ Winners
  13. Crown Royal and NASCAR Race Mom Say Thank You To Local Hero
  14. John Wayne Walding Crown Royal’s American Hero
  15. John Wayne Walding "Your Name Here" Winner
  16. Green Beret Announced As Namesake of Brickyard 400 During CMT Music Awards Live Broadcast
  17. Crown Royal Presents the “John Wayne Walding ‘400’” at the brickyard powered by the BigMachineRecords.com
  18. CMT Music Awards and Crown Royal Reign On
  19. Crown Royal To Rename 2014 Brickyard 400 After An American Hero
  20. Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program Nominations will be accepted through April 13th
  21. Crown Royal Your Hero’s Name Here Program Kicks Off this #NASCAR Weekend!