Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Win Four Grandstand Tickets To The Axalta 'We Paint Winners' 400 Notes #poconoracewaypretzel


Today is the first day of four in a row that Unique Pretzels is giving away a set of four grandstand tickets to Sunday’s AXALTA - We Paint Winners 400! 

Just Like, and Share their post.  They will randomly select a winner at 8 p.m. to receive the four tickets valued at $300! #poconoracewaypretzel

Click Here To Enter

 

Benjamin Dominates
Davis Scores #NASCAR #KNEAST Win

ComServe Wireless 150 - Dominion Raceway

Rookie Earns First Career K&N Pro East Win


Kyle Benjamin was fastest in practice, won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award and led the first 137 laps of the scheduled 150 lap race. Unfortunately, his race dominance did not result in a win. An controversial incident on a late-race restart ended his day in last place.


We had the dominating car,” Benjamin told Speed51.com powered by JEGS about his race ending contact with Dillon Bassett and his brother Ronnie, “To have that happen to you really sucks. I don’t know what more you can say about him jacking us up, then me saving it, and then him turning me again. He intentionally wrecked us the second time, so you know it wasn’t an accident.”

That left Benjamin’s teammate Spencer Davis to duke it out with Justin Haley. The finish was so exciting and close that both drivers had to wait for the NASCAR Officials to review the finish.

"Just the amount of emotion right there going on between the whole team," said Davis of sitting in his No. 41 Davis Poultry/Ruud.com Chevrolet. "That long dramatic pause was about to push me over the edge. When I heard my name over the intercom, everyone started screaming over the radio. And it was the best burnout I've ever done." Monday's victory came in his tenth career K&N Pro Series start.


Kyle Benjamin (No. 40 FEVR Chevrolet) 

• Headed into the weekend ranked second by default with four top fives and five top 10s.
• Finished fourth at New Smyrna this season and fifth in 2015.
• Is a NASCAR Next alumnus.

Spencer Davis (No. 41 Ruud.com Chevrolet) 

• Was fourth in the standings with three top-five finishes.
• At New Smyrna this season, he finished second.
• Is a member of the 2016-17 NASCAR Next class.

Justin Haley (No. 5 Braun Auto Chevrolet) 

• Leaded the series standings with one win, four top fives and five top 10s.
• In his two starts at New Smyrna, he’s finished 21st (2015) and fifth (2016).

The ComServe Wireless 150 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, June 2 at 6 p.m. ET. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will return to action on Friday, June 17, at historic Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut.

The series next competes on June 17, 2016 at Stafford Motor Speedway in the Stafford 150.

Race Results

Fin Str Car Driver Laps Status
1 3 41 Spencer Davis * 150 Running
2 11 5 Justin Haley 150 Running
3 19 55 Noah Gragson 150 Running
4 15 3 Kaz Grala 150 Running
5 17 1 Austin Theriault 150 Running
6 7 6 Ruben Garcia Jr. * 150 Running
7 2 15 Christian Eckes * 150 Running
8 8 13 Hunter Baize * 150 Running
9 12 49 John Holleman IV * 150 Running
10 14 66 Reid Wilson * 150 Running
11 13 38 Tyler Dippel * 150 Running
12 6 42 J.A. Junior Avila * 150 Running
13 18 39 Justin Fontaine 150 Running
14 20 46 Brian Henderson * 150 Running
15 22 4 Ali Kern * 150 Running
16 23 9 Christian Celaya 150 Running
17 10 8 Tyler Hughes * 150 Running
18 9 2 Collin Cabre 150 Running
19 5 43 Ronnie Bassett Jr. 149 Running
20 24 28 Clair Zimmerman * 147 Running
21 16 12 Harrison Burton * 146 Running
22 21 44 Dillon Bassett 140 Parked
23 1 40 Kyle Benjamin 140 Parked

* Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender

 

RACE STATISTICS

Fastest Qualifier: Kyle Benjamin, Time: 14.834 Seconds, Speed: 97.074 mph

Time of Race: 1 hrs., 6 mins, 40 secs Average Speed: 54.000 mph Margin of Victory: .005 Seconds

Caution Flags: Laps 42-48 (#13 - Turn 2 - FP #39); 76-80 (Break - FP #13); 123-128 (Debris on Frontstretch - FP #39); 132-137 (#30 Turn 2 - FP #09); 139-144 (#40, #44, #43, #08 Turn 1 - FP #09). 5 for 30 laps.

Lap Leaders: Kyle Benjamin 1-137, Spencer Davis * 138-150.

Total Laps Led: Kyle Benjamin 137, Spencer Davis * 13. 1 changes involving 2 drivers.

Top 10 Driver Points:
  1. Justin Haley 246, 
  2. Kyle Benjamin 227, 
  3. Spencer Davis * 223, 
  4. Kaz Grala 209, 
  5. Noah Gragson 208, 
  6. Tyler Dippel * 205, 
  7. Ronnie Bassett Jr. 205, 
  8. Austin Theriault 199, 
  9. Hunter Baize * 187, 
  10. Collin Cabre 175

CONTINGENCY AWARDS:

21 MEANS 21 POLE AWARD
PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT
: #40 Kyle Benjamin

COCA-COLE MOVE OF THE RACE: #55 Noah Gragson

AUTOLITE IRIDIUM XP LAP LEADER: #40 Kyle Benjamin

SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE RACE: #41 Spencer Davis



E.J. Wade Construction Joins BK Racing
Matt DiBenedetto at Pocono Raceway

Matthew "Matt" Guido DiBenedetto came into the #NASCAR Sprint Cup forfront after his emotional sixth place finish in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway this year.

"A sixth-place finish for BK Racing and for all my guys, this is like a win for us," DiBenedetto reported during a post race interview. . "Again, I apologize for being so emotional, but this is an incredible run. I can't thank my team enough, my crew chief Gene Need and everyone on this team for working so hahttp://static.nascar.com/content/dam/nascar/drivers/M/matt-dibenedetto/editorial/headshot_new_2016_nscs_matt_dibenedetto_550x440.pngrd and busting their tails for me to be able to drive this racecar in the Sprint Cup Series.

DiBenedetto finished the Coca Cola 600, seven laps down in position thirty-two. He sits thirty-third in the point standings.

Recently, BK Racing announced the re-signing of sponsor E.J. Wade Construction to a primary sponsorship on Matt DiBenedetto’s No. 83 E.J. Wade Construction Toyota Camry in the Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400 at Pocono Raceway.

The race on June 5, 2016 will be E.J. Wade Construction’s second race with BK Racing, debuting at Richmond in April. E.J. Wade Construction is a Class A Contractor and a VDOT Prequalified Contractor that has highly trained professionals who have their tradesman licenses in electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gas fitting tradesman licenses.

E.J. Wade Construction is a company that believes in quality, reliability, friendliness, and putting the concerns of the client first.

“I’m excited to welcome E.J. Wade Construction back on our No.83 car at Pocono,” said DiBenedetto. “Jeff and his team were great to work with at Richmond and we are really looking forward to Pocono.”

“We’re proud to have E.J. Wade Construction return for the Axalta “We Paint Winners 400″ at Pocono Raceway,” said Doug Fritz, CMO of BK Racing.

“The guys of BK Racing , Ron, Doug, Matt and the rest of the crew are just a great group of guys,” said Jeff Wade, President of E. J. Wade Construction. “They are the kind of group you can just really enjoy when you are with them. We love their dedication, honesty, friendship, the love for what they do and that’s why we are so proud to be a part of their team.”



Also returning on the No.83 is RMC Events, a premier event staffing company. This will be RMC Events second time as an associate sponsor with DiBenedetto and the 83 team, previously supporting the car at Richmond.




SCCA "Off To The Races II Raffle

Raffle Drawing of “Grand Prize Winner”
June 27, 2016

 



This raffle is organized and administered by the Sports Car Club of America Foundation, Inc.Board of Directors, license under number 2016-10583 issued by the Colorado Department of State. To be eligible to enter the raffle, entrants must be at least 18 years of age by the 27th of June 2016.

The drawing prize is two (2) VIP passes to the 2016 US Grand Prix race at Circuit of the Americas, plus $5000 cash to go towards travel, transportation and lodging. In the event that ticket sales do not meet or exceed the prize value, the winner will be awarded the cash value of all ticket sales, minus raffle administrative and marketing costs. All raffle ticket purchases are final, no refunds or exchanges allowed. Void outside of the U.S. and where prohibited, taxed or otherwise restricted by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and the decisions of the SCCA Foundation, which shall be final on all matters. Winners must sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release or the prize will be forfeited.

TICKET SALES: Ticket sales will be conducted exclusively on the internet on a website intended for that express purpose. Ticket sales will commence at 12:01 AM EDT, 20 January, 2016 and conclude on 27 June, 2015 at 12:00 PM MDT.

Click Here To Purchase Tickets

 

Monday, May 30, 2016

Coca Cola 600 Paint Schemes of the Top-Ten


Race winner Martin Truex Jr. broke records in Sunday night's victory in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a race in which the driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Toyota set new standards for domination.

 Runner-Up Freaky Fast, Kevin Harvick.

Jimmie Johnson finished off the podium

Denny Hamlin finished 4th.

Brad Keselowski finished 5th

Kurt Busch finished 6th

Matt Kenseth finished 7th

Chase Elliott finished 8th

Joey Logano finished 9th

Ryan Newman finished 10th

Greg Biffle, Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. were the only other cars on the lead lap. 


Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/NASCAR via Getty Images

Remembering Their Names
Army Spc. James "Jimmy" Beckstrand

Memorial Day is so much more than a federal holiday which translate into a paid day off from work. Observed every year on the last Monday of May,[originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, founded in Decatur, Illinois, established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the Union war dead with flowers. 



By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service.

Continuing NASCAR’s long-standing tradition of honoring the United States Armed Forces, all 40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will bore the name of a fallen service member on their race car windshields during Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Race Mom has her own hero’s name to remember.

Jimmy Lee Beckstrand was an audacious preteen in the late eighties, a year younger than my oldest son Moses and a year older than my youngest Zachariah. I remember the laughter as the three bounded through the doors looking for a drink of water after playing outside in the cul-de-sac for as long as they could under the warm California sun.

I have to laugh as I recall the night Jimmy and Zack spent the night in a makeshift tent they had pitched in our backyard grass. My husband Paul, waited till after midnight and after their giggly noise faded to creep outside and pretend to be a bear to scare them.

After high school, the three childhood chums set out to make their mark in the world in their own unique way. A few years later, I spotted Jimmy walking uphill towards his father’s house, dressed in his uniform. As I ran outside to say “hi,” I could not contain my awe and surprise. Jimmy Lee looked great and held himself with extreme confidence. I joked that his beloved roller blades would not be an acceptable fashion accessory for his current look.

That was the last time I spoke to Army Spc. James "Jimmy" Beckstrand. On April 29, 2004, during a four-month extension of duty, Jimmy and seven other soldiers from his unit, the 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division out of Baumholder, Germany, were killed when their convoy was attacked and a car bomb exploded near them. Jimmy Lee was just twenty-seven years old and a newlywed. He earned a Purple Heart medal for wounds received in action, and a Bronze Star medal for meritorious service and for his ultimate sacrifice.

NASCAR Race Mom is extremely grateful to all American citizens and businesses for remembering and honoring the true expense our military families pay to protect our rights and freedoms.

Goodyear Tires Were Marked With
"Support Our Troops"
In Honor Of Memorial Day Weekend.


NASCAR Race Mom feel in love with the "Support Our Troops" Goodyears used for the Coca-Cola 600.

Did you notice something different on the tires of your favorite NASCAR drivers' cars on Sunday's Sprint Cup Race?  For six straight years, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been rallying NASCAR fans to support members of the U.S. Armed Forces through its “Goodyear Gives Back” charitable program, benefiting Support Our Troops®.  All race tires at Charlotte Motor Speedway, were emblazoned with a stately "Support Our Troops" logo in red, white and blue.

The weekend festivities coincide with the launch of the auction itself, which features autographed NASCAR memorabilia, VIP race experiences and rides on the Goodyear Blimp. It was really is a chance for the fans to give back to the troops, and potentially win some great items.

Support Our Troops® Chairman Martin Boire said he's excited for the endeavor and the help it can bring to our men and women in the armed forces. 

"For the past six years Goodyear has supported this organization through their "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign, and that has stood as a shining symbol of Americans' support to the troops," Martin said. "The efforts of that great American company have contributed significantly to Support Our Troops' ability to have delivered over $30 million dollars in goods and services to the troops and their families worldwide in 2014. "support our troops goodyear tires  


About Support Our Troops 

Support Our Troops is America's Military Charity. We bolster the morale & well-being of the troops and their families worldwide. Our programs provide millions of dollars’ worth of care goods and services including family assistance, kid’s camp assistance, positive public support and more at hundreds of locations around the globe. If they're there, we’re with them®.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Jeff Gordon Takes Selfies with Fans

Previews Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway 

 


FOX Sports analyst and four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon proudly remembers getting fellow racing legend Rick Mears' autograph as a young race fan, so Gordon can relate to the lucky supporters who met him on May 24th during the Mega Pass Memories with Jeff Gordon event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Gordon took selfies with more than 100 lucky fans who purchased the Mega Pass ticket package for the incomparable 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder.

The fan photo event took place at the infield Champions Pavilion and gave race fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Gordon, who won his first race in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1994.

Gordon discussed the upcoming race weekend and the fan event with members of the media.

"I love when I hear from fans saying, 'I've been tracking you down for 20 years,'" Gordon said. "I remember meeting people along the way who I really looked up to, and I got excited. It meant a lot to me. Charlotte Motor Speedway has always been a destination place for race fans all over the country. They get to see the race shops; they get to interact with the drivers at events like this and other ones. They get to obviously see a lot at the track that offers them a lot. This is a special place."

MORE INFO:

Gordon won three NASCAR Sprint All-Star Races and five Cup Series points events at Charlotte Motor Speedway during a premier-series career that spanned from 1992 to 2015. This year marks the first time since 1992 that Gordon won't be racing 600 miles on Memorial Day weekend.

"There are certain times and certain events where I go, 'Gosh, I'd love to be a part of that battle,'" Gordon said. "For the most part, I'm enjoying the challenge (of television broadcasting). I'm enjoying the fun I'm having and I'm enjoying stepping away from the intensity. You're talking about being in the car for four, five hours. Pit crews, crew chiefs, spotters, everybody's on edge, pushing it to the limits every single lap. It's just all out.

"Five-hundred miles is a tough race at Charlotte. It really challenges the race teams. Then, you throw in the new aero package and another 100 miles and it makes (the Coca-Cola 600) the toughest (race) on the circuit. I think we'll be in for a great race on Sunday."

600 Miles of Remembrance:
Drivers Honor Fallen Military

Remember their names.

Below are the bios of the fallen to be honored on the support cars:



Pace car: Capt. Matthew Roland, U.S. Air Force

Date of birth: 1987
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2015
Note: A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Roland made three deployments and was awarded the Silver Star medal for valorous actions after his death.

 
 
 
*****

Split pace car: 1st Sgt. Kevin A. Dupont, U.S. Marine Corps

Date of birth: Oct. 9, 1956
Hometown: Chicopee, Mass.
Date of death: June 17, 2009
Note: Having served for over 33 years, Dupont made two tours in the Marine Corps before joining the Massachusetts National Guard.

 
 
 
*****

Grand Marshal car # 2: Spc. Tony J. Gonzales, U.S. Army

Date of birth: April 6, 1988
Hometown: Newman, Calif.
Date of death: Dec. 28, 2008, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Note: During his time in the military, Gonzales served as a company armor and Raven Pilot, among other roles.

 
 
 
*****

Grand Marshal car: Sgt. Bryan Paul Abercrombie, U.S. Army

Date of birth: Dec. 8, 1980
Hometown: Clinton, Utah
Date of death: Dec. 11, 2002, Honduras
Note: The Sergeant Bryan P. Abercrombie Foundation was established in honor of Abercrombie after his passing in 2002. The organization awards a college scholarship to graduating JRTOC cadets from Clearfield High School and Utah Military Academy and has awarded over $32,000 in scholarships since its inception.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Darrell (Bubba) Wallace Jr. Earns His First Win In Two Years. #Little600 #NASCAR

3rd Annual ENEOS Little 600

Bubba Wallace (1st), Justin Allgaier (2nd), and Josh Wise (3rd)

They ran the Third Annual ENEOS Little 600  race at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, N.C. on May 24. Although the event was free for spectators, one hundred fans had the option to upgrade for just $75 to the exclusive VIP Package.

VIPGRADE: Exclusive VIP Package

  • -FREE parking
  • -Catered dinner
  • -Reserved, indoor space and trackside viewing area
  • -Track Walk with GoPro Motorplex Owner, Justin Marks and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Michael McDowell
  • -Rub elbows with NASCAR stars
  • -Door prize raffles
  • -Live stream broadcast with timing/scoring
  • -VIP Pass comes with special event lanyard
  • -VIP Hours: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.

The race utilized the complex’s fleet of rental karts and features a full field of NASCAR drivers in the 15-lap main event as well as the second annual ENEOS Little 600 NASCAR Spotters race. 



The annual ENEOS Little 600 free fan event  featured popular NASCAR drivers such as Kyle Larson competing in go-karts. The winners of this race were Bubba Wallace (1st), Justin Allgaier (2nd), and Josh Wise (3rd).

“Justin Marks put on a great show for the racers and customers. I know that it was just go-karts and about three times slower than my race car . . . . but that was like my first win in two years!” an excited Wallace reported.


Fast Facts:

  • WHAT: 3rd Annual ENEOS Little 600
  • WHEN: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 | 2:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
  • COST: FREE Admission, Parking Fee: $10/per car load
  • VIP PACKAGE: Upgrade for $75/person to the exclusive VIP experience.

What great family fun - NASCAR Race Mom would have love to have been able to attend this NASCAR Star Studded event!!!

Check Out This Amazing Entry List

2016 ENEOS Little 600 Driver Entry List

  • • Kyle Larson
  • • Joey Logano
  • • Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  • • Michael McDowell
  • • Justin Allgaier
  • • Ryan Blaney
  • • Darrell Wallace Jr.
  • • Trevor Bayne
  • • Chase Elliott
  • • Brian Scott
  • • Brennan Poole
  • • And more! 

Spotters' Race Entry List 

  • • TJ Majors, spotter for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  • • Brett Griffin, spotter for Clint Bowyer
  • • Eddie D'Hondt, spotter for Chase Elliott
  • • Kevin Hamlin, spotter for Kasey Kahne
  • • Time Fedewa, spotter for Kevin Harvick
  • • Roman Pemberton, spotter for Trevor Bayne
  • • Freddie Kraft, spotter for Greg Biffle
  • • Mike Herman Jr., spotter for Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  • • Rocky Ryan, spotter for Michael Annett
  • • Doug Campbell, spotter for Regan Smith
  • • Billy O'Dea, spotter for Paul Menard
  • • Tyler Green, spotter for Jamie McMurray
  • • Stevie Reeves, spotter for Aric Almirola
  • • Ford Martin, spotter for Ben Rhodes
  • • Josh Williams, spotter for Ryan Blaney




The video above highlights the "Bump and Run" maneuver executed by Bubba Wallace against then-leader Kyle Larson in the ENEOS Little 600.



@ENEOSUSA #Little600; @GoProMotorplex

Young Formula Mazda Racer
Jarret Voorhies Fights Distracted Driving

*Love to see young drivers doing good work!* 


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 10 percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the accidents. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the incidents and, since 2007, have been observed manipulating electronic devices at higher rates than older drivers.
Jarret Voorhies, a 17-year-old Sports Car Club of America racer, knows those stats aren’t good and he’s trying to do something to curb the trend. The Orlando, Florida teen for the past few years has been working with the Texas Department of Transportation, Frisco Police Department, Mansfield Police Department and Fort Worth Police Department to present the AT&T “It Can Wait” campaign which educates teens about the dangers of distracted driving.

“I spend a lot of time scheduling events to get the word out about the dangers of distracted driving,” Voorhies said. “If I could make a difference in just one person’s life by getting them to put down the phone while driving, then it’s worth it.”

Voorhies, who races a Formula Mazda and won back-to-back SCCA U.S. Majors Tour races at Road Atlanta this year, has also started working on the State Farm #Drive2N2 campaign aimed at reminding those his age to drive with two eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel at all times.

“I can speak to fellow teens on a peer-to-peer level, and give a teen’s perspective to parents,” Voorhies said. “I use my racing experience for credibility. Not only does the race car make me credible to the people around me, but it also receives a ton of attention when displayed at various events.”

At a recent presentation, a television news crew caught up with Voorhies to learn a little more about his goals and what drives him. Check out the interview segment at the KDAF-TV website.

The SCCA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sports Car Club of America, also actively engages with teens through Tire Rack Street Survival. These events go beyond antiquated high school driver education programs and give teens across the U.S. the skills and hands-on experience needed to become safer, smarter drivers. Students become more observant of traffic situations and learn to look far enough ahead to anticipate unwise actions of others. As the students master the application of physics to drive their cars, they make fewer risky driving actions.

The school provides trained and qualified in-car driving instructors, as well as valuable classroom experience for each student. More than 100 events were held each of the last two years, and you can check out upcoming dates at the Tire Rack Street Survival website.




Lee Brice to Rock Coca-Cola 600
Pre-Race Pit Party


One of the biggest names in entertainment today will perform at the biggest Memorial Day Weekend celebration on the planet when two-time GRAMMY nominee and country music megastar Lee Brice rocks the pre-race entertainment stage before the Coca-Cola 600, Sunday, May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

OVERVIEW:

The full 45-minute 'Lee Brice Coca-Cola 600 pre-race concert presented by Speed Perks', will highlight the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race pit party, which will also include driver appearances, Q&As with some of the biggest names in the sport and even more live music.

Before breaking onto the scene in 2010 with his debut album, 'Love Like Crazy,' Brice was a noted songwriter, penning "More Than A Memory" recorded by Garth Brooks, and wrote songs recorded by artists including, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney, among others. During the Lee Brice Coca-Cola 600 pre-race concert presented by Speed Perks, the multi-talented musician, songwriter, producer and recording artist is expected to perform several of his smash hits like "Love Like Crazy," "Woman Like You" and "I Don't Dance," among other favorites. The concert will take place on pit road.

The double ACM winner Lee Brice kicked off 2016 with his headlining "Life Off My Years" Tour. In addition to being the only Country artist to perform in all 50 states last year, Brice has recently appeared on ESPN's "SportsCenter" ABC's "Bachelor Live," NBC's "The Voice," and performed on the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend telecast. The "evocative, rough-edged singer" (New York Times) recently debuted the song, "More Love" with long-time friend, Jerrod Niemann, exclusively on SiriusXM's The Highway. 

For more information on Lee Brice, visit http://www.leebrice.com

600 Miles of Remembrance:
Drivers Honor Fallen Military

Remember their names.

Below are the last ten of forty fallen to be honored:



No. 44 car: Pfc. John G. Borbonus, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: May 12, 1987
  • Hometown: Boise, Idaho
  • Date of death: April 12, 2007, Iraq
  • Note: Borbonus was a hometown friend of Brian Scott.



*****

No. 46 car: Pfc. Jacob Henry Wykstra, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: July 14, 1992
  • Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
  • Date of death: May 28, 2014, Afghanistan
  • Note: Wykstra was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal.



*****

No. 47 car: Yeoman 3rd Class Wendell Williams, U.S. Navy

  • Date of birth: Nov. 23, 1965
  • Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Date of death: June 26, 1991, Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine



*****

No. 48 car: Sgt. 1st Class Kyle B. Wehrly, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: Oct. 4, 1977
  • Hometown: Galesburg, Ill.
  • Date of death: Nov. 3, 2005, Iraq
  • Note: Wehrly's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Army Achievement Medal. He also worked at a Lowe's store in his hometown of Galesburg, Illinois.



*****

No. 55 car: Pfc. Jason Hill Estopinal, U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: Sept. 6, 1988
  • Hometown: Dallas, Ga.
  • Date of death: Feb. 15, 2010, Afghanistan
  • Note: Estopinal was a rifleman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. He joined the Marines in February 2009.



*****

No. 78 car: Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery E. Bohr Jr., U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: March 27, 1964
  • Hometown: Ossian, Iowa
  • Date of death: April 10, 2003, Operation IRAQI Freedom
  • Note: Bohr was part of the Marine Corps with Furniture Row Racing shop employee John Parks.



*****

No. 83 car: Lance Cpl. Jared C. Verbeek, U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: May 23, 1989
  • Hometown: Visalia, Calif.
  • Date of death: June 21, 2011
  • Note: Verbeek's family was told that Verbeek was a member of the Marine Corps’ military police, which involved training Afghan law enforcement.



*****
 

No. 88 car: Lance Cpl. Aaron Howard Reed, U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: Aug. 23, 1963
  • Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio
  • Date of death: August 3, 2005, Iraq
  • Note: A passionate writer, Reed was in boot camp when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occured. He was deployed to Iraq in 2005.
 
 
 
*****

No. 95 car: Pfc. Andrew Mark Krippner, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: April 22, 1991
  • Hometown: Garland, Texas
  • Date of death: May 23, 2011, Afghanistan
  • Note: Known by family and friends as a man of strong faith, Krippner was a member of Thrivent Financial, one of the sponsors of the No. 95 car.
 
 
 
*****

No. 98 car: Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr., U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: May 3, 1983
  • Hometown: Modesto, Calif.
  • Date of death: Dec. 14, 2004, Iraq

Friday, May 27, 2016

Dale Jr. Lends Support To Brother Kerry (#nascar)

NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Supports Older Brother Kerry

Dale Jr., Dale Sr., and Kerry

 “Obviously, I’m in support of my brother,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “This is a business venture that he’s put a lot of effort and heart and soul in that I think he deserves. So in this particular case, I side with my brother and his belief to be able to use the name as is. . .”

Kerry Earnhardt with wife Rene


Kerry Earnhardt, who is Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s oldest child, and from his first wife, had plans to call the homes “The Earnhardt Collection.”

"Rene and I have worked extremely hard to develop the Earnhardt Collection brand and make it uniquely ours," Kerry Earnhardt said in a statement to ESPN.com "I chose to leave a successful career in racing and could not be happier with what we've been able to achieve in the five years we've been building our home lifestyle brand inspired by our love of the outdoors."

Unfortunately, Dale Sr.’s third wife and widow, Teresa Earnhardt, doesn’t want that name used because she believes it could be confused as an endorsement or sponsorship by the estate of her late husband.

Even more unfortunate, this legal fight has dragged on for several years. A U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruling denied Teresa Earnhardt’s challenge to the “Earnhardt Collection” trademark. Lamentably, she has filed an appeal in federal court.

Kerry took the last name of his stepfather (Key) at the age of three. However, in testimony to the Trademark and Trial Appeal Board, Kerry reported that his father helped him get the Earnhardt name back after they restarted their relationship when he was sixteen.


What do you think . . . Should Kerry be allowed to use his last name unencumbered?


#NASCAR 'Drive for Diversity'
to Host First National Pit Crew Combine (#NASCARD4D)


Following a national talent search, 18 multicultural and female athletes earned invitations to compete in the first-ever national NASCAR Drive For Diversity® (D4D) Crew Member Development Combine today in Concord, North Carolina.

Former college football, basketball, softball and track and field athletes will be evaluated based on a series of fitness, agility and pit crew drills at the NASCAR Research & Development Center.


The 10 top-performing participants will be invited to join the NASCAR D4D Crew Member Development Program, operated by Rev Racing, and receive expert training as tire changers, carriers and jackmen, with the goal of gaining full-time employment with NASCAR national series race teams. 

“As NASCAR Drive for Diversity continues to grow and benefit from national exposure, we’re seeing more and more athletes want to be involved,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "This is a great way to introduce top competitors to NASCAR and provide the opportunity to one day shine in our sport's biggest events."

Earlier this year, NASCAR and Rev Racing hosted tryouts at six universities spanning coast to coast – from Norfolk State University to San Diego State University – as part of a revamped crew member scouting process.

Twelve men and six women hailing from 12 states and one U.S. territory are now one step closer to a career in NASCAR and will look to impress during today’s four-hour skills competition.

“We are extremely excited about the continued growth and evolution of the Crew Member Development Program,” said Max Siegel, CEO of Rev Racing. “Our expanded college recruitment and outreach efforts have attracted some of the most talented and promising athletes our program has seen yet.”

Most D4D participants begin with no motorsports background and learn to apply athletic prowess from their primary sport to the skills required on NASCAR’s pit road. Joshua Tate, an All-American football player at Clark Atlanta University, recently tried out for the Chicago Bears and is now hoping to go professional in motorsports.

Former Norfolk State point guard Brehanna Daniels could follow in the footsteps of Emily Cox, a D4D alum who now pits regularly in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Jeremy Kimbrough, a former Washington Redskins linebacker, will attempt to join fellow NFL veteran Andre Neblett in the D4D crew member program, which has a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. Neblett played for the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots and was accepted to D4D as part of the program’s ongoing open enrollment.

There are 35 current and former D4D crew members working in NASCAR, including 23 graduates in the sport’s top series – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In November, Roush Fenway Racing team members Mike Russell and Raphael Diaz became the first D4D graduates to win a national series championship when No. 60 driver Chris Buescher clinched the NASCAR XFINITY Series title.


NASCAR D4D pit crew member combine participants include: 


First Last Hometown Primary Sport
Robert Clay Nashville, Tenn. Football
Kasuela Cooper  Charleston, Mo. Basketball
Paris Cotman  Richmond, Va. Track & Field 
Brehanna Daniels  Norfolk, Va. Basketball
Mykael Dixon    Baltimore, Md. Track & Field
Branden Dozier  Topeka, Kan.  Football
Kapil Fletcher Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Football
Quinta Funderburk  Chesapeake, Va. Football
Jemond Hazely Corona, Calif. Football
Tedarian Johnson Jackson, Miss. Football
Jeremy Kimbrough  Decatur, Ga. Football
Corey King Boca Raton, Fla. Football
Toto'a Leilua  Leloaloa, AS Football
Lamar Neal          Virginia Beach, Va. Football
Breanna O’Leary  Amarillo, Texas Softball
Jorden Paige Buffalo, N.Y. Football
Diedra Smith  Aurora, Colo. Basketball
Joshua Tate Memphis, Tenn. Football

Following today’s event, the D4D combine participants will attend the Hisense 4K TV 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 28 (2:30 p.m. ET on FS1).

NASCAR D4D also offers a driver development program, operated by Rev Racing, and each year fields six drivers in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Successful graduates now competing in a national series include NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson and NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Darrell Wallace Jr. and Daniel Suárez.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 will be broadcast live from Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29 at 6 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Additional live coverage can be found on NASCAR.com.


About Rev Racing


Headquartered in Concord, NC, Rev Racing, owned by Max Siegel operates the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which is the industry’s leading developmental program for ethnic minorities and women drivers and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit http://revracing.net or follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.

About NASCAR


The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. 

For more information visit http://www.NASCAR.com and http://www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’). 

NASCAR Release

Dignitaries Join #NASCAR
Coca-Cola 600 Festivities

Retired General George W. Casey, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, 82nd Airborne Division Color Guard Among Coca-Cola 600 Week Dignitaries


From decorated military veterans to award-winning musicians, pre-race festivities during the 57th annual Coca-Cola 600 week at Charlotte Motor Speedway will include a wide range of dignitaries. Below is a list of dignitaries and their respective roles:

Friday, May 27

  • Circle K NOS Energy Outlaw Showdown
  • Presentation of Colors: Waynesville, North Carolina, Police Department Honor Guard
  • Invocation: Tom Kipp, Motor Racing Outreach
  • National Anthem: Trulah Mikaela Maloy

Saturday, May 28

  • Hisense 4K TV 300
  • Honorary Starter: Maurice Rouleau, Senior Vice President, Hisense North America
  • Grand Marshals: Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County
  • Presentation of Colors: UNC Charlotte Air Force ROTC Detachment Color Guard
  • Invocation: Billy Mauldin, Motor Racing Outreach
  • National Anthem: Colby Bell

Sunday, May 29

  • Coca-Cola 600 Honorary Starter: Matt Bevin, Governor of Kentucky
  • Grand Marshals: George W. Casey, Retired General, U.S. Army; 75 USO members
  • Presentation of Colors: 82nd Airborne Division Color Guard, Fort Bragg
  • Invocation: Frank Harrison, Chairman and CEO, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
  • National Anthem: 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus

KEEP TRACK:

Keep up with all the latest news from the speedway by liking Charlotte Motor Speedway on Facebook  or by following on Twitter


600 Miles of Remembrance:
Drivers Honor Fallen Military

Remember their names.

 Below are the third ten of forty fallen to be honored:


No. 24 car: Gunnery Sgt. Justin Martone, U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: Aug. 21, 1974.
  • Hometown: Bedford, Va.
  • Date of death: March 7, 2006, Iraq
  • Note: Martone was a member of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan.



*****

No. 27 car: Spc. Zachary Lee Shannon, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: Oct. 28, 1991
  • Hometown: Dunedin, Fla.
  • Date of death: March 11, 2013, Afghanistan
  • Note: Shannon deployed twice, once to South Korea and once to Afghanistan, and was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor and the Purple Heart. He is the half brother of RCR engineer Keith Lindgren’s nephew Taylor Mirrione, who is currently deployed aboard the USS Dallas.



*****

No. 30 car: Staff Sgt. Robert A. Massarelli, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: Sept. 22, 1979
  • Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
  • Date of death: June 24, 2012, Afghanistan
  • Note: Massarelli's awards include four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and three Army Good Conduct Medals. He is the cousin to the daughter-in-law of No. 30 crew chief Dave Fuge.



*****

No. 31 car: Staff Sgt. Jason C. Ramseyer, U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: Oct. 21,1977
  • Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
  • Date of death: April 20, 2006, Iraq
  • Note: Ramseyer was deployed to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. He was chosen to be featured on the No. 31 car by the Hope 4 The Warriors (H4W) group, an organization that Ryan Newman has been long affiliated with.



*****

No. 32 car: Capt. Christopher Cash, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: Oct. 2, 1967
  • Hometown: Old Orchard Beach, Maine
  • Date of death: June 24, 2014, Iraq
  • Note: Cash served as an active duty soldier before joining the North Carolina National Guard and led three platoons as a Company Commander.



*****

No. 34 car: Staff Sgt. Eric A. McIntosh, U.S. Marine Corps

  • Date of birth: March 9, 1977
  • Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Date of death: April 2, 2006, Iraq
  • Note: McIntosh was killed during his second tour in Iraq and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
 
 
*****

No. 38 car: Pvt. Earl Platt, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: January 19, 1893
  • Hometown: Vestaburg, Mich.
  • Date of death: November 2, 1926



*****

No. 41 car: Sgt. Nicholas Ray Gibbs, U.S. Army

  • Date of birth: Aug. 9, 1981
  • Hometown: Stokesdale, N.C.
  • Date of death: Dec. 6, 2006
  • Note: Among his many awards, Gibbs was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Good Conduct Medal.



*****

No. 42 car: Denis Christian Miranda (SEAL), U.S. Navy

  • Date of birth: Dec. 6, 1985
  • Hometown: Toms River, N.J.
  • Date of death: Sept. 21, 2010, Afghanistan
  • Note: Miranda was a squad mate of No. 42 jackman Graham Molatch, a former Navy SEAL.



*****

No. 43 car: Staff Sgt. Forest Sibley, U.S. Air Force

  • Date of birth: 1983
  • Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
  • Date of death: Aug. 26, 2015, Afghanistan
  • Note: Sibley -- a four-time Bronze Medal recipient, once with Valor -- was selected to be featured on the No. 43 car by team partner United States Air Force. He deployed four times in his nearly seven-year military career.