Happy Friday....Habbajeeeeba....Congratulations, you made it through the week. 


Quote of the Year

"To be a real, true NASCAR driver, you have to know where the sport came from and you have to respect that history and tradition. The guys that don't respect that history and tradition, I don't think they're going to be around all that long. And those guys who don't know the history and tradition, I think it's upon them to learn about it pretty quick if they want to be a success."
– Richard Petty

Quote of the Day

"When you show strength going into the Chase, it can only help you with the intimidation factor."
-Kurt Busch on consecutive top-two finishes Comments from the Peanut Gallery

from Bob
from O'Sure
Seems to me the fines are illegal to begin with.

Especially if they're levied against your favorite team ;-(

If Castroneves/Penske can sue Steward over climbing a fence then it looks like anything is possible.

Oh, Sure . . . surely you realize that's as serious as when Wheeler sued Big E for messing up his lawn!
Bits and Pieces

Federal judge throws out Ford lawsuit against NASCAR driver Kahne
By BREE FOWLER, Associated Press Writer


DETROIT (AP) -- A federal judge has dismissed a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought against NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne by Ford Motor Co.

U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland ruled Thursday that a 2002 agreement between Kahne and Ford was not enforceable under Michigan law, because significant parts of it were left open for future negotiations.

"No reasonable jury could conclude, based on the record of evidence presented, that the parties had reached agreement on all material or essential terms,'' Cleland wrote.

Ford had claimed that Kahne signed a contract obligating him to drive Fords and appear in promotional activities. The lawsuit alleged Kahne left Ford in 2003 -- when he was racing in the NASCAR Busch series -- to join a Dodge team owned by Ray Evernham.

But Kahne's attorney, David Baum, argued during a July 20 court hearing that the contract was merely an ``agreement to agree'' on a ``mutually acceptable racing series with a reasonably competitive team.'' Baum said it was not an enforceable contract for Kahne to exclusively race for Ford.

Kahne said he was happy to be putting the matter behind him.

"I'm thrilled that this decision sets the record straight that my move to Evernham Motorsports and the NASCAR Nextel Cup series was in good faith and didn't breach my Ford contract,'' he said in a statement.

Ford Racing Technology officials said they intentionally designed Kahne's agreement to be flexible to allow the young driver to try different types of racing.

``We felt strongly that our agreement with Kasey should have been enforced requiring him to continue to drive for Ford Racing,'' Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, said in a statement.

But it's unlikely Ford will appeal the decision, Davis said.

Baum said Kahne did his part to try to reach an agreement with Ford, but the automaker didn't do enough to place the 25-year-old on a suitable team and refused to move him up to NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series in 2004.

Ford lawyer Maurice Jenkins argued that Kahne did receive an offer from Ford to race with another team in the Busch series but Kahne already had decided at that point that he hadn't gotten what he wanted.

Baum said Kahne wanted to stay with Ford but had to move on to advance his career.

Kahne was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year last season after finishing 13th in the points standings. This season, he's 13th in Nextel Cup earnings with more than $2.86 million, but isn't among the top 20 drivers in the standings.

Also Thursday, Cleland denied a Ford motion asking to add an unjust enrichment claim against Kahne along with the breach-of-contract claim.

Ford had argued that Kahne has ``cashed in'' on the value of the development deal he had with Ford, and the company should be compensated for it.

Cleland said in his ruling that Ford failed to show why it should be allowed to amend its complaint after the deadline to do so had passed and that its original complaint failed to state a sufficient claim for unjust enrichment.
Labor Day weekend races at Fontana will end at night
Overwhelming fan reaction to night racing at California Speedway has resulted in later start times for the speedway's NASCAR Labor Day weekend events. It was announced today that California Speedway's three September NASCAR events -- West Series 200, Busch Series 300 and Nextel Cup Series SONY HD 500 -- will have night racing finishes.

Following the 2004 events, fans and competitors alike embraced the excitement of night racing. The new race times are a direct result of fans desire to see more night racing at California Speedway.

"We're thrilled to be able to deliver on our fans' desire for later start times at California Speedway's Nextel Cup and Busch Series races," said Gillian Zucker, California Speedway president. "Guests will have the opportunity to experience daytime, dusk and racing under the lights all in one visit at California's largest sporting event and teams will face the challenge of changing track temperatures as the sun sets, adding to the excitement of the competition."

Growing interest in the sport of NASCAR and increased television ratings nationwide over the first half of the 2005 season has resulted in additional demand for events to be televised in primetime.

"NASCAR is always looking to make our fans' experience even better and night racing at California Speedway does just that," said Dick Glover, NASCAR VP Broadcasting and Media who runs NASCAR's Los Angeles office. "As a SoCal resident, I can personally attest to the fun and excitement of night racing here."

Friday's West Series 200 will race completely under the lights with a start time of 8:00 p.m. PT

Saturday's action will feature Nextel Cup qualifying beginning at 2:20 p.m. PT followed by the Busch Series 300. This race has a start time of 5:35 p.m. PT (last year's event started at 3:00 p.m.)

Sunday's Nextel Cup SONY HD 500 will begin at 5:10 p.m. PT.
Record Breaking Number of NASCAR Cars to Testat Watkins Glen Next Week
Among those expected to test in both cars are Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Elliot Sadler, Carl Edwards, Travis Kvapil, Robby Gordon and road course specialists – Boris Said and Ron Fellows. Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett and Joe Nemechek will be testing in NASCAR Busch Series cars as well.

The 45-car line-up also includes NASCAR drivers like Jeremy Mayfield, Jamie McMurray, Matt Kenseth, Martin Truex Jr., and Kyle Busch.

Fans can attend the test session on both Monday and Tuesday to watch between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
Kenny Wallace team picks up race sponsor 
Whelen Engineering will be the primary sponsor of ppc Racing's No. 22 Ford for Kenny Wallace in Saturday's Wallace Family Salute 250 Busch Series race at Gateway International Raceway.

Financial terms were not announced.

Wallace is currently fifth in the Busch Series driver standings, with five top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in the season's first 21 races.
2nd Wood Brothers team? Jon Wood, dirver of the #47 ST Motorsports Ford in the Busch Series, immediate future appears to be moving in the Nextel Cup direction. The status of current #21 Wood Brothers driver, Ricky Rudd for 2006 is unknown [his contract runs thru 2005 and retirement is a possibility]. There appears to be a good chance that Wood will advance to a Nextel Cup car, could be the #21 Ford or a 2nd team car. Eddie Wood, co-owner of the Wood Brothers team, said he is trying to put together a sponsor program to move Jon, his son, into Cup in 2006. It is possible the team could field two cars if Rudd decides to run next year. If Rudd were to retire, Wood could drive the #21.(paraphrased from the NASCAR Scene Magazine)
Earnhardt Jr., Edwards among Schrader's 'Stars'
By DAVID POOLE
The Charlotte Observer

Ken Schrader will be joined by a number of his NASCAR friends next Wednesday for his "M&M's Night of Stars" charity event at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo.
The event took last year off, but Kyle Petty, Carl Edwards, Casey Mears and Dave Blaney are scheduled to race this year. Martin Truex Jr., Kenny Wallace, Jimmy Spencer and Bobby Hamilton are also scheduled to appear, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. serving as flag man for the 10-lap celebrity race.

Drivers will sign autographs from 5 to 7 p.m., with a full schedule of dirt-track racing beginning at 7:30. Tickets are $30. For information, call (636) 479-3219 or go to i55raceway.com.
Third-gear ratio prompts $2,500 fine from NASCAR
Todd Gordon, crew chief for the No. 10 Ford driven by Brent Sherman in the Busch Series, has been fined $2,500 by NASCAR for violations last week at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

During opening-day inspection at the Fountain, Colo., track, the No. 10 was found to have an unapproved third-gear transmission ratio. That would be a violation of Section 12-4-CC and Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rulebook.
Watkins Glen names grand marshal
Watkins Glen International says former pro football player Shannon Sharpe will be the grand marshal for the Aug. 14 Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen Nextel Cup race.

Sharpe, who now does an NFL show for Sirius, will give the drivers the command to start their engines. Joseph Alesandro, director of field and car sales maintenance for Hertz Rent-A-Car, will wave the green flag for the race's start.
Sad News: Helmer Ellsworth Kenseth, age 96, of Cambridge, died on Wednesday, July 27, 2005, at his home. Helmer was born in Cambridge on April 16, 1909, son of Martin and Hilda (England) Kenseth. Kenseth was Matt Kenseth's grandfather. Kenseth driver the #17 DeWalt Ford for Roush Racing in the Nextel Cup Series. Those wishing to express their sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Willerup United Methodist Church. Nitardy Funeral Home, Cambridge, is assisting the family. See full obit for info and services at the Capital Times.
Rusty was NASCAR before NASCAR was cool
By DAVE CALDWELL
The New York Times


Stock-car drivers never seem to want to sit in one place for too long. Rusty Wallace will take a break this weekend from his last pursuit of a NASCAR Nextel Cup series championship, but only because there is no race. He plans to drive fast, anyway.

Wallace, 48, will compete in a Busch Series race Saturday night near St. Louis, his hometown. The field for the Wallace Family Tribute 250 is expected to include his younger brothers, Mike, 46, and Kenny, 41.

It will not be a parade.

"I'm going there to win the race, just like the other guys are," Wallace said during a teleconference on Tuesday.

Wallace has not won a race this year, his final Nextel Cup season. But he has been consistent, and he is fourth in the standings, with six races left to determine the challengers for the 10-race Chase for the Nextel Cup.

As he prepares to retire in order to focus on the driving career of his 17-year-old son, Steve, Wallace is in hot pursuit of a championship. This season has followed two mediocre ones, and Wallace is thrilled to be leaving his sport as a force.

"These guys," he said of the top Nextel Cup competitors, "are all beatable."

He likes his crew chief, Larry Carter, and together they are finding setups that work. Wallace used what he called a radical setup for last Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 in Long Pond, Pa., and he finished second to Kurt Busch, his best finish of the season.

"It's the result of having more knowledge," Wallace said.

Wallace is also chatty and effusive and unrelentingly upbeat, characteristics that have helped him achieve a measure of success in a sport that was not so popular in his hometown when he was a boy.

But Wallace is leaving a long way from where he started.

"Being race car drivers or messing with the race cars was not the cool thing to do," Mike Wallace said. "I honestly remember our principal and counselors at Fox High School out in Arnold, Mo., where we grew up, telling us we would never make nothing of ourselves if we kept messing with those race cars."

Their father, Russ, was a racing legend in the St. Louis area, and he taught them how to build a car and win with it. "It was all racing, all the time," Kenny Wallace said. "Nothing else."

After Rusty Wallace found his way to NASCAR, he tried to land sponsorship with Anheuser-Busch, the St. Louis brewery.

It said no.

"Beer companies are competitive," Wallace said, "and they wanted a sure bet."

Wallace drove in his first race March 16, 1980, in what was then the Winston Cup Series. He started seventh and finished second. After he won the 1989 championship, Wallace landed a new sponsor, Miller Brewing, which he has retained.

His brothers have been less competitive: Mike Wallace is 35th in the Nextel Cup standings, and Kenny Wallace is a regular on the Busch Series, the Class AAA level of stock-car racing.

During the Pennsylvania 500, Busch dominated, but a fierce and delightful battle for second place developed late in the race between Wallace and Mark Martin, 46, who is also hoping to retire after this season. It was a gentlemanly contest between Wallace and Martin.

"We didn't have a racecar to win, and we didn't see any need in running each other over for 5 points," Martin said after the race. "But every race is like that. When we were short-track racing in 1977, third always paid better than fourth, and you tried to get it. But you didn't tear your stuff up to do it."

Martin, who is seventh in the Cup standings, is as pessimistic as Wallace is optimistic. Wallace said that after a good race, he sometimes reminded Martin that he had groused about having no chance with a pile of junk for a car.

"Two different personalities, but really good friends," Wallace said.

Before he resumes racing against Martin and the other top drivers on Aug. 7 in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis, Wallace will drive for the first time at Gateway International Raceway. The race will be a celebration of his family's contribution to racing and of his career.

Wallace looks forward to working with his son. Steve test-drove a car at a racetrack in Kentucky on Monday, after his father warmed it up. Wallace drove his lap in 32.65 seconds. Steven drove his in 32.81 seconds.

"He was up to speed in nothing flat," Wallace said, proudly.
By The Numbers: Gateway
By Dave Rodman, NASCAR.COM
 

NASCAR heads to Gateway International Raceway for Saturday night's Wallace Family Tribute 250, the ninth annual Busch Series event held within sight of St. Louis' famous arch.

Defending Busch champion Martin Truex Jr. has seized control of the top of the point table with 14 races remaining this season, and he's the race's defending champion.

But for the 47 other entrants in the final chance to race with three Wallace brothers in the Busch Series, Victory Lane is their primary goal.

Unless otherwise noted, the following numbers refer to the Wallace Family Tribute 250 and Gateway International Raceway.
 

• 0 -- The number of Busch Series starts by Rusty Wallace.
• 0 -- The number of poles won by Cup regulars.
• .165 -- Kevin Harvick's margin of victory, in seconds, over Jason Keller in 2001 -- the closest margin in the track's Busch Series history.
• 1 -- The number of drivers entered who have won: Martin Truex Jr. (2004).
• 1 -- The number of races won by Nextel Cup regulars: Kevin Harvick (2001).
• 1 -- The number of races won from the pole position; by defending champion Martin Truex Jr.
• 1 -- Defending Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr.'s position in the standings entering the weekend.
• 1 -- The fewest laps led by a race winner, Scott Riggs in 2003.
• 1.25 -- The length in miles of a lap.
• 2 -- Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award point leader Carl Edwards' margin over Reed Sorenson.
• 2 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick's leading total of career victories.
• 2 -- The fewest caution periods, in July 2000.
• 3 -- The number of Nextel Cup regulars in the top 20 in the Busch standings: Carl Edwards (4th), Greg Biffle (12th) and Kevin Harvick (14th).
• 4 -- The number of previous pole winners entered: Shane Hall (1998), Randy LaJoie (2002), Ashton Lewis Jr. (2003) and Martin Truex Jr. (2004).
• 4 -- The number of consecutive different winners: Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle, Scott Riggs and Martin Truex Jr.
• 4 -- The number of former Busch Series champions entered: Martin Truex Jr., Randy LaJoie, David Green and Steve Grissom.
• 4 -- The number of drivers who have led this year's standings: Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards and Martin Truex Jr.
• 5 -- The number of the eight Busch races that have been won from starting positions inside the top 10, or 63 percent -- the last five consecutively.
• 5 -- Martin Truex Jr.'s leading number of victories this season, two more than Carl Edwards.
• 5 -- The fewest leaders, most recent of two times in May 2004.
• 6 -- Jason Keller's leading number of top-five finishes.
• 6 -- The number of Nextel Cup Series regulars entered: Carl Edwards, Jason Leffler, Sterling Marlin, Mike Wallace, Rusty Wallace and Michael Waltrip.
• 6 -- Chevrolet's leading number of victories.
• 7 -- Jason Keller's leading number of top-10 finishes.
• 7 -- The number of different pole winners in eight races, with one rainout.
• 7 -- The number of Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidates entered: Carl Edwards, Reed Sorenson, Denny Hamlin, Jon Wood, Kertus Davis, Brent Sherman and Tyler Walker.
• 8 -- The fewest lead changes, in May 2004.
• 9 -- The most leaders, most recent of two times in May 2003.
• 9 -- The fewest finishers on the lead lap, in May 2004.
• 11 -- Martin Truex Jr.'s leading number of top-five finishes this season.
• 11 -- The fewest caution laps, in July 2000.
• 14 -- Martin Truex Jr.'s leading number of top-10 finishes this season.
• 14 -- The most caution periods, in July 1997.
• 17 -- The most lead changes, in July 1999.
• 18 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s starting position in 1999, the furthest back a Busch winner has started.
• 18 -- The fewest cars running at the finish, in July 1997.
• 22 -- The most finishers on the lead lap, in July 1999.
• 38 -- The most cars running at the finish, in October 1998.
• 81 -- The most caution laps, in July 1997.
• 123 -- Martin Truex Jr.'s leading total of laps led in 2004, a track record.
• 116.595 -- Kevin Harvick's race record average speed, set in two hours, 8 minutes and 39 seconds in July 2000.
• 122 -- The margin in the Busch Series standings between leader Martin Truex Jr. and second place Clint Bowyer.
• 134.112 -- Martin Truex Jr.'s Bud Pole Qualifying record lap, in miles per hour, set in 33.554 seconds in May 2004.
• 257 -- Jason Keller's leading number of consecutive Busch Series starts by an active driver.

Behind the Wall: NASCAR's Sponsorship Crisis
Brandon Daun


Welcome to Behind the Wall, the newest addition to the Frontstretch lineup. Every Wednesday I am going to be taking a problem in NASCAR -- either a situation that has received a lot of attention from the media or a problem that seems to remain unnoticed in NASCAR -- and I will explain how it is hurting the sport and provide solutions that can be made to correct the situation.

Perhaps one of the biggest problems today is the sponsorship crisis.  Everyone knows that signing and maintaining a sponsor can be difficult when the team is not performing well. As there are several teams not performing well this season, one might begin to see how finding great sponsors would be a difficult task. However, it's my opinion that the problem isn't a lack of sponsors in the sport, but instead there is too much sponsor involvement in NASCAR.

Excessive sponsorship with a driver or team is acceptable only because of the level of competition in NASCAR. By racing for Irwin, Crown Royal, Smirnoff Ice, Gillette and Sharpie, Kurt Busch is assuring that his team will have the financial resources that are required in creating a competitive team.  If a driver does not have multiple sponsors they will have much more difficulty racing with teams that do.

Sponsorship found elsewhere in the world of NASCAR is becoming a problem in the sport also. These days it seems as if NASCAR has too many sponsors.  Does NASCAR really need Home123 to be the official mortgage company of NASCAR? NASCAR has 44 sponsors that claim to be the "Official Product of NASCAR" in their respective market. That is not including sponsors that sponsor races or broadcasts. Sponsors have realized that NASCAR is a successful marketing tool with some of the most loyal fans, so not advertising in NASCAR would be a major mistake. Their involvement in the sport is helping to corrupt the image and heritage of NASCAR.

With so many sponsors involved in the sport, NASCAR has changed it’s image. Today drivers and teams need to be politically correct as not to offend their sponsors. There was a time when driver confrontations after races were a common occurrence. Now, when there is a confrontation on the track, the two drivers can’t discuss their displeasure with one another without countless team members, NASCAR officials, and reporters watching their every move.

NASCAR is also losing it’s heritage to sponsorship. There was a time when great races like the Southern 500 or Brickyard 400 were NASCAR’s some of NASCAR’s most prestigious events and no one ever dreamed of changing that. Now, the Southern 500 is only a memory in NASCAR and Darlington only hosts the Dodge Charger 500 early in the season. The Brickyard 400 has become the Allstate 400, showing that sponsoring events has overlooked the traditional aspect of the sport. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Daytona 500 soon had a sponsor holding the title rights to the race.

Unfortunately, there is really no solution to the excessive sponsorship in the sport. Sponsors are NASCAR’s greatest source of money, and money will always show to be more important than heritage. If plaguing the sport with advertisements and corporations will allow NASCAR to see a profit, we can all expect to see corporate involvement in the sport reach a ridiculous all time high.
that's racin' (phrase): Expresses frustration or emotion. 1. When a small part costing just a few dollars fails and stops a $150,000 race car, that's racin'. 2. When you race a competitor for 500 miles and lose to him by just a few feet, that's racin'. 3. When a hot dog wrapper blows out of the stands, gets caught across the air vent on the front of your car and causes your engine to overheat, that's racin'.
NASCAR ON TV THIS WEEK
Friday, July 29, 2005
9:00PM ARCA RE/MAX Series Shop 'n Save 150, Gateway Live! SPEED

 
Saturday, July 30(1946 - Neil Bonnett (2/11/94)
4:00PM NASCAR Busch Series QUALIFYING, Wallace Family Tribute 250, Gateway  Live! SPEED

8:00PM NASCAR Busch Series Wallace Family Tribute 250, Gateway Live! TNT 
Well, that's all for today.  Until the next time, I remain,

Your Momma
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what  a ride!"

"Don't come here and grumble about going too fast.  Get the hell out of the race car if you've got feathers on your legs or butt.  Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up there and eat that candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt – 1998

"It's nothin' personal, it's just racin'
-Dale Earnhardt Sr.

This list is authored by:

Sandra Monacelli
221 W. 57th Street 18B
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