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Happy Tuesday.
Today In Nascar History
03/06/1952-Marshall Teague wins at Jacksonville, win #2 of the season, and #7 of his career.
03/06/1955-Lee Petty wins at Savannah, win #3 of the season, and #21 of his career.
03/06/1988-Neil Bonnett wins at Rockingham, win #2 of the season, and #18 of his career.
03/06/1994-Ernie Irvan wins at Richmond, win #1 of the season, and #10 of his career.
Today In Nascar History
03/06/1952-Marshall Teague wins at Jacksonville, win #2 of the season, and #7 of his career.
03/06/1955-Lee Petty wins at Savannah, win #3 of the season, and #21 of his career.
03/06/1988-Neil Bonnett wins at Rockingham, win #2 of the season, and #18 of his career.
03/06/1994-Ernie Irvan wins at Richmond, win #1 of the season, and #10 of his career.
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Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day
"It's a little bit sad that they decided to marry the girl next door, We were unfortunate in that they decided to go home."
-Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue after learning that Atlanta failed in their bid for the NASCAR Hall Of Fame
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News gathered from multiple sources, including but not limited to: Jayski.com, Cup Scene Daily, Thatsracin.com, catchfence.com, nascar.com, yahoo!, espn.com and others.
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Bits and Pieces
Web site hosting Earnhardt Jr. show
Budweiser.com officials say the site will host a live Webcast starring NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Thursday from Las Vegas.
"One Night Stand" begins at 11 p.m. (EST) Thursday with musical act Sabotage. The group will be followed by an Earnhardt Jr. question-and -answer session featuring video from some of his most memorable victories and moments from his Nextel Cup career.
Web site hosting Earnhardt Jr. show
Budweiser.com officials say the site will host a live Webcast starring NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Thursday from Las Vegas.
"One Night Stand" begins at 11 p.m. (EST) Thursday with musical act Sabotage. The group will be followed by an Earnhardt Jr. question-and -answer session featuring video from some of his most memorable victories and moments from his Nextel Cup career.
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Overnight Mexico ratings downFox's broadcast of Sunday's Telcel-Motorola 200 Busch Series race from Mexico City earned a 3.0 overnight rating from Nielsen Media Research and a 7 market share, Street and Smith's SportsBusiness Daily reports.
The rating is down 11.8 percent from last year's 3.4/7 for the inaugural running of the event, the Daily notes.
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PPI Motorsports’ Response to Charlotte, N.C., Being Selected as NASCAR’s Hall of Fame Location: NASCAR announced today that Charlotte, N.C., has been selected as the location for its Hall of Fame. Cal Wells III, owner of PPI Motorsports who fields the No. 32 Tide/Downy Chevrolet in the Nextel Cup Series is based in Hickory, N.C., just 60 miles from Charlotte. He believes NASCAR’s choice of venue is a good one. “Charlotte is a very respectable and logical choice,” said Wells, a native of Pomona, Calif. “Charlotte and the surrounding areas in N.C., is where you need to be if you want to be competitive in NASCAR. I moved my successful race shop from Calif., to Hickory, N.C., because it was a logical decision. Building a Hall of Fame here makes so much sense as well. Charlotte is the hub for our sport and fans come here every year to experience the NASCAR way of life. I think Charlotte deserves to house a facility that showcases NASCAR’s history because Charlotte is a part of the NASCAR story and has been for a very long time.” Cities who were in the running for NASCAR’s Hall of Fame were Daytona Beach, Fla., and Atlanta. The Hall of Fame is expected to open in 2010. - PPI Motorsports PR
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Daytona International Speedway Statement On NASCAR Hall of Fame: The following is a statement from Robin Braig, President of Daytona International Speedway, regarding the NASCAR Hall of Fame: “While we are disappointed that NASCAR did not choose Daytona Beach as the preferred location for its future Hall of Fame, we are extremely proud of the tremendous efforts put forth by the Daytona Beach/Volusia County organizing committee and its supporters. “The delegation submitted an innovative proposal that presented a formidable alternative to the bids developed by Atlanta and Charlotte, and kept Daytona Beach in the running down to the end of this competitive selection process. “We are proud of the leadership demonstrated by the Daytona Beach Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce and the Central Florida Sports Commission. Their vision, complemented by the City and County, the State of Florida, the business community, thousands of volunteers and the multitude of fans was unprecedented in our area’s history. “We appreciate everyone’s efforts in this initiative and congratulate the Charlotte delegation on a job well done.” - Daytona International Speedway PR
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Rusty and Steve Wallace to be Featured on Biography Channel’s “NASCAR Driven to Win”: Each racing season, millions of NASCAR aficionados tune in to America’s #1 motorsport. They revel in the pure adrenaline and drama generated by drivers and machines being pushed to their absolute limits. On March 8, The Biography Channel gets behind the wheel of an exciting and original new series produced in conjunction with NASCAR Images, “NASCAR Driven to Win.” Offering up-close-and-personal profiles of some of the racing circuit’s most popular young drivers, the series delivers an “under-the-hood” glimpse of life both on-and-off the track. Comprised of 13 half-hour episodes, “NASCAR Driven to Win” will debut new World Premiere episodes each Wednesday during March at 10pm ET/9pm CT/11pm PT. The series launches with the premieres of Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch (10:30pm ET/9:30pm CT/11:30pm PT); March 15 revs up with a premiere of Carl Edwards (10:00pm ET/9:00pm CT/11:00pm PT). Rusty and Steve Wallace’s episode will debut Wednesday March 22nd at 10:00pm ET / 9:00pm CT / 11:00pm PT on Biography Channel. It will feature exclusive interviews with several members of the Wallace racing family, including Rusty, Steve, Kenny, Mike, Greg and Katie Wallace. - RWI Racing, LLC
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Sterling Marlin's Car To Be Sponsored by Wiley X Eyewear in Las Vegas: Wiley X Eyewear (pronounced Y-lee), a manufacturer of sports, casual and tactical eyewear, will be the primary sponsor on Sterling Marlin's No. 14 Chevrolet for this weekend's NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The MB2 Motorsports entry will carry the black and red colors of Wiley X, a company that was lauded by the New England Journal of Medicine in the Dec. 9, 2004 issue. The renowned weekly medical publication stated that Wiley X ballistic eyewear was one of the main reasons for the decreasing amount of eye injuries suffered by soldiers. Along with being a major supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, Wiley X produces sophisticated sunglasses for both causal, active wear and specialty eyewear for the motorcycle, mountain/street bike, hunting, boating and fishing markets to name a few.
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Atlanta Motor Speedway Announces Record Purse for Golden Corral Race Weekend: NASCAR drivers competing in the March 19 Golden Corral 500, the March 18 Nicorette 300 and the March 17 John Deere 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be battling for nearly $6.5 million in posted prize money. The awards for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, NASCAR Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series events are part of a $6,452,858 purse announced for the three days of racing that comprise the March 17-19 Golden Corral 500 race week schedule of events. This exciting weekend of racing will kick off Friday night, March 17 with Georgia Power Qualifying night, immediately followed by the John Deere 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, where the tough trucks of NASCAR will hit the 1.54-mile quad-oval and battle for more than half a million dollars. Racing action will heat up on Saturday, March 18 when the NASCAR Busch Series regulars try and beat select NEXTEL Cup drivers in the Nicorette 300, with over $1 million up for grabs. On Sunday, the stars of the NEXTEL Cup series will take on the high banks at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Golden Corral 500, battling for a record purse of $4,843,713. This year’s purse represents an increase of nearly $200,000 over the prize money posted in the March 2005 Golden Corral 500 NEXTEL Cup race just one year ago. The purse for the first race ever held at Atlanta Motor Speedway was $39,500, a far cry from just the winner’s take home pay of $147,850 for this year’s race. - Atlanta Motor Speedway PR
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Gordon gets waxed in Vegas: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas will make Jeff Gordon just the second auto racing figure to grace its SPEED attraction when it unveils a life-sized wax attraction of "The Rainbow Warrior" at 2:00pm/pt, Wednesday, March 8, at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, 3377 Las Vegas Boulevard South. SPEED is an interactive attraction dedicated to auto racing that was opened in August 2005 with a meticulously recreated $200,000 wax figure of Dale Earnhardt, the legendary "Intimidator" of NASCAR. Gordon will now join Earnhardt in the attraction. Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, Chris Powell, general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, will participate in the unveiling of the Gordon figure. The figure of Gordon will be unveiled in an official driving uniform and be situated in a high-energy, winning setting of Victory Lane. Visitors will be able to stand next to the figure and feel the sights and sounds of one of the most thrilling moments in NASCAR history.(Madame Tussauds Las Vegas PR)
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Foose scheme will return at Indy: While Jeff Gordon's 13th place finish at California Speedway could be viewed as somewhat of a disappointment, the Chip Foose designed #24 Hot Hues Chevrolet stood out for its unique paint scheme. The paint scheme will race again at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August. Gordon announced the news prior to the inaugural running of the design at California. The repeat appearance was scheduled in response to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, custom car enthusiasts and race fans.(Gordonline.com)
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#32 and #78 to share resources: Nextel Cup's #78 Furniture Row Racing of Denver has joined forces with North Carolina-based PPI Motorsports. The single-car teams agreed to share resources and manpower, according to Furniture Row backup driver Jerry Robertson of Arvada [CO]. Robertson, who might replace veteran driver Kenny Wallace in the #78 Chevrolet later in the season, will become teammates with PPI driver Travis Kvapil, who drives the #32 Tide-sponsored Chevy.(Denver Post)
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Charlotte the pick for NASCAR's costly hall
Plan adds office tower uptown for NASCAR, adds $17 million to price tag
By SCOTT DODDThe Charlotte Observer
Plan adds office tower uptown for NASCAR, adds $17 million to price tag
By SCOTT DODDThe Charlotte Observer
It's official: Charlotte is now the center of the NASCAR universe.
Racing leaders awarded the city NASCAR's first officially sanctioned hall of fame Monday, paying tribute to the region's leading role in the sport's past, present and future.
Charlotte will build NASCAR a gleaming shrine to speed just a short distance from the hills where Junior Johnson ran moonshine, the dirt tracks where Richard Petty got his start, and the garage where Dale Earnhardt learned at his father's elbow.
"Charlotte, North Carolina, is where the hall of fame needs to be," NASCAR Chairman Brian France told a crowd of about 1,000 cheering people at the Charlotte Convention Center.
The cost of the hall to Charlotte has grown from last spring's initial bid of $137.5 million. The building and an attached banquet center will now cost $154.5 million, an increase that city officials blamed on the rising cost of construction materials.
NASCAR also secured an option to build -- at its own expense -- a 300,000 square-foot office tower on city-owned land as part of the hall project. France, though, said the sport's headquarters will remain in Daytona Beach, Fla., where his grandfather founded racing's sanctioning body 58 years ago.
Charlotte beat out Atlanta, the Southeast's business and tourism powerhouse, as well as Daytona Beach to become NASCAR's Cooperstown. Also-rans Kansas City and Richmond, Va., were eliminated late last year.
Atlanta leaders insisted as late as last week that NASCAR had told them no decision was made -- even as racing officials were ironing out of a 300-page contract with Charlotte.
Charlotte's triumph was greeted with some bitterness. Central Atlanta Progress President A.J. Robinson said his city's offer "matched or surpassed virtually everything that NASCAR was looking for.
"In the end," Robinson said, "the only other thing we could have done is change our city's name to Charlotte."
Charlotte's slogan, plastered across bright yellow billboards, T-shirts and bumper stickers -- and reinforced by local team owners and star drivers -- was a winner: "Racing was built here. Racing belongs here."
But city boosters also offered a lucrative financial package that none of the competitors matched, with more than $100 million in guaranteed public money from a hotel tax increase.
Critics of the deal had little chance to make their case Monday. Virtually all negotiating between NASCAR and the city took place behind closed doors, with the City Council unanimously approving the contract with racing less than four hours after the announcement was made.
"We keep making the wrong decision here and giving money to billionaires," said Jeff Taylor with the conservative John Locke Foundation. "NASCAR is a money-making machine. They don't need any public money. ...
"If Brian France wants welfare, he needs to get in line down at the Daytona food stamp office."
The hall's financial impact on the region's economy isn't expected to be huge. A study last year showed it would generate less annual tourism revenue than a single Nextel Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
But city leaders were determined to cement Charlotte's status in the racing world and secure a one-of-a-kind attraction that finally answers the question: What's Charlotte got that makes it different from any other city?
As Mayor Pat McCrory put it: Pasadena will always have the Rose Bowl. Nashville will always have country music. Augusta will always have the Masters. And now Charlotte will have NASCAR. "There's always going to be an association."
At least for the next 32 years. NASCAR's exclusive agreement for Charlotte to host the hall of fame expires June 30, 2038.
Trumping other cities
NASCAR started seeking a home for its hall of fame -- an idea first proposed by leaders in Atlanta -- in late 2004.Several cities were invited to pitch ideas, including Charlotte.
Five communities submitted proposals in May, leading to a round of courting as NASCAR honchos visited the contenders.
Charlotte and Atlanta were considered leaders all along, with Kansas City as a strong dark horse if NASCAR wanted to look beyond is Southern roots.
The final threesome came down to Charlotte, Atlanta and Daytona Beach, with the last lacking both the population and commitment of public money needed to go the distance.
"When it came right down to it, I think the heritage of the sport meant a lot," Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president for licensing, told the Observer in an exclusive interview before the final announcement Monday. That helped Charlotte get the nod.
But so did the money that backed the bulk of Charlotte's bid: $102.5 million from a hike in the tax on Mecklenburg County hotel rooms. N.C. lawmakers passed the change last year, increasing the tax from 6 to 8 percent. None of the other cities offered that much guaranteed public funding.
"They put a big foot forward with that hotel tax," France said.
According to the contract approved Monday, the public will own and operate the hall, while NASCAR receives payments from ticket sales and other revenues for the use of its name, logo and merchandise.
The hall's projected budget calls for $1.8 million in payments to NASCAR in the hall's first year of operation. That amount varies year to year but isn't expected to fall below $1.2 million through 2019.
The contract -- made available for the first time at 4 p.m. Monday -- requires NASCAR to defer payments if the hall falls into the red. The projected budget shows some cash flow deficits starting in 2015 that are made up for the next year when ticket prices go up, as they will every two years.
Getting into the hall will cost adults $17 when it opens in 2010. Prices will go up to $25 by 2018.
Looking to the future
Charlotte officials said they're confident the hall will make money. They've projected crowds of 800,000 in the first year, dropping to 400,000 visitors by the sixth year and remaining steady after that.
They say no property tax money will ever be used to operate the hall or cover any losses. All the money to run the hall is expected to come from ticket sales and other revenue.
"The key factor all along, for NASCAR and us, was sustainability," said Wachovia bank executive John Tate, who helped assemble the financing plan.
Although the bulk of the construction funding comes from the hotel tax, Bank of America and Wachovia will cover about $25 million with below-market loans. The rest of the money comes from existing funds for the Convention Center.
"We're confident this is going to work," Tate said.
Several of racing's biggest names -- including some who will likely be among the hall's earliest inductees -- hailed Charlotte's selection Monday, saying it's the right place to honor their sport.
"There's a bond here," said three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip.
Charlotte leaders said the hall finally gives them a long sought-after tourist destination that can serve as the center of their efforts to market uptown to conventions and tourists.
"The hall of fame is going to be our crown jewel," said Luther Cochrane, chairman of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, which led the effort to land the hall of fame.
One question lingers, though, as the ink dries on NASCAR and Charlotte's new relationship: What happens to the annual all-star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, which NASCAR has talked about moving in recent years and the region has fought to keep?
Dyer said the race is not part of the deal, although the May date -- a week before the Coca-Cola 600, also at the Concord track -- might provide an ideal time for induction ceremonies.
France, though, made it clear that there's no guarantee Charlotte won't have to start negotiating all over again.
"Right now, we're very happy with where it is," France said. "But anything's possible in respect to the all-star race."
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Grand old lady
Steve Waid
When it was announced that Darlington Raceway would be resurfaced in two to four years, it was good news for those of us who like the place.
Of course, the repaving can’t turn that mean old lady, with its gritty track surface that tears up tires and thus makes racing a challenge for all drivers, into a meek spinster. When it’s done, Darlington has to remain what it is – a unique, tough speedway.
But the fact that it will be repaved clearly indicates that Darlington is undergoing a makeover that assures it will be part of the Nextel Cup schedule for some time to come.
Repaving is part of a $6 million renovation program, which will include increased seating, new tunnels and improved rest rooms. You don’t really think International Speedway Corp., which owns Darlington, would OK such expenditures if the track was on life support, do you?
At one time, we all thought it was. It lost its Nextel Cup Labor Day date to California and was left with a race on Mother’s Day weekend – something no promoter would want. It appeared Darlington had been set up for failure and subsequent elimination.
Guess what? Darlington turned on the lights for its lone Saturday night race, and the fans came. The race was sold out, and it appears it’s going to happen again this year – and ahead of last season’s pace.
Packed grandstands are what it’s all about in today’s NASCAR. And at Darlington, they are certainly a big reason why the speedway is getting a big infusion of new cash.
That Darlington is attracting fans and will receive renovations over the course of time clearly indicate it’s firmly entrenched on the Nextel Cup schedule.
Just a couple of years ago, we thought the old gal had breathed her last. Today, her heart is pumping strongly.
Steve Waid
When it was announced that Darlington Raceway would be resurfaced in two to four years, it was good news for those of us who like the place.
Of course, the repaving can’t turn that mean old lady, with its gritty track surface that tears up tires and thus makes racing a challenge for all drivers, into a meek spinster. When it’s done, Darlington has to remain what it is – a unique, tough speedway.
But the fact that it will be repaved clearly indicates that Darlington is undergoing a makeover that assures it will be part of the Nextel Cup schedule for some time to come.
Repaving is part of a $6 million renovation program, which will include increased seating, new tunnels and improved rest rooms. You don’t really think International Speedway Corp., which owns Darlington, would OK such expenditures if the track was on life support, do you?
At one time, we all thought it was. It lost its Nextel Cup Labor Day date to California and was left with a race on Mother’s Day weekend – something no promoter would want. It appeared Darlington had been set up for failure and subsequent elimination.
Guess what? Darlington turned on the lights for its lone Saturday night race, and the fans came. The race was sold out, and it appears it’s going to happen again this year – and ahead of last season’s pace.
Packed grandstands are what it’s all about in today’s NASCAR. And at Darlington, they are certainly a big reason why the speedway is getting a big infusion of new cash.
That Darlington is attracting fans and will receive renovations over the course of time clearly indicate it’s firmly entrenched on the Nextel Cup schedule.
Just a couple of years ago, we thought the old gal had breathed her last. Today, her heart is pumping strongly.
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Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt should be among the first inductees
into the new NASCAR Hall of Fame. Credit: Getty Images
Cross' Words: Hall Pass
By B. Duane Cross, NASCAR.COM
Charlotte will be home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the first class of inductees to call the hall home should include a wide variety of people:
• Founding father Bill France Sr.
• Car owners Lee Petty and Glen and Leonard Wood
• Drivers Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Wendell Scott and Sara Christian
• Lowe's Motor Speedway president Humpy Wheeler
• Announcers Ken Squier and Chris Economaki
For all of its efforts to expand diversity and become more inclusive, the NASCAR Hall of Fame provides the sport with the opportunity to be more than just another hall catering to the on-track talent.
NASCAR can send a clear message that its hall is all-encompassing -- a mirror image of its fan base, which ranges from CEOs to the blue-collar workers who helped build stock-car racing into the second-most watched sport in the U.S.
NASCAR is France's sport. He conceived it, nurtured it and enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
Lee Petty and the Wood Brothers were pioneering team owners -- 268 victories for Petty Enterprises and 97 for the Wood Brothers.
Richard Petty and Earnhardt each won seven series championships, while Scott is the only black driver to win a Grand National race and Christian was the first woman to start a race (June 19, 1949, at Charlotte; she finished 14th).
Wheeler has been a dealer, making the Charlotte facility one of the premier tracks with his vision of nighttime racing and trackside condos.
Squier and Economaki brought NASCAR to the national scene with their stellar television work.
These 10 names -- diverse and all-encompassing -- would be a solid foundation for what may become the most recognized motorsports hall in the world.
The hall will reside in the bosom of the sport, which is a tribute to the grass roots beginnings of stock-car racing. Now, with its first class of inductees, NASCAR must reflect the many aspects of what will continue to make it successful on and off the track.
Cross' Words: Hall Pass
By B. Duane Cross, NASCAR.COM
Charlotte will be home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the first class of inductees to call the hall home should include a wide variety of people:
• Founding father Bill France Sr.
• Car owners Lee Petty and Glen and Leonard Wood
• Drivers Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Wendell Scott and Sara Christian
• Lowe's Motor Speedway president Humpy Wheeler
• Announcers Ken Squier and Chris Economaki
For all of its efforts to expand diversity and become more inclusive, the NASCAR Hall of Fame provides the sport with the opportunity to be more than just another hall catering to the on-track talent.
NASCAR can send a clear message that its hall is all-encompassing -- a mirror image of its fan base, which ranges from CEOs to the blue-collar workers who helped build stock-car racing into the second-most watched sport in the U.S.
NASCAR is France's sport. He conceived it, nurtured it and enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
Lee Petty and the Wood Brothers were pioneering team owners -- 268 victories for Petty Enterprises and 97 for the Wood Brothers.
Richard Petty and Earnhardt each won seven series championships, while Scott is the only black driver to win a Grand National race and Christian was the first woman to start a race (June 19, 1949, at Charlotte; she finished 14th).
Wheeler has been a dealer, making the Charlotte facility one of the premier tracks with his vision of nighttime racing and trackside condos.
Squier and Economaki brought NASCAR to the national scene with their stellar television work.
These 10 names -- diverse and all-encompassing -- would be a solid foundation for what may become the most recognized motorsports hall in the world.
The hall will reside in the bosom of the sport, which is a tribute to the grass roots beginnings of stock-car racing. Now, with its first class of inductees, NASCAR must reflect the many aspects of what will continue to make it successful on and off the track.
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NASCAR Hall of Fame: How's this for a first class?
By Dustin Long
Staff Writer
By Dustin Long
Staff Writer
NASCAR's Hall of Fame will be in Charlotte. Now what about the inaugural class?
There are so many pivotal people, key moments and unforgettable finishes to reflect upon before a decision about the inaugural class can be made. There's plenty of time since the Hall is not expected to open until 2009 at the earliest.
Everyone will have a chance to pick their own Hall of Fame class, but here's a look at what that first group could be.
Let's limit this class to seven inductees. Think of it as a way to honor the sport's only seven-time champions. Think also about accomplishments and impact any possible inductee had on the sport. Now it's time to choose.
Bill France Sr.
The man started the sport. His son ran the sport and his grandson made today's announcement about the Hall of Fame coming to Charlotte. Enough said.
Richard Petty
His 200 career victories will never be surpassed. His seven Cup titles also might not be surpassed.
Petty's greatest contribution, though, was how he treated fans when the sport needed every fan it could get. Other than the cowboy hat, sunglasses and smiles, Petty's legacy will be his autograph and how he gave it so freely.
Dale Earnhardt
While Petty helped NASCAR thrive in the South, Earnhardt helped carry the sport's popularity across the country with that black 3 car and that intimidating driving style that helped win him seven Cup titles.
Earnhardt could perhaps be the last driver of the people -- a man who had nothing and raced to put food on the table. So many can relate.
David Pearson
Many consider him to be NASCAR's greatest driver.
He won 105 career races -- second only to Petty -- and three championships. His 113 poles rank second to Petty's 126. In an amazing stretch from 1972 to 1976, he won nearly 40 percent of his starts and finished in the top 5 almost three-fourths of the time.
Junior Johnson
Yes, Johnson never won a title as a driver or finished in the top five in points. But the former moonshiner's 50 career victories are tied for 10th all time. He also won 139 races as a car owner, more than anyone else except Petty Enterprises and Hendrick Motorsports. Johnson's biggest impact on the sport, though, is that he's credited with bringing R. J. Reynolds Tobacco to NASCAR, leading to Winston's sponsorship. Without Winston where would the sport have been?
Darlington Raceway
The Southern 500 was the series' first 500-mile race and among the most difficult races to win. More importantly, the Southern 500 at Darlington was a Labor Day tradition beginning in 1950 that continued through 2004 before series officials moved a race date from this egg-shaped track to California Speedway.
1979 Daytona 500
Hall of Fames don't enshrine particular games or events, but why does the NASCAR hall have to duplicate that? NASCAR should push its Hall of Fame in a direction few have seen. Add a race when it's worthy. This one is.
The race introduced the sport to the nation, part of it socked in by a blizzard. This was the first live flag-to-flag coverage of the sport's biggest race. It is viewed by many as one of the sport's biggest moments. What a finish.
Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison raced for the lead on the final lap. They banged into each other down the backstretch and wrecked in turn 3, their cars coming to a stop in the grass. Then they fought. Allison's brother's, Bobby, joined the fray, while fans celebrated Richard Petty's victory.
YEAR 2
There are several good drivers left off this inaugural class -- Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Tim Flock, Ned Jarrett, Lee Petty, Joe Weatherly, and Herb Thomas, among many -- but they will have their day in the near future.
So should others who played a key role in the sport from crew chiefs Dale Inman and Jake Elder to car owners such as the Wood Brothers, Holman-Moody and Petty Enterprises.
There's plenty of time to argue. The Hall won't open for another couple of years.
Tony Stewart's Recurring Dream
An Opinion
By Rebecca Gladden
In a moment of journalistic inspiration, Chris Meyers of Fox Sports recently asked Tony Stewart about his dreams - not dreams as in goals, but specifically, whether the two-time NASCAR Cup Champion has any recurring dreams when he sleeps.
With complete candor, Stewart responded, "For some reason, I keep having this dream that I'm at high school and I'm late for class. And I'm wearing nothing but my underwear for some reason. I don't know why. It's the weirdest dream I've ever had, but it comes back all the time."
A fascinating response to anyone interested in the meaning of dreams, particularly as regards Stewart, a complex man seemingly full of conflicting personality traits.
The subject of dream interpretation dates back to ancient times. Dreaming is a universal activity, as common to human beings as eating and sleeping. Studies have proven that although not everyone remembers their dreams, everyone does dream. In fact, all totaled, we spend about six years during a typical lifetime dreaming.
Scientists continue to debate the significance of dreams, but many experts believe that dreaming is a tool of the subconscious mind to deal with the emotions and anxieties of daily life. Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were two of the first psychologists to lend scientific credibility to the field of dream analysis. While Freud proposed that dreams were mainly an expression of repressed sexual desires, Jung believed that dreams were a reflection of the fears and concerns of everyday life.
It is this latter theory which explains why, according to dream interpreters, there are a number of common dream themes, particularly in terms of recurring dreams. Most people share certain fears and anxieties as part of daily life - the fear of failure, anxiety about measuring up, concern that we may be judged too harshly or unfairly. If dreams are one of the tools that our minds use to cope with these common fears, it stands to reason that many of us would have similar dreams.
Tony Stewart's recurring dream combines two of the most commonly reported dreams: The school dream and the undressed or naked in public dream.
The school dream has many forms but usually involves some variation of Stewart's "late for class" experience. People often dream that they are late for school, can't find their classes, can't pass a test, or are told at the last moment that they don't have enough credits to graduate. Dream interpreters believe that these dreams correspond with the same anxieties in real life - fear that you are being tested and will not pass or in some way will fail to measure up. School represents a time in our lives when we were literally examined and graded on a daily basis. For some, school is also associated with intense social pressure conform, to fit in, or to live up to the expectations of a peer group.
Interestingly, many of those who report a recurring school dream are actually high achievers who did well in school or have already "passed the test" in other aspects of life, such as in a job or career field. Such is the case with Stewart, described on his own website as an "overachiever" when it comes to his driving accomplishments. While NASCAR fans are familiar with his two Cup titles, Stewart is the first and only driver to win championships in all of the following: stock cars, Indy cars, Midgets, Sprints and Silver Crown cars. Under this school-dream theory, Stewart is apparently motivated more by internal pressure to succeed than he is by trying to live up to the expectations of others.
Similarly, dreams about being undressed or naked in public are among the most commonly reported themes. Most interpreters believe that this dream arises from anxiety about one's weaknesses being exposed and represents the mind's attempt to deal with feelings of vulnerability. In Stewart's case, many observers have noted the two seemingly dichotomous aspects of his personality - one side kind and generous, the other brash and hostile. A common interpretation of Stewart's underwear dream is that while there is a tender, vulnerable side to Stewart, it remains hidden under a tough, cocky public persona. In his dreams, his true fears are realized.
The most interesting aspect of Stewart's dream admission may be the fact that he combines these two common dream types - the school dream and the underwear dream - into one recurring dream -- perhaps an indication that the very aspects of his nature which have allowed him to be such a successful racecar drivers are also a source of ongoing anxiety and conflict.
Whether you agree with theories of dream interpretation or consider it little more than metaphysical hooey, it can be fun to try and figure out what our dreams say about us and to us - and what the current NASCAR champ's recurring dream might be telling him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~An Opinion
By Rebecca Gladden
In a moment of journalistic inspiration, Chris Meyers of Fox Sports recently asked Tony Stewart about his dreams - not dreams as in goals, but specifically, whether the two-time NASCAR Cup Champion has any recurring dreams when he sleeps.
With complete candor, Stewart responded, "For some reason, I keep having this dream that I'm at high school and I'm late for class. And I'm wearing nothing but my underwear for some reason. I don't know why. It's the weirdest dream I've ever had, but it comes back all the time."
A fascinating response to anyone interested in the meaning of dreams, particularly as regards Stewart, a complex man seemingly full of conflicting personality traits.
The subject of dream interpretation dates back to ancient times. Dreaming is a universal activity, as common to human beings as eating and sleeping. Studies have proven that although not everyone remembers their dreams, everyone does dream. In fact, all totaled, we spend about six years during a typical lifetime dreaming.
Scientists continue to debate the significance of dreams, but many experts believe that dreaming is a tool of the subconscious mind to deal with the emotions and anxieties of daily life. Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were two of the first psychologists to lend scientific credibility to the field of dream analysis. While Freud proposed that dreams were mainly an expression of repressed sexual desires, Jung believed that dreams were a reflection of the fears and concerns of everyday life.
It is this latter theory which explains why, according to dream interpreters, there are a number of common dream themes, particularly in terms of recurring dreams. Most people share certain fears and anxieties as part of daily life - the fear of failure, anxiety about measuring up, concern that we may be judged too harshly or unfairly. If dreams are one of the tools that our minds use to cope with these common fears, it stands to reason that many of us would have similar dreams.
Tony Stewart's recurring dream combines two of the most commonly reported dreams: The school dream and the undressed or naked in public dream.
The school dream has many forms but usually involves some variation of Stewart's "late for class" experience. People often dream that they are late for school, can't find their classes, can't pass a test, or are told at the last moment that they don't have enough credits to graduate. Dream interpreters believe that these dreams correspond with the same anxieties in real life - fear that you are being tested and will not pass or in some way will fail to measure up. School represents a time in our lives when we were literally examined and graded on a daily basis. For some, school is also associated with intense social pressure conform, to fit in, or to live up to the expectations of a peer group.
Interestingly, many of those who report a recurring school dream are actually high achievers who did well in school or have already "passed the test" in other aspects of life, such as in a job or career field. Such is the case with Stewart, described on his own website as an "overachiever" when it comes to his driving accomplishments. While NASCAR fans are familiar with his two Cup titles, Stewart is the first and only driver to win championships in all of the following: stock cars, Indy cars, Midgets, Sprints and Silver Crown cars. Under this school-dream theory, Stewart is apparently motivated more by internal pressure to succeed than he is by trying to live up to the expectations of others.
Similarly, dreams about being undressed or naked in public are among the most commonly reported themes. Most interpreters believe that this dream arises from anxiety about one's weaknesses being exposed and represents the mind's attempt to deal with feelings of vulnerability. In Stewart's case, many observers have noted the two seemingly dichotomous aspects of his personality - one side kind and generous, the other brash and hostile. A common interpretation of Stewart's underwear dream is that while there is a tender, vulnerable side to Stewart, it remains hidden under a tough, cocky public persona. In his dreams, his true fears are realized.
The most interesting aspect of Stewart's dream admission may be the fact that he combines these two common dream types - the school dream and the underwear dream - into one recurring dream -- perhaps an indication that the very aspects of his nature which have allowed him to be such a successful racecar drivers are also a source of ongoing anxiety and conflict.
Whether you agree with theories of dream interpretation or consider it little more than metaphysical hooey, it can be fun to try and figure out what our dreams say about us and to us - and what the current NASCAR champ's recurring dream might be telling him.
It’s Not a Hall of Shame, But Who Enters Could Make it One
Joe Jacobs - SCR
NASCAR has made the best decision in its history yesterday by giving Charlotte, NC the Hall of Fame (HOF). In my articles I have been extremely critical of the decisions and non-decisions NASCAR has made from time-to-time, but for once I fully support NASCAR and the decision they have made.
No offense to any of the other cities that were in the running but they just did not deserve the Hall like Charlotte.
However, who should get in to the Hall of Fame is going to be a heated debate until the first inductees in the year 2010. I want to be the first to throw my hat in to the fight. The Hall of Fame should not be a popularity contest nor bought with sponsorship or ownership money. It should be earned from years of sacrifice and contribution to the sport.
In my opinion the fans should not be involved in the decision. They would vote for the favorites and not the ones who deserve it the most. There should be a formula for how someone is elected to the Hall Of Fame. Of course wins and championships will be a factor but what about other things like, contributions to the sport, and sportsmanship. Those things should be a larger factor than the wins and the championships.
Being a champion should not be an automatic entry to the HOF. A championship is a great feat to achieve and should be one that is celebrated but being a single or two time champion does not make you the best of the best. Lots of wins do not make you automatically in the HOF. To get in the HOF maybe a driver should have to be retired for five complete seasons before being considered.
A combination of all of those plus some important contribution that made the sport better for the competitors and fans should allow someone to enter the HOF.
The Hall Of Fame should be open to all members of NASCAR including journalist. Not only should the drivers and car owners be eligible, but also crewmembers and shop workers who developed technologies and improvements to the sport should be allowed to enter the HOF. Any Journalist that has contributed to the success and advancement of the sport should have a chance at being granted voted into the HOF.
If the decision of the first five honoree’s were up to me, I would select Dale Earnhardt not only was his 7 championships a great accomplishment but also his untimely death and the safety advances that came afterwards has been the greatest improvement to the sport in many years.
Alan Kulwicki, he was not in the sport very long and did not win many races and he only had one championship to his credit, but what he did with a one car team at the start of the rise of the super teams is something that can not be described in words and his accomplishment will never be repeated.
Junior Johnson, his driving ability that was honed on the back roads of North Carolina running moonshine and then turning that in to many wins and championships and his stellar ability as a car owner to make a winner out of everyone who sat in one of his cars makes him one of the greatest drivers and then owners in the history of the sport.
Bruton Smith track owner, he turned many bankrupt tracks in to gold mines and created a fan friendly and fun environment for all fans who attend. He took a small racetrack in the hills of Tennessee and turned it in to the greatest show on earth. Where else in the world can you put 120+ seats around a half-mile racetrack and have a sell out for the next million years.
And last but not least Wendell Scott. To defeat racisms and win at what would currently equate the Nextel Cup series using the limited technology and funding of the times he certainly belongs in the HOF. Scott battled injury and walls to compete and won while doing it.
Yes there are many reasons why someone should be eligible, and you can make an argument for many… but when the HOF is built and is a part of Charlotte lets make sure of one thing, that those who make it deserve it and the NASCAR Hall of Fame does not become the NASCAR Hall of Shame.
Joe Jacobs - SCR
NASCAR has made the best decision in its history yesterday by giving Charlotte, NC the Hall of Fame (HOF). In my articles I have been extremely critical of the decisions and non-decisions NASCAR has made from time-to-time, but for once I fully support NASCAR and the decision they have made.
No offense to any of the other cities that were in the running but they just did not deserve the Hall like Charlotte.
However, who should get in to the Hall of Fame is going to be a heated debate until the first inductees in the year 2010. I want to be the first to throw my hat in to the fight. The Hall of Fame should not be a popularity contest nor bought with sponsorship or ownership money. It should be earned from years of sacrifice and contribution to the sport.
In my opinion the fans should not be involved in the decision. They would vote for the favorites and not the ones who deserve it the most. There should be a formula for how someone is elected to the Hall Of Fame. Of course wins and championships will be a factor but what about other things like, contributions to the sport, and sportsmanship. Those things should be a larger factor than the wins and the championships.
Being a champion should not be an automatic entry to the HOF. A championship is a great feat to achieve and should be one that is celebrated but being a single or two time champion does not make you the best of the best. Lots of wins do not make you automatically in the HOF. To get in the HOF maybe a driver should have to be retired for five complete seasons before being considered.
A combination of all of those plus some important contribution that made the sport better for the competitors and fans should allow someone to enter the HOF.
The Hall Of Fame should be open to all members of NASCAR including journalist. Not only should the drivers and car owners be eligible, but also crewmembers and shop workers who developed technologies and improvements to the sport should be allowed to enter the HOF. Any Journalist that has contributed to the success and advancement of the sport should have a chance at being granted voted into the HOF.
If the decision of the first five honoree’s were up to me, I would select Dale Earnhardt not only was his 7 championships a great accomplishment but also his untimely death and the safety advances that came afterwards has been the greatest improvement to the sport in many years.
Alan Kulwicki, he was not in the sport very long and did not win many races and he only had one championship to his credit, but what he did with a one car team at the start of the rise of the super teams is something that can not be described in words and his accomplishment will never be repeated.
Junior Johnson, his driving ability that was honed on the back roads of North Carolina running moonshine and then turning that in to many wins and championships and his stellar ability as a car owner to make a winner out of everyone who sat in one of his cars makes him one of the greatest drivers and then owners in the history of the sport.
Bruton Smith track owner, he turned many bankrupt tracks in to gold mines and created a fan friendly and fun environment for all fans who attend. He took a small racetrack in the hills of Tennessee and turned it in to the greatest show on earth. Where else in the world can you put 120+ seats around a half-mile racetrack and have a sell out for the next million years.
And last but not least Wendell Scott. To defeat racisms and win at what would currently equate the Nextel Cup series using the limited technology and funding of the times he certainly belongs in the HOF. Scott battled injury and walls to compete and won while doing it.
Yes there are many reasons why someone should be eligible, and you can make an argument for many… but when the HOF is built and is a part of Charlotte lets make sure of one thing, that those who make it deserve it and the NASCAR Hall of Fame does not become the NASCAR Hall of Shame.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'll apologize to them after they get me to the front!"
-Dale Earnhardt back to pit when warned he was hurting his tires and told to save them during an early race charge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NASCAR ON TV THIS WEEK
Qualifying: Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Friday, March 10 6:30 p.m. Speed Channel
Qualifying: Busch Series Sam's Town 300 Saturday, March 11 4:30 p.m. Speed Channel
Practice: Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Saturday, March 11 5 p.m. FX
Busch Series Sam's Town 300 Saturday, March 11 6 p.m. FX
Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Sunday, March 12 4 p.m. Fox
All time Eastern. Times and station subject to change.
Qualifying: Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Friday, March 10 6:30 p.m. Speed Channel
Qualifying: Busch Series Sam's Town 300 Saturday, March 11 4:30 p.m. Speed Channel
Practice: Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Saturday, March 11 5 p.m. FX
Busch Series Sam's Town 300 Saturday, March 11 6 p.m. FX
Nextel Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Sunday, March 12 4 p.m. Fox
All time Eastern. Times and station subject to change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 wins't climb up there and eat that candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt – 1998
Your
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 wins'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
Loveland, CO 80538
970/663-6967
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