MRN Radio Expands Rolex 24 Coverage

Motor Racing Network has added seven hours of programming to its broadcast of this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona and will now have exclusive radio coverage of all 24 hours of the twice-around-the-clock classic.

In partnership with RadioLeMans.com, the overnight laps from 11 p.m. (EST) Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday will now be streamed live at MotorRacingNetwork.com.

Ryan Dalziel is on the pole for the Rolex 24

The 50^th anniversary running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will get the green flag Saturday. Pre-race coverage and the opening laps will air live starting at 3 p.m. on MRN’s network of affiliates, which will broadcast a total of six hours over two days including the closing laps on Sunday. All 24 hours of the race will now be streamed live at www.motorracingnetwork.com.

“We’re privileged to team up with Radio Show Limited, the people behind Radio LeMans, to make this additional coverage possible,” said MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt. “Daytona International Speedway is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of this sports car classic and it’s a great way for Motor Racing Network to kick off its 43^rd year of racing coverage.” 

Legendary driver Dan Gurney won the first running of this race in 1962. MRN debuted eight years later, evolving into “The Voice of NASCAR” and now embarking on its third year providing live coverage of the entireGRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. This year’s broadcast from Daytona will be anchored by Eli Gold, Preston Root and Mike Bagley; and produced by Ryan Horn. 

Motor Racing Network’s 2012 broadcast schedule began Jan. 20 with exclusive radio coverage of the third annual NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Following the Rolex 24 at Daytona, MRN will air the Feb. 18 Budweiser Shootout to help kick off NASCAR Speedweeks leading up to the 54^th Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26. 

Motor Racing Network / 50^th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona 
(All times EST)

Saturday, Jan. 28 
3-5 p.m. Radio & Web Streaming 

5-7 p.m. Web Only 
7-7:30 p.m. Radio & Web 
7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Web Only

Sunday, Jan. 29 
12 a.m. – 9 a.m. Web Only 
9-9:30 a.m. Radio & Web 
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Web Only 
1-4 p.m. Radio & Web

Photo Credit: Grand-Am.com

Annett Joins RPM For Nationwide Effort

Richard Petty Motorsports has announced the formation of a new NASCAR Nationwide Series team with driver Michael Annett and his long-time partner Pilot Flying J. The team will be run out of RPM’s Concord, N.C. race shop and will vie for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.

Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, comes to Richard Petty Motorsports after spending last season at Rusty Wallace, Inc. He has posted 13 top-10 finishes in 105 Nationwide Series starts and drove to a ninth-place finish in the championship points standings last season.

“They say that when one door closes, another door opens, and that is most definitely true,” said Annett. “We were left scrambling a bit because of the situation with RWI and were unsure what the future held, but I couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out. To have the chance to race for Richard Petty and to be under the RPM umbrella is amazing. It has all come together really quickly, but together with Pilot Flying J and Ford, this is the best opportunity I have ever had to race a Nationwide Series car. There’s a lot to be done before we get to Daytona in a few weeks and I can’t wait to dive in and get started.”

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to partner with a brand as prestigious as Pilot Flying J,” said team Co-owner Richard Petty. “We are happy to welcome them to the Richard Petty Motorsports family and to our partner family as well.

Michael Annett Joins RPM

“This has been an exciting couple of months for Richard Petty Motorsports,” said Petty. “We are looking forward to getting back into the Nationwide Series full time and seeing what Michael can do in an RPM Ford Mustang. Michael has improved every season he has raced in the Nationwide Series and has the dedication and drive to be a success.”

“Pilot Flying J is excited for Michael and our new partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports,” stated Mark Hazelwood, Executive Vice President, Pilot Flying J. “PFJ has had a longstanding relationship with both Michael and the Petty family. Richard Petty is a NASCAR legend and this opportunity further extends our commitment to Michael and the sport. We look forward to a great partnership.”

Annett began his own racing career in 2007 competing in the ARCA Series. In only his fourth start, Annett drove his Pilot Travel Centers machine to victory lane at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. He drove to victory once again in the ARCA Series the next season at Daytona International Speedway and also piloted an entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in eight events that season. In 2009, he moved to the Nationwide Series with Germain Racing and posted four top-10 finishes en route to a 10^th-place effort in the point standings. He remained at Germain through 2010 and in 2011 competed for RWI.

Ward Burton Returns!

Former Daytona 500 Champion Ward Burton will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut behind the wheel of the No. 27 Hillman Racing Chevrolet in next month’s season-opening NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Burton will have sponsorship from State Waters Heaters

 

Ward Burton Joins Hillman Racing

Hillman Racing is making its NASCAR debut this season, but the organization is anything but new to the sport. Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. played a key role in the founding of Germain Racing and was the architect of the group's two NASCAR championships in 2006 and 2010. Hillman acquired the championship-winning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series assets following the conclusion of the 2011 season and is set to embark as the owner and general manager of Hillman Racing for the 2012 season.

 

“I have to thank Bob Germain for his friendship over the years; it’s because of that we were able to acquire the truck teams,” said Hillman. “I put my heart and soul into that organization and I wanted to continue the tradition of winning that we established there with the two Camping World Truck Series championships. I’m also appreciative of State Water Heaters for coming onboard as we continue to talk with additional marketing partners to grow this operation. Having a driver of Ward’s caliber entrusting me with the development of his son’s Jeb NASCAR career is a compliment to what I’ve been a part of in the Truck Series and the sport. I’m also looking forward to adding Ward to the list of drivers to win at least one race in each of the NASCAR National Series when we go to Daytona next month.”

 

In 375 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, Burton has posted fives wins, seven poles and 24 top-five and 82 top-10 finishes. Burton also has four NASCAR Nationwide Series victories, seven poles, 23 top-five and 50 top-10 finishes in 161 starts.

 

“I am real excited about the things we have going on with Mike and his program. I think this is a real good thing for Jeb and his career,” said Burton. “Hillman Sr. is building a great team of people and we are hoping that we can bring some additional marketing partners on board with us to make this program a huge success. Jeb and I have our long-time supporter State Water Heaters on board with us and we are thrilled that they are going to be a part of our 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season and helping to kick off Jeb’s NASCAR debut.”

 

A driver development program is being established for Jeb Burton, Ward's 19-year-old son. Since making his last NASCAR start, Burton has been using that time to focus on helping his son Jeb develop his racing career and his conservation efforts with The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.

 

Being the son of NASCAR’s 2002 Daytona 500 winner, it's natural to think that Jeb Burton would hope to become a professional race car driver like his dad. Jeb has been racing since he was a kid, starting in go-karts and racing his way through the ranks in ASA and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Now, at age 19, he is ready to step into one of NASCAR’s top tier racing series with Hillman Racing in No. 27 Chevrolet Silverado, sporting the same number that he has been racing in his Late Model division.

 

“I’m excited to race in the truck series,” said Burton. “This is a big step from the NASCAR Whelen Series but I am ready for it. I am comfortable with my crew chief Trip Bruce and the team of guys here at Hillman Racing. There are a lot of resources here with this race team and I am real appreciative for State Water Heaters and Mike Hillman Sr. for giving me this chance.”

“State Water Heaters and Ward Burton have been partners since 2007,” stated Jeff Storie, Senior Marketing Manager for State Water Heaters. “We realized early on that Ward has a natural connection with our wholesalers and contractors. Because of that connection, Ward is a great ambassador for the State brand. We’re thrilled that our 2012 partnership is moving back on the track with both Ward & Jeb. We look forward to seeing what Ward, Jeb and the whole Hillman Racing team can do together and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

 

“Mike Hillman's results in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series speak for themselves. We're excited to see what the combo of Hillman Racing, the Burtons & State can produce.”

 

Complete details of the driver lineup for the remainder of the season will be announced at a later date.

 

Photo Credit: Autostock 

France: NASCAR "In A Very Good Place."

NASCAR Chairman Brian France made it clear today that the sanctioning body and its stakeholders intend to build on the success of 2011 as the new season begins with the Feb. 26 Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway.

In his State of NASCAR remarks delivered during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, France said, “The sport is in a very good place and we’re going to work even harder to achieve the very best things for the sport of NASCAR well into the future.”

France pointed to initiatives begun a year ago – a simplified points structure in all three national series and a “Wild Card” twist in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ that placed a greater emphasis on race victories – which culminated in what France called “a championship battle that will be talked about for decades to come.”

While the 2012 season will be one of continuity rather than major change, NASCAR will introduce electronic fuel injection into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and implement rules designed to restore traditional “pack racing” at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

“We have had a breathtaking number of close finishes at those tracks, but the fans want a mixture of styles including a return to a more traditional ‘pack racing’ and that close side-by-side competition that’s unique to Talladega and Daytona,” France said. “NASCAR and the teams are working hard on this and based on the test earlier this month, we’re encouraged that we’re making progress.”

France also said the sanctioning body continues to operate on a more collaborative method of maintaining and growing the industry by taking into consideration the thoughts and needs of teams, tracks, media partners and especially its fans. “The goal of this effort is to help us better serve our great fans, grow our audience and ensure that our sport stays relevant, vibrant and highly-valuable to sponsors and other partners critical to the health of NASCAR,” said France.

“The industry has never been more united in growing the sport.”

France said the organization is “very encouraged” by increased television ratings across its three national series – NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He also pointed to attendance gains at a number of venues. “While we are still in a tough economic climate that is still difficult, we are pleased with some positive steps we saw last year,” he said.

France and Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president, competition and racing development, touched on how EFI and the introduction in 2013 of re-styled NASCAR Sprint Cup cars from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota will make the sport more relevant to manufacturers and technology companies.

“EFI excites the manufacturers and technology companies,” said France, responding to questioning about NASCAR’s embrace of technology. “To attract new companies (to the sport), we’ve had to take a little different view of that.”

Ford earlier this week unveiled its 2013 Fusion prototype with the other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to follow in the near future. A closed test of the cars is scheduled early next month with additional testing to follow before final specifications are drawn.

“This is certainly a milestone in our sport,” said Pemberton. “We’ve worked very closely with the manufacturers on the new car and the four new models are simply outstanding.

“I think the fans are going to love them and it is going to be such a positive step in helping our race cars become more and more relevant with our fans past, present and future.”

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood previewed next month’s 54th Annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio). He and his staff are committed to building on the enthusiasm of the 2011 season – and last year’s race that made 20-year-old winner Trevor Bayne a household name.

“We kicked off the (2011) season with energy and enthusiasm and that’s our goal for this year,” said Chitwood. “We want to produce that kind of event again.”Daytona’s season begins Saturday with the running of the 50th Annual Rolex 24. The twice-round-the-clock race, most of which can be seen live on SPEED beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET, kicks off the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Series campaign.

Thursday’s event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame also introduced the 2012 Drive for Diversity class which will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and at selected NASCAR Whelen All-America Series tracks for Rev Racing. They are Jorge Arteaga, 25, Aguascalientes, Mexico; Mackena Bell, 21, Carson City, Nev.; Trey Gibson, 19, Easley, S.C.; Ryan Gifford, 22, Winchester, Tenn.; Kyle Larson, 19, Elk Grove, Calif.; and Bryan Ortiz, 22, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Pocono Founder Dr. Joseph Mattioli Dies

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder and patriarch of Pocono International Raceway, died today at age 86.

Rest In Peace, Doc

Along with his wife, Rose, Mattioli carved Pocono Raceway out of a farm field, breaking ground on the distinctive, three-turn speedway  in 1969. The track combined characteristics of three of the era's most successful venues. Turn One was modeled after the former Trenton (NJ) Speedway and Turn Two -- also known as "The Tunnel Turn" -- was copied from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Turn Three is similar to the legendary Milwaukee Mile, and the track's sharp corners and long straightaways make it one of the most unique and challenging courses in all of NASCAR.

Pocono hosted major, open wheel events under the USAC, CART and Champ Car World Series banners from 1971 to 1989, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events since 1974. It also hosted the legendary Race of Champions modified race from 1977 to 1991, first on the 2.5-mile tri-oval, then later on a three-quarter mile infield oval. Doc and Rose were a constant presence at the track, greeting media members and drivers by name while hosting nearly 70 races on the headline NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. 

He surprised many by announcing his retirement earlier this year, turning the reins over to his grandchildren. His successor as President, grandson Brandon Igdalski, said Mattioli announced his decision in vintage fashion. “We got a call about 30 minutes beforehand saying, `Be in the Media Center in half an hour,’" said Igdalski. "I had no idea he was going to retire. My jaw hit the ground.”

Mattioli continued to keep his thumb on the pulse of both the track and the sport,  and ensured that NASCAR racing would continue at Pocono for years to come. "I put (the track) in trust," said Mattioli recently. (The grandchildren) can't touch it. They can't sell it. The (SOBs) are going to run it, or they're going to starve."

Igdalski announced his grandfather's passing this afternoon, writing, "Today I have lost my best friend, my mentor, my hero and most of all my grandfather. Pop, you have touched so many! I love and miss you!

"He set the bar so high," said Igdalski recently. "We feel if we can half fill his shoes, we've accomplished something, but he's a legend in this sport. He's a legend in the area for what he's done, not only for the sport as a whole, but for the whole Pocono Mountains and northeastern Pennsylvania."

Elliott, Walmart Set For Coke Zero 400

Former champion Bill Elliott will drive a Walmart-sponsored No. 50 Chevrolet out of the Turner Motorsports stable in this July’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. 

The 56-year old Elliott commented on the deal, saying, ““Turner Motorsports has a lot of resources. I think they can do a really good job from what they’ve done in the Nationwide Series. I feel comfortable with it. I’m very excited about this program.” Elliott’s No. 50 Chevrolet will utilize horsepower from Hendrick Racing Engines.

The 1988 Sprint Cup Series champion has run at least five races each year since retiring from fulltime competition at the end of the 2003 season. He made five starts for Phoenix Racing and Whitney Motorsports last year, with a best finish of 12^th in the Daytona 500.

Notes From NASCAR's Media Tour

NASCAR announced Wednesday that it will no longer assess secret fines to its drivers, crewmembers and team owners. 

France: No More Secrets

 In recent years, NASCAR has assessed at least three undisclosed fines to individuals for comments deemed detrimental to the sport. Brad Keselowski was docked $25,000 last season for questioning the motives behind NASCAR's conversion to fuel injection. A year earlier, Denny Hamlin was sanctioned for accusing NASCAR of throwing unwarranted caution flags to tighten the field late in races. Ryan Newman was also fined in 2010 after making critical comments following a crash at Talladega Superspeedway.

When those fines became public, NASCAR found itself hip-deep in a public relations quagmire. The so-called “secret fines” gave the sport an unnecessary stigma of secrecy, making it impossible for fans and media members to determine whether drivers were speaking their minds, or simply mouthing the company line.  

NASCAR chairman Brian France said late last season that he would review the policy and consider a change. Wednesday, the sanctioning body issued a statement saying, “NASCAR will no longer issue fines that are undisclosed. We looked at this issue from every angle and gathered feedback from the industry. While there are always sensitivities related to sponsor relationships -- and (while) other leagues may continue issuing disclosed and undisclosed fines -- NASCAR has decided that all fines moving forward will be made public after the competitor or organization that has been penalized has been informed.” 

…Kevin Harvick announced Wednesday the he and wife DeLana are expecting their first child. DeLana Harvick is 14 weeks pregnant, with a due date expected in late July or early August. The Harvicks disbanded their NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck team at the end of last season, and have clearly found a positive use for their newfound free time! 

…Media Tour 2012 has featured a number of new sponsor announcements. Furniture Row Racing announced the addition of CSX Transportation and Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers to its list of associate sponsors for the 2012 season. CSX Transportation, the third largest railroad in the United States – will highlight its “Play it Safe” campaign urging pedestrians and motorists to exercise caution around railroad tracks. Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers will spotlight the importance of keeping America's food supply produced in the United States.

Richard Childress Racing announced an extension of its longtime partnership with BB&T Corporation for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. BB&T will serve as primary sponsor on the No. 31 Chevrolet and driver Jeff Burton for five races, retaining its status as official bank of the 43-year-old Welcome, N.C.-based organization. The No. 31 BB&T Chevrolet will debut in March at Bristol Motor Speedway, with other appearances coming in April at Martinsville Speedway and Richmond International Raceway and in May at Darlington Raceway along with a special edition co-branded paint scheme with Caterpillar at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. BB&T’s burgundy and gray paint scheme will also adorn the No. 31 entry at Dover International Speedway in June. 

Snap-on Tools will expand its role with Penske Racing, serving as primary sponsor of the No. 22 Dodge Challenger in four NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season. Snap-on will adorn the No. 22 car driven by Brad Keselowski and Parker Kligerman at Darlington Raceway (May 11), Dover International Speedway (June 2), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (July 14) and Richmond International Raceway (September 7). “We are excited to grow and develop our long-standing partnership with Snap-on,” said Roger Penske. “Snap-on has been a terrific partner with our organization now for 30 years and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with a great season together in 2012.” Snap-on will continue to serve as an associate sponsor on all of Penske Racing’s Sprint Cup, Nationwide and IndyCar Series teams.

The WURTH GROUP will sponsor Sam Hornish, Jr ‘s No. 12 Nationwide Series Dodge out of the Penske stable in seven races, as part of a new, multi-year partnership. Hornish will compete in the full Nationwide Series this season, with sponsorship from WURTH and Alliance Truck Parts. WURTH will be an associate sponsor for the remaining 26 Nationwide Series races, and an associate sponsor of Penske’s No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge in the Sprint Cup Series.

… Max Papis will drive the #33 Richard Childress Racing Rheem/Menards Chevy when the NASCAR Nationwide Series visits Road America on June 23. In addition to competing at the 14-turn road course, Papis will serve as a driver coach for his RCR teammates, assisting in strengthening their road-racing skills

…Motor Racing Network – “The Voice of NASCAR” – was honored by the National Motorsports Press Association last week with 13 awards for broadcast excellence during the 2011 NASCAR season, including first place in the Live Event category. MRN Radio was recognized at the NMPA’s annual convention in Concord, N.C., with veteran radio voice Steve Blevins named NMPA Broadcaster of the Year. The network also won top honors for its broadcast of the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway in April, where Jimmie Johnson edged Clint Bowyer by two one-thousandths of a second in a race that featured 88 lead changes among 26 drivers. The network also won third place in the same category for its broadcast of the Camping World Truck Series race in November at Texas Motor Speedway, in which Ron Hornaday crashed early and fell out of title contention in the next-to-last race of the year.

In earning Broadcaster of the Year honors, Blevins contributed to MRN’s coverage of the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – writing and producing biographical features on Bud Moore and Lee Petty which earned him a sweep of first and second place in the Short-Form Feature Radio category.

…The annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour always produces a number of unexpected, controversial and humorous quotes. This year’s edition has been no different.

Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson issued a candid assessment of his unsuccessful 2011 title defense, saying of champion Tony Stewart, "We got beat by our own equipment.” Stewart’s team campaigns chassis and engines purchased from Hendrick Motorsports.

Not to be outdone, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., raised a few eyebrows this week when asked why NASCAR Nationwide Series teammate Danica Patrick enjoys such a high degree of popularity. Said Earnhardt, “She's a woman."

AJ Allmendinger got a dose of reality Thursday when Media Tour 2012 descended on his new Penske Racing shops. "I finally realized I was a Penske driver this morning when I put on my white Hugo Boss shirt,” said Allmendinger. “I thought, `Now it's real.’"

Sadler, Gaughan To Share RCR's #33 Chevy

Richard Childress Racing will campaign its #33 Chevrolet in the first five races of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

Brendan Gaughan returns to Cup

Elliott Sadler confirmed yesterday what SiriusXM Speedway first reported earlier this week, that he will drive the team’s #33 Chevy in the “Great American Race” on Sunday, February 26, at Daytona International Speedway. Sponsorship will come from Kroger. 

"It's great to be back in the Daytona 500,” said Sadler. “I've had a lot of success in this race in the past and want to thank General Mills, Kroger and Richard Childress for this opportunity. We're going to go out and have a legitimate chance to win the race. Speedweeks can't get here soon enough!" 

Sadler’s red, white and blue paint scheme will feature the Kroger Co. family of stores, Fred Meyer Jewelers and several General Mills brands. Veteran crew chief Gil Martin will oversee the effort.

Brendan Gaughan will drive the car in the next four Sprint Cup races, beginning at Phoenix International Raceway and  running through Las Vegas, Bristol and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. Sponsorship will come from the South Point Hotel & Casino. 

"The opportunity to run four races for Richard Childress in the Sprint Cup Series is truly amazing,' said Gaughan. “Everyone deserves a second chance and I am ecstatic that my second chance in the Sprint Cup Series is in the #33 Chevrolet with RCR."

TBR Adds Truex, Santos To Nationwide Lineup

Tommy Baldwin Racing will expand its NASCAR Nationwide Series program with the addition of Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, who will share driving duties with Ryan Blaney. Truex will compete in the DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 25. Santos will race in the Subway Jalapeno 250 at DIS July 6. Blaney will run six NNS events with TBR, debuting April 27 at Richmond International Raceway.

Ryan Truex

Truex will make his first superspeedway start in the NNS season-opener. The 19-year-old racer made his NNS debut in 2010 at Gateway International Raceway and made 24 starts in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He compiled five top-10 finishes including a third-place finish at Kansas Speedway. Truex competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2009 and 2010 and won the championship both years with a top-10 average finish.


“I’m happy to be back in a race car,” said Truex. “I was back and forth between teams last year, so it is nice to be in a car for the first race of this season. I’m excited about racing at a superspeedway. This is my first restrictor plate race and first start at Daytona. It’s something I’ve never done, but it looks like a lot of fun. Superspeedway racing is something I need to learn as I progress in my career. Hopefully, I can find myself a good partner to work with and have a good finish at the end.”

Santos has competed under the TBR Development banner since 2010. He competed in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 2010 and 2011 and won the championship in his first season in the series. The 26-year-old won the inaugural USAC National Pavement Sprint Car Series championship last season in a family-owned car. Santos made five starts in the NNS since 2007. His last start was at DIS February 2011 where he finished 17 ^th in a JR Motorsports-prepared Chevrolet.

Bobby Santos

“I’m thrilled to compete in the Nationwide series again,” said Santos. “The Daytona race last year was a lot of fun. It was kind of a last minute deal, so I’m glad we’ll have some time to prepare for it this year. Tommy and Al have done a lot to help my career, and I appreciate them giving me this opportunity in the Nationwide Series.”

This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. TBR began as a part-time one-car NSCS team in 2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to compete with two NSCS teams. The part time NNS team will expand on TBR’s driver development program in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The team would like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules, provided more sponsorship can be found.

“We are really working hard to develop young talent,” explained owner Tommy Baldwin. “The Nationwide series is a great place for young drivers to learn the ropes and compete at the same tracks as the ‘Cup series. It is important to give these kids opportunities to showcase their talents for their future and for the future of TBR.”

TBR NASCAR Nationwide Series Schedule:
· February 25^th – Ryan Truex – Daytona International Speedway
· April 27^th – Ryan Blaney – Richmond International Raceway
· May 11^th – Ryan Blaney – Darlington Raceway
· June 29^th – Ryan Blaney – Kentucky Speedway
· July 6^th – Bobby Santos – Daytona International Speedway
· July 28^th – Ryan Blaney – Indianapolis Motor Speedway
· August 24^th – Ryan Blaney – Bristol Motor Speedway
· October 12^th – Ryan Blaney – Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR Writer Benny Phillips Passes

NASCAR Media pioneer Benny Phillips died Tuesday morning, following a brief illness.

Phillips’ byline appeared in the High Point (NC) Enterprise for 48 years; the last 32 of which were spent as the paper’s sports editor. He penned a monthly column for Stock Car Racing Magazine for more than a quarter of a century, chronicling the sport and its stars. For 12 years, he contributed on-air commentary to the weekly MotorWeek Illustrated program on WTBS and ESPN; one of the first national television shows devoted exclusively to motorsports.

Prior to his retirement in January of 2008, Phillips was honored as National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year seven times. In 1986, he was the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Buddy Shuman Memorial Award for outstanding contribution and loyalty to the sport of auto racing. Other honors include the Henry T. McLemore Motorsports Press Award for excellence in journalism, the Joe Littlejohn Award for loyalty to auto racing, and the Sears Craftsman of the Year Award in 1983.

Phillips also wrote four books, including Dale Earnhardt’s authorized biography, “Determined.”

Former Stock Car Racing magazine editor Dr. Dick Berggren said of Phillips, "Benny was one of the longest-serving columnists in the history of the magazine. He was also an award winning feature wriiter for that magazine. Benny had polio as a child and got around on crutches during adulthood, but it never, ever impeded his ability to get the job done well. He had very close relationships with many drivers, but especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr. I was his editor for most of his tenure at Stock Car and found him a pleasure to work with. His copy was always accurate, interesting and needed nothing from any editor. Benny was a great guy who was liked by everyone."

Recently inducted NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Inman told the Enterprise, “He was one of my best friends and a great fan of Richard’s. I spoke to him about two or three times a week, just to speak about sports. This comes as a shock to me. He was one of the pioneer’s of NASCAR writing.”

Funeral arrangements are still pending.

NHMS Heralds Major Increase In Ticket Sales

There is still some work to do, but there are indicators that the economy is beginning to loosen its death grip on NASCAR and its member tracks.

Officials at New Hampshire Motor Speedway say "The Magic Mile" has seen a spike in sales for both its July and September NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, compared to 2011. "We haven't seen this level of sales activity this early in quite some time," said the track's Executive Vice President and General Manager, Jerry Gappens this week. "We are up an average of double digits between the two races. Our fans and families have been struggling for quite a while in this economy. I take this as a sign that the recovery is underway."
 
Susan Colby, Vice President of guest services at NHMS said ticket sales for July's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 are up 4% from last year, with sales for the SYLVANIA 300 in September up a whopping 19%. "When times are tight for fans, one of the first things people cut from their budget is vacations and summertime extras," said Colby. "We are thrilled to see them coming back in big numbers." She added that increased sales of camping space and pre-race pit passes are also a good sign that fans have more discretionary funds this year than in the past.

Those statistics also speak well for the hard work being done at venues like NHMS to entice fans back through the gates. Speedway management conducted an aggressive, off-season ticket campaign, with mailers and email reminders to regular customers, as well as aggressive public relations efforts to keep Loudon in the spotlight for locals and fans.

"Strong sales don't just happen," said Gappens. "In this environment, you have to work harder to bring fans to the speedway. We use every tool at our disposal, from traditional media and mailers to social media. We are thrilled with the results and hopeful the trend continues. I believe we are a barometer for economic activity and this is certainly a hopeful sign of recovery."

Gappens stressed that tickets are still available for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the Granite State oval, by calling (603) 783-4931. Specific seats can be requested through Feb. 1. After that date, all seats will be released to the public. Guests can also visit www.nhms.com for tickets and more information.

Ganassi Hopes To Improve On "Pathetic" 2011

Chip Ganassi pulled no punches Tuesday, calling his team’s 2011 performance “pathetic.”

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing driver Juan Pablo Montoya finished a disappointing 21^st in Sprint Cup Series point last year, with only two Top-5 finishes in 36 starts. Teammate Jamie McMurray fared even worse. After winning three of the circuit’s most prestigious races the previous season, McMurray floundered badly in 2011, recording only two Top-10 finishes en route to 27^th in points. 

That kind of performance is far below Ganassi’s usual standards. On the second day of the annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour, the veteran NASCAR and IZOD IndyCar team owner called last season "pathetic for a team of our ability and our resources." The team made a number of major personnel moves during the offseason, firing longtime Competition Director Steve Hmiel and team manager Tony Glover in late November. Hmiel had spent 11 years with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. before joining EGR when the teams merged operations in late 2008. Glover had been with the team since Ganassi joined NASCAR in 2000 by purchasing the former SABCO Racing. 

It remains to be seen whether EGR can regain in 2010 form, and Ganassi dismissed talk of expanding to a three-car effort yesterday, saying that even if sponsorship were available, his team is not sufficiently competitive to justify the move. 

There are bright spots for EGR, however. Despite a still-lagging economy that has major organizations like Roush Fenway Racing scrambling for sponsorship. Both Montoya and McMurray are fully sponsored for 2012. The team debuted McMurray’s new Belkin, LiftMaster and Banana Boat-sponsored Chevrolets Tuesday, as that trio of new backers prepares to join Bass Pro Shops and McDonald’s as sponsors of McMurray’s No. 1 entry. Target will return as major sponsor of Montoya’s No. 42 Chevrolet.