Godfather Takes To The Flagstand At Rockingham's "Polar Bear 150"

ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina - Dave Moody, host of "SIRIUS Speedway" on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio 128 and lead turn announcer for MRN's NASCAR race broadcasts, has been named as the official starter of the Polar Bear 150 at Rockingham Speedway. Moody will wave the green flag at the New Year's Day event, officially starting the first race of 2010.

The 2nd Annual Polar Bear 150, which will be held at noon January 1, will be a chance for race fans to celebrate the beginning of the 2010 racing season with competitive racing by the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Series. The entry list, which already has 61 registrants, includes a combination of NASCAR drivers and crew members, drivers from the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, and previous Rockingham winners from the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals Series.

Speedway owner, Andy Hillenburg personally chose Moody to give the green for the second annual running of the race. Moody, who has been a regular on MRN Radio since 1998, is looking forward to performing his official starter duties. "The Polar Bear 150 is grassroots racing at its best, and I'm proud to be a part of it," said Moody. "I just hope I don't drop the flag."

"Dave will make an awesome flag-waver for the Polar Bear 150," said Mike Calinoff, CEO of Activ8 Communications, the agency handling the PR for the event. "His arm should be in great shape from years of moving food from his plate to his mouth. Andy could not have made a better choice."

The 2nd annual Polar Bear 150 kicks off on Thursday, December 31, 2009. Gates open at 8:00 AM and practice sessions take place from 1:00-1:45 PM and 3:00-3:45 PM.

European-style qualifying will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 1, 2010, and the green flag will drop at 12:00 PM. A driver autograph session, which will include the starting lineup as well as Moody, Firestone Indy Lights driver Leilani Münter, and some all-star surprises, will take place at the frontstretch fence between the conclusion of qualifying and driver introductions.

Grandstand admission for Thursday's activities is free, and tickets for Friday are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Kids (12 and under) are $5. Military discounts and public suite options are both available as well. Tickets can be purchased at www.rockinghamspeedway.com or by calling (910) 205-8800.

Be sure to follow Rockingham Speedway's official Twitter site, www.twitter.com/RockinghamSpeed, which will be running special contests and ticket giveaways for the duration of 2009. More information about Rockingham Speedway and the Polar Bear 150 can be found by visiting www.rockinghamspeedway.com.

Reid Replaces Punch At ESPN's NASCAR Helm

Marty Reid will replace Dr. Jerry Punch alongside booth mates Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree for ESPN’s 2010 NASCAR coverage, calling the action for all 17 of the networks NASCAR Sprint Cup races as well as many of their NASCAR Nationwide Series telecasts. Punch will return to pit road for the network’s Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series broadcasts next season, after anchoring the network’s broadcasts for the past three years.

ESPN Executive Vice President of Studio and Event Production Norby Williamson explained the move, saying, “We play to the strengths of our announcers, and Marty’s strength is calling the tactical aspects of the race while deferring to the analysts.”

The remainder of the NASCAR on ESPN team will return next season, including analysts Rusty Wallace, Brad Daugherty, Tim Brewer and Ray Evernham, NASCAR Countdown host Allen Bestwick and pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch. Specific assignments and schedules will be announced later.

In addition to his new NASCAR role, Reid will continue as lead booth announcer for ESPN’s five-race IndyCar Series schedule, showcased by the Indianapolis 500.

Kyle Busch Motorsports To Field Two Trucks In 2010; Third Entry For Benson In The Works

Kyle Busch confirmed today that he will field a pair of Camping World Truck Series Toyotas next season under the banner of his new Kyle Busch Motorsports team.

Busch will drive a partial schedule of events in a #18 Tundra sponsored by Miccosukee Resorts, while sophomore driver Tayler Malsam will drive a #56 Toyota with sponsorship from Talking Rain and ActivWater. Former Camping World East and West Series driver Brian Ickler will drive the #18 Miccosukee Toyota in the races that Busch does not run.

KBM will utilize chassis, parts, technology and some personel from Joe Gibbs Racing. The team will operate out of the former Xpress Motorsports building for now, until Busch's new, state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, NC is completed early next year.

There was no announcement today of a ride for veteran Johnny Benson, but Benson was in attendance at the press conference, and Busch said he hopes to field a third entry for him this season if sponsorship can be found.

"We've had a lot of great discussions with folks, but nothing has progressed tot he point where we could announce it today," said Busch. "It means a lot to have Johnny as part of this team, and we hope to be able to run him in a full championship effort this season."

Sirius Speedway reported earlier this week that talks are underway with Exide Batteries and at least one other sponsor about backing Benson.

NASCAR/ISC Win Major Round In Kentucky Speedway Antitrust Suit

The latest – and possibly final -- round in a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by the former owners of Kentucky Speedway has gone in favor of NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation.

Earlier, a federal appeals court rejected claims by former Kentucky owner Jerry Carroll and his associates that NASCAR violated antitrust laws by denying it a spot on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. The United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the speedway failed to prove NASCAR and ISC colluded to keep Kentucky off the schedule; echoing an earlier ruling by a lower court.

Today’s verdict could bring an end to a case that was originally filed in 2005, and has cost both sides millions of dollars to argue. Carroll and company do have an option for additional appeal, however, and based on their previous unwillingness to take "no" for an answer, the case could indeed live on.

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston commented on the ruling today, saying, "NASCAR is pleased with the court’s ruling, which supports our case, that like other sports such as the NFL, MLB and the NBA, NASCAR can host its events where it decides is best for the sport and its fans.

"NASCAR has a great racing tradition at Kentucky Speedway featuring races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and we look forward to racing there in 2010. The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule is set, and we anticipate no changes. However, we are happy to discuss alternatives with the track owners for 2011 and beyond, as they relate to NASCAR’s realignment plans.”

Spokespersons for Kentucky Speedway declined to comment on the ruling, preferring to wait until a decision is made by the track's former owners on possible further appeals.

Attempts to contact Carroll for comment have not yet been successful.

International Speedway Corporation is the parent company of MRN Radio, which produces Sirius Speedway.

Musgrave Hunting Sponsors For Ballew #51; Sources Say Benson Set For KBM Ride

Ted Musgrave told Sirius Speedway Wednesday that he has an opportunity to replace Kyle Busch in the driver’s seat of the #51 Billy Ballew Motorsports Camping World Truck Series Toyota next season, if adequate sponsorship can be found.

“I have some proposals out there, and a couple of them have progressed as far as the CFO stage, so I’m hopeful that something will come together,” said Musgrave. “Right now, I don’t even need a full season sponsor. If we can just get started, I think we could make everything come together. We don’t necessarily need $2-3-million from a single sponsor.”

Asked about the status of Ballew’s longtime sponsor, Miccosukee Gaming and Resorts, Musgrave said, “They’ll be on the side of Kyle Busch’s new truck next season. When Kyle left, he took the sponsor with him. Billy (Ballew) took a hard hit on that one.”

Musgrave said neither he nor Ballew is interested in anything left than a full-bore effort. “Racing for Top-10s is not my style,” he said. “I’ve always gone all out, and Billy’s the same way Different companies have different financial plans. I’m not sure when we’ll hear something on these sponsorship proposals, but it’s definitely `the sooner the better.’” But like I said, even something to get us started would be nice.”

Busch is expected to announce details of his new Kyle Busch Motorsports team on Friday, and sources tell Sirius Speedway that another former Truck Series champion, Johnny Benson, will be featured prominently in that announcement. Officials of KBM reportedly met with representatives of Exide Batteries last week about sponsoring one of three planned Toyota Tundras to be fielded by the team.

Labonte Prepping For Rolex 24 Bid

Bobby Labonte took part in yesterday's Grand-Am Rolex Series test at Daytona International Speedway, driving a Porsche for his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team TRG Motorsports.

The 2000 Cup champion said he plans to compete for the team in the Rolex 24 at Daytona; his fourth career start in the legendary sportscar event. "Kevin (Buckler) really didn't have to talk me into it," said Labonte yesterday. "I've always been a big fan of the Rolex 24 since I started racing, and I raced a go-kart on the same track when I was 15. He didn't have to twist my arm."

Labonte will team with co-drivers Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly and Tim George Jr. at the wheel of the defending GT-class winning #67 TRG Porsche GT3.

Wallace Still Searching: Despite statements to the contrary, it appears that Kenny Wallace may not be as well-off in terms of 2010 sponsorship as initially believed.

Wallace told Sirius Speedway recently that he will run full-time for the Jay Robinson Racing #28 NASCAR Nationwide Series team again next season, that negotiations were progressing for the US Border Patrol to return as a major sponsor, and that a new "high end" backer was set to be announced for an additional eight races.

Today, the team released a statement saying that they do not have a deal for 2010, and that there are no contracts signed. The statement said, “We would love to have Kenny back for the full schedule. However, this will not happen unless sponsorship can be found. At this point, we believe at least eight races could be possible. Beyond that, all options are open."

In other Wallace news, Chrissy Wallace said this week that she hopes to run at least the first five races of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, and is working on sponsorship to make that happen.

Wallace also said there is a chance that she could run a pair of Nationwide events, as well, pending sponsorship. She was slated to run the full Truck schedule a year ago, but a planned sponsor withdrew just before the season, forcing her to the sidelines for all but a couple of races.

It's Official: Patrick To NASCAR In 2010

After months of flirtation, Danica Patrick is finally ready commit – on a limited basis – to NASCAR. The IndyCar Series star announced today in Phoenix that she will run a limited schedule of NASCAR Nationwide Series and ARCA races next season for JR Motorsports, ending months of speculation about her future.

Her exact 2010 stock car schedule was not announced today; only that she will take her first laps in a full-fendered racer in a three-day ARCA test at Daytona International Speedway December 18-20. Assuming that NASCAR officials like what they see in that test, Patrick would then be approved for competition in the 2010 ARCA opener during SpeedWeek, and presumably for the NASCAR Nationwide Series lid-lifter on February 13.

The remainder of Patrick’s stock car slate will be arranged with an eye toward the IndyCar Series schedule, which remain her top priority. Patrick recently sign a new, two-year contract with the Andretti Autosport IndyCar team, with an option for a third.

Both Patrick’s NASCAR and Indy efforts will be sponsored by GoDaddy.com, which will also back Mark Martin’s Hendrick Motorsports Sprint Cup entry on a limited basis next season. Sources at JR Motorsports say a pair of ARCA-legal Chevrolets are near completion in the team’s Mooresville, NC shop, with crewchief Tony Eury, Jr., overseeing the operation. Co-owner Dale Earnhardt, Jr., said last week that he hopes to field two full-time Nationwide Series entries next year, but that sponsorship for both cars is lacking. Kelly Bires’ #88 Chevrolet currently is sponsored for only half the races in 2010, with the #5 – renumbered #7 for Patrick to match her IndyCar livery – has only four sponsored races beyond Patrick’s limited schedule.

Randolph To TRG: Doug Randolph will replace Slugger Labbe as crewchief for Bobby Labonte and the #71 Sprint Cup Series team at TRG Motorsports.

Randolph most recently served as crewchief for the #07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, and will rejoin Labonte, who he crewchiefed for at Petty Enterprises in 2007. Labbe parted company with TRG late last week to accept a new position with the newly merged Richard Petty Motorsports/Yates Racing operation as crewchief for Paul Menard. He began work there yesterday, but the team has still not officially announced his hiring.

Sources: Danica Announcement Will Not Include NASCAR Plans

IndyCar star Danica Patrick says she has an announcement to make tomorrow during an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." However, sources tell Sirius Speedway that Patrick's announcement will focus entirely on her IRL career, and not on her much-discussed 2010 dalliance with NASCAR.

Patrick bypassed her own public relations department Saturday, announcing her GMA appearance on Twitter. "I am heading off to New York for an announcement about next years plans," tweeted Patrick. "I will be on GMA Monday morning!"

She gave no specifics on what will be discussed, but sources say her comments will concern a new, multi-year deal with Michael Andretti's newly named Andretti Autosport IndyCar team. Andretti recently completed a restructuring of Andretti Green Racing, after buying out former partners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree. He will field a trio of IndyCar entries for Patrick, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti next season, with a fourth car for Ryan Hunter-Reay also a possibility.

No announcement is expected on Patrick's much-discussed -- though still not finalized -- part-time schedule of ARCA and NASCAR Nationwide Series races with JR Motorsports. Those plans are still progressing, however. Randy LaJoie's The Joie of Seating recently constructed a NASCAR seat for Patrick, and Sirius Speedway has learned that Patrick will drive a JR Motorsports Chevrolet in a clandestine test session at Daytona International Speedway within the next two weeks.

Nobody associated with Patrick, JR Motorsports or Hendrick Motorsports will comment officially on the test, but anonymous sources within the Hendrick organization say that it will take place.

2010 Silly Season Already In Full Swing

Two races still remain in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, but much of the talk in the Cup garage already centers on 2010.

Former series champion Bobby Labonte confirmed this weekend that he has signed a one-year deal to drive the TRG Motorsports #71 next season, with a 12-race sponsorship from TaxSlayer.com. Labonte and TRG owner Kevin Buckler continue to seek backing for the remaining 24 events, and Buckler said he is also close to a decision on manufacturer affiliation for 2010.

"We're talking to several manufacturers right now,” said Buckler. “We're in the middle of some strong negotiations with them, and… we have to do what's best for the team. I tend to be very, very loyal about stuff -- maybe too much so -- but I've got a lot of partners and other people to consider here. Our final decision needs to be based on what's best for TRG Motorsports."

TRG has campaigned Chevrolets in each of the last two seasons, primarily because their cars were purchased in Impala livery from Richard Childress Racing. The team receives sheetmetal and some technological support from General Motors, but has reportedly received a competitive offer to jump to the Toyota camp next season.

Buckler revealed that he will field a second car in the season-opening Daytona 500 with a yet-unnamed driver, and would like to make the second entry permanent, if sponsorship can be found.

There are changes afoot at Roush-Fenway Racing, as well. Sources tell Sirius Speedway that Donnie Wingo will replace veteran Jimmy Fennig as crewchief of the #6 UPS Ford and driver David Ragan. Long recognized as one of the top nurturers of young NASCAR talent, Fennig is in his 13th season as a crewchief with Roush-Fenway, and has hinted that he is ready to cut back on travel in favor of a management position.

Sources say he will soon be named the team’s new head of Research and Development, and while there has been no official confirmation of the move, Ragan said Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway that he does not expect Fennig to return to his pit box next season. "He's been a teacher and crewchief and mentor, and really taught me a lot the last couple of years," said Ragan. "Ninety percent of what I know today, I learned from Jimmy Fennig.”

The U.S. Army announced last week that it will return as sponsor of Ryan Newman’s #39 Stewart-Haas Chevrolet in 15 races next season. Stewart-Haas also announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with Ruiz Foods that will make its Tornados brand -- meat, cheese and tomato sauce rolled in a seasoned crust -– a major sponsor for five Sprint Cup races in each of the next two seasons. Tornados will make its primary sponsorship debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March, and will serve as an associate sponsor for both Newman and Tony Stewart in the other 31 events.

The sponsor news is not as good for Robby Gordon, who learned recently that Jim Beam will not return as his team’s major backer in 2010. Gordon currently has sponsorship for only eight races next season, and said, “I'm looking at a lot of weekends off.”

Gordon said that while sponsorship is difficult to find in these tough economic times, the situation has been exacerbated by some of the sport’s mega-teams, who he claims are cutting deals for far less than it costs to field a car. He called the trend, “sponsorship suicide,'' saying he expects to see more start-and-park teams next season. He pledged that he will not be one of them, however, vowing, “We're going to continue to work hard to sell races through March of next year. After that, I'm looking at a lot of weekends off."