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Jason White To Field Fords In 2012

2012-02-08T16:42:00.001-05:00

Jason White and GunBroker.com will once again partner for the 2012NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. White will pilot the No. 23 GunBroker.comFord with horsepower being supplied by Roush Yates Engines. The GB Racing teamwill operate out of its 30,000 square foot race facility in Mooresville –formerly the home of AJ Foyt Racing.

Jason White returns, in a Ford!

“I am extremely honored to continue my relationship withGunBroker.com and greatly appreciate their support of my racing career,” statedJason White. “Sponsors such as GunBroker.com are what make this sport sospecial and I am lucky to have such a loyal supporter and partner. We haveworked hard to build this program and we have assembled a talented group ofdedicated employees that are working hard to prepare for Daytona and the 2012season.”

Doug George has joined the organization as Crew Chief for the No.23 Ford. George is a veteran within the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with113 career races as Crew Chief including two career victories with driver KyleBusch.

“I am excited to get our own race team up and running again,”added White. “We ran our own program in 2009 with some solid results and we areworking hard to expand on that. I really like what we are building at GB Racingand we have set a goal of being a regular fixture in the top five. I look forthe 2012 season to be my best yet.”

Jason White has become one of the veteran drivers in the NASCARCamping World Series having compiled 129 career starts in the series. Hecompeted for Joe Dennette Motorsports last season where he finished 15^thin the final standings after finishing 10^th in the 2010 seasonstandings.

Tryson Joins Front Row Motorsports

2012-02-08T14:08:00.002-05:00

Veteran crew chief Pat Trysonhas signed to serve as crew chief for David Gilliland’s No. 38 Front RowMotorsports Ford in 2012.

Pat Tryson has a new job.

The Malvern, Pennsylvanianative began his racing career in drag racing, working with Kenny Bernstein’s KingRacing team on the NHRA drag racing circuit. He has more than 15 years experience atop the NASCARpit box, earning victories with drivers Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and MarkMartin at a roster of organizations that includes Geoff Bodine Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, WoodBrothers Racing, and Penske Racing. His most recent position was with MichaelWaltrip Racing as the crew chief for the No. 56 NAPA Auto parts Toyota drivenby Martin Truex, Jr.

The move is the latest of numerous off-season improvements for theteam and allows interim crew chief Derrick Finley to return to his formerposition as Director of Competition.

"We made some pretty big changes this off-season to take thisteam to the next level, and adding Pat is one more critical piece that we'veput in place for our 2012 season," said Front Row Motorsports General ManagerJerry Freeze. "With Jay Guy on the No. 34 car and Derrick returningfull-time to the Competition Director role, the depth and experience of ourleadership team is better than it's ever been before."

Tryson said he is ready to step in and help the team, adding, “Ilike what this team has done in the last few years, making the right changes toget better every season. Gilliland's a competitive driver; he's got the fire inhis belly and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

Gilliland, who scored a season-best third in last year's Daytona500, said he is ready to hit the track next week in Daytona Beach with Trysonrunning the program. "He's a great 'get' for this team," saidGilliland. "There's just so much that he brings to the table with all hisexperience. I can't wait to get started."

Front Row Motorsports Inks New Sponsor

2012-02-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

Ragan will fly the MHP colors

Sport supplement companyMaximum Human Performance will join Front Row Motorsports as a multi-race,multi-year partner in the team's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series campaigns. MHP will serveas a primary sponsor for multiple races in both 2012 and 2013, including theupcoming Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on David Ragan's#34 Ford. They will also fill the quarter panels of David Gilliland's #38 Ford in the season-opening Daytona 500.

MHP will also be theofficial sport supplement line of Front Row Motorsports and an official sponsorof the #34 and #38 pit crews. Company experts will work with the team's pitcrew coach and trainers to develop nutritional and fitness plans to improve andmaximize the performance of the over-the-wall crew throughout the season.

"This is really goingto be a unique program," said Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins."Sponsors help make your race programs better across the board viafunding, but this is a case where they're also going to make our pit crewshealthier, stronger and faster. Everyone knows that a couple seconds on pitroad can make a huge difference on the track. This partnership is focused ongetting our athletes in the best shape possible to deliver maximum performancewhen it matters most."

Fairfield, NJ-based MHP waslaunched in 1997 by bodybuilder Gerard Dente to develop premier science-based,research-driven sports supplements to help athletes achieve their greatestphysical potential. The product line is used by world-class athletes, probodybuilders, power lifters, strongmen and fitness enthusiasts.

King Signs With Red Horse Racing

2012-02-08T13:40:00.001-05:00

With former NASCAR CampingWorld Truck Series champion Todd Bodine already signed to drive in theseason-opening “NextEra Energy Resources 250” at Daytona International Raceway,Red Horse Racing has added a second driver to its 2012 truck lineup.

Rookie of the Year contenderJohn King has been announced as driver of the No. 7 Red Horse Racing ToyotaTundra. The Fort Blackmore, Va., native has made seven career starts in theTruck Series, most recently in October of last year at Kentucky Speedway. The23 year old King has a career-best Truck Series finish of 15th, which he claimedin his 2010 debut at Bristol Motor Speedway. King is a graduate of the Fastrak-sanctionedCrate Late Model Series, racing with that sanctioning body in both 2006 and200. In 2009, he was a part of the Bill Elliott Driver Development program,competing in the highly competitive UARA-STARS Late Model Series.

Parrott To Guide TBR Nationwide Team

2012-02-07T16:25:00.003-05:00

During the off-season, TommyBaldwin Racing announced an expansion into the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Veterancrew chief Brad Parrott has now been announced to head that team and young drivers,Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos in an eight-race schedule with the No.36 Chevrolet.

Parrott brings more than 20 years of knowledge to the rookie Nationwideprogram. The Charlotte, N.C., native has a plethora of experience in both theNASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. He has worked as crew chief and carchief for many successful teams in both series, including Yates Racing,Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Roush Fenway Racing. Parrott compiled 18 wins as aNationwide crew chief. He won the 1999 Sprint Cup championship as car chief atYates Racing, where he compiled 23 victories in his five-year tenure.

“I’m glad to be a part of TBR,” said Parrott. “Tommy has a long history in thesport, as do I. We’ve both been to the top ranks of the NASCAR, as well assmaller teams. I can relate to where his race team is going and I look forwardto many years ahead. With the experience that I have, I look forward tobringing a young team with young drivers to the winner’s circle. I’m thrilledto work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, as well as our partners.2012 will be very exciting for all involved.”

This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. It began as a part-time, one-car NSCS team in2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to competewith two NSCS teams and a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team. The teamwould like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules,provided more sponsorship can be found.

“Brad has been in the sport for many years in many different positions,” saidBaldwin. “His variety of experiences will help us build the Nationwide teamfrom the ground up, in addition to assisting with some of the Cup program. Hisstrengths will complement a lot of areas we need help with. I look forward toworking with him and growing our program.”

John Cena Named Daytona 500 Starter

2012-02-07T13:54:00.000-05:00

Cena Set For Daytona Duty

Two-time WWE World Heavyweight champion JohnCena has been named honorary starter for the 2012 Daytona 500.

Cena received an “official invitation"from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title contender and close friend Carl Edwards onMonday's WWE Raw program. He and Edwards share an affection for the Make-A-Wishprogram, having granted numerous wishes to children with life-threatening illnessesover the years. In fact, Cena isthe biggest wish granter in the organization’s history, having granted more than 250 wishes.

"John Cena is the greatest Superstar inWWE today," said Daytona International Speedway President Joie ChitwoodIII. "We look forward to seeing him on the flag stand waving the greenflag to start 'The Great American Race' and kick off the new NASCAR Sprint CupSeries season."

NASCAR's Darby On Tandem Draft: "We'll Never Completely Eliminate It."

2012-02-06T18:35:00.001-05:00

The fans have spoken, andNASCAR is working aggressively to eliminate – or at least dramatically reduce –the two-car “tandem drafting” that has characterized recent Sprint Cup Seriesraces on the sanctioning body’s largest tracks.

NASCAR's John Darby

NASCAR surveyed fans lastseason to gauge sentiment on the two-car drafting at Daytona and Talladega, receivingnegative responses from approximately 85% of those surveyed. About 40 percentof those who said they disliked tandem racing "hated' it, according to NASCARVice President of Competition Robin Pemberton."Once the novelty wore off,it never gained momentum at all," he said.

In an attempt to reduce theamount of two-by-two drafting in this month’s Daytona 500, NASCAR has made anumber of changes to its Sprint Cup Series rulebook. A 29/32 inch restrictorplate will be required at the start of Speedweeks (1/64 inch larger than in lastyear’s Daytona 500), and NASCAR has relocated radiator grille openings upward afterlearning that the higher the opening, the less cool air flows through it. Inaddition, the rear bumpers have been extended two inches further downward thisseason, another move designed to allow less air to flow through the radiator ofthe trailing car. A smaller, two-gallon maximum cooling system has been mandated,overflow tanks have been downsized to a maximum of ½ gallon, radiator inletshave been moved closer to the center of the front bumper and cooling systempressurization has been reduced. NASCAR will also mandate softer springs and asmaller rear spoiler this season, and has outlawed in-car communication betweenmultiple drivers.

Even with all thoseadjustments, Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby admitted there may be no wayfor NASCAR to completely eliminate two-car drafting. “Historically, once racerslearn a way to go faster, it’s almost impossible to back,” said Darby. “Thereare a lot of smart people in that garage, and you can’t force them to unlearnwhat they know. With five laps to go in the Daytona 500, the drivers know theycan pair-up and go 3-4 mph faster, so that’s almost certainly what they’regoing to do. If two guys lose the draft early and fall half a lap behind, they’regoing to hook up and try to catch the pack.

“We can write as many rulesas we want,” he said, “but we’ll never completely eliminate it.”

Asked if the sanctioningbody might attempt to resurrect the “no passing zones” instituted to preventbump-drafting in past seasons, NASCAR’s Pemberton said with tongue firmly incheek, “Oh yeah, those worked really well last time!”

Pemberton Joins Tommy Baldwin Racing

2012-02-06T16:29:00.000-05:00

Ryan Pemberton Joins TBR

Tommy Baldwin Racing has hiredRyan Pemberton to lead its No. 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team as crew chieffor Dave Blaney. Pemberton will join the team as it attempts to make the 54^thAnnual Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 26. The No. 36 team’s 2012 NASCAR SprintCup Series schedule is still being finalized as the team seeks funding for all36 events.

Pemberton comes from a family of racers. The Saratoga, N.Y., native began hisbig-time NASCAR career sweeping floors at Roush Fenway Racing and worked hisway up to the crew chief ranks by 1997. Most recently, he served as crew chieffor Brian Vickers at Red Bull Racing. During his career as a Sprint Cup Seriescrew chief, he compiled two wins, 21 Top-5 and 92 Top-10 finishes, along with 15poles.

“I’m thrilled to join Tommy Baldwin Racing,” said Pemberton. “TBR has shown alot of growth in a short time, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ofstepping up the program this year. Tommy, Dave and I all come from families ofracing and have similar backgrounds, so I think it will be a good fit.”

This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. The organization plansto field two Sprint Cup teams and a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team. TBRwould like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules,provided more sponsorship can be found.

“Hiring Ryan is another stepping stone for TBR,” said Baldwin. “Ryan bringsexperience and a wealth of knowledge from all the years he has been in the sport.He has been successful with every team he has worked for, and we are excited tohave him be a part of our program.”

Starr Lands New Ride With Joey Arrington

2012-02-06T16:02:00.000-05:00

Starr and Arrington join forces.

David Starr has a new ride for the 2012 NASCAR Camping WorldTruck Series season. Zachry Holdings, Inc. will again sponsor Starr in a full-timefor the Truck Series championship effort, driving the No. 81 Zachry ToyotaTundra for the newly formed Arrington Racing.

The team is owned by longtime NASCAR engine builder Joey Arringtonand will operate under the direction of crew chief Doug Howe, car chief MikeDavis and general manager Tom Davis. Together, Starr and Zachry achievedsuccess on the track in 2011 with two top-five finishes and eight top-tenfinishes.

“I am honored and blessed to represent such a great company asZachry both on and off the track,” said Starr. “I can’t even explain howexcited and enthusiastic I am to unite with Arrington Racing and Zachry thisseason.” Other sponsors include Build Your Future, Linda Rudd and Steve Hellmuthwith Striping Technologies, Jordan Truck Sales, Chasco Constructors, AllegroMarinades, fentonmotors.com and Aubrey Health Mart Pharmacy.

Arrington Racing will operate out of a state-of-the-art facilityin Mooresville, NC.

Stenhouse, Johnson Team For Sprint Car Effort

2012-02-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

New Sprint team for Stenhouse

Defending NASCARNationwide Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and two-time American Sprint CarSeries National Champion Jason “The Ragin’ Cajun” Johnson have partnered tolaunch a new team called "Stenhouse Jr. Racing," and will compete forthe 2012 ASCS championship.

Stenhouse Jr. Racingwill field a pair of Ford-powered Sprint Cars, with Johnson making an all-outassault on the ASCS title, while Stenhouse competes in three to five races whenhis NASCAR racing schedule allows. Johnson and Stenhouse will campaign the No.41 and No. 6, respectively. The team has selected Roush Yates Engines ofMooresville, N.C. as the team's power plant supplier, and will continue to runMaxim chassis.

"Growing up racingSprint Cars with my dad, I've always had strong ties to sprint carracing," said the 24-year old Stenhouse. "Partnering with Jason andbeing able to bring some exposure to Ford on the grassroots level is veryexciting. This will not only add some fun to my racing season, but some addedvalue to our partners such as Ford, Roush Yates, and AccuDoc Solutions."

Two-time ASCS champ Johnson

In addition to the 2012Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour, Johnson will compete in approximately 20 to 25World of Outlaw events, with a specific schedule to be announced later. "Wevalue the beginning of this new alliance with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.," saidJohnson, the 2010 and 2011 Lucas Oil ASCS Owners Champion. "Team JJRstrives to provide each sponsor partner professionalism and required results,both on and off the track. We greatly appreciate the support and friendship wehave with our current partners and look forward to representing our newpartners, AccuDoc Solutions, Roush Yates Engines, Ford, and Valvoline."

Roush Yates CEO DougYates commented on the new partnership, saying, "At Roush YatesPerformance Engine Group, we're committed to making our Ford ASCS 360 Sprint Carengine program the best in the sport. Being selected to power both Jason andRicky in this potent new alliance says a lot about our organization. What'sreally exciting for us is that Ricky has a chance to show not only what he cando on an asphalt super speedway with a Roush Yates FR9 in the NationwideSeries, but he'll also be in a position to demonstrate the power Roush YatesPerformance Engine Group offers to any grassroots racer running on a dirt oval."

Super Bowl vs Daytona 500: Who Wins?

2012-02-05T15:17:00.000-05:00

With Super Bowl XLVI now in therecord books, all eyes turn to NASCAR’s annual Sprint Cup Series lid-lifter atDaytona International Speedway. In an effort to compare and contrast two ofAmerica’s most popular pastimes, here’s a head-to-head breakdown of both events.

Tartar Sauce ROCKS!

Location

Super Bowl XLVI: Lucas Oil Stadium,Indianapolis, Indiana.

Daytona 500: Daytona Int’lSpeedway, Daytona Beach, Florida.

Advantage: Daytona. Ever beento the beach in Indiana? In February?

Teams

Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants/NewEngland Patriots

Daytona 500: 43 teams.

Advantage: Super Bowl. Not asmany losers.

Pre-Race Coverage

Daytona 500: Two hours.

Super Bowl XLVI: Two Weeks

ADVANTAGE: Daytona 500. We don’tcare that Giants QB Eli Manning used to put tartar sauce on his toast as achild. We also don't need a song-and-dance production number featuring all seven NBC prime time stars singing about the "Brotherhood of Man." Sheesh!

Anyone seen my pants?

Media Day Highlight

Daytona 500: SPEED analystRutledge Wood’s pants fall down while interviewing Greg Zipadelli.

Super Bowl XLVI: Brazilian porn starCarlotta Canz offers Tom Brady a complimentary “pre-game pick-me-up.”

ADVANTAGE: Absolutely none.Unless you’re Tom Brady.

National Anthem

Daytona 500: Country superstar MartinaMcBride

Super Bowl XLVI: Former American Idolwinner and country sorta-star Kelly Clarkson.

ADVANTAGE: Martina. She singsit like it was written.

Starting Time

Daytona 500: 1:00 PM ET

Super Bowl XLVI: 6:30 PM ET

ADVANTAGE: Daytona. I’ve got towatch “Desperate Housewives” at 9:00.

YOU Make the call!

Ogle Factor

Daytona 500: Danica Patrick racingin a full-length Nomex firesuit.

Super Bowl XLVI: Danica Patrick rockinga GoDaddy.com bikini.

ADVANTAGE: You’re joking,right?

Most-Analyzed BodyPart

Super Bowl XLVI: Patriot TE RobGronkowski’s sprained ankle.

Daytona 500: Danica’s…um…headlights.

ADVANTAGE: Gronkowski. Daytonais not a night race.

In-Game Analysis

Super Bowl XLVI: Rumblin’, bumblin’ stumblin’blowhard Chris Berman.

Daytona 500: Dr. Jerry Punch

ADVANTAGE: Punch. Got cussedout by Kurt Busch last season, but everyoneMFs Berman…

Wilfork: Hungry?

Most ImposingPhysical Specimen

Daytona 500: 53-year old, workoutobsessed driver Mark Martin.

Super Bowl: 325-pound PatriotsDT Vince Wilfork.

ADVANTAGE: Wilfork. Hispre-game breakfast outweighs Martin.

Celebrity Sightings:

Super Bowl XLVI: Justin Bieber,Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and three Kardashians.

Daytona 500: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

ADVANTAGE: Daytona. Blame theKardashians.

Biggest Bomb:

Super Bowl XLVI: Tom Brady to Wes Welker.

Daytona 500: Landon Cassill’s tenurewith Front Row Motorsports.

ADVANTAGE: Super Bowl

Sorry, Ingrid...

Supermodels InAttendance:

Daytona 500: Ingrid “Mrs. JeffGordon” Vandebosch

Super Bowl XLVI: Giselle “Mrs. TomBrady” Bundchen.

ADVANTAGE: Push. I’ve alwaysbeen a Kathy Ireland kind of guy.

Winner’s Trophy

Super Bowl XLVI: Vince LombardiTrophy.

Daytona 500: Harley J. EarlTrophy.
ADVANTAGE: Super Bowl. “Legendary football coach” trumps “obscureautomotive designer” every time.

Foyt Released From Houston Hospital

2012-02-05T12:20:00.005-05:00

"Super Tex" recuperating.

A.J. Foyt was released from a Houston,TX, hospital Friday, after receiving treatment for an infection followingrecent knee surgery.

The four-time Indianapolis 500winner underwent surgery nearly three weeks ago, and had hoped to serve asGrand Marshall of last weekend’s 50^th Anniversary Rolex 24 atDaytona International Speedway. The 77-year old was up and walking almostimmediately following surgery, but experienced pain, swelling and an infectionin the knee, forcing him to cancel his appearance after being re-admitted tothe hospital 10 days ago.

"I guessI'll be watching the race from my hospital room,” said Foyt, the only man towin the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, Rolex 24 At Daytona and 24 Hours of LeMans. “The doctors pulled rank on me, and I hate to admit it, but I thinkthey're right -- this time.”

A spokesperson said Foytcontinues to be treated with antibiotics, with a full recovery expected.

Highland Rim Speedway Sold After Hamilton Declares Bankruptcy

2012-02-04T18:52:00.002-05:00

Bobby Hamilton, Jr.

Tennessee’s HighlandRim Speedway was sold at public auction Friday, after promoter Bobby Hamilton,Jr., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Hamilton operatedboth Highland Rim and the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in 2011, butstruggled to pay his bills. The former NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Seriesdriver reportedly bounced a pair of checks to the Nashville Fairgrounds Boardlate last season, and was forced to cancel the track’s traditional seasonfinale, the All-American 400.

Accordingto documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Hamilton claims liabilitiesof $1,293,543 against assets of just $551,825. He owes approximately $198,000to the Internal Revenue Service for taxes dating back to 2005, with more than$900,000 in additional debt from bank loans and mortgages. Hamilton and hiswife, Stephanie are listed as debtors, along with their company, HamiltonEntertainment.

A foreclosureauction took place Friday at the county courthouse in Springfield, with CommunityBank and Trust placing the only bid of $605,000. Equipment and other speedwayassets will reportedly be sold separately at a later date.

Highland RimSpeedway is situated on two adjacent tracts of land totaling approximately 30acres. The track was scheduled to open next month for its 50^thanniversary season, but longtime track announcer Lanny Adams told The Tennessean newspaper that the futureof the speedway is now in doubt.

“I’m moreconcerned about the racetrack getting bulldozed today,” said Adams.

Hamiltondrove in only one NASCAR National Series race last season; a 22^nd-placefinish in a Camping World Truck Series competition at Nashville. His last SprintCup start came with Cal Wells’ PPI Motorsports in 2005. His teams claimed nearly$13-million in posted awards during his 14-year Sprint Cup, Nationwide andCamping World Truck Series career.

Go Canada Announces Name Change

2012-02-03T18:25:00.001-05:00

Effective Feb. 15th, 2012, GoCanada Racing will become GC Motorsports International. Team owner Steve Meehan explained the move,saying, “The name change is a result of numerous developments in the off-seasonand more clearly represents our company, our partners, drivers and sponsorsgoing forward.”

The team will continue tocompete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with drivers from both Canada and theUnited States. ”During the off-season we met with several drivers that we feltcould help us build our program and while we are not quite ready to field a twocar Nationwide effort we felt that expanding our format offers tremendousbenefit to our team and marketing partners” said Meehan.

The 2012 campaign will beginwith David Ragan, last season’s winner of the Coke Zero 400 in the NASCARSprint Cup Series, behind the wheel at Daytona. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have David’s knowledge and experienceto help launch our 2012 program and hopefully guide the team into the future.” saidMeehan.

Ragan said, “I am really excitedto be kicking off the 2012 Nationwide season for GCMI. I have known many of theteam members for quite some time; it will be great to work with them again.This group has put together many winning efforts in the past and I plan onbeing part of their winning efforts in the future, hopefully starting withDaytona.”

Andrew Ranger will also returnto the Nationwide team this year, competing in a number of Nationwide RacesIncluding the series’ only Canadian race, the Napa Auto Parts 200 in Montreal.”I am really looking forward to competing for my third NASCAR Canadian TireSeries championship,” he said. “It will be great working with Dave again, and Iam really looking forward to get back behind the wheel in the Nationwideseries. GCMI is developing a very strong strategy to grow the team and I thinkI am at the perfect point of my career to grow with them” states Andrew Ranger.

The team will also field an entryin the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this season, teaming with Dave Jacombs Racingto form GC Motorsports Canada. The team plans on fielding a two-car effortanchored by two time series champion Andrew Ranger. “I am very excited about our organizationsworking together,” said Jacombs. “I got to know Steve and the team last yearand was really intrigued by what they were trying to put together. Over thelast few months, Steve and I came to the conclusion that working together couldaccelerate the growth of both programs. Long term, I see us having dominantprograms in multiple series on both sides of the border.”

The team expects to makemore announcements about drivers and sponsors in the coming weeks. “We feel wehave a very formidable program, balancing experienced drivers with younger upand coming drivers. This multi-driver and multi-tier approach to our programwill allow us to continue to build a very strong program that will enable anevolution to competing in the Sprint Cup Series” states Meehan. ”In addition,it will allow us to develop marketing partnerships all across North America”.

Bodine Lands Daytona Sponsor

2012-02-03T14:40:00.003-05:00

Red Horse Racing announced today that formerNASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Todd Bodine will drive the team’sToyota Tundra at Daytona International Speedway this month, with sponsorshipfrom Good Sam RV Club. Good Sam is a sister organization to the series’ titlesponsor, Camping World, and providesroadside assistance to recreational vehicles, automobiles, SUVs and motorcycles.

Bodine said he is happy to be heading to theWorld Center of Racing with a sponsor on board. “Good Sam has been a part ofour sport before and (CEO) Marcus Lemonis is obviously a big supporter of ourseries,” said Bodine. “The Camping World Truck Series has been a greatmarketing tool for them, and they understand what the series is all about. I’mproud to be going to Daytona with them and I hope to make something more out ofthis down the road.”

The2006 and 2010 Truck Series king said the remainder of his season remainsuncertain, and that the search continues for additional sponsorship. “TomDeloach at Red Horse Racing made the commitment to me that we were going toDaytona, one way or another,” he said. “Now, Good Sam has stepped up to ensurethat we’ll have something on the quarter panels.”

Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway Hosts Grand Opening

2012-02-03T13:34:00.001-05:00

Thegreen flag is waving today over the grand opening of Hollywood Casino at KansasSpeedway, Kansas City’s first land-based, Las Vegas-style casino.

Thenew casino was developed and is operated by Kansas Entertainment, LLC, a 50/50joint venture of Penn Hollywood Kansas, Inc., a subsidiary of Penn NationalGaming, Inc. and Kansas Speedway Development Corporation, a wholly ownedsubsidiary of International Speedway Corporation. All casino games at thefacility are owned by the state of Kansas.

PennNational Gaming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter M. Carlino, andInternational Speedway Corporation CEO Lesa France Kennedy opened the casino ata ribbon cutting ceremony today alongside Mayor/CEO of the Unified Governmentof Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, Joe Reardon. NASCAR drivers ClintBowyer and Kasey Kahne were also in attendance at the new Casino, located highabove the speedway’s second turn, where two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events areheld annually. It is the first trackside casino in the ISC family of facilities,and guests can play on a single gaming floor and dine at five differentrestaurants, several with views of the track.

“The combination of a world-class sportsfacility with the premier Hollywood-branded casino will set a new standard ingaming entertainment excellence,” said Lesa France Kennedy today. “ISC andKansas Speedway have been a collaborative partner with the community toincrease area tourism and create jobs for more than a decade. We continue tomake significant investments in the facility, most recently with the start ofthe speedway’s permanent road course construction. This partnership startedwith a mutual vision to create a true destination for visitors and residents,anchored by a premier motorsports racing facility. Hollywood Casino at KansasSpeedway will build upon our successful track record.”

Approximatelyfour million guests are expected to visit Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedwayannually, bringing increased tourism and tax revenues to Wyandotte County andthe state of Kansas. The total estimated economic benefit of the casino is $220million annually. The Casino will employ more than 1,000 workers from thegreater Kansas City region and is seen as a significant driver of employment inthe area.

Motor Racing Network is a subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation

MRN Radio Announces New Online Programs

2012-02-03T12:24:00.000-05:00

With the 2012 racing season almost completely out ofhibernation, Motor Racing Network is set to start the New Year byrolling out a fresh lineup of exclusive online programming. The network’sschedule of live streaming content will feature the launch of “The StraightLine,” a weekly one-hour look at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.The show will be streamed at MotorRacingNetwork.com and debuts Feb. 8 from 12-1p.m. (EST) in advance of the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts WinternationalsPresented by Super Start Batteries.

Doug Herbert co-hosts "Straight Line."

“The Straight Line” is an outgrowth of MRN producer MartyHough’s weekly podcast, which began in 2011. Hough is co-hosting the one-houronline show with current Top Fuel competitor Doug Herbert. The program’s debutwill feature 15-time NHRA champion John Force; his daughter Courtney, currentlycompeting in Funny Car; and that division’s 2011 champion, Matt Hagan. Followingits one-hour webcast, “The Straight Line” will be available for download fromthe MotorRacingNetwork.com Media Center as well as iTunes and Stitcher.

Motor Racing Network’s digitalprogramming lineup will also expand into coverage of IndyCar racing and NASCARModifieds, with all streaming shows available exclusively at www.motorracingnetwork.com.“The Paddock,” a weekly review of open-wheel racing in the IZOD IndyCar Seriesand Formula One, will be co-hosted by MRN producer Eric Morse and driver JohnAndretti and streamed live from 1-2 p.m. each week beginning Tuesday, March 13,with a preview of the season-opening F1 race in Australia. The program is anextension of a weekly Formula One podcast produced by Morse last year.

MRN’s Kyle Rickey and Buddy Long will co-host “ModifiedMadness,” debuting Wednesday, March 14, in the 1-2 p.m. time slot. The showwill focus on Modified racing across America and feature the NASCAR WhelenModified Tour.

“MRN Motorsports Monday” and “Winged Nation,” a weekly look atthe World of Outlaws Series, already have returned to MotorRacingNetwork.comand are streamed weekly. All of MRN’s online programming is produced by WebManager Craig Moore.

MRNRADIO Exclusive Weekly Online Programming

(Alltimes Eastern)

Monday,12 p.m.

“MRNMotorsports Monday”

Tuesday,12 p.m.

“WingedNation” -- World of Outlaws

Tuesday,1 p.m. / Starting March 13

“ThePaddock” -- IndyCar and Formula One

Wednesday,12 p.m. / Starting Feb. 8

“StraightLine” -- NHRA drag racing

Wednesday,1 p.m. / Starting March 14

“ModifiedMadness”

AM FM-Energy To Back Hornaday, Gresham

2012-02-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

Joe Denette Motorsports has announced that AM FM-Energy.com willcontinue its support of the team as an active member of their 2012 NASCARCamping World Truck Series sponsorship lineup. The Virginia-based company will serveas an associate sponsor for former series champion Ron Hornaday’s No. 9Chevrolet and newcomer Max Gresham’s No. 24 Chevrolet.

"AM FM-Energy.com is proud to partner with Joe DenetteMotorsports again for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season,"said Andy Mays, president of AM FM-Energy.com. "With a veteran like RonHornaday and an up-and-coming rookie like Max Gresham, we know the duo will bepowerful spokesmen for our brand. As a small company in Virginia that sellspellet and wood stoves on our website, we know the power of a NASCARpartnership. We look for both drivers to 'heat things up' in 2012."

AM FM-Energy.com, based in Amherst, VA, is celebrating its seventhyear in business in the alternative energy solutions field. The companyspecializes in multi-fuel stoves, wood stoves and pellet stoves. They also distributethe Timber Ridge line of wood and pellet stoves from England Stove Works.

AM FM-Energy.com sponsored Elliott Sadler's No.24 Joe Denette Motorsportsentry in the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Bristol MotorSpeedway, where Sadler captured JDM's first Keystone Light Pole Award and led53 laps en route to a ninth-place finish.

"After partnering with JDM and Elliott Sadler in last year'sNASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol, we saw a tremendous boost insales through our online store," continued Mays. "We hope this is awinning combination for both sides and we wish Joe, Ron and Max the best ofluck in 2012."

National Speed Sport News Returns!

2012-02-02T17:12:00.000-05:00

With anall-new monthly print publication launching in March and an aggressive plan forthe future, Turn 3 Media, LLC, is bringing back the National Speed SportNews brand, identified for its namesake weekly newspaper that was widelyrecognized as the “Bible” of American auto racing news.

Turn 3 Media, LLC, a North Carolina company founded by publishing veteran CurtMoon, former SPEED executive Joe Tripp, and motorsports television personalityRalph Sheheen, has acquired the exclusive rights to National Speed SportsNews from The Kay Publishing Company.

Founded in 1934 and edited by “The Dean of American Motorsports Journalism”Chris Economaki beginning in 1950, National Speed Sport News ceasedpublication of its venerable weekly newspaper following the March 23, 2011issue.

While the realities of the publishing world, which contributed to the demise ofthe newspaper, haven’t changed, the Turn 3 Media partners are confident the newNational Speed Sport News will succeed.

“We’re starting with a clean slate,” said Tripp, “building upon all that wasgreat about the former publication by expanding the content and delivering itthrough a broad variety of platforms relevant to the times. Specifically, wewill provide race fans with credible and timely coverage of all forms ofprofessional motorsports – two wheels and four – on everything from mobile (SPEEDSPORT Mobile), tablet (SPEED SPORT Digital Edition) and web (www.nationalspeedsportnews.com)– plus a new magazine that will be available in print and digital editions.”

“We listened to our fans – and while most are getting race results and breakingnews online these days, they still really wanted a print edition.” explainedMoon. “The new monthly SPEED SPORT Magazine will includeexclusive stories and interviews, thought-provoking editorial, and acomprehensive view of all motorsports not found in other publications.”

For many years, former National Speed Sport News Editor Chris Economakiwas a fixture on national television. With his iconic voice and unique style,Economaki was unparalleled in the business. Most of today’s motorsportsjournalists and personalities credit Economaki with forging a path for theirown careers.

"The first nationally televised race broadcast I was a part of more than20 years ago, Chris Economaki was my colleague on pit road,” explained Sheheen.“Chris set the standard for motorsports journalism on TV and with NationalSpeed Sport News. We have assembled some of the best writers and reportersin motorsports to continue that tradition. We'll be giving our readersinsightful and thought provoking commentary and features on every form ofmotorsports involving cars, motorcycles and anything else that belches flames,slings mud or singes the asphalt."

As Publisher, Sheheen will manage the editorial direction of the new SPEEDSPORT Magazine and will help drive reach and brand awareness throughhis extensive television exposure. He will also lead efforts to expand thebrand into video and television media.

Readers will benefit from the continuity of an editorial staff led by Editor inChief Mike Kerchner, who has served NSSN continuously since 1991.

“I think our readers will enjoy seeing the familiar faces, names and opinionswith which they have become accustomed through the years,” said Kerchner. “SPEEDSPORT Magazine will deliver racing information to its readers in anupdated manner and style, but we’re confident it will have the same warm, fuzzyfeeling that readers have enjoyed when finding National Speed Sport Newsin their mailbox for nearly 80 years.”

SPEED SPORT Magazine will debut with a March Season Previewissue, exactly one year after the original National Speed Sport Newsceased publication.

Subscriptions to SPEED SPORT Magazine are available for $24.95per year for 12 issues. A digital edition of the magazine will be available for$12.95 per year. Access to www.nationalspeedsportnews.com will remainfree.

Turn 3 Media is planning to announce more details of its plans during FloridaSpeed Weeks later this month.