Posted on 05/12/2014 8:51:30 PM PDT by ican'tbelieveit
USUALLY.......to be eligible for the Sprint All-Star Fan Vote (and the Sprint Showdown), drivers must be approved by NASCAR for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition and have met all other eligibility requirements. Those requirements include finishing in the Top 50 of the previous season NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship point standings; competing in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Event during the current season; or attempting to qualify for the current season Daytona 500.
Sam Bass looking forward to return to track:
It’s not often that people find life at 200 mph to be calm, but after the year that Sam Bass has had, NASCAR’s first officially licensed artist looks forward to returning to his “status quo” life in the fast lane. After two near death experiences over the last three months, Bass plans to finally be back at the track debuting art for his 75th and 76th consecutive program covers at Charlotte Motor Speedway this month.
Excited for a new race season and busy upcoming year, Bass visited Elon University and Appalachian State University as a guest lecturer during the month of January. However, rather than making his usual February trek to NASCAR’s birthplace in Daytona Beach, Fla., Bass spent NASCAR’s Speedweeks fighting for his life as a previously undetected diabetic-related blood infection turned to septic shock. Four related surgeries within the time span of two and a half weeks took its toll. “It was very touch-and-go there for a bit,” commented Bass. “While the recovery process from losing more than 33% of the tissue in my left leg has been frustrating at times, for the first time in 90 days I am finally able to walk without crutches. Honestly, I’m just really happy to still be here.” With his recovery on track, Bass expects to return to his normal appearance and travel schedule beginning with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(Sam Bass PR)(5-10-2014)
Indy 500 practices underway for Kurt Busch:
The runs Kurt Busch had made up to Sunday in the #26 Suretone Honda for Andretti Autosport were solely single-car runs, where he had a chance to acclimate simply to the nature and handling of the lighter, less powerful IndyCar compared to the heavier, more brutal and higher horsepower NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. Sunday marked Busch’s first chance to run in traffic, in dirty air, in a moment he appreciated. He banked 31 laps on the day, with his fastest on lap 29 of 220.352 mph good for P12 on the time sheets. “It was a nice rookie day to go play in traffic,” said the 2004 Sprint Cup champion. “The Andretti Autosport guys ramped up where we are with the levels, to get in dirty air. Today was a nice shakedown, and the second run was a baseline run. It was nice to have a champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay, take me around, and then with Munoz and E.J. Viso. It’s just neat to move to the next step, which is to go out there in dirty air and draft with teammates.” Busch described the difference of running in traffic in NASCAR versus traffic in IndyCar as “times 10,” in IndyCar, so he could easily catch the car in front of them. With less horsepower, it’s a lot to digest. Busch and the rest of the five-car Andretti Autosport effort resume practice on Monday.(NBC Sports)(5-12-2014)
Kurt Busch 2nd in Tuesday’s Indy 500 practice:
Andretti Autosport teammates EJ Viso and Kurt Busch were the speed demons at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tuesday when heavy rain arrived at 1:30pm. Viso field-leading lap was 224.488 mph. Busch was second at 224.159 mph. This is his first IndyCar event. Two other of Michael Andretti’s cars were fourth and fifth: Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti, respectively. Hunter-Reay ran 223.612 mph with Andretti at 223.605 mph. Third was Team Penske driver Juan Pablo Montoya at 224.115 mph. There still have been no accidents on the oval portion of this month.(Indianapolis Star)(5-14-2014)
Kurt Busch 2nd in Tuesday’s Indy 500 practice:
Andretti Autosport teammates EJ Viso and Kurt Busch were the speed demons at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tuesday when heavy rain arrived at 1:30pm. Viso field-leading lap was 224.488 mph. Busch was second at 224.159 mph. This is his first IndyCar event. Two other of Michael Andretti’s cars were fourth and fifth: Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti, respectively. Hunter-Reay ran 223.612 mph with Andretti at 223.605 mph. Third was Team Penske driver Juan Pablo Montoya at 224.115 mph. There still have been no accidents on the oval portion of this month.(Indianapolis Star)(5-14-2014)
The Colorado Freedom Memorial is proud to announce that Denver-based Furniture Row Racing will be honoring generations of Colorado's fallen veterans when the #78 Chevy competes in the 55th Annual Coca-Cola 600 this Memorial Day Weekend, with only the Colorado Freedom Memorial logo emblazoned on its hood.
The Colorado Freedom Memorial (CFM) honors every fallen Colorado military veteran by name, from every branch of service and every conflict dating back to the Spanish American War in 1896. The Memorial, which is located in Aurora, is made up of glass panels on which nearly 6000 Colorado heroes are honored. "Donating the hood of our #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet SS to the Colorado Freedom Memorial is a small, but meaningful way that we can pay tribute to those who have offered the greatest sacrifice for our freedoms," said Furniture Row Racing Owner, Barney Visser. Visser, who is a Vietnam veteran, maintains a personal connection with the Colorado Freedom Memorial.
Garry Hill wanted to be a racer but that didn't work, so he pursued his passion in another direction. Hill became a motorsports artist, capturing "victories" in racing by recording the sport's great moments and rich tradition. On Tuesday morning on WCNC's Larry's Look, they got an inside look at Hill's work (garryhill.com) in his studio near Lake Norman, NC. Garry's amazing prints chronicle the great history of NASCAR, showcasing some of the most amazing moments in the history of the sport. See full story and video at WCNC.(5-14-2014)
THE 2014 RACE FORMAT
Sprint Showdown Format:
Sprint Showdown qualifying consists of two consecutive timed laps with the fastest lap determining the starting positions.
Starting field limited to 33 starters who are not entered in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (23 cars are currently entered).
Segment 1/20 laps: 33 fastest qualifiers start the first of two 20-lap segments. ... Green flag and yellow flag laps will be counted. ... Optional pit stop during break, teams that pit will not retain their position on track.
Segment 2/20 laps: Only green flag laps will be counted. ... Top-two finishers transfer to NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.(NASCAR)
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Qualifying:
Three laps, including a four-tire pit stop, with no pit road speed limit.
Total elapsed time determines the starting lineup of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
For the first time the Sprint Fan Vote Winner and two Sprint Showdown cars can participate in NASCAR Sprint All-Star qualifying, rather than automatically starting at the rear of the all-star field.
Sprint Fan Vote and Sprint Showdown transfer teams may work on their cars prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.(NASCAR)
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Format:
Segments 1, 2 and 3/20 laps each: All laps will be counted. ... Optional pit stop during break, teams that pit will not retain their position on track.
Segment 4/20 laps: All laps will be counted. ... Running order at the completion of the fourth segment be repositioned based on the average finish of the first four segments. ... Running order ties will be broken by the finish of the fourth segment. ... Pit road will be open for a mandatory four-tire pit stop. ... Order of cars returning to the track will determine starting order of the fifth and final segment.
Segment 5/10 laps: Only green flag laps will be counted.(NASCAR)
Eli Gold to be inducted in Alabama Sports Hall of Fame: Veteran Motor Racing Network broadcaster Eli Gold will be honored later this month with induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to being one of the most recognizable announcers in MRN’s award-winning lineup of motor sports professionals, Gold has been the play-by-play voice of University of Alabama football since 1988. Gold - a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. - started in the sports broadcasting field in 1972. In a career now spanning five decades, he’s done play-by-play for a number of hockey teams including the Birmingham Bulls, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators; as well as a four-year stint as the play-by-play announcer for the Birmingham Barons baseball team. He joined the Motor Racing Network in 1976 and began his current tenure as the voice of Crimson Tide football 12 years later. In that role, Gold has been named Alabama Sportscaster of the year four times. The induction ceremony for the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2014 will take place on Saturday, May 17, in Birmingham.(Motor Racing Network)
For those out there that have a spare $5 Million laying around...
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Gilliland’s home for sale:
NASCAR driver #38-David Gilliland is selling his 66-acre Lake Norman estate in Sherrills Ford for $4.9 million, Lake Norman Realty President Abigail Jennings said Tuesday. Formerly owned by NASCAR’s Michael Waltrip, the estate includes equestrian facilities, two race shops, an indoor basketball-racquetball court, a helicopter pad, a wine cave and ponds stocked with bass and catfish.
NOW FOR TRUCK STUFF
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Event Schedule
Thursday, May 15
9:00 AM NCWTS HAULERS ENTER
10:30 AM NCWTS REGISTRATION OPENS
11:00 AM NCWTS GARAGE OPENS & INSPECTION BEGINS
4:00 PM 6:00 PM NCWTS PRACTICE
5:00 PM NCWTS REGISTRATION CLOSES
7:00 PM 9:00 PM NCWTS PRACTICE
10:00 PM NCWTS GARAGE CLOSES
Friday, May 16
6:30 AM NSCS REGISTRATION OPENS
7:00 AM NSCS GARAGE OPENS & INSPECTION BEGINS
8:00 AM NCWTS GARAGE & REGISTRATION OPENS
10:00 AM NCWTS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS & RANDOM DRAWING
11:00 AM 12:00 PM NCWTS FINAL PRACTICE
4:00 PM 7:00 PM NCWTS Minors Admitted in the NASCAR Garage Area*
5:40 PM NCWTS QUALIFYING
6:50 PM NCWTS DRIVER / CREW CHIEF MEETING (MEDIA CENTER)
8:00 PM NSCS & NCWTS REGISTRATION CLOSES
8:00 PM APPROX. NCWTS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
8:30 PM APPROX. NCWTS RACE (134 LAPS, 201 MILES)
Television Coverage/TV Team
TV: Fox Sports 1
Friday, May 16
Final practice: 11:00 AM ET
Qualifying: 5:30 PM ET
Race: 8:30 PM ET
In the Booth: Rick Allen, Phil Parsons, Michael Waltrip
Pit Reporters: Ray Dunlap, Hermie Sadler, Bob Dillner
Radio Coverage
Radio:
Motor Racing Network (MRN)
SiriusXM Satellite NASCAR Channel 90
There are 30 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Friday's NC Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
A few notes:
The #07 is TBA
The #9 is TBA
Brad Keselowski in the #19
Austin Dillon is in the #20
Max Gresham is in the #23
Jake Crum is in the #82
Ross Chastain is in the #92
(5-12-2014)
UPDATE: Justin Lofton will drive the #9.
UPDATE 2: Scott Riggs will drive the #92 in place of Chastain. (5-12-2014)
UPDATE 3: Ryan Ellis has been added in the #28 and Charles Lewandoski has been added in the #42 to bring total entries to 32. (5-13-2014) See the complete list on the Charlotte entry list page.
Musta’ been the only page I didn’t see.
Is Vettle in therapy yet?
suicide watch is more like it...
Parker Kligerman To Serve as Backup Driver for Kurt Busch:
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has tabbed Parker Kligerman to serve as the backup driver for Kurt Busch in the #41 Haas Automation Chevrolet SS during the May 16-17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 22-25 Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kligerman has made 10 Sprint Cup starts, 51 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts, 50 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts and 23 ARCA Racing Series starts. The 23-year-old from Westport, Connecticut, earned a Camping World Truck Series victory in 2012 at Talladega and has nine ARCA wins, all of which came in 2009 when he finished second in the championship standings.
SHR selected Kligerman in the event that Busch, who is attempting to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, is unable to practice, qualify or potentially start his #41 Haas Automation Chevy due to a schedule conflict or logistical issue. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and want to thank everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing for entrusting me with the Haas Automation Chevy,” said Kligerman, who has competed in eight Sprint Cup races in 2014. “For these next two weeks, my sole focus is to help the #41 team compete at a high level, no matter how big or small my role might be.”
On May 25, Busch will compete in the Indianapolis 500 before getting on a plane and traveling to North Carolina to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. Practice for the Indianapolis 500 began May 11 and continues through May 16, with qualifying May 17 and Pole Day May 18. The May 16 practice at Indianapolis conflicts with practice for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. And Indianapolis 500 qualifying on May 17 lasts until 6pm/et, which makes for a short turnaround time for Busch to be back at Charlotte in time for the 7:10 pm qualifying session for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to begin at 12:15 pm on May 25, with the Coca-Cola 600 set to get underway at 6:00pm. The Indianapolis 500 should be completed at approximately 3:30pm, allowing Busch two-and-a-half hours to get from Indianapolis Motor Speedway to Charlotte before the green flag waves for the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race on the Sprint Cup schedule. In the event Busch does not make it back to Charlotte on time, Kligerman will start the Coca-Cola 600. Upon Busch’s arrival, Kligerman will yield the seat of the #41 Haas Automation Chevy to Busch, whereupon Busch will finish the race [if Parker starts the Coke 600, he would get the drivers points and Busch would not].
“Parker and I were teammates a few years ago when we were together at Penske and his feedback was always really good,” Busch said. “Plus, we’re built about the same, and that’s really important as we don’t want to have to adjust seats or pedal positions inside the racecar. I’m confident in Parker’s abilities and know that my Haas Automation Chevrolet is in good hands.”(SHR)(5-14-2014)
Him or Me ?
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