Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide Series Penalties Announced
Well NASCAR has handed down the penalties for Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide Series teams.
Both the Nos. 18 and 20 cars were found to be in violation of:
• Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 8-9 (competitive analysis -- from time to time, NASCAR may determine, in the interest of competition, that it is necessary or appropriate to undertake an analysis of the performance capabilities of a car, car part, component or equipment. The Competitor shall take whatever steps are requested by NASCAR Officials for this purpose. NASCAR also has the right to seal or impound cars, car parts, components and/or equipment for this purpose);
• Section 12-4-Q (1): (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules, detailed in Section 20A of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event, or is not required for the normal functional operation of the race car, or has been altered to detract from or compromise its integrity or effectiveness, whether operational or not);
• Section 12-4-K: (when NASCAR Officials mandate inspection during the Event, if any car, car parts, components, and/or equipment which have been used in the Event are taken from the racing premises without permission of a NASCAR Official, or are tampered with by any member of the team or anyone associated with the team: Magnetic spacer attached under the gas pedal with the intent of compromising the chassis dynamometer test).As a result, NASCAR issued the following penalties:
• Both of the drivers -- Joey Logano of the No. 18 and Tony Stewart of the No. 20 -- have been penalized with the loss of 150 championship driver points and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Joe Gibbs, owner of both of the cars, has likewise been penalized 150 championship owner points for each of those entries.
• Both crew chiefs -- Ratcliff and Rogers -- have been fined $50,000 and indefinitely suspended.
Here is a list of the penalties:
Penalties Owner Joe Gibbs loss of 150 owner points for Nos. 18 and 20 cars Driver Joey Logano loss of 150 driver points, probation until Dec. 31 Driver Tony Stewart loss of 150 driver points, probation until Dec. 31 No. 18 crew chief Jason Ratcliff fined $50,000 and indefinitely suspended No. 20 crew chief Dave Rogers fined $50,000 and indefinitely suspended No. 18 car chief Dorian Thorsen placed on indefinite suspension No. 18 engine tuner Michael Johnson placed on indefinite suspension No. 18 crew member Toby Bigelow placed on indefinite suspension No. 20 car chief Richard Bray placed on indefinite suspension No. 20 engine tuner Dan Bajek placed on indefinite suspension No. 18 team probation until Dec. 31 No. 20 team probation until Dec. 31
Statement by Joe Gibbs:
“First, we want to apologize to NASCAR, all of our partners, all of our families at JGR, and all of our fans for the unfortunate incident that took place this past weekend in Michigan with our two Nationwide teams. A poor decision was made by some key members of our organization, and 100 percent of the blame rests with us.
“In 17 years we have never had any representative of Joe Gibbs Racing knowingly act outside of NASCAR’s rules, and that is something we consider essential to how we operate on a daily basis. What we have determined is that these individuals involved used extremely poor judgment in attempting to alter the results of NASCAR’s dyno test following Saturday’s Nationwide Series race in Michigan. Although in no way was anything done that might have altered the race outcome, these JGR employees attempted to circumvent the NASCAR rule book and that is unacceptable.
“We take full responsibility and accept the penalties NASCAR has levied against us today. We had come to the conclusion that we would add to any NASCAR imposed penalties with the minimum being suspension for the remainder of the season for those involved, including our two Nationwide Series crew chiefs. There will also be an additional monetary fine beyond the amount announced by NASCAR earlier today, which will be the responsibility of those involved.
“We are, however, disappointed that NASCAR chose to place our drivers on probation, as they had no knowledge or involvement of this incident.
“On behalf of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, we apologize again for this most unfortunate situation.”
Statements from the 18 and 20 crew chiefs:
Jason Ratcliff, No. 18 Nationwide Series Crew Chief: “First and foremost, I would like to apologize to the employees and partners of Joe Gibbs Racing. Because of poor decision making, I have failed you as the leader of this team and I am solely responsible for this situation. Secondly, I apologize to the men and women of NASCAR for my dishonesty and interference during a testing event. Going forward, I will work hard to regain the trust and respect that I once had with the fans, NASCAR and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, including our drivers, who had no knowledge or involvement in this transgression.”
Dave Rogers, No. 20 Nationwide Series Crew Chief: “I apologize with great remorse for the actions that I took after the Michigan race last Saturday afternoon. My apology is extended to NASCAR, the NASCAR officials, Joe and J.D. Gibbs, our drivers, all of JGR’s sponsors, and especially to all of the JGR family members that I have misrepresented. Joe and J.D. Gibbs trust me to lead this race team with honesty and integrity. I have failed them and feel great remorse for doing so. I accept the penalties imposed by NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing and make no excuses.”
Now how long will it take these teams to regain the integrity and respect that they have spent the past 17 years working to develop. Is the big question now!
I must say when I heard this report earlier this morning on NASCAR Raceday, I certainly was surprised.
Not the fact that there was cheating, but who the cheaters were: Joe Gibbs Racing.
It seems that as NASCAR inspectors were preparing to do tests on the horsepower numbers. Magnets were found in the 18 and 20 cars. The magnets were located under the gas pedals in the two Gibbs Toyotas.
The purpose of this effort was to keep the horsepower numbers from looking too strong in the test.
Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition for NASCAR, had this say: "In our post-race inpection--yesterday was the day we were going to chassis dyno cars--our inpectors discovered some shims tht were placed on the gas pedal stop. It was magnets that were about a quarter-inch thick that prevented the accelerator from going 100 percent wide open. The intention was to manipulate the numbers that we get when we get our information and data off the dyno."
So there certainly will be heavy fines coming for the Gibbs cars.
J.D. Gibbs addressed the media Sunday morning about the incident. He was very apologetic to NASCAR and Toyota for the incident.
"Let me just say that, first and foremost, that that was a really poor, foolish decision on the part of our key guys there at JGR," Gibbs said. "I want to apologize to NASCAR, to our partners, to Toyota guys. A couple guys chose to make a decision there that really impacts all of us."
"I know they were probably frustrated from the standpoint that wanting to show that, 'Hey, we have less horsepower than ever before' and they wanted to make it look like we're handicapped even more than we actually were," Gibbs said. "I understand that, but that's not an excuse.
"For us, we kind of feel like, in the engine shop that's kind of a badge of honor. You win that engine dyno, good for you. That's kind of how we felt in the past few years and (chief engine builder) Mark Cronquist and those guys really feel like they want to win that thing.
"The way I look at it, to come back after you've been chopped, to come back and win it again, that's awesome," Gibbs noted. "That's a great story. That wasn't able to be told."
And for those employees who did this, Gibbs has let it be known that there would be punishment from in-house: "(We'll) figure out exactly what happened and those that were responsible," Gibbs said. "There's going to be punishment for that. That's just part of life. You can't do that."
Coach Joe Gibbs echoed his son's statements: "If this alleged incident proves true, it goes against everything we stand for as an organization," the former Washington Redskins coach said. "We will take full responsibility and accept any penalties NASCAR levies against us."
Now Toyota's Lee White has made the following statement: "I found out about it halfway through the day session last night, when I went over there to see what was going on," White said. "I was surprised to see what was happening, and astonished and frankly incredulous. I couldn't believe it was happening because it's clearly defined in the entry forms that you don't do this sort of thing.
"But I'm sure Joe and J.D. will take care of that internally and, whatever fans think, they're going to think. We're just going to keep working on our stuff."
I know teams "cheat". But the Gibbs organization has been one of the cleaniest racing teams. With very few violations.
This certainly makes one wonder, if Toyota was behind the cheating? My guess is: Yes.
After NASCAR took away some horsepower from the Toyotas a couple weeks ago, everyone knew that Michigan was going to be a tell tell sign as to how much that reduction impacted the Toyotas.
My guess is that Toyota already knew that this was a possibility and they had already made up for the reduction in horsepower.
And since these magnets were found, my guess is this was their way of trying to disguise just how much of the horsepower they had already made up.
It is just unfortunate that Gibbs Racing had employees that actually stepped up and placed these magnets in their cars.
Why they did not think that NASCAR would find the magnets is unknowst to me. Haven't they learned from others cheating that, "Nothing gets past NASCAR!"
All I can say is I am very ashamed that my favorite racing organization was caught cheating. This is the type of cheating, that I expect from teams like Haas CNC, Bill Davis, Michael Waltrip Racing, or even Red Bull Racing. But not from a top tier racing organization.
Hey Gibbs if you are going to cheat, be more creative. These stupid playground cheats get found out by NASCAR too easily.
Track Facts Capacity ~30,000 Owner Andy Hillenburg Opened 1965
Architect Harold Brasington and Bill Land Former Names North Carolina Motor Speedway (1965-1996) North Carolina Speedway (1997-2007)
Major Events ARCA Re/Max Series Carolina 500 USAR Hooters ProCup Four Champions Series
D-shaped oval Surface Asphalt Circuit Length 1.017 mi (1.637 km) Banking Turns - 22 and 25 degrees Straights - 8 degrees
The track is in Richmond County, 10 miles North of Rockingham and 20 miles South of Pinehurst/Southern Pines on Highway US 1.
The first time I ever went to Rockingham was somewhere between 1969-1970. My dad took me over there to watch qualifying for one of the NASCAR races that use to be held there.
There were drivers like Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough and Ned Jarrett there that day.
I remember peeking through the fence watching the cars go back and forth in the garage area. I was only about 6-7 years old, so I don't really remember awhole lot about the day.
Unfortunately Dad did not have the time to go and sit and watch the races, but he did like to catch the qualifying. So we never saw an actual race, but ever chance he could get off work, off to qualifying he and I would go.
The track opened as a flat one mile oval in 1965. It remained that way until 1969 when the track was reconfigured to a 25 degree high banked, D-shaped oval measuring slightly over one mile in length.
The track surface is very abrasive. The asphalt is mixed with a very abrasive sand that is extremely plentiful in this area of North Carolina. And area that is called the Sandhills.
The first race held at The Rock was in October 31, 1965. Curtis Turner won that race in a '65 Ford. The average speed was 101.942 miles. He won $56,180.
The track held NASCAR sponsored events from 1965-2004. The track was bought in 2004 by SMI and closed.
The track went on the auction block in 2007 and Indiana Native Andy Hillenburg bought the track. And since buying the track, Hillenburg and his partners have fixed up the track and reopened it.
Hillenburg was able to get the ARCA Series to come and race at the Rock. Their first race was May 4, 2008. It was met with much fanfare. Two time NASCAR Champion Tony "Smoke" Stewart waved the green flag for the 50 car field. While Greg Zipadelli drove the pace car.
JGR development driver Joey Logano won the inaguaral Carolina 500 at The Rock.
Racing will return to The Rock on January 1, 2009 for the Polar Bear 150. 99 cars will take the green flag for the first time ever. This will be The Frank Kimmel Street Stock Series.
Type of cars that will run at The Rock differs from series to series. So depending on which series you plan on running in, depends on what the purse will pay.
Besides the ARCA Series and The Frank Kimmel Street Series, the Rock will be the sight of such races as The Legends, The Bandeleros and The Thunder Roadsters.
Okay GGW Racers are you ready to tackle the Rock? Many drivers have tried to tackle this old track. But way too many of them have found themselves at her mercy. She is not as tough as Darlington. But this old lady has her own little tricks. If you want to win at this track. Remember one thing: She is not called The Rock because she is easy.
Her asphalt has tiny rocks embedded in the sand. And her sand comes from the Sandhills of North Carolina. The roughest sand in the whole state. And it loves to eat up tires. So be sure you keep those Hoosiers tires ready to go. Because you certainly will need alot of pit stops here.
New tires are a must here if you intend to win.
Okay everyone ready? The pace car is pulling off the track:
The Green is in the air, so let the racing begin!
The Green is in the Air and Waving. Let's Go Racing GGW Racers!
Well, I guess Kyle Busch once again proved the media wrong.
All weekend all I heard from commentators on Speed and ESPN was how Kyle had not won since Chicago. And that he had lost his momentum.
Well, I guess he proved them wrong. You would think that the media would learn to not question Kyle Busch this year. This kid seems like he can do no wrong. He is having a season that every driver wants to see in his career.
Jeff Gordon had a year like this. Jimmie Johnson had one like this last year. Dale Earnhardt had one like it. Richard Petty. On and on the list goes.
If there is any doubt that we are watching the development of NASCAR's next superstar, then let this past weekend put that doubt to rest. Kyle Busch is the REAL THING. And he is the next superstar of NASCAR. And very possibly the next Champion.
Sorrow comes in to us all. Just when you least it expect it, it strikes.
Sorrow struck my family this week. And it came out of the blue.
One of my husband's sisters lost her eldest son on Wednesday.
He was born with cerebal palsy. But he was such a bright spot in the family.
He was very talented. He loved to write poems and draw pictures.
He left his mother, sister and brother many works of art that he had done just before he died. Pieces that they did not know he had done.
One piece of art that he left was a message to his family of where he would be spending eternality.
He had drawn out his own casket. And on the casket, he had drawn three crosses on a hillside.
Now what makes this such a miracle message is that the family did not find it until after they had made the arrangements for his funeral.
His mother had three casket choices. One with birds flying, one of a sunrise and one of three crosses on a hillside.
She picked the one of the three crosses on a hillside.
Later that evening she and her daughter returned home to clean up the room in which he had died. There they found the pictures and poems.
As they went through the pictures, they came across the picture of the three crosses on the hillside.
And immediately peace came over his mother. For she knew, that he was letting her know. He was okay. He was no longer impaired by anything.
Anthony D. Smith, 38, you left a family who mourns the lost of you. But rejoices in the fact that you are in Heaven and you healed. No more pain you will see. We Love You Tony!
Tony Stewart is a much calmer person. Tony Stewart is a much more patient person. Tony Stewart is alot mellower as a person.
Yeah right!
Anyone who thinks that Tony Stewart has really changed deep down does not know what makes this man tick.
Oh, sure, he might not go to an official in NASCAR and berate him/her. But you can rest assured that NASCAR and everyone else will know how he feels.
Tony Stewart is none of the above adjectives used to describe him. He has just learned new avenues in which to express himself.
Tony Stewart has matured in many ways. But his temperament is still the same.
Stewart has learned to go to NASCAR in private to discuss certain issues. But when he feels like noone is listening he goes to his next least favorite people in the garage. The media.
He now uses his radio show and his many interviews to give his opinion. And it is not always in a calm manner. Just ask the many reporters hanging out behind his hauler on any given weekend.
Now Stewart has a new way of getting his opinion across to NASCAR and to anyone else who cares to listen. He has become a car owner in NASCAR.
So what will this calmer, more patient and mellower man be like as an owner? My guess, much like the driver he is. But just given more opportunities to talk and give his opinion.
Because now not only will he be privy to drivers meetings. But to owners meetings and any other type of meeting that might be open to owners/drivers.
So to anyone who thinks that Stewart has changed his ways. Take off the blinders or your rose #### glasses. Stewart has not changed. He has only gotten smarter on how he gives his opinion.
Stewart just this past week at a USAC race was reported to have knocked the headset off of an official.
Can you see Stewart walking up to an official in NASCAR as a car owner and voicing his displeasure in a call? I can. It will not be pretty.
People with temperaments such as Stewart, don't get rid of their tempers. They learn to control them. Instead of letting them control them.
But there are times, when the most in control person looses it. And let's face it, Stewart is willing and able to let loose if he has too.
So since Stewart has decided to put down roots as an owner in NASCAR, there should be many, many years of excitement in NASCAR. Not only on the track, but certainly off the track.
Last year when the report came through that Kyle Busch had been fired from Hendrick, the rumors started flying that J.J. Yeley would be replaced in the #18 car with Kyle.
I thought, no way, would Joe Gibbs replace J.J. with Kyle. But I was wrong.
Kyle was hired and when he went for his first test with the #18 team in Atlanta, he and crew chief Steve Addington clicked. Okay, I thought, this might not be so bad after all.
Maybe finally the #18 team can get back to their winning ways. Okay, I was right on that one.
Then the switch to Toyota. I thought no problem for JGR. Just change a few noses and some stickers. And the cars would be competitive. Got that one right.
Chevrolet made no bones about it. They wanted Stewart back in their stable of drivers. But I still thought nope. Stewart would stay loyal to Gibbs. Got that one wrong too.
Then this year another bombshell dropped. Stewart was looking to possibly leave Gibbs for Haas CNC. I thought nope, not going to happen. Stewart had always said that he did not want to be an owner in NASCAR. Too political for his taste.
That he wanted to retire with Greg Zipadelli as his crew chief. And he wanted to finish out his career with Gibbs.
So I thought Stewart would not be going anywhere. Gibbs was performing at their best this year. And they were the number one team in NASCAR. Stewart wants to win championships and races. So he was going to stay.
Well I got that one WRONG too.
So the thought came to me. I am not doing so good with this thinking bit. (a hearty chuckle)
But I also got to thinking, what or who can stop the winning ways of Kyle Busch and the #18 team?
This kid is winning or in contention every week he gets behind the wheel of a race car or truck. No matter if it is in the Truck Series, the Nationwide Series, or the Cup Series.
This kid is having an amazing year for a driver.
The kid has won what 2 Truck races. Won 5 times in the Nationwide series. And 7 times in the Cup Series. That is 14 wins in a season, in three different series.
I must say I never thought this kid would take the world of racing by storm with Gibbs Racing. I figured he would win a few races. Maybe contend for the championship.
But I am beginning to wonder if anyone else can even challenge him for the championship. At the rate this kid is winning races, he could easily have a 120 pt lead going into the chase. He currently has 70 pts for the chase. And if anyone doubts this kid will not add to this amount, you have your head in the sand.
Whatever is driving this kid, it is certainly a winning combination. Whether it is to show former boss Rick Hendrick, "see if you would have let me be me, I could have done this at your organization". Or just Kyle wanting to do good for his new boss and team. Or just Kyle being Kyle. Or a combination of all three.
Whatever the reason, it is working. And as long as this kid is thriving at JGR. Like he has never before. Gibbs racing certainly does not need Tony Stewart.
Stewart is leaving Gibbs is excellent hands. Kyle Busch has become the new "King of Gibbs".
Photos Of Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs and J.D. Gibbs; The 18 M&M's team by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR
Today as I watched the announcement by Tony Stewart that he was leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to become part owner and driver for Stewart Haas Racing. I could not help but remember the day that I finally decided that Tony Stewart would be my new driver.
It was September 3, 1999. That day was the day that Ernie Irvan decided to retire. So when Irvan announced his retirement, I realized that I needed a new driver. I knew that there was only one driver for me. And that was the new Rookie at JGR.
I had been a fan of Joe Gibbs since his days with the Washington Redskins. Plus Gibbs was another Pontiac team. There was a new guy in NASCAR and he was looking very promising. And he proved me right. When just eight days later, Smoke won his first Cup race at Richmond, Va. (September 11, 1999).
He would go on to win two more races that year at Phoenix (11/7) and Homestead (11/14). He would also win Rookie of the Year honors that year.
Tony Stewart, Greg Zipadelli and The Home Depot team have gone on to win 32 races, two championships, 124 Top 5s and 199 Top 10s.
This combination has been the most powerful in NASCAR, the last 10 years. But when the race at Homestead is over, so will be the best combination in NASCAR today.
There were times when it seemed that Tony Stewart had damaged this team beyond repair. But somehow Greg Zipadelli with his leadership, righted the ship and kept it afloat.
There were many cheers. There were many visits to Victory Lane. These are all memories that I have with my favorite team. This was the first time that a team I had pulled for had actually won a championship. The two previous teams did not win championships. Both chances ended due to head injuries to the driver. One driver (Davey Allison) died due to his head injuries, while the other (Ernie Irvan) had to retire due to head injuries.
Both previous drivers had championship contention years before they were injured. But neither were able to pull off the championship.
So when Tony Stewart won his first championship, I was just as excited as he was. Finally, I was pulling for a championship winning driver.
So as bitter sweet as today is for the 20 team, it is also bitter sweet for this fan. Because now, I will have to split my loyalties between two teams.
Because as much as I enjoy watching Tony Stewart and seeing him win. I will have to be loyal to the JGR 20 team as well. Because it was them who helped to make Stewart the success he has become in NASCAR.
So on Sundays next year, I will be pulling hard for both of my teams to pull into Victory Lane. Well if one can't at least I will have another that can.
So as much as I hate to see this combination end, I do hope that Tony Stewart will be able to be successful with his new team. That Greg Zipadelli and The Home Depot team will be able to continue being a success with their new driver, who ever that will be.
But one thing is for certain, they will never have the magic that this combination has had for the past 10 years.
Thanks for the memories guys, it has been a very exciting ride.
Mark Martin Returns to Full Time Racing For Hendrick Motorsports
After two years of semi-retirement. Today Mark Martin has announced his plans to return to full time racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He will be running for a chance to win the championship next year.
Martins signed a two year deal with Hendrick. This will keep him in the 5 car until 2011. 2009 will be a full year of driving. While 2010 will be a shared ride year with a new driver to be named later.
Martin will be teaming up with four time champion Jeff Gordon, two time champion Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Martin will be taking over the number 5 car from Casey Mears.
I wish Mark the best of luck in his efforts to win a championship.
NASCAR has held a meeting with the crew chiefs of the Cup cars at New Hampshire. In this meeting testing was discussed.
According to John Darby, NASCAR wants the teams to give NASCAR feedback on how they feel about the current testing policy. And what changes they would like to see.
Darby went so far to say that NASCAR was even considering a "wide-open" testing policy.
“NASCAR is the policy maker, but if there’s one thing that’s really reliant on the teams’ input, it’s what we test, how many times we test and where we test,” Darby said. “In the past, it’s just been a matter of ‘Here, select your race tracks and let’s go.’
“This year, I felt it was time that we just sat down with everybody and said, ‘Look, we’re open to whatever suggestions you have, from leaving our testing policy exactly like it was in ’08 all the way to what I’m going to call wide-open testing: No limits, any week, any track, any time, as many times as you want to go.’ And we’re prepared for either way.”
Darby said that there was a "gasp of air" in the room when he revealed the proposal. The teams feared that they would have to suddenly test 38 weeks per year.
But that is not what NASCAR meant. "Wide-Open Testings" means simply that the Cup teams could test any week at any NASCAR track. And NASCAR will not penalize them.
John Darby even said that Goodyear could provide the tires needed for these test sessions. (Goodyear has got to get rid of all those bad tires they produced earlier this season somehow.)
But one thing Darby insisted on was that this new policy had nothing to do with the new car and the struggles that the teams are having with it.
“This piece, honest to God, doesn’t have any relevance to the new car,” he said. “This is something we would have headed toward regardless. Not that what we’re doing today is broken, but testing should be at the needs of the competitors in the garage, and the only way we know what best suits them is ask them.”
But for the veteran fan of NASCAR, that statement just doesn't hold water. In the past when the crew chiefs wanted an "wide open" testing policy. NASCAR rebuffed it. Now all of a sudden, NASCAR on its own is offering a "wide open" testing policy. Something just doesn't sound right to my ears.
John Darby if you think I believe that this possible change to open testing has nothing to do with the struggles and complaints about the new car, you must think everyone who knows anything about NASCAR is a complete and utter ####.
NASCAR has never been open to open testing before. But now that they have this new car and the drivers, crews and owners have been complaining about it, you are open to the idea.
This has all to do with the new car. NASCAR wants the owners, drivers and teams to quit complaining about this car. So the only way that they figure they can do it, is open up testing.
NASCAR wants to prove to everyone that they were right about this car. And the only way to make everyone comfortable with this car is to test them. To test them everywhere, anytime and often.
So crew chiefs get your testing schedules ready. Be sure you have a test driver that is willing to test anywhere and anytime. Because we all know, once NASCAR opens up testing. Those test haulers will be hitting the roads. There will be fewer days home with the families. But the testing of the new car will help you prove NASCAR was right about this new car.
And after all isn't that what is important? NASCAR proving that they are right!?
Going into today's race at Infineon many were starting to speculate that Kyle Busch had lost his focus. By doing triple duty many of the weekends this year. Many were starting to speculate that Kyle might of have burned out early.
Well, Kyle decided to put the naysayers to rest. He totally concentrated on his Cup car this weekend.
He qualified 30th for the race. By lap 29 he pitted for fuel and tire. And then the caution came out.
Once the field was reset Kyle was third behind the leader. Greg Biffle spun out. Kyle took advantage of it and went on in a few laps and took the lead from Juan Pablo Montoya. And the kid never looked back.
This kid won his fifth race of the year. And his first road course win.
But did he really put the naysayers to rest? Or did he just prove their point?
Well, I think he did both. I think he proved that he and the 18 team are still hot. But he also proved that is he stays focused on the task at hand, Kyle is unbeatable.
So does the rest of the Cup field want this kid focused just on the Cup car? Probably not. At least when he is not totally focused on his Cup ride, others do get a chance to lead and win races.
But then again, being a JGR fan, I am loving this kid and his run this season. With the way the 20 is finishing right now, it is great to have someone in the JGR camp running so well and dominating like he is.
Go Kyle!!!!
(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images )
Trouble Brewing Between Harvick and Smoke?
Regardless of what TNT's pit reporter Marty Snider wants to make of it, there is no problem between Harvick and Stewart.
Granted this is twice this year Harvick has taken Stewart out of a 2nd place run. But both were just racing incidents.
Today Harvick went into the corner way too hot. Took out Jamie MacMurray and in doing so, MacMurray took out Stewart.
So Marty quit trying to stir things up. Or are you just wanting to be mentioned on Smoke's radio show tomorrow?
I know this is a sports blog forum. But I just could not help but share this with all my friends here.
As many of you know my husband's family has been dealing with his dad's health. My parents are in the process of moving their business. And all of this I have been right in the middle of.
Well, to add to my already hectic life, I have an 11 year old Pomeranian who has been diagnosed with cateracts. Fortunately they are still very small and they are not affecting his way of life. When the vet told me what was wrong with him. I became very upset. So when I got home I told my husband what the vet said. And he saw how emotional I was.
He said these words: "Let's get one of your sister's puppies." And before I could think I said, "Okay".
So as you can figure we have added a puppy to our family. We have adopted a little Poodle mix female. She is black and is the most adorable little one.
She is so active. She is in to everything. It has been 11 years since I had a puppy in the house. And I had forgotten just how much work they are.
I told my husband this is like having a baby in the house.
So how is her big brother handling having a little sister in the house? Not to well. He is not adjusting too well to her just yet. But I know that once she gets alittle bigger and he can really play with her, things will be even more exciting in the Tsfanpc household.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! I know that mine will be very fun filled and hectic.
This is Little Bella Rose asleep on my computer desk. She loves to sleep there when I am working here. Hmmmm...wonder if she has some cat in her?
There has been alot of news this week in NASCAR. Petty Enterprises re-signing Bobby Labonte to an extension. Petty Enterprises selling majority ownership of its race organization to Boston Ventures a private firm equity. This sell and the resigning of Bobby Labonte are in hopes that Petty Enterprises will soon be returned to its glory days of winning races and championships.
On Friday morning before the teams ever hit the race track. NASCAR had an improtu meeting with all the drivers and team owners at Michigan. In this meeting it has been reported that NASCAR has basically told the drivers and team owners to suck it up. And quit complaining about the new COT. If NASCAR really wants to stop all the complaints and they really do care what the fans are saying. NASCAR should listen to the drivers and owners and make the changes. Let's face it. The racing on the small tracks has been pretty good with the current condition of the car. But on the mile and half and larger tracks, it really stinks.
It was announced also that NASCAR is being sued by a former official for $225 million. The lawsuit is for racial discrimination and sexual harrasment. So it looks like NASCAR is going to be back in court once again.
Makes one wonder what is going on in the front offices of NASCAR here lately. It seems like the NASCAR bosses are spending more and more time in the court room than in the board room. I bet both Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr. are turning over in their graves. Wondering what in the world is Brian France and Liza France Kennedy doing to their company.
But even with all this going on in NASCAR. There are more important things going on in this country. Gas is at an all time high of $4.01 a gallon here. And in other parts of the country it is well over $4.35 a gallon. But even that is not the most important thing going on in this country.
June 12: A View of the massive flooding in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This past weekend while many of us were watching the NASCAR race from Pocono. Many of our fellow Americans were fighting to save their homes from the torrential rains in the Midwest.
Flooding has hit the entire region. Parts of South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have seen the most severe flooding.
There are raging forest fires in California, North Carolina and in South Carolina.
Tornadoes are tearing up parts of Oklahoma and Kansas and other parts of the Midwest.
And extreme heat all up and down the Atlantic Coast. From Maine to Florida.
June 8 a cloud formation moves over Oconomowoc, Wis. as the state contends with heavy rains, wind damage and areas of flooding.
Ever where you turn our fellow Americans and maybe even some of us here on the blog world are suffering from the effects of the weather.
So as we all prepare to celebrate Father's Day tomorrow, let us not forget our fellow Americans who are suffering this weekend.
The hometown of NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart, Columbus, IN, was hit by the flooding in Indiana. He has pledged to give his share of the purse winnings from the race in Michigan to his hometown's Red Cross for the flood relief aid.
If you can help these folks in the Midwest with any aid, contact your local Red Cross Agency, I am sure that they can tell you how to best to help.
Let us all say an extra prayer for our country and our fellow Americans. And folks let us not forget our folks in the military and their families also.
So I hope that everyone will take the time to celebrate with their Fathers. But I also hope that we will not forget about our country. Have a great weekend everyone.
And Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there. And to my dear dad and father in law, a very big Special Happy Father's Day to you!!!!
Janet Guthrie was born March 7, 1938 in Iowa City, Iowa. Ms. Guthrie always had a need for speed. The faster the better.
At the age of seventeen she actually had a license to fly airplanes. She went to the University of Michigan, where she studied physics.
Ms. Guthrie was so accomplished in physics and such a well prepared aviation engineer that she passed the first found of eliminations for NASA's Scientist/Astronaut progam. She worked for Republic Aviation during her days as an Aviation Engineer.
But Ms. Guthrie wanted a chance to fulfill her need for speed, so she turned more seriously toward racing.
Guthrie had started racing parttime in 1963. After she graduated from the University of Michigan. She was racing full time by 1972.
Ms. Guthrie competed for thirteen years in the Sports Car Club of America division. She also competed in international endurance races such as the Daytona 24 Hour, the Watkins Glen 500 and the Sebring 12 Hour. In the Sebring 12 Hour, she actually was first twice in class. In both the Daytona 24 and the Sebring 12 Ms. Guthrie's teammates were women.
It was in 1976 Ms. Guthrie was invited to drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This would be her first big break in auto racing. The team owned by Rolla Vollstedt failed to qualify for Indy that year.
It was also in 1976 that NASCAR came a calling. Bruton Smith trying to sellout the struggling World 600 sent some of his people to get a deal done with Ms. Guthrie. At first it seemed that Ms. Guthrie would not becoming to Charlotte. But in the end, a deal was struck and Ms. Guthrie headed for Charlotte.
Bruton arranged for a car to be bought, through the names of three organizations. Trying to hide the fact that he was the actual car owner.
He arranged for Ralph Moody to be the crew chief and he even got Kelly Girl to sponsor the car. Lynda Ferreri of First Union Bank, was to play the role as car owner.
One story has it, that when Ms. Guthrie first shook hands with Richard Petty, she thought that she would get frostbite. Most of the good ole boys of NASCAR did not want a woman in their racing league.
It was later quoted that Richard Petty said, "'She's no lady. If she was she'd be at home. There's a lot of differences in being a lady and being a woman.'"
There was one owner who did not seemed to be put off by Ms. Guthrie trying her hand at NASCAR. That was Junior Johnson. At this same race, Cale Yarborough, was struggling as was Ms. Guthrie. Johnson told Yarborough's crew chief to give Yarborough's setup to Guthrie's crew chief.
Guthrie would qualify 27th for the World 600.
She finished 15th in that race. Ms. Guthrie went on to compete in four more races that year.
The historical point in this race for women was that Ms. Guthrie became the first woman to every compete on a NASCAR Cup Superspeedway.
In 1977 Guthrie competed in her first Daytona 500. She finished 12th after the engine in her car blew two cylinders with ten laps to go. In this race, she earned the honor of Top Rookie. Guthrie would compete in 33 races over four seasons. Her best finish in Cup racing as a sixth place finish.
1977 was a historical year for women. In that this was the first time a woman had qualified and competed in both the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500 in the same year.
Guthrie finished 29th in the Indy 500, once again, engine problems would keep her from having a top 10 finish in one of the two biggest races in auto racing.
Guthrie would go on and compete in two more Indy 500s. Her best finish came in 1978 when she finished 9th. Guthrie competed in 11 IndyCar events finishing as high as fifth.
Guthrie's helmet and race suit can be found in the Smithsonian Institution.
Guthrie's Awards: 1980 International Women's Sports Hall of Fame 2006 International Motorsports Hall of Fame
Guess the quote best summons up not only Ms. Guthrie's experience in NASCAR, but of most women's experience in racing in general:
"There has been a big change in reaction to me. The hostility has cooled down quite a bit. I think the worst is over. The initial reaction to me was one of a lack of respect. What you really need is endurance. And some tests show women have more endurance than men. But that is not the point. I'm not trying to establish the superiority of one sex over another. I'm good driver but no superwoman. What I'm trying to emphasize is that a driver is primarily a person, not a man or a woman, and a great deal or driving is mental. You can not afford to get angry behind the wheel. A good driver needs emotional detachment, concentration , good judgment, and desire."--Guthrie on the subject of women competing in NASCAR
On Wednesday, June 4, 2008, a small little town in Ohio, will become the center of attention in the racing world.
Twenty-six of the best drivers in the United States will gather together to raise money for sick kids. They will use their skills behind the wheel to try and win a race that will provide money for Victory Junction Camp, Drive for Autism and the Tony Stewart Foundation.
It is the fourth annual, "Prelude to the Dream". It is being held at the historic track, Eldora, in Rossburg, Ohio.
Tony Stewart the track owner, will be hosting the race for some of his NASCAR friends, and friends from other racing forms.
Stewart started the charity race event back in 2005. That night seventeen drivers raced in the event. Kenny Wallace won the inaguaral race.
The following year (2006) Tony Stewart won the race. Last year Carl Edwards held off a hard charging Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon to take home the win.
The charity race was telecast last year for the first time on HBO Pay Per View. Once again, this year, the charity race will be telecast lived on HBO Pay Per View.
Stewart hopes to raise over $1 million for Victory Junction Camp and his own foundation.
Drivers scheduled to appear are: from NASCAR, Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Bobby Labonte, Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, Clint Bowyer, Dave Blaney, Carl Edwards, Bill Elliott, Ray Evernham, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, David Reutimann, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace;
From the NHRA: Ron Capps and Cruz Pedregon. And legendary driver Red Farmer.
So if you don't have tickets to the charity race, check it out on pay per view. It will be well worth the price.
I am a southern female who grew up on NASCAR. After all growing up in the backyard of many of the old tracks run here in North Carolina it is was hard not to follow NASCAR.
My Drivers: Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, J.J. Yeley, Kevin Harvick (in that order). I will not pull for a Roush or Hendrick driver. Just because they are the competition to a 3rd championship for Smoke.
I thought, no way, would Joe Gibbs replace J.J. with Kyle. But I was wrong.
Haas CNC. I thought nope, not going to happen. Stewart had always said that he did not want to be an owner in NASCAR. Too political for his taste. 
