Bowles wins Toyota All-Star Showdown crashfest
By Tim Haddock
Special to the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
IRWINDALE, Calif.—Jason Bowles won the crash-filled NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown late Saturday night, leading the final eight laps of the 225-lap race at half-mile Toyota SpeedwaBowles took the lead from Greg Pursley on Lap 217. D.J. Kennington finished second, followed by Jonathon Gomez, Luis Martinez and Johnny Borneman.
“It’s great for all my guys,” Bowles said. “When the green came out for that final 25 it was time to go.
“This is biggest win of my career for sure. Race wins are huge for me trying to put my name on the map. Hopefully the phone starts ringing on Monday.”
Travis Pastrana, making his NASCAR debut, finished sixth.
“We didn't get to see the front until the last couple of laps,” Pastrana said. “I learned a lot. It was a lot of fun. It felt like a win.”
The race was red-flagged for the third time on Lap 214 with Pursley in the lead followed by Bowles and Kennington. Dale Quarterley was collected in a crash in Turn 2 with Cole Cabrera and Troy Ermish. It was the second red flag in the final 25 laps.
Paulie Harraka had taken the lead on Lap 192 when he passed Andrew Myers, who cut a right rear tire and had to pit. Harraka came out of the first pit stops at Lap 100 in ninth and worked his way through the field during a 94-lap green flag run.
Travis Milburn brought out a caution when he spun out on Lap 195 with Harraka in the lead.
Per NASCAR rules for the Showdown, the drivers had to pit on Lap 197. Harraka was out front, followed by Bowles, polesitter Derek Thorn, David Mayhew and Pursley.
Thorn led the first 100 laps. The drivers had to make mandatory pits stops after the first 100 laps of the race. Myers was second, followed by Mayhew, Bowles and Pursley.
“The 44 (Thorn) was pretty aggressive,” Bowles said. “He had one of the best cars, but he was using his equipment up. Fortunate for me. If you don’t put yourself in that position, you’re never going to win.”
Myers took the lead on Lap 102, and Mayhew passed Thorn for second one lap later.
Ten cars were out of the race at the 100-lap point. NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion Eric Holmes and Darrell Wallace Jr., a two-time winner in the K&N Pro Series East, were among the drivers collected in crashes in the first 100 laps.
Max Gresham, another two-time winner in the K&N Pro Series East, and Holmes were involved in a seven-car crash on Lap 27 that brought out the first red flag.
Brennan Newberry and Sean Caisse, who started the race on the second row, two-time Showdown winner Matt Kobyluck and Moses Smith were among the drivers collected in the crash.
The race restarted on Lap 32 and went green for 19 laps, one of the longer stretches in the early portion of the race.
Wallace was caught up in a five-car crash on Lap 51. His car suffered more damage in a crash on Lap 61, and he had to pull into the infield pits. Pastrana and NASCAR Mexico Series champ German Quiroga were involved in a crash on Lap 61.
More coverage/stats clickon title
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Notebook: Mustang likely to be Ford’s 2013 Sprint Cup entry
Notebook: Mustang likely to be Ford’s 2013 Sprint Cup entry
Although Jamie Allison, Ford’s director of motorsports, stopped short of saying the Mustang will replace the Fusion as the automaker’s entry in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series in 2013, it’s abundantly clear Ford is leaning heavily in that direction.
Ford introduced the Mustang in the Nationwide Series last year to wide acclaim. Currently, all four auto companies that race in NASCAR—Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet and Toyota—are working on new designs for Sprint Cup racecars for 2013.
“We like what’s going on in Nationwide—we really do,” Allison told Sporting News. “The more brand identity we have … and Mustang is the most identifiable brand we have in terms of racing and motorsports. So we’ve made it known that we’d like to see Mustang in NASCAR.
“We’re going to see and track how the Nationwide Series is going and how the Mustang’s impacting that and how much we can bring more brand identity into these cars, and then we’ll make a decision on what we’re putting in Cup.
“But we really like what’s going on in Nationwide, and we’d like to see more of that in Cup.”
Kvapil gets full-time ride in truck series
Travis Kvapil, the 2003 truck series champion, will compete for the 2011 Camping World Truck Series title with Randy Moss Motorsports. Kvapil will drive the team’s No. 5 Toyota and will be paired with crew chief Ricky Viers.
Kvapil has 132 career starts, nine victories and 50 top-five finishes in the series. It will be his first full season back in the trucks since 2007.
He will continue to compete in the Sprint Cup Series in the No. 34 Ford fielded by Front Row Motorsports. However, because he is competing for the truck title, he will not be eligible to earn driver points when racing in Cup. The No. 34 team will earn only owner points in those events.
Kvapil told SceneDaily.com on Friday that the Randy Moss Motorsports team and sponsor (International Truck/Monaco RVs) wanted someone to run for the truck title. As a result, he will miss four Cup races to run the full truck season. He likely will miss the June Pocono race, the July race at New Hampshire and the October races at Dover and Charlotte.
“It’s the best of both worlds really,” Kvapil said. “The downside is not getting the points (in Cup). The only downside in our mind was if you were going to be a Chase contender. That’s really the main thing the drivers’ championship points are for. The reality is at Front Row Motorsports, even though we are making some great changes in the offseason, we’re realistically not in position to be a Chase-contending team just yet.
“I don’t feel we’re missing out on anything not taking drivers points.”
With Front Row fielding Fords and Randy Moss Motorsports fielding Toyotas, both manufacturers and Front Row officials had to approve Kvapil’s competing for the truck title while maintaining his Cup ride.
Kyle Busch to defend owners’ title in truck series
Kyle Busch Motorsports will defend its 2010 owners championship in the Camping World Truck Series, team owner Kyle Busch said.
Busch will run 15 of the 25 races.
“We’re full time in the (No.) 18 truck,” Busch said. “We’re not all sold out yet (with sponsorship). All my races are sold out, but we’re still looking for more associates or for the other 10 races that I’m not running, whether it be with Brian Ickler or whether it be with another young driver who seems to have a sponsor that wants to follow him.”
In addition to the 15 truck races, Busch said he will drive about 20-22 Nationwide events.
By Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
Although Jamie Allison, Ford’s director of motorsports, stopped short of saying the Mustang will replace the Fusion as the automaker’s entry in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series in 2013, it’s abundantly clear Ford is leaning heavily in that direction.
Ford introduced the Mustang in the Nationwide Series last year to wide acclaim. Currently, all four auto companies that race in NASCAR—Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet and Toyota—are working on new designs for Sprint Cup racecars for 2013.
“We like what’s going on in Nationwide—we really do,” Allison told Sporting News. “The more brand identity we have … and Mustang is the most identifiable brand we have in terms of racing and motorsports. So we’ve made it known that we’d like to see Mustang in NASCAR.
“We’re going to see and track how the Nationwide Series is going and how the Mustang’s impacting that and how much we can bring more brand identity into these cars, and then we’ll make a decision on what we’re putting in Cup.
“But we really like what’s going on in Nationwide, and we’d like to see more of that in Cup.”
Kvapil gets full-time ride in truck series
Travis Kvapil, the 2003 truck series champion, will compete for the 2011 Camping World Truck Series title with Randy Moss Motorsports. Kvapil will drive the team’s No. 5 Toyota and will be paired with crew chief Ricky Viers.
Kvapil has 132 career starts, nine victories and 50 top-five finishes in the series. It will be his first full season back in the trucks since 2007.
He will continue to compete in the Sprint Cup Series in the No. 34 Ford fielded by Front Row Motorsports. However, because he is competing for the truck title, he will not be eligible to earn driver points when racing in Cup. The No. 34 team will earn only owner points in those events.
Kvapil told SceneDaily.com on Friday that the Randy Moss Motorsports team and sponsor (International Truck/Monaco RVs) wanted someone to run for the truck title. As a result, he will miss four Cup races to run the full truck season. He likely will miss the June Pocono race, the July race at New Hampshire and the October races at Dover and Charlotte.
“It’s the best of both worlds really,” Kvapil said. “The downside is not getting the points (in Cup). The only downside in our mind was if you were going to be a Chase contender. That’s really the main thing the drivers’ championship points are for. The reality is at Front Row Motorsports, even though we are making some great changes in the offseason, we’re realistically not in position to be a Chase-contending team just yet.
“I don’t feel we’re missing out on anything not taking drivers points.”
With Front Row fielding Fords and Randy Moss Motorsports fielding Toyotas, both manufacturers and Front Row officials had to approve Kvapil’s competing for the truck title while maintaining his Cup ride.
Kyle Busch to defend owners’ title in truck series
Kyle Busch Motorsports will defend its 2010 owners championship in the Camping World Truck Series, team owner Kyle Busch said.
Busch will run 15 of the 25 races.
“We’re full time in the (No.) 18 truck,” Busch said. “We’re not all sold out yet (with sponsorship). All my races are sold out, but we’re still looking for more associates or for the other 10 races that I’m not running, whether it be with Brian Ickler or whether it be with another young driver who seems to have a sponsor that wants to follow him.”
In addition to the 15 truck races, Busch said he will drive about 20-22 Nationwide events.
By Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
Toyota 1/29/11 Race Day Schedule
Toyota 1/29/11 Race Day Schedule
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
TIME EVENT
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Orders
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Order
9-9:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Practice
9:35 a.m.-10:20 a.m. K&N Pro Series Practice
10:25 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Practice
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Final Practice
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. K&N Pro Series Final Practice
12:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Inspection Begins
12:25 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Final Practice
2:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying
3:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Qualifying (2 Laps) (Impound Open Cars)
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #1 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:05 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #2 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:45 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Race (75 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Open (50 Laps)
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
TIME EVENT
12:05-3 p.m. Fan Walk
2 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Drivers Meeting
3:15 p.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying Races (20 Laps or 30 minutes per race)
6:35 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Driver Introductions
6:45 p.m. K&N Pro Series Driver Introductions
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Race (50 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
TIME EVENT
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Orders
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Order
9-9:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Practice
9:35 a.m.-10:20 a.m. K&N Pro Series Practice
10:25 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Practice
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Final Practice
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. K&N Pro Series Final Practice
12:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Inspection Begins
12:25 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Final Practice
2:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying
3:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Qualifying (2 Laps) (Impound Open Cars)
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #1 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:05 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #2 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:45 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Race (75 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Open (50 Laps)
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
TIME EVENT
12:05-3 p.m. Fan Walk
2 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Drivers Meeting
3:15 p.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying Races (20 Laps or 30 minutes per race)
6:35 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Driver Introductions
6:45 p.m. K&N Pro Series Driver Introductions
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Race (50 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Statistical Advance: Analyzing The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
Statistical Advance: Analyzing The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
Official Release
January 25, 2011 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) is set to play host to the eighth running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, Jan. 28-29.
About the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown:
• This week’s NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be the eighth installment of the ‘Daytona 500 of short-track racing.’ The event moved to January in 2009 after it was held for the first five years in the fall following the conclusion of the racing season. All seven of the previous races have been held in Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
• The race features guaranteed starting positions for the champions of each NASCAR’s touring series: NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East and West), NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Mexico Series and the weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
• In addition to series champions, race winners from the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East and West) also have guaranteed starting positions.
• The remainder of the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for NASCAR K&N Pro Series regulars, and the last-chance “Open” race that provides drivers one final chance to make the final starting grid.
• In addition to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series 50-lap qualifying race on Friday and the 225-lap main on Saturday, the weekend will include a pair of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races: Friday’s 75-lap Super Late Model race and Saturday’s 50-lap Late Model contest.
Last Year’s Race:
• Joey Logano joined Matt Kobyluck as the only two-time winners of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. Logano led 171 of the 225 laps.
• Sergio Peña earned the pole in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut. He was the only other driver to lead laps in the race, with 54.
• Kobyluck finished third for his sixth top-five placing in the seven all-time events.
• Matt DiBenedetto finished fourth and Andrew Myers was the highest-finishing NASCAR K&N Pro Series West representative in fifth.
• Logano drove the No. 25 Home Depot Toyota of Fadden Racing and former NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Mike Olsen.
NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown History:
• The event has produced a different winner in five of its first seven editions.
• Previous race winners include current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers David Gilliland (2005) and Joey Logano (2007, 2009).
• NASCAR K&N Pro Series West driver Austin Cameron won the inaugural race on Nov. 8, 2003. Andy Santerre, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion that year, finished as the race runner-up.
• After a second place finish to Mike Johnson and Gilliland the two previous years, Matt Kobyluck captured the 2006 Showdown. He became the first two-time winner in 2009.
• Sixty-eight drivers with a Showdown start have also competed in one of NASCAR's three national series.
Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Data
Non-Points Race (1/29/11)
Track Layout: .5-mile banked oval
• Opened in 1999.
• Has been the site for the first seven NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdowns.
• Holds NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action on Saturday nights during the racing season.
• Has played host to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West 20 times since 1999.
Qualifying/Race Data
2010 pole winner: Sergio Peña (97.879 mph, 18.390 seconds)
2010 race winner: Joey Logano (54.253 mph, 2:04.25)
NKNPS track qualifying record: Butch Gilliland (100.722 mph, 17.871 seconds, 6/19/99, NKNPS West race)
All-Star Showdown Race Winners
2003 ... Austin Cameron (West)
2004 ... Mike Johnson (East)
2005 ... David Gilliland (West)
2006 ... Matt Kobyluck (East)
2007 ... Joey Logano (East)
2009 ... Matt Kobyluck (East)
2010 ... Joey Logano (East)
All-Star Showdown Pole Winners
2003* ... Joey McCarthy (East), Andy Santerre (East)
2004* ... David Gilliland (West), Andy Santerre (East)
2005* ... Mike Olsen (East), Sean Caisse (East)
2006* ... Brian Ickler (West), Andrew Myers (West)
2007 ... Sean Caisse (East)
2009 ... Chris Johnson (West)
2010 ... Sergio Peña (East)
*Poles awarded to winners of qualifying races
Official Release
January 25, 2011 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) is set to play host to the eighth running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, Jan. 28-29.
About the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown:
• This week’s NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be the eighth installment of the ‘Daytona 500 of short-track racing.’ The event moved to January in 2009 after it was held for the first five years in the fall following the conclusion of the racing season. All seven of the previous races have been held in Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.
• The race features guaranteed starting positions for the champions of each NASCAR’s touring series: NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East and West), NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Mexico Series and the weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
• In addition to series champions, race winners from the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East and West) also have guaranteed starting positions.
• The remainder of the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, limited provisionals for NASCAR K&N Pro Series regulars, and the last-chance “Open” race that provides drivers one final chance to make the final starting grid.
• In addition to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series 50-lap qualifying race on Friday and the 225-lap main on Saturday, the weekend will include a pair of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races: Friday’s 75-lap Super Late Model race and Saturday’s 50-lap Late Model contest.
Last Year’s Race:
• Joey Logano joined Matt Kobyluck as the only two-time winners of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown. Logano led 171 of the 225 laps.
• Sergio Peña earned the pole in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut. He was the only other driver to lead laps in the race, with 54.
• Kobyluck finished third for his sixth top-five placing in the seven all-time events.
• Matt DiBenedetto finished fourth and Andrew Myers was the highest-finishing NASCAR K&N Pro Series West representative in fifth.
• Logano drove the No. 25 Home Depot Toyota of Fadden Racing and former NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Mike Olsen.
NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown History:
• The event has produced a different winner in five of its first seven editions.
• Previous race winners include current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers David Gilliland (2005) and Joey Logano (2007, 2009).
• NASCAR K&N Pro Series West driver Austin Cameron won the inaugural race on Nov. 8, 2003. Andy Santerre, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion that year, finished as the race runner-up.
• After a second place finish to Mike Johnson and Gilliland the two previous years, Matt Kobyluck captured the 2006 Showdown. He became the first two-time winner in 2009.
• Sixty-eight drivers with a Showdown start have also competed in one of NASCAR's three national series.
Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Data
Non-Points Race (1/29/11)
Track Layout: .5-mile banked oval
• Opened in 1999.
• Has been the site for the first seven NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdowns.
• Holds NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action on Saturday nights during the racing season.
• Has played host to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West 20 times since 1999.
Qualifying/Race Data
2010 pole winner: Sergio Peña (97.879 mph, 18.390 seconds)
2010 race winner: Joey Logano (54.253 mph, 2:04.25)
NKNPS track qualifying record: Butch Gilliland (100.722 mph, 17.871 seconds, 6/19/99, NKNPS West race)
All-Star Showdown Race Winners
2003 ... Austin Cameron (West)
2004 ... Mike Johnson (East)
2005 ... David Gilliland (West)
2006 ... Matt Kobyluck (East)
2007 ... Joey Logano (East)
2009 ... Matt Kobyluck (East)
2010 ... Joey Logano (East)
All-Star Showdown Pole Winners
2003* ... Joey McCarthy (East), Andy Santerre (East)
2004* ... David Gilliland (West), Andy Santerre (East)
2005* ... Mike Olsen (East), Sean Caisse (East)
2006* ... Brian Ickler (West), Andrew Myers (West)
2007 ... Sean Caisse (East)
2009 ... Chris Johnson (West)
2010 ... Sergio Peña (East)
*Poles awarded to winners of qualifying races
TOYOTA SHOW DOWN SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
TIME EVENT
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Orders
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Order
9-9:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Practice
9:35 a.m.-10:20 a.m. K&N Pro Series Practice
10:25 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Practice
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Final Practice
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. K&N Pro Series Final Practice
12:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Inspection Begins
12:25 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Final Practice
2:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying
3:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Qualifying (2 Laps) (Impound Open Cars)
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #1 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:05 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #2 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:45 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Race (75 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Open (50 Laps)
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
TIME EVENT
12:05-3 p.m. Fan Walk
2 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Drivers Meeting
3:15 p.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying Races (20 Laps or 30 minutes per race)
6:35 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Driver Introductions
6:45 p.m. K&N Pro Series Driver Introductions
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Race (50 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
TIME EVENT
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Orders
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Order
9-9:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Practice
9:35 a.m.-10:20 a.m. K&N Pro Series Practice
10:25 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Practice
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Final Practice
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. K&N Pro Series Final Practice
12:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Inspection Begins
12:25 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Final Practice
2:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying
3:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Qualifying (2 Laps) (Impound Open Cars)
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #1 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:05 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #2 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:45 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Race (75 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Open (50 Laps)
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
TIME EVENT
12:05-3 p.m. Fan Walk
2 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Drivers Meeting
3:15 p.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying Races (20 Laps or 30 minutes per race)
6:35 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Driver Introductions
6:45 p.m. K&N Pro Series Driver Introductions
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Race (50 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
NASCAR Nationwide Series Features New Challenges
NASCAR Nationwide Series Features New Challenges For TeamsThe second day of the annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway featured a discussion of the new challenges and rules faced by teams and drivers in 2011 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. To open the event, Nationwide announced that returning for 2011 will be the company's Code Spotter Sweepstakes program where fans recognize codes given at track and during the race broadcast and can register to win prizes.
Nationwide will also continue with the Dash 4 Cash program for drivers at
select speedways and events. New this year however will be the Nationwide Spotlight program, which will feature a topic of interest to fans through chat and video.
NASCAR Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash gave an overview of the new 2011 challenges.
"I'm very excited to be the steward of the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Balash. "We have a great partner in Nationwide that allows us to reach out to fans, which are the core of what we do. We have a number of things that are happening, changes coming to the sport. First of all, there has been a lot of talk about the drivers having to select the series that they were going to run for the championship. There has been a lot of involvement with the teams, the drivers and the sponsors. It really adds emphasis to the Nationwide Series, putting that emphasis back on the Nationwide drivers.
"Next is the new Nationwide car. We ran it in four events last year and it was very, very successful. Now, we will be able to showcase the car in each and every event in 2011. The drivers really hone their skills in this series and will have their work cut out for them.
"There will also be a change in qualifying in the Nationwide Series.
We are speeding up our qualifying sessions, paralleling with our friends in the (NASCAR Camping World) Truck Series with a quick qualifying process. I think this will really offer a lot of excitement to the series and to our fans.
"We also have changes in our fuel system in all three of our series.
The E15 fuel is a very important step in what we are doing. It will also make some changes on our crew rosters as we will no longer have a catch can man on pit road."
Drivers are also excited about the new things the series has to offer.
"Either way you still have to go out and beat everybody," said Ricky Stenhouse, current Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and driver of the No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. "We have a great group of guys here. The championship is going to be just as tough whether the Cup guys are running it or not. I think it is going to make it a little bit more interesting.It's a good thing for the series."
"You still have to go out and run good," said Elliott Sadler, driver of the No. 2 CitiFinancial Chevrolet for Kevin Harvick Incorporated. "You still have got to get all the points you can every weekend. I just saw a perfect fit with Kevin and Delana Harvick and racing for the championship.We think we have something here and can make this happen."
Nationwide will also continue with the Dash 4 Cash program for drivers at
select speedways and events. New this year however will be the Nationwide Spotlight program, which will feature a topic of interest to fans through chat and video.
NASCAR Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash gave an overview of the new 2011 challenges.
"I'm very excited to be the steward of the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Balash. "We have a great partner in Nationwide that allows us to reach out to fans, which are the core of what we do. We have a number of things that are happening, changes coming to the sport. First of all, there has been a lot of talk about the drivers having to select the series that they were going to run for the championship. There has been a lot of involvement with the teams, the drivers and the sponsors. It really adds emphasis to the Nationwide Series, putting that emphasis back on the Nationwide drivers.
"Next is the new Nationwide car. We ran it in four events last year and it was very, very successful. Now, we will be able to showcase the car in each and every event in 2011. The drivers really hone their skills in this series and will have their work cut out for them.
"There will also be a change in qualifying in the Nationwide Series.
We are speeding up our qualifying sessions, paralleling with our friends in the (NASCAR Camping World) Truck Series with a quick qualifying process. I think this will really offer a lot of excitement to the series and to our fans.
"We also have changes in our fuel system in all three of our series.
The E15 fuel is a very important step in what we are doing. It will also make some changes on our crew rosters as we will no longer have a catch can man on pit road."
Drivers are also excited about the new things the series has to offer.
"Either way you still have to go out and beat everybody," said Ricky Stenhouse, current Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and driver of the No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. "We have a great group of guys here. The championship is going to be just as tough whether the Cup guys are running it or not. I think it is going to make it a little bit more interesting.It's a good thing for the series."
"You still have to go out and run good," said Elliott Sadler, driver of the No. 2 CitiFinancial Chevrolet for Kevin Harvick Incorporated. "You still have got to get all the points you can every weekend. I just saw a perfect fit with Kevin and Delana Harvick and racing for the championship.We think we have something here and can make this happen."
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Nationwide Series Points
According to NASCAR officials, the only drivers who will receive points in Nationwide Series races will be those eligible for the series championship. Full-time Sprint Cup drivers running for that title are ineligible.
"The race results would show the finishing position and the points for that finishing position would go to the car owner and not the driver," NASCAR president Mike Helton said Friday.
The top Nationwide driver, however, won't receive first-place driver points unless he or she wins the race. In other words, if Justin Allgaier runs fourth behind Cup drivers Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick -- as was the case in last year's season-opening Nationwide race at Daytona International Speedway -- Allgaier will receive fourth-place points and money.
NASCAR announced Friday that drivers had to select the one championship they'll seek before the start of the season, unlike in years past when they were eligible for championships in all series.
NASCAR officials have been meeting with individual team organizations to get feedback on proposed rule changes for the 2011 season.
"The race results would show the finishing position and the points for that finishing position would go to the car owner and not the driver," NASCAR president Mike Helton said Friday.
The top Nationwide driver, however, won't receive first-place driver points unless he or she wins the race. In other words, if Justin Allgaier runs fourth behind Cup drivers Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick -- as was the case in last year's season-opening Nationwide race at Daytona International Speedway -- Allgaier will receive fourth-place points and money.
NASCAR announced Friday that drivers had to select the one championship they'll seek before the start of the season, unlike in years past when they were eligible for championships in all series.
NASCAR officials have been meeting with individual team organizations to get feedback on proposed rule changes for the 2011 season.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Edwards, Keselowski out of 2011 Nationwide title hunt
Edwards, Keselowski out of 2011 Nationwide title hunt
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—NASCAR president Mike Helton confirmed Friday at Daytona International Speedway that drivers must choose one series and one only in which they can compete for a championship.
That knocks defending Nationwide Series champion Brad Keselowski and 2007 champion Carl Edwards—both of whom have announced plans to compete in all 35 Nationwide races in 2011—out of the running for the title this year.
Keselowski and Edwards could deliver a championship to their respective car owners, Roger Penske and Jack Roush, but as far as the drivers’ championship goes, both have elected to compete for the Sprint Cup title.
Nationwide, the series title sponsor, would have preferred a sunset provision that would have enabled Keselowski and Edwards to compete for the title this year, but NASCAR drew the line.
“It was considered, and Nationwide had expressed that to us, as well as some of the drivers,” Helton said. “Particularly Carl and Brad had expressed it as, ‘OK, can you just give me one more year?’
“We stuck to the decision, once we made it, that we felt like it was better for everybody concerned, the whole industry, to go ahead and draw the line and not have any lingering effects to it.”
Helton said NASCAR’s purpose was to force more exposure and attention on developing drivers who aren’t competing full time in the Cup series.
There’s a danger the move could have the opposite effect. Cup drivers likely will continue to grab the headlines by winning Nationwide races. Kyle Busch won 13 of the 35 races in 2010, followed by Keselowski with six and Edwards with four. All told, full-time Cup drivers won 33 races.
“It’s still a championship,” Helton said. “It’s still a big old trophy. It’s still a nice check. It’s still a guy who went out there and competed against 43 teams and became the champion out of that series. It’s still a NASCAR national series championship.”
By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Service
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—NASCAR president Mike Helton confirmed Friday at Daytona International Speedway that drivers must choose one series and one only in which they can compete for a championship.
That knocks defending Nationwide Series champion Brad Keselowski and 2007 champion Carl Edwards—both of whom have announced plans to compete in all 35 Nationwide races in 2011—out of the running for the title this year.
Keselowski and Edwards could deliver a championship to their respective car owners, Roger Penske and Jack Roush, but as far as the drivers’ championship goes, both have elected to compete for the Sprint Cup title.
Nationwide, the series title sponsor, would have preferred a sunset provision that would have enabled Keselowski and Edwards to compete for the title this year, but NASCAR drew the line.
“It was considered, and Nationwide had expressed that to us, as well as some of the drivers,” Helton said. “Particularly Carl and Brad had expressed it as, ‘OK, can you just give me one more year?’
“We stuck to the decision, once we made it, that we felt like it was better for everybody concerned, the whole industry, to go ahead and draw the line and not have any lingering effects to it.”
Helton said NASCAR’s purpose was to force more exposure and attention on developing drivers who aren’t competing full time in the Cup series.
There’s a danger the move could have the opposite effect. Cup drivers likely will continue to grab the headlines by winning Nationwide races. Kyle Busch won 13 of the 35 races in 2010, followed by Keselowski with six and Edwards with four. All told, full-time Cup drivers won 33 races.
“It’s still a championship,” Helton said. “It’s still a big old trophy. It’s still a nice check. It’s still a guy who went out there and competed against 43 teams and became the champion out of that series. It’s still a NASCAR national series championship.”
By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Service
Friday, January 14, 2011
Toyota All-Star Showdown
Toyota All-Star Showdown Has Wide Appeal
Several International Drivers Taking Part In Special Event
Official Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Just as Mario Andretti, Earl Ross and David Hobbs were drawn to the Daytona 500 in years past, several international drivers are targeting the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, a race that has come to be known as the ‘Daytona 500 of short-track racing,’ on Jan. 28-29 at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) as an opportunity to make their mark on the world of NASCAR.
Among the entrants expected are 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 champion DJ Kennington and 2010 NASCAR Mexico Series champion Germán Quiroga. Kennington will be joined in the field by fellow Canadian Andrew Ranger, the 2007 and 2009 Canadian Tire Series champion, while Quiroga will be joined by compatriots Rubén Rovelo and Daniel Suárez. Outside the NASCAR umbrella heading to California is 2010 RACECAR Euro Series champion Lucas Lasserre of France.
“The event is so prestigious that if you get an opportunity to race in it, you have to take it,” said Kennington. “The level and depth of the competition is amazing. Every driver there has had his share of wins.”
As NASCAR touring series champions Kennington and Quiroga have a secured starting spot for the main event. They also will be teammates, of sorts, by driving for Bill McAnally Racing for this special event. BMR is one of the top stables in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and is home to 2010 champion Eric Holmes.
Ranger, a Quebec native, also enters the event with a secure starting spot as a 2010 K&N Pro Series event winner having won at California’s Infineon Raceway in the West and Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park in the East after splitting his season between the U.S. and Canada. He competed in the 2007 and 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdowns after each of his two Canadian Tire Series titles.
Mexican drivers Rovelo and Suárez come into the event with successful 2010 seasons, as well. Rovelo finished sixth in points and won the Aug. 22 race at Autódromo de Monterrey. Suárez, meanwhile, collected rookie of the year honors and finished 13th in the point standings.
France’s Lasserre comes to the event with a championship in hand, but he will have to earn his spot on the starting grid for the main event. The French series competes exclusively on road courses in a car based on a NASCAR stock car. In 2010, Lasserre won three times and notched 10 top fives and 11 top 10s.
“The (NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown) is a great place to get noticed and open some doors if you have some success,” said Kennington. “Just look at the list of past winners.”
David Gilliland won the 2005 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown before embarking on his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career in 2007. Two-time and defending race winner Joey Logano won his first NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in 2007 that preceded his move to the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Of the 119 drivers to have started a NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, 68 have made a start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series or NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown main event is broken up into three sections – two 100-lap segments preceding a 25-lap dash to the finish. The race features secured starting spots for the 2010 champions of NASCAR’s developmental series and race winners of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series from the 2010 season.
The schedule also includes a 75-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race and a 50-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race.
Both nights of racing will air live on SPEED, beginning each night at 10 p.m. ET. The coverage will be anchored by Rick Allen and Phil Parsons in the booth, with Dick Berggren and Jim Tretow covering action in the pits.
Several International Drivers Taking Part In Special Event
Official Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Just as Mario Andretti, Earl Ross and David Hobbs were drawn to the Daytona 500 in years past, several international drivers are targeting the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, a race that has come to be known as the ‘Daytona 500 of short-track racing,’ on Jan. 28-29 at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) as an opportunity to make their mark on the world of NASCAR.
Among the entrants expected are 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 champion DJ Kennington and 2010 NASCAR Mexico Series champion Germán Quiroga. Kennington will be joined in the field by fellow Canadian Andrew Ranger, the 2007 and 2009 Canadian Tire Series champion, while Quiroga will be joined by compatriots Rubén Rovelo and Daniel Suárez. Outside the NASCAR umbrella heading to California is 2010 RACECAR Euro Series champion Lucas Lasserre of France.
“The event is so prestigious that if you get an opportunity to race in it, you have to take it,” said Kennington. “The level and depth of the competition is amazing. Every driver there has had his share of wins.”
As NASCAR touring series champions Kennington and Quiroga have a secured starting spot for the main event. They also will be teammates, of sorts, by driving for Bill McAnally Racing for this special event. BMR is one of the top stables in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and is home to 2010 champion Eric Holmes.
Ranger, a Quebec native, also enters the event with a secure starting spot as a 2010 K&N Pro Series event winner having won at California’s Infineon Raceway in the West and Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park in the East after splitting his season between the U.S. and Canada. He competed in the 2007 and 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdowns after each of his two Canadian Tire Series titles.
Mexican drivers Rovelo and Suárez come into the event with successful 2010 seasons, as well. Rovelo finished sixth in points and won the Aug. 22 race at Autódromo de Monterrey. Suárez, meanwhile, collected rookie of the year honors and finished 13th in the point standings.
France’s Lasserre comes to the event with a championship in hand, but he will have to earn his spot on the starting grid for the main event. The French series competes exclusively on road courses in a car based on a NASCAR stock car. In 2010, Lasserre won three times and notched 10 top fives and 11 top 10s.
“The (NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown) is a great place to get noticed and open some doors if you have some success,” said Kennington. “Just look at the list of past winners.”
David Gilliland won the 2005 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown before embarking on his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career in 2007. Two-time and defending race winner Joey Logano won his first NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in 2007 that preceded his move to the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Of the 119 drivers to have started a NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, 68 have made a start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series or NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown main event is broken up into three sections – two 100-lap segments preceding a 25-lap dash to the finish. The race features secured starting spots for the 2010 champions of NASCAR’s developmental series and race winners of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series from the 2010 season.
The schedule also includes a 75-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race and a 50-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race.
Both nights of racing will air live on SPEED, beginning each night at 10 p.m. ET. The coverage will be anchored by Rick Allen and Phil Parsons in the booth, with Dick Berggren and Jim Tretow covering action in the pits.
Toyota 1/29/11 Race Day Schedule
Toyota 1/29/11 Race Day Schedule
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
TIME EVENT
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Orders
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Order
9-9:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Practice
9:35 a.m.-10:20 a.m. K&N Pro Series Practice
10:25 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Practice
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Final Practice
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. K&N Pro Series Final Practice
12:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Inspection Begins
12:25 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Final Practice
2:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying
3:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Qualifying (2 Laps) (Impound Open Cars)
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #1 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:05 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #2 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:45 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying
7 p.m. SPEED Broadcast begins
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Race (75 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Open (50 Laps)
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
TIME EVENT
12:05-3 p.m. Fan Walk
2 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Drivers Meeting
3:15 p.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying Races (20 Laps or 30 minutes per race)
6:35 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Driver Introductions
6:45 p.m. K&N Pro Series Driver Introductions
7 p.m. SPEED Broadcast begins
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Race (50 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
FRIDAY, JAN. 28
TIME EVENT
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
8 a.m. Whelen All American Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Orders
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
8:30 a.m. K&N Pro Series Drawing to Determine Qualifying Order
9-9:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Practice
9:35 a.m.-10:20 a.m. K&N Pro Series Practice
10:25 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Practice
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Final Practice
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. K&N Pro Series Final Practice
12:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Inspection Begins
12:25 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Final Practice
2:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying
3:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Qualifying (2 Laps) (Impound Open Cars)
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #1 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:05 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Qualifying Race #2 (25 Laps or 30 Minutes)
5:45 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying
7 p.m. SPEED Broadcast begins
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Race (75 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Open (50 Laps)
SATURDAY, JAN. 29
TIME EVENT
12:05-3 p.m. Fan Walk
2 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Drivers Meeting
3:15 p.m. K&N Pro Series Drivers Meeting
4:30 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Qualifying Races (20 Laps or 30 minutes per race)
6:35 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Driver Introductions
6:45 p.m. K&N Pro Series Driver Introductions
7 p.m. SPEED Broadcast begins
7:15 p.m. Whelen All American Series Late Model Race (50 Laps or 1 Hour)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
8:30 p.m. K&N Pro Series Race (225 Laps)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Fenton Racing To Debut In NASCAR Sprint Cup
Leavine Fenton Racing To Debut In NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
TYLER, TX, January 7th, 2011: Tyler, Texas natives, Bob Leavine and Lance Fenton have partnered up to form Leavine Fenton Racing. The team will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as well as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series throughout the 2011 season.
Leavine Fenton Racing will run Fords from their Concord, N.C. based shop with the help of a highly respected crew chief and an experienced driver. The team number will be No. 95 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Leavine is the owner of WRL General Contractors, Ltd. and has been involved in racing for many years. He has also worked with top notch drivers and teams. Leavine's most recent involvement in NASCAR was sponsorship in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series during the 2010 season.
"I am excited about our new NASCAR Cup Team," said Owner Bob Leavine. "There are some opportunities now in NASCAR that may never come around again, and we are blessed to be in a position to take advantage of those opportunities. There are several things I expect to get out of this venture but top on the list is to enjoy myself around a great group of people at NASCAR."
WRL General Contractors, Ltd. has been in operation for over 30 years. The company's services include construction of commercial, institutional, and industrial projects by using construction management, competitive bid, or design build delivery methods.
Fenton is the owner of Fenton Motor Group in Tyler, Texas and Phoenix Design and Manufacturing, LLC in Oklahoma City, Okla. He has raced and owned race teams since the mid 80's. Last year, he made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
"This team is the realization of the vision of several great men," Owner Lance Fenton said. "The owners, crew, and driver are all passionate, success driven individuals. I am truly blessed to be a part of this adventure. There is no doubt in my mind we will be victorious in our effort and have enjoyment while getting our mission accomplished. The No. 95 car will definitely be a factor at every event it enters. My Lord, my family, and my friends are all to thank for making this team a reality."
Fenton Motor Group has served the residents of Texas and Oklahoma for years. Phoenix Design and Manufacturing, LLC is a leading manufacturer of decorative stainless steel accessories for class eight trucks.
Leavine and Fenton are no strangers to the sport, and with their knowledge of operating large businesses, they look to be competitive during the 2011 season. They will soon be announcing their driver, crew chief and sponsorships.
TYLER, TX, January 7th, 2011: Tyler, Texas natives, Bob Leavine and Lance Fenton have partnered up to form Leavine Fenton Racing. The team will compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as well as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series throughout the 2011 season.
Leavine Fenton Racing will run Fords from their Concord, N.C. based shop with the help of a highly respected crew chief and an experienced driver. The team number will be No. 95 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Leavine is the owner of WRL General Contractors, Ltd. and has been involved in racing for many years. He has also worked with top notch drivers and teams. Leavine's most recent involvement in NASCAR was sponsorship in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series during the 2010 season.
"I am excited about our new NASCAR Cup Team," said Owner Bob Leavine. "There are some opportunities now in NASCAR that may never come around again, and we are blessed to be in a position to take advantage of those opportunities. There are several things I expect to get out of this venture but top on the list is to enjoy myself around a great group of people at NASCAR."
WRL General Contractors, Ltd. has been in operation for over 30 years. The company's services include construction of commercial, institutional, and industrial projects by using construction management, competitive bid, or design build delivery methods.
Fenton is the owner of Fenton Motor Group in Tyler, Texas and Phoenix Design and Manufacturing, LLC in Oklahoma City, Okla. He has raced and owned race teams since the mid 80's. Last year, he made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
"This team is the realization of the vision of several great men," Owner Lance Fenton said. "The owners, crew, and driver are all passionate, success driven individuals. I am truly blessed to be a part of this adventure. There is no doubt in my mind we will be victorious in our effort and have enjoyment while getting our mission accomplished. The No. 95 car will definitely be a factor at every event it enters. My Lord, my family, and my friends are all to thank for making this team a reality."
Fenton Motor Group has served the residents of Texas and Oklahoma for years. Phoenix Design and Manufacturing, LLC is a leading manufacturer of decorative stainless steel accessories for class eight trucks.
Leavine and Fenton are no strangers to the sport, and with their knowledge of operating large businesses, they look to be competitive during the 2011 season. They will soon be announcing their driver, crew chief and sponsorships.
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