Fantasy Report: UAW-Dodge 400

Here are this week's picks for Las Vegas UAW-Dodge 400:

Erik's picks: Matt Kenseth✔, Jimmie Johnson , Kyle Busch✔, Greg Biffle✔, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs✔ and Brian Vickers.

Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth✔, Ryan Newman✔, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle✔, Bobbie Labonte, Brian Vickers and Scott Riggs✔.

Drivers to watch:

• Safe pick: Selecting a fantasy driver each week can be a risky and sometimes tedious task. This week is no different but one driver sticks out as a safe bet. Jimmie Johnson. He is going for a record four wins in a row in UAW-Dodge 400 this weekend at Las Vegas. Even if he does not win on Sunday it is a good chance that he will finish in the top 10 and bring in some valuable fantasy points.

• Middle of the road: If you are looking for a potentially safe B driver this week Greg Biffle could prove to be of use to your fantasy team. In his last two starts at Las Vegas he has finished 8th and 16th. He also qualified on the pole at this race in 2006. If his luck continues in the UAW-Dodge 400 he could find himself with a top 10 finish.

• Dark horse to win: After a disappointing forty-first place finish at Fontana it will be interesting to see how Denny Hamlin responds this week. In his past two races at Las Vegas Hamlin has finished 3rd and 10th. If he gets his season back on track this week he could be the first to bring home a win for Gibbs Racing.

'That was completely inappropriate'

A poll on the NASCAR Web site asked fans to pick their favorite commercial from the Daytona 500 broadcast.

Taking the checkered flag was this gem from Toyota and the Joe Gibbs team:



My favorite part? When Tony Stewart hurls his helmet at the 20 car. Priceless.

"Super Dario"

HBO's Real Sports With Bryan Gumbel recently did a segment on Dario Franchitti. I listened to it on the show's podcast. It's interesting to here the Scott with an Italian name talk about his thoughts on switching from IRL to Cup, his hot wife and how he got started.
At the very least, I've been introduced to one of the "rookies. "

"Auto Museums in the Deep South"

The New York Times just did a short piece on Auto Museums in the Deep South. Among those listed:

Alabama

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Leeds, Ala. 35094
International Motorsports Hall Of Fame, Talladega, Ala.
Mercedes-Benz Usa, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Arkansas

The Museum Of Automobiles, Morrilton, Ark.

Louisiana

Ark-La-Tex Antique & Classic Vehicle Museum, Shreveport, La.

Mississippi

Tupelo Automobile Museum, Tupelo, Miss.

Oklahoma

Muscle Car Ranch, Chickasha, Okla.
Townsend's Classic And Antique Auto Museum, Shawnee, Okla.

Texas

Central Texas Museum Of Automotive History, Smithville, Tex.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Canyon, Tex.
Pate Museum Of Transportation, Fort Worth, Tex.
Petroleum Museum Chaparral Gallery, Midland, Tex.

Before I debate whether Oklahoma is in the "Deep South," I would add to the list The BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg, S.C.
They've got all of the details on the NYT site.

The Times did an article in 2006 with more museums called "Auto Museums in the Land of Nascar."

Florida

Elliott Museum, Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Fla.
Don Garlits Museum Of Drag Racing, Ocala, Fla.
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum, Sarasota, Fla.
Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, Tallahassee, Fla.
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, Pinellas Park, Fla.

Georgia

Stone Mountain Antique Car And Treasure Museum, Stone Mountain, Ga.
The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, Madison, Ga. 30650.

Kentucky

National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Ky.

North Carolina

Hendrick Motorsports Museum, Charlotte, N.C.
Richard Childress Racing Museum, Welcome, N.C.
G. Grier Beam Truck Museum, Cherryville, N. C.
Kelly’s Classic Auto Museum, Pinebluff, N.C.
Wheels Through Time Museum, Waynesville, N.C.

South Carolina

Bmw Zentrum, Spartanburg, S. C.
The Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum/ N.M.P.A. Hall Of Fame, Darlington, S.C.

Tennessee

Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum, Sevierville, Tenn.
Lane Motor Museum, Nashville.
Smoky Mountain Car Museum, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Virginia

Car & Carriage Caravan Museum At Luray Caverns, Luray, Va.
Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum, Hood, Va.
Virginia Museum Of Transportation, Roanoke, Va.

Anyone ever been to any of these? I've been to the IMHOF before and it was a neat trip. I am surprised there is not some kind of museum at all of the big tracks.

Fantasy Report: Auto Club 500

After an exciting Daytona 500 the haulers headed to the California Speedway.

It can be said that it is difficult to choose drivers that will prevail for most races — this one is no exception.

Brandon's picks: Jeff Gordon✔, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman✔, Kyle Busch✔, Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Brian Vickers✔ and David Reutimann.

Erik's picks: Jimmy Johnson✔, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch✔, Kasey Kahne✔, Reed Sorenson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brian Vickers✔ and David Reutimann.

It is a 2-mile track with 14° of banking in the turns and you can expect drivers that excel at speedways to continue that trend this weekend. However, with the COT it seems like anything can happen as was evident in Daytona.

Now that we've all got a look at how drivers may perform in 2008 the selection process becomes a little easier because some of the guessing is over. Dale Jr. is going to be strong this year — as is Toyota. Nevermind Hendrick Motorsports' shoddy finishes at Daytona ... they're not going to go away.

Good luck!

It's Newman Time

By the way here is Ryan Newman's media schedule for the next few days according to his fan club site. Fame has its price, and his will be paid in the hours of sleep he will miss ... but I bet he wouldn't trade it for anything.

• MONDAY:
  7:20 a.m. - Fox & Friends (National TV)
  7:42 a.m. - Mike & Mike in the Morning (radio/TV)
  8 a.m. - No. 12 Alltel Dodge inducted into Daytona 500 Experience
  Various Radio and TV at the induction
  11:30 p.m. ET - Late Night with David Letterman
• TUESDAY:
  9 a.m. ET - LIVE with Regis & Kelly
  Various NY media, Radio Media tour, NASCAR Teleconference
  3:30-6:30 p.m. ET - Ryan will be doing various shows for ESPN which will air that night. Ryan will also be the host of NASCAR Now on ESPN on Tuesday night.
• WEDNESDAYS:
  AM - Various California media
  PM - Best Damn Sports Show

He is in Daytona at 8 a.m. and then in N.Y. tonight doing a show. Tuesday he's got ESPN stuff which could be in Bristol, Conn. or I guess they could move the NASCAR Now set to California. Either way he's got some traveling to do.

Rooting against the little guy

I was lucky enough to go to the Master's in Augusta, Ga., last spring where I noticed a strange thing about the way I root for sports. I felt the same thing yesterday watching the race at Daytona.

In most sports I root for the little guys. I hate the Yankees and I go against the Cowboys and Notre Dame and Duke and the Lakers. I found myself rooting against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. I love seeing the Colorado Rockies go to the World Series or see App. State upset Michigan. Every March I always jump on some mid-major school's bandwagon in the NCAA basketball tournament. But at the Master's I was disappointed when Zach Johnson won and Tiger or Phil or one of the other superstars didn't.

I felt the same way yesterday. Not that Ryan Newman is a slouch (12 Cup wins but 0 since 2005 before Sunday) but I found myself disappointed that Stewart or Junior or Gordon or Johnson or one of the big superstars didn't win. It was the 50th Daytona 500 for crying out loud! It got me to wondering why do I root for the big boys with major events in PGA and Cup when I root for the little guys everywhere else?

Did anyone else feel this way yesterday?

Daytona 500

Ryan Newman (#12) wins a race marked with multiple lead changes.

The last several laps were pretty exciting and gave some hope that Jr. could pull it off but it wasn't to be.

Not a bad start to the season.

Results

Fantasy Report: Daytona 500

The Gatorade Duels are over and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 is this Sunday. Here are our fantasy picks for the week.

Erik's picks: Tony Stewart✔, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Kyle Busch✔, Reed Sorenson, Casey Mears, Michael Waltrip✔, David Reutimann

Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson✔, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Ryan Newman✔, Juan Pablo Montoya, Michael Waltrip✔, David Reutimann

It is hard to pick drivers for this race. Here is why:

• There are multiple lead changes and anyone on the track has a chance to be first when the checkered flag drops.

• In my case I wanted to make “safe” picks. I selected drivers I know have a good chance at finishing towards the front. This is the first race and it's easy to start behind in the fantasy standings and really hard to make up ground over the next few weeks.

• I tried to select drivers that for the most part stay out of “the big one.” This may not be Talladega but one wreck has the potential of taking out several drivers.

Things to look for:

• Dale Jr. has finished well but I am interested to see how he does when championship points are at stake.

• In the past Stewart has not had the best drafting help on superspeedways. Now that he has Kyle Busch to complement his aggressive driving style can it help push Gibbs Racing to a 500 victory?

Duel 1 Results
Duel 2 Results

Disclaimer: Our picks are subject to change and we'll edit this blog to reflect that. The Daytona 500 is different because there are no fantasy points awarded for qualifying. As for the rest of the season, picks can and will often be changed after qualifying.

Gentleman (and lady) start your marriage

Apparently the Atlanta Motor Speedway is letting folks get hitched in Victory Lane before the March 9 race. My wife never would have gone for this.

This is from WXIA in Atlanta:

Accompanying the scent of race fuel and burnt rubber, love will be in the air and in victory lane as Atlanta Motor Speedway offers fans a special Valentine’s Day promotion which provides the opportunity to tie the knot just hours before the green flag drops on the March 9 Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race.

A licensed and ordained minister will be provided to conduct each ceremony in victory lane. All couples participating will receive complimentary access to the pre-race stage area where the 43-car starting field will be introduced, a wedding day photo in victory lane and a special gift from Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Full story

Bad boys, bad boys

Fresh off the e-mail from NASCAR central ...

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR has placed drivers Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch on probation for the first six races of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, a result of their on-track altercations this past Friday during practice for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

Stewart, driver of the No. 20 Toyota and Busch, driver of the No. 2 Dodge, violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; altercation with another competitor) of the NASCAR rule book.

The probations start Wednesday (Feb. 13), as practice begins for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

---

Personally, I would have thought that Busch would have gotten a stiffer penalty than Stewart ... unless that is, Stewart really did punch him in the face.

According to AP, Ramsey Poston, NASCAR's PR guy, says that the fines and stuff were only a result from the actions that took place on the track.

Rules, schmules

We all know that rules in NASCAR are vague. The joke has been made many times over at Talladega that it's all in having the right last name.

Guess that last name at Daytona is "Judd."

Maybe not, but as more than one writer has pointed out on this Monday after qualifying, that if Ashley Judd wants to wear a dress, let her.

If you didn't know, the rules are pretty strict (or at least we thought they were) that you have to wear pants and close-toed shoes to be on pit road or in the garages. They've actually sent Anniston Star writers (not this one) home for not following along.

Nobody sent Ashley home. Nobody will in the future, either, I'm sure.

The funniest of the stories is here.

Press Release: McWilliams Named Vice President at Talladega Superspeedway

Feb. 11, 2008

TALLADEGA — Mike McWilliams, Sr. Director of Facility Operations, has been named Vice President of Facility Operations, Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey announced today.

McWilliams will continue to oversee all facets of facility operations, fire & safety operations as well as security.

“Mike has been an integral part of the success of Talladega Superspeedway since he became part of our team,” said Humphrey. “We look forward to his continued leadership.”

“I am thrilled the company had the trust and confidence in me to promote me to this level,” said McWilliams. “It is an honor to be part of such a great organization as Talladega Superspeedway and I will do all I can to ensure we become even more successful in the future.”

McWilliams, a native of Talladega County, graduated from Munford High School and worked in construction with his own father before forming a construction company with his son Andy. Prior to joining Talladega Superspeedway in 1994, he worked at the Talladega Airport. He currently serves on the Talladega Airport Board and the 911 Board.

Dale Jr. wins Bud Shootout

I think he's going to enjoy his ride this year.

Fantasy NASCAR preview

Online News Editor Brandon Wynn (that's me) and Web Producer Erik Lyda will be participating in the Yahoo Sports Fantasy NASCAR this year. I tried it for the first time last year and came in fourth in my league and planned to not do it this year. I changed my mind and asked Erik to join me in hopes that it will make this blog more interesting.

We will be giving our weekly picks each Thursday and sharing our results the next week with any observations and complaints we may have.

This year should be interesting in terms of uncertainties. Obviously nothing will slow down the likes of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, but with Joe Gibbs Racing going to Toyota and a slew of new open-wheel drivers this could be a season for surprises. Not to mention the first season that will use the Car of Tomorrow full time.

The Budweiser Shootout is Feb. 9 and while it doesn't count in the point standings and there isn't a full field of drivers we will give our predictions to test out our abilities for picking winners. When the season starts we will be picking 2 A-drivers, 4 B-drivers and 2 C-drivers but for the Shootout we'll only pick 4 drivers in total.

Brandon's picks (Bill Brasky Racing): Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle and Michael Waltrip

Erik's picks (Team Clorox Disinfecting Wipes): Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip

Budweiser Shootout race lineup

If you have signed for Fantasy we encourage you to share your picks, rumors and tips with us throughout this season.

Press Release: International Speedway Corporation Announces $100 Million Increase in Share Buyback Program

A little race business news for you. ISC owns the Talladega Superspeedway. -aj

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — International Speedway Corporation (Nasdaq: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) ("ISC"), a leading promoter of motorsports activities, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of an incremental $100 million of the Company's Class A Common Stock. This authorization is in addition to the $34 million remaining under the Company's existing $150 million share repurchase program as of January 31, 2008.

James C. France, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of International Speedway Corporation, stated, "We remain confident in the strength of the motorsports industry, and this new authorization is a direct reflection of the significant cash flow generated by ISC's proven business model. We will continue to reinvest capital in our business while opportunistically pursuing our share repurchase program, which is an excellent method of returning value to our shareholders."

The timing and amount of any shares repurchased under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including: price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability and other market conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. No shares will be knowingly purchased from Company insiders or their affiliates.

International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities. The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway(R) in Florida (home of the Daytona 500(R)); Talladega Superspeedway(R) in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway(R) located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway(R) in Virginia; California Speedway(SM) near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway(R) in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway(R) in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway(R) and Route 66 Raceway(SM) near Chicago, Illinois; Homestead-Miami Speedway(SM) in Florida; Martinsville Speedway(R) in Virginia; Darlington Raceway(R) in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International(R) in New York. In addition, ISC is a limited partner with Group Motorise International in the organization and promotion of certain events at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada.

The Company also owns and operates MRN(R) Radio, the nation's largest independent sports radio network; the Daytona 500 Experience(SM), the "Ultimate Motorsports Attraction" in Daytona Beach, Florida, the official attraction of NASCAR(R); and Americrown Service Corporation, a subsidiary that provides catering services, food and beverage concessions, and produces and markets motorsports-related merchandise. In addition, ISC has an indirect 50 percent interest in a business called Motorsports Authentics(R), which markets and distributes motorsports-related merchandise licensed by certain competitors in NASCAR racing. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.iscmotorsports.com.

Statements made in this release that express the Company's or management's beliefs or expectations and which are not historical facts or which are applied prospectively are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's results could be impacted by risk factors, including, but not limited to, weather surrounding racing events, government regulations, economic conditions, consumer and corporate spending, military actions, air travel and national or local catastrophic events. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward- looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings including, but not limited to, the 10-K and subsequent 10-Qs. Copies of those filings are available from the Company and the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be needed to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The inclusion of any statement in this release does not constitute an admission by International Speedway or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

SOURCE International Speedway Corporation

CONTACT:
Wes Harris
Senior Director, Corporate and Investor Communications
International Speedway Corporation

Speedweek press release

Feb. 07, 2008

TALLADEGA — Officials from Talladega Superspeedway and Barber Motorsports Park are preparing for the green flag to wave on the third annual Alabama Speedweek, April 18 - 27. Speedweek begins with Barber Motorsports Park hosting the AMA Honda Superbike Classic, April 18 - 20, and ends with the Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, April 25 - 27.

“The Alabama Speedweek concept has turned into a great success for Talladega Superspeedway, Barber Motorsports Park and the state of Alabama,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “Race fans can experience racing at two of the nation’s premier tracks during the weekends and enjoy many of Alabama’s entertainment options during the week. Additionally, the Speedweek Combo Pass makes this a phenomenal value for anyone seeking a weeklong vacation.”

The Speedweek Combo Pass allows race fans to enjoy six days of world-class racing at both Barber Motorsports Park and Talladega Superspeedway for only $100! This extraordinary value includes a 3-day pass to the Honda Superbike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park, featuring the AMA Superbike Championship Series, and a 3-day pass to the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, featuring the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series.

“Alabama Speedweek gives the motorsports fan the best of both two- and four-wheeled worlds,” says Brett Collins, VP of ZOOM Motorsports. “In addition, the Speedweek Combo Pass offers competitive racing at two great facilities for one incredible value. We encourage fans to explore the fantastic activities the state has to offer in between race weekends.”

The world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. hosts the sixth annual AMA Superbike Championship Series, April 18-20. The Honda Superbike Classic is a Superbike double-header with one Superbike race on Saturday and a second Superbike race on Sunday. This premier motorcycle event features three other races for a total of five races over the weekend. Kids age 12 and younger are admitted free of charge to the Honda Superbike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park when accompanied by a paid adult.

Alabama Speedweek concludes with Talladega Superspeedway hosting its first race of the 2008 NASCAR season during the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 25-27, featuring the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series and Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Friday, April 25 features NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Saturday, April 26 features The Birmingham News Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Then on Sunday, April 27, NASCAR’s greatest drivers compete in the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Kids age 11 and younger are admitted free of charge on Fridays and Saturdays of race weekend when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

For more information on all of these events, go to www.alabamaspeedweek.com.

Note: Individual event tickets are also available for both event weekends.

Preseason picks

In case you missed it, NASCAR today released the media's preseason picks for the 12 drivers who'll make the Chase in 2008.

The media's Top 12 looks suspiciously like 2007's final Top 12, except for the substitution of Dale Jr. (picked No. 4) for former DEI teammate Martin Truex Jr.

I can't say I disagree with that pick. If Junior doesn't make the Chase as part of the all-powerful Hendrick team, he'll have a lot of explaining to do.