Last year, Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates became the first team to win the Rolex 24 three consecutive seasons. This year, it's going for four-in-a-row.
The team has two entries in the race. The No. 01 TELMEX/Target Lexus Riley will be driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas. Montoya and Pruett have won the event the last two years.
The No. 02 Target/TELMEX Lexus Riley will be driven by Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Alex Lloyd.
NASCAR drivers set for the 24
A number of NASCAR drivers will test their sports car prowess in the Rolex 24:
• Jimmie Johnson will drive the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Pontiac Riley in the featured Daytona Prototype category. He'll share the cockpit with team regulars Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney and open-wheel champion Jimmy Vasser. The team finished second overall in last year's race.
• Juan Pablo Montoya goes for the three-peat in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas will share the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley that captured the race in 2007-08. The team also won the 2006 event with Casey Mears.
• Other NASCAR national series competitors who have lined up Rolex 24 at Daytona rides are Mears; Kyle Petty (Orbit Racing BMW/Riley); A.J. Allmendinger (Michael Shank Racing Ford/Riley) and Colin Braun (Michael Shank Racing Ford/Riley).
• NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Roger Penske will enter a Porsche/Riley in the Rolex 24 at Daytona joining fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup owners Chip Ganassi, Felix Sabates and Richard Childress in the field.
Source: NASCAR
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New faces in new places
A number of drivers will have new homes this season. Here are a few:
• After a 10-year run with Joe Gibbs Racing that included two series championships, Tony Stewart starts his own team in 2009 – Stewart-Haas Racing. He'll drive the No. 14 Old Spice/Office Depot Chevrolet.
• Joining Stewart at his two-car operation will be Ryan Newman, the 2008 Daytona 500 champion. Newman spent the last seven full seasons driving a Dodge with Penske Racing. This season he'll be in the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet.
• Mark Martin returns for one more shot at an elusive championship. He joins a powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports team that has captured the last three series titles with Jimmie Johnson – and eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships in all. Martin will drive the No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet.
• Richard Petty doesn't have a new home, but has a few new partners. Petty Enterprises joined forces with Gillett Evernham Motorsports to form a four-car operation. One of the stable's drivers, though, is new – Reed Sorenson. Previously with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Sorenson will drive the No. 43 Dodge this season.
• The same holds true for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. The two companies merged, with drivers Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr. and Aric Almirola under the Earnhardt/Ganassi umbrella.
Source: NASCAR
• After a 10-year run with Joe Gibbs Racing that included two series championships, Tony Stewart starts his own team in 2009 – Stewart-Haas Racing. He'll drive the No. 14 Old Spice/Office Depot Chevrolet.
• Joining Stewart at his two-car operation will be Ryan Newman, the 2008 Daytona 500 champion. Newman spent the last seven full seasons driving a Dodge with Penske Racing. This season he'll be in the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet.
• Mark Martin returns for one more shot at an elusive championship. He joins a powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports team that has captured the last three series titles with Jimmie Johnson – and eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships in all. Martin will drive the No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet.
• Richard Petty doesn't have a new home, but has a few new partners. Petty Enterprises joined forces with Gillett Evernham Motorsports to form a four-car operation. One of the stable's drivers, though, is new – Reed Sorenson. Previously with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Sorenson will drive the No. 43 Dodge this season.
• The same holds true for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. The two companies merged, with drivers Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr. and Aric Almirola under the Earnhardt/Ganassi umbrella.
Source: NASCAR
Thursday, December 18, 2008
NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests Scheduled For Jan. 16-17
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Race fans will receive a sneak peek of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 as well as the new NASCAR racing season on Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17 with the annual NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests at historic Daytona International Speedway.
Fans can get their "racing fix" prior to DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 with numerous activities with their favorite drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series in the Sprint FANZONE located in the heart of "The World Center of Racing."
Among the activities planned for both days include:
• Interactive fan forums
• Autograph sessions
• Show cars, displays, music
• Online auction
• Blood drive
In addition, Richard Petty Driving Experience will be on track with ride and driving packages available. The ride-only packages can be purchased on-site while the driving packages must be purchased in advance at 1-800-BE-PETTY.
Tickets, which go on sale Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m., are $15 with autograph session availability limited to only 100 people per driver in advance. To purchase tickets and request access to the special autograph sessions, call 1-800-PITSHOP.
Drivers scheduled to make appearances on Friday, Jan. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. include 50th running of the Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Reed Sorenson, Aric Almirola, Casey Mears, Greg Biffle, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner and Jon Wes Townley.
Scheduled to appear on Saturday, Jan. 17 during the noon - 4 p.m. session include three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth, 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup runner-up Carl Edwards, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan, Colin Braun, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Paul Menard and Alex Garcia.
In the 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. session on Saturday, Jan. 17, drivers scheduled to appear include former Daytona 500 winners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and three-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr.
Additional drivers and more details about the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be released in the coming weeks
"We're excited to be able to announce the dates to the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "These two days are going to be a great opportunity for the fans to interact with the drivers and get pumped up about the upcoming DIRECTV Speedweeks and the new NASCAR season."
DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 is highlighted by the season-opening 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Other events include the Camping World 300 Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Feb. 14, the Daytona 250 Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 13, the Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying races on Thursday, Feb. 12, Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 8 and the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200 on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Fans can get their "racing fix" prior to DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 and the 51st annual Daytona 500 with numerous activities with their favorite drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series in the Sprint FANZONE located in the heart of "The World Center of Racing."Among the activities planned for both days include:
• Interactive fan forums
• Autograph sessions
• Show cars, displays, music
• Online auction
• Blood drive
In addition, Richard Petty Driving Experience will be on track with ride and driving packages available. The ride-only packages can be purchased on-site while the driving packages must be purchased in advance at 1-800-BE-PETTY.
Tickets, which go on sale Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m., are $15 with autograph session availability limited to only 100 people per driver in advance. To purchase tickets and request access to the special autograph sessions, call 1-800-PITSHOP.
Drivers scheduled to make appearances on Friday, Jan. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. include 50th running of the Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Reed Sorenson, Aric Almirola, Casey Mears, Greg Biffle, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Mike Skinner and Jon Wes Townley.
Scheduled to appear on Saturday, Jan. 17 during the noon - 4 p.m. session include three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth, 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup runner-up Carl Edwards, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan, Colin Braun, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Paul Menard and Alex Garcia.
In the 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. session on Saturday, Jan. 17, drivers scheduled to appear include former Daytona 500 winners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and three-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr.
Additional drivers and more details about the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be released in the coming weeks
"We're excited to be able to announce the dates to the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "These two days are going to be a great opportunity for the fans to interact with the drivers and get pumped up about the upcoming DIRECTV Speedweeks and the new NASCAR season."
DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 is highlighted by the season-opening 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Other events include the Camping World 300 Nationwide Series race on Saturday, Feb. 14, the Daytona 250 Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 13, the Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying races on Thursday, Feb. 12, Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 8 and the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200 on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week Preview
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will be the centerpiece of next week's annual Champions Week celebration in New York City — a busy and joyful five days that marks the traditional end of each season.
Johnson, who captured his third consecutive title two weeks ago in the series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is the first driver in 30 years to win three consecutive series titles. He joins NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough as the only two drivers to accomplish that feat. Yarborough won his titles in 1976-78.
Next week's festivities mark the 28th consecutive year that NASCAR has crowned its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion in New York. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel has served as the sport's host for each of those years, with its historic Grand Ballroom the site of the Dec. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.
Johnson, however, will have much to do before Champions Week culminates on that Friday night.
Monday — Johnson and wife Chandra arrive in New York. That evening, he and Chandra will participate in the annual Champion's Welcome Dinner in the Waldorf-Astoria Executive Kitchen, a gathering attended by NASCAR and champion team representatives and overseen by Executive Chef John Doherty.
Tuesday — Johnson will participate in another Champions Week tradition — photo shoots at New York landmarks. Later that evening, he'll be a guest on Motor Racing Network's NASCAR Live.
Wednesday — Johnson begins his day by ringing the New York Stock Exchange's Opening Bell. He'll also attend the Tissot Countdown Clock event at the Marquee of the Hard Rock Café, a March of Dimes luncheon, a media luncheon at Foley's and the Sprint Media Celebration at the Sports Museum of America.
Thursday — Johnson's major event this day is the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon at Cipriani. He'll be joined by the rest of the top 12 drivers in the 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith and other annual award winners. Following the awards luncheon, Johnson will participate in the traditional Times Square photo shoot outside the Hard Rock Café, then attend the annual Stewies Awards, orchestrated by fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio studios.
Friday — The Big Day. Johnson, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony that evening in the Waldorf-Astoria's Grand Ballroom.
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Champion: Jimmie Johnson
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Owner Champion: Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports
Final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12: 1. Jimmie Johnson, 6,684; 2. Carl Edwards, 6,615; 3. Greg Biffle, 6,467; 4. Kevin Harvick, 6,408; 5. Clint Bowyer, 6,381; 6. Jeff Burton, 6,335; 7. Jeff Gordon, 6,316; 8. Denny Hamlin, 6,214; 9. Tony Stewart, 6,202; 10. Kyle Busch, 6,186; 11. Matt Kenseth, 6,184 and Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6,127.
Raybestos Rookie of the Year: Regan Smith
— Source: NASCAR
Johnson, who captured his third consecutive title two weeks ago in the series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is the first driver in 30 years to win three consecutive series titles. He joins NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough as the only two drivers to accomplish that feat. Yarborough won his titles in 1976-78.
Next week's festivities mark the 28th consecutive year that NASCAR has crowned its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion in New York. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel has served as the sport's host for each of those years, with its historic Grand Ballroom the site of the Dec. 5 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.
Johnson, however, will have much to do before Champions Week culminates on that Friday night.
Monday — Johnson and wife Chandra arrive in New York. That evening, he and Chandra will participate in the annual Champion's Welcome Dinner in the Waldorf-Astoria Executive Kitchen, a gathering attended by NASCAR and champion team representatives and overseen by Executive Chef John Doherty.
Tuesday — Johnson will participate in another Champions Week tradition — photo shoots at New York landmarks. Later that evening, he'll be a guest on Motor Racing Network's NASCAR Live.
Wednesday — Johnson begins his day by ringing the New York Stock Exchange's Opening Bell. He'll also attend the Tissot Countdown Clock event at the Marquee of the Hard Rock Café, a March of Dimes luncheon, a media luncheon at Foley's and the Sprint Media Celebration at the Sports Museum of America.
Thursday — Johnson's major event this day is the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Media Luncheon at Cipriani. He'll be joined by the rest of the top 12 drivers in the 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, plus Raybestos Rookie of the Year Regan Smith and other annual award winners. Following the awards luncheon, Johnson will participate in the traditional Times Square photo shoot outside the Hard Rock Café, then attend the annual Stewies Awards, orchestrated by fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio studios.
Friday — The Big Day. Johnson, his family and his Hendrick Motorsports team will participate in traditional photos during the afternoon, before attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony that evening in the Waldorf-Astoria's Grand Ballroom.
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Champion: Jimmie Johnson
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Owner Champion: Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports
Final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Top 12: 1. Jimmie Johnson, 6,684; 2. Carl Edwards, 6,615; 3. Greg Biffle, 6,467; 4. Kevin Harvick, 6,408; 5. Clint Bowyer, 6,381; 6. Jeff Burton, 6,335; 7. Jeff Gordon, 6,316; 8. Denny Hamlin, 6,214; 9. Tony Stewart, 6,202; 10. Kyle Busch, 6,186; 11. Matt Kenseth, 6,184 and Dale Earnhardt Jr., 6,127.
Raybestos Rookie of the Year: Regan Smith
— Source: NASCAR
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Fantasy Report: Ford 400
We're down to the last race of the 2008 season and I speak for both Fantasy bloggers when I say "thank goodness!" After falling back to 11th in our league, and Erik in 22nd, it's a relief that this is the end. My only hope is that I can climb into the top 10 but it gets harder to post a lot of points at the end of the season when your top drivers are used up. I guess I'll just make do with who I have and wish for the best.
My picks for this week:
• Jeff Gordon✔ and Kurt Busch
• David Ragan✔, Juan Pablo Montoya✔, Jamie McMurray and Kasey Kahne
• David Reutimann✔ and AJ Allmendinger
Different motives: There's a lot of things happening this weekend. Jimmy Johnson can take home his third consecutive championship by finishing 36th or better, 37th and leading one lap or 39th and leading the most laps. Jeff Gordon is trying one last time to post his first win of the season or other Chase drivers trying to finish higher in the standings. Also, you have teams looking to stay in the top 35 in owner points which might be the recipe for a big wreck before the checkered flag is dropped. It's hard to say whether or not Johnson will lay back and try to post a top 20 or so finish or put it out front like he did last weekend. I would imagine he might not finish extremely high in the running order so he might not be a good pick this weekend. I'm going with Gordon for my A driver and although he finished badly last weekend he'll be going all out in Miami.
Decisions, decisions: If you're within striking distance of the top spot in your league you can either play it safe and hope for the best or gamble for that extra surge in points. I decided to do a little of both. All the drivers on my roster have had some amount of success at Homestead or just throughout the season. However, drivers like Kasey Kahne and AJ Allmendinger who have had up-and-down years could really shine this weekend. The only driver I'm confident I'll leave in is Ragan, who's had a phenominal year for such a green driver.
Parting shot: I hope that if you've read this blog throughout the 2008 season that you've been able to take away the better advice we've given you. Stats and trends can only tell you so much and it can be painfully obvious sometimes that the nature of racing is unpredictable. It has been a fun year, I was up to second at one point and Erik was in first and it looked like we were both going to finish very well and then once you have a few bad weeks there's no way to recover. I would say my biggest accomplishment this year was picking so many race winners. I went on 7-week streak at one point and that's the stuff that makes Fantasy fun even if you don't come in first at the end. Good luck in the final race and stay out of the wall!
My picks for this week:• Jeff Gordon✔ and Kurt Busch
• David Ragan✔, Juan Pablo Montoya✔, Jamie McMurray and Kasey Kahne
• David Reutimann✔ and AJ Allmendinger
Different motives: There's a lot of things happening this weekend. Jimmy Johnson can take home his third consecutive championship by finishing 36th or better, 37th and leading one lap or 39th and leading the most laps. Jeff Gordon is trying one last time to post his first win of the season or other Chase drivers trying to finish higher in the standings. Also, you have teams looking to stay in the top 35 in owner points which might be the recipe for a big wreck before the checkered flag is dropped. It's hard to say whether or not Johnson will lay back and try to post a top 20 or so finish or put it out front like he did last weekend. I would imagine he might not finish extremely high in the running order so he might not be a good pick this weekend. I'm going with Gordon for my A driver and although he finished badly last weekend he'll be going all out in Miami.
Decisions, decisions: If you're within striking distance of the top spot in your league you can either play it safe and hope for the best or gamble for that extra surge in points. I decided to do a little of both. All the drivers on my roster have had some amount of success at Homestead or just throughout the season. However, drivers like Kasey Kahne and AJ Allmendinger who have had up-and-down years could really shine this weekend. The only driver I'm confident I'll leave in is Ragan, who's had a phenominal year for such a green driver.
Parting shot: I hope that if you've read this blog throughout the 2008 season that you've been able to take away the better advice we've given you. Stats and trends can only tell you so much and it can be painfully obvious sometimes that the nature of racing is unpredictable. It has been a fun year, I was up to second at one point and Erik was in first and it looked like we were both going to finish very well and then once you have a few bad weeks there's no way to recover. I would say my biggest accomplishment this year was picking so many race winners. I went on 7-week streak at one point and that's the stuff that makes Fantasy fun even if you don't come in first at the end. Good luck in the final race and stay out of the wall!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Fantasy Report: Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500
There are only two races left in The Chase for the Cup and Jimmie Johnson has a commanding lead over Carl Edwards. Edwards will try to gain some ground this week at Phoenix but there's a good chance Johnson will clinch The Cup.
Our picks ...
Erik's picks:
Jeff Burton✔, Carl Edwards, Mark Martin✔, Martin Truex Jr.✔, David Ragan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Brandon's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin✔, Martin Truex Jr.✔, David Ragan, Jamie McMurray, David Reutimann✔ and Michael Waltrip.
If you are looking for a possible sleeper this week consider putting Jeff Burton on your roster. In 15 races at this track Burton has stared at an average position of 23 but his strong runs here have left him with an average finish of 7th.
If you are looking for a few extra pole points Jeff Burton and Ryan Newman could be a good pick to have on your roster. They are the only two drivers to have won consecutive poles at Phoenix.
If you have a driver on your roster that is starting towards the back it might not be a bad move to start them. Only eleven drivers out of 24 races have won from a top ten starting position.
One last thing: if you have Jimmie Johnson use him. I mean it seems like the guy is having really good luck right now.
Well this will be my last fantasy blog for the season. For those of you who have kept up with this and actually used any of my advise my hat is off to you. More importantly I hope you had a fantastic fantasy racing season. Good luck and see you next year!
Our picks ...Erik's picks:
Jeff Burton✔, Carl Edwards, Mark Martin✔, Martin Truex Jr.✔, David Ragan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Brandon's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin✔, Martin Truex Jr.✔, David Ragan, Jamie McMurray, David Reutimann✔ and Michael Waltrip.
If you are looking for a possible sleeper this week consider putting Jeff Burton on your roster. In 15 races at this track Burton has stared at an average position of 23 but his strong runs here have left him with an average finish of 7th.
If you are looking for a few extra pole points Jeff Burton and Ryan Newman could be a good pick to have on your roster. They are the only two drivers to have won consecutive poles at Phoenix.
If you have a driver on your roster that is starting towards the back it might not be a bad move to start them. Only eleven drivers out of 24 races have won from a top ten starting position.
One last thing: if you have Jimmie Johnson use him. I mean it seems like the guy is having really good luck right now.
Well this will be my last fantasy blog for the season. For those of you who have kept up with this and actually used any of my advise my hat is off to you. More importantly I hope you had a fantastic fantasy racing season. Good luck and see you next year!
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