Dustin Long

• Catching up with some familair names

  Another day in Orlando and more work. Lots of stuff from some people you don’t always hear from.   [...]
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  Posted: December 10, 2009, 9:26pm EST
  

• Ethanol-fueled series? Lesa France Kennedy talks; Dale Jr in Shootout?

          More from Orlando (I’ve been so busy barely saw the sun today, so don’t go thinking I’m down here visiting Disney … just here working for you).     On to some headlines:     # NASCAR using ethanol in 2011?   # Goodyear sets dates on offseason tire tests.   [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 8:08pm EST
  

• Changes with Dale Jr.'s team; Waltrip's '10 plans & watching more races online?

              I’m in Orlando at the inaugural North American Motor Sport Business Forum. Lots to talk about in NASCAR that isn’t Danica Patrick related.               First the headlines:   [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 12:24am EST
  

• Danica makes it official, she's coming to NASCAR

  Danica Patrick announced today that she'll drive in a limited number of Nationwide races this seaosn for JR. Motorsports. She will make her stock-car debut on Feb. 6 in the ARCA race at Daytona International Speedway. That is so she can get some experience on that track and with those' [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 1:49pm EST
  

• Danica's mystery tour ends Tuesday

  Danica Patrick will make her long-long-long-awaited announcement about her NASCAR plans at 1 p.m. Eastern Tuesday.   [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 6:56pm EST
  

• Dale Jr. worries about N'wide team; What Montoya did to Stewart in Vegas

   Lots going on in Las Vegas from Dale Jr. to Tony Stewart-Juan Pablo Montoya to what Jimmie Johnson did on The Strip on Thursday and such, so let’s get to it.     [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 8:25pm EST
  

• Viva Las Vegas

              Just arrived in Las Vegas for activities related to Friday night’s Sprint Cup banquet, which will be televised live on Speed Channel. No, no Elvis sightings yet, but I haven't left the airport just yet.   ' [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 1:17pm EST
  

• An early peek into what 2010 season could be like

  While Jimmie Johnson and the gang are in Las Vegas or about to head out there for Friday's Sprint Cup banquet, here's a chance to take an early look at 2010 and who might be celebrating the most in Las Vegas in a year from now.   So, here's the early forecast [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 8:46am EST
  

• 2009: The Year of the Fan; How did NASCAR do for you?

  You may recall that before the beginning of the season, we declared this "The Year of the Fan'' in NASCAR, noting the slumping economy and how you the fan had tougher decisions ahead of you on what to do with your shrinking income. Would you keep going to Cup races? [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 1:32pm EST
  

• Mayfield on the attack and being attacked

  The season is over but not Jeremy Mayfield's battles with NASCAR and such. Wednesday proved to be an interesting day for Mayfield.   [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 7:47pm EST
  

• Hendrick: My priority is the 88 team''; NASCAR, Mayfield battle rages

  Although the season is over, much is still happening in NASCAR.   [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 4:48pm EST
  

• Sights and sounds from a history-making night in Homestead

  Lots of things to talk about folks but first let’s get to the champion.     [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 11:51pm EST
  

• Dale Jr. on his season, confidence, team & hot tubs; Kahne on his future

  Dale Earnhardt Jr. spent a few minutes chatting with reporters after qualifying and talked about his season, the National Enqurier story that suggested he was on a death spiral, his confidence in his team and more. (Below what Dale Jr. said, are comments from Kasey Kahne about his future and [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 4:26pm EST
  

• France talks, Gordon's future, Montoya's dilemma

  A busy at Homestead on the final weekend of the season. From NASCAR Chairman Brian France speaking to the media for about 45 minutes to news from some other drivers and more. So, let's go.   [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 2:17pm EST
  

• Will you be watching NASCAR history?

  If you didn't get to see the championship contenders press conference on Speed Channel today, the point of emphasis is history.   ' [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 4:19pm EST
  

• How would you answer these questions about TV coverage of NASCAR races?

  NASCAR reaches out to its fans and asks their opinion of various aspects of the sport by what it calls the NASCAR Fan Council.   [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 4:07pm EST
  

• And down the stretch ...

  One more race left in this season. Whether that's good or bad, only you can decide but come next week, you'll likely see Jimmie Johnson raise the championship trophy for a record-breaking fourth consecutive time.   ' [...]
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  Posted: November 15, 2009, 10:06pm EST
  

• Hamlin on Keselowski: He is just a complete moron''

  The feud between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski continued Saturday at Phoenix, taking some of the spotlight away from Kyle Busch needing only to start next week at Homestead to clinch the series title. (UPDATED WITH BRAD KESELWOSKI QUOTES AFTER MEETING WITH NASCAR OFFICIALS AT BOTTOM)   [...]
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  Posted: November 14, 2009, 8:10pm EST
  

• Hornaday becomes oldest champ; Robby Gordon looking for sponsorship

    Ron Hornaday, who is 51 years old, becomes the oldest champion in NASCAR's national series after winning the Camping World Truck series title on Friday night at Phoenix. The previous oldest champion was Ted Musgrave, who was 49 years, 11 months and 1 day when he won the 2005 series title. This is Hornaday's' [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 10:50pm EST
  

• A title contender energized, former driver coming back; a look at a sanctioning agreement

  Unfazed. That's how Jimmie Johnson's team is after last week's race at Texas where his points lead fell from 184 to 73. Yes, there is pressure, crew chief Chad Knaus admits, but they're still doing a lot of the same things as any other week. Knaus did tell me about' [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 3:43pm EST
  

• Odds and ends

  A few things from throughout the sport:   [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 8:12am EST
  

• Montoya on NASCAR: It's the greatest racing

  Juan Pablo Montoya says if you don't like the racing in NASCAR, you're missing something. Montoya makes his comments based on his experience in Formula One, Indy Car and NASCAR.   Here's what Montoya said in regards to the racing in Cup:   [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 12:46pm EST
  

• Maybe this Chase isn't quite over

  What a wild day at Texas from the finish to the point leader crashing and all sorts of other things in between. Certainly a lot of drama, something the sport hadn't seen as much the last few weeks with Jimmie Johnson seemlingly headed for his record-breaking fourth consecutive series title.   ' [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 11:08pm EST
  

• Brian France 1-on-1 discussing TV commentators, TV coverage, the car, the Chase

  I ran into NASCAR Chairman Brian France on Sunday morning before the race and got the chance to sit down with him for 15 minutes alone in the NASCAR hauler discussing some of the various issues that have arisen recently in the sport.   Here's a transcript of what France said to [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 1:47pm EST
  

• Newman meets with NASCAR about Dega crash

  Ryan Newman said he met with John Darby, Cup series director, and Robin Pemberton, VP of competition, on Wednesday to discuss his accident in Sunday's race at Talladega and the response of the emergency crews.   [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 1:58pm EST
  

• What makes a good race to you?

  The last couple of weeks there's been a lot of talk about the racing and where the sport is from the comments Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds made me in the "Frankly Speaking'' series to comments about boring racing from some about last week's Talladega race.   [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 7:57pm EST
  

• NASCAR official criticizes ABC's broadcast of Talladega race

  For the second week in a row, NASCAR has responded to what broadcasters have said either on air or in an interview. This time, the focus is on ABC's broadcast of the Talladega race Sunday. (UPDATE: ESPN/ABC statement added 5 grafs down)   ' [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 11:02am EST
  

• NASCAR faces a dilemma with Talladega; what must officials do?

    NASCAR faces a challenge as it heads into its final three weeks of the season.   What to do with Talladega.   While I'm sure many fans enjoyed Sunday's race, there were certainly a good bit of Internet chatter from folks not pleased.   ' [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 10:43pm EST
  

• NASCAR cracking down on bump drafting at Talladega

  NASCAR President Mike Helton delivered the news during the drivers meeting before the race -- No bump drafting or push drafting in the corners on ANY, including the final lap. Should it happen, drivers will be penalized.   If it happens before the last lap, drivers will have to pass through the [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 11:41am EST
  

• NASCAR gives Allmendinger breathalyzer test

  AJ Allmendinger spoke to the media briefly Friday and confirmed that he was given a breathalyzer test by NASCAR before he could practice.   Allmendinger was charged with driving while impaired after he was pulled over by Mooresville, N.C., police early Thursday morning. He had a .08 blood alcohol level, minimum to [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 5:27pm EDT
  

• McGrew to remain Dale Jr.'s crew chief; Changes coming

  It's official: Lance McGrew will remain Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief after this season, removing the interim tag. It's now on Lance's shoulders.   McGrew said there will be changes. The team shares a shop with Mark Martin's team. McGrew said that he and Martin's crew chief, Alan Gustafson, will restructure the [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 2:21pm EDT
  

• How McDonald's, a Lear jet and Darlington saved lives of drivers

  I talked to Gary Nelson today for a future story. You might recall the name. He's a former crew chief who was known for his creative ways of making cars go fast before NASCAR hired him to be its Cup series director, a position he held from 1991-2001 before moving [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 1:25pm EDT
  

• Behind closed doors at NASCAR ...

  Tuesday morning, I got the chance to watch NASCAR inspect Denny Hamln's winning car from Martinsivlle at NASCAR's R&D Center in Concord, N.C.   After a race, NASCAR does an inspection at the track but saves a more thorough inspection for its R&D Center on Tuesday mornings.   [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 1:46pm EDT
  

• Kyle Busch gets new crew chief

  Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that Dave Rogers will replace Steve Addington as crew chief for Kyle Busch on the Cup circuit after this weekend's race at Talladega.   The move comes as Busch and his team have fallen on hard times. He once seemed set to make the Chase only to [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 11:41am EDT
  

• ESPN suspends announcer for comment about Montoya

  ESPN confirmed Monday that it has suspended college football analyst Bob Griese for one week for  his comments about Juan Pablo Montoya during a broadcast last Saturday. Griese was to have worked a game for the network this weekend.   [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 7:11pm EDT
  

• Did Martinsville pass your test as a good race?

    So, what makes a good race for you? It's a question that seems to have many answers depending on if you're a fan, competitor or associated with the sport. (NOTE: 2nd section UPDATED)   [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 10:26pm EDT
  

• Frankly Speaking: Earnhardt left a void that hasn't been filled''

              I recently gathered Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds in a room to discuss the state of NASCAR and other key areas. [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 8:58am EDT
  

• Frankly Speaking: Our pencil pushers have not helped''

              I recently gathered Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds in a room to discuss the state of NASCAR and other key areas. [...]
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  Posted: October 24, 2009, 6:25pm EDT
  

• Frankly Speaking: We all have a lot to lose''

              I recently gathered Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds in a room to discuss the state of NASCAR and other key areas. [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 8:33pm EDT
  

• Elliott Sadler switching to a Ford next week

  Elliott Sadler will drive a Ford instead of a Dodge next weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, said Robbie Loomis, executive vice president of race operations at Richard Petty Motorsports.   RPM will switch to Ford next year with its impending merger with Yates Racing and it was expected that RPM would run a [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 3:57pm EDT
  

• Frankly Speaking: When you start doing that, you're on a slippery slope''

               I recently gathered Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds in a room to discuss the state of NASCAR and other key areas. [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 7:59pm EDT
  

• NASCAR responds to Frankly Speaking series

  You may have seen the ongoing online series we're doing where I sat down last week with Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds and they discussed various aspects of the sport. I've been running segments of what they said and will through Sunday. A NASCAR official has posted an online response to what [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 5:44pm EDT
  

• Frankly Speaking: Debris cautions drive me freaking crazy''

              I recently gathered Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds in a room to discuss the state of NASCAR and other key areas. [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 7:00pm EDT
  

• Crew chief swap at Richard Childress Racing

  Richard Childress Racing announced Wednesday that Todd Berrier will become Jeff Burton's crew chief starting next week at Talladega and that Doug Randolph will be Casey Mears' crew chief also starting next week.   ' [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 2:11pm EDT
  

• Frankly Speaking: This sport is in serious trouble''

              I recently gathered Kyle Petty, Jimmy Spencer and Larry McReynolds in a room to discuss the state of NASCAR and other key areas. [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 7:22pm EDT
  

• Who's to blame for drivers hiding emotions? Me? You? Or someone else?

  Denny Hamlin had some interesting comments about driver emotions on a conference call with reporters that got a debate started on Twitter.   Essentially, Hamlin was asked why don't drivers show more emotions these days. Here's what he said:   ' [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 2:54pm EDT
  

• Is Jimmie Johnson's dominance good or bad for NASCAR?

    Shortly after Saturday night's race Twitter (you can find me at twitter.com/dustinlong) was all aflutter in debate on whether Jimmie Johnson's dominance is good for the sport. Johnson completed a rare perfect weekend by being the fastest in each practice session, winning the pole and winning the race.   [...]
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  Posted: October 18, 2009, 2:12am EDT
  

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. is frustrated with everything ...

  Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his frustartion with his performance, his season and even the rule changes at Talladega.   Here's a transcript of what Dale Jr. said to the media Friday at Lowe's Motor Speedway:   Q: The issues with not being able to finish some races lately   [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 2:10pm EDT
  

• Odds and ends from Charlotte

    Jeff Burton says he hasn't noticed any changes in light of Kevin Harvick's ESPN interview last week where he hinted that he wouldn't return to Richard Childress Racing after the 2010 season.   [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 8:04pm EDT
  

• Analyzing the Chase contenders at Charlotte

   Here's a quick look at the Chase contenders heading into Saturday night's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.   [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 10:05am EDT
  

• My Hall of Fame vote; 4 of my 5 made it

              I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived at the Charlotte Convention Center on Wednesday to take part in selecting the first NASCAR Hall of Fame Class.               [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 4:42pm EDT
  

• Could a change be made to Talladega for next year?

  NASCAR has looked at moving the start/finish line at Talladega up the track closer to the tri-oval than turn 1.   Such a change, if it even happens, wouldn't happen until next year.   Car owner Jack Roush raised concerns about the location of the start/finish line after Carl Edwards' wreck on the last [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 3:20pm EDT
  

• Who is your five for inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Class?

  Wednesday, I'll be one of 50 voters who will determine the five inductees for the inauguarl class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. I'll admit as I write this, I don't have my five (fortunatley, a long flight from California from this weekend's race is giving me time to contemplate' [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
  

• Can Johnson make Gordon's statement come true?

  OK, so Jimmie Johnson takes over the Chase lead and teammate Jeff Gordon suggest this Chase could be over _ even though it's not hit the halfway point _ if Johnson's team doesn't make any mistakes.   Mark Martin's got to love hearing that, sitting 12 points behind Johnson.   ' [...]
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  Posted: October 11, 2009, 11:08pm EDT
  

• Ford delays debut of new engine

  Ford will delay the debut of its new Sprint Cup engine, Doug Hervey, who oversees Ford’s North American racing operations, told me Saturday afternoon at Auto Club Speedway.   The engine was scheduled to have debuted next week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Instead, Ford will debut the restrictor-plate version of the engine [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2009, 5:31pm EDT
  

• NASCAR slowing cars for Talladega race

  NASCAR will reduce the size of the restrictor plate and allow teams an optional change as a way to slow the cars and try to keep them from getting airborne at Talladega.   [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 8:40pm EDT
  

• Bigger tire coming? Lower ticket prices on way and other notes

  A number of things to get to, so let's go:   [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 3:15pm EDT
  

• Sizing up the Chase drivers at California

  A look at the Chase contenders heading into Sunday’s race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.       [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 1:11pm EDT
  

• Earlier start times and what Brian France said about the Chase

  With NASCAR announcing earlier start times next season -- 21 of the 36 Cup races will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern -- a key question will be if the networks beef up their post-race show. (I'll get to France in a moment.)   ' [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 7:41pm EDT
  

• NASCAR making start times earlier next season

  NASCAR announced Wednesday that start times will be more consistent and many races will start earlier than in past years, including the Daytona 500. [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 3:44pm EDT
  

• Danica, Dodge, Dega and more ...

  A collection of items from around the racing world.   # Expect the Danica Patrick sweepstakes to wind down shortly with the IndyCar series season finale this weekend. Danica had said she wouldn't announce any plans on her future until after the season.   JR Motorsports is interested in Patrick. This is what Kelley' [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 5:36pm EDT
  

• Kansas race didn't show signs of points racing

  Three-wide racing on occasion (and nearly four-wide once). Intense restarts. And critical pit calls on if to take two tires or four tires.   [...]
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  Posted: October 04, 2009, 7:58pm EDT
  

• Cutting it close but not crossing the line

  NASCAR says that the cars of Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson -- the top two drivers in the points -- came close to the tolerances officials allow in a post-race inspection of those Dover cars at NASCAR's R&D center. Essentially, we're talking fractions of an inch.   ' [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 2:35pm EDT
  

• A look at Chase drivers heading to Kansas

  Here's a look at the 12 Chase contenders as they head to Kansas for this weekend's Cup race.   [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 10:46pm EDT
  

• Johnson doesn't see 7 in future; Petty says talks with Yates continue

  Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty were at a press conference Wednesday for Lowe's Motor Speedway, promoting the track's upcoming race, which will have a Homecoming theme (more later). But a few things came out of the press conference.   [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 5:42pm EDT
  

• If you never saw Tim Richmond jazzercise ...

  Then you will get to in the documentary "Together.'' The movie is about the 25 years of Hendrick Motorsports from its beginning to today. I attended the premiere in Charlotte on Tuesday night.   Among those there were: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Darrell Waltrip, Ken Schrader, Geoffrey Bodine and [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 11:06pm EDT
  

• Royalty comes to NASCAR

  And we're not talking the France family.   ' [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 4:59pm EDT
  

• Round and round NASCAR (and Logano) goes

  Jimmie Johnson wins (again), Mark Martin leads the points (still) and Joey Logano goes for a (wild) ride.   So, is this Chase over?   Some would suggest it might be just two races in with Mark Martin leading and Jimmie Johnson 10 points behind. Juan Pablo Monotya is next, 65 points back. Kurt [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 9:53pm EDT
  

• When speeding isn't a good thing

  Today and throughout the remaining races, keep an eye on pit road. While many things will play a role in the championship, pit road could play a key factor and not just in pit stops. Think speeding penalties.   [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 10:30am EDT
  

• Notes and quotes from Dover

    A little bit of this and that from Dover.   # Update on Richard Childress Racing's No. 07 car. As you know Jack Daniel's isn't coming back. Childress says he's working on sponsorship and plans to field that car next season.  Childress also said he has not exercised the option on Casey' [...]
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  Posted: September 26, 2009, 5:50pm EDT
  

• Just race the races on video games?

  Brian Vickers was asked that in light of the recent incidnets on pit road the past couple of weeks with crew guys getting hit or run over and cars hitting if NASCAR should consider stiffer penalites for such incidents to prevent them.   Vickers had an interesting take on the situation. Here's' [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 11:38am EDT
  

• Subpoenas, possible sanctions add to Mayfield case

  Watch any courtroom drama and it might seem as if there's big action all the time in a court case. Of course, in reality, it's drawn out and there are many minor actions taken that help build a case.   [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 5:16pm EDT
  

• Looking ahead to Dover

  The  series heads to Dover this weekend and here's a look at some key stats and notes for the Chase contenders.       [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 8:47am EDT
  

• 8 car could be returning to NASCAR

  The folks at Dale Earnhardt Inc. are working at bringing the 8 car to both the Nationwide and Cup series next year.   [...]
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  Posted: September 23, 2009, 3:55pm EDT
  

• NASCAR tweaks testing policy

  NASCAR announced Wednesday that its testing ban will continue for next season with a catch.   [...]
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  Posted: September 23, 2009, 11:55am EDT
  

• Busch penalized; Mayfield analyzed? And more

  A number of things to hit, so here goes.   [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 6:26pm EDT
  

• One final toast

  Jack Daniel's announced Monday that it will conclude its NASCAR program after this season, leaving questions on what Richard Childress Racing will do with the No. 07 car and Casey Mears.   [...]
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  Posted: September 21, 2009, 1:55pm EDT
  

• Looking beyond Mark Martin's victory

  Mark Martin's fifth victory of the season kept him atop the points standing after the  first Chase race was just one of many interesting storylines, among Chase drivers and non-Chase drivers from the race. A bit of scatter shooting here so stick with me folks but lots of ground to [...]
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  Posted: September 20, 2009, 10:12pm EDT
  

• Jeff Gordon chases his first Cup title ... not fifth

  Four-time champion Jeff Gordon says that if he wins the championship this year, he won't necessarily look at being a five-time champion.   Gordon's previous four titles came under the old, season-long style of points. He's never won a title under the Chase, although many are quick to point out he would' [...]
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  Posted: September 19, 2009, 11:44am EDT
  

• Martin extends contract; Kahne looking for answers

  Mark Martin isn't leaving NASCAR any time soon. The team announced that the 50-year-old has signed a contract extension through 2011 (his deal was to have ended after next season) and that GoDaddy.com will be his sponsor for 20 Cup races next year, including the Daytona 500.   ' [...]
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  Posted: September 18, 2009, 12:19pm EDT
  

• Would a teammate throw away a win to help another make Chase?

  There's been a lot of talk this morning on if a teammate would help another one out by pulling over for position _ or even the win _ to help that teammate make the Chase.   The issue grew last week at the NHRA's U.S. Nationals when John Force was accused of [...]
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  Posted: September 11, 2009, 12:22pm EDT
  

• Richard Petty's team will race Fords in 2010

  Richard Petty Motorsports will have a new look in 2010 after yet another merger. The team will merge with Yates Racing and drive Fords in 2010.   So, what does this mean for a driver's lineup? That Reed Sorenson is out of a job. The four-car operation will have Paul Menard (from [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 3:53pm EDT
  

• Tony Stewart wins Prelude to the Dream race

  Tony Stewart showed several NASCAR stars and even a couple of NHRA drivers how it's done on the dirt, winning his charity event, the Prelude to the Dream dirt late model race at his own Eldora Speedway in Ohio.   [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 7:44am EDT
  

• Here's a NASCAR Hall of Fame Class

  The National Motorsports Press Association (full disclosure, I'm the President of it) announced Wednesday the newest members to its Hall of Fame.   They are: Roger Penske, Jack Roush, Robert Yates and Rusty Wallace.   ' [...]
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  Posted: September 09, 2009, 6:18pm EDT
  

• Could history be repeated at Richmond?

  Only once has a driver who clinched a spot in the Chase at Richmond gone on to win the championship. Kurt Busch did it in 2004 but could it happen this year and who might it be?   [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2009, 4:09pm EDT
  

• Examing what it will take for drivers to make the Chase

  One race to go before the Chase field is set and only four of the 12 spots are set. We know Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin are in. As for the others? That will be set Saturday night at Richmond.   So heading into Richmond, here's a look, [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2009, 6:45pm EDT
  

• Examining what it will take for drivers to make the Chase

  One race to go before the Chase field is set and only four of the 12 spots are set. We know Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin are in. As for the others? That will be set Saturday night at Richmond.   So heading into Richmond, here's a look, [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2009, 6:45pm EDT
  

• Kahne wins, race for last Chase spot tightens

  Kasey Kahne scored his second victory of the season and while he didn't guarantee himself a spot put himself in a good position heading into this week's race at Richmond.   Not bad for someone many were picking to fall out of the Chase, especially after finishing 28th two weeks ago at' [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2009, 1:31am EDT
  

• Stewart: Danica serious'' about racing in NASCAR

    Tony Stewart says it's more a matter of when Danica Patrick comes to NASCAR then if after meeting with her recently at his shop (her second visit there this year).   What it looks like is likely to happen is that Patrick will remain in the Indy Car series but then do [...]
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  Posted: September 05, 2009, 11:57am EDT
  

• Car stolen from Hamlin's residence

  Quick odds and ends to start a Saturday:   # A Lexus was stolen from the residence of Denny Hamlin's home recently and police have released the footage from the secruity camera at Hamlin's home showing the theft.   [...]
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  Posted: September 05, 2009, 7:36am EDT
  

• Edwards breaks foot, on crutches but plans to race

  Carl Edwards broke his right foot Wednesday playing Frisbee and is on crutches, but Roush Fenway Racing officials say that Edwards plans to race this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in both the Nationwide and Cup events.   Of course should Edwards win either, he won't be able to do his traditional backflip.   ' [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 5:21pm EDT
  

• Labonte will be at Atlanta in a new ride

  Bobby Labonte's saga continues.   After losing his ride for seven of the last 12 races, including this weekend's race at Atlanta, because Hall of Fame Racing didn't have sponsorship and Roush Fenway Racing development driver Erik Darnell did, Labonte will be back at Atlanta in a new ride.   ' [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
  

• RCR announces changes to organization

  You had to figure it was only a matter of time before this announcement came with it likely that none of Richard Childress Racing's four cars will make the Chase a year after he had three cars finish in the top 6 a year ago.   [...]
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  Posted: September 02, 2009, 5:38pm EDT
  

• The No. 3 returning to NASCAR

  Austin Dillon, grandson of car owner Richard Childress, will drive the No. 3 Truck for this weekend's Camping World Truck race at Iowa Speedway.   It marks the return of the No. 3 and Childress to that series for the first time since the RCR Truck program was discontinued after the 1999 [...]
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  Posted: September 02, 2009, 9:36am EDT
  

• Keselowski credits Dale Jr. with move; has multi-year deal with Penske

  Brad Keselowski lives in a townhome on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s property and drives for Dale Jr. in the Nationwide series.   [...]
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  Posted: September 01, 2009, 2:32pm EDT
  

• Keselowski joins Penske but note the fine print

  Take a close look at part of the release announcing that Brad Keselowski will join Penske in Cup.   "Keselowski, a 25-year-old native of Rochester Hills, Mich., will drive the No. 12 Penske Dodge in the NASCAR Cup Series next season. He will also run a full-season schedule in the 2010 Nationwide [...]
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  Posted: September 01, 2009, 9:42am EDT
  

• Sponsorship woes leave Labonte out of ride for 7 races

  Yates Racing announced that Erik Darnell will replace Bobby Labonte for seven of the remaining 12 races this season, starting this weekend at Atlanta.   The reason? Sponsorship (and other things).   First, let's go to the sponsorship aspect.   [...]
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  Posted: August 31, 2009, 3:17pm EDT
  

• What makes a good race? Tony back in Indy 500?

  There's always the debate out there about what is a good race to fans (I'll get to the issue of Tony Stewart and others possibly getting the chance to race in Indy 500 again lower). I get the notion that it doesn't matter how good or bad the first 90 [...]
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  Posted: August 31, 2009, 11:46am EDT
  

• Schedule changes for 2010 and more (including a wedding)

  Odds and ends in the NASCAR world with the Cup series taking this weekend off (more on the wedding after the schedule)   [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 12:10pm EDT
  

• A Dale Earnhardt Fantasy Camp could be coming

  Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials were at Carowinds on Wednesday to help celebrate the announcement the theme park will build a roller coaster called the Intimidator that will open next spring, nine years after Earnhardt's death in a crash on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. It will be [...]
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  Posted: August 26, 2009, 3:00pm EDT