Ryan Newman Wins Third Straight Pole; Dodge Qualifying Quotes from Pocono

RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 alltel Dodge Charger)
NOTE: Newman captured his third straight pole, fourth of the season and the 41st of his career in career start No. 202.

“It felt really good. Obviously the conditions got pretty good just like right now with the cloud cover around the track. It was a good run for the alltel Dodge. I thought I could have pushed it a little harder because it stuck so good. I just hope Mother Nature cooperates with us. These guys are doing a great job. We did six laps today in practice, three in race trim and two in qualifying trim and an idle lap besides that. It was an abbreviated practice for us, but they did a good job unloading a fast racecar right off the truck. That makes a big difference. We had a measurement issue (before qualifying). It was two tenths off. It was good before. That was a good lap. I can’t complain about it at all. The guys are doing a great job. I don’t know what else to say. They’re making them comfortable for me to drive and I’m just pushing the pedals. We had a good car at Dover, just not quite good enough. I think this car has potential to be a dominant racecar.”

“I really didn’t know what was going to be a good draw first of all. We were right in the middle of the pack. We just happened to be a little late getting through the house and caught a good cloud. That was nice, but the guys have done an awesome job with the alltel Dodge to be fast off the truck. We did three laps in race trim and two more in qualifying trim and just really can’t complain. These guys are doing an awesome job for me. It makes my job a lot easier. It was a good lap. It was smooth. The track picked up so much grip after practice that we totally bypassed the 53-second bracket. We went from a 54.18 to a 52.90. Part of that’s the racetrack and part of that is the guys stepping it up so much.”

COMMENT ON WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE TO ALLOW YOU TO WIN THREE STRAIGHT POLES “Just that performance I talked about. The guys doing a good job, bringing a fast car to the racetrack with the right balance. The momentum we have going back winning the pit crew challenge has definitely helped the entire team, and that makes a big difference. Taking nothing away from Martin Truex that race win last week definitely helped him in qualifying today, I guarantee it. You can’t put a time on it, but success breeds performance.”

DID THE RUN YOU HAD LAST WEEK GET OVERSHADOWED? “I wouldn’t say I got overlooked. Obviously more things were important. Just from our team’s perspective. We had a really fast car at Dover. It just wasn’t quite as fast as Martin’s. I think both teams did an excellent job all day. Aside from his starting position, outside the top four or five, that’s not easy to do for 400 miles anywhere. It was a good momentum-building experience the entire last weekend was for us or four days ago or whenever it was.”

TALK ABOUT HOW TRUEX HAS EVOLVED “Back in 2005 I got a chance to race against Martin a lot in the Busch Series. He’s a great driver. We’ve always raced clean. I’ve never had an issue on the track or off. I have a lot of respect for him. We both have a lot in common with fishing and racing. My wife likes to shop and so does his girlfriend. Everything is good.”

WHY WERE YOU LATE GETTING TO THE LINE? “There was a measurement on the car that we had passed this morning. We didn’t change anything. The measurement wasn’t meeting it, so we had to go back to the stall and change one thing to get back through, which was just a time delay basically to get back out there. There was nothing intentional. That’s the way it works out when you’re trying to put the numbers right on the number.”

DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GETTING CLOSE TO GETTING BACK TO WINNING FORM? “I’d like to think so. I never thought it would have slipped away in the first place, but to answer your question I think as long as we keep putting ourselves in position and qualifying as well as having fast racecars in the race as well as getting those top five and top 10 finishes, we’ll be in position at some point. It’ll be nice to click off three wins in a row and not just three poles in a row.”

SINCE IT DID GET AWAY FROM YOU, DOES THAT MAKE YOU APPRECIATE SOME OTHER DRIVERS MORE? “I watched Gordon go through his so-called slump where he hadn’t won any poles or races in so long. When it’s not happening to you, you don’t think it’s gonna happen. I guess at some point whether it’s the team or driver of the combination, it may get away. It’s definitely difficult to go through that time and it makes you appreciate when you get back running better, those times even more.”

Ryan Newman 4th Fastest in Practice 2 and 14th Fastest in Practice 3 at Pocono

Ryan Newman and the #12 Alltel Dodge team had their second and third practices at Pocono Raceway today for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Pocono 500.

Newman had the 4 fastest practice speed of 167.004 mph / 53.891 sec in practice 2.

Newman was -0.117 seconds behind the leader Tony Stewart who had a practice time of 167.367 / 53.774.

In Practice 3 Newman had the 14th fastest practice speed of 164.225 mph / 54.803 sec.

Newman was -0.511 seconds behind the leader Denny Hamlin who had a practice time of 165.77 / 54.292.

Practice 3 Results

Practice 2 Results

Practice 1 Results

Qualifying Order

Ryan Newman Captures The Pole At Pocono

Man oh Man....The Rocket Man Is Back

Ryan Newman once again has grabbed a pole position. This time it is for the Pocono 500 at the Pocono Raceway.

This makes it Newman's 4th pole for the season although he is still winless.

Newman had a time of 170.062 / 52.922.

He was almost a quarter of a second faster than the second place qualifier Denny Hamlin who swept the 2006 season at Pocono.

LINE UP



Good luck to Ryan Newman and his #12 Alltel Dodge Team!!

Ryan Newman 7th For Pocono 500 1st Practice

Ryan Newman and the #12 Alltel Dodge team had their first practice at Pocono Raceway today for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Pocono 500

Newman had the 7 fastest practice speed of 166.101 mph / 54.184 sec.

Newman was -0.183 seconds behind the leader Jimmie Johnson who had a practice time of 166.664 / 54.001.

Practice 1 Results

Good luck to Ryan Newman and the #12 Alltel Dodge Penske Racing Team in the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway

NASCAR Finally Penalizes Kurt Busch

I have not posted anything about this subject because I was waiting and waiting for the NASCAR penalty. NASCAR has fined Kurt Busch $100,000, 100 championship points and placed him on probation until Dec. 31st of this year for his "on pit row road rage" at Dover last weekend with Tony Stewart (and crew) after he was spun after having contact with Stewart.

Is this enough? Who am I to say. But I thought his actions on pit road were completely uncalled for and absolutely ridiculous. I honestly think he should have sat out for at least one race. You keep the action on the track and not on pit row, especially when the over the wall guys are - over the wall.

Rodger Penske was also docked 100 championship owner points. Was this right? I don't know.

"I regret the incident that occurred at Dover and apologize to NASCAR, my sponsors, the fans, my Penske Racing team and Joe Gibbs Racing," Busch said in a statement. "I understand that safety is crucial to the sport and I accept the points penalty, fine and probation that NASCAR hasimposed on me."

The penalty drops Busch from 11th in the championship standings to a tie with Greg Biffle for 18th at 720 points behind leader Jeff Gordon.

GOOD NEWS for Ryan Newman.
---Newman is now is 15th position in points
---Newman is now only 38 points outside of 12 position
---Newman is now the highest ranked Dodged driver
---Newman is now the top dog at Penske (probably more than just points standing)
---Newman is now 50 points ahead of his team mate Kurt Bush.

This is Newman's second advancement in points due to other drivers penalties. He also gained a position when Dale Earnhardt JR was penalized points for having an unauthorized rear wing holder on his COT car. JR has since advanced back up to 14th place one spot ahead of Newman.

Other than Penske being docked points, Newman should thank Kurt Busch.

Rocketman seems to be back in form

Capturing 35 poles over his first 150 races earned Ryan Newman the nickname “Rocketman.”

However, in his next 49 races, Newman won only three poles and was in danger of losing that status as the top qualifier in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

Judging by the last two races, it appears as if the “Rocketman” is back.

First at Charlotte and then at Dover, Newman put his No. 12 Dodge owned by Penske Racing on the pole. He will try to make it three straight today at 3:40 during qualifying for the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond.

“I wouldn’t say we’re back full force, but a percentage of us is,” Newman said. “We need some better results on race day, and we’re working on that.”

Actually, qualifying isn’t the only area where Newman is making a comeback.

During Monday’s race at Dover, Newman led 135 laps and placed second to Martin Truex Jr. It was his best finish of the season, and his fourth top-10 finish in the last five races.

After finishing in 38th place at Phoenix, Newman was mired in 26th place in the point standings. With his recent surge, however, he has climbed 10 spots in the standings to 16th. And, he is only 46 points out of 12th place — the final qualifying spot for the “Chase for the Championship.”

“There’s no doubt about it. I think we can make the Chase,” Newman said. “Tons of racing to go, and I think our performance needs to speak for itself when it comes to the points. We look forward to the opportunity.”

Winning a third straight pole today would not be a surprise for Newman since he has performed well at Pocono in the past.

In July 2003, Newman sat on the pole and went on to win the race. He also has an ARCA victory at Pocono in 2000.

Besides his back-to-back poles at Charlotte and Dover, Newman also won the pole this season at Atlanta.

Jeff Gordon has been the man to beat in qualifying so far this season with five poles — California, Bristol, Phoenix, Talladega and Richmond. He also started first a sixth time when qualifying at Texas was rained out and the starting lineup set by points.

Leading the standings by 152 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson, Gordon has two career poles at Pocono.

Four drivers have won one pole each this season: David Gilliland (Daytona), Kasey Kahne (Las Vegas), Denny Hamlin (Martinsville) and Clint Bowyer (Darlington).

Last season, Hamlin swept the poles for both Pocono races. Kahne holds the track qualifying record at 172.533 mph, set in June 2004.

Bill Elliott and Ken Schrader share the record for career poles at Pocono with five each.

thetimestribune.com

Ryan Newman to sign copies of Pit Road Pets trackside in Michigan in June 2007

NASCAR Fans and Their Four-Legged Friends Get Up Close and Personal with Ryan Newman and Meaty Bone®’s Meat the Better Bone™ Experience

Ryan Newman, driver of the #12 Penske Racing Alltell Dodge in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, will sign copies of the charity book Pit Road Pets™: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets during the upcoming Michigan race weekend. The book features first-person stories and intimate photographs of nearly 50 NASCAR celebrities and their pets—including Ryan, his wife Krissie, and their four rescued dogs Harley, Digger, Mopar, and Socks.

The session will be limited to the first 125 fans holding an autograph session ticket. Autograph session tickets may be picked up at the Meaty Bone® tent beginning Friday, June 15 at 1-5 PM and Saturday 11AM-3 PM. Fans may either bring a previously purchased copy of the book to the signing or purchase the book at Newman’s Motorsports Authentics trackside souvenir rig. Newman will sign up to two copies of Pit Road Pets in addition to one other item per person during the autograph session.

Meat the Better Bone™ Experience:
The Meaty Bone® brand is giving NASCAR fans and their four-legged best buds an experience that’s “Bad to the Bone” during this weekend’s race at Michigan International Speedway. Race over and Meat the Better Bone™ at the Juniper Hills Campground:

Meaty Bone® sampling tent at the Juniper Hills Campground:
·Feel Like NASCAR’s ‘Lucky Dogs’ at the Meat the Better Bone™ Tent: Dogs, and their human companions, are invited to visit a special Meaty Bone® tent to get free Meaty Bone® and Chew-lotta® dog snack samples, coupons for free product and water for those hot dogs.

Make Your Mark With Games, Contests and More: The tent also features some entertainment for pet parents including a pet-inspired “Boldest Dog Bark” contest and a Mark Your Territory™ Squirt Gun Game – complete with rotating fire hydrants. Only the boldest win the coveted Meaty Bone® red ring t-shirts, tattoos and more!
This stop is one of thirteen stops that the Meaty Bone® brand will be making during major NASCAR races this season.

WHEN:

Book signing:

Saturday, June 16, 2007 from 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Meat the Better Bone™ Experience:

Friday, June 15: 11AM-5 PM
Saturday, June 16 10 AM-5 PM
Sunday, June 17: 9 AM-2 PM
WHERE:

The Meaty Bone® tent located in the Juniper Hills Campground across from Michigan International Speedway’s main gate.
About Pit Road Pets™: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets:
Meaty Bone® is committed to supporting the Ryan Newman Foundation and has sponsored the reprint of the foundation’s charity book Pit Road Pets™: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets. The Ryan Newman Foundation is donating 100% of its net proceeds from the book to the Humane Society of Catawba County’s capital campaign to build a no-kill animal shelter, education center, dog park and regional public low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Hickory, North Carolina that will serve the counties in the heart of NASCAR country. The spay/neuter clinic is part of the National Spay/Neuter Response Team initiative, for which Ryan and Krissie Newman volunteer as spokespersons. The book’s photographer is Karen Will Rogers and writer is Laura Lacy. Pit Road Pets™ is proud to be part of the NASCAR Library Collection. For additional information, visit www.pitroadpets.com.

ABOUT MEATY BONE®:
Meaty Bone® dog snacks include original Meaty Bone® dog biscuits and Meaty Bone®
Chew-lotta® dog snacks. Dogs love the beefier, baked-in taste of Meaty Bone® – beats ordinary dry biscuits any day! Chew-lotta® delivers unbeatable meaty taste in a long lasting chew bone. For more information visit, www.meatybone.com. Meaty Bone® is a brand of Del Monte Pet Products, a division of Del Monte Foods (NYSE:DLM)—one of the country's largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products.

First Night Of Fast Cars And Superstars Review

Well......I watched it. Even though it is set up as a reality show, I really don't consider it one. More like a competition show. There really isn't any drama or story and it was just three stars competeing for the fastest 3 lap time.

Kurt Busch led Laird Hamilton, John Elway and Serena Williams around the track as they competed for the fasted times (individualy). And that was the order of their times as well. So Williams is off the show.

If I was not a NASCAR fan, I probably would have been even more bored during the show. I say I was bored, but I found myself rooting for Elway and it was cool seeing the intensity of Hamilton and the fear - then confidence - of Williams.

Basically I thought it was a boring show, but I also know I will probably keep watching but not clearing my calendar for it. The exception will be on June 14th I will TRY a little harder to be there to see how Ryan Newman does on the show.

Mike

Fast Cars & Superstars debuts on ABC tonight

TONIGHT (JUNE 7TH) 8PM ABC

----PERSONALLY I CAN NOT THINK OF ANYTHING ON ABC THAT I LIKE TO WATCH. AND THIS SHOW IS NOT GETTING GOOD REVIEWS, BUT OF COURSE, I WILL BE CHECKING IT OUT TONIGHT.

I THOUGHT I READ THAT NEWMAN WILL BE FEATURED ON THE JUNE 14TH SHOW.

MIKE

Celebrities including Jewel, Tony Hawk, Serena Williams and William Shatner are dreaming of life in the fast lane as they race to the finish in the new reality show, "Fast Cars & Superstars -- Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race," a seven-episode series to premiere THURSDAY, JUNE 7 (8:00-8:31 p.m., ET) on ABC. Twelve celebrity drivers will partner with the Gillette Young Guns - six of stock car racing's most talented and popular drivers - to learn what it takes to win on the race track.

The show will explore the interaction of top young stock car drivers with stars from the world of sports, music and entertainment, featuring drama and competition on and off the race track. In each episode, viewers will watch celebrities train with a Gillette Young Guns driver. The show will culminate in a one-hour finale where the celebrities will be coached from the pits by their Gillette Young Guns instructors, and compete against each other during a time-trial race.

In the premiere, "Episode 101," Kurt Busch pushes John Elway to the limit in the cars.com car, Laird Hamilton confirms that nothing scares him and Serena Williams screams her way to shattering her own personal challenge.

The series is hosted by ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne and co-hosted by former Cleveland Cavaliers center and current ESPN NASCAR analyst Brad Daugherty.

Celebrity Drivers are singer Jewel, actor William Shatner, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, actress Krista Allen, seven-time World All-Around Rodeo Champion Ty Murray, former NBA Champion John Salley, former NFL Super Bowl Champion John Elway, World Wrestling Entertainment Champion John Cena, tennis star Serena Williams, volleyball great and model Gabrielle Reece, legendary surfer Laird Hamilton and former NFL Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Bill Cowher. Gillette Young Guns are Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray.

"Fast Cars & Superstars - Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race" was co-created by BBDO and Gillette and produced by Radical Media in association with Embassy Row Sports.

Newman Finishes 18th At Eldora Speedway

RESULTS -

1. Carl Edwards
2. Kyle Busch
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Ken Schrader
5. Clint Bowyer
6. Kasey Kahne
7. Matt Kenseth
8. J.J. Yeley
9. David Reutiman
10. Mark Martin
11. Aric Almirola
12. Dave Blaney
13. Kenny Wallace
14. Kevin Harvick
15. Juan Montoya
16. Denny Hamlin
17. Red Farmer
18. Ryan Newman
19. Cruz Pedregon
20. Mike Wallace
21. Bobby Labonte
22. Tony Stewart
23. Ray Evernham
24. Ron Capps

Newman says it's only a matter of time before he wins

Ryan Newman says it's just a matter of time before he and Penske Racing's No. 12 Dodge are back in the winner's circle.

Newman last won in September 2005 at New Hampshire International Speedway, but he believes the team has turned around this season.

"I'm very happy with the way this team is running, and it's just a matter of time before it's our turn to be in victory lane again," he said after finishing second in Monday's rain-delayed event at Dover International

Raceway.

Newman has certainly turned up the level of performance lately. He has four top-10 finishes in the last five races and has been a valid contender in each of those.

Coming off a season in which the team did not make the Chase For The Nextel Cup, the driver and crew seem relieved to be contending once more.

Now they just need a victory.

"The guys in the shop and at the track are working so hard, and they've been giving me really great cars," Newman said. "The pit crew did an awesome job last week in Dover, and I'm really looking forward to racing at Pocono and getting this Dodge back into victory lane."


scenedaily

Ryan Newman and the Pocono Raceway

Welcome to Pocono Raceway located in Long Pond, PA.

Ryan Newman and his Penske Racing #12 Alltel Dodge will be racing here this weekend in the Pocono 500.
Pocono Raceway
***Location : Long Pond, PA
***Completed : 1968
***Distance : 2.5 miles
***Shape : Tri-oval
***Seating : 76,812


***Nextel Cup Top Race Speed : 144.892 by Rusty Wallace on 7/21/1996
***Nextel Cup Top Qualifying Speed : 172.533 by Kasey Kahne on 6/11/2004


MANUFATURER WINS AT Pocono Raceway SINCE 2002
DODGE = 2
FORD = 3
CHEVROLET = 5


NEWMAN'S STATS AT Pocono Raceway

STARTS = 10>>>Poles = 1>>>Wins = 1>>>Top 5 = 4>>>Top 10 = 4

Avg Start = 10.4>>>Avg Finish = 15.4>>>%Laps Comp = -0.9645>>>Laps Led = 140

Crew chief Mike Nelson and the No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger team will take chassis PRS-104 to Pocono as the primary car. This car last ran during the California race in February when Newman started 19th and finished 12th.

The back-up car is PRS-097. This chassis has been tested at Kentucky and Nashville this year, but has not been raced.

Newman's Thoughts On Pocono: “We had a really strong run earlier this week at Dover and we came so close to getting a win, but we just didn’t have as fast a car as Martin [Truex Jr.] did. I’m very happy with the way this team is running and it’s just a matter of time before it’s our turn to be in Victory Lane again. The guys in the shop and at the track are working so hard and they’ve been giving me really great cars. The pit crew did an awesome job last week in Dover and I’m really looking forward to racing at Pocono and getting this Alltel Dodge back into Victory Lane.”

In the last 10 races at Pocono, all but one of the winners has started in the top 14. 7 of the wins have come from the top 5 and 4 of those have been from the pole position. Newmans win in July of 2003 came from the pole position. Denny Hamlin swept the 2006 season with poles and wins at Pocono.

NEWMAN'S STATS AT Superspeedway 's
Races = 27>>>Wins = 0>>>Top 5 = 4>>>Top 10 = 8>>>Average Start = 16>>>Average Finish = 18.8

Good luck to Ryan Newman and the Penske Racing's #12 Alltel Dodge NASCAR Nextel Cup Team at Pocono Raceway for the Pocono 500 this coming week and weekend!!!


Mike Pratt

Watch Ryan Newman Tonight in the "Prelude to the Dream"

Ryan Newman will be racing in tonight Nextel Prelude to the Dream race at Eldora.

WHAT: Prelude to the Dream
WHERE: Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio
WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday
DISTANCE: 30-lap feature
CARS: Dirt late-model stocks
PAST WINNERS: Kenny Wallace, 2005; Tony Stewart, 2006

HBO: Pay-per-view
COST: $24.95
ANNOUNCERS: Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, Kyle Petty
PITS: Dick Berggren, Matt Yocum
HOW TO ORDER: www.hbo.com/sports
LIVE BROADCAST AT 7 P.M. EASTERN


LINEUP
Aric Almirola Promising NASCAR driver has limited dirt experience
Dave Blaney Won 1995 World of Outlaws title and 1997 Knoxville Nationals
Clint Bowyer Grew up on dirt and won the 2002 track title at Kansas' Lakeside Speedway
Kyle Busch Four-time Cup winner grew up on asphalt, but adapts quickly
Ron Capps NHRA star will have to get used to turning left -- and doing it on dirt
Carl Edwards Four-time Cup winner will be at home in a dirt late model
Bill Elliott Plenty of dirt experience for the 1988 Cup champion
Ray Evernham Trading his ownership hat for a helmet and a steering wheel at Eldora
Red Farmer A legend, who even at more than 75 years of age is not afraid to mix it up on dirt
Jeff Gordon Four-time Cup champ will race at Eldora for the first time since 1991.
Denny Hamlin Not a lot of dirt experience, but plenty of late-model experience
Kevin Harvick Made his dirt-track debut two years ago at the Prelude to the Dream
Kasey Kahne Cut his teeth on dirt in USAC competition
Matt Kenseth 2003 Cup champ has limited dirt experience
Bobby Labonte Owns a dirt late-model team, but has not driven much on dirt
Mark Martin One of the all-time greats, doesnt have much dirt experience, but can adapt quickly
Juan Montoya Zero dirt experience, but can become the first to win at Indy, Monaco and Eldora
Ryan Newman Like Kahne, cut his teeth in USAC competition on dirt
Cruz Pedregon Like Capps, this NHRA star will have to get used to turning left on dirt.
David Reutimann Began racing in dirt late models
Elliott Sadler Three-time Cup winner has limited dirt experience
Kenny Schrader Could be the favorite as he will race anywhere, anytime - especially on dirt.
Tony Stewart Liked Eldora so much he bought it in 2004
Kenny Wallace 2006 Prelude winner, grew up on dirt
Mike Wallace Plenty of Midwest dirt experience
J.J. Yeley Cut his teeth on dirt in USAC competition

Newman is back, but it's not a comeback

DOVER, Del. -- Don't call it a comeback; he's been here for weeks.

Ryan Newman's runner-up finish in Monday's rain-delayed Nextel Cup race at Dover International Speedway marked the driver's fourth top-10 in five weeks.

For Newman, who led 135 of 400 laps, it's a much-needed turnaround from where he started in the Daytona 500 season opener.

"These guys are doing a good job. We've just got to keep working on it. We're not in the best points position. We've got to stay focused on that," Newman said. "We don't have anything to give, we have to keep taking."

On top of consecutive pole starts, one at Lowe's Motor Speedway and the other at Dover, Newman's second-place finish is a season-best for the Dodge manufacturer. His recent string of top-10s has moved the driver up from 26th to 16th in points in the past five races.

"It was a good run for our Alltel Dodge, something to build on for sure," Newman said. "Believe it or not, I get out of the car with a smile, but I get a smile driving the car, too. It's nice."

Newman, who has been winless for nearly two years, has commented that his pit crew, the same crew which won the Pit Crew Challenge in May, is making strides as well.

Crew chief Mike Nelson agrees.

"The guys did an awesome job in the pits [Monday]," he said. "I don't think they could have done any better and that's all I can ask for."

source - NASCAR.com

Dodge and Ryan Newman Statements on Bill France, Jr.

DODGE STATEMENT ON BILL FRANCE Jr. “Everyone in the Dodge Motorsports family was saddened to hear the news of Bill France, Jr.’s passing. His leadership of NASCAR was fundamental in creating the dynamic motorsports industry we have today, and his contributions were innumerable. His vision, pragmatism and steady guidance will be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten.” — Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand Marketing and SRT Communications

Ryan Newman – “Our thoughts go out to the France Family today. Obviously it’s a tough day in respect to that. I didn’t know Bill France Jr. real well, but obviously he helped build the sport. Without him and his dad the sport wouldn’t be what it is and it’s going to change with him gone. They’ve got a big, strong family and they’ll stand by his memory and help NASCAR keep growing as well. My condolences go out to the France Family.

Ryan Newman Interview Today - "On Pit Row"

Ryan Newman will be "on the air" this evening with Steve and Charlie. Steve and Charlie host "On Pit Row" Tuesday evenings from 5-7 pm (est). On Pit Row is live from Toledo, OH on 1230 WCWA.

Here is the exact information that I recieved about the interview.

"Ryan is confirmed to be ON PIT ROW today at 6:30 pm EDT. If you can't listen, you can still call at 877-502-8255 either before during or after the interview. "

I can not seem to find an affiliate here in Lansing, MI. If I am wrong, please let me know! I MIGHT be able to pull the signal into Lansing. Stirng up a big ol' antenna. Ok, I don't have time for that, but I will see what my home radio can do!

So check it out. I am hoping to be able to get it!!

On Pit Row Blog - http://benchracing.typepad.com/

On Pit Row website - http://www.onpitrow.com/

Mike

UPDATE - RYAN NEWMAN WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE INTERVIEW. HOPEFULLY NEXT WEEK. I WILL POST WHEN I KNOW SOMETHING! THANKS TO CHARLIE FOR THE UPDATE!

Ryan Newman Finishes 2nd In the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover

Ryan Newman and his #12 Alltel Dodge team had a great day at Dover International Speedway for the Autism Speaks 400 finishing 2nd!

Newman ran in the top 5 all day and usually was in the top 3. Newman led 135 out of the 400 laps.

Newman appeared to be good on restarts then would either fall off just a little, or everyone else would get a little better.

Martin Truex JR. won the race today. This is his first Nextel Cup series win. Congratulations to him.

I had to listen to the race on the radio while at work and followed it on Fox Trax, but I was at work and could not pay 100% attention.

More news to follow.

Unofficial Results.

Pos. Driver Starting Pos. Car No. / Mfg.
1 Martin Truex Jr. 26 #1 / Chevrolet
2 Ryan Newman 1 #12 / Dodge
3 Carl Edwards 5 #99 / Ford
4 Denny Hamlin 29 #11 / Chevrolet
5 Matt Kenseth 17 #17 / Ford
6 Greg Biffle 10 #16 / Ford
7 Mark Martin 21 #01 / Chevrolet
8 Clint Bowyer 15 #07 / Chevrolet
9 Jeff Gordon 6 #24 / Chevrolet
10 Robby Gordon 33 #7 / Ford
11 Kasey Kahne 4 #9 / Dodge
12 Jeff Burton 9 #31 / Chevrolet
13 Casey Mears 41 #25 / Chevrolet
14 David Ragan 31 #6 / Ford
15 Jimmie Johnson 27 #48 / Chevrolet
16 Sterling Marlin 37 #14 / Chevrolet
17 Kyle Busch 19 #5 / Chevrolet
18 Bobby Labonte 3 #43 / Dodge
19 Brian Vickers 24 #83 / Toyota
20 Kevin Harvick 18 #29 / Chevrolet
21 Tony Raines 25 #96 / Chevrolet
22 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2 #8 / Chevrolet
23 Scott Riggs 11 #10 / Dodge
24 Jamie McMurray 8 #26 / Ford
25 Joe Nemechek 35 #13 / Chevrolet
26 Elliott Sadler 7 #19 / Dodge
27 Reed Sorenson 28 #41 / Dodge
28 Michael Waltrip 23 #55 / Toyota
29 David Gilliland 36 #38 / Ford
30 Jeff Green 38 #66 / Chevrolet
31 Juan Pablo Montoya 16 #42 / Dodge
32 Johnny Sauter 42 #70 / Chevrolet
33 A.J. Allmendinger 43 #84 / Toyota
34 Kyle Petty 39 #45 / Dodge
35 Bill Elliott 14 #21 / Ford
36 David Stremme 34 #40 / Dodge
37 J.J. Yeley 32 #18 / Chevrolet
38 Jeremy Mayfield 20 #36 / Toyota
39 Ricky Rudd 40 #88 / Ford
40 Tony Stewart 30 #20 / Chevrolet
41 Ward Burton 13 #4 / Chevrolet
42 Kurt Busch 12 #2 / Dodge
43 Dale Jarrett 22 #44 / Toyota

Bill France Jr. dies at 74

Bill France Jr., who learned the stock car racing trade at his father's knee and who expanded NASCAR's reach with new television and promotional initiatives, died today.

France, who was 74, had battled cancer and respiratory illness for several years.

He was vice chairman of NASCAR and chairman of International Speedway Corp., which operates racetracks across the country.

France was the individual most responsible for bringing reality to the vision his father, William H.G. France, had in the 1940s - one of a strong national organization running, promoting and expanding stock car racing.

France led NASCAR as its president from January 1972 to November 2000. Over that span, NASCAR grew from a generally regional curiosity to a fully national sport, one coveted by television networks and Madison Avenue moneychangers.

"He had the vision and pragmatism that made a fundamental sport become acceptable, grow and widen its horizons beyond imagination," said NASCAR President Mike Helton, the man who followed France into the organization's leadership position.

That decision in itself was a major one for France. Placing Helton in day-to-day control of the organization his father had started put someone other than a France family member in charge for the first time. France knew that the vast sporting arena he had helped to create had reached a level above and beyond the control of one person or one family. Growth had brought new challenges, and he was determined to meet them head-on with new people and new ideas, even as he retained a strong grip on the heart and soul of the organization.

After stepping down as president, France served as NASCAR chairman until October 2003, when he named his son, Brian, to replace him.

Even in "retirement," even in the years when disease and the natural negatives associated with advancing age limited his reach, France wielded significant power. It was clear that all important decisions crossed his desk until the final months of his life. Even with routine matters, his advice and counsel were sought.

France was practical and pragmatic. A tireless worker, he often expected the same of those in his top ranks. He also expected them to do their homework. Decisions and choices that demanded major research and planning were analyzed from every angle, and France expected those involved in the process to have the answers to each and every question he might pose.

He was particularly attuned to detail. Although most of his professional life was lived in the NASCAR orbit, he also was heavily involved in the inner workings of ISC. The operation of speedways - and the planning, preparation and policies involved in making them successful - was perhaps the thing he enjoyed most about being in a position of authority.

On a race day at Daytona International Speedway, he sat with track managers over lunch. The conversation evolved to the topic of possible heavy rain in the area, and France was told track workers were prepared if the possible weekend total of eight inches arrived. "But you have to be ready for more than eight," he said.

That was France. Cover every contingency.

His father, known by most as Bill France Sr., founded NASCAR in 1948. Although its marquee series, first known as Strictly Stock and later Grand National before eventually becoming Winston Cup and then Nextel Cup, ran races outside the South in its early years, NASCAR didn't shake its reputation as a Southeastern sport until growth spurts in the 1970s and 1980s. Critical to that change was the sponsorship of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., which brought its Winston cigarette brand to the sponsor table in 1971, and increasing coverage by network and cable television entities.

Bill France Jr. grew up around the sport, helping his father by working at speedway concession stands and by nailing promotional posters to roadside poles. He soon advanced to flagging races, promoting events and working the control tower during Cup races.

When his father decided to retire from the organization's presidency in 1972, France Jr. was the obvious choice to succeed him.

scenedaily

Weather Forecast For Rain Delayed Autism 400 at Dover

The weather forecast for the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway is today is.... RAIN.

There is an 80 percent chance for rain today in Dover - all day. Weather report that I heard last night said that between noon and 4pm (during the race) might be the best chance of not getting any rain.

I think we will see teams racing today with "rain stradegy". Maybe staying out a little longer, if possible, while they watch the radar and see rain moving in. Or on the same note, they could pit really early if they see a storm coming off in the deistance so that they are good by the time it gets there.

At any rate, it looks like it will be rain. I will miss the race due to work. I really want to take a half day off, but it looks like it will be rained out anyway. Or if there is delay after delay, maybe I will still get to see the end.

Rain Delays Autism 400 at Dover until Monday at Noon

Ryan Newman will have to wait until Monday at noon to start the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway due to mother nature.

Rain fell for hours leading up to the race's scheduled time and continued to fall after the race was suppose to begin.


Nascar decided to postpone the race until Monday at Noon, on FOX. So make sure you see catch Ryan Newman lead the field to green from the pole position. (I will be at work )

Newman Had Bad Engine Noise In Final Practiced - Now Fixed

Late in the final practice for today's NASCAR Autism Speaks 400, pole sitter Ryan Newman reported a strange noise in his Roger Penske Dodge Avenger. The Penske Racing team examined a malfunctioning engine but remained baffled as to the nature of the problem. Changing an engine would have meant giving up the pole and starting at the rear of the field in the 400. Before the team made that drastic move, it was decided that the noise involved the air conditioning system, according to a Penske Racing representative. Evidently an AC hose to Newman's helmet disconnected making unfamiliar noises. That proved to be an easy fix.