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Rolex 24 Standings Through 21.5 Hours (1pm EST)
posted by Phil Allaway
Sunday January 29, 2012
DP: GT:
Rolex 24 Standings Through 18.5 Hours
posted by Phil Allaway
Sunday January 29, 2012
DP: GT:
Rolex 24 Standings Through 11 Hours
posted by Phil Allaway
Sunday January 29, 2012
DP: GT:
Standings after 5 Hours 50 minutes
posted by Phil Allaway
Saturday January 28, 2012
DP: GT:
Standings After Regulation Sprint Race Distance (2 hours, 45 minutes)
posted by Phil Allaway
Saturday January 28, 2012
DP: GT:
Grand-Am to Add B-Spec Events Later in 2012
posted by Phil Allaway
Saturday January 28, 2012
On Saturday, Grand-Am Road Racing officially announced the creation of a new series that will act as the teritary division for the organization. The series will simply be referred to as “B-Spec.” The new B-Spec class is designed to be a very inexpensive way for brand new organizations to get involved with racing, and for existing organizations to cultivate new talent at a minimal cost. No professional drivers from any series will be allowed to participate in any B-Spec races. The B-Spec series will race four cylinder subcompact automobiles. Five manufacturers have already signed on to provide vehicles for the series. Those are Mazda with their 2, Honda with their Fit, Ford with their Fiesta, Mini with their Cooper and Kia with their brand-new Rio. As for how expensive these cars will be, Mazda would have prospective teams purchase a new Mazda 2. These start at roughly $15,000. From there, there would be a $2600 package that teams would have to buy from Mazdaspeed Motorsports. Finally, there would the all-important safety equipment (roll cage, racing seat, safety harness, fire extinguisher, etc.). The total cost per new car would be somewhere between $20,000-$30,000. Grand-Am brass are quite confident that the series will be a great fit in the organization. “This new form of Grand-Am racing will attract new racers and in the process, new fans,” said Mark Raffauf, Grand-Am’s Managing Director of Racing Operations. “The cars are cool and the competition will be door-to-door, which should be a lot of fun for everyone – a nice fit with what Grand-Am already has happening at every event.” The B-Spec class will race at six tracks later this season starting with Homestead at the end of April. Subsequent rounds would be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen (during the Six Hour weekend), Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Lime Rock Park. Events will be 30-45 minutes in length with no pit stops. The new series has been likened to the Renault Cup, a spec-series of Renault Le Car’s (and later Renault Alliances) back in the 1980’s. However, it more closely resembles IMSA’s International Sedan Series, which featured Acura Integras, Plymouth Horizons, Volkswagen Golfs, and the 1980’s version of the Dodge Charger, amongst others.
Ryan Dalziel Wins Overall Pole for Rolex 24, Brumos Racing on GT Pole
posted by Phil Allaway
Friday January 27, 2012
One of the sport’s legendary racetrack owners, spearheading the last independently-owned Sprint Cup facility has died. Dr. Joe Mattioli, 86, passed away Thursday afternoon at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center after a lengthy illness. A dentist by trade, the patriarch of one of the most influential NASCAR families staked the biggest portion of his reputation on racing, constructing the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway in Northeast Pennsylvania and convincing the most popular series in the country to stage races there. Constructed in the early 1960’s, the “Tricky Triangle” as it’s become known has hosted a total of 68 Cup Series events, beginning in 1974. Pocono Raceway is also home to a successful driving experience, a mainstay for the ARCA Series (two races per year) and has recently hosted one Camping World Truck Series event per season. Open-wheel cars also once graced the asphalt at a facility that has grown to hold over 100,000 fans. But Mattioli’s legacy reaches far beyond the racetrack. His land in Northeast PA is now home to a 25-acre solar energy system, made up of 40,000 American-made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. Opened in 2010, it makes the raceway the largest solar-powered sports facility in the country, spearheading NASCAR’s push towards protecting the environment and renewable energy. A Navy medic during World War II, Mattioli went to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA through the G.I. Bill and established a successful dental practice in the area. Investing in real estate during the ensuing decades allowed him to accumulate wealth and establish the funding necessary to build the racetrack, which now has expanded to include nearby lodging year-round among other projects, past, present and future which have helped boost the economy in the Pocono Mountain Region. “‘Doc’ was a true leader in every sense of the word,” said the Mattioli family in a statement. “As a visionary, he brought an unknown sport into an alien place, where he along with his unstoppable will and undeniable tenacity built one of the biggest monuments of sports. His passion for his projects was only overshadowed by his deep love for his family, which he gave to all of us hand over fist.” For years, other corporations have looked to buy the speedway and the surrounding land but Mattioli would never sell. That leaves Pocono one of just three tracks on the NASCAR schedule not owned by NASCAR-linked International Speedway Corporation or Bruton Smith’s Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (Indianapolis and Dover are the other two). Mattioli also steadfastly clung to the track’s 500-mile distances, a tradition that was only recently changed for 2012. The good doctor leaves behind his wife Rose – the couple was married 63 years – three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In August, 2011 he had retired from his role as President of the Raceway and left the day-to-day operations in the hands of grandchildren Brandon, Nick, and Ashley Igdalsky. There are no plans to sell the facility in the wake of his death; in fact, it was left in a trust so the track will remain in family hands for generations to come. “They can’t touch it,” he said last year in a conversation recounted by Brendan Gaughan Thursday on SiriusXM’s NASCAR channel. “They’re going to learn how to run it or starve.” Chances are, with the great teacher the grandkids had to learn from success, not starvation will be the modus operandi for years to come.
Statement On Dr. Joe Mattioli's Passing
posted by Thomas Bowles
Friday January 27, 2012
From the family of former Pocono Raceway owner and president, Dr. Joseph Mattioli… It is with the upmost remorse that we announce that Dr. Joseph Mattioli passed away this afternoon. His loss has left with each of us an unbearable sadness, which we’ll bear with us for the rest of our lives. “Doc” was a true leader in every sense of the word. As a visionary, he brought an unknown sport into an alien place, where he along with his unstoppable will and undeniable tenacity built one of the biggest monuments of sports. His passion for his projects was only overshadowed by his deep love for his family, which he gave to all of us hand over fist. Beyond our family, he had a true love and admiration for the wonderful members of his North Eastern Pennsylvania Community. He had a great respect for all of the great people that laid the foundations of prosperity before him, and an even greater hope for the future of our area, which he believed lies in its youth. He leaves not only his family, but also everyone he’s ever met with an insatiable desire to take life by the horns. He always lived life on his own terms He did it his way. “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” – Ernest Hemingway He died loved, respected, and admired.
SunTrust Racing, TRG fastest in Opening Practice for Rolex 24
posted by Phil Allaway
Thursday January 26, 2012
When the track opened up for practice at 10am Thursday morning, the teams were ready and raring to go. Many of the teams had new equipment to come to grips with, while others were using older, proven machinery. Unfortunately for Starworks Motorsport, their new equipment let them down before they even got onto the track. A failure in the Ford powerplant was found on pit road before the car even saw the track. As a result, they were forced to miss the first session while they changed the engine. The other 13 Daytona Prototypes managed to make their way onto the track and set times. The results more or less kept in line with the Roar Before the 24 test. The SunTrust Racing No. 10 Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Max Angelelli turned in the fastest lap with a time of 1:41.952 (125.706 mph). This is about six-tenths of a second slower than the fastest test times. However, temperatures are just about 80 degrees at the track. Second was the No. 01 BMW Riley DPG3 for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. The car, driven by Graham Rahal, posted a lap at 1:42.086 (125.541 mph), a tenth and a half slower than the Corvette. Third was the No. 99 Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing Chevrolet Corvette DP driven by Alex Gurney with a 1:42.199 (125.402 mph). Juan Pablo Montoya in Ganassi’s No. 02 and John Pew in the Michael Shank Racing No. 60 Ford Riley DPG3 rounded out the top-5. In GT, Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 67 TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup set down the fastest lap of the session right at the end of the session. His lap of 1:49.867 (116.650 mph) was less than two-hundredths of a second faster than Dirk Muller in the No. 94 BMW M3 for Turner Motorsport. Third in class was the Paul Miller Racing No. 48 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup driven by former Porsche factory driver Sascha Maassen with a 1:50.078 (116.426 mph). Sebastian Asch in the No. 17 Burtin Racing with Goldcrest Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup was fourth fastest, while Emil Assentato in the No. 69 FXDD Ferrari 458 Italia rounded out the top-5.
Ford Racing unveils 2013 Ford Fusion
posted by Mike Neff
Tuesday January 24, 2012
In the biggest announcement so far of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ford Racing took the wraps off of their 2013 Ford Fusion. The car incorporates common areas agreed upon by all manufacturers with style components unique to the 2013 production car to give fans a race car that truly resembles the street version of the Fusion. While there are most likely going to be some tweaks to the design the car is definitely a much needed change from the current race car and a vast improvement toward bringing the STOCK back to stock car racing. The car was a collaborative effort across many different parts of the Ford organization. One of the key members of the project was Garen Nicoghosian, design manager for specialty vehicles. He was oozing with pride over the car as the assembled members of the media commented on the great looks. He’s a fan of the cars that used to race in the old Trans Am series and it shows in the end product. “I am a big fan of the flared fenders” Nicoghosian said. “The body style and the proportions we came up with lent itself to the flared fenders and the planted look that it gives to the car. It reminds you a lot of a Porsche 911 in how it just looks planted into the track.” While the other manufacturers have not yet unveiled their proposed cars for 2013, Ford has certainly set the bar high with their Ford Fusion. |
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Ricky Carmichael The Milwaukee Mile Preview 06.19.09
Monday June 15, 2009
Ricky Carmichael
No. 4 Monster Energy Truck
Team Race Preview
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race 10 of 25 – The Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile
WISCONSIN BOUND: Ricky Carmichael returns to the No. 4 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) Monster Energy truck this weekend at The Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile for his first career Truck Series start at America’s Legendary Oval. Not only will Carmichael be making his first appearance at the track, but this will also mark his first trip to Wisconsin. His racing career on both two and four wheels has made Carmichael a world traveler, but this is the first time he will make the trek to The Badger State of Wisconsin.
In the history of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), no other rider has won as many championships (15) and races (150) as Carmichael, earning him the nickname the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Carmichael was a record five-time AMA “Rider of the Year.”
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY: This weekend, Carmichael will celebrate Father’s Day with his two-year-old twins Kadin and Elise. While at the track, Carmichael’s father Rick Carmichael will be cheering his son on as he looks score his first career Truck Series victory.
“My father has been very instrumental in my career to get me to where I am today,” said Carmichael. “He will be at the track this weekend in Milwaukee. I’ve always performed well on Father’s Day in the past, so it would be really cool to go out and have a good run for him this weekend. To be as successful as I’ve been, I will always be indebted to my parents for the sacrifices they’ve made for me and my career.”
BEFORE THE RACE: QUOTES WITH DRIVER RICKY CARMICHAEL:
This weekend you head to a track you’ve never seen before, but it is a flat track like New Hampshire Motor Speedway where you’ve run well. How do you prepare for your first career start at The Milwaukee Mile? “I’ve actually never been to Wisconsin, so this weekend will be especially neat. I’m looking forward to the race and in the past I’ve been good on flat tracks similar to Loudon (New Hampshire Motor Speedway). I’m excited and optimistic that we can go to Milwaukee and have a good run this weekend.”
Recently when you were at Texas Motor Speedway, the 2009 Truck Series Rookie class took laps around the track with veteran driver Ron Hornaday to learn tips and how to get around the mile-and-half track. Who do you turn to for tips and advice heading into this weekend? “Obviously, I talk to Kevin (Harvick) before the weekend starts. I lean on Ron (Hornaday) at the track. Ron is good to lean on during the weekend because he’s there and he has been to all the tracks before, so he knows their characteristics.”
FROM ATOP THE BOX: QUOTES WITH CREW CHIEF JOHN MONSAM:
This weekend will mark Ricky Carmichael’s first Truck Series start at The Milwaukee Mile. How do you prepare for that and what are your expectations this weekend? “I’ve spoken to Ricky and he’s really pumped to get back in the truck this weekend. He ran really good last year at New Hampshire in one of the NASCAR Camping World East races and this track is comparable as a flat track. He’s excited and as long as we get the truck set-up right and give him the right equipment, I think he will do well. The pit crew and team have really stepped it up lately and done an outstanding job. It’s time for this team to get back up front and get the finishes it deserves.”
TOP GEAR: Carmichael spent much of last week in California, shooting a segment for the popular BBC-TV show “Top Gear.” Carmichael rode a motorcycle on an obstacle course in conjunction with Monster Energy rally car driver Ken Block for the automotive enthusiast show which is seen worldwide. The show is telecast in the United States on the BBC America channel.
CHASSIS HISTORY: The No. 4 Monster Energy team will unload truck chassis No. 018 this weekend for Carmichael as he makes his first appearance at The Milwaukee Mile. Earlier this year, this chassis ran at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway where Carmichael started the race 29th and finished in the same position as he earned his rookie stripes around the famous paperclip track. Prior to the 2009 season, this chassis was in the No. 33 truck team’s stable with three-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday.
PREVIOUS RACE RECAP: Turning to the Irish Hills of Michigan, Canadian driver J.R. Fitzpatrick returned to the No. 4 truck for his second appearance of the season for KHI and his first career start at Michigan International Speedway. With a solid qualifying effort and a fast truck, Fitzpatrick qualified eighth for the race and ran most of the day in the top 10. Running as high as fifth place early in the race, Fitzpatrick was involved in a single-truck incident trying to make a pass on the inside of Dennis Setzer on lap 64 and spun, hitting the outside retaining wall. The team attempted to repair the damaged vehicle, but was unable to get Fitzpatrick and the No. 4 truck back on track before the race concluded, scoring a 21st-place finish.
ONLINE MEDIA KITS: Media members can now access KHI media kits online at KevinHarvickInc.com. Included on the site are driver bios, driver and team images, KHI history and statistics, team profiles and schedules. Please contact Jessica Stroupe (JStroupe@kevinharvickinc.com) or Alicia Deal (ADeal@kevinharvickinc.com) at KHI for access to the new site.
QUICK NOTES
June 19, 2009
The Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile
Copart 200
Race length: 200 Laps/ 200 Miles
Banking/Turns: 9.25-degrees in turns,
2.5-degree straight-a-ways
Track layout: 1.0-mile
Shape: Oval
Pre-Race Schedule
Friday:
Practice: 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., EST
Final Practice: 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., EST
Qualifying: 6:30 p.m., EST
Friday:
TV: The Copart 200 can be seen on SPEED at 8:30 p.m., EST
Radio: The Motor Racing Network (MRN) will broadcast live at 8:30 p.m., EST
No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado Specs:
Chassis: 018
Engine: PME
Ricky Carmichael
No. 4
KHI All-Star Team
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Remaining Scheduled Starts:
June 19 Milwaukee
June 27 Memphis
July 18 Kentucky
July 24 Indianapolis
August 1 Nashville
August 29 Chicago
September 5 Iowa
September 12 St. Louis
September 26 Las Vegas
October 31 Talladega
This Week on the Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving: Rebuilding Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Penske, And The NASCAR Banquet’s Future
The Only Thing Mutual? Penske, Kurt Busch Both Stand to Lose Big
Who Gets An Early Christmas Gift? Sorting Through Potential Busch Replacements
Burned At The YouTube Stake: How Technology Brought Busch Down
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Justin Allgaier
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: A.J. Allmendinger
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Aric Almirola
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Marcos Ambrose
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Michael Annett
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Greg Biffle
2011 Driver Review Schedule
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This report was provided by an outside PR source and posted by Kim DeHaven.
©2000 - 2008 Kim DeHaven and Frontstetch.com. Thanks for visiting the Frontstretch!
