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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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Potts' Shots: Busch and Stewart? And Did Phoenix Get it Right?
NASCAR Fan Q&A
John Potts · Thursday November 17, 2011
Wow! Lots of comments last week about the column, but that figures. Kyle Busch was the subject of a LOT of commentary all over the tube and the Internet. Some of them I felt almost obligated to answer.
Bob said, “I say if Gibbs lets him go (which will only be because of Mars saying so) that Tony would take him in a heartbeat. Tony could promote he has been there/done that with the anger thing and upsetting a sponsor. If anyone can get Kyle’s head straight, it’s Tony and think of it this way – Tony is not gonna race too many more years and is Ryan or Danica gonna get him a championship? Kyle can if he gets his head on straight.”
Read more Potts' Shots: Busch and Stewart? And Did Phoenix Get it Right? ...
Potts' Shots: Can Kyle Busch Mature?
John Potts · Thursday November 10, 2011
Sandra Taber of Belfast, N.Y. writes, “It really seems to me that wins during the Chase should have more points allotted. I love Carl and Tony both….but come on — four wins in the Chase should definitely be bonus points. Not just the number of wins. just any wins during the Chase…Come on NASCAR!! What is your opinion?”
Sandie, that’s an interesting point. I have always been of the opinion that wins should always receive additional points. At the same time, I’ve been guilty of designing point systems which didn’t award a win as much as I later felt they should.
Read more Potts' Shots: Can Kyle Busch Mature? ...
Potts' Shots: Happy Belated Birthday To Dick Trickle
NASCAR Fan Q & A
John Potts · Thursday November 3, 2011
J.E. Dugan comments, “I guess if you cause five incidents during a race it makes sense to divert attention by criticizing another driver, even if he’s a champion and you’re not. Not cool, Brian!”
I noticed on Monday that Brian Vickers said four of those Martinsville incidents weren’t his fault. I can’t attest to that, only having seen them (or parts of them) on the telecast. However, almost every racetrack where I’ve ever worked, including the short track I am now involved with, has a limit when it comes to causing caution flags in the same race. In most cases, ours included, it’s three. After that, the black flag comes out and you have a long talk with an official in the pit or garage area.
Read more Potts' Shots: Happy Belated Birthday To Dick Trickle ...
Potts' Shots: Looking Back at Talladega
NASCAR Fan Q&A
John Potts · Thursday October 27, 2011
John, as I told you, I feel like you’re right. That kind of resolution leads to
more work on the part of the engine builders, not just slapping a plate on the manifold. I’ve always felt like that’s what the top level of racing in any form is about, getting the most speed possible under the rules as they exist at the time.
The restrictor plate has led to pack racing, and now to what looks like the
chain racing done on short tracks. It’s more fun there, with the engine and
transmission taken out of the trailing car, and the brakes disabled on the lead car.
Read more Potts' Shots: Looking Back at Talladega ...
Potts' Shots: Do IndyCars Belong on Ovals? NASCAR Gas Gimmicks & More
NASCAR Fan Q&A
John Potts · Thursday October 20, 2011
J.D. Stephens asks, “Is this American Ethanol a gimmick? Last week at Kansas Speedway there were two tankers parked in the infield and they both had SUNOCO RACING FUEL on them, and that’s where the teams were going to refill their gas cans. NO mention of ethanol any where on the SUNOCO tankers.”
I’m sure the ethanol was mixed into the Sunoco Racing Fuel, J.D. It has to be part of the agreement NASCAR has with Sunoco.
Read more Potts' Shots: Do IndyCars Belong on Ovals? NASCAR Gas Gimmicks & More ...
Potts' Shots Fan Q & A: Home Tracks, B Mains, And Fuel Mileage Still A Hot Issue
NASCAR Fan Q & A
John Potts · Thursday October 13, 2011
Ralph Teagardin of Tucson, Az. writes, “Several months ago, it was announced that Kurt Busch and his wife were pursuing a divorce. Lately he has been accompanied by a ‘Blonde, young lady,’ and last week when he was in winner’s circle, he asked for us to respect his privacy. But when he is in public, celebrity deletes that privacy. What is up?”
To tell you the truth, Ralph, I don’t know and I don’t care. If that keeps you from reading my stuff, I’m sorry. I try not to pay too much attention to the foibles of celebrities. I have opinions, of course, but I let other folks comment on the stuff I don’t know anything about personally.
Read more Potts' Shots Fan Q & A: Home Tracks, B Mains, And Fuel Mileage Still A Hot Issue ...
Potts' Shots: Fans Sound Off On Earnhardt And Fuel Mileage
NASCAR Fan Q & A
John Potts · Thursday October 6, 2011
Identifying himself (or herself) only as “Pepi35,” a regular newsletter reader asks:
“Why isn’t Junior like the rest of the crybabies, and firing crew members, like the right-front tire changer for Sunday’s race?”
Pepi35, I’ll admit to not having any inside information on this kind of thing, but I think I can do something of an analysis. I don’t know Dale Earnhardt, Jr. very well, only having met him a couple of times when he was running in what was the Busch Series. However, I did know and like his father, and I suspect staying the course has to do with Junior’s personality being similar.
I don’t think he’s the kind of guy to publicly blame any problems on anybody else, no matter what the actual cause. Unless my memory is off, I can’t recall him saying anything but “we” when referring to his team’s mistakes.
Read more Potts' Shots: Fans Sound Off On Earnhardt And Fuel Mileage ...
Potts' Shots: Split-Screen Sadness
John Potts · Thursday September 29, 2011
Harold Irvine of Owen Sound up in Ontario comments, “On Sunday during the second half of the race, ads were shown on a split screen. While the idea of not missing the race was good, it was wasted. Over half of the screen was not used; the two boxes could have been doubled in size. The race half was so small, on a 52-inch TV it was hard to make out. If the whole screen was used as much as possible, it would be much better. I watched the race on TSN as I can’t get ESPN in Canada in HD. Also, it seemed that more time was used showing ads than just the race during the second half. Thanks for taking my beef.”
I’ll be perfectly honest, Harold. I was somewhat derelict in my duty on Sunday, as I got tied up in pro football and missed all but the last 80 laps at New Hampshire. That may have been a costly mistake for my future NASCAR attention because it wasn’t long before I realized that I hadn’t really missed much. A friend of mine has been telling me this for months now.
Read more Potts' Shots: Split-Screen Sadness ...
Potts' Shots: How To "Cause" A Caution... And Get Away With It?
John Potts · Thursday September 22, 2011
Alfred Jackson e-mails, “Okay, as an old (I mean experienced) official, what’s your take on the alleged “deliberate” spin at Atlanta by Paul Menard to cause a caution for his teammate, Kevin Harvick?”
Alfred, first, I don’t object to being called “old.” I’ll be 73 this Saturday. That’s old. Now to the question — my first reaction when it happened was that it could indeed have been deliberate. After hearing the radio transmission (“We don’t need a yellow,” then telling Paul to go to the encrypted channel) I had to wonder.
I didn’t wonder about whether it was deliberate. I wondered just how smart those guys were. Why weren’t they on the encrypted frequency to begin with? Or, at least, why didn’t they have a code phrase for this situation? In the past and on this Web site, I’ve owned up to tossing a green flag when we needed one to spice up the competition in the original ASA. We had a two-step code phrase worked out. Rex Robbins would call me, then a minute later the second phrase meant I had to find a reason to throw a yellow.
Read more Potts' Shots: How To "Cause" A Caution... And Get Away With It? ...
Potts' Shots: Safety Questions For A Former Flagman
NASCAR Fan Q & A
John Potts · Thursday September 15, 2011
From Roger Clarkson, “We see the NASCAR officials on pit lane wearing helmets and fire suits. What about those in the flagstand, particularly on short tracks? You were a flagman, primarily on short tracks, for more than 20 years. How do you feel about this?”
Don’t think I haven’t given this a lot of thought lately, Roger. Actually, I was giving a similar subject a lot of thought many years back. I agree that it should probably be a concern on the short tracks, but you probably won’t get many flagmen (or flagladies – and I think those gals with the Camping World Truck Series are good), who would be willing to wear a helmet.
Read more Potts' Shots: Safety Questions For A Former Flagman ...
Potts' Shots: A Fan-Proposed 2012 Cup Series Schedule
John Potts · Thursday September 8, 2011
Bob Merriman writes, “I have been reading your columns past and present for some time and really enjoy them. I’m a 50-something young guy from northwest Indiana and grew up going to races at the great Rensselaer Raceway since a lad in the late ’60s until its sad demise. If you’re familiar with the place, then you already know the question. Are you related to the great Dick Potts of racing fame at this and other area speedways of the time? I grew up in amazement of what that guy could do in a race car. As with Earnhardt and now Kyle Busch, you either loved or hated him, but regardless you had to respect him. I won’t divulge my opinions of him at the time, out of respect in case you are a relation! Any great stories to tell if in fact this is the case? Any stories in your book about this or other area tracks?”
Read more Potts' Shots: A Fan-Proposed 2012 Cup Series Schedule ...
Potts' Shots: Seeking Jon Wood, ASA, Chase Favoritism And More
John Potts · Thursday September 1, 2011
Back in July, Sal Baker wrote, saying, “I haven’t heard anything about Jon Wood since he left the truck series. What’s with him and how is he doing?”
At the time, I didn’t have any information and I admitted that, but said I’d keep checking. A friend of mine active in NASCAR caught up with Eddie Wood at Michigan and relayed the question. Eddie said Jon hangs out at the shop and just does a little work here and there. Healthwise, he’s doing well. He refuses to come to the race track without something to drive or race. Eddie says they tell him, “out of sight, out of mind.” But he doesn’t want to come to the track just to hang out.
Read more Potts' Shots: Seeking Jon Wood, ASA, Chase Favoritism And More ...
