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Week of 5/14/06
All Star Challenge - Full Details
All-Star Eligibility
• Race winners (drivers and owners) from the previous and current NASCAR NEXTEL Cup seasons.
• Winner of the NEXTEL Open, a preliminary event for teams not qualified for the all-star event.
• Another NEXTEL Open driver who wins a fan vote into the all-star event.
• Past event champions.
• NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champions from the previous 10 seasons (1995-2005) who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2005 or 2006 seasons.
All-Star Format
• 90 laps/135 miles.
• Three segments: 40 laps, 30 laps, 20 laps.
• No eliminations prior to final segment.
• Mandatory 10-minute pit stop between first and second segments.
• During pit stop, random drawing will determine a field inversion; from six to 12 cars will be inverted for the start of the second segment.
The Field: Following is a rundown of the 18 drivers who have qualified for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. The field will also have two other drivers: the winner of the NEXTEL Open preliminary race on Saturday night and another driver chosen via the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Fan Vote. (Note: Terry Labonte has qualified as a past all-star champion, but will not compete.)
Greg Biffle (No. 16 National Guard Ford)
Team: Roush Racing
Crew chief: Doug Richert
How Biffle qualified: Victory at California Speedway in February 2005
All-star starts: 2
Best finish: 14th in 2005
Kurt Busch (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge)
Team: Penske Racing South
Crew chief: Roy McCauley
How Busch qualified: Victory at Phoenix International Raceway in April 2005
All-star starts: 4
Best finish: 2nd in 2003
Kyle Busch (No. 5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet)
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Crew chief: Alan Gustafson
How Busch qualified: Victory at California Speedway in September 2005
All-star starts: None
Best finish: N/A
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet)
Team: Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Crew chief: Tony Eury Jr.
How Earnhardt qualified: Victory at Chicagoland Speedway in July 2005
All-star starts: 6
Best finish: 1st in 2000
Carl Edwards (No. 99 Office Depot Ford)
Team: Roush Racing
Crew chief: Wally Brown
How Edwards qualified: Victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March 2005
All-star starts: 1
Best finish: 15th in 2005
Dale Jarrett (No. 88 UPS Ford)
Team: Robert Yates Racing
Crew chief: Richard “Slugger” Labbe
How Jarrett qualified: Victory at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2005
All-star starts: 14
Best finish: 2nd in 2000 and 2001
Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet)
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Crew chief: Chad Knaus
How Johnson qualified: Victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2005
All-star starts: 4
Best finish: 1st in 2003
Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet)
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Crew chief: Steve Letarte
How Gordon qualified: Victory at Daytona International Speedway in February 2005
All-star starts: 12
Best finish: 1st in 1995, 1997 and 2001
Kevin Harvick (No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet)
Team: Richard Childress Racing
Crew chief: Todd Berrier
How Harvick qualified: Victory at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2005
All-star starts: 5
Best finish: 7th in 2003
Dale Jarrett (No. 88 UPS Ford)
Team: Robert Yates Racing
Crew chief: Richard “Slugger” Labbe
How Jarrett qualified: Victory at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2005
All-star starts: 14
Best finish: 2nd in 2000 and 2001
Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet)
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Crew chief: Chad Knaus
How Johnson qualified: Victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2005
All-star starts: 4
Best finish: 1st in 2003
Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge)
Team: Evernham Motorsports
Crew chief: Ken Francis
How Kahne qualified: Victory at Richmond International Raceway in May 2005
All-star starts: 1
Best finish: 16th
Matt Kenseth (No. 17 DEWALT Power Tools Ford
Team: Roush Racing
Crew chief: Robbie Reiser
How Kenseth qualified: Victory at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2005
All-star starts: 5
Best finish: 1st in 2004
Bobby Labonte (No. 43 Cheerios Dodge)
Team: Petty Enterprises
Crew chief: Todd Parrott
How Labonte qualified: Winning 2000 series championship
All-star starts: 11
Best finish: 2nd in 1997 and 1998
Mark Martin (No. 6 AAA Ford)
Team: Roush Racing
Crew chief: Pat Tryson
How Martin qualified: Victory at Kansas Speedway in October 2005
All-star starts: 16
Best finish: 1st in 1998 and 2005
Jeremy Mayfield (No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge)
Team: Evernham Motorsports
Crew chief: Chris Andrews
How Mayfield qualified: Victory at Michigan International Speedway in August 2005
All-star starts: 6
Best finish: 5th in 1999
Jamie McMurray (No. 26 Crown Royal/Sharpie/IRWIN Ford)
Team: Roush Racing
Crew chief: Bob Osborne
How McMurray qualified: By owner Jack Roush’s victory at Phoenix International Raceway in April 2005
All-star starts: 1
Best finish: 22nd in 2003
Ryan Newman (No. 12 Alltel Dodge)
Team: Penske Racing South
Crew chief: Matt Borland
How Newman qualified: Victory at New Hampshire International Speedway in September 2005
All-star starts: 4
Best finish: 1st in 2002
Tony Stewart (No. 20 The Home Depot Chevrolet)
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Crew chief: Greg Zipadelli
How Stewart qualified: Victory at Infineon Raceway in June 2005
All-star starts: 7
Best finish: 2nd in 1999
Michael Waltrip (No. 55 NAPA Dodge)
Team: Waltrip-Jasper Racing
Crew chief: Derrick Finley
How Waltrip qualified: Victory in 1996 all-star event
All-star starts: 13
Best finish: 1st in 1996
NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge
Fan Vote winner
?
NEXTEL Open winner
? May 19, 2006
This weekend could mean a Championship
Impress your friends with this one, even though the All Star Challenge doesn't pay any points, both Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt won 3 championships during the same year they won the All Star race. Gordon in 1995, ’97 and 2001 and Earnhardt in 1987, ’90 and ’93. May 19, 2006
Truex Team wins Pit Crew Challenge
Winner of the Pit Crew Challenge on Wednesday night was the team of Martin Truex Jr.'s #1 Chevy. They edged out the defending champs from Kasey Kahne's #9 Dodge. The #1 team changed four tires, filled the car with 18 gallons of fuel and pushed the car 40 yards in a time of 25.44 seconds. Martin even matched the $70,100 grand prize for his crew. May 19, 2006
RYR Appeal - Denied
The National Stock Car Racing Commission has denied Robert Yates Racing's appeal of the suspension of #88's crew chief Richard 'Slugger' Labbe. As a result the team will go the next 4 weeks without their leader, and Jason Burdett will take over. May 18, 2006
TESTING | ROAD COURSE RACIN'
Brian Vickers brushed up on his road course skills at Virginia International Raceway on Tuesday. The #25 team was getting ready for the first race of the year at Infineon Raceway next month. Brian is also the defending race winner for the Nextel Open that kicks the night off on Saturday. May 18, 2006
Qualifying Procedure
Qualifying for the All Star Challenge tomorrow night is done a little differently than on normal points paying weekends. How it works is teams have 3 laps instead of 2, and a 4 tire pit stop is included. So the 7 over-the-wall guys will play a key roll in getting their car up front to start the race, they'll even be penalized time for loose or missing lugs, it's very cool to watch. May 18, 2006
TV Schedule - All Star Challenge Weekend
Busch Series has the weekend off, but Trucks and Cup are running...
Basically the Speed Channel has coverage all day long on Friday, so call in sick from work.
Truck Series Racing ends Friday @ 8:30pm on Speed
The NASCAR Cup Series Open @ 7pm Saturday on FX
The NASCAR All Star Challenge @ 9pm Saturday on FX where 1 driver walks away with over 1 million dollars
All times are eastern May 18, 2006
Humpy picks Edwards to win
Lowes Motor Speedway President and GM Humpy Wheeler has pegged Carl Edwards as the winner of the $1 million dollar prize this Saturday night in the All Star Challenge. Why do we care what he thinks? Well he's correctly picked 10 of the last 17 winners. May 16, 2006
Dale Jr. on ESPN's Sports Century
Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans, be sure to check out his ESPN Sports Century documentary coming up Monday May 22nd on ESPN2 at 2pm Eastern. The one hour special takes a look at Dale Jr. through his friends, family and competitors. It will feature Dale Jarrett, Greg Biffle, and his crew chief Tony Eury Jr. May 16, 2006
Pit Crew Challenge Lineup
As a kick off to All Star week in Charlotte, the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge will spotlight the unsung heros of this sport. Up for grabs is a $70,100 grand prize which will give the winning team of 7 about $10k each. Last years winning crew was from Kasey Kahne's #9 Dodge.
Competing are: The pit crews of Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeremy Mayfield, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Jamie McMurray, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Brian Vickers, Martin Truex Jr., Casey Mears, Jeff Burton, Elliott Sadler and Denny Hamlin. May 16, 2006
Nextel Open - Entry List
All winners from 2005 and 2006 will race in the All Star Challenge, the rest (below) will race in the Nextel Open for only 1 spot.
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
NEXTEL Open
Entry List - Preliminary
Lowe's Motor Speedway - Concord, N.C.
Provided by NASCAR Statistical Services - As of Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 3:54 PM Eastern
# Car No Driver Driver's Hometown Team Name Owner Crew Chief
1 00 Hermie Sadler Emporia, VA The ACT and TJ Show Chevrolet Michael Anderson Caldwell, Kevin
2 01 Joe Nemechek Lakeland, FL U.S. Army Chevrolet Nelson Bowers Pemberton, Ryan
3 1 Martin Truex Jr. # Mayetta, NJ Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevrolet Teresa Earnhardt Manion, Kevin
4 4 Scott Wimmer Wausau, WI AERO Exhaust Chevrolet Larry McClure Carrier, Chris
5 07 Clint Bowyer # Emporia, KS Jack Daniels Chevrolet Richard Childress Martin, Gil
6 7 Robby Gordon Orange, CA Jim Beam Black Chevrolet Robby Gordon Erwin, Greg
7 10 Scott Riggs Bahama, NC Valvoline Dodge James Rocco Childers, Rodney
8 11 Denny Hamlin # Midlothian, VA FedEx Express Chevrolet J.D. Gibbs Ford, Mike
9 14 Sterling Marlin Columbia, TN Waste Management Chevrolet Nelson Bowers Randolph, Doug
10 18 J.J. Yeley # Phoenix, AZ Interstate Batteries Chevrolet Joe Gibbs Addington, Steve
11 21 Ken Schrader Fenton, MO U.S. Air Force Ford Glen Wood Hyder, David
12 22 Dave Blaney Hartford, OH Caterpillar Dodge Bill Davis Hamlin, Kevin
13 25 Brian Vickers Thomasville, NC GMAC Chevrolet Mary Hendrick McGrew, Lance
14 27 Kirk Shelmerdine Winston-Salem, NC TBA Chevrolet Kirk Shelmerdine Harris, Phil
15 30 Mike Wallace St. Louis, MO Pro30.com/Ware Racing Dodge Rick Ware Kolanda, Dan
16 31 Jeff Burton South Boston, VA Cingular Wireless Chevrolet Richard Childress Miller, Scott
17 32 Travis Kvapil Janesville, WI Tide/Downy Chevrolet Cal Wells Putnam, Gary
18 34 Boris Said Carlsbad, CA TBA Chevrolet Brad Jenkins Steurer, Mike
19 37 Mike Skinner Susanville, CA R&J Racing Dodge John Carter Tutor, Mark
20 38 Elliott Sadler Emporia, VA M&M's Ford Robert Yates Baldwin Jr., Tommy
21 40 David Stremme # South Bend, IN Lonestar Steakhouse Dodge Felix Sabates Lane, Steve
22 41 Reed Sorenson # Peachtree City, GA Target Dodge Chip Ganassi Elledge, Jimmy
23 42 Casey Mears Bakersfield, CA Texaco/Havoline Dodge Chip Ganassi Wingo, Donnie
24 45 Kyle Petty Randleman, NC My Coke Rewards Dodge Kyle Petty Andrews, Paul
25 49 Kevin Lepage Shelburne, VT TBA Dodge Beth Ann Morgenthau Otto, Ron
26 51 Mike Garvey McDonough, GA Marathon AmericanSpirit MtrOil Chevrolet Joe Auer Schadt, Bob
27 61 Chad Chaffin Smyrna, TN TBA Ford Jeff Stec Conner, Greg
28 66 Jeff Green Owensboro, KY Best Buy Chevrolet Gene Haas Barker, Robert
29 78 Kenny Wallace St. Louis, MO Furniture Row Chevrolet Barney Visser Garone, Joe
30 95 Stanton Barrett Bishop, CA TBA Chevrolet Stanton Barrett Dayton, Mike
31 96 Tony Raines LaPorte, IN DLP¨ HDTV Chevrolet Bill Saunders Lopez, Philippe
May 16, 2006
Johnson inks contract extension
Current points leader Jimmie Johnson has signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that put's him behind the wheel of the #48 car through 2010. Their sponsor Lowes will also continue to be the primary sponsor on the car for the same timeframe. In the middle of his 5th full season, Jimmie has 21 Cup wins and has finished top 5 in the points 4 times already.
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Lowe’s Announces Multiyear Extension with Hendrick Motorsports;
Jimmie Johnson to Continue Driving Lowe’s Chevrolet Through 2010
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe’s Companies Inc. today announced a multi-year extension of its primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.
Under the new agreement, Lowe’s will continue its primary sponsorship of the No. 48 Chevrolet through the 2010 racing season. Johnson, 30, also signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that keeps him behind the wheel through 2010. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“I’m with the best team and the best sponsor in the sport,” said Johnson, a native of El Cajon, Calif. “Since I started in Nextel Cup racing, my association with Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports has been absolutely incredible. I couldn’t be more proud of this relationship and look forward to continuing what we’ve started with the No. 48 Lowe’s team.”
The pacts build upon a partnership launched in 2001 when Hendrick Motorsports selected Johnson, who at the time had never started a Nextel Cup race, to pilot the new Lowe’s-sponsored No. 48 Chevrolet. Now in the midst of its fifth full season, the team has posted unparalleled statistics since its inception, with 21 victories and four top-five points finishes.
Along with crew chief Chad Knaus, the No. 48 operation has already recorded three victories in 2006, marking its fifth consecutive multi-win campaign, and currently ranks first in Nextel Cup points after 11 of 36 events. The team has notched six top-five results and eight top-10 performances this season.
“We believe this is the best combination in racing,” said Robert Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports are a key part of our marketing efforts and outreach to our employees. We are all proud to have someone like Jimmie carry the Lowe’s name in NASCAR.”
Founded in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has garnered nine NASCAR championships, including five at the elite Cup level. The No. 48 Lowe’s team is one of five full-time teams now fielded by the organization across NASCAR’s top two series.
“Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports have formed a terrific partnership for the past five years," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "Week after week, we’re able to pair Jimmie Johnson, one of the most dynamic talents in our sport, with Lowe’s, a respected and well-recognized brand throughout the world. It's a special relationship that we're extremely excited to continue.” May 15, 2006
POINT STANDINGS | CUP SERIES
10 Jeff Burton's solid runs put him the top 10
9 Kevin Harvick slides 4 spots
8 Kasey Kahne
7 Kyle Busch
6 Jeff Gordon up 3
5 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
4 Mark Martin
3 Matt Kenseth is 1 point back of:
2 Tony Stewart
1 Jimmie Johnson leads by 93 May 15, 2006
Jarrett signs with Waltrip / Toyota for 2007
Dale Jarrett has made it official and will join Michael Waltrip Racing for 2007 driving the new Toyota Camry's. DJ has been with Robert Yates Racing for 12 years driving the famous 88 Ford, including his championship year in 1999. Jarrett's resume includes 32 wins, 3 Daytona 500 wins, 2 Brickyard 400's, and is one of NASCAR'S 50 Greatest Drivers...it seems Toyota means business.
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DALE JARRETT NAMED 2007 DRIVER FOR MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING
SHERRILLS FORD, N.C. (May 13, 2006) -- Michael Waltrip, owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, Incorporated, announced today that former NASCAR champion and three-time Daytona 500 winner, Dale Jarrett, is joining the organization to drive the team’s second Toyota entry in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning in 2007.
“When we began building Michael Waltrip Racing, I knew the key to success was bringing in quality people,” Waltrip explained. “Ty Norris has been instrumental on the business side, just as Larry Carter and Bobby Kennedy have been on the competition side. By hiring Dale, we have yet another example of the importance we are placing on securing first-rate individuals for our program.”
“Dale’s resume speaks for itself,” continued Waltrip. “To have a NASCAR champion on our team is another significant piece of the puzzle that pulls together our vision. I know his knowledge and experience will be invaluable for a start-up team with a new manufacturer and will allow our organization to grow and succeed at a faster pace.”
Jarrett is a well-known veteran of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. He established himself as a perennial championship contender in the mid-90s, finishing in the top-10 in championship points for seven consecutive seasons and winning the series title in 1999. Jarrett has 32 career NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series victories, including the aforementioned three Daytona 500 wins and two in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His resume also includes being named to NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers list.
“My tenure at Robert Yates Racing has been extremely important to me, my family and my career,” Jarrett said. “We accomplished a lot together during the past 12 years and I am thankful to Robert and everyone at RYR and Ford Motor Company for the opportunities they afforded me and the success we have all shared. This was a very difficult decision. I feel this is a great opportunity for me to take on a new challenge and what they are building at Michael Waltrip Racing fits my plans for the future.”
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“My decision to join Michael Waltrip Racing is based solely on a competitor’s perspective,” Jarrett continued. “What Michael has pulled together is impressive and I want to be a part of it. The Daytona 500 might seem far away, but for a race team it is right around the corner. Michael’s team is building cars now, their core management team is in place, the competition department is established and sponsors are locked up. From that perspective, it doesn’t feel like I am going to a brand new team.”
“Toyota’s strategic entry into NASCAR has been equally impressive,” said Jarrett. “The mark they have made in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the last three years is reason enough to want to be part of their entrance into the Cup Series.”
Waltrip is the first of the three Toyota team owners to solidify their 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers. May 15, 2006
Race Recap - Darlington
RACE RECAP | DARLINGTON
10 Denny Hamlin continues to run well
9 Jeff Burton
8 Mark Martin
7 Kyle Busch
6 Ryan Newman
5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing with the flu
4 Jimmie Johnson 6th top 5 this season
3 Matt Kenseth
2 Jeff Gordon was slowed up by lap traffic
VICTORY LANE
Greg Biffle captures the checkered flag for his first win of the season, 2nd spring Darlington win in a row, and moves from 20th to 14th in points
OTHER STORIES ON THE DAY
-Brian Vickers spun early on and mangled his 25 machine
-Kevin Harvick had a hole in his radiator, and finished 37th
-Tony Stewart never found the handling on the 20, he even spun for a caution, and finished 12th.
-Jamie McMurray lost an oil pump belt, ends up 42nd May 14, 2006
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