Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

[Happy29]

Well it's time for a new season and an all new updates thread to keep everyone apprised of all moves and transactions that are being made.



FOX Sports 1 will carry 12 hours of coverage from first three days of testing at Daytona

We are a few weeks away from Preseason Thunder, the annual test session held at Daytona International Speedway in preparation of the season-opening races at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. The 2014 edition of Preseason Thunder is scheduled for Jan. 9-14 and has expanded to include all three NASCAR national series.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will participate in testing on Jan. 9-10 with four sessions of on-track activity. The NASCAR Nationwide Series testing will be on Jan. 11-12 and then the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series testing will be on Jan. 13-14. The test sessions are scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to Noon ET and 1-5 p.m. ET.

FOX Sports 1 will have 12 hours of coverage from Daytona over the first three days, Jan. 9-11.

The NASCAR on FOX team of Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy will call the Sprint Cup Series testing action with live coverage on Jan. 9 and 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Bob Dillner and Matt Yocum will report from the pits and Jeff Hammond will provide additional reporting from the garage. Host Rick Allen and analyst Hermie Sadler will set up camp in the garage area as a location for drivers, crew chiefs and others to talk over the day's storylines and events.

FOX Sports 1 will also have coverage of the first day of NASCAR Nationwide Series testing from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 11. Allen, Hammond and Phil Parsons will call the action, while Sadler, Dillner and Ray Dunlap will report from the pits.

On Jan. 29, FOX Sports 1 will serve as the exclusive television home for the live coverage of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony from Charlotte, N.C. This year's inductees include Tim Flock, Jack Ingram, Dale Jarrett, Maurice Petty and Fireball Roberts.


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[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Dover adds cell boosting technology.

Dover International Speedway and American Tower, Inc. have announced a new partnership to install a Distributed Antenna System at the track prior to Dover’s spring race weekend in 2014. The DAS will improve cellular telephone service and increase capacity for all participating carriers on event weekends.

The DAS — a series of hundreds of antennas — will be installed strategically throughout the facility, including the grandstands, FanZone, Monster FunZone, Hospitality Tent Village, Victory Plaza and within Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.
The DAS will allow mobile devices to connect to one of its hundreds of antennas in the venue, an upgraded alternative to relying on the external networks of the wireless carriers, which become overburdened with a dense population concentration at the track on event weekends.
“Essentially, the DAS will enhance mobile connectivity for our fans, sponsors, media and race teams on event weekends,” said Mike Tatoian, executive vice president and COO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “With the evolution of smartphone technology, and the ability for our fans to get so much more out of their experience through channels like the NASCAR mobile app, connectivity is key while attending race weekends.”
NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway May 30-June 1, 2014 for the June 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the May 31 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the May 30 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Racing comes back again in the fall for the Sept. 26-28, 2014 weekend, including the Sept. 28 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Sept. 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Sept. 26 “Drive Sober 150” presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race.


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[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Chase Elliott Signs With JRM, NAPA Auto Parts


Chase Elliott will compete full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports beginning in 2014, with NAPA AUTO PARTS as his full-season primary sponsor.

The 2014 season will mark the 19th year of NASCAR sponsorship for NAPA, which boasts has more than 6,000 stores nationwide. The company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., is just a short distance from Elliott’s hometown of Dawsonville.

[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that it has signed driver Sam Hornish, Jr. to drive the No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota in seven NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2014.

[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Daytona Speedweeks Start Times Announced

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 56th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 23, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race, will go green at 1 p.m. (TV – FOX Sports, Radio – MRN Radio, SiriusXM).

It’s the fifth straight year “The Great American Race” will start at 1 p.m.

Start times for the other remaining events of Budweiser Speedweeks 2014 at Daytona International Speedway are as follows:

The 52nd anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race, Jan. 25-26, 2:30 p.m. (FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2)
The Lucas Oil 200 Presented By American Real MAV TV ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Saturday, Feb. 15, 4:15 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
The Sprint Unlimited, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
Daytona Beach Half Marathon, Sunday, Feb. 16, 6 a.m.
Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, Sunday, Feb. 16, 1p.m. (FOX)
UNOH Battle At The Beach, Tuesday, Feb. 18, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at 7 p.m. followed by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Budweiser Duel At Daytona, Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Friday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)
DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Six-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who wheels the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, will begin pursuit of a seventh championship in the 56th annual Daytona 500, which would tie him alongside racing legends Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt.

In 2013, Johnson became the first driver since NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison in 1982 to sweep both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the “World Center of Racing.” In this year’s Daytona 500, Johnson will attempt to be the first driver since Sterling Marlin (1994-1995) to win “The Great American Race” for a second straight year.

Tickets for NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – the 56th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 23 – start at $65 and are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR, #DAYTONA500 and #ROADTODAYTONA. Stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for the latest news all season long. Fans can also follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com




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[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Hall of Fame driver Rusty Wallace will get back behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup Car for the first time since 2005.

Team Penske and Miller Lite announced Wednesday that the 1989 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will drive the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion during Thursday’s NASCAR test at Daytona Int’l Speedway. The occasion coincides with the 25th anniversary of Wallace’s 1989 championship and the approaching 40th anniversary of the original Miller Lite beer.

The Hall of Fame driver and current ESPN analyst will sport a firesuit with the original Miller Lite logo during the test. This retro firesuit will also be worn by Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford team crew members during the upcoming Daytona 500. The Miller Lite Ford Fusion will also feature a commemorative white Miller Lite paint scheme for the “Great American Race”.

[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will have a new crew chief in 2015, chief Steve Letarte will relinquish his spot atop the No. 88 team’s pit box at season’s end to accept a new position as a television analyst with NBC and NBC Sports Network, beginning in 2015. Multiple sources say Letarte will join Rick Allen and driver Jeff Burton in the broadcast booth for the final 20 races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, as well as the final 19 NASCAR Nationwide Series events. The network also holds rights to select NASCAR Regional Racing Series events, Mexico's NASCAR Toyota Series, the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony and various post-season awards banquets.

Letarte has served as crew chief for NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver since 2011, with one win, 24 Top-5 and 54 Top-10 finishes in 106 starts. Earnhardt finished fifth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship standings last season, despite failing to win a race. He recorded Top-5 finishes in five of the final eight races and is expected to challenge for the 2014 title.

An official announcement of Letarte’s new position is expected this week in Daytona Beach, Fla., where NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are scheduled to test tomorrow.

[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

I'm a throw this out there but look for Ray Evernham to take over as Dale Jrs crew chief in 2015.


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[RunN1st]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

I'm a throw this out there but look for Ray Evernham to take over as Dale Jrs crew chief in 2015.


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I hate to say this but I don't think Jr. will ever win a championship. There are just too many "better" drivers out there. Having said that, he may and will most likely remain the most popular driver along side Danica, and J. Gordon. On the flip side, J. Johnson has dominated the sport the last 7 years but I bet the average person wouldn't identify him in public. (Outside of N.C., that is.)

[Ice_Cold345]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

I hate to say this but I don't think Jr. will ever win a championship. There are just too many "better" drivers out there. Having said that, he may and will most likely remain the most popular driver along side Danica, and J. Gordon. On the flip side, J. Johnson has dominated the sport the last 7 years but I bet the average person wouldn't identify him in public. (Outside of N.C., that is.)

You forget how recognized Jimmie Johnson is anymore. He's been the Athlete of the Year in 2011 and been at the top a few times more. He's not of the notability that Danica is, but you could arguably say Jimmie is as recognizable as Jr. to a regular fan.

[BurghFan]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

NASCAR Planning Chase Overhaul

The newspaper reported that the Chase field would increase from 12 to 16 drivers under the restructuring. If there were more than 16 winners during the "regular season," the 16 drivers with the most wins and highest point totals would qualify for the Chase. If there were less than 16 winners, the remaining spots would be comprised of the drivers with the most points.

The 10-race Chase playoffs then would feature a round of driver eliminations, according to the report. The proposal has the eliminations taking place after the third, sixth and ninth races of the Chase.

The four drivers with the lowest point totals after those respective races would be eliminated, leaving the Sprint Cup champion to be determined by a winner-take-all season finale between the final four remaining drivers at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Not a fan of these proposed changes. They're just making things needlessy complex.

[Redacted01]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

I'm fine with those... for now. If we find out they have more point resets or weird bonuses or something that goes along with the eliminations, not so much. Gives it more of a playoff feel on paper at least.

[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

I agree with you Burgh Brian France is changing things for the sake of changing them now. 2 years ago we had probably the greatest chase ever that ended in the first ever tie in the sports history. The past 5 years has seen some great finishes. If the proposed system was in play last season Dale Jr finishes 13th or so in points not 5th because he had a engine failure at Chicago for the first race. It takes all the hard work that the teams have put in for a whole season and tosses it out because of one bad race when it's possible to make the points up.

NASCAR Planning Chase Overhaul



Not a fan of these proposed changes. They're just making things needlessy complex.

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[Happy29]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

Qualifying just got interesting.


At tracks measuring 1.25 miles in length or larger, qualifying for the Coors Light Pole Award will consist of three rounds:

• The first qualifying elimination round will be 25 minutes in duration and includes all cars/trucks. The 24 cars/trucks that post the fastest single lap from the first qualifying round will advance to the second round.

• The remaining cars/trucks will be sorted based on their times posted in the first round of qualifying in descending order.

• The second qualifying elimination round will be 10 minutes in duration and the 12 cars/trucks that post the fastest single lap time will advance to the third and final round. The fastest remaining cars/trucks earn positions 13th through 24th based on their times posted in qualifying in descending order.
• The third and final qualifying round will be five minutes in duration and the fastest single lap time will determine positions 1st through 12th in descending order.

• There will be a five-minute break between each qualifying round.

At tracks measuring less than 1.25 miles, qualifying for the Coors Light Pole Award will consist of two rounds:

• The first qualifying elimination round will be 30 minutes in duration and includes all cars/trucks. The 12 cars/trucks that post the fastest single lap time from the first qualifying round will advance to the second and final round.

• The remaining cars/trucks will be sorted based on their times posted in the first round of qualifying in descending order.

• There will be a 10-minute break between the two qualifying rounds.

• The second and final qualifying round will be 10 minutes in duration and the fastest single lap time posted will determine positions 1st through 12th in descending order.

The new qualifying format does not apply to the Daytona 500, which will preserve its historic and unique qualifying format. Additionally, it does not apply to non-points NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events or the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Eldora Speedway.

[superjames1992]

Re: Official NASCAR 2014 Moves And Updates

NASCAR Planning Chase Overhaul



Not a fan of these proposed changes. They're just making things needlessy complex.

Well, I guess if they really want a playoff mentality, this is the way to do it. I don't like it, though.

The qualifying changes sound interesting, but it's hard to "solve" the fact that qualifying generally isn't that important in the long oval races that NASCAR has.