The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

[Happy29]

With last nights running of the Bud Shootout marking the start of the 2012 season, I thought that it was time to close the offsean thred and open one to cover all the news and happenings of 2012.

After a exciting race last night with the second largest field In the history of the Bud Shootout NASCAR has decided to listen to the fans and make some changes for the 2013 Bud Shootout.

NASCAR has announced new eligibility requirements for the 2013 Shootout at Daytona, an announcement that signals a return to the annual preseason event’s roots.

Next season’s field will consist of 2012 Coors Light Pole winners and past Shootout winners who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season. Those eligibility standards mirror those in place from 1979-2008, and put greater emphasis on each weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole qualifying session.

I will try to update this daily based on what news I learn. If you read any of my offseason thread you know that I have a few reliable sources and I am going to make efforts to get the news out to all of you here at OS.

[buckeye02]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

I'm glad good racing is back at Daytona. I hated the 2 by 2 racing.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

I'm glad good racing is back at Daytona. I hated the 2 by 2 racing.

I didn't care what kind of racing it was rather pack or 2 car. Each presented it's own degree of difficulty and challenges. I was happy that there was cars on the track and they was racing.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

Drivers Welcome Return To Pack Racing

After last night’s wild and crazy Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR drivers are applauding the return of “pack racing” to NASCAR's Superspeedway's.

A long time critic of the two-car, draft at Daytona and Talladega in recent years, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., expressed happiness with the new NASCAR rule package that seems to have abolished two-by-two racing.

"I have more of my destiny in my hands in this type of racing,” said Earnhardt last night, despite being swept-up in a late crash that left his Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet crumpled and steaming on the track apron. “I was feeling really good and really happy with the way things were going. I felt like I was doing a good job. I felt like I had control of my race and had potential to win if I made all the right moves.

Earnhardt said he is optimistic about his chances in next Sunday’s Daytona 500, as well, adding, “I know what to expect. I feel like I have got a better chance with this style than I did last year, for damn sure.”
While Saturday’s Budweiser Shootout featured a trio of multi-car crashes, former series champion Matt Kenseth downplayed fears of a crash-filled Daytona 500. With no points on the line last night, Kenseth said he and his fellow drivers felt free to race aggressively and take chances. “I think everyone will be a little more calm (in the Daytona 500),” assured Kenseth. “At least until the end.”

Four-time Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon agreed, saying, "It was wild and I can't say what we saw out there was completely unexpected. There was a lot of aggression and a lot of wild driving out there, which is to be expected on a night like this when we have no points to deal with."

Tony Stewart applauded NASCAR for its off-season work to abolish the two-car draft. "I actually had fun racing at Daytona again, which I haven't had for a while,” he said “I'm really, really appreciative (of) the work that NASCAR has done in the off-season, to try to make it better for us out there. I don't know what the consensus is from everybody else, but I had more fun as a driver tonight than what we've had in the past."

“We still need to keep trying to make it even better,” cautioned Earnhardt. “This is not the end, this is just the beginning of trying to put a great package out here. But it is a great improvement, really good. I’m pretty pleased with what I saw."

He also offered some unsolicited advice on how his fellow drivers might avoid a repeat of Saturday’s Bud Shootout carnage. “You don’t have to move around,” he said. “You just hold your damn car where it needs to be and not drive around like an idiot. If you want to drive your car in a straight line and be sensible, it’s possible.”

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

It's a Rousch-Fenway front row for the Daytona 500.

Carl Edwards is the Coors Light Pole winner for the 2012 Daytona 500, with his teammate Gregg Biffle starting beside him on the front row. Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150 mile races will determine the order for the rest of the field for next Sunday's Daytona 500. One car that is having trouble is the #15 5 Hour Energy Toyota Camry of Clint Bowyer which has failed post qualifying inspection Brian Pattie says Bowyer time Dq'd front left too low. He will have to go to the rear for his 150 mile race on Thursday. No word yet on any penalties.

The second half of the Fox broadcast of next weeks Daytona 500 will be side by side coverage. It's good to see more broadcast going to things like this to allow the fans to see more of the racing.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

There are some very unhappy people around this car right now. NASCAR say's no further penalties for the 15. The penalty was that the time not being allowed, forcing him to start at the rear of his Gatorade Duel Qualifying Race.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

Here are the starting lineups for Thursday's Gatorade Duel qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway.

The top two finishes among non-guaranteed drivers will earn a starting spot in Sunday's Daytona 500. The rest of the field will be set on qualifying speeds.

Race No. 1

1. Carl Edwards, Roush Fenway Racing No. 99 Ford
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet
3. Marcos Ambrose, Richard Petty Motorsports No. 9 Ford
4. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 Ford
5. Trevor Bayne, Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Ford
6. Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 Chevrolet
7. Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford
8. Paul Menard, Richard Childress Racing No. 27 Chevrolet
9. David Ragan, Front Row Motorsports No. 34 Ford
10. A.J. Allmendinger, Penske Racing No. 22 Dodge
11. Brad Keselowski, Penske Racing No. 2 Dodge
12. Kevin Harvick, Richard Childress Racing No. 29 Chevrolet
13. Jeff Burton, Richard Childress Racing No. 31 Chevrolet
14. Juan Pablo Montoya, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing No. 42 Chevrolet
15. David Stremme, Inception Motorsports No. 30 Toyota
16. Jamie McMurray, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing No. 1 Chevrolet
17. Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 Chevrolet
18. Terry Labonte, FAS Lane Racing No. 32 Ford
19. *Michael Waltrip, Hillman Racing No. 40 Toyota
20. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota
21. *Michael McDowell, Phil Parsons Racing No. 98
22. Landon Cassill, BK Racing No. 83 Toyota
23. David Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports No. 38 Ford
24. * Mike Wallace, Max Q Motorsports No. 37 Ford
25. *Robby Gordon, Robby Gordon Motorsports No. 7 Dodge
*Must race way into Daytona 500.

Race No. 2

1. Greg Biffle, Roush Fenway Racing No. 16 Ford
2. Casey Mears, Germain Racing No. 13 Ford
3. Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet
4. Martin Truex Jr., Michael Waltrip Racing No. 56 Toyota
5. Mark Martin, Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 Toyota
6. Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet
7. Matt Kenseth, Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 Ford
8. Ryan Newman, Stewart-Haas Racing No. 39 Chevrolet
9. Joey Logano, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Toyota
10. Kasey Kahne, Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 Chevrolet
11. Tony Raines, Latitude 43 Motorsports No. 26 Ford
12. Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Toyota
13. *Kenny Wallace, RAB Racing No. 09 Toyota
14. *Dave Blaney, Tommy Baldwin Racing No. 36 Chevrolet
15. Kurt Busch, Phoenix Racing No. 51 Chevrolet
16. Elliott Sadler, Richard Childress Racing No. 33 Chevrolet
17. *Joe Nemechek, Nemco Motorsports No. 87 Toyota
18. Regan Smith, Furniture Row Racing No. 78 Chevrolet
19. Bobby Labonte, JTG Daugherty Racing No. 47 Toyota
20. *Bill Elliott, Nemco Motorsports No. 97 Toyota
21. David Reutimann, BK Racing No. 93 Toyota
22. *Robert Richardson Jr. R3 Motorsports No. 23 Toyota
23. *JJ Yeley, Robinson-Blakeney Racing No. 49 Toyota
24. Clint Bowyer, Michael Waltrip Racing No. 15 Toyota
*Must race way into Daytona 500.

What non guaranteed drivers will race their way in on Thursday?

I'm taking Mike Wallace in race 1 and Kenny Wallace in race 2.

[baseball1014]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

Robby Gordon for race one and Front Row Joe for race two.

Almost the same. Gordon for race 1 and J.J. for race two.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

Why does no one look at Mike Wallace for the great driver he is? He's probably the best driver of all 3 of the Wallace brothers, yes even Rusty. He's just never been given a chance in great equipment like Rusty was, and he's defiantly one of the best restrictor plate racers out there. If you was to go around the garage and ask how does Mike rank on the level of restrictor plate drivers you might be surprised with what you hear, but you shouldn't after reading this.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

NASCAR announced details today on the recently announced “UNOH Battle At The Beach” at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18-19, 2013. The first-time event will feature the stars of NASCAR’s regional and touring series, under the lights on a specially constructed, 4/10-mile oval inside Turn Two at the World Center of Racing. The two-day event will be headlined by three non-points special events for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tours and the Late Model division of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
“This is all about the stars of tomorrow vying for glory at Daytona International Speedway,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR Vice President of Regional and Touring Series. “During two days and nights of intense competition, fans will be able to see today’s aces of short track racing and some great young talent.”

Both nights of race action will air live on SPEED. The process for setting the field for the 2013 UNOH Battle At The Beach will be:

Winners of the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West events as well as the series champions will automatically be locked into that series’ race at Daytona next year.
Winners of the 2012 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour or NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour races and series champions will be locked into the Modified race next February at Daytona.
The top 10 finishers in the 2012 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I national standings will earn a starting spot in the 2013 Late Model race.
The champions of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Toyota Series from Mexico, and Euro Racecar NASCAR Touring Series in 2012 will earn a protected starting spot in whichever one of the three 2013 Daytona races they choose to run.
The remaining spots will be filled through time trials and heat races during the two days of racing next February.

”Grassroots short track racing is the foundation of this great sport and we are thrilled to give these young drivers the opportunity to fight for a win at the ‘World Center of Racing,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood. “Many of NASCAR’s greatest stars cut their teeth on short tracks around the country and we look forward to hosting the stars of tomorrow in 2013.”

Chitwood also announced that Daytona has reached an agreement with a number of area hotels to secure special room rates for those nights next February to make it more affordable for racers and fans to attend the Battle At The Beach.

Event entitlement sponsor, the University of Northwestern Ohio, has been heavily involved with NASCAR’s grassroots racing programs. The school, which offers a degree in High Performance Motorsports, owns NASCAR-sanctioned Limaland Motorsports Park and is the sponsor of several NASCAR touring races.

[Happy29]

WSOC-TV in Charlotte, NC, is reporting that suspended NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield was indicted today for possession of stolen property, in the aftermath of a Nov. 1 raid on his Catawba, NC home.

Catawba County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at Mayfield's home last Nov. 1, after receiving a tip that there was stolen property inside the residence. Once inside, deputies discovered approximately 1.5 grams of methamphetamine and a number of items believed to be stolen. He was charged only with possession of methamphetamine at the time, pending verification that the items were indeed stolen. Sheriff's deputies also confiscated approximately 50 guns.

Mayfield’s attorney said at the time that his client was unaware of more than $100,000 in stolen property found in an out-building and storage trailers on his property, or the drugs discovered in a safe in his home. Authorities have continued to investigate the case, saying additional charges were likely. Today, Mayfield was indicted on three counts of possession of stolen goods and one count of obtaining property by false pretenses. He remains free on $3,000 bond.

Mayfield was suspended indefinitely from NASCAR after failing a random drug test in May of 2009, but has steadfastly maintained his innocence, claiming his test results were falsely skewed by his use of Adderal prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder and the over-the-counter allergy medication Claritin D. He has accused NASCAR of altering the results of his drug test and failure to follow proper drug screening protocol.


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[buckeye02]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

Why is Robby Gordon still racing? Anytime i see or hear of a wreck, he is in or around the area of the accident.

[Happy29]

The new 2013 Dodge Charger Sprint Cup car will be debuted March 11 at Las Vegas motor Speedway


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[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

Rick Hendrick come out saying that he plans on appealing any fines or suspensions levied by NASCAR after the 48 Lowes Chevrolet of Jimmie Johnson failed pre Daytona 500 qualifying inspection with illegal modifications to the C pillar. Rick Hendrick in a statement said "That this was the same 48 car that Jimmie Johnson raced in all 4 restrictor plate races of the 2011 season." The 48 car and crew chief Chad Knaus was swamped in a bed of controversy after the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in October, when Chad Knaus was seen on camera before the start of the race telling his driver Jimmie Johnson, "If you win this race be sure you wreck the car on the cool down lap." Certainly Chad Knaus is no stranger to controversy when It comes to exploring the grey areas in the NASCAR rule book.

[Happy29]

Re: The official 2012 NASCAR Thread

A couple of quick items to post.

First

ISC Rolls Out New FanVision Device

International Speedway Corporation has introduced FanVision, a platform it hopes will “redefine the live event experience for its legion of motorsports fans.” The FanVision controller will provide exclusive at-track handheld access to live broadcast feeds, eight onboard cameras, official timing, data, statistics, as well as the ability to follow specific drivers, instant replays and digital radio scanner. The high-quality, 4.3-inch screen on the FanVision controller operates off a dedicated trackside network, eliminating downloading, buffering and no waiting. All the action arrives the moment it happens.

“ISC’s major motorsports facilities are dedicated to providing its guests the best experience in the industry,” stated ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy. “FanVision rivals the technology you get at home with the benefit of experiencing the sport in person. It is only fitting that FanVision and its state-of-the art broadcast technology is introduced at the ‘World Center of Racing;’’ Daytona International Speedway.

In its debut at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series “Budweiser Shootout at Daytona” Saturday night, track officials saw a 40 percent rental increase over the FanView device that was available last year.

The new FanVision controller will be available for purchase or rent at FanVision and Racing Electronics haulers and kiosks, or online at www.fanvision.com. This new technology will be available at all ISC NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekends beginning at Daytona this week and ending with the season finale “Ford 400” at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18.

And second a sneak shot at the 2013 Dodge Charger Sprint Cup Series car. It's only an overhead shot but you can already see how much closer it resembles the street legal car. We will all get to see it much better on March 11 when it makes its debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.