BREAKING NEWS: Vickers Will Miss Early Races After Heart Surgery

Michael Waltrip Racing driver Brian Vickers will not be available to race during the early part of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season due to health issues.

Vickers explained, saying in written statement, “My previous experiences have given me a very keen understanding of my body. Late last week I knew something wasn’t right, so I went to the hospital to be checked out. Following several tests, it was discovered that my body was rejecting an artificial patch that was inserted in 2010 to fix a hole in my heart. Saturday, I had to have corrective surgery to repair the hole and now I am beginning the recovery process. I will need plenty of time, rest and rehab but this temporary setback will not stop me from pursuing my dream of becoming a NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.”

Vickers has previously been sidelined by a recurrence of blood clots in his legs and hands, and said of his most recent setback, “I want to thank everyone for their sincere support. I have faced obstacles before and it has made victory that much sweeter and I know that will be the case again.

In 58 races driving MWR’s No. 55 Aaron’s Toyota, Vickers scored eight top-five and 19 top-10 finishes. He won the July race at New Hampshire in 2013 and captured the pole at Talladega in October 2014. The 2003 Nationwide champion owns three victories and 12 poles in 316 career Sprint Cup starts.

“Brian has been a part of the MWR family since 2012 and our thoughts today are with Brian, his wife Sarah and the Vickers family,” said MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman. “As a race team, MWR has plenty to consider and we will confer with our partners, including Aaron’s and Toyota. As this is fresh news, we will adjust our future plans as more information becomes available.”

Allen Named Auto Club Speedway President

International Speedway Corporation has named Dave Allen President of Auto Club Speedway, effective immediately.  Allen accepts the role from his most recent position as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ACS.   

Allen replaces Gillian Zucker who was recently named President of Business Operations for the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. 

Allen, 41, a 17-year veteran in the sports marketing industry, will report to ISC President, John R. Saunders and will be responsible for all operations of Auto Club Speedway and Auto Club Dragway.  

“Dave is a proven leader with a strong background and knowledge of the motorsports industry, the Inland Empire/L.A. markets and Auto Club Speedway,” said Saunders.  “He brings experience and strong leadership skills needed to help continue to position Auto Club Speedway and motorsports for growth in Southern California.” 

“I’m so excited to lead this incredible group of professionals here at Auto Club Speedway,” said Allen.  “Southern California is known for its strong car culture and racing history and I look forward to building on those traditions with the help of our staff and amazing fans.” 

Allen joined Penske Motorsports at previously-named California Speedway in April of 1999 after spending one year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  From 2002-2006, he served as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing before being named Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2006 with oversight of all sponsorship, hospitality, suite and consumer sales. In 2008 Allen, along with former track president Gillian Zucker, completed the Speedway’s groundbreaking naming rights partnership with Auto Club of Southern California. 

Allen, his wife and three children reside in Upland, CA.

GMS Racing Purchases New Facility

GMS Racing, which currently fields multiple teams in the NASCAR Camping World Truck and Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing Series, will soon have a new place to call home. 

GMS Racing announced today that it will transfer its racing operations from their current location in Charlotte to Statesville, N.C. at the end of the year. GMS Racing’s new address will be 310 Aviation Drive in Statesville, the former home of Richard Petty Motorsports. 

The new facility is considerably larger than the current location, allowing for growth in race operations as well as further opportunities to increase performance development potential. The new shop will allow for GMS Racing to be an all-in-one facility for the growing team, and allowing the team to have additional space for engineering and simulation. 

“We needed a new location that allowed for more space to increase our performance,” said Nic Moncher, team manager of GMS Racing. “We continue to invest into race operations to improve our potential and performance both on and off the track. It all starts in the race shop, and having the best resources and assets, in addition to our team of employees.” 

The team acquired three industrial buildings located adjacent to the Statesville Regional Airport in October. The three buildings that once housed Richard Petty Motorsports and Evernham Motorsports total 157,743 square feet. 

The new site will be the home of GMS Racing’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams as well as their ARCA Racing Series team. 

By January 2015, all of GMS Racing's race teams will be able to call the campus home.

Watkins Glen Awarded $2.25M Grant

Watkins Glen International has been awarded $2.25 million by the State of New York and Governor Andrew Cuomo to assist in modernization efforts and repaving of the historic facility.

WGI received the award after being named a Priority Project by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council in 2014. The grant comes on the heels of $33.5 million in private capital investments at the track over the past 10 years, with an additional $12 million committed for 2015. 

“We’re extremely grateful to have the support of Governor Cuomo, Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Co-chairs of STREDC Tom Tranter and Harvey Stenger,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “Watkins Glen International has been a worldwide tourist destination in upstate New York for more than 50 years. With the support of our elected officials, regional council and dedicated race fans around the world, we’re poised to continue shining an international spotlight on the Finger Lakes region for another 50 years.”

Watkins Glen International announced in November its intentions to repave the historic road course following the 2015 Cheez-It 355 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend. The $12 million in private and $2.25 million in public funds will be applied towards infrastructure modernization and marketing during the repaving project.  

Scott, Marks Team For K&N East Campaign

NASCAR team owner Harry Scott, Jr. announced today the formation of HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks, a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East team that will compete full-time in 2015. The announcement comes on the heels of Scott's partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks will field four teams with returning driver Scott Heckert and Rookie of the Year contenders William Byron, J.J. Haley and Dalton Sargeant.

"The future of NASCAR is being developed in the NASCAR K&N Series," said Scott.  "My partnership with Justin Marks to field four teams in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East is an opportunity for us to help young drivers get to the next level.  We are fortunate to return to the series with remarkable talent that already includes two championships, 15 victories and 14 poles."

Marks, 33, has competed in multiple levels of road course racing, winning the 2009 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in the GT division, as well as in all three of NASCAR's national series. An accomplished entrepreneur, Marks is the owner of DryLake Entertainment, GoPro Motorplex and KartSport North America. In 2014, Marks partnered with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie of the year, Kyle Larson, to form the Larson Marks Racing World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series team.

"It's a thrill for me to be able to partner with someone like Harry on this enterprise," said Marks.  "This organization has proven to be a significant strength in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and I am looking forward to continuing that success.  We have a stable of talented drivers for 2015, backed by a group of hard working and dedicated team members."

Heckert, 21, of Ridgefield, Conn., returns to compete for Harry Scott in 2015. Last season, Heckert posted K&N Pro Series East wins at Watkins Glen International and Virginia International Raceway. He also earned three poles and finished eighth in the series point standings. A student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Heckert will graduate in 2016 with a mechanical engineering degree. While not on track, Heckert will work as an intern for HScott Motorsports' NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

Byron, a Charlotte native and K&N Rookie of the Year contender, competed in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for JR Motorsports in 2014, winning the North Carolina Rookie of the Year title. In 2014, he earned 11 victories and 24 poles in 54 combined Late Model and Legends starts. A junior at Charlotte Country Day school, Byron, 17, also attends and takes college courses through his primary sponsor Liberty University's Online Academy.  Liberty University is the largest private, nonprofit university in the nation.  

Haley, 15, will enter his rookie year of K&N Series competition in 2015. He most recently competed in ARCA Racing Series and K&N competition. Last season, the Winamac, Ind., native earned one ARCA pole and a career-best seventh-place finish in his third K&N start at Dover International Speedway in September. Haley, the nephew of former NASCAR team owner Todd Braun, has an extensive racing background in quarter midgets, micro sprints and late model stock cars.

Sargeant, a former competitor in the International Kart Federation and World Karting Association, also will compete for K&N Rookie of the Year honors in 2015. The 16-year-old native of Boca Raton, Fla., began his stock car career in 2014 competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and earned his first career stock car victory last August at Virginia International Raceway and followed it with a second win at Orange County Speedway in October. Along with his two wins, Sargeant posted 26 top-10 finishes in his rookie season, including a runner-up finish in the prestigious Snowball Derby earlier this month.

HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks will be led by Mike Greci, who oversaw Turner Scott Motorsports' K&N Series program since its inception in 2013. Under Greci's leadership, TSM earned back-to-back K&N Pro Series East championships, 15 victories and 14 pole positions. He helped launch the careers of NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Dylan Kwasniewski and Ben Rhodes, the 2012 and 2013 K&N Series champions, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers Cameron Hayley and Brandon Jones.

The 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season will commence at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 7.

Scott, Ganassi Pair For 2015 XFINITY Series Effort

Chip Ganassi and Harry Scott, Jr. announced today that they have joined forces to field a single-car NASCAR Xfinity Series entry for the 2015 season.  The entry will be run out of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates shop in Concord, NC and will race under the name HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi.

The team’s No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro entry will feature a driver line-up that includes 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Kyle Larson, along with 2014 NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie Dylan Kwasniewski. Mike Shiplett, a former crew chief and car chief with Richard Petty Motorsports, Turner Scott Motorsports and Gillett Evernham Motorsports has been tabbed as crew chief. 

“The HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi partnership formalizes a relationship that has been in the making for a couple of years,” said Scott today. “This is a first step of a partnership that will further develop drivers and provide even more excitement in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.”

“We have had a great relationship with Harry over the past couple of years,” said Ganassi. “And bringing this program into our shop is something that we feel benefits both teams. We feel that our expertise -- on both the competition and the business side -- can help grow the program, both on and off the track.” 

Chip Ganassi Racing has been a fixture in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for many years, and the organization also fielded NXS teams from 2004 to 2008.  Over those five years, the team won six races and amassed 32 top-five and 60 top-10 finishes, along with nine pole awards.

In two seasons fielding drivers in NASCAR’s secondary circuit, Scott and his teams have served as a proving ground for talented young drivers. TSM has fielded nine drivers and in 173 races, with two wins, 30 top-five and 65 top-10 finishes. Both wins came during the 2014 season with Larson behind the wheel. Larson also won the 2013 NXS Rookie of the Year award, with Kwasniewski bringing home both the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and 2012 West Series championships; the only driver in NASCAR history to win both titles.

Roush Yates Announces New School Of Technology

Roush Yates Racing Engines has announced the creation of Roush Yates School of Technology. 

The new venture comes as a result of the tremendous demand for entry level, well-trained and skilled machinists. “Bridging the skills gap for Engine Technology Education in the US is critical for the future of the racing industry and manufacturing in general,” said CEO Doug Yates.

With a successful history of engine building and racing leading to multiple engine builder awards, Yates has had a vision of sharing Roush Yates’ experience and knowledge via a structured curriculum taught by experienced industry professionals.

Roush Yates School of Technology will offer programs in Engine Block and Cylinder Head Machining.  The primary objective of the programs is to give students the opportunity to receive hands-on machining experience that will allow them to start as entry-level machinists upon completion of the training.  The students will learn the theory and fundamentals of cylinder heads and blocks as they relate to engine performance.

Classes are scheduled to begin in February 2015 and will be held for a period of 36 weeks for each program.  Roush Yates School of Technology is a part of a long time vision to continuously improve the skills available to make the best designed, highest quality components required in Roush & Yates Racing Engines as well as other quality focused industry needs.

 

“In America, if you want to learn about engines, this is the place to be,” said Yates. To learn more about Roush Yates School of Technology, call 704-360-1434 or visit www.roushyates.com/school.

Opinions Mixed On Impact Of 2015 Rule Changes

"The racing will be identical..."

NASCAR conducted a preseason Goodyear tire test at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, providing teams with an opportunity to shake-down the new, 2015 rules package for the first time.  

The four drivers that participated in the test – Sam Hornish Jr. in the No. 9 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford, Carl Edwards and his new No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Paul Menard in Richard Childress Racing’s No. 27 Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt, Jr, driver of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – offered their thoughts on this week’s preseason test runs, as did their crew chiefs.

"Typically, when we come to a test, we have a list of all the things we want to try,” said Earnhardt. “We're not doing that traditional type of testing this week, because we have a lot of things to go through for Goodyear's agenda. It's still good to come to the track early and not show up to Atlanta (for first non-restrictor plate race of 2015) so raw.

"We all need to be prepared to work together mentally,” said NASCAR’s perennial Most Popular Driver.  “We have a lot of new people on the crew and this gives everybody a chance to work together."

Earnhardt said he does not anticipate major differences as a result of in this year’s technological changes.  

“I think the racing will be identical,” he said. “The 2015 package feels a lot like last year's.  The corner speeds feel similar, so the racing should be similar. I like that because we had a good year in '14."

Hornish’s crew chief, Drew Blickensderfer, disagreed, saying, "I think the change in rear downforce compared to front downforce has made this a freer race car.  This downforce package makes this car more similar to a Xfinity Series car.  The corner speeds seem to be up a bit, but the straightaway speeds are down, with the reduced horsepower.

"This test is extremely valuable for us, especially since we're working with a new driver,” said Blickensderfer. “We've been testing the 2015 rules package, and this sets us up for the first part of the season and helps us set up our simulation software.  This is huge for us."

Edwards said this week’s test was an important first step in his transition to Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota.

"This is what we need to be working on, and I applaud NASCAR for doing it,” he said. “This is more like what the car felt like 10 years ago, and I like that.  When you take the downforce out, you have to lift off the throttle and slide the car through the corner. It produces turn when you have to lift off the throttle, and that's where racing happens."

France Says No Changes Expected For 2015 Chase

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France gave high marks to the recently completed Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, saying the sport’s new championship format added drama and excitement to the season. He also said he expects no changes to the Chase format in 2015.

Speaking on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Tuesday, France said the level of on-track competition escalated dramatically in “any of the last 10 races (and) certainly the last few. It was unmistakable the effort (and) the level of competition with the elite teams."

He said a dramatic conclusion to the 2014 campaign bodes well for the coming season, as well, adding, "Momentum… at the end of the year, dramatic playoffs (and) a really interesting ending is always something you build on.”

France related comments he received from 2014 champion Kevin Harvick during Champion’s Week, saying, "When I saw Kevin in Las Vegas on Tuesday, he pulled me aside, and (the Chase) was neat. He said, 'Look, I wasn't a big fan of the Chase format when you first announced it. But I've got to tell you, when we got into it, it gave me and my team (opportunities) to reach down and dig up talent and effort that we never thought possible. That was pretty neat to be able to have those moments.’

"That's everything,” said France. “That's what our fans love most. These are the best drivers in the world and the best teams in the world. Give them moments where they can shine, and they will."

With Ryan Newman falling just short of the 2014 title, France said he would have welcomed a winless champion, since all 16 Chase driver and teams "took their game to a new level.

"It wouldn't have bothered us at all if Ryan Newman would have closed the deal,” said France. “And he almost did by the way. He would have earned the championship in our view, without question.”

He added that wins alone are not a true indicator of who enjoyed the best season.

"How do you balance winning and consistency? They don't necessarily always go together. And how do you have… a championship run that represents that? We've done the best job we think we can do to balance that.

“Any time you try to go back and say, 'Well, it's whoever won the most races… it's whoever had the best finishing order' or any of that stuff, you never get the real, accurate view. The real accurate view is `Did you bring it when it mattered? Were you the best on that given day?’ That's how every other sport is measured."

As a result, France said NASCAR is unlikely to make any changes to the Chase format for 2015.

“There will be nothing anybody would notice for '15,” he said. “But if we can make an already great thing better, we will always look into that.”

"NASCAR Coast To Coast" Headed For NASCAR Touring Awards

NASCAR’s 66^th season has concluded, but MRN.com’s second season of “NASCAR Coast to Coast” rolls on for one more week with a pair of special broadcasts Friday and Saturday evening.

Co-hosts Kyle Rickey and Buddy Long will be live at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center for the NASCAR Touring & Weekly Series awards, honoring the champions from the sport’s top developmental series.

Coverage will originate from the red carpet each night, with air time 5-6 p.m. EST.  Friday’s featured guest for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards will be 2014 national champion Anthony Anders of Easley, S.C.  On Saturday for the Touring Series Night of Champions Awards, Rickey and Long will welcome all of this year’s champions from the seven touring series: Ben Rhodes (K&N Pro Series East), Greg Pursley (K&N Pro Series West), Doug Coby (Whelen Modified Tour), Andy Seuss (Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Anthony Kumpen (NASCAR Euro Series), L.P. Dumoulin (Canadian Tire Series Presented by Mobil 1) and Abraham Calderon (Toyota Mexico Series).

“These are some of the sport’s brightest young stars.  It’s an honor for Motor Racing Network to be part of this championship weekend … saluting them for their dedication, hard work and – most importantly – their success in 2014,” said MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt.  “We welcome them to Charlotte and thank NASCAR for the opportunity to share in their excitement.”

The special broadcasts of “NASCAR Coast to Coast,” to be produced by Craig Moore, will lead into the Awards Show each night – both of which will be streamed live at NASCARHomeTracks.com starting at 6 p.m. (EST).  Anders and the All-American Series will be in the spotlight Friday with the remainder of the champions being honored Saturday.

This weekend’s programming will wrap up MRN’s 2014 racing schedule that included 122 live events from 44 venues.  “NASCAR Coast to Coast” is part of the network’s lineup of exclusive online content streamed weekly at MRN.com.  The show will kick off its third season in 2015.

Ty Dillon To Run Daytona 500

Richard Childress Racing will continue a long-standing partnership with General Mills when NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Ty Dillon makes his Daytona 500 debut driving the No. 33 Cheerios/Kroger Chevrolet SS for Circle Sport Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season opener on February 22, 2015 at Daytona International Speedway.

"We are fortunate to have a great partner like General Mills giving me the opportunity to race in one of the most prestigious events in all of sports," Dillon said. "Not only has General Mills been a long-time supporter of RCR but also my family, partnering with Austin (Dillon) for the 2013 Daytona 500 and this past season. I can't thank General Mills and Kroger enough for being part of this race."

General Mills continued its six-year partnership in 2014, helping to bring back the legendary No. 3 to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. The Minneapolis-based company's Honey Nut Cheerios brand, America's Favorite Cereal, was featured on the hood of the No. 33 Chevrolet in 2013 with older brother and current RCR driver, Austin Dillon made his career-debut in the Daytona 500. Now, younger brother Ty Dillon will make his Daytona 500 debut with Cheerios and Kroger.

"We are proud to support Ty Dillon as he makes his Daytona 500 debut," said Brian Kittelson, director of Shopper Marketing and Motorsports at General Mills. "We have been an active sponsor within NASCAR for many years and look forward to joining Kroger in another season opener at Daytona."

RCR is a two-time winner of The Great American Race. The legendary Dale Earnhardt earned RCR's first Harley J. Earl trophy in 1998 and Kevin Harvick won it in 2007.

"The Daytona 500 is a major step in Ty's career and it's terrific to have General Mills as a big part of this monumental race," said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "General Mills has such a great history in NASCAR and we are proud to feature the Cheerios colors on Ty's race car for the Daytona 500 and the millions of NASCAR fans who will be watching. We hope to bring Cheerios a victory."

Wallace’s Situation Is About Racing, Not Race

It’s time for Darrell Wallace, Jr. to stop being black.

Don’t misunderstand, the five-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner is justifiably proud of both his African American roots and his on-track accomplishments. In October of 2013, Wallace became the first African American driver to win a NASCAR National Series race since soon-to-be inducted Hall of Famer Wendell Scott in 1964.

That was a big deal at the time, and the national headlines it garnered were repeated four more times last season, as Wallace steered his Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota to a quartet of victories at Gateway, Eldora, Martinsville and Homestead Miami Speedways, finishing third in the season-long championship standings.

Now, Wallace is inexplicably without a ride, after Joe Gibbs Racing was unable to find a sponsor to back him in a full-time NASCAR XFINITY Series schedule in 2015. The Alabama native had expressed optimism that JGR would be able to assemble an XFINITY program for him next season, but with no sponsorship dollars on the horizon, Wallace asked for – and has reportedly been granted – a release from his contract, in order to pursue other opportunities in the sport.

When word of Wallace’s situation became public recently, many of the resulting headlines had more to do with race than racing. That is unfortunate, since Wallace’s preference has always been to understate the role of race in his driving career.

Yes, he is a product of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, which provides opportunities for talent young minority and female drivers to climb the NASCAR ladder. But Wallace’s NASCAR success to date has everything to do with his talent behind the wheel of a race car, and nothing to do with the color of his skin.

In other realms of motorsport, minority and female competitors ceased to be noteworthy decades ago.

Shirley Muldowney obtained her NHRA professional driving license way back in 1965, and was winning Top Fuel World Championships a decade later. Erica Enders-Stevens recently clinched the NHRA Pro Stock championship, while Alexis DeJoria and Courtney Force are frequent winners in the nitro Funny Car class. Brittany Force wheels a fire-breathing Top Fuel dragster, Angie Smith is a top contender in Pro Stock Motorcycle and former multi-time World Champion Angelle Sampey recently returned to drag racing after a six-year hiatus. 

Nobody makes a big to-do when a woman wins a drag race anymore. And they shouldn’t. It’s old news.

Nobody notices when two-time World Driving Champion Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One races, one after another. Antron Brown’s 2012 NHRA Top Fuel title was noteworthy for many reasons, none of them being the color of his skin.  

Hamilton and Brown long ago succeeded in shedding the “black” descriptor, in favor of simply being racers. NASCAR – and its fans -- must allow Darrell Wallace to do the same. It’s time to erase the racial asterisk and allow Wallace to be more than just “the first black NASCAR winner since Wendell Scott.”

Bubba Wallace is the stereotype for what team owners look for in a driver. He is supremely talented behind the wheel, handsome, personable, glib and fully at-ease with fans and supporters from the board room to the bonfire. Published reports say he could be headed for Roush Fenway Racing next season, joining Elliott Sadler, Chris Buescher and Ryan Reed in the team’s XFINITY Series Ford Mustangs.

He deserves that kind of opportunity. Not because he’s black, but because he’s good.

DAYTONA Rising Set For Rolex 24, Budweiser Speedweeks

Daytona International Speedway’s $400 million DAYTONA Rising project is now preparing for the 53^rd Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Budweiser Speedweeks 2015.

“We had another great year and hit several major milestones along the way,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III today. “We’re now beginning to prepare the facility for the 2015 racing season to ensure that our fans enjoy some of its new amenities.”

Fans can get an early preview of DAYTONA Rising during Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 (the stadium will officially open in 2016). Approximately 40,000 new seats will be available along with two of the five injectors/entrances, new concessions, several of the neighborhoods or social areas and the new vertical transportation.

Among the key DAYTONA Rising accomplishments to date are the installation of 90,000 square feet of metal panel skin and 20,000 tons of structural steel and miscellaneous metals using more than 470,000 bolts. Upcoming projects include the installation of temporary Americrown kitchens and miscellaneous trailers, preparation of vertical transportation (elevators and escalators) for final testing and the set-up of more than 4,000 feet of construction fencing.

At the conclusion of the redevelopment, DIS will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with track side views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests. The DAYTONA Rising project is expected to create 6,300 jobs, $300 million in labor income and over $80 million in tax revenue, and will be completed in time for the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona and DAYTONA 500. 

Ben Rhodes To JR Motorsports

JR Motorsports announced today that reigning K&N Pro Series East champion Ben Rhodes will drive 10 NASCAR XFINITY Series races in the team’s No. 88 Chevrolet in 2015.  The 17-year-old Rhodes joins an all-star lineup of drivers for the No. 88 team that includes Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne in select races.  Alpha Energy Solutions will sponsor the Rhodes-driven races.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Rhodes won the K&N Pro Series East championship as a rookie.  With the title he also claimed Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and the series’ most popular driver award.  His mammoth 2014 included five wins, 11 Top-5 and 13 Top-10 finishes.  Rhodes also competed four times in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, earning one Top-5 and three Top-10 finishes.  

“Ben is one of the rising talents in NASCAR,” said JR Motorsports general manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller.  “As a company, JRM takes pride in cultivating young drivers, and together with Alpha Energy Solutions, we’re thrilled to give Ben a platform to further develop his skills at the next level.  I’m excited to see what this coming year will bring for him and the 88 team.”

“I'm thrilled to be joining one of the top teams in NASCAR for the 2015 season,” Rhodes said.  “It's been my goal to compete in NASCAR’s top tiers, and this is a tremendous opportunity with JR Motorsports and Alpha Energy Solutions to race in the XFINITY Series.  I couldn’t think of a better group of people to surround myself with to continue my growth in the sport.  I am looking forward to working with crew chief Dave Elenz, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with Dale Jr., Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne, as well as sharing the track with my teammates Chase Elliott and Regan Smith.” 

The No. 88 team will compete in the full 33-race XFINITY Series schedule in 2015.  Rhodes’ complete schedule in the No. 88 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet includes races at Iowa Speedway (May 17), Chicagoland Speedway (June 20), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (July 18), a second event at Iowa Speedway (Aug. 1), Watkins Glen International (Aug. 8), Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Aug. 15), Road America (Aug. 29), Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 26), Dover International Speedway (Oct. 3) and the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 21). 

The No. 88 team is the only JR Motorsports team in which multiple drivers will pilot the car throughout the season.  It was announced Tuesday that former Hendrick Motorsports engineer Dave Elenz will serve as the team’s crew chief.

Yates Denies Rumors Of Roush Fenway Buyout

Roush Yates CEO Doug Yates

Roush Yates Engines CEO Doug Yates responded yesterday to rumors that he will replace Jack Roush at the helm of Roush Fenway Racing when Roush steps down in the near future.

“Jack is committed to NASCAR racing,” said Yates, son of legendary NASCAR engine builder and team owner Robert Yates. “He loves two things besides his family; racing and flying airplanes. He is not planning to stop the racing part, anyway. I know that for a fact.”

Yates admitted, however, that he is interested in following his father into the ownership ranks one day.

“It’s flattering to hear my name out there (in the rumor mill) and if the right situation came along, I’d love to carry on what my dad started and what he accomplished. But right now, my focus is on building great engines for Ford Motor Company and making Ford and Roush proud. That’s what I’m going to try to stick with and be focused on in the near future.”

"Jack Roush is not going anywhere..."

RFR struggled to find speed in 2014, and while Both Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, neither was a serious contender for the title. Edwards finished ninth in the championship standings, with Biffle 14^th and teammate Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. 27^th. The organization managed just three victories and 30 Top-10 finishes in 108 combined starts, and Yates said that performance does not sit well with Roush.

“Jack Roush is not going anywhere,” he said, “…and one thing he’s not going to do is quit before he gets (Roush Fenway Racing) back where he wants it.”

Yates also said Roush has been instrumental in his success as an engine builder, adding, “He’s been really good to me… a lot like my dad. I’ve been so fortunate to learn and watch and be around him. He’s taught me a lot.”

Earnhardt Honored With Myers Brothers Award

Championship driver and team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been named the recipient of the prestigious Myers Brothers Award for 2014.

Earnhardt, 40, was chosen by a vote of the National Motorsports Press Association and presented the award during Thursday’s annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon held at the Wynn Las Vegas.

The Myers Brothers Award is named in honor of brothers Billy and Bobby Myers, two of NASCAR’s pioneers from the 1950s. It has been presented annually since 1958 with the purpose of recognizing those that have provided outstanding contributions to the sport of stock car racing.

Eighth in this year’s final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings, Earnhardt qualified for the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup for the seventh time and finished the season with four victories, 12 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes.

He is a 23-time winner in Sprint Cup, twice a champion in the NASCAR Busch (now XFINITY) Series as a driver, and a three-time champion of that series as co-team owner. But it is his care and concern for both the history and the future of the sport that has elevated the third-generation driver to being more than a successful competitor.

Along with sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller and Sprint Cup team owner Rick Hendrick, Earnhardt’s JR Motorsports organization has become a successful pipeline for grooming talent at the track as well as at the race shop.

In 2014, JR Motorsports driver Chase Elliott became the youngest driver to win the Nationwide Series championship, and is expected to make a handful of Sprint Cup starts for Hendrick Motorsports in 2015 while also defending his series title. Elliott and teammate Regan Smith finished 1-2 in the series’ points standings.

Elliott’s crew chief Greg Ives will join Earnhardt next season as crew chief for the No. 88 Sprint Cup team at HMS.

Just this week, JRM announced that Dave Elenz and Jason Burdett had been named crew chiefs for two of the organization’s three teams. Elenz previously served as an engineer on the No. 88 and 48 teams at Hendrick Motorsports while Burdett, who does have crew chief experience, was a car chief for eight seasons at HMS.

Such moves, Earnhardt Jr., said, “gives us the opportunity to call up some of the best talent at Hendrick Motorsports and give them a shot at taking the next step in their careers.

“That is the sort of foundation on which we built this company.”

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Sprint Cup champion, competed full-time for JRM in 2008 and ’09, finishing third in points each year. Sprint Cup competitors Aric Almirola, Danica Patrick and Cole Whitt also have driven for the team full-time, with each earning top-10 points finishes.

Fellow Sprint Cup driver Martin Truex Jr. won back-to-back Busch Series titles (2004-05) when the team was known as Chance2 Motorsports and operated in conjunction with Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Earnhardt Jr. isn’t attracted to only the upper levels of NASCAR competition. He is one of the few NASCAR team owners that have given back to grassroots racing by fielding full-time operations for regional short-track racing as well. He has fielded Street Stock or Late Model entries at local short tracks since starting JRM. 

This season, his Late Model drivers Josh Berry and William Byron finished first and second, respectively, in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series at historic Hickory Motor Speedway. The sweep gave JRM 1-2 points finishes in both series in which it competed full-time in ’14.

It was the second LM championship in three years for the organization, as Berry won the title at Motor Mile Speedway in 2012.

Berry also made two Nationwide Series starts for JRM this season.

“I can’t take a lot of credit for how well we’ve done,” Earnhardt Jr. said of the group. “I know we’ve got a lot of people that have come into our company and influenced that. Kelley has steered the ship, and people like Greg Ives and the Eurys (Tony Sr. and Tony Jr.), all these people that have been through the company that have helped us climb another rung on the ladder one year at a time to (get) to where we are.”

Earnhardt Jr.’s off-track endeavors have been just as noteworthy. This past season, he facilitated his 235^th meeting through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a total that ranks among the top five for all professional athletes.

And the Dale Jr. Foundation raised a record $913,000 for distribution to 70 charities in 2014. The Foundation’s focus is to give underprivileged individuals, particularly youngsters, the resources to improve their confidence and education.

Others receiving votes for the 2014 Myers Brothers Award were ESPN and series sponsors Sprint and Nationwide Insurance.

Myers Brothers Award Winners

 2014, Dale Earnhardt Jr.; 2013, Tony Stewart; 2012, Jeff Gordon; 2011, Drs. Joseph & Rose Mattioli; 2010, Jim Hunter; 2009, Barney Hall; 2008, T. Taylor Warren; 2007, Bill France Jr.; 2006, Benny Parsons; 2005, Rusty Wallace; 2004, Kyle and Patti Petty; 2003, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; 2002, Mike Helton; 2001, Dale Earnhardt; 2000, Kyle Petty; 1999, Junie Donlavey; 1998, T. Wayne Robertson; 1997, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; 1996, Rick Hendrick; 1995, TNN: The Nashville Network; 1994, Brickyard 400/Indianapolis Motor Speedway; 1993, Goody’s Manufacturing Co.; 1992, Richard and Lynda Petty; 1991, Harry Gant; 1990; Dick Beaty; 1989, Bill France Jr.; 1988 Richmond International Raceway; 1987, ESPN; 1986, Hayride 500; 1985, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; 1984, Charlotte Motor Speedway; 1983, CBS-TV; 1982, MRN; 1981, Junior Johnson; 1980, STP & Champion Spark Plug Co.; 1979, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; 1978, Busch Beer; 1977, First National City Travelers Checks; 1976, Junior Johnson; 1975, Bill France Sr.; 1974, H. Clay Earles; 1973, Wood Brothers; 1972, Winston Cigarettes; 1971, Richard Petty; 1970, Richard Howard; 1969, David Pearson; 1968, Wood Brothers; 1967, Richard Petty; 1966, Norris Friel; 1965, Ned Jarrett; 1964, Richard Petty; 1963, Marvin Panch; 1962, Hank Schoolfield; 1961, Ned Jarrett; 1960, Russ Catlin; 1959, Lee Petty; 1958, Bob Colvin.

2015 Eldora Tickets Go On Sale Saturday

For Eldora Speedway race fans, the first Saturday in December is one of the most anticipated dates on their off-season calendar.  It is the traditional date for the opening of public ticket and campsite sales for the historic speed plant’s marquee major events for the upcoming season, and the Eldora Speedway staff is prepared for this year’s campaign.

This Saturday (Dec. 6), starting promptly at 10 a.m., race fans can go online to EldoraSpeedway.com, or call the speedway office at (937) 338-3815 to purchase remaining tickets and campsites for the Dirt Late Model Dream weekend on June 4, 5 and 6, Kings Royal weekend on July 17 and 18, the 1-800 Car Cash Mud Summer Classic for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on July 22 and the World 100 weekend on September 10, 11 and 12.

“Due to the volume of orders, a race fan’s best bet is the online route,” said Eldora Ticket Manager Tess Thwaits.  “Our proven TicketForce-prepared design is easy and quick and capable of assisting a large quantity of orders simultaneously.  We will also have a full staff answering the phones from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.  Additionally, our box office will be open during these hours for walk-in orders.”

The 2014 season on Eldora’s one-half mile clay oval produced some of the most competitive and exciting racing seen in its 61 years of action and has created an unprecedented appeal for race tickets and campsites.

Dale McDowell’s powerful drive from 22^nd to the lead in 79 laps during this past June’s Dirt Late Model Dream was just the beginning of what fans would see as the slate of time-honored Eldora events unfolded throughout the summer.  In July Kerry Madsen thwarted a powerful late-race charge from six-time World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series champion Donny Schatz to become the first-ever Australian winner in the event’s illustrious 31-year history.

And then ten days later, Darrell Wallace, Jr. prevailed over NASCAR’s only National Series dirt race, in a battle that found Kyle Larson stealing the show with his relentless pounding of Eldora’s concrete walls trying to chase down Wallace. The repeated slamming of the walls and a broken brake line ended Larson’s stint two laps from the finish as Wallace bested Ron Hornaday, Jr.

An unbelievable run by Scott Bloomquist in September’s 44^th annual running of the famous World 100 closed out the major event schedule.  Fans were in awe at Bloomquist’s prowess.   During a lap 20 caution period, Bloomquist was motioned to the pit area for an inspection by DIRTcar UMP officials.  It was determined that Bloomquist had an unapproved window net and was removed from his lead position to the tail of the pack.  Lap after lap, car after car, Bloomquist moved his way back to the front and re-took the lead on lap 72 as he devoured the balance of the field for his fourth victory in the prestigious event.

Race fans were abuzz throughout the season and have been flooding the Eldora offices inquiring about the upcoming ticket sale date.   Eldora, through its online ticketing, phone sales and in-person sales is ready for the onslaught this Saturday.  

Tickets and camping for the balance of Eldora’s exciting 2015 season, which can be viewed at the track’s website www.EldoraSpeedway.com, will go on sale Monday, February 9.

Joe Gibbs Racing Finalizes 2015 Crew Chief Lineup

Joe Gibbs Racing made it official today, announcing the crew chief assignments for each of its 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR XFINITY Series teams.

JGR’s new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series lineup will see Jason Ratcliff crew the No 20 Toyota driven by Matt Kenseth, with Dave Rogers moving to the No. 11 Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin. Darian Grubb will oversee the new, No. 19 Toyota driven by Carl Edwards, while longtime XFINITY Series Adam Stevens will move up to head the No. 18 Sprint Cup Toyota driven by Kyle Busch.

The team’s 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series lineup includes Eric Phillips at the helm of the No. 18 Toyota driven by Daniel Suarez, Chris Gayle serving as crew chief for the No. 54 Toyota driven by multiple drivers and Mike Wheeler overseeing the No. 20 Toyota, also slated to utilize a number of drivers.

“With the expansion of our NASCAR Sprint Cup Series operations to four teams next year with the addition of Carl Edwards, we have been able to take a step back and evaluate each of our teams and make decisions that we feel are best for our organization long term,” said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing.

“Like Jason and Dave previously, Adam has clearly proven that he is ready to move into the Cup Series and we feel that his familiarity with Kyle provides the opportunity for us to make that move now. We think pairing Dave with Denny and Darian with Carl will also make each team stronger heading into next season. Jason and Matt came together quickly and we felt it was in the best interest of the 20 team to keep it as is.

Stevens joins the Sprint Cup Series after spending the previous four seasons as a crew chief in JGR’s NASCAR Nationwide Series. Over that time, Stevens has been a part of 31 wins, 73 top-five and 95 top-ten finishes in 124 starts

“The XFINITY Series has been very important to us at Joe Gibbs Racing. Not only from a driver development standpoint, but also in the development of crew chiefs and other team members that eventually make their way into our Cup programs. Mike Wheeler has been a vital part of our success with Denny on the Cup side and we’re excited that he will have a chance to be a crew chief. It is a similar transition to the one we made with Chris Gayle a couple of years ago, and Chris will remain with us, but move over to the 54 Toyota with Kyle. 

We’re also excited to have Eric Phillips join our operations from KBM to work with Daniel Suarez next season.”

Mike Wheeler has been with JGR since December 2002 and served as the race engineer on the No. 11 Cup team since that team’s formation in 2005. He will now serve as crew chief on the No. 20 XFINITY team which will run a full season with multiple drivers.

Gayle, who has served as the crew chief on JGR’s No. 11 Nationwide Series team the previous two seasons and was an engineer on JGR’s No. 18 Sprint Cup Series team prior to that, will now lead the organization’s No. 54 XFINITY Series team.

Eric Phillips joins JGR from Kyle Busch Motorsports where he served as crew chief for the NASCAR Camping World Series Owner’s Championship No. 51 Tundra team. Phillips, who joined KBM in 2010, will work with Daniel Suarez on the No. 18 XFINITY Series team in 2015.