Posted on December 1, 2016 by Staff Report

RELATED: Drivers on the move in 2017

Stewart-Haas Racing announced Thursday that Jimmy John’s has renewed its partnership with its No. 4 Chevrolet team and driver Kevin Harvick in a multiyear agreement.

With the extension, Jimmy John’s will be the primary sponsor of the No. 4 Chevy in 16 races, including the season-opening Daytona 500. The Illinois-based sandwich chain will serve as a major associate sponsor in the remaining 22 events.

Jimmy John’s has been associated with Harvick as a primary sponsor in NASCAR’s top division since 2011. Jimmy John’s followed Harvick from Richard Childress Racing to Stewart-Haas in 2014, expanding its backing of his racing efforts.

“We are fortunate to partner with Kevin for many years in a very meaningful way,” restaurant founder Jimmy John Liautaud said in a release provided by the team. “On and off the track, Kevin and (wife) DeLana Harvick are winners in all they do, and Stewart-Haas Racing has proven to be an excellent home for them and for Jimmy John’s.”

Said Harvick: “I’ve known Jimmy since 2009 and I’ve personally seen how driven he is and how his work ethic is embraced by Jimmy John’s franchise owners. He wants to be the best, period. And he’ll out-work everyone to be the best. That’s the same mindset we have in racing. I’m proud to continue this partnership with Jimmy John’s at Stewart-Haas Racing.”

Jimmy John’s also sponsored Harvick’s efforts as an owner/driver from 2009-10 in what is now known as the NASCAR XFINITY Series.

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR and Monster Energy announced today a multi-year agreement for the premier series entitlement as well as the prestigious annual NASCAR All-Star Race. Monster Energy, which will begin its tenure as naming rights partner on Jan. 1, 2017, will become only the third company to serve as the entitlement sponsor in NASCAR premier series history, following RJ Reynolds and Sprint/Nextel.

As part of the agreement, the brand also becomes the Official Energy Drink of NASCAR.

“Monster Energy is a brand built on excitement and enthusiasm, qualities that align with NASCAR,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. “This sponsorship position is the most unique in all of sports and entertainment, and we are thrilled to have a partner that will help us further elevate the series. Today’s announcement is the culmination of a thorough search, one that resulted in the right partner at this important time in our sport’s history.”

NASCAR premier series races long have been a bucket-list destination for sports fans throughout the country, and starting next season, Monster Energy will elevate the event experience to an even higher level. As part of the agreement, Monster Energy will engage with fans in creative, innovative ways at all race tracks where the premier series will race.

“Monster Energy has an established and versatile history in motorsports, and we’re thrilled to take this historic next step,” said Rodney Sacks, Monster Beverage Chairman and CEO. “We feel strongly that our brand is a perfect fit for this sport and its star athletes. We look forward to interacting with the millions of passionate NASCAR fans week-in, week out.”

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Comcast will be honored with the 2016 NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award for its support of the NASCAR XFINITY Series™, known as the series “Where Names Are Made.” The company, which also serves as the Official Entertainment Provider of NASCAR®, will be recognized at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards today.

Entering the sport with a historic 10-year entitlement agreement last year, XFINITY is changing the way fans experience NASCAR by introducing live race stats and data directly to the TV through their XFINITY X1 platform. XFINITY X1 provides an insider’s look at the action taking place across NASCAR’s three national series each race weekend, along with custom video content, weekly exclusive VOD content, live leaderboards, up-to-the-second race stats, interactive championship point standings, and much more.

At the track, Comcast engaged fans, the industry and media at its state-of-the-art activation space, the XFINITY Zone. The award-winning fan zone allowed thousands of fans to interact with drivers and utilize the technology that is changing the live sports TV experience. Off the track, Comcast is working to recognize charitable efforts of NASCAR team members through the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award, which was created in 2015.

“The innovation that Comcast delivers through its XFINITY brand drives deeper engagement and is transforming the way fans consume our sport,” said Brent Dewar, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer. “Our partnership with Comcast is one of the most unique and powerful in all of sports, and our work together this year has helped elevate the NASCAR XFNITY Series to new heights.”

In year two of the partnership, NASCAR and XFINITY collaborated on changes that differentiated the series and further integrated the XFINITY brand into the sport. The introduction of an elimination-style Chase and a new Dash 4 Cash format enhanced competition, spiked fan interest, and generated even more drama around the series. The competition changes were accompanied by a new visual identity, providing the NASCAR XFINITY Series with its own distinct look across digital, social, at-track and on broadcast.

“We are honored and excited to accept this year’s NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award, as it is a direct reflection of the successful and progressive partnership we’ve had with NASCAR since entering the sport in 2015,” said Matt Lederer, Executive Director of Sports Marketing at Comcast. “All of us at Comcast are committed to continuing to find new and innovative ways to bring fans closer to the sport they love through XFINITY products and services.”

Comcast’s integrated marketing strategy was expansive:

· NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers captured more than 70 unique, first-person social videos that were shared as part of Comcast’s “My Chase” program

· Produced original television creative promoting the series throughout the season

· Created the XFINITY Zone, an 85-foot-by-85-foot display area that showed off X1 technology, and hosted fans across 14 NASCAR events

· Hosted the first-ever “off-campus” NASCAR Fuel For Business Council meeting in Philadelphia, welcoming nearly 50 Official Partners to facilitate business to business opportunities

· Comcast and Pocono Raceway hosted NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers around the Road 2 Pocono, which included a City Hall proclamation and a parade lap down the streets of Philadelphia.

Other previous winners of the NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award include Sunoco; Coca-Cola; Mars, Incorporated; Nationwide Insurance; Sprint; and Toyota.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week will culminate with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. NBCSN presents complete coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards on Friday, Dec. 2 beginning at 7 p.m. ET with “NASCAR America,” followed by the red carpet at 8 p.m. ET and the awards broadcast at 9 p.m. ET. Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will also begin coverage at 8 p.m. ET.

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Track Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — International Speedway Corporation announced Wednesday that its Board of Directors has approved a multi-year redevelopment project to elevate the fan and spectator experience at Phoenix International Raceway, the company’s 52-year-old motorsports venue. The redevelopment is expected to focus on new and upgraded seating areas, vertical transportation options, new concourses, enhanced hospitality offerings and an intimate infield experience with greater accessibility to pre-race activities.

The redevelopment of PIR was previously discussed as part of ISC’s capital allocation plan during its third quarter fiscal 2016 earnings conference call. The capital allocation plan, which covers fiscal years 2017 through 2021, includes $500 million of capital reinvestment in the company’s 13 existing facilities, including PIR. The redevelopment project at PIR is expected to cost approximately $178 million, including maintenance capital and before capitalized interest.

The project will contribute between approximately $8.5 million and $9.0 million in incremental EBITDA to ISC’s profitability in its first full year of opening. The project is expected to commence in early 2017 and be complete in late 2018. Specifics concerning the PIR redevelopment project scope, capital investment and returns will be released at a later date, as details are finalized, and further discussed on ISC’s fourth quarter fiscal 2016 earnings call in January 2017.

“Phoenix Raceway provides a one-of-a-kind setting for some of the most exciting and thrilling races that the sport has to offer,” said ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy. “This project will further enhance that experience and ensure that the venue continues to be a treasured destination for race fans.”

In addition to fan and spectator areas, PIR is exploring improvements for competitors and industry personnel, particularly key structures located throughout the infield.

“We are energized about the changes that we are bringing to Phoenix Raceway and we think the fans will be too,” said Phoenix Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber. “The race track itself will remain unchanged as one of the most exciting circuits in motorsports, but we will modernize much of the venue and provide our fans with a high-quality, leading-edge experience.”

Additional details on the redevelopment are scheduled to be announced in January.

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Team Release

Statesville, N.C. (December 1, 2016) – Statesville-based GMS Racing (GMS) announced that, beginning in 2017, the team will compete full-time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) with driver Spencer Gallagher. The Las Vegas native will continue to the pilot the No. 23, a number that he has raced since 2006 in honor of former NASCAR driver TJ Clark and his son, Spencer Clark.

Gallagher began racing at the age of 12 in Legends Cars at the Las Vegas Bullring to kick off his climb through the racing circuit. Gallagher has been with GMS since 2014, first competing in the ARCA Racing Series and most recently the NCWTS. Over three seasons and 58 starts, Gallagher earned three top-fives, 15 top-10 finishes, and two pole awards.

The 27-year-old made his NXS debut this past season, earning a best finish of eighth place at Daytona International Speedway in July. The team debuted the GMS Chevrolet Camaro at Phoenix International Speedway with a goal of building the program in preparation of running a full-time season in 2017.

“I am really excited about running full-time in the XFINITY Series,” said Gallagher. “I made my XFINITY debut this year and we learned a lot as an organization. Though I have raced against some of these drivers, I know the competition is going to be much more competitive so I need to be focused and on my “A” game all year. For next year my plan is to continue and grow this program, be consistent and make the Chase.”

Additional details regarding sponsorship and crew chief will be announced at a later date.

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Posted on November 30, 2016 by

When Jimmie Johnson made history at Homestead-Miami Speedway with his record-tying seventh championship, it gave the sport of stock-car racing a moment to reflect on the accomplishment and to debate Johnson’s place in its history.

With just more than a week’s worth of a cool-down lap of their own to let the moment sink in, our Holly Cain and Kenny Bruce offer their perspectives on the newly crowned “Seven-Time” in this week’s head-to-head:

1. With a seventh championship tying Jimmie Johnson with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, how do you rank the three considering the eras in which they competed?

Cain: Accessing seven-time champions is ironically a no-win situation. Each driver earned the big trophy in markedly different eras under far different circumstances. Petty’s team had to be as tough as it was good. Earnhardt’s team was tested against future Hall of Famers under a new and increasingly bright spotlight. And Johnson had to earn his titles under multiple championship scenarios against a field of competition representing the deepest talent level in the sport’s history.

Bruce: I agree with Holly to a point. You can’t fairly compare the three drivers because their success came in such different times. The sport was so different when Petty won his seven titles, with teams racing as many as 62 times a season. It was a test of endurance as much as anything. Earnhardt won his titles when attrition was still a concern, but the cars were better and depth of talent within the teams greater. Johnson’s success has come under various points formats, various rules packages and against some of the best talent the sport has ever seen. But … if you’re ranking the three purely on a “most talented” level, then it’s a no-brainer. The answer is …

2. Would an eighth championship in Johnson’s column change your view?

Cain: Should Johnson win an eighth — and I believe he will — there should be no lingering doubts about his toughness, tenacity and talent — the latter something this seven-time champ is never given enough credit for.

Bruce: It depends on the circumstances. I already believe he’s one of the best to ever compete in the sport, so one more title won’t really change how I view him there. But if he continues to compete at such a high level and can still be successful, I’ll be even more impressed with any future accomplishments.

3. How do you assess the chances of Johnson and the No. 48 team achieving title No. 8?

Cain: For Johnson to have earned seven trophies under a revolving door of championship competition and format changes is a triumph in and of itself. At only 41 years old — two years younger than Earnhardt when he won his seventh and the same age as Petty when he hoisted his seventh — there is reason to believe Johnson has an incredibly favorable shot to make more NASCAR history. The pressure is off. Petty ranked in the championship top five only three more times after winning his seventh title. Earnhardt was runner-up two more times (in 1995 and 2000). Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Chad Knaus really only have more history to aspire to, and lots of time to attain it. It’s “all good” was never more apropos.

Bruce: The current championship-determining format doesn’t lend itself to repeat champions — witness three different winners in the three years of the elimination format. No driver has made the final four all three times either. And there’s a very good chance that once you make it to the final, you have to win the race to win the title. It took the No. 48 team three years to make it to the final round and I don’t think it’s a given that they’ll be back next year. Under other formats, I’d rate their chances as great. Now, though, I’m less willing to be so positive. They’ve got time, but that’s what we said about Jeff Gordon, too, when he began pursuing title No. 5 — in 2002.

Posted on November 30, 2016 by

When we decided to start the All Pit Road Team five years ago we wanted to make it as legit as possible. In the past, we had crew members vote on who they thought were the best of the best. This year we changed it up a bit and sent out a ballot to each organization and had one coach’s ballot turned back in from each organization.

We had a great response from the coaches, and below are the crewmen who were selected. Just like last year, only members of the 16 Chase pit crews were eligible for the awards. If there was a tie in voting, the crewman whose team finished highest in the points won.

Front Tire Changer
First Team: No. 41 Shane Pipala (5)
Second Team: No. 2 Hunter Masling (5)
Third Team: No. 11 Dustin Necaise (4)
Honorable Mention: No. 19 Clay Robinson (3)

Front Tire Carrier
First Team: No. 19 Kevin Harris (4)
Second Team: No. 22 Dylan Dowell (3)
Third Team: No. 11 Brandon Pegram (3)
Honorable Mention: No. 2 Jeremy Ogles (3)

Jackman
First Team: No. 22 Ray Gallahan (4)
Second Team: No. 11 Nate Bolling (4)
Third Team: No. 42 Graham Molatch (4)
Honorable Mention: No. 41 Sean Cotten (3)

Rear Tire Changer
First Team: No. 11 Mike Hicks (7)
Second Team: No. 22 Zach Price (4)
Third Team: No. 18 Jake Seminara (4)
Honorable Mention: No. 19 Kip Wolfmeir (3)

Rear Tire Carrier
First Team: No. 11 Heath Cherry (4)
Second Team: No. 19 Matt Ver Meer (3)
Third Team: No. 20 Blake Haugland (3)
Honorable Mention: No. 41 Dwayne Moore (3)

Gasman
First Team: No. 11 Caleb Hurd (4)
Second Team: No. 22 Kellen Mills (2)
Third Team: No. 18 Tom Lampe (2)
Honorable Mention: No. 41 Justin Wilson (2)

Pit Crew of the year
(Voted on by pit crew coaches)
Joey Logano, Team Penske No. 22 (5)
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (4)
Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (4)

Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year
(Voted on by crew chiefs)
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports No. 48

For more pit crew news, visit PitTalks.com.

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Staff Report

Bristol Motor Speedway announced a fund drive Wednesday to assist wildfire relief efforts in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee and the surrounding areas.

The initiative was made in conjunction with longtime track sponsor Food City, which made a $50,000 donation to the Gatlinburg/Sevier County Relief Fund.

Bristol announced that the Medallion Campground area would be opened free of charge to displaced campers and RV drivers. The .533-mile track also indicated it would collect donations during its annual Speedway in Lights holiday display through Jan. 7. The speedway also said it would match all proceeds raised during Thursday’s holiday exhibition.

“While we can’t undo the damage from wildfires, we can all play a major role in relief efforts by donating money,” Bristol executive vice president and general manager Jerry Caldwell said in a release provided by the track. “Gatlinburg and Sevier County hold a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans, Food City and all of us at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. When you visit the Speedway this holiday season, we encourage you to bring along a little something extra to help our neighbors in need.”

Food City announced that it would accept cash contributions at participating stores from Dec. 1-7. The Abingdon, Virginia-based supermarket chain also delivered a tractor-trailer full of beverages to relief workers and others in need.

Tennessee authorities have confirmed four deaths in the widespread blaze, which has burned approximately 15,000 acres this week. Emergency officials said that nearly 14,000 residents and visitors were evacuated from the Gatlinburg area by Monday.

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Staff Report

Roush Fenway Racing announced Wednesday that Liberty National Life Insurance Company will sponsor the No. 6 Ford driven by Trevor Bayne next season in NASCAR’s premier series.

Liberty National will be a primary sponsor on Bayne’s No. 6 in the second race of the year, the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 scheduled March 5. Roush Fenway indicated that the McKinney, Texas-based insurance provider will also be a “major associate sponsor” in multiple races in 2017.

“We are excited to have Liberty National on board next season,” Bayne said in a release provided by the team. “They are an extremely well respected brand that has been providing valuable services since 1900. It’s the kind of brand that we are proud to have an association with and I can’t wait to see the No. 6 Liberty National Ford on track. Our goal is to put our car up front and compete for race wins.”

Bayne, the 2011 Daytona 500 winner, returns for his third full season with Roush Fenway Racing in 2017. AdvoCare also returns to the RFR No. 6 operation as a primary sponsor this season.

Bayne finished 22nd in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings with two top-five finishes (fifth at Bristol in April, third at Daytona in July) last season. He also raced his way into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race by winning a segment of the preliminary Sprint Showdown by .005 seconds over Chase Elliott.

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Staff Report

Editor’s note: All images courtesy of Mechanix Wear.

Personnel changes? Yes. Mega-pressure? Seven-times yes.

Continued excellence in the face of the above? Absolutely.

It was a banner year for the No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson, and it went beyond just the driver. The pit crew team underwent two rare personnel changes, including the loss of a front tire changer just one month before the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup started, but didn’t miss a beat.

In fact, the team improved with time, saving its best performance for Homestead-Miami Speedway in which a flawless day in the pits saw Johnson gain spots late … putting the driver in prime position to pull away for his record-tying seventh championship.

The showing in Miami was the most important work day of the year given the stakes, but certainly it wasn’t the only instance of execution under the most trying of circumstances.

Martinsville Speedway, known for its small pit boxes and tricky configuration, didn’t trip up the No. 48 team — a strong day in the pits during the October race helped lead to a victory and clinched a berth in the championship race.

For all of the above reasons, the No. 48 is winner of the Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, the longest-running and most prestigious pit crew award in the sport. This is the 15th annual award and ends Stewart-Haas Racing‘s two-year pit crew reign.

Crew chief Chad Knaus manages the over-the-wall crew with Chris Burkey serving as the pit coach. Burkey is widely lauded for his recruitment of collegiate athletes to pit road.

Along with Mechanix Wear’s prestigious MVPC award, the team has landed a check for $100,000 for its outstanding performance on pit road.

The MVPC award serves as a testament to consistent performance on pit road. Each quarter of the Sprint Cup season, NASCAR crew chiefs vote for the pit crew contributing the most to the success of their team on race day. Each quarter of the season a semi-finalist is awarded a check for $5,000 and an opportunity to win Mechanix Wear’s Most Valuable Pit Crew award. Learn more about the History and past winners of Mechanix Wear’s Most Valuable Pit Crew award here.

Kevin Michael Novak

Age: 30

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 190 lbs

Pit Crew Role/Position: Front Changer

Mechanix Wear Glove of Choice: FR Original Glove

Did you play a sport in college? If yes, what sport? Went to a tech school for college. No college sports, but I played high school football.

What’s your most memorable team victory on pit road? 2016 Martinsville-2. My first short-track win and this win meant we were in the champion round.
Do you have any pre-race rituals? If yes, what are they? Not so much as a ritual, but I do the same stretches and sit on the wall the same every time. Everyone said it looks like I’m freezing cold.

What separates the No. 48 pit crew from the rest of the field this year? We overcame two personnel changes without skipping a beat. This even helped build our great team camaraderie. I’ve been on a lot of different teams throughout my racing career and this crew is by far the best.

Brandon Harder

Age: 33

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 230 lbs.

Pit Crew Role/Position: Fuel Man

Mechanix Wear Glove of Choice: CarbonX Level 5

Did you play a sport in college? If yes, what sport? Just high school

What’s your most memorable team victory on pit road? Every win, who knows if/when it will happen again.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? If yes, what are they? Not really, just my normal race-day prep.

What separates the No. 48 pit crew from the rest of the field this year? The relationships that make our team, very close group and willing to do whatever it takes.

RJ Barnette

Age: 30

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 180 lbs.

Pit Crew Role/Position: Front Tire Carrier

Mechanix Wear Glove of Choice: FR Original

Did you play a sport in college? If yes, what sport? Football

What’s your most memorable team victory on pit road? 2014 Coca-Cola 600

Do you have any pre-race rituals? If yes, what are they? I always eat a frozen Twix during our team meeting.

What separates the No. 48 pit crew from the rest of the field this year? Our level of preparation and ability to overcome adversity.

Kyle Tudor

Age: 25

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 240 lbs.

Pit Crew Role/Position: Jackman

Mechanix Wear Glove of Choice: FR Original

Did you play a sport in college? If yes, what sport? Football

What’s your most memorable team victory on pit road? Fall 2016 Martinsville — to advance to the Championship 4.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? If yes, what are they? N/A

What separates the No. 48 pit crew from the rest of the field this year? Ability to overcome adversity — two pit crew member changes and still demonstrated resiliency.

Calvin Teague

Age: 30

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 205 lbs.

Pit Crew Role/Position: Rear Tire Changer

Mechanix Wear Glove of Choice: FR Original

Did you play a sport in college? If yes, what sport? Baseball

What’s your most memorable team victory on pit road? Winning Darlington for Mr. Hendrick’s 200th win, and my dad was also at the race so that was pretty special.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? If yes, what are they? Pre-race prayer with the team.

What separates the No. 48 pit crew from the rest of the field this year? Ability to overcome some adversity throughout the year and our dedication to each other and the rest of the teammates.

Ryan Patton

Age: 31

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 210 lbs.

Pit Crew Role/Position: Rear Tire Carrier

Mechanix Wear Glove of Choice: FR Original

Did you play a sport in college? If yes, what sport? Football

What’s your most memorable team victory on pit road? Winning Martinsville in the fall of 2016 to advance to the Championship 4, and it was also my birthday.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? If yes, what are they? Personal pre-race prayer.

What separates the No. 48 pit crew from the rest of the field this year? Our team is always focused on the goal that needs to be achieved and will be dedicated to do our part in achieving that success. We have a strong level of teamwork and each give 100 percent. We don’t dwell on previous races, we learn and look forward to the next one.

MORE: Top pit crews as voted by coaches