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Academy Award winning director has surprising pick for favorite motorsports movie
Ron Howard, winner of Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for "A Beautiful Mind," prepared for his latest motion picture, "Rush," by attending last August’s Crown Royal Presents the Curtiss Shaver 400 at the Brickyard powered by BigMachineRecords.com as a guest of four-time Brickyard winner Jeff Gordon. Howard also drove the pace car for the race.
Howard and Gordon got to know each other while filming "The Crossing" for NASCAR Productions, both at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Click here to watch the five-part series as these legends of entertainment and racing trade stories about their craft.
In April, Howard held a Twitter Q&A about "Rush," his film about a Formula One rivalry between drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. This week’s Six Pack of Pop combines questions and answers from Howard’s experience at the Brickyard and that Twitter chat.
Q: What did you think about your time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and your host, Jeff Gordon?
Ron Howard: "I’ve been a longtime admirer of Jeff’s work both on and off the track. Not only is he a stellar driver, but his commitment to ending older hunger in America shows his passion for helping others. I’m honored to drive the Pace Car at IMS, and I thank NASCAR for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Q: What was it like driving the 2013 60th Anniversary Corvette Pace Car during the pace laps for the Crown Royal 400 at the Brickyard?
Ron Howard: "It was a real thrill, and I am glad I was able to pull it off OK, but I will never forget it. I also had enough composure to click off a picture while doing it, too, so we will see how that turns out. By going to the drivers’ meeting, I really felt like I was a part of the event."
Q: What is your favorite racing movie?
Ron Howard: "’Talladega Nights!,’" Howard told the Associated Press. "I laughed my (rear end) off at that thing."
@ClipperSE: How long does it take to make and release a film (this one) from concept to release? How many drafts of a script?
@RealRonHoward: #Rushmovie will have taken exactly 2 yrs from the day I signed on to direct Peter Morgan’s already written screenplay. So 3 yrs.
@CanyonDentalCen: Is this a movie I can take my wife to? She thinks it’s a guy movie.
@RealRonHoward: In test screenings women rate movie just as hi as men 🙂 Lots of emotion in Rush & it don’t hurt having (Chris) Hemsworth ;-)
@kevin_fisher427: Did the sound editors sample different marques’ engines in creating the audio texture of the film? If so, how many?
@RealRonHoward: Sound & pic editors were fanatical about recording and using engine sound accurately. Sound mixers loved it.
Nationwide Series driver fined $10K for two violations of NASCAR rule book
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 1, 2013) – Nelson Piquet Jr., driver of the No. 30 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $10,000, required to participate in sensitivity training as directed by NASCAR, and placed on indefinite probation for violating the sanctioning body’s Code of Conduct policy.
On September 25, Piquet violated Sections 7-5 (Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR rule book.
“Nelson Piquet Jr. recently communicated an offensive and derogatory term that cannot be tolerated in our sport,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “NASCAR’s Code of Conduct explicitly spells out in the 2013 rule book our position regarding the use of disparaging terms. We expect our entire industry to abide by this Code.”
____________________________
The following statement was issued by Nelson Piquet Jr. following the penalty announcement:
"I sincerely apologize to everyone for my poor choice of words last week. I did not mean to hurt or offend anyone. This has been a culutral learning experience that will make me a more sensitive person moving forward."
Turner Scott Motorsports also issued a statement regarding the penalty to Nelson Piquet Jr.:
"We have spoken to Nelson about his insensitive comment and he understands that such remarks will not be tolerated at Turner Scott Motorsports. TSM expects those associated with the team to uphold professional standards that we can all be proud of. Nelson has assured the team that he has learned his lesson and he knows what it means to represent TSM."
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After three Chase races, Kahne in a big hole in the standings
MORE: Full Chase coverage | Standings
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In the first event in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, it was contact from a teammate’s car on pit road. In the second, it was a crash into the wall. In the third, it was a wire that worked its way loose and ultimately left his vehicle down a cylinder.
Kasey Kahne will admit, there are times when he wonders — why does all this keep happening?
"Just this year alone, you look and wonder — why? What am I doing wrong? Because some of those things happen, and they happen frequently," he said Tuesday in a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. "So I don’t know. But you see that over the years. That’s just the way it goes. … I feel like eventually it will go away. I don’t know when, but I feel like eventually it will, and we’ll be able to put together a really consistent, strong season from beginning to end."
For the time being, that will have to wait until 2014. Kahne’s loose wire and subsequent engine issue last weekend at Dover International Speedway kept him last among the 13 drivers eligible for the championship, and a hefty 78 points behind leader Matt Kenseth with seven races remaining on the schedule. Such deficits are nothing new for a driver who’s battled one hurdle after another since moving to powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports prior to last season.
A year ago, it was a rotten start that forced his No. 5 team to spend the entire regular season climbing out of a hole, and he squeezed in as a Wild Card before finishing a career-best fourth in the final standings. This year he seemed ready to build on that, winning a race early and wrapping up his Chase bid well before the cutoff event neared.
But a slide in the final few regular-season races relegated him once again to a Wild Card, not allowing him to use the six bonus points he earned for race victories at Bristol and Pocono. The Chase itself has been much worse: 12th at Chicagoland after contact with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on pit road, 37th at New Hampshire after a spin into the wall, and 13th at Dover because of a wire gone haywire. This while the top three contenders — Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch — have been near-perfect and threatening to leave everyone else behind.
"It’s been a tough start. We had pretty high hopes going into it, feeling like we had a shot to contend, to be at least one of the top three or four battling for it. All that’s gone. At this point you just try to find some momentum, find some confidence for the team and myself, and try to get back on track," Kahne said.
"Hopefully we can hit on something here quick and at least finish strong. It would be great to at least get back into the top 10. Three weeks ago you’re talking about having a shot at the championship, and now we’re talking about if we can just be in the top 10 with a win or something in these last six or seven races. That would be successful from this point on. It’s where we’re at right now, and we’ll do the best job we can."
His situation is exacerbated by how well the top three drivers are running. Kenseth and Busch finished 1-2 in each of the first two Chase races, and have an average finish of 3.0 through three events in the playoff. Johnson is right behind them, his victory at Dover giving him an average finish of 3.3. Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon are already 27 points behind Busch, and Kahne knows any driver outside of that top three is going to need a lot of help to close the gap.
"I think you need all three of them (to have) a couple of things to go wrong a couple of times," he said. "They’re in a pretty strong spot right now, starting with their bonus points and then running top three or four every race so far. Those guys are really in a good spot."
How realistic is it that all three have trouble? "Not very," Kahne admitted. "Before the Chase started, I would have thought it would be, because it’s seemed like this whole season has been a bit up and down for everyone. I mean, Jimmie really had some tough times before the Chase started for three or four weeks. So that showed. But man, the way they’re performing right now — and it could all change Sunday — but to this point, I feel like they’re all three going to be really consistent … to the end."
Kahne feels he has good tracks coming up, including Kansas Speedway this weekend. But after three rough weeks to open the playoff, he’s had to adjust his goals. That first serious run at a Sprint Cup championship will have to wait until next year.
"When it’s not your season," he said, "it’s not your season."
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Voting begins at NASCAR.com/award; one fan finalist will win $100,000 donation
MORE: FULL CHASE COVERAGE
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The NASCAR Foundation announced today the four finalists for the 2013 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Finalists Duncan Dobie, Lisa Hall, Don Post and Richard Johnson each will receive a minimum $25,000 donation for the charity of their choice from The NASCAR Foundation, with the national winner being awarded $100,000. Each finalist will also receive one VIP at-track NASCAR experience during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Kansas Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.
The award honors the unwavering commitment that The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her philanthropic and community efforts. The award is given annually to one dedicated NASCAR fan who has made a profound impact on children in his or her local community.
“These finalists truly demonstrate the generosity, compassion and commitment that embody the spirit of the award,” said France. “All four finalists have a remarkable story regarding their own philanthropic efforts in their respective communities, and share the extraordinary traits that are so prevalent throughout NASCAR’s fan base.”
NASCAR fans, friends and families are encouraged to vote for one of the four finalists by logging on to www.NASCAR.com/award between now and midnight ET on Dec. 5. Fans are also encouraged to join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/NASCARFoundation and Twitter using the hashtag #BJFHAward. The finalist with the most votes will be announced as the national winner live on stage during the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on Dec. 6. The winner also will receive a 2014 Chevrolet SS from Chevrolet. Chevrolet is the official car sponsor of this year’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.
The four finalists:
Duncan Dobie (Marietta, Ga.) has assisted more than 12,000 children with cancer over the past 30 years as a teacher, mentor and motivational figure at Camp Sunshine. After his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age, Dobie set out on a path to share his gifts of love, patience, acceptance and hope with other children battling cancer. He has served Camp Sunshine in many capacities, including counselor, photographer, swimming instructor, lifeguard and supervisor on fishing, rafting and snow-skiing trips. https://nas.cr/lWRt
Lisa Hall (Bedford, N.H.) has served over the past 10 years as a court appointed special advocate (CASA). CASA volunteers support children who are in the court system and often times removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. As a CASA volunteer, Hall advocates for a child’s best interest in court and the community, and participates in continuing education courses related to courtroom procedures, social service, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. Volunteers like Hall typically spend an average of 1.5 years working with and serving their children until they are in a safe and permanent home. https://nas.cr/lWRw
Don Post (Kansas City, Mo.) was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig’s Disease", in 1980 and was told he only had three to five years to live. He retired from his professional job and embarked on a 33-year mission of donating his time and talent to charities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Post has been a volunteer for the March of Dimes "Bikers for Babies" motorcycle ride for 18 years and committee chairman since 2010. His leadership has been instrumental in making this event the #1 charity ride in the nation, helping to raise $6.8 million for March of Dimes. His humility is matched by his wisdom, sense of humor, and desire to help the tiniest and most helpless of all. Post has received a number of volunteer service awards from multiple non-profit organizations in recognition of his dedication and loyalty. He spends most of his days organizing volunteers for the annual "March for Babies" and "Bikers for Babies" events. https://nas.cr/lWRn
Richard Johnson (St. Johns, Fla.) has more than five years of experience working with charities to organize events and fundraise for children with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. A tireless advocate in raising awareness and funds to get desperately needed help for children with Alpha-1, Johnson has organized and hosted an annual "Friends for a Cure Golf Tournament" in which the proceeds benefited Alpha-1 Foundation research programs. To set an example for others and reinforce the importance of family testing, Richard helped launch the Alpha-1 Foundation’s "It’s All in The Family" campaign by creating a video testimonial with his two children, who were diagnosed with the genetic condition in 2008. He has also been active in the Alpha-1 Kids program by developing educational materials and supporting parents with children who have recently been diagnosed. https://nas.cr/lWRr
To learn more about the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and each of the finalists, please visit: www.NASCAR.com/award.
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Every expert has a 1-2-3 of Kenseth-Johnson-Busch; Make your own picks on the Fan Rankings tab!
Winning car failed post-race inspection at Dover
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Penalties have been levied to the No. 22 NASCAR Nationwide Series team as a result of rules violations committed last Saturday at Dover International Speedway.
During post-race inspection Sept. 28, the No. 22 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the NASCAR rule book, or has been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20A-12.8.1(B) (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2013 rule book.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Jeremy Bullins has been fined $10,000 and owner Roger Penske has been docked with the loss of six championship series car owner points.
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Sorenson, McDowell to split time in No. 95 in two 2013 races
Leavine Family Racing will field a single-car team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for the 2014 season, the racing organization announced Tuesday.
The operation is still finalizing its driver for the 2014 season, according to a release from the team. However, the No. 95 Ford Mustang will enter two of the Nationwide Series’ final four races this season, beginning at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 11. Reed Sorenson will drive at Charlotte and Michael McDowell will drive the Nationwide ride at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 2.
"We couldn’t be more thrilled about our expansion this season," said Bob Leavine, owner of Leavine Family Racing. "Our program is an independent team, but we have potential — and with an infusion of sponsorship, perhaps a lot more than that."
Sorenson has run three of the past four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races for Leavine Family Racing. The Nationwide Series regular ranks 18th in the point standings this season. McDowell has run in five Nationwide Series races this year, including a season-best runner-up finish from the Coors Light Pole position in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August. He has started 26 races this season in the Sprint Cup Series.
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Driver to get head start on move up NASCAR ladder
MORE: FULL CHASE COVERAGE
Kyle Larson will jump into NASCAR’s top series a little earlier than originally planned.
Larson, the 21-year-old prodigy tapped to take over the No. 42 Chevrolet for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing next season, will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut Oct. 12 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the team announced Tuesday. He’ll drive the No. 51 Target Chevy for Phoenix Racing, which began operating under new management from team owner Harry Scott Jr. last month.
Larson will also drive the No. 51 in the Sprint Cup event at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 27. Scott is also the co-owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, which fields Larson’s entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Larson was announced as EGR’s replacement for Juan Pablo Montoya on Aug. 30. Montoya, who has two wins in seven full Sprint Cup seasons, will be rejoining the IndyCar ranks next year with team owner Roger Penske.
Larson, under contract as a developmental driver for the Earnhardt Ganassi team since early 2012, has spent this season as a Nationwide Series rookie in Turner Scott’s No. 32 Chevrolet. He ranks ninth in series points, with three runner-up finishes among his eight top-fives.
Larson will become the youngest full-time Sprint Cup driver next season, but both he and team owner Chip Ganassi dismissed questions about his readiness after the announcement.
"There’s an opportunity here, and he’s a great driver, and he’s obviously the No. 1 pick as said by many other people besides myself," Ganassi said. "Nobody deserves a shot more than he does."
Larson brings a wealth of experience from the sprint-car ranks and also boasts solid stock-car credentials after winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship in 2012. Larson, of Japanese-American descent, became the first product of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program to prevail in a national series event by scoring his breakthrough NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory at Rockingham Speedway on April 14.
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Winning team from Dover docked after failed inspection
RELATED: Official release on penalties | Updated owner standings
NASCAR handed down penalties Tuesday to Penske Racing’s No. 22 team in the Nationwide Series after Joey Logano’s race-winning Ford failed a post-race inspection last weekend at Dover International Speedway.
NASCAR docked the No. 22 team six points in the team owner standings, narrowing its lead to 28 points over the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing team in the season-long championship fight. Additionally, crew chief Jeremy Bullins was fined $10,000.
In response to the penalties, Penske Racing issued the following statement on Tuesday:
“The Penske Racing No. 22 Ford Mustang had a spring retaining screw back out during Saturday’s Nationwide Series Race which resulted in the car’s front end being too low by 1/16 of an inch when presented for post-race inspection. The problem is being addressed internally to prevent it from happening again and the team is not planning to appeal the penalty.”
Logano dominated last Saturday’s 5-hour Energy 200, leading 106 of 200 laps for his fourth straight Nationwide win at the mile-long track, but his car failed to meet the minimum height requirement in the front end on both sides after a post-race inspection.
The victory was Logano’s third of the season and 21st of his career in the Nationwide Series. As a championship-eligible regular in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, he does not earn points for his Nationwide performance and therefore was not penalized.
The No. 22 Penske Racing team has won 11 times in 28 races this season, with victories spread among four drivers. Brad Keselowski has five Nationwide wins with the team this year, AJ Allmendinger has two and Ryan Blaney has one.
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