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Riding a high he hasn’t experienced in his NASCAR career, Sam Hornish Jr. heads to Phoenix International Raceway for Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 200 Fueled by AmeriGas (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2) with something he’s never had before — the series lead.
His runner-up performance in last Saturday’s DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway was his best finish at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in NASCAR’s three national series. Because NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular Tony Stewart won the race and was not eligible to receive championship points, Hornish was the lucky benefactor of the points lead leaving Florida.
And Hornish couldn’t ask for a better track at which to defend his first points lead.
"We had a good run in Daytona, which we feel good about," said Hornish, the driver of the No. 12 Penske Racing Ford. "Now we are getting to a track where we feel that we are capable of running well. So I feel great."
In the fall 2011 race at Phoenix, Hornish beat Brad Keselowski to the checkered flag by 0.553 seconds, his first and only victory in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
In Hornish’s last three starts at Phoenix he has an average starting position of 5.0 and an average finishing position of 7.0, proving that despite rough outings in his first two races (36th- and 39th-place finishes, respectively) and the one-mile track’s tricky configuration, he’s learning the secrets of mastering the Southwestern track.
"I’ve always enjoyed tracks that are very different from end to end," said Hornish. "Of course, some of that success is also having equipment and a team that is capable of winning, which we have with our Penske Racing Ford Mustang."
With another solid performance this weekend, Hornish should expect to increase his one-point lead over Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year contender Alex Bowman, who finished third in the Daytona race.
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Still celebrating Daytona 500 win, Johnson among biggest threats
No one can blame Jimmie Johnson if he seems a little tired when he first arrives at Phoenix International Raceway for Sunday’s Subway Fresh Fit 500 (3:00 p.m. ET, FOX). After all, he’s been touring the country celebrating his victory in last Sunday’s Daytona 500.
However, don’t think for a second he won’t be ready for the green flag to drop on Sunday’s race at the one-mile track. He’s also making a rare start in the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Saturday, driving the No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.
"He’s going to be pretty busy," said Chad Knaus, crew chief for Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet. "But he’ll be on point when it comes time for Phoenix."
And Johnson has the résumé at Phoenix to support Knaus’ claim. Johnson leads all NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers in laps led (931) and wins (four) at Phoenix. He also has the best average finishing position (6.7) among active drives.
After making stops in Charlotte, New York City, Los Angeles and Dallas earlier in the week, Johnson and 42 other drivers will descend upon Phoenix, a track in which many say will be the first true test for the Gen-6 race cars.
"I think everybody is holding tight to see how the car races at Phoenix, Vegas, Bristol, Fontana, to get back into the type of racing we see on a regular basis," Johnson said. "Driving the car, there’s so much grip in it, it’s going to promote aggressive racing."
Phoenix will provide a better understanding of which teams or manufacturer have an early edge in development of the new car. Racing on superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega are sometimes considered anomalies compared to the one- and 1.5-mile tracks that dot the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule. Therefore, drivers, teams, manufacturers, NASCAR and fans are looking forward to seeing how the new cars perform during the race.
The Phoenix race could provide great insight into how the championship battle plays out. Or, which teams still have some work to do.
"I think at Phoenix, there’s gonna be an acclimation period for all the teams," said Knaus. "I think you have the potential for somebody to break out and be really dominant, but you don’t know until we get out."
The track also presents a unique challenge, especially from those found at Daytona. The different bankings on the opposite ends of the track often force teams to decide on setting up the race car to handle Turns 1 and 2 (11 degrees) at the sake of Turns 3 and 4 (9 degrees), or vice-versa.
"It’s unique and totally different on both ends of the race track, so it’s almost like two race tracks in one," said Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet. "It’s definitely a driver’s race track. The driver really has to drive and hustle the car a little bit and still be smooth."
"Of all the tracks we go to, this is one of the most technical and challenging," stated AJ Allmendinger, who will drive the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet this weekend. "It takes finesse and you have to hit your marks nearly perfect every time."
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NASCAR Mexico Toyota race at Phoenix the reward for big-picture plan (OCESA Photo)
The historic first appearance of the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series on United States soil — Friday night at Phoenix International Raceway — completes a circle that started with the NASCAR Nationwide Series’ first trip south of the border in 2005.
"When we first decided to take the Busch (now Nationwide) Series to Mexico more than eight years ago, it was part of a broader strategic plan to, among other things, help with our Hispanic marketing efforts here in the United States," said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series. “Roughly a decade later, things have come full-circle."
The NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series race will feature the top driving talent in Mexico competing over 75 laps broken into two segments of 50 and 25 laps — a special format that will introduce the series to American fans.
"I think some fans will really be surprised how deep the talent pool is in the Mexico Series."
— George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president of regional and touring series
Make no mistake. Stock car racing is enormously popular in Mexico, fueled by an oval-track building boom that has transformed what was once a road-racing culture into one where the NTSMx is truly a national series and the most popular form of motorsports in the country.
"The series started out predominantly on road courses," Silbermann said. "If I’m not mistaken, in the first season, all the races were on road courses except one oval race. Then you flash forward today in Mexico, and in a very brief time, it’s just the opposite. Today, all the races that we run with the series in Mexico, they’re all on oval courses with the exception of one road course.
"In a very short time, a whole stock car racing culture has erupted in Mexico. If you attend an event down there, you find the grandstands packed with very passionate fans. You would think you were at Talladega or Daytona, just seeing the enthusiasm in the very large crowds they draw. But if you got to the broader picture, with the series now coming to the United States for the first time, that seed that was planted eight, nine years ago has now sprouted and grown."
The defending series champion is Jorge Goeters, a one-time pole winner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series — in 2005 in the first NNS road-course race in Mexico City. Goeters left the Caneles team after last year’s championship to form his own organization.
Taking his place with Caneles is Ruben Garcia Jr., who won the NTSMx rookie-of-the-year title at age 16. Daniel Suarez, one of NASCAR’s Next9 up-and-coming drivers, will compete at Phoenix. So will Rogelio Lopez, the first Mexican driver to win a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event (2007 at Nashville).
"Keep in mind, NASCAR fans here in the United States have already seen some very talented Mexican drivers competing in our U.S. series," Silbermann said. "You’ve got folks like the multi-time series champion, German Quiroga, competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. You’ve got Daniel Suarez who’s been identified as one of NASCAR’s Next9 drivers; he’s making a name for himself in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.
"Just less than two weeks ago, you had the reigning series champion, Jorge Goeters, compete in the inaugural UNOH Battle at the Beach. Some Mexican drivers already are making a good name for themselves in the United States, but I think some fans will really be surprised how deep the talent pool is in the Mexico Series."
Logistically, it’s no easy task to transport an entire series across an international border, but by Tuesday night just after midnight, Silbermann said all the haulers had arrived in the United States, with the first ones expected to arrive at PIR later that day.
"There are some logistical challenges we’re overcoming, just as we did when we were going in the opposite direction, taking our then-Busch Series down to Mexico City," Silbermann said. "I will say that a lot of the agencies on both sides of the border — customs, immigration, the entities that deal with all the paper work and logistics — have really gotten behind this event to try to make the transition across the border as smooth as possible.
"The good news is all the haulers are in the United States."
And fans will soon understand the significance of the NASCAR Mexico Toyota Series’ inaugural visit to the United States.
"This event’s going to have an impact on many different levels," Silbermann said. "First of all, the race will open the door for new fans, but, at the same time, existing NASCAR fans are really going to like what they see.
"The series features very talented drivers who, as we say, are not afraid to have at it. But also, this event helps serve as a focal point for the diverse array of Latino endeavors by the NASCAR community across the board here in the United States."
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At age 17, Chase Elliott already has two wins at iconic track
In the midst of a six-week break between races, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regulars can look forward to driving on an iconic track — Rockingham Speedway — when racing begins again in April.
“The Rock” opened in 1965 and has had NASCAR’s most legendary figures drive on its one-mile surface.
That backdrop won’t be intimidating to 17-year-old Chase Elliott. The Truck Series rookie already owns a pair of wins on the one-mile oval, finishing first in the 2011 USAR Pro Cup and in a Sunoco National Tour race in 2010, when he was 14 years old.
Elliott also took part in Victory Lane festivities in 2003 when his father Bill Elliott won his 44th career — and final, to-date — NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
"I remember being in Victory Lane with him when he won, so it was cool to get back there on my own,” Chase Elliott said of his Rockingham history. “The biggest thing is that Rockingham is unique when compared to other race tracks. You can run all over it, and that’s something you don’t see often in racing today. You can run from the white line to the wall and win races running. It puts on some great shows and I think it’s going to continue to do that."
But before drivers can compete in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at The Rock presented by Cheerwine, they first must travel to Martinsville Speedway. It’s at Martinsville where Elliott will make his Truck Series debut.
The 17-year-old has been around racing his entire life, so it’s not likely he’ll be nervous before the Kroger 250 at Martinsville on April 6.
"I think everyone is going to be on a pretty equal playing field," Chase Elliott said. "They know what they’re looking for in the trucks and we’ll still be kind of new in that series. Those guys having laps in a truck in general, and having run there last year — they’ll have some knowledge.
"A lot of guys will be tough, but hopefully we can be right there with them."
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Team makes return to No. 30 Toyota at Subway Fresh Fit 500
Swan Racing’s No. 30 Toyota will take the track for the first time this season at Phoenix International Raceway, but it won’t be the first race of the year for the organization.
The Mooresville, N.C.-based one-car team returns to its registered number after running the No. 26 Sandy Hook Memorial Fund Toyota in the Daytona 500. That car, driven by Michael Waltrip, was a one-time change to raise money for the Newtown, Conn., community.
The car number isn’t the only change in store, either. Swan Racing will have a new driver for the remainder of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season in David Stremme, a driver with 165 career Cup starts to his credit.
“It’s a new day for the No. 30, and we’ll be mixing it up all season,” said Stremme, who started 28 races last season but finished just five. “Drivers are competitive by nature. We feel the need to compete in everything we do."
Under the new ownership of Brandon Davis, the team has altered its approach. Drivers help build the cars at the shop in an effort to save money, and the team plans to run every race.
"We are going to build a championship contender over time and we’ll do it by competing against the best drivers in the world, not by packing up early,” Davis said.
Tony Eury Jr. will serve as Stremme’s crew chief. Eury Jr. has been atop the pit box for 150 Cup races, 120 of which came with Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Nutrition53, a health supplement company owned by former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski, will serve as the primary sponsor for 10 races.
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Teenage driver pays tribute, climbs NASCAR ladder
To Martha Nemechek, the mannerisms, the work ethic and the charisma are what get her.
To watch John Hunter Nemechek, 15, circulate in the garage area and wrench on his NASCAR K&N Pro Series car is to watch the spirit and image of his father, Joe Nemechek, who started his 20th year of Sprint Cup racing in last Sunday’s Daytona 500.
The uncanny resemblance makes the family matriarch, now in her 70s, shake her head and marvel.
"I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m going to try to make a name for myself."
—John Hunter Nemechek
"I went testing with Joe and John Hunter and kept lap times and I told Joe walking back, ‘Joe, he’s exactly like you — exactly like you,’ " Martha Nemechek said. "He works hard, works on his car and he’s happy that his nana and papa are here to be with him. … It’s nerve-wracking to watch him, but I understand where he comes from."
But there’s more than just the "chip off the old block" story for the next generation of this racing family. John Hunter’s rise up the stock-car ladder also carries a fitting tribute to an uncle he never got the chance to meet.
John Hunter Nemechek was born June 11, 1997, less than three months after his uncle John, an aspiring racer in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, died from head injuries suffered in a crash at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The newborn, a ray of light in a time of extreme darkness for the Nemechek family, was given his uncle’s name. Now, to further honor his memory, he’s been given his uncle’s car number — 8.
"I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m going to try to make a name for myself using the number also," John Hunter said. "Just trying to follow in my family’s footsteps and maybe be even bigger."
The youngest Nemechek cut his racing teeth in quarter-midget cars and go-carts from the age of 4. As he grew, he made his earliest forays into the Allison Legacy series and super late model events, but the No. 51 that adorned his cars didn’t seem to fit.
"He called me up and said, ‘Nanny, I don’t feel right,’ " Martha Nemechek said. "He says, ‘I’m named after Uncle John. I have all his stuff. Can I have the 8 number?’ He looks up at heaven and he says, ‘Do you think Uncle John is going to care if I use it?’ I said, ‘Uncle John would be happy for you to use that number.’ Every time he won a race, he gave John credit for using his number. I know John is looking down at him and I’m happy."
The number that might mean just as much to John Hunter’s career right now is 15 — his age. He doesn’t hold a valid driver’s license for public streets, yet seems adept wheeling a race car at triple-digit speed.
At least partial credit for the rapid growth lies with his father, a four-time winner in NASCAR’s premier series who remains active both as a driver and a mentor for his son’s efforts.
"With his 20 or so years of experience, he can teach me a lot in two years compared to me learning it all on my own," John Hunter said. "That’ll give me a little advantage but he’s an awesome teacher. I couldn’t say it any better about him than that."
So far, the teen has proven to be a quick study. He won the championship in the developmental Allison Legacy Race Series last season, then qualified second, led 46 laps and finished 10th in a star-filled field for the Snowball Derby, one of the offseason’s most prestigious late model events.
The results have been enough for his father to discount any concerns about his teenage son’s youth.
"He’s so mature for his age," Joe Nemechek said. "The thing with John Hunter growing up around the race track, he’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly of how drivers conduct themselves, how they race on the track … just all the aspects of it. The past few years, he’s really gotten to see it and know what all that means. There’s so many pieces to the puzzle.
"You’ve got to figure out how to do this and do it quickly these days. You don’t have the luxury of having five or six years of getting up to speed in a series. So far, I think it’s worked out well. He’s been incredibly fast everywhere he’s been, still just needing that little bit of experience and he’s getting it quick."
The youngest Nemechek got a dose of his first competition in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series at the UNOH Battle at the Beach last Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway. He finished seventh in a qualifying heat, but retired early from the main event with broken oil cooler.
His plans for the rest of 2013 include more super late model events and a partial schedule of K&N events, including the series’ next race March 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
All the while, John Hunter Nemechek will carry on his uncle’s legacy, flying the banner of a cherished number.
"It’s all good," Joe Nemechek said. "It doesn’t matter what number he wants to run, but that’s cool that he has my brother’s number and his name. It’s all good stuff."
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Familiar Look Connects Fans to Smithfield Foods
Concord, N.C. (February 27, 2013) – Richard Petty Motorsports and its partner Smithfield Foods announced today that the Petty Blue tradition and heritage will return for the majority of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season in 2013. Smithfield Foods, and its family of brands including Eckrich, Farmland, Gwaltney and Smithfield, will showcase the historic color on the No.43 Ford driven by Aric Almirola in 24 races this season. It will be the first time in over 40 years that the Petty Blue color will be primarily featured on the No. 43 for nearly the entire race schedule.
"Our fans will now be able to easily recognize the No. 43 Ford and Aric on the track throughout the season."
—Richard Petty, team owner
The color, introduced by the Petty family and then made famous by "The King" Richard Petty, has come to define the winning tradition and heritage of the Petty family and the famed No. 43. The legions of Petty race fans have long waited for the return of the famous Petty Blue paint scheme. Smithfield Foods is proud to return the tradition and winning heritage back to the track.
"We want to connect the tradition and history of Richard Petty and Richard Petty Motorsports fans to our Smithfield Foods family of brands," explained Larry Pope, chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. "There is no better way to do that than to bring back the Petty Blue color scheme that all race fans recognize and relate to on the No. 43 Ford. We will now make sure that each time we race this season, our fans will be able to easily recognize Aric (Almirola) on the track and the strong heritage that the Petty and Smithfield Foods brands represent."
The first Petty Blue scheme will adorn the No. 43 this weekend when Almirola will race the Famland Ford at the Phoenix International Raceway. This car, along with the Eckrich and Smithfield (Gwaltney) Ford were unveiled today by team owner Richard Petty and Smithfield Director of Public Affairs, Dennis Pittman.
"I’m really humbled by everyone at Smithfield and all their companies to decide to make this change," said team owner Richard Petty. "They have been great partners for us as a company and this really proves that. Our fans will now be able to easily recognize the No. 43 Ford and Aric on the track throughout the season. It will also bring back a lot of good memories for me each time I see it."
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