Aug. 31, 2007 - Veteran NASCAR Official Dies At 81

• Morris Metcalfe, one of NASCAR’s longest serving officials and a member of the organization’s timing and scoring department in five decades, died Thursday in Winston-Salem, N.C. Metcalfe, who retired as Chief of Timing and Scoring following the 2002 Daytona 500, was 81. Metcalfe, holder of a Master’s Degree in biomedical engineering from Texas Tech University following higher education at the Tennessee Military Institute and University of Miami, began scoring NASCAR races in the 1950s. He became an assistant to then NASCAR scoring chief Joe Epton a few years later after service at tracks from Daytona Beach to the Carolinas and Virginia. A World War II veteran who served as a signalman on the USS Randolph and later a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve, Metcalfe joined NASCAR on a fulltime basis after his retirement with 30 years of service with Western Electric now Lucent Technology. Metcalfe, born in Morristown, Tenn., is credited for founding NASCAR’s first fan club, in 1955 for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion Lee Petty.

Winston-Salem Car Owner Sentenced

• WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Associated Press reported Friday that James "Rupert" Sink, a car owner competing at Bowman Gray Stadium was found guilty of misdemeanor assault of a driver after a 2005 post-race fight at the track. Sink, 39, was found guilty of assault inflicting serious injury in the beating of Maynard Peters on Aug. 13, 2005 following a NASCAR-sanctioned event. Sing was sentenced to 29 days in jail and three years probation. He was also ordered to pay $20,146 to cover Peters's medical bills. Peters required surgery to repair fractures in bones around his eyes and a broken nose.

JGR Schedules Press Conference

• Joe Gibbs Racing has called a press conference for Wednesday at its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Team officials are expected to announce a move to Toyota in 2008, ending the team's 16-year affiliation with General Motors.

Adam Andretti Passes IPS Test

• JOLIET, Ill. — By lap 50 of the 106 lap Indy Pro Series rookie test session, Adam Andretti had dialed in the No. 44 SpeedWorks car, and was up to speed and flying on the 1.52 mile Chicagoland Speedway track, easily earning his rookie license in the morning session. “With cool air and good air density, the car was very stable from the start,” said Andretti who is returning to racing after a three year hiatus. “The SpeedWorks crew did a great job and I was very comfortable from the start." Andretti has spent the past three years working with manufacturers around the world testing new technologies like electronics stability programs, emergency braking assistance and all-speed traction control. This type of testing and training experience translates into knowledge of engineering and the ability to provide input to an engineer that is above the standard for most drivers. Andretti and the Speedworks team will compete in the upcoming Indy Pro Series event at Chicagoland on Sept. 9.

Aug. 30, 2007 — Robby Gordon Has Sights Set On Second Team

• A recent visit to Robby Gordon's Mooresville, N.C. shop made it obvious that Gordon is preparing to expand his NASCAR operation to two cars, if not for 2008, then for 2009. Construction was already underway to expand the shop. One rumor has Paul Menard, now with DEI, joining Gordon. Gordon has a long history with John Menard, Paul's father and founder of the home improvement chain that bears the family name.

Allmendinger To Drive No. 42 In Busch Series

• Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced that A.J. Allmendinger will drive the No. 42 Memorex Dodge in the next five NASCAR Busch Series races on the 2007 schedule, beginning with Friday’s race at California Speedway through the Oct. 12 event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Allmendinger is the full-time driver of the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Team Red Bull and CGRFS reached an agreement that would allow Allmendinger to drive the No. 42 Memorex Dodge in the NASCAR Busch Series in order to get him added track time.

No. 38 Headed to Hendrick?

• Wire reports say Robert Yates Racing has asked NASCAR for permission to transfer the No. 38 to Hendrick Motorsports, presumably for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Busch Series Crew Chief Fined

• DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR announced today that Greg Tester, crew chief of the No. 71 Chevrolet driven by Ron Young in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined and penalized due to rule violations at Michigan International Speedway. Tester was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2007, for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A - 5.9D (4) (unapproved intake manifold modifications to the plenum area) of the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on August 17.

Aug. 29, 2007 — Report: Champ Car's Arizona Event Nixed

• According to a published report in the Arizona Republic, financial difficulties have forced race organizers in Phoenix, Ariz., to cancel the planned three-day Champ Car Grand Prix Arizona set for the Phoenix city streets Nov. 30-Dec. 2. Race officials cited a lack of sponsorship dollars as the reason for the cancellation. The story quoted Phoenix business leaders and Mayor Phil Gordon. The event lost its title sponsor earlier this year and organizers were unable to find a replacement. Champ Car, which is in Europe for the second of a two-race swing through Belgium and Holland, has not verified the cancellation, but the Phoenix event has been removed from the schedule on the series's official Web site.

Clarke Reinstated By Champ Car

• ASSEN, Holland — Champ Car Race Director Tony Cotman has reinstated Dan Clarke for this weekend’s Bavaria Beer Grand Prix of Holland Presented by Audi, Gant, Hertz, Pioneer and Jumbo following his exclusion from the Champ Car event in Zolder, Belgium. “I think Dan has learned a lot in the past week and he is ready to compete again.” said Cotman.  “During Dan’s suspension, he showed us what he’s all about.  He participated in fan and media activities, helped his team and also came to race control to see how we come to our decisions.  I hope he is more aware now, that in racing small mistakes can lead to big consequences.” Clarke will remain on probation through the rest of the 2007 season.  Champ Car suspended Clarke after he caused a four-car incident on the first lap of Friday morning’s practice session in Zolder. The last driver to be suspended from a Champ Car event was Paul Tracy, who was excluded from the 1999 season opener in Homestead.

Could It Be 38?

• The latest Internet rumors on the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. number soap opera say that Hendrick Motorsports has asked Robert Yates Racing about the availability of the No. 38, currently driven by David Gilliland. That move would be a popular one among Jr. fans as it would give a nod to Dale Earnhardt, Sr.'s famed No. 3 and Jr's. former No. 8.

'Dale' To Debut On CMT

• The documentary motion picture "Dale" will debut on television Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. (EDT) on CMT. The biopic, narrated by Paul Newman, chronicles the life and career of the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Aug. 28, 2007 - NASCAR Team Owner Pleads Guilty

• LOS ANGELES — According to the Associated Press, NASCAR team owner Gene Haas pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding the government more than $34 million in taxes. Haas, 54, is the owner of Haas Automation and NASCAR's Haas CNC Racing. He has agreed to pay a fine, back taxes and interests totaling more than $70 million, according to the U.S. Attorney's office, which recommended that Haas serve two years in federal prison as part of a plea agreement. A sentence hearing is set for Nov. 5.

Aug. 24, 2007 — ASCS Suspends Swenson For Year

• Following his disqualification in last Friday night's American Sprint Car Series Northern Plains Region event at Minnesota's Jackson Speedway, Chuck Swenson has been suspended from all ASCS-sanctioned events until January 1, 2008. After his apparent victory in the Aug. 17 Jackson Nationals preliminary feature event, post-race inspection revealed that Swenson's cylinder heads had been altered well beyond the parameters defined in the ASCS rulebook.  Swenson's engine, including the tampered cylinder heads, came out of the shop of Ohio's Charlie Fisher. Swenson declined further tear-down of the engine, thus leading to the suspension for the rest of the year by the American Sprint Car Series.

Martin, Almirola In No. 8 in '08?

• Several media outlets are reporting that DEI is negotiating to put Mark Martin and Aric Almirola in the No. 8 Chevrolet next season. Martin would run a split schedule, much like he is doing this season. Almirola is making his DEI Nextel Cup debut this weekend at Bristol in the U.S. Army No. 01 Chevrolet.

Crossville Raceway Closes Gates

• Crossville (Tenn.) Raceway has closed for the remainder of the 2007 season due to financial difficulties. Plans are being made for a return in 2008.

Kovalainen Uncertain Of Future With Renault

• Despite overcoming a poor start to the season by scoring points in six of his past seven Grands Prix, Renault rookie F-1 driver Heikki Kovalainen is unsure as to whether he will be with the team in 2008, Eurosport reported. If he is dropped, Nelson Piquet, Jr., son of the former two-time F-1 champion Piquet, Sr., is poised to take the seat, the report said.

Aug. 23, 2007 — Marlin Behind Wheel At Bristol

• Sterling Marlin, who found himself out of job just prior to the Ginn-DEI merger, will drive the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet this weekend at Bristol. That seat was recently vacated by Kenny Wallace. Marlin will have to qualify on time.

Aug. 22, 2007 - Florida Racing Pioneer Dies

• LAKE CITY, Fla. — Bert Ashelman, former owner of Columbia Motorsports Park and Series Director of the former Florida Pro Super Late Model Series, died Tuesday evening, Aug. 21. While visiting Columbia Motorsports Park this past Saturday, Ashelman suffered a severe stroke while in the pits and was found unconscious there.  He was airlifted to Shands Hospital in Jacksonville in grave condition. Ashelman sold Columbia Motorsports Park to Robert Hart, owner of Orlando SpeedWorld and New Smyrna Speedway in 2005 when he decided it was time to retire, but he could not stay away and would visit the track often and all his old friends and drivers.

Kenny Wallace To Drive No. 45

• According to media reports, Kenny Wallace will be behind the wheel of the Petty Enterprises No. 45 Dodge for the NASCAR Nextel Cup race this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Wallace will fill in for Kyle Petty, who will miss his second-consecutive race due to a broken hand.

Aug. 21, 2007 - NASCAR Adds CoT Test At Atlanta

• NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams will test at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 29-30 (Monday-Tuesday). The two-day test will be with the Car of Tomorrow only and will run the two days following the Pep Boys Auto 500, scheduled for Oct. 28 at the speedway.

Heidfeld, Kubica To Return

• Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica will return to their seats with BMW Sauber next season, according to the team's official Web site.

Rockwell Automation Bows Out

• HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Rockwell Automation will end its 11-year motorsports tenure as sponsor of the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Busch Series No. 20 Chevrolet. The No. 20 Rockwell Automation Chevrolet, campaigned by JGR in the NASCAR Busch Series since 2003, will see its final race in Rockwell Automation’s red and white livery at the Busch Series season finale Nov. 17 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The No. 20 will return to competition next season with to-be-determined sponsorship.

Rudd Ready To Retire

• Ricky Rudd, driver of the Roberts Yates-owned No. 88, said he will be retiring at the end of the season. Rudd, 51, did, however, leave the door open for a return if the right situation came along.

Aug. 16, 2007 - Dale, Jr. Won't Be In No. 8

• Several media outlets are reporting that negotiations to put Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the No. 8 with Hendrick Motorsports have fallen through, and the driver will move to a new number with new sponsorship next year. One possibility is that Earnhardt will drive the No. 81 next season.

Crane Cams Offers Bonus

• Crane Cams is offering a $50,000 bonus to the driver who wins both features at the Mopar PRI Sprint & Midget Classic set for Dec. 7 at Orlando, Fla. SpeedWorld.

Iowa Offcials, IRL Extend Deal

• The Iowa Speedway and Iowa Corn Growers Association officials announced a two-year extension of the Iowa Corn Indy 250 with the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series. The extension includes 100-mile Indy Pro Series races in conjunction with the June 2008 and June 2009 IndyCar Series event weekends.

Aug. 15, 2007 - Randolph New Crew Chief Of No. 43

• Petty Enterprises announced Tuesday that veteran Doug Randolph as crew chief for the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge driven by 2000 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Bobby Labonte. Randolph, who takes over the crew chief duties from Paul Andrews, will be on top of the pit box for this weekend’s 3M Performance 400 at the two-mile Michigan Int'l Speedway.

Pedregon Hires Vet Tuner Tobler As Chief

• Cruz Pedregon Racing announced Tuesday the appointment of veteran fuel tuner Rahn Tobler as crew chief of the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car team. Tobler will make his debut on Aug. 27, just in time for the prestigious U.S. Nationals. Tobler comes to Pedregon Racing with a 30-plus year career in the sport of drag racing including a three year stint as crew chief for Doug Kalitta’s Top Fuel Dragster. While with Kalitta’s team, he accumulated 14 event wins, went to the final round 20 times and posted 130 round wins. In 2006, he nearly captured the Top Fuel World Championship for Kalitta only to be edged by Tony Schumacher’s record-setting run on the final pass of the season.

Kenny Wallace Leaves No. 78 Team

• Veteran driver and broadcaster Kenny Wallace has left the No. 78 Chevrolet Furniture Row team, but he will remain with the fledgling organization as a consultant and be available to drive when needed.

Petty Has Broken Hand

• Kyle Petty, driver of the Petty Enterprises No. 45 Dodge, reportedly suffered a broken hand after striking the inside of his hauler during a caution period Sunday at Watkins Glen Int'l. Petty was the victim of contact early in the Nextel Cup race Sunday and finished last.

Aug. 14, 2007 - Judge Overturns AT&T Injunction

• The Associated Press reported Monday that an appeals-court judge overturned the injunction that allowed the AT&T logo to appear on Jeff Burton's Nextel Cup No. 31 Chevrolet. NASCAR is attempting to keep AT&T off the car due to its no-compete clause with series sponsor Sprint/Nextel. AT&T contends that it should be able to display the logo because it purchased Cingular. Cingular was a Richard Childress Racing sponsor prior to Sprint/Nextel's involvement in the series and is grandfathered in, as is Alltel. While the injunction is lifted, the case, in which AT&T is suing for the right to be display the logo and is seeking damages, is still scheduled to go to trial. It includes a $100 million counter-suit by NASCAR.

Andretti In, Bliss Out At BAM

• John Andretti will drive the BAM Racing No. 49 Dodge for the remainder of the 2007 season. Andretti replaces Mike Bliss, who had rejoined the team only a few weeks ago.

Aug. 10, 2007 — Gurney-Fogarty Take Record Eighth Pole

• WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — With a record-breaking performance, Jon Fogarty and co-driver Alex Gurney will lead the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve Daytona Prototypes to the green flag in today's Crown Royal 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Fogarty turned a qualifying lap of 1:07.020 (131.603 mph) in the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley, breaking the previous Daytona Prototype 2.45-mile, 11-turn short-course record of 1:07.496 (130.674 mph) at Watkins Glen, set by Gurney in the same car last season. The pole position is the team’s eighth consecutive, besting the seven consecutive pole positions set by Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Scott Pruett and Max Papis in 2004. Fogarty has seven total individual pole positions this season, tying a record set by James Weaver in 2001 and Papis in 2004.

• Video game-maker Electronic Arts Inc. has partnered with Mars Snackfood and will be featured on the No. 88 Snickers Ford Fusion with driver Ricky Rudd during this weekend's NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Centurion Boats at The Glen at Watkins Glen Int'l. The Robert Yates Racing-owned M&M's No. 36, driven by David Gilliland, was featured on the cover of EA's NASCAR '07 game.

Aug. 9, 2007 - P.J. Jones In No. 00 At Glen

• WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — P.J. Jones, who drove this past week at Pocono for Robby Gordon, is scheduled to run the final NASCAR Nextel Cup Series road course race of the season for David Reutimann in the No. 00 Toyota Camry this weekend at Watkins Glen Int'l. In June, Jones posted a 12th-place finish in the No. 00 Toyota Camry at Infineon Raceway.

Opening Night Rescheduled In Knoxville

• Heavy rain on Wednesday forced the opening qualifying night of the 47th Annual SuperClean Knoxville Nationals to be rescheduled for Friday night. Action resumes tonight with the second qualifying night as scheduled. World of Outlaws drivers that will take to the track tonight include: Tony Bruce Jr., Sam Hafertepe Jr., Jac Haudenschild, Justin Henderson, Chad Hillier, Steve Kinser, Kerry Madsen, Terry McCarl, Paul McMahan, Jason Meyers and Joey Saldana. The Knoxville World Challenge set for Friday will still run as originally scheduled. Other adjustments to the schedule for the 47th Annual SuperClean Knoxville Nationals include: the Scrambles and the non-qualifier program with heats, "B" and "A" features that were originally scheduled for Friday night, being run on Saturday beginning at noon CDT. The racing program on Saturday night will run as scheduled starting at 7:15 p.m. CDT with the E-main, with live coverage beginning at 9 p.m. CDT on Speed

Duno Has Part In "Speed Racer"

• IndyCar driver Milka Duno is heading to Berlin, Germany this week where she will be involved in filming for the movie "Speedracer." Duno will play the role of "Gearbox" in the film.

Bowman Gray To Host WSSU Motorsport Management Event

• WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In an effort to raise awareness for its new Motorsport Management program, Winston-Salem State University is sponsoring and university officials and students will attend, a special demolition derby incorporated into the regular weekly racing program at Bowman Gray Stadium known as the Winston-Salem Journal Night on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m.  Bowman Gray Stadium is NASCAR’s longest running weekly racetrack and is currently in its 59th racing season. The flat, quarter-mile asphalt track is known for close racing action and its storied history, which dates back to 1949. WSSU introduced a curriculum for the nation’s first Bachelor of Science degree in Motorsport Management at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) after receiving approval from the University of North Carolina system Board of Governors in May. The undergraduate degree program is housed within the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences and is currently accepting new students for the fall semester. The WSSU Motorsport Management curriculum will include concentrations in two specific areas: Motorsport Operations and Motorsport Marketing and Event Planning, which teaches students the skills, knowledge and technology of managing motorsport racing; with emphasis on facility management, risk management, marketing, sponsorships and endorsements, and legal considerations within the industry.

Aug. 8, 2007 - Coleman Back In Gibbs Busch Ride

• Fresh off a Top 10 finish in Montreal last week, Brad Coleman will finally get his chance to race Watkins Glen. All of Coleman’s previous opportunities to race the famed 3.37 mile circuit during his run in the Rolex Grand American series came when he was only 17 and New York State law requires all race drivers to be 18 years of age. The Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Busch Series rookie will get his chance to race against many of the best in the business this weekend in the Zippo 200 as there will be a host of road course specialists and Nextel Cup drivers joining the Busch race. It is estimated that at least 24 of the race’s entries will be filled by drivers with racing experience at Watkins Glen.

LifeLock Signs On With BAM Racing

• BAM Racing announced the addition of LifeLock to its family of sponsors for 2007. In a partnership with the team, LifeLock will serve as one of the primary sponsors of the No. 49 BAM Racing Dodge for two races and an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season.

Aug. 7, 2007 — Kyle Busch To Gibbs

• MOORESVILLE, N.C. — ESPN and wire services reported late Monday that Kyle Busch will sign with Joe Gibbs Racing and drive the No. 18 Chevrolet next season. According to the stories, Busch will replace J.J. Yeley in the No. 18 and Gibbs Racing will remain a three-car team. Busch was put on the move when Dale Earnhardt, Jr. signed with Rick Hendrick Motorsports.

Aug. 2, 2007 — J.J. Yeley to Compete in Osky's Ultimate Challenge

• TULSA, Okla. — What already ranks as arguably the highlight of Southern Iowa Sprint Week, next Tuesday night's $30,000-to-win Ultimate Challenge at Oskaloosa's Southern Iowa Speedway will have an added element of flare as NASCAR Nextel Cup star J.J. Yeley will throw his hat in the ring for victory honors. A graduate of the sprint-car and midget ranks, the Arizona native returns to his roots for the night as he takes in his first O'Reilly Sprint Bandits Tour 'N Topless event.

Construction Begins For Moto GP

• INDIANAPOLIS — According to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Web site, construction has begun on the new 2.601-mile road course that will be used for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP motorcycle race. All construction is planned to be completed by opening day of the 2008 Indianapolis 500.

Aug. 1, 2007 — Biffle Fined, Put On Busch Series Probation

• NASCAR announced Tuesday that Greg Biffle has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, for failing to fulfill his post-race media obligations this past Saturday night, following the NASCAR Busch Series race at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

Coleman To Drive For Gibbs At Montreal

• Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver Brad Coleman will drive the No. 18 FedEx Chevrolet at this weekend's NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal.

Former F-1 Champ In Driver's Ed

• According to Reuters, three-time Formula One champion (1981, 1983, 1987) Nelson Piquet began taking a driving education course on Monday in Brazil after having his license revoked for racking up too many traffic violations. Piquet, one of just three Brazilians to win the Formula One world championship, lost his license in June after receiving a slew of speeding and parking tickets. His wife, Viviane, also had her license taken away for bad driving and joined her husband in the mandatory driver awareness course.

Busch East Crew Chief Suspended

• NASCAR announced Wednesday that Ron Ste-Marie, crew chief for the No. 99 Chevrolet driven by Bryon Chew in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series, has been suspended from NASCAR for the next three NASCAR Busch East Series events; suspended from NASCAR until Sept. 19, 2007; and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2007, due to rule violations at Adirondack International Speedway in Beaver Falls, N.Y., July 28. Ste-Marie was suspended for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-CC (any competitor who uses a rear-end gear ratio that violates the specified rear-end gear and transmission ratio during an Event; unapproved rear-end gear ratio) of the 2007 NASCAR Grand National Division Busch East Series Rule Book. In addition, the No. 99 car has been moved from second-place to last (26th) place in the final running order of the July 28 event at Adirondack International Speedway. The infraction was discovered during post-race inspection.