Feb. 29, 2008 - Brittany Force Earns License

• On a partly cloudy day at Firebird Raceway outside of Phoenix, Brittany Force, the 21-year old daughter of 14-time Funny Car champion John Force, completed a job that started over six months ago; making the necessary passes for her A-Fuel license. The process had its ups and downs for the Santiago Canyon College senior including a brush with the Las Vegas Speedway guardwall as she was learning the ropes. Her final licensing pass was a solid 5.59 seconds at 262 mph. “Today was my first really good clean run. It was just a normal run and it felt good. I was definitely nervous and sweating it out before I got in the car,” said the California blond and recognized “problem child” of the Force racing clan. “My dad is excited now to have us all licensed. I am excited to have my A-Fuel license since now we can continue to move forward.” One of the stars of the A&E Network series Driving Force, which ended a two-year run in 2007, Brittany will split time with younger sister Courtney, 19, at the wheel of the John Force Racing A-Fuel dragster prepared and maintained by veterans Jerry Darien.

Patrick Fastest At Thursday Practice

• Danica Patrick made an abbreviated appearance on media day at Homestead-Miami Speedway Feb. 26, didn’t turn a lap on the first day of an IndyCar Series Open Test Feb. 27, then came out feeling less than 100 percent on Feb. 28 but still set the pace on the final day of testing. Despite feeling ill, Patrick was the quickest of 16 drivers on the 1.5-mile, high-banked oval, recording a best lap of 25.0772 seconds, 213.182 mph.

Feb. 28, 2008 - Sauter To Drive For Wood Brothers

• Johnny Sauter will be behind the wheel of the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford this weekend as the Sprint Cup team attempts to qualify for Las Vegas, according to reports on Sirius Satellite radio's NASCAR channel.  Sauter will replace Jon Wood, who has limited experience is the CoT.

IRL Tests Begin, Drivers Making Deals

Sarah Fisher

• Random notes from IRL testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway: Fifteen IndyCar Series drivers tested under the lights Wednesday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in preparation for the start of the 2008 season. A 16th driver, Andretti Green Racing's Danica Patrick, sat out the first night of testing due to illness... Sarah Fisher is striking out on her own with Sarah Fisher Racing this season. Plans are for Fisher to run at Indy, Texas, Kentucky and Chicago. No sponsorship deal has been announced... Panther Racing has signed the National Guard as sponsor for Vitor Meira... Tomas Scheckter has a part-time ride this season with Luczo Dragon Racing, as does Max Papis with Rubicon Racing... Milka Duno will drive 11 races, including the Indianapolis 500, for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Homestead-Miami Field To Have Influx of Champ Car Teams

• According to the Indianapolis Star, at least nine former Champ Car competitors will be competing in the season-opening Gainsco Insurance Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Those entries include two cars from Newman Haas Lanigan Racing, two from KV Racing, two from Conquest Racing and two from Dale Coyne Racing. Walker Racing has plans for one car at the moment. Forsythe Pettit Racing, Team Minardi USA and Pacific Coast Motorsports could also enter. Officials from Rocketsports Racing also attended the IRL's orientation meeting Monday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Feb. 27, 2008 - Sponsor Rallying Support For Robby Gordon

• Jim Beam Bourbon announced today the brand will continue the “Stand Up for Robby” initiative, begun this past weekend at Auto Club Speedway of Southern California. Originally intended to be a one-weekend show of support for Gordon and the team, overwhelming fan reaction has encouraged Jim Beam to continue the campaign enabling fans to offer their opinions and sign a petition requesting NASCAR reduce or overturn recent penalties imposed against the No. 7 Jim Beam Dodge race team. “Standing up for what is right is more than a philosophy for Jim Beam, it is a mantra we live by,” said Sam Seiller, Senior Director, Whiskies Group, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “Getting behind our driver is the right thing to do in this situation. We are pleased to see so many fans on the same page and voicing their support for a guy who showed grit, determination and character in driving to an 8th-place finish in the Daytona 500.” Gordon and the No. 7 Dodge race team last week filed an appeal to NASCAR officials in response to a 100-point penalty and six-race suspension and $100,000 fine for crew chief Frank Kerr announced by NASCAR Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008. Fans attending last weekend’s NASCAR events in Fontana, Calif. and throughout the country were encouraged via a grassroots and online public relations effort to join the “Stand up for Robby” cause. To date, more than 8,500 fans have visited www.jimbeam.com and signed a petition to be distributed to NASCAR in advance of the appeal hearing. Upon the team’s notification of the appeal hearing date, Jim Beam will announce the timing of submission of the petition to NASCAR officials. On Friday, Feb. 22, Jim Beam CEO Tom Flocco distributed a letter outlining the sponsor’s position that while an infraction occurred, the penalty imposed was unfairly excessive. The letter was sent to NASCAR President Mike Helton, Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Competition Director John Darby. At track and online activities will continue this week as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visits Las Vegas. Fans attending the events can buy “Rally for Robby” shirts at the Robby Gordon Motorsports merchandise hauler. Fans elsewhere looking to show their support can purchase the t-shirts and sign the petition online at jimbeam.com.

Report: Labonte Offered Extension

• Bobby Labonte has reportedly been offered a contract extension that would keep the former Sprint Cup champion in the No. 43 Dodge beyond 2008. Labonte, whose contract with Petty expires after this season, is rumored to be the top choice to drive for a fourth Richard Childress Sprint Cup entry, which would begin competition in 2009.

Feb. 26, 2008 - Hunter-Reay Runs With Rahal Letterman

• Ryan Hunter-Reay  opened eyes throughout motorsports last season when he stepped into the  Rahal Letterman Racing Indy Car at Mid-Ohio and made his series debut  without a single lap of testing and carried the car to a seventh-place  finish. The  American-born Hunter-Reay will now get a chance to chase the championship  in 2008 with a full complement of preseason preparation as the Floridian  was named today as the driver of the No. 17 Ethanol Dallara/Honda/Firestone for Rahal Letterman Racing. “It’s  great to make this official. Driving for Rahal-Letterman Racing and Ethanol is a huge  honor and a great opportunity; together I am certain we are going to  make the most of it,” Hunter-Reay said.

Feb. 21, 2008 - Villeneuve Partners With Barry Green

• Jacques Villeneuve has lured former IndyCar owner Barry Green out of a semi-retirement in Australia as the driver regroups for a renewed effort to make a successful transition from open-wheel racing to NASCAR. Green, who owned teams that Villeneuve rode to championships in the 1990s, will work with the one-time Formula One world champion to find the sponsors he needs to get a full-time ride either in the Sprint Cup or Nationwide series.

Coors Light Scheme To Adorn DEI's No. 01

• Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Rookie of the Year candidate Regan Smith will feature a special paint scheme from Coors Light, “The World’s Most Refreshing Beer” and official beer of NASCAR® and NASCAR fans everywhere. The Coors Light and NASCAR logos will run on the car for this weekend’s Auto Club 500 at California Speedway and the March 4 UAW-Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Feb. 20, 2008 - Kvapil Taking Over For Clanton At California

• Roush Fenway Racing announced today that 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil will replace Joey Clanton in the No. 09 Zaxby's Ford F-150 for this weekend's Craftsman Truck Series San Bernardino County 200. Kvapil, who has nine wins in 121 Truck Series starts, will take the wheel at a track where he has three top-10 finishes in five starts.  Kvapil made a run for the Craftsman Truck Series championship in 2007 driving Roush Fenway Racing's No. 6 Ford F-150.  He currently drives the No. 28 Ford Fusion for Yates Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

IROC Auction Set For March 7-8

• The International Race of Champions (IROC series) officials announced today the All-Star auto racing series will liquidate all tools, equipment, race cars and memorabilia in a two-day public auction on March 7-8 at IROC headquarters in Tinton Falls, N.J. After a 40-year history, the IROC series has been dormant since the conclusion of the 2006 season due to lack of sponsorship.

Daytona Penalties Announced By NASCAR

Sprint Cup: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 7 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 7 car driven and owned by Robby Gordon was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.10A (unapproved front bumper cover) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during opening day inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 8. As a result, Gordon has been penalized 100 championship driver and owner points. Crew chief Frank Kerr has been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Nationwide Series: NASCAR announced today that seven of its teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 5 car was found to be in violation of 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); 20A-3.1.1E (1) (the rear ends of the spoiler did not meet the specified height); and 20A-3.12.1A (altered rear spoiler after passing template inspection to enhance aerodynamic performance) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book.  The violation occurred following practice on Feb. 14. Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver points, while car owner Rick Hendrick has been penalized 50 championship owner points. Crew chief Chad Walter has been fined $25,000 and suspended for the next six NASCAR Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008. The No. 0, No. 1, No. 14, No. 64, and No. 77 cars were all found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A; 12-4-Q; and 20A-8.4C (the oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely). These violations were discovered during post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 15. Each of the cars’ respective drivers and owners -- Kertus Davis/Johnny Davis for the No. 0; Johnny Sauter/James Finch for the No. 1; David Gilliland/Carl Haas for the No. 14; David Stremme/Ed Rensi for the No. 64; and Cale Gale/ DeLana Harvick for the No. 77 have been penalized with the loss of 25 driver and owner championship points. Crew chiefs Gene Allnutt (No. 0); Jon Wolfe (No. 1); Bob Edwards (No. 14); Steve Darne (No. 64); and Charlie Wilson (No. 77) have each been fined $15,000 and suspended for the next six NASCAR Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Additionally, Jerry Baxter, crew chief for the No. 99 car received a $5,000 fine and was placed on probation until July 9 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size). This infraction took place during opening day inspection on Feb. 12.

Craftsman Truck Series: NASCAR announced today penalties and fines to the No. 30 and No. 33 teams that compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 30 truck was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (truck parts, components or equipment that doesn’t conform to NASCAR Rules); and 20B-12.9D (device designed to reduce the bed panel height at the points of inspection) of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book. The infractions occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Feb. 14. Driver Todd Bodine has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver points and truck owner Stephen Germain has been penalized 25 championship owner points due to the violations. Crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. has been fined $10,000 and suspended for the next four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events until April 30 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. The No. 33 truck, driven by Ron Hornaday Jr. was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (truck parts, components or equipment that doesn’t conform to NASCAR Rules); and 20B-3.1.1 (spoiler braces exceeded the maximum one inch width). Crew chief Rick Ren has been fined $5,000 as a result of the infraction. This violation occurred during opening day inspection on Feb. 12.

Feb. 19, 2008 - Report: Open Wheels Unified

• Speed's Robin Miller is reporting that the 12-year split between American open-wheel racing's two factions — Champ Car (formerly CART) and the IRL — has come to an end. According to Miller's report on SpeedTV.com, Champ Car teams have been told to stop working on their Panoz chassis and await delivery on their new IndyCar Series race cars, which should come in the next few days. A press conference to announce the agreement could happen as early as Wednesday.

Former Champ Car Official Joins AGR

• Andretti Green Racing (AGR) announced today it has hired racing veteran Paul "Ziggy" Harcus as team manager.  Harcus, who has nearly 30 years of racing experience, will join AGR's management team and oversee various aspects of AGR's four-car IndyCar Series program. Most recently, Harcus was Champ Car's director of operations. Prior to his three-year stint with Champ Car, Harcus worked in the IndyCar Series as team manager of Kelley Racing.

Indy Veteran Karl Dies In Car Accident

• Jerry Karl, a veteran of six Indianapolis 500 starts, died Feb. 16 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Baltimore. He was 66. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., Karl had resided in York, Pa., for virtually all of his adult life. In recent years, he had operated Karl Aviation at York’s Capital City Airport. Karl’s six “500” starts took place between 1973 and 1981, but he was at the track on an annual basis between 1970 and 1985, trying to make the lineup. The persistent Karl performed much of his own mechanical preparation when driving for underfunded teams. His first “500” start came in 1973 when he qualified a Smokey Yunick-fielded Gurney Eagle, housing a V8 stock-block Chevrolet that was boosted by twin turbochargers. It completed only 22 laps in the race. Karl’s highest finish, 13th, came two years later in the rain-shortened event of 1975, by which time his Yunick Eagle/Chevrolet was permitted only one turbocharger.

Feb. 15, 2008 - Darnell On NCTS Pole

• Erik Darnell will start on the pole for Friday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Chevy Silverado 250 at Daytona Int'l Speedway. In capturing the pole for the initial race of the season, Darnell circled the course in 50.983 seconds at a speed of 176.529 miles per hour in a Ford F-150. It was the second career pole for Darnell, who won last season's O'Reilly Auto Parts 250 - his only career victory in three years on the circuit.

Luczo Dragon, Scheckter Set For 3 IRL Races

• After a top five finish in the Indianapolis 500 last season, Luczo Dragon Racing has a new driver, a veteran team manager, a three-race IRL schedule planned for the 2008 IndyCar season and will continue to donate its racing profits to charity, it was announced today. IndyCar Series veteran Tomas Scheckter will drive the Dallara Honda in three races: the RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway April 27, the 92nd Indianapolis 500 May 25 and the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway August 24. The team will be managed by John Cummiskey, who has 19 years experience in open wheel racing, including one Indy 500 win. Scheckter has averaged 348 points and finished in the top 10 in each of the last three IndyCar seasons.

Feb. 14, 2008 - Pedregon Picks Kaeding

• With sights set on the 2008 Western States Midget Series crown, Cruz Pedregon today announced that Bud Kaeding, the 2006 and 2007 USAC Silver Crown Champion, will pilot Pedregon's Toyota-powered midget in 2008. Kaeding will replace Josh Wise as Cruz Pedregon Racing's regular driver.  Conflicting schedules will prevent Wise from competing with the team this year. "I'm confident he'll do a good job for us," said Pedregon. "I'm fortunate a guy of his caliber is available.  In 2008, we're going to concentrate on the USAC Western States Midget series and venture back and run some national events as well as Midget Week." At 28, Kaeding, a third-generation racer from Campbell, Calif., has accumulated over 60 career wins including winning USAC Sprint Car Rookie of the Year honors in 2000.  He is the only three-time winner of the Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway, largest non-wing sprint car race in the country.  A proven winner, Kaeding, over his 12-year career has won in Midgets, Sprint Cars and Silver Crown cars.

Feb. 13, 2008 - Walker: Champ Car Is Finished

• Veteran car owner Derrick Walker has parked his car, withdrawn from testing and focused his attention on running in the rival Indy Racing League this year even though Champ Car officials say they will race this season. Walker, a Champ Car owner who has also competed in the IRL, told The Associated Press on Tuesday he believes Champ Car is finished. He is preparing his team for a 2008 run in the IndyCar Series.

Patrick In Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

• IndyCar Series superstar Danica Patrick appears in the pages of Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit Issue, which hits newsstands this week. More than 69 million people are expected to read the special issue while more than 250 million people are expected to view photo galleries on the magazine's website. A four-page spread features photos of Patrick that were shot at Singer Island, Fla. by photographer Ben Watts last fall following the IndyCar Series Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park. Additionally, a 44-photo
gallery is available on Sports Illustrated's Web site.

Feb. 12, 2008 - Report: Honda Meeting Cause For Optimism

• The Indianapolis Star's Curt Cavin reported today that the IRL has likely gained permission from Honda to move its April 19 race at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit north of Tokyo in order to take over Champ Car's marquee event, the Long Beach (Calif.) Grand Prix. Robert Clarke, former president of the U.S.-based Honda Performance Development, told the newspaper that he is optimistic that talks between the IRL and Champ Car can continue.

Stewart, Busch Put On Probation

• The Associated Press reports that Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart have both been put on probation for six races by NASCAR after an altercation during practice Friday for the Budweiser Shootout. The two later fought with Stewart reportedly punching Busch during a meeting with NASCAR officials. According to the report, the probation stems from the on-track part of the altercation during which the two used their cars as "battering rams."

Feb. 11, 2008 - Little New Head Of NASCAR Modified Tour

• NASCAR announced over the weekend that Chad Little has been named the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour director. Little, a former NASCAR driver, has been an official with NASCAR since 2005, most recently as advisor to the NASCAR Mexico Series. “Modified racing is an integral part of NASCAR history,” Little said. “The series is strong and I am looking forward to helping it continue to grow. I had the chance to meet and get to know a lot of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour officials, competitors, promoters and fans last year. There is not a more passionate group than those involved with Modified racing, and that translates into some of the best racing in NASCAR.” Former tour director Ed Cox will handle special projects with the NASCAR competition division. At the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour banquet, series sponsor Whelen Engineering announced it was extending its entitlement sponsorship through 2016. In addition, Jason Cunningham assumed the duties as the full-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour media coordinator beginning in January. Cunningham joins NASCAR from Ohio University, where he was an assistant sports information director for three and a half years.

Feb. 8, 2008 - Race Dates Hold Up IndyCar, Champ Car Merger

• According to the Associated Press, the latest merger discussions between Indy Racing League and the rival Champ Car World Series hit a snag over race dates. Series founder Tony George has offered Champ Car teams free Dallara chassis and Honda engines, along with the $1.2 million in incentives it is paying each of its own teams to race in the IndyCar Series in 2008, IRL spokesman John Griffin said Friday. The IRL also would absorb at least three of the 14 races on the Champ Car schedule — Long Beach, Calif.; Edmonton, Alberta; and Surfers Paradise, Australia. The biggest hurdle appears to be the head-to-head scheduling of the Long Beach race, Champ Car's season opener April 20, and the IRL's April 19 event at the Honda-owned Motegi track in Japan. Long Beach officials say they cannot change their date because of contracts with the Long Beach Convention Center, around which the street circuit is set up. Motegi officials have refused to move their date.

Schatz Victorious At Volusia Again

• The O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions wrapped up their Florida swing with 51 cars signed in at Volusia Speedway Park on night number three of the 37th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals. Donny Schatz proved once again why he is the two time defending Outlaw champion by knocking out the competition for the second time in just three races as he bested the stellar field.  Joey Saldana was second followed by Jason Meyers in third.

Kentucky Speedway, Pepsi Agree To Deal

• Kentucky Speedway announced that PepsiAmericas, Inc. will serve as the official soft-drink sponsor for the Speedway’s 2008 season, which begins May 10 with the ARCA RE/MAX Series “Drive Smart. Buckle Up Kentucky 150.” Financial terms of the relationship were not disclosed. However, PepsiAmericas will receive exclusive on-site soft drink marketing and vending rights, facility and souvenir program advertising, display space, grandstand tickets, a luxury suite license and other promotional considerations under the terms of the agreement.

Feb. 7, 2008 - Report: Smith Interested In NHRA Purchase

• The Dallas Morning News has reported that Bruton Smith, head of Speedway Motorsports Inc. has expressed an interest in buying the series. He is building a drag strip at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. "We'll wait, and sometime down the road we'll probably take a look at it," Smith told the newspaper this week. "I see that the sport is growing. We'll see."

BMW M3

BMW Returning With Rahal To ALMS

• BMW announced at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday its plan to return to the American Le Mans Series with its next-generation M3 coupe starting late 2008. For this venture, Rahal Letterman will campaign the cars on behalf of BMW Motorsport. “This is another monumental day for the American Le Mans Series - we have had a phenomenal start to ’08 and this big news from BMW adds to our momentum,” said Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. “BMW represents one of the cornerstones on which the American Le Mans Series was built and has maintained a loyal following of dedicated owners and fans since that time. We are thrilled to embrace this effort from BMW with Rahal Letterman Racing.” The 2009 season will see Rahal Letterman campaign two M3s for a full-season championship run. As a result, BMW will compete in a GT2 field that includes efforts from defending class champion Ferrari as well as Aston Martin, Dodge, Ford, Panoz and Porsche. The Series boasts more manufacturers in the single GT2 class than many other motorsports series do in their entire grid.

Hamilton Invests In Race Team

• The Tennesseean reports that Bobby Hamilton, Jr. is the new co-owner of co-owner Sadler Racing. Hamilton said he has purchased 50 percent of the team, which will now be Sadler Hamilton Racing, from Earl Sadler. The team plans on running a limited schedule of Nationwide, ARCA and Camping World races. Willie Allen has been signed by Sadler Hamilton Racing for the Feb. 16 Camping World 300 — the Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona. Allen also will compete in the Camping World 150 race at the Music City Motorplex on July 19 for SHR. Allen will team up with crew chief Danny Gill at Daytona. Gill was a crew chief for two races with Allen last year at Thorsport Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series. He also was the team's competition director. Allen won the series' rookie of the year in 2007. Hamilton said he plans to run in a limited number of ARCA and Camping World races this season. He also drives fulltime for Team Rensi Motorsports in the Nationwide Series.

Yates Finds 7-Race Sponsorship for Gilliland

• Yates Racing announced Wednesday that Experian Consumer DirectSM, the leading provider of online direct-to-consumer credit reports, scores, and monitoring products, will sponsor the No. 38 entry for seven races at the beginning of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.  Yates Racing driver, David Gilliland, will pilot the No. 38 FreeCreditReport.com™ Ford Fusion. Gilliland has a history with Experian Consumer Direct as a sponsor, racing 19 times in the FreeCreditReport.com Ford during the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series season.

Feb. 6, 2008 - Schatz Earns Volusia Victory

• The O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions rolled into Volusia Speedway Park with 52 cars to kick of the 37th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals. With a field second only to the Knoxville Nationals, the All Stars had their work cut out for them to try to grab a piece of the pie and the $7,000 winner’s share. World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz, driving his first American race for Tony Stewart Racing, took the lead from Jason Meyers on lap 15 and sailed to the victory. Meyers was second followed by Steve Kinser in third.

Speed, Harmon To Begin ARCA Campaigns At Daytona

• Former Formula One driver Scott Speed is set to begin a full season in ARCA at Daytona. Speed will campaign full time in the No. 2 Red Bull Toyota of Eddie Sharp Racing. In other ARCA notes, veteran driver Mike Harmon will be behind the wheel of the No. 24 D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. Chevrolet for Elite 2 Racing in the ARCA 200 at Daytona, moving from his familiar No. 38. Harmon plans to compete in selected ARCA RE/MAX Series events as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Elite 2 Racing in 2008.

Perera Joins Conquest

• Conquest Racing announced today that 2007 Atlantics ‘Rookie of the Year’ Franck Perera, who posted the fastest time among all drivers during the recent Champ Car World Series testing in Sebring, would join the team for the upcoming 2008 season. Perera completed his first test with Conquest two days ago, where he topped the time charts, outpacing both established Champ Car drivers and other newcomers to the open-wheel series.

Schumacher Starts Karting Team

• A Eurosport report says that Michael Schumacher has taken his first steps into the world of team management by setting up his own go-kart team to compete in the German championship. The seven-time Formula One World Champion, who rejected an offer to run Ferrari's Formula One operation, will run the team with his friends and business partners Peter Kaiser and Thomas Munchov, whose names contribute to the team's identity of KMS Racing.

Feb. 5, 2008 - Man Dies Of Heart Attack During Petty Driving Experience

• Robert Boswell, a 60 year-old man from Apopka, Fla., died Monday while participating in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona Int'l Speedway. The man, who was driving in the “High Banks 8” session at the 2.5 mile superspeedway, was on lap 4 of his 8 scheduled laps when the incident took place. The Halifax Medical Examiner’s report shows the Boswell passed away of a heart attack and not from any mechanical issue with the car. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to this man’s family and friends and we truly regret this incident took place,” said Chris McKee, media relations director for RPDE. “I have spoken with Mr. Boswell’s son, and he was just happy that his dad was living out his dream of getting to drive a real race car.”

Stewart Honored By Hoosier Legislature

• Tony Stewart, one of Indiana’s most accomplished and popular sports figures in history, enjoyed the spotlight at the Indiana General Assembly and collected his second Allstate 400 at the Brickyard champion’s ring Feb. 4. Members of the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Senate honored Stewart in a joint resolution for his many accomplishments on track – including Allstate 400 at the Brickyard victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in 2005 and 2007, and two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, in 2002 and 2005 – and his numerous charitable acts off track. IMS Chief Executive Officer Tony George presented Stewart with his champion’s ring for his 2007 victory on the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives in Indianapolis.

Feb. 4, 2008 - Hamilton Victim Of Racial Slurs In Spain

• Spain could lose both of its Formula One Grands Prix after spectators directed racial taunts and slurs at McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton during testing at Barcelona over the weekend. According to an Associated Press report, under FIA's statutes, punishment can include removing races from the Grand Prix calendar. The Spanish Grand Prix is set for April 27 at the Montmelo circuit in Barcelona, and the European GP at Valencia is Aug. 24. "We are going to be writing to the national sporting authorities in Spain on what happened over the weekend and off of that report we will be deciding on what steps will be taken," FIA said Monday. "Formula One is a global, multicultural sport -- it does not have scenes like this in its history and doesn't want to see scenes like this." Spectators aimed abusive gestures and shouted racist abuse at the 23-year-old Hamilton -- who finished second in the drivers' championship last year in his rookie season — when he moved between the McLaren motorhome and the team's garage at the Montmelo circuit on Saturday. A group of spectators wore wigs, dark makeup and T-shirts with the words "Hamilton's Family" scrawled on them. The circuit said Monday it may take legal action against those spectators involved in the racist taunts.

Childress To Be Enshrined

• According to the Lexington, N.C. Dispatch, Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in May. Childress is one of eight honorees in the Class of 2008. Childress drivers have won six Cup titles, all with Dale Earnhardt, Sr. behind the wheel.

Feb. 1, 2008 - Robby Gordon Shifts To Dodge

• The Associated Press reports that Robby Gordon Motorsports has aligned itself with Dodge, signing an agreement to field Gillett Evernham Motorsports-powered Dodges this season. In doing so, Gordon leaves Ford. The move also gives RGM increased technical, marketing and sponsorship support. Gordon told the AP that the move will put his single-car team on more solid financial ground after taking a serious financial hit due to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally, which cost RGM an estimated $4.5 million.

Andretti Testing With Front Row

• According to NASCAR.com, John Andretti, who recently was the odd-man out in a shuffle at BAM Racing, has landed in the No. 34 Chevrolet of Front Row Motorsports. Andretti and Front Row were testing at Las Vegas and California with two former DEI Chevys powered by Joe Gibbs Racing Chevy engines. Andretti said the No. 34 was one of several early-season possibilities for himself.