Sept. 27, 2007 - Ragan Fastest In Talladega ARCA Test

• During testing for the upcoming ARCA RE/MAX Series 250 at Talladega Superspeedway Tuesday afternoon, David Ragan unofficially posted a 51.53-second lap around the 2.66-mile speedplant, for a speed of 185.833 mph. Michael Annett, in a TMC Trucking/Bill Davis Racing Toyota, was unofficially second quickest; followed by eight-time series champion and defending Talladega ARCA race winner Frank Kimmel, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver Bryan Clauson and Andy Belmont Racing driver Jacob Francis. The ARCA RE/MAX 250 is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 and will be carried live on Speed.

Report: Three To Share Wood Brothers No. 21 Seat

• According to the Roanoka (Va.) Times, officials with Wood Brothers/JTG Racing are finalizing their Nextel Cup sponsor and driver lineup for next season. More than one driver will race the No. 21 Ford. Jon Wood appears set to compete in races with Air Force as sponsor. During ABC's Sunday race coverage, Dr. Jerry Punch said during the broadcast from Dover that Bill Elliott, Jon Wood and Marcos Ambrose would share the No. 21 ride in 2008.

Sept. 26, 2007 - Franchitti At Talladega?

• Several media outlets are reporting that IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti will make his stock-car debut on Oct. 5 in the ARCA RE/MAX Series 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. Franchitti is expected to move to Ganassi Racing's NASCAR Sprint Cup effort in 2008 as driver of the No. 40 Dodge. Former F-1 and Indy 500 champion Jacques Villeneuve, who will make his Cup debut with Bill Davis Racing in 2008, will also be in the Talladega field.

Leffler Back In NCTS With Red Horse Racing

• Red Horse Racing announced today that three-time National Midget Champion Jason Leffler will race the No. 1 RFMS/Red Horse Racing Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in five of the six remaining events on the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule. Leffler will hand the wheel over to Brandon Whitt when the Series’ hits Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 27 due to a scheduling conflict and his commitments in the NASCAR Busch Series. Leffler will replace David Green, who took over of the No. 1 when Aaron Fike was arrested on drug-related charges earlier this year.

Raines Penalized By NASCAR

• Tony Raines, driver of the No. 33 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined and penalized due to rule violations this past weekend at Dover Int'l Speedway. Raines was fined $15,000 and penalized 25 driver championship points for coming onto the track and throwing his helmet at Robby Gordon during the Sept. 22 race at Dover. Team owner DeLana Harvick has also been penalized 25 owner championship points.

Sept. 25, 2007 - Stewart Racing, McMahan Part Ways

• Tony Stewart Racing and World of Outlaws Sprint Series driver Paul McMahan will part ways following the conclusion of the 2007 racing season.  McMahan will finish the year with TSR driving the No. 20 Bass Pro Shops/Chevrolet machine, with his final race being the Nov. 3 WoO Sprint Series finale at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.  “After two seasons of racing, it was decided that we needed to make a change and start fresh in 2008,” said team owner Tony Stewart.  “We sincerely appreciate the effort and dedication that Paul has shown to TSR and our sponsors.  He is truly a professional in every sense of the word, and we wish him nothing but the best as he begins another chapter in his racing career.”

Hornish To Test At Kentucky

• Three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish, Jr., is scheduled to continue his stock car racing experience during a Sept. 26 test at Kentucky Speedway. The Penske racing driver earned a second-place ARCA RE/MAX Series finish June 15 at Michigan International Speedway. He has made five NASCAR Busch Series starts and delivered his best series performance at Atlanta Motor Speedway March 17 where he started fifth and finished 15th. Testing usually begins at 9:00 a.m., and ends at 5:00 p.m. Times will vary based on team goals. Fans can watch testing for free from the designated area outside the track Fan Center located off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 N in Sparta, Ky.

Chicagoland To Add Lights

• Chicagoland Speedway announced today the installation of lights for the 2008 season.  With this new addition to the 1.5-mile, D-shaped oval, Chicagoland Speedway becomes only the 10th NASCAR NEXTEL Cup facility able to hold night racing. The NASCAR race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway in 2008 will feature two night races - the NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, July 11, followed by the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday, July 12. 

NCTS Crew Chief Fined

• NASCAR announced today that Larry J. Pryor, crew chief of the No. 29 Dodge in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has been fined $5,000 for an infraction this past weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Pryor was found in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (truck, truck parts and/or equipment used in the event not conforming to NASCAR rules) and 20B-5.9D (4) (unapproved modifications to the plenum area of the truck’s engine intake manifold). The violation was found during opening day inspection last Friday.

Sept. 21, 2007 - Dominguez Replaces Dalziel At PCM

• Pacific Coast Motorsports announced today that Mexican racing star, Mario Dominguez will replace Ryan Dalziel in the #28 PCM Champ Car at the two remaining races of the 2007 Champ Car World Series season.

Report: M&Ms To Sponsor Kyle Busch

• The Associated Press reported today that Mars, Inc., the parent company of M&Ms candies, is readying to finalize and agreement that would make it the primary sponsor of Kyle Busch in the No. 18 Toyota Camry next season. Interstate Batteries, which has been with Joe Gibbs Racing would remain with JGR in a reduced role. M&Ms currently sponsors the Yates Racing No. 38 driven by David Gilliland.

Sept. 20, 2007 - Fike Appears In Court

• According to the Associated Press, Former NASCAR driver Aaron Fike appeared in Warren County (Ohio) Common Pleas Court on Sept. 19 on charges stemming from his arrest in an amusement park parking lot with what police said was heroin and drug tools. Fike, 24 and former driver of the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Red Horse Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, did not enter a plea, and no trial date was set. Fike remained free on an own-recognizance bond. The charges stem from his arrest July 7, when police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot at Kings Island amusement park. Police said they found Fike and a female companion in the vehicle with bloody napkins, syringes, a spoon and black tar heroin. A grand jury indicted Fike on charges of possession of heroin, a felony, and possession of drug abuse instruments, a misdemeanor, Hutzel said. His girlfriend, Cassandra Davidson, 21, bypassed the grand jury and pleaded guilty to the same charges Aug. 23, Hutzel said. Her sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 11. Fike has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR.

GEM, Petty Closer To Merger

• Reports continue to flow that Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises are moving closer to a merger that would create a four-car team, but still fly the GEM and Petty banners. The two teams already work closely together on technical issues and engine support. The team would most probably consist of Kasey Kahne, Elliot Sadler, Kyle Petty and Bobby Labonte, leaving Scott Riggs, driver of the GEM No. 10 Dodge, out of a ride for 2008. That would also give Valvoline the chance to move to the No. 19 of Sadler, whose 2008 sponsorship is still up in the air.

Still No Sponsor For Busch Series

• NASCAR is still attempting to find a title sponsor for the Busch Series for next season. But reports say NASCAR's $30-40 million asking price has scared off several suitors.

Sept. 13, 2007 - Triolo New Head Of ALMS Marketing

• The American Le Mans Series announced Tuesday the appointment of Edward Triolo to the newly created position of Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development. Triolo has been associated with the Series in various capacities since its inception in 1999, including the creation and execution of sponsor activations, team management and public relations as well as his most recent Series position as Senior Director of Business Development. Triolo's responsibilities will encompass the Series' marketing, research, advertising, corporate partner fulfillment and brand development.

Sept. 12, 2007 - Marlin, Nemechek File Suit Against Former Owner

• CONCORD, N.C. — According to the Associated Press, Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek have filed suit against their former car owner, Bobby Ginn, claiming Ginn are still owed their salaries for this year. Crew chiefs Richard "Slugger" Labbe and Peter Sospenzo have also filed suit, all four of which were filed last week in Cabarrus County, N.C. According to the report, the suits do not specify what the parties are seeking, but claim they have demanded payment and the teams have either failed or refused to comply. All four lost their jobs when Ginn Racing merged with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in July. DEI is also named in each suit.

Champ Car To Race At Laguna Seca

• INDIANAPOLIS — The Champ Car World Series announced Tuesday that its 2008 race in northern California will move from the streets of San Jose to the road course at historic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey. “We’re pleased that Champ Car will be able to maintain a strong event in northern California,” said Steve Johnson, Champ Car President & CEO. “While it’s always tough to leave one city for another, in this case, it makes sense strategically for us and works for San Jose given the on-going developments of their downtown. We enjoyed three great years in San Jose, and certainly anticipate that the fans there will head south to enjoy Champ Car racing at the beautiful Monterey Peninsula’s Mazda Raceway circuit.” Considered one of the finest permanent road courses in North America, the 2.238-mile Monterey Peninsula’s Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will host its 23rd Champ Car World Series event next year at a date to be announced later. The first Champ Car event was held at Laguna in 1983, and though its long run of races ended the past three years, Champ Car returned there this year to conduct its pre-season testing. The testing also served as the official kick-off for the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s 50th Golden Anniversary season this year.

Hornish Set To Qualify For Loudon

• Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the No. 06 Penske Truck Rental Dodge Avenger, will attempt to make his NASCAR Nextel Cup Series debut at New Hampshire on Sunday in the Car of Tomorrow. Although Hornish's 2008 plans have not been determined, the 28-year-old will attempt to qualify for no more than seven events, including each of the five remaining COT races with Roy McCauley leading the charge. Crew chief of the No. 06 Penske Truck Rental Dodge Avenger, Roy McCauley, will take chassis PRS-512 to this weekend¿s Sylvania 300. This car was last driven by Kurt Busch at Phoenix in April where it started sixth and finished 18th.

Franchitti, Lloyd Honored At IRL Celebration

• INDIANAPOLIS — A few days after winning the 2007 IndyCar Series championship, Dario Franchitti was honored for his first open-wheel title in the United States. Franchitti and Indy Pro Series˙ champion Alex Lloyd along with other drivers, teams and manufacturers  were recognized during the Indy Racing League Championship Celebration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Brian Barnhart, president of the competition and operations division of the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series, presented Franchitti with a $1 million championship bonus check and a mini IndyCar Series championship trophy. A mini IndyCar Series championship trophy also was awarded to Andretti Green Racing owners Michael Andretti, Kim Green and Kevin Savoree.

Wallace Back Behind Wheel of Yates No. 88

• The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series travels New Hampshire International Speedway this weekend for the Sylvania 300.  Kenny Wallace will pilot the Snickers Ford for the second week in a row while Ricky Rudd, who normally drives the #88, will not race this weekend as a result of a separated left shoulder injury he sustained at California Speedway.  Wallace also went to Talladega Superspeedway this week to test the #88 Snickers Ford for a two day test session with the new Car of Tomorrow chassis which will make its superspeedway debut in October.

Sept. 7, 2007 - Cain Out At Peach State, GAS

• Micky Cain, general manager at Peach State Speedway since 2005 and founder/director of the Georgia Asphalt Series, has is no longer with either entity, according to track owner Paul Kegel, who purchased the track and the series last year. There was a “conflict of interest,” according to Kegel. Several other workers left with Cain, This week’s show at Peach State Speedway, featuring the National Vintage Racing Assn., and local divisions, and the GAS show Sept. 22, will go on as scheduled. Cain and Athens, Ga.-based sports entrepreneur John Kee hope to make an announcement this fall of a new traveling racing series, which will feature crate-motored late models. Kee is anxious to try some of his ideas for sponsors, marketing, and racing themes.

Motorsports Authentics Set With Jr.'s Elvis Theme

• CONCORD, N.C. — As Budweiser and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. look to shake, rattle and roll into the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup with a commemorative Elvis 30th Anniversary paint scheme during Saturday's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 (ABC, 7 p.m. EST), Motorsports Authentics is lending support with a full line of licensed merchandise for the last special paint scheme for the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet. Earnhardt, Jr.'s No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet is a predominantly white scheme with black and red highlights and features Elvis' image on the hood and rear quarter panels, plus the King's image and "Elvis 30th" on the deck lid for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Budweiser is the official beer partner of the 30th-anniversary Elvis week and Elvis Presley Enterprises. Earnhardt Jr. unveiled the car on the front steps of Elvis' Graceland mansion on Aug. 13, with the car on display for Elvis fans in the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum throughout the week-long celebration.

Off-Road Ace Stewart On 'Haunted Saloon'

• Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, legendary off-road racing champion and owner of ProTrucks, was a guest on Haunted Saloon, the live Internet TV show on September 4th, 2007.  Haunted Saloon is set in the 1880s, so Ivan traded his driving suit for late-1800’s attire as he shared stories and pictures of his racing adventures as well as his latest efforts in racing with the Pro Truck Racing Series. Ivan Stewart made a name for himself by successfully accomplishing the toughest obstacles in off-road racing, winning again and again.  Stewart’s racing career began in 1973 at the Ensenada 300 when he drove the entire race to victory, even after his co-driver suffered an injury.  His winning streak continued, and he joined Toyota’s factory-sponsored team in 1983.  The combination of Stewart with Toyota was a match made in heaven that resulted in instantaneous success in the desert and stadium racing. To date, Stewart has accumulated 84 career victories and 10 driver's championships. Viewers can catch Haunted Saloon live at 10pm Eastern and 7pm Pacific at www.HauntedSaloon.com

Sept. 6, 2007 - Villeneuve Tests CoT At Kentucky

• SPARTA, Ky. – Former Formula One and Indianapolis 500 champion Jacques Villeneuve continued preparation for his NASCAR debut by testing Wednesday at Kentucky Speedway. He turned laps for Bill Davis Racing in the new Car of Tomorrow. “Feels great! I’m just getting up to speed and getting used to driving the car,” said Villeneuve during a lunch break. “It is very different than anything I have driven before so I just want it to become natural and its fun.” On Aug. 24, BDR announced the 36-year old Canadian will use the final seven races of the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season to prep for NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series competition in 2008. Even though the race trucks and the COT have similar aerodynamics, both are very different from what he has driven in the past. “It is not as responsive. But, the tracks are very different as well.  The driving style is different. If it was on a similar type, then there would be a huge difference.”

Lia To Drive Bill Davis Racing Truck At Loudon

• HIGH POINT, N.C. — Bill Davis Racing announced Thursday that Donny Lia, one of NASCAR’s Modified Superstars, will drive a fourth truck for the team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at [Loudon] New Hampshire Int'l Speedway Sept. 15. The Jericho, N.Y., native has competed in many different series over the years, including the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Lia had already tamed two of the three most hallowed tracks on the Tour (Stafford [Conn.] Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Int'l Speedway) this season, and he completed the sweep Saturday night when he captured the pole and a win at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. It was his sixth victory of the season. “I am very excited about this opportunity,” Lia said.  “Bill Davis Racing is the best of the best when it comes to the Craftsman Trucks, and I can’t wait to hop in one of their Tundras in Loudon.  I have had a lot of success in other NASCAR ranks, and I am anxious to see what I can do in the trucks. I have always run well at Loudon and actually already won there in the Modified this year.  I am looking foward to making the best of this opportunity for Bill Davis and Mark Chambers.”

Jeremy Mayfield's Father Passes Away

• HIGH POINT, N.C. — Terry Mayfield, father of Bill Davis Racing driver Jeremy Mayfield, passed away last night at the age of 56. A native of Owensboro, Ky., Mayfield made his home in Mooresville, N.C. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. “Gail and I, as well as everyone at Bill Davis Racing, offer our condolences to Jeremy on the passing of his father. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, Shana, Terry’s wife, Lisa, and his family at this difficult time.” Mayfield will compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event at Richmond Int'l Raceway.

No. 36 Crew Chief Fined, Suspended

• Joe Lax, crew chief for the No. 36 Toyota driven by Jeremy Mayfield in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $25,000, suspended from NASCAR competition until Sept. 19 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 due to rule violations last week at California Speedway. Prior to qualifying, Lax was found to have violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules); 20-2.3 (added car weight); and 12-4W (improperly attached weight; weight installed inside water container). Those infractions also have resulted in a loss of 25 championship driver points for Mayfield and a loss of 25 championship car owner points for Gail Davis. In addition, Steve Lane, crew chief for the No. 40 Dodge driven by David Stremme, has been fined $2,500 because the team’s scorer, Joel Charpentier, left the scoring area prior to the completion of this past Sunday’s event at California Speedway. Lane was in violation of Sections 12-4A and 9-4A (crew chief assumes responsibility for actions of team members).

Sept. 5, 2007 - Rudd Out With Separated Shoulder

Kenny Wallace To Drive No. 88 At Richmond

• MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Yates Newman Haas Lanigan driver Ricky Rudd will not race this weekend in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series at Richmond International Raceway (RIR) as a result of a separated left shoulder sustained  in an accident during Sunday’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. It is the first time the 25-year NASCAR veteran has missed a race due to injury. Team Owner Robert Yates has selected Kenny Wallace to take over driving duties for Rudd this weekend at RIR. Wallace has recorded 11 starts this season in the NEXTEL Cup Series with his most recent as a replacement driver for Kyle Petty in August at Bristol Motor Speedway. Rudd sustained the shoulder injury in a multi-car accident on lap 180 in Sunday’s race at California Speedway, when contact from another car sent the #88 machine into the outside retaining wall of the front stretch. Rudd was treated and released from the Loma Linda University Medical Center on Sunday before returning to Charlotte. After examination on Tuesday by a Charlotte area physician, specializing in shoulder and elbow injuries, it was determined Rudd will not require surgery on his shoulder. In addition to rest, Rudd will begin a rehabilitation program this week in Charlotte. Rudd will receive an evaluation next week to determine if he will be able to return as driver of the #88 for the September 16th race at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Keselowski Cleared, Will Finish Season In No. 88

• Brad Keselowski has reportedly been cleared to race in this weekend's Busch Series event at Richmond Int'l Raceway. Kesleowski, driving the JR Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet, was involved in a violent crash this past week at California Speedway and was airlifted from the track. After being cleared, Keselowski reportedly signed a deal with JR Motorsports that will keep him in the No. 88 for the remainder of the Busch schedule.

Coors, Ganassi Parting Ways

• CONCORD, N.C. — Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) and Coors Brewing Company announced today that Coors Light will not return as a primary sponsor on the team’s No. 40 Dodge in 2008. “After much evaluation on both of our parts, we agreed that having Coors Light back as a sponsor on the No. 40 Dodge was not going to meet the marketing objectives of either organization,” said Chip Ganassi Racing Teams’ President Steve Lauletta.  “Coors has been a tremendous partner over the last 14 years and we wish them nothing but the best.