NASCAR (in English)

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http://www.regansmith.com/news/2010/082610.html

Smith, Furniture Row Racing Agree to Contract Extension

DENVER, Colo. (Aug. 26, 2010) -- Furniture Row Racing announced today that Regan Smith has signed a contract extension through the 2012 season to drive the team's No. 78 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Smith, the 2008 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year, is currently in his second season driving for the Colorado-based Furniture Row Racing team. Last year he competed on a part-time basis, entering 20 races. The 26-year-old native of central New York is running a full schedule this season and will do the same in 2011 and 2012.

Along with his 83 career Sprint Cup starts, Smith has also competed in 102 Nationwide Series races and 23 Camping World Truck Series races. His first NASCAR start was in the truck series -- Sept. 21, 2002 -- at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va.

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http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/feat...nes/index.html

Commitment to diversity
'Changing Lanes' showcases D4D effort under Seigel, Revolution Racing

Forget about black, white, Hispanic, female and any other label that's out there.
The competitors featured on Changing Lanes are racers to the core.
Series premiere is 8 p.m. ET Wednesday on BET.

• Video: Feel the rush of 'Changing Lanes'
http://www.nascar.com/video/cup/2010...car/index.html


About the program
http://drivefordiversity.info/content/

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http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/feat...lue/index.html



True 'Blue'

That his successes have been so public is one thing, but the tragedies Richard Petty and racing's first family have experienced also have been laid bare for all to see. Now, the King opens up in Petty Blue, which tells an unvarnished behind-the-scenes tale.

Member of Hall's inaugural class |
http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/feat...ons/index.html

Video: Tribute to the King |
http://www.nascar.com/video/cup/2010...car/index.html

Shop: Order the DVD
http://store.nascar.com/product/inde...ductId=4400320

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Precursor to the Chase

Recall all the drama and excitement from the final race before the Chase, as Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer secure their spots and Denny Hamlin takes the points lead.

http://www.nascar.com/video/cup/2010...car/index.html

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http://www.nascar.com/news/features/...ngs/index.html

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Week 27 of 36
By: Mark Aumann

Kyle Busch
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He has more talent in his little finger than anyone.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Because he has a tendency to drive with his middle finger instead.

Jimmie Johnson
+ Why he'll win the Chase: Four trophies on the mantle.
- Why he won't win the Chase: If Chad Knaus decides it might be nice to take a fall vacation to look at the leaves instead.

Denny Hamlin
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He already has six wins this season.
- Why he won't win the Chase: He has fewer top-10 finishes than anybody not named Matt Kenseth.

Kevin Harvick
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He was the most consistent driver all season.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Because DeLana wears the firesuit in the family.

Carl Edwards
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He's peaking at the right time.
- Why he won't win the Chase: He's somehow lost the directions to Victory Lane.

Tony Stewart
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He's a two-time NASCAR champion.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Because he can't get along with the guy who owns his team.

Kurt Busch
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He won the closest Chase ever.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Mom told him he couldn't have seconds until Kyle got one first.

Clint Bowyer
+ Why he'll win the Chase: Everybody loves the underdog.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Underdogs are called that for a reason.

Jeff Gordon
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He's overdue for that fifth title.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Postpartum depression.

Jeff Burton
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He's a veteran driver.
- Why he won't win the Chase: He's the only driver in the Chase who was born before Woodstock.

Juan Montoya
Why he should have made the Chase: 13 top-10 finishes.
Why he didn't make the Chase: Got run into more often than a bumper car.

Jamie McMurray
+ Why he should have made the Chase: 2 Wins at Daytona and Indy.
- Why he didn't make the Chase: Crashes at Texas, Pocono and Daytona2.

Matt Kenseth
+ Why he'll win the Chase: He dominated in 2003.
- Why he won't win the Chase: If he hadn't dominated in 2003, there wouldn't be a Chase format.

Greg Biffle
+ Why he'll win the Chase: Was awesome in August.
- Why he won't win the Chase: Has been anything but in September.

David Reutimann
+ Why he should have made the Chase: A force with which to be reckoned on intermediate tracks.
- Why he didn't make the Chase: Kyle Busch refuses to give him a passing grade.

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http://www.nascar.com/news/101223/ho...oem/index.html



Jamie McMurray, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick wrote memorable storylines in 2010.

Tis the season: A rhyme and a reason

Tis the season, to reflect and remember; Of moments in time, February to November.

It started at Daytona, a Great American race; But it was a pothole, that would change the place.

It started shortly after, the race in July; Now there's a new surface, to test and to try.

But let's not get ahead, look instead where we've been; To a season for the record books, the year of 2010.

Jimmie Johnson in Cup, he keeps adding to history; And Rowdy was hard to beat, with 24 total victories.

Thirteen came in Nationwide, which went to Brad K.; And just like Busch, he rubbed some the wrong way.

The Truck Series went, to the one called the Onion; But watch out in the future, for the grandson named Dillon.

It didn't take long, for the boys to have at it; Beatin' and bangin', retaliation must have it.

It was most evident, with Carl and Brad; At times it was ugly, others scary, all bad.

Then there was Jeff, mild-mannered Gordon; No shortage of names, no shortage of boredom.

Martin Truex Jr., Juan Montoya and Kurt; Another Busch, who can kick up the dirt.

But then a couple of names, you first would not think; Like Jimmie for instance, his friend and teammate.

Then there was Jeff, mild-mannered Burton; Push came to shove, but no punches for certain.

We held our breath, cars and trucks in the air; Slamming barriers, too, all be careful out there.

Flips and hits for some, others in flames; BK, Sadler and Kasey, a few of the names.

Halloween, Hallowdega, frightening for A.J.; The big track got him, as it did Ron Hornaday.

The spoiler made its return, replacing the wing; Most would agree, good riddance to that thing.

A restrictor plate opening, the largest by far; The introduction of, Nationwide's new car.

NASCAR in May, a great time of year; Back-to-back weeks, for Charlotte to cheer.

And with this year, there came something new; Some things old, some borrowed, some Petty Blue.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame, celebration of the past; And the five men, who made up the first class.

On May 11, they opened the door; NASCAR's history, for all to explore.

Then it came time, official enshrinement; Induction ceremonies, and touching moments.

The leaders Bill France, father and son; The King and Dale, not to be outdone.

And Junior Johnson, that ol' moonshiner; A great American hero, there's no one finer.

Then came October, time to vote again; A second class, of phenomenal men.

A patriarch, a patriot, and a Gang member; A Gentlemen and a Fox, who could win whenever.

Lee Petty, Bud Moore, Bobby Allison, too; Ned Jarrett and David Pearson, some say overdue.

Throughout the year, a driver baby boom; For all the new daddies, it's time to make room.

Sadler, Edwards, Johnson and Gordon; Montoya and Newman, congrats on the little ones.

Let us not forget, those who were lost; NASCAR will miss, for they all meant a lot.

For Les Richter, Richard Jackson and Suitcase Jake; Raymond Parks and Jeff Byrd, you can't be replaced.

And of course Jim Hunter, he was one of a kind; With a story to tell, we remember good times.

Let's talk Bristol, where you get more than a ding; 100 and counting, in the Tennessee bullring.

Bristol in August, as Thunder Valley roars; The heat's a stickler, the humidity soars.

And Rowdy was hottest, he went on a spree; Winning not one, not two, but can you believe all three?

Individual highlights, others made their mark; Like Jamie McMurray, right from the start.

The Daytona 500, a season can make; Adding the Brickyard, icing on the cake.

Kurt Busch he shone, brightest of all in May; The All-Star and 600, what more can you say?

Kevin Harvick was happy, DeLana near his side; Leading the points, regular season's best ride.

Denny Hamlin led all, eight victories it would be; But that race in Phoenix, more painful than the knee.

It came down to one race, and a battle of three; But lo and behold, again it was Jimmie.

That's five in a row, as he climbed from his car; Only two have more, need we say who they are?

It's the offseason now, but time that is fleeting; Coming soon 2011, a new season's greeting.

But until then when, Speedweeks comes our way; From NASCAR.COM, we say Happy Holidays.

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Eyes forward

From young up-and-comers to seasoned veterans across all three national series, Dave Rodman breaks down his list of drivers to keep an eye on in 2011.

Top 5: Drivers to watch in 2011

http://www.nascar.com/news/101231/to...011/index.html

Aric Almirola
- first then-Busch Series race win at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006-2007
- top-10 Cup finish in his sixth start with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008
- vying for a Camping World Truck Series title for Billy Ballew in only his second full season in 2010
- 2011 - JR Motorsports' No. 88 Nationwide Series ride is his best chance, yet, to really excel.

Brendan Gaughan
After struggling for seven years across all three of NASCAR's national tours, Brendan Gaughan is happy to be back in the series where he's had the most success.
Gaughan has signed with defending Truck Series champion Germain Racing and he's teamed with bosom buddy, two-time and defending series champion Todd Bodine.

Jamie McMurray
Jamie McMurray's breakout season for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing demands an even more competitive follow-up effort in 2011.
Three DNFs and seven finishes of 30th or worse kept McMurray and crew chief Kevin Manion out of the Chase

Austin Dillon
Austin Dillon is unquestionably a large part of the future of Richard Childress Racing and when you consider the lack of experience the 20-year-old college student had prior to 2010, his breakout Camping World Truck Series' season only leaves RCR fans licking their lips in anticipation of 2011.

Hendrick Motorsports stable
Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.:
Hendrick Motorsports' three drivers behind five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, are united under the same magnifying glass in 2011 after owner Rick Hendrick aligned his three veteran pilots with new crew chief/race team combinations after last season.
Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Hendrick Motorsports' three drivers behind five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, are united under the same magnifying glass in 2011 after owner Rick Hendrick aligned his three veteran pilots with new crew chief/race team combinations after last season.

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http://www.nascar.com/news/110104/te...ion/index.html

What's in a name?

Historically, race tracks sold title sponsorships independently and handed partners over to networks that sold a supporting ad buy, but a recent joint effort between the two may have set a new precedent for how business is done moving forward.



What is the most pressing issue facing NASCAR heading into the 2011 season?
35% - The sluggish state of sponsorship
33% - Decline of TV viewership
20% - Changing the Chase
7% - Maintaining integrity of Nationwide Series
5% - Ending airborne cars in accidents

Tracks, networks team up to sell naming rights
Executives believe approach may set new precedent for doing business in sport

NASCAR's the only sport where you can own multiple aspects of one weekend. You can get a major splash unprecedented in sports, but to do that, we all have to go in together and sell the sport - FRITZ MASKREY

United they sell, divided ... perhaps not

Top 5: Issues facing NASCAR
The racing is better than it has ever been, but there are still looming problems

http://www.nascar.com/news/110101/to...car/index.html

5. The sluggish state of sponsorship.
The recession may officially be over, but the effects of it are still being felt in NASCAR's sponsorship market.
No one is immune -- even some high-profile cars, like those of Mark Martin and Ryan Newman, still have gaps for next year.
Related: Gordon to be sponsored by anti-hunger group

4. Fixing the Talladega flip.
Almost every visit to the big race track in Alabama, we see it -- a car going up in the air and coming back down with a thud.
Series engineers continue to research ways to prevent cars from becoming airborne, and an answer can't come soon enough.
Related: Taking a flier on next great frontier in racing safety

3. Maintaining the integrity of the Nationwide Series.
NASCAR's Triple-A series is in an awkward position -- it needs Cup stars to get attention, yet needs available seats to develop the drivers of the future.
NASCAR is looking for a way to restore balance, possibly by banning Cup regulars from title runs.
Related: Nationwide Series coverage

2. Changing the Chase, or not.
NASCAR continues to explore possible tweaks to its championship playoff format, trying to ensure more galvanizing moments like the race that ended this past season.
NASCAR wants what's best for the sport, but it doesn't want to create a gimmick, either.
Related: France pleased with Chase scenario at Homestead

1. The decline of TV viewership.
NASCAR racing has never been better, the championship race was the most riveting in recent years, and still television viewership tumbles.
NASCAR chairman Brian France correctly points out that these things are cyclical, but the decline in TV ratings has to concern brass in Daytona Beach.
More importantly: the current TV deal runs through 2014, which means the decline could cost NASCAR money in renegotiations if it doesn't correct itself before then.
Related: For NASCAR, clouds of recession starting to part

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http://www.nascar.com/news/110105/dc...nth/index.html

Anything but quiet

Think this is the slow time in NASCAR, think again. David Caraviello says January is the busiest month of the season with teams building all of its cars for 2011.

Menzer: Resolutions for a prosperous new year - Helpful hints
Menzer: Offering resolutions to NASCAR drivers for a prosperous new year
http://www.nascar.com/news/110103/jm...ons/index.html
With 2011 now upon us, it's time to reflect a little on 2010 and offer up some New Year's resolution suggestions that may prove helpful if the following NASCAR drivers decide to take these not-so-subtle hints.

More: Countdown to Daytona
http://www.nascar.com/news/101206/co...ona/index.html
The countdown is on to the 2011 season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 20. Each day a NASCAR number that corresponds to the countdown number is highlighted:



http://www.nascar.com/news/110105/jc...010/index.html

Acceptance the biggest win for Cobb
Cobb most excited about being treated as an equal on the track.
'11 Nationwide plans

http://nationwide.nascar.com/nationw...tionwide-plans

Acceptance the biggest accomplishment for Cobb
Making history not as important as being respected by other drivers

The biggest thing I'm proud of this year is to have such veteran drivers as Todd Bodine and Mike Skinner and Ron Hornaday and David Starr sort of check in on me every once in a while to ask, 'How are you doing? Do you need anything?' ... For them to even look our way or know who we are, that's nice. -- Jennifer Jo Cobb

Tammy Jo Kirk, who ran in 19 of 26 Truck events in 1997 and ended up 20th in points.

Kyle Busch also complimented Cobb and the other female drivers, which at Martinsville that day included sisters Angela and Amber Cope and Johanna Long.

"Skinner bumped me in Phoenix. ... He said, 'I wasn't trying to hurt you; I was trying to teach you.' I told him, 'And you did, and I thank you.' So that's been the coolest thing."

So Cobb, 37, has arrived as one of the gang, which is a dream come true.

Cobb, 2nd Chance announce '11 Nationwide plans



2nd Chance Motorsports and Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing announced Wednesday its plans for Jennifer Jo Cobb to drive the No. 79 2nd Chance Motorsports Ford in the first five Nationwide Series races of the 2011 season.

At the shop, it's the busiest month of the year
Without a lot of free time during season, January a chance to get ahead



January is a crazy time. I can remember one January where I was traveling 28 of the 31 days. You're not complaining, because you're doing exactly what you want to do. ... You don't even have to tell these guys. They come in after Christmas, and it's on. -- STEVE HMIEL



It's almost like it feels like it's that close once you get done eating Thanksgiving dinner, honestly. It truthfully does, because there's so much that has to get done between when the checkered flag falls at Homestead and the Daytona 500, that it's always feeling like it's right around the corner. -- SCOTT MILLER



http://www.nascar.com/news/110102/rg...lly/index.html

Gordon disqualifed from Dakar Rally
Mechanical woes force Gordon to start Stage 4 late, leading to DQ.
Photos: Gordon/Dakar

http://galleries.nascar.com/gallery/Dakar

CALAMA, Chile -- Robby Gordon will be leaving Chile and the Dakar Rally much earlier than expected. Trying to recover from mechanical issues after Stage 2, Gordon's Hummer was hit with more problems during Wednesday's Stage 4 and he was disqualified, according to speedenergy.com. Speed Energy was Gordon's sponsor for the Dakar Rally.

Gordon began the day 1th but had right front wheel bearing issues before the start of the timed special, costing him about five hours. He completed the stage, but because he was late to the special, he was disqualified from the rally. Gordon was one of six cars to withdraw Wednesday.



US driver Robby Gordon steers his Hummer with co-driver Andy Grider during the symbolic start of the Dakar 2011 Rally in downtown Buenos Aires on January 1, 2011.
The Dakar 2011 Rally will take place in Argentina and Chile from January 1 to 16.

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http://www.nascar.com/news/110106/tg...ain/index.html

Saying goodbye

Tim Griffin spent five and a half years as a spiritual leader for many in the garage as lead chaplain for MRO. As Griffin leaves on a new path, he is inspired by how many lives he's touched and humbled at how many have touched his life as well.

Recap: Christian faith still a large part of the NASCAR lifestyle

http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/feat...ray/index.html


Which early-season race out west are you most excited to watch?
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Fontana



Tim Griffin's easy-going demeanor allowed him to form lasting relationships with many in the garage.

'Regular guy' who had a huge impact on many

MRO chaplain touched numerous lives in his five-plus years in NASCAR



Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. -- 1 Peter 4:10

I've just always figured I'm better off being myself because at the end of the day they'll figure out who I am anyway. I think, more than anything, I just wanted to be a regular guy, serving the best I could in the way God wanted me to be. -- Tim Griffin



David Reutimann has a cross on his car to not only display his faith, but to remind him to be a good Christian on the track.

Christian faith still a large part of NASCAR lifestyle

Up until this year I've been an outsider, but this group of guys gives me encouragement. Now I'm not the only lone ranger out there with my faith. -- Michael McDowell



Michael McDowell and Trevor Bayne are just a couple drivers who have bonded through their faith.



I found the power of prayer and it is something that I really believe in. And when I got to Victory Lane in Daytona, that's what I was thinking about. You know, I was crying, obviously because I was happy, but also because you feel like a prayer has been answered. -- Jamie McMurray



Prayer is front and center in NASCAR, a rarity in the sports world in the 21st century.

http://www.nascar.com/2009/news/feat...mro/index.html

Motor Racing Outreach travels to each race just like a NASCAR team.

MRO: Providing a family feel with racing ministry

Chapel, prayer a hint of what Motor Racing Outreach does

























In the month of April, Motor Racing Outreach's income dropped from an average of $125,000 a month for the first quarter to $40,000. That's not uncommon, especially during tax season, but this was more drastic than expected. Unfortunately, because MRO is strictly a non-profit organization, it can only operate at a level where expenses do not exceed income.

If you'd like to make a donation to MRO, contact them at www.go2mro.com or call 704-455-3828.

http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/feat...mro/index.html

Billy Mauldin Jr. began working with MRO full time in 1999.
1on1: Billy Mauldin Jr.
Motor Racing Outreach CEO on relationships, ministry

Fast Facts
Favorite Movie: "Ben Hurr"
Favorite Book: "John Adams" by David McCullough
Favorite Song: "Linger" by the Cranberries
First Car: '65 Ford Mustang
Best Christmas Gift: Electric Football set featuring the Redskins and the Cowboys!
Favorite Verse: Phillipians 3:10. I think Paul sums it all up.