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Angie
 Image by BiggerPictureImages.com via Flickr
Jimmie Johnson grabbed his fourth win of the season at Sonoma today with a little help from Marcos Ambrose. It was his fourth win this season and his 51st career win.
While Johnson was celebrating his victory, the rest of the NASCAR world was still in shock at the heartbreaking mistake that handed him the win.
On the final caution of the race, Ambrose failed to keep up with the pace car and maintain his position during the caution laps. This unfortunate error gave the lead to Johnson who easily cruised into victory lane.
Marcos talked to the media after the race.
“Just cut the motor off, trying to save a bit of fuel there,” Ambrose said. “It’s NASCAR’s house, you play by their rules. I don’t agree with it. I don’t like it, but that’s the way it is.
Movers and Shakers:
The biggest gain in the points standings was made by Jimmie Johnson who moved up four spots to second place. He is now only 140 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.
Johnson also made some history today. His 51st career win puts him 10th on the all-time winners list. Hendrick Motor Sports broke another record with its 15th victory on a road course, the most for one organization.
Jeff Gordon moved up two spots to fifth place in the standings but seems to have lost the respect of some drivers in the process. His controversial run in today’s race puts him firmly in the role of villain, so more about him later. Continue reading →
Angie
 Image via Wikipedia
PRESS RELEASE
New Hampshire will mark debut for No. 88 Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet as well as Elliott Sadler‘s 10-race driving deal with JR Motorsports; Earnhardt Jr. to compete in Bristol Nationwide race in No. 88 Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Wednesday, June 16, 2010) – Delta Apparel – a leading activewear and headwear manufacturer – has agreed to a partnership with JR Motorsports to promote the Realtree Outfitters licensed brand, which will receive primary placement on the No. 88 Chevrolet for five NASCAR Nationwide Series events this year, general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced today. Realtree, the camouflage brand made famous by its long-running outdoor-themed television programming, recently signed Delta Apparel to an exclusive apparel and headwear licensing deal with its Realtree Outfitters brand.
One of the five races – the Aug. 20th event at Bristol Motor Speedway – will feature team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. behind the wheel of the No. 88 Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet. Two other events – the June 26th race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Sept. 25th race at Dover International Raceway – will introduce Elliott Sadler as driver of the No. 88 Realtree Outfitters Chevy. Sadler has signed a 10-race driving agreement with JR Motorsports to drive the No. 88 car.
“I think this partnership with Delta Apparel and Realtree Outfitters is something we’re announcing now, but it started a long time ago just on mutual friendship,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Realtree has been in the sport a long time, because there is a common interest in racing and hunting. NASCAR fans wear Realtree camo.”
The complete schedule for Delta Apparel/Realtree Outfitters-sponsored races includes New Hampshire Motor Speedway (June 26), Iowa Speedway (July 31), Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 20), Dover International Speedway (Sept. 25), and Gateway International Raceway (Oct. 23). Drivers for Iowa and Gateway are still to be determined. Continue reading →
Angie
 Jimmie Johnson demonstrated why he is a four-time Sprint Cup Champion with another exciting finish at the Food City 500 on Sunday. Sprinting through the field from sixth position to first in only three laps, he finally got his first win at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway.
Johnson also raced his way into the record books with his 50th career win. He is now tied with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson for 10th on the all-time Cup win list.
A critical decision on the last pit stop to take four tires gave Johnson the edge he needed and he took full advantage.
“We have worked so hard for this,” Johnson said in victory lane. “I thought we were in trouble. But the four tires were everything.”
Rick Hendrick summed up Johnson’s accomplishment by stating what should now be obvious to everyone.
“He’s one of the best that’s ever done this.” Continue reading →
Angie
As the New Year begins racing fans are eagerly anticipating the next season of NASCAR. After a year of highs and lows, heartaches and triumps, 2010 holds the promise of new stories to be told.
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., this may be the turning point of his career. Will he be able to turn things around and race for wins?
Team owner Rick Hendrick seems determined to make this happen.
“My priority right now is the 88 team. We’re working on them to try to make that team stronger. The goal going into next year now will be to win races and get all four teams in the Chase.”
Hendrick’s words sound encouraging but may not ring true to fans of Dale Jr. who have heard this before. Many question his decision to retain Lance McGrew as the Crew Chief for the sport’s most popular driver. Many others are beginning to question Earnhardt’s Jr.’s passion, determination and driving ability. Continue reading →
Angie
A re-vamped JR Motorsports held a press conference today to showcase their Nationwide team. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was joined by co-owners Kelley Earnhardt and Tony Eury Jr. Driver of the #7, Danica Patrick, driver of the #88, Kelly Bires, and Tony Eury Sr. were also present.
As the questions began to flow, it was soon obvious that most of the media were there for one reason. In an off season with little NASCAR news, Danica Patrick has given the racing world something to talk about.
Patrick handled the media smoothly but didn’t provide much new information. Her transition to NASCAR and the Nationwide Series is apparently still a work in progress and many of the details are yet to be determined. Continue reading →
Angie
Sunday’s Amp Energy 500 was not your typical Talladega.
It began with a warning to drivers before the race from NASCAR president Mike Helton that bump-drafting through the turns at Talladega Superspeedway would not be tolerated.
The first couple of hours consisted of cars running around the track in single file. Even the drivers were bored. On lap 68, Kevin Harvick, in the lead position, jokingly asks for an iPod to sit in his drink holder.
When something exciting did happen, it was not what we wanted to see. On lap 183, Ryan Newman is involved in a scary crash, tumbling end over end, finally landing upside down. After a tense few minutes we finally hear his voice on the radio and all breathe a sigh of relief.
He spoke for us all after the wreck.
“I wish NASCAR would do something,” Newman said. Continue reading →
Mary
 Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. What do Jimmie Johnson and Junior have in common? They both need to win this weekend or at least place in the top 5. Given his recent performance, a top 10 would be a good day for Junior.
Since Talladega is a crap shoot, what will it take for Junior to have a good run this weekend?
• He’ll need a lot of friends, which he doesn’t have.
• He’ll need confidence, which he doesn’t have.
• He’ll need a good car which…you can finish the sentence.
Jimmie clearly has the equipment and a crew chief that knows what it takes to make his car better during the race. The problem I see with Jimmie this weekend is that he’s not looking forward to this race. Does he lack confidence? Maybe, and here’s why. Continue reading →
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