Track Smack » Nationwide Series

JR Motorsports signs Aric Almirola to Multi-Year Contract

Angie — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:08:14 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

PRESS RELEASE

08.18.10

JR Motorsports cemented an integral part of its future Wednesday by signing Aric Almirola to a multi-year driving contract for the company’s flagship No. 88 NASCAR Nationwide Series team starting in 2011, general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced today.

A 26-year-old native of Tampa, Fla., Almirola has 32 career Nationwide Series starts, including one for JR Motorsports in which he finished third at O’Reilly Raceway Park in July. Almirola’s full-time duties as the No. 88 driver will officially begin in 2011, but he could potentially fill the seat in select races this season while he continues to run for a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.

“The chance to drive full time in the Nationwide Series with a top caliber team is something I am extremely excited about,” Almirola said. “I was at the shop yesterday, and Kelley gathered all the employees around to announce our deal. The energy and excitement was addicting. We raced at ORP together a month ago and had a really good run. There is no reason why we cannot compete like that every race, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be running for a championship. I would expect nothing less.”

Almirola comes to JR Motorsports with proven credentials. In 2006-07, he competed in the Nationwide Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, earning three poles and six top-10s. He is credited with one victory – the June 23, 2007, race at Milwaukee Mile – in which he and Denny Hamlin shared seat time in the victorious No. 20 car. That performance was part of a successful 2007 campaign, which opened doors to a lifelong dream of racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Dale Earnhardt Inc. signed Almirola to a part-time driving deal in 2008 with the unique task of splitting seat time with one of NASCAR’s all-time greats, Mark Martin. Nineteen of Almirola’s 30 Sprint Cup starts came with DEI (later to become Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing). In his very first race of the 2008 season, Almirola scored a career-best Sprint Cup finish of eighth at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Almirola continued racing in sporadic Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races in 2009 and 2010, but the opportunity to compete full-time this year with Billy Ballew Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series was too good to pass up. In 15 races so far this season, Almirola has two wins (Dover on May 14 and Michigan on June 12) and has finished in the top-10 in all but four events. He currently sits second in the championship point standings.

“If there is a quintessential JR Motorsports driver, we feel it’s Aric Almirola,” Kelley Earnhardt said. “The way he drives, the ambition he carries, the way he represents himself on and off the track, it all fits within our company’s dynamics, our core objectives, and the values of our sponsorship partners. We look forward to putting him in our No. 88 car so he can continue his success.”

Almirola’s one stint for JRM took place on July 24 at O’Reilly Raceway Park. He started the Kroger 200 in sixth position, led one lap, ran among the top-five all night, and finished third in his debut in the No. 88 GT Vodka Chevrolet. Almirola is one of 10 drivers who has or will have raced the No. 88 Chevrolet at least once in 2010. Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the No. 88 Realtree Outdoors Chevrolet at Bristol this Friday night in the Food City 250.

“This has been a far different year than anything we have ever experienced before, but we feel like our decision to take our time and not be rushed into naming a full-schedule driver for the No. 88 paid off with the signing of Aric,” Kelley Earnhardt said. “He brings a lot to the table for us, as well as our sponsors. He is someone they can build their brands around, and he has the talent to take them to the Winner’s Circle.”

About JR Motorsports:

JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s seven-time Most Popular Driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races. JR Motorsports competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In 2008 JRM enjoyed a breakout season with four Nationwide Series victories between its two teams. The company followed suit with four more wins in 2009. The JR Motorsports facilities are based out of Mooresville, N.C., and include the JR Nation retail store, Hammerhead Entertainment, and DEJ Realty. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit www.dalejr.com.

Edwards and Keselowski – Seen through a Child’s Eyes

Angie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:43:35 +0000

Image by Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway via Flickr

It suddenly occurred to me that the recent incident between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski reminded me of two guys fighting at school surrounded by a crowd of excited onlookers. Half of them are screaming “Let the boys fight,” while the other half are saying “Someone stop them please.”

I really felt like I was a kid again when I started reading the varied opinions and I couldn’t help but reflect back to lessons learned as a child.

The arguments have gone something like this.

“There’s nothing wrong with what happened.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“It’s just racing.”

“But couldn’t someone get hurt?”

“Yes but everyone is doing it.”

“Well if everyone jumped off a cliff, would you?”

“No, but Brad hit Carl first.”

“Don’t you know that two wrongs don’t make a right?”

“But I have to stand up to the bullies or they won’t respect me.”

“Haven’t I told you to treat others like you want to be treated?”

“But what about the “have at it boys” policy?”

“Everything in moderation.”

“Well now I’m confused.”

“Don’t feel bad, we all are.”

Edwards Versus Keselowski – The Great Debate

Angie — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:55:45 +0000

Image by Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway via Flickr

Carl Edwards won Saturday night’s Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Raceway in spectacular fashion.

An ongoing feud reared its ugly head when Keselowski bumped Edwards going into Turn 1 after a restart on lap 199. In a move that Edwards later admitted was retaliatory, he sent Keselowski into the wall on the final lap of the race. Edwards captured the win and the debate began.

For some fans, the issue is simple. If Brad Keselowski is your favorite driver then you’re on his side. On the other side are the fans of Carl Edwards who feel their driver was justified in taking the action he did.

There’s also been a lot of talk about the “driver mentality.” Drivers have long memories and when someone takes them out of a race their initial response is to return the favor. This is the way it has always been in a process that teaches drivers to give and gain respect.

Let’s not forget that many fans asked for less oversight and begged NASCAR to let the drivers be themselves. Fans wanted to see the individuality and passion of the drivers.

Racing is, after all, a dangerous sport and crashes are an inevitable part of it.

For many others, the line between right and wrong is somewhat blurred.

There’s no question that neither driver is blameless. Keselowski has a reputation of being aggressive and has not made a lot of friends on the racetrack. Edwards has also had his share of run-ins with different drivers.

Most fans will agree that retaliation has always been a part of racing.

Jeff Gordon spoke with the media Tuesday and addressed the subject.

“The thing is, the drivers have always taken care of these things on track, whether you knew about them or not. They just weren’t maybe as much out in the open because there would be a fine or there would be some kind of penalty handed down immediately.”

Now even the drivers themselves are unsure just how far they can go without crossing the invisible line that NASCAR has established.

“Who’s to say where that line is at right now,” Gordon said, “but I definitely have some questions when I get to the track to kind of try to clarify that a little bit for myself.”

But when has it gone too far? If things continue to escalate it may only be a matter of time until someone is seriously injured or worse.

You also have to wonder if this style of racing is setting a new precedent. Instead of relying on skill to win a race, is it now acceptable to just move someone out of the way to take the win?

Perhaps it is not so much how Edwards got the win that angers some fans but the fact that he was unapologetic.

After the race, Edwards summed up his victory.

“I’m sure some of them don’t like that win—Brad Keselowski fans and stuff—but, man, I just couldn’t let him take it from me. I had to do what I had to do.”

Carl Edwards: NASCAR’s Hit Man? (bleacherreport.com)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins with a Little Help from his Friends

Angie — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:27:57 +0000

The Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday was one of the most widely anticipated races of the year.

The excitement began on April 29, 2010 when Earnhardt announced that he would drive the No. 3 with a special blue and yellow Wrangler paint scheme reminiscent of one his father drove in the 1980’s.

This venture was months in the making and required the cooperation of several different organizations.

“This idea came up as a way to pay tribute to my Dad,” Earnhardt said, “and it’s pretty cool that it’s a collaborative effort between JR Motorsports, RCR and DEI.”

“The Wrangler car is definitely in the top ten of coolest cars that have ever been on the racetrack. A lot of people identify with it and I can’t think of a better way to honor my Dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side, similar to the ‘Wrangler Jean Machine’ scheme of the 80’s.

Earnhardt Jr. would also team up once again with Tony Eury Jr. The entire 88 team was there as well, to complete this unusual collaboration.

In the beginning, Earnhardt Jr. had no idea of the impact this would have on both his fans and those of his father. As the date for the race drew near, he began to understand its significance.

For a lot of fans, it was enough just to see the No. 3 on the track again. The emotion at Daytona was palpable as everyone stood up on lap three and held three fingers in the air to pay tribute to one of the greatest drivers this sport has known.

No one dared hope for a win but for Earnhardt Jr. that was the only thing on his mind.

His car had been strong all day and he was leading the race when a late caution threatened to change everything. ButEarnhardt Jr. would not to be denied. He took the checkered flag earning his 23^rd career victory in the Nationwide Series.

There will be those who say it was all fixed. Others will claim the win was a result of divine intervention. But the most logical conclusion is the simplest. Dale Earnhardt Jr. wanted it more.

You could see his elation and almost feel his sense of relief in Victory Lane.

“It was obviously to honor my father, but this win is also to honor the fans,” he said.

“I was so worried I wasn’t going to win because nothing but a win was going to be good enough. If I didn’t win, what a waste of time, why’d I do it? So I worked hard trying to win it and not only for daddy. I’m proud of him for going into the Hall of Fame and he would be proud of this I’m sure.”

While his fans were still savoring the victory, Earnhardt Jr. made it clear that this was the last time he would drive the No. 3. The emotional toil that it had taken on him was obvious.

While speaking with the media, he said, “I will never do it. I’ll never rethink it. I’ll never consider it. I think that it’s important for everybody to know that. That’s as concrete as it gets. I’ll never do it again.”

“It’s such a tough deal. It’s real emotional for me preparing for it and putting it together. Is Rick okay with it? Did Rick mind? Is Richard happy with his role? Is Teresa truly okay? It’s just so damn hard to know how everybody feels about it.”

Perhaps the biggest compliment he received was when Richard Childress embraced Earnhardt Jr. in Victory Lane telling him, “Your daddy would be happy, really happy.”

Tony Eury Jr., who captured his first win as an owner, was almost too emotional to speak but managed to express what everyone was feeling.

With tears in his eyes, he said poignantly, “We lost everything here. To come back here and win with that number means everything.”

Earnhardt Drives No. 3 to Daytona Victory (abcnews.go.com)

JRM Inks 5-Race Sponsorship With Realtree Outfitters Through Delta Apparel

Angie — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:25:09 +0000

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.

“Our licensing agreement with Realtree has opened significant new markets for our lifestyle t-shirts, caps, and other apparel items in both the outdoor and NASCAR market places in a very short timeframe,” said Robert W. Humphreys, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Delta Apparel, Inc. “This partnership is really true to all of the brands involved.”

Bill Jordan, the popular outdoorsman and president of Realtree, said, “Both Dale Jr. and Elliott truly enjoy the outdoors, and both have spent time hunting and filming with us over the years. We could not be more pleased to have these two drivers behind the wheel of the Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet.

“The partnership among Delta Apparel, Realtree Outfitters and JR Motorsports is the foundation of a multi-media campaign to promote the Realtree Outfitters brand, and the tie-ins among all of these companies and Chevrolet makes this the perfect promotion – touching on families, friendships, NASCAR and the outdoors.”

Both Earnhardt Jr. and Sadler are avid outdoorsmen and have hunted multiple times with Jordan. Much of Realtree’s notoriety comes through its television programming on ESPN2, Outdoor Channel and other networks. Earnhardt Jr. and Sadler have been featured on Realtree Outdoors® in each of the past two seasons.

“Our deal with Realtree Outfitters is one of those partnerships that won’t be too difficult getting our fans and team members to rally around,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Our shop is loaded with avid hunters, starting with (Crew Chief) Tony Eury Jr. He’s a die-hard and big supporter of Realtree. My uncles – the Gee boys, Robert Jr. and Jimmy – are the best body-hangers in the business, but before they agreed to come to JR Motorsports, they made me promise to give them the entire month of November off so they can hunt… every year. It was the only way I could get them to come to JR Motorsports, so I agreed. I’ve never heard of a contract quite like it.”

Sadler’s debut for JR Motorsports at New Hampshire will kick off a 10-race schedule for the Emporia, Va.-native in the team’s flagship No. 88. His two races for Realtree Outfitters will be met with eight more for sponsor Grand Touring Vodka. Those tracks include O’Reilly Raceway Park (July 24), Michigan (Aug. 14), Richmond (Sept. 10), Kansas (Oct. 2), Auto Club Speedway (Oct. 9), Texas (Nov. 6), Phoenix (Nov. 13), and Homestead-Miami (Nov. 20).

“I am grateful to Dale Jr. and Kelley for this opportunity,” Sadler said. “Dale Jr. and I have been friends since our days of racing late models, so it’s a great opportunity for us to partner together in the Nationwide Series. Everyone knows that I hunt every single day during the off-season. So, this was like a dream come true for me to have a chance to represent Realtree Outfitters at my inaugural race with JR Motorsports. Last year on a Realtree Outdoors hunt I harvested a monster bull elk, thanks to Bill Jordan. We’re mixing together my two biggest passions in life: racing and the outdoors. I’m going to go out and give it everything I have to put this No. 88 in victory lane for these 10 races.”

Sadler is a five-time winner in the Nationwide Series and three-time winner in the Sprint Cup Series. His first full season in the Nationwide Series featured three victories (Nazareth, Myrtle Beach, and Gateway) and four pole awards. He responded a season later with two more wins (Bristol and Rockingham) and one pole.

“Elliott is a really good buddy of mine, and I’m happy that he has agreed to race our cars on a limited basis this year,” said Earnhardt Jr. “By now everybody knows our situation. We are looking for the next full-time replacement for the No. 88, but in the meantime we’ve called upon some proven racers to keep it up front, capture points, and contend for wins. Jamie McMurray took on a handful of races and has done an incredible job. It’s been a lot of fun watching him race, and Pops (Tony Eury Sr.) has enjoyed working with him. I think Elliott will do just as well. He’s a great race car driver.”

Earnhardt Jr.’s turn behind the wheel of the No. 88 Realtree Outfitters Chevrolet at Bristol will be his third appearance in the Nationwide Series this season. He competed in the season-opening event at Daytona International Raceway, and will return to the track in July to drive the No. 3 Wrangler Chevy. Earnhardt Jr. is a two-time series champion and winner of 22 races.