From Speed51.com Quick News
Travis Pastrana, Image from www.ImportTuner.com
Travis Pastrana has officially announced that he will be making a career move into NASCAR, signing on with the new Pastrana-Waltrip Racing that will field cars in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Initial plans call for Pastrana to run seven Nationwide events in 2011, but there has been speculation that he could also appear in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, East or West, to gain stock car racing experience. [source]
After a Richard Childress Racing owner, Richard Childress, brought in a reconstruction analyst to “prove beyond all reasonable doubt” that the infractions found by NASCAR on Clint Bowyer’s car following the New Hampshire race, the NASCAR Appeal Board upheld the original penalties levied by the sanctioning body. Childress paid the fine(s) on the spot and made a statement soon there after saying that the team will continue the appeal process. In the meantime, it probable that Bowyer’s Crew Chief, Shane Wilson will remain atop the pit box.
The saga that has become NASCAR v. Jeremy Mayfield may have taken a step closer to resolution this week. Mayfield was suspended from NASCAR following failing a drug test for methamphetamines in May 2009. Following his suspension, Mayfield filed a volley of law suits against NASCAR. As part of their defense, NASCAR filed a countersuit against Mayfield stating the because Mayfield was under the influence of drugs, and competing, he was in breach of contract. In an effort to speed along the appeals process on the Mayfield suits, NASCAR requested that their countersuit be dropped.
After two seasons without a major title release of a NASCAR based video game, Activision along with game developer Eutechnyx have developed: NASCAR The Game 2011 for XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii. The new game is due for release in February 2011. The first trailer will be released this Sunday on SPEED’s NASCAR RaceDay.
JAYSKI – Speedway Illustrated is back on track. And some familiar names are in the driver’s seat, ready to steer it in the right direction. “Racing needs a quality magazine more than ever,” said Karl Fredrickson, publisher of Traction Media, which has acquired the rights to Speedway Illustrated and will resume its publishing schedule. For a decade, Speedway Illustrated has provided that quality. And after Formula Five, which had owned the magazine only since 2009, suspended publication last spring, Fredrickson immediately launched an effort to buy it. “It’s like a driver who decides to run his own team rather than drive for someone else,” said Fredrickson, who has been with Speedway Illustrated since it began in January 2000. “We care more about it because it’s more than just a business to us. Our reputations and our credibility are at stake. We don’t take that lightly.”
That means, among other things, that if you have an active subscription to Speedway Illustrated, Traction Media will honor it even though it is under no obligation to do so. Said Fredrickson, “It’s about doing the right thing and treating people fairly.”
Back on board are Bones Bourcier, Joyce Standridge, Mike Adaskaveg, Lew Boyd, Rob Sneddon, J.A. Ackley, Dan Anderson, and the rest of the award-winning editorial team including the magazine’s founder and namesake. Yes, Dick Berggren, who launched Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated in 2000 but left the magazine in 2009, has returned. Fredrickson cautioned, “It’s not for everyone. If you think drawing yellows on purpose is acceptable, or that crate engines should be mandatory, or that age or looks or gender matter more than talent, then Speedway Illustrated probably isn’t for you. We will create magazines for people who pour their heart and soul into building a race car, and then think nothing of taking their pride and joy and the most expensive investment they’ve got besides their house and trying to squeeze it between moving steel and immovable concrete because they can’t stand the thought of finishing fourth when they might’ve finished third.
For details on how to subscribe or for questions regarding your Speedway Illustrated subscription that you paid for under the previous owner go to www.speedwayillustrated.com.(Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated)(9-28-2010)
In the NASCAR Nationwide Series, a game of musical chair played out this week. Trevor Bayne, whom had been driving for Diamond-Waltrip Racing, was released from that ride after DWR could not meet a contractual obligation to secure sponsorship for next season. Afterward, DWR announced that Martin Truex Jr., and Ryan Truex will share the 99 car for the remainder of the 2010 season. Bayne was scooped up by Roush Racing and will drive the number 17 car this weekend in Kansas.
Also in the garage area, with aqusition of Braun Racing by Turner Motorsports, new owner Steve Turner has decided to release car 11 driver Brain Scott. He will replace the rookie driver with new rookies James Buescher and Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael will drive the car, with sponsorship from Monster Energy Drink, this Saturday in Kansas. Scott, will move onto drive the 09 car for RAB after driver Jon Wes Townley as gone MIA from the NASCAR scene. Scott is expected to finish out the season in the 09.
Can Jaques Win at Circuit G?
Montreal has been on the Nationwide Series schedule since 2007, and thus far, every race has been very entertaining and worth watching. From Robby Gordon’s black flag in ’07, racing in the rain, and the Marcos Ambrose saga, to the sentiment of Jacques Villeneuve trying to win at the course named after his father and Robby Gordon dodging groundhogs during qualifying.
Each race weekend at Circuit G has proven to be it’s own great story. This week looks to go right in line with years past. Once again, road course aces have dominated the practice and qualifying sessions. Perinial favorite Marcos Ambrose starts from the pole, and Montreal favorite Jacques Villeneuve starts second. Max Papis, Ron Fellows, and Boris Said all start near the front, and all have a strong chance to pick up the Nascar victory.
Rain doesn’t look to factor in, but there will be plenty of storms throughout the event. Robby Gordon, during his qualifying lap, had a breaking issue and lost some of the vital ducting that keeps the ever important breaks cool. The loss means that Gordon will have to make unapproved changes to his Toyota and start from the rear of the field. Oh, how fun it will be to watch him charge through the field. Michael McDowell was very fast in qualifying, but will also start from the rear due to an engine change.
Drama and hard racing will be spread from front to rear in this race. Who will win? My best predicition is Marcos Ambrose. After three near wins, I think it is finally his year to grab the checkered. Close on his tail will be a field of 42 other drivers, with around 10 of those being strong threats.
Coming from the rear, I think Robby Gordon is a good Underdog Pick for this week. He has his work cut out for him to come from the back, but if there is anyone in the race capable, it’s Gordon. A come from behind win would make for a great episode of Speedfactory TV, don’t you think?
Talladega, Home of the Big One.
This week I will be foregoing my quick picks. Why? Talladega it Nascar’s biggest crapshoot. In my opinion, anyone can win. As always, I will be pulling for Kyle Busch (my favorite) and the fleet of underdogs.
Michael Waltrip Racing
2010 marks a year of change in the ranks at Michael Waltrip Racing. Team owner and founder, Michael Waltrip will be driving a partial schedule this season as he moves his focus toward family and ownership duties. He will be driving the #51 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota.
Filling the “void” that Waltrip is leaving will be new comer Martin Truex Jr., driving the #56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota. Truex comes to MWR after driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. his entire career.
Returning to his #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine is David Reutimann. Reutimann looks to continue on the many successes from last year. Look for him to be a contender this season.
Martin Truex Joins MWR in 2010 - From MWR Website
MWR will continue it’s technical affiliation with JTG Racing and the #47 Little Debbie’s team and driver Marcos Ambrose. Ambrose is yet another highlight of last season to come from the MWR stable. This will be his break out year, I am sure.
In addition to the strong Cup Series driver lineup, MWR will also boast a strong roster in the Nationwide Series with driver Tevor Bayne in the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine. Finally, Michael Waltrip will be going truck racing in the Camping World Truck Series in the #51 Billy Ballew Motorsports Tundra.
