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Daytona 500

Editor — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:42:33 +0000

The popular Daytona 500 will see 43 NASCAR drivers competing in this highly prestigious event. A highlight this year will be the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds performing a thrilling fly-over. The race is heald annually anc covers a distance of 500 miles, consisting of 200 laps.

Date: 26 February 2012
Time: 1 PM
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
City: Daytona Beach
State: Florida
Country: United States of America

NASCAR Advocates Return to Pack Racing

Editor — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:22:41 +0000

Two-car tandem racing has become a feature at Daytona and Talladega, with drivers working together to gain the highest speed possible around the track. In this two-car collaboration the trailing driver pushes the lead car around the track. Due to the position of the cars, the driver doing the pushing has a limited view of the road ahead and relies on the leader to make the right moves. However, the close proximity of the two cars can lead to overheating, and so the pusher needs to trade places with the leader from time to time. The temporary breaking of the pusher-leader partnership causes a dramatic reduction in speed for both cars and is potentially hazardous.

Three days of testing at Daytona saw NASCAR trying to break this two-car tandem racing pattern, and revert to the pack racing format that auto racing fans enjoy the most. During the testing, Kyle Busch clocked a 205.813 mph in a pack racing format, while Regan Smith and Kurt Busch formed a two-car tandem, with Kurt Busch clocking an incredible time of 206.058 mph.

Bearing in mind that NASCAR has traditionally been against exceeding speeds of 200 mph, four-time series champion Jeff Gordon reportedly queried the high speeds being achieved on the track, and was assured by NASCAR officials that they have no problem with the new record speeds. Nevertheless, with pack racing bringing in the fans, in November last year NASCAR Chairman Brian France made it clear that he wants drivers to move away from two-car tandem racing, so in addition to a series of changes to rules governing aerodynamics of racing cars, driver-to-driver communications over their scanners has been banned.

While a number of changes have been made during testing, with drivers and their teams kept informed all along the way, it is very likely that more changes will be made before the much anticipated Speedweeks begin, with the iconic Daytona 500 taking place on February 26. NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton noted that while there may be some loose ends to tie up as they make final plans for Speedweeks, and was reported as saying that “everything is going according to plan.”

Trevor Bayne Victorious at Daytona 500

Editor — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:43 +0000

Sunday, 20 February, was a day of excitement, thrills, victory and remembrance at Daytona International Speedway. Tribute was also paid to Dale Earnhardt Sr., who ten years ago, on the 18th of February, was involved in a fatal crash at Daytona. Always driving the number three car, fans stood in silence holding up three fingers on the third lap of the Daytona 500 in remembrance of a legend. It was not long after that, that the action on the speedway started, with black flags, car crashes and an unforgettable victory for Trevor Bayne.

The 2011 Daytona 500 was a race that kept everyone busy. Spectators were holding onto their seats as collisions caused restarts and no less than seventy-four lead changes. Clean up crews had their hands full and even Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were taken out the race due to a crash a mere six laps from the finish. The Daytona 500 was also sent into an overtime period due to another incident four laps from the finish. A mistake made by David Regan on a restart, by changing lanes too soon, saw Trevor Bayne take the lead, and experienced drivers fighting to find a way to outclass the twenty year old rookie.

Trevor Bayne drives for the Wood Brothers racing team, which was established in 1950 by Glen Wood. The team tasted their first success in North Carolina on 16 October 1960. But in the last ten years, the team has not enjoyed one victory, until their well-known red and white Ford crossed that finish line with an elated Bayne behind the wheel.

When asked about the black flag incident that put him in the lead, Bayne commented: “That rule is tough. Do I agree with it? I don’t know what to say because we’re sitting here in victory lane… Neither one of us might have ended up in victory lane had he not gotten black-flagged. I have to thank them for getting us up there because if it wasn’t for them we never would have been in that situation to take the lead.”

An elated Eddie Wood, team owner, commented: “We never did quit. We just kept trying. Bringing back the red and white car with the gold numbers that Pearson drove, that just seemed like it put things back to normal.”

Trevor Bayne also became the youngest driver to win the Daytona 500, in the history of the race.

New Daytona 500 Pace Car

Editor — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:57:46 +0000

It is a big moment for the Daytona 500 as well as for Ford, as the 2010 event, which kicks off on 14 February, will unveil a new pace car for its racing season. It will be the first time in forty years that there will be a Ford pace car on the track, with the last Ford gracing the racing circuit being a Ford Torino GT Convertible in the year 1970. Not only will a Ford be making its way back into Daytona 500 history, but it is the iconic Ford Mustang GT that has been selected for the job. Ford and racing fans are extremely excited to see the new pace car in action.

Ford will produce exactly fifty of the limited edition Ford Mustang GT Pace cars, and along with the original pace car, they will be for sale to the public. The actual pace car will be the exception, as it will go on auction. Collectors interested in purchasing this rare part of Ford heritage will have the opportunity to bid on the vehicle at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction. Interested parties can also look forward to a few special features that will be added to the vehicle for this special occasion.

The Ford Mustang GT will be based on the 2011 Mustang GT, and one of its features is a new paint job, which will showcase a brand new design with a Daytona 500 theme. The car will also have an improved and upgraded strut tower brace and Ford Racing suspension. Mufflers have also been added to the specs, as well as painted wheels (customized 19 inches) to enhance the themed design. Branded plates will be a special limited edition feature and the interior will be getting a number of changes of its own. Under the hood, a powerful machine awaits future owners, with a 5.0 liter engine that generates a staggering 412 horsepower. Other features include vented disc brakes, integrated blind spot mirrors, message centre technology and MyKey programming. This magnificent V-8 collector’s item is a must have for motoring enthusiasts. It is going to be the pride of the Daytona 500 and the lucky members of the public who are able to get their hands on one!

Hometown victory for Busch

Editor — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:52:58 +0000

Born in the city of Las Vegas on 2 May 1985, Kyle Thomas Busch was destined to become a household name in the NASCAR industry, following in the footsteps of his brother Kurt. With supportive parents, Kyle was given the opportunity to explore his passion for driving from the early age of thirteen. Now, aged 23, Kyle Busch took his NASCAR career to a new high, by winning on his home turf in Las Vegas on Sunday.

In his first Cup racing event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Busch has to settle for a very disappointing 41st place finish. But on Sunday, he was ready to change past failures into tough, action packed and breathtaking victory. Before the race Kyle Busch, also referred to as the “Wild Thing”, prepared his fans for the race. He told the crowd that he would fall to the back and fight his way to first position, and he did not let his fans down.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway was packed with spectators as Kyle Busch pulled into pole position with his brother behind him, waiting for the race to begin. It was not an easy 285 lap race, as Busch began to fight his way through the pack, forced to drop back due to changes made to his engine. The excitement built as Busch took the lead and lost it again with 57 laps remaining. Between late pit stops, caution laps and restarts, Busch clawed his way into the lead and held off the rest of the field by widening his gap between them. Passing the checkered flag was one of the proudest moments in his racing career. Not being able to contain his joy he commented to the press: “I didn’t know exactly what it would mean, but coming to the checkered flag, there were knots in my stomach. It’s bigger than winning the Daytona 500. I said it wasn’t going to be, but it is.”

Being able to overcome difficulties, realize dreams and achieve goals at such a young age, makes Kyle Busch a deserving winner and a phenomenal driver. No doubt that his racing career will only grow stronger in the future and that he will return to Las Vegas to try and recapture Sunday’s glory.

Bobby Allison

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

Named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers, Bobby Allison was born in Miami, Florida in 1937. His passion for the sport showed early and he started racing as a senior in high school. Unfortunately for Allison, his father forced him to quit racing after he had been involved in a few accidents – but Bobby Allison was determined. Shortly after leaving high school in 1959, he and his brother and a few friends went on a search for better racing opportunities. His search ended at the Montgomery Speedway in Alabama and on his first night in the town, he entered and won a race in Midfield. He went on to win two other races that week and decided that he had found what he’d been looking for. He set up shop in Hueytown and before long the group of three – Bobby and Donnie Allison and Red Farmer – became known as the Alabama Gang.

Initially he supported himself as a mechanic and an engine tester, but after winning the modified special division national championship in 1962, he was able to focus solely on driving. In 1965, Allison made the move to the Grand National circuit and just one year later he gained his first victory at the Oxford Plains Speedway. His NASCAR career was incredibly successful and he accumulated 84 victories during the 23 years he raced. Bobby Allison won the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in 1983 and, in his third win at the Daytona 500 in 1988, he competed with his son, Davey Allison, for first place. Davey came in second. It wasn’t long after that Bobby’s racing career came to a screeching halt in a collision at the Pocono Raceway on June 19 that almost killed him. The injuries that resulted forced him to retire from NASCAR forever – but his legendary driving skills lived on in memory. He was inducted to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1992 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Bobby Allison is one of the eight drivers to have won a Career Grand Slam. He continued to be involved with NASCAR racing, and was a car owner from 1990 to 1996 with drivers such as Hut Stricklin, Neil Bonnet and Jimmy Spencer behind the wheel of his cars. Today Allison lives a peaceful life with his wife in Hueytown, Alabama.

Cale Yarborough

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

William Caleb Yarborough, was born in South Carolina on 27 March 1939. This legendary figure is a former NASCAR driver and owner in the Winston Cup Series and a businessman. Cale Yarborough is one of the only two NASCAR drivers to win three championships consecutively. His face has also been seen on the cover of the popular magazine, Sports Illustrated.

On NASCAR’s all winner’s list, the name Cale Yarborough appears at number five, due to his 83 wins. But his achievements do not end there. Yarborough won the Daytona 500 in the years 1968, 1977, 1983 and again in 1984. He also became the first NASCAR driver, in 1984, to qualify with a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, for the Daytona 500.

Many mistakenly believed that Cale Yarborough was related to LeeRoy Yarbrough, another NASCAR veteran driver. The truth is, that Cale Yarborough was the son of a tobacco farmer. He attended his first race, without a ticket, as a young boy. It was the Southern 500, and the year was 1950. He was so desperate to drive, that he even lied about his age, which NASCAR picked up and promptly disqualified him. Yarborough returned to the Southern 500 in 1957, and made his debut driving for Bob Weatherly. He was behind the wheel of the #30 Pontiac, and after suffering complications with the car’s hubs, he worked himself two places up from his 44th starting position, to finish 42nd. The Southern States Fairground in 1960, was the race in which he secured his first top fifteen place and at the Daytona 500 Qualifying Race, in 1962, he finished in the top ten.

Cale Yarborough signed on with Herman Beam in 1963, to drive his #19 Ford, and at Savannah and Myrtle Beach, he finished both races in fifth place. He started the following season with Herman Beam, but finished the season with Holman Moody. Yarborough drove for a few owners, and ended up with Banjo Matthews in the beginning of the 1966 season. He finished in second place, twice, consecutively but left the team to join the Wood Brothers, driving their #21 Ford. Due to Yarborough only driving in 17 races, he was placed 20th in the standings, even though he won the Firecracker 400 and the Atlanta 500. He also went on to win the Daytona 500 for the Wood Brothers and the Firecracker 400. He ended the season with a total of six wins. This moved him up in the standings, to 17th position. In 1980, Yarborough secured fourteen pole positions, winning six races and lost, by nineteen points, to Dale Earnhardt, who took the championship. Darrell Waltrip replaced Cale Yarborough at the end of the racing season. Yarborough then announced that he would only run part time, which he did for the rest of his career.

He won many more races, and brought home the win for various teams, ending his career while racing for Harry Ranier. Hardee’s had offered to sponsor Yarborough as a driver and owner of #29. He raced his final season in 1988, after which he retired. To add to his interesting career, Cale played himself in two TV episodes of The Dukes of Hazard. The episodes were called “Cale Yarborough comes to Hazard” in 1984 and “The Dukes meet Cale Yarborough” which aired in 1979. He also starred in the movie Stoker Ace, with Burt Reynolds, in 1983. Cale Yarborough is a legendary driver that has had a wonderful career, and made colorful memories to remember him by. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Dale Jarrett

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

Born in 1956 in North Carolina, Dale Arnold Jarrett is a former NASCAR driver and champion. After years of tenacity and persistence, he had built up both his career and reputation in the NASCAR community, making him one of the sport’s more esteemed drivers. Dale Jarrett is the son of Ned Jarrett, a two-time NASCAR Grand National champion and the brother of Jason Jarrett who raced the Busch Series – clearly, racing is in his blood. He is also talented at other sports and was offered a full golf scholarship upon graduating from high school in 1974 – an offer which he declined. Instead he made his way to the racetrack three years later and he officially started racing at his father’s Hickory Motor Speedway. He continued to compete at Hickory in the Limited Sportsman Division before moving up to the NASCAR Busch Series in 1982.

Just two years after his shift to NASCAR, he secured his first Nextel Cup Series at the Martinsville Speedway. One of the biggest breaks of his racing career came in 1990 when he was offered the chance to fill in for Neil Bonnett by the Wood Brothers. A year later at Michigan International Speedway he enjoyed his first win in NASCAR’s top series. In 1992, car owner Joe Gibbs chose Jarrett to drive for his new team ‘Joe Gibbs Racing’. As part of a team with brother-in-law Jimmy Makar, Jarrett won the Daytona 500 with Dale Earnhardt coming in a nail-biting second. Jarrett continued to drive for Gibbs until about 1995 when he was given the opportunity to fill the seat of Ernie Irvan by Robert Yates. At the time he was considering starting his own team and the deal was for one-year only, but when both Jarrett and Yates realised the potential they had if they chose to work together, the two immediately reconsidered. Yates expanded to a two-car operation and Jarrett become the driver of the #88 team. The move was enormously successful and the team went on to win the Bud Shootout at Daytona in 1996, as well as coming second in the Daytona 500. The #88 team also took the Brickyard 400 and finished the year with 17 top-five finishes.

At the end of the 2006 season Dale Jarrett switched his #88 for #44 to drive the UPS Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing. Starting off the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup with pole position for the Budweiser Shootout, he finished 18th out of 21 cars. He was forced to use all five of his provisionals right at the start of the season, resulting in him missing out on eleven races in 2007. Following the 2008 Food City 500 held at Bristol Motor Speedway, Jarrett retired from points racing. His career totals included 668 starts, one championship, 32 wins, 163 places in the top-five, and 260 in the top-ten. He was the second NASCAR driver to win the Brickyard 400 twice, as well as being one of only two drivers to have won the Daytona 500 three times.

Lee Petty

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

Lee Petty, father of the well-known race driver and NASCAR’s all-time race winner, Richard Petty, was born on March the 14th, 1914 near Randleman, North Carolina. Lee was one of the founders of NASCAR and was also one of NASCAR’s first American stock car superstars in the 1950s and 1960s. Stock car racing is found mainly in Great Britain and the United States and takes place on large oval rings and sometimes on road courses. A stock car differs from a race car in that its an automobile that has come off the production floor and has been used for racing rather then being custom-built for racing purposes only.

It was only at the age of thirty-five years that Petty began racing. His NASCAR career began at NASCAR’S official first race on June 19, 1949, at Charlotte Speedway, a three-quarter mile long dirt track. Lee Petty finished in the Top 5 in season points for all of NASCAR’s first eleven seasons. Lee, on three occasions, won the NASCAR Championships and the initial Daytona 500 in 1959. The Daytona 500 is 805 km NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race and requires the driver to complete 200-laps. This race was held every year at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida on Daytona Beach.

At the inaugural Daytona 500, Petty and Johnny Beauchamp fought every round near the final laps of the race. The finish was inconclusive because both drivers had finished so close to one another. Unofficially Johnny Beauchamp was declared the winner until further notice, it took a total of three days to make the final decision on who had won. With the assistance of the national newsreel a decision could be made and it was found that Petty was the official winner. From that day Lee Petty had cemented his place as one of the all time greats in stock-car racing.

Lee Petty founded Petty Enterprises, and along with both his sons Richard and Maurice, it became NASCAR’s most victorious racing team. He is the grandfather of Kyle Eugene Petty who is an American NASCAR driver and great grandfather of Adam Petty who started a promising career in racing but tragically died in 2000 at the age of 19 years.

Michael Waltrip

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

Born on 30 April 1963, Michael Curtis Waltrip showed enthusiasm for racing from a young age. His older brother Darrel Waltrip became a three-time NASCAR champion and it didn’t take long for Michael to start following in his big brother’s footsteps. He got involved in kart racing in his teens and switched to stockcars by the time he was eighteen years of age. In 1981, he won a division of the track championship at the Kentucky Speedway. In 1983 he won the Goody’s Dash Series and he also took the prize for Goody’s most popular driver in 1983 and 1984. These early successes were certainly indicative of greater things to come.

In 1985 the Kentucky-born racer made his Cup debut at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Though his success at the race was minimal, it was the just the start of his climb to cup success. In 1988, he won at Dover in his fourth start at the Busch Series. At the time he was racing for his brother’s team and his win made quite an impact. Unfortunately, it took quite some time before Waltrip actually enjoyed a Cup race victory. Eventually, at his 464th race he took the chequered flag at the 2001 Daytona 500. He also came in second at the Pepsi 400 that same season. He won the Daytona 500 again in 2003 and his last win was the EA Sports 500 in Talladega in 2003.

During the course of his career, Michael Waltrip has driven his #55 car with great skill. He is known, amongst other things, for his loyalty and skill in the driver’s seat. Today he spends much of his time with his family in North Caronlina where he is an ardent supporter of the Dallas Cowboys. He is still involved with a number of different aspects of racing and he also enjoys participating in numerous marathons. Both he and his brother are often called on to appear in advertisements and he currently serves on the SPEED Channel’s NASCAR Inside Nextel Cup panel of experts. Waltrip has enjoyed four wins, 122 top tens and three pole positions. He continues to be involved in racing and will likely continue to enjoy a long and successful racing-related career.