Solar Power for Pocono

There is a new landmark that can be seen from outer space, and it is located next to the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond. A massive solar power field has been erected by the Pocono Raceway to break ground as the first sport facility to be run on sustainable energy. Their dedication to the environment and to becoming leaders in the field of sustainable energy in the sports industry, has earned Pocono Raceway and NASCAR praise and admiration. It is hoped that once other sporting facilities recognise the potential and advantages of sustainable energy, they too will make the necessary changes to promote an environmentally friendly industry.

The piece of land utilised for the construction of the solar field belongs to the racecourse and was used for parking until the course was able to provide alternative parking spaces for its thousands of NASCAR enthusiasts. Each solar panel is three mega-watts, and to harness enough power to run the entire racecourse a staggering 39 962 solar panels were installed. The solar field covers an area of twenty-five acres and the solar panels form part of a photovoltaic ground mounted system. President of the Pocono Raceway, Brandon Igdalsky, explained the reasoning behind the solar field, saying: “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the NASCAR industry’s commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight as the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to go green can do it.”

The huge undertaking of developing the solar power field was taken on by enXco. NASCAR voiced their approval through the CEO and President of NASCAR, Brian France, confirming NASCAR’s dedication to developing renewable energy, and is excited to be a part of the sustainable energy adventure that Pocono Raceway is embarking on. They have become a testing ground for renewed energy sources, and new innovative technology that will assist in conserving the environment. They are beginning to pave the way for other industries, and are a brilliant example to other sports facilities and organizations.

NASCAR Sprint All Stars Race 2010

Only the top drivers of NASCAR are eligible to participate in the NASCAR Sprint All Stars Race, which takes place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on 22 May 2010. This fun annual event attracts thousands of spectators, as they are able to watch the qualifying drivers compete for the prize money, which is $1 million. Drivers that have not qualified, will have one last chance at competing, by taking part in a fast and nail-biting qualifying race that takes place before the big event. Tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All Stars Race do not only give spectators access to the racing action, but the opportunity to attend a special concert featuring the award winning band, Creed.

Visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway website for more information in regard to ticket pricing and race day activities, at http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets/nascar_sprint_all_star_race/.

Date: 22 May 2010
Venue: Charlotte Motor Speedway
City: Charlotte
Country: United Stated of America

What is the Chase for the Sprint Cup?

The Chase for the Sprint Cup was introduced to NASCAR to increase the competition mid-season, as well as to generate greater fan interest and higher television ratings. Certain changes have been made to the format since its inception in 2004, but The Chase continues to add drama to the NASCAR season.

The Chase was introduced in 2004 after Matt Kenseth won the Winston Cup in 2003 by such a large lead that much of the season lost its excitement, reducing ticket sales and TV ratings. Matt Kenseth had won only a single race all season, however, due to the point system and his consistent placing throughout the season, Matt Kenseth won. Because of his large point lead it was also a forgone conclusion, killing any possibility of a tight finish. On the other hand, Ryan Newman took first place in 8 races that season, but only finished in sixth place. This point system had proved more than once to be a dampener for spectators, who would rather switch the channel to watch the NFL. Thus the Chase for the Sprint Cup was introduced.

So how does the Chase for the Sprint Cup work? Once 26 races in the season have taken place, 12 drivers with the top points then qualify for The Chase. At this point the 12 NASCAR drivers’ points are adjusted to start with 5 000 points, along with an extra 10 points for each win the driver had during the season so far. These drivers will continue to compete for the last 10 races of the season. All 43 of the season’s drivers will still compete for wins and prize money under the standard point system. Drivers who win receive 190 points. Any competing driver who leads a lap in the course of the race will be awarded 5 bonus points. Also, 5 bonus points are given to the driver who leads for the most laps. At the end of the season’s final 10 races, the NASCAR driver with the top point total is named champion of the Sprint Cup Series. This Chase for the Sprint Cup format almost certainly results in a points’ battle right until the last race of the season, adding to the thrill of the sport.

Richard Petty Motorsports

Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) is a popular NASCAR team owned by Richard Petty and George Gillett Jr. The team was previously known as Gillett Evernham Motorsports, but was merged with Petty Enterprises in January 2009 to form Richard Petty Motorsports.

The team’s #9 Ford Fusion is driven by Kasey Kahne, who has done very well for the team, taking 10th position in the 2009 Sprint Cup standings. AJ Allmendinger is behind the wheel of the #43 Ford Fusion Best Buy Ford. Driving the #19 Ford is Elliott Sadler, a great addition to RPM. Taking to the driver’s seat in the #98 Ford Fusion is Paul Menard, a talented NASCAR driver.

Richard Petty, or “The King”, is an extremely accomplished NASCAR racing driver. During his career he racked up 200 career victories, along with seven Nextel Cup championships. His winning streak didn’t end when he stopped racing, as a car owner he has gone on to enjoy many triumphs, the first being in 1996 with driver Bobby Hamilton. Petty has certainly played a vital role in the sport of NASCAR and has always been active in giving back to his fans and the community. Currently he serves as the Chairman of the North Carolina Motorsports Association. Richard Petty has also been recognized by induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, North Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Now co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, you can be sure he will continue to exert his influence on the world of NASCAR for many more years.

A successful business owner, George Gillett Jr. is an integral part of Richard Petty Motorsports. He is also the owner of Liverpool Football Club and the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. He is sure to bring his outside the box perspective to the team, which will likely see it gaining many victories. After forming Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2007, it has been Gillett’s goal to form a championship team. And that is what he has been doing, with 3 wins, 6 top-tens and 3 poles scored by his team during the 2008 season.

Be sure to keep your eye on Richard Petty Motorsports in the years to come!

NASCAR Returns to Road America

Following the cancellation of the Milwaukee Mile race on the NASCAR Nationwide Series calendar, it was decided to keep the event in Wisconsin and to hold it at the Road America track. Set to take place on 19 June 2010, it has been nine years since the last NASCAR event took place on the road course and it is set to be a thrilling occasion.

Located near to Elkhart Lake, Road America is currently host to the AMA Superbike series, American Le Mans, SCCA Speed World Challenge Series and other events. The track is 4.048 miles (6.515 km) long and boasts 14 turns. It is known for its numerous changes in elevation, as well as a renowned turn on the backside called “the kink”. The Road America track also features a long front stretch that allows drivers to reach speeds near to 200 mph.

Visitors to the Road America track can make use of grandstands and hillside seating, though the seating is open and spectators may move about through the area. There are 13 concession stands, as well as place for RVs and camping. Spectators are sure to enjoy the 640 acre facility and park-like atmosphere.

NASCAR fans, drivers and organizers are eager about the move and are looking forward to the 200-mil, 50-lap race. The first NASCAR-sanctioned race took place at Road America when the track was just a year old on 12 August 1956, and was won by Tim Flock. The track has a reputation for excitement and this is sure to draw the crowds. Strategy is vital when racing at Road America, testing driver skill to the max. With the addition of Road America to the calendar, NASCAR Nationwide teams now have two permanent road courses as well as a temporary circuit to contend with; the others being Watkins Glen International and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. NASCAR teams racing at Road America will be allowed an added full day of practice on 17 June, before the official on-track activity begins on 18 June.

Be sure to get your ticket well in advance so as not to miss this exhilarating event!

NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests 2010

Fans attending the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests have much to look forward to, including a sneak peek at the upcoming NASCAR season, the 52nd Daytona 500 and the Speedweeks 2010. During this time visitors can enjoy interactive fan forums, autograph sessions, displays, music, the Richard Petty Driving Experience and meet SPEED Channel personalities.

Date: 15 – 16 January 2010
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
City: Daytona Beach, FL
Country: United States of America

Victory for Mike Skinner

Mike Skinner has been involved in the world of racing since his first racing event in 1987. NASCAR is in Skinners’ blood, and over the weekend he proved that he still has the winning magic that he has become known for. And his victory in the O’Reilly Parts 250, which was held at the Kansas Speedway, was a moment of elation for both Mike Skinner and Randy Moss Motorsport. Randy Moss Motorsport was known as Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, but with the withdrawal of Rob Morgan, Randy Moss stepped in to team up with David Dollar.

The Randy Moss Motorsport team has two trucks in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, of which one is driven by Mike Skinner and the other by rookie driver, Tayler Malsam. Even though the Kansas Speedway was hindered by bad weather, Mike Skinner was determined to win the O’Reilly Parts 250, and had perfectly executed his racing plan.

A new rule, in regard to pit stops, seems to have hindered some of the efforts made by drivers, requiring that drivers make separate stops for tires and fuel. Under the caution that went out after the restart on Lap 11, and after fourteen laps being run under the caution flag, drivers and spectators were disappointed to see the weather worsening, and the red flag make its appearance. Fortunately, Skinner was in the lead at this stage, and till the end of the race, followed by Brian Scott, Ron Hornaday Jr and Brian Ickler. Racing was suspended by NASCAR due to the weather, and once racing resumed in intervals over Monday, the writing was on the wall, as Skinner retained his lead to not only win, but gain a 25 point lead on the point’s board in the series.

After the grueling and interrupted racing event, not even the miserable weather could wipe the smile off Skinners face. He spoke to the media afterwards, commenting on the weather conditions that plagued the race: “It’s always good to be leading the race, but you’re the first guy to get to the water. It was definitely too dangerous to drive, and my biggest concern was even if we didn’t slip and slide and wreck our own truck, in these times, it’s tough on the owners, and if one of these trucks slips and wipes out four or five trucks, it’s a lot harder on the owners than it is on the drivers.” But fortunately, all Skinner had to report back on, was great driving and a breathtaking victory.

Hometown victory for Busch

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.

Donohue Wins Rolex 24

No doubt this weekend’s NASCAR Rolex 24 at Daytona was an emotional race for David Donohue who managed to follow in his late father’s footsteps (winner of the race almost forty years ago). The victory didn’t come easy and it was careful timing and skill that took Donohue to the front of the pack to cross the finish line just split-seconds ahead of other competitors.

Until now Chip Ganassi Racing seemed to have a strong competitive edge as the team has taken home the winner’s trophy for the past three races. In the end, however, it seems that some really sharp driving was all that was needed to end the winning streak. David Donohue started from pole position in a Brumos Porsche Riley when the race got underway on Saturday afternoon, with little hope of coming home with the winner’s trophy. He was facing the likes of Juan Pablo Montoya who replaced teammate Scott Pruett in the Ganassi Lexus Riley at some point during the race and it seemed that this much more experienced driver had the edge to keep the lead during the 53rd hour of the race. But Donohue was not to be outdone. Working with teammates Buddy Rice, Antonio Garcia and Darren Law, Donohue came out of the cockpits with 53 minutes to go in the No. 58 Porsche just behind Montoya. He struggled for a while, almost overtaking him or bumping Montoya a number of times over the course of several laps until finally he was able to take advantage of slower GT class traffic and slip ahead of Montoya’s Lexus, taking the lead on lap 711. Montoya wasn’t about to go down easy. He chased Donohue relentlessly for the remainder of the race, keeping him on his toes. But Donohue was clearly up for the challenge and Montoya ended up finishing just 0.167 seconds behind him. The victory was a new record, with the previous closest 1-2 finish being 30.879 seconds. Hurley Haywood finished third in a Porsche Riley.

Speaking about his victory, a teary Donohue said: “We’re just a small part of what this team could do. I’m just glad I could carry the flag.” What was especially interesting was that four of the new, sleek prototypes finished on the lead lap. This was the most ever, since no more than two cars had ever finished in this way before. To top it off, the four cars spent most of the final two hours of the race nose-to-tail, showing that the cars have incredible potential to dominate the season.

NASCAR Season Kicks Off With Rolex 24

NASCAR hosts a number of exciting auto racing championships every year and this year will be no different. Not only will the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series be kicking off in less than three weeks time, but a number of great drivers, such as Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya and Casey Mears, are set to return to the racetracks for another great season.

So far it seems as though NASCAR enthusiasts cannot wait the last few weeks before the Daytona 500 officially kicks off the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. A large number of drivers and car owners will be heading down to the Daytona International Speedway this Saturday to take part in the Rolex 24. So far the line-up is looking pretty good. NASCAR stars have been participating in this pre-sprint cup race since 1962, making the most of the race and enjoying a fun-filled weekend that also gives them a great season warm-up. Casey Mears, who won the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype in 2006, and Juan Pablo Montoya who took the title in 2007 and 2008, will both be returning to Daytona for this year’s race. Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson will also be making an appearance, as will other greats such as Kyle Petty, AJ Allmendinger and Colin Braun. Roger Penske, Richard Childress and Kevin Buckler have also submitted entries for the event. More than fifty different Daytona Prototype and GT cars are expected to be entered for the event, making the Rolex 24 at Daytona action packed and exciting.

So far the race is set to start at 15:30 on Saturday, but practice runs and qualifying will get underway long before on Thursday. All eyes will be on Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas to see if they can again burn up the tarmac on the “Roar Before the 24″ test to determine the fastest speed. Both Pruett and Rojas are defending Rolex 24 at Daytona winners and they have taken the Daytona Prototype trophy home before. Montoya has remarked that his car is ‘pretty quick’ and said he is excited about the event. It won’t be long now before fans crowd the Daytona stadium ready to warm up for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship with a little pre-championship racing at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

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