Bleacher Report - Articles by David Phillips

WEC | My First Event Now Im Hooked

David Phillips — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:10:56 -0400

Hello Folks! Tonight I tuned into Versus, not because I knew what World Extreme Cagefighting was, but out of pure boredom. I may have missed most of the show (which is being DvR'ed later tonight on the replay), but I did not miss the Main Event.

It was the undefeated Brian Bowles (7-0) going against the reigning Bantamweight Champion (I really don't know why its called Bantamweight) Miquel Angel Torres (36-1).

My first thought was these: two guys are little, with Torres being the champ and only standing 5' 9" and weighing a mere 135 pounds (probably what I weighed in third grade—Yes i'm jealous!) and Bowles being even smaller at 5'7" and 135 pounds.

My next thought was Brock Lesner would eat either one of these up, and yes I know he's in the UFC and is a Heavyweight Champion, but when I think MMA, I think UFC Tank Abott, Lesner, Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, and Dan Severn.

Not to take away from this hard hitting fight—which was exactly why I'm hooked. Before the fight—based on looks alone with me not knowing anything about either fighter—I picked Bowles with those bad-ass tattoos. Not to mention the look he had. He looked like a bad-ass, a little one, but still a bad-ass.

Well as you all know by now, Bowles did pull off the big upset and it actually took a few minutes for Torres to get up after the knockout.

It was a great broadcast, at least what I saw of it. Todd Harris and Frank Mir are actually great announcers, which I really like also. I thought it was pretty interesting how they made sure you knew who sponsored who. The ring was full of sponsors and they put shirts and hats on after the fights.

I'm a big wrestling fan, which has became boring lately, and after one MMA match I'm hooked on it. I can't wait to see my next MMA event!

Hope everyone else enjoyed the fight and the event.

Creating the Competition

David Phillips — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:11:40 -0400

We have all relized that Vince's WWE and Dixie and Jeff's TNA has become Weak and bland. Now i have many idea's to help both company's grow and here's number one Compition something they both lack. I have created a force to be wreckned with lets call it the new Generation wrestling the nGw. The nGw would have a Monday and Thursday Night's starting at 10 pm est and run two hour's each. We would have 3 title's a new Generation wrestling Heavyweight Championship (which would rarley be defended on the Monday or Thursday Night's it would however be defended on the bi-monthly pay-per-view's. We would have the new Generation wrestling Tag Team championship and it would be defended at every PPV and whenever seen fit on the Monday Night and Thursday Night show's. Then the new Generation wrestling Televison Championship which would hint the word T.V and be defended each and ever show that is on T.V. Here we go i've compiled a list of the nGw Superstar's.

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WWE | Save Us and Stop The Mockery

David Phillips — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:08:38 -0400

What is ECW? What does E-C-W stand for now in the new WWE?

Exactly! Silence! It takes you time to think! I know one thing it does not stand for, for sure, and that's Extreme Championship Wrestling. That company has been dead since late 2000.

Anyway, what's so Extreme about a PG rating?

I know I'm asking lots of questions, but during my time in the late 90's being a wrestling fan I flipped back and forth between RAW and Nitro (god I wish I had a DVR back then) but then there was Thunder and Smackdown and even WCW Saturday Night and WWE Sunday Night Heat.

Hell if anyone remembers WWE's Shotgun Saturday Night. All wrestling shows of either WWE or WCW but one show, the show I wanted to watch the most was ECW on TNN.

Why? It was the wrestling your momma didn't want you to watch, it was the blood and guts you weren't suppose to see, it was the language you weren't suppose to know! Hell it was a great show each and every week, it was ECW.

So todays ECW is more like FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling) on national TV. With the exception of Christian and the young guys, they really really lack talent on the show.

Tommy Dreamer, William Regal, Goldust (actually had a good match last week). Do they even belong in the WWE? And poor Shelton Benjamin was sent there to rot! (What did you do to Vince Shelton?)

ECW use to be EXTREME. It was something you didn't see in WWE or WCW and it's been imitated but never duplicated.

So why take a company's name--the name of ECW--and destroy it by making it some watered down PG show when you used to have greats like Shane Dougless (first Extreme Championship Wrestling Champ) Sabu, RVD,TAZZ, and the list goes on.

Does anyone even remember Dougless throwing down the NWA Championship and declaring himself the ECW Champion and no not the Eastern Championship Wrestling?

Check it out if you don't know what I'm taking about: VIDEO.

So WWE, here's my advice: Cut the ECW show out! Just put FCW on TV, trade Christan and Benjamin to RAW, and make your training ground a live TV show, and stop making a mockery of the ECW.

Check out this famous Foley Raven promo.

Or Steve Austin's first ECW promo.

Editor's note: Pictured above is the ECW Title in a gold and colored version.

Ranking the Top Wrestling Divas

David Phillips — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:06:37 -0400

Diva's have been around since the early day's in pro wrestling, A Diva was a female wrestler. Now a Diva is way more than just a female wrestler a Diva is some of the most beutifeul women in the world today. These Diva go from WWF/WWE, WCW, ECW, TNA. well enough talking weather your a wrestling fan or not you will enjoy this. So enough talking here you go.

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Hot NASCAR Girlfriends and Wives

David Phillips — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:04:08 -0400

It's that time of the year again when NASCAR seems to lack a little something from the Pocono race to the other pocono race NASCAR has seemed to begin to get just a little boaring so i thought hey why not make a slide show of hot NASCAR lady and i added a few id lie to see in the NASCAR ranks before to long. Hope you enjoy these nice looking ladys

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A Dream Come True: CCW Review

David Phillips — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:54:52 -0400

In the first ever Wednesday Night show for the "CCW" (The Carolina Championship Wrestling), a new and innovative promotion set to crown their first ever CCW Champion.

The night would start with CCW founder and booker Josh Staples announcing the four man tournament to crown the new CCW Champion. He would show off the new CCW Belt. The title featured a blue globe on a white strap, sort of like the WWF's version of the Intercontinental Title, circa 1995.

This was shown to the crowd of around 60 packed into the National Guard Armory in a small town called Elkin, N.C.

The night began with a Tag Team contest that featured The New Age Rebels vs. The Bridge St Gang.

The Rebels came out sporting the rebel flag pants, looking like a rough set of boys, whilst the Bridge St Gang (This was the name of the Street the Armory was on) came out wearing loose fitting jeans and bandanas tied to their arms, along with gold chain's.

The match was also part of the 32 team tag team tournament which will end at the CCW 's November show. This match was a typical bout, with the rough and tough Rebels trying to ground the high flying Gang.

The match lasted only seven minutes when the referee was distracted by a fan that actually threw an adult beverage bottle into the ring. The BS Gang wrapped their big gold chain around one of their fists and knocked one member of the Rebels out. The referee then got back into the ring and counted the three count.

After the match was over and the Bridge St Gang moved onto the next round of the tag team tournament, the fan that threw the beer bottle into the ring jumped the guard-rail and was announced the newest member of the Bridge St Gang.

After a five minute silence, music hit as the ring annoucer announced the next contest. This was set for one fall with a fifteen minute time limit and was a semi-final match to crown the new CCW Champion.

Making his way to the ring first, from Hamptonville N.C weighing in at 245 pounds was John Absher.

Absher was bald, about 6 foot 1 and was playing the typical heel character. Almost all 60 people in the crowd booed Absher, who would throw a middle finger up at them every now and then to get a better reaction.

Then the ring annoucer next presented, from Huntsville GA, the 220 pound Jerry Lighting.

Jerry Lighting vs John Absher: Semi-Finals Match for the CCW Championship

This match started off when Absher, still distracted by fans, wasn't ready and Lighting caught him off guard with a drop kick from the top rope. In the early going's of the match, Lighting's quick and unique style was too much for Absher to keep up with.

Absher would finally get away from Lighting on the outside of the ring, where a fan actually threw beer in Absher's face.

The Lighting and Absher match had a fifteen minute time limit. The ring announcer said this match has reach the ten minute mark and that there were five minutes left in this contest.

Absher would get the advantage with a devastating clothesline. Absher covered Lighting but only got a two count. Absher then picked up Lighting for a powerbomb, but again got a two count as the annoucer said there were two mins remaining.

Absher picked up Lighting again and hit the Kill Switch for yet another two count.

This Lighting kid was tough. Absher was getting angrier by the second.

The announcer said that only one minute remained. Absher then picked up Lighting and powerbombed him over the top rope, which the referee didn't see (sending your opponent over the top rope would be a DQ in the CCW).

The referee started the count as the ring announcer said that there were 30 seconds left in the contest. Lighting started getting to his feet at the nine count, but it wasn't enough. The ring announcer said that the winner by count out was John Absher.

Wow, what a match! Lighting didn't actually move for around four to five minutes after the match was over.

The Announcer started again, announcing that the next contest was a Semi final match in the CCW Championship tournament. Out first from, Jonesville NC, weighing in at 210 pounds was Josh "Pretty Boy" Hamby.

Hamby came out looking kind of like a snowboarder with his shaggy hair and his Abercrombie clothes, looking like some sort of pretty boy. The women were going crazy at this point, screaming Hamby's name.

Then the announcer said his opponent was the mexican EL Charito. A naked wrestler then came through the curtain.

El Charito vs Pretty Boy Hamby: Semi-Final Match in the Tournament

Charito did not remind me of a mexican wrestler at all, but it didnt matter.

Hamby would put him in a version of the STF that reminded me of William Regal's version. The match was over after only 2 minutes, with Hamby barely breaking a sweat.

There were actually two more matches in between the Hamby match and the Main Event.

Then it was time for the main event.

First, founder Staples would take the microphone and thank the fans for coming out and hoped they had enjoyed the show. He then asked if they were getting ready to watch history.

He went on to introduce the ring announcer. The referee sent out a special thanks to a few people, before telling the crowd that the tournament had started over a year ago, with 62 men in 6 different promotions vying for the CCW Championship.

Then the annoucer said that the main event match was scheduled for one fall with a 30 minute time limit and was to crown the first ever CCW Champion.

First, Pretty Boy Josh Hamby made his way to the ring. The music then hit for Absher, but he didn't come out. The annoucer did it again, but another wrestler came out to tell Staples something.

After about ten minutes of Staples, the ring announcer and the wrestler from backstage talking (all the while Hamby with a smirk on his face), the ring announcer got on the mic and said that Absher had been attacked backstage and was unable to compete.

Hamby grabbed the microphone and declared himself the CCW Champion. This was when Staples, the founder, got in the ring. He got the mic and said "Oh, but wait! It's not that easy. Since Absher can not compete, the man who lost the semi-final match, Johnny Lighting, will take his spot. The ring announcer reminded Staples that Lighting was taken to the hospital.

Hamby then got the mic and said: "Staples, you have no one that can beat me! I'm undefeated in the CCW! Just give me the title and let me go home."

Staples said "Oh, but wait! There's a man who is employed here at the CCW that wasn't medically cleared to compete when this tournament started and has never wrestled in the CCW, but is willing to help any way possible".

He then said he was the head reporter here to night, David Phillips (Who, me?! UH OH! I had told Staples I would help with anything, but I didn't come here to wrestle)

After a brief talk with Staples, I headed to the back to get ready. I borrowed a wrestler's tights and went backstage. "Enter sandman" hit the speakers and I heard the ring announcer say, "weighing in at 252 pounds, from Galax Va, David Phillips."

Josh Hamby vs David Phillips: CCW Championship Finals Match

This was all too real for me.

I was on top of the world. I went from reporting to wrestling for the title, all in one night!

In the early going's of the match, I would get tossed around. The most painful move of the match was the Superplex off the tope rope. It felt like my back was broken.

After about five minutes, I was ready to run over and punch Staples in the face for talking me into this. Heck, at this point, I didn't even remember the conversation I had just had with Staples!

Hamby would put his STF submisson hold on about ten minutes into the match, but I was too close to the ropes and he had to break the hold. ( I was so lucky, even though it did take me a few minutes to realise I was that close to the ropes)

Throughout this match, I was thinking to myself "I really dont want to win this match do I? Why don't I just lay here and get pinned?" Well, I dont know if it was instinct or what, but I just couldnt let it happen.

The turning point of the match was when Absher came to ringside after being attacked backstage, followed by Staples coming up on to the apron of the ring to distract the referee.

Absher jumped in the ring and hit Hamby with three consecutive powerbombs, so instead of just going for the pin, I went to the top rope and hit Hamby with an elbow that would make Shane O Mac proud!

I then covered Hamby as the ref went down.

1-2-3 ding ding ding!

I had just won the CCW Title with only one offensive move all night.

This was huge. Staples came in the ring and put the title around my waist as the ring annoucer said "The WINNER and NEW CCW Champion David Phillips!"

That's when all the performers and staff of CCW came out and held me up on there shoulders.

My career as a pro wrestler had began.

Shawn Michaels: The Show Stopper, The Main Event, The Man, The Icon

David Phillips — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:19:05 -0400

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages...I proudly bring to you The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels.

Michaels is without a doubt the man. "ARE YOU READY?" Better get ready for an HBK return. Who was Triple H talking on the phone to on RAW Monday night? Was it Michaels?

Only time will tell...maybe so maybe not.

Michaels will more than likely join forces with HHH to reform DX or will he? Michaels could very well come back in a different story line. My idea to push mid-card performers to main-event.

WWE can run the DX thing for a limited time, but the PG version will get old quick, so Vince, here's what I'd do with Michaels: Put Michaels in matches with Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne, Kofi Kingston, The Miz (if he's gone from RAW it would be stupid by WWE), MVP, and other mid-carders and steal the show with these guys.

Any one remember Jericho vs HBK, or Taker vs HBK, or Angle vs HBK, or even Cena vs HBK?

Think of what this man can do with some of these guys. He could push them right to the main event. A match I would love to see would be HBK vs John Morrison—that would tear the house down.

So now WWE has us thinking is DX coming back or is HHH playing games? We all know Michaels isn't done and I really think Vince will let him win the U.S Title before he retires.

Kingston vs Michaels for the US title would probably be far fetched, but Kingston may drop the title to a Miz or Swagger—it could happen. Miz vs HBK (Title vs Career) HBK would of course win.

So will WWE use him to push younger talent or try in spike the ratings with DX? Either one will work for a short time.

Another possible scenario is WWE using Micheals as a play-by-play announcer on RAW (for goodness sakes fire Cole).

Better get ready, cause the sexy boy is back in town .

How Ring Of Honor Could Compete With WWE and TNA

David Phillips — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:46:21 -0400

How Ring of Honor could up star TNA in the battle against World Wrestling Entertainment.

Yes, I said it: ROH could be the next up star company. ROH currently has 32 performers on their roster listed on their Web site. Now having said that, I know maybe 10 to 15 of these guys couldn't hold a candle to most of WWE or TNA's performer's.

So the No. 1 problem is that ROH needs better competitors. So here's what they should do: First pick up talent WWE has mishandled or talent WWE has neglected to look at.

So let's see, here's a few that come to mind right off the bat: Buff Bagwell—the current NWA mid-atlantic Champion. The former WCW star is now 39-years-old and could play the veteran role for ROH.

Elix Skipper—former TNA and WCW star showed excitement in the ring when he performed. He could bring a cruiser-weight division to ROH, which would be very different than anything WWE is doing since they currently do not have a light-heavyweight champion.

Elijah Burke—the former WWE star, as part of the ECW show. He is being rumored to be heading to TNA, but is a guy ROH could use to up the excitement.

Vampiro—best known for his feud with Sting in 2000-2001 before WCW folded. He worked as main-event talent for a company which I can not remember that aired on MTV at like 3 a.m., but point being he would bring experience to ROH could help new talent develop.

Sean Waltman—yes I said Walman. Yes X-Pac Syxx, whatever you want to call him. Waltman could help the cruiser-weight division if ROH even want's to try in start one. Walman has worked for about every company out there, so why not try another run.

Mark Jindrak—former WCW tag team champion with now MMA competitor Sean O'Hare. He could make a team with someone like a Chuck Palumbo or a Shawn Stasiak—either one would be a good fit and are former WWE and WCW guys.

Shannon Moore could help the cruiserweight division if—and that's a big if—ROH wants to go in that direction. Moore is excitement in the ring and a daredevil.

We also have people like Rob Van Dam, Steve Corino, and there are also numerous NWA and other regional wrestlers that would love to work for the promotion—hell I'll even volunteer.

ROH could also try in bring in a Sid Vicious or Randy Savage as they have with Ric Flair and Bret Hart to help promote the company, and if they were able to be a viable entity in pro wrestling, they could bring in a Eric Bishoff to run the bookings and creative department. He did build WCW before it's demise. Heck even Paul Heyman could help.

ROH would need to sign a better T.V deal. I mean who gets HDnet anyway? But at least they are able to have that for now, work with it, and then get noticed and move from there.

I know several of you are probably like this guy is nuts, but hey TNA started from almost nothing and look were they are today and ROH has already produced the like of Samoa Joe and C.M. Punk and has had Jeff Hardy wrestle for them and etc.

What Would Your Entrance Theme Be?

David Phillips — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:41:37 -0400

Hello, guys the other day one of my friends' Facebook said wouldn't it be cool if when we entered a room we had a entrance song.

Well I'm bringing the idea to a story so what do you think what song would you enter the room to would it be a super fast song like the Ultimate Warrior's or a pretty boy theme like HBK's Heartbreak Kid, or a Bad Ass theme like Stone Cold's glass breaking.

I'm hooked on this Heartbreaker song not sure who sings it or why I really like it, but I think it would be my entrance.

What would yours be? Choose wisely though. What if Stone Cold had came out to Do ya Smell what Austin is Cookin or the Rock had came out to OH Oh I think I'm cute I know I'm sexy?

Leave your theme song below.

ECW: From Hardcore to Softcore

David Phillips — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:25:44 -0400

Hello, folks, and welcome to my first installment of ECW from Hardcore to Softcore.My name is David Phillips and I've been a NASCAR writer for about six months and have decided to start writing here in the wrestling section.

I'm sure anybody thats been a wrestling fan remembers the old ECW, Rob Van Dam (not the watered down version that was in WWE) Sabu, Tazz, Balls Mahoney, the bWo, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Pit Bulls, Mike Awesome, Tajiri, etc. I'm sure I missed a few Oh yeah, don't forget Joel "had your wife's panties 'round my ear last night" Gertner and Joey Styles at the announce table.

In Paul Heyman's Extreme Championship Wrestling we saw barbed wire matches, Scaffold Matches, People lit on fire, Blood, the fans bring the weapons matches, Blood on every show.

It's a wonder anyone wanted to wrestle for the company, but they brought asses to the seats each and every time the show was on.

Today's ECW is a watered down, I mean very watered down version of ECW; I don't think there's been blood since the 2005-06 One night Stand's PPV's.

In my opinion ECW features the premier Commentators in Matt Striker and Josh Mathews no offence to the Jerry "King" Lawler he's always the best but Michael Cole sucks.

Tiffany is the GM for the ECW show which compared to Smackdown GM Teddy Long and RAW having guest host but we all know Vince is in charge of RAW.

Tiffany's role is eye candy; she fits that role very well also. I don't see her wrestling any time soon and is all right on the mic.

Then we have ECW champion Tommy Dreamer and No. 1 contender Christan which are strictly on ECW to bring a crowd both are talented.

Christian should be on a RAW but ECW is a good fit for now, Dreamer is mostly a fan favorite not a great wrestler in the ring and really dosn't deserve to be Champ in my opinion.

William Regal, a former King of the Ring, was drafted to ECW to help develop future stars; I basically could see a tag team with him and Vladimir Kozlov.

Vladimir Kozlov was brought to ECW to develop his skills and he really wasn't working out on Smackdown.

Shelton Benjamin is a should be World Champ and I can see that happening in ECW also sent to ECW to help develop his mic skills so he can be more marketable once he moves back to Smackdown or Raw.

Paul Burchill and Goldust are mainly on the show to help develop for the future even though Burchill is still young in his career.

Gregory Helms is playing the interviewer and will be in the ring before long; we will have to wait and see what develops from that.

Then we have Ezekiel Jackson and if you've seen this guy you probably have said what the hell no one should legitimately be able to beat this guy, this is one of the guys to watch out for.

Then there is Zack Ryder with a great gimmick; a whole lot better since he left Smackdown and he is a lot better as a single competitor than a tag team wrestler.

Then we have the New Superstars from the FCW such as Abraham Washington, Tyler Reks, Yoshi Tatsu, Sheamus, and more to come; I'm sure all of these are great talent and should fit ECW great.

As we can tell, the old ECW is dead and the new ECW is more of a development show than anything else. Hit me up and let me know what you think.

The Real Reason Mayfield Isn't Back Yet

David Phillips — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:36:21 -0400

For the last two months since NASCAR announced that Mayfield failed a drug test, we've all wondered and disscussed the possibilties of was he really on drugs, was NASCAR wrong, did NASCAR mess up the test, would that even be possible.

Then reports (that I may add have not been confermed by NASCAR) came out saying it was methamphetamines. While he definitely does not look like a meth-head, NASCAR never denied nor confrimed that, so continued speculation was out there.

Mayfield the whole time has sworn he never used drugs and that it was some medicine he was taking with Clartin, who knows—I'm not a doctor. I would like to see someone come out and say whether that is possible or not, which someone may have, I haven't follwed it all that close.

Then before Daytona, Mayfield convinced a Federal Judge to over turn his ban from competing. Mayfield could have competed at Daytona, but no Mayfeild; people asked: "Why, I thought he needed the income?"

Mayfield responded saying he didn't have a car ready to compete at Daytona and he had to lay off employees at the shop, but he was more than certain to be at Chicago. Well wait, no No. 41 and no Mayfield entered in the race, so what does this mean?

Here's my opinion on it:

I'll be nice to Mayfield with my first probablility, because maybe he really doesn't have enough people to compete at the track.
Maybe he can't afford to travel that far; I'm sure his bank account is gone.
Maybe he's afraid someone will purposely wreck him, costing him even more money that he already doesn't have.
Maybe he's afraid that NASCAR will drug test him if he's still on drugs, and that he'll fail a drug test that he knows NASCAR will make him taks.

Let me know what you think.

What 2 Watch 4 | Loudon : LENOX Industrial Tools 301

David Phillips — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:23:05 -0400

What 2 Watch 4

The race to the Chase officially begins

With 10 races left until the Chase begins, Loudon is a very important track to have a good finish. Twelve to 15 drivers will have a main focus on winning.

Fifth-place Carl Edwards (No. 99 Aflac Ford) and 15th-place Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevy) are only separated by 180 points, and it is possible if Edwards finished last and Burton, won Cousin Carl could be sitting on the outside next week.

Mark Martin (No. 5 Kellogs Chevy) and Kyle Busch (No. 18 M&M's Toyota) have compiled the most wins with three a piece and could both be sitting on the outside Chasing the Chase after Loudon.

Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Budweiser Dodge) and David Reutimann (No. 99 Aarons Toyota) both have one win a piece and sit in 13th and 14th respectively in the championship points. Look for these two to be points racing all day long as they inch closer to the cut-off.

Points Leader Tony Stewart and teammate Ryan Newman the team to watch

Stewart and Newman have combined for four wins and five poles at the New Hampshire track. NASCAR's Loop Data shows both to be considerable threats at Loudon.

Newman looks to break a 51-race win less streak, and it would be the first win for Stewart-Hass other than the owner.

Stewart is of course the points leader, and Newman sits in ninth. Both will be looking forward to a trip to the New Hampshire area. This will also mark the first time Stewart heads to Loudon without Connecticut native and former crew chief Greg Zipadelli.

First race with improvments from Speedway Motorsports Inc. at Loudon

As we all know, billionaire Bruton Smit (chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports) purchased the New Hampshire track from long time owners The Bahre Family.

This trip to Loudon will look a bit different as a new catch fence has been installed (3,400 feet to be exact) and it will be black in color around the 1.058-mile track.

The infield has been improved to add extra space, from 1.5 acre of useable space to over seven acres of usable space.

A new and improved Victory Lane will greet the winner of Sunday's race, and heck Smith even added a lap and made it the LENOX Industrial Tools 301, which could possibly go green-white-checkered with so many drivers Chasing the Chase.

Regan Smith goes for No. 50

Smith, the 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, will attempt to qualify his No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevy in Sunday's race.

Smith is running a partial schedule this season after running full-time in 2008 for Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Smith has four stars at Loudon. His average starting spot is 20th, and he has an average finish of 29th. His best finish was with Ginn Racing in 2007.

One miscellaneous stat about Smith, he has completed each and every race he has ever competed in. Smith goes for 50 straight races without a DNF this weekend.

Top 35 battle still raging

Even though Scott Speed failed to qualify his No. 82 Red Bull Toyota at Sonoma last weekend, he is still in striking distance, only 95 points to be exact. This is mostly due to the No. 34 of John Andretti's constant inconsistency.

Two other teams, Robby Gordon (No. 7 Jim Beam Toyota) and David Gilliland (No. 71 TRG Chevy) both are factors in this battle as well.

Gordon sits only 140 points above No. 36 Speed, and Gilliland sits only 167 markers behind Andretti. As the race to the Chase begins, don't take your eye off the race to make the race.

This weekend, 46 teams will attempt to qualify for the race.

Race Data

Race No.: 17 of 36

Track Size: 1.058-miles

Race Length: 317.4 miles (301 laps)

Banking/Corners: Variable at two and seven degrees

Banking/Straights: one degree

NASCAR Future: Welcome To The Hendrick Cup Series

David Phillips — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:06:15 -0400

Welcome to the Hendrick Motorsports Cup Series sponsored by Sprint. This is not so far fetched is it?

With the 2009 Silly Season rumors beginning already, is the future of NASCAR Hendrick-only cars?

With Dodge, Chevy, Ford, and even Toyota struggling to sell new cars, and a struggling economy, one race team continues to be a threat to win every week and is leasing out more cars than any other team in the Cup garage.

Of course you have No. 24 of Jeff Gordon, No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson, No. 88 of Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the No. 5 of Mark Martin all under the Hendrick Banner.

Then satellite operations like Stewart-Haas have the No. 14 of Tony Stewart, the No. 39 of Ryan Newman, and possibly a third or even fourth team in the coming years.

Rumors are already swirling about a possible new Cup team that would use HMS equipment.

Yes, I'm talking about JR Motorsports and the rumor to put Brad Keselowski in a Cup car. But if they were to make the move to Cup, how many one-car teams actually do good?

So if they do, expect it to be a two-car operation.

Now more rumors have Team Red Bull going to Chevy with support from HMS. That would bring the No. 83 of Brian Vickers and the No. 82 of Scott Speed to the Hendrick Camp.

Going on, James Finch's only success in Cup has came from running HMS stuff, so if he is wanting to run a full-time competitive Cup ride, HMS is his best choice.

Then there is the part-time team Furniture Row with driver Regan Smith, who could team up with JR Motorsports to be a second team or with JFR to be a second team.

All those changes would give the Cup Series 13-14 drivers in HMS equipment—or enough cars to have an all HMS-field in the Chase.

But would this help or hurt HMS more?

In my opinion, it would hurt them having to pump out that many chassis and engines. You've got to think they would have to take less time on each then they currently are, which could result in more engine failures.

It would definitely be a win from a financial stand point. HMS would be racking in the cash, selling more equipment.

Full Of Bull: Brian Vickers and Scott Speed At Infineon

David Phillips — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:31:01 -0400

Good news and bad news for the Mooresville, N.C.-based Red Bull Racing Friday in Sonoma CA.

Scott Speed returned home to try in qualify for the Toyota/Save Mart 350.

Speed was third from last to go out and his long wait to quality got even longer when the No. 36 Tommy Baldwin entry blew its engine coming out of Turn 10.

Speed started out of hte pits, but NASCAR stopped him. After getting the green light from NASCAR, Speed took to the 1.99-mile track.

Speed had a qualifying run that would have put him solidly in the top-10, possibly the top-five, until he came out of Turn Nine and went off course in Turn 10.

He did a great job of saving the car, but it wasn't enough. The next car out, the No. 02 of Brandon Ash, put up a better time than Speed and pushed Speed out of the field.

Speed has missed his third race of 2009. Earlier this season at Darlington, Speed failed to quality his No. 82 Toyota, but still raced in Joe Nemechek's No. 87.

Now, that leaves those options once again. A man with a loaded background in road racing is not racing in the race.

There are a few options: Nemechek's No. 87 is locked in the race, also the No. 66 of Dave Blaney is also in the field and both are unsponsored rides that could easily pick up sponsorship with Speed behind the wheel.

There is also Brandon Ash and his self owned No. 02 team, which is a Chevy, but is starting last anyway.

If the team opted to go to a back-up car and use the No. 82 Toyota that Speed tried to qualify for the race—which looked very fast in practice and qualifying until the mis-hap—it wouldn't affect their starting position.

It could be a win-win situation. I personally hope Speed picks up something, I would hate to see him not at the track.

Vickers grabs the pole

Speed must have gave his teammate Brian Vickers pointers before qualifying—Vickers best qualifying at a road course before Friday was 18th.

This is Vickers fourth pole of the year, eighth top 10 qualifying run of the year, and ninth career pole.

Vickers sits in 16th in points and could use a great day in Sonoma to push towards the top 12 in points. With a few solid runs, in two or three weeks, Vickers could be sitting in Chase contention.

Vickers is showing why Red Bull giving him a new contract was no fluke with back-to-back poles.

From a pit stop in Times Square in New York City, to the Coors Light Pole Award in Sonoma CA, to the Chase come Richmond?

Just maybe.

This season it has been a tale of two Bulls. Vickers sits 16th in points and Speed sits 36th and doesn't look to be getting better yet as it showed in qualifying.

Here's to a good Sunday for Brian Vickers.

Did You Know: Rick Hendrick

David Phillips — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:05:07 -0400

Did You Know

Rick Hendrick has been a team owner since 1984. But did you know he made two Cup Starts in his own Hendrick Motorsports cars in 1987 and 1988 at the Riverside International Road Course?

At Riverside, Hendrick started 21st and finished 33rd in '87 and started 13th and finished 15th in '88.

As the road course came around, I was watching old road course races and particularly the 1988 Riverside Race.

I saw Hendrick Pilot his own No. 18 Levi Garrett Chevrolet, and was very surprised to hear Bob Jenkins say Hendrick was a road racing ace. (Watch out for those Hendrick cars at Sonoma.)

Did You Know Fact No. 2

Hendrick also piloted the No. 15 Levi Garrett Chevrolet at Road Atlanta in the now Nationwide Series. He started sixth and finish 24th after having clutch problems.

Hendrick only won $560.00 that day for a 24th-place finish, but it goes to show he built these teams with his own hands.

He and his son Ricky both made starts in the Nationwide Series under the Hendrick Banner (not in the same year of course).

Did You Know Fact No. 3

In 1995, Hendrick made his lone Truck Series start at the age of 46 at Topeka, where he started 16th and finished second in the Budweiser Chevy.

Hendrick did everything from Cup to Trucks from '87 to '95 in four lone races.

Did You Know Fact No. 4

Hendrick's name is not Rick Hendrick. It is actually Joseph Riddick Hendrick III—Rick for short.

Did You Know Fact No. 5

Hendrick plead guilty to mail fraud in 1997 and was sentenced to a $250,000 fine and 12 months of home confinement—He would have gone to prison if not for his leukemia.

Hendrick also had three years of probation and was to have no involvement with Hendrick Automotive Group or Hendrick Motorsports, until 2000, when then President Bill Clinton gave Hendrick a full pardon for his crime.

It's hard to tell where NASCAR would be today if not for Hendrick.

All of the following have something to thank Hendrick for: Geoff Bodine, Tim Richmond, Ken Schrader, Ricky Craven, Todd Bodine, Wally Dallenbach Jr., Randy LaJoie, Joe Nemecheck, Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, Jerry Nadeau, Greg Sacks, Benny Parsons, Al Unser Jr., Jack Sprague, David Green, youngsters like Boson Reid, Landon Cassill, Blake Feese, Kyle Krisiloff, Adrian Fernandez, Kyle Busch, Ricky Hendrick, Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darrell Waltrip, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and even Tony Stewart.

Hendrick Motorsports has over 180 wins as a team since 1984 and has won the Cup championship eight times, including the last three with Jimmie Johnson.

Bennett Lane Winery 200 : Camping World West Series

David Phillips — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:28:27 -0400

The stars of the Camping World West Series invade the winding sandy hills of Sonoma California.

While the likes of Jason Bowles, Eric Homes and others make there way to Infineon Raceway where Cup stars will also be this weekend.

The entry list has the likes of David Gilliland, Joey Logono, Boris Said and Hershel McGriff.

Gilliland cut his teeth in the old Winston West Series he won the Infineon race two years ago, he will be piloting the No. 45 Dreyer’s Ice Cream/Speed Wong Racing Toyota.

Boris Said is more than likely just racing the road course for fun and to to get comparable in the car seeing that he hasn't been in a Cup car since Daytona.

Joey Logono needs all the practice he can get as he has no Cup starts there and seeing that the Nationwide dosn't even go to the track, it will be his first time there.

Hershel McGriff 81 years old and going to race - personally is this a good idea anyone and everyone knows that after a certain age things start to fail eye sight is a useful thing on the track and hopefully for himself and everyone on the track he doesn't have trouble. The man is one of the most well respected drivers ever, you have nothing to prove - protect your self - i thought 74 year old James Hylton which races in the ARCA Series should not be still racing.

Back to the race last year Jason Bowles won a spirited three-way battle around the twisting 1.99-mile road course of Infineon Raceway. Bowles held off fierce challenges from Eric Holmes and Jim Inglebright in the closing laps.

In addition to the threat from Holmes and Inglebright, Bowles had another concern in the closing laps. He had opted to pit early, on Lap 19, for fuel and not change tires. That strategy helped him get out front by Lap 31 and avoid much of the slam-bang action that eliminated some of his competition, but it left him running low on fuel in an event that was extended by four laps because of a late-race caution.

Knowing he might run low on fuel, Bowles had been trying to conserve during the caution laps by shutting his engine off and coasting around portions of the track. He was successful and crossed the finish line with a margin of victory of .350 seconds. Taking second was Holmes. Inglebright was third – followed by Tom Hubert and Ken Schrader.

The leaders were among the few that managed to avoid being body-slammed, booted off course or spun at some point. The wild action resulted in 12 cautions and two red flags. The final yellow was for the most dramatic incident, when Jeff Jefferson’s car launched off the curbing in Turn 7 and barrel-rolled several times.

Proving Road Courses are among the most dangerous races of the year.

With Logono and Gilliland entering the race this is not unusual as Kevin Harvick is a former winner so is Brian Vickers

Infineon Raceway is a winding 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course, with varying elevation.

The NASCAR Camping World Series West has visited 28 times, since 1969. In addition to the track hosting 19 stand-alone events, drivers and teams competed in nine companion events with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series between 1989 and 1997.

THis is the first of three road courses this season for the west series drivers the the others are Portland International and Millers Motorsports which is listed as a three mile long road course.

What To Watch For: Infineon Raceway

David Phillips — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:54:35 -0400

This week, the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series return to wine country in Sonoma CA, at the winding road course known as Infineon Raceway.

Here's what to watch for:

Scott Speed and A.J. Allmendinger Return to Their Home State

For Red Bull Racing's No. 82 team, a trip to California marks a return to their home state for both driver and crew chief, with Speed hailing from Mantea and Jimmy Elledge being from Redding.

The No. 82 Toyota should be a factor this weekend as Speed (the former Formula 1 stand-out) will make his first road course start in the Sprint Cup Series. Although the Sprint Cup cars are much heavier than Formula 1, Speed could get some much needed points this weekend, as he attempts to get back into the top 35 in owner points.

Allen James Allmendinger (A.J. for short), of Los Gatos, also returns to his home track. The Dinger has one Cup Series start at Infineon in 2008, under the Red Bull Racing Banner. He started 36th and finished 37th, three laps down.

This year, Dinger is driving the Richard PettyMotorsports' No. 44 Dodge. In 2009, he has one top-five and two top-10s, but hasn't finished better than 17th since Martinsville.

Juan Pablo Montoya Returns to Site of First Win—Battle for Chase Heats Up

Montoya won his first and only Sprint Cup Series raceat Infineon Raceway the first time he hit the track. He has two starts in Sonoma and has never finished worse than sixth (last season).

Montoya currently sits 14th in the point championship, only 43 points out of 12th. A win or a top-10 would definitely help him get into the all exclusive top 12 Chase for the Championship.

Montoya is one of four drivers less than 100 points out of Chase contention, with the others being David Reutimann, Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer.

Brian Vickers, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jamie McMurray, and Marcos Ambrose are all under 274 points behind 12th-place Jeff Burton.

Different Names Invade Road Race

Boris Said (No. 08 John Carter), Ron Fellows (No. 9 James Finch), Brian Simo (No. 36 Tommy Baldwin), Chris Cook (No. 37 Brad Jenkins), Brandon Ash (No. 2 Kenneth Wood), Tom Hubert (No. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine), Max Papis (No. 13 Bob Germain), and Patrick Carpentier (No. 55 Michael Waltrip), P.J. Jones (No. 4 Robby Gordon) will all attempt to crash Victory Lane in this weekend's Toyota/Save Mart 350.

None of the above are Sprint Cup Series regulars, and enter the race with the title of road course ringer. Ringers have fared well in the past, but you have to go all the way back to 1979 to find a road racer who won in the Sprint Cup Series.

Mark Donohue won at the new defunct Riverside International Raceway back in '79, but last year, Fellows did win the Nationwide Series race at the road course in Montreal driving for JR Motorsports.

Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards Continue To Rack Up Frequent Flier Miles

It all started three weeks ago when the Cup Series was in Pocono and the Nationwide Serieswas in Nashville. Last week, the Cup Series was in Michigan and the Nationwide Series was in Kentucky. This week, the No. 1 Series is on the West Coast in Sonoma, while the No. 2 Series head to Milwaukee.

Busch and Edwards are the only two drivers to attempt all six of these races, though Joey Logano did attempt (and win) the Kentucky race last weekend.

Busch upped it up a notch last week, pulling triple duty when he ran the Camping World Truck Series race as well.

You have to wonder how the road course and one-mile short-track will affect these two's mind sets this weekend.

Double-File Restarts

Dubbed “Shootout-Style Restarts,” this should be one of the most interesting tracks to see how this new plan works out—especially if we have a late race caution or a green-white-checkered finish.

We know guys like Montoya, Robby Gordon, and others are looking for a win, and will not be scared to dump a guy in the closing laps to win the race—we've seen it happen before.

The only bad thing is, it's hard to get a full-course caution at this track, and we usually see turn-by-turn cautions.

Driver Ratings at Infineon Raceway

Juan Pablo Montoya 113.2
Tony Stewart 109.5
Kyle Busch 104.8
Kurt Busch 102.6
Ryan Newman 101.9
Jeff Gordon 100.1
Jeff Burton 96.5
Jamie McMurray 92.7
Robby Gordon 91.9
Mark Martin 90.2
Note: Driver Rating compiled from 2005-2008 races (4 total) at Infineon Raceway

Track Facts

Infineon opened in 1968
First Cup race was in 1989
Track size is 1.99 miles 110 laps or 350 kilometers
There are 12 turns to this course

2008 pole winner: Kasey Kahne (92.153 MPH)
2008 race winner: Kyle Busch ( 76.445 MPH)

Track record qualifying: Jeff Gordon (94.325 MPH)
Track race record: Ricky Rudd (81.007 MPH)

Manufacture Wins at Infineon

Buick: 1—1989 with Ricky Rudd (first race at the track)
Toyota: 1—2008 with Kyle Busch
Dodge: 1—2007 with J.P Montoya
Pontiac: 2—Rusty Wallace and Tony Steward
Ford: 6—Davey Allison, Geoff Bodine, Ernie Irvan, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin and Ricky Rudd
Chevrolet: 9—Irvan, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon (5 times), Robby Gordon, and Tony Stewart.

Rudd, Stewart, Irvan, and Wallace have won with different Manufactures at the track. Gordon is the only driver to win more than once in the same brand car.

Kyle Busch and Scott Speed Step Out of the Comfort Zone - Grand-Am Style

David Phillips — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:50:18 -0400

July at Daytona is a time when real NASCAR fans can't wait wait for—neither can Kyle Busch or Scott Speed, who, surprisingly enough, will be teammates when the Grand-Am Rolex Series goes to Daytona.

Most people are wondering how Toyota would allow this to happen? Tada...Lexus is made by Toyota.

Busch and Speed will pilot the No. 02 Lexus Riley for Chip Ganassi Racing.

This will be both drivers' debut in the Grand-Am Series and the first time driving for team owner Gannassi.

We usually see NASCAR regulars attempt the 24 Hours of Daytona in Feb., but rarely see them enter in the July race.

Waste Management has came along to sponsor Speed and Busch. They will be teammates to the No. 01 Lexus Riley piloted by defending Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champions Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas—they are also the defending winners of the July Daytona race.

Busch won his first road course race in the Sprint Cup last season at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Cal, and Speed is a former Formula One standout. Ganassi Racing is a two-time Grand-Am Series Championship winning team.

It should be interesting to see how these two guys do racing in the prototypes.

I believe if Busch won the race, he would be the first person to win in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck Series, Camping World East Series, and could put Grand-Am Prototypes on his resume. (All would be done in the same season).

The Brumos Porsche 250 will be on July 4 live on SPEED Channel. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will follow the two-and-a-half hour race at 8 p.m.

Info courtesy of Grand-Am Media.

Tis That Time of the Year | Road Racing

David Phillips — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:33:09 -0400

It's that time of the year again, NASCAR fans—it's time to see which driver can turn left and right the best.

Road courses bring out the ringers who only run the road course races at Sonoma and Watkins Glen.

Boris Said, Ron Fellows, Scott Pruett, and Brian Simo are a few guys who can get pretty decent rides for these road races.

Some teams that look to try to stay in the top 35 in points will insert a road racer in their car to earn the points.

Look at Michael Waltrip: This year, his No. 55 Toyota sits 30th in points and Waltrip knows having A.J Allmendinger, Paul Menard, Robby Gordon, and Scott Speed all with road racing backgrounds on his heels, he has to do something to stay ahead.

Insert Patrick Carpentier.

Ron Fellows will be driving Hendrick-leased equipment of James Finch's No. 09 (and yes, it is listed as a Chevy. It's usually a Dodge unless Brad Keselowski is driving the car).

Finch found success earlier this season when Keselowski gave his team a win at Talladega, and with Fellows in the car he could be looking at another.

Boris Said will return to his joint venture with John Carter and Rick Clarck's RCM/No Fear Racing team.

Brandon Ash will also field his own team trying to make the Infineon race.

Still it's not a guarantee that someone with a road course back ground will win. Kyle Busch is the defending winner of the race, while Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Jimmie Johnson are always a threat.

Then there's Juan Pablo Montoya, Robby Gordon, Paul Menard, David Gilliland, and Speed that all have Road racing backgrounds.

This is the week where it's anybody's race to win, or a matter of fact lose this race.

Life Lock 400 : | In The Rear View |

David Phillips — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:31:03 -0400

Long green flag runs and fuel mileage were the stories of the day in Michigan on Sunday; where we saw Mark Martin save just enough gas to win the Life Lock 400.

It all kicked off with Grand Marshall Kid Rock's version of "Gentleman, Start Your Engines," which, if I say so myself, was one of the best in quite a while.

We saw Coors Light pole sitter Brian Vickers not start as well as Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. Busch would lead the first nine laps before Johnson took the top spot away.

By lap 25 the field fillers had taken theier cars to the garage, including the No.37 of Tony Raines, the No. 87 of Joe Nemecheck, the No. 09 of Sterling Marlin and the No. 66 of Dave Blaney.

It would seem like forever before the caution would fly for the first time, but on lap 72 NASCAR threw the caution for debris on the track.

It would not be until lap 121 before we would see another caution also for debris. To this point, Jimmie Johnson had domminated the race.

The next caution would be when David Stremme lost control of his car and hit the water barrels at the entrance to pit road on lap 150.

On lap 156, Greg Biffle and the No. 16 3M Fusion Crew would beat everyone off pit road this is when fuel conservation would be discussed by all the crew.

With five laps to go, Johnson passed Biffle for the lead and looked like he would be crusing to a win.

Not long after Johnson took the white flag, his gas tank wouldn't hold, as he slowly coasted towards the start/finish line. Biffle passed Johnson, then ran out of gas as well, as the two of them fought with no engine for position. Martin then passed both Johnson and Biffle, overcoming an empty gas tank of his own out of turn four to coast to victory.

It was one of the better finishes we had this year and it was also the second straight race at Michigan that came down to fuel mileage. Martin became the second Hendrick Motorsports car to win at Michigan due to other cars running out of fuel. It was Martin's third win of the season and 38th of his career.

Jeff Gordon would finish second after blowing a motor in practice and starting from the rear of the pack. He battled traffic and manged to stay out of trouble all day.

Two big surprises to me was that there were almost no wrecks in the race and the "shootout style" restarts were much more exciting than a normal restart.

Tony Stewart maintained his points lead over Johnson, while Martin moved up from 13th to eighth. David Reutimann fell to 13th yet is a mere three points behind Jeff Burton. Juan Pablo Montoya had a great day at Michigan and closed the gap between him and 12th place to 43 points.

Earnhardt Jr. and Lance McGrew's first race was a success, finishing 12th and moving to 18th in the points. The No.88 Hendrick Team should be happy with this weekend as it definitely gave them something to build on.

However, it was another big disappointment for Red Bull Racing's Scott Speed and his No. 82 crew, which failed to build points on the No. 34 team of John Andretti.

After the race in Martin fashion, he didn't do a burnout or even a victory lap like almost every other driver; he simply went to Victory Lane like old school drivers did.

Overall the Life Lock 400 was a good race.

Racing for Wildlife 200: Kligerman Holds Off Dillon

David Phillips — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:39:37 -0400

Race Review

Friday in Michigan the stars of the ARCA Re/Max Series kicked off the racing weekend, with the Racing for Wildlife 200.

Penske development driver Parker Kligerman held off Richard Childress's grandson, Austin Dillon, who was driving a black No. 31 which reminds us all of a black No. 3 we used to see a lot.

Kligerman, fresh off his high school prom six days ago, pulled off the stunning win after going one lap down earlier in the race after earning the Aarons Lucky Dog earlier in the race.

Kligerman's teammate, Chase Miller, driving the No.4 Cunningham Motorsports car, finished third, even after a spin earlier in the race.

Finishing fourth was James Buescher, in his third series start this season in the prior two he had wins, so saying fourth was disappointing says a lot.

Finishing fifth was the third rookie in the top-five when the No. 16 of Joey Coulter ran a great race all evening long and brought home his third top-10 in a row.

Points leader Justin Lofton droped to second in the points standings after an unscheduled pit stop in which Lofton went 17 laps down and finished a very dissapointing 30th, also the worst of the season.

| Has Happened |

Kligerman won his second race of the year and is also still unsponsored. He still may not have funding to compete in all the ARCA races despite being the points leader.

Eddie Sharpe Racing continues to have all three of his drivers in the top-10 in ARCA Re/Max points.

The No. 6 of Justin Lofton sits second only 45 points out of the lead; the No. 81 of Criag Goess sits fifth in points; the No.2 Ruby Tuesday machine of Tim George Jr. sits eighth; and the No. 20 of Steve Arpin sits 10th in points. As always, the ESR Toyota's continue to be strong in the ARCA Series.

| Yet to Happen|

Still no win for nine-time ARCA Re/Max Series Frank Kimmel, who sits third in points and has had a very consistent season but still no win.

Also, Kligerman still has no sponsor and/or funding and will be competing on a race-by-race basis.

| Up Next |

Up next for the ARCA Series is a trip to the Mansfield Motorsports Park for the first-ever running of the Tim Richmond Memorial 200.

This will be the ARCA Re/Max Seres firsts trip to the half-mile oval in Mansfield Ohio.

|Points so Far|

1	Parker Kligerman	1875
2	Justin Lofton	1830
3	Frank Kimmel	1700
4	Bryan Silas	1655
5	Craig Goess	1575
6	Patrick Sheltra	1500
7	Joey Coulter	1490
8	Tim George Jr.	1475
9	Tom Hessert	1465
10	Steve Arpin	1430

Nationwide Pick'em: Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway

David Phillips — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:54:03 -0400

Nationwide Series Pick'em

Here's how it works: I've had this idea for a while, but with all the Cup stars being entered it would be too much like Ben's Creature Picks. Here we go: All you need to do is comment below on who you think will win at Kentucky—don't forget the last three times the Nationwide Series has visited Kentucky Speedway it has seen first time winners with David Gililand, Stehen Liecht, and Joey Logono.

Will this race produce its ninth different winner and pole winner?

Since two-time series champion Kevin Harvick won the inaugural race in 2001, Kentucky winners have been different series regulars. Harvick, Todd Bodine (2002), and Carl Edwards (No. 60 Save A Lot Ford) in 2005 were full-time double-duty regulars in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Bobby Hamilton Jr. (2003) and Kyle Busch (No. 18 NOS Toyota) in 2004 were the other series-only regulars to win at Kentucky along with Gilliland, Leicht and Logano.

For the entire entry list visit here.

Racing For Wildlife 200 : ARCA Series at Michigan Preview

David Phillips — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:16:38 -0400

This week the ARCA Re/Max Series will ride the coat tails of the Sprint Cup Series when they head to Michigan International Speedway for this year's Racing for Wildlife 200.

Last week at Pocono, it was Sprint Cup star Joey Logano that passed the field and beat out ARCA regulars for his first win of the season.

(For a detailed review of last weeks ARCA Pocono 200, see M.J.'s live from Long Pond article.)

James Buescher makes his third start, and so far he's two-for-two with wins in both starts in the No.32 Wolfpack Rentals Toyota, which currently sits second in owner points so far in 2009.

Jesse Smith will make his first start in the No. 25 Venturini Motorsports Chevrolet, which has visited Victory Lane twice, once with with Sean Cassie and one last week with Logono.

Will Smith be the third to pull off the W?

A guy who has been missing from Victory Lane so far this season is nine-time ARCA Re/Max Series Champion Frank Kimmel.

Kimmel has looked strong in recent weeks and would love to take new sponsor Menards Home Improvement to Victory No. 61. In 13 starts at Michigan, Kimmel has one win back in 2005 and four top-fives.

Kyle Busch's protege Brian Ickler will make his second ARCA start of the season. Ickler is the man who drives the No. 51 Toyota in the Camping World Truck Series when Busch is unable to drive due to stand alone or other reasons.

Part-time ARCA driver Bobby Gerhart will make his third start of the season in his No. 5 Lucas Oil Chevy. Gerhart has 11 starts, with one top-five and six top-10s.

Richard Childress Racing brings the No.31 Chevy for Childress's grandson Austin Dillon. This will be Dillon's third ARCA start and second of the season.

With RCR in the ARCA Series, the competition better watch out.

Parker Kligerman, fresh off his high school prom and currently sitting second in points, may or may not show up after Michigan due to lack of funding.

Cunningham Motorsports began the season with an eight race agreement and after a great finish at Daytona the team decided to run the first eight races.

The 18-year-old Penske Development Driver has yet to secure sponsorship this season, despite having eight top-10s and a win in nine starts.

Another man who has been driving pretty darn good in an under-funded car, is points leader and defending winner of the Racing for Wildlife 200 Justin Lofton.

Lofton has brought new sponsorship with Valvoline Instant Oil Change to go along with Lofton Cattle, his family owned company.

So far Thursday's ARCA Re/Max Series practice session has been pushed back to Friday morning.

Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell was cancelled early on Thursday afternoon, and the field was set by owner points for the second week in a row.

TRACK FACTS:

Michigan International Superspeedway: two-mile | D-shaped oval

Banking: Turns: 18-degrees | Straights: Frontstretch 12-degrees | Backstretch 5-degrees

Backstretch Length: 2,242 feet

Front stretch Length: 2,229 feet

Width: 73-feet wide with 10-foot apron in turns, 45-feet wide with 12-foot apron on straightaways

Pit lane is 50-feet wide and contains space for 44 individual pit areas

Pit Road Speed: 45 MPH

Seating: 137,243

Attendance: 153,000.

Opened: 1968

RACE INFO:

June 12 at 5 PM live on SPEED Channel

Michael Waltrip To Hire Road Racer For Infineon and The Glen

David Phillips — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:06:49 -0400

Michael Waltrip Racing is rumored to be replacing one of its drivers for the two road course races later this year, and it is none other than team owner himself Michael Waltrip.

Waltrip currently sets 32nd in points, while his two teammates (David Reutimann and Marcos Ambrose) sit 11th and 18th in points respectfully.

Waltrip will enlist the help of road racer Patrick Carpentier, who had been un-heard of until Tommy Baldwin Racing released Scott Riggs earlier in the season. Carpentier looks to be very interested in the No. 55 NAPA Toyota for the two races.

Waltrip has an average finish 16th at Infineon (best of any active track), and 20th at Watkins Glen. Carpentier only has a 23rd- and 21st-place finish at the two tracks, so the move to me is a surprise.

This could be a sign of Waltrip's exit from the Sprint Cup Series, which he has been racing in since 1985 and has over 735 starts.

There have been rumors surfacing since early last year about Waltrip's future.

Source www.jayski.com

ARCA Re/Max Series: Pocono 200

David Phillips — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:45:36 -0400

This weekend the ARCA Re/Max Series rolls in to the Long Pond state for the ARCA Pocono 200.

Qualifing which was set for earlier was rained out according to the ARCA rule book the field is set by 2009 Owners points which will put points leader Justin Lofton and his No.6 Eddie Sharpe Recing Toyota on the pole followed by Matt Merrel, Frank Kimmel, Nascar regular Joey Logono, Brian Silas and rookie sensation and Penske devlopment driver Parker Klingerman.

Interesting enough Klingerman which is 18 years of age also has his high school prom the same night as the race his prom is 140 miles from the Pocono track and he is determined to be there, "I told myself a long time ago that I wasn't going to miss my senior prom," said Kligerman. "I made some promises to some people, and I intend to keep those promises. It's going to be an action-packed day; that's for sure."

Klingerman signed to run a limited schedule for Cunningham Motorsports as a Devlopment Driver for Penske Championship Racing, but after the great start his particle schedule turned in to a full schedule. Klingerman comes off his first career ARCA Re/Max win at Toledo Speedway two weeks ago and looks to make it two in a row at the tricky triangle.

Frank Kimmel will defiantly have a fan boost the nine time ARCA champion's sponsor Ansell that is located in near by Red Bank NJ is sending 150 employees to the Long Pond PA track to support the Menards/Ansell Ford and driver Kimmel as he goes for win number three at pocono

The team will unload chassis #340 for this weekend's event. It is a brand new car purchased from Roush Racing during the off season. It was once driven by NASCAR Champion Matt Kenseth. Chassis #340 was put to the track last week at the one day Michigan International Speedway test where Kimmel made laps in the new car.

Bobby Gerhart will also make start number 40 at Pocono as the five time Daytona winner will piolt his self owned No. 5 Lucas Oil Chevy, Gerhart shows guts as he has had two nearly Carrer ending injurys at Pocono back in 1984 he was in a violent wreck and was left unconsious then in 2007 he suffered a concussion and compression fracture in his vertebrae.

74 year old James Hylton will make start number 700 in a major motorsports series this weekend.

NASCAR regular and surprisingly the only one in the field Joey Logono will use the ARCA race as a testing session for Sundays Cup race he will be driving th No.25 Home Depot Toyota for Venturini Motorsports.

Race starts at 1pm est and will feature an 80 lap 200 mile battle to see who will be crowned the newest ARCA winner

Trevor Bayne Joins Michael Waltrip Racing

David Phillips — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:23:48 -0400

Trevor Bayne, former Dale Earnhardt Inc. development driver in the Camping World East, will make eight starts for Michael Waltrip Racing.

The 18-year-old Bayne made his series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in the No. 52 for Jimmy Means Racng with sponsorship from Taco Bell.

This weekend, Bayne will join an elite few and can say he drives the Aarons Dream Machine. He joins team owner Michael Waltrip, Ken Butler III, Darrell Waltrip, and David Ruetimann.

I may be missing one other to pilot the Dream Machine and try to be a "Lucky Dog."

The seven additional races include: the June 13 race at Kentucky Speedway, the June 20 race at The Milwaukee Mile, the July 18 race at Gateway International Raceway, the July 25 race at O’Reilly Raceway Park, the Aug. 1 race at Iowa Speedway, the Aug. 21 race at Bristol, and finishing up at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 14.

If Bayne is able to show his talent, this could lead to a full-time ride with MWR or another team. This is a big opportunity for this young man, this coming on the heal of Ryan Truex signing to drive for MWR in the Camping World East Series, makes you think why sign Bayne if you just signed Truex.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and I have to thank Gary Bechtel for taking a chance on me,” Bayne said. “I met him a few months ago and he decided to invest in my talent. He is the main reason I am able to drive these eight races.

"I am very excited to get behind the wheel of a car that is competitive almost every weekend. I’ve hung out with the guys over at Michael Waltrip Racing the past couple of races and they are an awesome group of people that I am pumped to be racing with. My goals for these eight races are to learn as much as possible and hopefully grab some solid finishes.”

“I’ve talked to people in the garage about Trevor and everybody has had said nothing but good things to say about him,” said Jerry Baxter, crew chief of the No. 99 Toyota Camry. ”People like Bono (Kevin Manion) and Clyde McLeod have all said that Trevor gives good feedback and gives 100 percent. He flew up to Dover to spend some time with the team so we could get to know him. He’s impressive and knows what he’s talking about.

“By the questions he has already asked, we know he’s well versed about these cars. He has a serious side to him, but he also has a side where he likes to mess around. So, we know he will fit right in at Michael Waltrip Racing.”

With Cup teams in Pocono for the Cup Race and only two full-time Cup guys with Carl Edward and Kyle Busch this weekends race will be a good chance to show there talent and get a good finish.

Riding High, Not Afraid to Die: Double-File Restarts at Pocono?

David Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:10:45 -0400

No offense to anyone in the title, I know from Kelly's article some people find the statement offensive and some think nothing of it.

OK, on to the story. NASCAR distributed proposals to crew chiefs regarding possible procedures for double-file restarts which could be introduced as early as Pocono Raceway this weekend.

The proposal states all starts will be double-file. The race leader will have his choice of which lane to use for the restart. The third-place car will always start in the inside lane.

There will be no changes in the free pass or "lucky dog," and cars that are one lap down can choose not to pit, therefore regaining a lap during a caution.

The new rule appears to be a work in progress, but Pocono is a 2.5-miler with plenty of space and opportunity to figure it out.

OK, now questions have arose regarding this issue, at Pocono this weekend. At Daytona, Talladega, and Charlotte, there would be no problem with the situation, but at tracks like Martinsville, Bristol, and even Dover if you start one lap down and you start at the back of the pack, in 25 laps you would go yet another lap down.

I have been up and down on this proposal, I'm looking for NASCAR to tweak the situation, maybe the last 50 or 20 laps have the double-file restarts, I look for them to try it at big super speedway like say Pocono.

We will have to wait and see what happens so far it is just a proposal nothing is official as of yet.

News source: Fox Sports

Is It the Driver, Crew Chief Or Team: Or Is It All About Team Chemistry

David Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:41:00 -0400

In today's NASCAR if a driver regardless of who they are or what team they drive for if there not contenting for wins and championship's.

The crew chief is usually first to go, heck maybe even more than one crew chief before the driver goes and a lot depends also if the sponsor likes their driver.

Of course we may see a change like RCR did with Kevin Harvick and Casey Mears switching everything, but the spotters and sponsors.

We've seen a few driver changes, not because the Owner wanted to, but the sponsor demanded it and these days in a tough economy it's all about performance.

Could it be it the team as a whole they're the problem, not necessarily the driver or crew chief, let's take a look at my point.

Look at the other professional sports, look at all the Coaching changes, some are just poor performance by the coach that gets him fired.

But we have seen a few were the coach takes the team as far as they can, then the Owner makes a change that gets the team over the hump to winning championships.

Just maybe lets call a crew chief as the coach could the same philosophy work in NASCAR. I certainly think it does, look at Xpress Motorsports and Brian Scott.

Your talking about a 21 year old kid, who by the way got his first win Saturday and every recap I seen from the team.

He's always thanking his crew chief Jeff Hensley, his entire team and the organization in general for all their hardwork.

You certainly saw they have great chemistry, from their victory lane celebration and they all are on the same page.

To me that's what makes any team in the three elite series successful, but you certainly can see this in each of the 12 teams in the chase right now.

Ok, points leader Tony Stewart drive's for his Stewart- Haas Racing organization which is a two car team along with his teammate Ryan Newman both are in the top-12 respectfully.

Now let's look at the power house team's like Hendrick Motorsports they have Jeff Gordon in second, Jimmie Johnson in third, Mark Martin in 12th, and Dale Earnhardt Jr sits in 18th.

One bad apple out of four teams, 18th isn't horrible and look at some of the other names having bad seasons.

How bout Roush-Fenway Racing they have Matt Kenseth in eighth, Greg Biffle in ninth, Carl Edwards in 11th, while Jamie McMurry sits 22nd, and David Regan sits 31st.

If they were a three car team they would be one of the most consistent teams but because there a 5 car team there not doing that great at all.

On to Richard Childress Racing they have Jeff Burton as there only shining star this season as he sits in 10th, while Clint Bowyer sits 16th, Casey Mears is 21st in points, and the guy who everyone would call the leader of the team sits in 24th.

Joe Gibbs Racing has Kyle Busch in sixth, Denny Hamlin in seventh, and rookie Joey Logano sits in 23rd. With Cup starting to return to races, he should have so good races down the stretch.

Penske Championship Racing has only one championship contender in Kurt Busch as he sits fourth in points having one of his best years in quite a while.

While teammates Sam Hornish Jr is 26th, and David Stremme is 28th, but all things considered they are showing promise that better days are coming. Since I had Hornish struggling to stay in the top 35 and Stremme didn't think he'd be in the top 35.

Michael Waltrip Racing has David Reutimann sitting in 13th, biting at Martins heels to get in to the Chase. While teammates Marcos Ambrose sits in 20th, he's been a surprise this season and owner Waltrip sits a very disappointing 32nd.

Richard Petty Motorsports started the year, at Daytona getting your attention as to how well they ran team wise at that race.

So far RPM has Kasey Kahne still in chase contention sitting in 14th, while Reed Sorrenson sitting 25th in points, Elliott Sadler sitting 27th, and A.J Allmendinger sits in 30th.

RPM has lots of room for improvement, but I think with a veteran driver as a leader on the team we'd see a better performance out of the team as a whole.

Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing - has J.P Montoya in 15th, while teammates Martin Truex Jr sits 19th, and John Andretti who has affiliations with EGR sits 35th.

Can't forget about Aric Almirola's team has been shut down, but with a sponsors help we'd see them back on track racing.

Now Red Bull Racing Brian Vickers sits in 17th, while rookie Scott Speed sits a very very disappointing 36th and we could see a crew chief change coming.

If we thought any of these teams were struggling, let's just look at Yates Racing. Paul Menard sits 33rd, but with running Nationwide races has started showing some improvement.

Travis Kvapil's team is another victim of the economy, with companies willing to sponsor but wanting a proven driver for a guaranteed return on their investment and with a sponsor they'll be back.

Now they are affiliated with Hall Of Fame Racing, field the No. 96 Ask.com car with Bobby Labonte who sits 28th in points, but realistically it's to be expected with the learning curve jumping in a Ford and the resources this team has.

Now in 2010, add the odd man out at Roush to Yates/HOF Racing and we'll see Labonte will have a better year.

Crew chief, Driver, or Team all are important for your team to be successful.

It takes chemistry, getting the right people, look at Stewart-Haas Racing, Smoke hand picked his teams and he really did his homework.

Now look at Junior, just think how 2009 would have gone, had Mr. Hendrick made the crew chief change over the off season and plugged Darren Grub in as crew chief.

HMS is all about chemistry, finding, hanging on to and always searching for new talent to add to the power house organization.

As a side note, with NASCAR at the halfway point to the Chase, here's my picks for who the 12 drivers will be and my prediction. (Fill free to leave your picks in the comment section or if I'm on the money on them.)

Here's my twelve drivers for 2009, be exciting to see just how accurate I have them.

Jimmie Johnson
Tony Stewart
Kurt Busch
Ryan Newman
Kyle Busch
Jeff Gordon
Jeff Burton
Denny Hamlin
Carl Edwards
David Reutimann
Mark Martin
J. P. Montoya

I know what your saying I left out Biffle, Kenseth and gave Bowyer no love.

As a side note, I am hoping Vickers gets in, but they've been to up and down as a team this season and I wouldn't put money on them being in the chase.

Scott Speed Needs a Good Dover Sunday

David Phillips — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:03:11 -0400

Scott Speed and his No. 82 Red Bull Cola team came to Dover this weekend and will attempt to make up a meer 41 points over the Front Row/Earnhardt-Gannassi Chevy to get that all important spot to be locked into the top-35.

Speed so far has missed two races this season, one of which he did drive Joe Nemecheck's No. 87.

Speed is lucky to even still have a shot at passing the No.34 in owner points. If not for bad runs for that team Speed would be so far behind. Speed and his team came to Dover where Speed earned his first career NASCAR Victory in the truck series one year ago. Also yesterday in the Nationwide race he had a top-10 at the Dover track.

So that means Speed heads into Sunday's Cup race not ever finishing out of the top-10 at Dover.

Is this the Speed-demons weekend to shine? So far Speed has qualified 23rd and had the 33rd fastest lap in final practice.

Speed loves the Dover track saying “The more grip, the better I am. Dover has a lot of grip, so I’m looking forward to getting into the Cup car there.”

Speed finished 18th in the rain shortened running of Mondays Coca-Cola 600 and said it was the best he had felt in the Cup car so far.

Speed's teammate Vickers finished fifth last week and sits 80 points out of the top-12.

Speed's rookie season has been exactly what I expected from him so far. I would think if not for wrecks and bad luck he is capable of being in the top-30 in points, but he is learning and that does take time jumping from ARCA to Trucks right to Cup from Formula 1 which will come in to help him out at the two upcoming road course races seeing that all formula 1 races are held on road course tracks.

Speed so far:

ARCA Re/Max- in 22 starts he has four wins and 18 top-10's

Camping World Trucks- 16 starts he has one win and nine top-10's

Nationwide Series-in six starts he has two top-10's

Sprint Cup Series- in 16 starts he has one top-10

Lance Oh Lance: What Is In Store For You?

David Phillips — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:47:34 -0400

News broke earlier in the week of Tony Eury Jr. being replaced as crew chief of the No. 88 AMP Energy Hendrick Motorsports Chevy.

Everyone has questioned if it is Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Eury Jr., even Kyle Busch had some bad words to share about the situation, but the bottom line is that it's racing; If the driver has been a winner and isn't winning, it happens. It's just part of the sport.

Eury Jr. has already been assigned to his new position as R&D and the new crew chief of the No. 25 GoDaddy.com Hendrick Chevy with driver Brad Keselowski, and he starts testing with the No.48 Lowe's Team this week for the upcoming road course races.

Earnhardt Jr.'s new crew chief Lance McGrew answered a few questions for Sporting News' Reid Spencer, who caught up with McGrew in the Sprint Cup garage Friday morning at Dover.

Q: Are you ready to go from under the radar to under the microscope?

A: It's only the most famous driver in the United States of America.

Q: Are you a candidate for the job full-time?

A: I believe so. It's not something that I've 100 percent asked to do, but I think that Mr. Hendrick, in his infinite wisdom, always has a master plan. He has a very unique way of putting the right people together in a situation. A lot of times he can see things far enough out ahead that he'll make the right decision for you.

Q: Are you intimidated by this opportunity?

A: Well, I don't know if any crew chief would sit here and tell you it's not a little daunting to have the most popular driver in your stable. It's a challenge. The reason why we do what we do for a living is because, ultimately, we want a challenge. Unfortunately for this business, every Monday morning the report card is out, and we have to jump back on the horse and get ready for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday of the next week. For me, I'm not the most outgoing person in the whole world, and obviously the media blitz is not exactly what I prefer to be doing right now. It's part of the job, and it's something I'll have to work on as well.

Q: Rex Stump is credited with designing the T-Rex car that Jeff Gordon drove in the 1997 all-star race. Is there room for any of that kind of creativity with NASCAR's new racecar?

A: I think more than anything else, the R&D group in itself -- I feel like that's why Hendrick has really thrived. The simple fact is that Rex was so involved in it (the development of the new car) from the very beginning. We did a ton of testing before this car was ever unveiled, and it shows on the racetrack. Rex has a wealth of knowledge in a lot of areas, and he's a tremendous resource standing next to you when you're on top of the trailer watching the cars go around the racetrack.

Q: Which perception is more accurate, that all the Hendrick drivers have the same equipment, or that Earnhardt and Eury were running something substantially different from the setups of the other three Hendrick drivers?

A: Every situation's different. Ultimately, a driver's looking for a 'feel,' and sometimes it takes you down different paths. Jimmie doesn't drive exactly the same thing as Jeff. Jeff doesn't drive exactly the same thing as Mark Martin or any of the three. You can't really say that they were off the page in that regard, because ultimately, everybody's trying to achieve the same thing. The driver's feeling one thing, and the crew chief's making adjustments for how he feels. Sometimes it leads you down the right path. Sometimes it doesn't.

Q: You've had the opportunity to work with a couple of the most talented, high-profile drivers in the garage in Kyle Busch and now Dale Jr. What do you see as the fundamental differences between the two?

A: They're apples and oranges. It's kind of hard to make that comparison with anybody, let alone two racecar drivers. They're different people. Kyle's very aggressive. Junior's more methodical, I believe. He's definitely a thinker. He's a racecar driver that thinks as he drives around the racetrack, and he understands the fact that it's a long race, and he's trying to set himself up to be where he wants to be at the end of the race. Kyle definitely wants to lead every lap. If you watched the video from the Coke 600 last week, when he was leading, he wrecked three or four times off Turn 4 but didn't hit anything. You could definitely tell he was driving hard.

Will this move turn the AMP crew around and will Earnhardt Jr. get a few wins and pull off a Chase berth?

Time will tell.