The Jayski Copypasta Thread

[Cynon]

To stop some people (Antman) from clogging this section up with new threads, I have created this thread.

[Tanrar]

Newman re-signs with Stewart Haas: Ryan Newman has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Stewart-Haas Racing. The extension will ensure Newman is the driver of SHR's #39 Chevy through the end of the 2013 season. Newman and SHR have been involved in negotiations for several weeks. An official announcement from the team could come as soon as this weekend.(Charlotte Observer)
UPDATE: Newman has agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the team, a Stewart-Haas Racing spokesman confirmed Thursday.(Sporting News)(9-6-2012)(9-6-2012)

[Alta]

I remember when Jayski had as much credibility as TMZ. (probably still does)

[AntmanB]

It's Fine with me. But most of the entry lists are from Jayski. I'm sure that's an exception, but I'm just pointing it out.

[pennst24]

FAS Lane Racing Tabs Owners Lifelong Friend to Drive at Loudon: Frank Stoddard and FAS Lane Racing announced that Two-Time NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion Mike Olsen will pilot the team's #32 Ford entry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 23rd. The running of the Sylvania 300 will be a reunion of lifelong friends, Frank Stoddard and Olsen, who grew up together about 75 miles from the New Hampshire track in North Haverhill, NH. "Mike and I have been best friends since we were 3 or 4 years old," stated FAS Lane Racing team owner Frank Stoddard. "While growing up in North Haverhill my goal in our high school yearbook was to be a Winston Cup crew chief and Mike's was to follow in his grandfather's footsteps - his grandfather was legendary racer Stub Fadden who won numerous track championships and over 200 race wins. For us to both have fulfilled those dreams and now be able to work together at the highest level of racing is pretty special. I know our mentor, Stub, will be watching down quite proudly of the two kids that he dragged around New England and Canada - now together again on the biggest stage in racing." Stoddard and Olsen spent years working, traveling and racing side by side. They first worked together for Fadden, until Olsen split and started competing at the same level as his legendary grandfather. Stoddard and Olsen were still together, however, driving tandem up and down the East Coast and turning wrenches side by side for their own respective teams. Although the two have chosen different career paths, the two friends' path will intersect again when they team up in New Hampshire later this month. The Stoddard/Olsen combination will be the first New Hampshire born driver and car owner/crew chief to ever compete together at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.(Integrity Sports Marketing/FAS Lane Racing)(9-7-2012)

[BWard]

Just a few notes to add from the 2013 Driver Team Chart on Jayski:

Danica Patrick will run the No.10 godaddy.com Chevrolet for Stewart-Hass Racing full-time next year.

Furniture Row Racing may likely expand to 2 cars next year with Kurt Busch to be possibly joining, and Regan Smith staying at the team.

David Reutimann could replace Bobby Labonte in the 47 car or could be put in a 2nd car formed by JTG Daugherty Racing.

Inception Motorsports which fields its only driver David Stremme is currently looking for sponsors next year after attempting every single Sprint Cup race this year.

[AntmanB]

Does this mean Bobby Labonte might finally retire?

[Alta]

Just a few notes to add from the 2013 Driver Team Chart on Jayski:

Danica Patrick will run the No.10 godaddy.com Chevrolet for Stewart-Hass Racing full-time next year.

Furniture Row Racing may likely expand to 2 cars next year with Kurt Busch to be possibly joining, and Regan Smith staying at the team.

David Reutimann could replace Bobby Labonte in the 47 car or could be put in a 2nd car formed by JTG Daugherty Racing.

Inception Motorsports which fields its only driver David Stremme is currently looking for sponsors next year after attempting every single Sprint Cup race this year.

Danica will only be in the top 35 via TJ Bell

Will be interesting to see how the team of Kurt Busch and Regan Smith works.

Replace a guy who's career ended a while ago with a guy who's career is getting close to ending.

LET'S PARK ALL THE RACES! - Inception

[AntmanB]

Saw this on Jayski - #98 Truck team Dissolved due to
Lack of funding.

[Alta]

Saw this on Jayski - #98 Truck team Dissolved due to
Lack of funding.

Dakoda Armstrong - The guy at ThorSport that was so anonymous....WAIT HE RAN FOR THORSPORT!!?!!?!

[BWard]

Does this mean Bobby Labonte might finally retire?

Maybe or maybe not, it depends on what his choice maybe.

[conrail1990]

Does this mean Bobby Labonte might finally retire?

When does a race car driver really retire? T. Labonte and Bill Eliiot case in point.

[PKligBKFan]

Does this mean Bobby Labonte might finally retire?

When does a race car driver really retire? T. Labonte and Bill Eliiot case in point.

Some drivers do, some don't. When Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd & Dale Jarrett retired, they retired.

[Sparkz47]

That "Let's Bash the Labontes" train still chugging along, then?

[conrail1990]

That "Let's Bash the Labontes" train still chugging along, then?

I was trying to derail it.

[crl]

This isn't a shock:

Phoenix Racing could close shop at end of 2012 season: James Finch, a 20-year-plus veteran NASCAR team owner, who this year has been fielding #51 Chevrolets for Kurt Busch, says unless there is a big change in economics in this sport "I'll have to hang it up at the end of this season." Finch says the new 2013 NASCAR stockers will obsolete his entire fleet of race cars. "I'll have to throw everything away," Finch says. Finch has no major sponsor this season, and his hauler here is painted stark black. He used Hendrick engineering, at a price of course, and he leased Hendrick engines, at a price too of course.(MikeMulhern.net)(9-8-2012)

[Rykia]

This isn't a shock:

Phoenix Racing could close shop at end of 2012 season: James Finch, a 20-year-plus veteran NASCAR team owner, who this year has been fielding #51 Chevrolets for Kurt Busch, says unless there is a big change in economics in this sport "I'll have to hang it up at the end of this season." Finch says the new 2013 NASCAR stockers will obsolete his entire fleet of race cars. "I'll have to throw everything away," Finch says. Finch has no major sponsor this season, and his hauler here is painted stark black. He used Hendrick engineering, at a price of course, and he leased Hendrick engines, at a price too of course.(MikeMulhern.net)(9-8-2012)

Maybe if Kurt didn't tear up two cars every week, James could afford to stay in the sport.

[crl]

Not a NASCAR news item, but James Hinchcliffe will run the V8 Supercar race at Surfers Paradise next month for Fujitsu Racing/GRM.

[bartman97]

Not a NASCAR news item, but James Hinchcliffe will run the V8 Supercar race at Surfers Paradise next month for Fujitsu Racing/GRM.

I may be at that race.

[PRAWBLEMS]

GEICO renews with Germain through 2014: It has been two years since Casey Mears took the wheel of the #13 GEICO/Germain Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry and rescued an otherwise struggling upstart team. Mears' vast experience coupled with team owner Bob Germain's unwavering commitment culminated in an effort that has made unprecedented progress and now, just 24-months later, finds itself running door-to-door with the elite teams in the nation's top auto racing series. GEICO, in the midst of their fifth year with the team, is as much a partner as a sponsor and has played an intricate role in the team's development and is updated weekly on the goings on in the Germain Racing shop. This week, GEICO announced they have officially extended their sponsorship of Germain Racing and driver Casey Mears through the end of the 2014 season, leaving the Gecko to co-pilot the #13 GEICO Ford Fusion for the next two seasons.(Player Management International)(9-13-2012)
...Yay?
On a side note, Kid Rock is this year's guest narrator of the Chase races for ESPN.

[crl]

On a side note, Kid Rock is this year's guest narrator of the Chase races for ESPN.

God, are we EVER going to be rid of that washed-up "rapper"?

[PRAWBLEMS]

On a side note, Kid Rock is this year's guest narrator of the Chase races for ESPN.

God, are we EVER going to be rid of that washed-up "rapper"?

Guess not.

[navycook75]

On a side note, Kid Rock is this year's guest narrator of the Chase races for ESPN.

God, are we EVER going to be rid of that washed-up "rapper"?

well if he's washed up, lets throw mud at him.

[PRAWBLEMS]

On a side note, Kid Rock is this year's guest narrator of the Chase races for ESPN.

God, are we EVER going to be rid of that washed-up "rapper"?

well if he's washed up, lets throw mud at him.

He's still covered in blood from his "epic" barfight.

[AntmanB]

2013 schedule released this week? It won't become official until later this week, but several reliable sources have released next year's NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule. The sanctioning body expects to confirm the "working copy" before the upcoming race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The 2013 schedule includes 36 points-paying races, 26 "regular-season" events followed by the annual 10-race Chase for the Championship playoffs. All teams will run a 150-mile, non-points qualifying race at Daytona Beach in February. Some teams will run the non-points Budweiser Shootout at Daytona Beach in February and the Sprint Showdown and/or Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte in May. Other than the traditional Easter weekend in March, teams will have only one open weekend between mid-February and mid-November. There are no new venues and only one date change: Kansas Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway will swap their fall dates, Kansas City moving two weeks before Talladega (a week after Charlotte) instead of two weeks after. The 10 Chase venues remain the same as the past two years.(Auto Week), see the tentative schedule on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Schedule page.(9-17-2012)

Petty expects to stay with Ford; Ambrose and Almirola to return: UPDATE: Richard Petty is busy lining up his team for 2013 (and, hopefully, beyond), and he is moving in waters that remain choppy and with changeable tides. Discussions about Richard Petty Motorsports' future continue, but the landscape as it currently is painted appears to keep the RPM cars in the Ford camp for the next season, although the King has been talking with more than a few other possible partners. "It looks like there is not going to be a lot of change there for next year, but there's no concrete stuff yet," Petty said Friday at Chicagoland Speedway. "We're figuring on staying in exactly the same place, with the same operation from a manufacturing standpoint. We don't see a change unless somebody else comes up with something." Petty said he expects drivers #9-Marcos Ambrose and #43-Aric Almirola to return but admitted the die is not cast.(SPEED)(9-15-2012)
UPDATE: The director of Ford Racing said on Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway that the manufacturer is "very close'' to a new deal with Richard Petty Motorsports. "All the pieces are in place,'' Jamie Allison said before the Chase opener. "We're working on giving them the tools so they can be competitive. It's all going to work." There was a report last week that Chevrolet might be in the mix for RPM, but sources close to the situation said the plan is to re-sign with Ford. Allison was excited about the prospects of keeping RPM in the Ford camp. He also mentioned maintaining a relationship with Marcos Ambrose, the driver of RPM's #9 car who is in the final year of his contract. He did not mention Aric Almirola, the driver of the #43 who also is in the final year of his contract.(ESPN)(9-17-2012)

[Alta]

There are no new venues and only one date change: Kansas Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway will swap their fall dates, Kansas City moving two weeks before Talladega (a week after Charlotte) instead of two weeks after. The 10 Chase venues remain the same as the past two years.(Auto Week), see the tentative schedule on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Schedule page.(9-17-2012)

>Still No Montreal
>Certain Cookie-Cutters not gtfoing
Have fun with crappy attendance Nascar. :/

[Spannerhead29 (Nelson)]

Don't know if it came from Jayski or not but it fits here anyway.

Stenhouse, Jr to attempt Dover race:

[Chicago] capped a huge weekend for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. Roush announced Friday that Stenhouse was going to drive the #17 Sprint Cup car for Roush-Fenway Racing on a full-time basis in 2013, and that Best Buy was going to be a primary sponsor. Stenhouse will, though, run a Cup race at Dover Sept. 30. "If we felt like running a Cup race would distract us, we wouldn't do it," Stenhouse said. "I just like track time. It doesn't matter in what type of car it is

[day500champ1]

Don't know if it came from Jayski or not but it fits here anyway.

Stenhouse, Jr to attempt Dover race:

[Chicago] capped a huge weekend for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. Roush announced Friday that Stenhouse was going to drive the #17 Sprint Cup car for Roush-Fenway Racing on a full-time basis in 2013, and that Best Buy was going to be a primary sponsor. Stenhouse will, though, run a Cup race at Dover Sept. 30. "If we felt like running a Cup race would distract us, we wouldn't do it," Stenhouse said. "I just like track time. It doesn't matter in what type of car it is

The most important part of this is the last part. Track time is everything. It's what IMO hurt Logano, Bayne, and many other drivers.

[Alta]

Don't know if it came from Jayski or not but it fits here anyway.

Stenhouse, Jr to attempt Dover race:

[Chicago] capped a huge weekend for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. Roush announced Friday that Stenhouse was going to drive the #17 Sprint Cup car for Roush-Fenway Racing on a full-time basis in 2013, and that Best Buy was going to be a primary sponsor. Stenhouse will, though, run a Cup race at Dover Sept. 30. "If we felt like running a Cup race would distract us, we wouldn't do it," Stenhouse said. "I just like track time. It doesn't matter in what type of car it is

The most important part of this is the last part. Track time is everything. It's what IMO hurt Logano, Bayne, and many other drivers.

I'm still wondering with Stenhouse if it's the equipment...I mean Roush has been top-tier stuff for quite a while now.

[AntmanB]

AJ Allmendinger Has been Reinstated by NASCAR. That Was Quick.

[BWard]

AJ Allmendinger Has been Reinstated by NASCAR. That Was Quick.

Hope he gets back in the cockpit soon, although it's too late for Penske to have him back at the team.

[Alta]

AJ Allmendinger Has been Reinstated by NASCAR. That Was Quick.

Dayum that was fast.

I'm actually quite curious to see what Penske does next, Has he been officially let go yet?

[RealRacer4]

AJ Allmendinger Has been Reinstated by NASCAR. That Was Quick.

Dayum that was fast.

I'm actually quite curious to see what Penske does next, Has he been officially let go yet?

Roger Penske says he's open to giving AJ Allmendinger another shot, which I find it to be surprising IMO.

[f1fan12]

Allmendinger should go to Indycar, he was pretty good on the road courses in Champ Car. He kept up with Tracy and Bourdais. Plus his Nascar expierence should make him, somewhat compitant on the Ovals. So I am thinking he will wind up in Brisoce's seat, and to be honest. I doubt he will go back to NASCAR.

[Alta]

A 737 charter jet filled with NASCAR drivers, crew and media members slipped off the runway while taxiing for takeoff at Concord (NC) Regional Airport today, becoming stuck in the mud and delaying its departure for Dover International Speedway. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers #27-Paul Menard, #13-Casey Mears, #93-Travis Kvapil, #30-David Stremme and #95-Scott Speed were all on the airplane when it strayed off the runway at slow speed, no injuries were reported. The passengers deplaned without incident, and were transferred to another aircraft.

o_o

[AntmanB]

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard will unveil the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule on "Wind Tunnel" at 9 p.m. (ET) Sept. 30 on SPEED.

The 2012 season wrapped up Sept. 15 at Auto Club Speedway with Ryan Hunter-Reay claiming the championship on the final lap of the 500-mile race. It was the seventh consecutive year that the title was decided in the season finale.

There were eight different winners this season, with Hunter-Reay recording a field-high four victories in the 15 races.

[f1fan12]

A good Indycar schedule, SHOULD, consist aa 50/50 Road Course/Oval ratio. Pocono, if added, would be interesting to see. If they bring back MIS, then you can reinstate the triple crown from the 1980's. Bringing back some old CART flare I think would be good for the series.

I also would like to see some more, short ovals added. Tracks like Richmond, and PIR would be cool as well.

[AntmanB]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
http://www.nascar.com/ncwtsmpd/

[navycook75]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
/

Lets all Vote for Johanna Long

[BWard]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
/

Lets all Vote for Johanna Long

I did for obvious reasons.

[Spannerhead29 (Nelson)]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
http://www.nascar.com/ncwtsmpd/

Anyone else outside the US/North America, having trouble accessing the sites?

[BWard]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
http://www.nascar.com/ncwtsmpd/

Anyone else outside the US/North America, having trouble accessing the sites?

I didn't have any trouble, why are you?

[Spannerhead29 (Nelson)]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
http://www.nascar.com/ncwtsmpd/

Anyone else outside the US/North America, having trouble accessing the sites?

I didn't have any trouble, why are you?

This is what I get when I try to access both sites.

[navycook75]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
http://www.nascar.com/ncwtsmpd/

Anyone else outside the US/North America, having trouble accessing the sites?

I didn't have any trouble, why are you?

This is what I get when I try to access both sites.

you have adblock? if so, disable it

[Spannerhead29 (Nelson)]

Want to Vote for Nationwide and Truck Most Popular Driver?

http://www.nascar.com/nnsmpd/
http://www.nascar.com/ncwtsmpd/

Anyone else outside the US/North America, having trouble accessing the sites?

I didn't have any trouble, why are you?

This is what I get when I try to access both sites.

you have adblock? if so, disable it

It worked, thanks.

[AntmanB]

NASCAR still looking at changes to Top 35 rule: Sprint Cup teams are looking forward to having four additional test sessions next season and they might have more things to test than they initially thought. Teams are awaiting 2013 rules and several team officials said over the weekend they anticipate NASCAR might give them a little more leeway in some areas of the car, while also restricting the ability to skew the rear of the cars. Not only will testing allow them to work now at the tracks that they race on, they also might need to work a little more on qualifying. Teams also are anticipating that NASCAR will get rid of the top-35 rule and go back to the previous system of the top 36 (or 37 or 38) cars in qualifying making the race, with the remainder of the field set by provisionals based primarily on owner points. The top-35 rule guarantees the top 35 teams in owner points starting spots in each race. The rest of the field must make the race on speed. Under the new format, all teams would have to qualify on speed or have enough owner points to be eligible for a provisional starting spot. NASCAR could announce that change and other new rules during a test at Talladega Superspeedway Wednesday for the 2013 Cup car. Kyle Busch said his Joe Gibbs Racing team already is experimenting with some ideas for next year. Busch said teams know the cars are going to be lighter by 100-160 pounds. He also said there will be aero changes that he said he would be the "test dummy" for at a tire test at Texas Motor Speedway in two weeks.(Sporting News)(10-2-2012)

NASCAR close to TV deal with Fox: NASCAR is close to finalizing a new TV deal with Fox for the first half of the Sprint Cup season, but a deal for the second half will not be wrapped up until next summer at the earliest, according to several sources. Fox started negotiations for its package earlier this spring and has agreed on the broad terms of a new deal to continue in the sport, sources said. An announcement is likely to come in the weeks after the broadcaster's media rights deal with Major League Baseball is announced officially. But the remaining inventory of NASCAR's media package will be in question for the next year. That's because ESPN and Turner Sports executives told NASCAR that they are not willing to start negotiations on their media contracts early. NASCAR approached both networks earlier this summer about new deals, but both chose to wait until their exclusive negotiating windows kick in next summer. Typically, negotiating windows last around a month. Despite declining ratings, particularly in the younger demographics, NASCAR stands to bring in more money from its next media deals. The addition of NBC Sports as a serious new bidder could create a bidding battle that could help push rights fees higher than many expect. ESPN, which carries the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, is interested in renewing its deal. Turner, which carries six midseason races, is interested in adding more races to its schedule. Sources familiar with NASCAR's plans said the organization hasn't decided whether it will sell its entire package of rights to one partner, two partners or three, as it has in its current deal. That decision won't be finalized until after it's held initial conversations with ESPN and Turner. See more at Sports business Journal.(10-1-2012)

Phoenix Racing will finish season: Kurt Busch's impending departure leaves James Finch's #51 Phoenix Racing team with a high degree of uncertainty. Despite speculation to the contrary, crew chief Nick Harrison said the team was committed to running the remainder of this season's Sprint Cup schedule. "We're business as usual, moving forward," Harrison said. "We still have Dover and Talladega with Kurt and really think we can end with a win. We're running the full season. It's just a [matter of] who is going to drive." Harrison says Phoenix Racing has spoken to Regan Smith, the driver Busch will replace for the final six weeks this season in Furniture Row Racing's #78 car. Finch also is said to have interest in recently reinstated driver AJ Allmendinger as well as David Reutimann, who filled in at Pocono when Busch was suspended for a week this season.(NASCAR.com)(10-1-2012)

Ambrose close to new deal: #9-Marcos Ambrose told ESPN.com on Sunday he is close to completing a new deal with Richard Petty Motorsports. "We're all good,'' Ambrose said before the third race of the Chase at Dover International Speedway. Sources said RPM will soon announce a new deal with Ford as well as the signing of Ambrose. Sources said there also have been talks with Aric Almirola about possibly returning to the #43.(ESPN.com)(10-1-2012)

Elliott Sadler close to deal for 2013; part-time Cup with Gibbs? UPDATE: Elliott Sadler said Tuesday that he is "close" to determining where he will be working next season, but said first he must focus on taking care of unfinished business this season. Sadler currently drives the #2 Chevy full-time for Richard Childress Racing in the Nationwide Series, where he is the current points leader by a slim margin. But he already has said he and RCR will be splitting ways at season's end. He also has said that he would like to make a return to NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series as soon as possible, and reiterated that point Tuesday after an appearance at RCR where he helped promote the Bank of America 500 that will be run Oct. 13 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "My goal as a driver is to be back in the Cup Series and make the Chase as a Cup driver. That's my No. 1 goal," Sadler said. Asked if he expected to have that chance in 2013, Sadler hedged and replied, "Uh, I don't know. We're working on some different things. But my No. 1 goal is to have that opportunity, to be a part of the Chase again." Sources have confirmed that one of the teams he has been talking with is Joe Gibbs Racing, which appears willing to offer him a full-time Nationwide ride and a limited Cup schedule for 2013 with the possibility of a full-time Cup ride developing by 2014 if full-time sponsorship can be found for a fourth JGR Cup car. "We're close. We're talking to three teams right now, so we'll see," said Sadler, while declining to offer details on which teams he has been negotiating with. "I'm just kind of late to the party, getting out there and meeting and greeting with everybody."(NASCAR.com)(9-25-2012)
UPDATE: [Team president J.D.] Gibbs & confirmed the possibility that JGR could hire Nationwide Series point leader Elliott Sadler and Brian Vickers to drive full-time in the Nationwide Series next season. "That's a potential,'' Gibbs said. "I think we have to wait a little while before we can say anything officially.'' Sadler, who has made it clear he will not return to Richard Childress Racing after this season, would drive one car with OneMain Financial as the primary sponsor. He also is expected to drive a part-time Sprint Cup schedule. Vickers would drive the second car with Dollar General as the sponsor. Gibbs said the plan is to field a third car for his Cup drivers and developmental drivers Drew Herring and Darrell Wallace Jr. to share.(ESPN.com)(10-1-2012)

Gibbs looking to extend Busch's contract: Next season is expected to produce a top crop of free agents in the Sprint Cup market - but if Joe Gibbs Racing has its way, #18-Kyle Busch's name will never reach the rumor mill. Principals at Gibbs Racing are working diligently to renew Busch's contract before it expires next season. According to sources, Gibbs approached Busch on an extension in the last couple of months and hopes to retain one of NASCAR's top talents. "They typically do (contracts before the expiration date)," Busch said. "They've brought it up to my attention. I just kind of put it off to, 'Let's get through, let's see what happens in the Chase.' Since we missed that, it's kind of like, now they want to re-talk about it. I'm like, let's just wait until the end of the year. There's no sense in causing a distraction."(Fox Sports)(9-30-2012)

Gibbs looking to extend Busch's contract: Next season is expected to produce a top crop of free agents in the Sprint Cup market - but if Joe Gibbs Racing has its way, #18-Kyle Busch's name will never reach the rumor mill. Principals at Gibbs Racing are working diligently to renew Busch's contract before it expires next season. According to sources, Gibbs approached Busch on an extension in the last couple of months and hopes to retain one of NASCAR's top talents. "They typically do (contracts before the expiration date)," Busch said. "They've brought it up to my attention. I just kind of put it off to, 'Let's get through, let's see what happens in the Chase.' Since we missed that, it's kind of like, now they want to re-talk about it. I'm like, let's just wait until the end of the year. There's no sense in causing a distraction."(Fox Sports)(9-30-2012)

NASCAR considering moving more qualifying to Friday in 2013: As it does annually, NASCAR is contemplating competition changes that could include moving some Sprint Cup Series qualifying sessions to Friday afternoons in 2013 and tweaking the current testing policy. The possible changes were a hot topic in the Dover International Speedway garage area, where drivers and teams gave their input about more race weekend schedules that would feature Friday qualifying and a practice session on Saturday. By completing qualifying on Fridays, teams will have more time to work on the race setup on Saturdays. It also gives race promoters a Saturday ticket that will feature a couple hours of significant Cup practice and more time in the garage for driver and fan interaction instead of more than a couple of qualifying laps. NASCAR is expected to formally announce several competition changes for the 2013 season sometime in October.(NASCAR.com)(9-29-2012)

Sponsorship announcement for Stewart Haas Tuesday: Stewart Haas Racing is expected to announce sponsorship for Ryan Newman Tuesday and likely will include existing nine-race sponsor Quicken Loans, according to those with knowledge of the announcement. Newman is losing the U.S. Army's 12-race sponsorship after this season. He re-signed with the team in early September even though it had not announced any sponsors for 2013. Stewart himself needs a sponsor to replace Office Depot and its 22 races for next season. Several sources indicated that SHR is talking with Bass Pro Shops and an announcement could come as early as late next week. Bass Pro Shops already is an associate sponsor of the organization and has been on the hood of Newman's car for a couple of races. A Bass Pro spokesman said last week the company had no comment on the speculation of the company sponsoring SHR.(Sporting News)(9-29-2012)

Hornish still without contract for 2013: Despite repeated assertions by Penske Racing owner Roger Penske that he wants Sam Hornish, Jr., back in a full time NASCAR Nationwide Series ride next season, the former Indianapolis 500 champion says he has no signed contract in place for 2013. "I don't have any paper in my hand saying what's going to happen next year," said Hornish. "I know Roger's been out there (in the media) saying he'd like to have me back, but we'll just have to wait and see how everything plays out. We've got some really good sponsors and we're moving forward on some other ones, but it's a really tough time with the economy. Hornish said that uncertainty, combined with Penske's recent decision to sign Joey Logano to drive the team's #22 Shell Pennzoil-sponsored Sprint Cup Series Ford next season, has made for a difficult few weeks. "We're going to do the best we can to cap off this season on a high note with both (Nationwide and Sprint Cup) cars, then see what the future holds for us." (Godfather Motorsports)(9-29-2012)

[AntmanB]

Lagasse, Jr. looking toward full time effort in 2013: It's taken a couple years, but Scott Lagasse, Jr. will make his business plan a reality this weekend with his new team's debut of the #8 Chevy at the Kentucky Speedway. Lagasse's TeamSLR will make selected NASCAR Nationwide Series starts at Kentucky, Kansas Speedway and the Homestead-Miami Speedway before embarking on fulltime schedule as early as next year. Sponsorships with the Boy Scouts of America, HybridLight.com and Incredible Pizza have been signed to long-term deals. A technical alliance has been created with Tommy Baldwin Racing, which includes engines from Richard Childress Racing. Cars are being prepared in Charlotte and at a shop at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine, with plans to eventually base the entire operation in St. Augustine. Lagasse has 49 career Nationwide starts with five top-10 finishes. He was ranked in the top 10 in 2009 when car owner Bryan Mullet let him go. Four races later, Mullet's team was out of business. A year later, Lagasse Jr. again was in the top 10 when car owner Mike Curb scaled his operation back. A total of 26 drivers worked for Curb in 2010 and 2011, and the team no longer is in the sport. After those disappointments, Lagasse faced the difficult option of making one final push into NASCAR or finding work outside the sport. He decided to use his business degree from Flagler College to create his own opportunity instead of relying on others. His father, three-time SCCA national champion Scott Lagasse, serves as the team's president, while veteran Brad Parrott is the crew chief.(St Augustine Record)(9-20-2012)

Hal Martin to drive for TriStar in 2013: Veteran ARCA Racing Series & super late model driver Hal Martin, nicknamed the "Ragin' Cajun" from his Louisiana roots, will pilot a Toyota Camry in the TriStar Motorsports stable for three races during the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season  Kansas Speedway; Texas Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 26-year-old driver, who has competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series, also has funding to compete for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. The sponsor portfolio & number will be announced at a later date but will showcase several companies from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Martin's home territory. He brings his crew chief from the ARCA Racing Series days, Nationwide Series veteran John Quinn, to Tri-Star Motorsports for his debut.(Hal Martin Racing)(9-19-2012)

NCWTS returns to "The Rock" in 2013: After staging the most talked-about event of the 2012 NASCAR season to date, Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg made it official today; confirming that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will return to "The Rock" on April 12-14, 2013. Kasey Kahne celebrates in victory lane after winning the inaugural NCWTS race at Rockingham last April. "We got our report card from NASCAR, and it looks like we got an A+," said Hillenburg of NASCAR's April return to Rockingham for the first time since 2004. Sprint Cup Series star Kasey Kahne topped an all-star field of Camping World Truck Series regulars to win the Good Sam Roadside Assistance Carolina 200 presented by Cheerwine, in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd of race fans. "Fans, drivers, teams; everyone embraced our 2012 event," said Hillenburg. "I'm happy to announce that with their help, we'll do it again in 2013; bigger and better than ever before." Tickets are already on sale, with adult tickets ranging from $20 to $35 and kids age 12 and under half-price.(Rockingham Speedway PR)(9-26-2012)

Mayhew to return to BKR's #19 for two more: David Mayhew is scheduled to return to the #19 Steak and Grape / MMI Services RAM for Brad Keselowski Racing at Texas Motor Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway this November.(Brad Keselowski Racing PR)(9-22-2012)

[f1fan12]

Top 38 Rule? THAT IS THE EXACT WRONG THING TO DO... Top 20 sounds good. Nascar really doesn't listen to their fans, do they?

[AntmanB]

Helio Castroneves Almost got Eliminated on Dancing with The Stars All Stars Tonight, he was In the Bottom 2................... There is a Double Elimination next week.

[Alta]

Top 38: Are Nascar trying to kill themselves...More hopeless start-n-parks incoming

TV Deal: Would personally like to NBC Sports network grab a couple races, Do think they should go 12 each on races just to even everything out.

Finch: Most likely Smith will step into the ride for the remainder of the year as a simple driver swap makes the most sense.

Ambrose: He'll be back at the #9 team...Hopefully Ambrose can pick-up some consistency cause he's getting pretty close to making one of these chases.

Gibbs: Sadler and Vickers is actually an interesting pair if they are hired. Even though it's not helping young talent wise at the very least it's canning two whackers.

Busch: Kyle leaving anytime soon? Ha.

Qualifying: Doesn't really matter.

SHR: Newman getting more sponsorship. meh

Hornish: Has Penske got senile? Not giving Hornish a shot at Cup is one thing, but not re-signing with what he's been doing in Nationwide and in Cup. I sincerely hope they fix this.

Lagasse: Lagasse's is just....there in the races he's run. Will have to see how running a team will work for him.

Hal Martin: Meh....ARCA's in such bad shape i can't tell if this is good or bad.

Rock 2013: Good...Race was pretty good this year although the finish kind of left a bad taste in my mouth

Mayhew: Good to see Mayhew getting another shot...He's one of those driver's who might show something in the future.

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