Gillette Young Guns News

6/30/2008 - Bowyer, Camping World Chevy Ninth at New Hampshire

LOUDON, N.H. – Clint Bowyer paced the field for the majority of the first 50 laps and was third going into his final pit stop but the call for four tires didn’t pan out and the No. 2 Camping World Racing team had to settle for a ninth-place finish in the Camping World RV Sales 200 presented by RVs.com at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.It was yet another top-10 finish for the team, the 15th in the first 18 races of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Bowyer’s lead in the point standings over second-place David Reutimann is now 182, 188 over third-place Carl Edwards, 197 points ahead of Brad Keselowski in fourth and 298 in front of David Ragan in fifth.The No. 2 Camping World Chevy was the eighth car to attempt a qualifying run on the flat one-mile oval located about an hour north of Boston. Bowyer’s run of 29.928 seconds (127.265 mph) was 0.125 of a second off the pole speed and good enough for the starting spot on the outside of the front row.Overcast skies and cool temperatures greeted the 43-car field as the green flag waved at 3:15 Eastern Daylight Time. Bowyer grabbed the lead on the first lap and maintained that position for the first nine circuits. He led two more times over the first 54 laps and then settled into running no lower than fourth for the first half of the 200-lap event. The day’s third caution on lap 101 allowed Bowyer to head to pit lane a lap later and, after solid service by the Camping World team, was fourth for the restart on lap 106. Another caution on lap 128 allowed Bowyer to come back down pit road for what would be his final stop of the afternoon.A number of cars either took only two tires or none at all while the Camping World team and just two others took four tires. The resulting extra time in the pits dropped Bowyer to the 12th position for the restart on lap 133. The six-time NASCAR Nationwide Series race winner quickly called in to crew chief Dan Deeringhoff that the car was loose but Deeringhoff assured him that the car’s handling would come in to his liking.Unfortunately, track position was critical and Bowyer was only able to pick up three spots, to ninth, before the checkered flag waved.Tony Stewart earned his fifth Nationwide Series victory of the 2008 season. The rest of the top-five finishers included Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards. Bowyer’s RCR teammate Scott Wimmer finished 12th.Daytona International Speedway is the next stop for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Live coverage of the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered by Coca-Cola begins Friday, July 4 at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The race will be televised live on ESPN2 and broadcast from coast to coast on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius Satellite Radio. Qualifying for the 19th race on the 2008 schedule will be televised live same-day on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. EDT. MRN and Sirius Satellite Radio will broadcast qualifying updates live.Clint Bowyer Quote“The call was made for four tires on the last stop and that turned out not to be the right decision in the end. We just ran out of time to get back to the front but the Camping World pit crew did a solid job in the pits today. We lost just a few points to Reutimann so we’ll go to Daytona next week to try to get them back.”

6/30/2008 - Tough Luck Finds Budweiser Team at New Hampshire

LOUDON, N.H. (June 29, 2008) ----- What appeared to be a promising weekend for Kasey Kahne and the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge team was cut short when another car made contact with Kahne on lap 224, relegating him to a 30th-place finish Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.Kahne started the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 from the 14th position and immediately flexed the power of the Budweiser Dodge, climbing into the sixth position by lap 55. “A little loose in and off” was Kahne’s comment to his crew before he brought the No. 9 down pit road on lap 62 for his first green-flag pit stop of the race. Four tires, fuel and a chassis adjustment were prescribed to correct the loose handling condition.The changes proved favorable as Kahne found himself in the second position when the first caution flag waved on lap 85. For his second trip down pit road, crew chief Kenny Francis called for right-side tires and fuel only. Pitting back in the 39th pit stall, Kahne fought heavy traffic and had trouble exiting his pit, resulting in the loss of several positions.After restarting 11th, track position proved to be vital as Kahne struggled to make his way back toward the front. On lap 224, while racing for position, the No. 8 car made contact with Kahne sending him spinning into the outside wall. Kahne was forced to hit pit road under green-flag conditions to repair the damage. The No. 9 team worked feverishly to repair the minor damage, but not before Kahne lost two laps in the process.With severe thunderstorms looming, Kahne held his 30th-place position until the skies opened up and heavy rain pounded the one-mile speedway, forcing NASCAR to call the race with 17 laps remaining. Kurt Busch scored the victory after several of the dominant cars were forced to pit for fuel a few laps prior.“Track position was so important today,” Kahne said after the race. “It was difficult to make a pass back in heavy traffic. Once the 8 car made contact with us, we were forced to ride around until the race was over and just finish wherever we could. It’s just too bad. The Budweiser Dodge was really strong all weekend.”Michael Waltrip followed in the second position, while J.J. Yeley, Martin Truex Jr. and Kahne’s teammate Elliott Sadler completed the top-five running order.Kahne lost one position in the point standings. With nine races remaining until “The Chase”, Kahne resides in the 10th position, 465 points behind series leader Kyle Busch and 11 points behind ninth place Tony Stewart.The Sprint Cup Series competitors return to Daytona International Speedway for the third restrictor-plate race of the season. The Coke 400 gets underway Saturday, July 5th at 8 pm. TNT will have live coverage of the broadcast beginning at 6:30 pm ET. Motor Racing Network (MRN) will carry the radio broadcast.# # #

6/30/2008 - KURT BUSCH WINS LENOX INDUSTRIAL TOOL 301 AT NEW HAMPSHIRE

LOUDON, N.H. (June 29, 2008) – Miller Lite Driver Kurt Busch admitted that he didn’t have the fastest car in today’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but he appeared to be just as thrilled that his Pat Tryson-led team won on a strategy call as he would have been with a dominant victory. The race was called as official due to adverse weather with 17 laps remaining in the scheduled distance.“It was a good weekend for us working through our new test data that we put together from Milwaukee (Tuesday test) this week,” said Busch, as he celebrated his 18th career Sprint Cup win. “We came with a different package and felt that we were a bit more competitive. I made a joke in practice that we passed somebody (laughter). It’s been a long year trying to get Penske Racing back to form. We started off with a bang at Daytona. We feel like we have all the right people. I love Pat Tryson and all the crew guys right underneath him. I like all the guys back at the shop. We just can’t quite put our finger on what we need.“So today was a good car for what we've been normally, and that put us in position to stretch our fuel a little bit,” Busch continued, with Tryson sitting by his side. “When we could make it to the end, we pitted. We needed a few laps to help us. But we were gonna be loaded for bearand ready to rock n’ roll if it came down to the end. When everybody pitted with, I don't know, 30 laps to go, when I was told, you're in the lead, there's 26 laps to go, that's the most motivation a driver could ever ask for because you want to hold it off and bring it home for your team. So we were gonna have our work cut out for us. I felt we could have held off some the guys right behind us, and pit strategy worked out perfect. It's all credit to Pat Tryson.”Busch started today’s race from the 26th starting spot. He proved to have a competitive car from the drop of the green flag as he worked his way up into the top 20 at Lap 19. He hovered around 20th for much of the first third of the race. Although his car had a slight “tight” condition in the center of the turns, his team made adjustments and Busch continued to advance through the pack.Busch had made it up to 11th just past the race’s mid-point, but after a 14.691-second pit stop under the fourth caution period on Lap 203, he fell to 14th in the running order. When Aric Almirola spun in Turn 4 on Lap 217 to bring out the fifth yellow flag of the race, Tryson’s strategy started to unfold.While Tony Stewart had led the most laps and looked to be unstoppable up front, he along with the other top-13 cars stayed out on the track. Tryson opted to bring Busch back down pit road to top off with fuel.“We look to be a little short on fuel right now to go the distance, but if we get a few more caution laps we should be in great shape,” Tryson said on the team radio just prior to the Lap 221 restart, with Busch now back in the 19th spot. “Just be smooth and we can win this thing. The rest of these guys will have to pit for fuel.”Busch got a really close call on Lap 246 when he slapped the outside wall while trying to pass Juan Pablo Montoya. His forward progress had stalled while he was running 18th with 35 laps remaining.Jamie McMurray clipped Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the pit entrance in Turn 4 on Lap 271 to bring out the sixth caution flag of the event.Tryson was right with his prediction as all 17 cars running in front of Busch hit pit road after the yellow flag flew. Busch took the lead on Lap 275 and was at the front of the pack for the Lap 278 restart.The seventh caution of the race fell on Lap 280 for an altercation between Sam Hornish Jr. and Clint Bowyer in Turn 4. Under the yellow, Montoya intentionally spun out Kyle Busch as the sprinkles began to fall.NASCAR officials were forced to bring the field, led by Busch’s No. 2 Dodge, down pit road on Lap 284 and display the red flag. As the cars came to a halt, the sprinkles turn into a downpour.With a strong storm bearing down on the area, the race was declared official after 284 laps at 5:12 p.m. Finishing second behind winner Busch was Michael Waltrip, with J.J. Yeley third, Martin Truex Jr. fourth and Elliott Sadler fifth. Reed Sorenson, Casey Mears, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Bobby Labonte rounded out today’s top-10 finishers.“You know, as hard as we're working, you can't just point to one thing and say that's what helped us get to Victory Lane,” Busch answered when asked post-race if he credited testing at Milwaukee last Tuesday for the win. “Fuel mileage has been a big issue. We still need to work on that. We need to get our cars handling better. And we're working. We're working hard. We're testing all the time. Ask my wife. Ask the crew members. You know, we're on the gas trying to get our 2, 12 and 77 teams up, running competitive every week. So it's hard to put your finger on one thing. We'll definitely think about what Milwaukee gave us, our fuel mileage, and just the heart of this team. It's not due to lack of effort that we're not up front, because we're putting a full effort forward trying to find what it is. I like the people. I like the program. Pat Tryson is an awesome crew chief and team leader. I just wish there was one thing we could put our finger on to do better, but we're going to keep working as hard as we have been working.”Penske Racing’s Ryan Newman finished 15th and Hornish, the team’s rookie campaigner, came home 39th.Busch climbed four spots in the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings after today’s win. With 1,794 points, he trails 12th-place Kevin Harvick by 222 points in the battle for the final spot of “Chase eligibility,” with nine races now remaining to determine this year’s 12 championship contenders.The Sprint Cup tour now returns to Daytona International Speedway for next Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400. In the circuit’s most recent stop there, for the Feb. 17 Daytona 500, it was a Penske Racing one-two finish with Newman taking the win after getting a decisive push from Busch on the final lap.The action at Daytona gets under way on Thursday with practice sessions scheduled from 4:00 p.m. till 5:20 p.m. and from 6:35 p.m. till 7:45 p.m. Friday’s 4:10 p.m. single round of qualifying will establish Saturday night’s 43-car starting field. All cars will be impounded immediately after time trials. Saturday’s Coke Zero 400 (160 laps, 400 miles) is scheduled to start just after 8:00 p.m. EDT and features live coverage by TNT-TV and MRN Radio.# # #

6/30/2008 - Newman To Have His Space In Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame

Ryan Newman's signature, right footprint and hand prints will now have their place in the history of Daytona International Speedway. During the Coke Zero 400 Weekend, Newman on Friday, July 4 at 1:30 p.m. will participate in a question and answer session with the race fans inside Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction and then proceed outside where he will have his 3x3 cement block with his signature, hand prints and right foot print placed into the Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame. Newman, the winner of the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 earlier this year, put his right foot, autograph and handprints into the cement during his post-race Gatorade Victory Lane celebration. Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig and Daytona 500 Experience General Manager Kim Isemann will assist Newman in placing the block into Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame, which is located just outside the "Official Attraction of NASCAR." Winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for Daytona 500 Experience, have their hands, right foot and signature immortalized in cement in the Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Weekend are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-30-2008)

6/23/2008 - Clint Bowyer Event Preview Fact Sheet

This Week’s Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet at Infineon Raceway … Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 250 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This is a brand new Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Impala SS that has yet to see any laps on a race track.

For complete article, click here: http://clintbowyer.com/

6/23/2008 - Ryan Newman Scores Top 10 at Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif. (June 22, 2008) - Ryan Newman and the No. 12 Penske Racing Alltel Dodge team scored a seventh place finish at Infineon Raceway on Sunday in the Toyota/Save Mart 350. It was the team's sixth top-10 finish of the season.

For complete article, click here: http://penskeracing.com/news/index.cfm?series=n&cid=17610

6/23/2008 - Kahne's roll continues with Infineon pole

SONOMA, Calif. -- Kasey Kahne, a driver who's never had a top-10 finish in a NASCAR Sprint Cup race on a road course, will have a leg up on breaking that drought Sunday, having claimed the pole for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway.
Though Kahne has never finished better than 23rd at Infineon, he turned a lap in 77.740 seconds (92.153 mph) in Friday's qualifying session to edge Jimmie Johnson (92.040 mph) for the top starting spot. The pole was Kahne's second this year and the 16th of his Cup career.

For complete article, click here: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=426107

6/23/2008 - Edwards ends Nationwide drought at Milwaukee

WEST ALLIS, Wis. -- All it took to end Carl Edwards' year-long Nationwide Series winless streak was to change crew chiefs.
The defending series champion had gone 36 races without a victory, and team owner Jack Roush decided that was enough. So Roush Fenway Racing swapped crew chiefs earlier this week, with Drew Blickensderfer taking over for Pierre Kuettel on Edwards' No. 60 team.
Edwards responded by winning Saturday's Camping World RV Rental 250 Nationwide Series race at the Milwaukee Mile.

For complete article, click here: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=426511

6/15/2008 - Edwards glad to bear Ford name on his back at MIS: Roush drivers among fastest in manufacturer's backyard

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Carl Edwards insists he is ready to carry the Ford manufacturer's banner in Sunday's LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. As defending champion of the Sprint Cup Series race, he appears to be in perfect position to do so. But hold on. There are others who may have something to say about which manufacturer gets to celebrate in the only Victory Lane in the sport that essentially is in the backyard of what is known as the Big Three -- Detroit-based manufacturers Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/06/14/cedwards.ford.banner.michigan/index.html

6/9/2008 - Kurt Busch not impressed with comeback at Pocono

LONG POND, Pa. -- Kurt Busch slid out of his royal blue No. 2 Penske Racing Dodge after pulling it into a garage stall directly behind his transporter.

He was soaking wet and slightly flushed in the face -- but after four hours and 500 grueling miles around Pocono Raceway, he was entitled to look that way.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/06/08/kbusch.pocono.comeback/index.html

6/9/2008 - Kahne only one to top 170, earns first pole of season

LONG POND, Pa. -- The transition to NASCAR's new racecar didn't hurt Kasey Kahne at Pocono Raceway.

The driver of the No. 9 Gillett Evernham Dodge flew around the 2.5-mile speedway in 52.873 seconds to win the pole for Sunday's Pocono 500 Sprint Cup race. At 170.219 mph, Kahne was the only driver to top 170 mph.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/06/06/kkahne.pocono.pole/index.html

6/9/2008 - Kahne overcomes pit snafu to dominate Pocono race: Points leader Busch finishes 43rd on final leg of trifecta

LONG POND, Pa -- Pole-sitter Kasey Kahne recovered from missing lug nuts that dropped him to the back of the field -- and weathered myriad strategic ploys from his rivals -- to win Sunday's Pocono 500 Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/06/08/kkahne.wins.pocono.1/index.html

6/9/2008 - Kahne wins from pole, dominates Pocono 500 to stay on roll

LONG POND, Pa. -- Kasey Kahne and team director Kenny Francis sat on the podium to answer questions after a dominant performance to win the Pocono 500 on Sunday and promptly were asked whether they doubted themselves and their Gillett Evernham Motorsports team before winning the All-Star race less than a month ago.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=davis_kevin&id=3432775

6/9/2008 - Rising Kahne: Kahne pulls away late for 2nd win of '08

Kasey Kahne promised a month ago to use momentum to turn his slumping season around.

Boy, has he delivered.

Kahne dominated Sunday at Pocono Raceway for his second victory in the last three Sprint Cup Series points races. Counting his win in the All-Star race last month, Kahne has been to Victory Lane three times in the past four events.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/cup/raceTrax?gameId=20080608007

6/2/2008 - Best Buy 400 benefitting Student Clubs for Autism Speaks

This Week’s DIRECTV Chevrolet at Dover International Speedway… Clint Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 192 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This is the same Chevrolet Impala SS Bowyer raced to a 15th-place finish three weeks ago at Darlington Raceway and to a third-place finish in March at Bristol Motor Speedway. Built new for 2007, this is the same car Bowyer raced eight times last season. Mr. Jack’s Crew unloaded this car in both races at Bristol last year (St. 18, Fn. 8– St. 15, Fn. 3). Chassis No. 192 also saw action last spring at Martinsville (St. 21, Fn. 11), Phoenix (St. 12, Fn. 22), Darlington (St. 1, Fn. 9), twice at Dover (St. 15, Fn. 8– St. 42, Fn. 12) and last July at New Hampshire (St. 20, Fn. 37). In eight races in 2007, this car recorded an 18th-place starting average and a 13.75 average finish. Over that same span, Bowyer recorded one pole, one top-five and four top-10 finishes.

For complete article, click here: http://www.clintbowyer.com/08cupnews31.html

6/2/2008 - Handling Woes and Fueling Issues Relegate Busch to 20th At Dover

Disappointing Finish Still Sees Miller Lite Dodge Driver Cut 33 Points Off Deficit To 12th Spot In Standings-

DOVER, Del. (June 1, 2008)– Handling problems from the drop of the green flag, plus a broken dry-break connection in the fueling system, worked to relegate Miller Lite Dodge driver Kurt Busch to a 20th-place finish in today’s Best Buy 400 here at Dover International Speedway. But surprisingly, with several of the top drivers in the point standings having a disastrous race here today, Busch was able to make a 33-point dent in his deficit to 12th-place Kasey Kahne.

For complete article, click here: http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=232

6/2/2008 - Early Dover wreck ruins day for nearly half of top 12

DOVER, Del. -- Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick initially appeared to be the lucky ones, driving their cars away from the chaos on the backstretch and into the garage area, both making the left-hand turn into their stalls as crews awaited with equipment.

The Nos. 20 and 29 teams, stabled side-by-side, immediately went to work on their totaled machines that seemingly had identical damage: smashed-in nose, bent-up hood, broken deck lid, countless spots of interior malfunctions.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/06/01/tstewart.dhamlin.kharvick.dearnhardtjr.esadler.wreck.dover/index.html

5/28/2008 - Back on top: Kasey Kahne wins NASCAR's longest race

Tony Stewart suffered his second heartbreaking defeat of the season Sunday night when a flat tire late in the Coca-Cola 600 handed Kasey Kahne the victory in NASCAR's longest race of the year.

Stewart, who lost the season-opening Daytona 500 when he was passed on the last lap by Ryan Newman, had the tire go flat with three laps to go. He was forced to pit, allowing Kahne to zip past him for the victory.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/cup/raceTrax?gameId=20080525003

5/28/2008 - Kahne now has to maintain gift of confidence from fans

CONCORD, N.C. -- Kasey Kahne can rest easy now, although it's clear he won't.

The same can be said for Kahne's intensely loyal legions of fans -- particularly the ones who took great offense at the mere suggestion that perhaps he didn't really deserve to be in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race that he won recently at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

After following that victory up with Sunday's triumph in the grueling Coca-Cola 600 at the same track, there is no doubt Kahne is an All-Star again. His first points race victory in 53 tries erased any lingering doubts about Kahne's ability to get the job done, particularly when he sets his own often doubting mind right and has the dual confidence in himself and his team that is required to win races at the Sprint Cup level.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/opinion/05/27/jmenzer.kkahne.building.confidence/index.html

5/28/2008 - Kahne played by the rules, so give him some credit

Kahne won the All-Star race under the rules laid before him, and not a single competitor took exception with it. Some folks contend it's ridiculous and that Kahne didn't even belong in the race in the first place. I figure if Greg Biffle doesn't have a problem with it, we shouldn't.

Flawed system or not, the other drivers ultimately realize that once Kahne was in the show, everyone raced under the same conditions, and he whooped 'em. Johnny Benson made a great point on "NASCAR Now" the other night, too -- Kahne's a winner. He's won races in recent years.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=smith_marty&page=DoorToDoor080521

5/28/2008 - Kurt Busch Says Plenty Time Remains to Make the Chase

DOVER, Del. (May 27, 2008)– Miller Lite Dodge driver Kurt Busch may stand 21st in the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings and trail 12th-place Kasey Kahne by 262 points heading into Dover, but he is still confident that he can make the 2008“Chase” for the series championship.

“There’s plenty of time left, so we’re not flipping out or getting all bent out of shape,” said Busch, who claimed the 2004 points title under the“Chase” format.“We’ve only completed 12 races as of now, so that means we have another 14 races to go before it’s decided who makes it and who doesn’t. We’re smart enough to know that there is so much that can change between now and then.

For complete article, click here: http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=230

5/28/2008 - Despite Set Back Bowyer, Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Endure For Top-25

CONCORD, N.C.– Clint Bowyer fell victim to overheating issues in the early goings of Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, forcing the driver of the Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet to pit under green-flag conditions, just 18 laps in to the longest race on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

Bowyer’s black and white No. 07 Chevy picked up debris that had blown on to the race track blocking the front grill openings and causing the water and oil temperatures to spike. The untimely trip to pit lane ultimately cost him two laps that, despite a yeoman’s effort, he was unable to reclaim.

For complete article, click here: http://www.clintbowyer.com/08cupnews30.html

5/19/2008 - Fan favorite Kahne comes from rear to win All-Star Race

Kasey Kahne technically wasn't eligible to run the All-Star race. He didn't let that stop him from stealing the $1 million prize. Kahne earned his berth in Saturday night's show not through accomplishment on the track, but in a popularity contest that permitted one driver voted on by the fans to compete in the main event.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/cup/raceTrax?gameId=20080517027

5/19/2008 - Kahne goes from All-Star voted-in to Victory Lane

CONCORD, N.C. -- Sometimes it pays to be popular. On Saturday night, it paid Kasey Kahne $1 million. Voted into the Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway after he failed to make the field in the Sprint Showdown qualifying race, Kasey Kahne made the most of his opportunity by winning the All-Star event and the $1 million prize that goes with the victory.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/05/17/kkahne.wins.all.star.race/index.html

5/19/2008 - Fans' vote puts Kahne into Sprint All-Star Race at LMS

CONCORD, N.C. -- In the end, all the politicking that took place the past couple weeks didn't mean a thing. While Robby Gordon had sponsor support, Patrick Carpentier made "naked" promises and Elliott Sadler had the backing of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne intentionally stayed under the radar and ultimately became the fan vote winner for the 2008 Sprint All-Star Race.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/05/17/kkahne.allstar.fan.vote/index.html

5/19/2008 - Kahne rides goodwill fan vote to much-needed -- and valuable -- victory

CONCORD, N.C. -- Kyle Busch felt like he gave one away Saturday night, and Carl Edwards was already stewing on how he would spend the winner's $1 million purse. Greg Biffle was poised for a Sunday stroll to Victory Lane. But when the checkers flew over the Sprint All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the guy who had planned to watch the race from his couch with a few cold beers was standing in the winner's circle, drenched in a few dozen cold beers.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=smith_marty&id=3401626

5/19/2008 - Fan Vote Turns Victorious For Kahne and Budweiser Team at All-Star Race

It took Kasey Kahne an extra 40 laps and the support of thousands of NASCAR fans but when the checkered flag fell in Saturday’s Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, it was the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge that claimed the victory and a $1 million prize. After being transferred into the Sprint All-Star Race by the Sprint Fan Vote, Kahne claimed his first victory of 2008 and his first for sponsor Budweiser. After not scoring a victory in 2007, Kahne did not qualify to compete in Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Instead, the Washington State native had two options of how to transfer the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge into the field – either place first or second in the 40-lap Sprint Showdown, which precedes the All-Star event, or win the Sprint Fan Vote an online election which allows fans to voice who they think should be in the field. At the close of the Showdown race, Kahne was fifth on the track but first in the eyes of the fans, winning the vote and a spot in the main event. “I love it,” Kahne answered when asked what he thought about the Sprint Fan Vote. “This weekend is all about the fans. Everything that Sprint and Lowe’s Motor Speedway do over the two weeks we race here in Charlotte is all about the fans. This is so awesome to get our first victory with Budweiser and to win this race. I want to thank all the fans for voting for this Budweiser Team. I owe this victory to them.” Kahne started the first of four 25-lap segments from the rear of the 24-car field. As the laps ticked away and the first three segments were completed, Kahne made his way into the top-10 contenders. In the end though, it was a pit call prior to the fourth segment that put Kahne in position to place the field in his rear view mirror and drive to victory. Team Director Kenny Francis called for no tires and a splash of gas only while on pit road between segments three and four. With the gamble not to take tires, Kahne advanced his track position in the pits and took the restart in the second position behind driver Jimmie Johnson. Just eight laps into the segment, Kahne took the lead and would cross the stripe first for the final 17 circuits to post the victory. Kahne became the first driver ever voted in by the fans to win, and just the third driver in All-Star history to advance from the preliminary race and claim the final trophy. “Momentum is so big in this sport,” Kahne continued. “I’m excited to come back here next week. Even this morning, I wasn’t that excited about our chances here at Charlotte but tonight changed all of that. Our team has been running better this year but we still haven’t been running at the level we want to. Tonight shows us that we have the ability to compete for the win every week and that’s very important.” Greg Biffle followed Kahne to the checkered flag to finish in the second position. Biffle was followed by teammate Matt Kenseth in the third spot. Rounding out the top-five finishers were Johnson and Tony Stewart in the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Kahne and the No. 9 Budweiser Team will carry the momentum of their Sprint All-Star victory into next weekend’s race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The Sprint Cup competitors return to championship points’ action on Sunday, May 25 with 600 miles of premier stock car racing. Live television coverage of the event will be broadcast on the FOX Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. Radio coverage will be provided by the Performance Racing Network.

5/12/2008 - Support Emporia Golf Tournament Nets $150K

EMPORIA , Kan. (May 7, 2008) - The inaugural Clint Bowyer Support Emporia golf tournament was a rousing success and netted $150,000 for the Emporia Community Foundation.

Bowyer, along with former World of Outlaws Champion Danny Lasoski and several local dignitaries, were on hand for the event which is scheduled to be an annual fundraiser supporting Bowyer's hometown.

For complete article, click here: http://www.clintbowyer.com/08cupnews24.html

5/12/2008 - 12TH-PLACE DARLINGTON FINISH SHOWS PROMISE FOR BUSCH & TEAM - Potential Top-Five Finish By Miller Lite Dodge Team Foiled By Front Suspension Problems-

DARLINGTON, S.C. (May 10, 2008) – Miller Lite Dodge driver Kurt Busch ran among the top-five for much of tonight's Dodge Challenger 500 here at Darlington Raceway and actually led a lap during a green-flag pitting sequence. However, mechanical problems with the right-front suspension caused a disastrous pit stop with less than 100 laps remaining and the team had to mount a valiant charge to finish 12th.

For complete article, click here: http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=222

5/12/2008 - Crew chiefs busy copying Edwards' intermediate-track setup

CONCORD , N.C.-- Crew chiefs and engineers are taking the yawn out of Sprint Cup testing at Lowe's Motor Speedway and putting in the yaw.

The hope is to close the gap between Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards and the rest of the field at 1.5-mile tracks such as LMS.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=newton_david&id=3384473

5/12/2008 - Bowyer, Childress just fine with being overshadowed

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Clint Bowyer skipped the second day of testing at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Tuesday, jetting instead to his hometown of Emporia, Kan., to host a charity golf tournament. With so much focus on Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin in the aftermath of last week's race at Richmond , Va. , nobody seemed to miss the man who actually won it.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/05/09/cbowyer.darlington.overshadowed/index.html

5/5/2008 - Edwards spurns free agency, agrees to Roush Fenway deal

RICHMOND , Va. -- Carl Edwards briefly explored free agency before deciding to stay with Roush Fenway Racing for the next several years.

Edwards said Friday he signed a multiple-year contract extension to continue driving the No. 99 Ford, a decision that takes NASCAR's most sought-after free agent off the market.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=3378740

5/5/2008 - Bowyer takes checkered flag at wild Richmond race

RICHMOND , Va. -- Richard Childress always tells his drivers that luck occurs when preparation meets opportunity.

Clint Bowyer proved the boss right on Saturday night.

Bowyer was a surprise winner at Richmond International Raceway, stealing a win that first seemed destined for Denny Hamlin, then Dale Earnhardt Jr. Neither made it to Victory Lane , though, because of a wild ending that saw three drivers denied the trip Bowyer made to Victory Lane .

For complete article, click here: http://www.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/10811736

5/5/2008 - Bowyer steals win in Richmond after wild ending denies Hamlin, Earnhardt and Busch

RICHMOND , Virginia (AP) - Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. both looked likely winners before Clint Bowyer stole victory in a wild finish to NASCAR's Sprint Cup race at Richmond on Saturday.

Hamlin, the hometown favorite, ran away with the race and led a record 381 of the 400 laps in search of his first Cup victory at Richmond . Nobody came close to challenging him until a leaking right front tire allowed Earnhardt and Kyle Busch to catch him.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8102122/Bowyer-steals-win-in-Richmond-after-wild-ending-denies-Hamlin,-Earnhardt-and-Busch

5/5/2008 - On the money: Late wrecks give Bowyer the victory

Denny Hamlin appeared headed toward an easy victory. Then, Dale Earnhardt Jr. seemed poised to snap his two-year losing streak.

In the end, surprise winner Clint Bowyer celebrated in Victory Lane , stealing a victory Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway that ended in wild fashion.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/cup/raceTrax?gameId=20080503005

4/28/2008 - KURT BUSCH FINISHES 39th IN AARON’S 499 AT TALLADEGA - Miller Lite Dodge Driver Bitten By Vibration & Late-Race Multi-Car Crash

TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 27, 2008) – Miller Lite Dodge driver Kurt Busch fought back from a continuous vibration and made up a lost lap only to get caught up in a late-race multi-car crash and get relegated to an unofficial 39-place finish in today’s Aaron’s 499 here at Talladega Superspeedway.

For complete article, click here: http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=215

4/28/2008 - Richmond Int'l Raceway news 2008-04-02

Richmond, Virginia (April 2, 2008) -- Fresh off his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Martinsville Speedway over the weekend, Denny Hamlin is now setting his sights on winning at his hometown track, Richmond International Raceway. Sunday's win was Hamlin's first Sprint Cup Series win of the season and his first Sprint Cup Series win in the state of the Virginia. Now, Hamlin will turn his attention to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 race on Saturday night, May 3 at Richmond International Raceway.

For complete article, click here: http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=283949&FS=NASCAR-CUP

4/28/2008 - Virginia’s Own Denny Hamlin to Visit Richmond Int'l Raceway’s Green Flag Zone Fan Hospitality Area

RICHMOND, Va. -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and Chesterfield, Virginia, native Denny Hamlin will visit Richmond International Raceway’s Green Flag Zone fan hospitality area on Saturday, May 3, prior to the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Hamlin, who grew up racing in the Richmond area in nearby Chesterfield, will participate in a question and answer session in the Green Flag Zone.

For complete article, click here: http://www.whowon.com/sResults.asp?SanctionID=230&StoryID=243684

4/28/2008 - Bowyer hopes practice will make perfect on burnouts: Driver crashes car while touting new All-Star competition

CONCORD, N.C. -- Forgive Clint Bowyer if he needs more practice doing burnouts. He has, after all, secured only one Sprint Cup Series victory in his young career. His inexperience in the celebratory and heretofore largely uncelebrated art of burnouts showed Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway, when Bowyer, on hand to demonstrate what will become a new competition prior to the May 17 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, lost control of his Chevrolet Monte Carlo and wrecked it.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/04/22/cbowyer.burnout.competition/index.html

4/28/2008 - Hamlin, Busch business as usual amid Stewart chatter: Both drivers want to keep teammate, supportive as well

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Tony Stewart made waves Thursday when he announced he has received offers from multiple teams regarding his services when his contract is up at the end of the 2009 Sprint Cup season. And while Stewart and his possible departure from the Joe Gibbs team was the talk of the garage Friday at Talladega Superspeedway, JGR's other two drivers, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, weren't consumed by the possible loss of a teammate.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/04/25/tstewart.kybusch.dhamlin.contract/index.html

4/15/2008 - Hamlin, FedEx to support March of Dimes at Phoenix

DALLAS -- Denny Hamlin's No. 11 Toyota will feature a specially designed FedEx Kinko's Camry featuring the March of Dimes logo that will race this week at Phoenix International Raceway.

The March for Babies logos will be prominently displayed on the hood. Also highlighted on the car is a March of Dimes white and purple color scheme, with tiny footprints on the hood and rear of the car.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/04/10/fed.ex.march.of.dimes/index.html

4/15/2008 - Edwards among those to dodge trouble at Phoenix

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- He incurred a penalty for an over-the-wall crewman who jumped into the pit box too soon. He lost time when a tire got away during a pit stop. He lost a lap when he was trapped on pit road. But Carl Edwards still rallied to record a top-five finish Saturday night at Phoenix International Raceway, more proof of the charmed life the Roush Fenway Racing driver is living right now.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/04/14/cedwards.phoenix.recap/index.html

4/15/2008 - Johnson's win perhaps not as telling as Edwards' solid run

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Carl Edwards didn't win Saturday night, but he may have shown more in defeat than he would have in victory.

Jimmie Johnson played the fuel-strategy game to perfection to win the Subway Fresh Fit 500, but Edwards was the most impressive driver in the field.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/notebook?page=notebookRundown20080414

4/15/2008 - Edwards comes back from problems to finish fourth

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) - It turns out Carl Edwards was almost as good on a 1-mile oval as he has been on the 1.5-mile tracks.

Edwards, who has won three of eight races this season, all on the intermediate tracks, came back from a lap down Saturday night to finish fourth in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8030522/Edwards-comes-back-from-problems-to-finish-fourth

4/7/2008 - Edwards' post-victory celebration at Texas missing two familiar faces

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Confetti was falling and liquids were spraying as Carl Edwards celebrated Sunday's Sprint Cup victory at Texas Motor Speedway.
But two of the most important people outside of the driver were missing from Victory Lane.
Robbie Reiser and Bob Osborne.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/notebook?page=notebookRundown20080407

4/7/2008 - Edwards cruises at Texas with third win of season

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Carl Edwards' signature backflip marked more than his third dominating performance of the 2008 Sprint Cup season.
In a green-white-checkered-flag finish that took Sunday's Samsung 500 five laps beyond its scheduled distance of 334 laps, Edwards held off Jimmie Johnson at Texas Motor Speedway to win his third race of the season and the 10th of his career.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/04/06/cedwards.texas.cup.race/index.html

4/7/2008 - Hamlin's crew chief thinks two-lap overtime 'asinine'

FORT WORTH , Texas -- On top of the pit box for the No. 11 Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin, crew chief Mike Ford gritted his teeth as Sunday's Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway drew to its conclusion. He sensed he knew what was coming: the dreaded green-white-checkered finish.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/04/07/mford.dhamlin.against.green.white.checkered/index.html

4/7/2008 - Edwards dominates in Texas for series-best 3rd win of season

FORT WORTH , Texas (AP) - Don't tell Carl Edwards that NASCAR's new car is boring, not after he drove it to his series-best third win of the season. Edwards dominated Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway, then rebuked claims made by second- and third-place finishers Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch that the Car of Tomorrow erased the excitement from the event.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7995084/Edwards-dominates-in-Texas-for-series-best-3rd-win-of-season

4/7/2008 - Texas two-step: Edwards claims second career Texas win

Carl Edwards ran away with the Samsung 500 for his NASCAR-best third win of the season, holding off Jimmie Johnson on a two-lap overtime sprint to the finish on Sunday.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/cup/raceTrax

3/30/2008 - Hamlin in the mood for more after breakthrough win

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Denny Hamlin was beyond frustration two weeks ago when a stalled engine on a green-white-checkered restart cost him the victory at Bristol Motor Speedway. So many bad things had happened to his Sprint Cup team in the first five races of this season and the last half of 2007 that he felt he was cursed for sure.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/columns/story?seriesId=2&columnist=newton_david&id=3321216

3/30/2008 - Hamlin foils Burton's strategy to win at Martinsville

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) - Denny Hamlin hopes he's finally put his frustration behind him, not only at Martinsville Speedway, but throughout the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7967594

3/30/2008 - Hamlin holds on for win in home state at Martinsville

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Hendrick Motorsports flexed its muscles Sunday, but Denny Hamlin's team made the right call in the pits, propelling the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to victory in the Goody's Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/03/30/dhamlin.wins.martinsville/index.html

3/18/2008 - KAHNE SCORES FOURTH TOP 10 OF SEASON AT BRISTOL

Following Sunday’s Food City 500, Kasey Kahne and the No. 9 Budweiser Team posted their fourth top-10 finish in the first five races of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Kahne rebounded from several set-backs during the 500-lap event at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) to finish in the seventh position following a green-white-checkered finish.

“It’s another strong run for this team,” Kahne said. “Kenny and our guys did a great job because we were really tight all day long. I don’t know whether it was the change in the weather or what, but we just couldn’t get our car to drive like it did yesterday during final practice. We battled back from being a lap down and a pit road penalty to get back up to the front so we’re pretty happy with today’s results.”

Kahne started from the 20th starting spot after the field was set according to owner’s points as a result of heavy rain showers settling in the Tri-City area on Friday. Overcast skies also rolled in on Saturday but not before the Sprint Cup Series competitors were able to take the track for two scheduled practice sessions. Kahne and his No. 9 Budweiser Team looked to be the class of the field, posting the quickest lap time in the final of the two practices.

On Sunday, temperatures were much cooler as the 43 teams fired their engines for the start of the fifth race of 2008. From the onset of the race, Kahne radioed to crew chief Kenny Francis that his Budweiser Dodge was very tight. Francis called for several changes to the chassis during the first two caution periods to help alleviate the tight-handling condition.

During the third caution period on lap 95, Kahne brought his No. 9 Budweiser Dodge to pit road for service but was penalized for exiting pit road too fast and forced to take the restart at the tail end of the longest line of cars. Once the green flag was back out, the leaders made quick work to get to Kahne’s back bumper on Bristol’s short half-mile. Kahne fell one lap down to the leader on lap 155.

Kahne would never let the lead car out of his sights though as his perseverance was finally rewarded with the Lucky Dog award, returning to the lead lap on lap 291 during the seventh caution flag of the race. From there Kahne patiently tracked down the top 15 with a car that, while still tight, was quick during long green-flag runs. A 70-lap green flag run during the final 100 laps allowed Kahne to make his way into the top 10 and to position himself for a final charge during the closing laps of the race.

Kahne’s seventh-place finish on Sunday at Bristol allowed the driver of the Budweiser Dodge to pick up one position in the championship point standings, moving the Budweiser driver into the sixth position. Kahne is 108 points behind standing’s leader, Kyle Busch.

Richard Childress Racing scored a one-two-three finish with their three Sprint Cup teams on Sunday in the Food City 500. Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 entry, scored his first career victory at BMS following a green-white-checkered finish. Burton was followed by teammates Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer in the second and third positions respectively. Greg Biffle finished in the fourth spot followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in fifth.

Kahne’s teammate Elliott Sadler concluded Sunday’s race in the 21st position, four laps behind the race winner after battling a loose-handling condition through the high-banked turns at Bristol Motor Speedway.

There will be no NASCAR action next weekend as the Sprint Cup Series takes a week off of competition in observation of the Easter holiday. Kasey Kahne and the No. 9 Budweiser team will return to action on Sunday, March 30th at Martinsville Speedway for the running of the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. FOX is scheduled to provide live coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Radio coverage will be broadcast by the Motor Racing Network (MRN).

3/18/2008 - BRISTOL, Tenn. (March 17, 2008)

Penske Racing drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Ryan Newman finished 12th, 29th, and 33rd respectively in Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, as all three Penske teams have secured spots in the top 35 for the NASCAR Cup event in Martinsville in two weeks. Due to the rain out of qualifying as has been common this year, Busch, driving the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, again came from deep in the starting field in 36th position to post a strong top-15 lead-lap finish. Hornish Jr. started seventh on the grid in the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge and avoided trouble while battling a tight handling car. Newman, who had to start from the back of the pack because of an engine change during second practice on Saturday, looked promising as one of the fastest cars of the .533-mile oval, until an incident near the midpoint of the race took Newman out of contention.

Following five NASCAR Cup races, Newman is currently eighth in the 2008 point standings, with Busch ranked 10th and Hornish Jr. 35th.

“That was all we had here today, so we’ll take it and go on,” said Busch after the race. “To have started back in the field like we did, that’s not all bad. We made our way toward the front from the drop of the green flag and kept a consistent run going. We were on the lead lap during the entire race for a change. It was a promising run for us.”

Busch exercised patience and avoided getting caught up in the five caution periods during the first 200 laps, as he was able to stay on the lead lap and move his way into the top 15. Busch was able to make it up as far as eighth in the running order before handling issues ended his forward progress. He fell as far back as 14th before rallying back to finish 12th.

“We just fell back into that cycle that’s been so common this year of being loose in, tight in the center and loose off (the turns),” said Busch. “At the end, that was just all we had for them here today. It should be a decent points day for us and we weathered the storm with us making the points swap. I’d say that all is well in the Penske camp and all three teams can go forward and look positively toward the remainder of the season.”

No. 2 car crew chief Pat Tryson was pleased with his team’s performance and was relieved that the fifth race of the year is now in the record books.

“Thank goodness that we’ll be back on an even playing field during the next race at Martinsville in two weeks,” said Tryson. “Sam (Hornish) and the 77 team are in the top 35 in the points and will be locked in the field when we get to Martinsville in two weeks, so that is mission-accomplished as far as that goes. But the points-swapping deal cost us practice time here this weekend and put us in a less-than-ideal spot on pit road during the race.

“But as usual, Kurt drove a smart race and the entire team did a fantastic job,” Tryson added. “When we get to Martinsville, the clock goes back to zero and we’ll be back up there again. Kurt and all the No. 2 team members deserve pats on the back for getting through these first five races, keeping it together and staying as strong as we are. We’re making some strides with this new car and learning each and every week. We’ll enjoy next weekend off and be ready to take a brand new car on to Martinsville and get back after it.”

Hornish Jr., tasked with learning a new track and fighting for valuable owner points, was intent on running a smart race and taking the checkered flag at the end of the day. The talented rookie was focused on running his line and remained on the lead lap until lap 150. Also battling a tight handling car, the Mobil 1 team caught a lucky break when the caution flag flew on lap 191 for a multi-car accident in turn two.

“The right front tire is just about done,” radioed Hornish Jr., to his team. “We’ve picked up a pretty bad vibration so that was a good caution for us.”

Hornish Jr. came to pit road for service, and despite continued adjustments, the tight condition persisted. By the mid-point of the race, he was running in the 30th position, two laps down to the leader. Hornish Jr. continued to battle the tight condition on track for the remainder of the race. He finished the Food City 500 in the 29th position, running five laps down to the leader.

“We accomplished what we had to today,” said Hornish Jr. “We stayed out of trouble and worked our way back into the top 35 in owner points. After we had tough luck in two of the first five races, it feels good to know that our hard work and determination has gotten us back into the top 35 headed to Martinsville. We just couldn’t seem to get the adjustments to go in our direction. The race was definitely intense and I was probably bumped more than I bumped others but today was a good day for us overall.”

Although the Alltel Dodge Charger battled a tight handling condition, Newman was able to move into the top 10 for the first time by lap 140 of the race. However at lap 190, two cars wrecked while battling for position and Newman was left with no place to go except straight into the five-car wreck. The altercation left the No. 12 Alltel Dodge with heavy damage to the left rear quarter panel and the left side of the rear bumper, as well as right front-fender damage.

“It was a rough ending for the Alltel Dodge Charger,” Newman said after the race. “We had a fast car all day, but just got caught up in a wreck. When you race here you have to have your car in one piece in at the end, but we just had some bad luck in the middle of the race.

“The 26 and the 40 (cars) got crossed-up and turned around,” Newman said. “Then the 15 (car) spun in front of me and I had nowhere to go and I hit him. Then I got T-boned – that was pretty much our day.”

The NASCAR Cup Series has the week off next week for the Easter holiday. The Penske Racing trio will return to action at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, March 30 for the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. The race can be seen on FOX beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET and heard live on MRN Radio.

3/18/2008 - RCR's sweep of top three spots at Bristol a team effort

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Richard Childress Racing has had a lot of fine moments in its storied history. But Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway will have to rank among the top.
A stunning series of events helped RCR sweep the top three positions for the first time in team history, with Jeff Burton winning, Kevin Harvick finishing second and Clint Bowyer third. Bowyer, by the way, also won Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at the 0.533-mile track.

For complete article, click here: http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/RCRs_sweep_of_top_three_definitely_a_team_effort.html

3/10/2008 - KURT BUSCH BOUNCES BACK TO FINISH 11TH IN KOBALT 500 AT A.M.S. - Miller Lite Dodge Driver Shows Patience & Resilience In Atlanta Race; Back Up To 10th In Points -

HAMPTON, Ga. (March 9, 2008) – After going a lap down only 30 laps into today's Kobalt Tools 500 here at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Miller Lite Dodge driver Kurt Busch was already talking on the team radio about the 325-lap race being no more than a 500-mile test session.

For complete article, click here: http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=198

3/10/2008 - 'Jack is mad,' and Roush isn't going to take accusations quietly

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Car owner Jack Roush strongly denied any intentional wrongdoing Friday in the wake of NASCAR penalties that knocked driver Carl Edwards out of first place in the Sprint Cup points and put crew chief Bob Osborne on a six-week suspension.

For complete article, click here: http://www.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/10693680

3/10/2008 - Edwards Had the Car to Beat in Atlanta

HAMPTON, Ga. (March 9, 2008) – Carl Edwards headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway on the heels of a controversial week following his No. 99 team's victory at Las Vegas and subsequent penalties that resulted from the oil tank cover becoming dislodged during the race. Edwards had the perfect race going on Sunday to quiet his naysayers, as he had one of the fastest cars in the field for the majority of the race. However, just 51 laps from the finish, Edwards suffered a mechanical failure in the engine of his No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion that would relegate him to a 42nd-place finish.

For complete article, click here: http://www.roushfenway.com/story/edwards-had-car-beat-atlanta

3/10/2008 - Edwards strong again until engine expires

HAMPTON , Ga. (AP) - Carl Edwards had no idea why all that smoke was pouring from the back of his race car. He just knew it had nothing to do with the lid on his oil tank.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7893770/Edwards-strong-again-until-engine-expires

3/7/2008 - Carl Edwards flips for John Cena in Victory Lane.

After NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Carl Edwards won Sunday's UAW-Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the driver mentioned his good friend John Cena while celebrating in Victory Lane.

“Maybe I'll let John Cena use it in a WrestleMania or something,” Edwards said, looking at his trophy, a belt that looked similar to a WWE Championship.

For complete article, click here: http://totalcena.blogspot.com/2008/03/carl-edwards-flips-for-john-cena-in.html

3/3/2008 - Kahne hopes early success a sign for the entire season: No. 9 driver ranked sixth in points heading to Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- Kasey Kahne may drive the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge, but he still gets carded occasionally when he's out on the town. The rule of thumb, or rather facial hair: if he shaves and wears a hat, it's not as easy to order up an ice-cold Bud because he usually is first asked to pull out identification to prove he's of age. If he doesn't shave and doesn't wear a hat to an establishment, usually it's smooth sailing with no carding delays.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/02/29/kkahne.back.on.track.vegas/index.html

3/3/2008 - Carl Edwards wins Vegas for 2nd straight victory

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The celebration of Carl Edwards' second consecutive victory was short-lived: His winning Ford Fusion failed a post-race inspection at Las Vegas Motor Speedway that could lead to severe penalties for his team.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7865432/Carl-Edwards-wins-Vegas-for-2nd-straight-victory

3/3/2008 - Edwards pulls away from Junior to win at Las Vegas: No.99 team escapes penalty from runaway tire in pits

LAS VEGAS -- During the Sprint Cup Series' brief sojourn in Las Vegas, it wasn't a roll of the dice that propelled Carl Edwards to his second consecutive victory and the ninth of his career. It was the roll of a tire -- and what didn't happen afterward.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/03/02/cedwards.las.vegas.post/index.html

3/3/2008 - Edwards wins at Vegas but fails inspection

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Making his second visit in six days to Victory Lane, Carl Edwards triumphantly raised the glittering gold belt he earned at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In a town known for title fights, Edwards emerged as a heavyweight contender Sunday. "We do this to win. Winning these races is the greatest," Edwards said. "Winning a championship would be the ultimate. What we're trying to do is win the championship this year. That's our No. 1 goal."

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7858852

2/26/2008 - Daytona winner Newman finishes 10th at California

FONTANA, Calif. (AP) - A week after winning the Daytona 500, Ryan Newman added a 10th-place finish in the rain-delayed Auto Club 500.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7840716/Daytona-winner-Newman-finishes-10th-at-California

2/26/2008 - Edwards outduels reigning Cup champion for win

FONTANA, Calif. (AP) - For Carl Edwards, it's a signal. At least one NASCAR Sprint Cup team is ready to take on Hendrick Motorsports.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7838546/Edwards-outduels-reigning-Cup-champion-for-win

2/26/2008 - Busch pleased, frustrated heading into Fontana race. Disappointment still there after finishing fourth at Daytona

FONTANA, Calif. -- You'll have to pardon Kyle Busch if he's suffering from a little "yellow line fever."
One week after Busch finished fourth in the Daytona 500 with what arguably was the dominant car, he talked about the final restart and why he seemed to back off the throttle shortly after the field took the green.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/02/22/kybusch.california/index.html

2/26/2008 - Edwards outkicks Johnson to take delayed California 500

FONTANA, Calif. -- For Carl Edwards, it's a signal. At least one NASCAR Sprint Cup team is ready to take on Hendrick Motorsports.

For complete article, click here: http://www.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/10666837

2/26/2008 - Edwards wins at Fontana on a sunny California day

FONTANA, Calif. -- The difference was night and day.
Under blue skies Monday, some 21 hours after the race had started, Carl Edwards put the finishing touches on the rain-delayed Auto Club 500 at beleaguered Auto Club Speedway.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7798568

2/19/2008 - Incredible Team Effort Sees Kurt Busch Finish Second In 500 - Miller Lite Dodge Driver Proud To Have “Small Bit Of Victory” From Teammate Newman's Win –

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2008) – Miller Lite Dodge driver Kurt Busch started last and finished second in today’s 50th annual Daytona 500 here at Daytona International Speedway. His day in this special edition of NASCAR racing “Super Bowl” was so filled with drama that it could warrant documentation by a book or even a movie.

For complete article, click here: : http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=187

2/19/2008 - Newman outraces Stewart with help from Busch to win Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Another thriller, another heartbreak at the Daytona 500.

For the second straight year, The Great American Race came down to the last lap. This time the drama rewarded Ryan Newman, who hadn't won in 81 races over more than two years, and team owner Roger Penske, long the king at Indianapolis but never a winner at Daytona.

For complete article, click here: http://www.sportsline.com/autoracing/story/10649662

2/19/2008 - Newman gets last-lap push from teammate to win 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Throughout Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway, all the talk had been about teamwork -- and most of it involved the dominant Hendrick Chevrolets and the presumptive pretenders to the throne, the Joe Gibbs Toyotas.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/02/17/rnewman.kbusch.daytona.500/index.html

2/19/2008 - Daytona 500 winner Newman wants a Sprint Cup championship next

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - For some drivers, winning the Daytona 500 is the goal. Ryan Newman considers his win in NASCAR's Super Bowl a good start to an even bigger ambition.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7813050/Daytona-500-winner-Newman-wants-a-Sprint-Cup-championship-next

2/19/2008 - Newman wins Daytona 500 with late pass

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Another thriller, another heartbreak at the Daytona 500. For the second straight year, The Great American Race came down to the last lap. This time the drama rewarded Ryan Newman, who hadn't won in 81 races over more than two years, and team owner Roger Penske, long the king at Indianapolis but never a winner at Daytona.

For complete article, click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7798568

2/11/2008 - Often overlooked, Bowyer fine with sleeper role again: RCR driver ready to prove '07 Chase run wasn't a fluke

WELCOME, N.C. -- For 20 minutes during a stop at the Richard Childress Racing shop on the Sprint Cup preseason media tour last month, the owner of RCR and his drivers sat on stage and answered all kinds of questions.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/02/10/cbowyer.defending.strong.season/index.html

2/11/2008 - KURT BUSCH FINISHES 18th IN BUD SHOOTOUT “EXCITING NIGHT” -Miller Lite Dodge Driver Perseveres Numerous Obstacles In Daytona Special Event-

The official results sheet from Saturday night's Bud Shootout NASCAR Sprint Cup special event shows that Kurt Busch started first and finished 18th .

For complete article, click here: http://www.kurtbusch.com/schedule/read_article.php?id=182

2/11/2008 - Hamlin all positive about Toyota, COT, 'new' JGR: Misses nothing about old car; impressed with COT

LAS VEGAS -- Despite winning a race with the Car of Tomorrow in its inaugural 2007 season, Denny Hamlin could have hardly been called an ardent supporter of NASCAR's latest chassis design.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/01/28/dhamlin.kbusch.tstewart.toyota.cot/index.html

2/11/2008 - Kahne Finishes 10th in Budweiser Debut

Kasey Kahne made his debut as the new Budweiser driver during the 30th Annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona on Saturday night in Daytona Beach , Fla. After starting the race from the eighth position, Kahne climbed as high as fourth in the running order before walking away with a 10th-place finish in the annual all-star event.

For complete article, click here: http://www.kaseykahne.com/news/index.php?article=view&id=192

11/19/2007 - Edwards clinches Busch title as Harvick wins race

Kevin Harvick won another race and runaway points leader Carl Edwards finally wrapped up his first NASCAR Busch Series championship Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway.

Edwards, who built a lead of more than 800 points in the first half of the season, stumbled through the second half of the year before putting away the title with an 11th-place run in the O'Reilly Challenge. He leads runner-up David Reutimann by an insurmountable 552 points with two races to go.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/bg/11/03/kharvick.cedwards.texas.winner.ap/index.html

11/19/2007 - Johnson wins 2nd consecutive Cup title

Future generations of NASCAR historians and fans will marvel at the meteoric rise of Jimmie Johnson's Nextel Cup career, which climbed to another level of excellence here Sunday night when he earned his second consecutive NASCAR Nextel Cup championship.

For complete article, click here: http://www.lowesracing.com/articles/20071118/959627.html

11/19/2007 - Hendrick would like to lock up Johnson's services as he has Gordon's

No surprise, if it's up to Rick Hendrick, Jimmie Johnson will drive a Hendrick Motorsports racecar for the remainder of his career.

Hendrick said he is fully prepared to do whatever it takes to retain Johnson's services for as long as he drives professionally in the Nextel Cup Series. Money. Assets. Car dealerships. And most importantly, championship-caliber racecars.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=3114827

11/19/2007 - Johnson plays it smart to earn second championship with ease

No flat tires. No blown engines. No pit-road mistakes. No crashes that got in his way.

The drama was missing. Exactly the way Jimmie Johnson wanted it.

Johnson had a simple Sunday drive to his second consecutive Nextel Cup championship. The fears over some unforeseen trouble or a disastrous moment of fate in the Ford 400 never materialized.

For complete article, click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/columns/story?seriesId=2&columnist=blount_terry&id=3118052

11/19/2007 - Johnson may be the sport's most impressive discovery

Chandra Johnson sat in her seat atop the No. 48 pit box, rocking back and forth as her husband circled the racetrack. Chad Knaus hunched over his computer, his crew chief's eyes glued to the red numbers rolling across the monitor. Stevie Reeves warned of cars ahead from his perch atop the spotter's stand, the information relayed in the same businesslike tone he'd used all night. With fewer than 10 laps remaining, it was safe enough to engrave Jimmie Johnson's name on a second consecutive Nextel Cup. But no one in command central was celebrating.

For complete article, click here: http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/opinion/11/18/dcaraviello.jjohnson.out.of.nowhere/index.html

11/13/2007 - Johnson wins fourth in row to take command of Chase

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Nobody could touchJeff Gordonin his prime, a three-year stretch when he won 33 races and consecutive championships.

For complete article click here: http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/11/11/phoenix.post.race.ap.ap/index.html

11/13/2007 - Chase turned potential snooze-fest into something worth watching

The right man is going to win the 2007 Nextel Cup championship, and you can thank the Chase format for making it happen.

For complete article click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/columns/story?seriesId=2&columnist=blount_terry&id=3108267

11/13/2007 - Johnson credits Gordon for pushing him

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - It's not unusual forJeff Gordonto visit teammateJimmie Johnsonin Victory Lane, but no one would have been surprised if he skipped it following Johnson's win at Phoenix.

For complete article click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7391870

11/13/2007 - Johnson and Gordon to appear on ESPN’s 'Monday Night Football'

CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 12, 2007) - With the final race of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season in their windshields, drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon will appear during halftime of ESPN's Monday Night Football game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. The game airs Monday, Nov. 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Hendrick Motorsports teammates will battle for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup title at Florida's Homestead-Miami Speedway, the last race in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. The race airs Sunday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. on ABC.

ESPN's Stuart Scott will interview Johnson and Gordon via satellite. Johnson is the defending NASCAR champion while Gordon is attempting to win his fifth title.

11/13/2007 - Post Race Quotes from Phoenix

Kurt Busch: “We had a good run with the Miller Lite Dodge. It was just a little too tight in one spot and a little too loose in another spot. So all in all we’ll chalk it up as a year of experience with the COTs. We have some more work to do.”

Carl Edwards: “That’s a great race car. That thing is awesome. It was something important in the engine. I don’t know what it is, but we don’t have many engine failures. It’s too bad to have one on this day, I would have welcomed one at Texas last week but to have it today- this Office Depot was so fast. I mean, I was out there just having a blast. I could go just about as fast as I wanted, so you don’t get that very often. It’s too bad it blew up.”

Jimmie Johnson: “I am shaking my head too, with Chad. I don’t know what to think about the success we have had this year. I just feel, and I know Chad feels this way, I am just happy to be at Hendrick Motorsports and have these tools to work with and go out and race, doing something we enjoy. Great race! Great pit work! I cannot believe 10 wins in one year. It is unbelievable. It is just a lot of great support from everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. I don’t want to go without thanking them as well as all the employee/ owners at Lowe’s.”

Kasey Kahne: “Right there I just hit the wall. Today was frustrating. We got into it with a couple other cars earlier and the car wasn’t where we wanted it to be. It was time for the day to be over.”

Ryan Newman: “The Alltel Dodge was pretty good. We knew that we were good enough to get track position with the disadvantage. With two tires or with fuel only and that was OK…I wasn’t mad about that, but I wish we just had that extra little speed so we could get on everyone else’s strategy. You know, being able to take two tires when everybody takes two, or take four when they take four. We’re getting closer to that. It’s just a matter of time. To have a top-five finish is great. To build on another top-five finish, that’s two in a row, that’s really great. I don’t know if we’ve done that all year, so to finish up at least two out of three would be great.”

Jamie McMurray: “We just could not get a handle on our No. 26 IRWIN Industrial Tools Ford Fusion,” said McMurray following the race. “The handling was completely off this afternoon. I know that Larry and Derek (Stamets) did everything they could to make the handling better, but it just didn’t seem like anything worked for us. We were able to maintain our position on the speedway, but never felt like we could move forward. We finished the race and were able to learn some stuff about the car of tomorrow, but we weren’t competitive today. We’ll take it back to the shop and look forward to next weekend in Miami.”

11/5/2007 - Lap by Lap: Texas

CHECKERED FLAG: Jimmie Johnson holds on to beat Matt Kenseth and win the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Johnson leaves with a 30-point lead on Jeff Gordon in the Chase.

For complete article click here: http://www.nascar.com/2007/races/lapbylap/11/04/texas.2/index.html

11/5/2007 - Johnson wins second straight to gain ground on points leader Gordon

HAMPTON, Ga.--Jimmie JohnsonandJeff Gordonare quickly turning the Chase for the Nextel Cup championship into their own private duel.

For complete article click here: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=3084371

11/5/2007 - Johnson wins third straight race

FORT WORTH, Texas(AP) -Jimmie Johnsonwas caught between his competitive urge to win and the big-picture reality that a mistake could cost him a shot at another NASCAR Nextel Cup championship.

For complete article click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7409740

11/5/2007 - The Hot Pass: Johnson's big Texas pass

FORT WORTH, Texas- The final 20 laps of the Dickies 500 was a game of cat and mouse Sunday with Jimmie Johnson setting the trap and capturing his third consecutive victory, his first in the Lone Star state, and the points lead from Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon.

For complete article click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/7409808

11/5/2007 - Post Race Quotes from Texas

JAMIE McMURRAY– No. 26 Crown Royal Special Reserve Ford Fusion (finished 9th)– "It wasn’t a bad day. Our car just was so slow on new tires. We could make up for it on the other end, but just not enough speed at the beginning."

JIMMIE JOHNSON: Thank you. It was a night where we started off and had a decent race car. Things got a little funny at the beginning with two tires and no tires and stuff like that where we lost track position.

But we still had a good car and was able to work outside the Top-10. And then at the end, we were on pace with everybody's strategy and never really lost track position and I was able to keep working our way forward.

Really at the end it came down to a full-blown brawl with Matt in a good way. I don't mean that in a bad way. We both wanted that win really bad. I think it was evident but how close our race cars were. It was a lot of fun and knowing I didn't have to worry about him putting me in a bad position because of the championship and he also knew I wouldn't come in there and clean him out and take him out and both of us were racing at a shot for the win, so it was really good racing. Glad to win here in Texas. It is my first win -- Mr. Hendrick doesn't have a lot of trophies from here so I'm happy to start the momentum and it's really good.

RYAN NEWMAN(No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger)

"It was a good run for us to finish in the top five with the Alltel Dodge. Nevertheless, we didn’t have the best racecar on the short run. We had a decent racecar in the long runs. The short runs got us behind and we had a few of those there at the end. The two tire call was a good one to get track position. We just didn’t have a fast enough racecar to stay up front."

KURT BUSCH(No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger)

"It was a tough day. We finished not where we were running. The Miller Lite Dodge was a little better, but we just kept getting too loose."

KASEY KAHNE(No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger)

"We had a top-10 car, but cut down a tire and had to make an unscheduled stop under green. That put us at a deficit we just never got the opportunity to overcome. Our car was fast and Kenny (Francis, team director) and the crew did a good job keeping up with the track. We ran up front with the leaders throughout the last 300 miles, but never got the opportunity to get back on the lead lap. We will take this Dodge Charger to Homestead and see if we can close out with a win in the final race for the old cars before we move on to the COT next year."

CARL EDWARDS(No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion)

“It’s just really disappointing to have such a freak thing happen when you have such a great racecar,” Edwards said.“My Office Depot Ford was great today and though we had our issues, my team never gave up and I’m really proud of their efforts. We had a top five car today, but lost three laps in the pits working on the sway bar. Its just one of those things that happens and it’s unfortunate. I’m just really proud of my team for not giving up and hopefully we’ll move on to Phoenix and have a great run there.”