http://www.scenedaily.com/ NASCAR news, NASCAR commentary, race schedules, photos, videos and more. Read about NASCAR driver lifestyles off the track, and subscribe to NASCAR Illustrated. news en-us 2012 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:19:58 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Lenny_Kravitz_to_perform_Daytona_500_prerace_concert.html Rocker Lenny Kravitz will perform three songs during the Daytona 500 prerace show Feb. 26 at Daytona International Speedway, according to speedway officials. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:10:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Lenny_Kravitz_to_perform_Daytona_500_prerace_concert.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Despite_cutbacks_Roush_Fenway_Racing_poised_for_another_run_at_Cup_championship.html Jack Roush could have been dejected and bitter after one of the greatest disappointments of his career last year. Instead, the team owner who has fielded cars at NASCAR’s top level since 1988 took solace in the fact that his four-car team had perhaps its best season ever – even if it did just miss winning the championship. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:36:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Despite_cutbacks_Roush_Fenway_Racing_poised_for_another_run_at_Cup_championship.html Jeff Owens http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Poll_Kurt_Busch_one_of_the_most_disliked_athletes_in_sports.html Kurt Busch knows he’s not loved by all NASCAR fans. But is the emotional, hard-driven, acid-tongued driver really one of the most hated athletes in sports? According to a recent poll, he is. According to Forbes, Nielsen and partner E-Poll Market Research measured public attitudes toward pro athletes. It asked people to describe athletes they “dislike,” ”dislike somewhat,” or “dislike a lot.” At least 10 percent of those polled had to be aware of the athlete for that athlete to make the list. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:47:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Poll_Kurt_Busch_one_of_the_most_disliked_athletes_in_sports.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Duo_wants_to_promote_Israel_support_through_Cup_sponsorship_of_JJ_Yeley.html Rich Shirey and Mark MacCaull aren’t political activists. But they have a belief in a cause, and they’re willing to put some of their money behind it in one of the more unique places – the hood of a Sprint Cup car. Shirey and MacCaull started American Israel Racing to generate support for Israel. It will advertise its website on the hood of the Robinson-Blakeney Racing car of driver JJ Yeley for the first three Cup races this year with hopes of continuing it throughout the season through people donating to the cause. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:06:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Duo_wants_to_promote_Israel_support_through_Cup_sponsorship_of_JJ_Yeley.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Kasey_Kahne_a_wild_card_after_move_to_Hendrick_Motorsports.html Last year, NASCAR introduced the wild card to the Chase. But the wild card that has a lot of people talking heading into 2012 is Kasey Kahne. Running a single season for a team that has since disappeared, Kahne won a race, had 15 top-10s and was strongest down the stretch of the 2011 season. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:04:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Kasey_Kahne_a_wild_card_after_move_to_Hendrick_Motorsports.html NASCAR Illustrated http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Former_West_champ_Jason_Bowles_gets_Nationwide_ride_with_sponsorship_from_conservative_grass-roots_organizer_American_Majority.html Jason Bowles has done everything a driver is supposed to do to get a ride in one of NASCAR’s national series. He won in one of NASCAR’s top regional series as he captured the 2009 crown in what is now known as the K&N Pro Series West. He also won the 2011 Toyota All-Star Showdown, which pitted the best NASCAR regional racers against each other. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:24:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Former_West_champ_Jason_Bowles_gets_Nationwide_ride_with_sponsorship_from_conservative_grass-roots_organizer_American_Majority.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Jeff_Burton_has_new_crew_chief_high_expectations_for_2012.html Jeff Burton says he questions himself every week, and can’t you just imagine how the questions must have flown in 2011. Burton, 44, closed the door on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with only two top-five finishes, a paltry five top 10s and his 20th-place points finish was his worst since 1995, back when the South Boston, Va. native was still paying his dues with Stavola Brothers Racing. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:05:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Jeff_Burton_has_new_crew_chief_high_expectations_for_2012.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Pat_Tryson_named_crew_chief_for_David_Gilliland.html Front Row Motorsports officials have tabbed veteran crew chief Pat Tryson to serve as crew chief for driver David Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford for 2012. Tryson, 57, most recently served as crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing for driver Martin Truex Jr. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:26:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Pat_Tryson_named_crew_chief_for_David_Gilliland.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Girl_Power_Danica_Patrick_comfortable_using_her_looks_sex_appeal_to_attract_attention.html Google Danica Patrick and you may quickly wonder whether she’s a race-car driver or a supermodel. Look closely and you’ll discover that she is a bit of both. But it may take a while to reach that conclusion. The first several photos that pop up feature Patrick in a variety of sexy poses. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:56:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Girl_Power_Danica_Patrick_comfortable_using_her_looks_sex_appeal_to_attract_attention.html Jeff Owens http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Richard_Childress_Racings_Cup_effort_fit_and_trim_as_overall_organization_undergoes_expansion.html Richard Childress Racing might be the only organization in NASCAR that trimmed its Sprint Cup lineup for 2012, yet expanded its employee roster at the same time. That’s because the group, which went from four Cup entries to three, expanded its presence in the Camping World Truck Series with the addition of a third team and dusted off its dormant Nationwide Series program, in large part taking over the now defunct Kevin Harvick Inc. program, for a three-team effort in that series as well. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:52:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Richard_Childress_Racings_Cup_effort_fit_and_trim_as_overall_organization_undergoes_expansion.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Team_owner_Robby_Benton_going_to_Speedweeks_with_full_slate_of_truck_Nationwide_and_Cup_cars.html Team owner Robby Benton put a driver in the top 10 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings for the first time in three seasons when Kenny Wallace finished seventh in 2011. So how did Benton respond? By deciding to not just field a Nationwide car again for Wallace but also a full-time truck for John Wes Townley. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:17:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Team_owner_Robby_Benton_going_to_Speedweeks_with_full_slate_of_truck_Nationwide_and_Cup_cars.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Brad_Keselowski_not_resting_on_laurels_after_surprising_2011.html No Sprint Cup driver’s stock has risen as much as Brad Keselowski’s. In just 89 starts, he went from being a young driver on a mission to bona fide superstar last year with his amazing summer run into the Chase following a wicked wreck during testing. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:28:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Brad_Keselowski_not_resting_on_laurels_after_surprising_2011.html NASCAR Illustrated http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Ryan_Pemberton_hired_as_crew_chief_for_Dave_Blaney.html Former Red Bull Racing crew chief Ryan Pemberton has signed with Tommy Baldwin Racing to serve as crew chief for Dave Blaney in 2012. During his career as a Cup crew chief, Pemberton has compiled two wins, 21 top-fives, 92 top-10s and 15 poles. Among those he has worked with include Ernie Irvan, Joe Nemechek, Mark Martin, David Reutimann, Scott Speed and Brian Vickers. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:10:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Ryan_Pemberton_hired_as_crew_chief_for_Dave_Blaney.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Wrestler_John_Cena_to_wave_green_flag_as_Daytona_500_honorary_starter.html Professional wrestler John Cena will wave the green flag as the honorary starter for the 2012 Daytona 500. Cena, an avid NASCAR fan, has starred on the WWE circuit since 2002, and his introduction as the honorary start was done Monday night on WWE’s “Monday Night Raw.” Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:01:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Wrestler_John_Cena_to_wave_green_flag_as_Daytona_500_honorary_starter.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Revamped_Michael_Waltrip_Racing_more_confident_heading_into_2012.html Michael Waltrip learned something from his pursuit of Red Bull Racing last month – a deal that eventually collapsed. What he learned had nothing to do with the business of trying to buy a team. It had to do with the business of starting a team, something both the energy drink company and Waltrip did in 2007. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:46:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Revamped_Michael_Waltrip_Racing_more_confident_heading_into_2012.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Trevor_Bayne_Ricky_Stenhouse_Jr_next_in_Jack_Roushs_continuing_quest_to_develop_his_own_stars.html Jack Roush has won 125 NASCAR Cup races – just one more than he’s won in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing has won a total of 299 races across NASCAR’s top three series. And he’s won six NASCAR championships, including two Cup titles. But what is Roush most proud of in his 25-year NASCAR career? Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:13:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Trevor_Bayne_Ricky_Stenhouse_Jr_next_in_Jack_Roushs_continuing_quest_to_develop_his_own_stars.html Jeff Owens http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/138846459.html When Sam Hornish Jr. made his first venture into stock-car competition in 2006, he brought with him one of the most impressive resumes of any open-wheel driver. At 27, Hornish was already a three-time IndyCar champion with 19 career wins in open-wheel competition, including a victory in the 2006 Indianapolis 500. There was little left for the Penske Racing driver to accomplish, so he did what many others have done when they’ve reached the top of their profession – he began looking for a new challenge. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:03:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/138846459.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/kennybruce/Reasons-tracks-have-installed-wider-seats.html Editor’s note: Each week, SceneDaily’s Kenny Bruce takes a look at the lighter side of racing with his popular Top 10 list. Top 10 reasons many tracks have installed wider seats in their grandstands: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/kennybruce/Reasons-tracks-have-installed-wider-seats.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/jeffowens/Eli-Manning-the-NFLs-Tony-Stewart.html Eli Manning is the nation’s newest sports hero, having led the New York Giants to victory in Sunday’s Super Bowl. He established that greatness by proving for the second time that he can rise to the occasion on the NFL’s biggest stage, in its biggest game. He is the NFL’s version of Tony Stewart. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:25:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/jeffowens/Eli-Manning-the-NFLs-Tony-Stewart.html Jeff Owens http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Juan_Pablo_Montoya_likes_direction_of_team_with_former_Hendrick_engineer_Chris_Heroy_as_new_crew_chief.html The house was crowded and the opportunity too good to pass up, said Chris Heroy. So the former Hendrick Motorsports engineer now finds himself settled in at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing as crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya and one of several new hires faced with the daunting task of turning around a program that stumbled mightily in 2011. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:23:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Juan_Pablo_Montoya_likes_direction_of_team_with_former_Hendrick_engineer_Chris_Heroy_as_new_crew_chief.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Front_Row_Motorsports_hopes_to_take_big_step_in_2012_with_David_Gilliland_David_Ragan.html Front Row Motorsports put two cars in the top 35 in 2011, a feat that might not seem all that impressive but one that the organization hopes provides a spark for 2012. Halfway through last season, one of the team’s two competitive cars was outside the top 35 in owner points by nine points and already had missed two races. With seven races remaining, it had missed three races and was 39 points outside the top 35. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:06:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Front_Row_Motorsports_hopes_to_take_big_step_in_2012_with_David_Gilliland_David_Ragan.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/truckseries/Two-time_champ_Todd_Bodine_lands_truck_ride_for_Daytona.html Todd Bodine obviously had hoped to have a full-time ride by February, but the two-time Camping World Truck Series champion will take a one-race deal with Red Horse Racing because that gives him five weeks before he needs another deal to continue a run at the 2012 title. With five weeks between the season-opening Feb. 24 race at Daytona International Speedway and the season’s next race March 31 at Martinsville, Bodine has bought himself time to land sponsorship and a ride for the rest of the year. He will drive the No. 11 truck at Red Horse Racing at Daytona. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/truckseries/Two-time_champ_Todd_Bodine_lands_truck_ride_for_Daytona.html Bob Pockrass http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Ryan_Newman_wants_to_return_to_being_NASCARs_Rocketman.html Does anyone remember when Ryan Newman zoomed to eight wins and 11 poles? That was in 2003. What was it they used to call him, “Rocketman?” These days, a more suitable nickname for Newman might be “Mediocre Man.” The 34-year-old driver seemingly does just enough to keep his ride — making the Chase every now and again and good for about one win a season. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:40:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Ryan_Newman_wants_to_return_to_being_NASCARs_Rocketman.html NASCAR Illustrated http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Denny_Hamlins_confidence_soaring_after_landing_crew_chief_Darian_Grubb.html Denny Hamlin didn’t need a sales pitch to decide whom he wanted as his new crew chief this season. His choice was pretty obvious. After all, the guy he wanted had just won the Sprint Cup championship and, shockingly, was available and looking for work. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:13:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Denny_Hamlins_confidence_soaring_after_landing_crew_chief_Darian_Grubb.html Jeff Owens http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Greg_Biffle_looking_for_speed_and_consistency_in_2012.html For the past two seasons, Greg Biffle has been either fast or consistent — rarely both. “We came into [2010] with six or seven top-10s in a row. We were extremely consistent. But we didn’t have the speed,” the 42-year-old driver said. “We were really good but had [expletive] cars. I don’t know how else to sum it up. … At the end of the year, we were licking our chops. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Greg_Biffle_looking_for_speed_and_consistency_in_2012.html NASCAR Illustrated http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Elliott_Sadler_ready_for_another_run_at_Nationwide_title_this_time_with_RCR_backing.html Elliott Sadler battled for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in 2011 with Kevin Harvick Inc. Sadler did not win the championship, however. And that, to some, was a major surprise. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:09:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Elliott_Sadler_ready_for_another_run_at_Nationwide_title_this_time_with_RCR_backing.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_AJ_Allmendinger_ready_to_take_next_step_after_landing_at_Penske_Racing.html After five years of racing for teams that were either just getting started or struggling to pay the bills, AJ Allmendinger has finally found what he’s been looking for. Days after Best Buy announced that it would not sponsor the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford in 2012, Allmendinger landed on his feet, replacing Kurt Busch in the No. 22 Dodge at Penske Racing. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:31:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_AJ_Allmendinger_ready_to_take_next_step_after_landing_at_Penske_Racing.html NASCAR Illustrated http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/jeffowens/Head-to-head--which-of-these-drivers-will-have-the-better-season.html It’s always difficult to compare NASCAR drivers and their performances because there are so many variables to consider. Team, crew chief, resources, teammates, sponsorship, etc. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:01:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/jeffowens/Head-to-head--which-of-these-drivers-will-have-the-better-season.html Jeff Owens http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/kennybruce/Legends-Helping-Legends-fundraiser-offers-stroll-down-memory-lane.html For fans yearning for a glimpse of racing as it was in years gone by, a trip this Saturday to Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville for its annual Legends Helping Legends gathering is one of those can’t-miss opportunities. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:41:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/kennybruce/Legends-Helping-Legends-fundraiser-offers-stroll-down-memory-lane.html Kenny Bruce http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/carolynbrewster/Still-confused-over-Danica-Patrick-points-deal.html This week’s column involves a confession, which I’m sure will not surprise many of you. I’m confused. Try as I might to truly grasp the Tommy Baldwin Racing/Stewart-Haas Racing collaborative partnership announced this week, I’m still scratching my head regarding the finer details. Sure, the generic hand wave of an announcement I can process, but dig too deep and I’m confused as hell. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:28:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/carolynbrewster/Still-confused-over-Danica-Patrick-points-deal.html Carolyn Brewster http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Clint_Bowyer_expects_to_still_contend_with_improving_MWR_team.html Clint Bowyer admits he’s fortunate. As difficult as it is to find primary sponsorship, the 32-year-old has one in 5-hour Energy that pursued him. And while Bowyer had to leave Richard Childress Racing, the only team he’s ever driven for in Cup competition, he is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his career at Michael Waltrip Racing. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:20:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/NI_Top_25_Clint_Bowyer_expects_to_still_contend_with_improving_MWR_team.html NASCAR Illustrated http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Earnhardt_Ganassi_Racing_hopes_massive_changes_help_team_rebound_from_pathetic_2011_season.html Pathetic. That’s what team co-owner Chip Ganassi called Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s performance in 2011. Ganassi’s honest assessment of his own team was so blunt that even driver Jamie McMurray was taken aback. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:05:00 GMT http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Earnhardt_Ganassi_Racing_hopes_massive_changes_help_team_rebound_from_pathetic_2011_season.html Jeff Owens