Posted on 04/30/2014 8:17:01 PM PDT by ican'tbelieveit
I see. Just a big sham. LOL.
Harvick Wins Record Setting Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway
4/25/2010
America’s pass time could be found at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, as Kevin Harvick edged out Jamie McMurray at the finish line to win the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on a record-setting day for passing.
Harvick’s race-winning pass was the 88th of the day, shattering the record for most passes in a race in the history of NASCAR. The old mark of 75 also had been set at Talladega Superspeedway in May of 1984.
Harvick was one of 29 different leaders in the race, which broke the NASCAR record of 28 that had been set at Talladega in October of 2008. And Harvick’s margin of victory over McMurray was .011 seconds, making it the eighth-closest finish since the introduction of electronic timing in 1993.
As third-place finisher Juan Pablo Montoya said of the pass-happy afternoon, “The show isn’t going to get any better than this.”
It took 200 laps to complete this show – making it the longest race in Talladega history – because there were three attempts at a green-white-checkered finish. Harvick tucked in behind McMurray at the beginning of the final green-white-checkered run, and the two quickly pulled away from the pack and remained in line through the fourth turn of the final lap.
Then as the duo entered the trioval, Harvick dipped down low in an old-fashioned “slingshot” move and had enough momentum to barely outrun McMurray to the finish line.
“It was all about timing,” Harvick said. “You saw a lot of guys practicing that move. As long as you stayed against their bumper, you were able to shoot past them and you could stay ahead for several hundred feet until they drew back even. It worked out absolutely perfect on the timing side of it.”
McMurray said he knew Harvick would attempt a last-second pass, but he anticipated that the move would come on the high side of the track. So as they roared toward the finish line, McMurray drifted slightly up the track to try and block a run by Harvick.
“I really thought Kevin was going to go high, so I was guarding against the outside” said McMurray, who was attempting to win his second consecutive Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega. “When he went left, it really loosened the car up. It’s like you pull a parachute in your car. It feels like you lose 3 to 5 mph immediately. When that happens, the car that’s doing the passing just has the momentum.
“So really, once he got beside me, all I was doing was side drafting and hoping I could beat him back to the start-finish line.”
He nearly did, but Harvick waited until the perfect moment to make his move, and there wasn’t much McMurray could do.
“Coming into the last lap, that’s exactly how we planned it out on paper,” Harvick said. “It’s hard to wait and not pull out earlier, but I could see that we were way in front of all the guys behind us. When he made that dart to the right, I immediately went to the left, and that was it.”
The victory is the first for Harvick since the 2007 Daytona 500, and it is the first win for Richard Childress Racing since October of 2008. It also is the first victory at Talladega Superspeedway for an RCR driver since Dale Earnhardt Sr. won his 10th and final Cup race at the track in 2000.
“This is about as sweet as it gets,” Childress said. “This is as good a race as you could see at Talladega.”
2.66 mile track * 188 laps = 500.08 miles (not counting any Parade/Pace laps or G/W/C)
Last I knew All NASCAR Track lengths were measured 33 feet from the inside painted line.
So your mileage may “vary”
I just looked ahead to next weekend at Kansas (I have tickets), thunder storms are in the forecast.
‘Dega Weather looking good at this time:
http://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:35160.1.99999
*******************************************
Continued from RIR Thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3147627/posts?page=201#201
Upload meltdown again
Talked with the Lady, She still drives this on a regular basis, not Her only ride but it doesn’t sit in the garage till Sunday or the Shows.
Because Aaron's refuses to go the extra mile.
Enjoy Talladega Superspeedway from Crew Member Vantage Point:
Want to see Talladega Superspeedway from a crew member’s perspective with access to pit road and other pre-race activities? Fans now have the chance to do just that with the Pre-Race Pit Pass - for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, May 2-4, at NASCAR’s Most Competitive track. For only $50 (admission ticket required) fans with the Pre-Race Pit Pass can stroll pit road on the morning of Sunday, May 4, before the running of the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. Walking among the crews as they prepare for the battle ahead, Pre-Race Pit Pass holders will experience the sights and sounds as anticipation mounts for one of NASCAR’s most spectacular events. As a part of race day prep, the Pre-Race Pit Pass allows access to the see the Sprint Cup Series drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, celebrities and NASCAR officials walk the Red Carpet to the mandated drivers meeting, where race procedures and protocol will be explained. The $50 Pre-Race Pit Pass goes in effect on Sunday from 8 am until 11 am for the Sprint Cup event. To purchase, simply log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.
Additionally, fans can upgrade their experience for $25 more with the Pit Pass Upgrade. Get up close with NASCAR’s gladiators and take in Driver Introductions at the start-finish line, and see some of the sports personalities conduct a question/answer session that morning from the stage. Now those are memories that will last a lifetime. After time spent on Pit Road it will feel great settling into Talladega’s roomy and comfortable 21 and 22-inch wide chairback seats.
And, new for the 2014 Aaron’s Dream Weekend, is the addition of Sprint Vision video boards that are four times the size of previous ones, placed along the frontstretch to provide views of the whole track to every seat in the house.(TSS)(5-1-2014)
Talladega’s Tribute - “The Alabama Gang Superstretch” Unveiled:
Talladega Superspeedway announced that the back straightaway will forever be known as “The Alabama Gang Superstretch”, paying tribute to the original members - racing legends Bobby and Donnie Allison, and Red Farmer, all of whom have played a significant role in the track’s history and are today huge supporters of the 2.66-mile venue. For this weekend’s Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega, The Alabama Gang Superstretch name will be displayed in huge, block lettering midway down the outside retaining wall of the backstretch, which measures over 4,000 feet. The monumental, new addition to the track will “stretch” more than 200 feet.
The trio will serve in “official” capacities during what will be a busy and exciting Saturday at the track. The Allisons will serve as the Grand Marshal’s for the International Motorsports Hall of Fame 200 ARCA race, while Farmer will be the Honorary Starter from atop the flag stand. The ARCA race kicks off a full day of activity which also includes the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series all-new Coors Light “Knockout” group qualifying for the Aaron’s 499, plus the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series event.
“No honor is too big for The Alabama Gang,” says Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “What we are doing in naming The Alabama Gang Superstretch is unprecedented in our sport. During our events, from TV cameras and still photography, fans will be able to see this accolade for some of our favorite people in the world. The gang has meant so much to NASCAR, Talladega Superspeedway and the state of Alabama, and this is just a small token of our appreciation.”
“This place is special,” said Bobby of the speedway. “We (The Alabama Gang) have always felt like we were a part of it.”
“When you won Talladega, there was something extra special about it,” added Donnie. “It was a huge deal to us, our family and friends.”
“We made each other the best we could be since we raced against each other in the early years,” quipped Farmer of he and the Allisons. “We liked racing against each other, and Talladega was the ultimate place to race.”
Hailing from Florida, Farmer and the Allison brothers saw opportunities in Alabama, so they settled in Hueytown, AL. In the early 1960s, they gained notoriety through success on short tracks in cities like Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery. Naturally, when William H.G. France built the biggest and fastest speedway in the country in nearby Talladega, the hometown boys were going to take to the track. And as a result, devoted local fans turned out. The legendary trio galvanized the local race fans in the 1960s and 70s, giving many a primary reason to devotedly attend races at Talladega-just to lend their cheers of support for their hometown heroes as they defended their turf. Their world eventually grew to include another Alabama racer Neil Bonnett, and years later, Bobby’s sons Davey and Clifford.
Hearing loud cheers from the stands, The Alabama Gang didn’t disappoint. While having success in NASCAR’s top division with 10 career triumphs, Donnie collected two victories at Talladega. Bobby, the 1983 Sprint Cup Series Champion and winner of 84 career races, would visit Talladega’s Victory Lane on four occasions. Bonnett, an 18-time Cup winner, was a one-time victor at Talladega. Farmer, a mainstay in the ARCA Series, claimed two wins at Talladega. Clifford posted a top-10 ARCA finish in 1992, and Davey ranks second only to Dale Earnhardt Sr. in total Talladega wins with eight. They include three NASCAR Sprint Cup (of his career total 19 Cup wins), four ARCA and one IROC triumph. Davey is one of only eight drivers to post their first career Sprint Cup win at Talladega.
The Alabama Gang is also represented atop The Alabama Gang Superstretch. From the exit of turn two to the entrance of turn three, fans now have additional RV options from which to view all races at Talladega Superspeedway. They include Allison Motorhome Ridge, Farmer Motorhome Overlook and Bonnett Corporate Motorhome Summit. For information on options, fans can call the Talladega Superspeedway ticket office at 1-877-Go2-Dega.
The Alabama Gang continues to live on today with a new generation of racers. The torch of the Allison legacy is passed from Donnie and Bobby to their grandsons Justin and Robbie. Justin Allison, with the help from his grandfather Donnie, has recently emerged on the racing scene in the ARCA Racing Series. Justin competed in the season-opening event at Daytona and was in the top-10 before being involved in an accident that broke out in front of him. He will compete in this weekend’s International Motorsports Hall of Fame ARCA race at Talladega. Robbie Allison, grandson of Bobby and son of Davey, now lives in Mooresville, NC and is competing in Legends and Late Model cars, as well as Pro Champion Karts. Both Justin and Robbie have high aspirations.
Another Alabama native, Grant Enfinger from Fairhope, has dominated the ARCA Series thus far in 2014, becoming only the second driver in series history to capture the checkered flag in the first three races of the season.
Interestingly enough, since Talladega Superspeedway opened in 1969, there have been more than 50 drivers from the state of Alabama to compete at the most competitive facility in the world, and all can say they are a part of “The Alabama Gang.”
Some of the Alabama drivers that tasted success in either ARCA or NASCAR include: Darrell (Bubba) Wallace Jr. (first African-American driver to win a race in one of NASCAR’s premier divisions)[Trucks]; Steve Grissom (1993 NASCAR Nationwide Series Champ and winner of 11 NNS races), Rick Crawford (5-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner), Cale Gale (1-time NCWTS/1-time ARCA winner), Gary Bradberry (3-time ARCA winner), Mickey Gibbs (3-time ARCA winner), Billy Thomas (5-time ARCA winner) and Dave Mader III (1-time ARCA winner). Hut Stricklin, Donnie Allison’s son-in-law, enjoyed success as well with a career best runner up finish in Darlington Raceway’s 1996 Southern 500. Johnny Ray, who lives down the street from the track, competed in three ARCA races and one Cup race at Talladega, but is best known for giving Dale Earnhardt Sr. one of his early rides in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The track was also excited to have former crew chief Larry McReynolds, a Birmingham native, who helped Davey Allison to several wins, on hand at Wednesday’s event. Bonnett’s widow Susan Bonnett Northcutt and Liz Allison Hackett and Krista Allison, widow and daughter of Davey Allison, respectively, joined in on Wednesday’s ceremonies, as well.
The Gang is all here.....and lives on through the drivers of today and The Alabama Gang Superstretch at Talladega Superspeedway! For a variety of ticket packages for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, log onto talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(5-1-2014)
McMurray discusses NASCAR’s handling of Mears-Ambrose fight:
Following NASCAR dishing out fines and probation to #9-Marcos Ambrose and #13-Casey Mears for their Richmond post-race scuffle, #1-Jamie McMurray was hoping neither driver would have gotten punished. “I’d hoped NASCAR would let that go...they’ve preached to all of us that they want us to be who we are, said McMurray. “I think it’s good that you have some characters in the sport that — I’m not calling Casey or Marcos out, but not everyone is willing to — or is the type of guy that would punch someone, right? I think you can count on one hand the guys that would actually throw a punch. Everyone is talking about it. I’m building a house, and when I got up to the home site, that’s all the guys wanted to talk about and they wanted to know if I have any inside scoop. I think it’s great. I don’t want to see anyone get punched, but it’s been — how many years ago has it been since someone actually punched someone? It’s got everyone talking about the sport and I think it’s good you see those guys’ passion. I was really hoping that NASCAR was going to let it go or that the fines would be less because that’s a huge — $25,000 is massive. My opinion of that is that you won’t see it happen again because I think people will think about that and be like, it’s not worth it. It’s not worth $25,000 for me to express exactly how I feel at this time.” McMurray admitted there have been a few times where he’s been in the same situation but that it’s been a long time. “If it was happening every week, I think it would be different, but if they hadn’t fined those guys, I don’t think it would have happened again for a long time. I think it’s very circumstantial with the two right guys, you know. I don’t think Casey had any intentions of throwing a punch. Casey went over there and was wanting to get his point across. I don’t think he had any — when he got hit, you could tell he was like, I can’t believe I just got punched, right? I don’t think anyone had that mindset going into it.”(PRN’s Garagepass)(5-1-2014)
Brian Scott returns to the #33 at Dega:
Brian Scott returns to the wheel of the #33 Shore Lodge Chevy for the Aarons 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Scott will be making his first Sprint Cup Series start at Talladega Superspeedway in the Aaron’s 499, but has four NASCAR Nationwide Series races under his belt at the 2.66-mile track. Scott has captured one top-10 finish and led three laps. Shore Lodge will be the sponsor of the #33 at Talladega. It’ll be Scott’s third Sprint Cup Series of the 2014 season.(Circle Sport), see an image of the #33 Shore Lodge Chevy on the #33 Team Schemes page.(5-1-2014)
Kahne to debut new look on the #5 at Dega, to thank teachers:
Kasey Kahne will debut his special #5 Farmers Insurance “Thank A Million Teachers” Chevy paint scheme this weekend at Talladega. Kahne will drive the special paint scheme two more times during the month of May, which is National Teacher Appreciation Month: Kansas on May 10 and Charlotte on May 25. As part of the “Thank A Million Teachers” program, Farmers is urging America to thank teachers, past and present, on www.ThankAMillionTeachers.com for the positive impact they have had in communities across the nation. Farmers also has invited teachers to submit proposals for $2,500 grants, and in all, they are committed to donating $1 million to teachers and education programs in 2014. On behalf of Farmers Insurance’s “Thank A Million Teachers” initiative, Kahne will visit Oxmoor Valley Elementary School in Birmingham, AL, on Friday to thank its educators. Kahne also will unveil his #5 Farmers Insurance “Thank A Million Teachers” Chevrolet SS paint scheme during a school-wide assembly (HMS). See an image of the scheme on the #5 Team Schemes page..(5-1-2014)
New look for Patrick’s car at Talladega:
Danica Patrick will be sporting a new look in the #10 GoDaddy Peeker Chevy with the GoDaddy “Peeker” logo, which is usually on the side of the bright green car, adorning the hood this weekend. Patrick will also run this stylish ride at Kansas on May 10 and during the Coke 600 on May 25. See images of the scheme on the #10 Team Schemes page.(5-1-2014)
Dogecoin and Reddit Partner with Phil Parsons Racing for Talladega:
In a partnership effort between Dogecoin and Reddit, the #98 Ford Fusion of Phil Parsons Racing will have a new look at Talladega. Earlier this year, Reddit user and tech fan Denis Pavel noticed a plain black car with a driver he felt ‘raced the wheels off the car’ during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The lack of sponsorship caused Pavel to think of some of the significant fundraisers that he’s witnessed on the Reddit platform.
“I didn’t really know much about Dogecoin or Reddit when Denis Pavel initially reached out to us about the race at Talladega Superspeedway,” commented Parsons. “He watched a race on television and was excited about what he saw from Josh Wise and our team. We were able to connect on Twitter and everything took off from there-it’s amazing how social media allows sports fans to actually connect to us, and that it would allow something like this to come together. As far as I know, this is the first online effort like this that’s been able to fund sponsorship for a NASCAR team, so it’s pretty cool to be a part of it.”
“I knew that Dogecoin had done some significant fundraisers, like sending the Jamaican bobsled team to the Olympics,” Pavel said. “I was thinking what kind of response I would get if I did ask the (Reddit) community about sponsoring a Sprint Cup car. They were all with it.”
Familiar with the digital currency Dogecoin, the 16-year-old Pavel from Niles, Ill., decided to utilize the currency to raise sponsorship funds for driver Josh Wise and the #98 Ford Fusion team. Exceeding their initial goal by 10% within the opening week, Dogecoin and Reddit were able to partner with Phil Parsons Racing for the Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway.
“We are all about fun and goofiness,” commented Ben Doernberg, board member at the Dogecoin Foundation. “At the same time, we want to make sure that digital currency is really giving back to the world. We do feel like this is a technology that can make the world a better place, and we want to put that into practice by doing fundraisers.”
To date, this marks the first fundraising effort through Dogecoin and Reddit to sponsor a NASCAR race team. In addition to raising funds online, the team also took to the internet allowing Reddit users to vote on a paint scheme for Sunday’s event. “The more we’ve walked through this fundraising effort, it has really been special to us,” commented Wise. “People are noticing our effort. We’re a tiny little team with seven or eight employees. The amount of support we’re getting from the Reddit community ... we’re just trying to do the best job we can.”(Phil Parsons Racing), see images of the scheme/car on the #98 Team Schemes page.(5-1-2014)
Earnhardt Jr. voted first quarter Driver of the Year:
Two-time Daytona 500 winner, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., was named winner of the first quarter Driver of the Year Award 2014. NASCAR’s perennial fan favorite won title in the voting by an elite panel of American broadcasters and journalists Ending an almost two-year winless drought Earnhardt took the checkered flag in the season opening, and rain-delayed, Daytona 500. In the first quarter, which ended with race in Darlington, he added three second-place and one third-place finishes. In the voting Earnhardt, who drives the #88 National Guard Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, had seven first-place ballots and totaled 88 points according to the Driver of the Year points system.
Kevin Harvick, who drives the #4 Budweiser Chevy in NASCAR, and Australia’s Will Power who drives the #12 Verizon Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Penske tied for second place with 80 points. Harvick had five first-place votes and Australia’s Power had three. Chase Elliott burst into the limelight scoring 37 points, one first-place vote and finished fourth, in the ballot driving for Earnhardt’s JRM Nationwide Series team. And Kyle Busch also garnered one first-place vote A total of 20 drivers scored points in the first quarter voting. In its’ 48th year, the Driver of the Year title is unique. The panel of 17 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Earnhardt will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch to be presented at a race weekend at to be determined.(DOTY)(5-1-2014)
O.K. Sarge stopped driving
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.