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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Once IndyCar star Danica Patrick figured out how to get in and out of the stock car, the rest of her testing session at Daytona International Speedway went without any problems. [...]

Danica Patrick announced Thursday that she plans to make her first NASCAR Nationwide appearance in the Stater Bros. 300 at Fontana California's Auto Club Speedway on Feb. 20, 2010. Patrick appeared at a press conference at JR Motorsports in Mooresville, NC. She will participate in a December 18-20 ARCA series test at Daytona and will enter the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards on Saturday, Feb. 6. There was speculation that she would debut there in the Nationwide Series but the delay will give her more time to transition into the new car....

It’s a bold move considering where Patrick sits now – the unquestioned face of a sport who commands the attention of sponsors ranging from a domain name registration website to a private jet service provider. Where she is now, she’s making millions, placed atop a high pedestal with no one in sight to knock her off. That is what makes this move so gutsy.

Danica Patrick signed with JR Motorsports on Tuesday to give NASCAR a try, but her schedule in the second-tier Nationwide Series has yet to be determined. Patrick will make her stock car racing debut in the Feb. 6 ARCA race at Daytona International Speedway, a day before she’ll be featured in a pair of Super Bowl ads for sponsor GoDaddy.com. The IndyCar sensation unveiled her green and orange No. 7 Chevrolet in a news conference at Chase Field with GoDaddy.com, which is sponsoring her in both series. “We’ve all been working very hard for some time now to bring this...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—A person familiar with the plan says Danica Patrick has reached a deal to enter NASCAR with JR Motorsports.

LAS VEGAS - Dale Earnhardt Jr. says negotiations are still ongoing with Danica Patrick, but he's not sure if a deal will be completed with JR Motorsports. Earnhardt's team fields Nationwide Series cars and the second-tier series is the likely starting point for the IndyCar driver. Patrick earlier this week announced a three-year contract extension with Andretti Autosport, and that was believed to be the final hurdle for her to finalize any NASCAR plans.

Welcome to the Free Republic Nascar Off Season Thread #6 (We've had more off season threads than JJ has wins but one less than Jr's MPD wins :) Fire up those engines boys and let's go to the awards show 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week Preview * Wednesday [Dec 2nd] – The champion’s Las Vegas celebration begins at 10:00am/pt with the Chasers for Charity Fanfest at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Neon Garage. The free-admission portion of the event includes a red-carpet walk by the champion and other 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, car displays,...

. The Ford 400 from Homestead-Miami Speedway SPEED Pre-race show at 11:30 EasternABC Pre-race show at 2:30 Eastern Green Flag 3:30 Please visit the FR Canteen - Dedicated to our troops, veterans, and their families: The FR Canteen God Bless Our Troops

Welcome to the..... Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Welcome to the Sprint Cup Race #9 at..... Arizona Senator John McCain will act as the Grand Marshal for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil NASCAR Sprint Cup Series...(but don't hold that against us):) **NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: News & Notes - Phoenix International Raceway** (Click on the Pics, Graphics, & Links for related news & info.) Current Cup driver standings Phoenix International Raceway Hits A Grand Slam For Nascar Fans Music recording artist and 16-time Grammy nominee Brian McKnight will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the...

Paradigm smasher This guy is going to ruin everything for the global warming/carbon tax crowd. Non-polluting cars that are high performance and fun? Tell me it ain't so Big Al (Gore). How are we supposed to wallow in "inconvenient truths" if trouble-makers like this mess things up by smoking the car companies with superior home brew engineering? Remember, the personal computer was the creation of a bunch of unfunded individuals, not the military-industrial complex.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Dale Earnhardt Jr. loves to talk about his sponsorship ties to the military. He had a hard time finding the words Friday to discuss the massacre that left 13 people dead at Fort Hood. Texas Motor Speedway is just 170 miles north of the site of a shooting spree that also injured 30, including the suspected gunman. A U.S. Army logo with the message "God Bless Our Fort Hood Troops" was painted on the infield grass Friday. Moments of silence were planned before each event, including Sunday's Sprint Cup race. The first question of Ryan Newman's...

WELCOME RACE FANS THE RACE: Dickies 500 ~ ~ Pre-race show ~ American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Celebrations ~ Featuring ZZ Top NASCAR Sprint Cup Race #34 of 36 for the 2009 season NASCAR Countdown: ABC - 2:30pm/et Friday 9:00pm et NCWTS WinStar World Casino 350k (147 Laps, 220.5 Miles TV:SPEED, Local Radio: 105.3 The FAN KRLD FM) Practices: Friday, November 6, 1:00 - 2:30 pm/et, TV-SPEED Saturday, November 7, 9:45 - 10:30 am/et, TV-SPEED Happy Hour 'Final' practice: Saturday, November 7, 11:00am - 12:00pm/et, TV-SPEED Qualifying Draw: Friday, November 6, 12:00pm/et Qualifying: 2 laps for positions 1-42, Friday,...

Slow 'em down and keep 'em on the ground. Sounds simple, doesn't it? So why can't NASCAR do it with Sprint Cup Series cars at Talladega Superspeedway? How long do the powers-that-be think they can keep dodging the flying 3,450-pound bullets at that facility? How long do they think the public -- and more importantly, their drivers -- will sit back and accept the small Band-Aids they have applied as real efforts at solutions to problems that require more serious study and quicker action? And while we're at it, how long does NASCAR think the healthy approach to any of...

. Amp Energy Drink 500 Sunday 1:00 pm on ABC from Talladega Superspeedway SPEED Pre-race show at 10:00 EasternABC Pre-race show at 12:00 Eastern Green Flag 1:19 Please visit the FR Canteen - Dedicated to our troops, veterans, and their families: The FR Canteen God Bless Our Troops Please pray on this day, and every day, for our Patriot Armed Forces standing in harm's way around the world in defense of our liberty, and for the families awaiting their safe return.

Short track racing at Martinsville Sunday. Race #6 of 10 in the Chase for the Cup. JJ's to lose.. a couple drivers are still in the hunt.. See ya there.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. headlined the five inductees into the first Hall of Fame class, a group that drew mixed reactions to the inclusion of France’s son instead of driver David Pearson. France, who formed the National Association of Stock Car Racing in 1947, was the first inductee announced .. Richard Petty, the seven-time Cup champion and NASCAR’s all-time wins leader, was the second inductee revealed by current NASCAR chairman Brian France, .. Next up was Bill France Jr., son of the NASCAR founder .. “When I seen the two Frances was in, I knew I didn’t...

. The Bank of America 500 Saturday Night 7:25 pm Eastern from Lowe's Superspeedway Speed Channel Pre-Race at 5:00 ABC Pre-Race at 7:00Green Flag at 7:41 Please give your support to the FR Canteen - Dedicated to our troops, veterans, and their families: The FR Canteen God Bless Our Troops Please pray on this day, and every day, for our Patriot Armed Forces standing in harm's way around the world in defense of our liberty, and for the families awaiting their safe return.

(Daytona Beach, Fl - 10/9/09) Declaring the season over and the chase a thing of the past, NASCAR has declared Barack Obama the winner of this years Sprint Cup. "We don't care other drivers have gone all season to get where they are. Obama is just too good to ignore and that Prius on the track is absolutely hot." "The fact that he simply imagined himself going faster was a significant contribution to his being awarded the Cup."

It's off to California for the 4th race in the 2009 Chase for the Cup. Mark Martin and Jimmy Johnson lead the way with a pack of other Chase drivers closing up a bit last week-end.

This Sunday on the circuit, it's Kansas City, Kansas and Race #3 in the Chase for the Cup. Sprint Cup and Nationwide run this week-end, no Trucks racing.

CHICAGO: Mars Snackfood US announced today that America has named Chicago the city most in need of some sweet relief as part of the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. To deliver that relief, NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M'S(R) Toyota in the NASCAR(R) Sprint Cup Series, is racing into the "city that works" to distribute 50,000 free, full-sized Mars real chocolate products. On Thursday, October 1, 2009, at Pioneer Plaza (435 N. Michigan Ave.), Mars will distribute thousands of samples of M&M'S, SNICKERS, MILKY WAY, TWIX, DOVE and 3 MUSKETEERS candies to Chicagoans between 11:00 a.m....

Link only.

FREE REPUBLIC NASCAR THREAD AAA 400 Welcome to the Sprint Cup Chase Race #2 at (Click on the Pics, Graphics, & Links for related news & info.) History of the“Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup”at Dover International Speedway Current Cup Driver Standings Dover Weekend Track Schedule AAA 400 entry list Qualifying: Friday 9/25 3:00 pm/et Sprint Cup Qualifying ~ Race: Sunday 9/27 2:00 pm/et SPRINT Cup Race ~ 's NASCAR Raceday Pre-Race Show: 11:00 am/etScheduled Green Flag (approx): 2:16 pm/et Track Details with Current & Historical Track info from: NASCAR News, Info and Stats from

The field is set and Race #1 of 10 in the Chase for the Cup is set for this Sunday at Loudon.

FREE REPUBLIC NASCAR THREAD Chevy Rock & Roll 400 "One Last Race To Make The Chase" Welcome to the Sprint Cup Race #26 at (Click on the Pics, Graphics, & Links for related news & info.) CUP: Chase Spots Still Wide Open RIR's Military Appreciation Program Current Cup Driver Standings Richmond Weekend Track Schedule Chevy Rock & Roll 400 entry list Qualifying: Friday 9/11 5:30 pm/et Sprint Cup Qualifying ~ ESPN2Race: Saturday 9/12 7:30 pm/et SPRINT Cup Race ~ ABC 's NASCAR Raceday Pre-Race Show: 4:30 pm/etScheduled Green Flag (approx): 7:43 pm/et Track Details with Current & Historical Track...

As school gets started across the country, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya share a motivational message for America's students. (public domain)

<p>Please pray on this day, and every day, for our Patriot Armed Forces standing in harm's way around the world in defense of our liberty, and for the families awaiting their safe return.</p>

A custom-designed racecar bearing the phrase "Always Remember" was unveiled Monday by NASCAR's Benny Gordon across from the World Trade Center site. Gordon will race the car on Sept. 11 at the Richmond International Speedway in Virginia. It also bears the phrase "9/11 Memorial," a reference to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum. Gordon co-owns the North South Motorsports team, based in Dubois, Pa. It's near the memorial site for United 93, one of four hijacked jetliners that crashed on Sept. 11, 2001.

While Gibbs, who is 68, devotes most of his time to racing, he recently completed work on a book that he is promoting. It’s called Game Plan for Life, and it’s more than a book for Gibbs. "It’s the most important message that I can give anyone," he said. "And it’s something that I want to do the rest of my life." Gibbs, who — like Tom Landry — has always been open about his Christian faith, hired a research firm to determine the greatest personal challenges for men — or as he put it, the "average Joe." Eleven topics...

There was Jimmy Johnson and the Lowes 48 car hanging out on the South Lawn. There was Richard Petty — the man who tried desperately to avoid ending up in a picture with candidate Bill Clinton years ago — gladly hamming it up for the cameras. NASCAR had come to the White House. And Barack Obama looked comfortable with it. He was joking and at ease — which is the complete opposite of how his predecessor George W. Bush seemed at these events. Obama was cracking all sorts of jokes. "You know, it is not every day that we have...

In an interview, Obama said it is important that the big 3 American automakers remain in NASCAR, and he thinks it is good advertising. "It's about as good advertising as you can get," Obama said of the auto companies’ NASCAR sponsorship. "If somebody's excited about NASCAR, that means their excited about cars. We want to make sure people know what great American cars are." Obama said that in a few years the Big 3 American automakers will come back stronger, and NASCAR will make the difference. Watch video of the interview: http://www.cardealerreviews.org/?p=116525

FREE REPUBLIC NASCAR THREAD Sharpie 500 Welcome to the Sprint Cup Race #24 at (Click on the Pics, Graphics, & Links for related news & info.) Lucky Winner Of Sharky 500Will Drive Home In BMS Pace Car Three Lucky Fans Win Hot LapsWith Drivers In Ford's "Go To Bristol" Contest10 Others Get To Wave Green Flag Current Cup Driver Standings Bristol Weekend Track Schedule Sharpie 500 entry list Qualifying: Friday 8/21 5:30 pm/et Sprint Cup Qualifying ~ ESPN2Race: Saturday 8/22 7:30 pm/et SPRINT Cup Race ~ ESPN 's NASCAR Raceday Pre-Race Show: 4:30 pm/etScheduled Green Flag (approx): 7:43 pm/et...

. Carfax 400 Sunday 2:00 pm Eastern Speed Pre-Race at 11:00, ESPN Nascar Countdown 1:00 Green flag 2:16 from Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, MI The FR Canteen God Bless Our Troops

Running out of time, excuses and races to make the Chase. Join us for a week-end of road course racing at Watkin Glen.

Jimmie Johnson finally going to White House By Jim Utter - jutter@charlotteobserver.com Saturday, Aug. 01, 2009 More NASCAR news LONG POND, Pa. - Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is finally going to get his White House visit for winning the 2009 title but he’s going to have company. The White House press secretary’s office announced late Friday that President Barack Obama will host a gathering Monday afternoon on the South Portico of the White House with Johnson, all the members of last year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup field as well as some former series champions, including Dale...

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Joe Gibbs has guided teams to three Super Bowl championships and three Sprint Cup titles, so his legacy as a sporting icon would seem more than secure. But the man still known affectionately as "Coach" around the hallways of Joe Gibbs Racing says it is more important to be remembered for words and wisdom than for wins. "I'm going to be in an old-age home saying, 'You know, I coached the (Washington) Redskins and owned a NASCAR team,' and the other guys will say, 'Get this nut out of here,' " Gibbs, 68, says, laughing. "How much...

. The Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 Sunday 2:00 pm ET on ESPN from Pocono Superspeedway, Long Pond, PA SPEED Pre-race show at 11:00 ETESPN Pre-race show at 1:00 ET Green Flag 2:18 Please visit the FR Canteen - Dedicated to our troops, veterans, and their families: The FR Canteen God Bless Our Troops Please pray on this day, and every day, for our Patriot Armed Forces standing in harm's way around the world in defense of our liberty, and for the families awaiting their safe return.

Mark Martin has the most Cup wins in 2009, yet he's on the verge of missing the Chase. What's up with that? After a week off, it's time to crank it up at The Brickyard.

The Most At-Risk Sports TeamsBy Minyanville In the U.S., love of sport is fanatical. Our major-league obsessions are so intense we often forget that our favorite teams have a purpose higher than winning games: turning a profit. Pro sports franchises are businesses like any other, and sometimes businesses struggle, limp along or die off. What will it take to keep the cowbells ringing in Sacramento? Can hockey survive in the desert? Will small-market football teams have to pack their bags? Minyanville presents sports teams at risk of relocation -- or worse. And with the economy in question, saving them could...

Danica Patrick on Friday rejected skeptics who say she is incapable of switching from driving lighter, aerodynamic Indy cars to the much bulkier and heavier stock cars used on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Patrick, 27, is in the last year of her contract with the IndyCar team Andretti Green Racing and is evaluating options for next season. Patrick last year became the first woman to win a major U.S.-sanctioned open-wheel race when she won the IndyCar race at Motegi, Japan. She already had become a major sports figure after nearly winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2005, her rookie year....

NASCAR said Jeremy Mayfield once again tested positive for methamphetamine and asked the federal judge who lifted the driver's drug suspension to reinstate the ban. The positive result from a July 6 random test was included in a U.S. District Court filing Wednesday that included an affidavit from Mayfield's stepmother, who claimed she personally witnessed the driver using methamphetamine at least 30 times over seven years.

FRom the Land of Lincoln, this week, the action is at Joliet and the ChicagoLand Speedway.

DAYTONA NIGHT RACING!! Let's go Saturday night racing boys and girls....It's Daytona - home of the big one! Saturday July 4th at 8pm ET TV coverage starts at 6:30 ~ Fire up those engines and let the fireworks begin. ~ Daytona will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of King Richard Petty's 200th win. Three-time Daytona 500 champion Dale Jarrett has been named Grand Marshal for the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday night, July 4. *** Track Specs: Track/Race Length: 2.5 mile oval, 160 laps, 400 miles Tri-oval with 31-degree banking in the turns 18-degree banking in the tri-oval and...

Off to New Hampshire and Loudon for this week's action. Say Hi to Milo the Moose.

Trees to be planted for each green flag at Cup races The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing announced "NASCAR Green Clean Air" -- a program to help capture the carbon emissions produced by racing. Under a pilot program that will expand significantly next year, NASCAR will plant 10 new trees for each green flag that drops during Cup Series events. The tracks participating in the tree-planting program -- 11 this year and every venue visited by the Cup Series in 2010 -- will mitigate 100 percent of the carbon emissions produced by the race cars competing in their...

Sonoma. Wine country. 80 degrees. Race #16 plays out on a road course. It's anybody's race, come along for the ride but try and stay out of the gravel pits. Thanks to our Armed Forces members, past and present. Oh. Did I forget Dad? HaPPY Father's Day!

To paraphrase the MTV Generation- Call your cable service and tell them “I want my Knabenschiessen TV!”

NASCAR driver Johnny Benson is in serious condition at a Michigan hospital after crashing his ISMA supermodified car Saturday night at Berlin Raceway.

. LifeLock 400 Sunday 2:00 pm Eastern Speed Pre-Race at 10:30, TNT Nascar Countdown 12:30 Green flag 2:16 from Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, MI The FR Canteen God Bless Our Troops