Matt Kenseth Wins The Top Gear 300

After a weekend of a Nationwide Series regular winning in NASCAR's number two series, Sprint Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth raced by his teammate Carl Edwards in the last five laps to win the race. Kyle Busch had a strong run and led some laps during the day, but was not dominant by any means. Busch finished third. There were 5cautions for 25 laps and 17 lead changes among 8 leaders. The attendance was reported to be 45,000 people.

Here are the unofficial results of the Top Gear 300:

1 Matt Kenseth
2 Carl Edwards
3 Kyle Busch
4 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
5 Reed Sorenson
6 Brad Keselowski
7 Steve Wallace
8 Brian Scott
9 Aric Almirola
10 Elliott Sadler
11 Joey Logano
12 Sam Hornish Jr.
13 Justin Allgaier
14 Michael Annett
15 Cole Whitt
16 Kevin Harvick
17 Josh Wise
18 Mike Bliss
19 Danny Efland
20 Kenny Wallace
21 Jason Leffler
22 Kasey Kahne
23 Timmy Hill
24 Morgan Shepherd
25 Mike Wallace
26 Jeremy Clements
27 Kimi Raikkonen
28 Eric McClure
29 Joe Nemechek
30 Derrike Cope
31 Jennifer Jo Cobb
32 Dennis Setzer
33 Kevin Lepage
34 Blake Koch
35 Jeffrey Earnhardt
36 Robert Richardson Jr.
37 John Jackson
38 Tim Andrews
39 Carl Long
40 Mike Harmon
41 David Green
42 Kelly Bires
43 Jeff Green

Lionel NASCAR Collectables Announces Honoring Our Heroes 9/11 Program That Will Run at Richmond

By Lionel NASCAR Collectables Official Release

CONCORD, N.C. (May 26, 2011) – Today Lionel NASCAR® Collectables, in partnership with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, unveiled a multi-car, on-track program which pays tribute to the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 and helps raise funds to build homes for the only three surviving quadruple amputees of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – United States Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco, United States Marine Corps Corporal Todd Nicely and United States Marine Corps Corporal John Peck.

As part of the “Honoring Our Heroes” program, NASCAR stars Greg Biffle, David Gilliland, Jamie McMurray, Danica Patrick and Tony Stewart will drive special patriotic paint schemes which feature the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation logo during the September race weekend at Richmond International Raceway.

“I think it’s important for NASCAR to do something as a sport to honor all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and to remember American heroes like Stephen Siller,” said Howard Hitchcock, Vice President of LNC.

“Partnering with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help make a real difference in the lives of three military heroes who have sacrificed almost everything for their country was something we, as a company, felt compelled to do,” he continued.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 2001 by the family of Stephen Siller – an FDNY firefighter. Siller was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got the call about the attack on the World Trade Center. When he couldn’t drive his truck through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Siller donned 75 pounds of firefighting gear and ran through the tunnel to the towers to help rescue his fellow Americans. Siller lost his life as a result of his heroic actions.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each “Honoring Our Heroes” die-cast and associated merchandise will be donated to The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation which has earmarked these funds for the construction of customized “smart” homes for wounded United States servicemen Marrocco, Nicely and Peck.
“We are honored that these NASCAR teams, drivers and sponsors and the folks at Lionel NASCAR Collectables have embraced our Foundation and its cause in such a big way,” said George Siller, Vice Chairman of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and brother of Stephen Siller.

“It means so much to us that my brother’s name will be remembered by the sport and that, in turn, his heroism will be used to better the lives of heroes like Brendan, Todd and John.”

To bring even more attention to the Foundation’s charitable efforts, David Gilliland will run the No. 34 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Ford Fusion for Front Row Motorsports on Sept. 10. Front Row Motorsports has donated Gilliland’s entire paint scheme to honor the legacy of Stephen Siller and to help increase awareness of the Foundation’s efforts to help the heroes of the U.S. military.

“I feel humbled to have Stephen Siller’s name on my car on such an important and emotional anniversary for our country,” said Gilliland. “And I hope that seeing the No. 34 Ford on track on Sept. 10 will bring a smile to those three soldier’s faces and let them know that their country cares about them and is thankful for their heroic service.”

Danica Patrick will drive a special version of the No. 7 Go Daddy Get Your.Net Chevrolet for JR Motorsports during the Sept. 9 Nationwide Series race at Richmond. Patrick's car will feature a star-covered design and a black paint scheme.

"Each star on the Go Daddy No. 7 Chevrolet represents a soul lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 attack," said Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons. "We will always remember 9/11. I'm glad to see NASCAR supporting this extraordinary tribute!"

During the Sprint Cup Series race on Sept. 10, Greg Biffle will drive the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion, Jamie McMurray will drive the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet and Tony Stewart will drive the No. 14 Office Depot Chevrolet – all in patriotic paint schemes. The No. 7 “We Salute You” JRM Chevrolet driven by Josh Wise at Dover International Speedway on May 14 will also be included in the “Honoring Our Heroes” program.

Following the events at Richmond, Lionel NASCAR Collectables will take part in the 2011 Tunnel to Towers Run on Sept. 25. Tunnel to Towers is an annual run in Manhattan hosted by the Foundation in which thousands of runners and walkers retrace the steps of Stephen Siller, honor his legacy and remember the fallen of Sept. 11, 2001. This year for the first time, Tunnel to Towers Runs will be held in cities nationwide on 9/11 as a way to mark the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

For hi-res images and more information about the die-cast replicas of each “Honoring Our Heroes” car, please visit www.rccamembers.com/911story.

For more information about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.tunneltotowersrun.org.

Unofficial Coca Cola 600 Starting Lineup

1 Brad Keselowski
2 A.J. Allmendinger
3 Carl Edwards
4 Denny Hamlin
5 Jeff Burton
6 Jimmie Johnson
7 David Reutimann
8 David Ragan
9 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
10 Clint Bowyer
11 Jeff Gordon
12 Ryan Newman
13 Mark Martin
14 Martin Truex Jr.
15 Greg Biffle
16 Paul Menard
17 Kasey Kahne
18 Brian Vickers
19 Matt Kenseth
20 Regan Smith
21 Kyle Busch
22 Tony Stewart
23 Joey Logano
24 Marcos Ambrose
25 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
26 Kurt Busch
27 Bobby Labonte
28 Kevin Harvick
29 Juan Montoya
30 David Gilliland
31 Travis Kvapil
32 David Starr
33 Michael McDowell
34 J.J. Yeley
35 Jamie McMurray
36 Joe Nemechek
37 Casey Mears
38 David Stremme
39 Mike Bliss
40 Landon Cassill
41 Robby Gordon
42 Dave Blaney
43 Mike Skinner

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. To Fill In For Trevor Bayne In Charlotte

Trevor Bayne will miss yet another weekend of NASCAR racing action due to medical issues. His next Sprint Cup Series race will be at Michigan, according to the team.

Meanwhile, someone has to fill the seat of Trevor Bayne's absence. This weekend for the Coca Cola 600, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the most recent Nationwide Series winner, will get a chance to prove himself in NASCAR's top level.

Although the way Stenhouse has been put in the seat is not under the best circumstances, he still says he is looking forward to the moment he has been dreaming of his entire life.

"Obviously its not the circumstances that you want to make your first Sprint Cup start. But you grow up dreaming about this moment and I am excited and grateful for the opportunity; to not only make my first start, but to be able to drive the number 21 Ford of the Wood Brothers in one of the biggest races of the season. Trevor is a very good friend of mine and he's going to be around this weekend and I know that his help with the transition will be instrumental. Hopefully we can give him an effort that will make him proud before we turn the car back over to him for the rest of the season."

Bayne will make his next Nationwide Series appearance at Chicagoland.





Thanks to Wood Brothers Racing for the quotes

Weekend Schedule for NASCAR's Memorial Day Weekend

Racing and Memorial Day weekend - a match that has been together for years and years. The Indianapolis 500 for Indy car, and 600 miles for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series all in one day, making a race fan's dream come true. Here is the weekend NASCAR schedule, as the teams prepare for one of the biggest weekends of the year.

Thursday, May 26th, 2011:

2 pm ET - Nationwide Series practice (SPEED)

3:30 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series Practice (SPEED)

5:10 pm ET - Nationwide Series final practice (SPEED)

7 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series Qualifying (SPEED)

Saturday, May 28th, 2011:

10 am ET - Nationwide Series Qualifying (ESPN2)

11:30 am ET - Sprint Cup Series practice (SPEED)

12:50 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series final practice (SPEED)

2:30 pm ET - Nationwide Series Race (ABC)

Sunday, May 29th, 2011:

6 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series Race (FOX)

Sources Say Danica Will Choose NASCAR in 2012

Sources told ESPN.com Tuesday that NASCAR and Indycar superstar Danica Patrick, along with her agency, is currently working on finalizing a deal to run the full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2012. While the source says the team that Patrick will race for is yet to be determined, it is believed she will run some Sprint Cup Series in 2012 as well plus the Indy 500, Indycar's biggest event.

Last week, Danica said she was not sure of her plans for next season.

"I suppose anything is possible," she said. "But I know for me, I haven't made any of those decisions yet."

It is probable that Danica will continue to be supported by Godaddy.com, her Indycar and NASCAR sponsor this season. While her contract with JR Motorsports is up at the end of the season, it is also a strong possibility that she will continue to race for that team because of the team's past relationship with Godaddy.com. JR Motorsports is also connected with Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's super team.

Nationwide Series Regular Finally Wins A Race

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was able to do something no Nationwide regular has been able to do since Justin Allgaier at Bristol in the spring of 2010 - hold of Sprint Cup Series drivers to win a Nationwide Seres race. Although there was only two Sprint Cup drivers in the field, Stenhouse held off two talented drivers in Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards at a sold out Iowa Speedway. Edwards, Stenhouse, Keselowski, and Sorenson were some of the top contenders in the race.


Here is the unofficial results for the race:

1. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
2. Carl Edwards
3. Brad Keselowski
4. Reed Sorenson
5. Elliott Sadler
6. Kenny Wallace
7. Michael McDowell
8. Justin Allgaier
9. James Buescher
10. Austin Dillon
11. Steve Wallace
12. Drew Herring
13. Michael Annett
14. Jeremy Clements
15. Scott Wimmer
16. Joe Nemechek
17. Aric Almirola
18. Mike Bliss
19. Mike Wallace
20. Morgan Shepherd
21. Blake Koch
22. Robert Richardson Jr.
23. Eric McClure
24. Daryl Harr
25. Dennis Setzer
26. Jennifer Jo Cobb
27. Brian Scott
28. Angela Cope
29. Josh Wise
30. Timmy Hill
31. Luis Martinez Jr.
32. Amber Cope
33. Jason Leffler
34. Ryan Truex
35. Carl Long
36. Johnny Chapman
37. Mike Harmon
38. Brad Teague
39. Tim Andrews
40. Chase Miller
41. Charles Lewandoski
42. Tim Schendel
43. Brett Rowe

NASCAR Sprint Cup All Star Race Unofficial Lineup

Kyle Busch is on the pole for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday May 21, 2011. After a unique qualifying procedure of running three laps including a four tire pit stop, Busch posted a total time of 119.19 seconds. 18 total cars qualified for the event and three more will qualify tomorrow following the Showdown - the top two finishers and the fan vote.

Here is the unofficial lineup for the race Saturday:


1. Kyle Busch
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Greg Biffle
4. Carl Edwards
5. Mark Martin
6. Tony Stewart
7. Kasey Kahne
8. Juan Pablo Montoya
9. Jamie McMurray
10. Ryan Newman
11. Jimmie Johnson
12. Jeff Gordon
13. Matt Kenseth
14. Kevin Harvick
15. Denny Hamlin
16. Kurt Busch
17. Regan Smith
18. David Reutimann

Sprint Showdown Unofficial Lineup

The lineup for the Sprint Showdown has been set. David Ragan will start on the pole for the 40 lap race, while all eyes are on Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will start 13th. The top two positions in the race will be allowed to race in the Sprint All Star race plus the winner of the fan vote will race as well if the car is able to run following the Showdown.

Here is the unofficial lineup for the Showdown:


1. David Ragan
2. A.J. Allmendinger
3. Paul Menard
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Jeff Burton
6. Marcos Ambrose
7. Martin Truex Jr.
8. David Gilliland
9. Joey Logano
10. Brian Vickers
11. Casey Mears
12. Mike Skinner
13. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
14. Bobby Labonte
15. Landon Cassill
16. Travis Kvapil
17. Todd Bodine
18. J.J. Yeley
19. Joe Nemechek
20. Andy Lally
21. TJ Bell
22. David Starr
23. Tony Raines
24. Boris Said
25. Derrick Cope
26. David Stremme
27. Brian Keselowski

Charlotte Motor Speedway and Iowa Weekend Schedule

It is a big weekend for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series teams as they are near their homes in Charlotte. To make the intensity higher, the Sprint Cup stars will get to race for $1 million at the All Star race. The Nationwide Series will be in Iowa on Sunday since the Sprint Cup Series will be racing on Saturday night. This is a big event for Iowa racing fans so expect a big crowd there.

Here is the unofficial schedule for this weekend's events.

Friday May 20, 2011:

9 am ET - Truck Series practice (SPEED at 9:30 am)

10:20 am ET - Truck Series final practice (SPEED)

Noon ET - Sprint Cup Showdown final practice (SPEED)

1:30 pm ET - Sprint Cup All Star final practice (SPEED)

4 pm ET - Nationwide Series practice (No TV, but you can follow along on NASCAR.com's live leaderboard)

4 pm ET - Truck Series Qualifying (SPEED)

5 pm ET - Showdown qualifying (SPEED)

6 pm ET - All Star Race Qualifying (SPEED)

6:15 ET - Nationwide practice (No TV, but NASCAR.com leaderboard)

8 pm ET - Truck Series race (SPEED)

Saturday, May 21, 2011:

10 am ET - Nationwide Final Practice (No TV, but NASCAR.com leaderboard)

4:40 pm ET - Nationwide qualifying (No TV, but NASCAR.com Leaderboard)

7:30 pm ET - Showdown Race (SPEED)

9 pm ET - All Star Race (SPEED)

Sunday, May 22, 2011:

2 pm ET - Nationwide Series Race at Iowa (ABC)

Unofficial Sprint Cup Series Results From Dover

Once again, tire strategy came down to deciding the winner of the race. Regan Smith benefited from a good pit call last weekend at Darlington, but this weekend Matt Kenseth was the one who was able to take home the trophy. After a decision to stay out on the final caution, the 17 car was able to pull away from the drivers who pitted. There were 21 lead changes among 11 drivers and 6 cautions for 28 yellow flag laps. Here is the unofficial finishing order from the race:


1 Matt Kenseth
2 Mark Martin
3 Marcos Ambrose
4 Kyle Busch
5 Brian Vickers
6 Clint Bowyer
7 Carl Edwards
8 Martin Truex Jr.
9 Jimmie Johnson
10 Kevin Harvick
11 Jeff Burton
12 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
13 Brad Keselowski
14 Kurt Busch
15 David Reutimann
16 Denny Hamlin
17 Jeff Gordon
18 Bobby Labonte
19 Greg Biffle
20 Jamie McMurray
21 Ryan Newman
22 David Gilliland
23 Casey Mears
24 Paul Menard
25 Mike Bliss
26 Dave Blaney
27 Joey Logano
28 David Ragan
29 Tony Stewart
30 Landon Cassill
31 Travis Kvapil
32 Juan Montoya
33 Andy Lally
34 Regan Smith
35 Tony Raines
36 Kasey Kahne
37 A.J. Allmendinger
38 Scott Wimmer
39 Joe Nemechek
40 J.J. Yeley
41 Mike Skinner
42 David Stremme
43 Michael McDowell

Dover Sprint Cup Series Lineup

As with NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying this weekend, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying has been canceled due to rain. The starting lineup will now be based on combined practice speeds from Friday. Jimmie Johnson put down the fastest lap and therefore will start on the pole. Scott Riggs failed to qualify. Here is the unofficial lineup for Sunday's race:

1 Jimmie Johnson
2 A.J. Allmendinger
3 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
4 Kasey Kahne
5 Joey Logano
6 Kurt Busch
7 Kyle Busch
8 Martin Truex Jr.
9 Brad Keselowski
10 Kevin Harvick
11 Regan Smith
12 Greg Biffle
13 Carl Edwards
14 David Ragan
15 Brian Vickers
16 Jeff Burton
17 David Reutimann
18 Marcos Ambrose
19 Juan Montoya
20 Paul Menard
21 Jeff Gordon
22 Clint Bowyer
23 Bobby Labonte
24 Matt Kenseth
25 Mark Martin
26 Denny Hamlin
27 Tony Stewart
28 Michael McDowell
29 Ryan Newman
30 David Gilliland
31 Casey Mears
32 Andy Lally
33 Jamie McMurray
34 J.J. Yeley
35 Landon Cassill
36 Mike Skinner
37 David Stremme
38 Mike Bliss
39 Travis Kvapil
40 Scott Wimmer
41 Dave Blaney
42 Joe Nemechek
43 Tony Raines

Nationwide Quals Rained Out, Lineup Based on Practice

Nationwide Series qualifying from Dover International Speedway has been cancled due to the weather. Because of the new rule for the 2011 season, the teams will line up based on their practice speeds. Many drivers who were supposed to miss the race made deals with start and parkers that qualified to race. David Reutimann's team was one of the teams to make a deal in exchange for a starting spot. Mike Harmon, Matthew Carter, and Johnny Chapman will not race today. Here is the unofficial lineup for the race.

1 Carl Edwards
2 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
3 Clint Bowyer
4 Justin Allgaier
5 Kevin Swindell
6 Brad Keselowski
7 Brian Scott
8 Elliott Sadler
9 Jason Leffler
10 Reed Sorenson
11 Joey Logano
12 James Buescher
13 Kyle Busch
14 Kenny Wallace
15 Steve Wallace
16 Josh Wise
17 Ryan Truex
18 Aric Almirola
19 Michael Annett
20 Joe Nemechek
21 Mike Wallace
22 Scott Wimmer
23 Eric McClure
24 Alex Kennedy
25 Jeremy Clements
26 Danny Efland
27 Donnie Neuenberger
28 Derrike Cope
29 Dennis Setzer
30 Timmy Hill
31 Mike Bliss
32 David Reutimann
33 Blake Koch
34 Tim Andrews
35 J.R. Fitzpatrick
36 Kevin Lepage
37 Jeff Green
38 Morgan Shepherd
39 Brett Rowe
40 Carl Long
41 Brad Teague
42 Charles Lewandoski
43 Jennifer Jo Cobb

Camping Wolrd Truck Series Unofficial Dover Results

1 Kyle Busch
2 Cole Whitt
3 Matt Crafton
4 Austin Dillon
5 Kevin Harvick
6 Joey Coulter
7 Brendan Gaughan
8 James Buescher
9 Ron Hornaday
10 Justin Marks
11 Johnny Sauter
12 David Starr
13 Max Papis
14 Jason White
15 Ryan Sieg
16 Nelson Piquet Jr.
17 Timothy Peters
18 Chris Fontaine
19 Shane Sieg
20 Clay Rogers
21 Parker Kligerman
22 Johanna Long
23 Travis Kvapil
24 Craig Goess
25 Justin Lofton
26 Norm Benning
27 Todd Bodine
28 Miguel Paludo
29 Ricky Carmichael
30 Brad Sweet
31 Johnny Chapman
32 Chris Jones
33 Carl Long
34 J.R. Fitzpatrick
35 Mike Garvey
36 Chris Lafferty

Unofficial Dover Truck Race Lineup

1 Justin Marks
2 Kevin Harvick
3 Kyle Busch
4 Ron Hornaday
5 Joey Coulter
6 Travis Kvapil
7 Johnny Sauter
8 Cole Whitt
9 Parker Kligerman
10 Matt Crafton
11 Craig Goess
12 Justin Lofton
13 Nelson Piquet Jr.
14 James Buescher
15 Todd Bodine
16 Jason White
17 Austin Dillon
18 Brad Sweet
19 David Starr
20 Ricky Carmichael
21 Johanna Long
22 Brendan Gaughan
23 Max Papis
24 Timothy Peters
25 Shane Sieg
26 Clay Rogers
27 Miguel Paludo*
28 J.R. Fitzpatrick
29 Chris Fontaine
30 Chris Jones
31 Ryan Sieg
32 Mike Garvey
33 Johnny Chapman
34 Carl Long
35 Norm Benning
36 Chris Lafferty

Unofficial Results Of Southern 500 at Darlington

1 Regan Smith
2 Carl Edwards
3 Brad Keselowski
4 Kasey Kahne
5 Ryan Newman
6 Denny Hamlin
7 Tony Stewart
8 Greg Biffle
9 Jamie McMurray
10 Martin Truex Jr.
11 Kyle Busch
12 Jeff Gordon
13 Marcos Ambrose
14 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
15 Jimmie Johnson
16 David Reutimann
17 Kevin Harvick
18 Bobby Labonte
19 Mark Martin
20 A.J. Allmendinger
21 David Ragan
22 Paul Menard
23 Juan Montoya
24 Dave Blaney
25 Matt Kenseth
26 Travis Kvapil
27 Kurt Busch
28 Ken Schrader
29 Landon Cassill
30 Casey Mears
31 Clint Bowyer
32 David Gilliland
33 Jeff Burton
34 Brian Vickers
35 Joey Logano
36 Tony Raines
37 Robby Gordon
38 T.J. Bell
39 J.J. Yeley
40 Mike Skinner
41 David Stremme
42 Joe Nemechek
43 Michael McDowell

Sprint Fan Vote Numbers Continue To Increase

The number of votes cast for the NASCAR Sprint All Star Race coming up in two weeks has increased by 25% in one week, according to Sprint.

The voting is on pace to break the record of 1.5 million votes. The current top 10 has not changed from last week. Here is the list in alphabetical order.

A.J. Allmendinger
Marcos Ambrose
Jeff Burton
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Brad Keselowski
Bobby Labonte
Joey Logano
Paul Menard
David Ragan
Brian Vickers

Voting may be up due to the fact Miss Sprint Cup stated on SPEED channel last weekend at Richmond that "a certain someone" was not leading the votes.

Voting continues until 5 pm ET on May 21.




Sprint Press Release taken by speedwaymedia.com

Darlington Nationwide Results: Busch Wins Again, Makes Many Angry

Fans continue to get more and more upset with the NASCAR Nationwide Series after dominance of Sprint Cup Series drivers in the recent years. This streak worsened at Darlington, where Kyle Busch took the checkered flag after a race dominated by Sprint Cup Series drivers. At a point in the race, the crew chief for Aric Almirola, a Nationwide regular, stated that the Cup drivers where about one second faster than the competition at times.

There were 19 cars on the lead lap at the finish plus 5 cautions and 11 lead changes.

Here is the unofficial finish of the race:

1 Kyle Busch
2 Denny Hamlin
3 Elliott Sadler
4 Justin Allgaier
5 Steve Wallace
6 Clint Bowyer
7 Kasey Kahne
8 Reed Sorenson
9 Jason Leffler
10 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
11 Kenny Wallace
12 Joe Nemechek
13 Scott Riggs
14 Josh Wise
15 Mike Wallace
16 Danny Efland
17 Chris Buescher
18 Blake Koch
19 Timmy Hill
20 Carl Edwards
21 Kevin Lepage
22 Morgan Shepherd
23 Dennis Setzer
24 Derrike Cope
25 Ryan Truex
26 Jeremy Clements
27 Brad Keselowski
28 Aric Almirola
29 Brian Scott
30 Mike Bliss
31 Michael Annett
32 Jennifer Jo Cobb
33 Carl Long
34 Jeff Green
35 Tim Andrews
36 Eric McClure
37 Johnny Chapman
38 Scott Wimmer
39 Matthew Carter
40 John Jackson
41 Mike Harmon
42 David Green
43 James Hylton

Darlington Sprint Cup Series Lineup

Qualifying is in the books for the Southern 500 at Darlington. Kasey Kahne, with a time of 27.131 seconds and a speed of 181.254 mph, has earned the pole position for Saturday night's race. Kahne held off Ryan Newman, who was the fastest car in the only practice session. Scott Riggs, Andy Lally, and Brian Keselowski failed to qualify. Here is the unofficial lineup:

1 Kasey Kahne
2 Ryan Newman
3 Denny Hamlin
4 Carl Edwards
5 Jeff Gordon
6 Marcos Ambrose
7 A.J. Allmendinger
8 Brian Vickers
9 Tony Stewart
10 Brad Keselowski
11 David Ragan
12 Jamie McMurray
13 Kevin Harvick
14 Kyle Busch
15 Bobby Labonte
16 Juan Montoya
17 Joey Logano
18 Paul Menard
19 Jimmie Johnson
20 Matt Kenseth
21 Travis Kvapil
22 Greg Biffle
23 Regan Smith
24 Jeff Burton
25 Kurt Busch
26 Clint Bowyer
27 Landon Cassill
28 Mark Martin
29 Martin Truex Jr.
30 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
31 J.J. Yeley
32 Casey Mears
33 T.J. Bell
34 Mike Skinner
35 Tony Raines
36 David Reutimann
37 David Gilliland
38 David Stremme
39 Michael McDowell
40 Ken Schrader
41 Joe Nemechek
42 Dave Blaney
43 Robby Gordon

Trevor Bayne Released From Hospital, Still Won't Race At Darlington

Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne has been released from the Mayo Clinic after symptoms possibly related to a spider bite.

Although Bayne is expected to return to the race car this season, there is no timetable for his return. He will not be in the Nationwide Series car for Roush Fenway racing this weekend at Darlington, as well.

"Trevor Bayne was seen by a team of Mayo Clinic specialists where he underwent a series of tests and consultations over the last week," said Mayo Clinic neurologist Brian Crum, M.D.

"He was admitted after suffering from nausea, fatigue and vision impairment. Since his admission, the nausea and fatigue have abated, and the vision impairment continues to be treated with medication, and is showing significant improvement.

"This symptom appears to be the result of an inflammatory condition. Further assessments will be made over the next couple of weeks. His condition is not life threatening or career-ending. We expect he will continue to improve, though the timeframe for his return to racing is unknown at this point. He will continue to be followed closely by his Mayo Clinic team."

As believed by many people following the situation, Chris Buescher will drive the number 16 car to replace Trevor Bayne this weekend at Darlington. He filled in for Bayne last week, where he finished 17th.

Tommy Baldwin Racing Tries For Three Good Races In A Row

After running solidly in the final two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, Tommy Baldwin Racing and driver Dave Blaney hope to continue their good streak of performance with the confidence of a sponsor behind them.

The team has chosen to run chassis 910 this weekend. The car previously had run at Texas and California this season.

Blaney will make his 15th start at the "Track Too Tough To Tame" Saturday night. His best finish at the difficult track was a third place which came in 2003 during the spring race(Darlington now only has one race per season).

Dave Blaney is excited about going to Darlington with his Golden Corral race team because of recent momentum.

“I’m excited to go to Darlington. Our team has a lot of momentum right now, and Darlington has always been one of my favorite tracks because of its history and uniqueness. Everybody has to change their driving style to be successful there. You race to not make mistakes on the racetrack instead of racing other people. There will be guys hitting the wall all weekend. You just have to take care of your car all weekend and not get excited to early.”

Team owner Tommy Baldwin is not only excited about going to Darlington because of recent momentum, but is also looking forward to visiting the speedway because of Blaney's success there.

"Darlington is one of my favorite tracks to go to. Dave has a good history there, so hopefully we can continue the momentum our team has right now.”

The team will once again attempt to impress all the eyes on the sport as they battle it out against the super teams of NASCAR this weekend.

Oh by the way, kids eat free at Golden Corral if they score a top 10.

Darlington Weekend Schedule

The NASCAR teams and fans now shift their attention and focus from Richmond International Raceway to the "Lady In Black," otherwise known as "The Track Too Tough To Tame," or just plain old Darlington.

The historic track, home to the closest finish in NASCAR history(now tied with the recent Talladega race won by Jimmie Johnson) is a good place to watch some exciting racing. Cars are almost destined to get a Darlington Stripe, as the track is very narrow, especially in turns 3 and 4.

Here is the unofficial schedule for the weekend:

Friday, May 6th, 2011:


8:30 am ET - Nationwide Series Practice (Not on TV)

11:30 am ET - Sprint Cup Series Practice (SPEED Channel)

2:00 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series Final Practice (SPEED Channel)

3:30 pm ET- Nationwide Series Qualifying (ESPN2)

5:00 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series Qualifying (SPEED Channel)

7:30 pm ET - Nationwide Series Race (ESPN2)


Saturday, May 7th, 2011:


7:30 pm ET - Sprint Cup Series Race (FOX)

Special Paint Scheme, New Car For Earnhardt This Weekend

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the number 88 team will try and rebound after a tough finish last weekend at Richmond International Speedway due to pit strategy. The AMP Energy team is now fourth in points, after falling from third position.

The team will field a new paint scheme this weekend at Darlington as well as next weekend at Dover - the AMP Energy Sugar Free scheme. Not only is the paint scheme something new, the car is as well. The team will unload a car that has never been raced or tested before(for folks who are interested in the actual chassis number, its 88-657).

Earnhardt says Darlington is a slick track and it is important to find that edge.

"Darlington is a slick track. It is a difficult track to drive around. It is real smooth, and you have to find that edge. There is a lot of load change like driving into Turn one and then the load comes out of the car through the center and then the load increases on the exit of Turn two. The car just really changes a lot as you are going around the corner, and it can just snap on you."

Darlington Raceway, due to its odd shape and narrowness, is hard on many drivers and teams, and tends to give everyone a 'Darlington Stripe' at least once in a weekend, however it has been a fairly good track for Jr. in his career. NASCAR's most popular driver has three top-five finishes and seven top-10s and has completed 98.1 percent of the laps he has attempted.

It has not always been the same Darlington in Earnhardt's career - a repave a few years ago has changed the track somewhat according to crew chief Steve Letarte.

"It's changed a little with the new pavement. Tire wear is not really an issue. The key to success at Darlington is to take care of your equipment. The track will lull you into complacency. You go there with heightened senses because you know it tears up a lot of right sides. Over a couple of days you get more relaxed and the risks become normal. In Turns 1 and 2 you are right against the wall and not many people make a lot of mistakes down there because there is a lot of room. Turns 3 and 4 are just the opposite. You drive in really straight, and you have to make the car turn right up against the wall. To be good all day long at Darlington, you have to stay out of that Turn 3 and 4 wall."

Earnhardt's second worse finish of the year came last weekend(19th). Other than Richmond and Daytona, the 88 team has finished no worse than 12th this season.



Thanks to the 88 team PR for the quotes

Trevor Bayne May Miss Yet Another Weekend

As the next weekend of NASCAR racing approaches fast, the uncertainty around Trevor Bayne continues to grow. After missing a weekend of racing at Richmond International Raceway, there is a big chance Bayne will miss yet another race weekend due to illness.

Trevor Bayne has been in the hospital for quite some time now, however doctors are yet to explain the reason. They have made no diagnoses to his issues, although there is some speculation that it may be caused by a bug bite received a few weeks ago. Still, as time progresses, it seems more unlikely that the bug bite is the real cause of this unfortunate situation for the Daytona 500 champion.

There have not been many specific updates about Trevor's condition or future plans from team representatives from Roush Fenway Racing or the Wood Brothers.

Chris Buescher will likely take over yet again for Bayne in the Nationwide Series if he does not make it to Darlington. Bayne is not scheduled for another Sprint Cup race until the All Star race May 21st.

Dave Blaney and Tommy Baldwin Racing continue streak

After contending for the victory in the Aaaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, Tommy Baldwin racing was able to secure sponsorship for the remainder of the season, allowing the team to be able to race every weekend.

Good fortunes continued to hover over the team two weeks later at Richmond International Raceway. The team, sponsored by Golden Corral, finished 13th, adding to their momentum. The team now has moved into the top 35 in owner's points - guaranteeing them a starting position in next weekend's race at Darlington.

There is no doubt that the team was able to make their new full time sponsor proud. Now that more money is coming into that team, perhaps Tommy Balwin racing can become more relevant with better equipment.

The team truly has an opportunity now that most small teams of their size will never have. Hopefully, it will work out for them in the years to come.

What a story that would be.