It just occurred to me, the thought of Kyle Busch possibly sitting in the No. 8 car. I feel nauseous.
I don’t care what Hendrick Motorsports has to do but they must get that number from DEI. While it isn’t for sure that Kyle is going to DEI to fill that empty slot, I don’t think anyone else but Dale Earnhardt Jr. should be able to use that number. I mean, can you imagine some schmo using Michael Jordan’s number?? Uh no. Ok, Dale isn’t on the same level as MJ yet but he does have the same level of popularity and it would be insanity to let someone else use it.
The number 8 is synonymous with Dale Jr. Separating the two would be like breaking up the Captain & Tennille, or Batman & Robin… Lindsay Lohan & drugs… hehe… just kidding. The point is that when you think of one you instantly think of the other. This number is important. I can swallow Dale running a No. 08 or 81, but I can’t take someone else running the No. 8. That just can’t happen.
In other news…
– Did you know that Robby Gordon won his first NASCAR Nextel Cup race at NHIS back in 2001? Annnd… he’s the only driver in Nextel cup history to win his first race at New Hamphsire.
– If you’re up for meeting No. 40 Coors Wide Mouth Can Dodge driver David Stremme tonight here’s your chance to do it! (Provided that you are already in New Hampshire)
David Stremme will participate in the Coors Light Annual Pub Tour Friday night from 7-9pm in and around the Concord, N.H. area in advance of Sunday’s New England 300. Stremme and guests from Capitol Distributors (the local Coors distributor) will hit four local area pubs so keep your eyes open for the Coors Light crew Friday night.
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I totally called it, but it was pretty obvious. At this weekend’s race at New Hampshire International Speedway Carl Edwards will be driving the No. 99 Lumber Liquidators/Red Sox Ford Fusion with a big ole Red Sox Logo on the car.
Everybody is very “proud” of this endeavor, as is stated in this Roush Fenway press release:
Roush Fenway Racing announced today that Boston Red Sox sponsors, Lumber Liquidators and Gillette, have signed on as sponsors of the No. 99 Ford Fusion driven by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Carl Edwards during this weekend’s race at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS). The companies will celebrate their relationship with the Boston Red Sox and NASCAR fans by featuring the Red Sox logo on the No. 99 Lumber Liquidators/Red Sox Ford Fusion during the race in Loudon, N.H. on July 1.
“I’m really proud to have Lumber Liquidators and Gillette on board as the primary sponsors of the No. 99 Ford at Loudon,” said Edwards. “Both organizations have deep ties in the New England area and it is truly an honor to represent a team like the Boston Red Sox that has so much respect and history. There is an obvious cross-over between the NASCAR fan base and Red Sox fans and I’m excited that Lumber Liquidators and Gillette have chosen me to represent them at New Hampshire International Speedway.”
As Red Sox sponsors Lumber Liquidators and Gillette have secured the rights to utilize Boston Red Sox marks for marketing and promotional activation. These rights allow the companies to feature the Red Sox logo on the No. 99 Ford Fusion and Edwards as a means of further leveraging their association with the Red Sox through regional sponsorship of Roush Fenway Racing at Loudon. In addition to being highlighted on the Roush Fenway Racing entry, the sponsors will look to reach a broader audience of NASCAR fans by tapping into Roush Fenway Racing’s public relations and marketing services.
“We are excited to have Lumber Liquidators and Gillette sponsoring the No. 99 Ford Fusion and using the opportunity to promote their affiliation with the Boston Red Sox,” said Jack Roush, owner of Roush Fenway Racing. “It is our intention to be New England’s NASCAR team. We hope Red Sox fans watching the races in Loudon will support us with the same intensity as they do when watching the Red Sox”.
With this agreement, Lumber Liquidators, the largest independent retailer of hardwood flooring in the country, is expanding it’s involvement in NASCAR after entering the Craftsman Truck Series as a team sponsor in 2006. “This is a dream partnership. Lumber Liquidators has a long history with the Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group was a big part of why Lumber Liquidators entered NASCAR racing last year,” said Tom Sullivan, chairman and founder of Lumber Liquidators. “As a native Bostonian myself, I can’t wait to see the No. 99 Lumber Liquidators/Red Sox Ford Fusion running up front on Sunday for all the great Red Sox fans in New England and around the nation.”
“It’s exciting to join with two of our partners, the Boston Red Sox and Roush Fenway Racing, to further leverage our NASCAR sponsorship when ‘Gillette Young Gun,’ Carl Edwards, debuts the car at Loudon,” said Michelle Potorski, associate marketing director, Gillette. “We look forward to working with the partners to bring these types of creative ideas to New England sports fans.”
Anyone on the outside looking in would think this was a no-brainer, the logical next step in the partnership between Roush and Fenway. So it’s not the biggest piece of news in the world of racing, but I’m sure die hard Red Sox fans will dig it.
To celebrate Roush Fenway Racing competing for the first time at NHIS under their new name this weekend, the Boston Red Sox will host Roush Fenway Racing Day at Fenway Park presented by Gillette on Friday, June 29 as the Red Sox take on the Texas Rangers. Festivities will include Roush Fenway Racing themed displays and exhibits throughout the ballpark as well as a special pre-game ceremony that will formally introduce Red Sox Nation to the drivers of Roush Fenway Racing. On Monday, July 2 fans are invited to visit the No. 99 Lumber Liquidators/Red Sox Ford Fusion at the Lumber Liquidators Braintree location located at 240 Wood Road. The show car will be on display between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. In addition, Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox will make a special appearance between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 pm. You can also see the No. 99 Lumber Liquidators/Red Sox Ford Fusion paint scheme by logging on to lumberliquidators.com.
Now if only someone would run an Oakland A’s themed car…. That’d be niiice!
I’ve been meaning to write about this for some time, I love the new look & feel of NASCAR.COM. I guess it was at the start of this racing season that they launched the revamped site(?). My favorite part is when you click into an article and the huge photo at the top zooms out slowly revealing itself. I love that feature, it’s so simple but so dramatic at the same time.
If you haven’t seen it yet you should. Use this press release regarding Tony Eury Sr.’s move to JR Motorsports as Director of Competition, as an example.
I think it’s awesome that Eury Sr. will be taking on this role for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s company. He obviously cherishes his family bonds and trusts the Eury’s in general. I think this can only help JR Motorsports to grow and become successful. Shane Huffman, driver of the #88 Navy Chevrolet in the Busch Series, has been doing a good job for JR Motorsports so far this year. He’s moved up to 12th place in the Busch Series standings, moving up 3 spots after last weekend’s race in Milwaukee.
Shane writes a blog on his InfieldParking.com profile page. He updates it, it seems like at least once a week.
In other news…
– I’m curious about what Carl Edwards has up his sleeve for this weekend’s race at Loudon in New Hampshire. Says Edwards, “This weekend we are also running a special New England-themed paint scheme. I can’ t say just yet what it is, but I know the fans will get a real kick out the No. 99 new look for the weekend.” A big Boston Red Sox logo? (He does race for Roush Fenway after all) A photo of a giant bowl of clam chowder? What??
– Buy King of Leon’s latest CD “Because of the Times.” It’s incredibly good rock music, like their two previous CDs. I recommend listening to the songs “Knocked Up” and “On Call” first, if you like those you’ll love all the rest.
– Do me a favor and fill out my ‘Fast and Fabulous’ survey.
If you’re a woman or minority that has always dreamed of driving for a NASCAR team then you need to submit your application for the 2008 Drive for Diversity program ASAP! Don’t think about it, just do it… More details below.
Drive For Diversity Program Seeks Drivers For 2008 Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Drive for Diversity program is accepting applications from experienced drivers for the 2008 season. This will mark the fifth season for NASCAR’s leading driver development program, which provides opportunities for minority and female drivers to compete with established NASCAR teams.
Interested minority and female drivers are invited to submit their applications to Access Marketing & Communications through August 17, 2007. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a Testing and Evaluation Combine this Fall, hosted by Access Marketing & Communications.
Drivers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills before established NASCAR team owners in an effort to earn an opportunity to compete in the Drive for Diversity program for the 2008 season. Drivers who have demonstrated their skill and have experience in grassroots racing will be considered.
“We are thrilled to have the Drive for Diversity program entering its fifth season with the support of NASCAR,” said Greg Calhoun, president and CEO of Access Marketing & Communications. “We are pleased to continue our work with the NASCAR industry and look forward to seeing another exceptional class of candidates at our fifth Testing and Evaluation Combine.”
The Drive for Diversity program is in its fourth season and is NASCAR’s leading on-track diversity initiative. This season four drivers compete in the NASCAR Grand National Division – two in the Busch East Series and two in the West Series – and three drivers compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Interested drivers should send resumes, highlight videos, on-track photos, race results, references and other supporting materials to: Drive for Diversity Competition Committee, 401 N. Tryon St, 10th Floor, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.
Resumes and supporting materials can also be e-mailed to driver@drivefordiversity.com. All resumes and supporting materials must be postmarked no later than Thursday, August 16, 2007. Please note that applicant resumes and supporting materials will not be returned.
For more information please visit the official program website: www.drivefordiversity.com
Aric Almirola is credited with winning the Busch Series’ AT&T 250 at Milwaukee this past weekend, but it was Denny Hamlin that finished the race for him. Denny was originally supposed to be in the car but got to the race late and jumped in after Aric qualified the car and started the race on the pole.
I don’t care what the reasoning was for it, it’s just wrong. Especially when you know that whomever starts the race is credited for the race in the end, no matter who finishes it. So it’s not a win for Denny Hamlin anyway.
I just feel bad for Aric, this was his chance to stand out and make a name for himself, but he was forced to step aside by his own car owner, in favor of the bigger name driver.
I hope he’ll get the chance to really win a race this year.
Hamlin gets unofficial Milwaukee victory [Fox Sports on MSN]
In between trying to put together toys and eating my 6 year-old nephew’s yummy birthday cake, I tried to catch the race at Infineon this past weekend.
I don’t even want to acknowledge the fact that Juan Pablo Montoya won the race (but there ya go). He’s seriously the last person (er one of the last people) that I wanted to win this thing. It was all entirely disappointing. I saw the headline “Montoya’s win left something to be desired” and I hoped that it would talk about how insincere he sounded in victory lane, but instead it was just about the fact that he won because of fuel strategy and not skill. I’ll take what I can get.
Eventhough Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended up finishing 13th, still not getting a top 10 in Sonoma, he started third and ran up front for the majority of the race. I think every Dale Jr. fan should feel good about that. While I would love it for him to win, at this point in the year all I care about is making sure he makes it into the Chase.
Speaking of the Chase… There’s a website that is analyzing the chances of drivers making it into the NASCAR version of playoffs (the final 10 races of the season). It’s pretty cool, and kind of depressing if your favorite driver has only a 4.9% chance (Casey Mears!) of making it into the Chase. Check out SportsClubStats.com
Dale Jr. ranked 6th this year in Harris Interative’s poll: “Who is your favorite sports star?” Tiger Woods came in first for the second year in a row. The complete list is as follows:
1.) Tiger Woods
2.) Derek Jeter
3.) Michael Jordan
4.) Brett Favre
5.) LeBron James
6.) Dale Earnhardt Jr.
7.) Tim Duncan
8.) Peyton Manning
9.) Kobe Bryant
10.) Tom Brady
My question is how did Kobe Bryant get on that list? Eww. For the women tennis star Serena Williams came in first, followed by IndyCar driver Danica Patrick. Check out the complete poll results from Harris Interactive.
Left to right: Jeff Gordon, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman and Jimmie Johnson pose for a photo prior to the driver’s meeting at Infineon Raceway. (Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
