NascarFanatic

betagnome NASCAR

Camping World 400 Results

betagnome Chase Points

For Greg Biffle, Darlington must seem like a long time ago.

It was after a last-place finish in the Mother’s Day weekend event when the Roush Fenway Racing driver criticized his team for a loose wheel that cost him a shot at the victory. There were no such concerns Sunday, when a recently-revamped No. 16 team turned in a series of quick, productive stops that helped Biffle win the Chase opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“Spectacular,” crew chief Greg Erwin said of his team’s performance. “We’ve made some changes. The progress of the 16 pit crew has been pretty well-documented. We had one hang-up on one stop that, you know, cost us a couple of spots. But the difference is, nobody got down, because everybody knew the potential was there. We’ve seen that the last couple of weeks, as strong as we’ve been. I couldn’t be happier for everyone.”

What once seemed a handicap has suddenly emerged as a strength for Biffle, now third in Sprint Cup points after being largely eclipsed by the likes of Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson during the course of NASCAR’s regular season. Although Biffle passed Johnson on the racetrack with 12 laps remaining Sunday, his pit crew kept him in contention for the victory, his first since winning at Kansas last season.

That pit crew has undergone some changes in recent weeks. Team owner Jack Roush tweaked the crews of both Biffle and teammate Edwards just before the Chase, moving some of the best people from the team of Jamie McMurray — who didn’t qualify for the year-end playoff — to the No. 16 and 99 programs. He also hired a new jack man for Biffle’s team. The changes went into effect before the Aug. 31 race at California, and the results were immediate. After finishing second in the Labor Day weekend event, Biffle raved about what it was like to have a crew that allowed him to beat other drivers off pit road.

“What a phenomenal job,” Biffle said after that runner-up finish. “I feel bad. I let them down.”

Not at New Hampshire. The changes, approved by team general manager Robbie Reiser and implemented specifically for the Chase, had paid off.

“It was all Chase-related,” Erwin said. “It had been something that had been discussed between the crew chiefs and, quite honestly, Robbie Reiser, not just with the 16 team specifically, but with the three and potentially four teams we were going to have in the Chase. There were some members on the 26 car that were proven veterans. Both our team, as well as the 99, has had some issues with one guy in particular on each squad. Reiser stepped up to the plate and decided, look, this is our best foot forward. These are what we think are our most experienced under-the-gun-type players, and made the decision and allowed each of our teams to get some guys from the 26 car. It’s helped. You know, without a doubt, it’s helped.”

Nascar Race Used Sheetmetal #16 Greg Biffle 3M Ford Fusion- Roush Fenway Racing US $316.00 End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 15:27:24 PDT

Nascar Busch Series 25th Anniversary Roush Racing shirt US $40.00 End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 20:35:50 PDT

Roush Racing #6,#16,#17,#26,99 NASCAR Fleece Hoodie! Sizes available: M, XL, 2XL US $25.00 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 11:28:07 PDT

Roush Racing #6,#16,#17,#26,99 NASCAR Fleece Hoodie! Sizes available: M, XL, 2XL US $25.00 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 11:28:07 PDT

Roush Racing #6,#16,#17,#26,99 NASCAR Fleece Hoodie! Sizes available: M, XL, 2XL US $25.00 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 11:28:07 PDT

betagnome NASCAR

RICHMOND, Va. — Not so fast, Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards. Jimmie Johnson has no intention of giving up his title without a fight.

Johnson stormed into the Chase for the championship by winning his second consecutive race Sunday, getting a big boost as he starts his pursuit of a third consecutive title.

The two-time defending Cup champion passed Tony Stewart and Martin Truex for the lead with 32 laps to go at Richmond International Raceway, then held off Stewart’s late challenge over the final 10 laps.

“I think this … car is going to be ready for this championship battle,” Johnson said in Victory Lane. “I think chances are high. We’re in the show and we’re going to give 100 percent and try to make history.”

Johnson is seeking to become the first driver to win three consecutive titles since Cale Yarborough (1976-78).

It was the final event before NASCAR’s 10-race title hunt begins next week in New Hampshire, and everyone had to wait a day to see which 12 drivers would make the Chase after NASCAR postponed the Saturday start because of Tropical Storm Hanna.

New Chase arrivalsDavid Ragan and Kasey Kahne were the only two drivers mathematically eligible to race their way into the Chase field. Ragan put on a gutsy push before contact with other cars ended his run with a 32nd-place finish.

Kahne finished 19th, giving the final Chase spot to Clint Bowyer.

“I drove everything I could all day,” Kahne said. “It was a long day in the pits — we came out close to last almost every time. But we were never going to beat Clint.”

The Chase field is Johnson, Stewart, Busch, Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Bowyer.

Busch goes into the Chase seeded first based on his eight Cup victories this season. He had a rough day at Richmond in his final tuneup for his title run. He was wrecked by Dale Earnhardt Jr. while leading midway through the race, and was later wrecked a second time by Elliott Sadler. Busch finished 15th.

Edwards also had a long day after an early tire problem relegated him to the pack. He finished 13th but is still the second seed in the Chase based on his six previous victories. Johnson is seeded third, with four victories.

The three are the only Chase drivers with multiple victories — five of the title contenders are winless this season — and an intense fight for the championship is expected.

Among the winless drivers are Stewart and Gordon, who have never before gone this deep into the season without a victory. Stewart was visibly frustrated after failing to catch Johnson and end his 39-race winless streak.

Chase Standings
Tiebreaker is best finishes beyond race victories

Pos. Driver Points

1. Kyle Busch 5,080
2. Carl Edwards 5,050
3. Jimmie Johnson 5,040
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5,010
5. Clint Bowyer 5,010
6. Denny Hamlin 5,010
7. Jeff Burton 5,010
8. Tony Stewart 5,000
9. Greg Biffle 5,000
10. Jeff Gordon 5,000
11. Kevin Harvick 5,000
12. Matt Kenseth 5,000

betagnome Chase Points

Let’s see what is left to complete the Chase?  Who is going to take home the trophy? Click a link to find tickets to the race.  Great seats are available for every race!

Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Speedway – September 14, 2008

Camping World RV 400 presented by AAA at Dover International Speedway – September 21, 2008

Kansas 400 at Kansas Speedway – September 28, 2008

Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway – October 5, 2008

Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway – October 11, 2008

TUMS QuikPak 500 Martinsville Speedway – October 19, 2008

Pep Boys Auto 500 Atlanta Motor Speedway – October 26, 2008

Dickies 500 Texas Motor Speedway – November 2, 2008

Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil Phoenix International Raceway – November 9, 2008

Ford 400 Homestead-Miami Speedway – November 16, 2008

betagnome Chase Points

RANK	+/-	DRIVER	PTS	BEHIND	STARTS	POLES	WINS	TOP 5	TOP 10	WINNINGS
1	–	Kyle Busch	3059	Leader	21	2	7	12	13	4,739,060
2	–	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	2883	-176	21	1	1	7	12	3,142,670
3	+2	Carl Edwards	2874	-185	21	0	4	9	15	4,751,700
4	–	Jimmie Johnson	2859	-200	21	3	2	7	11	4,300,950
5	-2	Jeff Burton	2833	-226	21	0	1	4	11	3,377,580
6	–	Jeff Gordon	2678	-381	21	2	0	8	10	3,575,460
7	+2	Kasey Kahne	2592	-467	21	2	2	3	11	4,482,670
8	-1	Greg Biffle	2589	-470	21	2	0	6	9	2,979,110
9	+1	Tony Stewart	2569	-490	21	0	0	7	10	4,012,740
10	-2	Denny Hamlin	2547	-512	21	1	1	6	10	3,435,320
11	+2	Kevin Harvick	2520	-539	21	0	0	4	7	3,292,890
12	–	Clint Bowyer	2512	-547	21	0	1	4	10	2,824,540

betagnome Chase Points

Results for Saturday night’s LifeLock.com 400 race for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series at Chicagoland Speedway, listing starting position in parentheses, driver, car, laps completed with reason out if not running at the finish, points earned, driver rating and money won:
1. (1) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 267 laps, 146.3 rating, 195 points, $331,175.

2. (5) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 267, 115.6, 175, $251,086.

3. (13) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 267, 115.5, 165, $219,436.

4. (11) Greg Biffle, Ford, 267, 106.9, 165, $153,550.

5. (12) Tony Stewart, Toyota, 267, 120.6, 160, $164,011.

6. (15) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 267, 107, 155, $119,875.

7. (9) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 267, 103.1, 151, $152,291.

8. (14) David Ragan, Ford, 267, 97.6, 142, $114,300.

9. (19) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 267, 94.1, 143, $135,583.

10. (17) Ryan Newman, Dodge, 267, 82.6, 134, $143,400.

Read more…

betagnome NASCAR

LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway – July 12, 2008

Allstate 400 at The Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 27, 2008

Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono – August 3, 2008

Centurion Boats at The Glen – August 10, 2008

3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway – August 17, 2008

Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway – August 23, 2008

Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway – August 31, 2008

Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway – September 6, 2008

Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Speedway – September 14, 2008

Dover 400 at Dover International Speedway – September 21, 2008

Kansas 400 at Kansas Speedway – September 28, 2008

Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway – October 5, 2008

betagnome NASCAR

betagnome NASCAR

Kyle Busch edged Carl Edwards to win Nascar’s Coke Zero 400 race at Daytona International Speedway yesterday in a photo finish after a last-lap crash. Busch and Edwards were running side by side on the last lap when a wreck in the back of the field brought out the yellow flag. Nascar officials reviewed videotape and determined Busch’s Toyota Camry was ahead of Edwards’ Ford Fusion at the time of the caution.

“I can’t believe we’re here,” Busch, 23, said in a televised interview after the race. “We didn’t have the best car here tonight.” The win extends Busch’s lead in the Sprint Cup Series to 182 points over second-place Dale Earnhardt Jr., who finished eighth in the race. It was the Las Vegas driver’s sixth win of the year and the 10th of his Sprint Cup Series career. Busch finished second in the last two July races at Daytona.

Read more…

betagnome NASCAR

Our newest site – Harley Fanatic  has arrived. If you are anything like the admin of this site, you love Harley Davidson’s.  You can find anything and everything Harley Davidson related at Harley Fanatic.

betagnome NASCAR

Kyle Busch ended the slump that’s plagued him the past two weeks, winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350 road course Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday.

Busch, who’s poor qualifying run started him in 30th at Infineon Raceway, moved through the field quickly and took the lead away from defending race winner Juan Pablo Montoya on a restart.  Nobody came anywhere near taking the lead from him the rest of the race. He did however, have to hold off a pair of challenges on two late restarts. A late red flag on lap 108 left many drivers wondering about fuel – but not Busch, he came to victory lane with plenty of gas.

2005 Kyle Busch #15 Ditech.com 1/24 RACED USED TIRE PIECE! US $69.99 End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 14:26:30 PDT

Action 1/24 Kyle Busch #18 Interstate All Battery 2011 In Stock 1 0f 887 Made US $39.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 15:09:51 PDT

nascar diecast 1/24 lot kyle busch 2011 diecast US $120.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 16:57:17 PDT

2011 KYLE BUSCH #18 M&M's ARC STEALTH 1/24 DIECAST US $64.95 End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 17:42:09 PDT

2010 AUTOGRAPHED Joey Logano #20 HOME DEPOT 1:24 Elite #006/120 SIGNED - RARE US $199.99 End Date: Saturday May-19-2012 17:51:16 PDT

betagnome NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended his 76 race string of losses Sunday, with his victory at Michigan International Speedway under a caution flag with nothing but fumes left in his gas tank.

NASCAR’s most popular driver somehow squeezed enough gas out of his last fillup to go three laps beyond the regulation finish in the Lifelock 400.

Position  Driver

1.  Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2.  Kasey Kahne

3.  Matt Kenseth

4.  Brian Vickers

5.  Tony Stewart

6.  Jimmie Johnson

7.  Carl Edwards

8.  David Ragan

9.  Elliott Sadler

10. Jamie McMurray 

A spin on Lap 203 by Patrick Carpentier, brought out the last caution and most likely saved the victory for Earnhardt, who ran out of gas moments after crossing the finish line.

"It is what it is, man," the jubilant Earnhardt said. "We were going to stay out there no matter what."

When asked if he could have made it if the green flag had stayed out, Earnhardt said: "We were going to stumble to the finish and probably not win the race. We weren’t going to finish. The yellow saved us.

"They can write what they want, but we won one."

betagnome NASCAR

Pole-sitter Kasey Kahne recovered from missing lug nuts that dropped him to the back of the field — and weathered myriad strategic ploys from his rivals — to win Sunday’s Pocono 500 Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway.

The victory was Kahne’s second of the season and the ninth of his career in 158 starts, but it wasn’t as easy as Kahne’s 3.702-second margin of victory over Brian Vickers might suggest.

After a restart on Lap 182 of the 200-lap event, Kahne passed Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Lap 183 and Vickers on Lap 185 to take the lead for the final time.

Denny Hamlin ran third, followed by Earnhardt and Jeff Burton, who trimmed the series points lead of 43rd-place finisher Kyle Busch to 21 points. Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards and Mark Martin completed the top 10.

Kahne is riding a wave of momentum that dates to the May 17 Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. After Kahne failed to qualify for the event, fans voted him in. Kahne made the most of the opportunity and won the race. Eight days later he won his first points race of the season, the Coca-Cola 600.

"The fans gave [momentum] to us in the All-Star Race when they gave us that boost," Kahne said. "It’s done a tremendous amount for our confidence in the last month."

It gave Kahne and his No. 9 Dodge crew enough presence of mind to recover from a snafu in the pits on Lap 58. Crew chief Kenny Francis changed his call from a four-tire to a two-tire pit stop under caution, but the front-tire changer didn’t pick up on the change and removed three lug nuts from the left-front before Kahne left the pits.

Kahne had to pit again a lap later to replace the lug nuts and fell to 38th in the running order for a restart on Lap 64. With the race’s dominant car and excellent subsequent performance in the pits, Kahne worked his way back to sixth by the halfway point. On Lap 116, he passed teammate Elliott Sadler for third.

With both Earnhardt and Vickers on fuel-mileage strategies, Francis kept Kahne on a normal cycle of pit stops and let the strength of the No. 9 car make the difference.

Because of the fuel-mileage ploy, Vickers’ tires were 10 laps older than Kahne’s at the finish, and Vickers thought that was the critical issue.

"I’m so proud of our guys," said Vickers, who gave Red Bull Racing its best finish in the Cup Series. "We needed tires. He [Kahne] had a lot newer tires, and that’s all we needed. We had a great car."

You can find great Kasey Kahne Memorabilia HERE!

betagnome NASCAR

I am huge fan of Notre Dame Football, so of course southbend.footballticketsforless.com which specializes in Notre Dame Football Tickets is one of my new favorites.   

southbend.fan-apparel.com  which is specializing in Notre Dame fan apparel had a great listing of stuff – I found a great new hat.

boston.basketballticketsforless.com – Celtics Fans can find the best deals on tickets right here. Of course, I predict that the Celtics are going to win the Finals in 5, no more than 6 games.

betagnome NASCAR