Daytona 500: 46 Days and Counting
Tuesday, January 1st, 2008 12:00pm CST
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
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Kenny Wallace
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Furniture Row Racing
- Car Number: 78
- Crew Chief: Jay Guy
- Sponsor: Furniture Row
- Points: 46th :: 1066 :: -5657
- Starts: 16
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $1,411,830
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: TBD
- Car Number: TBD
- Crew Chief: TBD
- Sponsor: TBD
What seemed like a trickle of light in the tunnel for Kenny Wallace fans, it turned dismal last August when Kenny stepped out of the car after Watkins Glen.
At this time, Kenny is looking for sponsorship while talking to both Busch Nationwide and Truck teams.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Drivers, Kenny Wallace, Nascar, Nextel Cup
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 46 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday January 2, 2008
12:12pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
NASCAR recently released the 2008 Sprint Cup testing schedule, so here it is. Those taking notes will immediately notice some interesting tidbits coming up that differs significantly from previous years.
For the folks at home that may not keep up with the testing procedures and policies, these are the “official” tests hosted by NASCAR at Sprint Cup sanctioned tracks.
We already know about the first obligatory session. If not, it’s time to crawl out from under that rock. (That’s a joke, or an attempt at one, so feel free to laugh and at least make me feel better.)
January 7-9: Daytona Preseason Thunder (Jan 10th saved as a rain date.)
Teams finishing in odd numbered points positions in the 2007 Nextel Cup Series.
January 14-16: Daytona Preseason Thunder (Jan 17th for rain.)
Teams finishing in even numbered points positions in the 2007 Nextel Cup Series, plus new entries.
January 28-29: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
January 31- February 1: California Speedway
March 3-4: Phoenix International Raceway
May 27-28: Pocono Raceway
September 23-24: Lowe’s Motor Speedway
There you have it folks. That’s the “sanctioned” tests. Notable are the moving of Lowe’s to September, and the addition of Pocono in May. Last year it was Dover instead of Pocono, which was canceled due to weather.
Welcome to 2008, folks. It’s going to be a great year all around.
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Filed Under: California, Charlotte/Lowe's, Daytona, Las Vegas, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Phoenix, Pocono, Tracks
Trackback URL for: 2008 Sprint Cup Testing Schedule
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday January 2, 2008
12:50pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
Jeremy Mayfield
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Bill Davis Racing
- Car Number: 36
- Crew Chief: Multiple Crew Chiefs
- Sponsor: 360 OTC
- Points: 45th :: 1126 :: -5597
- Starts: 17
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $1,415,140
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Haas CNC
- Car Number: 70
- Crew Chief: Dave Skog
- Sponsor: TBD
After a difficult departure from Evernham in August of 2006, Jeremy Mayfield landed with a fresh opportunity at Bill Davis Racing in the #36 for 2007. As a new team, they struggled to make races, and in October of 2007 Jeremy Mayfield left BDR for Haas/CNC. As a note, Jacques Villeneuve was hired last summer to replace Mayfield. Mayfield wasn’t actually released from BDR at the time, as they were looking into sponsorship possibilities for starting up another team.
Mayfield finished out the 2007 season in the #66 at Hass.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Bill Davis Racing #36, Drivers, Haas CNC Racing #66, Jeremy Mayfield, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 45 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday January 3, 2008
12:14pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
Michael Waltrip
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
- Car Number: 55
- Crew Chief: Buddy Sisco
- Sponsor: NAPA
- Points: 44th :: 1149 :: -5574
- Starts: 14
- Poles: 1
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 2
- Winnings: $1,461,080
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
- Car Number: 55
- Crew Chief: Paul Andrews
- Sponsor: NAPA
The 2007 season started out as a complete nightmare for the newly formed Michael Waltrip Racing with a fuel additive scandal at Daytona that saw people suspended indefinitely (both were back to competition by mid-season). To make matters worse, Michael had a personal vehicle accident that was spun into more than it seemed to be.
However, things weren’t all sour grapes for Michael. He ended the season with two Top-10’s, as well as earning a pole. The second half, or last third if you will, of the season saw marked improvement at MWR across the board.
With 2008 closing in fast, look for further performance improvements out of Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota as well. Toyota’s addition of Joe Gibbs Racing can only stand to strengthen the overall brand, provided JGR plays by Toyota’s rules of sharing information between teams regardless of Owner.
Similar to the strategies behind multi-car teams, Toyota takes it a step further to share information across all of its teams under the Toyota umbrella.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Drivers, Michael Waltrip, Michael Waltrip Racing #55, Nascar, Nextel Cup
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 44 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday January 4, 2008
12:34pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
A.J. Allmendinger
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Team Red Bull
- Car Number: 84
- Crew Chief: Ricky Viers
- Sponsor: Red Bull
- Points: 43rd :: 1165 :: -5558
- Starts: 17
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $1,316,980
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Team Red Bull
- Car Number: 84
- Crew Chief: Ricky Viers
- Sponsor: Red Bull
As a struggling Rookie of the Year candidate, A.J. Allmendinger managed to make a total of 17 starts in 2007. Just one start shy of .500, as they say. One positive is that A.J. Allmendinger, his team, and Toyota in general improved over the season.
A.J. will return to the #84 in 2008 to give it another shot alongside teammate Brian Vickers.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: A.J. Allmendinger, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Team RedBull #84, Teams
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 43 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Saturday January 5, 2008
1:12pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
Bill Elliott
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Wood Brothers/JTG
- Car Number: 21
- Crew Chief: Michael McSwain
- Sponsor: Little Debbie
- Points: 42nd :: 1579 :: -5144
- Starts: 20
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $2,056,930
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Wood Brothers/JTG?
- Car Number: 21?
- Crew Chief: Gene Nead?
- Sponsor: Little Debbies?
Bill Elliott started off the 2007 season in a rocking chair, happily content with life outside the track. Or was he? He got a call from the Wood Brothers about piloting the #21 when it fell out of the Top-35. Having an array of 6 Past Champions provisionals available made the idea of Awesome Bill reuniting with a Ford team seem like a match made in heaven. He could get the car safely back into the Top-35, and then Ken Schrader would take back to the track.
However, that never fully materialized as the #21 entry flirted with the Top-35 for the remainder of the season. There is no denying the talent Awesome Bill, or Ken Schrader for that matter, brings to the table.
Unfortunately, it seems the Wood Brothers are in the battle of single vs. multi, and are slowly being pushed out of the sandbox of competition. If any of the single car teams that were outside at the end of 2007 can pull it into the Top-35 in 2008, the Wood Brothers would be the one to bet on in Vegas.
As for whom will drive the #21 in 2008, it’s nothing more than a guess at the moment. With the exception of Marcos Ambrose who will be behind the wheel for 12 races.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Bill Elliott, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams, Wood Brothers #21
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 42 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Sunday January 6, 2008
12:22pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
Dale Jarrett
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
- Car Number: 44
- Crew Chief: Jason Burdett
- Sponsor: UPS
- Points: 41st :: 1584 :: -5139
- Starts: 24
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $2,107,430
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
- Car Number: 44
- Crew Chief: Bill Pappis
- Sponsor: UPS
- Note: Only competing in first 5 races, plus the All-Star race.
What can you say about Dale Jarrett and 2007?
Dale Jarrett was the first to announce his departure for Toyota back in May of 2006. He left the struggling Robert Yates Racing to close his career at Michael Waltrip Racing, and to help a friend get his new team off the ground.
Needless to say, while a team player, Dale Jarrett took one for the team in 2007. Making 24 of 36 events, 6 by Past Champions provsional, Dale’s year was ho-hum at best. No glitter, no sparkle, no excitement to speak of. Dale was a few spots out of the Top-35, while his former ride was just a few spots inside the Top-35. While only 10 Owners Points positions separated the two, it’s what fell in between that matters (position 35).
So, after a year that was even harder to live through than originally fathomed, Dale Jarrett will call it a day for full time racing after the fifth race of the season. He will then hand over the keys, and UPS sponsorship, to David Reutimann, who will carry on as the driver of the #44 for Michael Waltrip Racing. D.J. will return to also run the All-Star race in May.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Dale Jarrett, Drivers, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 41 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Tuesday January 8, 2008
12:22pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
Sterling Marlin
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Ginn Racing
- Car Number: 14
- Crew Chief: Richard “Slugger” Labbe
- Sponsor: Waste Management
- Points: 40th :: 1752 :: -4971
- Starts: 21
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $2,057,690
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Phoenix Racing
- Car Number: 09
- Crew Chief: Marc Reno
- Sponsor: Miccosukee Indian Gaming
- Note: Scheduled for 7 to 9 races.
Another victim of the Ginn Fiasco is Sterling Marlin. However, unlike Regan Smith and Mark Martin, he got the short end of the stick and was out of a ride after making the first 19 races and keeping it safely within the coveted Top-35.
Sterlin’ ain’t no bug-eyed dummy, and made sure that he was afforded what was his as per contract with Ginn (along with many others). While none too pleased, he pressed on. With rumors early on that he may land in a second Furniture Row Racing ride, the fire on those seems to have died out for now while his other victimized teammate in Joe Nemechek landed the primary role in the FRR #78.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Phoenix Racing #09, Sprint Cup, Sterling Marlin, Teams
Tagged As: Sterling Marlin
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 40 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday January 9, 2008
12:07pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
David Reutimann
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
- Car Number: 00
- Crew Chief: Frank Kerr
- Sponsor: Domino’s/Burger King
- Points: 39th :: 1878 :: -4845
- Starts: 26
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 0
- Top 10’s: 0
- Winnings: $2,376,250
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
- Car Number: 00/44
- Crew Chief: Ryan Pemberton
- Sponsor: Aaron’s/UPS
- Note: Will take over the #44 at MWR after race 5.
Well, after one heck of a hard talking to with the fence at California, 2007 did begin to improve for David Reutimann. Although that improvement came slowly at first.
Beak made 26 of the 36 races on speed, and was the top performer at Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007. Initially his 2008 status was in limbo, with sponsorship being negotiated, until a moment of clarity arised and Michael Waltrip presented him with a new contract. What took place was Dale Jarrett stepping aside after race 5 this upcoming season, and UPS finding a new friend in David Reutimann.
It’s going to be a marketing winner as the brand builds, and you heard it here first. As a side note, David pitched back the intial contract from MWR as he was highly dedicated to again running the entire Busch Nationwide Series in 2008. Mikey made it happen, and Beak will be contending for the 2008 title on Saturday’s at a track near you.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: David Reutimann, Drivers, Michael Waltrip Racing #00, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Teams
Tagged As: David Reutimann, UPS
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 39 Days and Counting
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday January 10, 2008
12:39pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.
Brian Vickers
-
2007 Stats
- Organization: Team Red Bull
- Car Number: 83
- Crew Chief: Doug Richert
- Sponsor: Red Bull
- Points: 38th :: 2065 :: -4658
- Starts: 23
- Poles: 0
- Wins: 0
- Top 5’s: 1
- Top 10’s: 5
- Winnings: $2,105,820
-
2008 Preview
- Organization: Team Red Bull
- Car Number: 83
- Crew Chief: Kevin Hamlin
- Sponsor: Red Bull
After making the jump from Hendrick Motorsports to the Toyota start-up of Team Red Bull for 2007, the only real trouble here in 2007 was making the show. Previously known for good qualifying efforts, Brian Vickers missed the show 13 times in 2007.
However, once in the show his performance was the best overall under the Toyota banner. While he did finish some 716 points behind the highest Toyota in the Drivers Points (Dave Blaney, with 2781), Blaney also had 10 more starts last season. Had Vickers made those 10 races, he would have finished ahead of Blaney most likely.
The real problem is that you have to make the show to get a shot at serious points, and that bit Vickers 13 times as mentioned previously. To his credit, he did have one more Top-10 than Blaney, even with 10 fewer starts.
Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.
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Filed Under: Brian Vickers, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Team RedBull #83, Teams
Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 38 Days and Counting
