NASCAR LAS VEGAS: Fan access to Jimmie Johnson at Sam's Town Hotel

Sam’s Town Live! Kicks Off NASCAR Weekend with Special Appearance By Five-Time Champion Jimmie Johnson and Broadcast Veteran Chris Myers

LAS VEGAS – Boyd Gaming Corporation’s Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall is jumpstarting its much-anticipated 14th Annual Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR celebration with a weekend of unique action designed to appeal to racing fans everywhere.

On Thursday, March 3, the public is invited for an exclusive chance to see five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson in a one-hour Question and Answer session for fans, hosted by Emmy® Award-winning sportscaster Chris Myers. This free event, presented by Gatorade, will be held at Sam’s Town Live!; doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Following the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, March 5, Sam’s Town Live! will also host the Official After-Race Concert, featuring chart-topping artist Uncle Kracker.

As the longest-running sponsor of one of the largest Nationwide Series races, Boyd Gaming is proud to continue its involvement in the Sam’s Town 300 in 2011. We offer inclusive packages at seven Las Vegas resorts – Sam’s Town, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, California, Fremont and Main Street Station -- that include hotel accommodations, race tickets, and roundtrip hotel-to-track transportation. On race day, our guests enjoy some of the best seating available at the Sam’s Town 300, including seats in the exclusive Earnhardt and Petty Terraces. For more information, or to book accommodations, please visit www.boydgaming.com/nascar.

Tickets for the Official After-Race Concert featuring Uncle Kracker are already on sale, starting at $20 plus tax. Tickets may be purchased in person at any Coast Casinos box office, by visiting www.samstownlv.com/hotel-entertainment, or by calling (702) 365-7075.

From Clyde Hogan / JMPR Public Relations

NASCAR Truck Series racer 'Mad' Max Papis to appear Saturday at the Cdn. Motorsports Expo

(TORONTO, ON // January 19, 2011) The Canadian Motorsports Expo is proud to announce that international racing star ‘Mad’ Max Papis will be at Canada’s Ultimate Racing Show on Saturday, Jan. 22. In addition to participating in an on-stage Fan Q&A and Autograph Session – at 6 p.m. on the Keystone Light Stage – Papis will spend some time on Saturday in the Race Time Radio booth.

In 2011, Papis will be racing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The week after the CME, he’ll be competing in a Daytona Prototype car in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

The versatile Italian-born racer, who now resides in North Carolina, thrilled Canadian fans last summer at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve when he narrowly lost the NASCAR Nationwide Series race to his good friend, Boris Said, after a back-and-forth battle. Earlier in the season, he raced in his first Daytona 500, just weeks after being part of the overall runner-up team in the Rolex 24. His impressive racing resume also includes stints in Formula 1, NASCAR, Grand-Am, CART / IndyCar, IMSA, IROC and other series.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Toronto to participate in the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Saturday,” said the charismatic Papis. “We’ll be there promoting our MOMO Stockcar Steering Wheels, as well as speaking with the fans on Saturday afternoon and signing autographs. Look for us at the Race Time Radio booth (#1259). I’m racing at the Rolex 24 the following weekend and looking forward to a full season in the NASCAR Truck Series, so there will be lots to talk about.”

Discussing Papis’ appearance at the CME, show founder Glenn Butt said, “Max Papis is a classic racer, who excels in every racing machine he climbs into. His magnetic smile and accessible personality have made him a favourite with true racing fans. He’s won or competed in the biggest series and events in the world – including Le Mans, the Rolex 24, the Indy 500, the Daytona 500, the Sebring 12 Hour, F1, IndyCar, NASCAR and more. We’re extremely happy that he’s coming to the CME.”

ABOUT MAX PAPIS: Max Papis’ personal website is: www.maxpapis.com. His Tweets can be followed at @maxpapis.

ABOUT MAX PAPIS INC USA: MPI USA is a North Carolina Corporation. It was founded by Max Papis and his wife Tatiana Fittipaldi Papis in February 2009, with the intention of selling the MOMO Stockcar Steering Wheels and other products.

Max and his wife, Tatiana, have a long background in racing. Max has been a professional race car driver since he was 12 years old. Since then he has raced in Formula 1, Champ Cars, Indy Cars, IMSA, Grand-Am, IROC, (among others). For 2011, he will drive the GEICO-sponsored truck in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Tatiana was born into racing with parents Emerson and Maria Helena Fittipaldi. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Psychology and a minor in Marketing, from the University of Miami. They recently moved to Mooresville, NC (from Miami, FL) to pursue Max's career in NASCAR. They have two sons, Marco and Matteo.

In 2008, Marc Phaneuf, president of MOMO Italy USA asked Max and Tatiana to be the exclusive worldwide distributors of MOMO Stockcar Steering Wheels. Both jumped at the opportunity, and thus began their adventure with MOMO. Due to Max's busy schedule with NASCAR, Tatiana runs the company most of the time. For more info on this young company, visit www.maxpapisinc.com.

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 21, 22 and 23, 2011 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers – including reigning IndyCar Series Champion and Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, and rising NASCAR Sprint Cup star Brad Keselowski – will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. One of the special themes of this year’s CME is the Karting Reunion. Please check the show’s website for updates and changes.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

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NASCAR Canadian Tire Series coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo

(TORONTO, ON // January 19, 2011) This weekend in Toronto, the biggest name in the world of motorsports will have a presence at Canada’s top racing show. The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be on-site for all three days of the 5th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo. The show runs Friday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 23 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

The main NASCAR display will feature the same massive hauler that is the hive of activity at every NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. Series Director Brad Moran and more than two dozen race and technical officials will be on hand at the CME to give showgoers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in a real NASCAR ‘tech lane’ and working garage. A total of three Canadian Tire Series stock cars will also be part of the display.

“We’re very excited about participating in the Canadian Motorsports Expo, one of the top, if not the top, racing shows in Canada,” said Moran. “The show is a great showcase for Canadian racing and we’re looking forward to giving the fans a close look at what takes place, each race weekend, in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series’ ‘tech lane’ and garage. We’re going to be offering some limited tours through the series hauler on Saturday and Sunday, so the fans can experience something that can’t happen on raceday when everybody is busy getting ready for the event.”

The show will also prominently feature a strong contingent of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racers, many of whom will be participating in the Canadian Tire Series Driver Autograph Session, live on the Keystone Light Stage, starting Saturday at 4:45 p.m. While signing autographs for the fans, the drivers will also be participating in a casual, Q&A session, talking about their individual racing programs. So far, reigning NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champ DJ Kennington, Don Thomson Jr., Mark Dilley, Jason Hathaway, Jason White, Robin Buck, Dexter Stacey and Caitlin Johnston are confirmed.

Later that evening, two of these NCATS drivers will also be receiving Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards, live on the Keystone Light Stage. Be sure to be there Saturday at 7:15 p.m. to find out which two will receive these coveted awards, as voted by the readers of Inside Track Motorsport News.

Also on hand at the NASCAR display, throughout the weekend, will be Chris Davy, co-owner of Robert Yates Racing Engines. The company was recently announced as the new exclusive SPEC engine supplier to all of NASCAR’s touring series. Davy will there to talk with current and prospective NASCAR racers about the new SPEC engine program. Similarly, Moran and his team of race officials will be available to discuss general issues, rules and procedures pertaining to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. They will also be prepared to provide paperwork for racers and teams to start the registration process for the upcoming season.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fans attending the CME will also be in for a special treat as Canadian Motor Speedway is presenting Jeff Gordon’s newly-unveiled #24 Drive To End Hunger Chevrolet Impala showcar. NASCAR Canada, another longtime supporter of the CME, is presenting Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 AMP Energy Chevrolet Sprint Cup showcar.

Current NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Brad Keselowski will be on hand Sunday at the CME to participate in an on-stage Fan Q&A / Autograph Session. For 2011, he will be driving Roger Penske’s legendary #2 Miller Lite Dodge in Sprint Cup.

As well, popular racer ‘Mad’ Max Papis – who will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011 – will be at the CME on Saturday to meet the fans and sign autographs. Papis finished second to Boris Said in the thrilling NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last August, and will be competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, one week after the CME.

“We really have to offer a huge thanks to Brad Moran and the people at NASCAR and NASCAR Canada for their support of the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said the CME’s Greg MacPherson. “NASCAR is the pinnacle of the sport and to have them coming to the show to connect with the fans and racers – in such a big way – means a lot. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 21, 22 and 23, 2011 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers, including reigning IndyCar Series Champion and Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, rising NASCAR Sprint Cup star Brad Keselowski, Canadian racing champions Ron Fellows, Junior Hanley, DJ Kennington and many others, will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. Please check the show’s website regularly for updates and changes.

For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email info@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.

CME: Official 2011 Show Program available as online flip-book

Click here or on the image below to see the Official Show Program of the 2011 Canadian Motorsports Expo, which takes place January 21-23 (Friday through Sunday) at the International Centre.

The program includes bios, maps and appearance and autograph times for everything that happens on the Keystone Light Stage, as well as all the seminars and awards presentations. Don't miss your chance to meet Dario Franchitti, Brad Keselowski, Ron Fellows, 'Mad' Max Papis, DJ Kennington, Junior Hanley, Steve Arpin and many more. See Jeff Gordon's new #24 Drive to End Hunger NASCAR Sprint Cup showcar, as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88 AMP Energy Chevy showcar, the DragRaceCanada 'Quarter-Mile Corral' and much, much more.

BREAKING NEWS: NASCAR is coming in a big way...


Click to launch the full edition in a new window
Publisher Software from YUDU

For more show info and links to $10 off in Discount Admission Coupons throughout the weekend, visit www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

See you at the CME!

Race Time Rado to broadcast live from Homestead-Miami Speedway

Listen to SIRIUS on Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit www.racetimeradio.com for more info.

Race Time Radio and NCATS racer Joey McColm announce marketing partnership for Montreal

I just received the following from Race Time Radio regarding their new marketing partnership with NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer Joey McColm for this weekend's event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Good luck to all involved this weekend! (GM)

FROM RTR....

August 25, 2010, AJAX, ON - Joey Mccolm's season just keeps getting better. The Ajax, Ontario, racer is riding a streak of solid finishes and career firsts, and his efforts were recently rewarded with an exciting sponsorship announcement.

McColm will add Race Time Radio, Shell Rotella, Sirius Satellite Radio, and The Score Satellite Radio as sponsors on his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series entry for the series' biggest race next weekend in Montreal - Circuit Gilles Villeneuve . The announcement coincidentally came the same week McColm cracked the top-10 in series points for the first time in his young career.

“It's hard to explain how happy I am with our progress this season,” said McColm. “This is the first time we've attempted to run the entire 13-race schedule, and my crew has been amazing.

“The western swing was hard on everybody, but we keep finding consistency on the race track. It's much easier to keep the car maintained when we make it to the finish.”

The marketing partnership was announced on the weekly Race Time Radio program, and it's a first for McColm.

“Getting media attention is the name of the game in motorsports,” said McColm. “It's necessary to keep the sponsors happy. The opportunity to have the media as a sponsor is rare. I'm excited to come to the series' premier event to represent some great partners. If we can score another top-10 finish it will be a successful outing.”

For more information on #50 Joey McColm NCATS Driver: www.joeymccolm.com // Follow Joey on Facebook 'Joey McColm' // To learn more about Race Time Radio: www.racetimeradio.com // To learn more about Shell Rotella: www.rotella.com To learn more about Sirius Satellite Radio: www.sirius.ca // To learn more about The Score: www.hardcoresportsradio.com // To learn more about: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca // To learn more about NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: www.hometracks.nascar.com/series/canadian_tire_series

Prepared by Adam Ross

Inside Track and Canadian Motorsports Expo mentioned in NASCAR.com feature

In advance of this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide / Canadian Tire Series races at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, David Caraviello wrote a piece for NASCAR.com discussing the future of NASCAR in Canada.

Inside Track editor / Canadian Motorsports Expo co-promoter Greg MacPherson was interviewed for the story, along with NASCAR star Carl Edwards and Canadian Motor Speedway architect Paxton Waters.

Thanks to David and NASCAR.com for including us in the feature!

PHOTO GALLERY: Delaware Speedway Summer Showdown

PHOTOS: Delaware Summer Showdown featuring winner Kyle Busch

This is a photo gallery from Delaware Speedway on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 featuring the Delaware Summer Showdown and NASCAR stars Kyle Busch, David Reutimann and Jason Leffler. The event, which was won by Busch, drew a huge crowd to the London, ON-area half-mile oval. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

NASCAR pioneer Raymond Parks dead at 96

Raymond Parks, owner of NASCAR's first championship winning car and an integral part of the series' formation, has died. He was 96.

NASCAR said Parks passed away at his home Sunday morning in Atlanta. Parks, who was confined to a wheelchair, attended a reception May 20 for the induction of the inaugural Hall of Fame class and was warmly received throughout the industry that evening....

Click here for the full story.

PHOTO GALLERY: Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race (5/30/2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from Charlotte Motor Speedway's Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

PHOTOS: Charlotte Nationwide Series race (May 29, 2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.

PHOTO GALLERY: Delaware Speedway Opening Night: Friday, May 14th (Late Models, Super Stocks & Trucks)

J.R. Fitzpatrick slated for 3 Nationwide races with JR Motorsports

J.R. Fitzpatrick just posted the following on his Facebook page: "J.R Fitzpatrick is very happy to be a part of JR Motorsports and Team Schick Canada."

The NASCAR Home Tracks page has the full story here.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Rising talent J.R. Fitzpatrick was named driver of the JR Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet for three road-course events in NASCAR’s Nationwide Series, co-owner and general manager Kelley Earnhardt announced today. Schick Canada will serve as primary sponsor for Fitzpatrick’s three starts at Road America on June 19th, Watkins Glen International on Aug. 7th and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Aug. 29th.

“J.R. is a talented young driver, and we look forward to giving him the chance to drive some upcoming races for JR Motorsports,” Kelley Earnhardt said. “With Schick Canada sponsoring his three races, this gives J.R. the chance to showcase his abilities. We are committed to giving young drivers the chance to prove themselves in this No. 7 Chevrolet, and work with a proven crew chief in Tony Eury Jr. J.R. Fitzpatrick is someone we’ve had our eye on, and the timing is right to give him a shot.” .... see link above for full story.

NASCAR: Sizzler Win Puts 'TC' At Top Of Hunter Index

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Ted Christopher has been so successful at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway that they already have a section of the grandstands named after him. His win there last weekend in the Spring Sizzler, the second race of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season, was a record sixth in the event that the late Jack Arute Sr. billed his track's signiture event 'Greatest Race In The History Of Spring.'

It earned Christopher the traditional swig of milk in Victory Lane, and helped him secure the top spot in the May edition of the Hunter Index.

The Hunter Index is a new feature in 2010 on NASCARHomeTracks.com that will spotlight the top 10 drivers in the NASCAR Developmental Series in a monthly power poll. Drivers are ranked on their performance over the previous month. The rankings are compiled by a panel of auto racing writers and NASCAR representatives.

Despite Christopher's impressive recent run – which included a fourth-place finish in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opener at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway, and a first and second in three starts in the asphalt Modified divisions at Stafford and Thompson in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series – his top spot was by no means unanimous.

Thirty-five different drivers received votes and five drivers received first-place votes.

In fact, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour points leader Bobby Santos received the most first-place votes, with three. Connecticut's Keith Rocco and Nebraska's Craig Preble earned two each with their nearly flawless performances in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. But their overall point totals based on the panel's voting ranked Rocco, Santos and Preble second through fourth, respectively, behind Christopher.

In the end, it was Christopher's ability to find success on both the weekly and touring level as well as the depth of competition on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour that earned the Plainville, Conn., driver a consistent set of high marks that yielded him the No. 1 overall spot.

" 'TC' seems to just be heating up and hitting his stride," said Spencer Lewis, representing the Canadian publication Inside Track Motorsports News on the panel.

Rocco, from Wallingford, Conn., and Preble, from Yutan, Neb., were almost perfect running multiple tracks. Each won four of their last five starts.

Rocco competes in the asphalt Modified divisions at Stafford, Thompson and Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl, and his only finish outside of Victory Lane was a runner-up – to Christopher – in a Sunoco Modified race at Thompson on April 11.

Running his dirt Late Model at I-80 Speedway in Omaha, Neb., and Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb., Preble was a fourth at Junction in his only non-win.

"Four wins in five starts, and it was done between three different tracks. It's hard to see anything comparable over the last month," said Shawn Courchesne of the Hartford (Conn.) Courant of Rocco.

Santos nearly came close. The Franklin, Mass., driver won the Coors Light Pole Award and the race in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour opener at Thompson. He won the pole and finished second to Christopher at Stafford.

Eric Holmes, who won at Phoenix in the only NASCAR K&N Pro Series race in the past month, rounded out the top five.

Justin Johnson, who has wins at both Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va., and South Boston (Va.) Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, was sixth, followed by Eric Schmidt (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), Philip Morris (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), Mike Stefanik (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and CE Falk III (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series).

Tim Haddock of HaddockInThePaddock.blogspot.com, who covers racing on the West Coast, weighed in with a first-place vote for David Mayhew, after Mayhew's fifth-place run at Phoenix meant he was the only one in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West with top-five finishes in the season's first two races. Mayhew was among five drivers to earn honorable mention.

The Hunter Index is named for Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications and a longtime supporter of the weekly and touring series that make up the NASCAR Developmental Series.

The Index was designed in the off season as an opportunity to compare the top drivers from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series all the way up to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. It will also encompass drivers from the NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in the time period did not hold events since the previous Index was released.

The panel also included media members Courchesne representing the Northeast, Adam Fenwick of National Speed Sport News from the Southeast, Haddock from the West Coast, and Lewis representing Canada. They are joined by Brett Bodine, who is the chairman of the NASCAR resumé committee and represented the NASCAR competition side on the panel, and NASCAR public relations representative Jason Christley.

The panel will conference on the first Wednesday of each month, and the Hunter Index will be released the following day.

NASCAR fans are encouraged to weigh in with their own opinions through the NASCAR Home Tracks Community page on www.NASCAR.com.

MAY HUNTER INDEX

1. TED CHRISTOPHER
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series / NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

Why he's here: Known simply as TC, he added another Spring Sizzler win on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour to his lengthy resumé. He also has a win and a second in three starts in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series asphalt Modified competition, where he's a former national champion as well.

2. KEITH ROCCO
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He's Here: Four wins in five asphalt Modified starts last month in Connecticut. Did we mention he's 2-for-3 head-to-head with Christopher this year?

3. BOBBY SANTOS
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

Why He's Here: Since taking over the No. 4, all he's done is win two Coors Light Pole Awards, and finish first and second in the season's first two races.

4. CRAIG PREBLE
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He's Here: Is there a new dirt Late Model king in Nebraska? Over the last four weeks, he's rolled off four wins in five starts at I-80 and Junction Motor Speedway.

5. ERIC HOLMES
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West

Why He's Here: Rebounded from a disastrous season opener to finally claim a win at Phoenix International Raceway – site of the series finale in November.

6. JUSTIN JOHNSON
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He's Here: Defending Late Model champ at South Boston (Va.) Speedway, he's found the winning combination up the road at Motor Mile in Radford, too.

7. ERIC SCHMIDT
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He's Here: Has gone 3-for-3 in Western Late Models on the All American Speedway's 1/3-mile, high-banked asphalt bullring.

8. PHILIP MORRIS
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He's Here: Two-time defending national champion has a pair of wins at his home track of Motor Mile as he pursues his fourth title overall.

9. MIKE STEFANIK
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

Why He's Here: Consistency has netted him a NASCAR record-tying nine titles. Don't look now, but back-to-back third-place runs to open 2010 has the veteran in the hunt for No. 10.

10. CE FALK III
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Why He's Here: 2009 NASCAR Virginia runner-up put himself on national radar when he knocked Denny Hamlin out of the way to claim Hamlin's charity Late Model race. Oh yeah, and he out-raced a star-studded field in the process.

HONORABLE MENTION: Tim Brown, Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C. (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series); Jorge Goeters (NASCAR Mexico Series); Rafael Martinez (NASCAR Mexico Series); David Mayhew (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West); and Marty Ward, Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series).

From Jason Christley, NASCAR Public Relations

ROCKSTAR Energy Drink & EHR / Team 3 Red partner on #3 NCATS Dodge

Photo: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racer Jason Hathaway beside EHR's #3 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Dodge at Kawartha Speedway on Wednesday. Prior to the test session, it was announced that Rockstar Energy Drinks would be on the team's hood starting in 2010. (Credit: Inside Track Motorsport News)

Ed Hakonson Racing (EHR)/Team 3 Red (T3R) is pleased to announce the addition of Rockstar Energy Drinks as a major affiliated sponsor on their #3 Snap-on Dodge Avenger for the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season.

“We are proud to announce our new multi-year partnership with NASCAR Canada’s – EHR/T3R Racing. Rockstar is sure to bring a new and exciting energy to the team this year!” said Dave Giancoulos, Vice-President of Rockstar Energy Drinks in Canada. “We now have the ability to bring another exciting marketing property to our retail partners across Canada!”

“This deal is a multi-faceted agreement that will give Rockstar Energy Drinks a firm place and belonging within the Canadian Motorsports industry, while furthering the growth of our team and sport,” said Jamie Hakonson, Team Manager of EHR/T3R.

“The sport of NASCAR has brought a strong identity to Canadian Motorsports. We are excited to join forces with Ed Hakonson, a prominent figure head in Canadian Motorsports. This is the perfect platform for Rockstar which we feel reflects our brands personality and speaks to our core consumers." added Giancoulos.

EHR/T3R is based out of Stouffville, Ontario. EHR/T3R is partnered with Snap-on Tools, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills and Fireplaces, DSC Security Products, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Authentic Apparel and Praxair.

About ROCKSTAR: ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful energy drink, enhanced with a potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhaustive lifestyles - from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eleven amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Burner, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Guava Punched, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, and Roasted Light Vanilla. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe.

For additional Information please contact: Jamie Hakonson ~Team 3 Red 905-642-1010 www.team3red.com

PHOTO GALLERY: Thompson Int'l Speedway - 2010 Icebreaker Weekend (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour)

Report: Kahne going to Hendrick

Reports online are saying that Kasey Kahne, currently of Richard Petty Motorsports #9 Ford, will leave the team to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011.
Entering the final year of his deal, Kahne would have been a hot commodity this off season, but the unconfirmed reports are saying that he will join to eventually sit in Mark Martin's current spot on the team.
The report says that Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS, so Kahne could run there for 2011, the final year of Martin's deal.

For more see: ESPN

NASCAR: 3 race probation for Edwards

Prior to the season, NASCAR said it was putting the racing back in the hands of the racers. Competition Director Robin Pemberton was quoted saying, "It's in their hands now. Anything can happen" and "... we will say 'Boys, have at it and have a good time.'"

NASCAR boss Mike Helton said, "There's an age old saying that NASCAR, 'If you ain't rubbing, you ain't racing,'"

On Sunday in Atlanta, Carl Edwards intentionally rubbed / spun Brad Keselowski at 190+ mph, triggering a vicious crash could have easily turned tragic for Keselowski and/or some fans.

After the crash, Edwards let it be known that he felt obliged to take the action he did as a response to prior conflicts with Keselowski. He didn't use the word "payback" but he might as well have.

Today, in a move that is consistent with its move to let the racers police themselves, NASCAR announced that Edwards' penalty will be a three-race probation.

In the future, is the fact that payback at 190+ mph is apparently not frowned upon (given Edwards' slap on the wrist) going to make racers think twice before throwing the first stone? Would you be more careful about getting into Edwards (or anyone else) knowing they have free reign to get you back at the worst possible moment?

PHOTO GALLERY: Daytona 500 (2/14/2010) by DaveFranksPhotos.com

This is a photo gallery from Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 14, 2010. It features the Daytona 500 and race winner Jamie McMurray. Thanks to Dave Franks for sharing his work. You can see Dave's website here.