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Thought this was interesting… nice to see NASCAR really get “tough” on testing policies - it’s about time. It’s not like football or baseball - substance use/abuse in auto racing is just wrong and needs to be monitored and addressed. While I don’t agree with ALL of their decisions this year (some seemed a little overkill, others a little too lenient), I’m glad they are working to get this under control.

NASCAR announced today its 2010 testing policy for its three national and two regional touring series.

The policy will again prohibit testing at tracks which host NASCAR national series events, by teams in the following series: NASCAR Sprint Cup; NASCAR Nationwide; NASCAR Camping World Truck; NASCAR Camping World East; and NASCAR Camping World West.

In 2010, however, testing will be allowed at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks that host a regional touring event but do not host a national series event. Based on this season’s regional tour schedules, the following tracks would be eligible to host tests next year:

Greenville-Pickens Speedway; Tri-County Motor Speedway; South Boston Speedway; Thompson International Speedway; Adirondack International Speedway; Lime Rock Park; Thunder Hill Raceway; All American Speedway; Madera Speedway; Douglas County Speedway; Toyota Speedway at Irwindale; Portland International Raceway; Miller Motorsports Park; Colorado National Speedway.

Did you hear about this? Did you see this on ESPN? Did you read about this on NASCAR.com? I didn’t… I read the NASCAR website and the media access site several times each day and from what I’ve seen, this got totally swept under the rug… Conspiracy theorists - here you go… Kyle cheated, got a “slap on the wrist” - or less - and the media never picked up on it as far as I can see. Anyway, just my .02… a 25 point “fine” once the Chase has already been decided and the #18 is out of the running isn’t really a punishment at all. Anyway - you decide… post comments and let me know what your take is on this:

NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 18 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of a rule infraction found last Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The No. 18 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8 1B (the height of the car at the left front fender did not meet the required specification; too low in post-race inspection) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book.

Crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Driver Kyle Busch and car owner Joe Gibbs have been penalized 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively.

Wish I coulda been there - as I mentioned before, our local track at Perris Auto Speedway (affectionately known by the fans as “The Pas”), is a LOT of fun.  I highly recommend that anyone who considers him or herself a “true race fan” get out to a local dirt or asphalt short track and just sit in the General Admission seating - and enjoy.  It costs somewhere between $15-25 to attend these local events (sometimes cheaper with special discounts and family nights), but in my experience, it’s worth much more than the hundreds of dollars we spend on big ticket racing series events at the larger tracks.  Here’s the latest update from The PAS…

Defending Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Champion Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. led the final 23 laps to win Saturday night’s 30-lap “Kindoll Classic” at the Perris Auto Speedway. Trailing Spencer’s Grubstake storage/Madera Produce Maxim/Shaver to the checkered flag were Tony Jones, Danny Sheridan, David Cardey (from the back in a back-up car) and Garrett Hansen. The win left Spencer tied with Cardey for the point lead going into an October 10 race at Perris.
LUCAS OIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS: September 19, 2009 – Perris, California – Perris Auto Speedway - “Kindoll Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.459; 2. Garrett Hansen, 7, Priestley-16.702; 3. Blake Miller, 93, Gardner-16.708; 4. Danny Sheridan, 18, Kittle-16.716; 5. Tony Jones, 4, Alexander-16.801; 6. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-16.818; 7. Josh Ford, 73, Ford-16.902; 8. Ronnie Gardner, 96, Gardner-16.940; 9. Greg Bragg, 92, Sertich-17.019; 10. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-17.127; 11. Wes Gutierrez, 07, WG-17.143; 12. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-17.180; 13. Cory Kruseman, 21k, Kruseman-17.184; 14. Rodney Argo, 19, Argo-17.202; 15. Jimmy Crawford, 11, Crawford-17.254; 16. Matt Rossi, 02, Rossi-17.336; 17. Richard VanderWeerd, 10, VanderWeerd-17.342; 18. John Aden, 7a, Aden-17.347; 19. Ludvig Solberg IV, 84, Persall-17.406; 20. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-17.429; 21. R.J. Johnson, 15, Martin-17.464; 22. Jace VanderWeerd, 88, VanderWeerd-17.623; 23. Robert Ellis, 12, Blair-17.947; 24. Andrew Reinbold, 19x, Reinbold-17.955; 25. Mathew Shedarowich, 8z, Shedarowich-18.100; 26. Randy Waitman, 69, Waitman-18.101; 27. Jerry Welton, 62x, Welton-18.194; 28. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-18.384; 29. Jonny Bates, 33, Bates-18.404; 30. Tanner Terry, 30, Terry-18.646; 31. Royal Adderson, 40, Adderson-18.908; 32. Greg Alexander, 75, Stansberry-19.015; 33. Steve Conrad, 91, Ferro-19.294; 34. Curt LeDuc, 84m, Persall-19.435; 35. David Cardey, 38x, Crossno-NT. (David Cardey, 38, Crossno-16.611-withdrawn).
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IndyCar Series fans unable to attend the Indy Japan 300 can still watch all the on-track activity from Twin Ring Motegi via live streaming on the internet.Every practice sessions, PEAK Performance Pole qualifying and the Indy Japan 300 will be available for free on the Indy Racing League’s official website, www.indycar.com.

Race day activities will be available via IndyCar Race Control presented by iRacing.com, which immerses the viewer in the on-track action with in-car camera views, real-time telemetry, Timing & Scoring and more. Again, it’s free but fans must sign up at http://indycarnation.indycar.com/racecontrol/

Fans located in countries around the world that do not receive IndyCar Series event telecasts will be able to purchase a full television broadcast of IndyCar Series races on indycar.com for $3.99.

The IndyCar Series broadcast rights-holder partners, working together with the IndyCar Series, are making the telecasts available online, direct to fans in countries where no one has the rights to telecast the IndyCar Series on broadcast, cable or pay TV.

In countries where the rights are contracted to a broadcast or cable partner, the pay-per-view online product is not available, however, fans will still be able to watch IndyCar Race Control for free.

Visit the Media Center on indycar.com and check for the scheduled race event. Once the event is available you will be able to log on and determine whether you are eligible to purchase the broadcast for viewing online.

This weekend’s streaming lineup (Eastern Daylight Time):

Thursday, Sept. 17

8 p.m. — Practice for rookies and those outside the top 10 in points.
8:30 p.m. — One-hour practice for all cars.
11:30 p.m. — 45-minute practice for the first of two groups (second group immediately follows).

Friday, Sept. 18

2:30 a.m. — Four-lap qualifications to set the grid.
9:30 p.m. — Pre-race activities followed by the 200-lap race.

If you’re a fan of historic rally cars, and especially the Audi Quattro, then this is a competition not to be missed.

Wrc.com has teamed up with McKlein Publishing to offer three copies of its fabulous new book ‘Audi Quattro - A Rally History’ personally signed by the world renowned rally photographer Reinhard Klein.

The turbocharged, four-wheel-drive Audi Quattro sparked a WRC revolution when it made its competitive debut on the 1981 Rallye Monte Carlo.

After only ten snow-covered kilometres of the first special stage, Hannu Mikkola in a Quattro had caught and passed the helpless Lancia Stratos of Bernard Darniche, the winning combination in 1979.

Superb traction and seemingly limitless power were the keys to its success that made the Quattro legendary and helped Audi to capture the hearts of thousands of fans.

McKlein’s new book provides a detailed record of all the rally cars that Audi launched - from the Audi 80 to the Quattros and the Coupé S2 - as well as a comprehensive statistics section.

Written by John Davenport, a former rally co-driver and team manager, and accompanied by more than 400 beautiful pictures taken by Klein, this high-quality 252-page book would make a terrific addition to any coffee table.

We have three signed books up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning one, answer the question in the WRC Extra section.

For more information about the full range of McKlein’s motorsport publications visit: www.rallywebshop.com

I realize this is a racing blog but I’ve just got to say that after a LONG season with a lot of high points, low points and, well - a LOT of B.S. - I’m ready for some championship racing, end season highlights and of course, some of my beloved FOOTBALL!

After watching some pretty exciting college football this weekend - and some pretty lame and boring NFL football (with a few exceptions) - I am reminded that it’s not the “premiere” or “center stage” sporting events that are the most fun. It’s the home town, home team, local-level events that have - from my experience anyway - the most heart. Following big series like NASCAR, IRL and F1 where there are a lot of politics, big money and even bigger egos sometimes makes me a little jaded about the world of racing… that is, until I attend a local short track.

If you haven’t been out to your own local short track - dirt, asphalt, off-road or WHATEVER - I suggest you make plans to DO SO. It will change your perspective, give you a renewed love for the sport and get you back “on track” (pun intended). So… whatever your love - rally, stock cars, sprint cars, midget racing, etc. - get OUT THERE, grab some of those under-$20-tickets that are available and see it LIVE.

Already making plans for the 2010 season at my local dirt and asphalt tracks and YES, I am SO ready for some FOOTBALL!

OK - I can hear you all collectively rolling your eyes right about now. We are so inundated with articles about “going green” and “global warming” or “healing the environment” that we’re all about to scream. But with all the exotic locations around the globe that we choose to host various auto racing events, an impact upon the local/surrounding environment should be considered.

Last week we heard about the environmental concerns surrounding the 2009 running of SCORE’s Primm 300 out in the Nevada desert. Apparently last year’s event was devastating to the desert tortoise, an animal that has been plagued with adversity in recent years as more development comes to the desert. Even out here in California we’ve heard about its plight and adjustments have been made to accommodate this important creature. SCORE was instructed by the Department of Fish & Game to forbid any “recon” maneuvers by teams prior to the race as it was discovered that the off-road scouting of the track was what caused the tortoise so much trouble. A lot of drivers (and fans) were outraged by the decision, but when you decide to run an event in an exotic location - such as a desert, near a wetland area or other protected/fragile region, environmental impact is definitely a concern.

A report was released today by the folks at FIA’s World Rally Championship Series that a study done on the recent Rally Australia had caused no significant impact on the area’s wildlife within the region. The top concern in this area was the endangered koala who has suffered many setbacks in recent years as well as other threatened species in the area of the rally’s route.

Perhaps other series will conduct studies on the impact of their chosen track locations in the future. While most series are set track driven - asphalt, dirt, etc. in large stadiums in pre-set locations - others like off-road, rally, etc. tend to have their races set in remote mountainous, wilderness locations where environmental impact should be a major consideration. As we evolve our ideas of what’s important to us all and weigh the impact that sports such as auto/motorcycle and even boat racing might have upon the surrounding area, we will all reap the benefits of such considerations and can look forward to a better future for all concerned.

John Montecalvo currently sits number two in the IHRA Nitro Jam Points Standings. He’s just 41 points behind leader Frank Gugliotta, but he’s looking to narrow that gap this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil North American Nationals at New England Dragway.

This isn’t just another track on the tour for Montecalvo. This is his home stop and the place where he captured his first Pro Stock Ironman.

“I always love going up to Epping,” tells Monte. “It’s our closest national event track which always makes this race more special, as well as the place where I got my first IHRA win. The area is beautiful. Anytime we get a chance, Lois Anne and I like to go down to the Seafood Festival in Hampton Beach. It’s a great place to visit, and I’m looking forward to going back again this year, not only for the attractions, but mainly because this is a great opportunity to make some serious moves in the points battle.”

The Championship is mathematically down to three competitors: Frank Gugliotta, Montecalvo, and Pete Berner. With just three races left, every point is crucial.

The 2009 SCCA RallyCross National Championship is still a month away, but the opportunity to save money by registering early will expire on Sept. 25. Luckily, the chance to win your registration fee back remains, as four contingency programs have been announced for this year’s Championship event in Fountain, Colo., Oct. 9 – 11.

Those planning to enter the 2009 SCCA RallyCross National Championship should consider registering soon, as the registration fee will increase from $100 to $140 at midnight (CDT) on Sept. 25. Registration is available online at www.scca.com/rally, by selecting “RallyCross National Championship” from the left-side menu. A downloadable PDF entry form is also available.

Alongside registration links on the RallyCross National Championship web page is a “Contingency” link detailing the four contingency programs available for this year’s participants. Posting in all classes, Volkswagen of America will pay $200 for a win and $100 for a runner-up finish to eligible drivers. Subaru is in on the act as well, paying $1,250 for a win, $750 for second and $500 for third to registered Subaru drivers in the Stock All-Wheel Drive, Prepared All-Wheel Drive and Modified Four-Wheel Drive classes.
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Twin Ring Motegi is unlike any track the IndyCar Series has visited this year, which will provide a fitting battleground for the championship contenders.

Ryan Briscoe of Team Penske has a 25-point lead over Target Chip Ganassi Racing’s Dario Franchitti while his teammate Scott Dixon is third, 33 points back.

“It is a tough place, it’s demanding,” Dixon said. “You still have the main guys running up there. The race car goes off there really bad at some points throughout the race. That is the challenging part.”

The 1.5-mile oval features frontstraights each measuring 1,969 feet and 80-feet wide. The frontstretch is banked at 1.7 degrees with the backstretch at 5 degrees. The turns are 10 degrees in banking.
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