STOCK CAR PIT PASS - Race News Without A Restrictor Plate

February 16, 2007

NASCAR News Rewind
Dual-ing for Dollars Edition
By Dennis Michelsen

Every week so much happens in the world of NASCAR. As a public service we will attempt to wrap up the three biggest stories of the week in one easy to follow story every week. Just because we can't resist being wise guys we will also present our take on the news!

Gordon and Stewart Win Duals
Jeff Gordon wins the second Gatorade Duel 150 with a last lap pass of No. 2 Kurt Busch. No. 13 Joe Nemechek and No. 09 Mike Wallace raced their way into the Daytona 500. No. 14 Sterling Marlin and No. 00 David Reutimann made the race via their qualifying speed. Tony Stewart wins the first Gatorade Duel 150 with No. 60 Boris Said and No. 55 Michael Waltrip racing their way into the Daytona 500. No. 70 Johnny Sauter is in via his qualifying speed. No. 44 Dale Jarrett will need to use the past champions provisional to start 43rd.

My Take: Let the talk begin on how Michael Waltrip should not have been allowed to race. In the old days if you didn't get the car through tech in time to practice at least once you didn't get to race. Also the fact that Michael Waltrip Racing turned over the suspect substance to NASCAR on Thursday is a sign the infractions were not likely to be the result of a rogue crewman as it has been portrayed. Michael Waltrip deserves credit for racing his way into the show regardless of what you think of the penalties handed down. Mike Wallace once again shows why he is one of the most underrated drivers in NASCAR as he raced his way into the big show again! Jeremy Mayfield will be removing Sterling Marlin from his Christmas card list. If Sterling held his position then Jeremy would have been racing on Sunday, instead Sterling drifted back at the end allowing Mike Wallace to make the show!

Roush Racing & Fenway Sports Group Partner Up
Today, during Speedweeks in Daytona Beach, Fla., Roush Racing and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) announced the formation of Roush Fenway Racing. Under the agreement, FSG will purchase 50% of Roush Racing to form the new entity. Jack Roush will continue to manage the competitive operations of the race teams and Geoff Smith will continue as president to oversee business activities. FSG will support Roush Fenway Racing's marketing and sales activities by using their experience, network of relationships, and powerful demographic base to add value to Roush Fenway Racing sponsors and help Roush Fenway Racing maintain an unsurpassed position among NASCAR teams on and off the track. "This partnership will bring a whole new perspective to our business," said Jack Roush. "There is a lot of hard work that goes into being successful in sport. John Henry and FSG understand what it takes. Anybody that has watched the Red Sox has been impressed with their tenacity and their ability to prevail after all the frustration. To be able to have someone to bounce ideas and strategies off of will be fun. Everyone at Roush Racing is excited to welcome our new partner and we look forward to our success together."

My Take: Modern day NASCAR is all about marketing and Roush Racing added one of the biggest marketing companies to their ownership with this move. This also brings some cash into the organization and is the beginning of Jack Roush eventually leaving the sport with millions in the bank to show for his efforts over the years. Thank goodness Jack didn't merge with the Yankees…now that is one thing race fans couldn't live with at all!

Penalties Announced by NASCAR; Suspensions, Fines, Points Taken Away
NASCAR has announced that Robby Reiser and Kenny Francis have each been suspended for 4 races and fined $50,000. In addition, the teams of No. 17-Matt Kenseth and No. 9-Kasey Kahne have been penalized 50 owner and driver points. Also, the team directors for Evernham drivers No. 19-Elliott Sadler and No. 10-Scott Riggs (Rodney Childers and Josh Browne, respectively) have each been suspended for 2 races and fined $25,000 for violations found prior to qualifying on Sunday. Those teams have each lost 25 owners and drivers point. NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has confiscated the primary car of the No. 55 Toyota team that competes in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series with driver Michael Waltrip, as a result of rule violations found during pre- and post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500. Crew chief Larry (David) Hyder and the team's vice president of competition Bobby Kennedy have been ejected from this week's events at Daytona International Speedway and suspended indefinitely. Hyder also has been fined $100,000. NASCAR also penalized Waltrip with the loss of 100 driver championship points. His qualifying time from pole day on Feb. 11 was disallowed. Team owner Elizabeth (Buffy) Waltrip has been penalized 100 car owner championship points.

My Take: A $100,000 fine appears to be huge until you look at the purse money that can be won at the Daytona 500. Last season the lowest moneymaker in the race took home over $240,000! The other rule infractions were very minor but this was again NASCAR's way of showing that they are the boss in the sport. Sending the No. 55 team home might have been a better choice but one NASCAR was not likely to make with such a major sponsor on the car!