Nascar news

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2008) -- The 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 – the most anticipated event in racing history – will carry a record purse of more than $18 million.

The posted awards for “The Great American Race” on Sunday, Feb. 17 will be $18,689,238.The posted awards for the 2007 Daytona 500, which was won for the first time by Kevin Harvick in a photo finish over Mark Martin, was $18,386,023.

The winner of this year’s Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,445,250. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,044,400, $752,400, $598,450 and $471,500 respectively. The last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will also be well compensated with a minimum of $233,865.

The winner for the inaugural Daytona 500 back in 1959 – Lee Petty – collected $19,050 and the last-place finisher – Ken Marriott – earned $100.

“It’s no coincidence that the purse for NASCAR’s biggest., richest and most pretigious race -- the 50th running of the Daytona 500 – will be the largest in stock car racing history,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “The winner of this year’s 50th running of the Daytona 500 will be awarded handsomely as well as having the honor of taking home the gold Harley J. Earl trophy.”

Tickets to any of the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events are available online at http://www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Kevin Harvick Edges Mark Martin In Wild Daytona 500 Finish

Feb. 18, 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kevin Harvick nipped Mark Martin at the start/finish line to capture the 49th annual Daytona 500 – the closest Daytona 500 finish since the advent of computer scoring.

Harvick, who started seventh on the green-white-checkered finish, got drafting help on the outside from Matt Kenseth on the final lap and edged Martin at the start/finish line by less than a half a car length while a multi-car accident broke out behind.

“This is the Daytona 500, can you believe it?” Harvick said in Gatorade Victory Lane.

Martin, attempting to win his first Daytona 500 on his 23rd start, said the lack of drafting help coming off of Turn 4 proved the difference at the finish.

“When I looked up there at the end, I was minus any pushers,” Martin said. “I didn’t have any help to get it done and that’s the way it goes.”

Martin, competing in a part-time NEXTEL Cup schedule with Bobby Ginn Racing, was thrilled with the effort of the team that gave him an opportunity to win the Daytona 500.

“I want to say that I didn’t ask for a win in the Daytona 500; I asked for a chance,” Martin said. “Those guys gave me exactly what I asked for, and I let it slip away, slip through my fingers and I’m fine with that. I did my best.”

Harvick, whose previous best finish in the Daytona 500 was fourth in 2003 and 2004, beat Martin by .020 seconds, the closest in Daytona 500 finish since the advent of computer scoring in 1993 and the eighth closest in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series overall.

Harvick’s victory was Richard Childress Racing’s first Daytona 500 win since Dale Earnhardt in 1998 and he also set a couple of Daytona 500 records in the process.

· His four laps led tied 1975 Daytona 500 champion Benny Parsons for the fewest laps led by a Daytona 500 winner.

· His starting position of 34th was the lowest starting position of a Daytona 500 winner.

· He became the fifth driver to win both the Daytona 500 and the Orbitz 300 NASCAR Busch Series in the same year.

“It’s pretty incredible to be honest with you, to finally break that wall down and then win two days in a row, and then win the biggest race of the season,” Harvick said.

“We’ve won the Brickyard 400 but I don’t think there’s anything that can match a Daytona 500 in stock car racing,” Harvick continued. “This is what it is, and this is as big as it gets. I’m just glad that we’re able to accomplish that.”

With 47 laps to go, two cars that appeared to be top contenders to win the Daytona 500 crashed. Tony Stewart’s No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet got loose in Turn 4 and then was nudged by Kurt Busch’s No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge taking both cars out of the race.

Busch had led three times for 95 laps while Stewart led twice for 33 laps.

“It wasn’t meant to be today,” said an upbeat Stewart.

Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage served as Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500 and delivered the starting command, “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

Said Cage before the race: “I really want to enjoy each and every one of those words. I want to take my time with that. Those are probably my favorite words in all of sports.”

Performing the NEXTEL Tribute To America was Kelly Clarkson, singing the national anthem was Big & Rich and serving as the Honorary Starter was Phil Parsons, brother of the late Benny Parsons.

Ticket information for the 50th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008 is available at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Daytona 500 Champion embarks on whirlwind media tour

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After a grueling and exciting 500 miles on Sunday, the 2007 Daytona 500 champion will add a few more miles to his itinerary as he takes a whirlwind media tour beginning on Monday.

Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, will celebrate his victory in Sunday’s “Great American Race” with several more media interviews including a few national television and radio appearances.

Monday’s scheduled appearances include the Daytona 500 Car Induction Ceremony at DAYTONA USA and then the Champions Breakfast, also at DAYTONA USA. ABC’s Good Morning America, ESPN’s Cold Pizza, The Morning Drive on Sirius Satellite Radio and the Late Show with David Letterman are all on Monday’s itinerary. Tuesday, it’s Live with Regis and Kelly, a luncheon with the New York media at the historic Waldorf Astoria and then off to Bristol, Conn., for interviews at ESPN’s headquarters. Wednesday, Harvick boards a plane and it’s wheels up to the West Coast and California Speedway day in Los Angeles and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. The whirlwind tour concludes on Thursday with the Rick Dees Radio Show and various other west coast television and radio morning shows.

Kevin Harvick Earns First DIS Win In Orbitz 300

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., -- Kevin Harvick has won the past two Orbitz 300s as a car owner with driver Tony Stewart.

On Saturday, he got to experience what a season-opening Busch Series victory at Daytona International Speedway is like as a driver.

Harvick, the defending NASCAR Busch Series champion, was running low on fuel but still managed to hold off Toyota’s Dave Blaney to capture his first ever NASCAR win at Daytona International Speedway in Saturday’s Orbitz 300.

“What drives me is driving the car, and to drive into Victory Lane is what it’s all about,” said Harvick, who led the final 42 laps of the Orbitz 300 in Richard Childress Racing’s No. 21 AutoZone Chevrolet. “It’s rewarding to drive in there as an owner, to watch them drive in, but there’s just something different about trying to figure out where you’re going and where Victory Lane is and putting the whole day together. Two different perspectives.”

Harvick, who started in 31st, delivered Chevrolet its 22nd victory in the Orbitz 300. Being able to earn his first Daytona victory was special for Harvick but he is maintaining his eye on a bigger prize in Sunday’s Daytona 500.

“Anytime you can win any race at Daytona, it’s pretty special,” Harvick said. “To get our first one today was really good. And tomorrow our car is handling well, and I think that’s going to be the key to the race tomorrow.”

Rounding out the top five were Blaney, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer and Mark Martin.

Kyle Busch appeared to be the driver to beat early in the Orbitz 300. He led four times for 46 laps before eventually dropping out of the event with a fuel pump problem.

Tony Stewart, who was gunning for a third straight Orbitz 300 victory in the Kevin Harvick Inc.-owned No. 33 Chevrolet, finished eighth while Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished seventh.

DIRECTV Speedweeks At Daytona will wrap up with Sunday’s 49th annual Daytona 500. For ticket information on all Daytona International Speedway events, visit http://www.racetickets.com or by call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Stewart Captures Third Budweiser Shootout At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Tony Stewart kicked off the 2007 NASCAR season by taking the checkered flag under the lights in the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout – his 10th win overall at the Daytona International Speedway.

Stewart slipped past Kyle Busch on Lap 63 and then held off the surprising David Gilliland and third-place finisher Kurt Busch to win the All-Star non-points event that features the previous season’s pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions.

“We were really good,” said Stewart, driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet. “Speed-wise, we’re unbelievable.”

With only eight laps to go, Stewart got Kyle Busch loose and took the lead.

“Kyle did an awesome job,” Stewart said. “I don’t know how many guys could have saved that car…he did an awesome job of catching it.”

Gilliland, entering his first full season in NEXTEL Cup and making his first Shootout appearance, felt like he earned some respect in the Budweiser Shootout that will help him through the remaining races at Daytona.

“It felt really good,” Gilliland said. “You know, our main deal going into tonight was just to get some experience and try and earn some respect running with these guys. I feel like we accomplished that…we made some friends out there.”

Hendrick Motorsports’ Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, started in the 11th position, but suffered mechanical problems after 31 laps and finished 21st. Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge, also made an early exit with mechanical problems and finished 20th.

Toyota made their first appearance in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series with Brian Vickers and Dale Jarrett. Vickers finished eighth in the No. 83 Toyota while Jarrett in the No. 44 Toyota finished 18th.

Tickets for any of the DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona events are available online at http://www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

MRN Affiliate Adds New Programming

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Aug. 10, 2006) – MRN Radio “The Voice of NASCAR” and the nation’s largest independent sport radio network, announced today that long-time Virginia/North Carolina affiliate WBRF-FM, 98.1 which serves 40 counties in four states, has added long-form qualifying and NASCAR Performance Live to its programming lineup.

MRN Radio’s complete coverage of long-form qualifying is offered nation-wide prior to each NASCAR NEXTEL CUP Series event.

NASCAR Performance Live hosted by MRN Radio’s Steve Post is produced live each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. eastern from the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. NASCAR Performance Live can be heard on over 120 affiliate stations nation-wide.

In addition to the new qualifying programming and NASCAR Performance Live, WBRF currently offers its listeners MRN programming including “NASCAR Today”, “NASCAR Live”, and live race coverage of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

“We are happy to have WBRF, 98.1-FM, Blue Ridge Country add yet another element of MRN programming to its lineup,” said MRN Radio President David Hyatt. “The WBRF programming addition helps us continue to expand our reach and provide quality NASCAR programming each week to markets across the country.”

Located in Galax, Va., with antenna facilities high atop Fisher Peak, North Carolina, the 100,000-watt station owned by Blue Ridge Radio, serves counties in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee, reaching NASCAR listeners in Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Statesville, N.C., Blacksburg, Va., Bristol, Tenn., and Bluefield, W. Va.

Founded in 1970, MRN Radio is the primary source for NASCAR stock car racing and related radio programming. Its award-winning play-by-play coverage of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is delivered via satellite to over 700 terrestrial radio stations nationwide plus the American Forces Radio Network.

Daytona 500 Attracts Record Viewing Audience

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., -- A record network television audience, a sold-out facility with a jam-packed infield and a radio broadcast of “The Great American Race” to more than 500 affiliates with an estimated 7 million listeners plus one million men and women in uniform made the 48th Annual Daytona 500 on Sunday the most watched and listened to motorsports event in America.

NBC Sports coverage of last Sunday’s Daytona 500 attracted 37.2 million viewers and drew a record 11.3 household rating/23 share, which made the race the most watched Daytona 500 as well as the highest rated NASCAR event in history according to information released by NBC Sports based on data from Nielsen Media Research.

The record 37.2 million viewers for the Daytona 500 exceed the combined total audience of almost any three other motorsports events.

MRN Radio, “The Voice of NASCAR Racing” and the nation’s largest independent sport radio network, broadcast their coverage of the Daytona 500 through more than 500 affiliates throughout North America. In addition, the American Forces Radio Network broadcast the event to one million men and women in uniform in nearly 180 countries worldwide.

“The numbers prove that the Daytona 500 is the premier motorsports event,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. “The record television ratings along with the record $18 million purse and $1.5 million payout to the winner prove the Daytona 500 is America’s signature motorsports event.”

Jimmie Johnson, driving the No. 48 Lowe’s Home Improvement Chevrolet, held off Casey Mears and Ryan Newman to capture his first career victory in the Daytona 500 and deliver Rick Hendrick his sixth Daytona 500 triumph as an owner.

Tickets for the 2006 Pepsi 400 Weekend and Speedweeks 2007 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Daytona enhances fans’ Superstretch experience

“World Center of Racing” offers trackside view from hospitality area

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2006) – That’s not your stomach rumbling inside Daytona International Speedway’s newest Superstretch hospitality area. That’s the cars roaring by at more than 180 mph just outside your hospitality pavilion.

Offering fans yet another unique hospitality option, officials at Daytona International Speedway announced a Superstretch area which gets fans closer to the action than ever before.

“Daytona International Speedway continues to look for ways to enhance our guests racing experience each and every time they visit the “World Center of Racing,”’ said DIS President Robin Braig. “Nothing says racing more than the Superstretch of Daytona. We’re excited to offer our fans this unique hospitality option.”

Located just before the famed high-banks of Turn 3, the new hospitality area sports beautifully landscaped surroundings close enough to the track that you can feel the cars go by. It is specifically designed as an exclusive private, fenced area for guests to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of Daytona’s famed Superstretch. The new area provides musical entertainment, free parking, driver appearances, transportation to the unique infield NEXTEL FANZONE and walking distance to nearby merchandise haulers, tram dropoffs, tents and displays and of course, seats in the famed Superstretch Grandstands – all part of the exhilarating atmosphere of race time at the “World Center of Racing.” The area also includes new display area for vendor trailers, food vendors, corporate displays and 26 100-person chalets on 2 levels.

The hospitality area is part of Daytona International Speedway’s Hospitality Village, located east of massive Superstretch Grandstands and part of the unique festive atmosphere that only surrounds events such as NASCAR’s premier event – the Daytona 500 – and the nighttime holiday spectacle – the Pepsi 400, a tradition held on July 4th weekend each year since 1959.

In addition, DIS Hospitality Village includes Superstretch Terrace Club offering: admission to the fan hospitality tent and area; continuous food service, a NASCAR Celebrity appearance for Question & Answer session, admission to DAYTONA USA, Pre Race/NEXTEL FANZONE Access Pass (Weather and Track Schedule Permitting); in a fun, festive environment w/ music, games and door prizes for only $195.00 per person. To get into the best places for all the races, call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Mark Martin Returns For Curtain Call

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Jan. 16, 2006) -- The second wave of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams invaded historic Daytona International Speedway for NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder on Monday.

Mark Martin, driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford with Roush Racing, wasn’t planning on being a part of the test session that teams use to prepare for the 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 – NASCAR’s signature event.

Instead, the 47-year-old Martin, who has never won the Daytona 500, was hoping to step aside from NEXTEL Cup racing in 2006 and complete in a full slate of Craftsman Truck Series races for Roush Racing.

But through all the driver changes last season, owner Jack Roush wasn’t able to replace Martin in the No. 6 car and ask him to return for one more season. The Daytona Beach resident obliged and now has more final shot at winning “The Great American Race.”

“It’s Daytona,” Martin said. “It’s the biggest race of the year and I need to win it. This is my last chance. I’m just gonna try to get in the front on the last lap and hog the track.”

Martin is still mentally preparing for the 2006 season. He calls his offseason and the month of December one of the “busiest ever” as he handled numerous sponsorship obligations and tended his son Matt’s racing aspirations.

Martin hopes that the 2006 season will be similar, if not better than 2005, which saw him qualify for the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup and finish fourth in points.

“I would really love the 2005 performance to be the last year of my Cup so if I could do that well again in ’06, it would be fantastic, Martin said. “If I could do better than that, obviously it would be a dream come true. It would be incredible.

“If we could race for that championship and win it would be the coolest thing. At the same time, realistically speaking, I know the odds that I’m up against and I can’t believe that I was able to personally give the performance that I gave on the race track last year.”

Edwards on Daytona 500 hopes: Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford for Roush Racing, has been labeled one of the championship favorites. But the Columbia, Missouri native is also dreaming of Daytona 500 glory.

“I can’t even imagine winning the Daytona 500,” Edwards said. “My number one goal is to just come out of this thing and go make it to the chase and do all of that, but to actually imagine winning the Daytona 500 and having a dominant car – having that come to reality would be crazy.”

Mears ready for Rolex 24: Chip Ganassi Racing’s Casey Mears, who switches from the No. 41 to the No. 42 with Havoline sponsorship, will make his second start in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29. He’ll drive a Ganassi Daytona Prototype with Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon.

“If we don’t have any major issues, we have a lot of potential to win the race,” Mears said. “It’s fun, but it’s fun because you want to win it. You’re very serious about trying to win it. It’s another one of those big events. The Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, Indy 500 and the 24 Hours are the biggest races out there. Any time you get in position to win one of those races, you’ve got to go for it.”

Fastest of the day: The first car on track, the No. 5 Chevrolet of Kyle Busch, was the fastest in the morning session with a lap of 186.629 mph.

In the afternoon session, Sterling Marlin, driving the No. 14 Waste Management Chevrolet for MB2 Motorsports, posted the fastest speed of the day with a lap of 187.110.

Marlin had his other Chevrolet also in the top five in the afternoon session with a lap of 186.405.

Marlin, a two-time Daytona 500 champion who is joining MB2 Motorsports after a long tenure with Chip Ganassi Racing, was thrilled with his team after the first day of testing.

“It’s all a compliment to the race team,” Marlin said. “Them guys really get after it. It’s been a long time sine we’ve been able come in here and be fastest in (testing).”

“Going fast down here at Daytona is about the team,” said Marlin’s MB2 Motorsports teammate Joe Nemechek, who was fourth fastest in the afternoon session with a lap of 186.405. “Anybody can get out there and drive these things around there when you’re doing qualifying runs. It gets back to the motors and all the guys at Hendrick Motorsports worked hard on the engines and as always the MB2 guys build a whole bunch of cars that run fast.”

NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder FanFest at Daytona: The third of four NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder FanFests is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder FanFest, which include fan forums, bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations and displays, start at 5 p.m. but fans will be able to enter the NEXTEL FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch all of the exciting testing action. Admission for the NEXTEL Cup FanFest is $15.

Morning single-car speeds

1. Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 186.629 mph

2. Sterling Marlin, Chevrolet, 186.598

3. Jamie McMurray, Ford, 186.482

4. Scott Riggs, Dodge, 186.305

5. Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 186.227

6. Greg Biffle, Ford, 186.139

7. David Green, Chevrolet, 186.073

8. Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet, 185.640

9. Kurt Busch, Dodge, 185.330

10. J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 185.322

11. Terry Labonte, Chevrolet, 185.319

12. Dale Jarrett, Ford, 185.227

13. Mark Martin, Ford, 185.170

14. Michael Waltrip, Dodge, 185.025

15. Kyle Petty, Dodge, 184.934

16. Carl Edwards, Ford, 184.869

17. Jeff Green, Chevrolet, 184.509

18. Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 184.426

19. Hermie Sadler, Ford, 184.320

20. Casey Mears, Dodge, 184.222

21. Larry Gunselman, Chevrolet, 183.887

22. Kevin Harvick Chevrolet, 183.820

23. Robby Gordon, Chevrolet, 183.722

24. Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 183.655

25. Dave Blaney, Dodge, 183.195

26. Travis Kvapil, Chevrolet, 183.091

27. Mike Wallace, Dodge, 183.009

28. Brent Sherman, Dodge, 182.983

29. Chad Chaffin, Chevrolet, 182.101

30. Kevin Lepage, Chevrolet, 181.664

Afternoon single-car speeds

1. Sterling Marlin, Chevrolet, 187.110 mph

2. Scott Riggs, Dodge, 186.776

3. Jamie McMurray, Ford, 186.494

4. Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 186.405

5. David Green, Chevrolet, 186.278

6. Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 186.097

7. Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 186.020

8. Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet, 185.954

9. Greg Biffle, Ford, 185.954

10. Terry Labonte, Chevrolet, 185.889

11. Kurt Busch, Dodge, 185.881

12. Jeff Green, Chevrolet, 185.759

13. Mark Martin, Ford, 185.636

14. J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 185.578

15. Carl Edwards, Ford, 185.437

16. Dale Jarrett, Ford, 185.395

17. Hermie Sadler, Ford, 185.060

18. Casey Mears, Dodge, 185.014

19. Kyle Petty, Dodge, 184.850

20. Michael Waltrip, Dodge, 184.649

21. Travis Kvapil, Chevrolet, 184.188

22. Robby Gordon, Chevrolet, 184.011

23. Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 184.008

24. Larry Gunselman, Chevrolet, 183.914

25. Brent Sherman, Dodge, 183.887

26. Dave Blaney, Dodge, 183.681

27. Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 183.587

28. Kevin Lepage, Ford, 182.934

29. Mike Wallace, Dodge, 182.793

30. Chad Chaffin, Chevrolet, 182.726

31. Stanton Barrett, Chevrolet, 182.526

32. Morgan Shepherd, Ford, 182.345

33. Kirk Shelmerdine, Chevrolet, 181.840

Tickets for Speedweeks 2006 are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

SPEEDWAY HONORS SCOUTS AT POLE QUALIFYING DAY

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Jan. 13, 2006) -- Members of the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will have the opportunity to put on their uniforms and enjoy a day of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup competition, as Daytona International Speedway celebrates Scout Day on Sunday, February 12.

A popular outing which draws hundreds each year, Scout Day will honor the area’s scouts during the Speedway’s Budweiser Pole Qualifying Day for the Daytona 500.

As in the past, eligible scouts and scout leaders will include only active members of the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who are in uniform (shirt and hat). Scouts and scout leaders should report between 8 AM and 1 PM to the grandstand entrance at GATE 18, just west of the NEXTEL Tower, where they will be checked in by a designated scout representative.

Scouts will then receive free admission to unreserved frontstretch grandstand seating to watch the day’s events. Family members and friends of the scouts may purchase General Admission tickets for $25 per person (children 11 and under are free with a paying adult). These tickets may be purchased at Ticket Booth D, adjacent to GATE 18.

For more information on Scout Day, please contact (386) 681 5648.

Teams Get In The Draft

During NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder Testing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Jan. 11, 2006) -- Drafting practice dominated NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder testing on Wednesday as the first wave of NEXTEL Cup teams wrapped up their final day of testing in preparation for the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19.

Teams practiced between four- and eight-car packs as they shook down their race setups on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval while some other teams continued to focus on qualifying set up.

Roush Racing’s Matt Kenseth was fastest in the morning session with a lap of 188.403 mph while in the afternoon three-time defending Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon led the way with a lap of 189.298 mph.

Kenseth, behind the wheel of the new Ford Fusion, is upbeat entering NASCAR’s signature event.

“Our test is going pretty good so far,” said Kenseth, who was third fastest in the afternoon session. “We’re happy to get the new Fusion out on the track. I always look forward to the Daytona 500, more so, probably this year, than years past just because we ran pretty good at all the plate races last year. We have hopes that we’ll be competitive and hopefully be part of the outcome.”

Two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott, who only competes in select events for Evernham Motorsports, continued to put his name near the top of the speed charts in the No. 36 MB2 Motorsports Chevrolet. Elliott is doing a one-race deal with MB2 Motorsports as he hopes to qualify for the Daytona 500, a race he has missed for the past two years.

“Everything is still the same, it's still the same thing,” said Elliott when asked how things have changed at DIS. “You've got to do well in a draft, you have to have a car handling and that's what I always like about Daytona is you can run good for a few laps. But if your car is not really under you, then you can't continue that through the full run. Especially here when the race is on Sunday afternoon, and it's a warm afternoon because the heat gets on the racetrack and it's hard to keep a hold out.

“That's what I've noticed here today is after six, eight, 10 laps on your tires, the racetrack really gets greasy, and that's what makes Daytona so much fun, you've got a handle, you've got to be able to run wide open and that's the only way you're going to be able to win this thing.”

Stewart Ready For The Rolex 24: Tony Stewart skipped this week’s NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder testing as he prepares to compete in the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla. Veteran driver Mike McLaughlin filled in for Stewart in the No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet.

Stewart, who won last year’s Pepsi 400 in dominating fashion, will be among the NASCAR drivers that will be competing in the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29. He’s scheduled to team up with Butch Leitzinger and Andy Wallace in the No. 2 Howard-Boss Motorsports Pontiac Crawford in the challenging twice-around-the-clock challenge.

“I've always enjoyed trying different things and driving different cars I've never ran before,” said Stewart via videoconference. “Being able to go run a 24-hour race, it was the idea of running a 24-hour endurance race is something I've never done before. Ever since I did the first one, it's something I look forward to doing every year now.”

Coming Up: Next up during NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder will be the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which will test Jan. 13-15 in preparation for the season-opening Feb. 17 Daytona 250.

The NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder FanFest for the Craftsman Truck Series is slated for Friday, Jan. 13 and will include fan forums, bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations and displays. The festivities start at 5 p.m. but fans will be able to enter the NEXTEL FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch all of the exciting testing action. Admission for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series FanFest is $10.

The remaining FanFest dates are Jan. 17 for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Fan Fest and Jan. 21 for the NASCAR Busch Series Fan Fest

Etc: Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammates Dale Eanrhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr. swapped seats during Wednesday’s afternoon test session to evaluate each other’s race cars . . . Jeff Fuller, driving the No. 80 Chevrolet for Joe Gibbs Racing, spun in the afternoon session but drove away without making any contact.

Wednesday’s NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder Speeds

Morning speeds

Matt Kenseth, Ford, 188.403 mph
Elliott Sadler, Ford, 187.649
Ryan Newman, Dodge, 187.637
Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 187.488
Ken Schrader, Ford, 187.441
David Stremme, Dodge, 187.402
Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 187.367
Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 187.282
Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 187.250
Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 187.110
Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 186.935
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 186.908
Bill Elliott, Chevrolet, 186.834
Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 186.359
Jeff Fuller, Chevrolet, 185.877
Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 185.647
Mike McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 185.613
Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 184.869
Scott Wimmer, Chevrolet, 184.862
Mike Skinner, Dodge, 183.978

Afternoon speeds

Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 189.298 mph
Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 189.195
Matt Kenseth, Ford, 189.024
David Stremme, Dodge, 189.000
Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 188.663
Jeff Fuller, Chevrolet, 188.426
Ryan Newman, Dodge, 188.229
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 188.222
Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 188.103
Mike McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 188.029
Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 187.903
Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 187.903
Mike Skinner, Dodge, 187.739
Elliott Sadler, Ford, 187.621
Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 187.613
Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 187.613
Bill Elliott, Chevrolet, 187.578
Ken Schrader, Ford, 187.531
Scott Wimmer, Chevrolet, 185.801

Tickets for Speedweeks 2006 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Tuesday testing speeds from NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Testing at Daytona International Speedway:

January 10, 2006

Tuesday Morning Speeds:

Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 186.966
Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 186.734
Mike Mclaughlin, Chevrolet, 186.382
Bill Elliott, Chevrolet, 186.374
Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet, 186.047
Jeff Fuller, Chevrolet, 185.613
Elliott Sadler, Ford, 185.533

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Chevrolet, 185.372
Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 185.338
Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 185.235
Matt Kenseth, Ford, 185.094
Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 184.961
Mike Skinner, Dodge, 184.668
Scott Wimmer, Chevrolet, 184.627
Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 184.532
Ken Schrader, Ford, 184.490
Ryan Newman, Dodge, 184.305
David Stremme, Dodge, 183.696
Martin Truex, Jr., Chevrolet, 182.778
Kenny Wallace, Chevrolet, 182.249

Tuesday Afternoon Speeds

Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 188.466
Bill Elliott, Chevrolet, 188.025
Elliott Sadler, Ford, 187.594
Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 187.582
Matt Kenseth, Ford, 186.982
Mike Mclaughlin, Chevrolet, 186.614
Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 186.521
Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 186.070
Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 185.935
Jeff Fuller, Chevrolet, 185.468
Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 185.166
Ken Schrader, Ford, 185.018
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Chevrolet, 184.805
Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 184.657
Mike Skinner, Dodge, 184.566
Ryan Newman, Dodge, 184.479
Scott Wimmer, Chevrolet, 184.411
David Stremme, Dodge, 183.404
Martin Truex, Jr., 183.020
Kenny Wallace, Chevrolet, 182.934

Q and A With Bobby Waltrip:

Dirt Track Announcer Part Of The Family’s DIS Legacy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Dec. 28, 2005) -- Darrell and Michael Waltrip are the only brother combination to win the Daytona 500 – NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious event.

But many race fans don’t realize that another Waltrip brother – Bobby – has also captured a winner’s trophy at “The World Center of Racing.”

Bobby Waltrip, whose older brother Darrell is the 1989 Daytona 500 champion and younger brother Michael is the 2001 and 2003 Daytona 500 champion, is a former go-kart racer who has competed at Daytona on the dirt track and even claimed a victory at Daytona International Speedway during Four-Cycle Day.

Nowadays, the 52-year-old Waltrip’s voice can be heard over the public address system as he announces during the Dirt Track Championships at Municipal Stadium during Daytona KartWeek by Cometic Gasket.

Waltrip looks back on his go-kart memories at Daytona and explains why the trip is so special to him.

How long have you been racing go-karts?

“I’ve been racing go-karts since I was 12. I was the one in the family that never graduated from go-karts. I stayed in it. I made it my life. I make my living do it now. I quit driving back in 1996 or ’97. Shortly thereafter I got involved in the broadcasting side as far as promoting karting on TV and became WKA’s national dirt announcer. It’s my fifth year at Daytona in the announcing booth.”

Why is it so special to come to Daytona International Speedway and race go-karts?

“It’s Daytona. It was always a deal where no matter what you do in racing, whether it’s Cup or sports cars or go-karts, the best of the best come to Daytona. That’s something you want on your resume. That’s the reason why we make the trek down here. Starting back in 1991, I have raced here competitively and now I get to sit up in the tower and talk about it.”

Are you proud to be a part of the Waltrip racing tradition at Daytona International Speedway?

“Darrell is my older brother and Michael is my younger brother. We have a history here at Daytona. I haven’t won the Daytona 500 like those two have, which they are the only two brothers to have won the Daytona 500. But I won a big race at the big Speedway as well. I feel fortunate to be a part of that.”

Do your brothers know you make the trek down here every Christmas?

“They know it for years. I moved from Kentucky to North Carolina in 1990 and helped Darrell build his NEXTEL Cup shop. After we got that done, it took about a year and a half, I started competing in go-karts again. The biggest thing on my list was I had to go to Daytona to race go-karts. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It’s the aurora, the stigma that goes with it and the prestige of racing at Daytona. I think you’ll find that with almost everybody you talk to. You want to come here and at least participate and have a chance to win.”

Late Tuesday Results

WKA/Briggs & Stratton Dirt Track Championships at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium

Briggs Lite: 1. Michael Taylor, Daytona Beach, FL; 2. Denver Smith, Bassett, Va.; 3. J.R. Tippens, Covington, Ga.

Briggs Super Heavy: 1. Dan Sox, W. Columbia, S.C.; 2. Bill Pyburn, Jacksonville, Fla.; 3. David Hicken, Callahan, FL.

Briggs Jr. Sportsman 1 Lite: 1. Patrick Ingui, Loganville, Ga.; 2. Eric Lee Riggins, Charlotte, N.C.; 3. Preston Kirkpatrick, Ocala, FL.

Briggs Jr. Animal Champ: 1. Jake Crum, Statesville, N.C.; 2. Darek McCauley, Chesterfield, Va.; 3. Matthew Ridgeway, King George, Va.

Briggs Sr. Champ Lite: 1. Jason Lineweaver, Winchester, Va.; 2. Jeremy Marlin, Ocala, Fla.; 3. Marc Mode, Morresville, N.C.

Briggs Animal Heavy: 1. Justin Bridges, Royston, Ga.; 2. Dan Sox, W. Columbia, S.C.; 3. Michael Schumacher, W. Columbia, S.C.

Gordon, Johnson, Earnhardt Jr. Highlight First NEXTEL Cup Test Session At DIS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., -- The 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will kick off with a pair of much anticipated test sessions at historic Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the prestigious season-opening 48th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 19.

The list of teams expected to participate in the first NEXTEL Cup Series test session on Jan. 9-11 include (list is tentative and subject to change):

The list of teams expected to participate in the even-numbered NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test session on Jan. 16-18 include (list is tentative and subject to change):

NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest dates, which will coincide with January’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Busch Series testing sessions at the “World Center of Racing,” will be held on the following days:

The Fan Fest events, which include fan forums, bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations and displays, start at 5 p.m. but fans will be able to enter the NEXTEL FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch all of the exciting testing action. Admissions for the NEXTEL Cup Fan Fest dates are $15 while Busch and Craftsman Truck Series admissions are $10.

Fans can watch all of the January testing sessions free from the Oldfield Grandstands located just outside of DAYTONA USA:

Oct. 8: "Bud Pole Qualifying" for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
10:30 a.m. CDT start
Updates at 10:50, 11:10, 11:30, 11:50, 12:10 p.m. CDT Co-anchors Barney Hall and Joe Moore Local Affiliate WHB-AM, 810, Kansas City*

"United Way 300" NASCAR Busch Series
12:45 p.m. CDT start
Co-anchors Barney Hall and Joe Moore
Local Affiliate WHB-AM, 810, Kansas City*

Oct. 9: "Banquet 400" NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
12:15 p.m. CDT start
Co-anchors Barney Hall and Joe Moore
Local Affiliate WHB-AM, 810, Kansas City*

Sundays "NASCAR U.S.A." 10:00 a.m. ET
Mondays "Monday Morning Race Refresher"
M-F "NASCAR TODAY"
M-F "Ned Jarrett's "World of Racing"
Tuesdays "NASCAR LIVE" 7:00 p.m. ET
Wednesdays "NASCAR Performance LIVE" 7:00 p.m. ET

Tune in to 500 affiliate stations weekdays for "NASCAR TODAY," MRN's daily news show. Hosted by MRN Radio anchor Joe Moore, this show will keep you up to date on the happenings in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, NASCAR Busch, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2005) - MRN Radio "The Voice of NASCAR" and the nation's largest independent sports radio network, announced today a new partnership with Radiovisa Network. Radiovisa is a 24/7 Spanish-language talk radio network that produces and syndicates long and short form radio programming targeting U. S. Hispanics.

MRN Radio and Radiovisa will provide live flag-to-flag coverage of five select NASCAR events in predominately Hispanic markets including coverage of the California 300 NASCAR Busch Series event and the Sony HD 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event at California Speedway. Additional coverage will include the Banquet 400 at Kansas Speedway, the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, and the season-ending Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. MRN Radio will offer additional daily programming on the weeks leading up to NASCAR event weekends.

"We are proud to be associated with such a first-class organization as Radiovisa as we continue to broaden and diversify our fan base," said MRN Radio President David Hyatt. "We are excited to provide quality NASCAR programming each week to Hispanic markets across the country."

"NASCAR has made a vast effort over the past 2 years to increase Hispanic interest in their great sport," stated Ray De La Garza, Radiovisa Chief Operating Officer. "Through the addition of their first NASCAR race in Mexico and the increasing participation of Hispanics in the sport itself, those efforts have truly.

paid off. As an avid fan of the sport myself, I could not be more thrilled to team up with MRN Radio to bring all the flag-to-flag excitement to our listeners."

MRN Radio and Radiovisa will also produce daily radio programming covering the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship.

Leitzinger, EFR Capture Brumos Porsche 250

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (June 30, 2005) - Three-time Rolex 24 At Daytona champion Butch Leitzinger passed Michael McDowell on Lap 47 of 70 and led the rest of the way en route to a 5.539-second victory over Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Max Angelelli in Thursday's Brumos Porsche 250 at historic Daytona International Speedway.

It was the first Rolex Series victory of the season for Leitzinger and his No. 4 Pontiac Crawford co-driver Elliott Forbes-Robinson, and was their first triumph since winning at Barber Motorsports Park last October. Leitzinger and Forbes-Robinson also became the fifth different set of co-drivers to win a Rolex Series event in seven races.

"The car was just so perfectly set up," Leitzinger said. "The crew just did a great job. A race like this shows what a great team this is. They came off the truck - there was no time to make many changes. They (worked with) what they had to begin with.
"Sometimes everything seems like it goes against you and sometimes everything goes for you and this is one of those times (when it goes for you)."

The Brumos Porsche 250 was a special one for Leitzinger and Forbes-Robinson. The duo hadn't celebrated a Daytona victory since 1999 when they were part of Rob Dyson's Rolex 24 triumph.

"I really don't remember the last time I won a race here but it's been quite a few years I think," Leitzinger said. "We haven't won a race this year - we've had three second (places) I think. You start to get a big duck on your back whenever you don't score a win so this really helped the team. It's going to lift up the entire morale of the team."

With the second-place finish, Angelelli and No. 10 Pontiac Riley co-driver Wayne Taylor reclaimed sole possession of first place in the Daytona Prototype driver standings at the halfway point in the season. McDowell and No. 19 BMW Riley co-driver Memo Gidley completed the top three.

The race on the newly repaved infield sports car road course at DIS featured four NASCAR Nextel Cup Series stars
With a 15th-place finish in their No. 44 DAYTONA USA-sponsored Pontiac Doran, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champions Bobby and Terry Labonte were the highest-finishing Nextel Cup drivers in the race.

After running as high as second at one point in the race, Kyle Petty finished 17th in the No. 7 Pontiac Riley he co-drove with Tony Ave and car owner Brian Tuttle. Tony Stewart, who ran as high as third place, wound up 22nd due to a mechanical problem in the No. 20 Pontiac Crawford he co-drove with sports car star Andy Wallace.

Justin Marks and Joey Hand took the GT class victory in a BMW.
Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Daytona 500 Tickets On Sale May 28

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (May 25, 2005) -- On Saturday, May 28, at 8 a.m. (EST), race guests will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets to NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious stock car race of the year - the 48th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 19, 2006.

Prior to Saturday, May 28, renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the Daytona 500 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. In addition, Visa cardholders had an exclusive opportunity to purchase advance Daytona 500 tickets.
Tickets to America's most watched motorsports event start at $95 and Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to "The Great American Race."

* Online at www.DAYTONA500.com

* Calling 1-800-PITSHOP

* Visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of DAYTONA USA

"The Daytona 500 has traditionally been a sellout since the inaugural event in 1959 and we encourage our guests to get their tickets as early as possible," Speedway President Robin Braig said.

"The Daytona 500 is the most anticipated motorsports event of the year and the only way to experience the sights, sounds and excitement of 'The Great American Race' is in person."
Also available for purchase through www.DAYTONA500.com or 1-800-PITSHOP include:

* Tickets for other Speedweeks 2006 events, including the Hershey's 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 250 and the Crown Royal IROC Series, the Gatorade Duel At Daytona and the Budweiser Shootout.

* Hospitality packages including the Daytona 500 Club, the Daytona Club, the Green Flag Club and the Party Zone.

* NEXTEL FANZONE passes/Pre-race access

* Tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on June 30-July 2, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 2, the Winn Dixie 250 presented by Pepsico NASCAR Busch Series race and Circle K Pole Qualifying on Friday, July 1 and the Brumos Porsche 250 on Thursday, June 30.

MRN Radio, The Voice of NASCAR and Radiovisa To Broadcast Live Spanish-language Coverage of Three NASCAR Races

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Radiovisa, a 24-hour Spanish-language radio network will partner to air three NASCAR races in 2005 beginning with this weekend's "Stater Bros. 300" NASCAR Busch Series race and the "Auto Club 500" NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race Feb. 26-27 from California Speedway in Fontana. Radiovisa will also travel to Mexico City for NASCAR's first ever Mexico-based race, the Telcel Motorola Mexico 200, from Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on March 6th, 2005.

"MRN Radio is excited to have the opportunity to work with Radiovisa in bringing coverage of America's fastest growing sport to America's fastest growing population segment," said David Hyatt, President of MRN Radio.

"NASCAR is quickly becoming an important sport to the Hispanic community," said Ray De La Garza, COO of Radiovisa Corporation. "World class racecar drivers Michel Jourdain Jr. and Adrian Fernandez have recently crossed over from Champ and Indycar racing to compete and now NASCAR has brought the sport to Mexico with its first ever race. We wanted to be the first to acknowledge the impact Hispanics can have on this great sport and leapt at the opportunity David Hyatt and MRN Radio offered us to team up with them."
MRN is the nation's largest independent sport radio network with more than 700 affiliates nationwide.

Radiovisa produces and syndicates 24-hour programming including Gerardo Por La Mañana, Ella es*Gigi Graciette, En El Medio con Antonio Gonzalez, El Show de Juancarlos, Deportes Y Más, En Privado and Los Desvelados. Radiovisa also distributes and affiliates CNN en Español RADIO. Radiovisa's programming is aired in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Washington D.C., San Diego, Houston, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Fresno among others.

Unprecedented List of Special Guests For NASCAR's Daytona 500 Continues To Grow

American War Hero Jessica Lynch and World Series Champion Johnny Damon To Be Part of Festivities

DAYTONA BEACH Fla., (Feb. 15, 2005) - Two of the most popular and well known figures in America - American war hero Jessica Lynch and World Series champion Johnny Damon - will participate in pre-race ceremonies for the 47th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 20 (FOX, 1 p.m.).

"The Daytona 500 is a premier sporting event that continues to attract an unprecedented list of special guests," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. "We're thrilled to welcome Jessica Lynch and Johnny Damon to the pre-race festivities for NASCAR's signature event."

Lynch is a U.S. Army Private who was a Prisoner of War and later rescued during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Damon delivered a career year in 2004 for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox batting .304 with 20 home runs and 94 RBI. Damon is a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School in nearby Orlando, Fla. He is entering his fourth season with the Red Sox as centerfielder and his eleventh season overall in Major League Baseball.

Lynch and Damon will be introduced on the pre race stage, participate in driver introductions and ride in one of the Chevrolet pace cars that lead the 43-car field before the start of the "The Great American Race."
Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

The Daytona 500 - The Great American Race More than 200,000 spectators will converge on Daytona International Speedway, and viewers around the country will tune in for NASCAR's most prestigious race, the 47th Daytona 500. More than 33 million people tuned in to all or part of NBC's broadcast last year, and the 2005 version of the "Great American Race" will feature Ashton Kutcher as the honorary starter and Matthew McConaughey as Grand Marshal. The race features a field of 43 cars and the 500 mile race consists of 200 laps around a 2.5 mile track. Coverage of the 2005 Daytona 500 airs live on FOX on Sunday, February 20 starting at 1 p.m. ET.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., February 15, 2005 - Vanessa Williams, who has recorded such hits as "Save The Best For Last" and "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's animated film "Pocahontas," will pull double duty for Daytona International Speedway, singing the National Anthem prior to the Daytona 500 and taking part in the NEXTEL Tribute to America, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race on Sunday, Feb. 20 (FOX, 1 p.m.).

In addition to the National Anthem, Williams, who has starred in such films as "Eraser," "Dance With Me" and "Light It Up," and recently released her latest album "Everlasting Love" on Jan. 25, will sing "America The Beautiful" during the NEXTEL-sponsored show, which will be carried live on FOX. The show, produced by Atlanta based Q and A Entertainment, will pay tribute to music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway's historic five-acre tri-oval grass.

"What a treat for our race fans to have Vanessa Williams perform twice," said Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. "Her appearance proves once again that the stars show up at Daytona."

In addition to Williams, a star-studded group of entertainers, including country music superstar Clint Black, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, Columbia Records recording sensations John Ondrasik and "Five For Fighting," will highlight the NEXTEL Tribute to America.

Black, a Grammy Award-winning artist and multiple Country Music Association award winner, will sing his No. 1 hit single "Nothin' But The Taillights." Among Black's more than 20 No. 1 hit singles are "A Better Man," "Killin' Time," "Like the Rain," "Something That We Do" and "When I Said I Do," a duet with his wife Lisa Hartman Black.

Wilson, the singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and composer whose latest solo album "Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE" is nominated for three Grammys including "Best Pop Vocal Album" and "Best Rock Instrumental Performance," will sing the legendary Beach Boys hit single "Good Vibrations."

"Five For Fighting," whose lead singer and song writer is John Ondrasik, will sing the No. 1 hit "100 Years" from their latest album "Battle For Everything."

Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Film Star Continues Celebrity Tradition With Appearance at "Great American Race"

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 8, 2005) - Actor Matthew McConaughey, who will star in the soon-to-be-released Paramount Pictures movie Sahara, has been named Grand Marshal for the 47th edition of The Daytona 500.

The "Great American Race" is scheduled to run on Sunday, Feb. 20. has starred in more than 30 films including popular releases such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, A Time to Kill, Contact and The Wedding Planner,

McConaughey will give the command "Drivers, start your engines" in NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious stock car race in the world. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal pace car.

"The stars we have coming to the Daytona 500 get bigger and bigger each year," said Speedway President Robin Braig. "We're excited to have Matthew take part in Daytona 500 pre-race festivities to help kick off what will be an exciting 2005 season."

Based on a Clive Cussler bestseller, Sahara is a modern action-adventure story of NUMA agent (National Underwater Marine Agency) and master explorer, Dirk Pitt (McConaughey), who discovers that thousands of North Africans are being driven mad by something polluting the water. If unchecked, the entire world population could be threatened.

McConaughey continues the tradition of high-profile celebrities, athletes and politicians that have participated in or attended the Daytona 500, NASCAR's annual season-opening event for its premier racing series.

President George Bush showed up at the 2004 Daytona 500 in which actor, director and writer Ben Affleck served as Grand Marshal. International superstar actor John Travolta served as Grand Marshal in the 2003 Daytona 500 to joining a list of esteemed past Grand Marshals including Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw and Jim Kelly.

LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem during the pre-race festivities for the 2004 Daytona 500 and Mariah Carey, the biggest selling female pop artist of all time, sang the 2003 Anthem.

Celebrities such as former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, Wimbledon champion Serena Williams, American Idol judge Randy Jackson and action movie star Vin Diesel all have attended NASCAR's most watched race.

Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 and the 47th annual Daytona 500 are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Sixth-Generation Corvette To Pace The 47th Annual Daytona 500 Pace Car Unveiled On National TV Morning Show

NEW YORK (Feb. 8, 2005) - Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 2004 Daytona 500 champion, unveiled the all-new 2005 Corvette that will pace the 47th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season opener during the national broadcast of Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning.

Earnhardt Jr., who drives the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc., revealed the Corvette coupe that will pace the 43-car field in "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 20 - NASCAR's richest, biggest and most prestigious event at historic Daytona International Speedway.

"The all-new 2005 Corvette brings more power, more precision and more passion to drivers than any Corvette in history making it a natural fit to pace this historic race," said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manger.

"We are proud to once again have our good partners at Chevrolet pace the field at NASCAR's signature event," said Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. "We are looking forward to showing off the 2005 Corvette pace car on national television and in front of thousands of fans."

The 43-car field that will be led by the Chevrolet Corvette pace vehicle will be battling for a record purse of $17,623,980, the richest in stock car racing history. Ashton Kutcher, the popular star of FOX's "That '70s Show" and the star of the upcoming feature film "Guess Who," will serve as Honorary Starter and wave the green flag to start the Daytona 500, which will be televised live on FOX.

The design of the Daytona 500 Corvette pace vehicle includes elements that reflect the heritage and attitude of the historic winning Corvette race cars. The Corvette pace vehicle is millennium yellow with a black racing stripe centered across the hood, roof and trunk lid with the Daytona 500 logo on each door and Chevy's "An American Revolution" slogan on the rear spoiler.
This will be the 34th consecutive year General Motors has provided the Official Pace Car for the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500 will be one of 60 NASCAR events Chevrolet will pace in 2005, including 28 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, 17 Busch Series and 15 Craftsman Truck Series races.

Chevrolet returns to this year's Daytona 500 with an impressive win record - 17 victories, the most of any manufacturer. Chevrolet also kicks off the 2005 racing season as defending manufacturer's champion. In 2004 Chevy drivers captured 22 wins to tie its own record for most wins in a single season in NASCAR's "modern era" which aided Chevy in achieving its 28th manufacturer's championship.

Tickets for any of the upcoming Speedweeks 2005 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 3, 2005) - Motor Racing Network (MRN) Reporter Steve Blevins, was honored by the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) with three awards including co-winner of the prestigious "Barney Hall Award" at the NMPA Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. earlier this week.

For their outstanding radio coverage of NASCAR races in 2004, the NMPA also recognized three other MRN reporters for their exceptional work. Those honorees include:

Radio Feature:
2nd Place: Steve Blevins, Chase for the NEXTEL Cup 3rd Place: Ryan Horn, Pepsi 400: A Salute to the King

Long Form Feature:
2nd Place: Chris Symeon, Road to The NEXTEL Cup 3rd Place: Dave Moody, Sirius Speedway, Don Garlits Legends segment

Barney Hall Award:
Steve Blevins (co-winner) presented to the top award winner in the radio category

"To be honored by our peers is such a great accomplishment by our entire staff," said network President David Hyatt. "As NASCAR's fan base continues to grow, we're excited to provide award-winning coverage to millions of fans around the world."

MRN, the nation's largest independent sports radio network, will continue its award-winning NASCAR coverage as it kicks off the 2005 season at Daytona International Speedway with coverage of the "Rolex 24" on Saturday, Feb. 5 beginning at 11:30 p.m. (ET) and the "Great American Race" - the legendary Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20.

David Green Back On Track After Kidney Stone

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Jan. 24, 2005) - David Green wasn't able to get on the track on Saturday during his first day of Busch Series testing in preparation for the season-opening Hershey's Take 5 300.

While doing a morning interview session in the infield media center, Green, driver of the No. 27 Kleenex Ford for Brewco Motorsports, could not take the pain anymore in his side and was taken to the Halifax Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a kidney stone.

"There's nothing like that kind of feeling," Green said during the lunch break of the final day of January testing. "The hospital is the best place for you and they couldn't get me there fast enough after I left here. Aaron Fike drove my car a little bit on Saturday. We had tested Talladega on Thursday, so I had driven both of our cars down there and was very excited about our new Ford Tauruses. I was geared up and ready to go on Saturday.
"Out of all winter long for this kidney stone to hit, why did it pick the first day of testing? But, at least it's behind us now. I got in the car at one (on Saturday) and made one single run and then went out and drafted. (Teammate Greg) Biffle drove my car prior to lunchtime, and he liked how it felt, so when I got in it it felt good to me, too."

Green, the 1994 Busch Series champion and the pole winner of the Hershey's Take 5 300 in 1991, always has penchant for arriving early at Daytona International Speedway for Speedweeks. Many times, you'll find him roaming through the garage at least a week before the Hershey's Take 5 300.
"I think one reason why I like it is because I've been coming down here a long time and it's a time to get the wheels rolling for the season," said, Green, who expects to begin staying in Daytona on Wednesday, Feb. 9. "When I missed Saturday because of being in the hospital, I really felt like I was a day behind yesterday. I felt like I missed my flight and I got here late. By getting down here early for the race weekend, you really get in tune with it."

Assistant Principal Turns Racer: Kim Crosby said during a break in Busch Series testing that she has quit her job as an assistant principal to running a full Busch Series schedule. Crosby resigned from Slidell Junior High in Slidell, La., to focus driving the No. 24 Boudreaux's Butt Paste Chevrolet in the 2005 Busch Series season.

"I ran five Busch races last year along with being a principal at a junior high school," Crosby said. "Trying to do both of those I didn't feel like I was doing both professions justice. The school system was very supportive, but I just felt like I needed to make a choice and follow my dream and go into driving full-time."
Crosby and her GIC/PSE team have modest goals for their first full-time season together.

"A good season for me - a great season - would be to qualify for every single race, on speed," Crosby said. "Regardless of the finishes, making the field is very important to myself and the team."

Fastest of the day: Tony Raines posted the fastest time in the morning session with a speed of 182.304 mph while Paul Menard was on top of the speed chart in the afternoon with a lap of 185.185.

Testing Complete: The January testing season at Daytona International Speedway is complete. The next event is the 43rd anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Feb. 3-6. The twice-around-the-clock will also serve as the grand opening to the newly renovated infield of "The World Center of Racing."

Tickets: For tickets to any of the Speedweeks 2005 events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Monday's morning speeds
1. Tony Raines, Chevrolet, 182.304
2. Boston Reid, Chevrolet, 181.962
3. Paul Wolfe, Dodge, 181.822
4. Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 181.528
5. Tyler Walker, Dodge, 181.258
6. Justin Labonte, Chevrolet, 181.156
7. Jeff Fuller, Chevrolet, 181.156
8. Shane Hmiel, Dodge, 180.785
9. Michael Waltrip, Chevrolet, 180.574
10. Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet, 180.310
11. Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 180.281
12. Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 180.281
13. JJ Yeley, Chevrolet, 180.097
14. Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 180.065
15. Greg Biffle, Ford, 180.047
16. Aaron Fike, Ford, 179.885
17. Carl Edwards, Ford, 179.030
18. Johnny Sauter, Dodge, 178.951
19. Ryan Hemphill, Dodge, 178.809
20. Jason Keller, Ford, 178.770
21. Tim Fedewa, Dodge, 178.649
22. Bobby Hamilton, Dodge, 178.483
23. Jon Wood, Ford, 178.320
24. Kevin Conway, Chevrolet, 177.968
25. Brent Sherman, Dodge, 177.641
26. Kurtis Davis, Chevrolet, 177.305
27. Ashton Lewis Jr., Ford, 177.294
28. Stacy Compton, Ford, 177.012
29. Jeff Kendall, Chevrolet, 176.267
30. Donnie Neuenberger, Chevrolet, 175.895
Monday's afternoon speeds (drafting)
1. Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 185.185
2. Tony Raines, Chevrolet, 185.105
3. Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 185.018
4. Greg Biffle, Ford, 184.204
5. Carl Edwards, Ford, 184.170
6. Aaron Fike, Ford, 184.034
7. Ashton Lewis, Jr., Ford, 183.985
8. Kevin Conway, Chevrolet, 183.835
9. Jason Keller, Ford, 183.497
10. Paul Wolfe, Dodge, 182.682
11. JJ Yeley, Chevrolet, 181.976
12. Justin Labonte, Chevrolet, 181.866
13. Boston Reid, Chevrolet, 181.583
14. Jeff Fuller, Chevrolet, 181.430
15. Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet, 180.988
16. Jeff Kendall, Chevrolet, 180.618
17. Stacy Compton, Ford, 179.799
18. Jon Wood, Ford, 179.788
19. Kurtis Davis, Chevrolet, 177.211

Scott Riggs, Joe Nemechek Opening Eyes During Testing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Jan. 19, 2005) - MB2/MBV Motorsports drivers Joe Nemechek and Scott Riggs continue to surprise onlookers during this week's three-day NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test session in preparation for the 47th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20.
During Wednesday morning's testing session, Nemechek, in the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolets, and Riggs, in the No. 10 Valvoline Chevrolets, took the top four spots. Nemechek led with185.605 mph while Riggs came in a close second at 185.601.
In the afternoon session on Wednesday, Nemechek and Riggs continued to set the pace. Riggs finished fastest with a speed of 186.097 while Nemechek was third with a lap of 185.924.
During the first day of testing on Tuesday, Riggs and Nemechek swapped the top spots with Riggs leading in the morning and Nemechek in the afternoon.
Riggs, entering his sophomore season in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, credits his Valvoline crew for the speed.
"I'm just proud of all of the guys," Riggs said. "Superspeedway racing is all about the guys in the shop building great cars and working together. Hendrick horsepower under the hood. That always helps no matter where you go but especially at these superspeedway races. I know everybody wishes the driver would get out and say it was all me. But you've got to give it to the car. These guys did a great job."
During the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, MB2/MBV Motorsports stepped up their superspeedway program, particularly in qualifying. In three of the four races at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, Riggs and Nemechek qualified in the top 10 with Nemechek capturing the pole for October's EA Sports 500.
In last week's first wave of NEXTEL Cup Series testing, Boris Said, driving a third MB2/MBV Motorsports Chevrolet, was able to keep his name near the top of the speed chart.
"We've been getting progressively better every single superspeedway race we go to," Riggs said. "We knew after getting these cars together and taking them to the wind tunnel, we had an even better piece than what we had at Talladega the last race. We were really looking forward to coming down to testing and seeing what we had."

Burton Likes New Infield: Jeff Burton, who drives the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, gave a thumbs-up to the new Daytona International Speedway garages, which include windows for fans to look inside.
"What we need to do is we need to build garages in infields that provide security and safety for the teams and also provide opportunity to fans to get up in it and see what's going on and I don't know how you could have done it any better," Burton said. "It's a little annoying when you're trying to work and there are 20 fans banging on the windows, I'll be honest, because you're trying to concentrate. But what a great experience for the fans to be able to see what's going on and to be able to watch what's happening in the garage and really see it. I think that's an awesome idea. Daytona had kind of fallen behind a lot of race tracks and this needs to be the best and I think they've set a new standard for garages."

Crown Royal IROC field announced: Crown Royal IROC officials announced the driver lineup for the 2005 Crown Royal IROC Series, which kicks off its 29th season on Friday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway.
The invitation-only series will feature 12 champion drivers from different forms of auto racing in equally prepared cars. The 2005 driver field will feature seven drivers who captured their respective series championships in 2004:
" Matt Kenseth: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup (2004 Crown Royal champion)
" Kurt Busch: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup (2004 series champion)
" Mark Martin: NASCAR Nextel Cup (4-time Crown Royal IROC champion)
" Sebastien Bourdais: CHAMP CAR (2004 Series champion)
" Bobby Hamilton: NASCAR Craftsman Truck (2004 Series champion)
" Steve Kinser: World of Outlaws (2004 Series champion)
" Max Papis: Grand American Road Racing (2004 Series co-champion)
" Scott Pruett: Grand American Road Racing (2004 Series co-champion)
" Martin Truex Jr.: NASCAR Busch Series (2004 Series champion)
" Helio Castroneves: IRL IndyCar Series (2-time Indianapolis 500 champion)
" Buddy Rice: IRL IndyCar Series (2004 Indianapolis 500 champion)
" Danny Lasoski: World of Outlaws (2001 Series champion)
IROC President Jay Signore and Kenseth unveiled the new paint scheme for the Crown Royal cars that will compete for the 25th time at "The World Center of Racing."
Max Papis, Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series co-champion, was also present for the announcement. The Italian driver is accustomed to racing on the 3.56-mile road course at Daytona International Speedway and is excited about his new task - turning laps on the 2.5-mile tri-oval.
"It's going to be a dream for me," Papis said. "I'm going to make sure that I'm not going to turn left right away after the start/finish line as I usually do. Daytona has really been the track that I made my name in the states with the Rolex 24. First of all, I think it's going to be an honor to compete in IROC and second I'm really looking forward to running flat out in the bump draft."

Elliott To Compete In Budweiser Shootout: Two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott announced he'll compete in the Feb. 12 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway driving a Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing with Coors Light sponsorship. The car will carry the No. 39 and feature a retro Coors Light paint scheme that Elliott made famous in the 1980s.
"I'm looking forward to running it," said Elliott, who'll also run in select NEXTEL Cup Series events for owner Ray Evernham. "It's an opportunity for me to get a little bit more seat time. I don't want to run a lot this year but I want to run a little bit more than last year."

Gordon announces sponsors: Robby Gordon, who is owns and drives the No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has announced two sponsors for the 2005 season. Fruit of the Loom and Jim Beam will serve as primary sponsors during select races.

Tickets: For tickets to any of the Speedweeks 2005 events, go online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Wednesday's morning speeds
1. Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 185.605 mph
2. Scott Riggs, Chevrolet, 185.601
3. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 185.185
4. Jeff Green, Dodge, 184.904
5. Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 184.843
6. Mike Wallace, Chevrolet, 184.608
7. Mark Martin, Ford, 184.388
8. Eric McClure, Chevrolet, 184.366
9. Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 184.249
10. Johnny Sauter, Dodge, 184.124
11. Matt Kenseth, Ford, 184.102
12. Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet, 184.083
13. Sterling Marlin, Dodge, 183.557
14. John Andretti, Chevrolet, 183.187
15. Brian Vickers, Chevrolet, 183.094
16. Derrike Cope, Ford, 183.064
17. Rusty Wallace, Dodge, 183.035
18. Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 183.001
19. Dave Blaney, Chevrolet, 182.997
20. Scott Wimmer, Dodge, 182.711
21. David Stremme, Dodge, 182.035
22. Bobby Hamilton Jr., Chevrolet, 181.995 23. Kevin Lepage, Dodge, 181.910 24. Robby Gordon, Chevrolet, 181.752 25. Hermie Sadler, Ford, 181.415 26. Kerry Earnhardt, Chevrolet, 181.025 27. Kirk Shelmerdine, Ford, 178.504

Wednesday's afternoon speeds
1. Scott Riggs, Chevrolet, 186.097 mph
2. Johnny Sauter, Dodge, 185.935
3. Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 185.924
4. Robby Gordon, Chevrolet, 185.300
5. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 185.193
6. Jeff Green, Dodge, 185.060
7. Mike Wallace, Chevrolet, 185.006
8. Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 184.907
9. Matt Kenseth, Ford, 184.824
10. Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 184.733
11. Eric McClure, Chevrolet, 184.585
12. Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet, 184.528
13. Sterling Marlin, Dodge, 184.053
14. Dave Blaney, Chevrolet, 183.944
15. Rusty Wallace, Dodge, 183.895
16. Brian Vickers, Chevrolet, 183.820
17. Kevin Lepage, Dodge, 183.700
18. John Andretti, Chevrolet, 183.621
19. Bobby Hamilton Jr., Chevrolet, 183.539 20. Derrike Cope, Ford, 183.486 21. Hermie Sadler, Ford, 183.408 22. Mark Martin, Ford, 183.385 23. Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 183.180 24. David Stremme, Dodge, 182.604 25. Scott Wimmer, Dodge, 182.567 26. Greg Sacks, Dodge, 181.737 27. Kerry Earnhardt, Chevrolet, 181.294 28. Kirk Shelmerdine, Ford, 178.781

Jarrett Chasing Fourth Daytona 500 Win

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Jan. 13, 2005) -- Dale Jarrett sits alongside Bobby Allison as a three-time Daytona 500 champion. In the 47th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, Jarrett hopes he can move up a spot and share the title of four-time Daytona 500 champion with Cale Yarborough, one of his former car owners.
"Gosh I would love to do that," Jarrett said before the start of Wednesday's rain-delayed test session. "That puts you in a very select group that has made that accomplishment and I think this year might be the opportunity for us to do that."

Jarrett has been fast in his No. 88 UPS Ford throughout this week's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test session in preparation for "The Great American Race." He was in the top 10 of the speed chart on Tuesday and was the fastest of day on Wednesday with a speed of 186.455 mph.

"I think that we've worked extremely hard," Jarrett said. "This has always been a focus of Robert Yates Racing, this race here. The last few years, even though we may qualify well, we haven't seemed to be there when it came time to try to win the race. We're putting a lot more emphasis on that. Even though we ran fast yesterday, our objective was to get something that we know is gonna drive good, so it would mean a lot to me, especially at this point in time of my career to get that fourth Daytona 500."

While Jarrett has experienced the joy of celebrating three triumphs in the Daytona 500, fellow NASCAR veterans Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin haven't had that opportunity. Both Wallace and Martin will make their final starts in this year's Daytona 500 and Jarrett understands how important a victory in "The Great American Race" would mean to their careers.
"I've been very fortunate again to do it three times, it's just incredible what it does for your career and the feeling you get, the feeling of accomplishment," Jarrett said. "I've said this a number of times that this race, being our biggest race, we're the best prepared for this race of any that we go to. We do more wind tunnel testing, more track testing. Everybody is in the best shape that they're gonna be in. Nobody is injured, so you have the best at their best and when you win, you know that's a great feeling of accomplishment.

"I hate that at least one of them isn't gonna get the opportunity to see what that's like, but I don't think that takes anything away from what they've accomplished in this sport. I think that they'll be remembered a lot more for what they've done than for what they didn't accomplish in their career."

Lost in the renovation: Greg Biffle had a chance to familiarize himself with the new Daytona infield during the recent Rolex 24 At Daytona test. But the 2003 Pepsi 400 champion and 2004 Daytona 500 pole winner still didn't' realize where he was standing during this week's NEXTEL Cup Series test session.
Said Biffle: "I was here for the 24-Hour test and it's kind of funny. We were in the garage and it was all foreign to me. The garage looked different. The prototype car is all different and I never even gave it a thought that this was the Nextel Cup garage. I'm thinking, 'This is the prototype garage.'
"Then somebody asked me (this week) what I thought about the garages and it's like, 'I've never been in here before.' Then it suddenly dawned on me that I was standing in the Cup garage and that they had just gotten them finished, so it's neat."

Late Start: Morning rain showers delayed the start of the final day of testing. Teams were able to get on track around 1:30 p.m. and tested through 7:30 p.m. While some teams worked on qualifying setups, other teams participated in drafting sessions.

Truck FanFest On Tap: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will next test at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday and Sunday. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Preseason Thunder FanFest is scheduled for Saturday in the new FanZone in the infield of the Speedway. During the day, fans that purchase a FanFest ticket can watch testing from the FanZone. Beginning at 5 p.m., the FanFest will begin with bands, pit stop demonstrations, auctions and inquisitive fan forums. Admission is $10 and the proceeds from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Preseason Thunder FanFest will also benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp and The Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports.

Tickets: For any events at Daytona International Speedway, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Thursday's Speeds
1. Mike Bliss, Chevrolet, 186.959 mph
2. Jamie McMurray, Dodge, 186.459
3. Greg Biffle, Ford, 186.189
4. Travis Kvapil, Dodge, 186.181
5. Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 186.070
6. Michael Waltrip, Chevrolet, 185.893
7. Mike Skinner, Dodge, 185.782
8. Elliott Sadler, Ford, 185.759
9. Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 185.705
10. Carl Edwards, Ford, 185.697
11. Dale Jarrett, Ford, 185.686
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 185.670
13. Ricky Rudd, Ford, 185.659
14. Casey Mears, Dodge, 185.563
15. Ryan Newman, Dodge, 185.513
16. Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 185.296
17. Boris Said, Chevrolet, 185.086
18. Jason Leffler, Chevrolet, 185.021
19. Kerry Earnhardt, Chevrolet, 184.294
20. Kyle Petty, Dodge, 184.283
21. Mike McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 183.899
22. Kurt Busch, Ford, 183.891
23. Kenny Wallace, Chevrolet, 183.419
24. Randy LaJoie, Chevrolet, 183.206
25. Morgan Shepherd, Dodge, 181.984

Smirnoff Ice(R) Switches Gears; Brand Shifting NASCAR Sponsorship to Kurt Busch for 2005-2006 Seasons

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 12, 2004 (PRNewswire) -- After two successful seasons with Matt Kenseth and the #17 car, the Smirnoff Ice "Be Smart, Drink Responsibly" sponsorship is shifting drivers to Kurt Busch and the #97 Roush Racing Sharpie/Irwin car for the 2005 and 2006 racing seasons. The move was precipitated by DEWALT, the #17 Team's primary sponsor, retaining full sponsorship opportunity within its own business.

"We are extremely proud of our relationship with Matt Kenseth and the overwhelming success of the "Be Smart, Drink Responsibly Program," said James Stammer, marketing director for Smirnoff Ice. "Last season we reached more than 100 million racing fans with our responsibility message and we look forward to continuing this success and keeping Smirnoff Ice at the front of the NASCAR field with Kurt."

"I am honored to have worked with such a great sponsor and brand for the last two years in Smirnoff Ice," said Kenseth. "It was great to play an important role in its 'Be Smart, Drink Responsibly' awareness campaign, and that we're able to reach millions of consumers. I am glad that Smirnoff Ice is remaining in the Roush Racing family. Kurt Busch will be a great ambassador for the brand."

With 11 career NASCAR Cup victories and the current leader in the Chase for the Cup Championship, Busch, 26, is clearly one of NASCAR's rising stars. On the track, his competitive style of racing gives Smirnoff Ice an excellent chance to add another championship title to the one delivered last year by Kenseth. Off the track, Busch presents Smirnoff Ice with a contemporary image in line with the brand and its consumers.

"I am thrilled and excited about partnering with Smirnoff Ice and helping spread the word about its responsible drinking initiative each race weekend," said Busch. "I know Smirnoff Ice was a big supporter of Matt on the racetrack for the last two years, and I'm hoping a little of that will rub off on the #97 Team and give us an edge."

Kurt will kick off the Smirnoff Ice sponsorship on November 14, during the Mountain Dew Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, where he will unveil his #97 Smirnoff Ice racecar for the first time. Kurt will also feature the #97 Smirnoff Ice racecar at three primary races in 2005: May 29 at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte; July 2 at Daytona International Speedway; and September 5 at the California Speedway. Smirnoff Ice will be an associate sponsor of the #97 racecar for the remaining races in 2005. The sponsorship also includes driver appearances, #97 Smirnoff Ice show cars and official flavored malt beverage status at select racing venues, image rights and a large hospitality program.

Diageo makes beer, wine, and spirit products, with more than 300 brands sold in nearly 200 countries around the world. These brands include Johnnie Walker(R), Guinness(R), Smirnoff(R), J&B(R), Baileys(R), Jose Cuervo(R), Tanqueray(R), Captain Morgan(R), and Beaulieu Vineyard(R) and Sterling Vineyards(R) wines. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

Roush Racing is a subsidiary of Livonia, Mich., based Roush Industries that operates nine motorsports teams; five in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series with drivers Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards; two in the NASCAR Busch Series with Martin, Kenseth and Biffle; and two in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with drivers Jon Wood and Edwards.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.roushracing.com/.
Web site: http://www.diageo.com/
http://www.roushracing.com/

Attention all NASCAR fans. If you have tickets to the Daytona 500, you will not want to miss the Halifax Humane Society's Annual NASCAR Memorabilia Auction. This year's event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in a tent right on Speedway property and promises to be a night to remember. We'll have plenty of Nextel Cup NASCAR items in everybody's price range.

The silent auction will begin at 6:00 pm with the live auction to follow at approximately 7:15 pm. Tickets are $20 per person and includes a free dinner buffet. Seating is limited but tickets are usually available at the door.

There are hundreds of items to bid on including sheet metal, die casts, crew uniforms, beautifully framed photographs and prints, caps, jackets, collectibles, several multi-signature items, plus we even have a children's section and several non-NASCAR items. Items go for $1 to $5,000+.

99% of the items are signed by the top Nextel Cup drivers including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Petty, Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett, Sterling Marlin, Jeremy Mayfield, Terry Labonte, Ricky Rudd, Ward Burton, Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth and more! We have several items from all the top drivers.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.halifaxhumanesociety.org or by calling (386) 274-4703 ext. 28. Several "top items" will be available on-line as well. Mark your calendars now and be part of Daytona's largest NASCAR Memorabilia Auction. Monies raised will help pay for the shelter's new adoption lobby and expansion.

Fan-Friendliness to Highlight Daytona Renovation Project
More fan amenities planned for race guests in 2005

Nascar

51st Annual Daytona 500 Tickets Go On Sale Saturday, May 17