Talladega on Chasers' minds

Those 12 Chase for the Nextel Cup drivers are thinking about the dangers that await them at Talladega Superspeedway next weekend.

"I see a real risky situation at Talladega," defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson said earlier this week. "I think everybody is talking about that right now. Everybody will take a nice, deep breath once Talladega is over and start again."

Race No. 3 of the Chase is this weekend at Kansas. Talladega hosts the fourth Chase race Oct. 7.

NASCAR teams will race the Car of Tomorrow at Talladega, the stock car's first outing on an oval track longer than a mile. There is so much concern about this event that the sanctioning body held a two-day, COT test at Talladega. Attendance was mandatory.

Johnson said the draft effect felt much different in the COT than cars used in previous seasons.

The major differences between the "car of today" and the COT are the front bumper, which is fitted with a "splitter," and a rear wing instead of spoiler. Johnson said the COT is more stable which could lead to risky behavior behind the wheel.

"You can push and bump-draft even harder than what we're used to in dealing with the old car," Johnson said. "But you can't pull out and pass them. You can't get away from anybody; even more so than what we had before.

"So I think it's going to be challenging and risky and dangerous. You're going to have guys that have a ton of grip in the car, be very comfortable, change lanes from top to bottom -- wherever they want to go. You're going to see a lot of risks, a lot of chances being taken throughout the race."

Johnson knows far too well the dangers that can spring from the 2.66-mile tri-oval, which is shaped like Daytona but is bigger and faster.

In the fall race at Talladega last year, Johnson was running second exiting Turn 4. As he attempted to pass Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win, Johnson tangled with Brian Vickers. Johnson and Earnhardt crashed sending Vickers to victory.

Johnson finished 24th and dropped to eighth in the Chase standings. He rallied for the championship thanks to five consecutive top two finishes.

Ever the optimist, Johnson said everyone has to deal with the terrors of this Talladega.

"I don't feel like the ball is being changed in the World Series," Johnson said, quickly adding, "it's just going to be hairy."

Talladega COT Testing Video Recap

@ Talladega Superspeedway Will Be "Twice As Exciting"

As drivers and crew chiefs prepare for Talladega Superspeedway and the first Car Of Tomorrow (COT) race on the massive 2.66 mile tri-oval, one notion is becoming prevalent. The UAW-Ford 500 on Oct. 7 is going to be exciting.

The COT is the culmination of a seven-year project undertaken at NASCAR's Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. While safety is the number one reason the COT was built, during the development process NASCAR also discovered ways in which the COT could improve competition and allow teams to be more cost efficient.

When asked about what he expects from the COT at Talladega Superspeedway, 2004 Series champion Kurt Busch exclaimed, "It's going to change the element of how Talladega races, and I think it will be twice as exciting."

After posting a disappointing 25^th at New Hampshire last weekend, Busch should be anxiously awaiting his Oct. 7 return to NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. Of all the Chase contenders, Busch currently has the best average finish at Talladega Superspeedway with an average finishing position of 10^th. In fact, Busch has not finished lower than 8^th at Talladega since the Aaron's 499 in April of 2004. And while he hasn't visited Gatorade Victory Lane in a NEXTEL Cup car, Busch does have a win at Talladega, coming by way of the IROC Series in April 2003.

It may not seem like success in an IROC car would translate into success in a COT, but Busch sees it differently. "The larger the wicker is, the larger the drag that's built into the car, and it's easier for the car behind to catch up. It reminds me a little of the IROC cars, the way the cars are drafting right now. If you get cut off from the draft, you lose it in a hurry. But if you stay in it, it's a very aggressive draft. It's going to be exciting."

NASCAR League for Dodge Dealers 400 | Dover International Speedway

DEnnIs picks 8, 01, 99, 44, & 20 Total Points 698 (WINNER)

Mo Bud picks 00, 6, 43, 2 & 48 Total Points 489

Brian M.G.D. 2, 78, 10, 11 & 48 Total Points 422

Mike Smoke picks 20, 29, 43, 2 & 70 Total Points 444 (He didn't pick today so same pick from last week)

Transcript: Press Conference in Dallas 9-19-2007

TRANSCRIPT: MOUNTAIN DEW AMP ENERGY & THE NATIONAL GUARD TO SPONSOR DALE EARNHARDT JR.'S #88 CHEVROLETS IN 2008

LOCATION: DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER (DALLAS, TEXAS)

PARTICIPANTS:

- DALE EARNHARDT JR. (#88 AMP ENERGY/NATIONAL GUARD CHEVROLETS)

- RICK HENDRICK (OWNER, HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS)

- DAWN HUDSON (PRESIDENT AND CEO, PEPSI -COLA NORTH AMERICA)

- LT. GEN. CLYDE A. VAUGHN (DIRECTOR, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD)

- EDDIE GOSSAGE (PRESIDENT, TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY)

- WINSTON KELLEY (MODERATOR)

Click Here:http://jayski.com/teams/dalejr-HMS-88-sponsor-transcript2007.htm

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have two 8's on his new car

Mountain Dew AMP Energy & the National Guard to Sponsor Earnhardt Jr.: Mountain Dew AMP Energy and the Army National Guard will sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. when the popular stock-car driver joins Hendrick Motorsports for the 2008 Sprint Cup Series campaign, it was announced Wednesday at the Dallas Convention Center. Earnhardt, who helped design his two primary paint schemes and red car-number graphic, will drive the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolets next season. The cars will see racing action for the first time in February during season-opening Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. "To be able to announce our new sponsorship partners, car number and paint schemes for 2008 is a big relief for me, and I know it is for my fans as well," said Earnhardt, 32, winner of 17 Cup-level races and two NASCAR Busch Series championships. "This year has been full of major decisions and changes, and I'm really happy with the outcome. We are aligned with powerful brands, Mountain Dew AMP Energy and the National Guard, each with traits that everybody can identify with. And we are racing with a number that's very relevant to me, the #88. It's hard not to already be excited for the 2008 season."Pepsi-Cola North America, the maker of Mountain Dew AMP Energy, has been involved in racing since NASCAR introduced its premier division, now known as the Nextel Cup Series, in 1949. Mountain Dew was the lead sponsor on Darrell Waltrip's championship-winning Cup entries in 1981 and 1982. The Mountain Dew AMP Energy sponsorship will provide opportunities for driver-branded products and prominently feature Earnhardt's image in television, radio, print and online advertising, along with at-track activation and in-store marketing. Mountain Dew AMP Energy is charged with an energizing blend of B-vitamins, taurine, caffeine, ginseng and guarana geared to help keep consumers focused and in control. "Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most popular athletes in the world and his talent is as big as his following," said Dawn Hudson, president and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America. "Mountain Dew's racing heritage runs deep and in many ways it is the original energy drink. AMP is the next evolution of Dew and now it's entering a new exciting chapter with Dale. We couldn't be more thrilled to be partnering with Dale, Hendrick Motorsports and the National Guard. We look forward to joining them in victory lane."The oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard has a longstanding dual mission: to provide the states with units trained and equipped to protect life and property, while serving the nation with units ready to defend the country and its interests around the world. An active NASCAR sponsor for more than five years, the National Guard's racing initiative focuses on three primary areas: recruiting, retention and branding. The Guard also leverages its program by honoring exceptional soldiers through NASCAR-focused recognition programs. "Dale Jr. is the real deal," said Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director, Army National Guard. "He is authentic, talented and focused on victory, which mirrors what America's National Guard Soldier is all about. Every mission, every time America calls on us, whether at home or abroad, victory is the only goal that matters. We are proud to be partnered with PepsiCo, a great American company that has done so much for the Soldiers of the National Guard, and Rick Hendrick, a NASCAR icon who knows how to win. It is an honor to be a part of one of the greatest teams in the greatest sport in America."Both sponsors of the #88 Chevrolets are established Hendrick Motorsports partners, as 2008 will mark PepsiCo's 12th season with the organization and the National Guard's second. "Having a pair of sponsors like Mountain Dew AMP Energy and the National Guard supporting the #88 team is just unbelievable," said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, who has scored a NASCAR-best 161 Cup-level victories since 1984. "It's a fantastic combination that fits Dale Jr.'s personality and will allow him to be successful at Hendrick Motorsports for many years to come. We have terrific sponsors, talented people and sharp-looking cars, so we think Dale Jr.'s fans can really get excited about the future. Now that we've got everything set for 2008, there's a lot to look forward to." With 65 wins and 52 poles since 1949, cars carrying the #88 have started 1,264 Cup-level events with multiple drivers, including Earnhardt's legendary grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt. The number is currently campaigned by Yates Racing, which has released it for the 2008 season

Earnhardt Jr. Launches Own Candy Bar, Big Mo'

"Big Mo'ment" sweepstakes to give lucky winner once-in-a-lifetime chance to hang with Junior

CHICAGO, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. is bringing his heavy-hitting brand and high-profile name to the candy business, announcing today the launch of his new candy bar, "Dale Jr.'s Big Mo' " through R.M. Palmer Company.

The eight-year NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver and former winner of the Daytona 500 introduced Big Mo' to buyers and industry media today at the 2007 Candy Expo at McCormick Place. The name Big Mo' is a play off Earnhardt Jr.'s hometown of Mooresville, N.C., and the longtime moniker used for he and his closest friends, the Dirty Mo' Posse. The milk chocolate candy bar will come in two flavors -- creamy caramel and peanut butter. It is scheduled to hit stores nationwide in January 2008.

"At one point or another everyone has had their own idea of making the perfect candy bar, and this was my chance to do it," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It's really cool to have my name on a candy bar, and it's a pleasure to partner with R.M. Palmer Company in putting this product on the shelves. I think Big Mo' will be widely accepted, not just by racing fans but by everyone who enjoys a good candy bar."
Heres the pic of the candy bar..


Click here: Big Mo'

Dale Earnhardt Jr., of course,

is moving from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to Hendrick Motorsports next year, and the final pieces of that puzzle will come together in Dallas, Texas. The Hendrick team has schedule a news conference on Wednesday to announce Earnhardt Jr.'s primary sponsor and to reveal the car number and paint scheme. Why Dallas? ESPN.com reported Thursday that there is a major meeting of Pepsi Cola Company executives there on Wednesday. That would jibe with sources who have told the Observer that Pepsi-owned Mountain Dew and Amp, an energy drink affiliated with the Mountain Dew brand, will be featured on Earnhardt Jr.'s cars.

So Pepsi brands will to sponsor Junior?

Junior to test Hendrick car early?

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. know to be with new team next year, and he know where Jr. headed, but he can't escape his contract until season's end. There's a possibility Jr. could get a chance to at least test with their future team in a few weeks, when there's an open trial at Atlanta, though a series of dominos would have to fall if that's to happen. But in order for that to take place Earnhardt would have to be allowed to take Busch's seat in a Hendrick Motorsports machine. Whether that'll happen, however, remains in question. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. president Teresa Earnhardt has already said Regan Smith will test with Junior's current team at Atlanta, but hasn't yet released her stepson to test with Hendrick, so the whole equation may break down and leave the lame ducks with their soon-to-be defunct teams.

NASCAR League for Sylvania 300 | New Hampshire International

DEnnIs picks 8, 11, 15, 24, & 96 Total Points 599 (WINNER!)

Mo Bud picks 2, 5, 7, 22 & 48 Total Points 531

Brian M.G.D. 2, 20, 22, 41 & 48 Total Points 592

Mike Smoke picks 20, 29, 43, 2 & 70 Total Points 546 (He didn't pick today so same pick from last week)

Lights at Chicago? But it's has been talking since

2003 to now

Sources have told 1340 WJOL that Chicagoland Speedway has been given a 12 million dollar check from NASCAR [actually ISC - International Motor Sports...not NASCAR] to install lights for the 2008 racing season. This would make Joliet's track the 10th Nextel Cup facility able to run night races. There is no confirmation from Chicagoland Speedway, nor any word on how this would affect the now traditional season ending IRL race. Questions also exist on whether this could increase the possiblity of a Craftsman Truck race coming to Chicagoland Speedway.(1340 WJOL)



You also have to remember that lights on the track means lights all around the facility, staffing , parking etc."

Dale Junior Fails To Make Chase

NASCAR's most popular driver won't be one of them.

Earnhardt will watch the Chase from the sidelines for the second time in three years, failing to race his way into the event. He ran in the top three late in the race, but his fifth motor failure with just a few laps to go sealed his fate.

He finished 30th, and was clearly dejected as he shared a brief hug with crew chief Tony Eury Jr. The two are leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season and will join Hendrick Motorsports.

"We've run good every week. We just can't finish races," Earnhardt said. "We love racing. We'll be all right. This is disappointing, these dang motors."

Earnhardt started the race as the only driver mathematically eligible to race into the Chase, but the odds were stacked against him. Kevin Harvick, the driver on the bubble, had to finish 33rd or worse, combined with a flawless Earnhardt run, for Junior to make it.

He knew it long before he arrived in Richmond, and he seemed almost resigned to his fate from the start. It means Earnhardt won't win a championship with DEI, his late father's company.

Although he won two Busch Series championships while his father was still alive, he's never been higher than third in the Cup standings.

Earnhardt was solid at times this season, but the motor failures derailed his efforts.

"We deserved to be in the Chase," he said. "We ran top-five almost every week."

Although the drama was gone, the new format put a premium on wins and drivers went hard for them every week. Although Jeff Gordon dominated the standings all season long, his points lead is gone because Johnson, his teammate, won two more races than he did.

Johnson surged into the top seed by winning last week in California and Saturday night in Richmond to give him a season sweep on the Virginia short track. He said that momentum will be key to winning a second championship.

"Momentum means a lot, it really does," he said. "We've seen that time and time again with different race teams. We're happy to be hitting our stride now and we had a great 26. Now it's about these last 10 and we'll see what we can do."

NASCAR League for Chevy Rock & Roll 400

DEnnIs picks 01, 8, 11, 43 & 78 Total Points 477

Mo Bud picks 5, 10, 22, 24 & 48 Total Points 582

Brian M.G.D. 2, 20, 22, 41 & 99 Total Points 493

Mike Smoke picks 20, 29, 43, 2 & 70 Total Points 734 (He didn't pick today so same pick from last week) WINNER!

NASCAR League for The Sharp Aquos 500 (California)

DEnnIs picks 48, 1, 8, 43 & 15 Total Points 731 (WINNER)

Mo Bud picks 48, 5, 2, 7 & 22 Total Points 597

Brian M.G.D. picks 20, 2, 9, 12 & 38 Total Points 545

Mike Smoke picks 20, 29, 43, 2 & 70 Total Points 6 (He didn't pick today so same pick from last week)