Jimmie Johnson won Saturday night’s Sprint Cup All-Star race in Charlotte, North Carolina. The win was the fourth for the Hendrick driver and a NASCAR record.

Johnson led the final 10 laps after the last restart to begin the final 10-lap shootout. In doing so, he was able to cruise to victory in the exhibition event, held at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

While the win made the driver of the No. 48 the best all-star driver in NASCAR history, Johnson is also a five-time series champion. His No. 48 Chevrolet finished a comfortable 1.722 seconds in front of Joey Logano.

Kyle Busch followed in third, while Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch rounded out the top five. The Busch brothers each won two of the first four 20-lap segments.

In winning Saturday’s race, Jimmie Johnson broke a tie with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for most All-Star Race victories. Oh, and he also took home a $1 million payout. It was also Johnson’s second win at the exhibition race in as many years, though this year’s rules were vastly different than in 2012.

The 2013 All-Star race was divided into four 20-lap segments, then a final 10-lap shootout. The average finish of the first four segments determined the order in which the field would enter pit road before the final 10 laps.

Johnson started in 18th, so he wasn’t in position to win the first segment. However, he worked hard to gain spots and found himself in third in the final two 20-lap segment. Those third place finished allowed Jimmie to enter pit road fourth, behind Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, and Kasey Kahne.

Thanks to an incredibly fast pit stop, Johnson came off of pit road with only teammate Kahne in front of him. Kasey Kahne picked the outside line for the shootout and Johnson stayed glued to his inside, preventing his teammate from clearing him on the high side.

Johnson made the pass with eight laps to go, moving in front of Kahne, where he stayed for the rest of the race.

Are you glad Jimmie Johnson won his fourth All-Star Race in Charlotte?

[Image via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Jimmie Johnson Wins Fourth Sprint Cup All-Star Race is a post from: The Inquisitr

Boger City, NC — Dick Trickle apparently called 911 to report his own suicide yesterday.

The NASCAR legend told the 911 operator the address of the emergency was a specific area of the Forest Lawn Cemetery (in North Carolina) and to look for a pickup truck.

Continued Trickle (listen to embed below): “There is going to be a dead body … a suicide … I’m the one.”

The 911 operator said she was sending help to him but sadly it was too late. The operator evidently also attempted to call him back, but nobody answered.

Trickle’s body was shortly thereafter discovered near his pickup truck in the cemetery. He died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Reportedly his granddaughter who died in a 2001 car accident is buried in that cemetery.

Tim Johnson of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has stated that foul play is not suspected. He added that a note was found by Dick Trickle’s body. Further information, such as the contents of the note, will not be disclosed. Johnson explained: “We’re trying to protect the family as much as possible, and they had just gotten notified right after it happened. We’re trying to respect their privacy.”

Trickle, 71, was a mainstay in the Sprint Cup series for over 20 years. He retired in 2002 after 303 Sprint Cup races. Trickle’s best year came in 1989 when he scored six top five finishes. He never won a NASCAR race, but came out on top twice in the Nationwide Series. He is considered the all-time winningest driver in short track history

NASCAR released a statement about Trickle’s apparent suicide, saying that its thoughts and prayers are with the former stock car driver’s family. The statement added: “Dick was a legend in the short-track community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.”

May NASCAR drivers took to social media to mourn the death of Dick Trickle.

Charlotte Motor Speedway will observe a moment of silence tonight in his honor.

[top image via via Royalbroil]

Dick Trickle Called 911 On Himself [Listen] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Retired NASCAR driver Dick Trickle died on Thursday of an apparent suicide. The 71-year-old allegedly called 911 and told the operator “there would be a dead body and it would be his.”

The operator attempted to call him back, but nobody answered. Trickle’s body was discovered near his pickup truck at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City, North Carolina.

Tim Johnson, a Lieutenant Detective with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, stated that foul play is not suspected. He added that a note was found by Dick Trickle’s body. Further information, such as the contents of the note, will not be disclosed. Johnson explained:

“We’re trying to protect the family as much as possible, and they had just gotten notified right after it happened. We’re trying to respect their privacy.”

NASCAR released a statement about Trickle’s apparent suicide, saying that its thoughts and prayers are with the former stock car driver’s family. The statement added:

“Dick was a legend in the short-track community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.”

Current and former NASCAR drivers took to social media following the news of Dick Trickle’s death. Rusty Wallace, who was mentored by Trickle, stated:

“I’m in 100 percent shock. Dick Trickle was my mentor. When I was short track racing, I would call him every Monday morning and he would always help me with race setups and stuff. He and I had such a good time telling stories …”

Other NASCAR drivers joined in mourning Dick Trickle’s death, saying on Twitter:

Sad to hear the news of the passing of Dick Trickle. He was one tough competitor! #RIPDickTrickle

— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) May 16, 2013

Very sad to hear about the passing of Dick Trickle today. There are not as many “real racers” around 2day. And we lost 1 of the best. — David Ragan (@DavidRagan) May 16, 2013

So sad to hear about #dicktrickle. Thinking about and praying for his family….

— Matt Kenseth (@mattkenseth) May 16, 2013

Sorry to hear about Dick Trickle.. Good man.. Got some great memories of him.. Loved racing with him.. Prayers to his family.. — Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) May 17, 2013

Dick Trickle is considered one of the best short-track racers in American history. Despite never winning a Cup race, Trickle’s larger than life personality made him a legend.

[Image via Royalbroil]

Dick Trickle Dead Of Apparent Suicide, NASCAR Drivers React is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former race car driver Richard “Dick” Trickle died this morning at the age of 71.

Lincoln County officials said that Trickle died of a gunshot wound. Authorities believe that it was a suicide.

According to WCTI, authorities received a call this morning from a man who said that “there would be a dead body and it would be his” at the Forest Lawn Cemetery near Boger City, North Carolina. Rescue workers tried to return the call but didn’t get an answer.

Trickle’s body was later found near his pickup truck.

Trickle was a mainstay in the Sprint Cup series for over 20 years. He retired in 2002 after 303 Sprint Cup races. Yahoo Sports notes that Trickle’s best year came in 1989 when he scored six top five finishes.

Several NASCAR drivers have taken to social media to express their grief over Trickle’s passing.

Kenny Wallace wrote: Dick Trickle taught me to be me, He taught me to Justify things my way and said “Kenny keep laughing loud cause that’s who you are”

NASCAR wrote: Dick Trickle will always be remembered – as a NASCAR legend, a great character, and a true wheelman. He will be missed.

J.J. Yeley added: I just read about Dick Trickle, met him during my season doing IROC series. He was a true Racer and will be missed.

Dick Trickle Dies In Apparent Suicide At Age 71 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jeff Gordon is selling his $30M apartment in New York City.

The NASCAR star, who has earned more than $129 million during his racing career, bought the NYC apartment home back in 2007 for a little under $10 million. Gordon completely renovated the 3,454 square foot apartment at 15 Central Park West and is now ready to cash in on his hard work.

According to Yahoo Homes, the $30 million apartment features Mahogany floors, a wall of windows spanning over 46 feet that offer spectacular views of Central Park, a granite sushi bar,a 740 master suite with two walk in closets, a Bofi soaking tub and a private home office.

The listing reads: “A painstaking, no-expense-spared renovation has ensured that every detail of this 3,454-square-foot home exudes modern elegance and comfort – from the rift-cut oak millwork to the fully-integrated Crestron system that controls all lighting, window shades and audio/visual components. With its gracious layout, spectacular Central Park and city views, and top-of-the-line appointments, this unique turn-key residence instantly impresses with its welcoming entry foyer graced by 6′ Santos Mahogany floors with solid brass in-laid edging.”

The apartment is also located in one of New York’s most coveted buildings. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, 15 Central Park West is located close to attractions like the Lincoln Center and shopping on Fifth Avenue. The building also includes a fitness center, a 75-foot lap pool, a private restaurant, screening rooms and an outdoor terrace.

The Epoch Times notes that Gordon will be forced to live in his North Carolina mansion once his $30 million apartment is sold in New York City.

[Image Via Zillow]

Jeff Gordon Puts $30M Apartment In New York Up For Sale is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASCAR chief divorce documents unsealed on Wednesday expose previously untold details about the bitter 2008 split between Brian France and his two-times ex, Megan France. NASCAR exec Brian and his attorneys had fought for years to keep the paperwork sealed under a court order. Their efforts failed, and a staggering 3,000 pages of what a North Carolina appeals court agreed were public records are now open to one and all.

The contentious couple was actually married twice and divorced twice. The first marriage ran from 2001 to 2005, and the second went from 2005 to 2008. But they won’t be going for number three, since Megan France has since reportedly married someone else.

In case you were wondering, the divorce docs proved that being NASCAR chief is extremely well-compensated. Brian France had $564 million in assets in 2005, and he’s expected to inherit enough from his parents to eventually join the billionaire’s club.

His grandfather Bill France Sr. founded NASCAR, a multi-billion dollar business that has become one of the most popular sports on the globe.

And where there’s money, there’s going to be a fight over money.

Megan France was awarded $9 million in alimony and an additional $10,000 a month in child support for their twins born in 2006.

But she said he was verbally abusive and didn’t pay on time. Her paperwork accused him of once delaying a $3 million payment. Ouch.

He fired back by saying that she spent “staggering sums” of money on family and friends. He also said that she made “disparaging” comments about him to friends, which he considered a violation of their confidentiality agreement.

Hey, they’re probably both deeply unpleasant human beings but I’m not sure a guy with over $500 million to his name can accuse someone else of wretched excess.  Especially when it sounds like he’s accusing her of being too generous about sharing her much lesser wealth with those around her.

What’s your gut reaction to the release of the NASCAR chief divorce docs?

[race car photo by Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

NASCAR Chief Divorce Docs: Brian France’s Ex Spending ‘Staggers’ Guy With Over $500 Million is a post from: The Inquisitr

David Ragan scored a huge win at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday after a massive crash and an hours-long rain delay. Ragan, a journeyman from Unadilla, Georgia, has won just one other time during his seven-year-old Sprint Cup career.

The 27-year-old toiled through the day and was in the perfect place to drive by Carl Edwards in a last-lap pass that gained him the win during one of NASCAR’s longest days.

Ragan also won the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in July 2011. His teammate, David Gilliland, came in second after helping out with drafting pushes that scored Ragan the victory in a two-lap overtime finish.

The victory was also huge for David Ragan’s team, Front Row Motorsports, who is one of NASCAR’s most underfunded teams. Front Row admits it often skimps on tires, which can cost more than $1,000 each. It also concedes it can’t beat powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing at most of the tracks.

But the win at Talladega was huge. Ragan commented, “This is a true David vs. Goliath moment here … we’re up against it every week.” Despite not winning, Edwards was happy with the outcome. He commented after the race:

“As frustrated as I am by loss, I’m really happy for [Ragan and Gilliland]. I see how hard teams have to work to be competitive at this level. It truly couldn’t happen to two better guys.”

Sunday’s Talladega race was marked by two huge crashes and a long rain delay. The first crash came when Kyle Busch got into the back of Kasey Kahne, sending both cars into the wall. They collected 14 others, though most were able to continue in the race. Then, a rain delay on Lap 130 caused a three hour and 36 minute delay.

Finally, an 11-car incident on Lap 184 brought the caution our. The wreck began when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. tried to go four wide. He rubbed J.J. Yeley, triggering the massive wreck. Along with Danica Patrick and Clint Bowyer being involved, Ryan Newman got a surprise when Kurt Busch’s car flipped onto his hood.

The final crash set the field up for a green-white-checkered finish. NASCAR officials announced there would be one attempt, because of the sun setting and the lack of lighting at Talladega. In the final lap, David Ragan passed Carl Edwards for the win.

[Image via Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com]

David Ragan Scores Win At Talladega [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

An early pileup at Talladega collected 16 cars after Kyle Busch accidentally hit the back of Kasey Kahne’s car, sending them both into the outside wall.

The wreck was similar to Daytona’s “big one,” which also involved names like Busch, Kahne, Kevin Harvick, and Tony Stewart.

However, this time the incident also included Martin Truex Jr., Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Marcos Ambrose, Jeff Burton, David Stremme, Kurt Busch, David Reutimann, Casey Mears, Scott Speed, Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon.

The Talladega pileup happened on lap 43 when Kahne and Busch were battling for second place. Busch later explained:

“I was trying to go to the outside of him, but he just moved up in front of me and I wasn’t expecting it. I tried to go to the outside of him and before I could get to the outside of him, I got in the back of him. I just hate that I caused a hell of a melee for everybody. I hate that.”

Most of the cars collected during the incident were able to continue. But for Kahne, Busch, and Harvick, the day was done. Biffle, who was also involved in the wreck, stated after walking out of the infield care center, ”It can happen at any time. You just never know. We were trying to be cautious, but that didn’t work.”

The Talladega pileup was also disappointing for Brian Vickers, who had just relieved teammate Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 car. Hamlin, who was injured during a race last month, climbed from his car during the lap 24 pit stop. Vickers replaced the still-injured driver and started from the back of the field.

Kahne also spoke with the media following the accident and before he headed home. The No. 5 driver recalled, “I was trying to stay with Jimmie [Johnson] and I saw I could get in front of the 18. We were just going for it, everybody shoving and you really can’t hit each other in these cars.”

Following the Talladega pileup, a rain delay halted the race for a few hours. The cars were restarted around 6:45 local time, after the track was dried.

[Image via Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Talladega Pileup Collects 16 Cars, Triggered By Kyle Busch [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Travis Pastrana is best known for flipping motorcycles in the Nitro Circus but he’s starting to make a name for himself on four wheels. The action sports star took his first NASCAR pole position.

Pastrana has only driven in 16 Nationwide races so far but he was the fastest around the track during during qualifying at the Talladega Superspeedway. The motorcycle racer will hope to duplicate those results tomorrow during Aaron’s 312 Nationwide Series race.

Pastrana said: “It’s like a dream come true. Bringing the guys to the (start) line at Talladega is awesome … As far as something to check off the list, this is really, really high on that list. So I’m excited.”

According to USA Today, Pastrana won’t be trying to lead the race from start to finish tomorrow. The inexperienced driver said that he’ll probably hang back a bit after the start before making a push during the final 10 laps. Despite his safe approach, Pastrana is hoping that the rain stays away so that he can lead his team out to the green flag.

Pastrana said: “It’s definitely a huge accomplishment to be able to just start here at Talladega … To lead them to the green (flag) is something I’ll always be able to say that I’ve done — assuming we don’t get rained out here.”

Pastrana will lead Austin Dillon, Trevor Bayne, Danica Patrick and Justin Allgaier of the starting line tomorrow.

Are you surprised that Travis Pastrana grabbed his first pole position?

[Image via Doug James / Shutterstock.com]

Travis Pastrana Takes First NASCAR Pole Position is a post from: The Inquisitr

Denny Hamlin has been cleared by doctors to race at Talladega Superspeedway after missing four straight races due to a compression fracture in his lower back. Hamlin sustained the injury during a final-lap wreck in the Auto Club 400 in late March.

Since the major setback, Mark Martin and Brian Vickers have filled in for Joe Gibbs Racing. Martin drove the No. 11 FedEx Toyota at Martinsville before Vickers took the wheel for Texas, Kansas, and Richmond.

Martin finished in 10th place at Martinsville while Vickers followed with an eighth-place finish in the NRA 500 in Texas. The 29-year-old ended the streak of two straight top-ten performances by Hamlin’s replacements by finishing 31st at Kansas Motor Speedway.

Last week, Vickers ended his three-race stint with the No. 11 car at Richmond and couldn’t find a groove before crossing the finish line in 35th. While recovering from his lower-back injury, Hamlin fell to 28th in the Sprint Cup standings.

He will now return in hopes of climbing his way back into contention this weekend. Hamlin has never won at Talladega and his best finish at the historical track is 17th, coming in 2008 and again in 2010.

The 32-year-old from Tampa, Florida won five races last year for 22 in his career though he didn’t find the winner’s circle this season before the injury. Hamlin had a shot at the Auto Club 400 from the pole position before he battled with Joey Logano on the final lap and the two connected coming off the last corner.

He slammed into Logano and spun out before the No. 11 car came to a rest near the entrance to the pits. Kyle Bush took advantage of the battle and made a move on the high side to take the checkered flag.

Hamlin ended up in the hospital and was informed of the bad news that he would miss a few races. Since the wreck, Hamlin has kept involved with his team and regularly spent time in the pits with his crew chief Darian Grubb to give advice and encouragement to his replacements.

He won’t watch from the pits anymore as he’s now received medical clearance to race again. Hamlin couldn’t hold in his excitement and took to Twitter late Thursday night to share his good news by quoting a song from LL Cool J.

Don’t call it a comeback- LL cool J

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) May 2, 2013

NASCAR also took to Twitter to congratulate Hamlin on his return.

Welcome back Denny! RT @kerry_tharp: Looking forward to seeing @dennyhamlin back in the car this weekend at @talladegasupers #NASCAR

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 3, 2013

Will Denny Hamlin return from injury with style and win the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega this weekend for the first time in his career? Can Hamlin climb back into contention  in the Sprint Cup standings after missing the last four races?

[Image via Kim Phillips]

Denny Hamlin Cleared To Race At Talladega is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASCAR veteran Jeff Gordon achieved a 214mph top speed at Tuesday’s tire test in Indianapolis.

A cool track, long straights, fresh tires, and cars with grip all contributed to some eye-wateringly fast speeds during the session with all drivers reportedly topping 200mph.

After Mark Martin mentioned on Twitter that he’d reached 212mph along the backstretch, Gordon asked his team about his own top speed. The answer surprised even him.

“They said 214 and I said, ‘My gosh, it really is fast,’” Gordon told The Associated Press.

Furthermore, Gordon was also told every car had surpassed 200mph. To put that in perspective, Denny Hamlin won 2012′s Brickyard 400 pole with a lap time of 182.3 mph. 41-year-old Gordon, who’s won all four of his Cup titles with Hendrick Motorsports, was quick to praise the new Gen-6 cars:

“Like so many other tracks, this car adapts well, it sticks really well to the track. I’m pretty happy today because I think it went well.”

The fast speeds recorded by the entire field seem to defy the warm summer months, which typically see a decrease in speeds. Pundits also consider the new Goodyear tire compounds, introduced in 2009, to be behind the improved performances.

“You want balance so the car enters the turn comfortably and that’s what we had,” reflected Gordon. “But it was definitely wearing a little more than we wanted it to.”

The same drivers will return to the track May 1 for a second closed practice session. Such trials allow drivers to gain valuable information before other drivers can take their new vehicles onto the track.

NASCAR: 214mph Top Speed Recorded By Jeff Gordon In Indianapolis is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kevin Harvick won the night race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, proving to his critics that he won’t take this season easy, despite leaving Richard Childress Racing at the end of 2013.

Harvick finally got his chance to prove himself for 2013 when he charged from seventh place to the lead during the final restart to win the Toyota Owners 400.

The win was a first for the driver of the No. 29 in 2013, who will leave Childress for Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Harvick stated after receiving a hug at the winner’s circle from his team owner, ”A lot of people thought we might lay down this year. There ain’t no way with that game, is there?”

Harvick was chasing Juan Pablo Montoya for the lead when a caution flag flew for a spin just six laps before the end of the race. Harvick and Montoya both pitted for fresh tires, giving Jeff Burton the lead. Bowyer ended up in second followed by Joey Logano, Montoya, Burton, Carl Edwards, and Matt Kenseth.

There were also some hot tempers after the race, though nothing like the pit road scuffle at Friday’s Nationwide race, where two people were arrested.

Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart, and Matt Kenseth all bumped their way to the checkered flag. Busch got into Stewart, moving him out of the groove. Kenseth then got into Busch. Stewart showed his frustration by bumping Busch and running him up toward the wall during the cool-down lap.

After winning, Kevin Harvick admitted taking tires with six laps to go was a gamble. He stated, “In Sprint Cup races, you’ve got to take chances. The guys who stayed out took a chance, and we had to take a chance. We’ve gotten beaten by tires a couple of times this year, and I thought it was the right thing to do.”

Considering his win at Richmond on Saturday, tires were a gamble that paid off for Kevin Harvick.

[Image via Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Kevin Harvick Wins At Richmond In Green-White-Checkered Finish is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick’s feud with David Gilliland may be over — at least for now. The two NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers spoke before Friday’s practice at Richmond International Raceway on Friday.

Patrick’s intention in visiting her fellow driver was to set the record straight on how she felt he was racing her during last week’s race at Kansas.

When she was on the radio with her team, the Sprint Cup’s only woman driver commented, “He tries to take me our every time.” After the race, Gilliland released a very short statement through his public relations representative. He told Patrick plainly to “shut up and drive.”

The comment received national attention as race fans wondered if the pair were going to have an even bigger altercation during the Richmond race. Gilliland apparently made the comment after concerned texts he received from his wife and 13-year-old son, who heard Danica’s comments on the radio.

The No. 10 driver also stated of Gilliland, “Tell his spotter that I’m coming after him if he does it again. In fact I might just do it right now.” On Friday, Danica acknowledged that she was upset. She added that she believes there has been a recurring pattern with her and Gilliland since the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway last May. The Go Daddy driver explained:

“I’ve felt like he drives very aggressively against me from Darlington last year on. It was just a lot more of it last weekend. He was just driving in a way that I didn’t think was appropriate and I haven’t thought it was appropriate for a long time.”

Gilliland has agreed with Patrick’s assessment that he races her differently than he races other drivers. He added, however, that no one gave him a free pass when he was a rookie. Gilliland explained:

“We talked this morning and feel like we’re on track to race each other the way we feel like we want to be raced. That’s just it — a mutual respect thing that hopefully we got figured out. I think we’re on the same page.”

We’ll see during Saturday night’s Richmond race whether Danica Patrick’s feud with David Gilliland has really ended.

[Image via Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Danica Patrick Calms Feud With David Gilliland is a post from: The Inquisitr

A NASCAR pit fight spilled out of Richmond International Raceway and onto a nearby motorhome lot, ending in the assault arrest of two men who work on Brian Scott’s team. And it all probably started when Nelson Piquet Jr. kicked Brian Scott in an unfortunately personal place after last night’s Nationwide Series Race.

The video posted by NASCAR opens with a bang, as you can see Piquet and Scott scuffle in the aftermath of the race. “He kicked me below the belt, which I think is just a chicken move,” Scott said, as he appeared to possibly wipe away a tear. Ouch.

Scott was angry because he was in 15th place but still hoping to complete the race and gain some points. However, Piquet forced his car off the track, and Scott thinks it was deliberate.

“Every time we’ve raced against each other, he races me really dirty,” Scott claimed.

I’m not sure what he expected to gain by approaching Piquet to discuss the matter, but what he did get was the painful kick.

It isn’t entirely clear who started the fight — just who ended it.

Apparently, that wasn’t good enough for the Richard Childress crew. Two of Brian Scott’s team members, identified as Michael Searce and Thomas Costello, have now been arrested on misdemeanor assault charges. There doesn’t seem to be video of that fight, which took place outside of the pit, and the police haven’t identified the victims, except to say that one of them had a hurt shoulder.

However, at least one report said that people on the scene acknowledged that, yes, one of the men who was attacked was Nelson Piquet Jr. He wasn’t injured.

Searce and Costello were arrested and then released early Saturday morning by Henrico County Police. Their court date hasn’t been set at this time.

As for the low blow? Piquet said: “[Scott] came running at me yelling. It was kind of a first reaction to defend myself. It wasn’t meant to hit him where it ended up.”

NASCAR said they won’t comment on an ongoing investigation. What do you think about the unsportsmanlike NASCAR pit fight?

[Nelson Piquet Jr. photo by Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

NASCAR Pit Fight Leads To Arrests [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick was recently told to just “shut up and race” by one of her rivals after she complained about the way he drove. David Gilliland made the comments after the latest go-round between the two.

While the young female driver tends to get more attention for what she does off the racetrack, there is an argument to be made that she is actually quite good at her job.

The driver is currently ranked 25th in the Sprint Cup standings and has enough races under her belt that she has enough wrecks to qualify as a “real” driver.

Danica Patrick still tends to get treated as someone who shouldn’t have an opinion or should just be happy to be there as witness by her latest clash with Gilliland.

The latest incident came at the Kansas motor speedway when she became annoyed at the way her opposition was driving around her on the track.

“He tries to take me out every time,” racing’s most successful female driver told her crew over the radio.  ”Tell his spotter that I’m coming after him if he does it again.” she added.

While she never did go after Gilliland, the other driver heard about her comments post contest and has some choice words of his own. The short and sweet “shut up and race” was enough to deliver the message.

That seems like sage advice, especially considering that the driver is not exactly having a fantastic 2013 season. She finished 25th in that particular race and hasn’t won a major contest yet this year.

The run in with her opponent was apparently not the most damaging section of the afternoon. A piece of debris apparently landed on her grille at one point, causing her water temperature to overheat.

Her subsequent unscheduled pit stop is one of the reasons she finished so far behind the lead.

Do you think Danica Patrick should just “shut up and race?”

[Image by Nickledford]

Danica Patrick Told To ‘Shut Up And Race’ By David Gilliland is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick was told to “shut up and race” by fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup driver David Gilliland. The comment came through Gilliland’s PR representative after Patrick took exception to the way he raced her on Sunday.

Patrick told her team over the radio during Sunday’s STP 400, “He tries to take me out every time. Tell his spotter that I’m coming after him if he does it again. In fact, I might just do it right now.”

Danica didn’t follow through on the threat. She also refused to conduct any post-race interviews, despite her decent finish. But Gilliland did choose to respond after placing 23rd in Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway.

Through his spokeswoman, Shari Spiewak, Gilliland told Danica, “Shut up and race.”

With those words said, it is apparent that not every driver likes NASCAR’s sole female Sprint Cup driver. Both drivers are fairly similar in their race outcomes. They are both outside the top 20 in points. While Gilliland finished Sunday’s race in 23rd, Danica Patrick finished in 25th.

And Gilliland’s driving wasn’t the only thing to upset Patrick during the STP 400. The race was also frustrated when a piece of litter got stuck to her grille, forcing her car’s water temperature to rise. The situation led to an unscheduled pit stop for the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet.

The lack of comment after the race by Danica likely shows how frustrated she has been by what she feels are lackluster results in the Sprint Cup series. However, the former IndyCar driver did release comments through a spokesman. She said:

“It’s disappointing because I think we could have had a much better finish with the Go Daddy car, but [trash on the grille] is one of those things that’s out of our control.”

Thanks to her finish at Kansas on Sunday, Patrick improves one spot in the Cup standings. She is now ranked 25th.

Do you think David Gilliland is right, that Danica Patrick should “shut up and race?”

[Image via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Danica Patrick Told To ‘Shut Up And Race’ By Fellow Driver is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jimmie Johnson assured that Hendrick teams didn’t “rat out” the two Penske teams that received massive fines this week for unapproved rear suspension packages.

The teams of Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano were penalized 25 points. Crew chiefs Todd Gordon and Paul Wolfe, along with team engineers and competition director Travis Geisler were all suspended for six races, as well as the All Star race in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The teams saw their rear end housing parts confiscated on Saturday. The teams were forced to change the configurations before last Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson did say that Hendrick Motorsports told NASCAR Penske was doing something wrong. However, the driver of the Number 48 explained:

“No, the Hendrick group and the 48 team did not rat out the Penske cars. There are two decisions teams are faced with in the garage area. Everybody has teams they’re watching and we’ve been very impressed with the 2 car’s staff and their ability to have someone just standing and watch other teams.”

Both Penske cars were parked next to Hendrick cars last week. While Johnson’s car was next to Keselowski’s, Jeff Gordon’s was next to Logano. The statements by the former NASCAR champion came after Richard Petty, a former NASCAR driver, stated that he was certain someone told NASCAR about the Penske cars’ violations.

Along with the suspensions and points penalties, both Penske crew chiefs were also fined $100,000. Johnson assured as well that Hendrick teams don’t “rat out” the competition, apparently even if they know the other team is doing something wrong. He added during an interview Friday at Kansas Speedway of the decisions teams make:

“One, they go home and they try to adapt it to their car and see if they can make it work. Or they go on the [NASCAR] truck and say something. We don’t say something. We’re a company built on performance.”

Both Keselowski and Logano’s teams are appealing the stiff penalties handed down by NASCAR this week. Keselowski also tweeted a response on Friday, saying that his team doesn’t care if Jimmie Johnson or others “ratted” them out, because they felt the parts were legal.

[Image via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Jimmie Johnson: Hendrick Didn’t ‘Rat Out’ Penske Teams is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASCAR handed down tough penalties on Wednesday to the Penske teams of Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski. In a separate decision, the organization also handed down penalties to Martin Truex Jr. and Ron Hornaday.

The stiff penalties for the two Penske teams came after they were found to have unapproved suspension systems before Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Both teams saw their crew chiefs, car chiefs, engineers, and competition directors suspended for the next six races, including the upcoming All-Star race in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both crew chiefs, Paul Wolfe and Todd Gordon, were also fined $100,000 each for the violations.

In addition to the suspensions and fines, both teams were also docked 25 points in the championship standings — a move that could lead to a completely different season-ender. While Keselowski was moved to fourth place from second, Logano was taken from ninth to 14th place.

Logano’s penalty could ultimately keep the NASCAR driver from being eligible for the Sprint Cup championship.

While both Penske teams were fined severely for unapproved suspension systems, Martin Truex Jr.’s crew chief was also penalized after the car failed to meet the minimum height required during post race inspection. Truex lost six driver points and six owner points for the problem.

The driver’s crew chief, Chad Johnston, was fined $25,000 and placed on probation until June 5. Hornaday’s lesser penalty came for wrecking Darrell Wallace Jr. under caution during the truck series race on Sunday. Hornaday received a 25-point penalty and a $25,000 fine.

Keselowski, last year’s Sprint Cup champion, spoke out after NASCAR inspectors forced both Penske cars to make changes to their rear-end housings of the stock cars before Saturday’s race. After the race, the oft-outspoken driver stated, “The things I’ve seen over the last seven days have me questioning everything that I believe in, and I’m not happy about it.”

Despite his less than kind words toward the racing organization, NASCAR Chairman Brian France assured that the driver of the No. 2 would not be fined for his remarks.

Do you think NASCAR’s penalties against the Penske teams were fair?

[Images via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

NASCAR Hands Down Tough Penalties To Logano, Keselowski Teams is a post from: The Inquisitr

Fort Worth, TX — A NASCAR fan committed suicide during Saturday night’s NRA 500 Sprint Cup Race at Texas Motor Speedway.

The incident happened on the racetrack infield as the stock car race was coming to a close. Details of the death were not initially reported, though police later said the injury was self-inflicted.

The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office released a statement on Sunday about the fan’s death. They confirmed the suicide, saying that the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Fort Worth police stated that the man, Kirk Franklin, 42, was camping in the infield for the race. He allegedly shot himself after getting into an argument with other campers. It is believed that alcohol may have played a role in his death. Corporal Tracey Knight, a police spokeswoman, stated that several people witnessed the suicide, but that nobody was in danger.

Track spokesman Mike Zizzo also commented on the death, saying it happened “in or around a pickup truck” in the infield near the middle of the backstretch. Poliec blocked off the area around the incident and investigators were seen looking into a truck after the race.

There was no word on Franklin’s relationship with the people he was arguing with. He died around 10:30 pm local time. The suicide during the NRA 500 will likely spark a larger debate within NASCAR over the security at racetracks. Texas law prohibits firearms from being brought into the track by fans.

The sport was already criticized for having the NRA (National Rifle Association) sponsor the event. The same sport saw at least one driver remember the victims of Newtown, Connecticut during the Daytona 500. During his trips around the track, Michael Waltrip had six-year-old Charlotte Helen Bacon’s photograph tucked into his pocket.

But while NASCAR’s sponsors don’t typically spark a national, political debate, Saturday’s sponsorship did. The NRA title sponsorship of the Texas race was negotiated by the speedway, not by NASCAR. And in the weeks since it was announced, NASCAR officials have tried to distance themselves from the decision the speedway made. NASCAR spokesman David Higdon explained:

“Texas Motor Speedway ultimately secured this entitlement sponsor, not NASCAR. But certainly the way we’ve been reported and covered on a national scale has positioned NASCAR on one side of the debate. That’s not fair to our sport and our brand.”

In addition to a possible change in sponsorship, it is possible that the NASCAR fan’s suicide will cause increased security at race tracks.

[Image via Billy Hathorn]

NASCAR Fan Commits Suicide During Texas Race is a post from: The Inquisitr

This Danica Patrick buckle is worth around 10,000 Twitter followers – at least, it is if you’re Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Patrick and Stenhouse, NASCAR’s first couple, struck a deal whereby Patrick would help her beau expand his Twitter following in return for the flashy cowboy belt buckle above. With almost 890,000 Twitter followers, Danica Patrick clearly knows a thing or two about building an audience. As she explained to Fox:

“This started at the beginning of last year when he wanted some Twitter followers. I said, ‘If I help you with that can I have a belt buckle?’ That started at Daytona. So he had it made. I got it just before the second Texas race last year so I wore it last year at the end of the year.”

The Danica Patrick buckle is similar to the rodeo attire worn by Stenhouse, the two-time Nationwide Series champion.

The custom-made buckle features Patrick’s logo in the center. On each side of this are diamond-encrusted Nos. 10 and 7, representing the two car numbers Patrick drove last year. Beneath the logo and numbers are capital letters spelling out Patrick’s name. Patrick seems very taken by her latest accessory:

“It was very nice. I know these things are handmade, they’re not cheap, and it’s really cool to have. It says ‘To the fastest girl in town‘ so it was a nice gift. He didn’t actually need to live up to the bet but it was nice that he did.”

Patrick came over all cowgirl on Twitter yesterday (see below), this would seem the perfect accessory for her outfit.

Before championship rings were adopted, buckles were a common prize in NASCAR. When Stenhouse won his second Nationwide Series title last year, he said he would prefer a buckle.

What do you make of Danica Patrick’s buckle?

Yep, I went cowgirl today. My new @tonylama boots and straw hat felt so good. img.ly/u3yb

— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) April 11, 2013

Danica Patrick Buckle Worth 10,000 Twitter Followers [Photo] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jimmie Johnson dominated in Ridgeway, Virginia on Sunday and went on to win for the eighth time at Martinsville Speedway in the STP  Gas Booster 500. Johnson is now alone in third-place for the most wins at Martinsville behind Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip.

Petty and Waltrip are both members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Johnson will surely join them when he retires as the premier driver of this era and one of the best of all-time. The win Sunday was Johnson’s second this season as he won the Daytona 500 on opening weekend.

Johnson’s performance was capped off by a great run on the final restart that held off Clint Bowyer and teammate Jeff Gordon. Johnson finished the race with a career-best 346 laps led and never gave Bowyer a chance to make a pass during the final laps.

On lap 487, Kurt Busch’s No. 78 car went up in flames, bringing out the last caution of the day. The caution came at the wrong time for Johnson, who was steadily increasing his lead over Bowyer each lap.

It all came down to the restart, and Bowyer didn’t get the jump he needed to make a pass as Johnson held on for the win. Johnson’s win gives Hendrick Motorsports its third on the season and a record 20th win at Martinsville.

Bowyer fell short of victory lane and finished second, while Johnson’s teammates Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne finished third and fourth respectively. The biggest battle in the final laps was between last week’s winner Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski for fifth place.

Busch blocked Keselowski low through each turn until the final lap when Keselowski made his move. On the last turn, Busch gave up the inside to Keselowski but got a great run off the corner and held off last season’s Sprint Cup champion at the finish line.

Mark Martin replaced the injured Denny Hamlin at Martinsville and ran well enough for a 10th place finish ahead of Brian Vickers. Danica Patrick finished 12th and proved to critics that she can run well on short tracks while Kevin Harvick finished 13th and was a little heated after the race.

After crossing the finish line, Harvick caught up with Brian Vickers’ No. 55 car and spun him out, showing his displeasure in Vickers racing near the finish. It’s not certain as to why Harvick was so upset, but Vickers was bumping and grinding his way to the front all day long. Here’s the video of Harvick’s retaliation after the race:

As the two battled it out after the race, Jimmie Johnson celebrated in the winner’s circle by receiving Martinsville’s annual grandfather clock for the eighth time. Johnson moved atop the Sprint Cup standings with the win as Dale Earnhardt Jr. fell two spots to third after finishing outside the top-10 for the first time this season.

Earnhardt Jr. finished 24th Sunday after falling two laps behind and is now 12 points back of Johnson for the top spot. The chase for the cup now moves on to Texas for the NRA 500 where Greg Biffle won last year.

The NASCAR season is off to a hot start and Jimmie Johnson is right back where he belongs atop the standings. Johnson is the only driver in history to win five consecutive championships, and he hopes to regain his title this year after a two-year drought.

Will Jimmie Johnson’s great start in 2013 continue in Texas as his quest for his sixth Sprint Cup title rolls on?

[Image via Kim Phillips]

Jimmie Johnson Wins For The Eighth Time At Martinsville [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASCAR veteran Mark Martin will replace Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 car while Hamlin is out for the next five races. Hamlin suffered a compression fracture in his L1 vertebra during the last lap of the Auto Club 400 a week ago.

Hamlin was in a battle for the lead with Joey Logano before spinning out and coming to a rest near the pits. The battle gave Kyle Busch enough momentum to take the lead just before the finish line for the win. Hamlin was sent to the hospital after the race but was released soon after and re-evaluated by Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates this past Tuesday.

Petty determined Hamlin’s injury would not require surgery, though the 32-year-old will have to miss the next six weeks which includes five races. Mark Martin was set to drive the No.55 car in three of the five races Hamlin will miss but will now take over the No. 11 car as Joe Gibbs Racing will look to Elliot Sadler and Brian Vickers to cover the No. 55.

Both Sadler and Vickers are full-time Nationwide Series drivers for JGR in 2013. The two have combined for five career Cup wins and were also in the hunt to replace Hamlin.

Martin will run every race in the No. 11 car during Hamlin’s absence except for Talladega, which Michael Waltrip is expected to drive. Martin’s limited race schedule going into the season turned into a blessing for JGR who couldn’t have found a better replacement.

Mark Martin has started in 858 Sprint Cup races and won 40 times throughout his career. The 54-year-old is also second all-time with 49 Nationwide Series wins.

Martin’s age is catching up with him, but it hasn’t shown on the track, as he has five pole positions in his last 27-starts, including the pole at Phoenix earlier this March before finishing 21st.

Martin’s best finish on the season came at Daytona when he finished 3rd but struggled last week at Fontana after qualifying ninth. Martin hit the wall late in the race and finished 37th, his worst finish of the season.

Hamlin’s devastating news came at the worst possible time as he currently holds onto the tenth spot in the chase but finding a future NASCAR Hall of Famer as his replacement might make him feel a little better. Can Mark Martin help the No. 11 car stay in the chase over the next five races as Denny Hamlin heals from the big wreck at Fontana?

[Image via US Army Racing]

Mark Martin To Fill In For Injured Denny Hamlin is a post from: The Inquisitr

Denny Hamlin suffered a compression fracture in his lower back after a scary crash during Sunday’s Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California.

Hamlin wrecked in the final lap of Sunday’s race during a battle for the lead with Joey Logano. The compression fracture happens when a vertebrae in the spine collapses.

Hamlin and Logano’s bad blood from last week’s Bristol race came to a head in the final moments of Sunday’s race when Denny was trying to pass Logano on the outside for the lead.

It appeared that Hamlin gave Logano enough room through the corner, but it has been debated on whether Logano’s No. 22 car got loose or if he intentionally made contact with Hamlin’s No. 11.

Logano was sent into the outside wall while Hamlin’s car dove down the track, impacting the inside wall where no SAFER barrier was installed.

Denny Hamlin initially climbed from his car, but immediately collapsed on the hot pavement nearby. He was airlifted to a local hospital where he is currently at.

Despite the compression fracture in his back, Denny Hamlin remained in fairly high spirits.

He tweeted on Monday afternoon to let his followers know he was doing okay. He included a photo with a thumbs-up, but appeared to be under the influence of pain medication.

Hamlin hopes to be released from the Fontana hospital later today, according to his day-to-day business manager, Austin Peyton. He will then fly home to North Carolina and will undergo further evaluation by Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates.

While Peyton assured Denny Hamlin’s back fracture is stable enough for him to return home, it is not clear if he will have to have surgery or if he will miss any races from the injury. This is not the first back problem for the FedEx driver, though it is certainly the most serious. He believes the problems are genetic, as his father also suffers from back problems.

Hamlin also expressed his thanks to fans on Monday for their support as he continues to recover. Do you think Denny Hamlin’s compression fracture injury will change where tracks install SAFER barriers?

I just want to go home

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 25, 2013

All good twitter.com/dennyhamlin/st… — Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 25, 2013

Everyone’s messages to me is the most motivating thing I could see. #humbled

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 25, 2013

[Image via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Denny Hamlin Suffers Compression Fracture In Lower Back [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Denny Hamlin was injured in a last-lap wreck with Joey Logano as the two drivers were battling for the win. The wreck happened through turns 3 and 4 at the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California.

Hamlin and Logano had been harboring grudges against each other since last week’s race at Bristol. Hamlin spun Logano when the latter was racing for the lead.

Hamlin claimed Logano cut him off three times before in the race, but Logano showed his displeasure by running to Hamlin’s car and exchanging angry words with him before his team pulled him away.

This time, it appeared that Joey Logano may have paid Denny Hamlin back. The two were racing for the win on the final lap when Logano’s No. 22 car slid up the track into the No. 11 of Hamlin. Logano’s car went up into the wall, while Hamlin’s shot down the track and hit the inside wall where there was no SAFER barrier.

The hit was hard enough to take all four wheels off the ground. The FedEx driver was able to climb out of the car, but he collapsed immediately afterward.

Updates from Joe Gibbs Racing and Hamlin’s girlfriend have said that the NASCAR driver was airlifted to the hospital for tests. Hamlin is apparently suffering from extreme back pain, though he is awake and alert.

Immediately after the race, Joey Logano seemed unapologetic for the last-lap crash that took out Hamlin. While Logano finished in third place, Hamlin was listed as finishing in 25th. As the pair was wrecking, Kyle Busch was able to drive his No. 18 car past the two to take the checkered flag.

Joey Logano agreed to an interview after the race, and explained of the incident:

“He (Hamlin) probably shouldn’t have done what he did last week, so that’s what he gets. And besides that, I think our Auto Club Ford was very strong all day. I was very happy with the car we had. We were super fast, led a lot of laps. Nothing to hang our head down about, that’s for sure. We were very proud of that.”

It is not clear if Logano knew Denny Hamlin’s condition when he made the comments. Do you think Denny Hamlin’s wreck was Joey Logano’s fault, or could Logano’s car have simply been loose?

[Image via Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Denny Hamlin Injured After Wreck With Joey Logano [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Fontana, CA – Tony Stewart and Joey Logano were seen trading punches at the end of a heated Auto Club 400 in Fontana on Saturday.

Stewart and Logano were pulled apart from one another after a race that saw Kyle Busch clinch victory and Denny Hamlin taken to hospital after a head-on crash with an inner wall.

Busch triumphed in Saturday’s thrilling 400-mile stock car race after Logano, while scrapping for the lead, caused Hamlin to crash on the last lap. When Hamlin’s vehicle collided with a wall that did not have a SAFER (steel and foam energy reduction) barrier, the driver was airlifted to a local hospital. Hamlin was later confirmed to be “alert and awake.”

With the race finished, the drama continued off the track, with Tony Stewart storming off to find Logano. The 41-year-old driver accused his 22-year-old rival of blocking him down the inside, and a ruckus quickly escalated. As both men were separated by crew members, Logano threw a water bottle at Stewart, a move the older driver later described as the actions of “a little girl.”

When asked what had got him so fired up, Stewart was blunt in his answer:

“What the hell do you think I was mad about?. Dumb little [expletive]. He loves to [expletive] about everybody else and he’s the one who drives like a little [expletive]. I’m going to bust his ass.”

Logano, who came in third behind Dale Earnhardt Jr., told reporters that Stewart had been “collateral damage” as he attempted to nudge Hamlin out of contention. “That’s what he gets,” said Logano. “I had to throw the block there for the lead.”

Logano is reportedly keen to call Stewart to straighten things out, but Stewart is not in the mood for reconciliation. “I ain’t taking the call,” he huffed to the Speed network. You can watch the pair clash in the footage below, and also see Stewart’s enraged post-race interview.

Did you catch the race, and was Tony Stewart justified in his anger with Logano? Sound off in the comments!

Tony Stewart, Joey Logano Clash At End Of Auto Club 400 [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kasey Kahne won the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday. The victory was his first in 18 starts at one of NASCAR’s top tracks.

Kahne’s first win this season was helped when Brad Keselowski spun his tires on a restart with just 40 laps to go. The No. 5 driver was able to take the lead and keep it until the checkered flag flew.

It was not only the first win for Kahne at Bristol, it was also the first of the season for Hendrick Motorsports. Other Hendrick cars finished in 6th (Dale Earnhardt Jr.), 22nd (Jimmie Johnson), and 34th (Jeff Gordon).

Two of the strongest cars of the day weren’t as lucky as Kasey Kahne. Jeff Gordon, who led the race for 65 laps, saw his tire go down with 100 laps to go. His No. 24 car went hard into the wall and took out second-place driver Matt Kenseth. Kenseth led 85 laps of the race.

The incident drastically changed the rest of the Food City 500 at Bristol. Kahne, who already led 67 laps, took the lead, but lost it when he went in for a pit stop. He battled his way back, but couldn’t get past Keselowski to retake the lead. The pair raced bumper-to-bumper on Bristol’s short track until Jimmie Johnson brought out the final caution.

The resulting restart saw Keselowski spin his tires — a move that can mean the difference between winning and coming in second. And this time it did. Kasey Kahne was able to steer past and build himself a substantial lead as Kyle Busch fought with Keselowski for second place. Busch ended up winning the battle.

After Kasey Kahne took the checkered flag, Busch followed. Third place went to Keselowski, fourth to Kurt Busch, and fifth to Bowyer. Kahne’s final margin of victory was 1.700 seconds. Despite the win, Kahne still took second place in most laps led with 109. Denny Hamlin led the most with 117 laps.

Are you happy that Kasey Kahne won the Food City 500 at Bristol? What are you looking forward to most about next week’s Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California?

[Image via Twitter]

Kasey Kahne Wins Food City 500 At Bristol Motor Speedway is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jeff Gordon pranked a used car salesman with a little bit of help from his friends at Pepsi Max.

Gordon, disguised as hesitant customer “Mike,” took a terrorized salesman, “Steve,” for a test drive in a Chevy Camaro. Some, however, are questioning the validity of the stunt.

The video involves the NASCAR driver dressing up in a disguise and wandering onto a used car lot with the help of two hidden cameras — one in his glasses and one in the Pepsi Max can he carries with him everywhere.

The Jeff Gordon prank video starts out with the NASCAR driver getting into a black Camaro with Mike, who appears to be laughing on the inside about his potential customer’s nervousness regarding such a powerful vehicle. After a couple of jerky stop-and-gos, Gordon appears to take the salesman’s advice to “get a feel for it.”

But to Mike’s horror, Gordon peels out of the parking lot and embarks on a harrowing ride that has the salesman appearing terrified.

The clip, titled “Test Drive,” has already racked up almost three million views on YouTube in the past day. But despite the car salesman’s mostly genuine surprise and the use of several curse words as the four-time Sprint Cup champion pulled u-turns and burnouts in the street car, Jeff Gordon’s prank is likely faked.

The first, albeit short, clue is the disclaimer at the 23-second marker, which reads “Closed Course. Professional Driver. Do not attempt.” And we promise we won’t. Gordon’s stunts are likely faked, considering the roads and parking lots he was driving through were part of a closed course.

Another clue that questions the authenticity of Gordon’s prank is the salesman’s almost imperceptible glances at the camera as the NASCAR driver pulls stunt after stunt. His screaming is likely genuine, however. Despite knowing he was being filmed, we doubt anyone would be able to sit through a ride like the one endured by Mike and not let out a shriek or two.

At the end of the video, the terrified car salesman threatens to call the cops on his potential customer — that is, until said customer reveals he’s Jeff Gordon.

Do you think the “Test Drive” video showcasing Jeff Gordon’s prank on a car salesman is authentic, or simply a publicity stunt for both the driver and Pepsi Max?

Jeff Gordon ‘Pranks’ Car Salesman [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Matt Kenseth wins the Kobalt Tools 400 in Las Vegas after holding off Kasey Kahne with a little over 20 laps left in the race. Kenseth is now the third Sprint Cup driver to win on his birthday; He turned 41-years-old Sunday.

Kasey Kahne had the best car all day, but a mix-up on his last pit stop cost him a couple positions that he never fully recovered from. Matt Kenseth took advantage, playing the guessing game on fuel. Kenseth elected to stay out instead of pit to take the lead and he never gave it up.

Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson also had fast cars in Las Vegas, finishing fourth and sixth respectively.  Last season’s champion Brad Keselowski started from the pole and had his best run of the season, finishing in third place.

This was Matt Kenseth’s first win as a member of Joe Gibbs racing as he jumps 11 spots in the standings to seventh. Jimmie Johnson continues to hold the lead after another top-10 finish.

Kasey Kahne led 112 laps on the day, better than anyone else on the track, and even Kenseth made note of it in Victory Lane.

“I was real nervous all day, he had the best car,” Kenseth said about Kasey Kahne.

Matt Kenseth finished seventh last week after a rough start to the season at Daytona. Kenseth started 12th at Daytona before falling to the back of the pack and finishing 37th.

Carl Edwards finished fifth after winning last week in Phoenix and is now 11th in the standings. Edwards jumped 19 spots in the standings last week and picked up six more spots Sunday.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was near the front all day long, and finished seventh. Even with the top-10 finish, Earnhardt Jr. lost the second spot in the standings to Brad Keselowski.

Multiple drivers were penalized for pit road incidents during the race, including Denny Hamlin and Danica Patrick. Hamlin was penalized for entering the pits too fast and Patrick for a tire violation.

Danica Patrick finished 33rd while Denny Hamlin managed to work his way back for a modest 15th place finish. The Sprint Cup Series moves forward to Bristol Motor Speedway next week for the Food City 500.

Kyle Busch was hoping to win in his home town Sunday, but will have a great chance to take the checkered flag next week at Bristol.  Busch has won at Bristol five times during his Sprint Cup career.

Matt Kenseth stole the show from Kasey Kahne and used the don’t pit strategy to perfection. Kahne was getting a great run off the corners of one and two, and nobody thought Kenseth’s tires would hold off Kahne late.

Kenseth stuck to the high side and beat out Kahne by a few car lengths. Matt Kenseth wins the Kobalt Tools 400 by gambling with his pit strategy, the only way to do it in Las Vegas.

Matt Kenseth Wins The Kobalt Tools 400 In Las Vegas is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick was hit by a rock while racing on a dirt track, but NASCAR’s pre-eminent female racer says she’s not hurt.

Danica was racing on the track on Thursday when she got hit by the stray rock square in her head. The impact left her feeling like she had a concussion, but staff at the infield care center checked her out and said she would be all right.

It could have been worse for Danica Patrick when she was hit by the rock. The racer said if she wasn’t wearing a hat she almost certainly would have been cut.

Oddly enough, Danica had just escaped from one of the worst crashes of he career last Sunday in Phoenix. Her No. 10 Chevrolet blew a right front tire during the Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway, sending her crashing into the frontstretch wall.

Danica was on the lead lap, running 26th on Lap 185 of the 312-lap race when the crash occurred. After her tire blew out Danica was left unable to turn the car, and slammed into the barrier with the right front corner of her car.

Car parts were sent flying all over the track as the back tires of the No. 10 Chevrolet lifted off the ground. The crash caused David Ragan’s car to hit the side panel of Danica’s car, shearing the sheet metal off the Chevrolet.

Danica Patrick said the accident was scary, but ultimately she was all right.

“When you lose a tire out of the turn, those are tough because you hit [the wall] more straight on,” Patrick said after the crash. “That was a hard hit on both sides, but I’m fine. There was no real good warning. No vibrations.

Though Danica Patrick was hit by a rock in Thursday’s crash, the racer has enjoyed a pretty good stretch lately. She became the first woman ever to win the pole position and lead green-flag laps at the Daytona 500 in February. Danica finished eighth in the race.

Danica Patrick Hit By Rock While Racing On Dirt Track is a post from: The Inquisitr

Denny Hamlin won’t pay the $25,000 NASCAR fine he was issued for criticizing the quality of last week’s race at Phoenix. He also declared that he will not speak about any competition-related issues.

Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, commented that the new Gen 6 car doesn’t race as well as the Gen 5 cars — a critique that was, according to him, “not even a bad one!”

Denny was issued the fine on Thursday and doesn’t appear to be backing down from his comments. He even added some additional context on Twitter.

The No. 11 driver wrote, “I believe I was severely disrespected by NASCAR by getting fined. I believe that the simple fact of us not even having a conversation about this issue before I was hit with a fine has something to say about our relationship.”

Therefore, Denny Hamlin will appeal the fine. He has been fined in the past for tweets suggesting NASCAR was throwing phantom cautions. The statements, made in 2010, has caused him to be careful about the comments he makes to the news media.

In issuing the fine against Hamlin, NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp explained that the driver’s comments went beyond the limits of what the sanctioning body allows the drivers to say. Tharp added, “You can voice your opinion about a lot of things about this sport — and we feel like we give our competitors a great deal of leeway when it comes to that — (but) denigrating the racing is an area we’re going to have a reaction to.”

Veteran driver Jeff Burton was not put off by the $25,000 fine issued to Denny Hamlin. Burton explained he will continue to speak his mind, because constructive criticism will help the sport. The No. 31 driver added that Hamlin’s fine, to him, was “a little bit of [an] overreaction on NASCAR’s part.”

At the same time, Burton added that he understood why NASCAR fined Denny Hamlin. He applauded the sport for the “tremendous amount” of work that has gone into creating the new Gen 6 car. But not every driver was willing to comment on Hamlin’s fine. Clint Bowyer refused to answer a question about the fine, though later quipped, “I’m going to go be happy and good.”

Along with Burton, Hamlin also found support with former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. Petty, a third generation former driver, explained that drivers should be allowed to speak freely about the sport, even if it includes criticism.

While Denny Hamlin will appeal his fine, his vow not to pay may be concerning. Should the $25,000 fine stand, Hamlin would face suspension for his refusal to pay.

[Image via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Denny Hamlin Won’t Pay NASCAR Fine is a post from: The Inquisitr

On August 17 FOX Sports 1 will launch nationwide and be available in over 90 million homes. The move by FOX coincides with the 20th anniversary of the FOX Sports brand.

The massive launch will be the largest in sports network history, along with one of largest in cable history. Because of FOX Sports 1′s parent company, the network will be ready with over 5,000 hours of live events and original programming annually from day one.

According to FOX Sports, live events covered will include college football, college basketball, NASCAR, UFC, and soccer.  In 2014 FOX Sports 1 will begin airing Major League Baseball as part of an overall media deal with the sport.

The August 17 launch will include live events all day, including a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and a UFC fight.

FOX Sports Media Group Co-President and COO Eric Shanks believes FOX Sports 1 is the “alternative to the establishment” fans have been waiting for. His partner, Randy Freer, believes the network’s success will be based on proper planning:

“We’ve devoted significant resources over the last few years to acquire and/or extend multi-platform rights with a wide variety of leagues and governing bodies well into the next decade, enough to give us a rich schedule right out of the box.”

Part of FOX Sports 1′s rights are for playoff games and championship coverage for a number of sports. It will show college football’s Pac-12 Championship and Big-12 Championship game. When the network’s contract begins with MLB it will show a number of Division Series and Championship Series games.

FOX Sports 1 will also feature a number of sports regularly. UFC will be shown every Wednesday night as part of Fight Night, NASCAR will have a number of races aired, and European soccer will have a major presence.

Will you be watching when FOX Sports 1 launches in August?

FOX Sports 1 Launching In August is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick had a fantastic weekend at the Daytona 500 earlier this month but she couldn’t keep the momentum building at the Phoenix International Raceway today. Patrick hit the wall and had to retire from the race.

Thankfully, Patrick wasn’t injured in the crash.

Patrick said:

“Thank God for safer barriers … I’m glad I didn’t drive in the days without them, because they’re very important.”

According to the Star Tribune, Patrick was in 26th place with about 100 laps to go when she blew a tire heading into a turn. Patrick’s car hit the wall hard and was then hit again by David Ragan.

Patrick said:

“Whenever those right-fronts go, they always hit hard because you don’t broadside, you hit more straight on … You don’t anticipate, you don’t slide very much, there’s no way to slow the car down. They always feel pretty big, and whenever they go in head-first, they feel even bigger.”

Patrick became the first woman in NASCAR history to win a Sprint Cup Pole last weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. Patrick was able to lead a few laps at Daytona but eventually fell back to 8th place.

Patrick told USA Today:

“For me, it sucks to lose the points … Everybody works hard and after last weekend, we just wanted to get these three races to get some solid points to re-establish the garage area. We’re parked in the dirt this weekend, so I really wanted my guys to get into the garage area. We’ll just have to get it at Vegas.”

Here’s a video of Danica Patrick hitting the wall in Phoenix.

While Danica Patrick checked out the infield medical center Carl Edwards made his to victory. Edwards, who finished 33rd last weekend at Daytona, said: “This is just awesome, one of the coolest wins of my life.”

Danica Patrick Hits Wall, Escapes Uninjured is a post from: The Inquisitr

Carl Edwards took the checkered flag at Phoenix International Raceway just one week after being involved in five accidents at Daytona. Edwards finished 33rd in the Daytona 500, which included one of his five wrecks for the week. Not only does the win erase Edwards bad start in Florida, but also snaps a 70 race winless streak. Edwards last win came March 6, 2011 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, almost two years ago.

A sight Nascar fans haven’t seen in a long time, Carl Edwards stopped at the line and did his classic back-flip off the No. 99 Subway Ford Fusion. Edwards then went on to grab the checkered flag and proceeded through a gate and right into the stands. Edwards greeted and gave high-fives to fans for a few moments before returning to his car.

“This is just awesome, one of the coolest wins of my life,” Edwards said about the win at Phoenix.

Carl Edwards led the final 78 laps of the race, taking the lead during final pit stops for the drivers still in contention. Jimmie Johnson edged out Denny Hamlin for second after Hamlin dived extremely low on the track to pick up a few spots on the last lap. The two cars connected off the last turn and Johnson picked up momentum off the high side, taking Hamlin by a nose.

Brad Keselowski finished fourth, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer. Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Jeff Burton rounded out the top-10.

Danica Patrick had a rough day which ended when her right front tire blew, sending her into the wall with about 100 laps to go. Patrick was cleared from the Medical Center shortly after the wreck.

Mark Martin had the pole after recording some of the fastest laps in practice all week, but couldn’t maintain the lead after 49 laps. Martin fell back in the pack before leading another 26 laps. At 54 years old, Mark Martin became the second oldest person of all-time to start from the pole in a Sprint Cup race.

Jimmie Johnson will continue to hold the top spot in the standings with his first and second finishes in the first two races of the season. It was great to see the Carl Edward’s back-flip once again, and the win could give him some momentum going into next week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Carl Edwards Wins In Phoenix After Rough Week At Daytona is a post from: The Inquisitr

Gate placement is a concern after a fiery Daytona crash injured more than 28 fans and took 12 drivers out of the race.

The gate placement became a concern after the crash, in which rookie Kyle Larson’s car broke apart when it hit the track’s catch fence.

The catch fence is in place to prevent the race cars or race car parts from hitting the audience. But Larson’s car hit where a gate connected the grandstands with the track.

The strange hit showed the weakness of the gates and caused NASCAR to reconsider the placement of those gates at its tracks, reports Fox Sports.

Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President or Racing Operations, stated on Saturday:

“I think because of where it came through and having pieces that did get through and it being a gate area, that’s really going to be the focus for us to look at.”

O’Donnell explained that NASCAR typically leaves fencing up to the individual tracks on the circuit, though they will consider being more involved.

This is not the first time an accident has caused the organization to re-think the safety features of its tracks. SAFER barriers were installed in the corners and elsewhere on tracks a year after Dale Earnhardt lost his life hitting a wall at the end of the Daytona 500.

ABC Local notes that O’Donnell explained that the gate Kyle Larson hit was locked, but pieces still went through the fence. The safety elements of Larson’s car appeared to work, but the section the engine is tethered to sheared off. Those pieces were sent into the stands.

Two of the injured fans are still at the hospital, but everyone else has been released. O’Donnell added:

“We’re certainly going to look at fencing in general, but I think that particular area, that it was a gate, did impact it. We know the gate was locked, but does that provide as much stability as the rest of the fencing we believed it did? We’ve now got to look at that impact.”

Kyle Larson’s car was left at Daytona so that track officials can use it in their investigation into what happened with the fencing at the track. The car will then be taken to NASCAR’s research and development center in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will be put back together so that NASCAR can determine what parts of the car came off and when.

Gate Placement A Concern After Fiery Daytona Crash is a post from: The Inquisitr

After finishing eighth at Daytona, Danica Patrick is being considered a “longshot” to win at Phoenix this weekend.

Right now Patrick is doing something in NASCAR that not many women have been able to do. She is breaking stereotypes and proving racing is not just a boys sport.

Until she wins more though, race fans and oddsmakers just won’t believe it.

Danica Patrick has been given 300/1 odds to win her next race at Phoenix. According to USA Today, those are the second worst odds given for the race this year.

The first woman to win pole position at Daytona, and then lead a lap for the first time ever, has been given the second worst odds in her very next race. Does that seem odd to you? USA Today claims it comes down to skills:

“Daytona requires a completely different skill set than every other track in NASCAR except for Talladega. Where drivers run in a big pack and draft at Daytona and Talladega because their speeds are restricted, success at the other tracks depend much more on driver skill.”

In other words; Danica Patrick still needs to prove herself. Until she has finished more than 11 Sprint Cup Races, she will continue to have doubters. In those 11 races her highest finish was Daytona.

Before Daytona, Danica Patrick had never placed higher than 17. A strong finish at Phoenix this weekend could help prove Daytona might not have been a fluke.

James Franco’s unfortunate comments at Daytona show exactly the kind of hill Patrick is still climbing for respect.

Do you think it’s fair Danica Patrick is a “longshot” to win at Phoenix this weekend?

[image via Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Danica Patrick A ‘Longshot’ To Win At Phoenix is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart took some time out of his busy schedule to visit six race fans who were injured during Saturday’s heart stopping wreck.

The fans were injured when a massive crash sent debris flying into the stands during the last lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Daytona International Speedway.

Shortly after the Daytona 500 ended, Tony Stewart traveled to the Halifax Health Medical Center. Stewart arrived at approximately 8 pm and stayed until just after 10 pm.

Stewart didn’t want to go public with his good deed and only confirmed the visit after an inquiry was placed.

According to reports, Tony Stewart visited with each of the injured fans on a one-on-one basis. Stewart even gave each NASCAR fan a personally signed Bass Pro Shops No. 14 cap. 

The race drivers team says it was Stewart’s decision to make the trek to Halifax Health Medical Center. 

Following the horrific accident Stewart went on to win at the track for his seventh time in nine years, tying him with Dale Earnhardt for the most wins at the track.

During his win, Tony Stewart was quick to turn attention towards his fellow drivers and fans, noting:

“As much as we want to celebrate right now, and as much as this is a big deal to us, I’m more worried about the drivers and the fans that are in the stands right now. Because that was … I could see it all in my mirror, and it didn’t look good from where I was at.”

Fourteen fans were sent to Halifax Health, but only six remained under observation when Tony Stewart had arrived.

In case you missed the Daytona crash, here it is:

Tony Stewart Visits Injured NASCAR Fans is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick’s Daytona 500 finish may be thrilling for NASCAR history, but eighth place isn’t enough for the former IndyCar driver.

Patrick’s place was the highest ever for a woman in NASCAR’s Spring Cup series. But she is still beating herself a bit for fading back in the final lap.

Patrick led for five laps in the race and ran in the top 10 for most of the day. She wasn’t too stressed through the race, making it easy for her to chat with her crew about their end-of-race strategy, reports My Fox Atlanta.

But her planning did not hold up as Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a drive on the inside lane, passing everyone but leader Jimmie Johnson. The drive caused Patrick to slip back to eighth. Johnson was able to hold off Jr.’s drive to win the Great American Race.

After the race, Danica Patrick stated:

“I would imagine pretty much anyone would be kicking themselves about what they coulda, shoulda have done to give themselves an opportunity to win. There was uncertainty on how to accomplish that.”

Sports Illustrated notes that Patrick recalled thinking in the middle of the race:

“How am I gonna do this? I didn’t know what to do exactly. Maybe that’s just my inexperience. Maybe it was not me thinking hard enough. I’m not sure. I was a little bit uncertain how to do that.”

Despite Patrick’s Daytona 500 finish bringing her down a bit, her placement topped Janet Guthrie, who finished 11th in 1980′s race. Her high placement also speaks volumes to how strong Danica will likely be this season. Since she is competing for Rookie of the Year honors, Patrick’s Daytona 500 finish at the first race of the season will certainly propel her to the front of the pack this year.

[Image via Doug James / Shutterstock.com]

Danica Patrick’s Daytona 500 Finish Isn’t Enough For Her is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jimmie Johnson won the Daytona 500 today beating out Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the final lap.

Danica Patrick, who made history earlier this week when she won the pole position, became the highest finishing woman in race history be claiming 8th place. Patrick was the first woman to lead a lap at the Daytona 500 today and was in the running for victory until the final lap.

A series of riders passed Patrick, who was riding in third at the start of the final lap, and the popular driver had to settle for 8th place.

For Jimmie Johnson, it was his second career Daytona 500 victory.

Johnson started to pull away with about 6 laps left and wasn’t challenged for the remainder of the race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. came closest but he couldn’t catch Johnson by the finish line.

Hendrick Motorsports writes:

“As Johnson raced for the finish line and ultimately Victory Lane, Dale Earnhardt Jr. improved his position to score the runner-up result and give Hendrick Motorsports its fourth one-two finish at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. This is the organization’s third one-two finish in the Daytona 500 (February 1989 and February 1997).”

Mark Martin took third place while Brad Keselowski and Ryan Newman completed the top five.

Jimmie Johnson Wins Daytona 500 is a post from: The Inquisitr

The multi-car pileup that resulted in injury to NASCAR fans was pulled from YouTube on Saturday night.

In the video, race cars can be seen flying into the air as debris from those vehicles shot towards NASCAR fans sitting in the stands at Daytona. During the accident, a tire from one vehicle managed to land in the stands.

While the YouTube video quickly appeared online after the accident, NASCAR officials asked that it be removed.

The race organization did not request the removal because of standard copyright issues. Instead, the race organization issued the following statement:

“The fan video of the wreck on the final lap of today’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race was blocked on YouTube out of respect for those injured in today’s accident. Information on the status of those fans was unclear and the decision was made to err on the side of caution with this very serious incident.”

Shortly after NASCAR had the video taken down, it was placed back on the website. YouTube then told The Washington Post:

“Our partners and users do not have the right to take down videos from YouTube unless they contain content which is copyright infringing, which is why we have reinstated the videos.”

The footage was shot by a fan who was attending the NASCAR race at Daytona on Saturday afternoon.

Following the race, the NASCAR crash at Daytona quickly began to trend on Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks as fans discussed Daytona’s track safety. Other fans asked for updates about the crash while details were sparse.

While NASCAR posts notices in which it claims fans cannot record any part of a NASCAR event, enforcing such rules can be difficult.

Here is the NASCAR crash video on YouTube:

NASCAR Crash Video Reinstated On YouTube [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Commentary |When one thinks about the sport of racing, the first name that doesn’t come to mind is James Franco. Regardless, Franco was on hand this afternoon to kick off the Daytona 500 as this year’s grand marshal, and to promote his new film Oz: The Great And Powerful.

Over the years those before him have uttered the historical words of “Gentlemen, start your engines!” However, Franco had a new spin on it. One that people aren’t too happy about. Reports out of Daytona 500 claim that instead of saying the signature, “Gentleman, start your engines!” Franco yelled excitedly, “Drivers — and Danica — start your engines!”

Many saw this exclusive calling out of Danica Patrick as the worst flub in the Daytona 500. However, most publications aren’t actually taking into consideration the knowledge of the race in relation to Franco singling out Danica. While most see it as a flub by the first time grand marshal, it seems as though no one is really considering the history around this race for Danica. In many ways she’s a driver in a league all of her own.

USA Today reports the scene that many did not see from their living rooms as Patrick, the first woman ever to win the pole for a Sprint Cup Series race, climbed into her car to a wild scene. All eyes were on Danica Patrick as the drivers prepared for the 55th running of the Daytona 500. So much that it could be argued that Franco really meant to highlight the moment everyone was in albeit through a strange command.

Do you think James Franco should have singled Danica Patrick out from the rest of the drivers? Was his words well intentioned or out of line? Sound off here.

UPDATE: James Franco has released a statement via his Instagram about the blunder, scrawling over a picture of Danica Patrick that reads: “Sorry I was excited for Danica. I should have said ‘Gentlemen.’ Sorry, I’m an idiot.”

Did James Franco Really Insult Danica Patrick At Daytona 500? is a post from: The Inquisitr

Drivers and Danica, start your engines! Danica Patrick may have grabbed the pole position before the Daytona 500 but apparently that’s not enough to earn the respect of Grand Marshal James Franco.

Franco gave Danica a special shout out as he got the annual race started this afternoon but it came off as more of an insult than a compliment.

Franco said: “Drivers … and Danica! Start your engines!”

Franco was trying to give the popular NASCAR driver a little extra attention but it sounded like he was belittling Danica Patrick’s driving skills.

The phrase, Drivers and Danica, quickly started trending on Twitter as Patrick fans voiced their anger with Franco.

Female motorcycle racer Elena Myers wrote: I was a James Franco fan until his statement saying “Drivers and Danica, start your engines.”…. C’mon…

Chris Credendino was just mad that Franco screwed up the most famous words in NASCAR history, writing: “I know that @JamesFrancoTV didn’t meant it, but he definitely butchered the most famous words in #NASCAR with that @DanicaPatrick comment.”

What do you think of James Franco’s comment? Was “Drivers and Danica” an insult?

Drivers And Danica? James Franco Insults Patrick Before Daytona 500 is a post from: The Inquisitr

When the Daytona 500 takes off today at 1:30 EST, Danica Patrick will be under pressure not just as a racer, but as the top draw for new NASCAR fans. Even before she made history as the first woman to win the pole, she was already recognized for drawing new, younger, and more diverse fans to the sport, according to a Forbes report by Darren Heitner.

A late 2012 market study showed that new female fans are especially worth attracting to the sport. According to the survey performed by Taylor Strategy, 82% of women fans recommend NASCAR to family and friends.

“Danica has immense ‘star power,’” Jon Flack of Just Marketing International, a motorsports marketing firm, told Forbes. Her over 720,000 followers on Twitter would certainly agree.

Other NASCAR racers also recognize her role as the sport’s top draw, at least to younger women. Last week, three top male drivers — Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, and Jimmie Johnson — even brought their daughters to meet Patrick, Jenna Fryer reported in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“That’s three pretty big drivers who have little girls that wanted to meet me,” Patrick said.

Even before she won the historic pole position for the Daytona 500 race, the Taylor report stated that there’s growing money and attention in NASCAR. 71% of the younger fans in the 18-34 age group said they would be more likely to buy a sponsor’s product — and they’re willing to splash out. The sponsors they’d like to see included Nike, Google, and Apple.

Has her role as NASCAR’s ambassador rattled her nerves? She may have blundered in yesterday’s Nationwide race, when she pulled out early. She thought her engine was dead, but her pit crew fired it up. Some reports had the embarrassed star in tears when she realized her mistake.

If Patrick wins today, it could mean unprecedented new support for NASCAR. That won’t stop other drivers from trying to beat her, though. Tony Stewart, the winner of yesterday’s ill-starred Nationwide race, told USA Today that he feels “mule-kicked” every time he loses the Daytona 500. He sounds like a man determined to offer Patrick a challenge.

Daytona 500: Danica Patrick’s ‘Star Power’ Draws Fans is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Daytona 500 will take place as scheduled on Sunday despite a fiery crash at the Daytona International Speedway on Saturday that sent debris flying into stands.

The crash took place on the final curve of the Nationwide Series Drive4COPD 300, leaving 28 fans injured, including otwo initially listed in critical conditions. The Daytona crash was caught on a video posted on YouTube, showing a scene of chaos as the massive crash on the track spills over the barrier and into the crowd. The video shows a man waving frantically to get help for a wounded person as a tire rests among the crowd.

While Daytona International Speedway officials expressed condolences for those hurt, they also noted that the Daytona 500 is set to go on as scheduled.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with our race fans,” the speedway said in a statement released Saturday. “We are in the process of repairing the facility, and we will be ready to go racing tomorrow.”

As track officials and racers prepare for the Daytona 500, victims of the crash are recovering. Byron Cogdell, a spokesman for the hospital that took in 12 victims, told CNN that many were improving. Two of them, including one child, were initially listed in critical condition but have since stabilized, officials said.

With the Daytona 500 going on as scheduled, fans can turn their attention to a historic start to the race. Last week Danica Patrick earned the pole position for the race, the first woman driver ever to start the Daytona 500 in that position.

Daytona 500 To Go On As Scheduled Despite Fiery Crash On Saturday is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Daytona crash in the final lap of Saturday’s Nationwide race has done more than provide a rising toll of victims.  NASCAR officials created a mini-scandal when they raced at top speed to block a fan’s You Tube video of the dramatic accident,  reported T. C. Sottek of The Verge.

At least 28 fans required treatment for their injuries after Kyle Larson’s car went through the fence.  Unlike Monday’s spin-out incident, Larson was not to blame for the dramatic accident.

“Leader Regan Smith attempted to block Brad Keselowski for the win, triggering a horrific pileup,” explained Jenna Fryer in a story for The Huffington Post.

Most sports organizations try to claim all rights for videotapes of their events.   Thus, NASCAR took down the video of the Daytona crash.  Erik Wemple for The Washington Post noticed that the video quickly disappeared and reached out to You Tube.

You Tube agreed that the Daytona crash fan video didn’t infringe anyone’s copyright.  When over two dozen people are hurt, some seriously, it’s legitimate news, not just sports coverage.

NASCAR backtracked, telling The Verge that they removed the piece out of consideration for the fans.  Their statement reads,  “The fan video was blocked on YouTube out of respect for those injured in today’s accident. Information on the status of those fans was unclear.”

Well, maybe.  Because nothing says concern for the fans like removing one of their videos.

At least for now, you can see the disputed Daytona crash video right here.  Warning: the startled viewers indulge in some profane language.

Daytona Crash: NASCAR Blocks Fan Video [VIDEO] is a post from: The Inquisitr

At least 28 NASCAR fans were injured in a last lap crash at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday. The fans were injured when pieces of Kyle Larson’s car pierced through the catch-fence that surrounds the track.

The catch-fence is designed to keep pieces of wrecked cars from hitting and injuring fans. The crash brings to the forefront questions about fan safety on the eve of the race that killed Dale Earnhardt 12 years ago.

The president of Daytona International Speedway, Joie Chitwood, stated that 14 fans were transported to nearby hospitals and another 14 were treated at the track’s infield care center, reports The New York Times.

An earlier report by The Inquisitr’s Todd Rigney stated that at least five people were injured in the wreck. The 12-car crash occurred on the last lap of the Nationwide Series race, which was won by Tony Stewart.

The field approached the checkered flag when cars began to wreck. Larson’s No. 32 car went airborne during the wreck. It slammed into the catch-fence. The entire front end of the race car sheared off in the impact. Two tires and the front-end pieces landed in the stands. The engine was caught in the hole left in the fence.

No drivers were injured in the wreck, notes United Press International. Video and photos documented the wreck and its aftermath as emergency crews raced to the drivers and to attend the fans injured in the stands.

While the extend of the fans’ injuries has not been released, Chitwood stated that six of those injured were classified as trauma-level patients with serious injuries. They are all in stable condition.

NASCAR’s senior vice president for racing operations, Steve O’Donnell, stated that the damage caused by the massive Daytona crash will be repaired in time for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 Sprint Cup season opener on Sunday.

Video footage of the crash that injured 28 NASCAR fans is embedded below.

28 NASCAR Fans Injured In Daytona Crash [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Saturday’s NASCAR race took a dangerous turn when a wreck caused debris to fly into the stands.

The multi-car collision took place during the final lap at the Daytona International Speedway. A number of cars reportedly became entangled as they approached the finish line.

According to CNN, the wreck during the Nationwide Series Drive4COPD 300 race caused driver Kyle Larson’s car to collide with the fence. The car broke into pieces, some of which ended up flying into the stands.

NASCAR President Mike Helton quickly took to Twitter after the wreck to address the situation.

He said:

“Our prayers and thoughts are with everybody they [the responders] are working on.”

USA Today reports that several ambulances were called to the scene in an effort to treat those injured during the accident. Authorities explained that at least five people were hurt when debris from the wreck shot into the stands. It’s believed that two people in the upper deck were wounded by some of the pieces.

Helton explained that officials were working hard to investigate the damage. Police reportedly closed off the area once fans were safely escorted away from the crash site.

The NASCAR president added:

“Right now, it’s just a function of trying to determine what all damage is done. They’re moving folks to care centers and taking some folks over to Halifax Medical. We’ll be able to update later on, but right now, all we know is everyone is working really hard on determining what all happened.”

Footage of the NASCAR wreck has been embedded below.

Fortunately for NASCAR driver Kyle Larson, he was able to walk away from the collision at the Daytona International Speedway unharmed. No other drivers were injured during the accident. The conditions of the people wounded as a result of the multi-car wreck are unknown as of this writing.

NASCAR Wreck: Fans Injured By Flying Debris [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Danica Patrick bowed out of the Nationwide race at Daytona International Speedway, though it may have been more the result of a rookie mistake than car troubles.

Patrick had her engine shut off in Turn 3 during Saturday’s race. She hat yet to blow an engine, but she figured “that’s exactly how it go.”

So, instead of pulling into her pit box to see if her crew could diagnose and fix the problem quickly, Danica pulled her car into the garage.

A blown engine isn’t fixable, but Patrick’s crew still went to work diagnosing the problem. USA Today reports that Danica Patrick, who thought she was out of the race, had just finished an interview with ESPN when her crew fired up the engine and turned it off again.

To Danica’s horror, it appeared the engine was working perfectly. With a look of shock on her face, the pole sitter for the Daytona 500 walked to the corner of the garage and put her face in her hands.

Appearing to be on the verge of tears, she appeared to wonder if she made a huge mistake by bringing her car to the garage, notes Yahoo! News.

Later on, however, her crew assured her that the problem was likely the entire ignition system, meaning she would have needed to go to the garage anyway. NASCAR stock cars have a backup ignition, but it appeared not to be working. Danica Patrick, who stayed out of the rest of the race, stated of the incident:

“A good lesson that if there was a potential fix at some point, you know you just always go down pit lane and get in your pit box and just do everything possible to fix it.”

Despite being out, Danica Patrick didn’t see the Nationwide race as a complete waste. Instead, she said she will use the experience to prepare for Sunday’s Daytona 500, where she will lead the field to the green flag.

[Image via Beelde Photography / Shutterstock.com]

Danica Patrick Out Of Nationwide Race, Prepares For Daytona 500 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kevin Harvick won the first of two Budweiser Duel qualifying races Thursday, putting him in the third spot at the Daytona 500 behind Danica Patrick and Jeff Gordon. He is widely viewed as the fan favorite for the “Great American Race,” which takes place this Sunday, February 24th.

This title is not necessarily one that Harvick would have picked for himself. “We like to be the lame-duck underdog. That’s what we’re shooting for,” Harvick told CBS News. ”If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. We definitely have the car and team to be in contention to do that.”

With the NASCAR racers still getting accustomed to their new gen-6 racing cars, however, there is plenty of time for players other than Kevin Harvick to shine. Additionally, ESPN reports that Kyle Busch (winner of the second Budwiser Duel) sees the Daytona 500 as a having a much different dynamic than the qualifying battles we’ve seen so far, with double the cars racing through Speedweeks on Sunday compared to Thursday’s race.

“There were half the field in each race, obviously,” Busch said. “There’s going to be twice as many good cars, twice as many middle of the pack cars, twice as many back of the pack cars.  If you can get your car handling, driving, feeling good, you’ll be able to be one of the guys that’s up front.”

Fellow driver Danica Patrick made history last week as she became the first woman to win the pole position for a race in NASCAR’s top division. She blazed through the two-and-a-half mile track at an average speed of 196.434 miles per hour. Patrick may still have a tough battle ahead of her, however: According to CBS News, only about one out of every five previous NASCAR pole winners has gone on to win the Daytona 500.

Last week Kevin Harvick won NASCAR’s Sprint Unlimited race for the third time in his career. After picking up the lead during the second segment, he maintained control of the race with only Greg Bittle offering a potential upset before Harvick claimed victory. Fans were able to vote on the structure of the Sprint Unlimited exhibition, a first in NASCAR history. Who are you rooting for this Sunday?

Kevin Harvick Secures 3rd Spot In Daytona 500 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Christmas Abbott is the newest woman to join NASCAR‘s top series, but instead of taking on Danica Patrick out on the track, she’ll be competing with the boys for the fastest pit stop.

Abbott recently inked a deal to change tires in the Camping World Truck Series, though it’s hard to imaging the 115-pound woman picking up tires half her weight.

The Iraqi war veteran-turned CrossFit competitor is just five feet three inches tall, reports Yahoo! News. But with tattoos covering her body, including a gun on her hip, it’s easy to see she brings attitude to the table as well.

Christmas Abbott will change tires for driver Jennifer Jo Cobb this season. But she could also change tires in the Sprint Cup Series as well, according to Speedway Media.

On Wednesday, Michael Waltrip Racing hired the woman tire-changer as a full-time pit crew member for NASCAR’s top series. Abbott, who has competed in several CrossFit competitions and can overhead squat 200 pounds, stated:

“This is just the first step for me. I’ve been training for several months. This is the most challenging thing I have ever done. I’m here to do whatever my coaches ask of me, and I don’t want any handouts.”

Considering she has an air gun and wheel-and-axle set outside her bedroom, Christmas Abbott is more than ready to make her NASCAR Sprint Cup debut. While an over the wall position may be a while out in the sport’s top circuit, Abbott assured, “I’m in this for the long haul.”

Christmas also credits her mom and grandma for her toughness, though her time in Iraq also helped with that. She commented, “I come from an incredible heritage of women.”

Michael Waltrip, founder and co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, is excited to have Christmas Abbott on board. Waltrip stated:

“She is an incredible elite athlete and she has worked with our crews by bringing some cross-fit elements to their workouts. She is a competitor and when she decided to start working towards an over the wall position, we said we are the perfect place to make it happen.”

It may be a while before Christmas Abbott changes the tires of a Sprint Cup car on Sunday, but with her determination, it won’t take her long.

Christmas Abbott: Woman Tire-Changer Takes On NASCAR is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kyle Larson won the NASCAR All-American Late Model Series at Daytona International Speedway Monday night after he more or less used his car to shove leader C.E. Falk III out of the final turn. The unsportsmanlike act created an uproar in the social media, with many NASCAR fans tweeting that they’d changed their opinion of the 20-year-old star.

Some fender rubbing is to be expected in a tight race, but a video shows that Larson deliberately hit Falk in the final lap hard enough to spin him out of the way. The maneuver is particularly dangerous because both drivers were on worn brakes and tires by that point in the race.

Mark Long, reporting for the Miami Herald says that Falk is also angry about the cheap play. “I got monster-trucked at the end,” the 25-year-old said.

Autoweek writer Mike Larson commented, “On Monday night, Kyle Larson was either the greatest driver in the history of racing, or he was the dirtiest racer since Lance Armstrong. It just depends on which side of victory lane you happen to be standing.” He also hinted that the short track race is a tempest in a teapot which will be forgotten as Larson gears up for the Nationwide race this weekend.

The young racer himself seems to have mixed feelings about the way he won. Unable to resist getting involved in the Twitter debate, Larson tweeted, “I honestly feel bad but I’m here to win. I’m a racer and won’t settle for anything less.”

Having won five out of eight starts so far this season, Larson is definitely on track to become a rising star in a rising sport. More eyes than ever are on NASCAR after Danica Patrick made history by becoming the first woman to win the pole for the Daytona 500. With player health and safety becoming a growing issue in sports like football, one might question whether NASCAR needs the bad publicity of a reckless win.

But Kyle Larson’s most dedicated fans stand behind him. As a poster calling himself “The Catch Fence” tweeted, “NASCAR doesn’t need to do a thing about Kyle Larson. That’s just racin!”

NASCAR’s Kyle Larson Wins Ugly At Daytona is a post from: The Inquisitr