Speedway News (6101)
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Thirty years ago Bill Elliott emerged as the fittest of the survivors when he walked off with his fourth victory of the 1987 season in Charlotte Motor Speedway’s October classic. It was more, though, than just his 21st career victory. The triumph ignited a spark in the family-run team that resulted in it winning three of the season’s final four races.
“We had good stuff, we had good aero and Ernie (Elliott) had good motors,” said Bill Elliott, who was driving one of only 19 cars running at the finish of the 1987 Bank of America 500. “Everybody was trying to figure out my secret and, heck, we didn’t have one. We didn’t have anything that was any different than anybody else. The T-Bird, to me, was ahead of its time. It took them (other teams) a while to get their hands around it. We just came out of the box and were able to run well with it.”
Elliott ended the 29-race season with six victories, eight poles, 16 top-five finishes and 20 top-10 results. For the second time in three years, he was the runner-up in the standings, this time to Dale Earnhardt.
It was, however, a brutal season for the small team owned by Harry Melling, but better known for the three Elliott brothers – Ernie, Dan and Bill – who ran the operation founded by their father, George.
Ernie Elliott, the oldest, built the engines and handled crew chief duties. He had battled mononucleosis in 1986. Ivan Baldwin joined the operation in 1987 with the intention of helping Ernie with his workload, taking on crew chief duties, but things didn’t work out as hoped. Dan Elliott constructed the gears and transmissions. Bill Elliott, the youngest of the three brothers, focused on the car’s chassis/setup in addition to serving as the driver.
“The hours (we were working) were horrendous,” recalled Dan Elliott, who still possesses the transmission used to win three of the season’s final four races. “They were some of the worst that I’ve ever encountered because it was still a small group. It was more like family with the people that you worked with. It was awful, but it was the hardest work I ever loved. The only reason you could survive any of the race seasons, because of the hours, was because of the adrenaline rush you were getting from the success at the different places you were going to.”
When the team rolled into Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 in October, it had produced seven top-10 and five top-five finishes, including two victories, in the last nine races. Elliott qualified seventh for the Charlotte race, but wasn’t a factor in the early stages. However, by the time the seventh and final caution period ended on lap 276 of the 334-lap race, Elliott was leading.
Two laps later Bobby Allison, who had dominated the event at the 1.5-mile track, was in position to retake the lead he’d lost during the final pit stops that took place under yellow. Allison, however, could never accomplish the task even though the left-side tires on Elliott’s Ford were worn (eventually completing 134 laps, 201 miles) and he was low on fuel. At the finish, Elliott was 1.5 seconds ahead of Allison, but during the final 62 laps had led by as much as 3.95 seconds.
“We knew we were going to go a long way on the right-side tires and I don’t have to say anything about how long those left sides were on the car,” Elliott said immediately after the race. “And I was running on gas fumes at the end. If we had to go another two laps or so, I don’t think we would have made it.”
Dan Elliott maintains the team was “divine.”
“I look at where we came from and where we were at; and we were very thankful and very blessed,” he said. “We did it as a family operation.
“I have to give pretty much all the thanks to No. 1, God, and No. 2, (our) parents. If not for them, we wouldn’t have been where we were. Mother had to sell family property. She had to come up with the money to be able to buy the race car and parts from Roger Penske (in 1977). That was the first break we got in being able to put this together with good parts. Daddy could have retired a millionaire off of what he spent on racing.
“What a tremendous battle and what a tremendous journey it was!”
TICKETS:
As a salute to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final Charlotte race as a full-time driver, adult tickets to the Bank of America 500 are available as a two-pack for $88 and include a Dale Jr. bobblehead while supplies last. All adult tickets are good for admission to the Brad Paisley concert. For tickets, camping and upgrades, fans can call the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
KEEP TRACK:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
CMS PR
Austin Dillon Meets with Media, Fans Ahead of Sunday's ISM Connect 300
19 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. Wilson
Kyle Larson visits with Delaware high school students before Oct. 1 “Apache Warrior 400 presented by Lucas Oil”
19 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. WilsonKyle Larson, a four-time winner in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this season, visited with approximately 400 Delaware high school students today, stressing the importance of hard work, concentration and communication when it comes to his Chip Ganassi Racing team, his time behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet, and the students’ future careers in the workforce.
The visit to St. Georges Technical High School in Middletown, Del., came less than two weeks before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series returns to Dover International Speedway for the “Apache Warrior 400 presented by Lucas Oil” on Sunday, Oct. 1 (NBCSN, 2 p.m.). The race will serve as the first elimination race in the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Larson is currently second in point standings, 27 behind leader Martin Truex Jr. and eight ahead of Kevin Harvick in third.
Larson’s first stop was an assembly with students from all four New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District schools, including St. Georges, Delcastle Technical High School (Wilmington, Del.), Hodgson Vo-Tech High School (Glasgow, Del.) and Howard High School of Technology (Wilmington, Del.).
The students saw a montage of video clips from some of Larson’s NASCAR victories, highlights from Monster Mile races, and old family photos of Larson, one where he was shown wearing a Jeff Gordon shirt and another posing next to fellow Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Newman back when Larson was in elementary school.
“Jeff Gordon was my favorite driver growing up,” recalled Larson, who has five top-10 finishes in seven Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Dover International Speedway. “To get to race him, about 20 years later, was an awesome experience.”
During a question-and-answer session with the students, Larson fielded wide-ranging questions about what it is like to crash (“not fun”), when he started racing (7 years old with go-karts, 14 with sprint cars), and how many speeding tickets he has accumulated (“a lot”).
Larson then met with media outlets before he and Chip Ganassi Racing race engineer Jerame Donley answered questions, took photos and signed autographs for dozens of auto technology students in St. Georges’ Technical High School’s spacious 10-bay garage.
“I’m just a racer – I’m not technical at all,” said Larson, the 25-year-old California native. “My father worked hard on the car while I was growing up.
“That shows there are so many job opportunities in NASCAR. There’s the technical side, the marketing side, as well as driving. Hopefully being here encourages some students to do a little more research about potential fields they are interested in.”
The Sept. 29-Oct. 1 NASCAR tripleheader weekend also includes the “National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 125 presented by Carl Deputy And Son Builders” NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Sept. 29 and the “Use Your Melon. Drive Sober 200” NASCAR XFINITY Series playoff race on Saturday, Sept. 30.
For tickets or more information on Monster Mile events, call (800) 441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with track activities at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
Dover Motorsports PR
An Earnhardt Will Lead The Field To Green in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300
19 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. WilsonLast October, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell to make the biggest announcement in track history – adding permanent LED lights. This Saturday, nearly one year later, another Earnhardt, Dale’s sister Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, will lead the field to green in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, serving as the Honorary Pace Car Driver in the first race under the lights.
“I think it’s absolutely awesome. I can’t wait to be a part of that,” Earnhardt-Miller said. “When Clay called and Dale was a part of the announcement and he called to say they were going to be putting in lights and this race would be the first run under the lights, it was really cool and really special.”
For Campbell, asking Kelley to drive the pace car in the biggest NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race in the country, was an easy decision.
“The Earnhardt family is such an important piece in not only NASCAR’s history, but Martinsville Speedway’s history, as well,” Campbell said. “Kelley’s father, brother and husband have all won races here. Her grandfather raced here. She’s a former Late Model Stock Car driver herself. She and Dale own Late Model cars that race every weekend. So, I was really excited when she said she would be able to come lead the field to green.”
Earnhardt-Miller raced Late Models in the mid-90s with her brothers Dale and Kerry. While she never raced at Martinsville, she knows the importance of the race, and, most likely a few of the drivers in it.
“The Martinsville race is always ‘The Race,” the prestigious race,” she said. “It’s always the one we talk about - the car counts, the drivers that show up – you always want to be a part of that race, You always want to make that race.
“I’ll probably be leading a few people that I raced against 20 years ago.”
And while racing is in her blood, she said she won’t be entering the pace car in the race.
“The thought might cross my mind, but I know better,” she said. “No chance of that. I’m sure I’d get run over pretty quickly, but it will make me think about my time in a racecar and how much fun that was and how much fun short-track racing is.”
The experience of driving the pace car is enough.
“It’s just a really cool thing to do,” she said. “I was honored to be asked. It’s something I’ve never done before. To be able to lead the field, especially at a place like Martinsville that’s a very intimate, downhome, old-school place.
“It’s already a magnificent race to see, and under the lights it’s going to be even better.”
The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 is NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race. Race day – Saturday, September 23 – starts with three 25-lap qualifying races to set the field, followed by a 25-lap “last chance” qualifying race. Fan gates open at 2:00 pm, followed by an autograph session on the frontstretch at 2:30. The qualifying races will start at 4 with the main feature set to begin at 8. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1-877-RACE-TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Martinsville Speedway PR
Race fans can kick off their Bank of America 500 weekend in style by meeting NASCAR legends including Richard Petty and Bobby Allison at the University of Racing’s “Dinner with the Legends” event on Thursday, Oct. 5 in The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The fan-friendly event gives attendees the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chat with some of drivers, crew chiefs and engine builders who have combined to win more than 650 Cup Series races and 12 championships. Admission costs $125 and includes a three-course meal, legend Q&A and autograph sessions and a free University of Racing diecast car.
Kyle Petty, the winner of the 1987 Coca-Cola 600, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Those scheduled to attend include:
- Richard Petty
- Bobby Allison
- Donnie Allison
- Waddell Wilson
- Dave Marcis
- Ned Jarrett
- Leonard Wood
TICKETS:
Tickets to “Dinner with the Legends” are available by calling 704-455-3216. Tickets, camping and upgrades to the Oct. 8 Bank of America 500 are available by visiting charlottemotorspeedway.com/
KEEP TRACK:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
CMS PR
'Fast N' Loud' Star Richard Rawlings to Drive Pace Car on Sept. 24
19 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. Wilson
Motor Racing Network’s Bagley and Hayden Looking Forward to ValleyStar Credit Union 300
18 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. WilsonThe Motor Racing Network’s Alex Hayden and Mike Bagley are no strangers to Martinsville Speedway, as the veteran broadcast duo has called countless NASCAR races from the Speedway in their careers. However, calling this Saturday night’s ValleyStar Credit Union 300 for MRN will be a first for the two, and is something they have been looking forward to for a long time.
“This is one of the races that I’ve always wanted to announce, but I’ve never had the opportunity until now,” Bagley said. “This is the greenest of grassroots efforts and it’s an honor to be able to call this race. I can’t wait to get to Martinsville.”
“This is the Daytona 500 of Late Model racing and I’m looking forward to it,” said Hayden. “There are so many cool things about this. First and foremost, I’ve never been to this race, but I’ve always wanted to go. The fact that it’s just Martinsville. Martinsville Speedway is my favorite race track that we go to of any kind. I can’t wait for this event. It’s going to be a lot of fun and there’s so many different elements that are going to be added to ramp that up even more.”
Seeing drivers from different backgrounds, at different stages in their careers and with different goals is another thing that has Hayden excited.
“Even though I’ve never been to this race in person, I keep up with it nonstop, every year,” he said. “The beauty of it is you see these top-named drivers, whether they are top Late Model drivers from around the country, or a Timothy Peters who’s won there in a Camping World Truck, and the guys who put a racecar together just to try and make the main event. The spectrum runs from the best of the best to the guys who are just trying to figure their way around this place.”
The race will be the first under the Speedway’s new LED lights, which is something that Hayden likened to when one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most historic stadiums got lights in 1988.
“How cool is it going to be that this race is under the lights. I’m excited to be a part of that,” Hayden said. “Nobody can take that away from anybody who is going to be in attendance, so that’s another cool thing about it.
“It’s something that is going to bring people together to see something under the lights. Something that’s never been seen before. It’s kind of like lighting up Wrigley Field, it’s going to be spectacular.”
For Bagley, seeing permanent lights at Martinsville is something he didn’t think he’d witness in his lifetime.
“I never thought I would see the day when Martinsville Speedway would be lit up at night,” Bagley said. “It’s a day that I’ve been waiting for for a long time. I can’t wait to get there, to roll onto the property, to see the race, and to see them throw the switch on those LED lights. It’s going to be an awesome weekend.”
The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 will be broadcast live on MRN.com and following MRN affiliate stations:
WAKG-FM, 103.3, Danville, VA
WZBB-FM, 99.9, Stanleytown, VA
WMVA-AM, 1450, Martinsville, VA
WHEE-AM, 1370, Martinsville, VA
WFIR-AM, 960 & FM 107.3, Roanoke, VA
WBRG-AM, 1050 & FM 105.1, 106.7, Lynchburg, VA
WEBO-AM, 1330, Binghamton, NY
KQMG-FM, 95.3, Independence, IA
The ValleyStar Credit Union 300 is NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race. Race day – Saturday, September 23 – starts with three 25-lap qualifying races to set the field, followed by a 25-lap “last chance” qualifying race. Fan gates open at 2:00 p.m., followed by an autograph session on the frontstretch at 2:30. The qualifying races will start at 4 with the main feature set to begin at 8. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1-877-RACE-TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
Martinsville Speedway PR
Monster Mile partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Carl Deputy and Son Builders for Sept. 29 K&N Race
18 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. WilsonDover International Speedway officials today announced the entitlement partner for the Sept. 29 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race – the “National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 125 presented by Carl Deputy and Son Builders” – set for Friday, Sept. 29 at the Monster Mile.
The “National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 125 presented by Carl Deputy & Son Builders” NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race is the finale of the 14-race NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season champion will be crowned at the Monster Mile after 125 laps around the high-banked, one-mile concrete oval.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has honored America’s fallen firefighters since it was established in 1992. The NFFF works with fallen firefighter families to rebuild their lives and works to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. The Foundation maintains the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmittsburg, Md., the first permanent national park honoring all firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
Dover International Speedway has partnered with the NFFF for 10 years, creating a hospitality program that honors the fallen while entertaining firefighters, their friends and family. The event has contributed more than $720,000 to the organization since the program began in 2008.
Carl Deputy & Son Builders has been family owned and operated in Kent County, Delaware, for 30 years, providing homes and remodeling services across The First State. Carl Deputy is a life member of the Felton (Del.) Volunteer Fire Company and is a longtime supporter of the fire services and the NFFF.
“We’re delighted to partner with the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation for our NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway’s president and CEO. “Every day, more than 1 million firefighters around the country respond to calls to keep citizens safe. The NFFF provides a valuable service and support system to our hometown heroes and their families, and we are pleased to support their efforts. With the help of our presenting partner, Carl Deputy & Son Builders, the NFFF’s message of fire safety and its work on behalf of grieving families will be further recognized as part of our upcoming NASCAR tripleheader weekend.”
“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is very proud to partner with Dover and Carl Deputy and Son Builders, two outstanding Delaware-based organizations, for this exciting race,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “This year’s event is especially poignant as we are recognizing the foundation’s 25th Anniversary and because we will be honoring four Delaware firefighters who died in the line of duty during the Memorial Weekend the following week.”
“We are pleased to present the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,” said Carl Deputy, president and CEO of Carl Deputy and Son Builders. “It’s a great way to show our support to not only our local firefighters but those that have given the ultimate sacrifice here at home and across the country. We are proud to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and their efforts in helping fallen firefighter families across the country.”
The Sept. 29-Oct. 1 NASCAR tripleheader weekend also includes the “Use Your Melon. Drive Sober 200” NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoff Race on Saturday, Sept. 30 and the “Apace Warrior 400 presented by Lucas Oil” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race on Sunday, Oct. 1. The Oct. 1 race is the first elimination race of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, where four drivers will be knocked out of championship contention following 400 laps around the Monster Mile.
For tickets or more information on Monster Mile events, call (800) 441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with track activities at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
Dover Motorsports PR
Beloved Speedway Historian Featured in IMS Museum Speakers Series Event
18 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. Wilson
College students looking to earn a degree in racing excitement will receive valuable credit during the Oct. 8 Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. With the new Speedway College Party ticket program, NASCAR’s homecoming allows college students to rev up for race day with an unmatched array of entertainment value – and “tuition” requires just $29 and a valid student ID.
Students looking to enjoy the ultimate tailgate experience can do so from the best viewing area – the race track – with general admission to the new Turn 4 Sun Deck, an open-air terrace with an up-close view of the race that will feature a DJ, lawn games and a bar for those aged 21 and older. Additionally, a Speedway College Party ticket provides students with access to the Brad Paisley concert saluting Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Nation Appreci88ion Tour on Saturday, Oct. 7 at zMAX Dragway – the perfect way for budding NASCAR scholars to kick off their race-weekend education.
A tailgate area will be set up for students and can be accessed via the zMAX Dragway entrance off Bruton Smith Boulevard.
Student ticket packages are available by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267), online at http://www.
MORE INFO:
Although coolers are not allowed inside the Sun Deck, they can be checked at the concierge area at the Sun Deck entrance under the Toyota Grandstands. Free parking is included for groups arriving by bus. Groups including 50 or more students will receive reserved parking space.
TICKETS:
In addition to the $29 Speedway College Party ticket, kids 13 and under can get into the Bank of America 500 for just $10. As a salute to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final Charlotte race as a full-time driver, adult tickets are available as a two-pack for $88 and include an Earnhardt bobblehead while supplies last. All adult tickets are good for admission to the Brad Paisley concert. For tickets, camping and upgrades, fans can call the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
KEEP TRACK:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
CMS PR
TMS Unveils DFW Business Acceleration Club Catering to Companies in the Metropolex
18 Sep 2017 Written by Steven B. Wilson
Texas Motor Speedway is integrating three key elements into this platform for Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex businesses that are interested in taking a unique approach to business development. The Business Acceleration Club provides expansive business-to-business opportunities via an array of local partners, marketing assets that reach the track's loyal fan base as well as exclusive hospitality at the speedway's premier NASCAR and INDYCAR races. - B2B - In addition to a relationship with Texas Motor Speedway, the Club will help condense the sales cycle for your company by way of facilitating meaningful business introductions with other Texas Motor Speedway partners. The objective is to introduce, grow as well as strengthen business relationships that ultimately lead to transactions. The shared VIP environment will inspire meaningful business conversations with other like-minded decision makers that take part in the program; the speedway also plans on working with partners to customize their approach so the assets work extremely hard in the way of driving a substantial return on investment. Examples include building customized sales incentive or employee engagement programs that ladder up to a particular objective or objectives the company has in place.
- Marketing - On-site visibility of your company during all three major event weekends, with branding opportunities on the world's largest TV; full-page, four-color ad in each of three race programs.
- Hospitality - A 15-person VIP package the features a luxury B2B suite with all-inclusive upscale food and beverage for all three races; VIP pit passes and cold garage passes; stage-side access for pre-race concerts by prominent musicians and driver introductions; exclusive access for four to the post-race celebratory champagne toast in the members-only Speedway Club, and VIP parking.
