Dario Franchitti, the first British driver to embark upon a full season of racing in America’s top NASCAR series, was today sidelined for at least a month by doctors treating him for concussion and a broken ankle sustained in a crash at Talladega.

Kentucky Speedway owners insist they are not just a jilted distributor but contend that NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. have worked together illegally to keep independent tracks from hosting Sprint Cup races, according to Kentucky Speedway’s appeal in its federal antitrust lawsuit against the two France family-controlled companies.

When there’s been talk about potential free agents for 2009, Martin Truex, Jr. has had his name passed around in more than one story or conversation. There’s one hitch. His current deal with Dale Earnhardt Inc is good through next season according to team president Max Siegel.

If Tony Stewart wants to become a NASCAR team owner, he’ll have to do it somewhere other than Joe Gibbs Racing. J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR, said Sunday that co-ownership at Gibbs is not an option for Tony Stewart, but other options are available.

ESPN’s “NASCAR Now” will broadcast a special one-hour show live from Dale Earnhardt Inc. on Tuesday, April 29 from 6-7pm/et. The show will highlight Tuesday’s annual Dale Earnhardt Day event that honors the birthday of the seven-time NASCAR Champion and serves as a major benefit for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.

Steve Hmiel, the director of competition for Chip Ganassi Racing, said Sunday morning he isn’t sure when Dario Franchitti will be able to return as the driver of the No. 40 Dodge.

The new car matched – and exceeded – the boom in competition from the last visit to a restrictor plate track (February’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway). There were 52 lead changes among 20 drivers during Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Kyle Busch earned the third win by a Toyota Camry in today’s race at Talladega Superspeedway. The win was Busch’s second NSCS win of 2008. Busch has earned seven NASCAR wins this season — two NSCS (Atlanta and Talladega), three NNS (Texas, Phoenix and Mexico City) and two NCTS (California and Atlanta).

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA (No. 42 Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Dodge Charger) Finished 2nd
“I thought it was a pretty good race. Our Wrigley’s Dodge was pretty good all day. It was pretty hard because so many people were checking down the straights pretty hard.

Talladega, Alabama: With 10 laps to go in the 188-lap Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway (TSS), Team Chevy drivers Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Impala SS, Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS, Casey Mears, No. 5 Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Impala SS, Clint Bowyer, No. 07 DIRECTV Impala SS, Jeff Burton, No. 31 AT & T Impala [...]