With a line of strong storms moving through the area, NASCAR officials canceled Thursday night’s Sprint Cup series qualifying at Chicagoland Speedway.
The field for Saturday’s race will be set according to car owner points, putting series points leader Kyle Busch on the pole position and Dale Earnhardt Jr. alongside him on the front row.

The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, regarding recent unsubstantiated reports in the media about Jack Daniel’s leaving RCR after the 2008 season.
“Jack Daniel’s and Richard Childress Racing have a contract through the 2009 season. Any reports in the media to the contrary are simply not accurate.”

Red Bull Racing Team formally announces Jimmy Elledge as crew chief of the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota piloted by AJ Allmendinger, effective this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.

Dale Earnhardt Inc. apparently is appealing at least the suspensions to #1 team crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion and car chief Gary Putnam. Manion and Putnam were working in the garage at Chicagoland Speedway today. Both declined comment, but their presence would indicate that DEI is appealing the penalty because suspended personnel are not allowed [...]

Regan Smith, the promising rookie who may not have any sponsorship next season at DEI, will apparently soon be sidelined; Mark Martin is leaving DEI at the end of the season to join Rick Hendrick; Martin Truex Jr. is trying to leave DEI at the end of the year

SPEED will interrupt regularly scheduled programming today at 2:30pm/et for live coverage of a Tony Stewart press conference from the deadline media room in the infield media center at Chicagoland Speedway. Stewart is expected to announce his plans for 2009 and beyond.