Kevin Harvick has received a crash course on privacy laws, learned how long different drugs stay in the system, and tested the drivers and crew chiefs on the teams he owns.

A month after the startling admission by former Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike that he used heroin on the day of races, Harvick has jumped ahead of NASCAR by requiring the drivers and crews on his Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series teams to submit to drug tests. Continue reading ‘Harvick drug tests his teams, drivers’

Aflac Incorporated announced its signing of a full-season multi-year primary sponsorship of Roush Fenway Racing driver Carl Edwards and the #99 Ford Fusion. Additionally, Aflac continues its relationship as the official supplemental insurance company for Roush Fenway Racing and Carl Edwards. Continue reading ‘Aflac announces multi-year sponsorship of Edwards No 99′

One racer giving to his fellow competitor has been part of the family atmosphere of NASCAR racing for 60 years. But the actions of Kevin and DeLana Harvick at this weekend’s Carquest Auto Parts 300 exemplify helping your fellow man. Continue reading ‘Harvick gives Shepherd Nationwide car for Lowe’s, Jarrett buying tires’

Speedway Motorsports, Inc. announced today that H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, chief operating officer and president of Speedway Motorsports and president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway, is retiring from both positions following the Coca-Cola 600. A decision will be made on Wheeler’s successor in the near future by the Speedway Motorsports, Inc. board of directors. Continue reading ‘“Humpy” Wheeler to retire after Coca Cola 600′

DENISE MALOOF: Welcome to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teleconference ahead of Sunday’s Coca Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Our guest today is Mark Martin, former Coca Cola 600winner from 2002. Mark, welcome. Continue reading ‘Coca Cola 600 Interview: Mark Martin’

Driver Helio Castroneves, who is seeking to win his third Indianapolis 500 this weekend, said he is considering following several other open-wheel racers and moving to NASCAR but has made no decision yet. Continue reading ‘IndyCar star Helio Castroneves ponders move to NASCAR in 2009′

Jimmy Elledge, crew chief for Sprint Cup driver Juan Pablo Montoya and the No. 42 Dodge, has been released from his duties at Chip Ganassi Racing, team officials confirmed Tuesday. Continue reading ‘Ganassi fires No 42 crew chief Jimmy Elledge’

Petty Enterprises announced the plans to celebrate “The King” Richard Petty’s 50th anniversary in NASCAR. The plan includes Petty getting back into a racecar and turning laps at Chicagoland Speedway. On July 12, 1958, Petty made his first NASCAR start in the old Convertible Division at Columbia Speedway in Cayce, South Carolina. On July 12, 2008, Petty Enterprises and the entire NASCAR community will celebrate the anniversary of that race at the Chicagoland Speedway, where the Sprint Cup Series is competing in the Life Lock 400. Continue reading ‘A Golden Anniversary fit for “The King”’

It was a matchup NASCAR could only dream of: Melanie Troxel and Ashley Force going head-to-head in the first all-female Funny Car elimination round.

Troxel won the round, made it to the finals and ultimately claimed the title Sunday at Thunder Valley Nationals — making her the first woman in NHRA history to win in both its nitro classes. Troxel downplayed the significance of her matchup with Force, trying hard to remove gender from the historic moment.

“Everybody wants to make a big story about Ashley and I running against each other,’’ she said. “For me, it’s not about the other female out here. I think it’s pretty sad if we have to just compare ourselves against each other.’’

She’s right, of course. Female competitors are no longer a sideshow in most forms of racing, and Troxel’s championship proved women are succeeding at a consistent pace.

Except in NASCAR, that is. Continue reading ‘NASCAR still looking for its Danica Patrick, Ashley Force’

NASCAR officials won’t alter the minimum age limit for drivers in the Cup series for next season.

Series officials talked before the season about possibly raising the minimum age limit from 18 to 21 but decided against it.

Emotions flowed around the #44 UPS Racing Team during the Sprint All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as Dale Jarrett embarked in the final race of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career. Jarrett finished the night with a 21st-place finish but more importantly finished his career among friends, family and fans at the track he considers “home.” Continue reading ‘Jarrett calls it a career in All Star Race at Lowe’s’

ESPN is reporting that two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart, who is exploring options outside of Joe Gibbs Racing, reportedly could be a partner with JR Motorsports. Continue reading ‘Stewart could partner with JR Motorsports?’

Aflac insurance has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to be the primary sponsor of Carl Edwards’ Roush Fenway Racing Ford beginning next year, according to sources. Continue reading ‘Aflac to become primary sponsor for Edwards No 99 in 2009?’

Joe Gibbs Racing used its own engines in the all-star race as opposed to the engines it receives from Toyota Racing Development. The team plans to go back to TRD motors for the Coca-Cola 600. Continue reading ‘Gibbs used its own engines in All Star race, not Toyota’s’