NASCAR Daily News Headlines * December 16, 2007

Hylton To Run Last Daytona Race

Hylton, who has been testing a No. 48 Chevrolet for owner John Carter this weekend, has been a mainstay at DIS since 1959 when the facility first opened. But only this past February, he gained the notoriety fit for a king. Hylton, the 1966 NASCAR Rookie of the Year, was the center of attention prior to 2007 Daytona 500 as he looked to become the oldest man to run in NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race. The media frenzy that went with it is something he enjoyed, but nothing he’ll miss.

“I’m trying to work out a deal to be able to do that again (run in the 50th running of the Daytona 500),” Hylton said. “I don’t have anything yet, but I’m working on getting back in. As far as (2007) went, I think things got a little out of hand with all that. They were writing the story not because I was the greatest driver that ever showed up. It was just hard for a lot of people to believe a 72-year-old man could drive a race car.

“Don’t get me wrong: I enjoyed my ’15 minutes of fame,’” he said. “But I respect the age thing. I’ll be around, maybe as a mechanic or something else. But I won’t be behind the wheel.”

Franchitti Rakes In Award After Award

While overseas, Franchitti was presented a Gregor Grant Award during the annual Autosport Awards in London. The award, named after Autosport’s founding editor, was presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in motorsport. Previous recipients include world rally champion Carlos Sainz, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One World Champion Jack Brabham. The 1966 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year and fellow Scot Jackie Stewart presented the award to Franchitti. Stewart, who had helped Franchitti during the early years of his career commented, "Dario has had tremendous success. He has been a great ambassador for Scottish motorsport."

Franchitti also attended the awards ceremony for the Scottish Motor Racing Club (SMRC) where he received the coveted Stewart Medal presented only at the discretion of racing legend Jackie Stewart. Stewart’s 40-year reign as SMRC president came to an end this year, and Franchitti is one of only five to ever receive the honor.

As a follow up, the SMRC awarded Franchitti the John Romanes Swift Trophy, in addition to an honorary lifetime membership to the organization.

Franchitti picked up both the Earl Howe Trophy and the Era Club Trophy as the British Racing Driver’s Club (BRDC) celebrated racing achievements of 2007 at their Annual Awards Luncheon at The Savoy in London. The Earl Howe Trophy is awarded to the highest placed British Driver in the Indy 500 or to the British driver who has established the most meritorious performance of the year in North America, while the Era Club Trophy is awarded to the driver who best displayed the qualities of courage and sportsmanship epitomized by the late Innes Ireland.

Franchitti is also one of 12 finalists for the Speed Performer of the Year, which will be awarded during the SPEED Performance Awards in February. The second annual SPEED Performer of the Year will be selected by a panel that includes "Wind Tunnel" host Dave Despain, veteran broadcasters Bob Varsha and Ralph Sheheen, SPEEDtv.com writers Robin Miller and Tom Jensen, and drivers Tommy Kendall and Dorsey Schroeder.

Finally, Franchitti has been nominated for the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) All-America Team in the Open Wheel category. The annual AARWBA banquet will be held January 12th in downtown Indianapolis. He will also make time in the off season to collect his Borg Warner trophy and Indianapolis 500 ring at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Co-Car Ownwer's Wife Dies

She began her career in Southwest Virginia in 1967 where she worked in government to assist in opening the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center. After two years of teaching at Sullins College, Nancyjane joined the 28th District Court Service Unit in 1972 as a Juvenile Probation Officer. In 1979 she became a Probation Supervisor serving Washington County, Smyth County, and the City of Bristol.

Nancyjane served on the Washington County and Bristol Advocacy Center Board, Washington County, Smyth County, and City of Bristol Family Assessment and Planning Teams, Community Policy and Management Teams for the three localities, Department of Juvenile Justice Gang Management Advisory Team, Highlands Home Board, Family Oriented Group Home Program Board, and the Child Sexual Abuse Trauma Team. She was also very active at St. Thomas Episcopal Church where she served on vestry for several years and was a devoted parishioner.

Nancyjane is survived by her loving husband Edwin Grady McClure, son Patrick Robert McClure, daughter Morgan Lynn McClure Rooney, mother Rose Brown, brother Bob Brown, daughter-in-law Karen McClure, son-in-law Michael Rooney, granddaughter Olivia Whitaker, and her grandson Cooper Grady Rooney.

The viewing will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, December 18 at Farris Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 19. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Thomas Episcopal Church 124 East Main Street Abingdon, Va. 24210

Sadlers Join 2008 HorsePower Tee Shot Tour

The Horsepower Tee Shot Tour (HTST) will include six events being played under the lights during race weeks next season. The scoring format will not only reward length off the tee, but accuracy as well. SPEED TV will be airing all the HTST events during the summer and early fall of 2008.

Sadler recently spent some time on the range with the Power Pros at Estrella Golf Club prior to the race at Phoenix International Speedway. HTST President John Mamoudis stated, "You never know what to expect when anyone steps up on the tee. Hermie was hitting his driver straight and consistently 260-280 yards. If he can bring that swing to the tee next season he will be tough to beat".

Hermie is a NASCAR veteran who spent years behind the steering wheel, but recently traded it in for a microphone. Sadler currently spends the majority of his weekends on SPEED and DIRECTV delivering news and broadcasts to millions of race fans. "I’ve been playing golf for a long time and it’s something I really enjoy," commented the elder Sadler. "These Power Pros really crush the ball so to be teamed up with one of them and watch these guys hit the driver is going to be awesome. As for the other guys in the garage, I have played with most of them and feel I have an excellent chance to be successful."

Elliott Sadler, driver of the No. 19 Dodge, is no stranger to a golf course. Elliott spends much of his free time playing on golf courses around the country. "When I’m not at the track during the summer you can usually find me on a golf course," stated Sadler. "I play every single day that I possibly can. I’m a member at several courses around the country and I hope the experience I’ve had on the golf course will help me win this competition. My fellow drivers know how far I can hit the ball, but this contest is going to be about distance and accuracy. I’m going to bring my best game to every tournament and hope for the best."

Jeff Hammond, a spokesman for the HTST and NASCAR on FOX broadcaster, had these thoughts. "I am very glad Elliott and Hermie have committed to our events. We have identified a handful of guys who have the talent to strike the golf ball and these two were certainly on our "A" List. Stay tuned for the others to complete our team rather quickly."