Gibbs Helping Waltrip?
Michael Waltrip said in a TV interview last week that one reason his team has improved in recent weeks is the help it has received from Joe Gibbs Racing. JGR is moving to Toyota next year, but it can't make Chevrolet officials too happy to hear the Gibbs experts already are sharing info with the Toyota camp.(espn.go.com)

Smith May Move Track Anyway
Lowe’s Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith now says there is a “90%” he will move his track out of Concord for another site around Charlotte. And if he leaves Concord, Smith said, he will raze the track and sell the property piecemeal. Smith’s comments to the Observer on Monday are the latest twist in an episode that began when the city of Concord moved to stop work on a $60 million drag strip on speedway property.

After the City Council’s Oct. 1 vote to rezone the property to ban drag strips, Smith threatened to move the track. Last week, the city reversed its position on the drag strip and started talking about offering incentives to help reduce noise from the drag strip, a concern among neighbors. Smith said he would feel obligated to buy back the 52 condominiums at the speedway from their owners.

A final decision on the move won’t be made until after the Concord City Council revisits the issue Oct. 26, Smith said.(autoracingsport.com)

Pink Car For Sorenson
Target and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today that the No. 41 Target Dodge will feature a pink paint scheme for the next two NEXTEL Cup Series events to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Reed Sorenson will be running a pink No. 41 Dodge in this weekend’s 500-mile race at Martinsville Speedway and at his hometown track - Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 28. Additionally, Target and CGRFS also announced Sorenson’s teammate David Stremme will be driving a Target House Dodge at Martinsville, highlighting Team Target’s commitment to cause-related programs.

“I’ve been looking forward to running the pink car all year,” said Sorenson. “Lots of people have been asking if we were doing it this year and I’m happy to say that we are. I’m very fortunate to be racing for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in the NEXTEL Cup Series for a living and I’m honored to be able to represent such a good cause and to raise awareness about Breast Cancer.”

“Reed and Target are running to recognize a very important initiative with breast cancer awareness and I have the privilege of doing the same on a different front,” said Stremme. “Target House is a home-away-from home for families whose children are receiving life saving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. It’s an honor to represent such a great facility that enhances the quality of life for those dealing with pediatric cancer and other life-threatening childhood diseases.”

Sorenson has created a donation pledge for the Atlanta race, which Target will match, that consists of a number of levels, with the top amount (including the match) being $36,400. Sorenson will donate $10,000 for a win, $5,000 for a top-five finish, $1,000 for a top-10 finish, $4,100 for a pole and $12.62 for each lap completed, totaling $4,100 if he completes all of the scheduled 325 laps that will make up the Pep Boys Auto 500. He will also auction his autographed custom race helmet and firesuit with proceeds from the pledge and auction benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and Project Pink House.

“I feel very strongly about the ongoing search to find a cure for breast cancer,” continued Sorenson. “Also, I feel it is important for individuals and their families dealing with breast cancer to have a place to go for comfort and guidance. Both BCRF and Project Pink House are great causes and I’m very happy to be able to contribute to both. Hopefully we’ll be donating the maximum amount.”

Individuals that want to bid for either Sorenson’s helmet or firesuit from the “Pink Car” races can visit www.reedsorenson.com. The auction will begin on Monday, Oct. 22. Artwork for both the Pink Car and Target House car are available upon request.