NASCAR Daily News Headlines * December 4, 2008

Kansas Before Kentucky Says France

Speaking after an appearance at the Street & Smith's Motorsports Marketing Forum, France said NASCAR wouldn't approve a request without making sure it fits the sanctioning body's criteria. "It depends on what they want to exchange it for," France said. "If they want to leave a smaller market not performing as well, we would look at that favorably. They all understand what that criteria is. I would expect Bruton [Smith at SMI] or ISC to ask for it in the way that would get it approved. ... We're not going to take a date that's working fabulously at one place to move it to a second date anywhere."

ISC, a publicly traded company whose majority of voting stock is owned by the NASCAR-controlling France family, has pledged a second Cup date at Kansas to go along with the construction of a Hard Rock Hotel and casino.

France said a 2010 Cup date is "possible" at Kansas, but Kentucky is another matter. Although SMI is expected to complete a purchase of the track later this month, the current owners have indicated they will continue pursuing a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and ISC over the issue of Cup venues.

France has held firm that as long as the lawsuit continues NASCAR will not consider a realignment request. An appeal on whether the case should go to trial likely won't be decided until March at the earliest.(nascar.com)

Champions Week – Day 3

“It (winning three straight championships) is starting to sink in some,” said Johnson, who joins Cale Yarborough as the only NASCAR drivers to ever win three consecutive titles. “I probably won’t realize just how special this run’s been until I retire one day. I can tell you that we’re already looking ahead to next season, and doing all we can to win another championship. I can remember I was up in our transporter at Texas late in the season and Chad (Knaus) was already studying some computer data regarding next year’s Daytona 500 car.”

Hendrick, who won his eighth team championship this season, says the accomplishments of the No. 48 team have been extraordinary. “The work and dedication from this race team have been second to none,” said Hendrick. “To win three straight championships in a sport as competitive as NASCAR is really extra special.” -- Knaus applauded the leadership Hendrick provides to the entire organization. “To win three in a row is a real tribute to the leadership “Mr. H” provides our team,” said Knaus, who becomes the first crew chief in NASCAR history to win three straight championships. “He’s such a special person in my life.” -- Smith, a native of Upstate New York, said winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award was a “tremendous honor.” -- “Being able to celebrate this award in my home state is really a big deal,” said Smith. “This is actually my first trip to New York City and I know it’s going to be an awesome experience.”

Edwards Ruffles Aflac's Feathers

Aflac vice president Al Johnson, speaking at the Street & Smith's Motorsports Marketing Forum on Tuesday, talked about the line drivers have with their sponsors in showing their emotions.

Johnson said he believes his company has found the right person in Edwards and doesn't want the Roush Fenway Racing driver to hide his passion. Aflac just doesn't want it go overboard as it did in the Lowe's Motor Speedway garage area in October when Edwards and Kevin Harvick got in a brief shoving match.(nascar.com)

Indy Wants To Make Up For Bad NASCAR Race

Michelin offered fans free tickets after all of the Formula One drivers who used its tires opted not to compete in the 2005 United States Grand Prix at the track, instead pulling off track after the prerace warmup. An extensive ticket giveaway such as Michelin’s might not be the answer, but Chitwood wants to explore ways to make amends with the fans. NASCAR estimated that 240,000 people attended the race last year.

“I think there is an opportunity, from a Goodyear perspective, to help us with our customer,” Chitwood said Tuesday during the Street & Smith’s Motorsports Marketing Forum. “It’s a tough spot to be in [when you have] any opportunity to showcase your product and to not do it in a way that makes sense or has a negative feeling.”(scenedaily.com)

Wingo Named No. 26 Crew Chief

“I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie again,” said Wingo, who served as McMurray’s crew chief for three seasons at Ganassi Racing. “Jamie and I had some good runs together at Ganassi and we were pretty successful on the track. I’ve seen how well Jamie has performed in the past and I hope with coming over to Roush Fenway Racing we can build on that success.

“Not only do I get to work with Jamie, but I get to work with four other really good crew chiefs here at Roush Fenway Racing. With the support of them and everyone at Ford Racing, I’m really looking forward to next season.”

In 2008, McMurray finished 16th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings with four top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.

“Donnie and I have been friends for years,” said McMurray. “Even when he wasn’t my crew chief, I would still call and talk to him - not just about racing - but anything. He is one of the hardest workers I know, so to be able to have him come over to Roush Fenway and be a part of this No. 26 Crown Royal / IRWIN Industrial Tools team is really exciting.

“We ended our season on such a high note, that I can’t wait to get back to Daytona. We have a few changes we are going to make to the No. 26 team during the off season, but I totally expect that we will be able to start the 2009 season just as strong as we finished 2008. I’m excited to have Donnie back as my crew chief and I am looking forward to next season here at Roush Fenway Racing.”