NASCAR Daily News Headlines * December 6, 2008

Wood Brothers Cut Back

The mile-and-a-half tracks were picked because Ford's program is strongest there. "We could run up to 20 but we decided to do 12 and do it right," Wood said Saturday. "We're going back to doing it the way we did it years ago."

The organization used to pick and choose races in the early years. It ran only 18 races in 1973, with David Pearson, who won 11 of them. Wood said the organization, which lost Air Force as a sponsor to Gillett Evernham Motorsports, had to let 22 employees go to reduce the team to about 40.(espn.go.com)

Edwards Won't Change Thailand Plans

But Edwards and his fiancé, Dr. Kate Downey, are not changing their plans to bike through the country. “I am going to do it,” Edwards said. “If the airport is open, we’re going. I couldn’t be more excited about it.(scenedaily.com)

Yarborough Surprises Johnson

The two champions will be forever linked in NASCAR lore. This season, Johnson joined Yarborough as the only drivers to win three consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships. Yarborough accomplished the historic feat from 1976-78. During Yarborough’s incredible three-year stretch, he posted 28 wins, 70 top-five and 74 top-10 finishes.

"Somebody finally did it,” Yarborough said. “I set a pretty good record, didn't I? It took them 30 years to tie it. There are only two of us who have done it in the 60 years of the sport. That's a pretty good accomplishment. You know, I haven't been to this banquet in several years, but tonight I feel like I got my racing spirit back. You know, all he really did is tie the record – he still has to break it. He still has some work to do. I want to congratulate Jimmie; he's a great man and a great racer. I know he's going to win some more championships. Maybe he can skip a year though."

Yarborough’s famous swagger continues to this day. During his speech, he told team owner Rick Hendrick that if there was a ride open in his stable, he could have the first 70-year-old series champion. Yarborough turns 70 next March. Johnson matched Yarborough’s record with another typically brilliant performance. In 2008, Johnson had seven wins, 15 top fives and 22 top 10s.

"What a surprise and what an honor to have Cale present me with the championship ring,” Johnson said. “I'm pretty much floored.”

The Yarborough ring presentation was the culmination of a night filled with memory-making moments. Earlier in the program, Betty Jane France – widow of former NASCAR Chairman and CEO Bill France Jr. – introduced Academy Award winning actor Kevin Costner, who made some remarks commemorating the 60th anniversary season of NASCAR. Costner was later joined on stage by seven-time champion Richard Petty, who spoke on the impact NASCAR has had on his life and the tremendous growth of the sport.

Also in attendance was Academy Award nominee Tom Cruise, who played Cole Trickle in the NASCAR-themed film Days of Thunder.

Champions Week – Day 5

“Yes, I want to win a fourth championship,” said Johnson, who along with Cale Yarborough is the only NASCAR driver to ever win three straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series titles. “Right now, I’m just part of history. I’d love to make history. I’m not pulling a Babe Ruth and pointing over the outfield fence and saying I’m going to hit it over here, but yeah, I want to win a fourth championship. We’ll see.” -- Team owner Rick Hendrick, whose teams have won eight series championships, says the chemistry on the No. 48 team has helped provide a winning combination. “There’s a lot of talent on that team, but the thing that really impresses me is how well they work together toward achieving the common goal of winning a championship,” said Hendrick. “They stay motivated and have that “refuse to lose” mentality. For the most part, the team has remained intact from the inception and the consistency has been a real plus in helping them get to the level they are today.”

Johnson’s wife, Chandra, says it’s amazing to see how passionate her husband is about his work. “Jimmie loves what he does for a living and that’s a real blessing,” said Chandra. “The passion he has for driving that race car is unbelievable.” -- Friday night’s awards ceremony not only recognized Johnson and his championship team, it also featured the remaining top 10 drivers from the 2008 season, including Kyle Busch (10th); Tony Stewart (9th); Denny Hamlin (8th); Jeff Gordon (7th); Jeff Burton (6th); Clint Bowyer (5th); Kevin Harvick (4th); Greg Biffle (3rd); and Carl Edwards (2nd). Actor and film director Kevin Costner made some remarks during the banquet regarding NASCAR’s recently completed 60th anniversary season and was joined at the podium by seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty. The musical group Matchbox 20 performed and comedian John Pinette also entertained the audience.

Braun Racing Hires Scott Zipadelli

Zipadelli first came onto the NASCAR scene in 1999, starting out as a general mechanic at Innovative Motorsports. He quickly made a name for himself and within two years made the move to Evernham Motorsports.

In 2002, Zipadelli joined his older brother Greg, at Joe Gibbs Racing where he watched Greg lead Tony Stewart to his first ever NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship. Inspired by being a part of a highly successful organization, the younger Zipadelli moved into the role of plate setup manager for the No. 18 car, driven by 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte. Additionally, he served as the chassis setup specialist and was later promoted to car chief for the team. In five seasons with the No. 18 team, Zipadelli and his crew saw Victory Lane three times and sat on the Bud Pole Position for nine events.

Realizing that he was ready to further challenge his abilities and leadership skills, Zipadelli returned to the Nationwide Series and joined JTG Racing as crew chief of the No. 47 team, first with driver, Jon Wood, and then newcomer Kelly Bires. In two years, Zipadelli proved to have the knack as he helped Wood and Bires, a rookie driver, to numerous impressive finishes.

Now, Zipadelli looks upon a new challenge with Braun Racing where he will work with a new driver, a new car manufacturer and a new crew.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join Braun Racing,” said Zipadelli. “This is a team that has proven that they have all of the necessary tools to go out and contend for wins each and every week. I look forward to helping to add to their success and working together with this core group of guys who have been together for a number of years to win more races and contend for a championship.”

Leffler, who has driven for Braun Racing since 2005, is excited about the fresh perspective Zipadelli brings with him to the organization.