NASCAR Daily News Headlines * December 19, 2008

NASCAR Settles Discrimination Suit

“We’re glad to have the case settled on mutually acceptable terms,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “NASCAR remains dedicated to maintaining a professional work environment for all employees at all times and we wish Ms. Grant well in her future endeavors.”

The specific terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential and both sides agreed not to publicly discuss the details of the case or the terms of the agreement going forward.

NASCAR To Start Drug Testing

A NASCAR memo sent to teams lists specific banned substances for which crew members must be screened. No similar guidelines were issued for drivers, as NASCAR reserves the right to test competitors for anything. Under the old policy, NASCAR had the right to randomly test based on suspicion of abuse. Under the tougher guidelines first announced in September, everyone will be tested before the season begins, and random testing will continue throughout the year. NASCAR expects to randomly test 12 to 14 individuals per series each weekend in 2009.

The guidelines were strengthened in part because of former Truck Series driver Aaron Fike's admission that he had used heroin -- even on days he raced. That led Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and other veteran drivers to call on NASCAR to add random drug testing to its policy.

The memo, dated Dec. 8, is the first time the new policy has been laid out in writing and specifies who falls under the guidelines. Those who must be tested before Jan. 16 include: pit crew members, including "over-the-wall" crew members, the crew chief, car chief, team members responsible for tires, fuel and pit crew operation, spotters and race-day support personnel that includes engineers, engine tuners, shock specialists, chassis specialists and tire specialists.(espn.go.com)

Dodge Slashes NASCAR Budget

That reduction is due in part to the team-merger between Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing, which removes Ganassi's former three-team Sprint Cup operation from the Dodge fold. (Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing will run Chevrolets.)

But Dodge will also cut back on at-track car displays, track sponsorships and promotions. It will, though, continue to support Penske Racing, Gillet Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises as planned, Accavitti said.

"We'll definitely be on the track in 2009," Accavitti said in a phone interview.

Chrysler announced Wednesday it would, starting Friday, shut down all 30 US-based manufacturing plants for a month. Accavitti said that will have no bearing on any NASCAR relationship.

"First off, we had scheduled a [two-week] holiday shutdown, anyway. That part always finds its way out of the story," Accavitti said. "We're just extending that for a couple weeks. The reason is the general, overall softening of the automotive market. And we need to get our inventories in line with the selling rate out in the economy. Obviously, as a businessman you'd rather have your factories running over time than being shut down, but this is something we need to do to adjust our inventory levels. As far as NASCAR is concerned, the idling of the plants really doesn't have any direct effect on our NASCAR racing program."

Accavitti said Dodge evaluates return-on-investment annually "on every dime spent on NASCAR" to determine whether NASCAR should remain part of its advertising plan.(espn.go.com)

Mayor Of Speedweeks Contest

Teaming with Black Crow Broadcasting (WVYB, 103.3 FM; WHOG, 95.7; 93.1 KRO Country), the winner will also receive access to pre-race and Sprint FANZONE on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, participate in DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009 Opening Ceremonies at Rolex 24 At Daytona practice, receive two tickets to the Daytona 500 Experience; wave the flag at Rolex practice session to officially get DIRECTV Speedweeks underway; serve as an honorary judge at the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona Chili Cook-off competition; attend the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver's Meeting; receive Party Zone access during the NASCAR Nationwide Series event and be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at NASCAR’s most biggest and richest race – the 51st running of the Daytona 500.

To get all the perks of Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks, fans need to tell Daytona officials “Why I Should Be Mayor of DIRECTV Speedweeks 2009” in 100 words or less.

Future Mayors can enter by mailing their essay to: Mayor of Speedweeks c/o Daytona International Speedway, P.O. Box 2801, Daytona Beach, FL, 32120; E-Mail: daytonaspeedway@daytonainternationalspeedway.com or pick up and drop off your entry at Guest Services located at Daytona 500 Experience. Fans can also get information on-line at (www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com). Visit the same site for contest details.

The contest runs Dec. 18 – Jan. 8, 2009. Winner will be chosen and called by an employee of Daytona International Speedway the week of Jan. 8, 2009.