NASCAR Daily News Headlines * May 12, 2008

Fan Pelt Busch With Beer Cans

Busch returned to his car to do a burnout and the beer can tossing continued. Some nearly hitting the mark. Undaunted, Busch continued and FOX TV never mentioned the incident. FOX returned to the air in Victory Lane and although Busch said, "someone threw a beer can at me", it was not mentioned after that. (see VideoCast at the left of the home page)

Darlington Ratings Up

Hunter Doubts New Date For Darlington

“I personally don’t think it would be a good move for Darlington,” Hunter said Saturday. “They have had four straight sellouts, added seats and made improvements to the place. They have found a niche about this Mother’s Day weekend Saturday night race.”

Hunter doubts, though, California will lose its second date or have it switched with Atlanta, a rumor that has been swirling for some time now. “It's (California) just too big of a market,” Hunter said.

He also thinks moving Darlington’s date and putting it in the Chase for the Championship isn’t the right thing. But one thing Hunter agrees on is Darlington no longer has to sweat it out and worry about losing its date in the future. The track was put on notice by Bill France Jr. in 2003.

Four straight sellouts and the improvements, such as lights, a new grandstand and racing surface as well as possible future plans including a new Sprint Cup garage, have helped it cement its place in NASCAR.

“I think the talking of not having a race has been quelled. If it hasn’t it should have. There always will be a place for a race here,” Hunter said. “It looks better than it has ever been. Everybody has done a good job. They keep making improvements without changing the race track. “No other track on the circuit is like it. It’s one of a kind.”

Stewart's Hat Up For Auction

The charity auction begins at 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 12 and will run until 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 19. Fans can place a bid for the autographed hat by logging on to (www.OldSpice.com) or (tonystewart.com).

Throughout the 2008 racing season, every time Stewart wins a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series or NASCAR Nationwide Series race, his Old Spice victory lane towel or hat will be auctioned off for charity.

Towels from Stewart’s three previous wins this season – February 16 in the Nationwide Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, February 25 in the Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and April 26 in the Nationwide Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway – collectively raised $2,856.

During an average race, temperatures inside Stewart’s race car can reach up to 150 degrees, and he can lose 10-15 pounds by sweating. Stewart relies on Old Spice antiperspirants, deodorants and body washes to stay cool and smell great before and after a race.(tonystewart.com)