The Final Lap website and podcasts are proud to be recognized and included in the first round by NASCAR into their “NASCAR Citizen Journalists Media Corps” program.  Our website features reporting and coverage from independent writers and citizen journalists from around the country, as well as features direct from NASCAR, plus podcasts from traditional media member Kerry Murphey.

While our national radio show The Final Lap is considered traditional media, our website, podcasts, and use of social media is what makes this a great mix of both traditional and citizen journalism.  We are truly excited to mesh all of these things together on a daily basis to cover and promote the great sport of NASCAR Racing.

It is an amazing honor to be chosen by NASCAR in their first round of picks for this exciting program and hope this affiliation will benefit both The Final Lap and NASCAR, as well as the 27 other members of this program so far.

Check out the official announcement and press release regarding this program from NASCAR, as well as the links to all of the others chosen to participate.

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Nearly 30 Web Sites Given Access, Tools To Cover NASCAR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 17, 2009) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced the members of the newly-formed “NASCAR Citizen Journalists Media Corps.” This group of new media consists of a range of professional and amateur experience covering NASCAR. One common theme is that each site is dedicated to providing information about NASCAR to a growing readership.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response since our initial announcement to form the NASCAR Citizen Journalist Media Corps last month,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Corporate Communications Ramsey Poston. “More voices speaking about NASCAR is good for the sport and is fan friendly. We intend to make the most of the changing media landscape.”

“The National Motorsports Press Association comprises journalists dedicated to informing the public about motorsports,’’ said Dustin Long, president of the NMPA. “We welcome citizen journalists to the media center in hopes that it increases the depth of knowledge of the fan base.’’

“The sport is there, the fans are there, the need for information is there,” said Jim Pedley, managing editor of Racintoday.com and NASCAR Citizen Journalists Media Corps member. “As more and more fans turn from newspapers to new sources for their racing information, and as more websites become more professional, NASCAR had to take notice and act. You’ve got to believe the fans will be the beneficiaries.”

After a lengthy review process, which included evaluating independent Web sites on professionalism, reporting and commentary, and use of social networking tools, 28 sites were invited to be part of the new media corps. In addition, NASCAR Public Relations has launched a page on Delicious.com (http://delicious.com/NASCARSays) that provides links to each of the Citizen Journalists web sites.

Members of the corps will have the opportunity to apply for media credentials but like all media, will be expected to abide by the standards of professional conduct (i.e. no autographs, photos with drivers, etc.) They will also have access to other media-driven events and teleconferences and NASCAR’s media-only website. NASCAR will provide access to the information, it’s up to the journalists to tell the story.

The traditional media that cover the sport on a day-to-day basis will continue to be the cornerstone of NASCAR news and information. However, as traditional news coverage continues to decline across the board for all sports, it is important to recognize the emerging media sources that provide unique points of view to growing audiences.

The Citizen Journalists Media Corps includes:
•    Autoracing1.com/nascar.asp
•    Badgroove.com
•    Benchracing.onpitrow.com
•    Bleacherreport.com/nascar
•    Bump-drafts.com
•    Catchfence.com
•    Dalyplanet.blogspot.com
•    Everyjoe.com/topic/auto-racing
•    Thefastandthefabulous.com
•    Finallapradio.com (That’s us!)
•    4ever3blog.com
•    Frontstretch.com
•    Greenwhitechecker.typepad.com/greenwhitechecker
•    Haddockinthepaddock.com
•    Hardcoreracefans.com
•    InsiderRacingNews.com
•    Paddocktalk.com
•    Racedriven.com
•    Racejournalonline.com
•    Racetake.com
•    Racingnewsdigest.com
•    Racintoday.com
•    Rowdy.com
•    Rubbingsracing.com
•    Speedwaymedia.com
•    Thehotlap.com
•    Theracinggeek.com
•    TruckSeries.com