President Barack Obama was interviewed live during ESPN2’s NASCAR Now program originating from the White House in Washington, D.C., today. The President was honoring three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson as well as other current NASCAR drivers and some past champions of the sport in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. Following the ceremony, the President joined NASCAR Now host Nicole Manske and ESPN NASCAR analyst Brad Daugherty for the live interview.

ESPN VIDEO
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Q – We just saw you honoring Jimmie Johnson and the 2008 Chase for the Championship contenders. Why was this something that NASCAR and the White House decided to do?

President Obama – NASCAR is a quintessential American sport. I think that its fan base is now worldwide, but when you think about its roots, when you think about all the people who have such an attachment to the drivers, and when you think about the fact that right now the U.S. auto industry is going through a tough time, we wanted to make sure we highlight the fact that this is a great sport, is a great brand for not just NASCAR itself but also for America, and we thought it was a great opportunity to celebrate some champions.

Continue reading “NASCAR Invades The White House, visits with President Obama”

Mark Martin’s performance at Michigan this past Sunday epitomized what the No. 5 team has faced all season. When the team is on, they are one of the most unbeatable teams on the track. Martin’s series-high four victories easily confirms that premonition.

But when things don’t quite line up as planned, Martin’s performance plummets. He has finished 30th or worse seven times, including Sunday’s 31st-place finish, and worse than 40th three times.

Continue reading “Mark Martin to make 1000th NASCAR start”

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet) and Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) are the only two drivers who can clinch a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup after the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Any driver with a 391-point lead over 13th place after the race clinches a spot in the 10-race championship battle. Second-place Gordon currently leads 13th by 437 points, Johnson leads by 418. In other words, Gordon can lose 46 points and Johnson can lose 27 points to 13th place and still clinch.

Continue reading “Jeff Gordon/Jimmie Johnson poised to clinch”

August 18, 2009

Red Bull Racing Team is pleased to announce that Brian Vickers has signed a multi-year extension to his contract. Vickers will continue to drive the No. 83 car under the leadership of crew chief Ryan Pemberton. “The team is continuing to prove that it is a consistent force week in and week out,” said Jay Frye, Vice President and General Manager of RBRT. “Brian has been here from the beginning and he continues to be a vital piece of the puzzle with regards to our ultimate goal of building Red Bull Racing into a consistent contender.”

Since joining RBRT at the beginning of the 2007 season, Vickers has racked up a win, eight top-five and 22 top-10 finishes, along with seven poles. “I’m thrilled,” said Vickers. “This has been a long time coming, and there is no where else I would rather be. I am looking forward to building on what we have started the last couple of years. It is an interesting experience being with a team from the ground up – going through the growing pains, then successes, together. I am so proud to have been able to bring this team their first win.”

The No. 83 currently sits 13th in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver points, 12 points out of the top-12.

NOTE: THE FINAL LAP CHAT now broadcasts LIVE on Tuesday’s at 11:30am Eastern from UStream – Click Here | Also HEARD on Stitcher Radio | Grab Stitcher Radio Here

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The Final Lap CHAT Show #77 – It’s Bristol Baby! – Tue, 18 Aug 2009
A full Michigan recap, a Bristol preview featuring Ben Trout – Marketing Director of Bristol Motor Speedway, We hear what changes to NASCAR Dale Jr. wants, discuss the Vickers/Ky.Busch feud and more. Hosted by Kerry Murphey and Paul Northrop

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NOTE: THE FINAL LAP CHAT now broadcasts LIVE on Tuesday’s at 11:30am Eastern from UStream – Click Here | Also HEARD on Stitcher Radio | Grab Stitcher Radio Here