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2012 Daytona July NASCAR Nationwide Series Qualifying Danica Patrick

By Garrett Horton

“I’m a race car driver” won’t get you out of a speeding ticket. Not even if you’re NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick, who was nailed for speeding in her Mercedes ML 63 AMG in Scottsdale. The need for speed doesn’t stop after the race. Many NASCAR drivers stock some of the world’s most desired cars in their personal garages.

Danica Patrick – Lamborghini Gallardo

Costing a cool $200,000, Patrick’s other road toy packs 5.2 liter V10 mid-engine with 562 horsepower, 398 pounds of torque and an all-wheel drivetrain to hug the track around corners. It’s the sort of car that gets its own episode on “Top Gear,” but Danica doesn’t find it very practical.

She says the car is difficult to drive in regards to potholes and parking around her native Scottsdale. “I just needed something more practical,” Patrick said. Danica now drives a more practical Beamer, but whether she’s driving her BMW in Phoenix, AZ, or road tripping to California, she’ll keep a closer eye for police.

Orange Lamborghini Gallardo

Photo by Axion23 via Flickr

Continue reading “What Do NASCAR’s Legends Drive Off the Clock?”

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jeff-gordon-kansas-1-2013FYI WIRZ: Drivers know fast skills lead to NASCAR, NHRA and IndyCar success

by Dwight Drum at Racetake.com

Humans are all born with inherent abilities, some more than others. All humans learn much as they grow through life, some absorb more than others.

Motorsports drivers must have a unique mix of nature and nurture that is somehow motivated by competitive energy that won’t often be denied.

When legendary driver Mario Andretti was asked if he could see motorsports abilities in children, his answer was direct and simple–”Not all kids are created equal.”

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: Drivers Know Fast Skills Lead To NASCAR, NHRA And IndyCar Success”

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carl-edwards-nascar-brickyard-2012Normally every Thursday or Friday during the long Sprint Cup season, NASCAR drivers are getting aboard private jets to get to the next racetrack to practice before the weekend race goes to the green flag.

by Dwight Drum at Racetake.com

Not this week. The next Sprint Cup Series race is July 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This week, Sprint Cup drivers have no green flag to greet them unless they choose to race Nationwide Race at Chicagoland , Camping World Truck Series at Eldora Speedway or a local short track of their choice

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Get A Rare Break Before Brickyard Intensity”

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2013-Subway-Fresh-Fit-500-Phoenix-Jimmie-Johnson-Chad-Knaus-030213Brad Keselowski nabs Loudon pole; Jimmie Johnson’s time disallowed

July 12, 2013

By Reid Spencer
NASCAR Wire Service

LOUDON, N.H.–Brad Keselowski didn’t think his lap was fast enough.

Jimmie Johnson was late to the grid after trouble getting through inspection.

Kurt Busch hit the rev limiter entering the first corner.

Nevertheless, those three drivers were to lead the field to the green flag in Sunday’s Camping World RV Sales 301 after sweeping the top three starting spots in track-record time during Friday’s time trials at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

That, at least, was what was supposed to happen, before Johnson’s inspection issues continued after qualifying and the time of the No. 48 Chevrolet was disallowed after the front of the car failed the height stick test on both sides–with both sides registering too low.

As a result, Johnson will start the race from the 43rd position.

Continue reading “Jimmie Johnson’s 48 Car Fails Multiple Pre-Race Inspections At New Hampshire”

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jimmie-johnson-nascar-daytona-500-victory-lane-2013Rolling out of the Daytona crapshoot, those teams lucky and good enough to be in the top 12 in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points are well-positioned. Only eight races remain before the points are re-set and given the scanty point system, the Top Five or so are likely to get their share of the 384 points available before the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins.

by Dwight Drum at Racetake.com

It’s simply go-time for half of the drivers and teams in the Top 20 as only 12 are going to get the chance for the coveted Sprint crown. Wins are more like treasure now. Crashes that result in even one DNF can be a mortal blow to playoff hopes. Consistency is essential.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s 36-Race Season Is Half Done With Only 8 Races To The Chase”