The Final Lap Podcasts
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The Final Lap – Max Papis – Tue, 21 Apr 2009
Kerry chats with Max Papis about his Twitter stardom, Talladega this weekend, earning other drivers respect and more.

The Final Lap CHAT Show #61 – Tue, 21 Apr 2009
We discuss all the goings on at Phoenix, including Mark Martin’s win in dominant fashion, Jimmie missed 4 in a row, Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch continue to roll, plus a full preview of Talladega. Hosted by Kerry Murphey and Paul Northrop

The Final Lap – Marcos Ambrose – Tue, 21 Apr 2009
Kerry chats with Marcos about his solid runs in the Cup Series, Off Weekends, JTG/MWR owner situation, running 3 wide at Talladega, and more

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY, ROUSH FENWAY INCREASES THEIR PLEDGE TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE

Concord, N.C. (April 20, 2009) – It’s been 40 years since Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day and on this day of ecological awareness, Roush Fenway Racing is upping their pledge to promote more sustainable operations and better environmental management. Always a leader in the sport of NASCAR on and off track, Roush Fenway has been working with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to reinforce its position as a leader in environmental stewardship in the industry.

“I look at enacting more sustainable environmental practices as a means towards lowering our financial and operational risks as well as reducing our ecological footprint,” said Ian Prince, CFM, LEED AP and manager of real estate and sustainability for Roush Fenway Racing. “If you do not add environmental thinking to your business strategy you run the risk of missing the upside opportunities in your market. Managing a NASCAR team more sustainably is most successful when you have a defined focus, and Roush Fenway has always been focused on being efficient in our operations.”

Continue reading “Roush helps environment, recycles more, goes green”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 21, 2009) – NASCAR announced today that it has placed Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears on probation for the next six races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of their on-track incident last Saturday at the conclusion of the race at Phoenix International Raceway.

Earnhardt, driver of the No. 88 team and Mears, driver of the No. 07 team, both violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; hitting another competitor’s car after the race had concluded) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book.

The probation takes effect beginning with this weekend’s event at Talladega Superspeedway.

Stewart Inching Toward First Win as Driver/Owner

All signs point to a Tony Stewart victory coming sooner than later. Stewart, who this season became the co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, has come oh-so-close to Victory Lane over the last three race.

His finishes have gone as such: third at Martinsville, fourth at Texas, second at Phoenix.

Stewart’s last win came at Talladega last season, setting the stage of his first win of 2009. The last owner/driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup race was Ricky Rudd at Martinsville in 1998.

Continue reading “Tony Stewart Close to his first win as owner/driver”

Talladega Celebrates 40 Years of Racing

Talladega will mark 40 years of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing this weekend. Beginning in 1969, the Alabama track has been making history with each passing race. A few highlights:

• April 29, 1982 – Benny Parsons becomes the first Sprint Cup Series driver to break the 200 mph mark in qualifying with a speed of 200.176 mph.

• July 31, 1983 – Dale Earnhardt posts his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win at Talladega.  He would become the winningest driver in track history with 10 wins.

• May 6, 1984 – The Winston 500 establishes Talladega Superspeedway as NASCAR’s Most Competitive track when it sets a NASCAR record for lead changes with 75.  The record stands today.

• May 1, 1987 – Bill Elliott sets the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying record at a blazing 212.809 mph.  The record stands today.

• Oct. 5, 2008 – A NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record 28 drivers swap the lead at Talladega Superspeedway.  Tony Stewart earns his first Sprint Cup Series win at Talladega.