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Dale Earnhardt Jr. without a doubt has turned the corner.

The 135-race winless streak remains intact. But its end has become a case of when rather than if. Junior has become a story not for where he’s been but rather where he’s going – straight toward the top of the points standings.

A third-place finish at Martinsville Speedway, his third top five of the season, shot Earnhardt out of a third-place traffic jam and within six points of leader Greg Biffle. How well is Junior doing? Consider:

• He’s one of two drivers with three top-five and four top-four finishes. The other is Biffle.

• Three of the past four races have seen the No. 88 Chevrolet head the field.

Continue reading “Look out, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is second in points”

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NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING CHIEF APPELLATE OFFICER STATEMENT

On March 20, 2012, the Chief Appellate Officer heard and considered the appeal of the penalties resulting from the #48 Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. This stemmed from an opening day inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2012.

The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing;” Section 12-4(J): “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the Event;” and Section 20-2.1(E): “If in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted: Unapproved car body modifications.”

Continue reading “Jimmie Johnson’s 48 Team Points & Penalties Overturned”

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NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING APPEALS PANEL STATEMENT

On March 13, 2012, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of the #48 Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

UPDATE 3/15/12 -The National Stock Car Chief Appellate Officer will conduct a hearing on the appeal of the No. 48 team Tuesday, March 20, at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing;” Section 12-4(J): “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the Event;” and Section 20-2.1(E): “If in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted: Unapproved car body modifications.”

Continue reading “NASCAR Penalties Stand for Jimmie Johnson’s Hendrick 48 Team”

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Biffle Nabs Top Spot With Personal Triple Crown

With Chassis No. 777 in Las Vegas, Greg Biffle rolled his third consecutive third-place finish to start the season and take over the points lead for the second time in his career (the first was following Sonoma in 2005). Biffle credits crew chief Matt Puccia for helping him attempt to become the first driver to win all three national series titles. To lead the points, Biffle and the No. 16 3M team needed a leader and has found it in Puccia. “Just plain and simply, Matt Puccia is the reason why we’re running and competing and finishing where we are,” Biffle said. “This team needed leadership. He was willing to step up and take the task on. Done a fantastic job so far.”

Continue reading “Cup Series Points Standings: Greg Biffle Leads”

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….while we wait for the official penalties after the Hendrick appeal.

Johnson Continues Climb
Daytona seems like forever ago for the five-time champion. A 42nd-place finish in the Daytona 500, coupled with a 25 points penalty for infractions in prerace inspection put Johnson in the red going into Phoenix.

Now, after a fourth-place finish at Phoenix and a runner-up run in Las Vegas, Johnson is back up to 23rd in the points. Johnson won his first Bristol race in March of 2010, and tallied two top fives in last year’s two Bristol events.