DAYTONA: Dave and 'the King'

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Here's an interesting shot from this afternoon. Dave Franks and Richard Petty hanging out in the Infield Media Centre at Daytona. Tonight is the Truck race, which should be fun. Have a great weekend everyone... enjoy the races.

F1 in Toronto???

TORONTO, ON - The CBC has a story about the efforts of Canadian F1 team owner Alex Shnaider to bring the Canadian Grand Prix to Toronto.

No firm ideas on where they'd race, exactly, given that they used to race at Mosport and that's universally considered not to be an option unless significant upgrades are made.

CBC Toronto - Lobbying underway for Grand Prix move to Toronto

DAYTONA: Harvick & Johnson... a different perspective

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Below is a link to a column about one writer's take on the lead up to 'the big one' in the second 150-miler at Daytona this afternoon.

The writer, Jerry Bonkowski, says the blame is all Johnson's. I think he's the only person I've heard who hasn't pointed the finger at Harvick.

I watched the replays from several angles and it's clear that Harvick bumped Johnson several times on the exit from turn 2, and drove right through him once it was clear that the #48 was in trouble.

Bonkowski says Harvick's move was something that Dale Earnhardt Sr. built his legend upon. Hmmm. Anyway, an interesting take.

Yahoo! Sports - NASCAR - Temper, temper

NASCAR: Duel #2 Results... featuring Kevin "the idiot"

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The second 150-miler featured a brain-fade by Kevin Harvick, who took out race leader Jimmie Johnson (and several others). Harvick deserved being called "an idiot" by Johnson, who was justifiably steamed. It sounds like the #48 car can be repaired, however, which will allow him to keep his second starting position for Sunday's Daytona 500.

Tony Stewart won the race, ahead of Jeff Burton. Kevin Lepage deserves a 'checkered flag' for racing his way into the 500 with a third-place finish.

FINISH: Duel #2
1. 13 #20 Tony Stewart
2. 7 #31 Jeff Burton
3. 20 #37 Kevin Lepage
4. 15 #1 Martin Truex Jr.
5. 4 #10 Scott Riggs
6. 22 #17 Matt Kenseth
7. 18 #7 Robby Gordon
8. 12 #22 Scott Wimmer
9. 16 #40 Sterling Marlin
10. 5 #136 Boris Said
11. 6 #14 John Andretti
12. 11 #18 Bobby Labonte
13. 24 #32 Bobby Hamilton Jr.
14. 25 #155 Derrike Cope
15. 9 #19 Jeremy Mayfield
16. 28 #43 Jeff Green
17. 21 #173 Eric McClure *
18. 26 #152 Larry Gunselman
19. 17 #25 Brian Vickers
20. 1 #48 Jimmie Johnson
21. 2 #29 Kevin Harvick
22. 10 #6 Mark Martin
23. 3 #01 Joe Nemechek
24. 8 #2 Rusty Wallace
25. 14 #07 Dave Blaney
26. 27 #80 Andy Belmont
27. 19 #27 Kirk Shelmerdine
28. 23 #13 Greg Sacks

NASCAR: Duel #1 Results... a.k.a. the Sandbag Special

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - So... obviously the reports of the demise of DEI's restrictor plate program were greatly exaggerated! Waltrip passes Little E at the stripe after the two started deep in the field following woeful qualifying efforts.

FIN. ST. # DRIVER
1 18 #15 Michael Waltrip
2 21 #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3 8 #23 Mike Skinner
4 16 #12 Ryan Newman
5 5 #21 Ricky Rudd
6 4 #97 Kurt Busch
7 2 #24 Jeff Gordon
8 12 #42 Jamie McMurray
9 11 #5 Kyle Busch *
10 22 #100 Kenny Wallace
11 17 #33 Kerry Earnhardt
12 3 #11 Jason Leffler
13 9 #16 Greg Biffle
14 25 #77 Travis Kvapil *
15 14 #99 Carl Edwards
16 15 #4 Mike Wallace
17 19 #41 Casey Mears
18 26 #192 Stanton Barrett
19 20 #49 Ken Schrader
20 7 #45 Kyle Petty
21 1 #88 Dale Jarrett
22 13 #0 Mike Bliss
23 23 #09 Johnny Sauter
24 10 #9 Kasey Kahne
25 24 #66 Hermie Sadler
26 6 #38 Elliott Sadler
27 28 #34 Randy LaJoie
28 27 #89 Morgan Shepherd
* Denotes Rookie

GREAT CAUSE: Project Track Champion Wheelchair Accessible Motor Racing

VARNEY, ON - Denny Snider of Varney Motor Speedway is the driving force behind a great project. Designed to allow handicapped children a chance to get a firsthand feeling for what it's like to drive in a stock car, Project Track Champion will let kids do just that.

Have a look at the link below to see what Snider and his supporters are up to. It also has information about how you can get behind the project. Inside Track will have a full feature on Project Track Champion in Volume 9, Issue 1.

Project Track Champion Wheelchair Accessible Motor Racing

AIM Autosport Selects James Hinchcliffe

WOODBRIDGE, ON – AIM Autosport, long recognized for its success in developing young open-wheel drivers and engineers, announced today the addition of James Hinchcliffe to their 2005 Star Formula Mazda Series North American Championship team. Hinchcliffe, along with previously announced Mark Wilkins make up two-thirds of the three car assault on the 2005 series for AIM Autosport.



“I can tell you that everyone at AIM Autosport is thrilled to have James back with us again this year” said AIM Autosport Formula Mazda Team manager Ian Willis. ”James will no doubt be a contender for the title as he was last season with us in Formula BMWUSA” added Willis.

James is not only a proven race winner with us Formula BMWUSA, he is also a very personable young man who represents the team and sponsors extremely well. Entering his second year with AIM Autosport he will be moving to the next step in our development process, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.

“I fully expect James to show the kind of pace he did last year and I also think that he and teammate Mark Wilkins will have a healthy battle between them that will improve the overall performance of both drivers in what is a highly competitive series”.

Willis is excited about the team’s prospects in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Having what he refers to as a “Dream Team” of James Hinchcliffe and Mark Wilkins, both proven race winners in AIM prepared cars. “We not only have two fast drivers, we also have two guys with an extremely positive team ethic which I know will create a great team dynamic”.

"Its been a long off season and I cant wait to get back behind the wheel. I have been keeping myself sharp, mentally and physically, and I am looking forward to a great year" "Last year AIM Autosport and I went into Formula BMWUSA for the first time and we had great results. With the same great team behind me, I don't see why our rookie year in Mazda can't be just as good or even better" said Hinchcliffe.

"I am really excited about the tracks we race at this year. Being back in Montreal with F1 will fantastic and I have always wanted to drive places like Road Atlanta, St. Petersburg and the oval at Pikes Peak. The variety is just an awesome challenge." added James.

Testing for Wilkins and Hinchcliffe continues in the lead up to the opening race in the 2005 season at Sebring Florida- March 18th.

- From AIM Autosport

Seatbelts, schmeatbelts....

Inside Track senior contributor Russ Bond sent us a short video that was taken inside of a taxi cab. The driver - who wasn't wearing a seatbelt - fell asleep.... and then the adventure began.

Might make you think twice the next time you get in your car and wonder if it's worth two seconds to put your belt on.

Click here to watch the video....

Interesting story.... Randy MacDonald's Busch Series Team

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Looking over the entry list for next Saturday's Busch Series race at Daytona Int'l Speedway, I see that Canadian Randy MacDonald's MacDonald Motorsports outfit will be in action again.

The team's sponsor is a website called P4OT.com, which is short for "Pray for our Troops". See below for a link to the story about how MacDonald came to be associated with this group and how they plan to support America's troops.

P4OT - MacDonald Motorsports and P4OT

DAYTONA: Passing Thoughts

TORONTO, ON - I had a great time on Raceline Radio last night with Erik Tomas, discussing the weekend's events at Daytona Int'l Speedway. Thanks to ET for the opportunity... lots of fun.



The main topic of conversation was the trouble that some of the historically dominant Cup teams had during pole qualifying. The DEI cars of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip were WAY down the chart, which was particularly stunning considering they have owned the restrictor plate tracks for the past few seasons.

And while NASCAR isn't quite where F1 is with its 2x2 team qualifying grids (2 Ferraris, 2 Williams, 2 McLarens, etc....) it was interesting to note how many team drivers posted similar times to each other, underscoring how much Daytona 500 qualifying is 'won' during the winter on dynos. Apparently, the drivers aren't joking when they say that they're largely irrelevant when it comes to restrictor plate poles.

The Hendrick cars were very strong (Jimmie Johson second & Jeff Gordon third in qualifying); the Joe Gibbs Racing cars had a tough time, as did the Penske and Ganassi teams. One surprise was that Kyle Petty was the top performing Dodge qualifier (in 12th).

You have to mention veteran Dale Jarrett, who collected the pole for the Daytona 500 in his UPS Ford.

Aside from that, everyone seems to be shaking their heads at the ARCA spectacle... again.

Finally, kudos to Canadian short track racer Jerry Artuso who won nights #1, #2 and #3 at New Smyrna Speedway in the Late Model division of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Artuso has been a fixture at New Smyrna for several years but never enjoyed such success.... good for you Jerry!

There are several other Canucks in action at NSS, although there is one notable name missing from the action. Legend Junior Hanley isn't in Florida and word is that he may have hung up his helmet. Working with his son, Jeff, at Jeff's Milton, ON shop, the Hall of Fame racer is reportedly not optimistic about racing this season.

Good luck to Pete Shepherd, Kirk Hooker, Ron Van Es and the rest of the Canadians at Speedweek. Dave Franks is going to send in photos shortly so we'll have something to share with you.

- Greg.

ARCA: Kimmel goes back to front (almost)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Frank Kimmel, the New Albany, Indiana driver of the Advance Auto Parts Ford Taurus sponsored by Pork. The Other White Meat®, raced from the rear of the field and finished second in Saturday's Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 at Daytona International Speedway in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

Between Kimmel’s exceptional driving and Tri-State Motorsports’ thorough car preparation, the race was an outstanding achievement for the team, overtaking every car in the field except one to place second in the series’ opener.

"I can't remember a more exciting final last ten laps ever, and this was the best chance we had to win at Daytona," explained a very happy Kimmel. "The Tri-State Motorsports Team did a great job preparing a very fast race car. We were able to quickly move the Advance Auto Parts-Pork Ford to the front group of leaders and stay in front of all the accidents. The best place to see a wreck is in your mirror."

Kimmel who posted the fastest speed in final practice at 185.280 mph Thursday and was disqualified for failing to successfully complete technical inspection by the established deadline in Pork Pole award qualifying and was forced to start from 41st position.

"We are very happy and excited with Frank's finish today in the Advance Discount Auto Parts 200," stated Sam Hampton, Director of Marketing for Advance Discount Auto Parts. "It takes a great team to accomplish what they did today and it's a great start to another Championship season."

Kimmel www.frankkimmel.com, is the six-time ARCA RE/MAX Series driving champion, and the only driver in series history to win an unprecedented five consecutive titles, along with 56 posted series wins.
"We are extremely proud of what the team accomplished this week," said Dallas Hockman, Vice President Demand Enhancement for the National Pork Board. "Driving from the back to a second place finish demonstrated that the #46 team has got what it takes to win alot of races this season."

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is a leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the United States. The Company has over 2,600 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Advance Auto Parts has also been involved with all six of Kimmel's championships.

Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for “Pork Checkoff” funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 800.456.PORK. The National Pork Board have sponsored Tri-State Motorsports for five of its consecutive series championships.

With its Midwestern roots dating back to 1953, the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) has grown into one of the country's premier oval track racing series, and for 2005, the ARCA RE/MAX Series will run 23 events on a variety of tracks including some of America’s top super speedways and short tracks throughout the eastern half of the United States.

For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@nas.net

NASCAR: Bud Shootout results

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race - Budweiser Shootout
Daytona International Speedway // Daytona Beach, Fla.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
FIN. (ST.) DRIVER, MAKE, LAPS, WINNINGS
1. (17) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 70, $212,945.
2. (7) Ryan Newman, Dodge, 70, $112,445.
3. (11) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 70, $62,445.
4. (8) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 70, $52,445.
5. (2) Greg Biffle, Ford, 70, $50,445.
6. (6) Kurt Busch, Ford, 70, $48,445.
7. (12) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 70, $46,445.
8. (14) Mark Martin, Ford, 70, $45,445.
9. (13) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 70, $44,445.
10. (19) Bobby Labonte, Chevrolet, 70, $43,445.
11. (16) Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 70, $41,445.
12. (9) Ricky Rudd, Ford, 70, $40,445.
13. (18) Casey Mears, Dodge, 70, $39,445.
14. (15) Rusty Wallace, Dodge, 70, $38,445.
15. (1) Dale Jarrett, Ford, 70, $37,445.
16. (5) Ken Schrader, Dodge, 70, $36,445.
17. (3) Bill Elliott, Dodge, 70, $35,445.
18. (10) Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge, 70, $34,445.
19. (4) Brian Vickers, Chevrolet, 46, rear end, $33,445.
20. (20) Geoffrey Bodine, Chevrolet, 9, too slow, $31,345.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 181.399 mph. // Time of Race: 57 minutes, 53 seconds. // Margin of Victory: 0.199 Seconds. // Caution Flags: 0 for 0 laps. // Lead Changes: 5 among 6 drivers. // Lap Leaders: D. Jarrett 1; G. Biffle 2-45; B. Labonte 46-48; C. Mears 49-50; R. Newman 51-54; J. Johnson 55-70.