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green flag nascar hall of fame 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees the fast & the fabulous Go off-track and behind-the-scenes with the stars of NASCAR News and notes from the world of NASCAR

chase for the nascar sprint cup

18 Mission Accomplished: How the Chase Improved NASCAR Racing 19 Do the Math: New Points System 20 10 Things to Love About the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup 24 The Contenders: Who to Watch in the 2011 Chase 44 Who Has the Advantage? Certain Drivers Excel at Certain Tracks 45 The Chase: By the Numbers 46 Championship Trivia: Test Your NASCAR Knowledge 48 The Ultimate Prize: Master Artisans Craft NASCAR Trophy

Teammates Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart lead the field to start the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR POLE POSITION RACE FAN GUIDE AN OFFICIALLY LICENSED PUBLICATION OF NASCAR 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101 • ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716 PHONE (727) 209-1781 • FAX (727) 209-1776 WEB FREERACEMAG.COM, AE-ENGINE.COM

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news & notes from the world of nascar

GIVEAWAYS & GETAWAYS

POCONO RACES NOW 400 MILES Officials of Pocono Raceway have announced that each of the track’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012 will be 400 miles in length. Pocono has hosted only 500-mile races since it joined the circuit in 1974.

“The 400-mile distance will make NASCAR racing at Pocono even more exciting,” said Brandon Igdalsky, the track’s president and CEO. “Race strategies will change, fuel-mileage calculations will be altered and I firmly believe that our fans will be treated to outstanding racing at the 400-mile distance.”

The Pocono 400 is June 10 with the Pennsylvania 400 Aug. 5. Ticket information is available at poconoraceway.com.

2012 SEASON OPENS FEB. 26

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will open the 2012 season Sunday, Feb. 26, with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. The speedway is offering a new feature for the 54th running of The Great American Race – special youth ticket prices. Children 12 and under now receive 50 percent off all Superstretch grandstand seats for the Daytona 500. The track is also offering new camping packages and amenities.

Race fans have four options to purchase tickets for the 2012 Daytona 500: Online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com; by calling 1-866-GO-NASCAR or 1-800-PITSHOP; or by visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office.

PRESEASON FAN EVENTS IN CHARLOTTE

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new fan-friendly event – the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint – will be part of NASCAR Acceleration Weekend Jan. 20-22 in Charlotte, N.C. “The NASCAR Acceleration Weekend will be an unforgettable start of a special tradition centered on the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “Putting the 2012 Induction Ceremony together with the NASCAR Preview 2012 makes this a must-visit event weekend for racing fans across the country.”

Activities begin on Friday, Jan. 20, with the induction of Richie Evans, Dale Inman, Darrell Waltrip, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint is set for Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Charlotte Convention Center. The all-day event will feature show cars, simulators, games, prizes and a host of other fanfriendly and interactive activities. There will also be autograph and on-stage Q&A sessions with drivers from NASCAR’s top three series along with four of the five new NASCAR Hall of Fame members.

Exhibits honoring the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2012 will be unveiled during a special ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 22.

Tickets for NASCAR Acceleration Weekend events are now on sale and information is available at nascaracceleration2012.com.

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POLE POSITION // 2011

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ctivision Publishing, Inc. has developed NASCAR Unleashed, the newest entry in the NASCAR-branded racing series that delivers the fastest and most exciting gameplay to date.

Available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii and Nintendo 3DS gaming systems, NASCAR Unleashed allows players to take their race car “to the streets” by driving on and off some of NASCAR’s most famous tracks in this souped-up arcade racing competition.

“NASCAR Unleashed is a wild and imaginative experience with few real-world boundaries,” said Blake Davidson, vice president of licensing and consumer products at NASCAR. “By integrating NASCAR into a high-octane, blindingly fast, homeracing experience, we can deliver an entirely unique style of racing that will captivate players and help introduce our sport to new fans.”

The gameplay has no limits and lax physics rules, as the key is bumping and grinding opponents out of the lead. Mastering popular NASCAR techniques such as drafting and sling-shotting earn drivers “Boost” power-ups to pull away and take the checkered flag.

Dynamic audio and visuals are accompanied by an easy-to-read, heads-up display that informs players of their race position, speed, achievements and unlockables. The end result is a breathtaking, arcade racing experience like no other.

For more information, visit Activision.com.

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green flag DANICA PLANS FULLTIME NASCAR EFFORT

MOST POPULAR DRIVER VOTING

pen-wheel racing sensation Danica Patrick is switching her focus to NASCAR. After dabbling in the NASCAR Nationwide Series during 2010 and 2011, Patrick plans to run the full 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet fielded by JR Motorsports.

She will also attempt to make eight to 10 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving a Chevrolet prepared by Stewart-Haas Racing.

“We can finally put the rumors to rest – I am going full-time NASCAR with Go Daddy next year,” Patrick said during a news conference at Go Daddy’s headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Danica has done a great job in a short amount of time for JR Motorsports,” said team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Her work ethic is probably the best of anyone in the sport. People don’t understand how difficult it is to do what she did – racing two totally different cars at the same time. I’m glad she gets the opportunity to devote all of her attention to this car, because I think she’s going to continue getting better. Danica has earned her place on the track, and I look forward to having her and Go Daddy back in the No. 7 car next year.”

Voting to determine the 2011 NASCAR/ NMPA Wheaties FUEL Most Popular Driver will continue until 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Sunday, Nov. 20, the day of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Fans can visit WheatiesFuelMost PopularDriver.com to vote once a day for one of the 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver finalists. The winner will be announced at the annual NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon during Champions Week in Las Vegas.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has received the prestigious award each of the past eight years.

Jeff Gordon finished second in the 2010 balloting followed by Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne.

O

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© 2010 Michelin North America, Inc. POLE POSITION // 2011

NASCAR LAUNCHES UNIQUE COLLEGE PROGRAM

Students at select colleges and universities returned to campuses this fall to find NASCAR brand ambassadors hosting events such as viewing parties and trips to their local tracks to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing.

The NASCAR U CREW is designed to engage college students by establishing unique NASCAR events on campus and at the track.

With the assistance of two brand ambassadors per school, NASCAR is being integrated into the college lifestyle of 12 colleges and universities in the 10 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup markets.

“NASCAR, and the social component of watching and attending races, lends itself very nicely to the college lifestyle,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “NASCAR U CREW will allow us to interact with college students across the country in a fun and relevant way, giving our current fans the avenue to express their passion and our future fans the vehicle to experience the sport.”

Responsible for executing at least 10 unique NASCAR events and integrating the sport into existing campus events, each school’s two brand ambassadors will also work closely with their respective track to create and promote a college ticket package as well as a designated hospitality/tailgate area for students.

J.J. YELEY JOINS FIGHT AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING

INJURY DELAYS PASTRANA’S DEBUT Travis Pastrana’s NASCAR Nationwide Series debut has been delayed until 2012 due to injuries the action-sports icon suffered during the 17th annual X Games.

The 11-time X Games gold medalist broke his right ankle and foot during the Best Trick competition, forcing him to miss his scheduled NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

“To give my ankle and foot time to heal properly we have decided to wait until 2012 to make my NASCAR debut,” Pastrana said.

“I probably could have been ready for the final couple of races in 2011, but it just makes more sense to start fresh in 2012.”

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is teaming up with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver J.J. Yeley and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) to remind fans to “Drive Sober and Arrive Alive.” Delaware law enforcement officers are cracking down on impaired drivers with weekly DUI checkpoints and patrols as part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign.

“We want everyone who travels on Delaware roadways to know that we take your safety seriously. If you choose to drive impaired in Delaware you risk being arrested for a DUI and the consequences can affect everyone in your life,” said Alison Kirk, Community Relations Officer for OHS. “So not only have we partnered with J.J. Yeley and Front Row Motorsports to help us spread our message, but we have also created a website, DUIRealTime.com, to show how real a DUI can get in Delaware.”

Yeley and FRM are helping OHS spread the Drive Sober message to race fans with autograph signings at the OHS booth in the FanZone, Saturday night dirt track racing at the Airport Speedway in New Castle, and a Designated Drivers night at local establishments.

“We want fans to have fun and enjoy the racing at the Monster Mile,” said Yeley, driver of the No.38 Drive Sober Arrive Alive Ford. “But we also want to ensure they come back year after year, so that is why we are asking all fans to ‘Drive Sober and Arrive Alive.’”

In Delaware since January 1, 2011, there have been 17 individuals killed in alcoholrelated crashes, a decrease of 15 percent compared to the same time last year.

At the Dover race in May, J.J. Yeley teamed up with OHS for the national “Click It or132981 Ticket” campaign to remind drivers to buckle up.

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09

green flag D4D BLOG BRYAN ORTIZ

THE END IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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KEEP STOMACHS

CALM AND CARRY ON

fter a short summer vacation at home in Puerto Rico, I was back and ready to race. Waiting for me were back-to-back races at Kingsport and Hickory. The hard work of learning the tracks and building our technical capabilities has resulted in us consistently finishing top five in almost every race. We even entered the top 10 of the Kingsport championship!

The end of the season promises to be a very exciting time, but as usual, it hasn’t all been about racing. I had the opportunity to attend the Jeff Gordon Bowling Tournament in Indianapolis, which took place the weekend of the famous Brickyard 400 race. I was so thrilled that I got to meet Gordon as I am a big fan. I also got to shake hands with other great drivers such as Max Papis and Juan Pablo Montoya.

It was very special to me to be a part of something like this. I was truly honored to be under the same roof with great NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, NBA players, TV announcers and professional bowlers at this charity event as part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity team.

Although my season with Revolution Racing in the NASCAR Whelen AllAmerican Series is almost at its end, racing is far from over for me. In September, I will be going back to my roots for a race at the MidOhio Sports Car Course in the Continental Tire Series. It is my first road race in two years, but the team is highly competitive, and as always, I’m determined to grab that checkered flag. This year has been, without a doubt, amazing. There have been lots of ups and downs, but the experiences I have gained, on and off of the track, have unquestionably made me a better race car driver.

I am now focusing my energy on the upcoming Combine for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program. I am bringing everything I have learned in the past year and I plan on taking it to the next level. I know this is what it takes to get selected for next year’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series, but my goal is clear and I will work as hard as I can to achieve it. For now, just stay tuned, and be sure to follow me on my Facebook fan page, Bryan Ortiz Racing, and on twitter, @BryanORacing.

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nascar hall of fame 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees WALTRIP, YARBOROUGH AMONG INDUCTEES

W

ith a total of 23 championships and more than 900 victories, the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees represent the most diverse class that has entered the Charlotte, N.C., facility since it opened in May 2010.

Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip each possess three championships in NASCAR’s premier series, Dale Inman is the sport’s winningest crew chief, Glen Wood is a legendary team owner, and Richie Evans is considered the “king” of Modified racing.

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France has described the class that will be enshrined in January 2012 as the best of the three because “you have two of the greatest drivers, the greatest crew chief, a legendary car owner and then you have Richie Evans who dominated Modified racing, thus demonstrating the NASCAR Hall of Fame is for more than just the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.”

Waltrip, winner of three NASCAR premier series championships, 84 races and 59 poles, admitted he was nervous when it came time for the 2012 inductees to be announced.

“When you don’t get in the first go around, that’s understandable,” Waltrip said. “Then the second go around and I felt pretty good about that one. Then you get to this point, and you start wondering, maybe there is something that’s going to keep me from getting in for a while.”

A bit of irony exists in Yarborough and Waltrip being inducted in the same class.

Yarborough nicknamed the talkative Waltrip “Jaws” after the two fiercely battled in a race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. It was a nickname that followed Waltrip the rest of his career.

“Cale and I went through a period of time when we were rivals,” Waltrip said.

12

POLE POSITION // 2011

■■ Clockwise from top left: Cale Yarbrough, Glen Wood, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Inman, Richie Evans

“But Cale gave me the best advice that anybody could give me; that he was going to leave Junior [Johnson] and nobody even knew it. He said, ‘Junior likes you, he wants you to drive his car and you need to go talk to him.’ That was the best advice anybody ever gave me because it led to a lot of wins and three championships.”

Yarborough, who won 83 races, 69 poles and four Daytona 500s during his 31-year career, was the first driver to win three consecutive NASCAR premier series championships. It was a record that stood for 30 years until Jimmie Johnson broke it in 2010.

Inman’s 193 victories and eight championships, the most by any crew chief, made it the third consecutive class that has included a member of the famed Petty family. Inman, Richard Petty’s crew chief for nearly three decades, is also the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee’s first cousin. Inman won seven championships with Petty and one with Terry Labonte.

Even though Wood laid the foundation for the famed Wood Brothers as a driver,

BY DEB WILLIAMS // PHOTOS COURTESY OF NASCAR HALL OF FAME

he’s best known as an owner who possesses 1,370 starts, 98 victories and 118 poles. Throughout its history, the team has fielded cars for a virtual who’s who of NASCAR drivers. The list includes David Pearson, Curtis Turner, Marvin Panch, Dan Gurney, Tiny Lund, Parnelli Jones, A.J. Foyt, Cale Yarborough, Bill Elliott, Dale Jarrett, Buddy Baker and this year’s Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne.

Evans ruled the Modifieds during his career. In a 13-year span, he captured nine Modified championships, including eight straight from 1978-85.

The 2012 inductees join Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, Lee Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison who were enshrined in 2010 and 2011.

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the fast and the fabulous

CLINT BOWYER WALKS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AND THE NASCAR BABY BLITZ CONTINUES!

Carl Edwards is a dad again! His wife, Kate, gave birth to their second child, a son the couple named Michael, on May 4. Michael weighed in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Carl and Kate are already parents to their daughter, Anne, who celebrated her first birthday in February.

Carl talked about the birth of his son during a media session at Darlington Raceway, the Friday after little Michael’s birth.

“It was amazing. Kate is an amazing woman,” Carl said. “We had a healthy

14

POLE POSITION // 2011

BY VALLI HILAIRE

C

lint Bowyer joined fans for the Cheerios Walk for a Healthy Heart across the Golden Gate Bridge the same week as the first road course race of the year at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

The walk began from the north side of the iconic bridge in Marin County and continued across the bridge into San Francisco. All of the fans received commemorative Cheerios T-shirts and the opportunity to meet the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver. Clint made a point of spending time with the youngest fan at the walk, a 3-year-old boy.

young boy. His name is Michael Edwards and he’s doing great, so it’s just a great week. It was unreal. We had a lot of fun.

Annie is really excited about her little brother. I don’t think she quite understands what is going on, but we’re all doing really well, so it’s good.”

The folks at GEICO Racing announced via Twitter that their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Casey Mears, and his wife, Trish, welcomed a new member of the Mears gang into the world on May 24. The couple’s son, Hayden, joins big sister Samantha.

Two more babies are set to join the NASCAR family and make sure

to think pink. Elliott Sadler and his wife, Amanda, are expecting a little girl this year to join their son, Wyatt, who was born in 2010. Scott and Amanda Speed announced via Twitter that their first child together will be a girl, too!

Photo courtesy of Infineon Raceway. Credit: Mike Doran

Go off-track and behind-the-scenes with the stars of NASCAR

LOGANO, STEWART AND VICKERS REV UP “THE GLADES”

IN ENGAGEMENT NEWS: Action Sports star Travis Pastrana, who will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 2012, proposed to his girlfriend, professional skateboarder Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, during the Nitro Circus show at the Las Vegas MGM Grand in June. It’s all recorded, so make sure you Google him to watch his adorable and sweet proposal.

NASCAR has been receiving its fair share of Hollywood attention lately. With Jimmie Johnson appearing on the FOX show “Breaking In” and Jeff Gordon supplying the voice of Jeff Gorvette in the animated feature film Cars 2, NASCAR is getting attention on both the big and little screens.

So it comes as no surprise that the A&E show “The Glades” worked some of NASCAR’s top drivers into an episode for the drama series’ second season. Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Brian Vickers and Joey Logano filmed their part of the “Moonlighting” episode at HomesteadMiami Speedway.

The episode, which first aired in June, explores the murder of Cole Hunter, the fictitious mechanic for NASCAR driver Trey Lancer. In his search for the truth, Jim Longworth – played by Matt Passmore – centers much of his attention inside the NASCAR garage, where he meets Edwards, Logano, Stewart and Vickers.

While Logano had a great time filming his appearance on the show, a career in acting doesn’t seem to be in his future.

“Shooting ‘The Glades’ was a really cool experience,” Logano said. “To see Homestead-Miami Speedway turned into a Hollywood movie set was certainly interesting. I can promise you this: I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon. The show did an amazing job making the set and garage area look authentic. I know we had the Home Depot Toyota there, the extras were in our crew shirts and we even had our tool box in the garage stall.

They did their best to make it look as real as possible and I think the NASCAR fans will appreciate that.”

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SPECIAL SECTION

R SPRINT CUP A C S A N E TH R FO CHASE

contenders

for the

TITLE

H O W T HE C H A S E I M P RO VE D N A S C A R R A C I N G | B RE A K I N G DO W N T HE P O I N T S S Y S TE M | 1 0 T H I N G S T O LO VE C H A S E C H AT TE R | W H O T O WAT C H | B Y T HE N U M BE R S | C H A M P I O N S H I P T R I V I A | T HE U LT I M ATE P R I ZE

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED HOW THE CHASE IMPROVED NASCAR RACING

IN JANUARY OF 2004, NASCAR CHAIRMAN AND CEO BRIAN FRANCE ANNOUNCED WHAT MANY CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST RADICAL CHANGE IN THE HISTORY OF STOCK CAR RACING.

F

or 55 years, the champions of NASCAR’s premier series had been determined using the same basic format. Drivers scored points based on their finishing positions in each series race and the driver accumulating the most points over the course of the season earned the sport’s most prestigious prize.

But as the sport navigated into a new century, it became obvious that maintaining fan interest throughout a season that stretches from mid-February to late November was becoming more and more of a challenge.

“With NASCAR having one of the longest seasons in all of sports, it became obvious that we needed a different approach

18

POLE POSITION // 2011

that to the 6,028 points by which Richard Petty beat James Hylton in 1967 and it’s easy to see the impact the Chase format has had on America’s most popular form of auto racing.

So as the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup enters its eighth year, most believe it has achieved each of the three goals around which it was conceived.

Here’s a synopsis of how the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup works: The first 26 points events of the 36-race season determine the drivers eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and, ultimately, the series title.

After race No. 26 – Sept. 10 at Richmond International Raceway – the top 10 drivers in the series standings qualify for the Chase.

These drivers are joined by two to maintain the interest and excitement wild-card qualifiers, specifically the two drivers through the course of season,” said NASCAR ranked between 11th and 20th in the series President Mike Helton. standings who have the most regular-season That different approach resulted in the race wins. The 12 drivers’ points are reset to introduction of the Chase for the NASCAR a base of 2,000 per driver. Each of the 10 Sprint Cup, a radical new method for deautomatic qualifiers receives a three-point botermining the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series nus for each win during the regular season to champion. determine their seeding, “Our goal is to create while the two wild-card more interest in this qualifiers receive no bosport; our goal is to make nus points and start the racing better; and our goal Chase in the 11th and is to give more drivers 12th positions. a chance to the win the Chase participants championship,” France compete with all other – NASCAR Chairman and CEO drivers during the final said when announcing Brian France 10 races. Each week, all the Chase format.

Initially there were 43 drivers battle for vicmany skeptics, including fans, drivers tories and money as they continue the seaand cars owners. But they were quickly son under the standard points system. The silenced when the 2004 Chase for the driver who tops the Chase standings at the NASCAR Sprint Cup produced the closest end of the final 10 races will be crowned the championship battle in series history as 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion.

Kurt Busch edged Jimmie Johnson by a The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup mere eight points. starts Sept. 18 with the GEICO 400 at In fact, the seven championships under Chicagoland Speedway and concludes the Chase format have been decided by an Nov. 20 with the Ford 400 at Homesteadaverage of just over 60 points. Compare Miami Speedway.

our goal is to make racing better.

NEW POINTS SYSTEM TO DETERMINE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES CHAMPION

W

hile the basic format of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup remains unchanged, a new points system is being used to determine the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion for the first time since 1975.

The new system, which was introduced in January and debuted at the season-opening Daytona 500, awards points in one-point increments. For example, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the race winner earns 43 points, plus three bonus points for the victory. The winner can also earn an extra point for leading a lap and another for leading the most laps, bringing their total to a possible maximum of 48 points.

All other drivers in a finishing order are separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher earns 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on. A last-place finisher – 43rd place – earns one point.

NASCAR has utilized several points systems to crown its champions through the years and most have been complicated.

One used a sliding scale that was determined by the total prize money for a specific race while another was built around a complex formula based on the number of laps completed and the size of the track. And those were in the days before computers or even calculators.

The points system that had been used since 1975 was easier to understand than its predecessors, but was still far too complicated.

“Many of our most loyal fans don’t fully understand the points system we have used to date,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said while introducing the new system. “So, we are simplifying the points system to one that is much easier to understand. Conceptually, it is comparable to our previous system, but it is easier to follow.”

The simplified points system will make it much easier to know exactly where a driver stands as the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup draws to a close. Let’s say Kyle Busch heads into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a 10-point advantage over Carl Edwards. As the race winds down, Edwards is fourth in the running order and Busch is 11th.

Under the old points system, even the most hardcore fans found it difficult to figure out who would win the title. But with this new system, it’s easy to calculate that Busch would claim the championship trophy by three points.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES POINTS SYSTEM

DO THE MATH

FINISHING POSITION POINTS

1 43 2 42 3 41 4 40 5 39 6 38 7 37 8 36 9 35 10 34 11 33 12 32 13 31 14 30 15 29 16 28 17 27 18 26 19 25 20 24 21 23 22 22 23 21 24 20 25 19 26 18 27 17 28 16 29 15 30 14 31 13 32 12 33 11 34 10 35 9 36 8 37 7 38 6 39 5 40 4 41 3 42 2 43 1

Bonus Points:

■■ 3 points awarded to the race winner ■■ 1 point awarded to any driver who leads a lap ■■ 1 point awarded to the driver who leads the most laps

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10

THINGS TO LOVE

E

arning a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is the goal of every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver at the beginning of every season. But with more than 40 competitors competing on a weekly basis and only 12 available spots, the majority of drivers end up disappointed.

Meanwhile, the lucky dozen are left to battle for the sport’s most coveted prize.

And battle the championship contenders always do. The Chase has injected considerable drama into the season’s final weeks since NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France introduced the playoff format prior to the 2004 season. Through several tweaks to its format along the way, the impact of the Chase remains significant.

THE TRACKS One of the most unique and challenging aspects of the Chase is the variety of race tracks it presents. Represented among this year’s playoff venues – Chicagoland, New Hampshire, Dover, Kansas, Charlotte, Talladega, Martinsville, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead – are five 1.5-mile tracks, three one-mile tracks, a short track and a restrictor-plate track.

Considering that intermediate tracks make up most of the overall NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule, followed by short tracks, plate tracks and road courses, the slate of Chase facilities is representative of the greater whole.

Road courses, which host just two events on the 36-race schedule, are not in the Chase. Chicagoland joins the Chase this season, replacing Auto Club Speedway and bumping down New Hampshire from its traditional spot as the Chase opener.

THE DRIVERS It seems there are always drivers in the Chase whom everyone expected to be there, and there are those whom not even the shrewdest prognosticator thought would make the cut.

Take the 2009 Chase, for example.

While hardly anyone was surprised to see perennial title contenders Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart among the

1

2 20

POLE POSITION // 2011

BY JARED TURNER

ABOUT THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

championship field, few observers pegged Juan Pablo Montoya or Brian Vickers to be in the title hunt. But championship eligible they were, as Vickers rallied to claim the 12th and final spot over Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth. Busch and Kenseth aren’t the only big-named drivers ever left out.

Four-time champion Jeff Gordon was denied a berth in 2005, while two-time champion Stewart came up short the following year.

JIMMIE JOHNSON Jimmie Johnson has singlehandedly transformed the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup into a can’tmiss affair. Johnson’s feat of five consecu-

3

tive crowns will never be matched. Need proof? Prior to Johnson’s run, only one driver – Cale Yarborough – had won three straight championships.

Now, Johnson is bidding for six straight.

Sometimes overlooked about Johnson’s run into the NASCAR history books is that the California native is the only driver to qualify for the Chase in each year since the format debuted. Johnson, who is

known for being poised under pressure, seems to thrive more than ever during the Chase – when the intensity is ratcheted up several notches.

THE NON-CHASERS As all the focus during the Chase shifts to the drivers competing for the championship, competitors outside the Chase tend to fly below the radar. And that can be a good thing. While the teams in the running for the title face enormous pressure each of the 10 weeks, the others have nothing to lose. They can take risks – be them on the track or pit road – which those with a potential title on the line can’t afford.

4

Non-Chase teams are also often able to get a jump on the next season, experimenting with new setups and such, while the championship contenders are consumed by the present. Perhaps most importantly, nonChasers can sleep a little easier at night not having to sweat the extra pressure.

THE MIND GAMES At no other time during the season are mind games as prevalent

5

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as during the Chase. The basic idea: Get into your competitors’ heads in hopes they will crack. Case in point is the 2010 Chase.

While Jimmie Johnson entered as the title favorite on the merits of his four previous championships, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick proved to be formidable foes for driver No. 48.

Multiple problems for Johnson on pit road last November at Texas prompted Hamlin crew chief Mike Ford to openly suggest that Hamlin’s crew is better than Johnson’s. Johnson went on to win the title.

THE RESHUFFLE NASCAR resets the order of the Chase contenders following the regular season finale at Richmond International Raceway. The current basis for this: Wins. In theory, a driver could have the fewest points after Richmond but start the Chase on top by virtue of scoring the most victories.

The 2011 Chase will feature a new twist as the last two Chase entries – known as “wild cards” – must start the championship segment from the 11th and 12th positions, respectively. The 11th and 12th drivers in the Chase are the two drivers between the 11th and 20th positions in the standings after 26 races with the most wins. The other 10 contenders could all start better or worse than their pre-Chase positions, however. Drivers will carry three bonus points into the playoffs for each prior win this year. Resetting the Chase order puts

It’s normally safe to expect a driver with more than two poor races to be effectively eliminated from title contention.

Sometimes two, or even one, bad finish can be impossible to overcome. But history shows that drivers can rally from a less-than-stellar start. Jimmie Johnson

9

TALLADEGA If there’s one track in the Chase that has the potential to shake up the championship picture, it’s Talladega Superspeedway. As one of only two restrictor-plate tracks (Daytona is the other) and the only plate track with a Chase date,

6

the 2011 chase will feature a new twist known as “wild cards” an extra focus on winning, such that drivers are prone to be more aggressive in the regular season.

THE MULLIGAN Every year, one of the big questions entering the Chase is how many “mulligans” – NASCAR jargon for bad finishes – a driver can suffer in the 10 playoff races and still win the title. The number, not surprisingly, tends to differ from year to year based on the circumstances.

7

opened the 2010 Chase with a 25th-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

He ended up on top of the heap, however, after winning at Dover the next weekend and finishing no worse than ninth in the remaining eight events.

THE TWEAKS NASCAR has done a nice job of tweaking the Chase format more than once in an effort to build fan interest and keep the competition as compelling as possible. The newest adjustment, announced prior to the 2011 season, is the addition of two “wild card” entries. Instead of the top 12 points finishers from the regular season automatically transferring in, only the top 10 drivers are now guaranteed berths.

The final two Chase spots go to the two drivers in points positions 11th through 20th with the most regularseason wins. That means the 20th-place driver after the regular season finale could potentially make the cut while the 11th-place driver is left out. Other notable alterations: An expansion of the field from 10 drivers to 12 and seeding drivers based on wins rather than regular-season points, both of which were implemented in 2007.

8

Talladega is notoriously a game-changer where the standings are concerned.

Escape the high-speed, 2.66-mile track with a solid finish, and your title hopes are greatly enhanced. Get caught up in one of Talladega’s multi-car melees and it may be impossible to recover. “Points should not be awarded at Talladega,” said Carl Edwards. “In a fair competition, they shouldn’t be [awarded] because it’s so random. Now, since there are points awarded, it adds a whole other level of stress to the race.”

THE FINISH Homestead-Miami Speedway has hosted the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale each year since NASCAR introduced the format. Since the Chase began a driver has never clinched the title before the last race. The first Chase, in 2004, and the 2010 Chase have been the tightest to date in terms of the points spread going into Homestead.

Kurt Busch led Jimmie Johnson by 18 points in 2004 and held on to win the title by eight over the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Denny Hamlin led Johnson last year by 15 points but ultimately lost out to Johnson by 39 markers. With the championship never being settled until the last race under the Chase format, the outcome is always in doubt until the final lap at Homestead.

10

FREERACEMAG.COM

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the contenders

WHOTOWATCH In the 2011 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup 24

POLE POSITION // 2011

Matt Kenseth

17

No. TEAM

Crown Royal Ford

Roush Fenway Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

six

BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

second in 2006

champion in 2003

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : The 2011 edition of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup could be a story of age and experience overcoming youth and enthusiasm as Kenseth, 39, and his 58-year-old crew chief, Jimmy Fennig, will be among the title contenders. Showing the form that carried him to the 2003 championship, Kenseth had 13 top-10 finishes, including two victories, during the first 24 races of the season. Fennig’s career as a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew chief began in 1986 and he celebrated on the championship stage with Kurt Busch in 2004. A second title for each would surprise many, but not us.

FREERACEMAG.COM

25

Kyle Busch

18

No. TEAM

M&M’s Toyota

Joe Gibbs Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

four BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

fifth in 2007

fifth in 2007

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : With Busch now in his seventh season of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition, it’s easy to forget that he’s only 26 years old. That’s three years younger than Dale Earnhardt when he won his first of seven championships. Busch has shown tremendous car control and a unique ability to win races since joining NASCAR’s premier circuit. His new-found maturity could very well be the key to Busch winning his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. In fact, the only way we see him losing the title is if he beats himself.

26

POLE POSITION // 2011

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Carl Edwards

99

No. TEAM

Aflac Ford

Roush Fenway Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

five BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

second in 2008 second in 2008

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER:

It’s been shown that the Roush Fenway Fords are much improved and the Ford FR9 engines have plenty of horsepower, so it’s time for Edwards and his team to step up to a championship level. The No. 99 was very consistent during the first half of the season, posting 15 top-10 finishes in 24 races, but consistency won’t win the championship this year. It’s going to take victories and Edwards is going to need to do two or three backflips during the final 10 races if he hopes to join the exclusive roster of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions.

28

POLE POSITION // 2011

Kevin Harvick

29

No. TEAM

Budweiser Chevrolet

Richard Childress Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

four BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

third in 2010

third in 2010

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER:

Some media members like to call Harvick “The Closer” because of his ability to seemingly come out of nowhere and win a race in the closing laps. He did it three times during the first half of the season, but can he do it again in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup? Harvick and the No. 29 team led the points for much of the 2010 season, but were never truly a factor in the Chase and ended up third behind Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin. So will this be the year Harvick finally celebrates on the championship stage?

FREERACEMAG.COM

29

Jimmie Johnson

48

No. TEAM

Lowe’s Chevrolet

Hendrick Motorsports

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

seven

Champion in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 BEST POINTS FINISH Champion in 2006, 2007, IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES 2008, 2009 & 2010

BEST CHASE FINISH

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : Jimmie Johnson’s streak of five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships is an amazing accomplishment that may never be equaled. But this season, the No. 48 team has shown it’s not invincible. There have been problems in the pits and Johnson has even spun out a time or two as he battled an ill-handling race car.

Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus are experts at navigating the Chase and that knowledge will keep them in the title hunt. But this may be the year Johnson watches someone else celebrate after the final checkered flag at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

30

POLE POSITION // 2011

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

88

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National Guard/ AMP Energy Chevrolet hendrick motorsports

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

three BEST CHASE FINISH

fifth in 2004 & 2006 BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

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Earnhardt Jr. has not finished among the top 20 in points the last two seasons, so simply being in the championship discussion is a major improvement for this team now led by crew chief Steve Letarte. While Junior Nation at least has a reason to smile, Earnhardt Jr. is still far from a title contender. He had only nine top-10 finishes in the first 24 races and the season has been like a roller-coaster ride with strings of good runs followed by several poor finishes. But keep an eye on the No. 88 team as it continues to get better.

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ANY OTHER USE CONSTITUTES FRAUD. If submitted in compliance with Sprayway’s Coupon Redemption Policy (copies available upon request), you will be reimbursed face value plus 8¢.

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Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion™ Tony Stewart and the Stewart-Haas Racing team rely on the cutting-edge synthetic technology of Mobil 1, the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR®.

©2011 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil, Mobil 1 and the 1 Icon are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. ™2011 Stewart-Haas Racing. NASCAR ® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

Choice of Champions

Tony Stewart

No. TEAM

14

Office Depot/ Mobil 1 Chevrolet

stewart-haas Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

six

BEST CHASE FINISH

champion in 2005 BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

champion in 2002 & 2005 CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER:

Definitely not a typical season for this two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and by July his frustration was starting to show. Stewart had only two top-five finishes in the first 24 races and was facing his first winless season since joining the series in 1999. When asked at Bristol Motor Speedway during late August about making the Chase, Stewart said, “I want to make the Chase more than anything. I want it for our sponsors. I want it for our organization. But most of all, I just want us to get back on track.”

These Champions share more than a competitive spirit.

Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1™ World Champion

Tony Stewart: Two-Time NASCAR ® Champion

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MANY DRIVERS. ONE OIL. ©2011 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil, Mobil 1 and the 1 Icon are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. ™2011 Stewart-Haas Racing. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

Jeff Gordon

24

No. TEAM

Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet

hendrick motorsports

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

six

second in 2007 Champion in 1995, 1997, 1998 & 2001

BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER:

Under the direction of new crew chief Alan Gustafson, Gordon is back in the championship hunt. Victories at Phoenix and Pocono were among his 12 top-10 finishes during the first 24 races as the four-time champion showed the speed and consistency that will make him a contender during the 10 Chase races. It’s been 10 years since Gordon last won a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, but a fifth title is definitely within reach as the No 24 seems to get better each week. Gordon fans can rejoice as the long dormant “Drive for Five” is alive and well.

36

POLE POSITION // 2011

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CARQUEST.com

Kurt Busch

22

No. TEAM

Shell/Pennzoil Dodge

penske Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

five

champion in 2004 champion in 2004

BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER:

Personnel changes were made after Busch’s frustrations publicly boiled over early in the season and the No. 22 Penske Racing team came to life. A victory on the road course at Infineon Raceway was among Busch’s 12 top-10 finishes during the first 24 races and he led the series with three poles. If the improvement continues, Busch will be a player during the Chase. Remember, he’s one of only three drivers to win the title since the Chase was introduced in 2004, so he’s well aware of what it takes down the stretch.

38

POLE POSITION // 2011

Denny Hamlin

No.

11

TEAM

fedex toyota joe gibbs Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

five BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

second in 2010

second in 2010

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : After battling Jimmie Johnson for the 2010 title, Hamlin entered the season as the favorite to unseat the defending champ. However, 2011 has been a struggle for Hamlin, crew chief Mike Ford and the No. 11 team. A victory at Michigan in June was the lone bright spot in a season that produced just eight top-10 finishes in 24 races. Despite the struggles, Hamlin was in position to make the Chase as the cutoff race approached, but it will take a miraculous turnaround in performance for him to challenge for the championship.

FREERACEMAG.COM

39

Ryan Newman

39

No. TEAM

u.s. army chevrolet

stewart-haas Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

three

sixth in 2005 sixth in 2002, 2003 & 2005

BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : Newman has flown under the

radar for most of the season. His victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during July was the highlight of a year marked by consistency. He had 12 top-10 finishes in the first 24 races and was running at the end of every event. It’s interesting that Newman has continued to run well while his boss and teammate, Tony Stewart, has struggled. We expect Newman to be strong during the Chase and another win at New Hampshire could have him in the mix when the series heads south for the season finale.

40

POLE POSITION // 2011

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Brad Keselowski

No.

2

miller lite Dodge

penske Racing

TEAM

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

none

BEST CHASE FINISH

n/a

25th in 2010

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER: Keselowski bounced back from his early season struggles to win at Kansas, Pocono and Bristol, putting him in position to claim one of the new wild card spots in the Chase. Even a broken ankle suffered in a testing crash during August couldn’t slow his amazing charge.

Paul Menard

27

No.

menards Chevrolet

Richard Childress Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

none

BEST CHASE FINISH

n/a

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

23rd in 2010

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAT TER: Menard was consistent throughout the first half of the season and jumped into Chase contention with his surprise victory in the Brickyard 400 during July. He had seven top-10 finishes in the first 22 races and making the Chase would be a major accomplish for this first-year RCR team.

42

No.

16

3m Ford

Roush Fenway Racing

TEAM

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

four

BEST CHASE FINISH

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

TEAM

Greg Biffle

POLE POSITION // 2011

second in 2005

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

second in 2005

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : A crew chief change – Matt Puccia replaced Greg Erwin – in mid-July left this team with more questions than answers. However, Puccia has proven himself within the Roush Fenway organization and he could be just what Biffle needs in order to make a title run. Keep an eye on the No. 16.

Clint Bowyer

33

No. TEAM

Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet

Richard Childress Racing

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP

three BEST CHASE FINISH

third in 2007

BEST POINTS FINISH IN THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

third in 2007

C H A M P I O N S H I P C H A T T E R : DNFs could leave Bowyer on the outside looking in during the Chase. He failed to finish four of the first 19 races, more than any other driver in the top 30. But this team is a proven winner and getting back to Victory Lane will make those DNFs less painful.

© 2011 NASCAR

Who Has the Advantage?

CERTAIN DRIVERS EXCEL AT CERTAIN TRACKS

It‘s also a place where points can be lost.

From the fall of 2001 through the spring of 2003, Dale Earnhardt Jr. claimed four Talladega victories and he also won at the sport’s longest track in 2004.

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson

■Jeff ■ Gordon has seven victories at Martinsville, the most by any active driver on any track in the Chase

T

he final 10 events of the season can be very stressful for those vying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Each of the 12 drivers in the title hunt look to a few of their favorite tracks to find any possible advantage based on past performance. Following is a look at where strengths could emerge.

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon

Drivers who do well on the 1.5-mile tracks such as Charlotte, Texas and Las Vegas also shine at Chicagoland. It’s the first event in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and the key to success is having the proper chassis setup for long green flag runs. Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart are the only two-time winners at Chicagoland since the track opened in 2001. Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have also won there.

NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman

The one-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway features slightly banked turns and favors drivers who have strong short-track skills. Kurt Busch has three victories at New Hampshire since the Chase began while Kyle Busch won in 2006 and Ryan Newman has victories in 2005 and July of this year.

DOVER INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY ■■ Good track for Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman and Carl Edwards

Four of Jimmie Johnson’s six victories at 44

POLE POSITION // 2011

BY BEN WHITE

Dover came after the Chase began in 2004, and two came in 2002. Ryan Newman and Carl Edwards added a Dover victory to their resumes in 2003 and 2007, respectively.

Johnson and Kyle Busch have dominated Victory Lane over the past three seasons along with one win by Greg Biffle in the fall of 2008.

KANSAS SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman

Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart are tied for the most victories at Kansas Speedway with two each since the track opened in 2001. Ryan Newman, Joe Nemechek, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Brad Keselowski have all enjoyed one win each there. It’s Gordon who leads all drivers with the most top-10 finishes (8) and he could see a pivotal move in points with a win at Kansas during the Chase.

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth

Since his first win at Charlotte in 2003, Jimmie Johnson has been a dominant force there. In 2004 and 2005, he won four times and added another victory in 2009. Johnson’s run for a sixth consecutive championship could shift into high gear with another visit to Charlotte’s storied Victory Lane.

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon

Ever since it opened in 1969, predicting a winner at Talladega has been a difficult task. It’s the most competitive track on the schedule and serves as a wild card race where lost ground can be made up.

Aside from victories by Rusty Wallace in 2004 and Tony Stewart in 2006, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson have dominated at Martinsville Speedway. Collectively, they’ve won the past 13 events in dominant fashion. Protecting one’s race car for 500 laps is the primary objective at Martinsville.

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth

Carl Edwards leads all drivers with three victories at Texas Motor Speedway followed by Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin and Jeff Burton with two. Ironically, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Greg Biffle and Jimmie Johnson have only one win each. Other drivers hope to break their domination of the 1.5-mile track come November.

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY ■■ Good track for Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick

Aside from Jimmie Johnson with fourcareer victories at Phoenix International Raceway and Kevin Harvick, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with two wins each, the track features a string of one-time winners dating back to 1988. Jeff Gordon won at Phoenix in February and another win could bode well for a fifth championship.

HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

■■ Good track for Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards

The top two or three drivers in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint will head south to Homestead-Miami Speedway determined to be crowned champion when the final checkered flag is waved. Jimmie Johnson is a heavy favorite for the title considering he has enjoyed the championship celebration each of the last five years.

He’s used to the pressure, having gone into the Homestead race with the points lead in four of his five title runs.

The Chase: By the Numbers

number of Chase Victories

DRIVER STARTS WINS TOP 5s TOP 10s DNFs Jimmie Johnson 70 19 40 54 4 Carl Edwards 50 8 20 28 5 Denny Hamlin 50 4 19 27 4 Greg Biffle 40 4 15 21 2 Clint Bowyer 30 3 9 14 1 Jeff Gordon 60 2 24 40 7 Mark Martin 40 2 15 20 4 Tony Stewart 60 2 12 26 3 Kurt Busch 48 2 12 26 3 Kevin Harvick 40 2 10 26 1 Jeff Burton 40 2 9 19 4 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 30 2 8 14 4 Ryan Newman 30 2 6 12 5 Matt Kenseth 60 1 17 23 9 Kasey Kahne 20 1 5 9 5 Kyle Busch 40 0 10 17 5 Juan Pablo Montoya 10 0 5 6 0 Martin Truex Jr. 10 0 2 4 2 Jeremy Mayfield 20 0 1 5 2 Elliott Sadler 10 0 1 3 1 Rusty Wallace 10 0 1 3 0 Brian Vickers 10 0 0 0 2

Drivers Who Have Qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup DRIVER

Jimmie Johnson Jeff Gordon Matt Kenseth Tony Stewart Kurt Busch Carl Edwards Denny Hamlin Greg Biffle Jeff Burton Kyle Busch Kevin Harvick Mark Martin Clint Bowyer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ryan Newman Kasey Kahne Jeremy Mayfield Juan Pablo Montoya Elliott Sadler Martin Truex Jr. Brian Vickers Rusty Wallace

NO. TIMES IN CHASE 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

Poles Won During the Chase

DRIVER POLES Jimmie Johnson 13 Jeff Gordon 8 Ryan Newman 8 Carl Edwards 3 Kurt Busch 2 Denny Hamlin 2 Kasey Kahne 2 Matt Kenseth 2 Tony Stewart 2 Clint Bowyer 1 Kyle Busch 1 Kevin Harvick 1 Mark Martin 1 Jeremy Mayfield 1 Juan Pablo Montoya 1 Martin Truex Jr. 1 Greg Biffle 0 Jeff Burton 0 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 0 Elliott Sadler 0 Brian Vickers 0 Rusty Wallace 0

YEARS

2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10 2004, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 10 2004, 05, 07, 08, 09, 10 2004, 05, 07, 09, 10 2005, 07, 08, 09, 10 2006, 07, 08, 09, 10 2005, 08, 09, 10 2006, 07, 08, 10 2006, 07, 08, 10 2006, 07, 08, 10 2004, 05, 06, 09 2007, 08, 10 2004, 06, 08 2004, 05, 09 2006, 09 2004, 05 2009 2004 2007 2009 2005

Laps Led During the Chase

DRIVER LAPS Jimmie Johnson 3,423 Matt Kenseth 1,592 Carl Edwards 1,421 Jeff Gordon 1,240 Kurt Busch 1,129 Tony Stewart 1,105 Denny Hamlin 920 Greg Biffle 815 Ryan Newman 806 Kyle Busch 801 Mark Martin 696 Kevin Harvick 628 Clint Bowyer 578 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 542 Jeff Burton 330 Kasey Kahne 312 Martin Truex Jr. 231 Juan Pablo Montoya 224 Jeremy Mayfield 76 Elliott Sadler 52 Rusty Wallace 1 Brian Vickers 0

Chase Contenders Finishing in the Top 10 in the Season Finale

Chase Drivers Who Have Won NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships DRIVER Jimmie Johnson Jeff Gordon Tony Stewart Kurt Busch Matt Kenseth Rusty Wallace

TITLES YEAR 5 2006, 07, 08, 09, 10 4 1995, 97, 98, 2001 2 2002, 05 1 2004 1 2003 1 1989

Team Performance in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup NAME WINS Hendrick Motorsports 22 Roush Fenway Racing 15 Richard Childress Racing 7 Joe Gibbs Racing 4 Penske Racing 3 Dale Earnhardt Inc. 2 Stewart-Haas Racing 2 Evernham Motorsports 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates 0 Richard Petty Motorsports 0 Robert Yates Racing 0 Red Bull Racing 0

TOP 5s 77 68 28 31 13 8 4 4

TOP 10s 113 94 59 53 29 15 11 10

5 2 1 0

6 4 3 0

Drivers Qualifying for the Chase without a Victory in the First 26 Races DRIVER YEAR Carl Edwards 2010, 09 Matt Kenseth 2010, 08 Jeff Gordon 2010, 08 Clint Bowyer 2010, 07 Jeff Burton 2010 Greg Biffle 2009, 08 Juan Pablo Montoya 2009 Ryan Newman 2009, 05 Kevin Harvick 2008 Tony Stewart 2008 Mark Martin 2006, 05 Rusty Wallace 2005

HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY 2010 (6) – Carl Edwards (1st), Jimmie Johnson (2nd), Kevin Harvick (3rd), Tony Stewart (8th), Matt Kenseth (9th), Greg Biffle (10th) 2009 (5) – Denny Hamlin (1st), Kurt Busch (4th), Jimmie Johnson (5th), Jeff Gordon (6th), Carl Edwards (7th) 2008 (5) – Carl Edwards (1st), Kevin Harvick (2nd), Jeff Gordon (4th), Clint Bowyer (5th), Tony Stewart (9th) 2007 (8) – Matt Kenseth (1st), Kurt Busch (2nd), Denny Hamlin (3rd), Jeff Gordon (4th), Carl Edwards (5th), Martin Truex Jr. (6th), Jimmie Johnson (7th), Jeff Burton (8th) 2006 (5) – Denny Hamlin (3rd), Kasey Kahne (4th), Kevin Harvick (5th), Matt Kenseth (6th), Jimmie Johnson (9th) 2005 (6) – Greg Biffle (1st), Mark Martin (2nd), Matt Kenseth (3rd), Carl Edwards (4th), Ryan Newman (7th), Jeremy Mayfield (10th) 2004 (4) – Jimmie Johnson (2nd), Jeff Gordon (3rd), Tony Stewart (4th), Kurt Busch (5th) * Not since the Chase began has the champion won the season finale in the same year he claimed the title.

COMPILED BY DEB WILLIAMS

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45

CHAMPIONSHIP TRIVIA Test Your Knowledge of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup 0-20 Rookie 30-40 Spectator 50-60 Fan 70-80 Race Chaser 90-100 Superfan

2

Who was the last driver not named Jimmie Johnson to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship?

A. Tony Stewart B. Kurt Busch C. Matt Kenseth D. Jeff Gordon

3

It only took five years for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to have its first twotime champion. Who was it?

A. Red Byron B. Bill Rexford C. Tim Flock D. Herb Thomas

4

5 46

POLE POSITION // 2011

1

Take the quiz and score 10 points for each correct answer.

Add up your points and see how you rank!

How many different drivers have won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship since the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format was introduced in 2004?

A. 7 B. 5 C. 3 D. 4

Who was the first driver to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship under the Chase format?

A. Jimmie Johnson B. Kurt Busch C. Tony Stewart D. Bobby Labonte

Who was the last driver to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship and the season finale in the same year?

A. Jeff Gordon B. Jimmie Johnson C. Alan Kulwicki D. Dale Jarrett

6

Dale Earnhardt won his seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in what year?

Photo by Brock Roseberry

A. 1991 B. 1994 C. 1996 D. 1999

78

Who was the first driver born west of the Mississippi River to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship?

A. Tim Flock B. Terry Labonte C. Rex White D. Bobby Allison

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Banquet was held at which legendary New York City hotel between 1981 and 2008?

A. New Yorker Hotel B. Roosevelt Hotel C. Plaza Hotel D. Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

10

Which of the following drivers did not win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship driving car No. 11?

A. Cale Yarborough B. Darrell Waltrip C. Dale Earnhardt D. Ned Jarrett

11

How many NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owner championship trophies has Rick Hendrick earned?

A. 6 B. 10 C. 12 D. 8

Who was the last person to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship while driving for his own team?

A. Alan Kulwicki B. Richard Petty C. Darrell Waltrip D. Jeff Gordon

12

Who are the only brothers to have won NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships?

A. Bobby and Terry Labonte B. Bobby and Donnie Allison C. Darrell and Michael Waltrip D. Benny and Phil Parsons

ANSWERS // 1. C; 2. A; 3. D; 4. B; 5. A; 6. B; 7. B; 8. D; 9. A; 10. C; 11. B; 12. A

FREERACEMAG.COM

47

The Ultimate Prize

MASTER ARTISANS CRAFT NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES TROPHY

E

very major sport has an iconic championship trophy, a hand-crafted piece of hardware that symbolizes excellence and is recognized around the world.

The NFL has the Vince Lombardi Trophy; in the NBA, it’s the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy; and the World Series winner annually receives the very unique Commissioner’s Trophy. Other awards such as the Tour de France’s yellow jersey, the Heisman Trophy, the Masters’ green jacket and the FIFA World Cup Trophy have also become symbols for their respective sports.

Trophies have played an important role in auto racing since shortly after Frank Duryea won America’s inaugural race on Thanksgiving Day, 1895. The ultimate prize for early American racers was the Vanderbilt Cup and the Borg-Warner Trophy, introduced in 1936, has become a symbol of the Indianapolis 500.

FAST FACTS

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES TROPHY Height 24 inches Width 12 inches Base Diameter 12.25 inches Flag’s Diameter (approx.) 15 inches Depth 17 inches Weight 27 pounds Material Sterling Silver Base Ebonized Wood Manufacturer Tiffany & Co. Source: Tiffany & Co.

But today, the most coveted prize in American motorsports is the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy. The unique trophy is presented each year to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion.

Crafted by master artisans at worldrenowned jeweler and silversmith Tiffany & Co., the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy features flowing checkered flags rendered entirely in sterling silver sitting atop an ebonized wood base.

A minimum of eight master craftsmen work on the trophy, which takes nearly four months to complete, at Tiffany’s silver workshop in New Jersey. They employ age-old production techniques, including spinning, etching, silversmithing and polishing.

The etching process that creates the flag’s unique checkered pattern requires nearly 80 hours of precision work.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy is 24 inches tall, 17 inches deep and weighs 27 pounds.

Interestingly, the trophy has been presented seven times and Jimmie Johnson has collected five of them. Johnson’s unprecedented string of five consecutive championships came into focus late last year when a photo shoot brought the champ together with his five trophies.

“When I walked up to the little shed where they had all five trophies, I mean, it was just staggering to see that in person, know my name is on those five trophies.

Very, very cool,” Johnson said.

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T

he car care exper ts at Meguiar’s ® attend thousands of car shows each year where they are always asked, “ W hat ’s your best wax? ” While it appears to be a rather simple question, there are many variables that can influence the response.

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NASCAR WOMEN PATTI WHEELER

SPEED’S EXECUTIVE VP OF PRODUCTION AND PROGRAMMING

W

hen Patti Wheeler was unlocking race track garage gates for NBC crews and identifying NASCAR’s top drivers for them at age 15, the SPEED Channel didn’t exist. Now, the 48-year-old Wheeler is the executive vice president of production and programming for the cable network devoted to motorsports.

Wheeler assumed the position last November, returning to the corporate television world after having operated Wheeler

television. Instead, she envisioned it in network television sports. Her first full-time job was at WBTV in Charlotte, N.C., but she soon moved to World Sports Enterprises in Atlanta. The company was the first to cater to motorsports in the 1980s. By the end of that decade, TNN had entered the picture, catering to the country music industry as well as NASCAR. Wheeler moved to TNN in 1991 to become its motorsports director.

“A couple of years later I put together a

“Dad and I were not going to risk our father-daughter relationship over some stupid contract,” Wheeler said. “We really adore each other. He didn’t take me to work with him every day, but there were a couple of times he would expose me to that world. When I went in there I kept my mouth shut and I was mesmerized.”

When Wheeler closed her company last year she realized the business had changed and there was no longer a need for it.

“When I started at World Sports ... we did motorcycles, boats, sports cars, Indy cars, IROC, NASCAR; it was endless,” Wheeler said. “In 1985, when a network televised motorsports there was not a single person at the network who even knew where Turn 1 was.

Wheeler is focused solely on acquiring first-class ratings for SPEED’s shows.

TV for a decade. At Wheeler TV, she was “kinda semi-retired” as she raised her two children. Now that they’re in high school the energetic woman believed it was time to once again become fully immersed in her career. “[Wheeler TV] wasn’t particularly challenging and I was looking for a challenge,” explained Wheeler, the daughter of retired Charlotte Motor Speedway president H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler.

Despite growing up around racing, Wheeler never expected a career in motorsports 50

POLE POSITION // 2011

BY DEB WILLIAMS

program with TNN ... where it would buy half of World Sports, I would run it and we would move it from Atlanta to Charlotte to be in the hub of stock car racing,” said Wheeler, who ran World Sports until the fall of 2000.

In those days, each track handled its own television contract and that often placed Wheeler on the opposite side of the negotiating table from her father. However, when the contract negotiations became sticky both stepped aside, relinquishing them to other people.

“Then you dissolve to 2010 and there’s the SPEED Channel. We now have a building full of people who know how to produce a race or a documentary. When CBS did the Daytona 500 they were the only ones to do it in-house. The others vended it out to people like me. Now all the major networks do it in-house. The sanctioning bodies now all have their own production companies.”

Today, Wheeler is focused solely on acquiring first-class ratings for SPEED’s shows.

“We’re the motorsports authority Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Wheeler said. “Monday-Thursday in prime time we’re trying to create a symbiotic network. We’re kinda pushing the envelope doing shows that are car related, but aren’t necessarily wheels on a race track. We’re not going to give up our integrity and our identity. We just want to have a lot more fun on Monday-Thursday prime time with the brand that we have.”

lifestyle DOWNTIME WITH REED SORENSON

C

ompeting 34 times this year as a driver in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Reed Sorenson spends a significant chunk of his time walking through NASCAR garages or sitting behind the wheel of the No. 32 Dollar General Chevrolet fielded by Turner Motorsports.

But like most of his contemporaries, Sorenson tries to carve out some time for rest and relaxation. When not pursuing an activity related to his racing duties, Sorenson can often be found on the golf course with club in hand.

“I do play golf. I’m not very good at it, but I do play golf a little bit,” he said, clearly somewhat bashful about his skills.

Sorenson is also partial to canines – he’s an owner of three dogs.

“I’ve got three dogs. I just enjoy hanging out with them,” the 25-year-old Georgia native said.

When the young driver isn’t on the golf course or at home with his pets, he tends to wind up at the nearest lake.

“I do watersports,” Sorenson said, “so I’ll go hang out on the water and do some things, but nothing too wild or extreme.”

MENTAL PREP WITH AJ ALLMENDINGER How do you mentally prepare to race?

Is there anything special you do to get your mind ready?

Before the weekend, I’ll watch videotape and stuff just to kind of go over the race track. I go do my sponsor stuff that I’ve got to do before the race and go to the driver’s meeting. I usually have lunch or dinner at that point and sit there and rest for about 30 minutes, kind of relax.

TRAINING WITH COLE WHITT THERE WAS A TIME WHEN COLE WHITT didn’t work out regularly. He does now.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rookie believes being in shape is as important for his mental state as his physical state when preparing to race.

“I don’t necessarily say I have to run this amount of miles this week or whatever, but I try to do a certain amount of hours to keep myself somewhat in shape,” said Whitt, a development driver for Red Bull Racing.

Whitt’s target goal is 30 minutes to an hour of cardiovascular activities at least two or three days each week. Those activities mostly take the form of running or biking.

“More than anything I just try to do a little bit of cardio, but I’m a pretty active person so I’m not sitting around on the couch or sitting at the computer,” said Whitt, 20.

“I have a TV but I hardly ever turn it on. I just try to be a real active person and just always be out doing some sort of activity.”

FUELING UP WITH DAVID RAGAN

Breakfast

DAVID RAGAN USUALLY HITS the drive-through – whether it’s Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s or Starbucks – on his morning commute to the Roush Fenway Racing shop where he works out at the team gymnasium. His breakfast food of choice ranges from oatmeal to an English muffin to a bagel.

52

POLE POSITION // 2011

BY JARED TURNER

Lunch

“EVERY NOW AND THEN I’LL go home and fi x myself a sandwich or something but typically it’s going out to a restaurant and eating a light chicken dish,” Ragan said. He is also partial to pasta and vegetables for his midday meal. “I eat a pretty good amount for lunch,” Ragan admitted.

Snack

CONCEDING HE CONSUMES “a lot of snacks throughout the day,” Ragan is a fan of bananas, apples and Kellogg’s protein shakes.

“I try to gain weight,” said Ragan, whose slender build is easily noticeable. “I try to eat more and I haven’t been able to gain any in the last several years.”

Dinner

“I LOVE VEGETABLES. I LOVE all kinds of green stuff. I try to mix it up between some fish and protein, as in steaks or different types of chicken, about every night,” Ragan explained. “My guilty pleasure is ice cream. I love ice cream so I always find myself eating a little bit of ice cream before I go to bed.”

PHOTOHUNT

Study the top photo, then see if you can find the 10 changes that were made in the bottom photo.

54

POLE POSITION // 2011

ANSWERS: PHOTOHUNT – (1) Squirrel added to track, (2) Middle of “4” missing on door panel, (3) Goodyear logo missing above tire, (4) Airplane added to background, (5) Tony the Tiger added to pit road, (6) Publisher AE Engine logo added to retaining wall, (7) Red areas are now orange, (8) Smiley face added to driver’s uniform, (9) Three light poles removed from track, (10) Fusion logo removed from front of car. PICTOGRAM – Yellow

fun pages

PICTOGRAM

WORDSPELL

What color stripe across the rear of a race car signifies a rookie driver?

How many words can you spell using only the letters that appear in this driver’s name?

marcos ambrose

T J X OV AN H L Q

camber, robe...

WS AB E YMU G R

WINNER’S CIRCLE

CAN YOU DRAW NASCAR?

N

ow is your chance to be featured in the pages of NASCAR Pole Position!

Send us your NASCAR-themed artwork. The lucky winners will receive a race jacket of their favorite driver! On a piece of paper, send us your name, age, complete mailing address, email address or phone number and the driver jacket you would like to win. No purchase necessary. All entries are eligible.

Submissions cannot be returned. Questions? Email us at poleposition@ ae-engine.com. Send your artwork, unfolded, in an oversized envelope to:

Pole Position Magazine c/o A.E. Engine, Attn: Stacey Foster 11880 28th St. North, Suite 101 St. Petersburg, FL 33716

■■ AND THE WINNERS ARE... Adriana and Anthony A., of Charlotte, N.C. Adriana is 6 years old and her favorite driver is Kyle Busch. Anthony is 8 years old and his favorite driver is Jeff Gordon. To learn more about the Winner’s Circle, visit freeracemag.com.

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R A C YSTHE GDOAYOSD GUILLOLE ST ADVERTORIAL

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n my lifetime, our world has changed like … with a common bond that ties us all so dramatically I hardly recognize it. together? For openers, all of the normal Growing up, our word was our bond, social barriers of age, gender, ethnicity doors were routinely lef t unlocked, lost and economic status are non-existent in or misplaced items were almost always the Car Hobby. It doesn’t matter if you’re returned and integrit y in character and young or old, male or female, rich or poor. civility in conduct reigned supreme. People If you’re a Car Guy, you have equal status took the time to genuinely care about each and equal respect with every other Car other. I miss those values along with the Guy. And ladies, there are no such things work ethic that made America the greatest as Car Girls! If you love cars, you’re a country in the world by anyone’s standards.

Car Guy. P l e a s e d o n’ t g e t m e w r o n g – I l o v e More impor tantly is the fact that Car America! It’s still the greatest country on Guys are different in the ethics of how the planet and I will work and vote and do they think and work and show respect and everything possible to keep it that way. This respond to the needs of others. While all is my country. At the same time, the honest of us have needs, it’s become rare when truth is that I feel less comfortable in our someone actually shows interest and world today than I did in times gone by. The wants to help … unless you’re part of the Barry Meguiar, third-generation owner of values I hear expressed on TV and on the Car Hobby.

Meguiar’s, and proud Car Guy. streets and in the press and in our houses Car Guys are different! All of my life, of government are decidedly different from I’ve marveled at how quickly Car Guys the values I hold most dear. respond to the needs of others and keep on responding until the We have, however, a Grand Exception in the social and cultural need is met. Clearly it’s because Car Guys love the people of phenomena of the Car Hobby. Hanging out with Car Guys is the Car Hobby as much as they love the cars. It’s a community. like going back in time to when life was simpler and values And whether it’s a broken engine or a broken body or a broken were important. While the cars are incredible, it’s the legions heart, the generous concern of the Car Hobby is a beautiful of friends for ourselves and role models for our kids that make thing to watch and experience. the Car Hobby experience priceless.

Fortunately, Car Guys are still living the good ole days with You’ll always find me emphasizing the point that Car Guys are their cars and their values and in their understanding of being special! How many times on our “Car Crazy” TV show have I said role models for our next generation. Let us all say together: that the Car Hobby reminds me of what Heaven is going to be Long live the Car Hobby!

EVERYTHING SHOULD BE RATED ON A SCALE OF ZERO TO NASCAR.

©2011 NASCAR

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POLE POSITION // 2011

Cool Works Cup™ now offers the first generation of concept coolers! You can make a personal statement by just showing up for that barbeque or NASCAR race. The high-quality structure and artistic beauty is sure to wow neighbors and fans alike. We believe this unique product will be sought after, not only as a practical ice chest, but as a collectible souvenir and keepsake. The loyal NASCAR fan will now have a bragging piece and another way to show their support for that special team and driver. Coolers are available for purchase at the NASCAR.com Superstore.

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POLE POSITION // 2011

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES IRON MAN

CHRIS SHOWALTER

T

he NASCAR Camping World Truck Series celebrated its 400th event earlier this year at Kansas Speedway and Chris Showalter was part of the celebration as the Ohio native is the only person to have participated in every race.

Beginning with the inaugural series event on Feb. 5, 1995, at Phoenix International Raceway, Showalter hasn’t just been there; he’s won races and championships.

Showalter was the truck chief on the No. 5 Randy Moss Motorsports Toyota driven in the 400th race by Travis Kvapil and he was Kvapil’s crew chief at Xpress Motorsports in 2003 when they won the series championship. Showalter claimed three wins as a crew chief for Xpress Motorsports, including one at Bristol Motor Speedway that proved to be pivotal in Kvapil claiming the title. He also guided Jack Sprague to series victories in 2004 and 2005.

“I think it says a lot that the series is so strong that we are celebrating 400 starts and that I have not had the desire to go do anything else,” said Showalter. “The truck series kind of reminded me of our Saturday night down-home racing that I grew up doing. It’s grassroots. We ran the shorter tracks in the beginning and it just seemed like a home for me.”

As a truck chief, Showalter was part of Mike Bliss’ 2002 championship that included five victories. He also scored truck chief wins with Terry Cook, Dennis Setzer and Randy Tolsma.

Showalter went to Victory Lane for the first time in July 1995 at Colorado National Speedway as a shock specialist for Liberty Racing. That was the afternoon when Butch Miller edged Mike Skinner in a photo finish that, at an estimated 0.0001 seconds, remains the closest, non-electronic decision in series history.

Showalter has also worked as a spotter and a tire changer. He’s been a crew member for six teams and since 2006 has worked with Morgan Dollar Motorsports, which became Randy Moss Motorsports in 2009.

There have been many highlights for Showalter during his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career topped by his 2003 championship season with Kvapil.

“But winning at Mansfield [Motorsports Park] in 2004 with Jack Sprague is special to me for personal reasons. I grew up about 30 minutes from the track,” Showalter said. “So to grow up dreaming of racing, leaving town to follow my dreams and then come back and win the inaugural race was just amazing.”

PHOTO: GEOFF BURKE/GETTY IMAGES FOR NASCAR

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DID YOU KNOW?

Manufacturers Battling for a Title, Too

Ford, Toyota and Dodge Trying to Stop Chevrolet’s Streak

W TECHNICAL ELEMENTS OF A NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES CAR ■■ ELIGIBLE MODELS: Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry ■■ MODEL YEARS: 2010 and 2011 ■■ ENGINE: Cast-iron block, 358-cubic-inch (max.) V-8 with aluminum cylinder heads ■■ HORSEPOWER*: 850 @ 9,000 rpm ■■ COMPRESSION RATIO: 12:1 ■■ TORQUE: 550 foot/pounds @ 7,500 rpm ■■ INDUCTION: One four-barrel Holley carburetor ■■ TOP SPEED: 200 mph (estimated) ■■ TRANSMISSION: 4-speed, manual ■■ FUEL: Sunoco Green E15, a 15 percent ethanol blend; 18-gallon capacity ■■ FRONT SUSPENSION: Independent coil springs; upper and lower “A” frames ■■ REAR SUSPENSION: Trailing arms, coil springs, panhard bar ■■ CHASSIS: Rectangular steel tubing with integral roll cage ■■ BODY LENGTH: 198.5 inches ■■ BODY WIDTH: 74.0 inches ■■ HEIGHT: 53.5 inches ■■ WEIGHT: 3,450 pounds without driver ■■ REAR SPOILER*: Affixed at a 70-degree angle (nonadjustable), 4 inches tall in the center, 64.5 inches wide ■■ GEAR RATIO: 3.60 to 6.50 ■■ WHEEL BASE: 110 inches ■■ WHEELS: Steel, 15 by 9.5 inches ■■ TREAD WIDTH: 61.5 inches maximum ■■ FRONT BRAKES: Disc ■■ REAR BRAKES: Disc *Specifications may vary for restrictor-plate races 64

POLE POSITION // 2011

SOURCE: NASCAR

hile Jimmie Johnson’s battle for a sixth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship garners most of the headlines, another title fight is quietly being waged each time the green flag is waved over NASCAR’s premier series. This battle is among the four participating automobile companies as Ford, Toyota and Dodge are trying to end Chevrolet’s string of eight consecutive NASCAR Manufacturers’ Championships.

Points are awarded at each of the 36 races with the winning manufacturer earning nine points. The second highest finishing manufacturer receives six points with four points for the next finisher and three points for the fourth and final manufacturer.

The NASCAR Manufacturers’ Championship was introduced in 1952 and Chevrolet has won the title 34 times, including each year since 2003. Ford has 15 championship trophies while Dodge has won the prestigious title twice. Toyota, which joined the series in 2007, has yet to claim the ultimate prize.

Manufacturer participation has been a critical part of NASCAR racing since the days when the cars literally rolled off the showroom floors. Manufacturers have long understood the role NASCAR racing plays in attracting customers to their products. In fact, “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday,” is much more than a clever promotional slogan.

“Motorsports is a marketing program, and, specifically, is part of our outreach to fans and enthusiasts who have really a rich, deep connection with the manufacturer,” said Jamie Allison, director of Ford Racing. “Ultimately, we will be judged on whether we were able to help the company communicate about its great products, its great pillars and what we stand for, and help sell cars and trucks.

There’s no question that NASCAR allows us to do that.”

Today, each of NASCAR’s top teams has an alliance with one of the four participating manufacturers. Each team negotiates its own “deal,” so the details of the various manufacturer agreements are closely guarded secrets. But engineering expertise and wind-tunnel time are often among the key components.

So while selling cars and trucks is the primary objective for the manufacturers involved in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing, winning the Manufacturers’ Championship is certainly a nice bonus.