NASCAR Pole Position 2012 Feb/March

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departments green flag

FEATURES 24

dining at the track

26

12 things to expect in 2012

30

margin of victory

6 News & Notes From Around 10 12 13 14 15 16 18

the World of NASCAR The King and I Digesting the Offseason Changes 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Teams Ryan Newman Foundation Awards Grants Q&A with Johnny Sauter Did You Know?

Walmart Race Time

23 Bush’s French Grilled

50

danica’s move

52

nascar fuel 55 Lifestyle

Tales from a NASCAR transporter driver NASCAR expects new fans, a boost in TV ratings to follow

gear

The latest products from our advertisers

62

rosters & schedules

64

INSIDER’S VIEW

35 What Will it Take?

54 Careers

Number of wins seals the deal for Tony Stewart

on the road again

Steak Recipe

driver profiles

Surprise winners, hot tempers and head games

32

tailgating 20 Food & Fun at the Track

Unique concession items featured by NASCAR tracks

Teams, dates & times for the top three NASCAR series

2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, Tony Stewart

NASCAR Pole Position is now available on your tablet or PC. Head to Zinio.com or download the app on your device for more information.

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SALES NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECS: CHRIS VITA, DUSTIN “DOC” LAWSON, ANDREW FISHER, KRISTY LIMOTTA, RON TRYTEK

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Fresh Faces: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

56 Fun Pages 60 Trivia FREERACEMAG.COM

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news & notes from the world of NASCAR New Video System Aids Officials

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elestream, a leading provider of video transcoding and workflow automation systems, has created a high-definition instant replay system that allows NASCAR officials to make rapid decisions about on-track aspects of a race.

The company’s new Replay multichannel video player combines with its Pipeline HD video capture system to provide instant capture and display of 18 high-definition 720p camera feeds.

“The NASCAR race environment presented the perfect challenge for Telestream to provide high-quality video capture and instant synchronous playback in a time-critical situation,” said Barbara DeHart, vice president of marketing at Telestream. “Together, Pipeline and Replay provide NASCAR, or any sports organization, with a cost-effective, easy-to-use system for instant event review and analysis.”

The video player provides instant, synchronous multi-channel playback of multiple HD camera feeds for simultaneous review and analysis of incidents from different camera angles. The player also allows officials to easily locate any camera and scrub forward or backward through any portion of the event video.

“The instant replay system that Telestream is providing enables our officials to perform their jobs in an even more efficient and time-sensitive manner,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “Having instant access to that many camera angles featuring such high-quality video will be a terrific addition to our race weekends.”

SPRINT EXTENDS NASCAR SPONSORSHIP NASCAR and Sprint have signed a multi-year agreement for Sprint to remain as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season through 2016. The extension coincides with NASCAR’s Five-Year Industry Action Plan, which is designed to grow the sport and reach new audiences.

“NASCAR fans are great customers who reward us with their loyalty,” said Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint. “We’re very pleased to continue to have our brand associated with the most competitive and exciting form of racing in the world.”

Since becoming the title sponsor on Jan. 1, 2008, Sprint has introduced numerous marketing innovations, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile.

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POLE POSITION // 2012

POCONO SOLAR FARM REACHES MILESTONE Just over 16 months after its dedication, Pocono Raceway’s 25-acre solar farm achieved a milestone by producing its 5 millionth kilowatt hour of electricity.

The solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile triangular superspeedway in Long Pond, Pa., consists of 39,960 American-made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours of energy over the next 20 years.

The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year and generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for more than 500 homes beyond the power needs of the track.

FANS SELECT HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNER

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obert Weaver, 83, of Talladega, Ala., was honored late last year as the inaugural recipient of The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Weaver, known across the Talladega region as the “Ice Cream Man” because of the many treats he delivers to deaf, blind and multi-disabled students, received the most votes among four finalists during a nationwide NASCAR fan vote on NASCAR.com and a mobile voting site developed by Sprint.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected the inaugural recipient of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and thank NASCAR, The NASCAR Foundation and the France family for making this possible,” said Weaver. “I have often said that I don’t hit home runs; I just do little things. It is the little things that matter so much in people’s lives.

“As I look back over my own life, working with the children of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind has been part of my calling – it is why I was put on this earth.

I encourage everyone to find something they are passionate about and commit to making a difference – you’re never too young or old to start.”

Weaver, who has been volunteering with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation for more than 50 years, received an expense-paid trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, a 2012 Ford Explorer from Ford and a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation for the AIDB – his children’s charity of choice.

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green flag WIDER SEATS FOR DOVER FANS

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over International Speedway, which hosts two NASCAR weekends each year, has started a multi-year process that will increase the width of seats in the track’s outdoor grandstands from 18 to 22 inches.

“By widening our seats, we are responding to suggestions from our fans and allowing them to enjoy the race in a far more comfortable setting,” said Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “Because many seats have already been renewed by our most loyal fans, we don’t want to displace them in an effort to make this change in one fell swoop.”

When the process is complete by 2014, Dover’s seating capacity will be 113,000.

UCF STUDENTS DOMINATE NASCAR KINETICS

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tudents from the University of Central Florida dominated the fall semester of NASCAR Kinetics: Marketing in Motion as 19 colleges and universities competed for the title of top NASCAR Kinetics team.

The UCF NASCAR Kinetics Team placed first on the two assigned case studies, which focused on developing a comprehensive social media strategy for Michael Waltrip Racing – including creating a promotion around the team’s partnership with Aaron’s – and developing a retail, at-track and digital program to highlight NASCAR’s official partnership with Dodge. The student team was also tasked to plan and execute an M&M’s Makes Race Day More Fun Viewing Party for nearly 200 guests.

“The University of Central Florida demonstrated both creativity and professionalism in winning both of the fall semester’s TOYOTA RECEIVES case studies, a first for NASCAR Kinetics,” MARKETING AWARD said Steve Sweeney, NASCAR’s director consumer marketing. “The students’ work oyota, one of the four automotive manufacturers participating impressed the executives at MWR and we in NASCAR’s top three series, may see the team implement one or more of received the sanctioning body’s prestithe initiatives in 2012.” gious Marketing Achievement Award for The UCF NASCAR Kinetics team was comits efforts during the 2011 season. prised of five students within the DeVos Sport Toyota’s Sponsafier, PitPass and OwnBusiness Management Undergraduate Proers Hospitality campaigns directly engram: Kaitlyn Blizzard (Spring Hill, Fla.), Jaime gaged millions of NASCAR fans through Fox (Wellington, Fla.), Hannah Meyers (Jackthe implementation of an integrated social media campaign as well as an sonville, Fla.), Bill Morrison (Soderville, Minn.) at-track fan activation display. and Brandon Vinieratos (St. Petersburg, Fla.).

“Toyota is honored to receive the NASCAR developed the NASCAR Kinetics: NASCAR Marketing Achievement Marketing in Motion program in 2009 with Award,” said Ed Laukes, vice president the mission of exposing college students to of marketing communications and moand educating them about the NASCAR brand torsports for Toyota. “Our commitment and its industry partners. The program gives to becoming a champion of the fans by the teams an opportunity to work through providing the best fan experience posreal-world business challenges facing the sible has truly paid off.” motorsports industry.

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POLE POSITION // 2012

Children Benefit From Charity

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early 1 million children benefited from the fundraising efforts of the eight Speedway Children's Charities chapters during 2011, with more than $2.5 million donated to 370 non-profit organizations nationwide for the purpose of helping children in need.

“It is truly a blessing that we were able to help so many children with the money raised,” said O. Bruton Smith, founder and chairman of Speedway Children's Charities. “It is our goal to help as many children as possible live healthy, happy lives and I am proud of what everyone at Speedway Children's Charities has accomplished.”

An SCC chapter is located at each of the Speedway Motorsports, Inc. race tracks – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.

With the help of volunteers and the support of sponsors, SCC raised the money through activities such as track walks, auctions, raffles, holiday light displays, annual galas and more. Individual and corporate donations were also made throughout the year.

In addition, SCC partnered with Feed the Children to provide boxes of food to deserving families in communities surrounding the individual SCC chapters.

Cardinale Defeats Gastric Cancer RAISES $15,000 TO COMBAT THE DISEASE

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ohn Cardinale, vice president of communications and marketing at Infineon Raceway, didn’t think the pain in his side during the December 2010 NASCAR Awards Banquet in Las Vegas was anything major. He was wrong.

In February 2011, the popular Cardinale was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer that had spread to his liver. It was a devastating diagnosis, but Cardinale was determined to defy the odds. He succeeded. A year after his diagnosis his stomach cancer is in full remission and the tumors in his liver continue to shrink. Now, the personable Cardinale is helping raise money for the Gastric Cancer Fund.

Cardinale began 2012 by leading a 425-person march around the 12turn, 2.52-mile Infineon Raceway in January. The inaugural “John’s March Against Gastric Cancer”

PACK FOR THE TRACK

raised $15,000 for the Gastric Cancer Fund, the first organization dedicated to helping fight gastric cancer.

Donations may still be made in the event’s honor at bit.ly/vhowzj.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it is one of the most underfunded in cancer research. For information about the Gastric Cancer Fund, go to gastriccancer.org. –Deb Williams

M&M's When We Win, You Could Win Sweepstakes Jan. 16 – Nov. 21 mms.com/us/racing/wewinyouwin Kraft’s Win a Nabisco VIP NASCAR® Experience Feb. 1 – Sept. 30 nabiscoworld.com

Driver Pick ’em presented by Nationwide Insurance Feb. 20 – Nov. 17 espn.com, search for keyword Nationwide Insurance

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reparation is very important when attending a NASCAR race and NASCAR Pole Position offers this checklist of items to pack and those better left at home in order to maximize your race-day experience.

THESE ITEMS ARE MUST-HAVES: ■ Sunglasses ■ Ear protection ■ Sunscreen ■ Rain poncho ■ Hat that protects you from the sun ■ Scanner or Sprint FanView (these can be rented at the track) ■ Seat cushion ■ Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions ■ Very comfortable shoes ■ Cooler (check track’s rules for maximum size allowed)

■ Snacks and drinks ■ Map of the track and its various parking areas ■ Detailed schedule of events ■ Small digital camera ■ Clear plastic bag (again, check track’s rules for maximum size allowed) ■ Debit or credit card to purchase souvenirs or concession items ■ Business cards or contact information (to share with your new friends) ■ Stopwatch ■ The latest issue of NASCAR Pole Position!

GIVEAWAYS & GETAWAYS

LEAVE THESE ITEMS AT HOME: ■ Stadium chairs with arms and folding chairs ■ Coolers larger than the permitted size ■ Glass containers ■ Pets (except service animals) ■ Umbrellas ■ Strollers ■ Bicycles or mopeds ■ Beach balls, balloons, signs or banners ■ Horns, whistles of other loud items ■ Weapons of any kind

Sunoco’s Weekly NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ticket Giveaway Feb. 24 – Nov. 16 facebook.com/OfficialFuel

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green flag

The King And I

PETTY SELECTS ARIC ALMIROLA TO DRIVE HIS NO. 43 FORD

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s the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season quickly gets up to speed, one of the most exciting stories is the new driver/owner combination that pairs the most iconic figure in NASCAR history with one of the sport’s hottest young drivers.

Amid much fanfare, Richard Petty announced in January that he had hired 27-year-old Aric Almirola to drive the No. 43 Smithfield Foods Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports. Almirola joins Australian Marcos Ambrose who returns for his second season in the team’s No. 9 Stanley/DeWalt Ford.

A native of Tampa, Fla., Almirola had 35 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts prior to the Daytona 500 and, ironically, his most recent appearance came in 2010 when he drove the final five races for RPM. A career-best fourth-place finish in the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale at HomesteadMiami Speedway prompted Petty to keep Almirola’s phone number close by – just in case they needed him in the future.

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POLE POSITION // 2012

BY BEN WHITE

Last year, Almirola finished fourth in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings driving the No. 88 Chevrolet fielded by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports.

Though he has yet to run a full season in NASCAR’s premier series, Almirola is confident he and the No. 43 RPM team will be among those challenging for the title when the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins in September.

“I’m really excited,” Almirola said. “I can’t believe I get to drive the 43 car. I remember as a kid watching that race car.

Richard Petty was one of my heroes, but then again, he’s everyone’s hero, come to think of it. So to have that opportunity to work with him as an owner and driving his car is awesome. The 43 car is his car. So to have that opportunity is a huge, huge deal for me. I’m really excited about that.

“RPM is competitive. Their stuff has really been strong and it’s been that way for years. I just think it will be a great opportunity for me. I feel like I’ve become a

better race car driver over the past couple of years,” Almirola added.

“I feel this is my best chance to go out and prove myself and prove that I can go and race in the [NASCAR Sprint] Cup Series. I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t jell as a race team. I believe in RPM and I believe in Greg Irwin as my crew chief. We have a great sponsor in Smithfield Foods. So, all things point to us going out and performing very well as far as I’m concerned.”

Almirola has been very patient since 2005 when he made four starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He has driven for a variety of team owners in all three of NASCAR’s top divisions since then, but looks at RPM as his best ticket to Victory Lane.

“This is by far the best opportunity I’ve ever had to succeed,” Almirola said.

“I don’t see any major reasons why we shouldn’t be competitive. I’ll make my share of mistakes as a rookie, but I feel very confident we’ll be competitive and run up front.”

Petty’s accomplishments as a driver are legendary – 200 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories and seven championships – but he’s also hired several of the sport’s best to wheel his race cars since hanging up his own helmet 20 years ago.

“As far as having Aric in our cars, we’re pretty up on that,” Petty said. “Aric drove for us at the last part of 2010 for those five races. He really communicated well with our crowd. I feel like he has a lot of potential. He was really good with the crew. He understood the car and the problems we were having. Putting him with Greg Irwin makes me feel like we’ll have a good team.

“We are really looking forward to 2012.

We’re like everybody else and we have our expectations. When we looked at the overall program, the cars, what we had and what we did last year, we realized what we are capable of doing. We knew we were capable of doing better than we were performing on the track. The deal is to get everything flowing our way and we’ll be in good shape. Aric will be a big part of that.”

Richard Petty

The King of Speed

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Digesting the Offseason Changes

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t the start of a new sports season, it’s often difficult to identify the players without a program and that’s definitely the case as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads into 2012. Numerous offseason changes have shuffled the driver and crew chief lineups, especially at many of the top teams.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart was so busy revamping his race team during the offseason that he had to forgo his annual sprint-car racing trip to Australia. Greg Zipadelli, Stewart’s crew chief during his years at Joe Gibbs Racing, joins the team as competition director and will also serve as crew chief on the new No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet driven in selected NASCAR Sprint Cup races by Danica Patrick. Veteran crew chief Steve Addington, who was at Penske Racing last season, is now calling the shots on Stewart’s No. 14, replacing Darian Grubb who found a new home at Joe Gibbs Racing. Ryan Newman’s No. 39 team remains unchanged.

Hendrick Motorsports: After waiting more than a year, Kasey Kahne is finally behind the wheel of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and Farmers Insurance has joined the team as a major sponsor. Kahne drove for the now-closed Red

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POLE POSITION // 2012

Bull Racing in 2011 while patiently waiting for Mark Martin’s contract to expire. Kenny Francis has been Kahne’s crew chief since their days with Evernham Motorsports and he continues in that role. The only major change impacting the other three Hendrick drivers – Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. – is that Diet Mountain Dew has replaced AMP Energy as a sponsor on Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88.

Roush Fenway Racing: Sponsorship was the primary topic of discussion during the offseason at the Roush Fenway Racing headquarters in Concord, N.C. Barring a last-minute change, the team will drop from four NASCAR Sprint Cup cars to three this season with the No. 6 only scheduled to run the Daytona 500. Greg Biffle is back in the No. 16 Ford with backing from 3M, while Best Buy will be the most prominent sponsor on Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 Ford and Fastenal will be on Carl Edwards’ No. 99 Ford for nearly half of the races.

Penske Racing: Team owner Roger Penske has long been the standard bearer for professionalism in motorsports, so it was no surprise when Penske and driver Kurt Busch parted ways after a video of Busch’s tirade against an ESPN announcer and cameraman during the 2011 season finale became public. The surprise, however, was

that Penske selected former open-wheel ace AJ Allmendinger to drive the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge. Todd Gordon was promoted from the Penske NASCAR Nationwide Series team to be Allmendinger’s crew chief after Steve Addington left for Stewart-Haas Racing. On the other side of the Penske shop, it’s status quo for Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 Miller Lite team.

Richard Childress Racing: Much like at Roush Fenway Racing, a lack of sponsorship has resulted in RCR downsizing from four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars in 2011 to three this season. Clint Bowyer and the No. 33 car are gone while two of the three remaining teams have new crew chiefs.

Shane Wilson moves from the No. 33 to serve as crew chief on Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 Budweiser/Rheem Chevrolet and Drew Blickensderfer arrives from Roush Fenway Racing to crew chief the No. 31 Caterpillar/ Wheaties Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton.

Paul Menard’s No. 27 team remains intact with crew chief “Slugger” Labbe.

Joe Gibbs Racing: Much like he had to do while coaching the Washington Redskins, Joe Gibbs is constantly making moves to improve his race team. JGR enters 2012 having completed its transition from using in-house engines to those built by Toyota Racing Development. Two of the three teams also have new crew chiefs. Jason Ratcliff moves up from the JGR NASCAR Nationwide operation to serve as crew chief on Joey Logano’s No. 20 Home Depot Toyota, replacing Greg Zipadelli who went to Stewart-Haas Racing, while Darian Grubb arrives from Tony Stewart’s title-winning team to replace Mike Ford as crew chief on the No. 11 FedEx Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin.

Michael Waltrip Racing: While at least two major NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams have scaled back their number of cars and Red Bull Racing has closed, Michael Waltrip Racing has expanded to a threecar operation. Martin Truex Jr. returns to the No. 56 NAPA Toyota while Clint Bowyer joins the team to drive the No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota with Brian Pattie, formerly of Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, as the crew chief. In addition, Mark Martin (25 races) and Michael Waltrip (5 races) will drive the No. 55 Aaron’s Toyota. This car previously carried the No. 00 and was driven by David Reutimann. Rodney Childers continues to serve as the crew chief.

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Teams EARNHARDT GANASSI RACING WITH FELIX SABATES

WEB: earnhardtganassi.com OWNERS: Chip Ganassi, Teresa Earnhardt and Felix Sabates LOCATION: Concord, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 1, Bass Pro Shops/McDonald’s, Jamie McMurray ■ No. 42, Target, Juan Pablo Montoya FAST FACT: Team

formed in 2007 when Dale Earnhardt Inc. merged with Chip Ganassi Racing.

FURNITURE ROW RACING

WEB: furniturerowracing.com OWNER: Barney Visser LOCATION: Denver, Colo. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSOR & DRIVER: ■ No. 78, Furniture Row, Regan Smith FAST FACT: First race was on Nov. 13, 2005,

at Phoenix International Raceway with driver Jerry Robertson.

GERMAIN RACING

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

WEB: rcracing.com OWNER: Richard Childress LOCATION: Welcome, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS:

■ No. 27, Menard’s, Paul Menard ■ No. 29, Budweiser/Rheem, Kevin Harvick ■ No. 31, Caterpillar/Wheaties, Jeff Burton FAST FACT: RCR won six championships with driver Dale Earnhardt.

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS

WEB: richardpettymotorsports.com OWNER: Richard Petty LOCATION: Concord, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Ford 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS:

■ No. 9, Stanley/DeWalt, Marcos Ambrose ■ No. 43, Smithfield Foods, Aric Almirola FAST FACT: Richard Petty partnered with Medallion Financial and DGB Investments to form the two-car team in November 2010.

WEB: germainracing.com OWNER: Bob Germain Jr., Steve Germain and Rick Germain LOCATION: Mooresville, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Ford 2012 SPONSOR & DRIVER: ■ No. 13, GEICO, Casey Mears FAST FACT:

Germain Racing was founded as part of Toyota’s entry into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2004.

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

WEB: hendrickmotorsports.com OWNER: Rick Hendrick LOCATION: Charlotte, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 5, Farmers Insurance/Quaker State, Kasey Kahne

■ No. 24, Drive to End Hunger/DuPont, Jeff Gordon ■ No. 48, Lowe’s/ Kobalt Tools, Jimmie Johnson ■ No. 88, National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew, Dale Earnhardt Jr. FAST FACT: Rick Hendrick has won a record 13 car owner championships in NASCAR national series competition.

JOE GIBBS RACING

WEB: joegibbsracing.com OWNER: Joe Gibbs LOCATION: Huntersville, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Toyota 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 11,

FedEx, Denny Hamlin ■ No. 18, M&M’s/Interstate Batteries, Kyle Busch ■ No. 20, The Home Depot/Dollar General, Joey Logano FAST FACT: The team’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory came in the 1993 Daytona 500 with Dale Jarrett driving the No. 18.

JTG/DAUGHERTY RACING

WEB: jtgracing.com OWNERS: Tad Geschickter, Jodi Geschickter and Brad Daugherty LOCATION: Harrisburg, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Toyota 2012 SPONSOR & DRIVER: ■ No. 47, Clorox/Kingsford Charcoal, Bobby Labonte FAST FACT: Australian Marcos Ambrose was the driver when the

team made its NASCAR Sprint Cup debut in 2008.

MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING

WEB: michaelwaltrip.com OWNERS: Michael Waltrip and Rob Kauffman LOCATION: Cornelius, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Toyota 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 15, 5-Hour Energy, Clint Bowyer ■ No. 55, Aaron’s, Mark

Martin/Michael Waltrip ■ No. 56, NAPA Auto Parts, Martin Truex Jr.

FAST FACT: David Reutimann scored the team’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup

victory in 2009 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

PENSKE RACING WEB: penskeracing.com OWNER: Roger Penske LOCATION: Mooresville, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Dodge 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 2, Miller Lite, Brad Keselowski ■ No. 22, Shell/Pennzoil, AJ Allmendinger FAST FACT: The team fielded its first entry in NASCAR in 1972 with an AMC Matador for road-racing standout Mark Donohue.

PHOENIX RACING

WEB: phoenixracing.com OWNER: James Finch LOCATION: Spartanburg, S.C. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 51, Phoenix Construction, Kurt Busch FAST FACT: Brad Keselowski

produced the team’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory on April 26, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway.

ROUSH FENWAY RACING

WEB: roushfenway.com OWNERS: Jack Roush and John Henry LOCATION: Concord, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Ford 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS:

■ No. 16, 3M, Greg Biffle ■ No. 17, Best Buy, Matt Kenseth ■ No. 99, Fastenal, Carl Edwards FAST FACT: Team won consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles with Matt Kenseth (2003) and Kurt Busch (2004).

STEWART-HAAS RACING

WEB: stewarthaasracing.com OWNERS: Tony Stewart and Gene Haas LOCATION: Kannapolis, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 10, GoDaddy.com, Danica Patrick

■ No. 14, Office Depot/Mobil 1, Tony Stewart ■ No. 39, U.S. Army/ Quicken Loans, Ryan Newman FAST FACT: In 2011, Tony Stewart became the first owner/driver since Alan Kulwicki in 1992 to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.

TOMMY BALDWIN RACING

WEB: tommybaldwinracing.com OWNER: Tommy Baldwin LOCATION: Mooresville, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Chevrolet 2012 SPONSORS & DRIVERS: ■ No. 35, [TBA], David Reutimann ■ No. 36, [TBA], Dave Blaney FAST FACT: Tommy Baldwin has five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

victories as a crew chief, including the 2002 Daytona 500 with driver Ward Burton.

WOOD BROTHERS RACING

WEB: woodbrothersracing.com OWNERS: Glen Wood, Eddie Wood, Len Wood and Kim Hall LOCATION: Harrisburg, N.C. MANUFACTURER: Ford 2012 DRIVER/SPONSORS: ■ No. 21, Motorcraft/Quick Lane, Trevor Bayne FAST FACT: Glen Wood formed Wood Brothers Racing in 1950, and

was the team’s first driver.

NOTE: The teams featured in this section are those whose plans for the 2012 season were announced prior to NASCAR Pole Position’s publication deadline.

FREERACEMAG.COM

13

green flag

■■ Ryan and Krissie Newman welcome a sold out crowd of 500 to the Ryan Newman Foundation’s annual charity dinner.

Ryan Newman Foundation Awards Grants

R

yan and Krissie Newman’s efforts to aid homeless animals are well known, but the Ryan Newman Foundation benefits other causes as well.

In addition to educating and encouraging people to spay or neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters, the Foundation educates children and adults about the importance of conservation and provides college scholarship funding via the Rich Vogler Scholarship program.

Fundraisers throughout the year not only enable the Foundation to support its programs, but bring enjoyment to fans as well.

There is the Pocono RV raffle for that track’s

June event with the winner and five guests receiving the VIP treatment at the track.

Fans may also bid on eBay for race packages that include suite seats at Michigan International Speedway. These fan-oriented events raised about $30,000 last year.

However, it’s the Foundation’s annual charity dinner and fishing tournament on Lake Norman north of Charlotte, N.C., that serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser.

Held on the eve of the December fishing tournament, last year’s dinner was managed by JHE Productions, presented by the Gene Haas Foundation and held in the Statesville [N.C.] Civic Center. Unique touches allowed guests to have their photo taken next to an event-themed race car, enjoy photo booths stocked with props and view an ice sculpture of a dog and a cat fishing. Former Miss Sprint Monica Palumbo

emceed the evening’s festivities, while country music singer/song writers Kendell Marvel, Billy and Randy Montana and Heidi Newfield provided the entertainment.

The fishing tournament featured 197 boats with a record 92 teams weighing-in.

The $333,000 raised by the two events will be instrumental in the awarding of grants to spay/neuter clinics and animal organizations later this year. Applications for the grants will be accepted through June 30.

“The weather isn’t the best and the fishing can be tough in December, so to see a record number of entries was pretty awesome,” said Newman, driver of the No. 39 Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing. “Bass Pro Shops donated a Nitro Z9 again (for the grand prize), which helped with getting a mix of amateur and professional anglers.

There aren’t a lot of tournaments giving out over $60,000 in prizes, especially charity events, so we’re lucky to have great partners that believe in our mission and support us throughout the year.”

In 2011, Newman’s Foundation awarded $326,000 in grants to 95 spay/neuter clinics and animal organizations in 29 states.

■■ A record number of anglers entered the Foundation’s December fishing tournament held on Lake Norman north of Charlotte, N.C.

BY DEB WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY GREG ELLER

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POLE POSITION // 2012

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Scan for Video

Q&A

with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Johnny Sauter

What’s your favorite hobby?

Sauter: Late model racing. I find myself spending a lot of my free time, when I’m not with my team or whatever, late model racing. Whether I’m working on my own car and racing it, or I’m going to an event locally to just go watch, that’s pretty much all I do. I don’t hunt; I don’t fish. I just don’t do a lot of the things that normal people do, I guess.

What’s a typical day like at the Sauter house?

Sauter: Our Sundays around here are pretty much the same. We get up and go to church and then go to breakfast or whatever. The kids (Penn, 2, and Paige, born April 2011) are young enough that, weather permitting, we’ll go to the local park and just go to the slides and swings and things like that. That’s kind of our low-key day, just hanging out with the kids.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Sauter: Boy, there are a lot of those. I would think probably on my 12th Christmas, I got a Bolink RC10, which is a remote-controlled car. I loved remotecontrolled car racing from age 10 through 15 or 16.

I loved that stuff and I would always go and try to compete in races. But that was the very first true racing RC car that I had gotten. And I got it for Christmas. To this day, I remember. I’ve even gone so far as to go on eBay and I’ve bought a couple of those kits just so I’ve got them the way that they were.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

Sauter: Probably 6 years old, I can remember going to the Capital 300 (at Madison International Speedway in Wisconsin). My dad was in that race and he won the race. I still remember all us kids, 11 of us kids, being there for that. That was pretty cool. That was a big race and I can still remember being a kid, sitting on the hill watching that.

When did you know you wanted to race?

Sauter: I think I actually was a little bit late on that.

I had obviously grown up around racing, but I don’t think I really got serious about it until I was about 14. I never turned a lap in a race car or anything for that matter until I was 18. I never raced Go-Karts. We never did any of that stuff. I had a yard kart that I’d ride around in the front yard but my dad obviously wanted me to get through school before I started racing because I think he wanted me to focus on academics more than just doing something for fun.

Johnny Sauter at a Glance FAVORITE MOVIES:

■ It’s A Wonderful Life; Back to the Future FAVORITE SONG:

■ Not sure… something by the Foo Fighters FAVORITE FOOD:

■ Cheeseburger and fries FAVORITE VACATION SPOT:

■ Montana

FAVORITE MUSIC:

■ ’80s and ’90s rock FAVORITE DRINK:

■ Coke

FAVORITE SEASON:

■ Fall

FAVORITE ANIMAL:

■ I’m a feline guy

MOST TREASURED MATERIAL POSSESSION:

■ House

WHAT I’D CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD:

■ Pride and greed

BY JARED TURNER

FREERACEMAG.COM

15

green flag DID YOU KNOW? A Plethora Of Racing

NASCAR WILL SANCTION MORE THAN 1,200 EVENTS IN 2012 SEASON OPENERS: VISIT NASCAR.COM/HOMETRACKS FOR SCHEDULE INFORMATION.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES TYPE: National Touring Series CARS: Late model stock cars with a 110-inch wheelbase. Engines are 358-cubicinch V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION: Tony Stewart, Columbus, Ind. SEASON OPENER: Feb. 26, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.

T

he National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing was born during a December 1947 meeting at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla. The meeting was called by Bill France Sr., a local gas station owner and racing promoter, to discuss the problems facing stock car racing.

Few knew when the meeting adjourned if the organization would be successful. In fact, there were skeptics who believed it would never get off the ground. Not even France, who understood a sanctioning body was exactly what the sport of stock car racing needed, could have envisioned what NASCAR would become.

The fledging organization sanctioned its first race – a modified stock car event won

by Red Byron on Daytona’s beach course – on Feb. 15, 1948, and the rest is history.

Today, NASCAR is best known for its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series but the sanctioning body has a far-reaching impact. From its headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races each year at nearly 100 tracks in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It oversees nine major racing series in addition to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, which features stock car and modified racing at more than 50 weekly short tracks.

Here is an overview of NASCAR’s series, including the 2011 champions and the opening races for 2012.

16

POLE POSITION // 2012

NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES TYPE: National Touring Series CARS: Late model stock cars with a 110-in. wheelbase. Engines are 358-cubic-inch V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION:

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Olive Branch, Miss.

SEASON OPENER: Feb.25, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES TYPE: National Touring Series TRUCKS: Late model pickup trucks with a 112-inch wheelbase. Engines are 358-cubic-inch V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION: Austin Dillon, Lewisville, N.C. SEASON OPENER: Feb. 24, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES EAST TYPE: Regional Touring Series – races are primarily in the Eastern states, ranging from Georgia to New Hampshire.

CARS: Late model stock cars with either a 105- or 110-inch wheelbase. Engines are 358-cubic-inch V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION: Max Gresham, Stockbridge, Ga. SEASON OPENER: March 17, Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tenn.

NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES WEST TYPE: Regional Touring Series – races are primarily in the Western states, ranging from Arizona to Washington.

CARS: Late model stock cars with either a 105- or 110-inch wheelbase. Engines are 358-cubic-inch V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION: Greg Pursley, Newhall, Calif.

SEASON OPENER: March 3, Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, Ariz.

NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR TYPE: Regional Touring Series – races are primarily in the Northeastern states.

CARS: A NASCAR modified has a 107-inch wheelbase and is 11 inches shorter in height and over 23 inches wider than a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. Engines are small-block V-8s, usually 355 to 368 cubic inches.

2011 CHAMPION: Ron Silk, Norwalk, Conn.

SEASON OPENER: April 15, Thompson International Speedway, Thompson, Conn.

NASCAR WHELEN SOUTHERN MODIFIED TOUR TYPE: Regional Touring Series – races are primarily in the Southeastern states.

CARS: A NASCAR modified has a 107-inch wheelbase and is 11 inches shorter in height and over 23 inches wider than a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. Engines are small-block V-8s, usually 355 to 368 cubic inches.

2011 CHAMPION:

George Brunnhoelzl III, West Babylon, N.Y. SEASON OPENER: March 25, Caraway Speedway, Asheboro, N.C.

NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES TYPE: International Touring Series – Canada CARS: Late model stock cars with a 105-inch wheelbase. Engines are smallblock V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION: Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont. SEASON OPENER: May 20, Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ontario NASCAR MEXICO SERIES TYPE: International Touring Series – Mexico CARS: Late model stock cars with a 105-inch wheelbase. Engines are smallblock V-8s.

2011 CHAMPION: German Quiroga, Mexico City, Mexico SEASON OPENER: TBA NASCAR WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES TYPE: NASCAR member drivers earn points at participating weekly short tracks toward a regional championship. A national champion is then crowned from among the regional titlists.

CARS: Late model and modified stock cars. Specifications vary by track.

2011 CHAMPION: Philip Morris, Ruckersville, Va. EURO-RACECAR TYPE: International Tour Series - Europe CARS: Tubular chassis cars powered by American V8s.

SEASON OPENER: April 7-8 at Nogaro in France

green flag Fans Win With Relationship Between Walmart and NASCAR RACE TIME IS BACK FOR 2012!

W

almart and NASCAR have once again teamed up to give race fans new NASCAR branded merchandise and special savings on race tickets in select races nationwide.

The retail program, branded “Race Time,” is the largest retail promotion in NASCAR’s history and was launched last year. This year, it has been expanded to more than triple the companies offering authentic merchandise, double the number of fan events in race markets and increased the number of tracks where Walmart is offering the Walmart Family Track Pack.

Walmart customers and NASCAR fans can save money by purchasing a “Walmart Family Track Pack,” discounted ticket packages available exclusively through Walmart.com/NASCAR for select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

Ticket packages include four race tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks and one race program for just $99, a savings of more than $100, while supplies last. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster kiosks in select markets.

Special NASCAR fan events, featuring stock car displays, racing simulators and driver appearances, are also planned at select Walmart stores in each race market.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Walmart will sponsor racing legend Bill Elliott in the Walmart No. 50 car at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona on July 7. Elliott will also appear at select Walmart stores before race day, along with his show car.

“We want to bring affordability and accessibility to NASCAR fans,” said Rand Waddoups, Senior Director, Entertainment Properties and Brands, Walmart. “We’ve offered authentic NASCAR merchandise in our stores for years, and we’re excited to expand our offerings and provide great Race Time experiences in stores and at the track.”

■Kyle Busch greets and signs autographs for fans at a local Walmart

UPCOMING FAN EVENTS AT WALMART STORES DAYTONA Tues., Feb. 21 Tues., Feb. 21 Wed., Feb. 22 Wed., Feb. 22 Thurs., Feb. 23 Thurs., Feb. 23 Fri., Feb. 24 Fri., Feb. 24 Sat., Feb. 25 Sat., Feb. 25

PHOENIX

Wed., Feb. 29 Wed., Feb. 29 Thurs., March 01 Thurs., March 01 Fri., March 02 Fri., March 02 Sat., March 03 Sat., March 03

LAS VEGAS Wed., March 07 Wed., March 07 Thurs., March 08 Thurs., March 08 Fri., March 09 Fri., March 09 Sat., March 10

BRISTOL

Wed., March 14 Wed., March 14 Thurs., March 15 Thurs., March 15 Fri., March 16 Fri., March 16 Sat., March 17 Sat., March 17

FONTANA

Thurs., March 22 Thurs., March 22 Fri., March 23 Fri., March 23 Sat., March 24 Sat., March 24

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

1601 Rinehart Rd. 1699 North Woodland Blvd.

174 Cypress Point Pkwy.

1521 West Granada Blvd.

1905 North Nova Rd. (NHM) 3155 State Rd. 44 1101 Beville Rd. 1590 Dunlawton Ave. 1101 Beville Rd. 1590 Dunlawton Ave.

Sanford, Fla. Deland, Fla. Palm Coast, Fla. Ormond Beach, Fla. Daytona Beach, Fla. New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Daytona Beach, Fla. Port Orange, Fla. Daytona Beach, Fla. Port Orange, Fla.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

18551 North 83rd Ave. 1607 West Bethany Home Rd. 5010 North 95Th Ave. 2020 North 75Th Ave. 1100 North Estrella Pkwy.

1060 South Watson Rd. 13055 West Rancho Santa Fe Blvd.

7575 West Lower Buckeye Rd.

Glendale, Ariz.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Glendale, Ariz.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Goodyear, Ariz.

Buckeye, Ariz.

Avondale, Ariz.

Phoenix, Ariz.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

6005 South Eastern Ave. 5198 Boulder Hwy. 4505 W. Charleston Blvd.

8060 West Tropical Pkwy.

6464 North Decatur Blvd.

1807 West Craig Rd. 4350 North Nellis Blvd.

Las Vegas, Nev. Las Vegas, Nev. Las Vegas, Nev. Las Vegas, Nev. Las Vegas, Nev. North Las Vegas, Nev. Las Vegas, Nev.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

110 Rocky Bottom Drive 2915 West Market Street 2500 West Stone Drive 3200 Fort Henry Drive 1001 Over Mountain Drive 3111 Browns Mill Rd. 13245 Lee Highway 220 Century Blvd.

Unicoi, Tenn.

Johnson City, Tenn.

Kingsport, Tenn.

Kingsport, Tenn.

Elizabethton, Tenn.

Johnson City, Tenn.

Bristol, Va. Bristol, Tenn.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

11:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

4001 Hallmark Pkwy.

2050 West Redlands Blvd.

3943 Grand Ave. 17251 Foothill Blvd.

1610 S. Riverside Ave. 12549 Foothill Blvd.

San Bernardino (N), Calif.

Redlands, Calif.

Chino, Calif.

Fontana, Calif.

Rialto, Calif.

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

515 Mount Cross Rd. 6711 North Carolina 135 304 East Arbor Lane 976 Commonwealth Blvd. East

Danville, Va. Mayodan, N.C. Eden, N.C. Martinsville, Va.

MARTINSVILLE Wed., March 28 Thurs., March 29 Fri., March 30 Sat., March 31

11:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

11:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

11:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

11:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

■ All dates and locations are subject to change.

18

POLE POSITION // 2012

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food & fun at the track The Party Starts Long Before the Race

S

ome NASCAR fans show up at the race track and head straight for the stands. Simply put: They’re there to watch a race. That’s it.

For others, however, the party starts long before the engines do. The party – in many instances – is a good, old-fashioned tailgate.

NASCAR fans of various geographic, socioeconomic, and – of course – driver preferences are united by the smell of food cooking on the grill and the chance to just kick back and relax with a few buddies before watching three or four hours of no-holds-barred racing action.

Whether it’s from the bed of a 20-year-old pickup truck or a lavish motor home, tailgating has become firmly entrenched in the culture of one of America’s fastest sports.

NASCAR Tailgater Profile

B

rian Harman doesn’t tailgate as often as some NASCAR fans. But when he does, you can believe the 34-year-old high school basketball coach loves every minute of it.

Accompanied by family members and a few friends, Harman traditionally tailgates before the spring and fall NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Richmond International Raceway.

Arriving at the track on the morning of the night race, Harman and cohorts spend the entire day lounging, eating, laughing and doing whatever else they can to pass the time before the green flag is waved.

An avid fan of reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, Harman is as high on the tailgating scene as watching his favorite driver win.

But what exactly is it about the popular pre-race ritual that makes Harman such a fan?

20

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY JARED TURNER

“The atmosphere – no question,” said the resident of Floyd, Va. “You’re at the track; you’re excited about the day. It’s only twice a year that you go to Richmond. … It’s the atmosphere building up to the track and ■ Wincraft Tony Stewart 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion 3’ x 5’ Flag the race, and just Available at the NASCAR.com Superstore the people. It’s just a really cool event.”

Despite the funloving ambience, everyone in Harman’s group I’m going to have to listen to how bad he qualiknows and understands when they pull in to fied. Whether he wins it or not, they don’t care tailgate that there are major bragging rights at about that. They’ve got enough time before the stake once the racing commences. race to ride you for a while.”

Thus, there’s no shortage of friendly ribbing.

Not that Harman really minds. It’s just all part “I’m a Tony Stewart fan so I’m always hoping of what makes the tailgating experience so he qualifies well because if not, I’m going to enjoyable. have to listen to it all the way to the race,” Har“It’s a cool event for the whole family,” man said. “No matter how he runs in the race, Harman said.

Heart of a winner.

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tailgating presented by Best Tracks

Essential Items

N

ot surprisingly, some tracks are more ideal for tailgating than others. Fans say night races, in general, are more conductive to tailgating because there’s simply more time before the race.

Arguably, No. 1 in this category is Richmond International Raceway, host of two annual night races for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“The best experience we’ve had tailgating is at Richmond – without question,” said Rick Cruz, a NASCAR fan from Lexington, Va. “It’s at the [Richmond] Fairgrounds, the space is so big and it’s flat.

“Richmond, with the night race, they have a lot of things to do during the day if you want to go over to the souvenir trailers or whatever, but the tailgate itself is big, it’s flat, there’s plenty of room to put your stuff out so it’s just a really good place to do that.”

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile facility within minutes of the gambling capitol of the world, is also high on the list of places to tailgate.

“The parking lot is much more level than Sonoma [Infineon Raceway] and makes tailgating a relatively neat experience,” said April Gates, a fan from Sultan, Wash. “Tailgating in Vegas is not as much of a priority when you have casinos so close, though!”

Gates has had good experiences at NASCAR’s other California track, Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

It all depends on the weather, though.

“Tailgating in Fontana when it was hot was unbearable,” she said. “In better weather it was quite fun.”

L NASCAR BRITE LITE LOGOS POWERDECAL he Brite Lite Logos Powerdecal is an innovative LED backlit logo for your vehicle window.

Device turns on automatically while driving at night via sensor technology and shuts off after two minutes when parked; once installed you never need to touch it. It works great with tinted windows! Easy installation with quality 3M adhesion material, just peel and stick, no tools required. Brite Lite Logos are available in the following styles: NASCAR Logo, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson. You can find the Brite Lite Logos Powerdecal at numerous retail outlets and the NASCAR.com Superstore.

T

ike most outdoor activities, the tailgating experience is optimized when participants come prepared.

And the best way to do so is to avoid leaving essentials at home.

Among the highly recommended musthaves are a generator, a top-notch grill, a propane tank, card tables to eat from, an ice chest and a sturdy covering – such as a pop-up tent or a canopy – to protect from nature’s ever-changing elements, particularly rain and baking sun.

And, of course, there’s the menu. Popular food choices include standard burgers (with the necessary condiments), hot dogs, steaks, barbecue chicken, grilled chicken sandwiches, wings, pork tenderloins, ribs, chips (with dip), pre-made potato or macaroni salad and vegetable trays.

Other common, but less essential nonfood items include a radio, a portable television and a portable toilet. And, of course, many fans choose to fly the flag of their favorite driver from the side of their motor home or RV. “The big key is to not over-pack,” Harman said. “Hauling a bunch of stuff in there, it can be a pain in the butt. You need to just make sure also that you’ve got what you need, and the grill and the propane and the food, and you’ll be fine.”

It’s also important to bring a good attitude, especially as different driver, team and manufacturer loyalties inevitably creep into the conversation.

“It’s a good time,” Cruz said. “People seem to make an effort to get along. It’s usually pretty civil – although not always. People are pretty accommodating – usually.”

TERVIS TUMBLER ervis, the leader in insulated drinkware, is now offering an officially licensed NASCAR® collection. Tervis and NASCAR share a rich American history and longevity; Tervis was founded in 1946 and NASCAR in 1948.

Tervis tumblers keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold longer, reduce condensation, are virtually unbreakable, are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe, and are proudly made in America. The NASCAR officially licensed collection from Tervis includes 13 drivers and the NASCAR logo.

Visit Tervis.com or the NASCAR.com Superstore for the complete collection.

T

COOL WORKS CUP™ COOLER BEST OF TIMES ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

N

ASCAR-themed Best of Times Entertainment Centers allow fans to support their favorite driver at the race track and at home all year long. Built for everyday with its steel frame, this centerpiece allows fans to take the party anywhere. Offering shade, seating, storage and unlimited design options through patented interchangeable wrap sets, it makes hosting events easy and turns any space into a party space! Best of Time Entertainment Centers are available for the following drivers: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle. Packages range from $399-$599 depending on components requested, which include L-shaped bar, umbrella, in-shelf cooler, wheeled travel case, four stools with driver logo covers, and side table/grill stand with matching driver designs. This NASCAR-themed product is currently available at the NASCAR.com Superstore.

22

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY JARED TURNER

C

ool 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.

BUSH’S® FRENCH GRILLED STEAK

R

ecipe created for BUSH’S® Grillin’ Beans® exclusively by Chef Jeffrey Saad, grilling expert, television host of numerous food- and cooking-related shows and author of the new cookbook, Jeffrey Saad's Global Kitchen: Recipes Without Borders.

■ Servings: 4 to 6 ■ Preparation Time: 25 minutes ■ Cooking Time: 8 to 12 minutes INGREDIENTS: ■ 1 can (22 ounces) BUSH’S® Steakhouse

1

5

2 3 4

6 7 8

DIRECTIONS: For Sauce: Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Add shallots and garlic. Stir occasionally until golden brown.

Add beef broth, bring to boil and cook until half of the liquid is dissolved, about 5-10 minutes. Set mixture aside to cool for 10 minutes.

In blender or food processor, puree mixture with tarragon leaves, mustard and salt. Set aside in small bowl.

For Steaks: Bring steaks to room temperature for no longer than 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Set clean, well-oiled grill to medium-high heat. When grill is hot, using tongs, place steaks on grill and cook with grill lid open. Cook until marked and browned on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness, to internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F. To create a thick crust, cook first side of steak for an additional 1-2 minutes before flipping.

Remove steak from grill, place on serving platter and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

With a spoon, add an equal layer of sauce over the top of each steak.

Serve with BUSH’S Steakhouse Recipe Grillin’ Beans.

Recipe Grillin’ Beans®

FOR SAUCE: 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup shallots, chopped 3 cloves garlic 1 cup beef broth ¼ cup fresh tarragon leaves, packed 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon kosher salt

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

FOR STEAKS:

■ 4 6-8 ounces each rib eye, New York strip or

B:8.625”

■ Salt and pepper

S:7.875”

steak of choice

T:8.375”

GENTLEMEN, START YOUR APPETITES! Root for Bobby Labonte, driver of the #47 Bush’s Beans-sponsored car. ®

©2012 Bush Brothers & Company. JTG Daugherty Racing,™ Bobby Labonte name and/or likeness and race team, race car and car number used by authority of JTG Racing, Inc. TOYOTA AND ALL ASSOCIATED MARKS, EMBLEMS AND DESIGNS ARE THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION AND USED WITH PERMISSION.

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23

DINING TRACK at the Unique Concession Items Featured

by NASCAR Tracks

F

ood and drink are integral parts of the NASCAR experience and the race tracks go to great lengths to offer fans an extensive variety of concession options. Of course, the menus include the old standards such as cheeseburgers, French fries and popcorn. But each track also showcases at least one truly unique concession item, several of which have deep regional roots. Here’s a look at the most unique menu offerings at the early season NASCAR tracks: DAYTONA INT’L SPEEDWAY Daytona International Speedway is offering a “Greatest Hits” menu at its Budweiser Bistro this season. The eclectic menu features the Bistro’s top-selling items from the past six years, many of which return to the speedway after a long absence.

One of the most popular items returning is the foot-long Panini. A far cry from a traditional race-track “foot long,” the Panini includes six slices of pepper-jack cheese and a special sauce on toasted flat bread.

A new offering at the Budweiser Bistro, which is part of the Sprint FANZONE in the track’s infield, will be a shepherd’s pie made with beef tenderloin tips.

PHOENIX INT’L RACEWAY Nestled in the desert foothills of the Estrella Mountains, the area surrounding Phoenix International Raceway is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous rattlesnakes. In fact, the spectator area overlooking Turns 3 and 4 of the one-mile oval is known as “Rattlesnake Hill.”

But during the race track’s two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends each year, the rattlesnakes go from free-roaming wildlife to concession item as PIR’s Rattlesnake Fritters offer race fans a truly Southwestern culinary experience.

Rattlesnake Fritters debuted in 2009 and each order contains four 2.5-ounce pieces of rattlesnake meat that have been dipped in batter and deep fried.

LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY To culinary connoisseurs, Las Vegas is better known for its numerous buffets than its lavish casinos. Nearly 50 buffets are located throughout the city and Las Vegas Motor Speedway celebrates the allyou-can-eat tradition with the Buffet Dog.

24

POLE POSITION // 2012

It’s an all-beef hot dog covered with smoked prime rib – “because all Vegas buffets serve prime rib” – carmelized onions and creamy horseradish sauce. And to accompany the Buffet Dog, LVMS offers Pig Tails, crispy fries that are tossed with slow-cooked pulled pork and covered in a signature barbecue sauce.

Unfortunately, neither of these delicacies is served on an actual buffet.

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY The running of moonshine in the Appalachian Mountains is such an important part of NASCAR history that a still is on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Museum in Charlotte, N.C. So it is very fitting that Bristol Motor Speedway, one of only two remaining race tracks in the Appalachian region, sells souvenir mason jars at its concession stands.

For safety reasons, these modern-day mason jars are made of plastic instead of the traditional glass and each 24-ounce jar features a label with the name and date of

the race, making them one of NASCAR racing’s most unique keepsakes.

AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY Outside concession vendors are commonplace at every NASCAR race track but none is more famous than Pink’s.

Pink’s is a Southern California institution. It has been serving chili dogs at the corner of Melrose and La Brea in Los Angeles since 1939, and last year the familyowned business began offering its dogs to NASCAR fans at Auto Club Speedway.

Originally sold out of a wheeled pushcart, the Pink’s chili dog has remained unchanged since FDR was president. It features an oversized all-beef hot dog – specially made for Pink’s – in a warm bun and is topped with mustard, onions and thick chili.

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog is the most iconic concession item in NASCAR racing and more than 50,000 of them are served during each of the track’s two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends.

It starts with a boiled Jesse Jones hot dog, a southern delicacy sold only in Virginia and the Carolinas. The bright red hot dog is then placed in a unique bun and topped with chili, mustard, onions and a vinegarbased slaw. The concoction is wrapped in waxed paper and placed into a steamer to keep it warm.

Martinsville is the only track where the number of hot dogs consumed by crew members is a carefully monitored garagearea statistic.

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12 THINGS TO EXPECT IN 2012 Surprise Winners, Hot Tempers and Head Games

W

ith a worldwide fan following millions strong, NASCAR is recognized among the elite professional sports.

The drivers’ personalities and the incredible talent they possess serve as the foundation for what makes today’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series so popular. Presented here are a dozen things fans should watch for as the 2012 season unfolds.

26

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY BEN WHITE

MAKING THE RACE There are 43 starting positions at each of the 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Yes, car owners in the top 35 of the owners’ points standings are guaranteed a starting spot at each race. But for the others, shear speed is the determining factor on who makes the race and who goes home early.

Usually, more than 43 cars attempt to qualify, so simply making the show can be a daunting task for the sport’s lower-funded teams, especially at the more prestigious races like the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Coca-Cola 600.

But the right driver-crew chief combination, coupled with a strong engine and some engineering help, can often translate into a starting spot for one or more of the underdog teams. And that’s where the numerous heartwarming stories of beating the odds are born.

NEW DRIVER-CREW CHIEF COMBINATIONS There are many new driver and crew chief combinations this season with the pairing of Denny Hamlin and Darian Grubb being the most interesting. Grubb replaces Mike Ford as the crew chief on Hamlin’s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota after guiding Tony Stewart to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.

Stewart’s decision to release Grubb proved to be a golden opportunity for Hamlin, a driver who unexpectedly struggled in 2011. Look for Hamlin and Grubb to be strong and also keep an eye on the new combinations of Kevin Harvick and Shane Wilson at Richard Childress Racing and Clint Bowyer and Brian Pattie at Michael Waltrip Racing.

Good chemistry and good communication always translate into awesome results on the track.

FUEL-INJECTED ENGINES For the first time since it started sanctioning stock car races in 1948, NASCAR is using a new method of distributing gasoline into the cars’ engines as electronic fuel injection has replaced carburetors.

The sport’s engine builders are rapidly adjusting to the new system, but there are still many questions to answer. One such question is that electronic sensors are part of the system and some believe they could present problems before race lengths are reached.

The good news, however, is that the new system may increase fuel mileage, adding additional laps between pit stops. This could mean the difference between winning and finishing somewhere in the top 10 during a race that comes down to fuel mileage.

But fans won’t notice much of a difference unless problems arise that sideline a number of drivers.

TANDEM DRAFTING

FIRST-TIME WINNERS One of NASCAR’s great attractions is the incredibly close level of competition throughout the 43-car field. Putting together a performance good enough to win against the top NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers and teams is a very tough task. But there are those rare occasions when a driver finally breaks the ice and gets to enjoy the Victory Lane confetti and champagne for the first time. When it happens, nothing in racing is more rewarding or exciting.

Last season, Marcos Ambrose, Trevor Bayne, Paul Menard, David Ragan and Regan Smith all visited Victory Lane for the first time in the premier series. Drivers to watch as possible new winners this year are Aric Almirola, Danica Patrick, AJ Allmendinger and David Gilliland.

Drivers and teams discovered a new way to go fast at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway in 2011. The result was tandem racing, where drivers joined forces in two-car drafts and pushed their way through packs of cars.

The theory of two cars working better than one was great for drivers wanting to move through the field, but it quickly proved unpopular with many fans.

Teams will continue to take advantage of the tandem racing on the superspeedways until NASCAR tweaks the rules in such a way to prevent the cars from “hooking up.” To that end, NASCAR started the year by restricting radio communication so drivers can no longer talk to each other during races, an important part of the two-car racing.

THE UNEXPECTED FINISH More than once last season, a driver ended up winning a race when a rival ran short on fuel. All of the calculations that are made during any given race are a guess, as no one compiling the numbers knows exactly how a race will unfold. That can be great news for FREERACEMAG.COM

27

some fans and frustrating for others, depending upon which driver wins or loses.

Either way, such a scenario adds great drama to the end of a race.

SHORT-TRACK ACTION Some drivers are simply magical on the three short tracks that are part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick show some of their best skills while weaving through heavy traffic on the smaller ovals.

It’s all about having a solid car, a strong engine and a huge amount of patience to make it to what counts the most – being able to challenge for the victory.

Those who enjoy short-track racing are anxiously awaiting the door-to-door, metal-mashing action that often leads to hot tempers, retaliations and post-race confrontations.

MAKING THE CHASE At the start of each NASCAR Sprint Cup season, every driver shares the same goal – to be among the dozen who make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. It’s all about having enough points by the end of the 26th race at Richmond International Raceway to earn the right to compete for the title.

Race fans will feel the excitement and disappointment that the ups and downs of a long, grueling season produce for every driver and team. Countless hours of preparation, followed by perfect race strategy and a tremendous amount of luck are the keys to making the Chase. When they all come together, a championship can result.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH Race fans always enjoy watching their favorite drivers battle on the race track. But what is even more important is how they’re treated when they meet their heroes during autograph sessions or sponsor appearances.

So which drivers are the best when it comes to smiles and handshakes?

Heading the list is Trevor Bayne, the defending Daytona 500 winner, and David Ragan. And if one wants to go a bit old school to find the best of NASCAR’s heroes, seven-time champ Richard Petty and 1983 champion Bobby Allison are always ready to offer a kind word or sign an autograph.

CHAMPIONSHIP DOMINANCE Once the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers are set to compete for this year’s title, one driver may set out to dominate the final 10 races. The strategy proved successful for Tony 28

POLE POSITION // 2012

Stewart in 2011 as he shifted into high gear when it mattered most and won five of the Chase races.

In light of Stewart’s surprise late-season run, another driver could dominate the win column near season’s end in a quest to lock up the title. But who could that be? Jimmie Johnson’s streak of five consecutive championships was snapped last year and he wants a return shot. Jeff Gordon continues to fight hard for his fifth career championship, while Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. still search for their first.

HEAD GAMES Before NASCAR Sprint Cup cars can be rolled out of their transporters, millions of dollars are spent to buy talent and speed. Cars are constructed from raw steel and the masterminds shine in roles as crew chiefs.

But in the end, it’s up to the drivers to make those cars go fast. When the competition is so great among those vying for a championship, drivers at times turn to mental tactics and head games in hopes of gaining an advantage.

Fans look for very crafty comments made to the media to add a touch of entertainment. Just as is the case on the football field or basketball court, verbal jabs have a way of making NASCAR Sprint Cup championship battles more interesting as drivers are pretty good at pushing the mental envelope.

THE BOYS WHO HAVE AT IT Drivers battle for track position that’s often very tough to gain. When tempers flare amid badly battered race cars, drivers often find one another to discuss the situation on the track or in the garage area. Heated words can come at any point in the season, especially when everything the team has worked for is lost. When dreams of great success are shattered due to a careless move on the track, that’s when fans will see heated exchanges between drivers.

Kevin Harvick, Kurt and Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart are among those who have been known to openly express their anger in front of the fans. Even some of the calmest drivers have let their emotions get the best of them in the heat of the battle.

NASCARÂŽ is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

MARGIN OF VICTORY

NUMBER OF WINS SEALS THE DEAL FOR TONY STEWART

CLAIMS THIRD NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

30

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY BEN WHITE

T

he battle for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship was the most dramatic in the history of major league stock car racing. In the end, it was excruciatingly close – so close, in fact, that the champion, Tony Stewart, earned exactly the same number of points as the secondplace finisher, Carl Edwards.

When the checkered flag was waved to end the 2011 season, the title was awarded based on the first tie-breaker, the total number of victories during the 36race season. Stewart won five times while Edwards had only one victory.

Stewart is the first owner/driver to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship since Alan Kulwicki defeated Bill Elliott by 10 points in 1992. His nine top-five finishes are

But Stewart scored his first win of the season in the Chase opener at Chicagoland Speedway and jumped to second in points. He won again the next week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and moved into the points lead. Stewart looked to be on the move, albeit briefly.

When Stewart scored his third win at Martinsville Speedway, he began to feel a third-career championship was possible.

And when he got to Homestead-Miami Speedway fresh off his fourth win at Texas and a third-place finish at Phoenix the week before, Stewart’s confidence was high.

He was three points behind Edwards and couldn’t afford any problems or miscues.

But as fate would have it, a piece of debris knocked a hole in the grille of Stewart’s car early in the race and he dropped back to 40th while repairs were made on pit road.

You never quit, you never stop thinking you can win.

the fewest in that category by a champion since Bill Rexford had only five in 17 starts during the 1950 season.

“Our Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy was awesome and I can’t thank [crew chief] Darian Grubb and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing enough for all their hard work and all of our partners and sponsors for supporting us,” Stewart said during the championship celebration. “To do it under the circumstances and the pressure that we had today, I’m very, very proud of that. And, man, I’ve been racing 31 years and I can’t even remember some of the races I’ve won. But I would have to say that, under the circumstances, I’ve got to believe that this is definitely one of the greatest races of my life.”

There was only one way either Stewart or Edwards, could be assured of the title regardless of what the other did – win the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The statistics do the best job of describing the 2011 season. Stewart and Edwards ended the year tied in points with 2,043 each, but the championship was awarded to Stewart by virtue of his five victories, all of which came during the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Going into the Chase, Stewart insisted he and his team weren’t good enough to be title contenders. They had struggled at times and only had three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes in the first 26 races.

Stewart’s crew also had an air gun fail during one of his stops, causing crew chief Grubb to make a last-second call for two tires.

In all, Stewart passed cars on the race track 118 times while attempting to rebound and keep his team in the title hunt.

Stewart knew he had the race won and the championship sealed during the closing laps as he led the race with Edwards chasing him in second. That is, if his car held together.

“Yeah, I made sure that if we got in traffic that I had a little something in my back pocket to go with,” Stewart said. “We took care of it, we knew he was going to have to run hard to catch us and going to have to abuse his tires. If we just ran our pace, when we got to traffic or if he closed in anymore that we could go when we needed to.”

Each of Stewart’s three titles – 2002, 2005 and 2011, were earned using different points systems. Stewart is also the last driver to win a championship before Jimmie Johnson began his five-year reign in 2006.

“You never quit, you never stop thinking you can win. You never stop thinking you have a shot to keep winning championships,” Stewart said. “And the day that you think that is the day you should probably look for something else to do. You’re always looking for more – and that includes championships.”

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31

MOZINGO

presented by

On The Road Again

TALES FROM A NASCAR TRANSPORTER DRIVER

F

or all the miles he’s logged – nearly 70,000 annually – hauling 3,500-pound stock cars up and down the nation’s highways, Dean Mozingo could probably just about drive the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports hauler in his sleep.

However, that’s not a practice the 18year NASCAR team transporter driver recommends. In fact, Mozingo – known as “Squirrel” by fellow Hendrick team members – makes no bones about just how difficult driving one of NASCAR’s powerful big rigs can be. Luckily, Mozingo, now in his second season driving the rig of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, has extracted a plethora of helpful tips from his journeys.

Mozingo’s previous truck-driving gigs at Hendrick have included hauling the cars of Terry Labonte, Kyle Busch, Casey Mears and Mark Martin. Prior to joining Hendrick, Mozingo drove the team transporter for now-defunct Petty Enterprises, where he picked up his nickname from team owner Richard Petty.

Mozingo hauled freight for Harris Teeter, a grocery store chain, prior to entering the NASCAR ranks, but he’s found the responsibility of maneuvering a NASCAR team’s ultraexpensive cars and equipment from coast to coast far more enormous. In an effort to deal with the pressure, Mozingo seeks to keep the mood light and happy – which he deems one

32

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY JARED TURNER

of the keys to doing his job well.

“When you’re working with a team, you always want to fit in,” said the 44-year-old native of Tampa, Fla. “You always want to have a good time. You’ve got to laugh and cut up because this job, it’s tough and it’s stressful.”

Mozingo’s lighthearted attitude has won the affection of his road companions.

“If you were listening to him on the radio, you would think he’s about 10-foot tall and bulletproof,” Kip Wolfmeier, an underneath mechanic for the No. 24 team, said with a chuckle. “He’s really only like 5-foot-6, but he’s a character, for sure.”

Mike Bumgarner, a former car chief on the No. 24 car, added: “I’ll ride with him every once in awhile … and just listening to him with the CB and with the other truck drivers, it’s pretty entertaining.”

Mozingo’s duties consist of more than just driving the transporter to and from NASCAR’s assortment of race tracks.

He’s also responsible for cleaning the hauler, loading it at the shop with all the team’s equipment (which includes a primary car and a back-up car), unloading upon arrival at the track and loading up again at the conclusion of the race weekend.

Staying organized, Mozingo has discovered, is the key to making the process as efficient as possible.

“We can unload it in 30 minutes and we can put it back on here in 30 minutes.

It’s all just a system,” he explained. “Every week, we know what goes on first. We know what goes on last. And if you have a really good truck driver, he keeps his stuff well organized so it’s not a problem.”

As for the actual rules of driving a team transporter, Mozingo has two primary recommendations: Get enough sleep and stay en route.

These are especially important for crosscountry trips to tracks such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Infineon Raceway and Auto Club Speedway where Mozingo and other transporter drivers generally hit the road four or five days in advance of the race.

In these cases, a second driver is always dispatched so he and the primary driver can alternate 8-10-hour shifts behind the wheel while the other sleeps.

Come whatever may in terms of detours and unexpected traffic delays, Mozingo believes it’s pivotal to stick with the directions as laid out before leaving.

“In certain situations like during a wreck or something, the best thing for me to do is just to stay on the road and not try to get off somewhere,” he said. “That’s when you find yourself getting in trouble – when you don’t know a route.”

NASCAR.COM

EXCESSIVE CELEBRATION ENCOURAGED.

EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST A GAME

©NASCAR 2012

what will it take? driver profiles

driver profiles: what will it take?

▐ OWNER: MARGARET HAAS ▐ TEAM: STEWART-HAAS RACING▐ CAR: OFFICE DEPOT/MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: STEVE ADDINGTON

14 tony stewart BE REMARKABLE.

As Tony Stewart stood center stage after the final event of the 2011 season and again in Las Vegas during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, fans and media members alike greatly appreciated what the race car driver from Columbus, Ind., had achieved.

Stewart suffered through a dismal year driving his own No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, bounced back just enough to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and then came on strong. What he achieved by winning five of the last 10 races was nothing short of miraculous.

Stewart carries championship swagger into 2012, but once again there is absolutely no room for error. He and new crew chief Steve Addington must communicate well from the very beginning if they hope to claim Stewart’s fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

Further, the Kannapolis, N.C.-based team must find all of the gremlins that haunted it during the first 26 races last season and fix them long before they get to the Chase. If not, they could face a carbon copy of 2011, a season that featured a good deal of strife and the parting of ways between Stewart and his crew chief, Darian Grubb.

During the brief offseason, Stewart has worked to improve his entire operation, which also includes the No. 39 Chevrolet driven by Ryan Newman and the No. 10 wheeled in a limited number of races by Danica Patrick. Rest assured when Stewart goes after this year’s title, it will be done with a great deal more consistency.

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POLE POSITION // 2012

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driver profiles: what will it take?

driver profiles

▐ OWNER: JEFF GORDON ▐ TEAM: HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS▐ CAR: LOWE’S CHEVROLET▐ CREW CHIEF: CHAD KNAUS

48 JIMMIE JOHNSON BE DE TERMINED.

From 2006 through 2010, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, was simply on top of the NASCAR world.

He and crew chief Chad Knaus created a dynasty that none of his fellow drivers could touch – an ultra-impressive run of five straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships.

Only one driver, Cale Yarborough, had collected three straight titles, so winning five in a row was quite impressive, especially in an incredibly tight environment where winning races is tougher than ever.

But last year, too many disappointing finishes, crashes and mechanical failures finally added up to end Johnson’s amazing streak.

This year, Johnson and Knaus need to establish a new foundation and work from there. Their title hopes rest upon finding that consistent on-track magic they enjoyed in the past; including cautions falling at the right times, avoiding accidents not of their making and keeping strong cars and engines under them. It also comes down to a good deal of cohesiveness between Johnson and his veteran crew.

For five seasons everything fell their way, but 2011 was a much different story. Now, Johnson must go back and study the things that sealed his previous titles and incorporate those ideas into 2012 in hopes of claiming a sixth title.

It will require just the right amount of aggression and calm to get the job done.

38

POLE POSITION // 2012

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driver profiles: what will it take?

driver profiles

▐ OWNER: RICK HENDRICK ▐ TEAM:HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS ▐ CAR: NATIONAL GUARD/DIET MOUNTAIN DEW CHEVROLET▐ CREW CHIEF: STEVE LETARTE

88 DALE EARNHARDT BE PATIE N T.

Long before Dale Earnhardt Jr. begins thinking about winning a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, he must first find his way back to Victory Lane. The Kannapolis, N.C.-native has struggled to win in recent years with his last victory coming in June 2008 at Michigan International Speedway.

Throughout his tenure with Hendrick Motorsports, the magic many believed would emerge simply has not been seen. To get back on the winning track, Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Steve Letarte must carefully review their chassis notes from 2011 and find that small, but important, missing ingredient which will get them back up to the front of the pack. The No. 88 Chevrolet finished second at Martinsville Speedway last spring and second at Kansas during the summer, so Earnhardt Jr. knocked on the door to Victory Lane, he just couldn’t open it.

Earnhardt Jr. must begin winning on a regular basis in order to build confidence. Yes, he made the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2011 and finished seventh in points. But the team’s performance was nowhere near that of Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards during the final 10 races.

It will take a large dose of consistency at the front of the field for Earnhardt Jr. to have a shot at the 2012 championship. For years, the team has seemed on the verge of a breakthrough, but hasn’t yet met the expectations of the Hendrick organization or Earnhardt Jr.’s diehard fans.

40

POLE POSITION // 2012

driver profiles: what will it take?

▐ OWNER: JACK ROUSH ▐ TEAM: ROUSH FENWAY RACING ▐ CAR: FASTENAL FORD▐ CREW CHIEF: BOB OSBORNE

99 CARL EDWARDS BE RE SILIE N T.

Twice during his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Fastenal Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, has been very close to claiming the prestigious series title. In 2008 and again in 2011, the championship was in his grasp, only to slip away.

Ironically, Edwards was tied with Tony Stewart in championship points when the checkered flag was waved at HomesteadMiami Speedway last November. But his lone victory at Las Vegas in March simply wasn’t enough to best Stewart’s five wins in the tiebreaker that ultimately decided the championship. His stats of one win, 19 top-five finishes and 26 top-10s were impressive, but not enough.

What Edwards and crew chief Bob Osborne must do in 2012 is to place as much emphasis on winning races as anything else in their program. After all, they’ve proven they are a championship-caliber team with their impressive performances. Had their six second-place finishes last year, including three in a row in the final races at Texas, Phoenix and Homestead, been victories, Edwards would be defending his first championship this season.

On a positive note, the team remains intact and will once again be a strong title contender. They learned some valuable lessons last season and realize they must step up their efforts to ultimately claim NASCAR’s top prize.

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POLE POSITION // 2012

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driver profiles: what will it take?

▐ OWNERS: JOE GIBBS ▐ TEAM: JOE GIBBS RACING ▐ CAR: M&M’S TOYOTA ▐ CREW CHIEF: DAVE ROGERS

18 kyle busch BE HUMBLE.

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, is one of the sport’s very best drivers and during the past few seasons he has totally dominated the wins column in NASCAR’s top three divisions.

In 2011, the younger of the racing Busch brothers scored 20 victories with four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, eight in the NASCAR Nationwide and six in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. There is no question the Las Vegas-native will someday become a NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.

But Busch’s inability to see the “big picture” has consistently derailed his championship hopes. When he deliberately forced Ron Hornaday into the wall under caution during a NASCAR Camping World Truck race at Texas Motor Speedway last November, Busch was fined and suspended from competing in that weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

He was also cited for a serious traffic violation near Mooresville, N.C., during May which ended up being a major distraction.

It will take a much more mature Busch to have any chance of winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in 2012. He also must continue to build his relationship with the team, crew chief Dave Rogers and team owner Joe Gibbs. But with a new year of racing comes a fresh start that will go a long way toward helping Busch finally secure a championship.

44

POLE POSITION // 2012

▐ OWNERS: J.D. GIBBS ▐ TEAM: JOE GIBBS RACING ▐ CAR: FEDEX TOYOTA▐ CREW CHIEF: DARIAN GRUBB

11 denny hamlin BE RESOLUTE.

During the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, suffered through some rather deep disappointments.

The Virginia-native came close to claiming the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup title. He won eight races that year, but ran out of fuel late in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and lost what looked to be a sure thing. Many believed Hamlin and his then crew chief, Mike Ford, could never get over that loss and the strain showed throughout 2011.

This year, Hamlin has championship crew chief Darian Grubb calling the shots. The No. 11 team desperately needed a shot in the arm and Grubb, who moved his toolbox from Stewart-Haas Racing, has provided just that as the optimism is extremely high.

Hamlin must now put past disappointments out of his mind and concentrate on the job at hand. He was only able to muster one win last season, at Michigan International Speedway in June, and he needs to vastly improve on that statistic. He has the best Toyotas money can buy, a championship crew chief and a crew that has largely stayed together over the past few seasons.

What Hamlin needs now is a fresh start and a new attitude to boost morale and build confidence. That’s the best way to turn a ninth-place finish in points in 2011 into possibly a top-five or even his first championship.

FREERACEMAG.COM

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driver profiles: what will it take?

24 ▐ OWNER: RICK HENDRICK ▐ TEAM: HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS ▐ CAR: DRIVE TO END HUNGER CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: ALAN GUSTAFSON JEFF GORDON: a Resurgence A FIFTH NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES CHAMPI-

onship has eluded Gordon for the past decade, but he isn’t about to stop trying.

He and crew chief Alan Gustafson have now spent a season together, tweaking their program and fine-tuning their communication.

A fifth title is certainly possible for Gordon and the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger team.

2 9 ▐ OWNER: RICHARD CHILDRESS ▐ TEAM: RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING ▐ CAR: BUDWEISER CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: SHANE WILSON kevin harvick: be energized EVEN THOUGH HARVICK WON FOUR RACES DUR-

ing 2011, improvement is needed in order for the No. 29 Richard Childress Racing team to win the championship. Harvick is now working with veteran crew chief Shane Wilson, who previously called the shots on RCR’s No. 33, and the change could result in the consistency Harvick has been lacking.

5

▐ OWNER: RICK HENDRICK ▐ TEAM: HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS ▐ CAR: FARMERS INSURANCE CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: KENNY FRANCIS

KASEY KAHNE: fulfill promise KAHNE IS FINALLY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE

No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with veteran crew chief Kenny Francis at his side for another year. Kahne and Francis have worked together since their days at Evernham Motorsports in 2006. They know each other well which should make the transition from Red Bull Racing extremely smooth.

16 ▐ OWNER: JACK ROUSH ▐ TEAM: ROUSH FENWAY RACING ▐ CAR: 3M FORD ▐ CREW CHIEF: MATT PUCCIA GREG BIFFLE: be dedicated COMING OFF A TOUGH SEASON IN WHICH HE

failed to visit Victory Lane, Biffle and the No. 16 3M team have plenty of room for improvement. The highlight of 2011 was a third-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September, but a new strategy, new cars and renewed attitude will result in a fast start.

46

POLE POSITION // 2012

2

▐ OWNER: ROGER PENSKE ▐ TEAM: PENSKE RACING ▐ CAR: MILLER LITE DOGE ▐ CREW CHIEF: PAUL WOLFE

BRAD KESELOWSKI: gear up After winning three times in 2011, Keselowski is looking for a better start to the season instead of enjoying a late-season surge. His No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge is fielded

by Penske Racing, one of the sport’s elite organizations, but the team needs to find more consistency in order to make a serious run at the championship.

▐ OWNER: RICHARD CHILDRESS ▐ TEAM: RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING ▐ CAR: MENARDS CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: RICHARD “SLUGGER” LABBE

27

PAUL MENARD: be prepared THE BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE 2011 SEASON

came when Menard claimed his first career victory in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Getting that breakthrough win always builds confidence for both the driver and team, so expect the No. 27 Menards Chevrolet to make a return visit to Victory Lane this season.

42 JUAN PABLO MONTOYA: rebuild

▐ OWNER: CHIP GANASSI ▐ TEAM: EARNHARDT GANASSI RACING ▐ CAR: TARGET CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: CHRIS HEROY

OF ALL THE DRIVERS IN THE NASCAR SPRINT

Cup Series, Montoya needs a huge turnaround after a disappointing season that produced only four top-five finishes.

But team owner Chip Ganassi has never been afraid to shake things up and former Hendrick Motorsports engineer Chris Heroy has been hired as crew chief for Montoya’s No. 42 Target Chevrolet.

39

▐ OWNER: TONY STEWART ▐ TEAM: STEWART-HAAS RACING ▐ CAR: U.S. ARMY CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: TONY GIBSON

RYAN NEWMAN: a resurgence NEWMAN WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN

to give Stewart-Haas Racing back-to-back championships. A win last season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway along with nine top-five finishes give Newman confidence the No. 39 team is prepared to win on a consistent basis. Newman and crew chief Tony Gibson definitely plan to improve on their 10th-place points finish in 2011.

FREERACEMAG.COM

47

driver profiles: what will it take? ▐ OWNER: WALTER CZARNECKI ▐ TEAM: PENSKE RACING ▐ CAR: SHELL/PENNZOIL DODGE ▐ CREW CHIEF: TODD GORDON

AJ allmendinger: be thrilled

22

IN HIS BEST NASCAR RIDE TO DATE, ALLMENDINGER IS DRIVING

the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge for Penske Racing. His time with Red Bull Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports has prepared the former open-wheel racer for this topflight ride. Look for Allmendinger to be the surprise winner of more than one race.

▐ OWNER: MICHAEL WALTRIP ▐ TEAM: MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING ▐ CAR: 5-HOUR ENERGY TOYOTA ▐ CREW CHIEF: BRIAN PATTIE

clint bowyer: regenerate

15

Bowyer has moved from Richard Childress Racing to Michael Waltrip Racing where he will drive the No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota. Bowyer won five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during his time at RCR and he hopes to carry on the tradition.

Paired with veteran crew chief Brian Pattie, Bowyer should be especially strong at Daytona and Talladega.

NASCAR Pole Position is now available on your tablet or PC. Head to Zinio.com or download the app on your device for more information.

48

POLE POSITION // 2012

▐ OWNER: JAMES FINCH ▐ TEAM: PHOENIX RACING ▐ CAR: PHOENIX RACING CHEVROLET ▐ CREW CHIEF: NICK HARRISON

kurt busch: reawaken

51

AFTER PARTING WAYS WITH PENSKE RACING, BUSCH WILL DRIVE

the No. 51 Chevrolet for James Finch’s Phoenix Racing.

The 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion looks to re-launch his career with new colors and a new number on a car that can win races. The fact that Busch is aggressive makes this a potentially potent combination.

▐ OWNER: JOHN HENRY ▐ TEAM: ROUSH FENWAY RACING ▐ CAR: BEST BUY FORD ▐ CREW CHIEF: JIMMY FENNIG

matt kenseth: be Ready for Success WITH THREE WINS AND A FOURTH-PLACE FINISH IN POINTS,

17

Kenseth enjoyed a successful 2011 season, yet a second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title eluded him. His No. 17 Ford is sporting new sponsor colors – Best Buy yellow and blue – but he has the same Jimmy Fennig-led crew. Better finishes toward the end of the season could result in a title.

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nascar women

Danica’s Move NASCAR EXPECTS NEW FANS, A BOOST IN TV RATINGS TO FOLLOW

W

ithin two days of Danica Patrick’s top-10 finish in her 2010 ARCA Racing Series debut at Daytona International Speedway, her announcement that she would make her NASCAR debut the following week in the NASCAR Nationwide Series season opener triggered a bombardment of telephone calls at the 2.5-mile track’s ticket office. It signaled that her popularity was unquestionable and her participation in NASCAR would help boost TV ratings and draw new fans to the sport.

“She certainly has a lot to live up to.”

– JEFF GORDON, FOUR-TIME NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES CHAMPION

50

POLE POSITION // 2011 2012

BY DEB WILLIAMS

However, in 2010 and 2011, the petite, fiery competitor preferred to focus on the IZOD IndyCar Series while testing the NASCAR waters in the NASCAR Nationwide Series under the watchful eyes of veteran crew chief Tony Eury Jr. and JR Motorsports.

Patrick quickly realized she enjoyed stock car racing. Last year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, she even broke a mark that had stood for 62 years. Her fourth-place finish in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race made her the highest finishing female in a NASCAR national touring series event.

Previously, Sara Christian possessed that distinction with a fifth in 1949.

The media frenzy that surrounded Patrick’s decision to trade her open-wheel bullet for a full-time NASCAR ride in 2012 wasn’t surprising. Her full-time efforts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series will again be with JR Motorsports, while StewartHaas Racing will provide her with a 10-race ride in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Her debut in stock car racing’s pinnacle series is scheduled for the prestigious Daytona 500 with veteran crew chief Greg Zipadelli overseeing the operation.

“She is definitely deserving of an opportunity like this and we’re excited and honored that she chose us to do it with,” said team co-owner Tony Stewart, an IndyCar and three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion who, like Patrick, came up through the open-wheel ranks.

Patrick, who will celebrate her 30th birthday later this year, is “really excited and really happy” to be in NASCAR with JR Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing. It’s the first time in NASCAR history a woman has driven for not only top-tier teams in both series, but the defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion’s operation. It’s a situation that Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes has “just opened the door to a lot more opportunities for other women, regardless of whether she measures up to

FAST FACTS

Danica Patrick ■■ Birthdate: March 25, 1982 ■■ Hometown: Roscoe, Ill. ■■ Resides: Phoenix, Ariz., with her husband ■■ Family: Parents – T.J. and Bev Patrick; Sister – Brooke ■■ Has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, SHAPE and ESPN the Magazine. She also was featured in the 2008 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

■■ Joined Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a cameo role for Grammy-award winning artist Jay-Z’s “Show Me What You Got” music video in 2006.

everybody’s expectations or not.”

The general consensus among the competitors is Patrick will be good for the sport, a much different opinion than Janet Guthrie faced in the 1970s and Shawna Robinson and Patty Moise encountered later. For many, Patrick is no longer a novelty, but strictly a competitor. Most people will now focus on her performance in the most grueling racing season she has ever faced.

With 31 NASCAR Nationwide and 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup events, Patrick is looking at a minimum 41-race season, plus testing. Her move to NASCAR from the IndyCar Series, where she owns a victory, will bring more attention to the sport and is expected to foster new fans. In return, a tremendous amount of pressure will be placed on Patrick with the former Illinois resident not perhaps being afforded the learning curve of her male counterparts.

“To me, it’s far more challenging for her than it was for me because I didn’t have that kind of hype and expectations and that many eyes on me, even though I felt like I did, I know I didn’t,” said four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon. “The most challenging years in my racing career was definitely my rookie year in [NASCAR] Nationwide and my rookie year in [NASCAR Sprint] Cup, because you feel like you have so much to do to step it up and to live up to any expectations that there are. She certainly has a lot to live up to.”

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POLE POSITION // 2012

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53

careers Jimmy Makar

SENIOR VP OF RACING OPERATIONS, JOE GIBBS RACING

P

ursuing a career is never an easy task and Jimmy Makar definitely did it the hard way. Without a college degree but with a penchant for hard work and a willingness to uproot for the sake of his goals, Makar laid the foundation for becoming one of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs. Having accomplished that objective, he’s now the senior vice president of racing operations for one of the sport’s top organizations – Joe Gibbs Racing. But rest assured, Makar started at the bottom of the totem pole.

In 1976, Makar’s father bought a race car to field on a part-time basis in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The car was damaged in an accident and Makar, then 20 years old and living in New Jersey, took the car to the Charlotte, N.C., shop of well-known mechanic Robert Gee to assist with repairs. Gee liked Makar’s work and soon offered him a job. After taking a little time to consider the opportunity, Makar accepted and moved to Charlotte. And the rest, as they say, is history.

“Obviously things have changed a little since those days,” Makar said. “We’ve got a lot more technical in everything, certainly racing has gotten much more technical.

So to work your way up the ladder without an education would be hard to do. I had a high school education and just a semester of college, and that was it. But I decided to pursue this career and was able to do that. Today, I think you’re going to have to have a little more formal education in maybe engineering or whatever field it may be – certainly engineering would be a good one – to kind of go along with it.”

Makar became one of Joe Gibbs Racing’s first employees in the summer of 1991 after serving as crew chief for Rusty Wallace with whom he won his first race.

Makar’s tenure as a crew chief at JGR lasted just over a decade, highlighted by a victory in the 1993 Daytona 500 with Dale Jarrett and the 2000 championship with Bobby Labonte.

Becoming a crew chief was his ultimate goal upon entering the sport.

54

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY JARED TURNER

“Back then that was about it,” Makar said. “The top of the line was to be a crew chief and to call the shots on race day. I think back then there wasn’t even a position like this. Your crew chief was the guy that ran the shop and directed everything.

As the teams have gotten bigger and more complicated and complex, it’s gotten really hard for just one guy to do that.”

Now in his ninth year as senior VP of racing operations at JGR, Makar carries out duties much different than those of a crew chief.

“As a crew chief you’re working week to week,” he said. “The next week’s race is what’s on your mind, and setups and strategies and where we’re going, picking a car; all those immediate details are going by very fast. It’s a week-to-week schedule. When you move into a manager type role like this, that goes away and you’re looking at biggerpicture items. It’s more about long-term goals; it’s about setting the shop up to work correctly, putting people in place.”

VITAL STATS:

■■ Name: Jimmy Makar ■■ Resides: Statesville, N.C. ■■ Age: 55 ■■ Occupation: Senior VP of racing operations, Joe Gibbs Racing

TIPS FOR STUDENTS:

■■ Pursue a degree in a relevant field ■■ Learn and work on every aspect of the sport

RICKY CRAVEN: FROM DRIVER TO TV COMMENTATOR

W

hen Ricky Craven drove his last NASCAR race in 2006, he didn’t know what his future held. But after taking about a year away from the sport, the native of Newburgh, Maine, knew he’d begun to feel a major void.

Ultimately, the opportunity to work as a NASCAR analyst for ESPN filled that void. And since debuting with the network in 2008, Craven has steadily taken on a larger role.

These days, he’s part of the Monday roundtable discussions on “NASCAR Now” and is a regular contributor to the daily NASCAR news show. Craven also contributes NASCAR news and analysis to “SportsCenter” and ESPNEWS, and he occasionally works as an analyst on coverage of NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

“To have the opportunity to use that experience and the knowledge of 25 years behind the wheel to do what I do now is really, really rewarding,” said the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner and 1995 rookie of the year.

Despite possessing an in-depth knowledge of NASCAR from his time as a driver, Craven concedes he’s still got plenty to learn about broadcast journalism. But he’s learned a valuable lesson that has helped his transition from the race car to the analyst’s booth.

“The common denominator for me between my driving career and what I’m doing now is that I never felt like I was the most talented in the garage area and I certainly don’t feel like I’m the most talented on air,” he said. “But I feel like my biggest asset is I’m going to give whatever time necessary to be prepared.

“I think it’s the same thing with any profession: When you learn to relax, you do a much better job,” he explained. “The bottom line is you’ve just got to be yourself. Whatever you have to do to be relaxed is going to allow you to do your best.”

lifestyle DOWNTIME WITH JOEY LOGANO

J

oey Logano is one of NASCAR’s most promising young drivers. But when he’s away from the race track, Logano likes to relax just like any other 21-year-old. Not surprisingly for a guy of his youth, Logano’s method of relaxation doesn’t generally consist of sitting around. It’s instead consumed by a steady diet of activity.

“I hang out with my friends,” said the driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. “A lot of times, I’ll invite them over to my house and we’ll hang out, play ping pong, foosball; typical stuff like that. I’ve been four-wheeling about every weekend over the offseason here and I’m having a blast with that. I don’t know how to relax, so I have to keep doing things. I have fun with that.”

Not surprisingly, Logano’s hobbies are all generally competitive in nature.

“I don’t care, if we’re four-wheeling I’ve got to be faster than the next guy or else I’m going to get mad,” he said. “It’s always competitive. That’s the only way I know how to do it.”

MENTAL PREP WITH JOHNNY SAUTER How do you mentally prepare to race? Is there anything special you do to get your mind ready?

I think as of late, I pretty much just go through my phone and look at a couple pictures of my kids or whatever, and say a quick prayer. That’s pretty much it… I’m not superstitious or anything like that, so it’s pretty cut and dry for me.

TRAINING WITH ARIC ALMIROLA ARIC ALMIROLA IS A FITNESS BUFF THROUGH and through. His dedication to training could really pay off this year as he moves to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series after driving primarily in the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series the last three seasons. NASCAR Sprint Cup races are considerably longer than NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck races, and thus tend to require extra stamina.

“Last year was probably my best year in the weight room. I worked out with weights three days a week and I did cardio either two or three days a week, plus the day in the race car I count as a cardio day, so I was doing cardio three days a week solidly and lifting weights three days a week solidly,” Almirola explained. “I raised my bench max to the highest that I ever had. I think I benched 255 one time, which I only weigh 165 pounds, so they say that if you can bench your body weight that’s good, so I did a little bit more than my body weight, and I squatted 320. So from a workout standpoint, I got a lot stronger last year than I ever have been. Basically, I’m a lean, mean fighting machine.”

FUELING UP WITH RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

Breakfast:

DESCRIBING HIMSELF AS “not a huge breakfast eater,” Stenhouse often eats on the run. He considers easy-to-fix raisin toast with cream cheese and jelly a favorite. But when he’s not in a hurry, the reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series champion is “definitely a baconand-egg kind of guy.”

BY JARED TURNER

Lunch:

“I NORMALLY EAT A turkey sandwich or just the regular old cold-cut sandwich,” Stenhouse said. “I love French fries but I try not to eat them as much. Chips are good but here lately I’ve been getting fruit. I try to eat healthy but it doesn’t always quite work out.”

Snack:

“I LOVE EATING CANDY. I’m pretty hard-core on candy,” said Stenhouse.

His favorites are Sour Patch Kids, a popular soft candy doused in a coating of sour sugar, and the similar Swedish Fish gummy candy.

“If I don’t eat very well, I’ll just work out a little harder,” he said.

Dinner:

“MAN, IT DOESN’T MATter. I eat anything for dinner,” Stenhouse said, pausing to ponder his favorite dinner selections.

“If I could choose, every dinner would be a steak.

So I eat a lot of steak.”

Stenhouse was sponsored last season by Black Angus Beef. “That helped me out there,” he concluded.

FREERACEMAG.COM

55

PHOTOHUNT

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

56

POLE POSITION // 2012

(1) Fog light missing (2) Headlight missing (3) The word “CAMRY� is missing from front of car (4) Home Depot logo is missing on crew member hat (5) Airplane in the sky (6) Red stop light in background on pole (7) Snake on the ground (8) Stop sign on top of gas station (9) Crew member has a broom in hand (10) Dog is pulling on leash in foreground

fun pages

PICTOGRAM

Who holds the NASCAR record for the fastest lap ever in a stock car?

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

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fun pages Can you draw NASCAR?

FAN ARTWORK

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:

1

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4 AND THE WINNERS ARE...

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58

POLE POSITION // 2012

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fun pages Test Your Racing Knowledge 0-20 Rookie 30-40 Spectator 50-60 Fan 70-80 Race Chaser 90-100 Superfan

2

Kasey Kahne is the newest member of the Hendrick Motorsports driver lineup.

Who was the team’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup driver?

A. Tim Richmond B. Geoff Bodine C. Darrell Waltrip D. Jeff Gordon

3

1

POLE POSITION // 2012

Which driver won the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during the 2011 season?

A. Matt Kenseth B. Kevin Harvick C. Tony Stewart D. Brad Keselowski

Prior to Tony Stewart in 2011, who was the last owner/driver to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship?

A. Alan Kulwicki B. Bobby Allison C. Bill Elliott D. Richard Petty

4 60

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

Add up your points and see how you rank!

Which West Coast race track hosted the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season opener prior to 1982?

A. Auto Club Speedway B. Infineon Raceway C. Ontario Motor Speedway D. Riverside International Raceway

56

Lee Petty edged which driver in a photo finish to win the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959?

A. Cotton Owens B. Johnny Beauchamp C. Joe Weatherly D. Curtis Turner

Who was president of the United States when Mark Martin made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start?

A. Gerald Ford B. George H.W. Bush C. Jimmy Carter D. Ronald Reagan

7

Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in what year?

A. 1998 B. 1995 C. 1997 D. 2000

8 10

PHOTO BY MARK SKROBOLA

In which series did Tony Stewart not win a race in 2011?

A. World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series B. USAC National Midget Series C. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series D. NASCAR Nationwide Series

11

Danica Patrick’s historic 2008 IndyCar Series victory came in what country?

A. Japan B. United States C. Brazil D. Mexico

Dale Earnhardt Jr. participated in the coin toss for which 2012 college football bowl game?

A. Capital One Bowl B. Rose Bowl C. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl D. Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl

Which NASCAR champion was not inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Jan. 20, 2012?

A. Richie Evans B. Jimmie Johnson C. Darrell Waltrip D. Cale Yarborough

12

Which NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team’s shop is located in Denver, Colo.?

A. Front Row Motorsports B. TRG Motorsports C. Furniture Row Racing D. Roush Fenway Racing

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

FREERACEMAG.COM

61

rosters & schedules 2012 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES ROSTER No.

Driver

Team

Sponsor & Make

Crew Chief

Hometown

Birthdate

1

Jamie McMurray

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Bass Pro Shops/McDonald’s Chevrolet

Kevin Manion

Joplin, Mo.

June 3, 1976

2

Brad Keselowski

Penske Racing

Miller Lite Dodge

Paul Wolfe

Rochester Hills, Mich.

Feb. 12, 1984

5

Kasey Kahne

Hendrick Motorsports

Farmers Insurance/Quaker State Chevrolet

Kenny Francis

Enumclaw, Wash.

April 10, 1980

7

Robby Gordon

Robby Gordon Motorsports

SPEED Energy Dodge

Sam Stanley

Orange, Calif.

Jan. 2, 1969

9

Marcos Ambrose

Richard Petty Motorsports

Stanley/DeWalt Ford

Todd Parrott

Tasmania, Australia

Sept. 1, 1976

10

Danica Patrick David Reutimann

Stewart-Haas Racing Tommy Baldwin Racing

GoDaddy.com Chevrolet TBA

Greg Zipadelli Tommy Baldwin

Roscoe, Ill. Zephyrhills, Fla.

March 25, 1982 March 2, 1970

11

Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing

FedEx Toyota

Darian Grubb

Chesterfield, Va.

Nov. 18, 1980

13

Casey Mears

Germain Racing

GEICO Ford

Robert “Bootie” Barker Bakersfield, Calif.

March 12, 1978

14

Tony Stewart

Stewart-Haas Racing

Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet

Steve Addington

Columbus, Ind.

May 20, 1971

15

Clint Bowyer

Michael Waltrip Racing

5-Hour Energy Toyota

Brian Pattie

Emporia, Kan.

May 30, 1979

16

Greg Biffle

Roush Fenway Racing

3M Ford

Matt Puccia

Vancouver, Wash.

Dec. 23, 1969

17

Matt Kenseth

Roush Fenway Racing

Best Buy Ford

Jimmy Fennig

Cambridge, Wis.

March 10, 1972

18

Kyle Busch

Joe Gibbs Racing

M&M’s Toyota

Dave Rogers

Las Vegas, Nev.

May 2, 1985

20

Joey Logano

Joe Gibbs Racing

The Home Depot/Dollar General Toyota

Jason Ratcliff

Middletown, Conn.

May 24, 1990

21

Trevor Bayne

Wood Brothers Racing

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford

Donnie Wingo

Knoxville, Tenn.

Feb. 19, 1991

22

AJ Allmendinger

Penske Racing

Shell/Pennzoil Dodge

Todd Gordon

Los Gatos, Calif.

Dec. 16, 1981

23

Robert Richardson Jr. R3 Motorsports

R3 Motorsports Chevrolet

Greg Conner

McKinney, Texas

April 4, 1982

24

Jeff Gordon

Hendrick Motorsports

Drive to End Hunger/DuPont Chevrolet

Alan Gustafson

Vallejo, Calif.

Aug. 4, 1971

27

Paul Menard

Richard Childress Racing

Menards Chevrolet

Richard “Slugger” Labbe Eau Claire, Wis.

Aug. 21, 1980

29

Kevin Harvick

Richard Childress Racing

Budweiser/Rheem Chevrolet

Shane Wilson

Bakersfield, Calif.

Dec. 8, 1975

30

David Stremme

Inception Motorsports

Inception Motorsports Chevrolet

Steve Lane

South Bend, Ind.

June 19, 1977

31

Jeff Burton

Richard Childress Racing

Caterpillar/Wheaties Chevrolet

Drew Blickensderfer

South Boston, Va.

June 29, 1967

34

David Ragan

Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports Ford

Jay Guy

Unadilla, Ga.

Dec. 24, 1985

36

Dave Blaney

Tommy Baldwin Racing

Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet

Ryan Pemberton

Hartford, Ohio

Oct. 24, 1962

38

David Gilliland

Front Row Motorsports

ModSpace Ford

Derrick Finley

Riverside, Calif.

April 1, 1976

39

Ryan Newman

Stewart-Haas Racing

U.S. Army/Quicken Loans Chevrolet

Tony Gibson

South Bend, Ind.

Dec. 8, 1977

42

Juan Pablo Montoya Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Target Chevrolet

Chris Heroy

Bogota, Colombia

Sept. 20, 1975

43

Aric Almirola

Richard Petty Motorsports

Smithfield Foods Ford

Greg Erwin

Tampa, Fla.

March 14, 1983

47

Bobby Labonte

JTG Daugherty Racing

Clorox/Kingsford Charcoal Toyota

Todd Berrier

Corpus Christi, Texas

May 8, 1964

48

Jimmie Johnson

Hendrick Motorsports

Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet

Chad Knaus

El Cajon, Calif.

Sept. 17, 1975

51

Kurt Busch

Phoenix Racing

Phoenix Construction Chevrolet

Nick Harrison

Las Vegas, Nev.

Aug. 4, 1978

55

Mark Martin

Michael Waltrip Racing

Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota

Rodney Childers

Batesville, Ark.

Jan. 9, 1959

56

Martin Truex Jr.

Michael Waltrip Racing

NAPA Auto Parts Toyota

Chad Johnston

Mayetta, N.J.

June 29, 1980

78

Regan Smith

Furniture Row Racing

Furniture Row Chevrolet

Pete Rondeau

Cato, N.Y.

Sept. 23, 1983

87

Joe Nemechek

NEMCO Motorsports

NEMCO Motorsports Toyota

Bill Wilburn

Lakeland, Fla.

Sept. 26, 1963

88

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Hendrick Motorsports

National Guard/Diet Mt. Dew Chevrolet

Steve Letarte

Kannapolis, N.C.

Oct. 10, 1974

95

Scott Speed

Leavine Family Racing

Leavine Family Racing Ford

Wally Rogers

Manteca, Calif.

Jan. 24, 1983

99

Carl Edwards

Roush Fenway Racing

Fastenal Ford

Bob Osborne

Columbia, Mo.

Aug. 15, 1979

2012 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES SCHEDULE

62

Feb. 18

*Daytona International Speedway

May 27

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Sept. 2

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Feb. 26

Daytona International Speedway

June 3

Dover International Speedway

Sept. 8

Richmond International Raceway

March 4

Phoenix International Raceway

June 10

Pocono International Raceway

Sept. 16

Chicagoland Speedway

March 11 Las Vegas Motor Speedway

June 17

Michigan International Speedway

Sept. 23 New Hampshire Motor Speedway

March 18 Bristol Motor Speedway

June 24

Infineon Raceway

Sept. 30 Dover International Speedway

March 25 Auto Club Speedway

June 30

Kentucky Speedway

Oct. 7

Talladega Superspeedway

April1

Martinsville Speedway

July 7

Daytona International Speedway

Oct. 13

Charlotte Motor Speedway

April 14

Texas Motor Speedway

July 15

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Oct. 21

Kansas Speedway

April 22

Kansas Speedway

July 29

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Oct. 28

Martinsville Speedway

April 28

Richmond International Raceway

Aug. 5

Pocono Raceway

Nov. 4

Texas Motor Speedway

May 6

Talladega Superspeedway

Aug. 12

Watkins Glen International

Nov. 11

Phoenix International Raceway

May 12

Darlington Raceway

Aug. 1

Michigan International Speedway

Nov. 18

Homestead-Miami Speedway

May 19

*Charlotte Motor Speedway

Aug. 25

Bristol Motor Speedway

*Non-Points, Special Event

POLE POSITION // 2012

2012 NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES ROSTER & SCHEDULE No.

Driver

Hometown

Team

Make

Crew Chief

01

Mike Wallace

St. Louis, Mo.

JD Motorsports

Chevrolet

Newt Moore

09

Kenny Wallace

St. Louis, Mo.

RAB Racing

Toyota

Scott Zipadelli

1

Kurt Busch

Las Vegas, Nev.

Phoenix Racing

Chevrolet

Nick Harrison

2

Elliott Sadler

Emporia, Va.

Richard Childress Racing

Chevrolet

Luke Lambert

3

Austin Dillon

Lewisville, N.C.

Richard Childress Racing

Chevrolet

Danny Stockman

6

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Olive Branch, Miss.

Roush Fenway Racing

Ford

Mike Kelley

7

Danica Patrick

Roscoe, Ill.

JR Motorsports

Chevrolet

Tony Eury Jr.

11

Brian Scott

Boise, Idaho

Joe Gibbs Racing

Toyota

Kevin Kidd

12

Sam Hornish Jr.

Defiance, Ohio

Penske Racing

Dodge

Chad Walter

Feb. 25

Daytona International Speedway

March 3

Phoenix International Raceway

March 10

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

March 17

Bristol Motor Speedway

March 24

Auto Club Speedway

April 13

Texas Motor Speedway

April 27

Richmond International Raceway

May 5

Talladega Superspeedway

May 11

Darlington Raceway

May 20

Iowa Speedway

May 26

Charlotte Motor Speedway

June 2

Dover International Speedway

June 16

Michigan International Speedway

June 23

Road America

June 29

Kentucky Speedway

July 6

Daytona International Speedway

July 14

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

July 22

Chicagoland Speedway

July 28

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

13

Jennifer Jo Cobb

Kansas City, Kan.

Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing

Dodge

Steve Kuykendall

14

Eric McClure

Chilhowie, Va.

TriStar Motorsports

Chevrolet

Wes Ward

15

Timmy Hill

Port Tobacco, Md.

Rick Ware Racing

Ford

Doug Richert

16

Trevor Bayne

Knoxville, Tenn.

Roush Fenway Racing

Ford

Chad Norris

18

Denny Hamlin Michael McDowell

Chesterfield, Va. Glendale, Ariz.

Joe Gibbs Racing

Toyota

Matt Lucas

19

Tayler Malsam

Seattle, Wash.

TriStar Motorsports

Chevrolet

TBA

20

Joey Logano Denny Hamlin

Middletown, Conn.

Chesterfield, Va.

Joe Gibbs Racing

Toyota

Adam Stevens

22

Brad Keselowski

Rochester Hills, Mich.

Penske Racing

Dodge

Jeremy Bullins

Aug. 4

Iowa Speedway

23

Robert Richardson Jr. Jamie Dick

McKinney, Texas R3 Motorsports Albuquerque, N.M

Chevrolet Chevrolet

Greg Conner

Aug. 11

Watkins Glen International

31

Justin Allgaier

Riverton, Ill.

Turner Motorsports

Chevrolet

Jimmy Elledge

Aug. 18

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

33

Kevin Harvick

Bakersfield, Calif.

Richard Childress Racing

Chevrolet

Ernie Cope

Aug. 24

Bristol Motor Speedway

38

Brad Sweet

Grass Valley, Calif.

Turner Motorsports

Chevrolet

Mike Shiplett

Sept. 1

Atlanta Motor Speedway

39

Joey Gase

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Go Green Racing

Ford

Clinton Cram

Sept. 7

Richmond International Raceway

Sept. 15

Chicagoland Speedway

51

Jeremy Clements

Spartanburg, S.C.

Jeremy Clements Racing

Chevrolet

Ricky Pearson

Sept. 22

Kentucky Speedway

67

Andrew Ranger

Roxton Pond, Que.

Go Canada Racing

Ford

TBA

Sept. 29

Dover International Speedway

70

Johanna Long

Pensacola, Fla.

ML Motorsports

Chevrolet

Mark Gutekunst

Oct. 12

Charlotte Motor Speedway

87

Joe Nemechek

Lakeland, Fla.

NEMCO Motorsports

Chevrolet

TBA

Oct. 20

Kansas Speedway

88

Cole Whitt

Alpine, Calif.

JR Motorsports

Chevrolet

Tony Eury Sr.

Nov. 3

Texas Motor Speedway

89

Morgan Shepherd

Conover, N.C.

Faith Motorsports

Chevrolet

David Ingram

Nov. 10

Phoenix International Raceway

99

Travis Pastrana

Annapolis, Md.

Diamond Waltrip Racing

Toyota

Mike Greci

Nov. 17

Homestead-Miami Speedway

2012 NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES ROSTER & SCHEDULE No.

Driver

Hometown

Team

Make

Crew Chief

Feb. 24

Daytona International Speedway

09 2 3 6 9 13 17 18 22 23 24 27 29 31 33 39 57 82 88 92 96 98

John Wes Townley Tim George Jr. Ty Dillon Justin Lofton Ron Hornaday Jr. Johnny Sauter Timothy Peters Jason Leffler Joey Coulter Jason White Max Gresham Ward Burton Parker Kligerman James Buescher Cale Gale Ryan Sieg Norm Benning Grant Enfinger Matt Crafton David Reutimann Todd Peck Dakoda Armstrong

Watkinsville, Ga. New York, N.Y. Lewisville, N.C. Westmorland, Calif.

Palmdale, Calif.

Necedah, Wis. Providence, N.C. Long Beach, Calif.

Miami Springs, Fla. Powhatan, Va. Stockbridge, Ga. South Boston, Va. Westport, Conn.

Plano, Texas Mobile, Ala. Tucker, Ga. Level Green, Pa. Fairhope, Ala. Tulare, Calif.

Zephyrhills, Fla. Glenville, Pa. New Castle, Ind.

RAB Racing Richard Childress Racing Richard Childress Racing Eddie Sharp Racing Joe Denette Motorsports ThorSport Racing Red Horse Racing Kyle Busch Motorsports Richard Childress Racing GunBroker.com Racing Joe Denette Motorsports Hillman Racing Brad Keselowski Racing Turner Motorsports Eddie Sharp Racing RSS Racing Norm Benning Racing BRG Motorsports ThorSport Racing RBR Enterprises Peck Motorsports ThorSport Racing

Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota Toyota Toyota Chevrolet Ford Chevrolet Chevrolet Dodge Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Ford Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota

Chris Rice TBA Scott Naset Danny Bormann Jeff Hensley Joe Shear Jr. Butch Hylton Eric Phillips Harold Holly Chad Kendrick Terry “Richie” Snyder Trip Bruce Doug Randolph Michael Shelton Jerry Baxter Rod Sieg James Dugger Josh Bragg Bud Haefele Jason Overstreet Keith Wolfe Dan Stillman

March 31

Martinsville Speedway

April 15

Rockingham Speedway

April 21

Kansas Speedway

May 18

Charlotte Motor Speedway

June 1

Dover International Speedway

June 8

Texas Motor Speedway

June 28

Kentucky Speedway

July 14

Iowa Speedway

July 21

Chicagoland Speedway

Aug. 4

Pocono Raceway

Aug. 18

Michigan International Speedway

Aug. 22

Bristol Motor Speedway

Aug. 31

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Sept. 15

Iowa Speedway

Sept. 21

Kentucky Speedway

Sept. 29

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Oct. 6

Talladega Superspeedway

Oct. 27

Martinsville Speedway

Nov. 2

Texas Motor Speedway

Nov. 9

Phoenix International Raceway

Nov. 16

Homestead-Miami Speedway FREERACEMAG.COM

63

insider’s view FRESH FACES

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

2011 NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES CHAMPION

5

THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

1

I like to play a lot of racquetball, especially when I got home in the offseason.

That’s one way I kind of keep some activity going is to play racquetball just about every day. So that’s a fun thing I do with my buddies that not a lot of people know.

Obviously, we fly to the race tracks, but if time would allow I would ride in the motor home and go to every single race track. But obviously with the things that we have to do with the obligations, being at the shop and the appearances, I can’t do that. That’s one thing I do miss about racing dirt cars is driving the motor home down the road and just hanging out whether it be with my buddy or my dad. So that’s one thing I would like to be able to do again.

I don’t think things are fun unless there’s a risk involved. We’ll play racquetball and before it’s over, my buddy will get at one end and I’ll get at the other and we’ll hit it back and forth at each other. That gets your heart rate going pretty quick.

I like to snowboard even though I’m from Mississippi. Obviously, I don’t snowboard in Mississippi. I’m going to Colorado this year. I’m going to go out to the X Games and do some.

I love country music. If I didn’t have a job in any form of racing, if I could think of a job that I would want to do, singing country music would be it – even though I can’t sing very well.

2

N

ot all that long ago, the name Ricky Stenhouse Jr. appeared on virtually no one’s list of NASCAR’s most promising young drivers.

But now, fresh off a convincing run to the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship, Stenhouse is being hailed as possibly the sport’s next big thing.

While such hype undoubtedly means extra pressure on the shoulders of the 24-year-old race car driver from Olive Branch, Miss., Stenhouse is looking forward to what his future holds in a sport he’s known since jumping behind the wheel of a Go-Kart at age 6.

“It’s cool,” said Stenhouse, who formerly drove USAC open-wheel cars for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. “You look at Jeff Gordon when he came in [to NASCAR].

He was the young kid coming in and look where he is today. If people can kind of see me being like that, that would be really cool. He’s had an awesome career and I would like to be able to do the same.

“It’s tough work but that’s what we’re working at. I think the success we’ve had so far makes me feel like I can be the next guy to do that. But you’ve just got to keep working at it.”

Stenhouse, twice a NASCAR Nationwide Series winner in 2011, would much rather compete under lofty expectations than the kind of pressure he faced nearly two years ago when – after making a habit of crashing and even failing to qualify for a race – team owner Jack Roush made him hand over the wheel for an entire race weekend.

Stenhouse has since proven to Roush and the entire NASCAR world that he has the goods to be successful. The only question is just how successful he will be.

“I think he’s got all the tools,” said Ricky Craven, a former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and now a NASCAR analyst for ESPN. “I really enjoy watching him. I think he’s a very talented driver, obviously. I appreciate that he’s capitalized on his opportunities, and I think that’s sort of the missing link sometimes for young drivers is that this business is all about seizing the moment and capitalizing on those opportunities. There’s a lot of pressure that’s associated with racing at a Hendrick, or in this case a Roush Fenway, or maybe a Childress. The bottom line is that Ricky’s fought through that.”

With a championship under his belt in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Stenhouse achieved another major milestone by entering this year’s Daytona 500 in a Roush Fenway Ford. And depending on sponsorship, he’s indicated more NASCAR Sprint Cup races are possible later in the season.

64

POLE POSITION // 2012

BY JARED TURNER

3

4

5