NASCAR Pole Position 2013 Feb/March by A.E. Engine

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THE NEXT GENERATION OF NASCAR As NASCAR moves into a new era, one factor has remained steady – the fans

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CONteNtS

feAtURe StoRy

tHe Next geNeRAtiON Of NASCAR

DRIVER PROFILES

NASCAR’S NeweSt CHAMPiON

Drive and dedication carried Brad Keselowski to a championship. How will the rest of the field compete in 2013?

As NASCAR moves into a new era, one factor has remained steady – the fans.

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RiSiNg StARS

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NASCAR HiStORy: JANet gUtHRie

Blazing a trail for women drivers.

fReSH fACeS: tRevOR bAyNe

Winner of the 2011 Daytona 500.

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06 news & notes from the world of nascar 09 2013 season schedules nascar partner contests 10 nascar 101 12 team chatter 13 driver Q&a: jeff burton 14 twitter 15 racin’ recipes 16 did you know? 18 tailgating

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POsterized: jeff gordon POsterized: kevin harvick POsterized: kyle busch POsterized: brad keselowski 2013 season rosters

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News & Notes from the World of NASCAR

NASCAR Drivers Participate in USO Tour

ASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano and two-time reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. recently teamed with the USO to deliver good times and cheer to troops in the Middle East and Germany. In all, Logano and Stenhouse visited six installations and touched the lives of hundreds of service men and women. The tour was part of an ongoing partnership between NASCAR and the USO that continues to strengthen the connection between the military and motorsports. “We had the chance to meet some amazing men and women on our USO tour,” said Logano. “I have so much respect for our troops; they do their jobs day in and day out without complaint and are always giving it their all. We are lucky to have these men and women serving and protecting our country, and I can’t thank them enough for all that they do.” “My first USO tour was an amazing experience. It was an honor to meet our troops and see them in action,” Stenhouse said. “The service and sacrifice of these men and women and their families are inspiring, and I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for what they do for our country.”

POLE POSITION 2013

Autism Advocate Receives Humanitarian Award

orri Unumb, creator of “Ryan’s Law,” was honored late last year with The NASCAR Foundation’s second annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. As a mother of three, Unumb was deeply impacted when her oldest son, Ryan, was diagnosed with severe autism at a young age. She then learned that insurance would not cover the cost of treatment for children with autism. As a result, the 44-year-old South Carolina resident drafted a bill – now known as “Ryan’s Law” that has been enacted in 31 other states – to require insurance companies to cover treatments for autism. Unumb also founded the Autism Academy of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that protects the interests of children with the disability and helps families affected by autism.

The NASCAR Foundation’s donation of $100,000 will be used to create a scholarship fund to assist children who would otherwise not be able to attend the Autism Academy. Unumb, a former Miss Southern 500 Pageant winner, was chosen from a group of four finalists by a national fan vote on NASCAR.com. Through this award, The NASCAR Foundation honors passionate NASCAR fans making an impact with children in their local communities and reflecting the commitment Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her charitable works and community efforts. “It is hard for me to express what this gift from The NASCAR Foundation means for the Autism Academy of South Carolina,” Unumb said. “This financial donation will give us the footing to build on our services and reach more children in need.”

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Tickets Available

he NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race has produced several of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history and the 29th edition of this special event is scheduled for Saturday night, May 18, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The field will include race winners from the previous and current seasons along with drivers who have won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship within the last 10 years. The event features a unique format and the winner receives $1 million. Tickets start at $49 and children 13 and under are admitted to certain seating sections for just $10. Call 1-866-GO-NASCAR or visit charlottemotorpseedway.com.

NMPA Hall of Fame Inducts Three

hree men who spent their careers making outstanding contributions to NASCAR and the sport of auto racing are the newest members of the National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame. Longtime NASCAR executive and former track president Jim Hunter and Pocono Raceway founder and patriarch

Dr. Joseph Mattioli were inducted posthumously. They were joined by pioneer sportscaster Ken Squier as the class was officially inducted early this year during a ceremony in Charlotte, N.C. Hunter was selected on 89 percent of the ballots cast by NMPA members, while both Mattioli and Squier were on 65 percent of the ballots.

One crew. One driver. One oil.

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© 2013 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil, Mobil 1 and the 1 Icon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. ™2013 Stewart-Hass Racing. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. Other trademarks shown are property of their respective owners.

green flag NASCAR Launches New Digital Experience

Truck Series to Race on Dirt

ith the start of the 2013 racing season, NASCAR has launched a new digital experience, highlighted by a revamped NASCAR. com website. “As people log on to the new NASCAR.com, they will see that it was designed with one thing in mind: the fans,” said Marc Jenkins, vice president of digital media for NASCAR. “This digital experience is meant to constantly evolve based on user feedback, with the goal of a creating a better digital experience for our fans.” On the new NASCAR.com, the excitement of NASCAR is captured through dynamic video, big, bold imagery, interactive graphics and the latest news and in-depth analysis from a choice group of NASCAR insiders and writers. Much of the content produced by NASCAR.com’s editorial team is focused on upcoming races, giving fans the opportunity to consume comprehensive event information on a week-to-week basis. “The simplified NASCAR digital platform makes for easier user navigation and maximized interaction,” said Jenkins. “And most importantly, fans will have the same digital experience no matter what type of device is being used – be it a PC, a tablet or a mobile phone.” Across the entire digital platform, there are also plenty of options for fans to further engage in on-track action on race day. The interactive live leaderboard provides in-depth information in real-time on each driver, while the popular RaceView and RaceBuddy applications have been improved. In addition, NASCAR has released a pair of mobile apps that give fans an unprecedented second screen experience on their tablets and mobile devices.

POLE POSITION 2013

NASCAR Lowers Age Requirement NASCAR has lowered its minimum age requirement for participation in certain NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races from 18 to 16. The rule applies to 10 of the 22 races on this year’s schedule. “One of the things I think that was evident to everybody was the influx of young talent that we’ve got coming up through the ranks,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s vice present of racing operations. “We’re going to move the age restriction that currently exists for the trucks from 18 down to 16, and that rule will be in place for road courses and any tracks 1.1 mile or less.”

n Wednesday night, July 24, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will visit Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway for the inaugural Mudsummer Classic. It will be the first major dirt-track race sanctioned by NASCAR since Richard Petty won the Home State 200 on Sept. 30, 1970, at State Fairgrounds Speedway in Raleigh, N.C. One of the nation’s premier dirt tracks, Eldora Speedway is a high-banked, half-mile dirt oval located just north of Rossburg, Ohio. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, has owned and operated the track since 2004. “NASCAR’s history began in the sands of Daytona and on the dirt of the Carolinas, and having the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on the dirt at Eldora brings that history back to a new generation of fans, as well as Eldora’s own fan base,” said Stewart. “We’ve been looking at getting the trucks back to short tracks – to the roots of racing including the dirt – and we’re excited to announce our 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will race at Eldora,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. Tickets for the inaugural Midsummer Classic can be purchased at eldoraspeedway.com or by calling (937) 338-3815 during business hours.

Toyota Backs Richmond Races

oyota has signed a multi-year agreement to sponsor the spring NASCAR doubleheader at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia’s capital city. The sponsorship begins with the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on the night of Friday, April 26, and the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on the following night, Saturday, April 27. “This partnership allows us to align with a premium brand that has been supporting NASCAR for nearly a decade,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “These multi-year entitlements will allow Richmond International Raceway to continue delivering the high-quality events our fans have enjoyed for 60 years.”

schedules green flag 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SCHEDULE Feb. 24

July 14

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

March 3 Phoenix International Raceway

Daytona International Speedway

July 28

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

March 10 Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Aug. 4

Pocono Raceway

March 17 Bristol Motor Speedway

Aug. 11

Watkins Glen International

March 24 Auto Club Speedway

Aug. 18

Michigan International Speedway

April 7

Martinsville Speedway

Aug. 24

Bristol Motor Speedway

April 13

Texas Motor Speedway

Sept. 1

Atlanta Motor Speedway

April 21

Kansas Speedway

Sept. 7

Richmond International Raceway

April 27

Richmond International Raceway

Sept. 15 Chicagoland Speedway

May 5

Talladega Superspeedway

Sept. 22 New Hampshire Motor Speedway

May 11

Darlington Raceway

Sept. 29 Dover International Speedway

May 18

*Charlotte Motor Speedway

Oct. 6

Kansas Speedway

May 26

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Oct. 12

Charlotte Motor Speedway

June 2

Dover International Speedway

Oct. 20

Talladega Superspeedway

June 9

Pocono Raceway

Oct. 27

Martinsville Speedway

June 16

Michigan International Speedway

Nov. 3

Texas Motor Speedway

June 23

Sonoma Raceway

Nov. 10

Phoenix International Raceway

June 29

Kentucky Speedway

Nov. 17

Homestead-Miami Speedway

July 6

Daytona International Speedway

*Non-points special event

2013 NASCAR nationwide Series SCHEDULE Feb. 23

July 21

Chicagoland Speedway

March 2 Phoenix International Raceway

Daytona International Speedway

July 27

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

March 9

Aug. 3

Iowa Speedway

March 16 Bristol Motor Speedway

Aug. 10

Watkins Glen International

March 23 Auto Club Speedway

Aug. 17

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

April 12

Texas Motor Speedway

Aug. 23

Bristol Motor Speedway

April 26

Richmond International Raceway

Aug. 31

Atlanta Motor Speedway

May 4

Talladega Superspeedway

Sept. 6

Richmond International Raceway

May 10

Darlington Raceway

Sept. 14 Chicagoland Speedway

May 25

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Sept. 21

June 1

Dover International Speedway

Sept. 28 Dover International Speedway

June 8

Iowa Speedway

Oct. 5

Kansas Speedway

June 15

Michigan International Speedway

Oct. 11

Charlotte Motor Speedway

June 22

Road America

Nov. 2

Texas Motor Speedway

June 28

Kentucky Speedway

Nov. 9

Phoenix International Raceway

July 5

Daytona International Speedway

Nov. 16

Homestead-Miami Speedway

July 13

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Kentucky Speedway

NASCAR partner CONTESTS Camping World’s “Race To Miami” Sweepstakes January 28 - February 25, 2013 CampingWorld.com/RaceToMiami

My Coke Rewards Sweepstakes January 1 - December 31, 2013 mycokerewards.com Coca-Cola’s Behind the Scenes Race Experience February 1 - February 28, 2013 cokeplaytowin.com/racebehindthescenes

M&M’s When We Win You Could Win Game January 14 - November 24, 2013 mms.com/us/racing

2013 NASCAR camping world Series SCHEDULE Feb. 22

Daytona International Speedway

Aug. 17

Michigan International Speedway

April 6

Martinsville Speedway

Aug. 21

Bristol Motor Speedway

April 14

Rockingham Speedway

Sept. 1

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

April 20

Kansas Speedway

Sept. 8

Iowa Speedway

May 17

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Sept. 13 Chicagoland Speedway

May 31

Dover International Speedway

Sept. 28 Las Vegas Motor Speedway

June 7

Texas Motor Speedway

Oct. 19

Talladega Superspeedway

June 27

Kentucky Speedway

Oct. 26

Martinsville Speedway

July 13

Iowa Speedway

Nov. 1

Texas Motor Speedway

July 24

Eldora Speedway

Nov. 8

Phoenix International Raceway

Aug. 3

Pocono Raceway

Nov. 15

Homestead-Miami Speedway

Nabiso’s NASCAR Racing Sweepstakes February 1 - September 30, 2013 nabisconascar.com

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POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

gReeN fLAg NASCAR 101

Understanding the terminology of Racing

presented by

NASCAR competitors and hard-core fans often use words or phrases that can be confusing to new or casual fans of America’s most popular form of auto racing. Consider the following a NASCAR Pole Position study guide as these definitions will help you better understand the racing “lingo.” Aerodynamics: As applied to NASCAR, aerodynamics is the study of airflow and the forces of resistance and pressure generated by the flow of air over, under and around a moving race car. Banking: The angle of a race track, particularly at a curve or in a corner, from the apron to the outside wall. The degree of banking refers to the angle of the track’s slope at its outside edge. Camber: The amount a tire is titled in or out from vertical. The angle is described in degrees, either positive or negative. Compound: A formula or “recipe” of rubber that makes up a particular Goodyear tire. Different tracks require different tire compounds. Left-side tires are considerably softer than right-side tires, and it is against NASCAR rules to run left-side tires on the right side of the race car. There are four basic elements that create a tire compound: rubber polymers, carbon blacks,

POLe POSitiON 2013

oils and curatives. drafting: The practice of two or more cars running nose-to-tail, almost touching. The lead car, by displacing the air in front of it, creates a vacuum between its rear bumper and the nose of the following car, actually pulling the second car along with it. Two or more cars in a draft can run faster than a single car by itself.

groove: Slang term for the best route around a race track; the most efficient or quickest way around the track for a particular driver. The “high groove” takes a car closer to the outside wall for most of a lap, while the “low groove” takes a car closer to the apron. Road racers use the term “line.” Drivers search for the fastest groove, and that often changes

equalized: When the safety inner liner of a tire loses air pressure and that pressure becomes the same as that within the outer tire. This condition creates a vibration. The inner liner should have a higher PSI than the outer tire.

depending on track and weather conditions, as well as a car’s handling characteristics. loose: Loose is a handling condition also known as “oversteer.” When the rear tires of the race car have trouble sticking in the corners, this causes

the rear end to swing outward in the turns. A minor amount of this effect can be desirable on certain tracks. marbles: Excess rubber that accumulates above the upper groove on the race track. Marbles are also known as “the loose stuff.” Pit Road: The area where pit crews service the race cars. Pit road is generally located along the front straightaway, but because of space limitations Bristol Motor Speedway has pit roads on both the front and back straightaways. Restart: The waving of the green flag to resume racing following

a caution period. Short track: A race track that is shorter than one mile in length. Stickers: Slang term for new Goodyear tires. The name is derived from the manufacturer’s stickers that are affixed to each new tire’s contact surface. tight: This handling condition is also known as “understeer.” A car is said to be tight if the front tires lose traction before the rear tires. A tight race car is not able to be steered sharply enough through the turns. Instead, the front end continues toward the wall. Wedge: Term that refers to the crossweight adjustment on a NASCAR race car.

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green flag team chatter

News from the NASCAR Garage Area

he race teams – comprised of the men and women who build, prepare and field the cars – are an integral part of the NASCAR equation and they generate a tremendous amount of off-track news. New Owner, New Name: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team formerly known as Inception Motorsports is now Swan Racing after the Mooresville, N.C., operation was purchased by Brandon Davis. David Stremme will continue to drive the team’s No. 30 Toyota. Davis, CEO of independent oil and gas company Swan Energy Inc., is a veteran racer who drives dirt-track modifieds in events sanctioned by the United States Modified Touring Series. “I have been around racing all my life; it is in my blood. I’ve built cars, I’ve raced cars and now I’m looking forward to winning at the highest level,” said Davis. “Swan Racing is here to race competitively every week – the days of starting and parking are over. I am confident that we are putting together the personnel to one day produce a championship contender.” “I have spent a lot of time with Brandon and I can tell you he is here to win,” said Stremme.

POLE POSITION 2013

Steve Hmiel, a 35-year veteran of the NASCAR garage area, has been hired as general manager and Tony Eury Jr., most recently with JR Motorsports, will serve as crew chief. Swan Energy will be the team’s primary sponsor. Husky Colors for Kenseth: The Home Depot plans to utilize its proprietary tool brand, Husky, as the primary sponsor of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driven by Matt Kenseth. As part of the sponsorship, The Home Depot will reward its customers through Husky Days of Giving, a Facebook contest offering the chance to win Husky products as well as a grand prize to be awarded at the end of the promotion. Husky will be Kenseth’s primary sponsor in 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and The Home Depot will serve as the associate sponsor when Dollar General is the car’s primary backer. Big News for Junior: Great Clips, the world’s largest hair salon brand, has signed a sponsorship agreement for 28 NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports. The partnership brings drivers Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet to JR Motorsports,

adding to a lineup that also includes Regan Smith and Earnhardt Jr. The sponsorship guarantees JR Motorsports will field at least two entries in 28 of the 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series events. Kahne and Sweet will split time in the No. 5 Chevrolet for 27 races. Smith will compete for the championship in the No. 7 and Earnhardt Jr. will carry his familiar No. 88 in a limited schedule that presently stands at four races. One of Earnhardt’s races will be with Great Clips colors to fill out the 28-race sponsorship. Changing Directions: After dabbling in stock car racing last season, action sports star Travis Pastrana is set for his first full season in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Pastrana is scheduled to drive the No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Mustang in all 33 series races this season. “I am extremely excited about making the move into full-time NASCAR competition in 2013 and equally thrilled to have the opportunity to make that move with Jack Roush and the team at Roush Fenway Racing,” said Pastrana, a four-time rally champion, motocross champion and multiple X-Games gold medal winner. “I am very serious about making this move, running competitively and ultimately winning races in NASCAR.” Pastrana will team with veteran crew chief Chad Norris and will be partnered with a variety of sponsors. The No. 60 will be one of two full-time RFR NASCAR Nationwide Series entries, with 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne driving the No. 6 Ford Mustang. Racing for Peanuts: For the second consecutive year, South Carolina’s McCall Farms will sponsor David Ragan and the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. The Peanut Patch Ford will make its 2013 debut just miles from McCall Farms’ Effingham, S.C., headquarters in the May 11 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Peanut Patch colors will also adorn the car at Bristol on Aug. 24, Atlanta on Sept. 1 and Charlotte on Oct. 12.

driver Q&A green flag

Q&A with Jeff Burton

Burton at a Glance

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver What would you be doing if you weren’t racing?

Well, I’ve always enjoyed building chassis, and that side of things, and if I wasn’t able to drive, I think I would have tried to have a chassis company, and tried to be building race cars for other people. Whether that would have worked out or not, I have no idea, but that was certainly something that I would have been trying to do. What is your favorite childhood memory?

Probably Christmas morning. My parents did a lot to make Christmas really special for us. It was always a big event; it was always a lot of anticipation about the gifts. We participated in the church with all kinds of stuff around Christmas, so Christmas was like a really cool time because you were doing civic stuff; we did things as a family. My parents made Christmas a big, big, big deal. And everybody was always together. When Christmas was over, we typically would take a vacation, so it was like a 10-day thing, and they made it a lot of fun. Who were your heroes growing up, and why?

My father and my older brothers were the guys that I really looked up to. Even though I didn’t always see eye to eye with them, I knew they had my back, I knew we might fight amongst ourselves but nobody would fight us. There was a lot of camaraderie with us being the Burtons. So those guys were certainly there. And, as a racing idol, Cale Yarborough was the guy I thought was just incredible. He got up on the wheel and drove that thing hard. He was the guy I really looked up to and thought was the best, and still think was certainly one of the top two or three drivers in the sport. What’s the most valuable life lesson you’ve taught your children?

It’s hard to sum that up, but the two things that I’ve tried to instill in my children is treat people the way you’d like to be treated and, then, also never, never quit. If you have something that you want to make happen, and it’s a noble cause and means something to you, put everything into it. You’re gonna get knocked down but get back up, learn from it, move on. Persistence is a wonderful trait.

What do you foresee in your future after racing?

I don’t know. I have many things that interest me, but I have nothing that interests me as much as racing. I’m fortunate to be in a position where when I start looking at what my next professional phase in life is, I’ll look at it from a sense of, “What’s going to bring me pleasure? What’s going to bring me happiness? What’s going to bring my family happiness?” That’s yet to be determined, and I’m not in the position to have to make that decision, so I’m not going to try to predetermine what it’s going to be. I certainly want to serve my country in some form or fashion. I don’t know what that is. I made the mistake one time of mentioning politics, but what I was really trying to say was that I want to serve my country. I haven’t done anything for my country except pay taxes. I didn’t serve in the military. I didn’t do anything, so at some point in my life I want to give something back. But from a professional standpoint, I don’t know. I love racing and want to stay involved in the sport, but I don’t know. I have a driving career that I’m trying to get back on track, and my focus is on that.

Favorite Music ■■ Classic Rock

Favorite Season ■■ Spring

Favorite Meal ■■ Breakfast

Favorite Vacation Spot ■■ The Bahamas

Favorite Possession ■■ My Trophies

Paper or Plastic ■■ Paper

What one thing would you change about the United States or your community?

The ability to rationally use facts and not emotion. For people to sit down and have discussions about things that are difficult to talk about, because if people would take emotion out of the equation and would talk about things from a factual standpoint and talk about things from a realistic standpoint, this country would be so much better off — rather than determining if the guy who said something has the “D” or the “R” on his shirt before you agree or disagree. We’ve gotten to the place in this country where the art of listening, the art of respecting someone else’s opinion is somehow or another seen as a sign of weakness. And it’s ridiculous. We live in a diverse country with lots of different people, lots of different thought processes, and people should be respected and their opinions should be heard.

Beer or Wine ■■ Beer

Democrat or Republican ■■ Neither has earned my trust

Fame or Money ■■ Money

by jared turner POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

green flag twitter

Tweets from the Track

Downloaded a bunch of Bob Seger I’ve seen a and Audioslave. lot of storms... Gonna change it up but never seen in the gym a little. it lightning and Rockin Monday december 21 snow at the @55MarkMartin same time!

December 11, 2004 I said “I do” to the love of my life. Happy anniversary @chandrajanway

december 11

@jimmiejohnson

I dont care what @clintbowyer side runs the country. Well what I just hope they can do you know, Can’t sleep. I’m still alive ;) get things going the Been trying right direction. #mayans december 21 to entertain I dont like politics! myself socially @joeylogano I love the USA november 7 for 2 hrs december 5 @martintruexjr56 Pretty funny @dennyhamlin when u don’t Have my last even have to do To say I’m workout of the year an order at the excited about this morning. Going to coffee drive thru the start of hit it hard to make up bc you are there hockey season for all the cookies so much! would be an december 22 and dessert I will understatement! consume next week @newmankrissie january 17

january 18

@dennyhamlin 14

POLE POSITION 2013

december 21

@aric_almirola

RACiN’ ReCiPeS gReeN fLAg iNgReDieNtS ■ 1 can (21.5 ounces) BUSH’S® Sweet Mesquite Grillin’ Beans® ■ Optional Garnish: Fresh flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

fOR MARiNADe ■ 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped ■ 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika ■ ½ teaspoon ground (cayenne) red pepper ■ 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves ■ 2 tablespoons olive oil ■ 2 teaspoons salt

bUSH’S® PePPeRy CHiCkeN kAbObS

fOR kAbObS

■ Servings: 4 to 6 ■ Preparation Time: 30 mins. (plus 3 hours to overnight for marinating) ■ Cooking Time: 10 minutes

e ©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.

njoy this recipe 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.

■ 2 pounds skin on chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces ■ ½ each large white onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces ■ 1 each red bell pepper, cut intoB:8.625” 1-inch pieces ■ Salt and pepper T:8.375” ■ 1 12-inch sheet plastic S:7.875” wrap ■ Wooden or metal skewers (recommend metal)

DiReCtiONS fOR MARiNADe ■ In large bowl, mix

together garlic, paprika, red pepper, thyme, oil and salt.

fOR kAbObS ■ Place chicken in bowl of marinade, turn to evenly coat. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for three hours to overnight. ■ Using skewers create kabob by threading chicken, onion and pepper, leaving ½-inch of space between each piece for even grilling. Alternate between chicken, onion and pepper until all pieces are used. (Tip: If using wooden skewers, soak in cold water for at least one hour before use to prevent burning). ■ Season kabobs with salt and pepper. ■ Set clean, well-oiled grill to medium-high heat. When grill is hot, using tongs, place kabobs on

grill. Cook four minutes. Using tongs, flip kabobs and cook five minutes or until chicken internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F˚ and onions and peppers are slightly crispy. ■ Using tongs, remove kabobs from grill and place on platter. Garnish with parsley, as desired. Be sure to remove all ingredients from skewers before eating. ■ Serve with BUSH’S® Sweet Mesquite Grillin’ Beans.

DRIVE BOLD. GRILL BOLD.

With New BUSH’S® Sweet Mesquite Grillin’ Beans®. Root for Bobby Labonte, driver of #47 BUSH’S® Beans-sponsored car.

POLePOSITIONMAg.COM

green flag did you know?

Racing Flags NASCAR officials signal messages to drivers during races by waving an assortment of colored flags. The flagman, who is always located on a stand high above the start/finish line, plays an important role during a NASCAR race.

GREEN FLAG: Displayed at the start of the race and also for restarts during the race. Cars must maintain position until they have crossed the start/finish line. The pace car at the race start – and on restarts – controls the pace and cannot be passed prior to the green flag being waved. YELLOW FLAG: Signifies caution and is given to the first car passing the flagman immediately following the incident that caused the display of the flag. All cars must reduce speed immediately to a predetermined pace and hold their position behind the pace car. RED FLAG: Signifies the race must be stopped immediately, regardless of the position of the cars on the race track. The red flag shall be used if NASCAR officials decide the race should be stopped, usually for safety and/or competition-related

reasons. Cars will be brought to a stop in an area designated by NASCAR officials. Repairs or service of any nature or refueling, whether on pit road or in the garage area, is not permitted when the race is halted due to a red flag, unless the car has withdrawn from the race. BLUE FLAG WITH DIAGONAL YELLOW STRIPE: Although this flag is displayed regularly during most races, it is probably the least recognized. This flag is displayed to drivers, who are a lap down or significantly slower, that are about to be passed by the lead-lap cars. Drivers who are shown this flag must yield to the faster lead-lap cars. BLACK FLAG: Display of this flag requires that the car go immediately to the pits and report to the NASCAR official at the car’s designated pit stall. The car can receive a black flag for a variety

of reasons, including a driver or team infraction, or a potential problem with the car reported by NASCAR officials that warrants a closer inspection in the pit area. It does not mean automatic disqualification. BLACK FLAG WITH DIAGONAL WHITE STRIPE: At the discretion of NASCAR officials, if a driver does not obey a blackflag directive, the driver may then be given the black flag with a white diagonal stripe at the start/finish line to inform the driver that any additional scoring of the car will be discontinued until further notice. WHITE FLAG: This flag is waved when the driver in the lead begins the final lap of the race. CHECKERED FLAG: The most famous of the flags, the black-and-white checkered flag is displayed when the winner crosses the finish line. All cars on the track will take the checkered flag once.

source: nascar 16

POLE POSITION 2013

BOOKS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY The most exciting book of the NASCAR season! More than 300 pages of all the stats, records, and results that racing fans want to know The Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide showcases each team and driver and details every track, every stat, and all schedules for the forthcoming NASCAR season. This book is the NASCAR bible: your official trackside companion for the entire 2013 season. The Preview and Press Guide includes the complete NASCAR schedule as well as track and ticket information for 2013.

Stewart

.com

$19.99

Test your knowledge of NASCAR trivia and facts! The perfect complement to any NASCAR enthusiast’s collection The Official NASCAR Trivia Book challenges fans with 1001 NASCAR trivia questions and facts. With an answer section also included, this book will make a NASCAR expert out of any fan, while offering the most seasoned of followers and casual fans hours and hours of fun, laughter, and great NASCAR content.

A division of Random House of Canada Limited

Available wherever books and e-books are sold. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / S p o r t s b y R a n d o m H o u s e

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

S H A R E YO U R

LOV E O F RACING!

NASCAR BOOKS FOR KIDS

green flag tailgating

Food & Fun at the Track

or some folks, tailgating is a mere hobby. For Russell Morgan, it is a way of life. A 43-year-old Dallas, Texas, resident who was a NASCAR fan long before his days as a NASCAR tailgater, Morgan has practically made the Texas Motor Speedway infield his second home the last six years. After many mornings of sitting in long traffic lines at the track, Morgan decided it would be better to arrive a few days before the NASCAR races at TMS, and set up shop with his Chevrolet Silverado truck, a pop-up 10-by-10 canopy, generator and bigscreen television. Morgan, who tailgated at TMS for the first time in 2007, now tailgates at his home-state track three times each year – during each of the track’s two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, and also during the summertime NASCAR Camping World Truck Series/IndyCar Series weekend. In the week leading up to the two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, Morgan and cohorts typically camp the entire week, usually in the super-sized infield of the popular 1.5-mile quad-oval. Morgan has taken part in his share of tailgates from both inside the track and the parking lots surrounding it. As far as he’s concerned, there’s hardly anything much more enjoyable. “I have tailgated for Major League Baseball, NFL and college football games,” said Morgan, a self-described “die-hard” Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan whose day job is that of senior program manager for an electronics manufacturer. “I believe the NASCAR experience is far better than other venues due to the camaraderie that exists between race fans, regardless of their favorite driver or race team. One always has the option to make an extended stay, sharing new and old friendships.

presented by “I’ve experienced more interaction with tailgaters while attending NASCAR events than any other sporting events that I’ve attended.” Of course, Morgan’s primary interaction comes within his own traditional circle of tailgaters: daughter Hannah, son Logan, father Butch and three friends – Dan, Pete and Eddie. When the group convenes at the track in Texas, they – fittingly – always do it up big. “My best experiences tailgating involve interacting with people who share a passion for racing, enjoying great food and being at the live event where you can smell the racing fuel and hear the roar of the engines,” Morgan said. “My family always centered our gatherings around food. So it’s naturally comforting to me to have friends and family share in the NASCAR tailgating experience.” The most popular tailgating food items for Morgan and cohorts are smoked briskets, fajitas and venison. “The best tip I can give from experience is to organize a camp box that will allow you to extend your kitchen to the outdoors,” said Morgan, who has been a NASCAR fan for 15 years. “Having the necessary spices, cookware and utensils will let you create foods other than hot dogs and burgers. People always remember the folks that cook foods they normally don’t experience at a race.” But having a memorable tailgating experience isn’t all about just bringing the right food items, Morgan cautions. There’s also the matter of weather – and being ready for whatever challenges Mother Nature may throw one’s way. It should come as no surprise, then, that Morgan counts pop-up canopies and tarps – along with bailing wire and bungee cords – among the “must-have” items for every tailgater. “Mother Nature seems to always be the biggest challenge,” he said. “I’ve endured high winds and rain, but being prepared separates the die-hards from the novices.”

by jared turner 18

POLE POSITION 2013

photo by Motorsports Archives

Heart of a winner.

Honda portable generators provide hours of quiet, reliable, fuel-efficient power. Whether it’s for working outside, home backup or tailgating, with Honda, everybody wins. Official Generator Of

gen.honda.com

Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in a closed or partly enclosed area where you could be exposed to carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. ©2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

feature story

the next generation of nascar Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has reached heights that few Fan Feedback Fuels Changes ever imagined. From attracting more diverse audiences and untold numbers of prominent corporate sponsors, to producing some of the world’s finest drivers and teams, to becoming one of this country’s most widely viewed sports both inperson and through various electronic platforms, the growth of NASCAR has surpassed virtually all expectations. Through it all, one factor has remained steady – the fans.

hile vastly more numerous than in the days of NASCAR’s humble infancy, fans have always been the bedrock upon which the sport has been built. Now, 65 years after the first NASCAR-sanctioned race was run on the sand of Daytona Beach, Fla., fans play a more critical role than ever in the growth and long-term future of the sport about which they are so passionate. NASCAR, as a sanctioning body, realizes this, and has taken visible measures in recent years to stay connected with fans, and show just how much their loyalty is valued and appreciated. This has never been truer than this year, with NASCAR’s introduction of a new, more fan-pleasing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car, an exciting trio of new race tracks and an enhanced, more-user friendly NASCAR.com website, all while ensuring that fans’ voices continue to resonate with the sport’s key decision makers.

Welcome to 2013. It’s going to be quite the ride. by jared turner

POLE POSITION 2013

Better, Closer Racing the Goal As the Gen-6 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Car Hits the Track

ver the last several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series seasons, the sport witnessed some spectacular races. One area where NASCAR particularly hopes to add extra spice to the action in 2013 and beyond is at the 1.5- and two-mile tracks that make up nearly half of the 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. Beginning with the early 2007 debut of a new car design – a bulkier model than its predecessor – the race car proved challenging for both drivers and their teams to get a handle on, especially at the intermediate tracks. The steadiest source of frustration was the car’s tendency to suffer from the so-called “aero-push” that made it difficult to turn when a driver went into a corner. As the cars became harder to drive, drivers found it more difficult to catch and pass each other. Too often, drivers found themselves separated on the track by straightaways rather than car lengths. The end result was too many races with not as much passing as NASCAR and many fans of the sport had hoped to see. Now, after more than two years of extensive planning and evaluation with input from manufacturers and teams, NASCAR believes it has found a way to make the racing more exciting everywhere – and

especially at the intermediate tracks. The gamechanger is the new Gen-6 race car. “The emphasis is on the cars driving better, and the ability to have hallmark, close competition; particularly on the mile-and-a-half [tracks], is what we’re really seeking here,” NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France said. “I’ve told the team owners — and we’ve talked to, obviously, everybody — that these are pretty significant things. Whatever the collection of things that we’re going to put on the car, they will be designed to have tighter competition. It’s as simple as that.” The Gen-6 race car, which makes its official debut in the 2013 Daytona 500, differs from the previous car design in several areas. The most noticeable change is the overall look of the new car. For the first time since prior to the debut of the previous car design, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ various manufacturers can be easily differentiated on the track, based simply on appearance. A Ford is designed like a Ford, a Chevrolet like a Chevrolet and a Toyota like a Toyota. Enhanced brand identity is certain to please practically everyone involved in the sport, especially the automakers and the fans. The cosmetic makeup of the 2013 models also carries a number of specific features that are easily Continued on page 23

nascar generations

gen 1

gen 2

gen 3

1965 FORD GALAXIE The last year Ford raced with a stock chassis before the introduction of the unibody Fairlane and Torino. ■■ Strictly stock frame and body ■■ Doors strapped or bolted shut, seat belts required ■■ Heavy-duty rear axles required to keep cars from flipping during the race

1977 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO American muscle hit the track in full force as aero became more advanced. ■■ Stock body with a modified frame ■■ Modified chassis became part of the sport with Holman-Moody, Banjo Matthews and Hutchenson-Pagan building chassis for teams

1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA The Intimidator became a legend in this thirdgeneration Chevrolet. ■■ Wheel base reduced to 110 inches ■■ NASCAR downsizes cars to better resemble cars on the showroom floor ■■ Body panels still purchased through manufacturers

gen 4

gen 5

gen 6

2006 FORD FUSION Matt Kenseth drove this Ford during the final full season of Generation 4 cars. ■■ Highly-modified body ■■ Teams spent hours in wind tunnel to gain aero edge ■■ Bumpers/nose and tail composed of molded fiberglass based off of production counterparts

2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA The end of Generation 5 also marked the end of this model in NASCAR. ■■ Introduced new era of safety ■■ Common body and chassis for all manufacturers reduced need for track-specific race cars ■■ Front splitter, rear wing offer teams aero adjustment options

2013 chevrolet ss NASCAR adds showroom style to its Sprint Cup Series race tracks. ■■ Manufacturer-unique body panels placed on existing chassis ■■ Enhanced body designs better resemble the cars found in showrooms across the United States ■■ Design puts the “stock” back into stock car racing

1948-1966

1992-2006

1967-1980

2007-2012

1981-1991

2013-

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

feature story project ignition

re-introducing the Dirt-Track Race

n addition to the rollout of a new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car, NASCAR is breaking ground this year in two other major areas: Its tracks and its online presence. For the first time since 1970, a NASCAR national series will compete on dirt when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series visits Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on July 24 – a Wednesday night. Eldora, a half-mile clay oval owned by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, annually hosts some of the nation’s premier sprint car and late model events. But 2013 will mark a new beginning as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ventures to new terrain – both literally and figuratively. “By bringing back dirt, we bring back some of the roots of NASCAR, what a lot of these drivers grew up on,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice

president of racing operations. “Eldora, we certainly think it will be a huge success. I would never rule out looking at other [dirt-track] venues in the future.” As race promoter, Stewart is thrilled to host such a highly anticipated event. “I think it’s going to be a great day,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a very historic day for NASCAR and definitely for Eldora Speedway. I think the racing has a lot of potential to be very, very good.” Joining Eldora as a newcomer to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course in Bowmanville, Ontario. The track, which will host its inaugural Truck Series race on Sept. 1, is the first road-course venue for the series since 2000, and ensures a NASCAR national series presence in Canada for a seventhconsecutive season.

“It’s very important that we maintain our national series presence in Canada,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve accomplished that goal while also bringing a worldclass venue like Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on board. The Canadian fan base is so passionate and has a high regard for NASCAR.” Meanwhile, the NASCAR Nationwide Series has a new venue of its own for 2013, as the series heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Aug. 17. The addition of the 2.4-mile, 15-turn road course in Lexington, Ohio, marks the sixth time in nine years the series will run an inaugural race.

Fans Speak, NASCAR Listens

hile the Gen-6 car is widely considered a step in the right direction, NASCAR isn’t done listening to its fans. In fact, such efforts are as strong as ever in 2013. Witness the NASCAR Fan Council. Through a portal found online at nascarfancouncil. com, the NASCAR Fan Council is designed to gauge fan feedback, communicate directly with fans and give them a greater voice in the sport. Launched in 2008, the council boasts roughly 13,000 members representing all 50 states. Membership is open to all United States citizens ages 13 and older, and fans can enroll via the NASCAR Fan Council website (there is currently a waiting list). Members receive regular surveys that solicit input on the hottest issues in the sport, and ask fans to 22

POLE POSITION 2013

identify the issues they care about most. Other forms of NASCAR-initiated communication include quarterly newsletters and congratulatory emails to council members after their favorite driver wins. Not every member receives every survey or questionnaire, but a questionnaire about the previous weekend’s race is sent to a randomized proportion of the panel every Monday. Surveys typically include both open- and close-ended questions, and can be accessed through a variety of digital platforms, including smart phones and tablet devices. Every survey asks participants to rate how enjoyable they found the questions to be. “We don’t want you sitting down for 20 minutes,” said Brian Moyer, managing director of marketing and digital

research for NASCAR. “These are quick, couple minutes, provide some feedback type things. We utilize video and audio and all different types of things to make these more relevant to today’s electronic media society.” Even when fans don’t receive a survey or questionnaire in their inbox, they can log in to the NASCAR Fan Council portal at any time to make suggestions, ask questions or express concerns. “I look at it as fans having a seat at the table, per se,” Moyer said. “We as a company and as an industry are evaluating the health of the sport and taking feedback from drivers, team owners, media partners, key sponsors, official partners. Fans have to be a part of that process, and we think that this tool, specifically, makes it a little easier for people internally to get that information quantified in a great,

traditional, statistical way of capturing information.” Make no mistake about it: NASCAR is paying attention to fans’ opinions. One example came in 2009 when series officials, at the overwhelming urging of fan council members, made the midseason decision to scrap single-file restarts in favor of double-file restarts featuring lead-lap cars in both the inside and the outside lanes. “Our recommendation from the specific tool [the fan council] and hearing from the fans was, if there are no other issues within the industry from a fan perspective, get this done and get it done quickly,” Moyer said. Another example of fans speaking and NASCAR listening came in 2010 when NASCAR made the midyear decision to abandon the unpopular, awkward-looking rear wing on the previous car design that debuted in 2007

in favor of a more traditional rear blade spoiler. It was also at the urging of fans that NASCAR recently worked diligently to eliminate the unpopular two-car “tandem” drafts on the restrictor-plate tracks. After extensive track testing and a few rule modifications, drafting at the plate tracks has returned to the big-pack style that fans overwhelming said they prefer. “NASCAR, the reason why it’s really different from other sports is because we’ve gotten the feedback, we’ve processed that, we’ve balanced that with all the other input and have made real change,” Moyer said. “So when your fan base can say, ‘They asked me, I gave my opinion and they did something about it,’ and that is visible in a national sport such as this, that’s pretty powerful.”

identifiable from the previous car’s design. They include, but are not limited to, the addition of each driver’s last name at the top of his windshield, the inclusion of a single sponsor logo on the roof of each car and the relocation of car numbers from the “lights” to the front and rear bumpers. While the aesthetic elements of the Gen-6 car make for a more enjoyable viewing experience, better racing on the track is NASCAR’s top priority. “From a competition standpoint, NASCAR is really working hard to not just make this about aesthetics, but to make 2013 about better racing, closer racing, more fun to watch, more fun to do by the way,” said Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Chevrolet fielded by Richard Childress Racing. “I’m real excited about that. “I think our fans want us racing closer. They want better action. We have to work really hard at it because we run a lot of 1.5mile race tracks, and it’s hard to have good close racing on 1.5-mile tracks. The concept of making the car so that we can race better together I’m a big proponent of, and I think that is going to be hugely positive.” Key differences in the geometry of the Gen-6 versus the 2007 car design are responsible for its improved handling characteristics. One change is the new car’s bigger rear spoiler, which provides more rear grip and makes the Gen-6 easier to drive. The new cars also are 160 pounds lighter — 100 pounds on the left, 60 pounds on the right — and feature carbon fiber deck lids and hoods to give them better weight distribution and lower centers of gravity than the former model. “The potential is there for it to create much better racing,” reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski said of the Gen-6 car. “The potential is for it to be quite a bit [better]. There are boxes that are opening up with the car; the most significant box is the car is lighter and has better weight distribution in general. “That should allow Goodyear to build a better tire that permits side-by-side racing because of its grip-to-aero balance that the car generates. We know long-term, this car is going to be part of the solution

uNDeR tHe HooD

new year, new website

ASCAR announced in January 2012 that it would assume management of the business and editorial operations for its digital platforms, including the NASCAR.com website. That change took effect in January 2013 as NASCAR launched a new and improved NASCAR. com, home to some 6 million unique monthly visitors. Key elements of the new website include dynamic video, big, bold imagery, interactive graphics and regular news and in-depth

analysis from a group of authoritative NASCAR insiders and writers. Changes to the site include the addition of on-board camera video and in-race driver commentary, in-depth timeline pages tracing the history of each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and track, and a bigger overall editorial focus on upcoming races. And, there’s plenty more to come. “In future iterations, we want to make the site more personalized. We want to make the site more of a customized experience

of getting NASCAR as strong as it possibly can be.” In addition to Gen-6 tests held last season at Martinsville Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, along with offseason tests at Daytona International Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR elected to give teams extra practice time with the new car before the spring 2013 events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway. NASCAR has also indicated a willingness to consider modifications to the Gen-6 even once the season is well underway, as

and more of a community experience,” said Colin Smith, managing director of NASCAR Digital Media. “Whether that means surfacing more information about your favorite driver or allowing you easier, deeper access to whatever NASCAR community you might be involved with, that is the ultimate goal for us, and I think we’ll start to make some positive gains in those areas probably around the middle or toward the end of 2013.”

teams gather data and offer feedback. “This car really gives me a lot of sensations that are similar to the old car that we ran several years ago,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., who drove the new Chevrolet SS model for the first time in a test at Charlotte in December. “I’m trying not to get too excited or form too big of an opinion, or too solid of an opinion of the car. We have got a lot of things to learn about it. There are still some rules and things to be finalized, and still a lot to learn. “I think it’s important for us as the drivers and the teams to try and help NASCAR as much as we can.”

POlePOSITIONMag.COM

naScar SPrinT cuP SerieS

hiT The RESET

buTTOn TheSe Six driverS are ready FOr a FreSh STarT

The dawn of each new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season brings stories about the strength and poise displayed by the newly crowned champion, as well as those who challenged for the previous year’s title.

Also featured are those who showed promise but couldn’t quite close the deal. The foundation for greatness is often overshadowed by missteps, bad luck or mechanical woes. Many who were touted as championship contenders at the beginning of the 2012 season were rarely mentioned at season’s end. Some may return to the spotlight in 2013, while others may shine briefly before falling prey to old habits. Here are six drivers who are looking to turn things around in 2013:

KuRt BuSCH Over the past two years, Kurt Busch has endured several disappointments while attempting to rebuild his career. He lost his ride with Penske Racing at the end of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, a move that sent him on a rather unexpected career path. Busch finished a disappointing 25th in points last season while driving in 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races for

James Finch’s Phoenix Racing and six for Furniture Row Racing. Busch could only muster five top-10 finishes in 2012 amid a lot of wrecked Chevrolets. He joined Furniture Row Racing in October, a team based near Denver, Colo., far from stock car racing’s Charlotte, N.C., hub. The 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion hopes to help build the Furniture Row operation into a Chase contender.

by ben white 24

POle POSiTiOn 2013

KYLE BUSCH From the day Kyle Busch first raced a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car in 2004, he’s been touted as a star with great potential. And the Las Vegas native wasted little time finding Victory Lane multiple times in each of NASCAR’s top three series. Winning races came easily and life was fun. But then Busch appeared to hit a brick wall. Surprisingly, he won only one race – the April NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway – among all three of NASCAR’s top divisions last season. He also ended up missing the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by a single point after a long and difficult season. In addition to driving the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Busch fielded his own NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entries. The headaches mounted during a year that included numerous wrecks and mechanical failures. There was a light at the end of the tunnel, however, as Busch posted strong runs in the final two races of the season and looked more like the Kyle Busch of old. There’s no doubt 2013 will be a rebuilding year for Busch. But once he’s returned to form, look out. CARL EDWARDS Absolutely no one was more surprised about Carl Edwards’ disappointing 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season than Edwards himself. A year earlier, Edwards ended up tied with Tony Stewart for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, but lost the title by having less wins than Stewart in the season-long tally. As teams arrived at Daytona International Speedway last February, Edwards was considered the driver to beat. He and his Roush Fenway Racing team had a fleet of strong Fords and seemed poised to dominate on every track configuration. Not only did Edwards go winless through 36 races, he also failed to make the coveted Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. No one disappeared quicker and remained off the radar longer than Edwards and the No. 99 team.

Edwards is encouraged that he now has veteran crew chief Jimmy Fennig calling the shots. Fennig has long been an integral part of Roush Fenway Racing, having won the 2004 championship with Kurt Busch and helping former Roush driver Matt Kenseth collect six wins over the past two years. Heading into the new season, it’s been 69 races since Edwards last went to Victory Lane. He must win early in 2013, and if he does the momentum could carry throughout the season. JEFF GORDON Ever since Jeff Gordon won his fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 2001, there’s been speculation as to when the Vallejo, Calif., native would claim trophy No. 5. He has come close, such as in 2004 when he finished third and 2007 when he ended up second in points after winning six races. But for the majority of the past decade, Gordon has been on a roller-coaster ride that’s been extremely promising at one end and incredibly frustrating at the other. The days of winning 13 races in a season as he did in 1998 seem to be over, but the missing magic can still be found. In recent years, Gordon has struggled to win races with only six victories over five years. Even though far from his 1998 numbers, Gordon made the Chase in 2012, sneaking in on a wild-card entry. A variety of handling issues and occasional crashes erased any momentum, but Gordon and his Alan Gustafson-led team ended the year on a high note with a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Gordon realizes he’s getting older and the competition is getting tougher. If he’s going to win a fifth championship, it needs to happen soon. The key will be to start the season strong and not make any mistakes. DENNY HAMLIN Since joining the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2005, Denny Hamlin has kept his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota high in the championship standings year after year.

He was as close as second in 2010 and third in 2006, but has yet to close the deal and win the championship. Hamlin scored five victories, had 14 top-five finishes and claimed three poles for the Huntersville, N.C.-based team in 2012. Going into the finale at HomesteadMiami Speedway last November, Hamlin was fifth in points with a mathematical shot at the title. He ultimately fell to sixth, but had a respectable year and showed great promise in his first season under the guidance of championship-winning crew chief Darian Grubb. Hamlin definitely ran strong in 2012 and often finished well, but there were too many crashes. In order to finally win the title in 2013, he and Grubb must qualify better to avoid being caught up in crashes, utilize smart race strategy and win even more races – just for good measure. RYAN NEWMAN When Ryan Newman joined Stewart-Haas Racing at the start of the 2009 season, some thought the South Bend, Ind., native would win races on a regular basis. There was definitely the possibility of another eight-win season like the one he enjoyed in 2003 while driving for Roger Penske. Sure, 2009 was a year of getting accustomed to a new team, but a winning season wasn’t out of the question. Four years later, Newman is still searching for another stellar season like the one he enjoyed 10 years ago. He has one win in each of the past three years, but has finished no better than ninth in points since 2005. Unfortunately, he has missed the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup twice in four years. Newman has great confidence going into 2013 since he has reunited with crew chief Matt Borland, who led Newman to 12 wins in four seasons at Penske Racing. He and Borland have proven they can win together and have every intention of doing so again. Even though it’s much later than expected, Newman’s breakout year with Stewart-Haas may be just around the next turn.

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

NASCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newest Champion Drive and Dedication Carry Keselowski to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Title

POLE POSITION 2013

rad Keselowski is brimming with confidence and personal satisfaction as the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season gets underway. After all, the 29-year-old race car driver from Rochester Hills, Mich., is the reigning champion of America’s most competitive and most popular form of auto racing. He’s also young, extremely talented and secure as one of two drivers for Penske Racing, one of stock car racing’s powerhouse operations. At the start of last season, some questioned whether Keselowski could win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. But victories at Bristol, Talladega, Kentucky, Chicago and Dover served as the foundation for his first title in only his third full season of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition. During the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Keselowski engaged in a spirited battle with five-time champion Jimmie Johnson. Due to Keselowski’s strong-willed determination, the steady guidance of crew chief Paul Wolfe and top-flight race cars, youth prevailed over experience. “I just feel so fortunate to be where I’m at right now in life and with racing, to have guys like this [Penske and Wolfe] around me,” Keselowski said after the 2012 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “You’re a product of who you surround yourself with, and I’m surrounded by the best.” Roger Penske, a motorsports icon who has 12 championships and 15 Indianapolis 500 victories as an Indy car owner, had not won a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 40 years. “It takes a lot of people, but I think it took the guts for me to stay in the sport,” Penske said. “We could have thought, ‘Well, we won the Indy 500 15 times and we’re a big deal.’ But I’ll tell you one thing; until you get here and you compete at the top and win it, you really know what’s happened, and I think I just woke up here tonight [after the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November] and it’s a big thrill.” Rusty Wallace came close to winning championships in 1993 and 1994 while driving for Penske, but fell just short to the late Dale Earnhardt. He’s happy to see

Keselowski and his former team owner reach NASCAR’s pinnacle. “I’ll tell you, both [Keselowski and Johnson] drove their cars to the limits,” Wallace said. “They drove harder than I’ve ever seen anybody drive in a long time. And in the process, it seems like they’ve created a rivalry and formed an already compelling season together.” Keselowski’s title run wasn’t without headaches. He crashed in the seasonopening Daytona 500 and suffered poor finishes at Las Vegas, Texas and Bristol in April. But a victory in the first Chase race at Chicagoland Speedway during September was a confidence booster.

“Once we won Chicago, I felt like we could do it. I really did,” Keselowski said. “I knew that we had the speed. There are so many mile-and-a-half tracks in the Chase and … I felt like at that moment that we had a group that could get the job done.” Wolfe was proud to have the Michigan native behind the wheel of his team’s race cars. Their chemistry was strong throughout the 36-race season. “I think it’s his dedication and drive to be a champion, all the hard work he puts in,” Wolfe said. “He’s a great leader to this Miller Lite team. He’s a great motivator, and he’s a guy that I see is not willing to give up. He’ll do whatever it takes to find success. “There is something about when Brad’s around, he finds a way to be able to motivate everyone around him. I think that’s obviously important in running for a championship. Having a guy like him around that doesn’t necessarily have to always say certain things to motivate

you, but just the sense in how he carries himself. Like I said, all the time and dedication that he puts into the race team and, obviously, everybody’s getting rewarded for that.” Keselowski feels there’s one very important ingredient for winning a championship, and his team has it. “I think it comes from the people that you’re surrounded by and how comfortable they are,” Keselowski said. “That comes into your own world, and I can tell you that the group that I have – that I’m surrounded by, whether it’s in my personal life or professional life, they’re not known for being very rattled in these opportunities, in these positions. I think that’s probably the biggest thing that you can do is be surrounded by people that share that same passion that you have, but also put out a level of calmness that is somewhat addictive. “For me, I guess the best way to answer is I’m relying on the people I’m surrounded by.” When Keselowski lobbied Penske to become one of his drivers in 2009, he saw championship potential through what Penske and his team had to offer. The following year, Keselowski gave the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization its first NASCAR title by winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship. Penske was immediately impressed with the long-term goals his young driver expressed. “When he came in and said, ‘Look, I want to help you build a championship team,’ he looked me in the eye and shook my hand, and that’s how we started,” Penske said. “And there’s no question that he’s delivered way above what both of us probably thought was possible when you look at the competition and what we have to deal with. “Obviously, Brad has got not only the raw talent but I think he’s a thinking driver. I think his windshield is bigger than people realize. He knows what’s going on and takes care of his car. … I think he’s going to be a multiple champion, and I hope that Paul and the team can continue to grow on the success we had [in 2012] and we can go on and do it again.” Few people are betting against Keselowski in 2013.

by ben white POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

88 NUMBER

INFO OWNER RICK HENDRICK TEAM HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS SPONSOR NATIONAL GUARD MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF STEVE LETARTE

POLE POSITION 2013

Dale Earnhardt Jr. After a disappointing end to his 2012 season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks to get back to his winning ways.

NO LETDOWN If the first two thirds of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season were a fairy tale for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his legions of supporters, the final third was a dose of reality. After rolling up 16 top 10 finishes, including a victory in June at Michigan International Speedway, in the first 24 events, Earnhardt netted only four top 10s over the final 12 races. Two of those final dozen races – the October outings at Charlotte and Kansas – were particularly rough on NASCAR’s most popular driver. That’s because he didn’t even compete in them. After suffering a concussion at Talladega Superspeedway, Earnhardt skipped the next two races at the recommendation of neurosurgeon and NASCAR consultant, Dr. Jerry Petty. When Earnhardt was cleared to return to competition, which he did at Martinsville Speedway in late October, his title hopes were toast by virtue of earning no points at Charlotte or Kansas. Earnhardt ultimately finished last among the 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifiers, having really lost touch with the leaders after the first four Chase races produced but one top-10 finish. The good news is that, barring an unusual turn of events, Earnhardt won’t suffer from concussions in 2013. Now in his third season with crew chief Steve Letarte, expect the Hendrick Motorsports driver to start strong, just like in 2012, and keep rolling as the season reaches its pivotal stretch. “We’re going to put good cars on the track and enjoy the races,” Earnhardt predicted during an offseason test at Charlotte. “I think the first 10 races of the season are the most important as far as making the Chase. It’s about putting down a good foundation. It’s nice to get out there and get out front early and stay there.”

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DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

24 NUMBER

INFO OWNER RICK HENDRICK TEAM HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS SPONSORS DRIVE TO END HUNGER/DUPONT MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF ALAN GUSTAFSON

POLE POSITION 2013

Jeff Gordon This veteran driver hopes to ﬁnally claim his ﬁfth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

BETTER LUCK While it rings of cliché to say that just about everything that could go wrong did, such was quite literally the scenario for Jeff Gordon in 2012. Gordon often boasted a fast No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, but rarely had good fortune to go with it. While the four-time champion won twice and made the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with a come-from-behind surge at Richmond International Speedway in the final race of the regular season, he finished 10th in points — his worst Chase outcome and worst overall result since placing 11th in 2005 when the Chase included only 10 drivers. From crashes to mechanical gremlins to tire failures to just pure old rotten racing luck, it simply wasn’t Gordon’s year. However, 2013 is shaping up to be a much different story. In his third season with crew chief Alan Gustafson, Gordon seems well-positioned to finally claim the fifth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship that has eluded him since capturing title No. 4 way back in 2001. While Gordon, 41, will inevitably have some bad races, don’t expect the ghosts of 2012 to return. Gordon is too good of a driver, Gustafson is too shrewd of a crew chief and Hendrick Motorsports is too strong of an organization for the No. 24 team to again be haunted by all manner of bad breaks. It also doesn’t hurt that Gordon finished his topsy-turvy 2012 on a high, winning the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway – a notable accomplishment, given that no Hendrick driver had previously conquered the South Florida track. And, in addition to better luck, expect Gordon to do a better job of keeping his cool – something he failed to do, but later expressed regret for, in intentionally wrecking Clint Bowyer at Phoenix in the penultimate race of last season.

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DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

48 NUMBER

INFO OWNER RICK HENDRICK TEAM HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS SPONSORS LOWE’S/KOBALT TOOLS MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF CHAD KNAUS

POLE POSITION 2013

Jimmie Johnson After getting beat two consecutive years, expect ﬁve-time champion Jimmie Johnson to make a run for title No. 6.

THE REAL ‘FIVE-TIME’ Jimmie Johnson’s cataclysmic fall from first to third in points over the final two races of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was out of character for him and his Chad Knausled team. Don’t expect a repeat in 2013. Having now failed to win the championship in back-to-back seasons following their remarkable run to five consecutive titles, Johnson, Knaus and the entire No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports bunch are undoubtedly more motivated than ever to claim championship No. 6. Johnson appeared to be sailing toward it before a 32nd-place finish, combined with a sixth-place finish by Brad Keselowski, at Phoenix International Raceway in last season’s penultimate race allowed Keselowski to capture the points lead and, ultimately, his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Johnson maintained a mathematical shot at the title heading into the season finale, but retired with a mechanical gremlin, as Clint Bowyer finished second in the race and slipped past Johnson for second in the standings. As disappointing as the troubles of the last two races were for Johnson, they were certainly an anomaly for the California native and his team. Over the five years that Johnson won the championship, he finished in the top 10 in 80 percent of the Chase races. Prior to blowing a tire and hitting the wall at Phoenix in last year’s Chase, Johnson had won twice and recorded six top-five finishes in eight playoff races. That’s the real “Five Time,” as Johnson is occasionally dubbed, and the one who is more likely to show up throughout 2013. Back atop his pit box is Knaus, Johnson’s crew chief through all five championships, and generally considered the savviest of crew chiefs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage. Together, Johnson and Knaus – who represent the longest active driver/ crew-chief pairing in NASCAR’s top series – remain dangerous, very dangerous.

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DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

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Clint Bowyer Runner-up in the 2012 championship, Bowyer hopes to break the recent trend of a down follow-up season.

RUNNER-UP BLUES

INFO OWNER ROB KAUFFMAN TEAM MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING SPONSOR 5-HOUR ENERGY MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF BRIAN PATTIE

POLE POSITION 2013

On the surface, it would seem that being the runner-up in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings would bode well for Clint Bowyer in 2013. After all, Bowyer’s second-place finish in points was his career best, and came in his first season with Michael Waltrip Racing – a still-relatively young organization that had never before fielded a serious title contender. On top of that, Bowyer’s runner-up effort came after three consecutive seasons in which he failed to finish better than 10th in the standings as a Richard Childress Racing driver. All things considered, 2013 should be even better, right? Well, not quite. Recent history indicates that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series runner-up often experiences a dramatic drop-off in performance the following year. The last five runners-up have combined for only one victory the season after their second-place finish, and none of them finished better than seventh in the standings. Over the past seven years, three runners-up failed to even make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup the following season. Will Bowyer, who won a career-high three races in 2012, be the next casualty of the apparent runner-up curse? It’s possible. In fact, it’s likely – if based solely on the recent trend. Bowyer could be the exception to the rule, however. That’s because, unlike other recent runners-up, Bowyer wasn’t expected to be a title threat. And unlike Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards, the two most recent runners-up to suffer through a lackluster campaign in the season to follow, Bowyer didn’t even enter the final race with a mathematical shot at the championship. That Bowyer actually moved up a spot in the season finale, passing Jimmie Johnson for second, instead of suffering a painful championship loss, figures to make him less prone for an emotional letdown in 2013. Still, history isn’t on his side.

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DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

14 NUMBER

Tony Stewart Three-time champion Tony Stewart hopes a new look will translate into renewed success this year.

BUSY, BUSY

INFO OWNER MARGARET HAAS TEAM STEWART-HAAS RACING SPONSORS BASS PRO SHOPS/ MOBIL 1 MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF STEVE ADDINGTON

POLE POSITION 2013

As both a team owner and driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series the past four seasons, Tony Stewart hasn’t enjoyed much down-time. In 2013, Stewart is bound to reach a new level of busy, however. On top of his continuing role as a driver and co-owner for Stewart-Haas Racing, Stewart faces no small task in fielding a third full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team for the first time. And that team isn’t just any team; it’s the team of driver Danica Patrick, whose first full season in NASCAR’s top series after a partial NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Series slate in 2012 is generating considerable buzz. Patrick, a former IndyCar star who spent her first three years of stock car racing primarily in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will attract widespread attention throughout 2013. And Stewart is the person most responsible for her success, or lack thereof. Of course, Patrick isn’t the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion’s only major project. He’s going to be busier than ever with Eldora Speedway, the half-mile clay oval he owns in Rossburg, Ohio. In addition to its schedule of major sprint car and late model events, Eldora will host the first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on dirt. The event, slated for July 24, is expected to draw a vast audience. The biggest question for Stewart this year is whether he can invest enough time and focus in his efforts as driver of the No. 14 Chevrolet to compete for a championship while being pulled in so many directions.

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INFO

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OWNER RICHARD PETTY TEAM RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS SPONSOR STANLEY MANUFACTURER FORD CREW CHIEF DREW BLICKENSDERFER

GREG BIFFLE

GREG BIFFLE WAS A MODEL OF consistency in 2012 – until it mattered most. After leading the standings for a large portion of the regular season, Biffle opened the Chase with three finishes outside the top 10. He recovered nicely, however, with six top-10 finishes over the final seven weeks and finished fifth in points. If Biffle can avoid another slow Chase start, a first title is attainable.

INFO

TEAM RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

INFO

TEAM ROUSH FENWAY RACING SPONSOR 3M

CREW CHIEF MATT PUCCIA

JEFF BURTON

NO.

NEEDS MORE

JEFF BURTON HAS REUNITED WITH crew chief Luke Lambert, with whom he worked in the second half of 2011, achieving modest success, before Lambert was reassigned to the NASCAR Nationwide Series team of Elliott Sadler. Lambert replaces Drew Blickensderfer with whom Burton scored only six top-10 ﬁnishes. Can Lambert lead Burton to his ﬁrst Chase appearance in three years?

CREW CHIEF LUKE LAMBERT

KURT BUSCH

OWNER JACK ROUSH

MANUFACTURER FORD

MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET

INFO

BIGGER IMPACT

OWNER BARNEY VISSER

THERE’S A GOOD CHANCE KURT Busch won’t set the woods on ﬁre in 2013, but there’s also a good chance he’ll be much-improved. Busch, released in 2011 by Penske Racing, joined a Phoenix Racing team that struggled last season. Busch moved to Furniture Row Racing late last year in preparation for a fulltime run in 2013.

TEAM FURNITURE ROW RACING

POLE POSITION 2013

MARCOS AMBROSE, LONG KNOWN as one of NASCAR’s most proliﬁc road racers, lived up to his reputation with a thrilling charge to victory at Watkins Glen International last summer. Ambrose continued to show he shouldn’t be taken lightly on ovals, either. He claimed a pole at Michigan and had six ovaltrack top-10 ﬁnishes.

SPONSORS CATERPILLAR/ CHEERIOS

OVAL-TRACK IMPOVEMENT

NO.

BETTER CHASE START

OWNER RICHARD CHILDRESS

marcos ambrose

SPONSOR FURNITURE ROW MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF TODD BERRIER

NO.

INFO

NO.

OWNER JOE GIBBS TEAM JOE GIBBS RACING SPONSORS M&M’S/INTERSTATE BATTERIES MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF DAVE ROGERS

carl edwards

A SEASON AFTER COMING WITHIN A whisker of his ﬁrst NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, Carl Edwards fell on hard times. In 2012, he failed to win or make the Chase. Complicating matters was a midseason split with crew chief Bob Osborne, whose replacement, Chad Norris, couldn’t right the No. 99 team. Edwards’ new crew chief, Roush Fenway Racing veteran Jimmy Fennig, should provide a bigger boost.

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TEAM JOE GIBBS RACING SPONSOR FEDEX

A RESURGENCE IN MISSING THE CHASE AND WINning only once, Kyle Busch was arguably the sport’s biggest underachiever of 2012. However, Busch returns to a Joe Gibbs Racing organization that remains among the sport’s three or four most formidable outﬁts. Busch is undoubtedly more motivated in 2013 than ever to claim his ﬁrst NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title.

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CREW-CHIEF BOOST

OWNER J.D. GIBBS

KYLE BUSCH

99 denny hamlin

A TITLE - POSSIBLY DESPITE ADJUSTING TO A NEW CHIEF in Darian Grubb, Denny Hamlin enjoyed a terrific 2012. However, Hamlin once again fell short of his ultimate goal of winning a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. With Grubb and Hamlin no longer subject to growing pains, the sky is the limit. Hamlin won five races in 2012 before finishing sixth in points. This year’s possibilities are endless.

MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF DARIAN GRUBB

SINCE JOINING THE NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series in 2001, Kevin Harvick has had little trouble winning races. In all but three seasons, the California native has gone to Victory Lane. Even in 2012, when he often struggled to lead laps, Harvick managed to break into the win column. A bigger question than if Harvick will win in 2013 is how often he will.

SPONSORS FASTENAL/AFLAC/ UPS/SUBWAY/ GEEK SQUAD

CREW CHIEF JIMMY FENNIG

AT LEAST ONE WIN

TEAM ROUSH FENWAY RACING

MANUFACTURER FORD

NO.

kevin harvick

OWNER JACK ROUSH

INFO OWNER RICHARD CHILDRESS TEAM RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

NO.

SPONSORS BUDWEISER/ RHEEM/ JIMMY JOHN’S MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF GIL MARTIN POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

INFO

NO.

OWNER LINDA HENDRICK TEAM HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS SPONSOR FARMERS INSURANCE MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF KENNY FRANCIS

matt kenseth

MATT KENSETH LEAVING ROUSH FENway Racing, the organization where he began racing full time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2000, and joining Joe Gibbs Racing was by far the biggest of last year’s “Silly Season” moves. Will Kenseth, who is now in a Toyota and paired with Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, achieve his customary level of success in new surroundings?

INFO

TEAM PENSKE RACING SPONSORS SHELL/PENNZOIL

KASEY KAHNE’S FIRST SEASON AT Hendrick Motorsports was his best since joining the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in terms of overall points finish. Kahne, who entered NASCAR’s top series in 2004, had never finished better than eighth in the standings. In 2012, he made the Chase for only the third time and finished fourth.

INFO

TEAM JOE GIBBS RACING SPONSORS DOLLAR GENERAL/ HUSKY

CREW CHIEF JASON RATCLIFF

joey logano

NO.

BIG BREAKTHROUGH OVER FOUR SEASONS AT JOE GIBBS Racing, Joey Logano won only two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, never made the Chase and failed to achieve the overall level of success that team ofﬁcials expected. This season, Logano’s ﬁrst at Penske Racing, will be different. Logano could be poised for a breakthrough as he and Brad Keselowski are expected to form a dynamic duo.

CREW CHIEF TODD GORDON

jamie mcmurray

OWNER JOE GIBBS

MANUFACTURER TOYOTA

MANUFACTURER FORD

NO SOPHOMORE JINX

NO.

NEW TEAM, SAME STRENGTH

OWNER WALTER CZARNECKI

kasey kahne

INFO

SAME OL’, SAME OL’

OWNER FELIX SABATES

DESPITE NUMEROUS PERSONNEL changes within Earnhardt Ganassi Racing entering the 2012 season, McMurray experienced minimal improvement over 2011, a season in which he failed to win after recording a career-high three victories in 2010. McMurray finished six positions better in the standings (21st) than in 2011, but posted no top-five finishes and fewer top 10s than the year before. McMurray remains capable of winning, but is the team?

TEAM EARNHARDT GANASSI RACING

POLE POSITION 2013

SPONSORS MCDONALD’S/ CESSNA MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF KEVIN MANION

NO.

HALL OF FAME Welcome, Class of 2013. Welcome, Herb Thomas, the first driver to win 2 Cup Series Championships. Welcome, Buck Baker, first to capture 2 consecutive Championships. Welcome, Rusty Wallace, 8th in all-time wins. Welcome, Leonard Wood, one of the most innovative mechanics of all time. And last but not least, welcome, Cotton Owens, who, as a driver and owner, was anything but soft. Welcome to immortality, gents. Welcome to the NASCAR Hall of FameÂŽ.

ÂŠNASCAR 2013

NASCAR.com

DRIVER PROFILES GREAT EXPECTATIONS

INFO

NO.

OWNER CHIP GANASSI TEAM EARNHARDT GANASSI RACING SPONSOR TARGET MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF CHRIS HEROY

ryan newman FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 11 FULL seasons of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition, Newman failed to capture a pole in 2012. The good news is that for 2013 Newman has reunited with crew chief Matt Borland, the man who helped Newman early in his career earn the nickname “Rocketman” due to his tendency to win poles.

INFO

TEAM STEWART-HAAS RACING SPONSOR GODADDY.COM

ONE OF NASCAR’S MOST ADEPT road racers, Juan Pablo Montoya uncharacteristically had no joy at the series’ two road courses in 2012, ﬁnishing 33rd and 34th. The poor ﬁnishes weren’t due to a lack of speed, but bad luck. Montoya will be in the mix – and, perhaps, the favorite – to win at both Sonoma and Watkins Glen this year.

INFO

TEAM STEWART-HAAS RACING SPONSOR QUICKEN LOANS

CREW CHIEF MATT BORLAND

danica patrick

NO.

HUGE FANFARE

NOT SINCE DALE EARNHARDT Jr.’s entry into NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition has a driver’s move to the sport’s top division come with more fanfare than Danica Patrick’s. The big question is not whether her presence will produce increased fan interest – that’s a given – but whether she will produce on the track.

CREW CHIEF TONY GIBSON

martin truex jr.

OWNER TONY STEWART

MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET

GLORY ROAD

NO.

POLE MAGIC

OWNER TONY STEWART

juan pablo montoya

INFO

CAREER WIN NO. 2

OWNER MICHAEL WALTRIP

ONE OF THE TRUE SURPRISES OF 2012, Martin Truex Jr. made the Chase, posted a career-high 19 top-10 finishes and matched his best career points finish of 11th. The only notable item missing from his seasonal résumé was a win. Despite recording seven topfi ve finishes, Truex was denied victory for a fifth straight season. A second career win is definitely near.

TEAM MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING

POLE POSITION 2013

SPONSOR NAPA AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF CHAD JOHNSTON

NO.

RAC E During a race, anything can happen. You could come flying out of a corner pulling 3Gs. You could blindly launch into the unknown at 200 mph. You could slingshot your way to victory. Or you could have it all ripped away in a photo finish and lose by 0.13 seconds. Anything can happen. And will.

ÂŠNASCAR 2013

NASCAR.com

nascar touring series

Rising Stars

Center: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.; Left column: Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon, James Buescher; Right column: John King, Nelson Piquet Jr., Joey Coulter

Keep a Close Eye on These Young Drivers There’s plenty of star power within the elite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver ranks. But looking just outside that prestigious lineup, one will find several promising young drivers in the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series that are preparing for their opportunity to shine on NASCAR’s grandest stage. With a second consecutive NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in 2012, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 25, moves to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season, filling the seat in the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford vacated by Matt Kenseth. Stenhouse Jr. is just the sixth competitor in NASCAR Nationwide Series history to win back-to-back titles. The Olive Branch, Miss., native joins Martin Truex Jr. (200405), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1998-99), Randy LaJoie (1996-97), Larry Pearson (1986-87)

and Sam Ard (1983-84) in that elite group. Last season, Stenhouse Jr. claimed six victories and never fell out of the top three in the series standings from June through November. Five of his six victories came on intermediate tracks – Atlanta, Chicagoland, Kansas, Las Vegas and Texas – and he also won for the third consecutive time on the short track at Iowa Speedway last May. Stenhouse Jr. is now in good company. Two previous NASCAR Nationwide Series champions – Brad Keselowski and Bobby

Labonte – have gone on to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup title. And nine of the past 10 NASCAR Nationwide Series champions are current NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, of which five qualified for last season’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Stenhouse Jr. believes winning a second NASCAR Nationwide Series title helps solidify him as a respected driver. “I think it’s a bigger one,” he said of the 2012 championship. “Obviously, the performance this year was a lot better than last year, and I think that’s what you’ve got to look at. It’s always special having that first championship, but when you can go out and you’re a car to beat every week, I think that’s what classifies a great year.” Team owner Jack Roush has great faith in his young driver. “It’s been my honor and an extreme privilege to be part of the NASCAR operation here for 25 years,” Roush said.

by ben white 44

POLE POSITION 2013

“I’ve had a lot of great driver-and-crew chief combinations over the years, but I’ve never had anything that has worked better than the relationship between [crew chief] Mike Kelley and Ricky. They are both going to do very well in this business for a long time to come.” Several other rising NASCAR stars have also added to their résumés through recent on-track success. Austin Dillon became the youngest NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion at age 22 in 2011. His grandfather, famed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Richard Childress, rewarded him with a full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series ride in 2012. He won both races at Kentucky Speedway, finished third in points and claimed the series’ rookie-ofthe-year award. “I’ve had so much fun racing against Cole Whitt and the other Sunoco Rookies this year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” Dillon said at the end of the 2012 season. “The competition in the Nationwide Series has pushed me to become a better driver. It’s an honor to earn Sunoco Rookie honors this year, and I am even more driven and excited for 2013 to try and win the Nationwide Series championship.” Carrying on the winning tradition at Richard Childress Racing, Dillon’s younger brother, Ty Dillon, finished fourth in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series standings and earned that series’ rookie-of-the-year award. Ty Dillon, 23, won at Atlanta Motor Speedway, led the championship standings for several weeks and was a strong challenger to eventual champion James Buescher. Buescher, a 22-year-old native of Texas, went to Victory Lane twice at Kentucky Speedway and also won races at Kansas and Chicagoland Speedways en route to the championship. Remarkably, a record nine drivers – each of them under the age of 30 – won NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races for the first time last season. It started with John King in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. King, 23, was participating in just his eighth series event. He joined Buescher

and Dillon, along with Nelson Piquet Jr. at Michigan, Joey Coulter at Pocono, Cale Gale at Homestead, Parker Kligerman at Talladega and Justin Lofton at Charlotte. Winner No. 9, Ryan Blaney, became the youngest series winner at 18 years, 8 months when he topped the series’ second visit of the season to Iowa Speedway. Veteran drivers Elliott Sadler and Joey Logano also had impressive seasons in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2012.

Danica Patrick had a very busy season in 2012 as she competed in 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in addition to the full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. She won the pole for the seasonopening NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona and had four top-10 finishes en route to a 10th-place finish in the series standings. Patrick also showed steady progress in each of her NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, setting the stage

Clockwise from top left: Danica Patrick, Parker Kligerman, Justin Lofton, Ryan Blaney, Michael Annett

Sadler won four races, led the points an amazing 25 times during the 33-race season and finished second to Stenhouse Jr. in the championship battle. Logano won an incredible nine races in just 22 starts in his final season with Joe Gibbs Racing. Michael Annett, driver of the No. 43 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports, finished fifth in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings, the third time in four seasons that he has ended the year among the top 10.

for her first full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season in the No. 10 Chevrolet. “It’s supposed to be realistic; the Chase is a pretty long shot for me,” Patrick said. “You never know though. Anything can happen. I think for me that will be something that will come up in the years to come as that becomes more realistic and something to shoot for. I am all for anything that makes this sport more entertaining, makes more news and brings more sponsors in.”

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

nascar history

Blazing a Trail for Women Drivers

Janet Guthrie Overcame Numerous Obstacles during the Late 1970s

everal women have competed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races through the years and drivers such as Sara Christian, Ethel Flock, Louise Smith, Patty Moise and Shawna Robinson, to name just a few, have made lasting impressions on the sport.

Over the past two seasons, Danica Patrick has endured a media frenzy that has documented her every move. And even more media attention will come her way in 2013 as she attempts to run the full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule for the first time. Thirty-seven years ago, another female driver aspired to compete in NASCAR’s premier series and she posted some rather impressive outings. Janet Guthrie, the most prominent female driver of the late 1970s, built a rather impressive résumé in 33 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts from 1976 to 1980. Guthrie didn’t set out to become a race car driver, but through other interests was introduced to the exciting new world. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, on March 7, 1938, Guthrie moved with her family to Florida and later graduated from the University of Michigan in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. She joined Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, N.Y., as a research and development engineer, working on projects that were precursors to the Apollo space program. In 1964, she applied for the first ScientistAstronaut program and made it through the initial round of eliminations. Guthrie’s career in physics eventually took her to sports car racing where she competed in SCCA-sanctioned events. By 1972, she was racing full time and was part of the winning team at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. After a successful test in one of his cars, Rolla Vollstedt, a builder of open-wheel Indy cars, gave Guthrie the opportunity to become the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Guthrie failed to make the 33-car field in 1976, but didn’t give up hope that she would

eventually race at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, then president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, saw the hype and publicity generated by Guthrie’s Indy experience and quickly took advantage of it. In just a few days, Wheeler put together a plan for Guthrie to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at the Concord, N.C., track. Banking executive Lynda Ferreri was listed as the car owner. She bought a Chevrolet from racing legend A.J. Foyt and hired Ralph Moody, half of the famed Holman-Moody racing operation, to build the engine and manage the venture. As expected, it was a difficult undertaking, but Guthrie qualified 27th and posted a 15th-place finish in the 600-mile race. That year she also completed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in Daytona Beach, Fla., Ontario, Calif., and Dover, Del. In 1977, Guthrie became the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500. She eventually made three Indianapolis starts with her best finish of ninth coming in the 1978 race. Guthrie also made 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts in Ferreri’s No. 68 Chevrolet during the 1977 season. She had an impressive four top-10 finishes, including a sixth-place showing at Bristol Motor Speedway. That finish remains the highest by a woman in NASCAR‘s premier series during the modern era. In her 2005 book, Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle, Guthrie described just how tough Bristol is for every driver. She called on veteran race car driver John Utsman for relief for a time during the grueling 500-lap event. “Sunday, race day, dawned hot,” Guthrie wrote of the August 1977 race at the

Tennessee track. “Five-hundred laps of Bristol made for a notoriously brutal undertaking and several drivers had already lined up relief drivers. Getting out of your car was no disgrace at Bristol. …” “The high banks and abbreviated straights of Bristol’s half-mile engendered combat. … The Bristol banking was as steep as Daytona with the same resultant heavy downforce and high side loads. But instead of Daytona’s long straightaways, where you had a few seconds to take it easy, at Bristol’s half-mile track you were barely out of the turn before you entered the next. Bristol was a mean race track.” Guthrie enjoyed several groundbreaking accomplishments during her career. In addition to being the first woman to qualify for and compete in the Indianapolis 500, she was the first woman to participate in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on a superspeedway. The Smithsonian Institute proudly displays Guthrie’s helmet and driver’s uniform from her first Indianapolis 500 start in 1977. She was one of the first athletes named to the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. In 2006, she was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Over time, Guthrie proved herself and eventually earned the respect of her fellow drivers. Today, she is widely recognized for her contributions to auto racing. Her brief, but impressive, foray into NASCAR and open-wheel racing helped open many doors for future female drivers. “I believe that physically, mentally and emotionally, women are as well-equipped as men for the most challenging of sports,” Guthrie wrote in her book. “Not every woman would aspire to be a racing driver, not every man would – or could. But many, many women have been drawn to adventure in the past – from the women hot-air balloonists of the 18th and 19th centuries, to the women who raced cars in floor-length skirts when motorsports first began. And women are drawn to adventure now: the astronauts, the women who fly fighter planes from aircraft carrier decks. Women’s nature has not changed; their opportunities have.”

by ben white 46

POLE POSITION 2013

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2 gorilla tape

Gorilla Tough on a roll. Introducing Gorilla Tape, from the Gorilla Glue people. Gorilla Tape bonds to things other tapes simply can’t, including brick, stucco, wood and more. Made with double thick adhesive, strong reinforced backing and a tough allweather shell, it’s the biggest, strongest, toughest thing ever to happen to tape. For the toughest jobs on planet Earth. gorillatough.com

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nascar fuel careers

Darian Grubb

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crew Chief As the crew chief for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, Darian Grubb understands the value of hard work. It was his diligence as a youngster that ultimately helped him land such a high-profile gig.

While Grubb values education – he graduated from Virginia Tech in 1998 with a degree in mechanical engineering – it’s the hands-on experience from his college years that he credits for giving him a leg up. Grubb participated in co-op programs with Volvo Trucks and General Motors, designing truck interior parts such as seats and dashboards for the former, and working on mechanical systems, warranty reduction and power-steering systems for the latter. “It gave meaning to the education that I had and what I was using it for,” said Grubb, who years later would guide Tony Stewart to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title at Stewart-Haas Racing. Although Grubb had worked in high school as a volunteer on Late Model stock cars that competed throughout Virginia and the Carolinas, the Floyd, Va., native didn’t aspire to a career in racing. Upon his college graduation, Grubb returned to Volvo Trucks as a design engineer. But, after uploading his résumé to a website viewed by potential employers, Grubb got a call from Petty Enterprises. He accepted a job there as a shock specialist and engineer, despite some initial reluctance. “Looking back at it, it was a very good move for me,” Grubb said. “It was shocking to get the opportunity but, after I got into it and saw the potential and

the growth that I was able to do, it’s more of a shock now looking back at how the path went.” The next stop on Grubb’s path was Hendrick Motorsports, which he joined in 2003 as a race engineer on the No. 48 team of now five-time champion Jimmie Johnson. Grubb remained at Hendrick through 2008, receiving multiple promotions and holding several positions. He joined Stewart-Haas as crew chief for Stewart in 2009, where he remained until moving to Joe Gibbs Racing and pairing with Hamlin in 2012. For those seeking a similar career path, Grubb has this advice: “If you’re not in racing or working in racing, you need to be the one who goes out there and gets into Friday and Saturday night racing. You need to go volunteer. If you can’t find someone who will pay you, you need to go get in there and start working, because that’s where the ground-level experience comes from. “The next thing would be communication skills. Realize that you’re not that young engineer who knows everything. Realize that there are people who have been doing this for 20 or 30 years that you need to lean on to try to extend your knowledge.” Grubb concluded, “You need to make sure you’re a well-rounded person where you can deal with people, money, budgets and timelines. Being able to multi-task and do all those things is very, very important for what we do.”

Bob Dillner

NASCAR Reporter for SPEED

s a 21-year-old production assistant at a local television station on Long Island, N.Y., NASCAR on SPEED reporter Bob Dillner wanted to start his own on-air program about the area’s short-track racing scene. His only obstacle? Convincing his news director. “I bugged him two or three or four times and, honestly, I kind of got laughed at because they didn’t think a racing show on Long Island would work,” Dillner said. “So he finally just said, ‘I’ll tell you what, if you can go raise your own money, come back to me and I’ll put the show on the air.’” With the help of a few good friends, Dillner quickly raised $8,000 – enough to launch the show on a shoestring budget. That was 1991. “Trackside Northeast,” which Dillner hosted and produced from 1992 to 1997, became the station’s top-rated weekend program for five consecutive years. Dillner moved to North Carolina in 1997 and was hired as a NASCAR reporter for SPEED in 2002. He’s been with the popular motorsports network since. “Don’t worry about starting at the top,” Dillner said of the motorsports journalism profession. “I think you’ll have more respect from your peers if you are able to start at the bottom at a local news station as a production assistant and find your way. “I think that’s something people admire a lot more than just trying to get a job at the top in our sport.”

by jared turner 50

POLE POSITION 2013

lifestyle nascar fuel

downtime with trevor bayne

rom guitar playing to wakeboarding to participating in a triathlon, Trevor Bayne is a self-described “all-in” person. For the surprise winner of the 2011 Daytona 500, downtime doesn’t mean dull time. “I’m an outside person, so if I’m at home, I don’t really like to sit inside and watch TV. I’ve never been a big TV or game person,” said Bayne, 23. “I’d rather be out living life than watching everybody else. So I’m out on the water or on the slopes or hanging out with my buddies playing pickup football games or something like that. That’s my deal.” Bayne, who is running a part-time NASCAR Sprint Cup and full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2013, admits to being easily bored. “Hobby-wise, I’m all-in for two weeks and then I move on to the next thing,” he said. “So if I’m going to go RC [remote-controlled] car racing, I go get the best one I can get, and I race it and try to get it as good as I can, and then about three weeks later, something else grabs my attention. “So then I’m painting a car and then I’m wakeboarding. Not many of them stick to me very long.”

mental prep with denny hamlin Do you have a ritual that helps you prepare for races?

One ritual that I have is my grandmother’s keychain. She passed away a couple years ago. I have her keychain inside my car. She always used to pray to St. Jude. So every time before the race starts, when we get one lap to go, I give the old keychain a rub.

fueling up with jeff burton

Breakfast: LUNCH: “First thing in the morning, I do a protein shake,” said the 45-year-old native of South Boston, Va. “Then I go train, and I come home and I eat a whole-grain cereal with some fruit and skim milk. That whole-grain cereal has to be Cheerios.”

“For lunch, I tend to eat some sort of grilled chicken with fruit,” said Burton, who has maintained a slender frame throughout his lengthy career. “And then, around 3 or 4, I do a protein shake – a very lean, clean, real clean, protein.”

DINNER:

training with mark martin

t age 54, Mark Martin – arguably NASCAR’s best driver to never win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship – is the sport’s quintessential fitness buff. Martin, who boasts seven percent body fat, generally works out four consecutive days – Monday through Thursday – during the NASCAR season, and then takes Friday, Saturday and Sunday off to race. During the short offseason, the Arkansas native hits the gym four days in a row, takes two off, and then starts the cycle over again no matter the day of the week. “Mark Martin is probably the greatest inspiration to all of us in this series on this,” three-time champion Tony Stewart said. “He’s one of the most fit people out there – especially for his age. He’s head and shoulders above most of us in fitness.” While Martin’s regimen might focus on chest and triceps one day, the next day it might be shoulders, followed by legs the day after that. Even his “off” days include cardio, stretching and foam rolling. “When I don’t drive race cars anymore, I will compete,” said Martin, who has lifted more than 28,000 pounds in one morning at the gym. “That’s a little bit why I like lifting weights. Every day I go into the gym, I’m competing against myself. I will find a way to compete.”

“For dinner, I’ll eat a salad and some sort of protein again – usually some sort of grilled or baked fish – with vegetables,” said Burton. “And then, just before bed, I do another real clean protein shake.”

SNACK:

“I eat five or six times a day, and those shakes and stuff are my snacks.” Burton, however, has at least one guilty pleasure: chocolate meringue pie. But, fortunately for his quest to eat healthy, “you can’t find it anywhere.” POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

PHOTOHUNT

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

POLE POSITION 2013

ANSWERS // (1) Mountain Dew logo missing on side of car (2) Degree logo missing on back panel (3) Target logo missing on back panel (4) Montoyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name above window is missing (5) Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo missing on back panel (6) Gillette logo missing on back panel (7) Target logo missing on hood (8) Chevy logo missing from hood (9) Front grill is missing (10) Impala wordmark missing on front bumper.

nascar fuel fun pages

craZy MaZe

Test your driving skills and find the exit!

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

ricky stenhouse jr. ten, house, yes...

tracK hunt

Match the state with the correct track.

3 5 1

Who aM i? • I was born in Las Vegas, Nev. • My racing career began in Legend Cars • I race for Joe Gibbs Racing • My first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win was in the 2005 Sony HD 500 (Auto Club) • M&M’s is my primary sponsor

_ Daytona Int’l. Speedway _ Charlotte Motor Speedway _ Auto Club Speedway _ Texas Motor Speedway _ Talladega Superspeedway _ New Hampshire Motor Speedway

ansWer // Kyle Busch

ansWers // (2) Daytona International Speedway, (3) Auto Club Speedway, (5) Talladega Superspeedway, (4) Charlotte Motor Speedway, (1) Texas Motor Speedway, (6) New Hampshire Motor Speedway

polePOSITIONMag.COM

nascar fuel fun pages

Design your oWn race car

Match the Driver

HAMLIN

Match the NASCAR Sprint Cup driver to the number that appears on his car.

BIFFLE

DiDyou

KnoW 54

pole position 2013

Have fun creating a custom paint scheme!

EDWARDS

EARNHARDT JR.

GORDON

Despite winning the Daytona 500 a record seven times, Richard Petty’s 1966 victory was the ﬁrst and only time he won the Great America Race from the pole starting position.

winner’s circle

And the winners are... ■■ [1] Andrew Bradsky, Age 13, Ormond Beach, Fla. ■■ [2] Aaron Nicholas Lawson, Age 13, Draper, Va. ■■ [3] Tristan Drew Baker, Age 11, Charlotte, N.C.

Visit PolePositionMag.com to learn more about Winner’s Circle.

Can you draw nascar?

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 poleposition@ae-engine.com. Send your artwork, unfolded, in an oversized envelope to: NASCAR Pole Position Magazine c/o A.E. Engine, Attn: Stacey Foster 11880 28th St. North, Suite 101 St. Petersburg, FL 33716

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nascar fuel trivia

how Well Do you Know Brad Keselowski? 0-20 30-40 50-60 70-80 90-100

Keselowski’s ﬁrst NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory came in 2009 at which track? A. Richmond International Raceway B. Talladega Superspeedway C. New Hampshire Motor Speedway D. Michigan International Speedway

Series

pole position 2013

Take the quiz and score 10 points for each correct answer. Add up your points and see how you rank!

How many races did Brad Keselowski win en route to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship? A. 0 B. 4 C. 2 D. 5

Which prominent NASCAR team owner recognized Keselowski’s talent and hired him in 2007 to drive one of his NASCAR Nationwide Series cars? A. Roger Penske B. Jack Roush C. Dale Earnhardt Jr. D. Rick Hendrick

4 56

Rookie Spectator Fan Race Chaser Super Fan

Keselowski’s father, Bob Keselowski, won which major stock car racing championship in 1989? A. ARCA Racing Series B. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series C. ARTGO Challenge Series D. ASA AC-Delco Challenge

Keselowski is a college football fan. What is his favorite team? A. North Carolina Tar Heels B. Ohio State Buckeyes C. Michigan Wolverines D. Michigan State Spartans

How many members of the Keselowski family have made at least one start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series? A. 6 B. 4 C. 2 D. 1

Keselowski began his racing career in 1998 in what type of cars? A. Street Stocks B. Go-Karts C. Mini Sprints D. Quarter Midgets

8 10

What is Keselowskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite genre of music? A. Alternative B. Hip-Hop C. Country D. Rock

Approximately how many followers does Keselowski have on Twitter? A. 102,000 B. 233,000 C. 351,000 D. 524,000

Keselowski made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Texas Motor Speedway in 2008 driving for which team owner? A. Bob Keselowski B. James Finch C. Roger Penske D. Rick Hendrick ANSWERS // 1. D; 2. B; 3. C; 4. A; 5. C; 6. B; 7. D; 8. A; 9. D; 10. C

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nascar series rosters 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series roster No.

Driver

1 2 5 7 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 34 38 39 42 43 47 48 51 55 56 78 83 87 88 93 95 98 99

Jamie McMurray Earnhardt Ganassi Racing McDonald’s/Cessna Chevrolet Kevin Manion Brad Keselowski Penske Racing Miller Lite Ford Paul Wolfe Kasey Kahne Hendrick Motorsports Farmers Insurance Chevrolet Kenny Francis Dave Blaney Tommy Baldwin Racing Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet Tommy Baldwin Jr. Marcos Ambrose Richard Petty Motorsports Stanley Ford Drew Blickensderfer Danica Patrick Stewart-Haas Racing GoDaddy.com Chevrolet Tony Gibson Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Toyota Darian Grubb Casey Mears Germain Racing GEICO Ford Robert “Bootie” Barker Tony Stewart Stewart-Haas Racing Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Steve Addington Clint Bowyer Michael Waltrip Racing Five-Hour Energy Toyota Brian Pattie Greg Biffle Roush Fenway Racing 3M Ford Matt Puccia Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Roush Fenway Racing Best Buy/Zest Ford Scott Graves Kyle Busch Joe Gibbs Racing M&M’s/Interstate Batteries Toyota Dave Rogers Matt Kenseth Joe Gibbs Racing Husky Tools/Dollar General Toyota Jason Ratcliff Trevor Bayne Wood Brothers Racing Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Donnie Wingo Joey Logano Penske Racing Shell/Pennzoil Ford Todd Gordon Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Drive to End Hunger/DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet Alan Gustafson Josh Wise Front Row Motorsports Front Row Motorsports Ford Steve Lane Paul Menard Richard Childress Racing Menards Chevrolet Richard “Slugger” Labbe Kevin Harvick Richard Childress Racing Budweiser/Jimmy Johns/Rheem Chevrolet Gil Martin David Stremme Swan Racing Swan Energy Toyota Tony Eury Jr. Jeff Burton Richard Childress Racing Caterpillar/Cheerios Chevrolet Luke Lambert Ken Schrader FAS Lane Racing Federated Auto Parts Ford Frank Stoddard Jr. David Ragan Front Row Motorsports Peanut Patch/Fifth Third Bank Ford Jay Guy David Gilliland Front Row Motorsports Front Row Motorsports Ford Frank Kerr Ryan Newman Stewart-Haas Racing Quicken Loans Chevrolet Matt Borland Juan Pablo Montoya Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Target Chevrolet Chris Heroy Aric Almirola Richard Petty Motorsports Smithfield Foods/STP Ford Todd Parrott Bobby Labonte JTG Daugherty Racing Kingsford/Clorox/Scott/Bush’s Beans Toyota Brian Burns Jimmie Johnson Hendrick Motorsports Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet Chad Knaus Regan Smith Phoenix Racing Phoenix Construction Chevrolet Nick Harrison AJ Allmendinger Mark Martin Michael Waltrip Racing Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Rodney Childers Brian Vickers Martin Truex Jr. Michael Waltrip Racing NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Chad Johnston Kurt Busch Furniture Row Racing Furniture Row Chevrolet Todd Berrier David Reutimann BK Racing Burger King Toyota Pat Tryson Joe Nemechek NEMCO Motorsports AM/FM Energy Wood & Pellet Stoves Toyota Steven Gray Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hendrick Motorsports National Guard Chevrolet Steve Letarte Travis Kvapil BK Racing Burger King Toyota Todd Anderson Scott Speed Leavine Family Racing WRL General Contractors Ford Wally Rogers Michael McDowell Phil Parsons Racing K-Love/Curb Records Ford Gene Nead Carl Edwards Roush Fenway Racing Fastenal/Aflac/UPS/Geek Squad Ford Jimmy Fennig

Team

Sponsor & Make

Crew Chief

Hometown

Birthdate

Joplin, Mo. Rochester Hills, Mich. Enumclaw, Wash. Hartford, Ohio Launceston, Australia Roscoe, Ill. Chesterfield, Va. Bakersfield, Calif. Columbus, Ind. Emporia, Kan. Vancouver, Wash. Olive Branch, Miss. Las Vegas, Nev. Cambridge, Wis. Knoxville, Tenn. Middletown, Conn. Vallejo, Calif. Riverside, Calif. Eau Claire, Wis. Bakersfield, Calif. South Bend, Ind. South Boston, Va. Fenton, Mo. Unadilla, Ga. Riverside, Calif. South Bend, Ind. Bogota, Colombia Tampa, Fla. Corpus Christi, Texas El Cajon, Calif. Cato, N.Y. Las Gatos, Calif. Batesville, Ark. Thomasville, N.C. Mayetta, N.J. Las Vegas, Nev. Zephyrhills, Fla. Lakeland, Fla. Kannapolis, N.C. Janesville, Wis. Manteca, Calif. Glendale, Ariz. Columbia, Mo.

June 3, 1976 Feb. 12, 1984 April 10, 1980 Oct. 24, 1962 Sept. 1, 1976 March 25, 1982 Nov. 18, 1980 March 12, 1978 May 20, 1971 May 30, 1979 Dec. 23, 1969 Oct. 2, 1987 May 2, 1985 March 10, 1972 Feb. 19, 1991 May 24, 1990 Aug. 4, 1971 Feb. 7, 1963 Aug. 21, 1980 Dec. 8, 1975 Jun 19, 1977 June 20, 1967 May 29, 1955 Dec. 24, 1985 April 1, 1976 Dec. 8, 1977 Sept. 20, 1975 March 14, 1984 May 8, 1964 Sept. 17, 1975 Sept. 23, 1983 Dec. 16, 1981 Jan. 9, 1959 Oct. 24, 1983 June 29, 1980 Aug. 4, 1978 March 2, 1970 Sept. 26, 1963 Oct. 10, 1974 March 1, 1976 Jan. 24, 1983 Dec. 21, 1984 Aug. 15, 1979

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2013 NASCAR nationwide Series roster No. Driver

Hometown

Team

Make

01 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 18 19 20 22 23 30 31 33 40 42 43 44 50 51 52 54 60 70 77 81 87 89

St. Louis, Mo. Boise, Idaho Clemmons, N.C. Enumclaw, Wash. Grass Valley, Calif. Knoxville, Tenn. Cato, N.Y. St. Augustine, Fla. Owensboro, Ky. Emporia, Va. Defiance, Ohio Chilhowie, Va. Chesterfield, Va. Concord, N.C. Milwaukie, Ore. Thomasville, N.C. Rochester Hills, Mich. High Point, N.C. McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas South Boston, Va. Riverton, Ill. Bakersfield, Calif. Beach Park, Ill. Riverside, Calif. Des Moines, Iowa Galliano, La. Sparks, Nev. Spartanburg, S.C. Cedar Rapids, Iowa Las Vegas, Nev. Annapolis, Md. Pensacola, Fla. Westport, Conn. Ontario, Calif. Lakeland, Fla. Conover, N.C.

JD Motorsports Richard Childress Racing Richard Childress Racing JR Motorsports

Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet

TBA Phil Gould Danny Stockman Mike Bumgarner

Roush Fenway Racing JR Motorsports Team SLR TriStar Motorsports Joe Gibbs Racing Penske Racing TriStar Motorsports Joe Gibbs Racing

Ford Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota Toyota Ford Toyota Toyota

Mike Kelley Greg Ives Brad Parrott Todd Myers Chris Gayle Greg Erwin Wes Ward TBA

TriStar Motorsports Joe Gibbs Racing Penske Racing

Toyota Toyota Ford

TBA Matt Lucas Jeremy Bullins

R3 Motorsports Turner Scott Motorsports

Chevrolet Chevrolet

Greg Conner Mike Hillman Jr.

Turner Scott Motorsports Richard Childress Racing The Motorsports Group The Motorsports Group Richard Petty Motorsports TriStar Motorsports MAKE Motorsports Jeremy Clements Racing Jimmy Means Racing Joe Gibbs Racing Roush Fenway Racing ML Motorsports Kyle Busch Motorsports MacDonald Motorsports NEMCO Motorsports Faith Motorsports

Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Ford Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota Ford Chevrolet Toyota Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet

Scott Zipadelli Ernie Cope Gary Showalter Geoff Chapman Phillippe Lopez John Quinn Bobby Burrell Ricky Pearson Tim Brown Adam Stevens Chad Norris Mark Gutekunst Eric Phillips John Monsam Gary Cogswell Lucas Bowman

Mike Wallace Brian Scott Austin Dillon Kasey Kahne Brad Sweet Trevor Bayne Regan Smith Scott Lagasse Jr. Jeff Green Elliott Sadler Sam Hornish Jr. Eric McClure Denny Hamlin Darrell Wallace Jr. Mike Bliss Brian Vickers Brad Keselowski Ryan Blaney Robert Richardson Jr. James Buescher Jeb Burton Justin Allgaier Kevin Harvick Erik Darnell Josh Wise Michael Annett Hal Martin T.J. Bell Jeremy Clements Joey Gase Kyle Busch Travis Pastrana Johanna Long Parker Kligerman Jason Bowles Joe Nemechek Morgan Shepherd

Crew Chief

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Note: Roster is tentative and subject to change as several teams had not finalized plans prior to publication.

2013 NASCAR camping world TRUCK Series roster No. Driver

Hometown

Team

Make

Crew Chief

01 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 17 18 23 29 31 32 39 51 57 62 74 81 84 88 92 99

Newport, Tenn. Welcome, N.C. South Boston, Va. Westmorland, Calif. Watkinsville, Ga. Stockbridge, Ga. Palmdale, Calif. Kansas City, Kan. Necedah, Wis. Bakersfield, Calif. Providence, N.C. Miami Springs, Fla. Powhatan, Va. High Point, N.C. Plano, Texas Nova Prata, Brazil Tucker, Ga. Las Vegas, Nev. Level Green, Pa. Las Vegas, Nev. Birmingport, Ala. Houston, Texas Lakeland, Fla. Tulare, Calif. Bahama, N.C. Stuart, Fla.

Jake Crum Racing Richard Childress Racing Turner Scott Motorsports Eddie Sharp Racing Red Horse Racing Eddie Sharp Racing NTS Motorsports Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing ThorSport Racing NTS Motorsports Red Horse Racing Kyle Busch Motorsports GunBroker.com Racing Brad Keselowski Racing Turner Scott Motorsports Turner Scott Motorsports RSS Racing Kyle Busch Motorsports Norm Benning Racing Richard Childress Racing Mike Harmon Racing Arrington Racing Glenden Enterprises ThorSport Racing RBR Enterprises T3R Racing

Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet Ford Toyota Chevrolet Toyota Toyota Ford Ford Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Toyota Chevrolet Toyota Chevrolet Ford

Lee McCall Marcus Richmond Mike Hillman Jr. Eddie Troconis Mike Beam Chris Showalter Bruce Cook TBA Joe Shear Jr. Eddie Pardue Butch Hylton Harold Holly Doug George Doug Randolph Michael Shelton Jeff Hensley Tony Wilson Rick Ren Ted Walters Shane Wilson Dan Kolanda Mike Dayton Kevin Ingram Carl Joiner TBA Gary Cogswell

Jake Crum Ty Dillon Jeb Burton Justin Lofton John Wes Townley Max Gresham Ron Hornaday Jr. Jennifer Jo Cobb Johnny Sauter Brennan Newberry Timothy Peters Joey Coulter Jason White Ryan Blaney James Buescher Miguel Paludo Ryan Sieg Kyle Busch Norm Benning Brendan Gaughan Mike Harmon David Starr Chris Fontaine Matt Crafton Scott Riggs Bryan Silas

Note: Roster is tentative and subject to change as several teams had not finalized plans prior to publication.

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Trevor Bayne

NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver When Trevor Bayne won the 2011 Daytona 500, sending shockwaves throughout the NASCAR world and suddenly thrusting himself into the national spotlight, the young driver believed even better days were ahead. Indeed, they still might be.

ut the days that have followed Bayne’s surprising triumph in the Great American Race have been full of adversity, both personally and professionally. From being hospitalized with complications from Lyme disease and missing two months of the 2011 season, to making only six NASCAR Nationwide Series starts in 2012 due to lack of sponsorship, the road hasn’t been easy. “If I was to believe what everybody says – you’re only as good as your last race – I’d be an emotional disaster and I would be in trouble,” said Bayne, whose only victory since the 2011 Daytona 500 came in that November’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, “From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, I feel like I’ve lived out a 10-year career since 2011.” Only now, two seasons after becoming the youngest winner of the sport’s most prestigious event a day after his 20th birthday, is Bayne in a position to compete for a NASCAR championship. However, the championship for which Bayne is competing this year is not in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – most drivers’ desired destination. Bayne, who is making select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts for a third consecutive season for Wood Brothers Racing, is running the full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in the No. 6 Ford of Roush Fenway Racing. The No. 6 team won the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver’s title in both 2011 and 2012 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who has since been promoted to Roush

and instead enter Bayne in all 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. Sponsorship toward that end never materialized, however, and Bayne made 17 appearances in the No. 21, finishing no better than 15th after his Daytona win. “If you had told me two years ago that I’d win the 500, I’d call you crazy,” said Bayne.

Fenway’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series program. Crew chief Mike Kelley, who guided Stenhouse to both titles, has continued in the same role with Bayne. “I’m pumped about it,” said Bayne, who comes into 2013 with one victory in 85 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts. “I was looking back at it, and it feels like I’ve been in [NASCAR] Nationwide forever just because I kind of have been. But it’s never been a real run at a championship, full-time, best-team-possible kind of deal like I’ve got this year. So this is, I feel like, my first real opportunity to take advantage of that and go run for it.” Bayne’s illustrious Daytona 500 victory came in only his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start, and while driving the iconic No. 21 Ford of the legendary Wood Brothers, who hadn’t won a race in NASCAR’s top series since 2001. Following Bayne’s major upset at the World Center of Racing, speculation immediately began that the Wood Brothers might scrap plans for only 12 starts,

5 Things You Don’t Know About Trevor Bayne

“I’m really indecisive. I had to buy a wet suit for a triathlon, and it took me two weeks to figure out which one I was going to buy because I was researching. It was bad. So I’m a little bit indecisive as far as buying stuff or going to dinner, or whatever.”

2 3 4 5

“I pretty much live off of Japanese food and Mexican food. So I eat Sushi and Mexican all the time because it’s kind of healthy, and you can eat the fish stuff or you can eat fajitas.”

“My favorite holiday is Christmas. I’ve always loved Christmas even before I was a strong Christian. I just like being home in Tennessee. If I could live back in Tennessee, I would move there.”

“I used to have a really bad country accent being from Knoxville, Tenn. I kind of lost that when I moved here [to Charlotte, N.C.] six years ago, but I had a really bad country accent until I was about 16.” “I’m not good at saying no. So, for a long time, anybody who asked for an interview or an autograph or anything of me, I would always say yes. So I had to learn that sometimes it’s OK not to always be on the go, not to always do every single thing that you’re asked by every single person.”

by jared turner 64

POLE POSITION 2013

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