NASCAR Pole Position 2013 April/May

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Feature stOry

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builDing the green MaChine

DRIVER PROFILES

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Stroke of luCk

NASCAR Green has come a long way in a short time.

Winning involves more than skill and hard work; it also depends on luck. What do drivers need to go their way in 2013? nasCar POle POsitiOn raCe Fan Guide AN OFFICIALLY LICENSED PUBLICATION OF NASCAR

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Making SenSe of raCeDay

The sights and sounds drivers experience. green flag

06 news & notes 09 season schedules nascar partner contests 10 racing 101 12 team chatter 13 driver Q&a: ryan newman 14 twitter 15 racin’ recipes 16 did you know?

17 walmart race time 18 tailgating

viCtory lane ContenDerS

Five drivers who could win this year.

naSCar hiStory: the 1970S

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Tough cars and even tougher drivers.

Starts the year with a pole at Daytona.

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62 nascar sprint cup series 63 nascar nationwide series nascar camping world truck series 64 fresh faces: corey lajoie

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green flag

13

the number

P

hysical features of the FMEC include a monitor bank of 13 47-inch HP displays, and the latest in touchscreen and AV technology. Behind the scenes, HP’s custom-developed technology and services, based on its Autonomy analytics solutions, is the engine that processes a massive amount of data into relevant, actionable insights.

Featherlite Returns

N NASCAR Debuts Fan Engagement Center The NASCAR Fan and Media Engagement Center presented by HP is a first-of-its-kind resource that enables NASCAR to better serve its industry, partners and fans through a cutting-edge technology platform that facilitates near real-time response and analytics of traditional, digital and social media. • The Fan and Media Engagement Center is located on the 8th floor of NASCAR Plaza in Charlotte, N.C., the new home of NASCAR’s Digital team. • The FMEC provides NASCAR the ability to monitor, analyze and better understand the current media landscape in order to respond more effectively and efficiently to fans and respond more rapidly to national, local and global media. brian France on the FMEC “We believe this tool has the potential to be the best of its kind in sports – the first ever to combine not only social, but also traditional and broadcast media analysis,” said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. “We’ll be able to use this to help our industry and business partners to better connect with NASCAR fans across the world.”

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POLE POSITION 2013

ASCAR and Featherlite Trailers have extended their partnership. Now in its 13th year as a NASCAR sponsor, the new agreement ensures that Featherlite will be the Official Trailer of NASCAR through 2018.

“The return of Featherlite Trailers benefits our entire industry, including our tracks, drivers, teams and partners,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR vice president and chief sales officer.

Featherlite Trailers is a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum trailers, including specialized 53-foot race car transporters and highly customized specialty trailers.

Safety Awards

N

ASCAR recently presented the prestigious Jim Bockoven Track Services Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Jerry Petty of Charlotte Motor Speedway and Carolinas Medical Center in recognition of his pioneering efforts in the field of track safety and for his decades of service to the motorsports community.

Daytona International Speedway was also honored with the Track Services Teamwork Award for its crew’s interdisciplinary cooperation in containing a large blaze during the 2012 Daytona 500.

Flash Seats for Dover Dover International Speedway is offering its customers Flash Seats, an innovative, paperless ticketing system that gives ticket holders electronic access to the speedway using only their credit card.

The Flash Seats system allows NASCAR fans to conveniently swipe in on race day with no paper tickets. They can also easily transfer tickets to anyone right up until the start of the race and the system eliminates issues with lost or stolen tickets.

“By implementing Flash Seats, the track is moving into the modern era of ticketing, while also promoting a greener, more eco-friendly ticketing option,” said Mark Rossi, vice president of sales and marketing for Dover Motorsports, Inc. Visit www.doverspeedway.com to purchase Flash Seats for any of the races during the track’s May 31-June 2 NASCAR weekend.

green flag Paving the Way for Minorities & Women

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ASCAR celebrated the achievements of groundbreaking individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the advancement of diversity initiatives during the sixth annual NASCAR Diversity Awards Luncheon on Feb. 22. Award winners were: Diverse Driver Award: Kyle Larson secured the 2012 NASCAR K&N ProSeries East championship and Sunoco Rookie of the Year.

Diverse Crew Member Award: Tesfa Lee, a graduate from the NASCAR Pit Crew Development Program Presented

by Sprint, pit crew member for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series teams.

NASCAR Diversity Internship Program Award : Stacey Houston, senior at Davidson College, former marketing research intern.

Institution Award: Ten80 for the Ten80 Student Racing Challenge, a project-based STEM curriculum.

Partner Award: Octagon for its contributions in advancing diversity initiatives and participation in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program.

Young Racer Award: Ryleigh Lemonds, the Langley Speedway Bandolero Track champion and 2012 INEX Virginia State Bandolero Bandit champion.

Industry Ambassador Award: Bryan Sperber, president of the Phoenix International Raceway who has led the track’s efforts in Hispanic marketing.

“At the luncheon, we have the

opportunity to celebrate a few of the people and organizations whose dedication and commitment are shining examples of our industry understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our sport,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. “From the competitors on the tracks to the employees across our offices, NASCAR is more diverse than ever and we have positioned ourselves to place the sport in front of new audiences like never before.”

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

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green flag

NASCAR Unveils New Track-Drying System

L

ess than a year ago, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France tasked the team at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., with developing a means to shorten rain delays.

Phase 1 of France’s vision is the Air Titan track-drying system. This innovative technology, created by the NASCAR R&D Center staff, reduces track-drying time, improves the racing product and enhances the fan experience.

“In a short amount of time, our talented team at the NASCAR R&D Center imagined, designed and built the Air Titan, an innovative device that will dramatically improve the race-viewing experience for our fans,” France said. “With its far-reaching potential and impact, we believe the Air Titan is a big win for the motorsports industry, and eventually will enhance many surface cleaning and drying industries as well.”

U

sing compressed air, the Air Titan track-drying system efficiently and reliably pushes water off of the racing surface and onto the track apron where vacuum trucks remove the remainder of the moisture. Jet dryers follow each Air Titan, drying any excess water that remains on the racing surface.

O P

utting even more focus on manufacturer identity, NASCAR has added manufacturer logos to the decal across the top of the windshield that features the driver’s last name on the new Gen-6 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars.

“We’re adding the badge of the manufacturer to each side of the driver’s name,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “We believe this will help build the identity of the driver with the race car and their relationship with the manufacturer.”

N

ASCAR and ExxonMobil have agreed to a multiyear partnership extension, making Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR through 2017. This year marks the 11th consecutive season in which the Mobil 1 brand is an official partner of NASCAR. As part of the renewed relationship, Mobil 1 will continue to be a contingency partner across all NASCAR national and touring series, the presenting sponsor of the Mobil 1 Driver of the Race Award and the presenting sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Mobil 1 motor oil is used by more than half of the teams competing in NASCAR’s three national series.

08

POLE POSITION 2013

fficials of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., have unveiled conceptual renderings of a proposed multiyear redevelopment of the historic 2.5-mile race track that hosted its first NASCAR event in February 1959.

The proposed project is designed to provide a better overall race experience for fans, including upgraded concession areas, entrances, ticket gates, grandstands and seating, as well as interactive common areas that allow for opportunities to watch a race from several vantage points.

T

wo of the greatest names in auto racing are teaming up to promote one of the sport’s most committed sponsors – Goody’s, the legendary headache powder. Dale Earnhardt Jr., the most popular driver in NASCAR today, is joining Goody’s longtime spokesman, Richard Petty, in a new multimedia campaign that introduces consumers to the fast-dissolving headache remedy. Goody’s Powder will be the title sponsor of the Oct. 27 Goody’s Fast Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway.

Goody’s also will continue its tradition of sampling the product at race tracks and will bring Earnhardt and Petty together for personal appearances.

T

he 10th annual NASCAR Day celebration, NASCAR’s annual day of giving back, is scheduled for May 17 and famed NASCAR artist Sam Bass has designed this year’s NASCAR Day pin. The pin can be purchased by visiting www.nascarfoundation.com and proceeds will go toward the NASCAR Unites initiative and The NASCAR Foundation.

Q

uicken Loans, the nation’s third largest mortgage lender, has again partnered with Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., to sponsor the Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Detroit-based Quicken Loans was a sponsor of the same race in 2012, which saw Dale Earnhardt Jr. break his

143-race winless streak.

This year’s Quicken Loans 400 is scheduled for Sunday, June 16.

Along with its renewed sponsorship at MIS, Quicken Loans is the primary sponsor of StewartHaas Racing’s No. 39 team and driver Ryan Newman for 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, and an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season.

schedules green flag 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SCHEDULE Feb. 24 March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 April 7 April 13 April 21 April 27 May 5 May 11 May 18 May 26 June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 29 July 6

Daytona International Speedway Phoenix International Raceway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Auto Club Speedway Martinsville Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Kansas Speedway Richmond International Raceway Talladega Superspeedway Darlington Raceway *Charlotte Motor Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Dover International Speedway Pocono Raceway Michigan International Speedway Sonoma Raceway Kentucky Speedway Daytona International Speedway

July 14 New Hampshire Motor Speedway July 28 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Aug. 4 Pocono Raceway Aug. 11 Watkins Glen International Aug. 18 Michigan International Speedway Aug. 24 Bristol Motor Speedway Sept. 1 Atlanta Motor Speedway Sept. 7 Richmond International Raceway Sept. 15 Chicagoland Speedway Sept. 22 New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sept. 29 Dover International Speedway Oct. 6 Kansas Speedway Oct. 12 Charlotte Motor Speedway Oct. 20 Talladega Superspeedway Oct. 27 Martinsville Speedway Nov. 3 Texas Motor Speedway Nov. 10 Phoenix International Raceway Nov. 17 Homestead-Miami Speedway *Non-points special event

TOUGH Foaming, Sticks to Everything

GLUE

2013 NASCAR nationwide Series SCHEDULE Feb. 23 March 2 March 9 March 16 March 23 April 12 April 26 May 4 May 10 May 25 June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 28 July 5 July 13

Daytona International Speedway Phoenix International Raceway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Auto Club Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Richmond International Raceway Talladega Superspeedway Darlington Raceway Charlotte Motor Speedway Dover International Speedway Iowa Speedway Michigan International Speedway Road America Kentucky Speedway Daytona International Speedway New Hampshire Motor Speedway

2013 NASCAR camping world truck Series SCHEDULE Feb. 22 April 6 April 14 April 20 May 17 May 31 June 7 June 27 July 13 July 24 Aug. 3 Aug. 17 Aug. 21 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 13 Sept. 28 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15

Daytona International Speedway Martinsville Speedway Rockingham Speedway Kansas Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Dover International Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Kentucky Speedway Iowa Speedway Eldora Speedway Pocono Raceway Michigan International Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Iowa Speedway Chicagoland Speedway Las Vegas Motor Speedway Talladega Superspeedway Martinsville Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Phoenix International Raceway Homestead-Miami Speedway

July 21 July 27 Aug. 3 Aug. 10 Aug. 17 Aug. 23 Aug. 31 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

Chicagoland Speedway Indianapolis Motor Speedway Iowa Speedway Watkins Glen International Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Bristol Motor Speedway Atlanta Motor Speedway Richmond International Raceway Chicagoland Speedway Kentucky Speedway Dover International Speedway Kansas Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Phoenix International Raceway Homestead-Miami Speedway

NASCAR partner CONTESTS My Coke Rewards Sweepstakes January 1 - December 31, 2013 mycokerewards.com

M&M’s When We Win You Could Win Game January 14 - November 24, 2013 mms.com/us/racing Nabiso’s NASCAR Racing Sweepstakes February 1 - September 30, 2013 nabisconascar.com

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green flag raCing 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.” air Box: Housing for the air cleaner that connects the air intake at the base of the windshield to the throttle body element of the electronic fuel injection.

Bear Grease: Slang term to describe any patching material used to fill cracks and holes or smooth bumps on a track’s surface. It can also be used as a sealer on the track.

Blend line: Line painted on the race track near the apron and extending from the pit road exit into the first turn. When leaving the pit area, a driver must stay below it before “blending” into traffic.

Chassis: The steel structure or frame of a NASCAR race car. dyno: Shortened term for dynamometer, a machine used to measure an engine’s torque and horsepower.

Engine builders also use dynos to break in new or rebuilt engines. esses: Slang term for a series of acute left- and right-hand turns on a road course; one turn immediately following another.

Front Clip: Beginning at the firewall,

10

Pole PoSition 2013

the front-most section of a race car. It holds the engine and its associated electrical, lubricating and cooling apparatus; and the braking, steering and suspension mechanisms.

Fuel Cell: A holding tank for a NASCAR race car’s supply of gasoline. It consists of a metal box that contains a flexible, tear-resistant bladder and foam baffling. A product of aerospace technology, a fuel cell is designed to eliminate or minimize fuel spillage.

Greenhouse: The upper area of the race car that extends from the base of the

windshield to the base of the rear window. It includes the A-, B- and C-posts, the entire window area and the car’s roof.

hauler: The 18-wheel tractortrailer rig that teams use to transport two race cars, engines, tools and support equipment to and from the race tracks.

Cars are stowed in the top section, while the bottom floor is used for storage and work space. intermediate track: Term describing a race track one mile or more, but less than two miles, in length. lapped traffic: Used to describe cars that have completed at least one full lap less than the race leader. neutral: A term referring to how a race car is handling. It’s used when a car is neither loose nor pushing.

Pole Position: Slang term for the foremost position on the starting grid. It’s usually awarded to the fastest qualifier.

Quarter Panel: The sheet metal on both sides of the car from

the C-post to the rear bumper, located below the decklid and above the wheel well. restrictor Plate: A thin metal plate with four holes that restricts air flow into the intake manifold. It is used to reduce horsepower and keep speeds down. Restrictor plates are currently used only at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, two of NASCAR’s biggest and fastest tracks. stop and Go: A penalty that is usually assessed for speeding on pit road or for unsafe driving. The car must be brought onto pit road at the appropriate speed and stopped

for one full second in the team’s pit stall before returning to the track.

track Bar: A lateral bar that keeps the rear tires centered within the body of the race car. It connects the frame on one side and the rear axle on the other. trading Paint: Slang term to describe aggressive driving that involves a lot bumping and rubbing.

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green flag team chatter

Rising Star Kyle Larson To run nationwide series

S

print car and midget phenom Kyle Larson is slated to run the full NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule this season in the No. 32 Chevrolet Camaro fielded by Turner Scott Motorsports.

News from the NASCAR Race Shops

SANY America Comes Aboard, Piquet Jr. Moves Up

T

he race teams – comprised of the men and women who build, prepare and field the cars in the various series – are an integral part of the NASCAR equation and they generate a tremendous amount of off-track news. Much of that news involves sponsorship and the companies that support their racing efforts.

SANY Signs SANY America has become a major sponsor for Tommy Baldwin Racing, backing the No. 7 Chevrolet SS driven by veteran Dave Blaney.

Started in 1989, SANY is now the world’s sixth largest industrial equipment company. Global sales of its cranes, concrete pump machinery, excavators and other heavy-duty equipment topped $12 billion in 2012.

SANY America will be the primary sponsor of the No. 7 in 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and an associate sponsor for the remainder of the schedule.

“We are proud to have brought a new company into NASCAR,” said team owner Tommy Baldwin Jr.

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POLE POSITION 2013

DuPont Changes

Keep on Truckin’

Piquet Jr.’s Plans

The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest investment firms, has acquired DuPont’s paint business.

Although the people, products and technologies will remain the same, the paint business, which is a sponsor for the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and driver Jeff Gordon in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been rebranded as Axalta Coating Systems.

“We may have a new name on the No. 24 Chevrolet SS in 2013, but it’s the same core group that I’ve enjoyed working with for more than 20 years,” Gordon said. “We’ve had success together on and off the track. We plan to carry that success into our third decade.”

Allstate Peterbilt Group is supplying Richard Petty Motorsports’ NASCAR teams with Peterbilt tractors.

Allstate Peterbilt Group has 17 locations throughout the Midwest and over 40 years of experience supporting the Peterbilt line of products.

Three Peterbilt tractors are hauling the cars and equipment of the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams of Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola, and the NASCAR Nationwide team of Michael Annett.

“Considering the amount of time our truck drivers spend on the road, it’s comforting to know they will be driving a quality product,” said team co-owner Richard Petty.

Nelson Piquet Jr., the first Brazilian to win a race in one of NASCAR’s top three series, is scheduled to drive the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro for Turner Scott Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season.

Piquet Jr., who is moving up from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, is continuing to work with crew chief Chris Carrier.

He has extended his partnerships with Qualcomm, Autotrac and TAG Heuer Eyewear, while welcoming Worx and Delavaco Capital as new sponsors.

Piquet earned his first NASCAR Nationwide Series pole and win at Road America last season in only his third series start.

Larson, a 20-year-old race car driver from Elk Grove, Calif., is a development driver for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.

He turned heads in NASCAR last season when he won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship in his first year of driving stock cars. Larson, who is of Japanese-American descent, also claimed the first series championship for one of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program drivers.

“This is truly one of the happiest days of my life,” Larson during the announcement of his NASCAR Nationwide Series effort.

“I have been thinking about something like this since my very first days of racing. I am very proud to be part of Chip Ganassi’s organization and to be running with Turner Scott Motorsports.”

driver Q&A green flag

Q&A with Ryan Newman

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver

what’s your favorite memory in racing?

My favorite memory in racing was when my dad called me to the start/finish line at Daytona for the 50th race [Daytona 500].

Winning there was so special, personally, and that was huge.

How has fatherhood changed you?

That’s a good question, because I don’t think fatherhood has changed me as a race car driver; fatherhood has changed me away from racing. When I sit in that race car and I put that helmet on, I’m the same Ryan Newman as the one that ran a 14:90 [lap time] at Bristol and would have qualified fourth in the [NASCAR Sprint] Cup field with a [NASCAR] Nationwide car at Darlington. I’m still the same person, but my responsibilities have changed.

My outlook on, just, what’s important – which is, I think, different from the responsibilities – has changed. That’s it. Having kids changes you, but I think it changes everybody differently and I think the level of you admitting it is different with every man, as well.

What’s a typical weekday like in the Newman house?

This morning was a half-typical day. I got up and went over to the farm and went over and got some doughnuts, came back and had food out for the girls. We had some friends in town, so that was the reason for the doughnuts. Sometimes I make breakfast and whatever else.

But the girls get up between 8 and 9, and we do what we have to do there and we have a nanny that shows up

newman at a Glance Favorite Music ■■ Country

Favorite Season ■■ Fall

Favorite food ■■ Pizza

dog or cat ■■ Dog

Favorite Vacation Spot ■■ The Mountains

favorite holiday ■■ Christmas

favorite movie ■■ Step Brothers

paper or plastic?

■■ Paper

Democrat or Republican ■■ Neither

Fame or Money ■■ Money

around 9 o’clock. She’s in till 5, so she helps out and gives [my wife] Krissie and I the opportunity to do the things that we need to do, whether it’s this [media obligations] or working with our foundation and things like that.

Every night I take care of the kids getting bathed and she takes care of Ashlyn’s last bottle, and, hopefully, when it’s a good night, everybody rolls into bed by 9:30 and we can have about an hour or an hour-and-a-half to each other.

everybody on a given day. It’s not like stickand-ball sports where you’re beating one team or one individual; you’re beating 42 other teams and drivers.

Who are

would change about

your biggest

the world?

inspirations?

I would make it simpler. I think we’ve done a horrible job as humans to make it more complex. It just doesn’t have to be this way. I didn’t live through it, but I’m pretty sure the 1950s were a pretty great time. People were excited to have a blackand-white TV, and it took three minutes to turn it on. I’m thinking that we don’t need to make it any more complex than we’ve already made it.

My biggest inspiration by far was my dad. And, from a professional standpoint, somebody like Don Miller [former Penske Racing president] or Buddy Baker made a huge difference in my career.

From a hero standpoint, I look at someone like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt and A.J. Foyt. There are a lot of people that have inspired me, but have inspired me for different reasons.

What would you be doing if you weren’t racing?

I enjoy the outdoors, I enjoy farming, I enjoy hunting and fishing, I enjoy my family and I enjoy old cars. I guess not until I’m put in that position will I actually know. I think a lot of race car drivers are that way. what’s one thing you

What’s highest on

What motivates you?

your bucket list?

To win. Just to beat the competition. There’s no better feeling than going home at night knowing that you beat

Just winning a championship. Winning a [NASCAR Sprint] Cup championship would be amazing.

by jared turner POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

13

green flag twitter

Tweets from the Track Grace working hard on daddy’s pancakes this morning!

February 17

Congrats to all of the Hall Of Fame inductees. So cool to celebrate the past and understand the impact these guys had on our sport!

@mattkenseth

Tons of fun commentatin for the #SprintUnlimited with the @NASCARONFOX team.

Hope u guys liked it, Think ill stick to driving though...

February 17 after serving as a guest commentator for The Sprint Unlimited, a race consisting of only past event winners and the previous season’s pole winners

@keselowski

14

POLE POSITION 2013

Just my luck! Had my debut on CNN live today and the Pope decides to resign hours before our spot. Maybe I’ll make the ticker below.

February 11 @clintbowyer

February 9

@RCR31JeffBurton

Hair cuts are always a traumatic experience for me.

Does an inch off sound like a lot to anyone else? Haha new layers. february 12 @danicapatrick

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

15

green flag DiD you knoW?

the new gen-6 naSCar Sprint Cup Car

2 5

3

1 4

1 Carbon fiber the hOOd and deCk lid are constructed from carbon fiber on the new Gen-6 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The hood tether squares are no longer visible as they were on the 2012 car.

2

3

the roof nasCar added roof structure for increased driver safety.

4

Paint SCheMe ChangeS driver’s last naMe and manufacturer badges on windshield, sponsor identification on roof and step-and-repeat designs behind number.

5

unique boDy PanelS eaCh ManuFaCturer now has unique panels that better represent their production counterparts.

rear DeCk fin the Fin that runs down the left side of the back window and intersects with the spoiler is constructed from clear polycarbonate.

gen-6 vS. gen-5: tale of the taPe GEN-6 (2013)

SPECIFICATION

GEN-5 (2012)

3,300 lbs

TOTAL WEIGHT

3,450 lbs

1,620 lbs

RIGHT-SIDE WEIGHT

1,700 lbs

1,680 lbs

LEFT-SIDE WEIGHT

1,750 lbs

196.2 in.

LENGTH

198.5 in.

77 in.

WIDTH

74 in.

source: nascar 16

Pole PoSition 2013

WalMarT raCe TiMe green Flag

Fans Win with relationship between Walmart and naSCar raCe TiMe iS baCK!

W

almart and NASCAR have once again teamed up to give race fans new NASCAR branded merchandise and special savings on tickets for select races nationwide. Throughout the season, Walmart will provide shoppers with affordability and accessibility to the NASCAR experience.

The retail program, branded “Race Time,” is the largest retail promotion in NASCAR’s history and was launched in 2011. This year, it has been expanded to include more than triple the companies offering authentic merchandise. There is also an increase in the number of fan events in race markets and more tracks are partnering with Walmart to offer the Walmart Family Track Pack.

Walmart customers and NASCAR fans can save money by purchasing a “Walmart Family Track Pack,” discounted ticket packages available exclusively through Walmart.com/ NASCAR for select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Ticket packages include four race tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $99, a savings of more than $100, while supplies last.

Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster kiosks in select markets.

Race Time brings NASCAR to life at your local Walmart with exclusive fan events, featuring authentic stock car displays, racing simulators, product sampling and driver appearances in every NASCAR market all season long.

This year, Walmart will put its customers in the driver’s seat. Walmart will be the title sponsor of Pocono Raceway’s June 9 race, which will be both dedicated to and customized by the fans.

Throughout the promotion, customers will select elements of the race such as the name, as well as have the opportunity to get to the track through Walmart’s discounted ticket offer. Most every seat will be sold for the same low price as the Walmart Family Track Pack game-changing offer of $25! Visit Walmart.com/NASCAR for more information.

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

uPCOMing Fan evenTS aT WalMarT STOreS TexaS

Tuesday, April 09 Tuesday, April 09 Wednesday, April 10 Wednesday, April 10 Thursday, April 11 Thursday, April 11 Friday, April 12 Friday, April 12

KanSaS

Wednesday, April 17 Wednesday, April 17 Thursday, April 18 Thursday, April 18 Friday, April 19 Friday, April 19 Saturday, April 20

riCHMOnd

Tuesday, April 23 Tuesday, April 23 Wednesday, April 24 Wednesday, April 24 Thursday, April 25 Thursday, April 25 Friday, April 26 Friday, April 26

Talladega

Wednesday, May 01 Wednesday, May 01 Thursday, May 02 Thursday, May 02 Friday, May 03 Friday, May 03 Saturday, May 04 Saturday, May 04

darlingTOn

Wednesday, May 08 Wednesday, May 08 Thursday, May 09 Thursday, May 09 Friday, May 10 Friday, May 10

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

801 W. Main St. 1515 S. Loop 288 4101 Hwy. 121 1601 W. State Hwy. 114 1732 Precinct Line Rd. 1401 North Saginaw Blvd.

1228 North Hwy. 377 8520 N. Beach St.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

8301 North Church Rd. Kansas City 8551 North Boardwalk Ave. Kansas City 395 North K-7 Hwy. Olathe 13600 South Alden St. Olathe 12801 Kansas Ave. Kansas City 16199 West 65th St. Shawnee 10824 Parallel Pkwy.

Kansas City

Mo. Mo. Kan. Kan. Kan. Kan. Kan.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

671 Southpark Blvd.

12000 Iron Bridge Rd. 145 Hill Carter Pkwy.

11400 West Broad St. 12200 Chattanooga Pl. 7430 Bell Creek Rd. 7901 Brook Rd. 7430 Bell Creek Rd.

Colonial Heights Chester Ashland Glen Allen Midlothian Mechanicsville Richmond Mechanicsville

Va. Va. Va. Va. Va. Va. Va. Va.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

8551 Whitfield Ave. 214 Haynes St. 214 Haynes St. 92 Plaza Ln. 8551 Whitfield Ave. 165 Vaughan Ln. 92 Plaza Ln. 165 Vaughan Ln.

Leeds Talladega Talladega Oxford Leeds Pell City Oxford Pell City

Ala. Ala. Ala. Ala. Ala. Ala. Ala. Ala.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

1040 Chesterfield Hwy. 2014 South Irby St. 900 U.S. 52 Hwy. 1150 South 4th St. 230 North Beltline Dr. 805 Enterprise Rd.

Cheraw Florence Lake City Hartsville Florence Dillon

S.C. S.C. S.C. S.C. S.C. S.C.

CHarlOTTe (naSCar SPrinT all-STar raCe) Tuesday, May 14 Tuesday, May 14 Wednesday, May 15 Wednesday, May 15 Thursday, May 16 Thursday, May 16 Friday, May 17 Friday, May 17

CHarlOTTe

Wednesday, May 22 Wednesday, May 22 Thursday, May 23 Thursday, May 23 Friday, May 24 Friday, May 24 Saturday, May 25 Saturday, May 25

Lewisville Denton Bedford Grapevine Hurst Saginaw Roanoke Fort Worth

Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

169 Norman Station Blvd.

323 South Arlington St. 5825 Thunder Rd. NW 2420 Supercenter Dr. NE 323 South Arlington St. 150 Concord Commons 5825 Thunder Rd. NW 150 Concord Commons

Mooresville Salisbury Concord Kannapolis Salisbury Concord Concord Concord

N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

2420 Supercenter Dr. NE 5825 Thunder Rd. NW 323 South Arlington St. 150 Concord Commons 169 Norman Station Blvd.

2420 Supercenter Dr. NE 150 Concord Commons 5825 Thunder Rd. NW

Kannapolis Concord Salisbury Concord Mooresville Kannapolis Concord Concord

N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C. N.C.

■ All dates and locations are subject to change.

POlePOSITIONMag.COM

17

green flag tailgating

Food & Fun at the Track

W

ith a name like Cale, it’s no wonder Cale Hagen is a big-time NASCAR fan. Hagen, named after legendary NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough, grew up in a family of race fans and has been around the sport since he entered the world on May 5, 1971. But, it wasn’t until about four years ago that Hagen fully discovered a part of the NASCAR experience he had been mostly missing – tailgating.

Since participating in a tailgate at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2009, Hagen has been hooked. Bristol, however, wasn’t the site of his first tailgating experience – that was Charlotte Motor Speedway about a decade and a half earlier. Hagen has also tailgated at other tracks. But Bristol is the place where Hagen – who is typically joined twice a year by two close friends, who he met at the track, for what he calls a “family reunion” – caught the tailgating bug.

“I would have to, by far, go with BMS as the ultimate experience,” said Hagen, noting that the track holds his preferred tailgating lot an hour or more after each race, which allows for additional hanging-out time.

“Besides the friendships made with our neighbors, we have met many of the track personnel over the years and continue to talk with them each and every visit, as well as during the offseason. I think BMS really works hard to enhance the fan experience and continues to improve such each and every year.

“Then, there is the fact that the area/track is small in size, but huge on friendliness. You also can usually spot an owner or even driver, either walking or running around the track in the morning for daily exercise.”

For Hagen, a Carl Edwards fan and resident of South Webster, Ohio, the laid-back nature of the tailgating experience is also a big part of the allure.

“You want to show your driver and team loyalty, and fix whatever you and your neighbors desire to eat,” he said. “There are no rules, per se – just what makes you happy.”

presented by Hagen admits that one of the most enjoyable aspects of tailgating at Bristol is the opportunity to rag on other drivers’ fans, including his regular tailgating companions, John and Bob – who happen to be supporters of reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski.

“We mostly just enjoy the time joking and talking and ‘debating’ whose team or guy is going to win,” he said.

Hagen has tailgated from a variety of vehicles, ranging in size from a small Ford Focus car to, most recently, a Ford F150 crew cab pickup truck. His typical tailgating décor includes a 10-by-10 foot tent, a large Nationwide Insurance banner for protection from the sun and two flags displaying his loyalty to Edwards. But Hagen believes it’s not what you bring but who you’re with and how you spend the time that makes the tailgating experience worthwhile.

“I really don’t think you can do ‘wrong’ when it comes to tailgating,” he said. “I’ve brought cornhole [a popular tailgating game], and we’ve done that in the parking lot.”

Of course, no tailgate would be complete without a nice selection of piping hot food. Hagen cooks on a mini charcoal grill [decorated with sponsor decals] or a propane stove.

“Usually the guys across from us have plenty of bacon for us when we pull in and I will add some sausage patties and brats for breakfast,” Hagen said. “We have done hamburgers, hot dogs and more brats for lunch, and cold cuts for inside the track. We eat chips, of course, and Jess, the fiancée, makes an awesome cheese dip for your nachos.”

Whether it’s the tasty food, the games played or the fun-loving discussions with friends around the grill, this Cale views the NASCAR tailgating experience like no other.

“I have been to NFL games and concerts before with some tailgating, but it doesn’t compare,” Hagen said. “At those events, it’s your group of who you’re with, and no mixing and so forth. With NASCAR, it’s the continuous relationships you build with the other fans and track personnel that bring you back year in and year out.”

by jared turner 18

POLE POSITION 2013

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

NASCAR Green has come a long way in a short time From the color of the infield grass to the hue of the waving flag signaling the start of each race, green has always been a visible part of NASCAR. This year, green is more than visible – it’s a way of life.

What began five years ago as a loose network of track recycling programs has morphed into a welloiled machine that makes NASCAR the most environmentally friendly racing series in the world.

“NASCAR Green has gone from a new startup strategic initiative within the sport to now being embedded in every aspect of the fabric,” said Mike Lynch, NASCAR’s director of green innovation.

With help from more than a dozen corporate partners, the mission of NASCAR Green – the name encompassing all of the sport’s recycling and environmental sustainability initiatives – is three-fold: conservation of the environment, job creation in the United States and energy independence from other countries.

Likewise, there are three areas of environmental impact – waste, emissions and power – that NASCAR has targeted. How all this jibes with a sport that for six decades wasn’t known for eco-friendliness makes NASCAR Green an endeavor of particular intrigue.

“It catches you off guard as something that seems out of whack,” Lynch said. “But actually the way it all fits together is so genuine and so pure in intent and in the actual work that has been done, that it becomes this, ‘Ah hah,’ whether it’s in corporate America or the fan-base general public or sort of the general public non-fan that might be the most skeptical.”

Any initial doubts about NASCAR’s commitment to “going green” have fallen by the wayside in recent years as the sport and its various stakeholders (corporate partners, tracks and teams) have all played key roles in the movement to make NASCAR more environmentally conscious.

by jared turner 20

POLE POSITION 2013

In addition to building the largest recycling program in sports with partners Coca-Cola Recycling, Sprint, Goodyear, Miller Coors, Safety-Kleen and Creative Recycling, NASCAR also boasts the largest tree planting program in sports. The NASCAR Green Clean-Air Program plants 10 trees for each green flag that is waved during races, capturing 100 percent of the carbon produced by the racing on the track.

No track has done a better job in the area of environmental friendliness than Pocono Raceway, the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. In July 2010, the Pennsylvania track installed a 3-MW solar farm to power all of its energy needs.

With 40,000 solar panels on 25 acres of land next to the track, Pocono’s renewable energy stadium project is double the size of the next largest of its kind.

Other tracks, including Darlington Raceway (25 acres of biodiesel-convertible switch grass), Sonoma Raceway (Panasonic solar panels), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (520 acres of permanently protected conservation land) and Michigan International Speedway (new solar-powered buildings), have also gotten onboard the Green train.

The efforts of individual tracks are, of course, only one piece of NASCAR’s overall push toward creating a cleaner, greener environment.

“All you have to do is watch some children’s television programming over the last four years, and the increase in Green messaging and Green demonstration in children’s television has been something that has crescendoed tremendously,” Lynch said. “So, basically, what NASCAR did is recognize a trend both in corporate America and the general public – which is by definition our fan base – and then responded to it.”

Along with the tracks, NASCAR fans and teams have also caught the vision for becoming leaders in sustainability. Fans surveyed

in a 2012 Custom Environment Research Study were twice as likely as non-fans to indicate their households are “very green” – always looking for new ways to positively impact the environment.

NASCAR fans are now 100 percent more likely than non-fans to view their household as very green and are looking for ways to positively impact the environment, up from 70 percent more likely a year ago, and up from zero percent more likely in early 2009, when the baseline survey was conducted.

Meanwhile, several teams have invested in substantial environmental improvements that include start-of-the-art recycling programs, LEED certified facilities and cutting-edge Green technology. Leading the charge has been one of NASCAR’s premier organizations, Roush Fenway Racing, which recycles 96 percent of every race car built at its Concord, N.C., facility.

“We have an obligation to the global community to give back,” team co-owner Jack Roush said. “The nature of our business is one that we use gas and metals, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore the environment.”

NASCAR Green took perhaps its biggest step to date when the sanctioning body announced in late 2010 that, starting with the 2011 season, all vehicles in NASCAR’s three top series would be fueled by Sunoco E15, a safe, high-performance Americanmade fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and increases engine horsepower up to 10 percent.

Vigorously promoting the Sunoco E15 effort from the beginning has been Growth Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based ethanol advocacy group that joined with the National Corn Growers Association to form an American Ethanol partnership with NASCAR. In addition to powering the cars, American Ethanol is now emblazoned on every green flag and around the fuel port on every vehicle in NASCAR’s three national series.

“There’s no doubt about it: ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline and has less greenhouse gas emissions,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “It has fewer aromatics that are often not good for people to breathe, so we were able to bring that together.

“NASCAR has come a long way in the last four or five years, in that respect, and we’re proud to be a part of it. I think their Green initiative has been fantastic.

And they’re doing it on a voluntary basis;

■■ A full list of official NASCAR Green partners can be found at NASCAR.com/green, with additional information on NASCAR’s Green efforts on Twitter at @NASCARGreen.

they’re not being forced to do it, which is really the way it ought to work. And my hat’s off to them for that.”

Most recently, NASCAR partnered with UPS – the sport’s official logistics provider – to introduce environmental enhancements to the company’s trackside pickup and delivery operations.

Beginning at Daytona International Speedway in February, UPS Trackside Services now utilizes a truck equipped with a diesel exhaust fluid system that reduces exhaust particulate matter.

Additionally, the service trailer was outfitted with high-tech, state-of-the-art solar panels designed to help supplement sustainable energy needed to run the operation. The mobile unit features a photovoltaic-powered system with a large array of battery power.

“NASCAR Green is here to stay,” Lynch said. “It’s just a matter of, like with anything else that we’re doing strategically, how we can best employ it for the benefit or our fans and stakeholders.”

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

21

building the green machine

Deep Roots

the Longstanding Relationship between New Holland and NASCAR New Holland provides an extensive network of agriculture sales, parts and services through approximately 1,100 stores across the United States and Canada. The company, which traces its roots to 1895, boasts a total of 3,000 stores serving customers in 160 countries. Since September, New Holland has been an official partner of NASCAR Green.

N

ew Holland, which has served farmers and ranchers across North America for more than 110 years with its innovative line of agricultural equipment, is no stranger to NASCAR. The Pennsylvania-based company has done business with NASCAR tracks for over 30 years, most notably in its role as the Official Tractor of International Speedway Corporation’s tracks for more than a decade. New Holland is also the Official Tractor at several NASCAR tracks owned by Speedway Four Areas of Collaboration between Motorsports, Inc., along New Holland and NASCAR Green with independently owned Dover Internae15 biofuel biomass scr technology tional Speedway and Pocono Raceway.

In 2011, NASCAR New Holland works New Holland aids Last year when announced a switch in with NASCAR partner NASCAR’s Green NASCAR named New its three national series DuPont and its “geninitiative by reducing Holland the Official to Sunoco Green E15, eration 2” piece of the gas emissions through Agricultural Equipment a 15-percent ethanol ethanol area: biomass. its role as a leader in of NASCAR, along with blend fuel made with The leader in hay SCR technology, an a NASCAR Official corn grown in the forage equipment, New after-treatment system Partner, the arrangeUnited States. The Holland specializes in in farm vehicles that ment was a natural fit. low-carbon fuel emits packaging the product. is separate from the “We were never 20 percent less greenAs farmers increase main engine function the official tractor or house emissions than yields and plant more and doesn’t compartner of NASCAR, so unleaded gasoline. New corn, more residues promise horsepower to speak, so we saw an Holland manufactures are left out in the or torque. The SCR opportunity to leverage a variety of equipment field – not an optimal system transforms a partner that we were – including tractors, hay situation. New Holland nitrogen oxides into working with,” said Ron and forage equipment focuses on the “second harmless water and Shaffer, New Holland’s and material handling generation” and the nitrogen. Today, director of Growth equipment – essential collection, which goes it would take 100 Initiatives for Institufor the production and hand in hand with tractors to yield the tional and Specialty harvesting of corn used NASCAR Green, since engine emissions of Sales. “The partnership to produce the E15 ethanol is produced one tractor built 20 or really worked.” biofuel. from biomass.

30 years ago.

hospitality A visible presence at NASCAR tracks, New Holland entertains customers at up to 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events each season. As a way to show its appreciation for its customers and attract potential new ones, New Holland hosts hospitality gatherings at the track on Sunday mornings before the races, sometimes in conjunction with other NASCAR Green partners. Displays are set up throughout the weekend for New Holland to showcase its impressive tractor lineup.

by jared turner 22

POLE POSITION 2013

FOOD AND FUEL IN EVERY HARVEST.

NOW THAT’S SMART. We’re proud to support NASCAR and all the farmers making smart decisions for our future.

www.newholland.com/na

© 2013 CNH America LLC. New Holland is a registered trademark of CNH America LLC.

building the green machine

15%

Sunoco Green E15 – a fuel containing 15-percent American Ethanol – was first used by NASCAR teams in 2011

24

POLE POSITION 2013

The 2011 season was a big one for NASCAR, but not just because it produced the closest championship battle in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history. NASCAR announced before the start of 2011 that all teams across the sport’s three national series would switch to Sunoco Green E15 – a renewable, low-carbon, high-performance fuel containing 15-percent ethanol made from American-grown corn.

Sunoco Green E15 is 59 percent cleaner than conventional gasoline (which generally contains 10-percent ethanol), reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent.

And, with an octane of 113, Sunoco Green E15 improves engine performance and increases horsepower by up to 10 percent. Interestingly, research shows NASCAR fans are 50 percent more likely than non-fans to support the use of Sunoco Green E15 in their personal vehicles, while 70 percent more likely than non-fans to support its use in NASCAR. NASCAR officially hit the 3 million-mile mark with the 15-percent ethanol blend in September 2012 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“Sunoco Green E15 is good for racing, good for the environment and good for America,” NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France said. “While fueling the same close, door-to-door racing that thrills our fans, American Ethanol creates jobs in the United States, helps foster energy independence and continues the greening of our sport.”

Keeping NASCAR Green and Clean As official NASCAR partners, Coca-Cola Recycling and American Ethanol advocacy group Growth Energy are using different, yet equally compelling strategies to make a major impact on NASCAR’s ongoing Green efforts.

COCA-COLA REYCLING

Since 2008, Coca-Cola Recycling has recovered roughly 12 million containers from NASCAR tracks.

Over 5 million bottles and cans were retrieved last year alone, according to Coca-Cola Recycling spokeswoman Mary Anne Biddiscombe.

“That’s a big number,” Biddiscombe said. “That’s a lot of bottles and cans that didn’t go to a landfill some place, so we’re pretty proud of that.”

O

ne of the first official partners of NASCAR Green, CocaCola Recycling has worked with the program since 2008 with a primary goal of increasing beverage container recycling at NASCAR tracks.

Clearly, significant progress has been made. Thanks in large part to Coca-Cola’s 10,000 recycling bins spread throughout 19 tracks that collectively host 28 race weekends each year, NASCAR boasts the most robust recycling program in all of sports.

“It has been really fun to watch NASCAR Green grow,” said Mary Anne Biddiscombe, director of customer solutions and consumer education for Coca-Cola Recycling.

Coca-Cola Recycling places recycling education vehicles on-site at NASCAR tracks and utilizes messaging from its well-known Coke Family of Drivers to spread its message.

“A lot of NASCAR fans are pretty loyal to their drivers and pretty loyal to NASCAR, so when one of their drivers asks them to please recycle when they’re at the track, and it shows them, ‘Here’s a bin, put your can or bottle in,’ that goes a long way,” Biddiscombe said.

Right now, ethanol is helping alternative energy become a reality. Used as a supplement in gasoline, it offsets the equivalent of one tanker of foreign oil per week. Which encourages

GROWTH ENERGY

American industry to seek new answers to all our energy needs. Ethanol is our nation’s growth energy, renewable, realistic and clean-burning. Learn more at GrowthEnergy.org.

Growth Energy, unlike most NASCAR Green partners, isn’t a branded product.

The goal is to be an advocate for American Ethanol while dispelling myths about the renewable domestic fuel.

After more than 6 million miles of testing, E15 was approved by the U.S. government for every car manufactured from 2001 on.

“NASCAR was a great proving ground for what a great product we have in a sport that is second to none in the racing world,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.

G

Fueling change.

rowth Energy, a coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, became an official partner of NASCAR Green in December 2010.

The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate. Just six weeks earlier, NASCAR announced its three national series would switch to Sunoco Green E15 – a 15-percent ethanol blend using American-made ethanol – beginning in 2011.

Led by Growth Energy, more than 100 entities – from farmers and state corn growing boards to ethanol producers and biotech companies – are working with NASCAR to introduce a cleaner-burning fuel to the United States.

“The overall goal for us was to make sure the American public understands the benefits of American Ethanol,” said Tom Buis, Growth Energy’s CEO. “We reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we create jobs right here in the United States that can’t be outsourced, that help revitalize rural communities and that provide better air and savings at the pump for the consumer.

“So, we wanted to make sure we had a forum to get that message out there, because oftentimes, you can have the greatest product in the world, but nobody knows about it.”

by jared turner POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

25

nascar sprint cup series

Making Sense of Race Day

the interesting sights drivers experience things out because you’re thinking about hitting your marks. At a track such as Bristol Motor Speedway, you operate out of the left corner of the windshield,” Craven explained. “Off the banking looking ahead, you get a brief view of fans when you’re on the straightaway.

But 99 percent of my memory was about hitting my marks.”

One qualifying lap on July 12, 1988, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway gave Craven the chance to enjoy a very special moment.

“I went out to qualify at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which is my home track,” Craven said.

“I knew I had just he job at hand for any NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competitor is to secure a good starting completed a good lap. spot, battle for position while trying to claim the victory and secure as many series points as possible.

I just felt it. Drivers However, there are times during races when drivers see strange and unusual sights on the track as can feel good laps. well as in the grandstands. These sights are often rather unexpected with surprising outcomes that leave the “I didn’t know if I had drivers puzzled. They can also be funny, annoying and, at times, leave the drivers laughing. After all, drivers won the pole. As soon are only human, and like anyone else they are often amazed by what they see. as I cross the start/ finish line, I looked at the people in the NASCAR drivers spend their weekin need of repairs. grandstands and they were all cheering ends going fast, hoping a win will come in “These two ole’ boys had their buddy by and waving and happy.” as many races as possible on the 36-race the shirt and pants and they were sticking Eddie Wood of Wood Brothers Racing schedule. They see many things, both him through a hole in the fence,” Petty said remembers how their driver, David Pearon and off the track at speed as well as with a laugh. “Each time I got close, they’d son, would comment on things he saw during caution periods. Some occurrences pull him back through the hole. They did from inside the team’s No. 21 Mercury. cause drivers to do a double take. that for several laps until a track security “When David was driving for us back During a NASCAR race at North Wilkesguard came and made them stop.” in the 1970s, at times, he would radio to boro (N.C.) Speedway in the late 1960s, Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series me during pit stops asking why certain seven-time champion Richard Petty was driver Ricky Craven retired from competipeople were in our pits,” Wood said. “He leading the 400-lap event when he saw tion in 2004, but remembers the feel of saw everything. There were a lot of funny something quite surprising. It was a time being behind the wheel. stories, but some of what he saw is best when the famed North Carolina track was “As a driver, you sort of block a lot of left unsaid.”

T

by ben white 26

POLE POSITION 2013

‘yOu Can Hear THe FanS rOar’

i

nside their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars, drivers are in their element. The cockpits of the race cars are often referred to as their offices on wheels as the drivers work amid tight seat harnesses, battling at speeds that can approach 200 mph. Thirty-six weekends each year, the drivers compete on short tracks, intermediate ovals, road courses and high-banked superspeedways. And from behind the wheel, they are at times amazed at what they see. Even though busy protecting track position or dropping low for the lead, they see the fans, the signs and what’s happening in the stands around them.

DAVID RAGAN: “Under caution, you notice how many people are in the stands.

You can see fans in the infield having a good time, cooking or tailgating or hanging out; behind the wall in places during a pit stop.

You sometimes see the crew chief of another team on pit road.”

ClINT BoWyER: “I’ve come off the fourth turn at Talladega and you can literally see the fans stand up and you know good and well right then that something, somewhere is happening. Nine times out of 10 you look in your mirror and someone is flipping. They let you know something’s happening.”

KylE PETTy: “Pocono Raceway has been known to have rabbits, birds and other animals get on the race track. One year during practice, Neil Bonnett went around the backstretch and when he came back, he had deer in his front grille. We all saw the deer, but it darted out in front of him.”

GEoFFREy BoDINE: “Bristol Motor Speedway is a track you either love or hate.

Things happen so quick you can’t blink.

Someone could take the lead and you can hear the fans roar. You’re out there racing that’s how loud it is. When 170,000 people cheer, you can hear it inside the race car.”

POlePOSITIONMag.COM

27

nascar sprint cup series

Victory Lane Contenders Headliners such as Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon are expected to win races and make strong bids for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

But five other drivers that enjoyed impressive outings over the final 10 races of last season could be surprise winners in 2013.

Danica Patrick

3

After warming up with 10 starts in 2012, including a best finish of 17th at Phoenix, Patrick is in her first full season of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.

She started strong in the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet by claiming the pole for the Daytona 500 and a win could come sometime this summer.

“I was brought up to be the fastest driver, not the fastest girl,” Patrick said.

“That was instilled in me from very young, from the beginning. Then I feel like thriving in those moments, where the pressure’s on, has also been a help for me.”

Aric Almirola

1

In only his second full season of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing, Almirola plans to improve on a 20thplace points finish. He had four top-10 finishes and a pole at Charlotte in May, giving reason to believe a win could be close at hand for the No. 43 Ford owned by Richard Petty.

“I think our average start was around 11th or 12th and our average finish was around 15th or 16th, Almirola noted. “High on the list is to win a race, and if you do that with the format now you give yourself an opportunity to make the Chase.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

4

A native of Olive Branch, Miss., Stenhouse Jr.’s consecutive NASCAR Nationwide Series championships in 2011 and 2012 make him the favorite to be rookie of the year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season.

Aside from several on-track test sessions and appearances, Stenhouse Jr.’s relationship with Danica Patrick made plenty of headlines prior to the season opener at Daytona.

“I don’t have any specific goals that I’ve set for the season,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “I don’t think it’s past us to go win races. If you don’t prepare to win every week, you will never achieve it.”

Kurt Busch

2

Busch’s six starts for team owner Barney Visser at the end of 2012 set the stage for what could be a strong season for Colorado-based Furniture Row Racing.

An alliance with Richard Childress Racing provides a wealth of information and could mean a return to Victory Lane for both Busch and the team if they can capitalize on things learned from the three RCR teams.

“I think we’re a B-plus program right there, right now, as is,” Busch said. “What we’re able to do with a smaller team is navigate through the waters more quickly.

We feel sure we can win this season.”

Martin Truex Jr.

5

It’s been six years since Truex Jr. went to Victory Lane at Dover International Speedway.

The New Jersey native enjoyed seven top-five finishes in 2012, many of which didn’t reflect his true strength. His new 2013 Toyota Camry may be the key to winning again.

“This car demands you to drive it,” Truex Jr. said. “It wants you to be aggressive. It likes to be pushed. It challenges you as a driver to push it and I really enjoy that, so I think it fits my style better for sure, and hopefully that will be the case come race time.”

by ben white 28

POLE POSITION 2013

STrOKe OF luCK driver PrOFileS

driver PrOFileS

Stroke of luck

Winning invOlveS MOre THan SKill and Hard WOrK; iT alSO dePendS On luCK. WHaT dO driverS need TO gO THeir Way in 2013? by jared turner POlePOSITIONMag.COM

29

DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

14 NUMBER

Tony Stewart The 2012 season took a rare form for Tony Stewart. The three-time champ, who typically starts a little slow and heats up as the season progresses, did just the opposite last season.

DON’T LET UP

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

30

POLE POSITION 2013

After winning twice in the first five races, Stewart won only once the rest of the year. He needs to return to his old formula to have a shot at title No. 4, but doing so shouldn’t be a problem.

Now with a full season of work with crew chief Steve Addington under his belt, Stewart should be a force throughout 2013. After seeing another promising run in the Daytona 500 foiled – this time by a crash – Stewart is undoubtedly extra motivated to make a championship run with the team he co-owns and with which he won the title in 2011.

But subsequent finishes of eighth at Phoenix International Raceway and 11th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway left Stewart tied for 18th in points after three races. As the 2012 Vegas winner – albeit in a different car than the new Gen-6 model – Stewart finishing only 11th in “Sin City” seemed a bit curious. But the driver nicknamed “Smoke” probably doesn’t need not worry too much. As a three-time champion, he understands better than most drivers the highs and lows that a season can bring.

One of the keys for Stewart the rest of the year will be the continued growth of his relationship with Addington, whose laidback, easy-going style appears at times to be the polar opposite of Stewart’s more outspoken mode of operation.

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DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

88 NUMBER

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

32

POLE POSITION 2013

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Throughout his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has rarely struggled to find speed.

MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT Maintaining that speed over the course of a full race has often been a bit more challenging, however. One of the biggest keys to staying fast from start to finish is keeping up with changing track conditions – such as cloud cover and temperature – that affect a car’s handling.

And that’s where driver/crew chief communication really matters. While drivers such as Earnhardt’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, and crew chief Chad Knaus are masters of making brilliant in-race adjustments, Earnhardt and crew chief Steve Letarte must continue making strides in this area. Clearly, Earnhardt and Letarte have strong chemistry – Earnhardt has made the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in the two seasons since Letarte took over as crew chief for the No. 88 team – but the two men could stand a little more polishing with in-race adjustments, particularly for the final segment of a race.

In 2012, Earnhardt’s second season with Letarte atop the pit box, NASCAR’s most popular driver led 13 races but scored only one victory – his first since 2008. If Earnhardt can become a little better at communicating what changes his car needs throughout the race – and Letarte and the No. 88 crew can implement those changes in a timely fashion – the thirdgeneration driver is likely to score multiple victories and contend for the championship in 2013.

Based on the first two races of the season – at Daytona International Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway – there is certainly reason for optimism. Earnhardt finished second to Johnson in the Daytona 500, and backed up that performance with a fifth-place finish the following weekend at Phoenix, a track where he hadn’t been a frontrunner in several seasons.

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DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

48 NUMBER

Jimmie Johnson Jimmie Johnson has enjoyed pretty decent luck in his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, but the end of the 2012 season certainly wouldn’t qualify as one of his luckier times.

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

34

POLE POSITION 2013

AVOID COLLAPSE Johnson did everything he needed to do to win a sixth series championship, only to slip in the final two weeks of the season. After arriving at Phoenix International Raceway for the season’s penultimate race with a seven-point lead over Brad Keselowski, Johnson left PIR 20 points behind Keselowski, his shot at a sixth series title all but gone due to a tire failure that effectively ended his race.

Then, in the next weekend’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the gremlins returned for Johnson in the form of a costly pit-road miscue and a drive-train malfunction that resulted in an early retirement. Two races; two uncharacteristically poor finishes. And they couldn’t have come at a less ideal time.

“I think that last year kind of showed how much of a team sport NASCAR racing really is,” Johnson said. “We seem to forget that, at times, and how many variables do play into winning the championship. We go to Phoenix and have our issue. We go to Homestead, a couple of issues. There is a lot more to it than just Chad [Knaus, crew chief] and I and what we do in the car. At the end of the day, I’m very proud of what we did last year.”

Keselowski took his first series championship, while Johnson slipped to third in the final standings. If Johnson can avoid another late-season hiccup in 2013, he’s got as good of a shot as anyone at taking the title.

A win in the season-opening Daytona 500 followed by a secondplace finish the next week at Phoenix International Raceway prove the No. 48 bunch is going to be hard to handle.

AVAILABLE AT

DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

18 NUMBER

Kyle Busch Kyle Busch finished the 2012 season as one of the hottest drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Unfortunately, most folks probably didn’t notice.

START STRONG

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

36

POLE POSITION 2013

That’s because Busch – widely recognized as one of the sport’s premier driving talents – missed the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, thereby missing out on the opportunity compete for the series championship over the final 10 races.

During those final 10, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver recorded eight finishes of seventh or better. Before that, Busch posted 12 top-10 finishes – including a lone victory – over the 26 races leading up to the Chase.

The first six races of the season were particularly hard on Busch, who finished 17th or worse four times. The driver of the No. 18 Toyota also experienced a tough summer stretch in which he finished 29th, 30th and 32nd, respectively, in consecutive races. Then, in the final race of the regular season, Busch finished an uncharacteristically mediocre 16th at Richmond International Raceway – historically, his best track and the site of his only seasonal victory – that allowed Jeff Gordon to sneak past him and earn the last of the two wild-card spots in the Chase.

Interestingly, Busch’s 2012 results were a 180-degree shift from how his seasons have often played out. Prior to last year, the Las Vegas native had often been at his best during the regular season, only to see his performance fall off a bit in the Chase. In 2012, it was just the opposite.

If Busch can put together a complete season in 2013 and avoid a string of less-than-stellar finishes, he will be well-positioned to claim his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in November.

Let’s Go Places

#LetsGoPlaces And celebrate when we get there. Š2013 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

24 NUMBER

Jeff Gordon Of the drivers who experienced more than their share of bad luck in 2012, four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon was certainly near the top of the list.

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

38

POLE POSITION 2013

REMOVE THE TARGET From wrecks and mechanical gremlins not of his own making, to pit stops and cautions that ultimately proved to be ill-timed, practically anything that could go wrong seemingly did for Gordon.

Yet somehow, despite it all, the Hendrick Motorsports driver managed to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and finish with two victories, the final one coming in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. All things considered, it was an impressive outcome for the series veteran, who entered 2013 seeking his first title in NASCAR’s top series since 2001.

“I’m so excited the way this team has stepped up,” Gordon said.

“Winning the final race of the year last year was big for us. I think I’ve got a crew chief [Alan Gustafson] that can take us all the way.”

To make a championship No. 5 a reality this season, Gordon mostly just needs to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. At 41 years old, the California native is still widely considered one of the top drivers in the sport. He proved as much last season by running at or near the front with regularity, even if those runs always didn’t lead to great results because of circumstances outside his control. Better days are likely ahead, and Gordon appears as poised as ever to add to his collection of championship trophies.

“I know that I don’t have 10 more years left in me,” said Gordon, who made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start in the final race of 1992. “It’s important to me to stay competitive as long as I possibly can. I think I definitely have a few more good years left in me.”

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DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

99 NUMBER

Carl Edwards Coming off a mediocre season by his lofty standards, Carl Edwards has his sights set on much better in 2013.

FIND SPEED

INFO OWNER JACK ROUSH TEAM ROUSH FENWAY RACING SPONSORS FASTENAL/AFLAC/ UPS/SUBWAY/ GEEK SQUAD MANUFACTURER FORD CREW CHIEF JIMMY FENNIG

40

POLE POSITION 2013

To achieve that, Edwards simply needs faster cars. History has shown that when the Roush Fenway Racing driver has enough speed in his No. 99 Fords, he’s one of the most formidable drivers in NASCAR’s top series. When Edwards’ cars aren’t fast enough, he’s more prone to fly under the radar.

Take 2011 vs. 2012, for example. In the former season, Edwards won a race, led 903 laps and came within a whisker of his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title. In the latter campaign, Edwards didn’t win, led only 254 laps and missed the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The difference? Edwards’ cars were consistently fast in 2011, but routinely average in 2012.

Edwards began 2013 with a new crew chief, one who is hardly a stranger. Jimmy Fennig, who has been around NASCAR garages for more than two decades and spent the last 2 1/2 years as crew chief for now-former Roush Fenway driver Matt Kenseth, is the man tasked with getting Edwards and the No. 99 team back to their winning ways.

Considering Edwards needed just two races with Fennig to return to Victory Lane, which he did at Phoenix International Raceway, the sky appears to be the limit for this duo.

“He tells everyone what he needs to make the car fast,” Edwards said of Fennig. “That is exciting for me to be with a guy like that who doesn’t really answer to anyone at the shop. I feel like there are a lot of things I can learn from him.”

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DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

INFO

NO.

9

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

GREG BIFFLE

WITH MATT KENSETH’S OFFSEASON move to Joe Gibbs Racing, Greg Biffle became the senior member of Roush Fenway Racing’s driver fraternity. Biffle, who made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut with RFR in 2002 and went full time in 2003, has been around longer than Carl Edwards (2004 debut) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr. One of the steadiest hands in the sport, Biffle could be buoyed by a bigger leadership role.

INFO

TEAM MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING SPONSOR 5-HOUR ENERGY

INFO

ABSENT FROM VICTORY LANE SINCE 2008, Jeff Burton still has the skill to be a consistent frontrunner in NASCAR’s top series. But to do that, he needs faster race cars. Thankfully, the veteran driver is competing for an organization in Richard Childress Racing that quickly grows restless with perceived mediocrity.

Improvements by RCR as a whole would likely bode well for Burton as a driver.

SPONSOR 3M

CLINT BOWYER

15

GET BETTER EQUIPMENT

TEAM ROUSH FENWAY RACING

CREW CHIEF MATT PUCCIA

NO.

JEFF BURTON

OWNER JACK ROUSH

MANUFACTURER FORD

KEEP BUILDING

FOLLOWING A CAREER SEASON IN 2012 that included three race wins, Clint Bowyer faces elevated expectations this year.

Will the Kansas native reach them, and perhaps even surpass them? Or will last year’s championship runner-up slip a bit? With crew chief Brian Pattie back and a strong supporting cast at Michael Waltrip Racing, Bowyer has the potential to be even better in 2013.

CREW CHIEF BRIAN PATTIE

POLE POSITION 2013

NASCAR’S DECISION TWO YEARS ago to include two wild-card entries in the Chase plays to the strength of Marcos Ambrose. An accomplished road racer, the Australian is still honing his skills on ovals, but could easily score wins at both the Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International road courses – enough to possibly put him in position to snare a wild card.

16

MANUFACTURER TOYOTA

42

OWN THE ROAD

NO.

EMBRACE LEADERSHIP

OWNER ROB KAUFFMAN

marcos ambrose

INFO OWNER RICHARD CHILDRESS TEAM RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING SPONSORS CATERPILLAR/ CHEERIOS MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF LUKE LAMBERT

NO.

31

NASCAR Dreams NASCAR Dreams grants once-ina-lifetime opportunities to young fans of the sport by allowing them to meet their heroes, learn from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational initiatives and experience NASCAR in ways they never thought possible. Since The NASCAR Foundation began the program in 2006, we have granted 700 NASCAR Dreams to children suffering from illnesses, underprivileged youth, kids of parents who are serving in the U.S. military, and others.

Speediatrics

NASCAR Unites

Speediatrics began with the humble goal of importing the color, excitement, and fun of NASCAR into children’s hospital rooms, wings, and waiting areas.

Today, we provide medical treatments for 24,000 children each year at our two permanent Speediatrics facilities in Daytona Beach and Homestead, and continue to extend our reach beyond the hospital walls by supporting other causes related to helping children live a healthy life.

In 2011, The NASCAR Foundation introduced NASCAR Unites as a vision for the future of the sport’s charitable mission.

It is a rallying cry for the entire sport, our drivers, our tracks, our sponsors, and our fans to take the passion they have for NASCAR and funnel it into compassion for those who need it most. NASCAR Unites is a broad, all-encompassing way to benefit a wider and larger range of causes.

About Us Our mission is to embody the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving our communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn, and play.

Want to get involved or learn more?

Visit NASCAR.com/foundation or contact The NASCAR Foundation, One Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 • 386-310-5736 Follow us on

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Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award The NASCAR Foundation awards the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award to a NASCAR fan who embodies the ideals of charity and community that Mrs. France has championed throughout her life.

These applicants honor the spirit of NASCAR, demonstrating goodwill and generosity in the interest of helping children in need. One winner receives a $100,000 donation to the children’s charity of their choice along with a NASCAR experience of a lifetime.

DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

KURT BUSCH

INFO

RAISE THE BAR

OWNER BARNEY VISSER

DESPITE COMPETING IN EQUIPMENT not on par with some of the sport’s top teams, Kurt Busch made the most of his situation in 2012 by running near the front in a handful of races. After a successful debut with Furniture Row Racing late last season, Busch could now take the Colorado-based organization somewhere it has only been once before – Victory Lane.

TEAM FURNITURE ROW RACING

INFO OWNER J.D. GIBBS TEAM JOE GIBBS RACING SPONSOR FEDEX

MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET CREW CHIEF TODD BERRIER

denny hamlin

11

STAY RESTED

DENNY HAMLIN IS UNDERGOING major changes outside of his day job this year, as he adjusts to life as a new dad.

Will the stress that comes with being a first-time parent hamper Hamlin in any way on the track? Or will he once again contend for his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title?

If the Virginia native can stay focused and rested, it will be a good year.

MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF DARIAN GRUBB

FOCUS ON THE NOW KEVIN HARVICK HAS PUBLICLY DEclared his intention to leave Richard Childress Racing at the end of 2013. It is believed his next destination is Stewart-Haas Racing, a fellow Chevrolet team but rival to RCR, nonetheless.

This could make for a slightly awkward situation for driver and team, especially as the season nears a close. If both parties can just focus on the present, Harvick will be just fine.

NO.

5

INFO

TEAM RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

29

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

INFO OWNER LINDA HENDRICK TEAM HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS SPONSOR FARMERS INSURANCE

CREW CHIEF KENNY FRANCIS

POLE POSITION 2013

NO.

OWNER RICHARD CHILDRESS

MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET

44

78

SPONSOR FURNITURE ROW

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kevin harvick

NO.

kasey kahne KEEP BUILDING

KASEY KAHNE, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, was a legitimate title contender in 2012.

In the end, however, a career-best fourth-place points finish was the best he could manage. Not too shabby considering it was the first season for Kahne and longtime crew chief Kenny Francis at Hendrick Motorsports. The two must continue moving forward.

matt kenseth

INFO

NO.

ADJUST SMOOTHLY ANYTIME A DRIVER MOVES FROM ONE team to another, there’s always an adjustment period. One is inevitable even for veteran Matt Kenseth. In his first season with Joe Gibbs Racing after spending his entire NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career – which he began full time in 2000 – at Roush Fenway Racing, Kenseth finds himself in an all-new environment. If the 2003 champ can build on an early season win at Las Vegas, he’ll be hard to stop.

20

OWNER JOE GIBBS TEAM JOE GIBBS RACING SPONSORS DOLLAR GENERAL/ HUSKY TOOLS MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF JASON RATCLIFF

brad keselowski

INFO

NO.

DON’T SWEAT SPOTLIGHT

OWNER ROGER PENSKE

AS THE REIGNING NASCAR SPRINT CUP Series champion, Brad Keselowski is in the spotlight like never before this season. How he responds to the added attention could be a factor in whether he suffers a performance drop-off or makes a serious title run. One key will be how well Penske Racing adapts from Dodges to Fords. If the changeover is seamless, as the first three races would suggest, Keselowski can repeat as champion.

TEAM PENSKE RACING

INFO OWNER WALTER CZARNECKI TEAM PENSKE RACING SPONSORS SHELL/PENNZOIL

SPONSORS MILLER LITE MANUFACTURER FORD CREW CHIEF PAUL WOLFE

joey logano

NO.

22

LEARN FROM CHAMP AFTER FOUR SEASONS OF MIXED results at Joe Gibbs Racing, Joey Logano landed a coveted ride at Penske Racing for 2013. It might be the best thing that has ever happened to him. At Penske, Logano is competing as a teammate to the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion – Brad Keselowski. If Logano can learn from the champ, he could be poised for a breakout campaign.

MANUFACTURER FORD CREW CHIEF TODD GORDON

NO.

42

2

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

juan pablo montoya ESTABLISH CONNECTION

COMING OFF BACK-TO-BACK SEAsons that didn’t go as he had hoped, Juan Pablo Montoya is itching for better fortunes this year. For that to happen, he’ll need to shake off the dust from a challenging first season with crew chief Chris Heroy. If Montoya and Heroy can get on the same page, Montoya should vastly improve and perhaps even score a win or two.

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

45

DRIVER PROFILES STROKE OF LUCK

ryan newman

MANAGE PRESSURE NEWMAN IS IN A CONTRACT YEAR with Stewart-Haas Racing, where it’s possible he’ll need a few wins to secure his ride for 2014. With Kevin Harvick rumored to be headed to SHR after 2013, Newman could be feeling pressure to take it up a notch. Reuniting with Matt Borland, his crew chief from some of his most successful seasons, should help.

INFO OWNER GENE HAAS TEAM STEWART-HAAS RACING SPONSOR GODADDY.COM

39 EYES ON THE PRIZE DANICA PATRICK STARTED THE season with a bang by capturing the pole for the Daytona 500 and followed it with an impressive eighth-place finish in the Daytona 500 after running in the top five most of the race. Despite being under a constant microscope, Patrick doesn’t seem to let the attention faze her. And don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

CREW CHIEF TONY GIBSON

AS THE REIGNING TWO-TIME NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. moves to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season with unquestionably strong credentials.

The only question now is whether Stenhouse will need some time to adjust to the stiffer competition that NASCAR’s top series offers. If Stenhouse can catch on quickly, the rookie from Olive Branch, Miss., has a shot at winning a race or two and possibly making the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

martin truex jr.

SPONSOR QUICKEN LOANS

danica patrick

10

BE A QUICK STUDY

TEAM STEWART-HAAS RACING

CREW CHIEF MATT BORLAND

NO.

ricky stenhouse jr.

OWNER TONY STEWART

MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET

MANUFACTURER CHEVROLET

46

INFO

NO.

17

OWNER JOHN HENRY TEAM ROUSH FENWAY RACING SPONSORS BEST BUY/ZEST MANUFACTURER FORD CREW CHIEF SCOTT GRAVES

INFO

GET OVER THE HUMP

OWNER MICHAEL WALTRIP

THE 2012 NASCAR SPRINT CUP Series season was one of the best ever for Martin Truex Jr. The only missing item: a win. Despite making the Chase for the second time in his career, Truex missed Victory Lane, a place visited three times by teammate Clint Bowyer.

For Truex to consider 2013 a success, the New Jersey native will likely need to win.

TEAM MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING

POLE POSITION 2013

INFO

NO.

SPONSOR NAPA AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURER TOYOTA CREW CHIEF CHAD JOHNSTON

NO.

56

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nascar history

The 1970s: Tough Cars, Tougher Drivers

L

ong before Brad Keselowski hoisted the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship trophy, a group of tough and talented racer car drivers helped form the foundation for the incredible worldwide popularity NASCAR enjoys today. During the 1970s, NASCAR fans were fiercely loyal to both their favorite driver and the nameplate he drove on Sunday afternoon. Wheelmen such as Bobby Allison, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Richard Petty, Buddy Baker and Darrell Waltrip won races and kept their names in the headlines during what turned out to be a critical period in the sport’s history. Driving iconic wide-bodied Chevrolets, Fords, Dodges and Mercurys, NASCAR’s biggest stars left their marks in part through sheer determination. With tires wellworn and engines nearly spent, the cars of the era could be extremely hard to drive.

NASCAR’s high level of competition has attracted fans ever since the organization sanctioned its first race in 1948. But it was as if the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers during the 1970s drove deeper and battled harder for every position.

The cars featured 115-inch wheelbases, long hoods, chrome bumpers and were moved by 550-horsepower engines.

Fans could relate to them because they closely resembled what was parked in their driveways. A strong “Win on SundaySell on Monday” mentality existed among the participating manufacturers.

Three-time NASCAR champion Cale Yarborough was known for his ability to

outmuscle his competition in the heavy machines.

“Those ole cars could be tough to drive, especially at a place like Darlington,” Yarborough said. “They could bounce you around pretty good and didn’t have power steering. When they weren’t handling right, they were a handful.”

Intense rivalries existed among the sport’s stars during the 1970s, the most popular of which was between Yarborough and Waltrip.

“Cale tagged me, ‘Jaws,’ because he said I talked all the time,” Waltrip said with a laugh. “He would say something and I would say something back and it kept the

newspaper reporters hopping. We had a pretty good rivalry in those days.”

1983 NASCAR champion Bobby Allison enjoyed his relationship with the fans that continues today.

“The fans have always been incredibly supportive of the drivers,” Allison said.

“What was different in that era was that many times drivers would race hard all day, sign autographs for an hour or two after the race and then sometimes help drive the truck. The fans appreciated that kind of effort and hard work, but also thought of us as their racing heroes.”

by ben white 48

POLE POSITION 2013

Best of the 1970s These five drivers left indelible marks on NASCAR history.

1

BOBBY AllISON: During a NASCAR career that spanned from 1961 to 1988, Allison won 84 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races for a variety of the sport’s top team owners. The list includes Cotton Owens, John Holman/ Ralph Moody, Roger Penske, Bud Moore and Bill Stavola.

Allison claimed the series championship in 1983.

2

dAVId peARSON: The winner of 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and three championships, Pearson was known as the “Silver Fox” for the savvy strategy he used to win so many races. He enjoyed several successful seasons with team owners Cotton Owens, Holman-Moody and the Wood Brothers before retiring in 1986.

3

RICHARd peTTY: Known as “The King” for his 200 wins and seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, Petty enjoyed a 35-year career in which he set numerous records and served as an unofficial ambassador to millions of NASCAR fans. He retired from driving in 1992 and turned his attention to team ownership.

4

dARRell WAlTRIp: During the early 1970s, Waltrip attracted a great deal of attention while driving for his own team. He then earned a string of top rides and became a three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion with team owner Junior Johnson.

Waltrip earned 84 victories before moving to the FOX broadcast booth in 2001.

5

CAle YARBOROUgH: Yarborough’s fascination with racing began in 1950 when he snuck into Darlington Raceway. He went on to win 83 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and claimed three consecutive series championships (1976 to 1978) while driving for Junior Johnson. He retired from driving in 1988 and was a team owner until 1999.

PoLEPOSITIONmag.COM

49

Photo finish

Danica steals the show at Daytona Danica Patrick made NASCAR history by winning the pole for the 55th annual Daytona 500. patrick, driving the No. 10 Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, turned a fast lap of 196.434 mph around the 2.5-mile tri-oval to become the first woman to win a pole for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

“It’s really amazing how much effort is put into a qualifying car for Daytona and really only the front row is what sticks for Sunday,” Patrick said. “It’s nice that all that hard work can pay off and that we can give ourselves that opportunity to lead the pack down into the tri-oval for the green flag of the Daytona 500.”

Patrick followed her memorable pole effort with an eighth-place finish in “The Great American Race.”

50

PoLE Position 2013

gEar

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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.

ŠNASCAR 2013

NASCAR.com

nascar fuel careers

Nate Ryan

NASCAR Writer for USA Today As the lead NASCAR writer for USA Today, Nate Ryan is a full-time NASCAR reporter still going strong in a shrinking newspaper business. Rest assured; Ryan understands the challenges his industry faces.

With a daily circulation of 1.6 million, USA Today remains the nation’s most widely distributed newspaper. But with the everevolving move toward digital publishing and social media,

That means quickly churning out words that, not so long ago, would only have been seen hours and or even days later.

Ryan, 39, has also become engaged in the increasingly popular world of social

I think they feel as if it that builds the brand.

“Now, it might not be so much our circulation and our reach that’s perceived as a huge advantage. It’s that brand name and it’s building that reputation that,

Ryan’s duties have changed drastically in the seven years he’s been with the paper.

Instead of writing almost exclusively for the traditional print edition, Ryan is now a regular contributor for the paper’s digital and print platforms.

media, an area that barely existed a decade ago.

“Social media has leveled things out quite a bit,” said Ryan, who joined USA Today in January 2006.

“We have to be more active on social media and we’re encouraged to do that because

‘This is where you come for news.

Who cares if it’s a newspaper or a website? You want to think of us first.’”

For anyone harboring aspirations of landing a NASCAR beat writer gig, Ryan recommends building a strong, diverse file of

clips, being active on social media and being aggressive in group interview sessions to become known among industry peers.

Ryan, who graduated from Northwestern University, began his professional career as a NASCAR writer by volunteering to cover motorsports for a newspaper in San Bernardino, Calif., where he was already working full time on the paper’s copy desk.

“You have to do whatever it takes to scratch and claw and get the clips, get the face time and get the contacts so you get that call or that interview, or whatever, that hopefully gets you that job,” Ryan said.

“So that would be my advice: Have the utmost persistence and dedication, and be willing to give up a lot of your free time to do it.”

Jonathan Bayless Communications Manager

J

onathan Bayless has a rare front row seat to the life of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver – and not just any driver.

Bayless, whose formal title is communications manager at Richard Childress Racing, is the road manager for Jeff Burton – one of NASCAR’s most respected, insightful personalities.

“The best thing about working with Jeff Burton is learning from someone with 20plus years experience in the sport,” Bayless said. “Jeff takes every topic in NASCAR – even controversial ones – and looks at it from many different perspectives and always has a thorough, educated answer.

“I enjoy sitting in on media/sponsor interviews with him and learning about the way things were and how far the sport has come in the 20-plus years he has been involved.

He is a wealth of knowledge and someone fans depend on to speak the truth.”

Bayless travels with Burton to more than 30 race weekends, where he is responsible for coordinating the driver’s schedule, facilitating media interviews and sponsor appearances, and writing press releases chronicling Burton’s on-track exploits.

“It’s not as glamorous as you would think, but we have a good time,” Bayless said. “We don’t just fly in on the race weekends and take off the rest of the week. Our jobs are 24/7/365.”

Bayless, who graduated from West Virginia University in 2004 with a public relations degree, previously worked as a marketing and public relations manager for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and as a senior NASCAR account executive for a marketing and consulting agency.

“Experience, patience and a positive attitude are very important in this industry,” Bayless said. “Every person who has a long career in this sport does it by starting at the bottom with internships or entry-level positions, and showcases the ability to take on more responsibility. If you prove that you are a committed individual who stays positive and poised in stressful situations, people within the industry will take notice and doors will start to open up.”

by jared turner 54

POLE POSITION 2013

LifEstyLE nascar fuEL

DoWntimE WITH RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

r

icky Stenhouse Jr. made big news during the offseason when he and fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Danica Patrick revealed they are dating.

Stenhouse, the reigning two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, no doubt spends much of his free time these days with his immensely intriguing and attractive girlfriend, whose every move is followed with intense interest. But dating Patrick isn’t the 26-year-old’s only extracurricular activity. The first-year NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver can often be found on the golf course in his spare time.

“I enjoy a lot of golf,” Stenhouse said during January’s NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. “It has been too cold to do that, but I do quite a bit of that.”

Stenhouse, who hails from Olive Branch, Miss., but now lives in the unofficial NASCAR hub of Charlotte, N.C., also has at least one other outdoor activity he enjoys.

“I used to ride a lot of dirt bikes but I don’t have the land here to do that,” he said. “So I’m looking for that, because I’d like to get back riding a lot.”

mEntaL PrEP WITH RYAN NEWMAN Do you have a ritual that helps you prepare for races?

No, I just hydrate myself, usually eat just a little bit and stretch out. That’s not so much a ritual as it is just what I do.

It’s not like I think to myself, ‘At 11:50, I need to be stretching right now.’ It’s just what I do. I stretch in the hauler.

fuELing uP WITH TY DILLON

Breakfast:

“Well, I usually don’t make it for breakfast. I usually sleep through breakfast.

Here and there I will have a smoothie or something light.

I like strawberry banana smoothies with a little bit of AdvoCare Spark [energy drink] in it.”

LUNCH:

“I’ve been trying to eat healthy and working out a lot, so I try to eat something that’s healthy. I’ve been eating omelets recently, but I don’t really eat the same thing over and over.”

training WITH CARL EDWARDS

W

ith only a quick glance, it is easy to see that Carl Edwards is well-versed in physical fitness training.

After all, how else would the athletic driver be fit enough to celebrate every win with a stylish backflip off the side of his race car?

“Ten years ago, I laughed at people that worked out,” said Edwards, 33. “I thought it was a joke. And now it’s a huge part of my life and it’s really some time that I get to spend investing in myself, and time alone. I really enjoy it.”

Edwards won’t divulge specifics of his workout regimen – except that he works with a trainer through Carmichael Training Systems – because he doesn’t want to give away any secrets.

“I don’t discuss the details but I just stay in shape and work with my trainer and eat right, and all my sponsors are pretty helpful with that,” the Roush Fenway Racing driver said.

“They’ve all worked together and we’ve got a pretty good system.

“Six or eight years ago when I started running the [NASCAR Sprint] Cup Series, I’d go to the gym at the race track and there would be maybe one other guy in there. And now everybody’s working out, everybody’s staying in shape, so to stay at the edge of that, you’ve got to keep moving forward, and I’ve kind of quit sharing the details of what I do.”

Edwards, consistently one of NASCAR’s best drivers over the last decade, says he spends “a lot of time” with his trainer discussing fitness strategy before every season.

“It’s not something that you say, ‘Hey, this guy’s in better shape, so he’s going to run better today at this race track,’” Edwards said. “But for me, it’s just been for my life. I’ve been real happy with staying in shape. It’s been something that’s rewarding.”

DINNER:

“I do a lot of pastas for my dinner. My girlfriend is a great cook, so I love pasta but I’m always trying something different. I love tortellini; tortellini is a good pasta. Any kind of pasta; I love it all.”

SNACK:

“I love almonds.

That would be one of my favorite snacks. I love Kit Kats and M&M’s.

If anything, I’ve been snacking lately on cashews.”

by jared turner PoLEPOSITIONmag.COM

55

PHOTOHUNT

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

56

POLE POSITION 2013

ANSWERS // (1) “G” missing from Gatorade cooler (2) “Lowe’s” missing from war wagon (3) A.E. Engine logo on pit road (4) “48” missing from pit road wall (5) “48” on car changed to yellow (6) Quaker State logo missing from pit road wall (7) Pit crew member holding a broom (8) Dog sitting on pit road wall (9) “48” missing from war wagon (10) Toshiba logo missing from war wagon.

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?

Tony stewart tar, war, ten...

Remember, no tight turns! ;)

tracK hunt

Match the state with the correct track.

Who am i?

• I was born in Joplin, Mo.

2

1

6

5 3

• I won the Daytona 500 in 2010 • I race for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

4

• My last win was the Bank of America 500 in 2010 • McDonald’s is my sponsor

_ Las Vegas Motor Speedway _ Iowa Speedway _ Phoenix Int’l Raceway _ Michigan Int’l Speedway _ Kansas Speedway _ Talladega Superspeedway

ansWEr // Jamie McMurray

ansWErs // (1) Las Vegas Motor Speedway, (3) Phoenix International Speedway, (5) Kansas Speedway, (2) Iowa Speedway, (6) Michigan International Speedway, (4) Talladega Superspeedway

PoLEPOSITIONmag.COM

57

nascar fuEL fun PagEs

coLor fun

Color your own paint scheme!

match thE DrivEr

KENSETH

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

LAGANO

BUSCH

HARVICK

STEWART

Danica Patrick is one of only 13 drivers to lead a lap in the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.

58

PoLE Position 2013

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ow is your chance to be featured in the pages of NASCAR Pole Position! Send us your NASCARthemed 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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POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

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nascar fuel trivia

How Well Do You Know Clint Bowyer?

0-20 30-40 50-60 70-80 90-100

2

Bowyer is a huge fan of which legendary entertainer?

A. Michael Jackson B. Elvis Presley C. Jimi Hendrix D. Buddy Holly

3

1

POLE POSITION 2013

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

Add up your points and see how you rank!

Clint Bowyer made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start in 2005 at which track?

A. New Hampshire Motor Speedway B. Charlotte Motor Speedway C. Phoenix International Raceway D. Indianapolis Motor Speedway

What year did Bowyer win the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship?

A. 2008 B. 2004 C. 2012 D. 2006

4 60

Rookie Spectator Fan Race Chaser Super Fan

Where was Bowyer working when he first received a phone call from NASCAR car owner Richard Childress?

A. Family’s Race Shop B. Fast-Food Restaurant C. Auto Parts Store D. Body Shop

56

Bowyer owns a race team that fields what type of dirttrack cars?

A. Mini-Sprints B. Super Late Models C. Winged Sprint Cars D. Silver Crown Cars

Which of the following car numbers has Bowyer NOT used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series?

A. 33 B. 2 C. 07 D. 15

7

Bowyer is a fan of which college basketball team?

A. Kansas Jayhawks B. Missouri Tigers C. Kansas State Wildcats D. Duke Blue Devils

8 10

In what segment of the sport did Bowyer’s racing career begin when he was 5 years old?

A. Quarter-Midgets B. Go-Karts C. Hobby Stocks D. Motocross

What year did Bowyer capture the Midwest Region championship of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series?

A. 1999 B. 2004 C. 2002 D. 2000

How many races did Bowyer win en route to a runner-up finish in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings?

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

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM

61

nascar series rosters 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series roster No.

presented by

Driver

Team

Sponsor & Make

Crew Chief

Hometown

Birthdate

1

Jamie McMurray

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

McDonald’s/Cessna Chevrolet

Kevin Manion

Joplin, Mo.

June 3, 1976

2

Brad Keselowski

Penske Racing

Miller Lite Ford

Paul Wolfe

Rochester Hills, Mich.

Feb. 12, 1984

5

Kasey Kahne

Hendrick Motorsports

Farmers Insurance/Quaker State Chevrolet

Kenny Francis

Enumclaw, Wash.

April 10, 1980

7

Dave Blaney

Tommy Baldwin Racing

SANY America Chevrolet

Tommy Baldwin Jr.

Hartford, Ohio

Oct. 24, 1962

9

Marcos Ambrose

Richard Petty Motorsports

Stanley Ford

Drew Blickensderfer

Launceston, Australia

Sept. 1, 1976

10

Danica Patrick

Stewart-Haas Racing

GoDaddy.com Chevrolet

Tony Gibson

Roscoe, Ill.

March 25, 1982

11

Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing

FedEx Toyota

Darian Grubb

Chesterfield, Va.

Nov. 18, 1980

13

Casey Mears

Germain Racing

GEICO Ford

Robert “Bootie” Barker Bakersfield, Calif.

March 12, 1978

14

Tony Stewart

Stewart-Haas Racing

Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet

Steve Addington

Columbus, Ind.

May 20, 1971

15

Clint Bowyer

Michael Waltrip Racing

Five-Hour Energy Toyota

Brian Pattie

Emporia, Kan.

May 30, 1979

16

Greg Biffle

Roush Fenway Racing

3M Ford

Matt Puccia

Vancouver, Wash.

Dec. 23, 1969

17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Roush Fenway Racing

Best Buy/Zest Ford

Scott Graves

Olive Branch, Miss.

Oct. 2, 1987

18

Kyle Busch

Joe Gibbs Racing

M&M’s/Interstate Batteries Toyota

Dave Rogers

Las Vegas, Nev.

May 2, 1985

20

Matt Kenseth

Joe Gibbs Racing

Husky Tools/Dollar General Toyota

Jason Ratcliff

Cambridge, Wis.

March 10, 1972

21

Trevor Bayne

Wood Brothers Racing

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford

Donnie Wingo

Knoxville, Tenn.

Feb. 19, 1991

22

Joey Logano

Penske Racing

Shell/Pennzoil Ford

Todd Gordon

Middletown, Conn.

May 24, 1990

24

Jeff Gordon

Hendrick Motorsports

Drive to End Hunger/Axalta/Pepsi Chevrolet

Alan Gustafson

27

Paul Menard

Richard Childress Racing

Menards Chevrolet

Richard “Slugger” Labbe Eau Claire, Wis.

Aug. 21, 1980

29

Kevin Harvick

Richard Childress Racing

Budweiser/Jimmy Johns/Rheem Chevrolet

Gil Martin

Bakersfield, Calif.

Dec. 8, 1975

30

David Stremme

Swan Racing

Swan Energy/Nutrition53 Toyota

Tony Eury Jr.

South Bend, Ind.

Jun 19, 1977

31

Jeff Burton

Richard Childress Racing

Caterpillar/Cheerios Chevrolet

Luke Lambert

South Boston, Va.

June 20, 1967

32

Ken Schrader Timmy Hill

FAS Lane Racing

Oxywater Ford

Frank Stoddard Jr.

Fenton, Mo.

May 29, 1955

34

David Ragan

Front Row Motorsports

Peanut Patch Ford

Jay Guy

Unadilla, Ga.

Dec. 24, 1985

35

Josh Wise

Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports Ford

Steve Lane

Riverside, Calif.

Feb. 7, 1963

36

J.J. Yeley

Tommy Baldwin Racing

Golden Corral/Accell Construction Chevrolet Joe Lax

Phoenix, Ariz.

Oct. 5, 1976

38

David Gilliland

Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports Ford

Frank Kerr

Riverside, Calif.

April 1, 1976

39

Ryan Newman

Stewart-Haas Racing

Quicken Loans Chevrolet

Matt Borland

South Bend, Ind.

Dec. 8, 1977

42

Juan Pablo Montoya

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Target Chevrolet

Chris Heroy

Bogota, Colombia

Sept. 20, 1975

43

Aric Almirola

Richard Petty Motorsports

Smithfield Foods/STP Ford

Todd Parrott

Tampa, Fla.

March 14, 1984

47

Bobby Labonte

JTG Daugherty Racing

Kingsford/Clorox/Scott/Bush’s Beans Toyota Brian Burns

Corpus Christi, Texas

May 8, 1964

48

Jimmie Johnson

Hendrick Motorsports

Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet

El Cajon, Calif.

Sept. 17, 1975

51

Regan Smith Phoenix Racing Phoenix Construction Chevrolet Nick Harrison AJ Allmendinger

Cato, N.Y. Las Gatos, Calif.

Sept. 23, 1983 Dec. 16, 1981

55

Mark Martin

Batesville, Ark.

Jan. 9, 1959

Brian Vickers

Thomasville, N.C.

Oct. 24, 1983

56

Martin Truex Jr.

Michael Waltrip Racing

NAPA Auto Parts Toyota

Chad Johnston

Mayetta, N.J.

June 29, 1980

78

Kurt Busch

Furniture Row Racing

Furniture Row Chevrolet

Todd Berrier

Las Vegas, Nev.

Aug. 4, 1978

83

David Reutimann

BK Racing

Burger King Toyota

Pat Tryson

Zephyrhills, Fla.

March 2, 1970

87

Joe Nemechek

NEMCO Motorsports

NEMCO Motorsports Toyota

Scott Eggleston

Lakeland, Fla.

Sept. 26, 1963

88

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Hendrick Motorsports

National Guard/Diet Mt. Dew Chevrolet

Steve Letarte

Kannapolis, N.C.

Oct. 10, 1974

93

Travis Kvapil

BK Racing

Burger King Toyota

Todd Anderson

Janesville, Wis.

March 1, 1976

95

Scott Speed

Leavine Family Racing

WRL General Contractors Ford

Wally Rogers

Manteca, Calif.

Jan. 24, 1983

98

Michael McDowell

Phil Parsons Racing

K-Love/Curb Records Ford

Gene Nead

Glendale, Ariz.

Dec. 21, 1984

99

Carl Edwards

Roush Fenway Racing

Fastenal/Aflac/UPS/Geek Squad Ford

Jimmy Fennig

Columbia, Mo.

Aug. 15, 1979

Michael Waltrip Racing

Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota

Chad Knaus

Rodney Childers

NASCAR camping world TRUCK Series

2012 Is History

N

o NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver experienced worse luck in 2012 than veteran Johnny Sauter. The 2013 opener at Daytona served as the perfect reminder that last season is history – and so appear to be Sauter’s gremlins. Dodging mayhem all around him, Sauter drove his ThorSport Racing Toyota to victory, positioning himself perfectly for a run at the 2013 title.

62

POLE POSITION 2013

2013 nascar nationWiDE sEriEs rostEr No. Driver

Hometown

Team

Make

00 01 2 3 5

Richmond, Va. St. Louis, Mo. Boise, Idaho Lewisville, 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. Cambridge, Wis. Milwaukie, Ore. Thomasville, N.C. Rochester Hills, Mich.

High Point, N.C. McKinney, Texas Brasilia, Brazil Riverton, Ill. Elk Grove, Calif.

Bakersfield, Calif.

Riverside, Calif.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Des Moines, Iowa Galliano, La. Sparks, Nev. Spartanburg, S.C. Cedar Rapids, Iowa Las Vegas, Nev. Annapolis, Md. Pensacola, Fla. Westport, Conn.

Lakeland, Fla. Conover, N.C. Germantown, Tenn.

Tucson, Ariz.

SR2 Motorsports JD Motorsports Richard Childress Racing Richard Childress Racing JR Motorsports

Toyota Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet

Newt Moore Marc Browning 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 John Monsam TBA

TriStar Motorsports Joe Gibbs Racing Penske Racing

Toyota Toyota Ford

Kevin Kidd Matt Lucas Jeremy Bullins

R3 Motorsports Turner Scott Motorsports Turner Scott Motorsports 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 NEMCO Motorsports Faith Motorsports Biagi-DenSeste Racing RAB Racing

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

Walter Giles Chris Carrier Scott Zipadelli Trent Owens Ernie Cope Gary Showalter Mike Sroufe Phillippe Lopez Greg Conner Bobby Burrell Eddie Pearson Tim Brown Adam Stevens Chad Norris Mark Gutekunst Eric Phillips Steven Gray Lucas Bowman John Hanson Chris Rice

6 7 8 10 11 12 14 18 19 20 22 23 30 31 32 33 40 42 43 44 50 51 52 54 60 70 77 87 89 98 99

Jason White 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 Matt Kenseth Mike Bliss Brian Vickers Brad Keselowski Ryan Blaney Robert Richardson Jr. Nelson Piquet Jr. Justin Allgaier Kyle Larson Kevin Harvick Josh Wise J.J. Yeley Michael Annett Hal Martin T.J. Bell Jeremy Clements Joey Gase Kyle Busch Travis Pastrana Johanna Long Parker Kligerman Joe Nemechek Morgan Shepherd Kevin Swindell Alex Bowman

Crew Chief

2013 nascar camPing WorLD trucK sEriEs rostEr No. Driver

Hometown

Team

Make

Crew Chief

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 17 18 19

Las Vegas, Nev. Lewisville, N.C. South Boston, Va. New York, N.Y. Westmorland, Calif.

Watkinsville, Ga. Stockbridge, Ga. Palmdale, Calif.

Kansas City, Kan. Bakersfield, Calif.

Providence, N.C. Miami Springs, Fla. Alva, Fla. Rochester Hill, Mich.

Copper Hills, Va. High Point, N.C. Plano, Texas Nova Prata, Brazil Tucker, Ga. Las Vegas, Nev. Mobile, Ala. Level Green, Pa. New Castle, Ind. Las Vegas, Nev. Houston, Texas Lakeland, Fla. Tulare, Calif.

Bahama, N.C. Necedah, Wis. Stuart, Fla.

Rick Ware Racing Richard Childress Racing Turner Scott Motorsports Wauters Motorsports Eddie Sharp Racing Red Horse Racing Eddie Sharp Racing NTS Motorsports Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing NTS Motorsports Red Horse Racing Kyle Busch Motorsports Brad Keselowski Racing

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

Dave Fuge Jr. Marcus Richmond Mike Hillman Jr. Richie Wauters Eddie Troconis Mike Beam Chris Showalter Bruce Cook Dan Kolanda Eddie Pardue Butch Hylton Harold Holly Chad Kendrick

Mike Hillman Racing Brad Keselowski Racing Turner Scott Motorsports Turner Scott Motorsports RSS Racing Kyle Busch Motorsports Kyle Busch Motorsports Norm Benning Racing Turn One Racing Richard Childress Racing Arrington Racing Glenden Enterprises ThorSport Racing RBR Enterprises ThorSport Racing T3R Racing

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

Doug Weddle Doug Randolph Michael Shelton Jeff Hensley Kevin Starland Rick Ren Jerry Baxter Brian Poff Gene Kennon Shane Wilson Bryan Berry Kevin Ingram Carl Joiner Ricky Benton Joe Shear Jr. Gary Cogswell

27 29 31 32 39 51 54 57 60 62 81 84 88 92 98 99

Dusty Davis Ty Dillon Jeb Burton Tim George Jr. Justin Lofton John Wes Townley Max Gresham Ron Hornaday Jr. Jennifer Jo Cobb Brennan Newberry Timothy Peters Joey Coulter Ross Chastain Brad Keselowski Jeff Agnew Ryan Blaney James Buescher Miguel Paludo Ryan Sieg Kyle Busch Darrell Wallace Jr. Norm Benning Dakoda Armstrong Brendan Gaughan David Starr Chris Fontaine Matt Crafton Scott Riggs Johnny Sauter Bryan Silas

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PoLEPOSITIONmag.COM 63 CequentConsumerProducts.com

insider’s view fresh faces

Corey LaJoie

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver

T

he son of a two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, Corey LaJoie grew up around racing. And, like so many race car drivers’ kids, he caught the bug to drive fast from a young age. So, he did. But while going fast on the track has never been a problem for the now 21-year-old son of Randy LaJoie, a rapid rise to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – every young driver’s dream destination – could be more difficult.

It’s not that LaJoie lacks the talent to go as far as he wants.

By all appearances, he’s got plenty of it.

Witness, for example, the 2012 season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East where the youngster won five of 14 races and finished second in points.

LaJoie also carries an impressive pedigree, his father having been a dominant force throughout the mid- to late-1990s in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Fueled by big dreams but little cash, Randy LaJoie rang up 15 victories, along with back-to-back titles in 1996 and ’97, over just seven full seasons in NASCAR’s No. 2 division. The Connecticut native also made 44 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but never more than 14 in a single season.

Much like his father some 20 years ago, Corey LaJoie is eager

to take the next step.

He’s just not sure exactly how and when it will happen.

“Brad Keselowski is probably one of the last guys to make it with no money,” LaJoie said of the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. “But I’m going to be the next one.”

Plans call for LaJoie to make his first NASCAR Nationwide Series foray this year driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing in a three-race deal.

LaJoie is also looking to make a handful of ARCA Series starts with his family-owned and operated team that competed last year in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

But, beyond that, nothing is assured. Unlike a number of young up-and-comers – such as Kyle Larson, Darrell Wallace Jr. and Chase Elliott – LaJoie isn’t aligned with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series organization’s driver

development program.

Nor does he bring major sponsorship.

If LaJoie lands a ride with a top organization, it’s likely going to be solely on his driving merits.

“I think I’m ready for whatever is thrown at me,” he said.

“Kyle Larson is going [NASCAR] Nationwide racing and me and him raced wheel to wheel every week last year [in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East], so I think given the right opportunity and the right car and the right time to develop, I think that I can hold my own against anybody.”

LaJoie is on the payroll at the race seat manufacturing company his father, who last raced a NASCAR Nationwide Series car in 2006, runs in Concord, N.C. Corey has worked on and off for the family business since he was

15, mostly as a welder.

He now shares his time between there and working on race cars.

“I wasn’t doing anything with my life sitting there welding for eight hours a day behind a welding mask, so that wasn’t very fun,” he said. “And then we started getting serious with me working on the car and then wanting to go for a championship, and that’s what we did.”

LaJoie’s desire to climb the NASCAR ladder has impressed his father, who has admittedly been a little tough on his son, especially in the early years.

“One thing I can say about him: If he makes a mistake on the track, I haven’t seen him come back and make the same mistake twice,” Randy LaJoie said. “Our budget is not that of the other teams that we compete against, but we’re very

Things You 4 Don’t Know About Corey LaJoie

1 2 3 4

“I’m better than average at ping-pong. Actually, I’m pretty good at ping-pong.”

“It’s kind of obvious, but Days of Thunder is my favorite movie.”

“I got on my first go-kart when I was 3.”

“I like a good pizza. It’s hard to find good pizza.

It’s all about the sauce.”

thankful for people that have helped and it still goes to show this is old-school.

“They drop a green flag and the first one to the checkered flag wins, and that’s man and machine on the race track. Sometimes men can overcome a dollar bill when they sit inside of a machine.

It’s not always about the dollar.”

by jared turner 64

POLE POSITION 2013

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