NASCAR Banking 500 Souvenir Race Program

OCTOBER 2009

LOWE’S MOTOR SPEEDWAY COLLECTOR’S EDITION MAGAZINE

$10.00

LOWE’S MOTOR SPEEDWAY

CARQUEST

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Trust CARQUEST to give you the highest quality products and knowledgeable help from our friendly staff. We specialize in the products, services and advanced technology necessary to keep today’s vehicles moving.

This community is where we all live, work and play, so let’s get acquainted.

Stop by your nearest CARQUEST store, and let us show you why we are proud to be your neighbor.

Your debit card. Your credit card. Your driver.™ Choose your driver cards and start racking up NASCAR RacePoints.®Yes, it’s this rewarding: Earn RacePoints®with every purchase made using your NASCAR®credit card or debit card

Choose from more than 25 NASCAR driver credit cards and 12 NASCAR driver debit cards

Redeem your RacePoints for licensed team apparel, race tickets and unique NASCAR experiences like meeting your favorite driver

Conveniently manage your accounts online, at over 6,100 banking centers and more than 18,000 ATMs coast to coast

Open an account today at your local banking center or go to: bankofamerica.com/RacePoints

For a CARQUEST location near you, call 1-800-492-PART or visit us at CARQUEST.com

Credit subject to approval. For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the NASCAR RacePoints® credit card or to apply, visit bankofamerica.com/RacePoints or one of our banking centers. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. NASCAR® and NASCAR RacePoints® are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. ©2009 HGL, LLC. Not all NASCAR drivers available. Car-number credit card design only available for select drivers. All trademarks shown are used with the permission of their respective owners. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Mark Martin and the likeness of the #5 HMS Chevrolet are used with permission of Hendrick Motorsports LLC. ©2009 Jeff Gordon, Inc. The name, likeness and signature of Jeff Gordon and the likeness of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet are used with permission of Jeff Gordon, Inc. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Jimmie Johnson and the likeness of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet are used with permission of Hendrick Motorsports LLC. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the likeness of the #88 Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet are used with the permission of Hendrick Motorsports, LLC and JR Motorsports, LLC. ©2009 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Dale Earnhardt, Martin Truex Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing trademarks, trade dress, names, likenesses and copyrights are used under the authorization of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. ©2009 Evernham Motorsports, LLC. The stylized E with checkered flag® and 9® are registered trademarks and service marks of Evernham Motorsports, LLC, used under license.

Kasey Kahne likeness and signature are trademarks of Kasey Kahne Inc., licensed by Evernham Motorsports, LLC. Dodge is a trademark of Chrysler LLC. The name, likeness, voice, signature and image of Rusty Wallace are registered trademarks of Rusty Wallace, Inc. Used Under License. ©2009 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. All rights reserved. The stylized #42 is a trademark of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. ©2009 Target Stores. The Bullseye Design and Target are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. NASCAR credit cards are issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Platinum Plus is a registered trademark of FIA Card Services, N.A. “Your debit card. Your credit card. Your driver.” is a trademark, and Bank of America and the Bank of America logo is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. ©2009 Bank of America Corporation.

AR71209 AD-08-09-0323.B

Welcome to Lowe’s Motor Speedway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Bojangles’ Pole Winners/Speed Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Welcome to the NASCAR Banking 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Dollar General 300 Probable Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Dollar General: On Track for a Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

NASCAR Nationwide Series Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Weekend Schedule of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Dollar General 300 Former Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Lowe’s Motor Speedway Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Driver Memories: No Place Like Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

NASCAR Banking 500 Probable Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

LMS Employee of the Year: Lindsay Spiegel . . . . . . . . . .142

Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Photo . . . . . . .16 Richard Childress Racing: 40 Years and Counting . . . . . .18 NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers and Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Eight First-Time Sprint Cup Winners at LMS . . . . . . . . .144 NASCAR Hall of Fame: Racing to the Finish . . . . . . . . . .148

Stewart-Haas Racing: Chance of a Lifetime . . . . . . . . . . .68

Fans Share Their Memories of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150 Lowe’s Motor Speedway

The NASCAR Ballet: Anatomy of a Pit Stop . . . . . . . . . . . .72

LMS Car Shows: Horsepower and Chrome . . . . . . . . . . .154

Benny Parsons: Driven by Passion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Two LMS Employees Have Seen It All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Smokey Yunick Award: Robert Yates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Richard Petty: The Man Who Would Be King . . . . . . . . . . .82

World of Outlaws Topless Showdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162 Probable Entries

“Speedy” Thompson: Opportunity Knocks . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Josh Richards Eyes WoO Late Model Title . . . . . . . . . . .164

NASCAR Banking 500 Former Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

May Race Winners Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Wood Brothers: All in the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Advertisers’ Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Buddy Baker Has a Way with Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s 2010 Major Racing Events . .176

Managing Editor Annette Randall

Associate Editor Keith Waltz

Advertising Manager Nathan Yang

Graphic Design Christopher Smith, Tathwell Printing

Cover Artist Sam Bass

Contributing Writers - Monte Dutton, Jack Flowers, Megan Johnson, Joshua Joiner, Bob Margolis, Jim Utter, Keith Waltz, Deb Williams Contributing Photographers - Harold Hinson, LMS Staff Photographer; Harold Hinson Photography – Rusty Burroughs, Gregg Ellman, Bridget Grubb, Alan Marler and Erik Perel; Other Contributors – Sam Cranston, David Griffin, Dorsey Patrick and Lowe’s Motor Speedway Archives Printing - Tathwell Printing Co., Charlotte, N.C.

About the Cover Motorsports artist Sam Bass’ painting, “The Homecoming Game,” captures the intensity of a gridiron-style face-off at the 50yard line as top combatants prepare for NASCAR’s version of an October homecoming. The drivers form a tunnel through which the cars must pass in order to reach their destination, the Lowe’s Motor Speedway finish line. Bass has created the cover artwork for each Lowe’s Motor Speedway event program since May 1985. To see more, visit sambass.com.

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Become a card-carrying fan.

Show your Team 48 spirit by applying for your new Team Lowe’s Consumer or Business Credit Card. There’s no annual fee and low monthly payments. Plus, you’ll get special credit promotions throughout the year, and free membership to Team Lowe’s Racing fan club, including quarterly issues of Track Record magazine. Apply today in store or at Lowes.com/Credit.

© 2009 by Lowe’s. All rights reserved. Lowe’s and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC. © 2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC.

October 2009

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R A C S f the NA om Bank of A o fr t y ea nl o tb 0 ar 50 he CAR Banking peedway, the the 50th NAS we’s Motor S Lo ith w to g e in m at co in el lm W , cu ’s version is no , action with us and NASCAR f n o s tio ht ra ecoming g b ni le ce ur fo oming October hom ec m an y ho ul a tr ut is o 0 special ab AR Banking 50 s something season. ad, the NASC ro e th There is alway n o final time this e hs th nt o r m fo e e m fiv er r ams race at ho exception. Aft 0 or the Dolla drivers and te R Banking 50 as A e, C yl S A st N R e A th C NAS e, a victory in . ecoming gam m ho ig e entire team b e th during g rights for th in g g ra gs down the b f o And just like y dway as it brin with plent ee es p S m r rprise co to 0 o M 30 Lowe’s Johnson’s su General r e fo t Le e en Jo ev m ne R sto mile track. Fro r the NASCA is also a mile the Chase fo legendary 1.5Banking 500 in is R th g A tle C at at tin S b ci A ng N ile ex ci m d ra The 500ic an CAR most dramat urday night’s years of NAS e at th S 50 f n o to o e 0 n m 60 ai so rt la cu ed -Co ve experienc inaugural Coca r Speedway ha to victory in the o M s e’ w ns at Lo st Sprint Cup, fa nding their fir ry.

ASCAR histo oy or girl atte b N g in maraderie un ts ca yo e en a th m f r o o m victory o emories to m s e er th – riv d s e rie ared your vorit emo eering their fa of you have sh out creating m y ch ab an ns is m fa e ar ng ci ye tim ra eedway e last f long Auto ud that our sp nture. Over th e memories o ro th ve p ; y ad el ce ra ng em ci R tr A ra ex e NASC r annual us and we ar friends on thei peedway with S r to o of family and M s e’ ries of Low trate that y lives. special memo ity to demons role in so man un t rt o an p rt p o o p e im e th time. plays such an t and we valu d have a great entertainmen an s ed rt o at p ci rs re to p o ap m oice for your race fans are n next May. place where You have a ch e th is ay eing you agai w d se ee to p S d r ar to rw o fo k Lowe’s M g and we loo you for visitin k an th f, af st our entire On behalf of s:

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TO SOME IT’S A TOOLBOX, TO OTHERS IT’S A SURVIVAL KIT. Be prepared for your toughest projects by choosing Kobalt ® tools. Durable and ready to go at a moment’s notice, Kobalt tools have the comfortable hex grip design so there’s less wear and tear on your hands. To see all the essentials, go to Lowes.com/Kobalt.

Available only at

© 2009 by Lowe’s. All rights reserved. Lowe’s, the gable design, Kobalt, and the K design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.

2009 October 17, uests,

t Lowe’s of America a k n a B m o fr nly participating anking 500 o ar’s race are B ye R is A C th f S o A N rs ort that onso the 2009 munity supp ams and sp m te o , c Welcome to rs d n ve a ri d ip e ansh the country. dway. Th m all across cing, sportsm o ra fr Motor Spee in s n e c fa n te lle tiva of exce est and cap in a tradition most e sport’s fin th t c ra tt a s. One of the ie to it s n e u u m n ti m n o o c lc nity and regiona ugh commu for our local mers is thro t o n st ve u e c t r n u a a o s rt f e an impo in the lives o erica provid This is also Bank of Am e participate m w o t pact of our a fr im th ly e n o ys th a 0 e w 0 iz t 5 n m g a xi n rt a ki o m n p a to im AR B cal partners program, d the NASC work with lo e Speedway to th outreach, an s t u a about r ts fo n y e it d nity to learn our Stu pportun u o h rt l g o u u p rf p ro e o d th n e r, o th a w hool ave is ye during the sc udents will h activities. Th y st y g l it o lo n o o u h n m h sc c m o te le c idd and er our ry has to off ecklenburg m ations of science, math st u -M e d tt in o g rl a in h c C e ra plic nities that th NASCAR ap rich opportu professional e th e lif to bring year, helping cess . d to the suc rs e d re committe a future lea o and h s w e le ye p lo o e emp any pe th m k, e e th e w to is ks th an s competing ers and our xpress our th rs and team ated volunte ve ic We wish to e ri d d e assion d R y A n C a S m the NA ur ongoing p ay, the yo w r d e fo e s p n S r fa of this race: e to o l tribute to th t of Lowe’s M e pay specia W managemen .

C B A t a artners broadcast p . n of sporting on to racing ti a rtant traditio o and dedic p im is th e u as we contin participation race. r u e th yo r y jo fo n u E pport.

Thank yo su y it n u m m nd co excellence a Sincerely, rivers and G

Dear Fans, D

Lewis sident Kenneth D. icer and Pre ff O ve ti u c Chief Exe rica Bank of Ame

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Get your debit card.

Get your credit card.

Get two tickets to your next NASCAR® race — when you open a NASCAR checking account and apply for a NASCAR credit card.*

Reward yourself with these features: Earn RacePoints®with every purchase made using your NASCAR credit card or debit card.

Redeem your RacePoints for licensed team apparel, merchandise and unique NASCAR experiences.

Conveniently manage your accounts online, or at over 6,100 banking centers and more than 18,000 ATMs coast to coast.

Choose your driver cards today and get two tickets to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race. ™

To learn more, visit a Bank of America banking center or bankofamerica.com/RacePoints

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Ticket locations are subject to Bank of America and race track discretion and availability. Tickets available while supplies last. Race time and date to be determined by NASCAR and may be subject to change. Participants may also opt for 5,000 NASCAR RacePoints, which can be redeemed for NASCAR experiences, merchandise and other prizes. To register and redeem RacePoints, participants should visit nascarracepoints.com. No substitutions or cash equivalents will be allowed.

Bank of America is not responsible for lost, stolen or destroyed tickets. Bank of America assumes no liability for any cancellation of the race and in the event of a cancellation, the terms and conditions on the back of the ticket shall govern.

Use of race tickets received under this offer shall be subject to the terms and conditions on the back of the ticket as well as requirements by the host track. Recipients are responsible for all other rules, regulations, charges, costs and expenses associated with acceptance of the ticket. See bankofamerica.com/racepoints for more information. Car-number credit card design only available for select drivers. ©2009 Evernham Motorsports, LLC. The stylized E with checkered flag® and 9® are registered trademarks and service marks of Evernham Motorsports, LLC, used under license. Kasey Kahne likeness and signature are trademarks of Kasey Kahne Inc. licensed by Evernham Motorsports, LLC. Dodge is a trademark of Chrysler LLC. ©2009 HGL, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Jeff Gordon and the likeness of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet are used under license granted by HGL, LLC. ©2009 HGL, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Jimmie Johnson and the likeness of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet are used under license granted by HGL, LLC. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the likeness of the #88 Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet are used with the permission of Hendrick Motorsports, LLC and JR Motorsports, LLC. ©2009 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Dale Earnhardt, Martin Truex Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing trademarks, trade dress, names, likenesses and copyrights are used under the authorization of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. ©2009 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. All rights reserved. The stylized #42 is a trademark of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. ©2009 Target Stores. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. * Tickets available in all Bank of America banking centers franchise-wide while supplies last and will be delivered via Federal Express to customer’s address approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the race event. This offer is available only to new customers who open a new personal NASCAR checking account and apply for a NASCAR credit card. The minimum deposit required to open a new personal checking account and receive this offer is $125 or more. The new customer is not eligible for this offer if they were a signer on a Bank of America checking account that was closed within the last three months. All accounts are subject to our normal approval process. Limit one offer per household. Offer does not apply to current checking customers or student checking accounts. Reproduction, purchase, sale, transfer or trade of this offer is prohibited. For Tiered Interest personal checking accounts, the APY is as follows: less than $5,000, 0.05%; $5,000-$9,999, 0.05%; $10,000-$24,999, 0.25%; $25,000-$49,999, 0.25%; $50,000-$99,999,0.25%; $100,000-$249,999, 0.40%; $250,000 and over, 0.40%. APYs are accurate as of 08/13/2009. The APY may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. Please consult a banking center associate, visit bankofamerica.com or see our Personal Schedule of fees for more information. For information about rates fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the NASCAR credit card or to apply, visit a Bank of America banking center. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Car-number credit card design only available for select drivers. NASCAR® and NASCAR RacePoints® are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. © 2009 HGL, LLC. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Platinum Plus is a registered trademark of FIA Card Services, N.A. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC ©2009 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

AD-08-09-0323.A

To support the fight against breast cancer, the Nos. 32 and 10 Dollar General race cars will sport pink paint schemes rather than the traditional yellow-and-black colors during Friday night’s Dollar General 300.

Dollar General recently partnered with IndyCar Series driver and car owner Sarah Fisher to launch On Track for a Cause.

This program’s goal is to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research and community outreach programs in conjunction with Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

In support of this initiative, Dollar General will make a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Dollar General has also partnered with IMS and MainGate Apparel to sell Sarah Fisher pink commemorative hats with all proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Hats can be purchased at www.dollargeneral.com through Oct. 31.

Dollar General would like to recognize several of its leaders and friends who are committed to serving others and championing the fight against breast cancer.

The grand marshals for the Dollar General 300 are Kathleen Guion, Dollar General’s division president of store operations and store development; Susan Lanigan, Dollar General’s executive vice president, general counsel; and Sarah Fisher, IndyCar Series driver and owner of the No. 67 Dollar General car. The honorary starter is David Tehle, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

According Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. A woman has a one-in-eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. This year, more than 200,000 men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Susan G. Komen for the Cure reaches millions of people and raises funds for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment each year through donations and partnerships.

“Many of our family, friends and customers have battled this disease,” said Guion. “We are committed to supporting the fight against breast cancer and hope that lives can be saved through continued research and education.”

To learn more about breast cancer or how you can support the cause, visit www.komen.org.

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David Tehle Honorary Starter

Kathleen Guion Grand Marshal

Sarah Fisher Grand Marshal

Susan Lanigan Grand Marshal

S ud Pro

sor of the pon

Dollar General ® provides a quick and easy way to buy just what you need! © 2009 Dollar General Corporation. All rights reserved. “Dollar General,” the Dollar General logo and “Save time. Save money. Every day!” are registered trademarks of Dollar General Corporation. The Dollar General Racing logo is a service mark of Dollar General Corporation. All rights reserved. Name, likeness, signature, and all associated rights of Brian Vickers are property of BVLLC and used under license granted with permission. Braun Racing logo used with permission from Braun Racing, LLC.

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Thursday, Oct. 15

Admission: Adults $25; Children 12 and Under $5 Free Parking in Designated LMS Lots

Admission: $12 Adult Advance/$20 Adult Day of Event Children 6-12 $1; Under 6 Free Free Parking in Designated LMS Lots

1:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:50 p.m.

9:35 p.m.

Pit Gate Opens Spectator Gates Open Driver Autograph Session (concourse) World of Outlaws Late Model Series Hot Laps World of Outlaws Late Model Series Qualifying Opening Ceremonies World of Outlaws Late Model Series Heat Races World of Outlaws Late Model Series Last Chance Races World of Outlaws Topless Showdown Feature (50 laps, $30,000 Possible to Win)

1:00 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

4:40 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:10 p.m.

Spectator Gate 5a Opens for Early Entry NASCAR Nationwide Series Practice Spectator Gates Open NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice Legends Car and Bandolero Racing (frontstretch quarter-mile oval) NASCAR Nationwide Series Final Practice Bojangles’ Pole Night Qualifying NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (2 laps/all positions)

Friday, Oct. 16

Saturday, Oct. 17

Reserved and General Admission Seating Available Free Parking in Designated LMS Lots

Reserved and General Admission Seating Available Free Parking in Designated LMS Lots

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:05 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:20 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:10 p.m.

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Gate 5a Opens for Early Entry NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Autograph Session (1 hour on pit road – enter through Turn 1 tunnel) Spectator Gates Open Dollar General 300 Qualifying NASCAR Nationwide Series (2 laps/all positions) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice Dollar General 300 Driver Introductions Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race (200 laps/300 miles)

9:45 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:25 p.m.

NASCAR Foundation Track Walk Spectator Gates Open Pre-Race Concert (apron inside Turn 4) Pre-Race Entertainment NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America Driver Introductions NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race (334 laps/501 miles)

VISIT WWW.LOWESMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES

Before the BIG RACE, stop by one of our Charlotte area Bojangles’® and pick up a box of our Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits or a delicious breakfast biscuit anytime of the day!

During the race, visit Bojangles’ concession stands located within Lowe’s Motor Speedway and outside at the Main Entrance.

Bojangles’ Restaurants is proud to be the official POLE NIGHT sponsor at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, October 15, 2009

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Nationwide Race Information Stations

Scanners

Weekend schedules, fan guides, Nationwide On Your Side golf cart rides and other services are provided at the Nationwide Race Information Stations located outside Gates 3, 4, 8, 18 and 31; in-between Gates 6 and 7; and in the gravel display lot across from the speedway where the team merchandise haulers are parked.

Scanners may be rented at either the Racing Radios or Racing Electronics trailers located outside the speedway. Racing Electronics also rents the very popular NASCAR Sprint FanViews.

Bank of America ATM Locations There are several Bank of America ATMs located in and around the speedway. They can be found at the Ticket Office on the second floor of Smith Tower; near Gates 2 (Toyota Fourth Turn Terrace/ Chrysler Grandstands), 3 (Chrysler Grandstands), 4 (intersection of GM section C and GM section D), 7 (Ford Grandstand lower level) and 18. ATMs are also located on the concourses near Gates 5A, 8 (under First Turn Condos) and 12 (Diamond Tower); alongside the Bojangles’/Domino’s building in the infield; and in the souvenir lot on Bruton Smith Blvd. A mobile Bank of America ATM unit is also located to the right of the main entrance.

Radio Broadcast Performance Racing Network’s race broadcasts can be heard on local radio station WSOC-FM 103.7. PRN will present flag-to-flag coverage of the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America, the Dollar General 300 and Bojangles’ Pole Night. Award-winning motorsports broadcasters Doug Rice and Mark Garrow will anchor the coverage.

Exit and Re-Entry Fans leaving the speedway who plan to return the same day, must keep their ticket so it can be scanned when exiting and re-entering the speedway gate. One hour after the green flag is waved, fans may not exit the speedway and re-enter with a cooler.

Earplugs

First Aid and Rescue Services

Earplugs can be purchased at any souvenir stand located throughout the grandstand concourses or in the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Gift Shop on the second floor of Smith Tower.

To contact first aid or rescue services, please call 704-455-4028 or 704-455-3220. First Aid facilities can be found in the following locations: Toyota Fourth Turn Terrace concourse level (Gates 30, 31 and 2); Ford Grandstand concourse level and upper deck

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(Gates 6 and 7); Diamond Tower Terrace concourse level (Gates 17, 18 and 20); on the frontstretch at the water tower; and at the Carolinas Medical Center Infield Care Center, located inside Turn 4.

Child Find Wristbands Families with young children can take advantage of the Nationwide Child Find Wristband. Wristbands are available at all information booths around the speedway. Parents are encouraged to stop by one of the information booths to fill out one of the wristbands with the parent or guardian’s seat location. They will help LMS staff reunite the child with their parent or guardian in the event they are separated.

Security Information The Lowe’s Motor Speedway Security Headquarters is located on the speedway perimeter road near Entrance P off of Morehead Rd. The direct phone line to the Security Headquarters is 704-4553220 or 704-455-7911.

Lost and Found Lost and Found is located in the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Ticket Office on the second floor of Smith Tower during and after events.

Questions about lost items may also be directed to 704-455-3200 or 1-800-455-3267.

Smoking Policy Smoking is permitted in all areas except sections 245 through 249 in the Diamond Tower grandstand, but fans are encouraged to be courteous to those around them.

Telephones Pay phones are located throughout the main concourse.

Property Maps Large property maps are located at Gates 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 16, 18, 20 and 30/31. These maps are on the blue and red pylons where the gate numbers are posted.

Trams and Shuttles The Nationwide On Your Side golf cart service offers transportation to and from parking areas and admission gates. Staffed by local volunteers who know their way around LMS, the bluecanopied golf carts are available for all race fans, especially the elderly, physically challenged and families with children. Stop by the Nationwide Race Information Stations outside Gates 3, 4, 8, 18 and 31 to arrange a ride.

The Nationwide On Your Side Ride is a tram that takes fans around the outside of the speedway. A number of tram stops are located throughout the facility, including Gates 2, 3, 4, 7/8, 12, 18, 26 and 30. The trams run in a clockwise direction on the perimeter road between these stop-off points and operate from noon on qualifying and race days until the start of the action on the track.

Key Speedway Phone Numbers Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-4423 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..704-455-3205 Guest Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-454-4718 Performance Racing Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3228 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3209 Corporate Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3203 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3220 SMI Properties (souvenirs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3236 The Speedway Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3216 The Speedway Club Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3240 Ticket Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3200 Gift Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3202 Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-455-3200

Speedway Regulations • No drink coolers larger than 14 inches in length or width in grandstands • Only one cooler per ticket holder • No umbrellas • No stadium seats with armrests • No glass containers allowed • No infield fires of any kind, including charcoal and gas grills, during on-track activities • No ground fires • No flags more than 12 feet tall in the North Infield or 7 feet, 8 inches tall in the South Infield • No personal ATV-type vehicles (three or four-wheelers) or golf carts permitted

Automobile Assistance Tow trucks are on-site during race weekends to provide assistance with lockouts and other automotive problems. Call speedway security at 704-455-3220 for assistance.

In the event a vehicle is towed, the owner may retrieve it at no cost in the Nursery Parking area (see map). The owner may also contact speedway security at 704-455-3220 or speak to a speedway Customer Service Representative who will assist with directions or transportation to Security Headquarters.

Enjoy theRace!

13

Car

Driver

Hometown

Sponsor/Car

Owner

00 07 08 09 1 2 5 6 7 9 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 29 31 33 34 36 37 39 42 43 44 47 48 55 66 71 77 82 83 87 88 96 98 99

David Reutimann Casey Mears Terry Labonte Mike Bliss Martin Truex Jr. Kurt Busch Casey Mears David Ragan Robby Gordon Kasey Kahne Denny Hamlin David Stremme Max Papis Tony Stewart Greg Biffle Matt Kenseth Kyle Busch Elliott Sadler Joey Logano Bill Elliott Jeff Gordon Brad Keselowski Jamie McMurray Kevin Harvick Jeff Burton Clint Bowyer John Andretti Mike Skinner Tony Raines Ryan Newman Juan Pablo Montoya Reed Sorenson A.J. Allmendinger Marcos Ambrose Jimmie Johnson Michael Waltrip Dave Blaney David Gilliland Sam Hornish Jr. Scott Speed Brian Vickers Joe Nemechek Dale Earnhardt Jr. Bobby Labonte Paul Menard Carl Edwards

Zephyrhills, Fla. Bakersfield, Calif.

Corpus Christi, Texas Milwaukie, Ore. Mayetta, N.J. Las Vegas, Nev. Bakersfield, Calif.

Unadilla, Ga. Orange, Calif.

Enumclaw, Wash.

Chesterfield, Va. South Bend, Ind. Como, Italy Columbus, Ind. Vancouver, Wash.

Cambridge, Wis. Las Vegas, Nev. Emporia, Va. Middletown, Conn.

Dawsonville, Ga. Vallejo, Calif.

Rochester Hills, Mich.

Joplin, Mo. Bakersfield, Calif.

South Boston, Va. Emporia, Kan. Indianapolis, Ind. Susanville, Calif.

LaPorte, Ind. South Bend, Ind. Bogota, Colombia Peachtree City, Ga. Los Gatos, Calif.

Launceston, Australia El Cajon, Calif.

Owensboro, Ky. Hartford, Ohio Riverside, Calif.

Defiance, Ohio Manteca, Calif.

Thomasville, N.C. Lakeland, Fla. Kannapolis, N.C. Corpus Christi, Texas Eau Claire, Wis. Columbia, Mo.

Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Carter-Simo Racing Toyota Miccosukee Resort Dodge Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevrolet Miller Lite Dodge CARQUEST/Kellogg’s Chevrolet UPS Ford Jim Beam Toyota Budweiser Dodge FedEx Toyota No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge GEICO Toyota Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet 3M Ford Carhartt Ford M&M’s Toyota Stanley Dodge The Home Depot Toyota Motorcraft Ford DuPont Chevrolet Go Daddy.com Chevrolet Crown Royal Ford Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet Caterpillar Chevrolet Count Chocula Chevrolet Taco Bell Chevrolet Tommy Baldwin Racing Toyota Long John Silver’s Dodge U.S. Army Chevrolet Target Chevrolet Super 8 Dodge Richard Petty Motorsports Dodge Kingsford/Clorox Toyota Lowe’s Chevrolet NAPA Auto Parts Toyota PRISM Motorsports Toyota TRG Motorsports Chevrolet Mobil 1 Dodge Red Bull Toyota Red Bull Toyota NEMCO Motorsports Toyota National Guard/Amp Energy Chevrolet Ask.com Ford Johns Manville/Menards Ford Aflac Ford

Michael Waltrip Richard Childress John Carter James Finch Teresa Earnhardt Walter Czarnecki Mary Hendrick John Henry Robby Gordon George Gillett Jr. J.D. Gibbs Roger Penske Bob Germain Margaret Haas Jack Roush John Henry Joe Gibbs George Gillett Jr. Joe Gibbs Glen Wood Rick Hendrick Rick Hendrick Geoff Smith Richard Childress Richard Childress Bobby Ginn III Teresa Earnhardt Tommy Baldwin Jr. Brad Jenkins Tony Stewart Teresa Earnhardt Richard Petty George Gillett Jr. Rob Kauffman Jeff Gordon Michael Waltrip Phil Parsons Kevin Buckler Bill Davis Dietrich Mateschitz Dietrich Mateschitz Andrea Nemechek Rick Hendrick Jeff Moorad Max Jones Jack Roush

14

16

HHP Photo by Harold Hinson

The 12 drivers battling in the 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup are (front row, left to right) Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Brian Vickers, (back row, left to right) Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

17

By BOB MARGOLIS There is a select group of men in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage area whose role in stock car racing transcends all others and they enjoy the status as both a legend of the sport and a current participant.

Richard Childress is a member of that small fraternity.

During his 40 years in racing, Childress has risen from humble beginnings to become a leader, a trendsetter and a champion. He’s enjoyed great personal achievement, but he’s also endured the kind of heartbreaking tragedy few men have ever known.

As a young boy in the late 1950s, Childress watched stock car racing at Bowman-Gray Stadium in WinstonSalem, N.C. He first attended the races with his stepdad and then as a worker, because he knew that during the races he could sit and watch the action for free.

Childress got to know the drivers, often running errands for them. He watched them enjoying the kind of life – carefree, wild and racing fast cars – that a teenager naturally found very attractive.

“I just wanted to race,” said Childress. “I wanted to be able to go out and drive race cars, have fun and enjoy myself; and that’s what I did. Once I got my race cars and started doing it, I enjoyed every minute of it.

“It wasn’t a rock-star life. It was more…driving the race car, getting everything done and just enjoying yourself before the race and after the race, then getting to the next race. It was a neat deal to drive race cars and do the things I did in my time.”

Childress’ success as a driver, racing in an era far different from today, can best be described as modest.

“I did pretty well for an independent driver that didn’t have the money and the stuff it took to really race in those 18

days,” Childress explained. “We were racing on a very, very limited budget and used tires. I probably never bought a new set of tires. We would just buy all the tires that these other teams would turn in.

“I felt good about the way we ran for the money we had and what we could accomplish.”

This was a time when drivers worked on their race cars and traveling from track to track involved pick-up trucks and trailers instead of airplanes. It definitely wasn’t a glamorous life, but for Childress, determined to forge his own destiny, it was exactly what he wanted.

“It sure beat working a 9 to 5 job,” he said. “I was always my own boss from about ’69 on. If it meant being in debt, then so be it. To be your own boss back in those days there were sacrifices you had to make.”

In those early years, Childress found two men who made lasting impressions on him and whose style, manner and knowledge played major roles in shaping his future.

Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson, HHP/Erik Perel, HHP/Rusty Burroughs and Dorsey Patrick

One was Bill France Jr., the son of NASCAR founder William H.G. France, who was in the midst of shaping the future of the sport.

“I always admired the way he handled a situation,” Childress said.

The other was a former driver who made the transition to team owner, Junior Johnson. The two men developed a friendship while Childress was still driving and it was Johnson who encouraged Childress that he could make it as a team owner.

Childress saw team owners like Rod Osterlund and J.D. Stacy bring big money into the sport, the kind of money that attracted the top drivers.

“All these guys came in with money and I could see the sport was going to change,” said Childress. “And I could see that I wasn’t going to have the money to compete with these people coming into the sport.”

As a driver, Childress’ talent didn’t win races or championships, but it was good enough to earn sufficient money to keep him racing for nearly a decade.

But Childress knew he couldn’t get the kind of sponsorship needed to continue.

“I knew I couldn’t make it as an owner-driver,” Childress said. “I had to be one or the other. If I could put the right driver in the car, I felt I could get the sponsorship.”

Walking away from driving was tough, but in the end, it was the right decision.

In his new role as just the team owner, Childress partnered with a man he first raced against at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 1975. That man would eventually become his best friend and whose name has become synonymous with his – Dale Earnhardt.

Despite his best intentions, Childress knew he couldn’t give Earnhardt the level of equipment to match his driving skills. After only 11 races during the 1981 season, Childress cut Earnhardt loose and handed the driving chores of the No. 3 to a young, up-and-coming Ricky Rudd.

In 1984, Earnhardt returned to Richard Childress Racing and over the next 17 seasons the duo became the most formidable combination in NASCAR history, winning 67 races and six championships.

Lowe’s Motor Speedway was the scene of several legendary Earnhardt moments, including the infamous “Pass in the Grass” during the 1987 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

“Lowe’s Motor Speedway has always been a great place for us,” said Childress. “It’s the place where you want to win in front of your family and friends.”

20

With his best friend, Earnhardt, behind the wheel, Childress experienced the highest of the highs. It was Earnhardt too, who sadly was the cause for his lowest of the lows.

Childress readily admits that after Earnhardt died in 2001 it was the most difficult time of his life. He thought about quitting the sport. After all, he’d accomplished everything there was to accomplish. He seriously contemplated shutting down Richard Childress Racing.

But he was reminded of the conversations he had shared with Earnhardt, the kind of moments only two close friends can have, where they talked about their hopes and dreams.

They had built a dynasty, one that had grown bigger than either man had dreamed of.

“There were too many jobs, too many people depending on us,” Childress said.

It wasn’t to be an easy job.

With the heart and soul of the organization gone, Childress transformed himself into its compass, its driving force and inspiration.

He hired a young Californian to replace Earnhardt and later brought in a veteran driver whom many had written off to help rebuild his organization. With drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton on his roster and with Childress recalling the strength and style of the mentors from his youth – France Jr. and Johnson – he rebuilt RCR into the potent racing organization it is today.

“Richard’s passion for the sport is unbelievable,” said Burton. “He has watched and witnessed this sport grow into what it is today and his drive and determination to 22

continue his presence in motorsports speaks volumes. I couldn’t ask for a better car owner because of that.”

Remarkably, there has been an RCR entry in every NASCAR Sprint Cup race since 1972, a streak that is unequalled.

As he approaches a time in his life when other men think about retiring, Childress will have none of it. He has no desire to make another transition, this time from owner to spectator, leaving behind the sport that has given him everything he currently enjoys.

“I don’t have any intentions of retiring,” said Childress.

“I do want to spend more time with my grandsons. And I want to do a little more traveling and I want to be able to do a few more things for myself that I’ve always wanted to do and do with my family.”

Over the past decade, while rebuilding his racing

organization, Childress has also enjoyed great success in his non-racing businesses. He’s been able to explore his passion for wine through the building of one of North Carolina’s most recognized wineries, Childress Vineyards.

Even more deep-rooted is his love of the outdoors. As a lifelong hunter and conservationist, Childress has turned his energies to raising money for charitable organizations that support wilderness conservation. He’s most proud of recently being appointed to the board of directors of the National Rifle Association.

“I really enjoy the outdoors,” said Childress. “I want to be able to give something back to the outdoors. It’s been so great to me and been the source for so many great memories.”

Childress also has another philanthropic project that’s close to his heart.

After learning that traumatic injuries to young children contribute to more deaths than all other causes combined, Childress and his wife, Judy, established the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. They envision it becoming the nation’s leading center for pediatric trauma care.

Having transcended his original role in the sport of stock car racing, Childress today stands as one of its most enduring icons and a sure bet to be among the early inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“Richard Childress is a great example of the All-American success story,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “He started racing in NASCAR when he had very little other than a passion and desire to race. His hard work and commitment to excellence have made him one of the sport’s most successful and popular car owners. He never gave up.”

Bob Margolis is a veteran motorsports journalist and television producer. He’s covered everything that goes fast, from NASCAR to powerboat racing.

Having chosen to free himself from the bonds of daily and weekly deadlines, he currently works as a freelance producer, writer and author.

Richard Childress and Grandson Austin Dillon

24

Richard and Judy Childress

KURT BUSCH No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. Born: Aug. 4, 1978 Team: Penske Racing Crew Chief: Pat Tryson Fast Fact: A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and his favorite athlete is Ryne Sandberg.

26

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

FAST PAIN RELIEF

WITH GREAT ORANGE TASTE.

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ROCKET-PROPELLED JACKRABBIT FAST. GR RAB A GO OODY’S COOL ORA ANG GE. ITT DISSOLVES FASTT SO YOU CAN N GEET THE QUICK RELLIEF YOU NEEED WITH A COOL ORA ANGE TASTE.

www.good www goodyspo yspowder wder.com .com Use Use as di directe ted.

MARK MARTIN No. 5 Kellogg’s/CARQUEST Chevrolet Hometown: Batesville, Ark. Born: Jan. 9, 1959 Team: Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson Fast Fact: The Mark Martin Museum in Batesville, Ark., features an extensive display of racing memorabilia along with several significant race cars, including the No. 6 Ford Martin drove to victory in the 2002 Coca-Cola 600.

28

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

KASEY KAHNE No. 9 Budweiser Dodge Hometown: Enumclaw, Wash.

Born: April 10, 1980 Team: Richard Petty Motorsports Crew Chief: Kenny Francis Fast Fact: A product of the open-wheel ranks, Kahne competed in the Toyota Atlantic Series and the Formula Ford 2000 Series in 2001 before moving to the NASCAR Nationwide Series the following season.

30

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

DENNY HAMLIN No. 11 FedEx Toyota Hometown: Chesterfield, Va. Born: Nov. 11, 1980 Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Crew Chief: Mike Ford Fast Fact: Collected five championships and 127 go-kart feature victories while competing in three classes over two seasons.

32

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

Visit Target® for a large selection of great Energizer® products

Come to the Energizer® Ultimate Lithium booth near gate 6 to meet Juan Pablo Montoya.

(Limited Signatures)

© 2009 Energizer Energizer, Energizer Bunny design, card graphics and shape, and other marks are trademarks of Energizer © 2009 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. All rights reserved.

TONY STEWART No. 14 Old Spice/Office Depot Chevrolet Hometown: Columbus, Ind. Born: May 20, 1971 Team: Stewart-Haas Racing Crew Chief: Darian Grubb Fast Fact: His vast portfolio of motorsports holdings includes the World of Outlaws sprint cars driven by Donny Schatz and Kraig Kinser and the USAC midgets, sprint cars and Silver Crown machines wheeled by Levi Jones and Tracy Hines.

34

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

*Based on a severe sludge clean-up test using SAE 5W-30. ©2009 SOPUS Products. All rights reserved.

CLEAN OUT UP TO 15% OF SLUDGE IN THE 1ST CHANGE *. Nothing feels better than a clean-running engine. But over time, sludgy deposits can rob you of that clean feeling. So choose an oil that’s packed with active cleansing agents that not only help prevent sludge, they clean out up to 15% of sludge in your first oil change.

Time for an oil change? Change with Pennzoil® and Feel The

Clean. Learn more at Pennzoil.com.

GREG BIFFLE No. 16 3M Ford Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.

Born: Dec. 23, 1969 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Greg Erwin Fast Fact: Delivered Roush Fenway Racing’s first NASCAR title by winning the 2000 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.

36

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

zMAX®, a product developed and made in the USA, is the only one of its kind in the world. zMAX® is a pure Micro-lubricant® that protects against carbon build-up and reduces harmful deposits. For testing information go to www.zmax.com. v ([WHQGV (QJLQH /LIH

v )RU 1HZ DQG 8VHG &DUV

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zMAX® is the official Micro-lubricant® of Speedway Motorsports, Inc.

This diesel fuel additive complies with the federal low sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles and nonroad engines.

JEFF GORDON No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.

Born: Aug. 4, 1971 Team: Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief: Steve Letarte Fast Fact: Named NASCAR Nationwide Series rookie of the year in 1991 and also captured the USAC Silver Crown Series championship that same season.

38

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

RYAN NEWMAN No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet Hometown: South Bend, Ind. Born: Dec. 8, 1977 Team: Stewart-Haas Racing Crew Chief: Tony Gibson Fast Fact: Started racing quarter-midgets at age 4 and is now a member of the Quarter-Midget Hall of Fame.

40

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

Available at ®/™ Trademarks ©Mars, Incorporated 2009

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA No. 42 Target Chevrolet Hometown: Bogota, Colombia Born: Sept. 20, 1975 Team: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Crew Chief: Brian Pattie Fast Fact: Set a rookie record by leading 167 of 200 laps during his Indianapolis 500 victory in 2000.

42

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

JIMMIE JOHNSON No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet Hometown: El Cajon, Calif.

Born: Sept. 17, 1975 Team: Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief: Chad Knaus Fast Fact: Won six off-road racing championships, including two MTEG Superlite titles and two SODA Winter Series overall crowns, between 1992 and 1997.

44

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

PERGO BEAUTIFULLY WITHSTANDS LIFE’S YELLOW FLAG MOMENTS. No matter the mishap, Pergo’s beauty shines through.

Lap after lap after lap, it doesn’t stain, fade or wear.

That’s why Pergo is so proud to support Team Lowe’s Racing and everyone who floors it to the finish.

Pergo Casual Living 080137 Hedgemoor Pecan

Available at

Lowe’s and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC and Let’s Build Something Together is a trademark of LF, LLC; all are used with permission.

BRIAN VICKERS No. 83 Red Bull Toyota Hometown: Thomasville, N.C. Born: Oct. 24, 1983 Team: Red Bull Racing Team Crew Chief: Ryan Pemberton Fast Fact: Missed his high school prom because he was racing at Bristol Motor Speedway.

46

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

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CARL EDWARDS No. 99 Aflac Ford Hometown: Columbia, Mo. Born: Aug. 15, 1979 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Bob Osborne Fast Fact: Was a college student at the University of Missouri and a part-time substitute teacher prior to signing with Roush Fenway Racing.

48

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

DAVID REUTIMANN

CASEY MEARS

MARTIN TRUEX JR.

No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota

No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet

No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet

Hometown: Zephyrhills, Fla. Born: March 2, 1970 Team: Michael Waltrip Racing Crew Chief: Rodney Childers Fast Fact: Son of East Coast racing legend Emil “Buzzie” Reutimann, who was inducted into the DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.

Born: March 12, 1978 Team: Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief: Todd Berrier Fast Fact: Finished third in the 2000 Indy Lights Series point standings, scoring his first series victory at the Grand Prix of Houston.

Hometown: Mayetta, N.J. Born: June 29, 1980 Team: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Crew Chief: Kevin “Bono” Manion Fast Fact: Won back-to-back NASCAR Nationwide Series championships in 2004 and 2005, his only two full seasons in the series.

50

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

Take Cholula out for a few hot laps around your race day party spread and friends will warm-up to you like never before! That’s because Cholula’s all about Flavor, Fire & Fun! Cholula revs-up the flavor & excitement in all your trackside favorites… eggs, dips, pizza, burgers, drinks, and grilling masterpieces.

You might say it’s the un-official hot sauce of the greatest racing on earth!!

Sharin’ the love!

Enjoy Cholula today at all condiment stands.

©Novamex 2008

DAVID RAGAN

ROBBY GORDON

DAVID STREMME

No. 6 UPS Ford

No. 7 Jim Beam Toyota

No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge

Hometown: Unadilla, Ga. Born: Dec. 24, 1985 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig Fast Fact: Secured a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ride with Roush Fenway Racing through the organization’s “Gong Show” competition in 2005.

Hometown: Orange, Calif.

Born: Jan. 2, 1969 Team: Robby Gordon Motorsports Crew Chief: Kirk Almquist Fast Fact: First job was working in his father’s feed yard where he raked chaff which are strands leftover from bales of hay.

Hometown: South Bend, Ind. Born: June 19, 1977 Team: Penske Racing Crew Chief: Roy McCauley Fast Fact: First stock car victory came at age 15 behind the wheel of the street stock normally driven by his mother.

52

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

MAX PAPIS

MATT KENSETH

KYLE BUSCH

No. 13 GEICO Toyota

No. 17 Carhartt Ford

No. 18 M&M’s Toyota

Hometown: Como, Italy Born: Oct. 3, 1969 Team: Germain Racing Crew Chief: Robert “Bootie” Barker Fast Fact: Competed in seven Formula One races for the Footwork Hart team during the 1995 season with a best finish of seventh at the Italian Grand Prix.

Hometown: Cambridge, Wis. Born: March 10, 1972 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer Fast Fact: Started racing at age 16 and won 10 late model features in his first two seasons on the short tracks of his native Wisconsin.

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. Born: May 2, 1985 Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Crew Chief: Steve Addington Fast Fact: Graduated with honors from Durango High School in 2002, a year early, to accelerate his racing career.

53

ELLIOTT SADLER

JOEY LOGANO

BILL ELLIOTT

No. 19 Best Buy/Stanley Tools Dodge

No. 20 The Home Depot Toyota

No. 21 Motorcraft Ford

Hometown: Emporia, Va. Born: April 30, 1975 Team: Richard Petty Motorsports Crew Chief: Wally Rogers Fast Fact: Earned a scholarship to play basketball for legendary coach Lefty Driesell at James Madison University, but a knee injury forced him to pursue a “sitdown job.”

Hometown: Middletown, Conn.

Born: May 24, 1990 Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Crew Chief: Greg Zipadelli Fast Fact: Has 11 career feature victories in Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Summer Shootout Series, seven in Bandoleros and four in Legends Cars.

Hometown: Dawsonville, Ga. Born: Oct. 8, 1955 Team: Wood Brothers Racing Crew Chief: David Hyder Fast Fact: His 13-year-old son, Chase, is a rising star in the late model stock car ranks.

54

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

BRAD KESELOWSKI JAMIE MCMURRAY

KEVIN HARVICK

No. 25 Go Daddy.com Chevrolet

No. 26 Crown Royal Ford

No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet

Hometown: Rochester Hills, Mich.

Born: Feb. 12, 1984 Team: Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief: Tony Eury Jr. Fast Fact: Lives in a home owned by his NASCAR Nationwide Series team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Hometown: Joplin, Mo. Born: June 3, 1976 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Donnie Wingo Fast Fact: One of 10 Americans selected to represent the U.S. at an international karting event in the former Soviet Union during 1989.

Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.

Born: Dec. 8, 1975 Team: Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief: Gil Martin Fast Fact: Won the International Race of Champions title in 2002, his rookie season in the four-race series that featured champion drivers in identically prepared cars.

56

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

Race Day Front Row Favorites

©2009 Bumble Bee Foods, LLC

Fuel your race day crew with a winning line-up of affordable sandwiches, salads, wraps and more – made with Sweet Sue® Chicken Breast and Bumble Bee® Premium Tuna pouches.

Stock-up during your next pit-stop at your local food store.

For Delicious Tuna Recipe Ideas Visit www.bumblebee.com

JEFF BURTON

CLINT BOWYER

JOHN ANDRETTI

No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet

No. 33 Count Chocula Chevrolet

No. 34 Taco Bell Chevrolet

Hometown: South Boston, Va. Born: June 29, 1967 Team: Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief: Scott Miller Fast Fact: Began racing go-karts at age 8 and captured two Virginia state championships before graduating to pure stock competition.

Hometown: Emporia, Kan. Born: May 30, 1979 Team: Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief: Shane Wilson Fast Fact: A huge Elvis Pressley fan, one of Bowyer’s off-track highlights came in 2005 when he met Pressley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, during a race weekend in Memphis.

Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind. Born: March 12, 1963 Team: Front Row Motorsports Crew Chief: Steve Lane Fast Fact: Advanced to the semi-finals during his NHRA Top Fuel drag racing debut in the 1993 Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

58

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

REED SORENSON

A.J. ALLMENDINGER

MARCOS AMBROSE

No. 43 Super 8 Dodge

No. 44 Richard Petty Motorsports Dodge

No. 47 Kingsford/Bush’s Toyota

Hometown: Peachtree City, Ga. Born: Feb. 5, 1986 Team: Richard Petty Motorsports Crew Chief: Sammy Johns Fast Fact: Drove to victory in the only American Speed Association late model race ever run at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October 2004.

Hometown: Dec. 16, 1981 Born: Los Gatos, Calif.

Team: Richard Petty Motorsports Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett Fast Fact: Dominated the Toyota Atlantic Series in 2003, claiming nine poles and seven victories in 12 races.

Hometown: Launceston, Australia Born: Sept. 1, 1976 Team: JTG/Daugherty Racing Crew Chief: Frank Kerr Fast Fact: Captured back-to-back V8 Supercar championships, winning 27 races in the Australian road racing series during 2003 and 2004.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

MICHAEL WALTRIP

DAVE BLANEY

DAVID GILLILAND

No. 55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota

No. 66 Prism Motorsports Toyota

No. 71 TRG Motorsports Chevrolet

Hometown: Owensboro, Ky. Born: April 30, 1963 Team: Michael Waltrip Racing Crew Chief: Gene Nead Fast Fact: Lived with Richard and Lynda Petty when he first moved to North Carolina in order to establish himself in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing.

Hometown: Hartford, Ohio Born: Oct. 24, 1962 Team: Prism Motorsports Crew Chief: Bill Henderson Fast Fact: Won sprint car racing’s biggest event, the Knoxville Nationals, en route to the 1995 World of Outlaws championship.

Hometown: Riverside, Calif.

Born: April 1, 1976 Team: TRG Motorsports Crew Chief: Slugger Labbe Fast Fact: Son of 1997 NASCAR Camping World West Series champion Butch Gilliland.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

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Hometown: Defiance, Ohio Born: July 2, 1979 Team: Penske Racing Crew Chief: Travis Geisler Fast Fact: A three-time IndyCar Series champion (2001, 2002 and 2006) and winner of the 2006 Indianapolis 500.

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Born: Jan. 24, 1983 Team: Red Bull Racing Team Crew Chief: Jimmy Elledge Fast Fact: Made 28 Formula One starts in 2006 and 2007, becoming the first American to compete for the World Driving Championship since Michael Andretti in 1993.

Hometown: Lakeland, Fla. Born: Sept. 26, 1963 Team: NEMCO Motorsports Crew Chief: Philippe Lopez Fast Fact: His career started on two wheels in 1983 and he won more than 300 trophies during six years of motocross racing.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

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Hometown: Kannapolis, N.C. Born: Oct. 10, 1974 Team: Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief: Lance McGrew Fast Fact: A 2006 Corvette Z06, a 2001 Intimidator SS Camaro, a 1996 Hummer, a 2002 Mini Cooper and a Chevrolet Z-71 pickup truck are among his large collection of personal vehicles.

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas Born: May 8, 1964 Team: Hall of Fame Racing Crew Chief: Ben Leslie Fast Fact: A renowned “Parrot Head,” a nickname given to fervent fans of musician Jimmy Buffett.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

67

There were many who thought Tony Stewart had lost his mind.

In July 2008, Stewart announced he was leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, the powerhouse team with which he won 33 races and two series championships, to assume an ownership role in Haas CNC Racing, a struggling operation that had not found success in six years of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.

Stewart was presented with an unprecedented opportunity and 15 months later Stewart-Haas Racing is a championship contender with two cars in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. But how did this race team, housed in a 140,000-squarefoot facility in Kannapolis, N.C., and affiliated with Hendrick Motorsports, go from struggling to stay in the top 35 in points to a legitimate challenger for the sport’s biggest prize?

It all started with a rather outlandish idea.

“Well, I have to give that credit to Joe Custer,” team co-owner Gene Haas said in May, shortly after being released from federal prison where he served nearly 16 months for tax fraud related to his primary business, Haas Automation, one of the world’s leading CNC machine tool manufacturers.

“I really didn't hear too much about what was going on with the team, but Joe approached me a little over a year ago and said he 68

had this idea,” Haas added. “His idea was that we had to make a change. Obviously, Haas CNC Racing had been in business for six years and we really were just struggling.

“Like any other businessman, you know you have to do something. We needed to do something in a big way. I told Joe that I didn’t need to be coming to these races to be running 35th in points. So I told him either we make a change or we turn the place into a truck stop.”

Custer, who was general manger of Haas CNC Racing and is now vice president of Stewart-Haas Racing, had the unique idea of giving Stewart 50 percent ownership of the two-car team.

“Having the opportunity to be a car owner in this series doesn’t come around very often unless you are a multimillionaire or a billionaire,” Stewart explained. “To have that opportunity with an existing team that offered us half of their organization is something that doesn’t come around very often.

But we spent a lot of time making sure that even though it was offered to us, that it was the right offer and the right opportunity.”

Stewart, who has enjoyed a great deal of success as the owner of open-wheel race cars and dirt race tracks, immediately went to work assembling an experienced management team that formed the foundation upon Tony Stewart and Gene Haas which the revamped racing team was built.

He hired veteran motorsports executive Bobby Hutchens as director of competition and brought in Tony Gibson and Darian Grubb as crew chiefs. He also worked out a deal for fellow Hoosier Ryan Newman to drive the team’s second car.

“It’s all been hard, but it’s all been fun at the same time,” Stewart said. “I don’t know that I would have changed anything. It was fun going through the process because it was like starting my open-wheel teams and opening my race tracks and hiring people for those. It was just 10 times bigger.”

Even though Stewart was the primary architect of the team’s transformation, he says Haas deserves much of the credit for giving him the opportunity.

“Everybody's given us all the credit for this, but you really have got to give him (Haas) the credit for taking the gamble and trusting us to make some pretty big decisions and personnel changes,” Stewart said. “That's not something that a

they're doing. We have great crew chiefs, we have good managers, and it's been well thought out,” Haas continued.

“When I sit in on the driver meetings, I'm really just learning and that's probably the fun part for me. I don't think I can really interject a lot into the business because I don't live this on a day-to-day basis. But I have a lot of faith in the people that I see.

“Winning our first race in seven years was something

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Bobby Hutchens, Darian Grubb, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Tony Gibson

lot of people in that position are willing to do and give up that kind of control to let a totally different group of guys come in and all of a sudden start changing things around.”

But Haas says he is more than happy to have Stewart and his group guiding the team.

“What I'm really good at is basically finding people who know what they're doing and letting them do their thing,” Haas said. “I've never really been a hands-on manager myself. I don't put my fingers in things. I put a lot of faith in the people I have and then let them run with what they have and see where it goes. For me, personally, that's been pretty successful.

“I really think that Tony and Ryan are two of the best drivers on the circuit today. And I think they know what HHP Photos by Harold Hinson, Gregg Ellman and Rusty Burroughs

that was a long time coming and we'll have to see where it goes from there,” Haas concluded.

That first victory came in May during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and it was a momentous occasion for everyone involved.

“The best part for sure was watching the guys when we won the All-Star Race at Charlotte, seeing guys that had never been to Victory Lane before,” Stewart said. “Watching the expressions on those guys’ faces and the celebration in Victory Lane, that’s definitely been the best part.

“It’s been a fun process of watching different guys come from different organizations and everybody kind of was in a pattern of how they did things. So weekly, it 69

was an adjustment for these guys, but now they’re in the routine week in and week out and it is fun just to watch these guys have fun. We’ve got a really good group of guys that I’m really proud of.”

The performance of Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet and Newman’s No. 39 U.S. Army Chevy has been one of the biggest stories of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season, but Newman says fans shouldn’t be surprised because the team was built on a solid foundation.

"We had a defined backbone. Everything was there,”

Newman pointed out.

“It wasn't like we built a building or like we had to figure out where we were going to put the set-up plate and things like that.

Gene Haas and Joe Custer and those guys did a great job of getting all those things done.

“The backbone was there. We just had to branch out.

Our new branches were new people. We had to build new cars and we had to bring in some different situations, whether it was how the teams work together and things like that, communicationwise, to try to make things better from where they were.”

On the surface, the transformation of Haas CNC Racing into Stewart-Haas Racing appears to have been rather easy, but Stewart says there were a lot of sleepless nights early in the process.

“The hardest part for me was last fall,” he said. “That was the most stressful part of it, getting these key people in place. Last year, there were a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of headaches going to bed. It was hard to get it all together, but once you get it together and you get a good 70

group like this and you've got a group that's as hungry as this group is, they feed off of each other. It makes it to where all I have to do is walk in there and pat those guys on the back, because they are all a lot smarter than I am.

“So my hard part was, like I said, in the fall and it does make this year seem a lot easier because these guys are the ones doing the work every day. You know, I've just got to spend the time being the cheerleader during the week and I've got great race cars and a great team behind me on the weekends.”

And Stewart’s confidence in his team is infectious.

“There's something to be said when Tony walks into the shop and he has that confidence,” Grubb noted. “He pats everybody on the back.

They know he's putting everything he's got into it. And same thing with Ryan Newman, they know they have two of the best drivers out there.

They know they are part of this team and they are in it for the long haul; that makes everybody want to work that much harder to go out there and give them what they need to win.”

Keith Waltz has worked as a motorsports journalist and public relations practitioner since 1983. He currently serves as a columnist and correspondent for National Speed Sport News and is the copy editor for Pole Position magazine.

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While NASCAR pit stops may resemble organized chaos, they are actually poetry in motion. Seven highly trained athletes routinely go over the wall and a normal pit stop consists of changing four tires and filling the car’s fuel tank with Sunoco unleaded gasoline.

An average four-tire pit stop can take anywhere between 13 and 15 seconds.

The number of pit stops that will take place during the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America will be influenced by several factors, including the number of caution flags, each car’s fuel mileage, tire wear and pit strategy.

At times, NASCAR will allow an eighth crew member over the wall and he is only allowed to clean the car’s windshield and assist the driver.

Below is a look at each crew member’s responsibilities during a routine pit stop.

1. REAR-TIRE CARRIER – Assists the rear-tire changer by handing him a new, right-side tire he has carried from behind the pit wall. He may also adjust the rear jack bolt or the track-bar bolt to change the car’s handling.

2. JACKMAN – Operates a 20-pound hydraulic jack that is used to raise the car for tire changes. After new tires are bolted on to the right side of the car, he drops the car to the ground and repeats the process on the left side.

3. REAR-TIRE CHANGER – First removes and replaces the right-rear tire using an air-powered impact wrench to loosen and tighten the five lug nuts holding the wheel in place. He then moves to the opposite side of the car to change the leftrear tire.

4. FRONT-TIRE CARRIER – Assists the front-tire changer by handing him a new, right-side tire that he has carried from behind the pit wall. He repeats the process on the left side of the car with a tire rolled to him by another crew member from behind the pit wall.

5. FRONT-TIRE CHANGER – First removes and replaces the right-front tire using an air-powered impact wrench to loosen and tighten the five lug nuts holding the wheel in place. He then moves to the opposite side of the car to change the left-front tire.

6. CATCH-CAN MAN – Holds a small metal can that collects overflow gasoline from the fuel cell as it is being filled. He also signals the rest of the team that the refueling process is finished by raising his hand.

7. GAS MAN – Empties two 12-gallon dump cans of Sunoco unleaded gasoline into the car’s 17.75-gallon fuel cell. When full of gasoline, each dump can weighs 81 pounds.

8. SUPPORT CREW – Assists members of the “over-the-wall” crew by rolling them tires, handing them cans of gasoline and retrieving air hoses and wrenches. Support crew members must remain behind the pit wall during all pit stops.

HHP Photo by Erik Perel

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Phil Bickley, of Wausau, Wis., redeemed his NASCAR RacePoints for the opportunity to be the honorary starter for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. As part of his duties, Bickley will wave the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

An avid race fan for 52 years and a NASCAR Banking customer, Bickley is the owner of Electronic Innovations, a local satellite television dealer.

He and his wife, Helen, owned and operated several Wisconsin race tracks, including Golden Sands Speedway, Madison International Speedway and State Park Speedway, before retiring from motorsports in 2005.

During the Bickleys’ tenure as auto-racing promoters, several notable drivers competed at their race tracks, including Ted Musgrave,

the Sauters, Bobby Allison, Paul Menard, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Petty.

Coincidentally, one of Bickley’s favorite racing moments took place several years ago at Lowe’s Motor Speedway when he drove to victory in a Legends Car race.

The Bickleys will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this winter, a marriage that started with a honeymoon to Daytona. This is one couple that considers racing a major part of their lives.

NASCAR Banking customers earn RacePoints by using their NASCAR credit card or NASCAR debit card to make retail purchases.

RacePoints can be redeemed for exclusive NASCAR merchandise and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as serving as the honorary starter for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.

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With the laps winding down in the 1980 Coca-Cola 600, Benny Parsons and Darrell Waltrip were engaged in a torrid duel, oblivious to the darkness creeping in over Lowe's Motor Speedway.

The 600-mile race, the longest on NASCAR's Sprint Cup circuit, had been halted twice by rain and now the 120,000 fans who had survived the dismal weather were being treated to one of the best battles in the event's history.

Five times in the final 25 laps, the mild-mannered 38year-old Parsons traded the lead with the brash 33-year-old Waltrip. Leading Parsons' crew was David Ifft, a congenial

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and often comic man who had been Waltrip's crew chief the previous year.

Buddy Parrott, one of the best race-day strategists, was Waltrip's crew chief. A pit-road accident earlier in the day had cost Parrott the tip of his index finger. However, that wasn't the issue now. All that mattered was who would get to the checkered flag first. The race had started at noon and it was now closing in on 6:30 p.m.

When the checkered flag finally waved at 6:40 p.m., Parsons had edged Waltrip by less than a car length for the only Coca-Cola 600 victory of his career.

After the race, Parsons watched replays of his final pit stop several times, and it was what he saw in the footage that resulted in him placing a telephone call to Ifft sometime around 2:30 a.m. on Monday. Ifft, who was at home in Savannah, asked Parsons what he was doing up so late. It was then that Parsons asked who had gassed his car on the final stop.

“I started explaining it to him,” Ifft recalled. “He said, ‘David, I don't want to cheat to win races. If I have to win cheating, I don't want to do it.’

“I said, ‘Benny, I have been cheating different ways since you've been in that car. I just don't tell you.’ Back then you could get away with more stuff.”

Today, Ifft doesn’t hesitate to talk about that afternoon’s events. He knew that in order to win his crew had to get Parsons off pit road ahead of Waltrip on their final stop. It had already been determined that tires that had undergone two to three heat cycles were better than new ones that hot Memorial Day weekend. Ifft said crewman Barry Dodson remembered crew chief Harry Hyde still had a set of those tires due to his driver having exited the race. Dodson acquired the tires during the first rain delay, which lasted 48 minutes.

Now, Ifft was trying to figure a way to get Parsons off pit road ahead of Waltrip following his final stop, but with enough fuel to go the distance. Regulation fuel cans held 11 gallons and Ifft knew Parsons needed 1½ cans of gasoline to make it to the checkered flag.

That's when another one of Ifft's crewmen stepped forward with information about a 14-gallon gas can in team owner Junior Johnson's possession. Johnson's driver, Cale Yarborough, was experiencing overheating problems with his car and was no longer in contention. There was a chance Johnson might let the M.C. Anderson crew use the 14-gallon fuel can. Ifft walked to Johnson's pit and explained his reason for needing to get Parsons off pit road quickly. Johnson told Ifft to take the 14-gallon fuel can and gasman Henry Benfield with him.

“Henry was one of the best gas guys there was back then, and I don't think Junior wanted to give us the can anyway,” Ifft commented.

Ifft's plan worked. Parsons had received the scuffed tires during the caution flag for rain that turned into a 47minute delay. Waltrip needed tires on the final stop, but didn't take them. Parsons received only fuel and due to Parrott's injured finger Waltrip's team felt it would take too long to change tires.

Today, Ifft describes Parsons as “one of the nicest people.”

“As far as all the drivers I've worked with, and I've worked with Cale, Darrell, (David) Pearson, all of them, Benny was probably the nicest,” the 61-year-old Ifft said. “I always said if you want to make money racing, get Terry Labonte or Benny Parsons, because they won't knock the fender off it. They'll take second place before they'll tear up your car.”

Parsons' passion for the sport didn't end with his driving career. In fact, it probably became more intense once he moved into his broadcasting career, which began with a qualifying show on WFMX-FM in Statesville, N.C. From there it progressed to the show “Fast Talk with Benny Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson, Dorsey Patrick and from LMS Archives

Benny Parsons and David Ifft in Victory Lane

Parsons” on Performance Racing Network, ESPN and finally NBC/TNT. Having worked with Parsons on the qualifying show, PRN President Doug Rice knew Parsons had the ideal personality for a show that would allow him to converse Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons in 1978 with the fans.

“He cared about people and he cared about the sport immensely,” Rice said. “I'm not saying that rhetorically. He wanted the sport represented in the best possible light.”

The popular PRN radio show lasted 15 years and Rice noted it was a success because the “show was all about him as far as people calling, wanting to talk to him, wanting him to address what issues he thought were important.

“Even when he was ill he came in every Monday that he possibly could to do it,” Rice continued. “He dearly loved doing it.”

Deb Williams is a veteran motorsports journalist and public relations practitioner. She was one of the first female journalists to cover NASCAR racing on a regular basis and, for many years, served as editor of NASCAR Scene.

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Fulfilling Benny’s Dream Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge Produces Award-Winning Wines

By DEB WILLIAMS

white,” Terri said. “We are trying to come up with a couple of No matter whether Benny Parsons was driving a race uncommon names. One offered up as a suggestion that got car or working as a broadcaster, the Wilkes County, N.C., shut down fast was Racing Rubber Red. I guess it conjured native always strove for excellence. up unpleasant thoughts as to what might actually be in the A vineyard and winery that exuded excellence, but wine. I told you I am new at this. eliminated the stuffiness from wine tasting rooms was on the “Winston White is one I am currently leaning toward for NASCAR champion and Emmy award winner's agenda when one. Winston was the name of our dog of 17 years, but, of he died unexpectedly on Jan. 16, 2007. His dream, however, course, Benny was also the 1973 Winston Cup champion, didn't die with him thanks to his wife, Terri.

Terri Parsons forged ahead despite being told by her so people can see it for whichever they like.” attorney and her accountant to forget about the vineyard, which still had thousands of grapevines to be planted, and not to finish the Wilkes County dream house that Benny had so meticulously planned.

“When the attorney and the accountant told me I couldn't do it, that just made me want to do it all the more,” Terri said in explaining why she proceeded with her late husband's plans for Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge. “I remember saying to them in the hallway, ‘If you can't figure out a way that I can do this, get out of the way, I'm going to find somebody that can.’

“In my heart, I did not want this to be Benny's biggest folly.

People remember the last thing they've heard, not the first. I was bound and determined the last thing they would hear was that his wine won Photos by Deb Williams awards, his wine tasting room was For Terri, the last two years have been among the open and his toughest in her life, but she hasn’t made the journey alone. museum was Angie Whittington, general manager of Benny Parsons wonderful. That's Rendezvous Ridge; Tasting Room Manager Denise Kent and Terri Parsons all I wanted was Events Coordinator and Wine Distributor Pennie Sawyer to complete it.” have been with her every step of the way. An award-winning Terri Parsons succeeded. staff that Terri admits was instrumental in her accomplishing Now, 2½ years after his death, Benny Parsons her goals.

“God brought me together with them,” Terri commented.

Rendezvous Ridge wine has garnered nine medals, “My general manager and my wine maker are both race fans.” including a silver for its 2006 barrel fermented Chardonnay For Terri, the vineyard business has allowed her to once at the International Women In Wine Competition in Santa again use her creativity, something she enjoyed tremenRosa, Calif. dously as the assistant director of tourism for Daytona The winery produces 2,000 cases annually and hosts weddings, senior prom dinners and other special gatherings. Beach, Fla. It also has been a way for her to keep Benny close to race fans and in their hearts, just as he is in hers.

Before the year ends, plans call for the introduction of two new wines.

To learn more about Benny Parsons Rendezvous “While trying to maintain price competitiveness in this Ridge and its award-winning wines, visit current economy, our wine maker, Mark Terry, is working on www.rendezvousridge.com. two new wines soon to be released – one red and one 78

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Robert Yates, whose accomplishments as a NASCAR car owner include three Daytona 500 victories and the 1999 Sprint Cup championship, will receive the Smokey Yunick Award prior to the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.

Legendary car owner and mechanic Smokey Yunick, who passed away May 11, 2001, instituted the award in 1997 to annually recognize an individual who rose from humble beginnings and through hard work and dedication made a major impact on the motorsports industry.

“The ideals upon which Smokey Yunick based this award are the same ideals upon which Robert Yates built a championship career,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “Robert started as a mechanic and, through hard work and dedication, went on to win 57 races and a championship as a car owner. He is a most-deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Yates dabbled in drag racing as a youngster and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Wilson Community College.

His professional stock-car racing career started at HolmanMoody in 1968 and by 1971 he was working for car owner Junior Johnson where the engines he built provided power for drivers such as Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough.

From 1976 to 1986, Yates built engines for DiGard Racing, which captured the 1983 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship with Bobby Allison, and Yates became a team owner late in 1988 when he purchased Harry Ranier’s stock-car operation.

The team’s debut season was an indication of things to come as Davey Allison drove Yates’ No. 28 Ford Thunderbird to victories at Talladega and Daytona.

With a roster of drivers that included Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett, Kenny Irwin, Ricky Rudd and Elliott Sadler, Robert Yates Racing won at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race every year from 1989 to 2004, including five at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Robert Yates Racing claimed 57 victories and captured the 1999 championship with Jarrett before Yates relinquished leadership of the team to his son Doug Yates and Max Jones prior to the 2008 season.

In addition to his role as a NASCAR team owner, Yates co-founded Roush Yates Engines prior to the 2004 racing season when he merged his enginebuilding operation with that of fellow car owner Jack Roush. Today, Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive supplier of Ford engines for NASCAR’s top series and it also produces a wide variety of Ford engines and performance parts for other motorsports applications.

Previous winners of the Smokey Yunick Award include Junior Johnson, Ken Squier, Bill Simpson, Ralph Moody, Banjo Matthews, Bud Moore, Cotton Owens, Junie Donlavey, Roger Penske, Jim Hunter, Dale Inman and Glen and Leonard Wood.

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Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson and LMS Archives

A pivotal moment in Richard Petty’s unparalleled career occurred May 24, 1964, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, and it was a tragedy.

The most popular stock car racer of his time, Glenn “Fireball” Roberts, died later from injuries suffered in a fiery crash that day. Roberts left a void that Petty was destined to fill.

Petty Enterprises won the Coca-Cola 600 that day, but it was Jim Paschal who crossed the finish line first.

Petty finished a distant second, followed by Rex White and Fred Lorenzen. Nothing else that happened that day mattered, though. The sense of loss was comparable, in its day, to the cataclysm of Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash nearly 37 years later.

The year of Roberts’ death was also the year of Petty’s first championship. Petty had finished second in what was then the NASCAR Grand National points in both 1962 and ’63. In 1964, Petty won nine races and finished in the top 10 in 43 of the 61 races he ran.

“You can look back at history, and it doesn’t matter what it is you’re talking about,” said Petty. “George Washington, Abraham Lincoln … they all came along at a time and rose to meet the challenge their time required. There’s not anything different about racing.”

Petty became NASCAR’s biggest star, and three years later, he would win a record 27 races in a single season.

“Looking back now, ‘Fireball’s’ death left a void,” said Petty. “The deal was, the top guy went away, and somebody else had to be put up there. The general public gets behind him, and that’s one of the things, one of the things I regret, but one of the things that focused attention on what I was doing.

“Another thing was the FordChevy rivalry. Ford fans hated Chevy. Chevy fans hated Ford. I was driving a Plymouth, and getting caught in the middle wasn’t a bad thing. What I’m trying to say is that very few fans disliked me. If they pulled for Fords – and Fords didn’t win – they didn’t mind it when I won, and viceversa. I didn’t have that many folks who were against me.”

82

Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson and from LMS Archives

Petty, being a man of humility, understated his own case. Fans flocked to him because they liked him, not just because he didn’t drive a Ford or a Chevy at the time. Some have suggested that Petty has signed more autographs than anyone in history. During an age in which access between fans and heroes was at an alltime high, Petty had time for everyone. He was wholesome, handsome and heroic.

“What I reckon made me popular was a combination of things,” he said. “Fate played a role. I was there at the right time. NASCAR was growing. Someone was going to be the guy the fans turned to, and if it hadn’t been me, it would’ve been someone else.

“The guys who helped build NASCAR paved the way for the guys that come in now with money.

When it first started, Junior (Johnson), Bud Moore, us, all these guys were racers. They didn’t have any outside business. All they wanted to do was race.

“Then, all of a sudden, there was some money in it, so people with money came in and said they were going to spend money to make money,” Petty continued. “The first thing you

know, the money runs the racers out of the racing business.”

There are two great families in the sport’s history: the Frances, who built the sport as a business, and the Pettys, who built it in the hearts and minds of the public.

Lee Petty won more races than anyone until his son Richard came along and surpassed him in 1967.

Just as there have been three generations – founder William H.G. France, successor William C. France and current chairman Brian France – of Frances, there have also been three generations of Pettys: Lee, Richard and Kyle.

Tragedy robbed the Pettys of a

Family Patriarch Lee Petty

83

fourth racing generation when Kyle’s son, Adam, perished in a 2000 crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Richard Petty is a very different man from his father, Lee, who died in 2000 at age 86. Lee Petty had little time for all the diversions that took up so much of his son’s time. The family patriarch avoided interviews while racing and shunned reporters almost completely after the checkered flag.

“That was his personality,” recalled Richard. “The trick was to come in and just start talking to him. Once he thought it was an interview, he was always reluctant. He didn’t want to talk about himself. He didn’t want any attention beyond posing for the trophy and depositing the check. Even when he ran races, he didn’t

care much for attention.”

The son learned much from his father’s reluctance.

He put an entire sport on his back and ran with it, capturing the imagination of millions in the process.

Richard Petty won 200 races, the first in 1960 and the last in 1984. That ranks him 95 ahead of runner-up David Pearson. Petty’s seven championships have been matched

by Earnhardt, himself the anchor of a three-generation racing family.

For obvious reasons, Richard Petty, at the same time he was everyone’s friend, was also everyone’s rival. He and Pearson finished 1-2 in 63 races. Petty was always the target, the man to beat. He battled all the greats of his age: Pearson, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Earnhardt and others.

“What made those rivalries is that all of us who were in them were at the top of our games,” said Petty. “Lots of times, when Bobby (Allison) and I were having our differences, one of us had the fastest car and the other had the 84

second fastest. Today there are rivalries, but, you don’t see that same thing happening because there aren’t any drivers who match each other the same way in consistency.

“Everything always changes. You can’t control that.

There’s no way to compare those days to these. I always think of what (son) Kyle told me. He said, ‘The only thing that’s the same is the change itself.’”

Petty Enterprises was a family team. Richard’s first cousin, Dale Inman, was his crew chief for most of his career. His brother, Maurice, was the engine builder.

“We never went to a race we didn’t think we could win,” said Maurice Petty. “We thought we were supposed to.”

“It’s hard to say a lot about your brother, especially in front of him,” said Richard Petty on the occasion of Maurice’s induction into the National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame. “When the chips were down, daddy said we were going to work together, so that’s the way it was.

“I think, if you look at the history of this sport, you’d have to say Maurice was the best engine builder there’s ever been in NASCAR.” But Petty Enterprises isn’t a family team anymore. Richard Petty Motorsports is the result of a merger of Petty Enterprises and what was once Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

“It gets harder and harder for the sponsors to put up, say, $15 million, out of their budgets,” said Petty. “If a sponsor puts up $10 million to keep the race team going, it has to spend practically twice that much in order to get the benefit out of it. Just putting the name on the side of a car and running around and around the race track is not going to get him back his $10 million. It’s what the sponsor does and how much money it spends around the racing that makes it worthwhile.

“When you add up all that, there aren’t that many who can say, ‘We don’t want anything else on the car. We want to do the full sponsorship.’ What that means nowadays is that teams are winding up with two or three major sponsors on the cars at various times and a bunch of lesser sponsors, associate sponsors, so that everyone can benefit by the total outlay on the car. It’s according to what kind of promotions they run, whether it does them any good. If they’ve only got so much money to spend, they’ve got to do their advertisement plus get a race car.”

Petty drove almost everything: Plymouths, Dodges, Chryslers, Oldsmobiles, Chevrolets, Buicks and Pontiacs. In a sense, as he now helps run a team of four drivers – Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, A.J. Allmendinger and Reed Sorenson – he’s come full circle.

They all drive Dodge Chargers, a manufacturer and a model right out of the Petty glory years.

“The Charger was really good for us,” said Petty. “I just wish we could get it as good as we used to have it going.”

Monte Dutton covers NASCAR for the Gaston Gazette and the NASCAR This Week Web site (http://nascar.rbma.com).

Richard, Adam and Kyle Petty following Adam’s ARCA Win in 1998

Adam Petty died too soon. The fourth generation of NASCAR’s definitive family, the Pettys, met his maker in a crash during Nationwide Series practice at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on May 12, 2000. He was 19.

Petty had debuted in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway earlier that year and a bid for Raybestos Rookie of the Year was planned for 2001.

The family line of drivers – patriarch Lee Petty, who also died in 2000 but at age 86; Richard, NASCAR’s all-time leader in victories; and Kyle, who won eight Sprint Cup races – has seen tragedy along with unprecedented success.

In the aftermath of Adam’s death, the family didn’t consider giving up the sport. It was, in fact, unthinkable.

Racing is the Petty family business. Continuing on was seen within the family as an appropriate tribute to the fallen heir.

But Adam’s parents, Kyle and Pattie Petty, wanted to do more. In October 2000, five months after his death, the Pettys partnered with actor/racer Paul Newman and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp to form their personal tribute to Adam. The Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., (another is now being built in Kansas) was founded as a memorial to Adam Petty.

The camp began operation in 2004 and is an official charity of NASCAR. “They’re really building a legacy of Adam’s dream and vision,” said a major benefactor of the camp, Tony Stewart, “and there are not a lot of places like that which have been 86

able to branch out and have two or three facilities.

“I think the first camp is something Adam would be very, very proud of, and now that the second facility is going to be started, I think he would be overjoyed.”

The camp, which caters to sick children, is a labor of love for Kyle and Pattie Petty. Both have worked tirelessly to raise funds to build the camp and perpetuate it.

“We looked at it like the camp was our child,” Kyle said.

“It’s still your child until the end of time. We knew we were making a lifetime commitment to the camp.

“What’s changed, because of the NASCAR community, is the nature of the camp. When we first came up with the idea, we envisioned a camp that would benefit children in the two Carolinas, but when you’re named an official charity of NASCAR, that opens up a lot. All of a sudden, we started seeing kids from Pennsylvania, from Las Vegas, from New York City and from Los Angeles.

“Before we ever started seeing kids, it had become a national camp. We thought it was going to be a lot smaller, and all of a sudden, we found ourselves being thrown into the deep end of the pool. We’re blessed for that, but it takes a lot of people.”

For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

Monte Dutton covers NASCAR for the Gaston Gazette and the NASCAR This Week Web site (http://nascar.rbma.com).

When the Wood Brothers hired Alfred “Speedy” Thompson to drive their No. 21 Ford in the inaugural NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America (then known as the National 400), it signaled the end of one career and jumped-started another.

After that milestone victory on Oct. 16, 1960, Thompson, who grew up in Monroe, N.C., won only one more race in what is now the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, finishing his career with 20 victories. “‘Speedy’ was a good driver and was very competitive,” said Eddie Wood, son of Glen Wood, who now runs the Wood Brothers team in Harrisburg, N.C., with his first-cousin, Len. “He had made his mark, driving that Chrysler for Carl Kiekhaefer back during the mid-’50s.

“I remember daddy telling us we’ve got to get someone to drive in the National 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and we need someone who’ll be competitive. At the time, ‘Speedy’ didn’t have a ride, so he pretty much jumped at the opportunity to drive our car.”

And Thompson made the most of the opportunity.

Starting third in the 50-car lineup, Thompson led the final 35 laps of the 267-lap race after leader Glenn “Fireball” Roberts blew a tire and ran into the retaining wall on lap 233.

Richard Petty was the runner-up in that race in which Thompson averaged 112.905 mph and earned $12,710 for his efforts. An estimated crowd of 29,166 was on hand.

In three starts while driving for the Wood Brothers, Thompson won twice and finished fourth.

Thompson, whose brother Jimmy was also a standout dirt-track racer, was in the twilight of his career in 1960. But just seven days after the biggest win of his career, Thompson drove the No. 21 to victory again on the half-mile dirt track at the Atlantic Rural Fairgrounds in Richmond, Va. Thompson was a regular at Southern States Speedway on Tryon Street (where the Tryon Street Mall is now located) in Charlotte, N.C., and Starlight Speedway in Monroe. He was pretty much the master at both dirt tracks.

88

Photos from LMS Archives

“‘Speedy’ Thompson was a racer’s racer,” said Hill Overton, a resident of Monroe, who was in attendance at that first fall race at the 1.5-mile Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“All he ever wanted to do was drive race cars and it didn’t matter who he was driving for, he gave it his all,” Overton added. “When he won that fall race, he really earned it. It was no fluke like Joe Lee (Johnson) winning the firstever race at the speedway.”

“While ‘Speedy’s’ career was coming to a halt at the time, ours was just getting warmed up,” said Eddie Wood.

The Wood Brothers would go on to win five more races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“We hadn’t even run the No. 21 that much. It was more of an orange-and-white rather than a red-andwhite which we later used,” explained Eddie Wood.

“Not only did ‘Speedy’ win that race for us, but, I think, what he did that weekend attracted a lot of attention and opened up many doors later for us.

“I think there were a lot of drivers after that who really wanted to drive our car,” Wood continued. “David Pearson said he was always a ‘Speedy’ Thompson fan and when ‘Speedy’ did what he did that weekend, it made him want to drive that 21 car.

“And you know what happened to us and David and the No. 21 Mercury.”

After winning at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Thompson told a reporter for The Charlotte Observer, “It was one of the biggest things that ever happened in my racing career.

“Being raised in Monroe, not far from Charlotte Motor Speedway, I always wanted to win at that track. Curtis Turner helped build it and he was one of us. It was like my home track.

90

“I don’t think my career ever would have been successful, if I hadn’t won at Charlotte. And to be able to do it in the Wood Brothers’ No. 21, made it that much more special,” Thompson added. “I thought I had driven a top-notch race car when I drove that Chrysler for Kiekhaefer in 1956. But that was nothing compared to that No. 21 Ford. It was lightning fast and they had it set up just right.”

Jack Flowers has written about auto racing for more than 50 years. At one point during his career, he covered every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race for 17 consecutive years. Flowers is currently a columnist and correspondent for National Speed Sport News.

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Speedy Thompson • 1960

Joe Weatherly • 1961

Junior Johnson • 1962, 1963

Fred Lorenzen • 1964, 1965

Lee Roy Yarbrough • 1966, 1970

Buddy Baker • 1967 94

Charlie Glotzbach • 1968

Donnie Allison • 1969, 1976

Bobby Allison • 1971, 1972, 1978

Cale Yarborough • 1973, 1979, 1985

David Pearson • 1974

Richard Petty • 1975, 1983 96

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Benny Parsons • 1977

Dale Earnhardt • 1980, 1986

Darrell Waltrip • 1981

Harry Gant • 1982

Bill Elliott • 1984, 1987

Rusty Wallace • 1988 98

Ken Schrader • 1989

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Ernie Irvan • 1993 100

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Dale Jarrett • 1994, 1997

Terry Labonte • 1996

Jeff Gordon • 1999, 2007

Bobby Labonte • 2000

Sterling Marlin • 2001 102

Jamie McMurray • 2002

Tony Stewart • 2003

Jimmie Johnson • 2004, 2005

Kasey Kahne • 2006

Jeff Burton • 2008 104

Leonard Wood (left), Glen Wood (right) and longtime driver David Pearson

The small town of Stuart, Va., is located a few miles from Martinsville Speedway and is a short distance from the North Carolina state line.

It was named after Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and has its place in history.

It is the country store; hometown America; apple pie; and well…Ford.

The town’s most famous contemporary is a stock car racing family – the legendary Wood Brothers.

Until a couple of years ago, the Wood Brothers operated out of Stuart, Va., where the racing team had been based since Glen Wood formed it in 1950.

Glen Wood’s children, Eddie and Len Wood and their 106

sister Kim Hall, now run the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team and they moved it to Mooresville, N.C., in 2003. Two years later, the team relocated to a spacious building on State Highway 49 in Harrisburg, N.C., less than five miles from Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

With Alfred “Speedy” Thompson handling the driving duties of the No. 21 Ford, the Wood Brothers won the first fall race (then the National 400; now the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America) at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in October 1960. Since then, the Wood Brothers have won five more races at LMS – including a sweep of both races in 1974 with David Pearson driving the famous No. 21 Mercury.

The last victory for the Wood Brothers at Lowe’s Motor Speedway came in the 1976 CocaCola 600 with Pearson behind the wheel.

From 1962 to 1981, the Wood Brothers were one of the most dominant teams in NASCAR’s premier series, winning 89 races, the majority of them on superspeedways.

It’s been a drought of some proportions since 1981 with the Wood Brothers winning only seven more races, the last Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson and from LMS Archives

being Elliott Sadler’s victory at Bristol Motor Speedway in March 2001. That race marked the first time the Wood Brothers had won since 1993 when Morgan Shepherd was driving the No. 21 Ford.

Wood Brothers Racing is the only team among the top eight car owners in NASCAR victories that has never had a driver win the championship.

During the team’s glory years – from the mid-’60s through the early ’80s – the Wood Brothers skipped numerous races, mainly the short-track events, and didn’t focus on winning championships.

Pearson claimed 43 of the Wood Brothers 96 victories, making him the only driver with the most victories for two of the most successful car owners in NASCAR history.

No other team has had more drivers win races in its cars than the Wood Brothers. The roster is a literal “Who’s Who” that includes the team’s patriarch, Glen Wood; Tiny Lund, A. J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Donnie Allison, Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett, Dan Gurney, Curtis Turner, Thompson, Marvin Panch, Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Neil Bonnett, Shepherd and Sadler.

“I’ll tell you why the Wood Brothers win,” Pearson once said about his days behind the wheel of the No. 21 Mercury. “They put their heart in it. When it comes five o’clock, they’re not thinking about going to get a beer. They think racing 24 hours a day.”

Yarborough, who drove for the Wood Brothers before going on to win three consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles with car owner Junior Johnson in the 1970s, said, “The Wood Brothers set my career on fire.”

Yarborough won 13 races in the short time he drove for the Wood Brothers.

The Wood Brothers also helped to change stock car racing during their glory days.

One of the most graphic descriptions of how they changed the sport came in 1965 when they were called to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by officials of the Ford Motor Co. to pit the car driven by Jimmy Clark.

They had already won two Cup races in 1965 with Gurney and Panch before going to Indy. Clark won the Indianapolis 500 that year and credited the fast pit stops, turned in by the Wood Brothers, as one of the leading factors for his victory.

Glen and Leonard Wood led that pit crew in the 1960s and ’70s which out-performed opponents on pit road and set the benchmark for NASCAR pit stops.

But as the business side of NASCAR racing changed during the 1990s, Wood Brothers Racing struggled to keep up.

107

“We’ve had our share of setbacks the last few years,” said Eddie Wood, spokesman for the Wood Brothers and the team’s front-tire changer for a number of years. “I’m not sure if they really wanted us to move from Stuart down here to Harrisburg, but it was something we had to do if we really wanted to keep this thing going.

“Now, with the economy the way it is, it’s made it even tougher to do what we’ve done,” Eddie Wood added. “I wonder how many teams could have survived if they would have had to go through what we’ve been through?

“If it hadn’t been for Ford’s help, I don’t know what we would have done. They’ve kept us going, that’s for sure. Of course we’ve run only Fords or Mercurys ever since daddy won those first three or four races at the end of the ’40s at Bowman-Gray (Winston-Salem, N.C.).”

A lot of the Wood Brothers’ problems started in the 1980s and the ’90s when they began running a full schedule out of their shop in Stuart, Va. “It’s something Ford and our sponsors wanted us to do,” Len Wood said about running all the series races. "It was something this team had never done.

“We think we just got caught short-handed and tried to do some of the stuff we’d been used to doing and it just didn’t work. We should have gone into it with more help.

We got behind and never could get caught up. It’s still hurting us.

“With the way this sport is now, it’s so competitive and, if you get behind, with as many good teams as there are now, all they’re gonna do is kick you while you’re down and you’re gonna have a hard time of getting back up from there,” Len Wood continued. “There are more good teams, all with competitive programs, than I’ve ever seen since we’ve been in this sport. There used to be five or six teams we had to beat in our heyday. Now, you’ve got about 20 or so teams capable of winning on any given Sunday.

“Right now, we’re trying something which we’re more accustomed to than any of the others – run a limited schedule. It has shown some promise, like at the Brickyard 108

400 in July where Bill (Elliott) was the fourth-fastest qualifier.

“That did this team a lot of good and gave us some lift and hope,” Len Wood concluded.

Elliott has been the team’s driver most of the time this season.

“It’s a good team,” said Elliott, who won the 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup title, “and they’re really doing the best they can with what they’ve got.

“In a lot of ways, it reminds me of the old Elliott team when we were starting out in Dawsonville (Ga.).”

At one point, a couple of years ago, it was hoped that Jon Wood, Eddie’s son, would blossom to become the team’s primary driver, but that hasn’t worked out.

“We’ve had our share of setbacks the last few years,” said Eddie Wood and Len Wood with Eddie Wood. “We’ve former driver Ricky Rudd still got a lot of work to do, but we believe we can wind up in the winner’s circle again if we can avoid bad breaks.

“It’d be just like 1960 when we won that first fall race at Lowe’s with ‘Speedy’ Thompson. It helped ‘Speedy,’ at the time, and it jump-started our career.

“We just need something like that to happen to us right now.”

Glen Wood said the victory by Sadler at Bristol in 2001 was a big morale booster for the team.

“That win gave us the morale booster shot we needed,” he said. “We knew we hadn’t forgotten how to win. It was just a case of some bad breaks and us being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I still would like to see that 100th win. We stayed back on 94 for the longest, it seems.”

What Eddie and Len Wood would like to accomplish for the Wood Brothers is a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.

“We won the car owner’s championship in 1963,” said Glen Wood. “We would like to win a driver’s championship.”

Even though Glen and Leonard have stepped aside, the team is still the Wood Brothers as Eddie and Len guide the ship And looking to the future, Eddie and Len have two sons between them.

“It’s a family business and it probably will stay that way for a long time to come,” Eddie Wood concluded.

Jack Flowers has written about auto racing for more than 50 years. At one point during his career, he covered every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race for 17 consecutive years. Flowers is currently a columnist and correspondent for National Speed Sport News.

Buddy Baker doesn’t drive a stock car anymore, which is fine, because Baker has always turned a phrase almost as well as he once drove into the high-banked turns of Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

No one has ever been better at boiling the sensation of racing a stock car down to a single humorous phrase. Baker, 68, has a knack for describing what he did in a way in which fans can relate.

Since Baker hung up his helmet, he has continued to be a familiar face at race tracks, both for his work as a television/radio analyst and as a coach for young drivers. Most notably, Baker tutored Ryan Newman on his way to NASCAR Sprint Cup stardom.

Baker and Newman remain close, and Baker has downplayed his role in Newman’s success.

“He’s as close to a third son as I’ve ever had,” Baker said. “I don’t have a record that I wouldn’t like to see him break.”

“He didn’t always tell me what do to,” said Newman of Baker. “He told me what not to do, as well.”

Most of Baker’s career, which ran from 1959 through 1992, occurred before carburetor restrictor plates were used to slow the cars at Daytona and Talladega.

Once, during a testing session at Talladega, a young driver asked Baker, “Do you really think you could go out there and run with us?”

“Son, I really don’t know,” Baker famously replied. “I’ve never run this slow here.”

Lowe’s Motor Speedway was the site of Baker’s first victory, the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America in 1967, and he won four Cup races at his hometown track.

“When I look at Lowe’s Motor Speedway these days, it’s like walking into a futuristic movie,” Baker said. “I 110

remember when 30,000 was a big crowd. Now they have 30,000 in the garage on race morning.”

Baker’s own apprenticeship occurred under the harsh tutelage of his father Buck, who died in 2002. His father won 46 NASCAR Sprint Cup races and championships in 1956 and ’57. Buddy, who wound up with 19 victories, debuted at Columbia (S.C.) Speedway in 1959.

Languishing laps down and in last place, Elzie Wylie Baker Jr. got out of the car that night and said, “This is the biggest piece of junk I’ve ever sat down in in my entire life.”

Buck Baker, after blowing the engine in his own car, climbed into his son’s car and made up several of the laps Buddy had lost.

Of Cale Yarborough, Baker said, “He was one of my best friends, but on the track, we were like a piece of metal and a magnet.”

David Pearson: “You talk about a driver who knew how to win? He did. He would run just as hard as he needed to until it came time, and then there was nobody any better.”

Rex White: “At one time, he was the champion and was nearly unbeatable. He was way better than anyone will ever know. Today, if you went up to the average race fan and said Rex White’s name, they’d go, ‘Who?’” Harry Gant: “He wasn’t mean or anything, but if you ever cranked up that old country butt, he’d be something to deal with.”

Jimmy Spencer: “He’s a hardheaded son of a gun, and I thought I was hardheaded.”

Bobby Issac and Buddy Baker

Buddy and Buck Baker

“I’ve got some stuff to learn,” Buddy said to himself.

The rap on Buddy Baker was always that he was “a leadfoot,” a driver who led more laps and won more poles, but didn’t win as many races as peers like Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison. Baker won exactly twice as many poles (38) as races.

Five-hundred miles was a sterner test of equipment 35 years ago. Attrition was higher. More engines blew. More tires blew. When Baker won the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 1968, he recalled that there were 14 factory Dodges, 10 Fords, a Mercury and a couple of Plymouths in the field. More than half the field had Detroit paying most of the bills. That meant as much, in its time, as a multi-year deal with Budweiser today.

“We blew up a lot of stuff,” said Baker. “One thing I learned was that when I got in better cars, I got a lot smarter.”

Talk racing with Buddy Baker and the one-liners fall like rain. He truly has the gift of gab.

Photos from LMS Archives

Benny Parsons: “When he had the best car, he would win the race. A lot of people couldn’t do that.”

Dale Earnhardt: “It was obvious to anyone who watched him run that he was pretty soon going to be the most famous of all of us, but when I first met him, he’d have had to borrow 75 cents to have a dollar.”

Bobby Allison: “Nobody has ever loved racing more. No matter how much you said about him, you could never say too much about how great he was.”

Baker raced with and shared the broadcast booth with Ned Jarrett. He drove for, among others, Cotton Owens, Ray Fox, Bud Moore, Harry Hyde, the Wood Brothers, Petty Enterprises, Hoss Ellington, Harry Ranier and, at the end of his career, himself. His father was a legend, and the sport has never known a legend, from William H.G. “Big Bill” France to Jeff Gordon, of whom Baker wasn’t acquainted.

111

Buddy was in Jacksonville, Fla., when Wendell Scott won his only major race, on Dec. 2, 1963. Buck Baker took the checkered flag in that race, but scorers later determined that Scott had completed two more laps, and the outcome was overturned, long after the crowd had left without knowing they had witnessed the victory of NASCAR’s pioneering African-American driver.

Buddy remembers what Scott told his father in Victory Lane: “Mr. Buck, you can kiss the race queen, but I’m going to want the money ’cause I won the race.”

The most-quoted Buddy Baker story revolves around a long-ago race at Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, Tenn. After a serious crash, Baker was placed on a gurney and rolled into an ambulance. As the ambulance attempted to cross the track en route to a hospital, the back door swung open and the gurney rolled out, crashing onto the track with the field bearing down on him.

Here’s how Buddy described the experience in “Flat Out and Half Turned Over: Tales from Pit Road with Buddy Baker,” written by Baker and the late David Poole: “I got down to the bottom of the track, and that gurney was running about 30 mph when it hit the mud on the inside of the track. Those little wheels burrowed in, and it went straight upside down. I went down in the mud to my ears on both sides. One of the guys from the ambulance, jumped out, grabbed me and rolled me over.

“He said, ‘Are you OK?’ “I said, ‘If I ever get out of this thing, I am going to kill you first.’”

Jim Hunter, now NASCAR’s vice president of corporate communications, began his career as a sportswriter. Once, after a race at Columbia Speedway, he wrote that Buddy hit more walls and other cars in one race than his father had hit in his entire career.

When Buddy caught wind of what Hunter had written, he became so angry that he chased Hunter around the Darlington garage area until NASCAR officials restrained him.

Yes, Baker was a gentle giant, but he was also a fierce competitor, and his temper could be as fierce as his oneliners were hilarious.

“I wasn’t gentle,” said Baker. “Ask my wife. She hears that and just laughs.”

Baker once said that he’d rather eat a green worm than lose.

“The guy you meet on the street is a different guy,” he said. “That driver fellow is a little spooky. I’ve had some of my best friends come up and speak to me before a race at Charlotte, and I’ve walked right by them like I didn’t see them. It’d be like me walking into somebody’s office on a deadline.

“It’s not about being stuck up; it’s being stuck down.

I’m ready. I’m about to go into a field of battle, as far as I’m concerned.”

After Newman ended an 81-race winless streak by capturing the 2008 Daytona 500, he talked about what Buddy Baker has meant to him.

“Buddy helped me cope (with the dry spell),” said 112

Newman. “Buddy was my teacher when I first started.

We went to every test together. We’d get in a rental car and drive around every track the right way, then drive around every track the wrong way, to see all the angles.

He was a neighbor when I lived on the Dale Earnhardt, David Pearson, Buddy Baker and Bill Elliot lake (Norman), he and my dad hit it off, and it’s great to win the 50th Daytona 500 when Buddy was being honored as one of the guys who won it in the past.”

Many drivers won more races. Baker never won a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, but his overall contribution to the sport involves far more than just statistics. No one has learned more, or drawn more incisive conclusions, from a life that literally spans the life of NASCAR itself.

Monte Dutton covers NASCAR for the Gaston Gazette and the NASCAR This Week Web site (http://nascar.rbma.com).

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NASCAR BANKING 500 POLE WINNING SPEEDS Date 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984

Pole Winner Speed Fireball Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133.465 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138.577 Fireball Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140.287 Fred Lorenzen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143.017 Richard Petty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150.711 Marvin Panch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147.895 LeeRoy Yarbrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151.101 Cale Yarborough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.872 LeeRoy Yarbrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156.382 Cale Yarborough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162.162 Charlie Glotzbach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157.273 A.J. Foyt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158.492 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158.539 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158.315 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158.749 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161.701 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161.223 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160.892 David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161.355 Neil Bonnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164.304 Buddy Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165.634 Darrell Waltrip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162.744 Harry Gant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164.694 Tim Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163.073 Benny Parsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165.579

Date 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Pole Winner Speed Harry Gant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166.139 Tim Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167.078 Bobby Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171.636 Alan Kulwicki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.896 Bill Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.081 Brett Bodine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.385 Mark Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.499 Alan Kulwicki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179.027 Jeff Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177.684 Ward Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.759 Ricky Rudd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180.578 Bobby Labonte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.068 Geoffrey Bodine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.256 Derrike Cope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181.690 Bobby Labonte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.682 Jeff Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.561 Jimmy Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.147 Tony Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .None – Weather Ryan Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186.657 Ryan Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188.877 Ryan Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193.216 Scott Riggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191.469 Ryan Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189.394 Jimmie Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . .None – Weather

LAP TIME/SPEED CONVERSION CHART Lap Time Speed 28.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192.857 28.05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192.513 28.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192.171 28.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191.829 28.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191.489 28.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191.150 28.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190.813 28.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190.476 28.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190.141 28.45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189.807 28.50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189.474 28.55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189.142 28.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188.811 28.65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188.153 28.70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187.826 28.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187.826 28.80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187.500 28.85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187.175 28.90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186.851 28.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186.528 114

Lap Time Speed 29.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186.207 29.05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.886 29.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.567 29.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185.249 29.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.932 29.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.615 29.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184.300 29.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183.986 29.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183.673 29.45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183.362 29.50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183.051 29.55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182.741 29.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182.432 29.65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182.125 29.70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181.818 29.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181.513 29.80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181.208 29.85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180.905 29.90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180.602 29.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180.301

Lap Time Speed 30.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180.000 30.05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179.700 30.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179.402 30.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179.104 30.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178.808 30.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178.512 30.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178.218 30.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177.924 30.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177.632 30.45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177.340 30.50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177.049 30.55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176.759 30.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176.471 30.65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176.183 30.70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.896 30.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.610 30.80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.325 30.85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.041 30.90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.757 30.95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174.475

116

Car Driver

Hometown

Sponsor/Car

Owner

0

Kertus Davis

Gaffney, S.C.

sponsordavis.com Chevrolet

Johnny Davis

01

Mike Wallace

St. Louis, Mo.

J.D. Motorsports Chevrolet

Lori Morgan

05

Casey Atwood

Nashville, Tenn.

31W Insulation Chevrolet

Wayne Day

07

Chase Austin

Eudora, Kan.

Cavi Clothing Chevrolet

Armando Fitz

09

John Wes Townley

Watkinsville, Ga.

Zaxby’s Ford

Jay Robinson

1

Aric Almirola

Tampa, Fla.

Miccosukee Resort Chevrolet

James Finch

5

Tony Stewart

Columbus, Ind.

Delphi Chevrolet

Rick Hendrick

6

Erik Darnell

Beach Park, Ill.

Northern Tool + Equipment Ford

Jack Roush

10

Reed Sorensen

Peachtree City, Ga.

Dollar General Toyota

Todd Braun

11

Denny Hamlin

Chesterfield, Va.

Ridemarkerz Toyota

Bryan Mullett

12

Justin Allgaier

Riverton, Ill.

Verizon Wireless Dodge

Tad Geschickter

15

Michael Annett

Des Moines, Iowa

Pilot Travel Centers Toyota

Bob Germain

16

Matt Kenseth

Cambridge, Wis.

Citifinancial Ford

Jack Roush

17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Olive Branch, Miss.

Roush Fenway Racing Ford

Max Jones

18

Kyle Busch

Las Vegas, Nev.

Z-Line Designs Toyota

Joe Gibbs

20

Joey Logano

Middletown, Conn.

GameStop Toyota

Joe Gibbs

23

Robert Richardson Jr. McKinney, Texas

Mahindra Chevrolet

Johnny Davis

24

Eric McClure

Chilhowie, Va.

Hefty Ford

Ed Rensi

26

Michael McDowell

Phoenix, Ariz.

K-Automotive Dodge

Dusty Whitney

27

Jason Keller

Greenville, S.C.

Kleenex Racing/Bi-Lo Ford

Mike Curb

28

Kenny Wallace

St. Louis, Mo.

U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet

Jay Robinson

29

Stephen Leicht

Asheville, N.C.

Holiday Inn Chevrolet

Richard Childress

31

Stanton Barrett

Bishop, Calif.

Stanton Barrett Motorsports Chevrolet

Stanton Barrett

32

Brian Vickers

Thomasville, N.C.

Dollar General Toyota

Todd Braun

33

Ryan Newman

South Bend, Ind.

Hungry-Man Chevrolet

DeLana Harvick

34

Tony Raines

LaPorte, Ind.

Long John Silver’s Chevrolet

Bob Jenkins

38

Jason Leffler

Long Beach, Calif.

Great Clips Toyota

Ralph Braun

40

Scott Wimmer

Wausau, Wis.

Westerman Companies Chevrolet

Curtis Key

42

David Gilliland

Riverside Calif.

Smith Ironworks Dodge

Chip Ganassi

43

Kasey Kahne

Enumclaw, Wash.

Auto Value Bumper to Bumper

Richard Petty

47

Chase Miller

Canton, Ga.

JTG/Daugherty Racing Toyota

Jodi Geschickter

49

Mark Green

Owensboro, Ky.

Get More Vacations.com Chevrolet

Jay Robinson

50

Jeremy Clements

Spartanburg, S.C.

Saxon Group Chevrolet

Tony Clements

60

Carl Edwards

Columbia, Mo.

Scotts Ortho Ford

Jack Roush

61

Matt Carter

Denver, N.C.

Specialty Racing Ford

Charlie Shoffner

62

Brendan Gaughan

Las Vegas, Nev.

South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet

Rusty Wallace

66

Steve Wallace

Charlotte, N.C.

5-Hour Energy Chevrolet

Rusty Wallace

73

Derrike Cope

Spanaway, Wash.

DCI Dodge

Derrike Cope

78

Kevin Lepage

Shelburne, Va.

DCI Dodge

Darren Cope

87

Joe Nemechek

Lakeland, Fla.

NEMCO Motorsports Chevrolet

Andrea Nemechek

88

Brad Keselowski

Rochester Hills, Mich. Hellman’s Fan of the Year Chevrolet

89

Morgan Shepherd

Conover, N.C.

Lagina Plumbing/Eldora Spd. Chevrolet Cindy Shepherd

90

Johnny Chapman

Statesville, N.C.

MSRP Motorsports Chevrolet

Marcia Parsons

91

Terry Cook

Sylvania, Ohio

MSRP Motorsports Chevrolet

Randy Humphrey

96

Brian Keselowski

Rochester Hills, Mich. ConleyAuto.com

Kay Keselowski

99

David Reutimann

Zephyrhills, Fla.

Michael Waltrip

Lowes Foods Toyota

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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JOHN WES TOWNLEY No. 09 Zaxby’s Ford Hometown: Watkinsville, Ga. Born: Dec. 31, 1989 Team: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Crew Chief: Brad Parrott Best LMS Finish: 27th – October 2008 Fast Fact: Lists watching horror movies and playing the piano among his hobbies.

TONY STEWART No. 5 Delphi Chevrolet Hometown: Columbus, Ind. Born: May 20, 1971 Team: JR Motorsports Crew Chief: Brian Campe Best LMS Finish: 3rd – October 1997 Fast Fact: His new home, under construction near Columbus, Ind., includes a giant aquarium and has bowling lanes in the basement.

ERIK DARNELL No. 6 Northern Tool + Equipment Ford Hometown: Beach Park, Ill. Born: Dec. 2, 1982 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Mike Kelley Best LMS Finish: Rookie Fast Fact: Grandson of legendary USAC stock car driver Bay Darnell.

118

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

REED SORENSON No. 10 Dollar General Toyota Hometown: Peachtree City, Ga. Born: Feb. 5, 1986 Team: Braun Racing Crew Chief: Stewart Cooper Best LMS Finish: 5th – May 2005 Fast Fact: Claimed 84 victories and 168 top-10 finishes in 183 Legends Car feature starts.

JUSTIN ALLGAIER No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Hometown: Riverton, Ill. Born: June 6, 1986 Team: Penske Racing Crew Chief: Chad Walter Best LMS Finish: 14th – May 2009 Fast Fact: Broke Frank Kimmel’s string of eight consecutive championships when he claimed the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series title.

MICHAEL ANNETT No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa Born: June 23, 1986 Team: Germain Racing Crew Chief: Mike Hillman Sr. Best LMS Finish: 39th – May 2009 Fast Fact: Was the Most Improved Player for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League in 2004.

120

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography and courtesy Braun Racing

MATT KENSETH No. 16 CitiFinancial Ford Hometown: Cambridge, Wis. Born: March 10, 1972 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Eddie Pardue Best LMS Finish: 1st – October 2000 & May 2003 Fast Fact: His 16-year-old son, Ross, is a rising star in the Wisconsin late-model ranks.

RICKY STENHOUSE JR. No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Hometown: Olive Branch, Miss.

Born: Oct. 2, 1987 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Matt Puccia Best LMS Finish: Rookie Fast Fact: Formerly drove USAC midgets and sprint cars owned by Tony Stewart.

KYLE BUSCH No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. Born: May 2, 1985 Team: Joe Gibbs Crew Chief: Jason Ratcliff Best LMS Finish: 1st – May 2004, 2005, 2008 & October 2008 Fast Fact: Tied Sam Ard’s 1983 record for most victories (10) in a season while driving for three different teams in 2008.

122

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

JOEY LOGANO No. 20 GameStop Toyota Hometown: Middletown, Conn.

Born: May 24, 1990 Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Crew Chief: Dave Rogers Best LMS Finish: 5th – May 2009 Fast Fact: Won the 2007 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, a season-ending, non-points special event, at California’s Irwindale Speedway.

KEN BUTLER No. 23 Aaron’s Outdoors/Mossy Oak Brand Chevrolet Hometown: Lilburn, Ga. Born: May 2, 1982 Team: R3 Motorsports Crew Chief: Steve Plattenberger Best LMS Finish: Rookie Fast Fact: A two-time letterman for the Parkview High School football team, which went undefeated his senior year and captured the 5-A Georgia State Championship.

ERIC McCLURE No. 24 Hefty Ford Hometown: Chilhowie, Va. Born: Dec. 11, 1978 Team: Rensi/Hamilton Racing Crew Chief: Chris Wright Best LMS Finish: 19th – May 2009 Fast Fact: Graduated from Emory & Henry University with a degree in Mass Communications.

124

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

MICHAEL McDOWELL No. 26 K-Automotive Dodge Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

Born: Dec. 21, 1984 Team: K Automotive Crew Chief: Bob Keselowski Best LMS Finish: 20th – May 2009 Fast Fact: Won seven races en route to the 2004 Star Mazda Series championship for single-seat, open-wheel cars.

JASON KELLER No. 27 Kleenex Racing/Bi-Lo Ford Hometown: Greenville, S.C. Born: May 23, 1970 Team: Baker-Curb Racing Crew Chief: Todd Gordon Best LMS Finish: 2nd – October 2001 Fast Fact: Posted seven consecutive top-10 finishes in Nationwide Series points between 1999 and 2005.

KENNY WALLACE No. 28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet Hometown: St. Louis, Mo. Born: Aug. 23, 1963 Team: Jay Robinson Racing Crew Chief: Jay Robinson Best LMS Finish: 7th – October 1991 Fast Fact: His father was a very successful short-track racer in the Midwest, giving birth to the family’s racing tradition.

126

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

STEPHEN LEICHT No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet Hometown: Asheville, N.C. Born: Jan. 9, 1987 Team: Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief: Doug Randolph Best LMS Finish: 10th – May 2007 Fast Fact: Family formerly owned and operated New Asheville Speedway, a one-third-mile race track in Asheville, N.C.

BRIAN VICKERS No. 32 Dollar General Toyota Hometown: Thomasville, N.C. Born: Oct. 24, 1983 Team: Braun Racing Crew Chief: Trent Owens Best LMS Finish: 3rd – October 2008 Fast Fact: Used money he saved from his allowance to purchase his first yard-kart at age 8.

RYAN NEWMAN No. 33 Hungry-Man Chevrolet Hometown: South Bend, Ind. Born: Dec. 8, 1977 Team: Kevin Harvick, Inc. Crew Chief: Ernie Cope Best LMS Finish: 1st – October 2005 Fast Fact: Won two races en route to the 1999 USAC Silver Crown championship.

128

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

Ensuring every child in need is given the tools to build a better, brighter and healthy future.

Our Story

Who We Are

Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) was founded by Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports and Sonic Automotive, as a memoriam and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who passed away at a very young age.

The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives.

SCC went national in 1982, and throughout the years has grown to funding thousands of organizations nationwide that help children directly with everything from educational support to the basic need of a coat or a simple meal.

SCC provides funding for hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.

You Can Get Involved!

Speedway Children’s Charities relies on our enthusiastic team of volunteers to help at events, in the office, or in any variety of different ways. We have a volunteer position for every skill, every interest and every time commitment and we can accommodate individual volunteers as well as groups of all sizes and ages.

In addition to volunteering efforts, monetary donations are always welcomed and put to good use.

In 2008, SCC awarded more than $3.4 million to over 420 organizations.

Our local chapters are partners in change, working with a broad range of people and organizations to identify and resolve pressing issues dealing with children in their communities.

To learn more about Speedway Children’s Charities, please visit www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org

For more information contact: Amanda L. Hollingsworth Charlotte Chapter - Director 704.455.4426 ahollingsworth@smicorporate.com

TONY RAINES No. 34 Long John Silver’s Chevrolet Hometown: LaPorte, Ind. Born: April 14, 1964 Team: Front Row Motorsports Crew Chief: Scott Eggleston Best LMS Finish: 11th – October 2002 Fast Fact: Graduated from Southwestern Michigan College in 1984 with a degree in aviation.

JASON LEFFLER No. 38 Great Clips Toyota Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.

Born: Sept. 16, 1975 Team: Braun Racing Crew Chief: Scott Zipadelli Best LMS Finish: 4th – May 2004 Fast Fact: Only driver to win three consecutive USAC midget championships (1997-1999).

SCOTT WIMMER No. 40 Westerman Companies Chevrolet Hometown: Wausau, Wis. Born: Jan. 26, 1976 Team: Key Motorsports Crew Chief: Gary Showalter Best LMS Finish: 9th – May 2007 Fast Fact: Started racing three-wheelers in 1984 and finished second in the 1985 National Amateur Off-Road Championship.

130

Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

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MARK GREEN No. 49 Get More Vactions.com Chevrolet Hometown: Owensboro, Ky. Born: April 8, 1959 Team: Jay Robinson Racing Crew Chief: Curtis Aldridge Best LMS Finish: 5th – October 1997 Fast Fact: Claimed three consecutive (1991-1993) late model track championships at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky.

CARL EDWARDS No. 60 Scotts Ortho Ford Hometown: Columbia, Mo. Born: Aug. 15, 1979 Team: Roush Fenway Racing Crew Chief: Dan Stillman Best LMS Finish: 1st – May 2006 Fast Fact: Owns his own record label – Back 40 Records – and is a self-taught guitarist.

MATT CARTER No. 61 Specialty Racing Ford Hometown: Denver, N.C. Born: May 13, 1981 Team: Specialty Racing Crew Chief: Doug Taylor Best LMS Finish: Rookie Fast Fact: Son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owner and crew chief Travis Carter.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

GENTLEMEN, START YOUR DIESELS.

That’s the call to increased productivity. You’ll hear it at speedways around the racing circuit as New Holland tractors work to keep tracks and grounds in top condition. Speedway maintenance crews rely on New Holland performance, reliability and trusted parts and service support — and so can you. Before the next race, visit your New Holland dealer or www.whyblueisbetter.com to see which New Holland tractor is right for you.

®

Official tractors of Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

© 2008 CNH America LLC. New Holland is a registered trademark of CNH America LLC. Any trademarks referred to herein, in association with goods and/or services of companies other than CNH America LLC, are the property of those respective companies.

BRENDAN GAUGHAN No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. Born: July 10, 1975 Team: Rusty Wallace, Inc. Crew Chief: Wes Ward Best LMS Finish: 2nd – May 2009 Fast Fact: Played football and basketball at Georgetown University, earning all-conference honors in football and two Big East titles in basketball.

STEVE WALLACE No. 66 5-Hour Energy Chevrolet Hometown: Charlotte, N.C. Born: Aug. 18, 1987 Team: Rusty Wallace, Inc. Crew Chief: Trip Bruce Best LMS Finish: 17th – May 2009 Fast Fact: 2004 winner of the Snowball Derby, one of the nation’s most prestigious short-track events.

JOE NEMECHEK No. 87 NEMCO Motorsports Toyota Hometown: Lakeland, Fla. Born: Sept. 26, 1963 Team: NEMCO Motorsports Crew Chief: Mike Boerschinger Best LMS Finish: 1st – May 1997 Fast Fact: Studied mechanical engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology before turning to racing full-time.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

BRAD KESELOWSKI No. 88 Hellmann’s Fan of Year Chevrolet Hometown: Rochester Hills, Mich.

Born: Feb. 12, 1984 Team: JR Motorsports Crew Chief: Tony Eury Best LMS Finish: 3rd – May 2008 Fast Fact: An avid fan of the University of Michigan football team.

MORGAN SHEPHERD No. 89 Lagina Plumbing/Eldora Speedway Chevrolet Hometown: Conover, N.C. Born: Oct. 12, 1941 Team: Faith Motorsports Crew Chief: Morris Van Vleet Best LMS Finish: 1st – May 1978 & May 1981 Fast Fact: His racing career began when he used his souped-up moonshine car to earn extra money on the weekends.

DAVID REUTIMANN No. 99 Lowes Foods Toyota Hometown: Zephyrhills, Fla. Born: March 2, 1970 Team: Michael Waltrip Racing Crew Chief: Jerry Baxter Best LMS Finish: 11th – May 2008 Fast Fact: Finished second to champion Carl Edwards in the 2007 NASCAR Nationwide Series title chase.

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Photos by Harold Hinson Photography

Year

Race Winner

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973

Kyle Busch Jeff Burton Dave Blaney Ryan Newman Mike Bliss Greg Biffle Jeff Burton Greg Biffle Matt Kenseth Michael Waltrip Mike McLaughlin Jimmy Spencer Mark Martin Mark Martin Terry Labonte Mark Martin Jeff Gordon Harry Gant Sterling Marlin Rob Moroso Rob Moroso Harry Gant Dale Earnhardt Terry Labonte Darrell Waltrip Sam Ard Darrell Waltrip Gary Balough Dave Marcis Darrell Waltrip Bobby Allison Darrell Waltrip Ray Hendrick Ray Hendrick Bobby Allison Bobby Allison

Start 16 13 23 2 7 4 2 3 1 31 3 4 2 3 16 5 1 33 32 4 13 1 1 14 6 10 3 5 1 1 3 1 4 4 1 1

Pole Winner Jamie McMurray Greg Biffle Carl Edwards Jimmie Johnson Casey Mears Kevin Harvick Michael Waltrip Jeff Burton Matt Kenseth Matt Kenseth Dave Blaney Joe Nemechek Bobby Labonte Bobby Dotter Mark Martin Bobby Dotter Jeff Gordon Ward Burton None – Weather Michael Waltrip Harry Gant Harry Gant Dale Earnhardt Geoffrey Bodine Tim Richmond Larry Pearson Phil Parsons Jody Ridley Dave Marcis Darrell Waltrip Darrell Waltrip Darrell Waltrip L.D. Ottinger L.D. Ottinger Bobby Allison Bobby Allison

138 HHP Photo by Harold Hinson

If you experience double vision during Friday night’s Dollar General 300, there’s no reason to panic. The unique condition will be the result of the twin Dollar General Toyotas that Brian Vickers and Reed Sorenson will drive in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

This weekend, however, the Nos. 32 and 10 Braun Racing Toyota Camrys are not sporting their familiar blackand-yellow Dollar General paint schemes as they “go pink” in support of fellow Dollar General spokesperson and IndyCar Series driver Sarah Fisher and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Fisher, who is serving as a grand marshal for Friday night’s race, drove her own pink Dollar General car in the Oct. 10 IndyCar Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the leader in the global breast cancer movement.

Vickers, the 2003 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, joined Braun Racing in 2007 as part of a starstudded cast behind the wheel of the Nos. 32 and 10 Toyotas.

Last season, Vickers recorded eight top-10 finishes in just 12 starts and earned Braun Racing two Coors Light Pole Awards. This season, he posted nine top-10 finishes in his first 13 starts with crew chief Trent Owens calling the shots.

“I really enjoy racing on the speedway tracks,” said Vickers, who also drives the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota in the

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and is among the Chase contenders. “The Dollar General team has done a great job this year with these Toyotas. We have come close to some wins this season and had one of the cars to beat here at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May. “I think we have a great chance of putting the No. 32 Dollar General Toyota in victory lane. It would be an honor and a privilege to win in front of the Dollar General guests that are with us this weekend and while we are supporting Sarah and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.”

In addition to his driving duties behind the wheel of Richard Petty Motorsports’ famous No. 43, Sorenson has joined the group of drivers in the Dollar General Toyotas. He debuted in the No. 32 Camry earlier this season at Gateway International Raceway where he tied the record-setting pole position time and drove to a second-place finish.

This weekend marks his second start with Braun Racing, this time in the No. 10 Dollar General car with Stewart Cooper serving as his crew chief.

“I am really excited to be back with Braun Racing and Dollar General,” said Sorenson. “It is also very cool to be supporting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It’s a great cause and I’ve worked with them in the past. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate than by putting the No. 10 Dollar General Toyota in victory lane this weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.”

BRIAN VICKERS

REED SORENSON

Nationwide Series Stats

Nationwide Series Stats

(As of Sept. 14, 2009)

(As of Sept. 14, 2009)

Career Starts: 105 Best Finish: 1st (3 times) Best Points Finish: 1st (2003) LMS Starts: 8 Best LMS Finish: 3rd (Oct. 2008)

Career Starts: 99 Best Finish: 1st (3 times) Best Points Finish: 4th (2005) LMS Starts: 6 Best LMS Finish: 5th (May 2005)

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The NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America brings down the curtain on the 50th season of NASCAR racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

From Joe Lee Johnson’s victory in the inaugural CocaCola 600 to David Reutimann’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win on a soggy Monday in May, memories are what make Lowe’s Motor Speedway an important part of NASCAR history.

The best way to tell the story of the magnificent facility is to share those memories and several NASCAR drivers were willing to do just that.

“I love this race track,” said Mark Martin, who has 13 victories on the 1.5-mile oval. “The first time I raced at Lowe's, in 1982, I thought it was just like the track I was used to running on at home. Just like the quarter-mile banked track I ran on all the time – except a lot bigger. I was really comfortable on the track instantly. It had every characteristic that the quarter- and half-mile tracks did that I was used to running on in the Midwest. It was just an instant level of comfort for me. And I've liked it ever since.”

Martin’s victory in the 2002 Coca-Cola 600 stands out as one of the biggest moments of his career.

“That race was just so special to me,” Martin explained.

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“At my museum, in Batesville, Ark., I have that picture blown up pretty big from Victory Lane that night. My family is in there with me, and the team and everyone is just so happy. That's what winning means to me – seeing the faces of all the crew guys and watching them celebrate their hard work. That win just really stands out to me. It was an important one, and I'm reminded of it every time I see that picture.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s first third-generation champion, is a student of auto-racing history and the driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet is intrigued by the speedway’s early years.

“The way it started out was so interesting and cumbersome. The way they had problems financially and how they kind of rebounded and made it work,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “You wouldn’t have that opportunity

today to fail for so many years and struggle for so many years. Today, you wouldn’t get the opportunity to recover like they did.”

Earnhardt Jr. literally grew up watching his father race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and to him the track is much more than just another stop on the circuit.

“I just love it because it’s in our backyard. It’s a beautiful facility and they’re always trying to improve and make a great experience for the fans. I’m really proud of it as an individual from the area. It’s a proud part of the region and it’s a place where I enjoyed watching a lot of races as a kid and I’ve enjoyed running a lot of races there.

“Everything ‘Humpy’ (Wheeler) did for the place and everything Bruton (Smith) has done for it, and the future looks great for it. They’ve got a lot of accomplishments to be really proud of at that facility.”

Even though he has yet to achieve the level of success he’s enjoyed at several other tracks, Kyle Busch calls Lowe’s Motor Speedway his favorite track.

“Charlotte is my favorite race track for a lot of reasons,” Busch said. “Growing up watching races on TV, I loved watching the All-Star Race under the lights and the 600 with all the sparks flying and all the guys going after hardfought, hard-racing wins.

“The Nationwide Series has been good to me there. The Truck Series has been pretty good to me there, too. But a Cup Series win has eluded me.

I think I’ve only finished three races there without wrecking or having something happen.”

Ryan Newman has claimed eight NASCAR Sprint Cup poles at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and is well aware of how important it is to finally visit Victory Lane at the 1.5-mile track.

“It’s Charlotte. There’s no home field advantage, but it’s the home field. It’s a place that we all try to shine,” said Newman. “There are a lot of great drivers that have won there and joining that list is what we all search for.

“I really enjoy the race track,” Newman added. I've HHP Photos by Harold Hinson, Gregg Ellman and Alan Marler

always said I really enjoy banked race tracks and this is one of the best and fastest banked race tracks out there. I've always told my crew chief, whoever it is at the time, if you give me a straight arrow, I'll shoot it straight. But don't expect me to shoot a crooked arrow to the pole. And they've done a very good job for me.”

Tony Stewart, who won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in May and captured the NASCAR Banking 500 in 2003, says a Lowe’s Motor Speedway victory comes with something that can not be earned at any other track.

“It’s bragging rights for everybody in the Cup Series because this is where everybody’s homes are,” Stewart explained. “If you win there you have those bragging rights for the whole year. It’s not like going to Indy or Daytona where you have bragging rights, it’s different when it’s home and it’s the home track for everybody.”

Matt Kenseth is among eight drivers who posted their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“Charlotte’s been a special place for me,” Kenseth noted. “I ran my first Busch (now Nationwide) Series race there and won my first Cup race there; and we won the AllStar Race there one year. It’s always been a fun track and I think we’ve got more miles there than at any other Cup track.”

One of Carl Edwards’ fondest memories of Lowe’s Motor Speedway took place long before he ever turned a wheel on the track.

“The first time I went there I was standing on the backstretch with Ken Schrader and my dad, and they were putting in the tunnel,” Edwards recalled. “We stood up on the race track and I said, ‘Man it’s real narrow,’ and Schrader said, ‘You should see it at 200 mph, it really looks narrow then.’

“It was a neat experience to see that, and then come back and race with all the history and the intensity of the crowd.”

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Lindsay Spiegel earned Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s 2008 Employee of the Year Award, an honor presented annually to the person who goes above and beyond in executing his or her responsibilities.

A native of Edinboro, Pa., Spiegel graduated in 2005 from Mercyhurst College where she majored in sport business and minored in criminal justice.

She moved to Charlotte after graduation and began working in the speedway’s ticket office.

Spiegel eventually transferred to the guest services and logistics department where she manages the event staff, including ticket scanners, ushers, information booth personnel and the Speedway Ambassadors, for all activities at the speedway as well as zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“It’s a great honor to win this award,” said Spiegel. “I absolutely love working at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. It’s a very rewarding job, especially during event time. Interacting with fans during races and making sure they have the best possible experience is what I enjoy the most.”

Along with the rest of the speedway’s employees, Spiegel works long hours to prepare for major events.

“Getting everything in place for races and events at the speedway requires so much more work than you would ever think,” Spiegel noted.

“There really is a lot that goes into it from a lot of people. Everyone at the speedway works so hard getting ready for events and it’s very rewarding to give fans an enjoyable experience.”

In recognition of her efforts, the speedway presented Spiegel with a $1,000 bonus, a reserved parking space and the keys to a Toyota Camry company pace car to use throughout 2009.

“Lindsay is an invaluable member of the Lowe’s Motor Speedway staff,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “She does everything she can to help ensure that our fans have the best possible experience when they come to an event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.”

Spiegel also helps ensure fans enjoy their experience at the speedway by heading up the speedway’s fan council.

“The fan council is a great way for us to get feedback from our fans,” she said. “I like being involved with the council because it’s another way I get to interact with the fans and help to make sure they enjoy our races.”

Unlike many that work in the motorsports industry, Spiegel was not a NASCAR fan prior to starting her career. In fact, she had never watched a race on television, much less attended one.

Now, after being fully immersed in the sport through her career, Spiegel is happy to call herself a fan.

“I hardly knew anything about racing before I started at the speedway,” Spiegel said. “But I’ve started following NASCAR and keeping up with it.

I definitely consider myself a fan now.”

Joshua Joiner graduated in May from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla., with a degree in public relations. He interned this summer in the Lowe’s Motor Speedway communications department.

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The NASCR Banking 500 only from Bank of America brings down the curtain on Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s 50th season and the history books are filled with statistics from a half century of racing.

One of those statistics reveals that eight of the 42 drivers to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points race at LMS were making their first visits to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series.

Four of the eight first-time winners went on to win at least one championship and another was included among NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

David Pearson – 1961 Coca-Cola 600 David Pearson led the final 129 laps and crossed the finish line in a shower of sparks as he scored a stunning upset in his 31st career start. Without a ride early in the week, Pearson was a last-minute pick to drive Ray Fox’s Pontiac.

He started third, avoided numerous accidents and was cruising to the checkered flag when his right-rear tire blew with two laps remaining. Pearson limped home on three tires and still finished more than two laps ahead of Fireball Roberts.

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Buddy Baker – 1967 NASCAR Banking 500 Hometown hero Buddy Baker stopped Richard Petty’s win streak at 10 when he wheeled Ray Fox’s Dodge to victory in the eighth running of the fall classic.

Baker, son of twotime NASCAR champion Buck Baker, drove around Cale Yarborough on lap 257 and paced the final 78 trips around the 1.5-mile track en route to his first victory in 215 career starts.

Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson and from LMS Archives

Jeff Gordon – 1994 Coca-Cola 600 Twenty-two-year-old Jeff Gordon surprised everyone by posting his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in his 42nd career start. Gordon’s win was the result of a late-race decision by crew chief Ray Evernham to take two tires instead of four on the team’s final pit stop.

The bold move put Gordon in the lead over Rusty Wallace, who had dominated the closing laps, and he held on for an emotional victory.

Bobby Labonte – 1995 Coca-Cola 600 Bobby Labonte led older brother Terry under the checkered flag in a race that saw 32 lead changes among 12 drivers and was the fastest Coca-Cola 600 to date. Labonte started second and was in contention throughout the race which was dominated by Ken Schrader. But when Schrader’s engine blew, Labonte took the lead on lap 358 and went on to his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in 74 career starts.

Matt Kenseth – 2000 Coca-Cola 600 Matt Kenseth, who honed his racing skills on the tough short tracks of Wisconsin, scored his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in his 18th career start.

Bobby Labonte emerged from the pits with the lead on lap 366 following the race’s seventh and final caution period. But the 1995 Coca-Cola 600 winner was no match for Kenseth, who charged past nine laps later and went on to the checkered flag.

Jamie McMurray – 2002 NASCAR Banking 500 Substituting for the injured Sterling Marlin in Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 40 Dodge, Jamie McMurray shocked the racing world by winning in just his second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start. The Joplin, Mo., native led four times for 96 of the 334 laps, including the final 31 trips around the 1.5mile oval.

Casey Mears – 2007 Coca-Cola 600 Crew chief Darian Grubb’s fuel-mileage gamble propelled Casey Mears to his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in 156 starts. The eventual topfive finishers all stayed on the track while the front-runners pitted for splashes of gas during the final 10 laps. Grubb and Mears believed they could finish the race without visiting pit road, but they cut it very close as the No. 25 ran out of gas moments after taking the checkered flag.

David Reutimann – 2009 Coca-Cola 600 David Reutimann didn’t let foul weather rain on his parade as the Zephyrhills, Fla., resident recorded his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in his 75th start. In a race that was delayed a day by rain and then plagued by sporadic showers, crew chief Rodney Childers’ decision not to pit on a lap 222 caution flag was the key to victory.

Reutimann stayed on the track while several other drivers visited pit road and only five more laps were run behind the pace car before rain ended the race after just 340.5 miles.

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Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) is proud to be a partner of Lowe’s Motor Speedway and an active supporter of auto racing.

With the new NASCAR Hall of Fame on track for opening in 2010, Charlotte has gained distinction as the destination for racing fans nationwide. CMC is privileged to provide excellent care to those who visit the Charlotte area for race-related activities, as well as those who reside here year-round.

Should you require first aid or medical assistance during your track visit, look for the teal blue “tree of life” logo on CMC’s vehicles and aid stations. You’ll also see the tree of life logo proudly displayed on our renowned MedCenter Air helicopters, which provide immediate lifesaving capability for fans and drivers alike.

All of these services are linked to the main campus of Carolinas Medical Center in downtown Charlotte, which has the region’s only Level I trauma center. Other nearby facilities providing outstanding patient care include CMC-NorthEast, a 457-bed hospital in nearby Concord, and CMC-University, a 130-bed hospital located just a few miles away.

Carolinas Medical Center is an 874-bed flagship facility that draws patients from all over the region for cancer treatment, cardiac care, spinal and brain surgery, orthopedic care, fertility treatments, and many other forms of specialized treatment.

CMC is also an active research center and an “academic medical center teaching hospital.” This means that patients are seen on a daily basis by physicians who have ready access to the latest information, clinical trial results and treatments.

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The Carolinas Physicians Network and the Northeast Physician Network serve hundreds of thousands of patients in North and South Carolina. The networks comprise more than 200 care locations, from small family medicine practices to large specialty centers like the Sanger Clinic, a nationally known organization for heart and vascular care.

CMC is also home to the 234-bed Levine Children’s Hospital, one of the most sophisticated medical centers of its type anywhere in the country.

Levine offers more than 30 specialties and sub-specialties, including neonatal care for extremely premature infants, cancer treatment, pediatric bone marrow and stem cell transplants, organ transplants, internal medicine, pediatric heart care and pediatric neurosurgery.

Named in honor of Sandra and Leon Levine (Leon Levine founded Family Dollar stores.), the hospital was built with the aid of more than $66 million in community philanthropy. This included generous support from Speedway Children’s Charities and NASCAR’s Linda and Rick Hendrick, who created the “Ricky Hendrick Centers for Intensive Care” to honor their late son Ricky.

The children’s hospital at CMC-NorthEast is named in honor of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, as a result of his personal philanthropy and passion for children’s healthcare.

The 28-bed Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive services to families in Concord and surrounding communities.

Ray Jones is director of public relations for Carolinas HealthCare System.

GET Y YOUR TICK CKET TO A PLACE WHERE KINGS LIVE ON. W ERE COOL LIVES ON. WHERE THE R WH RACE LIVES ON. N

™

Tickets are on sale now for a thrilling ride through the past, present and future of NASCAR® at the new NASCAR Hall of Fame® in Charlotte, NC. And, if you purchase a charter membership before December 31, 2009, you’ll be entered into the NASCAR Hall of Fame VIP Sweepstakes. You could win a trip for two to see the NASCAR Sprint® All-Star Race, as well as a behind the scenes VIP tour of the Hall itself. Ticket prices start at $19.95, and charter memberships start at $50. Opening May 11, 2010.

www.NASCARHall.com | To purchase tickets or charter memberships, call 877.231.2010 or visit NASCAR® and NASCAR Hall of Fame® are registered trademarks of the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. ©2009. Motorsports Images and Archives. Getty Images. Used with permission. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal U.S. residents (except residents of Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories and possessions), who have reached the age of majority in their state of residency (age 18, except 19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS) as of the starting date of the sweepstakes.

Sweepstakes ends on 12/31/09. For complete details, see the Official Rules of Play at www.NASCARHall.com. Sweepstakes void where prohibited. Sponsor: NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202.

Next May, the two weekends of NASCAR racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway will have company.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is on track to open in May 2010 in time for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the $154.5-million Hall of Fame were held in January 2007 and construction began in May 2007. Grand-opening festivities are scheduled for May 11, 2010, 11 days prior to the 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

A drive past the Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte reveals a nearly complete building façade. Exhibit themes and interior layouts are also nearing completion. When finished, there will be approximately 40,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the history and heritage of NASCAR. The induction of the Hall’s inaugural five-member class is expected to coincide with activities leading up to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and tickets for the induction ceremony will be available in the coming weeks.

More than simply a place to recognize leaders and heroes of the sport, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will also provide fans insight into the sport – its history and creative illustrations of what takes place on race weekends at tracks across the country.

Among the Hall of Fame’s planned features: Full Throttle Theater: A 270-seat state-of-the-art theater featuring an informational film about the history of NASCAR. It will also be available for after-hours group rentals.

The Great Hall: Large, open greeting area just inside the main entrance which will include rotating displays, video scenes and graphics.

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Glory Road: A banked ramp leading to the second floor of the facility featuring 15 to 18 historic cars and highlighting 40 current and historic tracks.

Hall of Honor: Space where NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees will be honored.

NASCAR Vault: Glass-enclosed section of the facility housing historic NASCAR artifacts.

A Week in the Life: A behind-the-scenes look at what a NASCAR team and the NASCAR industry go through to prepare a car for race day.

Transporter Simulator: A full-size transporter, giving visitors a first-hand look at the team’s nerve center at the race track.

Heritage Speedway: Individual galleries telling the story of NASCAR's history.

Tribute Space: A memorial area where visitors can honor and reflect on heroes who have passed.

Racing Simulator: A state-of-the-art attraction that gives visitors a race-day experience from the driver’s perspective.

The Hall of Fame also includes a restaurant, retail outlets, television and radio studios and a NASCAR Newsroom.

Race fans also have the opportunity to honor the history of NASCAR and participate in how the Hall honors NASCAR’s legends.

The Hall, a non-profit organization, is selling personalized commemorative bricks, which will be placed in Ceremonial Plaza in front of the main entrance.

The bricks can be inscribed with a customized message and can be enhanced with a driver likeness or a team or track logo. Fans can also purchase replica bricks for display in their home or office. Replica bricks are made from the same material as the installed bricks and reflect the same personal messaging.

Time is running out to purchase bricks so their installation will be completed in time for the Hall’s grand opening. After installation, a locator map will be provided to assist fans in locating the bricks.

For information on the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s commemorative brick program, call 1-888-643-2757.

Leading the effort to fill the NASCAR Hall of Fame with memories and artifacts is a familiar name to racing fans – Winston Kelley, the Hall’s executive director and an announcer for Motor Racing Network for over 20 years.

“It’s truly a dream job for me. I actually started dabbling in racing in 1981, but I grew up in a racing family. I've never not known racing. I know that's not great English, but my father was involved in racing from before I was even born,” Kelley said.

“It’s our job as stewards of the resources that we’ve been given to make the Charlotte region proud of this.”

Kelley will continue his work with MRN in addition to his position with the Hall.

“We hope that will continue to be complementary with the community and NASCAR. David Hyatt, our (MRN’s) president and general manager, is very supportive of this,” Kelley said.

The Hall is just one component of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Complex, located in uptown Charlotte, adjacent to the Charlotte Convention Center. The complex also includes: Convention Center Expansion/New Ballroom: A 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Convention Center, including a new 40,000-square-foot ballroom with seating capacity of 2,400 banquet style and over 4,200 theater style.

NASCAR Plaza Office Tower: A 390,000-square-foot, 19story office building developed by Lauth Properties and NASCAR. NASCAR and NASCAR Images will be the primary tenants and the tower includes studios to be operated by NASCAR Images.

Parking Garage: Spaces for over 1,000 vehicles.

The Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and ThatsRacin.com.

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Throughout Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s 50th year of NASCAR racing, fans from across the country and around the world have been asked to share their memories of the legendary auto-racing facility.

And from their responses, it is obvious the 1.5-mile track is about much more than just statistics. It’s about individual memories, that special race-weekend experience each person will cherish for the rest of their life.

A sampling of those memories fans shared through Twitter and Facebook follows:

at Lowe's, but s 0 0 5 y an m to en be I've October 2006 as w l ia ec sp t os m e th end to his first when I took my boyfri ged. race. We are now enga Amanda Hood

e fans.

Lowe’s is the ultimate place for rac are Have been there many times and we going back in October!

Lynn Garner

Cyndi Taylor

2003. The year that it rained so much and we were stuck on a bus we took from the hotel to the track for over 5 hours. Some guys got off the bus, ran to a food mart and brought enough cold beer back for everyone. What a party!

Kelly Green

I was sitting in Turn 1 at the 1989 Winston and got to see Rusty give ole D.W. a little nudge in Turns 3 and 4 to send him spinning into the grass. That was my 2nd race. First one was the ’87 Coke 600…nothing but great memories!

Stuart Senecal I have a lot of mem ories from Lowe's, but the one that stic ks in my mind is when my good friend , Tad Segars, flipped his Thunder Car acro ss the start/finish line during the 200 8 All-Star weekend.

He purc hased the ca r on Friday and totaled it on Saturday .

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Carlisle McNair

I took my s on t 2006. The o his first race in Octob er sigh his favorite d t of a 6-year-old seein river g screen is som , Greg Biffle, on the big ething that will always with me. be

of I met my husband there in M ay months 2006 and we got married 6 am from later. He was from Ohio and I arried Virginia. We have been happily m Virginia. almost 3 years and now live in Shannon Kunkemoeller

Having the great fo rtune of being able to see Tony Stewart win the 2009 S print All-Star Race in his first year as an owner-driver! An d by the way, a b ad day at the track is way better than a good day at work!

Lisa Johnson

My boyfriend and I ld off o h y attended this year’s a r r u M c M ie m a J g C in ok h t e c n 600. It was my fir Wat rst career Spri fi st M ay race is h r fo e t n o an d ou r g fir Bobby Lab n st li ra er t ce together, so everythin filling in for S g was a favorite mem Cup win while tle at the finish, and I or y, es p ec ia lly the bat cookout on the track.

M arlin. A great ns surrounding me in T h at was awesome! he fa It felt really cool to loved how all t eless as to who be part of somethin e clu er w g s d so an st sp ec e ia h l. t s. m McMurray wa Jeff Cunningha Sue Lumbra

This May’s Sprint All-Star Race. I met the King, Richard Petty. I've got a picture and everything. He was so nice!

Marcia Kingsland

I still get goose bumps when I think back about the pass in the gr ass. I don't think anything will ever top th at No. 3.

Sarah Elizabeth Hogan

Last year, my 8-year-old granddaughter went to her first race at Lowe’s. The look on her face was priceless.

Sharon Hart as the October My first race in person w Sitting in Turn Nationwide race in 1984. hit me – full 1, it was lap two when it smell of field, full speed, full sound, sion wave of burning fuel and the concus life. the draft. I am hooked for Guy Peters

It has to be seeing on the track in the black No. 3 back 2003. Even th was Ric hard Childress behin ough it dt we all knew the Intimidat he wheel, It was my 5-year-old’s first time to or was watc hing over us with that LMS this year during the All-Star Race. smirk on his face. I had tears – a mom I have never seen her cheer like that ent I will never forget. before. It made me so proud to be her father.

Brad Shea Rick Reeves

The Sprint All-Star Race weekend has brought my fa mily to gether for the past few years. We all liv e in different places in Tennessee, but we all gather and head to the All- Star race as a fa mily. I have a lot of great fa mily memories from those trips.

eet the Hendrick When I got to m meet and e h t g n ri u d rs ve ri Motorsports d 0. It was the 0 6 a ol C aoc C greet at the best day ever.

Christine Cry mes

Justin Holt Photos by HHP/Harold Hinson, HHP/Rusty Burroughs and from LMS Archives

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01 When we attacked the Taliban in 20 and President Bush came on TV and delayed the race to make the announceto ment. I'm a soldier, so it meant a lot me. I eventually did a tour in Iraq and .

I’m still serving here in Columbia, S.C Russell Ha mmond

Every time I go to Lowe’s, I hav something to remember. I w e ork for Levy Restaurants in the main kitc hen love it. I love all of the c hefs and just tha with and all o f the other Lev t I work y em We are all one big happy fa m ployees. ily!

Robin Carr

I loved getting a little taste of Hollywood at the speedway during the world premiere of “CARS” in 2006. Fun My fondest memory is driving on the event, even in the rain! track last November with 24 of my My husband Robert Stewart surprised me w friends in our Miatas. My daughter was i t along for my birthday, but h a ridedidn in the passenger seat, laughing the entire about it until we were driv 't tell me ing time and taking photos of the Corvette track. After i t was over, t into the hey h me out of th Z06 we passed in Turn 2. e car because ad to help my h Charlie Roberts sweating and my knees we ands were re shaking. It was so muc h fun!

Christy M art

in

My favorite moment was when Kasey Kahne won the Sprint All-Star Race in 2008 after being voted in by the fans, and then coming back the next week to win the Coca-Cola 600.

Absolutely amazing!

Jeannie Sweitzer My favorite moment w meet Dale Earnhardt as being able to drivers and crew mem and several other 19 95. I have Spina B bers on M ay 19, wheelc hair. I was 9 yeifida and I’m in a and was preparing to unars old at the time correct Scoliosis. I m al dergo surgery to the day I met Dale’ E most 24 now and of the best days of myarnhardt is still one life.

Jennifer Raines

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I was on the roof of The Speedway Club with a group that included four Russian military officers when four F-16s came over the rim of the grandstands for the flyover. Does “shock and awe” ring a bell?

I thought they all were going to have heart attacks.

Don Yonce Labonte and ry er T g in et e m I’ ll never forget taken with him on the ture having my pic If you really love Lowe's Motor smiled down er h t fa y m s a c harity walk Speedway, you should join The Speedway from heaven.

Club. We joined about 6 or 7 years ago, Sue Lumbra and I wouldn't change a thing. We absolutely love Charlotte. The people are so friendly and the racing in awesome!

Gail Plesea

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Lowe’s Motor Speedway is best known for its three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, but each year the 1.5-mile superspeedway also hosts some of the world’s largest car shows.

Shortly after the checkered flag is waved on the Bank of America 500 only from Bank of America, the speedway staff will begin preparing for the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Goodguys Southeastern Nationals and the April 8-11 Food Lion AutoFair.

Goodguys Southeastern Nationals More than 3,000 custom and modified automobiles will fill the track’s infield Oct. 30-Nov. 1 during the 16th annual Goodguys Southeastern Nationals.

Each year, the spectacular gathering of automotive ingenuity features one of the country’s most diverse displays of pre-1972 hot rods and muscle cars. Spectators can view vehicles ranging from Model-A Fords and Lil’ Deuce Coupes to Boss 429 Mustangs and Pontiac GTOs. Organized by the California-based Goodguys car club, the Southeastern Nationals includes a manufacturers’ midway, swap meet, a model car and pedal car display and a car corral with vehicles for sale.

The show kicks off Friday, Oct. 30, and the Street Challenge Autocross, where muscle cars and hot rods compete over a timed course, is part of the three-day schedule.

For the first time, the Goodguys Southeastern Nationals will feature a nostalgia drag race at zMAX Dragway. Friday evening, car junkies can watch classic racers compete head-to-head on the concrete quarter-mile strip.

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Photos by Brad and Heather Bowling

A highlight of the annual event comes Saturday night, Oct. 31, during the annual Cruise Under the Lights. Spectators are invited into the grandstand as Goodguys members circle the legendary 1.5-mile oval in their immaculate machines.

The Goodguys Southeastern Nationals concludes Sunday, Nov. 1, when the owners of the top cars receive awards and one lucky participant will be named as a finalist for the grand prize giveaway of a Speed 33 hot-rod roadster.

Event hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets for the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Goodguys Southeastern Nationals can be purchased at the gate or online at www.good-guys.com. Adult tickets are $17 per day with children ages 7 to 12 admitted for $6 while kids 6 and under are free.

Tickets for the Nostalgia drag race at zMAX Dragway are $20 for adults and $6 for children ages 7 to 12. Gates open at 2 p.m. with elimination rounds at 7 p.m.

Food Lion AutoFair Each year more than 120,000 visitors flock to Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the spring edition of Food Lion AutoFair, a tradition that continues April 8-11.

The spring Food Lion AutoFair, recognized as the world’s largest automotive extravaganza, is one of two AutoFairs held annually at the speedway. The other takes place in September.

With a car corral, a giant swap meet, an auto auction, displays by numerous car clubs, a manufacturers’ midway and a pavilion featuring some of the world’s most unique cars, the four-day show is an automotive cornucopia.

On Saturday and Sunday, car enthusiasts can view vehicles from more than 50 cars clubs. The BMW Club of America, Capitol City Corvette Club, Carolina Classic Pontiac Club, Mini Motoring Club of the Carolinas, Plymouth Owners Club, Southern 155

Performance Ford Club and Southern Scouts are just a few of the organizations planning to show their cars.

Auto collectors will have the opportunity to sell or trade their vehicles in the car corral, an event highlight featuring more than 1,500 vehicles. Hundreds of antique and classic cars will also be up for bid when Tom Mack conducts his popular collector car auction.

Those looking to shop can spend countless hours searching for products and memorabilia in the manufacturers’ midway and the giant swap meet.

For the third year, the spring Food Lion AutoFair will include a prestigious Antique Automobile Club of America National Meet. This portion of the show features many of the world’s most pristine vehicles, many of which are seldom displayed to the public.

The AutoFair Pavilion showcases a collection of unique vehicles and recent displays have included a sports car crafted from wood and several giant creations from the Blastolene Brothers. NASCAR drivers such as Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman have displayed their radical rides at Food Lion AutoFair.

Adult tickets for the spring Food Lion AutoFair are available on event days for $10 and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Event hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Information about Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s car shows can be obtained by visiting www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Goodguys Southeastern Nationals Hot Rod and Muscle Car Spectacular October 30 - November 1

Food Lion AutoFair Megan Johnson is a 2009 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in communication studies.

This summer she interned in the Lowe’s Motor Speedway communications department.

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World’s Largest Automotive Extravaganza April 8 - 11 Info at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com

zMAX Dragway, the Bellagio of drag strips, is offering both a Season-Ticket Plan and an NHRA Combo package for fans who don’t want to miss a second of fire-breathing, record-setting action at the all-concrete quarter-mile during 2010.

The Season-Ticket Plan includes a ticket to both NHRA weekends along with a pass for the NMRA/NMCA Nationals, the Super Chevy Show and the Goodguys Southeastern Nationals. If purchased separately, these tickets would cost $295, but fans can save 27 percent with the Season-Ticket Plan. An interest-free payment program is also available with payments as low as $21.80 per month.

Season-ticket holders also receive free parking for each event, admission to a special Ticket Holder Drag Night, free tickets to the spring edition of Food Lion AutoFair, free tickets to the Summer Shootout Series at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, concession coupons and a fan pack with a T-shirt, lanyard and hardcard. The total value of the Season-Ticket Plan is $500, but it is available now for just $216.

Fans also have the opportunity to experience a double shot of nitro by purchasing the 2010 NHRA Combo Pack

which includes a four-day ticket for both the March 25-28 NHRA Spring Nationals and the Sept. 16-19 NHRA Carolinas Nationals.

Priced at just $198, the NHRA Combo Pack features an interest-free payment plan option with payments as low as $19.80 per month. This package also includes a 10-percent discount on the purchase of tickets for other 2010 events at zMAX Dragway, including the Super Chevy Show, NMRA/NMCA Nationals and Goodguys Southeastern Nationals.

The 2010 zMAX Dragway Season-Ticket Plan and the NHRA Combo Pack can be purchased by calling the Lowe’s Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

With Lowe’s Motor Speedway celebrating its 50th season of NASCAR racing, it’s hard to comprehend all the history that’s been written at the legendary 1.5-mile track.

But there are two speedway employees – Dave Suddreth and Earl Springs – who have literally seen it all as they have worked every NASCAR race at the track since the inaugural Coca-Cola 600 in 1960.

Suddreth, 72, is the head of pit road security and enjoys every minute of his job.

“It’s a challenge,” said the York, S.C., native. “But I want to stay here even if they have to put me in an electric wheelchair.”

When Suddreth was just a young man, he spent the first Coca-Cola 600 sitting on the front row of the main grandstand, guarding the entrance to the flagman’s stand.

He was promoted to the security team soon after and it wasn’t long before he was on pit road, keeping fans away from the drivers and cars.

Working the races each year gives Suddreth the opportunity to talk with the drivers and he has become 158

friends with some of the greatest names in the sport, including David Pearson, Richard Petty, Dale Jarrett and Cale Yarborough. In fact, many of his favorite memories include the late Dale Earnhardt.

Being the head of pit road security, Suddreth has also met celebrities such as Burt Reynolds, Loni Anderson, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Tom Cruise and Telly Savalas. He even has stories that involve Elizabeth Taylor and he once talked to Willie Nelson without recognizing the famed country singer.

While meeting drivers and celebrities is a perk of his job, Suddreth’s primary responsibility is to control pit road so the drivers and crews can do their jobs. But with fans always wanting to be closer to the action, Suddreth has seen several creative attempts by people who have tried to get past him and his team.

One such person was a young man who pretended he was part of a race team.

Suddreth was having lunch one day in the infield when he noticed the guy, but didn’t recognize him. He asked if he could see the man’s garage pass and the man confessed.

HHP Photos by Harold Hinson and Erik Perel

He had bought a jump suit and had his mother put red stripes down the sides and he showed up at the garage gate with a carburetor in his hand.

The man explained to Suddreth, “I waited for the guard to be busy and I started running up there and I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get this carburetor here.’”

Just like that, the man was able to make it into the garage.

“I told him he could watch the race, but to not come back,” said Suddreth. “He went through all that trouble to try to get into the garage.”

The man was so appreciative of Suddreth’s generosity that he ended up sending him a thank you card.

A self-proclaimed people person, Suddreth enjoys helping others even when he isn’t on pit road. The longtime Lowe’s Motor Speedway employee also works as the resource development specialist for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s office in Charlotte.

Springs, 74, is in charge of selling event programs at Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s major races. The Charlotte, N.C., resident has been at the track just as long as Suddreth, but his experiences are considerably different.

Springs grew up on a small farm on Little Rock Road, across the street from Charlotte Speedway, site of the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in 1949. When Springs’ father died, he jumped at the opportunity to sell programs at the races in order to help support his family. He sold his first program at the age of 14.

Springs was 24 years old in 1960 when he moved his programselling operation to Lowe’s Motor Speedway and he has been part of the team ever since.

“I’ve basically done the same thing every year,” Springs said. “I just enjoy all of it. Seeing the people and meeting the people.”

Lowe’s Motor Speedway isn’t the only track on the NASCAR circuit at which Springs has sold programs. He’s attended 51 straight Daytona 500s and also worked races at Atlanta, Talladega and Darlington.

“I know people who come from all over the country who would only buy a program from me,” he said. “They come from all over, everywhere.”

On race days, Springs can be found driving a golf cart around, making sure his staff of 40 to 45 program sellers are always supplied. He counts on a core group of 30 longtime friends who are there every year to help.

But when he hires new workers, he is always ready with words of advice.

“It helps to run your mouth,” he said. “You have to holler to get people’s attention. I never hush when I’m selling programs.”

Springs is a natural born salesman and he has also owned a thriving auto dealership in Charlotte for decades, a business that his family helps him operate today.

Suddreth and Springs may have dramatically different jobs when at the track, but they have two characteristics in common: they love the fans and they love working at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

In celebration of their longtime service, Lowe’s Motor Speedway honored Springs and Suddreth during Coca-Cola 600 weekend in May. They were each presented with a key to the speedway along with a membership to The Speedway Club.

Megan Johnson is a 2009 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in communication studies.

This summer she interned in the Lowe’s Motor Speedway communications department.

Earl Springs

Earl Springs and Marcus Smith

Dave Suddreth and PRN’s Brett McMillan

Dave Suddreth and Marcus Smith

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Dr. Peter Gorman, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, prepares for a “hot lap” around Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“Schools had a chance to quickly raise thousands of Lowe’s Motor Speedway gave area high schools the dollars at a time when they need it most,” said Smith. “It was horsepower to fight budget crunches through an innovative a new, exciting way to make money surrounding a national homecoming partnership surrounding the NASCAR Banking sports event. And the school payback per ticket is more than 500 only from Bank of America. what schools typically receive through traditional forms of “Most people experience their first homecoming in high fund raising.” school,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager Lowe’s Motor Speedway contributed $1,000 to each of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “But when the NASCAR Sprint participating high school and also donated a VIP race package Cup teams come back to race in Charlotte after five months for two from The Speedway Club for the school to use as a on the road, the NASCAR Banking 500 is truly an October raffle prize. In addition, Bank of America, the entitlement homecoming – NASCAR style. sponsor of the NASCAR Banking 500, matched the $1,000 “This new program engaged the area schools that serve contribution from the speedway to each participating school. the families of the NASCAR community,” Smith added. “It “One of the most important ways we participate in the connected the schools with our NASCAR homecoming, and it lives of our customers and communities is through philanprovided them with several ways to raise money in the midst thropic investment, and our sponsorship of the NASCAR of budget cuts.”

Banking 500 provides us Through the homecoming partnership, Concord High School cheerleaders perform at a press with the opportunity to speedway officials invited 40 public high schools conference announcing the fund-raising program. work with our partners at from six area school systems in Cabarrus, MecklenLowe’s Motor Speedway burg, Iredell and Rowan counties to participate in to enhance our collective the speedway’s “Fund-Racing” program. School commitment to giving fund-raising groups such as booster clubs and back,” said Mike parent-teacher organizations received $10 for each Hargrave, motorsports ticket they sold to the NASCAR Banking 500. platform executive, Bank of America. “Contributing to a program that benefits local education will pay dividends in this community and for its future leaders for many years to come.”

The high school that sold the most tickets will receive a 64-person luxury suite for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race for even more fund-raising raffle opportunities during the school year.

The speedway also invited area high school bands and cheerleading squads to perform as part of the NASCAR Banking 500 pre-race show.

“We take a lot of pride and responsibility in producing events that put people to work and mean so much to the Representatives on hand for the unveiling of the fund-raising program were (left to economic strength of our region,” Smith said. “The highright): Dr. JoAnne Byerly, superintendent, Kannapolis City Schools; Dr. Peter Gorman, school homecoming program is a way to tie us all together, superintendent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools; Gene Miller, assistant superinusing the NASCAR Banking 500 to support the area tendent for operations, Rowan-Salisbury School System; Brady Johnson, interim superintendent, Iredell-Statesville Schools; Dr. Barry Shepherd, superintendent, communities, fans and families that do so much to support Cabarrus County Schools and Todd Wirt, principal, Mooresville High School.

Lowe’s Motor Speedway.”

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HHP Photos by Harold Hinson

No.

Driver

Hometown

Primary Sponsor

0 00h 07 07x 1 1★ 1h 1w 2 3 3d 4t 6 9 S9 11 11 12b 17 17m 18 18h 19 19f 20 21r 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 32 32c 39 39t 44 44m 49 53 55 56 70 75 97 99

Scott Bloomquist Chuck Harper Kelly Boen Brian Ledbetter Josh Richards Chub Frank Vic Hill Ricky Weeks Brady Smith Brent Robinson Austin Dillon Tommy Kerr Randle Chupp Ken Schrader Dan Schlieper Austin Hubbard Tyler Reddick Jordan Bland Tim Allen Dale McDowell Shannon Babb Dustin Hapka Steve Francis Tim Fuller Jimmy Owens Luke Roffers Chris Ferguson John Blankenship Rick Eckert Shane Clanton Eddie Carrier Jr. Darrell Lanigan Steve Shaver Larry Blankenship Vic Coffey Ryan Newman Tim McCreadie Clint Smith Chris Madden Jonathan Davenport Ray Cook Jeep Van Wormer Russell King Jeff Smith Petey Ivey Dennis “Rambo” Franklin Jeff Cooke

Mooresburg, Tenn.

Beverly, W.Va. Henderson, Colo.

Dallas, N.C. Shinnston, W.Va. Bear Lake, Pa. Moorestown, Tenn.

Rutherfordton, N.C. Solon Springs, Wis. Smithfield, Va. Welcome, N.C. Maryville, Tenn.

Troutman, N.C. Fenton, Mo. Sullivan, Wis. Seaford, Del. Corning, Calif.

Campbellsville, Ky. Kannapolis, N.C. Chickamauga, Ga. Moweaqua, Ill. Grand Forks, N.D. Ashland, Ky. Watertown, N.Y. Newport, Tenn.

Concord, N.C. Mt. Holly, N.C. Williamson, W.Va. York, Pa. Locust Grove, Ga. Salt Rock, W.Va. Union, Ky. Vienna, W.Va. Mooresville, N.C. Leicester, N.Y. South Bend, Ind. Watertown, N.Y. Senoia, Ga. Gray Court, S.C. Blairsville, Ga. Brasstown, N.C. Pinconning, Mich.

Bristolville, Ohio Gastonia, N.C. Shelby, N.C. Gaffney, S.C. Spartanburg, S.C.

Miller Bros. Coal/Sweet Manufacturing Rick Sturms Motorsports/J. Rods Vending Roadrunner Fabrication All-Better Guttering/Lewis Well Drilling Seubert Calf Ranches/MCB Motorsports Corry Rubber Corp./Farr Motorsports Land-Air Transport/Pilot Travel Centers Starrette Trucking/Parton Lumber Mid-States Equipment & Hydraulics Steeltech/Terry’s Heating and Cooling Mom-n-Pops/Camp Debbie Lou Blount Excavating/Stowers Caterpillar Styers Curbing/Greensboro Plumbing Federated Auto Parts/Red Baron Pizza Miller Construction/Pro-Power Racing Hubbard Motorsports Gatorz Eyewear/Broken Bow Records United Steel Supply/B&W Metals Dirt Track Racing School/Pro-Tint Bowyer Motorsports/Cometic Gaskets Petroff Towing/Sheltra Construction SureStep/El Roco Lounge Valvoline/Reliable Painting Gypsum Express/Integra Shocks Reece Monuments/Gantte Appraisals CAL-LES 2 Transport/Roffers Wildlife Studio Carver & Sons Roofing/Hal’s Plumbing Fast Lane/Hilton Head National Raye Vest Racing/J&K Salvage RSD Enterprises/SAE Parts Inc. Engines Inc./Grover Motorsports Lanigan Autosports/Cheap Cars L.A. Pipeline/Drywall Systems Encompass Solutions/LB Drywall Sweeteners Plus/Outlaw Brakes Ryan Newman Foundation Sweeteners Plus JP Drilling/Cliburn Performance Century Plastics/Cushman Paint & Body Baird Transportation/En Compass Solutions Hicks and Ingle Co./A+ Moving & Storage Iron Motorsports King Bros. Ready-Mix Concrete Starrette Trucking/Norton Stereo Beaver Bail Bonds Hamrick’s of Gaffney Hamrick’s of Gaffney

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Josh Richards has one eye on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship while the other is firmly focused on a future he hopes will lead to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

In addition to battling for his first World of Outlaws title, Richards, a 21-year-old native of Shinnston, W.Va., is beginning to transition from the pinnacle of the dirt late model world to the NASCAR development ranks.

Richards and the rest of the World of Outlaws late model stars will invade The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway Wednesday night, Oct. 14, for the World of Outlaws Topless Showdown, which kicks off activities leading up to the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.

Richards has had plenty of success at The Dirt Track. He won there during the second night of the World of Outlaws World Finals last season, which propelled him to a runner-up finish in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship. He also finished third in this year’s Colossal 100, one of the series’ most prestigious races.

“I get excited every time we race at Charlotte,” said Richards. “We run well there and I really like the track. Winning during the World Finals last year was huge. It’s probably the biggest win of my career so far.

Hopefully it will lead to another good run this time.”

The Topless Showdown is unique because it is the only race of the season in which the roofs are removed from the WoO cars. But the action will be the same as Richards continues his season-long battle with veterans Steve Francis and Darrell Lanigan.

Richards could be considered the underdog in the championship fight as both Francis and Lanigan are former World of Outlaws titlists. Lanigan edged Richards for the crown last year, while Francis won the title in 2007.

Both have also been racing longer than Richards has been breathing.

“The championship has been so close all year,” said Richards.

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“There’s been times where I was leading going into a weekend, lost the lead after the first night’s race, then got it back the next night. It’s really been crazy.

“Lanigan and Francis have run great all season like they always do.

Those guys are so tough to compete with when it comes to points racing.

No matter how they start the night, they almost always seem to end up in the top five. There’s still a long way to go and the way it’s been going, it’s probably going to come down to the last race.”

While he remains focused on winning his first World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship, Richards has also started taking steps toward his goal of a NASCAR career, competing in NASCAR Camping World East Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series races.

Richards’ Camping World East debut came in April at Greenville Pickens Speedway. After qualifying 17th, a firstlap wreck dropped him to the back of the field. Even though his car was damaged, Richards raced into the top-five and finished fourth.

Richards had one ARCA RE/MAX start before entering a series race at Kentucky Speedway in June. That race was in 2007 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, a one-mile dirt track, and it resulted in a third-place finish. However, his asphalt debut with the series didn’t turn out as well.

He qualified fourth for the Kentucky race, but a crash ended his day early.

“Both the Camping World and ARCA races were great experiences for me,” Richards said. “They were both new experiences that I learned a lot from. Obviously, I would have liked for the race at Kentucky to have turned out different than it did, but that’s just part of it.

“I was really pleased with the Camping World race. I’m Photos by David Griffin and Sam Cranston and Courtesy of www.thesportswire.net

hoping to do more of that kind of stuff in the future.”

For Richards, leaving dirt to pursue a career in NASCAR won’t be an easy decision. His family has strong ties in dirt racing and Richards himself grew up around the sport.

Richards’ father, Mark Richards, owns Rocket Chassis and is the car builder of choice for many of the top dirt late model drivers, including Francis and Lanigan. As a youngster, Richards spent nearly all of his free time in his dad’s shop learning how to build and work on race cars.

“I was at the shop everyday I could be,” said Richards.

“I was always around when they were building cars. Then, when I was 11 or 12, I started getting a lot more interested in the cars and building them.

“When I started to get older, I really wanted to try racing myself. When I finally started, I knew that racing was what I wanted to do with my life.”

Richards began his driving career in 2003 at the age of 15. He didn’t start in a go-kart or a quarter Josh and Mark Richards midget – not even an entry level stock car. His first competitive laps came in a full-blown dirt late model, and he hasn’t slowed since.

In 2005, Richards began competing with the World of Outlaws. He followed the tour full-time the following year, finishing eighth in the final standings and, at 18, he became the youngest driver to win the series’ rookie-of-the-year title.

Before finishing second in the 2008 standings, Richards finished ninth in 2006 and sixth in 2007. With 19 career series victories, he is second behind Francis on the series’ all-time win list. He has also won races with other dirt late model series, including the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the UMP Dirtcar Series.

Even with all he has accomplished in his dirt late model career, there’s still a lot Richards would like to do before he leaves to try his hand at NASCAR. Along with the absence of a World of Outlaws championship, Richards’ résumé doesn’t include a win in any of dirt racing’s crown jewel events.

“I’ve been in position to win some big races, but things just haven’t ended up like I would like them to,” said Richards. “I don’t think I would be completely satisfied with my dirt career if I don’t win a couple of the crown jewels and a World of Outlaws championship.”

Joshua Joiner graduated in May from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla., with a degree in public relations. He interned this summer in the Lowe’s Motor Speedway communications department.

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NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers spend their entire careers trying to make that final turn into Victory Lane, but no one makes more Victory Lane appearances than Miss Sprint Cup. Though she never misses the traditional post-race celebration, it accounts for only a small part of a typical race weekend for the Sprint ambassador.

At each race, Anne-Marie Rhodes or Monica Palumbo, who share the Miss Sprint Cup duties, greet more than 12,000 fans, lead numerous garage tours and appear on multiple TV and radio stations.

Since the inception of the Miss Sprint Cup program in 2007, Rhodes and Palumbo have helped emphasize Sprint’s mission as title sponsor of NASCAR’s premier series to bring fans closer to the sport. Although both hold the title of Miss Sprint Cup, the two women divide the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule in half, appearing together only during high-profile race weekends.

Rhodes became the first Miss Sprint Cup, beginning her position in 2007. Known for her extensive knowledge and love for all types of racing, Rhodes is no stranger to the NASCAR scene. As a child, she traveled to races with her family. As a result, she can talk NASCAR with the best, pulling from her many experiences interviewing NASCAR drivers at the Sprint Experience stage.

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Palumbo started her position with Sprint in 2008. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that she was named Miss Congeniality as Miss North Carolina in the 2001 Miss USA competition. Her permanent smile and personable nature draw fans to the Sprint Experience, where she can be found at the microphone, singing along to the live entertainment, or racing in one of the six 3-D racing simulators.

Rhodes and Palumbo recently answered questions regarding their roles as brand ambassadors for NASCAR’s premier series title sponsor: Tell us about the road to becoming a Miss Sprint Cup? Palumbo: “I heard about this position through a friend, submitted my résumé and came in for a formal, sit-down interview at the office. I was relieved to hear this position didn’t involve any pageantry. I was ready to step into a spokesperson role.”

Rhodes: “I was living in Los Angeles for about eight years, moved back to North Carolina and within a few months, I received a phone call about the Miss Sprint Cup program. I interviewed with the company and received an offer. My agent, Marilyn Green, was the first Miss Winston in 1972, so it felt like such an honor to me to be a Miss Sprint Cup.

When and how did you become a NASCAR fan?

Rhodes: “I was born into a NASCAR family, so I was raised following all types of racing. While some girls grew up at ballparks with their fathers and brothers, I grew up at race tracks. NASCAR is in my blood.”

Palumbo: “Even though I am a born-and-bred Charlotte girl, I never became a diehard NASCAR fan until three years ago. Now, I am all about staying connected with the sport.

Anne-Marie Rhodes and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

weekend. It is a way for fans to check out all the latest offers from Sprint. You can try the 3-D racing simulators, enjoy live music and even check out the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy. It’s all free.”

Rhodes: “I think it’s a must-see stop at the track. Our prizes are the real deal. Fans can play to win a visit to the drivers’ meeting, a pit and garage tour or a trip to see driver introductions. We also have several driver appearances each weekend. Kasey Kahne, Richard Petty, Mark Martin and Elliott Sadler recently stopped by to talk with the fans.”

What is one of your jobs away from the track as Miss Sprint Cup? Rhodes: “I like keeping the fans informed by updating our NASCAR.com, Facebook and Twitter pages. I take pictures during the race weekends, so posting them on our social networking sites is a big part of my days away from the track. We love to keep in touch with our fans, even when we’re away from the track.”

Monica Palumbo and Richard Petty

Whenever I am away from the track, I have NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile on my Palm Pre, updating me on what is happening at the track.”

What do you consider an important part of your job at the track as Miss Sprint Cup? Palumbo: “Anne-Marie and I spend most of our time at the Sprint Experience. We host trivia games to win exclusive NASCAR prizes and giveaways. We also host driver appearances at the Sprint Experience stage, where we take questions from the audience.”

Rhodes: “My key role at the track is to bridge the gap between the fans and all the innovative Sprint technology. I love to show fans the Sprint FanView or NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile for the first time. They can listen to the race scanner, watch the in-car camera and access real-time race stats from their favorite teams, all on one device. The technology always blows their mind.”

Palumbo: “Well, one thing fans don’t get to see is that Sprint serves bagels and coffee to the winning team’s race shop every Tuesday after each race weekend. It’s a great way to congratulate the team members who don’t travel to the race. We bring a large enough breakfast to feed the entire race shop. It is like bringing Victory Lane to all of the team members who don’t get to be at the race to celebrate.”

How do you manage to stay connected with the NASCAR community?

Palumbo: “My Palm Pre helps me access Facebook, Twitter and NASCAR.com pages to add blogs, photos and news to our sites. Every race weekend, we make sure to post the latest updates and behind-thescenes pictures and videos.”

Rhodes: “I spend a lot of my time at the Sprint Experience during race weekends talking to fans and listening to their stories. It’s the greatest compliment ever to have someone tell me their racing memories and ask me questions about my job as a Miss Sprint Cup. To follow Miss Sprint Cup Anne-Marie Rhodes and Monica Palumbo visit: • Facebook.com/MissSprintCup on Facebook for up-todate news, videos and pictures

What is the Sprint Experience, and what does it offer fans that they can’t get anywhere else?

• Twitter.com/MissSprintCup on Twitter to follow the latest updates

Palumbo: “Well, the Sprint Experience is located in the midway during every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race

• NASCAR.com/SprintCrews on NASCAR.com to read the latest Miss Sprint Cup blog

Photos Courtesy of Sprint

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168

HHP photo by Gregg Ellman

HHP photo by Harold Hinson

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HHP photo by Harold Hinson

HHP photo by Harold Hinson

TobyMac

Robert Pierre

MercyMe

Grammy-nominated artists TobyMac and MercyMe will be among the performers during pre-race festivities for Saturday night’s NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.

Dove Award-nominee Fee and teenage singing sensation Robert Pierre will also take to the stage during the concert that begins at 2 p.m. and will be held on the apron inside Turn 4.

TobyMac ranks among the most successful artists in the history of Christian music in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim.

He began his musical career as a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning and best-selling group, dc Talk, before venturing out on his own in 2001.

Since going solo, his soulful singing, combined with his trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop sound, has earned TobyMac two gold albums, six No. 1 singles and two Grammy nominations.

Earlier this year, TobyMac took home a Grammy for the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album with his live DVD/CD “Alive and Transported.” In August, he released the single “City on our Knees,” and has plans to release his fourth solo album in February.

MercyMe, a down-to-earth Texas-based praise and worship group with a modern rock/pop flair, was founded by lead singer Bart Millard. The band quickly became one of Christian music’s fastest-selling new acts in 2001 with the release of its breakthrough hit, “I Can Only Imagine.”

Photos Courtesy of INO Records

Fee

The heartfelt song Millard wrote about his father’s untimely passing quickly catapulted the group into the mainstream spotlight. The No. 1 single sold nearly threemillion units; received several GMA Dove Awards, including Song of the Year; and raced up the Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Christian and Country charts.

MercyMe had an unexpected start to its musical career, selling more than five-million records and earning one double-platinum disk and three gold albums. The group has also received an American Music Award and has 19 No. 1 singles.

Now with six albums and more than 13 years of making music, the men of MercyMe still find themselves passionate about leading people in worship and released their newest CD/DVD set, “10,” in April. The new release features 12 No. 1 singles and numerous videos that span their career.

MercyMe plans to release its seventh studio album in 2010.

Fee is the worship band at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, one of the nation’s fastest-growing churches. The group, which also travels the country leading worship at student camps and conferences, released its new record, “Hope Rising,” on Oct. 6.

Pierre, a high school sophomore, released his debut album, “Inside Out,” more than two years ago and has since been sending encouraging messages of faith to teens and adults through his music.

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More than 1,500 race fans will follow in the tire tracks of NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart on Friday, Nov. 27, as they drive their personal vehicles around Lowe’s Motor Speedway during the 17th annual Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out. “I have been to the sale four times, traveling 1,200 miles just to drive on the track,” said Bethany Bell, of Barre, Vt. “I save my vacation time just for this. I spend a lot and take a lot of hot laps. It takes me three laps just to learn the track and then it gets my adrenaline pumping so I have to go spend $50 more so I can drive it again. I just absolutely love it!”

Those spending at least $50 on merchandise or 2010 race tickets, or donating $25 to Speedway Children’s Charities, can enjoy this once-a-year opportunity.

Fans who wish to drive around the track may pick up a ride card beginning at 8 a.m. when the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out opens. For every $10 spent at the ticket office, gift shop or souvenir haulers, officials place a sticker on the ride card. Once five stickers have been affixed, the card can be redeemed for a ride voucher at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway gift shop.

With the ride voucher in hand, fans will be directed to Gate 1 where they will enter the track through the Turn 4 tunnel. Cars will be guided into the infield and assembled in groups. They will then head down pit road and onto the track for three laps around the 1.5-mile quad oval behind one of the track’s Toyota Camry pace cars.

A wide variety of vehicles are expected to cruise the track between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Previous events have seen everything from classic muscle cars, to modern sports cars, to mini vans, to semi-tractors take to the high-banked track.

Race fans from up and down the East Coast are expected to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

“Driving around the track is pretty awesome,” said Holly Smith, of Manheim, Pa. “There is just something surreal about driving a big old Suburban on the track. Some days I 172

think I would drive the whole way down to Charlotte just to do it again, it was just great.”

In addition to numerous track souvenirs, Lowe’s Motor Speedway will offer a wide selection of driver apparel and NASCAR memorabilia at reduced prices.

Many items will sell for as low as $2.

NASCAR souvenir rigs will blanket the track’s front entrance offering drastically reduced prices on a wide variety of memorabilia, T-shirts, hats, posters and diecast cars. Nearly 20 vendors featuring merchandise from top NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, including Johnson, Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Stewart, are expected.

Tickets for the May 22 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 are the perfect gift for those with NASCAR fans on their holiday shopping list and the Lowe’s Motor Speedway ticket office will be open throughout the event.

For information on the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out, call 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

HHP Photos by Harold Hinson

Take the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America and Dollar General 300 Trivia Challenge 1. Who won the inaugural NASCAR Banking 500 in 1960?

A. Joe Lee Johnson B. Joe Weatherly

C. Emanuel Zervakis D. “Speedy” Thompson

2. How many cars started the 1960 NASCAR Banking 500?

A. 43 B. 62

C. 50 D. 36

12. Who was the last driver to win the NASCAR Banking 500 in a Ford?

A. Bill Elliott B. Matt Kenseth

C. Mark Martin D. Greg Biffle

13. Which driver scored his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in the NASCAR Banking 500?

A. Tim Richmond B. Jamie McMurray

C. Ken Schrader D. David Reutimann

3. Who won the last year’s NASCAR Banking 500?

A. Jeff Burton B. Jimmie Johnson

C. Tony Stewart D. Jeff Gordon

14. The land Lowe’s Motor Speedway now occupies was once a working plantation.

A. True

4. Who was Jamie McMurray substituting for when he won the 2002 NASCAR Banking 500?

A. Kyle Petty B. Juan Pablo Montoya

C. Casey Mears D. Sterling Marlin

B. False

15. Which television network will televise this year’s NASCAR Banking 500?

A. FOX B. NBC

C. ABC D. CBS

5. Which driver has won the NASCAR Banking 500 pole eight times?

A. Ryan Newman B. David Pearson

C. “Fireball” Roberts D. Jeff Gordon

6. The first six NASCAR Banking 500s were only 400 miles, or how many laps?

A. 367 B. 400

C. 267 D. 350

7. The NASCAR Banking 500 was first run at night in what year?

A. 2003 B. 1992

C. 2005 D. 1997

16. Who won last year’s Dollar General 300?

A. Carl Edwards B. Kyle Busch

C. Dave Blaney D. Mike Bliss

17. How many laps is the Dollar General 300?

A. 200 B. 267

C. 150 D. 225

18. Who won the inaugural Dollar General 300 in 1973?

A. Ray Hendrick B. Morgan Shepherd

C. Mark Martin D. Bobby Allison

19. Which driver has won the Dollar General 300 four times?

8. Bank of America became the title sponsor of the NASCAR Banking 500 in what year?

A. 2000 B. 1996

C. 2006 D. 1974

9. Which team owned the winning car in the 1960 NASCAR Banking 500?

A. Petty Engineer B. Wood Brothers

C. Holman-Moody D. Cotton Owens Garage

A. Darrell Waltrip B. Bobby Allison

C. Matt Kenseth D. Kyle Busch

20. NASCAR is an acronym for what?

A. National Association of Stock Cars Racing B. National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing C. National Alliance of Stock Car Auto Racing D. Nothing Against Sports Car Auto Races

10. Which auto-racing journalist is credited with saving Lennie Page’s life following a crash in the 1960 NASCAR Banking 500?

C. Russ Catlin D. Bob Myers

11. Which driver has never won the NASCAR Banking 500?

A. Dale Earnhardt Jr. B. Jeff Gordon 174

C. Kasey Kahne D. Jimmie Johnson

Answers: 1. D; 2. C; 3. A; 4. D; 5. B; 6. C; 7.

A; 8. C; 9. B; 10. B; 11. A; 12. C; 13. B; 14. A; 15. C; 16. B; 17. A; 18. D; 19. A; 20. B.

A. Tom Higgins B. Chris Economaki

600 Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 600 Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 AMKUS Rescue Systems . . . . . . . . . .121 AT&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Atlanta Motor Speedway . . . . . . . . . . .55 Bank of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, IBC Bojangles’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Bumble Bee Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Cabarrus County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Carolinas Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . .21 CARQUEST Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC Cholula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Coca-Cola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC Crown Royal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Dollar General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Donatos Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Dr. Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Embassy Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Energizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 ESPN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Farm Bureau Insurance . . . . . . . . . . .109

Food Lion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Ford Motor Company . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Frigidaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 GEICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Great Wolf Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Goody’s Headache Powder . . . . . . . . .27 Jerr-Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 J.M. Smucker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Kobalt Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Lowe’s Home Improvement . . . . . . . . . .3 Lysol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 M&M’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41, 61 Motorsports Authentics . . . . . . . . . . . .59 NASCAR Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . .147 Nationwide Insurance . . . . . . . . . . .92, 93 Native Trading Associates . . . . . . . . . .65 New Holland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 North Carolina Education Lottery . . . . .25 North Carolina Highway Safety . . . . . .43 Panasonic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Pergo Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Rhino Agricultural Equipment . . . . . . . .74

RideNow Powersports . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Safety-Kleen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Sam Bass Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Scotts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Shell/Pennzoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Sherwin-Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Speedway Children’s Charities .103, 129 Sprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Stihl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Tathwell Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175 The Employers Association . . . . . . . .157 The Home Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 The Speedway Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 Time Warner Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 99, 153 Track Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Triangle Rent A Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Tums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Werner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Windstream Communications . . . . . . .23 World of Outlaws World Finals . . . . . .163 zMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

March 25-28

NHRA Rock & Roll Nationals NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

May 21

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Qualifying NASCAR Sprint Cup Series N.C. Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

May 22

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

May 29

CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series

May 30

Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Sept. 16-19

NHRA Carolinas Nationals NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

Oct. 15

Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series

Oct. 16

NASCAR Banking 500 Only from Bank of America NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Dates and information for all other 2010 events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway can be found online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Purchase Tickets Now 176

CARQUEST

®

Keeping your world in motion.

Trust CARQUEST to give you the highest quality products and knowledgeable help from our friendly staff. We specialize in the products, services and advanced technology necessary to keep today’s vehicles moving.

This community is where we all live, work and play, so let’s get acquainted.

Stop by your nearest CARQUEST store, and let us show you why we are proud to be your neighbor.

Your debit card. Your credit card. Your driver.™ Choose your driver cards and start racking up NASCAR RacePoints.®Yes, it’s this rewarding: Earn RacePoints®with every purchase made using your NASCAR®credit card or debit card

Choose from more than 25 NASCAR driver credit cards and 12 NASCAR driver debit cards

Redeem your RacePoints for licensed team apparel, race tickets and unique NASCAR experiences like meeting your favorite driver

Conveniently manage your accounts online, at over 6,100 banking centers and more than 18,000 ATMs coast to coast

Open an account today at your local banking center or go to: bankofamerica.com/RacePoints

For a CARQUEST location near you, call 1-800-492-PART or visit us at CARQUEST.com

Credit subject to approval. For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the NASCAR RacePoints® credit card or to apply, visit bankofamerica.com/RacePoints or one of our banking centers. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. NASCAR® and NASCAR RacePoints® are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. ©2009 HGL, LLC. Not all NASCAR drivers available. Car-number credit card design only available for select drivers. All trademarks shown are used with the permission of their respective owners. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Mark Martin and the likeness of the #5 HMS Chevrolet are used with permission of Hendrick Motorsports LLC. ©2009 Jeff Gordon, Inc. The name, likeness and signature of Jeff Gordon and the likeness of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet are used with permission of Jeff Gordon, Inc. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Jimmie Johnson and the likeness of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet are used with permission of Hendrick Motorsports LLC. ©2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the likeness of the #88 Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet are used with the permission of Hendrick Motorsports, LLC and JR Motorsports, LLC. ©2009 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Dale Earnhardt, Martin Truex Jr., Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing trademarks, trade dress, names, likenesses and copyrights are used under the authorization of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. ©2009 Evernham Motorsports, LLC. The stylized E with checkered flag® and 9® are registered trademarks and service marks of Evernham Motorsports, LLC, used under license.

Kasey Kahne likeness and signature are trademarks of Kasey Kahne Inc., licensed by Evernham Motorsports, LLC. Dodge is a trademark of Chrysler LLC. The name, likeness, voice, signature and image of Rusty Wallace are registered trademarks of Rusty Wallace, Inc. Used Under License. ©2009 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. All rights reserved. The stylized #42 is a trademark of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. ©2009 Target Stores. The Bullseye Design and Target are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. NASCAR credit cards are issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Platinum Plus is a registered trademark of FIA Card Services, N.A. “Your debit card. Your credit card. Your driver.” is a trademark, and Bank of America and the Bank of America logo is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. ©2009 Bank of America Corporation.

AR71209 AD-08-09-0323.B

OCTOBER 2009

LOWE’S MOTOR SPEEDWAY COLLECTOR’S EDITION MAGAZINE

$10.00

LOWE’S MOTOR SPEEDWAY