Denny Hamlin Short Track Shootout

Every driver does something for charity, whether it’s visit a hospital, donate money to a charity, or hold a charity race, which Denny Hamlin did Thursday night in the “Denny Hamlin Short Track Shootout.”  The field, comprised of thirty-six cars, including NASCAR drivers: Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Michael Waltrip, Tony Stewart, Aric Almirola, Travis Pastrana and Bill Elliott, and up-and-comers: Max Gresham, Matt McCall, Brandon McReynolds,  Chase Elliott, and Darrell Wallace, Jr.  All of these drivers were racing for charity, but were also racing for a $7,500 purse. 

The three things I found interesting?  First, Denny, who was supposed to start fifth, decided to start last.  Second, Chase Elliott, the fifteen-year-old son of Bill Elliott, out-qualified his NASCAR-veteran dad, Bill Elliott.  Last, but not least, the thing the drivers and fans both liked…they got to pick what lane they started in on the restart.

Time for the race to begin!  Not quite.  The race started two hours late because of the K&N Pro Series race that was under rain delay.   When the 75-lap race started at 10pm ET, everyone was surprised when on lap one, there was a nine car crash, caused by Brandon Butler in the #29 when he got loose and spun, causing our first Red Flag.  Since they didn’t complete the first lap, they restarted from the beginning, in their original starting spots.  On the second attempt at lap one, Kyle Busch took the lead from Matt McCall and Joey Logano is scored the fastest car and biggest mover on restarts.   The race was somewhat boring until lap 45 when the Competition Caution (or ‘Half-time’) came out.  Joey Logano, the fastest car, had a carburetor issue and never gained back his spots.  When the race resumed, Aric Almirola found out that he lost his breaks and was done for the night.  With ten laps to go, a caution came out.  Everyone was looking for and asking about the debris.  Turns out, it was a planned caution.  With six laps to go, Kyle Busch (the leader) got slightly into the 76 of Wallace and Wallace spun out, causing Max Gresham to hit the back of Wallace, taking out both Wallace and Gresham.  This was the cause of Red Flag number two.  When they restarted, there were two laps to go.  When the White Flag waved, it was time for Denny Hamlin (who had never won one of his charity events) to go.  He surged past Kyle Busch, who ran out of fuel, and won the Shootout!   

Now, for the charity aspect of this event.  Denny decided to donate 10% of the ticket sales to the people of the South who are dealing with the devastation from the tornadoes.  All the other proceeds will be donated to the Denny Hamlin Foundation, who supports Cystic Fibrosis. 

Check out the Denny Hamlin Foundation website http://www.dennyhamlinfoundation.org/

The New Gas Can: Positive or Negative?

Everyone knows about the new gas can, but how much do you really know about it?  I decided to do a little more research about it, seeing how the season has settled down somewhat, to write what this new can is all about. 

Everyone’s familiar with the old gas can – fill the fuel cell until it was full, let the excess run out then it was caught by the catch-can man.  Now, not so much.  The new fueling system, costing $1,700, made by Schultz Engineered Products from New Jersey, called the “Single Point Dry Break” is used to reduce fuel spillage and minimize the exposure of the ethanol fuel to water.  It weighs in at ninety-four pounds, but can now hold twelve (instead of eleven) gallons of fuel.  Did I mention that the teams had to cut the catch-can man because there was no need for them?  This was hard on the Pit Crews because this adds about 2.5 to 3 seconds onto their pit stops because they have to now hand the gas can to the guys over the wall and get the second gas can.  In addition to this, the Pit Crews also had to go through their strategies that worked that they had compiled from past seasons, to see which ones would work with the now six man Pit Crew. 

Now, for the actual changes to the can:  The coupler now has a two way flow, meaning, the gas goes into the car and the excess comes back into the gas can.  The adapter on the car is indented, and the disc in the center of the coupler allows the fuel to flow out of the fuel can.  The outer ring slides back and allows the vapor and fuel to flow back out of the fuel cell and into the can when the car is full of gas.  Finally, the pressure valve allows the excess gas to flow up the exhaust tube (which is connected to the adapter), through the adapter, into the coupler.  The pressure then builds up in the gas can and is vented. 

All I have to say about this new gas can is that after doing research and finding out more about it, it seems like a pretty good idea, just that it’s more work for the Gas Can Man and makes for longer pit stops. 

Keep an Eye Out for Team Cass Racing

I’ve recently had the privilege to meet a wonderful woman named Terri Cass, who is the owner of Team Cass Racing.  For you who follow the K&N Pro Series West, you know who she is and what her team is about, but for those who don’t here’s a great opportunity to catch up on an awesome team! So sit back, relax, and enjoy an interview with Terri Cass.

How did Team Cass Racing start?

“Jim and I came from Sprint cars at Ascot years ago.  We stopped racing due to the kids and our growing family.  When my youngest son was in ninth grade Auto Shop, he came home and asked to build a drag.  I told him if we would build anything, it would be a stock car, end of discussion.  So we built a Super Stock and started racing weekly at Irwindale Speedway.  We spent two years in Super Stock.  Our first driver was Kenny White, then Johnny White.  We then went into Late Models with Johnny as our driver.  With him, we broke the track record in qualifying.  Then we moved to Super Lates for one year, and from there we moved to Camping World, which is now the K&N Pro Series.  In this series, we have had three drivers: Chris Johnson (whom I adore), Auggie Vidovich (who won the July 4^th race at Irwindale in 2010) and now we have Jason Fensler.  No more driver changes for us, we have found the equation that works.”

How long have you owned the team?

“We have been in stock cars for eight to ten years now with plenty of ups and downs.”

How does it feel to be a woman in the world of NASCAR?

“Men look at me like I don’t know anything, then we start talking about the cars and blow their minds with knowledge.”

Does the K&N Pro Series West do a lot of travelling?

“Yes, we travel the western United States, so we go to Iowa, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Montana and Northern and Southern California.”

Do you feel a small team has more of an advantage because you only have to work on two cars?

“We have two cars and each track requires different setups, so one car is always being worked on.”

Does religion play an important role to you?

“Religion does! I listen to my Christian music on my iPod before each race for meditation and pray my rump off; first for the safety of the drivers and then for a good finish.”

How does it feel to have won last week?

“Winning? Awesome! The best feeling ever that we as a team have accomplished a goal together and have had fun doing it.  Jason raced one heck of a race, and we are very pleased with him over all.  His personality, driving ability, fan interaction (which is very important) and his willingness to do what we ask of him with the media (which he is not used to, but he does). When Jason went three wide on the track in Roseville, I thought I was going to have a heart attack!  He did great, and put on a show for the fans!“

Terri is a very appreciative woman, and would like to say a special thanks to her team with all of their hard work, Rene’a Bracken for all of the media exposure, Roger Bracken for being the best crew chief ever, their sponsors (Pick N Pull, MtFX Graphics and Simple Green), all of the fans for their support and most importantly, the military.  “I have two sons, both serving our country (one in the Navy helping in Japan) and the other in the Army, fresh home from Afghanistan. I would like to thank our troops and their families as I know the sacrifices made for freedom and safety.  My nephew is in the National Guard and my daughter’s boyfriend is in the Air Force.”

Thank you, Terri, for taking the time out Friday morning to answer these questions for me.  I know I appreciate it and the readers appreciate it!  If you want to learn more about Team Cass Racing, friend them on click here or check out their website www.teamcassracing.com. 

*I don't own any of these pictures, all credit goes to Team Cass Racing*

Happy Easter!

From us here at The NASCAR Corner, we would like to wish those who celebrate Easter a very Happy Easter.  For those who don't, Happy Sunday and enjoy the picture of the cool egg I drew on! Hope you all have a great Sunday (without NASCAR). 

Thank You!

I feel like a big thank you is in order.  Why? Today, this little blog hit a milestone, 10,000 views all time (in less than a year)!  To some seasoned NASCAR writers, 10,000 views is probably such a small number they think they’ve failed, but to me, someone who is just starting out, this was definitely a great day and an awesome sign of what’s to come. 

Now, time for the ‘thanks.’  Thank you to all of our loyal readers, because without you, and your promotion of the site, no one would read it.  A huge thank you should go out to Richard Childress Racing, Chevy Cruze and Austin Dillon because of their promotion of the Ultimate fan/birthday video, more people have heard about my blog.  Thank you to all of the drivers and teams I've interviewed.  Last, but certainly not least, thank you, Mom and Dad, for always reading what I write, giving me your honest opinions and for leaving me alone when I’m writing. 

Thank you everyone, and here’s to 20,000 views by Christmas!  

-Ashley

The Future of Richard Childress Racing: Ty Dillon

I know quite a few people watched the ARCA race this morning at the ungodly hour of 9:00am ET (myself included).  We watched Ty Dillon, the nineteen-year-old driver of the #41 Xinergy Chevrolet; lead the pack of thirty-nine cars to the Green Flag.  He was the driver many people chose to win, and that, he did.  Well, not without a Kevin Harvick-like, last lap, Turn Four pass for the win; winning his third out of five ARCA races he has competed in.  Thanks to Ty, he cost me seven dollars for just one race (see Charity Blog).

Today, Ty never fell out of the Top Ten – in fact, seventh was the lowest position he was scored in all day, definitely showing the real talent he acquires. He will compete in the ARCA series all season, and will make a few Truck Series starts before the end of the season, before moving up to the Truck Series next year, following in the footsteps of older brother, Austin. 

When I asked people what they thought about Ty Dillon, here’s what they had to say. . .

Robert – “I like him a lot.  He’s an awesome driver and the future of RCR.”

Tristain – “Got a lot of potential!”

Angela – “Talented driver.”

Toby – “Unstoppable.”

Jay – “Future superstar.”

Debbie – “He’s good, silver spoon or not!  He was awesome!”

Meagan – “He raced awesome today.  He definitely deserved that win!”

Gary – “Awesome.”

Fraser – “Another fine young driver.  The Busch Brothers better be watching!”

George – “Going to be a great driver!”

Thank you to everyone for the comments, I appreciate them!

NASCAR Quotes, Then and Now

Do you ever find yourself quoting a driver? Whether it’s from twenty years ago, last year, last week, or even yesterday, NASCAR quotes have become forever ingrained in our minds, either for a good, bad, or funny reason.  The most recognizable quotes are “Boogity, boogity, boogity…let’s go racing boys!” which has been made famous by Darrell Waltrip, and “Gentleman, start your engines!”

Like I said earlier, people have a tendency to remember what their favorite driver said years ago.  I bet quite a few of you could quote Dale Sr’s “You win some, you lose some, and you wreck some.”  All you Ward Burton fans, remember his “I can’t win the damn race on three wheels!” ? How about you Jimmy Horton fans? Do you remember his “When I started out on asphalt and wound up on dirt, I knew I was in trouble.” or what about “You know when the first guy to reach you after a wreck has a beer in his hand, you’re in trouble.” quotes?    Possibly my favorite quote that was submitted was by Kyle Petty, “Why did I take up racing? I was too lazy to work and too chicken to steal.”

I know almost all of the NASCAR fans reading this will recognize most, if not all, of the quotes from last year and some from this year.  Let’s see out of the following list of quotes how many you recognize!

•  “I love love.” – David Reutimann in Denny Hamlin "Sponsafier" commercial
•  “His wife wears the fire suit in the family and tells him what to do.  It’s probably not his fault.” – Joey Logano in reply to Kevin Harvick after wrecking him
• “You can’t fix stupid.” – Joey Logano in reply to when Robby Gordon wrecked him
•   “The 48 is testing my patience.” “It takes a lot to make me mad, but I’m mad right now.” – Jeff Gordon in reply to Jimmie Johnson racing him too aggressively
•  “To almost grab a point last weekend was almost like a victory.” – Scott Speed 
• “It’s all about the pickles.” – Kyle Busch
•  “It’s never Junior – it’s always the crew chief.” – Kyle Busch
•  “My name is Brad Keselowski, Driver of the Number 12 Penske Dodge, and Kyle Busch is an a**!!” –Brad Keselowski in reply to when Kyle Busch spun him out at Bristol and cost him the win
•  “He ain’t gunna kill my boy!” – Bob Keselowski in reply to Carl Edwards sending Brad Keselowki's car flipping in the air
•  “These guys are the shh…they’re the bomb!!” – Austin Dillon about his crew when asked how it felt to be in Victory Lane again in Las Vegas
•  “Are you kidding me!?” – Trevor Bayne after winning the Daytona 500
• “What did I tell you? It don’t matter how long you can draft, ‘cause it’s gunna be a Green-White-Checkered.” – Kyle Busch
•   “I think when you look at our team; you have to say that the weak point is probably still the driver.” – Tony Stewart
• "And I was like Whaaat?!" - Kyle Busch at the 2010 NASCAR CWTS banquet when asked about a banner
• “You can’t be the nice guy, you can’t be the bad guy, and you can’t be the bully.” – Kevin Harvick

Mackena Bell: Right Lane to Fame

• Tell us about yourself, how did you start racing? What series do you currently race in?
• My name is Mackena Bell.  I was born and raised in Carson City, Nevada and am a third generation race car driver.  At just 9 months old, I was at our local race track each weekend supporting my Dad, Kelly, and my Grandpa, Daryl Schaar.  At age 12, my Dad and I visited our local race track where an exhibition of dirt karts was taking place.  It looked like so much fun that I told my Dad I'd like to give it a try.  That night he purchased me a kart of my own and in my dirt kart debut a week later, I finished 2nd in the main event.  Needless to say, I guess the rest is history.  Moving from dirt to asphalt, karts to Legends and stock cars, I've had the great fortune to meet so many amazing people, learn from the best of the best and had the opportunity to run with some of the "up-and-comings" in the K&N Pro Series.   In 2011, I will be running in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series and look forward to a very successful season. 
• What’s your favorite part about racing?
• The adrenaline, without question!  I find great comfort when I am in a race car.  The sound of the track, the smell of the racing fuel, just me and the car.  There is nowhere else I'd rather be! 
• What’s the hardest part of racing for you?
• Double standards, for sure.  I'm certain that it applies to so many different sports, but in a male dominated arena, it can be difficult to be a lady, but hang with the men.  With that being said, there is an understanding amongst all of us.  It's always a lot of fun to laugh and joke, but there is also a line, and for the most part they know better than to cross it. 
• Do you have any favorite/least favorite tracks on the circuit?
• The 2010 season allowed me the opportunity to run at some very historic tracks.  Although some were more difficult than others to learn, the challenge is what it's all about.  There is something very satisfying about conquering a race track, so for me each of them provides a learning experience.  I always look forward to running a track for a second time and putting to use what I learned initially.  All of them hold some type of memory and that is what this racing thing is all about.
• I know you were accepted into the Drive for Diversity program, how was that experience?

• Simply said, AWESOME!  The NASCAR Drive for Diversity program together with Revolution Racing has been a wonderful experience for me.  Not only has it provided me the opportunity to continue my dream, but to participate in events that some race car drivers will never experience.  It has also taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined.  With six K&N Pro Series races, the filming of "Changing Lanes" and the people that surround me, I feel very blessed. And for that I am thankful.
• What do you like to do during the off-season?
• I hate the off-season!!  It's like a curse word to a race car driver.   The off-season seems like it drags on forever so during that time I keep myself busy with work, hanging with friends, decorating my new apartment and hitting the gym to stay in shape for the upcoming season.  But, if the situation presents itself, I get into a race car. During this off season I traveled home and climbed back into a dirt go-kart owned by David Ing.  Getting back to my old stompin' grounds was so much fun and something I hope to do again.
• Do you currently have any 2011 plans? If so, what are they?
• Revolution Racing just announced the driver line-up for 2011.  My plans for the year include running a minimum of 17 races within the NASCAR Whelen All American series.  As you might know, I requested to take a step-back from the pro series to rebuild my confidence, learn as much as I can and not just be ready, but be certain, strong and more confident.   I am determined to return to the K&N series and when I do, I want to turn some heads.  Our family number has always been "11" and with the 2011 season upon us, I feel confident that this is my year to do great things!
• Would you be in favor of eventually moving up to Truck/Nationwide/Cup?
• As a race car driver, I think the biggest mistake we can make is progressing before being ready.  Growing up in the racing industry, there is a certain amount of respect that must be given to those with more experience.  You have to respect that, you have to notice it and you have to be willing to work hard to gain it.  After my experience in the K&N Series in 2010, I experienced for the first time a lack in self-confidence.  I knew that the series was a big jump for me, but what I didn't realize was that the learning curve would affect me the way that it did.  I know what I have to do.  I know now how to better deal with that and I have a plan that I'm confident I can achieve.  The Truck, Nationwide and Cup series are all a part of the big plan and I'm confident that with continued hard work and dedication I can make it to those levels in the years to come.
• Any favorite racing memories?
• I have so many favorite racing memories and several of them for different reasons.  One that always comes to mind first is a race at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, California in the summer of 2009.  My Great Grandpa, Leon Mayfield, was a huge supporter of my racing career.  Through all types of weather he would make his way to the racetrack to support me (and my little sister).  When he passed away in April of 2009, I received the news at the racetrack.  When his 80th birthday fell on a Saturday night a few months later, I announced to the TOYOTA Speedway fans during introductions that I was dedicating my race and any winnings in his memory to my hometown cancer center.  That evening I made history becoming the first female to take a podium finish at TOYOTA Speedway.  It was incredibly emotional for me and the fans and a night I will not soon forget.  He was watching over me and I know that each time I buckle into my racecar he is riding right along side of me.  I so miss seeing him in the grandstands.
• Do you have any charities that you support?
• Now that I'm living in North Carolina I have not yet had the opportunity to do some of the fundraising events that I did back in my hometown.  I am a huge supporter of cancer research and together with my little sister, Kellcy (who is a two time dirt Karting Champion), we have hosted the most successful personal coat and toy drive in my hometown.   We also enjoy feeding the less fortunate during my trips home at Christmas.  I am a firm believer that when you are blessed with many wonderful things in your life that giving back is a must.  It's more rewarding than I ever imagined and seeing those little one's trying to carry out a 25 pound turkey just makes me grin from ear to ear. It's an awesome experience!
  

To learn more about Mackena, or to contact her...

- Follow her on Twitter click here

- 'Like' her page on Facebook click here

- Check out her website click here

To learn more about Revolution Racing, click here

*Photo credits go to Mackena*

How I'm Going to Give Back

This blog, isn’t about a new topic on the NASCAR scene, it has to do with giving back. As you know there are some great charities out there which are run by or associated with many drivers, teams and owners.  I’ve decided that since Richard Childress Racing was responsible for the best birthday ever, (No, I’m not just saying that, I do mean EVER) I would do something to give back to them, the community, and to a charity.  Which charity? None other than the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. At the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, they will advance the latest research and knowledge on the treatment and care for children with traumatic injuries. 

 

Did you know that 12,388 children 18 and under die each year from trauma?  Do you know why? Since 2001, more than thirty trauma centers have closed their doors, or cut back on the services offered.  Wouldn’t you want to be able to help decrease this expanding number?  t’s possible to lower that number. I know I decided I wanted to help.  What am I going to do? Every time a RCR driver puts down the fastest qualifying lap and wins the pole or wins a race in any of the series, whether it’s Austin or Ty Dillon, Tim George, Jr., Joey Coulter, Paul Menard, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, or Clint Bowyer, I’m going to donate a specific amount to the charity.  When they win a pole, I’m going to donate $2 and when they win a race, I’m going to donate $5, that way at the end of the year I will be able to donate however much I've collected throughout the year.  

 

I started this because I wanted to give back; maybe you will consider doing this too, maybe not for the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, but for one of your favorite NASCAR charities.  Now you have something to think about.

 

To learn more about the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, check out the website http://www.childresspediatrictrauma.org/.