By Ryan - Posted on August 19, 2009

After another race determined by fuel and pit strategy, NASCAR News reporters interviewed Brian Vickers in Victory Lane at Michigan International Speedway after the Carfax 400.  The dominant #48 car, driven by Jimmie Johnson, led 165 laps, but a decision to stay out during what turned out to be the final caution lap cost him the win, as he ran out of gas with 2 laps left.

By Ryan - Posted on August 12, 2009

Often, NASCAR News agencies overlook the effect that road courses have had on the sport, specifically bringing in talent from areas that would not have given the Sprint Cup series a second thought.  Names like Juan Pablo Montoya, Boris Said, and Travis Kvapil would never be considered drivers by fans if it weren’t for places like Watkin’s Glen and Sonoma.  To a degree, these tracks have given NASCAR a certain global legitimacy and international flair that has increased NASCAR’s fan base, as well as its driver’s pool.

By Ryan - Posted on August 5, 2009

Racing News 360 is happy to report on Denny Hamlin’s version of Babe Ruth’s “called shot”.  In Long Pond, Pennsylvania on Friday, Hamlin suggested that he was pretty sure he was going to win on Sunday.  It wasn’t much of a leap of faith for him to be sure; Denny has won twice in 7 starts at Pocono. On a rain delayed Monday race, which ended up being one of the more exciting races from the 2 ½ mile tri-oval track, Hamlin took 6 positions in 13 laps to win the Pennsylvania 500.  Juan Pablo Montoya, quickly becoming one of NASCAR’s strongest drivers, finished second.  Clint Bowyer, Sam Hornish, and Kasey Kaine rounded out an uncommon group of names in the top 5.

By Ryan - Posted on July 29, 2009

Back to back, and for the third time in four years, NASCAR news reports that Jimmie Johnson has won the Brickyard 400.  In a race that was not without intrigue, the #48 Chevy crossed the most famous three feet of brick at least two car lengths ahead of second place finisher Mark Martin.  Complimentary as always, and proving that he has a sense of humor, Johnson said of his teammate, “Geez, was he fast.  For an old guy, he had me pretty worried.”  Martin turned 50 in the offseason and is breaking records of his own on the Sprint Cup circuit, tallying more multiple victories than any other driver that age.

By Ryan - Posted on July 22, 2009

Recently, NASCAR News agencies have highlighted the use of onboard cameras during races in the Sprint Cup series.  A highlight for fans, onboard cameras are not new to NASCAR, but the technology has allowed it to develop with much greater success than it began with.  Peter Larsson of Broadcast Sports, Inc. said of in-car camera history, “The first time we ever tried it was 1979 and the technology was just getting to the point to where it was small enough to fit in a race car.  When I say small enough, back then it was still 50 pounds worth of gear."

By Ryan - Posted on July 15, 2009

It was just last July that Tony Stewart made NASCAR News with the big announcement at the Chicagoland Speedway. He was leaving Joe Gibbs Racing and instead of being just a driver in the Sprint Cup Series, he would become an owner and driver for the fledgling Stewart-Haas Racing organization.

By Ryan - Posted on July 8, 2009

NASCAR News reporters’ computer keyboards were burning up before Kyle Busch’s wheels finished spinning from the final lap wreck that left him in 14th place at Daytona.  Tony Stewart turned the #18 Interstate Batteries Camry when Busch attempted to block.  The “big one” was truly spectacular and the fans surely went home with the impression that their driver was not at fault.

By Ryan - Posted on July 4, 2009

With ten races left to set the field for the “Race to the Chase,” NASCAR news stories are focused on the drivers within striking distance of the top 12.  Generally, this includes all the drivers from sixth or seventh all the way back to the 20th spot.  Starting in New Hampshire, Casey Mears rounds out the top 20.  He sits 777 points behind leader Tony Stewart.  If the field were set after this weekend’s race, he would have to make up roughly 300 points to make the chase.  Fortunately for him, he has the time, although probably not the ability, to make the cut.