Tony Stewart Flip Photos/ Open Wheelers Come into Their Own at STL/ Open Wheelers 2-3 Cup Qualifying/ The Van O Babes are Back

Tony Stewart Flip Photos
The Busch race at Talladega looked very promising for our Open Wheelers JJ Yeley sat on the pole for Saturday’s race. The event was relatively clean until Tony Stewart went airborne.

In these photos

You can see Tony Stewart was not able to clear Kenny Wallace and

Spun in the tri-oval.

His No. 33 got airborne

And slid down past the start-finish on his roof.

Thankfully Tony Stewart emerged ok from the car.

JJ Yeley’s luck would change as he got together with another car,

Struck the outside wall and then came across the race track somehow avoiding all of the other cars. Martin Truex Jr. won the event driving a No. 8 car that resembled the late Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s No. 3 paint scheme. For a recap of post race activities, please head over to TV Victory Lane http://tvvictorylane.blogspot.com

Busch Series Results Talladega
1. (8 Martin Truex, Jr.)
9. 11 Paul Menard
10. 60 Carl Edwards
16. 10 John Andretti
18. 38 Jason Leffler
20. 77 Burney Lamar
22. 66 Ken Schrader
23. 43 Aaron Fike
25. 12 Tracy Hines
34. 18 J.J. Yeley
35. 34 Paul Tracy
39. 33 Tony Stewart

Open Wheelers Come into Their Own at STL
Open Wheel NASCAR rookies came into their own this weekend at Gateway International Raceway. Truck rookies, Bobby East, Boston Reid, Kraig Kinser and Erin Crocker all finished on the lead lap while recording their best truck finishes of their careers. Terry Cook and Mike Bliss scored top ten finishes but it was Todd Bodine who won the race.

Open Wheeler Truck Results Gateway
1. (Todd Bodine)
6. Terry Cook
9. Mike Bliss
12. Bobby East*
16. Boston Reid*
17. Kraig Kinser*
22. Erin Crocker*
33. Kyle Krisiloff

Open Wheelers 2-3 Cup Qualifying
Tony Stewart qualified second quick for Sunday’s scheduled Cup race at Talladega. Carl Edwards was third quick. Elliott Sadler is on the pole. Here is the full list of Open Wheelers.

Cup Qualifing Results Talladega
1. Elliott Sadler
2. 20 Tony Stewart
3. 99 Carl Edwards
11. 18 J.J. Yeley
14 24 Jeff Gordon
18. 12 Ryan Newman
19. 7 Robby Gordon
25. 42 Casey Mears
35. 21 Ken Schrader
37. 9 Kasey Kahne
38. 22 Dave Blaney

The Van O Babes are Back

The Van O Babes from the All-State commercial have returned just in time to boost their numbers in the race babe poll.

The three hotties once again are on their quest to meet Kasey Kahne and get into trouble

Each one of the three gals dream about meeting Kahne and marrying him.

Of course during their daydream, they cause an accident.

These gals in the All-State commercial can’t park worth a darn but they do have a thing for Open Wheelers.

I wonder if they have a thing for guys that write about Open Wheelers?

If you would like to vote for the Van O Babes or any of the women vying for title of “Race Babe,” you can do so by scrolling to the bottom of this page and clicking on the web poll.

Images courtesy of FOX and NASCAR Digital Entertainment.

Who is your favorite Race Babe?

Who is your favorite Race Babe?
We have been taking nominations now for almost two weeks and it is time to vote. Here are the nominees:

Connie LeGrand

Ms. LeGrand has been the co-host of SpeedNews now for several years on SPEED. She delivers your racing news with spunk. Her bio on SPEEDTV.com says she also likes bubble baths.

Wendy Venturini

I first saw her doing pit reporting on ARCA broadcasts and is now doing pit reporting for SPEED’s prerace show. Her brother just won his first ARCA race.

Krista Voda

The native Iowan could be the hottest gal to ever grave the airwaves of the SPEED Network. Voda briefly left before she was summoned back to Charlotte by some smart programmers. She is the best female pit reporter talent out there.

Danica Patrick

One word, “Danica.”

She single handedly brought more attention to the IRL than the rest of the drivers combined.

Did you see the FHM issue?

Van O Babes

These gals in the All-State commercial can’t park worth a darn but they do have a thing for Open Wheelers. I can’t decide which one I like the best.

Michelle Biesner

TV Reporter for Champ Car World Series Broadcasts. Reported one everything but racing at Long Beach.

She does look good in her undies doesn’t she?

Nicole Lunders

Long time girlfriend of Greg Biffle. Could probably win a cat fight with Eva Bryan 9 times out of 10.

Eva Bryan

Soon to be wife of Kurt Busch. Wisely stayed on the pit box and let Nicole Lunders have her say.

Jamie Little

Has a small tattoo on he lower back.

Solid pit reporter with out too much fluff.

She has also appeared in FHM.

Erin Crocker

First gal to ever start on the “A” Main of the Knoxville Nationals. NASCAR’s answer to Danica Patrick (even though Erin is an Open Wheeler).

Gene's Ladies

What can I say, Gene Simmons is the man when it comes to the ladies.

Jennifer Hedger

Anchors the Canadian version of SportsCentre on TSN. Nice Eh!

DeLana Harvick

NASCAR Busch Series owner. Good businesswoman. Wife of Kevin Harvick.

If it came to it, my money is on DaLana winning in a street fight against Nicole Lunders and Eva Bryan.

Veronica McCann

Red Hot Roni would probably pull a slide job on most of us and leave our heads spinning.

The awesome Aussie is gaining respect on the sprint car tracks. Did I ever tell you I like readheads?

Jessica Helberg

This No. Cal. native was student body president in High School and is now studying biochemistry. In her “free time,” he drives a super late model and asphalt sprints.

Tiffany Chittenden

The Brit aspires one day to be Formula 1 World Champion. She has the looks of a Page 2 beauty. She recently raced Britsport at Brands Hatch. She tested for 2005 Formula Renault UK Champions, Manor Motorsport as a reward for her outstanding performances in the 2005 British Karting Championship.

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Images courtesy of ABC, IRL, SPEED, NBC, FOX, NASCAR Digital Entertainment and respective nominee’s websites.

Now, It is Our Turn

Now, It is Our Turn
YES! The Hoosier Hundred has been saved! Thanks to new promoter Bob Sargent, the folks at the Indiana State Farigrounds, Indiana State Government, K&K, the United States Auto Club and past promoters Team 6R, the Hoosier Hundred will take place this season. These folks along with others behind the scenes burned the midnight oil to make this happen.

Yes folks, the spirit of Open Wheel auto racing is alive and well in Indiana. It did not die and move to Charlotte. The fine folks that are mentioned above and those did more than we will ever know, who worked relentlessly to make this happen. These folks are the ones who truly believe in this sport. Good job folks!

Now it is our turn:Every one of you out there that cares about this sport. Every one that bitched, moaned and groaned. Every one of you that called and wrote showing your support. All of you make sure that their efforts did not go in vein. Mark your calendars for May 26th. Be there to support your sport. Be there to support folks that would not give up. Bring your friends, heck bring your enemies. Show everyone that the spirit of auto racing lives, in Indiana, in the hearts of the old and yes, bring your kids, because they are the next generation that will keep our sport alive!

Also be there at Springfield and DuQuoin, support the promoters that support you. Thanks folks for going out on a limb and keeping the Hoosier Hundred alive. I will be there and I hope you will be too.

BREAKING NEWS: THE HOOSIER HUNDRED LIVES!

by Dick Jordon
The American race fans' intense interest in and devotion to the storied USAC "Hoosier Hundred" auto race has helped in its re-instatement as a May 26 event this year! The 54th running of the race will take place on the Friday night before the Indianapolis 500 as a result of diligent work by numerous parties dedicated to the event's continuance as a May tradition. The combined tireless efforts of the United States Auto Club, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indiana State Government, K & K Insurance, Bob Parker of Parker Machinery in Indianapolis and race organizer Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises, Inc. in Macon, Ill. created an avenue of opportunity for the race to be re-instated on the calendar for 2006.

The third leg of USAC's 2006 Silver Crown Championship Series showcases the nation's most competitive racing series on the Indiana State Fairgrounds' 1-mile dirt oval in a 100-mile race which has produced a list of champions including America's greatest drivers. Indianapolis 500 Champions Bob Sweikert, Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Mario Andretti and Al Unser are former winners, as are current NASCAR stars/USAC graduates J.J. Yeley and Jason Leffler.

"This is wonderful news for race fans around the state and around the country who make the Hoosier Hundred a traditional part of their Indy 500 weekend," said Indiana State Fairgrounds Executive Director Cindy Hoye. "I really don't know how we could have gotten this done if Bob Parker Jr. and Bob Sargent hadn't stepped in to do what they're doing. It just goes to show how passionate people are about this event and the State Fairgrounds."

"The success of this event has been phenomenal and we at Track Enterprises look forward to carrying on this tradition," said Bob Sargent, who will serve as the race's new organizer. "We want to build on this success and actually plan some special promotions centered on our three USAC Silver Crown races at the Indiana, Illinois and DuQuoin State Fair miles."

"Being able to run the Hoosier Hundred in May of 2006 has been brought about by the tireless efforts of many people, said USAC President Rollie Helmling.' It is very gratifying that everyone involved never gave up, even when it appeared the window of opportunity was closed. The Hoosier Hundred is an institution in American automobile racing and when it appeared to be in jeopardy we were reminded how important its continuation really is.

"Every time USAC called upon anyone involved they were quick to react and dedicated to making it happen. Cindy Hoye and the staff at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, State Representative Bill Davis, a long time USAC Car Owner, Matt Steward as well as our Governor Mitch Daniels all ambitiously contributed and supported every effort. Everyone from the state of Indiana exhibited their support of Motorsports and in particular USAC Racing. Race Fans and participants in Indiana should be very grateful to the efforts of their state administration.

"There were also many USAC Racers who never gave up. USAC Midget Owner Bob Parker of Parker Machinery worked diligently with Larry Rice at K&K Insurance to satisfy the facility concerns. When Bob saw our dilemma he went to work and this would not have happened without him. The race's former promoters, Tom Johnson and 6-R Racing, are still very active and are working hard with our new race promoter Bob Sargent who brings his expertise as the promoter of the USAC Silver Crown races at the Illinois State Fair on August 19 and the DuQuoin State Fair on September 3.

"This year's Hoosier Hundred will be special in many ways and now means more than ever to the great heritage of Indiana Racing. It is a large component of Memorial Day Weekend in Indianapolis which truly is the World's Greatest Open Wheel Racing weekend."

Parker Machinery will orchestrate the mandated replacement and strengthening of fencing, cabling and walls necessary to satisfy the spectator and participant safety requirements which were integral factors in restoring the May 26 date.

Teddy Beach of Donnelsville, Ohio is the defending champion of the race, recording a surprise victory in last year's classic.

Big Car Marketing Blitz/ Yes Boss Whatever You Want/ IRL Notes/ Tiger Woods Wins Dirt Track Race

Big Car Marketing Blitz
The PRA Big Car Series marketing blitz is on the launch pad, ready to take off for its inaugural race on May 17th.


The Premiere Racing Association’s first leg of their campaign started over the weekend with this promotional flyer. The Big Car Series is planning to distribute posters and radio ads as part of their marketing plan. The series inaugural season includes seven races in five different states beginning at Indianapolis Raceway Park on May 17th. Practice is scheduled for 4:45pm with qualifying at 5:45pm and racing at 7pm. The Big Car Series utilizes cars that were made obsolete when USAC went to the new generation Silver Crown car. Expect a line up of drivers scheduled to appear at the inaugural event out in the near future.

Yes Boss Whatever You Want
Helio Castroneves did a double take when his boss Roger Penske said they were going straight from Japan to the Cup race in Phoenix. In an interview on the Sirius Satellite Radio program, Sirius Speedway, the two time Indy 500 winner said that Penske, team mate Sam Hornish and himself flew straight from Motegi, Japan to the Valley of the Sun. Castroneves said it was a tiring 36 hour day that took them from the race he won an Motegi, across the Pacific Ocean and to Phoenix International Raceway.

“Roger was like, “You’re going right?” and I said ok boss anything you want,” laughed Castroneves.

Helio Castroneves said he doesn’t know how the Captain can do what he does on just five hours sleep. After arriving in Phoenix from Japan, Roger Penske not only handled his duties as team owner but also spotted for Kurt Busch. Castroneves was a busy guy Monday, he also appeared on the “Best Dam Sports Show” seen nationally on FOX Sports Net.

Chip Ganassi on Open Wheel Reunification
In an interview with Associated Press motorsports writer Jenna Fryer, IRL team owner Chip Ganassi says has “no feel whatsoever” on how close the IRL is to reunification with Champ Car World Series. Ganassi has been a strong proponent if the merger.

Crew Member Ok

The Indianapolis Star, www.indystar.com reports today that the Andretti Green Racing crew member involved in this accident on pit road is ok

The Star reports that left rear tire changer Steve Price suffered no serious injuries in this incident in the pits at Motoegi, Japan according to a team spokesperson.

The accident occurred when a car driven by Dario Franchitti struck the tire Price was holding. The paper reports that the crew member was taken to a Motegi-area hospital but returned to the team after the race.

Back in Black
Dale Earnhardt Incorporated is altering their paint schemes on their cars at Talladega to honor Dale Earnhardt Sr. Saturday would have marked his 55th birthday. The three Cup and one Busch cars will have a paint scheme that looks like the classic No. 3. Earnhardt, Sr. won 10 times at Talladega, including his final Cup victory on Oct. 15, 2000. He will be inducted posthumously into the speedway's International Motorsports Hall of Fame on Thursday

Erin Crocker Diecast Out

A diecast version of Erin Crocker's No. 98 Busch Series car is now in collectable stores accross America. She is scheduled to run just a few races in the No. 98 this season in the Busch Series.

No Additional Punishment for Busch
NASCAR has decided that Kyle Busch will face no further penalties for hitting Casey Mears during a red flag at Phoenix Saturday night according to a report at www.thatsracin.com.

Busch was given a five-lap penalty during the race and was summoned to the sanctioning body’s trailer after the race. NASCAR could have deducted points, fined, suspended or placed the young driver on probation. They decided the lap penalty was enough.

Tiger Woods Wins Dirt Track Race
Tiger Woods (yes that Tiger Woods), the golfer, spent some time driving a car on a dirt track in New Zealand last night.

Image courtesy and exclusive property of Amos Chapple/ The New Zealand Herald.
According to an article in the New Zealand Herald by Derek Cheng, Woods raced before a crowd of 7,000 at the Huntly Speedway in New Zealand. The number one ranked golfer in the world, spun out in his first race while trailing the lead pack. According to the article in the Herald, Tiger Woods avoided several accidents to win in the second race. Woods was in New Zealand for the marriage of his caddie, Steve Williams. For the complete story, please visit http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=4&ObjectID=10378861

Images appearing in this blog courtesy of The New Zealand Herald, PRA Big Car Series, IMS Productions, Indy Racing League, ESPN, SPEED, FOX and NASCAR Digital Entertainment.