Gray Gaulding (15) Sets A Trio Of Records

 

The 2013 K&N Pro Series season marked another year of records being set. Gray Gaulding, who raced the full schedule in the K&N East, set a couple of records while competing in three K&N West races. He won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award by Coors Brewing Co., at Kern County Raceway Park to become the youngest pole winner in series history at the age of 15 years 8 months 16 days. And he won the season finale at Phoenix International Raceway to become the youngest race winner in the series at 15 years 8 months 30 days of age.

Last Chance To Help The NASCAR Foundation

Petty's Holiday Holly Hat

At the @VictoryJunction Gala...The King's sporting clear shades & holly on the hat! #HappyHuhlidays pic.twitter.com/RJXtbmW2Ij (from @ESPNMcGee)

Victory Junction (@VictoryJunction)is a year round camping facility, located in Randleman, NC, for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses (victoryjunction.org )

Richard Lee Petty is a former NASCAR driver who raced in the Strictly Stock/Grand National Era and the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. "The King," as he is nicknamed, is most well-known for winning the NASCAR Championship seven times. 

Richard's son, Kyle Petty established Victory Junction Gang Camp for terminally-ill children to honor his late son Adam who died while practicing for a Busch Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Ruston Joins Ben Kennedy Racing

Okla. driver tabbed for run at K&N Pro East championship

Kenzie Ruston will drive the No. 96 Ben Kennedy Racing Chevrolet
in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2014. (Getty Image for NASCAR)

Ben Kennedy is headed to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. But Ben Kennedy Racing isn't going anywhere.

The 21-year-old rising star and great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. announced Thursday the team is staying in its shop in Daytona Beach and will field a team in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

At Thursday's press conference, the team also announced they have tapped 22-year-old Kenzie Ruston to drive the No. 96 Ben Kennedy Racing Chevrolet fulltime in 2014.

"Getting an opportunity in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Turner Scott Motorsports was due in large part to the time and hard work the team at Ben Kennedy Racing put in over the last two years," said Kennedy. "To be able to maintain the team here in Daytona and put another talented young driver in the seat is a really cool deal."

Ruston, like Kennedy, was a member of the NASCAR Next program last year. The industry initiative, in its third year, is designed to spotlight the sport's rising stars. The pool of talent that has been identified by the program includes Kyle Larson, Darrell Wallace Jr., Chase Elliott and Dylan Kwasniewski.

As a rookie in 2013, Ruston finished sixth in the points standings in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. The El Reno, Okla., native had four top fives, including a third-place finish at Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway in April.

Her points standing and her run at Greenville were both records as the highest finishes for a female in series history.

"Jumping into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East last year was a great experience and I really learned a lot in my first year," said Ruston. "Having competed against Ben and his team, I've seen firsthand the dedication and level of excellence they bring to the track.

"I saw how they were really able to help Ben grow in the series from one year to the next, and get him prepared for the national series. I'm really looking forward to getting into that car in New Smyrna and Daytona in February."

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season kicks off Sunday, Feb. 16 at New Smyrna Speedway. Two days later, the series will compete on the 0.4-mile oval on the backstretch at Daytona International Speedway in the UNOH Battle At The Beach.

The series also makes another in-state visit Friday, June 13 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola. Kennedy won that race last year.

Kennedy, a senior at the University of Florida, drove three full seasons in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and progressed from 13th to ninth to fourth in the points. He picked up his first two series wins last year, first at Five Flags and then another at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. He started five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2013, including a fourth-place finish in October at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

Ben Kennedy and Kenzie Ruston at Thursday's announcement that Ruston
will pilot the No. 96 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2014.  (NASCAR)

Ragan Helps The Shriners Hospitals for Children

From David Ragan's Facebook Official Page

Please help the Shriners Hospitals for Children  win 1 Million airline miles. The miles are used to transport sick children. You can go on this site and vote once a day till the end of the year.

You can cast a vote every day until December 31 to bring your favorite participating nonprofit partner even closer to winning the most miles.

Click here to vote for the
Shriners Hospitals for Children

David Ragan is an American stock car racing driver. Residing in Huntersville, North Carolina, he currently drives the No. 34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

NASCAR Coloring Page for Kids

NASCAR Coloring Page for Kids - a free download.

You can get NASCAR Coloring Page for Kids www.bizquests.com.  This coloring page is a free downloads, and fun for kids, and adults too.

Click here for download

 

   

 

Which NASCAR Event Was a Top Trending Moment on...

Which NASCAR Event Was a Top Trending Moment on...

See which NASCAR event ranks on Google's top searches for 2013.

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NASCAR inGEAR

Chase Elliott’s Quote About Snowball Derby DQ

From Bob Dillner’s interview with Chase Elliott in regards to Chase's disqualification that stripped the win from the young racer. Seventeen-year-old Elliott is the son of racing legend William Clyde "Bill" Elliott. (read more from the Dillner/Elliott interview – click here)

A rule is a rule and we broke it

"Well, they are consistent. I am a little biased because of what happened to us. At the same time I

Chase Elliott in Victory Lane before
DQ - (Speed51.com Photos)

respect what they did. It was our fault. It was a mistake on our end that should not have happened. That's something we have to accept and move forward with. Bottom line, it shouldn't have been there. I respect Ricky and the fact that he is consistent with what he does. They had a rule and they stuck to it. If it was us in second place and it was the (winning) car that had a piece of tungsten on it, then I would want things to be done fair. You have to put the shoe on the other foot. You have to look at not only Ricky Brooks, but Tim Bryant (Promoter, Five Flags Speedway). Their position is tough because had they let something like that slide, then it would have been a huge black eye on them. They have to be fair and consistent. A rule is a rule and we broke it." (Chase Elliott)

Cameron Hayley Has A Great Year

Cameron Hayley Motorsports - NASCAR Champions breakfast - Charlotte, N.C
(Driver Haley is standing on the left; Driver Greg Pursley is
sitting on left; Team Owner Gene Price is sitting in the middle)

Born July 21, 1996, seventeen-year-old Cameron Hayley’s 2013 season was productive. He finished second in the K&N Pro Series West and captured the Most Popular Driver title along the way.

“Racing is my life. When I am not on the track I am always thinking about it. Ever since I was little and I got my first go-kart, I have been living, breathing and eating race cars.” (Cameron Hayley’s Website)

Career Highlights

• Won NASCAR K&N Pro Series portion of inaugural UNOH Battle At The Beach in 2013.
• Finished second in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West debut at 15 years of age.
• Youngest driver to compete in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West (15 years 23 days at Montana 8/13/11).
• K&N Pro Series West WINS: 1 – Roseville (2013)
• K&N Pro Series West POLES: 6 – Stockton, Lebanon, Sonoma, Iowa, Monroe, Spokane (2013)

Champions Battle In iRacing Challenge

Preece Top-Finisher Among Title Winners

NASCAR fan and occasional iRacing competitor Ricky Hardin (middle) won the
NASCAR Champions iRacing Challenge finale over runner-up Ryan Preece (right) and
third-place Tyler Hudson. (Scott Hunter/NASCAR)

Fans and champions competed side-by-side in the first NASCAR Home Tracks Champions Challenge presented by iRacing.com Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

NASCAR fan and occasional iRacing competitor Ricky Hardin, of Fort Mill, S.C., edged NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ryan Preece to win the final event that was competed in NASCAR Sprint Cups Series Generation-6 cars on the 1.5-mile oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“It was a lot of fun to race against these guys,” said Hardin. “To be completely honest, the key for me was starting up front and being able to stay there. iRacing is something I enjoy doing as often as I’m able.”

Preece recorded the fastest lap en route to his runner-up finish.

“It was a fun time to relax and enjoy ourselves,” said the Berlin, Conn., driver. “iRacing is really a great tool to get the feel of a track you haven’t been to before or stay sharp during the offseason.”

NASCAR iRacing.com world champion Tyler Hudson, of Houston, Texas, finished third in the championship race.

Kwasniewski & Hudson competed
(Scott Hunter/NASCAR)

Throughout the afternoon, all of the NASCAR touring and weekly series champions – Dylan Kwasniewski (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East), Derek Thorn (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), George Brunnhoelzl III (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour), Ander Vilariño (NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), Scott Steckly (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1), Rodrigo Peralta (NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series), Lee Pulliam (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series) and Preece – raced on ovals and road courses around the world.

The unique experience was held on the iRacing simulator pods at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. iRacing.com is the world’s premier motorsports racing simulation which allows drivers, race fans and gamers alike to hone their skills and enjoy the thrill of the racetrack from the comfort of their home.

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

The event is part of a weeklong series of special activities in the Charlotte area for drivers and track representatives leading up to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards on Friday, Dec. 13, and the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards on Saturday, Dec. 14. Both ceremonies along with a Red Carpet pre-show will be streamed live on www.nascarhometracks.com. Coverage will get underway at 5 p.m. ET each evening.

Later Wednesday evening, the series champions will be honored at a special dinner affair in The Hall of Honor inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

By Shon Sbarra, NASCAR

A special message for One Direction

A business friend, Rich asked me for help this morning:

"There is a girl in our town, 15 years old, that was diagnosed with cancer a few years back along with a boy that unfortunately passed away last year. They were in the same grade. Her cancer was gone, but unfortunately she has relapsed. She now needs a bone marrow transplant. While I know it is a long shot, she is hoping to be able to meet One Direction at her Philadelphia Hospital before she needs her bone marrow transplant. She made a video and I was hoping you could share it anywhere you can!”

 

Rich has affirmed that this is “100% on the up and up.”

So here is what NASCAR Race Mom is asking.

1. First please simply watch the video and leave a supportive comment if possible.
2. Secondly, please share with your friends, family, co-workers etc.

It would be wonderful if we could band together and have this video go viral for this deserving child! This video only has 2,382 views and 81 thumbs up at the moment. Let’s get more for Brittany Santana!

Please help – it will only take a second yet mean so much.

One Direction – Boys are you paying attention?

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2014 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

At least NASCAR Race Mom is not the only one going through NASCAR Withdrawals.

According to the Sporting News, the newly-crowned six-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and his 2013 title rival Matt Kenseth are atop the first list of the 2014 Sprint Cup Championship Odds.

Johnson is listed as the favorite for 2014 at 3-to-1 odds, while Kenseth sits at 11-to-2 odds – a fair reflection of their solid respective seasons.

Next up is Kyle Busch, who has his title bid derailed at Kansas but hung tough with four Top-10s in the final six races to claim fourth in the championship at season’s end.

Dale Jr. with his 2014 National Guard Chevy (#88)

“Rowdy” has been placed at 13-2 odds by William Hill, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. right behind him at 7-1 odds after putting together a fine post-season stretch of his own following his blown engine in the Chase opener at Chicagoland.

Rounding out the Top 5 is Jeff Gordon at 10-1. The four-time champ’s big win at Martinsville catapulted him into the title picture with three races left, but a wreck at Texas forced his “Drive For Five” to continue into 2014.

Austin Dillon Displays his Championship Rings (NASCAR Nationwide & Truck Series)

Other notables include Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and the returning Tony Stewart each at 15-1 odds; rookie of the year Ricky Stenhouse and Austin Dillon both at 75-1; Kyle Larson at 150-1; and Danica Patrick at 250-1.

Larson Brings Books To Elementary School

Reading is important for every kid growing up. With Target, who sponsors my race car, they do a lot of charity work for education and all sorts of things like that. It was a good opportunity for me to go there and experience that, it was my first time going to one of their library makeovers. It was just really awesome to see all the excitement on the faces of the children and the staff. - Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson / 21-year-old NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver (Photo Credit: Red Bull)

Last month, Kyle Larson, Target and The Heart of America Foundation renovated a Phoenix area school library, which brought 2,000 new books and a technology upgrade to Palm Lane Elementary. Larson even read to the kids, who got to take home books to keep. It’s all part of Target’s School Library Makeover program, which will give $1 billion for education by 2015.

Larson, a 21-year-old NASCAR Nationwide Series driver has moved up the ranks fast and has done well both on and off the track. With the holidays approaching, it’s the time of the year when we help our fellow man – and Larson, with the help of Target, recently did something amazing.

Kyle Larson: Earlier this morning, I got to go to Palm Lane Elementary School and help with other volunteers from Target to unveil their new library – it was pretty cool. They got 2,000 new books in there, all new carpet and shelving and a complete technology upgrade with new iPads and iMacs. Each kid got to leave with seven books to take home and they’re doing more at the school than just the library. It was neat to go there and get to read a book to them and see the excitement on their faces.

Source 

Thirteen-Year-Old Gilliland Earns Runner-Up Finish

Todd Gilliland - son of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Driver David Gilliland continues to impress.

He might not be old enough to get a North Carolina driver’s license, but 13-year-old Todd Gilliland is already showcasing his skills behind the wheel of a race car. The son of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Gilliland came within two car lengths of earning a win in just his third race in a stock car Sunday, finishing second in the Southeast Limited Late Models event at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Speedway.

Gilliland started the 100-lap event in fifth after topping the speed charts in practice sessions earlier in the weekend. After initially slipping back to 13th, his No. 98 Performance Racing Warehouse/Superior Logistics Ford got more comfortable on the rough half-mile oval and started climbing through the field.

By Lap 58 he had pushed his way back into the top 10 and sat in eighth. And by Lap 79, he was battling it out three-wide for third place – a position that he won. Gilliland passed for second position with just seven laps to go and then set his sights on the leader.

A Lap 95 caution for a competitor in the wall put Gilliland’s final charge on hold until they could clear the track and prepare for a green-white-checkered finish. Restarting in second, he had two laps to try to catch Christian PaHud. He couldn’t overtake the leader, but he held back the rest of the field to finish second.

The eighth-grader at Mill Creek Middle School in Claremont, N.C., now has two top-10 finishes in just three late model starts since September. Gilliland just recently advanced to racing stock cars after winning the 2013 USAC World Formula National Quarter Midget Championship, winning races across the country from California to North Carolina.

“I’m loving racing these cars,” said the young racer. “It’s still new to me but I’m having a lot of fun. I can’t wait for next year to run more tracks and get more experience.”

He is the third generation of Gilliland racers, following his father, David, and grandfather, Butch, who also competed in the Cup Series.

“Our original plan was just to test Todd in the late model this year,” said David Gilliland. “But when we saw how quickly he took to it, we let him race. And I couldn’t be prouder of him. He’s showing maturity and patience that you don’t expect from a 13-year-old. He’s doing things already that took me 15 years to learn.”

Todd Gilliland Racing will now take time off for the holidays and prepare for a full season of late-model racing in 2014. Follow the team’s plans at ToddGilliland.com and on Twitter at @ToddGilliland_.

Love K1 Speed

Founded in 2003 in Carlsbad, California, K1 Speed now boost of being the premier karting company in America. Indoor karting has grown into a large industry over the last several years, not only within California, but across the nation. K1 Speed was one of the first companies to bring electric karts and indoor go kart tracks to Southern California, and they have witnessed an explosion in the market.

“The premise behind the creation of K1 Speed was to offer enthusiasts and amateurs alike an authentic and genuine racing experience in a safe, comfortable, accessible and perhaps most importantly, unique environment. Utilizing advanced European electric karts and indoor asphalt tracks, K1 Speed quickly developed a reputation as being fun and exciting, and our growth has been continuous since we first opened our doors. (from their website)”

Since Reef Indy’s cousin, Sofia surpassed the 48” height requirement, Uncle Moses decided it was time for her first trip to K-1 Speed. Sofia had driven a go-kart before; however, this would be the first time she took to the track with fellow racers!

As you can witness from the photos below Ms. Sofia loved her first visit to K1 Speed!

Just like real racing – K1 Speed’s first stop is registration.

Six-Year-Old Sofia is proud to show off her K1 Speed’s Driver’s License.

Opa and Sofia go over both the K1 Speed race flags and track rules.

Opa and Sofia watch Uncle Moses in his first K1 Speed race of the day.

Sofia gears-up in preparation of her first K1 Speed race of the day.

Sofia’s K1 Speed Kart gets foot extender.

Uncle Moses and Sofia discuss her race stats as Opa observes.

Sofia’s first spin out did not detour her racing enthusiasm.

Sofia’s K1 Speed race experience helped her become more race ready.

The end of a perfect K1 Speed experience!

Sofia expressed an interest in K1 Speed's Junior league.   The Junior League is designed for children who are 4′ to 4’9″ in height. The five-month series is affordable, safe and accessible, and is intended to serve as an introduction to racing.

Source

As a blogger, integrity is one of the most valuable commodities NASCAR Race Mom possesses. Therefore, reviews will contain both positive and negative aspects as is appropriate. To put it in a simpler manner, this review is meant to help my readers (editorial) more than to help a brand (advertising).

This review was done without compensation.

Happy NASCAR Thanksgiving!!!

 

NASCAR Race Mom supports the NASCAR Foundation.   Every Child deserves a champion!

Happy NASCAR Thanksgiving!!!

The NASCAR Foundation Presents $100,000 Check To Local Speediatrics Unit

2nd Annual Championship Taste Event Gives Back To Homestead Community

 

NASCAR drivers, fans and friends gathered at Homestead-Miami Speedway
to enjoy a unique dining experience while raising money for the Speediatrics
unit at Homestead Hospital, culminating with a $100,000 check presentation.

Building on its commitment to support children’s health care in the South Miami-Dade area, The NASCAR Foundation hosted its second annual Championship Taste event Thursday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

NASCAR drivers, fans and friends gathered at Homestead-Miami Speedway to enjoy a unique dining experience while raising money for the Speediatrics unit at Homestead Hospital, culminating with a $100,000 check presentation. The donation ensures that Miami-area children will continue to receive premium care and treatment in a colorful and fun NASCAR-themed environment.

“We’re so thankful for the wonderful sponsors, restaurants, drivers and the NASCAR fans and family who made Championship Taste at Homestead-Miami Speedway a success,” The NASCAR Foundation Executive Director Lorene King said. “We’re especially grateful for the partnership with the Pineapple Ladies of the Homestead Hospital Foundation who rallied the local community in support of the event. The best part about this event is that all funds raised stay local and ensure that Speediatrics will continue its important work in South Florida.”

Located at Homestead Hospital, the Speediatrics unit is dedicated to caring for the local community’s children. The NASCAR-themed, eight-bed unit includes a pediatric trauma room where the most severely ill or injured children can be stabilized, and is staffed by highly experienced pediatric emergency physicians and skilled nurses. Featuring colorful artwork and décor designed to ease anxiety and lift the spirits of young patients, Speediatrics has provided hope and comfort to thousands of children and their families.

“Last year, the Betty Jane France Children's Emergency Center treated more than 25,000 young patients,” Homestead Hospital CEO Bill Duquette said. “Through the generosity of The NASCAR Foundation, children are able to receive the care they need in a colorful, cheerful and calming environment."

 

This year’s event featured 23 South Florida restaurants showcasing their best menu items of 2013, including Celebrity Chef Adrianne Calvo’s restaurant, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar. Participants had the opportunity to vote on their favorite restaurants from the night. Honors went to: Marker 88 (Overall Fan Favorite), Schnebly Redlands Winery (Best Drink), Ocean Reef (Bestf Appetizer), Smoke and Spice (Best Entrée) and Misha’s Cupcakes (Best Dessert).

In one of the evening’s highlights, Chef Adrianne and NASCAR national series drivers Aric Almirola, David Ragan, Johanna Long and Jennifer Jo Cobb, along with NASCAR Next drivers Gray Gaulding, Ryan Gifford, Ben Kennedy and Kenzie Ruston, squared off in a cooking contest. The group followed a recipe to create a spicy pinto beans and smoked sausage dish with all meats donated by Eckrich. The contest paired seasoned veterans with rising stars on a playing field other than a race track. The winners of this annual contest were Aric Almirola and Ben Kennedy, besting last year’s winner Johanna Long.

Other notables in attendance included NASCAR President and The NASCAR Foundation Vice Chairman Mike Helton, foundation board member and former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Rusty Wallace, Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer, ESPN analyst and former three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion crew chief Ray Evernham, Miss Sprint Cups Kim Coon and Brooke Werner and the reigning Miss Florida Myrrhanda Jones.

In January, The NASCAR Foundation will host the Taste of the 24, a similar event that kicks off the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend with fabulous music, great food and non-stop racing. The Taste of 24 will benefit The NASCAR Foundation Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors in Volusia County.

NASCAR Race Mom's a Winner!

They say no good deed goes unpunished. As you know NASCAR Race Mom is a huge fan of all the charitable endeavors of the NASCAR Community. NRM is an especially big fan of the benevolent work of Sprint Cup Drivers #24 Jeff Gordon and his teammate #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

In fact, just a couple of days ago, NASCAR Race Mom posted about the Jeff Gordon's Children's Raffle which ended today. The proceeds of the raffle benefited the needed funding for childhood cancer research and treatment.

NASCAR Race Mom made sure to buy her ten tickets for the raffle. While I did not win the first nor second prize, NRM was just notified that she won the #9 prize (2005 JG Daytona picture, 1998 JG diecast, 1999 JG diecast/stats book).

 

It is too bad that the picture is not autographed. NASCAR Race Mom still does not have a Jeff Gordon autograph for her NASCAR Collection. However, that does not dampen the joyous feel generated by the fact that NRM was able to help kids in need AND receive a nice reward for that good deed!

Click here for post about Raffle

My Conversation with #24 Jeff Gordon

 

Send “Speedy the Bear” To A Sick Child

During this holiday season, Lorene King, the Executive Director of the NASCAR Foundation would like to thank everyone for the wonderful things that fans have helped The NASCAR Foundation achieve this year:

• Fans helped the foundation serve over 2,500 military families by providing comfort kits to children from Ft. Hood whose family members were deploying overseas.
• Fans allowed the foundation to fulfill more than 1,100 NASCAR Dreams by educating and entertaining children at track with major experiences for children in Phoenix, Kansas City, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
• Fans helped ensure medical care for more than 27,000 children in our Speediatrics units providing pediatric emergency and critical care.
• Fans gave 60 kids who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or who have special needs a camping experience of a lifetime. At camp, kids can enjoy life-changing experiences free of charge to their families.

Now, at this special time of year, when giving is in the minds of us all, the NASCAR Foundation asking for fan support once again.

Click here to donate to send “Speedy the Bear”

to a sick child in the hospital this holiday season.

The donation of $25 will sponsor one bear!

Jeff Gordon's Children's Raffle Ends 11/20/2013

THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN Tickets Remaining: 269*

*As of Nov 16, 11:15am/ET
 

It is my goal that all children, both in the U.S. and abroad, will never have to worry about the threat of cancer or devastating late effects caused by cancer treatment. Thanks to the generosity and compassion of our dedicated donors and partners, together we WILL one day reach the finish line. - Jeff Gordon

With your help, we can take strides toward providing the needed funding for childhood cancer research and treatment. Jackson Panzarello's fight against the disease motivated and inspired me to make a difference. Not a day goes by where Jackson's memory isn't guiding, inspriring, and urging me to always Fight On. He was just 10 years old when he passed away last year, but his continuing legacy is the incredible difference we've made for research and treatment.

Enter the November 20 raffle drawings with all proceeds benefiting The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation for childhood cancer research and treatment. Tickets: $6/each. Limited to 500 tickets.

Raffle prize winners will drawn by Mandi Shoopman, 14, who has battled retinoblastoma

 

 

*They now only have 259 tickets remaining - because NASCAR Race Mom just bought her ten tickets! (Check out the Second Prize - Super Cool Jacket)

 

DONATION LINK -- Raffle Entry

 

 

Prizes:

 

Grand Prize 1997 Daytona 500 program: AUTOGRAPHED by Jeff Gordon (w. event patch)
 

*2. 2001 JG Championship Jacket (size:M) - With original tags. New/never worn condition
*Note: The drawing for the jacket is available to U.S. addresses only.  Jacket pic 1 | Jacket pic 2 | Jacket pic 3

 3. 2012 JG Children's Foundation Gingerbread 1:24 scale diecast

 4. 2005 Jeff Gordon Halston Z-14 bag

 5. 1999 Superman 1:64 diecast, Hendrick Marrow wristband

 6. 1997 Chroma Permier 1:64 diecast, NASCAR 50th anniv pin (1998)

 7. Winner's Circle - 1995 championship, 1999 Pepsi 1:64 diecast

 8. 1996 DuPont hauler, 1999 Star Wars 1:24 scale diecast

 9. 2005 JG Daytona picture, 1998 JG diecast, 1999 JG diecast/stats book

10. Three Jeff Gordon Christmas ornaments (1997, 2001, 2003)

11. Ricky Hendrick hero card (1999)

12. Special JG mystery package! (from the 1990's)

What a riot! Ryan Blaney teaching Dylan Kwasniewski a lesson about leaving his door unlocked! Fellow NASCAR Racer, Darrell Wallace, Jr. did the work behind the camera.

Young Gaulding Means Business

Don’t let that baby face fool you – Gray Gaulding means business. Gray Gaulding and the Krispy Kreme TruMoo Milk Toyota team headed back across country for the final race in the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series season.

The Casino Arizona 50 marked Gaulding’s 18th start in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and second at the one mile Phoenix International Raceway. Gaulding qualified third at PIR in the spring and ended the day with a respectable sixth place finish.

“Phoenix was my first real K&N Series start,” said Gaulding. “We qualified good and ran top-10 the entire race, hopefully we can build on that and go after it this week.”

The long trip was worth it for the youthful NASCAR driver - Gray Gaulding won the Casino Arizona 50 on Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. Gaulding got the win when Cole Custer spun in Turns 3 and 4 on the white-flag lap after some slight contact.

It’s the first career victory for the 15-year-old out of Colonial Heights, Va., who becomes the youngest race winner in K&N West history at 15 years, 8 months and 30 days. He eclipses the mark of 16 years and 2 months established by Dylan Kwasniewski in Aug. 2011. 

Gray Gaulding celebrates his first career win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series
with a victory at Phoenix International Raceway. (Getty Images for NASCAR)

However, Gaulding is no stranger to breaking records. He is also: 

• Youngest Pole Sitter in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series "Richmond Int'l Raceway" (15 years, 2 months, 15 days)
• Youngest Driver to Start in the NASCAR K&N Pro Seres West "Phoenix Int'l Raceway" (15 years, 20 days)
• Youngest Driver to Start in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series "Daytona Int'l Speedway" (15 years, 9 days)
• Youngest US Legends Car Pro Champion "Winter Heat at Charlotte Motor Speedway" (Janurary 2012)
• Pro All Stars Series Rookie of the Year (2011)
• Youngest Super Late Model Winner "Wake County Speedway" (Sept. 2011)
• Youngest to Win a Pro Legends Race "Concord Speedway" (March 2011)
• Youngest Driver to Make the Legends Million at Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Youngest Driver to Win a Legends Race "Concord Speedway" (12 years, 1 month) 

"I have matured some much throughout this season, I drive with what I feel in my butt -GGR PR #KNWest #CasinoArizona50" Gaulding’s account tweeted after his latest win

You can follow Gray via Facebook  and/or Twitter.

17-year-old Becomes The Younges Truck Series Winner

Erik Jones scored his first Camping World Truck Series win Friday night,
coming in his fifth series start.  (Photo: Getty Images)

In a battle between two drivers who had never won a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, 17-year-old Erik Jones pulled away from Ross Chastain in the final 10 laps of Friday night's Lucas Oil 150, becoming the youngest winner in series history.

Driving the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota, Jones took the lead on Lap 142 of 150, powering to the inside of Chastain through the dogleg on the backstretch. Born May 30, 1986, Jones eclipsed Chase Elliott, a winner earlier this year at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, as the youngest winner in the truck series.

On the last restart, we stayed with him through (Turns) 1 and 2 on the top side," Jones said. "He squeezed us up -- but that's racing with 10 to go. You can't blame him for that. But when something like that happens, it makes you more determined than you were before. I was really determined after that to go back and get it. I really felt like we had a better truck from the previous restart, and I really felt like it was our race all day and didn't want to let it slip away.

Jones lost the lead to Chastain during pit stops under caution on Lap 89, the yellow flag necessitated by Ron Hornaday's hard crash into the Turn 4 wall. As soon as the green flag waved, however, Jones powered to the outside of Chastain after a restart on Lap 94 and cleared the No. 19 by the time the trucks exited Turn 2.

Jones opened a lead of 3.2 seconds before debris from Joey Coulter's truck caused the fourth caution of the night on Lap 112. Chastain grabbed the lead from the inside lane after the Lap 120 restart moments before John Wes Townley's spin into the outside wall caused the sixth caution.

Chastain held the top spot on Lap 134, when Timothy Peters' truck got loose beneath that of fellow Toyota driver Darrell Wallace Jr. and sent both trucks spinning. 

As they say, the rest was history.

Ella & Leo congratulate the Team on Win #88

Jeff Gordon's children, Ella & Leo help dad congratulate the Hendrick Motorsports Team on Career Win #88.

 
 

 

Jeff Gordon is already among the legends of NASCAR, and his legacy was added to as the 42-year old driver piloted his Chevy into victory lane with an impressive pass for the lead late in the 500-mile race at Martinsville Speedway.

The kids had a great time this morning with our DRIVE4COPD friends, all of the drivers who came out, and Sam Bass - NASCAR's 1st Officially Licensed Artist at Phoenix International Raceway! (via The NASCAR Foundation Facebook)

DRIVE4COPD is a multi-year public health initiative to screen the millions of people who may be at risk for COPD. As many as 24 million Americans have COPD but approximately half don't know it and remain undiagnosed.

Led by the COPD Foundation, DRIVE4COPD aims to help people identify symptoms of COPD and take action. This large-scale education and awareness campaign is working to help bring COPD to the forefront.

Help Kids With Cancer!

Papa John's, Pepsi Max and Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation Partner to help kids with cancer! Are you going to the Next NASCAR Race in Phoenix?

Each time you order one large Papa John’s  2-topping pizza and a two-liter Pepsi-Cola product, for just $11; One dollar will be donated to the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation .

Note: This offer is valid in Phoenix, AZ only! Use Promo Code "JEFF11."

NASCAR Diversity Graduate Makes Monumental History

NASCAR Diversity Graduate Makes Monumental History

Darrell Wallace, Jr. not only won his first NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway last weekend, but became just the second African-American driver to win in one of NASCAR's top touring series.

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NASCAR inGEAR

Are The Dillon Brothers Just “Rich Kids?”

Crew members for Ty Dillon, surround Kevin Harvick, on pit road
after an incident during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 200
at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 26, 2013  (Robert Laberge, NASCAR)

Harvick was battling hard with Ty Dillon for the second spot in the closing laps, when the pair got together, ending their chances at victory. The spin was just the beginning, however, as Harvick and Dillon went after each other on the track, Dillon's crew went after Harvick on pit road, and the pair exchanged pointed words in the garage.

As if that was not enough, one of the RCR crew members threw a sledgehammer at Harvick's truck.

"The (No.) 3 just dumped me," Harvick said. "(That's) exactly reason I'm leaving RCR, because you've got those kids coming up that have got no respect for what they do in this sport and they've had everything fed to them with a spoon...It's just a shame you have to get taken out by some rich kid like that."

Both Ty Dillon and his older brother Austin came up through the K&N Pro Series circuit.

Ty Dillon celebrates his first career series win in Victory Lane
at Gresham Motorsports Park.  (Kevin Cox/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Ty Dillon won his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race of his career at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia on August 28, 2010. So to see him in a truck race so soon is a bit usual. However, he is the grandson of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner Richard Childress and therefore was presented with an enormous opportunity to carve his place in the highly completive NASCAR Arena.

Are the Dillon brothers just “rich kids” with no respect for the sport of NASCAR? Only time and their contribution to NASCAR will witness the truth. However, whether fair or not, their relationship to NASCAR protagonist Richard Childress will forever taint their accomplishments a tad.

On a personal note, NASCAR Race Mom had not had much contact with Ty Dillon. On the contrary, Austin was present at many of Moses’ races. NRM’s option of Austin was surprisingly positive. One race I watched Austin carefully observing his brother practice on track in order to advise him later.

What impress NRM the most happened at a night practice at the Phoenix International Raceway.  There were no fans nor media about, nevertheless Austin stayed with his crew as the crew worked to improve his truck. No other truck driver did that!

So are the Dillon’s “rich kids?” Yup - compared to most, they most certainly are. Have they had it easier? I think that is probably another yup! That does not automatically mean that they do not belong on the race track! You can only get so far with money – you must have the talent and determination to back it up.  Most assuredly, the Dillon’s future will make for interesting NASCAR Drama!