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.

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