TIM BOOTH OF MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
NAMED 2009 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
LAS VEGAS (December 3, 2009) -- The Home Depot and the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) announced today that Tim Booth from Michigan International Speedway is the winner of the 2009 NMPA Home Depot Humanitarian Award. Booth was presented with the specially-designed Humanitarian of the Year crystal award and a $100,000 cash donation to his charity, the Spirit of America Blood and Marrow Drive, during the Myers Brothers Awards program in Las Vegas this afternoon.
“Just to have been nominated is truly a great honor, and I am humbled,” Booth said of the award. “The reality is this award is not about any one, single nominee or finalist, but rather about donating one’s time for a cause that you believe in – any amount of time and any cause will do. It’s about giving, isn’t it? So thank you to Home Depot and the NMPA for this great honor, and thank you for supporting my charity. Greg, Tony and I are all winners on our charities’ behalves.”
Booth, Michigan International Speedway’s Director of Guest Services, developed the project Spirit of America Blood and Marrow Drive after the September 11 attacks on the United States. His goal with the project was to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks and to salute the men and women in uniform while increasing the nation’s blood supply. The inaugural event took place September 11, 2002 and has become an annual event. The event has grown to include co-sponsorship from the NASCAR Foundation, National Marrow Donor Program and Hendrick Marrow Foundation and has resulted in 30 additional tracks around the country hosting their own blood and marrow drives.
“The Home Depot is proud to recognize Tim Booth as the Humanitarian of the Year,” said Frank Bifulco, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “His initiative and dedication to improving the efforts of blood and marrow drives around the country is impressive and honorable. We salute him, Greg and Tony as finalists and all of the nominees for the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year.”
“Out of several worthy candidates, Tim Booth’s work in creating and maintaining the Spirit of America Blood and Marrow drive stood out,” said NMPA President Dustin Long, who was on the selection committee. “What started as a single act by an individual grew into a program that spans the country. He reminds us how the actions of one can impact many.”
The finalists and winner of the 2009 Humanitarian Award were selected by the Humanitarian Award Selection Committee comprised of representatives of the NMPA and The Home Depot. All of the nominees were assessed based on their community commitment and dedication, impact on the community and charitable giving of their time and talents. The three nominees with the highest scores were named finalists for the award.
Booth, a BLANK at MIS, was one of the three finalists for the award along with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart. Both Biffle and Stewart each received $25,000 cash donations to their respective charities for being selected as finalists for the Humanitarian Award.
The NMPA Home Depot Humanitarian Award was established in 2007. The inaugural Humanitarian Award winner was Don Miller, a former Penske Racing executive. Miller started the Stock-for-Tots program as a holiday event to collect toys and raise funds for Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN). Richard Childress, president and CEO of Childress Racing, won the 2008 edition of the Humanitarian Award. Childress established the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in 2008. Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and the Childress Institute focuses on research, education, treatment, prevention and raising awareness of childhood injuries.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Speedway Children's Charities
Speedway Children's Charities to Distribute
More Than $854,000 To Local Organizations
at Lowe's Motor Speedway Tree Lighting
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 30, 2009) - Speedway Children's Charities will donate in excess of $854,000 to organizations in the Charlotte region benefiting area children during tonight's annual Lowe's Motor Speedway tree lighting ceremony.
Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, will join Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Sadler, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities, in awarding the grants to 93 local organizations.
"Children are a gift and it's a blessing that we're able to assist so many each year," said Smith. "Everyone at Speedway Children's Charities strives to make a difference in the lives of as many children as possible, and this year we're helping kids though programs at more than 90 organizations in the Lowe's Motor Speedway community. It's just amazing to see how many children we're able to assist."
Speedway Children's Charities raised the money through various fundraising activities along with individual and corporate donations throughout the year.
A number of area agencies will directly benefit from the funds, including A Better World (helps provide finances to operate after-school programs), Birthday Blessings (Shelter Party Program hosts birthday parties for homeless children and their families), Northeast Foundation, Inc. (helps fund Camp Open Airways and Camp Sweet Freedom for asthmatic and diabetic children to attend a summer day camp under medical supervision to control their asthma and diabetes while participating in typical camp activities) and Thompson Child & Family Focus (provides comprehensive early childhood education where typically developing and special needs children learn together).
In addition to the grant distribution, the holiday ceremony will include the lighting of Lowe's Motor Speedway's one-of-a-kind 50-foot Christmas tree and visits by Santa Claus and Lug Nut, the world's fastest mascot.
Fans will also have the opportunity to drive their personal vehicles around Lowe's Motor Speedway after the tree lighting ceremony. Those who donate $25 to Speedway Children's Charities will be able to take three laps around the 1.5-mile superspeedway.
2009 Charlotte Chapter Grant Recipients:
A Better World
A Child's Place of Charlotte, Inc.
A Place for Hope, Inc.
Abilities Unlimited of the Carolinas, Inc.
Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council
Alexander Youth Network
Allegro Foundation
American Red Cross - Cabarrus County
Arts for Life
Assistance League of Charlotte
Autism Services of Mecklenburg County, Inc.
Autism Speaks
Barium Springs Home for Children
Bethlehem Center of Charlotte, Inc.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte
Birthday Blessings
Bostonian Elementary School PTA
B.R.A.K.E.S.
Cabarrus County Partnership of Children
Camp CARE, Inc.
Carolina Youth Commission
Charity League, Inc.
Charlotte Emergency Housing
Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center
Children's Home Society of North Carolina, Inc.
Communities in Schools of Cabarrus County
Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc.
Communities of Rowan County, Inc.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Donors Choose, Inc.
Dore Academy
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina
Family Services Inc.
Florence Crittenton Services Inc.
GHA, Inc.
Girls on the Run International
Harvest Kitchen Outreach, Inc.
Hispanic Learning Center of Cabarrus County
Holy Angels, Inc.
Hometown Heroes, Inc.
Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Jonie and Friends
Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.
Kannapolis Boys & Girls Club
KinderMourn, Inc.
Kurt Busch Foundation
Legacy of the Vine Ministries, Inc.
Levine Children's Hospital
Lukemia & Lymphoma Society
March Forth with Hope Foundation, Inc.
MARA
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, Inc.
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.
NB Mills Elementary School
NorthEast Foundation, Inc.
Our Kids
Partners in Out-of-School Time
Philips Academy of North Carolina, Inc.
Piedmont Mediation Center, Inc.
Piedmont Residential Development Center, Inc.
Pregnancy Resource Center of Charlotte
Prevent Child Abuse N.C.
Prosperity Community Connection, Inc.
Room at the Inn, Inc.
Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation
Saving Grace, Inc.
Seigle Avenue Partners, Inc.
Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative, Inc.
Shelter Health Services, Inc.
Silent Images, Inc.
Special Olympics North Carolina
Special Olympics North Carolina - Cabarrus
Stanley County Family YMCA
The Academic Learning Center, Inc.
The Arc of Cabarrus County, Inc.
The Arc of Mecklenburg County, Inc.
The Junior Charity League of Concord
The Parker Austin Foundation, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Cabarrus County
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte
Third Creek Elementary School
Thompson Child & Family Focus
Tony Stewart Foundation
Troutman Elementary School
United Family Services, Inc.
University City Fellowship
With Friends, Inc.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
York County Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Youth Homes, Inc. (YHI)
More Than $854,000 To Local Organizations
at Lowe's Motor Speedway Tree Lighting
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 30, 2009) - Speedway Children's Charities will donate in excess of $854,000 to organizations in the Charlotte region benefiting area children during tonight's annual Lowe's Motor Speedway tree lighting ceremony.
Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, will join Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Sadler, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities, in awarding the grants to 93 local organizations.
"Children are a gift and it's a blessing that we're able to assist so many each year," said Smith. "Everyone at Speedway Children's Charities strives to make a difference in the lives of as many children as possible, and this year we're helping kids though programs at more than 90 organizations in the Lowe's Motor Speedway community. It's just amazing to see how many children we're able to assist."
Speedway Children's Charities raised the money through various fundraising activities along with individual and corporate donations throughout the year.
A number of area agencies will directly benefit from the funds, including A Better World (helps provide finances to operate after-school programs), Birthday Blessings (Shelter Party Program hosts birthday parties for homeless children and their families), Northeast Foundation, Inc. (helps fund Camp Open Airways and Camp Sweet Freedom for asthmatic and diabetic children to attend a summer day camp under medical supervision to control their asthma and diabetes while participating in typical camp activities) and Thompson Child & Family Focus (provides comprehensive early childhood education where typically developing and special needs children learn together).
In addition to the grant distribution, the holiday ceremony will include the lighting of Lowe's Motor Speedway's one-of-a-kind 50-foot Christmas tree and visits by Santa Claus and Lug Nut, the world's fastest mascot.
Fans will also have the opportunity to drive their personal vehicles around Lowe's Motor Speedway after the tree lighting ceremony. Those who donate $25 to Speedway Children's Charities will be able to take three laps around the 1.5-mile superspeedway.
2009 Charlotte Chapter Grant Recipients:
A Better World
A Child's Place of Charlotte, Inc.
A Place for Hope, Inc.
Abilities Unlimited of the Carolinas, Inc.
Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council
Alexander Youth Network
Allegro Foundation
American Red Cross - Cabarrus County
Arts for Life
Assistance League of Charlotte
Autism Services of Mecklenburg County, Inc.
Autism Speaks
Barium Springs Home for Children
Bethlehem Center of Charlotte, Inc.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte
Birthday Blessings
Bostonian Elementary School PTA
B.R.A.K.E.S.
Cabarrus County Partnership of Children
Camp CARE, Inc.
Carolina Youth Commission
Charity League, Inc.
Charlotte Emergency Housing
Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center
Children's Home Society of North Carolina, Inc.
Communities in Schools of Cabarrus County
Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc.
Communities of Rowan County, Inc.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Donors Choose, Inc.
Dore Academy
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina
Family Services Inc.
Florence Crittenton Services Inc.
GHA, Inc.
Girls on the Run International
Harvest Kitchen Outreach, Inc.
Hispanic Learning Center of Cabarrus County
Holy Angels, Inc.
Hometown Heroes, Inc.
Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Jonie and Friends
Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.
Kannapolis Boys & Girls Club
KinderMourn, Inc.
Kurt Busch Foundation
Legacy of the Vine Ministries, Inc.
Levine Children's Hospital
Lukemia & Lymphoma Society
March Forth with Hope Foundation, Inc.
MARA
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, Inc.
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.
NB Mills Elementary School
NorthEast Foundation, Inc.
Our Kids
Partners in Out-of-School Time
Philips Academy of North Carolina, Inc.
Piedmont Mediation Center, Inc.
Piedmont Residential Development Center, Inc.
Pregnancy Resource Center of Charlotte
Prevent Child Abuse N.C.
Prosperity Community Connection, Inc.
Room at the Inn, Inc.
Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation
Saving Grace, Inc.
Seigle Avenue Partners, Inc.
Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative, Inc.
Shelter Health Services, Inc.
Silent Images, Inc.
Special Olympics North Carolina
Special Olympics North Carolina - Cabarrus
Stanley County Family YMCA
The Academic Learning Center, Inc.
The Arc of Cabarrus County, Inc.
The Arc of Mecklenburg County, Inc.
The Junior Charity League of Concord
The Parker Austin Foundation, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Cabarrus County
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte
Third Creek Elementary School
Thompson Child & Family Focus
Tony Stewart Foundation
Troutman Elementary School
United Family Services, Inc.
University City Fellowship
With Friends, Inc.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
York County Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Youth Homes, Inc. (YHI)
Johnson and education
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson Announce Nearly
$1 Million in Funding for Education in
Partnership with Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®
NASCAR Champion and wife award grants in hometowns in California, North Carolina and Oklahoma
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 30, 2009) - On the heels of winning his fourth-consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson continues to show he is a champion off the track as well. Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced donations totaling $922,000 for the 2009 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants today. The foundation received more than 80 applications from eligible school districts in California , North Carolina and Oklahoma . The selection criteria were based on basic needs of the school.
“It was amazing to review the proposals and read first hand about the pressing needs of our schools. The funding requests were so diverse,” said Chandra Johnson, co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. “I am particularly excited about the projects in Oklahoma as this is our first opportunity to give back in my hometown.”
The grants include $347,000 towards science and technology needs, $357,000 for outdoor classrooms, playgrounds and athletic facilities, and $27,000 for accelerated reading programs.
The Johnsons awarded the California grants at a special ceremony today at Jimmie Johnson’s elementary school, Crest Elementary, in El Cajon , Calif.
“This is what the foundation is all about, being able to give back to communities in need. We are grateful for the partnership with Lowe’s and their guidance as our foundation begins its work in education,” said Johnson, 34, who also attended Greenfield Middle School and Granite Hills High School in El Cajon , Calif. “I look forward to visiting some of the schools next year to see the completed projects.”
“We are proud to support the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in its efforts to fulfill basic school needs in the Johnsons’ hometowns,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Jimmie and Chandra Johnson have always shared Lowe’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work, so it was a natural fit to partner with them on this outstanding educational program.”
Grants were awarded to the following schools:
California
· Chase Avenue Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Crawford High School (San Diego, CA)
· Crest Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Emerald Middle School (El Cajon, CA)
· Granite Hills High School (El Cajon, CA)
· Greenfield Middle School (El Cajon, CA)
· Johnson Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Magnolia Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Multimedia and Visual Art School (San Diego, CA)
· Point Loma High School (San Diego, CA)
· Rios Elementary (San Diego, CA)
North Carolina
· Ashley Park Elementary (Charlotte, NC)
· Collinswood Elementary (Charlotte, NC)
· East Iredell Elementary (Statesville, NC)
· JH Gunn Elementary School (Charlotte, NC)
· Metro School (Charlotte, NC)
· RB McAlister Elementary (Concord, NC)
· Smithfield Elementary (Charlotte, NC)
· Third Creek Elementary School (Statesville, NC)
· University Meadows Elementary School (Charlotte, NC)
Oklahoma
· Creek Elementary School (Muskogee, OK)
· Muskogee High School ( Muskogee, OK)
· Pershing Elementary School (Muskogee, OK)
· Sadler Arts Academy (Muskogee, OK)
· Tony Goetz Elementary (Muskogee, OK)
· Tulsa School District (Tulsa, OK)
For a complete list of 2009 grant recipients and projects, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.
K-12 programs or 501c(3) parent group associations may still apply for a Toolbox for Education grant of up to $5,000 directly at www.toolboxforeducation.com. The spring cycle closes February 12, 2010. For more information on Toolbox for Education, join their facebook page at www.facebook.com/toolboxforeducation.
About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the four-time reigning Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States . The foundation has committed more than $3 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.
About Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®
Since its inception five years ago, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education ® program has given more than $17.7 million to schools in the United States . This grant program provides parent groups and educators affiliated with K-12 public schools with the financial tools to help improve their children’s schools. At a time when schools and community groups are struggling to make ends meet, the program is currently focusing on basic, one-time project needs. To apply for a grant, visit toolboxforeducation.com.
$1 Million in Funding for Education in
Partnership with Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®
NASCAR Champion and wife award grants in hometowns in California, North Carolina and Oklahoma
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 30, 2009) - On the heels of winning his fourth-consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson continues to show he is a champion off the track as well. Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced donations totaling $922,000 for the 2009 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants today. The foundation received more than 80 applications from eligible school districts in California , North Carolina and Oklahoma . The selection criteria were based on basic needs of the school.
“It was amazing to review the proposals and read first hand about the pressing needs of our schools. The funding requests were so diverse,” said Chandra Johnson, co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. “I am particularly excited about the projects in Oklahoma as this is our first opportunity to give back in my hometown.”
The grants include $347,000 towards science and technology needs, $357,000 for outdoor classrooms, playgrounds and athletic facilities, and $27,000 for accelerated reading programs.
The Johnsons awarded the California grants at a special ceremony today at Jimmie Johnson’s elementary school, Crest Elementary, in El Cajon , Calif.
“This is what the foundation is all about, being able to give back to communities in need. We are grateful for the partnership with Lowe’s and their guidance as our foundation begins its work in education,” said Johnson, 34, who also attended Greenfield Middle School and Granite Hills High School in El Cajon , Calif. “I look forward to visiting some of the schools next year to see the completed projects.”
“We are proud to support the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in its efforts to fulfill basic school needs in the Johnsons’ hometowns,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Jimmie and Chandra Johnson have always shared Lowe’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work, so it was a natural fit to partner with them on this outstanding educational program.”
Grants were awarded to the following schools:
California
· Chase Avenue Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Crawford High School (San Diego, CA)
· Crest Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Emerald Middle School (El Cajon, CA)
· Granite Hills High School (El Cajon, CA)
· Greenfield Middle School (El Cajon, CA)
· Johnson Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Magnolia Elementary (El Cajon, CA)
· Multimedia and Visual Art School (San Diego, CA)
· Point Loma High School (San Diego, CA)
· Rios Elementary (San Diego, CA)
North Carolina
· Ashley Park Elementary (Charlotte, NC)
· Collinswood Elementary (Charlotte, NC)
· East Iredell Elementary (Statesville, NC)
· JH Gunn Elementary School (Charlotte, NC)
· Metro School (Charlotte, NC)
· RB McAlister Elementary (Concord, NC)
· Smithfield Elementary (Charlotte, NC)
· Third Creek Elementary School (Statesville, NC)
· University Meadows Elementary School (Charlotte, NC)
Oklahoma
· Creek Elementary School (Muskogee, OK)
· Muskogee High School ( Muskogee, OK)
· Pershing Elementary School (Muskogee, OK)
· Sadler Arts Academy (Muskogee, OK)
· Tony Goetz Elementary (Muskogee, OK)
· Tulsa School District (Tulsa, OK)
For a complete list of 2009 grant recipients and projects, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.
K-12 programs or 501c(3) parent group associations may still apply for a Toolbox for Education grant of up to $5,000 directly at www.toolboxforeducation.com. The spring cycle closes February 12, 2010. For more information on Toolbox for Education, join their facebook page at www.facebook.com/toolboxforeducation.
About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the four-time reigning Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States . The foundation has committed more than $3 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.
About Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®
Since its inception five years ago, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education ® program has given more than $17.7 million to schools in the United States . This grant program provides parent groups and educators affiliated with K-12 public schools with the financial tools to help improve their children’s schools. At a time when schools and community groups are struggling to make ends meet, the program is currently focusing on basic, one-time project needs. To apply for a grant, visit toolboxforeducation.com.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Smiths on radio
PRN's 'Fast Talk' to Feature Bruton and Marcus Smith on Monday, Nov. 30;
Show will Broadcast Live from The Speedway Club
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 25, 2009) - Doug Rice, president and general manager of Performance Racing Network (PRN), will host a special edition of "Fast Talk" from The Speedway Club at Lowe's Motor Speedway Monday, Nov. 30, featuring Bruton and Marcus Smith. The show gives listeners the opportunity to call or e-mail questions for the celebrity guests.
"The special edition of 'Fast Talk' presents an excellent opportunity for fans to ask questions of two of the most notable men in motorsports," said Rice. "Bruton Smith is a leader in the NASCAR industry and has done a great deal to help further the sport. Marcus has learned a lot from his father and has been a big proponent of putting the fans first since he took over at Lowe's Motor Speedway last year.
"Having them on provides a great open forum for fans to ask about a number of different elements of the sport. I'm sure race fans will have a lot of questions for them both and we'll probably cover a colorful range of topics during the hour-long show."
As founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., Bruton Smith has more than 50 years of experience in motorsports and is regarded as an
innovator in the industry. He opened Lowe's Motor Speedway in 1960 with a 600-mile race and made history when Speedway Motorsports became the first
publicly traded motorsports company on the New York Stock Exchange in 1995.
Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, joined the company in 1996 as a marketing assistant and quickly ascended the ranks. In 1999, he negotiated the first naming-rights agreement for a motorsports facility as Charlotte Motor Speedway partnered with Lowe's
Companies, Inc. and was renamed Lowe's Motor Speedway. He took over leadership of the track in May 2008.
Fans can call in to 1-800-771-TALK (8255) between 7 - 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 30, to ask Bruton or Marcus a question live on air. Questions
can also be submitted in advance via e-mail to yourvoice@goprn.com. Race fans from around the country are encouraged to participate as "Fast Talk" is broadcast on more than 200 stations across the United States. A complete listing of PRN-affiliated stations is available at www.goprn.com.
The Speedway Club will be open to the public for dinner during the show's live broadcast. Fans must make dinner reservations in advance by
calling The Speedway Club at (704) 455-3216.
Show will Broadcast Live from The Speedway Club
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 25, 2009) - Doug Rice, president and general manager of Performance Racing Network (PRN), will host a special edition of "Fast Talk" from The Speedway Club at Lowe's Motor Speedway Monday, Nov. 30, featuring Bruton and Marcus Smith. The show gives listeners the opportunity to call or e-mail questions for the celebrity guests.
"The special edition of 'Fast Talk' presents an excellent opportunity for fans to ask questions of two of the most notable men in motorsports," said Rice. "Bruton Smith is a leader in the NASCAR industry and has done a great deal to help further the sport. Marcus has learned a lot from his father and has been a big proponent of putting the fans first since he took over at Lowe's Motor Speedway last year.
"Having them on provides a great open forum for fans to ask about a number of different elements of the sport. I'm sure race fans will have a lot of questions for them both and we'll probably cover a colorful range of topics during the hour-long show."
As founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., Bruton Smith has more than 50 years of experience in motorsports and is regarded as an
innovator in the industry. He opened Lowe's Motor Speedway in 1960 with a 600-mile race and made history when Speedway Motorsports became the first
publicly traded motorsports company on the New York Stock Exchange in 1995.
Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, joined the company in 1996 as a marketing assistant and quickly ascended the ranks. In 1999, he negotiated the first naming-rights agreement for a motorsports facility as Charlotte Motor Speedway partnered with Lowe's
Companies, Inc. and was renamed Lowe's Motor Speedway. He took over leadership of the track in May 2008.
Fans can call in to 1-800-771-TALK (8255) between 7 - 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 30, to ask Bruton or Marcus a question live on air. Questions
can also be submitted in advance via e-mail to yourvoice@goprn.com. Race fans from around the country are encouraged to participate as "Fast Talk" is broadcast on more than 200 stations across the United States. A complete listing of PRN-affiliated stations is available at www.goprn.com.
The Speedway Club will be open to the public for dinner during the show's live broadcast. Fans must make dinner reservations in advance by
calling The Speedway Club at (704) 455-3216.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Christmas tree sale
Speedway Children's Charities to
Hold Annual Christmas Tree Sale
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 23, 2009) - Area residents can prepare for the holidays and help support children in need with the Speedway Children's Charities annual Christmas Tree Sale. The sale begins Tuesday, Nov. 24, across from the main entrance of Lowe's Motor Speedway at the Windy Ridge Tree Lot.
Shoppers can choose from a variety of Fraser fir Christmas trees, as well as, a complete line of wreaths, garland, bows and tree stands. A portion of the proceeds will go to Speedway Children's Charities to help local children in need.
Windy Ridge is a family-owned farm and has been providing quality Christmas trees from the mountains of North Carolina for 36 years. Newly cut trees will be shipped from the farm to the speedway each week and displayed in water to assure the freshest possible trees for customers.
"It's great to team up with Windy Ridge again to offer area residents a way to purchase items for the holidays and give back to the community for a worthy cause at the same time," said Amanda Hollingsworth, director of Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter. "We raise thousands of dollars with this sale each year, and hope to continue that tradition again this year."
The tree sale will go through Wednesday, Dec. 16. The lot will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Through donations, sponsorships and fundraising events like the Windy Ridge Christmas Tree Sale, Speedway Children's Charities is able to raise funds for charitable organizations that provide medical, social and educational services to children in need.
For more information on Speedway Children's Charities and our upcoming events, visit www.speedwaycharities.org or contact Amanda Hollingsworth at (704) 455-4426.
Hold Annual Christmas Tree Sale
CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 23, 2009) - Area residents can prepare for the holidays and help support children in need with the Speedway Children's Charities annual Christmas Tree Sale. The sale begins Tuesday, Nov. 24, across from the main entrance of Lowe's Motor Speedway at the Windy Ridge Tree Lot.
Shoppers can choose from a variety of Fraser fir Christmas trees, as well as, a complete line of wreaths, garland, bows and tree stands. A portion of the proceeds will go to Speedway Children's Charities to help local children in need.
Windy Ridge is a family-owned farm and has been providing quality Christmas trees from the mountains of North Carolina for 36 years. Newly cut trees will be shipped from the farm to the speedway each week and displayed in water to assure the freshest possible trees for customers.
"It's great to team up with Windy Ridge again to offer area residents a way to purchase items for the holidays and give back to the community for a worthy cause at the same time," said Amanda Hollingsworth, director of Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter. "We raise thousands of dollars with this sale each year, and hope to continue that tradition again this year."
The tree sale will go through Wednesday, Dec. 16. The lot will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Through donations, sponsorships and fundraising events like the Windy Ridge Christmas Tree Sale, Speedway Children's Charities is able to raise funds for charitable organizations that provide medical, social and educational services to children in need.
For more information on Speedway Children's Charities and our upcoming events, visit www.speedwaycharities.org or contact Amanda Hollingsworth at (704) 455-4426.
Monday, November 23, 2009
More Chevrolet
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
FORD 400
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY RACE NOTES & QUOTES
NOVEMBER 22, 2009
JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE'S IMPALA SS, 2009 CHAMPION: YOU MADE HISTORY TONIGHT WITH YOUR FOURTH CHAMPIONSHIP, YOUR THOUGHTS: "Just amazed. I mean I've been trying to chase this out of my head and what this might mean to me after the disappointment at Texas. So it is going to take a little while for those things to jump start in my mind and get going again. Just so proud of the effort. Really think of how much I love this sport, how much I respect this sport. The greats before, how they have carried this sport on their backs and made it what it is and then to do something none of them have done, it is unbelievable man. I grew up on two wheels in the dirt. I had no clue I was going to end up here racing stock cars and doing something that had never been done before."
YOU HAD A CLOSE CALL EARLY IN THE RACE, WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR MIND THEN? "Well, Juan (Pablo Montoya) a couple of times came when his spotter told him he was clear to the wall and there were two times we almost got pinched in the wall. Then when Juan and No. 14 spun, I could see it coming. I heard they got into each other earlier and I could see them looking for each other and messing with each other."
YOU'VE NOW WON CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HALF OF YOUR SPRINT CUP CAREER, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THAT? "It is unbelievable. Four championships in eight years. 47 wins. Everything this team has done is truly amazing. I know that the fans and everybody respects what this race team has done. I can't wait where this race team ends up. We've got a lot of racing ahead of us. I know that we are solidly in the record books. But I know we have a lot more to accomplish."
NOW YOU ARE IN A GROUP OF ONLY FOUR DRIVERS WITH MULTIPLE CHAMPIONSHIPS, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHERE THIS PUTS YOU IN HISTORY? "No, I haven't yet. When you look at the stats, it is definitely towards the top and that is something I am very proud of. I have a lot of racing ahead of me so it is tough to really say at this point. We've have covered some territory in a short period of time and I feel the years ahead of us we can even get higher in the record books.
"A big thank you to all of the fans of this sport of NASCAR and of our racing."
CHAD KNAUS, CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 LOWE'S IMPALA SS: "Man, what a great race, wasn't it? I mean it really was! Fantastic race. I just couldn't be happier. We got back there a little bit, but we wanted to make sure at every opportunity we kept fueling the car. We didn't want to get ourselves in a position at the end of the race we didn't have enough fuel to make it. So, we pitted that one time and fell back a little bit, but, man just motored right up to the front. The car was so fast. We had a really good race car so I am really excited about coming back next year because I think we'll have a shot to win this thing. I think we could have done it tonight if we had just a little bit better opportunity. Man, what a fantastic job. I have to thank Mr. Hendrick. I wish he was down here with us tonight but he had a family emergency and wasn't able to make it. We hope everything is good there Boss. I've got to thank all the Lowe's employees and the managers and everybody that is here from Lowe's. All the fans. What a great crowd here tonight. All the fans watching at home. Man, what a great season. I don't even know what to say. It is fantastic."
TALK ABOUT YOUR EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW: "Man I don't know. That is awesome. That is just absolutely incredible. I think that has got to say how impressive this Lowe's team is and what a great, fantastic driver Jimmie Johnson is. Jimmie is an incredible talent. He is the most underrated driver in this garage from a perspective media recognition. I mean that guy can do things with a race car that I've never seen done before. I hope this proves this to everybody."
ARE YOU GOING TO GO FOR A FIFTH AND KEEP THE RECORD BOOKS GOING? "Right now I am going to celebrate our fourth and work on going to Daytona. How's that?"
JEFF BURTON, NO. 31 CATERPILLAR IMPALA SS, FINISHED 2ND IN RACE, 17TH IN FINAL STANDINGS: TALK ABOUT YOUR RUNNER-UP FINISH:"just real proud of everyone at Richard Childress Racing. Obviously, it has been a really good four weeks. We're real proud of everybody's effort. That is one thing, even though we haven't been running like we need to, everybody has been working really hard and putting a lot of effort out there and that is all I can ask for. Even early in the year when we weren't running well everybody was still working hard. That is why you never heard me get down on that group of people and their efforts there. Todd (Berrier, crew chief) has done an incredible job putting the team together very quickly and we put ourselves in position. We just got a little bit off on that last run and I think that is me just not knowing what to tell Todd just yet. He gave me a car fast enough to win the race. I needed to be screaming a little bit more about what I thought I needed. That will come. You know what I mean, with communication. Everybody did their part and I came up a little short.
"Two second-places in our (with Todd Berrier as crew chief) first four outings and a fifth and a ninth, that is pretty good. We're not where we need to be or we would be where Denny is, but we'll keep working. We have a good baseline."
IT SEEMED LIKE A GREAT RACE, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? "I really thought after last night's race, you would see a really good race here. Denny (Hamlin, race winner) got away from us a little bit there at the end. There was a lot of good racing. When they changed this race track, I thought they were crazy, I thought they would kill it, but they've made this race track so much better. It is a great race track, put on great events. It is a cool place to come to finish the year."
DOES THAT GIVE YOU MOMENTUM GOING IN TO NEXT SEASON? "It is always better to run well, there is no question about that. What we have to do is keep working hard and spend this winter improving. I can assure that all of our competitors are going to improve and we will have to do the same thing. Just real proud of everybody. We'll keep digging."
KEVIN HARVICK, NO. 29 SHELL-PENNZOIL IMPALA SS, FINISHED 3RD IN RACE, 19TH IN FINAL STANDINGS: GREAT MOVE COMING OFF OF TURN FOUR TO TAKE THIRD, DESCRIBE TONIGHT'S RACE: "At the end our Shell-Pennzoil Chevy was loose just like everybody else's. It was fun. Everybody was kind of bouncing off the walls there and sideways and having a good time there at the end. It is a great way the Shell-Pennzoil team to end the season on a high note. We've had the speed in the cars over the last few weeks, few months really. We just have to get that consistency back that we've always had. So, the speed is there and tonight showed it."
HOW MUCH DID THE TRACK CHANGE? "Well, we had a right front tire go down there in the middle of the race so we kind of got off. We got really loose on that particular run and over-adjusted the car. So we had to kind of waste two runs and then we got it back there at the end. The guys did a great job and it is always fun when you run good."
JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DUPONT IMPALA SS – FINISHED 6TH IN RACE, 3RD IN FINAL STANDINGS:
A DIFFICULT NIGHT, BUT A GOOD ONE JUST THE SAME FOR HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS
"No, it was. Our thoughts certainly are going out to Rick (Hendrick) and his family right now. I know how much he'd like to be here. I know how much family means to him. So we just want to let him know, congratulations, and that we're certainly thinking of him. I know how proud he is to be one-two-three. I know how much it meant to him. He kept sending me texts and calling me and everything all week long going, 'We really need that one-two-three!' (laughs). So he put a little pressure on me and this team that I don't think we were really thinking about other than just trying to come here and win. And so that did put a little extra pressure on us. And then what can you say about Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus and all the guys at the Lowe's Chevrolet team.
"I never thought I'd see anybody win four in a row. And who's to say they won't go win five in a row next season? We're really proud of them. I know as a member of Hendrick Motorsports it's an honor to see our organization excel like that. And it takes all the people; everybody out there to make it happen. And I've got to say thanks to the fans. It's been a great year. We really appreciate everything that the fans have done for the sport this year."
HOW SPECIAL IS THE FEAT THE NO. 48 TEAM PULLED OFF?
"Man, you know, they're just good. As a group, as a total group, they're just good. And that's what you see when you see championship caliber teams. You see them come together as one and all working in the same direction with a lot of confidence in each other. And you can say oh, well, things went their way. Well things go your way when you've got a good race car and when you have good pit stops and when the driver and the crew chief are communicating and doing their jobs well. It just trickles on down. And those guys have done it better than anybody else. I think more than four years, to be honest with you, because I think they've been the best team probably the last six years. It just took them a couple of years to figure out how to win that championship. Once they figured that out, whew, man, watch out.
"And as a competitor it's a little bit frustrating as well as inspiring for us to try to figure out how we could go out there and win a championship for ourselves. But right now we're just going to enjoy this moment being one-two-three and those guys winning four in a row and go into the off-season with something to smile about and a lot of work left ahead of us."
ON JIMMIE JOHNSON WINNING FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW
"I never ever thought I'd see it done, to be honest with you. I think it's absolutely incredible and I think it's something that I don't know if I'll see in my lifetime ever happening again. But they've shown that it's possible and they've also shown just how good they are and that's why they're where they're at. It's quite a feat."
YOU AND RICK HENDRICK ARE NOW CAR OWNERS WITH FOUR IN A ROW, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?
"Yeah, I just don't look at it that way because I'm still so focused on driving. And I'm still biased to the No. 24 team as a driver. But I'm very fortunate that Rick (Hendrick) has made me a part of the organization the way he has and I'm thankful for that. And I'm happy to share in that success."
AS A CAR OWNER, HOW CONCERNED WERE YOU THAT JIMMIE JOHNSON MIGHT BE TAKEN OUT WHEN JUAN PABLO MONTOYA AND TONY STEWART WERE MESSING IT UP?
"I had no idea what was going on around those guys or how close it was. I was so focused on our own race."
YOU'VE MESSED IT UP WITH JUAN YOURSELF A LITTLE BIT. WAS HE JUST AGGRESSIVE?
"Juan is aggressive. He's a great driver and I think that sometimes he tries to show a little bit too much to people that he's not going to get pushed around or taken advantage of. In this series, sometimes you've got to know when to back off and when to push somebody's buttons and when not to; and who. I think he found out tonight."
TONY STEWART IS OBVIOUSLY THE SAME WAY
"That's my point. You've got to recognize who you can get into those battles with. And sometimes some guys are going to surprise you and other times it's just guys you don't do that with. If you want to get the best finish you can possibly get, not getting into it with somebody is the way to do it. Sometimes you might look a little nonaggressive by doing it that way, but in the long run, that's what gets you to the end of the race and get's you maximum points by the end of the day. I think Mark Martin is a perfect example of it. You don't see him pushing and shoving and causing controversy and he's one of the best drivers out there. And I think that Mark is the kind of guy when somebody runs him down and is better than him, he lets them go. But when his car is good, he expects the same from you."
YOUR CAR WAS GOOD EARLY ON AND THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
"When the sun went down we just really struggled. We were really loose. And we tried to fix it but all we did was make the middle tight. We finished sixth. We finished third in the points. We did what we had to so, but it wasn't real pretty."
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THIRD IN THE POINTS OR ARE YOU HAPPY THAT HENDRICK WAS ONE-TWO-THREE?
"I'm happy that we're one-two-three, but I want to be No. 1. My team wants to be number one. We've got to try to figure out how to get that."
MARK MARTIN, NO. 5 KELLOGG'S/CARQUEST IMPALA SS, FINISHED 12TH IN THE RACE AND 2ND IN THE FINAL STANDINGS: “This might have been the hardest one to win that we picked but I am so proud of this team and so glad I got to drive this car. And I don’t know what next year will bring but we will dig deep and whether we do better, or worse, or the same - we are going to be looking for more and we will see if we can try and find enough to pull it off. It was enough this year to beat a couple of guys that held me off before – Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon. So it was really, really, really a special year.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE ONE-TWO-THREE FINISH BY HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS? “Congratulations to Hendrick Motorsports, but I know we all have heavy hearts right now.”
THIS WASN’T THE WHOLE ENCHILADA BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE SAID THAT IT’S BEEN A DREAM ALL YEAR AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AT THE END OF THE SEASON? “I finally picked the hardest one ever to try to win. But my race team was so awesome…..the five car. I just want to thank the fans and the competitors. Their support means more to me than that trophy. I swear.
"I almost get emotional about it because it was such an incredible achievement to even have a chance and to be a part of history here, but I know all of us have heavy hearts right now and praying for our Hendrick tragedy that we are dealing with.”
MARK, IT WAS A TOUGH FIGHT BUT YOU HAD A GREAT YEAR: “It was a great fight and it was a sure tough night and actually the car was pretty good that last run and we changed stuff on it, went to the back, and wrestled and actually the last run was decent. If we could have been there the whole race we could have got a top ten out of it. We are lacking something here and you know, as a group I think just a little bit and we will work on it for next year. But it was really a privilege to even have a crack at it.”
I KNOW YOU HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO REFLECT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, BUT A HECK OF A BATTLE? “Yes, it was awesome. I am proud of these guys and I am proud of everything that took place this year for Hendrick Motorsports and thankful that they gave me a chance.”
DID YOU EVER THINK AT A SEASON FINALE THAT YOU WOULD BE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON AS MUCH AS YOU ARE NOW? “No, I did not. This has been great and has been the best year I could ever dream of and it was an honor and a privilege to have a shot at it and we didn’t do it but we gave them a run for it anyway and we tried hard.”
MARK IS THE 5 AS GOOD OF THE 48 THIS YEAR? “My equipment is just as good, but I am not as good as Jimmie Johnson.”
TONY GIBSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 39 US ARMY ALL AMERICAN BOWL IMPALA SS, FINISHED 23RD IN RACE, 9TH IN FINAL STANDINGS: "We started off strong then got into the fence and never could get the handle back on the car. We tried to make adjustments -- we took a big swing and missed. But we finally got the car a lot better at the end which resulted in Ryan picking up seven positions and saving us a spot in the points. We had a top-10 car in the beginning and a top-10 car in the end. The rest of the race is where we struggled. Overall we had a good year, but we also know that we need to get better."
FORD 400
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY RACE NOTES & QUOTES
NOVEMBER 22, 2009
JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE'S IMPALA SS, 2009 CHAMPION: YOU MADE HISTORY TONIGHT WITH YOUR FOURTH CHAMPIONSHIP, YOUR THOUGHTS: "Just amazed. I mean I've been trying to chase this out of my head and what this might mean to me after the disappointment at Texas. So it is going to take a little while for those things to jump start in my mind and get going again. Just so proud of the effort. Really think of how much I love this sport, how much I respect this sport. The greats before, how they have carried this sport on their backs and made it what it is and then to do something none of them have done, it is unbelievable man. I grew up on two wheels in the dirt. I had no clue I was going to end up here racing stock cars and doing something that had never been done before."
YOU HAD A CLOSE CALL EARLY IN THE RACE, WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR MIND THEN? "Well, Juan (Pablo Montoya) a couple of times came when his spotter told him he was clear to the wall and there were two times we almost got pinched in the wall. Then when Juan and No. 14 spun, I could see it coming. I heard they got into each other earlier and I could see them looking for each other and messing with each other."
YOU'VE NOW WON CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HALF OF YOUR SPRINT CUP CAREER, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THAT? "It is unbelievable. Four championships in eight years. 47 wins. Everything this team has done is truly amazing. I know that the fans and everybody respects what this race team has done. I can't wait where this race team ends up. We've got a lot of racing ahead of us. I know that we are solidly in the record books. But I know we have a lot more to accomplish."
NOW YOU ARE IN A GROUP OF ONLY FOUR DRIVERS WITH MULTIPLE CHAMPIONSHIPS, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHERE THIS PUTS YOU IN HISTORY? "No, I haven't yet. When you look at the stats, it is definitely towards the top and that is something I am very proud of. I have a lot of racing ahead of me so it is tough to really say at this point. We've have covered some territory in a short period of time and I feel the years ahead of us we can even get higher in the record books.
"A big thank you to all of the fans of this sport of NASCAR and of our racing."
CHAD KNAUS, CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 LOWE'S IMPALA SS: "Man, what a great race, wasn't it? I mean it really was! Fantastic race. I just couldn't be happier. We got back there a little bit, but we wanted to make sure at every opportunity we kept fueling the car. We didn't want to get ourselves in a position at the end of the race we didn't have enough fuel to make it. So, we pitted that one time and fell back a little bit, but, man just motored right up to the front. The car was so fast. We had a really good race car so I am really excited about coming back next year because I think we'll have a shot to win this thing. I think we could have done it tonight if we had just a little bit better opportunity. Man, what a fantastic job. I have to thank Mr. Hendrick. I wish he was down here with us tonight but he had a family emergency and wasn't able to make it. We hope everything is good there Boss. I've got to thank all the Lowe's employees and the managers and everybody that is here from Lowe's. All the fans. What a great crowd here tonight. All the fans watching at home. Man, what a great season. I don't even know what to say. It is fantastic."
TALK ABOUT YOUR EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW: "Man I don't know. That is awesome. That is just absolutely incredible. I think that has got to say how impressive this Lowe's team is and what a great, fantastic driver Jimmie Johnson is. Jimmie is an incredible talent. He is the most underrated driver in this garage from a perspective media recognition. I mean that guy can do things with a race car that I've never seen done before. I hope this proves this to everybody."
ARE YOU GOING TO GO FOR A FIFTH AND KEEP THE RECORD BOOKS GOING? "Right now I am going to celebrate our fourth and work on going to Daytona. How's that?"
JEFF BURTON, NO. 31 CATERPILLAR IMPALA SS, FINISHED 2ND IN RACE, 17TH IN FINAL STANDINGS: TALK ABOUT YOUR RUNNER-UP FINISH:"just real proud of everyone at Richard Childress Racing. Obviously, it has been a really good four weeks. We're real proud of everybody's effort. That is one thing, even though we haven't been running like we need to, everybody has been working really hard and putting a lot of effort out there and that is all I can ask for. Even early in the year when we weren't running well everybody was still working hard. That is why you never heard me get down on that group of people and their efforts there. Todd (Berrier, crew chief) has done an incredible job putting the team together very quickly and we put ourselves in position. We just got a little bit off on that last run and I think that is me just not knowing what to tell Todd just yet. He gave me a car fast enough to win the race. I needed to be screaming a little bit more about what I thought I needed. That will come. You know what I mean, with communication. Everybody did their part and I came up a little short.
"Two second-places in our (with Todd Berrier as crew chief) first four outings and a fifth and a ninth, that is pretty good. We're not where we need to be or we would be where Denny is, but we'll keep working. We have a good baseline."
IT SEEMED LIKE A GREAT RACE, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? "I really thought after last night's race, you would see a really good race here. Denny (Hamlin, race winner) got away from us a little bit there at the end. There was a lot of good racing. When they changed this race track, I thought they were crazy, I thought they would kill it, but they've made this race track so much better. It is a great race track, put on great events. It is a cool place to come to finish the year."
DOES THAT GIVE YOU MOMENTUM GOING IN TO NEXT SEASON? "It is always better to run well, there is no question about that. What we have to do is keep working hard and spend this winter improving. I can assure that all of our competitors are going to improve and we will have to do the same thing. Just real proud of everybody. We'll keep digging."
KEVIN HARVICK, NO. 29 SHELL-PENNZOIL IMPALA SS, FINISHED 3RD IN RACE, 19TH IN FINAL STANDINGS: GREAT MOVE COMING OFF OF TURN FOUR TO TAKE THIRD, DESCRIBE TONIGHT'S RACE: "At the end our Shell-Pennzoil Chevy was loose just like everybody else's. It was fun. Everybody was kind of bouncing off the walls there and sideways and having a good time there at the end. It is a great way the Shell-Pennzoil team to end the season on a high note. We've had the speed in the cars over the last few weeks, few months really. We just have to get that consistency back that we've always had. So, the speed is there and tonight showed it."
HOW MUCH DID THE TRACK CHANGE? "Well, we had a right front tire go down there in the middle of the race so we kind of got off. We got really loose on that particular run and over-adjusted the car. So we had to kind of waste two runs and then we got it back there at the end. The guys did a great job and it is always fun when you run good."
JEFF GORDON, NO. 24 DUPONT IMPALA SS – FINISHED 6TH IN RACE, 3RD IN FINAL STANDINGS:
A DIFFICULT NIGHT, BUT A GOOD ONE JUST THE SAME FOR HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS
"No, it was. Our thoughts certainly are going out to Rick (Hendrick) and his family right now. I know how much he'd like to be here. I know how much family means to him. So we just want to let him know, congratulations, and that we're certainly thinking of him. I know how proud he is to be one-two-three. I know how much it meant to him. He kept sending me texts and calling me and everything all week long going, 'We really need that one-two-three!' (laughs). So he put a little pressure on me and this team that I don't think we were really thinking about other than just trying to come here and win. And so that did put a little extra pressure on us. And then what can you say about Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus and all the guys at the Lowe's Chevrolet team.
"I never thought I'd see anybody win four in a row. And who's to say they won't go win five in a row next season? We're really proud of them. I know as a member of Hendrick Motorsports it's an honor to see our organization excel like that. And it takes all the people; everybody out there to make it happen. And I've got to say thanks to the fans. It's been a great year. We really appreciate everything that the fans have done for the sport this year."
HOW SPECIAL IS THE FEAT THE NO. 48 TEAM PULLED OFF?
"Man, you know, they're just good. As a group, as a total group, they're just good. And that's what you see when you see championship caliber teams. You see them come together as one and all working in the same direction with a lot of confidence in each other. And you can say oh, well, things went their way. Well things go your way when you've got a good race car and when you have good pit stops and when the driver and the crew chief are communicating and doing their jobs well. It just trickles on down. And those guys have done it better than anybody else. I think more than four years, to be honest with you, because I think they've been the best team probably the last six years. It just took them a couple of years to figure out how to win that championship. Once they figured that out, whew, man, watch out.
"And as a competitor it's a little bit frustrating as well as inspiring for us to try to figure out how we could go out there and win a championship for ourselves. But right now we're just going to enjoy this moment being one-two-three and those guys winning four in a row and go into the off-season with something to smile about and a lot of work left ahead of us."
ON JIMMIE JOHNSON WINNING FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW
"I never ever thought I'd see it done, to be honest with you. I think it's absolutely incredible and I think it's something that I don't know if I'll see in my lifetime ever happening again. But they've shown that it's possible and they've also shown just how good they are and that's why they're where they're at. It's quite a feat."
YOU AND RICK HENDRICK ARE NOW CAR OWNERS WITH FOUR IN A ROW, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?
"Yeah, I just don't look at it that way because I'm still so focused on driving. And I'm still biased to the No. 24 team as a driver. But I'm very fortunate that Rick (Hendrick) has made me a part of the organization the way he has and I'm thankful for that. And I'm happy to share in that success."
AS A CAR OWNER, HOW CONCERNED WERE YOU THAT JIMMIE JOHNSON MIGHT BE TAKEN OUT WHEN JUAN PABLO MONTOYA AND TONY STEWART WERE MESSING IT UP?
"I had no idea what was going on around those guys or how close it was. I was so focused on our own race."
YOU'VE MESSED IT UP WITH JUAN YOURSELF A LITTLE BIT. WAS HE JUST AGGRESSIVE?
"Juan is aggressive. He's a great driver and I think that sometimes he tries to show a little bit too much to people that he's not going to get pushed around or taken advantage of. In this series, sometimes you've got to know when to back off and when to push somebody's buttons and when not to; and who. I think he found out tonight."
TONY STEWART IS OBVIOUSLY THE SAME WAY
"That's my point. You've got to recognize who you can get into those battles with. And sometimes some guys are going to surprise you and other times it's just guys you don't do that with. If you want to get the best finish you can possibly get, not getting into it with somebody is the way to do it. Sometimes you might look a little nonaggressive by doing it that way, but in the long run, that's what gets you to the end of the race and get's you maximum points by the end of the day. I think Mark Martin is a perfect example of it. You don't see him pushing and shoving and causing controversy and he's one of the best drivers out there. And I think that Mark is the kind of guy when somebody runs him down and is better than him, he lets them go. But when his car is good, he expects the same from you."
YOUR CAR WAS GOOD EARLY ON AND THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
"When the sun went down we just really struggled. We were really loose. And we tried to fix it but all we did was make the middle tight. We finished sixth. We finished third in the points. We did what we had to so, but it wasn't real pretty."
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THIRD IN THE POINTS OR ARE YOU HAPPY THAT HENDRICK WAS ONE-TWO-THREE?
"I'm happy that we're one-two-three, but I want to be No. 1. My team wants to be number one. We've got to try to figure out how to get that."
MARK MARTIN, NO. 5 KELLOGG'S/CARQUEST IMPALA SS, FINISHED 12TH IN THE RACE AND 2ND IN THE FINAL STANDINGS: “This might have been the hardest one to win that we picked but I am so proud of this team and so glad I got to drive this car. And I don’t know what next year will bring but we will dig deep and whether we do better, or worse, or the same - we are going to be looking for more and we will see if we can try and find enough to pull it off. It was enough this year to beat a couple of guys that held me off before – Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon. So it was really, really, really a special year.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE ONE-TWO-THREE FINISH BY HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS? “Congratulations to Hendrick Motorsports, but I know we all have heavy hearts right now.”
THIS WASN’T THE WHOLE ENCHILADA BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE SAID THAT IT’S BEEN A DREAM ALL YEAR AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AT THE END OF THE SEASON? “I finally picked the hardest one ever to try to win. But my race team was so awesome…..the five car. I just want to thank the fans and the competitors. Their support means more to me than that trophy. I swear.
"I almost get emotional about it because it was such an incredible achievement to even have a chance and to be a part of history here, but I know all of us have heavy hearts right now and praying for our Hendrick tragedy that we are dealing with.”
MARK, IT WAS A TOUGH FIGHT BUT YOU HAD A GREAT YEAR: “It was a great fight and it was a sure tough night and actually the car was pretty good that last run and we changed stuff on it, went to the back, and wrestled and actually the last run was decent. If we could have been there the whole race we could have got a top ten out of it. We are lacking something here and you know, as a group I think just a little bit and we will work on it for next year. But it was really a privilege to even have a crack at it.”
I KNOW YOU HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO REFLECT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, BUT A HECK OF A BATTLE? “Yes, it was awesome. I am proud of these guys and I am proud of everything that took place this year for Hendrick Motorsports and thankful that they gave me a chance.”
DID YOU EVER THINK AT A SEASON FINALE THAT YOU WOULD BE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON AS MUCH AS YOU ARE NOW? “No, I did not. This has been great and has been the best year I could ever dream of and it was an honor and a privilege to have a shot at it and we didn’t do it but we gave them a run for it anyway and we tried hard.”
MARK IS THE 5 AS GOOD OF THE 48 THIS YEAR? “My equipment is just as good, but I am not as good as Jimmie Johnson.”
TONY GIBSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 39 US ARMY ALL AMERICAN BOWL IMPALA SS, FINISHED 23RD IN RACE, 9TH IN FINAL STANDINGS: "We started off strong then got into the fence and never could get the handle back on the car. We tried to make adjustments -- we took a big swing and missed. But we finally got the car a lot better at the end which resulted in Ryan picking up seven positions and saving us a spot in the points. We had a top-10 car in the beginning and a top-10 car in the end. The rest of the race is where we struggled. Overall we had a good year, but we also know that we need to get better."
More Jimmie Johnson
JOHNSON CROWNED SPRINT CUP CHAMPION
FOURTH CONSECUTIVE TITLE FOR JOHNSON
26TH DRIVERS TITLE FOR CHEVROLET
HOMESTEAD, FL – Nov. 22, 2009 – With a fifth-place (5th) finish in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Jimmie Johnson captured an unprecedented fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) driver's championship (2006 – '09). While Denny Hamlin collected the 267-lap Ford 400 win, the limelight belonged to Johnson, who is the only driver in the 61-year history of the sport to win four consecutive titles.
Led by Chad Knaus, the No. 48 Lowe's Impala SS team gave Chevrolet it’s 26th drivers’ title in NASCAR's premier division and ninth championship for team owner Rick Hendrick.
With four Sprint Cup crowns, Johnson joins Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon as only the fourth driver to win four or more NASCAR Sprint Cup championships. On the strength of 47 career victories, Johnson moved into the 13 spot on the all-time win list for the Series.
"Congratulations to Jimmie, Chad, Rick, and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on winning a fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship," said Brent Dewar, Vice President, Chevrolet Global. "It has been a solid year for Team Chevy, and we are thrilled to share in the success of all our Chevy drivers, teams, and owners. We are very proud of their hard work and for once again demonstrating Chevrolet's commitment to working everyday to win both on and off the track with our outstanding cars and trucks."
In the final year-end standings, Mark Martin, driver of the No. 5 Kellogg's /CARQUEST Impala SS and Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Impala SS, finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively, giving Chevrolet the top three finishing spots. With his teams and drivers capturing the top-three positions in the final standings, Rick Hendrick became the first team owner in Series history to accomplish this remarkable level of performance.
A total of six Chevy drivers and teams earned top-12 spots in the final 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, more than any other manufacturer. Tony Stewart, No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Impala SS finished sixth (6th), Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Impala SS was eighth (8th), and Ryan Newman, No. 39 U.S. Army Impala finished ninth (9th) in the 2009 standings.
As the top Chevy performer, Johnson also led Team Chevy's charge to clinch the 33rd all-time Manufacturers’ Championship title for Chevrolet. In all, 10 Impala SS drivers contributed to the success of Chevrolet throughout the year. Collectively, they scored 18 wins and 262 points to edge out Toyota, Ford, and Dodge for the crown. Including the 2009 title, this marks Chevrolet's seventh consecutive year as the leading nameplate in the sport.
"On behalf of all the folks at GM Racing, congratulations to Jimmie, Chad, and everyone on the No. 48 team; along with Rick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on their fourth championship," said Mark Kent, GM Racing Manager. "Winning Chevrolet's 33rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Manufacturers' Cup title and our 26th drivers championship is a testament to the excellence of everyone at Team Chevy – the drivers, engineers, teams, and support staff that make it happen.
"We look forward to kicking off the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with a strong Chevy presence at SpeedWeeks at Daytona International Speedway.
Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team will be honored as the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions at the annual awards banquet on December 4th at the Wynn in Las Vegas.
TEAM CHEVY GIVES LUCKY FAN CAN WIN CHANCE
TO MEET JIMMIE IN PERSON WITH FACEBOOK POST
In celebration of Jimmie Johnson’s historic fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Team Chevy is offering fans the opportunity to personally congratulate Jimmie on the Team Chevy Facebook page.
When fans submit their personal congratulatory message, they can enter for a chance to travel to the Hendrick Motorsports Racing Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina… to personally hand deliver a mammoth congratulations card with every message posted on Facebook to Jimmie and the #48 team.
If fans are already on Facebook they just search for “Team Chevy”… and “become a fan” today. If not, just go to Facebook.com/Team Chevy, post their personal congratulations to Jimmie and the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS race team and enter for the chance to deliver the giant card to Jimmie and his team.
FOURTH CONSECUTIVE TITLE FOR JOHNSON
26TH DRIVERS TITLE FOR CHEVROLET
HOMESTEAD, FL – Nov. 22, 2009 – With a fifth-place (5th) finish in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Jimmie Johnson captured an unprecedented fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) driver's championship (2006 – '09). While Denny Hamlin collected the 267-lap Ford 400 win, the limelight belonged to Johnson, who is the only driver in the 61-year history of the sport to win four consecutive titles.
Led by Chad Knaus, the No. 48 Lowe's Impala SS team gave Chevrolet it’s 26th drivers’ title in NASCAR's premier division and ninth championship for team owner Rick Hendrick.
With four Sprint Cup crowns, Johnson joins Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon as only the fourth driver to win four or more NASCAR Sprint Cup championships. On the strength of 47 career victories, Johnson moved into the 13 spot on the all-time win list for the Series.
"Congratulations to Jimmie, Chad, Rick, and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on winning a fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship," said Brent Dewar, Vice President, Chevrolet Global. "It has been a solid year for Team Chevy, and we are thrilled to share in the success of all our Chevy drivers, teams, and owners. We are very proud of their hard work and for once again demonstrating Chevrolet's commitment to working everyday to win both on and off the track with our outstanding cars and trucks."
In the final year-end standings, Mark Martin, driver of the No. 5 Kellogg's /CARQUEST Impala SS and Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Impala SS, finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively, giving Chevrolet the top three finishing spots. With his teams and drivers capturing the top-three positions in the final standings, Rick Hendrick became the first team owner in Series history to accomplish this remarkable level of performance.
A total of six Chevy drivers and teams earned top-12 spots in the final 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, more than any other manufacturer. Tony Stewart, No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Impala SS finished sixth (6th), Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Impala SS was eighth (8th), and Ryan Newman, No. 39 U.S. Army Impala finished ninth (9th) in the 2009 standings.
As the top Chevy performer, Johnson also led Team Chevy's charge to clinch the 33rd all-time Manufacturers’ Championship title for Chevrolet. In all, 10 Impala SS drivers contributed to the success of Chevrolet throughout the year. Collectively, they scored 18 wins and 262 points to edge out Toyota, Ford, and Dodge for the crown. Including the 2009 title, this marks Chevrolet's seventh consecutive year as the leading nameplate in the sport.
"On behalf of all the folks at GM Racing, congratulations to Jimmie, Chad, and everyone on the No. 48 team; along with Rick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on their fourth championship," said Mark Kent, GM Racing Manager. "Winning Chevrolet's 33rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Manufacturers' Cup title and our 26th drivers championship is a testament to the excellence of everyone at Team Chevy – the drivers, engineers, teams, and support staff that make it happen.
"We look forward to kicking off the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with a strong Chevy presence at SpeedWeeks at Daytona International Speedway.
Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team will be honored as the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions at the annual awards banquet on December 4th at the Wynn in Las Vegas.
TEAM CHEVY GIVES LUCKY FAN CAN WIN CHANCE
TO MEET JIMMIE IN PERSON WITH FACEBOOK POST
In celebration of Jimmie Johnson’s historic fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Team Chevy is offering fans the opportunity to personally congratulate Jimmie on the Team Chevy Facebook page.
When fans submit their personal congratulatory message, they can enter for a chance to travel to the Hendrick Motorsports Racing Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina… to personally hand deliver a mammoth congratulations card with every message posted on Facebook to Jimmie and the #48 team.
If fans are already on Facebook they just search for “Team Chevy”… and “become a fan” today. If not, just go to Facebook.com/Team Chevy, post their personal congratulations to Jimmie and the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS race team and enter for the chance to deliver the giant card to Jimmie and his team.
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