“Summer’s Five Things” is a daily column for NASCAR fans to catch up on the most recent, relevant, and need-to-know news and information in the sport! While mostly focused on NASCAR, this column may also feature other interesting and exciting moments from the world of motorsports. Enjoy!
- Update on IndyCar driver Robert Wickens’ condition
Following a harrowing crash at Pocono Raceway on Sunday afternoon, driver Robert Wickens was transported by helicopter to a local hospital with multiple injuries.
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports provided an update on his condition on Tuesday:
The crash began while Wickens was attempting to pass Ryan Hunter-Reay just a handful of laps into the race. After the two made contact, Wickens’ car flew into the catch fence, with the car spinning violently against the fence, causing shrapnel to fly all over the racetrack The impact tore a hole in the catchfence, which caused a two-hour red flag for repairs.
The team has said they will not field Wickens’ No. 6 car this weekend in Gateway and have not yet determined whether or not they will replace him in the remaining two races of the season.
In his rookie season in the Verizon IndyCar Series, the 29-year-old driver had earned four podium finishes and one pole in 14 races this season.
Teammate and childhood friend James Hinchcliffe also sustained minor injuries to his hands in the wreck, but has been cleared to race this weekend.
- The fate of BK Racing is still up in the air after disappointing auction
In an auction on Monday, Front Row Motorsports placed the winning bid for BK Racing at $2.08 million, outbidding GMS Racing’ initial bid of $1.8 million.
The bid would give FRM BK Racing’s charters, most of the assets and titled vehicles.
Obaika Racing previously purchased some equipment in the sale for $265,00.00, while other assets were sold to Rick Ware Racing for $35,000.00.
However, the final sale is pending approval by Judge J. Craig Whitley, following objections from Race Engines Plus and Ron Devine in the Tuesday hearing. A hearing has been scheduled for Thursday to determine if the sale is in the best interest of the estate.
Thursday had previously been set as the date for a hearing in the event of any objections.
Attorney for trustee Matthew Smith, Michael Martinez, and David Schilli, attorney for Union Bank & Trust, also expressed disappointment in the sale, but did not agree with the extension.
BK Racing owner Devine claims he is owed $15 million in loans to the team and had planned on putting together a new company in order to place a bid. Devine filed for BK Racing’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy three days before the season-opening Daytona 500 in February and was relieved of decision-making authority for the team when trustee Smith was established on March 28th.
Devine placed the team in bankruptcy to avoid having Union Bank & Trust take control of the team. Court documents show that Union is claiming $9 million in loans and accrued interest, and currently holds a lawsuit for the charter FRM purchased from BK Racing in 2016 for $2 million, because of a lien they had on the charter at the time.
FRM general manager Jerry Freeze has stated that the team has plans for the charter if they are indeed granted the sale, though he did not confirm if that would involve running a third car. The team currently has three charters: one for the No. 34 driven by Michael McDowell; one for the No. 38 car driven by David Ragan; and one that has been leased to TriStar Motorsports.
The sale will not cover the 78 claims filed totaling $44,295,884.91, according to ESPN, and the trustee will determine how much creditors will get from the sale.
Smith will have to pay $50,000 to transfer ownership of the charter and back pay $68,046 in charter fees to NASCAR.
- Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney playing the role of spotter this weekend
In an off week for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney are still heading to the racetrack this weekend — but as spotters instead of drivers.
Ryan Blaney made an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Tuesday and announced the two drivers’ plans:
The NASCAR XFINITY Series is racing at Road America this Saturday, so extra spotters are needed in order to have full visibility around the 14-turn, four-mile racetrack.
Cindric has started in all 22 races this season, driving three different numbers for two different car owners. 14 of those starts have been with Team Penske.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott’s Hall of Fame father Bill is coming out of retirement to make his first NASCAR national series start since 2012, driving the No. 23 car for GMS Racing.
- Martinsville Speedway, Richmond Raceway announce track enhancements
In a continued effort to improve the fan experience, both Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway announced new amenities to their facilities for their upcoming race weekends.
First off, Martinsville Speedway introduced a viewing area called “SkyDeck”. The entertainment deck will be on top of the suites in turns one an two and includes food, drink, a lounge area and live music for $375.00. That price will get you access to the SkyDeck for the Camping World Truck Series race on October 27th and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on October 28th.
The package will also include a general admission ticket for the Truck Series race and reserved seating for the Cup Series race.
Richmond Raceway, meanwhile, continues to work on their project “Richmond Raceway Reimagined”, a $30 million investment to modernize the racetrack’s infield. The latest addition is the M&M’s Neighborhood in the DC Solar FanGrounds.
The “neighborhood” will be located at the shade structure to the left of Victory Lane and will include concessions and sponsor activation opportunities. M&M’s products will also be sold at concession stands and their logo will appear on the signs designed to label all four turns.
The Cup Series will run the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on September 22nd.
- Two more Darlington Raceway paint scheme revealed
As part of the throwback weekend for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, two more race teams unveiled their paint schemes for the September 2nd event.
First off, Oscar Mayer is returning to NASCAR and will serve as the primary sponsor for Matt Kenseth’s No. 6 Ford at the track “Too Tough To Tame”. Kenseth has been sharing the No. 6 ride with Trevor Bayne this season.
Oscar Mayer appeared on Kenseth’s car in 2003 when he won his first and only Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Ty Dillon also saw his sponsor get involved in the weekend’s festivities. GEICO Racing is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the company’s involvement with Germain Racing by running the very first paint scheme that they ran in their debut.
Max Papis and Casey Mears both drove with GEICO and Germain Racing before Dillon took over the ride in 2017.
Dillon has so far earned only one top 10 in his Cup Series career (78 starts) — a sixth-place run at July in Daytona.
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If you would like to receive “Five Things” in your inbox, or just connect with me, you may send me an e-mail at [email protected].
You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
Summer’s Five Things: What You Need To Know For August 22, 2018
“Summer’s Five Things” is a daily column for NASCAR fans to catch up on the most recent, relevant, and need-to-know news and information in the sport! While mostly focused on NASCAR, this column may also feature other interesting and exciting moments from the world of motorsports. Enjoy!
Following a harrowing crash at Pocono Raceway on Sunday afternoon, driver Robert Wickens was transported by helicopter to a local hospital with multiple injuries.
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports provided an update on his condition on Tuesday:
The crash began while Wickens was attempting to pass Ryan Hunter-Reay just a handful of laps into the race. After the two made contact, Wickens’ car flew into the catch fence, with the car spinning violently against the fence, causing shrapnel to fly all over the racetrack The impact tore a hole in the catchfence, which caused a two-hour red flag for repairs.
The team has said they will not field Wickens’ No. 6 car this weekend in Gateway and have not yet determined whether or not they will replace him in the remaining two races of the season.
In his rookie season in the Verizon IndyCar Series, the 29-year-old driver had earned four podium finishes and one pole in 14 races this season.
Teammate and childhood friend James Hinchcliffe also sustained minor injuries to his hands in the wreck, but has been cleared to race this weekend.
In an auction on Monday, Front Row Motorsports placed the winning bid for BK Racing at $2.08 million, outbidding GMS Racing’ initial bid of $1.8 million.
The bid would give FRM BK Racing’s charters, most of the assets and titled vehicles.
Obaika Racing previously purchased some equipment in the sale for $265,00.00, while other assets were sold to Rick Ware Racing for $35,000.00.
However, the final sale is pending approval by Judge J. Craig Whitley, following objections from Race Engines Plus and Ron Devine in the Tuesday hearing. A hearing has been scheduled for Thursday to determine if the sale is in the best interest of the estate.
Thursday had previously been set as the date for a hearing in the event of any objections.
Attorney for trustee Matthew Smith, Michael Martinez, and David Schilli, attorney for Union Bank & Trust, also expressed disappointment in the sale, but did not agree with the extension.
BK Racing owner Devine claims he is owed $15 million in loans to the team and had planned on putting together a new company in order to place a bid. Devine filed for BK Racing’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy three days before the season-opening Daytona 500 in February and was relieved of decision-making authority for the team when trustee Smith was established on March 28th.
Devine placed the team in bankruptcy to avoid having Union Bank & Trust take control of the team. Court documents show that Union is claiming $9 million in loans and accrued interest, and currently holds a lawsuit for the charter FRM purchased from BK Racing in 2016 for $2 million, because of a lien they had on the charter at the time.
FRM general manager Jerry Freeze has stated that the team has plans for the charter if they are indeed granted the sale, though he did not confirm if that would involve running a third car. The team currently has three charters: one for the No. 34 driven by Michael McDowell; one for the No. 38 car driven by David Ragan; and one that has been leased to TriStar Motorsports.
The sale will not cover the 78 claims filed totaling $44,295,884.91, according to ESPN, and the trustee will determine how much creditors will get from the sale.
Smith will have to pay $50,000 to transfer ownership of the charter and back pay $68,046 in charter fees to NASCAR.
In an off week for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney are still heading to the racetrack this weekend — but as spotters instead of drivers.
Ryan Blaney made an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Tuesday and announced the two drivers’ plans:
The NASCAR XFINITY Series is racing at Road America this Saturday, so extra spotters are needed in order to have full visibility around the 14-turn, four-mile racetrack.
Cindric has started in all 22 races this season, driving three different numbers for two different car owners. 14 of those starts have been with Team Penske.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott’s Hall of Fame father Bill is coming out of retirement to make his first NASCAR national series start since 2012, driving the No. 23 car for GMS Racing.
In a continued effort to improve the fan experience, both Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway announced new amenities to their facilities for their upcoming race weekends.
First off, Martinsville Speedway introduced a viewing area called “SkyDeck”. The entertainment deck will be on top of the suites in turns one an two and includes food, drink, a lounge area and live music for $375.00. That price will get you access to the SkyDeck for the Camping World Truck Series race on October 27th and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on October 28th.
The package will also include a general admission ticket for the Truck Series race and reserved seating for the Cup Series race.
Richmond Raceway, meanwhile, continues to work on their project “Richmond Raceway Reimagined”, a $30 million investment to modernize the racetrack’s infield. The latest addition is the M&M’s Neighborhood in the DC Solar FanGrounds.
The “neighborhood” will be located at the shade structure to the left of Victory Lane and will include concessions and sponsor activation opportunities. M&M’s products will also be sold at concession stands and their logo will appear on the signs designed to label all four turns.
The Cup Series will run the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on September 22nd.
As part of the throwback weekend for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, two more race teams unveiled their paint schemes for the September 2nd event.
First off, Oscar Mayer is returning to NASCAR and will serve as the primary sponsor for Matt Kenseth’s No. 6 Ford at the track “Too Tough To Tame”. Kenseth has been sharing the No. 6 ride with Trevor Bayne this season.
Oscar Mayer appeared on Kenseth’s car in 2003 when he won his first and only Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Ty Dillon also saw his sponsor get involved in the weekend’s festivities. GEICO Racing is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the company’s involvement with Germain Racing by running the very first paint scheme that they ran in their debut.
Max Papis and Casey Mears both drove with GEICO and Germain Racing before Dillon took over the ride in 2017.
Dillon has so far earned only one top 10 in his Cup Series career (78 starts) — a sixth-place run at July in Daytona.
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If you would like to receive “Five Things” in your inbox, or just connect with me, you may send me an e-mail at [email protected].
You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.