“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!
1. Brian France Comments On Potential Sale Of The Sport, Competition On Track
Brian France called into SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s show “Tradin’ Paint” on Wednesday afternoon and discussed several different topics with the hosts.
France has been in the headlines quite a bit this season due to a report that he and his family were considering selling a stake in NASCAR, a rumor that was later addressed to indicate the France family was only considering minor investors.
The France family has owned NASCAR since its inception in 1948, but Brian France has been less visible than his father and grandfather, instead relying on NASCAR executives like Steve O’Donnell and Steve Phelps to serve in more public roles. With the many changes in NASCAR over the last decade — from the car, to the points system, etc. — to some fans it has seemed as though the direction of the sanctioning body has been to distance itself from its past rather than embracing it.
However, France attempted to dispel the rumors regarding his family’s long-term dedication to the sport.
“Look, we’re focused on ruling and managing NASCAR,” France said. “There’s nothing to report on that. Rumors are always interesting, but they’re seldom right. The France family is locked and loaded in its dedication to NASCAR.”
France also addressed the recent conversation that was stirred by Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart about having the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on dirt.
“Probably not going to have that phone call any time soon,” said France. “The schedule is pretty full. He’s done a great job of running Eldora and other things he’s doing in the dirt track stuff, so good for him.”
- Kyle Busch Announces Throwback Scheme for Darlington
Kyle Busch and Skittles had a very creative way of announcing their throwback paint scheme for the Darlington Raceway weekend.
Busch’s No. 18 will serve as a callback to Ernie Irvan’s Skittles paint scheme he drove in the 1990s. Irvan’s last start in what is now the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series was August of 1999. A couple of severe head injuries he incurred after a couple of bad wrecks forced his retirement. He ended his career having won 15 career Cup Series races.
Cole Custer and Jeremy Clements also announced their throwback schemes.
Custer will pay tribute to AJ Foyt, owner Tony Stewart’s hero…
…while Clements pays tribute to 1960 Grand National Series champion Rex White.
Darlington’s ulta-popular throwback weekend will be August 30th – September 1st.
- Wendy Venturini Still Recovering From Injuries
Longtime NASCAR broadcaster Wendy Venturini was hit by a car while jogging in California on June 23rd, resulting in some serious injuries, including a skull fracture and concussion. After spending several days in the hospital, she and her husband returned home June 30th in a motorcoach provided by Toyota as she could not fly due to her injuries.
Venturini currently works for Performance Racing Network, who holds the radio broadcast rights for tracks under the Speedway Motorsports Incorporated banner.
She provided an update on her recovery and when fans can expect to see her back at the track:
“I don’t look differently. But skull fractures are no joke.🤕 The pressure and pain still on the back left side of my head are straight up legit. Cognitively, I feel good. 🙌🏾🙇🏻♀️🧠 I’m still sarcastic. So that’s encouraging. 😁
“My ear is still clogged partially with fluid from my skull fracture. While it’s dissipating, it’s still annoying. I feels/sounds like when you have water in your ear. They said 4-6weeks to clear. I have another audio test to do again.
“I feel (son) Caleb has been robbed of his summer with my recovery. I’ve also answered questions from him and reassured him about things that I never expected to at this point. No, Mommy is not dying and is not going anywhere!!
“I miss my NASCAR family. I’m beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and support. I can’t wait to get back on-the-air at Bristol. 🏁 Loud noises are processed differently and bother me still as my concussion subsides, so this will be a huge test for me in 3 more weeks.”
- Sponsor Announcements From A Few Drivers
In this weekend’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Iowa Speedway, Justin Allgaier will be sporting a new paint scheme for new partner Precision Tank. Precision Tank is a liquid storage solutions company based out of Illinois, and serves many different industries including agriculture and commercial.
The company is a good match for Allgaier, who normally has agricultural company Brandt on the hood of his JR Motorsports Chevrolet.
Meanwhile, A&W is returning to the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford with driver David Ragan for this weekend’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race in Pocono.
“We’ll have A&W on our Ford Fusion at Pocono, promoting National Root Beer Float Day on August 6,” said Ragan in a team release. “If you go to an A&W on August 6, you can get a free root beer float and the chance to donate to Disabled American Veterans. It’s a great cause and a good opportunity to enjoy an American classic.”
Also, Timmy Hill’s No. 66 Toyota will be adorned by Lehigh Valley Phantoms this weekend in Pocono.
The NXS race from Iowa Speedway will be run on Saturday, July 28th at 5:00PM ET. The MENCS race is Sunday, July 29th at 2:30PM ET.
- Darlington Raceway Finishing Up Track Renovations Ahead Of Throwback Weekend
In a huge $7 million renovation of the track so great it needs two nicknames (“Too Tough To Tame” and “Lady In Black”), Darlington Raceway is in hurry-up mode to complete the project by August 31st for the official reopening of the facility and the weekend’s on-track activity for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The renovation includes the addition of wider grandstand seats with cup holders, a better layout so that spectators can see much more of the track than they could before, and redone bathroom and concession areas.
Darlington isn’t the only racetrack with major work being done. Charlotte Motor Speedway continues its preparation for its first ROVAL race on September 30th.
~~~~~
If you would like to receive “Five Things” in your inbox, or if you would like to reach out to me, 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 July 26, 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!
1. Brian France Comments On Potential Sale Of The Sport, Competition On Track
Brian France called into SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s show “Tradin’ Paint” on Wednesday afternoon and discussed several different topics with the hosts.
France has been in the headlines quite a bit this season due to a report that he and his family were considering selling a stake in NASCAR, a rumor that was later addressed to indicate the France family was only considering minor investors.
The France family has owned NASCAR since its inception in 1948, but Brian France has been less visible than his father and grandfather, instead relying on NASCAR executives like Steve O’Donnell and Steve Phelps to serve in more public roles. With the many changes in NASCAR over the last decade — from the car, to the points system, etc. — to some fans it has seemed as though the direction of the sanctioning body has been to distance itself from its past rather than embracing it.
However, France attempted to dispel the rumors regarding his family’s long-term dedication to the sport.
“Look, we’re focused on ruling and managing NASCAR,” France said. “There’s nothing to report on that. Rumors are always interesting, but they’re seldom right. The France family is locked and loaded in its dedication to NASCAR.”
France also addressed the recent conversation that was stirred by Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart about having the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on dirt.
“Probably not going to have that phone call any time soon,” said France. “The schedule is pretty full. He’s done a great job of running Eldora and other things he’s doing in the dirt track stuff, so good for him.”
Kyle Busch and Skittles had a very creative way of announcing their throwback paint scheme for the Darlington Raceway weekend.
Busch’s No. 18 will serve as a callback to Ernie Irvan’s Skittles paint scheme he drove in the 1990s. Irvan’s last start in what is now the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series was August of 1999. A couple of severe head injuries he incurred after a couple of bad wrecks forced his retirement. He ended his career having won 15 career Cup Series races.
Cole Custer and Jeremy Clements also announced their throwback schemes.
Custer will pay tribute to AJ Foyt, owner Tony Stewart’s hero…
…while Clements pays tribute to 1960 Grand National Series champion Rex White.
Darlington’s ulta-popular throwback weekend will be August 30th – September 1st.
Longtime NASCAR broadcaster Wendy Venturini was hit by a car while jogging in California on June 23rd, resulting in some serious injuries, including a skull fracture and concussion. After spending several days in the hospital, she and her husband returned home June 30th in a motorcoach provided by Toyota as she could not fly due to her injuries.
Venturini currently works for Performance Racing Network, who holds the radio broadcast rights for tracks under the Speedway Motorsports Incorporated banner.
She provided an update on her recovery and when fans can expect to see her back at the track:
In this weekend’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Iowa Speedway, Justin Allgaier will be sporting a new paint scheme for new partner Precision Tank. Precision Tank is a liquid storage solutions company based out of Illinois, and serves many different industries including agriculture and commercial.
The company is a good match for Allgaier, who normally has agricultural company Brandt on the hood of his JR Motorsports Chevrolet.
Meanwhile, A&W is returning to the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford with driver David Ragan for this weekend’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race in Pocono.
“We’ll have A&W on our Ford Fusion at Pocono, promoting National Root Beer Float Day on August 6,” said Ragan in a team release. “If you go to an A&W on August 6, you can get a free root beer float and the chance to donate to Disabled American Veterans. It’s a great cause and a good opportunity to enjoy an American classic.”
Also, Timmy Hill’s No. 66 Toyota will be adorned by Lehigh Valley Phantoms this weekend in Pocono.
The NXS race from Iowa Speedway will be run on Saturday, July 28th at 5:00PM ET. The MENCS race is Sunday, July 29th at 2:30PM ET.
In a huge $7 million renovation of the track so great it needs two nicknames (“Too Tough To Tame” and “Lady In Black”), Darlington Raceway is in hurry-up mode to complete the project by August 31st for the official reopening of the facility and the weekend’s on-track activity for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The renovation includes the addition of wider grandstand seats with cup holders, a better layout so that spectators can see much more of the track than they could before, and redone bathroom and concession areas.
Darlington isn’t the only racetrack with major work being done. Charlotte Motor Speedway continues its preparation for its first ROVAL race on September 30th.
~~~~~
If you would like to receive “Five Things” in your inbox, or if you would like to reach out to me, send me an e-mail at [email protected].
You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.