Jimmie Johnson will appear on “Good Morning America” on Friday
Seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson will appear on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Friday, January 11th. The press release did not include a time or any additional details.
A Reddit thread included some speculation that Johnson’s appearance would include a paint scheme announcement, though nothing has been announced.
After Lowe’s announced that they would no longer be sponsoring Johnson following the 2018 Cup Series season, Ally Financial jumped in as a primary sponsor for Johnson and the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Though Johnson has had multiple discussions with Ally Financial regarding the car design, the official paint scheme has yet to be announced.
GMA airs from 7:00AM – 9:00AM ET Monday through Friday on ABC.
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Mike Skinner wins pro late model race in New Smyrna
Mike Skinner, 1995 Gander Outdoors Truck Series champion and 28-time victor, is still going strong at the age of 61.
Skinner competed in Saturday night’s Red Eye 50 at New Smyrna Speedway driving the No. 5 E-Z Line Toyota pro late model, winning the pole and leading all 50 laps en route to the victory.
“It’s really cool to come out to New Smyrna Speedway and win the first NASCAR-sanctioned race of the year,” said Skinner. “This is the second time that we’ve been able to do that and being almost 62 years old, I just can’t believe it.”
Skinner will compete later this season in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Caring Racing at New Smyrna Speedway February 8 – 16.
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Final day of testing wraps up for the “Roar Before the Rolex 24”
In the last of a three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway — dubbed the “Roar Before the Rolex 24” — for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Mazdas once again showed their dominance.
The first test session on Sunday saw No. 55 Mazda RT24-P driver Harry Tincknell run the fastest lap time of the weekend, with a time of 1:34.224.
A qualifying session was held after the test to determine the order of pit stalls and pit boxes for the Rolex 24 at Daytona later this month. Both Tincknell and teammate Oliver Jarvis (No. 77 Mazda) unofficially shattered the 1993 track record, with Jarvis earning a lap of 1:33.398 and Tincknell a time of 1:33.423.
Gabriel Aubr, driver of the No. 52 Oreca, led the LMP2 class; Jan Magnussen was quickest for the GT Le Mans class while driving the No. 3 Corvette Racing car; and Bia Figueiredo set the top time in GT Daytona.
A final one-hour session was held but included a reduced number of competitors and saw slower speeds. Loic Duval was quickest, driving the CORE Autosport Nissan.
Coverage of the Rolex 24 at Daytona from Daytona International Speedway will begin at 2:00PM ET on NBCSN.
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Potential replacement for Verizon as IndyCar Title Sponsor
After Verizon decided not to renew its contract as the title sponsor for the IndyCar Series following the 2018 season, the hunt for a new title sponsor was on.
With the season-opening race at St. Petersburg only a couple of months away, Adam Stern of the SportsBusiness Journal is reporting that the series may be closing in on a new deal.
NTT Data will be the primary sponsor of the No. 10 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing with driver Felix Rosenqvist, who will be a rookie in the IndyCar Series in 2019.
About NTT DATA:
Chip Ganassi Racing “Our Partners”
“NTT DATA partners with clients to navigate and simplify the modern complexities of business and technology, delivering the insights, solutions and outcomes that matter most. We’re a top 10 global IT services and consulting provider that wraps deep industry expertise around a comprehensive portfolio of infrastructure, applications and business process services.”
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Justin Barcia wins Monster Energy Supercross season-opener in Anaheim
While fans of the four-wheeled auto racing variety are jonesing for some competition, those of the two-wheeled variety got to see their season kickoff on Saturday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
A persistent, heavy rain caused for some difficult track conditions throughout the heat races and main events. Justin Barcia put on a show, driving up through the field in the 450 Main Event, eventually winning the race with a 3.053 margin over second-place Ken Roczen.
Eli Tomac, Dean Wilson, and Cooper Webb rounded out the top five.
“Crazy that is all I can say,” said Barcia. “Great start, stayed calm and cool and made passes when I had to. No mistakes. This is incredible I am so proud of the whole Yamaha team. All in all a fantastic day.”
Colt Nichols won the 250 Main Event. Dylan Ferrandis finished in second, followed by Shane Mcelrath in third. Rj Hampshire and Adam Cianciarulo rounded out the top five.
Round #2 will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The live television broadcast will begin at 9:00PM ET on NBCSN.
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