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Race Day NASCAR Pictures: Pure Michigan 400 at MIS

by BethAnne, Special To NASCAR commentary and driver pictures, 2011 NASCAR schedule, video, Bench Racing With Steve and Charlie

I am the field producer/photographer of the syndicated radio show/website ON PIT ROW. When Steve and Charlie ask me to 'jump', I say "Yeah right."

September 4, 2011 9:59 pm CDT 1 Comment

Exclusive NASCAR photos from Sunday at Michigan Speedway

Michigan is always hot on race weekend at MIS. Sunday was no different. Hot weather and hot action on the track too.

: #16 Greg Biffle #32 Kenny Schrader turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #11 Denny Hamlin #9 Marcos Ambrose turn 1 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #2 Brad Keselowski #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr #24 Jeff Gordon turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #5 Mark Martin #18 Kyle Busch #33 Clint Bowyer #56 Martin Truex Jr #14 Tony Stewart turn 1 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #17 Matt Kenseth turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #20 Joey Logano turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #24 Jeff Gordon #4 Kasey Kahne turn 1 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #48 Jimmie Johnson #20 Joey Logano turn 1 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #51 Landon Cassill #38 Travis Kvapil #36 Bave Blaney Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr #24 Jeff Gordon #39 Ryan Newman turn 1 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #2 Brad Keselowski turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #24 Jeff Gordon #22 Kurt Busch turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #42 Juan Pablo Montoya #83 Brian Vickers turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #14 Tony Stewart turn 2 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: Pitstop in turn 1 Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #4 Kasey Kahne pitstop Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #22 Kurt Busch pitstop Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

: #36 Dave Blaney pitstop Michigan International Speedway heisler sum 11

Photo credit: BethAnne Heisler - OnPitRow.com

Filed under: Brad Kesolowski, Brian Vickers, Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dave Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kasey Kahne, Kenny Shrader, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Marcos Ambrose, Mark Martin, Martin Truex Jr., Matt Kenseth, Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR, NASCAR photos, Red Bull Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Roush Racing, Ryan Newman, Sprint Cup Series, Stewart Haas Racing, The Busch Bros, The Wood Brothers, Tony Stewart, Toyota, jimmie johnson

Tagged with: NASCAR pictures, Pure Michigan 400

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Looks Like a Chevy vs Toyota Showdown at Talladega

by Charlie Turner

Thanks for stopping by OnPitRow.com and the Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie blog. The best NASCAR and IndyCar news and opinion, exclusive pictures and video. I'm Charlie Turner. Follow me on Twitter @onpitrow

October 30, 2010 7:57 pm CDT No Comments

Juan Pablo Montoya took his second career pole at Talladega Super Speedway and along with Clint Bowyer, gave Chevy the front row and six of the top eight spots on the grid.

Earlier, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota drivers Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch topped 201 MPH (lap average speed) in practice, while drafting together - which they just may do some on Sunday in the race.

The AMP Energy Juice 500 shapes up to be Fast and Fabulous, as are most races at the big track. Despite a nice qualifying showing by the Penske Racing Dodges of Kurt Busch (3rd) Sam Hornish Jr and Brad Keselowski (10th and 11th), the Racing for Glory this week shapes up to be between the Bow-tie camp and the Rice Burners.

With lots of three and four wide action, there will be plenty of the old Rubbing’s Racing talk during and after this one. And there is bound to be a big wreck or two. Maybe the Fords can shake their problems and the Dodges are for real. It is Halloween after all. Strange things do happen.

Filed under: Brad Kesolowski, Chase for the Cup, Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon, Joe Gibbs Racing, Joey Logano, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Kyle Petty, Mark Martin, NASCAR, Sam Hornish Jr, Sprint Cup Series, Talladega Superspeedway, jimmie johnson

Tagged with: Amp Energy Juice 500, Chevy racing, Dodge, Ford Racing, restrictor plates, Toyota Motorsports

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Talk of Danica in NASCAR Won’t Go Away

by Steve Wronkowicz

I am co-host of the syndicated radio show: ON PIT ROW. Over ten years on the air and three on the net; see what can happen when I don't let the facts get in the way of my opinions.

October 6, 2009 8:05 am CDT No Comments

Danica Patrick signed a three year contract with Andretti-Green Racing to continue running in the IRL and the talk of her moving to NASCAR stopped….for a few weeks.

Now new information is coming from Hendrick Motorsports and it’s Nationwide satellite team JR Motorsports that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Danica Patrick may be working together in 2010. Patrick and Earnhardt are looking at their connection with sponsor GoDaddy.com as a way to make the IRL darling a part of NASCAR.

Patrick could run Chevys out of the Hendrick/Earnhardt stable in selected events in 2010 when not running in the IRL. Selected ARCA events could also be on the slate to move her along the fast track into stock cars full time when her IRL contract is concluded.

A lot has been written about Patrick’s purported move to NASCAR and each time the “leverage” angle pops up. Many believe her talking with NASCAR owners is nothing more than a tactic to increase her paycheck from her IRL suitors.

Danica is a force to be reckoned with regardless of which series she runs. Wins are not the total factor in determining her value to a series. You only have to look at her perspective car owner to see that. While Earnhardt has struggled at the track for two years, his fan base has never wavered.

Bring Danica into the fold and let her learn the right way. Put her in good equipment in the Nationwide and ARCA series and let her fans swarm the race tracks.

This week’s BUZZ ON PIT ROW is:

Now that Danica has an IRL contract; can her entry into NASCAR be considered legitimate?

Let us know what you think and we could use your answer on this week’s ON PIT ROW radio show. Listen live every Tuesday at 5pm ET. Your call could win you a Kevin Harvick bobblehead if you are the Shell-Fuel my Passion call of the day. Call the show live at 1-800-645-2946 or send a tweet to @onpitrow.

Filed under: ARCA Remax Series, Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, Hendrick Motorsports, JR Motorsports, On Pit Row The Fastest Two Hours on Radio

Tagged with: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, Hendrick Motorsports, IRL, NASCAR

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Fast Laps: Infineon

by Matt Mercer, Special To NASCAR commentary and driver pictures, 2011 NASCAR schedule, video, Bench Racing With Steve and Charlie

I'm the former blogger of The Catfish Show NASCAR Blog and a contributor to On Pit Row. Follow me on Twitter: @mattmercer

June 17, 2009 11:49 pm CDT 3 Comments

Back in black,
I hit the sack,
I’ve been too long I’m glad to be back…

Fast Laps is back, with a new writer hoping to continue what Charlie and The Idiot have started here. I’m Matt Mercer, a contributor to Bench Racing and I’ve got the green light for some Fast Laps on the way to wine country. The road course “ringers” have become less of a factor than in the past. Only cars concerned with the top 35 are turning to them now. One that will enter the race, Ron Fellows in the #09, could be a sleeper if it’s one of the Hendrick Chevys and not a Finch Dodgepodge. Patrick Carpentier will try and put the Napa Toyota near the front, which is ironic since in his open-wheel days he was considered an oval specialist. Go figure.

Let’s get to the questions and comments, but be warned I’m going to have some different rules. Instead of 100 words or less per question, I’m limiting your responses to 100 words to answer all 4 questions. Got it? 100 words or less or I’ll beat you with Steve’s microphone.

Also, don’t forget to answer the new Checkered Flag question: there’s no word limit at the checkers, so get creative and follow up on your answers. All of us at On Pit Row enjoy debate so bring it on.

1. Is this the year that Mark Martin wins that elusive championship?

2. Brian France talked about more foreign manufacturers entering NASCAR, provided they have production facilities in the United States. Those companies are Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, BMW, and Mercedes. Which of these companies would dedicate the efforts necessary to compete in NASCAR?

3. Will the Camping World Truck Series survive? Could the series “merge” with the Nationwide Series or disband altogether?

4. Can a US-based Formula One team achieve any real success?

Checkered Flag: What is Marc Davis’ future? Will he solidify a competitive ride or will his career follow Bill Lester’s trajectory?

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media

Filed under: Brian France, Chevrolet, Diversity and NASCAR, Fast Lap Posts, Mark Martin, NASCAR, Nationwide Series, Toyota, road course ringers

Tagged with: Bill Lester, Brian France, Camping World Truck Series, Chevy, Fast Laps, Formula One, Hendrick Motor Sports, Infineon Raceway, James Finch, Marc Davis, Mark Martin, NAPA, NASCAR, Nationwide Series, patrick carpentier, ron fellows, Sonoma, Toyota

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Kyle Busch Wins Food City 500–While Earnhardt Fans are left to Wonder

by Steve Wronkowicz

I am co-host of the syndicated radio show: ON PIT ROW. Over ten years on the air and three on the net; see what can happen when I don't let the facts get in the way of my opinions.

March 23, 2009 8:56 pm CDT 3 Comments

Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin battled past the scheduled end at Bristol.

Hamlin was chasing Busch when JGR rookie Joey Logano blew an engine causing the race to finish in a green-white-checkers fashion. Busch dominated the race, leading the most laps, on his way to a second consecutive win.

While the Gibbs boys were on their way to a one-two finish, a trio of Hendrick Motorsport drivers were busy finishing in the top six. Jeff Gordon took his fourth place finish and continues to lead the Sprint Cup standings. Jimmie Johnson finished third while leading 88 laps, second only to race winner Busch. Mark Martin started on the pole for the second week in a row and finished sixth.

Missing in the Hendrick good finishes again was Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Junior took his Chevrolet to a respectable 14th place finish. But when your teammates finish in the top six, more is expected from the fourth driver. When that success doesn’t happen regularly, questions begin to be raised. The restless start calling for heads to be put on chopping blocks.

Check out Charlie’s post: Earnhardt, Jr. to Dump Eury, Jr: Signs may be Pointing that Way. Charlie chronicles comments by Jeff Hammond about the lack of success coming from the cousin combo.

Which gives us this week’s BUZZ ON PIT ROW:

Whose decision should it be whether to replace Tony Eury, Jr?

Let us know what you think and we may use your comments on this week’s ON PIT ROW radio show. Listen live from 5-7pm ET Tuesdays here. Call in to The Bench Racing Hotline at 800-645-2946

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media

Filed under: Bristol Motor Speedway, Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jeff Hammond, Jimmy Johnson, NASCAR, On Pit Row The Fastest Two Hours on Radio

Tagged with: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, jimmie johnson, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin

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Win a Great New DVD: Dale Earnhardt’s 10 Greatest Wins from A&E

by Charlie Turner

November 7, 2008 12:24 am CST 9 Comments

A & E Home Video has another of their terrific NASCAR DVD collections out and we have five sets to give away to worthy OnPitRow.com readers. Dale Earnhardt Sr fans especially need to jump on this one. Here’s what A&E has to say about their latest masterpiece.

He was called ”The Intimidator”, ”The Man in Black”, and”Mr. Restrictor Plate.” He was a champion, a mentor, a hero, and a true American icon who was perhaps the greatest driver of all time - Dale Earnhardt - and the mention of his name provokes powerful emotions in race fans around the world.

On October 28, A&E Home Video and NASCAR® Media Group unveiled DALE EARNHARDT 10 GREATEST WINS, a commemorative souvenir that provides both a tribute to the icon’s competitive fire and a showcase that displays the essence of a hard-driving, world-class champion. Featuring the most memorable wins of the driver that defined NASCAR and etched his place in history, this unprecedented 5-disc collector’s set is a must-have for any racing fan.

Across 10 classic races, celebrate the man in the bucket seat, from his first very first checkered flag behind the wheel of his legendary black #3 Chevrolet, through his final victory — with some historic, mind-bending, memory-making, heart-pounding races in between! Buckle up and let ‘em rip!

The 10 featured races in this collection, include:

1984 Talladega 500, Talladega Superspeedway First win driving #3

1987 The Winston, Charlotte Motor Speedway Fearless? Innovative? The Pass in the Grass

1989 Southern 500, Darlington Raceway victory over Darrell Waltrip; Ralph Earnhardt was inducted into the Darlington Hall of Fame the Thursday before the race

1993 Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway 1st race to finish under the lights; 2 penalties, lap down, victory over Jeff Gordon

1995 Busch Clash, Daytona International Speedway sixth and final Clash victory for Dale Earnhardt

1995 Brickyard 400, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Earnhardt enters the victory lane of this world-renowned track

1995 Save Mart Supermarkets 300, Sears Point Raceway First and only road course win

1998 Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway Finally! After 20 years on the legendary track, Dale takes the flag and his first Daytona

2000 Cracker Barrel 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway Guts and Glory - a photo-finish victory over Bobby Labonte

2000 Winston 500, Talladega Superspeedway - Driving hard, he moved from 18th to 1st over the final three laps to capture his final victory

When #3 took to the track, fans stood, cheered and watched his every move. This definitive piece of memorabilia, from arguably one of racing’s greatest and most beloved champions, will help keep Earnhardt’s memory alive for future generations of racing fans.

Bonus feature: Exclusive footage of Dale and his father Ralph’s induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

So, how do I enter, you ask? Here’s how. In the comment section of this post, tell us your most memorable Earnhardt moment. You don’t have to be a fan of Senior. It could be your own favorite Earnhardt win or maybe the thing he did that so ticked you off, that you hated him from that moment on. Just tell us a story.

And here’s how you win. The folks at A & E Home Videos have provided us with five copies of the DALE EARNHARDT 10 GREATEST WINS DVD set. We’ll use our random drawing method to determine the five winners from the comments submitted. We will stop taking entries at 11:59 pm CST on Friday November 28, 2008. Good luck!

Filed under: Bench Racing Contests, Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt, Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR, NASCAR & the Media, NASCAR video, Nascar Legends, Richard Childress Racing, Talladega Superspeedway