The Boys Are Back in Town

Cup cars hit the new pavement at Daytona for the first time Wednesday.

For the first time since Kevin Harvick took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero 400 on July 3, race cars were back on track at Daytona International Speedway.

Eighteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers kicked off the first day of a two-day Goodyear tire test on the new racing surface in advance of the 53rd annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 20.

The test was the first time race cars turned laps on the new asphalt of Daytona, which was repaved for only the second time in its history.

Among the drivers in attendance included:

· Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Mark Martin

· Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch

· Roush Fenway’s Matt Kenseth and David Ragan

· Richard Childress Racing’s Jeff Burton and Paul Menard

·  Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya

· JTG Daugherty Racing’s Bobby Labonte

“It’s amazing the job that they did here,” said Gordon, a three-time Daytona 500 champion. “It’s really smooth. It’s got a lot of grip. I think we learned a tremendous amount by being here. Not only did we get a chance to really see what we’re going to be dealing with here in February for the Daytona 500, but it gets us prepared for the test coming up in January.”

“They smoothed out all the bumps,” said Earnhardt Jr., the 2004 Daytona 500 champion. “The track is real smooth. It’s got a lot of grip. The track reminds me a lot like Talladega was like when they first finished it.

“The racing during the drafting was exciting and I think it is going to be a good show, a more exciting show for the fans because the cars are going to stay real tight on each other throughout entire runs.”

The Goodyear tire test will wrap up Thursday and is open to the public with free access to the Oldfield Grandstands through the lobby of the Daytona International Speedway ticket office.

Non-Chaser of Note: David Ragan

Roush Fenway driver David Ragan talks things over
with team owner Jack Roush.

When it comes to Roush Fenway drivers, David Ragan often seems to be on the outside looking in.

Ragan is the only RFR driver not in the Chase. And he's also younger and less experienced than his teammates Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth.

But Saturday night at Charlotte, Ragan managed to hang with the rest of Roush.  And he maneuvered his No. 6 UPS Ford from a 26th starting spot to a 10th place finish - and one of his best results of the season.

Ragan's run at Charlotte Motor Speedway tied his career best finish at the track. And it also marked his first top ten since the April race at Talladega.

If Ragan can manage another such race before the season comes to a close, he'll have improved on his 2009 performance.  And, more importantly, he'll give his team some needed momentum for 2011.

The Ultimate Chase Playlist

After being on the road 38 weeks each year traveling the NASCAR circuit, drivers have plenty of time to fine-tune the playlists on their iPods- even if they can’t listen to their favorite songs while racing at 180 mph.


Now NASCAR's top 12 have chosen their favorite songs - the tunes they'll be listening to as they focus on winning this year's championship. 

From Elvis to Eminem, their song choices just might surprise you.  Without further ado, here is the Chase for the Sprint Cup ultimate playlist ...

“Not Afraid” – Eminem (Denny Hamlin)

“Nothing Else Matters” – Metallica (Jimmie Johnson)

“Walk the Line” – Johnny Cash (Kevin Harvick)

“CC Rider” – Elvis (Clint Bowyer)

“Jukebox Hero” – Foreigner (Carl Edwards)

“Everything” – Buck Cherry (Greg Biffle)

“Another Way to Die” – Disturbed (Matt Kenseth)

“Love The Way You Lie” – Eminem (Denny Hamlin)

“It’s Now Or Never” – Elvis (Clint Bowyer)

“Say It Ain’t So” – Weezer (Kevin Harvick)

“Enter Sandman” – Metallica (Greg Biffle)

“Miracle” – Nonpoint (Matt Kenseth)

Bonus Track by a non-chaser: “Wired to the T” – Dorrough (Mark Martin)

Race Kenseth and Take Home the Bucks

After securing another top-five finish this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth will return to the Nevada track later in the year when the driver may face his stiffest competition yet.

Crown Royal will run a season-long “Race Matt” promotion, where fans (where legally eligible) will be able to enter to race the former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, prior to the season-ending banquet.

In all, three fans will be selected at various intervals throughout the season to compete in the finale in Las Vegas for the chance to win $17,000. Each of the three winners will also receive a trip for two to Charlotte , N.C. , where they will complete a mentorship program and tour the Roush Fenway Headquarters in an effort to prepare for their big day against Kenseth.

Adult fans (21 and over) can enter the promotion at CrownRoyal.com throughout the season, and by entering will also automatically receive entry to a local market sweepstakes for a VIP at-track experience at a nearby track. The local program will be fulfilled at various tracks throughout the season, beginning on April 10.

Crown Royal to Honor Military Hero at RIR

While race fans gear up for the Daytona 500, the makers of Crown Royal Canadian whisky, today announced fans will also have the opportunity to choose one of America’s true heroes to receive naming rights to the Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway on May 1.

As part of the Crown Royal “Your Name Here” 400 contest, five finalists from various branches of the armed services have been selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Daytona to participate in a special ceremony to unveil the grand-prize winner, as well as attend the historic Daytona 500. The finalists, in no specific order, are:

Heath Calhoun, Army (retired), Clarksville , Tenn.
Chris Dempsey, Army National Guard, Yuma , Ariz.
Rick Hudson, Navy, Gulfport , Miss.
Georgia Powell, Air National Guard, Harrisburg , Pa
Brian Speach, Army National Guard, Clifton Park , N.Y.

This marks the first time in the four-year history of the Crown Royal “Your Name Here” program that only military service members were chosen as finalists. It also signifies the first time ever that fans will be able to cast their votes on www.crownroyal.com for whose name they think should be incorporated into the annual Cup Series event in Richmond . All the finalists were nominated by their family, friends or fellow soldiers for their ability to demonstrate the core values of the military in performing a selfless act that made them a hero.

Some of the selfless acts of this year’s finalists include resuscitating a boy after drowning and helping to save a group of local nationals who were critically injured. Fans of legal drinking age are encouraged to visit www.crownroyal.com to read a complete background on the finalists and to cast a vote. Voting ends on February 10.

“Richmond International Raceway couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this program with Crown Royal each season,” said Doug Fritz, President, Richmond International Raceway. “Allowing fans to select the winner is a great way for Crown Royal to highlight all the truly touching stories of this year’s finalists. We look forward to honoring another amazing individual with everything we do during the race in May.”

The winner will be announced from Daytona on February 12 with all the finalists, NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth and representatives from Crown Royal and Richmond International Raceway in attendance.

Merry Christmas from NASCAR's "Straight No Chasers"

Last year, the men's a capella group "Straight No Chaser" caused quite a stir with their inventive version of the song "Twelve Days of Christmas."

Inspired by the group, a few of the drivers who didn't make the Sprint Cup Chase in 2009 (Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer) put together their own little song of Christmas cheer. So sit back and enjoy NASCAR's own "Straight No Chasers" - and Happy Festivus everybody!

The Chase Is On!

The wait is over and the Chase is on. And one look at the names of the 2009 contenders and you'll see it's rife with potential storylines. Read on for this fan's take on who's in, who's out and more:

Montoya Makes the Cut: As the first international driver to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Juan Pablo Montoya deserves some props. His solid run has also been a godsend for Earnhardt-Ganassi racing which sure did need this bright spot in what has been an otherwise dim season.

A Worst First for Matt K: In case you missed the first few hundered times race pundits mentioned it, this is the first Chase Matt the Brat will miss. Not cool buddy, not cool.

The Stewart-Haas Coup: When the season starts with your teammate smacking into you during Daytona 500 practice, it would be easy to get a little down about your 2009 prospects. But Stewart-Haas has come a long way baby since that sunny day in February. In Smoke's debut year as an owner-driver, both of his cars have made it into the Chase. Yes, Stewart's partnership with Hendrick Motorsports has paid dividends. But I think good ol' Tony might have just a little something to do with his teams' magical season.

Vick Under Pressure: Like Montoya, Brian Vickers has never been here before-at least at the Cup level. Let's not forget, Vick won a Busch Series Championship in 2003 for Hendrick Motorsports. And judging by the way he raced last night, it looks like BV can handle the pressure.

Richard Childress Racing: In 2008, the folks at RCR could boast that all three of their Cup teams made it into the Chase. What a difference a year makes. Take a look at the 2009 Chasers and you'll find nary a Childress driver on the list. Neither Harvick, nor Bowyer, nor Burton, nor Mears. I'm sure I'm not the only race fan wondering what happened...I'm just hoping it doesn't happen again in 2010.

Bring On the Kid!: I'll say it before and I'll say it again, Mark "The Kid" Martin has the opportunity to make a lifelong dream come true and score his first Sprint Cup Championship for Hendrick Motorsports. He's sittin' pretty right now. And if he can hang on to his lead and keep his eyes on the prize, there will be legions of armchair crew chiefs who might shed a few happy tears come Homestead.

Where's Rowdy?: Kyle Busch. He's the villain. The bad boy. The driver fans love to hat. The phenom. Whatever you call him and whatever your personal feelings for the younger Busch bro, something ain't right when the co-winningest driver in 2009 is absent from the Chase. It sure won't be as interesting without him.

Catch Prelude to a Dream Tomorrow Night!

Due to the recent spate of off-track injuries, Carl Edwards and Bill Elliott won't be racing late models at Eldora Speedway tomorrow night. But that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of other drivers ready to rumble in Tony Stewart's fifth annual Prelude to a Dream.

In fact, more than 20 NASCAR drivers will kicking up some dirt as they go head-to-head for the Prelude trophy and some old-fashioned bragging rights.

Drivers slated to take the track are: Stewart, Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin and Clint Bowyer. Aric Almirola, Brian Vickers, David Reutimann, Marcos Ambrose, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, Robby Gordon, Dave Blaney, Ray Evernham, Ron Capps and Cruz Pedregon should also be racing.

Catch the race on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Proceeds from the telecast will benefit four military charities: Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House.

Hot Racing in Hot-lanta

The track was hot and the racing was hotter. And the Labor Day race at Atlanta Motor Speedway definitely lived up to its hype.

With Kasey Kahne taking the checkers in an unpredictable finish, the 500-mile marathon sure did have its share of surprises. Here are just a few of the high points and best stories from the "night the lights went on in Georgia":

An inspiring little girl: Nursing a broken foot and a damaged oil cooler, Carl Edwards didn't have a great points night in Atlanta. But some things are more important than points. The paint scheme on Edwards' 99 car was designed by Jody Lawrence--a smiling 12-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jody was the winner of Aflac's "Color Carl's Car" contest and her story, and her inspiring attitude, puts a bad night into glaring perspective. Our prayers are with her and her family. For those of you who missed her story, watch it here on the CBS News site.

Jimmie Johnson goes for a spin: Johnson's Chevy was loose from the get-go and he had his hands full just hanging onto the wheel. But eventually even Johnson's estimable talents were no match for his monster of a car...and thus he went sliding 'cross the track. He did manage to keep his car out of the wall, but the spin was just a foretaste of things to come. The race ended for the #48 with a broken rear axle. It was a rare bad night for Knaus and crew. Fiddle-dee-dee.

Kenseth saves the chase: What looked like a hopeless start for Matt the Brat wound up ending on a pretty good note. He may have gone a lap or two down early on, but you can never count Kenseth out. And with a 12th place finish, the driver of the #17 car kept himself in the hunt for a spot in the chase.

Bobby L. proves his mettle: It's been a roller coaster of a week for Bobby Labonte. But he's handled the upheaval with class and aplomb--even though his fans were pretty darn perturbed when he was parked by Yates Racing earlier this week. However, in short order, the resilient Labonte snagged a new ride with TRG Motorsports for seven races and he ended up with an impressive 18th place finish in Atlanta. The rookie that took Labonte's Yates ride? Well, Erik Darnell finished 3oth. Not that anyone's counting...

It was almost a sweep: For a while Sunday night, it sure did look like Kevin Harvick was going to sweep the weekend's Atlanta races. Fresh off a knockout win on Saturday night, Harvick seemed to have another unbeatable car in the Cup race. Although a runner-up finish is nothing to sneeze at, it sure would have been nice to see Harvick sweep the weekend. Maybe in Richmond.

A Year of NASCAR Pets - Courtesy of The Biff

The Greg Biffle Foundation's 2010 NASCAR Pets Calendar is available now at www.gregbifflefoundation.com. The calendar features NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers as well as members of NASCAR’s media family posing with their pets. The 12 drivers appearing in the 2010 calendar are: Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears and Tony Stewart. Featured media members are Dick Berggren, Bob Dillner, Jeff Hammond, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro, John Roberts, Shannon Spake, and Matt Yocum.

“We’re definitely excited about the 2010 Calendar and 3M’s partnership with us. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of these calendars go right to work for animals in need, so purchasing one is a win-win.” said Greg Biffle, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver of the #16 3M Ford Fusion.

Calendars are available for sale in the on-line store at www.gregbifflefoundation.com. In addition, staff will be on-site to sell calendars at the First Annual Greg Biffle Foundation Day being held at Roush Fenway Racing on Wed., Oct. 14, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday Superlatives - Dover Edition

The Autism Speaks 400 wasn't the most exciting race of the season, but it did have its moments. Below are the winners and losers of The Monster Mile.

The Two Things At Once Award: With another 2nd-place finish at Dover and a new first place spot in The Chase, Tony Stewart gets my vote as the guy who's most likely to make this driver/owner thing work. Not only are the teams of Stewart-Haas Racing competitive in their first year out, they're damned good. With rumors abounding that Smoke will add a third car to his stable in 2010, it looks like this is one driver who can own a team and still be a formidable on-track contender.

Smooth Move of the Race: For sheer racing gravitas, this award goes to David Reutimann. The pole sitter found himself in an uncomfortable position when David Stremme wrecked right in front of him. But with some quick-thinking smoothness, Reutimann spun his car around the careening Stremme to avoid one monster of a crash. "The Franchise's" move saved the day and helped give Michael Waltrip Racing a top 20 finish.

Weekend Game-Changer: Rick Hendrick made a tough call this week, replacing Tony Eury Jr. with Lance McGrew atop the #88 pit box. And, from the sound of the team's radio chatter and Dale Jr's 12th-place finish, it looks like the crew chief shake-up was a good thing. Not only did the switch appease Junior Nation, McGrew's calls seemed to satisfy his driver as well. Junior told the media after the race, "I was pretty pleased that we were making good gains on the car all race long."

Instant Karma's Gonna Get You Award: Kyle Busch made headlines this week taking yet another verbal jab at Dale Earnhardt Jr., his favorite punching bag. But in the end, Busch's punches came back to haunt him. Call it instant karma or poetic justice, but Busch lost Saturday's Nationwide race to Brad Keselowski (who just happpens to drive for the Dale Jr.-owned JR Motorsports). As if that wasn't enough, Busch finished Sunday's Cup race in 23rd spot, well behind Dale Jr's 12-place-finish. Of course, Busch will likely blame tire trouble and/or equipment failure for his lackluster performances. After all, it's never the driver's fault. Right, Kyle?

Killer Pit Crew Performance: Matt Kenseth's Killer Bees secured a leading spot for their driver in one heckuva pit stop. Too bad Kenseth's car didn't have the goods to contend for the win. But kudos to his crew for their fantastic performance.

Rebound of the Race: Greg Biffle went from one lap down to having a legitmate shot at the checkers. Taking just two tires on the last pit stop put the #16 Ford in position to win. But in the end, Johnson and Stewart proved too much for The Biff. Still, third place is nothing to sneer at--and it's Biffle's ninth top 10 finish at Dover.

Winnin' With the Blick-ness

Although it seemed like a major case of deja vu to this race fan at least, Kenseth's win at Fontana proved his Daytona victory can't just be blamed on the rain.

Kenseth ran great all night and, once again, took the checkers -- this time under green. As the race came to a close, Kenseth fended off Jeff Gordon, giving the rookies in the field a textbook lesson in how to drive under pressure. However, I can't help but think that if not for the stellar performance of Kenseth's crew, under the leadership of Drew Blickensderfer, Kenseth wouldn't have pulled out a victory so easily.

In just two races, "Blick" has shown his fellow Sprint Cup contenders that he has what it takes to be a major player at the highest level of motorsports. While Jimmie Johnson seemed to be the car to beat early on, adjustments on pit road kept him from dominating. And though Jeff Gordon ran the tires off his car in an effort to end his winless streak, his car just didn't have the goods at the finish.

As the outcome of the race became clear to Darrell Waltrip and the FOX crew, they discussed how much difference a year has made in Matt Kenseth's performance. Has it? 'Cuz this fan thinks the difference can be summed up in four syllables: Blick-ens-der-fer.