UPDATE: NASCAR president Steve Phelps was a guest this morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio with hosts Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone. Phelps talked about NASCAR’s return to racing and when NASCAR may be able to have fans back at races.
ORIGINAL POST 5-23-2020: NASCAR officials remain hopeful that fans will soon be able to watch from the sidelines, rather than at home, with the head of the sport telling FOX Business on Friday he expected spectators would be allowed “sometime in the near future.”
“Right now, we feel good about the policies and protocols we have in place for our drivers and crews and FOX production people – anyone who is at the racetrack,” Steve Phelps told Dagen McDowell on “Mornings With Maria.” “We need to make sure that we have the same protocols and make sure everyone is safe from a fan standpoint… I believe we will be back with fans sometime in the near future.”
While a portion of the schedule has already been released, Phelps said there will be more to come for the remainder of the season once NASCAR gets approval from local governments.
Kyle Larson is glad to be back in a race car. He’s coming off a win with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and will return in action again this weekend at Lake Ozark Speedway.
Larson, who lost his ride in the NASCAR Cup Series last month, is back driving the No. 57 sprint car for his good friend Paul Silva.
“I obviously have gone through a lot here lately and, you know, lost a lot of my partners, which I fully understand but the ones who stuck by me it means the world,” Larson said. “To have that support from people. That’s what’s really helped me to kind of get by and stay positive through this all. It’s been life-changing no doubt, but the support of everybody is like I said, it’s really helped get me by.”
While dirt racing will be his focus for now, Larson hopes to have another opportunity in the Cup Series in the future.
“I’m just happy to be racing race cars right now,” Larson said. “It’s been weird watching the NASCAR stuff on TV. But I also hope that I’ll still be able to have another opportunity to race in Cup someday. So, you know, taking this time to watch and still study and stay relevant in my own mind. That way whenever an opportunity comes up I’ll be ready to take full advantage of that opportunity and do a good job.”
BRISTOL, Tenn. (May 26, 2020) – Bristol Motor Speedway and Food City officials announced today a fitting new event name for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at The Last Great Colosseum, The Food City presents the SUPERMARKET HEROES 500.
From the cashiers to the stock room workers to those in the fresh departments, along with the truck drivers who transport the food and supplies across the country, Food City will honor all of those who work directly assisting customers and the thousands more behind the scenes with the Food City presents the SUPERMARKET HEROES 500.
“We’re so proud of our friends at Food City for creating this appropriate new event name for Sunday’s race,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager, Bristol Motor Speedway. “During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those who have worked tirelessly in the grocery industry to keep the shelves stocked so that we can all keep food on our tables, just can’t be thanked enough. Their efforts are amazing and we’re happy to provide a spotlight and tribute to their incredible dedication during The Food City presents the SUPERMARKET HEROES 500.”
Food City has been the title sponsor of the BMS Spring Race since 1992, and executives of the expansive southeastern based grocery chain that serves parts of four states felt the name change was the right thing to do to honor all of those serving on the front lines within the supermarket industry across the United States and around the world.
“Like our counterparts throughout this great nation, our dedicated team of associates have gone above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of our customers and the communities we serve,” said Steven C. Smith, president and CEO of Food City. “From the extraordinary efforts of our front-line store associates to those working behind the scenes, this is truly a team effort. We’re proud to have this opportunity to honor supermarket heroes around the country for their hard work and dedication, as Food City proudly presents the SUPERMARKET HEROES 500.”
The 60th running of The Food City presents SUPERMARKET HEROES 500 will be held Sunday, May 31st at Bristol Motor Speedway with live coverage provided by FS1 and PRN starting at 3:30 p.m.
About Bristol Motor Speedway:
Forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line, Bristol Motor Speedway is The Last Great Colosseum, a versatile multi-use venue that hosts major auto races, football games, concerts and many other captivating events. The facility features a 0.533-mile concrete oval race track with 28-degree corner banking and 650-feet straightaways that offers racing in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends. While at the track, fans are offered a unique viewing experience courtesy of Colossus, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system.
The adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 70 events annually, including the marquee NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Three football games have kicked-off inside the oval, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, where border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech met before an NCAA-record crowd of 156,990. In existence since 1961, Bristol Motor Speedway was purchased in 1996 by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a publicly traded company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit bristolmotorspeedway.com.
I am not “one of those people.” We all know one, or two, or three of them. You might even be one! In fact, because you support the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the odds are even greater that you are (or at least keep company with someone who is). If you’re like me, you might even work with a few. One of “those people” is someone who has every race fact stored away bio-chemically in his or her file-drawer brain. Drivers’ birthplaces. Which car ran 17th at the end of the 1978 Indianapolis 500. The last front-engine car to run in the Indianapolis 500. The 1994 winner’s mother’s maiden name. Whether it was hot or cold race morning in 1983. What country the 2013 winner hails from. I have a great short-term memory, but no head for lots of long-term detail. So, a museum and its resources are just what I need. A place where all that information can be found or is known by the staff. A place where I can see the car that won the race and the uniform the driver wore. A place that holds all the race records with plans to digitize and make them available to researchers and fans. So for “those people” and people like me, we have been busy the last two months working to improve the Museum and develop long-term plans to share what we have with fans, supporters, and the casual tourist alike. Here is what we have been up to, and some important news:
We have developed and revised, on almost a daily basis, protocols to keep our guests and staff as safe as possible. When we re-open, we will allow fewer people in the Museum and will have new guidelines for social distancing. These protocols are unprecedented, and we are learning what will work for us from such sources as the American Alliance of Museums, the American Association for State and Local History, and other museums in the city, as well as our local groceries and big-box stores.
The Museum will reopen on Tuesday, July 7, under the governor’s executive order, the “Back on Track” re-opening plan, and further discussion with IMS officials. Our tours are scheduled to restart at the same time. This may change, however, and I encourage you to check our website before making plans. We will post our re-opening protocols there, too, at indyracingmusuem.org.
We are extending the run of From the Vault presented by Bank of America. Cut short by our closure, the full exhibit will run through mid-July, and then be contracted a bit to allow us to open a new exhibit on August 1. We will update and supplement From the Vault with additional cars this summer, and in October we will switch out about 10 of the cars to give you a great reason to return. In fact, From the Vault presented by Bank of America is a great reason for you to have a museum membership. We plan on rotating a variety of cars through the exhibit, so you will want to come back several times. One thing that won’t change: our members always get into the Museum for free!
Our new exhibit is . . . going to remain a secret for a while longer. As soon as our printers can get back to work, we will get the banners and signage created, with a plan to start installing the exhibit about July 20. That exhibit will run through June 20, 2021.
We have been sharing a wide variety of film and video content on our YouTube channel and through our social media. If you do not follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or our YouTube channel, you are missing out on a lot of great race history.
Don’t forget to “Tell Us Your Story.” We want to hear what the Indianapolis Motor Speedway means to you! Click here to complete the survey. Many people have asked us how they can help. We appreciate the outpouring of support during our closure and these difficult times. We all have been grappling with new ways of communicating with loved ones, shopping, dining, and yes, a little cabin fever. As you have time (and need an outlet), you can help us by following us on social media, becoming a member, or renewing your membership. A special additional gift to help us get through this crisis would also be much appreciated. We have had to furlough our tour staff and some of our part-time staff, but we are endeavoring to keep all the rest of our colleagues busy and productive, always moving the Museum forward in support of our mission to celebrate more than a century of the thrill, innovation, and adventure of motor racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is an appropriate time for me to let all of you know that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the Museum, as of July 3. I’m incredibly proud of the entire IMS Museum team of professionals, and the many accomplishments we have together achieved during my tenure. Needless to say, we could not do what we do without you, our members and chief supporters, and I thank all of you for all you do. It has been my pleasure to get to know so many of you and develop lasting friendships.
The IMS Foundation Board of Directors has engaged in a national search for my successor. The IMS Museum team looks forward to the time when they can see you at the Museum, at a Distinguished Speaker’s Series event, at the monthly Cars & Coffee event, at a Fuel-up Friday talk, at the Corvette Pace Car Homecoming (Qualifications weekend in August), and, best of all, during a race at the track. In the meantime, please stay safe and well and take care of yourself, your family, and those most important to you. Sincerely,
Betsy Smith, Executive Director Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Formula 1’s plan to race twice at Silverstone this summer appears soon to be saved after an alleged intervention from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Times reporters Steven Swinford and Martin Ziegler reported on Monday that Johnson told cabinet ministers that they should “work toward making sure that the double-header races planned for July 26 and August 2 can happen behind closed doors.”
The move would be critical for F1’s plan to contest both races, but it stands opposite of what F1 officials were told late last week. British officials had initially chosen not to give F1 any travel exemptions, meaning the tour’s competitors would be forced to isolate for 14 days upon entering the UK before they could return to work. The isolation period will begin for visitors starting on June 8.
Should F1 be excluded, both teams traveling to the UK for races and the many organizations based out of the UK would be spared from lost time, allowing F1 to be more flexible with its 2020 schedule.
F1 likely won’t be the only sport to see such exemptions should the tour be approved. The England cricket team and top soccer clubs from the country’s Premier League each need clearance to contest international contests like the Champions League.
Should the reported intervention not bear fruit, the British Grand Prix could be held in August.
By Staff Report NASCAR.com May 24, 2020 at 12:18 PM
Joey Logano will reach a life milestone on the same day as he competes in a milestone race.
“Sliced Bread,” the kid from Connecticut with buckets of talent and promise, turns 30 years old Sunday. On that evening, he strapped into his No. 22 Ford for Team Penske and attempt to win his first career Coca-Cola 600
The milestone age feels like an appropriate time to pause and examine the career of Logano, the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion, particularly compared to some of the sport’s all-time greats.
Two things seem evident after looking at the numbers below.
One, Logano ranks among the very best in NASCAR, ever, before the age of 30.
Second, he’s only going to get better like the greats before him did.
CAREER WINS BEFORE TURNING 30
Only six drivers in NASCAR history won at least 20 Cup Series races before turning 30, including two we’ll specifically compare Logano to later.
• Sept. 14, 2008: Logano makes his first career start for Joe Gibbs Racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway at just 18 years, 3 months and 21 days. He would start 40th and finish 32nd.
• June 28, 2009: On his next visit to New Hampshire, Logano made NASCAR Cup Series history by becoming the youngest winner at the sport’s top level. In his 20th career start, he won at 19 years, 1 month and 4 days.
• March 21, 2010: Another record — Logano becomes the youngest polesitter in NASCAR Cup Series history at 19 years, 9 months and 25 days. He finished 27th at Bristol Motor Speedway.
• Aug. 18, 2013: Given fresh life at Team Penske, Logano captures his first victory for the organization at Michigan International Speedway, a track important to all manufacturers — it was Logano’s first win in a Ford.
• Feb. 22, 2015: Logano etched his name into one of the most exclusive clubs in all of NASCAR: Daytona 500 champion.
• Nov. 18, 2018: “The Big 3 and Me.” That’s how Logano viewed the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It may be perhaps the most defining quote of his career — for now — as Logano outdueled favored Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick to win his first career title.
AMONG THE GREATS
Logano is a generational talent, as Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch were before him. Here’s a look at the numbers these three drivers racked up at age 30.
Corey LaJoie Superior Logistics, a company that provides shipping solutions across the continental United States, Mexico and to select points in Canada, will serve as the primary sponsor on the Corey LaJoie-driven Mustang in the Alsco Uniforms 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Superior Logistics’ local pickup and delivery services are geared towards consumer convenience and on-time delivery. Their freight audit and consultation services provide you with the tools to maximize the value of your dollar before your shipment leaves your doors.
“It’s awesome to have Superior Logistics back on the No. 32 Ford, we had a great run here last year with them,” said driver Corey LaJoie. “They’ve been a very loyal partner to Go Fas for several years now so it’s great to run them as a primary sponsor, especially right here in our backyard at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We’re coming off back-to-back top-25 finishes with the No.32 Ford and we’re hoping we can carry this red, white, and blue Superior Logistics Ford to another this Wednesday.”
Last year, Superior Logistics sponsored the No. 32 team at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The LaJoie and Super Logistics Services pairing had a remarkable finish at the 1.5-mile oval, finishing 12th in NASCAR’s longest race. The company has also been a part of other noteworthy Go Fas Racing finishes in past seasons.
Wednesday night racing under the lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway will take place on May 27 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Superior Logistics Services provides shipping solutions across the continental United States, Mexico and to select points in Canada.
Our local pickup and delivery services are geared towards consumer convenience and on-time delivery. Our freight audit and consultation services provide you with the tools to maximize the value of your dollar before your shipment leaves your doors.
Ship your dry and refrigerated products fast with our 2nd-day service to Texas and Mexico border points, and 2nd- and 3rd-day service to California, Oregon and Washington. You can count on Superior Logistics to swiftly and safely transport your goods to all locations by the most cost-effective option.
About Go Fas Racing:
Located in Race City USA, Mooresville North Carolina, Go Fas Racing has competed in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series full time since 2014, fielding cars for some of NASCAR’s top drivers, including past champions.
Stay up-to-date on Corey LaJoie:
To get live updates during the race weekends follow @coreylajoie on Instagram and Twitter. Make sure to give Corey a “like” on Facebook – “@CoreyLaJoieRacing”. For a detailed bio and updated in-season statistics, please visit www.coreylajoieracing.com.
WMMP 2020 Season Postponed Indefinitely – – Racing Will Resume when the State of New Hampshire Permits Sports Events to Be Held – – N. Woodstock, NH – White Mountain Motorsports Park (WMMP) officials have announced the indefinite postponement of the track’s 2020 racing season. This includes the season opener that had been scheduled for Sunday, May 10 as well as the open practice session that was set for Wednesday, May 6.
Racing will resume when the state of New Hampshire permits sports events to be held.
The decision comes after the state of New Hampshire recently extended its Stay at Home order through May 31 to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While some aspects of the order are being relaxed over the month of May, limits on large gatherings remain in place that affect sports, concerts, beaches and more.
With no immediate timetable on when teams and fans will be able to safely gather at a racetrack, WMMP has elected to postpone the entire schedule until further notice instead of taking it on a race-by-race basis. When it is safe to begin the season, the track will release an updated schedule. More information will be announced as it is available.
While full racing events and open practices are now on hiatus, WMMP has received permission to rent the track for single-car private practice sessions. Please email cris@acttour.com or media@acttour.com to learn more or arrange a practice.
“It’s a tough announcement, for sure, but one that ultimately became necessary,” WMMP managing partner Cris Michaud said. “We continue to take health and safety at the racetrack seriously, and this decision was the only healthy and safe one we could make. We wish we could provide a firm date of when the season will start, but it’s largely out of our hands for the time being.”
“We’re very thankful teams and fans have continued to support us in these uncertain times,” Michaud added. “Tracks and series throughout the regions have been affected by this, but together, we’ll make it through. We’ll continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as soon as we have any.”
For more information, contact the White Mountain Motorsports Park offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com. You can also follow us on Facebook at @WhiteMtnMotorsports.
As you all are aware the governor of Maine has extend the Stay at Home executive order. At this time the 2020 racing season has been postponed until further notice. It is our hope to be able to salvage part of this racing season once we are given the green light.
While racing is not allowed we will be allowing track rentals to take place during this time. One car in the pits with 5 crew members at a time. For more information please call Del at (207) 944-4749. Speedway Karting is also offering track rentals, please contact Wayne Elston at (207) 848-5943 for Karting Rentals.
We hope that everyone is staying safe and hope to see you at the track soon.
We would also like to thank the essential employees that are allowing the country to stay running during this time. The grocery store employees, convenience store and gas employees that are doing the best to keep themselves and everyone in the store safe, to the first responder’s that are protecting our communities, to the hospital employees that are taking care of the affected and everyone in between, we THANK YOU! We hope to see everyone soon, Stay Safe!
