Muscle Cars of America

Thousands attend chamber's Custom Car Show

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:55:53 PST

Crisp autumn temperatures and sunny skies shined on the first Orland Chamber of Commerce Rod and Custom Car Show Saturday at the Glenn County Fairgrounds.

The event drew more than 1,000 people who gazed at 144 cars and pickup trucks on display inside two buildings and outside at the entrance to the fairgrounds.

The vehicles came from as far away as Vallejo, Modesto, Redding and Medford, Ore. Even a car appraiser from Ashland, Ore., set up a vendor's booth.

"It turned out absolutely fabulous," said Candice Anderson, Chamber secretary and event organizer. "Some people came back on Sunday and paid the entrance fee, again."

Several cars were added to Sunday's show, she said.

Anderson and her husband, Bruce, put the show together with the help of Chamber members and nonmembers.

"Bruce and I have done car shows for years," Anderson said. "You won't find a nicer group of people."

Chamber board member Kevin Schindler was happy with the turnout, and impressed with the show pieces.

"There are some neat vehicles here. It brings back some wonderful memories," he said. "Absolutely," the Chamber will do it again. They plan to make it an annual event.

The oldest car in the show was a 1911 Ford. Several others came from the 1920s and '30s, and many were from the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s - with a few newer models as well.

Scott Conklin of Vallejo brought his 1937 Cabriolet convertible. He said he saw the show advertised in a driving magazine and thought it would be fun.

Besides, a friend, who built the car for Conklin, lives in Orland, so it was a chance to catch up.

Steve McClung traveled from Redding in his 1971 red Chevrolet Malibu SS because friends told him about the Chamber's show and "it sounded like fun on a nice autumn day."

The Baby Boomer said he bought the car last year, because "I wanted a muscle car."

Among the 700 or so spectators on Saturday, Joel Beltran was especially excited about a 1954 Chevrolet Bel-Air.

"I have the same car in restoration," he said. "I rescued it from a hot-rodder."

Schindler said the Chamber chose the November date for the show, because "it is the last show of the year in Northern California that we know of."

The group thought it would be a nice way to round the year and raise some money for Chamber projects, he said.

Fifteen students in Orland High School's Auto Club helped at the swap meet and parked cars for visitors. Plus, they took the opportunity to raise some money with a 50/50 draw.

Automotive instructor Travis Moore said the money will go toward Auto Club projects and field trips such as going to a go-cart event in Sacramento. The goal, however, is to restore cars. Unfortunately, the club does not have enough money to pursue that right now.

One car stood out as more than a show piece. Max Loffgren's 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air is a rolling memorial to people missing in action and prisoners of war during the Vietnam era.

The names of 3,578 men and women are painted in silver on the black car that he still races when he gets a chance. It has an 1,100 horse power engine, he boasted.

On a back spoiler, signatures of former POWs add to the historic significance of the vehicle. They are collected as Loffgren goes to car shows and military events. In February, the car will make a tour starting in Miami.

Loffgren, a Vietnam veteran and Willows resident, shows the car all over the country to raise awareness for the National Alliance of Families, which supports veterans' causes.

He plans to donate the vehicle to the Smithsonian Institute in a couple of years, he said.

Contact Lydia Harris at 934-6800 or lharris@tcnpress.com.

Fans able to score seats for Cup awards ceremony

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:54:22 PST

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --
The race is on for fans to claim tickets to attend the 2009 Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas -- a NASCAR first -- and the checkered flag isn't far away for some of those opportunities.

This year's awards ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 4 at the Wynn Las Vegas, marks the first time in the sport's history that fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the Cup champion.

Approximately 300 tickets are available for fans. Tracks, NASCAR partners and top-12 drivers and teams are distributing them through a variety of promotions. Thus far, 14 track operators, plus several NASCAR partners and top-12 drivers are participating in the 2009 fan ticket initiative.

The tracks include Daytona International Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond International Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International and Kansas Speedway.

Participating NASCAR partners, to date, are Coors Light, Bank of America, Kellogg's, Ford, Ask.com and the NASCAR Foundation.

Participating drivers, to date, are Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin.

Several fans already have scored some of the coveted tickets, thanks to earlier contests and charitable good works:

During an Oct. 21 event for Talladega Superspeedway, Busch drew the winning names of two Las Vegas-based, Talladega season-ticket-holders, then called them with the good news.

During the week of Oct. 5-9, reigning and three-time Cup champion Johnson auctioned off two sets of two tickets to this year's awards ceremony as part of a San Diego fund-raising event for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.

Thanks to the Kellogg's VIP Racing Awards Experience Sweepstakes, which ended recently, two grand-prize winners are receiving three-night accommodations in Las Vegas, $1,000 spending money and two tickets to the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.

Multiple ticket opportunities still exist, however. So sharpen a pencil, prime your keyboard and peruse the list below. One big plus: Track season-ticket-holders already may be entered in their track's particular contest or promotion:

Bristol will give four awards ceremony tickets to a selected fan who has attended every Cup Series race at Bristol since the track's 1961 opening (open to current ticket-holders).

Daytona is using two different promotions involving two sets of two tickets. Fans should visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com to register for both random drawings.

Indianapolis also is using two promotions involving two sets of two tickets. One is well on its way; interested fans were to visit IMS's administrative lobby on Oct. 14 to register to win. For the second promotion, fans should visit the track's Web site, www.brickyard.com, to complete an online registration form. Note: You can't win both promotions.

Infineon is hosting a sealed bid auction for two awards ceremony tickets. The auction will benefit Speedway Children's Charities. Visit www.infineonraceway.com for more information.

Kansas will use four tickets as part of an enter-to-win contest. Each fan winner will receive two tickets, plus spending money, airfare and hotel. Visit www.racintoday.com for more information.

Las Vegas will use four tickets for its promotion. Visit www.lvms.com for more information.

Lowe's Motor Speedway will use four tickets as a Speedway Club Members auction item, with proceeds benefitting Speedway Children's Charities. Visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com for more information.

Michigan two tickets will be distributed via a drawing. Included is a trip to Las Vegas. Season-ticket-holders who renew are automatically entered in the drawing. Visit www.mispeedway.com for more information.

New Hampshire promotion was a part of its ongoing "FansFirst" initiative. Anyone who purchased tickets for the Sylvania 300 on Sept. 20 was eligible to win a trip to Las Vegas -- airfare, lodging, $1,000 in spending money and two tickets to the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.

Phoenix is using two fan tickets as part of a ticket-purchase promotion. Visit www.phoenixraceway.com for more information.

Richmond will reward one fan with two tickets, but if you want their seats, be prepared to do a little work. Fans must submit a video describing why they should be selected as Richmond's Fan Reporter in Las Vegas, plus include their most memorable moment at the track. Visit www.rir.com for more information.

Texas is using two pairs of two tickets in separate promotions. One pair will be part of a live auction with proceeds benefitting the Texas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. Fans must register for a chance to win the other pair of tickets. Visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com for more information.

Watkins Glen is using a pair of tickets to reward a longtime fan of the track. Along with tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, the winner will receive a trip to Las Vegas, which includes airfare, lodging and rental car expenses. Visit www.theglen.com for more information.

Along with tracks, the following drivers and teams are pitching in to help fans attend the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony:

Kurt Busch will auction off two fan packages during his charity golf tournament on Dec. 1 in Las Vegas. Both packages include two tickets to the awards ceremony and a meet-and-greet with Busch. Visit www.kurtbusch.com/foundation for more information.

Greg Biffle is giving away a total of four fan tickets to the awards ceremony. He'll give away two tickets during his weekly internet radio show, Straight Talk with the Biff. Fans are encouraged to call and tell Biffle why they're his biggest supporters. He'll use the other two awards ceremony tickets as part of an auction to raise funds for the Greg Biffle Foundation. Visit www.gregbiffle.com for more information on both contests.

Penske -- Contest involving Las Vegas-based Ferrari dealership.

Coors Light, Bank of America, the NASCAR Foundation, Ask.com and Ford all are sponsoring fan-ticket programs for the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony. Visit those entities' Web sites for more information:

Coors Light (Brookshire's Food & Pharmacy) -- Two tickets awarded as part of the company's retail program around the Dickies 500 race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.

Ford "I'm Driving One" Online Sweepstakes -- One grand-prize winner (and one guest) receives a 2010 Ford Taurus, plus an Ultimate Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week Experience, including an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas, two tickets to the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, and special recognition during the NASCAR After the Lap presented by Tissot program. Visit www.imdrivingone.com for more information.

Bank of America (NASCAR RacePoints) -- Two Champion's Week VIP packages were made available for redemption that included tickets and access to the awards ceremony. Visit http://www.nascarracepoints.com for more information on the NASCAR RacePoints program.

Ask.com NASCAR Trivia Challenge -- Two tickets to the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony to the winner of the Ask.com NASCAR Trivia Challenge

The NASCAR Foundation -- Ten tickets will be auctioned as part of the Foundation's Champion's Week package fund-raiser. The auction is from Nov. 9-23 and will be hosted on NASCAR.COM. Visit www.NASCAR.COM/foundation for more information.

Last April, NASCAR made the decision to move the awards ceremony to Las Vegas after holding the prestigious event in New York City for the past 27 years. After considering several options for the 2009 awards ceremony, NASCAR formed a partnership with Las Vegas Events, with Las Vegas becoming the "Official Host City of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week."

In coming weeks there will be additional announcements about the events planned for Champion's Week in Las Vegas and other fan event opportunities.

Schedule released for Champion's Week in Vegas

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:45:19 PST

-DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The site awaits, the schedule is set.

All that's required is a champion.

As the Sprint Cup Series season nears conclusion -- the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway just a few weeks away -- 2009 Champion's Week celebrations have taken shape.

TWEET 2 VEGAS

From the track straight to the stage ... as part of the 2009 Champions Week celebration in Las Vegas, NASCAR will be hosting the top 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in a live and candid interview session at NASCAR After the Lap presented by Tissot. Fans will have the opportunity to hear their favorite drivers answer questions ranging from favorite racing moments to what the Sprint Cup Series champion plans to do post-season.

Las Vegas is the host city for this year's Champion's Week festivities, which culminates on Friday, Dec. 4, with the 2009 Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas.

This year, SPEED will televise the awards ceremony live from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. ET. It will re-air from 1-5 a.m. ET, on Dec. 5 and from 1-5 p.m. ET on Dec. 6. The awards ceremony is the series champion's formal celebration.

"With the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony moving from New York to Las Vegas this year, there continues to be a great deal of buzz about how things are going to be different," SPEED president Hunter Nickell said. "So, when the opportunity came for SPEED to be the television home for the event, it was an easy 'yes' from us.

"SPEED now opens the year with the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, carries it through the NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race and NASCAR Hall of Fame ceremonies in the spring and wraps it up with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas without missing a single week of coverage."

The awards ceremony also can be heard on Sirius (Channel 128) and XM (Channel 128 with the "Best of Sirius") and on MRN Radio.

Though the awards ceremony is the traditional focal point, a full roster of exciting events is planned for this year's Champion's Week, many with fan involvement.

Wednesday, Dec. 2
Chasers for Charity Fanfest at Las Vegas Motor Speedway -- This event includes a free-admission fan event, plus a charity roast of the 2009 Sprint Cup champion.

For the Fanfest, gates open at 9 a.m. PT Access to the speedway's Neon Garage begins at 11 a.m. This portion of the event includes a red-carpet walk by the champion and the other 2009 Chase drivers, car displays, live music, reduced-price concessions and a raffle drawing.

The Charity Roast takes place in the speedway's Blackjack Club, located in the infield media center. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The roast includes a private reception with the Sprint Cup Series champion and Chase participants, plus reserved seats and parking. It will be shown on closed-circuit television in the Neon Garage.

Due to space considerations, it's limited to the first 300 people who respond. Cost is a $250 tax-deductible donation to Speedway Children's Charities. Visit www.lvms.com for more information.

Thursday, Dec. 3
Top 12 Victory Lap Parade -- All 12 Chase participants will drive a lap in their show cars on Las Vegas Boulevard, or "The Strip."

The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, proceeding north to Spring Mountain Road before returning to MGM. Includes a pit stop and a "burnout" at the Spring Mountain Road intersection and ends at 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4
2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas, from 6-9:40 p.m. -- This year's awards ceremony marks the first time in the sport's history that fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the Cup Series champion.

Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners, top-12 drivers and teams through various fan promotions.

Danica Patrick hasn't jumped to NASCAR yet, but Danicamania has arrived in full force.

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:28:10 PST

With the 2009 season winding down and the IndyCar star talking with NASCAR teams about driving in the Nationwide Series for next season, the Cup garage is awash in rumor and innuendo over when and where she might finally sign. Patrick's representatives are negotiating with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s organization over a potential ride at JR Motorsports for part of next season, but a team spokesman said this week there was nothing to report.

So that leaves the waiting, the watching, and the lingering questions. Will this be sewn up in time to make an announcement two weeks from now at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the logical place to unveil a Patrick car for Speed Weeks 2010? Will talks break down due to Patrick's reportedly exorbitant salary demands? Will a driver with one career IndyCar victory be able to successfully transition into heavier stock-cars without the glue-like grip and steering-assist devices she's accustomed to in open-wheel?

Heading to JRM?
Rumors were circulating that Danica Patrick was going to sign with JR Motorsports. Bill Kimm and CNN's Michael Jones discuss the possible partnership of Patrick and Junior.

Listen to the audio
JRM talking to Danica
Stewart says Danica interested
"The cars are so drastically different," Jeff Gordon, who drove sprint and midget cars before breaking into NASCAR, said at Texas Motor Speedway. "Going from one type of a car to another that is that drastically different is only going to make it that much more challenging. But she's never going to know what it's like to drive one of these cars until she gets out there and does it in competition. And, you know, so again I give her credit for trying. You can only wait and see how it goes."

Tony Stewart said in late August that Patrick was serious about running a partial NASCAR schedule in addition to her full slate in the IndyCar Series -- a plan identical to the one Stewart himself used to transition from open-wheel into stock cars. In the weeks since, the speculation has only intensified, with a handful of teams talking with her representatives at some level. In early October, Rick Hendrick told SI.com that Patrick's representatives at International Management Group were negotiating with JR Motorsports about a limited slate of ARCA and Nationwide events in a car sponsored by GoDaddy.com.

"Obviously, I can see where her motivation is," Brian Vickers said. "IndyCars, that series has been struggling a lot, especially ever since the [1996 open-wheel] split. It's only getting worse right now. NASCAR is the predominant motorsports here in America. She's seeing that as an opportunity. I think she can bring a lot to our sport, especially if she can be successful."

Can Patrick succeed in NASCAR? As far as victories go, her resume is somewhat light -- one win in 81 starts on the IndyCar circuit, at Motegi, Japan, last season. Much more accomplished open-wheel drivers, from Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti to multiple Champ Car race winner Patrick Carpentier, have come to NASCAR and experienced only moderate success. It's taken three years for Sam Hornish Jr. and Juan Montoya, both former Indy 500 champions, to find their footing in stock cars.

"The biggest thing for her is going to be patience," Vickers said. "It has nothing to do with being her, she really just has [only] IndyCar experience, which is absolutely nothing to do with our cars. They're complete opposites. We have a lot of power, little to no downforce. Big, heavy cars, very different driving style and different races. Double-file restarts. We're door-to-door and three-wide, beating and banging in very close contact. Coming from open-wheel, there's a long learning experience there if they ever can adapt. Even the ones that do, I think Juan has proven to be the most successful of them recently. It still took him three years to even get to where he is now."

Many drivers believe that with time, she could adapt. But she will also attempt a foray into NASCAR while still competing on the 17-race IndyCar schedule, which means leaping back and forth between two entirely different cars. What if she doesn't do well?

"Then she doesn't do well," Carl Edwards said. "There are a lot of people who have come over here and not been able to do well, and I think Juan Montoya is the best example, to me, of a guy who has huge talent, who came over and had a mass of success in other things, and was able to do it. He's as good as any of us over here now, so if she doesn't do it, I don't think it would be a huge surprise."

Allmendinger to drive a Ford for RPM the rest of '09

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:12 PST

Richard Petty Motorsports announced that A.J. Allmendinger will make his Ford Racing debut Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. The Richard Petty Motorsports driver will race the final three races of 2009 in a Ford Fusion.

Allmendinger"This is exciting stuff. It's like a new beginning for Richard Petty Motorsports," Allmendinger said. "Whenever you do something new you are a little bit excited and a little bit nervous because you haven't done it before. Elliott drove a Ford for us at Talladega last week and everyone was really positive about the experience. It's our turn this week.

"For us these next three weeks are just learning about what a Ford likes and dislikes as far as chassis setup and engine tuning. Nothing beats experience in this sport and the only way you get experience is by just doing it. So we are starting our learning curve this week and hopefully we will be a little bit further ahead for next season by doing this."

Last week at Talladega, Elliott Sadler drove a Ford to a ninth-place finish. Allmendinger will be the only Petty driver in a Ford in any of the remaining 2009 races.

ROUSH DEVELOPING TWO PROPANE-FUELED MUSTANG DRAG CARS

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:46:45 PST

LIVONIA, Mich. (November 3, 2009) -

Jack Roush is highly recognized for generating horsepower and performance out of engines. Roush also has a long and successful motorsports history with the first of his numerous championships coming in drag racing. And today, Roush is finding great success in engineering, building and selling alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet markets.

So what do you get when you combine all three of these things? A pair of propane-fueled ROUSH� Mustang drag cars, ready to challenge for the NMRA championship next season.

The drag cars are an offshoot of the kits that ROUSH� Performance uses to convert gasoline-powered Ford pickups and vans to run on clean-burning propane. As a leader in the development of green technologies for the automotive industry, Roush sees several benefits in using propane as a "right here, right now" alternative fuel; he cites facts such as propane is the third most popular motor fuel (behind gasoline and diesel), and there are already more than 12 million propane-fueled vehicles on roads across the world.

On the topic of propane, Roush said, "It's as American as NASCAR. More than 90 percent of the propane used in the United States is produced in North America, much of it from the U.S. natural gas supply. Propane has so many positive aspects and it is finally getting the recognition it deserves as an alternative fuel. Propane can help to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Propane can help to clean up our environment. And propane can help to create new 'Green Collar Jobs' for displaced auto workers who can return to the lines to build alternative fuel vehicles."

And as a green fuel, on average propane fleet vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent and create 20 percent fewer nitrogen oxides, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, and fewer particulate emissions, as compared to gasoline. From an economic standpoint, propane used as a motor fuel can be purchased for about one dollar per gallon with applicable federal incentives.

But, one advantage that propane has, especially in a drag racing application, is that it has an octane rating of 106 (premium unleaded is typically around 93 octane). The first car being developed is a 2005 ROUSH Stage 3� Mustang which will be driven by Donnie Bowles and expected to be testing in mid-November. The ROUSH engineering team is also building a 2010 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang for Susan Roush-McClenaghan which should debut in February. This is Roush's daughter who is adding the next chapters to her father's legendary history in drag racing.

McClenaghan finished third in the NMRA Modular Muscle class this year, with Bowles one place higher. In NMCA Open Comp competition, they switched positions with Bowles finishing the season in second and McClenaghan third so both are highly skilled pilots.

Both cars will use an all-aluminum 5.4L, V-8 Ford engine that was originally designed for the Ford GT supercar. This engine will be converted to be naturally-aspirated, the compression ratio will be altered to 12.5:1, and several other changes will be required to run on liquid propane. These include CNC ported cylinder heads, high performance camshaft and valvetrain, and a wet sump lubrication system. All these changes should help this engine generate in excess of 600 horsepower.

Despite popular misconceptions, propane is actually very safe to use as a motor fuel and has a significantly lower flammability than gasoline. It is also good in cool or hot weather making it ideal for motorsports applications.

Bowles car will be on display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 3-5. It can be seen outside at the Cruisin' Legends lot with the Ford Mustang corral.

Based in Livonia, Mich., "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.

*"ROUSH" is a registered trademark of ROUSH Performance Products, Inc., or its related entities. "Stage 3" is a trademark of ROUSH Performance Products, Inc., or its related entities.

STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:04:14 PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(November 2, 2009)

Contact: Della Domingo
909-396-0289, ext. 130
dellad@sema.org

SEMA and California Agencies Solve Titling Dilemma for Hobbyist Vehicles

Diamond Bar, CA (November 2, 2009) --

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, working on behalf of California enthusiasts of specialty vehicles (street rods, custom vehicles, kit cars and replicas) and in cooperation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Air Resources Board and Attorney General's office has resolved a complex and threatening issue to this market segment and the industry it serves. "This breakthrough procedure allows owners of certain specially constructed vehicles (SCVs) to avoid the pitfalls of a previously muddy process for legally registering and titling such vehicles in California," said Steve McDonald, SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs. "Under this process, vehicle owners can avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated SCVs and law enforcement action. Further, the program now permits these vehicles to demonstrate state emissions-compliance requirements."

Over the years, California's complex vehicle registration laws have created confusion for hobbyists and the state employees who administer the regulations. Consequently, certain SCVs may be erroneously registered or titled. SEMA has worked with state agencies to address the interests of all parties, including enthusiasts in the SCV market, so that these vehicles can be properly registered and titled in the state.

"Given the looming threat of prosecution that owners of specially constructed vehicles were facing, SEMA's charge was to find an equitable solution that provided these owners a reasonable period of time to voluntarily re-title their vehicles and pay any necessary back taxes and fees," said SEMA General Counsel Russ Deane. "After five years of work on these issues, an innovative and ground-breaking solution has been created."

Last year, SEMA helped enact into law a program whereby the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would develop and administer a vehicle registration amnesty program. The amnesty program will be in effect from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 and will apply to vehicles that were previously registered or classified under erroneous or illegal circumstances. Under this new law, the DMV will grant amnesty from prosecution to a vehicle owner if certain conditions are met, including the owner filing a completed application with the department.

More recently, a process was established to allow specially constructed vehicle owners that have been granted amnesty to avail themselves of emissions requirements that recognize the unique nature of these vehicles. While there are still details to be concluded, SEMA has reached a tentative agreement with the state to provide for three methods to achieve compliance.

First, an owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and apply for one of 500 (per year) smog-check exemptions. Under California law, these 500 exemptions for specially constructed vehicles are available each year on a first come, first served basis. For vehicles with an exemption, a smog test referee compares the vehicle to production cars of the era that the specially constructed vehicle most closely resembles to determine the model year. The vehicle owner can then choose whether the inspector will certify the vehicle model year by body type or by the engine model year. Only those emissions controls applicable to the chosen model year are required. California law authorizes a $160 fee for each referee inspection.

Under a second option, SCV owners can pay all back taxes and penalties and then choose to install one of several approved OEM engines and related powertrain components (GM has secured approval for certain engines thus far). Using these OEM components and specifications for the construction of an approved fuel tank and delivery system, these engines provide performance-level power and are intended to meet California emissions compliance requirements. "The GM engine package represents another option for SCV owners seeking to legally register and title their vehicles," commented SEMA Technical Consultant, Jim McFarland. "In fact, by using one of these engines, it's also possible for owners of amnesty vehicles to exchange their existing engines for a powertrain that represents the latest in GM's emissions and performance-related technologies. However, McFarland indicated that because certain variables are involved when configuring any engine or powertrain package for emissions purposes, some measure of compliance risk is involved when such components are installed in a range of vehicle types and conditions.

Finally, working under the banner of the "GreenRod Project" and recognizing that the demand for the 500 exemptions greatly exceeds the supply, SEMA configured a kit of emissions-related aftermarket parts that met California smog-check standards during a series of tests on a project vehicle. An owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and, if the owner is not able to obtain one of the 500 available exemptions, a "retrofit kit" of parts can be installed. Major components in the kit include an aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, EFI controller, exhaust headers, camshaft, mufflers and catalytic converters. For the purposes of the GreenRod Project, the retrofit kit was installed on a high-mileage 1980 El Camino fitted with a 1986 carbureted, 5.7 liter engine. The 5.7 liter/350 cubic inch displacement small-block Chevrolet V8 engine is one of the most widely-used engine platforms for all types of specially constructed vehicles.

According to McFarland, "While the engine SEMA used to develop the kit was considered a worst case configuration, it still passed smog-check requirements. Variables such as engine condition, accumulated mileage, and related factors affecting emissions from these parts may, in some cases, cause similar engines not to meet acceptable emissions levels. Nonetheless, transitioning from a carbureted environment to a fuel injected environment while utilizing the latest controller technology and emissions parts upgrades available from the specialty equipment industry resulted in dramatic and unprecedented reductions in tailpipe and evaporative emissions on the test vehicle. The retrofit kit actually improved performance and drivability while not limiting power in a full acceleration mode, compared to a carbureted engine. It was perhaps the first time a package of specialty aftermarket parts has been assembled for the purpose of reducing tailpipe emissions which did not reduce power or performance."

"Given the seriousness of the title and registration issue in California, SEMA's work with the state agencies to create practical solutions for specialty vehicle owners, both now and in the future, is an outstanding accomplishment," said So Cal Speed Shop owner, Pete Chapouris.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.85 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,144 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel. 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.

How do I apply for Amnesty?

If you have knowingly made any false statement or knowingly concealed any material fact in any document filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles or the California Highway Patrol, you will need to apply for amnesty. Examples of this would be failing to report the actual value of the vehicle and failure to pay the correct sales tax when the vehicle was first titled/registered in California, or incorrectly stating the actual age of the vehicle. As a further example, a replica of a 1932 Ford built in 2002 is not a 1932 vehicle for the purposes of this California amnesty program. It is a 2002 vehicle. In general, if you have reason to believe that there is erroneous information on your vehicle's title, it should be corrected.

What are the consequences if I do not re-title my vehicle prior to the conclusion of the amnesty period?

If you understated the value of the vehicle to the extent that the State of California lost more than $1,000 in revenue, you could be charged with a felony. If the amount is less or you incorrectly stated the age of the vehicle, you could be charged with a variety of misdemeanors. Recent prosecutions for this type of offense required owners to pay back-taxes and fees averaging $4,000 per vehicle. In some cases, owners were forced to surrender the title to their car. To receive amnesty, any and all back-taxes must be paid in full and the vehicle's title must be factually corrected.

What documentation should I take to the DMV office when applying for amnesty?

Applying for amnesty will re-start the titling and registration process for your specially constructed vehicle. You will need to submit a new DMV 343 Application for Title and Registration form. You will also be required to file a DMV 5063 Statement of Construction form, listing the origin of the vehicle's parts and their purchase price. It would be helpful to have a bill of sale for the vehicle or any appropriate receipts for parts/labor that can be used to establish the actual value of the vehicle. If it is likely that your car had a fraudulent title and will need to pass a smog check, it is advisable to apply for one of the 500 smog check exemptions granted per year by the DMV.

How much should I expect to pay for the "retrofit" kit?

How much should I expect to pay for the GM engine and powertrain?
The retrofit kit is a collection of emissions-related parts with specifications developed by SEMA for which a variety of aftermarket manufacturers will be able to supply components. On average, the kit should cost approximately $6,000. The labor to install the package will likely cost an additional $5,000. If you choose to use a new engine and powertrain package from GM, the current LS3 package will retail at an estimated $7,900. GM will also offer a number of other emissions-approved engine packages with a variety of performance options and price levels. Estimated installation cost for the GM system is approximately $6,000.

If I use a GM engine, how will I know if I've used the correct parts and properly installed them?

GM will include comprehensive instructions that leave little room for error. If you feel that you do not have the mechanical experience to install the package, there are local hot rod shops, independent repair facilities and dealerships capable of installing the parts. Even when parts are correctly installed, there are variables involved when attempting to meet certain compliance requirements, such as engine condition, other modifications and related factors that can affect emissions.

If I choose to retrofit my current engine, how will I know that the parts kit will actually enable my car to pass the smog test?

The retrofit kit that SEMA developed consists of emissions-related parts intended for a range of engine displacements. It was designed to work with engines typically used in specially constructed vehicles. In general, these would be carbureted V8 engines manufactured by GM, Ford and Chrysler. Although these parts enabled SEMA's project engine to meet emissions requirements, there is no guarantee that they will allow any engine to meet smog check requirements, depending upon variables that include, but limited to the following: mechanical compression ratio limits, improperly installed catalytic converters, excessive wear (valve guides, piston rings and cylinder bores), piston displacement limits and a mal-functioning EGR system.

Is there a way I can get a pre-certification test check to see if my vehicle will pass the smog test?

Yes. California law allows any licensed smog-check station to conduct a pre-test on your vehicle to determine whether it can pass a loaded mode smog test before you submit the car for inspection at a BAR Referee station. The average price for a pre-certification smog test in California is approximately $49. If your vehicle fails the pre-certification smog check, it may be possible to make adjustments that will bring it into compliance. As with any vehicle maintenance, it's best to use a mechanic you know and trust.

What if I have questions about technical aspects of this program?

SEMA and GM will be available to provide some technical assistance for enthusiasts who apply for amnesty to help them navigate through the process.

About SEMA

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.85 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,144 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes - Dodge Introduces Challenger For NASCAR Nationwide Series

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:27:06 PST

TALLADEGA, Ala. (Friday, Oct. 30, 2009) - Dodge Motorsports today revealed the Dodge Challenger as the "New Car" for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing's two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske's three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

"As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand. "Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand's legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year."

Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four "New Car" races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July. At the other 31 events that complete the 35-race season, Penske Racing will field Dodge Chargers as it did this season with the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger driven by Justin Allgaier. NASCAR is expecting full integration of the "New Car" in 2011.

Joining Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.

"Today's announcement further reinforces our relationship and commitment to Dodge Motorsports, and we are excited about our future with this great brand," said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. "We believe Dodge's relationship with Penske Racing will continue to elevate and highlight both our brands and deliver value to Dodge enthusiasts."

Allgaier, in his rookie season in the Nationwide Series, is currently fifth in the season point standings and the leader among Rookie of the Year candidates.

"Penske Racing has a very successful relationship with the Dodge brand," commented Allgaier. "I am honored to be one of Dodge Motorsport's drivers and to be able to drive the new Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is going to be awesome. The car looks great and will give the Nationwide Series its own identity."

2010 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics-unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology-to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The two-door coupe accommodates up to five passengers and is produced from the company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI� V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway miles per gallon, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities, it's no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates "Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car" in its 2009 APEAL Study.

"The Dodge Challenger has proven to be one of the most sought after high-performance vehicles on the street today," said Dave Bailey, Senior Manager of Motorsports Engineering and SRT Body, Interior and Electrical. "Sharing our consumer's passion for performance through the race version of our Dodge Challenger will continue to showcase the unique engineering brought to our race and production vehicles."

Dodge will continue its support of Penske Racing's three-car operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Keselowski.

The No. 12 Dodge Challenger will take part in Monday's NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for the "new cars" with Allgaier driving.

Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series racer unveiled

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:24:38 PST

NASCAR's rollout of its new Nationwide Series race car design has garnered buzz already with the introduction of the first-ever Mustang-branded stocker, and it got another shot in the arm yesterday at Talladega when Chrysler pulled the wraps off its brand-new Dodge Challenger Nationwide racer. We personally love the fact that the Challenger NNS car retains the same general front-end look as the production street car -- partially restoring an element that's been missing from stock cars for years now. The new Nationwide Mustang and Challenger will join their yet-to-be-unveiled counterparts from Chevy and Toyota (don't hold your breath for a Nationwide Camaro) in four races on the 2010 Nationwide Series calendar: Daytona in July, then later dates at Michigan, Richmond, and Lowe's Motor Speedway. The new car designs are expected to be fully adopted for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. This process mimics the way NASCAR rolled out the Car of Tomorrow in the top-tier Sprint Cup series. Check out Dodge's official press release after the jump, and have a closer look at the new Dodge Challenger Nationwide car in the gallery below. As soon as Chrysler PR uploads photos that show more than just the car's front end (come on, guys...), we'll update the gallery.

UPDATE: NASCAR.com has shots of all four new NNS cars. The Chevy and Toyota retain Impala and Camry branding.

A Win at Talladega,What Now for McMurray

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:37:41 PST

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- When you're in the process of looking for a new job, it's never a bad idea to keep your resume updated. Jamie McMurray can now add "Winner, 2009 Amp Energy 500" to his.

But all that aside, how much winning Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway will help him land another ride is a matter of conjecture. Any Cup owner out there with an open seat already knew what to expect from McMurray's talents. The issue isn't driving ability, it's dollars and cents.

"There aren't a lot of rides available right now," McMurray said. "Everybody knows what rides there are out there and, certainly, if a sponsor were to call me, that would make it a lot easier.

"With the amount of teams that are shutting down there's not a lot of options out there, so I think everyone knows the cars that are available right now. For me, I just hope that we can get it signed and then announce it whenever they want to so that will make it a little bit easier to sleep at night."

McMurray is in this position because of NASCAR's mandate that no team field more than four Cup cars starting next season. As the odd-man out at Roush Fenway Racing, his name has been mentioned in connection with the No. 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Chevrolet being vacated by Martin Truex Jr. Other than that, the choices become narrowed down to teams with limited resources and revenues.

Still, McMurray is appreciative of Jack Roush's guidance, even if his way of encouragement wasn't too kind at the beginning.

"I said this kind of jokingly on TV, but my first year or so Jack was a little bit mean to me would be the easy way to put that," McMurray said. "[As far as] his motivating skills, he just wasn't pushing the right button.

"He's told me numerous times that everyone is motivated differently and Jack has become a really good friend of mine in the past year and he's learned to push the right button, I guess, when he comes up to my car before the race and what to say to me." (Continued)

Despite the win, McMurray is still mired in 22nd place in the point standings, and understands that the decision to release him from the team at the season is at least partially driven by performance. Still, McMurray's opportunity to celebrate in Victory Lane with his current team was a bit bittersweet.

"I'll miss not getting to drive one of these cars," McMurray said. "Jack's team can just put incredible equipment on the track and this year hasn't been as good as what it's been in the past, whether it's been the engine shop, or the engineering department or the chassis shop, he has an incredible race team

"
It's been a long time since I've won. I just can't believe it's here again."

JAMIE MCMURRAY "My years here have been good. The performance certainly hasn't been what I think either one of us expected coming and almost making the Chase my first few years in Cup. Coming over here, I thought that it would be kind of a sure bet and it just hasn't been as good as what it needed to be."

After an early-race crash in April saddled McMurray with a 42nd-place finish, he and crew chief Donnie Wingo switched strategies.

"We rode around in the back with [Jimmie Johnson] and [Tony Stewart] and some of those other guys until just a little bit after Lap 100," McMurray said. "Then when I initially tried to move up through the field, they were three-wide, 10 rows deep, and it seemed like a row would advance and then the next lap that row would move to the back and nobody was able to make any ground.

"I even made the comment to the spotter and Donnie. I said, 'It's just gonna be luck of whoever can kind of get in the right row and make the moves.' Fortunately for me, I shot around a couple of rows and our car was really fast and I was able to get to the front."

It also helped that teammate Matt Kenseth, driving one of the cars with the next generation Ford engine, was there to act as a drafting partner.

"Matt is my teammate, but he's also a really good friend of mine," McMurray said. "I had a lot of faith that he would not hang me out until at least one or two [laps] to go, and he helped out a lot when they were two or three wide, to get behind me. He had numerous times that he could have shot me, whether on the inside or the outside, and he elected to stay with me and it made it a lot easier."

McMurray shot into the lead on Lap 181, then held on for two restarts to score his first Cup win in 87 starts, dating back to another restrictor-plate race -- a thrilling side-by-side last-lap duel with Kyle Busch at Daytona.

"It's been a long time since I've won," McMurray said. "I just can't believe it's here again."

A win at Talladega is definitely one heck of a sendoff -- a going-away present of the highest order -- but McMurray wanted to make it clear that saying goodbye for now didn't necessarily mean so long.

"Certainly, I'll miss being a part of this organization, but you never know," McMurray said. "You might end up driving for Jack one day again, so I'm not gonna make him mad in this little meeting we're having here."

Ryan Newman is on His Hood

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:21:39 PST

Video of Newmans Flip!

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Ryan Newman admitted he was physically sore after a wild end-over-end backflip down Talladega Superspeedway's backstretch in the closing laps of Sunday's Amp Energy 500. But he was just as sore about several other issues, including the propensity of the current chassis design to become airborne, the decision to eliminate bump-drafting in the turns and the overall quality of the racing product.

Running in the outside lane, two-wide on the backstretch on Lap 184, Newman's No. 39 Chevrolet was bumped from behind by Marcos Ambrose, shot in front of Kevin Harvick, turned backwards and sailed through the air for several hundred feet, landing upside down on Harvick's hood. The car then skidded up the banking in Turn 3, hit the outside wall, and proceeded to do one more twist in the infield grass before coming to a stop on its roof, with Newman hanging by his shoulder belts.

"I'm just really disappointed," Newman said. "We had a race back here in the spring and complained about cars getting airborne and now, ironically, I'm the guy who gets upside-down, have the roll bars down on top of my helmet and stuck upside down. I wish NASCAR would do something."

Safety crews were able to check on Newman's condition, and after a few minutes, turned the car over onto its wheels. Then using a cutting instrument, crews cut the roll cage away, freeing Newman, who was able to walk to the ambulance under his own power.

"When I hit the roll cage and landed on my head, I was a little worried," Newman said. "I was happy to be able to walk out of that, in a roundabout way."

Newman was out of communication with his crew for much of the time, but he had a good explanation.

"It knocked the antenna off the car," Newman said. "When they rolled the car back over, the antenna wire connected and I criticized what was going on. It's no fun, it's disappointing, there's no good part of it.

"It's not even a good race for the fans -- that's the bottom line -- that's who we're trying to service is the fans. They can stand up and cheer when there's three [laps] to go with a green-white-checkered [finish], but that's not racing. You're supposed to be racing all day long. And I think we've lost a little bit of that luster."

Newman blamed part of the problem on NASCAR's restrictive policing of restrictor-plate races.

"It's just a product of this racing and what NASCAR's put us in, in this box with these types of cars, with the yellow line, with no bump-drafting, no passing," Newman said. "Drivers used to be able to respect each other and race around each other -- Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, all those guys have always done that. I guess they don't think much of us anymore."

In an effort to avoid being penalized by NASCAR for aggressive driving -- and to perhaps defuse the chances of a multi-car accident -- drivers went the overly conservative route. On at least three occasions, the field resorted to running nose-to-tail for multiple laps.

For what it's worth, NASCAR's sanctions against bump-drafting in the turns was well-heeded, as no one was penalized for that infraction. However, neither the accident involving Newman, or the one six laps later involving 13 cars directly in front of the main grandstand -- in which Chase contender Mark Martin also flipped -- was anything more than the result of typical close-quarters superspeedway racing.

The second major accident, triggered when Brad Keselowski got into the back bumper of Kurt Busch, also heavily damaged the cars of Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon and Juan Montoya. All of those involved, including Martin, were uninjured.

"It was just kind of a terrible race [Sunday] in general," said David Ragan, who ran near the front of the pack for most of the race, but was caught up in the white-flag wreck. "There was a lot of single-file racing. I know it's exciting there at the end, but what happens is NASCAR slows these cars down.

"They're too easy to drive and everyone just gets kind of crazy. It's a shame to tear up a lot of good race cars like that for kind of being stupid, but that's restrictor-plate racing. I'm glad we only have to do it three or four times a year."

Brian Vickers said he still isn't sure what the crackdown on bump-drafting was hoping to deter.

"If the intent was to prevent a crash, obviously it's not going to do that," Vickers said. "We crash as much in the straightaway here as we do in the corner."

But what's the alternative? Elliott Sadler honestly doesn't know.

"I think NASCAR and all the drivers should sit in a private room, lock the doors and have a discussion and try to fix this together," Sadler said. "That's what I'd like to see."

In any case, Newman was less than pleased, and expected that many in attendance felt the same way.

"It was a boring race for the fans," Newman said. "That's not something anybody wants to see, at least I hope not. If they do, go home because you don't belong here."

Lap-by-Lap: Talladega

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:11:37 PST

Lap 191 -- CHECKERED FLAG: Jamie McMurray claims his third career victory and wins the Amp Energy 500. Kasey Kahne claims second and Joey Logano takes third.

Lap 190 -- YELLOW FLAG NO. 6: Jamie McMurray crosses the finish line to claim victory after several drivers, including Mark Martin, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon are involved in a large wreck.

Lap 189 -- GREEN FLAG: John Adnretti is out of fuel on the high side, Jamie McMurray leads the field to green.

Lap 188 -- Jimmie Johnson has moved up to 12th, Jamie McMurray leads the field.

Lap 187 -- Green flag is called off.

Lap 186 -- Ryan Newman reports that he is OK but disappointed with the day. He goes on to blame NASCAR for a boring race as a result of the no bump-draft warning and apologizes to race fans. Several drivers report they are low on fuel.

Lap 185 -- YELLOW FLAG: Red flag is removed and drivers start to file in line.

Lap 185 -- RED FLAG -- Cars are stopped as ambulance arrives at Ryan Newman's car. Communications with his crew indicate he is OK. Safety crews are trying to cut a hole in the car to get to Newman.

UPDATE: Ryan Newman is out of his car and walking on his own. He will be taken to the infield care center.

Lap 183 -- YELLOW FLAG NO. 5: Ryan Newman hits teammate Tony Stewart, flips his car and is upside down in the grass. Safety crews are trying to free him from car.

Lap 181 -- Kurt Busch reports tire problem, files down towards yellow line.

Lap 180 -- NASCAR reminds all drivers and their teams of bump-drafting warning with eight laps to go.

Lap 178 -- After telling fans he felt lucky today, Mark Martin moves to the sixth spot. Jamie McMurray is in the lead.

Lap 176 -- David Stremme and his crew think they're two laps short on fuel but are going to try and make it.

Lap 175 -- David Stremme has the lead, followed by Keselowski and Martin.

Lap 174 -- Jamie McMurray reclaims the lead position. Earnhardt Jr. is in second, trying to pass on the inside.

Lap 172 -- Ragan tries for the lead on the inside, passes McMurray.

Lap 171 -- Cars pick up the bump-drafting and fight for position. Earnhardt Jr. moves to second place.

Lap 170 -- Three wide with 18 laps to go.

Lap 169 -- Earnhardt Jr. drops seven spots as Jamie McMurray takes the lead.

Lap 167 -- Jimmie Johnson starts to make his move and is being challenged, trying to move out of 30th position.

Lap 166 -- Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman pair up to make their move. Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes the lead.

Lap 163 -- Drivers are starting to pick their partners. Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. discuss pairing up. Martin asks Jr. to move down from the wall before pairing up.

Lap 162 -- Jimmie Johnson radios that he and teammates are getting restless with less than 30 laps to go.

Lap 159 -- Just two Chasers are in the top 10. Juan Montoya is in third and Mark Martin is in 10th.

Lap 155 -- 26 different drivers have led this race and 35 drivers are on the lead lap as McMurray leads the field with less than 35 laps to go.

Lap 154 -- Jamie McMurray claims the 57th lead change of the race.

Lap 152 -- Marcos Ambrose takes the lead. Stremmer is fighting to pass.

Lap 150 -- Jeff Burton takes the lead in the backstretch as cars follow two wide.

Lap 148 -- Juan Montoya takes the lead for the second time today. 40 laps to go.

Lap 147 -- Elliott Sadler take the lead with Robby Gordon on his bumper.

Lap 145 -- Denny Hamlin reports a connecting rod as the reason for his trip to the garage.

Lap 144 -- Kevn Harvick claims the 49th lead change of the race.

Lap 143 -- Jeff Gordon steals back the lead position.

Lap 142 -- GREEN FLAG: Brad Keselowski leads the field to green.

Lap 141 -- Jeff Gordon takes the lead. Darnell reenters the race 23 laps down.

Lap 140 -- John Andretti takes the lead under caution, followed by Biffle, Vickers and Richardson Jr.

Lap 139 -- Denny Hamlin heads to the garage. Brad Keselowski had the lead with less than 50 laps to go. Casey Mears gets four new tires, joined by several other drivers in the pits.

Lap 138 -- Caution car reports oil streak in Turn 1 and 2.

Lap 137 -- YELLOW FLAG NO. 4: Denny Hamlin blows an engine in Turn 4.

Lap 136 -- Brad Keselowski takes the lead.

Lap 134 -- Points leader Jimmie Johnson moves up to 27th. Jeff Gordon leads all of the chasers running in the 6th spot.

Lap 133 -- David Stremme marks the 42md lead change of the day, followed by Mears, Keselowski and Bowyer.

Lap 129 -- Kevin Harvick hits 193 mph in the straight away with Jeff Gordon on his bumper.

Lap 126 -- Hamlin and Kyle Busch discuss strategy in the straighaway as Jeff Gordon gives up the lead to Kevin Harvick.

Lap 124 -- Kyle Busch fights back to the lead, then trades it to Jeff Burton, only to reclaim the 39th lead change of the day.

Lap 122 -- Ryan Newman shoots past Busch on the outside and reclaims the lead.

Lap 121 -- Kyle Busch finds the lead position again. Darnell heads to the garage.

Lap 120 -- Ryan Newman takes the lead position.

Lap 118 -- Denny Hamlin takes the lead for the 36th lead change of the day. Erik Darnell is 3 laps behind the leader and has lost power.

Lap 117 -- 35 cars are on the lead lap. Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon are trading second and third position.

Lap 116 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. passes Logano on the high side to claim the lead position.

Lap 114 -- Joey Logano claims the lead position.

Lap 111 -- Jeff Gordon claims the 32nd lead change of the race and becomes the 19th leader.

Lap 110 -- Jeff Burton takes the lead, followed by Jeff Gordon, Robby Gordon, Logano and Kyle Busch.

Lap 109 -- Robby Gordon takes the lead.

Lap 108 -- GREEN FLAG: Denny Hamlin leads the field to green

Lap 107 -- Denny Hamlin is back in the lead, Kurt Busch gets the free pass.

Lap 106 -- John Andretti takes the lead, followed by Hamlin, Lagano, Kyle Busch and Robby Gordon.

Lap 105 -- YELLOW FLAG NO. 3: Debris in Turn 4. Officials report a big piece of tear off in Turn 3 as well.

Lap 102 -- Denny Hamlin continues in the lead position, followed by Stremme, Ragan, Lagano and Kyle Busch.

Lap 99 -- Kasey Kahne gets four new tires after a strong pit stop. Denny Hamlin takes the lead.

Lap 98 -- Marcos Ambrose takes the lead, Earnhardt Jr. gets new tires. Kurt Busch in pit road for service, repairs.

Lap 97 -- Denny Hamlin's crew cheif tells him he has to pit for fuel and tires. Mears and Gordon bump in the pit.

Lap 95 -- Mark Martin reclaims lead position, followed by Harvick, Hamlin and Earnhardt Jr. Several cars heading to pit road.

Lap 94 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes a move on Mark Martin and grabs the lead. Keselowski had to pit for fuel.

Lap 92 -- Greg Biffle is in pit road to get four new tires and fuel. Recieves outside tire violation. Several drivers elected not to put under earlier caution and are within a few laps of needing fuel.

Lap 91 -- Mark Martin takes lead, followed by Montoya, Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Lap 88 -- Martin Truex Jr. to pit road. Hamlin pushes Harvick back into the lead position.

Lap 87 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. fights past Harvick and Montyoa to take the lead.

Lap 85 -- AJ Allmendinger has a tire go down and heads to pit road.

Lap 82 -- Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have settled into first and second place, followed closely by Juan Montoya.

Lap 78 -- Tony Stewart tells his crew that he will make his move with 30 laps to go.

Lap 76 -- Leaders take the backstretch running wide open at 191 mph.

Lap 75 -- Everyone on the lead lap runs around the track single file. Casey Mears is a lap down due to entering pit road to fast.

Lap 71 -- Allmendinger joins Mears, Papis and Kurt Busch behind the lead lap.

Lap 70 -- Three Chasers are in the top five spots. Montoya is in third, Hamlin is in fourth and Mark Martin is in fifth.

Lap 68 -- Kevin Harvick radios for an iPod to sit in his drink holder as he holds steady in the lead position.

Lap 67 -- At this point, 20 lead changes have taken place as Harvick continues to lead the field.

Lap 65 -- Four drivers are out of the race at this point: Sam Hornish Jr., Dave Blaney, Paul Menard and Joe Nemechek.

Lap 62 -- Bump-drafting is starting to pick up in the straighaways, Kevin Harvick takes the lead with Earnhardt Jr. tight on his bumper.

Lap 61 -- Denny Hamlin takes the lead, fighting off Jeff Gordon.

Lap 59 -- Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has fought his way towards the front, claims the lead with Junior Nation on their feet. Racing is starting to pick up.

Lap 58 -- Elliott Sadler reclaims the lead, Mears and Papis are still a lap down, Kurt Busch is two laps down.

Lap 57 -- Sam Hornish Jr. is out of the race with an injury.

Lap 56 -- Matt Kenseth takes the lead, followed by Hamlin, Earnhardt and Labonte.

Lap 55 -- GREEN FLAG: Elliott Sadler leads the fields to green

Lap 53 -- Elliott Sadler leads under caution. After leading earlier, Kurt Busch is now two laps down.

Lap 52 -- Points leader Jimmie Johnson takes the lead for the first time since starting on the pole.

Lap 51 -- Joey Lagano gets the free pass.

Lap 49 -- YELLOW FLAG NO. 2: Kurt Busch spins out, loses tire and gets bumped into grass. Michael Waltrip takes the lead under caution.

Lap 48 -- Tony Stewart adds to the list of lead changes, claiming the top spot followed by Newman, Waltrip, Johnson and McMurray.

Lap 47 -- Sam Hornish Jr. heads to the garage.

Lap 46 -- Jeff Burton moves to the lead spot.

Lap 45 -- Erik Darnell penalized for leaving pit road too fast.

Lap 43 -- Elliott Sadler claims the lead position, followed by Kyle Busch, Keselowski, Burton and Kenseth.

Lap 41 -- Officials penalize Martin Truex Jr. for entering pit road too fast. Casey Mears penalized for exiting too fast.

Lap 40 -- Vickers, Truex, Logano and Montoya head to pit road. All get new tires. Logano is first one out.

Lap 37 -- Cars are single file up front as Casey Mears continues to lead, followed by Harvick, Gordon, Earnhardt and Ambrose. Pit stops should come within five laps. First 22 cars running almost identical speeds of 187 mph.

Lap 35 -- Max Papis goes a lap down.

Lap 31 -- Drives continue to stay in line with no warnings as they continue to feel their way around today's warning. Casey Mears continues to lead.

Lap 29 -- Of all the Chasers, Jimmie Johnson is bringing up the rear in the 30th position.

Lap 25 -- Casey Mears continues to lead the field who are packing themselves in along the backstretch.

Lap 22 -- New leader is Casey Mears, followed by Harvick, Gordon and Earnhardt.

Lap 21 -- Paul Menard and Joe Nemechek are out of the race after earlier accident takes them out.

Lap 19 -- Officials warnings not to bump-draft in the turn have been followed so far, with Greg Biffle backing off of Jeff Gordon in the turn.

Lap 18 -- David Reutimann and Jeff Gordon trade the lead position with speeds approaching 200 mph.

Lap 16 -- Jeff Gordon claims the lead spot, followed by Biffle and Vickers.

Lap 14 -- David Reutimann continues to run strong at 192 mph. Very little bump drafting has coccured in the turn so far.

Lap 12 -- Jimmie Johnson drops back to the 38th position after starting at the pole.

Lap 11 -- David Reutimann trades the lead spot with Kurt Busch. Greg Biffle moves to second, followed by Carl Edwards.

Lap 10 -- Kurt Busch reclaims the lead, followed by David Reutimann who trys to make a move up high.

Lap 9 -- David Reutimann leads the field, followed by Greg Biffle.

Lap 7 -- GREEN FLAG: Kurt Busch brings the field to green on the inside.

Lap 6 -- 20 cars head to pit road including Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson.

Lap 4 -- YELLOW FLAG NO. 1: Two cars involved - Paul Menard and Joe Nemechek. Menard cuts a tire and hits the wall.

Lap 3 -- Kurt Busch continues to lead, followed by Elliot Edwards.

Lap 2 -- Kurt Busch leads the second lap followed by Greg Biffle. Jimmie Johnson drops back to middle of pack.

Lap 1 -- Mark Martin gets a great start and leads the first lap earning his first points.

1:19 p.m -- GREEN FLAG: Jimmie Johnson brings the field to green and the Amp Energy 500 is under way - tell his crew that they've got a great car today.

1:13 p.m. -- Kasey Kahne moves to rear of the field with an engine change.

1:09 p.m. -- Vice President of Pepsi Sports, Jeff Dubiel gives the command: "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

1:01 p.m. -- Choral singers from the 82nd Airborne perform the national anthem.

1:00 p.m. -- Rev. Billy Wyatt gives the invocation.

Noon -- NASCAR Countdown is under way on ABC.

11:45 p.m. -- NASCAR officials announce at this morning's drivers' meeting that bump drafting will be monitored closely and will not be allowed in the turns.

11:31 p.m. ET -- After rain washed out Saturday's qualifying, drivers and their teams woke up to sunny skies this morning. Green for the Amp Energy 500 is scheduled for 1:19 p.m. ET with Jimmie Johnson on the pole.

Waltrip parked for aggressive driving in practice

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:29:35 PST

NASCAR pulled Michael Waltrip off the track for aggressive driving at Talladega.

Waltrip was warned to give Jimmie Johnson some space during Friday's final practice session as he bump-drafted behind Johnson's car. When Waltrip didn't let up, he was black-flagged for the final 30 minutes of practice.

NASCAR is keeping a close eye on bump-drafting this weekend, in large part because of the fallout over the harrowing accident on the final lap of April's race at Talladega. Carl Edwards' car was hit by winner Brad Keselowski, and the contact sent Edwards' car airborne into the fence.

Several fans were hurt by flying debris.

Several cars involved in chain-reaction practice wreck

Allmendinger given breath test before practice

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:26:38 PST

A.J. Allmendinger was required to take a breath test before Friday's practice at Talladega following his arrest on a drunken driving charge.

Allmendinger was arrested by Mooresville, N.C., police early Thursday morning. He was placed on probation by NASCAR through the end of the season and said he had no problem when series officials asked him to take the test.

"I know what I've done," Allmendinger said. "I respect the punishment and everything that I have to do to gain the trust back of NASCAR and everybody that's out there racing with me. It's not the best feeling in the world, but at the same point I respect that I have to go do it."

On Friday, Richard Petty Motorsports fined Allmendinger $10,000, which will be donated to charity. The team also put him on probation through the end of next season.

Allmendinger said he hasn't spoken to Petty since the incident. The seven-time NASCAR champion -- who shunned alcohol sponsorship during his career -- released a statement on Thursday saying he was "disappointed" in Allmendinger's actions.

Allmendinger enters Sunday's race 25th in points and is considered part of RPM's long-term plans. Team officials told The Associated Press that Allmendinger was going to be moved into Petty's famed No. 43 next season. Best Buy is expected to sponsor the car. Allmendinger said he's optimistic the incident won't mar his future prospects.

"Hopefully, I can go out there and show people that I can learn from it and people do get second chances," he said.

Addington confused by firing

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:24:21 PST

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Kyle Busch celebrated 12 wins with crew chief Steve Addington, including a comeback victory last year at Talladega Superspeedway.

It seemed like a lifetime ago, though, on Friday as Addington prepared for his final weekend with Busch. He'll call Sunday's race at Talladega and then hand the job over to Dave Rogers in a firing that admittedly left Addington "pretty confused."

"Do I agree with it? No," Addington said. "But it is what it is, and I felt like we had a good run."

Busch said the decision was made by team owner Joe Gibbs and president J.D. Gibbs, and it was based on lack of consistency this season.

"It seems like we're either feast or famine -- we're either going to win the race or finish 30th," Busch said. "Some of that's my fault, some of that's just not having the right stuff for me, and Joe and J.D. felt like we needed to try something new to get something of a more consistent basis and championship-caliber."

Rival crew chiefs seemed puzzled by Addington's ouster.

"I think it's tough with so many positive accomplishments to lose your job," said Alan Gustafson, who spent three seasons as Busch's crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports. "It shows the pressure a crew chief is under in this sport and how tough it is. Only time will tell if that's the right move, but I don't think it's fair for Steve. My opinion is he's done a good job.

"Kyle is so competitive and expects to win every week, which is good. That's what he's supposed to do. I think the problem is if it doesn't happen ... that's where you get into a situation they are in. They haven't slipped -- they still run well -- but they didn't make the Chase. That's the elephant in the room. That's the problem, and I don't know that it's fair to throw that on Steve, and that's what's happened."

Gustafson and Addington used totally different styles to manage Busch. Gustafson argued with Busch -- a lot -- in an effort to shape the youngster into the kind of driver he thought Busch could be.

Addington was far more laid-back, and at times this season seemed powerless to stop Busch from having one of his trademark mid-race meltdowns when his car was not up to his liking.

The personality differences may have ultimately been their undoing.

"If a relationship goes stale, it's stale. You are not going to rekindle it," said Denny Hamlin, Busch's teammate. "You've got someone who is rambunctious and someone who is reserved, and it's tough to keep that going outside the honeymoon period."

JGR appoints Rogers as new crew chief for Busch