Sprint All-Star Line ups

Here are the line-ups for the Sprint All-Star Showdown and race. The Showdown will take place at 7:00pm and the race will take place at 9:00pm. More information can be found here.

The Showdown

1. #27 Kirk Shelmerdine Toyota, Temporary Resources Inc.

2. #46 Carl Long Dodge, Romeo Guest Construction

3. #12 David Stremme Dodge, Penske Racing

4. #66 Dave Blaney Toyota, Prism Motorsports

5. #36 Scott Riggs Toyota, Tommy Baldwin Racing

6. #1 Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet, Bass Pro Shops

7. #6 David Ragan Ford, UPS

8. #77 Sam Hornish Jr.Dodge, Mobil 1

9. #13 Max Papis Toyota, GEICO

10. #44 A.J. Allmendinger Dodge, Hunt Brothers Pizza

11. #42 Juan Montoya Chevrolet, Target

12. #37 Mike Wallace Chevrolet, Long John Silver's

13. #00 David Reutimann Toyota, Aaron's Dream Machine

14. #47 Marcos Ambrose Toyota, Kingsford / Clorox

15. #51 Dexter Bean Dodge, LiveWire Energy

16. #21 Bill Elliott Ford, Motorcraft

17. #75 Derrike Cope Dodge, FlipnBags.com

18. #57 Norm Benning Chevrolet, Norm Benning Racing

19. #20 Joey Logano Toyota, The Home Depot

20. #82 Scott Speed Toyota, Red Bull

21. #87 Joe Nemechek Toyota, NEMCO Motorsports

22. #71 David Gilliland Chevrolet, TRG Motorsports

23. #07 Casey Mears Chevrolet, Jack Daniel's

24. #98 Paul Menard Ford, Johns Manville / Menards

25. #73 Mike Garvey Dodge, Quality Concrete

26. #64 Todd Bodine Toyota, Gunselman Motorsports

27. #19 Elliott Sadler Dodge, Best Buy

28. #55 Michael Waltrip Toyota, NAPA

29. #06 David Starr Dodge, Canics.com

30. #26 Jamie McMurray Ford, Crown Royal

31. #83 Brian Vickers Toyota, Red Bull

32. #7 Robby Gordon Toyota, Jim Beam / Operation Homefront

33. #41 J.J. Yeley Toyota, SmallSponsor.com

34. #43 Reed Sorenson Dodge, McDonald's McCafe

35. #34 Tony Raines Chevrolet, Taco Bell

The Sprint All-Star Race

1. #48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet, Lowe's / Kobalt Tools

2. #2 Kurt Busch Dodge, Miller Lite "Taste Protector"

3. #17 Matt Kenseth Ford, Dewalt

4. #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet, The Dale Jr. Foundation / Amp Energy / National Guard

5. #5 Mark Martin Chevrolet, Kellogg's / Carquest

6. #24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, DuPont

7. #96 Bobby Labonte Ford, Ask.com

8. #9 Kasey Kahne Dodge, Budweiser

9. #29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet, Pennzoil

10. #09 Brad Keselowski Chevrolet, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

11. #16 Greg Biffle Ford, 3M

12. #39 Ryan Newman Chevrolet, U.S. Army

13. #18 Kyle Busch Toyota, M&M's

14. #99 Carl Edwards Ford, Aflac

15. #14 Tony Stewart Chevrolet, Office Depot / Old Spice

16. #31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet, Caterpillar

17. #33 Clint Bowyer Chevrolet, BB&T

18. #11Denny Hamlin Toyota, FedEx Express

Happy NASCAR Day!

If you have the pipes...

Daytona International Speedway is searching for area singers to participate in the fifth edition of its "Straightaway to Stardom" talent competition with the winner performing the national anthem before the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250-mile race July 3.

For entry forms, go by the Daytona 500 Experience, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., or go online to daytonainternationalspeedway.com/sts.

Round One of the "Straightaway to Stardom" competition will be May 30 at the ESPN Club, Disney's BoardWalk, 2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista.

A Fast Lap with Megan Reitenour

Today, we would like to introduce you to the 2009 NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver, Megan Reitenour. You can view Megan's 2009 schedule here.1.What music have you recently put on your iPod?
I know it is probably hard to believe but I don't have iPod. My preference in music is country music though.

2. What was the last movie you saw?
Most weeks we have girls night out and go to the movies on Tuesdays. The last movie I saw was "He is just not that into you". Not my type of movie but it wasn't my week to pick and I got through it some how. haha

3. What are your favorite TV shows?
I don't have a lot of time to watch TV but when I do, I would say some of my favorite TV shows are Nitro Circus, American Idol and CSI.

4. What other sporting teams/events do you follow?
I really love most sports in general and enjoy watching them when I have the time. NASCAR-Tony Stewart, Football-New England Patriots, Baseball-Cincinnati Reds, and MMA Star-Uriah Faber.

5. What is one personal item you can not live without?
The personal item I couldn't live with out would be my cell phone.

6. What are your favorite places to visit?
Florida, North and South Carolina, Nevada.

7. What is your favorite clothing brand?
My favorite clothing brand is Hollister.

8. What is your favorite book or publication?
Twilight (love it)!

9. What is your favorite activity to do in your off time?
I would say my favorite activity in my off time is to go to the races or watch the races on TV. I also enjoy volunteering for good causes.

10. What is your favorite cuisine?
My favorite cuisine is Italian.

11. What advice would you give other females looking to get into the sporting world?
The advice I would give another female looking to get into the sport of racing would be, don't take things lightly and always give your best. It is very important to have a good support system and never forget where you came from and the people who have helped you.

Next weeks Fast Lap will Feature Ashley Force Hood

Tune Up Tuesday-Lenny Kravitz Let Love Rule 20th Anniversary Edition

I apologize for this post in advance because it is PURELY self indulgent. First off, I am still trying to wrap my caffeine free head over the fact that Lenny Kravitz has been in our lives and ears for twenty years. Out on Virgin Records today is a remastered edition of his first album along with some fantastic bonus material, such as live versions and demos.If you havent had a chance to listen to what first made Lenny Kravitz a household name...I am begging you to grab this today, turn it up loud and thank me later. Im sure most of you know of "Let Love Rule" but the best songs of all time is Mr. Cab Driver, a song that will soon be one of your favorites. If you want to get a quick sample of what I am talking about, Amazon lets you listen to all samples before you buy off their site!
Dear Touring Gods, Please please let Mr. Kravitz tour with this album. You are reading the words of a girl who went to an Aerosmith just to see him open. Enjoy! Other Tune Ups of interest...Tori Amos, Dane Cook, Depeche Mode and some more found here.

Allright Tweeps, this one is for you!

For those of you who care little that Ashton was the first to hit a million followers...for those of you who are enthralled to see what your favorite Tweeps are doing during the #NASCAR race...and for those of you who will be in Charlotte for the All Star Festivities, THIS IS FOR YOU! Oh and its held at this little bar that one certain driver owns..whats his name, Dennis, Dave...oh yeah, Dale!.

UltimateRaceDay is an event brand for the racing lifestyle that is a SmashUp of NASCAR fans, automotive enthusiasts and social media.

UltimateRaceDay (URD) unites fans trackside, on the streets, online and wherever you are. This global community transforms the racing experience into a new lifestyle phenomenon, introducing individuals to other enthusiasts, bound by their shared passion for racing and social media. This fusion of racing and technology illuminates not only the race, but also the shared content, the online fan community, and associated sponsors. Visible, viral and fun, URD is a dedicated press box for citizen journalists, bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and all who are passionate race fans. Together we create a checkered flag experience for social media SmashUps!!!

You are cordially invited to join UltimateRaceDay on Saturday, May 22nd for our inaugural SmashUp at Whiskey River (owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. ) in Charlotte, NC. From 6-9 pm. The tweet-up starts at the Mechanical Bull bar (and who knows where it goes from there). Cash Bar.

About UltmateRaceDay
Founded by Stephanie Agresta (@stephagresta) and Chris McCaffrey (@chrismccaffrey) Ultimate Race Day creates a unique and highly visible networking and personal branding events by facilitating real world interaction and providing everything attendees need to blog and tweet the experience. Join the movement at http://www.ultimateraceday.com

About Whiskey River
With a unique blend of rock and country music, VIP tables and mechanical bull riding, live music and electrifying DJs, Whisky River is unlike any party you've seen before. Situated in the EpiCentre with breathtaking views of Uptown Charlotte and Bobcats Arena, Whisky River really is in the center of it all.

Kevin Costner makes another NASCAR appearance

photos rights of martintruexjr.com

This just in from Lowe's Motor Speedway, who announced today that actor and musician Kevin Costner and Modern West will perform a pre-race concert for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Academy Award winner Costner and his band will perform a 45-minute afternoon concert prior to the Montgomery Gentry show presented by Jim Beam in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

"I have been a longtime NASCAR fan and to be able to perform at Lowe's Motor Speedway, what many consider to be NASCAR's home track, will be an incredible experience," said Kevin Costner. "With all the hype that surrounds the All-Star Race it is sure to be a spectacular night and I am excited to be a part of it."

In addition to the concert Costner will be invited to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers meeting and will serve as a celebrity judge in the Pennzoil Victory Challenge, the annual burnout contest, prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race.

Costner has been a regular presence in the NASCAR community of late as part of his year- long partnership with the sport. Amongst many NASCAR related endeavors, Costner is serving as the 2009 NASCAR Day spokesperson, which will be celebrated this year on May 15th. As part of his role, he is helping The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds for its Family of Charities in an effort to help thousands of children live better lives (for more information visit NASCAR.COM/NASCAR Day).

Tickets for the 25th running of the May 16th NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $25 and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

We were lucky enough to stare at Kevin's best ass-et while he was on the Bass Pro pit box during his honorary crew chief stint in Daytona for Martin Truex Jr last year. Its nice to see someone of his celebrity interested in the sport, and making a great effort to get involved on the charitable side!

Sprint All-Star Week Schedule

Below is the schedule of events for the 2009 Sprint All-Star Week in Charlotte, NC. If you find yourself in the Charlotte area, try to make time to visit Rendezvous Ridge, Benny Parsons Vineyard and Museum. Rendezvous Ridge is located between Boone and Wilkesboro in the foothills of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Brushy Mountains.

For more information on the next two weeks, download the Official Fan Guide here.

Wednesday, May 13
"NASCAR Rev'd Up" leads off a four-day period heading into the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, featuring a concert by Everfine/Atlantic Artist O.A.R. (free admission). This six hour event will kick off activities for NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race week in Charlotte, N.C. The event, which is free to the public, will take place between 3rd and Mint Streets in uptown Charlotte from 4:00pm-10:00pm.

Thursday, May 14
7:00pm Time Warner Cable Arena: NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge Presented by Craftsman.
For tickets go to www.pitcrewchallenge.com or www.ticketmaster.com. SPEED will televise beginning at 9:00pm.

Friday, May 15
NASCAR Day, an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to make donations to the NASCAR Foundation to raise funds for its Family of Charities in an effort to help thousands of children live better lives.
For more information go to foundation.nascar.com.

Friday, May 15
6:15pm Lowe's Motor Speedway: NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Qualifying
For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or go to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. SPEED will televise beginning at 5:00pm.

Friday, May 15
8:00pm Lowe's Motor Speedway: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200
For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or go to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. SPEED will televise beginning with pre-race coverage at 7:30pm.

Saturday, May 16
3:30pm-4:45pm Jim Beam Presents Montgomery Gentry, turns 1-2 in the infield
6:20pm-6:45pm Pennzoil Victory Challenge Burn Out Contest
7:30pm (green flag at 7:46pm) NASCAR Sprint Showdown (20 laps/20 laps).
9:00pm Green flag for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race (4 segments; 50 laps, 20 laps, 20 laps, 10 laps)
For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or go to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. SPEED will televise beginning at 7:00pm.

Dale Jr Foundation All Star Charity Lineup

From the Dale Jr Foundation Release

In a monthlong push to raise money and awareness for key charities dedicated to helping children, The Dale Jr. Foundation has created three initiatives as part of its All Star Charity Line Up. Through these events, The Dale Jr. Foundation will donate to Make-A-Wish, March of Dimes / Bikers for Babies, The NASCAR Foundation and Speedway Children’s Charities.

Beginning last Saturday at the Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com at Darlington Raceway, The Dale Jr. Foundation (TDJF) hosted 50 guests from the Victory Junction Gang Camp, Make-A-Wish and Kid’s Wish Network in a pre-race chalet. The chalet and 50 race tickets was donated to TDJF by GoDaddy.com and included an appearance by Brad Keselowski.

"The Dale Jr. Foundation is committed to helping underprivileged youth achieve their goals," said Kelley Earnhardt, vice president and general manager of JR Motorsports. "Last year, with the help of all of our fans and supporters, we were able to donate to over 250 charitable organizations. This year we want to continue setting the bar higher for our charitable goals. These events surrounding the All-Star race are a great way to start our fundraising efforts for 2009."

As part of the second Foundation initiative, Earnhardt Jr. will donate a custom motorcycle to March of Dimes / Bikers for Babies, a charity in partnership with Dee Snider of the legendary rock band Twisted Sister. The motorcycle, made for Dale Jr. by the team at Orange County Choppers, is currently on display at JR Motorsports. Fans can visit JR Motorsports on May 21st or go to The Foundation website to find out how they can win this one-of-a-kind chopper.

As its third event and complementing the special Foundation paint scheme that Earnhardt Jr. will run on track at the Sprint All Star race on May 16, TDJF is hosting a Dale Jr. All-Star suite to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities and TDJF. Fans who want to give to get closer to the racing action will receive a VIP experience, which includes a pre-race pit tour, an appearance by Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Petty, a seat in the suite to view the race, complimentary food and drinks, and souvenirs.

"This is going to be a really cool time during the All-Star week," said Earnhardt Jr. "In addition to a special Dale Jr. Foundation paint scheme on the hood of the 88, we have a number of charities we’re working with over the next couple of weeks. The Foundation has always been important to my sister, Kelley, and me. Because of that, I am making a matching gift of the donations received from fans through our website."

JR Motorsports has been selling NASCAR Day pins in its retail store in partnership with The NASCAR Foundation. JRM will donate a portion of the proceeds raised from the pins and the funds raised during the NASCAR Day Radio-thon to Make-A-Wish. Fans should call 1-877-515-GIVE and mention The Dale Jr. Foundation to take part in this special event.

The Dale Jr. Foundation has unique collectibles, including many autographed items, to be purchased through its partnership with EBay. All the proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Dale Jr. Foundation.

The Foundation’s website also offers six different selections of hard card memberships. Fans can attain memberships and not only get exclusive Dale Jr. items, but help TDJF further its mission.

Happy Mothers Day

What else could we post other than Mother Lovers from last night's Saturday Night Live featuring Justin Timberlake.


We hope all you Mother's out there have a fantastic day!

Taking Failed to Qualify to a New High-Track Funk Race Recap

As you shake the funk off and get ready for some All Star action here is what you missed at Darlington. No one really expected to have their pre-race activities interrupted by the Jeremy Mayfield announcement. Speed graciously provided coverage as Fox was in the middle of a Tampa/Boston shut out. This was one of my favorite tracks and it did not disappoint! Mark Martin took the checkered flag, breaking a few of more records and potentially wrecking my fantasy league. Congratulations to Mark Martin and Alan Gustafson, who both have Daytona Beach ties.

And word to the person who thought that glitter was a good time in Victory Lane...it isn't, knock it off.

Photo courtesy of NASCAR.com

Darlington's Top Ten
1. #5 Mark Martin
2. #48 Jimmy Johnson
3. #14 Tony Stewart
4. #39 Ryan Newman
5. #24 Jeff Gordon
6. #1 Martin Truex Jr.
7. #25 Brad Keselowki
8. #16 Greg Biffle
9. #20 Joey Logano
10. #17 Matt Kenseth

There were 17 cautions (a new record at Darlington) and 23 lead changes among 13 leaders:

Lap Leaders

Matt Kenseth (1-16)
Jeff Gordon (17-22)
Jimmie Johnson (23-24)
Ryan Newman (25-71)
Kasey Kahne (72-82, 120, 162, 186)
Elliot Sadler (83-84)
Martin Truex Jr. (116-119, 217-249, 297-320)
Bobby Labonte (121-122)
Greg Biffle (123-161, 163-185, 187-215, 251-276)
Kyle Busch (216, 250)
Ryan Newman (277)
Joey Logano (278-296)
Tony Stewart (321)
Mark Martin (322-367)

Unofficial Standings, Results and a lap by lap recap are available at NASCAR.com. Stay tuned as NASCAR goes back to the boys home in Charlotte for two weeks! This week will bring some great All Star activities, kicking off Wednesday, May 13th with NASCAR Rev'd up featuring OAR.

If you haven't voted for the All Star race, might we suggest a couple for you? After last nights performance, to say Martin Truex Jr. is worthy of this race is an huge understatement. At the same time, Scott Riggs with Tommy Baldwin Racing need the money and the publicity that this race brings. So please vote and vote often! See you in Charlotte and Happy Mother's Day.

Havent we learned anything from baseball?

The 2009 season started with two people who are highly admired in NASCAR. Driver Jeremy Mayfield and Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin, both of whom started their own race team from scratch. Jeremy's team, Mayfield Motor Sports and Tommy's team, Tommy Baldwin Racing have both had their highs (making the Daytona 500) and their lows (struggling to make it into the following races and trying to get into the top 35 in points). I hold both teams with utmost respect.

After tonight, Jeremy Mayfield will no longer be known as a 5 time winning, NSCS winner and current driver-owner. He will forever be known as the first Cup Series driver suspended under NASCAR's still-new random drug-testing policy. Basically, this means until the Armani suits of NASCAR gives the green light, he will not be allowed to be a car owner, a car driver or even be around the car during race weekend.

Mayfield is quoted by saying “As both a team owner and a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, I have immense respect for the enforcement policies NASCAR has in place. In my case, I believe that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test. My Doctor and I are working with both Dr. Black and NASCAR to resolve this matter.”

Not to mention, this years first NASCAR's substance abuse disappointment was made by Paul Chodora, one of Jeremy Mayfields's Pit crew members.

This weekend, NASCAR also nailed Tony Martin, a crewman for the #34 Sprint team for Front Row Motorsports, (driven by Tony Raines) and Ben Williams, a crew member for the #16 Nationwide Series team for Roush Fenway Racing (who won Friday night with Matt Kenseth).

NASCAR series Vice President Jim Hunter would not specify what substances were taken, but did say the violations were for more than merely alcohol use.

NASCAR has had a very rough week in regards of drug testing. It started on Wednesday with the sudden death of Kevin Grubb, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at a Richmond hotel. Grubb was suspended in 2004 after testing positive for a banned substance. When reinstated, one of his conditions to return was that he had to submit to a drug test, anywhere, anytime. In 2006 he declined to adhere and NASCAR suspended him indefinitely.

Last year Aaron Fike admitted that he raced while on heroin. That was probably the biggest wake up call in the sport which brought this new drug policy on which I agree is well needed.

Now, many are asking what is causing these guys to fail the drug tests? How can you possibly abuse with the jeopardy of being caught? Hello A-Rod, Roger Clemens and Manny Ramirez! According to NASCAR sources, it can be anything from NYQUIL, to fertility drugs, to mary jane or cocaine....basically whatever your drug of choice may be. If they decide that the drug you are taking (over the counter, prescribed or illegal) will impair your ability to perform, no matter how small or large, he or she has no business being there. Remember when Martin Truex Jr. had Kidney Stones in Atlanta this season? He went through the process without strong pain medication since he would've been in violation of NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy. That's smart (and painful) thinking people...