ESPN makes changes to its 2008 broadcast team
Jarrett joins Punch, Petree in booth; Wallace to studio
By Team Release
January 23, 2008
12:34 PM EST
Dale Jarrett, the 1999 Sprint Cup Series champion and one of the founding drivers of the Nationwide Series, will expand his role with ESPN and join high school friends Dr. Jerry Punch and Andy Petree in the booth for ESPN's full season of NASCAR coverage in 2008.

Rusty Wallace, Cup champion in 1989, will become lead analyst for ESPN studio programs in 2008, highlighted by serving as analyst for an enhanced NASCAR Countdown, the program that precedes all NASCAR telecasts. Wallace also will appear across multiple ESPN platforms, including regularly on NASCAR Now, ESPN's daily NASCAR news and information show, and will call several race telecasts in place of Jarrett.

Allen Bestwick moves into the fulltime role of host of ESPN's race telecasts and host of NASCAR Countdown. Wallace and Bestwick will appear with analyst Brad Daugherty on the pre-race program, and the three will be integrated with the booth team during race telecasts.

ESPN also has named motorsports television veteran Nicole Manske as host of NASCAR Now, which returns to the air for its second season beginning Feb. 4 on ESPN2. Manske, who joins ESPN after two years as co-host of a weekly motorsports news program on SPEED, will share the NASCAR Now host role with Bestwick and ESPNEWS anchor Ryan Burr.

On ESPN's event coverage, Shannon Spake, a reporter for ESPN's studio programs and fill-in pit reporter last year, will take Bestwick's position as a fulltime pit reporter, joined by returnees Dave Burns, Jamie Little and Mike Massaro. Two-time Cup champion crew chief Tim Brewer returns to report from the ESPN DISH Tech Center.

"We now have the opportunity to provide our viewers with analysis from a pair of former Cup champions with Dale Jarrett in the booth and Rusty Wallace on the NASCAR Countdown set as well as on other platforms," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, studio and event production.

"We were pleased to have Dale with us in a limited role last year and look forward to his participation on a regular basis," Williamson said. "Rusty's enthusiasm, team spirit and knowledge make him an invaluable contributor to our coverage. These champion drivers in their new roles add tremendously to ESPN's championship team for our second year back in NASCAR."

ESPN's 2008 NASCAR season begins with live, flag-to-flag coverage of the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 16, at noon ET on ESPN2. In addition to coverage of all 35 races in the Nationwide Series, ESPN also will have telecasts of the final 17 races of the Sprint Cup Series.

Jarrett, who is retiring from driving after the first five races of the 2008 Sprint Cup season, was booth analyst for 10 Nationwide Series race telecasts on ESPN last year and worked several Sprint Cup races as a guest analyst on NASCAR Countdown.

Punch, ESPN's lead announcer, Petree, booth analyst and a two-time Cup champion crew chief, and Jarrett are all natives of Newton, N.C., and attended Newton-Conover High School within a few years of each other in the early 1970s. The three were partners in one of Jarrett's first race cars in 1979.

"It was exciting to see ESPN return to NASCAR last year and be a part of it when my racing schedule allowed," said Jarrett, winner of 32 Cup Series races and 11 in the Nationwide Series. "To have this opportunity to shift from fulltime driver to fulltime analyst for ESPN's second year back is a great privilege and I can't wait to get started."

Jarrett followed the footsteps of his father, Ned, a two-time NASCAR champion, into driving and television. Ned Jarrett was a popular analyst on ESPN's coverage of NASCAR from 1988-2000 and returned to the booth as a guest analyst for one race last year to work alongside his son for the first time.

Wallace joined ESPN after retiring from driving following the 2005 season and spent 2006 as analyst for ESPN's coverage of the IndyCar Series in preparation for ESPN's return to NASCAR in 2007. Bestwick served multiple roles for ESPN's NASCAR coverage last year, including pit reporter, host of NASCAR Countdown for Nationwide Series races and play-by-play announcer for several events.

Along with returning NASCAR insiders Angelique Chengelis and Marty Smith, ESPN.com reporters Terry Blount and David Newton and analysts Boris Said, Tim Cowlishaw and D.J. Copp, many members of ESPN's event coverage team also will contribute to NASCAR Now in 2008.

Find this article at:
http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/01/23/espn.2008.lineup.djarrett/index.html

2008 competition changes

January 21, 2008
03:43 PM EST

Qualifying procedures
• In all three national series, teams that are not locked into the starting field will qualify together as a group at the end of their respective qualifying sessions.

Revisions to pit road rules
• Over-the-wall pit crews in NASCAR's three national series will be able to hand push their car no more than three pit boxes away from their assigned pit box -- limiting the crews to the same three-box length for pushing as the vehicles can drive through getting onto pit road.

• Outside tires that have been removed from a vehicle during a pit stop can no longer be free-rolled from the outside of the pit box to the wall. The tires must be hand-directed to the inner half of the pit box before being released.

Fuel cell size
• All three national series will run the same up-graded fuel cell -- which is another safety feature -- and is the same fuel cell used in 2007 by the Sprint Cup Series.

Engines
• A new engine combination package introduced in the Nationwide and Craftsman Truck series will allow for cost-saving opportunities for teams.

• Modifications reduce RPMs and horsepower, which will help engines and pieces to last longer. In turn, teams will have the opportunity to run multiple races using the same engine components.

Tire usage at non-sanctioned tests
• Teams in all three national series will receive an allotment of tires to use for non-NASCAR sanctioned tests. Cup Series teams will have access to 200 tires over the course of the year; Nationwide teams will get 160 tires and Truck teams will get 120 tires.

NASCAR fines
• Money collected from fines issued to drivers will now go to the NASCAR Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable initiatives. Previously, fine money was added to the season-ending point funds paid to drivers based on their finish in the point standings.

Find this article at:
http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/official/01/21/competition.update/index.html

A fun site to visit, to get you ready for the Daytona 500: http://www.daytona500.com/

It's almost time.

There were 2 big wrecks in Bud Shootout PRACTICE tonite. I think those boyz forgot it was only practice. The race tomorrow nite should be interesting. Especially since Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart aren't happy with each other after the second wreck. Gonna be an interesting SpeedWeeks at Daytona.

RaceDay is on on the Speed Channel right now. The Bud Shootout comes on FOX at 7pm (central). NASCAR fever has begun.

I hope you got a shot for that as my grandma got a fever of 104 a while back and if nascar fever is the same thing it will be bad

Oh no ... NASCAR fever is a good thing. Well, if you don't mind not making plans on Sundays and some Saturday nites.

Besides ... I don't like shots ... unless they contain vodka or jello.

Are you sure your not family as my sister is the same way with shots

I could tell you ... but then I'd have to do something to you ... something to evil to put into words ...

Now ... for a diversionary tactic ... hey Colleen ... do you remember where it was you had gotten that Dale Jr bracelet you had gotten me? I need to find a new one to wear this year.

First race in his new ride and the boy wins the race. Dale Jr is AWESOME!!! Can't wait 'til the 500 now.

It was a great race, I cannot wait for next week either!

Everyone needs to sign up for the fantasy racing @ yahoo.

RACE LINEUP
Daytona 500
Daytona International Speedway
February 17, 2008 | Race 1 of 36

POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND
1 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's 187.075 48.109 Leader
2 55 Michael Waltrip Toyota NAPA AUTO PARTS 186.734 48.197-0.088
3 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet AMP Energy / National Guard
4 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota FedEx Express - - -
5 41 Reed Sorenson Dodge Target - - -
6 20 Tony Stewart Toyota The Home Depot - - -
7 12 Ryan Newman Dodge ALLTEL - - -
8 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet DuPont - - -
9 5 Casey Mears Chevrolet Kellogg's / CARQUEST - - -
10 9 Kasey Kahne Dodge Budweiser - - -

11 99 Carl Edwards Ford Office Depot - - -
12 8 Mark Martin Chevrolet U.S. Army - - -
13 43 Bobby Labonte Dodge Cheerios / Betty Crocker - - -
14 6 David Ragan Ford AAA - - -
15 42 Juan Montoya Dodge Texaco / Havoline - - -
16 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Shell / Pennzoil - - -
17 187 Kenny Wallace Chevrolet Furniture Row/DenverMattress.com
18 16 Greg Biffle Ford 3M - - -
19 77 Sam Hornish Jr.* Dodge Mobil 1 - - -
20 44 Dale Jarrett Toyota UPS - - -

21 15 Paul Menard Chevrolet PEAK / Menards - - -
22 34 John Andretti Chevrolet Makoto - - -
23 83 Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull - - -
24 18 Kyle Busch Toyota M&M's - - -
25 1 Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker - - -
26 7 Robby Gordon Dodge Jim Beam - - -
27 66 Scott Riggs Chevrolet State Water Heaters - - -
28 17 Matt Kenseth Ford DEWALT - - -
29 01 Regan Smith* Chevrolet Principal Financial Group - - -
30 28 Travis Kvapil Ford K&N Filters - - -

31 07 Clint Bowyer Chevrolet Jack Daniel's - - -
32 38 David Gilliland Ford FreeCreditReport.com - - -
33 70 Jeremy Mayfield Chevrolet Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon
34 22 Dave Blaney Toyota Caterpillar - - -
35 19 Elliott Sadler Dodge Best Buy - - -
36 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet AT&T Mobility - - -
37 96 J.J. Yeley Toyota DLP HDTV - - -
38 26 Jamie McMurray Ford Crown Royal Cask No. 16 - - -
39 45 Kyle Petty Dodge Wells Fargo - - -
40 40 Dario Franchitti* Dodge Dodge Journey - - -

41 78 Joe Nemechek Chevrolet Furniture Row Racing - - -
42 00 David Reutimann Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine - - -
43 2 Kurt Busch Dodge Miller Lite Champion's Provisional

Did Not Qualify
44 84 A.J. Allmendinger Toyota Red Bull - - -
45 21 Bill Elliott Ford Little Debbie - - -
46 49 Ken Schrader Dodge HealthLife.com - - -
47 160 Boris Said Ford 7-Eleven Slurpee / No Fear - - -
48 10 Patrick Carpentier* Dodge Valvoline - - -
49 137 Eric McClure Chevrolet Hefty - - -
50 109 Sterling Marlin Chevrolet Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

51 27 Jacques Villeneuve* Toyota Bill Davis Racing - - -
52 150 Stanton Barrett Chevrolet NOS Energy Drink / SKI / SBM
53 08 Carl Long Dodge MILLSTAR Tools / Rhino's Energy Drink

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie

Here are the Fantasy Racing League standings after the Daytona 500.

Colleen ... it looks like you forgot to make your picks. Don't forget again.

I did, what a dope I am. I didn't even go to Yahoo so I could remember what I was supposed to do. I guess we all know who will come in last this year, Doh!

You've got an entire season to make it up. Just think of it as not qualifying for the 500. You'll make the rest of the races and finish in the top 10 and still do fine.

For those Fantasy League players ... don't forget to make your picks for this weekend's race.

I did it yesterday, so I wouldn't forget!

RACE LINEUP
Auto Club 500 | Auto Club Speedway
February 24, 2008 | Race 2 of 36
RAIN OUT Position Based on Owner Points

POS CAR DRIVER MAKE SPONSOR SPEED TIME BEHIND
1 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's N/A N/A N/A
2 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet DuPont Cromax Pro N/A N/A N/A
3 07 Clint Bowyer Chevrolet DIRECTV N/A N/A N/A
4 17 Matt Kenseth Ford Carhartt N/A N/A N/A
5 5 Casey Mears Chevrolet CARQUEST / Kellogg's N/A N/A N/A
6 20 Tony Stewart Toyota The Home Depot N/A N/A N/A
7 77 Sam Hornish Jr.* Dodge Mobil 1 N/A N/A N/A
8 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet AT&T Mobility N/A N/A N/A
9 99 Carl Edwards Ford Dish Network N/A N/A N/A
10 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Shell / Pennzoil N/A N/A N/A

11 1 Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker N/A N/A N/A
12 11 Denny Hamlin Toyota FedEx Freight N/A N/A N/A
13 12 Ryan Newman Dodge ALLTEL / Samsung HDTV N/A N/A N/A
14 16 Greg Biffle Ford 3M N/A N/A N/A
15 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet AMP Energy / National Guard N/A N/A N/A
16 8 Mark Martin Chevrolet Principal Financial Group / Mark Martin's 700th start N/A N/A N/A
17 01 Regan Smith* Chevrolet Coors Light N/A N/A N/A
18 26 Jamie McMurray Ford Crown Royal N/A N/A N/A
19 43 Bobby Labonte Dodge Hamburger Helper "My Hometown Helper" N/A N/A N/A

20 9 Kasey Kahne Dodge Budweiser N/A N/A N/A
21 42 Juan Montoya Dodge Wrigley's Juicy Fruit N/A N/A N/A
22 18 Kyle Busch Toyota Interstate Batteries N/A N/A N/A
23 41 Reed Sorenson Dodge Energizer e2 Lithium N/A N/A N/A
24 6 David Ragan Ford So. Cal Insurance N/A N/A N/A
25 96 J.J. Yeley Toyota DLP HDTV N/A N/A N/A
26 40 Dario Franchitti* Dodge Target N/A N/A N/A
27 19 Elliott Sadler Dodge U2 3D / Best Buy N/A N/A N/A
28 7 Robby Gordon Dodge Jim Beam N/A N/A N/A
29 15 Paul Menard Chevrolet Quaker State / Menards N/A N/A N/A

30 28 Travis Kvapil Ford Yates Racing N/A N/A N/A
31 66 Scott Riggs Chevrolet Haas Automation N/A N/A N/A
32 38 David Gilliland Ford FreeCreditReport.com N/A N/A N/A
33 70 Jeremy Mayfield Chevrolet Haas Automation N/A N/A N/A
34 22 Dave Blaney Toyota CAT Paving Products N/A N/A N/A
35 45 Kyle Petty Dodge Wells Fargo N/A N/A N/A
36 2 Kurt Busch Dodge Miller Lite N/A N/A N/A
37 44 Dale Jarrett Toyota UPS N/A N/A N/A
38 21 Bill Elliott Ford Little Debbie N/A N/A N/A
39 83 Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull N/A N/A N/A

40 00 David Reutimann Toyota Aaron's Dream Machine N/A N/A N/A
41 55 Michael Waltrip Toyota NAPA AUTO PARTS N/A N/A N/A
42 34 John Andretti Chevrolet Front Row Motorsports N/A N/A N/A
43 78 Joe Nemechek Chevrolet Furniture Row Racing N/A N/A N/A

Did Not Qualify
44 84 A.J. Allmendinger Toyota Red Bull - - -
45 49 Ken Schrader Dodge Qtrax.com - - -
46 10 Patrick Carpentier* Dodge Charter Communications - - -
47 27 Mike Skinner Toyota Bad Boy Mowers - - -
48 08 Burney Lamar Dodge rhino's energy drink - - -

+ Set by Owner Points
* Denotes Rookie

Find this article at:
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2008/2/data/lineup.html

What , No Darrell Waltrip ? NO Cale Yarborugh ? , NO Richard Petty ?
Heck I'm not watching