Erik Darnell will replace Bobby Labonte for seven races in Yates Racing’s No. 96 Ford, starting with this weekend’s race at Atlanta. Darnell will run Atlanta, Loudon, Kansas, Talladega, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead. Labonte will run Richmond, Dover, Fontana, Charlotte and Martinsville. Labonte attributed the move to the sponsorship environment.
Carl Edwards capitalized on a rare mistake by Marcos Ambrose on the final turn of the final lap to win the Nationwide Series’ NAPA Auto Parts 200. Ambrose dominated for most of the day, and held off a hard-charging Edwards until the final turn, where Ambrose hit the curb and went airborne. Ambrose lost momentum, allowing Edwards to sneak pass him coming to the checkered flag.
Kyle Busch passed Todd Bodine with 19 laps to go, and held on to win the EnjoyIllinois.com 250 at Chicagoland Speedway. The victory is his second consecutive Camping World Truck Series victory in a row.
Gene Nead has replaced Robert “Bootie” Barker as crew chief for the No. 55 NAPA Toyota for the remainder of the season, according to SceneDaily. No word on why the change was made.
Irwin Industrial Tools will be ending its sponsorship with Roush Fenway Racing and driver Jamie McMurray, according to SceneDaily. The company said that it is time for a new chapter. Irwin joins Dewalt, which ended its sponsorship of RFR’s No 17 and Matt Kenseth.
Despite it being widely reported that Brad Keselowski has signed on to drive for Penske Championship Racing next season, the process doesn’t seem to be a done deal… at least not one anyone is willing to confirm publicly. ESPN reported that David Stremme, current PCR driver, said he was out of a ride, comments Stremme [...]
Rumors are swirling that Bootie Barker is out at Michael Waltrip Racing. But, Cal Wells has denied that, and Marty Smith said that Barker personally told him he would still be at MWR as a crew chief, just not with the No. 55.
SceneDaily is reporting that JD Motorsports has signed Mike Wallace to drive its No. 01 entry in the Nationwide Series for the remainder of the season, starting with this weekend’s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Wallace replaces Danny O’Quinn Jr. in the ride.
With the news that Brad Keselowski will be driving for Penske Championship Racing next season, rumors are circulating that JR Motorsports may look at Kelly Bires to replace Keselowski in the No. 88 JRM Chevy next season.
Kyle Busch held off Mark Martin on several restarts during the closing laps to win the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
