Lead Lap's NASCAR News » Jayski

Gordon, Johnson Subpoenaed In Mayfield Lawsuit

Michael J Smith — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:45:10 +0000

Jayski is reporting via Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were subpoenaed by Jeremy Mayfield’s legal team, and will be deposed regarding sworn statements they made regarding his lawsuit against NASCAR. Representatives for both Gordon and Johnson have confirmed that they were subpoenaed.

Budweiser To MWR?

Michael J Smith — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:18:42 +0000

Jayski is reporting via FoxSports that Ty Norris of Michael Waltrip Racing was entertaining reps from Budweiser at Texas last weekend. Could Budweiser be headed to MWR? Possibly, given this tidbit. There are reports that Budweiser was interested in joining Hendrick Motorsports when Dale Earnhardt Jr joined the team but HMS’s deal with Pepsi prevented that. If that still stands, Budweiser could be looking for a new home.

R3M Crew Member Suspended

Michael J Smith — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:27:02 +0000

NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Kenneth Luna, a crew member for R3 Motorsports’ No. 23 Nationwide team for violating the substance abuse policy, according to Jayski. Luna was a gas runner and second can man on race day.

Braun Racing Taps Sorenson For N’Wide Ride

Michael J Smith — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:18:34 +0000

Reed Sorenson will drive Braun Racing’s No. 32 Dollar General Toyota for 23 races in the Nationwide Series next season, according to Jayski. Sorenson drove a few races for the team, and earned the ride this season based on his performance. Brian Vickers will also drive 10 races in the No. 32.

Four Candidates For Phoenix’s No. 09

Michael J Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:32:06 +0000

There appear to be four candidates for Phoenix Racing’s No. 09 Sprint Cup entry, according to ESPN Insider via Jayski. Casey Mears is said to be the leading candidate. But, Reed Sorenson, David Gilliland, and David Stremme are also in the mix.

Chase Clinch Scenarios

Michael J Smith — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:58:06 +0000

Depending how things shake out during Saturday night’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond, Mark Martin could start the Chase as the point-leader, or he could miss it all together. See Jayski’s clinching scenarios here.

Lead Lap Turns One Year Old

Michael J Smith — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:23:52 +0000

Last week, the Lead Lap quietly turned one year old. It’s hard to believe that it has been a year.

History

The concept for this blog started many years before in launched. I kicked the idea around for several years, but could never come up with a niche for my blog. Should I cover NASCAR news? How will that be unique compared to all other NASCAR coverage?

Eventually, I settled on the idea that I would feature a synopsis and analysis of the media coverage of NASCAR. But, that idea quickly evolved into what the Lead Lap has become today: a mix of news, rumors, and opinions.

I wanted to create a blog that featured current NASCAR news interjected with my thoughts and opinions. I also wanted to bring in other types of stories that were tangentally related to NASCAR — for example the economic conditions and their affect on NASCAR, and the companies involved in NASCAR.

In one year’s time, I think I have acheived those goals. I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Future

In the future, I hope to continue to grow this blog, and maybe eventually expand to a full-blown website. I’m still kicking around ideas for what the website would feature and how it would fit in with other sites like Jayski and SceneDaily.

A redesign may also be coming. I’m hoping to give the Lead Lap a better look and feel.

Stats

Looking back at the last year, I’ve put together some stats I would like to share. In April 2007, the Lead Lap generated 41 views — most of those coming from my girlfriend. Since then, the Lead Lap has grown to an average of 832 views per month, with a high of 1,500 views in July of 2007.

When this blog was launched, the hottest NASCAR story was the speculation surrounding Tony Stewart’s 2009 plans. As a matter of fact, my first posting was on this very subject. At that time, it was unclear whether or not Stewart would be released from his contract.

Coincidentally, the Lead Lap’s top post by page views was the official announcement that Tony Stewart would be driving the Old Spice, Office Depot Chevy for Stewart Haas Racing. The number 2 post? Army sponsoring Ryan Newman and SHR.

Last week’s story on fans injured during Carl Edwards Talladega wreck was the most viewed non-SHR story. But, the Car and Driver hoax article story is right behind it, and is still closing the gap.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has visited, and continues to visit, this blog and those of you who share your insights and opinions via comments. I do my best to respond to each one, and will continue to do so. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my girlfriend who helped me get this blog off the ground and, even though she is not a NASCAR fan, still continues to check it out daily. Thanks.

HOF Racing May Team Up With Yates Or Roush

Michael J Smith — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:49:38 +0000

Hall of Fame Racing and Yates Racing may team up to field a car sponsored by Ask.com, according to Jayski, who is pointing to Sports Business Journal.

Conversely, ESPN’s NASCAR Experts blog is reporting that HOF Racing is trying to forge a deal with Roush Fenway Racing.

If the team chooses one of the two, then it will switch from Toyota to Ford next season. The team has not named a driver at this point, but they have secured DLP/Texas Instruments for six races in 2009. DLP has sponsored the team since its inception in 2006.

It's Official: Army To Sponsor SHR, Newman

Michael J Smith — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:44:13 +0000

Tony Stewart’s Stewart Haas Racing announced that the U.S. Army will sponsor its No. 39 Chevy, and driver Ryan Newman for 22 races next season.

For the remaining 14 races, the Army will serve as associate sponsor. A primary sponsor was not announced for those remaining races.

For images of the car, see Jayski’s No. 39 schemes page.

Wallace To Return? To Drive For DEI?

Michael J Smith — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:35:03 +0000

Jayski is reporting via SpeedTV that there is a rumor circulating that Rusty Wallace may come out of retirement and drive for Dale Earnhardt Inc next season.

Kenny Wallace, Rusty’s brother, wrote:

All I can say is that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And he is definitely considering stepping back into a race car.

Wallace attributes the thought of Rusty returning to Mark Martin’s return to full time racing next season in Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5.

Also, Wallace will drive Michael Waltrip Racing’s No. 00 at this weekend’s Amp Energy 500 from Talladega Superspeedway.