Evergreen Speedway results for Saturday, Sept. 6
Posted at 12:02 am by Scott Whtimore
Right off the bat I need to make a correction and an apology ... in my live blog from Evergreen Speedway on Saturday night (See below) I kept referring to the Mini-Stock feature winner as "Sean Reed" when in fact the winner was Steve Green.
Sorry about that Mr. Green.
All of the results -- unofficial at present -- from the racing on Saturday are below. ... [Read More]
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Getty Images for NASCAR |
Fearless predictions: Stormy Sunday
Posted at 11:25 pm by Scott Whitmore
I’m back.
Like the weeds in your front yard or that relative who doesn’t realize you’d rather not ever see them again.
I was going to make a joke about just having woken up after last weekend’s snoozer of a Cup race (Ed.: Although I did correctly pick Jimmie Johnson to win, I’d hoped it would at least be interesting).
Or, I could try to get a little more mileage out of my on-going bathroom remodel (Ed.: Now thankfully complete, photos to follow.).
But no, the truth is much less interesting. In fact, it’s the same answer I give to a lot of folks at Evergreen Speedway when they ask me why I didn’t write a story about this, or follow up on that. Or why I'm just not in the paper anymore.
This is just part-time of my part-time job, and my hours are capped. Within my budgeted time each week I've got two or three shifts as a copy editor, posting wire and local stories on the Web site, and covering the races at Evergreen Speedway. ... [Read More]
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Zaretzke goes 3-for-3 with South Sound win
Posted at 4:29 pm by Scott Whitmore
Evergreen Speedway's three-time defending Super Stock champion decided to take a road trip over the holiday weekend.
After sweeping the Super Stock doubleheader in Monroe, Wash., on Saturday, John Zaretzke and the Coleman Motosports/JZ Motorsports team headed to South Sound Speedway in Tennino, Wash., to run on Sunday.
Here's an email I received from Frank and Lena Coleman:
"The entire #51 crew went back to the shop Saturday night and worked on the car until 1:30 a.m. Took off in the morning at 8 a,m and ran Sunday's show at South Sound.
It was an unbelievable end to an incredible weekend of racing!
We were fastest qualifier with a 17.85 but we had to start at the back due to being a visitor and having new tires. The race results:
#1 Johnny Z; #2 (Tom) Sweatman; #3 JJ Hamilton
What a weekend! 3-for-3 and five out of the last six races, South Sound really was a nice experience to end the three-day holiday.
Frank and Lena ... [Read More]
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Thomas Vick, Evergreen Speedway |
Zaretzke sweeps Evergreen Speedway doubleheader
Posted at 2:03 am by Scott Whitmore
MONROE, Wash. — It’s official: John Zaretzke is back.
Not that the defending Evergreen Speedway and Washington state NASCAR champion was ever out of the battle to win a fourth Super Stock division title.
But for most of the season Zaretzke had finished behind points leader Naima Lang, who had racked up seven feature victories this year.
Not anymore.
Zaretzke swept a Super Stock doubleheader at Evergreen Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 30, winning both 50-lap races and cutting Lang’s points lead to a single point with two races to go.
Lang, who entered the evening with an 11-point lead, finished fifth in both races.
After winning his third then fourth straight races, Zaretzke’s comments from victory stage were nearly identical.
“I want to thank my crew,” he said after the first race. Then, after completing the sweep, he said: “I thank my race team, all the time they put it; they work on the car all week long.” ... [Read More]
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Associated Press |
Fearless predictions: Going to California
Posted at 12:05 am by Scott Whitmore
In any sport, you get to a point in the season when everyone starts thinking about the end.
A couple weeks ago at Evergreen Speedway three-time defending Super Stock and Washington state NASCAR champion John Zaretzke asked me if I was getting tired of going to the track every Saturday night.
Although I said that I wasn’t, part of my mind was nodding emphatically. And I’m sure Zaretzke knew it.
Truthfully, I love going to the speedway and talking to the drivers, crews, fans, and officials. It still amazes me that I get paid to watch racing.
But even so, with each Saturday afternoon it’s become a bit harder to make that trek to Monroe. There are a million things to do at the house (Ed: they’re getting tired of hearing about your bathroom, sport), a wife — whose work schedule is almost the exact opposite of mine — to spend time with, two grandchildren to watch grow. ... [Read More]
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Labor Day weekend overload
Posted at 4:03 pm by Scott Whitmore
Where to begin?
Whatever type of racing you're interested in, this weekend has it. My fingers are numb from posting all the previews, stats, etc. Take a look at both the National and Local Racing sections on The Herald's auto racing page.
Some highlights: ... [Read More]
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More Kevin Hamlin news
Posted at 2:43 pm by Scott Whitmore
This is a big day for Kevin Hamlin updates. The Snohomish, Wash., native will be racing in the Nationwide Series for the first time this year this weekend.
Following was emailed to me just a bit ago:
Hamlin in the #81 at California: Kevin Hamlin of Ganassi Racing will be competing in the Nationwide Series race at California for MacDonald Motorsports. Hamlin will be racing the #81 Mahindra Tractors Dodge as DJ Kennington competes at Canadian Tire Series on Saturday.(MacDonald Motorsports PR)(8-26-2008) ... [Read More]
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Jason Fritz/Herald Photographer |
Kevin Hamlin video update
Posted at 11:12 pm by Scott Whitmore
Below is some great video of Snohomish, Wash., native Kevin Hamlin test driving a Sprint Cup Car of Tommorrow earlier this month at Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis, Mo.
Hamlin is a developmental driver with Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates Racing (CGFSR), and his primary role this year has been test driving.
Couple quick notes: (1) Check out the Seahawks helmet. (2) If you've got the connection, head over to YouTube (click link below) and watch the video after clicking the "Watch in High Quality" option. (3) Regardless of where you watch it, put on headphones or turn the sound up
(Ed: I didn't think the sound was up too loud but the other guys working in the sports department on Monday night could hear the rumbling from my earphones).
Too cool.
If you want to see more videos of Hamlin test driving, go to YouTube.com and search for "KHamlinRacing." Or you can just CLICK HERE. ... [Read More]
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NASCAR photo |
What we learned: Bristol, Sonoma and Valencia
Posted at 10:03 pm by Scott Whitmore
What goes around, comes around.
And when it comes to racing, what goes around is usually someone’s car. Locally and nationally, while the season is winding down, some tempers may be heating up.
The suits at NASCAR headquarters must be beside themselves with glee on this Monday after Bristol. With just two races to go before the Chase begins, the top two drivers have decided to get a little old-school.
Carl Edwards nudged Kyle Busch aside with about 30 laps to go Saturday, then went on to take his second straight and sixth overall checkered flag this season. “Cousin” Carl said after the race he was just doing to Busch what Busch had done back to him in the past.
When Busch, who took some exception to the move, ran into Edwards’ car after the race was over, Edwards promptly dumped Busch. ... [Read More]
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Defending champions win at Evergreen Speedway
Posted at 1:55 am by Scott Whitmore
The Evergreen State Fair is in full swing in this, it's 100th year (I'm told there is some question about that claim, but I'm going with what they told me).
Plenty of exciting action at Evergren Speedway too, with the Figure Eight Nationals and some oval-track racing, too.
In an interesting coincidence, the defending champions from the three divisions in action on Saturday night all won.
For those of you who like your racing on dirt, Saturday night's story and results from Skagit Speedway can be found RIGHT HERE. ... [Read More]
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Fearless predictions: Bristol, Sonoma and Valencia
Posted at 12:01 pm by Scott Whitmore
Saturday night is the Figure Eight Nationals at Evergreen. Defending champion John Carlson was doing his usual charge-through-the-field last weekend, but was knocked off the track by a lapped car. That won't happen Saturday.
Super Stock points leader Naima Lang has won seven races so far this year, but hasn't visited victory stage in the past two. That mini-slump ends this weekend.
The Bomber division race last weekend was wild, with a white-flag-lap wreck taking out the cars that were running 2nd-4th. I have no clue how to predict this division, which has seen some of the most exciting racing at the speedway this year. I'll take a blind swing and say defending champion Lane Sundholm cuts into the lead of current points leader Jim Foti. ... [Read More]
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Thoughts on JGR cheating
Posted at 9:03 am by Scott Whitmore
It took a day longer, but NASCAR went ahead and did what we all knew they were going to: hammer Joe Gibbs Racing for trying to cheat an after-race dyno test on the 18 and 20 Nationwide cars. Read the AP story right here.
JGR said it will not appeal the penalties, and in fact JGR went ahead and imposed its own internal penalties on top of NASCAR's (see JGR statement below).
There are those in every sport who go by that old cliche: if you aren't cheating you aren't trying. This cliche has become especially attached to racing, where the difference between winning and being the first loser can be hundredths of a second. Finding the "gray areas" in the rule book has become somewhat of an art form for crew chiefs and racers alike. ... [Read More]
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Malsam update after Bristol
Posted at 8:39 pm by Scott Whitmore
I had a lot of fun doing the live blog of the Bristol NASCAR truck race. If you stopped by for it, thanks.
Mill Creek, Wash., driver Tayler Malsam's NASCAR debut ended on lap 54 when he blew a right-front tire. I spoke to Tayler after the race and my story can be found here: (CLICK HERE). ... [Read More]
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Live blog -- Malsam's NASCAR debut in Bristol
Posted at 1:26 pm by Scott Whitmore
We're going to try something new on Wednesday.
I'm going to be doing a live blog during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
A live blog is something I've wanted to do for some time, but in this case my focus is going to be Mill Creek, Wash., resident Tayler Malsam, who will be making his NASCAR debut.
To read my story about Malsam making his first truck series start CLICK HERE.
I don't expect Malsam to be out front with the leaders -- let's face it, Bristol is a tough, tough place to be making your debut -- but I'll try to keep track of where he is. My plan is to have the TV going as well as NASCAR.com.
Should be a great time -- hopefully you can stop by and join me.
You bring the popcorn, though. ... [Read More]
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Northsound Racing's 100th show
Posted at 9:52 am by Scott Whitmore
Wanted to pass along to you the following email from Carla Heath of KRKO 1380's Northsound Racing show:
"Northsound Racing, the only radio show dedicated to the coverage of the racing scene in the Pacific Northwest is gearing up for it’s 100th show, and that requires a party!
Join us for a live broadcast on August 19th, from 7-10 pm, at the Cactus Moon Saloon, located at 717 128th Street in Everett.
We’ll have giveaways, cars on display, and beware, if you’re in the building, we might put you on the radio! We’ll honor the drivers, teams, sponsors and racetrack personnel from all the tracks in the Pacific Northwest, all the people that have made our show unique over the years.
It would be an honor to have you join us. It’s sure been a privilege to do the show!"
Note: You must be 21 or older to get in. ... [Read More]
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Courtesy Thomas Vick, Evergreen Speedway |
What we learned: Michigan, again
Posted at 10:21 am by Scott Whitmore
I can’t win.
Carl Edwards’ Sprint Cup victory on Sunday in Michigan pushed me up to 10th in the NASCAR Media Race to the Chase contest, just 19 points behind the leader.
That’s the good news.
The bad news? I can’t win.
NASCAR has thoughtfully allowed us to look at the picks for everyone in the contest, and Jim Utter of the Charlotte Observer and ThatsRacin.com, who is sitting all alone in second place, has chosen the exact same drivers that I have for the final three races.
So, even if I’m right on all of them, I can't close the 17-point gap between myself and Mr. Utter.
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. ... [Read More]
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Courtesy Thomas Vick, Evergreen Speedway |
Hot night at Evergreen Speedway
Posted at 10:13 pm by Scott Whitmore
It was 88 degrees as I drove through the back gate at Evergreen Speedway.
Although the temperature cooled off later in the evening -- and a full moon came up over the Cascades -- the action on the track stayed plenty hot with five divisions in action.
My notes from Saturday are here: CLICK HERE. ... [Read More]
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Fearless predictions: Michigan again
Posted at 6:09 pm by Scott Whitmore
It's mid-August and the weather is really feeling like summer.
The Chicago Cubs are in first place in the NL Central.
Gas was under $4 a gallon when I filled up my car last night.
Can life get any better?
Why, yes it can. Because -- unfinished bathroom or not -- it's time to get back to the track for some racing. ... [Read More]
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A cautionary tale ...
Posted at 9:49 pm by Scott Whitmore
CNN-SI NASCAR writer Brant James has an interesting column on the demise of a small racetrack in Florida, and what it may or may not mean for local racing nationwide.
Read it here: (CLICK HERE)
I'm going to say it again: NASCAR can -- and should -- do more for local racing. Yes, the insurance coverage is a big plus, and so is being able to use that rainbow-sherbert logo.
But you can't say you're investing in the "future" of the sport without actually ... well, investing in the people. There has to be a better approach to finding and cultivating the next generation of drivers.
Too much of it right now is left up to the drivers themselves ... and a driver with family connections and/or money is always going to have an edge. I'm not suggesting those are bad things, just that the playing field is not level. ... [Read More]
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Equal time for those that don't turn
Posted at 11:44 am by Scott Whitmore
I've given you some NASCAR goodies, so now I'm going to give some equal time to the NHRA ... them that don't turn.
With just one event left to the Countdown to 1 after this weekend's Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, there isn't much time left for drivers on the bubble. You can find a preview of this weekend's NHRA action right here, or by browsing in the "national/international" racing section.
The NHRA preview is centered around Top Fuel racer Hillary Will, who earned her first POWERade Series victory on June 1 in Topeka, Kan. Will was a teammate of Scott Kalitta, who died in a fiery crash in New Jersey.
The lastest copy of the NHRA Countdown newsletter is also included in the preview as an attached .pdf file. ... [Read More]
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NASCAR-provided news and notes for Aug. 13
Posted at 10:33 am by Scott Whitmore
By now you should know the drill. At the right in the "Additional items" section are .pdf files with:
-- Sprint Cup news and notes for Michgian
-- Sprint Cup statistical advance for Michigan
-- Nationwide news and notes for Michigan
-- Craftsman Truck Series news and notes
Enjoy. ... [Read More]
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What we learned: Drifting through the Twilight Zone
Posted at 11:55 am by Scott Whitmore
I finally figured out a way to watch a race on TV while still spending time with my granddaughter.
For Sunday’s Cup race at the Glen, I got out several of my diecast cars — especially the No. 18 M&M’s because that’s her favorite — and we tried to find the real versions on the screen.
She played with the cars — I watched the race. When the big wreck came late in the race, there was another big pileup on the living room floor.
Just like at Watkins Glen, no one was hurt.
Unlike the Glen, however, none of her drivers were called to the NASCAR diecast hauler. ... [Read More]
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Archives:
Schedules:
2008 Evergreen Speedway
2008 Skagit Speedway
2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup
2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series
2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck
2008 Indy Racing League
2008 NHRA
2008 Formula One
Local racing:
• Skagit Speedway Flat Track Championship results Sep. 6
• Evergreen Speedway results for Aug. 30 Sep. 2
• Fraser gets 1st Northwest Tour win Sep. 2
• Tidrick gets 1st Late Model Challenge Series win of the year Sep. 1
• Crockett picks up another ASCS win in Elma Sep. 1
• Skagit Speedway World of Outlaws Night 2 results Aug. 31
• Crockett picks up another sprint car win in Elma Aug. 31
• Skagit Speedway results: World of Outlaws Day 1 Aug. 30
• World of Outlaws rained out Friday at Skagit Speedway Aug. 29
• Carman goes late to win Car Club Challenge race at Pacific Raceways Aug. 27
• World of Outlaws headed to Pacific Northwest Aug. 27
• Northwest Tour racing at Yakima this Saturday Aug. 27
• Big weekend planned at Grays Harbor Raceway Aug. 27
• ARCA West Late Model Challenge Series heads to Yakima Aug. 27
• Rutz wins Outlaws tuneup at Skagit Speedway Aug. 24
National and international:
• NASCAR's Johnson wins 2nd straight to charge into Chase Sep. 7
• Massa declared winner of Belgian GP Sep. 7
• Edwards' late surge leads to 4th NASCAR Nationwide win Sep. 7
• Who's in NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup Sep. 7
• IndyCar notes: Ganassi gets sixth open-wheel title Sep. 7
• IndyCar-PEAK Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 Results Sep. 7
• NASCAR-Sprint-Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Results Sep. 7
• Castroneves wins race; Dixon takes IndyCar title Sep. 7
• NASCAR notes: Ragan makes strong push, but falls short of Chase Sep. 7
• Red Bull's Frye mum on future with Stewart-Haas Racing Sep. 7
• Formula One Belgian Grand Prix results Sep. 7
• F1: Hamilton clinches pole for Belgian GP Sep. 6
• NASCAR trucks: Hornaday wins at Gateway International Sep. 6
• ARCA RE/MAX-Chicagoland ARCA 200 Results Sep. 6
• IndyCar notes: Franchitti ready for return to open wheel Sep. 6
• Indy Racing League-Chicagoland 300 Lineup Sep. 6
• 4-time NASCAR champ Gordon eager to end several skids Sep. 6
• IndyCar's Castroneves playing catch-up, head games Sep. 6
• NASCAR notes: Last race before Chase can be tough Sep. 6
• Hanna washes out NASCAR races at Richmond Sep. 5
• NASCAR's Bowyer at ease headed into final qualifying race Sep. 5
• NASCAR Richmond lineups: Sprint Cup and Nationwide series Sep. 5
• Dixon, Castroneves take IndyCar title fight to the end Sep. 5
• NASCAR notes: GEM suing Robby Gordon for breach of contract Sep. 5
• Hamilton aims to keep Formula One lead he lost in '07 Sep. 5
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