Autoblog

GM to make "NASCAR-wide" funding cuts

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:38:00 EST

The scalpel of bankruptcy that is slicing off GM's sponsorship activities hasn't touched NASCAR's top tier Sprint Cup series, but the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series' have been trimmed. NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kevin Harvick have teams running in the lower two series, and have been told by GM that they will lose funding.

Harvick runs three trucks in the Camping World Truck Series and hasn't commented on what GM's move will bring. Earnhardt, with the backing of Hendrick Motorsports, fields two cars in the Nationwide series and a team spokeswoman said "we are fully capable of adjusting our business model to this change" to continue racing.

For now, Chevrolet has no plans to pull out of NASCAR entirely and the Sprint Cup remains immune to the cost cutting. As the red carpet event, everybody knows the fans want to see Chevrolet doing the ovals, and we imagine there will be quite a few other painful measures taken before the Bowtie would bow out of oval racing.

[Source: AP via Google News]

GM to make "NASCAR-wide" funding cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: NASCAR seen fretting over ratings drop

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

According to Nielsen, ratings for NASCAR on Fox are down by an alarming 11.5% so far this year, and while we're sure that many NASCAR haters will suggest that it's just not that interesting watching non-stock "stock cars" turning left over and over again as they circle oval tracks, race organizers and TV ratings researchers believe there's much more to the decline in viewership than that.

Certainly, the sorry state of affairs surrounding the world's sagging economy doesn't help matters any, and neither did the rain that forced an early end to the Daytona 500, the sport's pivotal first race of the season. Paul Brooks, president of NASCAR Media Group, also points a finger in the direction of Dale Earnhardt Jr, who's second season as part of Hendrick Motorsports isn't exactly going as hoped.

Regardless of its downward ratings trend in '09, it seems most experts on the subject predict the NASCAR brand will pull through over the long haul, although it will be interesting to see if/how the auto industry crisis affects the cash-intensive motorsports series. In the meantime, NASCAR and Fox are reportedly "looking at every angle" to boost viewership in the short term.

[Source: Sports Business Journal | Image: Roger Smith]

REPORT: NASCAR seen fretting over ratings drop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Motorsports, Lifestyle

Follow the jump to hear Dale, Jr. giving you directions on the RightWay Spotter GPS

The Dale, Jr.-edition Spotter GPS has Junior gearing you up for the ride with "You drive, I'll ride shotgun." The portable device offers turn-by-turn directions and features Junior-isms like "Hang a right" and "Park it, we're here." The RightWay Spotter comes installed with 1.7 million points of interest, which includes a point-of-interest tour of Charlotte, North Carolina that can also lead you to some of Dale's favorite places. If that weren't enough, the GPS plays MP3s and videos, displays photos, and has an e-book reader, all for $299.

Admittedly, we were kinda hoping it would only instruct left turns, which, in the words of our tipster, might go something like this:

"Alright y'all are gonna go down here a ways, then turn left. Keep going then turn left. Merge over to the high side and and at the next corner turn left. Then make an immediate left. Continue down this stretch of road then y'all need to turn left...

Follow the jump to watch a video of the real Dale, Jr. telling you how it's done. Thanks for the tip, Derek!

[Source: Twice]

Continue reading "Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]

"Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Camaro Accessories, Camaro Black, and Earnhardt, Jr. Camaro LIVE

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of 2008 SEMA Camaro concepts

You read about them earlier, but GM pulled out every joker it had in the Camaro deck today. One of them was bathed in yellow and filled with a host of GM Accessories options, like contrasting side sills and front spoiler, the hockey stick stripe package, and 21-inch wheels in machined aluminum with black accents. One thing we realized when getting up close and personal is that the inside of the Camaro is as dark as a coffin. It might not be a bad idea to splurge for the interior lighting package if you want to see who's in the car with you.

The Dale Jr. Camaro is something old and something new, with a biofuel V8 that's been tweaked for a little more horsepower, and the monster is shifted with a Hurst short-throw. Outside, gray-over-white goes will all sorts of stripes and emblems, whereas inside the car is black with orange stitching and gets a nice set of white center console gauges. And that ducktail dovetail spoiler? Straight out of '69. The car should come with an 8-track of Bryan Adams' Greatest Hits, which probably wouldn't sound too bad on the Boston Acoustics system.

The Camaro Black Concept is the car this blogger equated to pure badass one year ago, after driving the Camaro Convertible Concept. The blacked-out gloss exterior offset by a matte hood go perfectly with the red halo rings around the headlights. Frankly, we'd lower it even more over the 21-inch wheels, but we wouldn't touch the black interior with red interior lighting. We didn't expect GM to put the 6-cylinder in it, but based on the sound it made rolling by, it's not a problem. The Camaro got its first star turn in Transformers, and if Hollywood ever decides to remake The Car, this one is the star. Until then, you can check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Camaro Concepts LIVE

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Camaro Accessories, Camaro Black, and Earnhardt, Jr. Camaro LIVE

SEMA 2008: Camaro Accessories, Camaro Black, and Earnhardt, Jr. Camaro LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Put your name on Dale Jr.'s race car

Drew Phillips — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

It would take quite a sum of money to put your name on the side of a race car, but AMP Energy drink is providing an opportunity for NASCAR fans to do just that with Dale Jr.'s #88 car. The first 65,000 people to sign up at AMP Energy's web site will have their name appear on the car for that AMP Energy 500 at Talledega Superspeedway. If you don't sign up in time, the next 35,000 names will appear on the pit will banner, and registered names to appear after that will appear on the race car cover or on AMP Energy signage posted throughout the race track. We'd guess the names will be pretty small, so don't expect to see your name on TV any time soon. The last day to register is July 1.

Put your name on Dale Jr.'s race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins in Michigan, ends 76-race losing streak

John Neff — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the darling of NASCAR, but the motorsport's most popular driver was completely winless for the last 76 races until this past weekend when the Intimidator's son won the LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Junior won the race in an odd way, literally coasting across the finish line on an empty tank of gas under a caution flag after Patrick Carpenter spun out on lap 203. The race had been extended to overtime after Sam Hornish Jr. spun on Lap 200, and had it not been for the caution Carpenter created three laps later, Junior would likely would've ran out of gas before the finish. Rather than do burnouts afterwards on the track, Earnhardt's #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy had to be pushed to Victory Ciricle. The win not only ended Junior's drought, but also gave his new employer, Rick Hendrick, his second win of the season. Many thought this might be Junior's year after he handily won the Bud Shootout ahead of the Daytona 500. That was his first race as a member of Hendrick Motorsports and didn't count for points, but the rest of the season has not gone his way until this past weekend.

[Source: NASCAR]

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins in Michigan, ends 76-race losing streak originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Navy wants you... to join the Dale Jr. Division

Alex Nunez — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Military

Click image to enlarge

The U.S. Navy and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are partnering on a national recruiting program that'll officially kick off when Junior pilots the above #83 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race on May 24. On that very same day, prospective sailors will also be able to visit their local recruiting stations and sign up to be a part of the new "Dale Jr. Division" being formed at the Navy's Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. We are not making any of this up.

This new boot camp division is limited to 88 slots, a nod to the number worn by Dale Jr.'s NASCAR Sprint Cup ride. The Navy will support the new recruiting effort with a full media offensive, and Earnhardt Jr. will be on hand to christen his namesake division when its recruits report in August. Junior will also make a return trip to visit the group when it completes the basic training course. We eagerly await the logical next step in this high-profile partnership with Dale Jr. -- a Navy announcement that funding for a high-banked oval at Great Lakes has been approved.

[Source: Navy NewsStand]

U.S. Navy wants you... to join the Dale Jr. Division originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petty and Earnhardt get wax treatment

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc.

Only in Vegas. Madame Tussaud's unveiled their latest ghastly likenesses; we're not sure if the fact that the subjects are still alive makes it more creepy. The work is uncanny in its accuracy and lifelike look, and if you're in Vegas, Tussaud's is a veritable family attraction. The reason for the paraffin-ization of the left-turning legends was the kickoff of this weekend's races at Las Vegas's own Motor Speedway. The flesh and blood Petty and Earnhardt were on hand for the debut of their inanimate doppelgangers at the Neon Garage, though we're not sure if they'll be paying any visits to the exhibit's permanent home at the Venetian. They could roam the exhibit halls and catch glimpses of such luminaries as John Holmes (we're not sure if it's all of "Wad," or a partial model) Siegfried and Roy (before or after the mauling, again, not sure), and of course Fat Elvis. Good times, good times. Now, where's that buffet...

[Source: TCC]

Petty and Earnhardt get wax treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM memorializes Earnhardt with Web site

Chris Tutor — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, GM

Six years ago today, Dale Earnhardt died in a 150-mph crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500. To commemorate the date (and the release of "Dale: The Movie"), General Motors has dedicated "The Power of 3" Web site to the memory of Dale Earnhardt.

Visitors to the site can submit their memories of the Intimidator as well as find out when the movie will be coming to their town.

Read the full press release from GM after the jump.

Continue reading GM memorializes Earnhardt with Web site

GM memorializes Earnhardt with Web site originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barbie lets her hair down for NASCAR

Alex Nunez — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Marketing/Advertising

Joining the endless ranks of officially-licensed Barbie dolls (tie-ins have ranged from Harley-Davidson to the X-Files and literally everything in-between) are a pair of new plastic fantastic NASCAR fangirls-- Jeff Gordon Barbie and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Barbie.
The Jeff Gordon NASCAR Barbie sports a #24 t-shirt, a DuPont jacket, jeans and cowboy boots, while the Dale Jr. Barbie rocks a #8-logoed minidress, a read headband, red go-go boots and a Dale Jr. flag for her to wave from the imaginary grandstand. You'll be fascinated to learn that both dolls use the Model/Muse body sculpt. Too much information? Clearly, but it's the kind of thing that will likely remain in your "useless information I can't forget" memory banks until the reaper calls your name.

Adding the dolls to your permanent collection will run you a somewhat ridiculous $34.95 a pop. Hey, Mattel's got to recoup that (undoubtedly) sizeable licensing fee they paid NASCAR, right? Call us when a Richard Petty edition comes out, and maybe we'll talk.

[Source: Mattel via The Car Connection]

Barbie lets her hair down for NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Checkered weekend: No. 48 looks good for Cup win

Chris Tutor — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 07:43:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

This Sunday the Chase for the 2006 Nextel Cup will cross the finish line. At the end of the day, as long as No. 48 Jimmie Johnson finishes 12th or better at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he will walk away with his long-awaited championship. According to the guys who crunch the numbers, that's even if No. 17 Matt Kenseth, who trails Johnson by 63 points, wins the race and leads the most laps.

But No. 29 Kevin Harvick, third in the standings going into this weekend's race, will not end the year empty-handed. Harvick's done even better in the Busch Series. He had that title wrapped up in October. He can just coast through Saturday's Busch race (Ford 300 on TNT at 7 p.m. ET). No. 11 Denny Hamlin, fourth in Nextel Cup standings, looks good to take home rookie-of-the-year trophy.
Sorry No. 8 fans, at 115 points behind Johnson, Earnhardt Jr. is a long shot. There's always next year, Dale. Rounding out Nextel Cup's top 10 are No. 24 Jeff Gordon, No. 31 Jeff Burton, No. 6 Mark Martin, No. 9 Kasey Kahne and No. 5 Kyle Busch.

Watch the Ford 400/Nextel Cup Series Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.

For the Craftsman Truck Series championship, Johnny Benson trails Todd Bodine by 112 points before Friday's Ford 200 in Miami. Watch that race on Speed Channel at 7:30 p.m. ET

Check the NASCAR TV schedule for official airing times.

Checkered weekend: No. 48 looks good for Cup win originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Dale Jr.'s Mini Cooper

Alex Nunez — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Auctions, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Mini

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is looking to rearrange his personal car collection, so his customized 270-horsepower Mini Cooper is officially on the block. Mini tuning house Mini Mania is responsible for the barrage of modifications to the car, which include upgrades to the computer, suspension, exhaust and more.

In addition to the go-fast bits, the Mini sports new wheels, a body kit, and a custom carbon fiber and chrome interior. Dale Jr. has autographed the visor already, and will do likewise to the dash at the buyer's request. Best of all, the winning bidder will have the chance to take delivery directly from Dale Jr. at his house in North Carolina.

As of this writing, the current bid is $28,501. That's not a lot of cash for a pretty fun package where you get the car and meet the star. The auction ends Thursday, June 29.

Thanks to reader Robert K. for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Dale Jr.'s Mini Cooper originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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