Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch Taiwan's over-the-top animation of the NASCAR Daytona tragedy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Taiwan's Next Media Animation tackles NASCAR crash with fan injuries at Daytona - video screencap

During last Saturday's Nationwide Series race the afternoon before the 2013 Daytona 500, a last-lap crash on left some 33 spectators injured when Kyle Larson's car flew into the fence and disintegrated as it rode along the upper edge of the barrier. The flying parts tore a hole in the fence and flew into the stands, with a television crew and a spectator video catching part of the incident.

Taiwan's Next Media Animation, which digitally recreates events usually in order to lampoon them, has made a video on the NASCAR crash questioning NASCAR's commitment to fan safety. It uses comically outrageous scenarios to make its point, the sort one would expect from a cartoon sendup.

We wonder if it's a bit unfair, though - racing is dangerous, and if you made it safe enough for no one to get hurt, we're guessing no one would want to watch it. If fans were left on their own, there could have been more injuries, but the Daytona Speedway has armed police constantly patrolling the fence to make sure fans stay back. We have a feeling, as the video below suggests, that a head-to-head between personal injury lawyers and NASCAR will write the text of the next chapter in race-day safety.

Continue reading Watch Taiwan's over-the-top animation of the NASCAR Daytona tragedy

Watch Taiwan's over-the-top animation of the NASCAR Daytona tragedy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 500daytona 500kyle larsonnascarnationwide seriesnext media animationnmaracing accidentvideoTue, 26 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478610/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/20478610/article-detail.xml 20478610 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nmadaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nmadaytona.jpg <![CDATA[Fan video from stands shows horror of Daytona crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kyle Larson's NASCAR Daytona crash scatters debris into stands - video screencap

Things took a turn for the worse during this weekend's NASCAR events in Daytona when one of the race cars crashed into the fence that separates the track and the grandstands, injuring 33 fans in the process. In our original report, we included video of this horrifying incident from the TV crews' perspective, but just days later, a video direct from the grandstands has appeared on YouTube.

To recap, Kyle Larson's No. 32 was sent into the fence during Saturday's Nationwide Series race as the result of a multi-car crash that started when Regan Smith's car was turned sideways just before coming into the checkered flag. Larson's car lost its entire front end, and the burning engine was wedged in a hole in the fence.

This fan video, however, shows just how much debris came flying into the stands, including items as large as a tire. Scroll down to watch the scary scene for yourself, though be aware, there are more than a couple Not Safe For Work explicit utterances in the video.

Continue reading Fan video from stands shows horror of Daytona crash

Fan video from stands shows horror of Daytona crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashdaytonadaytona 500kyle larsonmotorsportsnascarnationwide seriesvideoMon, 25 Feb 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476227/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/20476227/article-detail.xml 20476227 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascarvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascarvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Daytona 500 start

It's been a huge month, leading up to the Super Bowl of NASCAR, the Daytona 500. This is the first year of the new Car of Tomorrow, the "Gen Six" car, and all of the drivers have been trying to figure out its intricacies. The Ford Fusion and Chevrolet NASCAR SS has joined the field and its street-legal equivalent, the SS, was introduced. A huge wreck in the Nationwide Series race the day before the Daytona 500 tore a car in half, tore a hole in the fence, sent car parts flying into the crowd and injured some 33 spectators.

And then, of course, making just her 11th Sprint Cup Series start, there was Danica Patrick on pole position. She'd lead the way for the 43 cars on the grid to start the 200 laps of the 2.5-mile oval called the Daytona International Speedway, with its five-story-high turns banked at 31 degrees and the 3,000-foot front stretch banked at 18 degrees.

Perhaps all that excitement is why James Franco, the honorary race starter there to promote Disney's new film, Oz the Great and Powerful, yelled "Drivers, and Danica, start your engines!" to begin the 65th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship...

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 500brad keselowskicamrychevroletdale earnhardt jr.dale jrdanica patrickdaytonadaytona 500earnhardtfeaturedfordfusionhendrick motorsportsjeff gordonjimmie johnsonmotorsportsnascarnascar sssstoyotaSun, 24 Feb 2013 22:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/20475416/article-detail.xml 20475416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/day1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/day1.jpg <![CDATA[Frightening Daytona crash leaves at least 11 fans injured [w/video] [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/frightening-daytona-crash-leaves-at-least-11-fans-injured-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/frightening-daytona-crash-leaves-at-least-11-fans-injured-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/23/frightening-daytona-crash-leaves-at-least-11-fans-injured-w-vid/#commentsFiled under:



A truly horrifying crash at Saturday's Daytona race has left at least 11 NASCAR fans injured. According to the Associated Press, large chunks of debris landed in the grandstands after a car flew into the fence during a multi-car crash just before the final lap of the race.

The awful mess started when Regan Smith's car was turned sideways as he was coming into the checkered flag. This caused many other cars to crash, sending Kyle Larson's No. 32 car into the fence that separates the track from the grandstands. The car itself was damaged quite badly, the entire front end torn off and the burning engine wedged in a hole in the fence.

Driver Tony Stewart slid past the wreckage to take the win at the Nationwide Series race, but skipped the usual post-victory celebration. "As much as we want to celebrate right now and as much as this is a big deal to us, I'm more worried about the drivers and the fans that are in the stands right now because that was ... I could see it all in my mirror, and it didn't look good from where I was at," Stewart told a reporter.

A spokesperson from Volusia County told the Associated Press that six people with serious injuries were taken by ambulance to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, saying that those victims "met the condition of trauma patients." No official word has been given on the condition of other victims, nor has a final injury count been released.

This tragic event will no doubt put a dark cloud over Sunday's Daytona 500 race. Scroll down to see a video of the horrific crash.

UPDATE: A day after the accident, the injury toll has been raised to 33, with two of the victims said to be in critical condition. Check out this Associated Press video report on USA Today and this WOFL Fox 35 report.

Continue reading Frightening Daytona crash leaves at least 11 fans injured [w/video] [UPDATE]

Frightening Daytona crash leaves at least 11 fans injured [w/video] [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashdaytonadaytona 500kyle larsonmotorsportsnascarSat, 23 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/23/frightening-daytona-crash-leaves-at-least-11-fans-injured-w-vid/20474987/article-detail.xml 20474987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/162459512_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/162459512.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Sprint Cup pole]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Danica Patrick pole position Daytona 500

196.434 miles per hour. That's the top speed hit by Stewart-Haas racing driver Danica Patrick during Saturday's qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Not only was that speed good enough to earn Patrick pole position for the race on Sunday, February 24, it is the fastest speed recorded in qualifying for Daytona since 1990.

"You can do anything you want to do, and gender doesn't matter," said Patrick. And she's right: Danica Patrick can now claim to be the first woman to win pole position in NASCAR's top racing division. Since this will be her first full year in the Sprint Cup, she's also the first rookie driver to score pole since Jimmie Johnson managed the feat in 2002.

So, how do you celebrate winning pole position at Daytona? "I'm probably gonna grab some beers," said Patrick. Sounds like a winning plan to us. Scroll down below to watch a video from NASCAR highlighting the historic event.

Continue reading Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Sprint Cup pole

Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Sprint Cup pole originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdanica patrick pole positiondaytonadaytona 500daytona 500 pole positionnascarpole positionsprint cupSun, 17 Feb 2013 20:50:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465554/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/20465554/article-detail.xml 20465554 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/danica-patrick-pole-position_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/danica-patrick-pole-position.jpg <![CDATA[This is your 2014 Chevrolet SS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Think you've waited long enough for this? If so, then you'll want to savor the high-res photos we've so far been given of the 2014 Chevrolet SS, the first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan from The Bowtie in 17 years.

We all know its our version of the brand new VF-model Holden Commodore, but what's under the hood that earns the appellation "performance?" A 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine producing 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. That's 35 hp and lb-ft less than the same engine is expected to produce in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Corvette. Chevrolet says the sedan will get from 0-to-60 miles per hour "in about five seconds."

Shifting comes courtesy of a six-speed automatic with paddles on the steering wheel, while stopping arrive via four-piston Brembo calipers up front, a single sliding piston in back. The forged aluminum wheels are 19-inchers all around, each set supporting right around 50 percent of the sedan's weight, and the aluminum hood and trunk are meant to keep the center of gravity low.

Inside, leather seating surfaces, eight-way power front seats and a soft-touch dash are standard for a cabin said to fit five adults comfortably, along with a nine-speaker Bose sound system, a head-up display and safety tech like Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone alert. A marquee option will be Automatic Parking Assist that can parallel and right-angle park; this is the technology's first appearance on a Chevrolet.

We're in Daytona now and we'll have live shots of the car shortly, along with photos of its NASCAR sibling rumbling through the Daytona 500. So stay tuned, and slake your thirst for what's coming with the gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading This is your 2014 Chevrolet SS

This is your 2014 Chevrolet SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet ss2014 chevy ss2014chevysschevroletchevrolet sschevrolet ss 2013chevroletsschevroletss2013chevy sschevysscommodoredaytonadaytona 500holdenssSat, 16 Feb 2013 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20460589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/16/this-is-your-2014-chevrolet-ss/20460589/article-detail.xml 20460589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-chevrolet-ss-004-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet SS prototype - front three-quarter view

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its racing debut for the 2013 Daytona 500, but the production version of the car will get its official unveiling on February 16 in Daytona, a week before The Great American Race. According to a report by Automotive News, the reveal has been confirmed by Jim Campbell, Chevy's US vice president of performance and motorsports. With the departure of the Dodge Charger, the new Chevrolet racecar will be the only competitor to feature a V8, rear-wheel-drive layout in both street and NASCAR form.

NASCAR fans will be able to see the new fullsize performance-oriented sedan on display in the festivities leading up to the Daytona 500, but the car won't go on sale until later in the year. The Australian-built Chevy SS will be a low-volume performance model, and it will be priced above the 2014 Impala, which starts at $27,535.

Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 5002014 chevrolet sschevroletchevydaytona 500nascarpontiac g8ssss sedanzetaWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/20449811/article-detail.xml 20449811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daytona 500 debut set for Chevrolet SS/next-gen Holden Commodore]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/daytona-500-debut-set-for-chevrolet-ss-next-gen-holden-commodore/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/daytona-500-debut-set-for-chevrolet-ss-next-gen-holden-commodore/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/daytona-500-debut-set-for-chevrolet-ss-next-gen-holden-commodore/#commentsFiled under: ,

SS badge

You can mark this date on your calendar as VF Day: February 21, 2013. That's the date of the Daytona 500, and depending on which side of the equator you call home it will also mark the introduction of the Chevrolet SS Performance or Holden VF Commodore. Melbourne, Australia newspaper The Age said that when General Motors decided to launch the 'production' version of its 2013 NASCAR challenger at Daytona, Holden's managing director took a quick survey and then decided to launch the Commodore in Oz on the same day so as not to slight the home team.

We only hope the SS can live up to the expectations being heaped on it, and it is already burdened with the failure of the last Aussie import experiment. The rear-drive, V8 sedan's status as "limited production" should help Chevrolet manage its reception - import numbers have been pegged in the thousands and Holden's managing director said demand would exceed supply - and if it's a typical Holden production we won't have to worry about it being good. Still, seven more months of build-up won't make things easier on it.

Daytona 500 debut set for Chevrolet SS/next-gen Holden Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet ss2014 chevrolet sschevroletchevrolet ss performancecommodoredaytona 500holdenholden commodorenascarpontiac g8ssss performanceThu, 14 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258036/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/daytona-500-debut-set-for-chevrolet-ss-next-gen-holden-commodore/20258036/article-detail.xml 20258036 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ss-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ss-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/#commentsFiled under:



It would seem Gaia herself did not want the 54th running of the Daytona 500 to take place. After being delayed more than 24 hours by water falling from the sky in the form of rain, fire threatened to end the race early with just 40 laps to go when Juan Pablo Montoya slammed his car into a jet dryer truck under caution. Watch the video of the incident after the jump.

The jet dry truck, which is basically a heavy duty pickup with a helicopter jet engine attached, burst into flames on impact, spilling hundreds of gallons of burning jet fuel and diesel onto the raceway. Fortunately, both Montoya and the driver of the jet dryer truck were not seriously hurt, but the burning fuel threatened to end the Daytona 500 after 160 laps.

Twitter had a field day with the incident. The account @NASCARJetDryer tweeted "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated..., #imaight!" Brad Keselowski tweeted his view of the fire from behind the wheel of his No. 2 Miller Light Dodge Charger on an iPhone, which he actually had with him in the car. Fortunately the entire field was parked under a red flag at the time. Our favorite tweet came from @SpeedSportLife, which commented on the direction Montoya took to hit the jet dryer truck: "See what happens NASCAR drivers turn right???"

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video]

Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad keselowskidave blaneydaytona 500firejet dry truckjuan pablo montoyamatt kensethTue, 28 Feb 2012 01:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/20181170/article-detail.xml 20181170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/140099474-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/140099474-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rain delays Daytona 500 again, will start at 7PM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/#commentsFiled under:



NASCAR officials have once again decided to delay the start of the Daytona 500, and their Sprint Cup season, on account of rain, this time pushing the contest back from noon today to 7PM EST. Steady rain is called for in the region through 6PM, which should give NASCAR about an hour to dry off the track. If everything goes according to plan, you'll be able to watch the race on FOX beginning at 7PM EST. Unfortunately, we've heard reports on Twitter that WWE superstar John Cena will not be there to wave the green flag as planned; he had to fly to Portland, Oregon for a taping of Monday Night RAW. We know, you're crushed.

Rain delays Daytona 500 again, will start at 7PM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytona 500john cenanascarrain delayMon, 27 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/20180506/article-detail.xml 20180506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weather-map-daytona-beach-florida_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weather-map-daytona-beach-florida.jpg <![CDATA[Daytona 500 postponed until Monday on account of rain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/#commentsFiled under:



NASCAR officials have made the call to postpone the Daytona 500 until Monday, February 27 at 12:00PM EST on account of rain. This marks the first time that the 53-year-old race has been pushed back a day due to weather. The start of the race today was delayed by heavy rains, and while the weather did clear up long enough for track officials to break out their extensive fleet of track-drying trucks, the window didn't stay open long enough to run The Great American race. Carl Edwards will start on the pole when the race begins at noon tomorrow. Joining him and the rest of the field will be Danica Patrick, who garnered most of the attention the week prior to the race. This year's season opening race also marks the long-awaited debut of electronic fuel injection to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Daytona 500 postponed until Monday on account of rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl edwardsdanica patrickdaytona 500nascarrain delaySun, 26 Feb 2012 17:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/20179987/article-detail.xml 20179987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/daytona-500-rain-delay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/daytona-500-rain-delay.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick walks away from big crack-up in Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/#commentsFiled under: ,



If "rubbin is racin'!", an incident during the Gatorade Duel races to determine starting spots for this weekend's Daytona 500 NASCAR race also proves that rubbin' is wreckin'. With just two corners to go, Danica Patrick was running near tenth place down on the inside of a tightly packed field. Above her, Jaime McMurray bumped Aric Almirola, who then bumped Patrick and sent her careening into the infield wall at about 200 miles per hour.

Patrick emerged on her own and was declared fine. Her No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet wasn't: it was totaled, and by having to use the backup she'll start at the back of the pack for the Daytona 500. Patrick was philosophical about it, though, and provided one of the best descriptions of meeting a wall at the double-ton: "kind of hug it in and let it rip." According to USA Today, before the incident, Patrick had run a solid race and stayed out of trouble. Despite the incident (which wasn't her fault), the way Patrick ran the race gained her some respect among others in the field.

There are two videos of the crash after the jump, the first is better quality, the second includes Patrick's comments after the incident.

Continue reading Danica Patrick walks away from big crack-up in Daytona

Danica Patrick walks away from big crack-up in Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdanica patrick accidentdanica patrick crashdaytonadaytona 500gatorade duelsnascarvideowreckFri, 24 Feb 2012 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/20178823/article-detail.xml 20178823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/patrickcrashdaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/patrickcrashdaytona.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: Danica Patrick prefers being called "pretty" rather than "sexy"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Danica Patrick Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

As Danica Patrick prepares for her first NASCAR Sprint Cup race next weekend in the Daytona 500, she's apparently taking advantage of the publicity to try to remediate her image. After seven years of promoting her attractiveness with nearly equal billing to her race driving acumen, Patrick has asked the media to quit calling her "sexy."

According to USA Today, Patrick said "If there is a pretty girl, (reporters) don't know how to describe her other than being sexy. It has such a negative connotation to it ... Why can't there be other words for it? Why does it have to be somewhat negatively twisted?"

Patrick was featured in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and has appeared in racy ads for her sponsor GoDaddy.com that also played up her looks. She has also made several "sexiest" lists, including one compiled by Victoria's Secret and two by FHM magazine.

Patrick's big break came in her first Indy 500 appearance, when she became the first woman to lead the race. She finished fourth that year, in the same position she qualified. Patrick raced in the Indy Racing League for seven years, while also competing in ARCA and NASCAR's Nationwide Series in 2010 and 2011 in preparation for this year's transition to Sprint Cup.

PSA: Danica Patrick prefers being called "pretty" rather than "sexy" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdaytona 500godaddyindianapolis 500motorsportsnascarnascar sprint cupsexysports illustratedsports illustrated swimsuit issueTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/20175902/article-detail.xml 20175902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/28-danica-09-si-swimsuit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/28-danica-09-si-swimsuit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A.J. Foyt hospitalized]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AJ FoytLegendary driver A.J. Foyt has been hospitalized after suffering complications from knee surgery. The 77-year-old Foyt had the surgery two weeks ago and was slated to serve as the grand marshal for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Jackie Stewart stepped in to handle those duties in Foyt's place this weekend.

According to a spokeswoman, the driver had been up and walking around after the surgery, but had developed an infection this week. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Foyt expressed his remorse for missing the Rolex, saying, "I feel so bad that I let everyone down."

Meanwhile, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said that the track and everyone involved with the race wishes Foyt a quick recovery.

Foyt is a towering figure in racing circles. He remains the only driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We wish him a speedy recovery. Click past the break for a quick statement regarding his hospitalization.

Continue reading A.J. Foyt hospitalized

A.J. Foyt hospitalized originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of daytona24 hours of le mansajaj foytcomplicationsdaytonadaytona 500foytindianapolis 500knee surgeryrolex 24 at daytonasurgerySun, 29 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159339/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/20159339/article-detail.xml 20159339 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aj-foyt-portrait-07-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aj-foyt-portrait-07-250.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick making NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Danica Patrick

It's official, ladies and gents: IndyCar starlet Danica Patrick is moving up to the big leagues in NASCAR. The official announcement came in over the weekend that Patrick will be making her Spring Cup debut at no less lofty a race than the Daytona 500 come February 26, where she'll be driving for Stewart-Haas Racing.

The move to America's premier closed-wheel series comes after several lower-level stock car races in the ARCA and Nationwide series, efforts that saw Danica leading five times at the Subway Jalapeno 250 back in July.

In starting the Daytona 500, Danica will be only the third woman to contest the iconic race, joining the likes of Janet Guthrie (who finished 12th in 1977 and 11th in 1980) and Shawna Robinson (24th in 2002). You'll find more details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Danica Patrick making NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Daytona 500

Danica Patrick making NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdaytonadaytona 500daytona international speedwaynascarpatricksprint cupstewart-haasstewart-haas racingMon, 07 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/20099852/article-detail.xml 20099852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/117879659_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/117879659.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Toyota Camry chosen as Daytona 500 pace car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Toyota Camry Daytona 500 Pace Car

While Toyota competes with Ford, Chevy and Dodge on this country's NASCAR tracks, the pace cars leading them around have remained defiantly American - at least at Daytona, anyway. In the 50 years they've been running the Daytona 500, only once has the pace car been an import: the Porsche 914 that paced the race in 1971.

Apart from that one exception, it's been all Detroit - Pontiacs mostly, but also Buicks, Chevrolets, Dodges, Plymouths and Fords. But just as Toyota has rubbed and bumped its way up the field over the past decade plus of competition, it's now got one of its own up at the front as the official pace car for next year's race.

That's right. When the 2012 Daytona 500 kicks off the Sprint Cup season come February, it'll be the new 2012 Toyota Camry setting the pace. And while some may bemoan the use of an "import" for the task, Toyota would argue that nothing could be more American. After all, the Camry has been built in America (first in Georgetown, Kentucky, and now in Lafayette, Indiana) for 25 years now. And for 13 of the past 14 years, it's been the top selling car in America. So maybe, just maybe, the Toyota Camry has earned the honor.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Camry chosen as Daytona 500 pace car

2012 Toyota Camry chosen as Daytona 500 pace car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota camrycamrycamry pace cardaytona 500nascarpace cartoyotatoyota camryTue, 23 Aug 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/20024902/article-detail.xml 20024902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web2012camrypacecar001_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web2012camrypacecar001.jpg <![CDATA[Meat eaters, meet the Big Taste Grille]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Big Taste Grill

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the world's largest barbecue on wheels, the Johnsonville Sausage Big Taste grill. It's been travelling the country since 1995, hitting up events like the Superbowl and Daytona 500, and turning ton after ton of pork into delicious, juicy bratwurst.

Not only does it rove the land dishing out grilled delicacies at every turn, the Big Taste Grill is a rolling fund raiser for a host of charity organizations. According to Johnsonville, they've used it to raise more than $3 million since its inception.

And with that... it's high time for some tasty beer brats, don't you think?

[Source: Big Taste Grill via USA Today Image: Big Taste Grill]

Meat eaters, meet the Big Taste Grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big tastebig taste grilldaytona 500giant grillgrilljohnsonvillejohnsonville bratsworlds largest grilleThu, 10 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19874087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/19874087/article-detail.xml 19874087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/big-taste-grill_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/big-taste-grill.jpg <![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Daytona 500 winner makes history]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Daytona 500

If you're saving your 2011 Daytona 500 viewing experience for a later date, you'll want to go ahead and skip this post all together.

Still with us? This year marked the 53rd running of the biggest race in NASCAR, and thanks to a completely re-paved track, the event saw a record 74 lead changes between 22 drivers. The new sticky asphalt also led to plenty of side-by-side racing with more than a few pile ups as a result. But all of that carnage happened to open the door for one very unlikely winner.

Wood Brothers Racing took home the checkered flag for the first time since 1976 with 20 year-old Knoxville, Tennessee native Trevor Bayne behind the wheel. Never heard of him? We aren't surprised. This Daytona 500 only marked his second Sprint Cup series start. Bayne led the last six laps and successfully fought off a last-minute rush by Carl Edwards to take home the $1.46 million purse and become the youngest-ever winner of the Daytona 500. While Bayne was only scheduled to run five races with Wood Brothers this year, this win just might change his schedule.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Glenn Smith/AP Photo]

Spoiler Alert: Daytona 500 winner makes history originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 daytona 500daytona 500nascarstock car racingtrevor baynewood brothers racingMon, 21 Feb 2011 10:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19852917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/19852917/article-detail.xml 19852917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/nascardaytona500autoracing.c4e5ec335ccd4a45a8a968bdfe5c554f_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/nascardaytona500autoracing.c4e5ec335ccd4a45a8a968bdfe5c554f.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR marks 10-year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dale Earnhardt Senior

It was 10 years ago today that racing legend Dale Earnhardt Senior died while competing at the Daytona 500. It's no secret that not every motorsports afficianado is a fan of the NASCAR scene, but there's no denying the outright skill and presence that racers bring to the game both on and off the track. Nowhere was that more evident than with Earnhardt, who sprang from a long-line of circle track racers. Even if series fans rooted for a different driver, they respected Earnhardt for his down-to-earth nature and old-school approach to racing. When Earnhardt was behind the wheel, it was clear he wasn't there to make friends or play nice. He was there to win.

While Earnhardt's death was a tragedy on many levels, we can't help but feel that NASCAR lost more than an icon when he passed. Today's field is populated by overly polished, nameless media machines that lack the heart and human emotion that the old-timers brought to the table. Maybe that's why we just can't bring ourselves to flop down in front of the TV for 500 laps anymore.

For an excellent (and tear-jerking) retrospective on The Intimidator's fatal accident, check out Dale Earnhardt's Last Ride from ESPN.

[Sources: Yahoo Sports, Kansas City Star, USA Today | Image: Bruce Ackerman/AP]

NASCAR marks 10-year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2001 daytona 500dale earnhardtdale earnhardt seniordale earnhardt srDale Earnhardt Sr.dale+earnhardts+deathdaleearnhardtsdeathdaytona 500earnhardtnascarFri, 18 Feb 2011 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19849861/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/19849861/article-detail.xml 19849861 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/dale-earnhardt-senior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/dale-earnhardt-senior.jpg <![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Lead changes galore mark 2010 Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Daytona 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After three hours, 47 minutes and 16 seconds of racing that saw 52 lead changes among 21 different drivers over a record 520 miles of Daytona 500 racing, Jamie McMurray emerged the winner. McMurray, piloting the Ganassi-Earnhardt-Sabates Racing No. 1 Chevrolet, led only the final two laps of the race, which is a record low for a Daytona 500 winner.
It's unreal... It's just unbelievable. I can't explain it. To be where I was last year (unemployed and without a team) and to have Chip [Ganassi] and Felix [Sabates] take a chance on me... It means a lot to me and what a way to pay them back... It's just very emotional.
For those keeping track, this was the 33-year-old McMurray's fourth career Cup win, and he narrowly beat out Dale Earnhardt Jr by just .119 seconds after passing him for the lead on lap 206. The rest of the top five was rounded out by Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer and David Reutimann.

Click past the break for more action from this weekend's race at Daytona International Speedway.


Gallery: 2010 Daytona 500


[Images: Getty]

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Lead changes galore mark 2010 Daytona 500

SPOILER ALERT: Lead changes galore mark 2010 Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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