Saturday, February 13, 2010

plus 3, Daytona sets tone for NASCAR - Florida Today

plus 3, Daytona sets tone for NASCAR - Florida Today

Daytona sets tone for NASCAR - Florida Today

Posted: 13 Feb 2010 10:07 PM PST

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DAYTONA BEACH — This year, the Daytona 500 holds great meaning for NASCAR, but as in every year, in terms of the season itself, it doesn't mean any more than any of the other 35 races on the schedule.

It holds great meaning, because as NASCAR's marquee race, it can set the tone for the season as far as momentum, exposure and just plain buzz, with last year's rain-shortened 500 being a prime example.

NASCAR had a tough 2009 and more than once the lukewarm start at Daytona was cited as a factor, as declines in attendance and TV ratings, combined with a rotten economy and sometimes boring racing, created a perfect storm.

In response, NASCAR has gone back to the future, restoring uniform starting times for its races, giving its drivers the green light to be more aggressive on the speedway, loosening some of its competition rules and agreeing to a major change in the aerodynamics and appearance of its Sprint Cup race car.

All changes but the restoration of the spoiler at the rear of the race car, replacing the unpopular wing, will be in place for today's 500, which is not a coincidence. After all, the 500 is NASCAR's grandest stage, its brand ranking behind only the Super Bowl, the Olympics and the World Cup. It's the one race that transcends the vertical nature of NASCAR's normal audience, reaching horizontally nationwide across the spectrum of media and the general public, its winner making the New York City talk show circuit and carrying the mantle of Daytona 500 champion not only for the remainder of his career but the rest of his life.

Quick, name the winner of last year's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis or the night race at Bristol, two races whose proponents believe can stand with the 500.

Thought so.

On the other hand, the Brickyard and the Bristol night race and even races at Dover and Pocono and all the other tracks reward drivers with the same amount of finishing points as the 500. In that sense, the 500 is just one of the 36 races on the schedule.

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Readers poll gets resounding response - Reading Eagle

Posted: 13 Feb 2010 09:24 PM PST

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People take their Berks County sports very seriously.

Don't believe it? Check out the resounding response to the reader poll for the Pinnacle project's top four Berks sports figures.

About 1,900 entries were submitted, including 300 from people who clipped the ballot out of the newspaper and mailed it in.

Campaigns were launched on behalf of some of the candidates - in at least one case by the athlete himself. Donyell Marshall used Twitter to encourage his fans and friends to vote for him. He also put in plugs for his uncle Lenny Moore and for Pete Carril, who taught Marshall how to shoot (the coach took part in basketball camps in Reading long after leaving Reading High).

The third-graders Kristy Kowal teaches in the Wilson School District came out in force on her behalf, noting her accomplishments not just as a swimmer, but as a teacher, musician and all-around person.

Marshall and Kowal made the top four in the public voting, along with golf great Betsy King and football legend Moore.

Some of the strongest reactions came on behalf of people who weren't even on the ballot.

Fans of 1940s St. Louis Cardinals great George "Whitey" Kurowski were outraged that he wasn't included. His 151 write-in votes outpolled some of the people on the ballot. Kurowski, his fans noted, was a five-time all star and a World Series hero who achieved greatness despite a difficult life.

And sprint racing legend Tommy Hinnershitz got 71 votes from people equally furious that he was slighted. They noted his national following and Hall of Fame credentials in his sport.

There also was a flurry of support for Chris Carr, a Ruscombmanor Township motorcycle racer who holds the title of fastest man on two wheels. He got 52 votes.

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Doodson Motorsport To Headline Tunstall's 2010 British Superbike ... - RoadracingWorld.com

Posted: 13 Feb 2010 09:38 PM PST

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Feb 14, 2010, ©Copyright 2010, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a press release issued by Tom Tunstall Racing:

Yorkshireman Tom Tunstall is raring to go in 2010; with the backing of leading specialist insurance broker Doodson Motorsport he has confirmed his place on the illustrious BSB grid.

Widely recognised as the most successful motorsport championship in the UK, British Superbikes is also the leading domestic championship in the world. With new & innovative rules & regulations for 2010 and an ever growing grid the series looks set to continue its strength & popularity - once again enjoying live television coverage.

Racing the Doodson Motorsport Honda Fireblade, from their Huddersfield base, team owner and rider, Tunstall is eager to move pre-season preparations onto the race track;

"We're very pleased that the Doodson Broking Group is stepping up to be title sponsor, part of their continued commitment to motorcycle sport. We're looking to repay them with our efforts both on and off the track.

"We made some great progress with the new CBR1000RR and I'm happy to have the consistency with the bike. We've now got a year's worth of data and along with some further developments we should hit the ground running.

"It feels like it's been a long winter and I'm thrilled to get things confirmed and to be on the Superbike grid.

With Motorsport forming only part of their insurance service portfolio, which also includes corporate insurance, Doodson are pleased to be once again part of the British Superbike Championship for a third year in succession.

Managing Director Neil Clayton commented:

"It is great to be involved with Tom again in 2010 and taking over the title sponsorship of the team further demonstrates our commitment to invest back into motorsport. We are a growing presence in UK 2 wheeled and 4 wheeled motorsport and with our knowledge of the sport, teams, governing bodies, suppliers, manufacturers and riders should all have the confidence we provide the right products supported by a 24/7 service.

"This means we are available when we are needed most. Our commitment to invest in the sport continues and you will see brand in more and more places. We see Tom as a great ambassador for the company and we hope the results for the team in 2010 reflect all the hard work of the team over the past year"

Following the team's two Spanish tests in early March, the Doodson Motorsport Team plan to complete a number of single date UK tests before the much anticipated 2010 British Superbike Championships kicks off, with the first of the 12-event calendar taking place at Brands Hatch in Kent over the weekend of the 3rd - 5th April.



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Mount coach an alternate Olympic bobsledder - Carroll County Online

Posted: 13 Feb 2010 09:17 PM PST
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