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PUEBLO, Colo. (July 27, 2008 ) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) debuted its elite Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with the Montana Tractors Invitational this weekend. Fans were treated to two-action packed days of exhilarating rides and harrowing wrecks at Edmonton’s Rexall Place. When the dust settled in the arena, the world’s number one man, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) won his fourth event title of the season and added $45,960 to his pocketbook.
“Edmonton was a great event,” said Marchi. “Canada has been a very nice country to me. This was my first time to compete here and to win the event is an amazing feeling.”
In round one action, Marchi scored 87 points aboard Little Coyote (Chad Berger/Clay Struve) to claim second place. In round two, he faced Get Jiggy (Girletz Rodeo Stock) and was awarded 85.5 points for his performance. Marchi was leading the pack at the start of the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and maintained his position by scoring 87.75 points aboard Wrangler’s Rock Star (Braithwaite & Dansey). Coincidentally, Wrangler’s Rock Star is the same bull 2004 PBR World Champion, Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) rode to claim the Calgary Stampede bull riding title earlier this month.
By virtue of claiming the event title, Marchi was awarded the $15,000 Ford Truck Moment of Truth bonus. The bonus is awarded to the man who enters the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and ultimately earns the event title. The bonus grows by $5,000 each week that it is not claimed. Once claimed it returns to $5,000 the following weekend.
After three years as the reserve World Champion, it appears that the 2008 BFTS season belongs to the Brazilian sensation. With only eight events left before the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals presented by Wrangler, Marchi leads the field by more than 3709 points. He has four event wins to his credit and has earned in excess of $266,444 this season. Through 24 stops on the BFTS tour Marchi has ridden an unprecedented 77.14% of the bulls he has faced.
“Every event I come to, I try to win,” commented Marchi. “I have earned a lot of points this season and feel good looking toward the Finals. I want to thank the PBR for the opportunities it has provided for my friends and me in the United States.”
As the winner of the Montana Tractors Invitational, Marchi was given the opportunity to select his opponent for the Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match next weekend in Glendale, Ariz. The Grudge Match features the previous event winner against the competitor of his choice for a chance at $5,000. Marchi chose 2002 PBR World Champion, Ednei Caminhas. “I chose Ednei because he is a World Champion who is retiring this year and I wanted to give him an opportunity to win as much money as possible this season,” said Marchi. “He is also my friend and traveling partner.”
The month of July has been full of great things for Marchi. He and wife, Patricia, welcomed son, Joao Gabriel Marchi into their family on July 8. The newest addition to the Marchi family weighed in at 8 pounds.
“The new baby is doing great,” added Marchi. “My wife [Patricia] is the best and I want to give thanks to her. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for all the support she gives me—taking care of our babies and my life.”
2004 PBR World Champion, Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) held down second place in the Montana Tractors Invitational with 176.75 points and earned $18,590 for his efforts. Lee has enjoyed vast success in Canada this month when he also claimed the 2008 Calgary Stampede bull riding title. He collected $114,583 just 13 days ago in Calgary. Lee has racked up $262,904 in PBR earnings this season plus two BFTS event titles.
Colby Yates (Fort Worth, Texas) wrapped up third place in the event with 172 total points. Yates earned $9,722 for his performance. Rocky McDonald (Col. Juarez, Mexico) ended up in forth place while Renato Nunes (Buritama, Sao Paulo, Brazil) finished in fifth place.
Thursday night featured the Rocky Cup Finals presented by Dickies. The top 35 Canadian Rocky Cup presented by Dickies riders and the top 10 BFTS riders competed for top honors north of the border. Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) defeated the competition to claim the event title with 174.75 points. Briscoe earned $6,737 for his performance.
VERSUS will air all of the adrenaline packed action Saturday, August 2 at 9 p.m. ET and Sunday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET. Be sure to check your local listings for additional television information.
The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 45 bull riders in the world to the hot Southwest. The Built Ford Tough Invitational presented by Cooper Tires will buck into Glendale, Ariz. on August 1 and 2. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening.
INJURY REPORT:
Brian Herman (Victoria, Texas) sustained a concussion and is questionable for competition in Glendale, Ariz.
Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) sustained a concussion and laceration below his bottom lip requiring stitches. He is questionable to compete in Glendale, Ariz.
BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
As the winner of round three at the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino, Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Montana Tractors Invitational. Coleman was bucked off of Re-Vamp (Corey & Horst Rodeo Co. Inc.), thus the $5,000 bonus was awarded to the stock contractor.
As the round one winner of the Montana Tractors Invitational, 2002 PBR World Champion, Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, Sao Paulo, Brazil) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during the second round of competition in Edmonton. Caminhas was bucked off of Riff Raff (Sawyer Bucking Bulls), thus the $5,000 bonus was awarded to the stock contractor.
As the winner of round two, Pistol Robinson (Burleson, Texas) will be eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during the first round of competition in Glendale, Ariz.
Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and ultimately did win the Montana Tractors Invitational event title, thus claiming the $15,000. The bonus will return to $5,000 at the Built Ford Tough Invitational presented by Cooper Tires being held in Glendale, Ariz. on August 1 and 2. The bonus grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.
Ford Super Duty Challenge:
As the Montana Tractors Invitational event winner, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) has qualified for a chance to compete at the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2008 Built Ford Tough Series event winners, for $50,000 toward the purchase of a 2009 Ford Super Duty Truck. The Ford Super Duty Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win the Ford Super Duty Challenge.
Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
Say I Won’t Gunner (Chad Berger/Clay Struve) earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 45.75 points in Edmonton. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.
The PBR held one of its random drug screenings in Edmonton and tested Say I Won’t Gunner, as the top bull of the event. The results of the test will be available in 3-6 weeks.
Cabela’s World’s Foremost Ride:
Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) recorded the highest marked ride of the event when he scored 89 points on North Star (Corey & Horst/The Western Group) during the Built Ford Tough Championship Round of the Montana Tractors Invitational. Consequently, he earned a $1,000 bonus.
The rider who achieves the highest score at each BFTS regular season event, excluding the PBR World Finals receives a bonus of $1,000 for the accomplishment. The PBR athlete who achieves the highest marked qualifying ride during the entire 2008 BFTS regular season, excluding the PBR World Finals event will receive $25,000, while second and third place finishers will be awarded $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The bull rider who achieves the highest marked ride through the course of the entire 2008 PBR BFTS World Finals will earn an additional $10,000.
Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match:
The Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match was expected to take place between Tulsa event winner and two-time PBR World Champion, Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) and number one man Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil). However after McBride was injured during the first round of the Montana Tractors Invitational, Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) who finished second in Tulsa competed as McBride’s replacement. White made a successful ride against Big Stone Rodeo Co.’s 7 Seconds while Marchi was turfed by Braithwaite & Dansey’s Boogie Man. Thus White claimed the $5,000 bonus. The bonus will return to $5,000 next week in Glendale.
As the winner of the Montana Tractors Invitational, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) chose 2002 PBR World Champion and traveling partner, Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, Sao Paulo, Brazil) as his opponent for the Grudge Match in Glendale, Ariz. on Friday, August 1.
Montana Tractors Invitational RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 88.25 points on Why Not Minot (Chad Berger/Roger Ward) $2,730; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 87 points on Little Coyote (Berger Bucking Bulls) $1,950; 3) Colby Yates (Fort Worth, Texas) 86.25 points on Garfield (Franklin Rodeo Company) $1,170; 4/6) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 86 points on Big Dog (Braithwaite Ranches); 4/6) Matt Bohon (Cole Camp, Mo.) 86 points on Jim Dandy (Corey & Horst Rodeo Co. Inc.); 4/6) Renato Nunes (Buritama, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 86 points on Texas Holdem (Girletz Rodeo Stock).
ROUND TWO: 1) Pistol Robinson (Burleson, Texas) 88.25 points on Unabomber (Eno Bucking Bulls) $2,730; 2/4) Scott Schiffner (Strathmore, AB, Canada) 87.75 points on Okie Dokie (Corey & Horst Rodeo Co. Inc.) $1,300; 2/4) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 87.75 points on Quagmire (Tumbling Dice-Nanson Vold) $1,300; 2/4) Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) 87.75 points on Far North (Flying Diamond Rodeo Compnay) $1,300; 5) Ryan Dirteater (Hulbert, Okla.) 87.25 points on Why Not Minot (Chad Berger/Roger Ward).
BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) 89 points on North Star (Corey & Horst/The Western Group) $2,730; 2) Guilherme Marchi 87.75 points on Wrangler’s Rock Star (Braithwaite & Daney) $1,950; there were no other qualified rides.
OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS:
1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 260.25 points, $45,960; 2) Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) 176.75 points, $18,590; 3) Colby Yates (Fort Worth, Texas) 172 points, $9,722; 4) Rocky McDonald (Col. Juarez, Mexico) 171.5 points, $5,907; 5) Renato Nunes (Buritama, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 171.25 points, $4,870.
BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)
1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 10,837.25 points, $266,444; 2) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 7,128.25 points, $115,206; 3) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 6,873 points, $143,036; 4) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) 6,477.25 points, $144,363; 5) Mike Lee (Decatur, TX) 6,430.25 points, $262,904; 6) L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) 5,951.5 points, $135,195; 7) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 5,559.25 points, $96,521; 8 ) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) 5,413 points, $238,656; 9) Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) 5,174 points, $108,015; 10) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 4,935.5 points, $119,333.
(O’Reilly Raceway Park, July 25,2008 )
Johnny Benson earned his third victory in the past four NCTS races when he took the checkered flag first at ORP Friday.
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
Johnny Beneson makes it to the winner circle again!
Still only 1 point ahead of Matt Crafton, and only 5 points ahead of Mike Skinner after the ORP race at Indianapolis, a joyous Johnny Benson takes the trophy once again.
How does it feel to win at ORP? “Man, it’s pretty cool. I don’t know how many times I’ve run second here. I was like, ‘man I do not want to run second.’ Ron (Hornaday, Jr) was doing the protective deal. He was running where I was running, stuff like that. I was laughing because I said, ‘he (Ron Hornaday, Jr) got by me without hitting me, that was cool.’ He’s a great racer and I love racing with him. He started running my groove so I thought I’d try his groove in (turns) three and four. That Toyota just stuck there. I thank Vemma for coming on board this week, Toyota Certified Used Vehicles, Excide Batteries and everybody that does thing. Triad puts bodies on these things and they’re awesome – great job on the engines. I wasn’t real happy with the tire to start with but as the race got going the track got going, Goodyear brought a good tire. We could pretty much run it all night. It was a little slick and sliding but I think a lot of that was the tracks. That was pretty cool to get us in victory lane. We’re pretty happy obviously. This is way to cool.”
Can you talk about your battle with Ron Hornaday, Jr? “He ran a great race, he really did. I was watching what he was doing, watching his line and trying not to heat up my Goodyears too bad. I just waited and bided my time. The minute I saw him run my line I thought I was going to be in trouble. I was running the outside and trying to stay in clean air. If he’d run the bottom, I’d run the top and if he ran the top, I’d run the bottom just keeping air on the nose. He went to the top and I let her eat there through that one time and it stuck. That’s all it took. We were able to get in front and hold them off. Everybody knows these restarts with Ron behind you are no fun. It was a great day for us for sure. Tripp Bruce (crew chief) and everybody at Bill Davis Racing does an awesome job every week.”
How was your night? “It was a pretty good race at least from where we stood. We qualified eighth and we thought we’d be a little bit better but I heard someone say they always win this from further back than fifth so we’re pretty proud about that if that is a true fact. We had a pretty good run there from the start. We were running fourth and then worked on Bobby East who did a good job this weekend of sitting on the pole and running good. I’m not sure what happened to him late but that was a shame as I would have liked to see him have a good run. We got by him than I worked on (Jack) Sprague and it took me a long, long time. We were trying to race him clean and race him hard – we did that. Of course Ron (Hornaday, Jr) pretty much dominated the race but we got the trophy. That’s the cool part about it. It’s fun racing Ron. We know he’s a tough competitor and we got by him on the pits and he got by us on the track and we were able to get back by him again. It was a lot of fun racing with him.”
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
Is the driver’s championship within reach for you? “We’re hoping we’re one of the guys to beat but we no way have our hands around this thing. We’ve been 50 points ahead and fell to fourth in one race. It’s going to be a tough battle all the way to the end. That’s one of the things that’s great about the Craftsman Truck Series is that. The championship race isn’t going to be over until they throw the checkered flag down in Miami, that’s just how it is. You can be dominant and have something happen and lose the race and the championship. There’s no way anyone has their hands around it. It’s probably going to be about four of five but nobody has their hands around it right now.”
What has your team grasped which is the reason that you’re having so much success this year? “I think we’ve been good all year we just hadn’t won a race. We’ve been decent all season. We had our little mishap at Atlanta and of course Martinsville those things there put us quite a bit behind. We fell back in the points and we’ve been working hard to get back up there. Our season has been good. Trip Bruce (crew chief) has done a phenomenal job with all the guys on the race team. It’s been a pleasure to race with them and race with these guys. They have the confidence in to go and get the things we need to in order to go and be competitive. I have all the confidence in them working on this Toyota Tundra. It’s been a fun year but it’s also been a complicated year, too. There are a lot of things you have to do to go right. Maybe I haven’t had 100 percent of the race but when I needed it to be, things have been good.”
RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger) WHERE DO YOU STAND WITH YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR? “I’m leaving Penske Racing. I don’t have a contract to drive any place else right now. There’s nothing on paper. I have offers and I’m choosing the best one.”
HAS RAY EVERNHAM TALKED TO YOU? “Ray has not contacted me. There have been multiple organizations that have contacted me. I will pursue what I feel is the right option.”
WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO RUSTY WALLACE’S COMMENTS THAT YOUR WERE FIRED FROM PENSKE RACING? “I don’t know what Rusty’s grounds are or what he’s trying to prove by saying that, it wasn’t the case point blank. Roger (Penske) and I decided mutually not to continue and it was more of my decision then it was his (to leave). I said that our goals didn’t align and for that reason and that reason alone, we decided not to continue after 2008.”
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
HOW BIG OF A DISTRACTION IS YOUR FUTURE? “The future is somewhat of a distraction, but it’s something that I need to take time with and it’s mandatory that I focus on it. I feel bad for the guys on the Alltel Dodge because I don’t want to take away from them from a performance standpoint. I don’t feel that it is (a distraction) when that I’m in the racecar, but obviously outside the racecar, it takes some effort to manage the situation.”
HOW MUCH OF A CONCERN IS IT IF ONE OF THE CARS THAT YOUR ARE CONDERING ISN’T IN THE TOP-35 GOING INTO NEXT YEAR? “It’s an issue, but not a big issue. Obviously the people that are outside the top-35 know that and want to get in the top-35. We don’t even know what the rule is going to be next year as far as the top-35, or whatever it may be. The bottom line is that if it requires building a team and building an organization, so be it. I’ve been in that position before and I want to build something that is good for me and something for the organization that I’m a part of if that’s the case.”
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR UNDER ANY PRESSURE TO GET A DEAL DONE SOON? “I feel that there isn’t necessarily pressure, but time is of the essence, the sooner the better. For me, whomever I partner up with, the sooner we can get working, the sooner we’ll be more prepared for Daytona.”
DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WANTED TO GET YOUR NEXT DEAL WRAPPED UP THIS WEEKEND IN YOUR HOME STATE? “Not necessarily. The location doesn’t matter so much as it does the right time and the right place. Not to say that (Indy) is the wrong place, I’d rather be more focused on the race itself and trying to win the Brickyard 400 in the Alltel Dodge then anything else.”
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
HOW MUCH DOES INDIANAPOLIS MOTORSPEEDWAY MEAN TO YOU? “This place means a lot – from a pure history of auto racing – that to me means the most. I’m walking in the same footprints and footsteps as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. Whether it’s Jim Clark or Jim Hurtubise or people like that, to know that I’m stepping in their footprint as I walk to the race car, that to me is what’s special. They’re my heroes just as much as anybody else right now.”
BEFORE YOU WON THE DAYTONA 500, WHERE WOULD A WIN HERE RANK WITH YOU? “To me, Indianapolis ranks second to the Daytona 500 and not by much. This race hasn’t been going on as long as the Daytona 500 has, but there is more history here at Indianapolis than there was at Daytona as far as the last 100 years. It holds a lot of weight. To me, it’s second – the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500 are tied for third.”
HOW AGGRESSIVE WILL YOU BE HERE ON SUNDAY AT THE END OF THE RACE IF YOU’RE IN A POSITION TO WIN IT? “We’ll do what we have to do to win. Whether it’s strategy or laying a fender or using eight tires instead of four, you do what you have to do to win. This race is not different.”
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO RACE HERE? “The racetrack is really fun to drive. It’s one of the hardest tracks to race which is why some people love and some people hate it. It’s very similar to Darlington. It’s the same old thing for me, if you have a fast racecar, it will be fun. If you don’t, it will be a miserable day.”
DO YOU HAVE A MANUFACTURER PREFERENCE FOR NEXT YEAR? “No.”
DO YOU FEEL ANY LOAYALTY TO DODGE THAT WOULD KEEP YOU IN A DODGE OVER ANOTHER MANUFACTURER? “Well, based on the fact that I made my announcement and the people from Dodge haven’t contacted me…. no.”
DO RUSTY’S COMMENTS UPSET YOU? “Was he conscious when he said it?”
ARE HIS COMMENTS AN ONGOING RIFF THAT YOU’VE HAD SINCE YOU WERE TEAMMATES? “I guess it is because it’s not true. I guess you could say that.”
HOW DO HIS COMMENTS MAKE YOU FEEL? “It doesn’t matter to me. I know Rusty and his personalities …plural…and everybody is different.”
DO YOU THINK ROGER IS MAD BECAUSE HE DOESN’T LIKE TO BE TOLD HIS EQUIPMENT IS BAD? “Nobody does. Nobody likes to be criticized as a driver and nobody likes to be criticized as an owner. Constructive criticism isn’t part of what I have to do as a driver. If I don’t feel like I have good equipment or as good equipment as the guy that’s ahead of me, then I speak up. That’s a racer. That’s just the way it is. You have to be able to stomach a percentage of that whether you’re a car owner, crew chief, or a guy changing the tires. That’s part of it. I’d expect the same the thing in return.”
DO YOU THINK SPEAKING OUT IN CHICAGO WAS POSSIBLY A REASON WHY YOU’RE NOT COMING BACK TO PENSKE RACING? “I don’t think that it helped anything. I don’t think that anything that I’ve ever said is anything but the truth.”
WHERE IS YOUR CENTER OF FRUSTRATION WITH THE TEAM? “I’ve said before – this weekend is going to be better based upon what I know – just pure performance. Whether it’s horsepower or getting the cars to handle, being competitive, being consistent, strategy calls, things like that we’ve been good – just not great. Good gets us close to the Chase, great gets us in it.”
SINCE YOU MADE YOUR DECISION TO LEAVE, DO YOU FEEL LIKE AN ODD MAN OUT? “I talked to Kurt (Busch) – I haven’t talked to Sam (Hornish Jr.) personally, obviously I have a better relationship with Kurt just based up the time we’ve spent together. But I called Kurt and told him, ‘Hey man, this is what I’m doing. I want you to know. I don’t want there to be any hard feelings. I’ll do whatever I can to be the best teammate after my announcement.’ That’s just part of it. I think Kurt understands it because he’s been through this, I haven’t. I’m just trying to cover my bases and do the best thing I can do as a teammate, as a person and as a driver.”
ARE THERE OPPORUNITIES READILY AVAILABLE TO YOU? “There are opportunities out there. I’ve had people call me and I’ve called people. I’m happy that I’ve had interest both ways.”
( July 25, 2008 ) O’Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
Brendan Gaughan, driver of the No. 10 International MAXX Force Diesel by International Ford, has three top-10 finishes at the short track of O’Reilly Raceway Park. Gaughan talks about short track racing and the significance of winning in Indianapolis.
Brendan Gaughan – No. 10 International MAXX Force Diesel by International Ford F-150 – YOU HAD A FEW DAYS OFF, BUT YOU WENT RACING. HOW DID IT GO? “On Wednesday night, Kenny Schrader does his M&Ms Night of the Stars race at the track he owns in Pevely, Missouri. It’s an annual event, this year he had Tony Stewart show up, and Dave Blaney is always there and Kenny raced, well, he owns the track, so you expect him to race. This was third year that I got invited to do it. I really appreciate him bringing me out. I’ve actually had the chance to race with the same race car every year. Dennis Young owns the car. He drives there locally, it’s his dirt modified that he lets me run. We finished second. I led the most laps and had a straightaway on the field, but a late race caution, caused by [Ron] Hornaday. He brought out a caution and Dave Blaney just schooled me on the restart. It’s a dirt track. When I finish second to Blaney, I’m thinking that’s a win for me.” CAN YOU CLAIM BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR THE SECOND PLACE FINISH? “You bet. And I’m bragging because I only lost to Dave Blaney.”
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
ON RACING AT O’REILLY RACEWAY PARK. “I’ve actually had better finishes here than I’m given credit for, I think. I do like O’Reilly Raceway Park. Now with it being the Ford Power Stroke Diesel 200 and me being in the International MAXX Force Diesel truck – it’s our sponsor. Rick and I actually have spots [pit stalls] side-by-side. I do know that these three sections of grandstands right here [turn four] are all International folks. I think they said they have something like 3,000 people coming. This is definitely a race that you want to look good at when it’s your own sponsor. This team is ready to win. We have proved we can run up front. We just have to get out of everybody’s mess. I think this team is going to do some great things the second half of this season. We just got to play on the good things, know what we did wrong the first half, know what we didn’t do wrong that just cost us. We’re playing on the fact that we have great engines, we have good engineering help, we have good trucks and we can go win races and do it.”
THE CIRCLE BAR PIT STALLS ARE LOCATED AT PIT IN. HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR RACE? OR DOES IT? “It really doesn’t. This track is big enough that you don’t have to worry about losing a lap trying to change four tires. What’s nice is being back here, as you’re driving out, you’ve got to pay attention to make sure nobody comes out and pinches you in the wall. But Rick and I can get our service done and not have to battle people on the way in. We think it should work out well for us. With any luck, we’re just coming in on sequence and doing the standard adjustments, so you’re not wasting a lot of time and see if we’ll go win a race.”
WILL THE FANS SEE THE STANDARD SHORT TRACK FRIDAY NIGHT RACING? “Yeah, we’ll have typical Friday night short track racing as long as it doesn’t rain too long. They say it’s supposed to rain at some point today, but as long as we can get half the race in, that’s a full race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.”
WHAT WOULD IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN HERE? “Just to get off the slide. We’ve had so many years now of struggles that have just kind of driven you mad. Me, Bryan Berry and all the guys at the No. 10 Circle Bar side, we’ve been great at race tracks but we just haven’t had the great finishes. We’ve run up front, but we haven’t finished there. We want to win a race really bad right now. And to be able to do when it’s your own sponsor. To be able to do it for Ford, I have never won in a Ford truck, I’d love to be able to do it. And say, ‘Hey, we’re here. We’re back,’ and start that charge towards the top five in points.”
DO YOU LIKE RACING HERE? “I do like it. I usually say I don’t like short tracks, but this is a high-grooved race track and that means it works for me. I like the high groove.”
THIS IS A BIG WEEKEND FOR THE RACE TEAM, YOUR SPONSORS AND RICK. “Yeah, Rick Crawford. I’m not going to say how old he is, I’ll let someone else say how old he’s turning this weekend. I believe Sunday is his birthday and I’m glad I’m around him. I’ve known him a long time and I’m honored to be his teammate. This is a very special birthday for him; it’s a big deal. I’m glad to be here with him and share it with him. For his team or for him, either one of us, I know it would be a big celebration if we could get a win this weekend.”
VERSUS
Editorial by: Jeff Kluss /SIT (July 24, 2008 )
Nothing like NASCAR making a mid-season rule change to get the controversy going again. It’s pretty apparent to the fan and insiders that NASCAR was inducing Toyota to jump into the game two seasons ago by letting motor specifications slide that Ford, Chevy, and Dodge had been subjected to in order to “level the playing field”.
The question that comes to mind is “How fair was this to the other manufacturers, non-Toyota teams, and even Toyota?”. An oversight or blind eye turned toward the engine heads as they relate to angles to the block, in-take, and valves gave Toyota anywhere from a 20 to 25 horsepower advantage, as well as saved them from re-engineering at substantial cost. Below is the rule change that has the motorsports world roaring:
“At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing less than 4.470 inches must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.125-inch diameter holes. At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing of 4.470 inches or more must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.100-inch diameter holes. Unless otherwise authorized, the carburetor restrictor will be issued by NASCAR.”
– Amendment to Section 20A — 5.10.4, Nationwide Series Rule Book
Seems as though NASCAR is able to have their cake and eat it to, so to say. They induce Toyota to participate in the Nationwide Series (still having a problem not calling it Busch Series) expeditiously by letting them slide at the expense of the other manufacturers and then in the middle of their second season hit them with a tapered spacer or as we commonly call it “restrictor plate” which reduces their horsepower ratings by 25 horses. Once again, NASCAR makes a rule change that really doesn’t provide anything other than aggravation by all which could have been avoided by subjecting Toyota to the same provisions from the “get-go”. Sure, Toyota would have been another season out in getting in the game and may not have made the major investments in taking advantage of NASCAR’s desire to get them involved as early as they did. But it would have been better to have them do it right from the start versus upsetting the fans, drivers, and non-Toyota teams………and now Toyota and their teams are paying the price. Nothing like leveling the playing field when it should never have been favored to Toyota’s advantage in the first place. Toyota has won 14 of 21 Nationwide races this season, with cars fielded by Joe Gibbs Racing accounting for 13 victories. The No. 20 JGR Camry has won nine times, with four different drivers behind the wheel!
In talking with my dear friend Jack “Iron Man” Ingram who received 5 Championship rings in this division, he told me that Chevrolet had made the same pitch to NASCAR years ago concerning head and intake configuration only to be turned down flat. Of course we all know that the Toyota engine design was purchased from GM since they didn’t have a successful 8 cylinder design to make them competitive. Well it appears that another band-aid approach to fixing another problem which never should have happened has been supplied by NASCAR. This isn’t the first, and I’m sure it will never be the last band-aid type of logic that NASCAR will create at the expense of the sport.
What has prompted this bit of editorializing was the press release that was received this morning which has been posted below:
Lee White President and General Manager TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) 07/24/2008
“We’re extremely disappointed in NASCAR’s decision. In our opinion, there is no technical justification to penalize the Toyota engine utilized in the Nationwide Series. Toyota always has, and will continue to, abide by all NASCAR-mandated engine specifications and the Nationwide engine was built strictly to NASCAR specifications.
“The success of the Toyota Camry this year in the Nationwide Series is the result of hard work and achievement by all of our race teams — Braun Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Germain Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing – working in conjunction with TRD U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). All the tireless efforts by our teams, TRD and Triad during the off-season, at pre-season testing and during the first half of the year, combined with extremely talented drivers, have produced exceptional results. “Despite this setback, we will continue to work diligently to keep our Nationwide teams competitive. Our hope remains that a Toyota team or driver will be rewarded with a championship at the conclusion of this year.
“Unfortunately, the decision by NASCAR could be more far-reaching than simply mandating Toyota to adjust its Nationwide engine. The real impact will be felt by the Toyota teams as they adjust to the change, work to remain competitive for the remainder of this season and attempt to line up their sponsorships for next year.”
At first take it seems as though it was sour grapes on the part of Mr. White and Toyota. But thinking further, I can’t say as I blame them since the rules were made to give Toyota a variance above the other players to induce their heavy investment into a sport that was in dire need of a major infusion to boost ticket sales…..especially into the Craftsman Series as well. It was a package deal to lure them into the sport and NASCAR threw in the kitchen sink at the expense of others.
Don’t think that this is about anything other than MONEY. The great money-making machine known as NASCAR has made another foo-pah which was a ticking time-bomb in the making. Yes, we all love the sport of NASCAR racing. Yes, this will probably not affect our love of the game. But it sure is disappointing to think that another episode of favoritism shown for the sake of bucks has levied another blemish on something we all believe is the sport of champions, excellence, and just good clean Americanism. Wasn’t Enron an American company?
Photo by Jeff Kluss/SIT
Johnny Benson in the Winner’s Circle at Kentucky
(Sparta, Kentucky July 20, 2008 ) Johnny Benson finished first in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) race at Kentucky Speedway this past weekend.
It was Benson’s second NCTS win this season (Milwaukee and Kentucky), and his 11th career NCTS victory. All 11 of his wins have come in the Bill Davis Racing No. 23 Tundra. Obviously Toyota is on a roll since they had 7 of the top 9 cars
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
Toyota drivers Michael Annett (second), David Starr (fifth), Mike Skinner (sixth), Kyle Busch (seventh), Terry Cook (eighth) and Marc Mitchell (ninth) also registered top-10 finishes. Matt Crafton (#88 Chevy) finished 2nd, Dennis Setzer (#18 Dodge) 4th, and Ron Hornaday (#33 Chevy) finished out the top ten. Congratulations to Toyota and thanks to Ford for the race sponsorship.
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT Michael Annett finished 2nd
Matt Crafton finished 3rd
Tundra drivers have now registered six NCTS wins in 2008. Benson (Kentucky and Milwaukee) and Busch (California and Atlanta) each have a pair of wins.
Kyle “Rowdy” Busch created a lot of excitment
JOHNNY BENSON, No. 23 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Tundra, Bill Davis Racing Finished: 1st How does it feel to be in ‘Victory Lane’ tonight? “This is awesome, awesome. Trip Bruce (crew chief) is the man. He just really built a great truck. It was tough. Have to thank TRD and Toyota for the great bodies and the great horsepower. It ran good, but it wasn’t easy today. It may have looked easy, but it was just a little slick out there today. We had great pit stops. We played a little strategy because we had a loose right front tire – which I’m glad that caution came out. These guys continue to do a great job ”
How does it feel to be back in the lead in the point standings? “The race was great. We were in the points lead for those two races which was great. I made a mistake at Memphis and over- revved the engine. We were running second (at Memphis) and had a great run and I felt we would have continued to run well. Trip Bruce (crew chief) and the guys — time and time — have done a tremendous job on our Tundra. It’s just a pleasure to go out there and race with these guys and have an opportunity to win races. Our goal is to try and win the championship. Man, everybody that has got up there in the points has definitely had issues. If you would back up the last two seasons — with the amount of issues that we all have had — there’s no way that any of us should win the championship based off the last two years. It’s been amazing on that aspect. It’s great for Craftsman to have a points battle that’s just unbelievable. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of, I can tell you that.”
How did you make that pass in turn three to take the lead? “It was pretty cool on my end. There are a couple other guys that didn’t like it. We got such a great run off turn two. We started fourth and there were some lapped cars in there. They got tied up just a little bit and I had a tremendous run off turn two. I got alongside the 18 (Dennis Setzer) and I thought; “We’re in pretty good shape here.’ I figured I would hold him up a little bit and we both had a good run on the 22 (Michael Annett). I knew it was going to be — obviously, a 50-50 shot — whether he was going to get off the gas and push him a little bit or turn left. He turned left like I expected him to so I had to turn left. So, it was a mad dash down to the corner. It was just a mad dash down the corner. I went into the corner straight. I stayed as low as I could. Hopefully, I gave those gave those guys more than enough room. At that point in time I’ m sure I had the best spot. I’m glad the 22 (Michael Annett) was able to come out of there in second-place and have a one-two finish for Bill Davis Racing.”
Of course what would a Craftsman Truck race be without a little controversy? On lap 52 Jack Sprague took the aero off Crissy Wallace in the #03 car, and the red flag came out for approximately 25 minutes. Mike Wallace’s daughter let the press know of her upset, but as we say “that’s racin’”.
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
Crissy Wallace on pit road
Because of an ill-timed pit stop, Kyle Busch had been a lap down and Crissy’s ill fortune was Kyle’s Lucky Dog which gave him the opportunity to make a sixth place finish. All-in-all there were a total of 9 cautions in this 250 mile 150 lap race. Three for debris, two of which were from Crissy Wallace hitting the safety wall.
Photo by: Jeff Kluss
Kyle Busch takes a pit stop and before he comes out of the pit there is a caution
There were a total of 3 leaders with 5 leader changes. Johnny Benson led a total of 94 of the 150 laps after taking the lead in a 4 wide pass. Michael Annet finished in second a full second behind the #23.
Photo by: Jeff Kluss/SIT
John Woods #21 got into Todd Bodine #30 with only 23 laps to go in the race.
One last item. As usual Kentucky Motor Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky was exciting even though attendance was light. KMS always provides a great venue for all types of racing and should always be on the fan’s race calendar. SIT will be covering the IRL race there on August 9th, and we look forward to another great race weekend there.
Set the TIVO for Saturday, August 2nd when all the action from Tulsa airs on VERSUS!
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TULSA, Okla. (July 20, 2008 ) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) elite Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS) tour awed fans in the Tulsa Convention Center during the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino on July 18-20. In only his second event of the season, two-time (2005 & 2007) PBR World Champion, Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) dominated the competition and came away victorious with 275.75 points. McBride added $30,180 in PBR bucks to his bank account with the event win.
“The bulls were simply outstanding this weekend,” said McBride after the event. “Cody Lambert [PBR Livestock Director] put together a great set of bulls in Oklahoma. We won’t see another set like this until the [2008 PBR World] Finals.”
In round 1, McBride scored 87.5 points aboard 5G Farms Bucking Bulls’ Hat Rack. The score put McBride in tenth position to pick his bull during the draft on Saturday. He selected an old foe, Gnash, owned by Rafter 7R Bucking Bulls, for his opponent in round 2. McBride sustained the shoulder injury that side-lined him for the first half of the 2008 BFTS season against this bull in Chihuahua in 2007. However, the rematch proved successful for McBride when he claimed the round victory with 93.75 points against the great bull. Yet, Round 3 went to the bulls when McBride was turfed by Diamond S Bucking Bulls’ Blizzard short of the eight second whistle.
Going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round, McBride was in 2nd place with scores on two bulls. During the draft held at intermission, McBride chose to ride Voodoo Child owned by Beutler & Son Rodeo Company. This was another triumphant choice for the World Champ when he brought the Tulsa Convention Center to its feet with a 94.5 point ride.
“I talked to Rhett [Beutler] a lot about his bull in the Championship Round,” said McBride. “I knew if I got the chance to pick any bull in the pen, I was going to pick him [Voodoo Child]. He hadn’t ever been ridden and Rhett told me he wanted to see somebody make the whistle. I was pysched up to get on him.”
McBride has virtually re-written the bull riding history books over his 10 year career. His resume boasts 31 event victories, 67 90+ point rides, and more than $4.9 million in earnings. Although he has only attended two events this season, McBride currently sits in the top 50 of the Qualifier Standings. Will McBride make the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals by attending only half of the events in 2008?
“It feels good to get the first win of the season out of the way,” laughed McBride. “I would have preferred to get it at my first event back, but it’s great to win here in Tulsa.”
As the winner of the Tulsa event, McBride got the opportunity to select his opponent for the next Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match in Edmonton, Canada. He was able to pick his opponent from a list of elite bull riders that included previous World Champions, riders in the Top 10 BFTS standings, and 2008 BFTS event champions. Being no stranger to fierce competition, McBride picked non-other than number one man in the world, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil).
Taking second place overall was veteran bull rider, Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) with 274.25 points on three bulls. White cinched the finish with an amazing 95.75 point ride aboard Troubadour owned by Julio Moreno Bucking Bulls. This ride marked a tie for the highest scored ride of the 2008 season. He added $20,280 to his PBR earnings and moved into the top 10 in the chase for the 2008 PBR World Championship. “Today, Mike White had the best ride I think I’ve ever seen,” said event winner, Justin McBride.
Number one man in the world, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) held down third place and continued to put distance between himself and the field of 45 cowboys for the 2008 PBR World Championship race. He scored 266.75 total points and added $12,280 to his pocketbook. 2008 Daisy Rookie of the Year contender Pistol Robinson (Burleson, Texas) finished in fourth place with 266.25 points and $6,564 in earnings while fan favorite and Oklahoma bull rider Cord McCoy (Tupelo, Okla.) wrapped up fifth place with 264.5 points and $5,988.
The bulls were once again in competition in Tulsa with the PBR Bull Team Challenge. Lone Star Bulls claimed the $15,000 event win with 222.5 total points. The Tom & Jerry Show placed second with 220.25 points and earned $10,000 while Nafzger’s Wrangler Bull Team held down third place with 219.25 points and earned $5,000. The teams are competing for the $250,000 prize to be awarded during the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.
Due to coverage of the Tour de France, VERSUS will air all of the heart pounding action from Tulsa on Saturday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m. EST. Be sure to check your local listings for additional television information.
The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 45 bull riders in the world north of the border to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on July 24 for the Rocky Cup presented by Dickies and July 25 and 26 for the Montana Tractors Invitational. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.
INJURY REPORT:
Brendon Clark (Morpeth, NSW, AUS) suffered a torn MCL in his right knee. An MRI is scheduled for tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury. Clark is out of Edmonton.
Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) sustained a laceration to his left calf. He is doubtful for Edmonton.
Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) aggravated an old injury to his neck. He will undergo further evaluation in Dallas this week.
BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
As the winner of round two at the Dickies American Worker of the Year Invitational presented by Pike Electric, Chris Shivers (Jonesville, LA.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino. Shivers rode his bull, Flying C-130 (Teague Bucking Bulls, LLC) and took home the $5,000 check.
As the round one winner of the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino, two-time PBR World Champion, Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during the second round of competition in Tulsa. Shivers was bucked off of Shane owned by Hebert Bucking Bulls, thus the $5,000 bonus was awarded to the stock contractor.
As the winner of round two, two-time PBR World Champion Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) was eligible to compete for the bonus during round three in Tulsa. McBride was thrown off of Diamond S Bucking Bulls’ Blizzard. The $5,000 bonus was awarded to the stock contractor.
As the winner of round three, Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) will be eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during the first round of competition in Edmonton, Canada.
Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and ultimately did not win the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino event title. As the $10,000 bonus was not claimed, it will increase to $15,000 at the Montana Tractors Invitational in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on July 25 and 26. The bonus grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.
Ford Super Duty Challenge:
As the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino event winner, Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) has qualified for a chance to compete at the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2008 Built Ford Tough Series event winners, for $50,000 toward the purchase of a 2009 Ford Super Duty Truck. The Ford Super Duty Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win the Ford Super Duty Challenge.
Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
Troubadour (Julio Moreno Bucking Bulls) earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 47 points in Tulsa. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.
Cabela’s World’s Foremost Ride:
Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) recorded the highest marked ride of the event when he scored 95.75 points on Troubadour (Julio Moreno Bucking Bulls) during the Built Ford Tough Championship Round of the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino. Consequently, he earned a $1,000 bonus.
The rider who achieves the highest score at each BFTS regular season event, excluding the PBR World Finals receives a bonus of $1,000 for the accomplishment. The PBR athlete who achieves the highest marked qualifying ride during the entire 2008 BFTS regular season, excluding the PBR World Finals event will receive $25,000, while second and third place finishers will be awarded $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The bull rider who achieves the highest marked ride through the course of the entire 2008 PBR BFTS World Finals will earn an additional $10,000.
Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match:
The Zantrex-3 Insta-Shot Grudge Match showcased close friends in its third outing. Dallas event winner, Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) and Dustin Hall (Springfield, Mo.) took on one bull each with the highest scored rider taking the $5,000 prize money. After Lee chose the bull, Mr. Zantrex (Page & Teague Bucking Bulls) Hall attempted Hustler (D&H Cattle Company). Lee was successful in his ride while Hall was bucked short of the whistle. Lee claimed the $15,000 bonus. The bonus will return to $5,000 next week in Edmonton.
As the winner of the Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino, Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) chose number one man Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) as his opponent for the Grudge Match in Edmonton, Canada, on Friday, July 25.
Express Classic presented by Creek Nation Casino RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 91.5 points on Flying C-130 (Teague Bucking Bulls), $7,000; 2) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 90.5 points on Cat Man Do (#10 Bucking Bulls), $5,000; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 90.25 points on Outa Da Blue (Circle T Ranch and Rodeo), $3,000; 4/5) Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) 89.75 points on Splat Kat (Danny Lemmons), $1,600; 4/5) Helton Barbosa (Douradina, PR, Brazil) 89.75 points on Lightning McQueen (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company), $1,600.
ROUND TWO: 1) Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) 93.75 points on Gnash (Rafter 7R Bucking Bulls), $2,730; 2) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) 90.5 points on Crossfire Hurricane (Page & Teague Bucking Bulls), $1,950; 3) Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) 89 points on Smash Hit (Diamond S/ExclusiveGenetics.com), $1,170; 4) Reese Cates (Carthage, Texas) 88.75 points on Move It (Diamond K Bucking Bulls); 5) Cord McCoy (Tupelo, Okla.) 88 points on Far West (Martinez Bucking Bulls).
ROUND THREE: 1) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 90.25 points on Holy Smoke (D&H Cattle Company), $2,730; 2) Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) 88.75 points on Encore (Jeff Robinson/Anchor Bull Company), $1,950; 3) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 88.5 points on Booger Butt (Robinson/Tedesco/Larry the Cable Guy), $1,170; 4/5) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 88.25 points on Wild Life (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company); 4/5) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho) 88.25 points on Optimist Prime (Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls).
BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) 95.75 points on Troubadour (Julio Moreno Bucking Bulls), $2,730; 2) Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) 94.5 points on Gnash (Beutler & Son Rodeo Company), $1,950; 3) Cord McCoy (Tupelo, Okla.) 91.25 points on Ricky Bobby (HD Page/Bill & Betty Morrison), $1,170; 4) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 91 points on What I Say (Hebert Bucking Bulls); 5) Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) 90.75 points on California Dreaming (Frontier/Teague/McBride & Wegman).
OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) 275.75 points, $30,180; 2) Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) 274.25 points, $20,280; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 266.75 points, $12,280; 4) Pistol Robinson (Burleson, Texas) 266.25 points, $6,564; 5) Cord McCoy (Tupelo, Okla.) 264.5 points, $5,988.
BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)
1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 10,097 points, $220,484; 2) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 6,901.75 points, $113,606; 3) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 6,705.25 points, $140,736; 4) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) 6,367.5 points, $144,285; 5) L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) 5,820.5 points, $133,922; 6) Mike Lee (Decatur, TX) 5,803.5 points, $244,314; 7) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, N.M.) 5,413 points, $238,656; 8 ) Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) 5,174 points, $98,015; 9) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 5,148 points, $91,651; 10) Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) 4,935.5 points, $112,333.
JOLIET, Ill. (July 15, 2008 ) – The latest stop of the 2008 racing season at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. had the stars of the Sprint Cup Series experiencing heartburn. From fickle weather conditions that rained out qualifying to a late-race, game-changing caution, big-name drivers experienced more than a few TUMSâ moments in Joliet. Each weekend PRN lead anchor Doug Rice picks the Top 10 TUMS Moments from the weekend’s racing activities.
This week’s Top 10 TUMS honors go to:
10. David Gilliland’s Ford’s engine blew up with just six laps to go at Chicagoland causing him to finish second to last in the race.
9. Bobby Labonte had a decent run going late in the race, but spun out with the end in sight and finished near the back of the pack.
8. Denny Hamlin’s early engine problems and faulty ignition box put him four laps down, though his Gibbs teammates had much better nights.
7. Matt Kenseth appeared to be on his way to breaking a season-long winless streak until he was forced to pit road on lap 125 with a flat tire, ending his battle for the lead.
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. started on the front row at Chicagoland, but hit a low note as his Chevy struggled all night. He finished the race in 16th.
5. Heavy rain on Friday washed out qualifying forcing Tony Raines and Johnny Sauter out of the race, as they weren’t given the chance to qualify.
4. J.J. Yeley and Hall of Fame Racing got busted for having led filled water bottles in their car. Yeley starts the race at the back of pack and the team will be grabbing the TUMS when they get handed the penalties.
3. Carl Edwards took the lead away from Kyle Busch, but immediately gave it up as the front splitter on his Ford collapsed.
2. The infield mud at Chicagoland was the only thing that could slow down Kyle Busch as his racecar became stuck there after his victory burnout. His happy crew was more than willing to help give him a push.
1. Jimmie Johnson pulled away from the field late and looked headed for victory lane until a late-race caution allowed Kyle Busch to make a heroic pass on the second to last lap and secure his seventh win of the season.
Stay tuned each week for the Top 10 TUMS Moments to see which drivers and teams are most in need of TUMS fast relief.
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PUEBLO, Colo. (July 8, 2008 ) – The teams for the PBR Team Shootout were confirmed on the exclusive PBR Primetime Radio show which aired tonight, Tuesday, July 8. The first two riders to make their selection came as no surprise as Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) chose two-time and reigning PBR World Champion Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.) and 2004 World Champion Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) decided close friend, Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho), would be the perfect teammate. After those two choices, it was anybody’s guess on who would make up the remaining eighteen teams.
One team that will no doubt be a fan favorite is captained by PBR veteran Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) who selected Matt Bohon (Cole Camp, Mo.) as his Shootout partner. “I’ll go with Matt Bohon,” Coleman said. “He’s a stud, everybody knows him. Somebody said he’s winning Calgary right now…so I think he can make a come back.”
The only thing that was clear at the end of the show was that the PBR Team Shootout will definitely be a family affair. Three-time World Champion and PBR legend Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) picked his younger brother, Allan Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) while current world no. 1 bull rider Guilherme Marchi, (Leme, SP, Brazil) chose his brother, Juliano Marchi (Barari, SP, Brazil); and a team of cousins was formed as L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) selected Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.).
Country loyalties were observed as 2008 World Cup Australian teammates, Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) and Jared Farley (Kempsey, AUS) paired up, and Brazilians Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) and Sinovaldo Correia (Lobato, Parana, Brazil) will be competing for the winner-take-all purse. A home state alliance was also created as bull riders, 2000 & 2003 PBR World Champion Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) teamed up with Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.) to try and take the championship money back home to Louisiana.
The final team formed was captained by Nebraska bull rider and 2004 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) who chose PBR card holder and 2007 PRCA World Champion Wesley Silcox (Santaquin, Utah). “I called Wes Silcox, another former PRCA world champ, and he and I are going to team up. He’s kinda going on the same route as me. He’s accomplished his goals in the PRCA and now he’s moving towards the PBR and is going to take it by storm.”
Each team will compete at two of the following stops: Del Mar, Calif., Pose Robles, Calif., Molalla, Ore., or Guthrie, Okla., with the top ten teams from the first four events competing at the Finals in Pueblo, Colo., which will be aired Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The team that wins the 2008 PBR Team Shootout title will take home the entire championship purse and bragging rights for a year!
The teams are listed below in the order that the selections were made:
Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) and Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.)
Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) and Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, Idaho)
Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) and Bryan Richardson (Dallas, Texas)
Travis Briscoe (Edgwood, N.M.) and Cole Taylor (Sayre, Okla.)
J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.) and Bart Miller (Oshkosh, Neb.)
Brendon Clark (Morpeth, AUS) and Jared Farley (Kempsey, AUS)
Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) and Sinovaldo Correia (Lobato, Paraná, Brazil)
Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) and Pim Rosa (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Luke Snyder (Raymore, Mo.) and Cory Rasch (Clarksville, Tenn.)
Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) and Matt Bohon (Cole Camp, Mo.)
Mike White (De Kalb. Texas) and Colby Yates (Fort Worth, Texas)
Zack Brown (Santa Fe, Texas) and Mark Lopes (Sutter Creek, Calif.)
L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) and Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.)
Chris Shivers (Jonesville, La.) and Nick Landreneau (Sulphur, La.)
Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) and Juliano Marchi (Bariri, SP, Brazil)
Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) and Allan Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil)
Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) and Matt Austin (Wills Point, Texas)
Ednei Caminhas (Presidente Alves, SP, Brazil) and Chad Denton (Berry Creek, Calif.)
Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) and Robson Arageo (Sergipe, Brazil)
Dustin Elliott (North Platte, Neb.) and Wesley Silcox (Santaquin, Utah)
“Quote of the Week”
“I have a really good understanding of what Richard Petty has meant to our sport because I come from a racing family myself. He is one of the guys that helped make the dream of growing up to become a racecar driver a reality for a lot of kids. I’m so proud to be a part of the 50tth anniversary this weekend and honored to carry the 50th Anniversary paint scheme on the hood of the #43. Everyone, especially NASCAR and the folks at Chicagoland Speedway have jumped on board to help us out this weekend with stuff to honor ‘The King’. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Bobby Labonte Driver – No. 43 Richard Petty’s 50th Anniversary Dodge
‘THE KING’ CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
• Richard Petty made his first start on July 12, 1958 in
NASCAR’s convertible series. In his 35-year career as a
driver, he amassed remarkable numbers:
- 200 wins
- 1,185 starts
- 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup championships
- 7 Daytona 500 wins
- 27 wins in a season (1967)
- 10 consecutive wins (1967)
• This week, NASCAR celebrates the Golden Anniversary
of Richard “The King” Petty.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Ryan Newman, driver No. 12 Alltel Dodge, is the
youngest Sprint Cup winner at Chicagoland Speedway.
Newman was 26 years, 7 months, 5 days old when he
won the 2003 Tropicana 400.
• The first ever gasoline-powered motor car race was held
up-and-down the Chicago lakefront in 1895. The contest
required vehicles to have at least three wheels and be
able to carry at least two people, one of whom was to be
an umpire selected by the judges to ride with the driver
during the race. The race winner, J. Frank Duryea.
• No NSCS race at Chicagoland Speedway has been won
from the pole or from the same starting position.
• All four manufacturers have won at least three races this
season.
• All four manufacturers are represented in the top 12.
CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY TRACK FACTS
• The height of the grandstands at Chicagoland is 15
stories tall, the same height as the Navy Piers Ferris
Wheel in downtown Chicago.
• Chicagoland Speedway sits on 930 acres of land, which
is large enough to accommodate 42 United Centers
(Home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks), making it
the largest sporting facility in Illinois.
• The D-shaped track has 18 degrees of banking in the
turns, 11 degrees in the tri-oval and five degrees on the
backstretch.
• Only Dodge and Chevrolet have posted wins at the Dshaped
track.
Chase Contenders
(after 18 of 36 Races)
Driver Points
Kyle Busch 2,686
Dale Earnhardt Jr. -182
Jeff Burton -202
Carl Edwards -249
Jimmie Johnson -367
Jeff Gordon -437
Denny Hamlin -446
Kasey Kahne -509
Matt Kenseth -520
Clint Bowyer -527
Greg Biffle -533
Tony Stewart -541
