NASCAR Notes: Race short of sellout

Race short of sellout

After having its 33-race sellout streak snapped last September at Richmond International Raceway because of Tropical Storm Hanna, tonight's Crown Royal Presents Russ Friedman 400 isn't expected to sell out, either.

But racetrack officials knew a sellout would be an ambitious goal considering the economic downturn.

"Although we did experience soft ticket sales earlier this year - due mainly to the economic conditions - we have seen a tremendous increase in purchases over the past several weeks," RIR President Doug Fritz said. "We expect an enormous crowd of faithful fans and we will again host the largest spectator sporting event in Virginia."

Fritz said tickets are still available for tonight's race. But he declined to estimate how many tickets might be sold for the Sprint Cup race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has three victories at RIR, said it's unfortunate that the race isn't likely to sell out. But he added that most drivers and owners aren't panicking over dwindling attendance at most NASCAR venues.

"I wouldn't know where to begin to help [with ticket sales]," Earnhardt said. "There will be a lot of people here this weekend. There'll be enough to make me happy.

"I don't think you have to have a sellout to call it success. It's just so many expectations, and it's unrealistic. It's a tough economy, and people are trying to save what they can save.

"The good news about it is that the stock market has stabilized, but there are a lot of other things that haven't gotten better," Earnhardt added. "People are just trying to take it easy right now, but we'll have a good percentage of seats filled this weekend."

Beginning of a career is not always pretty

Moving to the front of the pack is not easy and does not always win friends and have a positive influence on people. David Reutimann seems to be a mild-mannered guy who is finally finding success on the Sprint Cup circuit.

He readily admits that appearance was deceiving earlier in his career.

"I've had people throw beer at me and cuss at me and threaten to wait for me in the parking lot," Reutimann said. "I've driven into the trailer and sat in it with the window net up and waited for my crew to get there so people wouldn't come and beat on my head with a jackhammer.

"But that was at the local level. You showed up at the race track racing for a living. The race paid $500 and you spent $450 on tires. You needed to win or you were going to go in the hole big time. So, I ran over a lot of people."

Keselowski wins first, celebrates later

Brad Keselowski had the first Sprint Cup victory of his career last week at Talladega. Such an achievement, especially for someone so young - Keselowski is 25 - usually is cause for great celebration.

"You know what I did?" Keselowski asked. "I got in my truck, drove home and went straight to sleep. I always get tired after a race.

"I haven't had a chance to celebrate. It's been pretty busy. I'm going to try to schedule my next win when I have the week off or at least not a short week."

Gordon gets MRI for back pain

Jeff Gordon had an MRI on his back this week to see if doctors could pinpoint the reason for his discomfort. "I don't believe it's anything serious," Gordon said. "There is a little bit of arthritis, which is not totally unnatural.

"There are some things that might have come from trauma, from a crash or just years of beating it up. Who knows? I might have picked up my luggage or something and tore something up in there. Some experts are looking at it. When we know more, I'll let you guys know."

CoT, RIR perfect fit for Johnson

Jimmie Johnson, the three-time defending Sprint Cup champion, has won three races at Richmond's ¾-mile mile short track since the Car of Tomorrow was introduced.

"When we had the CoT at tracks for the first time, we had the mindset that it would be a good equalizer for us and help us catch up at Bristol, [RIR] and some other tracks," said Johnson, who won here in September in the regular-season finale.

"We finally figured out the things to help the car turn, but also keep it in the track with a lot of grip. We've been able to do that here the last few times."

Salute to writer Poole

David Poole, an award-winning NASCAR writer, was remembered yesterday by those in his profession and those he covered. The long-time Charlotte Observer reporter died this week of a heart attack.

"For 12 years, we worked side-by-side. I spent more time with David than some of my family members," said his Observer colleague Jim Utter. "It's a big shock and big void for me personally and for our Observer family and NASCAR.

"I don't think I got a glimpse of how widespread David's recognition was until this happened. The messages and e-mails were from people all across the country. Not everybody agreed with all of his opinions. But they looked forward to Mondays after races to see what David Poole had to write."

Poole was just as passionate about issues not involving NASCAR, including politics, golf and the University of North Carolina, which won the national basketball championship only weeks before his death.

"He would incessantly pick fights with Jeff Burton because of Burton's love for the Duke Blue Devils," Nutter said.

Chrysler bankruptcy impacts NASCAR?

President Barack Obama predicts bankruptcy will ultimately benefit Chrysler. But some Sprint Cup drivers are uncertain what impact it will have on the automaker's future in NASCAR.

"Seeing Chrysler in the position that they've put themselves in and Fiat's coming in, all that I can do is read the news and listen to Roger Penske on what he has to say," said Kurt Busch, who will pilot the No. 2 Dodge tonight.

"I feel confident that what transpired will allow us to race. It will allow us to bring in the support that we have from Dodge. We'll have to see how things adjust as we get into the future, and that could be beyond when our contract expires."

NMPA, Home Depot team up for award

Home Depot announced yesterday it is partnering with the National Motorsports Press Association to present a humanitarian award. This year's winner will be named during the NMPA Myers Brother Awards in Las Vegas.

The award recognizes an individual in the NASCAR community who has shown a dedication to to helping others and improving communities through service and giving. Home Depot will award the winner a $100,000 donation for a charity of the recipeint's choice.

"Giving back is a fundamental value of the Home Depot," said Frank Bifulco, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Home Depot. - Ralph N. Paulk and Paul Woody