TV TIMES By Lou Modestino(for 1/22-1/24/10)
Big changes are on the way to NASCAR Cup Racing according to Sporting News! Wings may stay on the COT, at least for the first few races. But, two rules are specifically aimed at restrictor plate tracks and could be eliminated. One item under consideration is the elimination of limited bumping in the turns and passing below the yellow lines at Daytona and Talladega. Some drivers blame the yellow line for the major wreck between Carl Edwards-Brad Kaeselowski at Dega last April. Some drivers favor elimination of the no bumping zones. However, opinions are mixed on the yellow line rule. So if all of this comes to pass do you think that Brian France and his henchmen in NASCAR’s front office finally realized that all the “make nice” bland entertainment called NASCAR, the last few years, needs some revamping? We think so. Like bring it back to the good ole days of Richard Petty vs. Bobby Allison or Cale Yarborough vs Bobby and Donnie Allison. We think that these potential changes are a major effort to get the dissident old fans to return as well as the fickle newbies to come back to buy tickets and watch those races every week on TV. Like we said before too many changes by Brian chased both the old and the contemporary fans away. Lets hope that Brian and company follow through with all of this and it’s successful.
| DATE (Day) | LOCATION | NETWORK | TIME |
| July 25 (Sun.) | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Aug. 1 (Sun.) | Pocono Raceway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Aug. 8 (Sun.) | Watkins Glen International | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Aug. 15 (Sun.) | Michigan International Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Aug. 21 (Sat.) | Bristol Motor Speedway | ABC | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 5 (Sun.) | Atlanta Motor Speedway | ESPN | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 11 (Sat.) | Richmond International Raceway | ABC | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 19 (Sun.) | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 26 (Sun.) | Dover International Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 3 (Sun.) | Kansas Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 10 (Sun.) | Auto Club Speedway | ESPN | 3 p.m. |
| Oct. 16 (Sat.) | Charlotte Motor Speedway | ABC | 7:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 24 (Sun.) | Martinsville Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 31 (Sun.) | Talladega Superspeedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 7 (Sun.) | Texas Motor Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 14 (Sun.) | Phoenix International Raceway | ESPN | 3 p.m. |
| Nov. 21 (Sun.) | Homestead-Miami Speedway | ESPN | 1 p.m. |
MX Sports, producer of the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships announced the formation of two new and exciting opportunities for amateur riders. The inaugural Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship will take place on Sunday, March 7 at Daytona International Speedway, and on Monday, March 8, Carmichael will then host Ricky Carmichael University, the first public riding school ever hosted by the 15-Time AMA National Champion.
Both events will take place after the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Saturday, March 6, where those amateur families will have the opportunity to see the best stars in AMA Supercross, such as Chad Reed and James Stewart, battle in America’s toughest, most challenging Supercross event of the year.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for amateur racers to ride at Daytona International Speedway,” said Tim Cotter, director of MX Sports. “Every horsepower buff knows what Daytona stands for. It is the heartbeat of the racing universe, and now amateur riders will have the opportunity to race on these storied grounds and learn from the Greatest of All-Time.”
“I’m super pumped to be involved with this,” said Carmichael, a five-time Daytona Supercross By Honda champion. “I feel like Daytona is one of my racing homes, and to be able to give back to the sport like this will be awesome. You never forget your roots. For the riders, this is an amazing opportunity to race on the Daytona track. I’m really looking forward to sharing my knowledge with them.”
MX Sports will organize the event by utilizing their nearly 30 years of experience operating the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch. The class structure will include classes for youth riders on 50cc bikes all the way up to vet and senior classes. The race will follow a supercross format, using heat races and last-chance qualifiers to seed the field of riders into a main event in each class. Unlike the Loretta Lynn Ranch format, riders do not need to qualify at other races in advance in order to participate in the Daytona event. Full online signup information is posted on MXSports.com.
While amateur riders have competed at Daytona before, the Ricky Carmichael University event on Monday, March 8, is an unprecedented opportunity. The Ricky Carmichael University will feature the legendary Supercross champion and his team sharing exclusive riding secrets during a one-day-only Supercross camp on the Daytona track. It marks the first time amateur racers have had the opportunity to tap into the techniques and skills of the Greatest of All-Time.
The amateur track will run a basic layout similar to the Daytona Supercross By Honda with changes made to accommodate amateur and youth riders. Amateur riders and their families are encouraged to come down early and camp on the Daytona infield, where hookups are available.
“Both of these two events are great additions to our busy motorcycle schedule,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Our Supercross course is legendary around the country and it’s a special opportunity for these amateur riders to test their skills on it, as well as learn from a legend such as Ricky Carmichael.”
Amateur dirt-trackers will roost limestone and race into the record books this Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 on the new quarter-mile short-track at Daytona International Speedway. The three-round AMA Racing Winter National Short-Track Championships will feature competition in youth, vet/senior and other amateur classes, with national No. 1 plates on the line.
In addition, March 2 will feature the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Shootout. Not only will this event include classes for amateur racers over 30, 40 and 50 years old, but special classes just for pro-licensed riders will be included in the program. This event will give dirt-track fans an excellent opportunity to see the sport’s top pros battle for bragging rights leading into the first round of the 2010 AMA Pro Racing Grand National Championship, which gets underway at the same venue on March 3-4.
“This four-day combined event will have everything a dirt-track fan or racer could want — AMA Racing amateur national championships, a show stacked with the world’s top pro dirt-track talent, and a special event for our vet/senior amateur racers,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “This also supports our ongoing goal of maintaining a smooth bridge between the amateur ranks and professional racing. The numerous pro teams and sponsors on hand for the AMA Pro Grand National Championships will have one of their best opportunities of the year to see the up-and-coming racers of the next generation at the AMA Racing Winter National Short-Track Championships.”
Racers who participate in all three rounds of the AMA Racing Winter National Short-Track Championships will also earn five Holeshot Points for the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships. The AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships are the year’s premier amateur dirt-track championships, featuring competition in short-track, TT, half-mile and Mile racing in Du Quoin, Ill., this July 17-23. Amateur racers may earn a maximum of five Holeshot Points by running select events leading up to the Du Quoin event.
HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destinations for revealing, award-winning original non-fiction series and event-driven specials that connect history with viewers in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. MAD is a reality show aired on the History Channel on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. It covers the exploits and rivalrys beetwen two fueding families who have been adversarires for several decades and generations at the well known Bowman Gray Stadium’s oval track in Winston-Salem, NC. This came from StockCarGazette.com and the History Channel.
“DOWN WITH THE KING” – January 17th
After a disastrous opening race, questions begin to surface about Jr Miller, the King of Bowman Gray Stadium, and his ability to compete. Is the winningest driver in Bowman Gray History over the hill? Is he past his prime? And if so, which one of these younger drivers is gonna knock the King off his throne?
“FULL MOON MADNESS” – January 24th
Racers are very superstitious – especially at Bowman Gray. Chris Fleming tempts fate by driving the “number 13” and thumbing his nose at the popular superstitions. Then, as a full moon rises, the Miller team and Myers team clash in the pits in a fit of rage. Who will survive when the King shows his fangs?
“BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER” – January 31st
After being bullied by Junior Miller for the last time, Jason Myers has had enough. But if he’s going to stand up to the King he’ll need to first step outside his brother’s shadow. Does Jason have what it takes to hold his own at The Madhouse? Meanwhile, Ben Brown finds the right forum to challenge baby brother Tim, and Chris Fleming seeks some help from a local legend.
“VENGEANCE IS MINE” – February 7th
The Myers clan has won a victory, but Junior Miller has his sights set on revenge. Only problem is: the Red 69’s leaking water, and may not be ready for Saturday night. Will The King get his motor ready in time to settle an old family score? Meanwhile Chris Fleming turns old friends into new enemies and Burt Myers fills up on luck at the gas station.
“DOWN WITH THE KING” – January 17th
After a disastrous opening race, questions begin to surface about Jr Miller, the King of Bowman Gray Stadium, and his ability to compete. Is the winningest driver in Bowman Gray History over the hill? Is he past his prime? And if so, which one of these younger drivers is gonna knock the King off his throne?
“FULL MOON MADNESS” – January 24th
Racers are very superstitious – especially at Bowman Gray. Chris Fleming tempts fate by driving the “number 13” and thumbing his nose at the popular superstitions. Then, as a full moon rises, the Miller team and Myers team clash in the pits in a fit of rage. Who will survive when the King shows his fangs?
“BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER” – January 31st
After being bullied by Junior Miller for the last time, Jason Myers has had enough. But if he’s going to stand up to the King he’ll need to first step outside his brother’s shadow. Does Jason have what it takes to hold his own at The Madhouse? Meanwhile, Ben Brown finds the right forum to challenge baby brother Tim, and Chris Fleming seeks some help from a local legend.
“VENGEANCE IS MINE” – February 7th
The Myers clan has won a victory, but Junior Miller has his sights set on revenge. Only problem is: the Red 69’s leaking water, and may not be ready for Saturday night. Will The King get his motor ready in time to settle an old family score? Meanwhile Chris Fleming turns old friends into new enemies and Burt Myers fills up on luck at the gas station.
This reality show has been getting more negative reviews from viewers and the media. It remains to be seen until the ratings are in. Most, so far don’t like it and feel that it sets short racing back. But some, who make sense in their opinions, feel that it’s all very entertaining. However, as they say in the TV business, programs live or die by the ratings.
Beginning Jan. 24, NASCAR fans will be given unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to one of the sport’s most successful teams as it prepares for the season-opening Daytona 500. SPEED and IMG Sports Media are working together on a series of four one-hour specials featuring Joe Gibbs Racing and giving fans a unique perspective of what it is. This came from AutoRacingSport.com.
The Robin Hood Rally, www.robinhoodrally.com, has received over 100 viable applicants and will begin the Participant selection process January 25th! First come, first screened, and first accepted as a Participant. This is another reality show for road racer types. If this ever hits the TV screen it will interesting to see what the fans and the media think of this series. There seems to be a lot of interest in racing reality programming this winter.
The Rally team is pleased to announce that Joseph DeSalvo and Ken Stadt will be the TV Production Partners. Mr. DeSalvo and Mr. Stadt have a long history of incredible television and major motion picture credits. See their great work in the links below. Mr. DeSalvo was responsible for additional cinematography for the NY City portion of a great piece that featured Vintage and new Ferrari F1 cars on city streets.
Upcoming Rally Events:
Screening Interviews – Stamford, CT – 1.26-1.28
Rally Cocktail Party – 1.27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Presentation in NYC – Tentatively on March 9th
Dynamometer Day – Saturday April 10th – Hudson Historic’s in Ossining, NY
Track Day – Friday April 23rd – Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, NY, 4.1 Mile course
Making an Application:
If you have not completed your application as a Participant the time is now. You must complete the application process to be eligible for a screening interview. If you are not accepted for the Rally after your screening interview your deposit will be immediately refunded. Please call or email me with any questions at any time.
Stephan Condodemetraky
Executive Producer
The Robin Hood Rally
V (603) 434-8218
F (603) 434-8755
scondo@robinhoodrally.com
www.robinhoodrally.com
Worldwide real estate leader RE/MAX, Int’l will expand its presence in the ARCA Racing Series in 2010 through sponsorship of the stock car tour’s popular rookie of the year award. The 2010 RE/MAX Rookie program begins with the February 6 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona Int’l Speedway and will include per-race and season-end cash awards.
RE/MAX will post a $10,000 bonus to the end-of-season Rookie of the Year Award winner. In addition, the company will post a $250 cash award to the highest finishing registered rookie at each ARCA Racing Series event.
ARCA has honored a top rookie each consecutive season since 1957. In 2009, Penske Development Driver Parker Kligerman drove the No. 77 Cunningham Motorsports Dodge to a series-leading nine race wins, a record for a rookie competitor in the ARCA Racing Series.
Long recognized as an established route to the highest levels of stock car racing, ARCA Rookies have gone on to earn championships and race wins in both ARCA and NASCAR. Five ROY Award Winners have gone on to capture the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Championship later in their careers, including nine-time champion Frank Kimmel, Bill Baird, Bill Venturini, Dave Dayton and Benny Parsons. Parsons, in addition to earning two ARCA Championships (1968 and 1969), earned the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship in 1973.
1984 Rookie of the Year Davey Allison went on to claim the 1987 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year award.
The 2010 RE/MAX Rookie program is open to all ARCA Racing Series drivers who have not competed in more than seven ARCA Racing Series events in a season preceding 2010 and is contingent upon signing an Official Rookie Declaration Form prior to the first race of the season. All rookie challengers must attempt to compete in at least one superspeedway event and one short track event to be eligible for the Rookie of the Year Award and points are awarded and accumulated based on the best 15 finishes out of the 20-event ARCA Racing Series schedule, with the highest finishing rookie in each event earning 30 points and points decreasing in increments of two (example. 1st-30, 2nd-28, 3rd-26, 4th-24, 5th-22). Final determination of award winner is based on points earned and a vote of the award committee.
RE/MAX Int’l, one of the largest real estate networks in the world, currently serves as a co-presenting series sponsor in the ARCA Racing Series and has been involved with the Automobile Racing Club of America since 2000, forming one of the longest-running sponsorship programs in motorsports.
Here’s what’s going on The Tube this week and into the weekend for the motorhead crowd courtesy of RaceFanTV.com. On Monday at 2 a.m. Discovery Channel US offers the VW Jetta Cup ’09 Review. VS kicks in with more of the Dakar Rally Argentina-Chile Day 16 at 3:30 p.m. Then Speed has NASCAR Race Hub at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday’s offering is a 9 p.m. airing of the VW Jetta Cup, ’09 Review. On Wednesday HD Theatre will cover the Goodwood Revival Meeting #2 at Noon. Saturday has a noon airing of the German Touring Cars at Brands Hatch UK on Speed followed by the British Touring Cars at Knockhill, Scotland at 1 p.m. On Sunday Speed comes back with the Bodine Bobsled Challenge at Noon while VS has more of the Dakar Rally at 3 p.m. At 6 p.m. it’s Countdown To Daytona on Speed then the Speed Report on that same channel at 7 p.m.