The editors of Hot Rod are in the process now of building this ’68 Chevy Van for the 2012 SEMA Show in affiliation with eBay Motors. Working with Mackey’s Hot Rods of Huntington Beach, CA, they not only sourced the love machine, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors.

The editors of Hot Rod are in the process now of building this ’68 Chevy Van for the 2012 SEMA Show in affiliation with eBay Motors. Working with Mackey’s Hot Rods of Huntington Beach, CA, they not only sourced the love machine, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors.

While they would love for you to vote for them, the key to this campaign is that you can be the winner. Vote for your favorite, even if it isn’t the Gasser Van and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 dream garage.

So whether you’re into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com.

The editors of Hot Rod, Lowrider, european car, and Four Wheeler are in the process now of building SEMA projects sourcing not only the car, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors. Best of all, you can vote for your favorite and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

The editors of Hot Rod, Lowrider, european car, and Four Wheeler are in the process now of building SEMA projects sourcing not only the car, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors. Best of all, you can vote for your favorite and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

The effort is BUILT from eBay® – A web series that takes four automotive magazines and their selected garages and creates a competition to showcase eBay Motors amazing selection. Each team starts with the purchase of a niche-enthusiast vehicle, and then searches out and purchases each and every part to go with them. Whether those parts be new, retro, performance or new-old-stock, these four teams are being tested to pull it off.

So whether you’re into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com. 

The new distribution system is a natural fit for customers and retailers.

Here’s big news from two giants in the performance and racing aftermarket: Lunati announces that it is now a master warehouse distributor for Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil products.

Whether it’s the company’s synthetic racing oil, high-performance engine oil, driveline lubrications or engine builder products, Driven Racing Oils has always focused on increasing power and improving durability. That’s a natural complement for Lunati’s line of high performance engine components, making the new distribution system a natural fit for customers and retailers.

Driven Racing Oil includes nine variations of synthetic engine oils designed to meet the needs of specific racing conditions. It also carries two semi-synthetic blends, two high-zinc petroleum blends, seven types of high performance engine oils and four types of hot rod oils. Its products also include lubricants for axles, transmissions and power steering, all designed for grueling racing environments.

Lunati manufactures high performance and racing camshafts, valvetrain components, pistons, rods, crankshafts and engine kits. For more information about Lunati products, call 662-892- 1500, or visit us at www.lunatipower.com. For more information about Driving Racing Oils, visit www.drivenracingoil.com.

High performance sunglasses from Ra Vision Gear are specifically designed for use with helmets and headsets.

Ra Vision Gear manufactures and retails high performance sunglasses specifically designed for flying, riding and driving and are optimized for use with helmets and headsets. The unique design, the high strength titanium frame, and lenses made with Trivex(R) material make these sunglasses ideal for auto racing drivers and crews, pilots, motorcyclists, bicyclists, skiers, snowmobilers, military, headset wearing football coaches, and any other individual that needs eye sun protection while wearing a helmet or headset.

The Frames

The frames are made of lightweight and flexible titanium metal that easily slide thru the ear pad of the helmet or headset. The frames contour the head and allows for the seal of noise canceling earpieces to be maintained. The light weight and lack of pressure points on the head allow the user to wear the glasses for extended periods without fatigue and discomfort.


The unique design of the temple and nose pieces adds durability and strength to the glasses that other rimless sunglasses lack. The "triangle" design of the temple and the "x" of the nose piece act as a truss system similar to that used in aircraft wing design, allowing for maximum strength with minimum weight and bulk. The "wrap" or curvature of the frames and lens allows sun protection for the wearer's peripheral vision as well as forward facing.

The Lens

The lens is made of a revolutionary Trivex(R) material that features optical qualities similar to glass and surpasses the light weight and scratch resistance of polycarbonate lenses while providing 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. Trivex(R) material allows a higher amount of visible light to travel through the lens and also allow the wearer to distinguish true color.

Available in either grey or brown, the non-polarized lenses are optimized for moving fast, looking at gauges, or through a windshield. Polarization interferes with gauges, windshields and computer screens creating blank spots, totally "darking-out" the gauge or making a rainbow effect on wind- shields. Additionally, polarization can mask slick spots and standing puddles of water for any type of road riding/driving application. In fact, the FAA strongly recommends against pilot use of polarized sunglasses.

Satisfaction is guaranteed and there is no charge for shipping in the U.S. We tried them and they perform just how Ra Vision Gear says they will. For more information and ordering, please visit www.ravisiongear.com. Plus, you gotta see the demonstration of just how tough these sunglasses are by checking out the video Watermelon Wearing Sunglasses Bomb Launch by Ra Vision Gear!

If you are an aspiring racer looking to develop your skills and advance your career, Richard Petty’s Driver Search is the program for you.

This unique training camp and competition follows a 10-module format – including instruction/competition in Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Car and Mechanical Knowledge/Feel, Speed and Marketing/Communications.  At the end of the four day program, a “Top Driver” is named and awarded a fully-funded and supported opportunity to compete in a nationally televised ARCA event.
 
For more information or to apply for Richard Petty’s Driver Search, visit: www.pettydriversearch.com

Pit Stop USA, a leading online retailer to the circle market, will be opening a new retail showroom in March and also announced the release of their 2011 catalog.

Pit Stop USA announced today that the company will be opening a new retail showroom in March 2011.  The new retail showroom will be located adjacent to the company’s corporate offices located at 1310 Ross Street in Petaluma, California.  PitStopUSA.com  “The Online Motorsports Superstore!” is a leading online retailer to the circle market.  Pit Stop USA was a pioneer opening one of the first online circle track online stores in the industry in April 2000. The company celebrated their 10th year anniversary by launching an all new Pit Stop USA online store in November 2010 that takes the online shopping experience to a whole new level. The latest Pit Stop USA online store took over 1 year in design and development.

"We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Pit Stop USA retail showroom", commented Pit Stop USA President Ed Coughenour.  "We have had so many requests over the years from our customers to open a retail outlet, so we are very excited to finally have the opportunity to welcome them to our new store opening in March."  The retail store will feature huge selection of driver safety equipment that Pit Stop USA is so well known for including all the top brands like Simpson, Bell, Alpinestars, DefNder, Hans Performance Products, Pyrotect, Safety Solutions, G-Force, Oakley, Hans Device, Crow, RaceQuip and more.

The company will announce the date for Grand Opening Celebration soon and plans to offer special promotions at the store and on PitStopUSA.com "The Online Motorsports Superstore!"  For more details on the new Pit Stop USA Retail Showroom including the announcement of the Grand Opening Celebration date and promotions please visit Pit Stop USA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pitstopusa.


Pit Stop USA also just released their all new 2011 Motorsports Parts and Accessories catalog featuring the top brands in the industry. The catalog has 544 full color pages, with product features and benefits, photos and great tech tips. This catalog is a great reference tool for any race shop. Order yours today at http://pitstopusa.com/i-5058135-pit-stop-usa-motorsports-parts-and-accessories-catalog.html.

Performance Motorsports Incorporated (PMI) and Roush Yates announced today a newly formed technical alliance that will focus on product development in national and international markets. The announcement was made during the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, FL.

 This alignment of businesses will utilize advanced technology from Roush Yates and the superior distribution system of PMI to bring customers newly developed technical products that surpass anything in their field. Furthermore, Roush Yates will work directly with PMI's engineering departments to develop new components for future RYE engine programs and to expand the company's extensive performance product line.

PMI, parent company for industry leading performance brands such as JE Pistons, K1 Technologies, Wiseco Performance Products, Innovate Motorsports, and ProX Performance Products, is widely known for their emphasis on engineering and manufacturing technology, making them an ideal partner for Roush Yates.

"This is an excellent opportunity to exploit the strengths of two complementary organizations," said Ray Quatrochi, Vice President of Sales and Engineering for PMI. "Roush Yates is a world-class performance engine group and we're looking forward to working together."

Roush Yates currently builds 48 different types of engines each year in their state-of-the-art engine facilities in Mooresville, NC. Information gained through collaborating with PMI will allow Roush Yates to strengthen its product offerings in internal and external markets.

"I am proud to announce the alignment of Roush Yates with a prestigious company such as PMI," said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines. "This partnership will bring true value to our engine and performance product programs while continuing to support our commitment to the highest level of quality."

To learn more about this alliance, please contact Sean Crawford at scrawford@doverpmi.com  or Jon Sands at jsands@roushyates.com.

Renowned road course racer Marcos Ambrose and two-time Nationwide series champion Randy LaJoie will, again, be among the guest instructors when Richard Petty's Driver Search III takes place December 6-9, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

Named for the NASCAR Hall of Famer and winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history, Richard Petty's Driver Search is a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car  drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. The program, which is limited to 12 participants, focuses on the core skill sets necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports.

"The Petty guys have developed something quite unique and I'm proud to be part of it," said Ambrose, who is generally recognized as the best road racer in NASCAR. "I really enjoyed working with the competitors in the first two Driver Search programs and I'm sure this time will be no different."

"I had a blast with the guys the first time around," said LaJoie who was a guest instructor for the inaugural Richard Petty's Driver Search in April. "The twelve racers who get to be part of this program are in for a very special experience."

Over the course of the four days, competitors will demonstrate their abilities and learn from industry experts in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge/feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability. Performance in the driving modules is assessed throughout the program by state-of-the-art computerized timing and scoring and video and data acquisition technologies.

At the conclusion of the final day, one of the participants will be named "Top Driver" of Richard Petty's Driver Search III and awarded the chance to compete in an ARCA Racing Series event during the 2011 season.

Additionally, Petty Holdings announced that HANS Performance Products will supply the Sports Series version of the HANS Device for use during Richard Petty's Driver Search. "We believe that safety is the most important consideration for all motor racing competitors and that a head and neck restraint should be part of any driver's safety equipment," said Gary Milgrom, Vice President of HANS Performance Products. "Our HANS Device Sports Series combines the highest standards in the industry for a head and neck restraint at a reasonable cost to drivers in entry levels of competition. The HANS Device fits any size of driver, works in all types of cars and in any type of racing competition, which makes it a perfect fit for Richard Petty's Driver Search," added Milgrom.

"HANS is respected and trusted by racers everywhere" said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings. "They are exactly the type of partner that we want to have for this program."

Complete information and driver applications can be found at http://www.pettydriversearch.com.

Training Camp & Competition Will Award Opportunity in ARCA Racing Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of Richard Petty's Driver Search.

Unlike virtually any other major American sport, auto racing does not have any typical path to the "big leagues." Today's top racers come from diverse racing backgrounds that include dirt track and asphalt, big track and small, road course and oval, open wheel and stock cars.

But despite the many different paths taken, most of these racers have one thing in common; they were lucky enough to have people who could make a difference in their careers recognize their ability, help refine it and provide a real chance to display it on a big stage.

To that end, Richard Petty's Driver Search was created to help bring racing talent, training and opportunity together.

Named for the winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup history and designed as a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers, the inaugural Richard Petty's Driver Search will take place April 26th - April 29th.

The program will be limited to only 12 participants. At the end of the four-day training camp, one competitor will be awarded a fully supported opportunity to qualify for, and compete in, the ARCA Racing Series event June 5th at Pocono Raceway the day prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

"Guys ask me all the time how they can advance their racing careers," said Petty, "and the truth of it is, it's not easy. So many times it comes down to who you know, not what you know how to do. This Driver Search is gonna give a group of racers the chance to show what they can do while, at the same time, making them better at it."

"We've designed the overall itinerary and specific modules with input from guys who know what it takes" said Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which will manage and execute the program. "In addition to Richard's feedback, we've incorporated suggestions from Marcos Ambrose, Kyle Petty and other accomplished racers."

Richard Petty's Driver Search will focus on the core skill set necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Over the course of the program, which will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Speedway in Kershaw, SC, competitors will demonstrate their abilities, and learn from experts, in the areas of Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Exercises, Car Knowledge and Feel, Mechanical Knowledge, Speed, Communication and Marketability.

"Nothing like this program currently exists" said Kyle Petty. "Most of the driver competition-type programs that have come along are all about a TV package or have some other angle. But this program is about helping racecar drivers further develop their abilities and giving one of them a legitimate shot to compete in a big race on a national stage."

The cost to participate is $15,000.  Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

"While just one driver will win the ARCA series opportunity, after four intense days of training and competition, every participant will leave with the experience and knowledge to be a better race car driver," said Fedrizzi.

Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie join staff of Richard Petty's Driver Search

Two names familiar to racers and race fans, alike, have joined the team of instructors for Richard Petty's Driver Search. Marcos Ambrose, a two-time Nationwide Series race winner and current Sprint Cup regular and Randy LaJoie, the two-time Nationwide Series champion, will provide hands-on instruction to the 12 participants at the training camp and competition, scheduled to take place April 26th-29th.

Ambrose, who earned both of his victories at Watkins Glen International, is widely recognized as one of the most skilled road course racers competing in NASCAR today. He will lend his expertise to each of the competitors when Richard Petty's Driver Search visits the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC.

LaJoie is part of a select group to win back-to-back championships in a NASCAR national touring series, accomplishing this with the 1996 and 1997 Nationwide Series titles. He'll work with the competitors at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway, and Carolina Motorsports Park in multiple areas, including car control, knowledge & feel, track management and speed.

Keep tabs on your engine's compression ratio and performance with this cool new compression tester from Katech Performance...

The WHISTLER from Katech Inc. is an electronic device that instantly determines the compression ratio of virtually any engine to within a tenth of a point.

"The WHISTLER is easy to use," said Caleb Newman, director of aftermarket operations, Katech Performance. "Just remove a spark plug and screw the WHISTLER adapter in its place. Then enter the number of cylinders, CID and temperature of the engine. Finally, bring the engine to TDC (top dead center) and the unit will display the compression ratio."

Also required to use the WHISTLER is a low volume air source and 120Volt AC supply.

"Sanctioning bodies use the WHISTLER to enforce compression ratio rules without tearing the engine down," Newman added. "It's a great tool for the most serious engine shops and racers."

The WHISTLER works with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines ranging from six to 600 cubic inches with a temperature range of 30* to 200*F.

Included with the unit are:

* FN, BN, BL, J and 18mm spark plug adapters (12mm motorcycle available)

* Verification bottle (to check the calibration of the unit at any time)

* Easy-to-understand instruction sheet

The WHISTLER sells for $2,095 and can be purchased by calling Katech Inc. at 866-KATECH1.

Visit www.katechengines.com to learn more about the WHISTLER and other tools from the world-class engine professionals at Katech Inc.

Katech Performance, the aftermarket performance division of Katech Inc., engineers and manufactures race-proven crate engines and components for LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS7 engines including solid belt tensioners, coil relocation brackets, cylinder heads, dampers, pistons, push rods, throttle bodies and valve covers, among other high-performance products for the street and track.

Katech Inc. was founded on the need to provide responsive service and skills to factory race efforts in all forms of racing, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), NASCAR(r), SCCA SPEED World Challenge, American Speed Association (ASA) and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Today, Katech is an industrial leader in advanced racing and high-performance engine development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, and offers support services for the professional racer including boring, honing, fabrication, welding and prototype parts development.

So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...

Now, some are gonna cheer me on with this blog, while others will want my head. So be it. But I can't keep quiet with everyone comparing Johnson to Cale with the three championships in a row. THERE IS NO COMPARISON!!!

Cale Yarborough won three WINSTON CUP (Yes, it was the Winston Cup then, and will be the Winston Cup now. No retroactive political correctness here!) in the 70s, when competition in NASCAR was at one of its fiercest levels ever, the fields were full of outstanding drivers, a multi-car team wasn't even heard of, and the cars were pretty evenly matched. And Cale did it under the old points system, not the current "Ok, ten races to go, we're starting over" points system. Yarborough didn't have to "just make it to the chase", he had to run balls out, as hard as possible the whole year, and do it in fewer races than Jimmie Johnson to boot. You never saw Cale going for a "top five finish" or settling with a top ten, he was going for the win every single race.

Don't get me wrong, what Jimmie Johnson has done the last three years is quite an accomplishment and worthy of praise, but I'm sick of everyone (NASCAR and the TV media in particular) trying to compare everything the current drivers do to what the legendary drivers of the past did. If you took Jimmie Johnson right now, time warped back to '77 and put him in a cup car to race against Cale and the other masters of the golden age of NASCAR, he'd get pasted into the wall!

Get hands-on experience and expert demonstrations of MIG welding, TIG welding and plasma cutting. Test Miller TIG and MIG welders that make it easier to learn to weldperfect for enthusiast-level motorsports applications.

APPLETON, Wis. -- Miller Electric Mfg. Co. plans to debut a revolutionary new TIG welder on Nov. 4 the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Although the company will not reveal product details until the show opens, product manager John Swartz hints that Miller will introduce a revolutionary new AC/DC TIG unit designed with simplicity in mind for the first-time TIG welder. In early tests, users report that the new TIG unit is easy to operate; offers excellent arc starts, great control over the weld puddle and is affordably priced for the do-it-yourself motorsports enthusiast.

Miller encourages SEMA show visitors to get under the hood try all of its welders on display at booth #23913 in the Racing & Performance section and to ask questions of the welding experts staffing the booth.

Hands-on Experience

In addition to unveiling new products, Miller will conduct live arc demonstrations of the following products:

Millermatic series of MIG welders, including Millermatics 140 and 180 with Auto-Set paired with a Spoolmate 100 Series spool gun for MIG welding aluminum.

Spectrum series of plasma cutters, including the 18-lb. Spectrum 375 X-TREME.

Dynasty 200 AC/DC TIG inverters.

Digital Elite welding helmets including the new Luckys Speed Shop and Vintage USA Designs.

Highlights/Key Facts

* New TIG welder designed for motorsports enthusiasts

* Visit Miller booth #23913 in the Racing & Performance section

* Hands-on product experience, expert demonstrations

Nascar has its hands full with tires at Indy - But are they to blame?

The race at the Brickyard will go down in history as one of the biggest blunders in racing history. Remember Formula 1 had almost the identical thing happen with the drivers and teams withdrew from the race at Indy a few years back because of safety concerns.

But the thing is NASCAR should not be blamed for this mistake. The fault lies with Goodyear. In reality, NASCAR did all that they could to provide the fans with a decent race. Goodyear only brought three teams to test and brought the wrong tire to the track. They relied to heavy on previous races at the track. Goodyear has had some harsh critics this year and in all reality they have not performed up to the sports expectation.

So how do we resolve this problem....In my mind's eye it's very easy. Lets put the pressure on Goodyear and let another tire manufacture like Hoosier or Firestone to come into the series, and give the teams a choice each weekend. I can guarantee you that this would cause Goodyear to work a little harder. I can assure you that if Goodyear knew that as soon as they started popping tires like they were at Indy, teams could switch to another brand. Then Goodyear would of spent more time, money, and energy in making sure they brought a good tire.

Come on, lets think outside the box here a little

A special online auction give you the chance to own Kyle Petty's 2006 Victory motorcycle and join Kyle on the 2009 Ride Across America. But hurry, the auction runs July 15-25, 2008. All proceeds benefit two extremely worthy charaties.

Last year SEMA held its annual Installation Banquet in conjunction with a fundraiser to benefit two very worthy charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The 2007 event raised more than $175,000. This year the Installation Banquet and Gala Fundraiser will be held on July 25 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine located in Irvine, California.

This special online auction will assist in SEMA’s effort to help raise awareness and addtional funds. 100% of the proceeds from this auction will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The auction runs July 15-25, 2008.

THE AUCTION FEATURES

Kyle Petty's own 2006 Victory motorcycle, valued at over $15,000 and driven in the 2007 Ride Across America Charity RIde. This beautiful motorcycle is a black Jackpot model and includes a custom luggage rack built by Kyle himself, saddlebags and a full windshield.

In addition, the winner will receive one core rider position on the 15th Anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America in 2009 valued at over $13,000 and includes:

*Nine nights hotel accommodations

*Fuel for one motorcycle at all scheduled Pit stops

*All scheduled group meals

*Commemorative Designer Leather Jacket

*Event t-shirt and cap

*All company-sponsored t-shirts

*Transportation of one (1) motorcycle from NC to designated 2009 headquarters of Charity Ride

TO BID OR LEARN MORE PLEASE CUT AND PASTE THE LINK BELOW INTO YOUR BROWSER:

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=semacarescharities

AUCTION RUNS JULY 15-25, 2008

100% of the proceeds benefit these two important charities

About Childhelp

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp® is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp’s approach focuses on prevention, intervention and treatment. The Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. www.childhelp.org

Victory Junction Gang Camp

Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam. www.victoryjunction.org

NASCAR on dirt?

It's no secret that NASCAR is truly concerned with tv ratings. But I would imagine that if NASCAR would consider running a points race on dirt, then they would see a huge boost in their tv ratings.

Of course there would need to be plenty of testing before they could. Goodyear could develop a dirt tire, and the drivers could try the COT on dirt. NASCAR has raced dirt in the past and ARCA has proved that it can be done.

Think about it, NASCAR has tracks that benefit every type of driving back ground except for dirt drivers. The road course drivers always have an edge at Infineon and the Glen.  But the short track races are as close as it comes for the dirt drivers.

Wouldn't you love to see the Cup guys try there hands at Eldora, or the high banks of belleville, or better yet the moody mile? Come on NASCAR Change it up!

John Gibson -Tech Editor, SCR

Hard to believe it's been 50 years since Richard Petty made his first start racing in NASCAR, in what was then the Grand National division (later to become Winston Cup)...

Mooresville, N.C. - Petty Enterprises will celebrate "The King" Richard Petty's 50th anniversary in NASCAR this weekend. The plan includes Petty getting back into a racecar and turning laps at Chicagoland (Ill.) Speedway.

On July 12, 1958, Petty made his first NASCAR start in the old Convertible Division at Columbia (S.C.) Speedway in Cayce, South Carolina. On July 12, 2008, Petty Enterprises and the entire NASCAR community will celebrate the anniversary of that race at the Chicagoland Speedway, where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is competing in the Life Lock 400.

Petty Enterprises will be marking the anniversary with numerous special events and promotions. The team has extended an invitation for the CEOs of their sponsors and partner companies to come to Chicago to help them commemorate the anniversary. As part of the activities, Petty will return to a racecar to give some of his special guests a ride around Chicagoland Speedway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stockcar.

"'The King' has carved-out a legacy that can never be equaled in NASCAR," said Petty Enterprises Vice President of Marketing, Brian Moffitt. "Whether it is wins, championships, integrity, commitment to helping others or fan affinity, his career speaks for itself. We are excited to celebrate his 50-year legacy with programs in which our partners find value and at the same time allow Richard to stay connected to the core of the sport, the fan.

As a tribute to Petty and the anniversary of his first race, the No. 43 and No. 45 will be featuring special throwback paint schemes for the Life Lock 400. The paint schemes feature the Petty Blue color made famous by Petty and in a nod to the 60's and 70's, racing strips. Each will also carry the 50th anniversary commemorative logo on the hood of both cars.

Richard Petty is known for his fan friendly approach and as part of the 50th celebration, the team is offering a way for his fans to be included in the celebration. Petty Enterprises will join with Dodge and Marathon Petroleum Company to carry out a unique fan promotion scheduled to launch in early June. "As much as he is renowned for his success on the racetrack, 'The King' has always connected with the fan and still does to this day" said Moffitt. "It's just part of who he is. He understands that the fan is what makes NASCAR successful. He takes the time to sign every autograph and to pose for a picture with every child. It is with that same fan appreciation that our plans include elements in which the fans can participate in this milestone event.

Over his 35 years as a driver, 'the King' achieved some amazing feats on the racetrack including scoring a record 200 wins and seven Winston Cup Championships. Petty changed the sport of auto racing, influenced the way that drivers interact with their fans and in the process became an American icon.

The 50th anniversary of Petty's first race is an opportunity for Petty Enterprises, the NASCAR community, and all NASCAR fans to honor him for his achievements and for the countless contributions he has made to the sport.

This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of Richard Petty's first race, which occurred on July 12, 1958. In celebration of his half-century of involvement in NASCAR, here is a reproduction of a Petty Enterprises race report from that day. In his first two years of racing, Petty competed in two different NASCAR series, the Convertible Series and the Grand National Series (which is now the Sprint Cup Series). During his 35-year career 'The King' scored a record-setting 200 victories and seven Winston Cup Championships. Today, 50 years after he began racing, Richard Petty continues to dedicate his life to the sport that made him a true American icon.

RANDLEMAN, NC (July 12, 1958) - This was a successful and special weekend for Petty Enterprises. Lee Petty drove to his 15th top-5 of the season and his son, Richard, scored a sixth-place finish in his first NASCAR race.

Driving the #42 Petty Enterprises Oldsmobile, Lee Petty finished fourth at McCormick Field, a quarter-mile paved track in Asheville, N.C. Jim Paschal won the event, which was Grand National race number 29. Paschal was piloting the #49 Chevrolet; he started first and led all 150 laps of the 48 minute race. Fifteen cars began the event and twelve were running at the conclusion. Petty finished one lap down, he followed Cotton Owens and Rex White across the stripe. Jack Smith was two laps down and came in fifth. Petty earned $265 for his top-5 finish. He has won four races so far this season.

Racing this weekend at Columbia Speedway in Columbia, S.C., was Lee's son, Richard, who made his NASCAR debut in race number 14 for the Convertible Series. Bob Welborn took the win but Richard, who turned 21 only ten days ago, made a strong showing in his first race by finishing sixth.

"That was fun, a lot of fun," said Petty. "I've been watching my dad race all these years. It feels good that he trusted me, Dale and Red to come down here and race. I'm glad he had a good run in Asheville. For us to come home sixth, man, that feels like a win. It was real muddy, real slick out there. I learned a lot though. With a little more experience I think I can compete with these guys."

Richard started 13th in the #42 Petty Engineering Oldsmobile and moved through the field to finish only five laps down. Twenty-five cars started the 100-mile event but only 10 were running at the close of the race, which lasted nearly two hours. The young Petty won $200 for his first top-10 finish.

Fireball Roberts started from the pole in his #22 Chevrolet and crossed the stripe in second place. Larry Frank stayed on the lead lap to earn a third-place finish. Completing the top five were Doug Cox and George Dunn. Columbia Speedway is a half-mile dirt track that has hosted the Convertible Series since NASCAR began running the division in 1956.

The next Grand National event for Lee Petty is in four days at State Line Speedway in Busti, NY. Richard Petty's next race will be on July 18th in Toronto at the Canadian Exposition Stadium. It is scheduled to be Richard's Grand National Series debut; he will race alongside his father for the first time.

Busch again was in the right place at the right time to claim victory in the pepsi 400

Kyle Busch out deuled the teamates of Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth to win yet again. If the last caution hadn't of come out Busch was going to be a sitting duck to the Roush-Fenway Fords in my opinion.

And another thing I understand why NASCAR has to be concerned about the safety of the drivers and all. But in my opinion if the caution comes out on the last lap the drivers should be allowed to race back to the line, especially at Daytona and Talladega. The drivers would of had ample time to slow down their machines before reaching the accident scene.

Just my 2 cents

Once again Mother Nature conspired to keep Tony Stewart out of victory lane...

With his recent run of crappy luck, maybe Stewart should look at voodoo or human sacrifice to snap the streak?!

Yeah, Tony could've stayed out, but the sun would've probably come back out, and he be stuck running on fumes and old tires!

What do you think Tony Stewart should do to snap his bad luck?

An innovative backpack cooler from TrackPack chills and dispenses 20 beverage cans with the flick of a wrist, complies with most public venues and tracks and is easy for one person to carry. Drink up!

We're right in the middle of the car show season and no matter where you are that's gonna mean staying outside for hours, walking miles checking out cars and, more than likely, a few cold-ones. Handling and care of those coldies, as we all know, can be a major pain. TrackPack has come out with a backpack cooler that should make your life on the show or racing circuit easier.

The TrackPack's roomy 14h" x 14"w size was designed to comply with the most common size restrictions set by public venues and arenas - perfect for races and track events. It has an internal plastic frame that holds beverage cans stacked on their sides in four vertical columns - a lot like a soda machine. To keep everything cold, the TrackPack comes with three removable and reusable freezer gel-packs. They act sorta like an internal refrigerator and, here's a huge plus, they won't leak. While you're wearing the pack, reach back, whip open one of the flaps on either side of the bag, and grab an ice-cold one. The next can falls into the previous can's position.You can also access the cooler via a zippered flap on the top but the side flaps are much easier.

If you forget to freeze the gel-packs, the TrackPack comes with a waterproof liner insert. Just pull the internal plastic frame out of the bag, Velcro the liner in place and add crushed ice along with cans, bottles, or whatever you want to keep cool.

We gave the TrackPack a try at a recent event in Florida. We froze the gel-packs overnight (make sure you lay 'em as flat as possible or they may be tough to slide in to the rail system), loaded it up with some cans, slung it over the shoulder and headed out. After tailgating for a little while near our car, we put the TrackPack in the trunk with about 10 cans left in it and checked out the venue for about three hours. When we got back the drinks were still cold and, best of all, the cooler hadn't leaked or filled with water. Granted, nothing beats drinks submerged in cooler full of ice, but the TrackPack kept the cans pretty cold for hours in the trunk of a car in the Florida heat. If that had been an ice-chest, it would've been filled with nothing but warm water.

The TrackPack works like advertised and it did make transporting and keeping our drinks cold a ton easier. After we got back we took out the gel-packs, laid 'em flat in the freezer and it'll be ready to go for the next event. At just under $40, it's not as cheap as those Styrofoam coolers but it's not a bad deal considering the dough you'll save on ice. Plus, it's easy for one person to carry and will fit under the bleacher seats.

For more on TrackPack check out their website at www.trackpackcoolers.com.

Hobart Brothers offers the cure to common stick welding troubles. The poster illustrates common weld defects, their causes and solutions and is available free of charge in Spanish and English.

Hobart Brothers has created the fourth in an ongoing series of free educational welding posters, addressing the 10 most common welding problems and their likely causes and solutions. Using diagrams and concisely written explanations, the poster is a handy reference tool for both professional and educational welding environments.
 
The problems discussed apply to SMAW welding. Included in the poster are discussions of the following welding problems:

* Porous welds
* Cracked welds
* Undercutting
* Distortion
* Spatter
* Lack of fusion
* Overlapping
* Poor penetration
* Magnetic Arc Blow
* Inclusions

This poster and the previous three posters in the series, "Types and Positions," "AWS Classifications" and "Tensile and Impact Strength," are also available in Spanish.
The posters, measuring 28-in. X 22-in., are available free of charge by contacting the Hobart Brothers Information Center at (888) 462-2789 or email the company fulfillment center at databs@mindspring.com. For product spec sheets or to learn more about Hobart Brothers products, visit Hobartbrothers.com, call 1-800-424-1543, or write Hobart Brothers Company, 101 Trade Square East, Troy, OH 45373.

Dale Earnhardt Inc. will host the seventh annual Dale Earnhardt Day at its corporate headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday, April 29th.

Dale Earnhardt Inc. will host the seventh annual Dale Earnhardt Day at its corporate headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday, April 29th. The event, which celebrates the birth date of the seven-time NASCAR Champion, also serves as a major benefit for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, with a percentage of the event's merchandise sales being donated to the Foundation.

The event, which is themed "Behind the Legend, He was One of Us," will run from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities and displays for the entire family. Personal photos, mementoes and trophies highlighting Dale's personal & professional life through the decades of the '70s, '80s and '90s, will be on hand at the event.

During the official Dale Earnhardt Day Ceremony, starting at 3 p.m., The Hershey Company will unveil a replica of a fan photo mosaic as a tribute to the racing legend. A mosaic bearing Earnhardt's likeness will be comprised of more than 1,000 photos from fans across the country. Fans on-site will have an opportunity to be photographed for the final permanent mosaic at the Hershey's Photo Booth. When completed later this year, the final mosaic will be on display at the Dale Earnhardt Inc. Headquarters.

In addition, Dale Earnhardt Inc. Sprint Cup drivers will be on hand for the ceremony, which also honors The Dale Earnhardt Foundation Legend Leadership Award Winners and the Dale Earnhardt Motorsports Scholarship Recipient winner from Clemson University.

ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch will serve as the emcee for the event, with live entertainment being provided by Nashville Star & Combustion Music Recording Artist Brent Keith, who sang "Looking for a Road", the title track for the movie DALE. Also performing will be local band Coconut Groove.

Fans at the event will have chances to win prizes and bid on limited edition collectibles and raced sheet metal from Dale Earnhardt Inc. race cars. All proceeds from the raffle and auctions will benefit the mission of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Furthermore, The Dale Earnhardt Tribute trailer will be on hand continuing to accept new or gently used books for the Dale Earnhardt Book Center at the Center of Hope in Charlotte, N.C.

In addition, Bass Pro Shops and the U.S. ARMY will operate outdoor activity areas, and Turtle Wax, the NASCAR Technical Institute and Hershey's will also be on hand with interactive displays. Also, Dale Earnhardt Inc. drivers and personalities will be on hand for the ceremony and to sign autographs. The event will feature three separate autograph sessions, with upcoming DEI drivers, Kerry Earnhardt and Mark Martin signing at 11 a.m.; Martin and Aric Almirola signing autographs at 4:30 p.m.; and Martin Truex Jr., Paul Menard and Regan Smith signing at 5:30 p.m.

Taylor Earnhardt of the Earnhardt Equestrian division will be doing riding demonstrations during the day, and will be on hard to sign autographs as well.

Wristbands will be handed out for Martin's morning autograph session and each of the afternoon autograph sessions to the first 350 people in line requesting them, beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Each session WILL require a different wristband and only one wristband will be handed out per person for each session. Due to time constraints, autographs will be limited to ONE per person with NO EXCEPTIONS. Fans are encouraged to visit the Company's official website http://www.daleearnhardtinc.com for event updates.

What ever it takes

The Daytons 500 was a great race. It would have been more exciting if we had eliminated the first 140 laps and just run a 60 lap sprint, thats where all the action was. The drivers all kept a cool head until the money lap was close. The Dodges did a great job of placing themselves in a position to win. That is really what the deal is about. Putting yourself in a position to win.

I was looking for the Toyotas out of the Gibbs camp to win the whole show. They had the cars to beat but the handwriting is on the wall. Toyota is a force to be reconed with this year and it is clear they have cracked the code. They will be a force this year. I would look for NASCAR to review the engines in the very near future. We will have to see just how they run in unrestricted form.

Penske sweeps the front two positions at the 500

If Anyone says they chose either Ryan Newman or Kurt Busch this morning to win the 500. Well they are lieing, not even on anyone's radar Ryan Newman with drafting help from his teammate Kurt Busch stuns the entire field and puts Dodge into the Daytona Victory Lane. Ryan Newman became the 32 different winner of the Daytona 500.

All in all one of the best Daytona 500's in recent memory. It's hard to trump last year's finish, but this one was extremely exciting.

- Stewart said that this was one of the most disappointing races in his career

John Gibson - Tech Editor, SCR

Busch dominating, in an excellent 500

Just over halfway thru the 500 and from the drop of the green flag the race reminded me of a mid 80's Daytona 500. If you are judging success on how the race is ran today then I would have to say that Nascar has hit a home run with the Car Of Today. Outside of Kyle Busch (who has been the only one running consistently upfront) the race has featured a lot of different drivers running up front. I was standing at the end of pit road and got to look at the tires coming off of the front runners and I noticed that everyone was blistering tires, with the worse being Dale JR, who was missing half his tread. But Hamlin's was amazingly clean. If it wasn't for his left rear quarter-panel, I think he would be contending for the win. But I was a nay-sayer with the COT but I must say so far the race has made the teams get the car handling good first before worrying about the draft. It was just the opposite in years past.

There is the second caution, so lets hope for a finish under the green.

John Gibson - Tech Editor, SCR