Menard to DEI: Dale Earnhardt Incorporated racing is set to announce the
joining of Paul Menard to the DEI stable of drivers.
Menard will run a yet unannounced numbered car with a Menard Home
Improvement stores sponsorship. The sponsorship is stouter than the money
deal with Napa Auto Parts, and for five years.
Menard will run three years of Busch and two years of Cup under the new
contract. The team's first Busch event is set to be Loudon, New Hampshire.
Wimmer on probation: NEXTEL Cup driver Scott Wimmer has been convicted of
driving under the influence of alcohol and sentenced by the state of North
Carolina to a year's probation.
NASCAR has also put Wimmer on probation for the offense.
Yates tests Pocono: The No. 38 Ford of Elliott Sadler and the No. 88 Ford
of Dale Jarrett both tested Pocono on Thursday to prepare for next week's
event. Yates is testing a new Ford motor that they will run at that event.
Newman paces initial practice: Ryan Newman piloting the No. 12 Penske Dodge
paced Friday's practice session for NEXTEL Cup teams. Practice was slowed
after Andy Hillenburg crunched his car during the session.
Earnhardt for President: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., winner of the 2004 Daytona
500, served as President for the day at Daytona International Speedway last
Wednesday.
Too bad, they didn't put Jr. in charge of sorting out the parking fiasco at
DIS for the July Pepsi 400.
Busch race looks grim: Threatening skies and fast moving weather systems
are threatening Saturday's NASCAR Busch series event. A 70% chance of
storms exists - weather is predicted to clear for Sunday's NEXTEL Cup date.
