Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick penalized for Martinsville incidents

UNB! NETWORK STAFF REPORT

Matt Kenseth (No. 20 Toyota) turns Joey Logano (No. 22 Ford) with
47 laps to go in Sunday's Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway.

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (November 3, 2015) --  Matt Kenseth , the driver of the No. 20 car, has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Kenseth has been suspended from NASCAR through the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events and placed on NASCAR probation for a six-month period following issuance of the penalty notice.

"Based upon our extensive review, we have concluded that the No. 20 car driver, who is no longer in the Chase, intentionally wrecked the No. 22 car driver, a Chase-eligible competitor who was leading the race at the time,"said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "The No. 20 car was nine laps down, and eliminated the No. 22 car's opportunity to continue to compete in the race.

"Additionally, we factored aspects of safety into our decision, and also the fact that the new Chase elimination format puts a premium on each and every race. These actions have no place in NASCAR."

Logano was out front and had led almost half of the event to that moment in the race. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, said Sunday evening that those two factors weighed heavily in the minds of race officials, who parked Kenseth's No. 20 for the rest of the day shortly after the two cars came to rest.

"In our minds, that's a little bit different than two drivers really going after it coming out of Turn 4 for a win versus what happened tonight," O'Donnell said.

O'Donnell restated that in Tuesday's penalty report from NASCAR's sanctioning body.

"Based upon our extensive review, we have concluded that the No. 20 car driver, who is no longer in the Chase, intentionally wrecked the No. 22 car driver, a Chase-eligible competitor who was leading the race at the time," O'Donnell said in a statement. "The No. 20 car was nine laps down, and eliminated the No. 22 car's opportunity to continue to compete in the race.


"Additionally, we factored aspects of safety into our decision, and also the fact that the new Chase elimination format puts a premium on each and every race. These actions have no place in NASCAR."

Danica Patrick (No. 10 Chevrolet), turns David Gilliland (No. 38 Ford)
during a caution flag period in Sunday's Goody's Headache Relief
Shot 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

(PHOTO: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Danica Patrick, the driver of the No. 10 car, has been penalized for an infraction that also took place during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Patrick has been fined $50,000, assessed with the loss of 25 series championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.

The penalty drops Patrick to 27th in the Sprint Cup Series championship points standings. 

Patrick rammed into the back of Gilliland's car during the yellow flag before taking her car to the garage. She retired from the race in 40th place. Gilliland finished 24th in the 43-car field.

Patrick and Gilliland have has issues withe each other in the past, including a conflict in the spring of 2013 at Kansas Speedway. Patrick issued warnings over her team radio in response to Gilliland's hard-nosed racing. Gilliland replied through a team spokesperson, telling Patrick to "shut up and race."

Myers Adds To Family Legacy

Third Generation Driver Scores NASCAR Crown At Home Track

Tim Southers, NASCAR
November 3, 2015 - 12:16pm

Jason Myers celebrates with his family after winning the season-ending
Carolina Famr Credit 150 to clinch his first NASCAR Whelen All-American
Series state championship.
Photo courtesy of Bowman Gray Stadium

Jason Myers celebrates with his family after winning the season-ending Carolina Famr Credit 150 to clinch his first NASCAR Whelen All-American Series state championship. Photo courtesy of Bowman Gray StadiumDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s been a great year for Jason Myers on and off the race track.

The 36 year-old native of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, and his wife Jenny just celebrated the birth of their third child, Maxton, and now he can also celebrate winning his first NASCAR championship.

Myers won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series North Carolina championship competing at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem. Myers edged track champion Tim Brown for the honor and while he didn’t capture the track title it was a memorable season for the third-generation driver.

“We had a great season this year at Bowman Gray and with what we accomplished in the (NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified) touring series this year – third-place in the final standings – it’s been an awesome year for me and my family,” Myers said. “This is my first championship driving a modified anywhere and it’s special to me because I can now join my brother (Burt) and grandfather (Billy) winning a North Carolina state championship.”

Burt Myers won his titles in 2010 and 2011, while Billy recognized as a state champion in 1953.

“My dad started racing modifieds at Bowman Gray in 1980 and it’s always special to be able to race with my family each week at the track and the touring series,” Myers said. “We have experienced a lot of ups and downs through the years and this is a year I’ll remember for a long time.”

Crowning of champions for U.S. states and Canadian provinces date back to the earliest days of NASCAR and carried through 1981. Jim Lewallen was the first NASCAR North Carolina champion in 1950, and NASCAR Hall of Fame drivers such as Ned Jarrett and David Pearson won North Carolina titles. NASCAR resumed honoring state and province champions in 2007.

Champions are determined by the best 14 finishes at tracks within the respective state or province.

Myers finished the 2015 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season at Bowman Gray Stadium with a career-high in wins (seven) and poles (10) and is already wishing he could get back on the track soon.

“Our performance this year at the stadium has re-energized me and my entire team and family,” Myers said. “I wish we could get back on the track now and keep that momentum rolling and I honestly feel like we can contend again next year.”

The second-place finish at The Stadium and third in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour are also the best he’s ever recorded in both avenues and his family and close friends all helped make this possible.

“This is special because my mom and dad (Gary and Pam) have been with me and Burt throughout our entire careers and they’ve been there for the tough times,” Myers said. “I’m so blessed that now they can celebrate the good times with me too. Plus the dedicated people we have on our crew really make a difference for us each week and thankfully we can all celebrate this year together.”

Myers plans on returning with the No. 4 John Fitzgerald DUI Attorney/Cork’s Cap’s and Hat’s Ford in 2016 with his family to Bowman Gray along with competing in the touring series as well.

Also with the addition of son Maxton joining older sisters Emma and Sadie at the track with their dad, there will probably be a Myers racing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for a long time.

“I really want to thank my dad and everyone who helps me on the track and those behind the scenes like Mark Moorefield who have been there for us a long time,” Myers said. “I’m sure there will be a Myers racing at the stadium for many years to come. I know we all love racing there and winning races.”

Established in 1982, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. In all, 58 paved and dirt tracks throughout the United States and Canada participated in 2015.

Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series’ title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars are among the many showcases for Whelen products.

Bowman Gray will hold its 2015 Banquet of Champions and recognize Myers’ runner-up finish to Brown in the track standings on November 21st at the Village Inn and Conference Center Clemmons, North Carolina.

Myers will also be honored for his North Carolina State Championship along with other track and state/province champions from across North America as part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards on Dec. 11 at the Charlotte Convention Center and NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We have been to Charlotte before to the award ceremonies but this is going to be special,” Myers added. “NASCAR always does a great job on making its champions feel special and I can’t wait to get to Charlotte and celebrate this award. I really appreciate Whelen Engineering and NASCAR for making this honor possible and I know our entire family and team appreciates all they do for us.”

- Credit to NASCAR Home Tracks for this article.

Belsito Collects NASCAR Hardware

Seekonk Driver Nabs Track & State Titles, Rookie Honors

By Jason Cunningham, NASCAR
November 2, 2015 - 3:30pm

Anthony Belsito earned three NASCAR titles in 2015 thanks to
his Seekonk Speedway success.
Seekonk Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Perhaps no one person benefited more from NASCAR’s return to Seekonk Speedway than Angelo Belsito.

Belsito, 22, became the first NASCAR track champion in 10 years at the Massachusetts oval, but that was just one of three awards he collected from his success in 2015. The roll also included the NASCAR state championship and Jostens Rookie of the Year Award in the Bay State.

Belsito drove his No. 8 Belboy’s Trucking/R.J. Woods Inc./A.F. Amorello Construction Chevrolet to four wins, 14 top fives and 15 top 10s in 18 starts in the Whelen All-American Series Division I pro stocks. He edged Tom Scully Jr. 907-891 for the track championship and 504-460 in NASCAR state points. Both accomplishments were career firsts.

As a first-year NASCAR Division I license holder Belsito also earned Jostens Rookie of the Year honors and was one of just three rookies to win a state title in 2015.

In his final semester as a fire science and business double major at Anna Maria College, Belsito has found a home at Seekonk, a .333-mile asphalt oval on the Rhode Island border near Providence.

“They’ve got a great staff there, they do a great job,” Belsito said. “It’s a fun place. I like it.”

The location – less than an hour from his Auburn, Massachusetts, home – rules package and type of racing that is featured at Seekonk appeals to Belsito and his team.

“We’ve always been full fendered fans, and a crate motor can last you two seasons at Seekonk,” Belsito said. “It’s a better and more affordable route for us to go to Seekonk.”

Belsito got his start in racing at age five at “Little T” at Thompson (Connecticut) Speedway Motorsports Park. Although his grandfather, father and uncle raced motorcycles and snowmobiles, he and his sister were the first in the family to go oval racing when they started in quarter midgets.

Belsito graduated from quarter midgets to legends cars at New London-Waterford (Connecticut) Speedbowl before moving to the pro stocks at Seekonk in 2014. In his first year in the premier division he recorded three wins and took track Rookie of the Year honors.

When NASCAR returned to sanction weekly racing at Seekonk for the first time since 2005, Belsito took note of the opportunities ahead.

“When NASCAR came aboard I definitely had thoughts of a banquet in North Carolina, fancy driving suit – all of those things came into consideration,” Belsito said. “It definitely spiked up the interest.”

With the guidance of his father and car owner, Stephen, and crew chief Jeff Belyea, Belsito made those thoughts become a reality.

“To be in a car that I love and to be successful without a lot of experiences really a dream come true to be able to win it and get the invitation to go down to North Carolina,” Belsito said.

Unfortunately for Belsito, it’s questionable as to whether he will be able to RSVP “yes” on that invitation. He has college finals scheduled for Thursday and Saturday of banquet week in Massachusetts, bracketing the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards on Friday, Dec. 11 at the Charlotte Convention Center and NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.

While he and his family are looking at all of the options, it will be tough to pull off the trip and not take away from his academic pursuits.

“It’s not looking like I’m going to make it and it’s sad because everybody worked so hard to get down there,” Belsito said.

Regardless of whether he is able to celebrate his 2015 accomplishments in Charlotte or not, Belsito intends to return to Seekonk in 2016 to defend his championship.

“Seekonk fits us well and I look forward to getting back there next year and hopefully repeat,” Belsito said.

Established in 1982, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. In all, 58 paved and dirt tracks throughout the United States and Canada participated in 2015.

Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series’ title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars are among the many showcases for Whelen products.

Seekonk will hold its own 2015 Awards Banquet and recognize Belsito’s accomplishments on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Venus De Milo in Swansea, Massachusetts.

- Credit to NASCAR Home Tracks for this article.

Matt Kenseth And Danica Patrick Martinsville Penalties (To Be) Released

UNB! NETWORK STAFF REPORT

Joey Logano's car gets towed during the
2015 Goody's Headache Relief Shot
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at
Martinsville Speedway on November
1st, 2015.

(PHOTO: Jeff Zelevansky/2015
Getty Images)

Final Update: Matt Kenseth has been suspended for the next two Cup Series races. Patrick had been fined $50,000 and docked 25 chAmpionship driver points. Joe Gibbs Racing will likely appeal, and Erik Jones will most likely serve at Kenseth's replacement.

Update #2 (11/3/2015 - pm ET): NASCAR CEO Brian France went on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's "The Morning Drive" on Tuesday, hinting that a harsh penalty could be coming for Matt Kenneth. Also, he hinted of a penalty that could be coming for Danica Patrick.

Kenseth (according to many rumors), intentionally wrecked Joey Logano with 47 laps to go in this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, and Patrick was involved in an on-track incident with David Gilliland.

"We don't want that to happen again," France said, referring to the incident between Logano and Kenseth. "We don't want any of our events to be altered in a way they shouldn't be. What we want to prevent happening is drivers or any participant in NASCAR to take matters into their own hands and begin to control the outcome of races beyond hard racing. When that happens, that's a very serious thing for us. And we'll be dealing with that."

France said Martinsville was much different than the racing incident between Logano and Kenseth at Kansas, which he had said was "quintessential NASCAR." 

"That was an entirely different situation," he said. "What we're not going to do is take the style of NASCAR and parlay that into something where one driver believes the way to pay back somebody for something that happened is take matters into their own hands. Obviously, we won't be accepting that.The way to pay drivers back is to race them hard. That's NASCAR. But what happened on Sunday is not quite the way we'd like things to turn out."

Update #1 (11/3/2015 - 11:27am ET): NASCAR will announce penalties involving Matt Kenseth and Danica Patrick Tuesday afternoon. 

NASCAR CEO Brian France, interviewed on SiriusXM's "The Morning Drive", said NASCAR does not want drivers taking actions into their own hands. 

He said both incidents -- between Kenseth and Joey Logano and between Patrick and David Gilliand would be addressed on Tuesday.

PHOTOS:

Matt Kenseth's car gets pushed after a wreck in the 2015 Goody's
Headache Relief Shot 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at
Martinsville Speedway on November 1st, 2015.

(PHOTO: Robert Laberge/2015 Getty Images)

Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano wreck in the 2015 Goody's
Headache Relief Shot 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at
Martinsville Speedway on November 1st, 2015.

(PHOTO: Jeff Zelevansky/2015 Getty Images)

Joey Logano's car gets towed during the
2015 Goody's Headache Relief Shot
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at
Martinsville Speedway on November
1st, 2015.

(PHOTO: Jeff Zelevansky/2015
Getty Images)

Brett Jewkes to depart NASCAR for new role

Official NASCAR Release

Brett Jewkes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2015) -- NASCAR today announced that Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer  Brett Jewkes has accepted a senior management position with Atlanta-based AMB Group, LLC, the investment management and support services arm of Arthur Blank’s family of businesses, and will leave his role at NASCAR following Ford Championship Weekend.

 

Jewkes joined NASCAR in 2011 after serving as an outside agency counsel to the sanctioning body beginning in late 2000. At NASCAR, Jewkes has led the company's Integrated Marketing Communications department and overseen NASCAR's relationship with the operators of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

 

Working closely with NASCAR senior management, he has played a key role in the development and execution of numerous strategic initiatives, spearheaded the creation of NASCAR's acclaimed Fan & Media Engagement Center and guided the evolution of the sport's hall of fame nomination, selection and induction process. Four years after the creation and buildout of NASCAR IMC, the department was named In-House Team of the Year by PRWeek for 2014.

 

"Brett has made significant contributions to NASCAR as a trusted member of our management team and skilled leader of our world-class communications group," said NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France. "He has passionately promoted NASCAR for the last 15 years and we know he will continue to be a great friend and ambassador for the sport. We wish Brett and his family all the best and continued success in this new opportunity."

 

Jewkes joins AMB Group as senior vice president -- chief communications officer at a time of exciting growth and will work closely with Blank, who co-founded The Home Depot before establishing AMB Group and building its portfolio of businesses. In addition to the for-profit businesses, Jewkes will also support the efforts of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

 

"I am forever grateful to the France family and my colleagues at NASCAR for the opportunity I've had to be a small part of this great sport at such a dynamic time in its history," said Jewkes. "I'm very proud of what’s been accomplished the last five years and the strong team that is now in place to serve the company and sport very well into the future. Many positive things are happening in NASCAR under Brian's leadership and the sport's future is very bright. I'm a proud NASCAR fan who will be cheering for the continued success of everyone at NASCAR and numerous friends throughout the industry."

IN HIS OWN WORDS: Jeff Gordon's Martinsville Victory

UNB! NETWORK STAFF REPORT

(Image was processed using digital filters) Jeff Gordon, driver of the
#24 AARP Member Advantages Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory
Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody'
Headache Relief Shot 500 at Martinsville Speedway on
November 1, 2015 in Martinsville, Virginia.

(PHOTO: Jonathan Moore/Getty Images North America)

Jeff Gordon was very excited after his victory Sunday in the Sprint Cup Series' Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

Here's what he had to say about his victory:

• "I'm telling you, it's not registering because I can't believe it. I cannot believe it.  This is turning into one of these just incredible storybook finishes to this year, to this career. Of all years, I mean, of all years, I cannot believe this. I'm so excited it's happening in this year."

• "Trust me, we are not going to take that lightly, that opportunity that lies in front of us. This is not, 'OK, cool, we won Martinsville. We get to be one of the four at Homestead. We're going to watch them battle for the championship.' No way. No way. This team is way better than that. Nobody is more driven and excited than this race team is right now."

• "I mean, it's not that unusual for us to win a Martinsville race. It's to be able to do it when so much is at stake, when you know that this is how you get to Homestead, to be one of those final four. For us to be a team that nobody, nobody, had picked to be able to make it to Homestead, I love that we just keep proving them wrong and finding a way to move on. I think that hopefully when we're at Homestead, people will give us a little more respect of what kind of depth our race team has."

• "Well, listen, why can't we win at Homestead? That's what I say. I think a lot of people didn't think we could do this, and we have. There's no reason why we can't do it there as well. "

• "You don't just flip a switch and automatically find some magic. But we've been working on a lot of things. We've been getting better. …  I absolutely think that we're just as capable as anybody else that's going to be in that final four."

• "This is one of the finest moments I think I've ever had in my career, I'll be honest. It's just because what this year means, that this is my final year, my final race at Martinsville, punching our ticket to Homestead, having my family here, the hard work this team has put together, that reaction from the fans. This is one of my finest moments I've ever had. "

Dream Season Lands Jones Ohio Champion

Earns Late Model Title In First Season At Columbus

By Brooke Franceschini, NASCAR
October 30, 2015 - 10:27am

Kyle Jones collected eight wins and 16 top fives in 19 feature
race en route tohis first NASCAR title 
Rees Photos

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Kyle Jones had the dream first season at Columbus Motor Speedway.

Not only did the 30-year-old from Germantown, Ohio, finishing the season at the top of the Late Model standings at the Ohio track, Jones also earned the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Ohio championship.

Jones collected eight wins and 16 top fives in 19 feature race en route to his first NASCAR title.

“We never thought we’d be running for the championship at the start of the season,” Jones said. “We never felt we could win as much as we did or have the success we had. There’s a lot of talent at Columbus, so for us to win eight races is astonishing.”

It was the quest for a championship and his family’s support that drew him to Columbus.

“I’ve ran some modified and late model races at the track on-and-off for the past few years,” Jones said. “I’ve competed in the ASA National Series and the CRA Super Series and was close to a championship title in 2002, but fell short.

“I wanted to compete for a championship and racing in the late model division kept me close to home, while racing against tough competitors. It was a family affair, my dad helped with the car and my entire family came out to each race.”

In fact, he credits his success this season to his incredible support system. His is mom and dad, his girlfriend Jessica, and their son along with his crew chief, Dan Kovacevich, as well has his sponsors without them, his title hopes would have been dashed.

Jones and his No. 2 Paul Gambles Lawn Service/Kote Solutions/BMC/Manley Graphics Ford had quite the battle for the Columbus title. In one of the closest battles in track history, only three points were separating Jones, Chad Pendleton and Cody Robinson headed into Fall Speedfest.

“We got behind early in the season,” said Jones. “After we won our first race, we got into an accident in the third week that tore up our car and destroyed the body. We had to put a new body on the car and we didn’t catch up in the standings until there was a month left in the season.

“Headed into the Fall Speedfest we knew it would be a tight battle for the title and whoever got the lead would win. We couldn’t have any problems or mistakes. We battled Pendleton side-by-side for most of the night. It was a constant battle for the lead and an exciting race.”

Jones ended up spinning with just three laps to go and Pendleton was sent to the rear on the restart. Kyle Purvis took home the win, but Jones took home the title.

“It feels good to win the track title,” Jones said. “Winning eight races and the track title makes all the preparation throughout the winter and the stress we go through every week worth it.”

But it’s the Ohio championship that really tastes sweet for Jones and his team.

“I’m not saying the track championship isn’t important,” Jones stated. “But winning the state title was our ultimate goal and it feels great to accomplish it. To win both has been amazing and made our successful season feel even better.”

His dedication to the sport and his goals comes naturally to Jones. Racing has been a part of his life since he was a little kid, it’s a way of life for him and his family.

“I’ve been around racing for most of my life,” said Jones. “My dad was into racing and helped my uncle work on his race cars, so I was always around it.”

And not much has changed today.

“When I’m not in the car, I’m working on the car,” Jones said. “It’s all I do, if it’s not my car, I’m fixing up someone else’s car.”

While his plans for next season are up in the air, Jones looks forward to celebrating his successful season. He will be honored at Columbus Motor Speedway’s Gala Dinner and Awards Banquet on January 9 at the Berwick Manor Party House.

Jones will also be awarded for his track and Ohio crowns, with other track and state/province champions from across North America, as a part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards on Dec. 11 at the Charlotte Convention Center and NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Established in 1982, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. In all, 58 paved and dirt tracks throughout the United States and Canada participated in 2015.

Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series’ title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars are among the many showcases for Whelen products.

Consistency Fuels Rogers’ Florida Title

1994 National Champion Has No Plans to Slow Down

By Tom Bryant, NASCAR
October 29, 2015 - 12:23pm

David Rogers' white No. 11 is a familiar sight at New Smyrna
(Fla.) Speedway.
Jim Jones Photography

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – With more than four decades of competition, a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Championship, and countless race wins, you might think that David Rogers is ready to ease into retirement.

You couldn’t be more wrong.

In fact, Rogers earned his third consecutive NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Florida championship in 2015, and has no plans to stop racing his super late model anytime soon.

“When I quit enjoying racing, I’ll quit,” Rogers said. “But I still love it.”

Rogers credits his team’s consistency as the key to their current state title run. Despite not winning a race this season, Rogers earned seven top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes in 16 starts at New Smyrna Speedway. His last points win was Aug. 17, 2013. He won three times that year en route to the Florida title in New Smyrna's first year as a NASCAR-sanctioned track.

This is the longest victory drought in Rogers’ 40-year racing career, and one he isn’t particularly fond of.

“I should have enjoyed those winning streaks a little more I guess,” said Rogers, who finished as runner-up in four of his last six races this year. “I can lose one race, and I’m already tired of losing.”

Rogers has raced alongside the legends of NASCAR, including Dale Earnhardt, David Pearson, Harry Gant, and Jack Ingram. When asked about the differences between drivers entering the sport today compared to his first win at the old Florida State Fairgrounds in 1974, Rogers said he sees fewer young drivers working on their cars.

“It’s enormously different – I was an old man (at 18 years old) compared to today’s standard as far as when they start driving. And if you were racing a car, you were working on a car,” he said.

One aspect of racing that hasn’t changed for Rogers is the camaraderie and friendship he enjoys with his all-volunteer crew – “I buy their dinner and I buy their beer and that keeps them pretty happy” – though his schedule isn’t quite as hectic as years past, when he competed in well over 50 races per season.

Rogers finished third in the New Smyrna Division I standings, 12 points behind champion Anthony Sergi and six behind veteran driver Brad May. U.S. state and Canadian province champions are determined by a drivers best 14 finishes within the state or province.

Rogers will be honored along with other state / province and track champions from across North America on Dec. 11 at the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards at the Charlotte Convention Center and NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Established in 1982, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. In all, 58 paved and dirt tracks throughout the United States and Canada participated in 2015.

Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series’ title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars are among the many showcases for Whelen products.

Rogers has raced at New Smyrna since the 1970s. He briefly moved to the newly-paved Volusia County Speedway, a half-mile oval in nearby Barberville, Fla. He won the series’ 1994 national championship with a perfect record of 22 wins in 22 starts. He won four track titles at Volusia before the track moved away from super late models in 1995, and Rogers returned to New Smyrna.

New Smyrna will celebrate the achievements of all of its competitors at their Awards Banquet on Jan. 9 at the Spruce Creek Fly In Country Club.

Rogers says he is still hoping to get that elusive first win in 2015 at the half-mile asphalt oval just ten miles south of Daytona International Speedway when New Smyrna hosts the 50th Annual Governor’s Cup on Nov. 15, a race Rogers has won twice previously.

“There’s nobody at the racetrack who wants to win more than I do.”

- Credit to NASCAR Home Tracks for this article.

My favorite drivers for the last Round at Homestead

 by Nick Stodal                (picture is from Hendrick Motorsports)

Well, it was a crazy race at Martinsville, with Jeff Gordon winning it at the end. Here are my picks for the last round at Homestead.

Joey Logano:

Joey has shown us a very strong performance after his 3 wins in the last Round. Today he led 207 laps at Martinsville. Well, his day ended very bad with a 37th place after Matt Kenseth and he had contact.
But I think Joey Logano will win one of the next races in the next 2 weeks because he has a very good car and he has shown us what he can do.

Kevin Harvick:
Today, Harvick was a little bit invisibility. He fought for the lead in the middle of the Race but at the end and after his Problem under a caution where he had contact with Kurt Busch he felt back. With 37 lead Laps he finished 8th-
So you never can count Kevin Harvick out and I think he will also win one race in the next 2 weeks and advance to the next rounds.

Kyle Busch:

My 3rd and last driver for the final Round at Homestead will be Kyle Busch. He had a very strong season after missed the first races of the season and came back very strong. Today, he finished 5th, with no lead laps, and showed us a good performance.
I think he won't win a race in the next 2 weeks but he will make 1 Top 5 and 1 Top 3 finish I think and advance by points into the last Round.

If you want to post your Top 4 for Homestead you can post them into the comments.