Jake Griffin to race USAC at Duquoin in Junior Kepper 55

QUINCY, IL (December 15, 2016) -- Jake Griffin will be behind the wheel of the #3J Jake Neuman Racing USAC Midget for the “JUNIOR KNEPPER 55” in Du Quoin

USAC Indoor Race in Du Quoin, IL. On December 17 th at the Southern Illinois Center. This will mark the 169 th time that USAC Midget racing has occurred in an indoor arena.

Jake Griffin has had numerous starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with a notable finish of 4 th at Eldora Speedway in July this year. Griffin has raced extensively in the dirt late models and open-wheeled modifieds in the Midwest.

“I am really excited to have another opportunity to race in this indoor USAC Midget race and want to thank Jake Neuman Racing, Jefferson’s Restaurant, and Outdoor Power for this opportunity” said Griffin.

Griffin also plans on running the famous “CHILI BOWL” in January 2017.

Richard Petty Motorsports changes team structure

The following is a NASCAR.com staff report from yesterday, December 16, 2016.

Richard Petty Motorsports announced Friday that it will field one car next season in NASCAR's premier series with hopes of returning to a two-car stable in 2018.

The Richard Petty-owned operation plans to focus its efforts on its flagship No. 43 Ford driven by Aric Almirola next year. Brian Moffitt, the organization's CEO, indicated in a statement Friday that the team plans to lease one of its two charters it has in NASCAR's top division.

"At the conclusion of the 2016 season, we evaluated how to best improve our on-track product. We feel that it's in the best interest of our partners and for Richard Petty Motorsports to focus our resources on the No. 43 Ford Fusion and Aric in 2017. A concentrated effort on one team will position us for improvement while giving us adequate time to re-establish our two-car team in 2018. For the interim, we will lease one of our two charters."

The realignment temporarily shutters the No. 44 Ford team most recently driven by Brian Scott, who retired from full-time competition at season's end.

Almirola has been with the Petty organization since 2012. He scored his first premier series victory in July 2014 at Daytona International Speedway, landing the No. 43 team its first win since 1999 and punching the ticket for RPM's only appearance in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs.

The Mooresville, North Carolina-based team began producing its own chassis before last season, then endured a significant performance dropoff in 2016. Almirola tumbled from 17th to 26th in the series' final standings, and Scott managed only a 31st-place result overall in his only season with the team. Almirola and Scott posted just one top-10 finish each in the 36-race campaign.

Friday's announcement follows two competition changes for RPM in the second half of last season. On Aug. 31, the organization replaced Sammy Johns, its director of operations, with Philippe Lopez and Scott McDougall to oversee competition duties. The organization also made a crew chief change for the No. 43 team on Sept. 13, replacing Trent Owens with Drew Blickensderfer for the final 10 races of the season.

2017 USAC West Coast Sprint Car schedule has 18 dates at 7 tracks

By LANCE JENNINGS
USAC Media - USACRacing.com 

Heading to their ninth season, the cars and stars of the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series are set for eighteen nights of action at seven racetracks. Opening with the two-day “Outlaw Showdown” at Las Vegas on March 9th, the traditional 360s will close out the schedule with Ventura’s two-day (non-points) “Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 23rd.

The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the season openers on March 9th and 10th. Co-sanctioned with the USAC SouthWest Sprints, the “Outlaw Showdown” is held during NASCAR weekend and also features the World of Outlaws Sprints. Last March, Indiana’s Bryan Clauson earned his second $2,500 jackpot at the 1/2-mile oval in front of a packed grandstand. The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located twelve miles north of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada off Interstate 15 at Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd). For more information, visit www.lvms.com/dirt or call (702) 644-4444.

Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway will host four dates on the schedule. Promoted by Steve Faria, the lightning fast 1/3-mile oval will showcase the USAC 360s and World of Outlaw Sprints on March 17th and 18th. The popular “Peter Murphy Classic” will be held on April 22nd and the “Chris and Brian Faria Memorial” is scheduled for May 20th. Last season, D.J. Johnson led all drivers with two victories at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. Other wins were claimed by Austin Liggett, Ryan Bernal, and Troy Rutherford. The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California and for more details, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.

The USAC West Coast Sprints will make three appearances at Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds. Promoted by Bubby Morse, the 3/8-mile oval will host the March 25th, April 29th, and June 17th dates. Last year, Richard Vander Weerd scored two Hanford wins and Brody Roa claimed the June checkered flags on his way to the championship. Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds is located at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California and for more information, visit www.racekingspeedway.com or call 559.651.1990.

Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura Raceway has four events on the calendar. Promoted by Jim Naylor, “The Best Little Dirt Track in America” will host the June 3rd and July 8th races along with the non-point “77th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 22nd and 23rd. The November finale will also showcase the USAC National and Western States Midgets. Lahttp://USACRacing.comst season, Tristan Guardino and “The Human Highlight Reel” Geoff Ensign claimed victory at the seaside 1/5-mile oval. Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California and for more details, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE.

The traditional 360 Sprints will clash at Santa Maria Raceway for three nights on the schedule. Promoted by Mike Kappmeyer, “The West’s Best Short Track” hosts the June 10th “Ron Otto Memorial,” the August 12th “Bud Stanfield Memorial,” and the “Championship Night” on October 7th. Last year, Brody Roa and Jace Vander Weerd scored wins at Central Coast 1/3-mile clay oval. Santa Maria Raceway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California and for more information, visit www.santamariaraceway.com or call 805.922.2232.

 On Friday, July 28th, the traditional 360s will make their only appearance at Watsonville’s Ocean Speedway. Promoted by John Prentice, the 1/4-mile oval at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is a fan favorite. Last August, Jace Vander Weerd stormed to his second win of the campaign. Ocean Speedway is located at 2601 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville, California and for more details, visit www.racepmg.com or call 831.662.9466 (WINN).

The following night, Saturday, July 29th, the USAC West Coast Sprints will make their first visit to Petaluma Speedway. .Promoted by Rick Faeth, “The Fastest 3/8-mile Dirt Oval in Northern California” has become a popular stop for the USAC/CRA 410 Sprints during “California Sprint Week.” Petaluma Speedway is located at 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma, California and for more information, visit www.petaluma-speedway.com or call 707.763.7223.

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2017 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Mar 9: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV)

Mar 10: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV)

Mar 17: Thunderbowl Raceway (Tulare, CA)

Mar 18: Thunderbowl Raceway (Tulare, CA)

Mar 25: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds (Hanford, CA)

Apr 22: Thunderbowl Raceway (Tulare, CA)

Apr 29: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds (Hanford, CA)

May 20: Thunderbowl Raceway (Tulare, CA)

Jun 3: Ventura Raceway (Ventura, CA)

Jun 10: Santa Maria Raceway (Santa Maria, CA)

Jun 17: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds (Hanford, CA)

Jul 8: Ventura Raceway (Ventura, CA)

Jul 28: Ocean Speedway (Watsonville, CA)

Jul 29: Petaluma Speedway (Petaluma, CA)

Aug 12: Santa Maria Raceway (Santa Maria, CA)

Oct 7: Santa Maria Raceway (Santa Maria, CA)

Nov 22: (SE) Ventura Raceway (Ventura, CA)

Nov 23: (SE) Ventura Raceway (Ventura, CA)

---------------------------------

(SE) represents a non-points, special event

Cassill Returns, Ragan Rejoins Front Row Motorsports for 2017

STATESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 16, 2016) – Front Row Motorsports will have two familiar faces behind the wheels of its racecars in 2017. Landon Cassill will return to the team and drive the No. 34 Ford after an impressive first season with the team in 2016. David Ragan, who drove for the Statesville-based organization from 2012 to 2015 and earned its first win, will rejoin the team to drive the No. 38 Ford.

​The team will continue its technical alliance with Roush Fenway Racing and its engine program with Roush Yates Engines.

The 27-year-old Cassill earned seven top-20 finishes in his first season with Front Row. One of the series’ steadiest and most reliable competitors, he completed 98 percent of the laps run and was the only premier series driver in 2016 to finish the season with just a single DNF (Did Not Finish). The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native will enter his eighth year competing in NASCAR’s premier series.

Ragan is a 10-year veteran of the series who made history for Front Row Motorsports in 2013 when he charged through the front of the field on the final lap to win at Talladega Superspeedway, sending owner Bob Jenkins and his team to Victory Lane for the first time. The 30-year-old Unadilla, Ga., native owns two premier series wins, 15 top-five and 36 top-10 finishes, and two poles.

“These are two hard-working guys, both in the car and away from the car working with our partners,” Jenkins said. “We went out and got Landon last season because we knew he was talented and we wanted him in our racecar, and now we’re really happy he will be back another year.

“And we’re really excited to have David back. He’s a big part of Front Row’s history, bringing us our first win. He’s got a lot of experience in his career – things that you can’t teach – that will be big assets to us and our partners.”

Despite a combined 17 years of experience, 2017 will be the first time Ragan and Cassill will be teammates.

“I’m really looking forward to working with David,” Cassill said. “I’ve raced alongside him for years and respect him as a competitor. He has a ton of experience with different teams and manufacturers that will make him a great teammate. I’m really proud of what our team accomplished in 2016 in our first year together, and I’m really excited to go and build on that.”

“It’s a nice homecoming, coming back to Front Row Motorsports,” Ragan said. “I’ve always had a great deal of respect for Bob Jenkins, how he put together his team and grew it the right way over the years. We’ve celebrated some pretty big highlights together, and now we need to go make more.

“Landon was a great addition to the team last year,” Ragan said of his new teammate. “He’s a smart driver with a lot of good experience, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The team’s 2017 partnerships will be announced soon. Get more information about Front Row Motorsports and follow updates about the team at teamfrm.com, on Twitter at @Team_FRM and on Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

- Front Row Motorsports

One crew member reinstated, one suspended by NASCAR

The following is a staff report from NASCAR.com from December 6, 2016.

NASCAR reinstated crew member Michael Casto on Tuesday after he successfully completed NASCAR's Road to Recovery Program.

Casto was a crew member with Stewart-Haas Racing's No. 4 team and driver Kevin Harvick when he was suspended after the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, the August Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International.

Ryan D. Hess, a crew member with BK Racing, was placed on indefinite suspension on Tuesday by the sanctioning body.

Dale Earnhardt Jr, cleared to resume NASCAR competition2

via Kenny Bruce - NASCAR.com..

NASCAR premier series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has received medical clearance to resume his racing career, Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday.

Earnhardt Jr., 42, was sidelined for the final 18 races of the 2016 season after suffering a concussion.

On Wednesday, he participated in an on-track testing session at Darlington Raceway under the supervision of Charlotte neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty.

Earnhardt was cleared by Dr. Micky Collins, medical director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program in Pittsburgh. Collins, who consulted with Dr. Petty following Wednesday's on-track activity, has overseen Earnhardt's rehabilitation program and also treated him for a similar injury in 2012.

"I expected things to go really well yesterday, and that’s exactly what happened," Earnhardt said of an afternoon spent behind the wheel at the 1.366-mile South Carolina track. "Actually getting in a race car was an important final step, and it gives me a ton of confidence going into 2017."

Earnhardt completed 185 laps in his No. 88 Chevrolet during the course of the nearly five-hour session. Crew chief Greg Ives was on hand to oversee his driver’s efforts as well.

Earnhardt, recently voted the series most popular driver for the 14th consecutive season, said he expects to do more testing in January "to help knock the rust off."

"When it's time to go to Daytona, I'll be ready," the winner of 26 premier series races said.

The 2017 racing season officially gets underway with the 59th running of the Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 26 (2 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Earnhardt will not compete in the annual non-points, season-opening race, The Clash at Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 18, 8 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Instead, HMS officials said Alex Bowman, who filled in for Earnhardt in 10 of the final 18 races of 2016, will drive the team's No. 88 entry.

Bowman won the pole at Phoenix in November, his first in the series.

"Everyone agreed that he more than earned (the opportunity)," Earnhardt said, "and (sponsor) Nationwide was 100 percent on board."

It's possible Earnhardt could participate in up to two additional tests – Hendrick Motorsports is one of four teams expected to take part in a Goodyear tire test scheduled for Jan. 10-11 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the season's first organizational test is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 31/Feb. 1 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Collins called Earnhardt "one of the hardest-working patients I've ever encountered."

"He's done everything we've asked, and we believe he is ready to compete at a professional level again and can withstand the normal forces of a race car driver," Collins said. "Dale has been very open with us, and we've had plenty of time for his treatment, so we feel very good about his long-term prospects and how this has been managed by everyone involved."

Team owner Rick Hendrick said he's proud of Earnhardt "for listening to his body and standing up to take responsibility for his health.

"He's worked extremely hard and set a terrific example for others," Hendrick said. "It's great news as we go into the offseason, and we can't wait to see him back on the race track at Daytona."

In addition to Bowman, four-time series champion Jeff Gordon also drove for the team in eight starts during Earnhardt's absence.

Earnhardt was 13th in points with six top-five finishes before being sidelined prior to the July race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and wound up 32nd in the final standings. The 2012 injury forced him to miss two races; he finished 12th in points that season.

Spencer Gallagher moving up to XFINITY with GMS Racing

The following is a GMS Racing press release via NASCAR.com from December 1, 2016.

Statesville, N.C. (December 1, 2016) – Statesville-based GMS Racing (GMS) announced that, beginning in 2017, the team will compete full-time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) with driver Spencer Gallagher. The Las Vegas native will continue to the pilot the No. 23, a number that he has raced since 2006 in honor of former NASCAR driver TJ Clark and his son, Spencer Clark.

Gallagher began racing at the age of 12 in Legends Cars at the Las Vegas Bullring to kick off his climb through the racing circuit. Gallagher has been with GMS since 2014, first competing in the ARCA Racing Series and most recently the NCWTS. Over three seasons and 58 starts, Gallagher earned three top-fives, 15 top-10 finishes, and two pole awards. 

The 27-year-old made his NXS debut this past season, earning a best finish of eighth place at Daytona International Speedway in July. The team debuted the GMS Chevrolet Camaro at Phoenix International Speedway with a goal of building the program in preparation of running a full-time season in 2017. 

"I am really excited about running full-time in the XFINITY Series," said Gallagher. "I made my XFINITY debut this year and we learned a lot as an organization. Though I have raced against some of these drivers, I know the competition is going to be much more competitive so I need to be focused and on my "A" game all year.  For next year my plan is to continue and grow this program, be consistent and make the Chase."

Additional details regarding sponsorship and crew chief will be announced at a later date. 

Field. format set for 'The Clash' at Daytona

The Following is a release from NASCAR.com via Daytona International Speedway from November 30, 2016.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Recently crowned seven-time NASCAR premier series champion Jimmie Johnson will join a star-studded elite field as NASCAR kicks off its 2017 season with The Clash at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017.

The annual season-opening event will be broadcast live on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The 75-lap race again will be split into two segments with a competition caution at Lap 25 separating the segments.

"What better way to kick off the 2017 season than the sport's brightest stars under the lights at Daytona International Speedway," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "Coming off a thrilling season finale at Homestead-Miami, we're looking forward to continuing that momentum into Daytona. With bragging rights and no points on the line, The Clash will set the tone for what should be a season full of great racing and tough competition."

"We're bringing back The Clash at Daytona," said Chip Wile, Daytona International Speedway president. "The Clash was a race name that has always been popular among both the competitors and race fans. We're looking forward to bringing it back and building on the rich history of this thrilling and always unpredictable event that kicks off the NASCAR season."

The eligible drivers include 2016 Coors Light Pole Award winners, former Clash race winners and former Daytona 500 pole winners who competed full-time in 2016. All 16 drivers from the 2016 Chase are also eligible.

Eligible drivers are:

2016 Coors Light Pole Awards winners (14)
· Greg Biffle, Alex Bowman, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Carl Edwards, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr.

Former Clash Race Winners (2)
· Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart

Former DAYTONA 500 Coors Light Pole Award winners (1)
· Danica Patrick

2016 Chase drivers (3)
· Chris Buescher, Kyle Larson, Jamie McMurray

NASCAR reveals multi-year partnership with Monster Energy for premier-series entitlement

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR and Monster Energy announced yesterday a multi-year agreement for the premier series entitlement as well as the prestigious annual NASCAR All-Star Race. Monster Energy, which will begin its tenure as naming rights partner on Jan. 1, 2017, will become only the third company to serve as the entitlement sponsor in NASCAR premier series history, following RJ Reynolds and Sprint/Nextel.

As part of the agreement, the brand also becomes the Official Energy Drink of NASCAR.

"Monster Energy is a brand built on excitement and enthusiasm, qualities that align with NASCAR," said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. "This sponsorship position is the most unique in all of sports and entertainment, and we are thrilled to have a partner that will help us further elevate the series. Today's announcement is the culmination of a thorough search, one that resulted in the right partner at this important time in our sport’s history."

NASCAR premier series races long have been a bucket-list destination for sports fans throughout the country, and starting next season, Monster Energy will elevate the event experience to an even higher level. As part of the agreement, Monster Energy will engage with fans in creative, innovative ways at all race tracks where the premier series will race.

"Monster Energy has an established and versatile history in motorsports, and we’re thrilled to take this historic next step," said Rodney Sacks, Monster Beverage Chairman and CEO. "We feel strongly that our brand is a perfect fit for this sport and its star athletes. We look forward to interacting with the millions of passionate NASCAR fans week-in, week out."