2014 Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway Weekend Discussion

[ShadowKnight508]

Discuss the Michigan race weekend here. While the Camping World Truck Series tackles Gateway Motorsports Park for a Saturday night race, both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series make the trip to Michigan International Speedway for their respective races. In 2013, Greg Biffle powered his way to Victory Lane in the 2013 Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan, beating Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr for the win. Race weekend info, TV listings, and entry lists below (credit to Jayski):

Weekend Schedule

Thursday, June 12
6:00 PM NSCS HAULERS ENTER

Friday, June 13
6:00 AM NSCS GARAGE OPENS & INSPECTION BEGINS
10:00 AM NSCS ROOKIE & SPOTTER MEETINGS & RANDOM DRAWING
11:00 AM - 12:20 PM Quicken Loans 400 PRACTICE (FS1)
12:30 PM-1:30 PM Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 PRACTICE
2:00 PM-3:25 PM Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 FINAL PRACTICE
3:00 PM 5:00 PM Drivin' for Linemen 200 PRACTICE
3:40 PM Quicken Loans 400 QUALIFYING (FS1)
6:00 PM 8:00 PM Drivin' for Linemen 200 PRACTICE
6:00 PM NSCS GARAGE CLOSES

Saturday, June 14
8:00 AM NSCS GARAGE OPENS
9:30 - 10:20 AM Quicken Loans 400 PRACTICE (FS2)
10:40 AM Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 QUALIFYING (ESPN2)
12:30 - 1:20 PM Quicken Loans 400 FINAL PRACTICE (FS2)
2:00 PM 2014 Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 (ESPN)
4:00 PM NSCS GARAGE CLOSES
4:10 PM (5:10 PM) Drivin' for Linemen 200 QUALIFYING (FS1)
7:30 PM (8:30 PM) 2014 Drivin' for Linemen 200 (FS1)

Sunday, June 15
7:00 AM NSCS GARAGE OPENS
11:00 AM NSCS DRIVER/CREW CHIEF MEETING
12:30 PM NSCS DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
1:00 PM 2014 Quicken Loans 400 (TNT)

ALL POSTED TIMES LOCAL TO TRACK

Entry Lists

2014 Drivin' for Linemen 200 (30 Drivers)
Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Race Info Page

2014 Ollie's Bargain Outlet 250 (43 Drivers)
Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Charlotte Nationwide Series Entry List

2014 Quicken Loans 400 (45 Drivers)
Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Michigan Entry List

 

[dalejrgamer]

Note that the Trucks are at Gateway. Site of Carl Edwards taking out Brad Keselowski that nearly made his father come out of retirement just to go on a murderous rampage.

 

[ChevyMan150]

It will be interesting to watch Montoya in his return to NASCAR. Even though I never recall him doing well at Michigan when he was full-time I mean he only finished 20th in this race last year. But who knows, with the help of Team Penske equipment, he could get a top-10.

 

[ShadowKnight508]

NASCAR News and Updates (Credit to Jayski):

Carcoon Storage Solutions on the #51 of Justin Allgaier at Michigan

HScott Motorsports announced that Carcoons Storage Solutions (CSS) will sponsor the #51 Chevy driven by Justin Allgaier at Michigan. Carcoon is the leading innovator in the portable automotive storage and portable workstation field. Carcoon Storage Systems will be on the hood of the #51 Chevy, with CSSUSA on the quarter panels. Carcoon Workstations are portable paint booths designed for busy body shops and car dealerships as a place to complete small to medium repairs without taking up time in their full-size paint booths. Mobile repairers, going to and from multiple destinations, also use the Carcoon Workstations. The Carcoon Workstations conform to rules implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency. Carcoon Storage Systems also provide the ultimate protection for any automobile for long or short-term storage. Many customers also use the Carcoon Veloce System for convenient daily usage and protection. "We are pleased to be on the #51 car at Michigan International Speedway,"said George Page, owner of Carcoon. "This is our first time being involved in NASCAR, and we are looking forward to a great race at Michigan. Justin [Allgaier] is a solid driver and we are proud to associate our company with HScott Motorsports."

Panasonic to Sponsor Jeff Gordon at Sonoma, Possibly Other 2014 Races as Well

Hearing that Panasonic, an associated sponsor / partner of Hendrick Motorsports will be the primary sponsor at Sonoma Raceway in June and/or New Hampshire in July. Supposedly the car will be blue and white and feature the Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers. Other races that no sponsor has been listed include Atlanta in August and Dover in Sept.

SKF Extends Partnership, Sponsorship with Team Penske

Team Penske announced that SKF has agreed to a multi-year extension with the team that will expand SKF's technical alliance and continue its associate sponsorship of the team's entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS), NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and Verizon IndyCar Series. A Team Penske sponsor since the beginning of the 2012 season, SKF will continue to be a featured partner on the #2 Miller Lite Ford and the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford in the Sprint Cup Series, the #22 Discount Tire Ford in the Nationwide Series and the #3 Hitachi Chevrolet in the Verizon IndyCar Series. SKF will also serve as a primary sponsor [on the #12 Fored] for both drivers Juan Pablo Montoya at Michigan in June and Ryan Blaney at Talladega in October in the Sprint Cup Series in 2014 [was the sponsor for Blaney's Cup debut at Kansas in May]. In addition, SKF will expand its technical support to the team as it provides both product and advanced engineering consulting and services. As speeds and downforce levels have continued to rise in racing so have the demands on critical components. Through the relationship with SKF, Team Penske has been able to push the limits of vital driveline components to reduce friction without sacrificing durability.

 

[Hendrick4life]

I just wish they would change that freakin SKF scheme already. It was nice when it first debuted, now I feel like its turning into a #43 or #27 (Although the 27 does have different schemes now and then).

 

[KyleBuschFan18]

Looking forward to the truck race at Gateway. Montoya's return should be fun too.

 

[ShadowKnight508]

NASCAR News and Updates (Credit to Jayski and MRN):

2014 Pocono Ratings and Viewership Higher than 2013 Race for TNT

The NASCAR Sprint Cup race from Pocono earned a 3.0 U.S. rating and 4.5 million viewers on TNT Sunday afternoon, up 7% in ratings and 3% in viewership from last year (2.8, 4.4M), but down 6% and 15%, respectively, from 2012 (3.2, 5.3M). Sunday's race was the first of the season to have an increase in ratings and only the second to have an increase in viewership. With that said, the race also ranks as the lowest rated and least-viewed regular Sprint Cup race of the season (the All-Star Race had a 2.1 and 3.5 million on Fox Sports 1). The 3.0 is also tied as the second-lowest for the Pocono race since at least 2000, matching 2007 and ahead of only last year. For the week, NASCAR on TNT tied the second-largest audience on cable - matching an hour of WWE Raw on USA Network.

Daytona International Speedway to Host a NFL Game for Jacksonville Jaguars in the Tri-Oval Grass?

Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood III donned a No. 59 Jaguars jersey Tuesday and took the practice field for a little fun.

It might have been a business trip, too.

The Jaguars have made it clear they would like to regionalize their small-market franchise, which could lead to playing preseason games in neighboring cities like Daytona Beach, Gainesville and Orlando. And Chitwood wants to host a football game on Daytona's front-stretch infield.

"We've not had a formal discussion with the Jags here, but we've got some great relationships," Chitwood said after catching passes and fielding kickoffs with the team. "There's always an opportunity."

Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M played games at Daytona in the early 1970s, and with the famed track undergoing a $400 million renovation, Chitwood believes the upgraded facility will land more sporting events in the future.

"We've got a little bit of runway in front of us because the property won't be done until January 2016, so plenty of time to work through this," Chitwood said. "But I truly believe we're going to be adding events to the property."

Chitwood said NFL games, college football, UFC fights, soccer matches and music festivals are on the radar.

"With the investment we're making, we can really compete for those kind of sporting events where really we didn't have the chance before," Chitwood said. "The property's just too good not to use for multiple events, whether it's the camping, the parking, just the stadium effect. ... We can do this. That ball field, which is what we call it, it really fits and makes sense."

With the Jaguars already playing one home game a year in London through 2016, they might not be ready to play another game outside of Jacksonville. But it also would be a way to capture interest in surrounding markets, which team president Mark Lamping has made a priority.

And there has been a sharp increase in season-ticket sales from areas in and around Orlando, Lamping said, since the Jaguars selected former UCF quarterback Blake Bortles with the third overall pick in the NFL draft last month.

"If one of the things we have to deal with is the fact that Jacksonville is not the largest NFL market -- in fact, it's one of the smallest -what we have to do is try to expand that region and do a more effective job of marketing in north Florida, central Florida and southern Georgia," Lamping said.

Jaime McMurray and Joie Chitwood Visit Jacksonville Jaguars Practice Field as Part of 2014 Coke Zero 400 Media Day

#1-Jamie McMurray was blown away by the speed he saw on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice field on Tuesday. "What surprised me the most is how fast these big guys are," McMurray said. "When you stand next to them and I'm probably a third of their weight, and to see how quickly they explode off the line -- it's incredible how big and strong and fast they are." McMurray was standing next to the players because he and Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood III participated in a few drills during the Jaguars' OTA at the practice fields adjacent to EverBank Field. They fielded kickoffs from the JUGS machine, did a few line drills, and ran routes and caught passes from the quarterbacks, including rookie Blake Bortles. McMurray and Chitwood were at the Jaguars' facility as part of the 56th annual Coke Zero Powered by Coca-Cola Media Day.

2015 Ford Mustang to Pace 2014 Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan This Weekend

In a fitting tribute to the continuing 50-year celebration of the iconic pony car, the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang is about to make its pace car debut at Michigan International Speedway. A Mustang GT fastback will lead the field to the green flag for the Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race June 15.

Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Company president of The Americas, will drive the Race Red fastback equipped with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine around the track in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Built in nearby Flat Rock, Michigan, Mustang is all-new from the ground up. This sixth-generation, rear-wheel-drive car has the long hood and short rear decklid proportions of its most iconic predecessors, as well as that low, wide stance, but its design is very much 21st century, with state-of-the-art engineering and technology.

“Ford is very proud to have the 2015 Mustang GT pace the Quicken Loans 400 this Sunday,” Chantel Lenard, director, U.S. Marketing, Ford Motor Company. “With its proximity to the Motor City, Michigan International Speedway is a showcase for the auto industry. To have Mustang – a brand born of racing – in this special anniversary year, leading some of the world’s best drivers to the green flag, is special. We know our fans will enjoy seeing it out on the track.”

Among the many new features on the 2015 Mustang GT is an independent rear suspension engineered specifically for this new platform and car. It also features an all-new state-of-the-art front suspension.

Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine generates more than 420 horsepower and more than 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Two other engines – a 3.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost – will also be available when the car hits showrooms later this year.

 

[nascarlugnut24]

I'd be willing to bet the only reason why TNT's viewership for Pocono was higher was the fact that Jr. won.

 

[4WideRacing]

I'd be willing to bet the only reason why TNT's viewership for Pocono was higher was the fact that Jr. won.

Because everyone knew that Jr would win ahead of time?...

 

[Hendrick4life]

That mustang. Sad that they ruined it. Viewership for Pocono was up?! That's a surprise. Although I didnt see the entire race so maybe the race was good.

 

[ayrwolf]

I'd be willing to bet the only reason why TNT's viewership for Pocono was higher was the fact that Jr. won.

No DW and little Mikey!!!!!!!

 

[TJBartel]

Ratings for Fox's last race of the season at Dover was down, TNT's 1st race at Pocono was up.
I think the ratings for almost all of the races Fox covered were down.

 

[Hendrick4life]

Also something else, why is it now that every race track (exaggeration I know) wants to hold a football game on the grass now.

 

[nascarlugnut24]

That mustang. Sad that they ruined it. Viewership for Pocono was up?! That's a surprise. Although I didnt see the entire race so maybe the race was good.

It really wasn't. It's Pocono, do you really think there's going to be a good race at Pocono?

 

[nascarlugnut24]

No DW and little Mikey!!!!!!!

What the heck do people have against them?? Sure they're biased, but what reporter isn't? At least they're not Marty Reid...

 

[timnsr72]

Also something else, why is it now that every race track (exaggeration I know) wants to hold a football game on the grass now.

I don't mind Bristol or Daytona having a football game, I personally think its neat to see a event like football being played at a place I've watched races at all my life. But I don't think that every track should be trying to do something like this, it will take away the special event feel that these games will have.

 

[KG_24]

Ratings for Fox's last race of the season at Dover was down, TNT's 1st race at Pocono was up.

I think the ratings for almost all of the races Fox covered were down.

The TNT Pocono race is still the lowest rated race of the season. So it says something when the FOX ratings go down and it's still higher than TNT's. Even the all star race on FS1 got more viewers.

 

[nascarlugnut24]

The TNT Pocono race is still the lowest rated race of the season. So it says something when the FOX ratings go down and it's still higher than TNT's. Even the all star race on FS1 got more viewers.

Well, TNT sucks at broadcasting. Even the ticker is bad. I swear at least 6 or 7 of the numbers on the ticker were wrong. The #51, #26, #83, #77, #40, #23, and the #22 were all bad. They used the old Bill Davis #22, the R3 #23, the Latitude 43 #26, what looked like the Ganassi #40, the Finch #51, the Penske #77, and the Red Bull #83.

 

[TJBartel]

The TNT Pocono race is still the lowest rated race of the season. So it says something when the FOX ratings go down and it's still higher than TNT's. Even the all star race on FS1 got more viewers.

Was going by the ratings for the previous season's races at same tracks.

 

[TJBartel]

What the heck do people have against them?? Sure they're biased, but what reporter isn't? At least they're not Marty Reid...

They are obnoxious to the extreme. And their "accuracy" is lacking alot. Fox on the whole took a dive when they brought "Digger", they have been going downhill since then.
TNT definitly has better music.
Fox should do a revamp of their on air talent. It'll be interesting to see how NBC does. Not holding my breath.
Orginal ESPN with Bob Jenkins was best.