Friday, September 17, 2004
Double days may be over: The days of doing double duty for the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 may be over. Robby Gordon, who competes full time in stock cars now, has run both races the same day the last four years, but that almost certainly won't be possible now that Indianapolis has moved the start of the IRL race back an hour from 11 a.m. Central to noon in hopes of attracting a larger television audience. The time schedule was already tight -- and carefully orchestrated -- and taking an hour away would likely keep drivers from making it back to Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina before the Coca-Cola 600. And being on time is imperative for NASCAR drivers. Missing the start means they get no points for the race. Gordon knew Indy was discussing moving the start time, and said earlier this year he steadfastly opposed it. "That would prevent me, or any other NASCAR driver, from coming back," he said in May. "I hope that doesn't happen because I honestly believe the fans enjoy seeing us take on the unbelievable challenge that is the Indianapolis 500." Gordon, Tony Stewart and John Andretti are the only three drivers to attempt the double.
Bam change: Donnie Richeson has been named interim crew chief for BAM Racing, which runs Ken Schrader in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Richeson replaces Scott Eggleston, who had been with the team since the start of the 2003 season. "Tough decisions are part of this sport, and this was certainly a tough decision for everyone," said team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau. She said BAM has already begun discussions with several potential crew chiefs. Richeson will maintain those duties at least until a full-time replacement is named. Schrader is 32nd in the season points with only one top 10 finish -- sixth in the spring race at Bristol.
Looking good: A Fort Worth-based clothing company will be the primary sponsor for Texas Motor Speedway's second NASCAR Nextel Cup race in 2005. Williamson-Dickie, maker of Dickies sportswear, signed a three-year deal with options for future years to sponsor the track's new fall race. The first Dickies 500 is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2005. TMS president Eddie Gossage also said Fort Worth-based RadioShack and Samsung have agreed to a three-year renewal for their sponsorship of the spring race. The addition of a second Nextel Cup race helped settle a 2002 lawsuit filed by a TMS stockholder. It also gives the Texas track a spot in the 10-race season-ending championship chase next year.
Associated Press