Kurt Busch Is In A Courtroom... Still...

((HT: NBC Sports/NASCAR America))

The HQ understands the strategy of Busch attorney Rusty Hardin in the case currently ongoing in a Dover, Delaware court. Busch's ( the HQ is safe to say former) girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, is attempting to get a protection order extended over the driver.

She alleges that she was physically abused/assaulted in the Busch hauler in a race weekend at Dover International Raceway back in the fall.

Busch, naturally, denies this and maintaints that he only wanted her to leave and that the allegations are a fabrication ( his word).

Driscoll also is claiming Busch is depressed and an alcoholic.

But when Rusty Hardin is involved the HQ understands that the public spectacle/embarassment/show is where he, as a lawyer, makes his money. His job is to make sure the accused is exposed in the wrong and that the larger the spectacle/embarassment/show, the better his client appears.

The case continues as Jack Furlong discusses with Carolyn Manno

NASCAR Losing Sprint as Title Sponsor in 2016

((ht: nascar.com))

We aren't sure what to make of this one. NASCAR, once the darling of all major sports due to it's meteoric growth in the 1990's and 2000's has lost it's main sponsor.

Sprint Wireless has announced they will no longer sponsor Stock Car racing's most prestigious level of racing after the end of the 2016 season.

They've been a part of NASCAR's "Sprint Cup Title" since 2004 through the "Nextel" brand which Sprint purchased the following year.

Read more from NASCAR their own selves RIGHT HERE

NASCAR has struggled to keep momentum the past few season, in part due to it's somewhat confusing "Chase for the Championship". They did garner some attention this year due to the dramatics of it's finish--for which reviews were generally good.

As for the TV ratings, they aren't what they were. Yes, the sport still draws pretty well in certain areas, such as the Southeast, but like other sports when football begins, the ratings drop. It will be interesting as racing transitions to new TV partners this year, to see where things go.

But again, the big question here is this: Where does this leaves NASCAR in their search for a title sponsor? It is an expensive proposition even for the largest of corporations. Sprint has struggled mightily to keep up with the Verizon's and AT&T's of the world which leads to the obvious question. ATT had tried to make inroads in NASCAR just a few years ago.

We're guessing the racing bigwigs would happily welcome them...and their money beginning in 2017.

Ryan Newman's Race Team Does Hype Video for Sprint Cup Final

((ht: foxsports.com))

Nice...haven't seen a lot of hype videos in the NASCAR world. Maybe they are catching on to this whole social media thing.

Or maybe not.

Anyway, check out this cool video done for Ryan Newman by the folks at his Richard Childress Racing team.

Newman is one of the 4 drivers left in the Elimination challenge. We'll find out who wins the whole shebangie this weekend when the Chase makes it's final stop at Homestead.

All Newman has to do....finish ahead of Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick. He doesn't have to win the race, just has to beat all 3 of the other guys to the finish line.

May the best driver win...

((NOTE---We have no idea why this was produced in the ancient 4x3 video format instead of HD, it's not like Childress can't afford the whole modern technology thing))

Morning Wrap: Kurt Busch Investigated for Domestic Violence Accusation

((ht: foxsports.com))

We had a bit of trepidation about wading into this story yesterday, but it is at least worth a mention because police really are involved.

NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is being investigated by Dover Delaware police after his former girlfriend came to police and accused him of assault.

The incident is alleged to have happened after the race at Dover Speedway back in September. Busch's former girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, says after the race in his motorhome, a despondent Busch got angry and grabbed her head, banging it against a wall and hurting her.

The pair had broken up a week earlier.

We should add that Driscoll is the president of the Armed Forces Foundation which had ties to Busch's racing team. Those ties have since been severed.

Read a full explanation of the story from FOXSports RIGHT HERE

Police are looking into the allegations and thus far have not commented other than to say that.

As for Busch, his attorney Rusty Hardin (yes, the attorney to athletes everywhere) released a statement saying "The Dover Police department has been informed that Mr. Busch will fully cooperate with their investigation and he expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light..."

Hardin added that the allegations come from a woman who refused to accept the end of a relationship among other things.

NASCAR is also monitoring the situation and has decided it would be inappropriate to comment or take action until they have more information.

This Week's NASCAR Fight With Brad Keselowski Where Jeff Gordon Cusses

((HT: NASCAR on ESPN))

And, instead of involving Matt Kenseth, it involves Jeff Gordon with a possible cameo from Kevin Harvick...


The lowdown this time...

Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were going at it and the Blue Deuce wedged his way in between them to make it three wide in a green-white-checkered situation. Gordon ended up a lap down with the damage and in 29th at the restart.

Needless to say, #24 was not happy about it and did you notice that Jamie Little ended up in the middle of it...???

We imagine that everyone involved will be involved in a visit to the Big Red Truck.

PM UPDATE: When asked about Keselowski's behavior, Gordon cussed on live TV
((HT: Jay Busbee's Vine))


Yahoo!Sports Jay Busbee brings up a good point: Will Gordon get fined for his outburst...???

From the Column:

Gordon is about to head into one of the most critical races of his career. If NASCAR were to deduct points from a driver in the midst of a championship hunt for a minor, inconsequential violation, hurled just after a fight, well ... the criticism would be unrelenting. NASCAR is loving the extra press now, but a hammer on Gordon for language would turn every bit of that attention to the negative.

Smoke And The Blue Deuce Visit The Big Red Truck

((HT: NASCAR their own selves/NASCAR on ESPN))

You remember the end of the Charlotte race and all of the associated shenanigans...

Well, if you don't, we'll show you...


And, if that wasn't all, Keselowski did this in the infield garage. The long version was missed by ESPN cameras...

IN THE INFIELD GARAGE!!!


NASCAR came down with their decisions today:

NASCAR has assessed behavioral penalties to drivers Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart for their involvement in post-race incidents on Oct. 11 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Keselowski has been fined $50,000 and placed on NASCAR probation for the next four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events through Nov. 12 for violating:

· Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
· Section 12-4.9: Behavioral penalty – involved in post-race incidents

Stewart has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation for the next four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events through Nov. 12 for violating:

· Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
· Section 12-4.9: Behavioral penalty – involved in a post-race incident

“These penalties are about maintaining a safe environment following the race,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR senior vice president, competition and racing development. “We knew that the new Chase format was likely going to raise the intensity level and we want our drivers to continue to be themselves. However, the safety of our drivers, crew members, officials, and workers is paramount and we will react when that safety could be compromised.”

"Behavioral penalties..."

Never heard that one before...

Does anyone remember that Kevin Harvick actually won the race...???

All Hell Breaks Loose Postrace In Charlotte

((HT: NASCAR on ABC/ESPN))

First, the end of the race in Charlotte this evening gave Kevin Harvick a win to advance in the new version of The Chase...
But all hell broke loose after the fact...

Your finish


And a longer version with commentary from some rather intense, very young NASCAR fans (NSFW)...


Then, Kenseth jumped Keselowski between the haulers out back to express some severe displeasure


Expect Kenseth, Keselowski, and Hamlin to visit The Big Red Truck very soon- and to, perhaps, be a little lighter in the wallet...

Reminded the HQ of something like this


Doesn't it...???

Here's postgame with Doc and Brad and Vince and Denny...

Uh...Okay: Brett Favre Send Dale Earnhardt Jr a Birthday Poem

No, really. A poem, from NFL legend Brett Favre to current NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Junior.

And....it's on video.

We should add that both guys are spokesmen for Wrangler Jeans and the fact it's on video while Favre is representing isn't a coincidence...

But still, it's touching to see such a nice sentiment.

We think...

Anyway, here's your video:

Funny Or Die Brings Back "Knight Rider"

((HT: Funny Or Die))

But not with David Hasselhoff

How would it be if one of the most popular race car drivers decided to drive one of the smartest cars in the world...???

Here's Dale, Junior paired with a new and, let's just say "different," KITT

Knight Rider with Dale Earnhardt Jr. from Funny Or Die

Ward Family Not Satisfied With Stewart Grand Jury Decision

((HT: WHEC-TV))

Understandably so...

After the Ontario County (NY) Grand Jury returned the idea that they were not going to come back with an indictment of Tony Stewart in the death of driver Kevin Ward, Junior in a race August 9th in upper New York state, the Ward family issued their own statement:

"Our son got out of his car during caution when the race was suspended. All the other vehicles were reducing speed and not accelerating except for Stewart, who intentionally tried to intimidate Kevin by accelerating and sliding his car toward him, causing the tragedy. The focus should be on the actions of Mr. Stewart. This matter is not at rest and we will pursue all remedies in fairness to Kevin.”

Here's team coverage of the Grand Jury decision


"I personally am very happy with the outcome," Canadaigua Race Director Greg Hixson said when interviewed Wednesday. "I've seen the videos, I was there, I saw it live and for Tony to be charged I think would have been another crime. It's unfortunate and my heart goes out to the Ward family, but having another life ruined because of it, I thought it would have been very unjust."

No Charges for Tony Stewart in Death of Kevin Ward

An Ontario County, New York Grand Jury has declined to charge NASCAR driver Tony Stewart in the death of driver Kevin Ward in a dirt track accident at the Canandaigua Speedway on August 9th.

The incident occurred at the small track after Stewart and Ward got tangled up during a race. Ward spun out and after the incident, got out of his car and appeared on video to approach Stewart's car, still in motion at a fairly high rate of speed.

Ward died from the impact.

Stewart released a statement saying; "This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life and it will stay with me forever. While much of the attention has been on me, it's important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr's family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers."

County D.A Michael Tantillo had asked the Grand Jury to consider charges of second degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. They could not come to a unanimous decision on either.

Most agreed Tantillo would have had a difficult time proving criminal intent in the incident and issue further complicated when he said Ward had been under the influence of marijuana that night, "enough to impair judgement".

Stewart took a 3-week leave of absence from racing after the incident. He still could be Civilly charged in the incident, but that has yet to happen.

NASCAR released a statement:

"There are no winners in tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they all cope with this tragic incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. This has been a difficult time for everyone involved and we have respected the local authorities responsible for reviewing this case."

As did Stewart:

“This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive. “I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known. “While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”

Tony Stewart Incident Goes to Grand Jury

We knew last week that investigators had finished their work in upstate New York, trying to piece together exactly what they believe happened when Tony Stewart collided with Kevin Ward, killing Ward on a dirt track.

Ontario County DA Michael Truillo announced Tuesday afternoon that the case would get presented to the county's Grand Jury.

The incident, which happened at a track in Canandaigua, New York on August 9th, was a result of Ward spinning out during a race, which may or may not have been caused by Stewart. Tony's car came around the track the next lap, Ward got out of his car and at least according to video, moved towards Stewart's car.

That's when he was hit and eventually died from the crash.

Stewart spent three weeks on the sidelines and investigators have spent a month trying to collect videos and photos of the incident in an effort to piece together what may have happened and whether or not Stewart intentionally hit Ward.

What should be of concern here is that the D.A felt he had enough information to go to the Grand Jury about this. And while they may not feel there is enough compelling evidence to hand down an indictment, it appears...at least on the surface their may indeed be enough to charge Stewart with a crime.

Now we just wait and see.

No date has been set for presentation to the Grand Jury, but since they are usually rotated in most places on a fairly quick rotation, we'd expect it to happen soon.

Stay tuned.

Our pals at ESPN got legal guru Roger Cossack on the phone to discuss:

NASCAR Fun: Hamlin Throws Car Part at Harvick After Crash

Oh those angry boys of NASCAR...

Saturday night at Bristol showed yet again why race car drivers need to learn somehow to control their tempers.

Racing under the lights with the lead, Denny Hamlin slowed slightly coming off a corner. Kevin Harvick, just behind Hamlin tries to get behind him, but misjudges Hamlin's move, hits the back of Hamlin's car and sends him spinning.

Hamlin's car tags Dale Earnhardt Jr, taking out his door and side panels and for a brief moment, chaos ensues.

Hamlin eventually gets out of the car and in a fit of anger, grabs the Hans device (neck restraint) and throws it at Harvick's car when it passes by again under caution.

It didn't do any damage, but the point being, why throw something at him? And then the post wreck interview?

Yeah, we get it, racing is intense and nobody wants to back down. But when you are driving that fast in a tight pack of cars, accidents happen.  They always will.

For what it's worth, Joey Logano would go on to take the checkered flag and get the win.

Video of the crash, Hamlin's interview and shot of him throwing stuff at Harvick are all on this clip from NASCAR.com:

Edwards Heading To Joe Gibbs From RFR For 2015

((HT: ESPN/NASCAR))

The worst kept secret in stock car racing is official...

Carl Edwards is jumping from Roush Fenway Racing to Joe Gibbs for the 2015 season.

Here's the announcement


The larger news from Joe Gibbs is their dealings through the Drivers Through Diversity program. The squad signed Daniel Suarez for their Nationwide and truck programs.

Tony Stewart Won't Race This Weekend Either

((ht: nascar.com))

Suffice to say the past two weeks have not been kind to NASCAR team owner and driver Tony Stewart.

By now, most of you know about the incident at a central New York dirt track Saturday night that cost promising driver Kevin Ward Jr his life after getting tangled with Stewart's car.

After initially saying he wanted to race in the Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen the next day, Stewart relented and handed over the #14 Stewart-Haas racing car to Reagan Smith.

Thursday afternoon, Stewart's race team released a statement saying Tony would not race in the upcoming race in Michigan. They did not elaborate other than to say that veteran driver Jeff Burton would drive his car on Sunday.

Stewart has drawn a lot of heat on social media and other places for what appears to be a limited response to a horrible accident/mistake. No charges have been filed and we'd be surprised if eventually they were.

But that should not absolve the millionaire multiple times over Stewart from trying to something to help. As far as anyone knows--and we hope we are wrong, Stewart has avoided the public at all costs and has thus far not reached out to the Ward family.

Stewart will eventually get back behind the wheel and investigators in Ontario County, New York will eventually finish their investigation. And no matter the outcome, we suspect someone is not going to be happy with the results.

Fox Sports gives us the video update:

Kevin Ward, Senior Lashes Out At Tony Stewart

((HT: Syracuse Post-Standard/Hannagan))

The father of the sprint car racer killed in an accident with Tony Stewart has spoken to Syracuse media and is still not happy with Stewart and how things transpired on the track.

In an extensive interview with Syracuse.com's Charley Hannagan Kevin Ward, Senior feels that Stewart is solely responsible for what happened at the Canadaigua, New York track this past weekend.

From Hannagan is the collection of her quotes from Kevin Ward, Senior:

"Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn't see him," he said.

"Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night. Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there's no reason for it," Ward Sr. said.

"The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison. Is he going to say what he done?" Ward Sr. said.

Ward wants everyone to remember his son as someone who just loved to race and that seems to be the main reason he spoke to Hannagan for her article. But even if the investigation shows no malice on Stewart's behalf, he may not be completely free from any kind of charges from the Ontario County police.

"CBS This Morning" brought in Jack Ford to discuss the legal options...


The funeral for Ward, Junior is tomorrow...

This Will Stop A Race Cold

((HT: FoxSportsWorld/NASCAR))

The stock cars are at Watkins Glen going 355 miles before they're done...

But, this put a halt to the action on Lap 57


Thankfully, both Ryan Newman and Michael McDowell both got out of their cars after a little cleaning up, but the race and the track are still looking at over 30 laps to go when the red flag is pulled back from the tower...

As of 4:05 eastern, the drivers were called back to their cars...

Should Tony Stewart Race at Watkins Glen? (UPDATED)

If you are just waking up and reading through the overnight news, you probably low about the Tony Stewart incident at an Ontario County, New York dirt track.

A driver was killed after being hit by Stewart's race car during a heat at the Canandaigua Motorsports Track is being investigated by the county police department. The investigation began after 20-year old Kevin Ward, the driver in question, died in a local hospital.

We'll spare you the video in this post, it can be seen in our original report on the incident.

Scroll down or page or click on the link RIGHT HERE

The reason for the follow up column, according to Stewart-Haas Racing, Stewart still plans on racing Sunday afternoon at Watkins Glen. No, Stewart is not facing charges from the incident at the present time, but we're stunned that he feels like racing less than 24-hours later.

Will Stewart be charged: That might be difficult to prove. If you've seen the video, you can plainly see Ward, after being spun out by Stewart, get out of his car and he's quite visibly angry. You can also see another driver avoid Ward who is gesturing towards Stewart. Stewart appears at first glance to try and swerve around him as well, but wasn't able to get out of the way.

The Ontario County sheriff's department is investigating the incident as they should. And yes, someone died at the track. There should be an investigation. A detailed one at that.

Reports say Stewart is devastated and he should be. It's a perfectly normal reaction to a horrific incident.

But how do you get past it quickly?

We have interviewed Stewart multiple times and are well aware that he lives, eats and breathes racing. There are very few other things in life that he does or wants to do. He may feel as though racing will take his mind off the incident.

But how?

NASCAR is following all developments and at the current time does not feel they should keep Stewart off the track. They don't feel ready to keep him away. If for some reason charges get filed, then we have a different conversation. We aren't there yet.

The part that is difficult to understand, and you'd have to get inside Stewart's head to know the reason he's going back on the track. The question we and probably you have though is this: "How do you focus on what you are doing, knowing an accident you were involved in killed a man just a few hours before?"

Here's video from WROC-TV of a press conference held by Ontario County Sheriff Philip Provero who talks about the incident and how the investigation is proceeding:




UPDATE---10:25 a.m: Per Stewart's Crew Chief Greg Zipadelli: Stewart will not drive in the race at Watkins Glen. Reagan Smith will drive the car for this race.

Ed Note: This is the right thing to do. As much as Tony may have wanted to race, out of deference to what happened to Kevin Ward, he needed to not be behind the wheel today. Nobody knows how the investigation will progress, but this is the proper decision.

Tony Stewart Hits Driver In Sprint Car Race, Later Dies (UPDATED)

[HT: Canandaiqua (N.Y.) Messenger]

Saturday night while participating in a sprint car race in Canandaiqua, New York, 30 miles southeast of Rochester, three time NASCAR sprint cup champion Tony Stewart was involved in an accident between turns one and 2 with another driver identified as Kevin Ward, Jr.

Ward spun out after contact with Stewart.  According to the Associated Press video evidence shows Ward approaching Stewart's car while the track is under caution before he was hit and hurtled 50 feet.

Ontario County sheriff Phillip Povero said the driver was pronouned dead at a Canandaiqua, NY hospital.

Here is said video evidence.




Stewart-Haas Racing released the following statement:

"A tragic accident took place last night during a sprint car race in which Tony Stewart was participating,  Tony was unhurt, but a fellow competitor lost his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We're still attempting to sort through all the details and we appreciate your understanding during this difficult time."

Povero said Stewart was quetioned and was fully cooperative during questioning.  The incident is not being investigated as a criminal manner.

Stewart is scheduled to race Sunday in the Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen, NY.  

1600 UPDATE: The early word from Povero is they're not convinced of a criminal act by anyone involved...

From MRN's Pete Pistone via his Twitter

"At this moment there are no facts or evidence that would support a criminal charge or indicate criminal intent.”

Edwards Leaving Roush-Fenway After 11 Years

((HT: Fox Sports 1/NASCAR))

The news wasn't all that unexpected, but Carl Edwards is out at Roush-Fenway Racing after this season, heading to a fourth car that Joe Gibbs Racing will be adding to their stacks in 2015.

We think...

Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse, Junior and Trevor Bayne (getting a full season ride) are the three for RFR next year.

"I have had the privilege of fielding entries for the world's best race car drivers in NASCAR for nearly 30 years, and feel quite fortunate to have an opportunity to do that again next year," said team co-owner Jack Roush in a press release.

"We have always prided ourselves in developing talent at Roush Fenway, and our 2015 line-up is a testament to the success of our organization in that respect," Roush said. "Greg Biffle is one of the most purely talented racers I've ever seen behind the wheel of a car, and his experience combined with the raw natural abilities, enthusiasm and desire in both Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Trevor Bayne have me very excited for the future. Although we still have a lot to accomplish this year, both John Henry and I are looking forward to going to the track in 2015 with this blend of veteran leadership and youthful potential."

Fastenal stays with RFR and goes to the Stenhouse car. AdvoCare will pair with Bayne.

Here's the instant analysis...

By contract, Edwards cannot announce his future plans until September, but he admits publicly he has plans in place.