Racin’ with Russ - After spending the past seven weeks explaining the many changes in store for the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series, I thought I’d hit some of the highlights in the same vein related to the Camping World Truck series. I’ll also throw in my predictions as to how well the various combos will fare.Ty Dillon will fill the seat of his brothers (Austin) championship ride in the familiar black No. 3 Chevy. This talented young man comes off seven wins and an ARCA title with a few truck starts under his belt. I think between his natural talent and the Childress team resources, a few wins and a shot at a title are not out of the question.
With Monster Energy drinks moving their backing over to the Busch brothers ...

At first glance, it is difficult to compare Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick: one is a Sprint Cup veteran, while the other is in the nascent stages of her NASCAR career.Earnhardt Jr. has 18 wins notched under his belt in the Sprint Cup Series. Danica has one win as a true professional in the IZOD IndyCar series, though she also accomplished the best finish for a woman at any top-circuit NASCAR event ever in 2011 (fourth).Though Earnhardt Jr. most definitely has a truckload more experience on NASCAR racetracks, he also faces much better competition each week against NASCAR's best.As a Nationwide Series driver, this could work to Danica's advantage in getting a win before Jr., but it could also prove more difficult.Although Danica will b...

At first glance, it is difficult to compare Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick: one is a Sprint Cup veteran, while the other is in the nascent stages of her NASCAR career.Earnhardt Jr. has 18 wins notched under his belt in the Sprint Cup Series. Danica has one win as a true professional in the IZOD IndyCar series, though she also accomplished the best finish for a woman at any top-circuit NASCAR event ever in 2011 (fourth).Though Earnhardt Jr. most definitely has a truckload more experience on NASCAR racetracks, he also faces much better competition each week against NASCAR's best.As a Nationwide Series driver, this could work to Danica's advantage in getting a win before Jr., but it could also prove more difficult.Although Danica will b...

Dale Earnhardt Jr. worked his way to the top series in NASCAR with aspirations of being recognized as a good race car driver, knowing he would never match his father's record. Now life behind the scenes with Junior, during the year he lost his father, has been chronicled. The book, In the Red, was recently released. It was written by Jade Gurss who was the publicist for Earnhardt Jr. from 1999 through the 2007 season. The book gives you a look at the dramatic and tragic 2001 season when the "Intimidator" lost his life on the final lap of the Daytona 500 and despite that loss, Junior returned to Daytona later that year and won the summer race. Gurss was there and he gives an intimate view no one else could provide, utilizing h...

The Grand-Am Rolex 24 at Daytona got underway in gorgeous January weather—even for Florida. The biggest news planned might have been that it was the 50th anniversary of grueling around-the-clock sports car competition, but one large reality accompanied that celebration—abundant crowds. Grand-Am is getting so popular that it took an hour-and-half automobile wait to get to some parking areas. Enthusiast crowds may even be a sign that the economy is getting better. Motorsports attendance from this point going forward would confirm improvement in commerce, but it was reported that Rolex 24 ticket sales were about 40 percent over last year’s attendance. Unlike NASCAR, Grand-Am opens the garage area to fans, and they responded b...

The Grand-Am Rolex 24 at Daytona got underway in gorgeous January weather—even for Florida. The biggest news planned might have been that it was the 50th anniversary of grueling around-the-clock sports car competition, but one large reality accompanied that celebration—abundant crowds. Grand-Am is getting so popular that it took an hour-and-half automobile wait to get to some parking areas. Enthusiast crowds may even be a sign that the economy is getting better. Motorsports attendance from this point going forward would confirm improvement in commerce, but it was reported that Rolex 24 ticket sales were about 40 percent over last year’s attendance. Unlike NASCAR, Grand-Am opens the garage area to fans, and they responded b...

In an offseason full of news, relief finally came in the form of the official NASCAR press conference on January 26. While there were some announcements made, most were expected and none were life shattering.So without farther ado, here are some main points that were talked about at this year's NASCAR preview.All quotes come from the Preview press conference.Begin Slideshow...

Force India have named Jules Bianchi as their reserve driver for the 2012 season. One of the leading lights of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Bianchi will drive in a minimum of nine practice sessions over the course of the season—using the car of either Paul di Resta or Nico Hulkenberg. Bianchi occupied the reserve driver role for Ferrari in 2011, but the Italian team do not give reserve drivers an opportunity to drive in Friday practice.  The move to Force India will give him the opportunity to do this while remaining a part of the Ferrari family. In a statement on the Force India website, Bianchi said: I’m obviously excited to join Sahara Force India and the chance to get track time during race weekends is an important...

It doesn't seem that long ago that Sebastian Vettel was being crowned F1 World Champion for a second time, but with the new season due to start in March, attention is quickly turning to whether the German can make it three Drivers Championships in a row and also three consecutive Constructors Championships for his Red Bull team. Certainly, Vegas believes Vettel will complete the hat-trick of Drivers Championship and list him at around +110 favorite to do so. Next-best in the betting is Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso at 5:1. Interestingly, Vettel’s Red Bull teammate Mark Webber is only quoted at +1200, behind the twin attack of McLaren's two former world champions, Lewis Hamilton, who is +500, and Jenson Button at +700. Most pundits a...

The final day of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway ended with a surprise entry in the Coke Zero 400 and the all-time most popular driver will be behind the wheel of a Hendrick Motorsports powered car. First thing in the morning, Walmart announced they are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2012 and that Bill Elliott will be the driver of the No. 50 Impala. Elliott did not know this deal was happening until Monday of this week. He ranks this announcement right up there with the being the 16-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver. Walmart will expand their partnership with NASCAR by selling more NASCAR merchandise, and featuring racing simulators and driver appearances at their stores. It ...