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All Eyes On: Jamie McMurray (4)

By: Farrah Kaye

At the end of the 2009 season, Roush Fenway Racing had to let go of its fifth car. The causality of this was Jamie McMurray, driver of the No. 26 Crown Royal/IRWIN Tools Ford Fusion, who at the time was having a hard go of it.

In the 2010 offseason, McMurray announced he would be moving to Earnhardt Ganassi racing, replacing Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. This paired McMurray together with Chip Ganassi, his previous boss before he had moved to RFR.

Circuit Breaks: Texas (0)

Information about Texas Motor Speedway as well as other attractions, lodging and restaurants in the area around the track.

Terry Labonte: AMS Not a Favorite, Likes Upcoming Richmond (0)

I had a chance to catch up with “Texas” Terry Labonte in the garage area today. He looked as if he was on a mission, but he was gracious enough to give me a quick minute. In our ongoing series, we have been asking drivers what their favorite tracks are on the circuit. Since so many drivers this week have said that Atlanta Motor Speedway, that was a natural lead. Unfortunately, I found out for him, that AMS was just the opposite.

What To Watch For: Emory Health Care 500 In Atlanta (0)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is coming off of it’s last bye week of the year. In the off week however the NASCAR Nationwide Series kept us on the edge of our seats with a thrilling photo finish at Montreal. However this week is a totally different beast as NASCAR rolls into one of the fastest tracks on the circuit Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Emory Health Care 500.

Here are five things to keep an eye on this weekend.

Gas and Go: Episode 17 – Wesley Sherrill, Car Chief for Kyle Busch Stops By (0)

 Gas and Go: Episode 17 - Wesley Sherrill, Car Chief for Kyle Busch Stops By: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (105)

This week, Chris Smith gets to sit down with Wesley Sherrill, the car chief of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. We talk about not only winning three contingency awards this weekend, but we also talk about the historic sweep of all three series at Bristol. Talks about how much momentum plays in this type of win. We also have a candid conversation on the advantages of running in multiple series with the COT. We preview Atlanta Motor Speedway a bit and talk about the schedule changes recently announced. A great show, enjoy and make sure you comment with your thoughts!

Hammer Down: Episode 9 – Schedule Changes, Fines, And Ambrose (1)

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Episode 9 of our “Hammer Down” podcast is now available. This week RubbingsRacing.com senior writer Toby Christie is joined by Buddy Christie. The two go “Hammer Down” on five of the hottest topics in NASCAR over the past week.

NCWTS Kentucky Speedway Pre-Race Notes of Interest (0)

It should be a fun evening at Kentucky Speedway this Friday night. I’m excited to be there to cover it for you. In the meantime:

NASCAR Flashback: 2001 Pennsylvania 500, Labonte Versus Jr. (1)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rolls into Pocono Raceway for the 66th race at the storied triangular race track. This week the feature of ‘NASCAR Flashback’ is the 2001 running of the Pennsylvania 500.

NNS: It’s the Kyle Busch Show Again at Bristol (2)

Kyle Busch came out on top after a battle with his rival and series point leader Brad Keselowski to win the Food City 250 Friday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. The two raced side-by-side for 10+ laps when Busch appeared to have cleared Keselowski but Busch’s car got a little loose and Keselowski made contact with Busch.

NNS: Boris Said Wins, Ambrose Devastated Again In Montreal (1)

The Nationwide race at Montreal on Sunday was a war of attrition. First Marcos Ambrose had mechanical failures, then Carl Edwards.

However in the end, the fans were treated to a finish for the ages from Boris Said and Max Papis.

What To Watch For: Emory Health Care 500 In Atlanta (0)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is coming off of it’s last bye week of the year. In the off week however the NASCAR Nationwide Series kept us on the edge of our seats with a thrilling photo finish at Montreal. However this week is a totally different beast as NASCAR rolls into one of the fastest tracks on the circuit Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Emory Health Care 500.

Here are five things to keep an eye on this weekend.

NASCAR: Harvick Collects Three Post Race Awards During Chase-Clinching Win (0)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 17, 2010) – Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 Richard Childress Racing team used a strategic call by crew chief Gil Martin to take the checkered flag, clinch a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and win three post-race contingency awards at Sunday’s CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Martin collected his fifth DirecTV Crew Chief of the Race Award this season, taking the lead in the race for the annual award.

Atlanta: NASCAR Driver Autograph Sessions and Appearances (0)

A number of NASCAR notables will be making fan appearances on the Atlanta Motor Speedway property and around Atlanta leading up to the Emory Healthcare 500 race weekend.

Notable Quotes: Jeff Gordon on the Big One (0)

JG: “Well, I got collected. I don’t know what happened. I’m just excited that we finished on the lead lap, to be honest with you. I think it’s been a while since we finished on the lead lap. We got a huge ush down the back straightaway. I don’t know who it was; maybe the No. 39 or somebody gave me a big shove. And I was coming 10 mph faster than anybody and the No. 48 is testing my patience, I can tell you that. It takes a lot to make me mad and I am pissed right now. You know, when a car is going that much faster, I don’t know what it is with me and him right now, but whatever. But the guys did a great job of fixing it. I don’t know what happened in the wreck. I just know the No. 31 came across after getting turned and came down in front of me and we got collected, so we just did everything we could to finish at that point and we finished on the lead lap.”

NCWTS: Aric Almirola Proving His Future Is Extremely Bright (0)

It would have been very easy for Aric Almirola to fold under the pressure of losing his ride in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but that’s just not his style.

NSCS: Kevin Conway and ExtenZe Racing Suspend Their Program with Front Row Motorsports with Yates Racing (1)

Statesville, N.C. (August 13, 2010) – Kevin Conway, the leading 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year driver and ExtenZe Racing announce today that they are suspending their program with Front Row Motorsports with Yates Racing (FRM) effective immediately.

NASCAR: Marketing/Communications Overhaul Will Do A World Of Good (0)

By: Toby Christie So far in the 2010 NASCAR season drivers have taken the gloves off. NASCAR has overhauled the rule book thus allowing the drivers to police themselves. What we have seen as a result is incredible, yet unpredictable racing week in and week out. We now have the long awaited rivalries and emotion [...]

Over the Wall: Episode 51 – AMS President Ed Clark Joins Us (1)

 Over the Wall: Episode 51 - AMS President Ed Clark Joins Us: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (66)

This week, Chris Smith sits down with Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark to talk about the loss of a race in 2011, as well as his rise to success in the sport of NASCAR. We also look at some of the history of AMS as we celebrate 50 years of racing at Atlanta. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss anything.

Photos: Martinsville Tums Fast Relief 500-October 25, 2009 (0)

One of our friends, Dave Thompson, was at the Martinsville race this past weekend and provided us with some great photos to enjoy. We thought you all would like to see them as well.

Great Job Dave. Keep up the good work.

Spotters Nest: Episode Three – Brett Griffin (1)

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Episode 3 of The Spotters Nest is now available. Each episode will feature a one-on-one conversation between RubbingsRacing.com’s, Dave Thompson and a NASCAR spotter. This week we put our spotter spotlight on Brett Griffin, spotter for Elliott Sadler.