NASCAR - Sprint Cup - Budweiser Shootout at Daytona Preview

NASCAR champ Stewart appearing on ABC television show

Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has done some acting during the offseason.
New record purse for Daytona 500

Officials from Daytona International Speedway announced Wednesday a record purse of more than $19 million for the February 26 season-opening Daytona 500.
Patrick secures starting spot in Daytona 500

Danica Patrick will be guaranteed a starting position in the February 26 Daytona 500 due to a transfer of owner points from Tommy Baldwin Racing to Patrick's team, Stewart-Haas Racing.
Allmendinger, Michael Shank Racing win Rolex 24 at Daytona

Michael Shank Racing pulled off a stunning win in Sunday's Rolex 24 at Daytona, with NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger behind the wheel of the team's No.60 Ford-Riley during the final stint.
NASCAR not making any big changes for 2012 season

Unlike 2011, NASCAR will not make any major alterations in its rules for the upcoming season.
Pocono track founder Mattioli dies

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the founder and chairman of the board of Pocono Raceway, passed away on Thursday at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in Pennsylvania, following a lengthy illness. He was 86.
Patrick skipping Indy 500 and competing at Charlotte

Danica Patrick revealed on Monday that she will forgo this year's Indianapolis 500 and will instead compete in the 600-mile Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
NASCAR Hall of Fame inducts its third class

Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough's long- awaited arrival to the NASCAR Hall of Fame is over, as both three-time champions in NASCAR's premier series were among those inducted during a ceremony held on Friday night.
Third class set to be inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame

Five new members will be enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday. Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Richie Evans, Dale Inman and Glen Wood make up the 2012 class. They were voted into the NASCAR HofF last June.
Ragan signs with Front Row Motorsports

David Ragan will drive the No.34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports during the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season, the team announced on Monday.
NASCAR pleased with its new rules package for Daytona

NASCAR officials seem to be very encouraged so far with their revised rules package for next month's Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona testing underway, Danica begins prep for 500

Thirty-one Sprint Cup Series teams checked in at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday to begin a three-day test session in preparation for the February 26 season-opening Daytona 500.
Teams gearing up for preseason testing at Daytona

After a short one-and-a-half-month break, Sprint Cup Series teams are back on track this week with a three-day preseason test session at Daytona International Speedway.
Kurt Busch to drive for Phoenix Racing

Kurt Busch will drive in the Sprint Cup Series in 2012 after all, as he signed on with Phoenix Racing on Thursday.
Grubb named Hamlin's new crew chief

Darian Grubb has joined Joe Gibbs Racing to serve as crew chief for Denny Hamlin's No.11 Toyota team in the Sprint Cup Series, the team announced Friday.
Kurt Busch released from Penske Racing

One week after NASCAR penalized him for his outburst at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Penske Racing has relieved Kurt Busch from his driving duties with the No.22 team in the Sprint Cup Series, effectively immediately.
Pattie named as crew chief for Bowyer at MWR

Michael Waltrip Racing revealed on Monday that Brian Pattie will serve as crew chief for Clint Bowyer's No.15 Toyota team in the Sprint Cup Series, beginning in 2012.
Sprint extends sponsorship with NASCAR through 2016

Sprint has extended its agreement with NASCAR and will remain the title sponsor for the top-tier Cup Series through 2016.
What a year it was for NASCAR

The 2011 Sprint Cup Series season was as good as it gets. From Trevor Bayne's stunning win in the Daytona 500 to Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards' hard-fought battle in the championship Chase, this year in NASCAR's premier series couldn't have been scripted any better.