Racing News: Next-Gen NASCAR Cars Debut Friday in Daytona

NATIONWIDE DEBUT: The next-generation NASCAR Nationwide Series cars will make their debut this Friday during the Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

KING OF SPRINT WEEK: Tim Shaffer may have won three events during the 28th annual O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Ohio Sprint Speedweek, but 18-year-old David Gravel walked away with the overall crown Sunday at Fremont Speedway.

TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN: Nobuhiro Tajima claimed the overall and unlimited class titles for the fifth-straight year during the 88th annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

BIG MONEY: Shane Clanton bagged a $30,500 payday with his victory in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pennsylvania, Saturday.

STILL CERTIFIED: Impact Racing won a temporary injunction against the SFI Foundation last week, preventing SFI from decertifying its products made in 2009 and 2010 until Impact is given the chance “to be heard either in writing or by personal appearance.”

WELCOME BACK: The IZOD IndyCar Series confirmed its plans to return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, for the first time since 1998 Sunday. The series will return to the track July 30, 2011, as part of a three-year contract.

BUSTED: Two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week after violating NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy. LaJoie was also suspended by ESPN, where he worked as analyst.

BANNED: US F1, which failed to field make the Formula One grid this year, has been “disqualified” by the FIA from taking part in any FIA-sanctioned competition. Team officials were also fined $382,000. The team recently sold most of its equipment via auction.

BIG WEEKEND: Not only did Greg Anderson pocket $50,000 for winning the K&N Horsepower Challenge event for Pro Stock teams, but he also won the overall Pro Stock crown during the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, to bag an extra $25,000 double-up bonus from the NHRA.

FACELIFT: Reports are circulating that current owners Handy Racing Promotions could sell the California-based Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series to former racer Dan Simpson.

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