3M partnering with Hendrick to sponsor Gordon

3M will join 11-time Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2015 NASCAR season when it will become a primary sponsor of driver Jeff Gordon and his #24 Chevy SS team. The new relationship will feature 3M as a primary sponsor in 11 Sprint Cup races annually and as an associate-level partner in all other events. The agreement covers the 2015, 2016 and 2017 NASCAR seasons. All five of 3M's business units, which comprise more than $31 billion in annual sales, will use the sponsorship in consumer promotions, product launches and business-to-business opportunities. With more than 65 of its products used in the construction and maintenance of Sprint Cup Series race cars, 3M for decades has played a key role in the success of NASCAR teams. The company manufactures more than 80,000 different products and has been an official NASCAR partner across several categories since 1995.(Hendrick Motorsports)

NASCAR could consider rule to prevent drivers from getting out of cars

Kevin Ward Jr.'s death occurred in a sprint car race, but its implications could reach Sprint Cup - not only because the fatality involved a car driven by Tony Stewart. When NASCAR officials hold their weekly competition meeting Tuesday, it's likely they will discuss the circumstances that allowed Ward to exit his cockpit and angrily scramble down the banking to confront Stewart under a yellow flag at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Ward's death has prompted suggestions that rules are needed that keep drivers in their cars under caution until safety personnel arrive. At least two dirt tracks in New York made changes Monday as Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway announced in a website release that drivers would be required to stay in their cars during an accident. If a driver were to exit the car during a yellow, the race would be placed under a red flag, and the penalty could include a fine or suspension. There is precedent for deaths in other series being the impetus for immediate changes in NASCAR. "We always have discussions to become better," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp told USA TODAY Sports. "NASCAR has a history of looking at situations, and we're not afraid to react to them."(USA Today)

Sunday gallery from Watkins Glen

Newman critical of safety at Watkins Glen

Ryan Newman was very critical of Watkins Glen International when interviewed outside of the medical center at WGI. On lap 56 Newman made contact with a Armco barrier & tire wall that sent him back out into traffic. He was then hit by Michael McDowell who's car went awkwardly backward into the Armco barrier, damaging a section of the barrier. This caused a red flag that lasted 1 hour 21 minutes to repair the barrier.When interviewed after leaving the medical center Newman said "It's just a very antiquated racetrack and the safety is not at all up to NASCAR's standards, It's a shame that we have to have accidents like that to prove it." ESPN spoke with NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton, who stated "It's a constant improvement process, and as you know, many of the places we go to, the facilities, are multi-purpose, and we're only here one weekend a year-and it's busy throughout the rest of the year. Watkins Glen has made great advancements. You remember Turn 1 and 2 and all that, moved grandstands and fencing and SAFER barriers, and that's worked quite well for us. But not all places are places for SAFER barriers. There are different types of systems to help slow cars down."

Thoughts on the Tony Stewart Situation

As most of the world knows by now on Saturday night Tony Stewart participated in a sprint car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park & during the race he collided with Kevin Ward Jr. Following the crash Ward got out of his car to approach Stewart, who was still running. Stewart's car hit Ward causing injuries which lead to his death. Racers know that they should stay in or near their car following a wreck and stay out of the racing groove, however Ward was doing something that he has seen Stewart do a few times during his Sprint Cup career. In his younger years it was not uncommon to see Stewart loose his temper and approach a fellow driver following a wreck. This behavior is not just limited to Stewart or NASCAR, it is something that can be seen among all levels of motorsports.

Neither Stewart or Ward are solely responsible for the circumstances that lead to Wards death, it was a bunch of split second decisions made by all drivers on the track, its just racing.

Many drivers offered their thoughts in the hours following the news, however Dale Earnhardt Jr put it best. "We will all loose someone in our time. When a loss is sudden and unexpected, the pain & sadness is suffocating. Prayers for the Ward family." - +Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Moving forward from this situation Stewart has four more races, starting this weekend at Michigan International Speedway to win a race to put himself in the Chase. Tony & SHR are staying quiet, as they should until the media firestorm & investigation blows over. Stewart decided it was best that he did not race Sunday at Watkins Glen, a place where he has five career victories. Stewart has also pulled out of a sprint race at Plymouth Speedway planned for Saturday. He also has canceled any non-NASCAR racing events he planned to participate in until further notice. SHR officials state that at this point a decision has not been made as far as Stewart's participation in this weekends race at MIS. Many times people do not think about the drivers feelings & thoughts, but Stewart demonstrated that these drivers are human too and he needs his time away.