Actors invited, 'other factors' cited

tool name

tool name

Changes made to Auto Club Speedway's fall race

Officials at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., on Wednesday announced the track's fall Sprint Cup Series race would undergo a name change and change in distance.

The Oct. 10 race will be reduced from 500 to 400 miles in length and now will be called the Pepsi Max 400, officials said.

"As fans well know, conversations with NASCAR in regard to making the Auto Club Speedway the competitive track possible for NASCAR racing have been on-going," speedway president Gillian Zucker said.

Patrick to remain in IRL with Andretti team

Danica Patrick has agreed to a three-year contract to remain at Andretti Green Racing and stay in the IndyCar Series, according to a report in the Indianapolis Star.

Patrick, the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in last year's Indy Japan, is finishing her fifth season in the IndyCar series and is fifth in points. She's been rumored to be considering a move to NASCAR and still could compete in a limited number of races.

Patrick's agent, Alan Zucker, did not return calls from The Associated Press. The Indy Racing League and Andretti Green Racing had no comment.

A 'no' vote for banking change at California track

Random thoughts for a NASCAR weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, wondering whatever happened to Dick Trickle.

Change the banking at Auto Club Speedway to 23 degrees? If we had a vote, and don't ever believe the general public would, it would be a negative one.

First, there's really no need, despite the flood of complaints from all corners of the motorsports world, except the drivers. Secondly, in this economy? Are you kidding me?

Patrick's ready to 'rock the world'

There was no mincing words about Danica Patrick’s official entry into NASCAR.

“We’re going to rock the world!” JR Motorsports executive vice president Kelley Earnhardt proclaimed after announcing Tuesday JRM would field a limited Nationwide Series schedule for Patrick for the next two seasons.

As sister of NASCAR’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley is well-versed on attention-grabbing headlines and drivers.

Milwaukee loses big league dates

NASCAR is trying to replace race dates on both its 2010 Nationwide and Camping World Truck series schedules after an effort to run races at The Milwaukee Mile fell through on Wednesday.

The track is operated by the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board, which has not been able to secure a promoter for the 2010 season.

The truck race was scheduled for June 18, with the Nationwide Series race scheduled for June 19 at the flat, 1-mile oval, which opened in 1903.