Notes | ABC sees improved ratings

California race scores best Chase ratings so far

ABC’s live coverage of last Sunday's race at Fontana, Calif., earned a national rating of 3.6, the highest so far this season in four Chase races.

The telecast averaged 5,952,978 viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

There are no direct comparisons to 2008 as the California race was previously run Labor Day weekend and aired on ESPN. ESPN2’s live telecast of the Nationwide race at Fontana earned a 1.1 rating.

Toyota proud of ‘freshman class’

Lee White, president and general manager of Toyota Racing Development, said the manufacturer is extremely proud of the improvement in its “freshman class” – the teams of Michael Waltrip Racing and Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull placed its first driver in the 10-race Chase this season as Brian Vickers was the 12th and final driver to make the playoff field.

MWR won its first Cup race with David Reutimann, who also came close to making the Chase.

“Last year the most improved group was the Red Bull group. The Waltrip guys, starting from absolute scratch without a marquee driver like a Tony Stewart, are now attracting the better and better people,” said White.

“We are also learning as well. We weren’t the best guys, by any stretch of the imagination, when we started three years ago. We’ve evolved and learned.”

Foyt, Evernham lead another induction

The N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville inducted legendary driver and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt in a ceremony this week.

Former championship crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham was also honored.

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