DIED: Up-and-coming stock-car driver Matt Hawkins died Friday night of a gunshot wound when his weapon accidentally discharged. The Canton, Georgia, sheriff’s department is investigating the incident that killed the 21-year-old winner in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and USAR Pro Cup Series.
THE RAIN MAN: Matt Kenseth was in the lead when the rain came prematurely—ending the 51st annual Daytona 500—and giving Kenseth the biggest victory of his career Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.
U.S. TEAM: It appears the official announcement regarding a new U.S.-based Formula One team, which hopes to debut in 2010, will be made February 24.
NEW MONEY: The Sports Car Club of America has received a $50,000 grant from the FIA Motor Sport Safety Development Fund to explore safety initiatives.
HALL OF FAME: The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America will induct Kenny Bernstein, David Hobbs, Scott Parker, Les Richter, Al Unser Jr., H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and Joe Weatherly in its August 12 ceremony at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit.
TOURING: A new American Touring Car Championship was announced by the Virginia-based U.S. Endurance Racing Association. The group is planning six race weekends.
TOP DOG: Donny Schatz remained atop the weekly National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. The rankings appear weekly in America’s motorsports authority.
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