Racing News: Controversial Comments Put F1 Chief Eccelstone on Defense

NEW OWNER: Indiana’s Lincoln Park Speedway was purchased by Joe Spiker, who plans to operate it under his Joe Spiker Promotions banner. The three-eighths-mile dirt track will continue to race on Saturday nights.

SPOUTING OFF: Formula One czar Bernie Ecclestone is battling major criticism over remarks he made concerning Adolf Hitler. Ecclestone said, in part, Hitler “could get things done.” Many have called for his resignation, but Ecclestone has no plans to honor those requests.

NEW TEAM: Martin Truex Jr. will be officially announced as the replacement for team owner Michael Waltrip next season. Truex will step into Waltrip’s No. 55 NAPA Toyota in 2010 with the two-time Daytona 500 winner running a limited schedule.

MEETING: Representatives from all IndyCar Series teams met at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International over the weekend to discuss the Indy Racing League’s plan for operation upon the ouster of Tony George from a leadership role at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and George’s resignation from his IndyCar Series posts.

THE FIRST ONE: After more than 20 years, team owner Dale Coyne finally earned his first victory. Coyne, who fielded a team for years in the Champ Car World Series and the last two seasons in the IRL, watched his driver, Justin Wilson, drive to victory Sunday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. It was the first for Coyne during his open-wheel career.

NAMED: NASCAR released a list of 25 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. From that list, five will be selected for the first induction class at the under-construction Charlotte, N.C., facility.

STILL ON TOP: Formula One point-leader Jenson Button narrowly remained ahead of NASCAR Sprint Cup point-leader Tony Stewart atop the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings, which rates drivers from all auto-racing disciplines. The rankings appear weekly in America’s Motorsports Authority.

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