Blogginisracin

Local racing schedule (April 30-May 3)

Fort Worth area tracks and dragways. If the forecast calls for inclement weather, check the track Web sites or call the track to make sure the racing is still on schedule:

Dirt tracks
Cowtown Speedway (Kennedale)
May 2 (Saturday): USMTS Modifieds, Winged 600s, Limited Modifieds, Street Stocks and Bombers
Schedule: Grandstands open at 5 p.m.; racing starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $12 for adults; $5 for ages 6-11; $2 for ages 3-5; children under 3 are free with adult ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the track website at no additional cost.
More info: www.cowtownspeedway.com
Phone: 817-478-9952

Kennedale Speedway Park
May 2 (Saturday): Full racing program, including IMCA Stock Cars ($525 to win), IMCA Modifieds ($675 to win)
Schedule: Gates open at 5 p.m., racing starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $3 for children 6-11; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.kennedalespeedwayprk.com

Grand Prairie Speedway
May 1 (Friday): Mini Stock Trophy Dash and Bike Giveaway, Outlaw Modifieds, Limited Modifieds, Street Stocks and Bombers
Schedule: Grandstands open at 6:30 p.m., racing starts at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 6-11; children under 5 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.gpspeedway.com
Phone: 972-264-5800

Boyd Raceway
May 1 (Friday): IMCA Modifieds ($1,250 to win), IMCA Stock Cars ($750 to win), IMCA Southern Sport Mods ($500 to win), IMCA Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m.; racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 6-11; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.boydraceway.net
Phone: 940-433-5587

Heart O’ Texas Speedway (Elm Mott)
May 1 (Friday): Heats and features for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks. Features only for Cruisers, Junior Mini Stocks, Twisters and Brazos Mini Sprints. Racing starts at 8 p.m.
May 3 (Sunday): USMTS Southern Series, inuaugural race. IMCA Sports Mods and Brazos Mini Sprints also on the program. Racing starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for Adults; $8 for Seniors (age 60 and above) and students (12 and over or college ID); $3 for children 6-11; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.heartotexspeedway.com
Phone: 254-829-2294

Abilene Speedway
May 2 (Saturday): IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Southern Ltd. Sportsmods and Late Models. Stock Demolition Derby ($1,000 to win) also on program.
Schedule: Gates open at 5 p.m., races start at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for military members; $5 for children 6-12; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.abilenespeedway.com
Phone: 325-692-8800 or 325-537-4494

281 Speedway (Stephenville)
May2 (Saturday): Texas Winged Modifieds, plus full program featuring IMCA Southern SportMods, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks and Compact Cruisers
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $3 for children 6-12; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.281speedway.com
Phone: 254-965-3092

Devils Bowl Speedway (Mesquite)
May 2 (Saturday): Free admission to residents of these cities: Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Forney and Terrell. Super Sprints, USA Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, USA Limited Modifieds.
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults (reserved an additional $2); $5 for students ages 12-15; $2 for children 6-11; children under 5 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.devilsbowl.com
Phone: 972-222-2421

Asphalt track
Red River Speedway (Wichita Falls)
May 2 (Saturday): LMST Super Trucks, Chargers, Mod 4s, Thunderstocks and Hornets
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, military and students (HS or college ID); $5 for children 7-14; children under 7 are free
More info: www.redriverspeedway.net
Phone: 972-221-3200

Dragways
Texas Raceway (Kennedale)
April 30 (Thursday): Race cars and bikes, Street Legal Speedtek Performance
May 1 (Friday): Texas Back Half Outlaws, Fun and Grudge
May 2 (Saturday): Junior races, Bracket races
May 3 (Sunday): Street Wars and Run What Ya Brung
More info: www.texasraceway.com
Phone: 817-483-0356, metro 817-572-3580

North Star Dragway (Denton)
May 1 (Friday): Fun N Grudge
May 2 (Saturday): Outlaw Top Sportsman, Texas Back Half Outlaws
More info: www.northstar-dragway.com
Phone: 940-482-9998

Texas Motorplex (Ennis)
May 1 (Friday): Fast Friday Test and Tune
May 2 (Saturday): NHRA Aerospace Components King of the Track, O’Reilly Bracket Series No. 4, Junior dragsters
More info: www.texasmotorplex.com
Phone: 972-878-2641

This week's racing schedule

Courtesy of The Associated Press
All times Central (U.S.)

NASCAR Sprint Cup
Russ Friedman 400
Site: Richmond (Va.) International Raceway (0.75-mile D-shaped oval)
TV schedule: Friday, qualifying (Speed, 4:30 p.m.); Saturday, race (Fox, 6 p.m.)
Race distance: 300 miles/400 laps
2008 winner: Clint Bowyer
Fast facts: Kurt Busch, the 2004 Cup champion, leads the series standings for the first time since March 2005. Busch, the winner in Atlanta in March, finished sixth at Talladega — his sixth top-10 of the season — to take a five-point lead over Jeff Gordon. Busch won the September 2005 race at Richmond. ... Jimmie Johnson swept the 2007 Richmond races. ... Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 15th in the standings after his second-place finish at Talladega on Sunday. He has three victories, eight top-fives and 10 top-10s at Richmond. ... David Poole, The Charlotte Observer’s NASCAR writer for 13 years, died Tuesday of a heart attack. He was 50.
www.nascar.com

NASCAR Nationwide
Lipton Tea 250
Site: Richmond (Va.) International Raceway (0.75-mile D-shaped oval)
TV schedule: Friday, qualifying, (Speed, 3 p.m.), race (ESPN2, 6 p.m.)
Race distance: 187.5 miles/250 laps
2008 winner: Denny Hamlin
Fast facts: Brad Keselowski’s Sprint Cup victory Sunday at Talladega made him the first Nationwide Series regular to win a Cup race since Jamie McMurray in 2002 at Charlotte. Keselowski, ninth Saturday in Talladega, is sixth in the Nationwide standings. ... Kyle Busch leads the points race with 1,219. Carl Edwards is second at 1,157. ... Mark Martin is making his first Nationwide start of the year, driving Rick Hendrick’s No. 5 Lipton Chevrolet. Martin has five victories at Richmond and 48 overall in the series, both records. ... Kevin Harvick has four Nationwide wins at Richmond.
www.nascar.com

NHRA
O’Reilly Midwest Nationals
Site: Madison, Ill., Gateway International Raceway
TV schedule: Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 5 p.m.); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 6 p.m.)
2008 winners: Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Rod Fuller (Top Fuel), Kurt Johnson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle)
Fast facts: Ron Capps, coming off a quarterfinal loss to Tim Wilkerson after winning three of the first five races, leads the Funny Car standings with 464 points. Jack Beckman is second with 395, followed by Ashley Force Hood at 394. In Top Fuel, Tony Schumacher, a two-time winner this year, has a 39-point lead over Antron Brown. Jeg Coughlin has the Pro Stock lead. ... Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson is making his 300th start. He has five victories.
www.nhra.com

Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series
Verizon Wireless 250
Site: Millville, N.J., New Jersey Motorsports Park
TV schedule: Sunday, race (Speed, noon)
Race duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
2008 winners: Ozz Negri and Mark Patterson (Daytona Prototype); Andy Lally and Tim George Jr. (GT)
Fast facts: Alex Gurney took the lead on a four-wide pass on lap 65 Saturday and held off Michael Valiente by .705 of a second to win the Bosch Engineering 250. It was the ninth victory for Gurney and Jon Fogarty and the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype team based out of the Dallas area. ... Andy Lally and Tim George Jr. return to defend their GT victory from last season, but will be driving different cars for TRG. Lally is paired with Justin Marks in the No. 67 Porsche GT3 and George is co-driving with RJ Valentine in the No. 68 Porsche GT3.
www.grand-am.com/rolex

Suite life with Dale Jr. for NASCAR All-Star race

Pulled this off a Hendrick Motorsports release. Looks like a cool deal if you're thinking about going to the All-Star race next month:

Tickets still are available for the Dale Jr. suite during the all-star event at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 16. The package includes a reserved seat in a luxury suite overlooking the 1.5-mile speedway, complimentary food and drink throughout the race, a souvenir gift bag and more. Prior to the start of the 100-lap race, ticket holders can participate in a pre-race tour of pit road and a question-and-answer session with Earnhardt and NASCAR legend Richard Petty in the suite. Tickets are $288, and all proceeds benefit the Dale Jr. Foundation and Speedway Children's Charities. Go here for more info.

-- Michele Vincze

Charlotte Observer motorsports writer David Poole dies from heart attack

The motorsports and sports writing worlds lost a great person today. R.I.P. David Poole...

From The Associated Press:

David Poole, who spent 13 years covering NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer, died Tuesday of a heart attack. He was 50.
Poole was stricken at his Stanfield home and his daughter called 911, the paper said. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Poole, who joined the Observer in 1990, covered Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway, which ended when Carl Edwards' car flew into a safety fence on the last lap and injured seven fans. His final column ran Tuesday morning, and in it, Poole questioned what it would take for NASCAR to realize changes needed to be made to the racing style at the Alabama track.
“Is racing at Talladega out of control?” he wrote. “I say it is, and Carl Edwards' crash Sunday into the catch-fence in the tri-oval of the 2.66-mile track merely reinforced that opinion.
“Does somebody have to die before we've decided we don't have control?”
Poole, who also wrote a blog, Life in the Turn Lane for thatsracin.com and hosted The Morning Drive weekday show on Sirius NASCAR Radio, was a four-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association's writer of the year.
“He was the best in his field, there's no doubt about that,” Observer editor Rick Thames said.
A Gastonia native, Poole is survived by his wife, two sons, daughter, and one grandson.

Reaction from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage:

“David was a powerful and prolific voice in NASCAR as a result of his role at The Charlotte Observer. He called me just last night and we talked for a while about a column he was working on so this is very stunning to me. The thing I liked about David was that you could argue a counterpoint to his thoughts and while he might argue his point vociferously he had an open mind to understand your position. Even if he still disagreed, he would respectfully concede the validity of your position. I’ve lost a friend and colleague, the sport lost a prescient voice but, worst of all, the Poole family lost a vital member.”

Statement from Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO:

“The NASCAR community is stunned and saddened by the loss of David Poole. David was as passionate about NASCAR as anyone and had very definitive opinions about the sport. He served the industry, and most importantly the fans, through his reporting and commentary in The Charlotte Observer and Sirius Satellite Radio. Our thoughts and prayers go out to David’s family and friends. He will be missed.”

Thoughts from the NASCAR community:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to David's family. He was a friend of everybody in the garage area. He could be controversial from time to time but he always wrote and spoke what he believed. He didn't pull any punches with anybody and that's what people respected about him. He was good for the sport and will be missed."
– Richard Childress, President and CEO Richard Childress Racing

“David worked his (butt) off for our sport, whether it was in his writing or on his radio show. His life revolved around the sport and we're obviously very saddened by the loss. He will be missed.”
– Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet

“David Poole was one of my toughest critics for a year or so when I was first starting out.  Through that we became real good friends and I hate to hear that he's gone.  He definitely had a passion for his work and was a really good guy and a good friend.  He'll be missed."
– David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford

"I've gotten to know (David) Poole really well over the years. He spent a lot of time with the No. 31 team every weekend and would sit and have conversations with us on just about everything. He was fun to agree and debate with. I admired his professionalism and work ethic and he did a great job of reporting our sport to the fans. He's someone I have a lot of respect for and he will definitely be missed."
– Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet

“David is a straight-up guy.  If I picked up a paper and there was a David Poole article in it, I would read it.  His opinions and analysis were always fair and educated no matter what happened.  I personally feel like he’s one of the best at delivering our sport (NASCAR) to the world.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  I’ll miss having him around.”
 – Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford

"David was a great person. I loved being on his radio shows because he always found a way to make you laugh during the interview. He always made you feel like you were best buds that had known each other for years. He was a superb writer that always had creative angles to make a story the best it could be. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. We'll all miss seeing his face in the garage area. It's a sad day for our NASCAR community to lose this incredible writer and dear friend."
– Stephen Leicht, driver of the Nationwide Series No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet

"David Poole was a professional and his passing is a big loss to our sport. I always had a very good working relationship with David. He always knew when the right time to approach a driver was and when it wasn't. He was a fair and objective reporter and someone who I had a great deal of respect for. I always appreciated his no nonsense approach. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
– Casey Mears, driver of the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet

“David was a very fair and honest reporter. He had refreshing honesty, and would speak his mind. He didn't care if everyone liked it or not, and never got wrapped up in the politics. You always knew where you stood with David and I will miss having him around.”
– Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 17 DEWALT Ford

Jeff Gordon set for QVC appearance

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon is scheduled to appear live on QVC’s For Race Fans Only broadcast with QVC on-air host and NASCAR enthusiast Dan Hughes, live from the International Motorsports Hall of Fame at Talladega Superspeedway. The show is scheduled for Friday from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (Central).

-- Michele Vincze

It's official: Las Vegas hosting Sprint Cup awards ceremony

NASCAR announced Thursday that Las Vegas formally becomes the “Official Host City of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week.” NASCAR’s annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will be held at the Wynn Las Vegas on Dec. 4, 2009. The move to Las Vegas provides for greater flexibility for driver and fan events.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events will be combined and held at the Loews Miami Beach on Nov. 23. The Grand-Am Rolex Series banquet will be held at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. on Oct. 12.

NASCAR had held the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event in New York City every year since 1981. After exploring several options, NASCAR formed a partnership with Las Vegas Events, making the change of venue a reality.

-- NASCAR press release

This week's local racing schedule (April 24-26)

Fort Worth area tracks and dragways. If the forecast calls for inclement weather, check the track Web site or call the track to make sure the racing is still on schedule:

Dirt tracks
Cowtown Speedway (Kennedale)
April 25 (Saturday): Cowtown Sprints and Demolition Derby; Winged 600s, Cowtown Modifieds, Limited Modifieds, Street Stocks and Bombers also on the program.
Schedule: Grandstands open at 5 p.m.; racing starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $12 for adults; $5 for ages 6-11; $2 for ages 3-5; children under 3 are free with adult ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the track website at no additional cost.
More info: www.cowtownspeedway.com
Phone: 817-478-9952

Kennedale Speedway Park
April 25 (Saturday): Full racing program
Schedule: Gates open at 5 p.m., racing starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $3 for children 6-11; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.kennedalespeedwayprk.com

Grand Prairie Speedway
April 24 (Friday): Outlaw Modifieds ($650 to win), Limited Modifieds, Street Stocks, Bombers and Mini Stocks
Schedule: Grandstands open at 6:30 p.m., racing starts at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 6-11; children under 5 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.gpspeedway.com
Phone: 972-264-5800

Boyd Raceway
April 24 (Friday): SST Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Southern Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m.; racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 6-11; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.boydraceway.net
Phone: 940-433-5587

Heart O’ Texas Speedway (Elm Mott)
April 24 (Friday): Heats and features for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA SportMods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks. Features only for Cruisers, Junior Mini Stocks, Twisters and Texas Wing Modifieds
Schedule: Racing begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for Adults; $8 for Seniors (age 60 and above) and students (12 and over or college ID); $3 for children 6-11; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.heartotexspeedway.com
Phone: 254-829-2294

Abilene Speedway
April 25 (Saturday): Picture and Autograph night and 305 Sprint Cars; IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Southern Ltd. Sportsmods and Late Models also on the program
Schedule: Gates open at 5 p.m., races start at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for military members; $5 for children 6-12; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.abilenespeedway.com
Phone: 325-692-8800 or 325-537-4494

281 Speedway (Stephenville)
April 25 (Saturday): IMCA Southern SportMods, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Compact Cruisers and Dwarf Cars
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $3 for children 6-12; children under 6 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.281speedway.com
Phone: 254-965-3092

Devils Bowl Speedway (Mesquite)
April 25 (Saturday): Free admission to residents of these cities: Garland, Sachse, Wylie, Rowlett, Rockwall, Heath and Royse City. Super Sprints, USA Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, USA Limited Modifieds.
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults (reserved an additional $2); $5 for students ages 12-15; $2 for children 6-11; children under 5 are free; $25 for pit passes
More info: www.devilsbowl.com
Phone: 972-222-2421

Asphalt track
Red River Speedway (Wichita Falls)
April 25 (Saturday): Chargers, Mod 4s, Thunderstocks and Hornets
Schedule: Gates open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, military and students (HS or college ID); $5 for children 7-14; children under 7 are free
More info: www.redriverspeedway.net
Phone: 972-221-3200

Dragways
Texas Raceway (Kennedale)
April 24 (Friday): King of the Hille, Pro Mods, Fun and Grudge
April 25 (Saturday): Junior Spring Fling (two-day event)
April 26 (Sunday): Street Wars and Run What Ya Brung
More info: www.texasraceway.com
Phone: 817-483-0356, metro 817-572-3580

North Star Dragway (Denton)
April 24 (Friday): Fun N Grudge
April 25 (Saturday): Summit ET Points Series No. 4
More info: www.northstar-dragway.com
Phone: 940-482-9998

Texas Motorplex (Ennis)
April 25 (Saturday): O’Reilly Bracket Series No. 3, Good Guy Challenge No. 2
More info: www.texasmotorplex.com
Phone: 972-878-2641

This week's racing schedule

Courtesy of The Associated Press
All times Central

NASCAR Sprint Cup
Aaron’s 499
Site: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (2.66-mile tri-oval, 33 degrees in turns)
TV schedule: Saturday, qualifying, (Speed, 10 a.m.); Sunday, race (Fox, noon)
Race distance: 500 miles/188 laps
2008 winner: Kyle Busch
Fast facts: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears were penalized for intentionally bumping cars after the race at Phoenix International Raceway. NASCAR put both drivers on probation for the next six races, starting with Talladega, but neither was fined or lost any points. ... Jeff Gordon leads all drivers with 12 restrictor-plate wins, one ahead of Dale Earnhardt. ... Talladega is in its 40th year.
www.nascar.com

NASCAR Nationwide
Aaron’s 312
Site: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (2.66-mile tri-oval, 33 degrees in turns)
TV schedule: Friday, qualifying (Speed, 10:30 a.m.), Saturday, race (ABC, 1:30 p.m.)
Race distance: 311.2 miles/117 laps
2008 winner: Tony Stewart
Fast facts: Kyle Busch took the series points lead from Carl Edwards last weekend, and leads the series with 1,075 points. Edwards is third, 47 points back. ... Jason Leffler has five top-10 finishes in his last eight races, including a second last week in Phoenix. ... Joe Nemechek, who has two wins at Talladega, will make his first series start there since 2005.
www.nascar.com

NASCAR Camping World Trucks
O’Reilly Auto Parts 250
Site: Kansas City, Kan., Kansas Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval, 15-degrees banking in turns)
TV schedule: Saturday, race (Speed, 4:30 p.m.)
Race distance: 250.5 miles/167 laps
2008 winner: Ron Hornaday Jr.
Fast facts: Kyle Busch will be in Talladega, leaving the points open, and likely to be taken over by Todd Bodine, Ron Hornaday Jr. or Mike Skinner. ... Brian Ickler will take over for Busch in the No. 51 truck. ... Kansans Jennifer Jo Cobb and Chase Austin will race. Cobb has raced at Kansas twice previously, while Austin is making his debut.
www.nascar.com

IndyCar Series
Road Runner Turbo Indy 300
Site: Kansas City, Kan., Kansas Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval, 15-degrees banking in turns).
TV schedule: Saturday, qualifying (Versus, 5 p.m.); Sunday, race (Versus, 3 p.m.)
Race distance: 300 miles/200 laps
2008 winner: Dan Wheldon
Fast facts: Helio Castroneves, recently acquitted of tax evasion charges, will be running his first oval race since winning at Chicago last September. He’ll race at Indy next month and compete in as many races as he can in hopes of winning his first IRL season championship. ... Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced 40 entries for the May 24 Indianapolis 500, with a total of 77 cars eligible to compete for the 33 starting spots. Twenty-two cars have no drivers listed yet. Defending champion Scott Dixon and former winners Castroneves, Dan Wheldon and Dario Franchitti are listed, as are Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher, who runs her own team. Venezuelan Milka Duno, who drove the past two years, is not on the list.
www.indycar.com

Formula One
Bahrain Grand Prix
Site: Sakhir, Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit (road course, 3.37 miles, 15 turns).
TV schedule: Saturday, qualifying (SPEED, 6 a.m.); Sunday, race (Speed, 6:30 a.m.)
Race distance: 191.53 miles/57 laps
2008 winner: Felipe Massa
Fast facts: Ferrari is off to its worst start to a Formula One season in 28 years. Star Felipe Massa was running as high as third in the Chinese Grand Prix before an electrical failure, while teammate Kimi Raikkonen finished 10th. It was the first time since 1981 that Ferrari had gone three races into a season without a single point. ... Massa has won the past two Bahrain titles. ... After a 1-2 finish in Shanghai (Sebastian Vettel first and Mark Webber second), Red Bull is second in the constructors’ standings after three races, trailing Brawn GP by 16.5 points.
www.formula1.com