by Sam Atwell. Petty Enterprises announced this week that they will move from the shops that have housed their racing teams for nearly 60 years.  I know that it is probably a necessity, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.  It is a shame when the sport seems to lose its regard for the history.  Will the move into the Charlotte area be the answer for Petty Enterpries?  The answer remains to be seen.  I know it will probably be easier to hire experienced people in the racing business.  They won’t have the long commute to go to work everyday.  Resources for equipment and parts will be closer, but still it is a shame that the history has to be left behind.    I can imagine that it will be a sad day when they move the final pieces of the racing team out of the shops where Lee, Richard, Kyle and Adam began their careers, but let’s hope that this will lead them back into the top tier of NASCAR cup teams.Sam  

By Sam Atwell

With two races left in the chase for the cup, it is time for the 24 team to take it to the next level.  They are 30 points behind Jimmie Johnson, but 30 points can be erased during qualifying Friday in Phoenix.  Depending on where they qualify can change the points significantly when they roll off the line on Sunday.  If the chase were to end now Jimmie would win, but the chase doesn’t end now or on Sunday it is next week.  Jeff Gordon can still win the 5th championship of his career, but they must pick it up beginning with qualifying today.  Gordon has run well at Phoenix, finally getting a win in the cup series earlier this season.  Qualifying begins at 3 PM eastern time.  Be sure to check out all the qualifying news and results right here at www.racereportradio.comSam