Chat Session
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 28)- - Jeff Gordon
participated in an online chat session on NASCAR's website on August 28.
The major topic was his victory at Bristol, as well as comparisons to the bump pass
he made on Rusty Wallace versus the move that Robby Gordon made on him at Loudon
last year. He noted the similarities but also the differences.
Gordon also lauded the efforts of Jimmie Johnson and said that Hendrick
Motorsports is looking to extend the contracts of Johnson as well as Lowe's Home Improvement
Warehouse. He discussed his approach to life in general-- just taking things
one day at a time as they come rather than focusing too far ahead.
One of the more interesting questions asked Gordon whether he had any regrets about his racing career or his life.
"No way. How could I have any regrets," Gordon responded. "I have exceeded anything
I thought I would accomplish. I can't imagine anything going any better than they have so far."
On August 7, Daily F1
reported the following:
F1 Test On Hold
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (August 2)- - Jeff
Gordon was scheduled to trade cars with BMW Williams
driver Juan Montoya on August 12 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Montoya was to drive the #24 Chevrolet while Gordon took a turn around the
infield Formula One course in Montoya's BMW Williams.
However, a spokesperson for General Motors said the date was good until
word of a scheduling conflict for Montoya arose. Thus far the issue has not been resolved.
"Let's all keep our fingers crossed," said Gordon who has looked forward
to test driving an F1 car. By all accounts, the swap between Gordon and Montoya is just for
their own interest (fun) and does not
represent a career altering path for either driver.
"The test has been delayed because there is concern that the NASCAR race
scheduled for this weekend at Watkins Glen, New York will be rescheduled to Monday
because rain is forecast for Sunday's event. It is unclear when the 'discipline swap'
will go ahead but it is not likely to happen later in the week.
Montoya is due back in Europe to race in the Hungarian Grand Prix the following
weekend."
New Marketing Director At HMS
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 18)- - Hendrick Motorsports
has named Patrick Perkins as director of marketing, assuming the duties of
longtime company executive Dan Lohwasser, who lost his courageous
three-year battle with cancer last month.
Perkins, who joined HMS in 1999 as marketing manager and transitioned
to director of marketing services in October of 2000, will lead sponsorship
acquisition and servicing efforts while overseeing a 15-person department
responsible for public relations, merchandising and licensing.
After graduating college in 1992, Perkins joined Phoenix
International Raceway as marketing manager.
In 1995, he became vice president and general manager of Phoenix-based
Associated Companies, a group of advertising and promotional agencies
specializing in the retail automotive industry, where he stayed until joining
HMS in 1999.
Looking Out On Central Park
NEW YORK, N.Y. (August 8)- - Jeff Gordon
joined Kelly Ripa to co-host "Live with Regis and Kelly" on
Thursday, August 8. It was Gordon's third co-hosting appearance
on the popular morning show.
He co-hosted with Regis in January 2001
and with Kelly in April 2002. In the opening segment
Gordon discussed a recent birthday present
that posed a high insurance risk-- an Arlen Ness motorcycle.
Later in the show the hosts chatted with actor Vin Diesel, Brickyard 400 winner Bill Elliott, and
Colin Cowie whose blender soon rendered "frozen concoctions that help
me hang on."
After exiting the TV studio, Gordon joined NASCAR President Mike Helton
at a press conference in front of the Engine 23 firehouse where NASCAR donated two motion-based driving simulators
for training fire and ambulance drivers to the New York City Fire Department.
Gordon tested the simulator which takes a fire truck or an ambulance through
the city streets in a variety of conditions--
fog, rain, darkness, or crowded streets. "They're getting experience behind
the wheel without going on the streets," Gordon said.
"It makes it safer for them." Gordon helped Fire Commissioner
Nicholas Scoppetta behind the wheel of a demonstration simulator.
No word on his lap times around Columbus Circle.
HMS Loses One Of Their Own
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 2)- - Dan
Lohwasser, the marketing director at Hendrick Motorsports, passed
away on July 31 after battling cancer. He was 53.
Lohwasser managed sponsorship activities for Hendrick Motorsports,
including the acquisition and development of corporate sponsors
for each Hendrick team. In addition to sponsor relations,
Lohwasser oversaw all marketing and public relations initiatives for
Hendrick Motorsports, and served as a chief advisor and assistant to
Rick Hendrick, founder and CEO of Hendrick Motorsports,
and John Hendrick, President of Hendrick Motorsports.
Lohwasser came to HMS from Muhleman Marketing in 1998 where he served as
public relations counsel to HMS, among other clients.
In his tenure with Muhleman, Lohwasser served as a spokesperson for
Rick Hendrick during Hendrick's battle with cancer in the late 90's. Before
joining Muhleman in 1986, Lohwasser was a sports reporter
for The Charlotte Observer. He also worked at United Press International
and The News and Observer following graduation from the University of North Carolina
in 1974. During the Vietnam War, Lohwasser served his country as a helicopter
pilot.
Condolences to his family and friends, and to his
extended family on Papa Joe Hendrick Boulevard.
Gone Shopping
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (August 2)- - Jeff Gordon appeared
on "For Race Fans Only" on the QVC shopping channel
on Friday, August 2. The show
originated live from the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Gordon discussed his 2002 season, his racing roots in Indiana, and a number
of new products for viewers to call-in and order. Among the highlights
was the new Sesame Street car to benefit The Jeff Gordon Foundation.
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