Earnhardt Jr. wins vote to be on video game cover: The face of NASCAR's new video game also happens to be the face of NASCAR. But that might not be the primary reason that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a natural choice as the cover star of NASCAR The Game: Inside Line. "Even though I drive cars for a living, it's fun to do it with a reset button," Earnhardt told USA TODAY Sports about his avid interest in video gaming. "It's definitely not foreign to me, and you can see me just as easily picking up a controller and playing. It's comfortable and something I'll be able to speak intelligently about if I was in a room full of gamers. I think it's a good fit." Earnhardt was chosen as the game's primary ambassador via an online poll that drew more than 750,000 votes through heavy promotion in social media. He will be the focus of a marketing campaign launching next month before the game's November release.(USA Today)(8-22-2012)

Why is Jr. actually the most popular driver? Is it purely because of the legacy of his father? From what I see, he's particularly dull/zoned out in every single interview, and with the exception of this season, he's generally under performed in the best equipment for quite a few years. Casey Mears was slated for his performances at Hendrick (which was arguably more of an R&D car), whilst Junior barely did any better for a couple of seasons. I don't dislike the guy. I just feel he gets looked upon very favourably because of his name.

Does Jr. still use NR2003 for testing purposes, or has he moved on to iRacing like everyone else?

Does Jr. still use NR2003 for testing purposes, or has he moved on to iRacing like everyone else?

Does Jr. still use NR2003 for testing purposes, or has he moved on to iRacing like everyone else?

iRacing, as evidenced by some promotional videos.

EDIT: Damn you, Keith.

NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines to the #27 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of rules infractions discovered this week during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following last Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway.
The #27 team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4K (race equipment that has been previously certified or previously approved by NASCAR for use in an event, pursuant to sub-section 8-12, has been altered, modified, repaired or changed in any manner. Intentionally modifying frame rails for the purpose of deceiving NASCAR's inspection gauges) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book.
As a result, crew chief Slugger Labbe has been fined $100,000, suspended from NASCAR until Oct. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Car chief Craig Smokstad has been suspended from NASCAR until Oct. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, while crew member Grant Hutchens has also been suspended from NASCAR until Oct. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Driver Paul Menard and owner Richard Childress have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver and owner points, respectively.

Why is Jr. actually the most popular driver? Is it purely because of the legacy of his father? From what I see, he's particularly dull/zoned out in every single interview, and with the exception of this season, he's generally under performed in the best equipment for quite a few years. Casey Mears was slated for his performances at Hendrick (which was arguably more of an R&D car), whilst Junior barely did any better for a couple of seasons. I don't dislike the guy. I just feel he gets looked upon very favourably because of his name.

Wow on the penalty. 25 points in torque system is big!