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- JGR NEWS -
June 12, 2014 - Melee on Track Spills Over to Garage Area:
Dateline: Brooklyn, MI
What promised to be an exciting finish to a boring, caution-filled race, gave the fans more than they expected. The race was to end with a one-lap shootout, and Neises lined up fourth. Behind him was a large group of wave-around cars. Instead of letting the leaders fight it out, the lap down #14 car, chose to turn into Neises as the leaders made the dash off turn 4 toward the checkers. The intentional wreck sent Neises' Jones Soda Ford Mustang sliding through the grass, crossing the finish line in fourth position.
Afterwards, Neises' climbed out of the wrecked number 54 machine and made a bee-line for the 14 car. The driver made some rude remarks, and as Neises went to throw a punch, race officials pulled him away. Neises had a problem with the 14 car at the end of the 2013 season, and Neises warned officials about his concerns before the race.
Both drivers were called to the trailer, where out of the view of others, Neises reports, the 14 car driver finally admitted he messed up and apologized. It is reported that Neises said nothing, and walked out of the trailer without saying a word.
Neises was allegedly overheard, as he walked to the JGR golf cart, saying that this wasn't over.
Only time will tell what, if anything Neises does to retaliate.
June 9, 2014 - Rumors Swirling Around JGR and Its Driver:
Dateline: Long Pond, PA
The public relations department of James Gang Racing/Neises Family Racing released a statement today. In the short statement, it said that recently, there have been several rumors circulating about the team, the cars, the staff, the future of Midnight Thunder, and even the drivers of JGR/NFR. It said that they are just that, rumors! "The ramblings of outsiders trying to stir up news and get face time on the racing shows". "They have become opportunist, trying to comment on stories they themselves, in many cases, have created and shopped to the racing media, for their own gain".
It ended by saying that "JGR/NFR has a driver, cars built, and sponsors signed through the end of the season, several into next year. There have been no layoffs, just a few position swaps at the management level. And Midnight Thunder has had meetings with WRN TV to televise the Chase finale' at Miami-Homestead Speedway". Hopefully, it pleaded, "This ends all rumors and talk of the demise of JGR/NFR and/or the Midnight Thunder Racing Series.
June 1, 2014 - Neises Concerned and Angry After Midnight Thunder Mini-Season Finale':
Dateline: Dover, DE
JGR Owner/Driver Robby Neises showed his displeasure with last nights race, as a driver, and an admin, by throwing his helmet at the pit box after the completion of the caution-free Mini-Series 1 finale' at the Monster Mile.
For reason unknown, the field has been dwindling, and Neises has already had thoughts of disbanding the series according to insiders. They said he thought when he had barred the two problem drivers, and shortened the races, that drivers would return to the series that boasted a season opening field of 28 drivers at the ECT, Midnight Thunder 225 in February. They haven't had so few drivers as to cancel a race as some series have, but still, he (Neises) is embarrassed.
As for the race, Neises blew three right fronts, and was seen in a heated discussion with Crew Chief Lugg Nutz after the race. Neises was actually in the pits repairing his third blown tire when the race ended, putting him 10 laps down. After the race, one intrepid reporter dared to approach Neises, he was politely asked to give some space so Neises could decompress. No word if the reporter and Neises met later in the evening, though it was unlikely, as Neises hopped into the JGR helicopter for a ride to the airport, where Neises is expected to head to Charlotte to compete in the RRL race there tomorrow.
For thye second year in a row, Neises was dropped from 5th to 6th in standings at Dover.
In other news, the team announced that the Orange & Cream flavor of Jones Soda will be on the scheme on the JGR Fusions through the summer, starting next week at Pocono.
May 12, 2014 - Neises Returns Burnt, and Motor Too:
Dateline: Talladega, AL
JGR Owner/Driver Robby Neises returned from his two day vacation with a bad sunburn, and before the night was over, he wasn't the only part burnt up in the car. Not exactly what he had hoped for in his debut in the Happy 13th Birthday Kaitlyn, Ford Fusion, that he drove for Neises Family Racing at Talladega.
Sunday Neises had a hard time slipping his firesuit over his sunburned neck, shoulders, and chest. But his appearance seemed to be a metaphore for his headers in the Happy 13th Birthday Kaitlyn Fusion. Riding in 10th place, damaged from the wall-pounding he took when the 49 had steering issues early in the race, The headers cooked, putting an end to Neises' night. Earlier, the 49 took a hard right, and put the right side of the nose of his Chevy SS into the drivers door of Neises' Fusion, pinning him against the outside wall, and injuring the motor.
The shortened effort was the beginning of a week celebrating the 13th Birthday of his middle daughter, Kaitlyn. The Gen6 Fusions will be NFR prepared rides for Neises, while the Aero and Nationwide rides are still being prepared by JGR.
In other news, though he didn't take care of the Midnight Thunder All-Star Race, Neises has agreed to admin the Friday Night Cup All-Star Race for -ECT-TJ. Neises will also admin the 600 Weekend for TJ. Finally, Neises announced that his Ford Fusions will carry the "Go Shox" scheme next weekend in the Cup races. The scheme is in honor of the Wichita State Shockers Baseball teams Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament appearance. Hopes are the team wins the tournament, guaranteeing them an appearance in the College Baseball Regionals.
May 1, 2014 - Night of Firsts for Neises:
Dateline: Talladega, AL
If JGR Owner/Driver Robby Neises had a bucket list, two major items would of been checked off the list last night at Talladega Super Speedway. Neises did not have a points-paying victory in 2014, and he had never won a points race at RRL, or its previous incarnation, OGR. When the checkers flew on the 76 lap, caution filled race last night in the Hump Day Nationwide Series, it was the number 54, Jones Soda Co, Ford Mustang first across to take the flag. The win, his first points win anywhere in 2014, and his first points win at RRL made for a tired, happy Neises.
"I wanna thank Chuck and JT for helping push me to the win," Neises said. Neises made the remarks and others in the post-race interviews wearing his right arm in a sling. When asked, he dismissed the fact he got back into the car possibly too soon, and points to tonights win as proof. Neises did admit he still is in physical therapy 3 times a week through Advanced Wellness and Rehab in Wichita. He sees the surgeron next week, and hopes to have a possitive report, and a schedule for the possible other four.
In an effort to deflect any more health questions, Neises announced that Advance would be on a car in the ECT Aero Series, and possibly others. He also reminded the press that in May he would be running for NFR in a Gen 6 car honoring his middle daughters 13th birthday. He said he will run Aero, Gen 6, and possibly Nationwide during the celebration of Kaitlyn. He said all but trucks are a possibility, with the Gen 6 ride again for Neises Family Racing.
April 10, 2014 - Fireworks Between 54 and 019, Shades of Daytona 79?:
Dateline: Denton, TX
Robby Neises was escorted out of Texas Motor Speedway last night after he was involved in a post race altercation. He wasn't the only one, former Midnight Thunder Boss Frank Divvens was also kicked off the grounds. It started with smart-alecked comments by the 019 about Neises staying out to lead a lap, and culminated with the two drivers squaring off on pit road. A lot of nasty words were exchanged, but no blows after the 019 purposely wrecked Neises in the 54 with two laps left in the RRL's Hump Day Nationwide series race at Texas. Instead of going around the 54, the 019 purposely wrecked him, then, as Neises was bringing the car under control to get back on the track, the 019 wrecked him again, nearly causing Neises to go down a lap.
Neises is scored in 8th, the last car on the lead lap, with the 019 unofficially in 6th. Neises was called back to the RRL Hauler to discuss the incidents. Neises did not make any comments after leaving the trailer, but it has been discovered that the 54's Gen-6 race team has been told to be prepared to pack up, and leave Dover at a moments notice. Currently the team in Dover is setting up and shaking down the equipment as if Neises will race tomorrow.
April 7, 2014 - JGR Returning to its Roots?:
Dateline: Pocono, PA
Robby Neises held a short press briefing this morning upon arrival from last nights RRL race at Martinsville. Neises parked the car early when as he put it, "The pain was stronger than my will to drive."
Neises announced that he would remain in the Mr Magoo Chevy Silverado for Season 8 at East Coast Thunder. It is the teams first seperation between itself and Fords, which JGR switched to at the first of the year. Neises said the truck would be ran in conjunction with REDCHEVY Motorsports of West Virginia, and they would be preparing the truck for him. "I obviously cleared the arrangement with Ford prior to makng my decision," Neises said. He compared it to the Hendricks Motorsports/Stewart-Hass arrangement. Neises said he expects to transport the team as part of the SCKL Special Race Train, but the final details are still being worked on, but all should be ready for the April 28 expected start of Season 8.
April 3, 2014 - Neises Has Rough, OKay Race at Indy:
Dateline: Speedway, IN
Robby Neises ended finishing 14th when the checkered flag fell on the RRL Hump Day Nationwide race at Indy. A miscalculation, and subsequently running out of gas early in the race, put Neises laps down, and fighting behind in a race that only had two cautions. The race marked the end of the week of celebration of his son's 11th birthday on his racecars.
In other news, it was announced that Neises would pilot a SCKL Virtual-Railroad Dodge Charger for Neises Family Racing Thursday for the provisional finish at Kansas. It was also announced that he would run NFR prepared cars at Texas and Kansas with SCKL sponsorship, adding three more Cup race weekends to the NFR schedule. This week's Kansas and Texas schedule means the supply of already built Chargers left will be limited, but they said they were saving the funds to build Fusions for the weeks of Kaitlyn and Ashley's birthdays.
April 2, 2014 - Neises Finishes in Top 10 at Bristol:
Dateline: Bristol, TN
He still has problems getting into and out of the car, or in this case truck, but that didn't stop Robby Neises from finishing 6th in a caution-filled -ECT-Smokes Superspeedway Truck Series race of at all places, Bristol. Neises admitted the frequent breaks helped him physically in the Silverado, but that mentally, he's "dang-near back," Neises quipped.
Though he will take a provisional finish on Thursday to attend his daughter Kaitlyn's Concert in Wichita, he said he's mentally ready to return to the old race grind. But, he did admit he may not race as often. The surgery last week was the first of five, and by the time its all done, he says he expects to have over 15 surgeries by the end of the decade.
April 1, 2014 - Neises Finishes on Lead Lap at Kentucky:
Dateline: Spartinburg, KY
Rob Neises returned to racing yesterday as he piloted his JGR prepared "Happy 11th Birthday Cole" Ford Mustang in ECT Monday Night Aero Thunder Series action at Kentucky Speedway.
He still had to be helped into and out of the Mustang, but he finished 11th, on the lead lap. Neises didnt look as bad after the race last night as he did in his return on Saturday night. "Its a workout, but I got myself rigged to run the car, and I felt racie," Neises told the gathering of fans and media after the race. He told them he would return for another race for REDCHEVY Motorsports in the Mr Magoo Chevy Silverado tomorrow night. He said the banking of Bristol would help his wheel the Chevy.
In other recovery news, Neises did not make the trip to California for the RRL race there, he is scheduled to return to racing at RRL on Wednesday at Indy. "Why all the flat tracks," Neises quipped about the difficulty of racing with his arm in the soft cast.
March 30, 2014 - Neises Returns to Track at Martinsville:
Dateline: Martinsville, VA
Robby Neises returned to racing last night at Martinsville Speedway. Wearing a large soft cast, and his arm in a sling, he was helped into his "Happy 11th Birthday Cole" Ford Fusion. You may note I didn't say returned to racing, he made laps, finishing over 50 laps down to the eventual leader.
March 27, 2014 - Neises in Late Wreck, Flies Back to Wichita:
Dateline: Wichita, KS
A beat and battered Robby Neises was helped into his Jones Soda Mustang yesterday, choosing to not even qualify to rest his right arm and side.
In a caution filled race, Neises spent most of the race in the back, logging laps. With no one to take his place, Neises had to either run or retire. He admitted he thought about a "Start and Park," night, but decided to press on. With less than 10 laps to go, Neises found himself in the Top 10, the Caution on lap 5 seen him in 7th. In the one lap scramble, Neises moved up to 5th, before being wrecked on the backstretch by the 43. He righted the Mustang, and finished 12th.
After the race, Neises took the JGR Cessna X back to Wichita, where a 7am surgery is scheduled for him this morning. A spokesman said JGR would be dispatching Cup and Nationwide teams to Charlotte for races Thursday and Friday. Though Thursday is very doubtful, Friday is a slim possibility he said. Neises did say barring a catastrophy, he will be at Martinsville to at least Direct the Midnight Thunder race there Saturday Night
March 25, 2014 - Neises Ineffectual at Indy and Coca-Cola:
Dateline: St Louis, MO
With special padding and appliances, Robby Neises was ineffectual, including wrecking a rented truck last night at Coca-Cola Superspeedway. Still, he plans on running tonight at Gateway Speedway in the RRL Hump Day Nationwide Series.
After just missing the Top 5 at Indy, Neises rented a truck from REDCHEVY Racing of West Virginia for Tuesdays race. Neises explained that the transportation lead assumed that he wouldn't be racing, so didn't send any JGR equipment to Massachusettts. That mistake was rectified, and Neises said a hauler was dispatched the 440 miles from Wichita to St Louis for today's Nationwide race at Gateway Speedway.
Last night, Neises was in a big wreck when the 1 and 69 trucks got together, sending the 69 into the 54 Chevy Magoo sponsored Silverado.The impact pinned the truck against the outside wall, forcing the truck onto 2 wheels against the wall. With motor damage, Neises was able to finish 11th, 11 laps down.
The plans are for Neises to run his Jones Soda Company Strawberry & Lime Ford Mustang tonight, then fly back to Jabarra Airport across from the Hospital Neises is to have the surgery at, the Kansas Spine Hospital.
March 25, 2014 - Surgery Imminent for Neises:
Dateline: Wichita, KS
After leaving the Abay Nueroscience Center yesterday, Rob Neises talked to local reporters at the Jabarra Airport across the street, wearing his right arm in a sling. Neises announced he had not broken anything in his elbow, but instead had re-agrivated a former injury, and test had shown extensive new and long-term nerve damage to it. Neises said he would try to drive the Jones Soda Company Ford Mustang tonight at Indy, but didn't know how long he would last with the prostetic they had developed for the elbow. He said that tentatively, he would return to Wichita Wednesday Night for an early Thursday surgery.
Dr John Dickerson will perform the surgery. Neises said with advances in modern medicine, with clearance, he could drive Thursday evening, though he conseeded that it wasnt likely.
March 24, 2014 - Neises/JGR Congratulate Shockers:
Dateline: Bristol, TN
After setting an NCAA record for going 35-0, WSU fell by two to an under-rated Kentucky Wildcat team. Team owner Rob Neises said he wanted to congratulate the team and the impressive 35-1 season. In honor, he drove the Play Angry!, Jones Soda Company Ford Fusion at last nights race at Bristol in RRL Nikki T Photography Cup action. An early crash injured the right arm of Neises, and he parked, finishing 15th. Neises is to fly back to Wichita today to see his Orthopedic/Nuerosurgeon, before heading back on the road to Indianapolis for the aero race there.
March 2, 2014 - Neises Announces New Team:
Dateline: Phoenix, AZ
Yesterday before the drivers meeting for the Midnight Thunder race, Rob Neises, Owner/Driver for James Gang Racing, announced the forming of a second team, Neises Family Racing. If you are a long time follower of Neises, you know NFR was an old team of Neises'. Neises announced the team would field cars for 4 races in 2014, making it possible for Neises to run all 38 races, health provided. The team will debut the end of this month at Martinsville, Where the "Happy 11th Birthday Cole" sponsorship will be unveiled. The team will follow that up with appearances in May for daughter Kait's birthday, in June for the Sonoma race, to honor his father, and wrap it up at Texas for the celebration of his oldest daughter Ashley's Birthday. No mention of car make was made, though Neises did say part of this was to allow him to drive whatever was available at the time. He said they were trying to finish a new Fusion for Cole's birthday, but time and money are lacking.
February 28, 2014 - JGR To Honor Undefeated Shockers:
Dateline: Phoenix, AZ
It was announced today by Press Release that the number 54 JGR cars will honor Wichita State Universities undefeated Mens Basketball Season, and continue throughout March madness. Initially the aero and Cup cars will carry "Play Angry!" decals on the rear quarters, and other WSU stickers to compliment Jones Soda Company's support of JGR.
As the March Madness Tourney goes along, hood decals and adding the nationwide car will occur.
February 13, 2014 - SCKL Special Arrives in Daytona:
Dateline: Daytona Beach, FL
After leaving Homestead last night, the SCKL Special made the short trip from Southern to Central Florida, arriving in Daytona under the cover of darkness. Again Neises allowed a few members of the Motorsports Press to ride the rails, though Neises stayed in his private car the team reported.
The PR Specialist for the Team did announce that the team had sent the JGR Special to Michigan for Mondays ECT Aero Thunder race. The spokesman says the SCKL Special will stay in Daytona for most of the next two weeks, though Neises will fly to make appearances, other races, and his announcing gigs on WRN February 16th and 18th.
When pressed, the spokesman said they expect a few newsworthy announcements to come from Neises while in Daytona. When pushed farther, she said she didnt have the details.
February 9, 2014 - Pre-Season Testing Over:
Dateline: Talladega, AL
Robby Neises, driver of the number 54 Jones Soda Ford Fusion looked tired and was favoring his right arm as he prepared to fly out of California's Wine Country. Neises was there for the final Pre-Season Testing Session for his Midnight Thunder Series he Admins on Saturday Night/Sunday Mornings at ECT. "Overall, I think it was helpful, and will help racing in the series," Neises said.
Neises and various drivers tested at least one of each type of track since the first of the year. The series starts its second Sprint Cup Series officially February 22nd with the ECT Midnight Thunder 225 at Daytona. The week before though, the series added Duel races to set qualifying, and the second ECT Unlimited.
Neises boarded the plane, and it left Sonoma, heading to Alabama.
February 7, 2014 - SCKL to Sponsor Aero Team at RRL:
Dateline: enroute to Talladega, AL
Robby Neises allowed member of the press to ride the SCKL Special as it headed to Talladega for the last race of the North-South Shootout. He let the small group know that the SCKL Virtual Railroad would be the primary sponsor on non-Florida/Southern California races, those are being covered by Ron Jon Surf Shop.
He was asked about last weeks doctors appointment he returned to Kansas for. Neises just kinda threw up his arms haphazardly, his right arm noticibly lower than his left. He said he doesn't have any info, and when Dr D gets back with him, he'll have more to say.
He did tell them he would be going up to the announcers booth for at least a couple races in February.
February 1, 2014 - Scheme to Honor USA Winter Olympic Team:
Dateline: Wichita, KS
Robby Neises announced that he will carry a special 2014 Winter Olympics scheme on the teams Ford Fusions, and possibly F-Series trucks. He is expected to run it in the Midnight Thunder Speedweeks, and possibly other pre-500 races.
In other JGR/Neises news: No word yet on the doctors appointment so important that Neises flew back to Kansas for it. Its believed to somehow be related to the recent neck surgery he had. The Team has been tight-lipped, and Neises says its "Not Important"
January 9, 2014 - Angry Neises Retires at Belle Isle:
Dateline: Detroit, MI
Robby Neises vowed never to run again in the RRL in any race officiated by Brian Chereck. This was the last thing heard on the radio before Neises pulled down pit lane and retired in 5th place in a race that seen 3 already retire.
Neises did not grant any interviews as he retreated to the SCKL Special by golf cart. There has been bad blood between the two, and it seems according to members of Neises' team that since Cherick has become an owner at RRL, he has turned up the disrespect and heavyhandedness towards Rob. If true, Neises stands to lose 4th place in both Indycars, and the Nationwide Series on Friday.
Another member, who was not authorized to speak, said Neises is close to making a decision about retiring from full-time racing. The longer he stays away from Cherick-ran races at RRL, the easier retirement will become, the source says.
January 4, 2014 - Jones Soda to Sponsor Neises and JGR:
Dateline: Phoenix, AZ
Robby Neises announced at pre-season testing that Jones Soda Company has signed on to sponsor himself and JGR for a majority of the beginning of 2014. Neises took the opportunity to announce that Ron Jon Surf Shop would remain sponsor of Florida and Southern California races in Aero and Cup Series, as they have for going on 10 seasons now. JGR would carry the sponsorship for his childrens birthday races, and Del Monte will be the primary for races at Sonoma again in '14. In Cup, Wounded Warrior Project, the SCKL Virtual Railroad, and the US NAVY are sponsoring at least one Cup location, with the SCKL Sponsoring Kansas and Texas races in Cup and Aero Series. In the Aero Series, Coleman, Motorcraft, and Valvoline Motor Oil will sponsor at least one race each in 2014.
With the return to Ford, and Ford Power, Neises will pilot F-Series, Fusions, Mustangs, and Thunderbirds. The later being the 1978 and smaller 1990's chasis
January 2, 2014 - Neises Announces Double Duty Attempt Tommorrow:
Dateline: Darlington, SC
Robby Neises held a short press conference after his disappointing 12th place finish moments ago in the race at the Lady in Black. In it, Neises said he would fly out tonite to Martinsville, Virginia, to qualify his new Ford Mustang Friday Morning. After qualifying, Neises will fly to Michigan for ECT's North-South Shootout race there. He said he doesnt need to qualify the car at Michigan. Neises will pilot his Toyota Camry at the 2 mile speedway, then fly to Martinsville for the evening race there.
Before he left, he announced that the Island of the Bahamas would return as sponsor for a race on the new Ford Mustang the team had just finished. Neises admitted it was so new, a special resupply train had to bring the car to Martinsville, and no back-up was currently available if needed.
January 2, 2014 - Neises Announced Sponsor:
Dateline: Darlington, SC
Robby Neises announced that the US Navy has agreed to sponsor the number 54, JGR, Ford Fusion this evening in RRL's Frostbitten Winter Cup Series. There were no questions fielded, and Neises did not say how many races or racing platforms this would effect. On a personal note, Neises looked very happy as he left for the RV lot on the teams gold cart.
January 2, 2014 - Neises Gets Top 5 in Ford Re-Debut:
Dateline: Talladega, AL
Robby Neises was wore out when he exited the window of the number 54 Ford Fusion yesterday. He had a big smile though as he had brought the unsponsored Fusion home 5h. After completing a few interviews, in which he thanked his crew, spotters, and Crew Chief Lugg Nutz for the finish. "The guys are young, but they were in sync. The spotter and ole Nutz kept me out of most of the carnage, allowing me to bring how the car in 5th," Neises said. Soon after, he was carted off by a team member on a golf cart to the post race press conference.
After the obligatories, Neises was seen heading to the RV lot on the golf cart.
January 1, 2014 - JGR Returns to Ford:
Dateline: Talladega, AL
Robby Neises announced that James Gang Racing, and himself as driver, were proud to announce that the team would campaign the 2014 schedule in Fords. He said that the change would take effective today in the final FTRL Hangover 500. With the completion of the announcement, Crew Chief Lugg Nutz piloted a number 54 Ford Fusion, obviously a former car from the Front Row Motorsports, into the press tent. After Nutz killed the engine, Neises went on to announce that currently no one had stepped up to put their name on the hood, but the team is trying to return to former glory. The pit crew then came in and pushed the 54 to the inspection line.
Due to financial issues, Neises spent nearly half of 2013 driving cars prepared by others, as he took on the role of developement driver for both Toyota and Chevrolet. JGR itself fielded few cars the second half of the season, but Neises said in '14 the team would be a full-fledged race program once again! Currently they say the team is being forced to buy rolling chassis, till theirs are finished. The only program not immediately changing to Fords is the part-time Winter Aero Series at RRL. Ironically, it was the Aero program JGR stuck with in 2013. Due to that, and a flood of GM cars, they will stick with GM till that series ends. In next Mondays season opener at ECT, Neises announced that Ron Jon Surf Shop would return, and the first full-bodied Ford Thunderbird would be the teams platform for it, and most of 2014.
Expect a separate announcement on that subject early in the weekend.
January 1, 2014 - Happy New Year from JGR:
Dateline: Talladega, AL
Robby Neises, the staff, and families of James Gang Racing wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2014.
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