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NASCAR NEWS FROM "THE FINAL LAP WITH KERRY MURPHEY"

Feel free to link to our website, or even use our racing news on your site from our RSS feed!  We even have a brand new podcast talking about everything in the world of NASCAR.

Site: http://www.finallapradio.com
Feed: http://www.finallapradio.com/feed <http://www.finallapradio.com>
Podcast: http://www.finallapradio.com/podcast.xml <http://www.finallapradio.com>

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HEADLINES

Matt Kenseth has signed a multi-year contract extension with Roush/Fenway Racing.  The 2003 Cup Series Champion has been with the team since 1998 and has racked up 16 Cup wins, and 24 Nationwide Series wins in his time with the team.  “I appreciate everything Jack and DEWALT have done for me over the years. We’ve had a lot of success together including a championship and I’m really proud of that. I’m looking forward to the next few years and winning another championship with Roush Fenway.”

NASCAR'S new testing policy will go into effect in 2009 and that new policy is....NO TESTING AT ALL.  This is an attempt at trying to save teams money, which by some estimates costs about $100,000 per day of testing, per car.  This also effectively cancels Preseason Thunder at Daytona, however track officials are planning on fan friendly events along with the drivers to build up excitement for the Daytona 500.

The Nationwide Series Champion's week wrapped up on Friday as Clint Bowyer celebrated his 2008 Championship, and Joe Gibbs Racing took home the Owners Championship.  Clint Bowyer's 2008 stats besides #1 in points include a win, 14 top 5's, and 29 top 10's in 35 races, and he says points racing is what makes things interesting in this sport.

Johnny Benson and his #23 Bill Davis team celebrated their 2008 Truck Series Championship last Monday night at their annual banquet.  Johnny finished out the season with 5 wins, 14 top 5's, and 18 top 10's and after this accomplishment he announced his departure from the team for 2009, and we don't yet know where he'll land.

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CUP SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (FINAL FOR 2008)
12 Dale Earnhardt Jr. -557
11 Matt Kenseth -500
10 Kyle Busch -498
9 Tony Stewart -482
8 Denny Hamlin -470
7 Jeff Gordon -368
6 Jeff Burton -349
5 Clint Bowyer -303
4 Kevin Harvick -276
3 Greg Biffle -217
2 Carl Edwards -69
1 Jimmie Johnson CHAMPION

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ALBUMS IN THE PIPELINE



February 03, 2009
Dierks Bentley — TBA, Capitol Nashville


GAC

November 17, 2008 - November 23, 2008
 
HIGHLIGHTS
*NEW SPECIAL!!  Holidays at Home with Ashton Shepherd
*42nd Annual CMA Awards Photo Gallery at GACTV.com
*VOTE <http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_53997,0.html>  for GAC’s Top 50 Videos of 2008
 
Programming <http://www.gactv.com/gac/on_shows_a-z/> - (all times listed in ET unless noted)
Holidays at Home with Ashton Shepherd
Nov. 23, 10 pm
GAC is hitting the road to catch up with rising star Ashton Shepherd <http://www.gactv.com/gac/ar_az_ashton_shepherd>  in her hometown of Leroy, Ala., for a down-home Thanksgiving Day celebration full of food, family and great music.
 
Country Music Across America <http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_acc/>
Nov. 20, 8 pm
This week, celebrate the 42nd CMA Awards with interviews from the red carpet, footage from backstage, and sneak-peaks of the stars at VIP After parties. Host Storme Warren takes you to the places only an all-access pass could get you on Country Music’s Biggest Night™! Plus, Taylor Swift's album, Fearless, is out and the 18-year-old country star will sit down to tell us the past year and what’s to come!
 
Master Series <http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_msr/>
Glen Campbell- Nov. 17, 8 pm
Randy Owen- Nov. 19, 10 am
 
Top 20 Countdown <http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_top/>
Nov. 21, 8 pm
Counting down the top videos this week alongside host Nan Kelley is new Music City Walk of Fame inductee, Trace Adkins. The two will chat about his upcoming album release, Trace Adkins: “X,” and the ten day trip he made to Iraq and Afghanistan to perform for the troops. GAC’s special, Trace Adkins: X (TEN) Days, will premiere on Nov. 25, but until then, hear from Adkins on what the trip meant to him direct from the GAC studios on Top 20 Countdown.
 
The Collection
Nov. 19, 9 pm
Host Storme Warren and Randy Travis take a stroll down video lane together as they replay a selection of Travis’ most popular music videos throughout his career. Randy talks about the making of his first video and shares unique, sublime memories about those that followed. It’s a special night with one of the most pivotal figures in country music history as he steps out of limelight and opens up about his early years.  
 
Specials: <http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_spl>
Back On The Set with Taylor Swift- Nov. 23, 9:30 pm
Conversations from the Road: Martina McBride- Nov. 23, 8 pm
Craig Morgan: Back to Bragg- Nov. 20, 10 pm
Garth, One Artist, One City, One Night- Nov. 22, 10 pm
KingBilly- Nov. 23, 11 pm
Origins: Phil Vassar- Nov. 17, 7 pm
Origins: Jewel- Nov. 18, 7 pm
Origins: Miranda Lambert- Nov. 19, 10 pm
Superstar Sessions with LeAnn Rimes- Nov. 20, 9 pm
Trisha Yearwood: From Our Kitchen to Yours- Nov. 23, 11 am
CMA Celebrity Close-up: Taylor Swift, Gretchen Wilson, & Randy Travis-  
Nov. 19, 8 pm
CMA Celebrity Close-up: Sara Evans, Joe Nichols, Bucky Covington, & Jake Owen- Nov. 17, 9 pm
 
GAC PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Taking a Taping Break-  GAC Host Nan Kelley and Jake Owen took a break from last week’s Top 20 Countdown episode taped during the Sony BMG Post-CMA Awards Reception to pose with GAC Programming SVP Sarah Trahern and President Ed Hardy. Photo courtesy of GAC.
 
GACTV.com: <http://www.gactv.com/>
CMA Awards: Red Carpet, Photo Gallery, Videos & More!
Visit GACTV.com <http://www.gactv.com/>  to check out hundreds of photo highlights from the 42nd Annual CMA Awards. Browse galleries, rate your favorites and leave comments for other fans. Forget to watch on Wednesday? No worries, you can see the winners and watch exclusive videos of the night’s most memorable moments all in one place.
 
On The Set with Taylor Swift
How would YOU like to hang out with Taylor Swift on the set of her next music video shoot? GAC and Big Machine Records are giving one lucky fan the opportunity to do just that! The winner will receive airfare, hotel accommodations, a special limited-edition Fearless boxed set and a $500 gift card from FYE stores. Register to win <http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_71270,00.html>  once per day for this one-of-a-kind experience, now through November 30, 2008.
 
Voting for GAC’s Top 50 Videos of 2008
As the holiday season begins to unfold, it’s time to vote for GAC’s Top 50 Videos of the Year <http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_53997,0.html>  which will be hosted by Taylor Swift on Dec. 29 at 8 pm (ET). Don’t miss your chance to take part in making country music history! Countdown voting ends on Dec. 1.
 
Radio:
Monday on GAC Nights… Live from Nashville we catch up with CMA New Artist of the Year, Lady Antebellum on touring with Jason Aldean and Darius Rucker. Tuesday is the day for Blake Shelton as his new album is released, and he reveals the items he’s ‘stolen’ from Montgomery Gentry. Tim McGraw is the featured artist of the night on Wednesday. He chats about his latest single, “Let It Go” and family life at home with his girls. Thursday, hear how Kenny Chesney feels about being named the CMA Entertainer of the Year, upholding his consecutive reign. Also, he’ll give his thoughts on Shania Twain’s appearance at the show. Friday, we catch up with Rascal Flatts on their Bob That Head Tour, and host Suzanne Alexander sits down with Billy Ray Cyrus for a special exclusive interview. All week long tune in for your chance to win Blake Shelton’s new CD, Startin’ Fires, and as always we continue to give away Blake Shelton’s new CD, Startin’ Fires.
 
EXTRAS:
Check out these new videos this week:
Josh Turner- “Everything Is Fine”
Brad Paisley & Keith Urban- “Start A Band”
 
 
Do you have a question or comment? Or would like to unsubscribe from this email?  Call or email Elle Butler at 615.327.7562 or <mailto: > . Or click here <mailto: >  and type “Unsubscribe: This Week at GAC” in the subject line.
 


GAC Top 20 11-21-08



 1. Carrie Underwood       Just A Dream                              
 2. Blake Shelton          She Wouldn't Be Gone                             
 3. Trace Adkins           Muddy Water                                               
 4. Kellie Pickler             Don't You Know You're Beautiful                      
 5. Kristy Lee Cook        15 Minutes Of Shame                  
 6. Sugarland                  Already Gone                                         
 7. Miranda Lambert        More Like Her                                      
 8. Taylor Swift               Love Story                                        
 9. Lady Antebellum        Lookin' For A Good Time                           
10. Little Big Town        Fine Line                                        
11. George Strait          Troubadour                                             
12. Billy Currington       Don't                                          
13. Luke Bryan             Country Man                                      
14. Toby Keith                 God Love Her                                      
15. Brad Paisley           Waitin' On A Woman                                     
16. Julianne Hough         My Hallelujah Song                                
17. Zac Brown Band         Chicken Fried                         
18. Jimmy Wayne            Do You Believe Me Now                 
19. Darius Rucker          Don't Think I Don't Think About It             
20. Billy Ray Cyrus        Somebody Said A Prayer                        




                       Great American Country Playlist 11-24-08

Turbo Track        Brooks & Dunn                   Cowgirls Don't Cry           
Power              Craig Morgan                    Love Remembers               
Power              Taylor Swift                    Love Story                   
Power              Trace Adkins                    Muddy Water                  
Power              Lady Antebellum                 Lookin' For A Good Time      
Power              Carrie Underwood                Just A Dream                 
Power              Zac Brown Band                  Chicken Fried                
Power              Brad Paisley/Keith Urban        Start A Band                 
Power              Sugarland                       Already Gone                 
Power              Billy Currington                Don't                        
Power              Montgomery Gentry               Roll With Me                 
Power              Blake Shelton                   She Wouldn't Be Gone         
Medium             Kristy Lee Cook                 15 Minutes Of Shame          
Medium             Lee Ann Womack                  Last Call                    
Medium             Miranda Lambert                 More Like Her                
Medium             Randy Houser                    Anything Goes                
Medium             Kenny Chesney                   Got A Little Crazy           
Medium             Jamey Johnson                   In Color                     
Medium             Jimmy Wayne                     I Will                       
Medium             Ashton Shepherd                 Sounds So Good               
Medium             Josh Turner                     Everything Is Fine           
Medium             Jake Owen                       Don't Think I Can't Love You
Medium             Toby Keith                      God Love Her                 
Medium             Darryl Worley                   Tequila On Ice               
Light              Mark Wills                      The Things We Forget         
Light              Kellie Pickler                  Don't You Know You're Beautif
Light              Whitney Duncan                  When I Said I Would          
Light              Little Big Town                 Fine Line                    
Light              Sara Evans                      Low                          
Light              Billy Ray Cyrus                 Somebody Said A Prayer       
Light              Eric Durrance                   Turn It Off                  
Light              One Night Rodeo                 Alive And Living             
Light              Julianne Hough                  My Hallelujah Song           
Light              Emerson Drive                   All Belongs To You           
Light              Adam Gregory                    What It Takes                
Light              Elvis Presley/Martina McBride   Blue Christmas
    


ADDS THIS WEEK
Brooks & Dunn                   Cowgirls Don't Cry
 Elvis Presley/Martina McBride   Blue Christmas
Adam Gregory                    What It Takes
 Emerson Drive                   All Belongs To You  


CMT STUFF


Programming Highlights November 24-30, 2008
 
 
TAYLOR SWIFT: CMT INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION PREMIERE!
Country teen Taylor Swift sat down with CMT INSIDER’s Katie Cook for an in-depth interview on dating, being a role model, her first trip to Nashville and her new album, Fearless. TAYLOR SWIFT: CMT INSIDERS SPECIAL EDITION features this interview with Taylor Swift.  Premieres Thursday, November 27 at 10:30 a.m., ET/PT
 
 
FAITH HILL, JOY TO THE WORLD: A SOUNDSTAGE SPECIAL EVENT PREMIERE!
This isn’t just your average Christmas special. Backed by an orchestra led by esteemed conductor David Campbell, Faith Hill performs holiday favorites from her upcoming Christmas album.   Joy to the World is a moving collection of standards amped up with challenging vocals and ambitious melodic structure. In this Soundstage special, expect booming orchestral arrangements on the title track “Joy to the World” and swinging, big-band versions of more lighthearted fare such as "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Holly, Jolly Christmas." Along with the orchestra, a choir will accompany Faith on more spiritual songs such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” and “A Baby Changes Everything.” This Soundstage special event was taped over two nights on a stage specially-constructed within the Sears Centre Arena, and in front of an audience of 3,000 people.  Premieres Sunday, November 30 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT
 
 
THE 42nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS CMT PREMIERE!
Fans get a chance to relive Country Music’s Biggest Night™ when CMT hosts the cable premiere of the “42nd Annual CMA Awards” <http://www.cmaawards.cmt.com/>  on Saturday, November 29 at 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight, ET/PT, which aired live from Nashville on ABC last week.  It was a night of celebration for country music’s biggest stars as the industry awarded the top achievers in the genre.  First-time hosts and reigning Male and Female Vocalists Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood expertly guided the evening with poise and humor.   The show included performances by Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, The Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood, Keith Urban, and The Wailers.  Rapper Lil Wayne showed up not to rap, but rather to rock out with Kid Rock on “All Summer Long” in perhaps the most unexpected appearance of the night.  Premieres Saturday, November 29 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT and re-airs Sunday, November 30 at 3:00 p.m., ET/PT
 
 
HULK HOGAN’S CELEBRITY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (episode 7) PREMIERE!
In CMT’s new series, HULK HOGAN’S CELEBRITY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING <http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/280312/hulk-hogan-celebrity-championship-wrestling-super-trailer.jhtml?id=1596006> , ten brave celebrities (Danny Bonaduce, Todd Bridges, ButterBean, Trishelle Cannatella, Dustin Diamond, Erin Murphy, Dennis Rodman,  Frank Stallone, Tiffany, and Nikki Ziering) come together to learn, train and compete in competitive wrestling while being eliminated one by one each week based on judges' selections and head-to-head matches with one another. The bruised and battered celebrity wrestlers get a visit from Hulk Hogan, who teaches them the move they've been waiting for.  Then, the coaches chop them down to size and slam them into shape for the two most exciting matches yet.  Another celebrity is sent packing and the wrestlers get even closer to the CCW championship belt.  Premieres Saturday, November 29 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM EVENTS
THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2008

*All events are included with Museum admission
(FREE for Museum members), except as noted

**Visit the Museum’s website for
autograph signing rules


Saturday, November 15, 2008
Songwriter Session w/ Ed Snodderly                                                            11:30 a.m.
Family Program: Is it a Fiddle or a Violin?                                                    1:00 p.m. (FREE)
(Ages 5 to 11. Based on a program developed by the Nashville
Symphony and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
No reservations required)

Sunday, November 16, 2008
Dobro and Guitar Demonstration w/ Gene Bush and Bruce Nemerov            1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum: Interview w/ Music Industry
           Pioneer Liz Thiels                                                                           6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008
In-Store Film Screening and Autograph Signing: Charlie Daniels
(Charlie Daniels and Friends: Preachin’, Prayin’, Singin’,
Live from Nashville)                                                                                   3:30 p.m. (FREE)

Friday, November 21, 2008
In-Store Performance and Autograph Signing w/ Richie McDonald
(If Every Day Could Be Christmas)                                                            2:00 p.m. (FREE)

Saturday, November 22, 2008
Songwriter Session w/ Tom Wurth                                                                11:30 a.m.

Sunday, November 23, 2008
Steel Guitar Demonstration w/ John Heinrich                                                 1:00 p.m.


COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM EVENTS
THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2008
 
*All events are included with Museum admission
(FREE for Museum members), except as noted  
 
**Visit the Museum’s website for
autograph signing rules
 
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Songwriter Session w/ Memarie and Chas Sandford                         11:30 a.m.
 
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Mandolin Demonstration w/ Bob Grant with Adam Wright                1:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Kings of Country (2006)                                         2:00 p.m. (FREE)
 
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Songwriter Session w/ Walt Aldridge                                                11:30 a.m.
In-Store Book Signing w/ M.L. Rose (aka Myra McLarey
and Linda Weeks), authors of The Road to Eden’s Ridge     1:00 p.m. (FREE)
 
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Fiddle and Guitar Demonstration w/ Carco Clavé and Renaé Truex    1:00 p.m.
 
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Songwriter Session w/ Jason Matthews                                              11:30 a.m.
Family Program: Make Letterpress Art with Hatch Show Print        1:00 p.m. (FREE)
 (Learn about letterpress printing from Jim Sherraden,
 manager of Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest working
 letterpress print shops in the United States. Use block images
 to make your own holiday card or T-shirt. Paper provided.
 Participants should bring their own T-shirts. Ages 6 to 18.)
Interview w/ Lycrecia Williams Hoover                                               1:30 p.m.
In-Store Book Signing w/ Lycrecia Williams Hoover (Still in Love
              with You: The Story of Hank & Audrey Williams)              3:00 p.m. (FREE)
In-Store Autograph Signing w/ Charlie Louvin (Charlie Louvin
              Sings Murder Ballads And Disaster Songs)                        4:00 p.m. (FREE)
 
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Banjo Demonstration w/ Leroy Troy                                                   1:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Johnny Cash Show Christmas Special (1970)          2:00 p.m. (FREE)


         
          The Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum tells the story of one of the world’s most popular art forms.  Here, the music and its makers speak through timeless art, the latest interactive exhibits and live performances.  Visitors may also dine at SoBro Grill®, located in the conservatory, which offers a wide variety of contemporary southern cuisine. 
 
The Museum is located at 222 Fifth Ave. S. in downtown Nashville, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.  The Museum Store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and the SoBro Grill is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  A snack bar, Sobro2Go, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 
 
            Admission is $17.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages six to 17, and free for children under six.  The Museum offers discounted admission ($16.15) to seniors (55 and older), the military and students (with valid IDs).  Group rates are available for tours of 15 or more.  There is no charge to visit the Curb Conservatory or the Museum Store.
 
            Songwriter Sessions made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.
          
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964.  The Foundation also operates CMF Records, the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive, the CMF Press, historic RCA Studio B, and Hatch Show Print.
 
           More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.com or by calling (615) 416-2001.
 
 
The Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum
222 Fifth Ave. S.
Nashville, TN  37203 
(615) 416-2001
(800) 852-6437
www.countrymusichalloffame.com
Media website: http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/news.aspx (click on “media professionals”)
Username:  cmhofmedia
Password:  4mediaonly