A federal judge has "refused to grant a motion by the
McIlhenny Co. that would force" Darrell Waltrip's racing
team to remove all Tabasco logos from its car before this
weekend's Select Batteries 400 Winston Cup Series race,
according to an AP report. McIlhenny claims that IA-based
ISM Racing Corp. "has not lived up to its end of their
contract, and has asked that ISM be ordered to remove all
Tabasco logos from its cars and merchandise." But U.S.
District Judge Rebecca Doherty will hear arguments regarding
a permanent injunction against ISM and a breach of contract
claim made by McIlhenny. Doherty ruled that McIlhenny "did
not meet its burden of proof" for a restraining order, and
Waltrip is "free to race in a Tabasco car" for Saturday's
race (AP, 9/11). ISM Owner Bob Hanser said that ISM's
contract with McIlhenny includes a performance clause, "but
it covers the entire season, so McIlhenny couldn't raise it
until the season is over." ISM racers have failed to
qualify for nine out of 22 races this year, and have
finished in the top 10 once in 13 starts (AP, 9/11).
STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
driver Stacy Compton signed a two-year extension with Royal
Crown Cola to be the primary sponsor of his #86 truck (RC).