Petty Organization On The Move?

After more than 50 years in Level Cross, N.C., Petty Enterprises might soon be packing up.

Vice President of Racing Operations Robbie Loomis, who oversees the day-to-day affairs of the company's two Nextel Cup teams, told reporters Tuesday that he's exploring the possibility of moving the company's headquarters closer to Charlotte, which is the hub of NASCAR racing.

Loomis said he's initially targeted two areas: near Salisbury, N.C., which is about 40 miles south of Petty Enterprises' current location (but still about 35 miles north of Charlotte), or perhaps somewhere even closer to the Queen City, such as Concord, N.C., where Lowe's Motor Speedway is located.

Team CEO and driver of the No. 45 Dodge, Kyle Petty, isn't exactly thrilled with leaving the family homestead, but he also understands it might be necessary, given the organization's massive rebuilding program currently underway, to increase its competitiveness.

Benny Parsons Dies at 65

Greg Biffle believes that without help from Benny Parsons, he never would have reached NASCAR's highest level. Michael Waltrip credits Parsons for giving him the courage to propose to his wife in Victory Lane.

Parsons was remembered Tuesday in every corner of the NASCAR garage for his generous nature, lovable personality and overwhelming popularity. The 1973 NASCAR champion died in Charlotte, N.C., of complications from lung-cancer treatment. He was 65.

Kelly Clarkson partners with NASCAR

Kelly Clarkson will soon be showing her racing stripes in the biggest partnership NASCAR has ever made with a music artist, the sports franchise announced Thursday.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm a race fan and love NASCAR," the former "American Idol" and Grammy-winning singer said in a NASCAR press release. "I look forward to hanging out with the fans, drivers and the entire NASCAR community."

Clarkson will be "integrated into all aspects of NASCAR," including television spots, charitable events and NASCAR's awards dinner in New York City in December, NASCAR said.

The deal kicks off with Clarkson headlining the Nextel "Tribute To America" concert airing live on Fox just before the Daytona 500 in Florida on Feb. 18.

During the appearance, Clarkson will film a 30-second NASCAR spot for TV featuring a new song from her upcoming third album.

She will also serve as a spokeswoman for the fourth annual NASCAR Day on May 18, 2007.

Supermodel Niki Taylor marries NASCAR driver.

Supermodel Niki Taylor and NASCAR driver Burney Lamar have tied the knot, Taylor's spokeswoman confirmed Friday.

The couple were married Wednesday before 60 guests at the Grande Colonial Hotel in the La Jolla area of San Diego, publicist Lesley Burbridge-Bates told The Associated Press. The bride wore a Vera Wang Couture dress.

Taylor lives in Nashville, Tenn., where she owns a clothing boutique.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Pastor Rob Taylor of Calvary Chapel Brentwood, where the couple attends church.

Taylor, 31, and Lamar, 26, met at a charity event in January, Burbridge-Bates said.