The business of NASCAR looks to be on an upswing heading into the 2012 season as many sponsors, including Cup Series backer Sprint, announced extensions while a number of solid companies will make their first appearance in the sport this season.

The races at Watermelon Capital Speedway this weekend had a lot of NASCAR flavor involved in them. Bill Elliott’s son Chase was the fast qualifier in the Pro Late Model 150 lapper on Saturday, and parlayed that into a win Sunday over seasoned veteran Mike Garvey and youngster Daniel Hemric. The Super Late Model portion of the event had a great deal more NASCAR involvement, as at least 25% of the field had some ties to the upper echelon of NASCAR.

NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger, with co-drivers John Pew, Oswaldo Negri and Justin Wilson, secured Michael Shank Racing its first victory in the 50th Annual Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

Race fans are arriving at Daytona International Speedway in record numbers for 2012 Speed Weeks as the green flag nears for the annual kick off known as the Rolex 24, America's longest sports car race.