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Truckin' along in the quest for the checkered flag

Submitted by David Whisenant
Friday, May 17th, 2013, 4:37pm

CONCORD, NC (WBTV)- It's not the biggest circuit in racing, but it's one these drivers and teams love, even if it takes just about all they have.

"Yes, it's extremely busy, 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. The business of racing is one side, but then you have to find the funding to do it which takes as much time as running the race team," said Mark Beaver.

Beaver and Tracy Lowe are partners who own MAKE Motorsports. It's based in Shelby, where Mark also runs a bail bond company. Danny Elfland is the driver, but he spends a lot of time working on the truck.

"The only way I was ever able to drive to be in the position I'm in right now is because I'm able to work on the trucks, most of the race cars I've driven I've worked on at the shop," Elfland told WBTV, while preparing the truck to make a qualifying run for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200. "I think it makes a better race car driver to know what you have underneath you.

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Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff
Friday, May 17th, 2013, 2:39pm
Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

The Highway Patrol completed its Operation "Road Watch" campaign after a two-day intensive enforcement effort on I-85 in Cleveland and surrounding counties. 

During the two-day event, which began on Tuesday, May 14, and ended on Wednesday, May 15, Troopers concentrated on commercial motor vehicle violations as well as focused their attention on motorists who were driving aggressively around big trucks, speeding, tailgating, and driving aggressively.

Established in 2007, Operation "Road Watch" was designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety as well as the efficiency of commercial vehicle operations.

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Social media's impact on the track

Submitted by David Whisenant
Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 7:36pm

It's one of the most significant things to change the way fans watch sports on television, particularly NASCAR racing.

Social media has taken race coverage to an unheard of level, and while some say it's a great companion to enjoy the sport, others are warning that just like in news reporting, social media is often one tweet away from trouble.

Walking through the garage area is one of the few times you won't see Sprint Cup Champ Brad Keselowski sending a tweet. With nearly a half million followers on Twitter, he's one of the best pioneers of the sport's newest frontier.

"It gives fans a place and forum and a place to voice their opinions, sometimes I wonder if social media, Facebook, Twitter, is the majority, or the minority which is voicing their opinion," former driver, now broadcaster Kyle Petty told WBTV. "Is one of the most active on social media, often taking on his critics.

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"Ten Days of Speed" underway now at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Submitted by David Whisenant
Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 7:22pm
"Ten Days of Speed" underway now at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CONCORD - Every year, Charlotte Motor Speedway packs as much entertainment as possible into the 10 Greatest Days in Racing to give fans an experience that they’ll never forget. From the excitement on the track to pre-race concerts, the expansive Play Zone and a moving salute to our nation’s military, fans that come to Charlotte will be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

While you’re in town, be sure to check out these can’t-miss opportunities that you can only find at Charlotte Motor Speedway!

Fan Zone: Every trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway should start with a visit to the Fan Zone. Located at the speedway’s main entrance, the 10-acre Fan Zone is a one-stop shop for race souvenirs, interactive displays and so much more. Fans can visit the Sprint Experience for driver appearances, photos with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy and an autograph from Miss Sprint Cup.

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Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff
Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 12:05pm
Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Severe weather season is underway in the Carolinas and the National Weather Service is looking to train severe weather spotters in our area.

The first of two classes in our area will be offered Thursday evening, May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Iredell County Agriculture Center. Classes are about two hours long and covers the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure and how to identify potential severe weather features.

The class is free, but you will need to register by calling 704-878-5097. For directions and more information, click here.

The next class will be offered in Union, SC on Tuesday, May 21st.

For more information on the SKYWARN program, click here.

Copyright 2013 WBTV.  All rights reserved.

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Police: Man, teenager arrested for murder of Concord teen

Submitted by John Cominsky on Wednesday, May 15th, 5:35 pm

CONCORD, NC (WBTV)- Concord Police have arrested a man and a teenager for the April murder of another teen.

Officers were called to the 100 block of Madison Avenue at about 4 a.m. on April 17. There, they found the body of Treyvon Jermaine Burton, 19, in the driveway of his home.

Police said Burton had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On Wednesday, May 15, police arrested Elijah Joquez Bost, 20, and Jerrick Charmaine Grier, 18, and charged them each with first degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Both suspects are being taken to the Cabarrus County Jail after processing.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.

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NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 1:50pm
NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

A bill broadening so-called conscience protections and the number of employers who can refuse to provide contraception services in health insurance coverage has been approved by a North Carolina House committee.

The bill approved Wednesday allows any medical professional to refuse to participate in an abortion and allows any business to refuse to provide contraception coverage on religious or moral grounds.

The bill expands so-called conscience protections beyond doctors and nurses to include people such as pharmacists and technicians.

The contraception provision expands existing law that exempts religious organizations to any private or nonprofit company.

The bill also outlaws health care plans that include abortion services from future online marketplaces of private plans offered under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Opponents say the bill tramples women's rights.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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