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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 17, 2017)
SPORTS Friday, February 17, 2017 East Oregonian Page 3B NASCAR hopes for boost after big swings at spicing it up By JENNA FRYER Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR has a new sponsor, a new format and welcomes back its most popular driver, all providing optimism for a series eager to halt a steady decline in atten- dance, ratings and sponsorship. Money is down across the board and everyone is doing more with less to try to save a buck. The on-track product for the stock car series officially reports for work Friday at Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the Feb. 26 season-opening “Great American Race.” It will kick off a season of hold-your-breath, we-really- hope-this-works efforts by NASCAR, the networks, tracks, teams and drivers to turn things around. This season begins with Monster Energy roaring into its debut year as title sponsor amid promised marketing to millennials and the opportu- nity to lure new eyeballs to a sport with an aging audience. Part of the new razzle-dazzle approach is a wholesale redesign of the definition of a NASCAR race. Remember how NASCAR just ran in circles for 500 miles nearly every Sunday for hours on end? Well, this year it’s about “enhanced competition” in segments broken up over three periods. Think of it like innings in baseball or quar- ters in football or basketball. More accurately, the quick first two segments are now the appetizer to the longer main event. In the meantime, you get to go grab a beer as the television networks promise to use the breaks between segments to dump all the commercials. Even better, you won’t have to wait for Nation- wide’s beloved “Water Cooler Dale” commercial to see NASCAR’s most popular driver. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is cleared for competition after missing the second half of last season with a concussion. Earnhardt’s sidelining abso- lutely cut into the audience, and had to send shivers down NASCAR’s spine over its dwindling cast of superstars. Jeff Gordon is in the TV booth now, Tony Stewart is retired. They had seven championships between AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File In this June 30, 2016, file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. ges- tures as he speaks during a news conference before the start of a NASCAR Sprint Cup auto racing practice at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla. them and NASCAR is counting on Earnhardt to bring his fan base back to the track with him. But even Dale is different! He’s married, head-over-heels in love and you can double- click his Instagram account if you like photos of a man who has finally, in his 18th season, settled into his skin and found a peace that he is sharing with the entire world. “Getting married has been incredible. I wish I would have figured this all out sooner,” he said. “I’m frus- trated with myself that I took so long to grow up because I have an amazing wife and she’s changed my life. She’s really helped me as a person to become better on all fronts — personally, and all my friendships with people and how I react to people and treat people. And, obviously, in my professional life, she’s helped me as a driver.” He wants a family, wants to be himself and wants to be in that race car. “I got real close to not being able to compete and it being someone else’s decision whether I competed or not,” Earnhardt said of the long medical process to restore his health. “I don’t know when I’m going to stop racing, but I want to able to make that choice and not have it made for me.” NASCAR, though, must prepare for live after Junior, because Jimmie Johnson — who just won his record- tying seventh championship then had Snoop Dogg play at his party — and champions Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch aren’t getting any younger. NASCAR hopes it’s off to a good start with Daniel Suarez, the only non-Amer- ican in the Monster Energy Cup Series who has become a sensation in his native Mexico. Only he didn’t get a promotion for becoming the first foreign-born series champion with an Xfinity Series title last November. No, the 25-year-old Suarez was promoted when Carl Edwards abruptly walked away. That’s right, the guy who came 10 laps away from winning his first champion- ship last November gave up his seat at Joe Gibbs Racing. The 37-year-old Edwards gave no clear explanation on what he plans to do now, but his refusal to use the word “retire” seemingly left open a return in some form. But none of this matters unless the racing is good, the characters come out and some- body provides drama. There was some Thursday, the day the garage opened to Cup teams, as the nasty fight between Danica Patrick’s old sponsor and her race team. Stewart-Haas Racing has sued Nature’s Bakery for $31 million for dumping the final two years of its three-year contract. Nature’s Bakery said Thursday it will fight and won’t allow the team to “bully us.” NASCAR, meanwhile, introduced a new penalty structure and the rules for the upcoming season — on Thursday. That’s right, the details surrounding the 36 championship races were locked down the day before the buildup officially begins to NASCAR’s version of the “Super Bowl.” So we wait to see what this season brings, while NASCAR holds its breath. Investor remains optimistic about Seattle arena probability By TIM BOOTH Associated Press SEATTLE — More than five years into efforts to get a new arena built in Seattle, Chris Hansen remains confi- dent that his goal of being the facili- tator for getting the NBA and NHL to Seattle will ultimately be realized. Even if that means dipping even deeper into his pocket to offer up a privately financed facility. “We view that as a civic obliga- tion to protect that and ensure that we do our part in bringing a team back,” Hansen said. “It was with that mindset, we’re not a for-profit enter- prise that is attempting to generate a certain level of return on capital as we look at this project to justify it. We’re like, ‘What can we do just to make this work for the city and hopefully if we do that part, in the really long- term it will work out for us.”’ Hansen spoke with The Associated Press on Thursday, his first public comments in nearly two years about his arena efforts. During that time, the Seattle City Council denied a needed street closure that was part of a proposal that included a public contribution to the arena project. The ‘no’ vote forced Hansen’s group to reevaluate the best way to move forward. “I was surprised that other people didn’t see it that way but then again that’s what is great about a process like this, is you get to take in everybody’s different opinions and considerations into account and we had an opportu- nity to de-risk it for the city a little bit more and do a little bit more,” Hansen said. “Things happen for a reason.” Hansen also decried the reaction disappointed fans had toward the councilmembers after last year’s surprising vote and said his group has a responsibility to “head that off” in the future if another vote goes against his proposal. “All the misogynistic comments that came out about the councilmem- bers was just way out of line,” Hansen said. “I think it caught everybody off-guard that was in the process.” The answer for moving ahead ended up being a privately financed proposal that may ease the concerns of the same city officials. Hansen said his group, which currently has five public members including Seattle Seahawks quar- terback Russell Wilson, will have an equity stake in the arena and a possible NBA franchise. He also reiterated the group has held discussions with parties inter- ested in bringing the NHL to Seattle, but any group interested in hockey must be willing to pay the cost of the franchise and also have contribute a financial stake in the arena. “We haven’t attempted to bid on an NHL team. Bidding on an NHL team is their own responsibility,” Hansen said. Hansen must again go before the same City Council to move his privately proposed project forward since the same street closure that was denied a year ago must still be approved for construction to begin. Hansen has also pledged that no arena construction will begin until a team has been secured. He offered to help pay for transportation improvements in the area of the proposed facility. Hansen’s group has just resub- mitted its plans. The city is also currently looking at a possible reno- vation of KeyArena, the former home of the Seattle SuperSonics. The city issued a request for proposals for modernizing the arena in January and they’re due April 12. Two groups — Oak View Group and AEG — have stated they intend to submit proposals for the arena that could include the potential for housing a professional sports franchise. While supporting the city’s intent to examine options for the city- owned arena, Hansen cautioned that he believes the project at KeyArena could take several years. Hansen said his group fully supports the idea of KeyArena as a music and entertainment venue, but viewing the project as a sports facility could ultimately delay potential opportu- nities for the NBA or NHL. “I think if there is the opportunity for the NBA or NHL to expand in the interim, having our project, which is a couple of votes away from being 100 percent shovel-ready, is a lot different prospect to the NBA or the NHL if something is ready to happen now, then sitting back and watching a process that could take a very long time,” Hansen said. EAST'40OREGON marketplace Place classified ads online at www.eastoregonmarketplace.com 1-800-962-2819 CLASSIFIED INDEX 003 First Look 600 Recreational Vehicles 515 Musical 450 Round-Up 302 Statewide Classified 155 Out of Area Property for Sale 740 Trailers 485 Miscellaneous 330 Child/ Adult Care 705 Automobiles 100 Homes For Sale Lost & Found 5 FOUND SMALL breed dog in Hermiston, OR. Call to identify 541-908-1403 Special Notices 10 CLASSIFIED LINE AD DEADLINES East Oregonian 3pm the day prior to publication 125 Homes with Acreage 004 Bargain Bin! 005 Lost & Found 530 Garage Sales- Pendleton 415 Livestock 310 Business Opportunities 015 Holiday Happenings 545 Garage Sales- Athena/ Weston 430 Lawn and Garden 445 Pets 505 Wanted to Buy Personals Email or Call Terri or Dayle classifieds@ eastoregonian.com 1-800-962-2819 to place your classified ad!! Homes for Sale Hermiston Herald 10am Tuesday 1-800-962-2819 classifieds@ eastoregonian.com Need help booking your Flights, Accommodations and Tours? Ready for a new Adventure? Business Travel? ..Call Kerry 541 377 6855, emailkjcbaird@gmail.com. Check out out my website at www.turnherenow.com TURN HERE REALTY & TRAVEL (541) 377-6855 PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD ON THE FIRST DAY OF PUBLICATION. While we are happy to make any necessary correction, we cannot be responsible for errors appearing for multiple days. Thank you! 20 100 ADAMS - $139,000 Craftsman home, large kitchen. Huge Trex deck. Large fenced yard, corner lot, great outbuildings. Modern HVAC, newer. Jeff 541-969-9539cell to schedule a showing. #1661304 Coldwell Banker Whitney (541) 276-0021 ATHENA - $128,000 Athena home/great condition. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, 1188 sf(m/l) manufactured home, corner lot. Large, shaded front deck, off street and RV parking. Cari 541- 377-5058cell. #16443563 Coldwell Banker Whitney (541) 276-0021 BLUE JEANS REALTY. Residential, Commercial, Mountain properties. Call us today to sell your home or buy your new property. “Our office is wherever you are” Rocky Mikesell Blue Jeans Realty 541-379-8690 ! e s u o H n O pe S AT ., FEB . 18 TH , 11-1 PM 721 NW 11 TH St., Pendleton, OR 245 Storage Units 135 Lots & Acreage 140 Commerical Property 710 Auto Parts 470 Auctions 420 Feed and Seed 200 Rentals 800 Business/ Service Directory 490 Household Items 335 Employment 100 Homes For Sale Homes for Sale 100 CALL THE “Weekend & After Hours Realtor” to view homes at a convenient time for you. Available on Short Notice, Special Financing Program Information! Call Matt Vogler, 541.377.9470 John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 CURRENT LOW Inventory is providing a good time to sell! Call Matt Vogler (The Weekend and After Hours Realtor) to receive a Free Comparative Market Analysis specific to your home. John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669- 9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Find your new home while the int erest rates are still low. Call Kerr y 541 377 6855 for reliable trustw orthy service with all listed home s in the area to find the one on y our wishlist.Contact: www.turnherenow.com or email: kjcbaird@gmail.com TURN HERE REALTY & TRAVEL 340 Summer Youth Jobs 255 Roommates Wanted 260 Want to Rent 010 Special Notices 535 Garage Sales- Pilot Rock 475 Fuel and Heating 325 Education/ Schools 020 Personals 555 Garage Sales- Other 500 Antiques Homes for Sale 100 Homes For Sale OVER 1200 eastoregonrealestate.com PENDLETON - $105,900 NEW! Sherwood Sweetie!! Great 1st home or rental! 2 bedroom on one level. F/A heat. Covered patio.Storage shed for those extras! MLS#16530010 CALL: MARGE LAPP Pendleton Southgate Realty (541) 276-1957 PENDLETON - $115,000 Adorable 2 bedroom Cottage in Sherwood. Featuring updated windows, doors, trim, laminate floors. LED recessed lighting and more! RV parking on large corner lot. MLS 16402108 Call Matt Vogler 541-377-9470 John J. Howard & Assoc. 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C/A, F/A heat, new gas water heater. Hardwood floors, vinyl windows, newer kitchen. Attic storage, fenced, UGS. Jerry 541-969-6378cell #16594450 Coldwell Banker Whitney (541) 276-0021 Pendleton Price Reduced Again, Now $194,900, Almost 2,800sf, 4 bedroom, 3 bath in Popular Southgate location. Large deck and backyard, fireplace, great family home. Call Matt Vogler 541-377-9470 MLS #15512901 John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 Pendleton - $184,900 Huge Shop! 3bedroom, 2bath. Kitchen w/cherrywood cabinets, ceramic tile floors, breakfast nook. Remodeled 1997, all wiring updated. Metal roof, vinyl siding. Marsha 541-377-5152cell. #16219786 Coldwell Banker Whitney (541) 276-0021 PENDLETON-REDUCED $71,644 3 or possible 4 bedroom 2 bathhome. Has fireplace, needs work. RMLS #16048730 Call Cathy for more info 541-215- 0103 Pendleton - $219,000 WOW-- So many extras in this 3bed, 2ba home. Hidden gem - private sun room, central intercome and VAC, RV area, close to park, fireplace+pellet+Central heat. Call for your tour today #16054514 TURN HERE REALTY & TRAVEL (541) 377-6855 PENDLETON - $219,000 Beautifully updated 4 bed, 3 bath. Updated kitchen refinished hardwood floors, newer windows, remodeled bathrooms. Storage Deluxe including office/craft room, basement pantry, bonus room and workshop. Sharp! Call Matt Vogler MLS 16267013 John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 PENDLETON - $239,000 Fabulous 4 bed, 3 bath townhome with top of North Main views. Featuring high-end finishes, satin nickel fixtures, granite countertops, solid doors vaulted ceilings, detailed molding. Call Matt Vogler MLS 16221871 John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 Garton & Associates (541) 276-0931 PILOT ROCK - $109,000 Newly remodeled duplex in Pilot Rock - 2 units. Great investment. All new plumbing, electrical, etc. Call Cathy for more information 541-215-0103 Garton & Associates (541) 276-0931 Homes with Acreage 125 BLUE JEANS REALTY. Residential, Commercial, Mountain properties. Call us today to sell your home or buy your new property. “Our office is wherever you are” Rocky Mikesell Blue Jeans Realty 541-379-8690 COUNTRY PARADISE! 2008 Custom built home on 4 acres. 4bed 3bath 2736sqft. Mini ranch with LOTS of extras. See Zillow for details/photos. Pilot Rock. (541)379-7317 LAGRANDE - $320,000 You could live here year round! 412.75 total acres. Year round accessible. Critical wildlife winter range. Call Kal. RMLS # 1527824 Garton & Associates
