THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 29th, 2011
Volume V, Edition LXXVI
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Today we debut the first ever Frontstretch podcast. Check in with host Doug Turnbull as he goes through the news of the week (Editor's Note: The Bayne story broke just after our taping, so check out Amy Henderson's column if you'd like the latest, up-to-date information on that illness). This week's exclusive driver audio is Brian Vickers; listen to him explain his disappointing start to 2011, pending free agency, his fitness regimen post-blood clot health scare and how he defines "beating and banging" on the Cup circuit. Plus, join Henderson and Tom Bowles as we have a writer's roundtable on Cup influence in the Nationwide Series, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s resurgence and so much more! It's all part of our newest feature, something you can download every week on Frontstretch.com. Love it, hate it or just have something to say? Email us at editors@frontstretch.com to share your feedback.
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Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Eric McClure's Home Suffers Tornado Damage
As a round of tornadoes swept across the Southeast on Wednesday, leaving hundreds dead, countless more injured, and some cities and neighborhoods decimated, one of NASCAR's own was left in the path of destruction and survived what he described as the "most helpless and scary" moment of his life to ESPN.com's David Newton.
Eric McClure, driver for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, huddled in the basement with his wife, three children, and two dogs in his home in Abingdon, VA following a church service on Wednesday night. McClure and his family spent nearly four hours underneath their basement staircase waiting out a storm in which a tornado significantly damaged McClure's home. Though no injuries were sustained to any of McClure's family members or pets, the house was left unlivable.
"It's tough to just sit there and wait," McClure said. "It got real dead for five or six seconds. Then it felt like a train came through the house. That's when we put our heads down and just waited it out. The thing was just shaking the house. I don't wish that on anybody."
McClure and his family are staying in his father's house, which received minor damage. McClure's house suffered severe damage including blown out windows and flooding, and significant damage to the back porch and kitchen when a large tree fell into the house.
McClure is planning to compete in Friday night's Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway, but said, "If I don't drive, they're already working on somebody to run the car if they need to."
McClure is currently 18th in points, 125 points out of the lead. His best finish through eight races this season was a 20th place running at Las Vegas Motor Speedway back in March.
Trevor Bayne Hospitalized, Will Not Race in Richmond
After being hospitalized and released earlier this month for an insect bite on his left elbow, Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne has been hospitalized for symptoms thought to be related to the insect bite and is undergoing tests and treatment. The tests will keep Bayne out of the No. 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series car for Roush Fenway Racing in this weekend's race at Richmond International Raceway.
"Trevor was not feeling well early this week and he is currently being evaluated for lingering symptoms that may be related to his previous insect bite," said RFR president Steve Newmark.
Bayne, who is tied with Reed Sorenson at fourth in the standings, four points out of the lead heading into Richmond, will be replaced by one of 18-year-old RFR developmental driver Chris Buescher.
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Larry the Cable Guy Announced as Honorary Pace Car Driver at Charlotte
Larry the Cable Guy, comedian and voice of Mater in the upcoming "Cars 2" movie, will be the honorary pace car driver on May 29th for the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The comedian will also attend the drivers meeting and various other events on race day.
Larry the Cable Guy will be on hand to help celebrate the June 24 release of Disney Pixar's "Cars 2." On Coca Cola 600 weekend, there will be full-size replicas of Larry's character Mater and Lightning McQueen. The two cars will also take the track for the pre-race parade laps.
"I am excited to Git R Done in the pace car at Charlotte Motor Speedway and lead the field to the start of NASCAR's Coca Cola 600," Larry the Cable Guy said. "It will be an honor to be a part of the most patriotic pre-race show in America."
In May of 2006, Charlotte Motor Speedway also teamed up with Disney Pixar to show the premiere of "Cars" on outdoor movie screens at the track with 35,000 fans in attendance.
Richard and Judy Childress Receive Recognition For Their Charity Work
Richard Childress Racing reported on Thursday that Richard Childress and his wife Judy were honored twice in April for their charitable work. Richard Childress visited several injured soldiers at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, MD. It wasn't anything new for Childress, who has visited troops in the U.S., Iraq, Bosnia and Spain. At the seventh annual Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala in Washington, D.C. on April 6th, Childress received the Bill and Beverly Young Humanitarian of the Year Award.
A few days later, Childress received another award. Richard Childress and his wife Judy were honored by the Winston-Salem (N.C.) branch of Exchange/S.C.A.N. (Stop Child Abuse Now) organization. The couple was given the 2011 Founders Award for their work to help children. In 2008, the Childress' opened the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to help children that have sustained serious injuries.
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Frontstretch Folio: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Richmond International Raceway for the Crown Royal presents the Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400. Saturday's race will be the ninth race of the season. The Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 will be broadcast live Saturday, April 30, on FOX at 7:30 PM ET and MRN Radio at 6:30 PM ET. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (300 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 20.772 sec at 129.983 mph in qualifying for the 2004 Chevy American Revolution 400. Vickers finished eighth in the race after leading 32 laps. The pole was Vickers' first of the season, and he would go on to win one more. He finished out the 2004 season with four top 10s and an average finish of 22nd in 36 races that year. He finished the season 25th in points.
Dale Jarrett holds the record for the fastest race run at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 109.047 mph in the 1997 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400. Jarrett led 39 of the 400 laps run and had a margin of victory of 1.802 sec over second-place Jeff Burton. Jeff Gordon finished third, followed by Geoffrey Bodine and Rusty Wallace. The win was Jarrett's fifth of the season and he would go on to win two more. In the 32 races that year, Jarrett grabbed 20 top 5s, 23 top 10s, and an average finish of 10th. He finished second in points.
Kyle Busch is the defending race winner of this event, leading 195 of the 400 laps to win the 2010 Crown Royal Presents the Heath Calhoun 400 by 0.755 sec over second-place Jeff Gordon. Kevin Harvick finished third, followed by Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards to round out the top 5. The win was Busch's first of the season, and he would go on to win two more races before the 2010 season was out. In 36 starts, Busch grabbed 10 top 5s, 18 top 10s, and an average finish of 14th to finish eighth in points.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 0.75 mile oval, 400 laps (300 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 14 degrees in the turns
Frontstretch: 1,290 ft., banked 8 degrees
Backstretch: 860 ft., banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 97,912
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, April 29, 12:00 – 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, April 29, 5:35 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, April 29, 2:45 – 3:30 PM ET on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Sunny
High: 74
Low: 51
Say What?!
"We are back to a short track again this weekend and Richmond is one of my favorite short tracks. We ran well at Martinsville and were competitive at Phoenix, and both of those tracks help you get a feel for Richmond. Our short track cars are better than they have ever been and I'm ready to race at one of my favorite tracks under the lights Saturday night." -David Ragan
"I love Richmond, and I don't know of another driver that doesn't like this track. But it is a very challenging short track. One of the keys to going fast here is getting the DuPont Chevrolet to turn the middle of the corner. But it's tough to get the car to turn the middle without getting the car too loose in and too loose off." -Jeff Gordon
"It's a fun track for me and a fan favorite too. We should have a couple more tracks on the schedule like Richmond because it's neat for fans to be able to see their drivers up close on the track. On top of that, it's always a great night race. I love Richmond and I've ran good there. You can race two and three wide and can pass. All around, it's a good competitive track to race at." -Bobby Labonte
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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Keepin' It Short: Racing The Way It Oughta Be
by Mike Neff
The modern world of NASCAR national touring series racing has evolved into a high-tech, scientific endeavor that involves as much engineering and computer input as it does good, ol' fashioned ingenuity and wrench turning. Fortunately, for many race fans local short tracks still offer a chance to watch people compete who have some technical input but still spend as much time experimenting with things to make their cars go faster. Thursday night at Richmond International Raceway was a celebration of that kind of racing even though one of the Top Guns in the business took the win.
Denny Hamlin, for the fourth year in a row, put on a charity race to raise money for his foundation and in the process shone the spotlight on some of the best Late Model racers in the country. 49 race cars hit the track for practice and qualifying for the event with 14 "celebrity" drivers being guaranteed a spot in the race. That left 22 spots available for the best shoes from local tracks to showcase their abilities and make a run at taking a win from some of the Cup regulars who were entered in the event. After qualifying was finished Matt McCall, a local racer and engineer for Richard Childress Racing was the fastest car of the bunch.
While McCall's pole was impressive considering he beat out the likes of Kyle Busch and Hamlin for the top spot, there was an even better story that shook out during the hours leading up to qualifying. At the end of the first practice session of the day for the Late Models, 2005 Whelen All-American National Champion Peyton Sellers had his engine expire. He was the second fastest car in the session but did not have a spare engine at the track to put into his car. In true local racing fashion Sellers contacted his friend Rusty Skewes, who has a shop some 20 miles from the race track. Skewes loaned an older engine to Sellers whose crew drove to the shop, picked up the engine, drove back to the track and dropped it in the car just in time for it to be the last one of the track for qualifying.
While it is somewhat commonplace in the Cup series for race teams to change an engine during a practice day and be back in commission in under an hour, that isn't something a small race organization pulls off during their normal routines. While Sellers ended up not being competitive in the big race, the fact that his team changed an engine and he was able to put the car into the show was no small feat. It is no wonder that he won a national title with a team like that behind his efforts.
The spirit of cooperation did not end with Sellers' engine experience. During the red flag that halted the K&N East Series race for rain, Joey Logano stopped by to talk with Travis Pastrana about the Late Model that the X Games star would be piloting later in the evening. As it turns out, the car was the steed that Logano had raced the previous year in the charity event. So "Sliced Bread" didn't mess around, offering Pastrana some encouraging words and a couple of suggestions to try and help the newcomer get the most out of his ride in the charity race.
In the end the night not only showcased what is good about short track racing, it also raised some money for some worthy causes including Cystic Fibrosis, St. Jude's Hospital, The Children's Hospital of Richmond and, due to the bad weather over the last few days, tornado victims across the country. When the evening came to an end, Denny Hamlin had finally taken home a victory in his own event for the first time, but the real winners were the fans and especially the charities that receive donations from the Denny Hamlin Foundation.
NOTE: For Denny Hamlin Showdown Official Results And The Story of the Race Itself, Click Here.
Upcoming Short Track Schedule:
Fri : Apr 29 - Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR - Mid-South Racing Association
Fri : Apr 29 – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Apr 29 – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Open Late Models
Fri : Apr 29 - USA Speedway ; Sterlington : LA - SUPR Late Models
Fri : Apr 29 - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Model Association
Fri : Apr 29 - Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO - POWRI Midgets
Fri : Apr 29 – Rocky Top Raceway ; Coal Grove : OH – Midwest Dirt Racing League
Fri : Apr 29 - Outlaw Motor Speedway ; Wainwright : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Fri : Apr 29 - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Bedford Speedway ; Bedford : PA - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Fri : Apr 29 – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – All-Star Late Model Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - ARDC Midgets
Fri : Apr 29 - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 – Mobile International Speedway ; Mobile : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Firebird Raceway ; Chandler : AZ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series
Sat : Apr 30 - I-30 Speedway ; Benton : AR - SUPR Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Bakersfield Speedway ; Bakersfield : CA – West Coast Shootout Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Auto Club Speedway ; Fontana : CA - Vintage Auto Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - California Lightning Sprints
Sat : Apr 30 - Chowchilla Speedway ; Chowchilla : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat : Apr 30 - Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA - Golden State Challenge
Sat : Apr 30 - Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca ; Monterrey : CA - Historic Sportscar Racing West
Sat : Apr 30 - Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Sat : Apr 30 - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT - New England Truck Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Volusia Speedway Park ; Barberville : FL - Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - Historic Sportscar Racing East
Sat : Apr 30 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - V8 Stock Car Road Racing Series
Sat : Apr 30 – West Liberty Raceway ; West Liberty : IA – Open Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Lucas Oil Raceway ; Clermont : IN - NHRA Lucas Oil Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstad : IN - WoO Sprint Cars
Sat : Apr 30 - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Championship Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – National Championship Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Bluegrass Speedway ; Bardstown : KY - WoO Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS North Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Sportsman
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat : Apr 30 - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - POWRI Midgets
Sat : Apr 30 - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Bullring ; Las Vegas : NV - MMRA – Baby Grands
Sat : Apr 30 - The Strip at Las Vegas ; Las Vegas : NV - Super Chevy Show
Sat : Apr 30 - Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH - PASS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat : Apr 30 - Woodhull Raceway ; Woodhull : NY - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : Apr 30 – K-C Raceway ; Chillicothe : OH – All Star Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 – Mid America Speedway ; South Coffeyville : OK – Show Me Racing Series
Sat : Apr 30 - West Siloam Speedway ; West Siloam Springs : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat : Apr 30 – McKean County Raceway ; East Smethport : PA – United Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat : Apr 30 - Battleground Speedway ; Houston : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat : Apr 30 - Shady Oaks Speedway ; Goliad : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : Apr 30 - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - National Auto Sport Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - NASCAR Camping World West Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA Trans-Am Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA World Challenge
Sat : Apr 30 - Virginia Int Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber National Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Virginia Int Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber Regional Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Beaver Dam Raceway ; Beaver Dam : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Madison Int Speedway ; Oregon : WI - ASA Midwest Tour
Sat : Apr 30 - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association
Sun : May 1 - Firebird Raceway ; Chandler : AZ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series
Sun : May 1 - Yavapai Downs ; Prescott Valley : AZ - AMA Grand National Series
Sun : May 1 - Auto Club Speedway ; Fontana : CA - Vintage Auto Racing Association
Sun : May 1 - Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca ; Monterrey : CA - Historic Sportscar Racing West
Sun : May 1 - Stafford Motor Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun : May 1 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - Historic Sportscar Racing East
Sun : May 1 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - Mazda MX-5 Cup
Sun : May 1 - Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN - ARCA Late Models
Sun : May 1 - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - CRA Super Series
Sun : May 1 - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Sun : May 1 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Championship Late Model Association
Sun : May 1 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sun : May 1 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sun : May 1 - Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO - USMTS Modifieds
Sun : May 1 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Bullring ; Las Vegas : NV - MMRA – Baby Grands
Sun : May 1 - The Strip at Las Vegas ; Las Vegas : NV - Super Chevy Show
Sun : May 1 - Little Rock Speedway ; Rockingham : NC - INEX Legend Cars
Sun : May 1 - Rockingham Raceway Park ; Rockingham : NC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sun : May 1 - Millstream Speedway ; Findlay : OH - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sun : May 1 - Mountain Speedway ; Hazeltown : PA - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sun : May 1 - Cycle Ranch ; San Antonio : TX - The Off-Road Championship Series
Sun : May 1 - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - National Auto Sport Association
Sun : May 1 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA Trans-Am Series
Sun : May 1 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA World Challenge
Sun : May 1 - Thunder Road International Speedbowl ; Barrie : VT - ACT US Tour
Sun : May 1 - Virginia International Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber National Series
Sun : May 1 - Virginia International Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber Regional Series
Sun : May 1 - Madison International Speedway ; Oregon : WI - ASA Midwest Tour
Mon : May 2 - Watkins Glen International ; Watkins Glen : NY - National Auto Sport Association
Tue : May 3 - Watkins Glen International ; Watkins Glen : NY - National Auto Sport Association
Thu : May 5 - Heart O Texas Speedway ; Waco : TX - USMTS Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
When It's Not About the Racing, the Racing Community Is at its Best
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Thoughts to Trevor, Denny's Drama and NASCAR Momentum
by Mike Lovecchio
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Meeting a True Hero and Surviving Tally
by Regan Smith
NASCAR's Fan Council Canceled by Fan
by Jeff Meyer
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: If you've been reading either Frontstretch, or the Frontstretch Newsletter this week, then you've noticed a lot of articles about Cup drivers in the Nationwide Series. It was generally viewed as a positive move designed to get more track time. However, some drivers have paid the price for their double-dipping in the past. Examples of this include Ernie Irvan suffering what amounted to a career-ending injury in his own Busch car at Michigan in August 1999, and Steve Park's infamous injury at Darlington in September 2001.
At Richmond, Johnny Benson suffered an injury that put him out of the car for a few races while driving in the Busch race in 2002. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 2000 Pontiac Excitement 400, Geoff Bodine made his return to the Winston Cup Series after recovering from injuries suffered in his infamous crash at Daytona. Bodine ran well during the race, but eventually had to take relief. Who relieved him and what happened to Bodine's No. 60 Power Team Chevrolet after Bodine stepped out of the car?
A: Geoff Bodine was relieved by his younger brother, Todd. Todd had already crashed the No. 91 Chevrolet for LJ Racing (in what turned out to be the team's final start in the series) earlier in the event and had nothing to do.
Geoff gave it his all, but simply ran out of energy late in the race, forcing Joe Bessey Motorsports to find relief for Geoff. Todd stepped up and the change was made under green. Changing drivers under green cost the Power Team No. 60 three laps. However, with the help of cautions (and no Lucky Dogs, since they did not exist at the time), Todd got the No. 60 back on the lead lap and drove it to a 13th-place finish behind winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 Race Recap by TBA
-- Big Six: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 by Amy Henderson
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday night's action from Richmond.
Monday Morning Tear-Down by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan takes a look at the biggest story from the weekend and analyzes it without pulling any punches.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing at Richmond.
Running Their Mouth: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 by Brody Jones
Did he really say that? You bet he did! Brody brings you the most interesting, unusual, and downright crazy quotes to come from the drivers after Saturday night's race from Richmond.
Bubble Breakdown by Dave Thompson
Dave takes a look at the backmarkers battling for the 35th and final "locked in" spot and sees how their performances pay off at Richmond.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Bubba Burger 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
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©2011 Frontstretch.com
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 29th, 2011
Volume V, Edition LXXVI
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Today we debut the first ever Frontstretch podcast. Check in with host Doug Turnbull as he goes through the news of the week (Editor's Note: The Bayne story broke just after our taping, so check out Amy Henderson's column if you'd like the latest, up-to-date information on that illness). This week's exclusive driver audio is Brian Vickers; listen to him explain his disappointing start to 2011, pending free agency, his fitness regimen post-blood clot health scare and how he defines "beating and banging" on the Cup circuit. Plus, join Henderson and Tom Bowles as we have a writer's roundtable on Cup influence in the Nationwide Series, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s resurgence and so much more! It's all part of our newest feature, something you can download every week on Frontstretch.com. Love it, hate it or just have something to say? Email us at editors@frontstretch.com to share your feedback.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Eric McClure's Home Suffers Tornado Damage
As a round of tornadoes swept across the Southeast on Wednesday, leaving hundreds dead, countless more injured, and some cities and neighborhoods decimated, one of NASCAR's own was left in the path of destruction and survived what he described as the "most helpless and scary" moment of his life to ESPN.com's David Newton.
Eric McClure, driver for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, huddled in the basement with his wife, three children, and two dogs in his home in Abingdon, VA following a church service on Wednesday night. McClure and his family spent nearly four hours underneath their basement staircase waiting out a storm in which a tornado significantly damaged McClure's home. Though no injuries were sustained to any of McClure's family members or pets, the house was left unlivable.
"It's tough to just sit there and wait," McClure said. "It got real dead for five or six seconds. Then it felt like a train came through the house. That's when we put our heads down and just waited it out. The thing was just shaking the house. I don't wish that on anybody."
McClure and his family are staying in his father's house, which received minor damage. McClure's house suffered severe damage including blown out windows and flooding, and significant damage to the back porch and kitchen when a large tree fell into the house.
McClure is planning to compete in Friday night's Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway, but said, "If I don't drive, they're already working on somebody to run the car if they need to."
McClure is currently 18th in points, 125 points out of the lead. His best finish through eight races this season was a 20th place running at Las Vegas Motor Speedway back in March.
Trevor Bayne Hospitalized, Will Not Race in Richmond
After being hospitalized and released earlier this month for an insect bite on his left elbow, Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne has been hospitalized for symptoms thought to be related to the insect bite and is undergoing tests and treatment. The tests will keep Bayne out of the No. 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series car for Roush Fenway Racing in this weekend's race at Richmond International Raceway.
"Trevor was not feeling well early this week and he is currently being evaluated for lingering symptoms that may be related to his previous insect bite," said RFR president Steve Newmark.
Bayne, who is tied with Reed Sorenson at fourth in the standings, four points out of the lead heading into Richmond, will be replaced by one of 18-year-old RFR developmental driver Chris Buescher.
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Larry the Cable Guy Announced as Honorary Pace Car Driver at Charlotte
Larry the Cable Guy, comedian and voice of Mater in the upcoming "Cars 2" movie, will be the honorary pace car driver on May 29th for the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The comedian will also attend the drivers meeting and various other events on race day.
Larry the Cable Guy will be on hand to help celebrate the June 24 release of Disney Pixar's "Cars 2." On Coca Cola 600 weekend, there will be full-size replicas of Larry's character Mater and Lightning McQueen. The two cars will also take the track for the pre-race parade laps.
"I am excited to Git R Done in the pace car at Charlotte Motor Speedway and lead the field to the start of NASCAR's Coca Cola 600," Larry the Cable Guy said. "It will be an honor to be a part of the most patriotic pre-race show in America."
In May of 2006, Charlotte Motor Speedway also teamed up with Disney Pixar to show the premiere of "Cars" on outdoor movie screens at the track with 35,000 fans in attendance.
Richard and Judy Childress Receive Recognition For Their Charity Work
Richard Childress Racing reported on Thursday that Richard Childress and his wife Judy were honored twice in April for their charitable work. Richard Childress visited several injured soldiers at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, MD. It wasn't anything new for Childress, who has visited troops in the U.S., Iraq, Bosnia and Spain. At the seventh annual Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala in Washington, D.C. on April 6th, Childress received the Bill and Beverly Young Humanitarian of the Year Award.
A few days later, Childress received another award. Richard Childress and his wife Judy were honored by the Winston-Salem (N.C.) branch of Exchange/S.C.A.N. (Stop Child Abuse Now) organization. The couple was given the 2011 Founders Award for their work to help children. In 2008, the Childress' opened the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to help children that have sustained serious injuries.
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Frontstretch Folio: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Richmond International Raceway for the Crown Royal presents the Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400. Saturday's race will be the ninth race of the season. The Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 will be broadcast live Saturday, April 30, on FOX at 7:30 PM ET and MRN Radio at 6:30 PM ET. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (300 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 20.772 sec at 129.983 mph in qualifying for the 2004 Chevy American Revolution 400. Vickers finished eighth in the race after leading 32 laps. The pole was Vickers' first of the season, and he would go on to win one more. He finished out the 2004 season with four top 10s and an average finish of 22nd in 36 races that year. He finished the season 25th in points.
Dale Jarrett holds the record for the fastest race run at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 109.047 mph in the 1997 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400. Jarrett led 39 of the 400 laps run and had a margin of victory of 1.802 sec over second-place Jeff Burton. Jeff Gordon finished third, followed by Geoffrey Bodine and Rusty Wallace. The win was Jarrett's fifth of the season and he would go on to win two more. In the 32 races that year, Jarrett grabbed 20 top 5s, 23 top 10s, and an average finish of 10th. He finished second in points.
Kyle Busch is the defending race winner of this event, leading 195 of the 400 laps to win the 2010 Crown Royal Presents the Heath Calhoun 400 by 0.755 sec over second-place Jeff Gordon. Kevin Harvick finished third, followed by Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards to round out the top 5. The win was Busch's first of the season, and he would go on to win two more races before the 2010 season was out. In 36 starts, Busch grabbed 10 top 5s, 18 top 10s, and an average finish of 14th to finish eighth in points.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 0.75 mile oval, 400 laps (300 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 14 degrees in the turns
Frontstretch: 1,290 ft., banked 8 degrees
Backstretch: 860 ft., banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 97,912
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, April 29, 12:00 – 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, April 29, 5:35 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, April 29, 2:45 – 3:30 PM ET on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Sunny
High: 74
Low: 51
Say What?!
"We are back to a short track again this weekend and Richmond is one of my favorite short tracks. We ran well at Martinsville and were competitive at Phoenix, and both of those tracks help you get a feel for Richmond. Our short track cars are better than they have ever been and I'm ready to race at one of my favorite tracks under the lights Saturday night." -David Ragan
"I love Richmond, and I don't know of another driver that doesn't like this track. But it is a very challenging short track. One of the keys to going fast here is getting the DuPont Chevrolet to turn the middle of the corner. But it's tough to get the car to turn the middle without getting the car too loose in and too loose off." -Jeff Gordon
"It's a fun track for me and a fan favorite too. We should have a couple more tracks on the schedule like Richmond because it's neat for fans to be able to see their drivers up close on the track. On top of that, it's always a great night race. I love Richmond and I've ran good there. You can race two and three wide and can pass. All around, it's a good competitive track to race at." -Bobby Labonte
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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Keepin' It Short: Racing The Way It Oughta Be
by Mike Neff
The modern world of NASCAR national touring series racing has evolved into a high-tech, scientific endeavor that involves as much engineering and computer input as it does good, ol' fashioned ingenuity and wrench turning. Fortunately, for many race fans local short tracks still offer a chance to watch people compete who have some technical input but still spend as much time experimenting with things to make their cars go faster. Thursday night at Richmond International Raceway was a celebration of that kind of racing even though one of the Top Guns in the business took the win.
Denny Hamlin, for the fourth year in a row, put on a charity race to raise money for his foundation and in the process shone the spotlight on some of the best Late Model racers in the country. 49 race cars hit the track for practice and qualifying for the event with 14 "celebrity" drivers being guaranteed a spot in the race. That left 22 spots available for the best shoes from local tracks to showcase their abilities and make a run at taking a win from some of the Cup regulars who were entered in the event. After qualifying was finished Matt McCall, a local racer and engineer for Richard Childress Racing was the fastest car of the bunch.
While McCall's pole was impressive considering he beat out the likes of Kyle Busch and Hamlin for the top spot, there was an even better story that shook out during the hours leading up to qualifying. At the end of the first practice session of the day for the Late Models, 2005 Whelen All-American National Champion Peyton Sellers had his engine expire. He was the second fastest car in the session but did not have a spare engine at the track to put into his car. In true local racing fashion Sellers contacted his friend Rusty Skewes, who has a shop some 20 miles from the race track. Skewes loaned an older engine to Sellers whose crew drove to the shop, picked up the engine, drove back to the track and dropped it in the car just in time for it to be the last one of the track for qualifying.
While it is somewhat commonplace in the Cup series for race teams to change an engine during a practice day and be back in commission in under an hour, that isn't something a small race organization pulls off during their normal routines. While Sellers ended up not being competitive in the big race, the fact that his team changed an engine and he was able to put the car into the show was no small feat. It is no wonder that he won a national title with a team like that behind his efforts.
The spirit of cooperation did not end with Sellers' engine experience. During the red flag that halted the K&N East Series race for rain, Joey Logano stopped by to talk with Travis Pastrana about the Late Model that the X Games star would be piloting later in the evening. As it turns out, the car was the steed that Logano had raced the previous year in the charity event. So "Sliced Bread" didn't mess around, offering Pastrana some encouraging words and a couple of suggestions to try and help the newcomer get the most out of his ride in the charity race.
In the end the night not only showcased what is good about short track racing, it also raised some money for some worthy causes including Cystic Fibrosis, St. Jude's Hospital, The Children's Hospital of Richmond and, due to the bad weather over the last few days, tornado victims across the country. When the evening came to an end, Denny Hamlin had finally taken home a victory in his own event for the first time, but the real winners were the fans and especially the charities that receive donations from the Denny Hamlin Foundation.
NOTE: For Denny Hamlin Showdown Official Results And The Story of the Race Itself, Click Here.
Upcoming Short Track Schedule:
Fri : Apr 29 - Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR - Mid-South Racing Association
Fri : Apr 29 – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Apr 29 – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Open Late Models
Fri : Apr 29 - USA Speedway ; Sterlington : LA - SUPR Late Models
Fri : Apr 29 - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Model Association
Fri : Apr 29 - Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO - POWRI Midgets
Fri : Apr 29 – Rocky Top Raceway ; Coal Grove : OH – Midwest Dirt Racing League
Fri : Apr 29 - Outlaw Motor Speedway ; Wainwright : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Fri : Apr 29 - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Bedford Speedway ; Bedford : PA - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Fri : Apr 29 – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – All-Star Late Model Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - ARDC Midgets
Fri : Apr 29 - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Fri : Apr 29 - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 – Mobile International Speedway ; Mobile : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Firebird Raceway ; Chandler : AZ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series
Sat : Apr 30 - I-30 Speedway ; Benton : AR - SUPR Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Bakersfield Speedway ; Bakersfield : CA – West Coast Shootout Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Auto Club Speedway ; Fontana : CA - Vintage Auto Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - California Lightning Sprints
Sat : Apr 30 - Chowchilla Speedway ; Chowchilla : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat : Apr 30 - Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA - Golden State Challenge
Sat : Apr 30 - Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca ; Monterrey : CA - Historic Sportscar Racing West
Sat : Apr 30 - Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Sat : Apr 30 - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT - New England Truck Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Volusia Speedway Park ; Barberville : FL - Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - Historic Sportscar Racing East
Sat : Apr 30 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - V8 Stock Car Road Racing Series
Sat : Apr 30 – West Liberty Raceway ; West Liberty : IA – Open Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Lucas Oil Raceway ; Clermont : IN - NHRA Lucas Oil Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstad : IN - WoO Sprint Cars
Sat : Apr 30 - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Championship Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – National Championship Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Bluegrass Speedway ; Bardstown : KY - WoO Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS North Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Sportsman
Sat : Apr 30 - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat : Apr 30 - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - POWRI Midgets
Sat : Apr 30 - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Bullring ; Las Vegas : NV - MMRA – Baby Grands
Sat : Apr 30 - The Strip at Las Vegas ; Las Vegas : NV - Super Chevy Show
Sat : Apr 30 - Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH - PASS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat : Apr 30 - Woodhull Raceway ; Woodhull : NY - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : Apr 30 – K-C Raceway ; Chillicothe : OH – All Star Late Model Series
Sat : Apr 30 – Mid America Speedway ; South Coffeyville : OK – Show Me Racing Series
Sat : Apr 30 - West Siloam Speedway ; West Siloam Springs : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 30 - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat : Apr 30 – McKean County Raceway ; East Smethport : PA – United Late Models
Sat : Apr 30 - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat : Apr 30 - Battleground Speedway ; Houston : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat : Apr 30 - Shady Oaks Speedway ; Goliad : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : Apr 30 - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - National Auto Sport Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - NASCAR Camping World West Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA Trans-Am Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA World Challenge
Sat : Apr 30 - Virginia Int Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber National Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Virginia Int Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber Regional Series
Sat : Apr 30 - Beaver Dam Raceway ; Beaver Dam : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat : Apr 30 - Madison Int Speedway ; Oregon : WI - ASA Midwest Tour
Sat : Apr 30 - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association
Sun : May 1 - Firebird Raceway ; Chandler : AZ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series
Sun : May 1 - Yavapai Downs ; Prescott Valley : AZ - AMA Grand National Series
Sun : May 1 - Auto Club Speedway ; Fontana : CA - Vintage Auto Racing Association
Sun : May 1 - Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca ; Monterrey : CA - Historic Sportscar Racing West
Sun : May 1 - Stafford Motor Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun : May 1 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - Historic Sportscar Racing East
Sun : May 1 - Road Atlanta ; Braselton : GA - Mazda MX-5 Cup
Sun : May 1 - Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN - ARCA Late Models
Sun : May 1 - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - CRA Super Series
Sun : May 1 - Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA - ChumpCar World Series
Sun : May 1 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Championship Late Model Association
Sun : May 1 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sun : May 1 - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sun : May 1 - Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO - USMTS Modifieds
Sun : May 1 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Bullring ; Las Vegas : NV - MMRA – Baby Grands
Sun : May 1 - The Strip at Las Vegas ; Las Vegas : NV - Super Chevy Show
Sun : May 1 - Little Rock Speedway ; Rockingham : NC - INEX Legend Cars
Sun : May 1 - Rockingham Raceway Park ; Rockingham : NC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sun : May 1 - Millstream Speedway ; Findlay : OH - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sun : May 1 - Mountain Speedway ; Hazeltown : PA - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sun : May 1 - Cycle Ranch ; San Antonio : TX - The Off-Road Championship Series
Sun : May 1 - Texas World Speedway ; Bryan : TX - National Auto Sport Association
Sun : May 1 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA Trans-Am Series
Sun : May 1 - Miller Motorsports Park ; Salt Lake City : UT - SCCA World Challenge
Sun : May 1 - Thunder Road International Speedbowl ; Barrie : VT - ACT US Tour
Sun : May 1 - Virginia International Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber National Series
Sun : May 1 - Virginia International Raceway ; Danville : VA - Skip Barber Regional Series
Sun : May 1 - Madison International Speedway ; Oregon : WI - ASA Midwest Tour
Mon : May 2 - Watkins Glen International ; Watkins Glen : NY - National Auto Sport Association
Tue : May 3 - Watkins Glen International ; Watkins Glen : NY - National Auto Sport Association
Thu : May 5 - Heart O Texas Speedway ; Waco : TX - USMTS Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
When It's Not About the Racing, the Racing Community Is at its Best
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Thoughts to Trevor, Denny's Drama and NASCAR Momentum
by Mike Lovecchio
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Meeting a True Hero and Surviving Tally
by Regan Smith
NASCAR's Fan Council Canceled by Fan
by Jeff Meyer
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: If you've been reading either Frontstretch, or the Frontstretch Newsletter this week, then you've noticed a lot of articles about Cup drivers in the Nationwide Series. It was generally viewed as a positive move designed to get more track time. However, some drivers have paid the price for their double-dipping in the past. Examples of this include Ernie Irvan suffering what amounted to a career-ending injury in his own Busch car at Michigan in August 1999, and Steve Park's infamous injury at Darlington in September 2001.
At Richmond, Johnny Benson suffered an injury that put him out of the car for a few races while driving in the Busch race in 2002. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 2000 Pontiac Excitement 400, Geoff Bodine made his return to the Winston Cup Series after recovering from injuries suffered in his infamous crash at Daytona. Bodine ran well during the race, but eventually had to take relief. Who relieved him and what happened to Bodine's No. 60 Power Team Chevrolet after Bodine stepped out of the car?
A: Geoff Bodine was relieved by his younger brother, Todd. Todd had already crashed the No. 91 Chevrolet for LJ Racing (in what turned out to be the team's final start in the series) earlier in the event and had nothing to do.
Geoff gave it his all, but simply ran out of energy late in the race, forcing Joe Bessey Motorsports to find relief for Geoff. Todd stepped up and the change was made under green. Changing drivers under green cost the Power Team No. 60 three laps. However, with the help of cautions (and no Lucky Dogs, since they did not exist at the time), Todd got the No. 60 back on the lead lap and drove it to a 13th-place finish behind winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 Race Recap by TBA
-- Big Six: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 by Amy Henderson
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday night's action from Richmond.
Monday Morning Tear-Down by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan takes a look at the biggest story from the weekend and analyzes it without pulling any punches.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing at Richmond.
Running Their Mouth: Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 by Brody Jones
Did he really say that? You bet he did! Brody brings you the most interesting, unusual, and downright crazy quotes to come from the drivers after Saturday night's race from Richmond.
Bubble Breakdown by Dave Thompson
Dave takes a look at the backmarkers battling for the 35th and final "locked in" spot and sees how their performances pay off at Richmond.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Bubba Burger 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
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