Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Frontstretch Newsletter: May 17th, 2011

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 17th, 2011
Volume V, Edition XC
~~~~~~~~~~
What To Watch For: Tuesday
 
This morning, Jimmie Johnson will have a teleconference discussing, in part, his team's decision to run the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet (not 48) in Saturday night's All-Star Race. The Dover late-race pit strategy snafu, costing him a potential victory is also bound to crop up with media questioning. And the Trevor Bayne testing watch continues down at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia; the driver is scheduled to be there on an undisclosed date this week (we're hearing Wednesday) to shake down a racecar and determine if he's fit to drive in NASCAR's All-Star event Saturday, May 21st.

Today's Top News
by Tom Bowles

FOX Praised For Split Screen While ESPN, Fans React
 
One day after the first "split screen" commercial in NASCAR television history, FOX network and the sport's additional broadcast partners absorbed an overwhelming response to the change. It was a one-time experiment, put together in the closing laps of the race; rather than switch to full-scale advertisements, the network showed commercials on one side while keeping half the TV screen filled with racing action on the other. That way, those watching missed nothing and saw important moments unfold live, as they happened rather than on replay two minutes later.
 
According to an official FOX statement, the decision to try this new type of advertisement was made possible by companies Sprint, Fed Ex, and Pizza Hut willing to jump on board with the switch. An executive from Sprint immediately spoke out after the race, claiming a positive reaction from viewers and saying they'd consider moving forward with doing it again.
 
"Certainly something that fans are interested in carries a lot of weight,'' Tim Considine, director of Sports Marketing for the phone company said Sunday. "We like the concept. If it's something that enhances the experience for fans, we certainly want to support [it].''
 
So will the FOX adjustment start a long-term trend? An ESPN spokesman told Dustin Long Monday their network "has wanted to do it with NASCAR. We're continuing to have discussions [but] we're not contractually permitted to do it.''

Of course, that direct contradiction with FOX will spice up those negotiations going forward; as for TNT, their "Wide Open" coverage of Daytona's 400-mile event will remain the only night on their six-race schedule they'll go mostly commercial-free. SPEED, the network broadcasting the All-Star Race has not officially announced plans to conduct the same type of FOX experiment; however, considering an overwhelming fan reaction on Twitter and to the companies supportive of the switch, things could change. For more on this developing story, please check out Phil Allaway's TV Critique on the issue further down this section.
 
Racy Ad Pitting Harvick, Busch Against Each Other Highlights All-Star Race
 
Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch are on NASCAR probation through June 12th at Pocono… for points-paying events only. The All-Star Race, by comparison is a place where anything goes and Charlotte Motor Speedway President Marcus Smith isn't afraid to highlight it.

A new digital ad claiming "It Gets Settled," championed by Smith and CMS highlights the two drivers' ugly confrontation from Darlington; there's an image of Busch pushing Harvick's car out of the way while the racetrack advertises a $1 million purse for the All-Star Race winner. Does the message step over the line, contradicting NASCAR's probation penalty? Smith sure doesn't think so.
 
"It's the hot story of the day and it's exciting and dramatic to have a fight on pit road or the frontstretch," CMS president Marcus Smith explained to Jenna Fryer Monday. "It's current news and it helps to attract some attention to the event. That, along with great racing all year long, has helped with ticket sales."
 
And Smith isn't afraid to light the fire one more time. Claiming he'll pay any fine that arises from fireworks Saturday night, Smith becomes the middleman in a tricky NASCAR policy of "Boys, Have At It." The sport's recent philosophy has been to step back in driver confrontations, allowing on-track issues to get settled without official interference as long as safety isn't compromised. The Harvick-Busch fight proved the latest example: NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp made it clear their four-week probation penalties last week, along with a $25,000 fine resulted from retaliatory actions occurring on pit road rather than the actual confrontation itself.
 
Whether Smith's latest provocation will lead to more aggression Saturday night is unclear. But the CMS President staunchly believes that when it comes to NASCAR's fan exhibition, all its participants must have the freedom to race however they wish.

"I heard all the drivers say and read what they say, that this probation and fine is not going to change the way they drive," Smith said. "I think that's fantastic. That penalty, although it was somewhat costly, the probation is the equivalent of a slap on the wrist and I sure hope it doesn't make a difference in the way they compete."
 
Roush Yates Helping Out Alabama Tornado Victims
 
Joining a long list of NASCAR teams reaching out to those in need, Roush Fenway Racing announced Monday they will be collecting clothing and supplies from today through Thursday, May 26th for victims of the Alabama tornado disaster. Donations to RFR can be directly dropped off or sent to 122 Knob Hill Road in Mooresville, NC; the organization will also accept them at the ARCA Race in New Jersey Motorsports Park this Saturday and Sunday.
 
But RFR won't stop there. May 26th through May 29th, the team is bringing a group of volunteers down to Alabama to assist with cleanup efforts and personally deliver the donations. Those interested can sign up by emailing Kenna Primm at kprimm@roushyates.com or contacting Nick Ramey at (704) 401-6869. The weather catastrophe, one of the deadliest on record for tornadoes claimed 238 Alabama lives as of May 11th. A category one natural disaster, the Associated Press has reported damage estimates of up to $2 billion in that state alone.
 
Want to help another way? Frontstretch.com recommends texting "GIVE" to 80888. That will donate $10 towards disaster relief efforts in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama through the Salvation Army.
 
Dover TV Ratings Up
 
The Monster Mile took a break from piping up the on-track action Sunday, but maybe he was busy watching from his couch? Despite a steep decline in at-track attendance, the worst for Dover Downs Speedway since 2003 ratings for the Cup show went up 5.6% in the Nielsens year-to-year. Averaging a 3.8 and 9 share for 2011, it's a slight uptick from the 3.6 of Spring, 2010 when the race was held on the same weekend.
 
So far this season, FOX is averaging a 4.5 for its NASCAR coverage, flat with 2010 numbers despite a roughly 13 percent increase in Daytona 500 viewership. Just two races remain on their schedule this season: the May 29th Coca-Cola 600 and the first "Spring" event at Kansas set for Sunday, June 5th.
 
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Numbers Game:  FedEx 400 Benefiting Autism Speaks
by Brett Poirier
 
0
The number of wins for Nationwide-only drivers through 11 races.
 
0
The number of top-10 finishes for Jeff Burton and David Reutimann combined this season. They are the only two drivers in the top-30 in points yet to record a top-10 finish.

3
The number of races in which Kyle Busch has not led a lap in the Sprint Cup Series this season. After starting from the rear of the field, Busch never led Sunday at Dover.

4
The number of pit road penalties assessed to the No. 6 team in Sunday's race at Dover (Pitting before pit road was open, too many crewmembers over wall, running the stop/go light, speeding).

5
The number of cars to pull off the track between laps 45 and 55 of Sunday's race at Dover.
 
8
The number of top-10 finishes this year for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in the Nationwide Series this season, the most of any Nationwide-only driver.

9
The number of top-10 finishes this season for Carl Edwards after 11 Sprint Cup races, the most of any driver.

11
The number of cars to finish on the lead lap in Saturday's race at Dover.

11
The number of cars out of Saturday's Nationwide race because of mechanical or handling issues.
 
19.3
The average finishing position of Sprint Cup drivers following a win in the previous Sprint Cup race in 2011. After winning at Darlington, Regan Smith was 34th at Dover with electrical problems forcing him behind the wall for a time.

21
The number of cars running at the end of the Nationwide race on Saturday. Less than half of the 43 starters were running at the finish.
 
23
The number of lead changes in Sunday's Sprint Cup race between 11 different drivers.

Tie For 27th
The points position of Joey Logano in the Sprint Cup Series. He was 27th on Sunday and has just one top 10 all year.
 
31
The number of top-10 finishes for Mark Martin in 50 career starts at Dover.

32
The number of wins for Carl Edwards in his Nationwide Series career after a win at Dover Saturday. He passed Jack Ingram for fourth on the all-time list.

35
The number of Sprint Cup drivers to record 20 or more wins in their career. Matt Kenseth won his 20th career race on Sunday.
 
92
The number of cautions thrown after 11 Sprint Cup races this season, averaging out to a little more than eight a race.

403
The number of laps completed by Joe Nemechek through 11 Sprint Cup Series races. He ran 55 laps on Sunday and finished 39th. Matt Kenseth completed 400 laps to win at Dover on Sunday.

1,192
The number of laps led by Jimmie Johnson is his last five Dover starts combined (59.6 percent of all laps). He led a race-high 207 laps on Sunday.
 
$3,079,590
The earnings in Sprint Cup this season for point leader Carl Edwards. He is the only driver to reach the $3 million mark in 2011 to date.
 
Brett Poirier is a Website Contributor for Frontstretch.com.  He can be reached via e-mail at brett.poirier@frontstretch.com.
 
Today's Featured Commentary: A Double-Dip Edition
2011: Short On Controversy - Short On Fun
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady

Would they or wouldn't they?  For days and days, nothing else graced the headlines of NASCAR media more than a heavyweight "fight" staged on pit road.  Come Saturday, when Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch would next meet up on the track, could they permit their emotions to get the better of them, proceeding to finish what Harvick wanted to start at the end of the Southern 500?

I knew, once the "penalties" were issued last Tuesday, exactly what the outcome would be…not much of anything.  NASCAR clearly didn't perceive the near spat using cars instead of fists as anything too terrible to worry about, trotting out a pitiful $25,000 penalty and the ubiquitous but never truly meaningful probation for the pair.  Helton didn't think much of the confrontation.

So why did the media continue to pose the question all through the usual driver appearances all weekend long?  Because, quite frankly, there wasn't much else to talk about.  Or at least, not enough to fill endless hours of practice, qualifying and the various at-the-track shows that fill SPEED and FOX's programming on race weeks.

Despite the fact that we're one third of the way through the season, and the Spring has been littered with feel good, out of the ordinary kind of endings to the races, we've lacked any truly big story.  Nobody has tried to slip a slightly bent car through inspection, a tire issue at Bristol turned into nothing more than an inconvenience for the guys working the Goodyear garage, and even though we've seen some mighty big hits, drivers continue to walk away without any lingering negative effects.  Furthermore, the weather has actually agreed to cooperate this year.  Ain't that something?  Especially with the tornados and floods ripping through our nation, it appears that at least rain has permitted us our races.

Quite basically, as a sports nation that has been living through years of discontent, we should be thrilled with a year sprinkled with a variety of winners including a pair of first-time visitors to Victory Lane.  We're all focused on sorting out the effects of a new points system that has had little effect on the actual competition, and there's even the distraction of new (well, new to NASCAR) technology coming in the engine compartment.

It's all very, well, kind of a nice year.  Nice. Tepid.  Beige.  Last I checked, none of those words belong in descriptions pertaining to auto racing.

So mad, he was ready to rip the offending driver out of his seat and explain the facts of life to the ignoramus…now that sounds more like what we hark back to on occasion when thinking of the good ole days.  That was what Harvick wanted to make happen over a week ago when Kyle Busch decided it was better to drive away from the confrontation.  And yet, considering most of what we've seen of the younger Busch over the past six months or so, this bland reaction sort of fits his new persona.

But does it fit NASCAR? 

It might fit in with 2011, as depressing as that might be.  Unless, of course, Kevin Harvick gets Jimmy Spencer to hold Kyle Busch down on the start/finish line and proceeds to provide the kind of pre-race entertainment we could stand a little more of.  Combined with Clint Bowyer's cars doing pirouettes on its nose weekly, the rest of the season might turn into something a little more exciting.

I'm sure the producers of the All-Star race are certainly hoping so.

S.D. Grady is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com.  She can be reached via e-mail at laregna@gmail.com.

Will "It Get Settled" Between Busch And Harvick?
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Just a week removed from the four-race probation issued to Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch after their pit road antics following the Saturday night showdown at Darlington, the Cup Series heads home to Charlotte for the annual All-Star race.  And in an effort to promote the all-out, no holds barred racing that typically accompanies the non-points events, Marcus Smith, President of Charolotte Motor Speedway has released a digital ad highlighting the renewed rivalry between two of the sport's biggest hot heads.
 
The ad claims "It Gets Settled" and features a clip of Busch pushing Harvick's car on pit road.  Ruh-roh; I know as well as you do that there will be plenty of people screaming for more penalties if the two drivers get into it again on the track.  But Smith just sees it as an opportunity to resolve the problems with little risk of further penalty from NASCAR to the point that he's offered to pay any fines issued as a result of taking out their aggression Saturday night.
 
But is it really a good idea?
 
First of all, both drivers have made it very clear that little has been resolved between the two.  They've never really gotten along, and Busch claims Harvick will "talk to your face like you're best friends, but then behind closed doors he has the utmost disrespectful thoughts or whatever else."  Doesn't that make it sound like fans will be treated to some fireworks between the two this weekend?
 
The All-Star Race has typically been a place where drivers run wide open with little regard to points implications since there are none, and this year should be no different.  While I understand why both drivers were placed on probation, NASCAR was particularly clear to say "points-paying" race when they issued the four-race penalty.  And I'm not so sure they didn't do that intentionally knowing the All-Star Race would fall right in the middle of their probation periods.
 
Then you add in the clarification that the penalties were issued to both parties not for their actions on track but rather their actions on pit road, and you have a perfect recipe for some excitement in the All-Star Race.
 
Now I'm not advocating that Harvick seek out Busch in retaliation for the spin that cost him the finish at Darlington.  In fact, I don't agree at all with drivers using their cars as weapons.  I'd rather see them settle outside the car where there's less risk of injury to both drivers as well as the innocent competitors that will ultimately get caught up in their spat.  But what I am saying is that I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the two race each other harder than they do the rest of their competition on the track.
 
We won't know until Saturday night whether Busch and Harvick will settle their differences during the All-Star Race, but we can be certain of one thing now: Marcus Smith hopes they will.

Beth Lunkenheimer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com.  She can be reached via e-mail at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you one of the 20 million XBox Live subscribers?  Do you prefer your Playstation 3, Wii or PC for gaming?  Either way you'll be right at home with the gamers at Plan 9 Gaming.  Catering to all current-generation consoles, Plan 9 features forums, news, videos, podcasts and more.  Click here to join the community today!
~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
 
The Yellow Stripe:  The Most Pointless Vote In The History Of Secret Ballots... But Does It Matter?
by Phil Allaway
 
by Beth Lunkenheimer
~~~~~~~~~~~
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device.
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
~~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
 
Q:  In 1993, then-rookie Jeff Gordon was considered to be an early favorite to win The Winston.  However, since he was a rook, he had to race in through the Winston Open.  Unfortunately, his night came to an early end.  What happened?

Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Monday's Answer:
Q:  The Winston in 1987 was best known for Dale Earnhardt's infamous "Pass In The Grass," which, as we know now, was not even a pass but a maneuver to save the Wrangler Chevrolet after contact with Bill Elliott.  That contact was quite interesting, since The Winston turned out to be a breaking point for some of the series' stars with Earnhardt.  What happened?

A:  During The Winston, Earnhardt, Elliott and Geoff Bodine had contact multiple times, including one incident in which Elliott spun out Bodine in Turn 1 - however, both drivers blamed Earnhardt for the incident.  After Earnhardt won the $200,000, both drivers then sideswiped the Wrangler-sponsored No. 3 on the cool-down lap to voice their opposition.  It was an act of defiance after three months of near complete domination and aggression by Earnhardt.
 
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee:  If we mess up, you get 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! 
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Summer Dreyer
-- Full Throttle by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
 
Did You Notice?... by Tom Bowles
Both men are one-time Sprint Cup winners; one drives for a multi-car giant while the other? He's now part of a single-car, underdog operation. One of the sport's best car owners could have had them both; but nearly three years later, did he make the right choice on who to take? Find out the story as part of a full-fleged edition of our signature column, a list of small but important observations on the NASCAR circuit from our Tom Bowles.
 
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
The Mirror crew is at it again with more talking points to debate.  Topics include what to do about fading track attendance, finicky Goodyear tires, the All-Star Race format and more.

Frontstretch Top Ten by Jeff Meyer
Our weekly list based on the latest NASCAR controversy will start your morning off with a laugh -- guaranteed.  This week's topic: The Top Ten Ways Recycling just one wireless phone helps support the conservation of resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps prevent air and water pollution, in "honor" of Sprint.

Top 15 Power Rankings by the Frontstretch Staff
Which driver came out of Dover on top of our 2011 Power Rankings chart? Jimmie Johnson? Carl Edwards? Kevin Harvick? Someone else? Find out who our select Frontstretch experts have labeled as this week's favorite heading into the All-Star Race.
 
Voice of Vito by TBA

Foto Funnies: Dover Edition by Kurt Smith
Kurt's back to leave you laughing with the best photos you didn't see in the papers from the Monster Mile.

Beyond The Cockpit: Travis Kvapil as told to Bryan Davis Keith
Two full-time rides were supposed to give Kvapil twice the success in NASCAR this season; instead, bad luck and worse chassis have turned it into a two-time disaster. See how he's handling the stress and working to turn things around, part of an extensive one-on-one interview in our latest Driver Q & A.
------------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2011 Frontstretch.com

--
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
 
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
Posted by Curious ... at 12:28 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment