Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 1st, 2011
Volume V, Edition CXXI
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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the July 1st edition that features Jeff Burton as our main racing guest.
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At the Track: Practice Updates
by Phil Allaway
Thursday at Daytona International Speedway was marked by periods of heavy rain, especially in the early afternoon. As a result, the opening practice sessions for both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series were washed out completely.
Fortunately, the rains stopped around 4 PM EDT, allowing for the jet dryers to get on track to dry the 2.5-mile tri-oval. NASCAR amended the schedule so that the Nationwide Series would get one 45 minute practice session. Following a ten minute break, the Sprint Cup Series took to the track for a 45 minute session.
Nationwide Series Practice
In the shortened Nationwide Series practice, Joey Logano turned in the fastest lap at a time of 45.880 seconds (196.164 mph). He was followed up closely by Brad Keselowski with a time of 45.882 seconds (196.155 mph). The two-car drafts were out in force from the moment the track opened until the red and black flags flew. Most of the teams chose not to run single-car runs at all. Most that did are go-or-go home teams, but there were some exceptions. For example, Blake Koch's car could not push for more than a half a lap without the engine temperature reaching 250 degrees. As a result, he mainly did single-car runs as well.
By no means was the practice session uneventful. Just a couple of minutes after the track opened for practice, Michael Annett and Brian Scott had a coming together in Turn 1. Annett's No. 62 hit the wall, while Scott's No. 11 spun to the apron, then back up the track. Since the crash happened on their first timed laps of the session, neither driver officially set a time and will be qualifying first tomorrow afternoon.
Later on, Kevin Harvick, Inc. teammates Elliott Sadler and Clint Bowyer were practicing their tandem drafting when they approached the duo of Jeremy Clements and Derrike Cope. Suddenly and without warning, Cope drifted up the track directly in front of Bowyer and Sadler. Sadler ended up hooking Bowyer, who spun to the apron, then back across the track, breaking his splitter in the process. Then, to add insult to injury, the car became stuck in the mud inside of Turn 4 due to the recent heavy rains. Bowyer will go to a back-up car, and Sadler's team will repair the No. 2.
Top 10 Speeds:
1. No. 20 Joey Logano 45.880 seconds, 196.164 mph
2. No. 22 Brad Keselowski 45.882 seconds, 196.155 mph
3. No. 32- Reed Sorenson 45.967 seconds, 195.793 mph
4. No. 38- Jason Leffler 45.968 seconds, 195.788 mph
5. No. 2- Elliott Sadler 46.234 seconds, 194.662 mph
6. No. 33- Clint Bowyer 46.234 seconds, 194.662 mph
7. No. 16- Trevor Bayne 46.270 seconds, 194.510 mph
8. No. 6- Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. 46.271 seconds, 194.510 mph
9. No. 9- Tony Stewart 46.283 seconds, 194.456 mph
10. No. 4- Kevin Harvick 46.283 seconds, 194.456 mph
Sprint Cup Series Practice
Sprint Cup Series practice was more of the same that we saw in Nationwide Series practice, just with faster speeds. Marcos Ambrose turned in the fastest lap of practice with a massive push from teammate AJ Allmendinger. Ambrose's lap of 45.133 seconds (199.411 mph) raised some eyebrows, but Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby is comfortable with the speeds for now.
The top 32 teams focused on tandem drafting during the session. J.J. Yeley did a little of both tandem drafting and running by himself. However, out of the drivers who exclusively did solo runs, Trevor Bayne was the fastest of them (34th overall with a lap of 49.110 seconds, 183.262 mph). If the time sheets hold in qualifying on Friday, Joe Nemechek, Tony Raines and Geoff Bodine are the slowest of the drivers not locked into the field. Kevin Conway and Travis Kvapil are also not necessarily safe, either.
Of course, there were still a couple of incidents during the sessions. Kasey Kahne rubbed against the outside wall in Turn 1, causing minimal damage to the right side of his Red Bull Toyota that the crew will repair. Kevin Conway, driving the No. 97 ExtenZe Toyota for NEMCO Motorsports, had a spin exiting Turn 2 during the session, however, no damage was done to the Camry.
Top 10 Speeds:
1. No. 9- Marcos Ambrose 45.133 seconds, 199.411 mph
2. No. 43- AJ Allmendinger 45.135 seconds, 199.402 mph
3. No. 22- Kurt Busch 45.346 seconds, 198.474 mph
4. No. 2- Brad Keselowski 45.347 seconds, 198.470 mph
5. No. 5- Mark Martin 45.435 seconds, 198.085 mph
6. No. 24- Jeff Gordon 45.435 seconds, 198.085 mph
7. No. 33- Clint Bowyer 45.481 seconds, 197.885 mph
8. No. 31- Jeff Burton 45.481 seconds, 197.885 mph
9. No. 29- Kevin Harvick 45.522 seconds, 197.707 mph
10. No. 27- Paul Menard 45.526 seconds, 197.689 mph
Editor's Note: Phil Allaway will be at Daytona all weekend, so stay tuned to Frontstretch.com for all of the latest breaking news from the annual Fourth of July visit to the 2.5-mile superspeedway.
Top News
by Brody Jones
Stewart Haas Racing Not Likely To Expand In 2012
In a day and age where multi-car teams have become the norm, Stewart Haas Racing is part of an ever shrinking minority with just two Cup entries. But the goal of Tony Stewart has always been to expand his operation from two teams to four one day. But that expansion, according to Stewart, is not likely to happen next year.
"I would think so. We're kind of in that crunch time of the year where if a package was going to happen, it would pretty much be that the wheels would have to be in motion by now."
Nevertheless, Stewart said SHR already has the infrastructure in place to expand, if need be.
"The good thing is that our shop is set up and capable of doing a three-car team," Stewart said. "It's not like we have to go build a building just to do it. We have that side of it in place and have made provisions to do it, if something were to come about."
Dale, Jr. To Carry Special Paint Scheme At Daytona
On Independence Day weekend, in recent years, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s No. 88 National Guard team has had a tradition of a special paint scheme for the Daytona July race, and this year is no exception.
Since 2008, the National Guard and the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports car Earnhardt, Jr. has run a camouflaged paint scheme for the July race at Daytona International Speedway. The paint scheme pays tribute to Independence Day and the men and women who have served in the National Guard. This year's National Guard Heritage/AMP Energy Chevy will continue the tradition by featuring the modern uniform pattern that is currently issued to Guard Soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
The Guard offers many rewards for one's service, like providing excellent educational and financial benefits and paid specialized training in more than 200 career fields.
Kurt Busch Discusses His Divorce
Lately, on the track, Kurt Busch has been on a roll in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, fresh off of a win at Sonoma, it seemed as if all was well in the world of Kurt Busch.
But things in his personal life have gone slightly askew. In the media room at Daytona today, Kurt Busch acknowledged that he was going through a divorce and he hopes that everyone will respect his privacy in his personal life. "Although we (Busch and his wife, Eva) are no longer together and are legally separated, we appreciate privacy in this situation," Busch said. "All I want to say on this is we are going though the process of terminating our marriage, but we are doing it with respect for each other and we'll always be friends."
"When you win, people want to bring you down," Busch said. "While drivers sometimes have a beef with certain media members, the vast majority are hard-working and responsible individuals trying to do their job the best way they can. I realize I'm an entity, but I'm also a person."
Busch was asked if his personal situation has had any affect on his performance on the track this season. He ranks fourth in the Sprint Cup standings with nine top-10s in 16 races, but he also has shown moments of frustration on the team radio when he was unhappy with his car.
"A lot of things are happening on a personal level," Busch said. "But our performance on the race track is the best way for putting all that aside."
Have news for Brody 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
Jimbo Fisher Named Grand Marshal for Coke Zero 400
Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher has been named the Grand Marshal for Saturday's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Fisher will give the starting command, be introduced at the driver's meeting, participate in driver introductions and get to ride around the track during pace laps before the start of the 160-lap race. Fisher was 10-4 last season in his first campaign coaching the Seminoles. It was the team's first 10-win season since 2003.
"I'm extremely honored and excited," Fisher said. "I've been a huge NASCAR fan my entire life. Being able to go to Daytona, where it all started in racing, is a very special privilege and something I'm really looking forward to. I consider this a great honor and I want to thank Coca-Cola for allowing me to represent Florida State."
Speedway Will Hold Largest Fireworks Display in Southeast
The Daytona International Speedway will once again hold one of the largest firework displays in the Southeast in honor of July 4. The display will take place after the conclusion of Saturday's Coke Zero 400. It will shoot from 15 different locations along the track's Superstretch and will last 15 minutes. The finale will last 1 minute, 30 seconds and will include over 2,000 different pieces. The show is set to include around 11,000 individual explosions.
Watkins Glen Will Host Major Music Festival
Watkins Glen International will host a major music festival for the first time in more than 40 years. The track will host Super Ball IX with headline artist Phish on July 1-3. The three-day event will feature activities, attractions and numerous performances by Phish.
It will be the first major concert Watkins Glen has held since it held Summer Jam in 1973. The event involved bands like The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers. Tickets start at $200 and include admission for the entire weekend and on-site camping.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Did you know The Frontstretch has a weekly podcast? Hosted by Doug Turnbull, the latest podcast comes out every Friday. This week, Doug is joined by columnist Brody Jones as the two discuss the "boys have at it" stories from Sonoma and much more! Check it out here!
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Frontstretch Folio: Coke Zero 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero 400. Saturday's race will be the 17th of 36 races this season, and will be broadcast live July 2nd, at 7:30 PM ET on TNT and 6:30 PM ET on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 160 laps (400 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Bill Elliott holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 42.783 sec at 210.364 mph during qualifying for the 1987 Daytona 500 in what was the final year before restrictor plates were introduced. In the race, Elliott led 104 laps and took the lead for the final time with three laps remaining to score his second Daytona 500 victory.
Bobby Allison holds the record for the fastest 400 mile race run at Daytona, with a speed of 173.473 mph in the 1980 Firecracker 400. Allison led 63 laps on the way to victory lane over David Pearson. Dale Eanhardt, Buddy Baker and Richard Petty rounded out the top 5. The victory was the second of four for Allison during the 1980 season. He finished sixth in points thanks to 12 top 5s, 18 top-10 finishes and 13 DNFs.
Kevin Harvick is the defending winner of this event, leading 28 of 166 laps to win the 2010 Coke Zero 400 by a slim 0.092 sec. over Kasey Kahne. Jeff Gordon finished third followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Burton to round out the top 5. The win was Harvick's second of three victories in 2010, where he went on to grab 16 top 5s, 26 top 10s, and an average finish of ninth in 36 races; he finished third in the standings.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.5-mile tri-oval; 160 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Degree of Banking: Turns 31 degrees; tri-oval 18 degrees
Frontstretch: Length: 3,800 feet, banked three degrees
Backstretch: Length: 3,000 feet, banked three degrees
Grandstand Seating: 147,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Thursday, June 30th at 4:00 PM ET on SPEED and 6:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, July 1st at 4:10 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Florida State Seminoles Football Coach Jimbo Fisher
Honorary Pace Car Driver: Bubba the Love Sponge
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Scattered Thunderstorms
High: 83
Low: 71
Say What?!
"Daytona is such a different race now with the new surface. It is all about pure speed and partnering up with someone. I know this weekend I don't want to finish second like I did in the 500. I will be doing everything I can to win this race. The 500 in February was the closest I have been to winning at Daytona in a Cup car and I really, really want to win there. That would be cool." -Carl Edwards
"Here, the physical demand isn't that big of deal. You can run around here all day long and not break a sweat, really. Once you get down into the nitty gritty of the race and try to play the chess game that goes on all day, you've got to really pick and choose your spots, and think all the time about going here or there and teaming up with a guy. I don't know if you call it racing, or what to call it, really. But it's definitely a different dynamic here at Talladega and Daytona, now, than what we've had in the past." -Kyle Busch
"Daytona we're excited about. Peter (crew chief Peter Sospenzo) keeps telling me the car is going to be better than it was for the 500. But we don't need it too much better, when you think about it. We had a great car in the 500, finished third, and could've kept passing cars if the finish line was another hundred yards down. Hopefully, it is a little bit better and we can go and work with some people." -David Gilliland
Beth Lunkenheimer is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
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Keepin' It Short: Celebrating 50 Years With Some of NASCAR's Elder Statesmen
by Mike Neff
Flamboro Speedway in Hamilton, Ontario has been hosting races since 1961 and this Friday, for Canada Day, they'll hold a race that will include three of the more recognizable names in NASCAR. Jimmy Spencer, Ken Schrader and Ernie Irvan are set to race in Thunder Cars, the intermediate division at Flamboro. Sterling Marlin was originially scheduled to compete in the event but unforeseen family obligations have prevented him from making the trip so Ernie Irvan is happily filling in his spot. Saturday night the Late Models will take to the track for the second night of racing over the Canada Day weekend.
Flamboro started out as a dirt track in 1960 but was quickly paved and has been providing outstanding racing ever since. It is a one-third-mile oval with 12 degree banked corners that has been receiving quite a few upgrades over the last couple of decades. In 1998, the track was resurfaced and restructured, and in 2004, Lucas Oil Products poured a large amount of money into the track installing new lights, a new scoreboard and giving the facility a facelift with a complete repainting. Two years later, the track had a VIP area constructed at the top of the first corner stands. Go-Karts received their own racing surface in 2008 as a track was added to the infield. The track has one of the largest seating capacities in Canada with over 7,000 permanent seats located on both straights and in the pits.
In 2002, the Super Sprints came to Flamboro and established what the ultimate speed around the third-mile would be. Most of the cars were in the low 14 second range when they qualified for their event with Dorman Snyder turning the first lap under 14 seconds at 13.97. Later that season Rick Baker turned a lap on July 6th of 13.89 seconds which is still the fastest lap in the history of the speedway.
The Race of Champions Friday night will be the first time a Sprint Cup driver has competed at Flamboro. It is an invitation only event with a field that'll be filled by proven champions and applicants who are deemed worthy of competing in the race. J.R. Fitzpatrick, a name familiar to many NASCAR fans was the first official entrant in the event. There won't be any points for this race, it is all about pride. There's no question that there will be beating and banging and some outstanding racing in both the main event and the qualifying heats. For our Canadian fans, if you're in the Hamilton, Ontario area, pay Flamboro a visit Friday night; you won't be disappointed.
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
The race for the National Championship is about to get down to nickels and dimes. Philip Morris will max out on his number of point races this week at 18, so he won't be able to add large numbers to his total after this coming week. Keith Rocco has been at the magic 18 number for a couple of weeks and that has allowed Morris to make up the ground between the two and now they are in a virtual dead heat. Rocco ran one race this past week and did pick up the win but he was only able to add 25 points to his total, giving him 590 points.
Morris ran two races at Motor Mile Speedway this week, scoring a second in the first race, leading a majority of the second before having his left rear tire valve stem knocked out by Lee Pulliam who went on to secure the win, making it a sweep for him. Morris has retaken the points lead with 599 markers while Pulliam is not too far behind in third with 582 points to his credit. Morris and Pulliam have run the same number of races and have the same number of top 5s and top 10s but Morris has one more win. It is going to be a battle to the end unless someone can get to 18 max point wins.
C. E. Falk, III maintained his grip on the fourth spot in the standings by winning his fourth race of the season and scoring two top 5s this past week at Langley Speedway. Falk added 81 points to his season total which now sits at 490. Falk could play a role in this title chase before it is all said and done because he only has 14 races under his belt. If he's able to score maximum points over the next four races he'll be in the same point territory as the three leaders.
Nate Monteith ran in three races this past week but was unable to pull into victory lane, adding only one top 5 and increasing his point total by a mere 52 points. Monteith has his work cut out for him if he wants to be a player in the hunt. Frank Deiny, Jr. is still the only driver in the top 10 without a win, coming close this past week with a second to Pulliam at Motor Mile. Brandon Davis scored a win in his one race this past week but the lack of a full field only let him add 37 points to his total, getting up to 408 points for the year.
1) Philip Morris – 17 races – 11 wins – 14 top 5s – 15 top 10s – 599 points
2) Keith Rocco – 22 races – 10 wins – 15 top 5s – 19 top 10s – 590 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 17 races – 10 wins – 14 top 5s – 15 top 10s – 582 points
4) C.E. Falk, III – 14 races – 4 wins – 12 top 5s – 13 top 10s – 490 points
5) Nate Monteith – 16 races – 6 wins – 13 top 5s – 13 top 10s – 430 points
6) Frank Deiny Jr. – 16 races – 0 wins – 10 top 5s – 14 top 10s – 426 points
7) Brandon Davis – 11 races – 6 wins – 10 top 5s – 10 top 10s – 408 points
8) Davin Scites – 14 races – 1 win – 11 top 5s – 12 top 10s – 391 points
9) Bill Leighton, Jr. – 11 races – 2 wins – 11 top 5s – 11 top 10s – 380 points
10) Daniel Pope III – 14 races – 3 wins – 12 top 5s – 13 top 10s – 377 points
**Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars, the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18 races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20 car fields which equates to 810 points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National Champion in the event of a tie.**
Short Track Schedule for the Upcoming Week
Fri : July 1st - Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA - Golden State Challenge
Fri : July 1st - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA - BCRA Midget Lites
Fri : July 1st - Georgetown Speedway ; Georgetown : DE - United Racing Company
Fri : July 1st -Mineral City Speedway ; Fort Dodge : IA - Midwest 305 Sprint Cars
Fri : July 1st - Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL - Badger Midgets
Fri : July 1st - Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL - POWRI Midgets
Fri : July 1st - Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Fri : July 1st - Thunder Valley Raceway ; Salem : IN - Indiana Late Models
Fri : July 1st - Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Fri : July 1st - Hutchinson Raceway Park ; Hutchinson : KS - Midwest DIRTcar Late Model Series
Fri : July 1st - Paducah International Raceway ; Paducah : KY - UMP Summer Nationals
Fri : July 1st - Boothill Speedway ; Shreveport : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Fri : July 1st - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Fri : July 1st - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Fri : July 1st - M-40 Speedway ; Jones : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Fri : July 1st - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Models
Fri : July 1st - Hattiesburg Motorsports Park ; Hattiesburg : MS - Cajun Sprinters
Fri : July 1st - Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT - Big Sky Sprints
Fri : July 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – PASS South Late Models
Fri : July 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – CCS Late Models
Fri : July 1st - Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Fri : July 1st – Tri-County Speedway ; Hudson : NC – Late Models
Fri : July 1st – Tri-County Speedway ; Hudson : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : July 1st - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Fri : July 1st - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - MARS DIRTcar Series
Fri : July 1st - I-80 Speedway Greenwood ; NE - NCRA / Late Models
Fri : July 1st - Can-Am Motorsports Park ; LaFargeville : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Fri : July 1st – Attica Raceway ; Attica : OH – F.A.S. T. Sprints
Fri : July 1st - K-C Raceway ; Chillicothe : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Fri : July 1st - Lakeville Speedway ; Lakeville : OH - Vintage American Race Cars
Fri : July 1st - Limaland Motorsports Park ; Lima : OH - NRA SprintInvaders
Fri : July 1st - Midvale Speedway ; Midvale : OH - Main Event Racing Series
Fri : July 1st - Raceway 7 ; Conneaut : OH - Fastrak Late Model Series
Fri : July 1st - Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH - USAC National Midgets
Fri : July 1st - Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH - USAC Sprints
Fri : July 1st - Van Wert Fairgrounds ; Van Wert : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Fri : July 1st – Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - Outlaw Mini Sprints
Fri : July 1st - Sauble Speedway ; Sauble Beach : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Fri : July 1st - Coos Bay International Speedway ; Coos Bay : OR - West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri : July 1st - Bedford Speedway ; Bedford : PA - Three State Flyers
Fri : July 1st - Clinton County Raceway ; Lock Haven : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri : July 1st - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA - ULMS - Late Model Series
Fri : July 1st – Kingsport Speedway ; Kingsport : TN – Late Models
Fri : July 1st – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Late Models
Fri : July 1st – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Super Late Models x2
Fri : July 1st - Boyd Speedway ; Boyd : TX - Sprint Series of Texas
Fri : July 1st – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – Late Models
Fri : July 1st – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – Limited Late Models
Fri : July 1st – Southside Speedway ; Midlothian : VA – Late Models
Fri : July 1st - Dells Motor Speedway ; Wisconsin Dells : WI - Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Fri : July 1st - Dodge County Fairgrounds ; Beaver Dam : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Fri : July 1st - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Fri : July 1st - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : July 1st – Madison International Speedway ; Madison : WI – Big 8
Fri : July 1st - Beckley Motor Speedway ; Beckley : WV - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Flomaton Speedway ; Flomaton : AL - Gulf Coast Mini-Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Penton Raceway ; Penton : AL - NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – I-30 Speedway ; Little Rock : AR - Modifieds
Sat : July 2nd - Thunder Raceway ; Show Low : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Model
Sat : July 2nd - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sat : July 2nd - Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Williams Lake : British Columbia - ASA British Columbia Late Model Tour
Sat : July 2nd - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - WILROC SprintCars
Sat : July 2nd - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - National 3/4 Midget Association
Sat : July 2nd - Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA - Golden State Challenge
Sat : July 2nd - Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA - California Lightning Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat : July 2nd - Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War Series
Sat : July 2nd - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat : July 2nd - Shasta Raceway Park ; Redding : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat : July 2nd - Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA - NCMA Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Toyota Speedway at Irwindale ; Irwindale : CA – K&N West Series
Sat : July 2nd - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat : July 2nd - Albany Motor Speedway ; Albany : GA - National Late Model Series
Sat : July 2nd – Lanier National Speedway ; Braselton : GA – Super Six Pro Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Adams County Speedway ; Corning : IA - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat : July 2nd - Adams County Speedway ; Corning : IA - Midwest LateModels
Sat : July 2nd - Adams County Speedway ; Corning : IA - NCRA / Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – Championship Cup
Sat : July 2nd - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat : July 2nd - Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL - Badger Midgets
Sat : July 2nd - Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL - POWRI Midgets
Sat : July 2nd - Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Rockford Speedway ; Rockford : IL - American Super Cup Series
Sat : July 2nd - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - Michigan Legend Cars
Sat : July 2nd - Twin Cities Raceway Park ; North Vernon : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat : July 2nd - 81 Speedway ; Wichita : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : July 2nd – Bluegrass Speedway ; Bardstown : KY – Northern All-Stars
Sat : July 2nd - Baton Rouge Raceway ; Baton Rouge : LA - Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat : July 2nd - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - SUPR Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Sabine Motor Speedway ; Many : LA - Southern Thunder Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - USA Modifieds
Sat : July 2nd - Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Owendale Speedway ; Owendale : MI - Michigan Dirt Cup
Sat : July 2nd - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Sat : July 2nd - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg :MO - United Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - I-55 Raceway ; Pevely : MO - UMP Summer Nationals
Sat : July 2nd - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO - ASCS / Sooner Region
Sat : July 2nd - Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sat : July 2nd - Jackson Motor Speedway ; Jackson : MS - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat : July 2nd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - Midwest LateModels
Sat : July 2nd - Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH - PASS North Late Model Series
Sat : July 2nd - Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH - PASS Modifieds
Sat : July 2nd - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat : July 2nd - New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ - United Racing Company
Sat : July 2nd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - Championship Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sat : July 2nd - Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia - Parts For Trucks Pro Stocks Sat : July 2nd - Five Mile Point Speedway ; Kirkwood : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Sat : July 2nd - Little Valley Speedway ; Little Valley : NY – Patriot Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Little Valley Speedway ; Little Valley : NY - ULMS - Late Model Series
Sat : July 2nd – Fremont Speedway ; Fremont : OH – F.A. S. T. Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – TBRA Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Van Wert Fairgrounds ; Van Wert : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Sat : July 2nd - Mid-America Speedway ; S Coffeyville : Oklahoma - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat : July 2nd - Sauble Speedway ; Sauble Beach : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sat : July 2nd - Sunset Speedway ; Stroud : Ontario - Canadian Vintage Modifieds
Sat : July 2nd - Sunset Speedway ; Stroud : Ontario - OSCAAR Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Coos Bay Int Speedway ; Coos Bay : OR - West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat : July 2nd - Coos Bay Int Speedway ; Coos Bay : OR - Washington Midgets
Sat : July 2nd - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Interstate Sprint Cars
Sat : July 2nd – Autodrome Montmagny ; Montmagny : Quebec – Castrol ACT Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Grandview Speedway ; Grandview : PA – Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Grandview Speedway ; Grandview : PA – Modifieds
Sat : July 2nd - Lincoln Speedway ; Hanover : PA - PA Sprint Series
Sat : July 2nd - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - Fastrak Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA – Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA – PA Sprint Week
Sat : July 2nd – Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA – Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : July 2nd – Susquehana Speedway Park ; Susquehana : PA – Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat : July 2nd – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Nashville Superspeedway ; Nashville : TN - ChumpCar World Series
Sat : July 2nd - Tazewell Speedway ; Tazewell : TN – World of Outlaw Late Models
Sat : July 2nd - Thunderhill Raceway ; Summertown : TN - USCS - Sprint Car Series
Sat : July 2nd - Rocky Mountain Raceways ; Valley City : UT - USAC Western Sprint Cars
Sat : July 2nd - Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA - United Auto Racing Association
Sat : July 2nd - Spokane County Raceway ; Spokane : WA - Inland NW Sprint Cars
Sat : July 2nd – Dells Motor Speedway ; Wisconsin Dells : WI – ASA Midwest Tour
Sat : July 2nd - Dells Motor Speedway ; Wisconsin Dells : WI - Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Sat : July 2nd - Dodge County Fairgrounds ; Beaver Dam : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat : July 2nd - Marshfield Super Speedway ; Marshfield : WI - ASA Midwest Tour
Sat : July 2nd - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sat : July 2nd - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat : July 2nd – Sheboygan County Fair Grounds ; Sheboygan : WI – Midwest Sprint Cars
Sat : July 2nd - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sun : July 3rd - Dixieland Dirt Track ; Cottonwood : AL - National Late Model Series
Sun : July 3rd - East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL - NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Green Valley Speedway ; Gadsden : AL - NeSmith Nat Dirt Late Models Sun : July 3rd - Huntsville Speedway ; Hunstville : AL - Southern SuperStars Short Track Series
Sun : July 3rd - Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR - USCS - Sprint Car Series
Sun : July 3rd - Thunder Raceway ; Show Low : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sun : July 3rd - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Shelby County Speedway ; Harlan : IA - Good Ol' Time Racing Association
Sun : July 3rd - Lincoln Speedway ; Lincoln : IL - UMP Summer Nationals
Sun : July 3rd – Quincy Raceway ; Quincy : IL – Deery Brothers Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Rockford Speedway ; Rockford : IL - Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Sun : July 3rd - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - CRA Super Series
Sun : July 3rd - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Belleville High Banks ; Belleville : KS - NCRA / Modifieds
Sun : July 3rd - Beech Bend Raceway Park ; Bowling Green : KY - Southern Superstocks Sun : July 3rd - Jones Motor Speedway ; Chatham : LA - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sun : July 3rd - Cherry Speedway ; Fife Lake : MI - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sun : July 3rd - Clare County Fairgrounds ; Harrison : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Sun : July 3rd - Double X Speedway ; CA – MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sun : July 3rd - Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sun : July 3rd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - Championship Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sun : July 3rd - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Dirt Track ; Las Vegas : NV - USAC Western Sprint Cars
Sun : July 3rd - Utica-Rome Speedway ; Vernon : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Sun : July 3rd - Muskingum County Speedway ; Zanesville : OH - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Cornwall Motor Speedway ; Cornwall : Ontario - Super DIRTcar Big Block Series
Sun : July 3rd - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Interstate Sprint Cars Sun : July 3rd - Central Pennsylvania Speedway ; Clearfield : PA - PA Sprint Series
Sun : July 3rd - Central Pennsylvania Speedway ; Clearfield : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sun : July 3rd - Central Pennsylvania Speedway ; Clearfield : PA - ULMS - Late Models Sun : July 3rd - Eriez Speedway ; Erie : PA - Fastrak Late Model Series
Sun : July 3rd - Hesston Speedway ; Huntingdon : PA - Three State Flyers
Sun : July 3rd - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA - Central Pennsylvania Sprint Speedweek
Sun : July 3rd - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sun : July 3rd - Tri-City Speedway ; Franklin : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Sun : July 3rd - Nashville Superspeedway ; Nashville : TN - ChumpCar World Series
Sun : July 3rd - Tazewell Speedway ; Tazewell : TN – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - Lone Star Speedway ; Kilgore : TX - SUPR Late Models
Sun : July 3rd - 141 Speedway ; Columbus : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Mon : July 4th - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - UMP Summer Nationals
Mon : July 4th - Algona Raceway ; Algona : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Mon : July 4th - Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN - International Outlaw Figure 8s
Mon : July 4th - Rush County Fairgrounds ; Rushville : IN - UMRA TQ Midgets
Mon : July 4th - Sand Lake Fairgrounds ; Sand Lake : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Mon : July 4th - Rolling Wheels Raceway ; Elbridge : NY - Super DIRTcar Big Block Series
Mon : July 4th - Coos Bay International Speedway ; Coos Bay : OR - Washington Econo Sprint Car Organization
Mon : July 4th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Mon : July 4th - Autodrome Granby ; Granby : Quebec - All Star Sprint Cars
Mon : July 4th - Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC - USARacing Late Models
Mon : July 4th – Franklin County Speedway ; Callaway : VA – Late Models
Mon : July 4th – Franklin County Speedway ; Callaway : VA – Modifieds
Tue : July 5th - Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA - Harris Clash
Tue : July 5th - Quad City Raceway ; East Moline : IL - UMP Summer Nationals
Tue : July 5th - Autodrome Drummond ; Drummondville : Quebec - All Star Sprint Cars
Wed : July 6th - Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Wed : July 6th - Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL - UMP Summer Nationals
Wed : July 6th - Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Wed : July 6th - Five Mile Point Speedway ; Kirkwood : NY - Race of Champion Dirt Modifieds
Wed : July 6th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Rusty Harpe Memorial
Wed : July 6th – Brushcreek Motorsports Complex ; Peebles : OH – Late Models
Thu : July 7th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - NEMA Midgets
Thu : July 7th - Macon Speedway ; Macon : IL - UMP Summer Nationals
Thu : July 7th - Redwood Speedway ; Redwood Falls : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Thu : July 7th - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Thu : July 7th - US 30 Speedway ; Columbus : NE - Good Ol' Time Racing Association
Thu : July 7th - Mohawk International Raceway ; Hogansburg : NY - All Star Sprint Cars
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Frontstretch Readers!
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Junior's Big Chance, Who's the Next Big Surprise, and NASCAR's Good Call
by Mike Lovecchio
Daytona: Seeded in History, Full of Great Memories
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Daytona: A Life Changing Experience
by Garrett Horton
This Weekend's Mailbag Question Brought to Us by a Real Professional...
by Bryan Davis Keith
Tearing Apart the Trucks: A Rookie Checkup
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: July 1st Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1992 Pepsi 400 at Daytona was won by Ernie Irvan, part of a stretch in which Irvan won three out of four restrictor plate races. However, there is something else that this particular race is known for. What is it?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Just because the checkered flag has already fallen doesn't necessarily mean that the on-track action is over for the day. In the 1980 Firecracker 400, there was a serious crash that occurred while the leaders were on their cool down lap. What happened?
A: Phil Finney, driving the No. 04 Oldsmobile, appeared to simply lose control coming off of Turn 4 when he was coming down to take the checkered flag. Finney spun through the grass before pit-in (this was paved over by 1985). The car got airborne and slammed into the combination of an Armco guardrail and an earthen bank. The car spun 10-20 feet off the ground and just missed the supports holding up the Unocal 76 ball before slamming down on pit road. The crash can be seen in this clip. Jim McKay and Sam Posey have the call for ABC.
Finney suffered neck, rib and foot injuries in the crash that put him out of action for years. He never started another Cup race, although he did attempt one a couple of years later.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Coke Zero 400 Race Recap by TBA
-- Mouthing Off: Coke Zero 400 400 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Coke Zero 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday night's action from Daytona.
Bubble Breakdown by Bryan Davis Keith
Who's hot and who's not towards the back end of the owner points battle? Bryan brings the stories you didn't hear about into print from Saturday's race from Daytona.
Special Commentary by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Saturday's race at Daytona.
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 from Daytona.
Big Six: Coke Zero 400 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Daytona.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Jalapeno 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday evening's Nationwide Series race from Daytona.
-----------------------------
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