THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 1st, 2011
Volume V, Edition CIII
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 1st, 2011
Volume V, Edition CIII
~~~~~~~~~~
News Bites
by Tom Bowles
Sadler Suing Richard Petty Motorsports
Elliott Sadler hasn't been driving a Cup car in five months, released by Richard Petty Motorsports in November.
Apparently, he's also not getting a paycheck. The veteran driver sued for compensation Tuesday, claiming the organization he drove for from 2006-10 reneged on their agreement to pay him based on "poaching" sponsorship. According to legal documents, Sadler claims he has not been paid since April 20th.
There was no immediate comment by RPM on the matter at press time.
Affliction Clothing Sponsoring Kenseth
Matt Kenseth's merry-go-round of sponsorship, led primarily by Crown Royal got bigger Tuesday with the announcement of this two-race deal upon his arrival. Kenseth will carry the Affliction colors both Sunday at Kansas and the following week in Pocono as part of the agreement.
Coca-Cola 600 Ratings Stagnant
Here's the good news for NASCAR: the Coca-Cola 600 didn't lose any viewers.
The bad? They didn't gain any, either. The sport's longest race clocked in with a 4.0 rating in the Nielsens, trailing open-wheel's Indy 500 by one-tenth (4.1) and matching its numbers from one year ago. For the season, FOX's numbers are up two percent year-to-year heading to the final race of the season at Kansas.
News Bites
by Tom Bowles
Sadler Suing Richard Petty Motorsports
Elliott Sadler hasn't been driving a Cup car in five months, released by Richard Petty Motorsports in November.
Apparently, he's also not getting a paycheck. The veteran driver sued for compensation Tuesday, claiming the organization he drove for from 2006-10 reneged on their agreement to pay him based on "poaching" sponsorship. According to legal documents, Sadler claims he has not been paid since April 20th.
There was no immediate comment by RPM on the matter at press time.
Affliction Clothing Sponsoring Kenseth
Matt Kenseth's merry-go-round of sponsorship, led primarily by Crown Royal got bigger Tuesday with the announcement of this two-race deal upon his arrival. Kenseth will carry the Affliction colors both Sunday at Kansas and the following week in Pocono as part of the agreement.
Coca-Cola 600 Ratings Stagnant
Here's the good news for NASCAR: the Coca-Cola 600 didn't lose any viewers.
The bad? They didn't gain any, either. The sport's longest race clocked in with a 4.0 rating in the Nielsens, trailing open-wheel's Indy 500 by one-tenth (4.1) and matching its numbers from one year ago. For the season, FOX's numbers are up two percent year-to-year heading to the final race of the season at Kansas.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Memorial Day Racing: A Way to Give Thanks and Remember
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
The last Sunday in May is historically the greatest day of racing on the calendar every year. The Grand Prix of Monaco, the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 exhibit the best of their individual types of racing from sunrise to sunset barring weather difficulties. For the 500 and the 600 there is an added importance to the day, it is the day before Memorial Day and both events spend a good part of their pre-race ceremonies celebrating the military of the United States and the sacrifices that have been made over the years by the members of the armed services who paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom.
The Indianapolis 500 is probably where the practice of pre-race fly overs began. The race has taken place on Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) since it was first run in 1911 and once aircraft became a part of military arsenals they began appearing in the pre-race ceremonies. Since then they've been part of many NASCAR pre-race ceremonies as well. They always take place at the end of the National Anthem, although this year there was an additional fly over at the end of the race Indy 500 since this was the 100th anniversary of the first running. Another part of the pre-race for the 500 was hundreds of military personnel marching on the track. There was also the traditional gun salute to commemorate fallen cohorts, the playing of Taps, a speech by the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army and a Congressional Medal of Honor winner as Honorary Starter.
Charlotte Motor Speedway also has a long history of celebrating the military of the United States and has put on an explosive pre-race ceremony before the 600 for years, starting with their reenactment of the invasion of Granada in the 1980s. This year was no exception with hundreds of military personnel on the track before the race, howitzers, helicopters and explosions all over the infield of the front straight before the race. Soldiers unfurled the giant American flag for the National Anthem and once again Medal of Honor winners had a pronounced presence in the pre-race activities.
As the drivers' meeting took place before the Cup race on Sunday Robin Pemberton acknowledged all of the military in the building and the entire room stood and applauded. He then pointed out that there was a contingent of Navy Seals in the back room and the cheers and applause were even louder. NASCAR always has held a special place for the armed services and it is especially evident on Memorial Day weekend.
Once the races began, the military folks were everywhere at the track, in the pits, in the media center, in the stands and everywhere in between. For a short period of time they were able to take their minds off of their jobs and enjoy watching the drivers, teams and fans of NASCAR enjoying the freedom that the military has secured for them for the last 235 years. While the racing was enjoyable, the fans and competitors most certainly remembered the real reason for the weekend and took every opportunity to thank the men and women of the military for the sacrifices they make to secure our freedom.
Racing is a great sport and all fans who enjoy going to the races with little to no hassles can enjoy their favorite pastime thanks to their sacrifices for the free country we live in. The military goes about their business with little to no fanfare for most of the year but on Memorial Day they get more attention than most of the other days of the year. If you're at a track or a parade or anywhere else during the Memorial Day weekend next year, or near military personnel any time during the year, take the time to shake their hand and thank them for the sacrifices they make every single day of the year. It gives you the freedom to live your life in the greatest country on earth.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Jay Pennell
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Jay Pennell will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@JimmieJohnson: Chad's response to us blowing up seems to be popular! Who knows if he will get in trouble, tv should have bleeped it.
@JimmieJohnson: If @nascar does fine Knaus, I will pay it for him.
@JimmieJohnson: I guess the FCC has the final say in things... I don't see @nascar penalizing Knaus for the hell of it.
@JimmieJohnson: Hey @KevinHarvick, can I have my horseshoe back? Please?
@KevinHarvick: I hope we can keep it a while! RT @JimmieJohnson: Hey @KevinHarvick, can I have my horseshoe back? Please?
@Tbayne21 (Trevor Bayne): Really proud of both of my teams this weekend! But I can't wait to be back at it in Chicago!!
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Congrats @KevinHarvick to win daytona indy all star 600 makes u a future hall of famer in my opinion. But I don't get a vote.
@JimmieJohnson: Are you kidding me!!!!!!!! That poor kid in the 4 car...
@landoncassill: JR Hildebrand, man I feel so bad for him, that's so heartbreaking. I could cry for him right now
@JeffGordonWeb (Jeff Gordon): Oh wow! Never seen a last corner at Indy like that! Unbelievable! Never over til it's over. Right? #JG
@dcaraviello (David Caraviello): Trevor Bayne in Daytona 500 .. Regan Smith in Southern 500 .. Bryan Herta-owned car in Indy 500 .. theme of upsets in major races continues.
@MartySmithESPN: When you contemplate the magnitude of what just happened it's gut-wrenching. He may never have that chance again. Ever.
@MikeMassaroESPN: Could've just witnessed one of the most heartbraking losses in the history of sports. Wow.
@bobpockrass: Larry The Cable Guy jokes that driving the pace car, which is a Hybrid, will get him kicked out of the Moose Lodge. #nascar
@RyanMcGeeESPN: The #Indy500 media center cheered for the save on that last restart. I assume we'll all be escorted home now.
@AndyLally: I'm not sure if I can make it out exactly with the accent and all but I think Vettel just radioed in and said "It's on like Donkey Kong".
@JimmieJohnson: I'm trying to wrap my head around F1 allowing the teams to work on their cars and change tires under red...
@JimmieJohnson: It would have been such a good race with Seb on old tires vs Alonzo on newer tires. It tosses out the race strategy the teams worked for...
@JimmieJohnson: I know all the work/tires changes were legal, it's my opinion it hurt the finish and kept us fans from seeing and epic battle for the win.
@JimmieJohnson: Agreed! "@nateryan: If it wasn't apparent, by the way, I think @SPEED does a swell job with #F1 broadcasts given what they have to overcome.
@Kenny_Wallace: I want to say "THANK YOU" to the Men and Women that fought for our country on this Memorial Day..You are Brave!
@Mother_Function: All gave some & some gave all...during this holiday weekend thank a current or former soldier for your freedom!
@JimmieJohnson: I'm watching Indy coverage & have the goose bumps. Love the piece just played with the 100 years of IMS and the last 100 years of America.
@JimmieJohnson: I've always dreamed of racing the Indy 500. Now that I'm a parent, its off the table. Wish I could've put the double 2gether a few years ago
@JimmieJohnson: If Chevy was in and the start time was adjusted last year or before. My ass would've been there. That's if Lowe's and Mr. H would agree 2.
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): My take on 4 female drivers in the indy 500? Simona is a baller All I'm gonna say
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Dude looks macho sitting in a car that runs 230mph.... til u see another grown man holding an umbrella over his head. SMH
@jeff_gluck: The man who will give the command today lost his leg below the knee in battle...but RETURNED to Iraq afterward. Pretty cool, huh?
@AndyLally: Nwide race:Row11 is @Kenny_Wallace and Kimi. I wonder who will dominate that conversation during their truck ride at intros?
@nateryan: Ah, that's the perfect analogy. RT @Kid67y Kenny Wallace & Kimi are like Penn & Teller. One does all the talking & other is mute.
@nateryan: Another winner on Kenny/Kimi. This one might be the most apt, actually. RT @jordank66 Jay and Silent Bob.
Jay Pennell is an Assistant Editor to Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at jaywpennell@yahoo.com, and you can also check out his work at allleftturns.com or jaywpennell.blogspot.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice?... Establishing Consistency, NASCAR's Big Picture And Quick Hits
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: A Cautionary Tale, Ragan Rallies And Preseason Favs Falling
by the Frontstretch Staff
Beyond the Cockpit: Kevin Lepage
by Bryan Davis Keith
Paul Tracy ... Eat Your Heart Out
by Summer Dreyer
Top Ten Other Things Kimi Raikkonen Plans to Do In the States
by Jeff Meyer
Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After The Coke 600
compiled by Mike Neff
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Memorial Day Racing: A Way to Give Thanks and Remember
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
The last Sunday in May is historically the greatest day of racing on the calendar every year. The Grand Prix of Monaco, the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 exhibit the best of their individual types of racing from sunrise to sunset barring weather difficulties. For the 500 and the 600 there is an added importance to the day, it is the day before Memorial Day and both events spend a good part of their pre-race ceremonies celebrating the military of the United States and the sacrifices that have been made over the years by the members of the armed services who paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom.
The Indianapolis 500 is probably where the practice of pre-race fly overs began. The race has taken place on Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) since it was first run in 1911 and once aircraft became a part of military arsenals they began appearing in the pre-race ceremonies. Since then they've been part of many NASCAR pre-race ceremonies as well. They always take place at the end of the National Anthem, although this year there was an additional fly over at the end of the race Indy 500 since this was the 100th anniversary of the first running. Another part of the pre-race for the 500 was hundreds of military personnel marching on the track. There was also the traditional gun salute to commemorate fallen cohorts, the playing of Taps, a speech by the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army and a Congressional Medal of Honor winner as Honorary Starter.
Charlotte Motor Speedway also has a long history of celebrating the military of the United States and has put on an explosive pre-race ceremony before the 600 for years, starting with their reenactment of the invasion of Granada in the 1980s. This year was no exception with hundreds of military personnel on the track before the race, howitzers, helicopters and explosions all over the infield of the front straight before the race. Soldiers unfurled the giant American flag for the National Anthem and once again Medal of Honor winners had a pronounced presence in the pre-race activities.
As the drivers' meeting took place before the Cup race on Sunday Robin Pemberton acknowledged all of the military in the building and the entire room stood and applauded. He then pointed out that there was a contingent of Navy Seals in the back room and the cheers and applause were even louder. NASCAR always has held a special place for the armed services and it is especially evident on Memorial Day weekend.
Once the races began, the military folks were everywhere at the track, in the pits, in the media center, in the stands and everywhere in between. For a short period of time they were able to take their minds off of their jobs and enjoy watching the drivers, teams and fans of NASCAR enjoying the freedom that the military has secured for them for the last 235 years. While the racing was enjoyable, the fans and competitors most certainly remembered the real reason for the weekend and took every opportunity to thank the men and women of the military for the sacrifices they make to secure our freedom.
Racing is a great sport and all fans who enjoy going to the races with little to no hassles can enjoy their favorite pastime thanks to their sacrifices for the free country we live in. The military goes about their business with little to no fanfare for most of the year but on Memorial Day they get more attention than most of the other days of the year. If you're at a track or a parade or anywhere else during the Memorial Day weekend next year, or near military personnel any time during the year, take the time to shake their hand and thank them for the sacrifices they make every single day of the year. It gives you the freedom to live your life in the greatest country on earth.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Jay Pennell
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Jay Pennell will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@JimmieJohnson: Chad's response to us blowing up seems to be popular! Who knows if he will get in trouble, tv should have bleeped it.
@JimmieJohnson: If @nascar does fine Knaus, I will pay it for him.
@JimmieJohnson: I guess the FCC has the final say in things... I don't see @nascar penalizing Knaus for the hell of it.
@JimmieJohnson: Hey @KevinHarvick, can I have my horseshoe back? Please?
@KevinHarvick: I hope we can keep it a while! RT @JimmieJohnson: Hey @KevinHarvick, can I have my horseshoe back? Please?
@Tbayne21 (Trevor Bayne): Really proud of both of my teams this weekend! But I can't wait to be back at it in Chicago!!
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Congrats @KevinHarvick to win daytona indy all star 600 makes u a future hall of famer in my opinion. But I don't get a vote.
@JimmieJohnson: Are you kidding me!!!!!!!! That poor kid in the 4 car...
@landoncassill: JR Hildebrand, man I feel so bad for him, that's so heartbreaking. I could cry for him right now
@JeffGordonWeb (Jeff Gordon): Oh wow! Never seen a last corner at Indy like that! Unbelievable! Never over til it's over. Right? #JG
@dcaraviello (David Caraviello): Trevor Bayne in Daytona 500 .. Regan Smith in Southern 500 .. Bryan Herta-owned car in Indy 500 .. theme of upsets in major races continues.
@MartySmithESPN: When you contemplate the magnitude of what just happened it's gut-wrenching. He may never have that chance again. Ever.
@MikeMassaroESPN: Could've just witnessed one of the most heartbraking losses in the history of sports. Wow.
@bobpockrass: Larry The Cable Guy jokes that driving the pace car, which is a Hybrid, will get him kicked out of the Moose Lodge. #nascar
@RyanMcGeeESPN: The #Indy500 media center cheered for the save on that last restart. I assume we'll all be escorted home now.
@AndyLally: I'm not sure if I can make it out exactly with the accent and all but I think Vettel just radioed in and said "It's on like Donkey Kong".
@JimmieJohnson: I'm trying to wrap my head around F1 allowing the teams to work on their cars and change tires under red...
@JimmieJohnson: It would have been such a good race with Seb on old tires vs Alonzo on newer tires. It tosses out the race strategy the teams worked for...
@JimmieJohnson: I know all the work/tires changes were legal, it's my opinion it hurt the finish and kept us fans from seeing and epic battle for the win.
@JimmieJohnson: Agreed! "@nateryan: If it wasn't apparent, by the way, I think @SPEED does a swell job with #F1 broadcasts given what they have to overcome.
@Kenny_Wallace: I want to say "THANK YOU" to the Men and Women that fought for our country on this Memorial Day..You are Brave!
@Mother_Function: All gave some & some gave all...during this holiday weekend thank a current or former soldier for your freedom!
@JimmieJohnson: I'm watching Indy coverage & have the goose bumps. Love the piece just played with the 100 years of IMS and the last 100 years of America.
@JimmieJohnson: I've always dreamed of racing the Indy 500. Now that I'm a parent, its off the table. Wish I could've put the double 2gether a few years ago
@JimmieJohnson: If Chevy was in and the start time was adjusted last year or before. My ass would've been there. That's if Lowe's and Mr. H would agree 2.
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): My take on 4 female drivers in the indy 500? Simona is a baller All I'm gonna say
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Dude looks macho sitting in a car that runs 230mph.... til u see another grown man holding an umbrella over his head. SMH
@jeff_gluck: The man who will give the command today lost his leg below the knee in battle...but RETURNED to Iraq afterward. Pretty cool, huh?
@AndyLally: Nwide race:Row11 is @Kenny_Wallace and Kimi. I wonder who will dominate that conversation during their truck ride at intros?
@nateryan: Ah, that's the perfect analogy. RT @Kid67y Kenny Wallace & Kimi are like Penn & Teller. One does all the talking & other is mute.
@nateryan: Another winner on Kenny/Kimi. This one might be the most apt, actually. RT @jordank66 Jay and Silent Bob.
Jay Pennell is an Assistant Editor to Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at jaywpennell@yahoo.com, and you can also check out his work at allleftturns.com or jaywpennell.blogspot.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice?... Establishing Consistency, NASCAR's Big Picture And Quick Hits
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: A Cautionary Tale, Ragan Rallies And Preseason Favs Falling
by the Frontstretch Staff
Beyond the Cockpit: Kevin Lepage
by Bryan Davis Keith
Paul Tracy ... Eat Your Heart Out
by Summer Dreyer
Top Ten Other Things Kimi Raikkonen Plans to Do In the States
by Jeff Meyer
Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After The Coke 600
compiled by Mike Neff
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In recent years, Heartland Park Topeka has hosted a couple of major events. One is a World of Outlaws Sprint Car event held first on a temporary circuit built using part of the dragstrip, then on a permanent circuit. The other is the SCCA Runoffs, the traditional National Championships for club racing. How did Heartland Park land the Runoffs?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: Heartland Park Topeka hosted five races in the now-Camping World Truck Series from 1995-1999. How many different configurations were used there, and how were those configurations different?
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Shakedown Session by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt is back again this season with his sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable NASCAR insight. This week, Matt checks up on the series that hit the one-third mark last weekend with the Coca-Cola 600.
Voices From the Heartland by Jeff Meyer
Your favorite midwestern writer is back for another season of making you want to laugh, cry and even pull your hair out. Wanna know what he's writing about? So do we! Tune in tomorrow to find out!
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com, and you just may see your question in print next week!
Fantasy Insider by Brett Poirier
Did your fantasy racing team take a hit at Charlotte? Well, Brett has just what you need to know to turn things around when choosing your teams for the STP 400 on Sunday at Kansas.
5th Column TBA --
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