Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 12th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CXLIV
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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the August 12th edition that features Reed Sorenson and Jason Leffler as our main racing guest.
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Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Joey Logano Appearing on Man v. Food Nation
Following the conclusion of the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen on Sunday afternoon, Joey Logano will head out to New York to compete in a unique challenge very different from racing cars: food. Man v. Food Nation to be exact.
Travel Channel's original series Man v. Food Nation host Adam Richman, who will serve as the Grand Marshal for Sunday's race, will go up against Joe Gibbs Racing's Logano in a head-to-head challenge—of what, Logano isn't sure. In fact, he won't find out until right around the time the shoot begins on Monday.
"I watch the show and I think Adam is hysterical," Logano said. "I am looking forward to spending the weekend at Watkins Glen with him and showing him around the garage. Outside of that I am not sure what I have gotten myself into with the eating contest. Best case scenario is I have a large portion of Chicken Parm, which is my favorite meal. What would not be so good for me is if I had to eat a large amount of beans. Outside of green beans, I am not a fan of the others."
Fans wanting to see the episode can tune into Travel Channel on October 19th at 9 PM ET. Logano will be gunning for the victory this weekend at Watkins Glen International, following a heartbreaking loss at Pocono Raceway last weekend. He is 20th in points.
JGR, TRD to Collaborate on Engine Development
It's no secret that Joe Gibbs Racing has struggled with engine problems this season, with all three of their teams suffering engine failures at some point through the course of 2011. On Thursday, the team announced they will team up with Toyota Racing Development for engine development, possibly before the end of the season but mainly in 2012.
TRD currently supplies engines to Michael Waltrip Racing and Red Bull Racing, while JGR constructs its own engines. However, with RBR likely closing its doors at the end of the season and JGR expanding its efforts in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, the partnership will bring benefits to both organizations in the long run.
"I think we can combine a lot of the best attributes that JGR has, the best attributes that TRD has and really have a better package going forward," said JGR president J.D. Gibbs.
JGR, however, will not close up their own engine shop, instead using it to add any necessary changes to the engines TRD supplies.
JGR has four wins across three teams this season, with Kyle Busch sitting third in points, Denny Hamlin in 11th, and Joey Logano in 20th heading into Watkins Glen.
U.S. Court of Appeals Sets Date for Mayfield
Jeremy Mayfield has a tentative court date scheduled for November 8th to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit at the Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh, NC. The three judge panel will make a decision within the next few months if Mayfield has presented enough evidence for the case to continue. Mayfield and his attorneys, along with NASCAR's, were given until Monday to ask for a different date.
Mayfield, who is suing NASCAR for breach of contract, defamation, and unfair trade practices following a suspension as a result of a failed drug test in May 2009, had his case dismissed in May of 2010 when U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen ruled waivers Mayfield had signed deemed him unable to sue and cited a lack of evidence.
Mayfield has made allegations that the drug test was a result of prescription Adderall for ADHD and over-the-counter Claritin D for allergies. He competed in a total of 433 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races before his suspension.
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Former Heisman Trophy Winner to Serve as Michigan Grand Marshal
Former Heisman Trophy-winning college football player at the University of Michigan Desmond Howard will serve as Grand Marshal of the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race on August 21 at Michigan International Speedway.
Howard currently is a college football analyst for ESPN. As a receiver at Michigan, Howard set five NCAA records and 12 school records. Along with winning the Heisman, he was also awarded the Walter Camp Trophy and the Maxwell Award. Howard continued his successful football career at the professional level. His biggest highlight came when he was voted Super Bowl XXXI Most Valuable Player. He is the only special team's player to ever receive the award.
Michigan Non-Profit Group Hosts Fishing Tournament
Next Thursday, Michigan International Speedway Cares, a non-profit group, will hold the Second Annual Fish Your Bass Off Tournament at Jerry's Pub & Restaurant at Wampler's Lake. The tournament is just minutes from the speedway.
At 5 PM, 13 teams of four each, with two anglers per boat, will fish for three hours at Wampler's Lake. The anglers were selected from fishing clubs all over Michigan, and one spot on each team will be saved for a NASCAR driver or personality. Ryan Newman and Jamie McMurray are expected to compete. Dinner tickets are available for $35 and can be purchased in advance or bought at the door.
On Sunday, fans can participate in an auction for a spot in the fishing tournament. The highest bidder will get the chance to pair with Newman and professional angler Kevin VanDam. All proceeds will benefit MIS Cares.
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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 goes through the latest news of the week, previews the upcoming Watkins Glen race and much more! Check it out here!
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Keepin' It Short: Florence, KY Features the North / South 100
by Mike Neff
For the 29th year the Florence Speedway in Florence, KY will host the North / South 100 with the winner of the event walking out of the pit gate at the end of the night with a great big check that will have $50,000 written on it. The best Late Model Dirt racers in the country from both the Lucas Oil touring series and local race tracks will be throwing their helmets into the ring on Saturday night.
In 1983, the promoters at Florence Speedway put on the first North / South 100. Pat Patrick, a Hall of Fame dirt track racer from Saylor, OH made the trip south and took home the big money. Since that race the event has taken place every season except for 2001 when the race was rained out. In 2003, the King Family upped the ante and began paying the winner of the race $50,000. Dan Schlieper was the first driver to pocket the big payday. Every driver who makes it into the main event takes home $2,500.
Jimmy Owens is the defending champion of the race and is also the points leader in the national point standings over Scott Bloomquist. Owens holds a 140 point lead over Bloomquist with 18 races left on the schedule. Don O'Neal, who won the Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway earlier this season is in the third spot in the points. Steve Francis is sitting in the fourth spot while dirt legend Earl Pearson, Jr. rounds out the top 5.
While quite a bit of attention is going to be focused on the national tour drivers, the local Florence Speedway drivers will put up a formidable fight to keep the money at home. Josh Williams is in the top spot in points at this time with Jesse Lay hot on his heels. Robby Hensley is sitting in the third position ahead of Tim Prince and Jim Price who make up the rest of the top 5.
The Civil War may have ended quite some time ago, but every year, in Florence, KY, the battle is renewed and this year will be no exception. If you're in the Midwest and have the time to travel just south of Cincinnati Ohio for some quality dirt track racing, you should check out the North / South 100. It'll be a night you won't forget.
Previous North/South 100 Winners
1983 - Pat Patrick
1984 - Pat Patrick
1985 - John Mason
1986 - Jack Boggs
1987 - Jeff Purvis
1988 - Scott Bloomquist
1989 - Jeff Purvis
1990 - Mike Head
1991 - Rodney Combs
1992 - Jack Boggs
1993 - John Gill
1994 - Jack Boggs
1995 - John Gill
1996 - Donnie Moran
1997 - Rick Aukland
1998 - Donnie Moran
1999 - Bob Pierce
2000 - Scott Bloomquist
2001 - RAINED OUT
2002 - Chub Frank
2003 - Dan Schlieper
2004 - Steve Shaver
2005 - Bart Hartman
2006 - Steve Shaver
2007 - Jimmy Owens
2008 - Darren Miller
2009 - Jimmy Mars
2010 - Jimmy Owens
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
The fat lady isn't singing, but she is certainly warming up the vocal chords. Last weekend Keith Rocco and Lee Pulliam both scored maximum point wins. Unfortunately for Pulliam, Rocco runs at three race tracks every week and usually runs against full fields on at least two of those nights. The end result is Rocco has 21 wins in the bag and 10 of them are maximum point races. He is 51 points away from another perfect season and the three tracks he runs have schedules that run all of the way through the September 18th.
Pulliam only has four weekends of racing left in Virginia between Motor Mile and South Boston and, while there is a twin 100 weekend at Motor Mile, that still only gives him four races to add to his point total. Pulliam can certainly add to his total a little more easily than Rocco, since he only has six maximum point wins, but he's got far fewer chances to make those improvements. The title isn't handed out until September 18th, but Rocco has the table set and just needs to keep his silverware from falling on the floor.
Philip Morris and C.E. Falk both saw their chances at gaining ground on the leaders washed away Saturday night when Morris was leading at South Boston and the race was called and Falk never even got on the track before the event was postponed. They will have the chance to make up those races before the national point cutoff but they are running out of chances just like Pulliam. Burt Myers drew one race closer to the maximum number of races for the season and scored another top-5 finish at Bowman-Gray Stadium last Saturday. The finish jumped him over Nate Monteith and into sixth place in the standings. Brandon Davis worked his way back into the top 10 this weekend scoring his ninth win in 14 starts at Toyota Raceway at Irwindale.
1) Keith Rocco – 38 races – 21 wins – 30 top 5s – 35 top 10s – 759 points
2) Lee Pulliam – 24 races – 15 wins – 20 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 722 points
3) Philip Morris – 22 races – 14 wins – 17 top 5s – 19 top 10s – 720 points
4) C E Falk, III – 21 races – 9 wins – 18 top 5s – 20 top 10s – 697 points
5) Bill Leighton, Jr – 18 races – 5 wins – 18 top 5s – 18 top 10s – 631 points
6) Burt Myers – 17 races – 4 wins – 13 top 5s – 16 top 10s – 568 points
7) Nate Monteith – 22 races – 8 wins – 19 top 5s – 19 top 10s – 558 points
8) Frank Deiny, Jr. – 20 races – 1 win – 14 top 5s – 18 top 10s – 555 points
9) Ryan Preece – 25 races – 4 wins – 19 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 544 points
10) Brandon Davis – 14 races – 9 wins – 13 top 5s – 13 top 10s – 535 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.**
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri: Aug. 12th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – Comp Cams Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Siskiyou Motor Speedway ; Yreka : CA - Big Sky Sprints
Fri: Aug. 12th - Siskiyou Motor Speedway ; Yreka : CA - Interstate Sprint Car Series
Fri: Aug. 12th - Fairgrounds Speedway ; Montezema : CO - IMCA Wild West Modifieds
Fri: Aug. 12th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Blizzard Super Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th – Hawkeye Downs Speedway ; Cedar Rapids : IA – ASA Midwest
Fri: Aug. 12th - Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri: Aug. 12th - Kankakee County Speedway ; Kankakee : IL - American Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Wayne County Speedway ; Wayne City : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Fri: Aug. 12th - Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS - USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri: Aug. 12th - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Aug. 12th - Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - USA Speedway ; Sterlington : LA - Mid-South Racing Association
Fri: Aug. 12th - Northwest Michigan Fairgrounds ; Traverse City : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Fri: Aug. 12th - Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Fri: Aug. 12th - Chateau Speedway ; Austin : MN - Corn Belt Clash Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Bolivar Speedway ; Bolivar : MO - Show-Me Racin Series
Fri: Aug. 12th - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Cleveland County Speedway ; Lawndale : NC - Carolina Clash Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Fri: Aug. 12th - Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE - NCRA / Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Fri: Aug. 12th - New Hampshire International Speedway ; Loudon : NH - ACT US Tour
Fri: Aug. 12th – Wake County Speedway ; Raleigh : NC – Super Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th – Wake County Speedway ; Raleigh : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th – Black Rock Speedway ; Dundee : NY – Patriot Sprints
Fri: Aug. 12th - Chemung Speedrome ; Chemung : NY - Race Of Champions Modifieds
Fri: Aug. 12th - I-88 Speedway ; Afton : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcar Association
Fri: Aug. 12th - Limaland Motorsports Park ; Lima : OH - NRA SprintInvaders
Fri: Aug. 12th - Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH - Late Model Gold Cup
Fri: Aug. 12th – Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario – Sprint Cars
Fri: Aug. 12th - Yakima Speedway ; Yakima : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri: Aug. 12th – Elkins Raceway ; Kerens : WV – Super Late Models
Fri: Aug. 12th - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Fri: Aug. 12th - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - Total Seal Late Model Dirt Series
Sat: Aug. 13th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – 360 Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – Wingless Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Petaluma Speedway ; Petaluma : CA - BCRA Midget Lites
Sat: Aug. 13th - Petaluma Speedway ; Petaluma : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat: Aug. 13th - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - Western Racing Association
Sat: Aug. 13th - Fairgrounds Speedway ; Montezema : CO - IMCA Wild West Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th - Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat: Aug. 13th - Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT - NEMA Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat: Aug. 13th - North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL - Florida Mini-Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Ocala Micro Speedway ; Ocala : FL – Sunshine
Sat: Aug. 13th – 441 Speedway ; Dublin : GA – NeSmith Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat: Aug. 13th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Pro Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 13th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - Northwest Pro-4 Alliance
Sat: Aug. 13th - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Coles County Speedway ; Charleston : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Rockford Speedway ; Rockford : IL - American Super Cup Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Jefferson County Fairgrounds ; Madison : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Aug. 13th - Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN - American Modified Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Mount Lawn Speedway ; New Castle : IN - USSA - Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Twin Cities Raceway Park ; North Vernon : IN - Indiana Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - US 24 Speedway ; Logansport : IN - American Mini Sprint Association
Sat: Aug. 13th - Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS - USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 13th - Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Boothill Speedway ; Shreveport : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - Southern Thunder Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Circuit Grand Bayou ; Belle Rose : LA - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sat: Aug. 13th - I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Aug. 13th - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - Auto Value Super Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Sat: Aug. 13th - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – West Plains Motor Speedway ; West Plains : MO – Comp Cams Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – West Plains Motor Speedway ; West Plains : MO – MARS Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS - PRO Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Montana Raceway Park ; Kalispel : MT - NASCAR Camping World West Series
Sat: Aug. 13th – Bowman-Gray Stadium ; Winston-Salem : NC – Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th – Bowman-Gray Stadium ; Winston-Salem : NC – Sportsman
Sat: Aug. 13th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat: Aug. 13th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC - USARacing Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Jamestown Speedway ; Jamestown : ND - Northern LateModel Racing
Sat: Aug. 13th - Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE - Midwest LateModel Racing
Sat: Aug. 13th - Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE - NCRA / Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Lincoln County Speedway ; North Platte : NE - United Rebel Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH - Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat: Aug. 13th - New Hampshire International Speedway ; Loudon : NH - ACT US Tour
Sat: Aug. 13th - New Hampshire International Speedway ; Loudon : NH - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat: Aug. 13th - Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia - Parts For Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat: Aug. 13th - Reno-Fernley Raceway ; Fernley : NV - Western AllStar DIRTcar Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Canandaigua Speedway ; Canandaigua : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Woodhull Raceway ; Woodhull : NY - ULMS - Late Model Series
Sat: Aug. 13th – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – UMP Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th - Fremont Speedway ; Fremont : OH - NRA SprintInvaders
Sat: Aug. 13th - Lorain County Speedway ; South Amherst : OH - Midwest Supermodifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th - Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th – Sharon Speedway ; Hartford : OH – All Star Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Sharon Speedway ; Hartford : OH – FASTRAK Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Flamboro Speedway ; Freelton : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Flamboro Speedway ; Freelton : Ontario - Canadian Vintage Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th – Sunset Speedway ; Banks : OR – Wingless Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Southern Oregon Speedway ; Medford : OR - Big Sky Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Southern Oregon Speedway ; Medford : OR - Interstate Sprint Car Series
Sat: Aug. 13th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 13th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Mercer Raceway Park ; Mercer : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Sat: Aug. 13th - Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA – 305 Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA - PA Sprint Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Three State Flyers
Sat: Aug. 13th - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA - United Racing Company
Sat: Aug. 13th - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat: Aug. 13th - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - Central Pennsylvania LegendCars
Sat: Aug. 13th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Aug. 13th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – ASA Crate Street Stocks
Sat: Aug. 13th - Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Myrtle Beach Speedway ; Myrtle Beach : SC – Limited Late Models x2
Sat: Aug. 13th – Highland Rim Speedway ; Greenbrier : TN – Ken Ten Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Kingsport Speedway ; Kingsport : TN - United Auto Racing Association
Sat: Aug. 13th – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Super Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN - Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat: Aug. 13th – Franklin County Speedway ; Callaway : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Old Dominion Speedway ; Manassas : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 13th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : VA - ARDC Midgets
Sat: Aug. 13th - Wythe Raceway ; Wytheville : VA - Carolina Clash Late Model Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT - Sprint Cars of New England
Sat: Aug. 13th - Spokane County Raceway ; Spokane : WA - ICAR Late Model Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Yakima Speedway ; Yakima : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat: Aug. 13th - Yakima Speedway ; Yakima : WA - Washington Econo Sprint Car Organization
Sat: Aug. 13th - Yakima Speedway ; Yakima : WA - Washington Midget Racing Association
Sat: Aug. 13th - Dells Motor Speedway ; Wisconsin Dells : WI - Mid-American Stock Car Series
Sat: Aug. 13th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sat: Aug. 13th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association
Sat: Aug. 13th - Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI - Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Sat: Aug. 13th - Midvale Speedway ; Midvale : OH - Super Cup Stock Car Series
Sun: Aug. 14th - Circuit Grand Bayou ; Belle Rose : LA - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sun: Aug. 14th – Spartan Speedway : Mason : MI – Outlaw Late Model Slugfest
Sun: Aug. 14th - Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO - USMTS Modifieds
Sun: Aug. 14th - Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO - USAC National Sprint Cars
Sun: Aug. 14th - Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Sun: Aug. 14th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model
Sun: Aug. 14th - Dawson County Speedway ; Lexington : NE - United Rebel Sprints
Sun: Aug. 14th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Granite State Mini-Sprint Race Club
Sun: Aug. 14th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Sun: Aug. 14th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Sprint Cars of New England
Sun: Aug. 14th - Reno-Fernley Raceway ; Fernley : NV - Western AllStar DIRTcar Late Models
Sun: Aug. 14th - Millstream Speedway ; Findlay : OH - NRA SprintInvaders
Sun: Aug. 14th - Enid Speedway ; Enid : OK - NCRA / Southern SportMod Series
Sun: Aug. 14th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Big Sky Sprints
Sun: Aug. 14th - Husets Speedway ; Brandon : SD - All Star Sprint Cars
Sun: Aug. 14th - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Sun: Aug. 14th – Dells Raceway Park ; Wisconsin Dells : WI – Mid-American Stock Cars
Mon: Aug. 15th - Iowa State Fairgrounds ; Des Moines : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Mon: Aug. 15th - Williston Basin Speedway ; Williston : ND - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Tue: Aug. 16th - New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ - ARDC Midgets
Tue: Aug. 16th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Norther LateModel Racing Series
Tue: Aug. 16th - Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Wed: Aug. 17th - Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI - Kalamazoo Klash Outlaw Late Models
Wed: Aug. 17th - Ogemaw County Fairgrounds ; West Branch : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Wed: Aug. 17th - Ogilvie Speedway ; Ogilvie : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Wed: Aug. 17th - Electric City Speedway ; Great Falls : MT - Big Sky Sprints
Wed: Aug. 17th – Dacotah Speedway ; Mandan : ND – Northern LateModel Racing Series
Wed: Aug. 17th - Red River Valley Speedway ; Fargo : ND - All Star Sprint Cars
Wed: Aug. 17th - Red River Valley Speedway ; Fargo : ND - Northern LateModel Racing Series
Wed: Aug. 17th - Utica-Rome Speedway ; Vernon : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Wed: Aug. 17th - Utica-Rome Speedway ; Vernon : NY - Race of Champion Dirt Modifieds
Wed: Aug. 17th – Brown County Speedway ; Aberdeen : SD – Dart Late Models
Thu: Aug. 18th – Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis ; Clermont : IN – USAC Pavement Sprint Cars
Thu: Aug. 18th – I-94 Speedway ; Fergus Falls, MN – Northern LateModel Racing Series
Thu: Aug. 18th - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - Fastrak Late Models
Thu: Aug. 18th - Rice Lake Speedway ; Rice Lake : WI - USMTS Modifieds
Thu: Aug. 18th - Wisconsin International Raceway ; Kaukauna : WI - RED
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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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.
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Frontstretch Folio: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen International for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen. Sunday's race will be the 22nd of 36 races this season, and will be broadcast live Sunday, August 14th, at 1 PM ET on ESPN and 12 PM ET on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 90 laps for 220.5 miles before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jeff Gordon holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 70.798 seconds at 124.580 mph for the 2003 Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen. Gordon finished 33rd in the race following a crash, and was unable to leading any laps all race. Gordon won a total of four poles in 2003 and finished fourth in points.
Mark Martin holds the record for the fastest race run at Watkins Glen, with a speed of 103.300 mph in the 1995 The Bud at The Glen. Martin led 61 of the 90 laps en route to the victory, with Wally Dallenbach, Jr. 1.01 seconds behind him at the start / finish line. Jeff Gordon, Ricky Rudd, and Terry Labonte rounded out the top 5. Martin won a total of four races in the 1995 season and had an average finish of 11th in 31 races to finish fourth in points.
Juan Pablo Montoya is the defending race winner of this event, leading 74 of the 90 laps to win by 4.735 seconds over second-place Kurt Busch. Marcos Ambrose finished third, followed by A.J. Allmendinger and Carl Edwards to round out the top 5. Last year's victory at WGI was Montoya's most recent win, and he will be looking to defend it this weekend.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.45-mile paved road course, 90 laps (220.5 miles)
Degree of Banking: Progressive banking ranges from 6 degrees to 10 degrees
Frontstretch: 2,141 ft.
Backstretch: 1,839 ft.
Grandstand Seating: 41,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, August 12, 12:00 – 1:50 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, August 12, 4:10 – 5:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, August 13, 11:40 AM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Travel Channel's "Man Vs. Food" Adam Richman
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Scattered strong storms, 60% chance of rain
High: 74
Low: 63
Say What?!
"Sonoma is kind of like Martinsville and Watkins Glen is kind of like Talladega. That's how different they are. Watkins Glen seems like it's an easier road course for these cars and for us to be on. They're not as agile as other sports cars are. We're 3,400-pound racecars where other sports cars are maybe 2,500 or 2,800 pounds. You can throw them around a lot easier. Their brakes are a lot better and they stop a lot better. With as big and heavy of tanks as these (Sprint Cup cars have), we seem to have a problem, already, not running into each other, let alone being on a tight road course like Sonoma certainly adds a challenge." -Kyle Busch on the differences between Sonoma and Watkins Glen
"As I've always said I enjoy the challenges of the road courses," said Newman. "Hustling the cars through the different corners is fun and it's a nice break from our weekly oval races. The cars are bunched in the corners on a road course and you have to avoid spins and getting knocked around. Staying on the course is vital. Watkins Glen may not be as technical of a circuit as Sonoma, but trouble can still happen any time." -Ryan Newman
"I've always liked going up to Watkins Glen and running up there. I haven't run there in a couple years, so it'll be great to be back. It's been too long. I had some really good runs there in the past. I won some Nationwide races and won the pole there in the Cup car before. I've come close, some seconds and thirds, but I never won a Cup race. Just missed. I know that was a few years ago and the competition's tough, but having a lot of good experience always helps at a road course. It helps with your comfort factor behind the wheel. So, I'm looking forward to going up there. I've always enjoyed running the track." -Bobby Labonte
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Wild Card Doesn't Make Chase Exciting; It Makes it Worse
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Last Chance for Chase Bubble Contenders, a Busch Sweep and a Log-jam at Roush
by Brett Poirier
A Look at Chase Hopefuls 11th-20th: Even Brad Keselowski Should Be Worried
by Garrett Horton
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Congrats to Paul, Track Position, Kentucky and Wildlife
as told to Tony Lumbis
ARCA Road Racers Add Flavor to Stout Nationwide Field at the Glen
by Bryan Davis Keith
Frontstretch Podcast: August 12th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 2000, Jeff Gordon entered the Global Crossing @ the Glen with a chance to win an unprecedented seventh road race in a row. However, Gordon's chances of winning for the fourth year in a row came to a screeching halt on the first lap. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1994, qualifying for the Busch Grand National Series Fay's 150 at Watkins Glen was rained out. A rather convoluted system was employed in order to set the starting lineup. Multiple drivers were forced to share cars in order to compete in the event. Brett Bodine, who was sponsored by Fay's (after two buyouts, former Fay's Drug Stores are now Rite-Aids), was forced to have Tom Peck start his No. 51 Chevrolet. Future Busch North Series champion Andy Santerre was forced to borrow a fellow competitors' car in order to race. Who did he borrow his car from?
A: Santerre was forced to borrow an Oldsmobile meant to be driven by Bryan Goewey, a part-time competitor in the Busch North Series at the time and full-time car salesman for his family Dodge dealership. It was interesting that through simply the luck of the draw, Goewey's No. 4 (re-numbered to No. 1 for the Fay's 150) got into the field even though Goewey only made four career starts in the series (although one of those was a fourth-place finish at Watkins Glen a couple of weeks earlier). Meanwhile, Santerre, who finished third in points that season with a win at Apple Valley Speedway in Williamson, New York, had to buy a ride in order to start.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen Race Recap by Phil Allaway
-- Mouthing Off: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Watkins Glen.
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 Sunday's race from Watkins Glen.
Special Commentary by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Watkins Glen.
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 Watkins Glen.
Big Six: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen by Amy Henderson
Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Watkins Glen.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Zippo 200 at the Glen by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen.
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