Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 19th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLXV
~~~~~~~~~~
NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the August 19th edition that features Kyle Busch as our main racing guest.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Boris Said, Greg Biffle Resolve Issues
In an interview on both Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's "Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody" and SPEED's "Race Hub", Boris Said stated that he and Greg Biffle had spoken on the phone since the race at Watkins Glen and had resolved the conflict between them. Following the race, Said confronted Biffle in the garage area over aggressive racing and an obscene gesture by Biffle, and told ESPN, "If someone texts me his address, I'll go over to his house and show him what he really needs. He needs a good whoopin'."
Both Said and Biffle had some choice words for each other in conversations with the media during the week, but Said later stated the two had resolved their issues in a phone conversation on Wednesday.
"It's a good thing I didn't get to him," Said claims. "I had a bunch of people text me his address, and I would probably have been over there today if he hadn't called me."
Both Said and Biffle will be racing this weekend, but in two different countries. Said will be competing in the Nationwide Series race in Montreal, while Biffle is focusing on his Sprint Cup Series duties in Michigan.
Testing Concludes at Martinsville Speedway
Five drivers--Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., David Ragan, Brad Keselowski, and Bobby Labonte--and their teams participated in a two day tire test at Martinsville Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday to assist Goodyear in constructing a better tire compound. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series already competed there earlier this spring with Kevin Harvick claiming the victory, and will return on October 30th for the Tums Fast Relief 500.
"Goodyear is always trying to make tires better and they work hard at building different compounds, different rubbers, different constructions," said Burton. "They do a lot of lab testing, but really, this is the best place to test, at the race tracks. We've been picking out the tires we like and then we confirm what we like and don't like on long runs. So we've made a lot of 10 and 20-lap runs and a bunch of 75-lap runs to confirm what we like. That is our main objective to being here."
The October race in Martinsville will be the seventh event in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup, with Denny Hamlin acting as the defending race winner.
BeBevCo, FAS Lane Racing Team Up for Michigan
Bebida Beverage Company's KOMA Unwind Relaxation Drink will serve as primary sponsor for FAS Lane Racing driver Ken Schrader in this weekend's Tums Fast Relief 500 at Michigan International Speedway, an opportunity that BeBevCo's CEO Brian Weber sees as a "major marketing boost" for the company.
"Having Ken Schrader, such a popular and tenured NASCAR driver," said Weber, "is icing on this cake."
Schrader has competed in a total of five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races this season, with his highest finish coming at Martinsville Speedway with a 22nd-place showing. All five starts have been with FAS Lane Racing.
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Jimmie Johnson to Meet With MIS Kids Club
Five-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will have a busy morning before strapping into his race car for the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday afternoon. At 10:15 AM, Johnson will make a visit to the New Holland Fan Plaza for a question and answer session with the MIS Kids Club.
Registration will begin at 9:30 AM at the MIS Cares Kids Zone. The MIS Kids Club is free to children ages 12 and under and prospective members are encouraged to sign up before Johnson's appearance on Sunday morning. Members receive an official MIS Kids Club card, a gift and a member's only race activity. Fans who want to sign up in advance can visit miskidsclub.com
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Return to Atlanta
For the second consecutive season, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway to perform the National Anthem prior to the AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup Series race on September 4th. The group is a grammy-nominated gospel quartet.
"We have never received a more positive response from any National Anthem performer in the history of Atlanta Motor Speedway than what we saw last year after Ernie Haase & Signature Sound presented the National Anthem," AMS President and General Manager Ed Clark said.
City Council Approves Phoenix Upgrades, Expansion
The Tucson Citizen reported that the Avondale City Council approved a General Plan amendment and agreed to rezone the property at Phoenix International Raceway. The move will allow track officials to upgrade facilities and possibly expand to compete with other race tracks. Phoenix is currently in the finishing stages of a $10 million upgrade.
The council decision allows track operators to begin designing future improvements including new grandstands, media facilities and a new midway for race fans. Track officials are also looking at how to better use land surrounding the racing surface, currently mainly used for parking. The city and PIR officials believe the improvements will provide more employment opportunities, while increasing the economic value and notoriety of the track.
~~~~~~~~~~
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 and columnist Amy Henderson break down Watkins Glen, Michigan, the Chase and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Truck Series Racing at Mobile - Why NASCAR Should Make It Happen
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Earlier this year, Rick Crawford and Mobile International Speedway owner Ida Fields announced the two had entered into a multi-year partnership that would put Crawford in charge of managing and promoting the half-mile track.
"I had a great partner in Lee and we were able to build the track into something special," Fields said. "I see a lot of Lee in Rick and Lee would be so proud that Rick has come back to Mobile International Speedway."
Crawford's career began in Mobile many years ago when he raced for owners Lee and Ida Fields.
"I am truly humbled that Ida Fields has chosen me to take over her and Lee's baby. Growing up, I thought winning at Daytona was just a dream and that dream came true," Crawford said. "Today another dream has become a reality. We've got a lot to do and I hope our fans and our racers will be patient with us as we get started."
So I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise that Crawford expressed an interest in bringing the Camping World Truck Series to "Alabama's Fastest Half-Mile" while he was a guest on the "Inside Alabama Racing":http://www.insidealabamaracing.com/ radio program. After all, he did score the track championship in three out of four seasons (1981, 1982, 1984).
"Absolutely, there's nothing I would like more than to have the trucks at my home track," Crawford said.
In fact, even CWTS Team Owner Kevin Harvick would like to see more short tracking racing on the schedule.
"I think the Truck schedule needs more short tracks," Harvick said. "I think it needs to go to some of those bullrings that it used to go to back in the day."
Founded in 1965, Mobile International Speedway has been the home of short track races for 46 years. Throughout the years, the half-mile paved oval has hosted open wheel racing, the World 200 Supermodified race, All Pro Stock, ASA, NASCAR Grand American, NASCAR All-American Challenge Series and NASCAR All Pro Stock Car Racing. In fact, along with Crawford, Kevin Swindell, Bubba Pollard and Cale Gale are just a few of the names that got their start in southern Alabama.
While the track is seeded in its own history, there are several improvements the track would need before being NASCAR approved. With a capacity of just 9,000, the seating would need to be increased, along with other adjustments to make the track acceptable to NASCAR, not the least of which would be to ensure SAFER barriers are installed all the way around.
But with that being said, Crawford's idea to bring the Truck Series to Mobile is ideal. In fact, it's rather important. The Truck Series began on mostly short tracks, and that's what helped make the series what it is today. While it'll be difficult for that to happen for the 2012 season since next year's schedule should be solidified within the next month, here's hoping NASCAR will work with Crawford and Alabama's Fastest Half-Mile ends up on the 2013 schedule.
Beth Lunkenheimer is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
by Mike Neff
Keith Rocco was able to add ten points to his season total with another maximum point win this past weekend, but that wasn't enough to make him feel more comfortable about his National Championship hopes thanks to Philip Morris winning twice at South Boston Speedway. Lee Pulliam packed up his car after Motor Mile Speedway's Saturday night schedule was rained out and headed down the road to South Boston to take on Morris in his favorite playground.
Pulliam was unable to steal the goodies from Morris's candy store, only managing a second and third-place finish. The end result was Morris added 33 points to his season total thanks to the two maximum point wins, which also is a record for wins at South Boston Speedway in a season. That total is enough to leapfrog Pulliam and grab the second position in the national point race. Morris now sits 16 points behind Rocco and 16 points in front of Pulliam.
Bill Leighton had a strong weekend, putting two victories in the books and adding 28 points to his total for the year. Ryan Preece took advantage of Burt Myers, Nate Monteith and Frank Deiny, Jr. not running thanks to weather, adding 31 points to his season total, including another win, bringing his season total to five wins. Preece jumped from ninth to sixth in the point standings. Travis Braden breaks into the top 10 with 11 wins in 24 races this season.
Frontstretch is also hearing a rumor that this will be Morris's last year competing in Late Model Stock Cars full time. The three-time National Champion is said to be considering running Super Late Models starting next season.
1) Keith Rocco – 41 races – 22 wins – 33 top 5s – 38 top 10s – 769 points
2) Philip Morris – 24 races – 16 wins – 19 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 753 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 26 races – 15 wins – 22 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 737 points
4) C E Falk, III – 21 races – 9 wins – 18 top 5s – 20 top 10s – 697 points
5) Bill Leighton, Jr – 20 races – 7 wins – 20 top 5s – 20 top 10s – 659 points
6) Ryan Preece – 25 races – 4 wins – 19 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 544 points
7) Burt Myers – 17 races – 4 wins – 13 top 5s – 16 top 10s – 568 points
8) Nate Monteith – 22 races – 8 wins – 19 top 5s – 19 top 10s – 558 points
9) Frank Deiny, Jr. – 20 races – 1 win – 14 top 5s – 18 top 10s – 555 points
10) Travis Braden – 24 races – 11 wins – 22 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 544 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. 19th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – PRO Dirt Cars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - ASA Northwest Sprint Cars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - WILROC SprintCars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA - Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri: Aug. 19th – Farmer City Raceway ; Farmer City : IL – Northern All Star Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Macon Speedway ; Macon : IL - POWRI Midgets
Fri: Aug. 19th - Macon Speedway ; Macon : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Fri: Aug. 19th - Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN - USSA - Midgets
Fri: Aug. 19th - Lakeside Speedway ; Kansas City : KS - ASCS / Warriors Region
Fri: Aug. 19th - Lakeside Speedway ; Kansas City : KS - Good Ol Time Racing Association
Fri: Aug. 19th – Salina Speedway ; Salina : KS – Midwest Dirt Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Ponderosa Speedway ; Junction City : KY - STARS Midwest Dirt Racing League
Fri: Aug. 19th - Cherry Speedway ; Fife Lake : MI - MORA Mini-Mods
Fri: Aug. 19th - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - CRA Super Series
Fri: Aug. 19th - Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Northern District Fairgrounds ; Cadillac : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Fri: Aug. 19th - Ogemaw County Fairgrounds ; West Branch : MI - Unique Figure 8s
Fri: Aug. 19th - Winston Speedway ; Rothbury : MI – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Fri: Aug. 19th - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Midwest 305 Sprint Cars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT - Big Sky Sprints
Fri: Aug. 19th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND - Northern LateModels
Fri: Aug. 19th - Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH - Granite State Mini-Sprints
Fri: Aug. 19th - Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH - Sprint Cars of New England
Fri: Aug. 19th - Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH - International Super Modifieds
Fri: Aug. 19th - Brewerton Speedway ; Brewerton : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Fri: Aug. 19th – Moler Raceway Park ; Williamsburg : OH – Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Delaware Speedway Park ; Delaware : Ontario - OSCAAR Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Aug. 19th - Bedford Speedway ; Bedford : PA - United Racing Company
Fri: Aug. 19th - Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri: Aug. 19th - Penn Can Speedway ; Susquehanna : PA - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Fri: Aug. 19th – Anderson Motor Speedway ; Anderson : SC – UARA Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th – Anderson Motor Speedway ; Anderson : SC – Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th – Kingsport Speedway ; Kingsport : TN – Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Cars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Golden Triangle Raceway Park ; Beaumont : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Fri: Aug. 19th – Southside Speedway ; Midlothian : VA – Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Fri: Aug. 19th - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Mississippi Thunder Speedway ; Fountain City : WI - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Aug. 19th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Hanover : WV – Fastrak Late Models
Fri: Aug. 19th - Casper Speedway ; Casper : WY - Championship Late Model Association
Sat: Aug. 20th - Castrol Raceway ; Edmonton : Alberta - Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Montgomery Motor Speedway – Montgomery : AL – Show Me The Money
Sat: Aug. 20th - Talladega Short Track ; Eastaboga : AL – Pro Dirt Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat: Aug. 20th - Agassiz Speedway ; Agassiz : British Columbia - ASA British Columbia Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - ASA Northwest Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Western Speedway ; Victoria : British Columbia - WILROC SprintCars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - National 3/4 Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - ASCS SoCal Sprint Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA - California Lightning Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat: Aug. 20th - Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA - Golden State Challenge
Sat: Aug. 20th - Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA - NCMA Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA - SRL Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Bandimere Speedway ; Morrison : CO - Super Chevy Show
Sat: Aug. 20th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - New England Antique Racers
Sat: Aug. 20th - Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT - International Super Modified Association
Sat: Aug. 20th – Lanier National Speedway ; Braselton : GA – Super Six Pro Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - Sprint Invaders
Sat: Aug. 20th - Upper Iowa Speedway ; Decorah : IA - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 20th – Illinois State Fairgrounds ; Springfield: IL - USAC Silver Crown
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lincoln Speedway ; Lincoln : IL - POWRI Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lincoln Speedway ; Lincoln : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN - American Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 20th - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN - Indiana Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN -UMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN - American Mini Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lincoln Park Speedway ; Putnamville : IN - Midwest Sprint Car Series (410)
Sat: Aug. 20th - South Bend Motor Speedway ; South Bend : IN - Auto Value Super Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Twin Cities Raceway Park ; North Vernon : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Aug. 20th – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA All-Stars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th – Caney Valley Speedway ; Caney : KS - Midwest DIRTcar Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS - United Rebel Sprint Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Hutchinson Raceway Park ; Hutchinson : KS - Midwest DIRTcar Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Hutchinson Raceway Park ; Hutchinson : KS - United Rebel Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lakeside Speedway ; Kansas City : KS - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lakeside Speedway ; Kansas City : KS - Good Ol Time Racing Association
Sat: Aug. 20th – Thunder Hill Speedway ; Mayetta : KS – Midwest Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lake Cumberland Speedway – Jamestown : KY - STARS Midwest Dirt Racing League
Sat: Aug. 20th - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 20th - Jones Motor Speedway ; Chatham : LA - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat: Aug. 20th - Butler Speedway ; Quincy : MI - All Star Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI - Midwest Supermodified Association
Sat: Aug. 20th - Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI - USAC National Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI -USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Merritt Speedway ; Lake City : MI – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Northern District Fairgrounds ; Cadillac : MI - Unique Figure 8s
Sat: Aug. 20th - Hibbing Raceway ; Hibbing : MN - Upper Midwest Sprint Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Jackson Sprint Touring Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Jackson Speedway ; Jackson : MN - Midwest 305 Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Mississippi State Championship Challenge
Sat: Aug. 20th - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Dallas County Speedway ; Urbana : MO - Ozark Mountain Midget Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat: Aug. 20th - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO – Show Me the Money
Sat: Aug. 20th - Electric City Speedway ; Great Falls : MT - Big Sky Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th – Bowman-Gray Stadium ; Winston-Salem : NC – Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 20th – Bowman-Gray Stadium ; Winston-Salem : NC – Sportsman
Sat: Aug. 20th – Coastal Plains Raceway ; Jacksonville : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Concord Speedway ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Friendship Speedway ; Elkin : NC - Carolina Clash Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models 2x
Sat: Aug. 20th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Devils Lake Speedway ; Doyon : ND - Northern LateModels
Sat: Aug. 20th - Nodak Speedway ; Minot : ND – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Mid-Nebraska Speedway ; Doniphan : NE - NCRA / 360 Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat: Aug. 20th - Southern New Mexico Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Riverside International Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia - Parts For Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat: Aug. 20th - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – The Dirt Track ; Las Vegas : NV - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Modifieds
Sat: Aug. 20th - Waynesfield Motor Sports Park ; Waynesfield : OH - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th - Lawton Speedway ; Lawton : OK - ASCS / Sooner Region
Sat: Aug. 20th - Barrie Speedway ; Barrie : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th – Brockville Speedway ; Brockville : Ontario – Ontario Dirt Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - South Buxton International Raceway ; Merlin : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Aug. 20th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sat: Aug. 20th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - Late Model Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA - ARDC Midgets
Sat: Aug. 20th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Aug. 20th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Cleveland Speedway ; Cleveland : TN – Southern All Stars
Sat: Aug. 20th – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Super Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Royal Purple Raceway ; Houston :TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat: Aug. 20th - Shady Oaks Speedway ; Goliad : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat: Aug. 20th - Rocky Mountain Raceways ; Valley City : UT - Rocky Mountain Challenge Series
Sat: Aug. 20th – Franklin County Speedway ; Callaway : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models 2x
Sat: Aug. 20th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA - PASS Southern Late Model Series
Sat: Aug. 20th - Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Sat: Aug. 20th – Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA – DAA Extreme Dirt Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - Inland NW Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - Washington Econo Sprint Cars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - Washington Midget Racing
Sat: Aug. 20th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Hanover : WV – Fastrak Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Sat: Aug. 20th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat: Aug. 20th - Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Aug. 20th - Gillette Thunder Speedway ; Gillette : WY - Championship Late Models
Sun: Aug. 21st – 441 Speedway ; Dublin : GA – United Dirt Late Models
Sun: Aug. 21st - Illinois State Fairgrounds ; Springfield : IL - ARCA Late Models
Sun: Aug. 21st - Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sun: Aug. 21st - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN - Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Sun: Aug. 21st - Mount Pleasant Speedway ; Mount Pleasant : MI - Michigan Dirt Cup
Sun: Aug. 21st - Nobles County Speedway ; Worthington : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Sun: Aug. 21st - Raceway Park ; Shakopee : MN - ASA Midwest Tour
Sun: Aug. 21st - Missouri State Fair Speedway ; Sedalia : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sun: Aug. 21st - Missouri State Fair Speedway ; Sedalia : MO - Midwest LateModel Racing
Sun: Aug. 21st – Raceway Park ; Shakopee : MN – ASA Midwest Tour
Sun: Aug. 21st - Devils Lake Speedway ; Doyon : ND - Northern LateModels
Sun: Aug. 21st - Nodak Speedway ; Minot : ND – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sun: Aug. 21st - Riverside Speedway ; Groveton : NH - PASS Modifieds
Sun: Aug. 21st - Riverside Speedway ; Groveton : NH - PASS Sportsman
Sun: Aug. 21st – Cornwall Motor Speedway ; Cornwall : Ontario – Ontario Dirt Late Models
Sun: Aug. 21st - Sunset Speedway ; Stroud : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sun: Aug. 21st - Sunset Speedway ; Stroud : Ontario - Canadian Vintage Modifieds
Sun: Aug. 21st - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Sun: Aug. 21st - Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI - USAC National Midgets
Wed: Aug. 24th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – CRA Super Series
Wed: Aug. 24th – M-40 Speedway ; Jones : MI – Big Gun Shootout Outlaw Late Models
Wed: Aug. 24th - Manistee County Fairgrounds ; Onekema : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Wed: Aug. 24th – Kawartha Speedway ; Kawartha : Ontario – NASCAR Canada
Wed: Aug. 24th - Bristol Motor Speedway ; Bristol : TN - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Wed: Aug. 24th - Bristol Motor Speedway ; Bristol : TN - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Wed: Aug. 24th - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Midwest Sprintcars
Wed: Aug. 24th - Manitowoc Expo Raceway ; Manitowoc : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Thu: Aug. 25th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - Modified Racing Series of New England
Thu: Aug. 25th - Hamilton County Speedway ; Webster City : IA - USMTS Modifieds
Thu: Aug. 25th - Highland Speedway ; Highland : IL - MARS DIRTcar Series
Thu: Aug. 25th - Lebanon Valley Speedway ; West Lebanon : NY - Super DIRTcar Big Block Series
Thu: Aug. 25th - Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Pure Michigan 400
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway for the Pure Michigan 400. Sunday's race will be the 23rd of 36 races this season and will be broadcast live Sunday, August 21st, at 1 PM ET on ESPN and 12 PM ET on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 200 laps (400 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Ryan Newman holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 37.069 sec at 194.232 mph during qualifying for the 2005 Batman Begins 400. Newman finished 15th in the race after leading only three laps. He won a total of eight pole positions in 36 races during the 2005 season.
Dale Jarrett holds the record for the fastest race run at Michigan International Speedway, with a speed of 173.997 mph in the 1999 Kmart 400 presented by Castrol Super Clean. Jarrett led 150 of the 200 lap race to win by 0.505 sec over second-place Jeff Gordon. Jeff Burton, Ward Burton, and Bobby Labonte rounded out the top 5. Jarrett won a total of four races in 34 starts in the 1999 season.
Kevin Harvick is the defending race winner of this event, leading 60 of the 200 laps to win by 1.731 sec over second-place Denny Hamlin. Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top 5. Harvick won a total of three races in 2010, finishing the season with an average finish of ninth to finish third in points.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.0-mile D-shaped oval
Pit Road Speed: 45mph
Degree of Banking: 18 degrees
Frontstretch: 3,600 ft., banked 12 degrees
Backstretch: 2,242 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 108,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, August 19, 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, August 19, 3:40 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, August 20, 10:10 AM -12:00 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Desmond Howard
Honorary Starter: President and CEO of Ford Motor Company Alan Mulally
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Mostly sunny, 10% chance of rain
High: 80
Low: 62
Say What?!
"I love racing here because of the wide corners where you can run from the bottom to the top. This is a really fast track with a high average speed, and you are in the corners for a really long time each lap. Ideally, you want to be right on the edge of tight and loose in the corners." -Jeff Gordon
"Michigan is a tough place, but we're not going to give up. It's a neat racetrack. It's a fun track to race on because it's so wide and you can race so many different places on the track and you can pass. It's something that we need to be more competitive on as an organization, and I think we will be. I feel like we have a package going there that will be better than we've had in the past." -David Gilliland
"We had a fast car in June and almost the Aaron's Dream Machine on the pole. We have a really good qualifying package at Michigan and our big track program here at MWR is really strong. Plus, we have made huge strides since we were there in June so I'm confident we'll have a shot at the pole again. Our goal every weekend is to win and that never changes, but a place like Michigan favors us a little bit more than normal." -David Reutimann
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
There's Nothing Silly About the Season's Vital Role in NASCAR
by Amy Henderson
by Mike Lovecchio
Will the Real Joey Logano Please Stand Up?
by Garrett Horton
Kenny Wallace Driver Diary: Hot Streak, Short Tracks
as told to Amy Henderson
Tearing Apart the Trucks: News of the Week - ThorSport Honors Fallen Officer, BBM and Braun Team Up, More
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: August 19th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1997 Detroit Gasket 200 at Michigan International Speedway was won by Steve Park. Park led only the final 14 laps to win from fourth starting spot. How did he do it?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 1994 Marlboro 500 at Michigan International Speedway was won by Scott Goodyear. It was the last-ever victory in CART for car owner Kenny Bernstein. However, this race was notable for other factors that allowed Goodyear to claim the lead late. What happened?
A: The race was filled with engine failures, especially late in the going. The top two drivers, Raul Boesel in the Duracell Lola-Ford for Dick Simon Racing and Al Unser, Jr. in the Marlboro Penske-Ilmor Mercedes, broke within a few laps of each other. Goodyear was a lap down at the time that Unser, Jr.'s engine failed, which gifted him the lead. He simply held off PacWest Racing's Dominic Dobson and Indy Regency Racing's Arie Luyendyk to win. Boesel and Unser, Jr.'s engine failures can be seen in this clip.
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:
-- Pure Michigan 400 Race Recap by TBA
-- Mouthing Off: Pure Michigan 400 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Pure Michigan 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Michigan.
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 Michigan.
Special Commentary by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Michigan.
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 Michigan.
Big Six: Pure Michigan 400 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Michigan.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: NAPA Auto Parts 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Tracking the Trucks: VFW 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race from Michigan.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2011 Frontstretch.com
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
No comments:
Post a Comment