THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 24th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLVII
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 24th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLVII
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Tom Bowles
First Truck Practice Over At Bristol
Rookie Cole Whitt has had a tough time of it lately in NASCAR's Truck Series; but judging by the speed charts at Bristol, you wouldn't know it. The driver of the No. 60 Fuel Doctor Chevrolet was the fastest during first practice at Bristol, turning a lap of 15.780 seconds and 121.597 miles an hour around Thunder Valley. Brendan Gaughan, Ron Hornaday, Jr., Kyle Busch, and Matt Crafton rounded out the top 5.
Among those teams struggling were David Starr, just 22nd in the first practice along with Nelson Piquet, Jr. (26th). Bryan Silas and rookie Todd Peck were slowest in practice, over a second off the pace of Whitt and would miss the race based on these speeds along with Norm Benning, who never made it on-track during the session. Mike Garvey, locked in with Sieg Racing in their likely start-and-park No. 93 (Shane Sieg's replacement after an indefinite suspension for substance abuse) was the other driver who never posted a time.
Speeds In Practice 1: Bristol
1) 60 - Cole Whitt, Chevy, 15.780 seconds (121.597 miles an hour).
2) 62 - Brendan Gaughan, Toyota, 15.859 (120.991).
3) 33 - Ron Hornaday, Jr., Chevy, 15.861 (120.976).
4) 18 - Kyle Busch, Toyota, 15.886 (120.786).
5) 88 - Matt Crafton, Chevy, 15.893 (120.732).
6) 13 - Johnny Sauter, 15.915 (120.566).
7) 4 - Ricky Carmichael, Chevy, 15.933 (120.429).
8) 24 - Elliott Sadler, Chevy, 15.942 (120.361).*
9) 22 - Joey Coulter, Chevy, 15.946 (120.331).
10) 6 - Justin Lofton, Toyota, 15.956 (120.256).
* - Must qualify on time to make the race
For the full list, click here.
Danica Patrick Announcement Forthcoming?
After months of speculation, Danica Patrick's move to NASCAR appears imminent. A press conference has been set up for tomorrow, in Phoenix at GoDaddy.com headquarters where Patrick will officially announce her intention to run full-time in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports in 2012. The 29-year-old, currently finishing out her contract with Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series has made significant strides driving stock cars this year; she's posted a career-best foruth-place finish in Nationwide and led for several laps at Daytona in July before fading down the stretch.
There's no word as of yet as to whether any Sprint Cup plans will be revealed. Patrick is long rumored to team with Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing over the long-term; the organization would supposedly run her in a limited schedule next season, perhaps as soon as the 2012 Daytona 500 while prepping for a full-time, third car to enter the SHR fold in 2013.
Kyle Busch Sentenced For Speeding Ticket
Kyle Busch learned Tuesday going fast off the racetrack has its conequences. After being busted for speeding May 24th, Busch's court case on the matter was finally resolved, as Judge H. Thomas Church of North Carolina District Court handed out a $1,000 fine, 30 hours of community service, and a 45-day driver's license suspension for the incident. Busch was also given a 30-day suspended jail sentence, along with a year's worth of unsupervised probation; as long as his record stays clean, that jail sentence will expire one year from the sentencing date.
As part of his community service, Busch will speak at B.R.A.K.E.S., a foundation dedicated to safe teen driving as part of his effort to atone for what he admits was a lapse in judgment. The veteran was clocked at driving 128 in a 45 mile per hour zone in a residential area of Iredell County.
"I'm sorry for making that mistake," Busch told Scene Daily. "Fortunately, there was no one hurt, but that doesn't make any kind of an excuse for what happened and what I did."
Busch could have faced a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a 12-month driver's license suspension for the offense. As for the reckless driving charge, associated with a speeding penalty of this magnitude the sentencing was continued, meaning Busch will have no further consequences if he avoids breaking the law over the next year.
For more on this topic, please read Mike Neff's commentary below in Full Throttle.
Toyota Introduces New Camry
Toyota has chosen to stick with the Camry for 2012 NASCAR competition; however, come February the car will have a brand new look. The manufacturer introduced the newest generation of the mid-size sedan on Tuesday with a special public webcast and TweetChat that helped pump up publicity. The racing version of the Camry can be seen on Jayski's page here; the street version will serve as the pace car for the 2012 Daytona 500.
The Camry has been the best-selling car in America for nine years running, along with 13 of the last 14 years. Since being introduced in 1983, more than 15 million have been sold worldwide.
Single-Car NASCAR Team Picks Up A Sponsor
Leavine Family Racing announced Tuesday they have funding to compete in five of the remaining thirteen races on the Sprint Cup schedule. Advocare, a health and wellness company headquartered in Plano, Texas has paired up with the No. 95 Ford to be the primary sponsor at Bristol this weekend, along with Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas, and Texas in November. The team, paired with driver David Starr, has already attempted a handful of Cup races this season with a best finish of 36th in Charlotte.
Advocare will also serve as the primary sponsor of next weekend's Atlanta Cup race, along with backing Starr in the Truck Series (Green Light Racing) tonight at Bristol. Starr, 43, will preserve his Cup Series rookie status with Leavine to leave the possibility open to run full-time for the award in 2012.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.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
Kyle Busch Faces the Music
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
Kyle Busch had his day in court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to operating a motor vehicle at 128 in a 45 mph zone and no contest to reckless driving. In return, he was sentenced to revocation of his driver's license for 45 days with no driving privileges, 30 days in jail suspended, one year of unsupervised probation, a $1,000 fine and 30 hours of community service. The revocation of driving privileges does not preclude Busch from competing in the Sprint Cup series as a state issued driver's license is not required for participants to race.
Busch has been vilified and supported from both sides of the fence since he was written up for breaking the law. There were not only Kyle haters chiming in over his perceived preferential treatment, but also people who had no dog in the fight that view this incident as a crass, arrogant move by a petulant punk. Of course, there's plenty of supporters, too - from Kyle's fans, to people who simply view the government as a thorn in their sides. There's even an argument by some who felt Kyle was being singled out due to the fact that he was a famous race car driver and was being treated more stringently than other people who committed a similar crime.
So where does this verdict put us in the end? Probably somewhere in between. Many times during the year, people on television and in the print media (including the Internet) have extolled the virtues of "New Kyle." He's shown surprising levels of maturity in situations that, in the past, would have seen him stomping off, making smart comments or simply refusing to speak altogether. But this year, he has handled situations like losing at Watkins Glen with the aplomb that so many have wanted since he came into the series. Whether that has come from the calming influence of being a married man or simply a revelation after all these years that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, it doesn't matter; the bottom line is Busch has finally taken a step forward.
But while off the track, Kyle has seemed more measured and mature, on the track he's still being as aggressive and daring as he ever was. It's just that less than desirable cars are now driven to the maximum of their abilities and not over them, which has allowed Busch to ascend to the top of the point standings with only three races to go before the Chase. If he is able to maintain that kind of level headedness once the final 10 races are underway, he well may give Jimmie Johnson a run for his money in the race to Homestead's big stage.
That maturity might have also played a role in Busch's sentencing today. Busch was contrite and forthcoming with the judge, accepting responsibility for the speeding infraction. His lawyer noted that there have been a history of people in Iredell County being pulled over for similar offenses and they have all been offered plea agreements by the District Attorney. And while people have claimed that Busch was receiving preferential treatment, the history the lawyer speaks of rings true. Busch seems to have been held to a higher standard than others, including a felon who was pulled over for the exact same speed and faced the judge before Busch's day in court. Busch's lawyer noted the other defendant was allowed to walk away with $300 in court costs for speeding at 128 mph and reckless driving, which Busch never admitted to.
Over the next week or so, the average life cycle of a news story, there will certainly be hundreds of thousands of opinions posted all over the Internet and the world about how right or wrong this decision was and the overall ramifications of Busch's escapades, but the words of someone who has been affected firsthand by driving ramifications speak volumes. During the Parade of Power at Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier this month, Doug Herbert was part of the lineup of drivers present and he spoke to Frontstretch about Kyle's efforts in supporting B.R.A.K.E.S., Herbert's foundation that he started after he lost both of his sons in an auto accident. The foundation puts on driving schools designed to make kids better drivers; ironically, it was the "community service" Kyle was assigned to by the judge as part of his sentence.
Except here's the catch: it won't be the first time Kyle works with the program.
"Kyle has been a big help with the B.R.A.K.E.S. deal, even before his speeding ticket." Herbert said. "Since then, we've had a meeting and you can tell Kyle gets it. He realizes he's a role model and people look up to him. He really understands how he is supposed to be."
Kyle Busch had his day in court and he's going to be serving his penance to society over the next year. Whether that will make a difference in what people think of him or how he acts only time will tell, but for now this chapter in his life has a detailed plan to come to an end. There's no question what he did was wrong and he's apologized for it. Now, he has some service to perform for the community but then his debt will be paid; don't chastise him for it beyond that.
Now, going forward hopefully he can stick to going fast ON the race track.
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 (Jimmie Johnson): Hey @KyleBusch, I got a $1,000 bucks for ya if you will drive me home from dinner... #I'minahurry
@KyleBusch (Kyle Busch): U & I can sit in the back w smoking hot chauffeur n @Samantha_Busch drivin. RT @JimmieJohnson: @KyleBusch will u drive me home from dinner?
@matt_kenseth17 (Matt Kenseth): Hanging out with Johnny Rutherford, love hearing the stories. Makes me really appreciate the history and heritage of our sport...
@matt_kenseth17: Johnny ran the 5th annual Daytona 500 in 1963 driving for smokey yunick, won his first NASCAR race ever, the 100 mile qualifier that week
@JeffGordonWeb (Jeff Gordon): Testing in Pikes Peak today w/24 team. Experienced my first earthquake last night. 5.5 Richter Scale 100 miles from where we r #JG
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Just had a small earthquake in motown hope everyone is okay, that's Mooresville
@kaseykahne (Kasey Kahne): Crazy to see how many different states had it. Watching everyone's tweets.
@DonRohr (Don Rohr): now you know what 43 cars feels like when they thunder by at #NASCAR!!!! Everything else is just... something..
@ColemanPressley (Coleman Pressley): Maybe dale jr was introduced somewhere and it was a crowd screaming
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Kyle timed his sentencing perfect! Pit now! #overshadowed
@JeffGordonWeb: Wow! What is going on today. Anyone know if the earthquake I felt in CO has a connection to the ones back east now? Or just coincidence? #JG
@RCR31JeffBurton (Jeff Burton): All time coolest trophy yfrog.com/kl65cpbj
@matt_kenseth17: @RCR31JeffBurton not so cool for the guy you beat!
@RCR31JeffBurton: "@matt_kenseth17: @RCR31JeffBurton not so cool for the guy you beat!" u have how many championships?
@Just_AP (Ashley Parlett): Shane Sieg suspended for violating Substance abuse policy? DID THESE KIDS NOT WATCH THEIR AFTER SCHOOL SPECIALS?? I did! #drugsarebadmmmkay
@stevewallace66 (Steve Wallace): Just talked to Jerry Baxter he said hes gonna give me my hair back!!!!!! Haha
@Kenny_Wallace (Kenny Wallace): Good Job to @mw55 and MWR crew chief Jerry Baxter for Issuing a Statement of Apologizing to @SteveWallace66
@Brendan62 (Brendan Gaughan): I hope this doesn't mean we are going to add MORE teams!?!? RT @DGodfatherMoody Germain To Form New NASCAR Team sirius-speedway.com/2011/08/germai…
@Brendan62: @DGodfatherMoody We are struggling enough with what we have now
@KevinHarvick (Kevin Harvick): @The_ChrisMyers your report is so far off base it's not even funny... check your facts then report your news....
@SBPopOffValve: @kevinharvick Dude, keep in mind that this is Chris freaking Myers, Digger's pimp, that floated this rumor.
@KevinHarvick: bottom line is today everyone is busting their ass to get our team ready for the Chase and when it is time we will have made every effort
@KevinHarvick: media people piss me off.....
@KevinHarvick: Not all just the ones who make shit up..RT @NButler_NASCAR: @KevinHarvick I would hope not all of them..
@tydillon (Ty Dillon): First day at college has been good, getting everything ready to hit the grind.
@JimmieJohnson: I must say, it's nice to be watching football... even if its pre-season ball.
@JimmieJohnson: Football to me = my couch & cold beer. #livin
@matt_kenseth17 (Matt Kenseth): @JimmieJohnson I just turned on game, saw the bears were getting killed, thought it was a rerun....
@JimmieJohnson: Haha, bud light is my beer of choice. "@bw5599: @JimmieJohnsonwhat do u drink? I peg you a zima guy...."
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? ... Earnhardt's Strategy, Martin's Last Stand And Quick Hits
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: Championship Favorites, Road Course Chase Race, More
by the Frontstretch Staff
Boys, Have At It? NASCAR Sending Mixed Signals With Penalties
by Summer Dreyer
Top Ten NASCAR Causes of Tuesday's Earthquake
by Jeff Meyer
Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Michigan-2
compiled by Mike Neff
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Top News
by Tom Bowles
First Truck Practice Over At Bristol
Rookie Cole Whitt has had a tough time of it lately in NASCAR's Truck Series; but judging by the speed charts at Bristol, you wouldn't know it. The driver of the No. 60 Fuel Doctor Chevrolet was the fastest during first practice at Bristol, turning a lap of 15.780 seconds and 121.597 miles an hour around Thunder Valley. Brendan Gaughan, Ron Hornaday, Jr., Kyle Busch, and Matt Crafton rounded out the top 5.
Among those teams struggling were David Starr, just 22nd in the first practice along with Nelson Piquet, Jr. (26th). Bryan Silas and rookie Todd Peck were slowest in practice, over a second off the pace of Whitt and would miss the race based on these speeds along with Norm Benning, who never made it on-track during the session. Mike Garvey, locked in with Sieg Racing in their likely start-and-park No. 93 (Shane Sieg's replacement after an indefinite suspension for substance abuse) was the other driver who never posted a time.
Speeds In Practice 1: Bristol
1) 60 - Cole Whitt, Chevy, 15.780 seconds (121.597 miles an hour).
2) 62 - Brendan Gaughan, Toyota, 15.859 (120.991).
3) 33 - Ron Hornaday, Jr., Chevy, 15.861 (120.976).
4) 18 - Kyle Busch, Toyota, 15.886 (120.786).
5) 88 - Matt Crafton, Chevy, 15.893 (120.732).
6) 13 - Johnny Sauter, 15.915 (120.566).
7) 4 - Ricky Carmichael, Chevy, 15.933 (120.429).
8) 24 - Elliott Sadler, Chevy, 15.942 (120.361).*
9) 22 - Joey Coulter, Chevy, 15.946 (120.331).
10) 6 - Justin Lofton, Toyota, 15.956 (120.256).
* - Must qualify on time to make the race
For the full list, click here.
Danica Patrick Announcement Forthcoming?
After months of speculation, Danica Patrick's move to NASCAR appears imminent. A press conference has been set up for tomorrow, in Phoenix at GoDaddy.com headquarters where Patrick will officially announce her intention to run full-time in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports in 2012. The 29-year-old, currently finishing out her contract with Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series has made significant strides driving stock cars this year; she's posted a career-best foruth-place finish in Nationwide and led for several laps at Daytona in July before fading down the stretch.
There's no word as of yet as to whether any Sprint Cup plans will be revealed. Patrick is long rumored to team with Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing over the long-term; the organization would supposedly run her in a limited schedule next season, perhaps as soon as the 2012 Daytona 500 while prepping for a full-time, third car to enter the SHR fold in 2013.
Kyle Busch Sentenced For Speeding Ticket
Kyle Busch learned Tuesday going fast off the racetrack has its conequences. After being busted for speeding May 24th, Busch's court case on the matter was finally resolved, as Judge H. Thomas Church of North Carolina District Court handed out a $1,000 fine, 30 hours of community service, and a 45-day driver's license suspension for the incident. Busch was also given a 30-day suspended jail sentence, along with a year's worth of unsupervised probation; as long as his record stays clean, that jail sentence will expire one year from the sentencing date.
As part of his community service, Busch will speak at B.R.A.K.E.S., a foundation dedicated to safe teen driving as part of his effort to atone for what he admits was a lapse in judgment. The veteran was clocked at driving 128 in a 45 mile per hour zone in a residential area of Iredell County.
"I'm sorry for making that mistake," Busch told Scene Daily. "Fortunately, there was no one hurt, but that doesn't make any kind of an excuse for what happened and what I did."
Busch could have faced a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a 12-month driver's license suspension for the offense. As for the reckless driving charge, associated with a speeding penalty of this magnitude the sentencing was continued, meaning Busch will have no further consequences if he avoids breaking the law over the next year.
For more on this topic, please read Mike Neff's commentary below in Full Throttle.
Toyota Introduces New Camry
Toyota has chosen to stick with the Camry for 2012 NASCAR competition; however, come February the car will have a brand new look. The manufacturer introduced the newest generation of the mid-size sedan on Tuesday with a special public webcast and TweetChat that helped pump up publicity. The racing version of the Camry can be seen on Jayski's page here; the street version will serve as the pace car for the 2012 Daytona 500.
The Camry has been the best-selling car in America for nine years running, along with 13 of the last 14 years. Since being introduced in 1983, more than 15 million have been sold worldwide.
Single-Car NASCAR Team Picks Up A Sponsor
Leavine Family Racing announced Tuesday they have funding to compete in five of the remaining thirteen races on the Sprint Cup schedule. Advocare, a health and wellness company headquartered in Plano, Texas has paired up with the No. 95 Ford to be the primary sponsor at Bristol this weekend, along with Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas, and Texas in November. The team, paired with driver David Starr, has already attempted a handful of Cup races this season with a best finish of 36th in Charlotte.
Advocare will also serve as the primary sponsor of next weekend's Atlanta Cup race, along with backing Starr in the Truck Series (Green Light Racing) tonight at Bristol. Starr, 43, will preserve his Cup Series rookie status with Leavine to leave the possibility open to run full-time for the award in 2012.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.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
Kyle Busch Faces the Music
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
Kyle Busch had his day in court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to operating a motor vehicle at 128 in a 45 mph zone and no contest to reckless driving. In return, he was sentenced to revocation of his driver's license for 45 days with no driving privileges, 30 days in jail suspended, one year of unsupervised probation, a $1,000 fine and 30 hours of community service. The revocation of driving privileges does not preclude Busch from competing in the Sprint Cup series as a state issued driver's license is not required for participants to race.
Busch has been vilified and supported from both sides of the fence since he was written up for breaking the law. There were not only Kyle haters chiming in over his perceived preferential treatment, but also people who had no dog in the fight that view this incident as a crass, arrogant move by a petulant punk. Of course, there's plenty of supporters, too - from Kyle's fans, to people who simply view the government as a thorn in their sides. There's even an argument by some who felt Kyle was being singled out due to the fact that he was a famous race car driver and was being treated more stringently than other people who committed a similar crime.
So where does this verdict put us in the end? Probably somewhere in between. Many times during the year, people on television and in the print media (including the Internet) have extolled the virtues of "New Kyle." He's shown surprising levels of maturity in situations that, in the past, would have seen him stomping off, making smart comments or simply refusing to speak altogether. But this year, he has handled situations like losing at Watkins Glen with the aplomb that so many have wanted since he came into the series. Whether that has come from the calming influence of being a married man or simply a revelation after all these years that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, it doesn't matter; the bottom line is Busch has finally taken a step forward.
But while off the track, Kyle has seemed more measured and mature, on the track he's still being as aggressive and daring as he ever was. It's just that less than desirable cars are now driven to the maximum of their abilities and not over them, which has allowed Busch to ascend to the top of the point standings with only three races to go before the Chase. If he is able to maintain that kind of level headedness once the final 10 races are underway, he well may give Jimmie Johnson a run for his money in the race to Homestead's big stage.
That maturity might have also played a role in Busch's sentencing today. Busch was contrite and forthcoming with the judge, accepting responsibility for the speeding infraction. His lawyer noted that there have been a history of people in Iredell County being pulled over for similar offenses and they have all been offered plea agreements by the District Attorney. And while people have claimed that Busch was receiving preferential treatment, the history the lawyer speaks of rings true. Busch seems to have been held to a higher standard than others, including a felon who was pulled over for the exact same speed and faced the judge before Busch's day in court. Busch's lawyer noted the other defendant was allowed to walk away with $300 in court costs for speeding at 128 mph and reckless driving, which Busch never admitted to.
Over the next week or so, the average life cycle of a news story, there will certainly be hundreds of thousands of opinions posted all over the Internet and the world about how right or wrong this decision was and the overall ramifications of Busch's escapades, but the words of someone who has been affected firsthand by driving ramifications speak volumes. During the Parade of Power at Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier this month, Doug Herbert was part of the lineup of drivers present and he spoke to Frontstretch about Kyle's efforts in supporting B.R.A.K.E.S., Herbert's foundation that he started after he lost both of his sons in an auto accident. The foundation puts on driving schools designed to make kids better drivers; ironically, it was the "community service" Kyle was assigned to by the judge as part of his sentence.
Except here's the catch: it won't be the first time Kyle works with the program.
"Kyle has been a big help with the B.R.A.K.E.S. deal, even before his speeding ticket." Herbert said. "Since then, we've had a meeting and you can tell Kyle gets it. He realizes he's a role model and people look up to him. He really understands how he is supposed to be."
Kyle Busch had his day in court and he's going to be serving his penance to society over the next year. Whether that will make a difference in what people think of him or how he acts only time will tell, but for now this chapter in his life has a detailed plan to come to an end. There's no question what he did was wrong and he's apologized for it. Now, he has some service to perform for the community but then his debt will be paid; don't chastise him for it beyond that.
Now, going forward hopefully he can stick to going fast ON the race track.
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 (Jimmie Johnson): Hey @KyleBusch, I got a $1,000 bucks for ya if you will drive me home from dinner... #I'minahurry
@KyleBusch (Kyle Busch): U & I can sit in the back w smoking hot chauffeur n @Samantha_Busch drivin. RT @JimmieJohnson: @KyleBusch will u drive me home from dinner?
@matt_kenseth17 (Matt Kenseth): Hanging out with Johnny Rutherford, love hearing the stories. Makes me really appreciate the history and heritage of our sport...
@matt_kenseth17: Johnny ran the 5th annual Daytona 500 in 1963 driving for smokey yunick, won his first NASCAR race ever, the 100 mile qualifier that week
@JeffGordonWeb (Jeff Gordon): Testing in Pikes Peak today w/24 team. Experienced my first earthquake last night. 5.5 Richter Scale 100 miles from where we r #JG
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Just had a small earthquake in motown hope everyone is okay, that's Mooresville
@kaseykahne (Kasey Kahne): Crazy to see how many different states had it. Watching everyone's tweets.
@DonRohr (Don Rohr): now you know what 43 cars feels like when they thunder by at #NASCAR!!!! Everything else is just... something..
@ColemanPressley (Coleman Pressley): Maybe dale jr was introduced somewhere and it was a crowd screaming
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Kyle timed his sentencing perfect! Pit now! #overshadowed
@JeffGordonWeb: Wow! What is going on today. Anyone know if the earthquake I felt in CO has a connection to the ones back east now? Or just coincidence? #JG
@RCR31JeffBurton (Jeff Burton): All time coolest trophy yfrog.com/kl65cpbj
@matt_kenseth17: @RCR31JeffBurton not so cool for the guy you beat!
@RCR31JeffBurton: "@matt_kenseth17: @RCR31JeffBurton not so cool for the guy you beat!" u have how many championships?
@Just_AP (Ashley Parlett): Shane Sieg suspended for violating Substance abuse policy? DID THESE KIDS NOT WATCH THEIR AFTER SCHOOL SPECIALS?? I did! #drugsarebadmmmkay
@stevewallace66 (Steve Wallace): Just talked to Jerry Baxter he said hes gonna give me my hair back!!!!!! Haha
@Kenny_Wallace (Kenny Wallace): Good Job to @mw55 and MWR crew chief Jerry Baxter for Issuing a Statement of Apologizing to @SteveWallace66
@Brendan62 (Brendan Gaughan): I hope this doesn't mean we are going to add MORE teams!?!? RT @DGodfatherMoody Germain To Form New NASCAR Team sirius-speedway.com/2011/08/germai…
@Brendan62: @DGodfatherMoody We are struggling enough with what we have now
@KevinHarvick (Kevin Harvick): @The_ChrisMyers your report is so far off base it's not even funny... check your facts then report your news....
@SBPopOffValve: @kevinharvick Dude, keep in mind that this is Chris freaking Myers, Digger's pimp, that floated this rumor.
@KevinHarvick: bottom line is today everyone is busting their ass to get our team ready for the Chase and when it is time we will have made every effort
@KevinHarvick: media people piss me off.....
@KevinHarvick: Not all just the ones who make shit up..RT @NButler_NASCAR: @KevinHarvick I would hope not all of them..
@tydillon (Ty Dillon): First day at college has been good, getting everything ready to hit the grind.
@JimmieJohnson: I must say, it's nice to be watching football... even if its pre-season ball.
@JimmieJohnson: Football to me = my couch & cold beer. #livin
@matt_kenseth17 (Matt Kenseth): @JimmieJohnson I just turned on game, saw the bears were getting killed, thought it was a rerun....
@JimmieJohnson: Haha, bud light is my beer of choice. "@bw5599: @JimmieJohnsonwhat do u drink? I peg you a zima guy...."
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.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Earnhardt's Strategy, Martin's Last Stand And Quick Hits
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: Championship Favorites, Road Course Chase Race, More
by the Frontstretch Staff
Boys, Have At It? NASCAR Sending Mixed Signals With Penalties
by Summer Dreyer
Top Ten NASCAR Causes of Tuesday's Earthquake
by Jeff Meyer
Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Michigan-2
compiled by Mike Neff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Gordon's crash and the last legitimate chance for a Dick Trickle victory were not the only stories that came out of the 1997 Goody's Headache Powders 500 at Bristol. There was also a big crash on the frontstretch just a few laps after Gordon's wreck. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1997, Jeff Gordon was leading the Goody's 500 at Bristol and appeared to be well on his way to his ninth win of the season. However, it just wasn't meant to be. What happened to knock Gordon clean out of the race and clear the way for Dale Jarrett to triumph?
Both drivers were able to continue after spending time behind the wall. Mayfield finished the race in 30th, 40 laps down. Gordon did get back on track, completing 365 laps and was credited with a 35th-place finish, pulling off once it was no longer possible to gain or lose any more positions.
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.
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. This week, Jeff takes a look at "professional drivers" and how unprofessional they can be away from the track.
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 Michigan? Well, Brett has just what you need to know to turn things around when choosing your teams for the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
5th Column TBA by Mark Powell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large.
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